Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Diaries
Chapter 3
Caroline stood, staring at herself in her hand-held mirror. She had no idea how long she had been sitting there, simply taking in the foreign reflection. The girl staring back at her was different, to say the least. She had powdered skin and rosy cheeks with pale pink lips and sparkling blue eyes. Her blonde curls were pinned back out of her face by several star-like clips and spiraled delicately to her shoulder blades.
Caroline knew she was pretty but this just seemed surreal; she was a small town girl who had big dreams and had never, ever thought of getting this chance. And now, more than anything, she wished her father could be here to see her.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Caroline? Are you in there?" Elena called from the other side of the door, snapping Caroline out of her reverie.
"I'm here, Elena! I'm coming…I'll be there in just a second."
"Are you okay?"
"Of course! Never better. I'll be out in just a second, I promise. Go ahead," Caroline called back to her concerned friend.
"Alright. I'll see you after! Break a leg, Care!"
Caroline smiled as she felt some of her nerves leave her system. Taking a deep breath, she turned to leave the dressing room but turned back toward the vanity before she reached the door. She smiled at the candle that sat there, on the corner. When they had moved Caroline into Katerina's old room, the candle was the one of the only things that she had brought with her. Caroline lit the single candle in honor of her father before every performance.
"Here I go, daddy," she whispered. "Wish me luck. I love you." The girl turned back around and scurried to the door, throwing it open and making her way to the wings of the grand stage as quickly as the dress she was wearing allowed.
"Here we are! Let's go, Ty."
The boy in question groaned and leaned his head against the back of the carriage. This was the last place he wanted to be, that was for sure. "Are you serious, Uncle Mason?"
"Absolutely. All you've done since we got here is sulk. I brought you to Paris to prevent you from being a whiny adolescent, so you could live your life and not waste it behind that desk like my brother did."
"Let's get one thing straight, Mason. I didn't come because of you," Tyler said, climbing out of the buggy to face his uncle. "I came because my mom wanted me to get out for a while."
"So you could live a little bit. What would she say if I brought you back across the channel just as a miserable as you were when we left?"
Tyler just rolled his eyes.
"Exactly. I'm supposed to be 'fun Uncle Mason,' remember?"
"And how is going to the opera fun?"
"Okay, okay, I know it's not the best activity in the entire world," Mason said as the began to climb the stairs. "It's the only thing I really do for our family- show up to a rehearsal here and there, a performance if I'm feeling generous, to do my duties as patron."
"But how do you sit through it? Just a warning, I might fall asleep."
"Who do you think I am, Tyler? Our box has plenty of whiskey. Besides, I want you to meet someone. She's coming to supper with us after the show," Mason finished as they entered and were warmly greeted by several people to whom Tyler was introduced, forcing him to put a smile on his face.
"Monsieur Lockwood! Pleasure to see you!"
"May I take your coat, sir?"
"Shall we escort you and young Master Lockwood to your box?"
"Will you have a moment after the show? You must meet the new owners!"
The last comment caught Mason's attention and he motioned to the man to walk with them as they ventured to their box.
"New owners, you say?"
"Yes, Monsieur. Arrived just this morning. Two brothers. I believe their last name is Mikaelson."
"I was unaware that Liam Grant had decided to move on."
"It came as a surprise to all of us, Mason, that's for sure. It has been quite the afternoon here with Mr. Grant's retirement, the new owners, and the Opera Ghost."
"The Opera Ghost?"
"Oh yes. There was an incident today involving our…friend."
"This must be the first in a while, am I right? What happened?"
"You know how word travels and rumors spread, Monsieur Lockwood. I do not know the full story. All I know is that it involved Katerina Petrova; it seems the Ghost is still out to get her."
The group stopped outside of a door and the attendant opened it for them. Mason clapped him on the shoulder, "Tell the Mikaelsons that I will be pleased to meet them after the performance. Perhaps they can join my nephew and I for a round of drinks. Thank you, Slater."
"Of course, Monsieur Lockwood. If there is anything else you and your young friend need, you know where to find me. I hope you enjoy the show, I hear there is quite a pleasant surprise in store."
And with that, Slater pulled the door open and Mason walked into Box Number Five with Tyler on his heels.
