ADDICTED TO LOVE
Disclaimer: I do not own TVD.
TW: Tyler because he himself is a whole ass trigger.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN
IT was the August after Bonnie's 17th birthday. For as long as she's known, she's always been a sheltered child. All by choice. Growing up, Bonnie didn't have many friends and because of that she spent most of her time alone. Her mother Abby was a single parent, so that left Bonnie with just her mother for 4 years of her life. Until Abby met Leo. Leonardo Foster was the only man Bonnie had ever known to be her father.
Just a month ago, Bonnie had decided to go back to public school. She had gone to the Grove Hill district when she and Abby first moved in with Leo. She stayed until she was 10. It was then when she asked to be homeschooled and it continued for the past 7 years.
Her decision was spontaneous, but Bonnie felt like she needed a different perspective on life. It was now Wednesday. Two days before the school year started when Grove Hill High had its open house.
Bonnie was extremely nervous. It had been a while since she's been in an environment with so many people her own age. Due to her parents job, she had been surrounded by adults for the better part of her life. It was where she was comfortable. If she remembered anything from the movies or from her older sister Sarah, it was that teenagers and high school were ruthless. If her hair wasn't right, her clothes, if she looked at the wrong person for too long… Bonnie was terrified of being ridiculed.
At first her parents were hesitant. They were a well known name throughout Grove Hill, the city and all of Virginia. They prided themselves on keeping most aspects of their life private. They also prided themselves on their daughter and her consistency with staying on top of her school work and studies. They were nervous that public school would change that. Bonnie promised it wouldn't but who's to say her word will stay true?
Originally, Bonnie was going to drive herself with her step sister Sarah to the open house. And originally, Abby and Leo agreed. That was until Abby got into her own head and overthought everything. Which is how Bonnie alone found herself in the back of her parents' car as Leo drove.
Bonnie grimaced as her family's car sat in the front row, facing the school directly. Anxiety set almost immediately when Leo put the car in park. The last thing she wanted was attention and looking around, she felt out of place. In their big, shiny and tinted SUV. She was sure she looked suspicious, to say the least.
Bonnie got out of the car last and walked in between her parents. Her eyes stuck to the ground, ignoring the head turns from people who didn't know her. She should have looked up sooner than later because before she knew it, her body collided with another one.
"Sorry!" Someone apologized. Bonnie went to speak but her words had been lost on her. A simple "No problem!" Or an "It's okay!" would have been sufficient but she was stuck standing there like an idiot.
"Oh no, it's-" she tried, but failed. When Bonnie had finally looked up and turned back, the brunette she had bumped into escaped her. "It's my fault." She finished, her voice small.
Sighing, Bonnie hadn't realized that she was no longer next to her parents. Abby and Leo had been feet ahead of her not even realizing that their daughter was nowhere around them. Instead of catching up, Bonnie took in her surroundings. She surely looked strange, no? Standing in the middle of the school hallway as students and parents walked around her.
Just walk, she told herself. Stop being weird.
When she started again, she saw that the clear view of her parents was now obstructed by a much larger crowd. "Oh god," Bonnie said to herself. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Oh god," she groaned a bit more. Her voice wasn't a match for the much louder voices that carried throughout the halls.
Bonnie's hands clasped together and she gulped. She reached in her back pocket and held on to her phone. Then stopped before she pulled it out. There would be no way Abby or Leo would be able to hear their phones if she were to call. So then she decided that she'd have one of two options. She could, 1. Say excuse me and muster through the crowds. Easy enough, right? Or 2. Find a bench, sit down and wait for her parents to find her. More of a pathetic option.
Her tummy growled, but she wasn't hungry. She thought for too long without making an actual decision and instantaneously regretted it. Suddenly, option 1 became the better option. Bonnie pushed through the crowd, not even excusing herself. She looked frantically on the walls for the sign to the restroom. Once she found it, she raced down the hallway and barged into the women's restroom.
Whenever her anxiety would get the best of her, the unpleasant would happen. The puking was exhausting and disgusting, but it did happen and when it did, it always ruined her day. She took several breaths in and out as she pulled herself up from the ground. Bonnie flushed the toilet immediately, she did not want to see that.
Sighing, Bonnie exited the stall and walked to the sink with her head down. When she looked up at herself in the mirror, she also caught a glimpse of converse sneakers under the stall that was next to her. Her eyes widened. If she knew someone was in there with her while she puked her life away, she would have found another bathroom. She flipped on the faucet and began to wash her hands. Now it was time for her to get out of there.
The toilet flushed and the stall door swung open. Bonnie kept her eyes glued to her hands as soap lathered her skin. The girl next to her coughed as she approached Bonnie. "You okay?" She asked, turning on the faucet herself. Bonnie sucked in a breath and turned off the water. "Are you, like, pregnant or something?"
Bonnie's wet hand pressed against her chest as she looked at the girl "Me? What? N-No." Pushing her hand down, she dried them both on her jeans. "I-I ate some like bad… seafood."
Lies.
"Ohh shit, from Simon's? Not only is that shit is gross but it will probably put a hole in your stomach or something." Bonnie shrugged, watching the girl wash her hands. "I'm Vicki, by the way."
