Chapter 29: I still get those butterflies
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
AN: Hi there - Yes you're eyes are not deceiving you this is an update. Sorry for the long wait guys.
I apologize in advance for any medical terms, facts and information that are incorrect. The internet was my only source.
PS: Could you guys take a moment to look at the new cover for this story, I made it myself and I'm kinda proud. (*_*)
Girls are taught a lot of stuff growing up. If a guy punches you, he likes you. Never try to trim your own bangs; and someday you will meet a wonderful guy and get your very own happy ever after. Every movie we see, every story we're told, implores us to wait for it, the third act twist, the unexpected declaration of love, the exception to the rule. But sometimes we're so focused on finding our happy ending that we don't learn how to read the signs. How to tell from the ones who wants us and the ones who don't, the ones who will stay and the ones who will leave. And maybe a happy ending doesn't include a guy, maybe... it's you, on your own, picking up the pieces and starting over, freeing yourself op for something better in the future. Maybe the happy ending is - just moving on. Or maybe the happy ending is this, knowing after all the broken hearts, the blunders and all the pain and embarrassment you never gave up hope. Elena will soon start to succumb herself to these thoughts. After all, it was the last thing left that ultimately kept her sane.
Elena stares at herself in the mirror with a blank expression on her face. Her hair extends to her lower back. Since the tragic accident that took both her parents and then her failed relationship with Stefan. She'd only ever love few things; one of them being her long brunette hair.
She picks up scissors from the counter and begins to slice.
Another thing she had come to love was how easily she could cut it off... And feel nothing.
"Thank god! I was one phone call away from getting the SWAT team out there looking for-." Katherine stopped in mid-sentence as she took in her sister's appearance. "You cut your hair?"
Elena shrugged halfheartedly. "It had only been one whole day of radio silence. It's not like I was gone for like a month or something."
"Well excuse me for being worried about you. What was I suppose to do when you respond 'I'll be out of town for the day on business. Talk later.'?!"
"You read it and acknowledge the fact that I will talk to you later. Can I go now? I'm tired."
Katherine watched dumbfounded as Elena walked away from her in complete disregard. Had it been any other day, she wouldn't have thought twice. But given the fact that her sister had lost the guy she was and still is - in love with and had been MIA for 24 hours, she was not just going to let this go.
Elena cut her hair, that was a pretty big deal since she knew how much Miranda loved their long hair. "Elena I am talking to you!"
"I'm really not in the mood for this Kat-"
"So make the time. You can't keep shutting me out like this."
"Christ! Katherine for once in your life could you just give it a rest?! Mom died years ago so stop acting like you're her." Elena shrieked and had immediately regretted the words that left her mouth in her blurred rage. Only when she saw Katherine physically shrunk in response, had she regretted the words that left her mouth in a blurred rage. Katherine averted her eyes due to the shock; her sister's words cutting into her skin like a sharp knife. Elena knew that when Miranda passed, Katherine had without a doubt taken on the role as their guardian even if they were technically the same age. Katherine was always tougher than Elena, could always handle pain and loss better and had always looked out for her and Jeremy for as long as she could remember. What she said was not fair and Elena knew that.
"You're right. I'm not Mom. And I'm sorry if you think that's what I'm trying to do here but, Elena I just want to make sure you're okay. Tell me that you're okay and I will leave. I won't bother you."
"-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like it sounded. I just- I'm not in a good place right now."
Katherine sighed "I know that Elena. And I just want to help you. But I can't if you don't let me in and tell me what's bothering you."
"I guess it's everything. Stefan and the whole baby thing.." she murmured lowly tugging a strand behind her ear. She couldn't even look Katherine in the eye because she was too afraid she'd burst into tears. The drive back to town was hard enough as it was, having to pull over to the side of the road every hour because she was too hysterical and consumed with wrecked sobs to continue driving.
"The reality is that you did a shitty thing, I'm not going to lie and say it's not your fault because you're my sister and you have to hear it. Stefan still loves you- No let me finish." Katherine said just as the mere mention of her ex-fiance still being in love with her was enough to make her want to turn around and go straight to the bedroom, lock herself inside and never come out.
"He does Elena. And I am so sure that if you two could just take a day to talk to each other, to work things out then maybe you could get back together and this will all be just a distant bad memory." Katherine sighed "I just hope you put this baby mania to rest."
Elena's throat involuntary constricted. "It's not mania.." Elena mumbled weakly
"Really how many times have you tried now, Three?"
"Nine. The last two were in-vitro." She replied "But you don't have to worry about that, turns out I'm infertile anyway so I can never have a baby."
"W-what?"
That was certainly the last thing she expected Elena to say. And suddenly, her secret business trip out of town had made perfect sense. How did she not notice it before? The lost look in her sister's brown eyes, her entire being seeming like a hollowed out shell of the person she used to be... And for a mere second, she tried to imagine what it would feel like if someone had told her that she could never have a child, and her mind wandered to her beautiful little girl at home with Elijah.
Katherine felt confused, sad and angry. She was rooted to her spot on the hardwood floor and forced to watch as Elena looked utterly despondent and hopeless.
"Elena?"
Elena took a deep breath, bracing herself for the inevitable.
One day earlier...
"Elena Pierce?"
