A/N : Hi guys, so this fic FINALLY HAS 150 REVIEWS… YAYYYY TO ME LOL… AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED.
Also a bundle of thanks to people who followed and faved.
I know this update has been late, but writer's block is a terrible thing.
Many of the issues have been resolved. I hope I can update the next chapter sooner. Please don't forget to leave a review.
This one goes out to the guests who reviewed.
Chapter 17
Let Me Be Yours
All of them were sitting in the waiting room of the hospital in the maternity wing, with Caroline and Kat seated next to each other. Elijah sat next to Kat on the other side. Kol and Klaus were sitting on the seats in front of them and Bonnie sat in one corner. It had been an hour since they had taken Rebekah to the labor room and Enzo was with her.
Everybody mutely just looked at each other. The tension in the room was practically palpable and could be only hacked with a saw.
Caroline and Bonnie were both evading each other and those around them, being aware that their little show had been witnessed by everybody.
Even the men, who had supposedly been playing pool knew what had passed between looked up when she felt Klaus's eyes upon her. She saw his pensive face but couldn't decrypt the emotions behind it. She glanced at Bonnie and sighed out loud.
Bonnie in turn averted her eyes from Caroline's face and her gaze fell on Kol, she instantly looked away unable to behold the agonizing wistfulness on Kol's face.
Caroline sighed again and Kat remarked," Care if you sigh one more time I'm gonna push you down from this chair." Caroline narrowed her eyes at Kat announcing her displeasure. Kat just rolled her eyes and added , "God I can't take this wait anymore. Does anyone want coffee? I'm gonna get some for myself."
No one except Elijah answered, "I'll accompany you." Then the couple left.
Caroline got up and sat next to Bonnie.
"Bon?"
Impassive Bonnie faced her. Caroline lifted her hand and gingerly placed it over Bonnies. "I'm sorry Bon. I shouldn't have talked to you like that"
The two women were now sitting in a corner away from Kol and Klaus so their voices hardly reached the men.
"I was out of line. I really am sorry. I guess when you suggested that my life was problem free I got triggered." she gave a smile , "But trust me I….. we…. All of us just want you to be happy."
Bonnie looked down at Caroline's hands on hers as she listened to her. She glanced up and with tears in her eyes replied, "I'm sorry too. To all of you." and then went quiet.
"Bon talk to me. Please. If it makes you feel better just yell at me some more. But don't freeze me out. I .. i know i haven't been there for you. I know I'm late just know that no matter what I'll be here for you."
"Caroline.. I.." her breath hitched, "I needed to hear it from somebody I guess, what you said back at the house." she massaged her forehead and continued, "It isn't fair to anybody especially Kol. I'm bringing him down with me and he deserves so much more. He deserves to be with the girl he fell in love with not this ugly shell who looks like that girl."
"Hey.."
"You don't understand. I can not see a way to get out. But thank you for wanting to help me."
"Don't give up just yet. Talk to him. Tell him what you feel. Don't make his decision for him. Let him decide."
Bonnie felt a little lighter , Caroline was right Kol should make his own decision. Ignoring the truth for fear of losing him would only corrupt this mess they were in, even more. She needed to talk to him, she owed it to him.
Bonnie clasped Caroline's hand and squeezed it for reassurance. Caroline could clearly view the newfound determination on Bonnie's face. She hugged her from the side and Bonnie hugged back. Then Caroline got up, "I'm gonna get coffee too."
Klaus got up too, "I'll come with you." Klaus felt Caroline's reluctance at him joining her so he tilted his head slightly and she realized what he was hinting at. Bonnie and Kol needed some time alone. So Caroline nodded and then together they left.
Kol regarded her cautiously waiting for her to make the first move. Bonnie knew he would not come to her until she let him know she wanted him to. She stared at his handsome face, the anguish in his eyes, the lines of fatigue marring his beauty and struggled with the fact that she was responsible for his torment. Hence she had to take the initial step. Her heart heavy and her feet felt cemented to the ground even as she wanted to run into his arms and feel them close against her.
Bonnie stood and went to sit beside him, all the while his eyes, those alluring eyes, never left hers.
"Kol." words getting lodged in her throat but she pushed past them. "I'm sorry." her eyes filled and tears spilled.
Kol couldn't stop himself from wiping them away. No torment was more intense and severe to him than her pain. He could see what it was costing her to say those words.
"Syrup...don't.."
He hadn't called her with that endearment in ages she thought.
"No please let me say this. It's been coming a long time now. I am sorry for everything. For the pain I've caused you, for pushing you away, for not letting you be there for me. I am just so sorry" she was crying now. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead and by god did it feel good and peaceful to let him.
Pulling away a little he responded, "I'm sorry too."
"Why?" she hiccuped.
"For not yelling at you like Caroline did. Had I known that was the trick I would've given you an earful myself." he smiled and she found it infectious.
"You've been treating me like glass, afraid that one slight hit might shatter me." She ran her hand on his jacket collar not wanting to break the contact with him. Unconsciously equating it with the connection she wanted with him.
"I didn't want to hurt you, break your spirit, Bon."
"Don't you see I'm already broken. I have been broken this entire time you were treating me like a porcelain doll. And this what we have now it's just my fault."
"Bon...it's not your fault."
"It is. You expect me to be that girl who you married but I'm not that person anymore. I lost her somewhere and I can't seem to get her back. I've tried to be that person for you but it hurts here." she rested a hand over her heart. " It hurts that I try and fail to be the woman you deserve. I have changed."
More tears fell and for a moment she closed her eyes.
Kol felt his heart wrench painfully at seeing her so vulnerable and broken. She was so proud and strong and seeing her like this made him want to punch something. He wanted to tuck her in his arms and take away her despair and desolation.
