See part one for disclaimer and other important information.

I originally intended to post Thanksgiving as one big post, but it is taking longer to edit than I thought. Writing the dialog and then adding the description later wasn't my greatest of plans. With Chipmunk's, Kenzy's, and Valarie's urging for more Margaret/Leo, I've decided to post the first scene from the Thanksgiving section. The rest should follow during Spring Break.

The O'Connor household is filled with the sounds of a happy Thanksgiving meal. Phrases like "Pass the stuffing" and "Where's the butter?" permeate the air as plates are covered in food.

The children's table is just as lively, but not with Thanksgiving cheer, "Mommy, Tommy's kicking me!" It doesn't help that the three children sitting at the table are siblings: Thomas, Alise, and Kerrie—the very active children of Justin and Rachel.

"Tommy don't kick your sister," Rachel quickly admonishes her son and then asks before she sits down, "Does any one need anything?"

The familiar quiet, then, passes over the table of the enjoyment of holiday food: those first few moments when everyone is too busy to speak.

Justin's curiosity about Leo quickly overcomes his stomach, though. It isn't everyday that his sister brings home a guy; in fact, it's the first time that it has ever happened.

"Leo, have you ever visited Gettysburg?"

"Yeah, I have a friend who thinks historical sights are great vacation spots."

Margaret snorts and Leo gives her a look.

Justin ignores his sister and continues with his new audience, "We're taking the seventh grade class this May."

"Honey, we don't want to hear about that again," Rachel groans and shakes her head.

"Just because it doesn't have anything to do with math, doesn't mean it isn't important."

"The kids are loosing valuable classroom time."

Leo whispers to Margaret, "Jed would love this."

"He can visit anytime. These arguments happen all the time."

Peter, Margaret's other brother, interrupts before a full out battle can start, "Justin are you going hunting this year?"

"Nah, too many of my students will be in those woods."

"How about you, Leo? Ever hunted?"

Leo stiffens, "I'm not really comfortable around guns." Margaret squeezes his hand in comfort under the table.

"Oh, it's not really that exciting anyways," Peter tries to diffuse the uncomfortable situation he's stumbled upon, "I wouldn't do it anymore if the meat wasn't so good."

Silence begins to loom, but Justin takes advantage to start the argument back up.

"Leo, do you think that field trips are an important part of the educational experience?"

"Yes- Margaret could you pass the salt?"

"No," she dismisses quickly, "We went to a fundraiser for D.C. area children to visit the zoo."

"The one that was all over the news?" Rachel sounds surprised. She never expected her sister in law to actually go to D.C. It seems odd to think of her rubbing elbows with the "rich and famous."

"Yep," she grabs the saltshaker, "Leo, leave the salt shaker alone," she swats away his attempt to take it from her, "They made us wear balloon animal hats."

"I can't imagine Margaret hanging out with big fancy politicians."

"She's quite the girl," Leo remarks with pride.

"Mommy, is it almost time to go yet?"

"She's been asking that all day."

"She gets to be the turkey in the Pageant."

"Are you guys coming with us?" Rachel's tone is slightly accustionary, "I wasn't sure how long you could stay."

Leo instantly turns to the woman sitting next to him, "Margaret?"

"Wednesday. The schedule is clear until then."

"Washington usually vacates over the holidays," he explains.

"We're flying straight to Notre Dame.

"Since when?"

"I told you this morning. They had a cancellation."

Her brothers look on in wonder at this exchange. They have never seen Margaret quite so assertive outside the family. She was their parent's surprise and a product of their grandmother. Here she was with a man twice her age and displaying an odd familiarity for a working relationship.

"In that case, I would love to go to a pageant." Leo startles them out of their thoughts.

"That's great," Rachel smiles, "We haven't gotten to see Margaret in years."

"Yeah, sorry about that," Leo murmurs sleepily.

TBC

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