Thanks you guys, there's been some doom and gloom of late so I'm hoping the wedding festivities coming up in the next few chapters might make things a little lighter!
Chapter 21: Never the Bride
"Did we always eat this much chocolate?" Caroline asked feeling sick to her stomach from everything she'd eaten.
"Are you kidding we'd eat that plus more, not to mention chips and soda." Elena said tucking into some chocolate.
They were having a girls night in honour of Caroline's visit and before the wedding well and truly took over. They were sprawled out on the floor like old times at Bonnie's house.
"It honestly feels like nothing has changed you guys." Bonnie said tugging on a piece of raspberry liquorice. "I wish we could do this all the time."
"Wouldn't that be nice forget our jobs and kids and just veg out in front of the television and load up on sugar." Elena said dreamily.
"Well now back to reality." Katherine said rolling her eyes. "How was Amelie when you left the hospital Care?"
"Yeah she's a lot better but so restless. I have so much trouble keeping her still usually I can only imagine those poor nurses having to deal with such a fidgety child."
"When does she get to come home?" Bonnie asked.
"They'd prefer to keep her there until Sunday morning, which is not too bad timing wise with the wedding on Saturday. That way I have Amber to help out in case Rebekah has a bridal emergency, which knowing her she will."
"I was thinking I might go and visit her tomorrow morning before the rehearsal dinner tomorrow night." Elena said.
"Yeah that would be okay; it's just that Klaus is coming in then too." The girls all stopped looking at her in surprise.
"So we've been here for an hour and you only just felt the need to mention Klaus is visiting his daughter tomorrow?" Katherine asked.
"Well it's not that big of a deal." She mumbled knowing it was completely a big deal.
"Yeah we'll just forget you said that, how did this all come about? Last time I saw him he couldn't leave the hospital fast enough." Bonnie said
"Well I don't know. Klaus came and saw me as I was leaving tonight and asked if he could meet her, he says he wants to get to know his daughter." Caroline smiled at the thought.
"Well that's good to hear." Bonnie said a sly smile on her face.
"Yeah well it's progress at least, I'm just so nervous about it."
"Look you guys need to start somewhere. Are you going to tell Amelie Klaus is her father tomorrow?" Elena asked.
"No, not just yet. With everything she's been through in the accident it would be too much to handle right now. I told Klaus we'd start slowly and introduce him as a friend and then go from there when she's better."
"So is he being nicer to you now?" Elena asked.
"I wouldn't go as far as nice but I think civil would be the best way to describe it at the moment. Honestly as long as he isn't yelling at me I'm fine." She said the stress obviously getting to her.
"Elijah said it's probably the maddest he's ever seen Klaus." Katherine said. "I just hope he calms down eventually, it can't be healthy carrying around that much anger."
"Look I understand he's angry, he has every right to be I just hope he can heal eventually." Caroline said concerned. "So what's up with you and Elijah, are you having more secret meetings?" She asked arching her eyebrows.
"No." Katherine said her face going red. "I told you all before, we are just friends."
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks!" Bonnie laughed. "Seriously if you didn't like him you wouldn't be getting so worked up about it." Katherine rolled her eyes at her friend.
"Come on Katherine what's wrong with Elijah anyway? I think he's very handsome, especially in all those stylish suits." Caroline said.
"We're just really different I guess." She mumbled. "He has a tendency to be so serious and you know me I can't be serious for more than five minutes. It would never work."
"How do you know unless you try?" Elena asked. "Do you think he likes you?"
"I don't know that's the problem. We got off on a bad foot at the beginning and sometimes I don't know if he really likes me or he just feels sorry for me."
"Katherine now why would he feel sorry for you?" Bonnie asked incredulously.
"I don't know it's just a feeling I get and you know how much I hate pity."
"Well I think it's time we found out for sure don't you?"Caroline said ominously, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"Wait, what do you mean by that, why am I suddenly getting a really bad feeling?" She rambled.
"Look we'll just suss him out at the rehearsal dinner, there's nothing wrong with that."
