**Author's Note**
There is an attempt rape in this chapter. I felt it was beneficial to the storyline even though I was extremely uncomfortable writing it. As a warning, I will UNDERLINE the first and last sentence.
Klaus pulled off the interstate and on the Hwy that would lead him to Mystic Falls. The sign he'd seen had read eight miles ahead. "About time." Klaus muttered to himself. He started humming to the song on the radio, when his phone rang from the passenger seat. Klaus gritted his teeth and answered, "Hello Rebekah, I haven't made it yet but I should be there shortly."
She had called every hour, precisely on the dot to check in on him. "I'm sorry I'm calling so much, I just wanted to make sure that everything is ok. Are you feeling alright?" Klaus sighed, "Rebekah, I'm feeling the same as I was an hour ago. I promise you when I find a hotel, I will text you and let you know I've made it safely." He could hear her light breathing over the phone, "Ok, Nik. Just be careful." He hung up the phone and a sign came into his sight, he had finally reached Mystic Falls.
He quickly drove through the small town noting it as dull and boring, a place he would never live in. Family owned shops and a couple of fast food restaurants, it was worse than he initially thought. He drove until he finally found a small motel, just off the main road and he pulled into the entry way. He made his way to the front desk and got a room, it wasn't decent by any means but he would survive. Klaus quickly unpacked his belongings and made his way back to the front desk. He asked where he could find some decent food.
The motel clerk named Jamie wrote down all the restaurants for him, but claimed the Mystic Grill had most amazing food in town. He got directions and quickly walked out of the motel and down the street. After five minutes he finally found it. He entered the restaurant, took a look around and noticed they had a bar. While it was too early to drink, not that he did anyway he took a seat and waited for the waitress to approach him.
A blonde girl with a 'Mystic Grill' t-shirt made her way towards him "Hey there, would you like a menu?" she asked, tilting her head. Klaus smiled, "I'm not a picky man, I'll have whatever the special is." She smiled back, winked and turned to take his order to the kitchen.
"I've never seen you before, and it's not often we get a newbie in town." Klaus turned to his right and a dark-haired man approached him. The man turned to him and gave him a small smirk, reaching out with his hand. "I'm Damon Salvatore and who might you be?" Klaus took his hand and shook it. "My name is Klaus Mikaelson, and yes I've never been here before. I'm here on some important matters." Damon nodded his head "Small town, small talk. Whatever brought you here, by tomorrow everyone will know."
Klaus gave him a confused look and shook his head. "So what exactly important matters brought you here, Mr. Mikaelson?" Damon gave him a toothy smile. "Well, I'm actually looking for a family, Mr. Salvatore." Klaus turned his head away intent with ending the conversation. "I've lived here all my life, I know everyone. What family are you looking for?" The waitress returned with his food, and Klaus grinned in response. "Their name is Forbes. The Forbes family."
Damon turned to Klaus and nodded, "Yep. Blondie's family, except her dad passed away about half a year ago. He didn't live here anyways but her mom still lives here. She's not really in a sound state of mind, if you know what I mean. She lives up on Oakridge St. The first yellow house on the right. You can't miss it." Klaus couldn't believe how easy it had been, just like that he had found out about them and where they lived.
"Thanks mate, I really appreciate it." Klaus said before taking a bite of his burger. "No problem, but I have to ask… Why exactly are you here to see them? I'm asking as a concerned friend." Damon threw him a condescending look. Klaus' reply was simple, "It's personal." Klaus quickly ate his meal, paid and left. He made his way through the town again finally stopping and asking for directions; he made his way to Oakridge St. He walked down the side-walk, his nerves going haywire. He was anxious but also terrified at the same time. He found the yellow house that Damon had spoke about, and made his way down the small lane.
