Chapter 5

Weeks turned into a month, then a month and a half, all sooner then ever. Rebekah, Henrik and Caroline spent majority of their days together. Esther had given her consent to Caroline, for her to teach Henrik what she knew in self defense, not only with a small dagger Mikael had purchased for him but also how to take down an opponent with his growing stature. He and Rebekah were learning the same thing, about how to fight with their elbows and knees, both being to small to take down a full grown man with just their little fists. Even if their put their body weight behind it.

Finn was nicer to her, though he didn't want to be, he grudgingly respected her, if for no other reason then saving his brother, twice. He respected her in the ability to defend those she cared for, and his sexist comments had become nonexistent after the bandit raid.

Elijah tried to divide his time between his family and Laura, who he had introduced to Esther. Caroline took it as a good sign, that he had moved on to bigger and better things, maybe even a family of his own one day. Some nights, when Caroline couldn't sleep with thoughts of her old life swirling around in her head. She would lay in the backyard, looking up at the stars and Elijah would join her. They never spoke, he was her silent support. The older brother she hadn't had, yet always wanted.

Klaus started going out of his way to find her, if only for a moment, to make her smile or hear her laugh. All the while ignoring Rebekah's not-so-subtle hints at their growing relationship. He would watch her while he didn't think she knew, she could feel his burning stare whenever they were in the same room together. When they spoke, it was about anything and everything. He even let her spar with him. Out of the six times they fought, he won twice.

Caroline opened up a little about her life before traveling back to them. Klaus and Rebekah knew the most about her previous life. About her home life and her reluctant friends Bonnie and Elena. Rebekah had labeled them both, 'heartless, uncaring wenches, undeserving of a place in Carolines kind heart.' Klaus agreed with her, though he scowled and sulked for a few days after she mentioned Stefan. One of the first true friends she had ever had that stuck by her side no matter what crises was thrown at them.

Though just as Klaus was getting back to normal self, smiling and talking with her, she spoke of Damon. Rebekah had asked if she had any suitors before, and Damon was the first guy that popped into her head. She told Bekah of his charm, cunning mind and mischievous smirk. The blond original asked if she had married him.

Caroline had shaken her head with a sad smile. "No, Bekah. It never went that far."

Rebekah huffed, picking the grass from the ground by the waterfall where they had dubbed their meeting place. Her shoulders sagged in her disappointment. "Why not, he sounds lovely."

Caroline could see her eyes dance with mirth as Bekah kept looking to the silent form of her brother. "Oh, he was lovely," Caroline caught the way Klaus's shoulders tensed and his hands curled into fists. "until he hit me." her mind ran to one of the darkest of her memories. Elena had forgiven him, everyone had, and everyday she had to see him, everyday she was reminded of what he did to her.

Klaus had gone deathly quiet, he didn't appear to be breathing. Bekah on the other hand, gasped loudly. Her hand over lapped each other over her mouth, her eyes wide and watering. "Oh, Caroline, were you alright? What happened after that?"

Caroline shrugged, eyes leaving the siblings as she gazed out over the rippling water. "At first, nothing. I was to afraid he would kill me. But then, I realized I did not care if he did, for either way it was death. Letting him hurt me, I was slowly dying inside. Fighting back, he may have end my life quickly."

"What did you do?" Bekah asked in a whisper, leaning forward, her elbows on her knees.

She looked over to Bekah, she face more serious then they had ever seen it. "I hit him back, harder, and left. I have yet to be back to that village. I won't go back. Which is also why I am teaching you to defend yourself. Looks can be deceiving and if ever you feel threatened by anyone, you use the knife I gave you and drive it into his gut. You understand, don't hesitate."

Rebekah sat up, looking surprised. "Edmund would never hurt me."

"I know that, but promise me. Don't hesitate." Caroline took hold of her arm, looking into her blue irises.

Bekah nodded slowly. "I promise."

They had relaxed back into their spot, Klaus not speaking, Rebekah finding a new respect for the blond from the future. A few days after the eye opening conversation, it switched course. Caroline didn't have to speak, Rebekah was doing all of that. She spoke of Edmund the most, but on occasion she would mention friends, though they didn't last long, she went on to tell her how she always knew when they wanted to be friends to get closer to her brothers, adding with a smile, that she was glad Caroline wasn't like that.