"You think I haven't changed. In past five years I've become a man, a husband and a father. I'm not that nincompoop anymore."
"It's not the same thing Kol. Growing up to become a responsible adult is one thing and losing sense of who you are is another. You cannot…"
"I get it Bon. I can not equate the changes I've undergone to what you have endured. All I'm saying is I'm not the same kid you fell for either. You're terrified that this disease, your condition has changed you so I won't love you anymore or that our bond wouldn't be the same. You're wrong I'm still in love with you."
"Kol please.."
"I'm frightened too, petrified that I won't be a good father to Abby or a good husband to you. I struggle with the reality that my wife and my baby girl are worth so much more than I can be."
"You're making me feel guilty. You're an amazing father and great husband everything a sane woman would want but it's just that I'm not normal anymore."
Kol ran his hands over his face, "So you ….. you want to .. What do you want then?"
When she silently stared at him with tears again welling up Kol wiped them away again, "Tell me. I'd do anything but please don't cry."
This was the defining moment when she had to finally choose to hold onto him or let go forever. Hold onto pain and anguish which she had sown or rip it out and set him free. But it wasn't a fair choice in fact for her it wasn't a choice at all, her life was her family, Kol's smile and Abby's gurgling laughter, however she couldn't be self-centered anymore.
"I don't want to destroy your chances at a better future with someone else. You're … you…"
"Stop just tell me you don't want to return to me." Hurt churning up his insides inducing a torment so intense that he felt as if his heart and soul might die."And don't lie. You owe me the truth."
"I can't because I want to return to you but I've lost my way." Bonnie confessed.
Kol didn't know that he could feel such contentment before. Bonnie's confession lit his heart and he felt as if something lost had been returned to him. He held her hand and kissed the pulse at her wrist lingering for a while.
"Then we will find our way together."
"Kol?"
"Look at me Bonnie just really look at me. Do you honestly think I can find my happiness elsewhere when my heart and my life is sitting right here in front of me."
Her tears threatened to fall again, "You're entitled to so much.."
"No. I said look at me."
She lifted her eyes to his and saw the potency of his devotion and love for her. It imparted her the fulfillment and peace of mind that was lacking earlier.
"Are you sure?" she asked afraid to hope too much.
"Yes. If you want me?"
"I do."
"Then trust me. We will get through this."
"How?"
With his signature naughty smile he responded, "We can do it all over again. We can fall in love again."
"And it's that easy?"
"No but it'll definitely be fun." he joked.
She gave out a teary laugh.
"Sometimes you have to fight for the one person you want to be with forever. Will you be my partner in this battle? I know we can win this."
She smiled and combed her fingers through his. Then leaned forward and pressed a sweet chaste kiss on his lips. It stirred her blood in seconds, their passion was fierce as ever.
He felt his desire surface the moment she laid her lips on his. He obviously wanted more but he would take it at her pace. Her leap of faith and her trust in him was fragile so he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize it.
"So Mrs Mikaelson will you go out on a date with me tomorrow?"
"Sure. But I have a little girl and.."
"You don't have to worry about her we have plenty of loving aunts and uncles who would love an evening with their niece."
She laughed again and he kissed her head.
"Think about all the stuff we can experiment with that we never had a chance to do before." his cheeky smile and wink was her undoing. A laugh rumbled through him and it she felt it course through her too.
She shook her head and answered just as jovially, "In your dreams Mikaelson." and he knew things would be fine.
;;;;;;;;,,,,;;;;;;;;;;
(MEANWHILE)
Klaus brought a cup of coffee for Caroline while she stood near the windows on the second floor. She watched the sky encased in tarry blackness, the distant stars and the flickering city lights.
"Hey." Klaus mumbled and she turned and took the cup from him.
"You didn't get any for yourself?"
"Nope. Coffee so late at night makes me whoozy"
She chuckled but her laugh faded when he closed the distance between them. Klaus played with the golden curls falling on her right shoulder.
She took a step back and turned back to take in the view, his hand halted mid air and then curling his fingers he let his hand fall.
"I'm sorry Caroline." he stood beside her.
"I forgave you earlier, Klaus. You don't have to keep on apologizing time and again." She took a sip from her coffee.
"Back at the house you said you never had me." he whispered and she interrupted, "It was said in a moment of anger it didn't mean anything. What we had was nice. I not going to shortchange it."
He repeated, "You said you never had me. You'll always me Caroline." he faced her now wanting to see face.
"Klaus don't go there not just yet." She took another sip.
"What if I say I didn't have a choice?" Antsy he turned her to face him. She put the cup on the window sill.
"We always have a choice. We just dont want to see it that way." Caroline's smile didn't reach her eyes.
He pulled her closer holding her gaze with his, " I didn't have a choice. You were in love with me back then right? Tell me."
"What .."
"Tell me please." he begged.
"Yes. But.."
"Would you have chosen my happiness over my life?" his eyes seemed sad.
"This..what are you saying?" Caroline asked befuddled. But the moment was interrupted when Kat remarked as she strode towards them and they pulled apart. Caroline picked up her cup and took a sip, her throat suddenly felt constricted.
"Guys! You're here? I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Rebekah had a baby boy. They brought her and the baby out to her room." she announced.
"Congratulations Klaus." Caroline said and the three of them began walking towards Rebekah's room.
"Thank you." he murmured feeling happy for his sister.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
"Bekah he is so cute." Caroline remarked as Rebekah cradled the baby in her arms. Enzo was sitting beside her with his arm around her. He kissed Rebekah's head and then leaned down to kiss the baby.
"I'm a little shocked the child is a human Rebekah. Honestly I was expecting a baby demon considering you're the mommy." Kat said as she peaked over Caroline's shoulder to take look at the little angel. The baby was so adorable which was given being the child such attractive parents.
