The Backyard

-walks by Stefan and Nikki-
Greetings.
-Goes into house-

*Follows Melan*
*Throws a backwards head nod at them*
*goes into house*

*throws quick glance at them and looks back at Stefan*

*thinks*
Honestly.
The nerve of some people.
There's this thing called a front door..

*Hops down from Jackie's balcony*
*Drips some water on the floor*
Uhh...
*Rubs the back of his neck*
Nikki?

*looks at him emotionless*

Jean-Pierre.

*crosses arms*

*waits*

*Cringes slightly at the name*
I haven't been called that in a while. and geez, a woman scorned...
*Clears throat*
Can you help Jackie? I figured you guys might be friends...

*face softens at Jackie's name*

Why?!
What happened to her?
If you've done anything to her...

*leaves open threat*
*growls softly*

I... I didn't do anything... I may be opening old memories... but...
Well, she's about as wet as I and she is very weak right now... she needs to change.
I feel I may not be the best person to help her...
yeah... *looks away*

*sighs*

Poor girl.
She's been through enough...
I'll go see to her right now.

*slightly concerned*

You should probably go change as well, JP.
Vampire or not, wet clothes are not good for anyone.

*smiles slightly*
*realizes what she's doing and shakes her head*
*turns to Stefan*

I'll meet up with you later, okay?
I can't not go see Jackie.

*kisses softly as Stefan nods*
*walks into house*

Thank you, Nikki.
Sorry Stefan.
*Makes his way to the trunk of his car for the duffel bag full of clothes*
*Changes and makes his way to the kitchen*

*stands by the pond silently*
*shoves hands in pockets*
*kicks a pebble into the water*

Angeloo!
What are you doing brother?!

*starts upon hearing Stefan's voice*
*glances up momentarily*
*quickly*
Nothing.
*looks back at water*

Exactly my point.

*sits down*

Why are you doing this nothing?

I'm..I'm..
*scratches head*
*chuckles anxiously*
I'm feeling a bit insane at the moment, to be honest.

*stiffles a laugh*

I'm sorry. What?!
Why are you feeling this way?
*hides head*

I..I don't know..
*talking to self*
I think..maybe..no..
It's..well..it's..
What is it, exactly?
*grabs hair*
I'm being smothered!

Er.

Um.
Angelo. You need help.

How the hell are you being smothered?!

*dryly*
Figuratively, cousin.
Not literally.
I haven't gotten to that level of desperation yet.
*paces the edge of the pond*

I know what the hell you meant.
Now explain.
*mutters*
Jesus.

*begins slowly*
Well, lately..I've been..missing working for Uncle.
It's just that..I..then I had a social life.
I mean..yes, I was very, very unhappy then, but I didn't feel like a caged animal.
*looks at Stefan pleadingly*
You understand, don't you?

*slowly*
No. I don't. I'm sorry Angelo.
But you can't see what you have until it's taken away.
That's your curse. Live with it, but don't ruin what you have here.

*shakes head*
No, no, no.
You're not understanding my meaning.
*continues shaking head*
I love my family.
I love my son.
I love my wife, but she doesn't meet me half-way.
She doesn't seem to acknowledge what I gave up for her.

*laughs*
She knows exactly what you gave up for her, you bastard.
Do you know? You gave up everything bad in your life.

Do you know what she gave up to be with you?
You little prick, have you even thought of that?!

God, you piss me off so much Angelo!
You're so selfish!

SELFISH?!
*crosses over to Stefan*
Yes, I'm so goddamn SELFISH that I've said NOTHING about it until now.
So selfish that I turned on the only man who was ever a father to me.
So SELFISH that I left my JOB.
So SELFISH that I chased ONE WOMAN across half of Europe because I was WORRIED about her and our CHILD.
*lowers voice*
Don't you tell me that I'm SELFISH, Stefan Moretti.
*narrows eyes*
You don't know what it's like, and you wouldn't care if it weren't for Jumpy.