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Elena stood at her locker watching Bonnie and Trevor flirt. Seconds later Leticia, Tiki, and Amy joined the pair. Bonnie took off with her new circle of friends in the direction of the cafeteria.
"You know stalking is illegal in all of the fifty states."
Elena turned towards Caroline. The blond-haired girl was putting her books away in her locker. "She's never going to come around, is she? I've lost her," Elena said, watching the group turn the corner.
Caroline sighed. She had heard both sides and she could identify with both girls. "You made your choice Elena. Stefan's your boyfriend. He's a vampire. Bonnie didn't want any part of that."
Elena nodded solemnly, closing her locker. "I like him, Care."
Caroline shrugged. "Well, there's your answer." Caroline started for the cafeteria; Elena followed.
"Are you sitting with me and Stefan today?"
Caroline turned to her friend with empathy in her eyes. "It's Bonnie's week. Hey, don't look at me like that. I told both of you I wasn't choosing sides." Caroline glanced at Elena's pout. "Sorry sister, I perfected that look. I'll call you later." Caroline was anxious to get to the cafeteria to hear about Leticia and Anthony's date.
"Hey, babe," Stefan said, walking up to Elena. He pulled the sullen teen into his arms. "What's wrong? You look upset."
Elena sighed. "I'm fine. I just really miss Bonnie. She hates me and has replaced me with Leticia Cruz, the girl who used to make fun of me in middle school. She's dating Trevor now, might even be hooking up, and I have no idea, and I can't ask. We've shared so much, so many secrets. And I hate that I'm not a part of her life. There were things I could only talk to Bonnie about and who do I talk to now?"
"If you are regretting choosing me."
Elena shook her head. "No. No. Never. I will always choose you. I just wish she wasn't so stubborn."
Stefan pulled Elena towards the cafeteria. "Have you tried to talk to her again?"
Elena nodded. "She blows me off."
Stefan stopped in the middle of the hallway. "Maybe I should talk to her."
Elena shook her head. "We tried that, remember? Dinner at my house. Damon crashed and freaked her out, and three days later she told me I had to choose."
Stefan pressed his lips against her forehead to calm her. "Well, this time, it will be just me. No Damon." Elena shook her head. "I don't know."
Stefan grabbed her hand and moved toward the lunchroom again. "Let me try."
Elena thought about the decade dance and how when she brought her outfit, she immediately wanted to show Bonnie to ask what she thought. "Okay, but don't pester her or compel her. I want her to talk to me again, not banish me forever."
-o0o-
Bonnie serenaded Trevor as he drove her home from school. She belted out If I Were a Boy while it played on the radio. He hated that song. He made sure Bonnie knew it by rolling his eyes. Sure, some guys could be assholes. Okay, he had been an asshole to a few girls, but when he liked a girl, he treated her with respect. And where he was concerned Bonnie Bennett was the cream of the crop. He would never treat her like that. Beyoncé was messing up relationships. She was also messing up his lovin'. Bonnie slapped at his hand every time he dared to move it above her knee. Trevor turned onto her street and pulled up to the curb. He leaned in to kiss the green-eyed girl, capturing her lips. They sat, mouths joined sensuously until Bonnie pulled away.
"I have to study for chemistry. My grade is abysmal," Bonnie said. Trevor stole another kiss.
"I think you're doing fine in chemistry, you're acing biology and anatomy." Trevor grinned, pulling her back into a kiss. After another moment, Bonnie pushed him away.
"I have to go. I'll call you tonight." Bonnie opened the door. Trevor smiled at Bonnie. It faded when he noticed Stefan Salvatore was sitting on Bonnie's porch."What's he doing here?"
Bonnie turned and huffed. She pursed her lips. "I don't know. He's probably here for Elena." Trevor reached for his door handle. "No Trev. I can handle it. I promise I will call you later. Besides, you got baseball practice in like 3 minutes."
Trevor looked at his watch. "Oh Shit. Coach is going to kill me. If you have any problems with Salvatore, you call me. I'll call after practice." Trevor started the engine and reached over to deliver a quick peck.
