What if X
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve morning dawned, with snow falling lightly. Nothing that could interrupt the open house. Mal and her friends came down after dressing to find all the staff running around trying to get the front hall tree ready. There were all sorts of gifts placed under it. Ben had told them the children of the staff, and former staff would get gifts.
Ben came into the main hall. "Hi guys. We have to be dressed to greet guests by 12:30. Breakfast is ready in the small dining room." He said taking Mal's arm. They went into breakfast where Belle and Adam were seated. "Morning. I hope you all slept well?" Adam asked.
"Thank you again for inviting us." Evie started first the others nodded.
"Our pleasure. How are your rooms?" Belle asked. The four smiled broadly. "Excellent. So I am sure Ben told you we have to be dressed for 12:30. We open the doors to the press at 12:45. They like to take photos and look around. They will most likely take a few pictures of you kids as well."
Mal winced, these would be the first photos of her with Ben at the palace. This made her being his girlfriend, in public real. At school and in close company at the palace, it was fine. This was her first public outing representing the crown. Ben sensing her nervousness gave the hand he was holding a little squeeze. "You'll do fine." He whispered.
"I wish I had as much confidence in me as you do." She whispered back.
"Press is excused at 1:15. They just like a few photos of us greeting the guests etc. Once they leave, we can just relax, mingle and have fun. The small ball room is open, there will be food out, just help yourselves. I usually can be found after 2 in the library reading Christmas stories to the little ones. Mal, you and Ben will be in charge of handing out the gifts to the kids. Ben knows them all so he can help you. Evie I'd love it if you could help the kids make their way to the library if they can't find their way. Carlos, I'd love it if you could make sure no one gets into the front room. That room will be closed as soon as the press is finished taking photos of the tree. And Jay, if you could keep the kids off the stairs." They all nodded. "Oh it is possible that some of the other royal families may stop in. Aurora and her family usually stop in, because they travel for the holidays. As well as Snow White and Her family." They all looked at Evie. She took a deep breath and with closed eyes nodded. Carlos patted her shoulder. "Ben, anyone else ever stop over?"
"Aunti Cindy and Chad sometimes. But usually they are here when we return from town tomorrow for a few minutes."
"That's true. All depends on what Charming is up too." Adam puts in.
"Ok. So it's 10 now. You are all free to go where ever you'd like. I will see you all at 12:30 in the front hall." Belle said as she and Adam left the room.
"Mal, care to take a walk?" Ben asked. She looked at her friends, who all waved her away. Mal looked at Ben and took his outstretched arm. Lumiere met them in the front hall with coats. Ben took Mal outside.
"Ben?" Mal asked nervously.
"I just wanted a little of you for myself." He reassured her. They walked in the lightly falling snow. Ben brought Mal into the main garden. He brushed off a bench and had Mal sit. "You guys feeling comfortable with all this?"
"It's a bit overwhelming, but we can handle it."
"Good. I wanted to talk to you about today. The press…they will call you the King's consort. That is a fancy way to call you my girlfriend."
"Sounds weird, like I am a paid date or something." She said making a face.
"I'm not a fan of the title, but it's a tradition. Please feel free to refuse to answer any questions that make you uncomfortable. A polite, I'd rather not discuss that, or rather not answer that will be fine."
"I was afraid of how refusing would sound."
"It's fine. They really aren't supposed to ask anything not holiday related, but, I guess this year things are different."
"If Audrey always goes away, how did you handle this last year?"
"Oh everyone knows they travel for the holidays. Queen Leah has a thing about keeping Audrey and Aroura out of the press for certain events. All part of her over protective nature because of…"
"My mother." She finished. "What do I say about her?"
"I would just say this is a holiday season and don't want to talk about that right now."
"Yeah." He picked up her hand. "Where is my mother Ben?"
"In a magically protected cell on the other side of Auradon, why?"
"Is that why Audrey is late for everything?" She changed the subject, for she wasn't really sure why she asked the question.
"No, she just likes to make an entrance." He joked.
"I am kind of cold, can we go inside?" Mal admitted
"Sure. Are you sure you are ok with all this?"
"Yes. I am more worried we will make a mistake and embarrass you guys."
"Never. Just remember my parents and I know they real you and your friends, I don't care what the press says." Ben says kissing her softly on the lips.
"Thank you Ben." HE led her inside.
At 12:30 everyone was dressed in their new holiday finest. Evie had worked extra hard on outfits for all four of them. They had an isle edge, but still screamed Auradon at its finest. Belle quickly looked them over including Ben, and once she was sure all was as it should be, she had Lumiere open the doors to the press. "Ok, press time, everyone ready? Remember any question you don't want to answer, just say you would rather not answer that at this time." No one could answer as the press walked in. Ben gives Mals hand a squeeze. She winks at him.
"Welcome." Adam says. "Feel free to walk around."
