dear little witch

by cancerianwoman

Bonnie Bennett has held plenty of titles. A daughter, friend, teen witch and a former wife. The most important one to her now was mother and business owner. She earned this life for herself and would be damned if she lost. A witch's premonition is nothing to ignore. The Salvatore Boarding School will change everything.

3. duo

AN: As of now everything is cross posted! Like I said you can always message me on here or at my tumblr cancerian-woman. As I said before, I know things may seem confusing as of now but will make sense in the grand scheme of things! There will be more diary entries, family moments, drama, cool witch shit. Just give it some time first! As of now please enjoy!

---

"Thank you, Miss Bonnie!" the first woman said, honking her car horn for the witch's attention. She rolled the windows down, poking her head out to speak again. Bennett's Palace is the greatest place to be. My boys and husband loved the boat rides. We will be leaving positive reviews!"

"You're always welcome!" the witch replied, rolling down her windows. "Your family is more than welcome to come again."

"Thank you!" Ivy replied, waving at the leaving guests. Bonnie allowed the windows to be rolled down for her just a little. Ivy had a habit of throwing things out of them when she got bored. "Bye, bye bye!" she repeated, kicking her feet.

"Good-job, Sweetie." Bonnie replied, listening to her daughter. The witch muttered a thank-you to herself seeing the mood change in her one-year-old.

Bonnie drove her past the parking lot. She always parked her car right outside her own office. She grinned at the number of positive comments she received from the different families that were leaving. She had been wondering if she should expand her business lately. Paying for private school and saving up for the girls college funds wasn't cheap. There was still countless money that was left over from when Klaus' left.

The Bennett witch hasn't stopped being that stubborn though. Klaus' money would be used for emergencies only. In Bonnie's eyes since Klaus left his money or his rights to raise them wasn't needed. However, in case of the worst Bonnie wasn't a fool either.

The Bed and Breakfast was everything Bonnie dreamed it would've been. Bennett's Palace followed the same rustic build as her home. She chose a teal exterior with wide windows in the front. Keeping the view of the water in everyone's gaze. Cushioned lawn chairs and clothed tables were located upfront the left of the home. Small stands were kept by each lawn chair to hold books or drinks. Flower beds of petunias, begonias and marigolds rested around the home. In the back was where the action happened. There was always something to hear: throaty laughter, a pop or sizzle from the grill or deep fryer, thumping noises from seafood being discarded or children collecting stones, trees that rustled together and twigs that snapped from those running around. The smell of sea-salt was ingrained in their skins from the water and wind blowing. Her daughters loved the smell of melted marshmallows and chocolate from the bonfire pits.

No matter where you stood, you could always see someone busy enjoying themselves with a good meal, competitive boating activities or even observing the beautiful scenery. Watching the sun rise and fall near the other islands was Bonnie's favorite. It was something small to many but watching the sky change in various colors behind those trees and grassland was everything to her. To think this place was almost her home. Nova Scotia held plenty of positive irreplaceable memories.

Bonnie and Ivy entered her office from the side entrance. They were greeted with the fresh mint smell that lingered on her olive-green painted walls. It could've been the connection to earth that made her addicted to that color. Bonnie's file cabinets kept a record of guests, employees and other information. Her tanned floating desk contained: clipboard, notebooks for organizing, desktop, the work phone, clay pencil holder made by Hazel and framed pictures of her daughters.

Bonnie ran her fingers over the vintage fame. Klaus had chosen to paint the picture after he sketched it out one morning while she slept in longer than usual. Hazel was sucking and slobbing on her right hand. She was laid under her yellow wool blanket, dark curls peaked out from under the white beanie and her left arm was stretched out as her fingers latched around Klaus' pinky.

In the second frame was a picture of Ivy taken by Hazel. The child witch was obsessed with the disposable her mother had gotten her. The beach was a new experience for Ivy and Hazel wanted to be the one to capture this event. The infant witch was dressed in her strawberry suit and matching bucket hat. She grinned, showing four teeth that were coming in and lifting her purple toy shovel high in the air.

Bonnie cherished every second of her family, even when Klaus was around, she loved it. The witch would be lying if she said she was without doubts about Klaus. She spent too many nights wondering if their relationship was real. Did she get caught in another trick bag? Is the guy just waiting for Caroline to wake up? Those doubts and many fears subsided whenever she noticed how Klaus looked at Hazel. He was mesmerized beyond comparison at everything she did. The hybrid's love was heavier than anything the witch had experienced before. Bonnie reeled in his dedication to make sure she never forgot what she meant to him. Now, the witch was left with the burden of wondering why. Why did he miss her second, final trimesters, the birth and never tried meeting Ivy. Hazel grew taller, wiser, more curious and more attentive to the world. Why didn't he call her back? Why did he leave? Despite these negatives she still has good memories such as re-meeting Klaus although she wanted nothing to do with him. One conversation with him and she managed to restart their non-existent relationship at the time. Which led to a deal that changed her life for the better.

---

Bonnie shifted her tote bag closer towards her body. She greeted and excused herself to the families who were playing ball. The weather in Edinburgh was perfect for the witch. Not humid, and not too cold. She did still wear a thicker sweater, green scarf and dark jeans. A cold was not in her plans on her trips. The Meadow was often packed in Edinburgh around noon. She saw picnics, skateboarders, young or elderly couples joined hand in hand. She'd feel a jolt or two in her own hands remembering when she had someone to hold. The people reminded her of humanity. Something she thought slipped after she left Mystic Falls.

Edinburgh was beautiful. The witch found the medieval architecture and stone structures more appealing than anything she saw in Mystic Falls. Besides the history, castle grounds and the gardens, what she found interesting was the library. She needed to know what happened to her relatives' belongings then. Everything from grimoires to artifacts was spread out and she wanted that back. What sparked her research was dreams of the infant that wore a lapis moon crest medallion.

The baby sat upright on the pastel pink quilt in her dreams. She was styled in a yellow and white duckling themed pajama set. Bonnie couldn't see her face. She saw light-brown skin and dark curly hair. The lapis moon crest medallion was on the baby's neck backwards leaving the moon crest to rest on her tiny back. The baby kicked and giggled, levitating Mrs. Cuddles, diapers and wipes in the air. The baby twisted her body reaching for her father's hand. Bonnie did take note of the ring the man wore. Silver, hexagon-head and blue crest in the middle.

The medallion was used for protection, locators between witches and aided birthing or death rituals. It was created by her ancestor Beatrice. She fled to Edinburgh after the death of their relatives who were burned alive years prior. From Beatrice's diaries she hid that she was a witch for several years from her husband and even tried hiding the gene through their children. It worked when their children were smaller, and she could control their magic. Beatrice decided to tell the truth of who she was and what their children were. Thomas changed as soon as he was told. Then spread the news to any man or woman who would listen. Their four children successfully fled while Beatrice sacrificed herself. Which began the Edinburgh witch trials. Anyone who was an ally to Beatrice was questioned or killed for suspicions. Leaving a bloodbath in the streets of Edinburgh. Beatrice's children never returned to Edinburgh is what one news article detailed. No one could find a trace of those children, even after Thomas was found dead a decade later tied to a pole. His newer wife and child claimed they feared Bennett witches for years to follow.

"We're definitely family alright," Bonnie muttered to herself. She took a quick bite of her croissant and sunny side up egg sandwich. Then highlighted the details on how Thomas died. Blood-loss from his limbs being amputated. The witch had a low chuckle remembering how she sliced Enzo's hand off with an ax.

Bonnie leaned back admiring what she did collect in the last five days. She had three of Beatrice's grimoires, and news articles that detailed the Edinburgh witch trials. Yet she couldn't find the medallion.

"I never knew you stole, witch." A thick familiar English accent said above her. "You are a Bennett witch, I shouldn't have suspected less. Always eager to obtain new information."

"Not stealing when these items belong to you." the witch informed, then went back to ignoring the hybrid. She wouldn't allow him the privilege of ruining her time. "Now get away from me, thanks."

"You're a long way from home." Klaus said, crouching lower near the witch. He gazed at her trying to quickly cover her research on witch trials. "On a killing spree I presume. I do love when revenge is on a witch's mind. It's sexy."

Bonnie slammed her hand over one of the articles. "What the hell do you want Klaus?" She said, irritably. "Caroline and Stefan aren't with me so go bother someone else like your family. We're not friends. I hate you and I don't need to run my studies by you. If I needed help with something I wouldn't ask you."

Klaus kept his boyish grin, disregarding her comments. That fiery attitude hasn't slipped since they've been apart. Witches were stubborn creatures, but that made bedding them even more rewarding. Leverage was deliciously served between the sheets of his bed. Bonnie Bennett was even more enticing to him now. Her face was still youthful, but those hips and thighs were mature.

Instead of backing down and walking away as she told him too. Klaus overlapped his hand with hers. He could handle a potential burn from Bonnie Bennett. Nothing he hadn't experienced before. Since separating from his family, he was dying for any contact with someone he did know.

