Chapter 3: Mayhem, Manchester & The Model
[Misty by Sarah Vaughan]
Bonnie ran her fingers through her curls and hummed to the sweet jazz sounds while she drove her Audi to the address Klaus texted her. As she turned into the driveway guarded by hedges and trees her eyes widened at the red brick modern structure on the acres of land. The long gothic glass windows. It was hauntingly beautiful. She parked her car and stared at the mansion, she loosed down her curls and fluffed it alittle .She texted Klaus so he knew she was outside his house. She stood by the door waiting for Klaus, her eyes gleamed around the forested area. Klaus swung open the door smiling at her "Bonnie, you came! Welcome to Bowden". She walked inside and looked down the hallways of the modern house and the walls with paintings on the wall "It's in the middle of nowhere" she chuckled.
"That's why they call it Charcoal Woods. Elijah actually has his own place a few walks up"
Bonnie looked around at the vinyls on the walls and family photos. "Not what I expected" she said touching the family photos.
"Did you expect bottles everywhere, swears on the walls, weed?" He asked sarcastically. She laughed. She gasped when she saw the band's Grammy's in a Glass case " You guys have a Grammy?" She looked at him with excitement in her eyes.
"And you don't?" He said. She rolled her eyes and pushed him a little.
"Klaus?" a voice down the hallway called. Bonnie saw the man in the suit with his phone in his hand staring at them puzzled. Bonnie could see Klaus panicking. "Wait here or you can look around..don't get lost" Klaus said fumbling on his words.
Elijah Mikaelson, the esteemed CEO of Mayhem Records, stood in the living room, his presence commanding attention. Klaus, his younger brother, dragged him into the room with a sense of urgency. Elijah's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the sight before him. "Is that who I think it is, or am I finally having a stroke?" he asked, his voice with disbelief.
Klaus, ever the schemer, squeezed his hands together nervously. "Okay, hear me out again. I asked her to come because I was hoping you would actually meet her. I may or may not have told her you wanted to meet her," he admitted, his words tumbling out in a rush.
Elijah's gaze hardened as he stared at his brother, barely restraining the urge to throttle him. "Bonnie? I told you I wasn't sure. I have a meeting with Freya and Lucille before they leave for New York tomorrow," he said, pushing Klaus out of the way with a firm hand. "The Coven can wait. You said you wanted different. I found different. She's more than everyone sees… with the right guidance…"
Elijah paused, his thoughts interrupted by the sound of a piano being played in the small studio down the hallway. The melodic notes drifted through the air, drawing both brothers' attention. They exchanged a glance before walking towards the source of the music. As they entered the room, they found Bonnie humming softly, her fingers dancing gracefully over the piano keys.
Her mouth opened and it was like the boys were listening into heaven -:
I'm so tired of being here
Suppressed by all my childish fears
And if you have to leave
I wish that you would just leave
'Cause your presence still lingers here
And it won't leave me alone
These wounds won't seem to heal, this pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase…..
Bonnie lifted her head and smiled warmly. Rising from the piano, she approached the brothers with a cheerful demeanor. "You must be the handsome brother," she remarked.
"Klaus probably forgot to mention that flattery doesn't work on me. I didn't know you played the piano," Elijah responded, puzzled. He noted that Bonnie appeared shorter in person. Bonnie shrugged and chuckled nervously. "I was classically trained by my grandmother. Every Sunday was dedicated to piano lessons. It stayed with me when I moved to England. I later learned to play the bass and acoustic guitar after discovering Led Zeppelin at the age of 15."
Klaus and Elijah exchanged glances. "And you wrote that piece? I don't think I've heard anything like that from you before," Elijah inquired, curious about her material. Bonnie nodded. "I've always written, but my work has never been heard. I'm still working on that piece. Not sure where it's going, but it's progressing," she laughed, looking at them. Elijah nodded in acknowledgment. "Charming," he said. He walked around the room, contemplating strategies and ideas. Bonnie swallowed the lump in her throat, hoping the knot in her stomach would unravel.
"I don't know Klaus. This is insane. Half of me wants to jump in and the other half is concerned" Elijah said looking at Klaus Bonnie. Bonnie frowned "I'm not a problem. I'm always on time, if that even matters. All I ever wanted is to be heard. Why am I getting the feeling that I'm not really want here?" Bonnie pondered, looking at the brothers.
