CHAPTER 19
Rebekah waited with Lucy outside of the old witch house. Elijah was leaning against a tree on the edge of the woods. Nik was nowhere to be seen, which was hardly surprising. Since Esther was still on the loose, he preferred to stay within the confines of the manor because he had hired witches to cast protection spells on it.
Coward, Lucy had remarked as they were on their way out.
Rebekah wished to defend Nik, but a millennium as his sister had taught her it was true and she was too exhausted by him to even be disappointed.
Caroline was there with an antsy looking Elena. That may well have been the result of the Salvatore flanking her on either side.
"Which Salvatore is the doppelganger messing around with again?" Lucy remarked in an undertone.
"Stefan, I believe," Rebekah replied with a snort. "Yet, who can tell?"
"Looks as if she is hooking up with them both if you ask me. She's as bad as that Katherine chick your brother hangs out with."
Rebekah repressed a giggle when Damon and Stefan looked in their direction.
"Can we just get this over with?" Caroline asked. "What's taking so long?"
"We didn't need to ring you yet we did," Rebekah said. "As a show of good faith. Now what do you say you return the favor and shut your trap?"
Caroline rolled her eyes. Rebekah's hand twitched in response. She longed to yank the arrogant baby vampire´s heart out of her chest, but she fought off the urge. This was going to be a long night and as delightful as the prospect of killing everyone, who vexed her was, Bonnie would not care for it. Since they had once been friends, Rebekah decided to do her the courtesy of allowing her friends to live. At least for now.
"Would you all please stop talking?" Elijah complained. "However, for the record Katerina is not some 'chick', she is my girlfriend."
"You say girlfriend, I say strumpet, same difference really," Rebekah said glancing over her shoulder to smirk at Elijah.
"What fresh hell is this?" Finn complained as he sauntered into the clearing.
Rebekah gasped and took a step back. She thought all hell was about to break out when she saw Sage was behind him. Then she grinned. Nik had really done it, he'd brought Finn back to their side.
"I should have known that commoner would be with you."
"It's nice to you see you too, Bex," Sage said tilting her head to the side and baring her teeth in a way that was more reminiscent of a wolf growling than a smile. "Care for a rematch?"
Rebekah tossed her hair. "Why? So I can wipe that smug look off your face once more? Actually, that does sound like fun."
"Must we do this every time?" Finn asked.
"I suppose not. But where is the fun in that?" Rebekah agreed and sighed dramatically.
"Seriously when is this portal going to open already?" Caroline asked.
"Hopefully soon," Elena said and wrapped her arms around herself.
Damon groaned loudly. "Witchy is becoming more of a nuisance than her powers are worth."
"Then leave," Lucy snarled. "The last thing my cousin needs is to rescue your useless ass from trouble time and time again."
Damon made his usual crazy eyed expression at her.
Rebekah sensed an electric crackle in the air. She looked to Lucy and thought she saw Lucy fade in and out of sight. A bright blue light exploded and everything went black.
XXX
When Bonnie woke, she expected to find Lucy staring down at her. Instead, it was a familiar pair of hazel eyes. Ones that brought a smile to her lips.
"Kol."
"Hello gorgeous," he smirked. "I was starting to think you were going to sleep the whole night away."
"Don't you mean day?"
"No, I mean night."
Bonnie sat up and rubbed her head. "Did we do it? Are we back?"
"Don't sound so chipper, little witch. I understand vampires aren't your cup of tea however, I hadn't believed I was such bad company you couldn't wait a single moment to be rid of me."
"Knock it off, you big baby. I just time travelled for like the millionth time."
"It worked," Kol said and looked around. "Yet it appears everyone, who was meant to greet us is unconscious."
"That can't be good."
Kol got to his feet and held his hand out to her. She placed hers in his without thinking twice about it.
"Hey, you're back," Caroline groaned and the smile in her voice was audible. Her eyes fluttered, but didn't open.
Kol pulled her to her feet. Bonnie turned around and saw Elijah, Rebekah, Finn, Caroline and Elena. As well as a red-haired woman she didn't know. Stefan and Damon were getting to their feet. The Originals were already standing. Rebekah was helping Lucy stand and supported her weight.
"That spell packs one hell of a punch, huh cousin?"
Bonnie grinned.
"What are you doing, Bonnie?" Elena said looking between Bonnie and Kol's linked hands.
As if she had burned herself, Bonnie snatched her hand back. She pretended not to notice the wounded look Kol shot her. Just as she ignored the feeling of guilt that threatened to overwhelm her.
Damon looked at the two of them and his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What the hell, witchy? Don't tell me you're bumping uglies with this psycho."
