"What's going on?"
"Just some unwanted guests."
"In the woods? How can they decide who can be in the woods?"
"Tyler's family owns this particular piece of woods we are partying on. He doesn't want them here so.."
"Oh, how come you aren't helping? Star quarterback and all."
"Um, Stefan and Damon are more suited to this."
"Is it Klaus?"
"What do you know about Klaus?"
"Not as much as you, obviously. I know he and Stefan spent the summer together. Stefan said he thought they were friends and it turns out they weren't friends at all. Personally the guy creeps me out."
"You met him?"
"Yeah, he came to my house looking for Stefan."
"You didn't let him in, did you?"
"Of course not. Why would I? I don't know him and I told you he's weird."
"Good, don't."
"That's what Stefan said. Is there a reason?"
"Uh no. That guy is just a dick."
"OK. You think they're done up there?"
"I don't know, why?"
"I really wanted to hang out with Stefan tonight. And if he's dealing with lame ass party crashers, who knows when he'll be back."
"He hasn't been gone that long. I'll text Tyler and find out what's going on." Matt text Tyler to let him know that Jazmine was getting impatient. After a good while he received a text letting him know it was all clear. Matt and Jazmine made their way back to the party. The first thing Jazmine noticed was Stefan. He had his back to her, but she could tell he was hugging someone. Upon closer inspection Jazmine saw that it was Elena. Jazmine was instantly on alert. She saw that the embrace from Stefan strictly meant to be comforting. His arms were resting lightly on her shoulders. Elena of course took the opportunity to be inappropriate. Her arms were resting on Stefan's lower back under his leather jacket. Jazmine paused for a brief second. She realized that how she handled the situation could change things for everyone. She didn't want to alienate her new friends but she refused to let things she deemed inappropriate slide. She noticed everyone looking at her waiting for her reaction.
"Stefan, is everything OK?" Stefan smiled at Jazmine while removing Elena's hands from around his waist. He started to step away but Elena grabbed his hand. Jazmine side eyed Elena.
"Really, bitch? Really? Do you have a problem with comprehension? Stefan is to nice to say it. I'm not. Get your damn hands off of him."
"Jazmine, Stefan was just being a good friend. Why are you so upset about him hugging me?"
"Oh, I know what Stefan was doing. What Stefan was doing is not a problem for me. He was comforting a friend because he's Stefan and that's what he does. The issue is what the hell you are doing. Do you delight in making uncomfortable?"
"Stefan has never been uncomfortable in my arms."
"You think I don't hear the innuendo in that statement. Please don't make this more than it has to be. Stefan and I are going to go cause all this bullshit is interfering in time better spent getting my mack on. So bye bitch!"
"Stop calling me a bitch. I'm not a bitch."
"That may very well be true but I wouldn't know. The only thing I've ever seen from you is bitch. From day damn one. So sorry that you decided to decided to be a bitch to me." Stefan led Jazmine away as Elena was about to respond.
"Stefan, I wasn't finished talking to Elena."
"Come on Jazzy. Calm down. She's not important. Don't worry about her."
"I'm not worried about her. I have nothing to be worried about where she is concerned, right?"
"Right."
"OK." Jazmine stood on her tiptoes and kissed Stefan soundly. He backed her into a tree never breaking the kiss. Jazmine wrapped her legs around his waist while deepening the kiss. Stefan pushed her harder into the tree trunk and in the process her shirt slid up exposing her bare skin. Without her realizing it the tree cut into Jazmine's skin causing her to bleed. Stefan was immediately aware of the blood. He pulled away from Jazmine as his faced changed thankful for the darkness.
"Stefan, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Why are you pulling away from me?"
"Because I don't want to start something we can't finish. Bonnie and Caroline are going home with you tonight so we can't take this back to the boardinghouse."
"Fine." Stefan led Jazmine back to the party with everyone else. Elena and Matt were nowhere to be seen. Jazmine, Caroline and Bonnie made their way to Jazmine's house. Her mother was waiting for them.
"Hi girls. How was the party?"
"Yeah. It was great mom."
"Jaz, I don't believe you but you can tell me later. I left you girls a snack. Good night." The girls made their way upstairs. When Jazmine took her shirt off Bonnie saw the cut on Jazmine's back. She pushed Jazmine into the bathroom and closed the door before the smell of blood got to Caroline.
"What are you doing?"
"You have a cut on your back and it's bleeding. Caroline doesn't do well with blood."
