Cynthia's face made an amused 'O' shape when he practically called her a fool. "Hey, I'm no fool." She said, closing her mouth, but a smile stayed plastered on her face. "But no, I'm not from Mystic Falls. I'm actually from Texas. Houston. I moved down here about three years ago when my grandfather got real ill. He had some leftover money, so he helped me get my apartment and get on my feet until I found a job. Teaching at the elementary school. Second grade." She said, twirling her hair between her fingers.

She was about to ask him what he did, when out of nowhere he grabbed her arms. She winced at the roughness and was about to point it out he was hurting her, but before she could he snapped out of whatever trance he was in. She shook her head when he apologized, she still seemed a little dumbfounded about what happened. "Are you alright?" She asked him softly, standing up, slowly walking over to him. She placed a hand on his upper arm, concern showed in her eyes. "If you want to talk, I'm here. I mean... I know you hardly know me, but..." She said, letting her voice trail off.

"Would you like to go get a few drinks? Maybe a quick bite to eat?" She asked him, crossing her arms over her chest. There was just a small chill hanging in the air, it helped with the major heat wave they had been having. She waited patiently as she waited for his answer.

----

Bryce chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Well, I find humor and comedy to be a.. spice in life. Where would people be without a little humor in your life?" He asked, shrugging. He smiled when she accepted his offer to attend the festival together. "Excellent. Then, let's get going." He said, standing up. He didn't expect her to loop her arm in his, but he didn't mind one bit. He led her outside, where the streets were heavily decorate and already crowded. There were different booths set up around the square, little kids wearing masks and waving flags were running around. If he was human, and possibly a child, Bryce would have enjoyed it. 

He side stepped as a drunk couple blew past them, staggering into the Grill, no doubt to drink more, then go home to make passionate love and no doubt wake up with a serious hangover. Bryce held her close as a chill washed over them. "Cold?" He asked, going to remove his jacket to drape over her shoulders if she needed to be.