"Damon," Kol growled spotting him. "I have been waiting for this."
"Hey -" Damon never got to finish that sentence.
Kol used his speed to tackle him to the ground. He snapped his neck and threw him over his shoulder. When Stefan moved to intervene, Kol grabbed him and threw him clean across the clearing.
"Stay out of this. Your brother and I have unfinished business from a century ago. Since you aren't involved, I would hate to kill you however, if I must I will. Actually, I lied. I would be more than happy to kill you as well."
"You should listen to him," Bonnie said catching herself by surprise. "Damon has done things that shouldn´t be forgiven and if you try to stop him, you're going to pay the price for Damon's mistakes."
"Bonnie," Elena took a step toward her. "You don´t mean that."
"Yes, I do and so should you!" Bonnie snapped. "Am I the only person here, who remembers what he did to Caroline?"
"I sure haven´t forgotten," Caroline muttered. She tossed her hair and sauntered up next to Bonnie. "So if Kol wants to kill him, I really don´t care."
"Stefan - do something," Elena insisted. "You have to do something!"
All throughout this exchange Stefan hadn´t said a word or as much as blinked. His expression was entirely stony.
"It's your funeral, mate. If I were you, I would take the out and save your pathetic hide," Kol growled.
"Stay out of this, Stefan," Rebekah said.
Kol walked away with Damon.
"Kol," he turned around when Bonnie spoke his name. "Thank you."
Kol flashed a wicked smile, but she could see the sadness in his eyes. He nodded to her and turned his back. He walked away and a part of her heart broke into a million pieces. He knew they were over yet he was doing this for her. So she didn´t have to give in to the darkness just to give Damon what he deserved.
Rebekah and the other Originals went with him. Including the red-haired woman, Bonnie didn´t know.
Elena looked at Bonnie as if she didn´t even know her. Then she hurried away.
"I can´t protect him anymore," Stefan said and nodded.
Then he left as well.
"Well I for one am happy you are back."
Caroline hugged her and Bonnie hugged her back. She nearly cried, a part of her had almost believed she would never see her friends again. And she might never see Kol again. It wouldn´t surprise her if he skipped town.
Lucy elbowed Caroline out of the way and pulled her into a tight hug.
"Hey cuz."
"I missed you."
Lucy started to drag her to the car. "Let's get you home. There are some people, who want to see you."
"Dad?"
"Among others," Lucy said with a sly smile. "You'll see."
Bonnie got in Lucy's car and rested her head against the seat. Her eyes closed and she exhaled in relief. Her relief was short-lived. It was only moments before she started to see Kol's expression as he walked away in her mind's eye.
"Do you think it was a mistake to break up with Kol?"
"I don't know, cuz. Do you love him?"
"I think so yeah."
"You think so?" Lucy asked with a snort.
"How should I know? My mom split when I was like two, I'm not exactly the poster-child for healthy, working relationships."
"You either love him or you don't."
"Do you love Rebekah?"
"We aren't talking about me. Don't change the subject."
Bonnie shot her a look out of the corner of her eye. "Then fine, I admit it. I love Kol Mikaelson and I know what an idiot that makes me."
"Hey," Lucy said firmly. "Your friends are idiots and if you're worried what they think then don't be."
Seeing the familiar buildings and streets downtown was strange. It was like she had landed on an alien planet. It would have been less strange if there were some visible changes. She had been gone for months. How could it all still look the same?
"I'm not. At least not really. Doesn't matter. Elena and I aren't on speaking terms if she'll defend that creep Damon."
"Man, I really hate that guy. What'd he do to you?"
"What he always does. What did he do to you?"
"Sleep with my girlfriend and never call her."
"Shouldn't you thank him for that?"
"No," Lucy exclaimed with a shocked expression. "I shouldn't because thanks to men like him Rebekah is a neurotic, insecure mess with severe abandonment issues."
"She can't be that bad."
The Rebekah, Bonnie had known in the past was a force of nature. And the only people she needed was her family. It would seem a lot more had changed in a thousand years than even Bonnie had known.
"Oh, but she is worse. I mentioned I had plans to go to a concert in Vegas next weekend and she disappeared for the remainder of the night."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously," Lucy nodded as she turned onto Bonnie's street. "I didn't even get the chance to invite her to the concert. Super dramatic."
"Well she does come by it honestly. You have been living with the Mikaelsons, you should know what they are like."
"What do you mean living with the Mikaelsons?" Lucy asked.
A tingle of wrongness ran down Bonnie's spine. It was her first clue something was off, something was changed. Maybe she had been wrong when she thought her and Kol were meant to return to the past. That first day in the cave felt like a lifetime ago and she could have easily been mistaken.