"Oh, the first-aid kit is under the sink." Bonnie fished out the kit from under the sink and tended to Jazmine's wound. They were both silent. Jazmine not knowing what to say to not offend Bonnie and Bonnie hoping Jazmine didn't ask any questions.
"Bonnie, what happened tonight? Stefan wouldn't tell me because he thought I'd be upset or something. I just want to know why Elena was in his arms."
"Jazmine, I don't know what to tell you." Bonnie opened the bathroom door and walked to the bed. She turned to face Jazmine. She didn't know what to say. Bonnie wanted to tell Jazmine everything. She wanted to tell her about witches and vampires and hybrids and Originals but she knew it was not her place. Stefan had asked them not to say anything. Bonnie realized she had to give Jazmine an answer. She hoped that when Stefan finally told her the truth she would forgive her.
"Bonnie, I need to know. I hate feeling like I'm operating in the dark. I'm sorry if you feel like I'm making you tell on Elena but I could care less about her. I know this is Stefan's secret that everybody seems to know. I need to decide for myself if it's even worth it."
"OK. Klaus and his brother Kol showed up at the Falls tonight. Their entire family is literally crazy. They come from a place where they don't have to follow rules. They think they can do anything. Last summer when Klaus convinced Stefan to go with him we all tried to convince Stefan to stay. He was in a bad place and the Elena Damon stuff didn't help. He wanted to get away and forget. Unbeknownst to Stefan at the time Klaus got violent with Elena when she went to tell him to leave Stefan alone. So when he showed up tonight she was scared. Stefan probably still blames himself for last year. I guess he felt like he owed her to defend her and comfort her tonight."
"Why couldn't he tell me that?"
"I don't know. Just know that I'm sorry. Stefan will tell you. Don't push him. Don't back him into a corner, Elena did that and I think it caused real damage to their relationship. It's a very big deal and he just wants the time to be right. It changes everything. Please just be patient." Jazmine looked closely at Caroline and Bonnie. She could see the sincerity in their eyes. She wasn't mad at them. It was Stefan's secret to tell not anyone else's so she didn't hold it against them. Caroline crossed the room pulled Jazmine into a hug and pulled her to the floor.
"No more boy and secret talk. Let's do manicures." Bonnie and Jazmine laughed and the rest of the night was spent on mind numbing girl fun. Jazmine awoke to the smell of bacon and coffee. She brushed her teeth and headed toward the kitchen. She slowed down her trek when she heard voices. Jazmine was completely surprised to find her mother and Stefan cooking breakfast together.
"Morning."
"Morning, sweetie. Stefan stopped by to have breakfast with us."
"Great. I'll go wake up Bonnie and Caroline." Jazmine wasn't unhappy to see Stefan she just wasn't sure she was ready to see him.
"Bonnie, Caroline breakfast is ready."
"Oh good. I'm starving."
"Good. There is plenty of food my mom loves cooking for people. Tell them I'll be down in a minute."
"Them?"
"Yeah, Stefan came by for breakfast. I'm not sure I want to see him."
"We'll stall for as long as possible." Bonnie and Caroline left Jazmine alone in her room. She contemplated going down to breakfast but decided against it. She sat on her bed waiting for Bonnie and Caroline to retrieve their stuff. She was surprised when Stefan entered her bedroom.
"Hi."
"Hi, you're not hungry?"
"Not really."
"Jazmine, I'm sorry."
"No more apologies Stefan. It's fine. I don't understand, but I trust you to tell me when you think the time is right."
"What are your plans for today?"
"Homework."
"How about we do homework together. My books are in my car, we can study here. We can go to the Grill for lunch and I'll pick you up for dinner later tonight."
"OK, sounds fun." Jazmine and Stefan settled down at her kitchen table to work on their homework. They studied interruption free for a couple of hours. They left Jazmine's house and headed to the Grill. Jazmine challenged Stefan to a game of pool. The two of them played pool and had lunch. When Stefan went to the bar to get refills Matt approached.
"Hey Jazmine."
"Hi, Matt. How are you?"
"I'm good. Remind me not to party the night before I have a morning shift."
"Feeling a little hungover?"
"I was when I first got here but it's better."
"When do you get off?"
"A little less than an hour."
"Big plans for this Saturday night?"
"Nope. You?"
"Date night with Stefan. Actually we've had a date day. It's been great. No talk of Elena or secrets."
"Good, you deserve it."
"Why do you say that? You don't know me that well."
