First Encounter
Bonnie woke up for the first time Sunday morning without that overwhelming feeling of dread and sadness that had permeated her every waking hour since Grams died a week ago. The sun was bright and warmed her caramel-colored skin through the window as she lay in bed, her cream-colored sheets rumpled around her, all soft and cozy. She stretched her arms, and remembering, quickly reached for the silver charm she had begun to wear, to make sure it was still there. Elena and Stefan had given it to her – it was an oval filigree locket filled with vervain. According to Grams, Bonnie's powers would help her resist any vampire compulsion, but not if she was in a weakened state such as the deep melancholy she was currently absorbed by. Hmmm… powers. It was time, thought Bonnie, to begin working on them again.
By the time she was dressed in a leaf-patterned tunic and jeans combo she favored, and thrown on a long olive-green crocheted cardigan that had been Gram's, it was still early in the day. Stuffing her tan suede satchel with an energy bar, bottle of water, journal and pen, she jumped on her bike and headed for the woods. There was a spot by the riverbank where a huge boulder under a shady tree was one of her favorite places to read and do homework. Why not add "cast spells" to the list.
As she traversed the narrow dirt pathways carved by hikers and mountain bikers, deep in thought, she failed to notice a black bird fly overhead. Nor did she detect how it circled back and followed her all the way to her destination, and then perched on the highest branch of a nearby oak tree. She threw her bike on the forest floor, and walked purposefully towards the water. She loved looking at and listening to moving, sparkling, gurgling water – it seemed to match her own spirit and her mood, especially the random, chaotic thoughts that were filling her mind right now. That would not do. She had to focus if she wanted to improve her craft.
Pulling out her journal, Bonnie reviewed some notes she had written when she had first begun to be able to control fire. It seemed fitting to begin with fire as it was the only element missing from around her,. as she stood on muddy ground next to the river and breathed in fresh air scented with pine and earth.
Bonnie held out her hand towards a twig floating lazily in the current and concentrated. Her thoughts were about warm and hot and combustion and licks of flame. Her head felt hot and she could feel energy in her hand. She closed her eyes and held her breath. When she opened them, she saw… the twig looking just as wet as before, drifting slowly away. "Well, of course trying to light a wet piece of wood on fire is going be pretty hard" said Bonnie out loud to herself. "Twig one, Bonnie zero."
Just then a caw rang out, making her jump. It sounded a bit like laughter. She looked up and saw nothing but a gorgeous blue sky, and, in the direction of the woods, leafy branches criss-crossing in a soothing nature pattern. Bonnie shrugged it off and decided, danger be dammed, to try practicing her fire-starting on dry land where she had a more reasonable shot of succeeding. She tied her long curls back and pushed up her sleeves with renewed determination. She focused her energy on a crumpled up chocolate wrapper that was resting on a rocky patch at the foot of the boulder. She thought about rising temperatures and chemical reactions and flames. She reached out her hand, closed her eyes, and felt energy build up in her hand. Bonnie could feel her hand getting warmer as she willed her power to leave her hand and leap to the chocolate wrapper. She opened her eyes. Nothing had happened.
Bonnie felt like stamping her feet and throwing a tantrum. She had always been a good student and did well in any school subject she attempted. So, why was she not able to do this? Another "caw" sounded out, startling her considerably. She glanced around as the bird seemed to be rather close by. She felt goose bumps along her spine, and the hairs on the back of her neck started to prickle. She was being watched.
Foolish girl, she thought to herself. Coming out to the woods early in the morning when they were deserted was such a ridiculously thoughtless thing to do when there were vampires loose in Mystic Falls. And no one knew where she was. She ran to her bag, determined to take her bike and ride out of the woods as fast as humanly (or would that be witchily?) possible. She heard the sound of leaves crackling behind her, spun around quickly, and found herself facing Damon Salvatore who was somehow just an arms-length away from her. He was dressed in his usual black, elegant in a supple Italian leather jacket and stylish boots. A smirk on his face, he drawled "Well, fancy meeting you here Bonnie."
Bonnie had frozen in place. She knew it would be impossible to outrun him, and so didn't try. She regarded him as one would a wild animal. One who had rabies. "Hello Damon" she said. She felt proud her voice hadn't quavered – somehow she knew if he sensed her fear, he would enjoy it. "I'll be on my way now" she said with a feigned nonchalance she clearly didn't feel. "You stay and enjoy the river" she added conversationally and began walking unsteadily towards her bike.
"Where are you going Bonnie?" asked Damon, his eyes never leaving Bonnie's face. "I just got here." Bonnie had managed to walk several steps away from him, but suddenly he was again right next to her. He could smell the clean, soapy scent on her skin and hair, mingled with something else -- the fragrance of her very desirable rare and powerful witch's blood. He could see her doing her best to not shake as she continued backing away. The terror he could see reflected in her eyes was intoxicating.
"I'm leaving, Damon" she stated. "You will let me leave." She had hoped it would sound strong and matter-of-fact. But Damon easily detected the tremor and fear in her voice. He smiled and suddenly his hand was curved tightly around Bonnie's wrist. He pulled her closer towards him and gazed longingly at her graceful and unblemished neck. Her skin was smooth as milky tea and he could see her life-giving blood pulsing sweetly through her veins. He leaned over, and gave her throat an experimental lick. Delicious.
It was at this point that Bonnie broke out of whatever fear-induced trance she had been in the grip of and pulled her arm hard, to snap it out of Damon's hold. She took several steps backwards and tumbled to the forest floor, but even so she already had her hand out, steady and controlled as she focused all of her firepower energy at Damon. A bolt of energy sparked from her fingertips towards Damon and hit him squarely in his chest. He flew backwards several feet and fell, singed and smoky, against a large tree that was, luckily for him, right next to the river. With a cry, Damon leaped into the water, to ensure that he was completely put out. "You owe me a new jacket" he called out, looking up to see Bonnie rapidly pedaling away, putting greater distance between the two of them by the second. He gazed after her, his eyes dark but thoughtful. The little witch had surprised him.