"Say whatever you want Kat. Nothing you say is going to make me mad. I'm so darn happy today."
Rebekah replied and kissed her baby.
Klaus moved forward and hugged her. "Congratulations mommy."
She laughed heartily, "Thanks bro."
Next Elijah moved forward and hugged her, "I'm happy for you Rebekah."
"Thank you 'Lijah."
Kol and Bonnie came in next and moved closer to offer their congratulations.
"Well I'd say thank god he looks like you Beky and didn't inherit any of Enzo's ugly features."
Everyone laughed. Enzo took the baby from her arms and said, "You need to rest you must be stumped." he wanted to kiss her hard but didn't in lieu of people present. She recognized the glint in his eyes and murmured, "Later."
"I think we should all leave. Enzo looks frustrated with all of us hanging around here. He clearly wants some alone time with his family." Caroline remarked
"Frustrated? Dear Enzo was actually demented ,threatening to sue the doctor because Rebekah was having labor pains and the imbecile was just sitting there asking her to push." Kat stated and a chorus of laughs rang around the room.
"Beks. We're leaving. Call us if you need anything." Kol came closer and kissed the baby's head who was now resting in his mothers lap. Bonnie hugged her and she too kissed the baby. "Take care."
"You too Bon."
The rest of the party also greeted Rebekah and Enzo and then left.
Enzo sat beside her wife again and this time kissed her on her lips, helplessly she responded to sweet firmness of his lips. The baby stirred in her lap and they pulled away.
Enzo traced a knuckle over his baby's cheek, "I love you both so much." his voice gruff with emotion and tenderness.
Rebekah smiled and kissed him again and then leaned down to kiss her baby, "I never knew I could make a miracle. He is perfect."
To make her laugh he acted offended, "Hey I helped you didn't make him on your own."
As expected she gave out a small chuckle, "Thank you for everything Enzo. I love you and him so much."
He kissed her head and replied, "Pleasure is all mine, gorgeous."
:::::::::::::::::::::;:;;;::::
"When I say your names please step forward. So I can assign you a class. All five of you will be given a schedule of your classes here. At the end of this month we are having a dance competition with a prize money of $1000. You can participate alone or with partners if you are confident enough to compete. Also we have a very strict policy about bullying, thus if anyone bullies you or you bully anyone we will cancel your scholarship here and other measures will also be taken." Caroline said to the five new students from the Care-Home as they sat on the sofa in her office.
Tascha and Ophelia were sitting next to each other. Another fifteen year old redhead Elaine sat on Ophelia's other side. Travis a thin tall, fifteen year old boy with green eyes and lean features sat next to Elaine and Jake sat alone on the corner sofa.
"Elaine." Caroline said and girl with pixie like figure, hesitant blue eyes and red hair stepped forward.
"This is your schedule for the classes. At the end of this semester you can decide what dance form you want to major in. If you have any problem don't hesitate to talk to me, okay?"
"Thank you." Elaine said and left.
Next she called Travis handed him his schedule and acceptance letter. When he left. She addressed Jake.
He stood up and swaggered towards her. After Caroline handed him his schedule she added, "Oh and Jake I know you are good. You know you are good. But the kids here don't know that. You'll have to work hard here to stand out."
"Ah. Thanks." he replied and she nodded. He turned and glanced at Tascha. She was wearing a light orange frock with a white sweater, her hair braided. She was looking enchanting, she looked at him with some weird expression, like maybe she was happy with his decision to join the Academy. She smiled at him and the fluttery thing in his stomach returned. He swallowed and with another glance in her direction left Caroline's office.
Ophelia was next. Caroline gave her the same instructions and added, "Oh Ophelia sorry it took me so long but I have this." she opened up her drawer and brought out light pink ballet shoes. "For you. Bonnie insisted. And also this autograph."
"Omi-eff-ing-gawd. This is too much. Thank you so much. It means loads like bundles but.."
"Please take it. It's a gift from her."
"Thank you I'm your slave. No literally I am. Before I start rambling I'll go outside." Ophelia exclaimed and tucking the shoes and her autograph like a prized possession against her she exited the office too.
"So Tascha. Here you go. Your schedule. I'll tell you what I told the others you need anything don't hesitate. Come to me."
In answer Tascha nodded and then was about to say something but didn't. Caroline encouraged, "Do you want to ask me something?"
"Will we have couple or group performances?"
"Yes. You will."
"I told Eva that it's … it's hard for me to be close to strangers." Tascha tucked a loose curl behind her right ear.
Caroline was reminded of her youth when she was petrified of another man's touch. Her heart went out for Tascha. She got up from her seat and led Tascha to the sofas, once they were seated she said, "Tascha. You don't have to worry about that. The couple performances won't start until a few weeks. By that you will have gotten to know everyone in your class and you can choose to work with anyone you feel comfortable with."
"Thank you Miss Caroline."
"Your welcome."
Then Tascha grabbed her bag and left.
:::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
(Two Weeks Later)
"So all of you scoot." Katherine ended her class and the students started leaving. "Yo, Tascha. I'd like to talk you to. Come by my office. I'll be waiting." she called out when she saw the brunette move over to pick up her bag with her friend Ophelia beside her. Then with a courteous smile Katherine left.
"What do you think she is gonna say?" Tascha asked as she nervously picked on her sleeves.
"Tasch, relax. I'm sure it's nothing."
"I'm not so sure." Tascha voiced her concern as they left the hall and began walking side by side.
"Hey. Chill. Okay. Miss Pierce is pretty cool. She's not one of those stuck up bitchy teachers. Everything is gonna be fine. I'll come with you."
"No. It's okay. I know you have ballroom practise for the event. I'll go by myself."
