Before the Sun Sets
Bonus Chapter – Christmas part 2
"Thank goodness your home," Cordelia noted.
She and Maddie were currently lounging in Maddie's room. They had the Grinch playing on Netflix as they looked at their phones, talking and occasionally watching whatever scene was on the TV screen.
Maddie turned her head and smirked at her sister, "Did you miss me that much?"
She nodded, "YES! It's honestly so different now that you're away too. Before I could come home whenever and you would be here."
"Aw."
"So, tell me the truth," Cordelia sat up a tad. "How was your first semester?"
Maddie sighed, dropping her phone onto her covers, "It was alright. Not going to lie there was one point when I was so stressed out, I thought my head would explode, but I got through it."
"What was stressful?"
"I mean a lot of it was kind of review because of all the A.P. classes that I took, which was nice, but still at one point I swear everything was due all at once and then there were multiple tests due on the same day, which was hell in itself."
"Damn. At least now you know. What are you taking next semester?"
"Statistics, molecular bio and whatever else the counselor told me to take."
"Did you even question them?"
Maddie shook her head, "Not really. I mean I didn't have to take anatomy and physiology I just chose to."
"Are you continuing?"
Maddie nodded, "Yeah might as well finish. I figured it would be good to know, just in case I decide to just go to medical school after I finish my undergraduate."
"My sister is so smart."
Maddie grinned, "I try." There was a short pause. "And what about you?"
"What about me?"
"How was your semester?"
Cordelia shrugged, "It was alright. Pretty sure I didn't get an A in organic chemistry but other than that I think I did well."
"How is organic chemistry?" Maddie was already aware of the fact that she would most likely have to take that class. She was dreading it but if she had to take it she would just try and make the best of it.
"It sucks. I honestly am going to start reviewing for the next part over this break. I will be lucky if I got a B+."
"I'm sure you did fine."
"Yeah, we'll see when the grades come in. I'm sure dad will tell me before I can even check."
Maddie rolled her eyes, "You think now that we are both in college he'll relax about grades?"
Cordelia just gave her sister a look before they both laughed aloud. They knew the answer to that. And it was no.
Within the next couple of minutes both girls turned back to their cell phones. Maddie was in the middle of texting Katie and Hanna.
Katy-Kat – Um let's get breakfast!
Maddie – Why not lunch?
Katy-Kat – Because a girl is craving pancakes that are loaded in power sugar, syrup and whipped cream.
Maddie – Might I ask where these cravings came from?
Katy-Kat – It's that time of the month. Tell Cordelia to wake her ass up in the morning.
Maddie couldn't help but laugh aloud.
"What?" Questioned Cordelia. Even though she was curious she still hadn't looked away from her phone.
"Katie wants breakfast in the morning. She wanted me to make sure you would get up."
Cordelia smirked, "Tell her I'm coming in my pajamas."
Maddie looked back at her phone screen.
Maddie – Cordelia is in but she is coming in pajamas.
Katy-Kat – That's fine. I call shotgun!
Maddie – Of course.
"Hey Mad, which one should I do?"
Maddie looked away from her screen to her sisters. Cordelia had two pictures she was trying to decide between. Before Maddie had arrived home, she had gone out and took the liberty of getting matching pajamas for everyone. Janette, who had loved the idea, even had her get herself and Christian a pair. So, after having a nice family dinner they had spent a good amount of time taking pictures in front of the fire place and on the staircase. Maddie was positive that their mom had already posted the pictures of the four of them, that she had asked one of their neighbors who was walking their dog, to come in and take, on Facebook. At least she was pretty sure that was why her Facebook notifications kept going off.
Looking at the pictures Cordelia couldn't decide between, she frowned. They were both cute. There was one of the two of them sitting on the staircase smiling at each other. They had on their pajamas and Christmas hats. Maddie's shirt read nice while Cordelia's read naughty. The second picture was one of the two of them standing on the staircase both smiling at the camera.
"I like the one where we are sitting down better."
Cordelia nodded, taking her phone back. It was a few minutes later when she posted the picture, "All done."
"I'll like it later."
"Ha ha."
