Chapter 11
Caroline took deep breaths to try and calm herself whilst leaning against the wall and ignored the worried stares from by-passers as they left and entered the hospital. She was probably there for a good two minutes before she started to look for Elena and she only came to one conclusion in that time; she didn't understand any of the Originals at all.
Once she convinced herself she was in a sane state of mind she walked down the corridor and spotted Elena who was waiting, rather appropriately, in the waiting area and was worriedly biting her nails. Caroline plastered her widest grin on her face before she headed over.
"Elena!" She called out and approached her, "Sorry I was late, traffic was awful."
Elena shook her head at her, "You're a terrible liar, Caroline. But I'm glad you're alright. I got worried when you didn't reply."
Caroline's grin disappeared. She had lied, hadn't she? Straight away as well, no hesitation whatsoever even though she swore she would tell her friends about all the Original drama. But she could hardly say it now, in a hospital when her father was awaiting them. Oh god. She was making excuses. Why was she making excuses? Was she ashamed to admit how much time she had spent with Klaus? Was she…guilty?
"Earth to Caroline? You okay?" Elena was looking at her worriedly, probably thinking she was mental.
There's nothing to tell. So what if Klaus gave you a bracelet and a ring. So what if he saved you from his hybrid. So what if his brother kissed you on the hand. She inwardly groaned at her attempt to fool herself. Okay, she came to a decision; I'll tell Elena when something actually happens. Like a kiss…wait. What the hell was she thinking now?
Elena was now shaking Caroline by the shoulder so she figured she'd better say something before she got shipped off to the mental ward, "I'm fine."
Elena gave her the 'I know that's a lie too' look but let it drop, "The one who helped your dad goes by the name of Dr. Fell she's…" Elena looked around, "right there." She pointed to one of the women in the standard white doctor coats and they started to make their way over.
Caroline gave the doctor a smile; she had saved her dad after all. "Elena told me you're the one who helped my dad."
"I did." She looked around before saying in a hushed tone, "Do you think you could get him to be a little more grateful? He spent half the night threatening to get my medical license revoked for saving his life!" The Doctor's expression changed to recognition, "I saw you outside. Two vampires fighting for your love, from the looks of it."
Caroline had the sudden urge to throw this Dr. Fell outside the window for her misunderstanding. She wasn't surprised that this person who knew about vampires had noticed. From the commotion the Originals had been causing it was pure luck that some poor sod hadn't got in their wrath. She sent a silent sorry to all the owners of the cars that had been destroyed.
"What?" Elena turned to look at her with a furrowed brow, "Two vampires?"
Gee, don't look so judgemental Elena considering you have been stringing those two Salvatore's for ages, she thought annoyed but instead said a bit too chirpy, "Probably mistaken me for someone else. Where is my dad?"
They both looked highly unconvinced but the Doctor replied regardless, "I signed his discharge papers last night."
"Oh." Caroline's voice was heavy with disappointment, "He didn't call or anything…"
Elena tried to make her feel better, "He probably just forgot that's all."
"That must be hard." Dr Fell said, "When your dad hates the one thing you can't change about yourself."
Caroline simply nodded in response, too worried about her dad to care that this woman knew she was a vampire and turned to leave. Elena gave the doctor a farewell before moving to leave as well.
Dr. Fell tapped Caroline on the shoulder to get her attention with Elena noticing. "I make it my business to know who the vampires are in this town. Which is why I think you should stay away from those two you were with before."
Caroline saw Elena's curious expression watching them from ahead. "Tell me something I don't know."
She quickly caught up with Elena, eager to get away from the slightly intimidating woman. There was something she didn't like about that doctor and how much knowledge she seemed to have.
"What was that about?" Elena asked.
"Oh you know, medical stuff. Paper work, blah blah…" She rooted around in her pockets to get her mobile.
Elena sighed, "And I suppose you're not going to tell me about what happened before you arrived here?"
It's now or never Caroline decided.
"I will." Caroline dialled her dad's number. "I should have told you straight away actually. It's -"
Elena frowned at Caroline's abrupt pause, "Told me what?"
"Shhh. I hear it…" she glanced around to find the direction of the noise, "…my dad's phone."
Caroline followed the sound to find a door named 'Medical Supply.' If her heart could still beat she was sure it would be racing due to the panic she was now feeling. Hesitantly she opened the door, searching the dim room for the piece of technology. Her dad wouldn't be in here she reasoned, he probably just dropped it or something silly like that. She moved deeper into the room, thankful she had Elena close behind, when she saw the body.
Bill Forbes was unconscious and covered in blood.
