THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! IT MEANS SO MUCH!
Please remember to review at the end! :)
Two days.
All she wanted was two days and no questions. Luckily, Kol remembered every year, though if he suspected the reason, or even knew, he never said. Klaus, on the other hand, would want to know, but for reasons she was beginning to understand, he would never ask. Part of her was grateful, but another part, the stronger part, wanted him to know.
The progression of their relationship during these past few months was, for Caroline, beyond anything she could have hoped. Besides Bonnie, she wanted Klaus to be there. Klaus was becoming her best friend or close to it. During the three months getting to know each other, she found him to be her closest confident, next to Bonnie.
She wanted to tell him. She wanted him to understand and she came close to telling him. Letting him know the reasons for her wanting the two days, but fear stopped her from saying much. She shouldn't have been afraid. She really shouldn't have. Klaus proved himself over and over the past three months, almost four and she trusted him.
The reality of that trust floored her. Shocked her into freezing at her desk just at the moment when he entered to hand her some papers. Her eyes widened. Her back stiffened. Her mouth hung open. Her words faltered in her throat.
"Caroline?"
She jerked her eyes to him, her vision focusing on just him. Should she tell him? Before she could debate inside herself, she searched his eyes and saw the worry within his depths. "I trust you."
If he was searching for another answer, it didn't show. Instead, his eyes brightened and a smirk appeared on his face, showcasing the dimples which were hidden most of the time. A high blush appeared on his face and she smiled, breathlessly.
Klaus bowed his head. "I trust you too," he whispered, placing the papers on her desk and pivoted to head back into the office, gently closing the door.
She sagged and breathed out, conflicted by the new revelation. He trusted her. She trusted him. So, why couldn't she tell him the reason why she wanted two days?
She pondered the reason as the time flew and the day ended with her saying goodbye to Kol and lingering behind with Klaus, wishing she could tell him but her mind won over her heart.
"I wish I could tell you," she whispered, slipping on her light coat.
He smiled, helping her by pulling her braided hair out from underneath the coat. "Someday, you will."
She turned, searching his eyes with a spark he recognized from earlier. "Someday," she agreed with a smile.
A smile which increased his heart rate by a few seconds and made him return the smile with one of his own. "Good night, Caroline."
"Good night, Klaus."
~XXX~
"Why couldn't you tell him?"
Caroline sipped the wine in her hand and shook her head. "I don't know, Bonnie. I just, I couldn't."
"Yet you told him that you trusted him," Bonnie remarked, raising her brows. "That's a contradiction, isn't it?"
"He said he understood."
"Caroline, him saying that doesn't mean he believes it. If you trust him, tell him the truth. Tell him the reason you spend two days out of the year alone. He'll understand."
"I don't spend it alone," she protested, shaking her head.
"Yes, you do," Bonnie injected with force. "You spend it alone in the apartment or you go to some hotel and spend it there, but you never spend it with me or even your mom. Not anymore."
"It's just hard."
"Caroline, it's a day of celebrating, and I would spend it with you if you let me."
"I know," Caroline agreed, bowing her head. "It's just when I went to college, I spent it alone and I got used to it. Since moving here with you, I want to spend it with you, but," she trailed off, unsure of the next words.
"You deserve some happiness, Caroline, and not being alone," Bonnie comforted, grasping her friend's hand. "I could take off and spend two days with you or even one day if you want."
Caroline smiled, shaking her head. "No, thanks, you need to stay at the store. I'll be fine. I'll spend it here in the apartment and when you get home, we'll celebrate. I'll even Skype mom."
Bonnie smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. There were times she wanted to argue more. Like now, when she knew her friend needed someone. Bonnie understood the need and she understood the reason behind Caroline's resistance to spending the two days with her. She just didn't like it. For too long Caroline retreated into a shell and wanted to be secured in her bubble. She trusted so few people because of her past and it was a past Bonnie tried her best to see her through, but she couldn't do it alone. She needed help.