Rebekah talked about their life before Caroline joined them, and how everything was just better with her there. About how much Rebekah was glad she had been there with them. Their mother was happier, Mikael was nicer, no one was trying to wiggle into their lives. Bekah hinted at a certain someone, though Klaus caught her meaning either way. Tatia. And to Caroline pleasure, he didn't bat an eye, going so far as to agree with his sister, glad the little home wrecker was gone from them. Carolines words, not his.

It was a week after Rebekah's constant gushing about Edmund that when Caroline arrive, and waited, she didn't show. Caroline sat, her bare feet in the cool water, Klaus walked into their meeting place, looking around them with a raised brow. "Where's Bekah?"

Caroline glanced back over her shoulder at him, the breeze whipped her impossibly long blond hair from her shoulder, her curls rested at the base of her spine. "I don't know. She was supposed to be here half an hour ago." she faced the ripples, watching the water, listening to the crashing of the falls and the animals around them, the birds chirping and the critters skittish movements. It was a much better change from the sound of cars and the smell of exhaust.

Klaus looked between Caroline and the woods around them. He sighed before walking to the edge of the water, sitting beside Caroline, taking notice that the bottom hem of her dress was pulled up to her knees. She had stuck with her future traditions, shaving her legs and armpits with a strait razor, which men used on their faces all throughout time.

He cleared his throat, looking away, clear embarrassment on his colored face. "Do you think she will come?"

Caroline shrugged, moving the hem of her quarter sleeved, forest green dress to cover her legs. Pulling her feet back, hugging her legs to her chest as her toes dung into the soft gravel like sand of the beach. "I cannot be sure. It depends where she is at the moment on whether she will be here at all."

Klaus nodded, the silent stretched on between them. "So..."

Caroline found it entertaining, his lack of charming conversation starters, so unlike the Klaus she had grown to adore. "How are your wood carvings coming along?"

He smiled over at her, pleased to have her fill the awkward silents. "It goes well. Thank you, again, for the stall. It is by far, the best thing anyone had ever made for me. No one had ever done something like that, not even my own family."

She shrugged. "You are very welcome."

He continued the conversation on a subject he knew about. "I honestly believe my new stall has brought in more business. It is large enough people no longer over look it. Some even asked why they had never seen my work before." he chuckled lightheartedly, before his face sobered, eyes stared unseeing into the ground. "My father purchased one of my burnings."

Caroline could piratically taste his bitter resentment and the cautious hope in the air. "Which burning?"

He glare still locked with the ground as he answered. "I had burned the tops of the trees, the moon high over head. It was one of my favorites. And he liked it enough to buy it from me. But its not that he purchased it that bothers me, it was the look on his face. You should have seen the way he looked at it, at me. Like he was proud. I had never seen that look on his face when he looked at me before."

Caroline scooted closer to him. "And it frightens you."

"No!" he glanced up at her, eyes narrowed. "I am not afraid of him. I will never be afraid of that man."

"That is not what I meant and you know it." Klaus quieted, his eyes once again found the ground. "You are afraid of his attention. You don't want to get used to him, afraid to let your guard down, only for him to change back and destroy you."

Klaus snorted. "How in the name of the gods, do you know all that?" his eyes shone, though his tone implied his seriousness.

She shrugged. "I used to travel, I know quite a lot of things. And by what Rebekah has told me, Mikael was not always the nicest father, he was actually the opposite. It is only natural to be afraid that he would snap and turn back into the monster you're used to, but you must trust that he won't. Just give him a chance and I promise you, everything will be fine."

Klaus shook his head. "How do you expect me to do that?"

"One step at a time. Take it slow, make yourself comfortable with him, get used to his presence. Maybe even strike up a conversation. How ever you want, just try." Caroline placed her hand gently on Klaus's shoulder, watching as he relaxed, huffing and hunching his back. "Everything will be fine, I promise."

Their eyes met, holding gazes. Klaus placed his calloused hand over hers on his shoulder, his dimpled smile was warm as a summer breeze, his eyes as light as the twinkling stars of blue, his hand encased hers with a security she had only ever felt with him.

