The Wolf - Klaroline

21. From a Cradle to a Grave

Season 1 Episode 21

Season Finale

Notes:

Ta-da! This is the Season (maybe Series) Finale! :) It's a long one, so get yourself a cup of tea and get cozy. I don't have to remind you all again that this is The Originals season 1, right? Ok, then. Have that in mind.

More than ever, I have to thank my lovely beta coveredinthecolors for the AMAZING work she did with this chapter. I was a pain in her ass about this finale and she did not lose her cool with me once, which was incredibly generous of her. If you still find any mistakes there (and I'm sure you will), it's because I keep retouching the story on my own like the rebel kid that I am, so they're all mine and I'm sorry.

At the same time I'm dying to be done with this story, I'm also sad to see these characters go. I had an amazing time writing them (Elijah ❤) and I hope you enjoyed it at least a little bit as well. Also, I'm really dreading this finale and what you guys will think. I hope you know that I gave it my very best and everything you read here is from the bottom of my heart, so please be kind! I'm SO looking forward to your feedback and your comments and, please, don't feel shy. This is the end, folks! It's the time for you to share! If you have read this from beginning to end, I'd love to hear from you. :)

There are a BUNCH of A/Ns at the bottom explaining some of my decisions here and also answering some questions some of you might have. Read that or don't, it's your choice, this is over anyway. But I'd really appreciate it if you did!

As always, thank you SO MUCH for reading and for your amazing support! :) It's been an honor, folks! ❤

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

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Caroline's new favorite thing is to sit on the rocking chair by the window in the baby's room. She doesn't know if Klaus thought about this while he was putting the nursery together or if it was a lucky coincidence, but it has quickly become her favorite nook in the house, perfect to soak up the morning sun.

And to think that in just a few more weeks she'll have the company of a tiny person in her arms while she gently sways back and forth on her rocking chair... So much has happened since Caroline found out about the pregnancy that it sometimes felt like it was lasting an eternity, but now that she's approaching her due date, time is moving faster than ever.

The last few weeks haven't been half-bad, all things considered. They've been getting some lovely days — sunny, but not too warm, with a gentle breeze that sways the curtains like a cool caress. More importantly, there have been no immediate threats to fight, no impending deaths to escape. Doom has taken some time off, and as unusual as it might be, Caroline is not about to start questioning those small blessings. They are far and few around here. Peaceful days that would be just another Tuesday on anyone else's life are the exception in New Orleans. She has definitely learned not to take it for granted.

She had some time to catch up on her what to expect when you're expecting readings, her latest exams were all great and she's occupied two hours of Cami's friend's time a couple of days ago with all sorts of questions about the birthing process. "Wow. You really did come prepared, didn't you?" Dr. Lisa chuckled when Caroline pulled a bunch of cards out of her bag. "I'm always prepared."

She patiently talked Caroline through the whole thing — first signs, what to do, how long to wait, possible complications, how to tell false alarms from real contractions, and so on and so forth. She has a complete guide now, step by step, for when the time comes. Now all she has to do — besides wait — is give a crash course to her guardians. Something tells her Klaus and Elijah are more likely to freak out when she goes into labor than she is.