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.

Review Responses to Chapter 41

MarshWolffe – Yes, they are kind of civil. Still not like they used to be though. And yes, in the show I have noticed that too with Damon lol. Yes, I never really go back and check though I just get so busy and then want to just update. I'm going to try and start checking more, things are just hectic right now. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

silentmayhem – More smutty moments to come in the future! I'm so glad you like it, I am always nervous when writing it lol. You said it perfectly, Elena did become exhausting! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Guest – Hope you enjoy!

Kineret – Klaus is coming, don't worry. I can't keep him out to long lol. I am so glad you're enjoy the story. I hope that you like this chapter!

NicoleR85 – Here is your update. Hope you enjoy!

Shaniia . anonymous – Thank you so much for your support! Enjoy this chapter!

Bella-swan11 – Thank you so much for your constant reviews! It is greatly appreciated. I hope that you enjoy this chapter!

AndrianaWarrior7 – Yes, he is naughty. And he'll get even naughtier in future chapters lol. Thank you for reviewing!

Caladhiel999 – So glad that you're enjoying the story. Here is your update!

yasminafeir1 – Don't worry about missing! I am just glad that you are still enjoying this story. I hope you like this chapter!

Welisarne – I'm glad you're loving it. I hope that you enjoy this chapter!

Guest – Thank you so much for reviewing. Yes, he always caught in the middle of thing, but in the end, love wins out. Here is your update!

Before the Sun Sets

CHAPTER 42 ~ Hello Break

I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

"OUCH!" Maddie jolted up, her eyes wide as she stared at her sister. Cordelia smiled down at her, she was half laying on her, half off. "What the hell!"

"Oh, stop being such a baby," Cordelia commented casually. She proceeded to climb over her sister and then snuggle under her covers. Lucy then jumped up on the bed, curling up in between them. "Did you have a nice nap?"

Right after school Maddie came home and jumped into her bed, taking a much needed nap. Since her plans with Elijah had been cancelled she didn't have anything else to do. "I did before you interrupted."

"You'll get over it."

"What do you want?"

"You should be way more excited to see my face. I'm only home until the end of January."

"Counting down the days until you go back," Maddie muttered. She tried to snuggle back into the covers. She shut her eyes tight, hoping that sleep would find her.

"Your nonexistent excitement about me being home really sucks you know!"

"You should be more compassionate, I'm trying to have a nice nap. And it isn't even afternoon time yet."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, "It's like almost two something. Besides, we have so much to do today. The photoshoot is later."

Maddie, who had her eyes closed, opened them, "What photoshoot?"

"Our family photoshoot. Well considering it's just going to be us two it's more like a sister photoshoot. But we have to get dressed and stuff."

Maddie sat up straight, her back against her pillows, "Well why don't you fill me in on what's going on? Because I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Oh, well you know Jayla right?"

"Jayla who?"

"Jayla Evers."

"The photographer?"

Cordelia nodded, "Yup. The one and only. Anyways, I texted her and she is going to do some cute picture photos of us. Mom was saying before how she doesn't have any recent ones so this can be her Christmas gift from us."

"And you're just telling me this now?"

"You came right upstairs when you first got home. Barley said hi to me, by the way. Which is offensive on so many levels. Besides I think it's a good idea."

"I don't hate the idea." In fact she thought it was a good idea as well. "But that doesn't mean I want you to tell me about it last minute. You could have given me a heads up this morning."

"You were a little busy this morning." She felt her face get hot. Shit. She didn't think Cordelia had heard her and Elijah. "Don't worry. The parents don't know he was here."

"Well I would hope not."

"Good thing he stayed outside. I had to do a double take when I saw him."

Maddie frowned. She wasn't sure what exactly her sister was talking about in anymore. "Huh?"

"Damon." Damon? It then clicked. She had spoken to Damon this morning. So that meant Cordelia hadn't known about Elijah. A piece of her felt relived.

"Right Damon." She tried to keep her face composed.

"What did he want?"

"He slept with Elena."

"I'm not surprised." There was a slight pause. "Actually I am surprised that it took this long for them to finally jump into bed together."

She snorted at that before nodding. Her sister did have a point. She could see that coming earlier. Now she just wondered how it was going to play out. Obviously, Damon was into Elena, hell he loved her. Elena, well Maddie didn't know how she really felt about Damon but if she did have actual feelings for him and they got together a lot of people would be against it. She already knew how Caroline and Bonnie felt about Damon. And then there was Stefan.

