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.  

trust you.Especially with how hard you've been working for college

"Thanks mom,"

to have some fun.But please, just

got this.You don’t have to worry,"

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

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

laughed and finished folding all the scattered

pile and brought

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

I said as I zipped up my overnight

got everything

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

the charger. The most important

I'll be answering your call every

from her, and I put it

hear," she pulled me for a quick hug

"Good night, sweetheart,"

"Good night, mom,"

the house very early the next morning.We wanted to get to New Jersey before

he 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 a

beamed at us as she

gave us each

cold outside but the house

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

these upstairs," lan said, referring to

come here," Hailey pulled me to the kitchen before I

she announced to the whole

"Emma! You made it!"

she

me. I'm so excited for

this is Emma," a guy with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes greeted

he was around lan’s

AJ. I've heard

meet you," I

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

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

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

mom's turf.She’s not gonna let you

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

was sweet to see how good he was with

sweet, it was almost

good.Turkey's almost

there sweetie, go set the table for our

a guest and

eyes at her big brother before turning to

it," lan ignored Hailey

on a cruise, somewhere in Barbados.Your mom and Hailey invited me,

asked as

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

"Emma, yeah.We met,"

and said, "You got a good one right here, Emma.Hold

"Shut up,"

playful shove as they

I can use a

out from

"Be right there,"

replied and made his way over

went back to talking with

also helped Kristen took out the big, heavy turkey from

was pretty much

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

busy setting the table for everyone, so I thought I could give them a

the dining room as Hailey and AJ

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

took Hailey’s hand and he brought it to his

her hand gently before softly letting it

blushing and her eyes fluttered as she