Thanksgiving with BB

"We'll see you all in about a week!" The teacher announced near the end of English class. The weather outside was cooling down majorly as December was approaching, and the High School was about to go on Thanksgiving break.

"I hate thanksgiving." BB and Eric muttered aloud in unison. They looked over at each other suspiciously as the final bell rang. As the students filed out and began walking to their final class, BB nudged Eric in the arm.

“You hate it too, huh?” She asked in a low voice. Eric didn’t show much emotion, but he gave her a slight nod of the head. “Why?”

Eric sighed aloud and began to walk with BB to gym class. He shifted his binder under his arm and hoped that he could avoid answering her question.

“I hate thanksgiving because my relatives are weird.” BB thankfully interrupted the silence. “My Aunts and Uncles..Man, they are a nut job!! And I only got one grandparent alive, and when she comes all she wants to do is ask me about my love life!” BB threw her hands in the air as Eric chuckled a bit. “My cousins are loud and all are my sister’s age so…I don’t know. It just sucks really bad! And they all wear really ugly Christmas sweaters!! It’s NOT EVEN CHRISTMAS YET!!”

BB began to go on an extreme rant complete with outrageous hand gestures as they walked across campus towards the gym. Eric couldn’t help but feel a pain in his chest. Her words and complaints went over his head as he began to dread the holiday. It was meant to bring families together…It was meant to make families thankful for what they already had…And yet, Eric’s family seemed like they never had enough cash. Even though they were in the upper middle class, that just didn’t satisfy his parents. And his family was riddled with divorce. His aunts and uncles and cousins-which are too many to count-could never make an appearance because they had their own things to attend to. Not to mention his family didn’t even know how to cook a thanksgiving dinner to begin with.  In the beginning of his life, thanksgiving was a lot better. The family tried to get together and at the very least they would paint a fake Christianity on their attitudes by praying to the Lord and such. But it quickly ended during his high school years. His family life was disconnected, his relatives dysfunctional. Eric deeply loathed thanksgiving. His mother and father might pretend to care about being thankful and intimate with one another for a day, but in Eric’s mind, that didn’t amount to the rest of the days of the year.

As they finally arrived at the gym, BB stopped ranting and paused.

“Oh. You didn’t get to tell me why you hated thanksgiving!” BB said as she jumped in front of him. Eric shrugged his shoulders.

“I just don’t like it.” He said lowly as he walked towards the boys’ locker rooms. BB stood there for a second with a glare, but then quickly ran to get changed in the girls’ locker room.

After the end of class, thanksgiving break finally began. A couple of days in, Eric’s parents got home for their own vacation. Eric spent the first few days of his break in his room. He didn’t want to see his parents, and luckily he didn’t have to because they always were going out without him. His only comfort was Bird Bones, who would text him funny pictures of internet memes and complain about how thanksgiving was going to suck.  But deep down in his heart, he wanted to have faith that thanksgiving was going to be different this year. After all, his parents DID come home from work this time!
The night before thanksgiving, Eric received a text message. His phone always chirped whenever it was BB. He walked over from where he was sitting at his desk over to his bed where his phone was on the charger.

“Hey-so my parents wanna kno, do u want 2 hav thnx givving with us? She wont shut up abt it so I told her id ask u”

Eric paused for a minute to think about how to respond. He took his shirt off and put his pajamas on. After that he took his phone off the charger and brought it over to his desk. He looked at his white screen before sending a reply.

“I don’t know, B. My parents are home for a change this year. Maybe it will be different than usual. Maybe they will stay home?  I hope so! I think I will stay here this year.”

BB replied with a smiley face and said, “cool beans.” Eric half-smiled before going to bed that night, really hoping that things would be different.

The next morning, Eric awoke and went downstairs. His parents weren’t there, which made Eric begin to get angry. He went to the kitchen and saw they had left him a note at the very least. It said, “Eric-Your mom and I are going out to get some things for tonight. We will be home later!” Eric’s anger disappeared and a smile replaced it. Maybe it really was going to be different!

