Summary: After Damon and Stefan rescue Elena from Elijah, they forget to also rescue Maddison Bennett, also known as Maddie. Elijah ends up finding her and as time passes they grown an instant connection with one another. Maddie knows that it's wrong and she ultimately shouldn't be with Elijah, but she doesn't care. This is her story.

LadyWesker- I am so sorry about the mix up. I hope that you enjoy reading this chapter! :)

Cherokeefox20- So sorry about the mix up. I hope that you enjoy this chapter! :)

Guest- I am so sorry about the mix up with chapters! I hope that you enjoy reading this story! :)

NicoleR85- Thank you so much for reviewing! I hope that you enjoy this chapter! :)

Leah Tatyana Nicole- Thanks so much for reviewing! Hope you enjoy reading this chapter! :)

kineret- Here's chapter 11, hope you like it and thanks for reviewing! (:

Lucy Greenhill- So glad you enjoyed reading chapter 10, here's chapter 11! Let me know what you think, thanks for reviewing! :)

wildcat717- Thank you so much for reviewing, I am glad that you enjoyed the last chapter. I hope that you like this one!

Caladhiel999- Thanks for reading and reviewing! I hope that you enjoy this chapter!

BEFORE THE SUN SETS

CHAPTER 11 ~ Shindigs

I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES!

Thomas Craig was born in raised in the town of Mystic Falls. He played football and baseball, was a popular guy and then went off to college to become a guidance counselor. That now seemed like so long ago. When he came back to Mystic Falls he got lucky scoring a job as one of the High School guidance counselors. He had seen many generations enter and leave Mystic Falls High School. Some of the current teachers had been his former students. He now had many old students children. His own children had passed through this school and now all three were away at colleges. He loved his job. He especially had a soft spot for the Bennett's. At least Cordelia and Maddie. Especially now that they were in his office entertaining him.

"I would take Physics if I were you."

"I hate science … and math."

"You don't hate it, you're just lazy," Cordelia commented. "Physics is life."

"You're only saying that because it's your major."

"So what's your point?"

"That I don't want to take Physics."

"Well what do you want to take?"

"I want an easy going Senior Year. I was thinking early dismissal and maybe late arrival."

"Oh yeah, let's give late arrival to the girl who can barely get up in the morning."

"Then I get to sleep in."

"Then you will most likely just stay home all day."

"Facts."

"Maddison Bennett, the first one to not graduate on time."

"I will graduate on time," Maddie said. "I just won't be in class on time." She wriggled her eyebrows at her sister when she said this causing her to laugh.

"Here," spoke Mr. Craig,"why don't we just go down the list and see where we end up. There are nine periods in the day."

"I don't want to come in first period," Maddie said. She really wanted to be able to sleep in.

"Alright, everyday or every other day?"

"Everyday."

"You are currently in A.P. Chemistry. You can either take A.P. Bio or A.P. Physics C."

"Take both."

Maddie's eyebrows shot up as she looked to Cordelia, "What have you been smoking?!" She twirled a piece of hair in her hands. "Um … I will come back to that one."

"No problem, then you math. A.P. Calculus and maybe Statistics?" Maddie couldn't help but notice how he didn't even ask if she wanted to stay in Calculus. As if dropping it was not an option.

"I might want to drop math, not like I need it."

"Don't you want to stay in the top 15?"

I don't care about that, she thought to herself. "Sure." Cordelia could tell by the way her sister was looking she wasn't concerned about that.

"Social Studies, you have A.P. Government."

"A lot of A.P." Maddie commented, "Isn't my senior year supposed to be fun?"

"Colleges like to see well rounded students."

"I can be well rounded in regular classes. I mean, come on who really wants to do all those summer assignments when they can be sleeping or making money?!"

"English … you have A.P. Lit."

"That you have to take," commented Cordelia. "Hatter is so awesome. No one should graduate from this school without having her."

"Will you be continuing with Spanish five?"

"Does it matter?"

"No," he commented clicking stuff on his computer. "Alright. Now, for your electives what would you like?"

"The new digital film class sounds like fun."

"Why didn't they have that when I was going here?" Cordelia asked.

"They didn't like you."

"What about band?"

"Can I do it every other day?"

