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.  

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

"Thanks mom,"

to have some fun.But please,

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

and I decided to go on a little date

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

and finished folding all the scattered

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

drive you to the meeting point tomorrow?"she called out from inside the

up," I said as I zipped up my

got

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

charger. The most

answering your

from her, and I put it

she pulled me for a quick hug and kissed m_

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

early the next morning.We wanted to

looked a little nervous as he was driving, and he wouldn't let

carpool karaoke sessions, sipping on Slurpee and coffee, and a lot of stupid I spy games later, we made it to New Jersey.

beamed at us as she

us each a hug

cold outside but the house

in the fireplace, jazz music was playing, and

lan

to the

here!" she announced to the whole room as we

"Emma! You made it!"

into a bowl, but she

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

guy with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes

looked like he

AJ. I've heard so

meet you," I shook

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

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

no.You're our guest.Just sit still, dear,"she

turf.She’s not gonna let

lan entered the room and went

to see how good he was with his

sweet, it

doing good.Turkey's almost

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

a guest and I’m

eyes at her big brother before turning to

make it," lan ignored Hailey and went straight

cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your mom and

lan asked as he put an

ourselves here. He could introduce me

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

"You got a good one

"Shut up,"

playful shove as they

I can use a hand

from the dining

"Be right there,"

made his way

went back to talking

also helped Kristen took out the big, heavy

was pretty

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

table for everyone, so I thought I could

Hailey

was coming in, as they were laughing and

Hailey’s hand and he

kissed her hand gently before softly letting

eyes fluttered as