The press walked away, one young lady and her camera man, cornered Ben and Mal. "King Ben I see you have your consort with you. Mal, I am Krystal from Young Auradon monthly. How are you enjoying Christmas here? And how does it compare to Christmas on the isle?"
"I am enjoying Christmas here. Back home, we never really celebrated holidays." Mal answered truthfully.
"No holidays?" She pushed.
"We really had nothing to celebrate. Every day seemed the same. We had no idea what day was what. No calendars."
"Oh. So this is your first Christmas?"
"Exactly." Ben said putting an arm around Mal.
"Your highness, Mal. I am Frank from The Auradon nightly news. What did you get each other for Christmas."
"Sorry, not gonna spoil the surprise." Mal said sweetly.
"So you did buy him something?"
"Of course. My friends and I had a wonderful time shopping."
"King Ben what about you? Spoil your consort?"
"I have no comment about what I bought Mal or her friends."
"And what about your parents? Are they nervous having villian's kids in their home?" A lady with crazy red hair came over to ask. "Laura from Royalty Today." She practically shoved the mike into Ben's face. Mal had to try really hard not to hit the woman.
"Mal and her friends were welcomed with open arms into our home." King Adam said walking up to the group. He put his arm around Mal.
"And we feel very welcome here, thank you King Adam." Mal smiled at Ben's father.
"Now, any holiday related questions Laura?" Adam asked, stearing her away from Ben and Mal.
"Your highness, Mal. A few photos in front of the family tree." Ben and Mal headed into the front living room and stood holding hands in front of the tree. At 1:15 the press was released, and Mal sighed with relief. It seemed that now the families started to arrive. Ben and Mal greeted the families. While Adam shook hands and Belle started reading the stories. Mal found out the press only took photos of her friends, no one was bothered with questions.
Around 2:30 Mal and Ben were handing out gifts to a few of the former staff's children when Audrey and her family arrived. They all seemed surprised to see Mal with Ben and how well she was dressed for the occasion. Audrey looked around and saw the others dressed just as well. She just shook her head to her grandmother. "Queen Leah, Princess Aurora, Prince Philip, Audrey, Merry Christmas. May I present Mal."
"A pleasure to meet you." Mal said to Audreys parents. "Queen Leah, Audrey how nice to see you again."
"Mal, I am rather surprised to see you here, in this role." Audrey said.
"It has been a wonderful afternoon, I have to say." She said looking from Audrey to a shy little girl who had walked up to Ben and was tugging his sleeve. "Ben." She whispered, pointing to his visitor.
"Annabelle, I wondered when my other girlfriend would get here. How have you been this year?"
"Good, Uncle Benny." She smiled as Ben lifted the girl up, she couldn't have been any more than 5 years old.
"Mal, this is Lumiere's niece, Annabelle, my other girlfriend."
"I should be jealous, but I think I can share him with someone as cute as you." Mal cooed at the little girls with blond curls.
"You hair is my favorite color." Annabelle said to Mal.
"It's mine too." Mal winked.
"Is it real?" Ben wanted to scold her, but Mal put a hand on his arm.
"Yes. It's not colored either. It grows that way. Kind of neat isn't it?" Mal asked the little one.
"Yeap."
"I like it too Annie. Ok, lets see if Santa left you a little something under my tree." Ben said putting the little girl down. She immediately took Mal's hand in hers. She pulled Mal down so she could whisper something to her.
"I like you. You make Uncle Benny smile really big."
"He makes me smile really big too." Mal whispered back. Ben handed her a brightly colored present. She kissed Ben's cheek and moved to do the same to Mal. She was shocked at how quickly the little one liked her. She had never really interacted with kids, but she could see now they weren't too bad. Annabelle ran off. "I am so sorry that was rather rude of us." Mal said to Audrey and her family realizing that they had stayed to watch the whole interaction. They wandered off without another word.
"Guess you left them speechless."
"I guess." Mal agreed, they went back to greeting kids. Soon Snow White and her family arrived. Ben introduced her them.
"Auntie Snow, Uncle Fred, Sam, this is Mal." Mal shook their hands.
Snow hugged Ben. "She's cute, keep her around."
"That's the plan." He returned.
"I am hoping Mal, Dear, you can introduce me to Evie."
"Of course you highness."
"Snow please, when no one is around. I want to go find Belle but I will be back soon."
They walked away looking for Belle, Mal went to find Evie. She found her listening outside the Library to Belle reading to the kids.
"E. Snow White is here, looking for Belle right now but, she wants to meet you."
"Ok. Let me freshen up." Evie says nervously.
"Do not hide E I will find you. I have already faced Audrey and her whole family you can handle Snow White, she is really nice."
"Ok, Ok." Evie spotted Snow coming down the hall and darted down the hall away from her towards the back stair way and up to her room.
Mal went back to the front hall to help Ben. "You find her?"
"She is freshening up her makeup. I am hoping she isn't hiding. She looked…scared."
"I am here." Evie said coming around the tree. "And I am scared."
"Please don't be." Snow White said coming around the other side of the tree.
