Caroline forced a smile as she studied her face in the mirror. Her hair and make-up were perfectly done up and she looked radiant but she couldn't feel happy. Today was the Miss Mystic Falls Pageant; her favourite time of the year. Except this year she wasn't attending with her boyfriend, instead she would be going with one of the biggest villains in Mystic Falls. Klaus. She should have been going with Tyler, except of course he was furious with her for this very reason. And even if she wasn't in this situation he was probably busy with Hayley anyway. She smoothed down her dress and fastened her shoes. Come on Caroline, cheer up, she thought over and over in her head. She wished she could enjoy this day. After all it was the anniversary of the day she had won the pageant and since she was last year's winner she would be a big part of the ceremony in handing over her crown which she had treasured for the past year. She jumped as she heard the knock of the door and went to answer it. Klaus looked dashingly handsome and she had to hold in the gasp that had almost sprung out of her mouth. He was dressed in a black suit teamed with a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie. "I'm surprised you didn't just let yourself in," Caroline remarked.

"Oh Caroline, I do have manners you know. You look beautiful sweetheart," he told her sincerely.

She looked up astonished at his formality and thanked him. He smiled and took her arm in his leading her out to the car that was waiting for them. Caroline gulped as she saw it. It looked like something out of a 20s film. Klaus laughed at her expression.

"I thought you'd like it. If only you'd been there for the 20s. It was a decade made for you," he whispered his voice filled with wonder.

"It's different. I've got to say I wasn't expecting this."

"I aim to please, love. You especially. You'll learn that one day. Come on then," he said helping her into the car.

When they arrived at the pageant Caroline had to leave Klaus and join the competitors.

"You do know what to do don't you?" she asked him frantically.

"Don't worry Caroline. I'll be waiting to escort you right on time. Now go, you have somewhere to be," he smiled glad to be of a reassurance to her. She turned and rushed up the stairs lifting her dress up as she fled.

Joining the girls in the dressing room she was confronted by Elena. "I cannot believe you're here with him! What are you playing at Caroline?"

"Elena you know I had to do this. It was to save you remember? To stop the hallucinations. Because everything revolves around you."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Elena screamed furiously.

"It means it's always us Elena. We always seem to have to sacrifice something to save you," she sighed. "Look I'm sorry, I've just had enough. Please calm down. Your emotions they're still heightened."

"Don't you dare tell me to calm down! You bitch Caroline Forbes! You're supposed to be my friend!"

Hearing the shouting Damon bounded into the room and wrapped an arm around Elena.

"What's going on?" he asked like he hadn't been listening.

"Please just get her home Damon," Caroline whispered noticing the other girls beginning to stare. He nodded and tugged Elena along who tried to resist him but was not strong enough. The door slammed as she left.

"Right girls. Do we all know what we need to do?" Caroline asked cheerily as though nothing had happened.

"Caroline? Can we talk?" a familiar voice asked. Caroline's heart sank. It was Rebekah.

"What is it Rebekah?"

"I heard what happened with Elena. I know you're only with Nik because he agreed to help you if you went on a date with him. Please Caroline he may act like he's all tough and angry but he does have a heart. It's taken him this long to learn to use it after Tatia; you have to promise me you won't break it all over again."

"I highly doubt that," she scoffed.

"It's true. He was torn up after she left. That deceitful bitch. She ruined my brother. You have the chance to fix him," she urged. "I have to get ready, I'm competing, I just needed to say something."

Caroline was left standing there with Rebekah's plea floating around her mind. She tried to brush the thought away; that she was breaking Klaus's heart. It was preposterous. It wasn't like she was even pretending to like him. He knew she didn't want to be here with him. Didn't he?