Fifty Shades of Klaus : Chapter 8

“Caroline Forbes from Q & S Journ. I have a memo coming from my boss that says I am an intern. Do you need the memorandum as proof?” I asked.

A journalism workshop is held at a convention center in the city. Marcel insisted that I attend to have me all prepped for the interview with the Mikaelson's. But honestly, I don't know how I feel about the upcoming interview.

The lady behind the desk shook her head, “No, Ma'am. I see your name on the list. Here is your membership I.D. and please find a seat. The seminar will be starting soon. Mr. Gerard always have a few seats reserved up the front and from the lack of attendees, I predict some to be empty now. Would you need me to escort you?”

Handing me the I.D. with my name, she smiles. I gave her a nod, “Yes please. I’m not familiar with the place.”

She giggles, getting up from her seat and leading the way. “It’s natural for you to feel that way. Mr. Gerard never briefs his interns in times like this. There are actually a couple of men from your company, who have signed in for the day. You could start getting acquainted with them.”

I followed from behind her. There was an immense number of journalists present. Some looking very professional, but there were a few that looked as clueless as I do. The lady from the desk halted and said, “These are Mr. Gerard’s reservations,” gesturing to four rows of chairs, three of which were filled. She smiles, “You may sit anywhere you please.”

Turning away, she whispers something to the man in the third row of my boss’ reservations. I take the seat further away from the corner aisle. In front of me was a man with a red afro and nerdy-looking clothes. Watching him pull out his wallet, I caught a glimpse of the packet of condom slipping out of his wallet. I roll my eyes, going back to my little bubble of Caroline.

In a matter of minutes, the seminar started. A few more people gathered in as the French speaker was talking. This time, I chatted some up. “You’re also Marcel’s intern? I’m a Year Two. You?” the woman asked. I shrugged my shoulders, not comprehending what her words meant. “Oh sorry. You don’t speak work. It means that I am at my second year of interning.”

My mouth formed an O. “Ohh, I’m a starter. I don’t know anything about the Journalism Business.”

“How did you end up at the company?”

I smile, “Back in my hometown, Q & S Journ is fairly well known. I heard really great things about it. And all my life, getting the chance to work here has been my dream. I just recently moved to town. I’m from a town called Mystic Falls. You?”

She elaborated lightly on her journey to becoming an intern. She was a college dropout who blogged her way into the business. Launching her blog got the attention of the company and reading her blog entries made them interested in her. They required her to graduate college and she just did two years ago. Her name is Meredith Fell.

A few moments later, two more women came to seat at our row. And by the end of the lecture, the man from the third row, who the lady from the desk spoke to, got up and approached us. “Hello, ladies. My name is Logan. I will be your guide for the day.” He smiled gingerly at us and his head turned to Meredith. “Nice to see you back, Meredith.”

The woman smiles back, “It’s a pleasure to be back, Logan. Shall we start?”

Logan nods and gestures for us to stand and follow him. He directs us through a couple of closed doors and finally stops, “This is the Archive. We transport several timeless works whenever we can during workshops. I consider this batch very fortunate to be able to witness some features we couldn’t present the preceding years. Caroline, is it?” He directs to me, I nod. “You are from?”

“Mystic Falls,” I reply.

He laughs, “Beautiful small town. And what has your past taught you about journalism?”

I shrug both shoulders, “I don’t know. I guess that rumors spread quickly and as journalists, we shouldn’t use that information and present it as a fact because as responsible journalists, we should choose our facts deliberatively.”

He agreed, “Precisely. But now you don’t reside in a small town, meaning that rumors will spread more vastly among the town locals. As journalists, how do you prevent it?” he addressed the question to all of us. We looked at each other for a few seconds before one answered.

“Well, one can’t necessarily stop rumors from spreading, because they are called rumors for a reason,” Jenna, a red head, retorted. “But preventive measures could be initiated by getting the facts straight from the victims and hopefully clear up the entire hoax.”

There was an arrogant sounding knock from the door. All of us turned to find a man standing by the doorframe. “Just what I need. You see, I have this playboy rumor about me that I really want to dispose. Can any of you give me a hand? After all, responsible journalists don’t get picky with the stories they present.”

I glared. Kol. His eyes met mine and I tried looking back with as much enmity as I could. Failing, I sigh and explore the Archive together with my fellow journalists. Logan seemed to be good friends with Kol. They were talking and chatting immediately prior to his interruption. I peel my attention away from the two men and focused on the exhibits instead.

Some of these articles date way back to the 1500’s. It is astonishing how much they have preserved these works and maintained the freshness of its look. I read a couple of the works by writers from the 1800’s.