"I'm sorry! I know I'm late. I won't do it again."

Carolines hand fell away from Klaus's shoulder as he stood, turning to look at his baby sister. "What took you so long?"

Rebekah huffed, looking between them. "Unlike some, I do have chores, as you should know. Mother caught me before I could escape. Now," she collapsed on the sand beside Caroline. "what have I missed?"

Caroline looked up, meeting Klaus's gaze, which he averted with a soft pink in his cheeks. "You have missed nothing, Bekah. We have been waiting for you."

Smiling, she shrugged. "Oh, well." Bekah ran her fingers through her loose blond locks, frowning and yanking the tangles from her head.

Caroline scowled at her, slapping her hand away before it could do more harm then good. "Stop that, let me fix it."

Rebekah was more then eager to have help as she turned and sat still in front of the older blond. Looking around them, she looked to her older brother form the corner of her eyes. "So, Nik. Tell us of your new merchandise."

Klaus smiled at Bekah. "I have been working of a few sketches, three painting and several carvings, though the burned pictures seemed to be more popular at the moment."

Rebekah nodded, though stopped once Caroline tugged on her hair. "Sorry," she muttered quietly, looking at Nik once again from the corner of her eye. "Nik? What do you think of Edmund?"

Klaus went from a bright smile, to looking uncomfortable. He shrugged. "He is alright, I guess. He has a good position in the village, once his father retires he will own the smiths, he would be able to take care of you."

"Yes, I know that. But what do you think of him, as a man?"

Caroline watched on in amusement, finishing up with Bekah's hair and tying it with a leather band, though still holding onto it, keeping her still. "I think, he is kind to you," Klaus looked uncomfortable as he spoke. "He would do anything for you and he could provide you with everything you deserve. I think he would kill whoever made you uneasy in the same second as he would carry you home should your feet ache." Klaus sighed, shrugging his shoulder with a tight lipped smile. "He is everything I want for you, little sister."

Rebekah looked close to tears, Caroline removed her hairs from Bekah's hair, lightly nudging at her lower back, Bekah sprang forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, Nik." she sighed and cuddled into his chest. "Caroline, what have you done to my brother? He is all soft and open now." her voice held secret laughter as she pulled away, smiling over at the silent huntress.

"I have done nothing. Klaus has always been soft, he just hides it from others." Caroline smiled at the siblings, finding Klaus's face had changed color once again, though now it was a raging red.

Rebekah giggled before she reached back, her fingertips brushing the braid Caroline had finished. Her face twisting up into a look of wonder. "What it is, Caroline? It feels strange. I have never felt anything like it before."

Klaus looked the braid over. "It was very lovely, little sister, be calm."

"It is called a 'fish tail' braid. Do you like it?" Caroline watched Rebekah pull her braid over her shoulder and look it over.

A smile formed on Bekah's lips as she nodded happily. "Oh yes, Caroline, I love it. You must teach me how you do it. But no one else, it shall be our secret." Rebekah looped her arms around Caroline, pulling her from the beach, ignoring her protests of needing her boots, which Klaus retrieved as they continued down the path towards the village.

OoOoOoO

When the night of the 'moment' between Caroline and Klaus fell, and the stars twinkled, Rebekah was on the attack. Demanding to know what had transpired between Caroline and her brother. She was able to avoid her questions long enough for Esther to remind them to go to bed, for they had a long day in the morning.

Klaus had a several carvings and paintings to complete, Rebekah and Henrik had to practice with their daggers three times a day for at least an hour, Mikael had properties to look after and clean up, Caroline had four dresses that needed to be created by the end of the week.

When the sun rose, Caroline was already tugging on her leather boots and leaving the room before Bekah woke. Walking down the stairs, she found herself alone int the kitchen, Esther, too, had yet to waken. With an empty stomach and nothing to do, Caroline started preparations for their breakfast, which for her, was the classic scrambled eggs, cooked ham and soft biscuits. Just as she finished with the eggs and was taking the bread from the brick oven, placing them on the small preparing island behind her, in the center of the kitchen, she caught sight of him.