She needed someone who understood Caroline or tried to. Cinderella needed a push out of the shell and who better than one she called a beast.
Later, when Caroline was preparing for bed, Bonnie dialed a number. She waited until the recipient answered before she let out the breath she was holding.
"We need to talk. Got a minute?"
~XXX~
Caroline trudged through the apartment at the near break of dawn. Sipping the coffee, she smiled as the sun began to peak in the distance, but had not decided to make a full appearance. Bonnie left for work about thirty minutes prior, needing to get to the store for some paperwork and to set up for the new releases coming out. There was something secretive about her this morning. Though she was cheerful before she left, Caroline sensed her friend was holding something back. She frowned, trying to piece them together, determined for a minute to figure out what Bonnie was up to. Deciding it would come to her after a good breakfast, Caroline fixed a batch of apple cinnamon muffins, smiling as the aroma filled the apartment.
A knock on the door puzzled her and with careful steps, she peeked out of the hole, shocked by the image on the other side. Quickly, she opened the door and stared with her mouth open at the man on the other side. "Klaus?"
He smiled, sliding his hands in his pockets. "Good morning, Caroline," he greeted, smiling wider. "May I come in?"
She grunted, stunned for only a moment before opening the door wider and allowed him entrance. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
"Well, I decided to go out of town for a few days and I want you to come with me."
She slid the lock in place and turned towards him. Her face twisted in confusion and her arms folded across her chest. "Say again?"
He chuckled, leaning on the back of the sofa. "I'm going out of town to my cabin in the mountains and I want you to come with me. Grab your suitcase, but I suggest you change your clothes, first."
"I'm not going with you, not on this short notice," she ranted, glancing down at her t-shirt and Capri jogging pants.
"It's not that short, besides think of it as a present."
"A present?" She glanced down at the floor. He knew. He knew what today was. "Klaus."
He held up his hands. "I want to do this," he stated, firmly. "You want solitude. I'm offering you solitude, but with me. That's the only stipulation," he remarked, watching her. "I'm not leaving without you."
"Klaus, you don't have to do this," she whispered, shaking her head.
"You don't need to spend this day by yourself."
"How did you know?" She glared at him as he crossed his arms over his chest with a suspicious smirk. "Bonnie told you."
"She just happened to call me yesterday afternoon and said you didn't need to spend these two days alone, and practically gave me this idea."
"It's my birthday, Klaus, not a life or death thing."
"According to her, it is, and I happen to agree."
"Klaus."
"Don't argue with me, Forbes," he stated, raising his brows. "Go pack an overnight bag and meet back here in ten minutes."
"I'm not going with you."
"Oh, yes you are. Bonnie already signed off on it, and besides, I already told you it's a birthday present from me."
She groaned. Now she understood how he won all those cases in the courtroom. He reasoned the suspects down and badgered them until they had no choice but to comply. "Why are you doing this?"
He stepped forward, grasping her arms, lightly. "Because you are my friend and you are not spending this day alone."
She sagged. She was running out of arguments. "I always spend it alone, besides it's no big deal," she stated with a shrug of her shoulders.
"It must be to request two days off work."
She sighed, moving away from his touch to take the muffins from the oven. "I was born at midnight.," she revealed, quietly, but he heard her.
"Ah, now I understand," he remarked, quietly.
She nodded. "Mom and I would celebrate for two days, and later Bonnie joined us. It became a sort of a tradition until I went to college," she added, sadly.
"Why not keep it up with Bonnie?" Klaus asked, innocently.
She shrugged with her eyes cast down. "She got too busy with her store."
"She doesn't strike me as someone who ignores priorities."
"She isn't. I just, I didn't want to burden her."
Klaus tilted his head and approached her with careful steps. "Birthdays and friends are never a burden, Caroline."
She bit her bottom lip. "It's just hard celebrating when…" she trailed off, turning her face away, hiding the tears.
Klaus cupped her chin and raised her face to his. "Caroline, birthdays, no matter the reason, should be spent with friends. It's not a burden nor is it a dark time. It's a moment out of the year in which you celebrate the life you have. The year you had. It means you survived and when you celebrate with friends, it's a thank you for being there during the year."