From an article dated on 1820, it spoke of a terrible death witnessed in the Governor’s Mansion, where the governor’s son die in a terrible accident. The son falls from the two-story mansion and cracks his skull. According to the article, they didn’t find evidences of suicide or murder, but it was also uncertain whether it was an accident. The degree of the hemorrhage found on the son's autopsy was too brutal to be caused by an accidental fall. Nonetheless, further investigations were terminated.

There was a picture from the scene of the accident printed into the paper. However, it was black and white and the ink was already too smudged for me to appreciate. Although murky, the familiarity of one face in the photo didn’t come unnoticed to me. I can’t quite grasp the sense of familiarity though. I shake my head. I must be thinking too much into it.

Turning to explore more of the Archive, I jump at the sight of Kol’s face in front of me. “What are you doing?” I ask.

He smiles, “Making friends, or is that too sinful for your liking?”

I roll my eyes, “Look, I know that at some extent, that would sound very charming, but not through my ears. Maybe Bonnie’s or other girls', but that isn’t even the least bit funny to me. So, if you can just get out of my way.” I say, finishing it with an arrogant smile.

“Honestly, why do you hate me?” he asks.

His question made me snort, “Isn’t it obvious?” He looks down, laughing. “What are you doing here anyway? This is a workshop for journalists, not assholes.”

“Well, you might not be well aware of my family’s privileges,” he gloats.

I roll my eyes, turning away to the other direction to explore more and avoid Kol at the same time. Why is he really here anyway? If he were to be popping out constantly in Bonnie’s life, I would get it, but I don’t understand the essence of him popping into my life out of nowhere. It is so frustrating! The billionaire playboy type is just an enraging topic for me; and for him to be constantly reminding me of his playboy tendencies is just three steps too far.

Through the tour with Logan, I tried avoiding Kol as much as I could. It became more difficult as the activities became more social, but the activities were interesting nonetheless. There were also writing lectures in the afternoon, but at the moment, we were scheduled to have our lunch. Walking around the buffet table, Meredith suddenly asked me about the annoying piece of man trailing our every move.

I warily reply, “He’s dating my best friend, but I don’t know why he’s following us around either. For all I know, he’s doing that to piss me off the more.”

Meredith laughs, “That’s too bad. He is really cute! I would tap that,” she bit her lower lip.

“Meredith!” I scolded, appalled.

Laughing, “But I won’t. He’s your best friend’s guy. I’ll distance myself, but mind you, I’m not the only girl thinking of spanking a night with the guy. I heard Jenna talking a while back. Your best friend better be something really special, or she’d see a guy like him slip between her fingers.”

She left me with so many thoughts at mind by the buffet table. I didn’t think of it before, but what if Kol is here to cozy up with other girls. My eyes wandered for his charming face. When I found him, he was still talking to Logan. I sigh. Mental note, tell Bonnie of Kol’s playboy tendencies and ask her to be extra careful. I took my plate to the table with the other Q & S Journ interns.

Surprisingly, I discovered that only four of us were interns. Most of them were only hopefuls. I gave myself a mental pat on the back for quickly easing my way into the life of an intern. I put my fork down as I finished my meal, leaving several flowers of broccoli on my plate. A sudden gust of wind passed behind me. I turned in fear, only to be met — again — with Kol’s unwelcoming face.

I mentally slapped my head with my right hand. What were you hoping to find, Caroline? A ghost? I sigh in relief, “You’re still here?”

“I had a sudden burst of inspiration to become a journalist. Isn’t this coincidental?” he says.

Looking at him in disgust, I launched up from my seat. “Caroline!” I heard Jenna call me from her seat. I gave her a look. “Why don’t you introduce me to your friend?” she said, looking at Kol in a seductive manner. I look at both of them with revulsion and I groan.

Exploring the area on my own, I discovered a secret room hidden behind the commotion at the main event room. The room was spacious and quiet. Glancing around, I noticed an object in the form of silver glinting in the dark. Running my fingers along its chains, I hear a chastising voice.

“You shouldn't be here.” Turning, I realized that it was Kol.

I rolled my eyes, “Brave of you to say that, when in fact, you are also within the vicinity.”

He smiled softly. It wasn't his normal smile, but it seemed more natural. “My family owns this room. Well technically, we rent the room annually, but it’s all the same.”

Looking around, I found it hard to believe that anyone would rent a convention room annually, only to store their family belongings. Although, some of the objects here looked like relics and historical vestiges. “So, do you sue me for trespassing?”

“Well,” he paused, smirking, “The room was supposed to be locked, so I guess I'd need to let you go for now. Let’s leave this room untouched before someone finds us snooping.”

