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Chapter 10

Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need? Won't you please bring my baby to me?

Christmas in the Forbes household was always a fun one. The house in the middle of a cul-de-sac in Mystic Falls was decorated beautifully, with every element of the holiday in it. The highlight, of course, was the tree bang in the middle of the living room. Red and gold was the colour of the choice, with the theme looking great in its tinsel and bauble form. In a neat fashion, it almost looked as though it had come from a posh London department store. Even the presents under the tree had been neatly placed- though they'd been ripped open that morning.

Liz was in the kitchen, talking to Mimi, who was also helping cook the turkey. Sat at the table were three figures. The first was Cathy Watson, their neighbour. Her son and his family lived in Australia, and considering how expensive and far it was to get there, the Forbes had invited her for Christmas. The next two were Robin and Dorothy, Mimi's brother and sister-in-law. They also lived in Mystic Falls and often visited for holidays.

"Caroline!" Liz called, "Can you take over the cranberry sauce, please?"

The blonde rushed into the kitchen, just having finished her annual Christmas telephone conversation with her father and Stephen. She'd thanked them for the shoes; they'd thanked her for the gardening things- it was the same old routine as every year, nothing had changed. She asked how her step-sister was, all that jazz. Bill awkwardly asked how Liz was; Caroline assured him that she was fine. More conversation, he asked how the wedding was going. Little chat about his work, and that was it.

"Was that your father?" Mimi asked.

"Yes."

"Hm," Mimi's mouth drew into a thin line.

Mimi had never liked Bill, and Bill knew it. If Bill had asked for Mimi for her blessing regarding Liz's hand as opposed to David, she probably would have said no. She was suspicious of Bill from the very beginning, and had made that abundantly clear to her only daughter. Her son-in-law knew that he was not liked by the steely-eyed woman, with their relationship always being fractured. When Mimi found out that Bill had cheated on Liz, she had NOT been happy. 'That awful man," she ranted, those words being strong for Mimi, who didn't believe in cursing, "I always knew he was an idiot. I'll cook him, Liz, that cheater.' Later on, she'd called up Caroline- "Caroline? It's grandma. You upset? I'll take you for ice cream." Mimi had made sure that Bill knew how she felt about him being a cheater. When Bill had come to pick Caroline up for her 18th birthday meal, she'd stood at the door the entire time, arms crossed and eyes boring into him. Mimi had stood there without a word until Bill's car pulled out of the drive. She stood at the window when Caroline returned, shaking her head at Bill, who tried to avoid her eye. At Caroline's university graduation, she had been civil for her granddaughter's sake, but everyone could tell she couldn't wait until she got into the car to let it all burst out.

"And how is he doing?"

Caroline rolled her eyes, "Fine. He's going to Stephen's parents."

"How is the home wrecker?"

"Stephen's a nice guy," Caroline protested.

"Your father is a cheater, Caroline. He came out gay- that's up to him, but he also went off with another person, and to me- as Liz's mother, that is unforgivable. If Liz had cheated on your father, I would not have been impressed. I never liked him, but this is not being biased. Yes, he was a good father, but he ruined your family. Divorce, though needed, is sad on everyone it involves. You were very good, but not every child is so privileged."

The blonde shook her head- she wouldn't convince Mimi. Instead, she continued with her cranberry sauce.

"You'll meet a nice man, I hope," the older woman continued as she peeled the potatoes, "I'm glad you ended it with Tyler. I always liked that Matt too, he was a nice boy, but I'm sure you're happy with having him just as a friend. Very polite, helped me with my shopping once- you remember that? Just like David when we first met. See, that's what warmed my father to David- David helped him repair a tyre at the side of a busy road. Father thought he was ever so polite."

"Yeah," Caroline smiled sadly at the memory of her dearly departed grandfather.

"What about one of those princes?"

"Er, probably not..."

"Why not?" her grandma turned around sharply, almost letting the potato peeler go flying, "It's only Prince Elijah whose wedding you're planning, not any of the others."

"Finn is dating that Sage girl."

"So? Two left."

"Kol is very immature, grandma, childish and likes women too much. Dating him would be like caring for a puppy."

