Chapter Eleven

So Far (It's Alright)

"So are you going?"

Stretching her arms above her head, she tossed a small smile at Kai. "Parents are making me."

He looked unsurprised at her words before nodding. "Same, Joshua buying me and Luke new suits with the handkerchief in the pocket. He got his first advance last week and he's been spoiling Josie with gifts now that she's dating Kol."

The news about Kol and Jo's relationship hit the grapevine about a couple weeks ago. Caroline returned from her spa weekend with her mom, gushing about all the gossip she'd heard on social media. Rebekah was giving uneasy eyes about the whole thing, it was clear to many of the others how much Kol was just a rich asshole. Bonnie couldn't understand why Jo would date someone like him, she was at least better off dating Klaus.

"Caroline's annoyed that Sheriff Forbes is demanding her to go there dateless, and Matt's actually the only one excited, I figure he's trying to impress the parentals." Bonnie was surprised at how in love Matt and Rebekah were. The passion that was burning so hot between her and Kai had cooldown, the couple had been so busy lately they haven't had any alone time together. "Anyways how's the internship with Lucy, you haven't spoken about that in-"

Her words were cut off by a shriek of laughter.

The incoming of Sarah, Stefan, Valerie, and Klaus. Bonnie noticed the quartets were making their way over to them.

"Kai, Bonnie, how's it going?" Sarah hopped over to their booth, while her cousin grabbed a chair and pulled in. Valerie pushed her way into Kai's section, while Sarah sat next to Bonnie and Klaus grabbed another chair next to Stefan.

"We were talking about the Mikalson ball for this Saturday. Whole town's gonna be there, right Klaus?" Kai answered.

Klaus went to say something but noticed Sarah out of the corner of his eye. "Not everyone."

The blonde next to Kai perked up, "What, Stefan and Sarah can't come because Damon killed that Gilbert girl."

Sarah's eyebrows furrowed at Valerie's harsh words. While everyone else studied the blonde before deeply sighing. "Yes that. Mother thinks Stefan is a scandalmonger and Sarah is a tramp, she also hates that Zach carries himself as a scrounger and Mikael dislikes how liberal Gail is." Klaus ran a hand through his hair, the icy exterior he usually displayed melted away.

Bonnie bit her lip and noticed that Stefan's eyes were attracted to the movement.

"Doesn't matter, we weren't trying to go anyways. Rather hang out with Val instead." Klaus's head snapped up in surprise at Stefan's statement. "We're going over to Whitmore, there's a keg party happening. Also Jesse keeps asking for you Bonnie. And Enzo wants you to text him, he has some news to tell you."

Panic began to build in Bonnie and she wasn't sure why. Except now she had to explain to Kai who these men were and why they kept asking for her.

Sarah however, started to smile. She clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "While you all have the time of your lives doing keg stands and tasting old wine. I'll be in DC for my art show, Jeremy actually agreed to take me."

"He did?" Kai asked, gaze sharpening on her.

Sarah shrugged innocently, meeting his stare and smiling. "Yeah, he's been having a hard time. I heard that he and Anna split up. I think she cheated on him or something. I think the art show will cheer him up."

When Bonnie raised her eyebrows at Kai, he chose to ignore her. "Are you being forced to take anyone, Klaus?" Bonnie asked, watching Kai still.

Valerie snorted into her hands, "Klaus's a stick in the mud. Who'd ever tolerate him." Klaus's cheeks flushed shooting a glare at Valerie.

Stefan smirked yet shook his head. "Ignore Val, she has crude humor."

"No point of me pining over someone I can't have. I've seen enough of that in this town. I'd rather focus on other things." Once the words left his mouth, Klaus sucked in a breath, surprised. Stefan didn't seem to notice, though his eyes roamed his friend's face almost tenderly.

There was heavy silence around the table.

"Guess who was caught kissing Kol Mikaelson on the football field like an hour ago. And no it wasn't Jo Parker." Caroline Forbes called out in a sing-song voice as she entered the grill.

Bonnie grimaced, she could hear Kai growling around the table while Klaus just threw his hands in the air.

Saturday night at the Mikaelsons should be a treat after all.

"Why did I think I was good enough for him?"

Kai sighed, the anger leaving him as quickly as it had come. He sat down next to his sister, his butt partially hanging off her bed frame, and their arms brushed.

"Josie, it's not your fault." He knew Jo was craving attention. Joshua didn't speak to her about the Kol situation when Liv announced around the dinner table Thursday night that Kol was now dating April Young, who just happened to be the Mystic Fall's Pastor's daughter. Kai figured that's why Joshua kept quiet about the whole thing. Mikael must have approved of April over Jo, either way Joshua hadn't spoken words to any of his kids since the reveal of April and Kol.