"Oh yeah knowing you guys you'll be as subtle as sledgehammers. Just leave it be okay, please?" She pleaded, the other girls nodded but Katherine had a feeling she hadn't heard the last of this by a long shot.
"So how is everything going for the rehearsal dinner anyway, all organised?" Elena asked helping herself to more chocolate.
"Yeah it's pretty much under control, the Lakehouse are doing most of it which takes a little pressure of me. It should be beautiful by the lake and under the stars." She mused. "I don't have anything to wear though and I'm not sure when I'll get time to shop."
"Well you can always borrow something of mine Caroline." Katherine said. "I plan on wearing my hottest dress considering I have to put up with that sorry excuse for a gown on the day." The other girls just rolled their eyes.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Caroline walked into the hospital entrance her stomach full of butterflies. She was surprised to see Klaus already seated in the waiting room.
"Hi." She said walking over towards him. He broke out of his trance to look up into her eyes, she shivered involuntarily, he always had that affect on her. Caroline noticed a wrapped package in his hands.
"I brought her something, I hope you don't mind." He said quietly.
"No not at all, I'm sure it will make her day. Truthfully she's been rather restless, I think she's driving the nurses mad trying to jump off the bed and visit other people." She laughed.
"So what you're telling me is that she's quite a handful." He said cocking his eyebrow.
"Oh I think that's an understatement." She laughed trying to pretend she was calm but her stomach was telling a whole different story. She noticed how nervous Klaus looked as well; her heart went out to him.
"Here goes nothing." She said opening the hospital room door.
"Mum!" Amelie cried. She was sprawled out on the bed watching cartoons on the television mounted on the wall.
"Hey gorgeous girl, how are you feeling today?" She asked giving her daughter a big kiss and rubbing her stomach.
"I'm okay mum but it's pretty boring in here, no one wants to play superheroes with me." She replied a frown crossing her face.
"Oh well maybe if you're lucky we can play a bit later. Amelie sweetie this is my friend Klaus, he's come to visit you today." She said pointing towards him, Klaus stepped forward awkwardly, not quite sure what to do.
"Hi Klaus." She said in a sign song voice.
"Hi Amelie, I hear you had a bit of an accident, I hope you're feeling better now."
"I fell off the swing because I was going to high." She said. "You know you speak really funny." She giggled. Klaus couldn't help the smile that broke out on his face.
"That's because I was born in another country, have you ever heard of England before?" He asked.
"Is that where Father Christmas lives?" She asked squinting her eyes at him.
"No I think Father Christmas lives in the North Pole, England is where the Queen lives." He said explaining it to her.
"Wow, does she have a big castle?" She asked her eyes wide.
"She does, actually she has a few castles, and all the princes and princesses live in them."
"Can we go to England mum and see the Queen?" Amelie said excitedly.
"Well maybe when you're a bit older we'll think about it." She said laughing at her daughter's enthusiasm.
"Do you like to play superheroes?" Amelie asked sitting up, her blonde hair sticking up in all directions.
"Well actually yes I do." He said. "I used to play all the time when I was little. I'd dress up in my red cape and run around the house then jump off the roof." Caroline gave him a stern look not quite believing what was coming out of her mouth. "Well no I wouldn't jump off the roof because that's far too dangerous." He stumbled trying to cover his mistake.
"Do you still have your cape?" She asked.
"Well I think I might somewhere, do you have your own cape?" He asked sitting down next to the bed.
"I have a couple; mum makes all my outfits for me." She said proudly looking at Caroline. "But I don't have a red one that would be really cool."
"Well maybe your mum can make you a red one this time." He said raising his eyebrows in Caroline's direction; she just rolled her eyes at him.
'Can you mum, please?" She asked.
"Sure sweetie, when we get back home I'll make you one."
"I have something here for you Amelie; it might help when you want to play superheroes." He said passing the present to his daughter. Her eyes were as wide as saucers.
"Now what do you say Amelie?" Caroline said looking at her daughter.
