OH, MY WORD! I cannot believe how long I have left this story hanging! Luckily, I have been writing all day today, and I'm getting as caught up as I can on a bunch of stories!
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! IT MEANS SO MUCH!
Please remember to review at the end! :)
Caroline frowned as she felt Rebekah pull and tug on her tresses, and she let out a small sigh.
"Oh, get a grip, Caroline," Rebekah remarked, pulling a strand of her hair to clip. "It's not like I'm killing you."
Caroline lifted her eyes, but couldn't see the blonde, as they were sitting in her and Bonnie's living room, without a mirror in front of her. "You might as well be with all the pulling and the secret chuckles." She remarked, hearing Rebekah chuckle once more.
"Oh, quit complaining. I'm creating a masterpiece. Right, Bonnie?" Rebekah asked, turning her head to see the brunette enter the living room with her hair in small curlers.
Bonnie paused, and smiled, hiding back a laugh at the look on Caroline's face. "Right,"
Caroline groaned. "Oh, I don't believe this."
Rebekah let out a loud sigh, and pulled another piece of blonde hair into a small clasp, fastening it securely. "Look, you want to get even with my brother, you're going to have to trust me. I know how to get revenge." She admitted, and the other two smirked as they knew better than most Rebekah's vengeful nature.
"I don't doubt it," Bonnie muttered, turning away to sit down on the chair beside her two friends.
Rebekah smiled and nodded.
"Rebekah, not that I care, but why in the world is Klaus so…?" Caroline began, and Rebekah stilled her movements.
Sadness flashed across her face, and Rebekah cleared her throat. "I shouldn't say." She answered, but Caroline saw through the words.
"Bonnie, could you…?" Caroline began, and Bonnie smiled in understanding.
"I have to make a quick call," Bonnie replied, standing up, and touched Rebekah's shoulder, before leaving the room.
Rebekah shook her head and sighed. "You heard of our father, haven't you?" She asked, and Caroline slowly nodded. "Well, Nik and Mikael never got along, in fact, Mikael despised him. He despised him so much that Nik basically hardened his heart." She continued to explain. "After Mother divorced him, we tried to repair Nik's heart, but…" She faded and moved to sit down in the chair. "Nik's not as bad as he seems, Caroline, and I don't why he treats you the way he does, but I do know that I love him, and my kind, loving brother is still deep within that tough exterior."
Caroline lowered her eyes, and some of the actions Klaus had taken started to make sense. He didn't want to get hurt. Sympathy rang through her, but she pushed it down.
Rebekah saw the conflict crossing her friend's face and leaned forward. "I'm not saying that you should give up this endeavor, Caroline. I want my brother back. Ever since Mikael, Nik hasn't been himself. I thought at one time he was on his way when he met…" She trailed off, turning her head.
"When he met…?" Caroline prodded, carefully.
Rebekah inhaled and slowly let it out. "Her name was Camille. At first, it seemed like a match, but then she betrayed him. I don't know how or what exactly, but that sent Nik on a downward spiral. One that we can't seem to get him out of." She explained, sadly.
Caroline turned her head. Perhaps, this wasn't such a good idea.
"Don't you dare!" Rebekah remarked, slapping Caroline's arm with her hand. "I have never seen Nik act so cruelly to anyone before, and I know you. You are not the kind who deserves it. You are not her, and you are certainly not Mikael."
"Then why are you helping me?" Caroline asked, softly.
"Because I want Nik to see that not every woman he meets is going to betray him and that you are different. You are special."
Caroline's heart pounded at the words. "This may hurt him, Rebekah. You know that." She revealed, holding the blonde's eyes.
Rebekah smiled. "It may but in the long run, I believe this is the best course of action. If nothing else, it will be so much fun seeing my brother squirm, in a good way." She stated, breaking the tension, and they both laughed giving Bonnie her cue to return to the living room.
~XXX~
Klaus sighed as he stepped towards the side of the bed where his tuxedo lay carefully spread out. He dropped the towel from his waist, and slowly dressed in his slacks and white shirt.
A gentle rap on the door, caused him to turn as his mother entered the room.
"Niklaus…" Esther began with a gentle smile. She was a tall woman with strawberry blonde hair and regal features. She wore a stunning navy dress, slightly off the shoulder with a sweetheart bodice that clung to her still amazing figure, even after six children, and flared slightly at the hips. Her ancestry was royalty and she carried it with a style that made her children proud.