What did she actually know about time travel?
Lucy parked the car in front of the house. The front door opened before Bonnie could get out of the car. When she looked up and saw Sheila, her breath stopped. Tears sprang to her eyes and she rushed forward. She pulled Sheila into a steel grip that surprised her as much as it did the old woman.
"Bonnie child," Sheila said hugging her closer.
Bonnie clung to Sheila for dear life.
"A part of me thought I would never see you again."
"After you gave me that warning? What type of fool do you take me for?"
Bonnie grimaced and broke free. She smiled tentatively at Rudy. "Hey dad, did you miss me?"
Rudy didn't answer. Instead, he covered the distance between them and pulled her into a tight hug. One she returned.
"New rule, no time travel."
"Dad, I didn't do it on purpose!"
"Doesn't matter. I warned you to stay away from vampires and now you're grounded until you listen. And don´t even think Sheila will disagree with me. It was her idea."
"Oh, yeah because that's fair. The Original witch decides to channel our family line without asking permission and it's my fault?"
"You could have stayed home. Elena told me you didn't need to be there."
"It's a good thing I was or Elena would be dead. And so would Stefan."
Rudy's expression darkened. "I don't care if Elena or Stefan gets hurt. They aren't my kids, you are. And from what Lucy tells me, Elena has chosen time and again to get mixed up in vampire business. I don't want you to make the same mistakes."
"As for Stefan he's had over a hundred years to live, I think that should suffice for anyone," Sheila said and her eyes were hard.
"Fine," Bonnie said. "I have already made up my mind to stay far away from vampire business now that I'm back so there's no need to ground me."
"Oh, yes, there is. You time travelled and missed over a month of school," Rudy said firmly.
Bonnie glowered. "Seriously? How did you even know?"
Rebekah had told her in the astral plane she had compelled Rudy and the school to forget about her disappearance."
"Chill Rudy. Rebekah compelled that straight out of the school administration's memory," Lucy said with a wicked smile. "She would have compelled it out of Rudy´s memory too, but Sheila got in the way," this was said in a low mutter.
"Cool," Bonnie said with a grin. Maybe returning to school might help her feel more normal after all. "At least I won´t have to explain where I have been."
"I'll tell her you said thanks."
"Actually, I'll tell her myself. She's still in school, right?"
"Right," Lucy said with a wicked grin.
Rudy shot her annoyed look. "Would you kindly stop reminding me you are dating a vampire more than ten times your age. Why can't you meet a nice girl your own age?"
"You mean like you've been telling me to do since I came out, Uncle Rudy?"
Uncle Rudy? Exactly how much of the timeline had she and Kol changed?
Bonnie would have asked Sheila or Lucy or even both of them, but she didn't want to alarm anyone. Whatever she and Kol had done, it didn't seem to have started World War III or anything like it so she decided to let it go. Instead, she would skim the history books for clues and ask some discrete questions. The only person, she knew this wouldn't totally freak out, she needed to stay away from.
Kol – just thinking his name hurt. It felt like someone had wrapped their fist around her heart and squeezed.
Sheila put a comforting arm around her shoulder and led her into the house. Bonnie glanced around and sighed an inaudible sigh of relief when she saw nothing had changed. It only took a second, but her head spun as she realized she actually recognized her surroundings. After months of going from strange place and time, it was a physical shock to be somewhere as familiar as home.
"Are you hungry, honey?"
Bonnie stifled a yawn. "No, thanks, Grams. I'm just tired."
"Oh, no you don't, young lady. You aren't going anywhere until you tell me what happened."
"Oh my God, dad. Can I tell you over breakfast? I just time travelled myself and Kol like thirty years into the future. I'm kind of beat."
"Sure," Rudy said and his expression softened.
Bonnie looked over her shoulder at her family from the foot of the steps. Right now, she had more relatives gathered in one place than she could remember since she was a child. It was almost sad that there was only four of them in total, but she didn't care. They might not be as large a family as the Mikaelsons, but they had a lot less drama and that was worth a lot.
Her room was exactly how she had left it. At least that was Bonnie's first thought as she entered the room. The walls were the same shade of green, they were still covered with a mixture of posters and paintings. Her bookshelf still had more herbs and crystals than books. Her cheerleading uniform was slung haphazardly over her chair.
When she took a closer look, she saw the differences. Her posters weren't of modern boybands. Instead, they were vintage posters of Louis Armstrong and Monet's artwork. All the stuff she had taken down after her Grams passed.
Weird, she thought. This room belonged to a stranger. A version of herself she didn´t know.
