Your reviews are so thoughtful, not to mention awesome, so thank you! I'm getting some very strong opinions on this story both ways which is good. Depending on what you think and where your heart is invested, it's time for the girls to get their bachelorette on….

Thanks for the all the name ideas, some were unusual which I did like. I think I know what I'm going to choose now but you'll have to wait and see.

Flashbacks are in italics with the rest present time.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 41: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

22 August 2015 1:17pm Chicago, Illinois

10 hours earlier…..

Caroline watched as the scenery flashed past. She was home again. You'd think she'd be more excited but she wasn't. The hardest thing to do was leave the comfort and safety of London. She'd been so caught up in her English bubble that her old life had taken a back seat.

Her job was going well and she'd met some nice people. They invited her out often and she made an effort to go mainly just to get out of the house. She had a good time but couldn't help feeling that all she wanted to do was simple things like gossip with Katherine or have a slice of pizza with Stefan.

She made an effort to keep in touch but every time she got off the phone an overwhelming sense of sadness would take over. She wanted to be there for Bonnie during her pregnancy and share in Stefan's wedding plans but it hurt too much. That's why she'd found herself so far away from home. She didn't realise it would be this difficult. Caroline hoped that when she moved things would automatically improve but besides her job she didn't have much of a life. She was supposed to be moving on but her stupid feelings wouldn't let her.

Yes she wanted this initially but Caroline was starting to realise her mum was right, she was running away and even though there was an ocean between them it felt like he was much closer seeing he haunted her dreams most nights. She couldn't get his sad Enzo induced expression out of her mind. She had every right to sleep with him but she never wanted Klaus to find out, especially the way he did. It was then she realised she needed a break from it all and London was her ticket.

She made the decision straight away and felt an immediate sense of relief, mainly because it took her mind off Klaus. As much as she secretly wanted him to fight for her like he promised she was also relieved he didn't because it would have made her decision that much more difficult. She was surprised to receive a text a few days after the bar opening. When she'd seen his name she'd immediately tensed up wondering what it would say. Three little words that even after everything he'd put her through still unfortunately meant so much - I Miss You.

She'd agonized over whether to respond or not, he didn't deserve a response given everything that happened. She'd procrastinated for a few hours before responding that she was going to London and asking that he respect her decision by not contacting her anymore.

His silence was deafening but what did she expect? She'd made her decision and he was going to have to live with it. Being back in town had brought back memories of their time together in Chicago and her heart ached as they all flashed through her mind.

The cab driver pulled up outside her family home and after handing over some bills, she grabbed her bag and approached the front door. She looked over at the front yard thinking it was only eight months ago that she and Klaus had built the snowman there together.

"Darling," Liz beamed enveloping her daughter in her arms. "I've missed you so much."

"Me too, although that's why I introduced you to Skype mum."

"Nothing compares to the real thing," she grinned squeezing her tighter. "Are you eating enough?"

"Of course I'm eating," she shot back defensively.

"Well you look and feel entirely too skinny for my liking," she chided. "Come inside and I'll make you whatever you want."

"How about takeout? I have the biggest craving for deep dish pizza."

"Anything you want," she promised. "Now are you tired, do you want to rest?"

"I'm fine," she replied weakly flopping onto the couch. "I'm only here for twenty-four hours so I have to take advantage of the short amount of time I've got."

"I don't understand why you can't stay around longer."

"I've got a fashion shoot in Paris in a few days and then I'm heading to Milan for some interviews."

"And then you have to come back to the States again in three weeks' time?"

"Yes," she groaned. "For the big wedding extravaganza in the Hamptons."

"I thought you'd want to see Stefan married?"

"Oh of course I do, but seriously Rebekah is out of control," she joked. "She's a nice girl most of the time but Bridezilla isn't a strong enough word to describe her."

"That bad huh?"

"Oh yes, she is constantly emailing me about something to do with the wedding, I am seriously regretting saying yes," she commented. "Although I haven't got it anywhere as bad as poor Katherine, she's had to bear most of the Rebekah Mikaelson drama."

"Is she still going out with Elijah?" Liz had met the eldest Mikaelson at the bar opening and was suitably impressed.

"Yes still going strong after five months, I'm so happy for them both."

"And how's Bonnie?"

"She's about six months along now in her pregnancy," Caroline smiled. "I can't wait to see her baby bump."

"You've missed her?"

"I've missed everyone," she admitted. "I didn't realise just how much until I landed back on American soil."

"Except one notable exception?"

"Well he doesn't deserve my thoughts," she said quietly knowing she couldn't get him out of her head if she tried. "Anyway this was the right decision to make, it was exactly what I needed."

