I Know The End | D. Salvatore

Jedi mind tricks

The bell above the shop door chimed loudly as I swung the door open and stepped out onto the street. A heavy sigh slipped my lips and I clenched my eyes shut, trying to shake off the awkwardness of yet another job interview. Having to explain to people over and over again just why I was taking a gap year from college just wasn't enjoyable, at all.

I wouldn't have even left my bedroom if it hadn't been for Jenna's insistence. She thought it would be good for me to work part time and slowly start getting out more. I understood why, I can't spend the rest of my life cooped up in my room.

"Althea, fancy seeing you here." Damon Salvatore's voice cut through my thoughts, and a wave of irritation rolled over me. There was something about the man that just rubbed me the wrong way, and I've only met him once.

"Damon." I replied with a dull tone.

"You look...stressed, care for a drink?" Damon offered as he came to stand beside me on the sidewalk.

"I'm one year off the legal drinking age. I couldn't even if I wanted to." I pointed out.

Damon suddenly got a mischievous look in his eyes, and it was clear that he had some sort of scheming thought. "Do you trust me?"

"I don't even know you." I responded skeptically.

"Aw, come on now, Althea. Live a little." Damon practically whined as he tried to persuade me to trust him. The only reason it didn't make me cringe was because he was hot. Pretty privilege at its finest.

I threw my head back with a groan before I leveled my gaze at the man. "Fine, only if you call me Thea."

"Done, Thea." He put an emphasis on my name, showing that he was doing what I asked of him.

Somehow, I found myself walking into the Mystic Grill with Damon Salvatore. He led me up to the bar and took a seat. I took a glance at the other people who were in the grill, and felt myself relax slightly when I didn't recognise anyone. I sat down on the bar stool beside Damon as the bartender approached the both of us.

"What can I get you, sir?" The guy asked. I recognised him from the year above me in high school. It was clear from how he cast a look over at me, that he recognised me as well. And judging by the look of pity, he knew what had happened to my family too.

"Whisky, neat. And the same for my friend here." Damon said casually. I was going to protest that I had never had whisky, but decided to keep my mouth shut. The guy probably wouldn't serve me anyway.

He glanced over at me, taking note of how young I looked. "I'm gonna have to see some ID." I went to shoot Damon a look that said I told you so, but the man lent in closer and looked directly into the bartender's eyes.

"No, you don't need to see an ID. She's over 21." Damon said firmly

"I don't need to see an ID." The man repeated his words in an almost mindless manner before he moved away to make the drinks.

"Okay, what the hell? Are you a Jedi or something?"

"I am just very, very persuasive."

"Mhm. These are not the droids you are looking for." I waved my hand in front of his face as I mimicked Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Damon chuckled in a way that I couldn't tell if he was actually amused or just humouring me. "Very cute."

"I thought so." I nodded sarcastically with a coy smile.

The bartender came back and placed two glasses on the bar in front of us. They both continued a dark amber liquid, and I felt a little apprehensive about trying it. Damon picked up the glass and took a big sip of the alcohol. I copied his actions and let the liquid into my mouth. I winced immediately at the taste, and my face twisted as it burned my throat on the way down.