Author's Notes: Chapter 5 begins below and the excitement is building up. Thank you to all who have read, followed, favorite and reviewed the story. Much appreciated. Also to those who read my one-shot "End of Time".
I've been staring at a blank canvas for two days, having difficulty finding inspiration. But so many things have happened this week alone that, hoping for resolutions by next week.
In the meantime, here is a chapter that I took the longest to write, 5 days, so out of character for me.
Read on…
She slightly stirred at the growl but only to lie at her side. Klaus dared not even to breath for fear of being caught just in her bedroom after midnight. And this further troubled him, fear? He did not fear! He did not care and he sure as hell did not love, it was a weakness, and he did not do weaknesses.
"Klaus?" Caroline rubbed her eyes trying to focus. "What are you doing here? I haven't seen you awhile your mother said you had been busy attending to business."
Caught, Klaus could do nothing but let out a very long sigh. "Yes, quite. I just wanted to check on you, I'm sorry I woke you. Go back to sleep." He turned away from her and headed for the door before a whisper stopped him.
"Please, don't go"
Klaus gave a silent sigh, how could this slip of a girl just say three words to him and he would crumble like a hormone induced school boy. He schooled his expression and turned around. "Of course, wouldn't dream of leaving you if that is what you really want."
For the first time in his life, he was cuddling someone. Stroking her hair and smiling at nothing in the dark. How the mighty have fallen. He decided to succumb to sleep and leave the worries of the world for tomorrow.
"What the hell Damon! You've been sulking and mopping around the house for two days. I'm not going to say it again you better straighten yourself out before my father gets here." The brunette glared at him.
"Dammit Elena! Who the hell told you to invite him here, I've got enough problems already without your father breathing down my neck."
"Well, I couldn't tell him no seeing as YOU where suppose to meet with him three days ago for that new project you guys were so excited about. I don't know why all of a sudden you don't want to talk to my Father." Elena raced her voice.
Damon countered, "It fell through, shot to hell. The deal is gone. Just tell your father I'm busy with…business."
Elena scoffed, "oh you're busy alright, drunk and good for nothing. You can tell him yourself, I'm not your secretary! What the hell Damon, you talked to my father and said you'll be better. You promised me!"
"Maybe you should have just chosen Stefan then. I knew you had your eye on him!"
Elena knelt down in front of Damon who was sitting in a chair with a bottle of scotch in hand. "Damon, I love you. I do. But sometimes you really, really test me to my limit. Ever since I met you three years ago I knew I wanted you, only you. Every neurotic, psychotic, dramatic and illogical side of you, I knew who you were. I accepted that. I have supported you. I will always be there for you. Please, do this for me. Get this over and done with."
Damon could do nothing after that statement but take Elena in his arms. "I Love You, Cupcake. Don't ever leave me."
Elena returned his impassioned embrace "I won't, I won't, I promise. Now get up! You. (kiss) Need. (kiss) A. (kiss) Shower (kiss)."
Damon kissed Elena deeply and abruptly stopped looking down at her, "What did I do to deserve you. You are the only good thing in my life. My Father's dead. My brother might as well be dead to me."
"Sweet Chicks, go, now, shower! Father will be coming at 8 tonight." Elena finally dragged Damon toward the shower.
Caroline woke up around 8 the next day well rested. Shifting slowly to her right she noticed an indentation in the pillow beside hers and remembered the reason why she felt relaxed. Klaus. He came by last night to check on her and she asked him to stay. Klaus. He had been on her mind in the last few days. She really did miss the guy. He looked so tired the night before like he hadn't had a good nights' sleep for quite some time. And, maybe he hadn't. According to his mother, he was a busy man and she was thankful enough for his family taking her in and she shouldn't demand more of his time. Shouldn't, but then again she couldn't help herself. Maybe she could convince him to take the day-off today and spend it with her? Frowning with concentration, she mentally went through what little wardrobe she had and sighed. Nothing she had would give her the confidence she needed. Then, maybe that was it maybe she could convince Klaus to go shopping with her. He did go shopping, didn't he? Even if he didn't he would, for her? Right? She proceeded to take a shower feeling not so confident.
An Hour later, she slowly went down the stairway this was just her third day outside of her room. She heard sounds in the main dining hall and proceeded there. Maybe Klaus was there. Mentally psyching up herself, she pushed up her bosom and started walking toward the dining hall. The first thing she noticed was there were four people in sitting in the table, two of whom she had never met before. Whatever conversation had stopped as she had entered the hall.
