When Caroline was a child, every night before she went to bed her mother would make her recite a prayer. Damon and Stefan would sit beside her, their hands joined together as they chanted softly.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
if I die before I wake,
I pray for Lord my soul to take.
Elizabeth Salvatore was a religious woman. She grew up in the small town of Mystic Falls where community was important, as well as attending church every Sunday. Seeing as she moved away, her little ritual was cut short. But that didn't mean she couldn't continue the tradition with her children.
"Why do we say that, Mommy?" Caroline had asked one night. She was lying in bed, gripping the edges of the blanket as Elizabeth tucked her in.
"Well...we say it so you can have a special place in heaven." Elizabeth bent down and kissed her forehead. "Now go to sleep, sweetheart."
Caroline had stopped saying the prayer when her parents died. She stopped believing what her mother preached for so many years. Caroline didn't believe there was a God, she didn't want to think he took her parents away from her. If there was someone truly out there then why would they such a horrible thing to her?
But the prayer stopped and she wondered who had her soul then. If her world truly did explode in front of her, who would keep her soul? What fate lied ahead of her?
And if I did before I wake...
Is she dead now? The darkness consumed her in the end and now an oblivion surrounded her. Has the Lord forgiven her? Did He keep her soul now?
"Caroline."
Her mother's voice rang out in her head.
"Caroline."
Should she wake? If her eyes were to open now, where would she be taken to? Heaven or Hell?
Mommy's face: the white gates…
A Mikaelson: burning pits of despair...
"Oh my God, Caroline wake up!"
She stirred slightly but squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't want to be dead. She didn't want to face the bright white light that would pull her away from this life.
"CAROLINE!"
It was the final push for her eyes to snap open. Katherine had tears in her eyes as Caroline shot up, her heart pounding as she took in her surroundings.
A white room encased her as she noticed the gurney she was laying on. Doctors shuffled around her, going into different rooms as one began to ask her questions. Noises filled her ears with phones ringing and monitors beeping. Pervious events flashed in her mind as she began to remember.
"What happened?" Caroline breathed out. A blanket was covering her legs as she noticed the bandage on her arm. Her head was pounding and her vision blurred a little.
Katherine grabbed Caroline's hands. "I was just coming down the hallway and then I saw it. There was an explosion and you were thrown back against the floor towards me. The woman Kol was with is in bad shape, he won't leave her side."
"Bonnie?!" Caroline sprung out of the bed, wobbling slightly as the world around her swayed and threw her off balance. "I have to see Bonnie."
"Caroline, Caroline sit down." Katherine grabbed her arms gently. "It's okay."
"No it's not! Bonnie is hurt, I need to see her!"
"You know her?"
Caroline nodded slowly, the tears pooling up in her eyes. "I've known her ever since I was little. We were fighting when everything happened."
Katherine took a deep breath, guiding Caroline back to the bed. "Just sit down. I'll find out what's going on but you have to rest. The doctor said you have a concussion and you need to sit down and relax before you make it worse."
She was breathing heavily as she crawled back onto the bed. Her head continued to pound as images of her friend came to mind. They were fighting before it happened. Caroline felt the anger within her still but it seemed non-existent knowing what state Bonnie was in. What if she didn't come out of it? What would happen then?
"Rebekah came a little while ago and she's contacting Klaus and Elijah. They should be here to take us home soon. Security is through the roof so I'm not even sure if you're allowed to leave this room." Katherine explained, sliding her phone back in her pocket. "But if you want I could go check on her, give you more information."
Caroline nodded. "Please. I really need to know."
Katherine smiled. "Of course. I'll be back as soon as I can."
And as the door shut, Caroline found herself doing the thing she hasn't done in ages. The thing she swore to never do.
Pray.
"How does this happen?" Klaus stormed through the hospital doors, anger dripping with every word. "We leave for two days. Two days!"
Elijah was silent, listening to his brother ramble on about the situation. It's been this way for hours now as Klaus still wasn't able to fathom what had happened. But it was quite simple. A bomb went off in their home and the state of their loved ones were unknown.
That's what happened.
