storylover3 - I'm glad you think so. I was trying to be good about it, but wasn't sure if I'd get threats hurled for one last hurrah with Tyler.

Crimson Mooon - Aw, but it'll be so good for her! And there's so much fun to be had... *evil grin* Perhaps things will settle later on if/when she goes back?

BarbieRachel- Thank you darling! I'm glad I'm able to do your Klaroline needs justice. :)

Gems6515- Bah, who needs Uni anyway? This takes precedence! Haha just kidding. I could never and will never make my beloved hybrid Tyler a douche. ;)

Inga- Don't know that there's much more development in this chapter, but there's a second story in the works that will definitely give tons of it.

redbudrose - Yay, no anger! *parties*

sparkle7786- Oh I'm happy to be able to aid you in developing your English skills! That's super cool. I love your little bear story too. :)

MissTerie- lol On my game, yeah! The dragging stops here, I swear.

Garota- More Care/Ty praise, hurrah! Thanks! :P

sologirl00 - Perfect review!

sillysun - She needs to get the upper hand more often. And she very well might... You always get my subtexts. ;)

Junkyardmaster - "..it almost makes me want her to stay" Then I've done my job!

REITERATING: I HAVE THE BEST REVIEWERS EVER!
I'm feeling especially good about myself with everyone's reviews. That so many of you mentioned you almost don't want her to go tells me I must be doing something right, considering it's been the general consensus that she leave with Klaus and "screw" her friends. :P Honestly, though, I love you all from the bottom of my heart and I'm so happy there've been so many of you that have stuck this out with me, through all ups and downs. Fictional and not. It's the end of one journey but the beginning of another. And darlings, the games have only just begun... ;)

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry this took so long. I've been fussing with it since last week, trying to get it just right. Please forgive the delay!
Hopefully I can redeem myself with the fact that this is SUCH A LONG chapter. (15pgs in Word!) There's a little sneak peek of Klaus' POV in here, as well. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on that.

D'oh! I forgot to mention in the last chapter that THIS chapter is the final one for this particular story. But as you all are probably aware, I'm continuing into a second story in continuation of this one. Why? Because I'm overzealous. And because there's SO much more fun to be had. And because I just love you all so much and I want to spend more time with you! Okay. Bordering creepy...

Enjoy the insanely long finale-not-finale, my dears. And I hope to see you in the next one! Xox

(Oh, and enjoy the premiere tomorrow! Hurray, it's back!)

Chapter 35

The inside of Caroline's car was eerily silent and numbingly cold the entire drive home. It kept her focused and empty-minded, something she greatly preferred at times like these. After that tearful scene with Tyler, she was pretty much at emotional capacity. His kiss still stung against her lips. Somehow he'd managed to pull her heartstrings one last time, sending her into a pool of doubt, but she couldn't afford to lose her nerve now. She was supposed to leave tomorrow. And Klaus would kill her if she changed her mind at the last minute. Like, in the literal sense, kill.

When she got home, Caroline went directly up to her room, intending to embrace her bed one final night and sleep. But as she opened the door to her room the fact that it was the last time she'd be in there hit her hard. Most of her clothes were packed in pale pink glittery luggage in a corner of her room. But all of the memories still hung on her walls – Timberwolves pennants, pictures of her friends, her Miss Mystic Falls sash, countless pageant trophies and crowns. The nostalgia began to overwhelm.

As she glanced around at it all, she noticed a vase of flowers on her nightstand, completely out of the ordinary. They were white and yellow calla lilies and she was struck with a memory in the foyer of the Original mansion. She stroked the flowers, realizing there was no note attached, but she didn't have to guess who sent them. And as his name appeared in her thoughts, he manifested.

"You said you liked them," Klaus said softly, stepping out from the shadows near her window.

She smiled, turning toward him, not at all surprised. "What are you doing here?"

He bowed his head, bashfully. "I don't mean to intrude on your last night at home, but I thought you should know the latest in our departure."

"You've never heard of a phone call?" she teased.

He grinned, coolly. "Phones are impersonal. I wanted to tell you in person that we're making to leave tomorrow evening."

Her smile faltered. "Oh."

"That's a comforting sound," he muttered sarcastically. "Having second thoughts?"

She shrugged sheepishly. "I'm allowed to be nervous."

"Dare I ask what brought about this change of heart?"

"I didn't say I changed my mind," she argued.

"Your eyes say it for you, love."

"Do not," she pouted, stubbornly. "I'm still going."