Meanwhile, at BB’s house, the cooking had begun and all the relatives began to come way too early! And as every year, they wore their hideous Christmas sweaters that BB so dreaded. She moaned and wished inside that Eric could have been there, but he wasn’t and she couldn’t change that. She smiled though, feeling glad that his parents were going to spend time with him. She knew how hard it was on him. After getting to know him for half a year, she and he had been through a lot and now she understood why he was so afraid at times. She couldn’t imagine being alone that often.

Later that evening, Eric’s parents had returned. Eric was up in his room playing videogames waiting for dinner to be ready. He too, wasn’t that great at interacting with family. It was 7 pm, and he finally got curious as he heard his parents’ muffled conversation from downstairs. He finally exited his room and walked down the stairs. Eric was really hungry! But as he rounded the corner, he was shocked to see his mom in a big fur coat and his father in a nice suit. His parents were dressed nice and they were about to leave.

“Hey!” Eric said angrily. “Where are you two going?!”

“Well, we went shopping for clothes earlier today so we could go out to that new fancy restaurant on the other side of town, babe!” His mother replied nonchalantly. Eric’s jaw dropped.

“But it’s thanksgiving!!! You’re supposed to stay here and have dinner with the family!” Eric yelled, stamping his foot.

“Oh, honey. You know we don’t cook…and the family is terribly busy with their lives! They couldn’t have come anyway!”

Eric fumed and clenched his fist.

“I don’t care if they couldn’t have come! Why couldn’t just the three of us had done something?! At the very least you could have told me you were going out!!! Why didn’t you ask me if I wanted to go?! Were you just going to leave without me?!?!”

His parents exchanged wide-eyed glances. Eric felt so angry that he could punch something, and it looked like his parents saw that in him. After a short pause, his father turned to him.

“Well, son…” His father said lowly. “Did…did you want to go?”

“WELL, SHIT! NOT NOW!!” Eric yelled. He turned around so quickly that it blew his mom’s hair slightly. He hurried up the stairs and then slammed his door. He stood against his door and actually waited in disbelief. He couldn’t believe this was his reality! He even heard them leave anyway, and heard their garage door open and close as they drove off. Eric fell to his knees and cried. He was so angry and upset because his parents kept toying with his emotions. Eric prayed angrily to God and sobbed out loud in his room like a child. He felt so stupid for believing his parents “cared” for him. After about a 20 minute fit, he looked over at his phone that laid on his bed. He grabbed it and thought of BB. He didn’t know why, but going to see her was the only thing he could think of that could help him at that time. He grabbed his jacket and put on his shoes. He wiped his tears away and ran out the front door.

Benjamin Bones’ eyes widened in excitement to see Eric on his front porch. Eric looked cold from the walk over there, and he had a half-smile on his face.

“Hey BB!!” BB’s father yelled. “Eric’s here!” The whole family began to talk and wonder what was going on, having been interrupted right before grace. BB hopped up and ran to the front door. Her eyes sparkled with joy.

“OH! ERIC!!!” She said excitedly. He chuckled slightly at her, and waved hello.

“I know I said that I couldn’t come over, but…” Eric said quietly. “I decided to stop by for a visit anyway.” He shrugged his shoulders. BB was positively ecstatic on the inside. Finally, someone seemingly more normal than her grandparents and aunts and uncles! BB’s mother came out and practically did a backflip she was so happy. Everyone hurriedly rushed him inside. As Eric entered into the dining room, he saw many relatives-all shorter than him.

“BB was right..” Eric thought to himself. “Her relatives really DO have some ugly sweaters!” He sat down next to BB who pulled him a chair. Eric felt awful for interrupting their dinner, but no one seemed to be angry at him. They all smiled, asked him questions and wouldn’t stop chattering at him. BB was embarrassed, but Eric looked like he didn’t mind…

“Alright! Let’s all say grace!” BB’s mom announced. Her mother grew red as she paused for a second, and then added, “Everyone hold hands!”

