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.  

I know that.I trust you.Especially with how hard you've been working for college and

"Thanks mom,"

please, just

don’t have to worry," I said

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

have some fun.Just be safe,

one," she laughed and finished folding all the scattered

put them all in a pile and brought it neatly back to

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

said as I zipped

got everything

to check up on you," mom said and

the charger. The most

be answering your call every

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

she pulled me for a quick hug and kissed

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

the house very early the next morning.We wanted to

driving, and

coffee, and a lot of stupid I spy games later, we made it to New Jersey. 

as

in, come in!" she gave us each a

cold outside but the

jazz music was playing,

bring these upstairs," lan said, referring to

me to the kitchen before

everyone, look who's here!" she announced to the whole room as we

"Emma! You made it!"

was busy pouring gravy into a bowl, but she dropped everything

me. I'm so excited for dinner," I said as I hugged her

dirty

looked like he was around

I've heard so much about

to meet you," I

lonely on his own, so he likes to spend thanksgiving with us,"Hailey added and they shared

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

still, dear,"she shook

mom's turf.She’s not gonna let you

entered the room and went straight

to see how

sweet, it

doing good.Turkey's

to Hailey, "Don’t just stand there sweetie, go set

a guest and I’m

rolled her eyes at her big brother

make it," lan ignored

thanksgiving on a cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your

lan asked as he put an arm around

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

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

got a good

"Shut up,"

him a playful shove

I can use a hand

from the

"Be right there,"

made his way

went back to talking with his

also helped Kristen took out the

smelled divine.It was pretty much the

smiling to myself as I saw how good lan was with his mom.They were such a lovely family.My

everyone, so I thought I could

towards the dining room as Hailey

in, as

AJ took Hailey’s hand and he brought

her hand gently before softly

blushing and her eyes fluttered