A/N: thanks for wonderful comments. This chapter has really gone long again. Hope you enjoy it.
Synopsis: Rebekah visits New Orleans. Klaus investigates a case that hits too close to home. Someone finds out that Elijah has feelings for Hayley.
Next morning after dropping Hope off to school, doing her house chores, she looked at the time and realized that it was twelve so she thought for a moment and then with determination decided to go to French Quarter. Forty five minutes later she walked into Rousseau's and asked Cami "hey where is Sophie? I need to talk to her about something."
Cami pointed towards the door at the back of the bar while pouring a drink to a customer.
Hayley walked in a room that looked like the kitchen and went directly to Sophie and asked her "are you related to Brynne Deveraux."
Sophie asked "why do you ask?"
Hayley said "I am interested in knowing about her. I am writing an article about witches and I want to know about her. I heard that she was the one to put the curse on the Crescent pack in the bayou."
Sophie said "why are you interested in the Crescents? You are not a wolf."
Hayley smiled and said "no I am not but I know someone who is and I want to know what happened to that pack."
Before Sophie could say anything the door opened and she spun around to see another girl walking in.
Sophie said "Hayley this is Sabine. She is a witch too. Sabine this is Hayley. I got to know about her recently through Cami."
Sabine nodded and said "I know who you are."
Hayley felt her heart beating out of her chest and asked "what do you mean?"
Sabine said "you are that werewolf's wife. The one who attacked those vampires here couple of months ago."
At the confused look on her face she continued "Klaus Mikaelson."
Hayley looked at Sophie who was also looking at her and said "yes I am but I don't know anything about the vampire attack or anything."
Sophie said "you shouldn't be here. If Marcel finds out that you are a werewolf's wife, you are in deep trouble."
Hayley asked innocently "why?"
Sophie looked at Sabine and then said "werewolves are banned in the French Quarter."
Hayley said "but I am not a werewolf."
Sophie said "you should leave."
Hayley looked at her with disappointment but then left.
After dinner Hayley put the dishes in the dishwasher and turned around to look at Klaus who was lying on the sofa looking at the TV. At first she thought that his silence was due to his work, but now she was sure that it has something to do with her because otherwise he would be in the kitchen helping her. Even though she was prepared for his confrontation but still she was taken aback when he asked her as they both got under the covers that night "where did you go today?"
Hayley said "I …"
Klaus said coldly "before you start I want to tell you Cami called today."
Hayley said "I wanted to tell you but I I know how much you didnt want me to go there so I decided not to tell you, I didn't want you to be angry with me."
Klaus sighed and asked "Hayley do you even understand why I dont want you to go to French Quarter."
Hayley said "I know Klaus but they don't know me. I met Sophie Deveraux today."
Klaus sat up and exclaimed "Deveruax as in Brynne Deveruax?!"
Hayley said with a smile "I knew you would be interested in it."
Klaus looked at her with annoyance, but curiosity won and he asked "and what?"
Hayley decided to not tell him that they know she is his wife and said "I met another witch Sabine something. We talked in general. I asked them how this witchcraft works but of course they didn't tell me anything so I left."
Klaus sighed and said "Hayley, I know you will not listen to me but please dont hide things from me however annoyed they make me."
Hayley couldn't help but laugh. She said "okay but I want you to help me get more information on Sophie Deveraux from Marcel."
Klaus said "alright. May be on Sunday. Alexis is getting married on this Saturday."
Hayley said "oh. I need to get something formal for her wedding."
Klaus laid down, closed his eyes and said "yes. I like blue."
He opened his eyes and winked at her making her heart skip a beat. he then added "Hope is invited too so get something for her too."
Hayley said "okay."
As she started to lay down he pulled her towards her, kissed her and before she knew it he was making love to her.
Hayley went to the bayou next two days after dropping Hope off school to meet with Eve. She told her that she was looking into the curse put on the pack and before she knew it was weekend. She had been feeling really tired since the morning but she knew that she had to accompany Klaus to the wedding so half hardly she dressed Hope in a pink dress and went to take shower too.
She fixed her hair feeling very self-conscious as she realized that they had thinned out further and then she touched the slight circles under her eyes and applied some more makeup to hide them. She put the touch of lipstick on her lips wondering 'should she go in this condition? But Alexis is Klaus's partner. He has to go."
Klaus looked at her dressed in a blue silk knee length dress and smiled and walked to her.
She startled as she felt arms go around her waist and touch of soft lips on the side of her neck and whisper "you look beautiful."
Hayley smiled and said sarcastically "good that was the aim. As long as I am not looking prettier then the bride all is good."
He laughed and said "okay lets go."
She looked around and saw Hope dressed in the pink dress she had bought a couple of days ago. She gulped her tears as she saw her twirling in the middle of room oblivious of the fact that her parents were looking at her. She said "promise me you will make sure…"
But Klaus cut her off by saying "don't even go there Hayley. You will recover."
He kissed her on her mouth and said "okay lets go. We are getting late."
She fixed a smile on her face even though her body was screaming at her to lie down and go to sleep for two days straight.
An hour into the party she started to feel really bad. She excused herself from the lady she was talking to and headed towards the bathroom not knowing that Klaus's gaze was following looked at herself in the mirror and sighed as the fatigue took over. She cursed herself for not listening to her instincts which were telling her not to come to the wedding. She spun around as she heard the knock on the door and said "in a minute."
Klaus saw her heading in one direction. Even from the distance he could see her getting paled and he knew that she was not feeling well. He excused from Alex and went after her. He knocked at the door.
She took a sigh of relief when she heard Klaus ask "Hayley are you okay?"
She opened the door and said "no, I feel so tired. Can we go home please?"
Klaus held her arm to support her and said "yes. Let's go."
She took one step and slid into his already wrapped around her waist arm. She said "dont carry me. I don't want anyone to…" but he was already carrying her and taking her out of the room.