King nodded clicking some more buttons. "Would you like to alternate that with your gym?"

"Yes."

"Alright so that is 6 classes. What do you see yourself doing after High School? I know that we've talked about this before and you have been looking into all sorts of things."

"I am still mostly undecided." Maddie stated. "I don't know I was looking into Computer Graphics the other day but I don't know if I necessarily want to do that. Then there's nursing which I might like."

"You should become a guidance counselor." Cordelia commented taking a sip of her coffee, she had made it at home and then put it one of the Starbucks ready to go cups they had at the house. "You totally have guidance counselor qualities."

Maddie rolled her eyes, "I don't know what I want to do. Just put me in A.P. Bio and give me the other period and a half off."

"Alright I can give you lunch and every other day early dismissal."

"Sounds great."

"Alright, anything else I can do for you today?"

"What is her rank?" Cordelia wondered, Maddie took note on how she inched up in her chair as if it were already on Craig's computer and she just wasn't able to see it.

Craig looked to Maddie who nodded her head. He went and clicked some buttons before Maddie's transcript popped up. "Congratulations number 5." Craig said.

"She can stay 5," commented Cordelia.

"You just don't want me beaing your rank."

"Number 4," Cordelia grinned. She knew there was a very good chance Maddie would surpass her and she hoped for it. She didn't mind that her sister was smarter than her.

Craig grinned at both girls, "Keep it up and you will probably be in the top 3."

"Yay," Maddie responded enthusiastically. She could honestly care less about it. Not that she wasn't happy that her hard work was really paying off but she had other things on her mind and class rank wasn't one of them.

"Alright, time for me to go now," Cordelia spoke stretching a little. "And you have class. What time is your game?"

"3 sharp it starts."

"Alright I'll see you then."

Both girls got up, their belongings in their hands. "Bye Craig," they spoke together.

"Nice seeing you again Cordelia," He spoke with a smile. "See you later Maddie and good luck on your game today."

"How do you know we have a game?"

"It's all over Mystic Falls News Review."

"Ah."

"Score a goal for your favorite guidance counselor," he yelled as they walked out.

"She's scoring one for me first!" Cordelia yelled causing Craig to sit back in his chair and chuckle.

"Maddie that was a really tough game today, how do you feel?"

If there's one thing she hated it was interviews. After a long game all she really wanted to do was go home and get some rest. And this had been a long, hard and rough game but in the end they pulled through as a team.

"I feel good. This was a really close game as everyone could tell. Both teams gave their all. I'm glad we won but I have much respect for the Titans. It was just a rough game."

"Yes it was a great game. You scored five goals today and had two assists, that last shot which was incredible."

Maddie smiled. "Sometimes you just have to take a chance."

"Now I know you are only a junior but have you been looking at colleges? Your sister was already committed by the time she was a Sophomore."

Maddie composed herself by biting her cheek. Do I look like my fucking sister, she thought annoyed. "Yeah, well I'm undecided and I'm just looking around right now. Wherever I go, it'll be great."

"Alright, and good luck on your future games."

"Thank you." With that Maddie went over to her coach who was grinning.

"That last goal was something."

"Thanks James."

"No problem," the team all came around in a huddle. "Great game girls! One step closer to the championship and by the way you have been playing you are going to get there. Go home, get some sleep and I'll see you all tomorrow."

"You should buy us pizza," commented Katie Fray, a sophomore on the team.

"I second that," Maddie noted grinning at Katie.

"I'm already cutting practice short so you can all go to the dance."

"Ah who cares about a dance when you can play lacrosse and eat pizza," said Rachel Ann, another sophomore.

"I agree with them," Maddie noted. Pizza at practice sounded great.

"We'll see. Go home!"

Maddie went over to her stuff which was on the grass. She saw her parents and Cordelia talking to some people. "Maddie!"

She turned grinning, "What's sup Katy Kat." Katie Fray is a small girl blonde girl. Her hair reached to her shoulders. She stood around 5 foot 2. This is her first year on Varsity Lacrosse and Maddie couldn't help but note how great she was doing. Since Katie's dad worked with Maddie's at the hospital together, the two girls had been friends for awhile.

