Mai's First Thanksgiving and Her First Real Friends!
It was just a day until Thanksgiving and Mai was getting super excited about lunch/dinner: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, green bean casserole, stuffing, carrots, pickles and cranberries and dessert: pie and ice cream.
Zoey had just left to go home after a long day out with Elliot, Mai, Wesley and Renee. They had spent the day shopping for some nice outfits for tomorrow and then spent the day playing dress up with Mai.
Zoey's parents had offered for Renee to come over along with Wesley; they even offered for the others to come as well, but the others had family to be with.
Corina's brother and parents were actually home for the holidays so she was going to take advantage of them being home.
Bridget was going away with family out of town for a few days.
Kiki has all her brothers and sister and the daycare lady offered for them to go to Thanksgiving with her and her family.
Berry was going with Tyson to his family's festivities.
Ruby was spending Thanksgiving with her mom's side of the family on Thanksgiving and then her dad's side of the family the day after.
Derek and Beverly were spending time with his father and his family. Derek's dad doesn't really want anything to do with Mai nor does he want Derek to be involved her life either. Mainly it has to do with their mother, but Derek's dad doesn't believe they should have anything to do with her family.
Dren, Sardon and Tarb are celebrating their own way as they put it…until they feel comfortable with everything they were going to celebrate on their own.
Kyle was spending his Thanksgiving with Ruby and her families.
Now that Zoey has left Elliot was having a hard time getting Mai to calm down enough to get a bath; she was too excited to take a bath and go to bed.
"Now Mai, come on. It's time to take a bath and get your pajamas on." Elliot called chasing the young girl around down stairs until she smacked right into a table. However, like normally, she didn't seem to be phased and got right back up.
"I'm not tired daddy!" Mai called running around.
At first she ran to the front doors of the café, but then back to the kitchen area; she knew better then to go outside at night.
As Mai ran, she ran straight into Wesley and Renee, who managed to get a hold of her and handed her to Elliot.
"Thanks." Elliot said as he walked up the stairs to the bathroom.
"She's becoming more and more rambunchus isn't she?" Renee asked.
"Yes, but she's very polite out in public." Wesley said simply looking up the stairs after them.
Upstairs:
"I'm not tired daddy. I don't want to go to bed!" Mai protested.
"I know you're not tired, but if you're not going to take a bath and go to bed like a good little girl, we just won't go to Thanksgiving tomorrow with Zoey and her family. I'll have to call them and tell them that we won't be able to make it because someone wouldn't take a bath and go to bed. Sure Grandma and Grandpa Hanson will be upset, but they'll understand." Ryou said getting her attention.
"Fine…" Mai said as she got undressed and got ready for a bath. And although she said she wasn't tired as soon as Elliot put her down and her head hit the pillow she was out like a light.
Once he was sure she was asleep Elliot turned her nightlight on, the big light off and partially shut the door.
On his way down the stairs to make sure everything was put away he bumped into Wesley and Renee, who had already picked everything up.
"I don't know how you do it." Renee said simply watching as Elliot sat down.
"Sometimes I don't know either, but I love her more than anything. Her and Zoey." Elliot said simply.
"I was going to say what about Zoey?" Renee said simply.
"Well, no matter what I will always love Mai more. However, I love them the same. It's just Mai is guaranteed forever and as I much as I hope Zoey is, she's not. I would love to be with Zoey forever, but you never know. We actually talked about that earlier today and she agrees. I should have more love for my daughter." Elliot said simply
"Well that's good. So how and you Zoey doing anyway?" Wesley asked.
"We're good. Her parents are ecstatic…even her dad…which I guess freaks Zoey out." Elliot said.
"Why?" Both Wesley and Renee asked.
"Because I guess he told her he'd kill any guy she went out with. And that when she was with Mark he never liked him or the fact that he was dating his daughter and he made it known that he didn't like him. I guess it must be a father daughter thing… He told me that I'd be the same way with Mai." Elliot said getting ready to get up and go to bed.
