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,"

have some fun.But please, just remember to always

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

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

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

nice one," she laughed and finished folding

pile and

me to drive you to the meeting

I said as I zipped

got everything

on you," mom said and she grabbed

almost forgot the charger. The most important

answering your call every

from her, and I put it inside the front

for a quick hug and

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

the next morning.We wanted to get to New Jersey before 7 PM, where

was driving, and he wouldn't let go

kinda sweet.  Finally, after twelve hours of driving filled with carpool karaoke sessions, sipping on Slurpee and coffee, and

beamed at us as she opened

us each a hug before pulling

cold outside but the house was warm

music was playing, and the smell of Kristen’s

these upstairs," lan said, referring to our

the kitchen before I could say anything

who's here!" she announced to the whole room as we stepped inside

"Emma! You made it!"

gravy into a bowl, but she dropped everything

so excited for

dirty blonde hair

looked like he was around lan’s

I've heard

nice to meet you," I shook his

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

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

the room and went straight to hug his

sweet to see how good

it was almost

doing good.Turkey's

there sweetie, go set the table for our guests will

guest and

her big brother before

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

cruise, somewhere in

lan asked as he

loved that we could be ourselves here. He could introduce

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

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

"Shut up,"

playful shove as

AJ, I can use a hand

from

"Be right there,"

his way over to

to talking

Kristen took out the big, heavy turkey

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

to myself as I saw how good lan was with his mom.They were such a lovely family.My eyes then darted to the dining room where

everyone, so I thought I could give them

walked towards the dining room as Hailey and AJ had their backs

didn’t notice I was coming in, as they

hand and he brought it to his

gently before softly

and her eyes fluttered as