"Men mature when they meet the right woman dearie, and don't you forget it," she wagged a finger, "But you're right- you are too mature for that sort of boy, too sensible. So that leaves Niklaus."

"I'm not so sure about Klaus. I mean, he's nice and stuff, but sometimes I'm not so sure about his attitude, he acts so different."

"I've always felt like Niklaus got the short end of the stick- it's not his fault his mother possibly had extra-marital relations. They act like he is the devil, but I just think that he is misunderstood. No one is perfect and there is never an excuse for rudeness, but you don't always know what is going on in a person's mind, or what has happened in their life. His eulogy for Henrik was just so beautiful, there was so much feeling behind it- no one can fake that kind of feeling, it is simply not possible, Caroline. I feel the same about the Lady Katherine. Elijah loves who he loves, and if that is her, then so be it. She may not be a Queen Esther, but she will be her own kid of Queen."

She paused for a moment.

"No family is perfect- look at ours Caroline, with what happened to your father. The Mikaelsons will have a lot of skeletons in their closet. Did Esther have an affair with Ansel Wolf? That is the obvious one. Every royal wants the image of that 'perfect' family- look at them all, beautiful and poised. We envy them. But we don't know what they are like behind closed doors. We don't know happened when young Henrik died- how it affected them. You know how grief affects people, how your mother reacted when your grandfather passed. You cannot expect that they be perfect. On TV, you see the happy, charming side of people, be it royal, celebrity or normal people. You cannot judge them to be perfect. You look into the history of our monarchs- Henry VIII with his six wives, Queen Victoria and the Lady Flora Hastings affair, so much scandal. Nothing has changed in this time. As long as it looks perfect on the outside, they don't care. It's the same with every family- everyone wants to be envied."

Caroline blinked at her grandmother.

"Where did that come from?"

"It's obvious, dearie," Mimi gave her a sympathetic smile.

"For you, it is, grandma."

Mimi had been the Agony Aunt for the Mystic Falls Mail for over forty years. She was basically a good advice dispensary, with every person in the neighbourhood seeking the advice of the elderly lady down on Elm Street.

"We're watching them go to church, aren't we?"

"We always do, grandma."

"Good. I like seeing what they wear. Church was good this morning, Caroline, you should come with me next year- the vicar is so lovely. You remember when we invited him for tea when you were seven? You did that lovely routine for him."

"As much as I like Vicar Dibbles, you know that I am not interested in attending church, grandma. I'm not quite religious like you, am I? Church bores me."

"I don't go to church for a bit of a lark Caroline, I go because I want to praise the Lord. I know you aren't very religious, and I accept that, but it is such a lovely, welcome atmosphere. I've met a lot of friends that way, you know, from volunteering. You may meet a lot of friends too- you have Elena and Bonnie, but it's always nice to meet new ones- like you did at university and at work with that Lexi girl! Maybe even a nice boy..."

"Grandma! Stop trying to find me a man."

"I know you better than that Tinder thing you children like these days- I know what man you need."

"I've never used Tinder before, I don't trust it. I'm old fashioned, I like proper dates."

"Good- I don't like these applications," Mimi shook her head, "Is that what the term is? Applications? Anyway, I don't like them- they promote cheapness in intimacy. I have seen articles online, people post what people have written to them, and it is so...rude. They are so disgusting in their advances and insulting in their rejections. I don't like that people speak like that these days; a gentleman would never be so forward to a lady. Imagine if your grandfather had asked me for a one night stand when we first met...wouldn't happen. Caroline, I hope you reject these types. It may be in your generation, but I am older, having relations should be saved for a serious relationship."

Only Mimi would give Caroline relationship advice on Christmas Day over dinner preparation. Caroline rejected that she should tell her grandmother she had had one-night stands before- not many- as that was not something you would tell a family member, especially an older one, or a conservative one like Mimi.

"Anyway, back to Christmas."

"Yes!" Mimi nodded to the radio, "I love the music this time of year. My favourite of course..."

"...White Christmas by Bing Crosby," Caroline finished, knowing her grandmother's love for the song, "It'll always be Mariah Carey for me."