Standing in the doorway, looking both like a stalker and an observing man. His arms crossed over his chest, his left shoulder leaning against the door frame while his left foot balanced on its toes opposite of his right, a very familiar pose, one which she had seen on many different occasions. "Good morning, Klaus."

He nodded, his lips twitched into a smile as he watched her work. "Good morning." he looked over the food she prepared, walking closer to the island to examine the eggs for a long moment. "What is this?"

"Eggs?" Caroline watched him, eager for his reaction to the new concept of scrambled eggs.

Klaus shot her a raise eyebrow. "Really? What kind of egg? It looks like nothing I have ever seen before."

A smile lit up Caroline face. "They're called scrambled eggs. My father used to make them for me every morning." Klaus didn't comment aft that, probably trying not to hurt her feelings by insulting her fathers cooking habits. "Klaus?" he glanced up, away from the food. "Could you go wake everyone else?"

Klaus looked back down at the food before sighing and nodding. He left the room in silents as Caroline slowly carried the platters of food into the dining room, making a second trip to get the plates and silverware. She had just finished setting out the plates when the footsteps started, slowly growing louder until they came to the stairs. Everyone was at the table, Esther looked embarrassed to have slept in, and considering she came to wake Rebekah every morning, the two female originals overslept.

Esther looked over everything, like Klaus, she stopped on the eggs. She caught Caroline reassuring gaze and nodded. They only had to wait a few more moments before Mikael came from the stairs, walking into the dining room with an air of confidence. He sat at the head of the table, taking his food, eying the scrambled eggs though taking a scoop despite the unknown.

Caroline had her food, though she was watching everyone's expressions. They were cautious, no one wanted to be the one to take the first bite. Caroline ate in silent, her gaze never leaving the Mikaelson's as they all silently battled with themselves to eat the strange new egg.

Surprisingly, Finn was the first to take a bite. All the originals turned to watch him, waiting for his verdict. He said nothing as he looked over at her, nodding, and continued eating. Caroline felt like she had just received a good grade on a hard test.

Smiling, she looked down to her own food, taking a mouthful of scrambled eggs, she looked across the table to Henrik, who was shoveling the fluffy yellow substances into his mouth. "This is good, Caroline, and yet so strange. It's soft." he turned to looked at Rebekah. "Isn't it strange?" Rebekah nodded, though she didn't speak as she took another bite of her food.

"It seems," Esther started speaking, being the only one not shoveling the food in her mouth as fast as she could. "your cooking is a great success amongst the family."

Caroline smiled, feeling like she had accomplished something extraordinary. "So it seems."

Rebekah nodded, coming up for a breath as she swallowed her food. "I had no idea you could cook so well. You will defiantly make a good wife to some lucky man." Klaus had stilled, fork of food halfway to his mouth, he glanced up and caught his eye with her mischievous smile. "Wouldn't you agree, brother?"

Not seeming to understand, Henrik smiled at them. "Yes, I agree with you sister. Caroline, you would make an amazing wife someday." he nodded with his own words, confirming his statement.

Caroline smiled at the boy, a soft snort escaped her. She shook her head before speaking. "Thank you, Henrik."

The boy nodded, looking pleased with himself as he finished his breakfast. "Now," Henrik stood from the table, he looked back to Rebekah. "Hurry up, Bekah. Caroline said she may teach us a new move if we have improved in our defense."

Rebekah stood from her chair, leaning down to catch the last bite of her food off her fork before straightening and running after Henrik and up the stairs to grab their weapons. Caroline excused herself to follow after them, walking past Bekah to grab her sword from against the far wall, leaning against their shared dresser, which had their beds on either side of it.

Rebekah looked both excited and nervous, even if they had done the same thing a handful of times. Henrik and Rebekah would use their new knowledge of defense against Caroline, and if she felt they had improved, she would teach them the next sequence of moves.

"Caroline?" Bekah asked quietly as she tugged on her trousers, followed by a mans tunic and her boots. "Do you consider us friends?"

Caroline looked over at the girl, a look of vulnerability in her blue eyes. "Of course, Rebekah. Why do you ask?" she sat beside her on the bed, searching for the answers in Bekah's eyes.