"No… We are just going through a bit of change and sometimes its difficult to try to make a change, right Elijah?" Klaus said gritting his teeth. Elijah exhaled "I've got a meeting now. I've got a lot to think about"
Bonnie smiled tightly. It was probably useless. The idea of starting over in another place maybe wasn't the best idea. "For what it's worth…you are gorgeous" he said before walking out the room
"Flattery works on me" Bonnie teased. There was a silence left between Klaus and her. For the remainder of the day Klaus and Bonnie wandered around the city. He was her personal tour guide. She took pictures and sent them in the group chat with her, Caroline and Hayley. Hayley laid on the beach in Italy rolling her eyes but concerned. Bonnie gazed at Klaus at times when he escaped into his phone. She wondered who had his attention. When she was distracted by something she saw in the city, she missed him gazing at her. Later, they had dinner with Klaus, Enzo, and Kol at his residence, in the open space at the back of the house. Suddenly, Bonnie felt as if she were an outsider looking in. They were laughing and discussing their amusing stories from their tours in their twenties, forming a familial bond that she had not experienced with Alaric and the label.
That night, Klaus offered Bonnie one of his six luxurious bedrooms. As he opened the door, Bonnie walked in, her eyes widening in awe. She gasped at the sight of the huge bed, the walk-in closet, and the breathtaking view of the forested skyline from her window. She exhaled and looked at him. "I hope Elijah likes me," she said softly. Klaus nodded and smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure he will. Get some rest."
Bonnie relaxed in the tub, staring at the ceiling and reflecting on her memories. She felt terrible for missing her cousin Irene's Royal Ballet debut, as mentioned in her mother's recent text. Bonnie regretted distancing herself from her mother, knowing she was disappointed with some of her professional choices and how she allowed others to take advantage of her. She wished she had listened more.
She entered his home and went directly to his kitchen, where she knew he would be at 9am pouring coffee. He saw her and smiled as she spun around and laughed. Pia Agarwal-Ainsworth, the label's Creative Director and one of Elijah's closest friends. "I got my hair and mehndi done and I wanted to stop by before going to my cousin's wedding in Bradford," she said. Elijah shrugged while sipping his coffee. "I'm guessing Liam told you. I don't know about her; I've spent all night watching her performances, her imagery, and her conduct. I'm unsure. Freya and Lucille think it might be good for the label." Liam Ainsworth was one of the label's sound engineers and Pia's husband.
Pia looked through his pantry for honey biscuits, sat on the counter eating and thinking. "Maybe you're afraid of change."
Elijah leaned against the counter and exhaled. "She clearly wants something different. What if we fail? And she flops, and her old label mocks her?"
"She's your potential artist, not your ex-wife. You're Elijah Mikaelson; you never fail," Pia replied, eating her biscuits.
[Crown by Stormzy]
Bonnie jogged around the wooded residential area, her mind drifting to Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert. She recalled them gaslighting her and Alaric's laughter at her downfall. She thought about the man she loved who had vanished from her life. Pausing briefly to catch her breath and check her playlist, she felt a sudden sense of being watched. She looked back but saw no one. She jogged her way back to the house and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. She startled at Klaus's sudden "Hey!" from behind her. "Morning. Early morning jogs helps clears my head" she said. "Great. I'll take you to Elijah's at 11. He wants to see you". Bonnie exhaled "I'm nervous. Any tips?".
"You just have to be yourself, Bonnie". Klaus whispered.
When Bonnie arrived at Elijah's peaceful home, she noticed the spiral staircase leading upstairs. It felt like Gatsby's house. She called for him but got no reply; instead, she heard jazz music from the left. She walked down the hall, smiling as the sound grew louder, and knocked on the door marked "Office."
Bonnie knocked on the door and brown-skinned woman with Boho Braids swung open the door with glee and the brightest eyes she's ever seen "Hey Love! Come in! I'm making a cuppa. I'll make you one. Sit on the couch be comfortable" she said moving aside so Bonnie can come in. Bonnie looked at her puzzled but walked into the office slowly. She thought she was seeing Elijah. She looked at the pictures on the wall with Elijah and the band, other artists, the woman that greeted her and other people Bonnie didn't know. In the room was another woman, she had warm honey kissed skin and wore her hair curly with dark purple highlights. She smiled at Bonnie as she sat on the couch. The woman gave Bonnie her tea and sat beside her "Well I'm Lucille Ettien-Martin and this is Violet Doherty. You're probably wondering where the hell is Elijah, well I think us girls can handle our business" Lucille said smiling. Bonnie sipped her tea nervously. "Don't worry…um I'm the co-founder of Mayhem Records and uh Elijah and I have other business ventures. Our wines and soon rums on every shelf in Europe. Alittle bit about me. My father is from the Ivory Coast and my mother is from St. Lucia. I do know abit of French".