Vicki turned off the water and then reached forward with her hand to Bonnie. Bonnie looked at her wet hand before taking a hold of it. The two girls shook hands. "B-Bonnie."
"Are you new here? You look…"
"Bad?"
"Like you're going to shit your pants." Bonnie's eyes went wide as Vicki snickered. "It's not bad here per say. You'll fit right in."
Bonnie walked behind Vicki as she opened the door. The two walked along the hall. "Do you go here?"
Vicki shook her head. "Graduated last year. My little brother does though. I'm here with him for the open house."
Bonnie nodded. She wanted to ask Vicki why it was her there with her brother and not their parents, but she didn't. Thankfully. Bonnie had the tendency of overstepping with people she didn't know, so she wasn't ready to mess anything up with the first person that she had met.
"I've never been to school before." Vicki's eyebrow raised. "Well, no. Wait, I… I have, it's just been a while since I've been in public school."
Vicki chuckled. Behind her, Bonnie could see a taller blonde haired boy walking toward them. He called Vicki's name and she turned. "Ahh," she started. "Speaking of… this is Matt, my brother. Matty, meet Bonnie. She's never been to school before." Vicki told Matt, making light of Bonnie's fumble just moments before.
Bonnie looked away as Matt's eyes squinted at her. Her head fell as she shook her head. "Hey, what's up?" Bonnie had a tight lipped smile on her face. She waved a small wave. "Let's go, Vic."
Matt walked away from the two of them and Vicki turned back to Bonnie. Reaching down in her front pocket, she pulled out her phone. "So I know you've never been to school before, but you have a cell phone right?"
Bonnie tittered, "Yes, I have a phone." Reaching for hers, the two gave each other their phones. Bonnie put her name and number in Vicki's phone.
"There," Vicki said, putting the final touches on her number before handing it back to Bonnie. "Text me. We should hang sometime."
Really? Is what she wanted to ask her. Bonnie nodded and gave Vicki her phone back. "O-Okay, cool."
"Bye!"
"Bye!"
Bonnie waved to Vicki as she ran to catch up with her brother. She watched until she couldn't see them anymore. The sound of heels approaching Bonnie shook her from her stance. Abby took a hold of Bonnie's arm and pulled her daughter to the side of the hallway. "Bonnie, what happened to sticking together?"
"I'm sorry! I got lost and then had to use the bathroom and I-"
"Just," Abby cut her daughter off. She repositioned her sliding purse back on her shoulder. Papers were held tight in her hands. "We're leaving, Leo's waiting for us."
Bonnie nodded and stayed by her mother's side. The two exited the school, walked to the car and got in. Despite the weird tension and silence in the car, Bonnie couldn't help but have a slight smile on her face the whole way home.
. . .
DINNER was quiet and the only thing Bonnie was tuned in to were the clattering of silverware against the plates. It was an uncomfortable silence and neither Leo or Abby had spoken. Bonnie couldn't help but think that she did something wrong. She sat her fork down, "Is something wrong? Am I in trouble?"
Abby peered at Leo and then to Bonnie. Leo dropped his fork and cleared his throat. He picked up a napkin, wiping his mouth. "Of course not, Bonnie. Your mother and I were talking before dinner and-"
"We've decided you're not going back," Abby interrupted. "It's just not a good idea."
Bonnie's mouth fell open and she sat up straighter. "But why?"
"Academically you're flourishing, Bonnie. And personally and privately, you're doing glowingly." Glowingly? Bonnie wasn't sure she had ever heard her mother say that word. Or anybody for that matter. Abby continued. "I'm afraid that public school will… dim you."
"Dim me?" Bonnie looked to Leo who was looking at Abby with the same questioned look. "Like… make me, make me fail or something."
"Exactly."
Bonnie sighed sadly and looked away from her mother. A frown began setting in on her face and she felt like crying. "But you already agreed."
"Then I changed my mind."
Suddenly, Bonnie stood. "Well you can't!" Abby pushed her chair back and stood up as well. "It's just, I have no friends. What 17 year old do you know that has no friends?"
Rolling her eyes, Abby began clearing the table. "You have friends, Bonnie. Now you're just being absurd."
"Then why are the only contacts in my phone you, Leo, Sarah and Henry?" Abby shrugged. Bonnie's eyes then visibly lit up, "I met a girl at school and her brother who goes there. She gave me her number and wants to hang out with me!"
Abby scoffed and a prominent "Oh my god," left her mouth as she left the dining table and entered the kitchen. Bonnie groaned and turned back to Leo. "My biggest fear is failure," Bonnie began. She took her seat again, "I'm not going to fail, I promise. Just give me a chance. Please."
Leo rubbed his eyes and nodded. "Mhm, I'll talk to her."
"Thank you! Thank you!"
To Bonnie, it just wasn't fair because Abby had already agreed. She knew that it was a long shot. When Abby was sure about something, it wasn't likely that she'd change her mind. If someone could do it, it's be Leo.
Hours had passed since dinner and Bonnie was growing impatient. It was nearly midnight and she was stuck tossing and turning in her bed. School started on Friday. If Leo had not succeeded then Bonnie had less than that time to convince her mother.