"I almost feel bad for Stefan." Cordelia's head snapped towards Maddie so fast. Maddie had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing. "I said almost. Moving on, tell me some more about this photoshoot."

"Right. So, I texted Jayla and asked her to do them. She agreed and one of the only openings she had was today."

Maddie rubbed her forehead, "What time today?"

"We have to be there in like, two hours."

An irritated look came over Maddie's face. She glared at her sister, "Anything else that you would like to tell me?"

"Did you take your shower this morning?" She nodded her head, "Okay so we can skip that part. But your hair, curl the ends. That's what I'm going to do with mine. And do makeup. Not a lot but something, the camera picks up everything." Because she knew her sister, she didn't feel insulted by her comment, instead she just laughed. "Oh, and we should like coordinate outfits."

"I really can't deal with you."

"That's it. Smile." Jayla said, putting a smile on her face, as if she had to demonstrate to them what they should be doing.

Maddie felt her cheeks starting to hurt. She had been smiling for the last half and hour. She wondered how many shots her sister had asked for. Not that she had any doubt in how they would come out but she was over it. Right now, she was on Cordelia's back, her hair blowing slightly with the wind. She continued to smile though.

"Alright, done!"

She felt Cordelia sigh as she let her down. A laugh came out of her mouth. "What?" Cordelia looked at her, "You were heavy."

"Liar."

Cordelia gave her a small smile before she reached into her back pocket, pulling out cash. Maddie watched her hand it off to Jayla, "Thank you for doing this. Especially on short notice."

"No problem," Jayla spoke while taking the money. "I should have them all done within the next couple of days. Do you want me to wrap them and drop them off? Or are you coming to get them?"

"I'll get them. I might have to hide them in my car."

"Right."

She nodded, "Thanks again. We'll see you later."

"Bye." Maddie waved, walking off with her sister.

"That wasn't so bad," Cordelia said as she got into the car. She had driven since she knew the location they were supposed to go. "Need to go anywhere?"

Maddie had opened her mouth to say no, but then a thought came to her, "Yeah."

A moment passed by, "Are you going to tell me or …?"

Maddie snapped out of her small daze, "Yeah. Sorry. I need to get Elijah a Christmas gift."

"To Victoria's Secret we go."

Maddie slapped her sister's arm lightly before laughing. "Not funny."

Cordelia smirked as she began to drive, "It was totally funny. What do you want to get him?"

She shrugged, looking ahead out the windshield, "What do you get someone who already has everything?"

"Sex."

"You have such a dirty mind!"

"I'm just saying. That's what I would give."

"So I guess we know Klaus' present huh?"

Cordelia didn't respond at first. Maddie wasn't sure if she said the right thing but then her sister spoke up, "Hm, maybe. If he's a good boy."

"You act like he's a dog."

"Well he is technically. But instead of barking at cats he howls at the moon."

She held herself back from snorting, "He likes suites. Wears them all of the time. Maybe I can get him one. And maybe some ties."

"Try cufflinks."

"I don't know if he wears those." She hadn't remembered him having cufflinks on. She didn't really look for that though. She mostly just noticed the suite.

"Look online. Maybe you can get something custom made. But if you are going to order online I suggest you do it between today and tomorrow. Just so everything will get here on time."

"Good point." She let a minute pass with nothing being said. "Are you getting Klaus something or no?"

She shrugged, "Maybe, maybe not. It isn't like we talk like that."

"Then how do you talk? If you don't mind me asking."

"We just chit chat. Yeah, that's a good way to describe it."

"Chit chatting."

"Yup."

"Right. So, no big first date coming up?"

"Nope. I am single and mingling."

"Well just promise me that if you end up dating him," she didn't miss the look Cordelia threw her, "that I will know first."

The car was silent. The only sound that was heard was the music playing through the speakers. Neither girl said anything for a while. Cordelia finally spoke up, "I promise." Instead of replying back to her, Maddie just smiled.

The whole room was quiet. Of course, that was for one reason. Test time. Maddie was just bubbling in the rest of her scantron and then she would be done. Ric hadn't made it to difficult, which she appreciated. In fact, she found it to be kind of easy. Then again, she had spent a good portion of the previous night studying. She felt like she had a test in almost every class today considering it was the last class before she went on break. She was fine with that though. As long as she had little to no work over break she was good.

