Heyo, long time no write. Really long time, sorry. Just hit a slump, I guess. This is based/inspired on a really cute book called, 'here's looking at you.' Anyway, this might be a two parter or a three parter...depends on how much I write, deff not doing a multi chap fic since I'm such a fail at those.
Very AU, Human, OOC, fluffy, cliche asf.
Bonnetta was in love, has been since the first day of middle school.
She remembered that day clearly, walking through the busy halls with her contemporaries, bumping into everyone, glares being thrown at her; thick framed glasses and being forty pounds overweight she stuck out like sore thumb. As soon as she was going to find an empty classroom to mope, that's when she saw him, Kai Parker, walking with a few other guys, blissfully unaware with the mood shift that happens every time they enter a room, she can only guess because crowds literally parted and gawked when those guys showed up. They were all attractive but Kai especially with his unruly brown hair and light grey eyes, even though it was only her humble opinion but damn, that boy was 'dreamy,' yes that's the right word, dreamy.
He didn't notice her that day, of course, he just brushed right by her but she did and that was the day she fell for Kai Parker.
Well, three years later, not much hasn't changed. They ended up in the same high school which wasn't that much of a surprise since it was a small town but Bonnetta was hoping to turn over a new leaf, she was loosing weight (well, slowly) and gaining confidence as that's the kind of girls he was into; pretty, confident, slim girls.
Although they never exchanged many words, there were two moments that she defined as absolutely life changing.
The first time, she shakily offered him a pen when he forgot his pencil case. He just shook his head, smirked and grabbed a pen off his friend Kol's desk without asking. He smiled and mouthed "thanks" to her though which set her whole body warm, she fidgeted, tucking a chunk of curly hair behind her ear. She was going to say something else, mentally foraging for something witty to say but he already had his back turned to her.
And the second time, Bonnetta was walking through school and she happened to eavesdrop over a large group of people, Kai being one of them. Her cheeks burned up when she heard her name mentioned with other unflattering names being attached to it; 'tubbers,' 'fatty' and that one name that everyone calls her: 'hog.' Bonnetta was going to turn tail and run until she heard Kai's voice perk up suddenly to say, "c'mon guys, lay off. She's not even that fat." There were shocked gasps at first but the teasings came soon after, kissing noises were made by the people surrounding Kai. He rolled his eyes and scoffed, he turned his head only an inch and he made eye contact with Bonnetta. His eyes narrowed slightly and Bonnetta turned right around and ran outside, her heart pumping erratically.
Imagine her shock today when four days after that moment he defended her, she found Kai leaning against her locker, arms folded and looking a little frazzled. He offered her a small smile when she approached him but there was a hard edge to his eyes that Bonnetta didn't really pay attention to because how could she? Kai was in front of her locker, looking mind-numbingly handsome in dark denim and a band tee.
"Hi Kai," Bonnetta hoped she sounded breezy. She looked down to quickly tuck away a Twinkie that was peeking out through her carrier bag. She's definitely going to resume her diet tomorrow.
"Hi Bonnetta," Kai smiled which quickly vanished as he looked her seriously, "so the theatre club is in a little bit of a pickle."
"Oh really, is the play not working out?" Bonnetta gulped, she really hoped how he didn't notice how his presence affected her.
"Well," he shrugged, "our Juliet got food poisoning which sucks for us cause we don't have a stand in."
Bonnetta blinked, "oh that is awful."
"It is, so I have it under good authority that you know every word of that play." He smirked, "care to be my Juliet?"
Bonnetta gaped, she shook her head. "No, I don't think I can." She raised her hands in a placating manner when she saw his head start to bow, "it's just I've never acted before, I'd be awful."
"Well," he said, eyes intent as he stared at her. "You'd never know unless you try, you might be the next Meryl Streep." Bonnetta inhaled sharply when he placed his hands on her shoulders, crouching a little so they were eye level, "please, I don't usually beg but just try out the role, I have practice in ten minutes. It would be awesome if you can come with me." His bottom lip jutted out and Bonnetta had to take a deep breath when she suddenly remembered the kiss scene the play had. She started to shake her head again because she really couldn't do this. "Please," he whispered.