She huffed and puffed, lifting off her blanket and threw it on the ground. Her door creaked slightly as she padded across the hallway floor. It was so quiet, you could probably hear a pin drop. Once Bonnie reached the bottom of the stairs, she made her way to the kitchen.
Her walk slowed down the closer she got to the kitchen. There were sounds of clattering and a small light was on. Last she remembered, it was midnight and her parents weren't ones to stay up late. She took several deep breaths as she inched toward the light. Storming into the kitchen, she slammed her fist on the light switch.
"Shit! Bonnie!"
Gasping, Bonnie held onto her chest. "What are you doing? It's like midnight!" Abby sighed loudly and placed an ice cream container on the island. "I thought you didn't eat after 8." Bonnie commented.
"Shut up," Abby told her. "I eat when I'm stressed." Bonnie shrugged her shoulders and joined her mother next to the counter. "I see you've enlisted the help of Leo for your master plan."
"If you consider going to school, making friends and having a life as my master plan, then yes. I have enlisted the help of Leo." Abby rolled her eyes. "I don't know why you're so hesitant on this. It's school. It's learning. Something I've been exceptionally well at since I was five. Whether you let me this year or not, I will be leaving next year. And there's nothing you can do about that."
"God, don't remind me." Abby whined. "I don't want to think about it." She dug her spoon back into the ice cream and ate a big scoop of it.
Bonnie's lips pursed together tight. She swallowed. "You know I'm right, mom."
"Fine," she whispered. Her mouth was full of another scoop of ice cream.
"What was that? I couldn't quite hear you behind the ice cream."
"Fine, I said fine!"
Bonnie squealed loudly and threw her arms around her mother. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She exclaims, letting go. "I'm not going to let you down, I promise."
Once Bonnie settled, she reached for Abby's spoon. Abby pulled it back. "Uh uh, get your own."
. . .
IT was two days later, meaning the first day of school. Bonnie felt unusually well when she woke up. She didn't feel much anxiety getting ready. There was no feeling of hesitation while she ate her breakfast. She felt ready.
There was a pep in her step as she got to the bottom of the stairs. Abby literally ran from behind the kitchen arch to meet her. "You're still here? I thought you'd be gone to the office?"
"Normally, yeah. Except this is not a normal morning now is it?" Bonnie pulled at the strap of her bag and shrugged. "Do you want me to take you?"
Bonnie pulled out her car keys. "Nope, I decided to drive myself. Besides, school is the opposite way you need to be going… so…"
"Oh… okay." Abby stood in front of the front door. "Have everything?" Bonnie nodded. "Need lunch money? Need lunch? Want me to make you something?"
"I want you to not be weird about this."
"Pfft," Abby waved her daughter off. "I'm not, you are."
Bonnie nodded and walked around her mother. "I'll call you at lunch, okay?" Bonnie didn't say anything else as Abby mumbled a goodbye. Once Bonnie was in her car, she looked up. Abby was watching her from the window. She gave her mom one last wave before pulling out of the large driveway.
The car ride was silent. Bonnie wasn't one to drive with any type of distraction. She always silenced her phone and turned off the radio. She spoke words of affirmation to herself the whole way there. It calmed her nerves, though her leg shook lightly as she drove.
Her heart dropped however when the sign to Grove Hill High became clear to her view. Now her nerves were starting to rile up. Her dry hands turned clammy almost immediately and she had to fight against herself to turn around.
Now she understood why her mother changed her mind. Like Bonnie, she had to have been afraid of her daughter being ridiculed. For what though? Bonnie wasn't sure, she hadn't done anything and maybe that was the problem
They'd probably look at her as some privileged girl wasting her time going to a not so privileged high school.
Against her better judgment, she pushed through her weird thoughts and parked her car. She could get through today. She had to.
. . .
THE day dragged on. Even though she thought she would, she didn't end up making any new friends. She recognized kids that she used to go to school with, but it seemed like they didn't remember her. It had been years after all. Bonnie even mustered up the courage to sit at a lunch table full of students. They hardly acknowledged her. She didn't try to make herself present though.
Leaving the school was crazier than when she got there. Students pushed and prodded their way through the halls, not caring about those around them. Bonnie could hardly breathe as she made her way through the crowds. Once she was outside, she practically ran to her car, got in and locked herself inside.
Her heart was racing. It felt like her throat was closing and she tried hard to catch her breath. Life was just not on her side right now. Sighing a shuddering breath, she started her car.
It wouldn't start.
So she tried again and again and again. She worked on overdrive trying to get her stupid car to turn over. It wasn't supposed to short out on her like this. It was a newer car and the dealership she got it from claimed it was very reliable and durable. If that were the case then why was Bonnie currently being betrayed by her car?
A loud honk fluttered her heart and it began beating faster. She pulled her hand away from her keys and looked over. In an older Jeep beside her car sat Vicki in hers. She motioned wildly for Bonnie to roll her window down. So she did.
"Need a lift?" She asked.
Bonnie declined, "Oh, uh no, thanks! I called my mom, she should be coming."
