#turkey dinner | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

paigenoelchas-blog · 1 year

Text

Over Your Shoulder

01: The Gathering

** see notes at the end of the story.**

TW: Gluttony and a little language.

Having lived in the United States for a large part of my life, I found myself missing Thanksgiving. The traditions that this American holiday contains have helped bring people together as a nation, as a family, a now, as friends. It has, in the past, been the time of year when all of the family got together and celebrated the love and blessings that have been given to them. It was a time when the family would eat, talk and play enjoying the chance to simply be in each other's company.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has changed as the family has. We don't all have traditional lives, sometimes people now celebrate friends that are like family. Since most of us in the group had difficult family situations, I thought it would be fun if we gathered all of the gang and I could host and share a tradition that I loved at the same time.

Jake indulges me and lets me throw Friendsgiving at his cabin. It is the perfect place to hold such a party. It isn't that big, but it is cozy and it is a bit of a drive, so it feels a little more special. We can have a fire in the fireplace and the back porch allows for hours of perfect stargazing. In fact, Jake installed a new fire pit just for the occasion. I can not wait to be around the people that I love the most, eat good food, drink good wine and talk all night.

I call it Jake's cabin, but the truth is I have been living here, with him, in bliss, for the last year. This is the secret reason that I want Friendsgiving here. It has been one year since he carried me over the thresh hold. Yes, he actually did it, as cheesy as it was, He carried me through the doorway, then immediately threw me on the couch and proceeded to christen the living room, and the dining table, and the bedroom, and the shower. I still blush thinking about it, but I wouldn't trade that moment for anything.

Months of prepping has gone into this holiday. I have spent hours on Pinterest and watching decoration videos and assigning everyone a part of the dinner to cook. I trust Cleo to cook all of the desserts, hoping that she leaves the pumpkin pie off of the list. The house smells of freshly baked rolls and turkey, ham, of cinnamon and cloves. The candles are lit, the fireplace is roaring, the place cards are readied, and the silverware is set. It is beautiful, everything is exactly as I have imagined it. Nostalgic feelings light up my face and warmth fills my heart.

I am caught up in my own world thinking back to when I was younger and looking forward to tonight, when I feel his arms wrap around me. He places soft kisses on my neck and whispers a voice that sounds deep and smooth like maple syrup, "This place looks incredible, you look incredible." He spins me around to look in his eyes and my dress spins long after my body stops revealing the deep slit that runs up most of my leg stopping at my upper thigh. It is a long-sleeved, loose-fitting gown and is lower cut in the front than it should be, but I know it will drive him crazy all night. Part of me loves that thought. This is the part of me that bought this dress in the first place.

I am looking at him, the candlelight is dancing in his eyes. All that I can see is love and hope and the place where my soul lives. He brushes a hair off of the side of my face with his hand and leans in for a sweet kiss on the cheek and then whispers in my ear, "You have no idea how lucky you are that everyone is coming so soon because I have some ideas for you and me and that dress... and without the dress. Are you trying to drive me crazy?" He asks.

I smirk.

"You are!" He says in sudden realization. "Naughty girl. You will pay for that later." I smile, knowing that his punishment will be my pleasure.

His eyes turn a dark sapphire and his hands roam down my body and land on my ass. He pulls me into him so that there is no space in between our bodies and he begins searching for the slit in my skirt that allows him access. Finding it, he leans in and caresses the bare skin of my thigh. His mouth is millimeters away from mine when the doorbell rings.

His head hangs down on my chest in a tiny bit of frustration and smiles as one who is bitterly disappointed. Mumbling under his breath, I hear, "Damn it! it is lucky these are my favorite people." He pulls away and we straighten our clothes. I chuckle a little at his frustration and then realize that I carry my own. He slings his arm around my waist as we walk to the door to greet our guests.

We know who will be -- Cleo. She is always painfully on time. We need her to keep us all in line. I also know that her arms will be filled with desserts. She is excessive and overly thoughtful. She will try to make a special dessert for everyone. Cleo and Sam show up with their arms overloaded. Sam is Cleo's boyfriend of about two years. Her mother had set them up at one of their church socials. We expected him to be tight-lipped and stodgy, but he wasn't. He is funny and charming and keeps Cleo from organizing every aspect of her life away and also keeps her safe from some of her more impulsive choices. He has become one of us and almost fills that nice guy slot that Richy has vacated.

Almost...

We still miss him. There'll always be a void there. No matter what he did, whether we can forgive him or not, his presence is missed, especially this time of year.

Cleo storms in with boxes of cookies and containers of cupcakes. Sam carries the pies: pumpkin, cherry, and pecan. There are more sweets here than we can consume in five Friendsgivings. She leans in and kisses my cheek. "Happy Friendsgiving, you two. Jake, could you help Sam unload the car?"