Against her better judgement, she nodded, "okay," she said quietly. Her heart stuttered when he grinned, wide and open.
"Great," he sighed, sounding pleased. He nodded towards the direction of the auditorium, "this way, Ms. Bonnetta."
He walked a little ahead of her, he looked back and slowed down so she can catch up with him. During those two minutes towards the auditorium, Kai became quiet which should have set off some alarm bells but infatuation can cause a girl's senses to dim.
"Where's everyone else?" she asked shyly, looking around.
"Thought we can get some practice first with just me, instead of throwing you in the deep end so soon."
They headed towards the back way of the stage, they climbed up the steps and Kai handed her the script, it was a little dark so Bonnetta had to watch where she was standing. Kai reached out for her and stalled her, "if you can stand here, that'll be great. This is the exact position Juliet will do her monologue, page fifteen."
"I know it," Bonnetta said quietly as she flipped through the pages.
Kai smiled but since it was dark, it was difficult to see. "Of course, you do." He cleared his throat, sounding light again, "that's why you're here." He looked off towards the side and nodded, "okay. I'll stand off to the side at the back and you say the monologue." He started walking, until she couldn't see him. Bonnetta's brows furrowed until she heard his voice echo around her, "okay start."
Bonnetta took a deep stuttering breath, then she started reciting Juliet's monologue while closing her eyes, keeping her nerves in check. She was actually getting so much into it she didn't realize the giant velvet curtains open slowly to a crowd of at least a hundred students. No, she didn't notice it. Her only focus was the beautiful, proud smile she hoped she'd get from Kai afterwards.
However, when a bucket of thick, slimy goo fell on top of her head and the eruption of instant laughter hit her ears, she opened her eyes, she stiffened in shock before blinking back tears to the sea of taunting faces. She looked back to where Kai was supposed to be and found him instantly, the harsh light of the hall lighting his impassive face. After a quick moment his lips quirked as he mouthed the word, "hog," to her.
Present Day/ Fifteen years later
Kai scoffed as Kol forcefully ushered him towards the entrance, "Come on, get kissed or get laid but one way or another you're going to get over that she devil."
"Kol, do you want me to kick your ass in front of everyone here cause I..." Kai's sentence drifted off as he watched his friend leave him, making a beeline towards a curvy blonde with big breasts. "Fucking typical," he sighed, making his way over to the bar.
He grabbed a whiskey and made his way over to his table. He looked around the indoor basketball court that was immediately decked out in paper maches, confetti and foldable tables. It actually looked like his senior prom and he's pretty sure he saw Becky Murphy, his prom date for that night, on the phone when Kol and himself walked up the steps towards the school. Relieving his teenage youth, he smiled a little, the good ole days.
His smile dimmed when he realized he probably reached his peak in high school because now he's in his thirties, he's newly divorced even though his ex wife and himself have been separated eight months prior. He doesn't even have a child to fill the void, that something good came out of their marriage and a baby would have sufficed as an appeasement for his mother during the shame of divorce. His mother's an old school Catholic. Kai wanted a child, didn't know he wanted one until he met Sarah. But Sarah didn't, she kept evading the topic of children every time Kai brought it up. She preferred having an affair with one of his best men though, Tom. Apparently they're getting married next November.
Kol jumped in the chair beside Kai and said, "Katie is a lesbian now, she's married with two kids." Kol sighed as he ran his hand through his hair, "unfucking fair. I had such a crush on her."
"You had a crush on everybody." Kai's memory came back to her as they both eyed the blonde, he shrugged. "Isn't she the one that had a thing for Winona Ryder, had pictures of her in her locker?"
"I don't know," Kol huffed. After a moment Kol let out a low whistle, his eyes glued to the entrance, "oh wow." When Kai followed his line of sight, he unconsciously sat up a little straighter.
"Did she go here?" Kai said, continuing to gaze at the newest arrival.
This woman was a knockout, caramel complexion and amazing curves which was heavily accentuated in one of those tight, plum dresses that stuck to her like second skin, her hair in loose curls that just about reached her shoulders. He tilted his head as he tried to place her but he couldn't remember her and he'd certainly remember the woman casting uncomfortable looks around her, it's clear the mysterious woman didn't want to be here.