"Really?" She asked looking at her closely and brushed a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. If anyone was going to see through her it was her Liz. "Are you happy?"

"That's a very strong word," she sighed. "I mean my job is great."

"And?"

"The rest will come with time," she explained.

"You've been there over two months; how long will it take?"

"I don't know mum," she growled growing tired of the inquisition.

"You still love him," she deduced. "I don't care what you say Caroline, you love him and you miss him, even if you're not willing to admit it."

"Even if I did, he doesn't deserve that, Klaus lost that right when he put his career above our relationship. Don't tell me you're on his side?"

"After he didn't fight for you?" She baulked. "That boy is an idiot, but unfortunately you can't help who you love."

"Yeah tell me about it."

"But obviously running away hasn't helped things," Liz warned. "Your troubles always have a way of catching up to you honey."

"What do you expect me to do mum, because being here is just too difficult," she felt the tears gathering trying desperately not to cry.

"I know sweetheart," she said gathering her in her arms. "But is it worth it?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean you're over in London all by yourself without your friends or family. Did you ever think that maybe we are exactly what you need to get through this?"

"Yes but everyone is somehow connected to the guy that I can't get over," she blinked feeling the unshed tears finally roll down her cheeks.

"Yes but is it worth being without the people you love?" She asked. "Maybe facing him head-on is better than hiding away. It's obvious moving away hasn't changed anything."

"Is this where you gloat about being right?"

"I would never gloat," she laughed squeezing her tighter. "There's nothing wrong with changing your mind."

"I have to admit that not being around for Bonnie's pregnancy has been difficult," she shared. "Plus all the other significant milestones."

"So does that mean you're coming back?"

"No but I'll think about it," she promised. "In the meantime I have a bachelorette party to get ready for, I would have cancelled but I'm still in trouble for missing the engagement party."

"Just don't tell nanna," Liz said. "If she knew there was a bachelorette party then she'd be the first in line for a lap dance."

"God help us," Caroline joked wiping away her stray tears. "I don't think I want to know what's planned, the only saving grace is that the boys won't be anywhere near Chicago tonight."

xxxxxxxxxx

"I never imagined her to be the tiara type," Caroline observed looking at the blonde curiously. "Not to mention the red feather boa."

"That has Katherine written all over it," Bonnie drawled looking at their friend. "I think it's her way of exacting revenge after all those Bridezilla moments she's had to endure the past few months."

The girls had dined at Japonais and were currently at The J. Parker Bar on the rooftop overlooking the stunning Chicago skyline. Lexi had outdone herself, but given her job it was hardly surprising.

"I feel bad about not being here but at the same time I couldn't be happier," she joked. "Although I have to admit it's been tough not watching this little baby growing."

"Oh she's growing, I feel like an elephant Care."

"Well you don't look it, in fact you look radiant."

"I wouldn't go that far," she joked.

"No honestly, I might have been gone a while but you seem a lot happier and more settled about everything."

"I don't know why," she stuttered. "I mean between the morning sickness and the cravings, not to mention the hormonal mood swings."

"But even with that you still seem content, how is Kol?"

"Why would you ask me that?"

"Well because he is the father of your unborn daughter," she quipped.

"He's fine."

"He's fine? Last thing I heard was that he was being a doting father-to be."

"He's been okay," she replied quietly.

"Oh just okay? Because I also heard that…"

"You seem to hear a lot from the other side of the pond Forbes," she grinned. "Yes he's been amazing. I never thought the young and immature guy I met all those months ago had it in him to be honest."

"And."

"And he's really surprised me," she smiled. "I don't want to pre-empt anything but I think things might be okay."

"Well that's certainly a step in the right direction," she laughed. "Any good baby names yet?"

"Now that is the challenge," she shared. "We can't agree on anything."

"You've still got a few months yet, but might I suggest Caroline?"

"Believe it or not it's not the worst I've heard," she joked poking out her tongue. "Kol suggested Kolette or Koleen the other day, I always knew he was cocky but that's just taking things one step too far."

"Well it's nice to see you two are getting along better than when I left."

"Yeah," she said shrugging her shoulders her face reddening. "I suppose this baby could do worse for a father."

"I suppose so," she agreed realising just how much had changed since she'd been around. As much as she wanted to comment Caroline thought it was better left unsaid. She had a feeling those two would be together soon without her assistance.

"You realise this is a bachelorette party right? You have every right to get blind drunk. I'm pregnant and boring but that doesn't mean you have to be."

"I'm starting slow," she replied holding up her vodka. "You've got to pace yourself at these things."

