forget me not [s. salvatore]

CHAPTER TWO

          It was a fine morning when Adelaide received an invitation from her sister.

Lovely Margaret is learning how to maintain a home, how to act as a welcoming host. With her dear mother buried in the ground and her older sister away and married, she's now left as the lady of the house. Adelaide doesn't imagine it's too challenging; their father hardly cares how Margaret decorates or who she greets at the door, as long as his study remains untouched.

When Adelaide arrives at her childhood home, the small yet impressive Crane Estate, a maid answers the door. Miss Sarah Davis has been employed by the Crane's for as long as Adelaide can remember. When the door opens, Adelaide is always welcomed by Sarah's familiar eyes and warm disposition.

"Miss Margaret is waiting for you in the parlor," Sarah says kindly, welcoming Adelaide inside. Normally, Adelaide would not remove her cloak and gloves, but this is like home. She hands the articles of clothing over, a sure sign that she plans to enjoy a lengthy visit.

"I'll show myself to the parlor," she assures Sarah before teasing, "I believe I still remember the way." 

Because the house isn't very large, it's just a short walk down the reception hall before she finds the room and her sister. For a moment, she pauses in the doorway in surprise.

"Oh," she says suddenly, alerting the three people of her presence. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were already entertaining guests."

Margaret rushes towards her and Adelaide peers past her to look at the Salvatore brothers. They look as dashing as always, standing near a large portrait hung on the wall, their hats in hands, and warm smiles on their faces. Adelaide holds her breath when Stefan coyly winks.

"Dear Addie," her sister says, taking Adelaide's hands in her own, "please join us! I was just discussing the newest addition to my art gallery with Mr. and Mr. Salvatore." Adelaide is tugged deeper into the room, towards the brothers and the prized art piece. The closer she is to Stefan, the smaller the room feels. It feels terribly overwhelming, as if she will fall into his orbit no matter how she fights it.

"How lovely," she replies, but she hardly hears herself speak. She remembers to politely dip her head in greeting. "Gentlemen."

          "How do you do, Miss Adelaide?" Damon asks, his eyes just a striking as she remembers. She's not sure what she expected Damon to look like after his time in service. Maybe the cold, hardened warrior that men turned into after seeing battle. Maybe something darker in his expression, the loss of childhood innocence. But he's just so Damon. Teasing tone, mischievous smile, warm and open. Damon's come home, whole in body and spirit.

          "Very well, thank you," Adelaide replies. Without thinking, she reaches out and grabs his free hand. "I'm so glad to see you safely returned to Mystic Falls, Damon. Welcome home."

          His eyes soften. "It's good to be back, Addie." With one last squeeze, she lets him go.

Margaret doesn't allow them time for more smalltalk. Her hands tug at Damon's arm, pulling him away from the group as she gushes, "Come, Damon, you must see what I've done with the new curtains, they're quite marvelous." Her behavior would have mortified their mother, but Adelaide is not so easily embarrassed. After all, this is Damon and Stefan, their oldest friends. The only two people in the world they know as well as each other, aside from their father.