Despite Elijah's supernatural hearing, Klaus still tried to try to sneak into the suite that was reserved for the owners and their guests.
"You're late, Niklaus."
"Better late than never, eh, brother?" Klaus replied, now striding arrogantly into the box and sitting beside his brother.
"And what did you deem so important this time?"
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"
Caroline looked up into bright blue eyes and full lips pulled upwards into a smirk as strong hands steadied her.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry! I…I wasn't expecting anyone to be back here this late."
"That's quite alright, sweetheart. No harm done…imagine what horror would have befallen you had I not caught you. I wouldn't want my brother to run off two prima donnas in one day, now would I?"
"I guess not, Monsieur," Caroline said, backing out of the man's arms. She waited for him to say something but he never did as he continued to study her intently. "Well…um, I better go. I'd never hear the end of it if I was late to my first performance," she said, backing away slightly and looking at the floor bashfully.
"Ah, yes. Of course, Mademoiselle. I would hate to keep you from the spotlight," he said with a smirk. He gave her a slight bow before capturing her small hand in his much larger one. "I wish you the best of luck tonight, Miss Forbes. I know you will be magnificent," he said, looking up at her as his lips brushed against the back of her hand, his blue orbs boring into her own with a devilish glint that Caroline couldn't quite place.
"And, please, call me Klaus."
Klaus pursed his lips, "I believe I told you earlier that I had my own business to attend to. Just because you prefer to share your personal endeavors does not mean I do the same, 'Lijah."
Elijah just rolled his eyes. "We'll be meeting our patron, Mason Lockwood, after the performance. You're to be on your best behavior, Niklaus."
"Please, Elijah. Do not treat me as a child. I will be on my 'best behavior' as long as this patron is on his," he quipped, blue eyes scanning the crowd. Something caught his enhanced senses, an odd feeling in his stomach as his narrowed eyes landed on two men settle into their seats in a box on the opposite side of the theater.
If Tyler had been sulking before they came to the opera, he was miserable now. He sat, slouching in his seat beside his uncle, staring blankly at the stage, wistfully trying to drown out the singing that was taking place below him.
Mason nudged him and leaned over slightly, "You know how I said that I wanted to introduce you to some one? She's about to sing. Her name's Katerina Petrova. She's the girl I've been seeing and she's marvelous."
The teen resisted the urge to snort while Mason turned his full attention to the stage as the song began. He looked on with feigned interest as a young blonde took center stage.
"Think of me, think of my fondly
When we've said goodbye
Remember me once in a while
Please promise me you'll try
Then you'll find that once again you long
To take your heart back and be free"
She was talented and gorgeous, Tyler would give Mason credit for that but there was something about this Katerina Petrova that was so familiar to Tyler. He leaned over to his uncle and whispered in his ear, "Have I met her before? She looks awfully familiar, Uncle Mason."
"That's not Katerina Petrova. I don't know who that is but it is most definitely not Katerina."
There were several different emotions in his uncle's voice but they all told Tyler the same thing. His uncle was not happy, not in the least. Choosing to ignore Mason's sudden and foul mood swing, Tyler turned his attention back to the stage, determined to figure out how he knew the girl.
"Recall those days, look back on all those times
Think of those things we'll never do
There will never be a day
When I won't think of you."
It all came back to Tyler in a rush. There were childhood memories of summer afternoons where he ran around, carefree, with his best friend, Matthew Donovan and the little girl with wispy blonde ringlets who bossed, or tried to boss them around. Then there were the days of their schooling and cotillion lessons, Tyler walking the girl home on crisp fall nights. Hearing her laugh at his jokes, her bright smile lighting up not only her clear blue eyes but their surroundings as well. There was laughter and smiles, tears and fights- especially when he and Matt had realized they both had feelings for the same girl- but mostly there was complete happiness.
But none of it mattered because there was the memory of death and the same, strong, beautiful blonde girl sobbing into her shoulder when a particularly violent fight at a pub took her father away from her when, being the responsible police officer William Forbes had been trying to do his job. To Tyler, this memory was the worst. Not only had his hometown lost one of their best police officers but also his childhood love, now an orphan, had been taken away from him, sent to live in Paris with a family friend.
