Thank you all once again for all your support, ideas and just plain reading my story.
Ok so don't hate on this chapter, it's now time to start the end of Beautiful Runner, I've come to the decision that i'm ready to close this story and work on my new TVD fic Without You I will have an Epilogue following this chapter.
Saturday came around quicker than expected, Caroline had been busy introducing Rebekah to Bonnie and Elena then going on shopping sprees together to make time for Klaus. They'd all got on brilliant after some adjusting on Rebekah's part when it came to the fact Stefan was now dating Bonnie and Elena was one of Klaus's much treasured Doppelgangers. Once she got talking to the pair she soon realized they could make great friends.
Caroline was sat between Rebekah and Bonnie as they all sat getting their hairs and nails done in the Salvatore boarding house much to Damon's annoyance "Really Blondie? I don't need the smell of fancy perfume and hair care products stinking out the house"
Caroline giggled at him whilst the hair dresser plaited one side of her hair pulling it towards the other side of her head to form a tight bun with pieces of hair sticking out as a few loose strands fell at the sides of her face, Rebekah had decided to have her hair straightened with her fringe pinned back whilst Elena decided on having her hair curled laying over her shoulder loosely. Bonnie had opted for curls with a newly cut fringe.
The girls all opted for pretty gowns Rebekah wearing a cheery yellow bedazzled gown to compliment her platinum locks, Elena had opted for a patterned Sweetheart gown Caroline had suggested whilst Bonnie wore a navy silk organza gown that hugged her figure in all the right places.
Caroline however had been hand delivered her dress, It was an ivory fishtail evening dress. She knew the dress, It was the dress she wore for one of her many parties whilst in New Orleans, Klaus had Tyler deliver it along with a single Hybrid tea rose.
Once the girls were ready they grabbed the things they'd needed for the evening when both Damon and Stefan walked into the room wearing flashy tuxedo's. Caroline smiled as she watched them both take their respective partner's hands leading them towards their awaiting limo. Rebekah and Caroline walked out together linking arms smiling.
The limo came to a halt outside the main entrance to the Mikaelson mansion causing Caroline's eyes to widen it was beautiful, Klaus had set the scene perfectly, the fountain that sat in the middle of the parking lot held a selection of red roses and tea lights settled on top of the water giving it a soft glow; The main doorway and lower windows had fairy lights lighting up the walls of the mansion.
Walking into the mansion Caroline's eyes caught Elijah and Katherine standing with glasses of champagne engaged in a conversation, It confused her as to why Klaus would even allow Katherine to attend. Her eyes shifted from Elijah to find Kol and Rose talking to Tyler Lockwood's mother and her sheriff friend laughing at something Kol had said, her eyes darted around nervously looking for Klaus but she couldn't find him. Her mind went back to 1929 when she ran away from Klaus.
Flash back
Caroline and Klaus had arrived at the party being held in New York for One of Klaus's newly found friends and his wife. Caroline wore a red flapper dress with her hair pinned back to look shorter than it actually was. Once they'd reached the house Caroline plastered on a fake smile as Klaus escorted her inside the large home of his new friend. Caroline and Klaus danced through a few songs when realization hit her.
This would be the last time she'd see his face, touch him or kiss him. She wanted nothing than to cherish the moment they'd locked themselves in that very moment. His eyes were locked on hers as she smiled at him the same love and adoration she'd always shown in their earlier days when things were less complicated.
Klaus's head rose spotting his friend and his wife, He bent down gave her a quick peck on the cheek "I'll be back shortly love" he spoke softly as he rushed off leaving her alone around people she didn't know.
Her eyes caught him escaping up the stairs his hand on the small of the woman's back as she led him away from prying eyes, Caroline felt the anger rumble deep inside her but rose above it and ran outside the house quickly. She found their car climbing into the back signalling their chauffeur to drive her home.
