"I still can't believe we're actually doing this," Elena groaned as she waited for Damon outside the bathroom door. He had been getting ready for the past four hours. She had finished getting ready three hours earlier than Damon, how ironic. However, it was something Damon would do. He was extremely picky when it came to his appearance.

"I know," Damon said as he allowed a small sigh to escape his slightly parted lips, "But, just think of the look little Ms. Meredith will have whenever I ruin her Christmas Dinner."

Elena's mouth dropped as soon as she realized what he was planning. Sure, they both hated the girl, and sure, she was one of the bitchiest girls she had ever met, but they couldn't ruin her time with her parents – no matter who it was. "Damon, you know we can't do that."

"You might not be able to," he replied as he pointed to Elena before returning his pointer finger back to himself, "But I can and I will."

"Damon," Elena sighed as she walked after her boyfriend.

"Eh – eh – eh. No buts Elena," Damon said as his famous sly smirk appeared on his gorgeous face, "I personally dislike this Meredith character, which gives me every right to mess up her life. There's also the fact that ruining his precious little girlfriend's family dinner will cause my brother to become extremely angry with me... which doesn't sound like such a bad idea."

Elena sighed once again as she allowed her eyes to roll in response to Damon's statement. She reached up and snatched her winter hat and scarf. Damon followed closely as he grabbed his leather jacket off of the coat rack as well.

"But Damon, Stefan has been being extremely quiet. Sure he lets a few comments slip here and there, but imagine how would you feel if he took your girl," she said quickly before he had the chance to cut her off. She instantly regretted allowing the comment to slip as soon as she caught a glimpse of Damon's pained expression.

"I don't have to imagine," he said quietly, "I lived the experience once before."

"Damon, I'm-" Elena started slowly as she tried to gather the words to say that could possibly make Damon feel better.

"It's fine, Elena," he said quietly as he slipped out of the large glass door and waited patiently besides Elena's car's door.

"No, it's not. I spoke before I thought, I'm sorry," she said slowly as she unlocked the car and allowed Damon and herself to slip into the car and escape from the cold.

"It doesn't even matter anymore," he said as he allowed himself to smirk, "Katherine's so 1864. Last time I checked, Elena Gilbert is the new black."

Elena laughed as Damon continued to crack a joke every now and then. She sat behind the steering wheel of the car as she fiddled with the radio knob, trying to find any Christmas music that was currently playing on the radio.

"Tomorrow's Christmas," she smiled as she eyed Damon closely, hoping to catch a hint as to what he had gotten her.

"I know," he smirked as he turned his head to look out the window and take in all the snow covered scenery, "I hope you're ready for your last present."

"Any hints?" she said with a hint of amusement in her voice. With Stefan, she would have never been joking around. He was more of a serious and down to business type of guy, while Damon was the complete opposite. With Damon, she was able to be herself.

"Nice try, Princess," he winked as he turned quickly, allowing his gaze to linger on her for a moment before returning to the window.

"Not even for me," she said in a small innocent voice while trying to pout. However, she ended up laughing and being unable to hold the pout face for more than ten seconds.

"No, but, did you grab whatever garbage you – please tell me it was garbage, anyway did you grab whatever you bought Stefan? Instead of going visit the old brooding vampire again tomorrow we could have just ended with a hello and goodbye today," Damon smirked. He loved his cocky and rude personality so much.

"Oh crap!" Elena shouted as she pressed the breaks, "I totally forgot it."

"Where's it at?" Damon asked with a certain sparkle in his eyes.

"The kitchen table -" she started as her mouth dropped open as soon as she realized the passenger's seat was empty. "Damon!"

Within seconds he was back sitting in the seat beside her with his usual cocky grin. "Yes?" he questioned as he held out the bagged gift to her.

"Nothing," she laughed as shook her head and continued to drive down the pavement road.

XxX

"Ready for your first Christmas tomorrow?" Jeremy asked as he sat besides his petite girlfriend. They were currently in the living room enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire place.

"More than ever," she replied with a wide grin causing her eyes to become tinier than they already were. Jeremy laughed as Anna's excitement reminded him of a small child's.

"You are so cute," he smiled as he stroked the top of her free hand.

They were quiet for a moment as they sat together and enjoyed the warm heat the fire was putting off. Jeremy looked out the large glass window and noticed the snow fall was increasing by the moment.

"Oh hey guys," Jenna smiled as she walked into the living room, shutting the wooden door behind her forcefully, "it's colder than a witch's tit."

"Ew. Okay Aunt Jenna, I never want to hear that word come out of your mouth again," Jeremy said as his faced wrinkled due to how disgusted he was.

"Oh Jeremy it's just a metaphor." Jenna laughed as she set her purse down on the nearest edge table, "There any hot chocolate left?"

