Disclaimer: I don't own The Vampire Diaries or anything. I just like writing and its been a minute. Hope you all like this and take time to review if you'd like! And to follow! I've recently read a book and its tearing me apart a little, and since I miss these two, I had to do a story to release my inner feelings for both things. This story will be something to pull me (and maybe even you) until the long months of October have reached us. Sigh...

Bonnie stretched as she was finally released from the tiny aircraft. It was the last of several connecting flights from New York and she couldn't be happier to have finally arrived at her destination. Traveling, something that she loved, had become harder and harder to do. Her body just couldn't handle it like before. Its not that she was old, or handicapped or anything, it was just that-

Bonnie abruptly blocked the thought because depression would hit quicker than a sand storm and she wasn't quite ready to fight a breakdown just before seeing the cheery face of her grandmother.

The air whipped her air around her face as she smiled at some of the cargo workers that were manning the luggages. They returned it warmly. It was a simple act, but she couldn't help but feel the overwhelming contentment toward the men as she tucked the hair that escaped her ponytail behind her ear.

"Have a great day." One of them said and she looked up at him as she tugged easily at her oversized bag.

"Thank you. You as well!" Beamed Bonnie before she walked the short ramp that led back into the actual terminal.

Mystic Falls was so tiny it was a miracle there was even an airport so close to the town. Bonnie had been glad there were actual connecting flights that accessed the area because the thought of having a one-person, five hour road trip, didn't appeal to her. Her grams, Sheila, definitely would've drove the distance to pick her up without complaint, but Bonnie couldn't have that.

Finally, walking through the small airport she instantly spotted the woman that shared her complexion and soft curls with a smile that matched her own.

"Grams!" Bonnie couldn't help but run toward the older woman, her bags semi forgotten.

"Hey, baby." She greeted in return and embraced her just as tightly.

"I've missed you."

"Aw, I've missed you, too." They hugged each other for a long minute but it didn't matter to either of them. Bonnie was finally home again and all that distance she'd put herself in the last few years seemed to have vanished between them. Proximity being the only thing either of them could recall.

"You look well, Bonnie." Sheila nodded approvingly. Bonnie glanced down at herself. Surely, her grandmother had just been saying it to be nice. She spent hours in flights and layovers and after a canceled flight she was just surprised her hair was still cooperating in its ponytail. Her clothes hung loosely around her torso, her jeans a little baggy, a little too baggy for Bonnie's liking, but thats how she'd been sporting them lately. Her hands and skin were a caramel color but it still had a translucence that made her uncomfortable. She'd been so used to her skin being vibrant and spritely. She made a mental note to spend sometime in the Virginian summer sun. Looking back at her grams with an appreciative smile she assessed the woman in return. Her grandmother, even in her late 60's was looking good. Her wild curls were beautiful as always, with her discreet eyeliner and even discreeter smile. Bonnie always loved her eyes, they seemed to smile secretly at her, as if trying to invite one into her mind. Or like she was trying to figure out what Bonnie knew about anything, so that she too, could absorb it all.

"You look…young!" And it was the truth. Sheila playfully scoffed at her granddaughter as she reached behind her to wheel the luggage toward the trunk of her car.

They chatted eagerly as they loaded Bonnie's bags and climbed into the car.

"Thanks again, for letting me stay with you." She had said when the conversation reached a peaceful lull.

"Where else would I rather you be? I'm happy you're here with me. Save your thanks, child." Sheila spoke so cavalierly and Bonnie knew it was partly for her benefit. That realization brought on more guilt than she could've imagined.

"I know that, but I still think its appropriate." Replied Bonnie as she tried to look nonchalant with her shrug. Her grandmother simply looked at her long enough for Bonnie to know she shouldn't say much else on the matter. She went from feeling guilty to foolish.

Their car ride fell into another bout of silence that neither of them seemed to mind. Whether that had something to do with each of them being lost in their thoughts, or that nothing much else could really be said right now, Bonnie couldn't tell.

Maybe it was both.

Sooner than expected Sheila pulled up to her long time home. Bonnie smiled at the fact that nothing much changed aside from the plants that hung above the porch. Her grandmother had always been one with nature, and seeing what they were, it was understandable.

Bonnie learned, what felt like a lifetime ago, that she came from a long line of witches. Yes, yes, she knows, it sounds crazy, but it was true. Ask Bonnie to set her ex's car on fire, just ask her, and she'll gladly demonstrate for you.

The women worked together to put Bonnie's things at the foot of the stairs.

"Your room is still yours. I haven't changed anything since you moved." Bonnie nodded and threw an arm around Sheila's shoulders before placing a kiss to her cheek. She instantly remembered all the abandoned pictures left on the walls along with its memories. She slightly wished her grandmother had took everything down. But of course she hadn't. A new wave of love and appreciation soared through Bonnie, Sheila had been the one great constant in her life.

"I'm gonna unpack, then I'm gonna cook you some dinner!" Bonnie exclaimed so cheerily she almost missed the guilty expression Sheila wore. "What's wrong?"

