A/N:

I hope you all have enjoyed this story so far. I love the reactions that I receive. This story has over 150 followers now, which is incredible. So much dedication from my readers makes me proud to continue writing this story, which I hope to have maybe 60 chapters at the least. Sound good? Special thanks to koneeill091, christinaemerald, Mobbzy91, blueberry55, KTP3325, chillwithJyl, mbkilli, and Ajitha249 for following and some also favoring this story. It truly means a lot. Enjoy this chapter and Happy New Year again!

Cheers,

~Elle

Chapter 18: The Impressions that Decide

It had started raining, the pellets dropping down from the suddenly gray sky. Nik grabbed my arm and pulled me towards a picnic shelter slightly off course of the path we had been walking. The wooden structure had lined benches on the wall where people could sit. Leading me to one of them, I and Nik sat next to each other and watched as the rain poured. We stayed silent for a few moments before the jingle of Nik's phone went off, disturbing the peace.

"One second, love." Nik whispered to me as he pulled the phone from his pocket and checked the caller ID. I let go of his hand so he could leave for a moment of privacy. I looked on as he disappeared around the corner of the shelter.

He stayed quiet for the first five minutes of the conversation, but then his temper aroused. He began violently shouting at the person on the other line. I knew it was none of my business, but I still arose from the bench to receive a clearer audio of the angering conversation. Snippets were easy to decipher, since Nik was yelling. I recognized the other voice to be Elijah's reasoning monotone, and the words he spoke shocked me.

"Niklaus, the girl is in pain. This is our chance to have a legacy, and to bring our family together again. Miss Forbes will understand." Elijah reasoned with his stubborn brother.

"I understand that young wolf is concerned with her child's health, but to be honest, am I not. My life is not associated with her, and I don't want the child. Give her some money and send her off, because Caroline is my life commitment right now." Nik countered, and I was taken aback by his answer. We had just discussed wanting children, and now he was turning away the chance to have one. Because of me; he said I was his life commitment.

"She needs more than compensation, Niklaus. The child needs support, and a family. This is our opportunity to start over. No more sacrifice and no more death, just happiness. Please, brother. Think of the chance." Elijah pleaded, and Nik snorted. He didn't care, and was giving away the greatest opportunity, and I was stopping him from realizing that.

I heard Nik whisper a few more harsh comments into the line, and then he hung up abruptly. He turned on his heel and walked back towards where I was supposedly sitting. Plopping myself back onto the bench, I situated myself to look like I had never moved. Nik handed me his hand, and we left the shelter without a word. Straight to the car we went, and we were gone.

The invitation sat on the doormat of the villa, heavy stationary with gold script. I was the first to find it, and I put it under my arm as I entered the house. Nik was close behind me, still steaming from his intense conversation between him and his brother. The ride home had been radio silent, and Nik had driven like a speed racer all the way. I had said nothing, and I knew he knew I had heard every word of his conversation.

I was the first one to our shared bedroom, so I got dibs of the closet. When Nik had led me back to the car, it had still been raining, so I was completely soaked. Mud from the park was caked onto the soles of my heels, the perky bows limp with water. I shed my clothes into the clothes hamper and threw my shoes in a corner, too lazy to clean them off. My hair was dripping with water, so I undid the once high pony into a low chignon.

Grabbing my Victoria Secret Pink sweatshirt and some random black yoga pants, a dressed myself in the dry clothes. I picked up the mysterious invitation off the bench of the closet and turned off the light. Opening the door, I ran straight into a very wet Nik. He smiled at me, but entered the closet after. I wandered over to the bed, and sat down on my side. The bed was now made, probably by the never seen maid staff. I placed the invitation down next to me and waited for Nik.

He came out shortly, now dressed in a new black Henley, and a pair of well fitted denim jeans. Walking over to the bed, he sat down next to me, and was the first to speak.

"You heard every word, didn't you?" He guiltily, and I nodded with no expression. Nik grimaced and I looked down at my folded hands.

"Caroline, I know what it looks like, sweetheart. But hear…" he tried to explain, but I held up the invitation as a change of subject. Nik took it out of my hand, and he looked like he recognized the fancy stationary.

"It seems we are invited to yet another party with one of my ancient friends." Nik said annoyed, and I nodded. Opening the envelop for more information, his eyes scanning the heavy paper wearily. After a minute, he placed the letter back down on the duvet.

"Who is summoning you now?" I asked teasingly, and Nik glared playfully at me. The tension of the previous topic was melting away, finally.

"My acquaintance of nearly 300 years, Xander, has found out of my arrival in Rome. And with a new belle on my arm, no less, he says. He wishes to have us for tea to become acquainted with you. Kelso told him of your extraordinary beauty, evidently." Nik grunted, obviously annoyed by the fact his social circle was now buzzing with news of his new association with a baby vampire.

"They always thought you had a more refined taste than a baby vampire, didn't they?" I asked, a bit hurt that his friends thought so low of me. How was I to impress 500 year old vampires, if I couldn't even impress 17 year old boys in high school?

"Caroline, nothing will ever stop me from choosing to be with you. Not my family, nor my egotistical and privileged group of business partners and friends." Nik told me, and I looked up at him with hopeful eyes.

"Then I guess we are a going to tea, and I better find a damn impressive outfit."

A/N:

I hope you enjoyed this update, and remember to REVIEW. I need ideas for Caroline's damn good outfit. Have a magical New Year's celebration, and a great day/evening.

~Elle