"Yeah, there's a pack in the pantry," he called out as his Aunt left the room, leaving Anna and Jeremy alone once again.

"I like her, a lot." Anna smiled before taking a small sip of hot chocolate. "She's fun and really caring. You're lucky to have her as a guardian."

"Yeah, yeah she's a pretty cool woman," Jeremy smiled as he looked down at the ground.

"Oh by the way, Alaric and I are going caroling in a moment if you guys feel like joining to old folks," laughed Jenna as she danced a little.

"Oh Jeremy, can we?" Anna asked as she bounced with joy, "Please?"

"How could I possibly say no to that face?" he asked as he laughed with a large grin as Anna smiled and threw her arms around him, embracing him in a large hug.

XxX

"So I heard you got her knocked up, huh?" Tyler said as he walked with his hands in the pockets of his jacket. His hood was up to help block some of the cold from his ears.

"Yeah, dude, I did," sighed Matt as he walked next to his friend. Caroline was at the doctor's office getting a check up and getting a doctor's opinion as to which were the best prenatal vitamins for the baby.

"That sucks ass, bro. What you gonna do about it?" Tyler asked. The thought of him ever getting a girl pregnant passed through his mind but quickly disappeared as he thought of how his father would react. He'd get a beating to Hell and back.

"Well, the only thing I can do. Take care of it, and be by Caroline's side the entire time," Matt replied. He was raised as a gentleman should – to take care of something you create. Besides, Caroline was so excited and ready for this baby – he couldn't just leave.

"You've got balls, dude. I'll tell you that much, I'd never stick around for a baby," Tyler mumbled, "I'm not good with that whole long term thing."

"Yeah, I hear ya. I love Caroline and I look at it this way, sooner or later our relationship was going to hit the next step. I preferred later, but no one can stop this from happening so it's time to man up, Ty. We're all about to eighteen and legal, and once that happens we have to make something of our lives unless we want to be bums on the side of the street. So as soon as the vacation is over with, I'm going apply for a job and fixing my house up for me, Caroline, and the baby," Matt explained.

"I gotta hand it to you, bro, I'm proud of ya. And if your parents were around, they'd be proud of ya too. Good job man," Tyler said as he patted his best friend on the back.

Xxx

Caroline waited patiently in the waiting room of the doctor's office. She smiled to herself as she looked around at all of the other pregnant mothers, and pictured herself being the next one to have the baby bump. She rubbed her flat stomach and used her hand to draw a bump, causing the woman on the side of her to laugh quietly.

"Just found out, I'm guessing?" asked a young looking brunette.

"Yeah," laughed Caroline, "this is my second visit."

"Oh, you'll enjoy it. It's always exciting to find out new information about your baby. How far long are you?" she asked with a sincere smile.

"One month. When I first took the pregnancy test, my boyfriend and I thought I was two weeks. But then when I went in for the first time, the doctor told me I was a month. I was like wait what? It was exciting," laughed Caroline as she rubbed her stomach once again.

"I remember those days," chuckled the young brunette, "I'm currently five months today. Getting up there. I'm Madeline."

"Oh, you're so lucky. Is it a boy or a girl? And nice to meet you Madeline. I'm Caroline," Caroline smiled as she introduced herself.

"Both," giggled Madeline, "Avery and Autumn. Oh, we're both part of the 'line' group. I tell you what, here's my number. Call me and we'll get together sometime. Especially after we have our little babies."

Caroline grabbed the slip of paper from Madeline and smiled, "Okay, I will do that."

"Caroline Forbes?" called out a short plump woman from a door on the far end of the room.

"Oh that's me!" Caroline called out excitedly as she grabbed her purse and coat, "I'll talk to you soon Madeline. Bye!"

Madeline smirked to herself as she waved bye to the young blonde. She lowered her head slowly to the ground as she felt the pupil's in her bright yellow eyes dilating.

Xxx

"Mommy just called. Her and Daddy's plane just landed and they're on their way to search for a taxi," Meredith announced as she walked into the large proper. Stefan stood in front of a large window as he looked down at Damon and Elena as they walked over to the boarding house door – hand in hand, smiles on both of their faces. He swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat.

"Wonderful," he said quietly as he jammed his hands into his coat pockets, "Damon and Elena have just arrived."

Moments after he spoke the sentence the loud doorbell echoed throughout the house, causing Meredith the shield her ears with her two hands. "Stop pressing the damn door bell!" she shouted as she stormed over to the door.

"Greetings brother's bitch," smirked Damon as the door opened to reveal a very unhappy looking Meredith, "Trouble in paradise already, little brother?"

"Damon," Elena said in a low, warning voice as she entered the familiar home.

