A Lost Redemption

Chapter 7 - Death Was Never Easy

The air was thick with grief as I stood by the graveside, the weight of Sheila's death pressing down on me like a heavy cloak. The sun was low in the sky, casting long shadows across the cemetery, and the faint sound of wind rustling through the trees was the only noise that dared to disturb the silence. The funeral has been small, just close friends and family, and though I had kept my distance from most of them, I could feel the sorrow emanating from everyone like a living, breathing entity.

Bonnie stood at the forefront, her posture rigid, her face set in a mask of stoic pain. Elena and Caroline is by her side. Although I can sense that she tried avoiding Elena.

I watched her from a few paces away, my heart aching for her, but knowing there was little I could do to ease the hurt. This loss was deep, personal and I knew better than anyone that no words of comfort could heal the wounds left behind by the death of a loved one. Sheila had been everything to Bonnie. A guide, a protector, a teacher. And now, she was gone.

As the small crowd began to disperse, I stayed where I was, watching Bonnie. She lingered by the grave,her hand gently resting on the cold stone marker, her lips moving in a soft whisper that I could hear clearly using my vampire hearing. I couldn't see whether she is crying or not, but from her voice and the way her shoulders trembled gave away the depth of her emotions.

When the last of the mourners had left, I approached her slowly, giving her the space she needed. The closer I got, the more I could feel the weight of her pain. It was tangible, like a thick fog surrounding her.

"Bonnie." I said softly, standing a few feet away from her, unsure if she wanted me close. She didn't turn to look at me, but she acknowledged my presence with a slight nod.

"She's gone." Bonnie whispered, her voice hollow.

"Everything she taught me, everything we were supposed to do...it;s all gone with her." I took a step closer, my heart breaking for her.

"It's not all gone. What she taught you, the lessons, the spells. It's all still with you, Bonnie. And I can help you continue to learn, to control your powers." Finally. Bonnie turned to look at me, her dark eyes filled with unshed tears.

"It's not the same, Natalia." She murmured.

"Grams was my anchor. She understood me in ways no one else ever will. We had plans, so many things she wanted to teach me. And now, she's just gone." I reached out. Hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder.

"I can't replace her." I admitted. My voice soft but firm.

"No one can. But I'm here for you, Bonnie. I can't fill her shoes in your life, but I can help you learn more about your powers. I can help you grow, just like she wanted."

"But why? Why are you helping me?" I sighed as my eyes falls on Sheila's greave.

"Because you are a Bennett witch. I made a promise to your ancestors, years and years ago. If I ever met a Bennett witch, I will do whatever it takes to help and protect them."

"And also maybe because I can see the potential in you. The good in you. You will become a great witch Bonnie Bennett. Perhaps better then any Bennett witch."

Bonnie blinked, the tears finally spilling over and tracing silent paths down her cheeks. She didn't say anything, but I could see the conflict in her eyes. She wanted to be strong, to push through the pain, but the weight of her grief was too much.

"I know it's not easy." I continued, my voice barely above a whisper.

"But you are not alone in this, Bonnie. You are never alone."