My Dear Readers,
I finished this chapter relatively early so I hope you enjoy it! Please let me know what you think!
XoXo- AndroidScout
Dear Ms. Swan,
Please join the Mikaelson Family, this evening at seven o'clock for dancing, cocktails, and celebration.
I sigh softly as I looked at the card once again. The warm Georgia air rustled my hair and I pushed the loose strands away from my eyes. I look past the rosebush towards the woods where the faint smell of a vampire's trail still lingered. Seems Mystic Falls was calling me back for a visit. After more than 6 weeks away, Klaus had finally found me. Despite telling him that I wanted nothing for returning Rebekah, the lunatic was constantly sending me text messages with updates about Mystic Falls and offering to help me should I ever need it. Even now, I still had 3 pending messages from him. I shook my head gently and smiled at the writing on the back of the card.
Save me a dance - Klaus.
"Hey Bells!"
The sound of Lia's voice echoed through the corridor of the house to the back porch where I sat in my rocker.
"I'm out here." I holler over my shoulder while swiftly putting the invitation back in the card.
"Ah!" Lia's gasps as she walks outside. Her dark skin glistened slightly with the sheen of sweat. "It's unseasonably hot today, don't ya think?" She began to fan herself gently with the papers she held in her hand. Her curling brown hair waved lightly at the man-made breeze.
"Yes, it is. What have you got there?" I ask and point towards the papers.
"Oh! Just some designs for your new house. Here, please take a look and tell me what you think!" Lia handed over the paperwork and I gently took them.
Looking through the design sheets and plans, I was again grateful that I had found Lia. She was a talented architect and home builder. The design she had out for me was a more modern approach but as we were renovating a house, she was still using and adapting some of the existing structure into the remodel. I had the fortune of buying a Victorian style home in Charleston, South Carolina during my visit there 2 weeks ago. I contacted Lia, as I have her on personal retainer, and we have been finalizing plans ever since.
"I thought we could keep the crown molding as it adds value to the home but also is remarkably still intact!" Lia smiled as I reached the page regarding the walls and ceilings.
"I love the idea you have here, especially keeping the gothic exterior. I think I am looking forward to that most!" I hand her back the papers and smile brilliantly up at her. "What's the total cost?"
"We are looking at a $500,000 renovation." Lia's smile didn't damper. Money was not an issue thanks to the sound investments I had made since the early 50's. Although, she simply thought I had inherited my fortune.
"Splendid! I will go ahead and transfer the deposit over to you and then we can begin the project." Lia shifted the papers a bit before looking back down at me. "Bella, thank you again for taking me on as your consultant. I really approve…"
"Lia, you are talented and young." I cut her off gently with a smile. "Those idiots at Calhoun and Hinds didn't deserve you. Using you as some kind of assistant. Pfft. You let me know if you ever need anything, ok?" I placed a hand gently on her forearm.
Lia sighed contently before perking back up with another beaming smile. "I'll have the contractors start ordering supplies starting tomorrow. We can meet back up next week if you'd like to go over some more details."
"Absolutely. I may be stuck in Virginia for a few days so we may need to meet in the middle but I will keep you updated." I stand up and shake her hand.
"Great! Well, I have to get back to the new office to oversee the renovations there. Do you want me to send pictures once it's completed on Friday?" Lia asks as I guide her through my small bungalow.
"Of course!" I chuckle softly and pause once we get to the front door. "How is your new apartment by the way? Are you glad to be rid of roommates?"
"I cannot thank you enough for recommending it! It's beautiful and in the heart of midtown! Plus with the security officers always on site, I feel really safe!" Lia kissed my cheek before walking outside. "Again, thank you."
"You deserved it. Call me later if any plans change."
I watch as Lia drives away before shutting the door. I take out the envelope once more before sighing. I might as well start preparing for the "ball". "How old-fashioned." I chuckle once more before walking towards my room.
After a quick shower, I change into a pair of blue jeans and a green v-neck shirt before I walk to the back of my closet where I keep all of the ball gowns. I normally add one a year so in case of emergencies, I have options. Remembering the last one I picked a few months ago, I shuffled through the dresses until I found it. Still, in the garment bag and as gorgeous as ever, I examined the dress once again. It was a solid black dress made of tulle and silk. It had a plunging neckline and an open back but what won me over was the pockets. The pockets were hidden between the ruffles of the tulle and silk. I remember how I had yelped in excitement when I found the pockets.
