AN: This chapter originally didn't exist. I was working about two chapters down when I decided I wanted a little bit of a filler to make some things a little bit more realistic. I also wanted a little lightness because there are some heavier chapters coming up, so prepare yourselves. Also, you guys said you enjoyed seeing Mattea make friends, so here are some more scenes with said friends.
As always I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this story and I hope you guys continue to enjoy it.
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"Surround yourself with people who get you."
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"Hey," Mattea greeted sliding into the seat next to Natalie. "I didn't think you had this lunch."
Natalie looked up from her salad. "I usually tutor kids during lunch, but with it so close to break everyone's too distracted to sit through a session."
"Well I'm glad we get to have lunch together for the next week," Mattea said unwrapping her sandwich. "How was your weekend?"
"Elle's been super busy getting Christmas stuff at work ready, so I've been helping her run errands. It's actually been kind of fun," Natalie said with a smile. "I love Christmas."
"You never told me what she does. You don't mind if I ask, do you?" Mattea asked.
"Oh, no it's fine. She works at a home for women. It's a safe place when they have nowhere else to go," Natalie explained. "How was your weekend?"
"Pretty good. My dad has been staying with us, so it's different," Mattea replied.
Natalie looked up. "Your parents aren't married?"
Mattea shook her head. "They never were; they were just really good friends. My dad decided to step up and help raise me, but life kind of got in the way after a while. This is the first time I've seen him in person since I was like eleven."
"Sorry for asking. It was none of my business," Natalie said realizing she had overstepped.
"It's fine. I'm not going to lie and say it's not a sore subject, but it's better to talk about it then letting it harbor inside," Mattea replied before taking a bite of her sandwich.
"Hey, guys!" Caitlin said joining them at the table. Luca also took a seat but chose a smile as his greeting. "Anybody want a peppermint?" Caitlin asked pulling a handful out of her jacket pocket.
"What happened to the lemon drops?" Luca asked taking a peppermint from Caitlin.
Mattea also took one. "I liked the lemon drops."
"Natalie?" Caitlin asked.
Natalie shook her head. "No, thank you."
Caitlin took one for herself before putting the peppermints back in her pocket. "To answer your question about the lemon drops Parker got a hold of them."
"Are you guys ready for the Christmas concert tonight?" Luca asked changing the topic.
"Not really. I have to sing with the choir then play with the band so I don't really get a break," Caitlin said.
"I'm excited. The teams coming again and Clyde. Though he's more excited for Chloe and Elise's Christmas recital tomorrow," Mattea explained.
"Ace and Parker are in it too. Mom's so excited."
"Do you think your nana could record our performance again?" Natalie asked. "I think Sable has started teething and I don't want to have to drag her out tonight, so Elle offered to watch her."
"Of course," Mattea replied with a smile.
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The next night
"So what are they doing again?" Clyde asked as they sat in the audience waiting for Chloe and Elise's recital to start.
"Elise's class is singing Jingle Bells and Chloe's class is doing a little play about a Christmas tree," Emily replied.
"And what part is she playing?" Clyde asked.
"She is playing a very sparkly ornament," Emily said before turning to Penelope who was sitting behind them. "Thank you once again for making her costume."
"Anything for the gumdrops."
"May we join you guys?" A female voice asked interrupting their conversation.
Emily looked up and smiled. "Of course Alex."
Alex and Ethan took a seat in front of them. "Thanks for coming," Mattea said.
"Thank you for inviting us," Alex replied.
"I knew it would mean a lot to Elise if you guys were here," Mattea told her.
Mattea suddenly felt someone grab her shoulders and lean into her ear. "Help me."
Mattea laughed. "What are you doing Caitlin?"
Caitlin crouched down in the aisle talking in a whisper, "I'm hiding from my mother. I just know she's going to cheer too loudly and embarrass me. It's what she does."
"You know my family is going to be loud too, right?" Mattea pointed out.
Caitlin stood up. "Oh, yeah."
"There you are Caitlin," A women in her late thirties with blonde hair called walking towards them. "Is this where you want to sit?"
"Sure," Caitlin replied joining Alex and Ethan's row. "You remember Mattea and her family."
"Good to see you again Ms. Walker," Mattea greeted.
Caitlin's mom took a seat next to Caitlin. "I told you to call me Kathy."
"Kathy. Got it," Mattea said with a smile.
The lights in the auditorium dimmed signaling the start of the show. Elise's class was first as they lined up on stage with bells in their hands and sung Jingle Bells. Despite her timidness, even Elise was singing and seeming to have a good time. The random, loud chiming of bells was a little rough on the ears, but adorable nonetheless.
There were a few other musical performances before it was time for the ending play. Parker was in it along with Chloe. He was playing the owner of the Christmas tree farm. Emily had been right about Chloe's costume being sparkly. Even among the other ornaments, she stood out, but she didn't mind. She even enjoyed standing out in all of her sparkliness. When the play was over they were the loudest bunch in the audience cheering. Despite her earlier talk of embarrassment Caitlin even joined in.
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Emily and Clyde had gone to get the girls from backstage while everyone else waited. Dave was once again treating everyone to dinner stating it was only fair since he had done it for Mattea's first concert.
"Penny!" Chloe, no longer in her costume, yelled running to Penelope the moment she was in sight.
"Hey, gumdrop," Penelope said pulling the excited girl into a hug.
"Thank you so much. All the other kids were jealous cause my costume was the best," Chloe told her excitedly.
"I'm glad you liked it."
Elise didn't run but walked briskly to where Ethan was standing to only pause right before she reached him. They shared a silent conversation before she wrapped her little arms around his legs and he awkwardly wrapped his arms around her. "You did a good job."
"Thank you," Elise whispered.
"You're welcome," Ethan replied in his own whisper.
Alex and Emily both glanced at each other having their own silent conversation. They both agreed that this was the most adorable thing they had seen. Elise let go of Ethan only to turn to Alex. "Allie?" She asked holding her arms out.
Alex glanced up to Emily to make sure it was okay. Emily gave her a nod and Alex bent down to pick Elise up. "Did you have fun?"
"Yeah," Elise said with a small yawn before resting her head and Alex's shoulder.
"Are we ready to go to dinner?" Erin asked picking up her purse.
Everyone nodded. "You coming, Caitlin? Your mom and brothers are invited too," Mattea told her.
Caitlin shook her head. "Thanks for the invite, but Mom's got to go into work early in the morning."
"Okay. Next time," Mattea said giving her a quick hug.
"Next time," Caitlin repeated.
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"Sometimes, on our way through the world, we meet someone who touches our heart in a way others don't."