Not in the mood to be scolded, I did as he said. Now, the Kol I’m faced with is a different man. Sincerity glowed in his eyes and the cockiness has dispersed for some reason. In the corner of my eye, I see a smile playing on his lips and I spontaneously caught a glimpse of the black strand of knitted bracelet around his wrist. It’s the kind that Bonnie makes. At that moment, I gathered the reason behind his joy.

Smiling, I asked, “It’s still not clear to me the reason why you are here.”

“Do you wish I enlighten you?” I nod. He grins, “Well, I am trying to get acquainted with you. Honestly, I am trying my best to make you hate me less, but I guess nothing is working. I thought this task would be easy, but I had this rough.”

I laugh, “We don’t need to be friends. Just because you and my best friend are together doesn’t mean that it’s a necessity that we become BFF. Actually, I would prefer it so much more if we don’t become acquaintances at all!”

“Your words are bruising, Caroline. Why do you feel that way?”

I sigh, “Isn’t it obvious? I don’t like you.”

He snorts as if I was the stupid one between the two of us. Rolling my eyes, I waited for his snarky reply. “Caroline, you might not feel it, but I am trying my best to reach out to you. Bonnie has a problem with the fact that you hate me and I am trying my best to fix that. I don’t want little things like this to be a problem. But I really don’t know why you hate me, and honestly, I give up! I don’t even know what Nik sees in you.”

“Bonnie said that?” I asked dumbfounded.

He nods, “Last night, she realized how repulsed you are with the thought of me being with her. She was dismayed, and I promised to do something about it. Caroline, we don’t need to be friends, but I was really hoping that you could just find a bone in your body that doesn’t hate me.”

Well, the reason why I hate him is obvious and it does say so much about him, but since Bonnie is affected, I really don’t know what else to say. I didn’t know that she would be so affected with my disgust for him. “Fine. But this doesn’t mean that we can be friends, okay? Because when the time comes that you fight, I don’t want to have to choose which side I am on. I will always stand by her so don’t get me conflicted.”

Grinning, light glowed into his face. “I won’t.”

I smile back. Knowing that he did all this to please Bonnie, I have already grown a bone in my body that doesn’t hate him as much. We walked together around the convention center silently for a while until he brought up a topic I wasn’t in the mood to talk about. “So, Bonnie told me that you don’t believe that my brother has developed a liking to you.”

I laugh in amusement, although I am really annoyed with his question “That’s right, I don’t. Now, I know that you’ll say that you’re his brother and that you know him better, but truthfully, I don’t think he even knows himself extensively.”

“Caroline, you don’t see him the way that I do. He does indeed act differently around you. I think he would even admit to have a fondness towards you.” He says.

I roll my eyes, “Look, I know that Bonnie thinks that he likes me. I know that you think he likes me. And since you’re his brother, I’d assume that he thinks that he likes me too, but let me make it clear for all of you. Klaus Mikaelson does not like me, okay? His brain has just turned shallow after years of ruling the Quarter singlehandedly.”

He laughs. “Believe that how ever you please. I’m just saying that he’s my brother for forever and he has not ever taken anyone to a ball, or even taken anyone to dance with him. He has done many first times with you and if that’s not anything, then maybe you’re right. Maybe his brain has turned shallow.”

---

The sun was only starting to rise as I peek out the window. Outside, the trees were dancing and the clouds were floating silently. All the bitterness from yesterday and a few nights ago rejoiced into my mind and I groan in response. Caroline, you are the first girl he has shown an interest to for a very long time. Kol and Bonnie’s words haunting me, Believe that how ever you please. I’m just saying that he’s my brother for forever and he has not ever taken anyone to a ball, or even taken anyone to dance with him. He has done many first times with you and if that’s not anything, then maybe you’re right. Maybe his brain has turned shallow.

My hands shot up my head in agony. Bonnie doesn’t know what she is talking about. It’s impossible that Klaus is not a flirt. Obviously, he is using Kol to get to Bonnie and get to me. Klaus is evil like that.

I scrambled out of my bed and took a long warm bath. It was only 7 a.m. in the morning and I don’t need to be at the manor for another 2 hours. I used my bathing time as a means of relaxation and as a time to get my mind off topics like Klaus. Is that even possible?

I am going to have an interview with a man whom I am trying to get off my mind. Actually, the most logical thing to do now is bail. I could just tell Marcel that I couldn’t do the article. I could say that Klaus didn’t want me to do the article. A family interview is very personal after all.

Rising from my bubble bath, I was very determined not to do the interview. I pulled the plug from the tub and wrapped myself with my towel. Hovering to the area where I kept my summer clothes, I picked out one of my flirtiest tank tops and skirt. I grin. I'd kill for a spa getaway at this time of day.