"Yes- she has a nice voice," Mimi nodded.

Caroline's present haul hadn't been too bad this year all in all. Her father and Stephen usually just asked her what she wanted within a certain budget, so she picked some shoes that she found online that she liked. Liz got her some perfume, a cute pillow for her bed and some slippers with fluffiness. The rest of it was very much normal- clothes, hair products, DVDs etc.

Katherine had handed Caroline a present after their last even before the big holiday, as they were working out party favours. Caroline tried to protest, telling her that it was completely unprofessional of her to accept a gift from a client (which technically wasn't a lie- it was perhaps ok afterwards, but not whilst she was planning). Katherine flat out told her that she didn't give a shit, and would continue pushing the gift until Caroline accepted it. Elijah was stood behind her at the time, and when the blonde tried to appeal him, and just told her with crossed elbows and a wry smile that she shouldn't refuse the future Queen. The gift had been a beautiful mini antique mirror that Caroline was going to put up on her dresser. Ornate and carved, she'd never seen anything so pretty and made with so much love and passion. Mimi had been in raptures when she'd seen it.

The brunette had thrown her a 'Merry Christmas' text, as had Rebekah. She'd replied and thanked Katherine for the gift, who said that it was no problem.

She hadn't heard anything from Klaus, and she didn't know why that had bothered her so much. Of course she understood that they were busy, but Katherine and Rebekah had both managed to send her a text, so why hadn't the devilish brother? After the girls, she was the one he liked the most (not like she'd say that to his face), and even though he still had his asshole moments, he was getting better as of late. They were a lot friendlier, HE was a lot friendlier. Caroline didn't want to be too presumptive and send anything, so had instead opted to wait until he sent her one.

Their relationship had definitely evolved from when they had first met. She could definitely say she liked him more than she disliked him now, even when he did his smirk and said his sarcastic words. Instead of being closes off, he was slightly more open to her, even though he was still the most guarded person that she'd ever met. There was a time when her car was playing up when they were miles away at an event, and he said that he would drive her even though he might be late to a dinner with his parents. He hadn't even considered getting her a taxi or a possibly seeing if a driver was in the area, he just told her he would drive her. Caroline had tried to protest, seeing how it would inconvenience him, but Klaus simply replied that he wanted her to get home safely, especially since it was far away and how much the taxi fare would be. So she'd agreed. Klaus had told her to pick the radio station she wanted to listen to her, and when she'd tried to ask what he liked, he insisted that she put on whatever she wished. He had called her music crap though.

"I'll do the sprouts, grandma," Caroline offered, having finished the cranberry sauce.

"Ok dear," Mimi agreed.

The two chatted as they did so, Liz coming down a little later on. Eventually, they were done for the while and went to join Cathy, Robin and Dorothy in the living room. Cathy was doing some Christmas knitting, whilst the couple were half-watching The Snowman.

"It always makes me cry this," Dorothy wiped a tear from her eye.

"Remember when they said they weren't showing it this year?" Robin recalled, "There was an uproar- it's a Christmas classic, the execs were forced to put it back on. There are always certain programmes and films around this time, and this is most definitely one."

"Agreed," Cathy talked from over her knitting, before putting it back down on her lap and reaching for her tea.

The end credits of the film soon came, so Mimi went for the remote, ready to watch the royals.

"If we lived close to Sandringham, I'd go see them."

"I wouldn't," Robin muttered, "Don't see the big fuss over them royals. I'm not a republican by any means, but I would rather just let them be. They're not a tourist attraction, they have a purpose. The King is our Head of State; I'd rather just see him do that duty. It isn't like Rebekah or Kol is going to be monarch. Why do we have so much attention on them?"

"Eh, what harm are they doing?" shrugged Liz, also taking her tea.

"I agree, but I'm still not so sure we should have so many resources on them. I think a lot of people feel the same way."

"Apart from Mimi," Dorothy smiled at her sister-in-law.

"Of course," Mimi smiled serenely, "I love them. We have the speech later to watch."