She breathed in and out, quickly, before leaning forward, wrapping her arms around him in an embrace which he returned with quiet ease. She relaxed and pulled back after a few minutes, hating to be separated from him, but knew too much of it would reveal more than she intended. "Do you really want to take me out of town for two days?"
He smiled, brushing his fingers across her cheek. "I can't think of a better gift than a day out of the city. Or two."
She smiled, brightly and nodded. "Okay, I'll get dressed and pack a bag, if you'll put the muffins in a container so we can eat on the way."
"Yes ma'am."
She giggled, shaking her head. After telling him where to find the containers, she quickly changed, smiling as she saw a bag on the bed. "Bonnie," she whispered, picking up her cell. Thank you.
A ding came through nearly two seconds later. Happy Birthday, Care. See you when you come back.
Caroline sighed. How about cake and ice cream when I get back? And a movie?
Sounds great! I'll have it ready when you return. Have fun!
Caroline nodded as she sent the smiling emoji and a heart before grabbing the already packed bag from the bed. Some fences could be mended, she thought as she met Klaus at the door.
The drive out of the city was comfortable and full of silence. Though they could talk about anything, they chose to remain in silence during the drive at least until the city limits were behind them.
"Why do you have a cabin in the mountains?"
He smiled, turning off the interstate with ease. "I wanted someplace to go that was out of the way. This is actually the second home I have, besides the mansion, which is technically mother's home."
She smiled. "Why do you need two homes?" she asked, innocently.
He chuckled. "Well, the other home is more of a cottage or smaller home just on the outskirts of town. I only go there when I need a breather from my siblings and the cabin is more of a recluse."
"How could you afford two homes?" she inquired, trying not to be too nosy, but the smile on his face told her she wasn't.
"I come from a wealthy family, have you not noticed?"
"Okay, I may have noticed the large mansion, but come on two houses?"
"I made some smart investments thanks to my brother, Elijah, and they paid off. I have a secure nest egg, in case I ever wanted to retire from practicing law."
"I can't see you retiring any time soon."
"No, I imagine I will still be practicing when I'm in my eighties."
"How did you get into law?"
He shifted in his seat. "My father," he answered, gruffly.
"Your father?"
"My real father," Klaus stated.
She opened her mouth, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean…"
"It's alright," he assured her, glancing in her direction. "My mother had an affair when Mikael was on a bender."
"Bender?" she asked, waiting for him to answer as they stopped at an intersection and he turned to the right.
He nodded. "Yes," he cleared his throat, driving for what seemed like eons.
Caroline lowered her eyes and shifted in her seat. She hadn't meant to dig into his personal life, but that's what friends do, wasn't it? She breathed out and watched as the road became curvy and uphill. Near the top of the mountain, Klaus turned down a gravel road, stopping only to punch a few numbers in front of a gate. They entered through with Caroline's eyes widening at the simple beauty of the cabin.
It was a two-story log cabin with elongated windows along the second floor. The paths were bricked and small flowers bloomed along the sides.
"There's a patio on the second floor in the back with a view of the mountains," Klaus explained, parking just outside the cabin.
"If this is your idea of a cabin, I hate to see what your idea of a cottage is," she grumbled, climbing out of the car.
He chuckled, helping her with the bag and escorted her through the front door. "Well, it's quiet and secluded, perfect for a getaway. This is a private sanctuary."
"I take it your family doesn't come here," she remarked, taking in the log beams, wooden floors, log walls, and gothic ceilings.
"I've never invited them, except mother and now you."
She turned. "Me?"
"You're the only one besides mother who's been here."
She blushed, lowering her eyes. "Well, then I'm honored."
He smiled. "I'll show you where you'll be staying for the night and then we can have some lunch if that's alright."
"Sounds perfect," she answered, following him up the stairs and down a wooded hallway. She wanted to gasp at the room, designated hers, but suppressed the urge as she gazed out the picture window, which was part of the sliding door, leading out into a patio.