"Actually, I was thinking we could go out for dinner tonight. Elena and Caroline heard you were coming back and insisted you meet them for dinner tonight."

Bonnie's back went rigid. She held nothing against her childhood friends. In fact, she missed them. She hadn't spoken to them since she left home almost six years ago, it was a wonder they'd want to meet up with her. Especially Caroline. That girl could hold a grudge so heavy, it would make a forklift jealous.

"They want to see me?" Sheila nodded.

"Oh, yes. Very much. I know they've missed you."

"Do they know why I'm back?"

"They know you just want to be somewhere quiet for the time being. Nothing more is their business." Bonnie nodded, her good mood seemed to have diminished a little. Her good mood slipped as Sheila's anxiety grew.

"Yeah, then I think I would like that." Sheila beamed, managing to look completely relieved while doing so.

"Great!"

Bonnie was right. Caroline could hold a grudge. It seemed she still wasn't over what happened back in 2010. Elena, poor girl, always the mediator and tender one of the three, had tucked her long, raven hair back for the zillionth time during their short time at dinner.

"So tell us, how was Europe?!" Elena gushed. Bonnie would've believed it were 100% genuine, if it weren't for the hesitation in her smile.

"Well, lets see… Amsterdam is beautiful. Italy, has the best food, and gelato. And Greece… don't let me get started on Greece. I haven't quite made it to eastern Europe, but I don't know. Maybe one day…" Bonnie continued to tell of her adventures in said places and even touched up on Norway and Ireland. Elena's eyes were lit with admiration, even Caroline was beginning to thaw as she eagerly asked Bonnie questions.

"When you go back and visit eastern Europe, tell me. I'd love to come."

"Yeah, maybe one day I'll return." Elena looked dubious at her old friend.

"'Maybe?' Yeah right, Bon. You'll be back." She replied as she smirked mischievously in her mug that contained some of the best hot cocoa Bonnie had ever tasted.

"I wish I could travel." Caroline huffed, he head in her hand. "To see the places you've seen." There was a twinge of jealousy in Bonnie as she smiled encouragingly at her friend.

"Caroline, you're still young. You have so much time left."

"Yeah, well, I don't have an inheritance waiting for me. Or even a sugar daddy that could pay for me." The girls laughed as Bonnie playfully shoved Caroline for her callousness.

"Get out of here!" She exclaimed and Elena raised her eyebrows in agreement with Bonnie.

"What?!" Asked a confused Caroline. "I'm serious!"

Elena playfully rolled her eyes as their blonde friend spoke up again. "No, but seriously. I'm sorry. I don't want you to think the inheritance thing was a sting at you. I know you would rather have him then that."

Bonnie offered a forgiving smirk. "I know, Care. And thank you." Bonnie's father was the senator in their district. He was constantly between Mystic Falls and D.C. which meant he was always away but Bonnie hadn't realized he invested a lot into stocks, too. So when he passed, and since her mother was long gone, all his earnings went to her. He was a wise man, if he didn't get into politics, he definitely could've made it as a stockbroker, or investment partner, a financial assistant, or whatever. Long story short, he was loaded-or she was now, she supposed. Bonnie left a few of his stocks in the market via the advice of one of her father's closest friends. She was happy to have listened to him because they seemed to be doing very well.

Mystic Falls had a different air in the early hours of the day. The beginning of summer was here, but the air still held the crispness of spring. Something Bonnie was really happy about. She enjoyed the chill. Much to her delighted surprise, quite a few shops were already opened. There was the coffee shop which had a line going out the door, the local grocery store that seemed to almost always be open, maybe for the convenience for the citizens of the small town. There were restaurants and even a bookstore at the end of the main street that were open. She quietly walked into a promising looking little restaurant. She should more say it smelt promising. The scent of waffles and syrup immediately filled Bonnie's lungs as she opened the doors and it smelt like heaven. Taking a seat along the counter she smiled at the waitress that immediately greeted her. She handed her a menu and Bonnie took it almost eagerly. Grams had left earlier than Bonnie even woke. The university was a good hour and a half drive, so it was necessary for Sheila to leave town early. That just left Bonnie alone, she didn't feel like eating anything as soon as she got up, but the smell of the food in what was 'Bella's Diner' was enough to emerge her appetite.

Upon ordering coffee, Bonnie also ordered a large stack of banana pancakes with over easy eggs and bacon. She sighed contentedly as the pancakes practically melted in her mouth. She had just begun to fully indulge in her hot meal when Bonnie heard Elena's voice from behind her.

"Bonnie! Hey!" She turned with her mouth full of eggs when she spotted her childhood friend being flanked by two rather handsome men. Maybe they are brothers?