Bonnie laughed. "I'm fluent in French."
Lucille's eyes lit up. "Wonderful! We are already getting along," she said in her bubbly tone. "I've known Elijah since my university days, and this is something we've built from the ground up. This is a family business, and we all know each other through years of friendship or family connections. Elijah's sister Freya is a Creative Director and Manager; she handles our American artists in New York. We have five of them. I'm sure you've heard of Larson; he has that hit song 'Sunshine' and won Best New Artist last year at the Grammys."
Bonnie's eyes widened with excitement. She adored Larson and his folk-rock album. "Oh my God, yes! I loved his album!"
"Right! He's amazing. Pia, another Creative Director, is based here in Manchester. Between her and I, we organise tours and music festivals. She's very much into the Heavy Metal scene and gets along well with Klaus and Lucien's respective bands," Lucille explained.
"Among the many individuals you will meet in between, I believe Violet is someone you may find particularly well-suited to collaborate with," Lucille remarked, glancing at Violet, who returned the smile. Violet sported dark eyeliner and a nose stud. "Violet shares many similarities with you; she is proficient in both piano and guitar. She is an exceptional songwriter, a highly skilled producer, and engages in some singing. Her experience includes working on albums abroad, showcasing her remarkable talent and deep involvement in the Alternative music scene when she is not occupied with work. Her extensive knowledge of music is truly impressive, and I might be embellishing her accomplishments a bit," Lucille chuckled. Violet nodded and shared a laugh, while Bonnie observed them with admiration. Bonnie felt a sense of comfort being among women who resonated with her own experiences and passions.
Violet noticed Bonnie's nervousness and the sense of being overwhelmed. "Bonnie, what is it that you truly desire? I've heard you on the radio, but what new direction are you looking for?" Violet asked, crossing her legs.
Bonnie's bottom lip quivered, and she rubbed her fingers. "I don't want to be just another girl dancing around a stage. I want to play instruments, sing my own songs, and use my voice without any alterations. I have so many stories to tell through my writing," Bonnie said.
Violet and Lucille smiled at her. "That's wonderful. We value authenticity and storytelling here at Mayhem Records," Violet said.
Lucille leaned forward slightly, her expression encouraging. "Bonnie, we see great potential in you. If you would be willing to join us, we would be thrilled to have you as part of our family," Lucille said.
Bonnie took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and excitement at the prospect of signing with a label that appreciated her artistic vision. "Okay, but first I want to say that I don't think I've ever been in a space where women who look like me make decisions or even produce an album."
Lucille's eyes softened with understanding. "It's a harsh reality that our industry, like many others, is dominated by white males. The music world hasn't been immune to systemic biases and inequities. For years, women, especially women of color, have faced barriers that have limited their opportunities and voices. But when you do get into that space where you can make a change. Do it! That's why I'm here."
Violet nodded in agreement. "We fight every day for representation and equity, for ourselves. The Alternative Scene isn't easy for Black Women but I'm here."
Over the next few weeks, Bonnie found herself immersed in a whirlwind of activities, from reevaluating her appearance to redefining her sound. Violet encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and reconsider how she should 'sound'. One of Violet's suggestions was for Bonnie to jog while singing to improve her breath control. Bonnie shared her writing with Violet, who reciprocated by sharing hers as well. They spent many days lying on the studio floor, drawing inspiration from various records.
One night, Bonnie lay in her room, staring at the ceiling, with clothes and shoes scattered all around. She had brought some of her belongings from Hyde Park, planning to spend most of her time recording and staying out of the public eye. She wanted her album to be a secret—a surprise and a shock for her audience.