Bonnie climbed out of the car. She waited until he pulled off before addressing her unwelcome visitor.
"What do you want?" Bonnie questioned, staring at the vampire.
"Elena misses you."
"Yet she sent you."
"She has tried to talk to you, but you won't listen. Bonnie, please don't take how you feel about me out on Elena."
"How I feel about vampires is irrelevant. Like everything else, this is all about her. Elena did not hesitate to choose you, a person who is a potential danger to her and all her friends and family. She chose a man she has only known for a few months. I miss Elena too, the old Elena that cared about the people who loved her and who didn't throw them away for an admitted murderer. Now if you will excuse me. I have to study."
"Bonnie, she's really upset."
"I don't have time for this, Salvatore." Bonnie walked around Stefan, climbing her porch steps.
"I heard you tell the baseball star you're failing chemistry. I have an A, and I didn't compel anyone to get it. I'd be willing to help you study for your test tonight if you promise a double date with me and Elena on Friday night."
Bonnie groaned. She needed the help, but she didn't want to be alone with Stefan, she didn't care how many bunnies he ate. She was still very hurt by Elena's decision. She didn't even hesitate to show her that Stefan was more important than their thirteen-year friendship , but shit her dad was going to ground her. She would have to stay with Grams while he was away. That would put a damper on her sexy time with Trevor. Trevor was an exceptionally talented and creative young man when it came to sexy times. She needed to pull up her grade. Plus, a D in chemistry was not going to look good on college applications. She needed to go to college to get the hell away from Mystic Falls. What could it hurt?
"Okay, you have a deal, but it has to be a triple date with Caroline and Matt." The more people there the less she would have to talk to Elena.
"And you're not coming to my house, and I'm not going to yours, so I'll meet you at the public library at six, and no Elena. Don't even tell her you're helping me." She would try to crash the study session .
Stefan nodded. "Agreed."
-o0o-
Stefan sat in the back of the library waiting for the witch to arrive. Elena and Caroline were shopping and going to the movies, so he was in the clear. He noticed when Bonnie arrived by the smell of lavender, vanilla, and coconut that wafted through the air, yet he was still surprised when she rounded the corner.
When they first met, Bonnie wore baggy sweaters and clothes that were flowy, but since she had been moving in a different crowd her attire had grown a bit sexier. Bonnie Bennett was still a class act, but she was showing a touch more skin in the most interesting places. Her brown locks were pulled up and piled on top of her head revealing her graceful neck. She wore jean cutoffs that revealed muscular thighs. Her t-shirt stopped just above her navel revealing a tight and toned sliver of the stomach. Bonnie was beautiful. Stefan was a little embarrassed he had never noticed that before.
He watched amused as she slung her bag onto the table. Books, notebooks, and pencils toppled out. When a pencil rolled to the floor, she leaned down to retrieve it which drew his attention to her round perfect ass.
Did I just check out Bonnie's ass? Shit… I just checked out Bonnie's ass. She's your girlfriend's best friend. You consider her a friend, even though she hates you. You had to bribe her to be here tonight. Plus, she can pop every blood vessel in your head. So, let's not check out Bonnie's ass. Stefan instead glanced at her thighs.
Bonnie sat down, opened her book, and looked over at Stefan. Stefan grabbed the book. "So, what are you having problems with?"
Bonnie crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair. "Chapters 1-8." Stefan smiled as his brow rose. Bonnie grinned. "I brought us some coffee and snacks, Salvatore. We're in for a long night."
-o0o-
Stefan was sitting outside of school Thursday morning. He still had not told Elena about the plans he had made with Bonnie. He was feeling a bit guilty. He and Bonnie were at the library until it closed and then moved to the diner until three. It was a long night, and in between chemistry they had shared a few things about their lives. He did it to keep her awake, but he enjoyed their conversation. He didn't want to admit she was the last thing he was thinking of before he went to bed. Usually, that honor belonged to Elena. His phone chirped. When he took it out of his pocket and glanced at his screen, he was surprised to see Bonnie's name. He opened the text.