"Thank you Klaus." She said excitedly. Within seconds the wrapping paper was ripped to shreds, revealing a stuffed Spiderman toy. "Wow thanks! He's my absolute favourite superhero." She cried happily hugging it tightly. Caroline would never forget the look of pure joy etched on his face.
"Now we can really play superheroes." She said happily. "I want to play with Klaus mum." She said looking over at Caroline.
"Well why don't you ask him yourself?"
"Will you play superheroes with me Klaus, pretty please?" She pleaded, his face softening at the beautiful little girl in front of him.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather do." He said warmly, Amelie bouncing up and down with excitement.
"Well I think you've just made someone's day." She laughed. "Now before you two rip this place to shreds I think it might be best if we go outside, can't have you superheroes confined to such a small space."
Amelie got down from the bed and took hold of Klaus's hand. The shock on his face was evident although immediately replaced by the biggest grin she'd ever seen. Caroline felt a rush of warmth at the sight in front of her.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Caroline looked through the rack of dresses in a rainbow of colours. She was quietly humming to herself, unable to keep the grin off her face. Seeing Amelie and Klaus bond was the most heart warming thing she'd ever seen. Caroline knew they had a long way to go but if it was anything like today then it was looking promising. Klaus was a natural with Amelie, something Caroline hadn't been so sure about. Amelie seemed to be taken with him too which was encouraging.
'Someone's chirpy today, and here I was thinking I was the one getting married." Caroline looked through the rack eyeing Rebekah on the other side.
"Rebekah, how are you?" She asked. "Shouldn't you be at your beauty appointment about now?"
"No that was an hour ago, keep up. I thought as my wedding planned that's something you should know." She whined. "Why do my nails look bad?" She asked suddenly feeling self conscious.
"They look great Rebekah, don't worry." She said trying to ease her nerves. "So are you all ready for the rehearsal dinner tonight?"
'Well I don't know are well all ready?" She asked beginning to panic.
'Yes it's all fine, I'm heading off to the Lakehouse to check on the last minute details but they've done an outstanding job, I'm sure you'll be really happy."
"Okay good, so what are you doing here then?" She asked.
"Just looking for an outfit for tonight." She said realising Bridezilla wouldn't be happy to hear something wasn't all about her. "I mean I'm looking at dresses for you for..."
'Oh Caroline you're the worst liar." She snapped. "It's okay I can't have my wedding planner looking terrible now can I?" Caroline was certainly surprised by that reaction. "How about the blue, it will bring out your eyes." She said shoving the dress in Caroline's direction.
"Thanks Rebekah, that's, um, really nice of you." She said smiling at her unusual generosity.
"Well go on try it on." She said shooing her into the change room. Caroline changed into the dress confused as to what the hell was going on. "Hurry up." She barked from the other side of the door. Caroline turned to look in the mirror inside the change room, it was definitely stunning, and Rebekah certainly had style. The door flew open; obviously someone didn't know how to be patient.
"Wow Caroline you actually look quite nice." She said looking her over. "I'm sure I'd look better but I really have a knack for choosing clothes don't I?" Caroline had to physically stop herself from rolling her eyes.
"Yeah it's beautiful." Caroline said twirling in front of the mirror. The electric blue gown was strapless; it gathered at the waist and fell to the floor. Rebekah was right it did bring out her eyes, they were practically luminous.
"So how is Nik going?" Rebekah asked looking critically at her nails. "I haven't had a chance to speak to him with everything that's been going on with the wedding preparations."
"He's still hurting but that's understandable, although I think he had a small breakthrough this morning." She said thinking back to their meeting at the hospital.
"Why what happened this morning?" She asked her interest peaked.
"Well he met Amelie for the first time today and they got along really well." She smiled. "I think she might be the key to his happiness."
"And here I was thinking he was horrible with children, not one paternal bone in his body." She said raising her eyebrows.
"I have to admit I wasn't sure how he'd go but he really surprised me. Maybe it's because he's so childish himself he can relate." She joked.
"Now that sounds more like it!" She laughed. "I really want to see him in action now."