Maddie gave her sister a side glance. She wanted to ask her questions but wasn't sure how to approach the topic. She decided it was best to just ask what she wanted to know. "So, Cord, tell me about Klaus."
"What's there to tell?" Cordelia questioned. Although her voice was controlled Maddie was sure she could see annoyance on her face.
"You two were on good terms this summer and now he's an ass. What happened?"
Cordelia quickly responded, "Klaus has always been an ass."
"You're avoiding my question."
"No, I am just stating facts."
"Mhm. I mean you guys were fine on Thanksgiving."
Cordelia sighed, "Yes we were fine then."
"Are you really going to make me beg for this story?"
"No," Cordelia said with a sigh. "So basically, we've been fighting since Halloween." It was a moment later when she felt a sharp pain in her arm. It took her a moment to realize that the pain was because Maddie had pinched her. "OUCH! WHAT THE HELL!"
"SO, YOU'VE BEEN IN A FIGHT WITH KLAUS SINCE HALLOWEEN AND DECIDED NOT TO TELL ME!"
"Lower your voice!" Cordelia snapped. "You know that mom is nosy."
Maddie continued to glare at her sister, "Explain!"
"Listen to you, bossy. So basically, short run down of this stupid fight, it started with my Halloween costume."
Maddie tired to recall what her sister had worn on the holiday two months ago. When it finally came to her, she frowned slightly, "He didn't like your costume?"
Her sister had gone as a Victoria's Secret Angel for Halloween this year. Maddie was sure now that she was hearing about this fight that it was the reason the picture was no longer up on Instagram.
"He didn't like how provocative it was. Especially since he wasn't around and that just kind of fizzled into an argument. But we kind of made up, which is why he still came to Thanksgiving."
"Continue."
"Seeing him at Thanksgiving made me realize how much I missed being around him. I mean, we spent almost every day together this summer and it was great. So, I decided that I wanted to surprise him and do a little get away right before I had my finals."
"Aw that was nice of you."
Cordelia grimaced, "Yeah it would have been real nice if that werewolf girl Haley wasn't hanging around and then some bar bitch named Cammy wasn't staring at him like a lost puppy wagging her tail for a bone." Maddie was glad she wasn't drinking anything. If she had been, she would have totally spit it out. "And to make matters worse he doesn't say anything. Not even a simple, go away, but he finds out I'm talking to Nathan and wants to go to fucking war with me."
"You and Nathan are speaking?"
Cordelia shook her head, "Nothing like that. We had organic chemistry together and he has tried reaching out a few times. I've shut it down completely though."
"Klaus has trust issues," Maddie noted.
"And I don't?!"
She quickly tried to defuse the situation, "I'm just saying. If he found out that the two of you were talking, he probably wouldn't want to listen to reason."
"Well he doesn't have to listen. In fact, he can kiss my ass, as I've told him several times already."
"I'm guessing you two fought in New Orleans."
"Pretty much the whole weekend I was there. It was so bad I had to get a hotel."
"And that's the last time you talked to him?"
"No. We've argued on the phone a few times, even had some text fights."
"Aw Cord."
Cordelia shrugged, trying to play it off, "It is what it is.
"And that's it?"
Cordelia shrugged, "It may also have something to do with the fact that I told him I loved him."
"CORD!" Maddie yelled, excitement filled in her tone.
"Would you keep your voice down!"
"That's so exciting."
Cordelia's tone was bitter, "You would think right?"
"What do you mean?" Maddie questioned, although she was sure she already knew the answer. It was Klaus after all and he wasn't the most affectionate person.
"Well he just stared at me and then we fought some more."
She shook her head. She couldn't imagine something like that happening with Elijah. In fact, every time she told him that she loved him it was followed by an I love you back, and vice versa.
"I'm sorry."
Cordelia shrugged, "It is what it is."
"So, he isn't coming for Christmas, right?"
"I hope not. I don't want to see his face anytime soon."
"Can't say I blame you."
There was a moment of silence that went on between the two of them. Cordelia soon went back to staring at her phone. Maddie had snuggled back into her covers watching the final scenes of the Grinch.
"OH!" Cordelia said excitedly.
