Here you go!
The doorbell rang twice and Bonnie answered, "Coming!"
"Bonnie!" Caroline hugged her tightly once Bonnie opened the door.
Bonnie studied Caroline in alarm. "What's up, Caroline? Did you cry? Your mascara is all smudged."
Caroline sighed, "Tyler Lockwood is married. His wife came for an interview today."
"What?! Tyler Lockwood as in," Bonnie's eyes drifted to Daniel and back to Caroline. "Did she go all bitch on you?" Bonnie checked Caroline arms for any sign of struggles.
"Noo—" Caroline laughed. Bonnie's sympathy and concern were too much but always the best. Caroline dropped down on the cough next to Daniel who was coloring. Without a word, Bonnie put a supporting arm around her shoulders. Caroline clung back to Bonnie like a small child as the other woman stroked her hair and murmured soothing words. Caroline recounted the details of Vicki Lockwood's interview and shocking news she brought.
Caroline wasn't crying, she was furious, "Probably didn't want kids. Ugh, who does she thinks she is?! She totally failed the interview. I love Daniel so much! No doubt he is the BEST kid in the world!"
Bonnie laughed and agreed, "Yea, no doubt!"
Caroline gave Bonnie a warmth smile and hugged her tightly, "Thank you for being here!"
Bonnie hugged her back and said firmly, "I will always be here no matter what happen!"
Daniel turned to his back to see what was happening; he abruptly jumped on both them and hugs both of them. "I want hug too," he said.
Caroline and Bonnie laughed. Caroline bent to kiss Daniel's forehead and whispered, "I love you."
"Pancakes ready!" Caroline called and heard Daniel closing the water tap.
Daniel was still in his pyjamas when he climbed up the chair, "Good morning mom! This smells good! Mmhm.."
Caroline laughed. "Well, I'm not sure if they taste good," she warned before sitting down opposite Daniel. "Blueberries or syrup?" she asked, lifting a can of blueberry jam and a bottle of syrup.
Daniel looked and stuck a finger in between his lips, "Syrup?"
Caroline smiled and poured the syrup on his pancakes, "Now tell me whether it's good or not."
Daniel was about to take his first bite before the door rang, and his head stuck up from his plate. "Bonnie?" he asked.
Caroline patted Daniel's head before heading to the door. "I don't think so. She's meeting with a publisher today. I'll go get the door and you shall eat."
Daniel took a bite. "What's a pub-blee-sure, mom?" he asked with his mouth full.
Caroline didn't answer. She was surprise to see who was at the door. "Kl—Klaus?" she stammered.
Klaus was dress in a grey Henley long sleeves shirt with a few buttons open on top and paired with a dark jeans. It was a new sight to see from his suit. He smirked when he saw Caroline only in her tank-top and a cotton shorts. Ditto. "Good morning, sweetheart."
"What are you doing here?" Caroline said softly.
"I'm thinking of bringing you and Daniel to Central Park today," he said. "But unless you already have plans with—Matt or Bonnie."
Caroline stared at him in amazement. "Well—I actually planned to bring Daniel there too."
"Yes! Mommy said there's an ex-hi—exhi-bi-tion going on! There are free balloons and puppet shows!" Daniel interrupted, running towards Caroline holding a fork with a piece of pancake on it.
"What a strange coincidence. Then, let's go together." Klaus exclaimed and turned to Daniel, bending to his height, "Do you remember me?"
"Yes. You are Klaus." Daniel answered.
Klaus smiled and patted his head lightly, "Clever boy."
"Okay," Caroline clapped her hands. "If that's the case, hurry finish up your pancakes and shower. We don't want Klaus to be waiting, do we?" Caroline picked Daniel up and walked to the kitchen before calling for Klaus, "Have you eaten your breakfast?"
"Are you offering your pancakes?" Klaus asked, following behind her and sat next to Daniel.
