I'm back and in record time, all thanks to your reviews. Wow over 900 now! Sorry to make you all sad but I'm happy you're still reading. There's been some great reviews and ideas from everyone so stay tuned because you might see some further on in the story.

Now onto chapter 35, this party is going to be an interesting ride that's all I'm going to say.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 35: It's My Party...

March 17 2015 2:17pm New York City, New York

"Please tell me you didn't harass the models?" Caroline asked her friend regarding him suspiciously as she approached him at the Vogue front desk.

"That was like so two years ago," Stefan spluttered.

"Yeah yeah," she replied shaking her head unconvinced. "So if you aren't here to ogle models then what's up?"

"Well someone won't return my numerous calls and texts," he chided. "So I thought the only way to speak to you was to come all the way down here."

"I've been in meetings all morning," she argued.

"Well it could be that or maybe it's because you and Klaus had a fight and you're sulking in private."

"I do not sulk," she whispered looking around self-consciously.

"Caroline you are one of the best sulkers I know," he insisted. "However lucky for you I'm here to take you out."

"I need to work."

"As much as you need to have a double hot chocolate sundae with whipped cream and nuts from Serendipity?"

"Oh you play so dirty Salvatore," she accused.

"That sweet tooth of yours gives you away every time, now what are we waiting for?" She looked at him helplessly knowing that she wanted to go. Not just for the resulting sugar high but to let off some steam after her awful fight with Klaus.

She'd returned home in tears, an ending she hadn't seen coming as she was excitedly slipping into her white dress before dinner at Jean-Georges. When she'd walked further enough away the tears come down in a torrent and hadn't dried up until she finally fell asleep hours later. Why did she think last night would be so much better after his string of cancelled dates?

She'd been losing patience every day with him. At first she tried to pretend it didn't bother her, Caroline didn't want to be one of those pathetic, demanding girlfriends but after a few incidents she'd let him know exactly how hurt she was feeling.

He promised he'd make more of an effort but then he let her down again. All he had to do was get there on time and without a certain ex-girlfriend in the same cab, was that too much to ask?

She was frustrated not only with him but herself for sitting around waiting for him to spend time with her. Caroline had always thought of herself as an independent and free-spirited person but she didn't feel like that at the moment. As much as she hated to admit it, Caroline felt lonelier than ever.

When he'd asked her for dinner she'd stupidly gotten her hopes up and he'd let her down again. Caroline knew Klaus was ambitious, it was something she found attractive but she didn't realise just how driven he was. Her first sign really should have been pretending to be his girlfriend to impress his boss but she'd convinced herself that it was a small part of his life and not the driving force behind it.

This weird arrangement with his ex-girlfriend was case in point. She thought she was jealous of Tatia, and maybe she was at the start, but Caroline was beginning to see there was a whole lot more to this situation than her. He wanted this promotion but it seemed like he was willing to go to extreme lengths to get it.

She'd been happy to help him out with the Taylors but knew she wanted more for herself and their relationship. As selfish as it sounded Caroline wanted to be the most important thing in his life, but was realising she may never compare to his career.

"Fine but only because I really need chocolate right now," she said pointing at him sternly.

"So how are you?" He asked as they stepped out onto the sunny street and she could see the concern etched on his face.

"Well obviously you already know, let me guess your former roommate told you?"

"No it was his sister, who actually heard it from his brother," he explained.

"Wow and to think I used to like the fact that everyone was friends," she drawled, unimpressed.

"It's not like that," he replied. "We're all just worried about you, I just wish I heard it from you first Care."

"Well it looks like you didn't need me to do that," she spat before sending him an apologetic glance. "Sorry I didn't get much sleep so I'm snapping at everyone today."

"So have you spoken to Klaus since?"

"No he's apparently going to call me after he leaves Jen's party tonight and we're going to talk. I'm not sure whether there's any point though."

"Really?"

"Trust me, I don't want it to be that way," she said sadly. "I mean there's no doubting I'm in love with him."

"So?"

"Like I said to Klaus, love isn't enough in a relationship," she said shrugging her shoulders.

"So this Tatia is a real piece of work then?"

"Oh yeah I don't doubt it," she agreed. "Although surprisingly not my biggest problem right now, if anything her presence just made me realise what he'll do for this promotion."

"And no one wants to come second to someone's career," he murmured.

"It's definitely a difficult juggling act but there's no reason you can't do both," she answered. "Well at least that's what I thought before this all happened."

"Maybe he'll surprise you?"