"The patio extends to the length of the second floor," Klaus explained with a smile, watching her eyes brighten.
"Oh, it's beautiful," she breathed out. "I can see why you love it here."
He nodded, watching her, grateful she was enjoying his home, realizing how much he wanted her to. "Well then, shall we prepare lunch?"
She nodded, following him out. If she thought her room was breathtaking, the kitchen was astounding. Wooden panels, silver linings, silver appliances, and a rock island and wall gave the rustic look and completed the atmosphere. "Okay, you have to name the decorator or the designer."
He laughed, shaking his head. "That would be me."
"You're kidding," she gasped in disbelief.
He shook his head. "Nope, I designed every part of this cabin. My brother Finn built it. Well, him and his wife."
"I thought you said only me and your mother ever came here."
He nodded. "I did. Finn and Sage only built it. They've never come here on a pleasure visit."
"Why?"
"They live in England and very rarely come to the states unless for Christmas or for Mother's birthday."
She leaned against the island, folding her arms over her chest. "You are just full of surprises, Klaus Mikaelson."
He chuckled. "Perhaps."
Lunch went by rather quickly and while Klaus responded to a few calls for clients, Caroline was given free rein to explore the cabin. Every part of the cabin was breathtaking from the stone walk-in shower and stone-based bathroom to the wall to wall library. Even the outside was beautiful, and honestly, she was running out of words to describe it all. The simple waterfall, perfectly preserved, in the backyard pleased her senses and the birds singing in the trees presented the calm and peace of nature she missed from home.
It was perfect here. Absolutely perfect.
"So, this is where you stopped."
She smiled, glancing beside her as he stopped at her right. "I can't get over how beautiful this place is."
"It's the reason I bought it. That and the peace it brings."
"I guess sometimes even a lawyer needs a break, huh."
He nodded. "Yeah, sometimes I get overwhelmed with cases and I need a breather. I climb in my car and come here. Unfortunately, I can't do that as often as I'd like, but during vacation, when I get time, I come here."
"It's the perfect place. Reminds me of home," she began, breathing in the mountain air. "There's a waterfall just on the outskirts of town. You have to hike to it, but it's worth it. The serenity of the rushing water. The smell of the fresh air. It's the perfect place to escape." She stepped closer to the railing, glancing down at the waterfall. "I would go there so many times growing up. My mom wanted to call it Caroline's falls, but it already had a name," she revealed with a laugh.
He smiled. "Sounds perfect, love."
"It was." She sighed, taking in the sounds. "I miss it."
"Why don't you go back, just for a visit?" he asked, stepping closer.
She stiffened, lowering her head. "I can't. I can't ever go back home."
"Why?"
She drew in a shaky breath, fighting the harsh reality. "Because I…because I won't be welcomed."
Klaus read between the lines and touched her back, rubbing it with a tender touch. She shivered and turned only to fall into his embrace. No words were spoken as he held her and tears landed on his shoulder. He didn't need an explanation to know that she was damaged. He saw the pain, the torture. He hated the town she came from because it hurt her. Holding her close, he began to realize how much she revealed in just those few short moments.
Moments which spoke volumes to him. Moments she might not have realized how much she revealed.
~XXX~
"One hour to midnight, love, and this is how you want to spend it," he scoffed, as she smiled before letting out a laugh.
"I've always wanted to do this, but I've never had the chance. Actually, I've never had the stairs or the space to do it."
He rolled his eyes. "Ringing in your birthday while watching Princess Diaries 2, is one thing, but this…?"
"Oh, come on, Klaus, don't tell me you're scared."
"Nonsense," he retorted, folding his arms over his chest. "I just don't see why?"
"Because it'll be fun, besides, you have this large space and what good is it if we don't try a little mattress surfing."
