It Began with a Dance Chapter 5, a vampire diaries fanfic

A/N: Alright guys, if you're using a guest account, obviously I can't reply to your reviews. So, I'm going to say this as nicely as I can – please, be patient. This story just started. Let it build. It wouldn't be much of a story without conflict. Your questions will be answered with later chapters.

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to review. They definitely make my day! I'm going to be honest with you guys, when I started writing this chapter I wasn't planning on it ending this way. But it happened so I went with it. Let me know what you think. Without further ado – chapter five:

I DO NOT OWN VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.
Music Credit: "Lights Down Low" – Bei Maejor, "Porn Star Dancing" – My Darkest Days

Chapter Five:

I opened my eyes feeling refreshed. I stretched and immediately regretted my decision. I gasped as I hit Elijah in the face. He winced. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. I leaned forward and kissed his jaw. He smiled. I swung my legs off the edge of the bed and slid out. I made my way to the bathroom. I closed the door behind me. I took care of business and washed my hands. I looked at my appearance in the mirror. My cheeks are flush and my eyes are bright. I can definitely tell that I just woke up. I raked a hand through my hair, trying to make it not look like I had nest on top of my head. Once I fixed the biggest tangles, I borrowed a bit of his deodorant. I smiled when I saw the extra toothbrush Elijah set out for me. I scrubbed my teeth and went back to bed.

"I missed you." He whispered. I smiled. He looks so fucking adorable with bed head.

"Did you?" I asked. He nodded and rolled onto his side, so he could face me.

"Mhm," he leaned in and kissed me. I smiled and kissed him back, before pulling away. "I'll miss you even more tonight. I have a business dinner tonight about getting some pieces for the museum." He explained. I nodded.

"Well, I'll have memories of this morning to keep me company. Somehow, I think I'll survive." I teased him.

"You won't miss me?" He asked; giving me his best puppy eyes imitation.

"Of course I'll miss you, Mr. Mikaelson."

"How about that bath, since we didn't get to that last night?" He asked. I felt my face redden. "I'll draw you a bath and wash your hair. I won't join you inside the water. Then I'll make breakfast." He offered. I sighed.

"How about I make breakfast?"

"If you make breakfast, I can't pamper you." He argued.

"You're already doing enough of that. I'll agree to the bath, but let me cook. I can totally make scrambled eggs and toast without setting something on fire. Scout's honor." I cozied up him and kissed his neck. He groaned.

"It's already impossible to say 'no' to you." He complained.

"Is that such a bad thing?"

"Not at all," he grinned. He got up and headed over to the bathroom. I marveled over his shirtless self. Damn. I saw him pour a considerable amount of bubble bath into the tub before he turned on the hot water. A girl could get used to this.

I watched him wipe off his hands and grab some clean towels. He pulled a remote off of the counter-top. Music started to play. It borders rock and classical. It sounds like Apocalyptica. "What kind of music do you like?" He asked me. I shrugged.

"Almost anything is fine, as long as it isn't reggae, old country or heavy screamo." I answered. He chuckled. "I can handle metal, but I like to understand what they're saying."

"Any preferences?"

"This is fine." I smiled. He gave me the look. "No, really. I like this band. They're amazing live." I told him. The corners of his mouth turned up. "Turn around." I told him. He raised an eyebrow. "I need to take this off."

"Perhaps I could be of assistance…" He suggested. I crossed my arms.

"Turn around." I ordered. He nodded and turned around, reluctantly. I unbuttoned the shirt I stole from him last night and let it fall to the floor. I slipped out of my boy-shorts and my bra. I stepped into the tub and sank down. I groaned. The water feels so freaking amazing. "You can turn back around now."

"The bubbles suit you." He murmured. He dipped his hands in the water and started rubbing my shoulders. I leaned my head back and watched his face as he worked. He leaned in and kissed me. He was careful not to put his hands anywhere they shouldn't be. I pulled away and he kept kneading my shoulders. "Can I wash your hair?" He asked.

"Does Mr. Mikaelson have a hair fetish?"

"Maybe," he answered. I sank into the tub and let my head go completely under the water. I sat back up and let him wash it. His hands are magical. Getting your hair cleaned shouldn't feel this good. When he finished shampooing and conditioning he just watched me for a minute.

"How are you going to get clean?" I asked him.

"I'll shower while you make breakfast."

"Or you could come in here with me."

"What happened with taking things slowly?"

