Chapter 16: Thanksgiving
1086 Words
Thanksgiving rolled around and it was time to head home to see our families. Turns out, our friend group were all from Houston, so we got to fly on the same plane home, which was awesome. We all flew on the plane sitting next to one another. There was an empty row of 4 seats, so we took them before anyone else could. My family doesn’t know that I’m coming home for thanksgiving, but this will be a nice surprise.
Our plane landed and Megan and I took a rental car to our houses. We live next door to each other, so we rode together. When we arrived, I was so nervous. I haven’t stepped foot in my house in 4 months. There’s a good thing that my family doesn’t have any thought of my coming to visit.
I first checked to see if the windows were open and when I found out they weren’t, I knocked on the door. My heart was pounding when I heard my dad call out, “Just a minute!”
I heard the door unlock and open, my dad standing right there. He looked at me and was speechless.
“WHA-,” he yelled, but I cut him off.
“Shh,” I said. “Mom and Elijah don’t know that I’m here yet. Let it be a surprise.”
He had no words. He just pulled me into a big hug and I hugged him back, giggling.
“Who is it,” mom called out from her room.
“Uh, no one,” dad said, letting me in and closing the door. “Just a package. A big one.”
“Who’s it from,” Elijah called out from his room.
“From Nemy,” dad said. “Come down to see it.”
I heard footsteps coming downstairs. My heart was racing. I was so excited.
“Where is it,” Elijah asked.
“Did you prank us again,” mom asked.
“Go look in the living room and find out,” dad said.
Elijah was the first to walk in the living room and see me.
“NEMY,” he yelled.
He ran up to me and hugged me. He picked me up and spinned me around as I laughed.
Mom walked in, saw us, and asked, “Nemy? Is it really you?”
Elijah put me down as I said, “Yeah. It’s really me.”
She walked up to me and gave me a hug.
Elijah looked around the house.
“What are you looking for,” mom asked.
“Nemy’s new boyfriend,” Elijah said. “She said that he was coming.”
“Shut up,” I said to Elijah.
“You’re new what,” dad asked.
“Yes, dad,” I said. “I have a boyfriend. Lecture me.”
“I’m not gonna lecture you,” dad said. “I’m happy for you. You should bring him over tomorrow.”
“Wait, so she can bring a guy over, but I can’t bring a girl over,” Elijah asked.
“Well, you like men anyway,” mom said. “We’re not worried about you.”
“So I can bring a guy over,” Elijah asked.
“Of course you can,” mom said, “as long as your dad approves.
“Wish you told me that earlier,” Elijah said.
That next day was Thanksgiving and dad was in the kitchen cooking up a storm. He does this every Thanksgiving. He makes the best dishes and makes enough for leftovers. My favorite is the ham. Dad’s special homemade glaze is to die for.
Milo said that he would be over in 5 minutes with his parents and brother. We have that in common. We both have a one year younger brother.
When Milo arrives with his family, Elijah gasps at his brother.
“Walter,” Elijah exclaimed.
“Hey, Eli,” Walter said.
Elijah walked up to Walter and gave him a hug. According to mom, Walter is Elijah’s new boyfriend. He looked just like Milo with his light blue eyes, dirty blonde, messy hair that was constantly in his face no matter what way you put it, and dark chocolate skin.
Milo walked up to me and smiled.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said.
“Hey,” I said.
I then pulled him in for a hug. He hugged me back, kissed me on the cheek, let go, and we introduced each other to our parents and brothers.
We had a blast at dinner. We also invited Megan, her family, Blade, and his family over and had the best time. After dinner, Elijah, Blade, Megan, Milo, Walter and I were all told to go upstairs because the adults were having a “private conversation.” We’re technically adults, but they still treat us like children.
Once upstairs, we all hung out in my room and Milo and I told our brothers all about college and what they would expect. Walter wanted to be in the military while Elijah wanted to go to American University. I felt bad that they wouldn’t be together, but they’re both following their passions.
During our time of being upstairs, I could tell that Elijah wasn’t happy for some reason. He was quiet the whole time and only talked a little when me or one of my friends asked him a question. After everyone left, I pulled my brother to the side.
“Elijah, what’s wrong,” I asked.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Elijah said. “Everything’s fine.”
He then gave me his fake smile that meant that something was up.
“You’re lying,” I said. “Tell me the truth.”
“Well, you know how Walter said that he wanted to go to the military?”
I nodded.
“He said in order to do that he was gonna have to break up with me,” he said.
I gasped and asked, “Are you serious? He’s just gonna leave you just like that? That’s cold.”
“He has no choice. His parents told him to,” he said.
I was livid. I couldn’t believe that his parents forced him to break up with someone he loved. I can’t believe his parents would make him do something he didn’t want to do.
The day after Thanksgiving, it was time to go back to BU. My parents and brother gave me a big hug before we headed out the door.
- Writer