When he reached the front door he closed his eyes, took a deep breath, regained his composure and knocked. His nerves went haywire as he waited for what felt like an eternity before someone answered the door. The door opened and a pretty brunette looked at him confused. "Can I help you?" she asked. Klaus was speechless, he had absolutely no idea what to say. She started at him, waiting for a response. "Is this the Forbes' residents?" was all he could manage to say. The girl's eyes narrowed and she shifted uncomfortably, "Yes it is, but who are you and what do you want for that matter?"
Klaus snapped out of his shock and put his hands in his jacket pocket, "My name is Klaus Mikaelson. I'm here to talk to Ms. Forbes, it's in regards about her late husband." The brunette's eyes widened and she moved to the side allowing him to enter the house. He walked through the door way into a small hall, noticing pictures along the wall as he went. She gestured to the right and led him into a living room. He sat down on the sofa as she made her way to the small love seat. "So, who are you exactly?" she asked. Klaus looked at the girl, she was young, no more than twenty-five.
"My name is Klaus, and I was wishing to speak to Ms. Forbes about my- situation." Klaus hesitated. "It involves her husband." The girl shook her head softly, "My name is April Young, and I'm sorry but Ms. Forbes suffers from Alzheimer's. I'm her live in nurse and I take care of her. I could let you speak to her, but it probably wouldn't do you any good." April said with a sad smile. Klaus didn't know what to say, but he knew that even though it might not mean something to her, it would mean something to him. "I would still love to talk to her, just to get something off my chest if you don't mind Miss Young."
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Caroline woke up, naked with an arm slung over her stomach. What the hell had happened last night? All she could remember was going to Jeremy's, them having sex and getting high and after that it was all a blur. Her head ached and she quickly closed her eyes trying to help ease the pain. She glanced at the alarm clock on the night stand, it read seven o'clock in the morning. Jeremy turned over in his sleep pulling his arm off her in the process. Caroline took a deep breath and tried to figure out the best possible way to get out of the bed without waking him. She gently scooted off the edge and tip toed around the bed room, trying to find any article of her clothing. "Trying to sneak out on me? That's not very nice Care."
Caroline jumped from fright and faced the bed. Jeremy was looking at her from the bed, then sat up and motioned for her to come to him. Caroline smiled and made her way to the bed, sitting on the edge while he hugged her around the waist. "I was thinking about maybe another round, what do you think babe?" Jeremy said kissing her neck. Caroline sighed and pulled away from him, "Jeremy I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't have come here. I was upset and-and I just needed a distraction. I need to get back to talk to Kat." Jeremy scoffed, rolled his eyes, "Caroline, I don't give a crap about you or your feelings. I just want a quickie. C'mon we still have time before I need to leave." Caroline stared at him hard before rising off the bed, stomping to the door. "I don't care. You have a hand. Use it." She shouted, flipping her hair before she turned and slammed the door.
Caroline slipped on her panties and bra before finding her pants and shirt that she had discarded when she walked into the door. A door opening caught her attention but before she could turn around, she fell hard to the floor from being pushed from behind. Her face hit the floor and felt her face split. She knew that it would leave a bruise later on. She tried to raise but Jeremy pushed her back to the floor and wrapped his arm around her waist, lifting her hips into the air before attempting to pull down her panties. "Jeremy! What the hell- What are you doing?!" She screamed. Caroline reached around and grabbed his arm trying to claw at any flesh she could find but he pulled at her head and slammed it towards the ground. Caroline's head pounded and the air gushed from her lungs.
"What the hell do you think I'm doing? I wanted sex. You refused, so I'm going to make you want me." She could feel him behind her, his hands tugging on the silk material trying to pull her panties down again. After a moment he succeed making them fall around her knees. Caroline started crying and tried to fight him off. Finally she felt some leverage when he let up to position himself against her, she knew that she had to do something and quick. She pulled herself forward with her hands, raised her leg up and kicked him with all her strength in the gut.