"Well I won't hold my breath," she sighed.

"So you're not going to this party then tonight?"

"I could think of nothing worse Stef," she groaned. "The last thing I feel like doing is playing the doting girlfriend, all for the Taylors benefit."

"You are his girlfriend though last time I checked?"

"We'll see," she added ominously.

"Okay there's actually another reason I came to see you," he started slowly making her look up curiously.

"Well by your tone and that look on your face I can tell it's not something I really want to hear."

"No it probably isn't but you need to know. Uh tonight isn't actually Jen Taylor's St Patrick's Day Party."

"Well what is it then?"

"It's a surprise birthday party," he whispered and she had to lean in closer just to hear him. "For Klaus."

"But it's not his birthday," she stuttered her face frozen in shock. "Actually now that I think about it I don't know when his birthday is…"

"It's today," he murmured stopping to place his arm around her comfortingly.

"No, I mean if it were today he would have told me," Caroline insisted looking at her friend helplessly. Stefan didn't respond just pulled her into his arms hurriedly. She buried her face in his chest as all the questions she had raced through her mind.

Why wouldn't he tell he it was his birthday? It was all so strange. Maybe she was supposed to ask him herself but it hadn't crossed her mind. The confusion well and truly set in and she couldn't believe this was happening on top of everything else.

"Wait, how did you know it's his birthday and that he's having a surprise party?" She asked pulling away and staring at him accusingly.

"This is exactly why I didn't want to be the one to tell you," he muttered before adding. "Rebekah told me, she's been planning a surprise party for him the past few months."

"Months?" She asked incredulously. "And you're only just telling me this now Stef?"

"Hey, I only found out after the fact," he spluttered. "Look Rebekah didn't want to tell anyone too close to Klaus because she was afraid it would get out. Well more specifically because Kol has a big mouth."

"But she didn't consider telling the birthday boy's girlfriend, or whatever I am at the moment," she growled.

"Yeah maybe in hindsight it wasn't the best plan," he agreed.

"So what does Jen Taylor have to do with all of this?"

"Rebekah told her about it when they were organising the Valentine's Gala and they thought it would be a good cover story so Klaus would attend."

"Maybe having to do that is a clear sign that a surprise party isn't the best idea for Klaus," she shot back.

"I know you're pissed right now, and you have every right to be upset but you need to calm down," he said trying to soothe her.

"Yes I'm pissed," she huffed. "Not only does he go missing in action but he can't even tell me it's his damn birthday."

"This is what I was afraid of," he groaned. "This calls for a massive dose of sugar."

Caroline looked around noticing all the revelers on the street dressed as green leprechauns and singing Irish tunes at the top of their voices.

"You know what we're going to do?"

"I'm almost too afraid to ask," he cringed.

"We are going to get drunk," she smiled grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the Irish bar on the corner. "I always think more clearly when I've had a few drinks."

"I'm not sure that's the best idea Care," he said trying to stop her momentum. She gave him a look which clearly told him she didn't agree with his opinion of the situation. "Okay maybe just one."

Fast forward an hour and Caroline was on her third drink. If she'd had her way she'd have drunk double that amount but Stefan was in full-on mum mode.

"So any thoughts coming to you?"

"Yes, I want another drink."

"Well how about we put that on hold for a few minutes."

"So you get a girlfriend and suddenly you're boring?"

"Okay I know you're upset Care but trying to be mean is not your best look," he shot back. "What do you want to do, and I want another drink isn't going to cut it."

"I don't know Stef, this is all such a mess," she groaned. "His mess to be exact."

"Maybe you should talk to him?"

"About the party?"

"Well I guess it wouldn't be a surprise anymore," he joked.

"And of course you don't want to ruin Rebekah's little party?"

"Well right now that's the least of my problems," he said holding onto her hand. "I want to help you because you are my bestie first and foremost. Your well-being trumps any stupid party."

"But yet you're withholding alcohol from me," she grumbled. "I don't know what to do Stef, I'm so mad right now and all I want to do is yell at Klaus."

"So go and yell at Klaus," he said shrugging his shoulders. "It would be a lot more productive than yelling at the messenger, I mean he was the one who omitted the part about his birthday."

"I think I need a few more drinks before I'll be ready to do that," she joked. "You say Jen Taylor is going to be at this thing right?"

"Apparently so," he murmured.

"So basically if I don't show up at his surprise birthday party it's going to look weird."

"I suppose but given everything that's happening between you two it's not expected," he said looking her directly in the eyes.