Vicki squinted at Bonnie with a raised eyebrow. "No you didn't. I've been watching you trying to start your car since you got in."
Bonnie groaned, lowering her head. "Oh okay.. yeah, I need a ride."
Vicki smiled widely as Bonnie sighed. Rolling her window back up, Bonnie pulled her keys from the ignition, grabbed her bag and got out of her car. She locked it three times before making her way over to Vicki's car and getting in.
Almost immediately, Bonnie gripped the side of the car as Vicki sped out of the parking lot. "Sorry," she apologized. "You either get the hell out of there or die trying. It's like a fight club trying to leave that fucking parking lot."
Bonnie chuckled. "Ha…" she cleared her throat. "What were you even doing there?"
"Ugh my stupid brother," Vicki declared. "He didn't remind me he had football tryouts so I came for no reason." She glanced at Bonnie. "Well, I guess it wasn't for no reason after all. Which way?"
Bonnie peered out the window at the street signs. "Uh, keep going straight. In five blocks, turn right on Edison."
Vicki tapped her hands against the steering wheel and hummed quietly along to the radio. "I fucking love this song." She told Bonnie. Vicki then turned the radio up louder. Bonnie just sat in silence. She had no idea what was playing. She wasn't up to date on a lot of music, to say the least.
When Bonnie noticed her street coming up, she turned down the radio. "Oh um, just turn right on Arlington Drive. My house is just at the top of the hill."
Vicki turned her radio completely off as they drove up the driveway to Bonnie's house. Her eyes were wide as she parked. "This is your house?" She looked at Bonnie, her head hung to the side. Bonnie nodded. "Holy shit."
Bonnie looked up at her house too. Some days she couldn't believe she lived in a house like this. It didn't matter how many years she had lived there, and it was many, she wasn't sure she would ever get used to it. Especially coming from where she and Abby did, it was kind of surreal. "Do you want to come in?"
Vicki eagerly agreed and the two of them got out of her Jeep and ran inside Bonnie's house. Bonnie began to walk further into her home as Vicki stood still at the entrance. "You can follow me if you want."
The two walked into the kitchen. Bonnie handed Vicki a water bottle from her fridge. "I can't even imagine what it's like living in a house like this. It's literally unbelievable!"
Bonnie shrugged. "No seriously. You could throw the best parties here." Vicki told her, hopping up on one of the stools.
She snorted. "Yeah right. My parents would kill me."
Vicki hummed, "What are you doing tonight?"
"Uh… n-nothing probably. Um, why?"
Vicki smirked. "Wanna come to a party with me?"
"I… well, how? I don't have my car."
"I'll pick you up!"
Bonnie began to fidget with the cap of her water bottle. "Oh, no… I don't think I can."
Vicki hopped down from the stool she was sitting upon and leaned forward. "Come on, it'll be so much fun! Almost every Friday some idiotic friend of Matt's throws a party. You have to come."
"What about my parents?"
"Tell them you're going to the movies."
Easier said than done.
Before Bonnie could say any more, the large front doors of her home creaked open and heels clacking against the hardwood floor filled the kitchen. "Bonnie, why is there a Jeep in my driveway?" Abby asked loudly, as she entered the kitchen. She blinked twice upon seeing the two girls standing in the kitchen. "Oh… hello."
Vicki smiled. "Mom, this is Vicki. My new friend." Vicki looked at Bonnie and nodded.
"Hi, that's my car, miss. I'm Vicki Donovan." Vicki introduced herself and reached her hand out.
Abby looked at Vicki from top to bottom before shaking Vicki's hand. "And where is your car, Bonnie?"
"At school," Abby's eyes looked like they were going to fall out of her skull. "It wouldn't start so Vicki gave me a ride."
Abby hummed and released her hand from Vicki's. "We'll have to get to that tomorrow."
Vicki glanced at Abby then back at Bonnie. "I should go, but I'll see you tonight right?"
Abby raised her eyebrows, her eyes gazing over to her daughter. "What's tonight?"
Bonnie's mouth fell agape. She just looked back at her mother before staring back at Vicki. "I asked if she could come to the movies with me tonight if that's okay with you…"
Now, Abby's arms were crossed in front of her chest. She looked at her daughter who stood with a slight smile to her face. "I… don't see why not." Pained her to say and you could hear it evidently in her voice.
Bonnie was completely stunned. She looked at her mom curiously. Despite the sound of her voice, Abby stood with a still face. "I'll let you two be."
. . .
IT was exactly 8 o'clock when Bonnie finally found an outfit. Despite not wanting to, she raided through her step sister's closet to find something. Sarah never minded Bonnie in her clothes. As a matter of fact, she encouraged it. Sarah would stop at nothing to get Bonnie out of her comfort zone.
But Sarah wasn't there currently, so Bonnie tried her hardest to make her outfit look as good as it could. She settled on a medium wash denim skirt that stopped just on top of her thighs and a scoop neck ribbed tee. She pulled at her skirt with each step she took down the stairs. The skirt was a little shorter than she anticipated. Pulling it down so more of her butt was covered, Bonnie pulled her tee down in the back to cover the awkward gap between her skirt and underwear.