They collected Hope and went home. When she continued to feel bad throughout the night he suspected her blood count was low again so he got an appointment for her the first thing in the morning which luckily he got for the very same day.
In the afternoon he was waiting in the waiting room with Hope in his lap who was telling him about what she played at the wedding with other girls when the doctor came out and said "it seems that she has been bitten by something. Considering how weak her body is, it is affecting her badly then it does to normal people. Was she somewhere she could have gotten herself in such a situation?"?
Klaus looked at her in alarm and said with a sinking heart "yes she was. She has been visiting the bayou. Doing some research on something."
Dr Dole said "that can do it. Mr Mikeason she should not be going there in her condition. You never know how is her immunity is at any time during her treatment and what she might catch. Please make sure that she stays away from situations that can harm her."
Klaus said "I will but right now what are we doing to do?"
Dr Dole said "she is starting to have temperature. We are going to try to keep it low for now and hope that her body starts fighting the disease. In the mean time I have ordered the blood test to check her white blood count."
Klaus went to her room and saw that she was sleeping. He put Hope on the ground and said "shh, mommy is sleeping" and then went to sit on the sofa near her bed."
He took out his cell and wondered 'what should he do? His training starts in three days. Should he back out? but a lot of people were depending on him.'
He groaned and then he got up and left the room holding Hope's hand and dialing Rebekah's number.
After initial chit chat he said "Rebekah can you come over for a few days. I have a training coming up and I have to leave for four days. Hayley is sick and I need you to be with her."
Rebekah said adamantly "no Nik, I will not stay in that house where that woman who destroyed the image we had of our father, took part of what was rightfully ours and almost give mother a heart attack lives"
Klaus ran his hand over his hair and said "I know you are upset with me but I need you."
Rebekah said still in the same tone "Nik I…"
He said "please come. Believe me if I had an alternative I wouldnt have called you. Elijah is here but I cannot ask him to help with Hayley all the time. He has business to attend to. You can take some time off from the school. Hayley needs someone to be with her all the time and I cannot get out of this damn training."
Rebekah sighed with frustration and said "okay I will but what is wrong with her. Surely she can handle flu."
Klaus looked toward the room and said "she has cancer. She is going through chemotherapy and it has weakened her body. And now she has caught some infection and her body is not fighting it because her immune system is compromised."
There was a silence at the other end of the phone so he said "Rebekah?!"
Rebekah came out of trance and said "Cancer?!"
Klaus said "yes. when can you come? I have to leave in three days. I want you to know what you are getting into before I leave and how to take care of her and Hope."
He took a sigh of relief when she said "I can be there tomorrow. Get me a seat for tomorrow."
That night Dr Dole kept Hayley at the hospital while Klaus took Hope home as she was starting to get tired. After putting Hope to bed next to him he booked a flight for Rebekah the following afternoon.
Next morning he changed Hope, gave her breakfast, noticed that she was very quiet, tried to chat with her but she didn't respond, dropped her at the school a bit early in the early bird class, told her teacher what has happened and that she will be staying in after school club too and left for the hospital. When he reached near her room Dr Dole met him walking down the corridor. She said after initial greetings "her condition was worsening with time, her temperature was spiking so we have put her in incubation and no one is allowed to see her."
He stood there looking towards her room and then took out his cell and called Ben. After telling him what has happened he said "I will be late."
After putting the cell down he called Elijah and asked as soon as the call connected "Can you come to the Memorial right now? Hayley is sick and I have to go to work. I cannot get out of it."
Elijah asked "what happened?"
Klaus said "you come and I will tell you" and put the cell down.
He put the cell down and cursed the meeting he was supposed to have with the commissioner about the protection detail for some hot shot.
After Elijah reached the hospital he explained him what had happened and then left without noticing that Elijah had suddenly gone very pale.
His mind was not on his job all day. He was distracted in the meeting too which didnt go unnoticed by Alexis and Ben but he couldnt get out. He was losing temper right and left and constantly on phone with Elijah to get updates on her condition but to his dismay things were not improving.
Around 4 pm he said to Alexis "I am leaving. Rebekah is coming. I have to pick her up and then Hope and then go to hospital. You can handle here right?"
When she nodded he left.
He put her bag in the trunk and said "thanks for coming Rebekah. We will go straight to the hospital after picking up Hope from school."
Rebekah looked at him looking tense and let go of her anger and said "I am sorry Nik about Hayley."
Klaus looked at her and said "I will be gone for four days. They have admitted her. I dont know for how long. She is in incubation so you will not have to stay with her. In fact you have to take care of Hope. Hope had started to notice that Hayley is sick and it was causing her depression so as per her teacher's suggestion she is seeing a school psychologist which is actually helping her but since yesterday she has gotten quiet again. I want you to bond with her before I leave. You can do that right?"
Rebekah nodded and then asked "how long has she had cancer?"
Klaus said "January. Before I met her."
Rebekah said "who is with her right now? You said you couldn't ask Elijah to be with her. Does he know?"
Klaus said "yes he knows. When he came to visit us the first time I told him."
He parked the car in the parking lot and said "I will be back."
He ran into the building as he realized that he was late. As expected Hope was waiting for him. She walked to him looking sad and asked "why are you late? where is mommy?"
Klaus picked her up, thanks Ms Lambort"and said "I was held in traffic love. Come, aunty Bekah is here to see you."
Hope asked "I want mommy" almost crying now.
Klaus pulled her closer to her and said "lets go and see mommy. Do you want to see her?"
Hope put her hands around her neck very tight and said "mmmhn" nodding her head against his neck.
As he was heading towards the main door, Victoria said "she had a session with Maria today, the school psychologist. She wants to talk to you and your wife. I understand that she cannot come but you have to come. When can you come?"
Klaus said feeling his heart sinking with the way Hope's hand were tightened around his neck and his face buried in his neck "I can come tomorrow. Can my sister come with me? She will take care of Hope while Hayley is in hospital and I am on my training."