Jeremy's hand automatically let go of her head and waist and Caroline hastily got up to run to the front door. She grabbed her clothes before looking at him one last time. Jeremy was still hunched over on the floor holding his stomach in pain, cursing under his breath. "I told you no! You will never touch me again or god so help me… I will kill you!" She screamed and ran through the door tears falling down her face. She stopped only for a moment outside the door to clumsily put on her clothing, then ran down the stairs and out the apartment complex.
Caroline didn't even notice the rain that was falling when she made it outside, or the fact she was completely drenched. She held herself as she ran across the city, trying to make sense of what had happened. Yes, she slept with men for money, but she had never been forced to have sex with someone. For her sex had always been some sort of business arrangement between her and the "client" or as she liked to call them. Today had been different. She had been held down and almost raped. Caroline stopped and took a look around her. In her mind the people were all staring at her, judging her and she cried uncontrollably. She didn't want this life anymore.
Caroline ran down the sidewalk, she needed Katherine. Caroline had to tell her before Katherine found out and did something incredibly stupid. She made it to their apartment and opened the door. She saw Katherine sitting on the couch, reading some magazine. Katherine's head popped up at the sound of the door being opened and watched as Caroline entered. "Caroline! Where the hell have-"Katherine stopped when she noticed the bruise and a small cut on Caroline's upper check. "What the hell happened?! Are you alright?!" Katherine placed her hand upon Caroline's cheek.
Caroline winced in pain when she felt Katherine's finger lightly brush across her upper check. She had been in such haste to get out of Jeremy's apartment, she hadn't felt any pain. "We need to get a butterfly bandage on that cut soon, or it might scar." Katherine looked at Caroline waiting for an explanation. "I-I Katherine, he- he tried. He tried." Caroline forcefully hugged her and a shocked Katherine tried to soothe her by rubbing slow circles on her back.
"Sweetie, who? Who tried what? Please… talk to me." Katherine softly pulled back to look at Caroline and brushed at the hair that had fallen in her face. Caroline trembled and fell to the couch, and Katherine sat beside her, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. "I went to Jeremy's last night we- we hooked up, and I took the money- Katherine I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." Caroline looked up at Katherine, her eyes pleading for Katherine to forgive her. "Caroline it's ok, I don't care about the money. What happened? Why is your faced bruised and cut?" Caroline couldn't seem to focus on anything; instead she looked at the magazine Katherine been reading. She wanted to forget and push the dark thoughts away, but she knew she wouldn't be able to.
Not this time. "Jeremy… He tri-tried to rape me. I tol-told him no, but… he still… he tried. I got away and then I ran- I ran." Caroline softly whispered, then started sobbing uncontrollably, she glanced at Katherine through her tears waiting for her response. Katherine's eyes turned dark, and her mouth formed a straight line. Katherine let go of her hand and stood up going towards the door. "Kat- Katherine? Where- where are you going?" Caroline asked trying to control her voice. Katherine opened the door and looked over her shoulder, the darkness lingering in her eyes "I'm going to kill the bastard."
Caroline jumped up and slammed the door. "No, Katherine! I don't want anything to do with the asshole, ever again. I just need you now. Please… I need my friend." Katherine's eyes softened, and she pulled Caroline into her arms. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. I'm so sorry." Caroline closed her eyes and let Katherine comfort her until she felt she could cry no more.
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Klaus waited as April went upstairs to ask Ms. Forbes if she was up for company. Klaus stood up and began walking around the living room. The house was homey and he felt envy for someone who got to grow up in such a home. His home had been cold and disconnected, or maybe it had been his family that made him feel such a way. He had always been the black sheep and had left England the day he became a legal adult. He moved around the couch and noticed the house was extremely clean and there were pictures above the mantle. He went to further investigate. The pictures were of the same girl, he assumed it to be the girl Damon was referring to as 'Blondie'.