"Nope," Caroline laughed and laughed even harder when Klaus smile dropped. "My pancakes are horrible. Ask Daniel. Have a fruit, if you want to avoid food poisoning."
Klaus picked up a fork and stole a piece from Daniel's plate, "Is it that bad?" Caroline watched Klaus try the pancake and the change in his facial expression.
He looked at Daniel and Daniel looked back. They shared a look, as though trying to send a secret message to each other. Both of them smiled and quickly dug for another piece. "Mmhmm.." they did in unison.
Caroline was speechless. She watched both of them finish the 3 layers pancakes. "Yea..have at it. Leave nothing for me." Caroline crossed her arms.
"Have a fruit, love." Klaus mocked.
Caroline giggled at the comeback. "Watch him while I get ready," she said and left them in the kitchen. "Do you like blueberries or syrup?" she heard Daniel asked Klaus but didn't wait for the reply before entering the bathroom.
There was an indefinable magic, Caroline thought, about driving in an open car with the breeze blowing in one's face. Caroline didn't tie her hair, she let it loose. The wind was now tearing at her hair in fierce gusts. Daniel was enjoying the most, making different faces and sounds as the wind hit him. The car stopped with a squeal of brakes and Klaus turned to Daniel, "Well, we are here."
Daniel quickly unbuckled his seat belt and look out. "Cool!" There were a lot of people, music playing, clowns, kites, balloons, etc.
"You're the first lady I've met who doesn't seem to mind getting her hair blown about in the wind," he said at last before getting out the car. "My sister has hair as long as yours and she would be furious!" he laughed.
"You have a sister?" Caroline said before jumping out of the car. Klaus picked Daniel out of the car and put him down.
"Not just a sister," Klaus replied. "I have four brothers too."
"Wow, that's a big family!" Caroline exclaimed before reaching for Daniel's hand. Klaus did the same and her gaze went to Klaus. Caroline couldn't tell what Klaus intention is so she just brushed off the thought.
"Look, Mommy, black ducks!"
She followed Daniel's pointing finger to the graceful birds sailing around the lake. "They're very beautiful," she agreed, smiling at the picture of the child looking through the binoculars. Klaus was carrying him because Daniel was too tired to walk.
"Can we eat ice-cream, mom?" He demanded.
"Of course we can!" Klaus said, before Caroline could reply. "If only mommy promised to seat here while we go get ice-cream."
"Mommy, will you?" Daniel bent from Klaus grip and hugged Caroline.
Caroline nodded and placed a kiss on Daniel's forehead before Klaus pulled him back up.
"I want—chocolate and vanilla," Daniel said and out of habit, he stuck his finger in between his lips again. "And—vanilla for mommy."
Klaus smiled and ordered two vanilla ice-creams and one chocolate mixed vanilla for the boy.
"Mr Mikaelson?" Someone tapped on Klaus's arm lightly.
Klaus paid and turned around. He tensed his eyebrows, trying to remember her name.
"Vicki Lockwood. I came for interview yesterday." Vicki said, smiling happily.
"Hello," he said in his usual casual fashion before turning back to collect the ice-creams.
"Is this your son?" Vicki exclaimed, caressing Daniel's cheek.
Klaus flinched Daniel from her touch. Daniel was too absorbed into his ice-cream to even notice the woman. Vicki was taken by surprise. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Vicki apologized.
"He has sensitive skin." Klaus lied, trying to cut the conversation short.
"Oh. I love kids. My husband and I—we have been trying to get a baby for a year but failed. We did counseling, treatment—but still zero. We are planning on surrogate soon."
"Well, good luck."
"Hey baby, who are talking to?" someone came behind Vicki and hugged her at her waist, resting his chin on her shoulders. Dark skin, tough bod, short black hair, brown eyes, Klaus scanned.
"Oh Tyler!" Vicki giggled out of intimacy and gave Tyler a peck on his cheek.