Victoria said "yes. sure. the more family she has around her right now the better for her."
He thanked her and left. As eh walked to his car he asked her rubbing her back "did you have fun at school?"
He felt her move her neck and say "I want mommy." and startled as he felt tear drops on his neck. He separated her from him as he reached his car and opened the car door. As he settled her down in the carseat and wiped her tears she started to cry and say "I want mommy."
Rebekah had turned around to see Hope for the first time but hearing that just broke her heart for which she was not ready. She looked at teary face and her brother wiping her tears saying "we are going there."
He looked at Rebekah and said "look who is here. This is your aunt, Rebekah. Say hello."
Rebekah's heart melted as she snuggled closer to Klaus and said shyly "hello."
Rebekah said with a smile"hello Hope. I wanted to meet you so bad. How are you?"
Hope looked at her and then looked at Klaus and said "when can we go to mommy?"
Klaus sighed making Rebekah feel sorry for him. She said "right now. lets go Nik."
Thirty minutes later they were walking towards her room. Rebekah noticed that Hope had immediately asked Klaus to carry her as they reached the hospital. When they reached out her room, they saw Elijah looking at a file. He looked up and smiled as he saw Rebekah. He got up, hugged her, kissed Hope who snuggled closer to Klaus making him narrow his eyes. Klaus shook his head and asked "how is she?"
He said "she is stable right now but the doctors want to keep her under observation and still incubated. Her white blood cell has really gone down. Around 2000 which is extremely low apparently. They have put her on high doze medicines and just hoping that her body will respond to them soon."
He looked up as he saw Dr Dole approaching them. He gave Hope to Elijah saying "love I need to talk to mommy's doctor" and walked to her and said "how is she?"
Dr Dole said "she is awake right now. She was asking for you. You can see her but you have to wear mask, gown and gloves."
Klaus said "oh okay good."
He put on mask, gown and gloves and entered the room. She looked at him and smiled but he could see that she looked tired. As he approached her she asked "where is Hope?"
Klaus held her hand and said "she is with Elijah. I asked Rebekah to come. She is out with her too. How are you feeling?"
Hayley said "I am sorry for putting you through this. you were right. I shouldnt have gone to bayou in my condition."
Klaus said kissing her hand through the mask bringing tears to her eyes "no one could have predicted this Hayley. You will get better."
She looked into his eyes and said "I feel so guilty for putting you through this…"
but he cut her off by saying "listen I dont want to hear any thing like this. I wanted to remind you that my training is coming in two days. I cannot get out of it. I will be gone for four days. Rebekah and Elijah is here for you and Hope. Will you be okay?"
Hayley nodded as he wiped the tears leaking from her eyes. She asked "can i see Hope?"
Klaus said "it is not a good idea. You are sick. She might give you something."
Hayley said almost pleading now "please."
Klaus sighed and said "okay let me see what can I do."
He kissed her on her forehead cursing the mask being hindrance between his lips and her skin and then retreated.
Rebekah looked at Elijah talking softly to Hope about her school and realized that somewhere along the line Hope has gotten really attached to Elijah and she felt a punch to her stomach which she realized to her shock was jealousy. She looked at Dr Dole talking to the nurse about Hayley when the door opened and Klaus stepped out. He took off his mask as he walked to Dr Dole. She smiled as she saw Hope slip down from Elijah's lap and ran to Klaus who picked her up. He said to the doctor "Haley wants to see Hope. Can she go in wearing mask and gown?"
Dr Dole looked at Hope sand said "I wouldn't advise that. She has just become stable. Hope can see her from the window. You can bring her near the window."
Klaus took Hope to the window from which they could see Hayley. As he saw a nurse went inside, talked to her about something and then helped Hayley up and walked her to the window. She put her hand on the glass and smiled. He put Hope's hand on the glass touching Hayley's. He could see Hayley's tears coming down her cheek. His heart broke as Hope said "mommy" and tried to reach out to her.
Hayley could see from the motion of her body that she wanted to come to her so she put her fingers to her lips, kissed them and put them on the glass where Hope had her hand. Klaus pursed his lips, stepped back while Hope started crying "mommy."
He was trying to comfort her when Rebekah walked to him and said "listen I think you should take her home. It is not fair to both of them to see each other but not touch her. Lets go home."
Elijah said "Rebekah you are welcome to stay at my house while Niklaus is gone but I think it will be good for Hope to have the familiar environment under the circumstances."
They both nodded and left for Klaus's apartment while Elijah left for his.
When they reached home, Klaus settled Rebekah in Hope's room, decided to get a mattress for Rebekah to sleep on the floor. That night was surprisingly more difficult then the previous night and he wondered why was that and he realized that it was because of Hope getting scared of so many changes; the confusing and unhappy changes in her life. She had insisted on sleeping with him that night. He laid in his bed late into night while her small warm body snuggled to him and at last he managed to get some sleep.
For the next two days he helped Rebekah familiarize with the apartment, Hope routine. Even though Hope was not going to Rebekah but she was getting this that this woman is there to help her. He made it a point to take Hope to visit Hayley who was out of incubation just before he left as her blood count started improving. Klaus had a day off before going to the training. Elijah and Rebekah helped him and Hope by doing what they could.
Rebekah tried to get comfortable with Hope even though she still felt resentment towards Hayley but she soon realized that Hope needed her and she does not deserve the resent Rebekah has for Hayley. After that first day she never went to visit Hayley because Klaus wanted her to stay with Hope all the time. The day he was off from the work he along with Rebekah went to Hope's school to talk to her psychologist. After an hour of discussion they all reached this conclusion that they will have to tell Hope something about Hayley's illness so he decided to talk to Hope after he returns from the training thinking that in the meantime Hayley will come home too. On the third day of her admission to the hospital Klaus left for his training with a heavy heart, leaving a crying Hope, a depressed Hayley, anxious Rebekah but with hope that everything will be okay by the time he will return.
