I'm back again! I think everyone is going to have differing opinions on who is right and wrong in this scenario. Your reviews and feedback means so much, especially my favourite regulars, so thanks again.

This chapter is going to jump forward in time again.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 37: I Will Survive

May 23 2015 1:03pm New York City, New York

"So are you sure you're going to be okay," Katherine asked.

"For the last time yes I'm going to be fine roomie."

"It's just you haven't seen Klaus since his birthday," Katherine murmured. "Things might be a little weird after all this time."

"Things are not going to be weird," she clarified.

"How do you know that?"

"Look we're both adults and this event is too important to worry about trivial things like that," she explained trying to convince herself at the same time

"Your break-up was trivial?"

"Okay maybe it wasn't but it happened over two months ago Kat," she insisted. "I'm moving on just like I'm sure Klaus has done too."

"I'm not sure burying himself in work is what you would call moving on Caroline,"

"Hey I'm not the bad guy here," she spluttered. "If you recall I did offer to meet him for coffee after he harassed me incessantly with calls and texts after his birthday."

"And he cancelled."

"Exactly," she replied. "I promised myself I would never be in that situation ever again and what did I do?" After his birthday he'd called her non-stop for three days pleading for another chance.

She was strong in her resolve but his constant harrassment wasn't helping her to move on so she'd agreed to meet him, only to reiterate that it was over. After waiting for fifteen minutes and receiving the familiar apologetic excuse via text she decided that was it.

She found out from Katherine he cancelled because he was in an unscheduled meeting with Ben Taylor, who officially appointed him his successor. Klaus finally got what he wanted. Although she was happy for him Caroline couldn't help but think how bittersweet it was. His desire for a promotion had been what had brought them together but it was also what ripped them apart in the end.

"I know," she soothed rubbing her arm comfortingly. "That's why I just wanted to make sure you were going to be okay at the bar opening tomorrow night."

After months in the making their bar had been fully renovated, stocked and staffed and the grand opening was scheduled for the next night on Memorial Day eve.

"I have to be Katherine," she said shrugging her shoulders. "This is a big day for Matt, Stefan and Klaus, and believe it or not I'm happy for them."

"I still can't believe after everything that went down between you and Klaus you were okay with this bar venture going ahead."

"I'll admit it wasn't ideal after the break-up but they've got a great business plan and I'm not going to stand in the way of three very capable, not to mention excited, bar owners."

"Stefan and Matt did offer to back out for you though."

"I know and that was sweet, but totally unnecessary," she murmured. "I've never seen Matt this happy before and he deserves this, same with Stefan and Klaus."

"Yes but it doesn't change the fact that this bar is going to tie you to Klaus."

"I think you're forgetting it's not just the bar that is going to do that," she scoffed. "Bonnie is having Kol's baby, Rebekah and Stefan are practically living together, Lexi and Matt are having fun and last but not least you and Elijah are sickly sweet together."

"We're not that sickly are we?"

"Yes but I couldn't be happier for you both," she grinned. "I'm just glad you finally got your act together."

"Yeah amen to that," she laughed. "If I'd known how phenomenal the sex was going to be I would have made a move sooner."

"It's not just about the sex though," she smiled. "You've got it bad for the eldest Mikaelson."

"The physical part is great but I love the fact that he constantly challenges me," she explained. "We had a few nights away for his birthday and everything just seemed to fit into place."

"Am I sensing some declarations of love?"

"Maybe," she said her face turning a few shades redder. "If you'd told me this was going to happen five months ago I wouldn't have believed you."

"I'm so happy for you Kat," she grinned. "Even if this is all so incestuous."

"Yeah Bonnie was right about that."

"How is our favourite pregnant friend?" Caroline asked. She'd just returned from working overseas and hadn't had the chance to visit her yet.

Klaus wasn't the only one throwing himself into work. After the break-up she wanted to keep herself busy so had asked for extra assignments at Vogue. This meant a string of late nights, busy weekends and a fair amount of travel.

She'd just spent three weeks in London covering Fashion Week and writing some guest pieces for the UK edition. Caroline had found the time away cathartic and much needed. It was completely freeing and she really enjoyed herself for the first time in months.

"Moody, hormonal and still eating really disgusting things together," she groaned. "I got a call at 11:30pm the other night because she was craving olives and white chocolate."

"Ew," she winced. "I'm sorry I haven't been around to help out."

"Don't feel bad," she said. "Even though they're not the best of friends, Kol has been surprisingly supportive but you know Bonnie she hates relying on a man for anything."

"Especially one she still has feelings for," Caroline said knowingly. "I honestly thought this baby would bring them closer together."

"Not at the moment, Kol is in full on business mode about this and Bonnie is still firmly in denial."

When Bonnie broke the news at the party Kol was literally rendered speechless. She'd tried to get some sort of reaction out of him but he was in some deep trance, probably being drunk didn't help matters.