"Tasch.."
"No just go. I'll be fine."
"Tascha."
"Ophe. I'll be okayyy."
"Okay. Text me as soon as your free I'll find you."
"Okay." Tascha replied.
:::::;:;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
"Tascha. This is not one of those visits to the principal's office so you can relax. I can practically feel you vibrating with stress from where I'm sitting."
"O...okay." Tascha swallowed as she continued to nervously wring her hands.
"I'm not going to admonish or warn you. I just wanted to talk to you about your style and technique. We both know you have talent and you are good. But good is not enough. It's been two weeks since you've been here and I don't see any progress. I know it's too soon to expect you to be best at what you do but I'm sorry to say it feels as if you are too afraid to try to work hard. Can you tell me why that is? You didn't join this to be close to Ophelia did you?"
"No. I want to be here. It's just I feel…"
"It's okay. I'm good at keeping secrets." Kat smiled.
"Miss Pierce it's just. When people are looking at me while I'm dancing I feel like I'm not good enough to be here."
Kat's heart felt for the teen. She got up from her office seat and went to beside Tascha on the sofa in her office.
"You are." she placed her hands on Tascha's trembling ones, "Or you wouldn't have been here. There is nothing to be afraid of. Would you really let your fear steal something you love to do from you?"
"I don't want to. I want this opportunity and make something of myself."
"Good. Then you'll have to work harder. Show it in your dance. Don't cower. Just meet any problem head on."
"It's difficult for me."
"I know. Caroline mentioned something about you having difficulty in being around people. That's why she isn't saying something. She would not say anything."
"She also thinks I'm bad at dance."
"No. You are not bad. I understand your inhibitions." at Tascha's wide eyed stare she instantly added, "And no I have not read your file. But I get what you are going through because a friend of mine went through similar stuff."
"What did she do?"
"She worked her ass off and didn't let her circumstances or her past dictate her future. Now she owns this Academy with me."
"Miss Forbes?"
Kat nodded.
"She is so….. great."
"You can be too. Just have a little faith and work hard. The halls are open after hours if you want to practise. Another reason I called was we are going to have couple practises from next week. I'll pair each one of you with a senior, so you can learn from them. Are you going to be okay with this?"
"Yes." Tascha replied with determination.
"Good. I've called Tristan here. He is going to be your partner."
"Tristan Crawford?"
"Yes."
"But he is really good."
"I know. I paired the five of you with one of the senior students so you can work on your weaknesses." with that she turned when a knock sounded on her door.
"Come in." Katherine went to sit back in her chair.
A tall lanky boy with mahogany hair that were styled in a business man's cut and leafy green eyes entered. His chin had a stubborn tilt which looked rakish when he smiled just like now when he gave Miss Pierce a charming smile. In a rich voice he said, "Mam. You called me."
"Yes Tristan. Please sit."
Without any hesitation, he chose the sofa next to Tascha. His movements and posture effortless and suave perfectly reflecting his aristocratic background.
He passed a courteous smile to Tascha and she felt a little intimidated.
"Tristan. Meet Tascha Sullivan. She is from the new semester and she is going to be your partner for next week. Tascha, Tristan." Katherine introduced them.
"Hello." he said with ease his smile never faltering.
"Hi." Tascha acknowledged his greeting.
"I just called you here so you can be be better acquainted with each other and work together and learn from each other."
Tristan nodded and Tascha gave a smile.
"Both of you can leave now." Katherine then excused them.
::::::::::::::::::::
They exited Kat's office and Tascha remarked, "I know this is not an ideal situation for you since your the best in your semester and I'm not doing very well. But i'll try to do my best."
He smiled again, "Tascha. I haven't seen you dance so I wouldn't know. However I'll say this, don't worry about making me look bad. We are all here to learn."
Tascha felt relieved by his reassurance. Although he had a dignified air about him which made him a little intimidating by his courteous response eased Tascha a bit. She smiled at him and was about to leave when he impeded her by asking, "Wait. You're that blonde's friend. The one with an abrasive personality and a foul mouth on her."
"Excuse me?" Tascha felt offended on Ophelia's behalf.
"What's her name? Ophelia, yes ! What is wrong with her? A few days ago I accidentally bumped into her and she scalped me over it. Muttering something about rich privileged asshole kids."
Tascha didn't know what had transpired between them but the way he described it she could fathom that Ophelia must have said something to him.
"I'm sorry we are new here…"
"You're from the Care-Home?" he asked his expression sympathetic.
"Yes. We all are just adjusting here."
"I'm sorry. If you ever need anything I mean I don't want to offend you.."
"Oh no. It's nice of you to ask. But really we are fine."
"Okay. I'll see you next week then Tascha. Bye." Tristan departed with a small sympathetic smile.
:::;;;;;;;;;;;;;,,,,,,;:::::;:;;
"What that stiff necked rich asshole is your partner?" Ophelia asked sitting on Tascha's bed in their dorm.
"Yes. And he is not an asshole. In fact he was quite nice."
Ophelia rolled her eyes and ran an impatient hand on her blonde bangs to tuck them away.
"I'm sure he is. He acts like a total douche with his girlfriend, that snotty Rachel. The one in my ballet class."
"And what does it have to do with you? It's their personal matter." Tascha saw Ophelia telltale flush and added, "Do you have a crush on him?"
"Tascha are you high. I do not."
"Aww you totally do. You were rude to him when he accidentally bumped into you. So..."
"So what? I'm rude to every human being I come across. People are annoying."
"No you are not unless you feel threatened. Which means you feel threatened by him. This is so adorable. By the way he is totally handsome with those huge green eyes and that naughty smile."
"What the hell were you checking out his eyes for?" Ophelia's voice became a bit edgy.