When she got to the bottom, her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She didn't look at her phone, but knew it was Vicki. She could see her car drive down her driveway through the window next to her front door.
Bonnie could hear footsteps approaching from upstairs but slipped out the front door before she could be stopped.
Vicki with her window down, quietly cheered from the front seat upon seeing Bonnie. Her whole body turned toward her as she hopped in. "No way, you look so good!" Blood rushed to Bonnie's cheeks as she shook her head. "Shut up, you do!"
She better had.
As soon as Vicki left, Bonnie locked herself in her bathroom and dug through old makeup she had laying around. Which wasn't much, but she made due with what she had. She kept her hair out, pulling it all to one side and put on a necklace her father had gifted her for her birthday.
Bonnie felt good the entire way there. When they pulled down the street the party was on, Bonnie could see several headlights and the house illuminated crazily. Like her home, it was tucked away from the road. So a party being thrown there made sense.
Despite not knowing any of the songs that played when they entered the house, Bonnie's nerves weren't acting up. Her phone buzzed. Bonnie pulled it out from her pocket while trying to stay close behind Vicki.
From Mom:
Be safe and be home early, Bonnie. Love you.
She smiled to herself then tucked her phone away. Vicki stopped walking and Bonnie tripped into her. Bonnie moved to the side of Vicki. The two were standing at a long table that was cluttered with an array of drinks, including alcohol and red solo cups. Bonnie swallowed hard as she watched Vicki pour alcohol and mix it with another beverage on the table.
Turning back to Bonnie, she handed her a cup. "Drink up." Bonnie shook her head. "Just drink it fast, okay? You'll barely taste it. With me, down the hatch, on the count of three." Vicki started counting down slowly from 3.
When she hit 2, Bonnie smelt the cup and nearly gagged.
At the last second, she watched Vicki raise her cup. Bonnie took a deep breath and followed, downing the alcoholic drink as fast as she could. Almost immediately, she gagged, feeling a bit of the alcohol come back up. Vicki shook her head. She shouted Woo loudly before hooking her arm in Bonnie's and pulling her away. "Let's dance!"
Bonnie swallowed and her stomach gurgled and she shivered with no choice but to follow Vicki. Bonnie stood awkwardly, swaying slightly. She giggled, watching Vicki dance around her. "Dance, Bonnie!"
Bonnie shrugged. She wasn't prepared for this. Her not having been to a party at this kind of caliber before, she felt weird. Probably looked that way too. Vicki grabbed Bonnie's hands and started to dance with her. Slowly, Bonnie moved more and more with Vicki.
She had never drank before and after her second drink, it showed. It was more alcohol than her first cup but it didn't taste like alcohol which prompted her to have another. Bonnie thanked herself for wearing sneakers because as of now, she wasn't sure she'd be able to stay standing if she weren't.
Bonnie's body moved loosely as she danced along with Vicki to what Bonnie was sure to be a Nicki Minaj song. Pound the Alarm played loudly as the two girls danced with each other. Time was slipping by and yet Bonnie had no urge to check her phone.
Her body jumped when she felt a hand come across her stomach. Looking behind her stood a man she had never seen before in her life. She jerked herself away from him and moved closer to Vicki. Vicki was none the wiser as the guy kept coming closer and closer to Bonnie. That was until he had accidentally touched Vicki and then tried for Bonnie again, that she noticed. Moving Bonnie behind her, Vicki pushed the guy away.
"Watch your fucking hands, you dick." Vicki pushed him again as he wouldn't take the hint. "Seriously, fuck off!"
As Vicki argued with the guy, Bonnie turned around. Upon turning, her body collided with someone and suddenly, she backed up. Alcohol splashed in her face, nearly getting her top soaking wet. "What the fuck? Watch out!" A guy spat at Bonnie, shrudding past her, their shoulders collided.
The room spun recklessly and Bonnie couldn't really see straight. Pushing through the crowd of people, she disappeared down a hallway while wiping her face off. The farther she got, she swore the music became quieter. That or she was just really drunk and zoning out. When Vicki finally ridded of the weird guy, she turned back to see if Bonnie was okay but saw she was nowhere to be found.
Bonnie pushed open the first door that she noticed and burrowed inside. Taking several deep breaths, she leaned against the door and reached in her back pocket for her phone. She was about to check the time before she stopped. If she looked, then she'd see whatever messages had been awaiting her. Then she'd feel obligated to reply but she was afraid because she was drunk. A sensation she had never felt before, so who knows how she'd respond.
The door budged open but couldn't open all the way due to Bonnie's weight. Her eyes widened as she pushed off the door, allowing whoever was trying to open the door, get in.
A taller boy with dark hair walked in and his eyes stared questionly at Bonnie. "Why are you in my guest room?" He asked.
Bonnie's mouth fell open but no words came out. She hadn't realized she was in a bedroom until she looked around. "Oh, I… I don't, I'm sorry. I'm… sorry..."
Bonnie walked forward to leave. His arm was blocking the door. Instead of asking him to move, she slipped underneath him. His eyes followed her out. He rubbed his temple and called out to her. "Wait… Bonnie?"