Bonnie: Got my test back. I got a ninety-two. I figured I owed you a thank you.
Stefan: You can thank me by showing up tomorrow night.
Bonnie: :/ Fine. We'll meet you at the grill at 7 pm.
Stefan: See you then.
Bonnie: And yeah…Thank you, Stefan.
Stefan: You're welcome.
-o0o-
Bonnie's face hurt from pretending to be polite. She didn't know what was going on with her, but Elena was getting on her nerves. And it took all her home training not to show it. She didn't want Caroline caught in their drama, and Stefan had worked hard teaching her chemistry for this to happen, so she would try.
"So how long have you two been dating?" Elena said, smiling at Bonnie.
She is acting like everything is better like she didn't choose a murderous vampire over me, the witch thought.
Stefan grimaced. He could read Bonnie's face. Elena was pushing too fast.
"Uh…It's been a month or two, right Bon." Trevor said, inhaling his chili cheese fries.
Matt clapped Trevor on the shoulder. "So, Trev. Are y'all going to beat Lincoln this Saturday?"
Trevor smiled. "Dude. Of Course. I should be asking about Eastside and homecoming. Their defense is wicked this year. You sure you can handle it, QB."
Matt snickered. "The only thing you have to worry about for homecoming is what tie is going to match Bonnie's dress."
Matt and Trevor laughed. Bonnie and Caroline looked at each other rolling their eyes at their boyfriends and their ongoing pissing contest.
Elena added, "Stefan is thinking about joining the football team. Aren't you Stefan?"
Bonnie grimaced. Caroline threw Elena a bone. "Oh yeah, Stef? What position do you play?"
Stefan sensed that this was not going well. He was a little embarrassed. "Fullback." Trevor and Matt nodded.
"You any good Salvatore?" Trevor asked, wrapping his arm around Bonnie.
"I used to play back in the day."
Bonnie's brow rose. Caroline glanced at the witch. They giggled knowing it was probably back in 1862. Elena looked between them.
Elena's brooding did not escape Bonnie's notice. Bonnie knew she was dismayed because she wasn't the center of attention. She couldn't take it any longer.
"Sorry guys, but me and Trevor are about to go. We have to be up early tomorrow. We're going camping this weekend. It's been fun." Bonnie rose from the table and gathered her stuff.
Elena was disappointed. She hoped the night would last longer. Stefan couldn't figure out what he was feeling. Caroline and Matt were too busy canoodling.
When Bonnie moved to leave, Caroline said, "Bye Bon. Call me when you get home." Bonnie looked back.
"Ok Care."
Elena quickly added. "It was great hanging out tonight guys. Maybe we can do it again." Stefan watched the fake smile plastered on Bonnie's face.
"Yeah…maybe." Bonnie lied. Stefan eyed the witch and sighed.
-o0o-
It was Saturday morning and Bonnie was eating cereal and watching cartoons. She jumped as a horror-filled scream erupted from her phone. I forget I had changed his tone to that . She looked down at the screen at Stefan's text.
Stefan: Hey
Bonnie: Hey
Stefan: How's chemistry?
Bonnie: Great. I have an A-.
Stefan: :-)
Bonnie: What's up?
Stefan: Do you know anything about your ancestor Emily Bennett and Fells Church?
Bonnie: No. Why?
Stefan: Nothing. My brother is a history buff.
Bonnie: Your brother is an asshole.
Stefan: Yeah…That too.
Bonnie: :-)
Stefan: Any chance I can bribe you into hanging with Elena and me again?
Bonnie: Not a chance in hell. My chemistry grades are phenomenal.
Stefan: And what about Spanish?
Bonnie: :/
Stefan: ;)
Bonnie: I knew you were listening to me and Caroline's convo in history. You speak Spanish?
Stefan: I spent some time in Monterrey several lifetimes ago.
Bonnie: IDK if improving a passing C- is worth another night with a friend who threw me away for a serial killer.
Stefan: You keep saying that, but Elena didn't throw you away. You demanded she choose. I love her Bon. We love each other and besides, I'm a reformed serial killer.