"Ha. Got ya. You like him."
"No. I don't. You know how I hate rich people and their superiority complexes."
"Don't generalize not everyone is the same." Tascha reprimanded lightly because she knew the root of her friends prejudice against the affluent.
"So who am I paired with?" hoping to avert her friend from the baffling subject of her own attraction towards Tristan. It was true it was an accident and her response had been harsher than usual. Perhaps because when they had collided and he had helped her up she had felt some sort of pull towards him, which had confused her.
"I don't know. Miss Pierce didn't tell me. But Elaine said both Miss Forbes and Miss Pierce were individually calling all of us to let us know who our partners would be." which made Tascha wonder who had been partnered with Jake. It angered her a little thinking of some girl dancing with him.
"Hmm. I guess I'll find soon enough about my partner." Ophelia absently muttered as she walked over and lay on her own bed.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"So?" Elena asked as she sat in the kitchen with a mug of coffee in hand. Her kids had just left for school and she already missed them. When they'd be at home she wondered when would they go to school and when they were at school she missed them terribly, being a mother was terrifying and very rewarding , she wouldn't give it up for anything she thought.
"I'm so confused." Caroline grabbed her own coffee mug and sat facing Elena on one of the stools. "I mean I told Klaus I'm ready to listen to what he has to say but I keep postponing it."
"Why?"
"I guess I'm worried that whatever he has to say won't be enough. But then I.."
"You want to feel the same way before everything went awry."
"Yeah. Kind of. I want to give him a chance to explain himself and move on. I can survive without him perhaps even be happy but I don't want to have any regrets either way." Caroline took a sip and placed her mug on the kitchen island.
"You can not go back to how things were before because you both have changed so much and for the better. You can only move forward and that depends on you, how you want it Care. From what I've gauged he wants you back, so you'll have to make a decision."
"I know and that's why I'm flustered."
"What do you want? Do you still have feelings for him?"
"Honestly I just want to wake up and not feel unsatisfied. I have my career and I have my family but I still wonder how things could have been if he hadn't shunned me especially now when he is back. Does that make me pathetic?"
"No. It makes you human. None of us are perfect. We all have what ifs in our lives. I'm going to say one thing just jump in."
"What?"
"I mean like jumping off a cliff take a huge breath and jump in."
"Blind faith? I've been burned way too many times Elena. I don't think I can trust anyone blindly anymore."
"That's what I used to do. I mean I would think I have never intentionally hurt anyone, I'm a marginally good person what's the worst that could happen to me?" Elena put her hand over Caroline's when she said the last part.
"So I should talk to him?"
"I said jump in but make sure you land on your feet."
"God! You're no help at all." Caroline said and Elena laughed. "All I'm saying is have faith but be prepared too. I know you Caroline, you're a survivor, you'll find a way to get up again."
"What if I'm done surviving? I just wanna live and not worry about life blindsiding me."
"Then really think this through before you jump in" Caroline just nodded.
"What does Kat say?" Elena finished her coffee and put the mug down.
"She said "Go for it tiger" "Thread the needle" and then said "O wait he has already threaded your hole so. Then she told me she really needed to go. Thankfully she hung up before I got to a special Katherine edition phone sex hour. She's staying with Elijah at his hotel until they find a house and move in."
"She told me. I reckon you stayed at a hotel too for a night, if I'm not wrong?"
"Don't. It's been more than two weeks now and it was just an impulse, okay. I went there to apologize for my behavior and we …"
"Ended up in bed?" Elena prompted.
"Not the first time." Caroline added as she smiled in her coffee mug, "But it was just because I hadn't had sex in months and.."
"And you took one look at him thought man, penis,,want." Elena replied and both laughed.
"You could say that."
"Is it still good between you two? The sex I mean"
"Oh it's awesome. Even better. But sex is easy. It's the other stuff that's difficult."
"No it's not. Not for everyone. Passion is not easy, it's so hard to come by. And you're lucky if you find it with someone you love."
"Perhaps. For us it is. We just touch and we forget that the rest of the world exists." She didn't want Elena to think that chemistry is all they had so she hastily added, "But we had so much more you know. He knew what I wanted, always. He was so gentle with me and caring, and sweet. He would go to unimaginable lengths, did completely adorable things even when I could see he was way out of his depth." she gave out a small laugh, "What was even more alluring was he didn't expect anything in return. He'd be just content to hold me in his arms or make me smile"
"Care, you okay?" Elena asked when she saw a tear roll down Caroline's eyes.
"What? Yeah I am. I'm just emotional over the beauty of what we had." she whispered then wiping her face added more forcefully, "I am going to ask him what was worth giving up what we had? I've delayed talking to him for more than a week now this ends tonight either way."
Elena came close and hugged her once. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Caroline shook herself out of her thoughts and grabbed her bag then looking at the time she said, "Shoot. I'll be late. I have a class in half an hour. Bye." giving Elena an air kiss she left.
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In her office Caroline went to her desk and opened her drawer. She lifted the diary her aunt had left her. Nostalgia and grief surfaced along with the painful memories. Running a hand on her face she placed the diary back.
Aunt Jenna's sacrifice, John's twisted obsession with her and her money and her utter helplessness, her life hadn't been her own. Her choices, her decisions always dictated by her need to survive rather than her want to live. And now when she had ultimately found her niche, she still missed Klaus, even after their painful past. Katherine had once questioned her feelings for him, likening them to her gratitude but Caroline had known that she was in love, a love so intense that it still hadn't died.
She picked up her phone and left Klaus a voicemail, "Hey. It's Caroline. I… You asked me to give you a chance. So meet me at the park tonight at 7."
She hung up and sighed, feeling a weight lifting off while anticipation and fear grew anew.
