They don't go to the Grille for their anticipated 'Bonnie will come clean' lunch. As the most popular place to eat in Mystic Falls, the chance of running into someone she knows is quite high and she wants to avoid that. Knocking on Caroline's door wasn't part of her grand plan when she had fled home in the middle of the night. With Mackenzie, her friend and confidante from college, currently out of the country in a ski trip, Bonnie had been yearning for someone that could listen to her.
It's one fifteen when Bonnie climbs out of Klaus' sleek black Audi, her brown suede boots cackling loudly on the pavement of Tracy's' parking lot. The hostess greets her with a bright smile and leads her to the table where Caroline is seated. The blonde looks a little anxious, judging by the way she glances at her watch and taps her nails against the tabletop. Bonnie completely understands her friend. Her own nerves are as frayed as an old and tattered shirt.
"Hey Care, sorry I'm late," Bonnie says, putting on a smile that is bright enough to hide her discomfort. Her strategy appears to be working when Caroline responds with an excited smile. Internally, Bonnie sighs in relief. The conversation is bound to get uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to start that way.
Ten minutes in, their glasses are filled with sweet tea and the air round them is filled with tension. Bonnie notices they are already in awkward mode. Why was she trying to fool herself? There is no way they could sit down and act like two long lost best friends. Not after everything that's happened. Also, she knows Caroline; the blonde is definitely very upset she's been lied to.
"It looks like I'll be the one to break the ice, huh?" Bonnie says under her breath. Gifted with supernatural hearing, Caroline is able to hear her and it's almost like her mask drops. The cool-as-a cucumber façade Caroline has put on is replaced by a nervous expression. "Just ask me, Care. It will make things way easier if you do."
A little hesitant, the vampire swirls the lemonade inside her glass. There are so many things she wants to ask that it's hard to form a concise line of thinking.
"Why did you do this? Why did you leave? This is your home, Bon."
The question doesn't surprise Bonnie, but it's interesting how Caroline seems to have no idea why she would want to get away from Mystic Falls. Her friend had always been the look-on-the-bright-side one, even when the world kept knocking her down. Her dad, becoming a vampire, her mom and then dealing with Tyler; Caroline had always been able to deal with it all. For a moment, Bonnie is jealous of her friend's resilience.
"I was tired of playing the magical Negro." Bonnie answers, surprised at the blunt way the words are coming out. This conversation has been played in her head many times before. She would always play the part of the apologetic friend who regretted leaving. Caroline is just as surprised, with the way her eyebrows are almost blending in with her hairline. There's a little glint of hurt in her bluish greeneyes, making Bonnie feel guilty. The urge to apologize, say she didn't mean it is strong, but Bonnie swallows that with a big gulp of sweet tea. What's the point of doing all of this if she's going to revert to her old ways and lie to protect someone else's feelings?
"What? Bonnie I-" Caroline starts to say in protest, and Bonnie interrupts her with a raised hand.
"The expression may be harsh but it is what it is. That's what I was to you, someone with the ability to unfuck everything," Bonnie says. It feels good to finally get these words out and not worry about any repercussions. It may be an extremely selfish thing, but being able to focus on herself instead of others is amazing.
While Bonnie's feeling lighter, Caroline looks nothing but horrified. The blonde is left gaping for a moment before her face takes on a devastated expression. The expression of someone who finally understands what Bonnie wants to say.
"That was never my intention, Bon," she says, cracking her knuckles in a nervous manner. What she really wants to do is hug her best friend and say she's sorry. The way Bonnie's sitting across from her, straight spine and a blank expression on her face tells her not to do it, though.
"It wasn't you, Care, but that's how it was. You remember how you were always annoyed and scared of being in Elena's shadow? Well, I wasn't even on the same stratosphere as Elena."
The last sentence hits Caroline like a ton of bricks. For as long as she can remember, Caroline had always dealt with an inferior complex when it came to Elena. It always felt like she could never compare; she was cute, but Elena was a classic beauty; she was too loud, while Elena was the epitome of a polite young lady. That resentmentled to some friction between the two of them, but Bonnie had always tried to referee. For that reason, Caroline had always regarded Bonnie as the ultimate strong and confident girl. The one girl who'd never felt the need to compare herself to others.