He noticed that the pictures were in order from her age. He stared at the baby picture, the little girl with blonde curls had obviously gotten into some brown concoction, possibly pudding. He looked at a few more pictures, a 5th birthday party with a Barbie cake, a picture of her as a young teenager with braces, going to some dance with a dark-haired boy by her side. Then finally he got to the last picture and his breath caught. The woman smiling back at him was absolutely stunning. Her hair was naturally waved past her shoulders and her bright blue eyes gleamed in the picture. What caught his attention the most was her smile, it seemed infectious and somehow he wanted to see her smile in person. He believed the picture wouldn't do it justice.
"Hello there, young man. How do you do?" Klaus turned away from the mantel and towards the entrance to the living room. A woman, in her possible 50's smiled at him from the wheelchair she was residing in. Klaus went to move towards her when she held her hand up "No, sweetie. I'll come to you." Klaus watched as she rose from the wheelchair and slowly moved her way towards the couch. He noticed April was right behind her watching to make sure no accident occurred. The woman finally made her destination and sat down. Klaus moved towards the love seat and took a seat. "Hello Ms. Forbes, I'm Klaus Mikaelson and I-" Klaus looked back up at April. A phone suddenly rang, breaking the heavy silence. April paused and took a look at Klaus and then at Ms. Forbes. "Oh April, be a doll and go answer that phone. I will talk to this young man."
April pursed her lips and turn to go answer the phone. He noticed that Ms. Forbes was waiting for him to continue to speak. "As I was saying Ms. Forbes-" Ms. Forbes laughed a small laugh "Please young man, call me Liz." And with that she scooted further back into the couch. Klaus watched as her face soured, completely different from the woman she was just a moment ago. "Bill, why didn't you come home? You're leaving me? I know this is the best for her! She's my daughter too! Why?! Just tell me why?! I know you wanted to talk to her, but-" Ms. Forbes started yelling, knocking over her glass of water. Klaus backed away in fear and he wanted her face set in confusion.
He watched as April ran through the hallway and kneeled in front of Ms. Forbes. "Liz, its ok- Ssssh- It's ok. You're alright, remember? We're home. Just breathe. Breathe." Liz looked around for a moment, blinking as she took in her surroundings. Her gaze landed on Klaus. She looked hard at him for a moment before her face took on confusion "Who the hell are you?"
Klaus shifted on the love seat extremely uncomfortable. This was not what he was expecting when he read the medical files on William Forbes. He was expecting a grieving wife, and the possibly of them having already grown children as he read that William's age had been fifty-six. April stood slowly not wanting to upset Liz anymore before turning to Klaus "I'm going to take her upstairs to rest now." April moved back towards Liz and helped her up and back into the wheelchair. Liz gave him a small smile. "I will see you later Bill, be safe. I love you."
April looked at him with sadness in her eyes and pulled the fragile woman away. Klaus let out a deep breath and rubbed his hands together. He suddenly felt pity and sadness for the Forbes family. William Forbes had somehow lost his life, and his wife… that was an upsetting situation on its own. He had his fair share of disappointment in life but never had such tragedy. April returned shortly with two glasses of lemonade and sat down where Liz had been moments before. She placed the lemonade on the coffee table before giving Klaus a solemn look "So, since you've met Liz do you understand? She's not really able to answer any of your questions. However, I've known the Forbes almost all my life. What do you need to know about them?" April asked crossing her arms and relaxing into the couch.
Where should he begin? Klaus thought for a moment before asking the one question he was terrified to know. "What happened to William Forbes, eight months ago?" April slowly looked away and then leaned forward picking up one of the glasses. She took a small sip of the lemonade and placed it back on the table. April sighed and began speaking "Bill Forbes was a good man. He did so much for people around here, and he had a naturally good-hearted soul. He was one of the best men I had ever met." April paused, and her face turned to complete sadness. "He moved away after Liz and he got a divorce around 8 years ago. He had fallen in love with another man and he moved to Richmond to be with him."
Klaus' eyes widened in shock. That was something he wasn't expecting. April gave him a knowing look. "Yes, a man. His name was Steven and they were oddly enough- perfect for one another. Liz understood and accepted it. Steven and Liz actually became decent enough friends. Well, one night Bill was driving to go see his daughter that had come to visit him the day before." April licked her lips and continued. "Apparently that day they had gotten into a huge fight and he was going to make amends. Before he could get there though, a drunk driver hit his car from the side causing it to turn over. Bill's head struck the wind shield and he had bleeding on the brain." Klaus looked up at April and she stopped, biting her lip. "They tried to save him, but… it was already too late." Klaus looked down, his eyes filling with tears even though none escaped.
"I'm very sorry to hear that. I'm sure he was a great man." Klaus spoke with raw emotion in his voice. April nodded and smiled. "Yes. Yes he was. I always looked up to him. He's the one who persuaded me to become a nurse. He always said that I took such great care of my father that it was in my blood." April gave a small laugh. "I will never forget him or the things he's done. " Klaus nodded and he reached for the lemonade and took a large gulp. He now knew that the man whose heart was beating in his chest was a decent man and that made Klaus feel guilty.
A good man had left the world and he got to live. How was that even fair? Klaus sighed and ignored his thoughts, not noticing that April had asked him something. Klaus nodded his head in agreement and she looked at him questioning. Klaus decided to change the subject. He stood up and moved towards the mantel. "Is that their daughter in the pictures? The blonde?" April smiled "Yes, the one and only. She's pretty isn't she?" Klaus gave her a small grin. He couldn't help but stare at the last picture of her. "What's her name?" Klaus needed to know. April looked at him once, before turning back to the picture. "Her name's Caroline."
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Caroline sipped the hot chocolate that Katherine had made for her, still wearing her semi soaked clothes. "You'll probably need to go get a shower soon. You've sat there for an hour and it will probably make you feel a little better." Caroline finished her drink and looked up at Katherine and she gave Caroline a small smile. Caroline stood up, the blanket that Katherine had placed around her shoulders falling to the floor. Caroline moved towards the bathroom and quietly shut the door.
She began taking off her clothes and turned on the water. She faced herself in the mirror and her breath came to a halt. Her right eye was beginning to turn purple and there was a small gash under her cheek bone. Both of her hands flew to her face to check the damage. Caroline finally found her breath and hot tears streamed down her face. How had this had almost happened to her? She would never understand why someone would think it was ok. She stepped into the hot spray and let the water relax her tense muscles. Even though the shower was hot, she felt extremely cold inside. A loud bang from outside the door caused her to hurry and turn the water off.
She pulled back the shower curtain and found a towel and quickly wrapped it around her. She made her way slowly to the door and opened it slightly just enough to peek outside. She saw Katherine at the door frowning, the chain preventing whoever it was from coming inside. With the door partly open she couldn't make out who the person was on the other side. "I told you, jerk! Caroline is not here! I haven't seen her all day! What part of that didn't you understand?!" Katherine yelled.
Caroline listened waiting to see if she could recognize the voice behind the door. "Well since I have no problem with you, I have a little message for her. If you see her, tell her Jeremy said she better get her ass out-of-town or she'll regret it. He's serious Katherine. Caroline screwed up and she knows what the boss could do when that happens. Just tell her to run and never come back. That's his last offer." Caroline recognized it as Tyler, one of Jeremy's men. Katherine glared at Tyler and slammed the door in his face. Caroline stepped out of the bathroom, and she almost felt her knees give out. Katherine walked briskly towards Caroline and wrapped her arms around her. "Care, you've got to get out-of-town tonight! If Jeremy or Tyler finds you stayed-". "He'd kill me." Caroline finished. Katherine's eyes widened, "Yes. They'll kill you. You've got to leave." Caroline began to panic. She ran to the living room and started throwing all of her belongings into her old suitcase.
"Caroline, where are you going to go?" Caroline stopped. Where would she go? She hadn't really thought everything out, but given the certain circumstances she hadn't really had the time. Caroline slowly fell to the ground, defeated. She had nowhere to go. Katherine sat in front of her and handed her some clothes. "You should get dressed, and then we'll figure this out." Caroline took the clothes, stood up and dropped the towel to begin dressing. She saw Katherine with her brow scrunched, obviously thinking. Katherine turned towards Caroline with a sad smile, and Caroline immediately felt frightened.
"Go home, Caroline. You can go home." Caroline's demeanor changed in a heartbeat. She glared at Katherine for even bring up such a ludicrous thought. "Katherine, I can't go home! I've told you that a thousand times. I just-". "Well now you don't really have a choice! If Jeremy finds you, you're dead. I told you not to get involved with those people, but you never listen to me! There are always consequences to every action! I'm sorry for what happened to you, but Care they will never think of your home town. It's in the middle of nowhere! You can see your mother and you'll be safe!" Katherine pleaded. "Please think of her, Caroline. I know you don't want to... but think of yourself too. At least you'll be alive and around people who love you. You won't have to worry." Caroline closed her eyes, exhaustion finally hitting her hard.
"Ok." was her soft reply. She closed her eyes, done fighting for the moment. Katherine obviously cared about her enough to want her to live. Katherine turned to Caroline and smiled, relieved that her friend had come to her senses. They quickly packed her belongings and after Katherine had checked around the block to make sure it was safe they hailed a taxi and made their way to the bus station. Katherine paid for her ticket, and then after a tearful good-bye between the two was exchanged and a promise to call her as soon as she could Caroline made her way on the bus.
She found an empty seat and placed her bag beside her. She leaned back into the seat and looked out the window. The city that she had grown to love and now would have to forget. She didn't want to leave Katherine, her only friend that she felt gave a damn about her. Her eyes began to flutter and she let sleep consume her. Caroline felt someone placing a hand upon her shoulder and she jumped awake, looking around for the source of her disturbance. She saw an old man beside her and he gave her a small smile, "Ma'am, we've made it." Caroline blinked and took a look around her surroundings. She had slept through the trip back to her hometown. The sun glared through the window and she winced looking outside. The old bus station an sign that she had indeed made it to Mystic Falls.
She smiled and thanked the man and made her way off the bus. Caroline took a look around, nothing had changed. The Gilbert's small shop still on Corner St and Abby Bennett still had her small hair shop across from it. The town was exactly the same as it had been when she left. She let out a small sigh and pulled her large suitcase behind her. A car full of teenagers passed her, honking the horn and yelling out obscene words. Caroline rolled her eyes and continued walking down the road. The town was small, and for a moment she felt out-of-place. Caroline had gotten used to the big city and the bright lights.
She made her way down Main St, passing the old Salvatore boarding house at the end. She paused for a moment taking in the huge house. The trees were still the same, and the shutters had been repainted a dark green. She frowned remembering the Summer Break party from her junior year. Stefan had invited the school and that was when she had drunkenly had sex with his old brother, Damon.
She pulled at her jacket letting the memory fade and began walking again. After twenty minutes she finally made her way to Oakridge St. She nervously started messing with her hair and bit her lip. Katherine and her had tried to cover up the black eye the best they could but she still felt it could be seen to the naked eye. She pulled at her dress and licked her lips. She walked up the walk way, the yard was still planted with the rose bushes she had planted the last time she visited.
Caroline took a deep breath and told herself she could do this. She raised her hand to knock on the door but the door opened and a dark blonde haired man stepped forward. He stopped midway and his eyes went in shock as he took her in. Caroline didn't know this man so when he asked "Caroline Forbes?" in a thick British accent, her eyes narrowed. Caroline tilted her head and she automatically crossed her arms. Her eyebrows rose, her mouth formed a hard-line, and she spat out harshly, "Who the hell are you?"