Bonnie looked down at their hands. Her throat went dry as she gazed at his ring. "Have you always had that ring?" She picked his hand up and brought it closer to her face. "Where did you get it from? Who else has one similar?"

"I've had it for centuries. My siblings and I have matching rings," Klaus said, flipping his hand back and forth repeatedly. "You know the day you tried to murder me. I almost lost it. Don't tell me you're going to steal off my hands."

"Poor thing," the witch replied dryly. "You have it so hard." She moved her body, shuffling what she could into her tote bag. Klaus shouldn't have been in her dreams. He couldn't be entwined in that baby's joy from her visions. There was no way any other Mikaelson could either. What good has that family brought anyone in the last millennium? "No, I don't want your damn ring! Stay away from me and move out of my way. I'm not that girl you remembered."

"Looking for these?" Klaus asked, ignoring her threats as he turned the pages over as he admired each one. The first picture was the moon crest medallion held up into the sky. The second picture was an infant with her hands raised and the final was sketches of his daylight ring. "I didn't know you possessed such a talent for the arts, Bonnie. I do want to know what you have planned for my daylight ring."

Bonnie rolled her eyes, snatching her drawings back. "I'm not planning anything. My psychic abilities must've been sending me a warning about your ass."

"Bonnie," Klaus said, softly reaching for her arm. "I can help you find this medallion if it means helping your daughter." He could sustain helping someone else for once. He's already drenched in regret for how Hope's life is going.

"I don't have a daughter," Bonnie corrected him, shuffling through her bag for her key fob for her hotel room. "The only man I wanted a family with, Stefan killed him. Klaus, I'm not stupid your help comes with a price. What do you want in exchange?"

Klaus stepped closer to Bonnie grinning as he breathed her in. She smelled of sweet jasmine tea. "Tell me what you saw with my daylight ring, that's all I want." He needed to be aware of any possible casualties that could come his family's way.

Bonnie sighed, walking in the other direction. "Deal, I guess you can follow me to my hotel. I'll show you more details about the medallion there."

"You said Stefan murdered your lover." Klaus mentioned, thinking about when the last time he spoke to Stefan. He couldn't quite remember when that was. "What did you do to him?"

"Burned him alive," The witch laughed, looking at Klaus' bulging eyes. "Relax, your friend is alive. He's just human."

"Underneath every witch is something sinister," Klaus said, moving his arm to pull her closer to his body. "Pleasure to meet you, Bonnie."

"It'd be even more pleasurable if you'd stop trying to feel on my thighs." Bonnie replied, looking at his hand. "Move it, Klaus and I mean it."

"Strong enough to turn a man into a human." Klaus expressed, squeezing her thigh. "You can stop me from squeezing your thigh."

"You're so right." She flicked her hand, and grinned at the sound of Klaus' low-cursing and bones snapping as he freed his hand off her thigh. She sped up walking, not caring that he was healing and still trailing behind her. "I don't want people getting the wrong idea about this."

"This isn't even your home, witch." Klaus scoffed, placing his hand on his chest as he trailed behind the witch. "Why aren't you traveling with your friends?"

Bonnie ignored that as she kept walking, she didn't need to look back to know Klaus' eyes were on her. His presence over her was maddening, no she didn't fear him and wouldn't mind inflicting pain over him. But there was something about the hybrid that made you notice him. He was charming, mildly intelligent and she'd be a liar to deny his attractiveness. When the witch was younger, more uncertain about where she belonged and who she was. She found him attractive and interesting the same way Stefan made her swoon before dating her best friend. It's something alluring in the unknown. It's an answer in the darkness.

Bonnie wasn't unwise though. She wasn't the doppelgänger, and she wasn't her bubbly or daring vampire friend. Never went with the flow immediately, she asked questions and valued preparation. Those traits weren't likable by others. She became reclusive and thought more on survival and less existing in the moment. She fell into the role of being just the Bennett witch, and people saw her as a tool. Once they used her, they placed her back on a shelf, unnoticed until the next event. Being just Bonnie wasn't enough; she had to be Bonnie the Bennett Witch at all trying times. This deal would be no different.

"Here we are!" Bonnie said cheerfully, extending her arms out. "She's great and cozy."

Bonnie wanted to remain near the action. Best hotel to do that was the Village Hotel. The dark gray exterior was too simple for Bonnie's taste, but the hotel wasn't far away from anything else the witch wanted to see. It did offer all amenities she needed for her stay so the witch wouldn't judge the place too harshly.

"You're residing in a bank lockbox, love." Klaus replied, looking at the hotel and back at Bonnie. "You couldn't have found something less dull looking? This is sore on the eyes."

"Of course, you'd say that." Bonnie replied, shaking her head, turning her heels and walking inside. "Whatever, just follow me. You know not everyone buys a mansion to stay in every time they go somewhere."

"Pardon me, for wanting to be comfortable." The hybrid argued, placing his hand over his heart. The hotel lobby didn't look any different than the standard lobby. Poorly done with its stripped couches, wooden coffee table but the smell of pine distracted him. "You never answered my question."

Bonnie scoffed, disagreeing. "You wouldn't care to know the answer. Stay right here." The witch ordered as she walked to the receptionist desk. "Thank you, Michelle, for all your help and guidance these last few days. I brought you turkey-club, salad, chips and water for your lunch. It's in my bag."

Klaus never defined the witch as a sociable person. In the past she showed up, handled her business and left. When she was around, she listened more than speaking out. He did silently praise the witch for her bravery, intelligence and simultaneously found her rather annoying for her continuous self-sacrificing behavior patterns. Any witch who could successfully outsmart him was a problem. Bennett witches were known for their grace, creativity, intelligence and pure immense power. The Mikaelson's were fortunate to experience Ayana and her daughters. Kol then traveled with Bennett witches that resided in Haiti and claimed it was the best time of his immortality. It pained Klaus' undead heart that Bonnie offered her life on a silver platter. Back then the hybrid wasn't in the art of opening himself up emotionally to deal with pursuing Bonnie. It's none of his business why she left Mystic Falls but he will make it his business to understand why.

"You're an angel, Bonnie. I hope you've found everything well." Michelle compliments, overlapping their hands as Bonnie places each item on her desk. "Handsome man you've got with you!" she whispered, leaning over to where she thought only Bonnie could hear her. The receptionist could've only been a decade older than Bonnie but enjoyed her presence. "You're too pretty to be single."

"Oh him?" Bonnie replied, looking back as intensely as Klaus' eyes were on her. "Handsome but a headache. I wouldn't wish him on my worst enemy. Enjoy your lunch, I'll see you later."

Bonnie motioned for Klaus to follow her near the elevators. She knew from the grin on his face he heard everything. Which she anticipated but didn't plan on changing what she said.

"So handsome but a headache?" Klaus asked her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. He listened to the thumps of her heart expecting it to increase from lying. "I'll take it, I've been called much worse."

"Do you have to be this close to me?" Bonnie asked, frowning, he was close enough for her to breathe in his natural, but expensive sandalwood scent. Of course, he smells sweet, just another problem he brings me. "Why are you like this?" the witch questioned, turning her body into an inferno towards Klaus' touch. She laughed at his low and raspy cursing. "You know communication can be held without invading personal space? It's very simple."

"Proximity makes you feel uneasy, I noticed." Klaus called out, watching the witch unlock her hotel door. "I am impressed by your newfound combat skills. Turning your body into a heat reactant was smart."

"Forgive me for desiring that you don't breathe down my neck." Bonnie said, shrugging as she placed her tote bag on the bed. "As for my combat skills, I've learned a lot since I was seventeen. That was your warning not to try me. I'm going to head to the bathroom, and we can get started."

Bonnie's hotel room smelled of honey and vanilla. Dark mahogany colored furniture resided in the room. White and tan sheets covered the bed, the carpet matches the lobby downstairs. The windows provided views of the park nearby keeping her closer to nature. A flat screen hung from the wall and below that was the dresser. On the dresser the witch kept her laptop, tissue, lotions, and an ice bucket. She was hiding something else underneath her stack of magazines, books and grimoire from the bulkiness of the stack. It wasn't hard to determine that the witch was struggling to pack lightly for her trip. She had three suitcases and a duffel bag near the closet.

"No, Bonnie you aren't seventeen anymore." Klaus agreed, looking the witch up and down. "You're a woman. Powerful, courageous, wise and alluring."

"Don't look at me like that." Bonnie replied, folding her arms, increasing the irritated raspy tone in her voice. She moved closer, invading his space for once. "You don't get to glare at me with those eyes."

"Am I bothering you again?" Klaus asked, stepping closer to the witch. He breathed her sweet honey and floral scent. Klaus reached out, touching a loose curl that rested on her forehead. He knew his eyes were amber colored.

Bonnie swatted his hand away. "Don't touch me, you should touch yourself! I know what those eyes mean and whatever you're thinking won't work." She placed her hands on her hips feeling prideful.

