PART TWO:
About a month later…
Beep beep beep beep beep
Argh, I groan, begrudgingly flinging out a hand to knock the alarm clock off my side table making that abhorring noise.
I sit up and glare at nothing particular in my room. There was a time where I was a morning person. That was before Klaus Mikaelson decided he'd ruin my life. Sure, he left. He just left. But no, because that wasn't enough he had to wipe out the whole towns memory of him ever being there! Not only that, but he left me with ooooh maybe just a vague recollection of who he is and everything he's done.
It has been a year. Why I'm not over it? Hmm let's see; the whole town gets to live on their everyday lives in complete ignorance of the traumatic events of last month, while I get to sit there every day, thinking about it and not being able to talk about it to anyone because no one freakin remembers.
And frankly, I am not looking for a one way ticket to the psych ward so I keep my thoughts to myself, even though everyone can blatantly see the dark circles under my eyes. Now why would those be there? I get nightmares. Sometimes it's me being trapped and tortured. Other times, I get to watch my family and friends die- more accurately; killed by Klaus. Oh, and there are always reruns of me bashing in a particular beady-eyed guys head with a rock.
How I'm coping? Enter new Caroline: angry, bitter, hateful, and resentful.
Thank you Klaus. He just had to kiss me didn't he? When I do dream? It's about him and his stupid kissing.
Screw this. I sigh, deciding I don't need school today. I collapse back onto the bed and throw the covers over my head.
I'm still falling.
About a year later…
Chapter 1 of a new life and an old Caroline
Beep beep beep bee-
I slide out of bed, hitting the stop on the alarm on the way. Needless to say, old Caroline is back with all her positivity, enthusiasm, wit, and control. After my little phase of hating on the world and potential PTSD, I had one of those epiphanies- what it was? I can't remember. All I know is I woke up one morning and I was over it all. I have my friends back, my mum, and most importantly: my life.
I take my time getting ready before joining my dearest mother Sherriff Forbes, kissing her on the cheek before having a seat at the table.
"Morning mum."
"Morning sweetheart, sleep well?"
"Like a newly born babe," I smile. Mum had worried the most when I went through my little phase.
"Good, I'm glad. I'm going to be home late again, do you think you'll be okay with dinner?"
"Sure." I get up from the table, having finished my toast. "Bye mum have a good day," I call as I walk for the door.
"Thanks Caroline you too," she shouts back.
I get to school about ten minutes later and head for my locker to get my books ready for this morning's classes. The inside of my locker is decorated with pictures of Bonnie, Elena, Matt, Tyler and I from over summer vacation. I small smile makes its way onto my face. Just perfect.
I yelp in surprise at the sudden pressure at my waist causing me to jump. I'm spun around and backed against the lockers in a second.
"A little jumpy there Care-bear," comes a low voice.
I look up and smirk, "Only because you have the demeanor of a serial killer little Lockwood."
He smiles back at me before crashing his lips onto mine. Tyler Lockwood: another perfect thing in my life. All that teasing didn't lead to nothing.
"Woah woah woah Elena quick, avert your eyes," I pull away and laugh at the sound of Bonnies mocking voice.
I pull them both into a hug once they reach us before we all head to homeroom. Yup, everything is great.
"What?!" I shout. Everything is not great.
"I'm sorry Caroline but we have a tight budget this time and-"
"-so you have to cancel?!"
"Well I don't see how we can do it any other way." Mr Weber sighed audibly.
"Sir, please, I understand the predicament, but I am telling you we can work around that."
"Okay Ms Forbes but even if you could, we're pressed for time eversince-"
"-I'll stay afterschool until it's done then!" I cut him off again and then realise how rude I was being. "Sorry, It's just that everyone is already so excited for it and have gotten all their dresses and-"
"You really aren't going to let this go are you?"
I laughed a little and replied, "Not this time Sir."
He chuckled. "This time? Was there ever a time?"
"Consistency Mr Weber, it never fails."
