A/N: Hello all! I was so excited/honored/amazed by all of you guy's feedback, and you're enjoyment of the story. I literally do this for you guys, so thank you for reading, following, and such. I was at the gym when all these alerts were lighting up my phone this past week, and couldn't stop grinning like a loon. Anyways, enjoy the next installment!

A/A/N: Also you guys I am not from New Orleans, and never have I visited. This is all fiction, and I'm just making this up as I go along. I really hope that no one is offended; that is not my attention.

A/A/A/N: Of course I dedicate this to my sister. The most strongest, bravest, most beautiful person both inside, and out, I know. =)

...

After my phone conversation with Bonnie, I couldn't stay in my house a second longer. Thoughts of having a quiet evening in with a book, or movie seemed to be too suffocating. After re-applying my makeup, changing into a pair of jeans, a loose long-sleeved pink top, pink heels, and a black leather jacket, I was ready to see what distractions New Orleans had to offer.

…

After the thirty minute drive from my quiet suburban neighborhood, and into the city of New Orleans, I parked my car in the first empty spot I found, and started to walk. I didn't know where I was going to end up, but I knew it had to be better than facing an empty home.

Taking deep breaths, and taking in the sites around me of people finding entertainment for their Friday night, laughing, drinking, and meeting up with friends, seemed to ease the tension I was feeling after my conversation with Bonnie.

After everything I told Elena, and she still decides to be with the guy? Not just be with, but marry? One would think, that warning your friend of dating a psycho-rapist, would be welcome advice.

But no, life apparently didn't want me to have a bunch of friends, whom I could trust. Just thinking about that conversation with Elena I had when I drove back from Tulane, during my senior year of college at Elena's home, brought back so many unwanted memories of betrayal, shock, and hurt.

…

"Elena, you can't date Damon! Not because I think you're making a huge mistake, which I think you are, especially with the wrong brother; but because he's not a good person!"

Bonnie, always the peacemaker looked from Elena, to me, and asked,

"Caroline what's wrong? Why shouldn't Elena date Damon? Is there something you're not telling us?"

"Yeah Care, how can you say that? I think he is the one for me! You didn't even get the chance to get to know him."

"I don't have to get to know the creep, because I already met him!" Both Elena, and Bonnie had looks of shock plastered across their faces. Elena grabbed both of my hands, and asked me when I had met him. I could see in her face that she was thinking it was some kind of sign, some symbol of destiny, that they were meant to be together.

"Bonnie, Elena, I have to tell you the truth. Remember when I told you I had become a vampire by some unknown drifter coming through this town? That was a lie. It was Damon."

"What!" Both girls looked genuinely shocked about the recent turn of events.

Nodding my head, I confirmed my confession. Taking a deep breath I explained everything that happened.

"When I made it to the hospital, thankfully Stefan was there, and was able to help patch me up. He explained what vampirism was, that I would be okay, and he would show me how to live, and control my urges."

Interrupting my explanation Bonnie stopped me from talking for a moment. "Does Stefan know now what happened? Is that why he left?" Shaking my head I answered no.

"He left because he didn't want to watch his brother, and you Elena, be together. When he asked me who was the person responsible for this, I never told him. Who wants to know that their brother did this to another person?"

After a moment of silence Bonnie sat up from the couch and ran over to hug me. "Care, I'm so sorry! It's going to be okay, I promise. I love you so much, and whatever you need, you know I'll be there."

Holding onto Bonnie for dear life I thanked her for her support. After she let me go, Bonnie asked me, how was I able to heal, being in the same town as Damon. I should've noticed the entire time Bonnie was hugging me, that Elena was deathly still, and completely silent. I should've noticed from that point on things would never be the same.

"Well, when I told you guys that I joined another committee at the school, I was actually going to counseling meetings to help deal with situation. And Bonnie, when we all found out you were a witch before I went to college, that is the reason why I asked you for some herbs, that would help with a peaceful sleep."

Understanding shining bright in her tear-filled eyes, Bonnie smiled sympathetically, her true nature of a witch, and schooling of a psychiatrist, shining through in her demeanor.