"Besides," Dorothy continued, crinkling her nose, "It is not like we have the ultimate authority on such things- it's Caroline that does. Tell me dear, how is it working with them?"

"They're very nice- you saw the gift."

"Yes, Katherine has an eye for those things. Is she like what they say, you know, a wild card?"

"Well, a little," Caroline admitted, "But it doesn't make her a bad person, does it?"

Dorothy nodded again, "True. See, when they first started dating I said to Robin, I said that it wouldn't last. Said Elijah would pick a more sensible girl, perhaps one of the country lasses who ride horses. Thought maybe he was attracted to her because she is a stunning woman. But no, I was wrong; everyone was wrong- they have lasted. Remember when that Rose Cohan- can't stand that woman- interviewed them, and she said that there were never any hints of instability, cheating or the like? Well, she was right there. Maybe he loves her. Seems that way- hope he's happy, nice boy, horrible what happened to Henrik. How old would he be now?"

"Nineteen, twenty," Liz replied, "I can hardly believe it was ten years ago. I remember it well, it was just after Bill."

"I heard they remember him at every Christmas," Robin flicked through the TV guide, "At the service, I mean."

"They do," Caroline confirmed, "Klaus told me."

"He's a bonny looking lad," Dorothy turned to him, "They're handsome boys- and Rebekah is a lovely looking girl- but he is the best looking one. If he were to marry that Tatia girl, they'd have such attractive children. Well, Tatia looks the same as Katherine, of course she is. Do they get along, Caroline? They have to work a lot with each other at the wedding."

Caroline knew she had to lie here.

"Yes, I'd say so- they're good friends. The Pierces and Mikaelsons always have been."

"Is there an attraction there?"

The blonde almost let out a snort, "I can't say anything huge, well, from what I've seen."

This did not go unnoticed by her grandmother, who sent her a grin.

"Pity- she might be good for him."

Caroline felt a twinge of sadness in her stomach. She knew that Klaus couldn't stand Tatia- he was pretty open about that to his nearest and dearest- but the thought of him being with anyone, especially the brunette bitch, bothered her a lot. Of course he deserved someone nice, but Tatia was a pretty horrible person. Then again, Caroline felt that she would be secretly bothered if he were to date anyone.

The newscaster talked a bit about some celebrations in Africa before telling the watchers that they would soon be cutting over live to the church near the Sandringham estate, where the royals would be. The Mikaelsons would be attendance, as well as the Pierces and other extended family. Katherine didn't particularly like these big events with lots of the family, and hadn't hid it from Caroline, who tried to comfort her.

"Here it is, Mimi," Robin nodded at the screen as the church (and it crowd) came into view, "I like that man's coat, I think that may be the one I saw in town. Might have to get it now, Phillip got me some vouchers for there, that might just about cover it."

Mikael was the first out of the fleet of cars, extending his palm to Esther (who looked pretty in plum) to help her out of the car. They walked hand in hand, waving with their fake smiles proudly on their face. They stopped a little to wait for everyone else.

Elijah and Katherine followed, hand in hand like the monarch and his consort- she wore blue for them. As soon as they came into view of the cameras, it was liked they were switched on, immediately going into royal mode.

The others came in droves behind them. Klaus walked with Rebekah, the two in an animated conversation, Kol not far behind, flirting with some girl that Caroline didn't recognise. Finn and Sage were also close together, however in the more formal arm in arm than hand in hand (they weren't ones for PDA). Tatia walked with her parents, staring straight ahead instead in joining in with whatever they were chatting about. Other people that Caroline recognised- Eddie, and Esther's sister Dahlia for example, followed on.

The royals headed straight towards the waiting crowd, with the extended family hovering behind them, trying to huddle together on the cold Christmas day.

Curtsies, bouquets were the order of the day- it was the same as every other crowd waiting for the Mikaelsons, holiday version. Several cute babies were dangled up by doting parents and grandparents, some dressed as elves and reindeer. Esther seemed particularly enchanted by a little girl dressed as an angel, even taking the child in her arms and bouncing her up and down. She knew that Esther adored children, this wasn't the fakery seen by the usually indifferent Katherine (well, it was more that Katherine couldn't understand children than disliking them). To be fair to Esther, the baby was absolutely beautiful, Caroline found herself melting at the sight of it on the screen.

