Chapter 5

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story belongs to me.

Note: Previously, in "Rolling in the Deep," Caroline returns home after the interview, still reeling from the unexpected kiss she and Klaus shared. Meanwhile, Belinda La Fleur reports back to Marcel about the newest hire.

Hey, everyone! I apologize for the late update (the last time I touched this story was March 29), but real life got hectic and just recently, I had a medical procedure and had to stay overnight in the hospital for observation. Since I'm here now, I'll give you guys an update for your patience.

HERE WE GO!

Hybrid Club - Next Day…

There was a look of determination on her face as Caroline reported to her first day of her new job. She made sure to arrive earlier than the appointed time so that she could get started. Klaus told her that he wanted to have everything set up in time for the gala that evening, and Caroline didn't want to disappoint him, or the people that were going to be attending said gala.

Just then, her phone rang. That was strange, because she wasn't expecting a call this early. She reached into her purse to see if the call was important. She saw Liz's number on the ID screen and wondered what her mother was calling about.

"Mom? What's going on?" She immediately got nervous. "Are you okay?"

"Don't worry, honey, I'm fine," her mother. "It's Victor. He's in the hospital."

Caroline's heart pounded. This wasn't good, especially since her stepfather was always careful. "What happened?"

"Apparently, one of the idiots working for him showed up drunk at the job site. Victor reprimanded him and told him to leave before someone got hurt. The guy didn't listen and tried to go to work as normal. Victor tried to stop him and a fist fight broke out."

"Shit," said Caroline. "How did Victor wind up in the hospital?"

"The drunk worker shot him after losing the fight," said Liz. "How he was able to shoot a gun while intoxicated is beyond me. Thankfully, the other workers were able to subdue him and call the police and an ambulance."

"What did the doctors tell you?"

"They said the bullet didn't hit any major organs, so he's going to live," said Liz. "As for the asshole responsible for this incident, he's going to jail for attempted murder."

"At least Victor is going to be okay," said Caroline. "Did you need me to come to Mystic Falls? I could book a ticket on the next flight out and…"

"I appreciate the offer, sweetie, but really, you don't have to do that," said Liz. "Besides, Cody told me you're starting your new job today and I don't want you to get fired because of me. I'll keep you posted on Victor's condition."

Caroline nodded. "I'd like that. I'll talk to you later then. Love you."

She hung up and wondered why someone would be that stupid as to show up drunk at a place of employment when it was frowned upon, and to escalate it by throwing punches and then taking out a gun and shooting the boss. It sickened her to no end to think people like that existed. While she was tempted to go to Mystic Falls to be with her mother, what could she possibly do? Chances are she'd only wind up being in the way when from the sound of it, Liz had things well in hand.

Deciding to put it out of her mind for the time being, Caroline continued to where she was supposed to go and on her way, she heard voices, rather angry voices, and as she got closer, she saw Stefan and a heavily pregnant blonde woman.

That must be his wife, the one he was telling me about yesterday. But, what could they be talking about? And I don't think she should be angry like this, especially not in her condition.

"Stefan, I know you want to support me and our child, and I love you for it, but why couldn't you have gotten a less dangerous job?"

"I appreciate your concern, Rebekah," he said. "Believe me, I don't enjoy getting beaten up by drunk assholes who think they're proving a point. I'd quit today if I could, but we need the money to pay for things for the baby."

"Father and Eleanor are already paying for those things," said Rebekah. "They're even paying for the shower."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for their help," said Stefan. "Hell, my mother is offering her help too. Ever since you announced your pregnancy six months ago, we've been getting nothing but help from both of our families."

Caroline bit her lip when she heard Stefan mentioning his mother. She had almost completely forgotten about Elisabetta. She probably doesn't know about Dominic and Arianna. The only grandchild she knows about is the one Stefan and Rebekah are having. Shit, how could I have been so stupid?

Finally, she decided to speak, having been quiet for long enough.

"Am I interrupting anything?"

Stefan looked up at her, a smile on his face. Even though he didn't know she had been standing there and listening to their conversation, he was relieved that it was over (for the time being, anyway).

"Hey, Caroline," he said. "No, you weren't interrupting anything. In fact, I'd like you to meet someone." He wrapped his arm around Rebekah's waist. "Caroline Forbes, this is my wife, Rebekah Mikaelson Salvatore."

Caroline nodded. "It's nice to meet you finally."

"Likewise," said Rebekah. "And I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to attend your would-be wedding. My father had a heart attack and my stepmother had to take him to the hospital. I told Stefan to go without me because I wanted to be here in case they needed me."

"It's okay, there was no wedding anyway," said Caroline. "The groom decided he'd rather be with some whore he met at his bachelor party than with me."

She cleared her throat and added, "How's your father? Is he feeling better?"

"Yes, he's doing well," said Rebekah. "Though, I was scared we were going to lose him. My father is a dear man, even though he can a stubborn bastard at times."

Caroline nodded. "I know what you mean. My mother is a bit stubborn herself."

She looked down at her watch and saw the time. "Shit, I really have to run or I'll be late. It was nice to finally meet you, Rebekah."

Rebekah nodded and Caroline excused herself from the couple, hurrying off to her assigned area, hoping that they hadn't started without her.

Belinda, dressed in a waitress disguise, watched as Caroline hurried past her. Her phone went off and, heading to a place where she was sure no one would be listening, she answered it.

"I was wondering when I'd hear from you, Marcellus."

"What's going on over there so far, Lindy?"

"Caroline is going to be making preparations for the gala and I am going to be keeping an extra close eye on her."

"Good," said Marcel. "Make sure she doesn't know you're watching her. I don't want anything to go wrong. I don't know what Klaus has in mind for tonight, but damn it, I want to find out what it is. I'm counting on you."

"Don't you worry, cher," said Belinda. "I've got everything well in hand."

Note: Here we are, as a reward for your patience, Chapter 5 of my AU/AH. The mystery of why Rebekah was absent at Caroline and Damon's would-be wedding was solved. Stay tuned for more!

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