AN: I know y'all are excited for Mattea's performance and some other stuff, but sadly it's in the next chapter. This is kind of just a filler that sets up a few things for the upcoming chapters.

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Poll:

I have created a poll where you guys can vote for the design of Mattea's show choir's dresses.

Link: /forms/sWmJwG3RiqxUixgn1

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"Big results require big ambitions."

-James Champy

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Emily was glad to have the afternoon off after a three day case. Thankfully it was just in time for Mattea's show the next day. Emily's quiet afternoon was interrupted by the girls' return from school.

"Mommy!" Chloe yelled running to Emily with a book in hand.

Emily swooped down to pull Chloe into her arms. "What sweetie?"

"Can we go to the zoo?" Chloe asked holding out her book on various animals for Emily to see.

"It's winter Chlo. The zoo will have to wait till it warms up, but maybe we can go to the aquarium the next weekend I'm off," Emily told her.

"I got to learn everything about zoo's because I want to be a zookeeper," Chloe proclaimed excitedly, "but the aquarium is fun too."

"I think being a zookeeper would suit you," Emily told her. She had always encouraged any career that the girls had shown an interest in.

"Can we get a pet, so I can practice taking care of animals?" Chloe asked with her best puppy dog face.

Emily chuckled. "I don't know about that. Let me think about it then we'll discuss it together."

Chloe nodded as Emily set her down. "Got to study," Chloe said excitedly running off to her room.

Mattea laughed carrying Elise into the room. "She's been like that since I picked her up. Her class went to the library today, she got that book, and she is now obsessed with animals."

"We'll see how long it last," Emily said.

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"Thanks for meeting me for lunch," Alex said as she took a sip of her water.

"You're welcome," Emily replied.

"Since we never really got to finish our conversation from the fundraiser I thought we could have lunch," Alex explained.

"Well I would like to thank you again for drooping Elise off at the BAU when she was sick," Emily said.

Alex shrugged. "It was nothing. I owe you a thank you for raising such a kind daughter. Do you know that Mattea and Caitlin walk Ethan to all his classes now?"

"I can't take all the credit, but thanks," Emily replied. "How is Ethan after everything?"

"There haven't been any further incidents, so that's always good," Alex told her.

Soon enough their food arrived as they moved on to lighter conversation. As their lunch was nearing an end Emily turned the conversation towards the holidays. "What are you doing for Christmas this year?"

"Well James gets Ethan Christmas Eve so I'll probably just hang around the house until I go get him Christmas morning."

"You could join us for Christmas Eve," Emily suggested. "We have plenty of room and food."

Alex shook her head. "I couldn't impose."

"You would be saving my sanity," Emily told her seriously. "Between my parents, my kids, and their fathers I might just go crazy. Thankfully their nonna is going to visit her family in France so I don't have to play buffer between her and Clyde."

Alex sighed. "I'll think about it."

"That's all I ask," Emily told her. "Will you be at the concert tonight?"

Alex nodded. "All the teachers try to go and show our support."

They both stood up; Emily grabbing the ticket stopping Alex before she could protest. "Well than I'll see you tonight."

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"It all started with the little talks over coffee, but before long I wanted the midnight talks too."