He dimpled. "But?"

"But," she nodded, "after carefully thinking it over, I have a few conditions."

"Should I write these down?"

"Just listen," she commanded. "Condition number one: I am not changing my feeding habits. Meaning, no live humans."

"That's your preference," he shrugged. "Though finding blood bags can be a tedious effort on the road."

"Condition number two," she continued, ignoring his protest. "No compulsion. That's a definite dealbreaker."

"Oh now that's a bit much," he said with a grin. "How do you expect to experience all the niceties?"

Caroline's eyes narrowed. "No compelling me," she clarified.

His eyes very briefly flicked to the floor and back up. "No compulsion," he consented. "Anything else?"

She heaved a huge sigh before stating her last condition. "As you know, Tyler broke up with me less than a week ago. And I'm only just starting to face how I feel about it. And with everything changing so fast, and still trying to figure out how I feel about you, it's just totally overwhelming, and I just really think - "

"What is the point you're trying to make, Caroline?" he urged, growing impatient.

She let out a breath. "I'm fragile. I still need time to heal. And, as much of an attraction as there may be here, I'm not ready to jump into this with you, emotionally," she said with an adamant nod. "That's what I mean."

His eyebrows lowered in offense. "I would never ask you to 'jump in' to anything you weren't ready for, Caroline. That includes me." His face changed then, as he seemingly let down his guard. "I only hoped for the pleasure of your company, but in truth this is your adventure. I wouldn't take away from that just to satisfy my own desires."

She shook her head, letting out a short scoff. He was so just trying to save face, and yet her cheeks were the ones turning pink.

"Since when do you do anything that isn't about you?"

He laughed. "Believe it or not, I can put others before me. When it suits me." A sly smirk curved his lips. "But you'll soon learn it's very short lived."

"Hmm." She grinned. "Well, I made my bed. Guess I'll just have to sleep in it."

"No one said you had to sleep alone," he quipped with a snarky raise of eyebrows. Caroline's eyes widened slightly, her lips betraying her in a small grin. Klaus smiled, dimpling, tugging a curl of her hair around his finger. "Let's hope for your sake you don't regret your choice."

Her eyelashes fluttered, nervously. "Let's hope."

The sound of someone clearing their throat ruined the tender moment. It was Sheriff Forbes, standing in the threshold of Caroline's bedroom.

"I don't approve of this one bit," she informed them, sternly. They both stared, like deer in headlights. Liz blinked and the tightness of her face began to ease. "But...I know my daughter. And I know how stubborn she can be when she sets her mind to something."

"Sounds familiar," Klaus remarked, shooting Caroline a smirking glance.

She elbowed him in the ribs. Liz walked into the room until she was directly before Klaus, eyes two determined slits. His face turned solemn, a trifle of worry hiding just below the surface.

"If you so much as touch a single bone in her body I will spend the rest of my life hunting you down," she told him. "You hurt her, and you will pay for it. Are we clear on that?"

Klaus blinked, unmoved by her threat. A tiny smile crept over his lips. "Well, I now see where your daughter's resilient spirit comes from."

"I mean it, Klaus. She is not one of your hybrids. You treat her the way you would treat your family."

"Mom, please," Caroline pleaded, quietly. "Can the overbearing mother speech. I'm perfectly capable."

Klaus held his head high. "Rest assured, Sheriff Forbes. I have no intention of harming your lovely daughter."

"Why should I trust you?"

"You shouldn't," he answered playfully. "As Sheriff of this town, you're expected never to trust anyone. By no means should I be an exception."

Liz's lips twitched and Caroline almost swore her mother wanted to smile. Klaus, the charmer...

"I think I'll take my leave," Klaus mumbled softly. He turned back to Caroline. "One of my hybrids will collect your things tomorrow and transport them along with ours," he told her. She blinked, but nodded in agreement. Klaus smirked at her apparent discomfort. "Until tomorrow, then."

With a brief nod of salutation to the Sheriff, he flashed out of the room in a blur. Liz blinked, clearly still averse to the vampire speed. She glanced back at Caroline, warily.

"You trust him?"

"Not even as far as I could throw him," she said with a laugh.

"You could probably throw him pretty far," her mother joked.

They both laughed until it trailed into a sigh. Liz was gazing at Caroline clearly trying to mask all of the emotions she was feeling, but, like her daughter, her eyes gave her away. Caroline smiled sympathetically.

"I'll be fine, mom. I swear."