Checking over her test, she made sure the short answer bonus was completed before she rose to her feet and collected her test and scantron. Walking to the front of the room she handed it to Ric. He gave her a small smile as he took it, which she returned, before going back to her seat. Sitting down she opened her backpack and took out her phone. It was on silent. Seeing that she had a Snapchat, she immediately sent out her streaks. She had forgotten to do so earlier. Usually Cordelia or Katie ended up reminding her if she didn't do it by afternoon time. After she sent them a text message popped up.

Cordelia – When you realize you haven't wrapped any gifts yet.

Maddie – Same. Later?

Cordelia – Let's be real. We don't do it until Christmas Eve.

Maddie – You right. Should we sneak down in the middle of the night and put them under the tree? Or you think mom and dad will be down there.

Cordelia – Who knows. If we can get it done early enough we can put them out before we go to bed.

Maddie – Right.

Cordelia – Did you wrap my gifts yet?

Maddie – I haven't wrapped anything. When school ends I will probably need to go get wrapping paper.

Cordelia – I have three rolls in my room. Pick up two more. Not red, green or gold. Something different!

Maddie – Right. Anything else?

Cordelia – If I think of anything I will let you know.

Maddie – Please do. You know I hate going out on Christmas Eve.

It was true. She hated going anywhere that day. Mostly due to the rush of people. And if she did have to go out on that day, she tried to go as early as possible that way at night she was home. She wondered if her mom was done with all of her gifts yet.

For the rest of the period she stayed on her phone. She occasionally looked when she saw people getting out of their seats to hand in their tests. When Ric had collected all of the tests he put them inside of his desk before standing. Grabbing everyone's attention.

"I hope you all have a great holiday. Please stay safe." Maddie knew the urgency behind his words. While a majority of people thought he was just warning them not to do anything dumb, he was serious. No one wanted to go to anymore funerals. "Enjoy your week and a half off. Or however long it is."

Someone yelled out, "It's too short." That got some people to laugh.

Ric laughed, nodding his head, "Yes. It is way to short. Nonetheless, enjoy it. Because once you get back we'll have about two more chapters and then your midterm." Maddie was amongst the people that groaned. She hated midterms and finals. Thankfully, because this was her senior year she didn't really have any crazy testing like she had other years. "Now, pass up your papers." Now he grinned, "Just because I didn't collect them at the beginning of the period doesn't mean I forgot."

"But we hoped you would," Matt muttered next to her. She smiled as she watched him take out his paper. She did the same, passing hers up.

"Are you excited?" She asked him.

He threw her a small smile, scrunching his eyes in confusion, "For?"

"Break."

"I'm excited to pull in the extra hours to make some more money." She frowned. No one should ever have to deal with the burden Matt dealt with.

"I'm sorry." That was all she could think to say.

"Don't be."

"We should hang out before school comes back!" He nodded at her. "Are you going to the party on New Year's?"

Scott James, a senior in their grade, was throwing a huge party at his house. He had invited Maddie personally himself. She liked Scott. He had always been a cool person and a good friend to her. She found him to be a genuinely nice person.

"I heard about it. Don't know if I'm going. You?"

She shrugged, "I have no idea what I'm doing. I'm sure my sister has a party in mind that she's going to."

"How is Cord doing these days?"

"She's the same. Pain in the ass."

He chuckled, "Sounds like her. And your mom?"

"She's good to. We helped her make cupcakes last night."

"For?"

"Her class."

"I forget she's a teacher. Which is awful considering she was mine." This time it was Maddie's turn to laugh.

"It was like what, six years ago? As long as when you're around her you remember."

"Of course."

At that moment the bell sounded. People quickly got to their feet. "Have a great vacation everyone!" Ric called out.

"You coming?" Matt wondered. Maddie was still sitting there.

She shook her head, "I'm going to talk to him for a minute."

"Alright, see you in bio?"

"Yeah." Matt gave her one last smile before leaving.

The minute the room cleared Maddie stood. Ric was still behind his desk. She walked up to it, stopping when she could feel the wood against her jeans.

"How are you?" She asked. "I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to you."

"Well, for someone who should be dead, I'm doing alright."

"Right. So, you're good? No more crazy Ric."

"Crazy Ric," he muttered. "Haven't heard that saying before." He smiled at her, "I'm fine. Promise. Damon wouldn't let me be around you if I wasn't."