"You want me to touch myself?" Klaus asked, his head threw back in laughter. He reached for his zipper on his jeans. The witch did bother him, releasing that pressure would be nice at the moment. "If you insist- "

"NO!" Bonnie shouted, rolling her eyes and walking away to the bathroom. "When I get back out here your pants better be on."

Nothing has changed. She's still bothered by me. The hybrid reached over for Bonnie's stack of minuscule items running his hand over them until he found a silver necklace with and a vial of blood in the middle. Between a women's health magazine and the witch's grimoire was a picture of the witch and another male. The witch was covered in an olive-green t-shirt, her curly hair was pinned into a bun, and she was leaning over kissing this shirtless dark-haired man. They were smitten with each other.

Klaus turned the photo over. For the witch that makes me feel alive was written in ink. Klaus immediately felt warmth rising in his chest. Since when did Bonnie have this open heart about dating vampires?

"What are you doing? Don't touch anything!" Bonnie yelled, irritably. She flicked her wrist moving the photo and necklace back in her hand. Then placed them on the nightstand near her bed. "This was a bad idea." The witch placed her hand in her back pockets. "You need to leave right now."

In the past deals with Klaus, he made sure to know everyone's business. For a man that lived for centuries Bonnie found him invasive about everything. She couldn't fault him for this; she too observed to understand how someone else moved. But this still had some respect for privacy whereas Klaus had none.

"We agreed to help each other so I'm not leaving. Deal with it." Klaus refused and sat on the witch's bed. "Before we begin, do explain how you overcame your animosity towards vampires enough to date one."

Klaus wasn't like other men or people Bonnie dealt with. When she backed down or held her guards up out of fear they listened and discarded her away.

"I wish people would stop assuming I hated vampires. I never said that." Bonnie corrected, and sighed face palming. She hated giving out a piece of her mind because in the end she can never get it back. Once those feelings are known and open for judgment nothing feels the same after.

"Little witch, I just want to understand what made that vampire so unique compared to others." Klaus said, raising his hands in defense. The hybrid took the offensive tone out of his voice that time. The witch was more receptive to him when he wasn't making demands. "Is there something wrong with asking a question?"

"None of you ever listened to anything I said or paid attention to me, that's what made Enzo different." Bonnie said, clearing her throat. It had only been a few months without Enzo, she was still defensive over him. She breathed in and out calming herself before continuing.

"I didn't hate vampires; all of my friends had an experience as a vampire. I DID all the heavy lifting. For creatures that didn't even see me as a person. None of you did. I get it," the witch mockingly laughed. "I'm not a doppelgänger or a bubbly blonde. There's very little room for people like me."

"You're incorrect, Bonnie," Klaus corrected, pointing at the witch.

The hybrid would be lying if he said he wasn't enjoying this other side to the witch. She's expressing herself; they had a few conversations in the past where she did that and went back into her reclusive state. "You were never unnoticed."

"Bullshit," The witch says bluntly, she walks over to the fridge pulling out a bottle of water. She drinks quickly dampening her thirst.

"Even now you're only here because you want something. Not because you see me or want to be here. You'll be gone as soon as I tell you what you want to hear." The witch shrugged her shoulders and clasped her hands together. "Just like everyone else."

"Perhaps you don't want others to see you." Klaus suggested, he frowned dimples appearing. "You don't want others around you in fear they'll abandon or disappoint you so you settle for people that overshadow and don't value you at all."

Bonnie turned her head so fast her neck popped. "I'm not having that conversation with you of all people. The quicker he gets his answers, the faster he'll leave. I can't tell him what I saw but I can lie. "You don't know me at all."

"Let's get this over with." The witch declared, avoiding the subject. "I'm collecting everything back that belongs to my family. Anything from grimoires, artifacts, pictures, news articles. It doesn't matter, if a Bennett witch is in the name and created it. It belongs in my possession."

"I don't disagree, little witch. It's your birthright and you should claim it." Klaus said, standing up and walking closer to the witch. "But do you desire stuffing all those items in hotel rooms? Are you returning home to deliver them?"

The witch went speechless and moistened her lips, disagreeing. "I'll figure it out when I get there. I don't want to go home."

Hearing the witch's refusal on returning home popped a lightbulb in the hybrid's head. He saw an opportunity and he wouldn't miss it. Not by one chance.

"Move in with me," Klaus said, holding his hand out for the witch.

"You're crazy, why would I do that?" Bonnie asked, raising a brow and popping her hand on her hips.

"We can help each other, that's why you'd agree too." Klaus said, arrogantly as he circled around the witch. "I know where to find hidden things. You can help me check on my family and you can keep your belongings there as long as you need. My family won't be arriving there at all and none of your friends will be there. We both get what we desire."

"I don't know, Klaus." Bonnie replied, folding her arms. "I planned these trips alone for a reason."

"You should learn to accept help when you need it, little witch. Do, tell how much you've found since your travels."

Not much. I did promise myself to take a risk. Bonnie thought to herself. "Fine! I'll stay with you," The witch sighed, "You just better not let me down."

"I swear to it that I won't." Klaus paused; he noticed something small near Bonnie's duffel bag. "One final question and then we can pack this room up."

"What do you want to know now?" Bonnie questioned, squinting her eyes. The hybrid cared a lot for the facts in a situation.

Klaus sped in the room creating a draft. "What is this?" Klaus held out the stuffed-jet black plush wolf to Bonnie. "Don't tell me you've seen a dark wolf in your dreams."

"Hey, don't you hold Nox like that he'll rip!" The witch defended, snatching the plush wolf from his hands. "I drew the wolf a couple times in one of my journals. He seems to keep me safe in my dreams. I saw one at the airport gift shop and had to have him. What's the problem? He's so cute."

"Never knew you loved wolves so much. We surely do have our work crafted out for us."

Klaus wasn't bothered by Bonnie's liking for stuffed animals. What did set more questions off in his head that the wolf Bonnie sees in her dreams is certainly him. They appear to be bonded someway and Bonnie must be in-denial.

---

It wasn't the warmest reconciliation but did rebirth a sweet beginning. One day when Klaus isn't a sore subject in her family Bonnie will tell those stories. The good, the bad, the bittersweet and answer any question they needed. She desires that the stories will tug their hearts with joy and sadness but in the end be just as meaningful. As of now they'll pretend Klaus was never here, nothing to be remembered. Which was a lie, the hybrid was certainly memorable.

Mardi Gras season in 2026 was when the Bennett witch saw the hybrid last. Making February and March are harder months emotionally if he crossed her mind too heavily. The witch wonders did she miss anything when she was in New Orleans that year? Did she make the right call when she turned around after seeing Caroline walk the streets of New Orleans?

Did Klaus ever see her and not say anything out of guilt? Those questions didn't matter today, it wouldn't help her or them get through today. It's early March again. Flowers are blooming once more, and the pain resides hardening her heart. She still muffles her cries so no one can hear her. This is grieving but she will survive this.

Bonnie holds her secrets close to her heart. Protecting them and her daughters under those layers of grievances meshed with love. It's safer that way, she can't tell Caroline she saw her in New Orleans with Klaus. Her friends aren't even aware Klaus fathers both her sweet little girls. There was a time she'd given in and tell Elena or Caroline all without any worries of judgment, but those days have passed.

Klaus told her once she had to learn to let people in. After he broke her heart and left her alone, she needed someone to talk to. There's two people from Mystic Falls who do know more than they should. No one else ever dealt with Klaus the way Stefan and Tyler did. Both having their own histories with him. She couldn't ask Tyler to remove himself from his family to see her. She called Stefan to visit instead. It took two days for his arrival. Bonnie hugged him upon arrival and wailed in his arms, confessing everything about the last five years of her life then. Stefan just listened and accepted. The former vampire did swear to her that he'd make up for what he did to Enzo. He's been keeping his promise steady, not revealing a secret to anyone. The smaller Bennett witches enjoyed their "Uncle Stefan" visits. Bonnie wouldn't remove him from her daughters' life because of whatever happened with Klaus. There is a part of her that wishes that her other friends knew her daughters the way Stefan does.

"Morning Bonnie, I noticed your car outside." An angelic female voice said, lightly tapping on the door, disrupting the witch. "Are you alright? You haven't come out yet."

"I'm fine, April." Bonnie replied, releasing the hold she had on her wedding ring that hung from her necklace.

The three-piece pear-shaped moonstone cluster ring was the first Mother's Day gift Klaus ever bought Bonnie. Hazel wasn't born yet, still nesting in her belly, and Bonnie told him not to get anything Klaus didn't listen. Instead, got something she'd be enamored with. One of the golden bands resembled a crown. The other band reminded the witch of branches and petals from the garden in her yard.

At that time Bonnie wasn't used to being given gifts that sparked and caught someone's eye. If anyone gifted her anything it rarely strayed away from its dull tones or antique natures. The witch had no intention of discarding the ring, the next best place was around her neck.