"So I'm turning 16 at the end of May." Maddie nodded, it was currently the middle of April. "My mom convinced my last night to have a sweet 16 and I wanted to know if you would be in my court."

"I would love too!"

"Yeah, Caroline said she would too."

"That's great." Maddie kept the smile on her face. She had forgotten Katie was also a cheerleader and she was on Varsity with Caroline. Caroline called Katie her 'minnie me', but only when it came to cheerleading.

"Yeah, now that you said yes I should have mostly everything ready. I'll give you and invitation tomorrow."

"Okay great. Bye Katy Kat," Maddie spoke while walking in the direction of her family.

"Bye."

"Look at my sister, on fire on that field!" Cordelia said grinning. "I just wanted to go get my stuff and play with you."

"You should have."

"I really should have, shouldn't I?"

"You were amazing sweetie," Janette said fixing her sweatshirt. "Had me a little scared."

"Why?"

"It looked like you got hit with the stick for a second."

"I'm all good," Maddie said remembering what her mom was talking about. The stick just got a little too close to her, that was all.

"Alright well, let's go home now. I already the meat thawing."

"Whatcha making?"

"It'a surprise." Janette said grinning, "Cordelia are you riding home with your sister?" She nodded. "I need you two to go to the store and pick up some milk and eggs."

"What are we?" Cordelia wondered, "Your servants?"

"I gave you life."

"We'll get it," Maddie searched for her car keys so she could unlock her doors. She just wanted to go home, get in a good shower, eat and then go to bed.

"See Maddison does as I ask, no questions."

"Whatever you say mama."

"When are you leaving again?"

So, who's going to the dance tomorrow?-Katie.

Not me.-Amy.

Me either.-Rachel.

Same.-Courtney.

So basically none of us are going.-Janelle.

Why dance when you can play lacrosse ... and then watch Netflix after?-Sarah.

"Who is blowing up your phone?" Cordelia wondered. She was in the middle of examining Maddie's English essay but the buzzing home wasn't helping her concentration.

Maddie looked away from her Chemistry work, "Team group chat." She opened it glancing at some of the messages, "Going over how basically none of us are going to the dance tomorrow."

"Ah."

"But we still get out of practice early."

"You should invite everyone over."

Maddie thought about it, that would be nice. "Yeah, we haven't had a team thing since the season stared … wait I lied. We had a team sleepover at Mary's one weekend but that's really it."

"So invite everyone over after practice or whatever and we'll have food and play lacrosse outside."

Maddie thought about it. She had something to do instead of going to the dance and then later she could drop by Elijah's.

"MOM!"

"WHAT!?"

"DO YOU CARE IF WE HAVE THE TEAM OVER TOMORROW?!"

They could hear their mom running up the stairs. Both girls smirked.

"Now what is it that you want?"

"Team over tomorrow?"

"You aren't going to the dance?" Janette asked aloud before chuckling, "Well that was a stupid question on my end."

"It truly was," Cordelia said causing her mother to glare at her.

"I don't care if you have them over. I'm assuming you'll be playing lacrosse in the back."

"You assumed right." Maddie noted.

"Alright, I will either cook or order some pizzas. It'll all depend on my mood. Now I will be downstairs if you need me, I have tests to grade."

"Cool teachers don't give tests!" Cordelia yelled.

"Go to bed!"

"I drive her crazy."

Maddie sighed, "I know." She finished up her last question. "I'll tell you homework is a job."

"That it is." Cordelia said handing her the essay she looked over, "It's good just needed some commas here and there."

"Thanks."

"What are sisters for." There was short pause. "Can I ask you something."

"Of course."

"Why is that you weren't excited about being in the top 15? It's a huge accomplishment."

"I know."

"So what's wrong?"

"Nothings wrong," Maddie began to twiddle her thumbs. "I just wanna talk to Elijah."

"You haven't spoken to him?"

"Not since the concert." Cordelia bit back a smirk. She was happy he showed up for Maddie. "But now that I know Damon daggered him I want to know why he didn't tell me."

"To keep you out of it, he is protecting you."

"Call it what you want," she sighed. "So how's Nathan?"

"He's great." Cordelia grinned knowing that Nathan would be there tomorrow. He was originally supposed to come today but he had gotten delayed. No matter, she was just excited for her boyfriend to meet her family. A little nervous for him to meet her dad but as long as her mother was around her she knew she had nothing to really worry about.