But, now, Tyler had found her.
"Flowers fade, the fruits of summer fade
They have their seasons, so do we
But please promise me that sometimes
You will think of me!"
"Caroline."
Maybe the opera wouldn't be so bad.
"Why are you so agitated?"
"Because I'm bored. I don't want to be here any longer, Elijah."
"Just a few moments longer, brother. We must greet the Patron. He is a very integral part of our support staff."
"Right you are, Monsieur Mikaelson! Mason Lockwood at your service," a new man said, sticking his hand out forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace.
Klaus stiffened upon seeing Mason as his brother greeted the Patron with a warm smile and firm handshake. He resisted the urge to growl and snap his brother's neck then and there.
"Elijah. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mason. May I introduce my brother, Niklaus," Elijah said, nudging Klaus with his elbow imperceptibly. Klaus didn't smile as he reached out to shake Mason's hand, gripping it a little harder than necessary.
"It's a pleasure, gentlemen," Mason replied as Klaus' narrowed eyes landed on the tan skinned, brown-eyed boy behind Mason. "And this," Mason pulled him forward by the elbow, "is my nephew, Tyler. His father recently passed away and is spending time in Paris for a while."
"My condolences, Tyler. Niklaus and I, too, know what it is like to loose a father at such a young age. I do hope you enjoy your time in Paris," Elijah said politely and Klaus had to fight even harder to resist the snort and eye roll that threatened his schooled expression of annoyance.
"I would say he was miserable until, oh about sixty minutes ago."
"Did you enjoy tonight's performance?"
"Parts of it," the boy answered gruffly, pressing his lips into a firm line.
"He particularly enjoyed the 'Think of Me' number. Speaking of, who was that girl?" Mason asked, his own facial features hardening.
"Ah, Mademoiselle Forbes! Such a talented girl, isn't she? I'm so glad she was able to take on the role in wake of Madame Petrova's departure."
"Departure? What do you mean? Katerina never misses a performance."
"If you'll excuse me, Uncle," Tyler said before Elijah could respond. "Slater told me he would show me around backstage."
Mason nodded as a sly smile crept upon his face, "Right. I'll come find you shortly, Tyler. Anyways, you were about to tell me what happened to Katerina."
Her performance. Her first performance as a lead and it couldn't have gone any better. Caroline couldn't keep the smile off of her face as she lived in the jubilation of success in the aftermath. Wherever he was, she knew her father was proud of her and from the sounds of it, the outside world was as well.
She could hear several audience members outside of her dressing room, asking for her to emerge, showering her with praise while two guards stood watch outside of her dressing room to give her the privacy she needed. Once again, the surreal feeling of it all struck Caroline as she began to take the glistening pins out of her hair. She was fingering through the blonde curls when one of the doors rattled.
"I'm very sorry, Monsieur, but you're not permitted entrance to Mademoiselle Forbes' dressing room."
"I think you'll find I am. I'm Mason's nephew, part of the Patron's family. If you'll excuse me, Messieurs."
"Of course. We beg your pardon, Monsieur."
The door was then pulled open and the uproar of the Operagoers increased as a man walked into the confines of her dressing room. Caroline's eyes widened and she turned to face her visitor. He shut the door and turned to look at her, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"Well, what do we have here? Surely not the bossy little girl who chased after boys, shouting at them whenever they misbehaved but and placing blame on them when her hand got caught in the cookie jar. No, it's definitely not her. But it's not the same girl who cried because she was going to be stuck in our tiny hometown forever…or the rebellious teenager who skipped church services and pranced on the deceased in the graveyard in the dead of night with laughter, a bottle of liquor in hand."
Caroline's startled expression began to melt as a bright smile of her own started to spread across her cheeks, lighting up her blue eyes.
"And, even though I liked that girl, this one seems…older and more mature but still mischievous."
"Do I even have to remind you who it was that gave me that bottle of liquor? I still blame him for the awful headache I had the next morning. But I think I still see the boy who took the blame when I unfairly placed it upon him…and the one to tried to drown my dolls in the ocean and send them to 'accompany Jonah' with the tides."