Finally deciding that avoiding Klaus is the best thing to do, I ecstatically went out for a treatment to the nearest spa. Swinging my hips as I strode, I feel my skirt dancing along my hips. I pause from walking, catching a glimpse of the black sedan following my tracks. I turn to face my sedan-driving stalker.

The window lowered. I was surprised to be confronted with a familiar face. “Are you following me?”

He sends me an apologetic nod, “My apologies. I wasn't certain whether it was you or not. I was being cautious. Klaus sent me to get you. You are Caroline?”

I nod, “Please send my plea to your brother. With all that has happened, I don't think that today is the appropriate time to be doing the interview with him.”

Elijah sighs, “Caroline, please put in mind that you did not ask for an interview with my brother. You asked to meet with my family and all of us had to cancel our own plans for you. I don't mean to be rude, but I refuse to go back without you. We had to live yesterday with our sister constantly being a pain. I did not tolerate her anger only to be overruled by you.”

His sister? Well, she did look like a complaining bitch. “Elijah,” I paused. What is there to do? What excuse is there to lay? Slumping my shoulders, I give in, “Okay.” Taking the door handle, I climb in.

I let out a barely audible sigh. It came out like a puff of stressed breath. Elijah immediately drove away, but the silence was very irritating and I had to speak or the growling psychopath inside of me might find a way to escape her cage. “So what is the mighty king doing that he couldn't keep his word of coming to get me?”

His gaze stayed directed to the road, “Like I said, most of us had to cancel our own plans for you. Klaus did, however something new came up and he had to head down to the office to deal with it. He sends his apologies. He's probably on his way to the mansion now.”

“Mansion? Klaus’ house?” I ask.

“Our family’s. Klaus’ manor is currently under slight renovations. He didn’t tell you?”

I shook my head, “I know this might come as a shock to you, but he and I are not friends. I just want to make it clear. It’s been a constant struggle for me to clarify since everybody keeps on insisting that we are something more. So, I’m telling you now. We’re not anything. Not even friends.”

He chuckles, “Denial is one way to hide the truth.” It didn’t occur to me before that the Mikaelson brothers all have this charming humor in them. It’s probably genetic. “Enough about that. Tell me more about you, Caroline. You intend to intrude my family’s comfort zone. Therefore, I intend to reciprocate. What is your motive for moving to town?”

Motive? “You mean, purpose? Well, the main concern is college, but lately I find it more logical to say that the main reason why I chose New Orleans is because of work.”

“Journalism.”

I nod at him. He is very subtle with his questions and his way of asking, but I feel a little invaded. “Yeah, it’s the dream! So far, no regrets. But then I have only been around for a few days. We’ll see.” There was really no way of asking these questions without making a person feel pried. I didn’t know that being on the other side of the interview could feel a little unsettling.

“Is there a reason why you personally chose New Orleans?”

Reason? Q & S Journ. I don’t understand why people even need to ask that question. Don’t they realize that one of the most famous journalism firms is here? It’s almost like asking a Broadway star why they chose New York. It’s not a question you need to ask! “I heard the journalism firm here is pretty great. Many of my high school’s alumni came to the city to find work. They always talked about the good money so I guess it’ll work for me.”

“And it never occurred to you that you’d meet my brother? It didn’t come to your mind that you’d come across a person like him?” he asked. His questions almost make no sense at all. Why would he ask those questions? Does it seem like I knew anything about this town when I came in? I was practically a lost puppy in a big city. If it weren’t for Bonnie or Matt, I wouldn’t be standing on my own right now.

“I’ve never heard of your family before I came to town, if that’s what you’re asking.” This interrogation isn’t heading anywhere nice. “Elijah,” his face turned to my direction, “Why are you asking such indicative questions? Did I make the wrong impression?”

Laughing at my retort, he parks the car in front of a huge mansion. I couldn’t help but stare at the wonderful lodge. The front yard was huge and it had this glass fountain as accentuation of its splendor. The whole building is just a beautiful white structure that most people would have double takes at. It’s a mansion made for royalty. Period. No words can describe this house more correctly.

Biting the insides of my cheek, I looked over to Elijah. He opened his mouth to speak, “I don’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable with my questions. As a Mikaelson, it has become my job to protect the Quarter from anything or anyone. It is our precious pride and we do not like any harm on it.”

“I understand. It just feels unnerving to be in my position. I know that I don’t mean the town any harm. And for you to suspect me is just really irritating.” I explained.

He nods at me, not speaking. A few seconds of silence filled the car. It felt so awkward for me that I didn’t realize that he was waiting for me to climb out. As soon as I gathered the assumed information, I implied. Before driving away, the car window drew down and Elijah’s voice pop out, “I’m off parking the car. Make yourself at home. I will be right behind you.”