Chapter 14
Author Note: Hey, little story of Thanksgiving in this chapter, and I'm not even American! Had to do a lot of research so I hope I got it fairly right but if I did make any mistakes in the tradition please let me know for future use. Either way, enjoy and review! H xx
Cartman pov
The party was buzzing, all the children were running around excited, bursting party-poppers and screaming 'happy Thanksgiving' at the top of their lungs. A group of women were standing in the corner, champagne in their hands, gossiping about their upcoming stresses of Christmas and the latest fashion magazine. In the opposing corner, Bebe was laughing with Tweek and our old elementary principal, Victoria, who looked like she was in her seventies now.
A long dining table lay across the centre of the room, smothered in buffet items which I would never learn the names of. Colourful paper chains hung above it, swinging two and fro as the music joined them to create a friendly atmosphere. The unusual thing was, I had not seen the McCormick's kids yet, which was surprising, as I expected they would be the life and soul of the party.
"Cartman?" I shook my head as my old mate Clyde (by mate, I meant enemy) spat in my face. "Jesus, you have been zoned out for a while, what's on your mind?"
"None of your business." I snapped back at him. I may be slightly enjoying the comfort of surrounding laughter, music and the sweet aroma of cake in the oven, but I was not about to break character.
"Right okay..." He held his hands up, rolling his eyes at Token, Token's wife Nichole, Kevin and some other random guy who were standing in a group next to me. "Do you want to join us for the toast or not?"
"...If you pour me the drink then yeah." I shrugged and Clyde poured me a glass of some fancy liquid from a bottle.
"Well what the hell is that?" I scoffed as I was handed the glass, and Clyde shrugged then.
"It's Kenny's party, you expected beer?" Clyde laughed and I sighed raising my glass.
"Wait..." I paused. "What are we toasting to?" A smile crept across my face. "Ooh, Clyde are you leaving town again? Going back to Thailand or Greece or wherever you jetted off to last time? Oh no what a shame, oh well, life goes on." The sarcasm in my voice triggered the glare he then shot at me. When we all left for college, Clyde and his dad (his mom died when we were in fourth grade, long story) took off to a completely different country. Clyde said it was because he wanted to 'experience different cultures' but I think everyone knew it was because Bebe had dumped him in front of the entire year at junior prom. It was obvious he was publicly humiliated for life. Never the less, he had returned two years ago. Unfortunately.
"No." Clyde droned. "It's a toast to Thanksgiving dumbass. Ever heard of giving thanks? It's something we generally do on the third Thursday of November... That is, if you count as normal member of society."
"Did you just make fun of my sexuality?" I asked, slyly. Clyde was the last person I ever wanted to make fun of that aspect. Way back in second grade, I had a slight crush on him, yeah, I guess that's when I knew I was different. Either way, I didn't tell anyone, not even my mother, and I told her everything, mostly. To make up for my crazy emotions, I went out and bought myself a stuffed frog, yeah, a frog. The reason for this was that, frogs were the most ugly animal I knew were living, the only way I could pull this off was to make sure I wouldn't feel attracted to the toy at all. I decided then and there that I would call him Clyde... Clyde Frog. Problem was, I did love that stuffed toy in the end, it grew to be my favourite toy, the one I cried to, the one that sat on the throne at my tea parties. Eventually, somehow though, my feelings for the real Clyde faded and were replaced with hate. Clyde Frog had died, yes literally died, don't ask what went on in my weird childhood games, all I remember is that one toy killed all the others and then I shot it in the head. Since then, I had never had anything I loved as much. At least, not until Butters came along.
"Hey what's going on?" Butters chirped, appearing at my side.
"Oh shit." I jumped, worried he had heard my thoughts and forgetting all about what Clyde had said as he was now skulking away.
"What?" Butters looked shocked and I bit my lip.
"Oh nothing, nothing..." I trailed off. "Just had a sudden pain in my chest that's all." I lied.
"Oh well maybe you should sit down." Butters panicked and I waved my hands.
"No no, I'm fine now." I smiled and he nodded slowly.
"Right well, I'm going to get some food, you coming?" He asked.