"No." Looking in Elena's direction Bonnie looked confused. "Elena, what do you mean no?"

Standing up, Elena walked towards the hallway. Once their she turned around, and addressed the room.

"Caroline, I have had it with your lies for this evening. If you didn't want me to be with Damon, then just say that. But for you to make up this whole "fabricated," story of being assaulted, and coping is a bunch of bull."

"Elena!" Bonnie shouted incredulously, at her.

"No Bon. Caroline is just projecting her need for attention, and her daddy issues onto Damon. I will not allow it anymore. You probably wanted him to sleep with you, and when he didn't want to be with you, you cried rape." Feeling as if I'd been run over by a Mack truck, I grabbed my purse, and walked pass Elena towards the front door. Before I reached the handle I heard Elena's soft voice from behind.

"Until you come back and apologize I don't want to see you ever again." I grabbed the door handle and walked out of Elena's house down the steps, vowing to myself to never return to the Gilbert home.

…

The only good thing to come out of that entire fiasco, was the bond that was strengthened between Bonnie, and myself. Bonnie told me that if I would've stayed a minute longer, I would have seen her tell Elena off, and that as long as Caroline was not welcomed in this house, she wouldn't return under any circumstances. Thinking of my feisty friend brought a smile to my face, and got me out of my melancholy mood. Additionally I also became very close friends with Stefan. He moved shortly after his break-up with Elena, and met a woman who he had lost touch with during the 1920's, and was able to re-connect with. I was so glad to find that he had finally married the true love of his life months later, and was out of that three-some relationship with Damon and Elena.

I was pulled from my musings by what seemed like a gathering happening a couple of blocks in front of me. I looked ahead, and saw what looked to be a opening of sorts. The inner social butterfly that lived within me, was pleased that I had stumbled upon a social scene. I love children, but sometimes it's nice to mingle with adults. There didn't seem to be a bouncer, and it looked open to the public, so I entered the establishment to see what all the fuss was about.

….

Upon entering, I realized that it was an art gallery opening. I gasped at the beautiful displays of art placed in almost every nook, and cranny of the vintage building.

The art displayed couldn't be described in words. Just from the displays you could tell this person used emotions, used life, and time, as their muse.

Whether it was in the throes of passion, or the darkest, most angriest part of their soul. There seemed to be tangible emotion within the art. Seeing familiar faces ( I did teach at an elite elementary school, so it's not hard to expect the children's rich parents to be purchasing art on weekends) I nodded my head in acknowledgement and smiled, but continued to keep walking through the gallery, content with being on my own for the evening.

Until I saw it.

A painting that not only took my breath away, but made me want to know what the artist was thinking, how they were feeling, what was being, damaged beyond repair. It was a myriad of colors. Dark swirls of rich paint, that seemed to litter the entire canvas. The sky seemed to be splitting from all the harsh, dark, yet strangely beautiful colors. The sky seemed to sucking the dark colors, and breathing the colors into a dark abyss. It seemed as if an internal struggle was going on between the artist, and life. Normally I wasn't fond of this kind of art. However this piece of work titled, The portrait of war, was absolutely astounding.

What a fitting name.

"Excuse me? Excuse me? Is that all you're hair?" Turning around I saw a little boy, who couldn't be more than six, or seven years old, and he was pulling on my jean clad leg. The little boy, dressed in Dockers, a button down green shirt, and oxfords looked at me earnestly through his forest green eyes, and brown, curly hair, which seemed to devour the little boy's entire face, and even forehead.

How adorable.

Bending down to his level I nodded my head, smiling gently. "Why yes little man, this is all my hair. Would you like to touch it?"

Smiling he carefully walked close and touched my hair all the way past my waist. "I wish my hair was straight. It takes forever for my uncle to comb my hair."

Laughing joyously, I shake my head.

"See there, I would have to disagree with you. I always wanted curly hair when I was a little girl. What is your name?"

Sticking his hand out to shake, the little boy stated proudly, "Bryson Mikaelson. What is yours?"

Smiling at his gentlemanly like behavior, I shake his hand and answer. "Caroline. Caroline Forbes. Do I detect an accent Mr. Bryson?"