Rising from her bed, she rummaged through the records her grandmother had given her. "Oh Minie, you were a legend," she said, picking up a Minnie Riperton record: Les Fleurs and placed it on the turntable. As the music played, Bonnie began dancing around the room, feeling the magic in every note. Bonnie paused and stared "This". She grabbed her pen to finish the song she started and craft and different plan.
The next morning, Bonnie heard screams of excitement coming from downstairs. Rushing down in her pajamas, she was shocked to see a familiar face she hadn't seen in years. "BONNIE!" the tiny jet-black-haired woman shouted with joy.
"DAVINA!" Bonnie exclaimed, hugging her tightly. Davina Claire, an American songwriter and backup singer, had collaborated with Bonnie on two songs when she first debuted.
"What are you doing here?" Davina asked, rubbing Bonnie's shoulder.
"Working on an album."
"OKAY! We finally buried Alaric Saltzman. Amen. These are the best insane people you'll ever meet. Violet pierced my nipples as a wedding gift last year; never a dull moment around here," Davina said. Violet laughed hysterically.
Bonnie was stunned to learn Davina had gotten married. "YOU'RE MARRIED?!" she gasped, looking at Davina's finger. Davina had married Klaus's brother and bandmate, Kol, last year. Bonnie noticed Violet's discomfort while Davina was showing her the wedding pictures and talking about her marriage to Kol.
Violet sat on the balcony on the other side of the mansion, painting her toenails while Kol and Davina shared a dinner outside, lost in laughter. Bonnie approached with a warm smile, holding a sausage roll from Greggs. "Hey V, I brought you a treat," she said, sitting beside her.
Violet's eyes lit up. "You are an angel," she exclaimed, unwrapping the roll and taking a bite. Bonnie watched her closely, noticing the wistfulness in her gaze. "Why did you and Enzo break up?" she asked bluntly.
Violet looked taken aback. "Who told you about Enzo and me?"
"Just an observation over the last few weeks. You two avoid each other or barely talk, and he stares at you with pleading eyes. What happened?"
Violet sighed deeply. "You won't understand."
"Why? Because I'm 22? I've been in love, and it's awful," Bonnie replied earnestly.
Violet shook her head, her voice filled with sorrow. "I've been to all my friends' weddings. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. My best friend Camille got married last year on a beautiful Scottish farm, and I lost it. I'm 30 and still waiting for the one person I truly care about to want me. It's getting to the point where I might have to move on, but I don't know how. Enzo and I were each other's first everything. We've been in each other's lives since we were 17. My dad taught him how to play the guitar. We have matching tattoos. It was supposed to be forever. I always assumed we would be married by now. Kol and Davina barely know each other, yet he ends up marrying her. And... this is silly," Violet finished, her voice trembling with emotion.
Bonnie hugged her, "No, it's not silly. The heart can be silly sometimes. You deserve love."
"Let's stop the sappy stuff. Your album. You texted me earlier about an epiphany you had," Violet said, squeezing Bonnie's arm.
"Yes! Whimsical. Heartbreak, love, loss, femininity, storytelling. Stories of other girls just like me. Hayley, my mother, my grandmother, Caroline, the girl working in the record shop, the girl with millions of followers but who hates her life, you and your heartbreak," Bonnie whispered.
Violet smiled brightly, "Connecting with the listeners is always great and I'm flattered!"
[Luther by Kendrick Lamar feat. Sza]
Hayley, a brunette with coffee-painted acrylic nails, squeezed the wheel of her Porsche 718 Boxster as she drove towards the address Bonnie had given her. Hayley Marshall, 28, second-generation Italian on her dad's side, runway and catalog model, and Bonnie's ride-or-die. As she pulled into the parking area at Klaus's house, she murmured to herself, "Interesting choice for rock stars."
She grabbed her Chanel purse, fluffed her hair, and got out of the car. Despite ringing the doorbell, no one answered. Peeking through the long windows and checking her phone, there was still no reply from Bonnie. Noticing the door was slightly open, she cautiously turned the knob and stepped inside. "Bon?" she called out, looking around the house. "Is anyone bloody alive?"
A voice crept up behind her, startling her. "Woah! Where did you come from?" She turned to find a shirtless Sebastian checking her out. Hayley stepped back, feeling uncomfortable. "Okay, who are you? And is Bonnie having a 20s crisis or drugged?" she ranted.
Sebastian laughed. "No, she's fine. She's somewhere around here with Klaus. You're the friend she's expecting? Damn," he said.