"Just… keep your hands to yourself." I teased. He smirked.

"I can't make any promises."

"I trust you."

I was back home getting ready for work sooner than I liked. Time seems to get away from me when I'm spending time with Elijah. Last night was so surreal… This morning wasn't any different. Just sleeping with him… bathing with him… cooking with him felt so intimate. He has a way of seeing me that no one else does. I don't know how he does it. It could be because of our age difference – I'm not sure. I definitely like where things are heading and I'm not in any hurry to take things to the next level. I don't want to mess anything up.

"You're back!" Caroline squealed from my doorway. I jumped.

"God, you're like a fucking ninja. I didn't even hear you." I held a hand to my heart. It feels like it's beating out of my chest.

"What can I say? I'm talented. How did things go last night?" She shook my shoulders. I smiled.

"Things were great, Care."

"Did you have sex him?" She asked not so subtlety.

"I didn't. We slept in his bed, but we didn't have sex." I assured her.

"You're glowing."

"I can't help it." I told her.

"I'm not complaining. Are you almost ready? We should head out soon."

"Yeah, let me grab my bag." I told her. I slipped on my shoes and followed her out the door. I was in a daze the entire way to work. I'm not gonna lie. I'm much less excited about work knowing that Elijah isn't going to be here. I stripped out of my clothes and put on the costume for the night. I smoothed out my clothes. I have on a burgundy and black lace lingerie set, accompanied by a corset, garter belt, and fishnets. I put on a pair of matching Mary Janes.

"Damn girl," Vicki came up beside me. "Even I'd do you." She smirked. I laughed and swatted her butt.

"Right back atcha, hot-stuff."

"Alaric is trying something new tonight. He's going to have us pour water on each other. He thinks it will help bring in extra money. Not until our solo acts, though… But, I guess they really wouldn't be solo acts… Word is you had a pretty hot date with a certain someone." She gushed. I nodded.

"Seriously? Okay. It was great."

"Details later, girl," she told me. I nodded.

"Of course," I promised.

"Don't get used to it, Bonnie. There's more than one woman interested in nailing a Mikaelson man." Katherine taunted as we walked to the stage. I rolled my eyes.

"Go screw a Salvatore Katherine."

"Ooh, kitty has claws… I like you, Bennett."

"I wish I could say the same."

"Aw, you know I'm better than my stuck-up sister."

"True," I looked over at her. She was smirking. She put an arm around my shoulder. "Keep acting like you want to spread your legs for Elijah and we'll have problems." I told her.

"I'll get back to you on that." She laughed. I shrugged. With Katherine, that's as good as I'm going to get. We stepped out on the stage and the cat calls started. The lights weren't even on us yet. As soon as the music started, we were moving.

'Lil' mama want her hair pulled – legs pushed back, only like a Rottweiler with a kitty cat.
She want it wild; shawty wanna scream.
Want it from the front, back, side and in between – want it all the time, she a fiend.
So good, I see it in my dreams.
She wanna arch her back when I hit it.
When I do it, mama wanna holla, 'Get it!''

I rubbed my body against Caroline's side. I let my hands slide down her chest and back up her backside. The guys got a big kick out of that. I didn't realize how close we were to the edge of the stage until I felt someone slipping money into the top of my thigh-highs. I froze for a second when I saw it was Klaus. He was watched me and Caroline with equal interest. I slipped some money into her bottoms. She winked at him.

'She said, 'Take it slow – put it down on me.'
I said, 'Jump on it; ride it like a pony.'
Lights down low, time to get naughty.
Lights down low, time to get naughty.
Take it slow – put it down on me.
Baby, jump on it; ride it like a pony.
Lights down low, time to get naughty.
Lights down low, lights down low...'

I grabbed the pole behind me and slid down, opening my legs as I got lower. I turned around as I got up, making sure I put on a show. Katherine surprised me by coming up behind me and feeling me up as she grinded her body against me. Normally she and Elena are all over each other, working their twincest factor. I leaned my head back on her shoulder and touched her face while she continued her ministrations.

We kept dancing off of each other. She would grab on me and I would grab on her. I made sure I kept moving with time to the music, but I couldn't keep my head in it. My mind was elsewhere – Elijah. The song ended sooner than I thought it would. We walked off the stage together, after picking up the tip money.

"You've got some moves, Bonnie." Katherine observed me for a minute. I counted my cash and locked it away.

"Aren't you Elena's dance buddy?" I asked her, smirking.