Bonnie: :/ You do know I can kill you right?
Stefan: I'm very aware that you could kill me. That's why I'm trying to get on your good side. It's worth a better grade, and the night is on me. I'll cook dinner at my house, and we six can watch an Alien movie marathon.
Bonnie: Alien!?
Stefan: Elena said it's your favorite.
Bonnie: I'll think about it.
Stefan: Ok. You do that.
Three minutes later…
Stefan: So, see you at 6 tomorrow night?
Bonnie: Okay, but talk to your girl about toning it down. She can't be the center of everything. I know that's a shocking revelation for both you and her.
Stefan: SMH. Says the reigning queen of her new clique.
Bonnie: What!?
Stefan: Everyone knows that Bonnie Bennett is the new Queen B of the Junior class. Or is that, Queen BB.
Bonnie: Whatever Stefan and stop eavesdropping on my convos.
Stefan: I'm a vampire I can't help what I hear. I have eyes too; do you want me to close them too?
Bonnie: Whatever. I have to go. So, we're meeting at the diner tonight?
Stefan: Yeah around five.
Bonnie: See ya.
Stefan: 'til then Majesty.
Bonnie: :/
-o0o-
It was eleven, and Bonnie had had enough of conjugating verbs. She looked up from her book. Stefan was at the counter ordering another piece of a lemon meringue pie. He promised to bring her chocolate cream. She pulled her phone out of her pocket and winced. Trevor had called her three times. He wanted to come over, but she was too tired tonight. She texted him to say so.
She was more than a little bit annoyed when she got back a text about her not spending time with him this week. They were in the middle of midterms. She was trying to pull up some of her grades. Boys could be so stupid sometimes.
"You okay?" Stefan asked, sitting a giant slice of chocolate cream pie in front of her.
"Yeah." She reached for her fork. Stefan sat, watching her. He eagerly dipped his fork in his dessert. Bonnie sighed looking at Trevor's latest juvenile text and putting it away. She dug into her pie. Stefan was still observing her. Her mood had changed. He sat quietly until she spoke up.
"When you saw Elena for the first time, was it love at first sight?"
Stefan wasn't expecting the conversation to take this turn. "No, it was suspicion at first sight. I thought she was Katherine. So, I followed her to make sure it wasn't," he said in between chews.
"So, you stalked Elena before talking to her?"
"I wouldn't call it stalking. Katherine was dangerous. I was trying to protect the citizens of Mystic Falls. People like you."
"Mm-hmm. How long did it take you to figure out it wasn't Katherine?"
Stefan chuckled. "A month."
"So, then you decided you wanted to date the girl who looked exactly like your evil ex-girlfriend."
Stefan put down his fork and crossed his arms. "No. I mean. I was curious. I fell in love with her compassion."
Bonnie snorted. She tried not to roll her eyes.
Stefan watched the witch in front of him. Elena had hurt her feelings. He saw it now. "She used to be your best friend, Bonnie. She still wants to be your best friend."
Bonnie wasn't going there tonight. "Yeah…So you love her. She's the one?" She took a giant bite of pie.
Stefan picked up his fork again. "Yes."
"How do you know?"
Stefan looked at her confused. He was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Bonnie had been invading his thoughts as of late. He didn't need her outright questioning his loyalty when she was starting to test it. "Are you okay? Are you and Trevor okay?"
Bonnie huffed. "Yeah…I just. I like Trevor. He's sweet. I mean…How do you know? Is she your soulmate?" Bonnie genuinely wanted to know. Trevor was her first real boyfriend. They had hot sex. But beyond that, she hated to admit it, she was growing a bit bored.
"I just know," Stefan said, finishing the last of his pie.
Bonnie wanted to feel that way about someone. She was starting to realize that she and Trevor don't have that much in common. He was the baseball star who asked her out. It was butterflies and rainbows in the beginning; now it was a lot of sex and sports. The sex was a yes, but everything else was blah. She didn't know how she felt about sleeping with someone who she thought was blah.
