Ch:3

Adjustments

"So?" Jeremy said after throwing his body on my bed.

"So what?" I asked him as I began to unpack my things.

"So, what have you been up too?" He asked curiously as he watched me.

I gave him a 'really?' look. "You know what I've been up too; I talked to you every day…"

"Right…" He said bashfully and scratched his cheek and I couldn't help that I laughed at his cuteness.

"You know you made it just in time for the founder's party tomorrow." He said.

"Really?" I said.

"Yep!" He said popping the 'p'

"Wow then I guess it's a good thing I have lots of beautiful dresses." I said looking into my closet.

He scoffed "80 percent of your wardrobe is dresses…"

"Your point being what?" I said playfully narrowing my eyes.

He held up his hands in mock surrender "Nothing, nothing at all."

"So…are you gonna ask Vicky?" I said raising an eyebrow. I had nothing against the girl. She was really a nice and kind hearted person. I just didn't like the fact that she continued to help drag my brother down the road of drugs.

"No, she's going with Tyler." He said with a grimace.

I had to stop myself from not flinching at his name. I was stronger now. "Oh, right they're like a thing now?"

He scoffed "He's just using her for sex because he's not over you, and it's not fair."

This time I scoffed "Right…." I didn't even bother opening that can of worms. "Well now comes the hard part."

"Hard part of what?" Jeremy asked looking up from his pout.

"The founder's party." I said and he shot me a confused look.

"A date, and since I haven't been here; I'm gonna need a date…." I said shooting him a meaningful look that he immediately interpreted.

"Oh no no no no. I'm not… no." He said trying to get out of my bed but I tackled him to the ground.

"Please please please pretty please please."

"No, why don't you just call Caroline, Matt or Bonnie or something…I bet you have a list of guys from school who would love to escort you" He whined as he tried to unwrap my arms from his body.

"But I don't want any boy from school, I want my cute baby brother to escort me. I whined in return tightening my grip on him.

"Why?" he said still trying to remove my limbs, and still failing.

"Because 1. You're the only one that knows I'm home. 2. I'd like to keep it that way till tomorrow and 3. Because it's a bonding time for us."

"All valid points but no…"

I looked at him making my eyes big and he narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?"

My eyes slightly filled with tears and I made my lips pout before trembling and Jeremy's eye twitched. "Stop it. Stop making that face. What is that face? I hate that face…"

"Mimi…" I whimpered. "Please…don't make me go all alone…"

"Alright!" He relented then glared when he seen my triumphant smirk, the sad and depressing expression removed from my face as if someone had flicked on the light switch. "So that's how you always got extra allowance from mom and dad…"

I bowed and he clapped. "Don't sound like that, I always made sure to get you whatever you wanted with the extra cash I scored. But if you must know that my dear brother, is only one of the many faces that would allow me to get away with even murder..."

"I can see the effects." He said laughing.

"Crap…" I said after a moment.

"What?" He asked.

"Well, considering the fact that I don't want anyone to know I'm here yet…that also means we can't leave the house." I said with a sigh.

"Ahh. Right." He said getting up to leave.

"Hey Mimi." I said an idea popping into my mind.

"Yeah?"

"Where's my baby, I didn't see him out there when John dropped me off." I asked curiously.

Jeremy shook his head. "He's in the garage."

"What! Why?"

"Because, that's where you left him." He stated obviously.

"Oh…right…" I said remembering that day. "So nobody's taken my baby for a ride?"

"….well." Jeremy started.

"Well what?"

"I may have driven him once or twice."

At those words I sprinted out of the room and practically jumped down the stairs to rush to the garage. I flicked on the light and ripped off the protective car cover I had bought for my car.

"Baby are you ok, mama's back. Have they been taking care of you? Are you hurt?" I said to the car inspecting it inside and out. I owned an all white Mustang GT convertible, with all brick red leather interior. It was the last gift my father gave me, and I cherished it like a lover.

Jeremy finally caught up to me by the time my inspection was over. I hopped in the driver's seat and turned on the car. It purred.