Putting his hand in his pockets he answered yes. "I am from London, England ,but now I live here with my uncle, after my parents died."

Feeling sympathetic I squeeze Bryson's arm. "I'm so sorry Bryson; my father died too when I was a little girl."

Standing up, I take Bryson's hand. "Well Bryson, it was so nice meeting you, but I think it's best that we take you back to your Uncle okay?"

"Okay, but you can call me Bry." Feeling my heart squeeze, I nod my head and let Bryson lead the way to his uncle.

….

Hearing a frantic voices near the back of the gallery, I can take a educated guess that Bryson shouldn't have actually been out in the gallery where we met. Looking at the boy and raising my eyebrow in question. Bryson, who looked guilty at being found out, looked back down at his shoes sheepishly, before calling out for his uncle.

"Uncle Stefan! I'm over here."

Turning around sharply, Stefan looked at me first in surprise, and shock, and then at Bryson with looks of relief.

Stefan?

Walking over to me, Stefan hugged me tightly. "Caroline! I'm so happy to see you! It's been a while. How have you been?" returning his hug I smile wide, happy to see my other best friend.

"It's so good to see you too! And when did you move to the big easy?" Stepping away from Stefan, I take a good look at him, and notice his contentment, and happiness which was amazing to see.

"How is Rebekah? And Uncle Stefan?" I tease softly.

Rubbing the back of his neck with his hand he laughed quietly. "Yeah. It's Uncle Stefan now. And Rebekah is good. She couldn't come out tonight. I was going to surprise you, and come see you next week. We had finally gotten settled down, and Bonnie finally told me where you were, so I was coming along with Rebekah."

When Stefan, and I had left Virginia, we had met up after I had graduated from Tulane. Most students look right away for a job after graduation, and settle into their lives for the next 50 years. I wanted to travel for a couple of months and get away from the stress. Before pursuing my career as a teacher.

After talking with Stefan, he told me to come up to Canada, and visit him, and meet his, at the time girlfriend, Rebekah. I had so much fun in Canada for the month I stayed, and really enjoyed Rebekah's company.

Once she realized that I was not competition, and was truly only Stefan's friend, was when we were able to get along. I mentioned my interest in fashion, and there was no going back for us; we've been good friends since.

"You know my Uncle Stefan?" Bry asked excitedly. Smiling down at the boy I nodded my head.

"Yes. I've been friends with your uncle for a long time now." Stefan, realizing the reason for their reunion looked down at Bryson disapprovingly.

"Bry? You can't wander off like that. You're uncles', and I were worried sick! Not to mention your Uncle Klaus! Now sit and wait with Caroline until I finish calling your Klaus okay?"

Seeing the little boy nod his head in defeat, Bryson agreed.

"Okay. I am sorry Uncle Stefan."

Stefan, who looked warmed by the apology looked at me. "Is that okay Care? I'm going to call his uncle, and I will be right back."

Waving him off I told him to go. "That's fine. Besides Bry, and me were having a good time weren't we?" Nodding enthusiastically, he grabbed my hand.

Stefan nodded and went to make that phone call.

…

After finding the seats in the office located in the back of the gallery, Bryson, and me sat down. In the office we found the television on a cartoon station, and what I assumed were books, and art supplies to keep him company while he was at the gallery. After sitting in silence for a few moments while Bryson was coloring, I asked him about his uncles. I knew from Stefan, that Rebekah had four brothers, but I wanted to know about the uncle who painted the pieces in the gallery.

"So Bryson, whose artwork is outside in the gallery?" looking up from his coloring, Bryson smiled.

"All the art stuff out on the walls is my Uncle Klaus. His paintings, and drawings are the best. Everybody else's looks boring, and have a long story behind them. They also look weird. One painting looked like a dog was kissing a cat. Why would a dog kiss a cat?"

Leave it to a kid to simplify complicated artists.

"I agree. Sometimes art people can be kind of weird." Giggling at the faces I made Bryson shook his head in agreement.

"Yeah. One time I had to meet an artist who talked, and smelled funny. Plus he was always forgetting my name. I guess at times it can be hard to remember me." Looking at the sadness on his face I got up and kneeled by his feet. I took the crayon out of his hand, and turned his chair facing me. Grabbing his face in both of my hands, I looked into his sad face, and shook my head softly.