One day after Klaus left for his training Hayley was discharged from the hospital after her blood work came back normal but she was forbidden to go to the bayou or any such place where she could catch something. It was first day Klaus had gone. She felt really depressed lying down alone in the bed as she realized that she couldnt even talk to him as they were supposed to be out of contact with them. Rebekah was staying in Hope's room while they settled Hope on a mattress on floor. Hayley wanted Hope to stay with her but Rebekah and Elijah thought it would be best if she is not interrupted at night time.
For the next three days Rebekah was with her at all times. Her nausea was greatly improved, her hair were still falling and now she could see skin on various spots so she had started to loosely tie them all the time now. Night times were hardest as she missed him the most. In the beginning there was this awkwardness between her and Rebekah but then somewhere in those three days that went away. It was not that they had become best friends but she didn't look at her with hatred anymore. Sometimes they even talked a little bit. Hayley appreciated it that she never brought up Mikael or Caroline. Hayley could see how much effort she was putting in taking care of Hope and her. Hope had given her a tough time in the beginning about not listening to her, asking about Hayley a lot and missed Klaus but Rebekah handled her very patiently. As a result she had started to listen to Rebekah at least. She was also thinking about how can she help her pack considering her condition. if she cannot meet them then how can she help them. She decided that when he will come back she will ask his active involvement thinking that if she cannot go then he can go to the bayou for her.
Elijah had tried to visit once every day but she was noticing that he looked tense around her. She wondered 'is he feeling obligated because of Klaus?' That thought just made her feel terrible but she couldn't do anything about it thinking that Klaus was not here and she was not still 100%. Even if she could manage herself she needed them for Hope.
She was deep in her sleep when she felt an arm around her and fresh smell of soap. She practically yelped when she heard his whisper "hey, it is me."
Hayley asked after catching her breath "when did you come back?"
He said with a smile "half an hour ago. I decided to clean up before getting close to you."
She sensed a touch of smile on his lips. She slipped her hands under his shirt when he held them and asked "are you feeling okay?"
Hayley leaned in and kissed him saying "now that you are home. I am perfect. I missed you so much."
Klaus asked as he sneaked his hand under her shirt making her squirm "me or this?"
Hayley said "of course this."
He stared into her laughing eyes and then pulled his hand back making her say "aww don't be like that."
He pushed her on the bed until her back touched the bed and got on her supporting herself on one hand and whispered "and I thought you were missing me."
Hayley shook her head saying "you are wrong."
Klaus stared into her smiling eyes and said "hmm at least you missed something about me."
She cupped his face and said "why are you so sweet to me?"
Klaus said "I thought that will make you miss me more but apparently my approach was not right. I have to change my tactics with you."
Hayley laughed and said "whatever you do, I will never change my mind about you."
Klaus smiled and brought his lips close to her lips almost touching them and asked "and what is that?"
Hayley shifted a bit and wrapped her legs around his waist and said "that I love you just a little less then I love Hope. Now will you kiss me or I have to beg for it?"
Klaus laughed and planted a kiss on her mouth and immediately felt her returning it. She slightly pushed her tongue on his lips as her hands lifted his shirt off. She could feel his hardness against her thigh and wanted him so bad that her hands were actually shaky. He took off his shirt and looked at her torso only clad in a black lacy bra. He leaned in and kissed her nipples making her moan. She whispered "Rebekah is in Hope's room."
Klaus smiled and said "very romantic Hayley!"
Hayley said now laughing "I meant…"
He move his lips to the other breast making her gasp and said "I know what you mean love. I know. So you have to very very quiet."
She understood what he meant when he started torturing her body like he had never done and she had to bite her lips to stop the moaning. She grabbed her pillow as his lips moved down her now naked body and trailed kisses on every inch of her body. She grabbed his hair after a few moments as they were sucking her flat belly and panted "I cannot keep myself quiet anymore so please stop."
He laughed and said 'you don't have any self control. I had just started."
As he shifted himself on her she grabbed his naked ass and said "Do you want me to beg?"
Klaus shook his head, removed tendril of hair from her face noticing that he could see the skin on her head. He got off of her just for a second but was back before she had moved an inch on the bed. By the time he was done she had her eyes closed, her legs around his naked ass, her fingers twinned with his fingers, her mouth resting on his shoulder, his lips resting on her neck, sweat running through their bodies. She smiled and opened her eyes as she felt the gentle kiss on lips and a whisper "good job love. You were very quiet."
She ran her fingers through his hair and said "how can you be so romantic to me?! I dont even look nice these days."
Klaus rolled over off of her and said "who says?"
She smiled, snuggled close to him wrapping her arm around him and kissed his naked shoulder and closed her eyes.
Klaus laid there with heavy heart thinking about what she was going through and how she was starting to doubt his love for her because of her looks. He didnt know how to comfort her in that matter.
Klaus realized that she had fallen asleep, he smiled, pulled the duvet to cover them and fell asleep too. Next time he opened his eyes he could feel the warm breathing against his chest. He kissed her hair and continued to lie with her like that.
About thirty minutes later she stirred next to him. She opened her eyes and said "you dont have to go to work today?"
Klaus said "no. They gave us one day off. I am all yours today and Hayley!"
When she looked up at him with questioning glance he said "Happy birthday."
Hayley said "but my birthday was in…" she paused and then laughed and said "oh right thanks."
He asked "what do you want to do today?"
She said "we can go out for dinner."
Klaus said "I will ask Rebekah to baby sit."
She asked in confusion "what do you mean?"
Klaus said pulling her close to him "well I want to have a date with my wife. What is there not to understand?"
Hayley laughed and said "sure."
He kissed her and ran his hand on her still naked breast, kissed her on her neck, moved his hand a bit down, teased her a bit and before she knew it he was on top of her and making love to her.
Later she got up and put on her clothes while he went to take shower.