"Where are they?!" It seemed like the only way to handle the situation for Klaus was through anger. He yelled, screamed and kicked things around until people were able to give him answers. It was the only way to get what he wanted, for people to actually take him seriously. "I am Niklaus Mikaelson, I will have whatever information I so please!"
Elijah sighed, closing his eyes as he shook his head. All he wanted was Katherine, to know she was safe. He felt like he failed her back there, leaving her alone and having this happen. He should have been there to protect her.
"Mr. Mikaelson, please remain calm. We are doing everything we can." The nurse said softly, shuffling through the papers on her clipboard. She was a short, older woman with plump cheeks and unwashed hair wrapped up in a bun. Her voice shook and she wouldn't make contact with him, fear slowly rising up in her.
"Brother!" Kol came down the hallway then looking completely wrecked as he approached them. There were cuts on his face and dirt smeared everywhere. His eyes were bloodshot with his hair sticking up in different directions. He looked as if he would crumble right there in front of them, turning into a puddle of mush.
Elijah and Klaus breathed out a sigh of relief. There was no physical contact though as they stared at one another. But smiles crept on their faces knowing he was alright.
"Thank God you're here." Kol breathed out. "I didn't think you knew."
"Is everything okay? Are you-" Elijah was cut off.
Kol nodded. "I'm fine." His voice cracked as his bottom lip trembled. "I'm just waiting-"
"Is Katherine okay?" Elijah said too quickly, seeming embarrassed as they looked to him.
"She's fine. Her and Rebekah are with Caroline now."
That's when Klaus spoke. "How is she?"
"I don't know the details but she's awake."
Klaus only nodded.
"Why are you in turmoil? Who are you waiting for?" Elijah was confused. He didn't understand what put Kol in such a state.
"I was with a girl-" Kol murmured. "I've been seeing her for a while. I didn't tell you-"
Klaus raised an eyebrow. "A girl?"
"Apparently she knows Caroline. They were out in the hallway fighting when it happened. But Bonnie got the worst of it."
"Bonnie." Elijah said slowly, as if testing out the name for his brother.
Kol looked down to the floor, preparing himself for a lecture. They wouldn't approve, they never did. But how could they judge when Elijah was wrapped with Katherine and Klaus never loving a single soul? It wouldn't be fair.
"Go wait with her. We'll check on everyone else."
Kol didn't realize he was holding his breath until he spoke. "Thank you. Yes. They're down the hall to your right."
With that they were off, separating in different directions to the ones that crossed their minds. Elijah only had thoughts of Katherine, wanting nothing more than to hold her in his arms. Klaus tried to remain only concerned for Rebekah. Although she wasn't hurt he wanted to ensure it, see it for his own eyes.
"Elijah!" Katherine raced down the hall, smiling wide as she stopped abruptly in front of him. They weren't supposed to be public about their relationship as it was only allowed behind closed doors. But with a nod from Klaus they embraced.
Elijah couldn't remember a time where he felt more relief. As he looked down at her, not a scratch on her face, he knew in that moment he loved her. It was the sheer knowledge that nothing happened, that he would be able to spend another day with her that made a smile grace his lips. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, never wanting to let go.
"You're alright?" He asked, even though he knew.
She nodded against his chest. "I'm fine."
Klaus stood behind them, shifting awkwardly in his spot. He just wanted to know if she was okay. Her. Rebekah of course.
Katherine pulled away, noticing Klaus' stare. "She's in room 401. When you see her, tell her Bonnie is doing okay. She should be released in a few days."
"I'm more concerned about Rebekah." He all but whispered.
A smirk came to her lips. "Right."
He headed off into the other direction, scanning the walls for the magic number.
401
All he wanted was to see her, even if it was through a window. It was the reassurance he needed, the knowledge of her safety. He felt ashamed almost as he came to the door. She would blame him for this without a doubt. Everything seemed to be his fault lately. But he already knew the masterminds behind this attack with whom she would not be happy with. She didn't need to know now though. That would be for a different time.
Klaus knocked gently before opening the door.
She was sitting up facing the window, watching the snow fall lightly into blankets. There was an IV in her arm and a few bandages on her face and body. Her hair cascaded down her back, although in knots it was still beautiful as it shined a perfect gold. She was wringing her hands together, breathing heavily as muffled cried came from her lips. But as the door creaked she turned abruptly, her eyes going wide in shock at the sight of him.