"Mommy is going to need your help today." the witch whispers, holding Ivy close nuzzling her full cheeks. "Just be yourself to the fullest. It makes mommy the happiest. Can you do that? Hm?"

Her youngest baby was little, yes. But, very advanced for a one-year-old. She knew a heavy number of words; she knew her manners and when to apologize. Ivy was even almost out of her biting and putting things in her mouth phase. Most importantly if it wasn't for the uncontrollable magic, she'd allow Ivy to attend school. Until then she'd remain in the safest place she's ever been to Bonnie in her arms and reach only.

"For you," Ivy pointed at her mother. "You, you, you." The toddler repeats in a chant. She kisses her mother's cheeks and grips her face. "I love you."

"I love you more, my angel." Bonnie replies, heart swelling with warmth. "Let's get this over with."

"There you guys are!" April replied, with glee as the door opened. "I was getting worried something was off. You look amazing by the way. Still the greatest and prettiest prom queen Mystic Falls has ever seen." April was envious of Bonnie, not negatively, so to speak. Back in high school their peers complimented her beauty and talents. Kick-ass cheerleader. That's Bonnie. Captain of the swim team and good lifeguard? Bonnie. Smart and compassionate? Curviest senior of them all? Bonnie. The Bennett witch didn't even know some boys joined the yearbook club just to gaze at her beauty. Sure, her friend group was gossiped on for their weirdness, but people loved Bonnie! Bonnie's kind personality carried well into adulthood even when life knocked her down. That's something April wished she had and the witch's curves. The denim jeans did wonders for Bonnie's thighs and ass. Who puts on jeans, and they fit like leggings? Bonnie that's who. The witch wore a witch white midriff shirt that flexed her toned abs. She barely had any makeup on! April kept her comments to herself seeing as she needed this job.

April Young arrived in Nova Scotia towards the end of 2020. She was in her mid-twenties and needed a job after her college graduation. Bonnie was hesitant about taking a chance on the woman. Not because she wasn't qualified but her willingness to expose the supernatural world back in their teens. That wasn't something Bonnie needed to worry about in her newfound life. Hazel was a newborn and Bonnie was struggling to balance work, a baby and her marriage. Then most of her workers she hired had ties to the supernatural world. From the contractors who came on call, the bartender, cooks, cleaners and even the painters. Bonnie promised to protect them and their safety first and foremost. Klaus wasn't the most well-liked person ever and the witch wanted to stay here. Best way to make amends with a community is to give back to that community which the witch could do in this space. Klaus offered to compel the human if she spoke any word of anyone here. Thankfully, April turned out to be a good assistant.

Bonnie grabbed her clipboard and pen, stepping out. "Goodmorning, everyone!" the witch greeted walking past her workers, waving at everyone. Who seemingly was in a better mood than she was. "Let's have a great day today! Oh, and thanks April I needed a compliment today." The witch did a quick flip of her long wavy chestnut colored hair. She needed to wash her hair and bring the curls back some other time. Spring meant her silk-presses weren't going to last as long as they should.

"Goodmorning," Ivy replied, waving with kisses at her mother's workers. "Be nice!" She ordered, then began focusing on her plush mermaid toy.

"I walked with Keelin to the bar and brought her back to the lounge," April added, with a smile squeezing Ivy's hand. "She's over there in massage chairs with an old magazine."

"I need to change those magazines out." Bonnie replied, scratching out that on her list. "Along with checking the food inventory, then the lost and found box in our storage unit, the dining hall floor needs to be waxed, and Hazel reminded me that I need to check the paint on some of the second-floor bedrooms. She hates dull rooms."

"I can handle making those phone calls." April suggested, "I know you told me to stop thanking you for a job. But you really took a chance on me."

"Because you really should stop thanking me," Bonnie replied, giving her shoulder a squeeze. "I'd want someone to take a chance on my daughter too. I noticed you seem more eager to do things other than culinary or supporting me. I'm proud of you for expanding your horizons."

"I think I want to go back to school for business." April explained. "Alright, I won't keep you and will get to those phone calls and update you."

"Perfect, thank you." Bonnie nodded and walked in the lounge. "Good morning, my apologies for being late once again. Wanna say Good Morning, Sweetie?"

The lounge welcomed everyone home with a woodsy scent. Warmth and natural lighting filled the room due to the fireplace remaining lit. The witch wouldn't have a room in this home without plants and the lounge was no exception.

"Good morning," Ivy repeated, and went back to her silent playing.

"She's beautiful and you don't have to apologize," Keelin replied with a smile. She closed the magazine she was skimming through, leaving the magazine on the glass coffee table and stood to her feet. "I had a nice breakfast, a martini and it's plenty of options here. April, made sure to give me the tv remote if needed but I was interested in the art. Can I ask who did the painting behind me? It's beautiful."

"Thank you, and sure," Bonnie nods, giving Keelin her undivided attention. "My ex-husband painted it. He did several paintings that you'll find around here. He always told me if I wanted this place to seem fun for others then I needed to have fun myself. We'd have these dinner dates under the stars."

Klaus had chosen to follow Claude Monet impressionism style. The sky was colored deep purple. Bonnie's hair was dampened passing her shoulders. The witch was in mid-pirouette, an arm and hand rested against her prominent baby-bump while the other was extended to the sky. She kept her head up to the sky smiling. Hazel was just as active in her belly that night.

"You have a beautiful family," Keelin compliments, resting her hand on the witch's shoulder. "I think he captured you perfectly. I think the picture goes well with vintage style couches. Where'd you get that pink beach skirt?"

Branches snapped in Bonnie's mind through Keelin's touch. The woman was walking through a forest at first. The witch could hear crickets and leaves rustling as the wind was blowing. Keelin pulled her hair up as she set up a tent. The final part of the vision was her golden eyes shining as a tanned wolf ran through the woods. The tanned wolf wept as she traveled alone.

"Thank you, you're beautiful too." Bonnie replied, grinning. "From a small boutique in town. I could direct you there if needed."

"That'd be great, my fiancé- "Keelin paused, disagreeing with herself. "How about we get to that tour?"

Bonnie never pried in her guests' business intentionally. She did on the other hand always make sure they were aware they could talk to her about anything. It didn't matter to Bonnie how long they were going to be here. This was their home away from home and she would care for them as if they were family. No exceptions or changes.

There were five floors inside the home. The house held fifty bedrooms in total. Forty of those bedrooms went to guests while the remaining ten went to the workers who choose to live here. The first floor resided Bonnie's office, the lounge, kitchen and dining hall. The basement level included the workers rooms, 1920's themed bar and a laundry unit. Bonnie didn't charge her workers rent and allowed them to accept whatever tips if needed. She kept her people as happy as she could.

"All rooms do provide their own full marble bathrooms," Bonnie announced, as they walked up the stairs. "You do not under any circumstances have to share a bathroom with anyone here. I believe I talked to Freya about that."

"You did," Keelin confirmed, watching the witch unlock the door. "Actually, she read about this place before I did. She found a brochure in her friend's old stuff, I think. Then she made reservations under my name as a gift. The relationship may be over but why turn down a vacation?"

"A gift is a gift," Bonnie agreed, she held her daughter's hand, then stepped aside to let Keelin walk in first. "All bedrooms do keep that view of the ocean and provide natural sunlight."

When Klaus first bought this house for Bonnie. He had the rooms styled to fix both of their likings. Vintage furniture in all the bedrooms. Large double beds and one complimentary couch. Klaus wanted to keep Bonnie's love for vibrant colors such as green, red, yellows and oranges intact so beddings and wall coloring would vary on that color. He made sure each dresser had a vanity mirror. Bonnie had taken up pottery during the summer months of her pregnancy. She painted various seasons on the vases until she got tired. Trying to carry a baby tribrid into the world was a lot of work. Klaus would carve her name into the bottom of each completed vase. In return those vases got used as decorations for the bedrooms.

"I love the fall feel to this bedroom," Keelin compliments, placing her suitcases near the couch. "The orange bedding and darker-yellow walls are nice."

"Thank you," Bonnie pointed to the dresser by the window. "If you look inside the top section there's a list with information about my emergency contacts for everything. Security is around twenty-four hours."

"It's safe," Ivy repeated with a nod. The child ran to the windows looking out at them. Her eyes widened at the sea touching the tides. "Look mommy!"

"I don't need security, and I doubt you need any either since you're a witch." Keelin said, as she got comfortable on the bed. "And your daughter has a werewolf father."

"Yes, sweetheart, the views are very pretty." Bonnie replies, looking behind her, sealing the bedroom door shut with her magic. She said a quick silencing spell before turning back to Keelin.

"Let me guess you want a favor?" Bonnie asked, propping her hand on her free hip. Ivy had chosen to copy this as she ran behind her mother.

"No, not at all," Keelin defended, shaking her head. "I shouldn't have said it that way. I spent a lot of time with witches, and I could tell you were one from the way magic radiates off you. You're one of the good ones. As for your daughter, when she moved, I saw the pack mark on her belly."