While she was taking shower he was making coffee when Rebekah walked in with a still groggy looking Hope. Rebekah looked at him and smiled and then her smile widened as she heard Hope squeal with pleasure "daddy" and ran to him.
He bent down and scooped her up and kissed her tummy sending her in a fit of giggles. Rebekah saw them together and just kept on looking at them with that smile on her face and then looked around as Hayley came in.
She said "hey Rebekah. Did she give you a bad night?"
Rebekah said "no. No. She slept all night and woke up just a few minutes ago. She is playing with her toys right now."
She walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee while Klaus said "can you babysit Hope today? Hayley and I are going out for dinner today."
Rebekah said "sure."
Klaus said "Hope did you wish happy birthday to mommy. It is her birthday today."
Rebekah turned to Hayley and said "hey happy birthday. This is great. Oh now I know what you guys are planning for tonight. Eww."
She sipped her coffee making Klaus laugh and Hayley blush and Hope say "happy birthday mommy."
Hayley kissed Hope and said "thanks my love. What do you need today?"
Rebekah said "what do you mean? isn't it your birthday?"
Klaus said "it is Hayley's tradition to give Hope something on her birthday."
Rebekah said "hey why don't I keep Hope tonight at Elijah's and you guys can have the apartment to yourself."
Before Hayley could respond Klaus said "that will be great. Thanks sister."
Next morning Rebekah looked at Hope who was sitting in Elijah's lap reading a book. She wondered 'what was it about this child that was making her heart soft towards her and her mom?'
She startled when the front door opened and Hayley and Klaus entered.
Hope got off Elijah's lap and ran to them and said "mommy."
She hugged Hope and asked "did you have fun with aunt Rebekah and uncle Elijah."
Hope said excitedly "I did. I did. Aunt Rebekah bought me a doll. Look" She showed her the doll.
Hayley said "this is really nice".
She looked up at Rebekah and noticed her gaze go on her wrist. She said "it is nothing. we were just …" but blushed.
Rebekah couldn't help but smile as Hayley started to blush and said "I meant…"
Rebekah said "We all know what you meant sweetheart. Any way I am glad you are fine."
She turned and was leaving when Klaus said "lets go and have lunch. Rebekah come."
During lunch his cell rang. He picked up the cell and after listing to the other side for a moment he said "hey how are you? Long time no talk."
Rebekah looked at Hayley and noticed her looking annoyed. She wondered 'who it could be?' but the question was answered as he said "oh that is great Caroline. That is what you wanted right?"
He listened to her again as he gave Hope the glass of water she was trying to reach to and then said "oh that is great. Congratulations. Listen I am out on lunch. will talk again."
After putting he cell down he said "Caroline. She got into Juliet, dance program. Just wanted to let me know."
Hayley didnt know what to say so she kept quiet and looked up and saw Rebekah looking at her with narrowed eyes and Elijah looking at Klaus.
Klaus cleared his throat and said "so what have you been up to since you came Rebekah?"
Hayley smiled even though there was a sinking feeling in her stomach when Rebekah said "besides being a babysitter you know?"
She looked at Hayley and said "I am just kidding incase you are wondering. I love babysitting Hope and bonding with you."
Hayley nodded and said "ditto."
He could feel something was not right and it happened right after he told her about Caroline's phone. He looked at her but she was talking to Rebekah.
She could feel his eyes on her but refused to look at him.
After lunch Rebekah and Elijah went to his house whereas they went to their. He wanted to ask her what is wrong but she looked too aloof so he let it go.
She was quieter the rest of the day. He knew why she was quiet and didnt know what to say or do to make her understand that there was nothing going on between Caroline and him but he but deep down he knew that there is no cure for doubt so he didnt say anything regarding the call and tried to act normal, talk to her, helped her around the house and was pleasantly surprised that she responded in the same way.
While he was trying to make situation as normal as possible and ignoring the obvious, Hayley's mind was confusing her more and more about Caroline and him and making her wonder 'why does Caroline keep on calling him? If she were in Caroline's place and her fiancé had broken up with her then she wouldn't have called him back like ever. Does Caroline still think that she can win him over? Will she win him over? Winning someone's heart is not that difficult. Isn't that what Klaus had said to her a few days ago. But that day during the training didn't he assure her that he only loves her. If that is the case then why does he not talk to her about her fears. But till when Hayley. Till when you expect him to give you assurance that nothing is going on between him and Caroline. How can he prove to you? he is an excellent father, a great husband who has been with you in your tough time and you are still doubting him. Stop doubting him. Trust him for once.'
By the time they turned themselves in she was feel much better in terms of her emotions and feelings and when his arms went around her and he brought her close to him all fears flew out of window. She put her hand on his hand, brought them to her lips and kissed him. She felt his kiss on her head and closed her eyes. Soon they both had fallen asleep.
Next morning when he entered his stations he smiled when he saw Alexis and asked "hey you are back? How was the honeymoon?"
Alexis said smiling ear to ear "great. Alex was wonderful. Where did you guys go?"
Klaus looked at her and said "when did you get back?"
Alexis looked at him for a moment taking the hint that he does not want to talk about it and said "last night. Alex had a couple of cases."
Klaus said "good."
Klaus nodded and sat on his desk and picked up a cold case file.
Alexis asked "what are you doing?"
Klaus said "Ben wanted me to look at this rape cases before their statue expires. I found this one case where statue will expire next month."
Alexis asked "what is it about?"
Klaus said "this girl, she accused her boyfriend for raping her but there was no proof so they didn't prosecute it."
Alexis said "oh okay. let me have a look too."
He gave her the file and said "I have gone through it. You can look at it and see if you can find anything."
Half an hour later she said "do you want to go and talk to her?"
Klaus said "lets go."
An hour later they were greeted by a woman whom they recognized by the picture in her file as Alissa Gibson. He told her "Ms Gibson we are here to look into the charges you filed about you rape 4 years ago. I know it is a bit late but we would like to see them before the statue expires."
