6.
The underclassmen didn't finish up with school for another two weeks and Nik used this time to start to box up some of his things, ship them over to England, and coming up with ways to have secret meetings with Caroline.
It was a Friday afternoon and she was sitting in a hot classroom at Mystic Falls High School. She flipped open her phone to read a text message from Nik. He wanted to meet her after her last exam so they could 'celebrate'. Caroline smiled thinking back to the last time they celebrated, but was brought back to reality when her history teacher walked into the room.
"Phones and books away class. Your final will begin shortly." Mr. Harrison stood behind his desk and started writing on the blackboard. "You will have an hour and fifteen minutes to complete your test which is comprised of one hundred questions. Once you are finished, place your test on the desk and you are excused. It has been a pleasure educating you this year, have a safe summer."
Mr. Harrison started to hand out the World History tests and Scantrons. Caroline had to use all of her inner strength to concentrate on this exam and not what was waiting for her afterwards. Every time she thought about Nik's hands caressing her sides and breasts she would shiver.
So just over an hour later she walked her test up to Mr. Harrison's desk, expressing her thanks to her teacher before collecting her things from her desk and exiting the classroom. She practically skipped to the parking lot where Nik was waiting to pick her up. Slipping into the passenger seat of his black hatchback her skin was already tingling in anticipation.
"Hi," Caroline said slyly. She still felt strange sneaking around with him but knew that it was for the best.
"Hello sweetheart," he answered before speeding off out of the school parking lot. "How was your exam?"
Caroline shrugged as she looked out of the window to see the forest of pine trees rush past them, "I think I did okay, but I kept getting distracted."
Nik smirked, "By what?"
"You."
"If I wasn't a decent guy I would pull this car over right here and have my way with you Caroline Forbes"
"Who says I want you to be decent?" Caroline asked, reaching her hand out across the center consol and placing it over his crotch.
At this point he had to tighten his grip on the steering wheel to not lose control of the car and his willpower. "Patience love, we have all night."
Caroline looked at him in confusion.
"I ran into your mother this morning at the super market and she informed me that she was pulling a double shift tonight and wanted to make sure that you would not be alone tonight"
"I highly doubt my mom asked you to keep me company."
"Technicalities. All that matters is that we have your house all to ourselves tonight."
"And what did you have in mind Mr. Mikealson?"
"I live to keep you guessing."
Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of Caroline's house and she was relieved to see that her mother really was not at home. This is the first time they would spend a whole night together and not have to sneak around.
Caroline helped Nik unload some bags from the trunk and they walked up the front door together, "So our first night together…"
"Our first night," Nik confirmed with a smile.
Turning the key in the lock and stepping over the threshold Caroline felt butterflies start to rise in her stomach. She was going to be able to fall asleep and wake up next to the most wonderful boy she could ever hope for.
Nik took his bags to the kitchen and started to remove the ingredients to make Chicken Parmesan.
"You're cooking?"
"I still have some talents that you are unaware of," he gave her is sexy smirk before pulling a pan out from the cabinet next to the oven.
As Nik started to chop onions and garlic Caroline took a seat at the kitchen's island and watched his back muscles move under his thin tee-shirt. "I almost forgot," Nik started, wiping his hands on a towel and turning back to his brown paper bags. He pulled out a bottle of wine.
"How did you get that?" Caroline asked, moving from her seat and going to get the corkscrew.
Nik took the tool from her, "I have my ways. Please go sit back down."
He poured them two glasses of deep red wine. Caroline had only had wine a few times at social events, but this was unlike anything she had ever tried before. After taking a long sip she licked her lips to get every last drop of the sweet wine.
When she looked up, Nik's eyes were burning into hers, "If you keep that up dinner is likely to burn."
"Sorry Mr. Mikealson, won't happen again," Caroline smirked as she took another sip of her wine.
Their flirtatious banter went on while Nik prepared their meal. After thirty minutes he checked the pan in the oven, "Why don't you go set the table, dinner is almost ready."
Caroline was already feeling tipsy from her two glasses of wine, but was able to move smoothly around the kitchen collecting dishes, flatware, and some candles to set the mood. Around the corner was the Forbes' dining room that only got used during the holidays. So Caroline dusted off the table, arranged the plates, and lit the candles with some matches that are kept by the fireplace.