Klaus stood, whisky in hand, by the fireplace when he heard his brother take a seat in the armchair behind him. He desperately needed the drink after he had confessed to Elijah that he was the one who murdered their mother. Naturally, Elijah had been upset and felt betrayed but had otherwise been silent, which worried him. Was Elijah planning revenge against him? Whatever his brothers intentions currently were Klaus knew he was walking on a tightrope with him and had to be careful with what he said and did if he wanted to keep Elijah's loyalty.
The person of his thoughts spoke up, "Tell me about this Caroline, brother."
Klaus was grateful he had his back to Elijah, unsure of what he might have given away if his brother could see his face.
"She is simply a plaything that provides brief entertainment in this boring town." Klaus deflected, eyes still observing the flames in front of him. "A means to an end."
Elijah didn't miss how Klaus's shoulders tensed. "You and I both know that isn't true. That ring was once intended for someone else. I also heard mention of a bracelet."
"Drop it Elijah," he snarled, "or I will not hesitate to use one of the daggers on you despite the consequences."
Elijah sighed, "Another false statement, Niklaus. You and I also know that you have always been too much of a coward to face your family members."
Mikael's voice rang out in his head, taunting. "Come out and face me you little coward." His hands tightened around the glass he was holding creating a crack in the expensive glass. He forced himself to calm so that he would not launch himself at his brother for bringing back memories of Mikael. He had just renovated, after all.
"Nikalus," Elijah's tone was serious and made Klaus turn to face him, "how would you feel about dinner with the Salvatores?"
Klaus raised his eyebrows in amusement at the bizarre idea, "Elijah I'm concerned. Just what did that time daggered do to you?"
Elijah had to resist rolling his eyes; he wondered if Klaus knew how alike he was to Damon. "I am serious, brother. It will give you the opportunity to discuss a deal with Stefan like adults in a civilised manner. From what I've heard your negotiating methods aren't the best."
Klaus gave the relaxed vampire an annoyed glare, "I much prefer my plan." At Elijah's questioning stare he told him, "I'll give Stefan one last chance to tell me where my coffin is. If he refuses I will then proceed to rip him limb from limb until his brother gives in -"
"How civilized." Elijah said in-between.
"- from watching the torment Stefan will undoubtedly be in and spill the coffins location." Klaus took a sip from his drink whilst considering Elijah's idea, "Now that I think about it, you're right brother. We should grant them an audience. That way they will already be here, in my presence, so when I want to end their pitiful lives I won't even have to leave my house."
Elijah held back any complaints knowing that would be the best agreement he would get out of Klaus. He said idly, "Should we invite the lovely Caroline for this evening as well?"
Elijah barely dodged the whisky glass that was thrown at him.
All four vampires sat round the table, tension thick between them. The host smiled lazily, amused at the predicament the Salvatores had placed themselves in.
"It's just the allure of the Petrova doppelganger," Klaus began ignoring the glares he was receiving, "so strong after all these years."
Stefan and Damon avoided each other's gazes in an attempt to ignore the fact that their love for the same girl was being announced by their enemy. Klaus easily noticed the discomfort he was causing between the brothers and his grin widened. Did they not realise how weak they were at the mention of the doppelganger? It was pathetic, really. It was his self-satisfaction at hitting their weak spot that made him so unprepared for Damon's comeback.
"Obviously not that strong as you seem to prefer blondes these days." Damon smirked when Klaus's smirk rapidly disappeared, "Right Klaus?"
Damon ignored the confused look Stefan gave him and kept his eyes on Klaus. The look he was receiving from the hybrid make him eternally grateful that looks couldn't actually kill. Although, death by glare would be less painful than anything Klaus is probably going to do to him now, Damon realised sullenly.
Elijah put a hand on his brother's shoulder in an attempt to keep him docile. "Ignore him brother. You were saying about the Petrova bloodline?"
Klaus didn't miss how Elijah moved his glass away from him and smirked at his brother's useless attempt to keep him passive. Damon deserved much more than a glass thrown at him. He continued despite his murderous thoughts, "What do you say brother? Shall we tell them about Tatia?"
Elijah appeared reluctant to share such history, but decided to indulge his brother so that both Salvatore's may leave alive tonight.
Klaus watched with irritation etched on his features as Elijah told the Salvatore's of Tatia. Mocking the guests because of the love they shared for one girl wasn't as entertaining as he thought it would be.
Especially not after the mention of Caroline.
How frustrating.
Caroline wasn't sure how long she cried for. She was sure she'd have run out of tears by now, but they kept coming strong. She wondered if she'd made the wrong choice by giving her father a choice. Sure, he'd be mad at her for eternity as a vampire but he would have still been alive. It was too late for regrets now.
"I need some fresh air." She said to her mother who nodded in response, knowing no words could help at the moment.
