A/N

This chapter is all about Cora and her parents relationship. Sorry if that makes you a little annoyed, but it's important information for the story. So please read it. Cora and her little sisters have quite the parents.

Also, I'm a really fast writer, so chapters should be out pretty quickly. It might be daily. I don't know yet.

As soon as the door closed behind them, two small figures barreled into the hallway, squealing with excitement. Cora's little twin sisters, Rebecca and Elizabeth, rushed up to them, their matching wavy brown hair bouncing around their faces. They were wearing matching pajamas with reindeer patterns that made them look like adorable miniature elves.

"Cora, you're home!" Bex squealed, jumping into Cora's arms and wrapping her arms around her neck. "We have so much to tell you about today!"

Liz, not to be outdone, tackled Sander at the legs, looking up at him with stars in her eyes. "You're coming with us, right?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Sander chuckled, lifting her up into his arms. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, Lizzy," he said, planting a kiss on her cheek. She giggled, and he set her down gently, his eyes meeting Cora's over the twins' heads.

Her mother, Emily, looked up from her knitting with a frown. "What's all the commotion?" she asked, setting her work aside. "Cora, what took you so long to come home?"

Cora's heart thudded in her chest as she stepped into the room. "We were just... out." She didn't know how to explain the impromptu trip without revealing the real reason. Sander took the lead, his voice steady and casual. "Yeah, we were hanging out with our friends, you know, trying to get into the Christmas spirit."

Her father, Zane, raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on their joined hands. "And who might these friends be?"

"Oh, you know, just a few people from school," Cora replied, her voice slightly trembling. She didn't want to lie, but she also didn't want to start a fight.

"Including Sander?" her mother, Emily, inquired with a hint of accusation.

"Well, yeah, Mom," Cora said, her cheeks flushing. "We're all friends."

Sander squeezed her hand, giving her a comforting smile. "Why don't you guys go upstairs for a bit?" He suggested to the twins, nodding towards the staircase. "We need to talk with your parents."

The twins, sensing the tension, exchanged a quick glance before shuffling off to their room. Cora felt a pang of guilt for keeping secrets from her sisters, but she knew they'd understand once she had a chance to explain.

"Look, Mom, Dad," she began, drawing a deep breath, "I know you guys don't like Sander much, but he's really important to me. He's been there for me through everything, and I just wanted to spend some time with him."

Her mother's eyes searched hers, a mix of disappointment and concern. "Cora, you know how we feel about this. We want what's best for you, and we don't think he's the right influence."

Sander, unable to keep quiet any longer, stepped forward. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Harlow, but with all due respect, I think I know what's best for Cora too." His voice was firm, yet gentle. "I care about her, and I'll always be there for her, no matter what."

Cora felt a warmth spread through her at Sander's words. She hadn't expected him to be so straightforward with her parents, especially considering how they felt about him. Her mother's expression softened slightly, but her father remained stoic.

"I understand your concerns," Sander continued, his hands tucked into the pockets of his ripped jeans. "But all we're trying to do is enjoy the holiday season together. I know Cora has fun, and I believe that's what matters most."

Mrs. Harlow sighed, her eyes shifting from Sander to Cora and back. "Look, Cora, your father and I just want you to be happy and safe. And if you think being around Sander does that for you, then maybe we should talk about boundaries and expectations."

Cora felt a knot in her stomach tighten. "Mom, please. I'm not a little kid anymore. I can make my own choices."

"Choices have consequences," her father, Zane, interjected, his arms crossed over his chest. "And we don't want you making the wrong ones."

Sander took a deep breath, deciding to tackle the elephant in the room. "Speaking of choices, we're actually going on a surprise trip to a cabin in a couple days. It was Alayna's gift to make up for being a bit of a grinch on past Christmas'." He paused, watching the shock ripple across their faces.

Mrs. Harlow's eyes widened. "A trip? Without telling us?"

"We just got home! Now you're telling us you're leaving?" Cora's mother, Emily, raised an eyebrow, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Cora fidgeted with her hands, avoiding eye contact with her family.

Sander stepped forward with confidence, his hand landing gently on Cora's shoulder. "It's not just any trip, Mrs. Harlow. We're trying to show Alayna the magic of Christmas. She's never really experienced it, you know?" He flashed a charming smile, hoping to ease the tension.

Mr. Harlow crossed his arms. "Christmas is about family, not gallivanting around with friends."

"They are my family, dad," Cora said softly, meeting her father's gaze with a determined look in her eyes. "I know you guys don't understand, but they mean everything to me."

Mrs. Harlow sighed, a hint of sadness in her expression. "We just want what's best for you, Cora. Your father and I are worried about you getting too involved with... with all of this."

"You guys are never here! You don't even know what's going on with me!" Cora's voice grew louder, a rare occurrence. Her parents looked on, surprised by their daughter's outburst.

"Cora, your dad and I are just trying to look out for you," her mother said gently, reaching out a hand.

"I don't need you to look out for me like I'm a child," Cora said, her voice shaking with emotion. "I know what's best for me, and that's being with people who actually care about me on Christmas!"