"There's more?" Jake asks incredulously, giving Sam a sympathetic look.

"You have no idea," Sam says. "There is a reason that I have gained twenty pounds since we have started dating." Then he pauses at the sight of Cleo, the look of love on his face does not go unnoticed by either Jake or myself. "I am not complaining. It's been the best two years of my life. We better get those unloaded," he says motioning toward the door. "She has been cooking for three full days. I have taste tested a lot of dessert. I have a question for you Jake, you are a smart guy, what the hell is mincemeat and why do they put that in a pie?" He says as they walk out to the car. Jake shakes his head and laughs a little under his breath. "I don't know, man, but we can look it up after we help your lady out."

As the men are unloading, I see another car pull in the drive. It is Lily and Dan. They have been seeing each other for a while now, though no one really knows how long. They kept it a secret for a while. They knew it wouldn't make sense to all of us. At first it didn't, but when we calmed down and thought about it, Dan and Lily are both fiercely protective of those that they love and they can be reckless in their efforts to keep everyone safe and happy.. They make each other laugh and feel cared for. What else could we want for them?

Dan rolls out of the car and slides around, opening the door for Lily. He is carrying a box with what I guess must be alcohol and a casserole dish. Lily stands up and I notice how peaceful and elegant she looks as she watches him in front of her. He gives her confidence so that she can shine. They are happy and I can't help but smile. Dan is wearing a suit and has shaved. I have never seen him this fancy. "What's up, handsome?" I say as I usher him through the door. He winks at me. "The party has arrived, little one."

Mock offense crosses my face. I punch him in the arm. "Who are you calling little?" I say and he laughs deep from his chest.

Then Lily grabs me around the neck and hugs me tight, looking inside, "Oh, sister, this is amazing." I never thought she would hug me. I never thought she would call me sister. I never thought I would love her so much. No one could ask for a more passionate advocate and loyal friend.

"Come on in. It's cold outside." I usher her in and I notice Dan has usurped the kitchen and is all ready mixing drinks. Cleo is trying to usher him out, but he is not having any of it. Jake and Sam have escaped to research mincemeat in the office. I have a sneaking suspicion that they 'found' the XBOX while they were in there and have gotten lost for a bit.

The door bell rings again. This time it is Thomas and Hannah. He has his arm around her waist, she has a big smile, the kind that always lights up the room when she enters. I am glad to see that smile back on her face, it has been too long. It has been a rough few years for them. The night at the mine was about three years ago. Hannah was sentenced to a few months in jail, but it was almost a good thing because she received much needed therapy during this time. Thomas stayed by her side throughout it all, dealing with his demons as she dealt with the hers, Now it seems, they are stronger than ever, Thomas has his guitar slung over his back. He gives me a quick hug and rushes to meet Dan at what has apparently become the bar for the evening. She hands me flowers. Hannah is the most thoughtful among us. "Thanks so much for having us," she says, rushing into my arms, almost knocking me over. "Where is that gorgeous brother of mine?"

"The office," I answer, "but not for long. I'm pulling the boys out of there soon." I talk tough, but I know that Jake will miss me before I have to drag him out. We can't go long without seeing each other. We waited too long to be in each other's arms.

"I don't care, Im gonna go get him," she speaks in a mischievous voice, flitting across the room like a kid. I hear him scream as she jumps on his lap then the air is filled with laughter. He is tickling her for revenge. I am so happy that they are in this place where all the years that they were separated have fallen away and they can just love each other.

With everyone listening to music and chatting, drinking and snacking, I take a moment to admire these people that I get to share life with. I am happy, I am loved, I am home.

The table is full of food and lush with fabric and place cards, each person has their own space specifically designed for them. Everything is ready, we are just waiting for our last two guests.

The doorbell rings for the last time tonight, it is Jessy and Phil. Jessy has been through a lot these last few years. The fact that she is still here and functioning is a testament to her strength. You see, she had loved Richy with her whole heart, but she didn't realize it until he was gone. By that time, she also realized that he had been lying to her about so many things. Processing that has been rough on her and watching the world move on without her has left her as a shell of who she was. She always seems lonely in our midst.

"Jessy..." I greet her with a hug. I am estactic that she is here. I feel Jake's hand on my back, and a quick peck on my cheek. "Jessica, welcome," He grabs her hand and pulls her in for a hug as he plants a kiss on her cheek. She always blushes a little every time he does this, but she knows that it is an honor. It means that he really cares for her, so she will never tell him to stop. Jake adores Jessy. He is on mission to lead her back to her old self, the one in which the sadness doesn't linger behind her eyes. I, of course, love the fact that he treats her so well. She deserves all of the love that the world has to offer.