"I don't know much about Trevor and your relationship, but if he doesn't make you happy then maybe you should move on," Stefan said, starting to understand what was going on. Bonnie was intelligent, creative, and thoughtful. Trevor seemed like a nice guy but to Stefan, they were about two different things.
"Elena makes you happy?" Bonnie asked. Stefan nodded. Most of the time, he added in his head.
Ugh, Bonnie, you're being silly comparing your relationship to Elena's. Bonnie thought. Trevor has been nothing but sweet, and he likes you. Elena is caught up in this true love stuff with Stefan, and we're still in High School. There are so many things that you want to do, places you want to go. Trevor is fun. He's the perfect boyfriend for you right now.
"Me and Trev are fine. I'm fine. I'm tired. I get like this when I'm sleepy."
Stefan smiled. "What, deep and philosophical. about love?"
Bonnie laughed. "Yeah."
Stefan smiled at her again. "Okay so why don't you tell me how you feel about Trevor in Spanish."
Bonnie groaned but cleared her throat. "Me gusto Trevor. El es muy guapo y divertido." Stefan chuckled at her horrible accent, noticing she never mentioned anything about love.
-o0o-
Stefan waited until he dropped off Elena to text her. He lay on his bed, pulled out his phone, and began to type.
Stefan: Hey
Bonnie: Hey
Stefan: I heard about you and Trevor. Are you okay?
Bonnie: Yeah. I'm fine. Thanks for asking, and thanks for the movie night it was fun.
Stefan: No problem. How's Spanish?
Bonnie: :/ I have a C now.
Stefan: Well…that's better than a C-
Bonnie: Yep. How's Elena?
Stefan: She's okay. She met her mom. She could use a friend.
Bonnie: Whoa! But she's got you. I'm sure she'll be fine. Tell her I said hello.
Stefan: :/
Five minutes later…
Stefan: Trevor doesn't deserve you if he doesn't know how special you are.
Bonnie: Thanks. The same goes for you.
-o0o-
SENIOR YEAR
Stefan savored the blood spilling down his throat. He closed his eyes and gave into his addiction. He could feel the power from the blood strengthening him. It was euphoric. He opened his eyes when the hybrid re-entered the room.
"Well mate, I see you have taken to your old ways quite well. I have matters to attend to. Clean up your lunch, and I'll bring you more brunettes to play with. I know they're your favorite." Klaus cocked his head observing Stefan's expression. The ripper was bored. He smiled wickedly and then walked out the door. There was trouble in paradise.
Stefan's phone chirped. He wanted to ignore it but like always he looked at it anyway. He shook his head.
Bonnie: So, I don't know if you are getting my text messages because you've disappeared with this Klaus guy, but everybody's worried about you. Even me, the vampire-hating witch. So, call Elena or your ass of a brother, or you can text me. Just let someone know this psycho hasn't killed you. Let us know you're safe.
-o0o-
Two months later…
Bonnie was cleaning up her room when she noticed the movie Alien on her bookshelf. She missed Stefan. They had become friends, which made Bonnie feel like a hypocrite. She dropped Elena because she was his girlfriend. Elena and she had hung out a few times, but Elena's world revolved around the supernatural and the Salvatore's now. Caroline, since she had been turned, was dealing with Tyler. It was all fucked up, and she's glad she avoided it, but there was still Stefan. She knew there was no point, but she texted him again.
Bonnie: So, remember when I called you a serial killer. I heard through the grapevine that you're like for real a reformed serial killer, the Ripper of Monterey or something. Not cool. With that being said, I hope you're okay. You need to bring your ass home. Cause your dick of a brother is creeping on Elena. Not that anyone would be that stupid and go for that but come home. I miss your lame-ass relationship advice. I kind of hooked up with Trevor a couple of times during the summer. :/
-o0o-
Two weeks later…
Klaus and Rebekah were getting on Stefan's nerves. He walked out of their suite and went to the park on the corner. He was bored out of his mind. He took out his phone and started listening to the messages from Elena again. He sighed when he reached the last one. He swiped, going to his text. He flipped through all his messages until he finally opened the one he had been avoiding. She knew what he was now. He was exactly what she hated that she wanted to avoid.
