September 2009
You know those times when you just want to dig a hole and hide from the world? Yeah, that was me right then. Caroline was staring at me, demanding an explanation, and I had no idea which excuse to use.
Should I go with:
"I was reborn into this universe, and since it was a teen drama I used to watch, I know the future—but butterfly effect, so my knowledge is useless."
"Elena's dad tortured vampires, so karma's a bitch."
Or the classic: "Butterfly effect—saving someone meant to die might result in someone else's death."
"Look, Caroline…" I began softly. "I only know one timeline. This timeline was chosen by God, the Fates, or whatever." Or the writers, I added silently. "I can change small things, but even those might ripple out. Death—especially accidental death—I can't mess with that."
"Why not?" she pressed, still not getting it.
"Because nature has to stay balanced. Death is part of nature," I said, slipping into witch mode. "If I save a life, another life has to be taken. And it won't be my choice. It could be you, your mom, or my Grams…"
It was something I worried about constantly—even when I planned to save Alaric, Kol, maybe Finn. Their deaths weren't natural; they were caused by people. Maybe I could change those. Maybe not. I still had research to do.
"I get it," Caroline sighed. "I'm sorry I questioned you. I knew you wouldn't let them die for no reason. You trusted me with your most precious secret—something you haven't even told your Grams. I won't doubt you again. And if I ever sound like I'm distrusting you, remind me of this conversation."
"Don't worry, I will. And I understand why you reacted that way," I said, hugging her quickly. Of course I understood. I was pragmatic to a fault. If I had to let the Gilberts die to keep the timeline intact, then I would.
Call me cold-blooded if you want, but honestly? They were better off dead. Better a car accident than being around when Silas eventually decided to run Mystic Falls like his personal playground. The Gilberts wouldn't have lasted that long anyway.
Caroline hugged me back, then whispered, "Let's go see Elena at the hospital."
Summer 2009
The summer flew by. Caroline spent most of it with Elena and Jeremy, who stayed at her house while Jenna prepared to become their guardian. I spent mine in my garden, cultivating vervain and practicing spells and potions.
My elemental control had improved massively. Fire and air were mastered. Earth and water were nearly there. Once I finished my elemental training, I planned to experiment with the ideas I'd stolen from anime, books, and movies.
I'd even discovered the ancestral house where the spirits of dead witches lingered. The idea of wielding the power of a hundred witches was tempting. I hadn't contacted them yet, but I was planning on it.
Sheila had finally started mentioning magic—our magic. But she mostly did it while drunk or in cryptic phrases like: "You have power inside you, child.""You're stronger than you believe.""You're special, Bonnie. Soon you'll understand."
Seriously? Wouldn't it have been easier to just say: "Hey kid, you're a witch! I bound your powers when you were little, but they'll come back soon, so get ready, Sabrina!" No wonder canon Bonnie thought her Grams was a drunk nut job.
So yeah, I mostly ignored her and told her to stop drinking.
I also sensed a vampire watching us at the Grill one afternoon. I assumed it was Stefan—probably thinking Elena was Katherine pretending to be human. I wasn't sure if Damon was around yet, but either way, I was armed with vervain to the teeth.
Bring it on, vamps.
September 7, 2009
This was it. The moment I'd dreaded since I first heard my name was Bonnie Bennett—the pilot. The first episode of The Vampire Diaries was here. Or, as I liked to call it: The Beginning of the End of Bonnie Bennett 2.0.
"Bonnie, did you have your coffee this morning?" Caroline asked from the passenger seat, eyeing me. "You look sleepy."
"I'm good, Care," I lied. Good wasn't going to describe me for a long time.
"Tell Mama Care all your problems," she demanded, ignoring my answer.
"Today's the day this town becomes the Hellmouth. You can be the perky blonde vampire slayer, and I'll be your friendly town witch," I said sarcastically. Truth wrapped in sarcasm.
"So… vampires now?" Caroline asked seriously. Maybe giving her my grimoires to read when she was bored hadn't been the best idea. Then again, now she knew what went bump in the night.
"Yes. You'll meet your first vampire in history class," I replied.
"Vampire in history class? Isn't that cheating?" she grumbled. Our history teacher had it out for Caroline. Probably because he'd crushed on Sheriff Forbes back in the day, and she'd ignored him.
"Totally," I said, grinning at her annoyed face as I parked in front of Elena's house. "Why does Elena even need a ride? She already has her license."
"Maybe because her parents just died in a car accident, Bonnie, and she's not comfortable driving," Caroline shot back, texting Elena to come out.
"Yeah, whatever," I muttered, rolling my eyes. Sympathy for Elena just wasn't in me.
The back door opened, and Elena slid into the seat.
"Good morning," she greeted, her smile forced. "Ready for our first day?"
"Yes," I replied flatly. "Let's just get this over with."
"Ignore her, Lena," Caroline said, winking at the doppelgänger. "Bon Bon's in a bad mood today."
I snorted loudly, rolling my eyes again.
Bad mood didn't even cover it.