Author's Note: Hey all, so… I know that I have a few unfinished fics and I've been working on them, I'm just a bit stuck. I've been hooked on this idea for a long while, so… here goes nothing. Enjoy and be kind. Or don't. Lol. Eventual Bonnie/Stefan/Damon.


I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Brand New Day" by Ryan Star


Chapter One:


~*.*~
'I stayed in one place for too long,
Gotta get on the run again.
I saw the one thing that I want…
Hell bent, get out of bed

I'm throwing rocks at your window;
You're tying the bed-sheets together.
They say we're dreaming too big,
I say this town's too small.

Dream; send me a sign.
Turn back the clock; give me some time.
I need to break out and make a new name.
Let's open our eyes to a brand new day.
It's a brand new day.'
~*.*~


I can't believe it's Friday already. I'll be trapped here in the house for an entire weekend. It's sad that school and work is my only solace. I'm saving for the day that I can leave this place. There are too many bad memories in this town. There's just something about this house that's toxic. It's beyond the adoptive parentals. It's just everything.

My dad and my grandfather died in this town. My mother abandoned me in this town. It really is a long story now that I think about it.

My mom left me and my dad when I was young. Not long after she left, my father passed away. It was a hard time. I was convinced that my life couldn't get worse. I'd been seeing a lot of my grandmother but my granddad had a stroke. It was a dismal blur of death and depression. Because of the death of my grandfather, a judge saw Grams unfit to take custody of me.

I got put into foster care. I got bounced around for a little while but it didn't take long for a couple to snatch me up. They seemed nice enough. But, that's how it always starts out, isn't it? They seem nice, they say the right things, they provide for you, they get you roped in and everything goes straight to hell.

I think I had only been there for a month when it started. I was in the bathroom getting out of the bath when David walked in. He said he needed to check on me and it was an accident, but it didn't stop happening. When I finally had the nerve to tell Sharon about it, she told me that I was being paranoid and he was just being cautious like any good father should.

I dropped a glass a few days later and it shattered. It went everywhere. Sharon had a field day. She was livid. I had seen her upset before, but this was a whole different ball game. She looked murderous. I didn't even see her hand until I felt the sting. I froze with shock. She told me that I needed to be careful and to clean up the mess. She hated a mess. She never apologized, but they never do.

Ever since that day, it escalated. David likes to cop a feel whenever he gets the chance. I'm honestly surprised that he's never taken it farther than he has. I think part of him knows that it's wrong.

It's twisted. In some ways, they act like hardcore parents, no matter who's around. When it comes to school, nothing less than perfection is acceptable. Sharon loves hearing about the guys at school. I think she misses her youth, so she clings to mine. She tries to mosey her way into my life as much as possible. She tries to be my friend. It's like dealing with a bomb. I never know when she'll go off or what will set her off. I didn't want to try on clothes with her while she was shopping so she cracked my rib.

My life isn't something I'd wish on anybody. I haven't seen my grandmother in so long. I can't remember the last time I saw her. They used to allow visits but that changed after the first few years I was with them. I was theirs. They made damned sure I knew it.

One thing they didn't take was my name. I kept my name, last name and all. That was Grams' only request. She fought tooth and nail for it. They hate that I look like her. It's like a constant reminder that I'm not completely theirs. I relish in it.

"Bonnie! Your breakfast is getting cold! Your mother wants to talk to you!" David yelled. I sighed. My shower wasn't over fast enough. I've mastered three minute showers, shaving and all. I threw on my clothes, finished taking care of my hygiene and booked it downstairs.

"Morning," I grumbled. He smirked, trying to rape my body through my clothes with his eyes.

"Bonnie, I wanted to ask if you had any plans this weekend." Sharon asked. I shrugged.

"Just work, nothing important. I might grab coffee with Caroline, if it's alright." I looked at her, avoiding her eyes. Sharon beamed.

"Of course, you know I love Caroline. I think it's great you've made a friend. I do wish you would mingle with some of the boys your age. You're so pretty. When I was your age, I had to beat the boys off with a stick." She looked content, lost in a memory. Sharon is young, especially for a mother. She's in her early thirties. She's gorgeous, blonde hair, perfect smile. Caroline is her wet dream.

"I talk to guys; I just keep it platonic. I'm not good with people like you are."