"Well I think there's a long way to go yet, but it's looking promising." She smiled.
"You know Caroline I'd really like to meet my niece; I mean I've heard so much about her." She said quietly. Caroline looked at Rebekah suddenly feeling bad for not introducing the two.
"Of course Rebekah, I'm sure she'd love to meet her Auntie and Uncle Stefan. It's just been difficult with her being in hospital, but she gets out Sunday so maybe then?"
"You should bring her to the picnic the day after the wedding, I'm sure she'd enjoy it not to mention Niklaus." She smiled warmly at Caroline.
"Yeah that's a good idea." She said nodding.
"Now enough wasting time with this chit chat, don't you think you should be getting to the Lakehouse?" She asked her mood changing just like that. Caroline went back into the change room letting out a loud sigh, just when she thought she had Rebekah figured!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Lakehouse looked stunning at night; the rehearsal dinner was being held outside on the terrace overlooking the lake. Tea light candles were lined up around the edge emitting a warm golden hue. A couple of tall candelabras stood in the centre of the antique wooden table providing additional light and were surrounded by bouquets of white lilies housed in crystal vases.
Caroline looked around making sure everything was perfect before the guests arrived. She took a quick look at her reflection, the blue dress was beautiful, and she'd pulled her blonde hair back into a low bun, simple diamond studs in her ears. She was never usually this nervous about her appearance but Caroline knew it was all due to him, Klaus was the only person who had ever had that affect on her.
"Caroline you look lovely tonight." She looked up seeing Elijah walk through the door. "This whole place looks amazing." He said warmly placing a kiss on her cheek. The last few days had brought the two of them much closer together and Caroline was so appreciative to have him in her life.
"Thanks Elijah." She smiled. "You have been so great with Amelie throughout everything, I can't thank you enough."
"She's a gorgeous little girl, you must be so proud."
"Just a little." She laughed. "She's actually been asking when you're going to teach her more card tricks."
"Well I'm more than happy to do that. I think I could get used to being an Uncle." He laughed. "How did Niklaus go today?"
"Klaus was so good with her Elijah; it was like they'd known each other for ages." She smiled.
"I must say I'm surprised, although pleasantly of course."
"You sound just like your sister! I was a little worried myself, I won't lie, but it turned out better than expected."
"That's great Caroline, I'm glad things are finally going right for a change, you both deserve it." He said warmly.
"Caroline you have outdone yourself." Katherine called from the doorway. She was definitely in her hottest gown Caroline thought. Floor length, strapless and in her signature red she had dressed to impress.
"Thanks Katherine, Elijah was just saying the same thing." She said looking in his direction but he was far too busy to listen. He was staring at her, his mouth agape; Katherine's dress was obviously having the desired effect. "Well I don't think there's any doubt." She said under her breath just as Elijah broke out of his trance.
"Sorry Caroline?" He stuttered.
"I was just asking if you could show Katherine to her seat." He nodded walking off towards her; Caroline covered her mouth trying not to laugh. By this time everyone was arriving thick and fast, and Caroline was running around making sure they knew where they were sitting.
Caroline heard his voice before she saw him, shivers running up her spine. Klaus looked more handsome than ever in his suit, his pale blue shirt bringing out his eyes. He'd let his beard grow slightly in the last few days and had the sexiest stubble. She shook her head trying to remove the untoward thoughts, when she looked up Caroline noticed he was staring deeply at her, totally throwing Caroline off balance. He looked away quickly.
Rebekah and Stefan entered and after some initial mingling took their seats at the head of the table. Caroline motioned to the waiters making sure everyone had a drink for the upcoming toast and took her seat next to Katherine.
"Well I think that question mark you had about Elijah has been well and truly answered." She whispered in her friend's ear.
"Why, what did you say?" She asked nervously.
"Nothing I didn't have to, he can't keep his eyes off you." She said discreetly pointing in his direction, he blushed slightly realising he had been caught staring.
"Well I told you red was my colour." She said and they both laughed.