Bonnie exhaled, with a nod letting relief settle. "Well, if it counts for something I know you're a werewolf. I saw a vision of you camping out to shift."

Keelin raised an eyebrow. "You get full visions? Not just a feeling. That's new for a witch."

Bonnie laughed at that. "Well, I'm also a psychic. Technically a psychic-witch first of my kind one would say. My visions can be confusing, and that uncertainty leaves me to figure things out on my own."

"Nice like a hybrid." Keelin pointed out. "The Bennett bloodline is very interesting."

"My reputation precedes me." Bonnie said with a shrug. "I'm sure you understand what it's like being the last of the line."

Keelin folded her legs on the bed. "Yep, you either have kids to continue the line or let it die with you. I hate being the last one left in my line. It's loneliness, it's unbearable to not have someone who shares your gift and is your own blood. But I'd be fine with adopting one day, rather than just getting a donor and then carrying a child. Someone once said DNA doesn't make a family, it's love that does."

"For a while I didn't even think I would've had a life or even children of my own." Bonnie confessed, shaking her head at the thought. "I was always alone. I mean I had friends and they felt like family, but they weren't mine to keep. I was in their stories but not necessarily my own. Their lives continued to move and shift. I had nothing and I hated it. Then I had someone I thought the future was going to be so clear, it was right in front of me, and he died. Plans changed. I took the risk and l left home. The rest is history."

"I thought I would've had my own family by now too honestly." Keelin vented, as she pulled her hair into a bun. "Life had its own plans though. You're right about risk taking. Fear can control you too much."

"Did you and your ex want different things if you don't mind me asking?" Bonnie asked in return.

Keelin scoffed. "No, I sometimes wish it was that simple. She had come from this large family and when their brother and her friend died everything changed after that. I was there for her every step of the way. I made sure to listen, have my shoulder and tissues ready if needed but the thing about grief is..."

"That it consumes us all differently," Bonnie finished, and then let the woman continue.

"They wanted to reverse things and try other methods." Keelin disapproved of that. "Freya would perform magic until her eyes bleed. Eventually, we mutually ended things. She believed she needed to focus on her family and that I became a distraction for her. So, I took the hint and left."

"Have you spoken to her since then?" Bonnie questioned. "It sounds like unfinished business."

Keelin denied that. "Not until I needed the information about this trip. Before that happened, I was away for work so maybe I could've hurt us too. It is always easier looking out than in, after the situation is over with. How do you do it?"

"What exactly do you mean?" the witch asked.

"Move on," Keelin points out. "What helped you? You have a business to run and a child. That weighs on someone heavily. Sometimes I just feel stuck with my grief."

The witch became silent for a moment. She wouldn't cry about it, not in front of her daughter even with the anguish and rage filled her body. "Honestly, Keelin I don't know, I moved on because I had too. My husband left me when I was three, almost four pregnant with our second child, my oldest daughter still needed me, and I had a business to run."

Bonnie pauses for a moment to think. She listened to Ivy mumbling to herself as she played. "Accepting the harder days made me appreciate the easier ones. Not every day was going to be a walk in the park. Some days blurred together, and I couldn't breathe. But I learned to accept it day by day. It's a journey, letting someone go. Grieving comes in all forms."

Abandonment seemed to come easy to Bonnie. Whether that had been from her friends, parents and even lovers. Bonnie was very young when she realized no one ever came back for her. History wasn't supposed to repeat itself to her daughters and she hated that she couldn't protect them from that. The day she returned home to explain to her then five-year-old that her daddy wasn't returning home crushed her completely. It was maddening that she couldn't heal her daughter's broken heart.

The confusion, millions of questions that spilled from Hazel and the comforting after took up plenty of time. It's times like these she wonders how her father reacted when he realized her mother wasn't coming back. All he did was take her magic away, what about other things that came with life? Rudy never had those discussions with her.

---

The sun hadn't even risen that morning when Bonnie returned. It had been a long two-week separation from her home and her daughter. Her driver was more than eager to help her with belongings given her round belly and swollen feet. What was worse Bonnie decided that she couldn't fix her family and would be the one breaking her daughter's heart.

The driver was tipped in advance for grabbing her bags, suitcase and following her to her front door. It only took one creak from the first step for Hazel to come outside running in her little mermaid themed nightgown.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Hazel shouted as she bounced and smiled. She ran to her mother hugging her. "Your home! Yes! Yes! Yes!"

Abby would get the rudest awakening once the witch got settled inside her home. How do you let a child run outside alone? It didn't matter that she was outside! Why isn't her daughter tucked in her bed and sleeping?

Abby soon followed out the front door behind Hazel. "Welcome home, baby. I'll take those bags, thank you." The former witch replied to the driver.

Hazel laid her head on her mother's round belly. "Where's papa?" she asked, eyes wide with curiosity. "He's, okay?"

Bonnie intended on scolding her daughter for running outside when no one is here. She rehearsed her thoughts continuously on what she would say about her father but now that the time was here her throat was dry and her mind was empty.

"Let's just go inside, Sweetie." Bonnie replied, forcing her smile. Bile filled her throat, and her heart sank to her feet. Is this acceptance? Her marriage just ended and she's going to tell a baby the worst news she'll ever receive. "Mommy really needs to put her feet up. Your sister is very active. We missed you."

"I missed her too!" Hazel replied, she rubbed circles on her mother's belly. She gasped at the feel of the kick. "Don't leave me anymore, okay! Oh, and hi baby sister."

"Bonnie, is everything alright?" Abby asked, looking her up and down. "You seem a little pale."

Bonnie cleared her throat to keep herself from crying. "I just need to sit down for a second. That's all."

---

Keelin's voice had brought Bonnie back to her senses. She looked down at Ivy who was busy explaining to her doll why her favorite colors were green and purple.

"We always have to be the strong ones," Keelin said, with a sigh. "Do we ever get a break from being strong?"

Bonnie sighed and disagreed with a low laugh. "No, we don't get a break from being strong. We deserve one but we appear to only get them when we're alone."

"I could drink that," Keelin jokes. "I should apologize for making you open up like that. I am sorry, I just hadn't had someone who understood in so long. Too much silence as I struggled. I won't go into depth because there's a child in the room. It's just lonely sometimes." The werewolf sighed, "Being heard and seen can go a long way. I went without that for so long. You are so easy to talk to." Keelin laughed for a moment. "Must be your witch traits."

"Mommy's nice!" Ivy defended loudly. "Very nice!" She twirled around in a circle holding Bonnie's hand. Her Ariel doll was still clutched in her hands. "Don't be mean."

"You have a great, Mommy." Keelin compliments. "I hope I can take some notes on how to be a mom and a friend from her."

"Takes lots of patience, understanding and love." Bonnie said with a sigh and a nod. She grinned at the idea that popped in her head. "If it isn't too much to ask. Do you mind showing my oldest daughter your pack mark? She's been upset about her wolf heritage lately. I thought if she sees someone else it'll make her feel better about it. I'm not a wolf, but I do want her to love all parts of herself."

"Sure, I don't mind doing that now too," Keelin agreed, she rolled her sleeve up showing her forearm. "My pack mark is an eclipse. I then got two crescent moons tattooed around it."

The wolves Bonnie was close to in her teen years didn't have pack marks. Klaus believed his mother magically removed his and Tyler never had one. Her first experiences with pack marks up close were her daughter's and now Keelin.

"It's beautiful," Bonnie complimented mouth wide in awe. "Look baby! A pack mark."

Ivy's blue eyes widened as she stepped closer near Keelin. She looked back at her mother twice for reassurance as she stepped near the other woman. Tiny fingers eased over Keelin's pack mark with a smile.

"You'll see overtime that your girls will bond and be trusting to other wolves." Keelin mentioned, holding her arm out as Ivy makes an outline with her fingers. "That bond between a wolfpack is like no other. It's all a natural feeling. They'll just know who to feel safe with."

Ivy turned back to her mother. Her eyes flicked an amber color matching her father's hybrid eyes completely. It was a simple reaction but enough to tug on Bonnie's heart and bring tears to her eyes. Acceptance, something that Klaus never felt he had from anyone.

"I like you," Ivy said, she grinned at Keelin and ran back to her mother. She raised her arms higher for her mother to hold her. Bonnie followed her daughter's request. "She's good, Mommy!"

"You're good too and I bet your sister is just as kind." Keelin says with a nod. "You have a great example."

"What do you say, Sweetie?" Bonnie asked, bouncing Ivy on her hip. It was important that her daughters showed their manners. Teaching them to show kindness and give empathy towards others would help them build alliances as needed when they grew up.

"Thank you," the child witch replied with a wave and a giggle.

"Bonnie, Gloria's here to see you!" April yelled, from downstairs. "Sorry, I know you were busy with a guest. She showed up unannounced as usual!"

"That woman up there doesn't care if I announce my visits!" Gloria argued back. "You don't need to rush her downstairs."