"What?" Maddie questioned.
"We already have fifty-seven likes on Instagram. Half way to one hundred."
Maddie shook her head, snuggling her head into her pillow, "You are ridiculous."
"But you love me!"
It was later that night that Maddie was still awake. She couldn't help but stare at her sister with a frown on her face. She felt so bad for her. She knew how much she had gone through with the whole Nathan situation. And now Klaus was being a dick to her. She wished that the hybrid was around so she could tell him to his face how she felt about him. Although that wouldn't go well at all, especially considering she wouldn't hold back, which would make Klaus probably get to close to the point where Elijah would have to step in and stop him from attacking her. Then the brothers would be in a fight. Not caring she decided to text him. She did realize that it was three in the morning and she would need to be up in about four to five hours for a breakfast date with her friends but she didn't care. She pulled up Klaus' name and sent him a text.
Maddie – Why are you such an asshole?
She wasn't sure or not if she should have been surprised by his instant surprise. She decided she shouldn't have been shocked at all. She wondered in the moment if Klaus actually slept through the night but then decided not. He was probably paranoid that someone would take that opportunity to try and kill him.
Klaus – Hello to you to.
Maddie – Hi. As I was saying you are an ass.
Klaus – Ah, I see you have finally spoken to your sister. Or has my brother finally confessed?
Maddie – It doesn't matter who I heard it from.
She knew that she and Elijah would be having a chat later about this whole situation. She wanted to know why he didn't tell her himself about Cordelia and Klaus' fight. Especially if it had been an ongoing thing for a while.
Klaus – And I take it that you're on her side.
Maddie – Of course I am!
Maddie – YOU ARE WRONG!
Klaus – Glad you think so. Have a good night Maddison.
Maddie – Don't start with Maddison bullshit, it isn't nice. Christmas is coming, be here, surprise her, spend the day with her, make her feel good. If you haven't already buy her a gift.
Klaus – Why do you care?
Maddie – Because she is my sister jackass.
Maddie – And besides I hardly doubt you would have taken her to Sardinia and spent the entire summer with her, flown out to see her multiple times at Stanford and then had her come to New Orleans a bunch of weekends if you didn't care about her. Don't let the fact that she told you she loved you scare you, embrace it.
Klaus – Thank you for your unwanted advice.
Maddie – I miss you too bestie. See you at Christmas.
Klaus – Have a good night.
Maddie – You are still an ass.
Klaus – Go to sleep or I do I have to call my brother.
Maddie – Call him, please.
Klaus – On second hand, I'd rather not.
Maddie – You're no fun.
Klaus – Go to sleep. You have breakfast plans in the morning.
Maddie's face scrunched up. She wondered how he knew that. Then again, this was Klaus, and she wouldn't be surprised if he had all of their phones tapped or something.
Maddie – See you're stalking my sisters' plans, you do care.
Klaus – I never said I didn't.
Maddie – Pick me up on Christmas Eve. We'll do some shopping.
Klaus – Go to bed!
She chuckled lightly before putting her phone back on her in table. Moments later she, like her sister, was knocked out asleep.
"How long will you girls be out for?" Janette asked as Maddie and Cordelia prepared to leave.
"Not sure, why?" Asked Cordelia.
"Just curious. Text me before you girls come back home."
The pair nodded before they headed out.
"Whose car are we taking?" Cordelia asked once they were outside.
"Yours," Maddie replied easily.
She was still kind of tired, considering she hadn't gone to bed until later. And then when they woke up the pair agreed to go out and get some more things for their parents. Maddie needed to get some stuff for her sister as well but she would hold off on that. At the moment she just wanted to have breakfast. Not to mention she wanted to catch up with Katie. They had so much to talk about.
"Where are we going?" Questioned Cordelia.
"You don't know?"
"You're the one that made the plans, not me."
Maddie chuckled, "Just outside of town. That breakfast place by the mall."
"Alright," Cordelia noted with a small yawn before backing out of the driveway.
"Didn't sleep?" Maddie questioned.
"Oh, I slept, just didn't exactly get enough of it."
"I know that feeling."