"You mean Damon wouldn't let you be around Elena."

"Her too." There was a slight moment of silence. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry about him."

"You shouldn't be apologizing for Damon."

"I know. And I've heard he's apologize but I'm sure his tactics have been slightly off in doing so." That caused her to snort a little bit. "He misses you. And I'm not telling you that you should be friends with him again, not at all. But, if you ever did need someone he would be there for you."

"I'll try to keep that in mind." She looked him over. He looked the same. "You know, I find that as much as I try and stay out of things I end up in it somehow. Even if it's just by conversation. And then there are times when I can't help it and I just ask questions. Questions that I know might lead to answers that I don't really want to know about." He let her talk. "Not everything that has happened to me is Damon's fault. I'm not excusing his actions at all, but certain things we just can't control. Although, if he really wanted to he could have controlled Stefan." She stopped talking then. "Sorry, I'm ranting."

"It's fine."

"Tell me something," Ric raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to ask a question. "What do you know about this professor Shane guy?"

Ric shrugged, "Not much. I myself am trying to stay out of things."

"Really?"

"At least until Christmas is over. After that I'm sure I'll be helping Damon fully."

"Right."

"I know that he knows more than he says he does. Especially when it comes to this hunter stuff."

"It's crazy, isn't it?"

"Well, at least it's not boring."

She let out a real laugh. "Right. I'll see you later Ric." Walking back to her desk she grabbed her backpack and phone. When she got to the door she stopped. "Hey Ric," she turned her head to face him. Her hand on the door knob. "Try not to get killed. And have a great holiday."

"You too."

"I am so over today," Maddie said, sitting next to Matt.

"What's wrong?"

"Besides having a test in every class? I want to get out of here."

"The anticipation of Christmas."

"The anticipation of not having to get up and early and come to school," she told him honestly. She was more excited to just be off than she was about the upcoming holidays.

"Well at least you don't have a test in here."

"Thank goodness."

"And no homework." Her face scrunched up into a glare. "Oh, homework?"

She nodded, "Yup. Because they hate me."

"How much?"

She shrugged, "It's not terrible. We took a test in calc and got a packet for our next unit. We only have to do the first three pages. It's like review or whatever. And then for English we just finished our book and took the test. I have to just write a paper now and do a PowerPoint slide."

"Well I hope we don't get homework in here."

"If we do I'm revolting."

Matt laughed, "Now that is something I would love to see."

School was over! At least until they came back from break. The minute her final class ended Maddie left, going straight to the parking lot and then going home. She made a quick detour to Starbucks along the way, getting herself a refresher and Cordelia a caramel iced coffee. When she got home, she quickly ran to the mailbox before going into her house. She shuffled through it as she entered her home, going upstairs. She smiled down at Lucy, who was waiting for her by the door. When she got upstairs she knew her sister was in her room. She could see the outline of her body on her bed, which was closer to the door.

"I come bearing gifts."

Cordelia, who had been laying straight turned on her side. A smile on her face. "You brought me Starbucks!"

"I can be a nice sister sometimes."

"It's rare."

"I'm taking it back." Maddie joked, handing it over. Cordelia took it before taking the straw. She immediately put it in before taking a huge gulp.

"So good."

"Right."

"What's all that?" She gestured to the mail in Maddie's hands.

"Mail."

"Anything for me?"

Putting her own drink down on her sister's in table she sorted through it. Mostly stuff for her parents. Nothing for Cordelia or her. "Nope, just stuff for mom and dad."

"Of course."

Maddie grabbed her drink, "I'll be downstairs."

"I'll be down a little bit. I'm hungry."

"Right."

Heading to her room first, she dropped off her things before going into the kitchen. Sitting on one of the bar stools by the counter, she checked through her messages. There was nothing new. She was hoping to see something from Elijah. Nothing. Since that time in her bedroom she hadn't seen him in person. He would text her a good night always, and occasionally in the morning but she missed his presence.

"What's with the frown?"

Maddie's head snapped up. Cordelia stood on the other side of her. "I didn't even hear you come in."

She smirked, "Because you're to busy thinking about something. Want to share?"

"I might go see Elijah."

Cordelia shrugged, as if it weren't a big deal. "So go see him. He is your boyfriend after all."

"Right."

"Or is he not?"

She shook her head, "No, we are together. I just haven't seen him in a while."