"So why, even with all this happening right now, do I feel this overwhelming sense to protect his interests?"

"I think that's what they call love Care," he explained.

"Yeah well between you and me love sucks," she groaned. "I think I want to just go home and wallow."

"I happen to know there are two very concerned friends waiting for you there," he smiled sympathetically. "And it's probably a good idea you don't have anything more to drink."

"Why? Especially when there's a perfectly good bottle of tequila in my kitchen," she said only half joking.

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"What's with the looks?" She asked walking in the front door and consulting their sympathetic faces.

"I came over so we could bitch about that idiot, you know if you want," Bonnie offered from her spot on the couch.

"And I already live here." Katherine smiled slightly. "But I'm more than happy to join in on some Klaus bashing."

"Or maybe you could just make me a drink? Preferably something with tequila in it, or even straight will do."

"He's really done a number on you," Bonnie said her eyes wide.

"Well he did cancel on her multiple times then had the nerve to show up late and with his ex girlfriend last night," Katherine recited.

"Thanks for the recap Kat," Caroline huffed flopping onto the couch next to Bonnie who put her arm comfortingly around her friend. "Although you haven't heard the best part."

"There's more?"

"Apparently today is my supposed boyfriend's birthday," she said watching their faces register in shock.

"But surely you…" Katherine trailed off mixing her drink in the kitchen.

"Would have known," Caroline finished her sentence. "No I didn't because the arse never told me about it."

"Wow just when you think things couldn't get worse," Bonnie murmured.

"Oh no they officially have because Rebekah is throwing him a surprise party and it's tonight. Stefan just broke the bad news to me."

"What surprise party?" Bonnie asked.

"Exactly," she said shaking her head.

"Well Elijah invited me to this St Patrick's Day thing tonight, but surely he'd be going to his brother's party if that was the case?" Katherine added her confusion evident.

"Oh apparently that is a cover for the surprise party," she shared. "Rebekah didn't want Kol ruining the secret so she felt the need to keep everyone close to Klaus in the dark, until the last moment."

"Now that is some weird logic, although this is Kol we're talking about," Bonnie grumbled. "What the hell is going on?"

"Exactly what I've asked myself ever since I found out," Caroline said gratefully taking the drink from Katherine's outstretched hands. She offered one to Bonnie as well but she declined.

"Having a dry month Bon?"

"Something like that," she mumbled. "But while you're near the fridge can you pass the chunky monkey?"

"Whatever you want," Katherine murmured passing her the ice cream. "So it's probably a weird question to ask given all the dumb things he's done but are you going to go?"

"It's the last thing I want to do so there's your answer I guess."

"So why do you sound so unconvinced?" Katherine asked curiously.

"I know he doesn't deserve it but I'm so used to playing this part with the Taylors," she began. "I don't begrudge him the promotion; I mean I wouldn't have done any of this if I didn't want to."

"Yes but that was before he cancelled on you because work was more important to him," Bonnie implored.

"I know," she agreed. "If I go to that party it's giving him exactly what he wants, and he doesn't deserve that right now."

"But he didn't push you to go to this thing last night did he?"

"No he was perfectly fine about it," she said. "Although he doesn't know it's a birthday party, if that was the case he might have felt differently."

"Wow that's one difficult dilemma roomie."

"Maybe you could just go along for me and take some notes Kitty Kat?" Caroline asked her seriously.

"Well I would have gone but that was before I found out it was a weird surprise party," Katherine said. "I mean do I need to buy him a present?" Caroline snorted unable to help herself.

"Well I won't be buying him one that's for sure."

"You really should go Kat," Caroline insisted. "Not just to spy for me but because it's about time you and Elijah got your act together."

"Amen to that," Bonnie agreed.

"Hey it's easier said than done," she pouted. "I want things to progress but I have no idea how to do that."

"Well you could start by kissing the guy, I mean that's just an idea," Bonnie replied smartly.

"It's not that easy with Elijah," Katherine moaned. "He's like fort knox."

"If all else fails just get really drunk," Caroline laughed clinking glasses with her friend. "Are you sure you don't want a drink Bonnie?"

"No I'm fine although I really could do with one," she hissed. "It's been a really bad week."

"I hear you sister," Caroline agreed holding up her glass.

"Yes finding out you're pregnant will do that to you," Bonnie whispered. Their heads shot up wondering if they heard her correctly.

"You're what now?"

"Pregnant," she clarified.

"What?"

"You know Caroline, baby on board, bun in the oven..." Katherine rambled.