"Would you mind, very much, if I were to think of you as...a sister?" Rebekah looked down into her lap, heat traveling up her shoulder, over her neck and into her face, reaching the tips of her ears. When Caroline didn't answer right away, she continued. "I mean, if you are alright with that. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I will never mention it again."

"Rebekah." Caroline stepped in before the girl could ramble any further, taking Bekah's hands into her lap, she waited until the young original looked into her eyes before speaking. "I would be offended, if you thought any less of me then what I already think of you. My little sister."

Rebekah's eyes filled with tears as she smiled. Without a word needed, she lunged at Caroline, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I've always wanted a sister." she mumbled into the side of her neck.

Caroline allowed the girl a moment of silent to recollect herself, which she did by the end of five minutes. Bekah calmed, loosening her hold enough for Caroline to pull away as she stood. "Now, come," she took hold of Bekah's hand, pulling her from the bed with a smile, she watched Rebekah return in with a watery one. "you have to spar with me, then we shall determine if you are ready for the next stage."

Bekah sucked in a deep breath, holding it, before relaxing her tense frame, only to jump in surprise when there was a loud knock on the door. "Rebekah, would you please hurry it up. Henrik grows tried of waiting for you."

Bekah huffed, rubbing at her face as she stalked towards her door, throwing it open with a scowl. "We are coming, Elijah. Do try to calm yourself, there is no need to rush."

Caroline stepped up beside the irritated original. "Unless you are meeting with someone, then by all means, you may go to her."

Elijah stared at his sister with a blank face before catching Caroline gaze, giving her a warm smile. "Good day, ladies." he turned away from them, walking towards the stairs.

"Say 'hello' to Laura for us." she called after him, receiving a wave over his shoulder as he bound down the stairs and out of the house. Bekah and Caroline shared a mirthful smile before Carolines face turned serious, Bekah soon joined her, waiting for whatever Caroline was about to say. "Race you to the back." not waiting for a reply, she bolted down the hall to the stairs, she could hear Bekah curse as she followed after her. They both laughed as they hit the ground running.

It was no surprise that Caroline was the first out of the back of the house, laughing and smiling as Rebekah stumbled after her. In front of them, Henrik stood with Klaus, showing him what he had been learning. They both stopped, watching the two boys for a moment. As Henrik finished with the sequence of moves she had taught him, Klaus smiled at the boy, nodding his head with whatever he was saying.

Henrik was more then pleased to have gained his big brothers approval. Henrik looked towards the house, probably thinking what was taking them so long, when he caught sight of them. Waving his hand over his head, his smile widened. "Caroline, Bekah, hurry! I want to learn more."

Bekah ran from Carolines side to join Henrik, both turning to face her, both looking eager. Klaus looked between his siblings and Caroline. "I better be getting out of your way then. I have a stall to run." he smiled as he nodded to his family and Caroline, catching her gaze as he past, his hand brushing the back of hers, sending chills down her spine.

Caroline turned to face her 'students' hoping they hadn't noticed her reaction, though judging by the looks Rebekah was sending her, that wasn't the case. "Okay," she said loudly, trying to ignore the burning in her face and the knowing look on Bekah's. "Henrik, you go first. Show me how well you have progressed."

OoOoOoO

The news of Rebekah's engagement was a surprise to say the least. She had been with the Mikaelson's for two months, and Bekah is engaged to a man she had started courting two months ago. She had to keep reminding herself that they had been courting for the exact reason of her marriage to Edmund, and that it was not uncommon in the era for a young woman to be engaged to a man, and for said engagement to last up to a year before they were actually wed, but it was still a surprise when Edmund came over for supper and spring the news on the family.

It had mixed reviews, all around.

Mikael was pleased with the match.

Esther was sad for losing her only daughter.

Finn didn't seem to care, one way or another, ignoring them.

Elijah had tensed, staring holes into Edmund's face, being politely rude.

Niklaus had clutched the knife he was using to cut his meat, in his hand, glaring.

Kol was all smiles and well wishes, though it came out with a protective snark.

Henrik looked crest fallen, quietly asking if that meant they were no longer a family.