"Ah dearest. Come. You shouldn't have strained yourself. Sit down my dear." Esther, being the mother that she was quickly stood up to assist her. Caroline was however surprised to find a hand touching her arm and guiding her toward an empty chair before Esther could reach her.
Looking up, she noticed it was Klaus. "Hey"
"Sweetheart" Klaus drawled. You are finally strong enough to enjoy breakfast out of bed I see."
Caroline blushed."Yes."
"Well, well. This must be the mysterious house guest I have yet to meet. Welcome my lovely. As you can obviously see, your eyes are not mistaken, I am truly a remarkable piece of art, perfect and handsome and available." Kol happily introduced himself across the table.
"Pipe down Kol. Don't scare the girl. My dear you met Klaus. These two are my other children, Elijah my oldest and Kol my youngest." Esther interrupted Kol.
"Hello everyone. Thank you for taking me in." Caroline lowered her eyes.
Kol, as usual was not to be silenced for long "So, what do I call you. Can I call you Mine? Get it?"
Klaus growled. "Kol, behave."
"I still don't remember who I am. But maybe we can come up with something temporary, until I get my memories back?" Caroline replied.
Esther smiled. "That's fine Dearest. What about Anna? It's simple enough."
"Anna" Caroline tested in. "Hmm, ok. Anna it is. Hello everyone, I'm Anna, glad to make you acquaintance."
"Well Anna, let's have breakfast." Turning to his mother, "Mother, will you be accompanying Anna to the gardens again today?" Klaus asked.
Caroline interrupted whatever reply Esther was about to make "Umm, I was thinking, maybe a venture out of the house. I need some stuff. Maybe it could jog my memories?"
"Anna, you are not recovered or strong enough yet. Mother may not be able to manage you outside of this mansion." Klaus said calmly to her.
Caroline gave Klaus a frown and sighed. "Seriously? It's just that…"
Well there it was again. The heavy feeling Klaus always felt around her now coupled with guilt because he was making her sad. And he felt himself wanting to give in.
"If you can wait until after lunch, I just have matters to take care of and I can take you around, I warn you however, it will be a short day out. You" pointing a finger at Caroline "are not to over extend yourself"
Caroline couldn't help it. Her million dollar smile appeared and she almost hugged Klaus but had to stop herself before she got out of the chair settling instead of a quip "I am not an invalid!"
Klaus smirked in return "I, will be the judge of that. Now eat your breakfast." Looking at Kol, "Kol, we have to go, now." Promptly standing up and leaving. But with just a step remaining to the door Klaus turned around and faced Caroline once again "Rest after breakfast and wear something casual, I will see you around 3" and continued outside the door.
Elijah who had been observing the proceedings all thru out also stood up to leave, destination unknown.
Katherine and Bonnie had been trying to cope. It was nearing a week and they haven't heard from Caroline. It really was not like her, but then again, they wanted to give her space. The coffee shop was thriving, business was good and they really did miss Caroline's baking. While the junior chef could duplicate whatever they had on the menu, the regulars were starting to complain about the taste. Apparently, only Caroline could do a Caroline cupcake, a Caroline cake, a Caroline pie, the way the customers wanted it.
Bonnie who had been hard at work behind the cash registered notice Katherine animatedly talking to someone in a corner table. In mid-conversation, Katherine's face started to contort but she quickly covered it up with a bright smile. The guy she was talking to seemed like a respectable businessman, not Katherine's usual type. She preferred outdoorsy types. Bonnie made a mental note to ask Katherine about her "date" later on.
Klaus and Kol had been meeting with their minions for a few hours now and Klaus' anger seemed to be brimming. "Salvatore really is pushing me. Now he has got his little girlfriends' father covering for him. Maybe he needs to be taught one final lesson. Kol you up for it?"
Kol let out a hearty laugh "You really have to ask me brother? Which one? Young Salvatore?"
Klaus smirked at his brother "I was thinking, the girlfriend? Alaric here has informed me that Salvatore seemed quite taken with her and its best to be her seeing that her father is joining the enemy? Jonathan Gilbert disappoints me he used to be a hard-ass now his decisions are questionable."
"Ok brother. Leave me and Alaric to plan. I believe you have dress shopping business to take care of." Kol dared to tease his brother.
Klaus entered the mansions parlor room and found both Caroline and his mother in deep conversation. Caroline was smiling at something his mother had shown her and really Caroline's smile was breathtaking.
"Son, I didn't hear you step in." Esther promptly stood up and kissed the cheek of her son."I will leave you two alone, have a nice time. And Anna, just a few stores today ok?"
