Hello there! Happy Thanksgiving! This chapter is more Flock orientated than Fax orientated, so to those of you waiting for fluff: sozzles! This chapter was actually supposed to be about the Flock and their families in the future, but it wasn't snubbing my licorice, so I did something a different. Hope you enjoy!

Grocery Shopping

"I just want to go on record and say that this is completely ridiculous."

"Duly noted and disregarded," Max said as she scanned her shopping list. "Now go get some potatoes."

Gazzy groaned, but relented and headed off down the aisle in search of some potatoes.

It had been one year since the Flock's adventures with the School, and they had decided to get together to celebrate the day that the pilgrims feasted on their first successful harvest. They were currently in Target on Wednesday, November 23rd, shopping for food.

"Why did we wait until the day before Thanksgiving to buy food?" Nudge asked.

"I don't know," Fang said. "Procrastination."

Satisfied with that answer, the teens continued to peruse the aisles, grabbing turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green beans, and pizza rolls (at Iggy's request) as they went. Eventually, they had gathered all the supplies they needed and headed to the checkout lines.

"Woah," Angel said, her eyes widening in surprise.

The checkout lines were full of people doing last minute shopping. Their red Target carts were overflowing with items, causing the cashiers to panic.

There were only two lines that seemed considerably bearable; one with a large lady with at least five turkeys in her cart as well as thirty other indiscernible objects and a second line with numerous people holding only a few items. Deciding to choose the lesser of two evils, they moved to stand behind the line with more people with less things.

Gazzy eyed the lady with the turkeys in a strange curiosity and fascination. "That's the type of people math problems are about."

Finally, it was their turn to get their items checked out. Their cashier, Lydia, greeted them with a smile powered by caffeine and adrenaline. She was bagging their items at a speed that baffled even Max, who was perhaps the fastest of the Flock. "Howareyouguysdoingtoday?" Lydia asked excitedly. "WouldyouliketojointheTargetRedCardProgram?No?OkaywellhereareyourthingshappyThanksgiving!"

The teens all exchanged amused looks with each other as they exited the store. Each member of the Flock had at least two Target bags to carry, with the exception of Gazzy, who was carrying the turkey.

"Why do I have to carry the stupid turkey?" he whined.

Max gave him a playful smile. "Because you complain too much!"

Cooking

"Can't I at least-"

"No, Max. You are not allowed in the kitchen."

Max glared at Fang, who was preventing her from entering the kitchen. Angel and Nudge watched the two with barely contained mirth as they prepared the turkey together. Gazzy was merrily smashing potatoes and Iggy had been tasked with making the stuffing.

"I can help with something!" she exclaimed. "What about the cranberry sauce? That's not too complex."

Fang shook his head. "Knowing you, you would find some way to turn it green or set it on fire."

Max frowned. "I would not!"

Angel gave her a stern look. "Don't you remember that time you tried to make us cookies?"

Max flushed. "That was an accident. No one told me I was using salt and flour instead of sugar and the mix!"

Table Setting

"What side do the forks go on?" Nudge asked.

"Left." Max said at the same time Fang said "Right."

Max's eyes narrowed. "Don't listen to Fang, it's definitely the left side."

"No," Fang said. "It's the right side. Max can't even tell the difference from up and down."

"Why don't I just look it up?" Nudge suggested.

"No!" Man and Fang said simultaneously. But Nudge ignored them and dashed over to the computer, where she pulled up a web browser.

After a few moments, Nudge clicked on a website describing proper table setting etiquette. "Blah blah blah… the plate is- no not that… I got it! The dinner fork is placed to the left of the plate."

Max let out a triumphant cheer. "HA!"

Thankful

Everyone was situated at their seats at the table, eyeing the platters of food laid out in front of them. Before anyone could dig in, Angel's tiny voice stopped them. "Wait!" she cried.

"What?" Gazzy snapped, eager to eat.

"We need to say all the things we're grateful for!" she chirped.

Nudge moaned. "Do we have to?"

Max considered what Angel said for a moment. The food was calling her name, but she figured that by performing such a small sentiment wouldn't take too long. "Alright," she said. "Angel, you go first."

Angel stood up straighter in her seat and smiled. "I'm grateful for everyone being here and that we can celebrate Thanksgiving together."

Most everyone cooed at her words except for Gazzy, who pretended to gag. Angel scrunched up her face at him. "Well, why don't you go next then?" she asked, a challenge in her voice.

Gazzy mimicked her expression and stuck his tongue out at her. "I'm thankful for food and my favorite TV shows and Iggy," he said. It was only when Max kicked him under the table did he continue. "And also the rest of you guys too, I guess."

Fang leaned across the table and ruffled his hair affectionately while Nudge took it upon herself to go next. "I'm grateful for not being the youngest, having the best fashion sense, and all of us surviving another year."

The table was silent for a moment before Iggy spoke up. "I, uh, guess I'm thankful that I know who my real family are." he shifted uncomfortably. "I'm also thankful that Max didn't cook any food."

Iggy's words made everyone laugh, including Max. Gazzy piped up with an exuberant "I second that!"

Once the laughter died down, Fang went. "I'm grateful that my blog hit over 10,000 followers, though I'm not terribly surprised."

Snickers rose up through the table.

Max cleared her throat. "I'm thankful for the odd, jam packed life we've had." she said. "I'm also thankful for the peaceful past few weeks we've had. I don't think I can handle anymore action."

The Flock shared a serene moment of silence before once again, Gazzy cut into it like a sharp knife through a soft cheese. "Alright, we all love each other. Now let's eat!"

I am so so so thankful for all of you that have stuck with me despite my spelling errors, continuity mistakes, and awful updating schedule. Your ongoing support and especially the comments make me feel so grateful to have you guys!

I hope you guys enjoy your day, even if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving!

Until next time,

celestialwhisperer