I laid the ball gown on my bed and began to work on my makeup. I had just put the finishing touches on my eyes when I heard my phone begin to ring. Sighing, I laid the eyeliner down on the counter and picked up my phone. Elena's name flashed across the screen. I ignored the call and went back to finish my eyes. I had started on my contour when my phone began to ring again. I looked down at the device and frowned. Damon was now calling me. I ignored his call as well and went back to my makeup. I had just reached for my lipstick when the phone began to chirp again. Stefan's name flashed across the screen and I sighed heavily. I pressed the answer button and put him on speaker.
"What is it?" I snap as the thin line of patience I had was now gone.
"Bella I know you're mad at us but please, we need your help." Stefan pleaded.
"Why should I help those who lie to me, keep me in the dark and genuinely don't care about me unless it suits their own purpose?" I try to say everything nonchalantly but the anger I felt seeped out so I was half growling by the end.
"Bells, I do care about you," Stefan whispered softly.
"No, you don't." I say with a heavy sigh before hanging up the phone.
I put the ringer on silent and after a few minutes, I was finally done with my makeup. As I walk out of the bathroom, I take a look at my phone. 5 phone calls from Stefan, 3 from Damon and 3 from Elena. They all left voicemails as well. I delete the voicemails without listening to them before grabbing my purse, the bag with my dress safely inside, and a pair of Louboutin Pumps. I slip my sandals on with ease and make my way to my car. If I drive fast enough, I can make it to Mystic Falls early enough to grab a room at the local motel and change into the dress.
Standing in front of the now finished Mikaelson home, I am once again filled with awe at the beautiful craftsmanship. Unlike last time, the house was being filled with party guest in elegant attire rather than construction workers in muddy boots. Cars were parked up the driveway all the way to the front of the mansion. I let out a long sigh before I gracefully made my way up the steps.
Inside, I once again appreciated the work Klaus cultivated. The cathedral ceilings were large and the staircase had to be handcrafted based on the beautiful engravings etched in the woodwork.
"...you know who you're borrowing that cup of sugar from." I heard Damon whisper near me. I looked to my right to find him standing next to Carol Lockwood.
"I'm trying to protect this town. They've assured me they…"
I zoned out of Damon and Carrol's conversation and return to admiring the beautiful home. The large columns were made from marble and the wood at the bottom of each column had a small engraving. One had the Greek letters for Doric, another had Ionic, and the last had the letters for Corinthian. My gaze wandered to the beautiful glass chandelier when I heard a man draw a long breath.
"My gods, you're gorgeous." Klaus' voice was a whisper.
I turned around to greet him formally. "Good evening, Niklaus." I smile warmly at him.
"You certainly do dress to impress, love." He laughed as he leaned forward and place a small kiss on my cheek.
I felt the familiar flush beginning to warm my cheeks. Why is he so enticing? "I love the design by the way," I say as I casually wave my hand around the room. "The stairs were handcrafted weren't they?"
"Ah." Klaus tapped his chin thoughtfully. "They were but how did you notice?"
"I have an eye for woodwork." I sent him a wink and turned back to the party. I was about to ask Klaus a question when Klaus turned to stare at Damon and Carol. I followed his gaze and noticed the pair had been joined by a dark-haired man around the age of 18. He had a strong jawline and a nose similar to Klaus. "A brother of yours?" I guessed.
"Yes, my baby brother: Kol." Klaus' lips twitched slightly as if he was trying to avoid smiling.
Damon struck out his hand and introduced himself only to be rebuffed by the younger Mikaelson.
"Oh. That must be stinging to Damon's ego." I chuckled darkly.
"Probably." Klaus looked down at me with a soft smile. "Would you like a drink?" He offered while pointing towards the bar.
"I would actually."
Klaus offered his arm and I lay a hand on his forearm before he begins guiding us through the room towards the bar. I noticed the large doors opening and Elena walking into the room. Of course, as soon as she enters, the Salvatore Brothers both flock to her sides like ever doting parents. I rolled my eyes and focused on Klaus.
We stopped at the bar and I ordered a Manhattan and Klaus got himself a glass of red wine. He leads me to a small room that sported a beautiful grand piano on one side and rows of books on the other. There were two chairs snuggled up against the window and we each took a seat.
"Thank you again for coming, Ms. Swan." Klaus' smiled as he took a sip of his drink.
"Why did you invite me anyway?" I asked quietly.
"I owe you for looking after Rebekah and for saving her after Elena daggered her," Klaus said matter of factly.