Bonnie: Chicago, huh? So, you haven't been a lovesick puppy all your life. From what Care tells me, you were a badass in a killer of innocents kind of way. I'll reserve my judgment for when I see you face to face. Come home.
Stefan was angry at her and he didn't know why for sure. He wanted her to stop texting him. He wanted her to hate him like he hated himself. But she kept texting.
Stefan: I'm not a good guy. I thought you were smarter than the rest. If I remember correctly, you ended a thirteen-year relationship because your best friend wanted to be my girlfriend. Forget about me. I'm a vampire, and worst, I'm a ripper. You're a witch, a servant of nature. You protect people from creatures like me. Protect yourself.
Stefan thought about all the golden skin and green-eyed girls he had fucked and drunk from this summer. He needed the witch to listen. Stefan cursed when his phone chirped minutes later. He looked down at his phone petulantly.
Bonnie: Yeah, you are a vampire, a ripper. But you're also an addict. And you're right. I did not want anything to do with you. But I've grown up a little, and I realize that there is no true villain and no true hero for that matter. Everyone and everything is flawed. Some people might think I'm evil because I practice witchcraft. Stefan, you are my friend. To think I was worried about you hurting Elena. Anyway, come home. I found a spell that can help with your addiction and some herbs.
-o0o-
The ripper waited outside of the school for her. He had been away for months and even with his humanity off. He was anxious to see her. He spotted her coming from the south entrance, brown waves blowing in the wind. She had on a short summer dress that he wished the breeze would inch up a little higher. The witch sensed he was there. She turned and surprisingly made her way over. He was sure Caroline would have filled her in by now.
"Caroline told me to stay away from you. Says you're the ripper."
Stefan smirked. Shifting his sunglasses to the top of his head. "But here you are," he cooed.
Bonnie bit her lip raising a brow. "I was curious. Had to see for myself."
"Bon, don't be a cliche…curiosity killed the cat or in your case…the witch."
Bonnie narrowed her eyes at his smug grin. Stefan's skull erupted into pain. He grabbed at his head in futility, as he slowly sank to his knees. Bonnie knelt in front of him looking into his eyes as she whispered. "You may be the Ripper of Monterey, but I'm Bonnie Bennett, a witch, a powerful one. Magic runs through my veins…in case you forgot. Remember that Ripper and we won't have a problem. Oh yeah… welcome home." She stood walking away from him. The further she got the more pain dulled. The ripper just watched that little summer dress sway in the wind grinning.
-o0o-
The ripper rolled his eyes and yawned as Rebekah paraded in front of him. "Which one do you like best?" Rebekah asked, turning.
"They're all the same to me."
Rebekah huffed, then smiled mischievously as she remembered what she had surmised today. "So, I met some lovely people at Mystic Falls High."
Stefan got up to leave the room. "Rebekah, does it look like I give a shit?"
Rebekah sat in her new designer dress. Her arms stretched out on the back of the couch. "Oh, I think you will. I met an interesting witch by the name of Bonnie Bennett." Rebekah smiled when the ripper turned.
"She had moss green eyes and beautiful golden skin. It was peculiar given your awfully specific choices of blood bags this summer. A girl could start to wonder. Does Elena know you have acquired a taste for girls who look like this witch or is she too busy with your brother?"
Stefan smiled at the original. "Honestly Rebekah, I don't care. It doesn't matter what dress you choose; you still will always be a spoiled brat."
Rebekah glared at the vampire. "Says the man who used to cater to my every whim."
Stefan snickered, walking out the room. "Used to is the operative phrase, my dear," he called back.
Stefan went to his bedroom and sat at his desk. He was going to write in his journal, but Rebekah ruined his mood. He took out his phone staring at Bonnie's number. He opened the screen to text her.
Stefan: What are you doing?
Bonnie: Why?
Stefan: Cause I want to see you?
Bonnie: Why?
Stefan: I like your face. Are you still wearing that sundress?