"Really, dad refuses to talk to me, everyone at school is laughing at me." She continued, "And now I have to go to this ball with mom and dad, dateless while April Young gets to parade around with Kol."

"I got you a date." Kai informed her, rubbing his forehead. "Klaus agreed to take pity on you again."

Looking up at him through her eyelashes. "He's gay." she spat.

Kai stood from the bed, eyes were concentrating on his sister . "Josie, you can't just assume."

She laughed at that, her reaction clearly surprising him.

"I'm not, and he clearly isn't hiding it. He's more obvious than Luke."

Kai suspected something with Klaus, when it came to Stefan. He never thought the other man was gay, possibly bisexual. He knew this town wasn't ready to handle any queers teenagers at all. They practically ran out Bill Forbes when he finally came out, the poor man had to move to Georgia.

"Klaus's sexuality isn't our business. Even if he is, he's clearly hiding it from Mikael. You need this date, same as he does. So suck it up Josie."

Jo pursed her lips but accepted this pity date once again. "How's things with Bonnie?" She casually directed the question at him.

"Honestly, I think I'm losing her." He admitted, "We just haven't been that close. I think the novelty of being with an outsider is wearing off for her." He replied smoothly. "She's so perfect. I'm just a deadbeat loser, and our family is a mess."

Jo laughed, wrapping her arms around herself. "That's because you're holding back from her. Bonnie might not be as perfect as you think she is. She could have some dark skeletons in her closet. You're pushing her away because you're scared. I know you Kai, you push people away, you do it to us, you do it with Valerie a lot. Now you're pushing Bonnie away."

Kai chuckled at that, nodding. "Good things don't happen to me."

"But they do. You're making friends here. Stefan and Klaus actually like you. You're one of them now. Why do you think Klaus keeps going on dates with me, while he's crushing on someone else. Because he's your friend." His sister confessed cheerfully. "Just open up to her, tell her everything. Things will fall into place again."

Saturday night came and the Parkers all stepped out in black and silver. His mother wore a modest silver sequin gown with flutter sleeves. While Liv opted for a long sleeve silver lace evening gown. Jo's gown wasn't modest at all, she squeezed herself into a silver mermaid dress that was completely backless and had the deepest v-line showing off her chest. Both Luke and Kai were shocked by their sister's style choice. Joshua was left fuming when Olivia said they didn't have time for Jo to change and that their daughter couldn't keep Klaus waiting.

The entrance hall of the mansion was large and filled with guests.

Jo smiled and looked very fierce to Kai. Together, they entered the ballroom. Looping Jo's arm through his, Kai leaned in close.

"What are you up to Josie?" He asks his sister, patting her forearm. "A revenge dress, you're better off without him. No need to expose yourself for attention." He tried not to eyed her dress again.

Jo smiled weakly, brushing her hands over the gown self-consciously.

"I'm more than your nerdy sister, I'm a sensual woman." She told him, Kai couldn't help but shutter at her words.

The ballroom decoration was much more minimal and classy than their homecoming dance. Lit candles were scattered throughout the room, radiating extra light. The scene was white, snowy and pure. Everything was splendid and rich in color, old fashioned and elegant. The soft melodies of piano and violin in rhythm reached his ears.

There were large tables aligned around the edges of the room, filled to capacity with food, and smaller tables were arranged nearby with several occupied by the attendees. Servers roamed, carrying trays loaded with drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

His stomach grumbled as he was randomly led around the room.

Esther and Mikael came over first to greet his family. Esther's eyes caught Jo's revealing dress. "Welcome Parkers. Don't you all look, lovely." Mrs. Mikaelson bit off stiffly.

"You have a beautiful home Mrs. Mikaelson."

Mikael stepped forward, flashing a shark-like smile at his sister. "I can't believe my son could catch a bait like you." he extended a hand to Jo.

Kai saw his own father frowning at the exchange. "Speaking of, where are your kids Mikael?"

"The boys are helping Rebekah upstairs." He informed Joshua, unfazed. "Anyways, let's go talk business, Mayor Hopkins is waiting in the study."

"I'll be back," was all his father said before disappearing into the crowd with Mikael.

Esther pulled their mother over to meet some of the other wives of Mystic Falls. And once the siblings were alone, Liv opened her mouth. "Are we gonna talk about Josie showing her tits off or what?" she asked, smoothing down her wild hair.

Luke's face pinched a bit, "She deserves what she got, trying to get into Kol's bed like a common whore."

Jo's head snapped towards the twins, her jaw dropping.

Kai licked his lips as he was thinking of something to say. Josie and Luke stopped talking since she decided to date his tormentor. Kai didn't blame his brother for being angry.