"I have honestly missed you so much!" Katie said, as she hugged Maddie.
It didn't matter that they were already inside and just waiting on their breakfast to be brought out. She was still hugging Maddie's side.
"I missed you too."
"You should drop out of college and just stay home."
Cordelia snorted, before taking a sip of her coffee, "Like our father will allow that."
"Let's not give Christian a stoke," said Hanna.
Cordelia nodded in agreement.
"I'll try and visit more next fall," Maddie said.
"What about the spring."
"Lacrosse season. Workouts are in full swing as soon as I get back."
"I thought they started already."
Hanna responded, "They weren't every day. Just twice a week gym training once we got back from Thanksgiving break."
"Damn."
"Tell me about," Hanna said slightly shaking her head. "Although I shouldn't be complaining. Most of my classes revolve around a computer."
"Lucky bitch," Maddie muttered.
"Do it when you can. Especially with all those biology classes."
"Can't wait for molecular biology and organic chemistry to get here."
"I hope you aren't taking hose two classes together," Katie said. "You have to live."
"I know. I think I might change my schedule anyways and add in a summer class."
Cordelia snorted, "Summer classes. I think she has officially lost her mind." She reached across the table trying to feel her head. "Are you really my sister or a clone of myself?"
"Gotta do what I gotta do to survive these semesters."
Cordelia shook her head before looking around the table, "She is a psycho." Her face then lit up, "Oh look, FOOD!"
Two waitresses came back with arms full of food. They quickly distributed it around the table. Maddie smiled looking at her French toast that were covered in power sugar. She couldn't wait to dig in.
"Mouth water," Cordelia said staring at her plate.
"Maddie, did you send your streaks yet?" Katie questioned.
"Fuck," she breathed out. "I always forget."
"We know," Cordelia, Hanna and Katie said together.
"Is the garage door open?" Cordelia questioned later as she and Maddie pulled into their driveway.
It was later in the day. After breakfast the four had went into the mall before going to see a movie. Since it was only six, Maddie considering going to Elijah's and possibly spending the night. But she wasn't sure yet. She definitely wanted to see him though. Text messages just weren't cutting it for her.
"Looks like it."
Cordelia parked her car and the two got out. They left what they had bought in the trunk. Approaching the garage, they walked in to see their father. And to both of their surprises he didn't look very happy.
"What's with the face?" Cordelia asked.
Christian looked up. He hadn't heard them approach. Instead of responded at first, he just shook his head, "Go on inside and you'll see."
"Did mom buy more gifts?"
There were already a shit ton under the tree.
Christian's face darkened slightly, catching both girls off guard, "I wish that was what she did. I would have handed over my Amex and American Express in a heartbeat."
Cordelia and Maddie looked to one another. Damn. Whatever she must have done was serious if their dad was talking about easily handing over his credit cards. Side by side the two rushed into the house to see what was going on. The garage led to the kitchen and as they came in, they could hear their mom talking to someone.
"Who is she talking to?" Cordelia questioned allowed.
Maddie shrugged, but as she listened, she was pretty sure that she was not going to like the answer she received. As they stood outside of the dining room but stopped looking to one another.
"She has to be fucking kidding me." Cordelia said staring at the side of her sister's head.
Instead of responding to her, Maddie just stared at the scene in front of them. There was their mom drinking a cup of coffee with a slice of cake in front of her and right next to her was mother.
Glancing up Janette grinned, "Hi girls. Look who came just in time for the holidays!"
Getting to her feet, Emma Elizabeth Howland, walked over to her grandchildren, embracing them, or trying to, in a hug. "Did you girls miss me?"
"No." Cordelia said, not even bothering to hide the fact that she didn't care for the woman in front of her.
Emma laughed, thinking Cordelia was joking. She then went to place a kiss on both of their cheeks. Maddie stayed still while Cordelia flinched away.
"Oh, wait until I tell George that you girls are here," Emma said moving away. "GEORGE!" She called yelling after her husband.
"What the fuck is she doing here?" Cordelia hissed to her mom. She didn't bother waiting until Emma was out of site.
"Watch your mouth!" Snapped Janette.
"NO!"