She didn't think he would come.
"Hello, love."
Caroline only stared at him, not sure of what to say. The last time she saw him it didn't end well. He was gone after that. But now he was here, looking at her with relief and sadness.
Her breathing caught in her throat. "Klaus."
"I hope you're still not angry with me." He said quietly, keeping his rightful distance between her.
She smiled softly, looking down to her hands. "No, I'm not."
He nodded slowly. "I apologize for what happened. If I had known-"
"It's okay." Caroline knew it wasn't his fault. No one could have expected this. She had her suspicions of who was behind it but it only strengthened her belief on this war. Her best friend was now lying in a hospital bed because of it. She could have died. It wasn't worth it, none of it was. "It's not your fault."
He wanted to say it was, to apologize again but he remained silent.
Caroline looked up to him. "Did Katherine say anything about Bonnie?"
Right, Klaus thought, Kol's mystery woman.
"I was informed that she is to be released in a few days. No serious injuries."
Caroline nodded, tears prickling in her eyes. "Thank you. That's great."
"Katherine said you know her."
As she remembered past events, the anger came to her again. Bonnie knew this whole time and yet still she stayed with the Mikaelson brother. She slept with him despite everything he's done. Caroline didn't understand that. She didn't understand how Bonnie could love someone so evil, someone who's done horrible things.
Klaus was staring at her and suddenly she felt sick to her stomach. Somewhere deep within her she was betraying her own morals and beliefs.
Caroline nodded. "I've known Bonnie ever since I was a kid. Our families grew up together."
The knowledge made Klaus's jaw clench. How foolish Kol was to bring in someone of Salvatore association into the house. For all he knew she could have been behind the whole bombing. She could be working for them.
"I see." He said quickly, trying to hide his anger.
She changed the subject quickly, sensing his discomfort. "Could you find out when I'm free to go? Katherine said I only have a concussion."
He nodded. "Of course. I'm sure I can pull a few strings and have you out in a few hours. You'll be in good hands outside of here."
Caroline crossed her legs on the bed, sighing as her hands rested in her lap. "I just hate hospitals." She said weakly, looking around the room. "It's..." She shook her head and shivered. "Bad memories."
He nodded sympathetically even though he had no idea what she was talking about. "Of course. I'll get you out as soon as possible."
The pounding in her head intensified and she laid back down on the bed, sighing. Klaus took that as his signal to leave but she stopped him before his hand could reach the doorknob.
"Could you...just...stay?" Caroline whispered, her eyes turning big. "Just until Katherine comes back." She saved herself quickly as her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
Klaus couldn't help but smirk as he nodded, taking a seat on the spinning chair. "Sure, sweetheart."
She thought it'd be awkward but it wasn't. Somehow it even felt comforting. He flashed her his best smile as she struggled with what to say.
"How are you feeling?" He finally asked, inching slowly towards her bedside.
She shrugged, sitting up slightly. "Like I've just had a bomb go off in front of me." Her joke attempted jail and she decided to change the subject. She didn't want him to worry about her even though it was evident on his face. So instead she smiled. "How was your trip?"
For this moment, and this moment only, he allowed himself to feel. The emotions flooded his heart and the smile on his face burned into his lips. But he didn't care. This felt too good to push away.
"It was wonderful. You would love New Orleans."
Caroline smiled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "I've never been there."
"I could tell you about it." He offered softly, watching her facial expression intently.
All she did was nod, the smile still there. Her headache was finally fading and all Caroline thought was she could listen to the sound of his voice all night.
She wouldn't mind one bit.
Damon glared off into space, tapping his fingers robotically on the table. The cigarette burned between his fingers as smoke trickled up in the air. Nothing but a simple lamp illuminated the room, shining dimly in the corner. He liked it dark though, light nearly burned him.
They screwed up. They more than screwed up.
They failed.
Although news travelled that their plan was a success there was too much collateral damage. They didn't do their research properly. Apparently Bonnie had been warming the bed of a Mikaelson the whole time only to discover Caroline in their custody. Then everything fell apart.