Clearly she was wrong, and that crushed her. Bonnie is her best friend. They shared confidences, cried over broken hearts together. How could she not realize that Bonnie was hurting by their actions?
"I'm sorry; I don't even know what to say. Is that why you wanted to leave?"
"It affected my decision, yes. There was only so much I could take and I reached my breaking point. Some nights I would dream about killing Elena, and then I felt bad when I woke up," Bonnie says. This is something she's never told anyone. "But I didn't feel bad about the dream, I felt bad because it wasn't real. I was actually upset that the girl I'd considered my best friend wasn't dead."
"Wow," Caroline gasps, not dumbfounded to hear that coming out of Bonnie.
"Yeah. It was pretty hard to deal with that on top of realizing my whole family is gone and nobody gave a shit about it as long as Elena was safe. Honestly, Care, I'm glad I left. Now I know there's more for me out there besides saving Elena's ass every time she's in trouble," Bonnie says in a matter-of-fact tone. After two years, she's had time to come to terms with it, so those words come out easily. The pain that used to take over her just by thinking about this is gone.
"I wish I could've done something about this," Caroline whispers with sorrow and regret. "I just don't understand why you decided to go with Klaus."
"Some days I don't understand either. There are times I want to run a stake into him over and over again. But when the urge goes away, I am happy."
Bonnie's lips, painted with a nude rosy lipstick, curl in a smile. The blonde vampire frowns when she sees the look of barely concealed joy that lights up Bonnie's face when she mentions Klaus. It's certainly not what Caroline expected, even after seeing them interact. The way Bonnie sighed, that's trouble, she thinks.
"I'm sorry." Caroline lets out a nervous laugh. That's a habit she's been trying to break, to no avail. "You live with Klaus and you're happy? That's a little hard to process, Bon."
Even though Bonnie doesn't say anything, the way her right eyebrow arches is just enough to let Caroline what she's thinking.
"I mean, just yesterday you despised him! He's a psychopath who kills people for sport. Look at what he did to Tyler's mom!"
Some of the other patrons in the restaurant look at them in curiosity, probably wondering what the hell that blonde girl is saying and why she's being so loud. Realizing the unwanted attention, Caroline lowers her head in embarrassment.
"I hate what Klaus did to Tyler's mom. There's no way I can even begin to justify that. However, let's not pretend that Klaus is the only one acting like a maniac around here. I remember two brothers flipping a coin to see who would have the privilege to kill my mother," Bonnie remarks. The memory of how they treated her mother like yesterday's trash when compared to precious Elena still cuts her. "Also, it wasn't yesterday. It was two years ago. I grew up in the meantime."
Bonnie ends her tirade with the proverbial mike drop and then proceeds to drain her drink. It's obvious that Care needs some time to gather her thoughts. Was that too harsh? Bonnie wonders as she twirls her ring around her finger, focusing on the way the rubies engraved on the white gold band shine against the light.
Maybe her tone got a little aggressive right now, but she just can't stand the hypocrisy. Damon and Stefan to do whatever they want with no repercussions. They only have to say is 'this is for Elena' and all is forgiven. Needless to say, Bonnie is tired of them acting like they are the ultimate good guys. Why is it so hard for them to understand that the line between good and bad is blurred? Klaus has done some fucked up things and Bonnie is not blind to that. Giving him a chance doesn't mean she agrees with his horrid choices. Yes, she's much younger than Klaus, but she's not a naïve little girl with rose colored glasses.
"You're right about that, they're no angels, but we care for you. How can you be sure Klaus will have your back?"
A sardonic laugh comes out of Bonnie. "You may have my back, but you know I'm disposable to them. At least I know where I stand with Klaus." The hybrid may be a jerk with ulterior motives, but she knows he's loyal to her. He's never tried to sacrifice her for someone else's sake.
"Where do you stand with Klaus, Bon? What he said yesterday, was that serious or did he say that to get a rise out of me?"
Caroline's question stirs something inside of Bonnie. She can't quite figure out what it is, but it's enough to make her face scrunch up in a frown. Why would Klaus make up something that incredulous to provoke her? It makes no sense.
Then it hits her. They did have something a few years ago. If it was just flirtation or a full blown affair, Bonnie's never cared to find out. What's in the past should stay in the past. However, it doesn't look like Caroline has the same mentality as her.
