The next day Addison walked into math and sat down. Just a few more classes and then school would be out and they'd be on break. She couldn't wait. Addison took out her notes and started the warm-up posted on the board when Joss turned to her. "So, who ratted out Morgan? Was it you or your brother?"

"What are you talking about?" Addison questioned, confused. They tried not to initiate conversations , so their parents didn't get involved again. She wanted to keep her parents from going to the school with everything that had happened and to do that she had to prove to them she could handle it. She knew as soon as Mrs. Ryan moved seats that avoiding her was going to be even harder.

"The investigation. The reason guidance and admin has questioned basically every kid in this school. It all leads back to you."

"That list?"

"Obviously. I don't know why you were on it and I wasn't. Look at you, and your abysmal social life." Joss said, overly confident, perplexed.

"Why would you want to be? And isn't it obvious why you weren't?" Addison didn't understand the jealousy about something as disgusting as that list.

"You think you're in the know, so why don't you tell me. Why wasn't I?" Joss asked amused.

"Your brother was involved in creating it. In posting it. He wouldn't put you in that situation. That list isn't about anything but pressuring female students."

"That's ridiculous. At least I have friends. I should have been on it."

"Whatever, Joss. I'd do anything to not be and if I were you I'd consider myself lucky."

"I hope you're talking about the problem on the board, girls." Mrs. Ryan said as she gave them a look that said she knew otherwise.

"Yeah, we are." Addison said as she went back to her notes. She couldn't believe Joss wanted to be on the hottest freshman list. But then again, maybe she could. Her popularity was something she valued and she wasn't ugly, so she was right she probably should have been. As she continued to try and focus she thought about what it might feel like to not be afraid of what people were thinking about her. To have that innate confidence that Joss clearly had. She wondered what life at Madison might be like if she tried harder to fit in and made more of an effort to talk to people and try to find something in common with her classmates. There had to be something, but then it would be awkward to all of a sudden try to insert herself into groups that had already established. She scanned the classroom, for anyone she might be able to connect with, but then when Sarah saw her and looked at her questioningly she put her head back down and went back to the math problem.

Halfway. She was halfway through the day and the break was so close. She went to the cafeteria. Addison sat at the lunch table with Hope and her friends. Today wasn't the day to branch out. She knew what to expect from the people there. They were talking about looking forward to the break when Morgan came over and sat next to her. She looked at him and an awkward silence took over the table. They all knew she was part of the reason there was an investigation. Why there were suspensions. She wasn't going to sit there and be uncomfortable, so she got up and started to gather her half eaten lunch. "I left something in my locker. Have a good break guys." She had so many other things to focus on. Positive things. Her afternoon with Cam. Forcing a friendship with girls who she questioned their motives for even sitting with her in the first place wasn't worth the energy dealing with Morgan would take.

"Hey, you're not leaving to go to the library, are you?" Morgan asked reaching to stop her from leaving.

"Why?" She was confused. He was annoyed every time she sat there and he was just getting back from being suspended and because of her mother she knew he was also out on bail awaiting trial.

"It was stupid to report that myFace page, but you can sit here."

"Morgan, I don't get why you want me to sit here all of a sudden. What's your angle?"

"Maybe I just think you're interesting."

"And why's that?" She was genuinely curious now.

"Most girls would do anything to sit at this table, to be on that list, but not you."

"No. Not me. Is that all? Because I'd kind of like to go eat my lunch in peace."

"What did I do?"

"Seriously? You started a list that targeted me and 9 other girls. It's sexual harassment and you're lucky all you got was suspended. During which I heard you got arrested. Excuse me." Addison said as she walked past him and headed towards the library.

Owen saw his sister talking to Morgan, deciding to leave the cafe and stopped her. "Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just refuse to put myself in that situation anymore. I won't eat lunch with someone who doesn't respect me."

"Good." Owen said. "I mean not good that you're–"

"Owen, I'm fine. I swear. Go sit with your friends. I'll see you at home." Addison said as she continued walking towards the library. Morgan wasn't going to ruin her day. She was choosing to focus on the positive. She needed space to regroup, and sometimes, time alone in a quiet space was helpful and not just a coping mechanism to avoid dealing with the drama of the lunch room and worrying about what people thought.

That same afternoon, Alexis walked out of the courtroom and took out her phone. She was about to call Ned. Make the effort. See if he wanted to maybe get lunch. "Hey, what are you doing at the courthouse?" She said standing in the hall, surprised to see her husband walking towards her. She kissed him hello and put away her phone.

"I'm here to see you. You've been working for months on this case and when I called your office and your assistant said the verdict was coming in…I wanted to be here." He was trying. He knew he needed to put in more effort.

"Honey, you don't have to prove anything. I know you love me."

"Why can't I just show up and support you?"

"If that's all it is…" She started to question. She knew she shouldn't have as soon as she saw his reaction.

Before he could respond his cell phone rang. "Ned Ashton." She watched him carefully. "Ok, right. Yeah I can be there, but don't make any offers until I arrive. I've dealt with Joyce Hastinngs. I'll handle it." He hung up and looked at his wife, who placed her hand on his forearm.