She took one last glance at her father who was lying on the bed looking peaceful. A small and sad smile made its way on her face. In life her father had never looked peaceful.
As soon as she made it outside she was running through the night. She didn't care if someone saw the unnatural speed. She found it hard to care about anything right now. She must have been on the move for about an hour before she eventually found herself in a park, now deserted at this late hour. She spotted one of the empty swings and sat down on it, allowing herself to break down again. No-one would see her here. She wouldn't have to worry about her mum seeing her like this. She considered calling Tyler but he hadn't answered any of her calls earlier and she didn't want to hear that dreadful beep followed by complete silence as it went to voicemail. Being alone like this was fine.
"It's not safe for a lady to be alone at this time." A smooth voice contradicted her.
Caroline didn't have to look up to know who the voice belonged to. She kept her head down when she mumbled, rather pathetically, "Go away."
On another night Klaus might have listened to her wishes. But tonight, seeing her so fragile and frail, he moved to the swing next to her. He silently observed her, waiting for her to speak first. Seeing Caroline like this, the vulnerability behind the fiery and sassy attitude, made him realise just how young she was.
Caroline wiped away any traces of her breakdown before looking up at him. "The mighty hybrid leader Klaus sitting on a swing. I never thought I'd see that." She giggled at the sight.
Caroline expected the normal with him; charming remarks and guarded answers that usually resulted in one of them getting the last say. But he only smiled gently at her and said, "If it makes you laugh…" Klaus shrugged, "a little ridiculing is worth it, love."
Caroline found she was speechless at that and moved on with a query, "Why are you even out here?"
Klaus wavered before answering. The glares he was receiving off his recently brought together family members had eventually driven him out the house. He knew he would have come to blows with them, especially Kol, if he had stayed any longer. He didn't have a set location in mind when he left. His only objective had been to hunt to appease his irritation at Elijah's betrayal. He had eyed a few pretty little things walking home alone – the perfect snack – when he had heard the crying. He instantly knew who it was and he had impulsively followed the sound.
Klaus could have easily made up a lie but he responded partially truthfully, "My family has been reunited. As you may imagine they aren't particularly pleased with me." He gazed at her with such sorrow it was enough to make her forget her own as he confessed, "I suppose you could say…I'm running."
That's not what she wanted to hear after her dad's death; that the Originals had all been awoken.
"I'm running too." Not knowing why, perhaps it was the uncharacteristic defencelessness from him, she began to comfort him, "You once told me it takes more courage to run then it does to stay."
His eyes widened slightly. Klaus was shocked she had remembered what he told her. He was even more shocked she was trying to make him feel better. She really was too honourable for her own good. Or for him. Wanting to return the favour Klaus started softly, "I heard about your father."
"Don't." Caroline cut in sharply. She didn't bother to question how he knew. It was much easier to accept that Klaus was all-knowing. "Seriously."
Klaus didn't press the matter, knowing far too well how it felt to lose a father. "Very well." He could easily make out the tear stains on her face. Klaus didn't like it and much preferred her bright smiles. "Onto a different matter entirely." He moved to stand in front of her and took her hand, "Will you, Miss Caroline Forbes, attend my family's ball as my date tomorrow evening?"
Startled by both his advance and his words she ended up stuttering out a lame excuse, "I- I don't own a dress for such an occasion."
"I'll take care of that." Klaus reassured her.
She could already see what the Originals ball would be like. Fancy, expensive and over the top with everyone dressed up in gowns and suits. Something Caroline usually would have jumped at the chance to go to if it wasn't hosted by the enemy. Because under all the gifts and charm that's still what Klaus was - the enemy.
"I can't." Realizing how weak she sounded she said with more resolve, "I won't."
Klaus was wearing a victorious smirk, "There's my girl." He still didn't let go of her hand when he said uninterestedly, "I hear Rebekah will be inviting that football chap. Matt, I believe."
She huffed at the persuasion. If Matt was going to a ball that had deadly vampires and he was going to be accompanied with the blood slut herself Caroline could hardly leave him. "What time is this stupid ball?"
His devious smirk widened at the conquest, "I'll send you the details."
Seeing his now happy countenance she added, "I'm not promising anything."
"I know," Klaus whispered softly, "Then just promise me one thing."
For a second she thought Klaus was going to kiss her hand, much like Elijah had done, but instead he leaned in and planted a kiss on her temple before walking away.
She tried to ignore the shivers she felt from the simple and far too innocent kiss, "…Promise you what?"
He turned back to her with a wink, "That you'll save the last dance for me, love."
Caroline reached up to touch her cheek in astonishment after he had gone.
Klaus had been the one to stop her tears.