This is my favorite of the bunch. I actually wrote it a while ago, but managed to save it for the end. I think it is fitting for Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for all the loved ones in my life, and for you, awesome readers. :)

The Twilight Twenty-Five
thetwilight25 dot com

Prompt: #15
Pen Name: miairii
Pairing/Character(s): Edward, Esme
Rating: T
Word Count: 500

Photo prompts can be found here:
thetwilight25 dot com/round-eight/prompts

This will be the last time, I swear.

I knock gently, trying not to hold my breath until I hear your soft voice call out, "Coming!"

I hear footsteps approaching, but they pause just on the other side. It takes a full two minutes before you pull open the door.

You're beautiful.

You gasp when you see me. That's nothing new.

But then I see your eyes start to water, and your welcoming smile is hesitant, unsure.

I think to myself: This time might be different.

You lead me into the living room. It's warm, lived in, homey. You graciously offer me something to drink.

I grit my teeth. Now or never.

"Surprise me?" I wink.

This is a test.

I never thought I'd see this much of a response when I donated to the Find-A-Family Foundation and volunteered to be their public spokesperson. Being a well-known actor had its perks, sometimes. But all I really wanted was to give something back to the community that had done so much for me when I was a child, separated from my family and without a place to call home.

I knew I was one of the lucky ones.

However, mentioning that I myself had never reconnected with my family … that brought about some strange results. Random women messaged me, alleging to be a long-lost sister or cousin. If I'd had one of those in the first place, they wouldn't have been old enough to remember me.

Then there were the ones who claimed to be my mother. I didn't have a clear picture of her in my mind; all I knew was that the fuzzy memories of her had a soft, comforting feeling – and the special drink she used to make me. It was still my favorite, although that was a secret from the general public.

So each time I got my hopes up enough to try, I would ask the women to make me a drink. Their choice. If it wasn't right, then I knew she wasn't right, either.

There was no way a mother could forget.

But I had just about had enough. This was the last one.

You do surprise me.

There's no blush at my wink, no flirty smile at my supposed interest.

Your nose crinkles up as you think. It's cute. Really cute.

Suddenly a dazzling smile takes over your face, and you relax, gliding out of the room into what I assume is the kitchen.

Left alone, I fidget.

I stare at the photos on the wall. You have a beautiful family.

I don't know them.

You return sooner than expected. You cautiously place a mug on the table in front of me.

I can't look immediately. I stare into your eyes, and the hopeful expression in them makes my heart clench.

I look down.

Hot chocolate.

With marshmallows. Four.

Just how I like it.

A tear falls into the mug. It's mine.

I look up.

No, maybe it was yours.

"Mom?" I whisper.

AN: Thank you so much for going on this journey with me! I really enjoyed this challenge, especially reading all of your thoughts.

Now this is done, hopefully I've freed up some time to write some of the other stories swirling around in my head...

Hope to see you all again.

xo