Unexpected (Vampire Diaries Fanfic)

Partying

The next morning, I woke up on a high. I felt a sense of joy and excitement as I lay in bed, reflecting on how things had changed since moving to Mystic Falls. I missed my old town and friends, but the new experiences and people here were starting to fill that void.

I had been trying to text Riley to catch up, but she hadn't responded. It stung a little, realizing that our friendship might not be as strong as I'd thought. It made me question if I had truly moved on or if I was just clinging to what was familiar.

Becoming a cheerleader had been an unexpected turn in my life. I'd always held a bias against cheerleaders, thinking of them as superficial and mean. But the girls on the squad were surprisingly welcoming. Caroline, though, was relentless. I often jokingly called her "Barbie Drill Sergeant," which made her roll her eyes, but the rest of the squad found it hilarious and started using the term themselves. Caroline would retort that I needed to "turn down my goth," but I knew it was all in good fun.

Practice had been intense lately. I had never imagined that holding up a flyer in a cheerleading pyramid could be so physically demanding. My shoulders had grown stronger, and I had developed a new appreciation for the physicality involved. Caroline, who weighed about 120 pounds, was a hefty load, but I was getting used to the challenge.

The morning passed in a blur of sleepy routines and mundane schoolwork. I had become accustomed to the rhythm of my new life, but today was different. As I prepared for school, I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. I was eager to see what the day would bring.

I caught a ride with my mom, as Elena had to leave early. I enjoyed the extra time in bed, relishing the quiet moments of the morning. The drive to school was filled with the usual chatter, but I was lost in my thoughts, thinking about the day ahead.

When school ended, I went to the locker room to change into my cheerleading uniform. The locker room was buzzing with the usual chatter and clatter of girls getting ready. It had become a familiar, if slightly chaotic, space where I felt increasingly comfortable. I no longer felt self-conscious about changing in front of the other girls; they had become my friends, and their camaraderie made me feel at ease.

Stepping out onto the field, I joined the squad in their routine. Caroline immediately began issuing commands, her authoritative tone slicing through the evening air. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought of her as a "drill sergeant," especially when she barked out orders with such intensity.

We practiced the routine repeatedly, focusing on perfecting our moves. The pyramid formation was particularly challenging. We finally managed to get it right, and I felt a surge of pride. The previous attempts had been fraught with mishaps, including a memorable incident where Amber Marshall's slight shift had led to a collapse. Caroline had fallen on top of me, and I had been numb in the posterior region for an entire day.

After practice, Caroline dismissed us with a firm "good job," and I felt a mix of relief and accomplishment. I was drenched in sweat and needed a moment to catch my breath. Changing back into my regular clothes in the locker room, I mentally prepared for the evening.

I met Elena outside, who informed me that she was going out with Jenna to celebrate her raise. I wished Jenna congratulations and promised Elena I'd hang out with Stefan. As I climbed into Elena's car for the ride home, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness about my plans for the evening.

Once home, I showered and dressed, selecting a casual outfit that made me feel comfortable yet put-together. I grabbed my purse and the keys to my mom's car. The freedom of driving around town with my new permit felt exhilarating, and I headed to the boarding house with a sense of adventure.

When I arrived at the boarding house and knocked on the door, Damon answered. His presence was as striking as ever, with his semi-long black hair and piercing blue eyes. He greeted me with a smirk that hinted at mischief.

"Hi, is Stefan home?" I asked.

Damon shook his head. "Not right now, but he'll be back later. Why don't you stay and wait?" he said, stepping aside to let me in.

"Okay," I said, stepping inside. The interior of the boarding house was cozy, with dark wood furniture and a warm, lived-in feel. Damon led me to the living room, where we settled on opposite couches. The space felt inviting, but the silence between us was a bit awkward.

Damon broke the ice by heading to the bar and pouring two glasses of bourbon. "I heard you made the cheerleading squad. That's worth celebrating," he said, handing me a glass.

"I don't really drink," I said, shaking my head.

"Come on, live a little," Damon insisted, pressing the glass into my hand. I took a cautious sip, the strong flavor burning my throat. Damon downed his drink with practiced ease, making me laugh at his dramatic display.

As the bourbon began to take effect, everything around me seemed to lighten up. Damon's antics—dancing around the room and showing off his moves—were amusing. His energy was contagious, and I found myself joining in the fun, even though I was still a bit tipsy.

We moved to the kitchen, where we started making brownies. The process quickly turned into a food fight, with flour and chocolate batter flying everywhere. It was chaotic but also a blast. Damon's playful nature made the evening feel like an adventure.

We settled back on the couch with the brownies, laughing and making fun of the actors on Jersey Shore. The brownies, with their unexpected bourbon twist, were deliciously indulgent.

When Stefan arrived home, his expression shifted from surprised to annoyed as he surveyed the mess and the state of Damon. "Hey Jess, what's up?" he asked, still glaring at Damon.

"Elena wanted me to hang out with you tonight, but you weren't here, so I ended up with Damon," I explained sheepishly.

"I'm taking you home now," Stefan said, grabbing my arm and my car keys. He drove my car to The Grill, his mood serious. Elena was nowhere to be seen, so Stefan bought me a coffee and made me drink it to counteract the effects of the alcohol.

Afterward, Stefan drove me home and walked me to the door. I turned to him, feeling a mix of regret and gratitude. "I'm sorry," I said sincerely.

"I know, Jess. Just be careful," Stefan said, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

He stayed for a while, watching TV and helping me with my algebra homework. His presence was comforting, and I appreciated his support. When he left for Elena's at eleven, I climbed into bed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and contentment. The evening had been a whirlwind, but it had also been fun. As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile, looking forward to what tomorrow might bring.