"Not everything is about you. I'm trying my best to make something of myself. You're not the only one suffering at the hands of mom and dad." She said, unable to check her words.

Before he could step in, Kai heard the crowd gasping. He looked up to see Rebekah Mikaelson escorted by her brother Klaus. She descended down the long spiraling staircase. Arms linked around Klaus. Jo looked around the room, scanning for Kol, probably. Once Rebekah made it down the stairs, Matt was there waiting for her, blushing to tell her how beautiful she looked.

Klaus made his way over to the Parkers. He looked over Jo, and something; a thought or feeling, flashed across his face.

"Parker family, welcome." He said hesitantly, "Josette, you look stunning." The way he spoke the words sent a jolt of surprise through Jo.

"This old thing." She spun around so Klaus could see her exposed back.

"Of course you like it, horndog—"

"Liv, be nice," Kai warned, interrupting his sister.

She turned her gaze onto Kai and sneered. Luke, quickly muttered about needing a stiff drink, and walked off to the kitchen.

Another incoming event happened, as Kol Mikaleson walked in with his date.

Jo, Liv, Klaus and Kai all stared at the entrance, April Young in a yellow dress that made her resemble Princess Belle. She seemed so pure and innocent, she had no business with someone like Kol. He came dressed similar to Klaus, black and white suit and tie.

Klaus rolled his eyes at his brother, faking his way through the guest. Once Kol got closer to them. His jaw dropped heavy at Jo. Kai was clenching his fist, ready for a fight. Liv was gripping him tightly.

"Don't let him get to you, mate."

Kai nodded at his friend.

"Josette." Kol called, scratching his head. "My god, is this what you look like out of those cheap rags."

She stilled, startled.

"You do clean up well." Kol assured her. "Now if we can just get that stick out your arse then you'll be a perfect woman."

April and many of the guests who circled around them chuckled at Kol's crude words towards Jo.

Klaus decided to step in between Kai and his brother. "Please refrain from speaking to my date, Kol. Come along Josette, I'd like to dance." An appreciative smile colored Jo's face as she tucked her arm into Klaus.

Everyone glanced over at Kol, silence blanketing the room.

Liv let out the breath she'd been holding. "Thank god he was here."

Kai agreed, he wanted to punch Kol's teeth in. He's glad Klaus handled that situation for him. And Jo at least came out on top, making Kol look stupid in front of his date.

Then the evening went on without any more hassles, Tyler showed up and took Liv off his hands. Luke got settled in with a group of single cheerleaders, Kai watched as Rebekah tried to play matchmaker.

Kai wanted to see Bonnie so bad. He didn't know what was taking her so long. She texted him that she was showing up with Caroline, who was having yet another breakdown.

Eitherway, he was bored and ready to leave. That's until he ran into Greta Martin.

Greta was a naturally gorgeous woman, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. She was there in a black strapless gown, that had a long split down the leg.

Greta waved happily at Kai, calling him over, "Kai, you look so handsome. Is Bonnie here yet?"

Kai shook his head, running his hands along his tie. "Caroline's having a meltdown, she'll be here soon."

She stared at him for a long moment, lips pursed. "How's things with Bonnie, I know we're asking a lot of you."

"Does it matter, I'm digging deep into her family history, learning some very scary information about her best friend. I'm also keeping secrets from her, and she's starting to notice something is up, this could possibly cause me to lose her." Kai huffed out.

Turning sharply on his heel, he began walking towards the corridor. Kai was aware that she was following behind him, though her steps were light.

"Don't waste your time, Greta, I'm not in the mood." He told her over his shoulder.

She caught up with him before he could speak again. Their shoulders brushed, and he had to bite back a snarl at the unhappy look on her face.

"How do you think I feel? I'm keeping this secret from Bonnie and Jamie. I love them and I'm protecting Lucy's secret, because Sheila asks me to." She responded. "I know Bonnie deserves the truth, but at what cost?"

They walked in silence before gradually approaching a large door.

Kai glanced at Greta, anger bubbled in his stomach, though irrational, and he narrowed his eyes. "Sheila's dead. People in Mystic Falls are dying, Mikael is up to no good and my family could be in danger. Bonnie could be in danger, I know she's not a founding family member, but she's close to Forbes, Lockwood and Gilbert, so is my brother and sister."

Greta reached across to touch Kai lightly on his arm. "I'm sorry we got you involved. I know how troubling this burden is." She dropped her hand. "I've been begging Lucy to tell Bonnie the truth since Elena died. I think Lucy is scared to tell her, and Abby as well. This could ruin her marriage to Rudy." Kai expected someone like Rudy to have some dirty secrets, possibly bad enough to end his relationship with his wife and daughter.

"Kai, there you are." Bonnie, called out. "And Greta."

