Hello, my lovely readers. We continue on the path to lighter reading for a little while at least and hello there Klausy. We have missed you. ;) On with the show…
Chapter 22: Date with My BFF. Oh, My!
Tuesday morning, Caroline was up and ready early. She went for a jog. Bought breakfast for her roommates. Worked on her readings. Paced about her room while checking her phone and e-mail for missed messages. Groaning in frustration. Caroline staried at her phone. 'Stupid freakin' male,' Caroline growled. It wasn't like she expected Klaus to call or to write her. She had broken up with him.
Flopping on top of her bed, she stared at the ceiling as Hayley got out of bed. Hayley had been up to eat and then went back to sleep. Propping herself up on her elbows, Caroline watched Hayley run off to the bathroom to vomit loudly and then to stumble back to bed. "Hey, Hayley. Are you okay?" 'Stupid question but what the hell,' Caroline thought going over to lay down beside Hayley, who moaned.
The door opened and Rebekah came in. "Hayley, you need to get up and cleaned up. We have class in less that forty-five minutes." Coming over to the bed, Rebekah peeled the covers back and began to half carrt Hayley toward the bathroom. "You took care of me. Now, it is my turn."
"I don't know, Bekah. I'm not sure I can make it through class," Hayley moaned, leaning against Rebekah.
"Well, you are certainly not going to lay around here all day," Rebekah replied, pulling the shower curtain back. She filled the bathtub. "Get in there. And I will give you a bath if I have to," Rebekah told Hayley before stepping back into the bedroom to find Hayley some clothes to wear.
"Do you think this is normal?" Caroline whispered to Rebekah, getting up to help the Mikaelson sister look for clothes for their dorm mate.
Shrugging, Rebekah continued to pull out clothing and then dismiss the items. "I have no idea. She needs new clothing. We should go shopping this weekend."
Picking up a light pink wrap sweater, a cream colored shirt and a pair of leggings, Rebekah walked back to the bathroom. Hayley was sitting in the bathtub with her head on her knees. Caroline leaned in the doorway, watching Rebekah sink to her knees and grab a loofah. It was funny, Caroline had never seen Rebekah behaving this gently with anyone as she helped Hayley get cleaned up.
With fifteen minutes to spare they managed to begin to the walk to their Women's Studies class. "I shouldn't have signed up for this class. I should have signed up for like three." Hayley groaned as they walked into the room.
"Hey," Elena called, waving to them. "Over here."
Rebekah stared at Elena with a look of horror. Rebekah then looked at Hayley and Caroline. "No!" She whispered.
"Bekah, I need to sit down," Hayley moaned and Rebekah growled as they made their way over to sit with Bonnie and Elena.
"I am so happy that we're in another class together," Elena enthused and Rebekah glared at her.
"Right," Rebekah retorted, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Because this is the joy of my life, being in your company."
When Elena turned to reply, their instructor came in and began to describe the course and Hayley pulled out a box of Lucky Charms from her bag. She then began to quietly munch on them. Rebekah sighed heavily and took more notes. "I don't know why none of you can just behave properly," Rebekah muttered and Caroline giggled.
"How many of you believe that you are feminists?" The teacher asked. Rebekah's hand went up and everyone else in the group looked at each other. They weren't sure whether to raise their hands. "That is why you're here," the teacher announced. "To find out what feminism is and whether you think you are one."
"Whoopi," Hayley moaned, laying her head on the table. "Is the class over yet?"
"Is she sick?" Elena asked, staring at Hayley suspiciously. "Because if she's sick then she shouldn't have come to class."
"Why don't you shut up?" Hayley snapped at her quietly.
"She's not sick. She's pregnant," Rebekah whispered. "And don't go blabbing about it or I will beat you senseless with my heels."
"You're pregnant?" Bonnie questioned Hayley, who groaned and hid her face.
"We don't know for sure," Caroline whispered to them. "We're going to make her take a test later."
"You're going to make me?" Hayley asked, glaring at Caroline, laying her chin on top of her foldied hands.