"You'll get there someday. Just give it time. It'll rub off on you, I'm sure." Sharon bustled around the kitchen, getting everyone something to drink. It's like living with the Stepford housewives… meets an episode of rampaging psychopath.

"Liz wants me to file tomorrow morning and I have a double shift tomorrow afternoon at the grill. I'm taking Jeremy's shift. He wants to take Vicki somewhere special for her birthday."

"He's still with Vicki, huh? She's a pretty one." David added in. He's so gross. Not physically. Physically, he's built like a god. His arms would make any other woman salivate. He has short brown hair and soft brown eyes to boot. He doesn't do too much of the hitting. He just eggs on Sharon. He's always feeling on me. They complete each other sick, fucked-up puzzle. I couldn't understand it if I tried.

"You should make more of an effort, Bonnie. You would get a date if you put some effort into your appearance. I can give you a makeover this weekend, if you want." She looked at me, hopefully. I shrugged, meekly.

"I don't know if I'll have time this weekend. I'm working for most of it." I started eating my food. She didn't like it when things went to waste. My food went flying out of my hand.

"Why do you always have to fight me?!" She screamed. I clamped my mouth shut. Arguing just makes things worse and drags it out longer. She pushed me out of my chair.

Never fight back. Sometimes that's the only thing that keeps you alive.

She pulled me up by my hair. I was careful not to wince. She brought her knee into my stomach and let me go. I doubled over on the floor.

"All I try to do is help you like any mother would and you just push me away. It hurts me when you spit in my face, Bonnie!" She screeched. David pulled me up and held me in place. She slammed her fist into my shoulder. "You're going to let me help you, Bonnie. Do you understand?" She asked in a dangerously low voice. I nodded. "Good, now finished your juice while I clean up this mess. I can't have you late for school now, can I?"

"Thank you Sharon." I told her quietly. She smiled and started cleaning.

"Why do you have to go and fight with her this early in the morning? We were having a perfectly good start. You know better than that Bonnie. I want to speak to upstairs. Go on. Finish your juice first." David said. I nodded and gulped down my juice. Shit. Double shit. I don't want to know what he's going to do.

Show no fear.

I took the stairs one at a time. I still have an hour before I have to leave for school. He can do so much in an hour. I hate this. They're always so careful not to leave visible marks. Sometimes I really, really, hate them for being smart.

I got to my room and sat on my bed. He came in and shut my door. He licked his lips and pulled me to my feet. He cupped my face and started pressing kisses on my jaw. He made his way to my neck.

"Take off your shirt; let me see what's hurting." This is something that started somewhat recently. David's been obsessed with "taking care of me" after Sharon beats me. He's a doctor. He tries to kiss away my injuries before he does something to treat them. He's always so gentle with his affection. I think that's what scares me the most. There's no doubt that he really does love me. It's just so misplaced and wrong on so many levels. He's always so careful with me and it always makes me hate myself just a little bit more. I'm numb to it now. I'm numb to all of it.

"My shoulder and my ribs."

"Oh, Bonnie. You need to be more careful." He kissed my shoulder and laid me on my bed. He took of my jeans, expertly.

I wonder what Sharon's thinking about. She has to know this is happening. I told her he would feel on me when I was younger. I was so naïve back then.

"I know. I'm sorry." I whispered. He took off my underwear and started his version of massage therapy.


"Earth to Bonnie, hello?" Caroline waved a hand in front of my face. I jumped a little bit.

"I'm sorry Care; I'm just tired. I didn't mean to space out on you." I gave her a small smile. She laughed.

"It's no big. Do you want to get pizza before your shift? You have to be at the Grill anyway and Matt needs a way to get some 'man-bonding' with the new guy and Tyler." Caroline pleaded. I shrugged.

"Sure, why not. We just need to stop by my place so I can grab my work clothes first. Okay?"

"Yay. I knew you'd see the light." Caroline beamed. She started rattling on about how she was happy she wasn't dating anyone. Matt and Tyler both have eyes for her. Personally, I think it's just a matter of time before she and Tyler end up together. They'd be awesome for each other.


"Sharon! Are you home?" I called out. Caroline and I walked into the living room. Sharon popped her head of the kitchen, beaming.

"Bonnie, how was school?" She asked.

