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.  

hard you've been working for college and to save up

"Thanks mom,"

some fun.But please, just remember to

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

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 while since we did that,"

sounds fun.You and dad deserve to have some fun.Just be

nice one," she laughed and finished folding all the

pile and brought

drive you to

I said as I zipped up

got everything

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

forgot the charger. The most important thing

answering your call

took the charger from her, and I put

all I wanna hear," she pulled me for a quick hug and kissed m_

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

wanted to get to

driving,

sweet.  Finally, after twelve hours of driving filled with carpool karaoke sessions, sipping on Slurpee and coffee, and a lot of stupid I spy games later, we made it to New Jersey.

us as she opened the

in, come in!" she gave us each a hug before pulling us

was cold outside but the

the fireplace, jazz music was playing,

bring these upstairs," lan said, referring to our

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

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

"Emma! You made it!"

a bowl, but she dropped everything

I'm so excited for dinner," I

this is Emma," a guy with dirty blonde hair and

like he

AJ. I've heard so much

to meet you," I shook his hand

own, so he likes to

there anything I can help you with?" I said to Kirsten

sit still, dear,"she shook her head

turf.She’s not gonna let you touch

you?" lan entered the room and

sweet to see how

it was

doing good.Turkey's almost

and turned to Hailey, "Don’t just stand there sweetie,

a guest and I’m

her eyes at her big brother before turning

Bro, glad you can make it," lan ignored Hailey and went straight

are spending thanksgiving on a cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your mom and Hailey invited me,

asked as he put an

ourselves here. He could introduce me to people as his girl and it

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

me and said, "You got a good one right here, Emma.Hold

"Shut up,"

a playful shove as

can use a hand

from the dining

"Be right there,"

replied and made his way over to

to talking with

took out the

smelled divine.It was pretty much the poster child for

saw how good lan was with his mom.They were such a lovely family.My

table for everyone, so I thought I

dining room as Hailey

coming in, as

and he brought it

her hand gently before softly

her eyes fluttered