"I know you will," she said, trying to return the smile but it withered into a frown. "It's gonna be weird without you here. Very quiet."

Caroline laughed. "Gee, thanks."

Liz laughed too. "Who's going to tell me my clothes are so last year?" she mocked her daughter.

Caroline smiled, wistfully, pulling her mother in for a hug. Tears began falling freely. "It's not forever," she whispered.

"I can't even imagine what your father would think about this. All these years trying to protect the town from the monsters, but we still couldn't protect you."

She released her mother, keeping her hands planted upon her shoulders, a strong-willed resilience in her expression. "Trust me. When I get through, I'll be the monster, not him."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

Later that night, Caroline lay in bed, tossing and turning. Every time she closed her eyes, all she saw were questions, images of the people she loved that she was leaving behind. Doubts began to fill her head. She'd made her decision, but an overwhelming fear was nagging her relentlessly. Finally, she sat up, thrusting the covers off her chest. The digital clock on her nightstand read 3:32AM. If sleep was abandoning her, then she'd have to otherwise occupy herself. She scooped her phone from the stand beside her and typed a message...

...

In the Original mansion, Klaus was lounging on the chaise in the parlor, sipping his third glass of wine. Everything was set to go for the venture tomorrow. His hybrids were out collecting the necessities. Elijah had left early to get their new abode situated. All Klaus had left to do was sit and contemplate how greatly everything was about to change. Tomorrow he would leave Mystic Falls and all of its irritating inhabitants behind, save one. He never expected Caroline to accept his offer. She wasn't ready at the 1920s dance, and he was certain it was more than likely she wasn't even fully ready now, but she'd put on a strong bravado, insisting she go. His covetous impulses wouldn't allow him to make her stay home, where it was safe. If she was going to make her own decisions, he would let her see it through.

Frankly, he found himself somewhat unsettled about it all. Of course it would be wonderful to spend more time with his blonde goddess, but in such close proximity to where she'd be witness to everything in his daily life? Something about it unnerved him and he couldn't put his finger on what. A weaker man might say he was scared. Niklaus Mikaelson was not a weak man.

The phone on the end table beside him blinked with a new message. He took note of the time before opening the text, wondering who would be writing to him so late.

CAROLINE said:
I can't sleep.
3:33AM

He hummed, relieved that he wasn't the only one kept awake by an emotional inner turmoil. He typed, in response, the first thing that came to mind.

I said:
Did you try counting sheep?
3:33AM

CAROLINE said:
I'm scared.
3:35AM

I said:
Of sheep?
3:35AM

CAROLINE said:
Only if they're vampire-sheep hybrids.
3:36AM

He could sense her smiling through her words. It sent a strange vibration to his heart. He chose to ignore it and continued the conversation.

I said:
I imagine all the wool would
get in the way of feeding...
3:36AM

CAROLINE said:
This has definitely gone too far.
3:36AM

I said:
What's really troubling you, love?
3:37AM

CAROLINE said:
Everything changing.
3:37AM

Of course she was scared of change. They were both thrusting themselves into the unknown. A bout of reservation was inevitable. But the girl had never ventured outside her own town, and that fact alone had saddened him. How could anyone hope to rise to their true potential without experiencing all life had to offer?

I said:
Well that's to be expected.
But change is necessary
for growth.
3:38AM

CAROLINE said:
Thank you Mr. Logical...
3:38AM

I said:
You're welcome Ms. Sarcastic. ;)
3:39AM

CAROLINE said:
Cute.
3:39AM

I said:
You started it.
3:40AM

CAROLINE said:
And now I'm ending it.
3:40AM

I said:
Spoilsport...
3:40AM

CAROLINE said:
Be serious, Klaus.
What if this all winds up
being a huge mistake?
3:41AM

I said:
Can't know that until you try.
3:41AM

CAROLINE said:
Even if it means getting hurt?
3:41AM

I said:
Why are you so certain I'm
going to hurt you?
3:42AM

CAROLINE said:
Why are you so certain you won't?
3:42AM

I said:
After all the trouble I've gone
through, you still don't trust me.
3:43AM

CAROLINE said:
Trust is earned, Klaus.
3:43AM

I said:
Lucky for me, we have
plenty of time ahead of us.
3:44AM

Klaus twisted the stem of his wine glass between his fingers, watching the liquid slosh. It had been three minutes and there was still no response. He quenched his impatience with another sip of wine and typed, wearing a smirk.