Caroline had just stared, open mouthed, wide eyed, looking between the nervous couple.

No one wanted be the first to speak. Even little Henrik could sense the tension in the room around them. Supper past with an uneasy speaking, mostly it was Mikael, Esther and Bekah that spoke to Edmund. Caroline would add a thing or two, here and there. Klaus just glared, clutching onto his pointy silverware as if it kept him from lunging at Bekah's suitor. Elijah seemed to be out to make Edmund feel small by the way he talked circles around him in terms of intelligences. Finn didn't even acknowledge the smithy.

A normal half hour supper, lasted almost two hours long. The awkwardness lasted until Rebekah walked Edmund to the door, being watched by Caroline as he gently kissed her cheek, whispering 'goodnight' into her ear before leaving.

Once the door was closed and Rebekah marched into the dining room, voices rose. "You did nothing! Not even a greeting, you just glared at him!" she scowled and pointed her finger at Klaus only to pivot and face Elijah. "And you! You could not stop speaking, could you? You spoke of subjects no one understands and treat Edmund like he is an idiot for not know?"

"Rebekah, I think you should calm down." Esther spoke finally, barely sparing her older two sons a glance. "You have made your point."

"Have I?" Bekah rounded on her mother, who looked surprised, by not only her question but the hurt look that crossed her face. "Finn didn't even look his way! The only ones to speak were father and Caroline. You only spoke when it was absolutely necessary, you didn't even meet his gaze." she looked around the faces of her family, skipping of her father, Henrik and Caroline. "You should all be ashamed. You are pushing away my future husband and where he goes so shall I. I cannot even speak to any of you right now." she huffed, her shoulders tense yet weighed down at the same time.

She brushed past Caroline, who lingered in the doorway, watching the verbal beating take place. All flinched when Bekah's door slammed closer up stairs. Klaus looked around the table, before sighed and standing. "I shall talk to her."

"No," eyes turned towards her, leaning against the frame. "I'll talk to her, you stay here." none questioned her as she walked up the stairs, knocking on the door to the room they shared. Receiving no reply, she assumed it was safe to enter.

Her brows furrowed as she took in the room. Rebekah was crumpled on the bed, laying on her stomach, perfectly still. Though what gave Caroline pause, was the daggers imbedded into the walls. "Leave me alone." Bekah's voice was muffled by the pillow she clutched to her chest. "Let me die in peace." she sounded pathetic and heartbroken.

Briefly Caroline wondered how much she used to sound the same. Bonnie had put up with the human Caroline for so many years without strangling her? Caroline smiled, though it was sad, as she sat on the edge of Bekah's bed. She would be Rebekah's Bonnie. Patient and understanding. "You're not going to die." she said in the most soothing voice she could.

Rebekah curled around Caroline like a cat, Bekah's head placed in her lap, relaxing as Carolines fingers ran through her long blond hair. "I feel like I am. Why can't they just, understand?"

Caroline shook her head. "They just want what is best for you, they just don't know if anyone will ever be good enough for their baby sister." her fingers worked their way through her locks. "And I know you may be hurting right now, but it is not as if he called off the engagement."

Rebekah shot up off Carolines lap faster then she had seen the girl move. "Do you think he would call off our engagement?" her brow furrowed and her eyes watery, her lower lips being brutally manhandled by Rebekah's teeth.

"No, never." Caroline gripped the girls shoulders tightly. "He wouldn't do that, not to you. I have seen the look in his eyes when he is with you. He would not hurt you in such a way. Beside, if he did, then he is not worthy of you."

Rebekah eased, Carolines words having their desired effect, calming Rebekah from her mini meltdown. She nodded with Carolines, she took calming breaths. "You're right. Edmund would never do that, not to me, not to anyone." she deflated until her head was resting once again resting in Carolines lap. "I just want them to talk to him, to know him like I do."

"They will come around. You just have to give them time to come to the terms that their baby sister is now a woman. But you must understand, they will never know him like you do. That is your privilege as his intended, to know everything about him." Rebekah looked up at her as she spoke. "Only you will notice the way his eyebrows shadow his eyes when he is angry, or the way his eyes shine when he is generally happy. How his throat hollows when he is worried. When he is sad, his jaw clenches and his shoulders raise a fraction higher, pretending he is not hurt, when he is truly is." glancing down, she met the amazed eyes of Rebekah. "What?"

