Caroline pulled Alan toward the table where Elena, Stefan and Bonnie were sitting.
"Alan," she said. "Have a seat."
Alan nodded as he sat down next to Bonnie and Caroline then sat next to him.
"Friends," she introduced. "This is Alan Alejandro. He is from one of the founding families."
One by one, they introduced themselves as Alan shook hands with each of them.
"Alan," Caroline initiated the conversation. "You are originally from Mystic Falls, but you left the town for some reason?"
"Yes," Alan nodded. "My parents died in a car crash. To cope with the grief, and probably to avoid being reminded of his son and daughter-in-law, my grandfather decided to leave town."
At this, the four of them exchanged awkward glances, their eyes also shifting toward Elena, who had also lost her parents in a car accident.
"I am sorry," Caroline mumbled. "I did not know."
"It is fine," Alan said, waving a hand. "It was a long time ago. To be honest, I was too young when they died to actually remember anything. I do not have any memories of them and though I missed them growing up, I did not actually suffer or grieve a lot when they left me."
They all nodded in response, though Alan could see the creeping sadness on Elena's face. Clearly, the mention of a crash had brought back painful memories.
"So, Alan," Stefan said, breaking the growing silence. "Why return to Mystic Falls now?"
Alan sighed, looking a bit awkward.
"Well, a couple of months ago, my grandfather and I were involved in another car accident," he replied. "He died. I survived. This time, to cope with his departure, I came back."
The silence at the table was heavy. No one knew how to react to such a tragic coincidence or how it mirrored Elena's own life so perfectly.
Alan knocked his knuckles against the table, drawing their attention back to him.
"I think we should not make this unnecessarily depressing," he said. "I have moved past my grief. I am here in Mystic Falls to begin a new life."
"True that," Caroline chimed in, raising her glass. "To a new beginning."
"To a new beginning," the rest of them echoed, draining their drinks in a single gulp, though Elena wondered if she could finally have her new beginning.
The chatter continued for another half hour. They talked about school and life in general in Mystic Falls.
At one point, Caroline made sure to mention that Elena had also lost her parents in a car crash. Alan, playing the part of the Good Samaritan, acted properly shocked and saddened by the pain Elena had endured. He gave her all his sympathies.
The conversation finally drew to a close with Caroline repeatedly urging Alan to attend tomorrow's gathering. Though mildly amused by her obvious desperation, he relented and agreed to be there.
"I think we should make a move," Stefan said, signaling the end of the evening from his side. "It is getting late."
"Yes," Elena too remarked. "Aunt Jenna is not actually strict-strict, but I should not take her flexibility for granted."
"Of course," Alan said. He then turned to Stefan. "Did you drive? Need a lift?"
"Nah, it is fine," Stefan replied. "I walked here, and my place is not really that far away."
Alan looked toward Elena, who in turn looked toward Stefan.
"I will walk her home, too," Stefan said.
"Great then," Alan replied with a teasing smile. "That is exactly what a gentleman should do."
Elena smiled shyly at the tease, while Stefan gave a final nod before they walked away together.
"Now, Miss Bennett and Miss Forbes," Alan said with a grin. "As I just pointed out what a gentleman should do, I believe both of you will accept my offer to drop you home?"
While Bonnie was a bit hesitant and probably would have refused the offer, she did not even get the chance to speak.
"We would love to!" Caroline replied without a moment's delay.
Alan nodded with a flirtatious smile. "It would be my pleasure."
The trio left the Mystic Grill, and Caroline was stunned to see the sleek, black finish of Alan's car. Even the less materialistic Bonnie was mildly impressed.
"What a beautiful car," Caroline remarked as she claimed the front passenger seat, while Bonnie climbed into the back.
"It runs even more beautifully than it looks," Alan responded as he ignited the engine. With a firm foot on the accelerator, the car roared away.
Caroline guided him through the streets as they dropped Bonnie off first.
"Bye, Bonnie," both of them called out to the Bennett witch before Alan turned the car toward the Forbes house.
"I hope your mom does not try to arrest me," Alan remarked.
Caroline giggled.
"Maybe but, you know what, definitely not you. In fact, she will be very pleased to learn that another member of a founding family is back in town. She loves all that history and drama."
Alan nodded but did not say more. It was barely a ten-minute drive to the Forbes house, and the duo traveled mostly in silence.
Even the usually chirpy Caroline was quiet, perhaps enjoying the ride. They finally reached the house, and Alan stepped out of the car with her.
"Bye, Alan," Caroline said, waving her hand. "See you at the party tomorrow."
"Caroline," Alan said, stopping her. "I am actually not sure where the party is being held tomorrow."
"I was wondering if I could pick you up, and you could show me the way into the woods?" he suggested. "Now that I know where you live, it would be much easier for me this way."
"Mr. Alejandro," she said, stepping a bit closer to him, a playful glint in her eyes. "If you wanted an excuse to pick me up, you should have just asked directly."
"And yes, you can pick me up," she added, turning back toward her house. "I will be waiting. Do not be late. I really do not like being tardy to these events."
"I will be on time," he murmured, watching Caroline vanish into her house. A smirk played on his lips as he whispered her name. "Caroline Forbes."
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