"Yes" Elena's brown eyes darted up to meet those of a full-figured woman who smiled kindly at her
"Follow me please"
Elena followed the nurse to a spacious office down the passage. She couldn't help but compare the differences and similarities she remembers from Stefan's office. The unfamiliar surroundings only but added on to the load of anxious energy weighing heavy on her. Her reasons for choosing an alternate Doctor and much more on the outskirts of town, although childish and immature - seemed real enough for her to drive two hours out of The French Quarter. This wasn't her usual go-to for any appointment, but under the circumstances of not wanting to bump into Stefan, Enzo or any other one of his colleagues, she stood by her decision. She already changed her relationship status on Facebook from engaged to nothing and just judging from the comments, people were dying for the inside scoop. And as much as she appreciated Stefan's colleagues and their chosen profession to help others, she knew that among the nurses and doctors, they probably hated her guts for doing what she did.
"Good morning Miss Pierce."
Suddenly remembering where she was and why, she shook her head in attempts of riding her head of those unpleasant thoughts that were bound to get her upset again. "Elena, please. Thank you for seeing me, I was just super anxious when you called and said the results came in." Elena muttered taking a seat across from him.
"I understand completely. How are you?"
Elena shrugged indifferent. The Doctor had obviously sensed her anxiety from before she stepped into the room and was trying to take her mind off of it. And although she appreciated the kind gesture, she was way too nervous to make polite talk. "I'm okay.. I guess. Can we just get started please?"
"Very well. Your results have come and in from the lab and - well" Elena's curious eyes followed him to a side of the office where by the flick of a switch, lit up an x-ray board. "These are several x-ray images of your uterus."
After a few long minutes of silence and thorough inspection she nodded slowly and waited for him to continue. Elena wasn't sure if she was suppose to pick up something based on these x-ray images, although she wasn't exactly sure what to look for. Everything looked normal, but that was but her opinion and of course it was not an expert opinion at all.
"The reality of your case is that, the condition of your uterus is at an infertile state at this point."
His words had sunk in and yet she had not completely processed them. An 'infertile state at this point?' What did that even mean?
The look of bewilderment from Elena had given away that she did not understand at all."Don't get me wrong, Elena your eggs are in great shape, but you have a T-shaped uterus. It's preventing proper implantation."
"O-kay, why do I have this.. T-shaped uterus?"
A T-shaped uterus? Prior to this day Elena didn't even know that a uterus could take on different forms let alone a T-shaped one. She looked back to the board and surprisingly it had been T-shaped. But why was this making her infertile?
When they had been trying for a baby - well more Elena than Stefan, she was completely unaware that she'd been struggling. Sure it had taken her some time before she got one test back that was positive but that hadn't necessarily raised any red flags. She had been on the pill for years and knew that it would take her body some time to readjust when she stopped taking it. To solidify her chances, she tried the hormone shots but even with that she was unsuccessful. Seeing a fertility specialist had been on her list but when Stefan found out and broke up with her, the newly found urge to have a baby did not seem appealing to her in the slightest. It wasn't that she just wanted to have a baby, she wanted to have Stefan's baby. And finding herself here right now - out of all the possible scenarios Elena could have possibly imagined, this is not she thought the doctor would be telling her.
"Well, a number of reasons could have caused it. It probably has something to do with medication that was given to your mother when she was pregnant with you. It also happens in cases of twins..." The doctor went on and on but it had all become a blur to Elena. "I see on your file here that you are a twin. We used lot of drugs back in the 70's which we now know can cause infertility-
"So it's because I'm a twin?"
"It's probable. Has your sister been struggling with the same problem as well?"
"No. She has a daughter... Emily's a year old now" Elena said "What does being a twin have to do with this doctor?"
"The way you and your sister were positioned in your mother's womb could have mutated your uterus gene thus causing the abnormality. Its rare, but a reality in some cases i'm afraid."
The Doctor could see that Elena seemed lost and her head probably wasn't even taking in anything he was saying. Given the circumstances, he understood completely.
"So.. I can never have a baby?"
"That is not exactly the case Elena. It's just the chances of you conceiving are very low."
"How low?"
"Well, I don't want to assign a number to it-" The doctor shifted uncomfortably
"Doctor-"
"One in a million."
"That's what the whole business trip out of town was about. I went to a fertility specialist. After some tests he said that I have a T-shaped uterus." She stated "Basically, the chances of me ever having a baby are one in a million."
"Oh Elena.." Katherine leaped onto her sister, pulling her into warm embrace. As the oldest, she was always responsible for her younger sister. In every situation Elena would look to Katherine for advice and guidance and even comfort but at this point, she felt undisputedly helpless. Elena was hurting, possibly going through a traumatic event and there was nothing she could do but sit and watch it all unfold before her. After her parents died, she knew that it was up to her to be strong for her siblings. There was nothing she ever thought she needed her mom and dad except for now; she wished Miranda were here.
After Elena had literally poured out her entire heart to her sister, they settled on Elena's bed with chamomile tea. She hoped it would calm her down enough to convince her to leave her apartment for a while and come and stay with Katherine. She refused to let Elena go home every day to an empty apartment. This whole baby-thing had seriously messed her up. She was loosing serious weight, her eyes had dark circles underneath from lack of sleep and she cut her hair. Elena needed her right now and she planned on keeping her close for as long as necessary.