"Yes, mother," He responded, sliding on the tie around his neck, pausing when she came up to help him tie it.
"I overheard your conversation with Kol yesterday." She began, watching his face fall. She sighed, finishing up the bow. "Not every woman is like her." She remarked as Klaus' shoulders dropped a fraction.
"I know, mother." He returned, stiffly.
"Then why were you so cruel to Caroline?" She asked, lightly.
If it had been his siblings, he would have lied, but his mother was the only one who seemed to understand. The only one who knew the truth. "She tries me." He began, backing away to grab his jacket.
"You like her," Esther remarked, with a smile. "Then why don't you tell her. Apologize, make her see the man that I raised."
He bowed his head. "It's too late for that, mother. She'll never forgive me. Not after I called her barely tolerable." He remarked, sliding on the jacket.
Esther lowered her eyes. "And she heard that remark…"
He nodded, confirming her fears. "No number of apologies would make up for that."
"Niklaus," Esther began, moving towards him. "Sometimes an apology is the best place to start."
He smiled, wanly, and leaned forward to gently place his lips on her cheek. His smile faded as he pulled back. "What if she won't accept it?" He asked, and watched as his mother's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint.
"Then I suggest you make her." She suggested, smiling.
He let the idea roll around in his mind, and he slowly smiled before chuckling. "Thank you, mother."
She turned her cheek as he kissed her once more, and nodded. "Anytime, Niklaus."
~XXX~
The house was decorated with streams of white lights and roses. With Esther being an interior decorator, it did not surprise anyone how elegant and special the house turned out to be.
Guests, around the number of forty to fifty, filled the first floor, and the backyard, which was a rose garden was settled for an intimate dance floor.
Klaus stood at the bar with a whiskey glass in his hand. He hated these events. Mainly for his distaste for the women who seemed to flock to his side, begging him for a dance or something more.
He disliked being thought of as a side of beef. It was demeaning and cruel.
He swallowed the last bit of whiskey and smiled as he made his way through the crowd. He had to get out of here.
"Leaving so soon, Niklaus?"
He turned to see his regal older brother approach him with a tired expression on his face. He sighed. "You know I dislike parties, Elijah."
Elijah nodded. He felt the same way. "Mother would disprove." He remarked, lightly.
Klaus sighed. "I know, but I've already been propositioned five times within the hour, and I need some air." He scoffed, shaking his head.
"Care for some company?" He asked, following him.
"By all means, brother…" He accepted as they headed out the side door to be greeted with a gentle breeze. Klaus relaxed against the wall of the brick house and let out a sigh.
Elijah watched him with a speculative gaze. "How are things at the law firm with Kol?" He inquired, gently.
Klaus frowned, remembering Caroline. "Well for the most part." He answered, gazing at the darkening sky.
"I hear you and Kol's secretary are not getting along." Elijah prodded, with a secret smile.
Klaus groaned. "She's irritating, Elijah, but I'll give her credit she is a hard worker." He complimented, in a low tone.
"Kol informed me of your words." He remarked, turning to face his brother.
Klaus' shoulders dropped. "I didn't know she was listening."
"Would it have made it alright, if she wasn't?" Elijah asked, firmly.
"I don't know," Klaus answered, truthfully.
Elijah moved towards his brother. "Niklaus, I only know what Kol has told me about her, and she doesn't sound like Camille."
Klaus' eyes flashed in the darkness. His body became stiff and he slowly straightened. His silence said everything to his brother. "I'm going back inside." He growled.
Elijah reached out and grasped his brother's arm. "Be careful, Niklaus. For both of your sakes," He added, in a tone that was not one to argue against.
~XXX~
"I'm not sure I can do this, Rebekah."
"Oh, don't you dare back out on me now, Caroline!" Rebekah nearly shouted as the limo pulled up to the house.
Caroline closed her eyes. The dress she wore was blue chiffon with silver straps and silver inlays over the bodice and skirts. It made her feel like a princess and yet she wasn't. I can do this. She kept repeating over and over in her mind.
Rebekah reached over and clutched her hands in hers. "He won't know what hit him." She whispered, confidently.
Bonnie nodded and placed her hands-on top of Caroline and Rebekah's. They all smiled and inhaled deeply as the door to the limo opened and they slowly climbed out.