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Klaus listened to the voicemail and felt hopeful and apprehensive both. He had been waiting for her to give him another chance so he could redeem himself and now when the time had come he was feeling nervy.
Caroline had always been so forgiving and generous, her heart so beautiful just like her. He wanted her back without inhibitions and any of the bitter memories of their past and for that to happen he knew he would have to tell her every horrifying detail of his youth. Because back then he had been self-centered wanting her for himself, wanting her to give herself to him fully and yet he had concealed an immense part of his life from her and that had robbed her from him. Him not trusting her with his past had snatched her away from him, hence he would lay it all out for her and if she still chose to move on he would simply fade from her life just for happiness and her smile.
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Tascha twirled around on one leg thrice and then performed an arabesque. Landing on her feet she executed a backflip and came to a halt as the music ended.
"It's rude to spy on someone." she commented and turned around.
Jake entered the hall coming into her field of vision. "I wasn't spying. I just heard that Pierce called you so I wanted to make sure if you were okay."
Tascha felt her heart tremble at his confession, his concern touched her. "Yes I am. Thank you." she answered. For a few moments that kept staring at each other, the silence humming with a volatile awareness crackling between them. He half-turned to leave and not wanting him to go just yet she blurted out, "So what do you think? How was I?"
"You were.. you looked divine." Jake remarked. Jake had been reading big impressive words just for her, to woo her. He had been a high school drop out, abandoning his drunk addicted father and his prostitute mother. His parents were separated but still lived together in a small dingy two room apartment that was more of a shoe box, where both of them conducted their immoral and illegal activities.
The filthy sounds of his mother with her clients, the constant beatings by his father, him being almost raped by one of his mother's clients and then their constant bickering that ended up with either of them or him in Er had been some of the minor mishappenings of his life.
So school had never been his priority just being able to survive was the only thing that had mattered to him for a long time. But now after being rescued, by a staff nurse who worked with Eva, and meeting Tascha things had changed. He wanted to be good for her, wanted to protect her, see her smile.
Tascha blushed at his compliment and fidgeted with her sweater sleeves. "Really? So there is nothing wrong with my technique?"
He moved closer but still a few feet away, "Just while doing that last move you need to keep your shoulders back."
When she lifted a brow he clarified, "I mean that's how Forbes does it."
She corrected her posture and asked, "Like this?"
"No I mean." he rushed and then he was behind her. He pulled her shoulders back and lifted her arms, "Like this."
Tascha knew she should feel panicked but she did not. He was too close, encroaching on her personal space. His earthy scent wafting around her. His hands around her elbows tingled her skin through her sweater felt cocooned in his warmth, safe and blissful.
She corrected her posture and looked back at him. Her eyes were so pretty fringed with thick lashes, he did not want to look away.
Her breath ghosted on his cheek and he leaned closer to her. Scenting her silky hair, the side of his face almost brushing across hers. She sighed. His fingers finding hers. The touch like a jolt through her system woke her up from the trance she was in. She backed away and straightened her shirt, self-conscious and unsure.
Jake tucked his hands in his pockets and fisted them. Incensed at himself for scaring her.
"Thank you for helping me."
"I'm sorr.."
"No it's okay." she lightly shook her head trying to reassure.
Jake just nodded, feeling disappointed at wrecking the one shot he had been given to be close to her.
He twisted around with the intention of leaving. Tascha stopped him. "Jake?" he looked back at her, "Would it be too much to ask for your help? I mean I have this fear. When people are watching I freeze, unable to dance. So I was thinking if you would help me overcome it?"
She waited for his answer, her soft features tense. Did she think he could refuse her, when she was looking beautifully flushed and innocent like this? But then he couldn't refuse her anyway.
He smiled, genuinely elated at how he had been given another chance.
"Of course. What would you have me do?" The crooked tilt of his crimson lips made her lips curve up too.
"You like spying. So how about you be my audience and point out the flaws in my technique?"
He laughed. It was so appealing. She found his laugh infectious.
He then answered, " I'll help you. But you have to do something for me first."
She blushed gorgeously and bit her lip. "What?"
"You'll have to my friend." at that she giggled and it pleased him.
"Okay. Friends." she extended her hand first, suddenly not apprehensive of another person's touch.
"Friends." he shook her hand.
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"Dammit. Can you just see where you are going?" She growled when a solid wall of flesh rammed into her side.
He grasped her instantly preventing a fall. "I'm sorry I didn't see you there..oh no it's you?" he grated when he saw the girl who was glaring daggers at him at the moment. His arms were still around her.
"Yes. It's me." she shrugged off his hands, "You definitely need to get your eyes checked. Either that or you do it on purpose."
"What? This is ridiculous." Tristan who was usually very composed now felt himself losing his temper.
"Of course. You would think it is."
Just then his girlfriend joined them. She tucked her arm in his, "Tristan. I missed you."
Tristan's anger was now over the roof. He pried her hands away. "Rachel I was just with you at the ballet class."
"So? I am allowed to miss you. Aren't I?" she added backing him to the wall and purposely ignoring Ophelia who was standing close by.
"Rachel not now. I'm discussing something with Ophelia. Please leave us alone."
At that Ophelia felt her mouth open and then close soundlessly with puzzlement.
Rachel glanced at her and with a haughty glare in her direction, the skinny blonde with hazel eyes left.
"This is exactly what I was talking about?" she muttered but he heard her.
"What is that supposed to mean?" he neared her.
"You having a mighty opinion of yourself, looking down upon others and treating your own girlfriend like that."