"Listen Bryson. I know we just met, but I want to tell you something, and I want you to promise me to never forget. You are very important! You are worth more than a million paintings, and you mean something. You are a very special, smart boy, and do not listen to what others say. You matter, and never let anyone take advantage of you. Ever. Do you understand?"

Nodding his head, he lunged at me and hugged me tightly. I hugged the little boy back just as fiercely, but not too hard that he would break. He is still human, after all. After a few moments of hugging I thought I heard Bryson inhale. It was almost as if he was smelling me.

Pulling back, Bryson asked me, " You smell like flowers. Are you an angel?" laughing I shook my head.

"No little Bryson. I am just Caroline."

"I would have to disagree with that, love." Looking up at the doorway, I saw Stefan along with three other men at the door.

…..

Blushing profusely, I stood up and wrung my hands together. "Hey Stefan. Well, I guess you have everything under control now. These must all be your uncles Bryson!" I say in an overly cheerful voice, that makes even me wince.

Ugh, can the ground just swallow me right now?

Walking around the desk, I approach them cautiously.

Stefan seemed to be the first to snap out of the daze the brothers seemed to be in, looking at the interaction between myself, and Bryson.

"Sorry Care. Yes these are Bryson's uncles. This is Elijah, Kol, and Klaus, who is also Bryson's guardian." Stepping forward, Elijah took my hand and bowed slightly over it. "It is a pleasure to meet you Caroline. Obviously we are in your debt, for you finding our dear nephew. New Orleans can be a dangerous city. Much gratitude."

Blushing at the compliment, and the brief display of gentlemanly behavior I nodded.

"Nice to meet you Elijah. I'm Caroline Forbes, and it was no problem really. Bryson found me, and asked about my hair." Laughing softly, I turned and looked to Bryson who actually blushed and ducked his head.

How adorable

Form the corner of my eye I saw Kol step forward, and address me. "Well, my nephew sure knows beauty when he sees it. I am very delighted to meet you Ms. Forbes.

We've heard a lot about you from both Rebekah, and Stefan, but Stefan never told us how ravishing you look. We are in your debt, and if you need anything, and I do mean anything please don't hesitate to ask." With a wink Kol was headed in my direction but was stopped with a look from Elijah.

Rolling my eyes heavenward at the typical jerk like behavior, I acknowledged him with a nod.

And finally the man with the voice.

"Excuse my idiot brother Ms. Forbes. My other siblings, and I believe, that Kol was dropped on his head as a child. I thank you for keeping Bryson safe."

Walking past his brother's, and Stefan, Klaus walked until he was standing directly in front of me.

Gulp.

"Ah, it was no problem Klaus. I really enjoyed meeting Bryson. He's such a smart boy. Trust me I know, especially dealing with over fifteen kindergarteners' on a daily basis." I knew I was babbling, but I couldn't help it under his piercing gaze. He was just so beautiful. With dark blonde locks, full lips that seemed to have a permanent tint, and the deepest of blue eyes I had ever seen, he seemed out of this world gorgeous.

Not to mention his body.

"You are a kindergarten teacher Ms. Forbes?" Elijah asked me, breaking the awkward silence. Tearing my gaze away from Klaus, I took a step back not realizing I had unconsciously taken a step forward towards his warmth.

Get a grip Forbes!

"Yes. I teach at Willow International Elementary School. I actually saw a lot of my student's parents outside in the gallery."

Stefan entered the conversation walking over, and putting a companionable arm over my shoulder.

"Care here teaches at one of the most elite elementary schools in the area. It's very hard to get in, and they just took her as a teacher, after her first interview."

Looking at Stefan I shake my head. "Stefan please stop. I did nothing special."

There seemed to be this wordless communication going on between Elijah, and Kol.

"Ah. What is it the kids say these days? Oh yes, beauty and brains. Actually the family was looking for a school to enroll Bryson in, and Klaus has been his usual picky-grouchy self until he found the perfect school for our dear nephew. We may have to go, and check this school out," Kol said enthusiastically.