He shared her sentiments exactly.
"Don't know but she's alone," Kol said as he continued to leer at the woman, "she probably wants some company."
Kai rolled his eyes, "leave her alone for christ sake and look, she's taking out her phone, a universal sign for everyone else to fuck off."
"Fine," Kol said, "shall I call dibs or shall we get you laid?" He tilted his head towards the woman.
Kai glared at his friend as he took a sip of his drink, "stop being an asshole, you have a loving girlfriend at home that has to constantly put up with your shit."
"I don't think I can do this," Bonnie said as her green eyes bounced on everything and everyone that made her life a living hell for five years. Why was she convinced to come here, she didn't want to but Marcus kept saying things like 'being brave' and 'facing your demons.'
"You didn't go to the other reunion so you have to go to this one, you look amazing, breath taking and don't you dare think otherwise." Bonnie rolled her eyes playfully at his exaggeration but as always his little pep talks worked.
"Might I ask again why you're not here with me, seeing as you shared the same hell I did."
"Hot date and I went to the other one so I'm exempt plus I don't have anything to prove, you do."
"I have nothing to prove for these jerks."
"You know what I mean," Marcus tutted, "you do this for yourself."
Bonnie was about to say something to that, a rebuff when two handsome men started to make their way towards her, one of them looked obviously keen while the other looked polite enough although she can tell he was dragged to come with the friend. Two seconds later, her brain clicked, her defenses up, "shit, you gotta be kidding me."
"What?" Marcus said on the other line, "what is it?"
"Kai Parker," she gritted out, "is headed my way along with his minion Kol Mikaelson."
"Well, shit. I heard Kai was still living in Chicago," Marcus mused.
"Apparently not or he's probably just visiting," Bonnie gritted out, feeling very exposed and desperately wanting Marcus by her side instead of uselessly being on the other end of the line, "listen I have to hang up now, they're nearly here."
"But - " Bonnie hung up, meeting her guests with a fake smile in place.
Kai watched the pretty woman place the phone in her handbag before demurely setting her folded hands in front of her, she looked up expectantly. "Hello there," her voice low and surprisingly soothing.
"Hi, I'm Kol and this is Kai," Kol said just as the moment when 'Hungry Eyes' wafted through the hall, Kai snorted then smiled when a second later the woman met his eyes. His smile instantly dropped when her jaw tightened and her eyes hardened. Okay...What was her problem? He didn't want to sound arrogant but that was not the usual reaction he gets from a woman or some men to be honest.
He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. "We're trying to place you but we can't seem to recognize you..." Kai didn't miss they her eyes widened in surprise at what his friend said. Kol left his sentence drift and the woman nodded.
The woman hesitated before she smiled politely, "Bonnie."
"Bonnie," Kol simpered, "plus you looked a little lonely out here all by yourself," Kai restrained rolling his eyes at Kol's flirty tone.
She waved her hand dismissively, "my friend went to this school and I was his plus one," her eyes flickered to both their faces, "you probably know him," she said slowly, "Marcus Yamada."
Kai's brows furrowed, trying to recollect that name but he got nothing, he never really branched outside his circle of friends. "No sorry, can't say I have." He curiously watched her hands tighten around her purse.
"Same," Kol shrugged, "he's not here yet?"
"He's not coming, can't make it, that was just him on the phone." She took a step back, her eyes glanced towards the exit. "It's nice to meet you two but there's really no point staying here now."
"What? you can still stay," Kol said earnestly, "your friends a douche for standing you up but we can certainly show you a good time." Kai closed his eyes in embarrassment for a moment.
Bonnie just chuckled although it sounded uneasy, Kai didn't blame her. "Thank you for the offer but no," she took another step back. "It was nice that you kept me company for a bit." She placed the purse strap on her shoulder, "anyway. Goodbye." Their eyes widened when she abruptly turned right around and practically ran out of the place, as much as her heels can allow her anyway.
"Fuck, you were creepy." Kai said as they watched her walk out the door.
