Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it!

Smiles

Caroline shot up out of bed screaming, her heart beating in her chest. The sunlight poured into her bedroom, blinding her. She broke out in loud sobs as she pushed herself back against the headboard, clutching at her forehead. She was relieved to find no hole there.

It was a dream. It was a dream. It was a dream.

The door to her room then slammed open as her mother and father ran in, terror in their eyes.

"Caroline, are you alright?" Her mother said, running to her now frightened daughter. Bill stood at the door looking around for any possible threat. Caroline could barely breath as her mother wrapped her arms around her. "Shhhh, it's okay sweetie. What happened?"

"It was a dream. It was just a dream." Caroline repeated over and over again.

Bill and Liz exchanged glances as Caroline cried in her mother's arms.

Stefan pulled up to the Forbes' house on his motorcycle, his hand reaching up and clutching the side of his head, wincing at the pain he felt. He remembered seeing Klaus' fist approach his face and then the next thing he knew, he was laying in his bed at home the next morning with a massive headache.

After turning his bike off, he unstrapped his helmet, removing it. Why he had been nervous to ride his bike, he'd never know. The ride was more exhilarating as a human and he couldn't wait to see Caroline's reaction when she saw it.

She's going to flip, he laughed as he reached his hand for the doorbell, hearing it ring within the house.

He stood outside and felt the cool wind nipping at his neck and tearing into the cut in his forehead. He knew she was going to ask him about it. Should he lie?

Liz answered the door, a look of fear in her eyes.

"Stefan …" She looked surprised. "What are you doing here? What happened to your face?" He shifted his weight nervously.

"Caroline said I could accompany her to school this morning and just a little run in with you-know-who." He lifted his eyebrows and rolled his eyes.

Liz blinked a few times, understanding his meaning, before motioning him to step inside. He followed inside, shutting the door behind himself.

"Something's happened to Caroline … " Liz spoke.

"What are you talking about?" Stefan asked, worried. Liz motioned towards Caroline's bedroom, leading Stefan to follow her. As he entered her room, his eyes fell upon Caroline who was sitting in front of her mirror, wearing a robe and slowly brushing her hair, deep in thought. Liz reached over and whispered in his ear.

"She had a nightmare last night and it's really affecting her. She won't tell me what happened," Liz walked over to place her hands on Caroline's shoulders.

"Look sweetie, Stefan's here."

Caroline looked at him through the mirror, the look on her face was stoic. Stefan furrowed his brow at the sight of her like this. She looked absolutely lost.

She turned then, surprising him, a look of concern for him in her eyes, "Stefan, what happened to your face?"

He shot a glance at Liz and she nodded in return. After placing a kiss on Caroline's head, Liz left the room, clicking the door shut behind her.

Caroline jumped out of her seat, broken from the trance that had enslaved her since she woke up that morning. She ran up to him and pulled him to her bed, her hands clasping his face and turning it over so she could get a better view.

He winced at the sudden movement.

Her fingers traced the edges of the cut and bruise that was now scarring his face. He sat there, letting her.

"It's no big deal," his voice finally broke the silence.

"Are you kidding me?" Caroline looked at him, questioning him. "Who did this?"

Stefan looked into her eyes, wanting to lie. But he couldn't.

"Klaus ... a guy named Klaus did this." He pulled his face away from her hand.

Caroline's face immediately fell at his words as she whispered his name, "Klaus?" Her hands fell into her lap, she suddenly felt like jello. Like she could just melt to the floor any second.

Her mind began racing trying to decipher what he had just said. Klaus had hurt Stefan. The guy who had, apparently, left her some meaningful and romantic drawing ... had hurt her closest friend.

Stefan tried reading her eyes and was surprised to see sadness creeping through her angry exterior. It confused him.

"We just got into a fight. It got a little heated. You should see the other guy!" Stefan tried to force a smile on Caroline's lips. He was unsuccessful, she was too deep in thought. "Caroline …" He pleaded desperately to get her to say something. She finally shook her head.

"You know what," She stood up. "It doesn't matter what happened between you or why he felt the need to bash your skull in. Ugh, the nerve of that guy." She was pacing now in front of him, her eyes narrowed. Stefan's face started to light up at the sight. She was adorable when she was mad.