Bonnie arrived in a feathery white and pink ball gown. Her hair was slicked back into a long ponytail. She wore pink gloves and had bright pink lips to match. She looked so elegant and rich.

Humming softly, Greta turned away from Kai and began walking towards hallways, but then halted in her steps. "You look beautiful, sis."

Kai leaned against the door, watching as Greta went back to the ballroom. Bonnie's eyebrows quirked and she forced herself to smile. "Why were you guys hiding out over here?"

Hands in his pockets and face devoid of emotion, as he stared at her. What the hell was he supposed to say?

Crossing her arms under her breasts, Bonnie glanced up. "Is everything okay?"

Pushing off the door, he smirked and it transformed his expressionless face. Kai reached out and turned the handle — it was unlocked.

Wrenching the door open, Kai glanced back at Bonnie. "Come on."

Clearing her throat, she stepped into the room with him and turned on the light. It was a storage room. Filled with the Mikaelson's old ancient family antique.

Kai wrapped a hand in her hair and guided her lips to his. Warmth flooded her and she encircled her arms around his neck, tugging him closer. Turning her head with his other hand, exposing her neck. She sighed as he pressed a kiss to her sensitive skin.

His cool fingers pressed into the bare skin underneath her clothing, and she shifted against him, wishing he would move faster.

A ragged sigh escaped her when his teeth nipped her neck softly.

"I really brought you here to talk," he started, huskily, as he straightened himself to loom over her again.

She couldn't help the slight pout when she realised that he wasn't going to continue kissing her. His hooded gaze held hers.

"It's been so long, can't we talk later." Bonnie asked him.

Her pout disappeared when he pushed her legs further apart to pull her closer. His warm breath shifted the hairs around her face, tickling her heated skin. Another shiver raced up and down her back when his hand found her breast, cupping it softly. The shiver did not go unnoticed, and she watched as his smirk became predatory.

"We could do both actually," Kai answered casually.

Bonnie laughed out loud and his smirk softened into a smile.

Kai easily grabbed her attention by pressing his lips to hers again. He could hear her sigh into the kiss, and she let out a groan reaching out for his belt. This made Kai jolt and he instantly released her as though burned.

Taking several unsteady steps away from her, Kai combed a shaky hand through his hair. His stare was piercing, and she pressed a hand to her slightly swollen lips. "Don't you want me?" Bonnie asked, dazed.

Kai felt like he'd been splashed in the face with cold water, and he blinked owlishly.

"Is this about Jesse and Enzo?" She started. "Jesse is a friend of Jamie, I mean I did hook up with him at a party, we kissed that's all."

Bonnie inhaled slowly and deeply, while Kai watched, his eyes heavy-lidded. He wasn't sure what was happening now. He remembered Stefan mentioning two guys named Jesse and Enzo, they were asking around for Bonnie. He also recalled Bonnie flushed face around the table when Stefan delivered the message.

"And Enzo?" he asked her sharply. "Another college guy hookup?"

Bonnie shrugged, annoyingly. "He was a mistake."

"What the fuck does that mean?"

"Elena and I went to Whitmore, for their New Years Eve party. I.. I didn't understand why she wanted to go without Stefan to see Damon. I just went along with it."

His stare was piercing, and she pressed a hand to her slightly swollen lips.

"Bonnie, what happened that night?" Kai commanded, though his voice lacked conviction.

She silently observed him as he took several deep breaths before walking over to an old musky armchair.

Bonnie had unknowingly pressed her fingers to her lips. "Enzo was Damon's college roommate. Elena was, she was scared that night. She said she needed to speak with Damon, it was important. I was stuck at the party with Enzo. He charmed me right in his bed."

Kai's eyebrows rose sharply at her confession. He was nervous as to how it would end.

She looked uncomfortable at the thought of recounting the incident. "He… we kissed, he messed around with me, then he asked me to suck him off. It was awful and embarrassing. The worst part was when she came in…" Bonnie paused, she sighed constantly as her thoughts wandered over the events of that night. "Maggie James, she was Enzo's girlfriend. She found us in an awkward position and tried to attack me, Enzo stepped in to stop her, I managed to slip away and find Elena. She was in the common room crying her eyes out. Calling Damon a selfish manwhore. I didn't know, I didn't know.." tears sprang from her eyes.

His stomach dropped watching her.

"She just found out she was pregnant, she went to tell Damon because he was the father." Bonnie whispered, throat constricted. "And he killed her for it."

Bonnie sniffled, wiping at her face.

Kai knew he had to tell her the truth, he had to tell her everything.

"Bonnie, there's something I need to tell you. It's about the Gilberts, and the rest of the founding families."

Next chapter Kai confess and Bonnie has a long conversation with Lucy Bennett. More drama ahead.