"I'm coming down right now. Stop arguing! I mean it." Bonnie warned, before turning back to Keelin. "You can follow downstairs if you'd like." Ivy clasped her hands at this. "My daughter seems to enjoy you."

Bonnie mouthed a quick apology to Keelin as Gloria called for her from downstairs. The elder witch frequently showed up unannounced, but Bonnie couldn't complain. She was still her children's godmother. The girls deserved a huge community of people to dote on them. Bonnie is still appreciative of Gloria even when she remains supportive of Klaus' possible return in the future. Bonnie on the other hand didn't believe he'd ever come back. If he did, he wouldn't be here for her and that's okay. She's making peace with it.

"It's the wolf bond thing, I don't mind joining." Keelin shrugged, standing at her feet. She squeezed at Ivy's hands as the trio made their way downstairs. "I actually had questions about the painting in the dining hall. All of the art reminds me of someone if I'm honest."

Keelin was referencing the painting from the summer of 2023. Hazel was two at the time. Bonnie carried the toddler close to her as she kissed those full cheeks. Sand was encrusted on their hair and faces. Hazel's mouth was open preparing to eat an Oreo. The family had chosen to spend their day at the beach that wasn't far from their home. While Bonnie kept her camera ready nearby to capture her daughter and husband at any moment, Klaus' gaze remained on his girls only. Klaus sketched and painted as realistic as possible from the damped hair stuck to their faces, the sand in their hair creating a sea of highlights, their freckles appeared from the sand, the crumbs that stuck to Hazel's hand and the bright sky blue behind them. There wasn't a detail Klaus missed from the twisted straps on Bonnie and Hazel's swimsuits to the nose scrunch that Bonnie had from her kiss to their child.

The dining hall was one of the largest spaces at the bed and breakfast. A guest list of three-hundred people could use this space. Rounded and long banquet tables resided here, covered in neutral-toned tablecloths unless someone made reservations for this room for an event. Depending on the season varied in the type of decorative centerpieces Bonnie would use. Spring's theme was flowers: hydrangeas, roses and gardens were picked from Bennett's garden. She'd put a spell on them to make the flowers long-lasting. Lastly, weddings, birthday dinners, or even sports banquets have been held here. Bonnie kept a record of every event that occurred here.

"Art does have its way of speaking to people." The witch says well-assuredly with a nod as the trio enters the dining hall. "You know it's about control and how that person feels. Art is one of the best ways to express yourself."

"I agree, my grandmother and mother were tap dancers." Keelin adds on. "I was more into athletics. Volleyball was my sport. I was best at being the setter."

"Now that's nice," the witch compliments, "I was more into cheerleading, did dance for years and swimming—Gloria, so good to see you!"

"There you are!" Gloria cheered, throwing her arms around the oldest Bennett witch. "Give me some love child, don't be shy now." She swayed Bonnie in the hug. "And look at how big you've gotten, Hazel." the elder witch jokes, which brought a frown to the toddler's face. "Didn't even recognize you."

"I missed you so much, Gloria." Bonnie muttered, resting her head into the tight hug until Gloria pulled away. "It's been far too long. Allow me to introduce you to my guest Keelin and you already know April."

"Noooo," Ivy interrupts by tugging on Gloria's shirt. "Hazel!" She yelled, pointing at the picture hanging up. "IVY!" She pats twice at her body. "Mommy!" The smaller witch snapped, waiting for her mother to correct Gloria.

"Sweetheart, it's just a joke." The witch stated. "She's just being silly."

"Don't worry Bonnie, I got this one." Gloria crouched lower to level with the toddler. The elder witch squinted her eyes and held her arms out for a hug. "Oh, I'm sorry you are little Ivy…. I have a surprise for you and your sister." She turned behind to open up her large purse. "I know you missed little Nox. I think one of you put him in my suitcase by mistake."

"NOX!" Ivy rejoiced, clasping her hands together. She dropped her mermaid doll and immediately hugged the jet-black wolf toy. "Thank you!"

Bonnie sighed in relief. Nox went missing around New Years and no one could find him. How Gloria found him was a mystery to her. Bonnie did try to replace him with a new plush werewolf, but her daughters refused. Her little wolves knew Nox had a permanent woodsy-scent to him. Little did they know that smell that came from Nox was of their father.

The Bennett witch had some downtime to spare until her guests started to move around. She decided to make herself comfortable with the other witches and her newfound werewolf friend.

"Nice to meet you, Gloria." Keelin greeted with her hand out next. Then pulled out a seat.

"Likewise," Gloria spoke back, she looked the younger woman up and down as they shook hands. "Werewolf?"

"You'd be right." Keelin exclaimed with a laugh sitting next to Bonnie. "I know you're a witch."

"How were you both able to clock that so easily?" April questioned, looking at them both. "I mean you didn't think about it."

"Don't feel bad, April." Bonnie reminded her, tapping her shoulder as she bounces Ivy on her lap. "It just takes some time to get used to."

"It comes with age, the longer you're supernatural the quicker you'll spot people who are." Gloria answered, honestly.

"And how old are you again?" April asked, looking at the three women next to her. "You never say your age."

"Excuse you?!" Gloria replied, slamming her hand down on the table. "What's your problem? Who raised you, child?"

"April?" Bonnie scolded, turning her head in that direction. "You're never supposed to ask a woman that kind of question! Ivy even knows this and she's one. Isn't that right baby?"

"Mommy's twenty-fine," Ivy agrees with a nod, she stacks Nox on the table and places her dolls on his back.

"I'm raising you so well." Bonnie said, gleefully bouncing the toddler on her lap. "Mommy will forever be twenty-fine."

"What?" April scoffed, looking at the women around her. "So supernaturals living among humans is fine but an age question isn't?"

"There's still boundaries every woman should know, April." Keelin warned, giving her the side-eye. "One thing to insult a woman, it's another to insult a supernatural woman."

"I'm going to get ahead of those phone calls." April replies quickly, getting up to excuse herself.

"You do that," Ivy says dryly, shooing the older woman away as she plays with her toys.

"And didn't even apologize, just rude." Keelin replies, as she watches the young woman leave. She turns to Ivy giving the toddler a high-five. "You know she's such a calm child to be one."

The Bennett witch grinned as she laughed. "You haven't seen half of it. She's just reeling from being woken up which she hates. I had to put her on timeout yesterday. Those terrible twos are going to be carried into her third year."

"That reminds me, Bonnie!" Gloria called out, pointing a finger at Bonnie. "That wasn't fair you scolded that baby for no reason. It's not her fault people don't keep up with their stuff."

"What did she do and how did you find out?" Keelin asked, as she played with Ivy.

"Ivy has a piggy bank called Peggy and she sees the workers get tips from guests. Magic works at her own will. Ivy has been hiding guest belongings with a magical barrier in plain sight. She knows how to do the spells but keeping them going is where she misses up at. Her barrier that was in one of the hallway closets on the fifth floor dropped."

The other women couldn't help but laugh loudly. "That baby is a genius!" Gloria gloats, clapping her hands together. "Next time those people should pay attention."

"Bonnie, you have to admit that was pretty smart for a toddler to do." Keelin adds on.

Bonnie pinches at Ivy's full cheeks. "I agree with you both, but I had to scold her for stealing. She only sat in the timeout chair for about ten minutes. The witch in me is proud but the other side had to scold her."

"Ten minutes too long if you ask me!" Gloria said, disagreeing. "You didn't make her return the tips from Peggy, did you?"

"Nope." the witch replied bluntly. She did feel bad her daughter stole but didn't have the heart to pick-pocket her child's piggybank. The eldest Bennett witch was an enabler and she knew it. If Klaus was here, he wouldn't even have made Ivy had a ten-minute time out on the stool. Playing both sides of parenting and raising two little magical girls alone was the hardest battle Bonnie has ever had. That no one ever prompted her for. Is it bad to miss him even in the moments like these?

---

Bonnie watched as Ivy twirled around her office mimicking how Hazel dances around the house. It was several hours later at one-thirty-pm an hour before Hazel would be getting out of school. Later on, tonight Gloria would be coming over to spend time with the girls but most importantly to discuss these visions. As of now Bonnie was scratching off everything from her list that April managed to complete for her.

"Answer it!" Ivy pointed out, before the phone actually rang.

"Thank you, Sweetheart." Bonnie responded back, picking up the phone. "Bennett's Palace, Bonnie Bennett speaking, how may I help you?"

It was Tyler's cousin, Jeffery on the other end. He was a student of Grams' once upon a time but never stayed in Mystic Falls. Turns out he was getting married after all these years and wanted to rent out Bennett's Palace for his upcoming wedding in the following months.

"Just to be clear if you'd like me to work along with your wedding planner. I have no issue with doing that but understand that I don't work the first two weeks of August. My youngest daughter's birthday is on the fifth and I don't work the second and third week of October either. My eldest daughter's birthday is the eleventh." The witch said firmly, standing her ground even when the negotiations rolled in as expected.