Nodding in agreement, Elijah seemed to agree. Elijah then looked toward me. "That sounds wonderful Kol. Yes we will have to visit Willow Elementary. It was a pleasure Caroline, and I hope to see you again soon." Turning and grabbing Kol Elijah left the room.

Stefan looked over at Caroline. "Care, it was so good to see you. Now that the cat's out of the bag, maybe me and Beks can come over sometime next week. Does that sound good?"

Standing on my toes I hug Stefan. "That sounds fine. I guess I will see you later in the week Stef."

After saying his goodbye's to Bryson, and Klaus, Stefan left the office.

Leaving just Klaus, Bryson, and myself. Which could've in all actuality been two of us, with all of Bryson's attention focused on his coloring.

Walking towards the couch Klaus sat down, and motioned for me to join him. Deciding I had nothing else to do for the evening I took a seat.

"Pardon me Caroline. I didn't mean to interrupt the conversation you were having with my nephew. It's just that outside of this family, Bryson doesn't get close to anyone. It even took Bryson a while to warm up to Stefan.

It's just that he actually seemed to believe you, and we were all amazed. You don't get to live to be a thousand years old vampire, and think anything can shock you; I however was shocked this evening."

Understanding the reason behind the staring, allowed me to loosen up, and relax a but around Klaus.

"I completely understand. I lost my father at a young age, and it can be very hard to adjust. I think that by having people show there constant love for Bryson will help him in the long run."

Taking a chance I grab Klaus' hand with both of mine.

"Don't worry too much Klaus; you are doing the best you can, and it's working. I know because I've known Bryson for only one hour, and I can already tell he has a family who loves him, and he knows it."

Shaking his head, Klaus places his hand on top of mine, looking at me incredulously.

"You know, not everyone would willingly grab my hand to comfort me. But you do it in a heartbeat."

Smiling, I look away at Bryson, and back into Klaus' warm eyes.

"Well Klaus, I am not everyone. I like to think I'm a good judge of character. Plus, after going through circumstances you find out not just about yourself, but that not everything is black and white in this world." Standing up, I walk over towards Bryson.

"Hey Bryson! Listen I have to go now. It was so nice meeting you, and remember what I told you okay?"

Nodding fervently Bryson slid out of his Uncle's chair, and wrapped his arms around my legs.

"I promise Miss Caroline. Do you have to go?" looking up with his green eyes, I couldn't help but feel guilty for leaving.

This child will be the death of me.

"I'm sorry, but yes I do have to leave. Maybe I will see you at the school I teach okay? And listen to your uncles, no more wandering off okay?"

Sighing hugely he agreed. Smiling at his less-than-enthusiastic answer I turned back to Klaus.

"I'll walk you out Ms. Forbes." Standing, he waited at the door, and I followed.

…

After walking to the front of the building where the crowd seemed even larger than before, Klaus and I wound through the throngs of people until we reached the front door, and fresh air.

"Thank you again for everything Ms. Forbes. I really appreciate it. You don't realize how much you've helped my nephew tonight." Smiling I waved off the compliment. "It's Caroline, and I really didn't mind. He took my mind off- I mean he was the perfect little host."

Seeing Klaus brow raise at my slip-up I knew it was time for me to leave. "Well, I will leave you to your gallery showing. Beautiful art by the way." As I walked by him, Klaus grabbed my arm, and slowly turned me around to face him.

"Have dinner with me Caroline. At least let me repay you for helping my nephew." Feeling my undead heart stutter at his invitation, and the soft smile I saw grace his features, I inwardly cringed at the rejection I knew I had to give him.

It was for the best

"Klaus, I-"

Shaking his head, he pulled me even closer until I could feel his breath on my face. "Caroline. Don't say no. just give me a chance." Feeling my vision blur, I looked away, and took my hand softly out of his.

"I'm sorry Klaus. I just can't."

Looking exasperated at my slowly retreating form Klaus said in a sing-song voice, "Can't, or won't Ms. Forbes?"

Turning around, I quickly started to walk back to my car, cursing the day I ever met Damon Salvatore.

TBC..