She looked around and asked them to come in. As they sat down a child about the age of 3 or 4 ran in the room and said "mommy I want some juice."
She said to them "I will be back."
She was back in a minute and said after settling down "you see that boy. He is the reminder of that rape every day of my life. I cannot forget about it. I am unable to put it behind me. I hate him but I love him too. I don't think I will ever be able to love him properly."
Klaus felt as if all air got sucked out of him. Alexis looked at him and saw that he suddenly looked sick. Klaus asked "can I used your restroom?"
He got up and went to that direction and stood leaning against the wall loosening his tie, trying to calm himself at the irony of the situation. After a few minutes he came out and went back to the living room. Alissa was telling Alexis about her rape. He sat there and listened to her and after many many days he relived that horrible memory of that bathroom stall when he noticed hat boy peek in again. He walked to Alissa and tried to hug him but she gently pushed him away saying "Sam I am talking to these nice people. Why dont you go and play?"
When he disbarred she said "see what I mean. Sometimes I cannot hug him. I think I can feel better if he is captured."
Klasu got up saying "we will do our best to catch him Ms Gibson."
Drive to the station Klaus was very quiet. She asked him "what is wrong?"
Klaus siad "her story is so tragic."
Alexis siad "yes and she is right. She has the reminder of that rape."
After reaching the station they started going through what she has told and started the investigation.
He stopped the car outside Elijah's house and got out. As he entered the house he heard the voices coming from the living room so he went there. Hope ran to him squealing like usual and as always melted his heart but his eyes were fixed on Hayley who was watching them with the smiling face. He took her to the sofa and sat down with her in his lap and said "are you ready to go home?"
Rebekah said "no wait, Elijah called. He is bringing takeout. Lets eat together."
Hayley noticed he looked tired and wondered what happened but didnt ask.
Klaus nodded and picked up a book from the table after taking after his shoes. He laid on the sofa as Hope slip from his lap and went back to Rebekah.
Rebekah pulled Hope in her lap and said to Hayley "why dont you lie down on that damn sofa? Move away Nik. She has been throwing up all day. I am sure that pathetic piece of bread that you ate this morning is out of your system by now. By the way have you taken your medicine."
Klaus turned to her and asked "you have not been feeling well today?"
Hayley shook her head and went to lie on the sofa on which Klaus was lying down. He made spot for her and scooted to one side. As she laid down feeling totally drained she said"yes I have taken the medicine Rebekah."
Rebekah rolled her eyes, turned to Hope and asked "so what were we talking about before your daddy decided to break our fun time." As Hope giggle, Klaus looked at them and smiled but then returned his attention to the book and heard her ask "you never told me when is your birthday sweetie?"
Hope said "mommy?!"
Hayley looked at Klaus and then said "25th June."
Rebekah's gaze went to Klaus and caught him looking at Hayley. She controlled the word slipping out of her mouth and said "oh that is just a few days after I leave. How about we celebrate before we go. what do you normally do Hayley?"
Hayley said "we just go out and have dinner at wherever she wants to."
Rebekah said "okay we can do that and then do a cake cutting thing at home. Hope what do you want on you cake?"
Hope said instantly "Elsa."
Rebekah laughed and said "of course. She is my favorite too. Okay good. So we are having your birthday before I leave. Then you can have another birthday on the actual birthday day."
Hayley looked at Rebekah talking to Hope and stretched her feet. As she stretched them they touch his thigh and he put his hand on them. She tried to move them but his hand were preventing her from doing that. She smiled as she noticed him put one leg over another and realized that he had just hidden the view from Rebekah.
While she was lost in her thought Klaus was lost in his. He was listening to Rebekah, Hope and Hayley chatting happily wondering if Hayley had hated Hope like Alissa hates Sam then would Hope have turned out to be this happy person. Granted that she was going through emotionally tough time right now but that was because of Hayley's illness. Otherwise he could see that Hope was happy child. He felt guilty again for the burden he had given her to which she had taken so bravely.
That night he held her close, kissed her and whispered in her ear "thanks for not hating Hope Hayley."
Hayley looked into his eyes and saw hint of guilt that used to be there at the beginning of their marriage . She asked him "Klaus what happened?"
He sighed and told her about that case. When he was done telling her she said "oh God poor child and his mother. Do you want me to talk to her?"
Klaus said "no. But I will get her help. Hayley I am so grateful for what you have done for Hope and forgiving me."
Hayley said "Klaus stop. We have been through this before. I love both of you. I loved her the moment I held her and will never forget that feeling."
He sighed and brought her closer to him. He then said "Hayley while you were in the hospital Rebekah and I talked Hope's psychologist and she think that we should tell Hope about your illness. She said not to go into too much detail but she needs to know some and I kind of agree with that. I think we should tell her this weekend when we are all calmed and she does not have school. She will be with us all weekend so there is that too."
Hayley said " I dont want to tell her but I know you are right. We should tell her."
He held her close as they both drifted off to sleep.
Around lunch time next day, Elijah knocked at the door controlling his heartbeat. A moment later Hayley opened the door and smiled at him making him go weak in knees. He said "I am here to pick up Rebekah. We were supposed to go for lunch."
Hayley said "she took Hope to the movies. They will be back in ten, fifteen minutes. You can come in and wait for her."
Elijah cursed the situation and walked in.
He said "you look good. Doesn't even look that you are going through such a hard treatment" and then blushed.
Hayley looked at Elijah and said "why Elijah?! that is so sweet."
Elijah looked at the smile on her face and his heart started racing. He abruptly said "I think I should be leaving. Tell Rebekah to meet me at the restaurant."
Hayley looked at him feeling bewildered by the way he was acting and asked "what is it Elijah? You have been acting really weird these past few weeks."
Elijah said walking towards the front door "nothing Hayley. Just work and all."
She said "oh really?! I have seen you swarmed in work but you never looked this tense."
