“Wow Bonnie, you look beautiful,” Matt mumbled under his breath. The three of us decided that it be best to go together since I didn’t know anyone around other than the two of them. It’s still so awkward between me and Matt. I haven’t talked to him about this invitation and I’m not even sure that by going, it meant that I was his date.
Bonnie blushed shyly, “Thanks Matt. You look dapper.” They both exchanged smiles before looking back at me. Matt’s blue eyes moved from looking at Bonnie’s direction to mine. I witnessed the dilation of his eyes as they landed on me.
His lips parted, “Caroline,” the part on his lips slowly turning into a grin, “You look gorgeous.” I gave him a small smile and whispered, “Thanks Matt.” I saw Bonnie playfully roll her eyes at the corner of my eye. She’s probably asking us to get a room in her head.
“Caroline’s gorgeous, everyone gets it! Can we please go now? I’m so excited!” she said.
I raised an eyebrow at her, mentally asking her what’s with the rush. Matt offered me an arm for me to take, I voluntarily did. It would be rude not to, considering that he is the reason why I am invited. His car was only a Volkswagen Beetle that could sit four people. I scrambled the bottom of my dress as I headed towards the seat in front, beside the driver. But to my — and I mean, everyone’s — surprise, he opened up the passenger’s door.
Trying hard not to look like a desperate person, I hurriedly staggered to my best friend’s side and got in the car after her. Fortunately, Matt didn’t notice my mishap. “Did he just do that?” I asked Bonnie, while Matt was going around to the driver’s side.
The car door on the driver’s side opened as Matt climbed in. He turned on the engine and started driving away. It was quiet in the car, probably because of the awkward mishap with me and the door thing. Bonnie looked preoccupied, looking out from the window. It came as a surprise to me when the car suddenly stopped.
Matt unbuckled his seat belt, “I hope you girls don’t mind, but I have a plus one as my date.” My ears did not seize to shock me with this revelation. Date? Bonnie gave him a smile and replied to him for both of us. I looked out to find a girl in a red dress approaching the car. She opened the door and climbed in, “Girls, this is Cami. She’s a bartender at a bar near the supermarket. Cami, these are Caroline and Bonnie, my good friends from Mystic Falls.”
Cami was blonde and pretty, but I couldn’t deny the resemblance — to me. Is Matt so desperate to go out with me that he looks for a carbon copy of me to be his date? They talked along the way to the ball. I overheard that they only met yesterday at the bar. They meet yesterday and now they’re already going out? Slut! She doesn’t even know him yet she’s throwing herself at him.
My hands balled into a fist. What I thought would be a great night turned out to be one of the worst nights I’ve had since I moved. On one hand, the ball was great, it was, but on the other hand, I see Matt flirting with my carbon copy and it enrages me! I set back an empty glass of champagne on the tray of one of the waiters in the room.
The mansion was beautiful. If Bonnie hadn’t given me that heads up, I would have thought that we are visiting the Queen of England. There was a clinking sound coming from the grand staircase. Everybody in the room turned their heads towards the man who initiated the sound. “If everyone could gather, please.” I tried searching for Bonnie in the crowded place, but since she disappeared to look for a drink, she hasn’t come back. Way to bail on me, best friend!
The man in a smart suit, standing on the staircase started speaking when he was assured with everyone’s attention. “Welcome, thank you for joining us. You know, whenever my mother brings our family together like this, it’s tradition for us to commence the evening with a dance. Tonight’s pick is a centuries-old waltz. So if all of you could please find yourselves a partner, please join us in the ballroom.” He stepped down the staircase after the announcement.
People started scrambling away from each other, going towards the direction the man pointed at. I just couldn’t help but roll my eyes, remembering the dance I had to do with Tyler for the founder’s court. It was just full on no touching. Tyler is also one of my best guy friends. Although, he is younger than me and so he needed to stay back for his Senior Year. Deep inside, I know he has some kind of creepy crush on me, but we’ve bonded for so long that I didn’t want to lose him as a friend.
Lost in my reverie, I almost didn’t notice a man walking towards me. He was also wearing a smart suit, similar to the one the announcer had on, but his bow tie was white, unlike the black one from the announcer. His hair was parted on the left and all gelled up. He had a playful smirk on his face. “Douche bag guy!” I whispered, too low for him to hear.
“Good evening,” he said.