Ugh, the douche bag! Klaus thought. "Vicki Lockwood" Klaus called. "I should get back—the ice-cream is melting. Pleasure to meet you." Not.
"Oh Mr Mikaelson! This is my husband, Tyler Lockwood." Vicki smiled. "And Tyler, this is Mr Mikaelson, Hayley's boss. Oh—and that old friend of yours."
Right. He has got to take Caroline out of this place as soon as possible. He made a mental note. "I should really get going. Pleasure to meet both of you," he said again before turning his heels as fast as possible, gripping Daniel tightly. It's amazing how the kid hasn't made any sound except the sound of him slurping the ice-cream.
"Oh Mr Mikaelson, wait up! We should really meet your wife. Such beautiful baby she gave birth to." Vicki chased up to Klaus, dragging Tyler on his feet.
Klaus halted, "Another time please. We are trying to have a family time."
Caroline could see them from a distance but she couldn't draw out who Klaus was speaking to. They were taking so long, so Caroline decided to go to them before getting swarmed by the ducks.
Caroline came closer to Daniel and she noticed the messed around his mouth, chocolate on the left and vanilla on the right. "Oh dear darling, look what a mess you are." Caroline laughed before searching for a tissue in her bag.
"Caroline," Klaus grumbled. Caroline smiled and looked at him, after retrieving the tissue. But the smile on her face dropped. Klaus looked worried and it was as if he was trying to tell her something with his eyes.
"Caroline Forbes?" someone said softly, appearing behind Vicki.
"Oh—my—Gawd!" Vicki laughed loudly. " Is it permittable? Husband and wife working in the same company." Vicki pulled Tyler in front. "She's the old friend that interviewed me."
Caroline looked at Klaus and then backed to Vicki and her husband—Tyler.
"Yes, it is permittable in my company, Vicki." Klaus replied coolly. "Now if you would excuse us, we would like to get back to what we were doing."
Klaus turned Caroline and said in her ear, "Just play cool." He placed his hand on her small back, guiding her back to the car.
Caroline half smiled before reaching for a tissue and wipe Daniel's mouth. Daniel happened to eat her share of ice-cream too.
Klaus turned to his back a little, catching a glimpse of Tyler whispering into Vicki's ear. Vicki seemed surprised.
Caroline put the chicken pies into the microwave and sat back down next to Daniel, caressing his back. "Tell Bonnie how many ice-creams did you eat yesterday?"
"I had two! One was mine and one was mommy," Daniel said excitedly. "But mommy's ice-cream was dripping all over my hand, so I had to eat it.
Bonnie laughed, "Bad bad, it's not good to have more than one ice-cream a day."
"But the ice-cream was so—good! Klaus let me have colorful rice chips on it too."
"Klaus?"
Caroline shrugged, "Yea, he came in—"
"Klaus came in the morning. He went to Central Park with us." Daniel chipped in. "He bought me a binocular and ice-creams. And—and he took us to have this—this.."
"Burger," Caroline helped him.
"Yes. He took us to have bur—ger. And then we went to a toy store! There were so many toys! Huge planes and trucks!" Daniel lifted his hands to show how huge the planes and trucks were. "And then he brought us to a Chinese restaurant. The food is—is round." He made a round with his hands and put in at his mouth.
"Dim sum," Caroline laughed.
Bonnie looked totally bewildered. "Whoa there, little one! Sounds like you had so much fun!"
Daniel nodded his head quickly, smiling happily but turned his head around when the microwave ding! "Yay! Food!"
Caroline distributed the chicken pies among three of them. "Becareful darling, it's hot."
"Now," Bonnie said, cutting her pies into pieces, "tell me what all this is about, starting from the beginning."
In low voice, Caroline explained about how Klaus appeared in the morning out of the blue, spent the afternoon in Central Park, Tyler and Vicki occurrence, and the toy store. When she reached the part about dinner, Bonnie eyes widened.