"Auntie Snow, this is Evie. I guess she is kind of your step sister."
"Not kind of, she is. Nice to meet you Evie. Please call me Snow. This is your nephew Sam and my husband Ferdinand." Evie looked at Sam then Fred.
"Sam is a junior at Auradon Unviersity." Ben added. "He is a great Tourney player too. Captain when he was at AP and Captain of his team at AU."
"Thank Ben." Sam said. "I hear you guys finally beat Sherwood."
"I had two great helpers. Jay, Carlos come on over and meet a great Tourney player." He motioned the guys over. "Sam this is Jay and Carlos. Guys this is Snow White and Ferdinand's son Sam."
"Nice to meet you." They both said. And all shook hands. They talked Tourney, the girls moved back into the library. Belle had just finished her last story, and the little ones left were being called out by their parents. "I see you have met Evie, Snow?" Belle pointed out.
"I have, and we were just beginning to get to know each other. May we use the library?"
"Of course. Mal, how about you and I make sure all the gifts were handed out and check on the food." She said taking Mal's arm, who gladly left Evie with Snow. Snow White and Evie talked for about 15 minutes, agreeing to visit during the holidays. Snow left around 3:30.
At 4:00 the guests left and the Castle was closed to the public. The staff put the food out for the staff meal. Mal and her friends enjoyed the meal and the conversation. At 7:00 the staff were given their bonuses and their time off began. The kids cleaned off the table and washed the dishes.
"OK, so everyone meet in the front hall room for our Christmas Eve Celebration." They all walked into the front hall. There were now piles of presents under the tree. The four VK's exchanged looks. Their gifts to their hosts were also under the tree. Also there were now four more sock like things on the fire place with their names on them, just like Ben, Belle and Adam. "Have a seat anywhere."
They all sat down and Belle handed out hot chocolate. Adam handed out their Christmas Eve gifts. Each knowing what they were, but still excited for their first ever Christmas Gifts. Belle had her camera ready. "Ben first." Ben opened his gift to find moccasin like slippers, and new blue PJ's with the family crest on the right front. "Mal." Mal opened hers to find purple slippers and the loveliest shade of a pinkish purple Pj's and matching robe. She held them up and the front right of the PJ top has a heart. As each of the others opened theirs they matched them to a T. Evie's blue with a gold crown. Carlos' were Red and black. And Jays were a rich burgundy. "Ok, now off you go put them on and meet back here for one last story." Belle sent them off.
They returned to find Belle and Adam in PJ's as well. There was a fire in the fire place, and the sock like things were on the table. "I haven't read this one in a few years as Ben has gotten a little old for it, but I think it will help you kids understand some more of the holiday. Twas the night before Christmas…" She began. Mal sat snuggled in Ben's arms, while Evie sat between the boys. All four listening with interest. As Belle read on, Mal wondered what it was like being a young child and waiting for Christmas Morning, then she realized it was her first ever and figured out that it was exactly how she was feeling right then. Giddy, excited and happy. Mal had never been so happy. She looked around the room. Her family. Evie, Jay and Carlos were all snuggled in each others arms, listening wide eyed at Belle as she read about Santa. Adam smiling proudly at his wife from his favorite chair. And Ben holding her tightly. Jay was right, if for some reason they are ever sent back home, no that wasn't home anymore, it was the isle, Auradon was home, these days would be memories that would hold them and keep them from a deep depression.
Belle finished the story, and had the kids each hang their stockings, now they knew what they were called. Adam, Belle, Ben, Mal, Evie, Jay then Carlos hung them in a row. "OK, who is up for a movie, its only 9:30?" Ben asked. Belle and Adam headed off on their own, leaving the kids alone. Evie ran to her room to get her phone, she was expecting a call from Doug at 10:00. They watched the movie until 12:00. At midnight they all turned in. Ben kept Mal back as the others headed off to bed.
"How was your first Christmas Eve?"
"Unbelievable. I have no words Ben."
"I have one more tradition I would like to share with you. That," He pointed to a green spring of leaves with little white berries. "Is mistletoe, its good luck to kiss under it, especially on Christmas Day, and it is after midnight." He smiled and leaned in for a kiss. Mal willingly accepted his sweet kiss.
"I love you Ben, more than I ever thought possible."
"I love you too, Mal." He picked up her right hand and removed his signet ring, Mal looked oddly at him. Ben then moved it onto her left hand. "It looks better here." He kissed it. Mal knew it meant they were exclusive. That he was promising her a future. It wasn't a marriage proposal by any means, but it was an important step in their relationship. One, she hadn't expected this soon, but then again she had his ring, something no one else ever had before. "Time to sleep Lady Mal."
"I will have wonderful dreams King Benny bear." She hugged his arm that she was holding onto. "Remind me to talk to you about dreams, I have one to share with you."
"Me too." He stopped at her door, and kissed her again. "See you in the morning Mal. Sweet dreams."
"You too."