With that, she stormed upstairs, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. Her parents watched her go, their eyes wide with shock and confusion. Sander looked at Mr. and Mrs. Harlow, his expression a mix of frustration and pleading. "Please, you two. Just give her this trip. It's important to us. She'll be eighteen in a few days anyway."

"This isn't about her age," Mr. Harlow responded sternly, crossing his arms over his chest. "It's about her safety and well-being."

"But she's not a little girl anymore," Sander insisted, his voice laced with urgency. "You can't control her every move. She's going to make her own choices, with or without your approval."

Mrs. Harlow's eyes softened, and she sighed heavily. "We know that, Sander, but we're just worried. We're her parents."

"Parents, seriously?" The twins' voices echoed from the top of the stairs, breaking the tension. "You guys are never even around anymore because of those photoshoots."

Rebecca and Elizabeth descended the stairs with arms crossed. Their matching pouty expressions and rolled eyes spoke volumes about their frustration. "It's like you forgot we exist," Bex added.

"You guys are always so busy with work," Liz chimed in, her voice a mix of sadness and accusation. "You're never home for any of the important stuff."

The twins' words hit their mother like a sledgehammer, her face falling as she took a step back. "We're sorry, girls," she said, her voice wavering. "We're just trying to provide for you."

"We provide for ourselves now. Me and Liz are paid streamers and Cora is a famous guitarist on YouTube. We don't need you anymore." Bex said, her voice echoing Liz's frustration.

Sander stepped in, placing a hand on Bex's shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Let's go upstairs, talk in your sister's room," he suggested, his eyes filled with understanding.

The twins nodded, and they all made their way upstairs, the tension palpable in the air. Cora's room was a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos, her guitars lined against the wall, and a soft glow emanating from her fairy lights. Sander sat on the edge of Cora's bed, patting the space next to him. "You guys okay?"

"No," Cora whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "They just don't get it."

Bex nodded solemnly, her hands tightly gripping the edges of her pajamas. "They're never home, even when they are."

The twins looked at each other, sharing an unspoken understanding. "It's like we're on our own," Liz added, her voice cracking. "And it's not like we hate them or anything, but sometimes, it's just..."

"Better than them being here and not actually being here," Sander finished, his voice filled with empathy. He leaned over and wrapped an arm around Cora, pulling her into a side hug. She leaned into him, finding comfort in his warmth and solidness.

"Okay, okay," she sniffled, wiping her eyes. "Let's go to your place. We can play games and watch movies, right?"

"Sounds like a plan," Sander said with a gentle smile. "We can play games and maybe build a gingerbread house."

The twins looked at each other, their expressions mirroring a mix of excitement and relief. They bolted out to their shared room, moving swiftly despite their sadness. They threw clothes into their duffle bags with a practiced ease, evidence of their frequent overnighters. The room was a whirlwind of pink and blue, a stark contrast to Cora's darker aesthetic. Posters of their favorite bands and movies lined the walls, and their bunk beds were a mess of blankets and pillows.

"Grab the board games, Bex," Cora called out, her voice muffled by the clothes she was shoving into her bag.

"Already on it," Bex shouted back, her cheery tone a stark contrast to the tension in the room.

As they zipped up their bags, their parents stomped in, their expressions a mix of anger and surprise. "Where do you think you're going?" Zane Harlow demanded, his face flushed.

"We're going to stay with Sander," Cora said, her voice firm but trembling slightly. "We don't want to spend Christmas with you."

Her mother, Emily, took a step back, her eyes wide. "What? Why? We're your family!"

"Then act like it!" Cora snapped, the hurt in her voice palpable. She turned on her heel and stormed towards the door, her sisters and Sander following close behind. Her mother called after them, but she didn't look back.

The cold winter air slapped them in the face as they stepped outside, each of their breaths coming out in a frosty puff. The four of them huddled together, the weight of their conversation hanging heavily in the air. Rebecca and Elizabeth looked to Cora for guidance, their expressions a mix of anger and sadness. Sander wrapped an arm around Cora's shoulder, whispering, "Let's go, Core. We'll make our own Christmas."

Once at Sander's house, the mood lifted slightly. The living room was a warm embrace of twinkling lights and the scent of pine from the Christmas tree. Fefe, Sander's playful cat, greeted them with a barrage of meows and head nudges, jumping up to lick their hands. Laughing, they stepped into the chaotic yet cozy scene, where Sander's mother, Angelica, was busy in the kitchen, humming along to a holiday tune. She turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of them. "You brought the Harlow girls!"

Angelica rushed over, enveloping Cora in a tight hug. "I'm glad you're here, sweetheart," she said, her voice filled with genuine warmth. Cora melted into the embrace, feeling a pang of longing for the maternal care she felt lacked in her own home. "You're always welcome," she whispered, patting her back gently.

Rexi, Sander's little sister, bounced into the room, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the twins. She was practically inseparable from them, sharing a unique bond that transcended their age gap. "Bex! Lizzy! You're here!" she exclaimed, pulling them into a group hug. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement, and she wore a festive red sweater with snowflakes scattered across it. It was clear that the holiday spirit had captured her heart completely.