"He taught Daniel how to use a chopstick? Did he know that was his first Chinese food?" Bonnie leaned earnestly.
"He knows, I said," Caroline told her, and went on to describe the scene where Klaus taught Daniel the name of foods, when an old couple overheard the conversation and compliments how adorable both father and son looked.
Bonnie looked up in surprise, "And he didn't bother to explain that?"
She nodded, "He said thank you instead."
Bonnie thought for a moment, then beamed with satisfaction. "I think he feels something for you."
"Probably," she said sourly. "I'm not ready to have Klaus in Daniel's life. I know he's enjoying but—"
"I asked Klaus if he will be my dad one day." Daniel said with his mouth full.
Caroline turned to Daniel in surprise, "When was that?"
Daniel swallowed and said, "When we were having pancakes."
"What did he reply?" Bonnie asked.
Daniel filled his mouth again before answering. "He said he's not sure. Then he asked if I wanted a father."
Caroline hugged Daniel from the side. "Sorry darling, I have never asked."
"It's okay mom. You're enough. Bonnie is enough." Daniel hugged Caroline back and added, "I told him mommy didn't bring men home—so I would like Klaus to be my friend more."
"Aren't you too smart for five years old?" Bonnie laughed and patted Daniel's head.
Caroline looked at him in mild astonishment. "I love you endlessly, Daniel."
Caroline did feel refreshed when she returned on Monday morning to work. Sunday had been a lazy day with Daniel and Bonnie, and the healthy fatigue she had earned from swimming, teaching Daniel how to tread.
She had barely got through her mail, and sent Hayley to fetch some prints which were supposed to have been delivered on Friday from the photographic department, when the intercom on her desk called her attention, and Klaus's voice momentarily sent her calm flying.
"Caroline, could you come up now? I have a secretary waiting to be interviewed."
"Not now Klaus! I'm busy! I have to—" Caroline voice drifted as she bent down under the desk to pick up her pen.
"5 minutes." Klaus said before disconnecting.
Caroline cursed softly and stopped when she heard a knock on her door. What now?
"Caroline?" Hayley stuck only her head in. "Vicki Lockwood is here to see you."
Caroline raised her eyebrows. "Now?"
Before she should ask further, Hayley has already gestured her in. Following behind Vicki was Tyler.
"Caroline Forbes. It has been long." Tyler said smiling.
Caroline eyes widened and the narrowed and her expression became wary. "Hi, please sit. What is this all about? I do not have much time."
Vicki sat followed by Tyler. "We are here to apologize. We jumped into conclusion so quickly last Saturday." Vicki said. "We found out that you weren't married to Mr Mikaelson. And the son he was holding, could be—"
"You investigated on me?" Caroline said icily.
"No, listen Caroline." Tyler said placing a hand on Vicki's tight as assurance that he could handle. "We were curious that you have a son at that age. Age 4 or 5, I presume? So that brought me back to—"
"Back to the day you left me on the porch when I told you I was pregnant." Caroline said bitterly.
"I—I know. I know. I'm—sorry. I shouldn't have." Tyler looked down before returning back to Caroline. "It's just—just that I have never loved you. I couldn't picture myself spending eternity with you and the kid."
"Do you know what are you saying?" Caroline yelled.
"I—I don't want to lie about it anymore. I met Vicki and she's the best thing that happenned to me." Tyler looked at Vicki and took her hands before returning his gaze to Caroline. "And now we would like—"
"You would like blessings from me?" Caroline cut annoyingly. "Oh, I've never met someone like you! You're a selfish, narcissistic, psycho freaking bitch!"
"Cut to the chase Tyler." Vicki gripped Tyler hands tightly. "If you aren't going to say it, I'm going to say it." Vicki looked at Caroline; she had gone too far, Tyler hadn't explained the purpose of their visit. "Looked Caroline, we aren't you for your blessing. We just wanted to rectify. Now that we have figured out that Tyler is the father of your son, we would like to—"
"Oh—no, you are not getting anywhere near Daniel!" Caroline said angrily.