Caroline would hate them. She was in the hospital because of them, injured and alone. It seemed like from the first day she was born Caroline hated her life. The fights, the wars, everything it entailed. And how they pushed her over the edge. For God's sake Bonnie was in the house! Damon wanted to bash his head against the wall just thinking about it.
But there would come a time when she would have to accept this. She will have to choose what she wants for her life once this is all over. Caroline can't remain neutral, simply turning her back on the things she wants and then reappearing when everything is better. She must choose family or walk away. He didn't want to know her answer though.
He already had a feeling of what it would be.
"Mr. Salvatore." The maid knocked quietly on the door. "Miss. Gilbert is here to see you."
He closed his eyes tightly. "Tell her I'm not in." He was in no mood to listen to her today.
"I CAN HEAR YOU!" Elena shouted, storming past the maid and into the study. "How dare you turn me away!"
Damon waved the maid away as Elena slammed the door shut. "I thought that's what we agreed on, Elena; you keeping your distance."
Her brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail, bouncing from side to side as she strut towards him. He noticed her red, puffy eyes and clenched fists as she glared at him. She knew. She definitely knew.
"I was having lunch with my brother when I got the call." She yelled, placing her hands on her hips. "I was in the middle of my turkey sandwich when I found out my two best friends were in an explosion! An explosion, Damon!" The tears were fighting their way out but she held them in, refusing to lose it in front of him.
Damon sighed, taking another drag of his cigarette. "I don't want to talk about this."
She ran to him, ripping the cigarette from his fingers and smashing it in the ash tray. "Don't smoke that thing while you talk to me! I thought you quit!"
"Yeah well stress does that too you."
Elena crossed her arms over her chest. "Damon."
"Elena, please, I know what happened. But everyone is fine. I took care of it."
"Bonnie has to stay in the hospital for a few days now and I can't even see her! They locked down the whole hospital!"
Damon shot up from his seat, fear wide in his eyes. "You went there?!"
She stepped back, suddenly afraid. "Of course I did. They're my best friends…."
"How stupid are you? That place is crawling with Mikaelsons! And they know you, Elena, they've seen us together! They know how I feel about you! What makes you think they won't take you too?"
She stood there stunned. It was the first hint she's gotten that his feelings still remain. But to hear it was completely different. He wouldn't even deny it, he knew what he said.
"Damon..." She whispered, stepping closer to him.
"No! No! You're reckless, that's all you are!" His heart was pounding. Just the thought of them seeing her drove him crazy. She could be gone in a second and he would have no idea. But of course Elena didn't understand. She didn't think there were consequences to her actions and that she could get away scot-free. But this was the real world, nothing good ever came out of it.
Elena glared at him. She couldn't take this anymore; being bossed around by him like they were still together. He had no right. "You're not my boyfriend! You have no say in what I do!"
It was silent then. He could only stare at her, knowing every word she spoke was right. They weren't together. He wasn't her boyfriend. They broke up because this was too dangerous for her, too overwhelming for her to handle. But none of that applied anymore. Things changed, the circumstances were different now. He was in deeper than he thought. He couldn't lose another person he loved. Not to them.
Slowly, Damon made his way around the desk. Their faces were inches apart, his breath brushing past his lips. She turned stiff, her heart sat still in her chest as she slowly looked up to him. They haven't been so close since that night, that night when they couldn't take the space anymore. So many years ago. When there was too much air, too much distance that they were desperate to close. And now it felt no different, as if no time has passed between them.
Why did they break up again?
"Damon." His name blew past her lips, longing and tasting so sweet.
His eyes flickered down to hers as his hands rested gently on her hips, pulling her in. "You know I love you." He murmured, his lips dangerously close to hers. "You know I've never stopped."
She seemed to relax almost, his words like warm honey melting her away.
"We both know we're more than we say." His hands traveled down further. He leaned in. "And all I want is for you to be safe."
"I can take care of myself." Her voice was barely audible but still strong.
How he wished it was true. "No, you can't. Sometimes maybe but not now." Damon pulled her even closer and she wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest.
They were quiet for a while, just holding each other. His kissed her temple and forehead, his hands rubbing circles on the small of her back. She was breathing slowly, wishing for this moment never to end. But then she spoke up, the question burning her tongue.
"Did you know she was in there? Bonnie?"