"Have you considered adoption?" Katherine asked while she ran her fingers through Elena's hair - much like when they were little - it helped her sleep. Katherine could feel Elena's body shift as she sighed - her head lain on Katherine's lap. "It crossed my mind a few times enough for me to look, yes. But I don't think we'll have to worry about that.."
"Why not?"
"Because for single women, it can take of up five years to get an approval."
Katherine nodded slowly and continued lightly raking through Elena's now - short hair. "I wish Mom were here Kat."
"Me too."
Caroline drummed her manicured fingernails along the marbled counter-top while she waited for the kettle to boil – the only thought that seemed to have registered in the wee hours of a bright and early morning in New Orleans was her routinely morning tea. A cup of freshly brewed Earl Grey had motivated her tired body out of the warmth and comfort of her bed.
As she waited, Caroline couldn't help but let her mind drift back to the day she left. It seemed like she had constantly been replaying the scene in her head over and over as if it had happened yesterday. No matter how hard she tried to forget or how busy she tried to keep, it would not leave her head.
Herself and Klaus had both said some things they never thought they would. Neither were wrong – although neither were exactly right either. But when were things ever simple when it came to their crazy lives? It seemed that the pair could just not ever catch a break.
Despite her intentions to keep things under wraps and minimize the casualties, it turned out that her friends involved themselves whether she approved or not. They understood that she had tried to keep an open mind with Klaus and she did - she just didn't know what they expected. How do you rush back into something that was already so broken from the start? Being a mother of two now as well as a working one it had been tough, especially the moving out process. Naturally everyone had offered to help but Caroline was very adamant when she said that she was not going to make anyone choose sides, especially Klaus' siblings. Caroline had noted a change in Rebekah's behavior toward her and as disappointing as that was, she understood and did not blame Rebekah for being a good sister and having her brother's best interests at heart.
Caroline liked to think she had a plan; with the twins, her job and her life and as long as she focused on that plan – everything would run smoothly.
Klaus finally throwing in the towel did come as a shock to her. And perhaps she was a total bitch for thinking that he'd always be around pestering her to take him back as he did before – all those months ago.
She loved him – loves him still and that would never change. Caroline just couldn't bring herself to admit it. Admitting it to Klaus would be like giving him control of her world and she was not ready to give that control up just yet – it was all she had that kept her sane at this point.
The sound of the water bubbling brought her out of her reverie so Caroline started preparing her tea.
The puff of a faint white smoke wafting up from the mug filled her nostrils with an enticing aroma. Gently raising the rim of the cup to her lips, she sipped slowly. Oh – it's like a piece of heaven in a cup.
Having her own place again had been like a weight lifted off her shoulders mainly because of the fact that she didn't have to walk on egg shells around the house in fear of bumping into Klaus. And even though somewhat having her independence again was all and well, she couldn't help but feel the miss – the void that was currently weighing heavy on her heart.
It had been a couple months of just – nothing. Whenever he came to get Henry and Charlotte, Klaus barely even acknowledged her unless it was with regards to the children, but even under such circumstances he was indifferent. She understood that this is what she had asked for and that getting up in arms about it would be slightly hypocritical. Caroline had made her bed and now she has to lie in it.
She was grateful that the twins were only babies and not mature enough to comprehend the gravity of the situation - but one day they would be - and Caroline did not even want to begin imagining that they'd blame her. She was afraid that after they had the situation explained to them, that they'd turn away from her in shame. Their mother who had been given the opportunity to make her family whole again had turned it down because she was too scared to feel hurt and pain. And that thought alone was enough to leave a bitter taste in her mouth.
Her current favorite person; Kol even "attempted" to cheer her up from time to time always trying to get her out and about again. His antics would range from "Guess who asked for you in the bar today?" – or her personal favorite (and we're being completely sarcastic here) "All the boys send their love." Because according to Kol - Caroline was now a milf. (Mother. I'd. Like. To Fuck.) and was doing all the young guys in New Orleans a disservice by staying indoors all the time. In spite of his methods, she knew Kol meant well, it only took someone who really knew him to know that compliments and good intentions from Kol were always hiding behind an inappropriate remark or statement.
Time passed. It's already Christmas. Time passed. She dragged through the winter. Time passed; then it was the beginning of a brand new year.
Work was blissfully busy this time around and between being a single-mom and a full time event planner, Caroline was busy, busy, busy.
"Why don't you take a break? Give the kids to Klaus for a week and take some time to yourself."
As much as she appreciated her friends' gestures, Caroline had no intention of taking a break. Having something physical to do kept her mind busy and helped chase away the depression that had been slowly but surely creeping it's way in and weighing her down for the past months. However, she had realized that she'd gotten a little ahead of herself. After all, there was no point in wallowing in her self-pity for something she didn't want in the first place - or rather something she claimed not to want.
Deciding that some buttermilk rusks would go well with her tea before she got ready for the day, Caroline knelled down to the kitchen cabinet making a fast undoing and redoing of string around the drawer handles before retrieving the desired item. Having all the bottom drawer handles tied together definitely looked unusual but Henry and Charlotte were crawling left right and center and had discovered that it was so much fun opening Mommy's cupboards to unpack all it's contents, leaving them all there as a nice surprise for her to find Keeping it closed and tied were crucial if she didn't plan on having to pack every single thing away once they tired out and went down for a nap – and this she had to learn the hard way.
Klaus' absence had definitely been sensed.