She sighed, knowing she wouldn't get anywhere with her. Turning to Maddie she said, "How was breakfast sweetie."
"Fine," Maddie responded. "What's with the house guests?"
"My mom and George are staying until January."
"Why?" Questioned Cordelia.
"Because I invited them missy! Is that okay with you?" She questioned sarcastically.
"No, it really isn't. I would appreciate it if you sent them packing."
"No, I won't send them packing!"
"Well you need to!"
"And I expect you to be nice!" She turned away from Cordelia to Maddie, "I expect the both of you to be nice."
"Not happening," Cordelia said.
"No can-do mom."
"Maddie," Janette breathed out. "I knew Christian and Cordelia would give me a hard time but I expected you to be on my side."
"For being shady?" Christian questioned coming in.
"It wasn't shady!"
"You failed to mention the devil and her husband were coming," Cordelia commented. "That is beyond shady."
Christian, who had come to stand behind his daughters nodded. "She's right. I am leaving."
"You're supposed to be off," said Janette.
"I'd rather be helping someone in need." He kissed both of his girls on the cheeks. "See you girls later." He then stepped between them and kissed his wife murmuring, "I'm pissed at you, but I still love you."
Maddie almost gagged when she noticed him pat her on the butt. Janette's cheeks flushed before she turned back towards her kids.
"As I was saying, I expect both of you to be pleasant."
"As I was saying," Cordelia repeated sarcastically, "that isn't happening!"
"CORDELIA!" Janette snapped.
"MOM!" She snapped back.
Maddie wasn't sure if she should get in the middle or not. Part of her considered following her dad out. Although she knew that he would still be here for a little before he left. He would probably take a shower and then leave since he had been outside working. In that short amount of time she had zoned out she had missed part of a huge argument, which she would come to realize soon.
"I will not stay in this house with that woman! Or her husband! She is the most racist person I have ever met! She is a bitch! She sickens me and the fact that you want her hear makes me want to just pull my hair out and scream!"
"So why don't you go!"
"I WILL!" Cordelia snapped, disappearing from the room.
Janette looked stunned. Before she could actually move her feet, Cordelia was gone. Maddie could hear her heavy steps up the staircase.
"She can't be seriously leaving?" Janette questioned.
Maddie shrugged, although she knew her sister was going and while she might not have taken the same approach she would be going as well.
Christian soon came back, "Just let her leave if she wants to."
"You can't be serious."
He was. They could tell by the look on his face. He was on her side. Maddie had a feeling he wouldn't be around much either while Emma and George were around.
"Yes, I'm serious. Leave her be."
"This is ridiculous."
"So is you inviting them," Maddie noted.
"Please don't start Maddison."
"I'm not going to start anything." Maddie said calmly. "I'm not going to fight or argue with you either, but I am telling you like Cordelia, I won't be staying while they're here." And with that she left the room leaving Christian and Janette alone.
Elijah was already opening the door before Maddie could haul her things out of the door. He waited patiently for her to come in. As she did so she dropped her things off in the doorway and slipped out of her coat before she wrapped her arms around him.
"Well hello to you too," he commented kissing her head. "What happened? All I got was a text from your sister that you would be coming."
"Is that all she said?" She questioned with her face buried in his shirt. She inhaled his scent. S
"She mentioned that you might be upset."
"Kind of."
Elijah pulled away slightly and lifted her chin with his finger, "Tell me."
"My grandmother is here for the holidays."
"And that's a terrible thing?"
"YES!" She snapped. "And you will surely see why on Christmas day."
"You won't introduce me before hand?"
"I wouldn't subject you to that kind of torture," she said before sighing. "I guess nothing says Merry Christmas like some Bennett drama. Are you ready for it?"
Elijah smirked, "Only if you hold my hand."
Maddie couldn't help smirk back as she stood up on her tippy toes, "You are so corny."
Before he could respond his lips were touched by her soft ones. He cupped her cheek as he kissed her in the doorway of his home.
Thank you all for reading. Some family drama in this chapter and definitely more to come! Stay tuned.
Ps … there will be some Klaus and Cordelia scenes just wait patiently