She stopped dead in her tracks. Was he talking to her? She wondered. Her name was Bonnie and as far as she knew, they were the only ones in the room. Bonnie turned slowly. "Yes." She confirmed.
"It's me, Tyler?" Bonnie looked to the side and then back to Tyler. "Lockwood? I… we went to school together!"
Bonnie shrugged. "I don't… what?" Tyler waved her to come back and she did. She didn't know why she chose to, but it seemed better than going back into the chaos.
Tyler vanished into the attached closet of the room. Bonnie heard noises coming from inside. She waited idly by for him to come back. Walking from the closet, Tyler had a stack of books. Not just any kind, it was yearbooks.
Bonnie gasped, taking one from out of his arms. "Oh wow, I haven't seen these in forever!" Bonnie backed up until the back of her knees hit the bed. Tyler snickered as he flipped open the yearbook. A page was marked and immediately he showed it to her. It was their 5th grade year.
Bonnie remembers picture day as clearly as ever. Tyler points to her picture, causing her to cackle loudly. "Nooo," she whined. "Oh god, not the hair."
Her hair was in two big poofs at the top of her head and her smile gleamed bright. Tyler snickered. "What!? Please, you had the best hair in all of the 5th grade."
Bonnie rolled her eyes and shook her head. She looked around the page until she spotted Tyler. She snorted. "Hey, at least you grew into that forehead vein."
"Wow," he deadpanned. "Damn, right to the heart."
The two looked through all of the yearbooks that Tyler had pulled out. For the next hour or so, they spent time going through each yearbook. Tyler flipped the page and Bonnie spotted him and Vicki's brother, Matt side by side in matching football gear. She chuckled, pointing it out. It was the 6th grade, the year after Bonnie had left that Matt and Vicki came into the school district. Each picture was truly worse than the other. Sure, they were literal children then but still they couldn't help making fun of themselves.
Suddenly, Bonnie gasped. "What time is it?"
Tyler pulled out his phone. Along with him, Bonnie checked it too. It was almost 11. Which wasn't a horrible hour, but Bonnie was still scared. "I-I have to go home."
Bonnie stood rapidly and Tyler followed, setting down the yearbooks. "Do you have a ride?"
"I came with Vicki Donovan."
Tyler rolled his eyes and didn't hide the fact either. "I'll take you home." Bonnie followed behind Tyler out of the bedroom. When they reentered the scene of the party, Bonnie began searching for Vicki. "You're not going to find her! I'm sure she'll text you later."
Bonnie shook her head. She didn't know Vicki well, but she couldn't just go. Not without her. Regardless of what Tyler said, Bonnie searched the party before finding Vicki slumped over in the middle of a girl and guy. Walking quickly to her, she shook her friend gently.
"There you are!" Vicki smiled. She sat up straight slowly, visibly intoxicated beyond compare. "I've been looking for you!" She cried out.
Bonnie grabbed Vicki and struggled to get her arm under Vicki's. Tyler, seeing her struggle, decided to help. With Vicki slung over on each of their shoulders, they walked out of Tyler's house.
Tyler drove slowly. Bonnie peered behind her at Vicki who was laid across the back seat of his car. Suddenly, his car stopped. Bonnie looked up to see a small house with its light on. "Is this her house?" Tyler nodded. "Vicki," she coaxed. "We're at your house."
Vicki sat up sluggishly and glanced out the window. "Oh shit… thanks." She let out a disgusting groan as she opened the door and just about fell on her face. Bonnie watched her stumble to her front door. When both her and Tyler saw her go inside, he took no time speeding off.
Bonnie told him the directions to her house and he took her there. The ride to her house was silent, aside from Bonnie slightly panicking. She kept going on about how she was supposed to be at the movies with Vicki and that her parents were going to kill her. When Tyler pulled down her driveway, he put his car in park and got out. Bonnie's eyes followed him as came to her side of the car and opened her door.
She didn't ask him to, but he walked her up to the front door. Bonnie kept her head down as she unlocked the door to her house. She was met with both Abby and Leo straightaway. "Bonnie, it is almost midnight! What in the world happened?!"
Leo looked perplexed. "Where is your phone?"
"Uh…" she was at a loss for words
Beside her appeared Tyler. Abby's angry face fell and Leo's obvious strained posture straightened. "Tyler, oh I… what uh… what are you doing here?"
Leo seemingly knew Tyler and so did Abby which surprised Bonnie.
"I gave Bonnie a ride home from the movies." Abby looked curiously. "Yeah, uh, we all kind of just hung out afterwards. Lost track of time. It's my fault, really."
Abby and Leo looked at each other and back at Bonnie. She hoped she didn't smell of alcohol and that they didn't have a breathalyzer or something waiting for her. "Oh, uh well… Thank you for bringing her home."
"Yeah, thank you." Bonnie muttered quietly. Tyler nodded. He took that as a sign for him to leave. He gave Bonnie a small smile and winked before seeing himself out.
Leo didn't say anymore to his daughter before turning his back on her completely. "I'm sorry," she whispered to Abby. She was far from embarrassed.
"Strike one."
