Chapter 33

Whispers in the dark

Klaus really wanted to kill his sister. Again. Convincing Zora not to have sex with him was really low, even for Rebekah. He had tried to say to Zora that Rebekah was just being childish and petty but apparently Zora thought that she had every right to be. Damn women. Zora had said that she would sleep in her old bedroom until Klaus' siblings would get the hang of the whole modern world. Well, they better be fast learners.

Everyone seemed to be getting ready for shopping. His brothers hadn't slept at all. They just kept asking Elijah all kind of questions. What is this, what does this do, who, when, where… Finn and Kol were both wearing one of Elijah's suits, although it didn't quite fit for Kol. Klaus' clothes would probably be more of his size but Kol didn't want anything from him. All his siblings were acting childishly. Yes, he had killed them; couldn't they just get over it already? His mother on the other hand didn't seem to be mad at him at all. Klaus was really happy about that.

"Good morning Nik", Rebekah said grinning. "Did you sleep well?"

Klaus suppressed his urge to strangle her and smiled.

"Yes my dear sister, very well. Thank you for asking."

Rebekah was wearing a light green summer dress. She seemed very pleased with herself.

"Zora!" she said smiling. "Are you ready for shopping? Nik is paying so we have many, many, many stores to go to."

Klaus turned to Zora. She looked so beautiful wearing a blue dress. It was the same dress she had worn in the villa that night when their energies had really emerged for the first time. He really wanted to carry her to their bedroom and rip it off her.

"Yes, I'm ready", she said to Rebekah and turned to Klaus. "Are you coming with us?"

"Apparently", Klaus replied.

"Are we all ready?" Esther asked smiling. She was also wearing one of Zora's dresses, a little longer beige one, and she had plaited her long hair. Nathan was standing next to her.

"Yes, I think so", Elijah said. "I have arranged a bigger car for us."

"Wonderful! Shall we go then, I am curious to see this new world."

It was the first time after her awekening when Esther had shown any interest about the 21st century but Klaus thought that she had probably has more important things on her mind. After all, it had been a while since she had seen her children. They all went outside where a limousine was waiting. Finn looked at it curiosly when the driver opened a door for them. Esther, Zora and Rebekah went in first.

"Are you sure this device is safe?" Finn asked.

"Yes, as safe as any transportation these days", Elijah replied. "And statistically …"

"Just get in", Klaus snapped.

Finn scowled him and sat next to Esther. Kol seemed amused. Zora was sitting between Nathan and Rebekah so Klaus figured that it was best to sit next to Elijah. He probably wouldn't try to throw him out of the moving car or anything. He wasn't so sure about Kol. Finn started immediately asking questions about the car and its operating principles. Elijah tried his best to explain that to him. Klaus was actually surprised that Elijah knew so much about cars. And he seemed to be a very patient teacher. Rebekah was rambling on and on about all the clothes, shoes and other things she wanted to have. Esther leaned towars Klaus and squished his hand smiling warmly. Klaus couldn't help but smile too. He was grateful for his mother's forgiveness. When they arrived to the shopping centre, even Kol seemed curious.

"Nik, money", Rebekah said impatiently when she saw all the clothes shops.

Klaus sighed and gave her his credit card. She took Zora's hand without hesitation and led her to the nearest shop.

"We better get you some clothes as well", Elijah said. Finn and Kol followed him.

Klaus realized that he was suddenly standing there with his mother and Nathan.

"Perhaps I should go with my girls", Esther said smiling and left.

So now it was just him and Nathan. Great. The others probably wouldn't be finished any time soon.

"Wanna go and see x-rated movie?" Klaus asked.

Nathan shrugged.

"Are you paying?"

"Why not, but no popcorn. I've already been rip off once today by my sister."

"Fine, I'll get my own popcorn then."

"Fine."

"Fine."

Klaus rolled his eyes. What a great day this seemed to be.

...

"Oh, I have to try those on!" Rebekah said excited.

Zora nodded politely. She had never during her entire life bought so many clothes. They had been shopping for two hours and most of the bags had already been delivered to their car. Zora had to sit down when Rebekah hurried to the fitting room. Esther sat next to her. She had found some nice clothes as well and she has had a new haircut. Zora thought that she looked very stylish when her hair was shorter.

"This is nice", Esther said smiling. "Spending time with my daughter and daughter-in-law."

"Yes, this has been fun", Zora replied politely.

Esther touched her hair.

"You are a beautiful girl my dear Zora", she said thoughtfully. "You remind me of Tatia."

"I'm sorry, who?"

Esther looked surprised.

"Oh, you haven't heard. Perhaps it is best if I don't say anything…"

"No, no, it's ok", Zora said.

Esther smiled.

"Alright then my dear. But it is a sad story. Tatia was Niklaus' true love, forgive me, I mean first love. My poor son was devastated when he lost her." Esther sighed. "As you must understand, I was so worried about him. He had a lot of other women, even when he was with Tatia, but still he never seemed to get over her."

"What happened to her?" Zora asked.

"She died. But it was an accident, Niklaus didn't mean to…"

There was a moment of silence. Zora didn't really know what to say. Esther took her hands.

"I am so happy that he has found you my dear. As much as I love my son, I am not blind for his faults and I was always worried about his lust for power. My dear Niklaus was ruthless when he wanted something; he never cared who got hurt. Not even Tatia. But all is well now; I know that he must really love you. Why else would he possibly have chosen you?"

Zora swallowed. She suddenly felt a lump on her throat.

"Are you alright my dear?" Esther asked kindly.

"Yes…yes, I'm fine."

"I hope I didn't say anything that upset you. Maybe I should have just been quiet…"

"No, no, you didn't say anything wrong", Zora said trying to smile.

"Good. Oh, I think Rebekah is calling us."

Zora got up and followed Esther to the fitting room. She was shivering. She couldn't think about it now. Not here. Zora forced herself to smile although she felt tears burning behind her eyes. She had to wait until she would be alone. And as far away from Klaus as possible.