"I did no such thing, Caroline Forbes! That was all Matt's doing."
"You still helped him smuggle them out to that beach, Tyler Lockwood! I happened to love those dolls."
Tyler smiled the biggest smile he had in the days since his father's death, "It's good to see you, Care. Look at you! A big time opera star? Where has the time gone?"
"Oh, please. I'm not even close to anything that Katerina was."
"From the sound of it you're even more…and I've never seen this other girl."
"She's incredibly talented, a bit stuck up and conceited, but talented nonetheless. I'm sure she'll be back to take her position in no time and I'll just go back to be-"
"No way. Do you even hear that out there, Caroline? That's for you! It's not going to go back to the way it was before if this Katerina woman comes back. No way."
"Tyler, don't be ridiculous. Katerina Petrova is one of the best. She'll get her spot back if she wants it."
"And what would your father think about that if you just gave it up? He was the one who inspired you and gave you all these delusions and tales about this 'Angel of Music' after all."
Caroline sighed, her smile turning wistful accompanied by an eye roll, "Of course. The 'Angel of Music' still sings songs in my head. He has watched over me, Tyler. I wouldn't have gotten anywhere if father hadn't found the Angel when he went to join them."
"Care, what are you talking about?"
"My teacher, Stefan Salvatore! Father found the Angel and the Angel sent Stefan to me. He's the best teacher...I wouldn't be anywhere without him."
"Please, Caroline," Tyler scoffed in amusement. "You're still full of tales, that's for sure. We both know that you've always been a talented singer…talent that no teacher could put a claim to."
"Maybe so, but I believe that Stefan was sent to me by the Angel and my father and nothing you say will change that," she said, sticking her tongue out at him.
"I've missed you, Caroline," Tyler said, enveloping his childhood friend in a tight hug.
"I've missed you, too, Ty. It is so good to see you again," she said, smiling into Tyler's shoulder as she returned his hug. "What are you doing in Paris?! Besides harassing me, of course."
"My father died a month and a half ago."
"Oh, Tyler. I know he wasn't the best father but I'm so sorry. I know how it feels."
"Don't be. Anyways, my Uncle came back into town for the funeral and when he felt like he could leave without my mom falling over from depression, she insisted I come back here with him. Long story cut short, here I am."
"Sorry if I can't remember correctly but 'fun Uncle Mason' doesn't seem the type to be frequenting the Opera house," Caroline said with a small laugh.
"Yeah, well, neither did I but the Lockwood's are the Patrons of the Opera Populaire. But even then, it caught me by surprise. Apparently he had a thing for Katerina and wanted me to meet her tonight, we were all supposed to dine together after the performance."
"That's rather unfortunate. You both just missed her…left town, well at least the opera, a few hours ago thanks to the new owners."
Tyler laughed at Caroline's sarcastic remarks. "Hey!" he said suddenly. "Why don't you come with us? I don't know this other girl but from what you've said, you sound like better company anyways."
"I'm not sure, Tyler. I'd love to but…but I don't know! I normally dine with Isobel and Elena bu-"
"Please, Caroline? You're the only person other than my Uncle that I know here and I haven't seen you, or even heard from you for that matter, in ages. You owe me."
"Fine," Caroline huffed, giving in to Tyler's begging. "But you two will return me to Isobel's home afterwards. I have a lesson in the morning that I cannot be late to."
"Sure! I'll give you a few moments to get ready!" Tyler said, walking backwards towards the door. He turned and opened it, telling Slater to go find Mason and tell him dinner was still on.
Thirty minutes later, he was escorting Caroline to the main lobby where his Uncle was still conversing tensely with the Mikaelson brothers.
"Uncle! Are you ready?"
"Yes, it's about time, Ty…Oh God. Caroline Forbes is that you?"
The blonde smiled shyly, "I'm surprised you remember me, Mason."
"Oh, you're a tough one to forget, kid, what with your rather large and obvious childhood crush on me."
Caroline's eyes widened and a blush stained her cheeks.
"I can't be the only one who is lost, here. How do you and your nephew know Mademoiselle Forbes?" Elijah asked, sparing a look at Klaus as the other man looked on with feigned interest to mask his agitation and boredom.