"Music to my ears." I sighed then frowned as I looked at the gas tank. It was practically empty. I cut off the car and glared at Jeremy. "You dolt why didn't you refill my tank? I know for a fact it was full when I left him here."

Jeremy scratched the back of his neck and didn't meet my eyes. "Huh I guess I forgot…sorry sis."

I stared at him and he fidgeted under my gaze. "If you weren't my brother and I didn't love you so much I'd kill you for even touching my baby without permission…" I said seriously.

Jeremy lowered his head in shame.

"But, at least you left him clean and you even put the cover back on him, which is more than I can say for my own twin." I foolishly let Elena borrow my baby…I almost killed her when she returned it. I swore never again would she ever drive my car…ever.

Jeremy smiled and we both exited the garage. All was again right with the world between the two of us. I went back to my room and stayed in there when I heard more people enter the house.

When I woke up the next morning I woke up to arguments.

Great I thought rolling my eyes before I heard the front door slam three different times.

I picked up my phone and texted Jeremy.

- I can never get any sleep around here can I?

- Lol shut up, it not my fault.

- :D

- :D I'll meet you there

- You better! I know where you live!

- smh

I rolled out of bed and then, hopped in the shower.

After I got out and toweled off I went to my walk in closet and pulled out a pale blue lace dress and ivory platform peep toed shoes.

The shoes were a work of art that was giving to me by an unnamed sponsor from New York they had ivory lace, rhinestones and silver butterflies on them. Like I said a work of art.

I walked to my full body mirror trying to decide on the little things like: makeup or no, hair up or down, straight or curly.

I shrugged and just decided to straighten it. It was a rare thing considering how long it took for me to finish. Yep my hair was just that curly. But it was also the reason I didn't want to be mistaken for Elena, Elena's hair was naturally straight and she rarely next to never curled her hair, she felt the same as I…it took both of us way to long

After it was pin straight I decided that I would pin up the top part with a couple of butterfly pins. I fluffed out my hair a bit more before moving on to my makeup. I decided on a brown cut crease with navy blue lash line making my eyes pop and a light pink lip gloss.

I grabbed my keys hopped in my car and drove off making my way to the Lockwood estate.

Once I got there I texted Jeremy.

- I'm here where are you?

I got out of my car and leaned against it waiting for his reply

"Right behind you…" A voice said making me pivot in my heels and pin them roughly against the car next to me.

"Gee…" He said startled. "Aren't we jumpy…"

"Cut the crap Jeremy, you know I don't like it when people sneak up on me." I said with narrowed eyes.

"I see those marital arts classes are working out for you. Your grip is killer…" He said making me realize that I still had him pinned to a stranger's car.

"Right sorry. Just don't do that again. Or else you might catch a broken nose instead." I said seriously before I smiled a fixed his hair. he let me soccer man him, fixing his hair, his tie, though he drew the line when I licked my thumb bringing it across his face to wipe off a smudge.

"Enough Damnit!" He huffed his face scarlet and I held up my hands in surrender even as I pouted.

"Don't curse at your big sister who only loves you, wants to protect you and wishes the very best for you, show some respect. Be happy that I care about you so much."

"Right yeah. Ok. I'm sorry Faye…j-just don't mother hen me in public so much…I'm not a little kid anymore." He said collecting the few pieces of his pride. He held out his hand "Are you ready Miss Gilbert."

"Of course Mr. Gilbert." I said with a smile as we went and stood in line.

Can't say that I was surprised that by the time we reached the front practically everyone knew I was back in town.

Mrs. Lockwood embraced my in a death hug. "Thank god your back, you sent our Tyler off the deep end, now he's slumming around with neighborhood trash." She whispered in my ear frantically.

I stiffened and separated from her "Mrs. Lockwood. It's good to see you again."

"How many times have I told you to call me Carol or mom…" She huffed her eyes glazed over Jeremy and she greeted the next person.

I took two steps before I was embraced again this time by Mr. Lockwood.