"Listen," Vicki snapped. "I do not want the secretary job. I'll be a good housewife! I'll watched Da—Daniel twenty four seven! You do not have a husband—a family, you work late hours, your neighbor watched over him. We will be able to give me more love! Think about it!"
Caroline stood up and said calmly, "Over my dead body. Please get out now."
Tyler and Vicki stood up too. "Think about it Caroline. It will the best for Daniel."
Caroline was going to erupt but she knows it's better to remain calm, so she yelled for Hayley instead.
Caroline took more than five minutes. Klaus was getting impatient. He doesn't want to be waiting in the meeting room with an unknown, so he excused himself and went down to Caroline's floor. He sends Hayley to the meeting room before contemplates whether to enter when he heard the commotion happening in there. He listened to the conversation, the yelling that is happening inside. He could hear Caroline's shaken voice but her firmness when she said 'Over my dead body' assures him that she's standing strong.
Klaus barged in when he heard her calling for Hayley and pretended like he just arrived, "What's taking you so long?" he walked towards her, ignoring the two extra presence.
"I'm sorry, I'll be up in a moment." Caroline looked down, pretending to arrange her files and magazines.
"Anything wrong?" Klaus looked at her before glancing to Tyler and Vicki.
Tyler reached for Caroline's arm but she flinched it. "Listen Caroline, think about it. If things get worst—we will have to fight for custody. You for yourself know, we—"
Caroline stopped whatever she was doing and looked at Tyler, "Please leave."
"Caroline, if you behave like this, it won't get you anywhere. We—we will allow you to come visit him every weekends. If that suffices?" Vicki offered.
"If that suffices?!" Klaus interrupted. He couldn't take it anymore. "Are you out of your mind? You are legally kidnapping a child from his mother who bears him for 9 months and grew up with him for 5 years! All freaking alone!"
Caroline couldn't take it anymore. She sat back down and looked at her feet.
"Mr Mikaelson, we know that you are not Caroline's husband. I suggest you stay out of this." Vicki said swiftly.
Klaus laughed, "I suggest you get your feet off my office now before I tear you apart."
"Don't speak to my wife like that," Tyler spat. "We will leave now. Just so you know, we will win the case." Tyler said before taking off with Vicki.
"Don't worry Caroline," Klaus murmured, crouching next to her. Caroline arms went around Klaus neck and she cried it all out.
"Okay, thanks for the information, Elijah. Talk to you soon." Klaus said and hung up.
"So?" Bonnie asked.
Klaus shrugged, "80% of Tyler winning. The judge will hand the custody to the family that can provide Daniel a better environment."
"So there's nothing we can do?" Matt asked. His eyes went to Caroline who was clamming sleeping Daniel in her arms.
Five of them were gathering in Bonnie's apartment after work. Matt met them on the way up, he drops by Caroline's apartment for coffee every Monday and Thursday. Looking at Caroline's puffy eyes, he couldn't help but to punch Klaus at his jaw which took Caroline and Klaus by surprise. It was a misunderstanding.
"There's one." Klaus hesitated. "Katherine's idea."
"Katherine? Your girlfriend?" Matt asked.
"What? Is that what you journalists think? All those rumors and gossips."
"What can I say?" Matt said abruptly. "You have been seen to be very close to her lately. Saturday's pictures brought up a different story. They will be release when we get a better source."
Caroline and Bonnie remained silent. Saturday's pictures were about her, Daniel and Klaus. If the pictures were out, Katherine will come and get her. Caroline thought.
Klaus laughed, "Oh my, I still have paparazzi following me?"
"Mikaelson family is one of our most wanted gossips." Matt chuckled. "Mikaelson's fans range from 16 to at least 80 years old grannie! Your family is everywhere! We will be able to get a pay raise if we manage to keep up with your family whereabouts."
