16. Sixteen
Sixteen
Tessa
Senior Year
I t’s Thanksgiving, and Carter’s mom—the absolute angel she is—invited the Nelson kids, Megan, and myself over for the biggest feast I’ve ever laid eyes on.
“These poor kids have been through so much, and I doubt their father is putting much effort into celebrating the holidays,” she’d told me in the kitchen earlier when I once again thanked her for feeding us.
“You girls have been such good friends to our Carter over the years; the least I can do is send everyone home with a full belly.”
We’re gathered in the living room, where Mr. Evans is doing a great job entertaining us with hilarious childhood stories about his son.
Carter’s cheeks are a vibrant beet red, and he’s all but begging his father to stop.
Megan and I laugh so hard that our stomachs hurt when Mrs. Evans calls us to gather around the big harvest table .
Once seated, I catch Anna’s wide-eyed gaze as she openly gapes at the spread laid out before her.
Seeing the wondrous look on her face makes me realize what I’m most thankful for this year.
My wonderful parents, who always do their best to make the holidays feel special.
A mother who’s always there for me, no matter what, and a father who never hesitates to show me how truly loved I am.
But today, I’m especially thankful for kind-hearted people like Mr. and Mrs. Evans, who genuinely care about us and always make us feel like family.
We link hands and listen to Mr. Evans’ deep, soothing voice say grace before a resounding, “Amen,” echoes through the room. Then, it’s finally time to dig in.
“Thank you so much for having us, Mr. and Mrs. Evans,” Jake says, around a mouthful of mashed turnips, giving his siblings a nudge when they don’t immediately follow suit.
“Yes, thank you very much. The cranberry sauce is really yummy,” Anna points out, backing up her statement by showing off her sticky fingers. Jude, who’s been unusually quiet all evening, keeps his gaze glued to his plate, pushing his food around it in an almost apathetic way.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Carter’s mom smiles warmly before her eyes land on the younger boy. “Jude, love. You don’t want any vegetables? I have carrots if you don’t like asparagus. You should really add some color to your plate.”
“I’m fine,” Jude mutters under his breath, not bothering to meet her gaze.
“Hey,” Jake hisses, and Jude’s eyes lift long enough to glare at his big brother before he continues to stab at his meat.
“Are you sure? There’s some in the fridge from last night. It wouldn’t be a bother to heat them up for you.”
Jude’s utensils hit the table with a resounding clatter, making everyone jump. “I said I’m fine. I don’t want your damn carrots, and you’re not my mother.”
“Jude,” Jake barks, looking mortified. Narrowing his eyes at his brother, he silently urges him to apologize .
“This is stupid. I’m out of here,” Jude spits before he pushes to his feet and stomps toward the front door. Jake glances at everyone in uncomfortable silence before his apologetic gaze lands on Mrs. Evans.
“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.”
“No need to apologize, honey. It’s his first Thanksgiving without his mother. We understand,” the older woman assures him, but Jake still looks like he wants to climb under a rock.
“Anna, finish your food so you can have dessert. I’ll be right back. Excuse me,” he mumbles before he goes in pursuit of his brother, ignoring my look of concern.
“Well, Miss Anna. Have you decided what dessert you want once your plate is clean?” Mr. Evans asks in an attempt to lighten the mood. Anna returns his smile and taps a single finger against her pursed lips.
“I think I’m going to sample a bit of everything. Mrs. Evans has worked so hard. It’d be a shame to let anything go to waste.” Carter’s dad barks out a loud laugh.
“Atta girl. You know what? I think I’ll do the same. Mrs. Evans has put me on a diet, so I don’t often get to have treats. But I think she’ll make an exception today.”
“That’s good because treats are the bestest. At least that’s what Big J always says.”
As the conversation resumes and everyone goes back to eating, I do my best to take an active part. But no matter how hard I try to stay in the moment, my mind keeps drifting to my boyfriend and how he might be fairing with his heartbroken little brother.