Running into the house Caroline ran into their room shoving clothes and personal items into her suitcase not bothering to fold it neatly. A knock on the door sounded causing her to jump, she ran down the stairs looking through the front room windows noticing Elijah and rose stood on her porch. Caroline rushed to the door ushering them in quickly "Hello Caroline. Are you ready? Katerina is waiting for your arrival" Caroline nodded quickly running up the stairs to change out of her dress and put on something less conspicuous.
She closed her case taking one more look around the bedroom she shared with the man she'd once loved whole heartedly and let the tears fall down her cheeks softly. She rushed down the stairs dropping her case on the floor and wrapping her arms around Elijah, burying herself in his chest for a moment "Goodbye Caroline, I hope to see you in the future" Caroline pulled away nodding as Rose grabbed her suitcase and left the pair alone.
Elijah dug into his pocket pulling out a roll of money "This should help you of for the first year at least. Just be careful Caroline. He will try to find you" Caroline nodded as her eyes caught the crinkled piece of paper sat on the small table in her living room.
She rushed towards it in fear it might disappear along with her life as Caroline Mikaelson. She picked up the paper to find a sketch of her stood beside a horse patting it's head. Caroline rolled up the piece of paper and shoved it into her pocket. "Good luck Caroline" She nodded as she walked to the door, turning around once she was half way through "Look after him please Elijah. He needs you" Elijah nodded in agreement closing the door behind her.
Caroline climbed onto the boat along side Rose letting the tears fall as she watched the city lights fade into black. Rose wrapped a supportive arm around her friend trying to comfort her "It'll get better" she said trying to ease her pain but Caroline just nodded not wanting to say a word in case she changed her mind and suddenly begged to go home.
Day's passed when Caroline finally came into contact with Katerina Petrova as Elijah and Klaus liked to call her. "I'm Katherine Piece" she spoke disinterestedly as Rose explained who Caroline was her eyes brightened "Oh now she's my kind of Companion" Katherine grinned calling to somebody to collect Caroline's suitcase. Rose pulled Caroline into a warm hug holding her tightly "Look to the future" she whispered in hopes that Caroline would think about her future rather than her past.
The months went by when Rose had contacted Caroline to inform her that Elijah had been in contact regarding Klaus. Once the initial shock of her leaving and him being wrapped up in bed with a bottle of bourbon every night, he'd turned himself into wanting to find her then beg her to come home. Caroline was suddenly grateful she'd found Kat because she'd missed the female interaction with somebody other than Klaus to talk too.
End flash back
Caroline suddenly caught sight of him standing on the stairs smiling at his guest with a glass filled with champagne in his hand, Caroline noticed Elijah, Kol and Rebekah ascend the stairs to stand at their brothers side. Elijah taped his glass with a knife to order silence among the guest as Klaus stepped closer to the stairs railing, his eyes catching her's like she was the only person in the room.
"I asked you all to join me tonight in hopes that we'll be celebrating an extraordinary event. I'd like you all to give a warm welcome to the guest of honour Caroline Salvatore." Her eyes widened in surprise at his use of Salvatore knowing that he'd always call her Caroline Mikaelson. He continued with his speech his eyes still fixed on her.
"I'd tell you how I met the beautiful Caroline but the story would last so long because I could get lost in the slightest little detail when it comes to her. Caroline has always been The One for me, She's beautiful and full of light. She selfless and I love her with my whole heart. When I'm with her I want to be a better person" Klaus exhaled loudly as his nerves began to eat at him.
Caroline suddenly felt Stefan link arms with her, guiding her towards the stairs. Caroline stood at the bottom nervously watching Klaus as he walked towards her. "What are you doing?" she whispered slightly embarrassed, her eyes trying to avoid the people around her. Klaus bent down onto one knees earning a round of 'Oh My Gosh, Awe they're so sweet together.