These were Bonnie's rules, and she wasn't making an exception just because he had a tie to one of her old childhood friends. Neither Abby nor Rudy tried to make her birthday a memorable day. Rudy would buy a cake, a few gifts and call it a day. Abby's self-explanatory. Grams would take her out for a girl's day. Trip to the spa, hair, nails done, good dinner and some old jazz music on the record player. Bonnie's girls deserved everything and more from her. She loves this business, but it never comes before her babies. It was something she learned from her father subconsciously never put the job before those you love.

Bonnie listened and took down notes as she received them. As of now the confirmed date was August 25th. His fiancé had chosen a florist, and the current theme was nautical.

Bonnie looked up and Ivy was twirling away, grinning as she spined and levitated the toys around her. The eldest Bennett witch went back to her phone call listening to the man detail information about his partner. The loud thud from Ivy hitting the hardwood floor followed with a loud and clear wail from the toddler.

"IVY!" Bonnie shouted, rushing to the toddler's aid, her heart rate picked up hearing the child wail louder. "Ivy Gabriella, I'm here, honey, it's alright. Let me see it, hm?"

Ivy cradled the back of her head as tears stained her full cheeks. A reddened hue appeared on her head. "Ssssh, it's okay you just startled yourself," Bonnie murmured, rocking the toddler in her arms. Bonnie nuzzled Ivy's face before kissing her temples. She grins at the scent of oatmeal lotion on her baby's skin. Ivy soothes in her mother's arms long enough for the witch to check the back of her head.

No blood, thankfully. Bonnie thinks to herself, sighing with relief. There wasn't a grimoire or human child caring-book that thoroughly explained the differences in her daughters from the average witch or werewolf child. Her daughters were able to hurt themselves, but healing would happen instantly or within hours of said injury. Stomach or headaches were just as rare. The only other woman who understood this was Hayley Marshall.

Bonnie couldn't call Hayley if she wanted to. They weren't acquainted and Hope passed away all those years ago. The last thing Bonnie wanted to do was remind another mother of their lost child.

"Your okay honey," Bonnie asked, still rocking Ivy in her arms as they moved to her desk chair. "The beautiful thing in making mistakes is that you'll get back up and try again. Okay?"

"Okay," Ivy agrees, sitting up in her mother's arms just to get down to grab Nox. Afterwards, she ran back, climbed up and snuggled in her mother's arms.

Bonnie then realized she dropped her phone. She picked it up and explained that her child harmed herself asking her new client to call back at a later time. Ivy yawned and squeezed Nox tighter in those tiny arms. "Someone's ready for a nap, she's right on schedule."

Bonnie having to deal with everything by herself made it easier for her to sense when something was wrong. The little voice in her head would send chills down her spine as an issue exposed itself. Just as suspected by the growing ache and worry in her head.

Hazel's school called to report an accident had happened. Bonnie shifted Ivy to her hip and sprang into action.

---

Silas had come back or one of Klaus' endless enemies found them; that was what Bonnie's first mind believed as she passed by the students and educators in the hallway. It wouldn't have been the first time the Bennett's were stalked by one of Klaus' enemies that had gone mad on a quest for revenge.

Hazel was sitting outside the principal's office, head down and hiding her face with her hands. Bonnie placed Ivy in the chair next to her sister and reached for her daughter's hand. Bonnie looked behind her at three girls and one boy from Hazel's class holding their broken noses and bruised faces. It wasn't the first time her daughter was tormented by these students, but Hazel took the high road and reported them. Never once has she laid any hands-on other students until today.

"Hazel, what happened, sweetheart? It's okay, you can talk to me. I'm not here to scold you, mistakes happen, and no one should be hurting you when you're trying to learn." Bonnie soothed, cradling her daughter's face. Ivy rested her head on Hazel's arm.

"They were bothering me first!" Hazel defended, sniffing as wipes the tears from her eyes. "They kept pushing me and I reacted. I heard their mom's and dad's comments. They think I'm a freak." She whispers the last sentence low enough to where only her mother and sister would hear and understand what she truly meant.

"I'll fix this, don't worry. You did nothing wrong." Bonnie reassures, she leans over pressing a kiss to her daughter's forehead. "You're not a freak."

There are moments where Bonnie doubts how she carries herself and how her girls will view her love for them. But when it came down to putting her daughter's needs first and defending them, she never questioned that. Abby never offered comforting words to the mistakes she made. Just loud and ongoing criticisms.

"Ms. Bennett," Principal Fletcher said, interpreting the three. "Can you kindly step into my office? The other parents are ready to discuss the situation between the students."

Bonnie nodded and gave her oldest a squeeze, she reached for her youngest, but she refused wanting to stay with Hazel.

Fletcher's office wasn't anything pleasing to the eye. From the gray interior design to the parents giving her death glares.

"Your child should be expelled for what she did to my Makayla!" one parent yelled, wavering a finger at Bonnie.

"I get you a young mother but learn to control your child." another parent replies dryly. "My Daisy is too pale to have a bruise! She's a pageant girl!"

"Boys will be boys; my James will be traumatized to attend school because people like that child!" The man argued, slamming his fist down on the table.

"Angelica was innocent in this! That strange girl was violent and abrasive." the other woman reports. "Her mother isn't raising her right. She has no father either."

That was the last insult and cheap excuse Bonnie was going to hear towards Hazel. If her girls weren't sitting outside, she would've set fire to this room already.

"From my understanding it's your bullies that you call children that started this. My daughter had a reaction to other people harming her." Bonnie replies with her eyes narrowed at the parents. "You should be teaching your kids not to bully others just because a student is smart. Hazel did the work and studied. That's why she got the answers right and wanted to share them. If you all weren't so busy writing checks to the school every time your child under performed perhaps your kid could do better in their classes."

Bonnie knew their type well, privileged assholes who didn't believe in hard work intending on passing those traits to their children.

The parents gasped and frowned at Bonnie. The Bennett witch repeated the gasps with a fake one. Then rolled her eyes returning the behavior with a tight-lipped smile. She saw and felt her rage and her magic was begging to be freed.

"You four best make that your last time insulting, my child." Bonnie said, folding her arms. "If you believe that sweet little girl is violent, you don't want to meet her maker. Believe me on that! I will deliver your hearts in your hands for discussing my daughter negatively." Klaus' influence jumped out there. "You've all lost your minds if you think I'll let you disrespect my daughter."

"Please, withhold all commentary!" Fletcher interrupted. "Please, let's be civil as adults about this. Mrs. Terry reported the situation. Hazel was leading the class discussions when the other students chose to tease her. Terry wrote in her notes that it was the other students who hit Hazel first. Then after being teased is when Hazel chose to forcibly fling books at those kids."

"I don't believe that. There's no signs of injury on that child." Daisy's mother added on.

"Our children are victims, and that girl needs to be reprimanded!" Angelica's parents exclaimed.

"The teacher reported that it was your children who caused issues!" Bonnie argued back standing in her seat. "My daughter is the victim."

"You're raising a violent animal, Ms. Bennett. Children go through these- "James' parent words were cut short.

Bennett magic was freed and simmered in her veins begging to do more. The other parents reached for their throats, rocking in their seats as they struggled for air. Faces reddened as the struggles prolonged, and Bonnie couldn't help but cover her mouth to grin.

Fletcher gulped believing it was his fault for passing out seemingly tainted water bottles before Bonnie arrived. Bonnie didn't intend on killing them, and it would be nice to snap their necks, but they weren't supernatural. Bonnie watched as the veins in their foreheads appeared larger by the second. The glorious part in all of this is no one knew she held control in this. The warmth of their blood bubbled underneath her own skin as she increased their body temperatures.

Bonnie noticed Fletcher fumbling with the office phone to make the call to report what happened to parents and then decided it was a respectable time to free her victims. The parents clutched necks and gasped for air then turned their heads to glare intensely at Bonnie, almost as if they truly believed she had something to do with it.

"She did that!" Daisy's mother croaked. "Just like that weird child of hers!"

"You have no idea what I can, could or would do but understand after I'm through with you your child will never bully another child again." Bonnie informed, with a tight-lipped smile.

The other parents were prepared to argue once more, but Fletcher stepped in with his reprimands for each student ready. The other children got a three-day suspension while Hazel had to get five days. It was in the report that the other students did start the problems first but since Hazel didn't have scratch on her and did look like the problem, she received a five-day suspension for harming the other children. Principle Fletcher was now on Bonnie's hitlist. The Bennett witches collected Hazel's assignments and headed towards the car to go home.

"I'm really sorry, Mommy." Hazel muttered, fiddling with her hands in the backseat of her mother's Toyota Prius. "I promise I didn't mean to hurt anybody. They started it!"

Bonnie looked at Hazel through the rearview mirror giving the child a reassuring smile. "I believe you."

"Home, please!" Ivy demanded, kicking in her car seat.

