Sitting in her bedroom, Bonnie was so busy scribbling down notes as she voraciously read through her grimoire that she didn't hear a door open and close downstairs.
Ever since she'd met Professor Shane, Bonnie had to admit that she was becoming more and more interested in the full extent of her powers. Before she met him, she knew she wielded a certain amount of power. At least enough power where it made her a hot commodity along the East Coast.
It wasn't something she was particularly proud of at the time, but it was the truth. Unfortunately, there was a shortage of Bennett witches and word had quickly got around of her existence and her selflessness.
But now, she was embarking on a whole new journey and it was exciting and exhilarating, even. She never knew she could tap into some of the powers that Shane opened her eyes to. There was always limits and embargos on the things she could and couldn't do.
But not with this new form of magic Shane had introduced her to - expression.
When she used it for the first time, it scared her. She wasn't sure what it was, but it almost felt wrong. It felt like she was cheating, but Shane had explained to her that it wasn't cheating if it was her own magic.
He was right - it was her magic.
There was nothing deceptive about using her own magic and unlocking certain parts of herself to open herself up to more magic. No, nothing at all.
"Bonnie!" The voice exclaimed making Bonnie drop her grimoire on the floor along with her pen and journal.
"Didn't you hear me calling you?"
"No, Dad. I didn't hear you. I was a little preoccupied, at the moment." Bonnie explained.
"What did I tell you about using your magic?" Rudy questioned.
"I wasn't using my magic! I was just doing some research. There's nothing wrong with me finding out more about where I come from and about my family."
"But this is more than just that, isn't it? Bonnie, this is more than you just doing research on your family tree. You're dabbling in some seriously dangerous magic, and you're being taken for a ride." Rudy said.
"I'm not! I know what I'm doing. I've been doing this for awhile now, and it's funny how you think you can just waltz back into my life after not being around for most of it." Bonnie argued.
"I've apologized multiple times, and I don't know what else to say to make you understand why I had to leave. Maybe that's not what you want to hear, but I am trying. I'm trying to make up for lost time. I'm trying to make up for what I did. Please let me." Rudy begged.
"If only it were that simple, Dad. Growing up without you and mom, things were different for me. I didn't have the same things that other kids had. My childhood wasn't as full of love and joy." Bonnie said. "I wish you coming back and trying to buy back my love was enough to fix it. I really did, but it's not."
"If you're not ready to forgive me for leaving, then that's your prerogative. You have every right to feel that way. All I ask is that you don't continue dabbling into this magic as a way to get back at me."
"You're still not listening to me! This has nothing to do with you. This has everything to do with me. It's not about you or Mom. Not this time. This has to do with me, and what I need to do." Bonnie explained.
Rudy looked at his daughter as if he didn't recognize her before releasing a deep sigh. He knew there wasn't anything he could do right now. Maybe it was best to shelf this argument for the time being, because neither one of them were getting anywhere.
He wanted so badly to fix their relationship, but he knew it would take a lot more than this. The presence of Professor Shane in her life was simply causing more harm than good. He'd gotten inside of her head, and infected her thinking with pretty words and calming tones.
There was nothing he could do about Professor Shane for right now, but he was already planning his next move to protect his daughter and this town. Whether Bonnie wanted him to or not.
"Okay, honey. Let's just step away from this conversation and give ourselves some time to cool off. I'll leave you to your research." Rudy said.
Bonnie threw him a small one-sided smile as she watched him walk out of her room before closing the door behind him.
She didn't know how to make him understand why she had to do this. It was important that she learn how to get a better handle of her new magical abilities if she was going to protect Mystic Falls.
It was times like these where she wished she had someone to talk to. Suddenly, she was struck with an odd idea. She didn't know why she hadn't thought of this before.
It was perfect!
Grabbing her cell phone, she scrolled through her contacts before pressing 'send' on her phone. She listened to the phone ring a few times before she heard a voice on the other end.
"Hey, it's me."
"Cuz, I know it's you. I do have caller ID, you know? What's the point in having a cell phone if it can't do that?"
"Lucy, I don't know what to do. I've been learning this new form of magic with one of Grams' old co-workers and my dad doesn't think I should be doing this."
"New form of magic? What kind of magic, Bonnie?"
"Shane called it 'expression', but I don't know much about it."
"That doesn't sound good. If I remember correctly, expression was less on the magic fueled by the earth and nature side and more on the fueled by spirits of people killed in horrific ways and dark magic side. Please don't tell me that's what he's teaching you."
"You make it seem like we're killing puppies, Lucy. It's not that bad."
"Oh, but it is. I know you're new to this whole magic thing. But one of the few things I was taught was to stay far, far away from magic that didn't use natural elements of the earth."
"I can take care of myself, and you're sounding like my father."
"Rudy may be wrong about a lot of things, but he's probably right about this. I would listen to him, Bon." Lucy stated.
Bonnie rolled her eyes at Lucy's words. She loved her cousin dearly, but she didn't understand. She didn't understand what it felt like to be pushed around and used for her magic until there was nothing left. She didn't know what it felt like to be rendered helpless and powerless, even though she had this arsenal of magic under her belt.
"You're right; there's nothing good that can come from this. There's a reason why Grams never told me about this kind of magic." Bonnie lied. "Hey, look Luce, I have to go. We should catch up sometime whenever you're free."
"It's a date." Lucy said. "But please remember what I said; I would hate to watch you be consumed by this magic. It's bad news."
"Don't worry; you've given me some great advice. I'll talk to you soon!" Bonnie replied before hanging up without waiting for Lucy's reply.
She didn't need any more lecturing; she needed someone to understand why she had to do this.
Her family treated her like she was made of glass, and it was irritating. For as long as the adults in her life were off busy trying to find themselves, she did just fine on her own. It was annoying having to go through the process of dealing with adults who thought they knew best after taking a break from her life for fifteen years. She didn't blame Lucy, at least not really. Their conversation just served as a reminder of what she needed to do.
Bending down to pick up her supplies from the floor, she went back to work.
There's not much in the way of Kennett or Klonnie in this chapter, but be patient. We need to lay the foundation for some other things before we can move on to the good stuff. There's a method to my madness, and all I ask is that you trust me on this.
This was an easy chapter to write, which means I have a decent grip on Bonnie's character. Her voice is really loud, so I'm able to really capture the essence of it enough to deliver another chapter to all you lovely people so soon.
I really appreciate all the lovely comments I received on my first chapter. I reply to all my comments, so never stop giving me your feedback. I also appreciate my silent readers, as well. You may not comment, but I still see the hit count so I know you guys are reading.