"Fayelen a pleasure to see you again." He said and I just smiled when he released me.

"You too Mr. Lockwood." I shifted closer to Jeremy because I didn't like the heated gaze in his eyes when he looked at me. It was like he was stripping me with his eyes.

"Mr. Lockwood." Jeremy said tired of being looked over. The Mayor smiled and shook his hand. "You two kids enjoy the party." He said gazing at me one last time before greeting the next person.

"Well after that reunion from hell, I need a drink." I said and without waiting for his reply walked off.

Without wanting too, I ran into my Aunt Jenna.

"Fayelen?!" She said and I stopped.

"H-Hey Jenna…" I said nervously, before trying to be casual "How's it going?"

"Oh my god Faye when did you get back into town." She said rushing over and hugging me...I swear I heard some of my bones snap.

"Yesterday evening…" I said with a smile before flinching curing myself mentally at my slip up.

She pulled back to get a better look at me and I saw her eye twitch as my response settled within her. "Then where were you all day today?"

"In my room…" I said with an innocent smile.

"Why?" Jenna asked with a frown.

"I wanted my arrival to be a surprise, so uh surprise!" I said smiling.

"Nice try missy, do the others know you're here." Jenna asked entering parent mode.

"Yeah, Jeremy does. So what-" I said trying to drop the subject.

"But Elena doesn't…" She said her tone was kind of hard and I rolled my eyes at that. Everyone was always forever worried about my twin. No doubt when I left she played me out to be the bad guy.

It was classic Elena… 'woe is me' type crap.

I shook my head, I had caught glimpses of my twin but I always looked away before she could notice my staring.

"You need to go and talk to her." Jenna said. I said nothing but nodded and started walking to the last place I saw her.

But not before my eyes landed on Caroline dancing with Stefan. I blinked away the speck of nausea I felt when I saw him dip her. I blinked shaking off the unpleasant feeling as I pulled out my phone and texted her.

- I always loved the blue on you.

I watched as she stopped dancing as she read her text. She looked up in an instant her eyes scanning everywhere. When her eyes meet mine she squealed and made a mad dash towards me. I swear it was the fastest I'd ever seen her run in heels.

"Oh my God! Faye!" She squealed squeezing the air out of me and practically jumping in my arms at the same time.

"Hey care-bear!" I said returning her hug with a content smile. I talked to her as much as I talked to Jeremy but man actually physically being able to talk to her and embrace was so different. I missed her bubbly personality more than anything.

"Oh my god, when… where…you look so beautiful." She said looking at my outfit with critical eyes of a fashion goddess appreciating another. "We totally match, we are like the Cinderella's of the founders party. Definably way prettier than Elena."

I shook my head at her with a laugh. "That's not nice Care, we have the same face. One day you are gonna confuse me with Elena and she will bear witness to all your snide comments about our looks and she won't be happy."

"Oh and we wouldn't want the world to spontaneously combust just because miss Elena is unhappy." Caroline said sourly prompting me to squish her cheeks together.

I looked behind her as Stefan walked over to us surprising Caroline and myself when he embraced me in a hug that was just as tight if not more than Caroline's.

"Hey stranger miss me much…I see you decided to stick around after all." I said to him with a smile when he pulled back.

"Faye…welcome home" He said. "Yeah…I decided to stay…I'm glad your back, because I did miss you."

My eyes widened and I could feel my cheeks turning red at his honesty. I didn't expect him to actually say yes…but of course I should have expected such, Stefan was an honest person.

"You two know each other how?" Caroline said her eyes glimmering wistfully as she looked between the two of us shooting me a knowing look at the blush that coated my cheeks.

I tore my eyes from Stefan giving Caroline my attention. "Yeah we had met before I left and we stayed connected all summer. Stefan and I are friends."

"What?! You never mentioned that to me…anyways you have to spill all the details about the gorgeous piece of man named Colten that spent the summer try to ride off with you on his white horse. " Caroline said latching on to my arm and began pulling me away.