Then, there is Phil. He swaggers in with his usual confidence. Over the past few years, Jake and Phil have set their dispute aside. It was easy once Phil realized that my heart only belongs to Jake. The two have become buddies. In fact, they frequently have "men nights", which irritates me to no end as they aren't allowed to share what happens on these evenings. That is the one rule and my only negative about them hanging out. I used to be one of the guys.

Phil picks me up and spins me around. "Hello, Beautiful. Happy American Holiday to you."

Jake shoves him aside jokingly, "We have spoken of this, Phillip. Hands off." Jake grabs me and hugs me tight, but he smiles, obviously understanding that my heart only beats for him. HIs jealousy is gone. Too bad. That was kind of fun for a while. Jake reaches for Phil's hand and they share some sort of secret handshake.

"I know, I know, you got the girl," Phil chuckles and the two walk inside.

With everyone here, we slowly make our way to the table that is filled with so much food that there is almost no room for our plates. If the cabin didn't have an island in the kitchen, I don't know what we would have done.

"Ok, let's get this show started, I am starving. I haven't eaten all day. This food better live up to the hype." Dan winks and changes his tone. "Seriously, MC, this is beautiful and the food looks amazing. Thank you all for all of this,"

"Thank you," I say with tears in my eyes, reaching for Jake's hand "...for being family to me when I wasn't born with the best one. Thank you for making me laugh and for being with me when I cry, for being by my side to help me fight demons. Thank you for being in my life. Each of you makes me who I am today." I raise my glass and offer a toast. "Happy Friendsgiving."

We clink our glasses, "Let's Eat!" I say and the feasting begins.

A little while later, Dan speaks up again, "I don't know who made up this holiday, but I owe it to them, that dinner was incredible." Thomas nods in agreement. Lily shook her head at Dan, acting ashamed of his enthusiasm, but we all know that she isn't ashamed of anything Dan does. She loves him too much to be anything other than enamored. Jake who is sitting next to me, runs his hand up and down my thigh under the table, the dirty scoundrel. I did kind of ask for it. I begin to squirm and change the subject.

"Ok, now here comes my favorite part."

"Dessert?" Jake jokes. He has discovered that I have quite a sweet tooth.

"No." I say and stick out my tongue at him. "Before we get up from the table we each have to tell one thing we are thankful for."

Thomas stands and says, "If it is ok, I would like to go first. "

I nod. He fiddles around with his pocket, Suddenly, I have a good idea of what is about to happen. I look at Lily and she does too.

"I am so happy to be here with all of you."He begins, "These past few years have proven that time is fleeting. I don't want to waste a second not remembering how lucky I am to have this rag tag family. I don't want to waste a second without Hannah in my life. Hannah," he holds her hand in his, " You have been through so much these past three years, and you have been so strong. Watching you survive the kidnapping, jail, therapy, and coming back to yourself has made me fall deeper into love with you. Deeper than I thought possible."

I look around the room and all of us have tears in our eyes, but my eyes lock on Jessy. While all of us are crying tears of happiness, hers are laced with loss, she is on my other side and I grab her hand, letting her know that I am here for her. Lily is about to jump out of her chair with excitement. Dan wraps his arm around her so she can settle.

Thomas bends down on one knee "...Hannah Marie Donfort, will you...."

In that instant, Jessy's phone rings. She answers it. I can't believe that she would answer her phone in this moment. I almost say something to her, but the look of shock on her face lets me know that this isn't an ordinary phone call.

I see tears begin to stream down her face Her words are barely audible through her sobs. "Its been three years, I went to your funeral. How do I even know this is.....you?" There is a long pause and then, "OK. I will. One hour. I have missed you..." another pause followed by, "I love you too, Richy." She hangs up the phone and begins to gather her stuff.

Thomas stands up and Phil grabs Jessy's arm.

"What s going on, Jess?" Phil asks cautiously. "Did you just say that you love Richy? How is that possible.

"Let go of my arm. I need to go right now. Ric.. Richy... needs help. He is alive and he loves me."Jessy says he eyes alight with hope and panic.

"WHAT?" Dan screams. "What are you talking about? This can't be true. He hasn't been heard from in years. He manipulated all of us and...you are going to help him? Where do you think you are going?" Lily is trying to calm down, but we all know that she probably feels the same and who can blame her?

He needs me," she says sadly as she is trying to calm down, " I have to help." Phil is still holding on to her arm. He is trying to keep her safe from herself.

"Who the hell does he think he is that he can call here and ask for help?" Lily interjects.

"...and who the hell are you, Jessy, to think he is worth the help?' Hannah went to jail because of him." Thomas speaks with anger in his voice, though he speaks in a lower tone.

