Chapter 21

It's been two months since the incident in New Orleans and things between Nik and I have gotten even better. While everyone thinks I spent the summer in Europe with Bonnie, in reality is was Bonnie, Kol, Nik and I. We traveled around and saw all the great sights in London, France, Portugal and Spain. It was hard to come back home but I missed my mom, and I missed my friends. I figure it is a about time to tell them the plan for the fall.

I looked around the Grill searching for any familiar faces around the room. My eyes settled on Elena and Damon playing pool in the back corner. Damon's arms wrapped around Elena's waist helping her to line up the shot while kissing the side of her neck as she laughed. While I still think that Stefan is the better of the two brothers it is nice to see Elena so happy, and as long as he does not hurt her I guess I will have to get used to the two of them.

I approach the bar and Matt is waiting for me with a smile, vodka slime and an order of onion rings. While I may not need food to survive anymore I sure am planning to hold onto my human tendencies as long as possible. I smile as I think of someone else who likes those human traits I have fought to hold on. I know that my friends can never know of my current relationship, they would never forgive me for sleeping with the enemy; it is easier to hide now that he has left Mystic Falls but I would not trade what we have for anything. Who would have thought that the Original Hybrid would be the one to make my undead heart come back to life?

I wave Elena over to join me at the bar, I might as well tell her and Matt at the same time.

"Hey guys" Elena greets us pulling Damon behind her.

"Hey Elena" I say pulling her in for a hug. "I have some news to share with you. I did a lot of thinking while I was in Europe and have decided that I am not going to come to Whitmore with you and Bonnie. I had applied to lots of other schools as you know, and have decided to go to Tulane in New Orleans. They have an amazing theatre program and I need to be away from Mystic Falls for a while. I will come back and visit lots; I just need some time away from all the crazy that has happened over the past few years."

"I will miss you Care, but if that's what you think is best than I will support you. Who knows maybe you will find a cute guy in New Orleans that will make all these Tyler dramas go away." Elena tells me

"Thanks guys, but I should go; I need to go break it to my mom." I finish putting some bills on the counter to cover my meal.

CKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKC

I finish packing the last of my bags as I hear mom's car pull up into the driveway. I head downstairs to meet her.

"Hi Mom" I greet her with a smile and a hug.

"Hi Care, what's up? Not that I do not appreciate the greeting but it makes me suspicious."

"I have come to a decision about school." I tell her. "I am going to accept the scholarship to Tulane in New Orleans. I think being away from all this will be good for me. But don't worry I am only a phone call away and I will come home lots to visit, and..."

"Caroline" She interrupts me "you are rambling sweetie. I am happy for you. I want you to go explore and find yourself. As a bonus I have always wanted to see New Orleans, so this gives me a reason to come."

"Thanks mom"

"When are you leaving?" she asks

"My bags are packed I am going to head down tonight to get settled" I tell her pulling her in for a hug.

"Ok, drive safe and call me when you get there."

"Always"

CKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKKCCKCKCKCKCK

It is almost 3am when I pull up in front of Nik's house in New Orleans. He has no idea I was coming, or that I had decided to go to school here. This is going to be interesting, I think to myself before ringing the bell.

The door opens a few moments later to a reveal a confused Nik. "Caroline? What are you doing here at 3am?"

"Hi, I thought now would be a good time to move in."

"What?"

"Well if you would rather they have a dorm room for me at Tulane, I could head over there and unpack..."

He grabs me and pulls me into the house and pushes my back against the door kissing me.

"Does that mean what I think it means?"

"It means that I am moving to New Orleans to go to School at Tulane and hopefully living with my amazing boyfriend not having to hide from anyone."

"I love you Caroline"

"I love you too Nik, now help me with my bags. I am ready to start forever with you."

-END-