"Well—this is for Matt Donovan a.k.a Caroline's coffee mate and not Matt Donovan the journalist of Travel News," Klaus sighed happily. "These, whatever I'm going to tell you stays between us. Katherine—is not my girlfriend. As I assume you to know, Katherine called it off with Damon Salvatore which happened to be my best friend."
Matt nodded, signaling Klaus to continue.
"Katherine Petrova has a cousin by the name Elena Gilbert which happens to be dating my brother, Elijah. The lawyer I was talking to." Klaus breathe. "And Damon Salvatore's brother, Stefan is currently engaged with my sister, Rebekah."
Matt was speechless. He could write a 5 pages article with the news he just heard but like he promised Klaus, this is to remain personal.
"Damon is trying to get back Katherine but he can't do it with her ignoring all his calls. So—I was put in charged by my nosy sister to settle the wedding cakes with Katherine and help put good words of Damon." Klaus continued.
"I see!" Matt was so overwhelmed to hear it. "Could you—could you get me an invitation to Rebekah's wedding? I promised I will write a touching article!"
"Which—gets us back to our problem." Klaus grinned. "Katherine's idea is to have Caroline—married to me. I'll have her quit for the meantime, till the case is over."
"What?!" Matt said abruptly.
Bonnie thought for a moment and said, "It's brilliant! Caroline marries Klaus, she works as housewife. Provides Daniel a family environment, and once the case is over, Caroline resumes as editor in The Women."
"That's it?" Caroline said suddenly.
"But that also depends on you, the choice is yours. Do—do you want to marry me?" Klaus said and paced towards her.
The silence in the room was so deep as to be almost tangible.
Caroline stared at Daniel. She knows she had to do it for Daniel's sake but she didn't want to get into a relationship with Klaus like that. But—as he said, everything gets back to the normal routine when the case is over. What happens if she falls for Klaus? She knows she feels something for him. Secure? Comfort? Klaus certainly did not look the picture of a long term lover but rather like a man impatient to receive an answer and get it over with. And again, Caroline had to remind herself, the period for this relationship is as long as the case takes. It won't be long, perhaps two weeks.
"Well?" Klaus asked. "What have you got to say?"
Caroline shook her head. "No, Klaus. Thank you for asking me, but I can't marry you."
"Why not?"
"What are there for you, marrying me? I don't want to hurt you in the process."
"I see." Klaus sat next to her and looked earnestly into her face. "I'm not sure what I feel about you now but moments will define who we are, and I promise I won't pretend to an emotion if we both know is true. But now, I'm not asking you out of love. Not yet. I just want to help you, protect you."
"But you hardly know me."
"I know you're honest and hard-working and strong and—and a good mother, who'd do anything for Daniel. You've proved all that. I fancy you and—I frequently need a hostess at business functions, and it would be pleasant to have a companion when I go for Rebekah's wedding.
She held out her free hand from cradling Daniel to him. "I get back my editor job when the case is over."
"Yes." Klaus took it but instead of shaking it, he placed a kiss. "I'll call Elijah. We'll have a lot to discuss tomorrow. And Matt—" Klaus looked at Matt and raised his eyebrows. "I assumed you will write a good article. We need evidences."
Matt smiled. "Consider it done!"
"I'll arrange the wedding!" Bonnie grinned.
Caroline laughed softly as Daniel stirred in his sleep. "This is a scam, remember that." Mrs Mikaelson, seriously?!
Klaus nodded but did not speak. Would her life be happier with him? Time alone would tell.
Thank you for reading! Thank you for the reviews! It made my day! I had Chapter 5 partially drafted out but I wouldn't be able to write it tomorrow. I'll be out the whole day tomorrow. If I'm back early, I'll probably write it at night before I sleep. I'm worried I'll lose my ideas when I start working. Anyhow, did you like the story at the moment? Let me know what you think. If you have any ideas, do share!