"Yeah, I think I came on a little too strong, I'm a little out of practice," Kol mused. He shook his head and patted Kai on the shoulder, "she took an instant dislike to you though. Did you notice that?"
"Yeah," Kai nodded, "I noticed that. Weird." He saw no point in dissecting why though, he was never going to see her again.
Kol took out his phone, "I'm going to call Clara, tell her I'll be home in an hour."
Kai smirked, "tell her I said hi and that she's too good for you."
Kol waved him away and sauntered off, phone pressed to his ear. Kol has always been a natural flirt, if you were marginally attractive and had a vagina chances are he would try it on with you but Kai knew it was all talk at least until Clara came into his life. Mr. I'm too afraid of commitment is too afraid to admit he had fallen in love with someone, his friend was still in his denial phase but Kai hoped Kol would get his act together, sooner rather than later. For Kols sake.
Kai looked back at the door, thoughts on the woman that seemed to hate him for no reason. That's new.
"Oh man, it was awful." Bonnie said as she clutched her tub of Ben and Jerry's, "I couldn't even stay around them. I kept getting flashes of that day in the auditorium and Kai's smug little, stupid face," she clutched her tub tighter, jabbing her spoon in her cookie dough. "I'm not a violent person but I wanted to thump him with my handbag."
"Was Kai still good looking?" Marcus said as spooned a hefty amount of ice cream in his bowl.
Bonnie huffed, glaring at her friend, "after all I just said, that's all you got out of it?"
"Of course not," Marcus shrugged, "but like you, he didn't go to the last reunion. Did he go bald, gain weight?"
Bonnie sighed as they made their way into her living room, snacks in hand, she allows herself a little cheat day once every two weeks. "Sadly not, still annoyingly handsome." She popped a chip in her mouth, "he didn't recognize me."
"But you set him straight, right?" Marcus asked, getting himself comfortable on the floral couch, "Say 'no motherfucker, I'm Bonnetta Hopkins, the girl that was straight up bullied thanks to you, how you like me now, bitch?'...or something along the lines?"
"Umm," Bonnie cleared her throat, "more like 'Bonnie Bennett, nice to meet you?'"
He gave her deadpan look, "you were cordial and you gave him your artist name?"
"Bennett is still technically a family name and Bonnie is short for Bonnetta and..." she stopped when Marcus continued to glare at her.
"No one called you Bonnie until you told us to..."
"I know," Bonnie groaned, "it was a perfect opportunity to show those assholes I changed but I didn't, I think no matter how much I believed I changed I'm still that timid, insecure girl I was back in high school." She took a deep breath, "I think - ow dammit!" Bonnie glared, rubbing her arm.
"Stop pitying yourself," he said calmly, "you have friends who care, especially me and you're a working artist. You have a great life Bon, don't revert to the past, you're doing so well."
She smiled softly at that and nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. "Fine, just don't pinch me." Bonnie yawned as she held the remote, sifting through channels. "It's not like I'll see Kai again anyway.
Marcus just hummed in agreement.
Maybe internet dating wasn't her thing, she thought as she sat across a guy who talked incessantly about his post stamp collection. Nothing wrong with having a hobby or passion but she hadn't said a word in the last twenty minutes, only smiling in the right moments.
"There's actually this artist I met," Bonnie chimed in, "specializes in stamps, it's really interesting, he works out in Berlin, he-"
"Oh yes," the man nodded, "this reminds me of this story of the time..."
Bonnie rested her cheek on her open palm and resumed her polite smiles. Using her other hand, she covertly texted her mom saying she was going to be at the restaurant in about twenty minutes. She was about to cut their lunch date short until the man she resents the most walked into the cozy cafe; donned in a gray, fitted suit and blue tie. Kai looked like he was in a hurry as he checked his watch, he quickly walked over to the counter to obviously order something. Did he move back or something? Bonnie frowned. His back was turned to her so he didn't see her but that didn't stop Bonnie from standing up the giant menu, a flimsy barrier between her and the man she wanted nothing to do with...ever.
"Did you want to order something else?"
"Not really," Bonnie chuckled lightly, "just looking. So you were telling me about the time you went to Albuquerque?"
The man smiled, swallowing down a a piece of bread roll, "it's a funny story actually..."
