Sorry for the delay in updates. Was on holidays visiting my in-laws. Will try to get several chapters up in the next few days.

Chapter 16

Standing at the bar of the Mystic Grill enjoying a drink and some food after my first day back at school after the trip, makes me happy to be home. Thinking back on my extended long weekend in New Orleans made me realize a few things: My friends may not be ready to accept that I am with Nik, but his family is which means we can have a normal future together. Secondly, that I need to figure out what I want. Do I want to stay close to home and be with my mom and my friends, keeping Nik a secret? Or do I want to step out of my comfort zone and join Nik in New Orleans, be exposed to some of his dark side, but ultimately be open and free to be with the man I love?

I finished my order and leave a generous tip for Matt and go to head out the door. I stop suddenly and turn back to the bar.

"Matt, I know we decided a long time ago that we were just friends, but would you accompany me to our senior prom?" I ask him

"Sure, I was hoping to ask Rebekah, but she is with Stefan now, so why not. We know how to have fun together." He tells me.

"You are a life saver Matt; I just cannot go with Tyler. I am not getting back together with him, and he needs to move on. You are a good friend." I say with a smile skipping out of the bar and right into the chest of the man in question.

"Sorry Tyler wasn't paying attention" I say moving past him.

"What has you so happy Care?"

"I have a date for Prom. I can go and celebrate with all my friends like I always wanted to. You need to move on Tyler. We are NEVER getting back together"

"Fine, but you will regret this Caroline. You will realize that you wanted me back and it will be too late. I guess now is as good as time as any to tell you that I was fooling around while I was gone. I only wanted you back to keep you from Klaus, because he has some weird stalker obsession about you. But he is gone and you are going to be the one left alone and depressed. The only thing you were good for was sex, and to be honest you were not all that good at it." He says pushing me out of his way and walking into the bar.

I catch myself as I stumble and stand up straighter. It does not matter what he says, I have Nik. I keep repeating that as I head home. I have 3 weeks to figure out the rest of my future.

CKCKCKCKCKCKCKCCKCKCKCK

The morning of prom is here before I know it. I have a hair appointment booked at 930 and make up and nails at noon. I can stop by the gym on my way home and check on the decorations before needing to be home to get dressed before the limo with all my friends arrive. With a plan for the day made I hop out of bed and go down to join mom for breakfast.

"Morning Sweetie" she says over the top of the paper.

"Morning Mom" I tell her placing a kiss on her cheek.

"All ready for the big day?"

"It is all planned out" I tell her going on to explain the itinerary for the day as I eat my breakfast. Before heading out the door to make all of my appointments for the day.

I make it home about 4:00pm and head right up to my room. I open my closet and pull out my dress, thinking about the day I got it...

I opened the door to my room and noticed a large box and several smaller boxes on my bed with a card. I open the card first:

Dearest Caroline,

I am sorry that I cannot be there to share in your special day with you. I owe Matt a debt of gratitude for stepping forward to take you in my absence. I thought I would take the liberty of providing you some gifts for the night of prom, so I am with you in a way.

If you do not like the dress, talk to Bekah and she will go with you to choose another one, however I think that you will look radiant in the one I chose.

Take lots of pictures, and have fun.

Love always,

Nik

I put the card to the side and open the large box. Inside was one of the most beautiful gowns I had ever laid eyes on. I pulled it out of the box to admire it. It was the perfect shade of aquamarine blue, with sweetheart neckline that flared out into a perfect a line dress. The bust was covered with a tinted mesh covered with jewels. The mesh attached halter style at the back, leaving the dress backless down to the lower back. It was exactly what I would have imagined myself wearing.

Opening the next box I found a pair of strappy silver heals that matched the beading perfectly. In the other boxes I found beautiful tear drop diamond earrings, a diamond tennis bracelet, and a hair piece to match. It really was perfect.

I put on the dress and added the jewelry from Nik. I looked in the mirror and saw a princess staring back at me. Never in my life have I felt so beautiful. The only thing that would make the night any better is if I was able to walk in on Nik's arm. I take out my phone and snap a few pictures to send to Nik.

-Thank you for everything Nik- Caroline

A few seconds later I hear my phone beep.

-You look ravishing darling. I wish I could be there with you, but I know that you will be the most beautiful girl there and will have lots of fun. Try to relax and enjoy your night. I love you- Nik

- Thank you, I will do my best to have fun with my friends but my heart still longs for you. Hope to see you soon. Love you too- Caroline

I finish sending the message as I hear the Limo pull up outside. I head down the stairs and out the door to join the gang on our way to senior prom.

CKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCCK

I found myself enjoying the prom. I had danced with Matt and Stefan, as well as the whole group. I saw Tyler there with some brunette named Hayley as they practically fucked on the dance floor. Matt just took my hand and led me away from him and towards our friends.

We drank the spiked punch, and took the obligatory group photos. It was exactly what prom was supposed to be, but I still found myself distracted and a little sad. I headed out of the gym and outside to get some air. I did not realize I had been followed until I heard my name.

"Caroline" I turned around to see Bekah standing behind me.

"Hi"

"Is everything ok? I know that you would rather have Nik here than Matt, but you should not let that stop you from enjoying the night"

"Thanks... wait you know about me and Nik?"

"Ya, between Nik, Elijah and Stefan it was only a matter of time. But I a happy for you, I have not seen Nik this happy since we were human. You are good for him, and it would be nice to have another girl around for family functions." She joked.

"Thanks Rebekah, I do wish Nik was here. I am in a beautiful gown and I have dreamed of prom since I was a little girl. But it is not the same being the princess without my prince. I think I might just go and say goodbye to Matt and head home. It has been fun but I really miss Nik."

"That's understandable, I will make sure Matt gets home safe." She tells me before walking into the school together.

CKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKCKC

I make it home and take off me heels, carrying them up to my room. I throw the shoes on the floor and step out of my dress carefully hanging it back up. Taking off my jewelry and placing it in the jewelry box my dad had bought me for my sixteenth birthday. Just as I am about to take off my underwear my phone rings beside the bed. I pick it up and see Nik's photo on the screen. I swipe to answer it.

"Hello"

"Caroline we need to talk"