"I know what pregnant means Kat," Caroline rolled her eyes and focused back on Bonnie. "So I guess the million-dollar question is who is the father?"

"Oh come on," she groaned. "I don't sleep around that much."

"I was just checking," she replied quickly before adding. "So wow it's Kol."

"I'm not sure it's worthy of a wow given we're not even on speaking terms at the moment."

"What are you going to do Bon?" Katherine asked looking at her stomach curiously.

"Well at the moment I'm busy trying to battle morning sickness and these weird cravings," she said holding up the ice cream. "Oh can you hand me that jar of pickles please Kat?"

"Ew really? As in together?" She groaned inwardly passing her the requested food.

"Do you have any ideas what you want to do?" Caroline asked ignoring the gross combination in front of her eyes.

"I'm having the baby," she replied quickly like it was the easiest decision in the world. Caroline figured being an orphan and living in numerous foster homes had something to do with that decision. She knew Bonnie would make the best mother ever given how badly she wanted a normal childhood growing up.

"Oh that's great Bon," Katherine smiled throwing her arms around her before Caroline joined in doing the same. "This kid is going to have the best aunties and mother around."

"Well it's early days yet," she murmured nervously.

"So when are you going to tell Kol?" Caroline asked the question they were all thinking about.

"Do I really have to?"

"Um unfortunately I think you might because he'll find out sooner or later."

"God, why does everything have to be so incestuous around here?" She huffed. "Why couldn't I just have a one night stand with a stranger I never had to see ever again?"

"Look, no matter what Kol feels towards you he does have a right to know."

"I know," she muttered. "I just need a bit of time to work out what I'm going to say."

"Well I'm not sure about you, but I think I'm pregnant and it's yours covers it," Katherine teased.

"Thanks Kat, maybe you should just tell him for me."

"Maybe I should kiss Elijah first then I'll tackle that," she joked.

"I can't believe I was complaining and you've been going through this all alone," Caroline said smiling at her friend. "I'm sorry for being so self-absorbed."

"You have every right to be pissed at Klaus Caroline."

"Are you pissed at Kol?"

"I was angry at first, more so at myself for being so blaze about sex but now I need to take responsibility, which unfortunately includes breaking the news to Kol."

"Maybe you should join me at this weird St Patrick's slash surprise birthday party tonight, you know he'll be there at least," Katherine shrugged her shoulders. "Then we have the added bonus of giving Klaus a hard time as well."

"As tempted as I am to give Klaus a piece of my mind, I'd rather poke my eyes out." Bonnie drawled making them laugh.

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"Tell me again how I ended up here?" Bonnie squeaked as they approached the plain black door looming ahead at number 48 West 17th Street in Chelsea.

"No, tell me how I ended up here." Caroline repeated. "The temporary insanity I experienced has most definitely lifted."

"Well at least you're tipsy and have an excuse for not being completely in control of your actions, I'm sober and stalking my baby daddy," Bonnie added.

"What happened to your plan to turn up here looking so hot they'd be completely blown away?" Katherine asked.

"No I only wanted to dress up because I'll be the size of a whale soon," Bonnie snapped defensively. "I certainly don't want Kol back; I think having his baby is more than enough."

"Okay hormonal pregnant lady," Katherine snorted.

"And I only wanted to look good so Klaus would realise what a stupid mistake he made."

"Look you'll both be fine, just take some deep breaths," Katherine instructed looking at the door curiously "What kind of a place is this anyway?"

Raines Law Room was an intimate not to mention discreet prohibition themed cocktail bar with an unassuming entrance. There was no sign of life and the only way in seemed to be the bell hanging alongside the door. Katherine rang it wondering what was going to happen next.

Caroline held her breath in anticipation wondering why she'd come here tonight. She knew it had everything to do with both the drinks she'd consumed and her nagging curiosity about why he hadn't told her it was his birthday. She was desperate to look into his eyes and hear him try to explain this. She also had to admit that a small and very angry part of her wanted him to suffer.

The door opened and a kind looking gentleman greeted them gesturing for them to come inside. The plain hallway made way into an opulently furnished room with exposed brick walls and a bar running alongside. Caroline knew this was why Rebekah was an event planner. Klaus would love this place but she wasn't sure whether he'd enjoy a surprise party that much.

She recognised quite a few people milling around the room, including a surprised looking Stefan by Rebekah's side. Lexi and Matt looked over, both sending her a smile while Kol looked like he was sulking at the bar. Elijah looked up at them excitedly before making a beeline towards his date. Before she could say hello she heard a voice call out from the corner of the room.