Not only by Caroline but the twins as well. She would never admit but sometimes she would struggle getting Charlotte to sleep. The shrieking cries from her daughter broke Caroline's heart. It didn't help that they were still teething, always ran fevers and got super cranky. And ironically, Klaus had always known how to get them down
If Caroline truly gave in to be with Klaus, she would never forgive herself if he abandoned them again – Because then it would be her fault. It would be her fault that her children would grow up without a father. But then again there was always a part of Caroline that undeniably coaxed her into believing in some way that she owed it to her kids to work things out with their father
"You and Klaus don't have to be together in order to be good parents darling," Kol had reminded her time and again and of course – he was right.
Despite both schedules of hers' and Klaus that – at times had them running around all over the place, they managed to stick to a routine that the twins had settled quite nicely into. Over time it would change of course when the twins eventually started kindergarten and so on but for now it worked for them.
Initially it was Klaus who suggested they take weekly turns with the twins with the exception of weekends. Perhaps if they were older but Caroline could simply not go a whole week without seeing her children, and so under much reluctance Klaus caved in to her getting them more than he would. She suspects Elijah played a great role in convincing him that it was crucial for babies to be around their mother. If only they knew how much his children actually did crave their father's presence. The custody had switched it up every month or so – except on occasion when Caroline had an event and Klaus would have the kids longer, not that he minded of course. Caroline would then always step in when he had an art exhibit or client viewings.
As organized as it may sound, it wasn't always functional. Which is what brought her to the current situation at hand: There was a training workshop in town today and Caroline was keen on attending. Although it wasn't compulsory for her, the program covered the basic fields that she dealt with on a daily basis, such as brainstorming, interactive learning, building relationships, and problem solving. It was indeed her day with the twins and no one could baby-sit on such short notice – heck even Kol had plans. Caroline hated bothering Klaus even when she knew full well that he would not mind having the twins over at all. He always complained that he never got to see them enough anyway.
The only problem that seemed pretty inconvenient at this time was that Klaus was not answering his phone and her texts had not gone through.
Caroline was sure that she was going to be a tad late since she now had to get the twins up from their nap which was the worst possible idea in the world because getting them down was an extremely hard task in itself, drive over to Klaus', drop them off and try to be on time for the workshop.
Her morning was so not off to a good start.
"Hello?"
"It's Lexi, why the hell is your cellphone off? I've been calling since forever – look never mind, I don't have a lot of time, I ran out of a meeting."
"Why, what's happened?" Klaus frowned. It must have been an emergency that Lexi had to call on the land line. Lexi had known that he'd be painting the entire morning and knew better than interrupt when his creative juices were flowing.
"The curator from The Metropolitan Museum of Art is own her way to you right now!" Lexi exclaimed barely being able to keep the excitement out of her voice.
Past events which could only be described as a melancholic mess had completely uprooted Klaus' life, and finding the time for his artwork had literally been the last thing on his mind. With the combination of the Gallery deal falling through and all the drama at home, his mind had been filled to the brim with everything besides his work, let alone for any clients. It wasn't a particularly great time to take off work, if anything Klaus had to throw himself back in there and come up with a brand new collection. Remind himself and the world of his talents and what he offer them. Lexi was his friend before she was his boss/agent and of course under the circumstances, she completely understood and left him be for some time.
A month later Lexi Branson decided that it was the best decision she ever made.
Despite the fact that Klaus had not been very forthcoming with the details about the break up, Lexi could see that he was hurting and didn't press for information. She offered her ear and shoulder whenever he needed but most importantly - she made the studio available 24/7 for him to make use of. Working with Klaus for as long as she did, had her picking up a few tips and hints into how he worked as an artist. He had a rough start in life and that had set the course for the rest of it as well. It had automatically claimed a heartbreaking outlook that he had on life and love. And as painfully as he viewed the world, it allowed him to incorporate it into his work. The pain he felt - showed in his work and that was why he was so talented. The ability to paint with more than the use of one's hands but from within the depths of your soul was rare and a gift to be preserved and cherished.
She did not mean to come off as a person who thrilled on the pain of others, the way she looked at it was Klaus making use of all the pain he felt instead of letting it build up inside and eat away at him. The recent developments with regards to his relationship status only made Klaus hit the studio more - and hard. Completely throwing himself into his work and producing some of the best work she has ever seen from him in the years that they have worked together. What was that saying of one tends to be more creative when hurt.
At the rate he was going, Klaus had completed an entire collection in a span of just two weeks and Lexi worked just as hard trying to pull off an exhibition worthy of showcasing this particular collection. It was titled Solitudinem. Klaus' idea of course. When she asked what it meant he said that it was the latin word for desolation which can only be described as a state of complete emptiness.
One thing led to another and curators from all over were calling.
One in particular that seemed to pique Lexi's interests was a Hayley Marshall calling from The Metropolitan Museum of Arts. Translated from nerdy artist language - this was a big fucking deal.
The Museum in New York held some of the finest pieces on loan from the most well-known artists around the world so you could understand the big fuss that such a prestigious institute had been interested in a rookie from New Orleans. Upon hearing that they were looking for a few Klaus Mikaelson originals was something worth celebrating. The kind of celebration you would need to open that vintage brand of Merlot you've been saving for the day you retired. - Yeah this really was a big deal
"To the studio? But you knew I wouldn't be in today. I'm working from home." Klaus sighed breaking Lexi from her train of thoughts "Wait, did you say the Metropolitan Museum of Arts?" Klaus' eyes widened
"Uh huh. And this Hayley chick is seriously into your work. Insisted on meeting with you personally. I hope I wasn't overstepping I know you have the twins and a new collection on the way so-"
"Caroline has the kids today actually. I'm sure I can arrange to meet with the curator at the studio." He looked down to his attire which consisted of the usual Henley and dark jeans the only problem was that it was covered in paint.
