CHAPTER THREE

The steaming water felt pleasant on Bonnie's skin. The shower felt like it was cleansing her soul. She stood there with her head resting on the side of the tile and was lost in her thoughts. Somehow, Damon had made her feel violated on the cliffs tonight. And, Elena – she had never seen her like that before. Well, only once. When she had her humanity off. Bonnie was trying to comprehend what was happening.

Finally, the water started to chill, and she stepped out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around her body and her head, she walked over to the mirror and wiped off the steam. Her chocolate eyes looked anxious. She had aged tonight.

She sank under the heavy comforter with a sigh. It felt good to be back in her hotel room and away from the perceived danger. Her eyelids were heavy, and she gave into sleep gratefully. Presently, she began to dream.

Her boot stepped carefully over the dead crinkled leaves. She would know these woods anywhere. She was in Mystic Falls near the ruined church. Her head was pounding in anticipation, but she didn't know exactly what she was waiting for. Eventually, she heard a foot step behind her and she spun around peering into the darkness of the forest. The fullness of the moon gave some light, but the canopy of the trees blocked out most. Speaking her spell, a small fire appeared before her and light thankfully appeared.

Watching carefully, she saw a slender form emerge from the clearing of the trees. It was Elena. Bonnie knew somewhere deep in her mind that she was dreaming and was not frightened. She stood her ground.

"Bonnie," breathed Elena.

Bonnie didn't answer in return, she was waiting on Elena to make her move. But Elena grabbed her by the shoulders and hugged her tightly before stepping away.

"I've missed you so much," Elena sounded stressed.

"That's not the reaction I was expecting from you, though I must say I'm happy to see you don't want to kill me at this second." Bonnie's voice was cold.

"Bonnie – I would've thought you knew me better than that. Can you honestly not think of one person who looks exactly like me but is a murderous, evil bitch?" Elena had a small smirk on her face.

"Oh shit," Bonnie muttered. "Katherine."

"I don't understand. How did this happen…what does she want?" Bonnie asked bewildered.

"She made a deal with the devil himself – so they say. I don't know what she wants, but I suspect she's drained by the torments of hell. She's probably offered something valuable up in return for her release." Elena contemplated aloud.

"Then if that was Katherine, where have you been?"

Elena smiled, "At peace, in nirvana or summerland or heaven, or whatever you want to call it. I'm happy and free, Bonnie. I'm with my family and Stefan is there and it is the most wonderful place to ever exist!" she exclaimed.

Bonnie was relieved. She was happy for her. Finally, her soul could rest. But, there was a sadness to her and Bonnie had to ask. "And Damon, is he there too"

Elena's face fell, "No, Bonnie." That was all she said.

After a moment, Bonnie put it together …Katherine and Damon were together again. And, they were searching for something invaluable, something only Bonnie had access to.

"So, Damon's not at peace? Why?" Bonnie cried. Damon had done some horrific things in his time on earth, but Bonnie knew that he had changed. He had loved living his human life with Elena and he was happy. This seemed so unfair.

"I don't know." A single tear fell onto Elena's cheek. "But, Bonnie, you've got to help him. It's hard to tell what Katherine has offered him in return for his loyalty and his soul."

Bonnie felt her own eyes tear up. "I will, Elena, I promise."

And, then Elena was gone, vanished like the spirit that she was.