"He may have a penchant for lies, but not when it comes to this. I am pregnant with Klaus' child."
Bonnie confirms with a small nod, carefully studying the way Caroline's entire demeanor changes. It's obvious to Bonnie now. They've come with two different intentions to this lunch. Bonnie wanted to fix their estranged relationship. For as long as she can remember, Care had been there by her side. Realizing how far apart they've become is upsetting to Bonnie. The goal for Caroline seems to be more complex. Even though she hasn't come out and said it, Bonnie can read between the lines. Her friend wants her to come back to Mystic Falls, but it's also clear said friend is honestly surprised she's pregnant.
"One, how is that even possible? Two, why are you sleeping with Klaus?" Caroline asks in a frantic way. The wheels are spinning at a fast pace, working to process the information she's received. Not for a second did she really believe Klaus is the father of Bonnie's child.
"I don't know, Care. How is it possible that I'm a witch and you're a vampire? The supernatural world is a strange one."
It's a vague answer, and the only one Bonnie can give Caroline right now. Not a lot of research has been put into discovering exactly how her child was conceived, yet.
The way Bonnie promptly ignores her question about sleeping with Klaus is not lost on the blonde. While she's curious to know how their relationship came to be, she'll let it go. For now.
"What are you going to do, Bon?"
Now that the shock is starting to wear off, a feeling of sympathy starts to wash over Caroline. In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter how it happened or why. Bonnie is pregnant, and she'll need all the support she can get. And Caroline wants to be there for her.
"Have a baby?" Bonnie answers in a questioning tone; as if that was the only response she could give.
Seven weeks into her pregnancy, Bonnie hasn't put much thought into planning for the whole experience of having a child. At first, she was in denial, then she was too busy being terrified- and rightfully so- of Klaus' reaction. The realization of her condition has just begun to sink in.
"Don't you think it would be better to come back home? You could transfer to Whitmore and we can live off campus. There will be tons of hands to help you with the baby."
It's almost like a light bulb got turned on inside Caroline's head. Multiple plans start to materialize, and she doesn't want to forget them. So she starts talking, and it's so fast that Bonnie feels she's about to get whiplash.
"Wow, hold on. I appreciate you wanting to help, I really do. But there's no way I can move," Bonnie says, interrupting her rambling. It's nice to see that Care hasn't changed one bit, so it's hard to come out and say there's no way she will move back to Mystic Falls.
"You say that now, but do you really think Klaus will want to raise a child? Klaus doesn't love others, Bonnie. He just uses and discards them when they're not useful to him anymore! That's his M.O. What do you think he will do to you?"
As soon as Bonnie hears that, she knows it's time to cut this lunch short. The past few days have been exhausting, and there's no need to add another stressful situation on top of everything. It's disappointing because she was hoping they would have this emotional reunion and go back to where they left off. A naïve wish, Bonnie realizes now.
Too much has happened, and Bonnie recognizes that Klaus' caused a lot of pain to a lot of people. Caroline's hesitance in accepting that Klaus can be a somewhat decent person is reasonable. Bonnie can't blame her for not jumping on the 'Klaus is great!' bandwagon. Does she enjoy hearing horrible things about the father of her unborn child? No, but she can't pretend his past doesn't exist. That's why she doesn't upset, doesn't argue. In silence, she reaches for her black leather tote and fishes for her wallet.
"You're leaving." Caroline states in a sad tone when she sees Bonnie pulling out three crisp ten dollar bills and placing them on the table. "I'm sorry for saying that, it's just..." She trails off and presses her lips together as if forcing herself not to say anything else.
"It's okay, Care. I think it's better to have this talk some other time. Maybe I'm not ready for this right now," she tries to explain, not sure if her words are making any sense. "Talk to you later, alright?"
Muttering that quick phrase as a farewell, Bonnie puts on her Ray Ban aviators and stands up. Still astounded by the last five minutes of the conversation and Bonnie's sudden desire to leave, Caroline can't think of anything useful to say. She musters a quick alright, Bon, but Bonnie is already walking away.
Clearly, the situation is way more complicated than what Caroline's expected. Maybe it's time to hatch out a plan with everyone. Her best friend is being manipulated by Klaus and she can't let that continue.