After a week of radio silence he'd arranged to meet her and said he wanted to be there for the baby. Bonnie said it felt more like a business meeting than two people discussing the future of their unborn baby but she figured it was the best she could ask for under the circumstances.

"Fat pregnant lady alert," she called out from outside their door. It was like she could sense they were talking about her.

"You are not fat," Caroline cried opening the door and pulling Bonnie into her arms. "Oh I've missed you so much."

"Me too, we can't all be swanning around London Fashion Week like some people," Bonnie teased. "So how was it jetsetter?"

"Amazing," she grinned. "I met some great people, went to a few wild parties and just let myself go and have fun."

"Now that sounds like my idea of a good time," Bonnie laughed. "Any fun of the male variety?" Caroline blushed not expecting that question and unsure of how to answer it on the spot.

"Caroline Elizabeth Forbes!" Katherine exclaimed. "We've been talking for the last thirty minutes and you didn't feel the need to mention this."

"It's not a big deal," she mumbled self-consciously. "It was just a one-night thing."

"Caroline Elizabeth Forbes had a one-night stand?"

"Katherine can you please stop using my full name," she groaned. "Anyway, I've had a one-night stand before."

"I've known you since Junior High, so unless you indulged in some naughty sex before then I think you're mistaken."

"Remember Jesse?"

"I remember that you both were crushing on each other freshman year of college and you slept together the night before he moved to Amsterdam."

"Exactly one night only."

"Uh Caroline I hate to break it to you but that doesn't really qualify as a proper one-night stand."

"Why not Bonnie?"

"Because you'd mooned over the guy for months and the only reason it was one night was because he was leaving the country," Katherine insisted. "Trust me I wish he'd stayed then we wouldn't have had the pleasure of Tyler's company for all those years."

"Enough about the past, who was this guy in London?" Bonnie asked.

"We were at a party in Knightsbridge, one minute we were drinking champagne and flirting up a storm and the next we were back in my hotel room."

"Naughty Caroline," Katherine laughed.

"I can't really explain what came over me, maybe it was the alcohol or his sexy brown eyes. We all know I'm a sucker for an accent so that could have had something to do with it too."

"So how was he?" Bonnie asked licking her lips excitedly as Katherine and Caroline looked on curiously. "Hey I'm pregnant, hormonal and badly in need of sex, this is my next best option right now."

"Okay," Caroline smiled shaking her head. "He was different, but a good type of different."

"In what way?"

"It was just pure, unadulterated sex. No pesky feelings or emotions just lust-filled fun. It was exactly what I needed after the past few months of drama."

"Wow maybe I need to hook up with this guy," Bonnie whistled.

"It was definitely a fun ride, but once was enough for me."

"So what's next?" Katherine asked.

"I've hidden myself away with work and it was okay for a while but now I need to start really living again," she said. "I think going to this party tomorrow night is the closure I need to finally move on."

"Don't you think it will just dredge up old feelings?"

"Maybe but I need to do this," Caroline murmured scared but surprisingly empowered at the same time.

"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Bonnie asked the concern thick in her voice.

"Like I've been telling Kitty Kat for the past half hour I will be fine," she grinned. "But thanks for caring." Caroline pulled them into a group hug, feeling lucky to have such amazing friends around her.

"Oh can we get in on this?" She looked over at the open door smiling at her best friend and cousin.

"So much for a bit of privacy. Haven't you knuckleheads ever heard of knocking?" Bonnie huffed hands on hips.

"The door was wide open; I'm guessing that was your doing Bon."

"Are you really going to argue with a pregnant, not to mention extremely hormonal woman right now Matthew?"

"Yeah Matt have you got a death wish or something?" Stefan chuckled. "So how was London Care?"

"Great," Caroline smiled happy to leave it at that. The last thing she wanted was her brief fling to get out given how close everyone was these days. "So to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"We just wanted to…" Matt trailed off before Stefan chimed in.

"See how you are and check that everything is fine for tomorrow night."

"Yes I'm okay, thanks for caring enough to ask but I'm better than fine," she explained. "I called everything off if you recall."

"Yes but it's still so fresh," Matt replied. "If it's going to be difficult we don't expect you to come."

"And miss the opening of Gallery, the hottest new bar in New York City?" She baulked. "Fat chance, plus we've got special visitors coming into town."

"Oh really?" Stefan asked. "Who's gracing us with their presence?"

"It was supposed to be a surprise but you'll find out soon enough anyway. Mum is coming and of course the craziest nanna in the world."

"Nanna's coming!" Katherine cried excitedly. "This party just got some real credibility."

"Gee thanks Kat," Matt replied rolling his eyes.

"Nanna told me she wouldn't miss this opening for anything, she even bought a new dress for the occasion," Caroline smiled. "I think mum is coming along just to play chaperone."