"Go surprise him. I mean what's the worst that will happen? Besides him not being home."

"Maybe I will. After I eat something."

Cordelia turned, opening the fridge, "We have turkey."

"And swiss?"

"Yup."

"Count me in."

"Did you remember the wrapping paper."

Maddie's face went blank, "Shit." She would have to go and get it later.

"Elijah?" Maddie called out. Her voice echoed through the house. She had used the key he had given her a while ago to come in. She hadn't seen his car in the driveway, but she never really saw it anyways. She figured he mostly just used his vampire speed to get around. Not hearing any noise, she tried yelled his name again. "Elijah."

There was still no response. After taking a walk through the living room and kitchen and not seeing him she went upstairs. She was pretty sure he wasn't around though. He would have responded to her if he was there. She felt weird being in his house without him. She knew she was welcome and he wouldn't mind, but she still felt a tad weird about it.

Awkwardly, she sat herself down on his bed, kicking her shoes off. Crawling back, she reached over and grabbed his remote, turning on the TV. Scrolling through she finally settled on Furious 6. It had just started. She was at the part where the Rock, who played Hobs, was telling Vin Diesel, Dom about Letty. Getting comfortable she rested against his cover. She considered getting under them but she had a feeling if she did she would be sleeping within five minutes. His sheets were so soft. She laid on her side, resting her neck on one of his pillows. They were as soft as his sheets.

She wasn't sure how long she had been watching the movie before nodding off. It was odd. Considering she hadn't really been tired. In fact, that was why she avoided getting under his covers, so that she wouldn't fall asleep.

Elijah watched her sleep from the doorway. When he had gotten home and saw her home he immediately rushed inside, wanting to see her. He had heard her breathing from downstairs and knew she was asleep. He took his time walking up the stairs to see her. When he did finally see her he just watched her. Moving from the doorway he walked over to her. She looked so peaceful. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he ran a hand ran over her cheek. Very gently. He didn't want to disturb her. Her soft skin against his hand made him want to hold her. He continued to stroke her cheek lightly. At first, she didn't wake up, but after a while she came to. A smile crossing her face when she saw Elijah looking down at her. He smiled back.

"Hi."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Hi. What a lovely surprise."

"How long have I been out?"

"I'm not sure. I only got home a few minutes ago."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"I like watching you sleep."

She joked, "Not creepy at all. I missed you."

"I missed you to. Sorry I had to cancel our plans the other day."

"Why did you cancel?"

"There were some things that I had to take care of."

"Like?"

Instead of responding, he kissed her nose and then gently kissed her lips. She leaned into him, wanting more, however he cut it short. With a small sigh she sat up. "You know, since you did cancel on me and I haven't seen you, the least you could do is give me a proper kiss."

"Is that right?"

She nodded, "It would be the correct boyfriend thing to do."

Elijah, with a smile on his face, moved his head towards hers. She went to meet him and was slightly caught of guard when he dunked his head. Instead of kissing her lips he kissed her neck. Running kisses up and down. A smile came over her face, especially when she felt him run his tongue along her neck. When he was done pulled away, holding her gaze. Within moments his lips crashed to hers. She gasped. This was different. When she gasped he took the time to let his tongue enter her mouth, dominating her. She didn't fight it. In fact, she loved it. He pushed her back down, getting on top of her. He held his body weight so that he wasn't crushing her. She ran her hands along his back, glad he wasn't in a suite jacket today. Just a dress shirt.

Pulling away he placed his forehead on top of hers. "How was that?"

"Good."

"Just good?"

"Well it could have been great, but you stopped."

"What am I going to do with you?"

"I can think of a few things." He could smell her. He knew she wanted him. In fact, it seemed every time they were together she wanted him. Not that he opposed.

Looking down at her, he took in her outfit. She had on a short sleeve top and pants that had rips in them. "How long do I have with you?"

"A good while. I'm on break."

"Is that right?"

"Yup. I don't go back until January."

"Well, if it wasn't obvious I plan on occupying most of your time during this break."

"I sure hope so." Her gaze softened as she looked at him. He was still hovering of her. "Tell me, what have you been up to?"

"Curiosity killed a cat."

"Good thing I don't have a cat. I have a dog."

He shook his head, "If you must know I've been consulting with my brothers."

"About?" He gave her a look. "Right. The cure."

"Yes."