"Um, yeah I will in a second." I ushered and his eyes narrowed as he walked away, over to the table. I turned my head and noticed Craig standing against the wall alone, sipping his glass of champagne.
"Hi Craig, how's it going?" I addressed cheerfully as I wandered over to him. He looked surprised at my greeting and so raised a hand warily.
"Hello." He droned.
"I was wondering if we could have a little chat, man to man." I asked and he frowned, putting down his glass.
"You mean gay man?" He guessed and I nodded slowly.
"Yeah exactly." I sighed and hesitated before opening my mouth again. "...I was just wondering if you could give me some details on how you and Tweek had children..."
Red pov
"This is a lovely party Red, thanks for inviting us." A woman patted me on the back as she passed me.
"Your welcome." I smiled and was immediately addressed by another random man.
"Great food, did you make it?" He asked as he approached me.
"Oh no, I have to come clean on that one." I laughed. "My husband made all of the food."
"Oh well it is delicious." He gave me a thumbs up as he walked away.
"Well he is head chef." I muttered, proudly.
"Hey honey." Bebe greeted as she walked towards me.
"Hi, you enjoying the party?" I beamed and she nodded energetically.
"Well I'll tell you this." She pointed at me. "It is miles better than being lectured over a low fat, slim-fast, calorie free, dieters Thanksgiving dinner at my mothers house or having to sing 'Dreidel' and discuss Bah Mitzvah outfits over at Kyle's mom's. Even though yes, that is twelve or thirteen years away."
"What Kyle's mom?" I frowned.
"The Bah Mitzvah." I corrected her and she nodded slowly.
"Ah well, no problem with planning ahead." I shrugged. "Besides, won't be long now until you're holding a little baby in your arms."
"Ugh... Don't remind me." I sighed and she put her hands on her tummy. I was not about to say this out loud, but she literally looked like a camel born with its hump on the wrong side of its body. Times three.
"Ah you'll be fine." I smiled, patting her bump gently. "Take it from me, I had twins and I'm still living. Maybe even considering having a third."
"Wait what?" Bebe's eyes widened and I clasped my hand to my mouth.
"Wait what?" I repeated and she pointed at me.
"You're gonna have another kid?" She exclaimed.
"No!" I yelled, covering her mouth with my spare hand. "And shush!"
"Are you and Kenny trying for-" She began.
"No!" I stamped my foot this time. "I don't even know where that came from."
"Ok, but..." She was whispering this time. "Do you want another kid?"
"...I don't know." I shrugged and she raised her eyebrows. "I don't know, I mean, things are so stressful right now-"
"Stressful? The McCormick's?" She scoffed. "It's like two different sides of the battery Red, complete opposites."
"Ugh..." I sighed, why did people always assume I had no pressures in life? "Right so, there is a lot on the plate right now."
"Literally." Bebe nodded as she stared down at the loaded plate she was holding. Talk about cravings.
"With work and the modelling with the kids." I explained. "They have a big photo shoot coming up and yet I still want them to focus on their education." I sighed and then shrugged. "But do I want another child? Yeah, I guess so..."
"Yay!" Bebe exclaimed again and I glared at her, did she just want everyone to put on weight? I had lost the plot here, why was I even considering this, it was a time of giving thanks, not asking for more.
"Anyway..." I snapped back to reality as the doorbell went.
"Wow, who's that, they're slightly late aren't they?" Bebe asked.
"I don't know, I thought everyone was here." I did a quick head count before walking towards the door. The chatter and music drowned out as I entered the quiet hallway and slowly opened the door. It took my eyes a few seconds to adjust to what was sitting on my doorstep and even when I could see perfectly, I couldn't say a word.
"Happy Thanksgiving." Wendy smiled and all children but Belle chorused it after her. "Um... I was wondering maybe, if it wouldn't be too much trouble?"
"Come in." I nodded, as welcomely as possible and ushered them inside out of the cold. Wow, this was a weird Thanksgiving...