"Go. ELQ needs you. I'm touched you came, but I'll see you at home." He leaned in and kissed her and left. She watched him walk away and then went back into the courtroom. He'd never just shown up like that and she wondered why he was putting in this extra effort all of a sudden. Even when they had been at their worst over the years, coming to a trial was never his go to move. She wondered if deep down he hadn't quite given up hope that she'd follow him to ELQ.

After the verdict was read and court adjourned, Alexis walked out of the courtroom pleased with the outcome and the settlement that went in her client's favor. She took out her phone and saw the message from Addie. She'd be home late. Her and Cam were watching a movie and Sophie had joined them. Chloe had said she'd drop her off. She had another message from Kristen that she had made it home. She responded to her girls and then was about to call Ned, see if he wanted her to pick up dinner on her way home that evening, when Sonny rounded the corner of the courthouse.

"Alexis. I've been waiting to hear from you." Sonny said as he approached.

"Sonny. I told you at the station I'm not entirely comfortable with this." She said as she shifted her briefcase to her other hand.

"He's my son and you're the best attorney I know."

"I realize that. But he made a reckless choice. It won't help that he was suspended from school when this happened. They could subpoena his disciplinary record to establish a pattern of behavior here."

"You can stop that. I trust you, despite everything. I still think of you as a friend, Alexis. He's struggling now more than he ever has. I never wanted any of my children to get involved in my business. You know that's true."

"I do know that. But he did. It was impulsive and quite frankly it seems like a cry for help if you ask me."

"So you'll take his case?" Sonny asked, hopeful.

"I got him out on bail. I'll finish what I started. You know this or you wouldn't have asked me in the first place." She agreed. She truly did feel for them. It had to be hard to watch their son struggling this way.

"Thank you." He said relieved.

"I swear to you Sonny. If this brings any danger to my family. To my children, I'll have no choice but to walk away from the case. My children's safety matters, too. My family is still my priority.

"I'd expect nothing less from you."

"Then we have a deal. I'll represent Morgan, but this is it. It's a one time thing."

"Sure it is." Sonny said, flashing his dimples.

"I'm serious Sonny. I won't destroy my life for your criminal organization."

"I'll tell Carly you're taking the case. See you soon, Alexis," he said, ignoring her last remark.

"I have to tell Ned." She said quietly to herself, dreading the fight she knew would ensue. A fight she hoped she could put off as long as possible. She went back to her office to finish up some work and then texted Ned that she'd bring home dinner. She settled on his favorite Japanese take out place just outside of town. She owed him an apology for questioning his intentions that afternoon. She hoped this would send that message.

That evening, Alexiswalked into the house and could hear her family in the kitchen. When she walked in Ned was filling in Kristen about the deal he had just settled on that afternoon. "Hi." Alexis said as she walked over towards him and kissed him hello, setting the bag of take out on the counter.

"Hi," he replied, knowing their last interaction that day was filled with tension.

"Krissy, it's so good to see you," Alexis said as she went to hug her oldest daughter.

"I'm glad I'm home."

"Me too. We'll catch up later?"

"Of course." Kristen said and she looked between her parents. Something was definitely off. Owen was right. "How's Addie….I don't want the holiday to be awkward, but she hasn't responded to any of my texts."

"She's ok. She should be home any minute actually." Alexis replied as Owen came into the room. "Hi, O. How was school?"

"Good. What did you decide to get for dinner?" He said heading straight for the bag of takeout.

"I went to that Japanese place your dad likes." She said making eye contact with her husband.

"Oh great. Sushi?"

"Yeah it's in there." She said as Ned walked towards her. She made eye contact with her husband, she looked at him sincerely, "I'm-"

"I know. This was thoughtful. Thanks for thinking of me." He said and kissed her temple.

Just then Addison walked into the room and set down the container she had brought to Cam's, "Oh I'm just in time. Awesome, " she said as she went to get the plates

"Are there leftover cookies?" Owen asked his sister, taking some of the food to the table.

"Hi Addie," Kristen said.

"Knock yourself out, there's only a few left." Addison ignored her sister and responded to her brother. "We decorating the tree tonight?" She asked her mother as everyone else followed their lead and started to eat.

"Yes. How was Cam's? It seems like things with you and Sophie are better?"

"It's the same. It's like I told you. We're fine as long as we're not at school. I don't understand it, but whatever. We're on vacation now and it's fine."

"Did you win your case, Mom?" Owen asked, placing the container of sushi back on the table.

"I did. Thanks for asking, O." Alexis said as Ned watched the exchange knowing his son was interested in the law. Still waiting for him to say something.

"Addie?" Kristen asked. Hoping her sister would acknowledge her presence in the room.

Addison made eye contact, and everyone noticed and waited. "I need a glass of water. Anyone else?"

"Addison…," Ned said his daughter's name, hoping to send the message that she should acknowledge her sister.

"What? I'm not doing anything."