"What's up with Kol and Klaus's faux girlfriend?" Bonnie said quietly nudging Caroline from the other side. She looked over noticing Tatia and Kol who were looking very cosy. Well wonders would never cease she thought.
"I honestly can't keep up." She said raising her eyebrows.
"What's up with Klaus?" Elena asked leaning around the back of Katherine's chair.
"What do you mean?" She whispered trying to be discreet.
"He can't stop looking at you Caroline." Elena said.
"I don't know Elena last time I checked he hated me."
"Well that's certainly not hatred in his eyes; he's so checking you out." Bonnie whispered close to her ear.
"Yeah she's right Caroline; I think the poor boy needs a cold shower!" Katherine cried.
"Maybe you could say it a bit louder next time, I don't think the whole table heard you Katherine!" Caroline said hitting her on the arm playfully; unable to control themselves they all descended into giggles. Hearing the commotion Rebekah looked over at the girls sending death stares in their direction.
"Oh we're so in trouble." Elena said sinking down into her chair like a naughty child that had been scolded. They looked at each other grins on their faces trying desperately not to laugh aloud.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Speech, speech!" The table yelled tapping their glasses with cutlery. Dinner had finished and everything was going well which pleased Caroline. It was that time of the night and after a fair few drinks things were becoming more relaxed and jovial. Elena had already spoken on behalf of the bridesmaids and Damon as the best man. Caroline couldn't believe it when Klaus stood up from his chair, sending a mischievous smile in the bride and groom's direction. This would be interesting she thought.
"I must say I was surprised to be asked to give a speech this evening, I'm sure most of you wouldn't consider me to be a romantic and I would certainly agree but I'm more than willing to try for my little sister and her future husband." He paused looking around the table, his gaze lingering that little longer on Caroline.
"Rebekah and I have what you would call a love/hate relationship. We certainly fight, there have been some epic battles over the years because we're both equally as stubborn and equally unwilling to give in. Although I'm loathed to admit it she has definitely been my biggest and best adversary and no doubt will be for the rest of our lives." There were a few chuckles around the table, a look of vindication crossing Rebekah's face.
"Although with the fighting there comes the love and one of the many things I love about my sister is her big heart and even though it's sometimes quite well hidden beneath her bluster at the end of the day she only wants what is best for everyone." He paused taking a sip of his drink.
"I am so proud of what you've become Rebekah and I couldn't be happier to witness your marriage to Stefan, someone I consider to be not only my favourite drinking partner but my very best friend. I think people only get one real chance at love and when you find your one true love, like these two have, you have to hold onto them and never let go no matter what." He said looking briefly at Caroline the tears glistening in his eyes, she felt like the wind had been knocked out of her.
"Now raise your glasses and join with me in toasting the bride and groom!" He yelled as everyone echoed his sentiments. The table broke into cheers and whistles. Still floored by his comments Caroline slowly looked over in his direction. Klaus held her stare briefly his blue eyes on hers before looking away as a slight blush spread across his face.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"That was great Caroline, really beautiful." Lexi said giving her a kiss on the cheek. Caroline had been lucky enough to meet Matt's girlfriend a few days earlier at the cocktail party and she couldn't say enough nice things about her. They made such a great couple.
"Yeah you definitely outdid yourself Care." Matt said pulling her into a big bear hug.
"Thanks guys, I can't believe it won't be long until little junior will be here, I'll have to come back for a special visit." She smiled thinking about how different things were now and how much happier she was.
"Nice work Blondie." Damon said taking his turn to hug Caroline. "I can't wait to see what you've done with the wedding." He smiled.
"Well not too long to wait now." She said. "Now remember what I told you before as the best man you have one of the biggest roles on the day so no stuffing up my wedding." She laughed poking him in the chest.
"So now it's your wedding?" He laughed.
"Yes all of the weddings I do are like my little babies, now don't forget!" She said pointing her finger at him, Matt laughed.
"Don't think you're off the hook Mr MC, I'll be watching you like a hawk." She said staring him down.