"I didn't realize we were assigned to people." Elena sneered.

"Blow me, Elena."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" She asked.

"Not really, you're not my type."

"And who is, Elijah?"

"As far as guys go, yes. As far as people here, everyone but you." I told her. She laughed.

"Because I'm that repulsive?"

"Just your personality, sweetie." I smiled.

"Oh, girl!" Katherine doubled over, laughing. She wasn't alone, just everyone else was laughing too.

"Ladies, can we get along during our shifts? Please? Save the cat-fighting for the stage." Alaric chided.

"Why are you being so friendly?" I asked Katherine.

"Are you complaining?"

"No, but I don't trust you."

"You shouldn't. Well, that's my cue. Come on, Elena." Katherine grabbed Elena's hand and headed back to the stage. Alaric trailed behind them with pitchers of water. The girls kicked off their shoes by the doorway to the stage. Probably a good thing, slipping in heels is killer.

"I didn't realize we signed on for wet T-shirt contests." I sighed. Caroline touched my arm.

"It's not too bad. It's very… Coyote Ugly, if you ask me." She laughed.

"That's why I love you. You always seem to find a bright side to everything." I hugged her. "Klaus was checking you out, again. What are you going to do about that?" I asked her.

"I told you. I'm trying to get with Matt."

"I know what you told me, and you're looking at him as a lot more than just business, Care."

"I don't know, Bonnie. I don't know him. All I've done is dance for him. As far as I'm concerned, he's just another pretty-face customer and Matt is my guy."

"Yeah, but for how long?"

"Shut up." She threw a towel at me. I caught it, laughing.

"Alright, for now." I agreed. Alaric came back into the dressing area, smiling. "'Ric how is the water gonna work? We're giving wet lap dances after our act or what?" I asked him. He shrugged.

"I doubt the guys will mind."

"Good, because I'm not changing and then finishing my shift. Do you know how much of a bitch it is to try and put on fishnets when your skin is wet? It's a pain and a half."

"Don't sweat it, Bonnie." He smiled. I shook my head and pulled out my phone out and saw a message waiting for me.

'I hope work is going well, Miss Bennett. I cannot help thinking of you. Would it be alright if I brought you lunch tomorrow? I look forward to seeing you.
-Elijah'

Could he get any better? I mean, seriously.

'I would love to see you tomorrow. Lunch would be fantastic. How does 4 pm sound?
Xo
-Bonnie'

I put my phone away. Caroline grabbed my hand.

"Be my buddy?" She asked. I nodded. On cue, Katherine and Elena came back into the dressing room, sopping wet. Alaric brought in some towels and robes for everyone. He even brought a few rugs.

"We're going to have to change. I'm not getting pneumonia from working tonight." I groaned, taking off my heels.

"We'll survive changing, Bon." Caroline assured me. I sighed.

"Let's get this over with."

"What happened to be empowered?"

"She met a guy." I told her, following her out on stage. They cleared some of the water off of the stage, but it's still slick. "Let's do this." I whispered.

'Kylie won't kiss my friend Cassandra – Jessica won't play ball.
Mandy won't share her friend Miranda – doesn't anyone live at all?

Amanda won't leave me empty handed – got her number from the bathroom stall.
Brandy just got way too much baggage and that shit just gets old.'

I started dancing on my own. I started moving my hips and twirling around the pole. After I stood up, I started to take off my corset. There were a few whistles. I sauntered over to side of the stage and dropped it low. I accepted some tips and rubbed on my chest. I got back up and walked over to Caroline and helped her take off her tiny excuse of a dress.

'But, I got a girl who can put on a show – the dollar decides how far you can go.
She wraps those hands around that pole – she licks those lips and off we go.
She takes it off nice and slow, 'cause that's porn star dancin'.

She don't play nice – she makes me beg.
She drops that dress around her legs and I'm sittin' right by the stage for this porn star dancin'.'

Alaric showed up with a few pitchers full of water. He set them on a small table off to the side. He nodded at us and disappeared off to the side by the exit door, watching us. I dropped down and shook my ass as I crept back up Caroline, groping her as I went. I grabbed a pitcher of water and she got down on her knees. I started pouring water down her chest, slowly, watching the crowd's reaction. Next was her hair, I was careful not to get it all over her face. She ran her hands through her hair before shaking it out. When I was finished, she ran her hands up and down her body before dancing along the side, waiting for tips to come her way.

