Jade, feeling oddly peaceful now, slowly made her way back to the place she was beginning to think of as home. Vivian was waiting outside for her, reading by firelight.<br/><br/>"It's about damn time you came back." She said. "We were starting to wonder if you'd gotten yourself lost."<br/><br/>Jade shrugged, saying nothing as she made her way inside. She barely noticed Vivian following alongside her, chattering along as though her mock cheer could make anything better. Finally, she had heard enough. "I'm going to bed Vivian." She said softly. "I want to be alone tonight." She took a few steps in silence. "Please express my apologies to River about dinner tonight. I'll make it up as soon as I can."<br/><br/>Vivian watched Jade walk away. "Jade!" She called. When she stopped, Vivian continued. "You are who you choose to be. You can be happy. You can be what you want to be. Follow your heart, your desires. Be free." She turned in the direction of the kitchen where she knew River would be. "I love you. You're like a sister to me." She finished her statement quietly and walked in silence to the kitchen.<br/><br/>Jade held back tears as she finished making her way to the bedroom where they had been almost happy just that morning. She walked past Damon, avoided eye contact, and quickened her step.