Bonnie: You do remember Elena, your girlfriend, and your little lesson from this afternoon.
Stefan: The girl who is fucking my brother?
Bonnie: Elena is not.
Stefan: How do you know? When is the last time you talked to Elena?
Bonnie: :/
Stefan: Exactly. Let's meet at our diner. I'll buy you some chocolate cream pie.
Bonnie: I suppose we're going to talk about old times while you eat lemon meringue pie.
Stefan: No. I'm hungry for something else.
Bonnie: So, the Ripper's not only a serial killer he's an asshole as well. Keep dreaming Salvatore if you think I'm going to let you drink my blood.
Stefan: Who said anything about your blood?
-o0o-
Six months later…
Stefan sat in the booth staring at his pie. He looked up when he heard the bell over the door chime. Bonnie walked in heading directly to their spot. She slid into the chair in front of him and grabbed his hand. "Are you okay?"
Stefan nodded. The server came and set a piece of the chocolate cream pie in front of the witch.
She smiled up at Agnes and then turned back to her friend. "So, you guys have broken up?"
Stefan nodded. "It just seems like she needs Damon more than me right now. Her transition was horrible, and no matter what Caroline and I did she just wasn't getting better. She listens to Damon."
Bonnie's eyes bulged. She couldn't believe her ears. Elena and Stefan were Elena and Stefan. Out of all the reasons that kept her from taking the ripper up on his numerous propositions at the beginning of the school year, one stood out. She can't lie and say she was tempted. The ripper can be very charming, but in the end, she helped him fight his addiction, and he got himself back together only to be wrecked by Elena dying and becoming a vamp. He felt so guilty. Now they had broken up.
"You guys just need time to figure this out," Bonnie said, picking up her fork and taking a small piece of his pie.
"Just kick a man when he's down Bonnie. What kind of friend are you? You're going to steal my pie while I'm heartbroken."
Bonnie bit her lip. "Well, you weren't eating it; I didn't want it to go to waste."
He smiled at her. "Thank you for being here."
Bonnie dug into her pie. "You're my friend." She reached to grab his hand again, rubbing it with her thumb.
"I'm grateful." Stefan picked up his fork, stole half of her pie, and stuffed it in his mouth.
Bonnie's mouth dropped open. She moved to get his pie, but the vampire moved it out of her reach. "We are so not cool anymore, vampire."
Stefan's eyes twinkled as he wiped the extra whip cream from the corner of his mouth. "I don't believe you, witch."
-o0o-
Six months later...
Bonnie could tear someone's head off right now. She was so angry. She slipped out of her dress and practically growled at the bloodstains on it. She almost blew up her phone when the familiar scream filled her bedroom. She reached for it.
"Are you okay?" Stefan asked out of breath.
"No, I'm not okay. You're crazy-ass ex-girlfriend tried to kill me." Bonnie spat at the phone.
"I know. Caroline told me." Stefan whipped around a corner in his Porsche.
"You and your brother need to handle that situation before I do, and I don't think you're going to like the results."
"Calm down. From what I hear you taught her a good lesson tonight. I think she knows not to come near you again."
"What's her problem? We haven't talked in months. Why did she come after me?"
Stefan wasn't sure if he should tell her the truth, but in the end, there wasn't much that he kept from Bonnie anymore. "She and Rebekah have become close."
Bonnie paced her room. "Okay?"
"Rebekah figured out that the ripper had a thing for you. I guess she told Elena."
"Why does she care? She isn't your girlfriend. Anyway, nothing ever happened, and it was months ago." Bonnie pulled off her earrings.
"Yeah, the thing is…it wasn't months ago. It never went away for me," Stefan said softly into the phone. Bonnie was in complete shock. She thought the ripper wanted sex. She never imagined it. "Bonnie, are you there?" Stefan asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Yeah." Bonnie tried to get a hold of the butterflies in her stomach and the fear creeping up her spine.
"Is your dad or Grams home? I'm outside." Stefan looked up at her figure behind her curtains.
Bonnie turned towards her bedroom window. "What!?"