'Your body's lightin' up the room.
I want a naughty girl like you.
There's nothing harder to do.

Stacy's gonna save herself for marriage, but that's just not my style.
She's got a pair that's nice to stare at, but I want girls gone wild.'

Caroline came up to me and nuzzled my neck as she grabbed my ass. I bit my lip and smiled at her. She motioned for me to get on my knees. I dropped down, not far from the edge of the stage. She collected the other pitcher and started drizzling it down my body. The water is freezing, no doubt making my nipples hard. I rubbed my hands down my torso, helping the water along. She started pouring it in my hair. I waited until the pitcher was almost empty before I flipped my hair back.

She don't play nice – she makes me beg.
She drops that dress around her legs and I'm sittin' right by the stage for this porn star dancin'.'

She helped me up and we grinded on each other on the side of the stage until the song ended. We collected our tips and left the stage.

"I'm fucking freezing." I complained, taking two towels from Alaric. I wrapped up my hair with one and started drying off my body with the other. Alaric left so we could change. I stripped out of my clothes and threw them in the hamper. I finished drying off before putting on some lotion and the robe. I pulled out my phone.

'4 sounds great. Miss me?
-Mr. Mikaelson'

I smiled.

'Of course I miss you. Can you say the same? We experimented with water on stage today. You missed it.
-Miss Bennett'

I put my phone away with the rest of my tips. I grabbed a blow-dryer and tamed my hair. I dried it most of the way and let it stay wavy. I put on a black lacy number and undergarments. I put on a clean pair on thigh-high fishnets and waited to put on shoes. I sighed and stretched. It's taking everyone a little longer to finish up today because of the change up.

I stepped into my heels and went to the bar. I need something to drink. "Can I get a water, please?"

"Not in the mood for anything stronger?" A blue-eyed, dark-haired stranger asked.

"Not today," I answered. I looked him over. He's attractive. He almost looks like he could be related to Damon, but slightly less arrogant. He's charming for sure.

"After you finish your water, would you be interested in dancing for me?" He asked me.

"Are you asking for a dance or a lap dance?" I asked to clarify. He smiled.

"I would love a lap dance from you."

"No problem, stranger."

"Neil, my name is Neil."

"Bonnie," I answered. He smiled, again.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He led the way to an empty table in the middle of the club. He sat down and I lowered myself on top of him. "You're beautiful." He breathed. I smiled.

"You're not so bad yourself." I told him. "Come here often?"

"I've been here a few times." He responded. "I've had anyone dazzle me the way you do."

"You're good with your words." I commended.

"I try." He smiled. We made small talk while I ground my hips against his until the song was over. He promised to come visit me again after tipping me handsomely. I think I found another regular. I went back to the bar for more water. I can feel eyes on me. I turned and saw Klaus staring at me. I ignored him and focused on the water.

"How about you take that sweet ass of yours and back it up on me until I forget about everything else?" A man asked from beside me. Great, another pig. I looked at him. He seems harmless enough. He's blonde with green eyes, built. He looks like someone who is used to getting what he wants out of life.

"With those manners, who could refuse?" I asked him, smiling sweetly. His friend hooted on the side of him.

"How much for a dance?" He asked me.

"For you? Forty." I told him. He didn't seem impressed.

"Alright, let's go." He took my hand and pulled me to where he had been sitting. He sat down and pulled me down on top of his lap. He's handsy, alright. He gripped my hips tightly, as I moved to the music. His friend slipped some bills into the top of my bra. He started bucking his hips against mine. He's definitely getting more out of this than he should. I tried to focus on anything else until the song came to a close. When it finally ended, he took his money and slipped his hand under the bottom of my small dress and tucked it under my butt, giving it a nice squeeze. I glared at him. I tried to get off of him but he kept me in place.

"Let go off me." I growled.

"Or what? What are you gonna do? What do you want? More money?" He sneered. He started stuffing more money into private areas, grabbing more than he should. I looked around for security. They're nowhere in sight. What the fuck?!

"Don't fucking touch me." I spat. He just laughed. His friend came up behind me and held my shoulders down. He unzipped his pants and I started panicking. I socked him in the jaw and elbowed his friend in the crotch. I tumbled off of his lap and moved back to the bar. Where is everyone? This is like something you see in a horror flick and never actually think that you'll experience. Before I realized it, I was surrounded at the bar. Jerk-off number one was in front of me and his friends were making a wall so no one else could see us. He ripped the bottom of my dress and started trying to yank off my panties. I struggled and he back-handed me. I saw stars but didn't stop fighting. The blows didn't stop, they kept coming. He wasn't the only one trying to get in on the action. I dished out as much as I could, given the situation.