I said:
Stop thinking, Caroline.
3:47AM

CAROLINE said:
That's like telling a hybrid not to kill. :)
3:47AM

His nose twitched with annoyance but somehow he found himself grinning. Her wit was quick and fiery and always reared its head in the most unexpected of moments. It was almost arousing, in a way. What would transpire when she tried to pull her cunning out in personal combat? The friction between them certainly wouldn't hold much longer. He would never hurt her, but oh how he would ravage her...

I said:
A man and his nature
should never be trifled with.
3:48AM

CAROLINE said:
Same goes for women who
think too much.
3:48AM

I said:
Fair enough.
3:48AM

CAROLINE said:
Are you scared at all?
3:50AM

He drummed his index finger against the side of his phone in thought. After all, this was all new territory for him as well. Since Tatia, no woman had gotten so close to his heart. But Caroline had unexpectedly awakened something in him the night of the ball. Her brutal honesty made him see past her exterior, not to mention his own. For years he remained introverted, content to keep those around him no more than arm's length. But she was the key that unlocked the humanity he thought he'd lost hundreds of years ago. It was paradoxically euphoric and terrifying. The nervous feeling had him wanting to both push her away and pull her closer. Grunting in frustration, he took another gulp of wine and opted for a simple yet cryptic enough answer.

I said:
Should I be?
3:51AM

CAROLINE said:
I don't know. Aren't you at
least worried about having
me around 24/7?
3:51AM

I said:
It's an adjustment, yes. But one
I am fully prepared to endure.
3:52AM

CAROLINE said:
What if I'm not?
3:52AM

I said:
Don't worry, love. I'll hold your hand. ;)
3:52AM

Klaus finished off his glass of wine, deciding to retire to his bedroom for the remainder of this conversation. Maybe being in bed might help him sleep...

...

Caroline was sitting upright in her bed, leaning back against the wall, rereading the last received message. It was too perfect. But then a thousand years was enough time for anyone to develop a keen sense of saying the right things at the right time.

I said:
How did you even manage to make
me change my mind about you?
3:54AM

KLAUS said:
I'm still not even sure I did yet.
3:54AM

I said:
I'm going with you aren't I?
3:54AM

KLAUS said:
You're accompanying me on a trip.
Doesn't mean I've won you over.
…Yet. ;)
3:55AM

I said:
True. You still have a long way to go. :P
3:55AM

KLAUS said:
I'm aware.
3:55AM
Get some sleep, Caroline.
3:56AM

And, miraculously, she did.

The next afternoon, Sheriff Forbes had decided to take a sick day for once in her life. She'd wanted to spend what precious little time she had left with her daughter. They spent the afternoon watching reruns of The Bachelor, strolling down memory lane, laughing, crying, and bonding in ways they never had before. It made Caroline's departure that much harder to face. She never had time like this with her mom. They were just getting close, and now she was leaving. It was almost bittersweet.

Around 4:30pm, two of Klaus' hybrids showed up at the door waiting to be permitted entrance to their house. They were sent to pick up whatever Caroline had decided to bring along, just as Klaus had promised. Amidst the hauling of her things into Klaus' moving van, Bonnie and Elena walked up hoping they weren't too late to see her off. Stefan and Damon trailed behind, and Matt pulled up, not too long after. They all sat outside while Liz kept a watchful eye on the two hybrids going in and out of her house.

"I can't believe you're really leaving," Elena said, sadly.

"It's not going to be the same without you," Bonnie agreed.

"You guys," Caroline laughed. "it's not forever."

"You say that now," Matt said in jest. "For all you know, we probably won't see you for a couple years."

"I could never away from you guys that long! Except for Damon."

Damon sneered. "Hilarious."

"Are you sure going with Klaus is what you want to do, Caroline?" Stefan asked.

"I wish everyone would stop asking me if I'm sure," she groaned, exasperatedly. "I'm going and that's that."

Stefan smiled, piteously. "I just know what it's like to be around Klaus for an extended period of time. It's uh...I don't know, bleak? Torturous? Kinda makes you crazy." He frowned, a memory flashing across his eyes.

Caroline shook her head. "Yeah, but this is different. You were forced to stay with him. I'm going willingly."

"Which I will never understand," Damon scowled.

"It's not for you to understand," Elena told him. "It's Caroline's decision and we have to respect that."

Caroline grinned, gratefully. "Thank you, Elena."

"Hey, you know what? If it gets him out of our hair, all the more to you," Damon smirked. "In fact, maybe I should thank you for seducing the homicidal hybrid. Saved us a heck of a lot of trouble."