He groaned, dropping his arms. "Fine, I helped you set it up, but…"
"You are doing it," she stated, pointing at him with a hard glare. "There are no buts. You are going to get on that mattress and sail down the stairs, aka the slide, and you are going to have fun. Besides, it's my birthday, and you brought me here. The least you can do is make it memorable."
"Oh, it'll be memorable alright. I just don't see why I have to do this."
"Because I want you to."
He sighed, dropping his shoulders. "Alright, love, it is your birthday."
She nodded, before clapping with glee, and turned to the slide. "Yes, I'm so excited."
"Yes, I can see that."
She slapped his arm, playfully, and ran up the other side of the stairs, grateful he installed two sets when he built the cabin, something Klaus was grateful for when he saw the light in her eyes shined like a star. "Come on!"
He groaned and climbed up the stairs, joining her at the top. "Now what?"
She laughed. "I'll go first and then you follow, after I reach the bottom, just in case I slide farther than planned."
He nodded. "Alright," he agreed.
She turned, clutching the twin mattress in her hands and breathed out. Giving a little start, she sailed down the slide with a force that made her laugh as she hit the bottom with ease and slide to the far wall, hitting with lightly. "Oh my gosh!" she screamed, rolling over. "That was so cool!"
Klaus laughed, shaking his head and followed suit, sliding down the stairs and landing just behind her. He hit her mattress and rolled off it with a thud, groaning when he did so.
Caroline laughed and stood up, extending her hand out, helping him up. "Wasn't that fun?"
He smiled at her bright smile, her excitement and nodded. "It was, I have to admit."
She laughed, grabbing the mattress once more. "Come on, let's go again."
He grabbed his mattress, and followed her up the stairs, knowing somehow, there wasn't anything she could ask him to do that he wouldn't.
They sailed down the stairs a few more times, laughing as they made it to the bottom, rolling with so much laughter they couldn't contain the joy they were feeling.
At one moment, Caroline pulled him down onto hers and they sailed together down the stairs, landing with Caroline on top of Klaus.
They laughed and for a moment, they were the only two people in the world. Caroline raised her head, laughing with tears forming in her eyes, but the laughter stopped as her blue-green eyes caught his blue eyes. So bright was the light shining in his, she found herself entranced by it.
His hand brushed her hair back. She shivered at the contact, realizing how her body was laying across his. Her heartbeat harder in her chest and mouth opened just slightly. Klaus' eyes dilated and she was sure hers did as well.
Klaus' heart pounded and his veins burned at the expression in her eyes. He wanted to pull her head down, crush her lips onto his, and from the expression on her face, she wanted it too. Only, he wasn't going to make the move. He wanted her to do it.
The past she tried to conceal, which he was beginning to suspect, had him being cautious with her. He couldn't be the one to make the move. She had to.
And Caroline wanted to. Oh, she did. She wanted to move just an inch or so, brush her lips over his, hoping he would fulfill the need she felt growing in her body. She ached for his kiss. She ached for more.
But the fear she held onto kept her from taking the step, though she was so close to telling that fear to take a flying leap. She wanted to move. She wanted his kiss. His expression told her all she needed. The trust she had for him extended to trusting him with a simple action.
His restraint at this moment was enough to convince her she was right in her trust. She breathed out, just as he did, and inhaled his scent.
She lowered her head just a fraction, but before she could, her phone rang.
She gasped, straightening and clambered off him, rushing towards her phone. She was breathless as she answered it and smiled with a blush as her mother's face appeared on the Facetime chat, she set up earlier.
"Hey, mom," she remarked, breathlessly.
Elizabeth smiled, tilting her head to the side. "Hello, my darling. Happy birthday, sweetie."
Caroline sighed and bowed her head. "Thank you. I wish you were here."
"I wish I was too, sweetie, maybe someday I will be."
"Maybe," Caroline responded, seeing Klaus enter the room and sat on the couch. "I'm not alone this year."
"I know, Bonnie called," Elizabeth returned with a smile. "Is he there?"
Caroline nodded. She walked over and sat down next to him, holding the phone so Elizabeth could see him. "Mom, this is Klaus. Klaus, this is my mom, Elizabeth."