His answer was immediate. "No. I lost track of Caroline in the middle but it was too late to stop. If I had known...Elena I wouldn't have gone through with it."
She smiled into his chest, breathing his scent in. "Okay."
Then he kissed her and the whole world felt right. He tasted like nicotine and bourbon with a hint of sadness mixed in. The worry lines on his face pulled him down and she saw the creases in his forehead. She smoothed them away and smiled against his lips. There wasn't a time where she felt happier and safer in his arms then now. She never wanted to leave.
"Stay." He whispered, pulling her down to the couch.
Elena felt her heart flutter. "Sure."
She didn't know what this meant. They broke up for a reason, they stayed apart for a reason. But now they were breaking all their rules, crossing lines that were painted over in red.
Nothing ever felt so good.
He made sure she was asleep before slipping from bed. His eyes lingered on her face, those doe eyes fluttered shut with her brown locks flared out on the pillow. She was beautiful. She always was.
It was late now, just after midnight as Damon crept down the halls. There was a phone call he had to make, someone of importance he needed to speak too. It was his next step to reaching his final goal, the goal of victory.
Stefan was waiting for him in the study, smirking softly as he entered the room. "Do we have a reunited couple now?" He said laughing.
"Shut up." Damon spat, going over to the phone as he grabbed the number from his drawer. He dialled it slowly, eyes glancing up to Stefan before looking back down.
It rang a few times before the voice picked up.
"Mr. Salvatore?" He's been expecting them for some time now but never believed they would actually call. "Well isn't this a surprise."
"I hope I'm not disturbing anything." Damon put the phone on speaker, looking to his brother.
The man chuckled deeply. "Not at all. I was just enjoying a late night drink. How are all of you?"
"When do you want to meet?" Stefan didn't want to mess around, he had no time for games.
"Oh Stefan, always so eager."
The brothers exchanged looks. Damon almost seemed...nervous.
"Marcel."
Yes, they had called Marcel. Substitute ruler of New Orleans, the place held dearest to the Mikaelsons. The place that would drag them down for good. Forever.
"Fine, fine." Marcel said, waving his hand around in the air. "They just left last night so fly down whenever you so please."
Damon and Stefan nodded at each other. "We'll be in touch."
"I look forward to working with you."
The line went dead.
Stefan tapped his fingers along the arm rest. "You sure this is what you want to do?"
Damon wasn't more sure about anything in his whole life. "Positive. Now if you would excuse me, I have someone to get back to."
Stefan watched him leave, swallowing the feel of doubt rising in his throat. He knew his brother better than anyone. Damon may be cocky and a little too confident at times but he knew what he was doing. Right now though Stefan wasn't too sure. Marcel was big. What they were dealing with was bigger. To take that empire meant crumbling the Mikaelsons. They wouldn't go down without a fight. There would be nothing easy in this process. It all came with a price.
But was it a price they were willing to pay?
Stefan didn't know.
Damon on the other hand...did.
Mikael surveyed the wreckage, shaking his head as he stepped over a piece of the ceiling. The Salvatore's always did well with their destruction and this was no exception. Now the entire east wing was in shambles along with his prisoner and Kol's play thing.
"Have you heard from them yet?" Esther came up behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders as she placed a kiss on his neck. "I was told everyone arrived at the hospital safely but no one has called."
Mikael shook his head slowly. "No but I'm sure Elijah will phone us eventually. He's responsible."
She looked to her husband and frowned. "You haven't chosen yet, have you?"
The collection of Mikaelson sons were a unique bunch. They each possessed different qualities that shined best and had faults that were sometimes hard to overlook. Mikael pushed each one of them hard throughout their whole lives so they could be ready for this moment. Someone had to look after the family, someone has to step in when he passes. Mikael has always known who it would be.
Someone of virtue.
Someone of morals.
Someone who was ruthless yet smart.
A good leader.
But most importantly...
Someone of blood.
"I've told you my choice, darling. I will not change my mind." His hands clenched into fists as he turned to face her. "Elijah is best fit. He is the eldest after all."
She raised an eyebrow. "Niklaus may not be your son but you raised him to be exactly like you. He is your spitting image but you choose to ignore it."