"That guy's obviously a jerk and we will just need to stay away from him." She concluded. "But if he tries to talk to you or even me, I'm going to give him a piece of my mind." She pointed at Stefan when she said this, driving her point home.

He held his hands up in defense, "I won't stop you." Caroline giggled at this. It was good to see her smile again, he thought.

He left her then so she could finish getting ready. He waited for her in the foyer, standing in front of the mirror that hung in the hallway looking at his face. The bruise was turning a deep purple and the cut reached from the corner of his eye up to the top of his temple. He blanched at the sight of himself.

"I think it makes you look dangerous," Caroline spoke, staring at him from her doorway. She was wearing a pair of tight black jeans, a white cardigan over a tight black top that showed a little too much cleavage. On her feet were a pair of tall black stilettos and her hair was silky smooth and straight. Stefan's eyes widened seeing her like this. She looked so unlike herself. In fact, she reminded him of another blonde.

"What?" She asked, shifting her gaze to look away.

"Nothing," he mumbled. "You just look … different. Not yourself."

"Saw someone wearing something like this the other day ... thought I'd give it a shot." She grabbed her purse, swinging it over her shoulder before winking at him. He stood there in shock as she sauntered around him and headed for the door. He turned to watch her leave the house, a smile breaking on his lips. That girl,he thought to himself.

His thoughts were ripped away when he heard her scream.

He ran to the door and peered out at her. She was standing there, pointing at his bike.

"That's yours?" She turned to look at him. He awkwardly nodded, confused. Her gaze fell back on the bike and she gulped.

"Alrighty then," She said, grabbing the helmet resting on the back of it and pulling it over her hair, thanking the heavens she had decided to straighten it. Her hair never fared well after wearing hats or helmets. Stefan shut the door behind him and walked over to her, throwing his leg over the side and pulling his helmet over his head.

Caroline stood nervously, not joining him.

"Hop on," He patted the seat behind him. She shifted nervously, running her hand through her hair.

"I've .. never been on a bike before." She bit her lower lip. Stefan gave her a reassuring smile.

"It's completely safe. Just hold on to me and you'll be fine," He turned the key, roaring the engine to life. Caroline gulped hard as she threw her leg over the side and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tightly. Stefan smiled to himself as turned the bike around and pulled out of her driveway.

Caroline ripped the helmet off of her head as she stood next to him, the smile bright on her face. The adrenaline was pumping through her body.

"That was amazing!" She giggled, clapping her hands together.

"Told you," Stefan replied, turning the engine off. They were at the school and there were people everywhere. After deserting the bike, they strolled up towards the school.

Stefan noticed her worried look, "Hey, cheer up. I'll be here all day and we pretty much have the same schedule."

Caroline's face lit up, realizing she would be alone throughout the day. She had felt uneasy about returning to school, but thought it would be the best kind of distraction for her. She looked around and tried to remember as much as she could. She was a little shocked at the different couples she saw. I'm so out of place,she thought as she and Stefan pushed open the front doors. After they had retrieved her locker combination and class schedule from the front office, they made their way through the halls.

Caroline's eyes saw a poster for the upcoming decade dance and she immediately lit up inside. Oh please tell me I'm on the committee for that.

Stefan parted ways from her, promising to be right back. She nodded and continued walking, looking for her locker. After reaching and opening it , she pulled out some books, reading each title to herself. Calculus, Chemistry, AP English. Seriously?She looked down at her schedule and saw that the first class was History. Okay, she thought. That should be a breeze.

"Well, don't you look fetching this morning ..." A female voice spoke behind her. Caroline turned around, her mouth falling open at the girl in front of her.

It was the beautiful blonde from the Grill.

"Um … " Caroline stood there nervous, her hand clutching the door to her locker. She didn't know what to say.

"Oh, right. I forgot. You've lost it," Rebekah reached her hand out. "I'm Rebekah Mikaelson. Charmed, I'm sure."

Caroline looked down at her hand before nervously placing hers within her grasp.

"I'm Caroline."

