What Now?

Chapter 3

"Where are we?" Klaus asked.

"We're at the Salvatore school," Hope glanced over at the twins. "I'm not really sure what to do now... I didn't think this far ahead," she said with confusion written all over her face.

"Hope, you know I'd stay and help, but I'm exhausted. I feel like I could collapse right now. Is it okay if I go to bed?" Josie said breathlessly barely able to keep her eyes open.

"Oh my god. Yes. Definitely. Thank you so much for your help. I couldn't have done this without either of you. Be careful going back inside. Don't get caught by your mom or dad," Hope responded.

Klaus quickly looked up "Your mother? You're Caroline's daughters, aren't you?" he asked.

"They sure are," answered a voice behind them.

"Hello, Love." Klaus said with a wicked grin without turning around.

He knew exactly who that was. Caroline stood in the doorway of the old mill with her arms crossed looking furious. The three girls immediately looked down hiding their faces. It was silent for what felt like eternity to the kids.

"Seriously?! What the hell is going on?" Caroline asked.

"We were..." Lizzie began speaking before she was interrupted by Hope.

"I wanted to bring my parents back. I found a really old grimoire at the secondhand bookstore, and I have been studying it for weeks. I knew I wasn't strong enough to handle it on my own and be able to find my mom and dad. I basically tricked Lizzie and Josie into helping me. I am so sorry, Caroline. If you want to punish someone, let it be me. They were just helping me out," Hope rambled.

Caroline studied Hope's eyes for a while and then turned to look at the twins. She was searching all their faces to see if Hope was telling the whole truth.

Finally, she released a deep sigh and asked "Your parents? Is Hayley back too?"

Hope shook her head. "No, she found peace," Hope said disappointed.

"I'm sorry, sweetie." Caroline said while walking over to Hope and putting her hand on Hope's shoulder. "Tonight, we will get some rest and tomorrow we will figure out the next step. Oh, and talk about punishments," Caroline said with a smirk.

Klaus remained stuck in the same spot throughout the entire exchange. He had tears in his eyes and a soft smile. He couldn't believe the beautiful young woman in front of him was his daughter. His Hope. He couldn't believe how extraordinary she was. He was so proud, and it was evident in his face.

"What about dad?" Hope asked in a hushed tone.

"You girls get inside. I'll handle him," Caroline said glancing over at Klaus who finally made eye contact with her.

"Thank you," Hope said with a smile. She began walking away with the twins before turning around one last time and ran over to Klaus. She wrapped her arms around him, "Goodnight, dad. I love you. I'm glad you're back," She said with a big smile.

"I love you. Thank you, Hope." He whispered to her. They pulled apart and both looked over at Caroline and the twins who were hugging and exchanging their goodnights.

The three girls began walking back to the school together. Hope and Lizzie on either side of Josie for support in case she needed it.

Caroline and Klaus stood side by side and watched the girls walk back to the school silently.

When the girls disappeared, Caroline turned towards Klaus. She was looking down, hesitant to look into his eyes even though she felt him looking at her.

She looked up at him, finally and they locked eyes.

"Hello, Caroline." Klaus said quietly.

"Hi, Klaus." She responded at the same tone.

They stood there looking at each other for a while.

"Um... Are you tired? Do you want to go get some rest?" Caroline asked.

"Well, tired no. I could use some actual rest though. Surprisingly, I didn't get much in the afterlife," Klaus answered raising his brows.

"Well there's an extra room at my house if you want to crash there," Caroline offered.

"I wouldn't want to impose. I'll just head back to New Orleans tonight," Klaus said.

"No. It's almost 11:00 at night, Klaus. You'll stay at my house. Let's go," she responded matter-of-factly while motioning towards her car.

Klaus studied her face and slowly smiled. "Okay. Thank you, Love." he said, knowing better than to argue with Caroline.

"Come on," she said with a smile.

Caroline and Klaus walked to Caroline's car. Klaus opened her door and she smiled at him nodding in acknowledgment. He then got in on the passenger side. As Caroline began driving off the two sat in silence.

"Will I be staying at the house alone, while you go back and stay at the school tonight?" Klaus asked breaking the silence.

"Actually, I don't stay at the school. I stay at my mom's old house, and Ric stays at the school. Obviously, I'm available if they need me, but I sleep at the house..." She said.

"Are there not enough rooms at the school?" Klaus asked searching for answers.

Caroline softly laughed, "I have actually been gone for the last two years. I've been searching for a way to stop the merge of the girls." she said glancing over at Klaus and then back at the road.

"Did you find anything?" He asked curiously.

"No. I have talked to hundreds of witches and read every single book on this. I don't think there is a way to stop it. I won't give up, but something happened last week. I just felt so helpless. I got on the first flight I could and came back home to hug my babies again. Maybe coming home for a bit will help clear my mind, so I can go back out and figure this out." she said hopefully.

"You are a magnificent mother; you know that Caroline? I knew you would be the second Stefan told me you carried Alaric's children all those years ago. You're strong and y- you're fierce. If anyone can figure this out, it's you." he reassured her.

They pulled into the driveway of her house.

"We're here," she said quietly with a smile.

They got out of the car and walked up to the front door. She unlocked the door and walked in while he was right behind her. She turned around when she heard him close the front door, and they just stared at each other again.

Caroline smiled and nodded towards a door in the hallway, "You can take my old room. I've been sleeping in the master bedroom anyway."

He stepped towards her until they were so close, he could feel her breath. They both closed their eyes and leaned in. They stopped just before their lips met. She smiled keeping her eyes closed while letting out a soft chuckle.

"Thank you for everything tonight, Caroline." He whispered not moving.

Finally, as if there was a magnetic pull their lips met. They kissed each other softly. When they pulled apart, they both kept their eyes closed and their foreheads were resting on each other's.

She opened her eyes and stepped back. She stood up straight and grabbed her jacket as if she was straightening that out too. She cleared her throat and showed a big smile.

"Now what?" she asked. "We can go to sleep or we can crack open a bottle of bourbon and catch up?" she said with a welcoming smile.