Esther was a strong woman, she wasn't afraid to stand up to her husband. He doesn't control her, he never has. And right now she felt as if he was making a mistake. Elijah was a good man yes and he would make a fine ruler for their family but Niklaus possessed something different. He had the ability to bring them back to the top where the rightfully belonged, to restore the Mikaelson glory. But Mikael couldn't look past the minor flaw Niklaus had, he didn't even try.
"I will not speak of this any longer. Please find someone to clean this up I can't stand looking at it anymore." He hissed, pushing past her and storming down the hall. It wasn't his favorite thing to yell at his wife but when he was reminded of her infidelity he couldn't help but grow angry. And that fact that he had a reproduction of her mistake staring him in the face every day didn't help anything. How can she think that he would simply let the boy take over his family when he wasn't even apart of it to begin with? Sometimes he thought Esther was truly mad.
She lingered in the hallway, sighing softly as she took in the damage of her home. Although Esther knew her family was safe, it still worried her deeply. This life was something she chose but sometimes she forgot how awful it could be. These men would stop at nothing just for the power, just to have their enemies bowing down and kissing their feet. Mikael was always that way but his tender nature towards her made her forget about it all. She loved him for the man he was to her, not to other people. But when events like this strike her life, she is reminded of the ruthless man he can be.
It makes her question why she was even here in the first place. Why she stayed with Mikael all these years after everything.
The betrayal.
The fights.
The wars.
Loved ones lost.
There were times where she wanted to run, to pick up her things and never turn back. But he was a tracker. There was no leaving the Mikaelson manner. Once you go in you don't come out unless a Mikaelson himself is escorting you the way.
Caroline was standing outside Bonnie's room, arms crossed over her chest as she watched. Klaus was finishing up the last of the discharge papers, allowing her only a few minutes to see her friend.
She lay motionless in the bed, a monitor beside her beeping steadily. There were various tubes coming out of her body as nurses tended to the burns on her arms. She hasn't woken up yet and it's been hours. What if she never did?
Caroline finally turned away, her stomach curdling at the sight. It hurt too much to watch, hurt too much to think about. She wanted to get out of there as soon as possible but it meant leaving her best friend behind. How could she do that?
"Caroline." It was Klaus. A smile spread wide across his face as he saw her, papers clutched tightly between his hands. "I've been given your medication and all you need to do is signs few things. Then we're free to leave."
She crossed her arms over her chest as if she was holding herself. He noticed then where they stood and his heart swelled a little. This wouldn't be easy. He could see it on her face now. She didn't want to leave.
"I can't let you stay." He said softly, looking away from her now. "Your friend is in good hands and she is to make a full recovery. I'm sure family and friends will be allowed in soon. She will be fine."
Caroline rolled her eyes. "But how will it look if I leave her? If she wakes up and I'm not here? I have to stay with her."
"Kol isn't even staying. I'm ordering everyone here to leave, it isn't safe." Frustration was building up inside of him. Why couldn't she understand what happened? This was a war zone now, no one was safe.
"So we're just going to go back to where it all started?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Like that's logical."
No, they weren't returning to the mansion. They were going to the only place that was safe, the only place that was really their home.
"Of course not, Caroline." He wasn't naive as to think nothing else would happen. He wasn't an idiot. He and Elijah discussed it. They knew what they had to do.
She just stared at him. Waiting.
"We're going to a little place outside of New Orleans just until the house is repaired. Your things are being packed as we speak."
New Orleans. It was the place her family was never able to reach, the place they longed to have in their custody. She'd been there once or twice with her family when her father had interest in it. All she remembers is the sounds. The music. It was the only time she's ever saw her father smile. And now she was going again, being invited into the prized possession of the Mikaelsons. Her brothers would have a heart attack if they knew.
She didn't know how she felt about this. She didn't like being carted and tugged around in her shackles. But the situation would only be getting worse from now on. The war was starting and her brothers initiated the first blow. Who knows what Klaus had up his sleeve now.
"Today?" She whispered, looking back to Bonnie.
"As soon as we leave, yes. I can't risk anything more, love."
It was the way he said it, the way their eyes connected for a mere second that had Caroline's heart beating faster. He meant something more.