"Yeah, alright." I laughed letting her do so before looking over at Stefan who was staring after us with a slight frown. "See you around Stefan yeah?"

"Yeah, but would you guys like a glass before you go?" He said motioning to the champagne.

"Sure." We both said with a casual shrug and he handed us glasses.

As we sipped on it I couldn't help but notice that Stefan kept on staring at me.

"So Stefan, how have you been integrating into Mystic High?"

Before he could tell me Caroline started talking.

"He's relatively new to mystic falls and you probably already know he lives with his uncle Zach. His favorite color is blue, he totally kills it in Italian, he made the football team due to his killer skill. I'm dating his superhot older brother named Damon."

Stefan stared at her and I burst into a fit of giggles.

"Classic Caroline." I said "Man I missed you." I laughed again and walked off shaking my head.

I found Elena she was talking to a man that was extremely good looking. I cocked my head to the side taking notice on how close the two seemed to be. Was he the guy? Matty had told me Elena had been taking an interest in the new guy at school and I wondered if this guy was him.

My eyes rolled over him, he was pretty tall and looked a little old but I'd seen older looking seniors so I put the thought of my mind. I smiled my sister seemed she was switching up her preference, going from sweet golden princes to rebellious bad boys. Even if I didn't like what she did to matt I would have to say this guy was definitely in a different category all his own.

Ebony hair, striking cyan eyes…

I was now on my third or was it fifth…whatever I was drinking another glass of champagne when she turned and saw me.

"Well shit…I'm busted…" Was all I could mutter as I watched her shocked face morph into a scowl and she made her way over to me. Again, never saw a woman move so fast in high heels, just how the hell were they able to do that? Magic?

"Hey Le-" I was stopped when she struck me across the face. I heard the music stop and all was quiet.

I took a deep breath before I turned and stared at her with an arched eyebrow.

"Ok, I might have deserved that." I said with a soft chuckle unfazed by her glare.

She raised her hand to strike me again but this time I grabbed her wrist and gave it a squeeze until I heard a snap.

"One freebie sister. Only one." I said my smile still on my face although now my words held warning. I dropped her wrist and she cradled it. She was fighting the tears in her eyes.

"Why?"

"Why what, be specific you know I hate riddles?" I said with a another easy going laugh despite the tense atmosphere.

"Why leave in the middle of the night without a word? How could you be so selfish when I needed you." She was practically snarling at me. The guy she was with frowned between the two of us.

I stared at her before I smiled. "To protect you of course…"

She scoffed. "Protect me from what?"

"From me…" I said my smile dipping to a frown before I shook my head with a sigh. "Just forget it…I'm sorry for leaving alright…"

I looked around and noticed people staring I shrugged and grabbed another glass of champagne and walked on the dance floor and started dancing. A second passed and then people went back to what they were doing.

"Hey are you ok?" The guy that she was talking to asked me.

"Lil ole me? I'm fine, I'm a big girl, drive my own car, hold my own liquor and everything ." I said flashing him a smile.

He stared at me for a little while longer before flashing me a smile of his own. He took my hand and I felt a zap. I glared at my hand before flashing him an apologetic smile.

"Sorry it seems like I'm some sort of conductor of electricity tonight."

He laughed. He grabbed my hand but this time when I felt the spark I didn't bother pulling away. We gazed into each other's eyes as we swayed to the soft music.

As the song came to an end we parted with a smile. "Thanks for the dance…I'm sorry…" I said when I realized that I didn't even know his name.

He smiled. "Damon. Damon Salvatore."

I frowned before my eyes widened. "As in Caroline's Damon?"

I didn't give him time to respond as I immediately distanced myself from him.

"Great just great. Some friend I am dancing it up with her boyfriend." I muttered to myself. "I'm…I'm…excuse me." I said walking away from him and missing the frown that marred his features.

I walked, outside to get some fresh air. I saw Vicki and Tyler sitting on a bench.

"Disgusting isn't it." I heard Miss Lockwood say from behind me.

"I uh…" said uncomfortable, not really knowing what to say to Mrs. Lockwood.

