Best Friends

Part 5: Christmas

I got home from the last day of school for the next two weeks. I was really excited for Christmas break this year. I missed Jeremy so much. This was the longest I had ever gone without seeing him. He use to be a big part of my life. Before I took on the responsibility of looking out for Max, Jeremy took that responsibility and looked out for the both of us. I really never thanked him for how much he did for us and I feel guilty that I didn't appreciate him enough at the time. I don't really know how he managed to get into a good school with all he did. I admire that about him. He never once complained about it like I did. I missed being looked after. I think that's why I really love being around Damon. He truly cares about my well being and as much as I love my mom and Caroline, they aren't around much.

"Miss me?" I heard as I walked into the living room.

My eye widened. "Jere!" I freaked out in excitement.

I ran into my brother's arms. "I missed you." He hugged me tightly.

"I missed you so much." I was nearly in tears. It was so good to see him.

We pulled away and sat on the couch. "You look so thin. Is everything okay?" He noticed my weight loss that I hadn't.

"Yeah I've just been working out a lot with my friend." I smiled at the thought that I was losing weight. No one here noticed because they spend a lot of time with me.

"Caroline and Matt?" He wondered.

"No I met this guy Damon. He's really nice and I've been hanging out with him all the time." I explained.

"Damon Salvatore?" He asked as I nodded. "Elena he's older than you."

"It's not like that. We are friends and nothing more." I tried to convince him.

My brother didn't like the idea of me hanging out with Damon since he's older but I was determined to get them to like each other.

He sighed. "I don't know Elena-"

"Can you just meet him?" I asked. "He's coming over Christmas afternoon and I would love it if you could meet him and get to know him." I put on my puppy dog eyes.

Jeremy rolled his eyes and smiled. "Okay! Fine! You and your puppy dog eyes." I knew I would give this.

I smiled. "Thanks Jere." I hugged him.

I spent Christmas Eve hanging out with my brothers and my mom for once. It was really nice it took me out of my head for once I wasn't thinking about my body or getting rid of food. I just spent a normal night with my family. It was something I really needed. Having my brother around and seeing my mom around and actually paying attention to us was the best Christmas present I could ever ask for. I was happy.

"Honey do you want a slice of pie?" My mom asked me with a smile on her face. Something I never see.

I nodded. "Sure." I took the pie and I sat between Jeremy and Max.

"So how's school?" Jeremy asked Max.

Mom took a sip of her wine and looked at my brother. "It's been great. I've made a lot of new friends." Max explained.

"Wow that's great buddy!" Jeremy smiled and turned his head to me. "What about you Elena?"

"It's fine." I said before taking another bite.

"Just fine?" My mom wondered.

"What about friends? Is Damon still coming over tomorrow?" He asked me.

"Yeah! I'm really excited for you to meet him." My face lit up.

My mom and brothers laughed my sudden mood change. "I'm looking forward to it." Jeremy said.