"Maybe someone should have told Rebekah that," Bonnie laughed taking in the sight before her. "Rebekah honey you can keep your clothes on."

"It doesn't hurt if she loses a few items," Katherine joked sitting between them as her coat came flying off.

"You are evil."

"No I'm just trying to get some pay back after all the grief she's put me through," she huffed. "Anyway she seems to be having fun."

"Yes because of all the alcohol she's consumed," Caroline shot back. "You realise she's probably going to be your future sister-in-law and will do the same thing to you."

"No we'd have to be married for that to happen," she shuddered. "And I have no intention of ever doing something stupid like that, if anything this wedding extravaganza just validates my point."

"Does Elijah know you don't want to get married Kat?" Bonnie asked curiously.

"Well I mean…" she stuttered.

"You haven't told him?" Caroline baulked. "You might want to let him in on that little fact before he decides to get down on one knee Pierce."

"He knows where I'm coming from," she spluttered. "Well I think he does."

"Well you might want to short circuit that one before he makes a visit to Tiffany's," Bonnie suggested.

"Now that's a discussion I'm not looking forward to," she explained. "I want a happily ever just like everyone else but I don't understand the need to actually get married, it doesn't mean anything at the end of the day."

"Some people would disagree," Caroline said. "Look at our future bride-to-be for example."

"She's most definitely an exception," Katherine snorted. "Anyway enough about her and this wedding, how is London?"

"It's good," she said unable to elaborate further.

"Wow you're making me really jealous Care," Bonnie quipped.

"It is good, I guess I just miss you guys," she shared. "If only you could have come across with my luggage."

"Come back roomie," Katherine pleaded. "I miss you."

"I miss you too but I'm actually enjoying my job so I need to give it a try." On her way to the party, Caroline had decided that no matter how right her mother was she was going to persevere in London.

"We'll just have to make sure we make a visit to London soon, at least you'll be coming back in a few weeks. I just wish you could stay here until then."

"You sound just like my mother, but I have to be in Paris then Milan."

"Oooh la-di-da," Bonnie quipped. "I can see why you like that job so much."

"It has its perks," she joked.

"So are there any men on the scene?" Katherine asked inquisitively making Caroline roll her eyes; trust her best friend to ask that question. "Did Enzo magically appear again?"

"Enzo tried but I made him disappear just as quickly as he arrived," she snorted.

In the clear light of day, Caroline couldn't believe she'd even gone there with him. In reality he was a cheap Klaus knock-off and she should have never succumbed to his supposed charm. Caroline decided to put that one behind her and blame it on the champagne mixed with some temporary insanity.

"So are there any other potential suitors?" Bonnie prodded. "I mean you do work with fashion models on a daily basis."

"You know I never mix business with pleasure," she claimed. "Anyway I'm focusing on my career right now."

"I hate to say it Care but that's one of those really bad excuses people use to justify why they're not dating."

"Hey I've been busy," she spluttered. "Why do I suddenly feel like I'm getting the third degree?"

"You're not," Bonnie soothed. "We're just worried that maybe you haven't moved on from Klaus yet."

"I have," she scoffed unconvincingly making them look at her dubiously. "Okay maybe I haven't completely, but these things take time."

"Have you spoken to him?"

"No, I asked him to leave me alone and finally he respected my wishes."

"Do you really want him to leave you alone?"

"Why so serious ladies," Rebekah chuckled approaching their table slightly unsteady on her feet. An unimpressed Lexi was at her side holding her upright. Caroline released a sigh of relief happy for the interruption for once. "This is my bachelorette party after all."

"Yes how could we forget," Katherine muttered under her breath.

"There needs to be much more drinking going on though, waiter shots all round." Caroline shuddered thinking alcohol probably wasn't the best option now. She always got so emotional or slept with the wrong men when she was drunk. It looked like the decision was taken out of her hands as a tray of shots appeared in lightning speed. "Bonnie I'll let you off this time."

"Gee thanks," she mumbled.

The liquid burned as it slipped down her throat. "Now here's an extra one for the bridesmaid who missed my engagement party."

"Talk about a guilt trip," she shot back downing it all in one go as the pleased bride-to be sauntered away. "Now what's next?"

"We're going to the Pink Monkey strip club for pole dancing classes."

"Okay I'm going to need a few more of these to deal with that information," Caroline suggested. "Although I would definitely pay to see Rebekah attempt it whilst drunk."

"You and me both," Katherine laughed.

"I'm going to the bar for some more liquid courage and then we can head off," Caroline said making her way to the other side of the room, maybe a couple more drinks was exactly what she needed.