"Yes, we will make you drink lots of water and then hold the bloody stick under you while you pee," Rebekah retorted, shaking her head. "You need to find out for sure."
"But does it have to be today?" Hayley moaned.
"Are you five?" Rebekah hissed.
"Class is dismissed," the teacher called.
The group stood up and Hayley asked them to take her back to their room until their next class together. Walking back across the quad, Caroline and Rebekah dropped Hayley off. They entered the Creative Arts building minutes before the class was due to begin. The lights were off and Caroline was not paying attention to where she was sitting. Grabbing one of the empty chairs, she plopped down with Rebekah right behind her.
"Hello, class. Welcome to the study of Medieval Art," the professor began when Caroline noticed a piece of paper being placed on her desk by the person next her. Opening it, she stared at the note.
Hello there, love!
Placing her head on her balled fist, Caroline swiveled her head to see Klaus sitting beside her. Moving her head back, Caroline wrote a note back and held it out to him. He passed it back in seconds.
Yes, I suppose you did break up with me. Don't worry. I'm taking it in stride. Having a drink with the girl to your right this evening.
Caroline read the note twice and then wrote back.
Oh. Glad to hear it. I'm going to have coffee with someone this afternoon.
Ah, good. I'm glad we can be so adult about this. Maybe we can get a spot of coffee sometime when you're not busy and catch up on what you were up to on your travels.
That would be nice.
Caroline decided to go ahead and concentrate on the class rather than the man next to her or the girl she wanted to stab with her pencil. When the class was over, she grabbed her things and hurried out of the room. "Caroline," Rebekah called. "What did he do this time? I will kick his arse for you."
Shaking her head, Caroline kept walking. "That's not necessary."
"Well, then what was all the notes passing about? Tell me, Caroline," Rebekah demanded, catching up with her friend.
"We need to get to Yoga to work on our stress," Caroline pointed out as they walked into their dorm room to collect Hayley, who was not in bed. Rebekah strode over to the bathroom and opened the door without knocking. Caroline peered inside to see Hayley sitting beside the tub, her eyes red rimmed and her cheeks red.
"Hayley, what is the matter?" Rebekah asked, kneeling down on the floor when Caroline saw something on the edge of the bathtub. Little plus signs were staring back at her.
"I'm pregnant," Hayley wailed.
Looking up and seeing the stick on the tub edge, Rebekah sighed, "Tell us something we don't know, love. Now, get up. We're going to be late. Chop chop."
Hayley sniffled and glared at Rebekah. "Why? I shouldn't be doing stupid Yoga."
"Plenty of pregnant women practice the bloody exercise. Or do you want to be out of shape and fat?" Rebekah snapped, placing her hands on her hips.
"I hate you, Bekah," Hayley snapped back, reaching for Rebekah's hand and Caroline came over to help her friend up. "This had better be worth it. And if I puke on anyone I'm blaming the two of you."
"Yes. We know. Off we go, darling," Rebekah said almost cheerfully as she all but dragged Hayley out of the room.
"Dear baby, your Auntie Bekah is a control freak and a mega bitch," Hayley told her stomach as they walked over to the arena they would be doing yoga in.
"Yes, I am. And your Mummy will be too lazy to change you and I will be hip deep in nappies sophomore year," Rebekah retorted as they walked into the arena. Finding the room, they laid their mats in a row and looked up in unison when Elena and Bonnie came in.
"OMG," Elena cried, coming to lay her mat in front of Rebekah's and sitting on it, cross legged. "This is so awesome that we're in this class together, too. I'm so happy."
"I'm going to vomit," Hayley said, getting up and running away.
"Don't you have an audition for a Paxil commercial to get to?" Rebekah asked, sitting with her feet flattened against each other and her back so straight that Caroline had to look to make sure there wasn't some kind of device keeping her in that position.
Elena's smile dimmed. "Bekah, why do you have to be so negative all the time?"