Hope pov
As we entered the living room, the cold world merged into an atmosphere of fun and games... For most people. The speakers were booming out some shitty chart music that always played in those small but jazzy bars for forty year old single women who are out to get wasted. There were small children, everywhere, running and screaming. Half eaten plates were lying around, falling down the sides of couches or being trampled into the carpet and to top it all off, by the looks of it, they only had fancy alcohol and no root beer. Fun.
However, this 'friendly' atmosphere was immediately demolished, as if our families presence itself was drowning the room in acid. Even the kids stopped running around and looked stunned.
"...Enjoying the party?" I asked pathetically to break the silence. No one replied to me, but mom tapped me on the shoulder as if to warn me. As if I was having any of that... "Yeah, the Marsh's are here. Big shock. Sorry to intrude on your little party, we did not realise this wasn't for broken families, ones who don't actually have everything in the holidays. Happy Thanksgiving to you too-"
"Hope." Mom cut in. "Give it a rest won't you?"
"...Where's your dad?" Alfie asked Harvey quietly, interrupting the silence.
"Um, Alfie don't-" Tweek began, grabbing his arm to hold him back.
"Daddy's in a special sleep." Harvey told him, proudly. "But he still hasn't woken up for about a week."
"Mommy said he will be okay though." Hannah added and I saw quite ages people bite their lips and wipe their eyes. That was my family, always around to make people shed a tear, for both good reasons and bad.
"Mm..." Mom muttered, looking as if she was about to cry herself. It was weird, she hadn't seemed to show any sort of emotion towards Stan or the pregnancy over the past week. Obviously she was just putting a brave face on for when we were around, she most likely cried into a glass of vodka once we were in bed. "Sorry about my children." She laughed hastily. "Especially that one." She jabbed her finger into my shoulder and I raised my eyebrows. "Truth is, I didn't know what to do because we had no food in, and as you can tell, I'm not in the fit state for cooking... I have made so many enemies over the past few years, because of jealousy I guess. Either way, I know we have now darkened the spirits but I am sorry... For everything." She finished her little inspirational speech and I rolled my eyes. Congratulations mother for wrecking any chance of a punch up. I watched then as Butters raised his glass slowly.
"To the Marsh family." He toasted.
"The Marsh family." Everyone else but Cartman repeated and then heard another voice from behind us.
"Right, let's get this party going!" Red yelled and everyone cheered. "...With a little performance from Scarlett and Ruby."
It was almost as if she had thrown it in to spite us, but either way mom forced a smile as the two twins, dressed in immaculate Pilgrim and Indian costumes, gathered by the fire.
"A long, long time ago, before settlers arrived at the East Coast, the area was home to many Native American Tribes." Scarlett's voice boomed out, at least, I thought that one was Scarlett.
"Receiving money from England, the settlers sailed across the ocean, intending to land where New York now is to create a 'New World'. However, their trip was cut short and so they landed in Cape Cod." Ruby recited.
"One day, Samoset and Squanto, the leaders of the Abenaki, found the settlers and helped them to fertilise their crops and find shelter." Scarlett continued.
"This is when the Pilgrims and Indians joined together to defend themselves against the tribes." Ruby finished and the two children began to play a game of throw and catch. I thought it was over, but obviously not.
"Ball games and dancing took place, and once they had finished this, both groups sat down to a feast of Deer, corn and shellfish." Scarlett beamed.
"Yuk!" Ruby giggled. "Very different to what we eat today!"
"It certainly is Ruby." Scarlett nodded, confirming my predictions.
"Yuk..." I heard mom mutter under her breath and I elbowed her in the ribs.
"So this is why we celebrate Thanksgiving." Scarlett bellowed. "To remember the truce made by these two very different sides of humankind."
"And to give thanks for the little things we receive in life, which can sometimes be forgotten about." Ruby sparked and they both then took their glasses of non-alcoholic champagne and raised them cheerily.
"Happy Thanksgiving!" They chorused, finishing the piece and everyone began to clap. Some women (and Butters) were crying into their partners shoulders and Red and Kenny were cheering their perfect children on as they walked away from the fire, to be wrapped in hugs by them.