Elijah stopped and looked at her and opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.
Hayley felt the smile slip from her face as she recognized those expression as seen on someone's else face for her and then realization dawned on her and she shook her head in shock.
Elijah saw realization dawn on her and felt a pit in his stomach. He said hastily "Hayley!"
She said coldly "no Elijah. Stop. How can you?"
Elijah said "Hayley listen…" but she cut him off by saying "I cannot believe it. How can you feel that way about me. I am your brother's wife." as she took a step back. And then as if a light bulb switched on in her head and asked "is that the reason you have been acting differently for a while now?"
when Elijah didn't say anything she said coldly "Elijah please leave."
After he left she sat on the bed wondering 'what just happened and why? Has she ever encouraged him? How could she miss the signs'. Now that she looked back she could see his interests in her but she said to herself that was him being friendly towards her. She startled as she heard the front door open and heard Hope's chipper voice "aunt Bekah, what does hilarious mean?"
Rebekah said "it means very funny"
Hayley wiped the tears from her eyes and got up and left her room. She smiled at Hope and Rebekah and said "how was it?"
Rebekah smiled and said "it was great. We had so much fun. We ate popcorns too."
Hayley said "oh how wonderful."
Rebekah said "okay I have to go somewhere. Are you feeling better?"
Hayley said "yes."
Rebekah asked "did Elijah come? I am late."
Hayley suddenly felt very self conscious and said "yes he was here" as she took off Hope's shoes.
Rebekah said "o no. I will go then. we were supposed to have dinner together. When is Nik coming back?"
Hayley said still feeling very conscious "at night."
Later that night when Klaus came and sneaked into the bed she wrapped her arm around him tightly. Klaus brought his arm around her and brought her closer to him but then felt something was wrong as her hold tighten around him. He asked "Hayley what is wrong?"
he tried to separate her from him but she didnt. And then he realized that she was crying. He asked "Hayley, what is it? Did something happen?" He turned the bedside lamp on and looked at her face which was stained with tears.
He scooted in the sitting position but Hayley shook her head and said "I am just having one of those days. I am so glad you are home. I was feeling really depressed today."
He kissed her and said "you will be okay. I am here now."
He snuggled her close to him and switch off the lamp and tried to sleep but he had a feeling that Hayley had just lied to him. He fell asleep wondering 'why did she lie to him?'
Next night while putting Hope to bed Klaus looked at Hayley and said "Hope love, mommy and I want to talk to you about something."
Hope asked while fixing her doll's hair "what daddy?"
Klaus took the doll from her hand and pulled her in his lap and said "you know when you ask is mommy sick." He waited for her to acknowledge her question.
When she nodded, Klaus continued looking at Hayley "Well mommy is sick , but she will get better. you and I will take care of her, right?"
Hope looked at Hayley and asked "what is wrong with her?"
Klaus smiled but his heart skipped a beat as he felt her push her body against him away from Hayley and then said as they had practiced "well you know our bodies are made up of lots of different parts. Sometimes something has gone wrong with one of these parts and it's stopped doing what it's supposed to do. Part of the body is no longer normal. Over time, a tumor or lump, hmm like when you get hurt your skin gets scars." Hope nodded so he continued "tumor is something like that but this one is inside the body, inside you skin." He touched her skin making her giggle. He then continued "so the doctors need to remove that tumor because it should not there. It can make the rest of body parts sick too. That is what mommy has. Mommy has and She is getting treatment for that. and she will get better in no time."
When Hope continued to stay quiet and just stare at Hayley, she asked "Hope honey, do you have any questions?"
Hope said "what is treatment?"
Hayley said "treatment means cure, giving medicines to fix something. Like when you get sick with flu mommy gives you medicine right?"
When she nodded Hayley continued "that is treatment."
She then asked snuggling closer to Klaus "will you die?"
They were prepared for any question that she threw at them, but no this one. Hayley looked at Klaus who was looking as stunned as she was. She immediately said "no baby. Who said that?"
Hope said "a boy in my class said his grandmother was sick and she died a few days ago."
Hayley reached out and grabbed Hope pulling her into her arms, hugged her tight and said "oh baby I am so sad for your friend but people don't die with every sickness. Some sickness are bad and they do kill people but mommy will be okay because mommy has to take care of this beautiful princess in mommy's lap."
She smiled and tickled her and relaxed as Hope started giggling. She looked up and caught Klaus looking at her with strange expression.
She said to him trying to control the tears threatening to leak "I want to be alone with her for a few minutes."
Klaus nodded and left.
She noticed that Hope was holding her very tight. Her heart ached for her. She laid down with her on her bed and held her until she felt her arms around her relax and she knew that Hope had gone to sleep.
Klaus was lying on his bed trying to think anything but Hope's "will you die?' kept on coming in his mind and he could feel his heart sinking. After a while he looked at the clock and realized it was 11 so he got up to check what Hayley was doing. As he entered Hope's room, he stopped as he saw her sleeping on her bed.
He smiled, switched off the light and left.
Next morning when he woke up he felt a hand on his chest. He knew that hand with eyes closed. He turned towards her and saw that she was still sleeping.
They spend the weekend with Elijah and Rebekah. Both of them were happy to see Hope happy, running around and playing. It seemed that last night conversation never happened which was kind of relief to Hayley and Klaus.
Hayley noticed that Elijah was avoiding her which she understood so she respected it which was starting to make her feel really bad considering that she was part of his family and they couldn't keep on like that all their life. She had decided not to tell Klaus about what had happened between her and Elijah but she had overheard Rebekah saying to Elijah "admit it, you have fallen for her" and she knew that they were talking about her when she heard Rebekah again "Elijah she is you sister in law. Have you lost your mind?" That had just made her heart sink further as it hit her that secret was not so much of a secret anymore. Rebekah knew, what if Klaus finds out in future.
A few days later Elijah and Rebekah left for Mystic Falls and she took a sigh of relief.