BB looked over at Eric and reached for his hand. Eric didn’t feel up to praying, especially after all that happened, but he obliged and held BB’s hand. His hand was cold in hers, and her hand was practically microscopic compared to his. BB nudged him and told him he felt like a ghost he was so cold. Eric blushed, and looked down at his empty plate. He suddenly felt a surge of emotions come over him.

As BB’s father began to say grace, Eric looked around at all the closed eyes and all the family that surrounded him. He saw the warm food in front of him, and felt a quiet stirring inside his soul. This…this was what he was missing. Every year. He missed this. And now that he was there, he couldn’t seem to enjoy it. Was he worthy? Was he worth such a blessing?? Tears began to come again as the pain in his chest was too much for him to take. He was so angry, confused, feeling like he could not receive the hospitality and kindness of BB’s family. He felt cold. He began to shake. BB opened her eyes to peek at him, and saw him crying. She felt compassion come upon her and knew something was drastically wrong. He had clenched her hand tighter…As her father ended the prayer, Everyone said, “AMEN!” And began to reach for rolls and pieces of turkey. Eric quickly sat up and exited the room hastily without saying a word. BB looked over at her mom and her mom looked back equally concerned.

They rounded the corner and went to the living room. He was walking towards the sliding glass door that went to the backyard.

“Eric!” BB called. “Hey, Eric! What’s wrong?!” She ran up to him. Eric shook violently. He couldn’t stop sobbing. He feared that his sobs would get loud, so he continued walking, and opened the door and stepped outside into the cold November air. BB and her mother hurried after him.

“Eric, hon! What’s gotten into you?” Brenda asked as she caught up with him. Eric turned around and cried. He couldn’t even open his mouth to speak. He felt so embarrassed, so ashamed. He couldn’t express his gratitude towards them, but he also felt unworthy to even sit at their table. BB watched her friend sob. She had seen him cry many times before, but this…this time felt different.

“My…M-my…” Eric began to stutter. “My parents…had something urgent come up and…and had to go back to work tonight…so I didn’t…I didn’t get…”

“Oh, honey!” Brenda said as she grasped his arms and pulled him closer to her. “They couldn’t help something like that! But this is sad news, regardless!”

BB knew. She took one look at him and just knew. His parents didn’t have to go back to work. They ditched him. Again. BB’s eyes watered.

“Well, you’re more than welcome here, I hope you know that!” Brenda encouraged him. “We will always save a seat for you on any holiday if you’re all alone!” Eric couldn’t take it. His heart felt so much love that it made him all the more emotional.

“I…I feel like..I bother you guys too much…” He tried wiping his tears away only to have more come. “I’m sorry…”

“Don’t be!” She replied. “That’s what we’re here for! To give you a second family, right?” Eric melted at the word “family.” Family. That’s what it felt like…Finally, he just gave in and let Brenda hug him. He needed a good, mom-hug. He cried louder than he had been, and BB began to cry as well.

“It’s..contagious, dude…” She thought to herself. “Why am I so emotional?! This isn’t like me at all…” BB felt more compassion for Eric than she ever had. She saw her circumstances and remembered her complaining earlier. She had no reason to complain. She saw Eric, and all the pain he was experiencing as her mother held him, and suddenly, she felt like the jerk.

After a couple of minutes, Eric stopped crying and just sat on a patio chair with BB and her mom. They tried taking his mind off of his parents by talking to him about school and how tutoring BB was going. Eric was feeling a bit better, and felt really thankful for what they were doing. They also had prayed for him, and Eric felt calm afterwards. Soon, BB’s father came out to check on them.

“Is everything alright out here?” He asked worried.

“It’ll be fine, dear.” Brenda replied. “Eric wasn’t feeling well, but he’s going to be alright.” Eric smiled at her words. He already felt a lot better.

“I’m sorry for interrupting your dinner.” Eric apologized yet again.