He laughed a full belly laugh making me smile. "Okay you win, go ahead Caroline. Make sure to grab a spare key to the gym from maintenance."
"Thank you," and with that I strode out of the office.
"Only you Care," Tyler says after I relay them the good news that the dance won't be cancelled.
"Yeah so, you're all helping me right?"
I chorus of groans sounded.
"You only have to help for a few hours, promise. It's just the dance is tomorrow and I could really use your guys help," I pout.
They still don't look impressed but agree. I smile devilishly and tell them to meet me at the gym at three.
"Okay so what are we doing again?" Asks Matt. I sigh. Typical they missed most of what I said.
"Just hang these," I say shoving boxes of silky white material and snowflakes. Winter masquerade. It's going to be good.
By the end of two hours the background features for the dance have been set up so it no longer looked like a smelly gym but had winter forest vibe. The snow-coated evergreen trees and complete whiteness of the place made it look like a woodland fantasy. Who needed a budget when there was plenty of good equipment from previous dances?
I feel someone come up behind me, wrapping their arms around my waist, "It looks great."
I smile, leaning back into Tyler, "It really does. I can't imagine how beautiful it will be once the lights and other ornaments are in place."
"It'll look amazing," he says, nuzzling my neck. "So," he started, "I mean I kind of just assumed this but Caroline will you go to the winter formal with me."
I laughed and turned around in his arms to give him a long, hard kiss. "Of course I will."
He smiles big and kisses me again.
"Mmmm, now go, or you'll miss the game," I say.
"Okay, don't stay out here too late and please be careful when you hang those snowflakes."
"Always," I reply. He pecks me on the lips again before running to catch up with the others at the door.
"Have fun! I'll see you guys tomorrow!" I call.
Hmmm, now that they are gone, time to finish this so I can get home. It was getting dark and I did not plan on making my way through an empty car park, alone.
After another hour of hanging snowflakes, lights, and placing some woodland creatures among the fake trees I stepped back to look at my progress. Not bad.
Crash. I jump at the sudden clang that echoed in the silence.
"Hello," I call, fear seeping through my skin.
Another crash sounded at the other side behind the trees. I back away from them slowly, avoiding eye-contact with the fake animals. God, I watch too many horror movies.
"Tyler?" I call again, my voice starting to shake. "If that's you this isn't funny."
Another painful moment of silence passes by as I wait for something to happen… and then the lights go out. Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit.
I run. I have seen too many horror movies- enough to know not to investigate and just get the hell out of there. Out of the corner of my eyes I think I see a silhouette in the shadows but I focus on the path ahead, too scared to even think of who it could be even though the name Klaus just kept screaming through my head. The only light came from the moon shining through the windows and I just prayed I didn't trip anywhere. I slam my body against the door relieved to find that it opens and then slam it shut using the spare key I had to lock the door. Then I run and run and run until I'm in my car and driving.
I was probably being stupid. It was just some kid playing a prank. God, I'm paranoid. The thing is, even though I have moved on, it doesn't mean I have forgotten anything about Klaus or the fact that sometimes it's good to be scared- caution might just be the thing to keep you safe. I grab the water from my bag and take several gulps feeling somewhat safer with vervain in my system (finally learnt the name). I have not forgotten. I will not forget. I will not fall again.
A/N: Hey all, I'm back, It's been a while I know. Any way i'm going to start this as a continuation of the first story as you can see. I hope you like it. I wish I could say I have a plan but I can't. I literally make this up as I go along- one day I shall practice being more discipline so the story doesn't just go in the way of my mood and my imagination that day.
Sorry for the long update. There next update won't be soon either. There's life for you. I hope you enjoyed it though. Surprised to find Caroline and Tyler together? Well you shouldn't be, I thought it was obvious there was something there in the first part. Alas I always assume people understand and see things the way I do but apparently lot.
Anyway please review I would love to know what you think! :) Thanks lovlies xoxox