Chapter 19: Understanding
Life had sucked up normalcy again...Elena and I were good, arguably better than we ever were...She was back to her old self except oddly happy and kissing me a lot more than usual, which wasn't so terrible that I would question it. I liked the attention even though I had no idea where it was coming from.
Nellie loved her daycare center, much to my chagrin, and I honestly believe that Elena loved having a bit of peace and quiet every once and a while, though she hadn't said the words out loud. I felt better feeling as though I wasn't taking advantage of her. It was time that she stopped being my babysitter and took the title of being my girlfriend.
Elijah was quick with paperwork and Nik was on his ass every minute of the day, pushing for him to finish writing up the deeds and unnecessary forms for us to be officially a 'business.' My hand was cramped from signing my name but the little reminders from Nik that this was our dream were enough for me to push through.
Today was a precious day, however, because for the first time in a long time, Elena, me, and Nellie were all home at the same time. That was partially due to the thunderstorm raging outside.
This was Nellie's first thunderstorm and I thought she would be frightened by the loud noises of thunder and the little rays of lightning that would occasionally appear through the window. Instead, she thought it was a game. Whenever the thunder would clap loudly, Elena and I would flinch while Nellie wobbled back and forth on the floor, clapping excitedly with both hands.
Mini bounced on her tiny legs and catapulted herself into my waiting arms as the winds grew louder. I planted a kiss on both of her cheeks, snuggling her closer to me.
Elena moved into the living room with two cups of hot chocolate. When she saw us on the floor, she eagerly moved so she was sitting beside me. I hastily grabbed the drink and took a long sip as one of her arms wound around my neck.
"You think it's going to stop sometime soon?" She asked, her mug covering most of her face. I almost laughed at the sight and then shrugged, pointing to the television.
"It's not supposed to hit us too hard, but they say it's going to be going at it all night."
She groaned, pulling her hand away from me and tossing it through her hair. "We might as well pull out the candles and flashlights, then. Nellie may be fine with the storm, but we know how she gets with the dark."
I nodded, remembering the times I had to set an alarm on my phone so I could go into Mini's room while she was asleep just to turn off the light. A night light wasn't enough for her; she needed it to be completely light in the room or else she'd throw a fit. She'd only be okay with a night light if Elena or I was in there with her.
There was a loud knock on the door right when Elena stood to go get the emergency supplies. I nodded toward the door, an indication that I'd answer even though I had no idea who would be knocking in this storm. I moved Mini over a bit and walked over. Resting one palm on the wall, I used the other to tear open the door.
Damon greeted me from the other side, soaking from head to toe. The apathy evident in the lines of his face remained as he spoke.
"I need a place to stay."
I peeked my head back at my daughter, rolling around on the floor and giggling to herself. Why did I have such a hard time saying 'no' to him? Even if he deserves it?
There was always something there. No matter how often we fought or how egregiously judgmental he used to be, we were always there for each other. I have a hard time knowing if that remains or not.