. . .
IT all happened so fast and was the last thing she expected. But ever since the night of his party, Tyler and Bonnie had been inseparable ever since. That was five months ago now. They were boyfriend and girlfriend and everybody knew it. As soon as people got wind of her and Tyler, school was no longer scary for Bonnie. Not with him by her side. Her weekends were more adventurous than ever and she no longer spent them alone when she had Vicki too.
She had more friends now than she had ever had in her entire life.
Her parents approved and it surprised Bonnie. Well, at first it did. Tyler's parents were also of high caliber with his father being the mayor of Grove Hill. One of Leo's biggest clients is his father. So while it was confusing at first, it made sense in the end.
Because of that, it added a little bit of pressure for Bonnie to keep her image clean and now her relationship intact. She had never had a serious boyfriend before. Not like Tyler. She had never met a someone like Tyler either. He was kind to her, made her laugh and was without a doubt a gentleman.
It was February. The day of Bonnie's 18th birthday and she knew that Tyler had something planned but didn't say. She was ready for anything and excited. Tyler treated her to dinner and gave her the most beautiful necklace ever.
"I don't like this," she complained. Her vision was blurred and it was dark underneath the blindfold Tyler had placed on her.
Tyler chuckled. He lifted her hand and pressed a soft kiss to the back of it. "Almost there," he said. Bonnie could hear a door open. Tyler led her down a step. Familiar aroma filled her nostrils. She knew that she was in his house. A smile formed on her face as Tyler stopped her. "Open."
Bonnie reached behind her head and untied the blindfold. When it fell off, her eyes fluttered open and to her surprise in the middle of Tyler's foyer stood a large group of their friends. The collective bunch yelled out surprise.
Her eyes scanned the group before they fell on Vicki. She almost sighed in relief. Thanking everyone she passed, she met Vicki and hugged her immediately. "Happy birthday, bitch!"
Bonnie shook her head, "Vic, language!" She warned. Vicki rolled her eyes and wrapped her arm around Bonnie's shoulder. The party broke out almost instantly and like always Vicki was dragging Bonnie away.
It had become almost tradition for Bonnie to be out every weekend. Though it made Abby and Leo question her, Bonnie never let them think she wasn't doing well in school. Or within her job too. Because she was. Despite her doing everything that she wasn't supposed to be doing, she was still passing all of her classes. That and showing up to every shift her boring retail job gave her.
While Vicki had gotten a couple shots in her system, Bonnie was taking it slower. It was her birthday and she wanted to remember it for what it was. Not in bits and pieces because she was too drunk to recall it.
Music was blaring throughout Tyler's house and Bonnie was dancing awfully close to Vicki. It was how they were when they were together. It was harmless and fun. Tyler never thought that however.
Bonnie was pressed against Vicki as the two girls swayed side to side with each other. Their hands were wrapped around their waists as they danced to the song. Vicki leaned into Bonnie's shoulder. "Your boyfriend is watching us like a hawk."
Bonnie giggled, pulling away. She looked to the side and spotted Tyler right away. Through the small crowd of people, Tyler stood with a face Bonnie couldn't recognize. She gave him a large smile, a smile he said he adored, and turned back to Vicki.
"We should give him something to really talk about." Bonnie's eyebrow raised. She looked at Vicki coyly. Vicki snickered and pulled Bonnie's face towards her. Bonnie giggled, shaking her head.
A strong force ripped Bonnie away from Vicki. The brunette threw her bands up in defense, watching as Tyler pulled her away. "What the fuck, Ty! It was a joke!"
The grip Tyler had on Bonnie was one that she had never felt before. He never grabbed her that way and the way he just dragged her through the party, scared her. The two entered the guest room and Tyler swung her like she was a doll.
Bonnie tried circling around Tyler who made it almost impossible to. He was sulking towards her like he was a predator and she was his prey. Before she knew it, a stinging sensation hit her face. "What the fuck was that out there? Huh?"
She flinched. She hates cursing and avoided it like a plague. She also hated being yelled at. Bonnie shook her head, she didn't know what to say. She didn't understand how within an hour he went from being boyfriend of the year to somebody that Bonnie had never seen before.
Tyler grabbed Bonnie's arm and yanked her towards him. "I take you out for dinner, give you the nicest fucking gift, throw you a fucking party and this is how you repay me?"
Bonnie licked her lips, she could taste blood. Maybe she bit her lip too hard. She reached for her mouth, pulling it away, the blood dripped down her finger. "I… I don't… I didn't mean to…"
"You didn't mean to what? Hmm? Act like a fucking whore with your stupid whore friend? I told you about her, Bonnie. She is disgusting and nothing— nothing like you and me. She hates you, you know?"
He did tell her about Vicki. Or about what he thought about Vicki. Bonnie remembers Tyler telling her that Vicki did things that girls like Bonnie shouldn't do. Like drinking and trying substances that'll harm her body and make her stupid. Bonnie was smart. Too smart for Vicki, Tyler claimed. To Tyler, he had warned Bonnie. To Bonnie, Vicki was still her only good and kind friend. No matter what Tyler said.
Her eyes widened, "What?"