"I think it would be in your best interest if you let her go." Klaus growled. Something about his tone made him scarier than any of them. The security guys came rushing over and pulling them away from me. Alaric was screaming and someone was calling the cops. Everything is recorded. Thank God. Klaus put an arm around my middle and helped me into the back. "Are you alright?" He asked me.

"I-I don't know. I can't feel anything." I told him. "I feel numb." I confessed. He didn't look pleased with my response. Caroline burst into the back, crying.

"Bonnie, I am so sorry. How did that actually happen? Please, tell me you're okay! My mom's coming down to question everyone. There's no way they're not going to be arrested." She touched my face. I winced. Maybe the damage is worse than I thought it was. "You look awful."

"Thanks."

"You saved her." Care was looking at Klaus now.

"It was nothing."

"It's not nothing – she's right." I admitted. "Thank you."

"My brother has taken an interest with you and even if he hadn't, no man should put his hands on a woman."

"Thank you." Caroline told him. He smiled. She hugged him. "I owe you dinner or something."

"I'll hold you to that, love."

The next few hours were painfully slow. Liz came down to question everyone. I had to explain that I had never seen any of the guys that assaulted me before. Apparently, a bunch of guys tried to break in through the back, which is why Alaric and all the security guys were MIA. Sheriff Forbes had to take all of the security tapes to look through.

"Alright, Bonnie, we should get you to the emergency room to get you treated. We'll have to take pictures for evidence, of course." Liz touched my shoulder. I nodded.

"I don't want to take this to trial." I told her.

"There's plenty of evidence against them. I doubt you'll have to. This should be cut and dry. If we need your testimony, we can always try to settle this without things getting messy." She assured me. I nodded. "Have you eaten?" She asked me. I shrugged.

"Earlier, I think. I'm not hungry."

"Alright, I'll take you to the hospital. Caroline can come later with some food. Alaric, she's not going to be able to work for awhile." Liz warned the boss-man." He nodded.

"Of course, take your time, Bonnie. It's my fault this happened. I should've let someone inside to protect my girls." He frowned. "If you need anything, let me know. I'm paying for your hospital expenses. You'll have paid leave while you're not working. I just want you better." He hugged me, lightly.

"You don't have to do that, 'Ric."

"Yes, I do."

"We should get going." Liz told me. I nodded and pulled on my sweats over the ripped remains of my work clothes. "Is there anyone that you want to meet us there?" Liz asked me. I shook my head. "You don't have to go through this alone." She told me, tentatively. She started her squad car and we headed to the hospital.

"You'll be there and I'll have Caroline. There really isn't anyone else I would ask to be there. Grams' isn't here anymore and I'm not really close with anyone else." I told her. She nodded. She didn't bring it up again. I pulled out my cell and looked through my messages.

'I have been missing you all day, Bonnie. How does one experiment with water?
-Elijah'

I sighed. Should I tell him? I don't want to make a big deal out of this or make him feel obligated to check up on me. If I don't tell him now… I'll have to tell him tomorrow when he comes by with lunch. I frowned. I guess it's better now than later.

'I'll have to explain it later for you. So, something happened tonight at the club. Some guys got too handsy and took things a little too far. I'm okay. I won't be able to dance for awhile. Caroline's mom, Sheriff Forbes, came and took statements and arrested the guys. She's taking me to the ER right now. I'm going to be dead to the world when I finally get to go home. I didn't want to freak you out when you came by for lunch tomorrow. I'm not sure what I look like yet, ha. Anyways, how did your dinner go? Hopefully it's good news. I'll let you know what the doc says and see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.
-Bonnie'

Well, that pretty much sums it all up. I pressed send and pocketed my phone. I laid my head against the cool glass window until we came to a stop in the hospital parking lot. I took off my seat-belt and followed Liz. She called ahead, so we shouldn't have to wait long. I really hope they give me some decent painkillers. My entire body feels like it's been run-over, twice.

"Miss Bennett?" A nurse asked. I nodded. "Follow me, please." I followed the nurse and changed out of my clothes and into a hospital gown and waited on the bed until the doctor came in to examine me. I zoned out through the series of tests and questions I had to answer. I'm so fucking tired. After waiting around forever, they told me I have a concussion, a few cracked ribs, severe bruising in my stomach, thighs and arms. I also dislocated my shoulder and sprained my wrist. This is just fucking awesome.