She moved toward her desk and picked up a framed photo. It was of her Grams, Lucy and her. Bonnie smiled, she had done the right thing. Yet she wondered why the changes to the timeline hadn't changed her memories. The way travelling to the past had changed Kol's.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in."
Lucy slipped inside and closed the door behind her. "Earlier you told me I was staying with the Mikaelsons and I just have one question."
"Oh?"
"What the fuck did you do and Kol fuck up when you were in the past?"
Bonnie grimaced. She should have known this was coming.
"I think we changed some things when I told Grams how she died -"
"I see," Lucy nodded. "In my version of things, I came to town to help you and Sheila unseal a vampire tomb. I stuck around."
Lucy tried to come across as casual, but Bonnie got the sense that decision meant a lot to her.
"That´s not how it happened in my version of things."
"Are we not close in your version of things?"
"Not exactly."
Lucy grinned. "Good thing I am here then. Everyone´s life is better for knowing me. So you know, you´re welcome."
With that Lucy left.
She was changing for bed when a black jewelry box caught her eye. Bonnie paused and stroked the necklace once – just needing to feel its cold touch. It was the same necklace Kol had given her the night they met. The one he gave her to make up for breaking hers. The note was still lying next to it.
Bonnie picked it up and was floored to discover the contents had changed. Had changed so drastically it wasn't strange it had been put in a place of honor, the box open. Whereas in her timeline, she had just flung it aside.
Dear Bonnie,
It was lovely to make your acquaintance. It is rare to meet such an 'enchanting' witch. This trinket is only an attempt to match your beauty yet I hope it will grace your neck. I am disappointed to hear you do not care for vampires. I hope in time, I can change that.
Yours,
Kol Mikaelson
The Mikaelson ball must not have had such a dramatic ending this time around. Bonnie longed to know what had changed the outcome.
Was it because Kol knew her?
Bonnie could almost guess what she had thought at the time. What a shame I have to kill him. Yet she had gone to the old witch house and helped Esther.
A soft tap on the window made her jump. She looked up and saw Kol sitting outside of her window. He must have climbed the three outside of her second story window. She had asked her dad to cut it down ever since she learned vampires were real, but he kept putting it off because of work. And for once, she didn't mind.
Bonnie opened the window for him. "What are you doing here, Kol?"
"Can I come in?"
"If you're quiet. My dad will kill us both if he finds out I have a boy in my room. Especially a thousand year old boy."
Kol flashed a rueful smile. "Or try to in my case."
"I'm serious. You have to promise or I won't invite you in."
"I promise. I bet that will take some getting used to again. You have been running around unchecked for months and now you have to answer to your dad again."
"Shut up," Bonnie groaned. "And get inside."
Bonnie moved back and watched as Kol climbed through the window with an ease no human would have. Once he was in the room, Kol sauntered around having a look. He picked up one of the framed photos of her and Jeremy.
"Who's this?" he asked curiously and held it out for her to see.
"An ex-boyfriend. I have been meaning to put it away, but then I accidentally time travelled," Bonnie said wrapping her arms around herself.
Kol chuckled before putting it down. He studied photos of her and her friends closely. Just as he did the posters on the walls.
"Is the ex why you do not wish to be with me anymore?"
"No. Why are you here, Kol?"
"Couldn't sleep."
"So why aren't you torturing Damon? Don't tell me you killed him already."
Kol snorted. "What sort of amateur do you take me for?"
"Sorry I asked, but thank you. It's kind of awesome what you're doing. Like an evil kind of awesome."
Kol had started going through her drawers. He barely glanced up at her when she spoke. Instead, he seemed far more interested in her clothes.
"For what?"
"Taking care of Damon so I don't have to."
Kol picked up a lacy pink top and held it up in front of him.
"Now where do you wear this and why haven't you worn it for me?"
Bonnie snatched it out of his hand and glared.
"It's an undershirt. And we're broken up, remember? So if you don't mind, stop going through my things."
Bonnie balled up the shirt and shoved it back in the drawer. Then she closed it firmly. Kol held his hands up, but a mischievous smile played on his lips.
"We may have broken up however, I am not one to run away from a challenge, little witch."
"Oh my God. Could you take your denial and go home, please? This isn't easy for me either, but we both need to move on."
Kol caught her hands and laced their fingers together. He gave her a look that was all too reminiscent of a wounded puppy dog.
"It can work, you know."
It took all her willpower, but she pulled her hands out of his.
"No, it won't. And I think you should go."
Kol nodded. "I will. Have you noticed the changes?"
"Yeah, I think we changed things," Bonnie agreed. "But I can't deal with that right now. I'm exhausted and I can´t wrap my head around the idea that everything is so different just because my Grams is still alive."