Bonnie breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Kai walk out the door, a coffee in hand. She looked back at her date, she'll wait until he finishes this present story then she'll make up an excuse to leave.
Kai drummed his fingers along his suitcase to the theme of Star Wars as he waited for his new but temporary client, Mr. Falbo, to come out of the his office, an art gallery owner. He's taking over some of the accounts of his fellow employee while she's on maternity leave for a couple of months. He takes a sip of his coffee and checks his watch, the owner is twenty minutes late which irks Kai because the guy is in his office right now, alone and Kai is three yards away from it. At least come out and say you're going to be late, it's only professional right? He also has to get back in the office in twenty minutes.
Two minutes later and Kai is ready to knock on his door, the owner comes out. Short in stature, frizzy, black hair entangled from the top of his head, a thick black beard, a little pudgy around the mid section but it suits him. He looks like an Italian Santa Claus.
"Apologies for the lateness, Malachai," Kai restrains from rolling his eyes, Mr. Falbo smiles and offers his hand, "I'm Joseph."
"That's alright," Kai says as he stands up and shakes the offered hand. "and it's Kai, I always hated Malachai."
Joseph nodded and lifted his hand up, directing Kai into his office.
"This is really just routine," Kai said, looking around at the tiny office which surprised him as the gallery space is expansive and open. "Since Mrs. Ackermann is on leave I'll be handling your accounts for the time being. This visit is really just putting a face to a name, I hear your quite a personable client." Kai smiled as he set his suitcase down.
"Indeed, I am." Joseph said as he handed him a plate of cookies, when Kai politely refused, his brows furrowed, "you're sure?"
The way the man scrutinized him caused Kai to second guess himself, he reached for the smallest cookie, "thank you."
"You know," Joseph said, setting the plate down, "I'm having a celebratory get together for my artists tomorrow night, it's a traditional thing and since you're joining the family, you might as well come long. The wine and cocktails will be flowing."
Kai shook his head, "thank you but I don't really think that's necessary. I'm just the accountant, I'll be behind the scenes anyway. No one will see me."
"Nonsense," he said, waving his refusal away. "It starts at 8pm, but I'm not finicky about time, it'll be good that you meet the artists."
Masking his annoyance with a tight smile, Kai nodded, "I'll see you at eight then." He really hated being told what to do.
Bonnie was clutching a wine glass in hand as she mingled with her fellow artists, she only saw them once in a while so this 'family' gathering was always a welcomed moment for her, she was usually cooped up in her small room that she called an art studio, she loved it though. She had it decorated in a way she always envisioned as a little girl. She usually spent days in their though at a time, as cliche as it sounds when inspiration strikes you have to seize it. Nothing will usually tempt her away so after a day or so, Marcus would usually bust into her apartment, followed by Caroline and drag her into the kitchen, her mothers cooking awaiting for her on the dining table. It was a perceptual cycle.
"Think I might dabble in ceramics," Bonnie said as she sipped her wine, she shrugged. "But it's just an idea, painting seems to be my bread and butter so who knows but I tried it in college and I wasn't terrible."
"It's a big jump but try it," John, who specializes in light installations, encouraged, "if you suck at it then whatever, you already have a niche."
"True," Bonnie nodded, "right, I'm hungry and I'm pretty sure I saw a plate of crab cakes somewhere, wanna come with?"
John shook his head, "nah, heard there's this guy that owns that boutique on Princess street, I'm gonna weasel my way into his company." He raised his glass, "wish me luck and find me later."
Bonnie smiled, "see you in a bit." She walked towards the waiter that was holding a tray of those crab cakes she's been craving all night when a voice called out to her. "Hello Joseph," Bonnie greeted warmly as he kissed both her cheeks, "it's been a while."
"Certainly has," Joseph tutted, he eyed her appreciatively. "You look ravishing."
Bonnie looked down, "How was San Francisco?"
"It was very nice, I needed the getaway." His eyes, landed on her shoulder as he waved, "oh he did come, thought he wasn't going to show." Bonnie turned around and nearly dropped her wine glass, "Kai, over here." The man in question immediately nodded to Joseph and walked over. She noticed the second he became aware of her presence as he faltered in his step but he seamlessly continued on and immediately latched on to Joseph's hand.