"It's ok Dad. She's clearly not mature enough to deal with this the right way." Kristen said, attempting to bait her sister into a fight. Maybe if they hashed it out they could move past it.

She knew what her sister was doing and she wasn't going to fall into her trap. "So do I really have to be an Elf this year? Like I'd rather not…" She said as she sat back down with her water.

"Sorry sweetheart. I already told the board you would."

"No way out?" She hoped.

"You're a Quartermaine. Hosting this party, it's one of the ways we give back."

"It's not that bad." Kristen tried again. "I had to do it, too."

"You're lucky, Owen. You don't have to be humiliated like that. Daddy why is that? Why is it only the girls who are forced to be elves? There has to be a different outfit they can wear."

Alexis was now amused. "Our daughter has a point."

"You're just worried Cam is going to see you like that," Owen pointed out. He could tell his sister had a thing for Cam. It was so obvious, but she'd never admit it.

"What is he your boyfriend now or something?" Kristen asked and the whole table froze. "What? What did I say now?" She read the expressions on all of their faces.

"Call me when it's time to decorate the tree." Addison said getting up from the table, placing her dish in the sink and leaving the room.

"Will someone please fill me in? Clearly my sister won't."

"She has a crush. Just let it be and don't make this fight between you worse." Alexis said.

"And you know about this?" Kristen asked Owen, surprised. She knew her siblings had always been close, but she had a hard time believing that Addie would confide in her brother about something like that.

"I mean it's hard not to pick up on it. I've seen them together at Kelly's a few times and they hang out almost everyday." Owen said as he also got up from the table. He placed his plate in the sink and went straight for the leftover cookies his sister had made. "I'll be downstairs."

"Don't get too involved in anything. We're decorating the tree as soon as dinner is over, Owen." Alexis said as her son started to leave the room.

"I'll try not to make it awkward." Kristen said.

"I appreciate that," Alexis replied.

"I just wish she'd listen to my point of view."

"You two have always found a way to move past whatever you were arguing about. I am certain this will be no different now that you're home and can talk face to face. Neither of you can avoid it." Ned responded.

Later that evening the tree had been decorated without incident, despite the stares and silent treatment that the girls were directing towards each other. Alexis stood in their living room and looked at the tree, full of memories. Ornaments symbolizing moments between the two of them, their children's first Christmas', school hand made crafts given to each of them, each and every memory reminding her how special their life was together. He walked up behind her and handed her a glass of wine. "Thank you."

He placed his hand on the small of her back and she looked over at him and smiled warmly and then looked back at the tree. "It seems like just yesterday we hung our very first ornament as a family." He said as he looked at the very first ornament he had ever given her. Her last name may not have been Ashton then, but they knew what they had was forever.

"It does. I love this tradition. Hanging the ornaments, sharing the stories, it brings us all together." Alexis stated as she took a sip of wine.

"Even if the girls are at odds." Ned stated.

"Kristen always had a hard time accepting Addison. Addison always felt judged and she doesn't like accepting help, especially from her sister."

"Do you remember when we told Kristen she was going to have a sister?" Ned asked, reflecting back on his daughter's relationship. Maybe the dynamic had been there from the beginning.

"I do. She didn't take it well. Sometimes I think there's still a small part of Kristen who is that 7 year-old girl who thought she was being replaced."

"She eventually came around."

"But did she? Do you remember when Kristen tried to convince Addison she was adopted?" Alexis turned to him.

"I do. I'll never forget the look on Addison's face when she asked us if it was true. Where did we go wrong? I always hoped they'd be close one day. I know they're 7 years apart, but…"

"I know. I still hope that one day they'll each see the other for who she is and be the sisters they were meant to be. There have been times when I thought that was happening. They've had moments when they seemed to be finding that bond. Kristen wasn't wrong to tell us about what was going on, but it stalled any progress they had made. They do love each other."

"I agree. I'm certain they love each other. They're just so different."

"They are. But they're both as stubborn as we are." Alexis acknowledged.

"They get in their own way." Ned agreed.

"Like we do?" She questioned and stepped closer to him. "Like I did this afternoon. I'm sorry I questioned your intentions today." She put her wine down on the mantle.

"It's ok." He stated quietly and took her hands.

"No it's not. I keep pushing you away and it's anything but ok."

"Can you tell me why? What have I done that is forcing you to unconsciously build this wall between us?"

"It's not you and I could try, but I'm afraid we'd fight and I'd rather not fight with you."

He wanted to understand. She didn't want to push him away, and yet she cracked open this sliver for them to maybe make some real progress and then slammed it closed again. So he did the next best thing, the only thing that still made sense between them. He pulled her close and kissed her urgently. She pulled away breathless, searching his eyes.

Words were overrated. They'd said it a thousand times and so she pulled him closer and met his passion with her own. When they finally pulled apart she took his hand and led him up the staircase where they blocked out the world and their problems continuing a pattern they knew wasn't healthy, but it was all they knew when words failed them or they were afraid they'd hurt each other with what needed to be expressed. They always ended up settling on reminding each other just how much they needed the other.