"Caroline!" Jen Taylor smiled and she wasn't quite sure what to do next. She was so mad with Klaus right now but knew it wasn't Jen's fault.

"Jen," she exclaimed finally walking over and trying to steady her thoughts. Maybe a few drinks weren't the best idea right now.

"It's good to see you Caroline, it's been too long," she smiled giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"It has," she conceded. "How are Ben and the kids?"

"Wonderful, Ben is around here somewhere and hopefully the kids are being obedient for their babysitter."

"One can only hope."

"I'm surprised you didn't come with Klaus, you know being his birthday and all." Caroline hated that yet again she had to pretend, she had always admired Jen and didn't like lying to her. When she didn't know her all those months ago it was okay, but it didn't sit well with her now.

"He uh had to work late so I organised to meet him here," she covered hoping it sounded genuine.

Everything inside her was screaming that she should just tell her the truth but Caroline could never do that. No matter what she thought about Klaus right now she realised she had too much respect for the Taylors to do that.

"He's such a workaholic that one," Jen agreed. " Oh Tatia, I'm so glad you could come," she exclaimed making Caroline look over in shock. Could this day get any worse?

"Well I couldn't refuse after you specially asked me to come," she said sweetly briefly glancing in Caroline's direction.

"I knew that you and Klaus had been working hard so I thought it was the least I could do," Jen said. "Now if you'll both excuse me, I need to find Rebekah and make sure everything is set for the big surprise."

"So we finally meet," Tatia murmured awkwardly.

"Yes," Caroline acknowledged unsure of what to say next. She figured comparing notes about Klaus wasn't an option. "I uh didn't know you'd be here."

"I wasn't supposed to be but Jen asked and it's difficult to say no to her," she qualified.

"That's true," she said knowing that all too well.

"Look I'm sorry if this is awkward for you," she sighed. "I'm pretty sure Jen wouldn't have invited me if she knew Klaus and I used to date."

"Are you sorry Tatia?" She asked unable to help herself as her emotions threatened to spill over. "Because you seem to just turn up everywhere."

"It's not on purpose I promise," she clarified. "There's nothing going on with Klaus Caroline, you have to believe me."

"Funnily enough I do, although that doesn't mean you don't want something to happen."

"No I really don't," she confirmed making Caroline look at her curiously. Ever since she'd inserted herself into his life Caroline had assumed she had an ulterior motive. It all seemed to be too much of a coincidence. "I'm actually already seeing someone."

"Really?"

"Yes really but it's something I need to keep under wraps for various reasons."

"Well that sure seems convenient," Caroline murmured.

"It's Gordon if you must know," she whispered checking no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.

"As in your married boss?"

"Yes, the two reasons why I need to keep it quiet," Tatia mumbled looking around again.

"So you're really not interested in Klaus at all?"

"Look I won't lie, there's definitely an attraction on my part but I realised fairly early on in my trip here that he was in love with you," she explained making Caroline raise her eyebrows. It was something that was probably supposed to make her feel better but it didn't. "And my ego can only take so much rejection."

"So that's the only reason you didn't go there?"

"Look, I hate to be crass Caroline but why would I want Klaus when I can have someone worth billions of dollars?" Tatia shrugged her shoulders matter-of-factly.

"At least you're honest I guess," she muttered shaking her head at her blunt audacity.

"So you understand why I would never want to jeapordise what I have with Gordon," she smiled slyly and took a glass of champagne from a passing tray.

"There's more to life than money Tatia," she scoffed.

"No there really isn't," she shot back. "I came from nothing and I have no intention of going back to that ever again." Caroline sensed there was more to it but she wasn't there to psycho-analyse his ex girlfriend.

"Shhh!" Rebekah called out to the noisy crowd. "He's just outside."

Caroline felt sick wondering why the hell she was there. Even if she wanted to leave it was too late now. The lights dimmed and everyone stood there in anticipation of the birthday boy's arrival. She could hear his melodic voice joking with the doorman and felt her heart sink wishing things could could have been different. She'd been so busy being angry all day but now all she felt was an overwhelming sense of sadness.

"Could it be any darker?" She heard him say as the lights grew brighter and everyone shouted out in unison.

"SURPRISE!" Klaus reeled back totally floored by the reception. She saw his eyes nervously flit around the room taking in the scene in front of him. It was only when his eyes rested on her that she saw complete shock followed by something resembling guilt.