"Thank you for inviting me," Kai said, tone low and professional.
Bonnie bit her lip, wondering how the hell Joseph knows Kai, how would they even meet? In that moment Joseph turned around and lightly held on to Bonnie's forearm, "Bonnie, this is Kai Parker, he'll be handing the gallery's accounts while Linda is away."
"Oh," Bonnie said, feeling suddenly warm, "is that so?" She schooled herself a look of disinterest as she gazed up at Kai who was already staring down at her.
Kai nodded as he scrutinized her features, she looked away when she saw his pupils started to dilate, almost black in the warm, white lights. "I'm sorry but have we met already? You look so familiar."
Bonnie looked back at his playful tone and nearly glared because from the way he was looking at her, he knew the answer to that already. Man, he looked smug. The hold on her wine glass tightened as she furrowed her eyebrows and tilted her head, "you know what? I think we did," she snapped her fingers and pointed at him, a little overkill but she didn't care. "At that reunion, you were with your really nice friend." Although 'pervy' seemed a more appropriate word but not exactly appropriate for this conversation.
"He has a girlfriend," Kai said suddenly. He cleared his throat, looking a little confused.
"That's good to know?" Bonnie lightly chuckled, she quickly sipped the last of her wine, wanting an excuse to leave, "need a top up." She pointed to her glass and shrugged, "enjoy the party Mr. Parker."
Kai bit his lip as he nodded, "it's Kai." Bonnie nodded as she looked back at Joseph who was curiously eyeing the both of them, she kissed his cheek before muttering, "I'll talk to you later."
"It looks like Kai needs a glass, Bonnie." Her eyes widened in betrayal but what did Joseph know of the history with the man standing next to him, she exhaled, "of course, sorry Kai. This way," she said trying to keep some enthusiasm in her voice but she knew she was failing on that front.
"Show me the way, Bonnie." Kai said, a tinge of laughter in his voice as he followed her. She slowed down a little so he was in step with her as she became hyper aware with the attention he was giving her backside, she internally rolled her eyes at her choice of attire; a backless, black cocktail dress.
"So you're an artist?" Kai said, making small talk.
Bonnie nodded absently, trying to find a waiter with the wine but he seemed to have disappeared, "and you're an accountant." She took a subtle breath and nodded towards the back, she didn't want to be alone with him but she's big girl now, they're both adults. She'll be cordial to him in public and secretly loathe his presence in private because it just occurred to her that she would be seeing more of him. Damn Joseph and his annoying need to make everyone feel welcomed.
"The drink is kept in there." She started walking a little faster but Kai kept up to her easily.
When they walked in the cold room, her eyes zoned in on the crate of wine bottles, "aha," she looked back at Kai who quickly averted his eyes from her frame and started inspecting the brown walls, "red or white?" she walked over and placed wine bottles on the marble counter. She looked at him expectantly.
"White," he said easily, snatching an errand glass. He walked over to her and stood on the other side of the island. "Funny how we're meeting again, huh?"
Bonnie nodded, opening drawers, trying to find a cork screw. "Yes, it is coincidental." After a moment she found one, she stilled when Kai reached over and gently took the cork screw from her hands, she flinched on reflex. She knew Kai felt it but he continued on, easily prying out the cork screw and pouring them both a glass of wine.
"I'm sorry if my buddy Kol was being a weirdo that night, pretty women seem to do that to him." He smiled, it seemed genuine but Bonnie didn't miss the Kai eyes slowly assessed her features.
Bonnie backed away from the counter, her palms splayed on the cold marble. She ignored the fluttering in her stomach because she knew it was a residue from her thirteen year old self, a need to feel validated, to receive any kind of attention from her childhood crush but she was not going to entertain that. "We should get back to the party," she said, her tone monotonous. She looked away from his questioning eyes and instead looked at the white collar of his dress shirt. "Joseph still needs to introduce you to the rest of us."
She grabbed her glass and was about to head through the threshold when Kai's voice stalled her movements, "did I do something wrong?" She looked back to find Kai standing in the same spot, bemusement etching his handsome face. "Did I say something or do something that offended you because I'd like to know if I did."
