Chapter 7

From far away, Elena was already able to tell where the event was. It was flooded with lights and stood out in between the narrow streets of New Orleans. The inside was just as stunning. Long strands of white fabric had been draped from the walls of the room towards the middle and lights gave the entire room a romantic flair. Round tables were set up around the room with a large dance floor in the center. A little stage was towards the end of the room.

Elijah had extended his arm towards her and she had since been interlinked with him. He gave off a warm energy, even her baby felt it and nestled happily in her stomach. It was still crazy to Elena. She was not quite four weeks pregnant and yet, she already felt connected to her son.

"Elena. It is such a pleasure that you have come." Marcel had spotted her and walked straight over to her. Elijah let go of Elena's arm and within seconds Elena felt less comfortable. "Of course. How could I pass up an invitation from you, Marcel?" He laughed. "Good point. And you are right on time. We are about to announce the opening dance. I assume you know how to waltz?" "I do." "Then, would you do me the honor of being my partner for this dance?"

Elena heard Klaus slightly growl behind her. This was a play to show his power. But Elena wasn't about to let this escalate. With a sweet smile, she looked at Marcel. "Of course; it would be my pleasure." Marcel held out his arm to take her to the stage. "I will just welcome everyone and then we can begin. Please join me." Elena only nodded. She turned towards Klaus and mouthed that it was okay. She knew he would be close and even though she didn't like Marcel, for now, she didn't feel like there was any danger coming from him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to tonight's event. I am honored that you all followed my invitation for a fundraiser regarding the victims of Katrina. All proceeds of tonight will go to the NO Rebuilds Association. So take out your check books and let the night begin. In honor of all the victims we lost, I would like to invite any two partners to join me and my lovely partner Elena Gilbert in a traditional waltz on the dance floor."

Marcel put his arm out once more and Elena followed him to the dance floor.

Elijah and Klaus had joined them on the dance floor with two beautiful women by their side. Elena felt a pinch of jealousy.
When the dance began, Marcel swiftly moved her around the dance floor. He was quite the skilled dancer, but Elena hadn't expected anything else.

"You are an extraordinary dancer, little Elena." "Thank you. I've had practice." "I assumed as much from someone living in Mystic Falls." "So you've done your research."
"Did you think I wouldn't?" "Of course not. From someone who was turned by Klaus, I would never expect only average." "I'll take that as a compliment." "Take it however you like." Once more, Marcel moved her around. "So tell me. How can you forgive him?" "Who are you talking about?" "Niklaus, of course. He killed your aunt, is responsible for Caroline being turned and then drained you of your blood entirely only to then use it to sire his hybrids." "Well, thanks for the walk down memory lane." "You didn't answer my question."

"It's not that easy to answer. Since I came to him for help about my family, I met a different guy. Even if he doesn't believe it, I see regret in his eyes for what he did. I wouldn't say that I have forgiven him, but there is no point in hating him." "You are quite different from Katerina." "So you know her?" "Everybody knows Katerina." "I assume so."

The dance came to an end and with one last spin, Marcel let Elena slightly bend back over his arm. He came closer and Elena had no way of escaping. "Maybe we can continue this conversation some time else." When he let go of her, she was already surrounded by Klaus and Elijah. "Looks like your friends are back." "Thank you for the dance, Marcel." "It was my pleasure. Until later."

Klaus and Elijah looked at her. "What did he say?" "What do you mean? Did you not hear every word? I assumed you would be listening." "We tried, but Marcel must have a witch at his disposal as well." "That is a neat trick. But we didn't talk about a lot. He asked me how I was able to forgive you." "And you told him that you did not?!" "No, I didn't. I said it was complicated but that I'm also grateful that you help me with my family." "We gladly help you with your family, Elena." Elijah intervened. He was cautious about his words. "Let's get something to drink, shall we?" "That sounds good."

A little while later, dinner was served. Since there were humans surrounding the attending vampires, everyone ate what was put in front of them. Elena knew vampires didn't have to eat, but they could still appreciate a delicious meal. And delicious the food was. A five course meal of all the delicacies she could think of. At the end of the meal, Elena was fully stuffed and happy. The silent auction winners were announced shortly after the dessert was served. Klaus had bid for an antique desk that was totally his style and of course had won. Elena looked at him, when he received his prize letter.

"It's for a good cause." She couldn't do anything but smile at him. He kept surprising her. To her surprise, Elijah was the one who took another initiative.

"Would you like to dance, Elena?" "I would love to." He guided her to the dance floor where the band just introduced another song. A very slow one. "I never pegged you for a dancer." "I actually quite enjoy dancing, young Elena." He was a skilled dancer. Even though the song was slow, Elijah moved them over the dance floor quite a lot. Not one second did Elena feel uncomfortable dancing with him. In the back of her head, she knew, she was also hoping for another dance partner. But that never happened. Elijah occupied her for a few dances and Elena had started to feel tired. He noticed immediately and proposed that they could leave.

Klaus agreed; he did not want to take any more chances. The weaker Elena got, the more Marcel could find out. For Klaus, it was horrible to see Elijah dance with Elena. But he never went to step in, as it would have pointed too much attention on the rivalry between the two of them. Deep down, he was also scared that Elena would have rejected him.

The way home was quiet. Each one of them was deep in their own thoughts. Absent-mindedly, Elena caressed her stomach. "You did well little one. We're all so proud of you." Elena's voice was soft, but Elijah and Klaus heard every word. Klaus smiled; Elena was already such a great mother. He still couldn't believe his life how it was now. She was carrying his child. There was a little version of him and Elena growing inside her body. And additionally, that baby was what kept her alive. It gave him more time to figure out how he could keep her alive. Even after he had drained her of her blood and he had to say goodbye to her, Klaus had never given up looking for a way to bring her back.

Now, it was all the more important that he would find a solution. He would not let his child grow up without ever knowing Elena. He would not let his child grow up without a mother.