No. She shook her head and snapped out of whatever trance he put her in.
He handed her the bottle of pills and a few sheets that needed her signature. "I'll be with Elijah when you're ready. Katherine is looking for you as well."
Caroline looked to him, a frown tugging at her lips. She didn't have any fight left in her. All the energy she had was being sucked out, draining her as the days wore on. Klaus wouldn't bend rules for her, she knew that. But right now all she wanted to do was sleep, to curl up in a ball and finally feel for once. She didn't want to leave her friend behind. She didn't want to leave this life behind. At least by staying at the mansion she was close, her brothers were close and not so far away. But now things were different. They were leaving the state, leaving everything behind with not so much as a second thought. Nothing else has ever scared her more in her life. There was truly a chance now that she wouldn't come back. That she would be stuck with these people forever.
A small voice whispered in the back of her head. "This is your life now."
"Okay." She finally whispered, taking her paper and pills before sitting in a chair. "I'll be done in a few minutes."
Klaus kept repeating a word in his head.
Professional.
Yes, professional. This woman was merely a prisoner to him and yet all he wanted to do was make her pain go away. She looked as if she'd crumble into a million pieces in front of him. It was taking a toll on her, a rather large one it seemed. Yet the nagging voice in the back of his head still whispered.
Professional.
Keep it professional.
"I promise you, sweetheart, things will lighten up once we get into the city. I'll show you everything."
Her eyes were fixated on the papers, the pen in her head shaking slightly. He was trying, she knew, but it wasn't good enough.
Caroline nodded, her eye catching Katherine coming their way.
"Elijah needs you." She said, placing her hands on her lips as she looked to him. "There's a problem with the house I guess."
Klaus breathed out, rolling his eyes as he spun on his heel. He motioned for a few guards to block the doorways which he knew Caroline would hate.
His demeanor changes, his eyes hardened. "Hurry this up. I want to leave as soon as possible."
Katherine simply nodded as she took a seat next to Caroline. "Bonnie's dad just arrived. They should be letting him in any minute now."
Caroline smiled softly, finishing the last signature on the page. "Did someone call her mom?"
"I'm not sure." Katherine peered into the room, seeing the girl still lying motionless. "But a girl tried stopping by earlier. I don't know her name though."
Caroline sighed, setting the papers to the side. "Probably Elena."
Katherine nodded. "I remember her. She was with your brother, right?"
She nodded and stood up, tearing her eyes away from Bonnie. "I just want to leave. I can't be here anymore."
"Well we should be going soon. Don't worry, New Orleans isn't so bad. We went down there a few years ago, it's actually a lot of fun. The men aren't so bad either." Katherine winked and bumped her hip against Caroline's. "We'll go and make the best of it. You won't even see any of the brothers because of the city. They'll be given a boat load of work as soon as we step in."
Caroline sighed, smiling weakly and grabbed her papers. "Maybe."
Suddenly a nurse rushed into Bonnie's room, shouting things Caroline didn't understand. But rushed away with her, stopping in front of the room and pressing her face against the glass as she watched anxiously. Kol came sounding down the hallway next, worry painted on his face as he came to stand with her.
"What happened?" His voice was anxious.
Caroline couldn't fathom words. She shook her head and her shoulders shrugged up.
But then the impossible seemed to happen. Bonnie eyes blinked open and her mouth gaped wide as she screamed. The surroundings were foreign, strangers fluttered around her as a doctor came in the room.
"Miss. Bennett." He said, pushing past the nurses.
Kol rushed in the room but the nurses blocked him, shaking their head.
"Mr. Mikaelson, please." One of them said.
"Kol?" Bonnie's frantic voice flowed from the room making Caroline wince.
Katherine watched the madness unfold as Elijah came sprinting down the hall.
"What happened?" He asked.
"She's awake."
Hey everyone! Fanfiction is great when it works, sorry for the trouble with this chapter for some reason it wasn't loading properly. But I hope everything is in check now.
I would love to know what you think on this chapter so please review! Your thoughts, comments and concerns are always nice to read (:
I hope i delivered well on the Klaroline but don't worry there's more where that came from (;
I'm already starting on chapter eight so it won't be long now! Happy New Year and have a great rest of your weekend!
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