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.  

big girl, you can handle yourself, I know that.I trust you.Especially with how hard you've been working for college and to save up money, I’m really proud of you Emma,"mom said as she

"Thanks mom,"

fun.But please,

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

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

dad deserve to have some fun.Just be safe, okay?" I said,

she laughed and finished folding all

in a pile and brought it

you to the

said as I zipped

got

be calling you every night to check up on you," mom said and she grabbed my travel charger

forgot the charger. The most

be answering your call every night,

took the charger from her, and I put it inside the

for a quick hug

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

morning.We wanted to get to New Jersey before

was driving, and he wouldn't let go

Finally, after twelve hours of driving filled with carpool karaoke sessions, sipping on Slurpee and coffee, and a lot of stupid I spy games

at us as she opened

come in!" she gave us each a hug

outside but the house was warm

was a fire in the fireplace, jazz music was playing, and the smell of Kristen’s amazing cooking

lan said, referring to our

Hailey pulled me to the kitchen before I

to the whole

"Emma! You made it!"

a bowl, but she

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

with dirty

he was

I'm AJ. I've heard so much

nice to meet you," I

so he likes to spend thanksgiving with us,"Hailey added

can help you with?" I said

guest.Just sit still, dear,"she

turf.She’s not gonna let you

you?" lan entered the room and went straight to

how good he was

it

good.Turkey's

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

guest

at her big brother

lan ignored Hailey

somewhere

you've met my girl?" lan asked as he put an arm around

that we could be ourselves here. He could introduce me to people as his girl and

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

me and said, "You got a good one

"Shut up,"

gave him a playful shove as they

I can use

out from the

"Be right there,"

his

back to talking with his

helped Kristen took out the big, heavy turkey

looked amazing and smelled divine.It was pretty much the poster child for

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

busy setting the table for everyone, so I thought

towards the dining room as Hailey and AJ had their

was coming in, as they were laughing and smiling at each

AJ took Hailey’s hand and he brought it to his

gently

was blushing and her eyes fluttered as she