Mikael talked to a middle-aged couple, shaking their hands, Elijah swiftly following them. Klaus and Katherine stood behind, whispering and laughing about something. Mikael turned around, about to say something, but the camera moved away to Rebekah, the presenter appraising her outfit.

"Looks cold out there," Liz stated lazily.

"It does," Caroline agreed, twisting a curl in her fingers.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Josh stood at the car door. Hands in his pockets, his breath was visible in the winter air. He shivered, even in the large coat, looking a little bit lost in the large event. It suddenly struck Caroline that he would be hundreds of miles away without his family. It wasn't like he was a teacher, or a shop worker- he had to work Christmas if he was told, and she guessed that he was told. His family would be home, opening presents and enjoying food, whilst he would probably share dinner with a bunch of co-workers who weren't exactly relations.

Taking her phone from her pocket, she found his number.

Hope you're not too cold. Merry Christmas Josh! Xxx

Kol was currently on screen, charming the press. Caroline knew that the family traditionally opened gifts on Christmas Eve, due to Germanic traditions introduced by Albert and Victoria, so they already had time to do whatever they wanted with them. When they were younger, they would have had toys, but this would simply not be the case with a bunch of twenty-somethings. The next toys would be played with by the children of Elijah and Katherine, or perhaps maybe of one of the other siblings if they beat them to it. The engaged couple were in no hurry to have children, but they were the only ones close to being wed- and it was frowned upon for out of wedlock children to be produced in the royal family, even today.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she picked it up.

It's in the minus figures here, Caroline. A Merry Christmas to you too!

Caroline smiled and put the iPhone away.

"Who was that, Care?" her mother asked.

"My friend Josh." They were friends, right? Acquaintances didn't wish each other well for Christmas over text.

"Who's Josh?" Robin queried.

"He's one of the royal drivers- nice guy, new, young- very green."

"You're making so many friends with this job, aren't you?" Mimi beamed, "And not just our young princes and princess. Don't you know Giuseppe Salvatore's sons?"

"Yes, I do. Damon's an idiot, but Stefan's really lovely, we get along well."

Mimi opened her mouth...

"Don't say it."

...and promptly shut it again.

"She trying to match you up with a rich man, Caroline?" Dorothy laughed.

"It doesn't matter if it's a rich man," came Mimi's reply, "I just want my granddaughter to be happy with a nice man- it could be one of the Mikaelsons, or the Salvatores, or perhaps even that Josh boy she was texting? I can understand she wants her girl time with Bonnie and Elena in the city, but I don't see why she shouldn't be out looking for a boy."

"Not Josh, grandma."

"Why ever not, darling?"

"Josh is gay."

Robin and Dorothy both laughed.

"Besides, I don't need a man to be happy. Can we please watch the royals now?"

"You don't need a man to be happy, Caroline, of course," Mimi nodded, "But you want to get married, you want to have children- you said so yourself. It's better to start early."

"It's not 1950 anymore."

As much as Caroline loved her grandmother, she had to admit that she was incredibly old fashioned. She believed that women should marry and have children as early as possible- if they wanted it. Caroline knew that Mimi wanted her married soon. The older woman was concerned that she didn't even have a boyfriend, or 'beau' or 'steady' as she sometimes called it.

It wasn't long before the royals had headed into the church, which meant dinner time.

"Looks good, ladies," Dorothy smiled, "You always do a good grub."

"Agreed," Cathy nodded.

"Shall we say grace?" asked Mimi.

There was a nod from everyone and they all joined hands. Mimi led it of course- "Bless, O Father, Thy gifts to our use and us to Thy service; for Christ's sake. Amen."

After that, Mimi said another little Christmas prayer before doing the sign of the cross.

"Let's dig in then!" Robin exclaimed excitedly as he reached for a spoon. This broke the spell and everyone started to grab for their favourite piece of food. Caroline went straight for the Yorkshire puddings- her favourite. After everyone had got their vegetables and condiments, Liz stood up and started carving the bird.