“Ahh, son.” BB’s dad replied. “That’s okay. We have had plenty of drama over the years. One little thing like this is not a big deal.” Eric looked over at BB who nodded her head.

“Trust me, Eric. Dad knows what he’s talking about!” She chuckled and nudged his shoulder.

“Oh, I have an idea!” Brenda’s mom said. “You two can take your plates into BB’s room and have a private dinner if Eric feels uncomfortable to go back to the table.”

“That’s a good idea!” Benjamin added in. “Go ahead you two. Go grab your plates.” Eric and BB exchanged looks, and then went in and finally grabbed their dinner. Luckily, there was plenty of food left! They walked down the hall carefully with their sodas and turkey dinner. BB kicked her door open lightly and they cleared a spot on the floor for the two of them to sit. At first they ate in silence. Eric was feeling slightly awkward, but he was enjoying his dinner. He had a lot of food on his plate! Crying took a lot of energy out of him.

“So…do you really feel better now?” asked BB as she ate some stuffing. Eric looked over at her after taking a bite of his mashed potatoes.

“…heh…yeah..” He said blushing. “Thank you…your family is really nice…and you are too.” He smiled at her. BB turned red and put her plate down.

“I’m sorry you have to go through what you go through…” She said humbly, ignoring her heartburn that was creeping in. Eric was surprised. This was the first time BB talked in such a manner. He put his plate down. There was a long pause.

“Hey, Eric…?” BB asked.

“Yeah?”

She averted her gaze for a second and blushed a bit. “Never mind.” Eric tilted his head confused. Just then the door flung open and her mother stumbled in.

“What’s up, mom?” BB asked looking up at her surprised. Brenda quickly straightened up and wiped off the blood that was coming from out of her nose.

“O-OH!” She said. “J-just…checkin on you two is all….” BB rolled her eyes.

“Uhh, Eric?” Brenda asked him. He looked up at her. “Feel free to spend the night tonight. Most of the guests are gone, now..you can stay in here, or…”

“Thanks…” Eric looked down at his hands and cleared his throat awkwardly. “I’d…kind of like that for tonight at least…” BB and her mom lit up like a Christmas tree. Eric blushed feeling awkward. Even if it was just BB, he…couldn’t believe he was staying over at a girl’s house!

“Great!” Brenda said, wiping more blood off her face. “Where would you like to sleep? Here in….BB’s..room on the floor? Or..?!”

Eric blushed and looked at BB who was equally as red.

“T-The couch is fine, Mrs. Bones…” He said lowly. Her mom looked like she slumped down a little bit but then smiled.

“Alright then.” She closed the door behind her. Eric shrugged his shoulders. The two finished their dinner in silence.

Later that night, BB was talking with her parents alone in the dining room. Eric was sound asleep on the couch, snoring lightly.

“I’m glad you guys let him stay…” BB said quietly. “He’s had a hard…night.” Brenda patted her daughter on the head.

“He always has a place here, dear.” Brenda said. “Now, you get to your room and get some rest too. Tomorrow we can all go out somewhere for fun!” BB nodded her head and looked over towards the living room area.

“Y-you can..stay in the living room tonight though, if you want…” Brenda started to say, but BB began to walk down the hallway to her room, ignoring what her mom had said.

Benjamin nudged his wife in the arm and shook his head slowly, blushing slightly. As BB closed the door behind her, her parents walked over to the living room and stared at the couch.

“Oh, Ben, dear!” Brenda whined quietly while leaning against her husband. “I feel so bad for poor little Eric!” Benjamin held his wife in his arms.

“Yeah. You’re right, honey. It is sad.” He looked down at Brenda and began to walk her out of the room.

“But at least for tonight we could be his family. That makes me very happy..” Brenda admitted, shutting off the lights and walking down the hall.

Benjamin took one last glance down the hall towards the living room.

“Yeah. Can’t wait til we make it official someday...” He looked towards BB’s room and back towards the living room. They both blushed, continued to their master bedroom and went to sleep.

THE END.