"You do not know anything about my life and my relationship with Rachel. You think I am biased towards people when you yourself are prejudiced. You also judge me because I'm rich. So keep your self-righteousness to yourself." not giving her a chance to answer he stormed off. She wanted to argue she wasn't biased towards rich people but she knew her own prejudices. Though she had a right to them but she had no right to treat him like that. Realizing her mistake and the fact that he was Tascha's partner, and might refuse to help her , she followed him. He was sitting at the stairs that led to the lawn at the rear side of the building. She cautiously sat beside him.
"Rachel and I aren't together." he stated.
"I'm sorry you were right it's none of my business"
He nodded but kept on talking, "My family wants us to get married. My mom is pushing for me to get engaged to her and encouraging her to pursue me."
"But you're young. You must be seventeen?"
"Yes. But these things are planned in our type of families since birth. For most people they work. However not for me and I don't want to marry her." frowning once to himself, surprised he was sharing his personal problems with a girl whom he had just been in an altercation with.
"Why? She's rich. She's pretty."
"I don't love her. Not to mention I am young."
She smiled. "So tell her. Rather than ignoring her"
"I have told her , more than a couple of times. And everytime I do she takes it as a sign to become even more ...aggressive." he supplied for the lack of a better word.
They both burst out laughing.
"She is a bumhead." Ophelia commented lightly then continued, "Then do something drastic."
"I can not kill her." he smirked and she laughed again.
"No I meant like fake date someone else."
"Are you offering?" he asked with that sexy grin of his. Ophelia realized she was totally crushing on him. She scowled at herself and he assumed that she was offended. "I apologize I was just kidding."
"It's okay. I am going to apologize too for being rude. You were right I am biased but I have my reasons." she gave him a small smile. She definitely was prettier when she smiled. He felt the strangest urge to touch her straight golden hair that ran past chin and stopped at her shoulders.
Just then she got up and walked away. He called out she twisted around to look at him. "I don't want you to think that I'm a pompous brute."
She smiled again remembering the first time she had, had an argument with him she had used those words for him. Her smile lit up her pixie-like face he observed.
"I don't want you to think that I am foul-mouthed abrasive person either."
He grinned, yep totally crushing on him she decided and feeling disconcerted she left.
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Tascha laughed lightly as Jake twirled her towards himself. He then dipped her down jovially, enjoying another burst of her laughter.
Then he pulled her back in his arms. Their noses touched and he tickled her nose with hers lightly.
She laughed and he swirled her around. When her laughter died he brought her closer again.
Suddenly mindful of his arms around her. She gazed into his topaz eyes, up close they were even more intense and beautiful with violet flecks murking the edges.
Jake was holding her with the care one might hold a flower. He wanted to kiss her, wrap his arms around her and just tuck her close. He expected her to stiffen up like last time a few days ago,when they had started practising together but she just stared at him with her huge emerald eyes.
He leaned closer and nuzzled her lips with hers. She didn't respond at first then shyly licked his lips. His arms tightened their hold, her shy response titillating.
Lost in the turbulence of his passion he cupped her bottom and had her jerk back violently. Panic quickly replacing the desire. Jake bit back a curse, berating himself for losing control. The fear in her eyes running across his skin like sandpaper, churning his insides.
"Tascha I am sorry. I… this shouldn't have happened." he choked out.
Tascha feared she might have ruined her friendship with Jake. The music, his oddly comforting presence and just him made her forget and she had kissed him. Physicality had always frightened her after she had spent a significant part of her childhood being raped and sold under the care of her own aunt, who was appointed as her guardian after her parents had died. But being near Jake was different and now she had destroyed it. He felt sorry after kissing her, she hadn't been good enough. His regret at their kiss something that had been so beautiful to her, devastated her but being the eternal optimist she hoped he would deny. So she asked, "You're sorry?"
"Very much."
Tears wanted to escape but she held them at bay.
"Okay. I…. I need to go. Take care."
He felt like she was saying good bye and he hurt all over again but he accepted his fate and didn't follow her when she ran away without looking back.
:::;:;;;;;;;,;;;
Caroline saw Klaus approach and fought the surge of doubt that bubbled to the surface at the sight of him. Assuring herself that this was something that was now inevitable she smiled when he sat on the bench beside her.
"Before you say anything I want to say after hearing you if..."
"If you want me to leave I'll walk away and never come back. " Klaus finished for her.
"Yes." she stated and both fell silent. After a short pause she added, "Just say it. Tell me what went wrong."
Klaus nodded. Nervous couldn't summarize his current situation. He was petrified of losing her. He sucked in a breath and then exhaled.
"You remember the day you left me to meet Rebekah?"
Distress flashed on her features, "Yes the day we broke up."
"It was not Rebekah. It was Mikeal. My step-father. He stole Rebekah's phone and used it to kidnap you."
"What? I don't remember that." Caroline was horrified.
Remorse etched on his face, "Your coffee was laced. He called me after abducting you. Threatening to…" he paused for a bit, "To hand you over to an illegal racket of human trafficking. He abhorred me. Considered me a sign of my mother's infidelity. Could never reconcile with my existence. He had always succeeded in making my life miserable taking away my mother's will and my birth right. I wasn't concerned with making something of my life. I had no purpose, no drive to be better and strive to achieve something until you happened Caroline." Her gut tightened, his words affecting her. "I began hoping for a better future, dreamed about a stable life with you. He saw that and used you to hurt me."
"But you should have told me. We.."
"I couldn't. I was afraid that.."
"Afraid of what? He threatened you and you let him. Klaus how…" Caroline was now agitated.
"It's not just this. Even If I could have confessed everything to you I wouldn't have been able to shield you because he blackmailed me with a murder I had committed when I was a teen."
She blanched her eyes widened with shock, "What?"
Klaus did not look at her because he wasn't courageous enough to witness her disgust for him. He leaned his elbows on his knees and stared at his open palms.