"Wow..." Mom sighed and I was about to start a speech about how she needed to stop her jealous thoughts, again, but then realised she wasn't referring to the masterpiece she had just watched. I followed her eyes around the room as she gazed at all the couples and happy families, laughing and smiling together...
Wendy pov
It was hard, seeing everyone like this, celebrating Thanksgiving with their loved ones. If only Stan was here now, if only Stan could hold me and kiss me like he used to. Not just before the accident, but before everything, back in the twenties, teenage years, childhood. I missed him, so much, but I couldn't talk or think about this now, I had to pretend, for the children's sake.
"Hey Wendy." I heard Bebe's voice from behind me and a spun around as she wrapped me in a hug, which was difficult as there was a large bump getting in the way. Though, I really hoped that was all her and not me, yet. The baby or pregnancy hadn't crossed my mind either, I hadn't even thought about it, sometimes I just forgot I was even pregnant, it wasn't like there had been any major morning sickness or swelling or cravings, maybe my body was just used to it by now. Maybe I was just used to it now.
"Hiya!" I exclaimed, I was really pleased to see her, I saw her less and less nowadays and yet she was my best friend, always had been and always will be. "How are you?"
"Ugh... Aching, tired, sick, but fine." She moaned. "You?"
"I'm... Hanging in." I smiled, I didn't know whether she was referring to the pregnancy or just general life. Kyle walked over then and placed his hand on her shoulder. I gulped, this instantly brought back memories of when I spilt the secret. I was guessing Kyle had come to terms with it, as he didn't seem to look particularly pissed off.
"Hello, how you doing?" Kyle kissed me on the cheek and I sighed again.
"Okay I guess, nice to see you again." I told him.
"You too." He replied. "Um... I hope this doesn't sound too rude but why are you here?"
"Kids were moaning..." I began but gave up trying to cover it up. "I feel like shit, all I could think about is how rude I was to Kenny and Red when they came to visit me in hospital and I just wanted to apologise I guess."
"Wow, war over." Bebe laughed.
"We have all been friends way to long to string this out." I added. "The crash and the pregnancy have been such massive things, I've just turned into crazy bitch mode."
"...Isn't that permanent?" Bebe giggled and I slapped her lightly. "Mm... Gotta go get something with salt in. Fucking cravings."
"You can't use that language around the baby." I winked and she groaned as she walked away.
"We all feel for you, we really do." Kyle reassured me, once she had gone.
"Thanks, see it's people like you who keep me going." I smiled and then double checked Bebe was out of earshot. "Have you spoken about, you know? What I told you yet?"
"No." Kyle shook his head pathetically. "I don't think I can bring myself to do it. I think I will just pretend I never knew."
"That's probably the best idea." I smiled and squeezed his hand quickly. "But hey, I could be wrong you know, maybe my predictions are incorrect."
"Doubt it." He mused. "Bebe has referred to it as 'she' multiple times, as if I wouldn't notice."
"Oh right, so I guess that confirms it then." I nodded, biting my lip.
"Hey though, even if you had never told me, I still would have found out, in a more explosive manner. I mean, she's letting clues drop like bombs, don't beat yourself up about it."
"I won't." I sighed as he tilted my head upwards, dragging my gaze from the ground. "I have too much stuff to worry about, Christmas is coming and I haven't even thought about presents or cards or celebration, I have six children to buy for, what am I supposed to do about that?"
"I'm sure they will understand." He shrugged. "I might be able to help you out a bit, I'm running the office pretty much single-handedly as Stan isn't there so, if you need anything financially just ask."
"Really? That's great thanks." I beamed and my phone began to vibrate, pulling it out of my pocket I studied the lit up screen carefully. "It's the hospital, I better take this." I told him and he nodded as I walked away, lifting the phone to my ear.
"Hello?" I greeted.
"Hi is that Wendy Marsh?" A female voice asked on the other end of the line.
"Yes it is, what's going on, is everything ok?" I fretted.
"Yes yes, everything is fine, well better than fine actually..." The voice trailed off.
"Why what's going on?" I exclaimed, seeing Kyle look over at me worriedly.
"It's your husband, Stan Marsh." She explained. "He has woken up from the coma..."