Caroline rolled her eyes. At least Damon was consistent. The two hybrids appeared before the group, startling them all into a wary silence.

"Miss Forbes?" one of them addressed her. "We've been asked to escort you to Klaus once finishing loading your things into the truck."

"Now?" she whined. "But he said in the evening. It's barely even five."

"I'm just doing what I was told," he shrugged.

Caroline was at a loss. "Well...can't he wait a little longer?"

The hybrid frowned, painfully. "I can't disobey an order."

Her shoulders slumped, eyes narrowing in contempt. Stupid sire bonds. She glanced at her friends, her heart filling with dread at what was coming. They all stood collectively and spread a little, preparing themselves to officially say goodbye. Matt was first. He bore a reassuring boyish grin, but it lacked its usual luster. His face was pink with whatever emotion he was trying to hold back.

"Don't forget me out in the big city, okay?" he whispered as she hugged him.

"I could never forget you, Matt," she whispered back, tears already beginning to blur her vision.

As soon as he let go, Bonnie was there. She smiled a real, genuine smile, as she embraced Caroline. Her hold was iron tight.

"I love you, Care."

"I love you too." Bonnie squeezed her tighter, forcing a small gasp out of Caroline. "Okay, Bonnie? Can't breathe."

"Sorry," the witch grinned, letting her go. Her own breathing was uneven, but she held her own, managing to keep her tears from falling. She plastered a smile to her face. "Bring me back a hot French guy when you go to Paris, okay?"

Caroline laughed, blinking back tears. "I'll see if I can fit one in my suitcase."

She was faced with Damon next. They had an awkward moment of staring before Damon rolled his eyes and groaned.

"Oh c'mere," he extended his arms to hug her too. "Take care of yourself, Blondie. I'd hate to hear you were a victim of one of Klaus' hissy fits."

"Thanks Damon," she replied, a little uncertain of his sentiment.

Stefan was next. "I'll miss you, Caroline."

"I'll miss you too, Stefan. Even if you did choose Elena over me," she poked him teasingly. "And, hey. Don't give up on her, okay? You two belong together, not Damon."

Stefan smiled, humoring her. "Okay." He released her, keeping his hands on her shoulders. "I hope you know what you're doing with Klaus."

"I'll be okay, Stefan," she assured him for what felt like the millionth time.

He smirked. "Well, if anyone can keep him in check it's you."

She beamed at his empowering words. It was finally Elena's turn. There were already tears streaming down her face, even before they'd embraced.

"Keep in touch, okay?' Elena whispered, her tears soaking into Caroline's jacket.

"I will. And you make sure you stay alive, you hear me?" she demanded. "And pick Stefan, not Damon. And call me the second you decide!"

Elena laughed, finally letting go of her friend. "You just worry about yourself, Care. And Klaus."

As her friends crowded away, Sheriff Forbes stood near the front door, waiting to bid her daughter farewell. Caroline's tears were beginning to trail down her cheeks, but seeing her mom's eyes glistening with unshed tears seemed to break the dam. She threw herself into her mother's arms. Liz held her like she would never let her go.

"You'll call?"

"Every day!" Caroline half-laughed, half-sobbed.

"I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll miss you too."

When Liz finally released her, Caroline began to wipe her eyes. "We have to stop crying," she laughed. "I'm gonna run out of mascara."

Liz choked out a laugh. "Wouldn't want that."

Taking a deep, shuddery breath, Caroline straightened herself up, pulling her denim jacket downward in an effort to smooth it. Before getting into the truck, she put on her bravest smile and waved a goodbye to her friends and mother. She watched them mirror her smile and wave her off until they disappeared.

The van drove through town swiftly toward the Original mansion. Caroline stared out the window, taking in all of the sights of Mystic Falls, imprinting them on her memory for safe-keeping. As they passed the Grill, a thousand memories flooded her heart. The Town Square was across from the stoplight they were at. She smiled, remembering the Miss Mystic Falls pageant; Founder's Day; the Night of the Comet festivities. They passed the high school and images of her friends passed through her mind. The Police Station was coming up and her heart ached for her mother, already. The Lockwood Manor came into sight and she spied Tyler's Buick parked in the driveway. She silently wiped away the newly developing tears, hoping neither of the hybrids could see.