"We all know how crazy she can get," Stefan laughed. "Just keep her away from the alcoholic beverages and everything should be fine."

"I'm actually going to pick them up from Grand Central if anyone wants to come?"

"They caught the train?"

"Nanna doesn't like to fly," Caroline said to Bonnie. "Although mum is probably going stir crazy being cooped up with her for so long."

"Well as fun as that sounds I have a few finishing touches to do at the bar," Matt added. "I'm glad you're coming tomorrow night cuz, it wouldn't be the same without you."

"Never send a boy to do a man's work," Stefan joked placing his arm around Caroline. "Let's get this show on the road. Are you coming ladies?"

"I try not to do any more exercise than absolutely necessary," Bonnie replied flopping onto the couch. "Kat can you please make me a peanut butter and ketchup sandwich?"

"Well that sure sounds delicious," Stefan gulped. "Pity we have places to be and can't stay for lunch."

xxxxxxxxxx

"So you're in a good mood," Caroline observed noticing his sunny disposition.

"Why wouldn't I be? I mean I have a great career, a blossoming bar business, the best friends in the world," he said pointing in her direction. "And..."

Caroline watched his whole face light up, she knew that look all too well. It was so good to see him happy after all the drama Tessa put him through. Rebekah had really been a good influence on Stefan and she couldn't be happier.

"And you're in love," she deduced.

"That I am," he confirmed. "Sorry I don't mean to rub it in after everything that happened with Klaus."

"I would never begrudge you happiness Stef. I'm just glad that you were able to find someone after everything you've been through."

"The best part is that I never expected to feel this way so soon and for someone like Rebekah, I mean we are polar opposites but weirdly enough it just works. We're both career orientated but always make time to spend together no matter what."

"I'm glad one Mikaelson can make that effort," she replied bitterly unable to help herself.

"Yeah well I've certainly had words with Klaus about that."

"What did you say?"

"Hey you're my bestie, he may be my business partner but you've been there for me through everything." He pulled her towards him and enveloped her in a hug.

"It doesn't matter anymore," she replied sadly. "If I'm not important enough for someone to make time for me then he's not worth it."

"Well I think he's got rocks in his head, which is something I've told him repeatedly."

"As sweet as it is you really need to cool it on the big brother act," she smiled despite everything.

"It's programmed into me unfortunately," he said shrugging his shoulders. "You're stuck with me forever Forbes, get used to it."

"Well thank you, I guess," she chuckled. "So how is Rebekah doing?"

"She is amazing," he smiled. "She's done all the public relations for the bar opening and I didn't even have to pay her."

"Now that's when you know it's love."

"I know she's usually pretty hard-nosed when it comes to business," he quipped. "I hate to sound corny but I just never thought I could feel like this."

"Well that's great, you two are pretty much living together these days, how's that going for you?"

"It's just so easy," he grinned like a little child. "I woke up next to her yesterday morning and it was like a light bulb went off in my head."

"Oh really?"

"I'm going to propose tomorrow night." He said making her stop dead in her tracks.

"You're going to do what now?"

"I want to spend the rest of my life with Rebekah and I'm going to propose at the opening of the bar, I mean could you think of anything more perfect?"

"Oh wow, that I wasn't expecting," she stammered.

"Tell me what you really think."

"I think it's so good that you're in love…"

"But?"

"It's only been three months," she explained. "Are you ready for such a big step Stef?"

"She's the one and I've never understood why people people put time limits on things. Sometimes you know it's meant to be from the very beginning."

"And she's the one for you?"

"She's the one," he replied confidently. "And quite frankly life is too short to just fumble around working out what you want in life."

"If she makes you happy then I'm happy," Caroline said sincerely. Who was she to judge when they were so deeply in love? "Although do you think you might scare her off after such a short time and in such a public place."

"I suppose there's a chance I might but everything inside me is saying I need to do this," he replied. "You don't want to pop into Tiffany's by chance on the way to Grand Central?"

"You are one brave man."

"Well you've got to be in it to win it," he said winking at her cheekily.

Xxxxxxxxx

"What do you call those pants Stefan?" Nanna asked studied him up and down as they stepped off the train.

"These are jeans nanna," he explained looking down at them curiously.

"So what's with all the holes?"

"It's the fashion," he stuttered not expecting the inquisition to start so quickly but it was nanna after all.

"I think I might need to get a pair of those," she smiled looking towards her daughter. "We should really go shopping Liz."

"Well how about you go with Caroline and Stefan then," Liz replied obviously exhausted from her prolonged trip with her mother.

"Sure," Caroline said thinking she'd rather pull out her teeth than go through that ordeal but she was family after all. "It's so good to see you both."

"You too sweetie," Nanna said. "So where is that British package of goodness Caroline?"