She and Klaus had settled down in their lives. They both knew that they loved each other and that was enough for Hayley even though sometimes she questioned his reasons for loving him considering her declining health condition, circles under her eyes and thinning hair but then all doubts would fly out of her mind the way he would make love to her and cuddle her afterwards, grab her from her waist and kiss on her neck while she is lost in her thoughts, the way he plays with Hope, the way he talks to her, the way he holds her at night even when they are just lying in their beds.
Before she knew it a month went by. Rebekah often called her and they talked for long time surprising Hayley that she had opened up to Rebekah so much and strangely more so after her going back to Mystic Falls. Elijah occasionally called but only talked to Klaus. She noticed that whenever she picked up his call he would just do the greeting thing and then he was immediately ask for Klaus and that was just starting to make her feel very uncomfortable.
During this time Klaus often called Tyler to find out how he was coping and was pleasantly surprised to realize that he was doing great. On the other hand she bonded with Alexis so much so that on her requests Hayley had started to leave Hope at her place to babysit while he and Klaus had some personal time. They even talked about what it meant for Klaus to be a werewolf but Hayley was confident that she will keep Klaus's secret. In their free time they did some research on Deveraux family but couldnt find anything about Brynne Deveraux or anything else except that Sophie has a sister Jane-Ann Deveraux and she had a niece, Monique who died a few months back in some sort of witch witch ritual. One day she was cooking dinner when she got a call from Alexis who said as soon as she picked up the cell "Hayley, guess what? I am pregnant. I wanted to share with you. I am so happy."
Hayley felt a pit in her stomach for some reason but she said "oh wow that is just so great and quick might I add" making her laugh.
Alexis said "yes Alex and I so wanted to have kids and here we are. Any way you tell. How are you feeling?"
Hayley said "I am great. My radiotherapy is going to start in a few weeks. Before that we will be going to Mystic Falls. It has been a few months Klaus has visited his family."
Alexis said "yes Klaus told me that. Have fun and listen got to go. Alex is home."
After putting the cell down she continued to make dinner feeling very depressed for some reason and then she put her hand on her stomach and realized that she wanted to have another child but she couldn't right now and that is why she was depressed. She startled when she heard Hope ask "mommy where is daddy? I am hungry."
Hayley turned to her and smiled. She said "he will be on his way. We are going to Mystic Falls in a few days. Do you want to see Amy?"
Hope said excitedly "yes."
Hayley smiled and said "go get your coloring book and lets do some coloring until daddy comes."
When Klaus entered the apartment he saw her and Hope doing coloring. He said "I will be back after changing."
After he went Hayley told Hope to clean up for dinner while she set the table.
later that night Klaus asked her "what is it?"
Hayley smiled and asked "why do you ask?"
Klaus said "it is written all over your face."
Hayley said "Alexis called."
Klaus picked up the pillow and asked "and?"
Hayley said "she is pregnant."
Klaus said halting in the process "what?! that is just wonderful!"
He noticed her expressions and asked "you are not happy?"
Hayley said "no, it is not that" and went to the bathroom.
Klaus looked at her and wondered what has happened to her when the bathroom door opened and she came out.
As she laid in the bed he asked "now tell me what has happened?"
She said hesitatingly "when she told me I just felt like having… " she stopped talking and Klaus understood. He held her hand and said "Hayley we will have another baby but you need to get better. You know we cannot have a baby right now."
she nodded and said "yes I know but I just felt so depressed. Forget about it. It was nothing" she smiled.
Klaus pulled her close to him and said in her hair "it is not nothing. It is very important and I am glad that you feel that way because that means that you want to have another baby with me which is what I want to."
She smiled sadly put her hand on his chest and went to sleep in his arms soon joined by Klaus.
Next morning before leaving for the work he reminded her of the full moon. At work he talked to Alexis about keeping Hope for the night because Hayley wanted to go meet her pack whereas Klaus would have been a wolf.
Klaus looked at his wrist watch and saw that it was around 6 in the morning Klaus thought about it for a moment and then started the car and drove towards the bayou. He got out of the car wondering if she was still there or gone home. He was walking towards the sound of voice with a racing heart for some reason when he stopped as he saw her laughing with a group of young men and women gathered around a fire.
Hayley laughed at what Jackson said and looked up. The smile slipped from her face as she saw him standing there and suddenly she realized that she was siting too close to Jackson and remembered Klaus's jealousy toward him. She hastily got up making Jackson look at her questioningly.
Klaus took a deep breath to calm his anger that had come out of nowhere. He started walking towards her and said "I thought you would have gone home."
Hayley said "I was just about to leave" feeling conscious for some reason as she sensed the anger underlying the controlled demeanor.
Klaus looked past her and said "I assume that is Jackson."
Hayley said "Klaus…" but Klaus cut her off by saying "arent you going to introduce me to your pack?"
Hayley nodded and tried to hold his hand but felt a punch to her stomach when he pried it free immediately. With the sinking heart she took him to the pack and introduced him to everyone. Klaus talked with Jackson, Oliver and Eve for a while and then he looked at Hayley who was being very quiet the whole time and nodded her and they took their leave.
During the drive to home Hayley tried to talk to talk to him a couple of times but he was unapproachable. They went to sleep without talking about it.
A few hours later when he woke up he said "I am going to get Hope."
Hayley said "no wait."
She said "we need to talk about it. I know it is bothering you. You should know that nothing is happening between Jackson and me."
Klaus looked at her and said coldly "and you should know that I will not like it if something happens between you two."
Hayley said "you know I will never cheat on you. Right?"
Klaus looked into her eyes and then said "it has been a while since I felt this way."
Hayley asked confused "what way?"
Klaus said "so jealous that I wanted to kill him and you know as a werewolf how difficult it is for me to control the temper."
Hayley smiled and said "well that is good then. I am glad you felt jealous about something."
Klaus pulled her towards him and caressed her cheek and started taking off her clothes.