Klaus smiled, noticing the similarities between mother and daughter. "Pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Forbes."
Elizabeth smiled. "Likewise, Klaus," she returned, with a laugh. "Thank you for taking my daughter somewhere. I've been telling her for years to spend her birthday with someone. I'm glad you were the one to convince her. Bonnie and I have tried, but she wouldn't listen to us."
Klaus smiled. "It took some convincing, but she finally accepted."
Caroline rolled her eyes. "That's enough," she stated, hitting his arm, playfully.
Elizabeth laughed at the interaction and nodded. "I won't keep you, dear. I just wanted to call and wish you a happy birthday. I'll talk to you soon. I love you so much."
"I love you too, mom. To the moon and back."
Elizabeth smiled, blowing a kiss, and ended the call.
Caroline sighed and lowered the phone, leaning into Klaus' side. "I miss her."
His arm wrapped around her shoulders and hugged her close. "I know."
She closed her eyes before straightening and cleared her throat. "Well, shall we start the movie?"
He nodded. "If that is what you wish."
She nodded. "It is," she remarked, glancing at her phone for the time. "Oh, but we really should go to bed," she stated. She raised her eyes and sucked her bottom lip for a moment. "Why don't we watch it tomorrow morning?"
He smiled, standing, helping her stand beside him. "As you wish, love."
She caught her breath and before she could do or say anything, she breathed his name.
His fingers touched her lips and he smiled. "I'll see you in the morning, Caroline."
She nodded and turned on her heel and nearly ran up the stairs. Once inside her bedroom, she breathed a sigh of relief. Moments before, she almost kissed Klaus and just now he whispered words she longed to hear ever since she watched a certain movie when she was a young girl.
Her heart was never going to survive this.
Or was it?
All she knew for the moment, she was going to sleep with happy dreams and a smile on her face which never left, even after she awoke the following morning.
~XXX~
"Mind if I join you?"
He raised his head and smiled with a nod. "You don't have to ask."
Caroline shrugged, sitting next to him. "Well, I thought it would be polite."
He smiled, bowing his head. "Are you always polite?"
"Well, when someone kidnaps me the thing to do is to be polite to them," she stated, tongue-in-cheek.
Klaus laughed. "I did not kidnap you."
"Ah, you say tomato…" she remarked, waving her hand in the air.
His eyes rolled and his head leaned back in the chair. Silence surrounded as the morning air drifted through the patio.
He replayed the events of yesterday and smiled at the joy he felt with each moment relived. He frowned at a conversation between them in the car on the way to the cabin. Standing abruptly, he placed his hands on the railing.
"Klaus?"
He sighed, bowing his head. "You know about Camille, don't you?"
She bit her bottom lip, watching him turn with his hands gripping the railing behind him. Nodding, she answered, "I don't know much about her."
"But you know about her blog," he confirmed, watching her nod once more. He sighed, clearing his throat. "You asked yesterday about my father, and I never answered you."
"Klaus, you don't have to…" she trailed off when his hand came up to halt her words.
"My real father was a policeman in the city. He was an honorable man. A man who actually served the law," he explained with a smile. "Mother met him one day when she called the police." He glanced away, licking his lips. "Mikael was a cruel son of a bitch. He didn't care for his children or his wife. He used us for punching bags, mainly mother and myself," he continued, pain and hatred flashing across his face.
She slowly rose from her seat, approaching him with caution. "Klaus," she whispered, catching his eyes.
"I took the brunt of the beatings because it was the only way to save Rebekah and Kol," he explained, carefully. "I distanced myself because if I ever got close to them, Mikael would punish them worse than I ever imagined. I had to pretend to be cold, distant. A beast."
"You were protecting them."
He nodded. "Mother fell in love with my father. She said he was a kind man, and she thought so much of running away with him because Mikael would never let her divorce him, not at the time," he paused, lowering his eyes. "Unfortunately, he was killed by rioters and she never got the chance."
"Did he know about you?"
