V. ELIJAH MIKAELSON
The night already underway, with guests partaking in their idle chitchat, spitting out whatever mindless prattle they could about their skewed interpretation of the artist's intention, promised to be uneventful. He readjusted the black, satin tie his mother picked out for the evening, the material trying to strangle him. The envious eyes of party-goers followed his every move, something he'd grown accustom to over years of dinner parties and debutante balls but still left him somewhat uneasy. One of the pitfalls of being the family heir meant he would forever be under the proverbial microscope of high society.
He caught sight of his father, deep in conversation with Mayor Lockwood, probably about the latest fountain installation in front of city hall. A generous gift from their family to the community. The man could not be bothered to even pretend to be enjoying the evening.
Truthfully, his apprenticeship with his father had only begun a few weeks ago, and every moment with the old man proved to be more dreary and forbearing than the last. Elijah exhaled, continuing to wander the floor of the gallery with the intention of saying hello to the few familiar faces there. His mother and sister were nowhere to be found, leaving him to play host.
"Elijah," a stiff voice called out to him. A familiarly dressed figure caught his attention, the crisp, tan colored uniform standing out among the local attendees in their party dresses and hundred dollar suits.
He felt more than certain he looked as surprised as he felt, his wide eyes not escaping her notice. The older woman offered him a half-hearted smile as she closed the distance.
And like a mirage, she appeared, following silently at the woman's heels, looking less than excited to be there. Her simple white sundress showed her minimalist effort.
Caroline Forbes. The last time they'd shared the same room, had been her father's funeral.
His eyes trailed over the blonde's face, her blue eyes cast down in disinterest, pink lips set in a line. He recalled the girl actually appreciated art, but did not like the formalities of upper-class parties. Elijah surmised it was only with her mother's insistence that she'd even attend the gallery opening tonight.
"Sheriff Forbes…" The man collected himself, once again finding his manners. His gaze shifted to the woman's plus one, and he added gently, "Caroline, what an unexpected surprise."
Her gaze flickered up to meet his for a moment and suddenly it was as if he were in high school again. He recalled the first time he'd ever laid eyes on her-at a rival flag football game, between the Salvatore Boarding School and Mystic Falls High. She'd stood out among all those cheering on the sidelines, in her crimson colored uniform, blonde hair neatly tied up with a ribbon.
"Hi, Elijah," She responded gently.
"Congratulations on the gallery," Sheriff Forbes interrupted, extending a hand for him to shake. He accepted it graciously before offering his own congratulations.
"I heard Caroline was Valedictorian," He spoke thoughtfully, directing his praise-filled statement toward the older woman. "Very impressive. You must be very proud Sheriff."
Liz nodded, catching sight of someone and excused herself. A silence fell between them.
"Well, this isn't awkward." He heard the blonde mumble under her breath.
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