When she reentered the kitchen Nik was pulling the pan out of the oven. The whole room smelled amazing and Caroline licked her lips seeing the cheese and red sauce bubbling away.
"Can you take our glasses and the wine to the table, I'll be right behind you."
Caroline nodded and picked up the stemware and the half empty bottle of wine. She was so excited and felt so grown up playing house with Nik. She pictured them together like this as adults. He would make them a romantic dinner after they put the kids to bed. Caroline wanted that life with him but was brought back down to earth when she remembered that he was going to Oxford in a few short months.
"You okay sweetheart?" Nik asked as he placed the hot dish on the table.
Caroline smiled as her heart broke, "I'm fine. Just dizzy from the wine."
Nik walked around the table and placed a lingering kiss on her lips before turning and heading back into the kitchen. He came back out with a bowl of salad and a basket of garlic bread.
Downing the rest of her wine, Caroline walked over to her chair. Before she could reach for her it, Nik was behind her smiling and pulling the chair out for her. "Thank you," Caroline smiled and sat.
Nik poured Caroline another glass of wine before going to his own seat. He pushed the bowl of salad toward her, "So how were your exams?"
Caroline served herself, "I think I did well, thanks to my amazing study partner."
"I don't know how much studying we got done, but thank you for the praise," Nik smiled putting some salad on his dish.
Caroline blushed. She thought back to the study sessions they had. One that came to mind was in one of the back study rooms at the Mystic Falls Library, though not much studying was done.
By the time the main dish was served they had finished the bottle of wine. Nik got up from his seat and walked to the kitchen where Caroline heard the cork pop on a second bottle.
Now with a full glass, Caroline cut into her chicken and wrapped her lips around her fork before moaning. "Wow Nik, this is really good." Both Caroline and her mother were not the best cooks, so having a meal like this was a treat. The chicken was tender and juicy, the sauce was flavorful, and the cheese was savory and creamy.
"I'm glad you like it," he commented moving a piece of food to his mouth.
The meal was relatively quiet, with just the sound of flatware scrapping against ceramic. Once Caroline's plate was clean she sat back and rubbed her stomach, "I am so full. I can't remember that last time I had food that good."
"Did you save room for dessert?" Nik asked clearing the table of dishes.
"Give me a few minutes," Caroline said finishing the rest of her wine.
When Nik reappeared he had two small plates with slices of tiramisu. "You thought of everything," Caroline smiled.
"Just about," Nik said walking back into the kitchen and coming back a few minutes later with small cups of coffee.
"What did I do to deserve you?" Caroline asked, picking up a fork and cutting off a piece of dessert.
Nik followed suit enjoying the coffee flavor of the cake and cream, "You are mistaken, love. It is I who am the lucky one."
Abandoning her half eaten cake, Caroline stood and moved around the table, placing herself in Nik's lap. "What am I going to do without you?"
His eyes showed sadness, "Oh Caroline, I don't want to leave you."
"But you have to."
"I do," Nik said as Caroline moved her lips down to his.
The mood changed from hopelessness to longing, and Nik slid his arms around her waist and under her knees, picking her up bridal style and moving them towards her room.
He laid her down on her bed, only breaking their kiss for a moment. Caroline worked at the hem of his shirt, gripping it and pulling the soft material over his head. All the while Nik ran his hands up and down her silky thighs stopping at the hem of her shorts.
The next moments were filled with clothes being removed and thrown to the floor, open mouth kisses being trailed over inches of exposed skin, and soft moans of satisfaction.
Nik released her for just a moment, reaching down to grab the condom out of his wallet. Caroline pulled back her covers and scooted to the middle of the bed waiting for him to return. He slid under the blankets with her and they were once again joined at the lips.
"Need you," Caroline panted as Nik worked his lips down her neck, "now."
He discreetly rolled on the condom and buried himself inside of the beautiful blonde that was sprawled out under him. He heard her breath hitch as he brought his hips to meet hers and he leaned down to kiss her again. Nik never wanted this moment to end. As he moved within her he saw the future that they could have together, living in London as he went to work at his father's company and Caroline designed clothes and cared for their children.
