Graduation

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The same tune kept repeating itself loudly as it woke me out of my sleep, Rubbing my eyes I looked around the room - Noticing the tune was my ring tone from my cell. Damon laid there asleep, Not phased by the noise one bit. I slowly got out of bed and flashed towards my cell phone, Answering it as I went into the washroom.. Shutting the door behind me; Making sure not to wake Damon. ''Hello?'' I said to the caller who interrupted my sleep. ''Juliana! Where are you, I've been going crazy looking for you!'' Carolines voice rang on the other end, I hit my face with my hand - Completely forgetting about Graduation. ''Uh.. '' I scrambled for words then realized it didn't matter where I was, ''I'm at Damon's.'' I told her as I leaned against the cold sink. ''No your not, I was there.'' She argued.. I stood there silent for a few moments, Giving her time to clue in. ''Ohhhhh.'' She said, now understanding where I was. ''Well get your butt over down stairs, I'll be there in a few minutes.'' Caroline told me in a rather stern tone, Obviously she was under pressure and I don't blame her for being in a tight schedule that I was messing up at this very moment.

It had been a long night, A very long night and well worth it. I opened the bathroom door as I nearly jumped - Damon stood inches infront of me with that devious smirk on his face. His arm lingered to the small of my back, I could feel the electricity pump through my veins; His touch gave me such a rush. His kisses trailed down my neck as I let out a disappointed sigh, Damon's head whipped back immediately.. Those puppy dog eyes analyzing my face. ''As much as I'd love to do this, Caroline's going to kill me if I don't get down stairs.'' I said in all honesty, I wouldn't doubt it either. Damon smiled, The most happiest smile I've ever seen from him ''I'll see you at your graduation.'' Damon told me, I looked up into those blue eyes of his ''Smart. You just don't want to fight with Caroline.'' I taunted him, He shook his head 'no' rapidly.. I laughed, Understanding why. Giving him a soft kiss, Feeling those soft lips upon mine while I could.

I finally got downstairs to an impatient Caroline sitting on the arm of the couch in the parlor.. ''Next time, I'm dragging you out of bed.'' Caroline said annoyed, I gave her an apologetic look as her face lightened up. ''Fine, I forgive you. But don't let it happen again. Now lets go try on our gowns!'' Her mood lightened up as-well.

We went inside my house, I was surprised to find Elena and Bonnie sitting in my living room. ''We agreed we should all do this together.'' Bonnie said, Clearing up my confusion. ''Thanks you guys, I'm sorry I've been so absent lately.'' I told them in all honesty ''Don't be.'' Elena said with her warming tone, Greeting me with a warming hug and glowing smile. ''Okay, No time to waste! Graduation ceremony is in an hour and a half.'' Caroline rushed, I watched as Bonnie rolled her eyes at Caroline.

I stepped in my bathroom, Confiding in my reflection in the mirror. I still looked different and hadn't really gotten use to it, I mean how could I? I loved my new self, Everything about it - But sometimes I forgot that it wasn't just my personality and human status that changed. I took a deep breathe and slid on my robe, Finally putting on my cap and fixing the tassel.. Red wasn't my colour; Well it hadn't use to be but now it didn't look as bad. I opened up my washroom door and made my way into the hallway, Everyone else was getting changed in my brothers room, Dads room and other washroom. I heard all the other doors open as I seen Elena come out with that bright smile of hers then Bonnie came out looking happy but.. uncomfortable. Then out walked Caroline, Glowing and beautiful as usual but I spotted the single tear falling from her eye. We all gave eachother a group hug, This was it.. The day that would determine the rest of our lives.

Later that day

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The whole class of 2013 lined up, Waiting for our names to be presented so we could go on stage and collect our diploma. I looked out at the crowd, Not spotting Damon anywhere.. I had to admit I was disappointed but I knew he would be here no matter what. Bonnie was called, She walked up the stage nervously as she accepted her diploma and shook Mr. Lyle's hand. I was farther down the line then usual, Usually I'd go up after Bonnie but since I arrived in the school later then most of the students who had been there for the whole four years, I was put near the back of the line.. That just gave me more time to relieve my anxiety. Next was Caroline, Her face glowed and her bright blonde curls bounced as she hurried up the stairs with a contagious smile on her face. Elena followed a few people after, Being shy almost as she carefully walked up the wooden steps and smiled to the crowd. Stefan turned around and smiled at me, He was next and then there was me. ''It'll be okay, There's someone in the crowd waiting for you.'' He reassured me. I furrowed my brows then clued in - Damon. I scanned the crowd then seen Damon standing in the far back with a proud grin on his face. I knew he would be here, But now I was even more nervous. Stefan walked up to the podium and graciously accepted his diploma, I could never comprehend why he would go back to highschool but it were these moments that gave me an idea why. Stefan walked off the stage as I took in a deep breathe ''This is it, You can do it.'' I coached myself, A huge grin plastered to my face; I was proud of myself. I accepted my diploma, Shaking Mr Lyle's hand as I looked out to the audience.. Giving Damon a soft smile then I walked off the stage.. Letting out a sigh of relief.