I inhaled, “I need a drink.” I said, dashing away from him. I felt his eyes behind my back. I thought only locals and rich people get invited to this ball? What is a d-bag like him doing here? Maybe he’s rich? Maybe he’s a local? I groaned mentally walking over to the bar. I watched the bartender pour two glasses of champagne.
Before I could’ve gotten my hands on it, a man’s hand beat me to it. “Caroline Forbes, I presume. I don’t believe we have formally met, my name is Kol Mikaelson and you are one dashing young woman.” I scoffed sardonically. “Come on, shake my hand,” he said, pushing his hands towards mine.
I made a face, “If you’re trying to be charming,” I said, snatching away one glass from his hand, “try harder.” I took a sip from the glass, turning on my heels, but a pair of blazing eyes stopped me.
“Kol, I do believe the lass is accurate. You are losing your touch,” he said. “Now, if you don’t mind, I think it be best for you to find a different dance partner.”
The man, Kol, just laughed, “You really believe that you could teach me a lesson or two?” He forced the glass of champagne into his mouth and left without another word. It took me a few minutes to realize who that guy was. Kol Mikaelson, as in the royal family Mikaelson, Kol Mikaelson. What did I just do? I placed the glass on the table, hoping that I could take back what I said to him, but Mr. Douche bag guy grabbed my forearm the same way he did two nights before.
I glared at him, “Let go.”
He raised both his charming eyebrows at me, “I believe I asked you to save me a dance. And I do believe I addressed myself very clearly in that invitation.”
“Invitation?” I said, looking at him eye to eye, “You sent that invitation? And this dress?” He didn’t answer, but the smirk on his face already gave it away, “You mean, Matt didn’t —” I groaned, I feel so stupid! Of course Matt didn’t! He’s obviously very happy with Cami. Maybe I really misjudged her.
“If you are finish reminiscing, I do believe that it is time for the dance, love.” He said, offering me his hand. I stared at it. He invited me here, what kind of person would it make of me not to give him what he wants? I’m wearing a dress he gave me, hell I even took advantage of it by wearing the expensive looking gloves to match. He gave me everything I’m wearing.
I took a sharp intake of breath and placed my hand lightly on top of his. I didn’t speak. What was I to say? Thank you for the dress and the invitation but I really don’t want to dance with you? It’s rude. Even if he didn’t really give me much of a choice, I was enjoying the attention anyway. Dancing has come very easy to me since my training for Miss Mystic Falls.
I could hear the music starting to play. The dance started to begin. Klaus holds my right hand with his right and my left with his left. We walk side by side before he slowly twirls me around, catching me in a standard waltzing stance. We started dancing as we twirled along the ballroom. There were many people dancing, but I hardly recognize any of them. I remember the announcer, he looks very pleased with his date. Then there’s Matt with Cami, I glared. Is it just me or does she really look like me?
Klaus started to speak, “I’m glad you came.” I tore my eyes from Matt and looked into my partner. I never noticed before but his eyes were an intense blue green. He stared at me with his signature smile still playing on his lips, and his dimpled cheeks looking as charming as ever. He’s actually cute, very cute. His gelled up hair isn’t as attractive as his tousled hair from two nights ago, but it still suited him.
“Well, truth be told, I came here with the illusion that Matt was the one who invited me, so don’t be too pleased with yourself.” My eyes started to wander again. I could see that Kol Mikaelson has finally found another girl to charm. He and his partner twirled and I suddenly realized that the girl he charmed was my best friend. “Do you know Kol personally?” I asked.
He smirked, “Haven’t done your research, I see?” I rolled my eyes, but he just did that throaty but charming chuckle of his. He looked into my eyes, “He’s my brother.”
I stopped from dancing — which was totally inappropriate by the way — after hearing the new discovery. Kol is a Mikaelson, meaning that Klaus is — also royalty. He carried my weight and continued to dance as I marvel with the new information. How can this be happening? First, there’s the Matt thing, then Bonnie is with Kol, and me, I’m with Klaus freakin’ Mikaelson. I took a sharp intake of breath and ogled him.
He was truly handsome. His eyes were beautiful, and his smile and dimples were both very alluring. I didn’t know why I haven’t realized it sooner, but he’s so clean and well-groomed. I should have guessed! He was the only one around that looked equally as presentable as Kol, and he does indeed look filthy rich! Now that I think of it, I don’t know why I even mistook him as a commoner. “If you don’t start dancing on your own, people are going to start talking about you.”
I forced myself out of talking to myself. I started dancing again, “Let them talk. There’s not really much that they could say, since I’m new around town.”
