A/N: Hey everyone, I know that it's been forever and a half. I'm so sorry that you've gone so long without any updates. I was so busy and then my laptop died on me. I literally just got a new one a few days ago. Updates will be coming!

I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES OR THE CHARACTERS.

Chapter Seven:

Elijah and Caroline have been great. It's been a month since the incident at the club. I had to practically kick Elijah out, just so he wouldn't miss any more work in New York. He's been beyond understanding. 'Ric and Jenna have both been by almost every day to check on me. 'Ric has even kept his word and covered all of my hospital bills and given me paid leave. Even though I'm still jumpy, I'm anxious to get back to work. It probably sounds stupid to everyone else, but I don't want those assholes to think that they broke me.

No one has tried to talk me out of going. I just want things to get back to normal. I need to feel like things have gone back to normal. I've missed normal. Everyone treats me like I'm fragile. I don't want them walking around on eggshells, when they're with me. I just want things to be like they've always been. I'm the same old Bonnie. That much hasn't changed.

Tonight was going to be my first night back. I still can't dance with my ribs still healing, but 'Ric told me that I could bartend as long as I'd like. Harvey, our regular bartender, would be working with me, so I wouldn't have any heavy lifting. I'm gonna lie, knowing I wouldn't be the only bartender made me feel better. Caroline was helping me get ready. I was more or less going in somewhat regular clothes. I was wearing jeans and a tight-fitting black V-neck shirt. It's nothing special, but it feels good to get out of the house for something other than doctor appointments.

I still have a soft-cast on my wrist, but overall, I look a million times better than I did that night. Elijah and Klaus both promised that they would be by to see me tonight. It gave me something to look forward to. It'll be nice to see familiar faces.

"Are you ready, Bon? If you're not, you can always start back tomorrow. I'm sure 'Ric will understand." Caroline tried to get me to stay home.

"I'm ready, Care." I assured her, hoping that I really was.

"Alright, let's head out." She looped her arm through my good arm and we walked to the car. She drove, since I can't with my pain meds. They make me drowsy. I was trying to hold off on taking them, until after work.

"Bonnie! It's good to see you!" Vicki exclaimed. She rushed over to hug me. I smiled and returned the hug, as best I could. I'm still tender because of my ribs.

"We missed you." Alaric told me. I laughed.

"Yeah, I'm sure." I rolled my eyes.

"She's right. It wasn't the same without you." Katherine admitted. I nodded, slowly.

"Well, I better get behind the bar." I told them, before stowing my purse in my locker and slipping my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. It wasn't hard to get back into the swing of things. For the most part, everyone was pretty friendly. A few of my regulars got drinks from me and made small talk. They told me that it was good to see me working here, again. I got handsome tips from them. It's not as good as dancing, but it's something.

"Hey, I was wondering when you would be back. I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry." Neil greeted me and took a seat at the bar. It took me a second, before I recognized him as the guy who got a dance from me, before I got attacked by those goons.

"It's not your fault." I told him, with an easy smile. "Can I get ya a drink?" I offered. He nodded and ordered a scotch, neat. I made him his drink and handed it over.

"How bad was it?" He inquired. It stuck a small nerve. I knew he wasn't asking to be rude and that he was genuinely concerned, I'm just tired of answering the same question over and over again. I hope that after tonight, people will stop asking.

"I had a concussion, a sprained wrist, a few cracked ribs and severe bruising in different places." I admitted. He grimaced.

"They really did a number on you." He shook his head. I nodded.

"At least they're in jail, now." I shrugged.

"Will you be here the rest of the week?" He asked me. I nodded.

"Every night, but Thursday. So, Neil, what exactly do you do?" I asked him. He laughed.

"I dabble in a little bit of everything, but I'm an artist."

"Really?" I asked in surprise. He laughed at my reaction.

"A painter, actually," he explained. I nodded.

"A good one, at that," Klaus said, walking over to us and taking a seat next to Neil. "I have some of his paintings displayed in my gallery, love."

"Maybe I'll check them out sometime." I mused.

"Please do," Neil smiled and took a drink.

"I can take you, if you like." Elijah offered, as he sat next to Klaus. I nodded. Both he and Klaus ordered drinks.

"How is your night going, guys?" I asked them.

"I can't complain." Klaus smirked, as he looked over at Caroline. I'm still not sure what exactly is going on between them. I don't think Caroline is, either. Whatever it is, I hope she figures it out soon. Matt still likes her and it's obvious that so does Klaus.

"I have a proposition for you." Elijah told me, getting my attention. My eyebrows rose in surprise. "What would you say to coming to New York with me for a few days next week?" He asked me. I gaped at him.

"Seriously?" I asked in disbelief him. He nodded. "I'd love to, but I'd have to see if Alaric is okay with letting me off work."

"He's already given his blessing." Klaus winked. I rolled my eyes. He's something else.

"I've always wanted to go. I've just never had the chance." I could feel excitement bubbling in my stomach.

"It's a date." Elijah promised, before leaning over the bar and pressing his lips to mine. I smiled against his lips and kissed him, back.

"So, New York?"

"New York."