The pride of place on the table did not go to the meat, it went to the crackers.

"I think I'll have a go," Dorothy picked one up, "Who wants to do the first one with me?"

"I will," Liz raised a hand.

The women placed the silver contraption between them and started pulling, Dorothy eventually winning (though Liz probably let her win). When she opened it, it revealed a cheap pen that would probably not work after about three goes. She picked up a scrap of paper.

"Who wants to hear the terrible joke?"

Everyone made the assent.

"What do snowmen wear on their heads?"

"I don't know," they all stated in various ways, "What do snowmen wear on their heads?"

"Ice caps."

There were various groans and the shakings of heads. All of those present knew that it wasn't going to be a very good joke- the crap jokes in the crackers were a staple of the British Christmas dinner, everyone knew that.

"Can't wait for the pudding," Caroline commented as she bit into her potatoes.

"Careful Caroline, enjoy your meal first," Robin replied before Liz could make a comment. However, when the older woman looked away, he winked at her.

"It'll be nice to settle down and watch the film tonight with our chocolates," Cathy smiled, "I just love doing that."

Every year, the group watched a Christmas film in the evening. This year, they'd decided on the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street. Last year it had been Home Alone, and the year before It's a Wonderful Life. They tended to alternate every year between older and newer films, so that they wouldn't miss out on any classics. Next year would be something like Polar Express. Luckily, the film of this year was one of Caroline's favourites- she loved the happiness and optimism in it. Plus, it starred a young Natalie Wood, who she absolutely loved in her classic role as Maria in West Side Story. It was her favourite musical, even in front of ones starring Pink Ladies or Donna and the Dynamos.

"Yeah, should be good."

The rest of the meal was filled with the mindless, happy chatter of Christmas. Cathy told everyone about how her son and his family were doing in Australia.

"Ah," Robin undid his belt a couple of notches, "That's done me in."

"Yes, that beer belly is going to get a lot worse," Dorothy teased, patting his stomach.

"I'm old- not gonna get the muscles the young lads down the gym get. No point."

"It's called being healthy, Uncle Robin," Liz added, "Caroline goes to the gym to keep fit and she really enjoys it, don't you honey?"

Caroline nodded earnestly, "Yeah, it's really fun."

"Care is young and fit; she can still go and not get too exhausted."

"Yes, Robin, but as long as you don't strain yourself," Mimi explained patiently, "You can look up health tips or ask that wonderful young man at the gym down Coulter Road- he's a lovely boy, he helped me out when I first started going. I go once or twice a week just to keep myself a little fit. Nothing too bad so that the ticker won't explode, but well enough so that it helps a little bit. Just a little running on the treadmill and some of the weights so that I don't have to struggle when carrying the shopping."

Robin shook his head.

"I can't believe that we're talking about gyms over a fantastic Christmas dinner."

"And I can't believe I'm agreeing with Robin," Cathy shook her head, "Are we going to wait for dessert? Possibly have it over the movie along with the biscuits."

"Yes, good idea," Liz nodded, "Save room, I think we're all as stuffed as the turkey."

Everyone started to get up.

"Don't you guys do it," Mimi insisted, rushing over to where Dorothy and Cathy were lifting some place, "Caroline and I always do it, it's our girl gossip time."

She winked at her granddaughter.

There was the usual protest from the guests, but Liz overruled them as it was her house.

The others at least helped taking the pots and plates to over where the sink was- there was a lot to do, but with two efficient women doing it, they would be ok. Mimi opened the washing up liquid like it was a weapon. It was a shame that the dishwasher had broken three days before- it was hard to get a repairman out so close to Christmas.

Just as she was about to start, her phone buzzed.

Merry Christmas, love.

Another one done.

Next chapter: It's New Years, with plenty of Klaroline and a side order of Kalijah. Oh, and it seems that another relationship may be on the cards. Feel free to take a guess as to who the lucky ones might be.

Also, this will probably be the last update of the year so Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays, whatever you guys say) and a Happy New Year to you all! I will see all you lovely people in 2017.

Much love to you all xxx