"Don´t I also deserve some of the credit? After all, if I was freed from my coffin in the late eighties, I might have changed some things."
Bonnie smiled softly. "Maybe you did."
Kol tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. He kissed her forehead lingeringly and she let him.
"Sleep tight, little witch."
Kol disappeared in a blur and she felt chilled to the bone.
XXX
Kol watched as Rebekah gleefully strung up Damon. She had the shackles all ready to go. They clawed into his wrists and ankles. Blood dripped from them and Kol smirked. It was genuinely surprising Damon was still unconscious. But he wouldn't be for long.
"Not that I am judging however, I do marvel at the fact you had these ready."
Rebekah smiled coyly. She pulled the last chain into place so that Damon hung above the floor. "He hurt my feelings."
"I have told you, your taste in men is abhorrent. Truly reprehensible."
"Careful or you will be next, big brother."
Kol chuckled. "You are twisted and I love it."
Rebekah kicked Damon and a sulky expression crossed her face.
"Why isn't he awake yet?"
"Because he is a new vampire and they are all incredibly weak."
Rebekah scoffed. "You would think after a century or so he would have toughened up."
"Well I am going to bed. I can always torture him in the morning."
Kol stood up and started walking away. He hadn't even seen his old bedroom. Once he decided to kidnap Damon to torture and kill him, the rest of his siblings had evaporated. He hadn't expected much else. Aside from Henrik, Bekah was the only sibling he had ever truly been close with.
"Big brother," Rebekah said softly. She appeared next to him and hooked her arm through his. "I'm sorry you and Bonnie broke up."
"We didn't break up."
"Yeah, right," she said and he could practically hear her rolling her eyes.
"Leave it alone."
Kol kissed the top of her head and went to his bedroom. He took a moment to look around. It was exactly the same as he had left it. Stiff and formal with no real signs of his personality. There was a bookcase filled with random books whatever decorator Nik compelled to design the place had chosen. Judging by the titles they were chosen for style rather than content. At least his grimoires were safely tucked away in the chest underneath his bed. He could smell Rebekah and Lucy. Most likely they had spent hours in here combing through them.
His new clothes from the 21st century were in the closet. Some of the trinkets he had collected over the centuries were on his desk. His sword was there as was Henrik's. He picked it up and felt the familiar weight. At least some of his possessions were still here.
Over the centuries, he had stashed most of his belongings in a castle in Romania. Thanks to Vlad the Impaler peasants rarely dared venture too closely to castles owned by reclusive rich men. The same held true today. Even with the guided tours, he doubted anyone had found his hidden chamber guarded by layers upon layers of magic.
Kol lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
Possessions.
What did any of it matter if Bonnie didn't want to be with him?
Slowly his head started to pound until a blinding light filled his vision.
"Not again," he groaned.
Kol was back at the Mikaelson ball. The one Esther had thrown when she first woke up from the coffin. He saw Bonnie standing by the painting. Her expression revealed how engrossed she was. He did a double-take - surely it couldn't be her. It had been centuries and after the Salem witch trials, he had lost track of the Bennetts. They had retreated into hiding and done it so well, it was impossible to find the real deal.
Or perhaps he had simply given up hope.
Still, he took out the sketch Nik had done all those years. He rechecked the date on the back. It was today's date there was no doubt about it. This was the last place he had expected to find her. It had been so long he had almost thought the date on the back of the sketch was just there to mislead him or perhaps soften the blow.
Why would she ever return to this one pony town?
Yet here she was. As young and beautiful as when he first met her a thousand years ago.
Slowly Kol approached her. He stopped just behind her.
"Bonnie?"
She turned around. She smiled then she sensed what he was and her smile disappeared. Her eyes turned hard like emeralds and he saw a flicker of fear there. But defiance too.
"Do I know you?"
How peculiar. She didn't have as much as a flicker of recognition in her eyes. Something didn't add up. Something never had about Bonnie. She was vague about her past when he was human and then she turned up three centuries later with another vague story.
"My mistake," Kol said with a charming smile. "You look like a girl I used to know."
"Ri-ight," she said and crossed her arms. "Who are you?"
"I'm Kol Mikaelson."
And there it was real fear. To her credit she hid it fast. He could still smell it on her. That wasn't what he wanted. Ordinarily, he enjoyed frightening people, but Bonnie was not someone he had ever wanted to scare. He still loved her and he only wanted her back.
"Are you a double-crosser like Elijah or a power-hungry maniac like Klaus?"
Kol chuckled. "Neither. You must be the town witch."
Bonnie bristled her and her nostrils flared. "I am not. I'm a Bennett witch."
It was her. It really was after all the centuries he had finally found her. Naturally, she didn't remember him it was just his luck. But it didn't matter. He had found her at last.