"No, in fact, things are perfect between the better brother and I," Meredith cooed as she snaked her long, tan arm around Stefan's waist, "I was simply saying how the excessive noise coming from the door bell was splitting my ear drums."

"Oh, lovely. Goal completed then," smirked Damon as he quickly made his way over to the bar, "Where's Pops and Ma?"

"Mother and Father are on their way," Meredith replied coldly. Maybe inviting Damon and Eleanor – whatever her name was, wasn't the greatest idea.

"Damon, don't you think you could cut back on the attitude just a little bit," Elena whispered as she made her way over to Damon's side.

"No, Elena," Damon shouted loud enough for the couple to hear him, "I will not cut back on the attitude."

"Damon," Stefan said slowly, "I understand that you're not exactly happy with me right now. But please, behave for Meredith. This means a lot to her."

Damon snorted as he nearly split his alcohol. He frowned before shrugging and pouring the remaining scotch on the freshly cleaned floor. He smirked as his hand opened and allowed the glass to land on the floor as pieces of glass flew everywhere. "I'm aware, Brother."

"Then stop acting like this if you're aware," Stefan ordered as he hurried to the supply cabinet to fetch a broom.

"Damon, maybe you should," Elena whispered as she watched Meredith's expression closely. If looks could kill, both Damon and herself would be ten feet underneath the ground.

"Just because I'm aware of something, Brother, doesn't mean that I care,"he replied with a full grin this time, "In fact, the only thing I care about in this room is Elena."

Suddenly, the door bell rang throughout the house, causing each member to react differently. Elena nibbled on her lip as she prayed things would be okay, Stefan sighed as he straightened out his tie, Meredith put on the biggest smile she could – that is, after sending a pair of dagger eyes towards Damon, and Damon, well Damon had his usual smirk plastered upon his face as he slowly followed Meredith.

Xxx

"Hey Jenna," smiled Alaric as he walked into the medium sized house. He embraced Jenna in a tight hug before turning to the two teens sitting on the couch.

"Hey Anna, hey Jeremy." he half waved as they smiled and waved back, "Ready to go?"

"Sure, oh Alaric, I hope you don't mind." Jenna said as she struggled to fit her leather jacket on due to the many layers of clothing she had on already, "But I asked Jeremy and Anna to come along."

"Oh, no, not a problem at all," he laughed as he tightened the grip his jacket had around him, "the more the merrier."

"Have you ever been caroling?" whispered Jeremy as he stepped out into the cold air with Anna at his side.

"No, why?" Anna asked, curiously.

"You have to know the words, Anna," laughed Jeremy as he held up two cards, each with the words belonging to certain Christmas songs.

"Oh! Hurry, give me them. I can easily look at them once and remember every single word," smirked Anna as she snatched the cards out of Jeremy's hands.

"You can do that?" asked the confused boy. He continued walking in silence as his girlfriend flipped each card quickly. Within seconds she handed him the cards back with a large smile on her face.

"Sure can. You learn how to after being a vampire for a century," she teased in a low voice.

"I could have used that every time I had a Biology test! It would have saved me so much needed time!" laughed Jeremy. Anna soon joined in on the laughing.

"Okay guys, this is our first house. Ms. Flowers lives here. She's an elderly woman who lost her husband many years ago, so give it your all," encouraged Alaric before walking up to the woman's front door and knocking gently. After a minute or two, an elderly woman appeared at the doorstep with a small smile as soon as she noticed the group.

"One – two – three," instructed Alaric as he waved his fingers in the air.

"Silent Night, Holy night. All is calm and is bright. Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant so tender and mild," the entire group sung in unison, causing Ms. Flowers to smile happily.

"Told you I could learn it," whispered Anna as she broke away from the song for a second or two.

"Good job," smiled Jeremy as he whispered back before returning to the song.

Xxx

"Mother! Father!" cried Meredith as she threw her tan arms around both of her parents, embracing them into a large, warm hug. "Come in, come in."

Damon watched as an elderly couple walked into the house and examined the fine art and furniture with amazement, causing him to roll his eyes. Of course, Stefan had to decorate the house in ways that only elders would like.

"Mom, Dad," smirked Damon as he made his way over to the couple, "welcome. I'm Damon, the hotter, funnier, and all around better brother." He grabbed each of their hands and shook them softly, being careful not to break an arm or something.

"Oh, yes. Meredith told us about you. Stefan's brother – where is this Stefan?" asked the woman in a sweet voice.

"Right here, Mam," Stefan smiled as he made his way to the front of the room and placed a small kiss on the top of her hand, "Stefan Salvatore. Nice to meet the both of you."

"Oh Meredith," giggled the woman, "you've gotten yourself a gentleman this time."