The twins exchanged a knowing smile, Rexi's unbridled enthusiasm a stark contrast to the tension they had just left behind. "We had to escape," Bex whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Rexi's grin widened, understanding their silent communication. She had always been their confidante, a secret keeper who never judged and always supported their adventures.

Sander's father, Deven, emerged from the kitchen, wiping his hands on an apron that read 'Chef Deven' in bold letters. His eyes crinkled as he took in the sight of the three friends, his heart swelling with affection. He had watched Cora and the twins grow up alongside his kids, and he couldn't help but feel a paternal fondness for them. "Welcome, welcome!" he boomed, his baritone voice echoing through the house. "You've got to be freezing out there. Get your coats off and come warm up. We've got cookies fresh out of the oven."

The girls stepped into the cozy embrace of the Nott household, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting from the kitchen. Deven had always been the one to spoil them with his baking, a stark contrast to the coldness they sometimes experienced at their own home. His love for them was unconditional and palpable, and they felt it in every cookie they bit into, every cup of hot chocolate they sipped.

Cora, feeling the weight of their situation, approached Deven with a shaky voice. "Could we maybe stay here until our parents go away for work again?" She hoped he wouldn't question their sudden need for refuge, understanding that sometimes home wasn't the safest or warmest place to be.

Deven's smile never wavered, but his eyes softened with empathy as he looked at the three of them huddled together. "Of course, girls. This house is always open to you." He ruffled Bex's hair, who giggled and snuggled into his side. "But let's not tell your friends at school, yeah? It'll be our little secret." He winked at them, and Cora felt a pang of gratitude. She knew that Deven had always had a firm disapproval of her parents because of their long work absences, but she had never felt unwelcome in his home.

Mrs. Nott, or Angelica, as Cora had been instructed to call her since she was little, emerged from the kitchen with a platter of steaming cookies. She set them down on the coffee table and handed out mugs of hot chocolate. "Now, tell me all about this trip Sander says you and your friends are planning," she said with a knowing smile. She had a way of making everything feel like an adventure, not a problem to be solved.

The group settled into the living room, the twinkle of the Christmas lights reflecting in their eyes. Sander pulled Cora closer to him, patting the couch cushion. She sat down tentatively, feeling the warmth of his body and the comfort of his presence. Without a second thought, he scooped her up and placed her on his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. She felt a blush creep up her neck, but she didn't protest. It was the first time she'd felt truly safe in hours, and she wasn't about to ruin it.

Bex and Liz couldn't help but giggle at the sight of Cora and Sander. They had known each other for years, but the way they interacted had always been more like siblings than friends. The twins shared a knowing look, their eyes sparkling with mischief. Rexi joined in on the giggling. She had always been the one to bring a sense of lightness to any situation, and even the tension between Cora and her parents hadn't dampened her spirits.

Deven noticed the mood shift and cleared his throat. "Now, let's talk about this trip. How many of you are going?"

Cora looked at Sander, then back at his dad. "Alayna, Lucas, Pearlia, Maverick, Vicktor, Zander, and then me and Sander."

Deven nodded. "Alright, and how long will you be gone?"

"A couple weeks," Cora replied with a hint of excitement in her voice. "But we'll be back before Christmas, so we won't miss the big day."

Deven's eyes lit up with understanding. "Ah, a pre-Christmas getaway. Sounds delightful. Now, before you go gallivanting off, I want to make sure you're all prepared. We'll need to pack some essentials." He glanced around the room, his eyes landing on the twins. "And what about the two of you?"

Bex and Liz looked at each other, their faces mirroring their uncertainty. "Well," Bex began, "We were actually hoping to stay here with you guys."

Angelica's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked, looking at her husband for approval. Deven nodded, a gentle smile on his face. "Of course, if you're okay with it, Cora."

Cora felt a rush of relief. She hadn't wanted to leave her sisters alone with their parents, but she didn't know how to ask without making things worse. "They can stay in my room you have for me," she said quickly. "It's big enough for the two of them."

Deven's smile grew wider. "That's perfect, Cora. And I'm sure they'll enjoy spending time with Rexi."

The twins beamed at the offer. "Thank you," Liz said, her voice filled with gratitude. "We'll help with whatever you need, just tell us."

The evening rolled in, bringing with it the scent of pine and cinnamon from the living room. The group gathered around the coffee table, which was cluttered with a variety of board games. The twins had never experienced a night like this, where the air was thick with laughter and the warmth of genuine companionship. They watched as Sander pulled out a game of Sorry, their eyes lighting up with curiosity.

"Alright, gather 'round," Sander announced, his voice booming with excitement. "We're gonna show these two how we do Christmas in the Nott household."

A/N

Yeah, so Cora's parents' kind of suck. They're professional photographers who travel around about 3/4ths of the year and Cora has basically had to raise Bex and Liz herself. Sander helps out a lot, and his parents love the Harlow girls. Cora is planning to become the twin's legal guardian once she turns 18 in a few days, so yeah. Hope this chapter didn't make you bored. Next, we get a view in Pearlia's life!

Question of the chapter: What game do you think Bex and Liz get play on their streams on YouTube? It's a very popular game right now.

Love y'all, happy holidays!