"She hates you, she hates me. She hates us." He chuckled. "I only want what's best for you, Bonnie. Don't you get it? She is not what's best for you."
Bonnie's lip trembled and she refused to look at Tyler. Like an animal, he had her caged in. His inconsistent breathing began to calm. "Look at me," she refused. He sighed. "Look… I… I'm sorry. You just don't get what you do to me, Bonnie."
She sniffled, her eyes still not matching his gaze.
"Hey," He gripped her chin, gently, lifting her face up to him. "Don't do that." He spoke, this time softly. His dark brown eyes buried into hers intensely.
A hiccup escaped her mouth. "Do- what? Do what?"
"Cry." He bidded. "It's okay."
Somewhere between her zoning out and the loud music filling her ears, Bonnie could hear Vicki calling her name. She wanted to call back to her badly. Tyler let go of her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her in for a tight hug. "You okay? I'm so sorry." He wiped her mouth.
Bonnie nodded. She tried releasing his grip around her waist. That only prompted him to hold her tighter. "I didn't mean it."
The door busted open and Vicki came barreling in. "Bonnie, are you.." upon seeing the two of them, she closed her mouth. "I'm sorry if I'm interrupting."
Tyler finally let go of Bonnie.
"No, not interrupting." Tyler claimed.
Bonnie could feel Vicki's eyes on her. She knew that she was waiting for her to say something. Swallowing a bit of her shame, she turned to Vicki with a smile on her face. "Are you okay?"
Vicki looked at her intently. "Yeah…" she dragged. "Are you okay?"
"Yep!" Bonnie pushed past Tyler and walked to Vicki. "Let's go dance!" Grabbing her hand, the two turned away. While she walked away with Vicki, Bonnie kept wiping at her lip before they rejoined the party.
Bonnie knew Tyler's feelings about Vicki. He had told her some things. Maybe they were true… maybe they weren't. Maybe he just said what he did because he was jealous… maybe he said it to look out for her.
Except within the past five almost six months, Bonnie had formed a very tight bond with Vicki. The two girls told each other a lot. So to say that Bonnie didn't know what to believe, would be an understatement.
At first, she wanted to enjoy her birthday. Now, all she wanted to do was go home. Run to her mom and tell her it was a mistake. All of it. From wanting to go back to public school to dating Tyler.
As she danced gingerly with Vicki, Bonnie thought back to when she had first started dating Tyler.
Abby walked into her daughter's room. Bonnie was in front of her mirror, checking her outfit. After a month of casually talking and hanging out more and more, it was finally her first date with Tyler. At first she didn't recognize her. Her once coiled and kinky hair was now straight. "Y-You changed your hair?"
Bonnie peered at her mother through the mirror. "Oh," she said softly. "Yeah."
"But why? I loved your curls, Bon." Abby's hand glided down her daughter's hair and back. Bonnie ignored her mother's comments. She changed her hair because she wanted to. She wanted a change. "Are you nervous?" Bonnie shook her head.
Abby sighed. "You know, his father is one of our biggest clients.." Bonnie stopped messing with her shirt and turned to face her mother. "Do you get what I'm trying to say?"
Bonnie nodded. How could she not. Obviously her mother didn't want her to mess up. Bonnie didn't want to either. Especially if it meant the company was in play. Abby took her daughter's face in her hands. "You're going to have a great time, yeah?"
"Yeah," Bonnie agreed.
Abby smiled at her daughter and released her face. "Tell him to tell his mother I say hi, okay?" Again, Bonnie nodded.
"Are you sure you're okay? I'm sorry I did that! I was only joking!" Vicki shouted over the music.
Bonnie nodded. "I'm okay!"
"Promise?!"
"Promise!"
She wasn't okay, but she knew that she would be. Besides, high school relationships tend to never last. Bonnie had to remind herself of that.
All of this is temporary.
A/N: hi :) i really liked writing this chapter. It was fun getting into the mind of a 17/18 year old Bonnie. I just wanted to show how sort of naive, quiet and cautious she was. Sometimes, still is. I hope I got that across in other chapters before this as I hope I got it across in this chapter too.
Somewhere along her life, the fear of failure sunk into her. Which is definitely where her anxiety stems from. She's afraid of failing not only her parents but herself.
Tyler's anger definitely stems from jealousy. Which is insane because whether he is aware or not, Bonnie only had eyes for him. Her hiding that dark side of him was like a natural instinct for her. Which is why now (in the present) it's harder for her to leave. That and she is still afraid to disappoint the people around her. I think he tries pulling Bonnie away from people that might make her see the real him. or that he deems a threat to their relationship. then and now.
I don't plan on doing anymore full chapters of the past but I will incorporate small tidbits and memories here and there about their relationship. A relationship that literally went from perfect to disastrous in the blink of an eye.
Tyler is a master manipulator which is easy because Bonnie is easy. She's innocent, kind and fragile. So why not fuck around with her. He knows what'll get her upset and make her question a lot of things. Even if it's completely untrue, he doesn't care. And teenage Bonnie couldn't see through it.
Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and I'm more than ready to get back to D & B. Thanks so much for reading!
see you soon (: