Part 3 of your update.
Chapter 4
Caroline stifled a sigh and massaged her right temple. She had felt a headache lurking there the moment she had left her apartment, and she knew it was about to pounce. She hadn't really thought this through. But, then, she never did think things through as she ought to, did she? Impulsivenesshastily acted in and more leisurely regretted was the hallmark of her life. She coughed, aware of the unfamiliar tightness in her chest. Her chest had begun to ache again, as it had the past few hours. She brushed it aside distractedly. Slowly, she released a long pent-up breath. After waking up around seven, she had almost given up what she was about to do, but it had dawned to her that it was the best decision so far.
Would he be pleased to see her? She gave a little laugh. Of course he wouldn't. He hated her. Her fears weren't silly. Besides, it wasn't him she was afraid of, simply him turning her down. Still, a nagging thought persisted. Had she been unwise to come here? The taxi driver had known where his house was located after a long painful one hour of trying to locate the house. A half smiled curved her lips. Oh, he would shit his pants out when he sees her. She couldn't wait to see his expression. It would absolutely be worth it. Bolstering her courage, she stepped out of the taxi and started down the walkway. Her boot heels clicked as she mounted the stairs. There, before two wide double doors, she reached and knock on the door. Outwardly calm, inwardly shaking, she knocked again.
She stood facing the door, refusing to believe that no one would come. The wind blew her hair, and she sighed almost silently. Footsteps immediately echoed from within. The door swept wide. Caroline stepped back, nearly falling down the steps. A man stood there, tall, lean, and very, very intimidating.
"Yes?" he rasped, his voice low and the tone of his was far from welcoming. Wonder if this man got his attitude from his employer. When she opened her mouth and closed it, the man tried to shut the door on her face. How dare he! She inserted her foot in the crack, preventing him. For a moment, he actually considered shutting her foot in the door, but he stopped. He looked at her, his eyes narrowed and waited for her to talk.
She summoned a smile. "Hi," she said pleasantly, maybe way too pleasantly. "Is this Klaus Mikaelson' house?"
His brows rose. "Yes it is."
Her smile relaxed. "Is he around?"
His gaze encompassed the length of her, and apparently found favour. "Mr. Mikaelson is not around at the moment. But if you could come back another time."
"Uh, actually," Her laugh was rather breathless. She was a bit glad that Klaus wasn't here. "I'm Caroline, the new maid." The words she had never thought she would say in her life, or in the next life.
"I don't think Sir has told us a new maid would come today," he spoke slowly so perhaps she could understand his words clearly. Caroline nearly glared at the man in front of her.
"Does it ever occur to you that he might not tell you everything? Or perhaps he forgot to do so?" He scowled, staring at her, irritated and perplexed. She gave him a satisfied grin.
He stepped back. "Come in."
"Thanks. You're so kind," she replied sarcastically.
He shrugged and turned away. "If you say so." Caroline followed him inside, just off to the massive entrance hall. As she stepped inside, her gaze silently approved of the interior decorations. "Let me take you to Ellen."
She walked quickly, almost jogging, to keep up with the brooding man. He called over his shoulder as he disappeared around a corner. "Ellen would be able to tell you everything you need to know, the work you need to get done and hopefully, you would do some work."
She glared at his back. "Yes, I hear you," she said through gritted teeth.
Caroline followed him into the kitchen, where she could hear someone humming a song. The woman humming was probably in her early fifties, stood with a small smile on her face with an apron around her, cutting vegetables. She wasn't aware of them until the man cleared his throat to catch her attention. Looking up, her smile broadened when she saw them.
"Oh, Bo, I was wondering where you were," she said, her eyes kind. A giggle nearly escaped Caroline. Bo? His name was Bo? No wonder he was full of rudeness. Even I would hate to be called Bo. Ellen wiped her hands. "What have we here?"
There was a slight pause before he explained, "This is Caroline, the new maid," he pressed on the maid, almost as if he couldn't believe she was. "I'm leaving her to you." He gave a slight bow and retreated. In what world is this even real, Caroline thought, shaking her head.
"Bo is a little old fashioned," Ellen broke her thoughts with a chuckle. "I'm Ellen, nice to meet you, Caroline. Though I'm a little shocked you're here. Klaus has not said a thing about you coming."
What the hell is with everyone saying that? Did Klaus share everything with them? She smiled at Ellen. "Yeah." she nervously chuckled, not knowing what to say. She couldn't exactly come right out and say, 'I'm Klaus' ex girlfriend and I came here with a mission to get him back. He doesn't know that I'm here, and if he does, he would probably kick me out or call the police.'
"Don't worry, I'm just a little shocked you got the job, considering he has rejected almost fifteen of them."
Caroline snorted. "Of course he did. They probably didn't match up to his expectations. Maybe they didn't know how to walk straight, or maybe they were too stupid for him, maybe they smiled too much, or maybe they wore boots instead of heels." She rolled her eyes.
Ellen laughed. "You're funny, dear. I'm going to enjoy working with you. Come, let me show you around the house." Caroline trailed behind Ellen, looking curiously from side to side.
"How long have you been working here?"
"I've been his cook for four years," Ellen replied. "Klaus isn't always here. He came back here after being away for four months." Four months? Klaus was in the same Country as her four months ago, and they didn't even know about it. They weren't out of each other's grasp, he was right under her nose all this time.
"Is he going to stay here for a while?" she asked, hoping he would.
"Oh yes," Ellen replied, climbing up the stairs. "Three months tops. He never stays more than that."
There was this burning question she wanted to ask, but she was afraid of the answer she would get. "Does he bring anyone with him? A girlfriend? Fiance perhaps?" She nervously played with her fingers, her heart beating in her chest. Caroline wanted to say Genevieve, but she didn't want Ellen to suspect anything.
"No. There is none of that. He is always alone." They finally reached the top of the stairs, and Ellen paused to open the door. She entered the room. "This is the guest room. Klaus doesn't get guests, but he always wants this room cleaned everyday."
Caroline nodded, understating. They walked out of the room and she followed Ellen to another room. This room was completely bare. There wasn't any evidence that someone was living in it, except for the wrinkled bed. And for the fact that it was cold and sad.
"This is his room." Caroline quickly whipped her head to glance at her in shock. This was Klaus' room? "He likes it that way," Ellen answered her question.
"Wow, this is by far the most depressing thing I have ever seen in my life."
"Come, there's much to show you."
Ellen showed her everywhere in the house, and Caroline had even offered to help her in the kitchen when she get her work done. She had never done a lot of work in her life, and by the time she was done, she was more tired than ever. She cleaned the living room, bathroom, bedrooms and did some laundry. Only Klaus room was left. Caroline opened his room, walked inside and shut the door. She didn't like how sad his room was, and that it lacked warmth and love.
She walked inside his walk-in-closet, her fingers trailing his shirts and ties. She didn't feel weird by doing it, she just needed to feel something of his that would make her remember his warmth, his love and assuring herself that this was not a dream. After going through most of his stuff, she was confused when she pulled a drawer and find it locked. She didn't know what he had in there that he didn't want anyone else to see. She tried to find the key, but she couldn't find it and she gave up trying. Whatever was in there, it had to be important and sooner or later, she was going to know what was inside.
Walking toward his bed, Caroline sat at the edge, imagining him sleeping on the bed. She felt a rush of feeling at the thought. Not thinking at all, she lay on the side that was wrinkled and sniffed his pillow, pulling another one close to her as she hugged it tightly. She clutched it as if it was going to be snatched right out of her hands. Tears rolled down her eyes. All she was feeling right now was his love that had consumed her. She stayed like that for five minutes before she rose, restlessly pacing the length of the room and back. Now that she was here, working as his maid, both excitement and fear warred within her chest. She caught sight of herself in the mirror. Her eyes shine brightly, vivid and blue. She frowned, thinking they seemed almost over bright.
You're full of light, Caroline.
Her reflection seemed to waver, then abruptly righted itself. She frowned. In the last hour, her breath had grown rather short, but surely it was just the case of nerves. She heard the sound of a car pulling in.
Caroline flew to the window. Through it, she glimpsed a figure walking out of the car. Her heart began to beat. It was him. It was Klaus! Voices echoed in the hall. She began to steady her hands. She had to stop herself from whirling around in joy. Her mind sped onward. Would he be surprised to see her? No doubt. Would he be pleased? Hell no. After all, he had said he didn't want to see her face. She sighed, picturing what would happen when he saw her. He would gaze at her with that ever-present smile of his, laughter shinning in his eyes; her lips curved in a sweet remembrance. And then...then he would take her in his arms, and kiss her as he once had. Stop it, Caroline! You know that would never happen.
She quickly left his room, walking downstairs in a hurry. She couldn't let him see her just yet. Her presence had to be dramatic. Something that would blow his mind up. Caroline giggled like a schoolgirl as she dashed into the kitchen.
"Ellen, is he back?!"
"Yes. You seem rather excited about it." She raised an eyebrow at Caroline.
Caroline laughed nervously. "Oh, no. Is that for him?" she asked, pointing at the glass of whatever the hell was inside. Ellen nodded in confirmation. "Don't worry, Ellen, I would take it to him."
She grabbed the tray in a hurry and dashed right out of the kitchen, only to come back in seconds with a sheepish smile, her cheeks red in embarrassment. "Uhm...where is he?"
"His office. You know where it is." she replied with an amused smile.
Caroline nodded and made her way through the hallway, her shoes quiet on the floors. She stopped directly outside the door to his office. She felt cold inside. Only the supreme force of her will kept the tray from trembling in her hands; only the supreme force of will kept her from backing away and leaving the hell out of there.
He is right in there, she told herself. What would he say? What would he do? But she had no choice. She couldn't turn and run, not without receiving the attention she was so desperate to get. She would simply have to keep her head up, a smile on her face, and hope he wouldn't kick her out. She knocked on the door.
"Come in," came his reply.
She opened the door. For a moment she thought the office was empty and that she had imagined him inviting her to come inside. That would be totally mess up, Caroline. Even with the white walls, his office was plunged in shadows. She was still in the doorway, not moving, knowing the light from behind her would cast her face into even deeper shadows. Taking a deep breath, she moved forward. She found him sitting on a sofa, his eyes directly on his computer.
Caroline dropped the tray in front of him and with an amused chuckle, she said, "Here's your tea, sir."