"Why do you have to get in my bloody face all the time?" Rebekah asked, narrowing her eyes. "I just don't like you. And I do not believe there is an 'Everyone must love Elena freakin' Gilbert' law on the books. Otherwise I would be on a plane tomorrow."
"I'm sorry I asked," Elena replied, her lower lip wobbling and then she turned around to face the wall.
"Idiot," Rebekah muttered as the instructor came in. They had to introduce themselves as Hayley came back in and sat down. They were told to lay down and imagine a place which gave them peace. "An Elena Gilbert free land," Rebekah muttered under her breath and Caroline stifled a giggle.
When they were done, everyone was more relaxed, except for Elena, who rolled her mat up and then ran out the door. "Good-bye, Princess," Rebekah called, rolling her eyes to find Bonnie staring at her, chin jutted out.
"Rebekah, whatever is going on with you, get over it. Elena didn't do it. So, just back off," Bonnie warned Rebekah who began to laugh.
"Or what? What will you do to me, Bonnie? Oh, I shiver in my Lousie Vouittons." Rebekah replied, causing Bonnie to narrow her eyes.
"What goes around comes around," Bonnie whispered and Rebekah stiffened slightly, turning to look at the other witch.
"Oh, you did not," Rebekah hissed.
"Oh, yeah, I did," Bonnie told her before marching away.
"What did she do?" Caroline questioned Rebekah as they left.
"Hexed me," Rebekah stated, calmly although she looked unhappy.
"Oh," Caroline replied.
"Yeah," Rebekah sighed. "I have to get to another class. Come on Hayley."
Caroline went back to her room. She changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Grabbing a jacket, she headed out for her coffee date with Stefan. Why she was calling it a date was beyond her. It was not a date. Arriving in the shop, she saw Stefan waiting in a new shirt and pair of slacks. He made Caroline feel undressed as she sat down across from him. "Hey."
"Hey, how was your day so far?" Stefan asked, handing her a steaming cup of coffee just the way she liked it.
"It was okay. I guess." Sipping at her coffee, Caroline looked up to see Stefan's expectant expression.
"Spill, Forbes. I know you when you have that 'I have a juicy piece of gossip I'm just dying to spill' look," Stefan replied with a grin.
"Okay," Caroline replied, leaning toward him. "But you can't tell anyone else. Especially Damon."
"I promise," Stefan swore. "Now, spill the dirt," Caroline began to tell Stefan about all the events of the day, including Hayley's pregnancy news and Rebekah's fight with Bonnie.
"It's crazy. I don't know what is going on with everybody lately. It's like there's this invisible tension that one can see. But it's affecting everyone." Caroline said sipping her coffee.
"Invisible tension. Huh. Wouldn't know anything about that," Stefan said with a chuckle and Caroline laughed.
They spoke for over two hours and Caroline felt the tension leaving her limbs. Being with Stefan was always so easy. She had forgotten what it was like in their early days as friends without the added knowledge of how he felt about her. Getting up, they walked back to her dorm room.
Unlocking the door, Caroline expected to find Hayley or Rebekah. But neither was there yet. Turning around, she looked at Stefan. "Do you want to come in and hang until Hales and Bekah get back?"
"Sure," Stefan said, walking into the room. They sat down on Caroline's bed and then stared at each other. "This isn't awkward at all." Stefan said after a moment and Caroline shook her head, laughing. "Yeah. I think I'm going to go," Stefan said, getting up to leave.
"Alright," Caroline said, walking him to the door.
Stefan stood in the doorway. "I guess I'll see you around then."
"Yeah. I'll see you," Caroline said, quietly biting her lower lip without thinking about it. Stefan leaned down and kissed her forehead. Then he pulled back looking at Caroline. She didn't know what to do or to think as her best friend leaned down to tentatively press his lips to hers.
Feeling Stefan's arms curl around her waist, Caroline felt like the world was mocking her. Sliding her hands up his chest, she slid her hands around his neck and began to walk backward. She heard the door close as Stefan grabbed her legs and lifted her.