Caroline did not pay much attention to the house as she lifted her skirts and followed Rebekah and Bonnie up the stairs.
The doors opened, and they entered. Caroline felt her nerves give her fits as she examined the crowd before her. She always hated crowds. Probably because she was never invited to attend anything like this and was unaccustomed to such a feat.
Silence filled the house as the three women stood in the doorway. Esther, whom Caroline recalled from her few visits to the office, smiled and opened her arms towards her daughter.
"Oh, Rebekah, I was beginning to wonder." She exclaimed, hugging her daughter briefly before glancing at the other two women. "Caroline, so glad you could make it." She responded, hugging Caroline with a smile. She paused at Bonnie and smiled tenderly.
"This is Bonnie Bennett, Mother. She's Caroline's roommate." Rebekah introduced, with a smile.
Esther extended her hand before hugging Bonnie in turn. "So glad you could make it as well." She remarked, gently. "Well, Rebekah, I have to make rounds, you know where everything is. I hope you two enjoy yourselves." She added, with kindness.
Bonnie glanced at Rebekah. "Your mother is very nice and well put together."
Rebekah nodded. "Ever since the divorce, she has been so full of light. We hardly recognize her sometimes because of the joy she expresses now." She explained, glancing towards Caroline.
Caroline stilled, feeling eyes on her back. She slowly turned her head and swallowed as he stood under the threshold just a few feet away. The look on his face told her all she needed to know, and she smiled to herself.
Turning back towards Rebekah, she touched her arm. "I think it worked." She paused, feeling Rebekah pull her along. "He's staring."
Rebekah smiled. "Of course, you're breathtaking." She whispered, with a wink. "Let's have a drink."
They stood at the bar, eyes searching the room, engaging in polite conversation, as Kol walked up, with a smile as he appraised his sister in her golden gown and then Caroline. "I would not have believed it, if I had not seen it with my own eyes. Caroline, you are gorgeous!" He exclaimed, leaning forward to kiss his sister on the cheek and then kiss Caroline's. He grunted in approval and turned his attention to Bonnie. "Ms. Bennett, I didn't think you could make yourself even more beautiful." He remarked, in a low tone, grasping her hand and kissed it.
Bonnie lowered her eyes, before clearing her throat, and pulled her hand back. "People can surprise you." She revealed, lifting her green eyes to his.
He smirked and bowed his head. "Yes, they can."
Caroline smiled at the interaction but felt the need to escape for just a few moments. Turning on her heel, she quietly left them at the bar and made her way towards the back. Even though the music was playing, no one was dancing, she assumed it was because of the cool of the night. She smiled as the lights on the roses lit up around her, creating an almost magical fairytale scene. It was truly like Cinderella.
"If I didn't know better, I would say you were avoiding me."
She stiffened and slowly turned. "One would be right." She remarked, coldly.
Klaus smirked, and slowly appraised her gown and the way it fitted her body. Slowly approaching her, he caught her eyes. "I take it this is my sister's doing." He responded, watching her step back when he got too close.
"Why would you say that?" She asked, lifting her chin.
"Because we both know this is not something you could afford, Caroline. Not on what my brother pays you or the way you dress." He answered, with a smile.
If her pride could have been wounded, even more, it was at that moment. She gritted her teeth and folded her arms. "What your brother pays me, is not your concern or business." She gritted, eyes flashing. "And the way I dress is none of your business either." She continued fire building up inside her.
He stepped just a fraction closer. "Why hide a perfect body like yours in frumpy clothes, Ms. Forbes?" He inquired, holding her eyes.
She swallowed. The words he said resonated with her. "It's none of your business." She answered, though her voice wavered slightly.
He frowned. She confounded him. She put up a front when she argued, and he realized at that moment that she faltered when it got personal. What was she hiding?
The music around them changed to a slow tune with the violin as the lead. He swallowed. "Would you consider it my business if I asked for a dance?" He asked, holding out his hand.
She paused. How was this going to make him suffer? Her plan fell to her feet, as she slowly placed her hand in his. He pulled her closer and began to dance with her in his arms with only a fraction of an inch between them.
With a smooth gait, they danced the waltz, circling the entire floor with the lights encompassing them in a circle, cutting off the rest of the world.
Their eyes met and held. Caroline felt her heart beat faster in her chest from the intensity of his gaze. It was strong and powerful. Something she had never felt before.