"No dummy. She's on her way to you right now. You're not still in your pajamas are you? because if you're still in bed I swear to god I will kill you in your sleep."
"I'm up Lexi" Klaus groaned. "Painting, to be more exact." he added rolling his eyes "Why is she coming here?" He asked, balancing the phone between is ear and shoulder as he looked for something to wipe his hands on. Finding the task unsuccessful, he relied on his shirt instead. Yep he would definitely need to change.
"Something about getting to see where all the magic takes place and the inspiration comes from. Who cares, she's not a serial killer just someone from one of the most renowned art institutes in the world. This could be it for you, so you better not mess it up Klaus."
Klaus chuckled at his manager. Her seemingly good mood had somewhat lifted his spirits as well. It was to receive some good news for a change other than the usual bad.
"Well show her a few pieces and I will try to get to there as soon as I can wrap things up here on this end. Do not sign anything without me there Klaus.. I mean it."
"Whatever you say boss lady." He agreed, ending the call to turn back to his unfinished painting
Since when do curators make house calls? Surely this person was desperate for a Klaus Mikaelson piece, otherwise why go through all the trouble?
Just as he was thinking about throwing on a clean shirt, he heard the doorbell.
That was fast.
Caroline gently buckled Charlotte into her car seat barely managing not wake her, while Henry sat in the stroller with a teething ring in his mouth. "Please don't wake your sister up.." She murmured over her son's forehead as she kissed him, picking him up from the stroller and placing him into his car seat.
While Caroline made fast with the straps of the device, Henry spotted a squirrel near the tree beside their house and squealed in delight, the teething-ring dropping to his lap in a pool of slobber drool.
Caroline froze looking over to Charlotte who started shifting "Please no.. please no. Please let her just sleep"
If Charlotte woke up now, she would surely scream blue murder wanting to be picked up and held. The drive over to Klaus' wasn't that far, but Caroline sent a silent prayer in hopes that her daughter would sleep on the way over to her father.
After about two or so minutes of turning in her sleep, Charlotte seemed to settle down. With the only movements elicited from her to be her little chest rising and falling as she slept.
Caroline sighed in relief before making sure to put Henry's pacifier in his mouth.
"Just ten minutes Hen, then you can scream as much as you want to over at Daddy's house okay?" She kissed his head after double checking the seat belts and finally getting in behind the wheel.
On the drive over, she tried his cell again.
Straight to voicemail
Then she tried the landline
No answer
While the phone kept ringing and ringing, the only thing Caroline could think of was that Klaus was finally over her. That he had found the will to move on and with all this time having flown by, this would soon be the reality. It was really kind of pathetic that of all possible scenarios that could have happened, her mind automatically jumped to that. She almost chuckled sadly after realizing how damaged she really was.
What if he left again? – Her heart started to beat really fast, and she even felt sweat rolling off her brow. Caroline had to admit, she was getting extremely worried and scared.
He wouldn't do that Caroline.
Yeah okay – maybe she was just being paranoid – again. There was no use in working herself up over nothing.
Well she was going over there to find out if he was dead; that had better be the only reason he was not answering his fucking phone.
"This is a nice surprise." Klaus smiled seeing his children and their mother standing in the doorway of the lounge. Henry on his mother's hip and Charlotte – now wide awake in the stroller. The twins stared excitedly at their father – Henry already wiggling in his mother's arms in attempts to get to Klaus and Charlotte waving her arms frantically in the air.
So maybe she let herself in. It's not like Klaus changed the secret hiding place of the spare key – in fact Caroline predominantly came up with it in the first place.
"Is everything okay?" He remembered it being her week to have the twins, unless he had gotten them mixed up again, it wouldn't be the first time... He didn't miss the annoyed expression on Caroline's face but the twins seemed okay so the worry simmered down.
"I tried calling bu-" Caroline stopped when her eyes fell on the other occupant in the room. A pretty brunette woman. "I didn't realize you had company." She failed miserably in trying to keep the judgmental tone out of her voice. Klaus frowned at her uncomfortable expression and followed her gaze over to where the curator was sitting perched up on the sofa.
Well that explains him not answering his phone.
Caroline wanted to scoff but bit her lip – releasing a shaky breath instead
How irresponsible of him, I mean what if it were an emergency?
"This is Hayley Marshall. She's the curator interested in a few of my pieces for the Metropolitan Museum in New York." Klaus said feeling the stranger desire to explain himself to Caroline. "Hayley this is Caroline, and these are my kids Henry and Charlotte." He smiled immediately moving to kiss Henry on his cheek and picked his daughter up from her stroller
"Hi, it's so nice to meet you," Hayley smiled at Caroline before turning back to him "Nik, I didn't realize that you were married..."
Nik?
Caroline was now almost certain that this curator was interested in much more than a few of his pieces. Klaus was not a fool either. Miss Marshall was so bloody obvious with her intentions but because he was a smug bastard, Caroline knew he would play dumb.