"I know, but you're being very patient even with Elena breathing down your neck. It's completely cool of you, and I think that deserves a drama free day."
"Thanks."
"No problem." Stefan walked back to join Jazmine and she knew right away he had to cancel dinner.
"Do you even have time to drive me home? Forget it! Matt will give me a ride. I'll see you on Monday!"
"Monday?"
"Yes, Stefan. I'd rather not see your face or hear your voice until Monday." Stefan leaned in to kiss Jazmine and she turned her head to the side. Stefan studied her face intently nodded at Matt and left the Grill.
"Sorry about that."
"Don't be. I half expected it. The day was going to well."
"Wait for me right her and I'll take you home."
"Thanks Matt." Matt went to the back to clock out and retrieve his keys. He rejoined Jazmine and led her to his truck.
"I'm sorry you always end up having to baby sit me. I shouldn't have volunteered you to give me a ride home."
"I would've offered anyway."
"You really would have, wouldn't you. You're a great guy and a better friend."
"Thanks."
"No problem, you should join me for dinner. My mom always makes too much and it can be a thank you for last night and tonight."
"I don't know."
"When's the last time you had a home cooked meal?"
"I don't know, awhile."
"Then it's settled. You're eating dinner with my mom and I."
"OK sounds great." Matt parked his truck and followed Jazmine into the house.
"Mom, I'm home."
"I'm in the kitchen."
"I brought a guest for dinner."
Oh well, bring here let me see them." Jazmine grabbed Matt's hand and led him to the kitchen to meet her mom. Her mom looked up in surprise when Jazmine entered the kitchen followed by a boy who could easily be a Hollister model.
"Mom, this is Matt Donovan. Matt this is my mom Denise Carter."
"Nice to meet you Mrs. Carter."
"Oh sweetie call me Denise. I'm not that old."
"OK Ms. Denise."
"You are a southern gentleman to your core. So sweet. Matt honey go wash up for dinner. Bathroom is at the top of the stairs." Matt headed upstairs and Denise rounded on Jazmine the minute he was out of earshot. "Jaz, what are you doing?"
"What?"
"Don't what me young lady! You know what I mean. You leave the house with one boy and come home with another."
"Mom, no. Matt and I are friends. I think he's still in love with his ex. And I'm with Stefan. There's nothing going on between Matt and I."
"OK but I'd understand. He's gorgeous."
"Oh my god, I know. Caroline's boyfriend is just as hot. Mom, I don't know what it is but Mystic Falls has more hot boys than should be allowed!" They were still laughing when Matt rejoined them in the kitchen. They all sat down to dinner when Jazmine and her mom regained their composure. Jazmine had a good time with her mom and Matt. She received several text messages from Stefan but she ignored them. When she told Stefan Monday she meant it. After dinner Matt helped Jazmine do the dishes. In the middle of drying Matt's phone went off. He checked it glanced at Jazmine and then shot off a quick text. Jazmine didn't comment.
"Matt, you don't have to help with the dishes, you're a guest."
"It's no problem. I don't mind."
"That's sweet. You want some leftovers to take home?"
"Yeah, that would be great. I usually just eat at the Grill or get a pizza."
"If you don't mind me asking what about your family?"
"It's fine. My dad left when I was a baby. I haven't seen my mother in months and my sister died a couple years ago."
"I'm sorry, we don't have to talk about it."
"No, it's fine. I'm finished being angry about my life. It is what it is and I just have to deal. Some people have it worse."
"Your attitude is impressive."
"Not really, but thanks. Stefan was just checking to make sure you got home OK. You know since you're ignoring him."
"Whatever."
"OK so..I'm going to take my leftovers and go."
"You have an open invitation to dinner, use it! Please!"
"Your mom's cooking is awesome, I'll be back." Jazmine walked Matt to the door and hugged him. She watched him walk to his truck and waved as he drove off. Jazmine turned to look at her mom, she smiled.
"I like him, Jaz."
"Me to and we're going to be his family. He's all alone and I don't like it."
"What do you mean alone?"
"Alone, literally. No dad, his mom is M.I.A. And his sister died. He needs us!"
"You're right. On Monday you tell him that I need a pair of strong arms to help me."
"Help you what?"
"I don't know, I'll make something up. He's a proud guy, he won't accept anything he thinks is charity. He'll come over if he thinks we need him and I'll pay him in food and motherly love."
"OK. Goodnight Mom."
"Night sweetheart."