"I must confess I did not expect to find anyone so beautiful in this sad little town," Kol remarked casually.
The question was anything except casual. He wanted to know why she didn't remember him. Why she was among the Bennett witches here. He had heard of course from Elijah there were Bennett witches in Mystic Falls once again. That one in particular would interest him, but he had paid him no mind. Now he knew what Elijah had truly meant.
Bonnie snorted. "There's a line."
"Beautiful and clever and you appreciate the arts."
The memory changed and Kol felt his head split open again.
Kol sauntered over to Elijah with a sense of fury building.
"Why didn't you tell me my Bonnie was here?" Kol hissed.
"Near as I can tell, she does not remember us," Elijah said. "I'm not even certain it is her. It's been a millennium. How could she still be alive? I presume she is a descendant with an uncanny resemblance."
"You're lying," Kol snarled. "Why?"
"In all honesty, I don't know if she is the same girl or not," Elijah said. "All I know is she grew up right here in Mystic Falls and has never been further than Hawaii. The rest of it? Well I suppose it is not my business. Bonnie has always had her secrets and if she is playing some sort of game to keep them, I have allowed her to do so out of respect to you brother."
Kol growled low in his throat. Typical Elijah. Leave the mystery to others while he did nothing.
"You're worse than useless," Kol growled.
When the memory stopped Kol exhaled. He was in a cold sweat and he could still feel the lingering vestiges of a headache. He hated developing new memories they were painful and they always left him feeling human. These new memories were the worst he had felt in centuries. So of course, the blinding pain had to start back up.
Kol danced with Bonnie and held her in his arms. He finally had her again after centuries and he would do nothing to spoil that. He didn't even care if Rebekah wanted to murder her date. That was her problem.
The only thing that could spoil his night was the knowledge Esther was plotting. He was not overly concerned, he would learn her secrets in due time. All he wanted to do was enjoy this time with Bonnie. She smiled at him and he wished he could kiss her like he used to. But for some reason, she no longer knew him and he needed to be patient.
Yet she had broken up with him.
Kol was standing in front of the old witch house. He saw Bonnie go through the portal and he finally understood why she was different now. She hadn't belonged in the past and he went after her. He had to protect her and he would not lose her again.
Kol came to the next morning with the certainty, he would spend the next thousand years just as he had the last. Loving Bonnie. It had nearly driven him mad. There were so many memories of staring at the sketch of him and Bonnie, staring at the painting Leonardo did of her and drinking his way into oblivion. Then there were all the years he had spent searching for Bonnie scouring the earth for her.
Had he ever stopped looking for her?
No, not truly. Nor would he ever.
Kol came to the conclusion the only thing he could do was win her back.
XXX
Bonnie danced with Kol. She had been hesitant to dance with him at first because he was a Mikaelson. Yet so far he had proved her wrong by being a gentleman. He held her close, but not too close and he smelled so good. Fresh and masculine, she found herself moving closer because it had been so long since a boy held her or looked at her like Kol was doing now.
For a Mikaelson he was surprisingly funny and charming. Sometimes, she suspected he may even be sweet. It was a shame it would all come to an end.
The dream scene changed.
Bonnie found herself alone on a terrace. Her talk with Esther had not gone to plan. Killing all of the Mikaelsons felt like overkill, but she would go through with it whether she wanted to or not. It would be better for all of her friends.
So what did it matter if she liked Kol? What did it matter if it felt wrong to kill a vampire, who had done nothing to her?
As if her thoughts had summoned him, he sauntered over to her. He passed her a champagne flute, which she gratefully accepted.
"Thank you."
Kol flashed a teasing smile and leaned in.
"Tell me, why is the most beautiful girl at the party hiding up here?"
"Maybe I like the view," Bonnie replied with a smile. It wasn't even a lie. The Mikaelson manor was beautiful and the grounds were filled twinkling lights that lit up the night.
"Liar," Kol said with a teasing smile. "You look like the last rose of summer, little witch. It's not a look that suits you. What horrible deeds did my mother ask you to commit?"
Bonnie tensed. But he couldn't possibly know anything for sure. Esther's burning sage was meant to protect them.
"I don't know anything about your family drama and I want to keep it that way, Kol."
Kol leaned in so close she could feel his breath on her ear and it made her shiver.
"You are a terrible liar, beautiful," Kol whispered like it was a lover's caress.
"Then go ahead and kill me."
Kol grinned. "Now why would I harm such a beautiful witch?"
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Then what do you want from me?"
"The pleasure of your company and perhaps a kiss before the night is over."