"If only she knew what was going to meet her at the Pink Monkey," Bonnie muttered.

"Or who you mean? Look, they're both miserable, I have to work with him sulking on a daily basis. I think we can safely say they are both still in denial," Lexi said.

"But do you think throwing them together is going to achieve that?"

"Someone sounds a lot like an annoying Mikaelson brother," Lexi muttered. "How much time have you two been spending with each other again?"

"Not much and anyway it's for the baby," Bonnie explained feebly. "You realise she's going to be pissed that you lied to her right?"

"I never lied," Katherine spulttered. "I merely withheld the truth."

"You saw how upset she was before Kat."

"Yes exactly why she needs to see him and sort this out either way," Katherine argued. "This craziness has gone on far too long. Yes Klaus is an idiot but it doesn't seem like either of them are moving on anytime soon. And call me selfish but I want my Care Bear home."

"We all want her home but you need to let her deal with things her way."

"That's the thing Bonnie; she's not dealing with things at all, just like my stubborn ass boss." Lexi added.

"Are we still talking about this?" Rebekah drawled.

"I thought you were too drunk to care," Katherine replied.

"I can handle my alcohol," she boasted. "Stefan messaged me; the boys are at the Pink Monkey. He better not be looking at any other women."

"Well it would be hard not to I imagine," Bonnie joked.

"Not helping Bonnie. The last thing I ever expected to be doing for my bachelorette party was going to a strip club, seriously the things I do for my brother."

"Well let's just hope it works," Lexi murmured.

"Caroline is getting another drink and then we'll go, I'll text Elijah to say we're on our way," Katherine said pulling out her phone and starting to type away.

"I for one do not want to witness this car crash," Bonnie groaned in anticipation.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After a half hour of pure torture Caroline was beginning to realise she'd never be a world champion pole dancer. She was actually really impressed and envious of the amazing strength the girls possessed. As predicted Rebekah ended up flat on her face, Katherine on her butt, Lexi on her head, Caroline on her right hip and Bonnie just sat there in the safety of the audience laughing at them all.

Caroline retreated to the bar deciding that a few more drinks were in order, if anything just to numb the pain of the impending bruises that were forming all over her legs.

"Where are you going?" Bonnie asked.

"I'm going to get a drink, is that okay mum?"

"I was just curious that's all," she scoffed.

"Is it just my imagination or are you all acting weird? I know Rebekah is pretty drunk so that's to be expected but you're completely sober Bon."

"Everything is fine," she mumbled looking around behind her back furiously.

"Ever since we got here you've been whispering and looking around suspiciously."

"We have not," she lied wondering how she got stuck with this given her vehement opposition to it.

When Elijah texted to say there could be a potential issue they made a discreet entrance and had been in the back room doing lessons. Bonnie hadn't heard from Kol as to whether this potential issue was removed or not. This is why she knew this plan was fraught from the outset.

"Okay well I'm glad we got that sorted," she replied shaking her head. "I'm just going to the ladies and then back for another drink to get through this ordeal."

"Where are you going?"

"The ladies," she repeated. "Just over there." Bonnie considered trying to stop her but in her pregnant state knew it would be much more difficult than normal. She watched her go as Lexi approached from behind.

"Where's she going?"

"The toilet," she hissed.

"What if my stupid ass boss is there with some brunette?" She growled. "The boys only had one thing to do and they stuffed it up."

"I'm not his number one fan but he probably has the right to move on given how much time has passed."

"Yeah well not tonight he doesn't," she groaned. "If only I could go out there and give him a piece of my mind but then we'd blow our cover."

"So what's the plan? Stay hidden in this back room all night, I mean as much as I love laughing at you all fall over it will eventually get old."

"Haha," she mimicked. "I'm sure it won't be long, I've worked too damn hard for this not to succeed."

xxxxxxxxxxx

Caroline left the toilets hurriedly too busy shaking her hands dry to notice the broad chest run straight into hers. She looked up semi annoyed because someone obviously wasn't watching where they were going.

"Watch where you're going," she said at the same time a familiar British accent did. She inhaled sharply studying the face that had been haunting her for months. Why was Klaus here of all places?

"What are you doing here?" She blurted out unable to stop the flood of words. They were in a small recess between the toilets and she was backed up against the wall struggling not to touch him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I'm sure I asked you first," she shot back slightly annoyed by his typical stubbornness.

"It's Stefan's bachelor party," he replied and she couldn't miss his eyes flickering over her body encased in a fitted black dress. Even if he was an idiot, she was glad she wore one of her favourite dresses now. She felt immediately aroused and had to shake her head to try and gain back some semblance of control.