Bonnie was waiting until each parent and their child from the meeting got close to their cars. If they truly wanted to see how a monster acts, she can be that for them. "Hazel, do mommy a favor. Cover Ivy's ears and make sure you both stay down."

Bonnie freed her hands from the steering wheel, she raised them higher against her torso, grinning that the magnetic pull from her body and when the witch pushed away. A strip of fire appeared on the street on the sweet. The witch whistled, directing the line of fire under the four opposing cars. She snapped her fingers right when the fire landed under the engines. The fires roared engulfing the cars. One explosion after the next occurred and windows shattered as glass ricocheted inside the mouths of the parents to those horrid children. Bonnie couldn't be more pleased with herself, hearing the repeated gurgles out the mouths of those parents.

She was never going to lay hands on those children. Those parents weren't off limits and if she had to traumatize those parents into teaching their own kids some lessons. Then that could be arranged, one thing they won't do is harm her daughters.

"So, what do my girls want for dinner tonight? Oh, and Hazel, Gloria's in town."

"God Mommy, Gloria!" Hazel cheered, bouncing and clapping in her seat. She looked over at the space behind the passenger's seat. "IT'S NOX!" The child flicked her hand making the toy come near her. "It smells like him!"

"Ice cream!" Ivy added on, kicking her feet. "I want cake!"

"Oreos and ice cream are better than everything else." Hazel adds on. "I can prove it."

"Hey! Give Nox back!" Ivy pouted, folding her arms and poking her lip out. "Mine!"

Bonnie knew she wasn't getting anywhere with her two girls and decided then they'd have a large dinner since guests would be there. Keelin had contacted her and asked could she join which Bonnie reluctantly agreed too. She didn't sense any harm in Keelin's end and does understand what it's left alone. The trip to the grocery store only took twenty-minutes and from there the Bennett girls were home.

Apollo the family's two-year-old husky was sitting in the family's was ready to greet them at the door. He spun twice in a circle and sat down.

"Alright, ladies you know, drill out those clothes into your sweats, and you can play in the yard. Are we clear?" Bonnie's home was secluded away from neighbors for privacy, so she'd let her daughters play outside as much as they wanted.

"CLEAR!" The Bennett's girls said, running up the stairs.

Apollo tilted his head to the side and raised his right paw. In his own way of saying. "What about me?"

"Apollo, you guard the girls and report back to me in case anything happens. Make sure none of them fall off the trampoline or the park back in the yard. Now, go!"

Bonnie sighed, looking at her five grocery bags. Southern fried cabbage with shrimp, cornbread, cornbread, baked macaroni and chicken was all on the witch's list. A bonus from living and being with the original hybrid for over five years, she picked up on quicker ways to do things there was spells for even cheating speed.

Bonnie sped through her cooking, ensuring that she thoroughly applied her seasonings and salts. She peeked outside her sliding door and her girls were holding each other's hands as they bounced on the trampoline. Apollo laid near the trampoline, rolling on his back.

"Mommy, you see me?" Hazel asked, between her giggles.

"Look at me too!" Ivy yelled, enthusiastically waving.

"I see you both! You're doing so well." The witch compliments, as she snaps and records pictures of them with her phone sideways.

She was interrupted by phone calls from her mother and Stefan while her doorbell rang. "Hi, Keelin and Gloria come in, everything is almost ready. Just ten more minutes on my cornbread. Just take a seat in the living room. Girls, come speak to our guests!"

"Thanks, for allowing me to come over." Keelin said, grinning. "It smells like my grandmother's cooking."

"You're welcome!" Bonnie replies, brushing it off. "I don't have many friends here and I get what it's like to be in a new place alone.

"God-mommy!" Hazel said, running to hug Gloria. "You didn't tell me you were coming." She holds the elder witch's hand bouncing up and down.

Bonnie looked down the hall at Ivy sitting on Apollo's back. She wasn't in the mood to explain to her daughter that Apollo was a husky, not a horse.

"It's called a surprise," Gloria replies, squeezing the child witch tighter. "I missed you."

Keelin holds her hand out. "Nice to meet you, Hazel. I'm Keelin and your mommy told me you feel odd about being a werewolf."

Hazel shyly shakes Keelin's hand. Her eyes widen at the warmth and jolt she feels from the connection. "You're a werewolf too. I don't know many!"

"I know from experience it's hard to be different but that doesn't mean you aren't valuable." Keelin explains, holding both of Hazel's hands. "You're special, just got to own it. The Northeast Atlantic pack has plenty of strong and brave people like you. You get the best of both worlds as a Bennett witch too." Keelin's eyes flashed the amber color as she gazed in the child's eyes. Talking and uplifting people became a second nature to Keelin being an ER doctor.

"Thank you, Keelin." Hazel replied, giving the older werewolf a quick hug. "Do you want to play uno cards? Ivy and I were going to play on the trampoline."

Bonnie's phone pinged several times again. She couldn't look away from her daughter gaining a new experience. There was still fear behind those little green eyes, but curiosity lingered too.

"It's a great idea," Gloria added. She lifted Ivy from Apollo and placed the child on her hip. "We can play at the table until dinner is ready. Ivy, can be on my team."

"I'm ready for a quick game." Keelin replied, as she followed the other girls.

"Go on and answer that phone," Gloria said, waving the Bennett witch off.

"The uno cards and other board games are in the closet!" Bonnie repeated, peeking her head around the banister moving to her bedroom.

"Abby, what's wrong? You don't call multiple times." Bonnie asked, bluntly. She sat on her bed, waiting for her mother to express her need.

"I saw on the news that there were some car explosions near Hazel's school!" Abby yelled, on the other end. "I'm just making sure you and the girls are alright."

"We're fine, Abby. Thanks for calling to check in. The car explosions and injuries were all me."

"Why would you do that, Bonnie?!" Abby scolded, sighing into the phone. "You shouldn't be putting targets on your back."

"Other children shouldn't bully my child and I wouldn't react. Hazel was completely innocent; even bruising a couple faces was justifiable."

"Justifiable?" Abby questioned, with a scoff. "Bonnie, that must be her Mikaelson gene's being active. Sweetheart, listen, I know I haven't been great. Take my advice, you should consider removing their magic. There's more to magic than what's in the book. You have options."

"Excuse you, Abby." Bonnie argued back. She bit her bottom lip, trying to refrain from hurting her mother's feelings. "You can't tell me how to raise my kids. You didn't even raise me. You never tried to stay and understand me. I don't even think you love me; you just hate that I remind you of that guilt. Klaus isn't around, but you don't have to mention how bad you believe his genes are."

"Sweetheart, my mistakes are what led you down this path!" Abby yelled again, voice cracking in between sentences. "I do love you, my Bonnie. It's my responsibility to fix these things. You should remove the girl's magic and werewolf heritage. It'll make your life easier. You're capable of dampening and weakening their magic. It's stronger when you tie it to someone else! I have the resources and natural herbs."

"Enough!" Bonnie snapped, face palming. Bonnie felt the house shake underneath her feet as she raised her voice. "That's enough, don't you dare bring this topic up again. Whenever I didn't do what you wanted, you drugged me! Unlike you, I embrace who I am and my daughters. I understand and don't expect them to be perfect. I actually love them and not out of obligations or guilt. You should try actually loving me for once. It's been thirty-two years, Abby. What's all this talk of binding, and weakening? You didn't bind me to anyone."

"I came up with this idea because I love you." Abby said, after a moment of silence. "I just want you and them to be protected. I have performed that kind of magic on someone before, it's never been undone."

"Thanks for the advice, Abby." Bonnie said, dryly with a smile. "You should try sticking around for a supernatural child before you give me any other advice. Goodbye, I have friends over and dinner is done."

Bonnie ended the call and breathed in and out calming herself. She didn't have time to reflect on her mother's anti-magic ideology. She was going to enjoy her night and appreciate what she has for the moment. It reminded her of the journal entry from when she first moved in with Klaus.

Dated August 2019

Dear little witch,

I've taken a risk recently in my life. Leaving home and traveling to find pieces of my lost family was a major one. I decided to move in with this…old friend. We've rarely been on the same sides before, but I want to believe and trust this would be good for me in the end. This old friend can be reliable, but I've never been on the receiving end of those things. For the record, no I don't like this guy romantically. I haven't thought of him in that way before. He's far from my type and Enzo's only been gone for three months. There's no relationship until I get what I want first. If I'm going to be your guide, friend and daresay mother one day I'm going to have to teach you to believe that things are going to be and feel better. You have to be brave enough to risk it all. You may fall many many many times, but you are capable of rising. That's how I see this, I hope one day when our paths are aligned. I have enough trust and faith in myself to give that right back to you. You deserve love, kindness and care unapologetically. No one besides a few people in this world has given that to me, people always leave when the magic runs dry. I want to be there for someone else that's like me. As of now, my old friend hasn't been horrible to me fyi! Perhaps I can help him too. Who knows.

Love, Bonnie.