In spite of herself Bonnie smiled. And what was the harm in one little kiss? Kol would be dead in a few days and no one would ever have to know she liked him at all. So she did the opposite of what she normally would.
Bonnie nodded.
Kol's answering smile stole her breath away. He just looked so happy, she couldn't possibly have denied him anything in that moment. For some stupid reason, she never wanted to cause him pain.
Kol leaned down. Their lips met and heat exploded inside of her in a way she had never experienced before. It was brief and he moved away. Her breath caught in her throat. He flashed a wicked smile that made her toes curl.
"I will see you around, little witch."
Bonnie woke up in a puddle of sweat. She opened her bedroom window and went back to bed. She forced herself not to think about Kol.
Finally, exhaustion pulled her back into sleep.
"We can't free them," Sheila said looking at Elena. "I'm sorry, girls. But Bonnie and I aren't powerful enough to do this twice in one night."
"We can't just leave Stefan in there, Grams."
"Please," Elena sobbed. "He just wanted to save me."
"It's too dangerous," Sheila said. "I won't risk myself or Bonnie for a vampire no matter how good he is."
"She's right," Bonnie said. "We can't."
"I'll call Lucy," Sheila said. "With three witches we might be able to make this work."
"Good luck reaching her. She's been MIA for ages," Bonnie said.
"You'll see," Sheila said with a knowing look in her eye. "She'll come if I am the one asking."
XXX
The next morning over breakfast Bonnie received the worst lecture she had received from her dad in a long time. It was unexpected and not just because she hadn't known Rudy was checked in enough to notice her disappearance. Apparently, in this new reality he was not entirely spaced out.
Lucy was still there, which Bonnie found strange. She had thought Lucy was staying with the Mikaelsons.
"Alright, dad. I am very sorry and I promise I won´t ever time travel again. I've got to get to school."
"So soon?" Sheila asked. "You only just returned."
"I know, but I have missed weeks of school and even if Rebekah made sure I wasn't missed I don't want to fall behind at cheerleading."
Rudy raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe you can focus on your studies for a change?"
"Maybe," Bonnie said and shrugged. "But I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. I'll see everyone later."
Bonnie walked to her car and she looked up, half expecting to see Elena or Caroline waiting to pick her up. One of them usually showed up in the morning or she picked them up. She was surprised even though she shouldn't have been. A part of her even expected to see Kol, but it was better he wasn't there.
It had been a long time since she had driven her own car and she grinned as she drove too fast. She cranked the music up and she loved the feeling of speed. There had been cars in their most recent pit stops yet it wasn't the same as driving her familiar and practical little Toyota. It was oddly comforting.
The sight of modern Mystic Falls was almost like a physical relief. She drove along Main Street with a stupid smile on her face. She had always planned to get out of Mystic Falls the minute high school ended. A plan that still hadn't changed, but she had to admit it was good to be home.
Just as it always been her parking spot underneath the big oak tree was empty. Bonnie parked there and locked her car behind her. She was a little early yet she could already hear the noise of students. The chatter, laughter and whoops of students going about their business. She repressed another smile as she passed all the newer cars. It was good to be back.
"Bon!" a familiar voice cried. "Over here!"
Bonnie looked up and saw Matt waving like crazy at her. He was sitting on top of a picnic table. Tyler was bouncing a basketball next to him. She had never been very close with Tyler, but even he grinned when he saw her. Next thing she knew, they were both jogging towards her.
She met them halfway and wrapped her arms around Matt, who squeezed her within an inch of her life. Then she hugged Tyler, who picked her up and swung her around. She laughed and eventually he put her down.
"Hey, it's so good to see you guys!" Bonnie said.
Caroline and Elena's reactions had been lukewarm at best. That might have had something to do with Kol and Damon, but if she were being honest, it still hurt. At least Matt and Tyler were happy to see her again.
"You made it back," Matt said with a big goofy grin.
"Yeah, we really weren't sure you were going to pull it off. It's awesome that you did," Tyler said and winced when he realized what he said. "I'm sorry – that's -"
"It's cool," Bonnie said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "It was a close call a few times."
"Shit, man. Did that dick Kol try to kill you?"
Bonnie scoffed. "No, he doesn't have much interest in killing witches."
"No, by the sounds of it, he spent the whole ball chasing you. Meanwhile Rebekah tried to turn Matt into a meal."
"Rebekah isn´t going to kill you. And neither is Kol," Bonnie said.
"I wouldn't put much past the Mikaelsons. Even if Rebekah is dating your cousin," Tyler said. "I mean I thought Rebekah was cool then she went psycho at the last dance and tried to kill Caroline. You know after the ball where she tried to kill Kol."