"It's Rebekah's bachelorette party."

"In Chicago?"

"Well last time I checked that's where we were," she growled losing patience. The fact they were in such a confined space was doing nothing for her willpower.

"And my sister agreed to a strip club visit?"

"I thought it was a little suspicious but now it's all starting to make sense," she deduced. "We've been pole dancing." She noticed his crimson lips curve into a sexy smile that always drove her crazy.

"Well you certainly have the flexibility for it," he teased.

"Charming Klaus," she shot back trying not to imagine their bodies writhing against each other. She was supposed to be annoyed at him not imagining him naked.

"Well it's fairly obvious some people decided to play matchmaker."

"Oh you mean the people who were our friends?" She asked emphasising the word 'were' for extra effect. "I'm going to kill them all one by one."

"There's no need for violence Caroline," he teased, her name rolling perfectly off his tongue making her knees go weak.

"Oh so you're okay being deceived by our supposed friends?"

"Not at all and I'll be telling them exactly what I think of their ridiculous attempt to get us together in the same room."

"Well we were going to be eventually," Caroline murmured thinking about the upcoming wedding.

"No doubt my sister was attempting some damage control in anticipation of her big day."

"Sounds about right," she mumbled thinking Rebekah always had an ulterior motive. "Anyway I certainly have no intention of making a scene."

"Neither do I," he baulked. "This isn't about us after all."

"Exactly so we'll go about our duties like the professional people we are," she said trying to convince herself she didn't want to rip off his shirt. She figured the excessive amount of alcohol she'd consumed wasn't helping matters in that regard either.

All Caroline knew was she had to get away soon before she lost control. She turned around before his hand grazed her arm softly stopping her in her tracks.

"What?"

"How's London?" He asked sincerely. "You know I figured since we were in the same room together I might as well try to make conversation."

"It's a good change," she admitted noticing his face fall slightly. "The job is great and London isn't half bad either."

"Yeah our little city isn't bad at all," he joked.

"How's uh Christies?"

"Busy," he shrugged his shoulders in a non-comital way. She noticed something unreadable flash in his eyes but she couldn't work it out and right now she had no intention of asking.

"Well okay I guess I better get back to pole dancing."

"Yeah I suppose I should go and give the guys a piece of my mind," he said. "Uh Caroline?"

"Mmmm," she responded scared about what he was going to say next.

"I'm sorry about…"

"Urgh Klaus I don't want to hear it again," she groaned in frustration. "We've done this too many times and I have no desire to revisit it once again."

"Okay but please hear this," he paused briefly before adding. "I hope you're happy. I know I had a funny way of showing it but that's all I've ever wanted for you."

"Thanks," she murmured trying not to get lost in his deep blue eyes. "I'm uh going to go."

"There you are Klaus," a high-pitched voice screeched interrupting the intense moment. "I thought you'd left." Caroline looked between the two curiously. The brunette was pretty that much was sure but didn't seem like his type, not that it was any of her business anymore.

"No I was actually meeting my girlfriend," he uttered looking to her helplessly before dipping her backwards and placing a surprise kiss on her lips. Caroline was too shocked to respond but as time went on she surrendered to his soft strokes, losing herself in the kiss.

He tasted like a combination of tequila, salt and lime and as his tongue massaged hers she heard herself moaning against his supple lips. She realised just what she'd been missing this whole time and it was as spectacular as she remembered. Between the haze caused by his kisses and the buzz from the alcohol it took her another five seconds to realise exactly what she was doing.

She pulled away and shakily stepped backwards determined to put as much distance between them as possible in the small space they had. His breath was ragged like hers and their eyes locked before she finally came out of her trance, noticing that their brunette intruder had disappeared.

"What the hell was that?"

"I'm sorry but I needed to get rid of her," he explained feebly.

"So you just had to kiss me in order to do that?"

"I suppose I didn't have to but it obviously worked and frankly I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to kiss you Caroline."

"Well you can't just randomly kiss women like that, even if we do have a past. So is she your latest conquest?"

"No actually she isn't," he answered. "And you know why Caroline? I can't get you out of my head or heart to even contemplate being with someone else. Yes, I came out tonight determined to try and get over you but all it took was ten minutes of mindless chatter with her to realise I had to make my escape because you know why?"

"Why?" She aksed against her better judgement.

"She's not you, no one is," he mumbled his gaze downward. She was speechless, unable to reciprocate his feelings but also unable to communicate just how confused she felt.

"I've got to go," she murmured scared that if she stayed any longer she couldn't be responsible for her actions. As she ran off all she thought was another drink couldn't come soon enough.