Rebekah quickly spoke, "I know who you are." Caroline was slightly taken aback by her rudeness. "I just came to ask you a question about the dance next weekend."

Caroline's eyes lit up. Was she the chair of the committee?

"I was wanting to know if it was too late to change it to a different decade?" Rebekah asked, smoothly without hesitation.

"Um … well ... what decade were you thinking about?" Caroline asked, unsure what decade they had even decided on.

"I was thinking more of the 20's .. The 70's are too flashy," She smirked, "The 20's are sexier, more classic."

Caroline furrowed her brow. The 70's? Had that been her idea?

"Um .." She saw Stefan walking up to her now. "You know what, sure. I don't think that would be a problem."

Rebekah's mouth dropped, "You must be joking …"

"Not this time," She shut her locker and turned to walk away. Rebekah blinked a few times in shock. Maybe she would like this new Caroline …

"Caroline," Rebekah called out to her, stopping Caroline in her tracks.

"Yes?" Caroline gave a small smile. Being in this girl's presence sure made her nervous. She just couldn't quite place her finger on it.

"We could work through some details later today, if you wanted of course." Rebekah genuinely smiled. Caroline was about to answer when Stefan walked up next to them.

"Go away Rebekah," Stefan glared at the blonde in front of him. Caroline stood there quiet as Rebekah narrowed her eyes.

"Gosh, Stefan … I never tire of your brooding face. Except now. What happened to it?," She reached up to place her hand on the side of his face, he swatted her hand away.

Caroline gasped, stepping in front of him in surprise, "Stefan, don't be rude." She said, defending Rebekah. She turned to look the blonde in the eye, "Some people just don't know how to control their anger." She turned her gaze back to Stefan's who was standing there dumbfounded. She was sending her "judging you" look his way.

Rebekah was also standing there mouth agape. Had the little blonde actually stood up for her?

The bell rang, signaling the three minute warning until class would begin. Caroline reached out to grab Stefan's hand, in an attempt to lead him away. She would have a long talk with him later about this.

Rebekah suddenly stopped her, grabbing her arm and bringing her mouth down to her ear, whispering so Stefan couldn't hear, "I'll be waiting outside after school next to my red Mustang if you want to do some party planning later." After she spoke, Rebekah turned on her heels and slinked away into the crowd.

Stefan asked, "What did she say to you?" He was not liking where this was going.

"Nothing …" Caroline lied. "Of importance that is."

Stefan nodded hesitantly as they headed into the classroom together, beginning their day.

Every hour drug on, it seemed and Caroline couldn't concentrate on anything. Stefan had walked with her to and from each class and even joined her for lunch. She had waved for Bonnie and Elena to join them, but when they spotted Stefan, they had shaken their heads and mouthed, "Sorry." Caroline had nodded back in understanding. It would be too soon for her to spend time with Stefan. Plus, she was sure she would rip her a new one if she came close enough.

They were sitting in her final class, the clock slowly ticking away. Caroline was drumming her fingers on her desk, waiting in anticipation. She had decided after lunch to go ahead and take the blonde up on her offer. She really didn't know anything about the 20's and perhaps Rebekah could help her with the details. Plus, the girl just interested her in every way from her confidence to her sense of fashion.

The bell finally rang, causing Caroline to jump out of her seat and head out the door. She and Stefan didn't share last period and she wanted to sneak away from him so he couldn't stop her. She didn't have any serious homework due so she skipped her locker and headed straight for the front door.

"Caroline!" She heard her name being called behind her. Crap, she thought as she pushed the front doors open and headed out into the sunshine. She quickly scanned the parking lot before her eyes fell on the Red Mustang. She saw Rebekah walking towards it and picked up her pace.

"Rebekah!" Caroline called out, causing the other blonde to turn around. Rebekah had reached her car and was opening the door.

"Caroline, you decided to take me up on my offer," Rebekah said before hopping into her car. Caroline turned her head and saw Stefan standing at the entrance to the school. She couldn't see his face from the distance, but she could tell he wasn't happy.

"You bet!" Caroline said as opened the car door and stepped inside. Rebekah started the engine, causing some pop music to begin blaring from the speakers. Caroline smiled wide as Rebekah peeled out of the parking.