"It was good. I wanted to ask if it was okay to get pizza with Caroline and the guys." I asked, looking hopeful.

"Stefan Salvatore is gonna be there. He's five shades of hot and I think he and Bonnie would totally hit it off." Caroline added. She knows her weakness. Boys. It's always been boys.

"Oh Bonnie-bee, I'm so glad you're taking my advice. You don't know how much that means to me. Of course it's okay. Just don't work too hard. I worry about you. Make sure you wear that lip gloss I got for you. He won't be able to resist it." Sharon sang. I nodded and bolted upstairs with Caroline on my heels. Caroline has never asked, but I think she suspects something. No matter how hard they try, Sharon and David aren't completely picture-perfect.


"Hey Bonnie, I'm glad you came." Stefan smiled at me. I blushed.

"I just couldn't resist. Food is always my weakness."

"And here I thought it was the company that would entice you. I'm hurt." Stefan teased.

"You'll live." I told him.

"I'll try." He ate a bit of pizza. We made conversation. Sometimes I forget how much I enjoy company. It's nice having everyone around. It's like things are perfect – for once. It ended too soon. But, then again, it always does.

"Bonnie," Stefan said as I got up from the table. I raised my eyebrows. "Can I have your number? I was going to text you earlier, and see if you were coming and I realized I didn't have it." I nodded and put it in his phone. "Smile," he took my picture. I chuckled and took his picture with his information.

I floated on cloud 9 for most of the night. I drove home in a content silence. I was surprised when Sharon was waiting up for me at home. Normally she's asleep.

"How did tonight go? Tell me everything." She gushed. I beamed. It's so hard not to accept her affection when it's offered. It's warped, but I love making her happy.

"It was awesome. Stefan asked for my number." I told her. She looked wide-eyed but smiled.

"See, I knew you could do it." She grinned. I nodded. "We'll get up early tomorrow so I can give you your make-over before work. Okay? How does that sound?" She asked. I hesitated. "Is my help not good enough?" She asked, getting angry.

"It's not that. I swear. I just have to be at the station at seven tomorrow morning and I know how much you like sleeping in on the weekend." I rambled, hurriedly. She backhanded me. Shit, that's gonna leave a mark.

"What did I tell you earlier?! You never listen! Let me help you!" She yelled, punching my sides as she went.

"Okay. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! What time in the morning?" I asked, trying not to whimper. She stood up and gave me an eerie smile.

"I'll wake you up at five-thirty. How does that sound?"

"It sounds perfect. Thank you." I told her, watching to see if she'd do anything else. She walked away and I stood up.

"Oh, I think David is waiting for you in your bedroom. Go take care of your father, Bonnie. It's your job to keep him happy. You'll have to do the same for your husband someday. You may as well start now. Nothing's free Bonnie. Nothing." She went upstairs. I stared after her. My pocket buzzed. I pulled it out of my pocket. It's Stefan.

"Hello?" I asked, quietly.

"Hey beautiful, I just wanted to hear your voice. I was thinking about you." Stefan said. It took everything in my body not to cry.

"It's really nice to hear yours right now."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, it's just been a long night. You know?"

"I understand completely. I wanted to ask if you wanted to have dinner with me next week." He sounded almost nervous.

"Like a date?" My voice shook a little bit.

"Think of it as a 'want-to-get-to-know-you-better-friends-non-date' thing. I'll cook for you." He offered. I chuckled.

"Sure, it sounds nice."

"What day is good for you?"

"I have Tuesday off."

"Tuesday it is. I'll see you at school. Sweet dreams, Bonnie."

"Sleep tight, Stefan." I pocketed my phone. At least I have something to look forward to.


~*.*~
'I've taken hits like a brawler,
But I'm getting back up again.
And from the moment I saw her,
I was hell bent on heaven sent.

I'm throwing rocks at your window.
We're leaving this place together.
They say we're flying too high,
We'll get used to looking up.

Dream; send me a sign.
Turn back the clock; give me some time.
I need to break out and make a new name.
Let's open our eyes to the brand new day.
It's a brand new day.'
~*.*~


Author's Note: Alright my pretties, I'm trying out a different writing style. Let me know what you think. Love to get your feedback. Please review.

Xo Xo
Anneryn