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.  

been working for college and to save up money, I’m really proud of you Emma,"mom said

"Thanks mom,"

please,

have to

dad and I decided to go on a little date night.We're gonna

fun.Just be

one," she laughed and

in a pile and brought it neatly back to my

you don’t want me to drive you to the meeting point tomorrow?"she called out from inside

said as I zipped up my

I got everything

to check 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

I'll be answering your call every night,

and I put it

pulled me for

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

the house very early the next morning.We wanted to

as he was driving, and

Slurpee and coffee, and a lot of stupid I spy

as she opened the

gave us

outside but the house was

was playing,

lan said, referring to our

come here," Hailey pulled me to the kitchen before

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

"Emma! You made it!"

a bowl, but she dropped everything to give

for

dirty

like he was around lan’s

heard so much

you,"

lan’s oldest friends.He’s lonely on his own, so he likes to spend thanksgiving with

I can help you with?" I said to Kirsten as I noticed how busy she

guest.Just sit still, dear,"she shook

mom's turf.She’s not gonna let you touch anything,"Hailey

how are you?" lan entered the room and went straight to hug

how good he was with

sweet, it was

good.Turkey's almost

just stand there sweetie, go set

a guest and

her eyes at her big brother before

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

cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your

girl?" lan asked as he put an arm around

could introduce me to people as his girl and it wouldn't be

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

at me and said, "You got a good one right here,

"Shut up,"

him a playful shove

AJ, I can use a

from the dining

"Be right there,"

his way

went back to talking

helped Kristen took out the

divine.It was pretty much the poster child for thanksgiving

mom.They were such a lovely family.My eyes then darted to

for everyone, so I

Hailey and AJ

as they were laughing and smiling at

took Hailey’s hand and he brought it to

kissed her hand gently before softly letting

was blushing and her eyes fluttered as she