Bonnie clamped her mouth shut to the torrent of expletives dying to come out, she shook her head. He worked for her boss and Bonnie if anything was professional in her workplace, "you did nothing wrong, I'm not sure where you got the idea that you offended me."
"So," Kai said, carrying his glass as he walked towards her, "you're just naturally friendly to everyone else but me."
Bonnie craned her neck upwards and ignored his slight goad. She met his eyes squarely, he met hers intently. "Perhaps it's just your imagination, I'm treating you exactly the same as everyone else." She continued on at the disbelieving look on his face, "really, you're part of the family. I'm sure Joseph already told you that," he nodded, "so, let's get back to the party."
"So we're fine?" Kai said, shaking his head slowly, "we're good."
Bonnie nodded, "yes, of course."
He ran a hand though his hair, giving it a tousled effect, "If you say so."
She eyed that movement before turning away and walking ahead.
Kai was going to say something else but he was already flooded with introductions from people as Joseph pushed other artists to him, giving Bonnie a clear escape. She quickly evaded his searching eye contact as she found John, she clinked her glass with the man, immediately falling into conversation, avoiding the constant feel of Kai's gaze on her all night.
She was planning to ignore him for the rest of the party and she did just that.
It was a Sunday which meant breakfast at his parents, after living in Chicago for over a decade he had to get back into the normal swing of things in Portland. They tried talking him into going to mass with them but he refused so they decided to grab some food a block away from the church. Kai had to go into the office that Sunday for an hour or so, so it was more convenient for him.
He was dressed in a black tracksuit and gray sweatshirt since he decided to go for a run before meeting up with family. Instead of going to the park, his usual spot, he decided to try the docks instead. The dock was a little cloudy and it still early in the morning but their were people out, jogging or out walking their dog.
He looked out in the water, the fog hovering over it. He was a little transfixed at the sight, wishing he had a camera, he looked to the right and immediately caught sight of the woman ten yards away from him. She had the same idea he did as she held what looked like a pretty pricey camera, she was still for a long moment just taking pictures and he didn't want to disturb her so he stayed still, just watching her. Yes, it's a little creepy but there was a calmness to the woman that he gravitated towards to.
After a minute or so, she placed the camera in her black bag and tied her curly hair in a ponytail, Kai gaped for a moment before calling out her name. He probably shouldn't, he knew she didn't like him or hasn't exactly warmed to him yet. It was about two weeks after he conversed with Bonnie at that party, she confused him, it wasn't exactly mixed signals since it was loud and clear that she didn't like him.
It was just, she'd say something and yet her face would say something else entirely, Bonnie probably realize how utterly transparent she was in her features. Kai liked bluntness, he didn't have time for pussyfooting with people but there's something about that woman; he didn't want to be rude or hurt her feelings. So if Bonnie wanted to be passive and let's face it; fake, then he'll let her be that.
She turned around and to no surprise, she didn't look happy at all to see him but she smiled in that professional way that made Kai want to roll his eyes, "Hello Kai, little early to be seeing you."
"I can say the same for you," Kai said as walked up to her, he had to go by her anyway. "I saw you taking pictures."
"Yeah," Bonnie nodded, "inspiration. This time of the morning is perfect, the sun hits the water and turns it into some whimsy, orange concoction," she paused, "I'm not making any sense."
Kai chuckled, "no, you are."
Tucking an invisible hair behind her ear, she shrugged, "I don't know, it looks great on camera."
"I don't doubt it, can I see your pictures?"
Bonnie bit the inside of her cheek in contemplation and he was going to tell her to forget it, mass was about to end soon anyway. "Sure," she nodded, tentatively taking her camera out, she hesitantly flicked through the pictures she took five minutes ago.
He stood next to her and leaned in, his gaze on her profile, she really did have the prettiest eyes, so round and earthy but there was something so familiar about them; what was it? his gaze quickly moved to the camera when she turned her head slightly, "These are great, Bonnie, seriously beautiful." They really were, obviously since she's an artist she'd have an eye for these kind of things but it appears she's also well versed in the art of photography as well.