Still smiling, Caroline answered Esther "I promise". Looking at Klaus "you know, wouldn't have every guest that you were a cute little boy from all the frowning expression you seem to favor now."
"Sweetheart, there is nothing cute about me. I am sinister, ruthless, heartless. I am the Alpha Male." Klaus pretended a stern expression.
"Well, this picture says otherwise. Your mother has been showing me some of your baby pictures." Caroline happily sing-songed.
"That will be the last time mother will be showing anyone these. I am taking them and locking them in the family safe or better yet burning them. Cute!" Klaus scoffs. "I have never been described worst."
Caroline took the last few steps to stand two feet from Klaus. "Are we leaving?"
Klaus was momentarily entranced by her proximity that he failed to hear Caroline had already spoken.
"Hello, Klaus.I'm ready."
"Yes, of course. Just a few shops and only the necessities, few dresses and stuff. One hour tops, sweetheart." Klaus reminds Caroline.
"Have you never been shopping, what you asked is impossible. I have to look around, try some on before deciding. You promised me a day out. Klaus please?" Caroline pleaded.
"I promised you a shopping day. On my terms sweetheart. Come now before I change my mind." Klaus took Caroline's hand and felt like it was the most natural thing in the world to do, she really was doing something to him and he didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Meanwhile Kol and Alaric were stalking Elena Gilbert and waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Good for them Elena was alone and apparently in a shopping mood, buying candles and testing out scents. Really, Kol thought Salvatore was getting some no doubt.
In the meantime, both Caroline and Klaus were at a store a block away, when one of the lady bodyguards assigned to Caroline informed Klaus that Caroline seemed exhausted. Klaus then immediately made a beeline for Caroline.
"Sweetheart, we have to go. That's enough shopping for today." Klaus called out to Caroline.
Caroline stepped out of the dressing room. "What? Am almost done but haven't paid for the one's I like yet." But clearly Caroline was already showing signs of fatigue and wasn't really contradicting Klaus.
Klaus grabbed Caroline's arm "I will take care of the bill and have everything delivered tomorrow to the mansion. We have to go, now. You need to rest"
Caroline gave Klaus a glare and Klaus stared back at her, Caroline sighed "Ok fine, let's go."
As Elena stepped out of the store someone deliberately bumped into her "Hello Miss, am really sorry but I have to send a message, and you unfortunately are the message." Alaric then took out a knife from his pocket and was getting ready to stab Elena but then had to pause as the area was crowded with shoppers. Alaric's hesitation was all Elena needed to run toward the street, unfortunately a car was driving by and hit her. Bystanders screamed and mayhem erupted as all eyes were on the fallen young woman. Both Alaric and Kol had tried to push forward to check on the "girl" but the crowd was building up, not a good place to be seen by cops.
It was at this moment that Klaus and Caroline had driven by witnessing the exact moment that Elena was hit by the passing car in the opposite lane. Caroline had screamed and Klaus had grabbed her to him shielding her eyes and body against him.
"We have to stop. We have to stop." Caroline then quickly pushed herself out of Klaus' embraced and stared at him. "Oh God! I remember, I remember! I was hit by a car, my name is Caroline" and fainted.
Klaus whose eyes had first searched her face when she started her panicked speech about remembering just recovered in time to once again grab Caroline before her face hit the window on her side. Telling to driver to head for home, he noticed a familiar SUV parked was they were driving away. Kol's SUV, he reminded himself to call his brother later. But all thoughts of everything else left Klaus as all he was thinking about was Caroline's statement. She remembered. He felt a little happy for her it was hard not knowing who you were but then had a moment of panic when he realized that if she remembered, then she would have every reason to move on with her life and forget about him. No, he wouldn't allow that to happen. He would find a way to convince her to keep him in her life. She got along with his mother well enough. It didn't seem like she was married, she had no ring on her finger when he first saw her. All he could do was to stare at her face and hope.
Well, that's it for Chapter 5. More reviews are welcome. Will try to post Chapter 6 next week. Also have a new storyline i am working on but, i will wait to post it until i am halfway through with this story, wouldn't want to abandon a storyline. I hate it when a story is left unfinished and i have read some that have just
been abandoned when things were hitting up.
Love all of you who have read this story so far.
Next chapter will focus on more Klaroline with Klaus' insecurities on Caroline's getting her memories back or Klaus fear that Caroline would leave. Also focusing some on Elena and what happened to her, did she survive and Damons reaction.
Can anyone guess who Katherine was talking to?