"I have to relocate your shoulder. I'm afraid this is going to hurt." The doctor apologized. I gritted my teeth.

"Just do it." I told him. He nodded and popped my shoulder back into place. I wiped away a few tears that leaked out. I sighed. Someone has to wake me up every couple hours to make sure I'm okay while I'm sleeping. I'm exhausted. The coffee Caroline gave me earlier did nothing to help. My stomach feels like it's eating itself and I still have no idea how bad I look. "Can I use the restroom?" I asked the doc. He nodded.

"Yes, of course. I'm just waiting on your prescriptions to be filled and then you can be released. Make sure you eat something before you take any medication." He warned. I nodded.

"Sure thing." I told him. I hurried to the bathroom, grateful to pee. After I finished and started washing my hands I caught a glimpse of myself. I gasped and touched my face. My eye is puffy and bruising. I have a cut on my cheek and my lip is busted. My other eye isn't much better. It's not swelling, but I definitely have bruising under it. I really don't want Elijah to see me like this. I should just cancel tomorrow.

I wet my hands and ran them through my hair. I took a hair-tie off my good wrist and put my hair in a ponytail. I left the bathroom and saw Caroline waiting for me with my prescriptions.

"Hey B, I brought you some clothes." Caroline handed me an armful of comfortable looking clothes.

"Thank you." I gave her a small smile. "I really appreciate it." I gave her a soft hug.

"Do you want me to help you change?" She offered. I nodded. She helped me untie the gown and slip on a tank top. I put on a clean pair of cotton boy-shorts, socks, sweatpants, and a hoodie. "The doctor should be right back with a wrist brace for you." She told me. I nodded and put on my boots.

"Here you are, Miss Bennett. Take it easy. Come back and see me next week so I can see how you're healing."

"Alright," I agreed. "Thanks, doctor." I piled my things into my bag and followed Caroline out of the room. "Do you think we can stop by the Grill?" I asked her. She looked over at me, surprised. "I need to eat something and I can't really cook like this."

"Yeah, of course – anything you need." She agreed. "But first, I have a surprise for you." She told me. I sighed. I hate surprises. "Trust me; you'll like this one." I saw Liz talking to Klaus in the waiting room. I saw someone tall, dark and… Elijah. Really?

"Caroline." I groaned.

"Klaus told him what happened before you texted him and he wouldn't take no for an answer, not that I tried to talk him out of coming. He wanted to make sure you were alright. How sweet is that?" She smiled, hugging me into her side. I sighed.

"Everything alright?" Liz asked. I shrugged as Caroline relayed everything the doctor told her. "Those guys are going to pay for what they did to you. I promise you that."

"I believe you." I told her.

"I'm going to head out. Get some rest, alright?" She told me. I nodded. She kissed my forehead.

"I'll take care of her, mom." Caroline promised.

"That won't be necessary." Elijah intervened. I looked over at him. He's watching me so intently. Liz nodded and left. Klaus pulled Caroline off to the side, leaving me with Elijah. "Are you alright?" He asked me.

"I'm a little shaken up, but the doctor said I'll be fine." I told him.

"Are you okay?" He asked, again. I shrugged.

"I'm not sure."

"Fair enough," he whispered. "I hope I'm not intruding. If you don't want me here, I can leave." He told me. Am I that transparent?

"I don't want you to feel like you have to take care of me. I can handle this."

"You're not a burden, Bonnie. I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be."

"Okay," I said, meekly. "We're heading over to the Grill. I need to eat something before I can take anything for the pain and it would be nice to see some familiar faces." I told him. He nodded before taking my bag. "You know, I can carry that, my arm isn't broken."

"Allow me." He put it on his shoulder. It's hard to take him seriously when he's holding a pink tote bag. "Why don't you ride with me? I think my brother wants to flirt with your friend." He offered.

"Alright," I agreed, not feeling all that talkative. "Sorry, I'm exhausted." I apologized for my bad company.

"It's perfectly alright. You've been through a lot tonight."

"Ready to go?" Caroline asked. I nodded. "Great, let's get some grub. I'm starving." She led the way. I leaned into Elijah and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, supporting my weight.

"Let's go see Matt." I mused, smiling. Caroline looked worried. I guess she hadn't thought of that. Things are going to get interesting.