"I thought you were at your condo in Virginia Beach." She walked over to the window, waving to the vampire standing by his car on the side of the road.
"I was. I wanted to make sure you were okay. Change your clothes. Let's go get some pie."
-o0o-
"Are you calm now?" Stefan asked.
Bonnie nodded despite being anxious. They were at the lake. They had gotten their pie to go. It was a beautiful night. The sky was clear and dotted with stars. "I won prom queen."
"I told you, you were the Queen B of Mystic Falls High."
Bonnie popped her lips. "You don't forget anything."
Stefan shook his head. "No…not really, especially when it's about you." Stefan grabbed her hand.
Bonnie looked at their interlaced fingers and then at Stefan in wonder. "Where is this coming from?" She was trying to control what she was feeling.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean we're friends and all of a sudden you have feelings for me?"
"All of a sudden? It's not all of a sudden. You have enchanted me. You cast your spell at our first study session, and I don't think I ever recovered. I had no choice in the matter. You have to know how much I care for you." Stefan brought her hand up to his lips. Placed a gentle kiss on the inside of her wrist. Bonnie shook her head in disbelief. "It's fine if you don't feel the same way, but I had to let you know. I don't want to keep anything from you."
"Honestly, I don't know what I feel. This night has been crazy." Bonnie thought about winning prom queen, Elena attacking her, and now this. She was on an emotional roller coaster. She looked over to Stefan cupping his face. "I do know that you are one of the most important people in my life, and I care for you deeply."
Stefan smiled. He leaned in placing his forehead against hers. "I can work with that." Seconds later their lips met, and the pair were lost in passion.
-o0o-
FRESHMAN YEAR
"So, what do you guys think?" The realtor said, trying to appraise their expressions.
"Could you give us a minute?" Stefan said to the woman.
"Of course." The woman walked out of the small craftsman into the yard.
Stefan turned to Bonnie. "So, what do you think?"
Bonnie shook her head and spun to look at Stefan. "I think it's perfect. But Stefan, are you sure? I mean are you going to buy a house in Berkeley, California?"
Stefan looked at the witch. "We got into UC Berkeley, right? We need a place to live. It makes sense that we save and live together."
Bonnie laughed incredulously. "I can't afford a million-dollar cottage."
"I can."
Bonnie rolled her eyes. "I'm not living here for free. I take care of myself."
"Okay, independent woman…you can pay the cable, electric, and half of the grocery bill. You love this house. It's five minutes from campus, and I love this neighborhood. I'm buying this house whether we decide to move in together or not."
Bonnie pursed her lips looking at her boyfriend. She looked out onto the patio out back. The yard was the perfect place for a little garden. The hospital was a few blocks away so Stefan could get blood. She just didn't know if she was ready to move in with Stefan. He makes you happy. "Okay."
Stefan's brow rose. "Okay?"
Bonnie nodded. Stefan flashed over to her, his lips smashing into hers. Bonnie was caught by surprise, but then she just melted into him. They pulled apart only when they heard the realtor clear her throat.
-o0o-
Bonnie sat in the chair putting on her shoes. Her cellphone screamed at her from the dresser. She glanced at it and shook her head, her fingers moving across the screen.
Stefan: Hey
Bonnie: Hey
Stefan: What are you doing?
Bonnie: What do you think I'm doing?
Stefan: If I knew I wouldn't be texting. I want to see you.
Bonnie: Now…Why?
Stefan: I like your face.
Bonnie: Bye, Stefan.
Bonnie smiled as the older woman pinned her last curl. She teared up as her three favorite women wrapped her in their arms. Each hugged her, delivering kisses to her cheeks, careful not to ruin her makeup. They all walked out into the hall. Her Gram's left first, then Abby, until she was only left with Caroline. Caroline blew her a kiss as she left her standing alone. She jumped when the set of massive doors swung open. A familiar tune started to play on the piano. Bonnie could only see a crumpled old man ahead of her, but she knew it would only be seconds before she would be staring at the other half of her soul. When she stepped forward, the old man bellowed, "All rise for the bride."