Epilogue 1: Expecting
She really liked this apartment, and after three years living here, she's really gotten used to it. But everything comes to an end.
Caroline finishes tagging the last of the boxes from the kitchen when she gets Bonnie's incoming call.
"Hey!"
"Good news. We finally managed to destroy that damn bell."
"Really? Did it work?"
"You had a Bennet and a Mikaelson working on this, so your disbelief hurts me, Care."
The only reason Freya was helping in the first place is because Caroline still knows Klaus enough to understand that his fear to get his enemies back from hell is a powerful motivation. But it's not that she doubts Bonnie's abilities, her friend is exceptional and everyone in their side of the world knows that, but it's just surreal.
One less thing to worry about.
"Thank you, I love you!"
"Careful, Stefan might get jealous if he hears that." Bonnie teases her. "So, how's the big move going on? Are Elena and Damon actually helping?"
"They are doing all the heavy work. And you know Damon. I think he's secretly super excited, but he can't help himself making jokes about my diet. But it's super nice to have Elena around, Stefan hasn't come back from the clinic, so she offered to go and find my lemon milkshake."
"Isn't that store just in front of your building? Why don't you go yourself?"
"She wants to get points and I'm letting her have a try."
"Uh-oh, just remember destroying the bell beats bringing you a snack in the middle of the day."
"That depends. Are you and Enzo marrying anytime soon? Will you let me plan your wedding? Because I did a wonderful job planning mine and then Elena's."
"And how are you going to manage that all the way from New York? It's not like you'll have the time of the world in the next few months… or years…"
"So that means you HAVE thought about it. Did he propose again?"
"Caroline…"
"What? I'm just curious."
The new house is, of course, bigger and very conveniently located near the hospital. Besides, having their family around to help with the move was actually a good thing, she doesn't have to explain herself over and over again (they already know her).
Elena and Damon stay in the city just for a couple of days after they settle in the new house, and share enough stories about their latest trips, but also leave a comment here and there about the possibility of moving to New York (at least for a couple of years, as much as their vampire life allows them to).
"It might be a good thing for them, and for us too." Stefan says later, when they have already left and they are getting ready for bed. "If we really go back to Mystic Falls in a couple of years, you know they can't be seen there."
Everyone would notice they aren't aging, if no one already didn't notice when they were all in college.
"I know. I just worry about Elena, what if she starts thinking about the things she's missing out of human life again? I mean, they have been doing so well until now."
Caroline finishes combing her hair and lies on bed with her head pillowed on his arm.
"If you play your cards right, we might have a babysitter for free."
"You are evil." Caroline smiles, but just for a second. "I'm not letting Damon anywhere near our baby until she's at least eighteen."
Stefan frowns.
"That would be difficult… but I see your point."
"You know that horrible Kaytlin from the midnight show was asking when I'm going on a leave. She can't even wait to put her claws on my job."
"She didn't get it before, she isn't going to get it now."
"Right? That's what I told her."
She's just being super sincere but what does he do? He laughs out loud.
"The nurses in the hospital would be the first to complain if they replaced you. They watch the program every morning since you started, or so they say."
"Do they really like me so much now?"
They first eyed her with contempt (envy) when she introduced herself as the wife of the new hot intern, efficiently erasing any weird ideas from their minds.
"Maybe some of them have a crush on you. I do feel jealous sometimes."
He's clearly trying to reassure her since she's been feeling insecure about losing the job she tried so hard to get for years. But even if it does happen, Caroline doesn't feel she's losing out.
This is worth everything.
She's already drifting to sleep when the call comes in, waking her up instantly.
She frowns, and so does Stefan when he catches a glimpse of the ID caller.
"Why is Klaus calling you at this hour?"
"Only the devil knows." She puts the phone on speaker and leaves it on the night table. "Some of us need to sleep, Klaus."
"Hello love. I know you are a fragile human, but it's only nine p.m…"
"Ten" Stefan corrects him.
"Same thing. A bird told me you are having a girl. Although I have to admit it hurt to learn it from my sister, I still celebrate the good news. Tell me, what's your stance on hand-me-downs?"