The class of 2013 sat in the front row, As Caroline gave her valedictorian speech. Elena, Bonnie and I joined hands - Each giving eachother an excited smile. ''Growing up is hard, Moving on and figuring out who we are is even harder. But the one thing we all know is that we have eachother, This school and our friends.'' I smiled as Caroline confidently said her speech in a sad yet happy tone.

Parents and family started rising, Making there way to there new graduates. I stood up, As Damon slowly walked towards me. You know that part in the movie where things are slow motion, There's that really good looking character walking slowly towards someone as their hair blew in the wind? Well that was Damon right this moment, At least to me. I walked towards him with a goofy smirk on my face, We stood inches apart as my hands met at the base of his neck and his arms naturally wrapped around me, Pulling me in. The heat of the moment was catching up to me, There no longer was a crowd of graduates and happy families; It was just me an Damon in this moment. ''Juliana?'' I heard my name being called, Breaking from my daze. I spun around and there stood my dad, Happy and as safe as could be. I wrapped my arms around him quickly, Giving him an embracing hug. ''I thought you wouldn't be home till dinner.'' I looked at him, He smiled ''I couldn't miss your big day.'' He said as he rubbed my back ''Where's Jesse?'' I questioned, Scanning the crowd ''He's over near the refreshments with Elena's brother.'' My dad told me, I was so excited they were both here and both safe. ''Hey Damon.'' My dad noted Damon, Giving him a warm smile which surprised me. Damon returned the smile and shook my fathers hand ''Hi Mr Draven.'' Damon spoke softy, I knew it was a little awkward for him but I was glad my dad was warming up to him.

That night

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My dad, Jesse and I sat at our kitchen island; Eating warm pizza that we had ordered shortly after we had gotten home. This was nice, Having family here and seeing there faces again.. I missed them. ''So Caroline's outside setting up, I should go help her soon.'' I told them, My dad was aware and okay with the party.. As long as no cops came which was ironic on many levels. ''Jewels, We need to talk.'' My dad said slowly, As his nose twitched.. That was a sign that this was not a good talk. I looked over at Jesse for reassurance as he bowed his head in silence, I was terrified at what this might be about. ''Jess and I have to leave for a while again.'' My dad started, pinching the bridge of his faintly wrinkled nose. I looked from Jesse to my dad, Searching for answers ''Jesse started at a new school and is about to graduate there, Matt is still in trouble and needing my help. I can't keep leaving you here alone.'' His voice was almost distant, Like a plead for me to come with. ''Dad..'' I started, Trying to stop the tears. ''I know you're 18 now and can make your own decisions. I have the money to support you and Jesse but not Matt, I took a Job.. Back in Canada. I don't know how long this is for or if we will even come back.'' My dad reviled.. Giving me the answers I needed. I lowered my eyes to the marbled island.. Focusing on its pattern. ''You can stay here, I'm not going to make you walk away from your life or your friends.. The only thing is...'' My dad started, I grew curious.. Jesse finally raised his head as his dark brown hair fell infront of his face ''Your going to have to find someone to stay with you. To give me and dad a piece of mind.'' Jesse told me, His eyes were soft and subtle but his lip continued to twitch - I knew he was trying not to cry he was trying to be strong for me. My brother and my dad knew this would be goodbye for all of us.

My brother, Dad and I continued to talk for what seemed to be hours but it was only a few minutes. About how my brother needed help, Not only with himself and his company but also with Lenora.. How did my daughter get put in this position? ''Dad, Elena and Jeremy have a house and eachother and Bonnie has her dad.. Caroline has her mom and I can't ask them to leave their own families just for the sake of mine.'' I was honest, But tried to be as kind as possible.. My brother nodded in understanding; He didn't want to make anyone live here either. ''That's the thing..'' My dad started, As he looked over at my brother.. I narrowed my eyes as I waited for my dad to continue. ''I know I was hell bent on you two not being together, But he treats you well and keeps you safe. If Damon can, And wants to.. He's welcome to live here.'' And bam, There it was. I was not expecting what my dad had just said, It came as a total shock that he would even consider it but it was true.. Damon kept me safe and I knew that was all my dad and brother ever wanted. ''Are you sure?'' I questioned, Just to make sure I heard right. ''Yes, hunny. I'm sure.'' Damon living with me, Hmm.. This was going to either be very good or very bad.

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