Trying to think of something that would make Caroline stop the insanity, she thought of Klaus' date with her classmate and she kissed Stefan back. This was her best friend. This was just wrong. She loved Stefan. Unfortunately she was not in love with him. So, why was she allowing Stefan to kiss her? Why was she not stopping him? She was being stupid and selfish. Because it felt like comfort. It felt like a warm hug from someone familiar. Only hugs don't come with tongues and laying on a bed and her best friend, shirtless.
Suddenly pushing Stefan away, Caroline sat up, rubbing her face. "This is bad. Stef, we can't do this. I just broke up with Klaus and you love me and…Oh, this is just wrong." Stefan placed a hand on Caroline's shoulder and pulled her to him.
"Hey, it's okay. We don't have to do anything you don't want to do. If you're not ready. If you're never ready. I'll still here, Care I'm your friend. I'm never not going to be your friend," Stefan soothed, rubbing Caroline's back.
Pulling back, Caroline stared Stefan in the eye. Why couldn't she love him the way he wanted her to love him? Maybe she could try to open herself and try to love him. He was good and kind. He was the opposite of Klaus, who was crazy and possibly evil. Or maybe it was just his family. There certainly was something off about the way he behaved. And he was moving on. He didn't want her anymore. She needed to move on, too.
Sucking in a deep breath, Caroline leaned over and kissed Stefan. Moving so she was on top of him, she continued to kiss him like a teenager on her first date. It was different than the way she felt when she was kissing Klaus. But it was far from bad.
Then the doorknob twisted and someone walked into the room. And then stopped. Caroline lifted her head long enough to see the angry look of Klaus' face before he changed his expression to one of amusement. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt," Klaus called, "Pretend I wasn't here." Then he closed the door.
Jumping off the bed, Caroline ran into the hall, jerking her shirt down. "Klaus?"
Stopping toward the end of the hall, Klaus turned to Caroline with a wide smirk. "Yes?"
"Ummm… did you need something?" Caroline kicked herself for the lameness of the question as her ex-boyfriend came to stand before her. He was in her personal space. As usual.
"Yes, wanted to know if you had the notes from the lecture. Seemed to have lost mine. Kol might have eaten them, mistaking them for food," Klaus told her, raising an eyebrow and cocking his head toward her room. "And I presume Stefan was the coffee date?"
"Yeah," Caroline replied, slowly rubbing her arms.
"Well, I've got to go. Have girl to pick up at seven. Hate to disappoint. Have a nice night, love. Send my best to Saint Stefan," Klaus called as he sauntered off and Caroline deflated, cursed herself.
When she walked back into her room, Stefan had pulled his shirt back on and was standing up. "I should go," he said.
"You should," Caroline told him sharply, staring out the window.
"I'll see you," Stefan said quietly.
"Yeah," Caroline replied dully. When she heard the door close she sat down on her bed heavily. Just then Rebekah opened the door and strode in like she was about to do battle.
"What was that about?" Rebekah demanded.
"What?" Caroline asked, staring at her hands.
"What do you mean what? Stefan Salvatore just walked out of our room." Coming over to Caroline, Rebekah wrinkled her nose. "And you stink of him."
"So?" Caroline asked defensively.
"So, what about Nik?" Rebekah snapped, throwing her hands up in the air. "I thought you were all in love with each other. It was sickening."
"We broke up," Caroline whispered.
"So! Get him back," Rebekah told her.
"It isn't that simple," Caroline replied.
"Yes. It bloody well is. Just ring him up and ask him on a date," Rebekah said, picking up Caroline's phone.
"He's going out with someone else tonight," Caroline told Rebekah.
Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Between you and Hayley I feel like I am raising my roommates. Where is he taking the girl?"
"I don't know. He said they were getting a drink," Caroline was beginning to lose her temper. "Can we please just stop this?"
"NO," Rebekah snapped. "Get your jacket. We're going brother hunting." Caroline only had time to grab her jacket before Rebekah was dragging her out the door. "You're going to remind Nik of what he's missing."
Thank you all for reading, faving, following and for your continued support on my path to trying to become a better writer one chapter at a time.