This curator had the hots for him and Caroline honestly hoped that he wouldn't misinterpret Hayley's flirtation for her interest in his work.
"Oh, no we're not. We're not married." He said
Wow. That kind of - hurt.
Klaus shifted awkwardly between the two women before changing the subject "This is Charlotte" he smiled - He loved showing off his kids and Hayley edged closer to him
"Wow what a strong grip." Hayley giggled as Charlotte held onto her her finger and Klaus smirked
Klaus watched with bated breath as Hayley attempted to interact with his daughter - she was not that fond of strangers and he hoped she'd at least be okay with Hayley all up in her face. So far the inquisition had gone well, she seemed genuinely interested in his work and did not mind in the slightest that he looked a mess. Before he knew it - Hayley had let out a cry of pain and he looked down to see that Charlotte had in fact had her chubby little hands wrapped around Hayley's brown locks and yanked down hard.
"Charlotte..." Klaus sighed prying her hands away from Hayley who animatedly let out a chuckle at the baby "Sorry. She usually just scowls at strangers, I don't know where this hair pulling came from all of a sudden." He frowned
Caroline, still standing in the doorway with Henry on her hip, silently observed the scene. A picture of Klaus and another woman with her daughter in between them - it made her angry. It felt as if Klaus was disregarding her completely. She had to admit though seeing Charlotte pull Hayley's hair gave a minuscule ounce of satisfaction.
And as if Henry was waiting for his mother to diagnose what was wrong with the current picture of his father and another woman, he chose that moment to burp and promptly spit up – on Caroline's chest coating her silk blouse in vomit.
"Henry–"
Caroline lifted her son up off her shoulder and held him out. She squirmed from side to side, trying in vain to get away from the wet, warm milk that was seeping through her shirt. Henry started cooing seeming to enjoy the sight of his mother. Charlotte followed soon after
"Great." Caroline mumbled turning on her heels with Henry on her hip. Frowning at the sight, Klaus turned back to Hayley
"Maybe we should reschedule?" Hayley offered sweetly
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble?" He replied "I apologize. You just took me by surprise is all."
"Not at all. I'll call Lexi and have her set something up soon. I'll only be in town for the next three days so preferably in that time." She fluffed her hair and picked up her purse from the couch
"Thank you, we will be in touch. Sorry about all of this" He snickered as he shifted Charlotte in his other arm.
"It's no problem. They are so cute." She cooed over Charlotte causing Klaus to chuckle before saying their good-byes. He saw her out and then turned back to find where Caroline had walked off to.
XXXXXXXXXX
This was honestly not the greatest day. Firstly, she completely forgot to plan her baby-sitting way in advance knowing that she would be attending a seminar today - which was very unlike Caroline. It just goes to show that her mind was on everything else going on besides work. Secondly, the reason she couldn't get a hold of Klaus proved to be a someone rather than a something and she wasn't going to lie and say that seeing that skinny bitch curator throw herself at Klaus and call him Nik so casually didn't piss her off, because it did. And last but definitely not least, her son had burped up all over Mommy's favorite silk blouse. If she wasn't late twenty minutes ago, she sure was super late now. There was no way she would make that workshop and it was something she could just call to reschedule, she'd have to settle for the webinar they'll post later on Youtube.
"Everything okay?" Klaus rounded the corner stepping into the kitchen
"Yeah, Henry just had a little accident all over my shirt. I guess it's a miss for that seminar." Caroline sighed and placed Henry into the high-chair after she cleaned him up.
"Oh shit, could you still make it in time if you left now?" Klaus asked trying to wreck his brain as to how he forgot that she had a meeting or seminar or was it Caroline who had forgotten? There wasn't any notices on the fridge.
"In this shirt?" Caroline turned around to face him and only then could Klaus fully asses the extent of damage.
"Wow."
"Exactly." Caroline mused and side stepped to go to the bathroom and get cleaned up.
"Not cool Hen." Klaus chastised his son who just gurgled in return. He sat Charlotte in her pink high chair next to her brother's blue one when he heard Caroline call out from the bathroom "Hey..uh Klaus?"
"Yes?"
"Could you-" Caroline strutted into the kitchen with her hands in the air, her shirt halfway off and the other half stuck around her head. The sight causing both the twins to gurgle, excitedly throwing their arms into the air. Clearly they were both under the impression that it was play time and mommy was acting silly
"Guys chill, Mommy's stuck." Klaus mused and walked over to her. He pulled onto the shirt, then tried yanking...
"Ow.."
"Sorry-"
"Just pull it.." Klaus heaved it off her in a quick swift move but then regretted it very much afterward.
Caroline Forbes was now standing in his kitchen in her bra...
"Thanks.." She mumbled unable to keep her eyes off his
"Sure." He replied and turned back to the twins rather quickly
Okay
Maybe she didn't affect him as much as he still affected her.
Perhaps he really was moving on
"Here."
Caroline turns around to see Klaus standing before her holding out one of his Henley's. She mumbled a thanks before shrugging it on. She was lying if she didn't admit that a heavy awkward bubble between them had surfaced. It felt like he didn't know how to act around her anymore - and this frustrated her to a point of no end.
Klaus watched Caroline shrug into his Henley. And really tried hard to peal the image of her standing in her bra from his mind. Girls would flirt with him, even throw themselves at him. But Caroline was different, and Klaus didn't want to confuse her politeness with flirting.