Bekah sat up slowly, her eyes never leaving Carolines. "Oh my gods." she whispered breathlessly, her breathing was the only sound for the longest moment.

Caroline could feel her face heating as Bekah's blue eyes stared through her. "What? Rebekah, you're scaring me."

"You're not talking about Edmund and I anymore." Rebekah covered her mouth with her hands. "Never, has anyone, ever noticed those things about him." Caroline knew immediately she had said to much, had allowed her thoughts to drift as she spoke, changing from Rebekah's problem, to her own. "I was wrong before, you don't just like him, you're in love him." Rebekah looked as if she had found a hidden treasure, something that was precious that had been lost, and was now within her sights. "Oh, Caroline. I am so happy for you. Nik is one lucky man."

With just a few words, Caroline had turned the attention away from Rebekah and was now focused on her. "Bekah, you can't tell him." her voice had dropped into a scared whimper. "Please, you mustn't tell anyone."

Rebekah nodded vigorously, pulling back to meet her sisters gaze. "Of course, Caroline. You must know I would never do that to you."

Caroline nodded, a look of relief passed over her face as she sighed. "This has been a very, long day." Bekah giggled, nodding in agreement. "And I think, it is time for bed."

Rebekah complained as Caroline pulled two nightgowns from their shared dresser and tossed one at her. They laughed about the awkwardness of supper, though Caroline promise it would get better, she would make sure of it. "Caroline, I hope Nik realizes his feelings for you soon. I never want you to leave us."

Caroline staying quiet for a moment, listening to the other Mikaelson's preparing for bed before speaking. "I will never leave you, Bekah. I promise. You, Henrik, Klaus, Elijah, Kol and even Finn are my family now."

Rebekah looked over at her with a smile. "I really like the sound of that." just as she finished her sentence, a flash of light filled the room, followed shortly by a bellowing clash. Bekah sat up with a gasp. "A storm."

Caroline smiled. She had always loved storms. The smell of the rain that pored around you, the beauty of the lighting as it filled the sky and the feel of the thunder as it vibrated the ground beneath your feet. Caroline climbed out of her bed, standing beside the open shutters to the window in their room, which faced the front of the house and into the market.

It took only moments for the rain to come, falling in heavy sheets of water drops as big as her thumb. "Isn't it beautiful?" she smiled over her shoulder to Bekah. "I've always loved the rain." lightening flashed across the sky like a web of white, which was followed by another loud clash of thunder. To Caroline amusement, what followed the thunder was the clambering of little feet, right to her door, which was then thrown open.

A small bundle of black hair darted into the room, thrown onto her bed, and burrowed into her blankets. "Henrik," scolded Rebekah from across the room. "what do you think you are doing in here?"

Caroline smiled when his reply was quiet mutterings and a trembling quilt. "The storm frightened me. Can't I just stay here? Kol and Nik would poke fun at me, Finn would force me out and Elijah would lecture me on facing my fears. Please, Bekah? Please, Caroline?"

Shaking her head, she pulled the blankets away from the boy, ignoring his grumblings as she climbed into bed. Moving over Henrik, so she had her back to the wall, she wrapped her arms around him and held Henrik tightly. "There is no need to be frightened of a little bad weather. But, for this one night, you can stay here, Henrik."

Henrik was more then happy to cuddle into her arms, falling back to sleep in mere moment. Looking up, she caught Bekah's smile with a flash of lightening. "Little mother Caroline. A perfect picture."

Caroline ignored her, though she couldn't deny she was pleased. Now that she was human, she could have a family like she had always wanted. That had been the one down side to being a vampire, being dead, which meant no children. Now, she had a whole new life and all the possibilities in the world.

OoOoOoO

Thank everybody who LIKES, FOLLOWS and COMMENTS on this story. It really is the most amazing felling, knowing people like what you write.

Hope you enjoy this chapter. Can't wait to hear from you.

Love you all, and see you next time!