"Ugh," Bonnie groans as she blinks her eyes open to look at the clock sitting on the nightstand. Six P.M. She's slept for four hours straight in the middle of the afternoon, which is unusual for her but much needed at the moment. The lunch with Caroline, while not dramatic, left her quite emotionally drained. Maybe the hormones hitting her earlier and stronger than she expected are to blame for that. Or perhaps it's the realization that her childhood friends will probably not be there for one of the most important events in her life.
Wrapped in a warm cocoon made of 500 thread count sheets and fleece blankets, Bonnie's so comfortable that she could spend the rest of the winter in this exact spot. Her determination to hibernate weakens when her stomach grumbles loudly, demanding food. The temptation to ignore the pangs of hunger in favor of comfort is strong. It's not every day she has the opportunity to do nothing but lounge on a California king sized bed and watch reality t.v. shows.
In pink fleece socks and wrapped in a thick blanket, Bonnie leaves the bedroom, and pads into the kitchen. She stops dead at her tracks, surprised with the scene in front of her. Elijah, the most buttoned up vampire she knows, is chopping onions while not wearing a suit. Rebekah, standing next to the stove, is stirring some tomato sauce. Both of them look like they should be in a commercial, with their perfect smiles and gorgeous faces. It's like Bonnie's been transported to an alternative reality.
"Afternoon, sleeping beauty. I was about to go and check your pulse; make sure you're alive," Rebekah greets her, taking her eyes off the pan. This is the happiest Rebekah's ever been and it's freaking the hell out of Bonnie. Did something happen while she was sleeping?
"Are you actually cooking?" Bonnie asks. "You don't need to eat. The last time you needed actual food to survive was in the Ice Age."
"Very funny, love," a raspy voice with an accent drawled right by her right ear. Klaus. She doesn't even need to turn around to know his lips are curled in a small, lazy smirk.
"I'm always funny, Mikaelson. Right now I'm confused. What's going on here?" She points to the two siblings, who are swiftly moving around the kitchen with more familiarity than she would've expected.
"Well, I know you were upset after hanging out with Blondie, which I totally get, by the way." Rebekah rolls her eyes, as if the mere mention of Caroline annoys her. "So I decided to be nice for a change and enlisted Elijah's help in making dinner for you."
With a delicate sniff, Bonnie finally takes in the delicious aroma filling the room. It's been a long time since she's had a home cooked meal, and her mouth is watering.
"Just because we don't need food, it doesn't mean we don't like it. I enjoy going Michelin star restaurants just as much as the next person. Elijah here actually owns a few restaurants back in England. So we know what we're doing," Rebekah boasts with a cute grin while Elijah reddens, focusing extra hard on the task at hand.
"Don't worry your pretty little head, love. Rebekah is surprisingly proficient in the kitchen."
"That's a backhanded compliment, but I'll be nice enough to let it slide. This is a nice and rare family moment, and I don't want to ruin it," Rebekah says in a light hearted tone. "Now, shoo. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes and I don't need your smart comments distracting me."
Bonnie can't help but laugh at Rebekah's attitude. The blonde, wearing a light blue apron over her expensive dress, sounds like a homemaker chastising her children.
"Come on, love. I have something to show you," Klaus says, pulling Bonnie by the hand to guide her into the living room.
A bit hesitant and not knowing what to expect, Bonnie sits on the couch. Klaus is right next to her, exuding a somewhat anxious energy.
Is something about to happen? Bonnie wonders as she looks at him cracking his knuckles. Klaus doesn't get nervous; he usually works with two emotions: furious or no emotion at all.
"Okay, what's going on?" she asks, starting to feel anxious herself. After going through all of these stressful situations, every little thing is enough to set her off.
"There's no need to worry, love," Klaus assures her, resting the palm of his hand against her cheek in a warm caress. Bonnie's heart flutters with excitement and anticipation. "I know the last few days were hectic," he starts to say, and Bonnie rolls her eyes. Hectic is a major understatement. "And I regret the way everything happened. I know you're loyal to me-"
"Why are you saying this?"
While Bonnie appreciates Klaus finally admitting his wrongdoings and letting his guard down, she doesn't want to rehash things. Her bruised feelings caused by Klaus' words are healing and she likes it that way.