"And do you know where it is?"

"Not exactly."

"But you're looking."

"Yes."

"Why?" She tried not to sound whiny when she asked. "I mean if you don't want it for yourself."

"Because I don't want anyone trying to use it against me, my family, or you."

Her face scrunched up, "Me?"

"You are the most important thing to me." She felt her heart melt. Her eyes softened as she listened to him. "Over the years my family and I have acquainted many enemies. If they though they could use the cure and you as a way to get to me they would. I won't let that happen."

"I'm the most important thing?"

"Yes, you are."

Her cheeks rose as she smiled at him. I love you. It was on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to say it. But she didn't. So instead, she just leaned up and pecked his lips.

"Now," he was still close to her face, "do you want to keep talking about the cure? Or shall we occupy our time a better way?"

"Like?"

His hands toyed with her shirt before moving down. He ran his finger over her jeans, "I can think of a few things you might like." With that he popped the button open. Next he pulled her zipper down. She opened her legs wider, which encouraged him. He placed his hand inside, running it along the lace of her underwear.

"Oh yeah?"

Moving his fingers so that they were now inside of her underwear, he ran his finger along her wet center, "Yes." The next thing coming out of her mouth were moans.

"You know I hate coming out late on Christmas eve."

Cordelia ignored her sister, pushing the cart around. "Yes, I know. But considering we need more wrapping paper, because you forgot to get it, here we are. And let's not forget you didn't feel like coming out early this morning. Now here we are."

"Right." She trailed along next to her sister. It wasn't long before they were in the section for wrapping paper. Maddie let Cordelia pick everything out.

"How much more do you have to wrap?"

She thought about it. Their parents stuff was done. They had finished that while they were home alone before putting the gifts under the tree. All she had left was her sister's, Matt's and Elijah's. "I'll probably use two rolls."

"So, I will get five."

"Five?"

"I'll probably need some to. And an extra, just in case. Besides, I'm sure mom has some but just in case she runs out."

"True, true."

Together they picked out five different rolls. Maddie looked around. It felt like even more people had come into the store since they'd been there. Cordelia, seeing her sister looking around, rolled her eyes.

"We are leaving soon. I just want to check for last minute things and then we can go."

"I didn't say anything."

"Your face says it all. Besides, I don't understand how you can love black Friday shopping and hate going out on Christmas eve."

"I think people are nicer on black Friday."

"What dimension are you living in?"

"Apparently not this one."

"All done."

Maddie looked around her bed. It was covered with paper scraps, a roll of wrapping paper and scissors. She and her sister had just finished doing everything. Everything being the last couple of things they got for their parents, the things they had gotten for Matt and Cordelia had helped Maddie wrap Elijah's gifts.

"Did you get Klaus anything?" Maddie wondered as she threw out everything she didn't need. She moved the roll of wrapping paper to her closet. She was glad she had wrapped her sister's gifts when she first got home.

"Maybe."

"What did you get him?"

"I might have gotten him a mistletoe."

A smirk came across Maddie's lips, "I can't deal with you."

"Well you know me."

Together, they finished getting everything settled. They had already said good night to their parents. Maddie was shocked her dad was even home. He was supposed to be there with them in the morning and then leave in the afternoon.

"When do you want to take these downstairs?" Maddie wondered, gesturing to their parent's stuff.

"I'll take it now. And then I'm getting in my pajamas."

"If mom made cookies bring me some."

"Yup! Put the Grinch."

It was a ritual for them to watch the Grinch on Christmas eve. And then they would watch all day on Christmas. Sometimes they would watch the Polar Express as well, but mostly they just watched the Grinch. She placed Matt's gifts on the floor in front of her TV. She would deliver those to him tomorrow.

After she changed into her pajamas she put in the Grinch. The minute she was under her covers, Lucy jumped onto her bed, curling up by her feet. She smiled at her. Cordelia came in soon after that, a plate of cookies in her hand.

"Still warm," she announced.

"What are mom and dad doing?"

Cordelia got in next to her sister, "They're in their room."

"Gotcha."

Together, the two lay there, eating cookies and laughing as Jim Carey played the Grinch. They didn't care how many times they washed it. It never got old.

Thank you all so much for the reviews, favorites and follows/alerts! I appreciate it.

In this chapter … Maddie and Alaric have a quick conversation. Maddie goes to see Elijah.

Next chapter … Christmas.