She looked up and grinned, her eyes unguarded that Kai was a little taken aback by it but it ended all too soon as if she remembered herself and Kai quickly mourned for it when her eyes resumed their usual caution. "Thanks," she said quietly while turning off her camera and tucking it back in her bag.
"You're welcome," Kai said evenly, swallowing down his disappointment. "I'll let you go, I'm going to meet up with my parents, Sunday tradition."
"Yeah, I do that with my parents but it's every Wednesday," Bonnie looked towards the water again which was clearing up. "So, I'll see you around," she said, tightening her hoodie around her.
Kai gave her a small smile, "I'm sure we will." She raised her hand in farewell and walked the opposite direction. Kai watched her leave, wondering where she actually lived, she must have lived near by since she seemed familiar with the area. Kai shook his head, silently berating himself, it was none of his damn business anyway.
He didn't know how long he was standing there but after a while, he reached for his phone absently when it started to ring, "Hello."
His mother's serious voice was on the other line, "Kai, we're waiting for you, where are you?"
He checked his watch, "Shit. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Language!"
"Sorry."
Bonnie's father owned a restaurant, it was small but cozy and quite popular in the neighbourhood. Bonnie stops by as much as she can, even to help out if they were unfortunately understaffed. Today was that day.
Bonnie wiped the hair back off her forehead as she plopped down on a metal stool. "It's never this crazy."
Rudy handed her a plate of pasta, "thanks for helping, baby."
Bonnie picked up a fork and pointed to the plate, "that's thanks enough, just keep it coming." Her dad sat down besides her and chuckled, "this was your favorite as a kid."
"I used to binge eat this stuff, it's like crack to me."
Rudy grabbed another fork and took a small helping off her plate, "what every father wants to hear." Bonnie smiled as she kept eating, "have a good day?"
Bonnie nodded, covering her mouth as she gulped, "pretty good, yeah. Nothing eventful though." She jumped when a hand crept over her shoulder, aiming for her garlic bread. She recognized the fruity perfume. "Don't you dare." She turned slightly, pointing her fork at her cousin.
"Fine," Lucy shrugged, backing away. She walked to the expansive stove and lifted the lid off a pot, "jack pot."
"You're such a grubber." Bonnie said turning fully around to see Lucy shove a spoon full of pasta in her mouth. Lucy covered her mouth, "you can talk."
Lucy just shrugged as she shoved more food in her mouth, careful not to get it on her white uniform. "Guess who I saw?"
"Too tired to guess," Bonnie sighed, turning around and taking a piece off her bread.
"Kai 'asshole' Parker. Didn't know he was back."
Bonnie could feel her dad stiffen besides her and she couldn't blame him.
After that moment in the auditorium, that Bonnie wished she can just block out, life got a lot harder for her. She was no longer a wall flower but the center of ridicule, the butt of every joke. The bullying intensified and when Bonnie came home with tears in her eyes, her dad always picked up the pieces. To say that Rudy disliked Kai was putting it very mildly.
Bonnie shrugged, "yeah, he moved back." She can feel her father's stare and she smiled, "Dad, I'm fine." She turned to look at him, she saw the worry in his eyes and it made her wonder what she was actually like in her fathers eyes when she was going through a hard time, was really that bad? She was annoyed with how her cheeks burned in embarrassment.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I see him from time to time," she said choosing not to mention how Kai comes by the art gallery to talk to Joesph.
"How?" Rudy's eyes narrowed.
"Yeah, how?" Lucy chimed in.
"It's a small town," Bonnie was met with silence but she shrugged it off and continued to eat.
"If I ever see him, I'm kicking his ass."
Bonnie chuckled at her dad's serious tone, Rudy huffed not amused at her daughters lack of belief in him.
"I'll help," Lucy said as she pulled up a stool, "I'm agile, like a fox. I can tackle him to the ground. Uncle Rudy can start kicking."
Bonnie felt a little guilty at the warmness that enveloped her stomach, how even after all these years her family still holds a little bit of contempt on her behalf. Bonnie shook her head and grinned at the image of tiny Lucy trying to physically bring Kai down. "Go for it."