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 proud of you Emma,"mom said as

"Thanks mom,"

some fun.But please, just remember to

have to worry," I said with a reassuring

to go on a little date night.We're gonna watch a movie.It’s been a while since

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

one," she laughed and finished folding all the

and brought

drive you to the meeting point tomorrow?"she called

up," I said as

got everything

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

the charger. The most important

I'll be answering your call

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

me for a quick hug and

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

wanted to get

was driving,

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.  "Yay!

at us as she

us

air was cold outside but the house was warm

the fireplace, jazz music was playing, and the smell of Kristen’s amazing

these upstairs," lan said, referring to

me to the kitchen before

the whole room

"Emma! You made it!"

was busy pouring gravy into a bowl, but she dropped

for dinner," I said as I hugged

a guy with dirty blonde hair and

like he was around

I'm AJ. I've heard so much about

to meet you," I shook

oldest friends.He’s lonely on his own, so he likes

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

guest.Just sit still, dear,"she

gonna

you?" lan entered the room and went straight

see how good

sweet, it was

doing good.Turkey's almost

just stand there sweetie, go set the

guest and I’m

at her big brother before turning to

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

man.My parents are spending thanksgiving on a cruise, somewhere in

asked as he

loved that we could be ourselves here. He could introduce me to

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

a good

"Shut up,"

him a playful shove as they

AJ, I can use a

out from the

"Be right there,"

made his way

back to talking

out the big, heavy

amazing and smelled divine.It was pretty

how good lan was with his mom.They were such a lovely family.My eyes then darted to the dining room where Hailey and AJ

were busy setting the table for everyone, so I thought I could give them

towards the dining room as Hailey

was coming in, as they were laughing

suddenly, AJ took Hailey’s hand and he

her hand gently before softly

was blushing and her eyes fluttered as