Stefan watched the drive away, a look of shock on his face.

Caroline was sitting nervously in the passenger seat of Rebekah's red Mustang as they pulled into the long driveway, leading to the large white mansion perched on the hill. She had never been here, but had heard stories. The stories did not do the place justice. She marveled at the cobble stone driveway, the large arches and balconies.

"Your home is beautiful," Caroline whispered. Rebekeh turned towards her smiling.

"Thanks."

Caroline returned the smile and reached to undo her seatbelt as Rebekah put the car in park. A whiff of cold air moved into the car as she opened the door and stepped out.

Rebekah's heels clanked on the cobblestone driveway as she threw her keys into her purse. Caroline quickly followed Rebekah into the house, letting out a small gasp at the sight before her. The inside was ten times more beautiful than the outside. There was a large foyer that contained a beautiful grand staircase and a sparkling chandelier. Beautiful tapestries lined the walls. Caroline was instantly reminded of the castle from Beauty and the Beast. The thought made her insides jump.

"NIK!" Rebekah called out, turning down a hall. Caroline didn't know where to go, so she stayed put, taking in everything. "NIK WHERE ARE YOU?!" Rebekah called out again, entering the foyer and rejoining Caroline.

"I'm up here, dear sister," a voice boomed from the top of the staircase. Caroline's eyes shot up to look in the direction of the voice. Her breath caught in her throat as a set of penetrating eyes ensnared hers.

Klaus was standing at the top of the stairs, a rag clenched in his fist. He had been wiping paint from his hands when he saw her standing there, in his house. ... looking directly at him. He now stood frozen, his breath stuck in his throat. She looked absolutely beautiful, the sight of her straight hair and pale bosom causing his chest to clench. He bit his lower lip. Had he known she was coming, he would have tried to look nicer. There was paint on his neck and arms and he was embarrassed for her to see him like this.

"Nik!" Rebekah snapped, her arms crossing her chest. Klaus was snapped out of his stupor, putting on a false face, returning to wiping his hands. He began to walk down the stairs towards them.

"Bekah, I swear, one of these you will bite your own tongue clean off from your incessant talking." His eyes never left Caroline's. Her stare was intense, just like at the Grill.

"You're ridiculous," Rebekah retorted, looking at Caroline and noticing the same look on her friend's face. Rebekah rolled her eyes. This is pathetic, she sighed to herself.

Klaus was now at the bottom of the stairs, facing both of them. He placed the rag in his back pocket and waved a finger, deep in thought.

"And you must be …" He asked coyly, his accent as thick as ever. His eyes flew to Caroline's throat as she gave a large gulp and whispered her name.

"Caroline."

Klaus took a step towards her and slowly reached down, grabbing her hand to bring it inches away from his lips. His warm breath on her knuckles made her knees wobbly. Whoa, she thought, her heart pumping rapidly in her chest. The blush on her face reddened.

He looked her dead in the eyes, his eyes penetrating her very being, "What a lovely name, Caroline. It is my utmost pleasure to meet you." He brought his lips down onto her hand leaving a chaste kiss. Caroline let out the breath she had been holding.

"Thank you," was all she could muster to say. His gaze was giving her so many butterflies.

"Gag already," Rebekah said, breaking the moment. Klaus held on for a few seconds more before gently releasing her hand. The smirk on his face grew larger than before as the hand he had kissed shot right into her other hand, as if she was trying to nurse a wound. The look on her face making him chuckle inside. He was affecting her, in a good way he could tell.

Rebekah grabbed Caroline's hand, dragging her up the stairs, "Don't bother us, brother. We have much to plan and discuss." Their heels clanked up the stairs, echoing into the foyer.

Klaus turned to watch them walk away. Caroline's eyes had turned to meet his again and for a brief moment, he saw a small smile grace her radiant face before disappearing into the hallway on the second floor.

He was elated in ways he could not describe.

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Finally .. THEY MEET.

I hope the wait was worth it and I hope some of you stuck around to finally see it.

There will be a lot more in the upcoming chapters as well as some drama.

Things are gonna get intense!