"After my mother died he committed me to some cult based military institution. In the name of training they molested and raped teenage boys and girls. We were deprived of sleep and food. Divided into pairs, were kept in small dark rooms. Every day these vile men would select one of us and do whatever they wanted with us. Those who resisted were tortured. I even briefly considered ending my life the day I saw what they had done to one of the younger boys. There were bruises all over his body, his lips were slashed, his head bleeding from multiple sites and his eyes…." he looked at her then but his eyes distant as if recalling that nightmare , "they were dead even though he was breathing. I wanted to hang myself that day." she threaded her fingers through his, hurting for the fifteen year old scared boy he must have been. It broke her heart to hear how this proud man had once been desperate enough to contemplate about ending his life.
"But I couldn't find anything. Mikey, my roommate, and I vowed to protect each other that day. The next day they came for Mickey. Two burly men with tattoos on their shoulders. We resisted and they held Mickey and rammed me into the wall. I fainted. When I woke up one was… was already." he closed his eyes. Caroline could clearly see how much pain it caused him and what it was costing him. So much so that he couldn't complete his sentence. She felt a burning hatred for those faceless monsters and her hand clenched tightly against Klaus's. "Mickey was unconscious. That animal was still raping him. He laughed at me when I woke up. I must have broken a chair when I fell. In a haze of wrath I picked up the broken limb and launched at him. The first blow landed on his face and he fell backwards. He then got up and jumped at me I struck him again, maybe I got lucky I don't know but this time he fell unconscious. I rapidly covered Mickey was helping him up and leading him to the staircase to escape when the second guy showed up. He attacked us I shielded Mickey and to ward the man off I hit him. The next thing I knew was that the log was pierced through his abdomen. He fell down the stairs and died. I killed him." his voice hollow and his eyes empty, but his hands were shaking. Caroline's hands around his loosened.
Denial was on her lips when he added, "I murdered a man. They informed Mikeal. He payed them off and they didn't report it. I don't know what happened to Mickey. But later police found out about the facility and shut it down.
Mikeal brought me back. He used Elijah to confiscate my mother's will, continued to harass me and deliver drunken beatings. I lived with the burden of my actions. Then we met that pain and torment worth a lifetime begin to blur. Being with you gave me peace. He saw that and manipulated me into breaking up with you. He knew I would self-destruct if I lost you. He bargained with your life in exchange for destroying my own happiness. It wasn't even an option for me. I would always choose your happiness over mine." he looked at their hands. She wasn't holding his anymore. Tears blemishing her perfect face. It gutted him. He reached forward to wipe them away and felt her tense. Another shard of hurt sliced him.
"How? This.. all of this." Caroline mumbled trying to comprehend it.
"He has a signed confession from me. I don't remember signing it but it's in my handwriting. I thought letting you go was better than you hating me, turned out I could never live with either. I know a murder is…. but I needed to come you the truth. I …. I needed you." he resisted touching her.
She wasn't aware of her tears until he wiped them away. "Klaus I can not decide it now. All of this. What you did it's just. I have to go. I need time." she got up and sleeving off her tears she ran away.
He sat there paralyzed by the overwhelming loss he felt. Emptiness consumed him. Caroline had walked away from him once again but he did not blame her. She was entitled to much more than he was or could be but that didn't prevent him from feeling the ache.
But perhaps all wasn't lost she had said she needed time. Maybe she would return to him, he prayed, willed the universe for it to come true.
Caroline rushed to her car and drove away. The reality of what he had faced and what he done, for her and for them dawned on her with such force and vitality that it was breaking her heart over and over again. Her life over his. The dread and terror that a fifteen year old boy must have felt and he had been all alone. Everything he had confessed, it was discombobulating. She needed to think rationally but all she kept seeing were his anguished eyes from a moment ago.
She halted, reversed and went back.
Caroline ran back to where he sat looking defeated and stopped short a few feet away. The sun was now shadowed by dark grey clouds mirroring their own tumultuous feelings. Thunder rumbled as if announcing her arrival. He stood up, hope flitted on his face. She was then running into his open arms. The moment she was in his arms they coiled around her. "Klaus I…" she attempted to sort the pandemonium of thoughts and emotions swirling violently inside her but couldn't form words.
He rested his forehead over hers and whispered, "Shhhh. It's enough that you came back."
Then rain started pouring on them, fat wet drops pelting their bodies. She smiled, "Our thing."
He laughed, elated beyond sense. "Our thing." and then kissed her forehead.
She cupped his face and brought his lips down, meshing with her own. The sweet kiss heated in seconds, they tasted each other's desire, desperation and love. Tongues mated and breaths mingled in a passion fueled kiss. His firm lips toyed with her soft pink ones. She moaned his name and pleasure seeped through his pores. Rain tasted delicious mixed with her flavor.
The abandon with which he kissed her was her undoing. Caroline could discern his desire to give her more pleasure than he intended to take from this kiss and it touched her.
Rain continued to fall, he kissed her again and again needing to bask in her flavor, honey and wild flowers. She responded equaling his passion and fire. Warmth weaved through them as they held each other, forgiving and loving.
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The bus drove off after dropping off a single passenger. The sign read "Welcome to Mystic Falls" and John Gilbert sneered.
His phone rang and seeing that it was from Mikael he picked it up.
"Hello."
"Are you there yet?" Mikael inquired from the other end.
"Yes."
"Good. Now remember my plan. Do the job and get out as quickly as possible?"
"What plan?" John taunted.
"Gilbert toying with me won't end well with you, do you hear me?"
"Nope." he answered and disconnected. He heedlessly threw the cell phone to the ground and crushed it under his boot.
Turning towards the road that led to the town he mumbled, "I'm coming dear darling niece." and sauntered away whistling an eerie tune.
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