When they finally pulled up to the mansion, Caroline was overwhelmed with all of the commotion going on. There were – what she assumed to be – hybrids running in and out of the mansion. Klaus, on the other hand, was standing outside the passenger's side window of a frosty blue '69 vintage Mustang, a vexed look on his face. She couldn't recall ever seeing the car at the mansion before, but it was clearly their means of transportation as Rebekah and Kol were already inside. As she approached, she heard with her vampire senses the makings of an argument between Klaus and Kol.

"Kol, get out of the front seat. I'd like Caroline beside me as opposed to you."

"The early bird catches the worm, brother," Kol teased.

"My car, my rules, Kol."

"Will we have to hear that the whole way?" Rebekah complained from behind.

"Oh come on, Nik. Don't I have any seniority here?" Kol pouted. "It's a long enough ride. You'll get to hold her hand plenty later."

Klau's eyes widened in fury. "Have you been in my phone?!"

"Would I do that?" Kol smiled sweetly.

"Yes," he snarled. "Now, move."

"Manners, Nik," Kol scolded. "Your lady's just arrived."

Klaus did a half turn, his anger receding upon seeing Caroline barely a few feet away. "I see you've made it in one piece."

She cocked her head, a certain coolness to her eyes. "Yes. Your hybrids are very good at doing what they're told."

"I should hope so," he grinned smugly in the face of her disgust. "That's what they're made for."

Caroline shook her head, scoffing into the wind bitterly. Klaus' eyebrows lowered as he studied her face. His fingertip gently grazed the moist puffy skin beneath her eye.

"Are you all right?"

She shrugged, turning her face away from his touch. "Turns out, I'm not very good with goodbyes."

He smiled, sympathizing. "Few are."

"Can we go?" Rebekah called from the back seat.

Klaus nodded, waving for his sister to relax. He turned back to his brother, pleadingly. "Kol, please?"

"Face it, Nik. You're stuck with me," Kol told him, clicking his seatbelt into place. "That is, unless you want to let me drive and the two of you can snog in back."

Klaus' eyes narrowed. "No."

"Then quit your griping and let's get on with it!"

"It's okay," Caroline told him. "I'll sit in back for now."

He snuck one last look of contempt at Kol and lead Caroline around to the opposite side of the car. She got into the backseat beside Rebekah, smiling in greeting. As Klaus began to set the GPS, Caroline stared out the window watching hybrids scurrying around the Originals' estate. All the kings horses and all the king's men, she quipped silently. So did that make her queen bee, now?

"There are few things I'll miss about this dreadful town," Rebekah mused, breaking her concentration.

Kol straightened up, turning over the shoulder of his seat with a teasing grin. "Like that quarterback you fancy? Matt, was it?"

Rebekah kicked the back of his chair, sending him into a fit of laughter as he turned to face forward again.

"You actually liked Matt?" Caroline asked in surprise.

"She likes anyone who gives her a molecule of attention," Kol was still snickering.

"Shut up, Kol," Rebekah pouted. "Anyway, he wasn't interested."

"Don't rule it out," Klaus told her. "He accompanied you to mother's gala."

"Yes, where he was nearly killed by our barbarian of a brother. Wonderful first impression, that."

"It was your idea," Kol argued. "The only reason you had a change of heart is because the jockstrap tried to be nice. You always were easy, sweetheart."

Rebekah groaned in annoyance. "This is going to be the longest car ride ever." Klaus and Kol exchanged an amused grin at her expense. "I saw that!"

"Do you guys always argue this much?" Caroline wondered aloud.

"Worse," all three answered in unison.

The car filled with laughter. Caroline settled in her seat, feeling a great deal better. At least, if anything, there was family here. A very disturbingly demented family, but a family nonetheless. And maybe, in her own way, she'd find her way into that dynamic. Once the car began to roll out onto the road, Caroline's sense of adventure started to kick in. This was a good thing, her leaving. She might be losing some memories with those she loved, but she was gaining so much more. It was just what she needed right now, an escape and time to figure out what she wanted, who she was, and where she was going.

As for Klaus? He was still a mystery that remained to be unraveled. There was an attraction, she admitted. There were even some developing feelings there, she could also admit. But she had no idea what was in his head. He claimed to "fancy" her, but what did he really know about caring about someone? She didn't know if he could or if he was even capable of love. That's what she was really here to find out. She just hoped it wouldn't be a mistake. Oh how the mighty have fallen...

Thank you for reading, my lovelies. I hope you enjoyed this journey. But it's not over yet!

Stay tuned for the second installment [sequel, if you prefer] – "UNCHARTED TERRITORY".

[[[First chapter to be posted, I hope, some time next week.]]]