Bonnie recalled her dream from the night before. It must have been a memory from this new timeline. Since the Kol from that dance remembered her from the past, he must not have been interested in attacking anyone. Knowing him, all he would have been after was a second chance from her. Bonnie wouldn´t have expected Rebekah of all the Mikaelsons to fill the role as attacker instead, but she had seen weirder things lately so she didn´t doubt it.
"What happened?"
"Apparently Caroline stole her dress, but I know that's not true."
"I'm sure Caroline wouldn't do that. Maybe cut Rebekah some slack? Klaus has been making her miserable for a thousand years. She's actually nice when you get to know her."
Both Matt and Tyler stared at her. She didn't even realize what she had said until they gave her those looks.
"What? I'm tired and I'm jet lagged or time lagged or whatever the hell you call it when you travel through time," Bonnie said feeling defensive. She rubbed the back of her head. "I think Kol and I changed some things because I had all these crazy dreams. My Grams is still alive for starters."
"Hasn't she always been alive?"
"You did what?"
"Long story," Bonnie said with a sigh. "Have either of you heard of a Mikaelson named Henrik?"
"No."
"Well yeah, but he died."
Bonnie grimaced. Looks like Henrik hadn't resurfaced yet. She held out hope he had turned up at the Mikaelson manor last night. Her fingers twitched to call Kol, but she realized she didn't even know his number.
Did Kol even have a cellphone?
"What's wrong, Bon?" Matt asked.
Tyler grinned and nudged her. "You know aside from your involuntary time travel adventure."
Bonnie grinned and laughed. "Nothing. Just weirded out. Like I said, I think we changed some things."
They walked through the school doors and Bonnie was relieved to see nothing was different there. That was a relief.
"Must have been crazy."
"What was your favorite place?" Matt asked. "Elena said you were time jumping. At least that's what Elijah told her."
"That's about the gist of it," Bonnie said. "I gotta go with Florence during the renaissance. It was incredible."
"Really?"
"Really."
They had barely made it to history class and sat down before Bonnie was accosted by Caroline and Elena. They hugged her in a way that was almost like they were trying to throttle her. Bonnie squirmed out of their arms.
"Hey, it's good to see you too."
"We were so worried!"
"Are you alright? That Kol guy is a total psycho," Caroline said with a grimace.
"Yeah, it must have been so terrible," Elena said sympathetically.
"Kol isn't so scary once you get to know him," Bonnie said with a smile.
Elena didn't even seem to hear her. "Just so terrible. I mean he could have killed you."
"Kol wouldn't kill me."
"And who knows what he is doing to Damon," Elena carried on like Bonnie hadn't said a word. "Since you kind of know him maybe you can talk to him? Maybe get him to let Damon go?"
"Yeah, I probably could," Bonnie agreed. "But here's the thing, I don't want to. Your boyfriend is a creepy pervert and he crossed Kol. That's on him."
"But -"
"No, but," Bonnie said. "We let him off for what he did to Caroline and we shouldn't have. Because guess what? That wasn't a fluke. That's just him."
Elena's lip trembled. "I can't believe you would just let Kol kill him. If he isn't dead already."
Elena turned around and ran away.
Caroline crossed her arms and gave her a long look.
"Well you're different," Caroline said at last.
Bonnie shrugged. "Time travel does that I guess."
"What's your deal with Kol?"
"No, deal. We spent some time together and I guess we got to know each other. Whether we wanted to or not."
"Oh?" Caroline raised brows. "And what did Damon to do to Kol?"
"Pissed him off. Rapists have that effect on people," Bonnie said in a voice devoid of emotion.
Realization dawned in Caroline's eyes. "Oh my God. Kol following you around at the Mikaelson ball like – like a little puppy dog. I should have figured it out sooner. He has a crush on you and Damon hurt you so now Kol is going to kill him slowly."
Bonnie had no idea what to say to that. She hadn't counted on Caroline being so astute.
"Class starts now, girls," Mr. Saltzman said. He smiled at Bonnie. "It's good to see you, Bonnie."
"Hi, Mr. Saltzman. It's nice to be back."
Bonnie followed Caroline into the classroom and sat down at the back in their usual spots.
Seconds later Kol entered.
"We have a new student today," Mr. Saltzman said not revealing his discomfort.
Kol winked at Bonnie.
Thank you to everyone, who has been waiting for the next update. I am sorry for going MIA again. Real life has been hectic and I am honestly just exhausted. I had to move and started a new job so for the sake of my mental health I needed to take a break from writing. But I am back and I am so excited to continue writing Bonnie and Kol´s adventures with you. I hope this chapter isn´t a letdown after the wait. Hope everyone is safe!
Izzy