"I figured apologies are in order," Klaus says, reaching into the front pocket of his black pants to produce a white envelope. Bonnie takes it, looking at the object with curiosity.
"Oh," Bonnie gasps when she sees what's inside the envelope; her expression of surprise morphing into pure delight. Klaus smirks when he sees her reaction. "How did you know?"
"I remember a little witch who got drunk and started talking my head off, ranting about ballet companies and their merits, and then another rant about the importance of Christmas. This is another way of saying sorry. Did I do good?" Klaus asks, gesturing to the envelope she's holding.
Tickets to the Royal Ballet's Nutcracker may seem like such a small thing when compared to a white gold bracelet, but they're worth more than any jewelry to Bonnie. This gift means he's listened to her, even if they were drunken ramblings. Watching the Royal Ballet performing The Nutcracker is what inspired Bonnie to become a dancer in the first place. This is a part of her Bonnie hasn't shared with many people, and it's one that's been forgotten ever since she found out she's a witch. Klaus doing that shows that he sees her as Bonnie and not only as a Bennett witch. Considering how their relationship started out, Bonnie is pleased to see that he cares about her.
"Thank you, Nik," Bonnie whispers, planting a sweet kiss on the side of his mouth. Even though she's convinced herself that falling back into a physical relationship with him is not the best course of action, Bonnie can't help herself.
"We'll go back to the plantation tomorrow so you can pack and we'll leave the next day."
Making herself comfortable against Klaus' chest, Bonnie sighs in contentment. Christmas in London after this shit show seems like an amazing idea. It's a little sad, but Bonnie can't wait to leave Mystic Falls and go back to New Orleans. While she's willing to fix her relationship with Caroline, it's clear to Bonnie that she doesn't belong there anymore. Her place is by Klaus' side, and this is where she's going live her life.
A small chuckle leaves her lips as Bonnie remembers some of Caroline's words from their previous conversation. Why did you leave home, was her question and now Bonnie has the answer.
She's never left home, as Mystic Falls hasn't been her home ever since she died for Elena and nobody gave a damn. The plantation mansion, while filled with some uncomfortable history, is home.
"You okay?" Klaus asks when he notices Bonnie's absent expression. As if being released from a spell, Bonnie snaps out of her thoughts and shakes her head yes.
"We're spending Christmas in London, of course I'm okay! There's so much we can do, the Tower of London, the London Eye," Bonnie starts to list all the English attractions that come to her mind, but she stops suddenly when she remembers something. "It will probably be boring for you, considering you've been there a thousand times already."
Sometimes Bonnie hates that he's a thousand-year-old who's been around the world and probably knows all there is to it. It always makes her feel like a little girl with no life experience.
"I've never been there with you, so it's not going to be boring," Klaus guarantees, surprising Bonnie for a second or two. No wonder he's always a step ahead of his enemies; Klaus can read people like an open book and she's no exception. "Now, what else is in your plans?"
"No, don't go in there now!" Rebekah admonishes Elijah, grabbing him by the hand so he can't enter the living room. Holding a plate filled with homemade calzones-Bonnie's favorite- Elijah turns around to give his sister a questioning expression. "Look."
The blonde gestures to the couple with a nod, and Elijah understands his sister when he takes in the scene before him. Bonnie and Klaus have their bodies close together as if they are sitting on a tiny armchair, with both of Bonnie's legs thrown over his. Klaus whispers something on her ear, causing the witch to let out a belly laugh.
Elijah almost doesn't recognize the feeling of pure elation as it fills him from head to toe. For a moment, Elijah can see the man as the boy Niklaus used to be when they were kids. When not filled with the need for vengeance and power, Klaus can be whole other person, not afraid to show affection or love.
Redemption for this family is near, Elijah muses, and I will destroy anyone who tries to stop us from achieving it.
A/N: Thank you for your reviews! I really appreciate them and they help me get inspired, especiallyu now that school is kicking my ass. I hope you guys don't think this chapter is too boring. When I first envisioned Caroline and Bonnie talking, it was going to be much more dramatic, but that's not how it came out. The most important thing was Bonnie getting her point across to Caroline. This story is supposed to be more lighthearted than the others, but I'll probably include some supernatural politcs soon. Let me know what liked and didn't like. Hopefully I'll update soon!