Teacher's Girl (Aflyingwhale)

EMMA's POV : 

I must admit, life was pretty darn good lately.After homecoming, lan and I were inseparable.I spent all my time juggling school work, college applications, hanging out with Tiff and Carrie, and chilling with lan every chance I got.I was on a roll.

Sleep became a secondary need.Sure, it was exhausting, but I also felt so alive.So when Thanksgiving break rolled around, I was honestly relieved.

This way I could take a rest from school and work, and focus my time on my family and on lan.Especially on lan.

We were planning something big for Thanksgiving this year.

He wanted to come through with his promise from last year, he was bringing me to his home in New Jersey to spend the holidays with him and his family.

Of course, it wasn't easy convincing my parents that their only daughter wanted to spend her last thanksgiving before college somewhere else.Mom and dad had so many questions.

I told them I was spending thanksgiving at the community garden, as they were hosting an event of thanksgiving dinner at a nearby county.

The community garden was actually hosting this event, so it was the perfect cover.

I told my parents I needed the extra community service hours and that it was for a good cause.

Finally, after a lot of begging and bargaining, my parents decided it was okay that I went on this thanksgiving dinner trip.  I felt bad for lying to them, but spending thanksgiving with lan and his family was an offer I couldn't refuse.

And hey, maybe next thanksgiving it would be lan’s turn to spend it with my family.

Our plan was to leave on Thursday morning and we would be back in Georgia by Sunday night.

Mom, dad, and I had dinner on Wednesday night to make up for me missing the actual turkey day on Thursday.

It was a nice and lovely dinner.

Mom and dad discussed dad’s job and that things were getting better.

Then we talked about my college plans and discussed financial aids or possibly getting a loan.

So overall, it was a very hopeful talk.

After dinner, mom came into my room and she saw that I was struggling with packing my overnight bag.

It was my first thanksgiving ever with lan’s family and I wanted to make sure I would dress right for the occasion.

"Need some help?" she asked.

"Sure. You can help me decide which one is better?"

I said as I brought up two similar sweaters but in different colors. One is red and the other is blue.

"The blue one, definitely. It'll bring out your eyes,"

"Blue it is. Thanks, mom,"

I said and folded the blue sweater into my overnight bag.

"So, this community garden thanksgiving festival thing..." she trailed as she helped fold the scattered rejected clothes.

"Yeah?"

"This guy friend that you've been seeing the whole summer, is he gonna be there?" she asked teasingly.

"Mom!"

"It's just a question, Emma. I'm a mother, that’s what I do,"

"He… might be," I answered cautiously.

"Okay.You still remember our little talk, right?"

"Yes, mom, I do.Please don't repeat yourself,"

Mom had given the talk right before we started school this year.It was about a year too late, but it didn’t matter.

I pretty much knew everything I needed to know from the internet and my friends.Tiff especially, she could be very graphic with details.

Plus, lan was always careful.

He always used a condom, always without exception.  

you've been working for college and to save up money, I’m really

"Thanks mom,"

please, just remember

mom, I got this.You don’t have to worry,"

you're not gonna be home tomorrow, your dad and I decided to go on a little date night.We're gonna watch a movie.It’s been a

fun.You and dad deserve to have some fun.Just be safe,

laughed and finished folding all the scattered

and brought it

drive you to the meeting

I said

got everything

up on you," mom said and she grabbed my travel charger on the desk and handed it to

forgot the charger. The most important thing

your

the charger from her, and I put it inside the front pocket of

she pulled me for a quick hug and

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

early the next morning.We wanted to get to New Jersey before 7 PM,

looked a little nervous as he was driving, and he

filled with carpool karaoke sessions, sipping on Slurpee and coffee, and a lot

as she

in!" she gave us each

was cold outside but the house

jazz music was playing, and the smell of

lan said, referring to

here," Hailey pulled me to the kitchen before I could

who's here!" she announced to the whole room

"Emma! You made it!"

bowl, but she dropped everything to give

having me. I'm so excited for dinner,"

guy with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes

like he was around

I'm AJ. I've heard

nice to meet you," I shook his

one of lan’s oldest friends.He’s lonely on his own, so he

I can help you with?" I said

no.You're our guest.Just sit still, dear,"she shook her

mom's turf.She’s not gonna let you touch

ma, how are you?" lan entered the room

how good he was with

sweet, it

good.Turkey's

"Don’t just stand there sweetie, go set

guest and

her eyes at her big brother before turning

glad you can make it," lan

cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your mom and Hailey invited me,

my girl?" lan asked as he put

be ourselves here. He could introduce me to people

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

got a good

"Shut up,"

playful shove as they

can use

out from

"Be right there,"

made his way

back to talking with

helped Kristen took out the big,

smelled divine.It was pretty much the poster child

good lan was with his mom.They were such a lovely family.My eyes then darted

everyone, so

the dining room as Hailey and AJ had

notice I was coming in, as they were laughing and smiling

Hailey’s hand and

her hand gently before

blushing and her eyes fluttered