"Oh Mother, he's wonderful," smiled Meredith as she passed Damon, bumping into him roughly on the way to her parents, "Here Father, let me take you to your seat."

"Oh Meredith," Damon said as he strolled up to the side of the man, "the honor is mine."

"But -" Meredith started but was interrupted by her mother.

"Meredith Sulez! Your Father and I raised you better than that. Butts are for sitting, not conversation. Now, let the young man be a gentleman and escort your father to his seat," ordered the woman, causing Meredith to drop back. Damon could feel the anger rising off of her, causing him to smirk.

"And who's this young beauty right here?" smiled Meredith's mother as she stopped in front of Elena.

"Elena Gilbert, nice to meet you," Elena smiled as she hugged the woman tightly. She breathed in the perfume around her – instantly recognizing it as Jasmine, the type her mother used to wear all the time.

"Oh, yes. The brother's girlfriend. You can call me Judy, Dear," smiled Judy as she made her way over to the table, with Meredith right behind her.

"I swear, if your boyfriend ruins this dinner, I'll kill the both of you," she whispered roughly before taking her seat at the wooden table.

"Where's the beer!" shouted the elderly man as he looked around the room quickly, causing Damon to laugh quietly to himself.

"Father, there's no alcohol here-" Meredith begin slowly.

"Sure there is!" erupted Damon, "what'd you like sure? Any alcohol drinker is a friend of mine. We've got Scotch, Vodka, Crown, and of course, good old regular beer."

"Beer!" shouted the elderly man. Damon smirked as he quickly climbed out of his seat and made his way to the bar. He fixed himself a glass of Scotch and grabbed Meredith's father a beer.

"I like this guy Meredith. He's fun," announced her father as he opened his beer. Damon found himself laughing uncontrollably as Stefan sat quietly at the end of the table, casting looks of hatred at Damon. Who could blame him? Even parents loved Damon.

Xxx

"As far as I can tell," smiled the doctor as she scanned through the paperwork presented before her, "your baby is growing healthy and everything seems fine."

"Thank God. I was so worried that something was going to go wrong. That's a load of my shoulders," Caroline laughed as she pretended to wipe sweat off of her forehead, causing the woman to chuckle lightly.

"As long as you take the advised amount of prenatal vitamins, and at the prescribed time, your baby will continue to grow like it's supposed to," she smiled sweetly.

"Yes Mam," Caroline grinned, "I will defiantly do that."

"Good luck to you Ms. Forbes. Your next appointment will be on the twelfth of next month," she replied as she placed a paper card in front of Caroline.

"Thank you Dr. Dawn, it means a lot, really," Caroline stated as she placed the paper card into her purse.

"No problem. What are you hoping for?" Dawn asked.

"I want a girl, but Matt wants a boy," she laughed.

"That's how it usually is," smiled the doctor as she watched Caroline slowly leave the building.

Xxx

It'd been less than an hour since Meredith's parents had arrived, and already Damon and her father were hitting it off amazingly, causing Meredith to remain silent in anger, and Stefan to remain silent in displeasure. Damon wasn't supposed to be the man's favorite brother – he was.

"So Damon, tell me more about your brother," chuckled the old man as he worked on his fourth beer. Both Damon and the man were obviously drunk, causing Elena to roll her eyes everything either of the two talked.

"One time," Damon paused as he took a sip of his scotch, "Stefan had wanted to grow his hair long, so he glued little pieces of hay to his hair. He thought it was hair!" Both the elderly man and Damon burst out into laughter as the rest of the table remained quiet.

"Okay, I think that's enough for you," Elena finally said as she reached over and removed the glass of alcohol from Damon's hand, causing his to pout.

"Elena, come on, you can never have enough," he pouted as he looked up at her.

"You can, and you have," she sighed as she walked over to the sink and emptied the remaining alcohol down the drain.

"You too, Father," Meredith said as she followed Elena's lead and walked into the kitchen to empty the alcohol.

"Look," Elena sighed as she stopped Meredith, "I know we're not exactly...friends. But I apologize for Damon's behavior tonight. I tried to control him, I know how much family means."

Meredith was silent for a moment as she looked at Elena. She lowered her line of sight to the ground before quickly looking back up at the silent girl. "It's fine. My father seems to love him, which hopefully is a good thing for Stefan. Thank you."

Elena nodded as she walked back into the kitchen. For some reason, Meredith's words and facial gestures stuck to her. It may have been three simple sentences, but for some reason, Elena felt as if she had seen a side of Meredith that no one else had seen.

Xxx

hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Here's some things to think about-

why did Madeline's eyes glow yellow and dilate? Hmm

Is there a friendship starting to bloom between Elena and Meredith?

What will Caroline have?

Review and read!

OH AND BY THE WAY,

there will obviously be a sequel to this story as soon as I'm finished.