Why would the mother of his children suddenly be flirting with him? It had been months. And the day she made her intentions clear was still fresh in his mind. So much so that Klaus made himself a solemn promise to himself that he would never bring it up again. He would let her go.
And while a remorseful feeling had floated around Klaus as he reminisced about the painful past, it seemed that Caroline's mind had been working overtime with something much more devious and feelings she'd rather not let surface.
Although she would never admit out loud - Caroline was glad she missed the seminar, she definitely planned on sticking around here for the rest of the day at least so that Klaus didn't bring that brown-eyed Jezebel back. Caroline knew her type, and it was people like that she did not want around her children at all. Maybe that was 90% of the green monster called jealousy talking but she'd like to justify the other 10% to maternal instinct thank you very much.
"I have some paperwork to read through before Lexi gets here, are you okay to feed them?" Klaus asked and she nodded
"Yeah of course, I'm sorry you had to cut your meeting short"
She was not sorry.
"No worries. We've rescheduled." He smiled and walked off.
Dammit.
"Say Mom," Caroline said as she fed Henry and Charlotte in their high-chairs.
Henry blew a raspberry
The twins were entering their nine-month milestone. With the amount of weight they had both put on since birth, it was almost impossible to see that they were premature. Henry and Charlotte who were only nine months were almost as big as their cousin Emily and she was nearly two
But other than the usual babbles and coo's, not one of them had ever said a word yet. To Caroline it was a little frustrating because she so badly wanted their first word to be 'Mom'. She was a little envious that Emily could already say 'Mom', 'Dad', 'Beh' for Rebekah, 'Nee' for Klaus, 'Lena for Elena and Ol' for Kol.
"Say Mom-my" Caroline said wiping his mouth but her son continued to blow raspberries
"Ma? Moo? Anything?" Caroline asked Charlotte who had more porridge on her face than in her bowl.
Another raspberry
She sighed incredulously
"Not today then." She smiled and then turned to wipe all the porridge from Charlotte's mouth
"Da!" Henry said and Caroline's eyes went wide
"Henry.."
"Da!" Henry repeated again before blowing another raspberry.
"Not quite 'Mom'...but still very good!" She said kissing his cheek. "Klaus! Klaus" Caroline called out.
"I know we don't live in the same house anymore, but I was right next door in the other room there is no need to yell Caroline." Klaus said walking into the kitchen. "What happened in here?" Klaus referred more to his children's porridge-infested faces
"Say it again," Caroline said to Henry
Henry stared blankly at his parents before blowing more raspberries. Charlotte decided to join in with her brother and Caroline was starting to think that her little loves were trying to make her look silly in front of Klaus
"Raspberries? I knew they could do that, the problem is getting them to stop." Klaus smirked as he went over to the kitchen sink
"Come on Henry, don't leave Mom hanging..." Caroline pouted
"What's all this about?" Klaus frowned
"Well, Henry said his first word.. But I guess his over it now so-"
"Da!" Henry said with a giggle. "Da da da da da!" Charlotte giggled along as her brother went on and on
"He said Da," Klaus said smiling and went over and picked Henry up. He kissed his chubby little cheeks, mindful of how messy it was
"That is not fair," Caroline said picking up Charlotte "I literally carried him around for eight months and his first word is "Da?"
"Can you say Mom?" Caroline asked Charlotte.
Charlotte stared at her mother but thought it would be much more fun to pull her hair instead
"Ow... Okay well a simple 'no' would have been fine." Caroline winced and Klaus chuckled "This hair-pulling has definitely become a new thing for you hey Charlotte."
"Da!" Henry called out.
"Yes Dad's boy" Klaus kissed his chubby cheek. Then kissed Charlotte's cheek too.
"They're our smart little wolves" Caroline agreed
"Well with you as their Mum, how could they not be?" Klaus said looking at her fondly and then realized his mistake. He was suppose to be keeping a safe distance. A calm and co-parent relationship and here he was passing comments like that. He blamed on his still present - love for her and the heat of the moment.
Caroline stared back into his eyes in wonder. It was not too long ago that she was almost certain Klaus felt awkward around her because he didn't know how to act..but even so she couldn't help but think as to how perfect this moment was. No one was thinking, they were just living in the now - and it was perfect.
"Thanks," Caroline said smiling at Klaus and he shot her a brief smile trying to keep his gaze on their children instead of her.
"Let's get you both cleaned up" Klaus took Charlotte from Caroline.
She watched with loving eyes as Klaus carried both of their children to the bathroom to get them clean. It was in moments like this that she almost forgot they were not a real family. They were just two people raising their children together.
While 'I love you' was on the tip of Caroline's tongue, she held back. Had it been a few months prior she was almost positive Klaus would say it back in a heart beat... Only after today's weird events, Caroline was just not that sure anymore.
There is something fulfilling about walking hand in hand with the person you love; especially when said person was your gorgeous boyfriend - Kol Mikaelson. He was undeniably handsome, funny, smart and he was hers. Bonnie sighed in content shooting him a goofy grin as he turned to her in response.
"What's that look for?" He smirked - but he already knew
"Nothing. Just glad I met you." Bonnie offered shyly as she clasped her hand tighter around his. Kol leaned in to kiss her cheek in acknowledgement. They spent hours holding hands and window-shopping through the narrow streets of The French Quarter, taking little strolls along the river. They had settled into the new house quite nicely and loved shopping together trying to fill it with new things that would soon become a part of the life they were sharing.
