(HIGH SCHOOL AU): The story follows a group of teenagers, two of whom are closer than the rest. Caroline finds herself recovering from a toxic relationship by hopping into another one while Niklaus indulges in some questionable activities that ultim...
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Caroline loved the sun and there was nothing her mother could do to stop her from waking up ridiculously early just to watch it rise. It brought her great pleasure to bask in it, gazing at the clear evidence that she'd lived another day. The only person that ever understood her obsession was Elena, and even she was still a bit confused as to why she'd ever spend hours waiting for the earth to complete its three-sixty once again, but Caroline never needed anyone to understand.
It had always been her escape, growing up. Listening to her parents argue and say things that they don't mean every single day would always be her only memory of her childhood, maybe aside from having cousins who hated her guts because she was 'too loud' or 'too happy'. Elizabeth consoled her, explaining that when children are mean, they just don't know anything else and, knowing her aunts and how they treated her mother, she couldn't be surprised.
This particular morning deemed itself trying, as Caroline—for one reason or another...or several reasons—had no desire to leave her bed. There had always been bad days for her, much like anyone else, but she wouldn't let that make her grumpy for the day. She recalled how much of a nightmare Niklaus and Stefan could be in the mornings, even with Niklaus being so well at hiding it.
She'd grown to realize that not all parents were nearly as devoted to teaching their children to be kind as Elizabeth was.
Bill Forbes was the perfect example. During his time at home, he would do nothing but rage at her and her mother, sending Caroline into a full-blown panic and leaving Elizabeth to pick up the pieces of glass that were splattered across the floor. 'Alcoholic' would not be the correct word to describe Bill; it would only be an understatement. The man was drinking from sun up to sun down, often claiming that he would get better and he never did. He always seemed to enjoy giving Caroline false hope, making her think that maybe she'd get her daddy back, but the truth is, she never had him to begin with.
From age seven to age ten, she would cry in fear of him striking her, which he'd never done, but it always seemed like the next step to her. Instead, all he ever did was tell her how loud she was being when she spoke and complain to Elizabeth about how much money he would spent on her, despite him hardly ever being around. Yes, Caroline was very high maintenance, as most little girls or children in general are. She had at least sixty-two Barbie dolls and three doll houses, she was a picky eater which required a large stock of whatever foods she really liked, and she demanded that all of her clothes be bought in bulk.
One could say she was spoiled, but she never felt like it. She had all the newest toys, all the best shoes and clothes, even the best birthday parties, all at the expense of her mental health. She was yelled at every night, abandoned every morning, and put last every day. Her mother had been the only reason she even knew what kindness was. Even in school, Caroline was somewhat mistreated; well, that was until Niklaus showed up, ready to just about murder anyone who dared to cross her.