"When will I be able to meet him?"

"Soon." Cordelia got off of Maddie' bed and moved her school work over to her desk. "Now I am going to bed, so good night." She kissed her sister's forehead. "Don't forget to tell the team about tomorrow!"

"Thanks for the reminder."

"Anytime."

Since we all aren't going why don't you all come over tomorrow? :)-Maddie.

YAS!- Courtney.

Turn up at Maddie's.-Rachel.

What time?-Sarah.

Should we go right after practice?-Hanna.

Since James is shortening practice we should be out by 4.-Katie.

So why doesn't everyone be at my house by 6?-Maddie.

Maddie stayed up a little longer to conform all of the plans. Everyone was going to be at her house by 6. Everyone was excited to just hangout. Katie was going home with Maddie after practice and the other younger kids were getting rides to her house. She sent a screenshot to Cordelia who said okay and then told her to go to bed.

She couldn't help but yawn and close her eyes. It wasn't long before she found herself dozing off.

Maddie wasn't sure what time it was when she began to rub her eyes. Since it was still dark out, she was sure that it was sometime early in the morning. She was prepared to roll over and go back to sleep until she saw a slight shadow standing over her. Her eyes went up and she squinted making out a figure.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

She grinned, "I don't mind waking up early if it's to you." She was impressed with herself, she was partially still sleeping and found a way to flirt.

"Well that's comforting."

"How long have you been here?"

"Not very long."

Stretching a bit, Maddie sat up slightly and ran a hand over her head. "Join me," with that she scooted over slightly. Elijah stood still at first before sitting down slightly. His face was peering over hers.

"You should be getting some sleep."

"Who needs sleep? Especially when I have you here to keep me company."

"You have school in a few short hours."

"Please don't remind me." Maddie sighed. "I have a question."

"And I might have an answer."

She couldn't help but smile at him before she put on a serious face. "Why didn't you tell me that Damon daggered you at that stupid dinner party?"

"Ah."

"Yes ah!"

"Wasn't of importance."

Maddie sat back up, "How could you even say that?" Her voice rose slightly. She remembered to bring it back down, she didn't want her parents or sister barging through the door.

"There is no need for you to worry."

"He daggered you!" She found herself seething. "I told you he was going to do something stupid, but you went over there anyways!"

"Actually Damon didn't dagger me."

"He didn't?"

"No, if he had he would be dead." She didn't miss how he smirked a bit. "Elena herself did the deed."

"Hate that bitch."

"Give me a play by play."

"I will," she sighed, "later."

"Wha-," Elijah put his finger to her lips. "You need to get some rest."

"I will, after you tell me."

"You're cute when your fishing for answers."

"But you still aren't telling me anything."

"I will … tomorrow."

She sighed, "I have school tomorrow, then lacrosse and then-," before she could finish he spoke. "Your team is coming over, yes I know."

"Stalking me, are you?"

"I wouldn't call it that." There was a light in his eyes. "But if you come over tomorrow after your little shindig, is that what they call it now, I will be at the apartment."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes."

"Fine." It was quiet before Maddie started cracking up. Elijah looked at her confused. "I can't believe you just said "shindig."

"We need to talk."

"You know what Bonnie, it's a nice day out and I am in a great mood. I think talking to you would just ruin it."

"Maddie, just hear me out."

"Fine."

"I know you are angry and upset for whatever reasons but you don't have to take it out on me. I haven't done anything."

"Maybe that's the point Bonnie, you haven't done anything!"

"I don't understand."

"Well you aren't the sharpest tool in the shed! When you found out that Damon, Stefan and Elena left me at that house what did you do?"

"I, well Damon said he was going back to get you when Caroline asked where you were."

"Caroline asked," Maddie nodded. "Why didn't you ask? Or why didn't you call my house and ask for me?" Bonnie said nothing, "Oh no answer. Alright, and then I get shot by werewolves! Werewolves Bonnie! And all you do is text me? It's not like we live a few towns away from one another and you know where my house is!"

"I'm sorry."

"I'm sure you are."

"Alright I see your point but you didn't have to send Cordelia to bitch out Caroline."