Jessy is getting angry she clenches her lips and speaks through her gritted teeth, "Hannah went to jail because of Hannah. She did the things she was accused of. I love him. I know I shouldn't after everything he's done. I don't know if I can forgive him, but I just can't help it. He is in trouble and I can't deny that everyday has been torture without him."

Jake stands up and takes her hands in his, "Jessica, even if this isn't a trick, he can't be trusted. You can't possibly think you will be safe, that he is stable? "

"I don't know what to believe, but I can't give up on him. It is worth the risk for me. If no one understands, I am sorry, but I have to do this." Jessy's voice has softened, but her resolve has not weakened.

"Then I am coming with you." I speak up and squeeze Jessy's hand. Jake begins to argue, but sees the look on my face. He knows that there is no talking me out of it.

"Even though I think this is a bad idea, I am not letting you two go out there alone, I am coming with you." Jake responds immediately.

Thomas and Dan are still mad, you can see their faces red and fuming, "You are all crazy to risk your lives for that asshole." Dan says with fire in his eyes. Lily is rubbing his back, trying to help him control his temper.

Hannah sits down with her hands in her lap. They are shaking. She holds onto them so tight, that I fear for her circulation. Thomas chimes in, "Do you see what he is doing to her even now, what he is doing to all of us? How can you show compassion for that monster?"

Jake raises his voice. It is deep and commanding. His eyes shift between Thomas and Dan. "Enough. I understand your point, but I would do the same thing if it was MC and I know that you would do the same for the women you love. This seems to calm them down a bit. "We are doing this," he continues, "so stop badgering her and let me prepare."

Phil comes up to us, "I am coming too. She is my sister and if there is a chance that he is dangerous, I will take him out myself for all of the grief he has caused. "

Jake nods and looks at me. He runs into the office and pulls out five backpacks that are filled with everything we could possibly need to take on the world. You can make the boy stop hacking, but you can't take the hacker out of the boy. He had a backpack prepared for all of the friends, just in case.

Locking eyes with me, he tosses the bag to each one of us. I notice that he has also included a bag for Richy when we catch up to him. He crams some extra snacks in the top of Richy's bag along with a couple of bottles of water. "Ready? Everything you need is in the bag." Jessy, Phil and I nod. "Thomas, Daniel, I need you to be ready for support. Keep these two safe. That is more important than your feelings on the matter."

They both nod, understanding his deeper meaning. I reach out for his hands and he grabs mine, interlacing our fingers as we head to the car. Jessy is frantic, all of the emotions showing on her face and her crimson hair flying in the wind. Phil opens the door for her, his face stoic and his expression one of mixed anger and fear.

"He sent me a GPS signal." Jessy says, "And he says that I won't recognize him because of the damage he sustained." her tears begin to fall again. "what could have possibly happened that he is unrecognizable?

This angers Phil. "The damage that he sustained was by his own hand, Jessy how can you feel bad for him?"

"I just know that without him, my heart was empty and now, I can feel again just knowing that he may be alive." She answers and it makes sense to me. I would follow Jake to the ends of the Earth if I thought he was in trouble. No one could stop me.

I look at the seat next to me as my handsome, strong, genius of a man starts the car and speeds down the freeway. He is worried, but not afraid. I know that he has faced many enemies before and that we are in good hands. I feel safe with him.

This is not how I expected this day to end, but if there was even a chance that could get our old Jessy back, I would do anything. If it is Richy that we need to deal with, we will. if it isn't, we will have to face whatever monster that shows it face. Either way, Jessy will get some answers that she deserves and I will have done something to help my friend find her happiness or at least, find a way to end the continual breaking of her heart.

I watch out the window as the road whirls past and I can't help but think this situation is only going to lead us to more trouble than any of us are ready to deal with, backpacks or not. Jake squeezes my leg as if he is thinking the same thing, but he smiles and raises my hand to his lips placing a reassuring kiss on the inside of my palm. I am thankful to be with him and to be by his side through all of life, the good and the bad.

I know with Jake and a little luck, we will find our answers and maybe, just maybe, Jessy will find her way back to the person that she was. Maybe she will find herself someplace even better.

_______________________________________ ;) ____________________

Notes:

This story was inspired by a prompt designed to challenge all of the discord people to think outside of the box, or maybe simple to give them a challenge that would spur on their writing. I would like to thank @raemae17 for always challenging and inspiring us in incredible ways.

I hope you all like my interpretation of this. I can't wait to read all of yours.

Here is the prompt:

The group has gathered to celebrate Friendsgiving. Everyone is having a great time, until.....

And here is the quote that I was also inspired by:

“Missing someone is like hearing a name sung quietly from somewhere behind you. Even after you know no one is there, you keep looking back.” – Tim Seibles

39 notes · View notes