A drop in the ocean, a change in the weather
I was praying that you and I might end up together
It's like wishing for rain as I stand in the desert, but I'm holding you
Closer than most, because you are my heaven
Caroline sat alone in the bleachers, graduation over and the class of 2011 already just another class of Timberwolves for the record books. The notes of Pomp and Circumstance had faded with the gentle spring breeze. The stadium, once filled with capacity crowds to watch football games while she, Bonnie and Elena cheered on the sidelines, had mostly cleared out. Families and graduates had smiled for their last pictures with friends wrapped in each other's arms, graduation gowns unzipped as they grinned and laughed at mom taking "just one last picture."
Red carnations were scattered here and there amongst the chairs on the field. Each graduate had been given one along with their diploma. A few had shared theirs with a boyfriend or girlfriend, but most had held on to theirs, then rushed their parents after the cap toss, handing over their carnation as a small sign of gratitude for supporting them through it all. Caroline laughed briefly, thinking she would have needed at least two dozen to give her mom as a token "for supporting her through it all."
Instead, Caroline's was still in her hand, wilted from being crushed during hugs with classmates and photos that would never make it into her scrapbook. She'd held onto hers to give to her mom, but Sheriff Forbes had been called away almost immediately after the ceremony, rushing out with a quick glance of apology at Caroline. She hadn't been the only one to rush out. Caroline watched Elena leave quickly, with Stefan, a look of horror on her face and Bonnie left before graduation speeches had even started. Caroline had moved to follow, but stayed behind for Matt, who couldn't have looked more alone and lost, no family present to help him mark this milestone.
Caroline had sent an announcement to Mrs. Donovan, but never heard a word in response. Hell, she didn't even know if the address she'd copied from Matt's address book when he wasn't looking was even his mom's most current one. Caroline had overheard a few of Matt's teammates ask about his mom before the ceremony, but Matt had shrugged off the inquiries, mumbling about her having to work and not being able to get away. Caroline was pretty sure Matt hadn't talked to his mom in months.
As Caroline continued to sit there all alone, she couldn't help but think of Elena's words just a few days ago, telling her how pathetic she was to be excited about high school graduation. She spent so much time ordering cap and gowns, writing her valedictorian speech, sending out announcements, signing yearbooks, thinking that this would all mean something. Instead, she sat here alone, feeling incredibly empty. Her father was dead, her friends were scattered to the winds, her boyfriend was on the run from the man who, everyday, was meaning more and more to her, and she was destined to be 17 forever, stuck in a filler year.
She was pathetic.
"Why so sad, love?"
Startled, Caroline looked up to see Klaus standing there, a graduation cap in his hand. She hadn't even heard him approach, though that wasn't really all that surprising, but there he stood, incredibly handsome in what was, no doubt, a designer suit.
"Klaus, oh my God," she stood and moved towards him, for once acknowledging the joy in her heart at seeing him. She was tempted to hug him, but sensed a distance in him that was in direct contradiction to her happiness at seeing him.
"Congratulations, Caroline," he replied, a poignant smile not quite reaching his eyes, "I heard your speech, exactly what I would expect from Miss Mystic Falls."
"Former Miss Mystic Falls," she smiled back with a touch of sadness in her voice, "I'm just one of many now." She knew that there was more than just a touch of bitterness to her words, but the day's events, already emotionally overwhelming, had pushed her close to the edge.
"Surely you'll never be just one of many, no doubt Caroline Forbes will be remembered as The Miss Mystic Falls, and the queen all others will aspire to."
Despite her heartache, Caroline giggled at his words. "Now you're just being charming."
"Perhaps, but I am capable of doing so every once and a while." He offered her his arm, "May I escort you from the stadium?"
Taking his arm, the two of them headed toward the parking lot.
"I thought you were gone for good," she started, "Rebekah mentioned you were starting over in New Orleans."
He looked startled for a moment, but when she didn't say anything else, his expression eased. Yet, he neither confirmed nor denied whether Rebekah was telling the truth or not.
"I got your message, by the way, New Orleans sounds amazing," she continued when the silence became awkward. Still he said nothing. Caroline stopped walking; her feet firmly planted on the 50 yard line and looked at Klaus.
"Klaus, what is it?" she asked, "Seriously, you're freaking me out just a little!"
He ran a hand down his face, looked down at the grass, then back up at her. Caroline's anxiety pitched, which was ridiculous, because unless someone had died—.
"Oh my God, Tyler's dead, isn't he?" she cried, her hand falling from his arm, "Is that what you came here to tell me?" Caroline felt the bile rise in her stomach, knowing that she was getting ready to throw up all over new shoes.
For a moment, Klaus looked at her with confusion written all over his face.
"Tyler?"
"Klaus, did you kill him?"
"What? No, I haven't seen the pup since your prom night. Whatever are you talking about Caroline?" The look of distraction on his face did nothing to ease her anxiety, despite his words.
"Then what is the matter with you?" she demanded. "You're acting all weird; I've never seen you so flustered!"
He looked back at her, regret filling his eyes, so much so that Caroline felt tears fill her own. Something had happened, something that she sensed was going to change their friendship, the pain of it was written all over his face.
As if he were unable to look at her as he spoke, Klaus turned away, his head hanging, and speaking so quietly that only her enhanced hearing could pick it up, she heard him say, "I'm going to be a father."
There it is. Next chapter will be Klaus's POV with Caroline's reaction to his declaration. It's almost impossible for me to imagine how this conversation is going to go without it being completely heartbreaking, so expect a little of that from chapter 2. I do think these events (as ridiculous as they appear to be to many) will result in amazing character development for both characters and possible an ending believable for them down the road. Please leave a review and let me know what you think!