Their walks had occurred often to none and before they knew it, it had become the perfect little attribute to their in their daily routine. The usual rush of activity in the streets of New Orleans was always refreshing and even though one might come to think you would grow tired and bored of seeing the same things - the truth was a far cry from that. New Orleans never ceased to surprise her and it was one of the reasons she decided to make a home here.
Bonnie and Kol just had lunch at Caroline's favorite little bistro place which now became their favorite. Bonnie and would get off work for an hour and Kol would meet her for lunch before they took their little love stroll as Rebekah would poetically put it.
They even declared one river bench – "Our bench" – it was more private than the others – where they spent their time sitting and talking, talking and kissing, dreaming about the future. It was a magical, exhilarating time.
Moving in together had been a big step – but a right one no doubt. Over the coming months Bonnie had learned more and more about Kol: his dreams, fears, his frustrations, his cynical sense of humor – his loyalty to his siblings. And in turn, he too had learned a great deal about Bonnie.
"Oh my God!"
Bonnie's sudden outburst causes Kol to halt in his steps
He watches her power walk toward man with a dozen or so dogs in a large box of some sort. It was no mystery that the dogs were to be adopted as the kennel was just around the corner. What Kol could not understand though was why Bonnie had gotten so excited - I mean, they were just dogs.
"Aww look, a puppy." Bonnie cooed seeing the little guys wagging their tails in resp
"Puppy? He looks pretty big to me." Kol says
"His smaller than the bunch on the other side," Says the man of the dogs "His been here for four months now." he continued
Bonnie stared wide eyed in sheer awe of the cute little canine pup before her wagging his little tail at her
"He's so cute!" Bonnie grins "Who would give away a dog like this? It says on here 'Can't keep' What does that mean? Is something wrong with him? What will happen if his not adopted? Will they just put him down?"
The man shrugs
"I think we should get him Kol." Bonnie says
"Bonnie this is a puppy.. it doesn't have the proper training and I don't think my brothers would want this thing around their kids either." Kol sighed
"Maybe we can train him ourselves, you know – to like little kids before then. I mean we're having kids some day, think of it as a trial run"
A little shocked that she could speak so freely and certainly that they were going to have children some day Kol quickly masked his face with a smile "We've gone without a dog for this long." He says "No one says we have to get a dog."
"I know but I've never had one." She says "I want to. I think it would be fun."
She reached out to pat it's head but the dog shied away in a little ball in the corner making Bonnie's heart weep. "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
The dog wearily etched forward to sniff her hand and then seemed to relax underneath her touch - bringing a smile to Bonnie's face.
Kol stared at Bonnie incredulously thinking about why she wants to adopt a dog. - She was the kind of a girl who loved to stretch out under the sheets, eating chocolates, reading books and fucking on rainy afternoons. He had no idea where a little dog would fit into all of that though.
"Please please please..."
"No."
Katherine tried to go through all the scenarios that would play themselves out during the course of their lunch. One thing that was certain was that she could not even begin to imagine how she was going to sort this mess out.
She arrived at the restaurant fifteen prior to the scheduled meeting with Stefan.
Katherine went to the concierge and told him who she was meeting and what time. He checked the reservation under her name and checked it off. Katherine then went into the bar to have a much needed drink to take the edge off and while she waited for their table to be prepared.
There was a reason Katherine had chosen a high class and much more secluded restaurant.
Katherine was receiving her drink when the concierge let her know that her table was ready and that the other member of her lunch date had arrived and will meet her at the table. She thanked him, downed her shot of tequila before ordering another Cosmo and made her way to the table.
She approached the table and noted that Stefan was already seated.
They sat in silence for a moment, each one studying the other wearily before their food had arrived. She wondered idly what he would say or do if he found out about Elena. And although it was not her place to tell him she wished she could somehow convince Elena to confess to him. As tragic as the news of her sister's infertility was - Katherine was certain that it would bring Stefan and Elena back together.
"You didn't seem surprised when I asked to meet for lunch." Katherine looked at Stefan as he played around with his salad
Stefan shrugged "Needed a change of scenery anyway."
"How's work?"
"Okay I guess." He smiled tight lipped signaling the waitress over "Can I get another drink."
"Coming right up."
"Stefan.." Katherine snapped at him as she watched her almost brother-in-law ogle the waitress backside as she went to retrieve his drink.
"Hmm." He looked up at Kat, smirking no less
"You might not be dating my sister anymore, but that doesn't mean you get to act like a complete asshole." She rolled her eyes at him
"Have I told you how much I've missed your frankness,"
"So Enzo emailed me.." Katherine announced
That seemed to grab Stefan's attention as he shifted slightly. The playful and bored demeanor, now completely non-existent "Did he now…"
"When the hell were you planning on telling us exactly? And why the hell did you request to transfer to New York?"
AN: This whole chapter is just a mess. Like everything in my head.
I know it's been a while but I just needed a break to clear all the negative energy, strip down to the core and remember all the positive reasons why I started writing fan-fiction in the first place.
Thank you all for the support you have shown thus far - This is my first story, I'm not a professional and I have no beta and yet and I'm still so amazed by the positive feedback.
xx