Nik shook his head, bringing himself back to the moment as Caroline's moans started to increase in volume. When he was honest with himself, while he saw the perfect future with Caroline it scared him more than he would ever admit. At eighteen years old he should be thinking about college, parties, and sewing his oats; but all he wanted was this amazing girl who was digging her nails into his back in pleasure.
"Where are you right now?" Caroline panted as she opened her eyes and saw his far off look.
He gazed back down in to her brilliant blue eyes, "I'm right here love, with you, always." Nik kissed her again and concerned his thoughts only with this moment.
Their night was full of love making and stolen kisses. They showered together which was awkward at first but again turned in to heavy breathing and moans of pleasure.
Caroline was completely slated by midnight when they curled around each other's naked bodies.
"Caroline…" Nik whispered into her golden hair as the darkness of the room surrounded them
"Hum?" she answered half asleep.
Nik ran his fingertips over her soft stomach as her breathing started to even out. "I love you."
Weeks went by. Caroline helped Nik pack more items to be shipped over to his brother's home. It was bitter sweet, but she kept a strong front reminding him how proud she was of his accomplishments.
She forced herself to spend more time with Rebekah so to not raise suspicions. So on an extremely hot evening in July the girls sat up in Bekah's room having a girl's night in. They painted each other's nails and talked about entering their junior year of high school. They watched a movie and ate ice cream in the basement media room, falling asleep on the over sized couches.
When morning came Caroline stretched and walked to the bathroom on this level. As she washed her hands she looked at herself in the mirror. "Ugh, I feel so bloated," she commented to herself as she rubbed her extended stomach. Caroline figured her time of the month was coming but couldn't remember how long it had been since her last one.
Rubbing some of her smeared eye make up from her face she went to wake up Rebekah but found that she was already gone. Caroline found everyone in the kitchen where Esther was making pancakes and bacon.
"Hey Care, we are going swimming later," Kol called from the kitchen table. "Wanna come?"
Caroline eyed her blonde friend, in which Bekah just shrugged. "Sure," Caroline answered. "What time?"
"Two-ish." Kol swiped a piece of bacon and exited the kitchen.
Caroline walked over to the table and sat down next to Nik who was reading the newspaper and sipping coffee. They exchanged a sneaky glance before he went back to his newspaper.
Esther walked over with plates of food and set them on the table. "Dig in kid," she smiled as she went back over to the toaster where her bagel had just popped up. She smeared it with her favorite smoked salmon and cream cheese spread and joined her children at the table.
Caroline had just finished a pancake when she caught a whiff of Esther's fish spread. Her stomach rolled and she covered her mouth, running for the hall bathroom.
As she rinsed her mouth after emptying her stomach she looked at her self in the mirror again. Esther had that every morning for breakfast and it had never affected her before. Just as she was patting her face dry with a towel there was a knock on the door.
"Care, are you okay?" Rebekah asked through the door.
The lock clicked and Caroline walked out into the hall, "Yeah, just not feeling so well. Maybe it was too much ice cream last night."
"Maybe…"Bekah mused.
"Do you mind if I skip out on swimming and just go home?"
"Sure, no problem. I'll ask Nik to drive you home." Bekah said turning and walking back towards the kitchen.
Caroline walked up the stairs as another wave of nausea washed over her. She was able to combat it by steadying herself and taking a few deep breaths. She collected her things from Bekah's room and walked back down stairs where Nik was waiting for her by the front door.
"You feeling alright?" He questioned.
"I think we had too much sugar last night or I'm coming down with a bug."
They walked out of the door and Nik opened the car door for her. She rested her head against the cool glass of the car and closed her eyes.
When they pulled up in front of her house Nik saw that Caroline's mother's car was not in the driveway. He turned off the engine of his car and helped Caroline into her house. "Can I get you anything?" He asked as he watched her change out of her clothes and into a pair of pajama pants and a tank top.
"No, I think I just am going to go to bed. But thank you." Caroline said as she pulled back the blankets.
Nik tucked her in and kissed her forehead. "Call me if you need anything."
Caroline smiled up at him as she closed her eyes. She heard him leave her room and then the faint sound of the front door closing behind him. It did not take long for sleep to come for her.