Klaus nodded. "Mother said he was excited. He had never had a child but dreamed of them. I would lie awake at night, imagining the home I would have had if he had not been killed, but that's the price he had to pay."
"So, you became a lawyer to fight for justice in your way."
"It feels like he's with me," he admitted, bowing his head.
"Do Rebekah and Kol know what you did?"
"No," he confessed, pushing away from the railings. "I never told them and neither did mother. We swore they would never find out."
"So, all these years, you were protecting Rebekah and Kol by pushing them away, and they thought you never cared, hurting because they wanted their brother and you…"
"It wasn't easy, Caroline," he interrupted, roughly. "There were moments when I wanted to hug Rebekah for her accomplishments and cheer Kol on for his acceptance into law school, but I had to bite my tongue because Mikael was watching. He never wanted me in the family, but he couldn't throw me out because Mother would have retaliated, and he would have lost his meal ticket. Even though he's been gone for years, the damage has been done."
"You could still tell them."
"Perhaps, but it's hard to confess to something they might not understand."
"They might."
He turned, finding compassion in her eyes. "I confessed part of the story to Camille because I believed her to sincere, but she betrayed me. Published the lies, made my family out to be villains in the story. Destroying my mother along the way. It took months and dozens of lawyers, myself and Kol included, to get her banished from the publishing world and to get a recanting story, the true story out, but the damage was done."
"I'm sorry, Klaus," she whispered, feeling the pain of the betrayal as if it were her own. She understood betrayal. She understood pain. In Klaus, she saw the scared, strong boy he had to be for his family. The one who endured so much so his siblings would be spared.
He turned his head away, breathing out. "Since then, I haven't trusted many people, other than Stefan and my family. Until now," he confessed, watching her smile.
She stepped closer, holding his eyes. "I won't betray your trust, Klaus."
He sighed, raising his hand to brush his fingers over her face. "I know, which is why I told you."
Closing her eyes, she came to an understanding. He needed to know everything about her. If he was willing to tell her about his painful past, she needed to tell him.
"I didn't tell you so you could confess your dark past to me, Caroline," Klaus replied, watching her. "I told you so you would know you could trust me, as I trust you. Whenever you feel like telling me, I'll be right here."
She nodded. "I do trust you, Klaus, and I want to tell you, but…"
He touched her lips with his fingers, stopping her words. "When there are no more doubts, you will tell me."
Nodding, and filled with relief, she stepped into his embrace, grateful for the time and the story he told. For with it, she understood her beast a little bit more and she liked what she saw.
For he was not a beast, but a prince with only the mask of a beast. A mask he was shedding with each passing day and perhaps, he could find the glass slipper she needed to release her from her past.
She smiled as he held her. It was a strange analogy, but it worked for them. For she was a Cinderella and he was her beast. She could save him and he could save her.
She felt it.
And for that, she loved him all the more.
Please be kind!
I know I've been absent, but this month was hectic as the restrictions were partially lifted in my state and we were able to throw my Mamaw an 80th birthday party. I spent weeks helping plan and also gardening and canning vegetables, so I rarely had much time to write.
Saying this, I spent all day writing this, which is why it's the longest chapter to date. I'm amazed, but there was so much that needed to be in here, and I hope I didn't overdo it. If there are any grammar errors, I'll try to get back to them later, but I wanted y'all to read it.
There were some fun moments, and I hate that ended it with a sad moment, but it was necessary. I hope it helped you guys to understand Klaus a little bit more.
The next chapter entitled Tears will be up soon! I actually have it written out, I just have to type it. LOL.
Here's a sneak peek:
"Why are you being so kind to me?"
"You know why," he answered, softly.
"No, that's not it. You've more than proven yourself to me these past four months. Why?" she asked, stepping closer, needing the answer.
"Maybe because I see the same pain in you I have," he answered, holding her eyes. "I recognize pain."
She sighed, her decision made. "It happened ten years ago, or at least the last time was ten years ago..."
I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek.
Until Next Time...
