Chapter 17: The Sky's the Limit

Thanksgiving without the Turkey Man himself was rather gloomy. However, the Belchers decided to try to make the best of it. They visited Bob in the hospital and brought Thanksgiving to him. Much to Linda's chagrin, she couldn't smuggle in the traditional Thanksgiving wine, but she was very grateful that her husband was well, Tina was home, and they could all celebrate Thanksgiving together, even if it was in a cramped hospital room.

After dinner they sat in and around Bob's spacious bed and watched TV. Gayle came by later that evening and joined the family. She invited Mr. Frond, who she was seeing again, to join them, but he declined. Frond told her that hospitals made him nervous and queasy. While believable, they all knew it was because he did not want to be in Louise's presence, who humiliated him with the brownie-chair-surprise that summer, which subsequently led him to quitting his job at Wagstaff.

"So, how's Mr. Frond," Linda asked as she poured Gayle some sparkling apple cider, "did he find a new job after the incident?" She asked as she turned to Louise.

"Oh, he's doing great," Gayle said as she waved her hand, "in fact, he opened his own crafts store where he gives classes on knitting."

"Oh, that's wonderful," Linda cooed. Bob let out a disgusted groan. "Watch it mister," Linda said as she set down the bottle, "I know someone else who pursued their dream, too."

"You're right," Bob sighed, "so, how's my dream holding up?" he asked.

"It's hanging in there," Gene said.

"Barely," Louise chimed in.

"That's what I like to hear." Bob said sarcastically.

"Stop it you two," Linda said, "the restaurant's just fine. We have some pretty hard workers. One's leaving to go back to school on Saturday, isn't that right?"

"Yeah," Tina said quietly, "I'll try my best to come by and help out."

"I would love it if you came to visit, Tina. But remember that if you want to spend time with your friend; that's perfectly fine. You're doing all of the things I wish I could've experienced and I'm very proud of you."

"Did dad just have a father moment?" Louise asked sarcastically.

"I tried, but it got ruined."

They returned to the house later that night, where everyone retired to their rooms. Well, everyone except Tina and Zeke. The two sat in the living room and watched movies. That is until Zeke fell asleep.

Tina got a blanket and rested her head on his shoulder while she finished the movie. As she was getting comfortable, she felt Zeke's phone vibrate. Zeke woke up and checked to see whom it was. It was Tammy. Zeke rolled his eyes, declined the call, and set his phone down. After ten minutes, Tammy called again.

"Why is Tammy calling you?" Tina asked monotonously, but still concerned.

"I have no idea." Zeke shrugged.

"There has to be a reason for her to keep calling you."

Zeke sighed, "Tammy has been trying to get me to see her since you've been away. I answered her once and told her no and said that I don't want to be hangin' around other girls since we're together, but she keeps on callin'."

"So, do you ever text her or is it one way?"

"'Course not! You can check my phone I ain't ever call her back, respond, or nothin'. She's nothing but trouble and I want nothing to do with her." Zeke handed Tina his phone. He obviously had nothing to hide, but she wanted to be sure. Even after years of knowing Tina and Zeke's history, she was still the home wrecker Tina had come to know and despise. She looked through his texts, direct messages on social media, his recent calls, and even his email; no signs of him reciprocating; Just one message after the other from Tammy.

Tina gave him back the phone and kissed him on the cheek. "Congratulations, you passed the test."

"Know what I'm gonna do now?" Zeke asked.

"What?"

"I'm gonna block her on everything. I don't need it and I don't want you worrying. That's a promise."

Tina rested her chin on his shoulder and watched him as he made well on his promise. That was one of Zeke's greatest qualities. As he matured, Zeke became very trustworthy, honest, and never went back on his word. That is, if football was on TV or he made plans to play sports or video games with the guys, but that was so harmless. He was never dishonest and unfaithful to Tina. He genuinely loved her and made it known.

The following weekend Tina packed her bags and headed back to school. Her roommate and friends greeted her once she came back. They had heard about what happened to Bob and threw her a surprise party for her return. Well, not really a party, more of a surprise get-together. Tina was incredibly thankful for her support system at home as well as at school.