"Oh, Caroline and Tyler grew up together! I used to watch over them and that Matthew Donovan boy when our parents went to town functions."
"Well, it is quite the small world, isn't it?" Klaus asked, finally speaking up, sarcasm dripping from his mouth. He let his gaze linger on Caroline, a small but easy smile pulling the corners of his mouth upwards, "You performed well tonight, sweetheart. Just like I said you would."
"Yes, yes! You sounded lovely this evening, my dear. It was quite a close call this afternoon. I trust you will be staying with us?"
"Of course, Monsieur Mikaelson. I'm not sure where else I would go," Caroline replied with a small smile, her cheeks still stained pink from the praise she was receiving.
"You always have a home here at the Opera Populaire."
"Thank you, Monsieur."
"Well, I believe our carriage is waiting. We should be heading off, Tyler. Gentlemen, it was a pleasure meeting you two. I look forward to doing business with you," Mason said, shaking both Klaus and Elijah's hands.
"Yes, we wouldn't want to keep you tonight. I'm sure you have big plans," Klaus said dryly, a sadistic smile forming on his lips to match the dark flash in his eyes.
"Yes. It is rather unfortunate you and your brother cannot join us. Maybe another time," Mason said, nodding at the younger Mikaelson before turning on his heel and ushering Tyler and Caroline towards the door.
"Save your breath, Elijah," he said as he watched the threesome disappear into the night and Elijah eyed him in exasperation "You could have told me that our charming Patron was a werewolf."
Caroline woke up the next morning and stretched, a small noise escaping her throat. She sat up and squinted against the bright sunlight that was creeping through the drapes on her window as she thought back to the night before.
Catching up with Tyler had been lovely and even Mason hadn't been that bad of company. At least until a panicked look had crossed his face as a small pop sounded at the table.
"That's what happens when you get to be as advanced in age as I am, kids. What time is it? It must be past my bedtime," Mason said with a laugh, rubbing his wrist.
"It's only quarter 'til ten, Uncle. Don't try to be the upstanding citizen since Caroline is with us," Tyler said.
"Well, be that as it may, the real fun starts in a few minutes. And I mean the adult fun, not for little kids like yourselves. Tyler, can I trust you to get Miss Caroline home safely?"
"Sure. Are you alright, Uncle?"
"Never better. Just things to do, people to see, you know the deal. It was lovely to see you again, Caroline. I hope we do this again."
"Good night, Mason. Thank you for dinner."
"My pleasure. Now I really must be going. You two can take the carriage."
And then Mason was headed towards the door as quickly as possible.
"No idea what got into him," Tyler said, watching his Uncle's retreating back. "Let's get you home then. I wouldn't want you to be late for your lesson in the morning."
"Please, Tyler," Caroline said with a laugh and an eye roll. "There's no need for you to act like the upstanding citizen now that Mason isn't here to monitor you…or you to monitor his actions!"
"Fine, if you insist. Let's go, though. I've had enough of this stuffy restaurant."
The two had ventured outside and walked along the road, deciding against the carriage to enjoy the fresh night air. The streets were quiet, not a sole but Tyler and Caroline wandering along them, the full moon shining brightly in the sky.
It was then she heard the growl…
But then, Tyler had joked about the growl being her mind and the alcohol playing tricks on her. They had shown up at the Flemming household a few moments later and Tyler had left her on the front door step, watching as she stepped over the threshold.
And then she had woken up.
Caroline wasn't sure what had happened last night but no matter how fuzzy her memory was, it felt like there was something there behind the fog fighting to escape.
She shook her head slowly and got out of bed, vowing never to consume that much alcohol again.
A/N: Hey guys! A very special thank you to musicalfreak (even though I've already thanked her like 239750293 times lol) she's been so incredibly helpful with this fic, especially this chapter! So, if you haven't already, check out her fics 'To Make Up My Mind' and 'You Kill Me, Please Don't Stop'...both are fabulous and so is she!
If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm taking a lot of artistic license with the original 'Phantom of the Opera' and I hope you enjoy the twists and turns that up! I hope you enjoyed this chapter...let me know what you think if you have a minute...I like hearing your theories;) Thanks for reading, guys!