It was nearly dark out when she woke and her stomach growled. She padded to the kitchen and fixed herself a bowl of chicken soup and a cup of hot tea. Her mother was still not home so she sat at the kitchen island and ate her bland dinner, which seemed to settle her stomach.
After watching some reruns on TV she drew herself a hot bath. When she returned to bed she saw her phone flash. There were a few text messages from Nik asking how she was feeling and then wishing her a good night. She sent him a quick message back, saying that she was feeling better but still tired and that she would call him the next day.
Unfortunately the next morning she was again on her knees in front of the toilet. "What is wrong with me?" she cried as she sat on the cold tile in her bathroom.
Once she was cleaned up Caroline moved over to her computer that sat on her desk. She opened the search engine and typed in her symptoms, tiredness, nausea, and bloating.
Reading the items that popped up she laughed to her self, "Not E. coli or stomach flu since I am not sick all the time. So that leaves PMS or…" she had to read the screen three times to get her self to say it, "pregnancy."
Caroline started pacing her room talking to herself, "Okay Caroline, get a grip. It must be PMS." She paced some more, "But it's the 11th and you usually don't start until the 20th." She started to laugh and cry at the same time, "This is crazy, we use protection every time."
After an hour of denial and trying to talk her self out of it she finally got up from her bed, "Only one way to find out," and grabber her bag before walking for the door. There was a pharmacy ten or so blocks from her house and she would just walk down there and get a few test, just to make sure.
She was thankful that when she walked into the store that there was an older woman behind the counter and not one of the girls from her school that worked there part time. The last thing she needed was for rumors to get started.
Caroline walked to the isle labeled 'Family Planning' and laughed to herself. This was not planned; she was sixteen for goodness sake! But taking in a deep breath she looked at the shelves with the pregnancy tests, taking two boxes and placing them in her basket.
She picked up some more soup and crackers since that seemed to be the only thing to settle her stomach last night. Approaching the check out counter she got nervous. What if she was recognized as the cop's daughter? The last thing Caroline wanted was for her mother to find out about this before she knew for sure.
But the older woman just smiled kindly and didn't remark about the boxes of tests, just put everything in a brown paper bag, "That will be $18.62."
Caroline pulled out a $20 and waited for her change. When she reached out for her bag her hand started to shake.
"It will be okay, dear," the older woman spoke softly, patting Caroline's shaky hand.
Giving her the best smile she could, Caroline took the bag and turned for the door just in time to see Elena walk through with another one of their friends Bonnie.
"Hey Care, what are you up to?"
Caroline's face drained of color and her skin became clammy. "Uh…just getting some things," she hugged her bag to her checks, "I haven't been feeling well."
Elena and Bonnie took a half step back from the blonde not wanting to catch what she had, "Well fell better soon," Elena said with a smile before heading over to pick up some sunscreen.
With a sigh of relief Caroline moved out of the store as quickly as she could and took in a few deep breaths of the hot summer air, which seemed to clear her head. She walked home and locked herself in her room.
"Now or never," she said to herself as she went into her bathroom and set the two boxes on the countertop.
Reading over the instructions twice she opened up one of the boxes and two wrapped sticks fell out. Her hands were shaking again as she opened one of the sticks and look at it, reading over the instructions one more time.
She took the cap off of the stick and sat down on the toilet. Once she had done her business she replaced the cap and set a timer on her phone for two minutes.
This was the longest two minutes of her life. She sat on the edge of the tub, her foot tapping away the seconds. When the timer when off she jumped and moved quickly over to the sink, trying to match the stick up with the pictures on the side of the box.
Two lines.
She saw two lines. Dropping the test in the skin she ripped out the other stick in disbelief.
Two minutes.
Two lines.
"Shit," Caroline cursed before she started crying.
This couldn't be happening to her. She couldn't do this to Nik. He had his whole life ahead of him. He was going to Oxford and was going to run an important business and live in London. She was just a small town girl that would be left behind with a baby. She couldn't do this to him; he would hate her forever.
She picked up her phone and dialed, "Bekah," she started when her friend picked up, "I need you."
"Alright Care. I'm at the store with my mum, I'll have her drop me by."
Caroline hung up before going and falling into her bed. She cried. She was pregnant, at sixteen, with Nik's baby. This could not be happening to her.