Maddie was slightly taken aback. "I didn't send her to do anything, if you even knew my sister you would know that she has a mind of her own!" Bonnie pursed her lips.

"Well maybe I can come over and we can all catch up."

"It's a little late for that, don't you think?"

"Come on Maddie, we are cousins. You can't hate me."

"I don't hate you Bonnie. I might hate the choices that you've made and continue to make but I don't hate you." Maddie adjusted her backpack. "I'm just disappointed in you. I guess it's my fault though, I expecting my cousin to be there for me is too much, isn't it?"

With that she made sure her locker was locked and walked away. She had a class to get too. As soon as she was situated in her seat she sent a text message to her sister.

So you went off on Caroline?-Maddie.

Of course.-Cordelia.

It took her this long to snitch on me?-Cordelia.

Bonnie snitched actually, after she told me she didn't understand how I could be upset with her.-Maddie.

Is she stupid or nah?-Cordelia.

You're funny.-Maddie.

And I'm sleepy, so bye-bye.-Cordelia.

Enjoy your sleep.-Maddie.

Always.-Cordelia.

"BALL!"

Maddie couldn't help but be amazed by Courtney. Just watching her, she really was great defense. At the moment the whole team was over and playing in the backyard. Maddie's dad had just finished grilling up some burgers, steaks and hot dogs with two his friends from the hospital, one of them included Katie's dad, and now they were inside with her mom and some of her work friends who had been making some food.

"Nice defense," Maddie commented to Courtney after Katie scored.

"I try."

Maddie was going to respond when her mom and some friends came out with different bowls full of food. They placed it on the back table where drinks had been. "FOOD'S READY!"

There was a course of thanks as each girl, including Maddie put down their sticks to go eat.

"You're welcome." Janette turned towards Maddie. "Where is your sister?"

"I don't know."

"She didn't respond to my text and when I called she said she would be here soon."

Maddie shrugged, "She'll be here eventually." She figured Cordelia ran out for something, or maybe she went to go yell at some more people.

"Alright, enjoy. We'll be inside if you need us. And when you're ready there are brownies."

"You're the best."

"I know."

After she finished making her plate, Maddie sat down in one of the empty chairs by the long picnic table that was outside. She sighed before taking a bite out of her buger.

"Everyone deserves to be looked at the way Maddie is looking at that burger." Rachel said causing everyone to laugh.

"Hate you."

"Love you too."

"Katie your sweet 16 cards were so cute." Said Amy.

"Thanks," Katie said with a slight blush. She wasn't one who enjoyed being the center of attention. "My mom did the design for them."

"And your theme is lit," Courtney spoke around a piece of stake. "But now I gotta find a dress."

Katie's theme was neon and everyone had been asked to wear black or white. She was going dress shopping with her court and then she would decide on what she and they would be wearing.

"I'm thinking lace," Janelle spoke aloud.

"You'd rock lace," Maddie commented.

"You rock everything."

"Your so sweet."

"Come on Maddie, even when you are wearing sweatpants you look like a million bucks."

"You're making me blush."

At that moment, Kristen a freshman spoke. "So I was talking to James and he is coming up with some new Lacrosse wear for us. He said he is going to try and get us some sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirt and maybe shorts."

"I'll buy it but I don't know where I'll put it." Maddie's closet was over growing.

"Why don't you put it in Cordelia's room?" Amy wondered.

"Then they'll fight over it," at that moment Maddie's parents and their friends came out. "Don't mind us old people," Christian said. "Just showing them something."

"47 is hardly old."

"There you go kiddo!"

"So after yesterday's win we are number 1 in the league." Rachel said excitedly.

"We are so gonna be in the top 3." Kristen noted.

Maddie had no doubt in her mind that they would get to the top 3. That's usually where the team always got before they either lost and were out or won and went on.

"We're taking that championship." Katie said.

There was a chorus of "YEAHS."

"Team selfie!" Janelle said aloud.

She held up her camera and the entire team of 17 people squeezed together for a photo. "It's so going to Instagram."

"I'll be sure to like it," everyone's face snapped to the door. Cordelia was had arrived, however she wasn't alone. "Everyone this is my boyfriend, Nathan. Nathan, this is everyone."

"Hi."