"He's working," she exhaled knowing at least that was true. "Let's get you guys home; Katherine is so excited to see you."

"We'll have to compare outfits, I don't want to turn up in the same dress."

"I'm sure that won't be a problem nanna," Caroline offered trying not to laugh aloud. .

"So nanna tell me all about what's been going on at the retirement village," Stefan asked placing his arm around her giving Caroline the time she needed with her mother. "So any cute old guys?"

"She's going to be the death of me," Liz said as they fell behind the two as they chatted away.

"How was the trip?"

"Long and exhausting," she explained. "So how's everything going with you?"

"Good," she replied. "You know I've been busy with work lately, just got back from London Fashion Week and had a visiting stint at UK Vogue."

"That sounds like a good move for your career."

"They were actually really happy with my work," she murmured wondering whether to tell her mother what she'd kept to herself this whole time. "They even offered me a job."

"In London?" She inhaled sharply. "Are you considering it?"

"At first I just thought it was a joke but when I realised they wanted me I had to admit a small part of me wanted to take it."

"So what did you say?"

"I declined and thanked them but they asked me to promise I'd think about it."

"So what did Katherine and Stefan say?"

"They don't know," she whispered. "I haven't told anyone yet."

"Why not?"

"I think because on some level I'm tempted to accept it and I'm not sure how they'd take it," she murmured.

"Well I suppose you have to do what you think is best," Liz replied. "What does Klaus think about this, I mean moving back there wouldn't be a huge stretch for him."

"Klaus doesn't know about it either and anyway he's uh got a new promotion so he wouldn't leave New York." Liz looked at her curiously like she was trying to work out what was happening.

"What's going on with you?" She asked. "Did you two have a fight or something?"

"Or something," she muttered. Caroline knew she was going to have this conversation with her mother at some point but she didn't think it would have to be so soon.

"Stefan," Liz yelled out making them turn around. "Can you take nanna back to Caroline's place, we're going to have a coffee." Stefan looked at their faces knowing they were talking about something serious.

"Coffee?" Nanna baulked. "How about we hit up the nearest bar Stefan and do some shots."

"How about we just take things slow nanna," Stefan rolled his eyes at them. "We'll see you both later."

"Coffee really?" She asked.

"Maybe you'd prefer some shots then you might actually tell me what's going on here," she insisted. "Look a Starbucks, how convenient."

After they were seated with their steaming, hot beverages Liz looked up at Caroline about to launch into one of her motherly lectures before she got in first.

"We broke up," she announced watching the shock register on her face.

"When?"

"A couple of months ago," she murmured. "It wasn't working out so it was easier just to end things."

"Well that's a surprise," she whistled. "You two seemed so in love at Christmas, I just figured it would last longer than a few months." Caroline felt her mouth go dry knowing that she was going to have to tell her mother the entire, and not to mention ugly, truth.

"We uh weren't really together at Christmas."

"What does that mean exactly young lady," she chided. Caroline hated when she used that term because she knew that lecture was about to come thick and fast and she couldn't stop it.

"It means we pretended," she bit out reluctantly. "I'm sorry mum but it wasn't about you."

"Well tell me who it was about then?"

"Hayley and Tyler," she groaned. "I did have a boyfriend but he broke up me just before Christmas and I couldn't come alone, I just couldn't."

"So you manufacture a fake boyfriend?"

"I promise that wasn't my intention at first, I met Klaus on the way to Chicago."

"So you brought a stranger into my house for Christmas Eve?" Caroline knew this wasn't going to end well.

"He wasn't a complete stranger, we'd been stranded together for almost twenty-four hours," she said realising how lame that sounded.

"Great so he was only a semi-stranger," she scoffed. "What Tyler and Hayley did to you was not on but I'm not sure creating a fake relationship was the best idea."

"I thought it was at the time, but now I really wish I'd never met him," she groaned.

"So this break-up two months ago was just another story?"

"No we did break-up two months ago," she repeated. "We became close after Christmas and it eventually turned into more."

"So what happened?"

"I loved him mum," she said feeling the tears prick her eyes. "But he was too busy with work to make time for me."

"Oh darling," she smiled pulling her into a hug "You couldn't work it out?"

"No, there's only so much I could take and he wasn't investing enough in our relationship," she murmured. "I'm not going to take second place in someone's life."

"So London makes sense now."

"What do you mean by that?"

"It seems like you're using this job offer as an excuse to run away from everything," she said shrugging her shoulders.

"It could also be very good for my career," she spluttered.

"I suppose you're going to have to decide what's more important Caroline," she added. "You can run away to the other side of the world if you want but things have a tendency to catch up to you wherever you are."

"I'll think about it," she agreed. "Now how about we go and save Stefan from nanna?"

"Do we have to?" She groaned jokingly. "So this bar opening is going to be very interesting by the sounds of it."

"You have no idea."