Thankfully the doorbell rang ten minutes later and she got up to go answer it. Rebekah stood on her porch with a worried look on her face. Caroline's eyes were red from crying and she started to sob again when her friend walked in the house.
"What is wrong Caroline?"
They walked back to Caroline's room and sat on the bed. "I messed up Bekah. I've messed everything up."
"What do you mean?"
Caroline just pointed at the bathroom.
With a questioning look Rebekah got up and walked into the adjoined bathroom. She came back out not thirty seconds later, one of the tests in her hand. "Is this for real?"
Caroline nodded and started to cry again.
Bekah set the test down on the bedside table and wrapped her arms around her friend, "Shh Care, it will be alright."
"How is this going to be alright Bekah?" Caroline yelled, getting up and started to pace again. "Please tell me how this turns out for the best?"
"Well first of all you have to tell Tyler…"
"What?" Caroline looked back over her shoulder confused before realization hit her.
"Tyler is the father right?" Bekah asked.
Caroline looked at the ground not sure if she should come clean. "Yeah, right Tyler."
"Do you want to keep it?"
"What do you mean, keep it? What else is there to do with it?" Caroline almost yelled again.
"Well there is adoption and abor…"
"No, that isn't an options so don't even say it." Caroline said getting angry that her friend was suggesting that she kill her baby.
"I'm sorry Care, just thought you should have all of your options."
Caroline now felt bad for yelling at her friend who was only trying to help. "I'm sorry Bekah, I just don't know what to do."
"Tell Tyler, see if he wants a say in the matter and then make your choice from there. I will back you up what ever you want to do."
"Thanks Bekah." Caroline hugged her friend tightly.
Rebekah's phone sounded and she looked at the screen. "Nik is around the corner to pick me up, we are having a family dinner tonight, but I can stay if you need me to."
Caroline nodded in understanding "No I have some thinking to do," and walked her friend to the door when they heard a horn sound.
As Bekah walked to her brother's car Caroline sent Nik a text message, 'We need to talk…'
She saw him look down at his phone and then back up to her with a worried expression. Her eyes were still red from crying and he didn't know what to expect. He quickly sent her a message back saying he could come by that night after dinner.
Rebekah was right. Caroline had to let Nik have a choice, but she was so scared. Could she do this on her own if he wanted nothing to do with the child? Could she put it up for adoption after carrying it in her womb for nine months? Her mind swam with questions, so she decided to go take a nap before having to confess to Nik.
Her mother came home around six and made dinner. Caroline pushed her food around, stating that she had a stomach bug and didn't feel well. Both women turned in early, but Caroline just lay in bed staring at the ceiling and thinking about what she would say.
Around ten she got a text and then there was a tap on her window. This wouldn't be the first time that Nik had come through her window at night while her mom was home.
With shaky legs Caroline moved over to her window, sliding it up and allowing Nik to climb though.
He knew something was wrong by the expression on her face. Usually she met him with a smile and was kissing him before his feet touched her floor, but this time she allowed him to climb in, close the window and she stood a few feet away from him.
"You wanted to talk," he said in a worried tone.
Caroline walked over to her bed and sat down, asking with her eyes that he join her.
"You are scaring me love, what is going on?"
"I'm pregnant," Caroline whispered looking down at her hands in her lap.
Nik must have heard her wrong, "What?" He asked needing her to speak up.
Caroline looked up with tears in her eyes. "I'm pregnant," she rushed out. "I'm so sorry Nik. I know you have plans…"
He stood from the bed and paced a few steps running his hands through his hair. "Did you do this on purpose, to keep me here with you?" he accused.
"No, of course not." Caroline looked up angrily. "You think I want this?" she half whispered, half yelled.
"I have to go," Nik stated quickly and walked towards the window.
Caroline rushed after him, "Wait, we have to talk about this." But he was already walking down the side of the house towards his car when she stuck her head out of the window.
She broke down again. That was not how she expected him to react. She slid down her wall crying as the night wind blew her sheer white curtains around her in a somewhat ghostly embrace.
AN: I'm starting to have dreams about this story again so that means I should really be kicking the writing in to high gear. Also next chapter is where everything comes to a head and we start to see things happen. I love all of you and your kind words. :)