"Hey!" She greeted in return after swallowing the eggs. Elena approached then and Bonnie was able to take a closer look at the men who were scooting into a booth near the window. One of them was a bit taller, with light brown hair and gentle green eyes. The other was the least bit shorter, with the dark hair and alabaster skin that contrasted in a way that was pleasing to her eyes. And speaking of eyes, unlike his counterpart with the inviting green eyes, his were almost icy. And blue. The clearest, coldest, brightest blue eyes she'd ever seen. Bonnie's eyes traveled south as she saw that his arms were practically protruding from the sleeves of his shirt and were wired with veins that showed how much he worked out. She was pulled out of her ogling when Elena placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry, what was that?"

"I asked if you'd like to join us." Asked Elena again and Bonnie found her gaze drifting toward the booth by the window. She ducked her head when she was met with a curious glance from the boy with the brown hair. He smiled politely at her when they made eye contact and she instantly agreed.

Elena helped her friend move her food and belongings over toward where the men were sitting. Elena settled next to the brown haired boy who's name was Stefan and Bonnie had no choice but to sit next to icy blue. She soon found his name was Damon. From this angle she could tell Damon had been the eldest of the two and that they were in fact, brothers. The resemblance was subtle, but it was there.

"So where are you from, Bonnie?" Asked Stefan-who was also Elena's boyfriend-with polite curiosity. Their food had arrived and Bonnie still hadn't gotten over the fact that Damon ordered nothing but their strongest alcohol. To his dismay, and her amusement, he was informed the furthest thing that had a kick to it was the orange juice. He gave a lousy smile and nodded that he'd take a glass.

"Well, I'm from here."

"I haven't seen you around these parts."

"Yeah, I left back in 2010." She answered Damon who managed to look completely aloof and invested all at once. He gave a noncommittal response as he looked over at his brother with wide eyes. Bonnie's narrowed in response. What was that?

"Why'd you leave?" Stefan asked, ignoring his brother. Bonnie stopped mid stab of the last of her pancakes, her eyes traveling up to Elena who also seemed to be stumped at the unexpected question. Bonnie swallowed a little too loudly, and that seemed to catch Damon's attention. His gaze shifted to her, his head still planted in his propped hand.

"U-um.."

"School?" Stefan inquired. Picking up on the shift of her hesitation.

"No, I went to see the world." Both brothers's eyebrows lifted at this.

"Oh?"

"You can't be more than, what, 23? You couldn't have seen that much of the world." Damon provoked and Bonnie's eyes snapped to his. She narrowed it as she read the challenge there. She wanted to comply but remembered life was way too short to flex your muscles at things that didn't matter.

"Damon…" Elena's voice was reprimanding.

"What? Am I lying?"

"Its okay, Elena. If I've learned anything its that people who have little meaning to their lives try to make others' feel as little as they do." There was an uncomfortable shift in the couple before her and she lightly heard a scoff to her right from the man beside her. The man with the icy blue eyes. Who's eyes seemed to reflect his soul. It was in that moment Bonnie felt completely sorry for him. She grieved for this man and that feeling overtook any anger she could possibly feel anymore. Like she said before, life was too short.

"Anyway, I hope you guys have a good day. My breakfast is about gone and I really should be heading back." Bonnie said, reaching for enough cash to cover her bill and tip.

"Do you have to leave so soon?" Elena near begged and Bonnie looked at her apologetically.

"Yes. Grams wanted me to do some things around the house and I prefer to get my chores done early."

"Would you call me later? When you're free?" Elena's voice was borderline sad and the tone was almost enough to break Bonnie's reverie.

"Sure. Thanks for inviting me over to your table. It was nice to meet you, Stefan. Goodbye, Damon." Bonnie had her brave voice on and she knew it, and she knew Elena knew it and that bothered her more than it should.

Bonnie spared a last smirk at Elena and quickly turned toward the exit before anyone could say anything else. She didn't think she'd really call Elena. For as bad as it sounds, it was already decided that she wouldn't the moment she agreed.

Running was one of the few things she'd enjoyed before. She could run for miles on end. She loved the feeling of her muscles expanding and retracting throughout her body. Her thighs seemed to stretch further than she imagined and it made her feel like she was flying. There was a weightless to the activity that many people overlooked. Some found it a burden, dragging, but not Bonnie. She loved the feel of the wind rushing past her face and through her hair, the sheen film of sweat on her back and chest as her feet met the pavement. Very little things compared.

Perched on a bench in the neighboring park the very next day, she found herself observing the runners listening to their earphones as they breezed past her. Some of them looked how Bonnie once felt. Like they were in their element, like they met something that was harmonious to their soul. Then others looked miserable. Like they were doing it because it was healthy and something you should do. She couldn't help but smile at that when she glanced down at her journal.

It seems she found her own miserable work out. This journal. How people found them comforting was beyond her. They seemed to display all of one's frustrations with no actual solution and that bugged her. What good was talking about it when it fixed nothing. Still, it was something she'd promised a friend she would do, and thats how she was going to spend her days now. Staring into the face of blank pages that slowly filled with trivial thoughts and musings, things Bonnie hated and loved, and things, most importantly, that she would never visit again.

She held the true pain close to her heart, no amount of journalling would help her face the inevitable.