The Other Brother

Ch2: Zombie Jock

Bonnie stood at the drink table, sipping her fruit punch as she watched her classmates dance, make out, pose for endless photos, and laugh loud enough to drown out the music.

Bonnie was far from popular. She was only known for being in principal's honor roll year after year like the ace student she was and currently, she was in the student government, hoping to become student president.

Oddly enough, Bonnie didn't mind being alone. With Elena and Caroline running late, she had the peace of observing from the sidelines, just watching the world spin around her.

Suddenly, her bones tensed again, and anxiety washed over her. The same thing she felt earlier. Just as she was about to take another sip, Roman's face popped up in her line of vision, and she nearly choked.

"Whatcha drinking?" he asked with a grin, his hands in his pockets, leaning toward her with an annoyingly relaxed posture.

Bonnie's gaze traveled from his scruffy hair down to his costume, which screamed zombie jock. She had to admit he looked good—not that she'd ever tell him that.

"Fruit punch, obviously," she said flatly, keeping her eyes on the crowd as if he hadn't interrupted her peace.

"Nice," he nodded, smile still firmly in place. "I like your costume, by the way. You're a witch, which is kinda funny since you're—" He leaned in, lowering his voice, "—actually a witch."

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "Wow, hilarious. Go away, Roman."

"Wanna dance?" he asked, already shifting his weight like he'd pull her onto the dance floor.

"No."

Roman sighed, dropping his shoulders dramatically, a pout forming on his lips. "You're no fun."

They stood there for a moment, his shoulder brushing hers as he leaned against the table. She could practically feel him itching to talk again, and sure enough—

"I thought we were getting along," he said.

Bonnie raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms and fixing him with a look that could chill fire. "If I want nothing to do with your brothers, why would I want anything to do with you?"

"Maybe, because I'm nothing like my brothers," he replied.

"Yeah, well, you share blood with them. That's all I need to know." Her voice was sharp, and she could feel her jaw clench. "You'd have to be delusional to think we'd get along. Like, ever."

Roman pressed a hand over his chest, looking like he'd just been wounded. "Ouch."

Bonnie's lips curled in a smirk as she watched him play up the drama. It was the first time she'd looked him in the eye all night, and he seemed to savor that. Roman leaned a little closer, cocking a brow.

"Are you ever nice, Bonnie Bennett?"

She narrowed her eyes. "What, you expect me to throw you a parade?"

Roman's grin grew as he tilted his head, studying her like she was the most entertaining thing he'd seen all night.

"Go on, say it," Bonnie demanded.

"Say what?" He looked genuinely confused.

"Say what everyone thinks of me," she said. "Say what you think of me."

Roman leaned back, confused yet intrigued. "And what's that?"

"That I'm some mean bitch. But I don't care. People like you don't deserve kindness."