"Katherine's here." Rebekah didn't even bother with a greeting, not that Caroline expected any different. They weren't the best of friends to be truthful (that was partly Caroline's fault) yet the other blonde was well aware, as was everyone else, of Caroline's hatred for Katherine. (Her hatred for the Petrova doppelganger had nothing to do with the fact that she now had what Caroline would sell her soul for).

Caroline exhaled, her breath coming out in white puffs, as she nervously fiddled with the hem of her white jacket. "I need to speak to Elijah."

Rebekah frowned, crossing her arms as she leaned against the door frame. She cocked her head slightly, eyes narrowing. "He doesn't want to speak to you."

Caroline swallowed thickly, her blue eyes falling to her boots. Her voice lowered until it was just above a whisper. "I know but...I-I need to tell him goodbye." In her peripheral she saw the Original lean forward slightly, suddenly intrigued. Caroline sighed. "I'm leaving Mystic Falls."

There was a short silence before she heard, "...Don't do that to Elijah."

Caroline's head shot up – not expecting that response at all. She was assuming Rebekah would laugh and say about time. Instead she glanced behind her before stepping forward and shutting the front door. She lowered her voice. "Even though Elijah is still angry and hurt about what you did...he wouldn't want you to leave. That would kill him."

Caroline furrowed her brow. "He has Katherine-"

Rebekah scoffed. "She's a distraction. He still loves you, god knows why." She eyed Caroline distastefully but Caroline ignored it. Too focused on the idea that Katherine meant nothing to the oldest Original. Rebekah's features softened slightly. "I may not have approved of your relationship with my brother...but he was happy. You made him happy." She glanced at something in the distance. "You screwed up and hurt him-" She paused to glare at Caroline who shrunk back a little. "-but he misses you. He's angry and hurt but he still loves you."

Caroline nodded solemnly, blue eyes wide as saucers, as she digested what Rebekah just told her. "Alright. I'll stay."

Rebekah smirked, satisfied. "Good." It soon turned into a scowl. "Now go before Elijah or god forbid Katherine sees you here. I really don't want to play peacemaker tonight." Caroline nodded again before fleeing.

''''''''

"Elijah. What are you doing here?" Caroline tried to conspicuously kick her small suitcase behind the half-opened door. She failed. His brown eyes zoned in on it and narrowed.

"You're leaving." It wasn't a question. His body was stiff under his usual attire, a suit, and Caroline wanted nothing more than to reach out and touch him. Though she was afraid if she did he would flinch or move away.

Caroline swallowed thickly, "I came by your house last night to say goodbye but..." She exhaled and closed her eyes briefly. "Katherine was there and you know I'm not very fond of her." The corners of his lips turned upwards as if that amused him and her eyes rolled skyward. "Anyways, Rebekah was there and we got to talking and she tried to get me to stay. But-I can't, Elijah. I'm sorry. I know I told her I would...but I just can't do it."

He stared over her shoulder, silent, thinking.

"I heard you last night, speaking to Rebekah." Caroline frowned. "I just came over to see if what you were saying was true because I had hoped..." He trailed off suddenly and she clutched onto the doorknob for support.

"I'm sorry." It was whispered because she was afraid if she spoke any louder her voice would crack. She didn't want to show him how much this was killing her too.

His brown eyes seared into her blue ones. Time stopped. "I forgive you." And she knew they weren't just talking about her leaving anymore. Caroline shut her eyes as a tear fell down her cheek. She'd been waiting six months to hear that.

She opened her eyes. "Elijah, I-" She stopped as she realized he wasn't there. He was gone – just as she would've been in a few hours.