"All this time we thought Rebekah was the scary one, now we know never get in between Caroline and her perfect wedding." Elena laughed hugging her friend tightly.
"So I'll see you girls bright and early." Caroline said looking at the twins.
"How early are we talking?" Katherine said eyeing her.
"7:00 am Katherine; you better go and get your beauty sleep now because you're going to need it." She smiled tousling the brunette's hair playfully.
"This wedding will be the death of me." She scowled.
"I'm glad my wedding fills you with such joy Katherine." Rebekah said walking toward the group. "Now I've got my things in the car so we can go straight to Bonnie's." Rebekah was spending the night before the wedding with Bonnie and Caroline.
"I can't believe it's almost here, thanks you guys for everything." Caroline said seeing them off at the door. "I'll see you back home soon, I just have to take care of a few things." She told Bonnie.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Caroline didn't know how long she had been standing on the deck looking out towards the lake. The dinner had well and truly been cleared away but she couldn't bring herself to leave just yet it was so beautiful and still this time of night.
Truth be told Caroline was still reeling from his speech, the meaning of his words not lost on her. It was almost as if Klaus was sending her a sign that things weren't as dire as she thought and maybe they could get back to what they had. Although his words and actions leading up to that had screamed the complete opposite.
Caroline knew she shouldn't get her hopes up after everything that had happened but she couldn't help the feelings that stirred inside of her when he was around and she knew for a fact that somewhere deep down he felt exactly the same.
She shook her head trying to get rid of the clutter in her brain, right now none of that was important, it was all about Amelie. Caroline hoped after what had transpired earlier in the day things were finally progressing. The breeze was coming in and she felt a few goose bumps forming on her arms. She shivered involuntarily.
"You'll catch a cold if you're not careful." He said placing his suit jacket over her shoulders. Caroline could feel her stomach fluttering at the sound of his voice.
"Now why does this suddenly feel like déjà vu?" She asked looking at him.
"It's this damn place; you just can't escape all the memories." He said shaking his head.
"That was a beautiful speech you did tonight." She said quietly looking out over the lake; Klaus looked at her his face softening slightly at her comment. "I never knew you had it in you."
"Oh thanks, you think I'm just a cold hearted bastard don't you?" He smiled and she nodded jokingly. "You don't know how many people came up and told me how pleasantly surprised they were by my speech, I'm starting to get a complex!"
"It's good to see you getting into the wedding spirit." She smiled.
"I know because I've been like a bear with a sore head." He growled and she remained silent. "No need to jump in and defend me Caroline! Anyway Kol has already told me that on a few occasions."
"I noticed Kol and Tatia looking very cosy tonight." She said.
"Yes another one of Mystic Falls weird and unexplained happenings. Apparently they are an item, a very nauseating item that I have to live with at the moment." He said rolling his eyes.
"Well it won't be much longer and you'll get to go back to New York." She said sadly thinking about going to back to real life after the wedding.
"Yeah I can't wait I do love it there, plus I'm sure there will be a stack of work waiting for me."
"Yeah I know what you mean, this wedding has taken over and there's so much other work I've neglected."
"Sounds like Rebekah to just take over everything." He said. "So you and Amelie will be heading back to Boston then after the wedding?"
"Yeah well it is our home, she has school and I have work." She said awkwardly. "Do you think you might consider visiting soon?"
"Well she is my daughter so of course I'll be visiting." He said brusquely. "I'm not going to miss out on any more time with her."
"I realise she's your daughter Klaus I just wasn't sure what you wanted to do, of course you are more than welcome to visit her as much as you like." She said trying to appease the situation and stop another argument from erupting. Caroline was so tired of fighting.
"Well that's definitely something we'll need to discuss especially longer term because living in separate cities is going to become increasingly difficult." His tone was so businesslike, Caroline felt like she'd been slapped in the face. Just like that their detente had ended and Klaus was back in full on war mode.
"Fine we'll discuss it later but for right now I have to get to bed. I have a big day to organise tomorrow." She said removing his jacket and walking away sadly. Her earlier optimism was fading fast.