"You never thought to just send me a thank you card?"I chuckled. "Honestly, it's not hard to be a decent person. I genuinely enjoy Rebekah's company too. I am still pissed as hell at Elena and the Salvatores." I found myself half growling at the memory of Rebekah lying on the cold cement ground of Salvatore's basement.
"How am I to make it up to you?" Klaus' asked again and I looked into his light blue eyes. Eyes that looked as if the ocean was crashing into the sand. Eyes that flickered lightly with anger at times but held mirth and happiness. Eyes that I could find myself looking into.
I shook my head and looked out the window. "When will you stop asking me that. I want nothing from you, Klaus." I moved one of the curls from in front of my face and tucked it gently behind my ear.
"I think you do." Klaus smiled coyly at me as he took another sip from his drink.
"What do you think I want?" I feel my eyebrow twitch instinctively up in an arch.
Klaus leaned in close and put his hand on my knee. I looked again into those beautiful eyes. "I think you want me to ki…"
"Uh, If everyone could gather please." A man's voice echoed through the room and I saw Klaus frown slightly.
"Seems the moment is gone." Klaus sighed and offered me his hand. "Would you care to join me for a dance?"
"Welcome, thank you for joining us." The man's voice was echoing from the stairway. "You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it's tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance."
I looked back up at Klaus and smiled brightly. "It would be a pleasure to accompany you."
"Well aren't you just Miss Prim and Proper." Damon's voice was filled with disgust and anger. I turned my head slowly to eye him.
"Shouldn't you be more involved in where Miss Gilbert is going than with Miss Swan," Klaus demands and I notice Elena starting to slinking up the stairs.
Damon moves fast to catch up with her, latching onto her forearm in a tight grip before steering her away. Klaus and I look at each other, roll our eyes, and then make our way to the ballroom.
"It's a waltz that we will be performing tonight," Klaus whispers in my ear as we pass by couple after couple until we are standing near his siblings. Rebekah notices me and beams. Her smile fades slightly when she sees I'm accompanying Klaus.
The music begins and Klaus slips his hand around my side before laying it gently on my back. I clasp his hand and we glide across the room. I haven't waltz since the late 60's. I found myself smiling and laughing as he twirled and dipped me. The music ended and the room erupted in a chorus of applause. Klaus and I smiled at each other before another song began to play. The crowd dispersed slightly as the townsfolk headed back to the bar.
"If it isn't obvious, you look stunning." Klaus complimented as we swayed along with the music.
I felt the familiar heat of a blush on my cheeks. "Thank you."
"I am glad that you came," Klaus spoke again and I felt my eyes drift to him. He had his eyes closed and a small smile graced his lips. "You're staring."
"Ah!" I gasped. "I am sorry," I mumbled slightly.
"Will you let me show you something?" Klaus asked as the song came to a close.
I was about to answer when I heard Rebekah call out. "Stop hogging my friend!"
"I'm not hogging her!" Klaus laughed and I looked over at the doors where Rebekah stood with her arms folded across her chest.
"Thank you for the dance, Klaus. Perhaps you can show me whatever it is after I catch up with Rebekah," I suggest before dropping my hand from his arm.
"Sure. Find me when you're ready." Klaus smiles down at me.
I nodded softly before turning and walking towards Rebekah. Once I am close, she pulls me in for a tight hug.
"Ugh! I have missed you!" Rebekah says as we make our way outside onto the patio.
"I have missed you too!" I smile as I look up at the sky. "I'm sorry I haven't messaged you since leaving."
"Bells, its fine. I haven't been awake for more than a few days anyway." Rebekah sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry that El...wait what do you mean you have only been awake for a few days?" I felt my anger beginning to flair.
"Well, Klaus just recently woke me from my last daggering at Elena's han…."
"That inconsiderate mutt, the repulsive flea-ridden, half mongrel piece of…" I found myself expelling the curses at a rapid pace before tapering off. I finished with a large gulp of breath as Rebekah laughed loudly.
"Are you done?" His voice asked and I turned around to see Klaus staring at me with eyes that sparkled with delight and mischief.
"No. You're an asshole." I quip.
"Yes, I am." Klaus chuckles darkly. He strode forward and took a lock of my hair in between his fingers. "But you like that about me despite everything else, love." I felt a shiver of desire rush over me but as quickly as Klaus had arrived, he disappeared.
I stood there for a moment, dumbfounded and slightly flustered at the thought of Klaus handling my hair.
"Well, that was very interesting." Rebekah coughed softly before moving in front of me. "Tell me, Bella."
I looked up to face her, my heart racing and my stomach in knots.
"Have you fallen for the big bad wolf?"