"Still so sweet, come along darling time to get rid of the riff raff" she said grabbing my hand in hers.

"Tyler" she said getting his attention. Vicki and Tyler looked our way Tyler and my eyes instantly locked.

"We didn't get a chance to say hello earlier, its Vicki right?" She said with a fake smile.

I broke contact with him and looked over at Vicki and then smiled at her. "Hey Vicki."

"Yes mam." She said before staring at me. Then it donned on her who I was.

"Faye!? Oh my gosh is it really you!" She said with a smile

"The one and only." I smiled.

"Welcome back!" she said and she looked like she was debating whether or not to hug me. Yeah, I just had that kind of reaction on people.

"Thanks, it's good to be back." I said flashy an even brighter smile.

She laughed but then frowned as she looked back at Tyler. He still hadn't taken his eyes off me.

"You'll have to forgive my son's rudeness; he gets it from his father." She said with a small mischievous smile she had also noticed Tyler's unfazed concentration on me.

Vicki glared at Tyler and then me. "Oh that's ok Mrs. Lockwood Tyler and I were just saying goodnight." She said before she stormed away.

Tyler seemed to snap out of it when he noticed Vicki walked away.

"That's what you get when you bring the trash into the party." She said referring to Vicky and I flinched.

"Now" She said and gave me a little push towards him. "You have a diamond right here, treat her right or you'll regret it boy." She hissed at him before kissing my forehead and walking away.

We stared at each other before he coughed and motioned towards the benches. "Would you like to have a seat?"

I shrugged trying to not show just how uncomfortable I really was "Sure why not."

I sat on the bench as far away from him as I could, Tyler obviously noticed this. "There's no need for you to be wary of me."

I shot him an 'are you kidding me?' look. "Really cause the last time I was within your reach, you slapped me across the face, called me a slut and raped me to what was it you said…'teach me my place?'" I said casually making him flinch like I struck him.

"I was really drunk and I had gotten news that my, the love of my life that had recently broken up with me and had been dodging me for a whole week had finally made an appearance at my party. And then I saw you looking like a sex pixie and all the guys were staring at you and saying things that involved you and I just wanted to bash their faces in… and I-I felt so angry at myself, and I took it out on you and I shouldn't have done that…It was wrong and I know that you'll never forgive me, I don't deserve it …" he said his voice cracking with every sentence he spoke.

"Tyler…" I said softly he was crying…

I had never seen him cry before. Tyler was always so tough…always so strong. I stared at his face, fidgeting, his broken tears made me extremely uncomfortable.

Due to my caring nature I couldn't help but scoot closer to him and comfort him. I wrapped my arms around him and rubbed his back as he cried.

Cried for him, cried for me, cried for what we used to be….

"I love you Faye. I love you so much, it hurts. When you left, it felt like someone ripped my heart out." He whispered after he calmed down. But he was still in my embrace.

I felt a pang in my heart when he said that. "I'm sorry ty, I'm so sorry…but I…I couldn't stay."

"I know" He said solemnly before he glanced up looking at me. His eyes seemed to take in every feature of my face and I blushed under his scrutiny. "I missed you so much…"

"Tyler…" I said softly when he reached up placing his hand on my cheek so tenderly.

He leaned in closer my body immediately going into panic mode and I pulled away from him. He looked shocked.

"I'm sorry Tyler…I really am. B-but I can't. I can't kiss you like nothing's happened."

He looked down and I took a step back upon seeing his fists clench at his sides. "Do you fear me? Do you hate me…its fine I hate me too."

"N-no I don't hate you…I just…I haven't forgiven you yet…it's still too fresh for me."

"I'm sorry Faye, I really am."

"I know you are but…I just need time…more time. I think you owe me that much at least." I said softly.

Tyler nodded even as his body shuddered. "Yeah, I do, I owe you more than I could ever give you…take as much time as you need."

I smiled leaning over and kissing his forehead before walking away from him. "See you around Ty."

EDIT: 07/06/2017