He smiled his dimpled smile, “You’d be surprised how chatty the women here are.” I scoffed playfully, “I’m pretty sure you are very familiar with chatty women, Mr. Mikaelson.”
He inched his face closer to me, making me hold my breath. He paused just two inches before my face, then his head aimed for my ear to whisper, “I have the only chatty woman I want to be familiar with right here in my hands.”
I gulped. Why does that make my heart hitch? Is that even supposed to be a compliment? I don’t get it! Why am I so turned on by his words? I blinked. Just breathe, Caroline. It’s alright. Let’s just assume that all Mikaelson’s tend to be charmers by nature. “Very well, on to more mannered subjects then, like how ravishing you look in that dress.”
I bit the inner flesh of my cheek, “Like I said, I thought it was from Matt.” We continued to waltz as I continued to avoid his gaze. I could feel his eyes on me the whole time and I can’t stop thinking about it, but I didn’t want to stare back. The idea of it seems awkward and scary, but at some strange way, it feels pleasant.
He kept the smile on his face, “You know, you’re quite the dancer.”
I looked at the people behind him, “Well, I’ve had training.” I glanced at him for a second just to look away again, “I happen to be Miss Mystic Falls.” I finished, giving him a longer look this time.
“I know.”
As he uttered those last two words, I couldn’t seem to peel my eyes off of his. His gaze is so drawing, appealing — enticing. I tried to blink, but I was afraid to lose the image of his face in my mind. What is happening to me?
Then, in a very fit timing, it was time for the switch. We distanced ourselves from each other, with our arms and hands still touching. And when he pulled me back, he twirled me into the arms of another man. I sighed to look up at my partner. It was Kol. “I’d like to guess that you planned this exchange?” I asked.
“What? You mean, me getting you as a dance partner? Yes. I signaled Nik to dance around this area just in time for the switch.” He admitted.
Nik? I chuckled, “Very charming!” I sarcastically replied.
He gave me a smile, “You know, you’re lovely friend Bonnie is easier to enthrall. I might choose her over you.”
“Be my guest.” I said, “But if you do hurt her, I will hunt you down, Kol Mikaelson.” I finished, “You know, just so we’re clear.” I gave him a sweet smile to finish. He made a silent chuckle until the end of the dance. We gave each other a bow. I was expecting for us to go our separate ways, but ended up seeing Klaus coming our way.
He offered me his hand, “Come. I want to show you something.” I nodded at him. I know that I shouldn’t be going places with a stranger, but for some unknown reason, I feel drawn to him. He led me around the house and into a large room. There were paintings everywhere. He took me inside a separate little den inside the room.
“So,” I initiated as we walked along, “What did you want to show me?”
He slowed to a stop in front of a huge painting, “One of my passions.” I looked at him stare at the painting, and so I followed his gaze. The painting was a beautiful sky blue pond with greens surrounding it. Over the reflection of the water in the painting, you could see the fluffy clouds floating around.
“Wow,” I said, my breath kind of fading away as I did. “Impressive. I take that the people of New Orleans Museum are earning quite a lot this year. Practically every inch of this house is plastered with paintings! Do you even give other people a chance to buy any?” I asked, moving my head to his direction, looking at his response.
He grinned, making a faint laugh as he did, “Yeah, well, that’s their mistake.” He said, turning his head to look at me. No, I can’t deal with another eye to eye contact. I looked down, giving him an equally faint laugh as a response.
“What about these? Where’d you buy these from?” I asked, gesturing to my whole attire for the evening.
His eyes looked down at my clothes, only to look up into my eyes saying, “Well, that’s a long story, but rest assured, it was once worn by a princess almost as beautiful as you.” I rolled my eyes in front of him. Mikaelson’s, always the excellent charmers. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the upset expression he had on his face but then a dimpled smile suddenly spread across his face
I sighed, looking around the place. Several drawings were lying around. I picked up one of the drawings, “Wait a second,” I asked, giving him a skeptical look, “Did-Did you do these?” I faced him.
“Yeah,” he answered, not looking at me as he explained. His face at this moment looks so innocent, so naïve, and somehow, you’d hint a little pain. “Actually, one of my landscapes is hanging at the Hermitage, not that anyone would notice.” He looks so normal.
I turned my eyes away from him. Another second spent staring at his innocent face was going to make me swoon. I admired his drawings with respect, he’s really good. “Have you been?” he suddenly asked.
