happy thanksgiving!!
you push your plate back, stuffed.
“that’s enough.” everyone laughs, but are also noticeably slowing down.
“the turkey was awesome.” your cousin tells his mother. you nod in agreement, slightly worried that the turkey may make a reapperance if you open your mouth to speak.
the table falls silent as you all stare at the pile of dishes. no one wants to be the first to stand up.
luckily the doorbell breaks the silence. a grin chases across your face and you’re on your feet in the blink of an eye.
“he’s for real?!” your youngest cousin blurts out. after years of asking if you had a significant other you’re positive he thought you had made this one up to get rid of all the questions. you grin back, getting up.
“as if my happiness is all lies!” you proclaim, trying to act hurt. it’s difficult though, when you know he’s feet away.
“who’d have thought.” the same cousin says, truning to his wife. you laugh and, not able to make him wait longer, walk out to the foyer.
you pull the door open, and grin at him on the other side of hte screen door. he’s certainly dressed the part, khakis with a burgandy sweater over a button down shirt. in his hands, a boquet of sunflowers.
“happy thanksgiving!” you say as you open teh screen. he walks in and around you. you take a deep breath, inhaling his clean, distinct smell.
“where’s the hostess?” he asks casually. you grab his cool wrist and fight to get him to look at you. he reluctantly gives in, and he turns to you. his topaz eyes glitter in the afternoon sun.
“reason you don’t want to look at me?” you ask, feeling slightly put off. he grins sneakily.
“just didn’t want to create a scene.” you draw your eyebrows together.
“huh?” you ask. he leans forward, squishing the boquet slightly between himself and you. he plants his lips on you, stone cold but inviting. for a moment you forget you’re in your aunts house, opening your moht to his and wrapping your arms around his neck.
“get a room!” you break apart abruptly, wiping your mouth with the back of your hand. you feel yourself turning beet red as you realize both of your cousins are standing down the hall, staring.
“nice to meet you!” your youngest cousin comes forward and shakes his hand.
“likewise.” he says, grinning cordially. you follow behind them into the kitchen, slightly nervous now about him meeting everyone. not because you didn’t think they would like him, but because you had never really brought anyone home to meet the family before. you stop short behind him as he enters the room, probably overwhelmed by the amount of people there. you look over his shoulder, trying to gage their reaction but no one’s face has changed, and no one is saying anything.
“these are for the hostess, where is she?” you aunt raises her hand and he takes a step forward, always the gentlemen, to hand them to her.
“thank you for inviting me. i’m afraid i already ate dinner-” he shoots you a glance and you stifle a laugh. “-but i was completely thrilled to come meet you all.” silence again as they all take in his golden eyes, his sweater khaki combo, his politeness.
“well thank you. we’re glad you could come.” your aunt says. suddenly teh room erupts, everyone talking at once as though no one new had come in. he takes a step back and grabs your hand, seeking the familiarity.
“what do you think?” he whispers. you squeeze his hand.
“they like you.” you reply. you hadn’t realized before how important their opinon was to you. but now it’s clear to you. “so this just seals the deal, you are my immortal.”