"What I'm trying to say is Caroline Elizabeth Salvatore, will you do the honour of becoming my wife?" He pulled out a large engagement ring that shone as bright as the North Star. She heard the gasps and the whispers around her, She looked at him astounded, her eyes fell on his hopeful and love filled eyes as she took a deep breath nodding silently as a tremulous smile appeared on her face "What was that?" he asked chuckling, Caroline wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks "Yes. I'll marry you, I'll do anything with you" Klaus placed the ring on her finger as he stood up to wrap his arms around her holding her to him tightly not wanting to release her.
As the night progressed people came towards the couple congratulating them on their engagement and up coming nuptials, Caroline noticed how the single women tried to hold Klaus's attention but his eyes seemed to constantly fall on her as she stood giggling and chatting with her friends happily showing off her engagement ring.
Her relationship with him felt different this time, She could remember the nights she'd feared him during their relationship in the 1920's but now he'd seemed mellow and happier; realizing he no longer had to fear his father coming to find him and destroy everything he'd tried to protect.
Kol and Rose came towards her smiling brightly, Kol wrapped his arms around her quickly releasing her "If I can't be the Best Man and the bore Elijah takes that roll I'll have to get ordained and marry you both" Caroline giggled at him when Rebekah leaned over Caroline's shoulder smirking "Oh Please. Like Nik will let you play minister, you've more chance at playing bridesmaid" Caroline, Rebekah and Rose burst out laughing causing Kol to look at them with Mocked sadness.
"I'll be the best looking Bridesmaid there then won't I? Don't want to put our darling Caroline to shame with my pretty little number" he grinned as he turned to find somebody else to mingle with. Rebekah waved "Goodbye Kol" she called after him.
The small group of girls crowded Caroline looking at her with pleading eyes "So.. Who are your bridesmaids going to be?" Elena asked curiously mentally jumping up and down in excitement, Rebekah placed a hand on her chest smiling smugly "We'll I know I'll be a bridesmaid" All eyes shot to hers even Caroline trying to hid the smile on her face, She loved how enthusiastic Rebekah was, she reminded her of herself and she understood Rebekah had never had the chance to get excited about these things like she had.
"Well I am Nik's sister, it's obvious I'll be a bridesmaid" they all chuckled lightly "I was thinking of waiting a few years before we tied the knot again, I feel like we have a lot of catching up to do before we commit to each other again" Caroline said with all the girls nodded in understanding.
Rose shock her head "Oh, we all know about your getting to know each other. You forget Kol and I had to endure it" Caroline hid her face embarrassed. "Ewe, I don't need to hear this, He's my brother" Rebekah cried covering her ears. Caroline's eyes searched for Klaus until she found him walking up the stairs.
Klaus was stood on the balcony at the top of the stairs when he felt another presence beside him "What Damon, here to threaten me?" he asked sarcastically but Damon handed Klaus a clean glass as he poured them both some bourbon "Actually I was going to say good luck, Hell you're gonna need it with her" Klaus chuckled lightly as they both stood silently drinking from their glass.
"I think I'll manage but thank's for the advice" they stood in silence drinking from their glasses looking out over the large garden that held statues and beautiful flower gardens. "I know that she loves you. I just need to know that you'll keep her safe" Damon said.
Klaus kept his eyes on the view in front of them "I've made so many mistakes in my life, most of which involve hurting Caroline and I promise you Damon, I will never hurt her again. I couldn't do that to her not when she has given me this second chance. Trusting me with her heart once again" Damon never quite understood why Caroline loved Klaus so much but he hoped that this time he'd prove himself worthy of holding her heart.
Caroline stood silently in the door way watching the two men she loved the most talk without using snide remarks filled with hate. She loved Damon for not causing a commotion when she accepted Klaus's wedding proposal because she needed the one man she trusted with her life to walk her down the aisle when the time comes to hand her back over to the man that always held her heart.
R&R
A/N: Please don't hate because i've done a marriage proposal too soon but i felt i needed it because quite frankly they need to get back together and i need to get ready to end this story on a good note. :)
