Author's Note – this is a series of one shots in a way but they all tie together, I'm just trying something new I guess.

I really loved writing this first chapter as I listened to Christmas music, sipped on sparkling grape juice in a wine glass and hid from my family in my room. so I definitely cant say I didn't have a good thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

Holidays With The Mercers: Thanksgiving

Bobby stood in the doorway to Jack's room and watched as his new brother slept silently curled in a tight ball under layers of blankets. Jack had only been in the house for at the most four months but to Bobby it felt like they had been brothers forever. He smiled to himself, then turned and bounded down to the kitchen.

Jack awoke to an unfamiliar aroma. Outside the snow fell in heavy sheets of white, even without the sun shining the blue room was filled with light. He blinked a few times so his eyes could adjust. Quietly he climbed out of bed and stepped into the hall. Vanilla Ice pumped out from behind Angel's door. Jack rolled his eyes and fake gagged. Bobby chuckled from the bathroom doorway and Jack practically jumped out of his skin.

"I know what your thinking Angel's got amazing musical taste, right?" Bobby laughed pulling a hoodie on over his t-shirt and jeans, his wet hair dripping on the carpet.

Jack just shrugged. Bobby sighed dramatically.

"Listen kid, I know your mouth works, is it really that had to say something?"

Jack just looked at the floor, his fidgeting fingers pulling on the unraveling hem of his loose black shirt. Bobby shook his head, walked back into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him. Jack winced. He hated when people did that.

He crept down the steps and through the living room. The TV was on, a parade marching down New York streets. He remembered watching it at past foster homes. It never really made sense to him why a crowd of people walking down some road was such a big deal. It seemed sort of pointless to him.

"And here he comes the man we've all been waiting for SANTA CLAUS!" said the announcer as a float with Santa waving filled the screen. The people that had gathered on the sidewalk clapped and cried with joy. He just stood and glared at the TV screen. What was so exciting about a fat guy in a red suit? Everyone knew Santa wasn't real.

Humming from the kitchen caught his attention. Evelyn glided around the room in a white sweater and brown bottoms, first at the stove prepping a turkey for what he assumed would be lunch, then at the cupboard, fridge and back to the stove.

"Jackie, are you hungry?" she asked.

A puzzled look crossed Jack's face, how did she know he was there? She hadn't looked away from the kitchen once. She shut the oven and washed her hands then turned and looked at him. He instantly set his gaze on the floor before shaking his head.

"Are you sure? Bobby made pancakes," she urged with a smile.

He nodded and walked into the kitchen and took a seat at the table never once looking up.

Evelyn got him a plate from the cupboard and piled on a few pancakes from a stack on the counter. She set the plate and silverware in front of him on the table along with a bottle of syrup, jam and a stick of butter.

"Thank you...Ma?" it was more of a question than a thanks.

"Of course dear," she smiled and turned back to her cooking humming Silent Night.

As Jack finished his meal and Evelyn started a pie, Bobby stomped into the kitchen.

"Smells good Ma."

"It should with the hours I'm putting into it."

Bobby dug through the fridge, grabbed and carton of orange juice and started drinking it.

"Bobby, how many times do I have to tell you to get a glass?" she snapped pointing a rolling pin at him.

He chuckled.

"My bad, Ma," he apologized giving Jack a wink. "Guess I forgot I was home."

"Yeah well don't forget again."

Bobby got him self a glass and sat across from Jack.

"Want a glass?" he offered.

Jack shook his head giving him a "are-you-serious" look.

Bobby raised an eyebrow and motioned to Jack's empty plate.

"How'd you like them? I'm a hell of a cook right?"

"Uh sure, they were good," Jack approved with a nod.

"Move over Ma you've got competition."

"Don't flatter yourself, son. Pancakes don't get many points," she laughed.

"Yeah, yeah."

Jack got up and walked up to the bathroom. He took a shower and then went to his room and made his bed before taking his guitar into the living room. Bobby took up most of the couch so Jack took the chair near the fire place. Bobby stared intensely at the hockey game on TV. Jack curled up on the chair and wrapped his arms around himself. Watching the flames dance around in the hearth he let his eyes shut.

"Jackie dear," Evelyn whispered in his ear. His gaze fell to her hand that was placed gentle on his arm.

"It's dinner time," she smiled, Jack looked up at her and smiled back.

"ANGEL GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE DINNER'S READY," Bobby hollered from the kitchen.

Evelyn stood up and helped Jack to his feet. They walked into the kitchen hand in hand.

"Bobby I didn't mean for you to yell," she said showing Jack his spot at the table then taking her own.

Jerry was already sitting in his place.

"Hey Jackie have a nice nap?" Jerry asked.

"Yep," he replied meekly.

Angel fell into his chair across from Jack with a loud thump.

"Finally," Bobby huffed.

They stood, joined hands and said grace. Then they once again took their seats and passed around plates and bowels of food. Bobby, Angel and Jerry stuffed their mouths with food, Evelyn took her time with each bite and Jack picked at his plate every once in a while eating a small piece.

"Boy's what are you thankful for this year?" Evelyn asked once the older boys had slowed down the eating.

"Hockey," Bobby started.

"Chicks," Angel laughed.

Their was a pause while Jerry thought.

"Well unlike you selfish piles I'm thankful for something with meaning."

"Oh yeah whats that Jerry your socks?" Bobby mocked as Angel burst into a laughing fit.

"NO, I'm Thankful for having a great mother and another little brother."

Angel and Bobby stopped laughing instantly and stared at Jerry in shock. Jack looked up with wide eyes.

Evelyn grinned.

"Yeah me too," Bobby admitted.

Angel nodded in agreement.

"What about you Jack what are you thankful for?" Jerry asked.

Everyone looked at Jack waiting for his response, all they really expected was a shrug. Jack quickly looked down at his plate instantly uncomfortable.

"Um...I...I...I'm thankful...for...being...here," he mumbled.

Evelyn's face glowed.

"Jackie look at me?" she said holding out her hands.

He slowly looked up and met her eyes.

"I'm thankful your here. I'm thankful your all here. Remember Jackie your safe here this is your home."

He stood up from his seat and hugged her with all his might. After a moment of shock she hugged him back tightly her smile so bright Bobby, Angel and Jerry couldn't help but smile as well.

Later that night after everyone had gone to bed Bobby stood in the door way and watched Jack sleep.

"Happy Thanksgiving baby brother," he said knowing Jack wouldn't hear.

"Happy Thanksgiving big brother," Jack replied his eyes still closed but a smile on his lips.