Klaus felt the same. His body was set afire as he twirled her around the dance floor. She was graceful in his arms. Like an angel, a swan.
The lights bounced off her dress, or did they consume her? He wasn't sure. All he knew was they were making her even more beautiful than she appeared when she first stepped in the house.
The words he said flashed through his mind. He wished he could take them back, but he couldn't. The music came to a close, and they slowly stopped with Klaus dipping her with a grace and ease that left her speechless.
Slowly, he lifted her, and their eyes held for what seemed like an eternity.
He raised his hand to push a strand of blonde hair from her face. "I misjudged you, Ms. Forbes." He revealed, breathlessly.
She felt her cheek burn at the simple touch of his hand. "How so?" She asked, searching his eyes, trying to keep her wits about her.
"You are beautiful." He answered after a moment.
His words flashed through her mind, and she took a step back. "Beautiful but barely tolerable, is that it?" She asked, rhetorically. "Or am I beautiful now that you realize I heard every word you said about me?" She continued, pain reflecting in her eyes.
He clenched his jaw and breathed out, quickly. "Caroline, if I could take them back I would. I'm sorry if I hurt you." He apologized, remembering his mother's words.
She shook her head. "Sorry, doesn't begin to cover the pain you inflicted on me, Klaus." She rebuffed, strongly.
He reached forward, but she stepped out of his reach. "Caroline…" He began, but she shook her head, refusing his words.
"I have tolerated so much because I believed it was worth it, and we could at least be friends, but now…" She paused, catching his eyes. "You don't deserve my friendship, Klaus. You are nothing but a beast. A beast whose heart is full of ice and stone." She remarked, watching his face frozen in anger. "I will continue to work for your brother and you, but don't mistake my loyalty for him as forgiveness for you." She added, moving past him. She paused at the doorway.
"I feel sorry for you." She added, leaving the words hanging in the air. Words that haunted him for the rest of the night.
~XXX~
She couldn't find Rebekah or Bonnie when she returned inside.
She was ready to go home. She needed to get away. She had said her peace and stood up to him.
She recalled the pained look on his face when she refused his apology. She supposed it was something that he even considered apologizing, but it wasn't that easy. Him saying the words, even after insulting her on the way she dressed, was not enough for her to accept his apology. She couldn't accept it. Not yet.
She groaned as she headed for the door and stepped out into the cool air. The cars were lined up along the archway, and she wished she had driven herself instead of riding in a limo with the girls.
"Damn it, Rebekah." She whispered, shaking her head, marching down the stone steps.
"Leaving so soon?"
She stilled. "Haven't you insulted me enough for tonight?" She asked, refusing to turn around.
Klaus frowned. "Caroline…"
She froze on the sidewalk and bowed her head. "Look, Klaus, I'm tired. I've had enough for tonight. I would like to go home, so please…" She trailed off as he stopped beside her.
"Would you allow me to drive you?" He asked, carefully.
Even after her words to him, he realized he needed to start fresh. "Please, Caroline, I would like to make amends."
She lifted her head and stared at him. "Alright," She remarked, stiffly.
~XXX~
They rode in silence, with Caroline only speaking to give him directions to her apartment. He stopped outside of the building and walked around to help her out.
"Thank you for the ride." She whispered, the tone of her voice giving away the still present pain.
He closed the passenger door and walked with her towards the door of the apartment.
"You don't have to walk me, Mr. Mikaelson." She remarked, turning to face him.
He sighed. "Caroline, could we please start over or at least call a truce?" He asked, wanting to clear the pain from her eyes, somehow hating that he had put it there.
She inhaled, closing her eyes. Perhaps, she thought, perhaps it would help and perhaps she would get him back. She was still a long way from forgiving him. A long way. "I'll think about it." She stated, turning to enter the building. "Good night, Mr. Mikaelson." She called as she opened the door.
He nodded. "Good night, Ms. Forbes."
Please be kind! (Unless, it's constructive criticism, like helpful remarks, but cold tones or pure insults are frowned upon.)
I hope I didn't stray too far from this story. I tried to stay true, and I hope I did. In case you didn't notice, Caroline has not forgiven him, but they are starting from scratch, so perhaps in time. (No, it won't be an overnight forgiveness. I'm not one to be BAM! I forgive you for insulting me!)
Next Chapter: Starting Over
Until Next Time...