“I’ve,” humiliation started to wash over me, “never really been anywhere.”
“I’ll take you,” he said. My heart started to beat rapidly. I looked at him in amusement, “Wherever you want.” My heart beat continued to climb. “Rome,” I gave him a sneering look, before looking down to stare at his drawings again. I really couldn’t stare into those intense pair of eyes and think straight at the same time. “Paris,” I let out a faint laugh. Suddenly imagining myself in both places, “Tokyo.” That time, I made a very audible laugh.
“Oh Wow!” The two of us laughed together. He had an adorable laugh. For a moment there, I considered taking him up on his offer. “Must be really nice to snap your fingers and get whatever you want.” I said, looking down. What was I thinking? Coming here with him? We were both living in different worlds. He’s this extremely wealthy charmer who thinks that he could get women with all the money in the world. I looked at him with a fake smile. His mouth suddenly closed — in an adorably sexy way — into a smile. “Is that why you and your brother seduce women? A little cluster of women to worship you, and satisfy you even if you end up being an a-hole?”
His expression changed into a serious one. “You’re making assumptions.”
“Then why am I here? Why is your brother seducing my best friend just because he couldn’t seem to charm me? Is this a bet for you two?”
He looked down, “You know,” he paused, “this has been a fun evening but I think it’s time for you to leave.” His eyes looked into mine.
I looked back into his eyes with the same intensity, “I get it. Someone you loved didn’t love you, so you assume that no one else will either. And that's why you try to compel people with your charming accent, or you try to buy them off,” I accused, stripping away the pair of expensive gloves onto the ground. “But that's not how it works. You don't connect with people, because you don't even try to understand them.” I turned to walk away, but not after witnessing the pained look in his face.
I need a drink.
Walking across the ballroom and into the bar, I asked for a glass of their finest whiskey. Being almost royalty, I assumed that they would have one of America’s finest. The bartender placed a glass of whiskey in front of me. Taking it in my hands, I took a sip. “Caroline!” I heard someone call. It was that same British accent.
I started walking away, “I'm not talking to you until you tell me why you invited me here.”
He stood in front of me, looking into my eyes, but I glanced away from his gaze. “I fancy you.” His reply made me want to see his matching expression, he was smirking. “Is that so hard to believe?”
“Yes,” I spat.
“Why? You’re beautiful. You’re strong. You’re full of light,” he paused, “I enjoy you.”
I sighed, “Well, that’s too bad.” I planned to walk pass him again when he grabbed my forearm like he did the past few times, but the grip was tighter this time, scarier. I glared at him.
“Let her go,” the female voice came from behind us. We both turned around, but he did not release his hold of me. “I said, let her go.” It was Bonnie. Her voice was full of authority that it made me think that the fun best friend I loved was lost. She looked at me and I saw little light in her eyes, it was a reassurance that she was still sane.
Klaus made an arrogant face at her, “Don’t be silly. We’re just talking.”
Bonnie squared her shoulders. I could feel Klaus’ grip slowly loosening. I looked at his face and I saw a hint of pain across his eyes, but there was nothing inflicting the pain. I looked back at Bonnie, “Let her go, Klaus.” She said his name with so much hostility. Does Bonnie and Klaus have some kind of past together? The grip on my hand loosened until he finally put his hand down to his side. “Caroline, let’s go home.”
“Why?” I spat.
“Just trust me,” she said, giving me a reassuring smile. I need to know what she’s hiding from me, but I couldn’t ask anything with Klaus by our side. I nodded, giving Klaus one final look. I tried my best to put as much resentment as I could so that he would be aware of my revulsion for who he is. It surprised me when he responded to it with his signature smirk.
Bonnie dragged me away, “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?” I gave her a skeptical look, “I’ll explain everything later, but you shouldn’t be around Klaus. He’s dangerous.”
“Did the two of you used to date?”
She laughed, “If it were that easy, then I wouldn’t be coming this strong on you. He’s dangerous for you, Caroline. Consider this as a warning.”
I rolled my eyes, “A warning for what?” she fell silent, “Bonnie, you’re my best friend and I would give up everything for you, but lately it seems like you’re hiding so much from me that I’m not even sure if I know you.”
“Care,” she tried.
“No!” I shouted, throwing my arms hysterically in the air, “Don’t Care me. Every time you have some life changing thing to say you use that tone on me, as if testing to see if I could handle what you have to say. I’m not girly little Caroline anymore. I can handle myself. You need to tell me.”
She nodded, “At home.”
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