Hayley glanced uneasily at the way he was staring at her. "With Klaus in what way?"
Suddenly, Bonnie appeared, running to her and hugging her. "Hayley! You're alive and not kidnapped. Who are these men?" Hayley pulled her in, whispering in her ear.
"For fuck sake! Sebastian, put on a bloody shirt," Bonnie scolded him. "This is Klaus; he's got his own band. Klaus, this is Hayley," Bonnie said, introducing them. Klaus smirked, "You're Hayley? Interesting."
Bonnie playfully slapped his arm. "The shirtless guy is Sebastian, the drummer. And no, I'm sane and sober," Bonnie reassured Hayley, who still looked concerned. Hayley managed a tight smile, her pulse quickening with the thrill of the unexpected. "You've got to come tonight. You won't believe the crowd! I'll introduce you to everyone. Lucy's husband owns a rooftop restaurant; it's definitely your style." Bonnie said, squeezing her best friend's hand.
[Love Never Felt So Good by Michael Jackson]
Hayley stepped into the rooftop restaurant, dressed in a silk emerald mini designer dress that hugged her slender body. She looked around but did not see Bonnie. Klaus tapped Enzo and pointed at her. "That's the girl I told you about," he whispered to Enzo, both of them fixated on her graceful stride. Hayley shrugged and walked up to the bar. The bartender stared at her in awe, his voice fumbling as he tried to speak. "Amaretto Sour, please," she said, her fingers sensuously tapping the bar counter as she admired the collection of wine above.
"The Chateau Coutet Sauternes is the best. It's French and sweet. It is comfort wine," a deep voice murmured a few inches next to her. She turned and smiled; her eyes gleaming.
"I'm sorry, I get crazy about wines. Elijah Mikaelson," he said, his gaze lingering on her lips. Hayley paused, her mind racing with possibilities. "I vini sono un piacere proibito. Ne ho sempre una bottiglia in casa. Adoro un bicchiere di vino dopo una lunga giornata. Il vino rosso è perfetto con l'anatra succulenta. Il sapore è paradisiaco," she replied, her voice dripping with sensuality.
Elijah stared at her, captivated. "Of course! You're Italian. I frequently travel to Italy for our wine business. Lucy has been urging me to learn Italian. Well, this... I'm at a loss for words," he said, clearly flustered by her allure.
Before she could respond, Bonnie appeared suddenly. "Hayley! Not this again! You always do this!" Bonnie exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, it's always funny," Hayley said, laughing.
Elijah was puzzled. "I'm sorry, Elijah. This is my friend Hayley, whom I mentioned earlier" Bonnie explained, shaking her head.
"I'm Hayley from Essex," Hayley said, extending her hand to Elijah, who shook it while still staring at her.
"Hello Hayley from Essex" He said smiling.
"Bon this is the Elijah? il n'est pas aussi effrayant qu'Alaric. Il est vraiment beau" Hayley said to Bonnie.
"I'm sorry, it's always funny," Hayley said, laughing.
Elijah was puzzled. "I'm sorry, Elijah. This is my friend Hayley, whom I mentioned earlier," Bonnie explained, shaking her head.
"I'm Hayley from Essex," Hayley said, extending her hand to Elijah, who shook it while still staring at her.
"Hello Hayley from Essex," he said, smiling.
"Bon, this is the Elijah? il n'est pas aussi effrayant qu'Alaric. Il est vraiment beau," Hayley said to Bonnie with a teasing grin.
"Il est vraiment gentil et divorcé. Ne commence pas. On a beaucoup de choses à se dire, Robert. Je sais que vous avez rompu," Bonnie scolded Hayley. Elijah stood awkwardly between the women. "As much as I admire your fluency in these languages, I would like to be part of this conversation."
Hayley laughed. "Um, well I hope that Bonnie here is happy. I would hate to have to cut the balls off of the man who messes with Bonnie and lies to her again," she said with a tight smile.
"I kind of prefer the Italian and French," Elijah remarked.
"Here is your Amaretto Sour, ma'am," the bartender said, glaring at Hayley and almost spilling her drink.
"I'll stick to this for now. Maybe the wine another time," she said to Elijah sarcastically. Bonnie cleared her throat. "I'll introduce you to Violet and Lucy…you would love them," she said, hooking Hayley's arm with hers.