"Right…I can't wait till Mai starts dating…that should be fun." Renee said the last part in a whisper so as Elliot wouldn't hear…or so she'd hope.
"Over my dead body. Mai won't be dating until she's thirty or older…" Elliot said waving carelessly back at them heading up the stairs.
"We'll see how that goes." Renee said simply making sure Elliot was out of eye and ear shot as they got up.
"Yeah I know…but I'm sure he'll let her date before he thinks. Just as I'm sure the boy will be heavily monitored." Wesley said as they went to bed.
"Yeah." Was all Renee said.
The Next Day: Thanksgiving
"Daddy! Daddy, wake up!" Mai yelled jumping up and down on Elliot's bed landing on his stomach. Yep he was defiantly up now.
"Ow…Mai Sakura Grant. What did I say about jumping on the beds?" Elliot said as calmly as could as to not scare the young girl.
"I'm sorry daddy…but it's Tanksgibbing!" Mai cried excited.
"I know, but you still can't jump on the beds or me." Elliot said sitting up with her on his lap. It was then that he noticed what she was wearing.
"Mai…what are you wearing?" Elliot asked looking at the Mr. Bear and friends shirt and skirt which not only was inside out but the skirt was sideways. Shoes on the wrong foot, makeup all over her face, hair a tangled mess and for some odd reason a belt three sizes too big hanging from her shoulder to her foot.
"I dressed myself today. Do you like it? Auntie Renee and Uncle Wesley said to come show you when I got them up. They said I looked great." Mai said with a big smile.
"Oh I bet they did." Elliot said with one of those looks that says I'm going to kill somebody.
"Daddy?" Mai asked looking him.
"Yes?" Elliot asked looking at her.
"Is there something wrong?" Mai asked tilting her head.
"No, not really, but I think we should get all that makeup off your face and get you changed." Elliot said picking her up while getting out of bed.
"Why?" Mai asked confused.
"Because we bought you a nice outfit for Thanksgiving and you don't need to be wearing makeup; you're three years old. Where did you even get into any makeup anyways?" Elliot asked knowing he never bought her any.
"Zoey left her bag here. She asked if I could wear some and you said we'll see." Mai said as Elliot sat her on the toilet seat and grabbed a wash cloth to wash her face off.
"Oh, well I guess I'll have to have a talk with her. Wait how did you get into the makeup again? I thought she put it up." Elliot said as he started to get the caked on makeup off.
"She did. It was on the ledge above the toilet. I climbed up and got it. Actully I climbed up and jumped down…I even landed on my feet." Mai said happily. But that happy smiled started to turn upside down when she saw Elliot's face.
"Mai, I think we're going to have to have talk. You can't just go climbing all over things when you want something. You have to wait and ask someone to get something for you. Either we'll say yes or we'll say no. If I catch you doing something like this again you'll have to go on time out. Do you understand?" Elliot asked with a serious tone.
"Yes daddy. So am I not in trouble then?" Mai asked as Elliot got the rest of that makeup off.
"Not this time." Elliot said carrying her to her room and getting her undressed so he could put her new dress on. The one thing she managed to get on the right way, were her underwear.
Once he got her dressed he went to his room to get dressed.
When they got downstairs Wesley and Renee were there waiting for them.
Renee was wearing a long dark purple dress with a nice necklace and heals.
Wesley was wearing a nice brown shirt and blue jeans with dress shoes.
Elliot was wearing an orange choker, blue jeans and a plain blue shirt with dress shoes.
Mai had her new white dress on which had leaf patterns on it, white tights and red dress shoes. Her hair was tied up into pigtails with two big red ribbons.
"Ah what no makeup?" Renee asked looking at the little girl.
"Daddy wiped it all off." Mai said simply.
"Well, we have a few minutes before we have to go. If it's ok with daddy I can put a little makeup on for you. I don't think daddy knows how to apply it." Renee said looking at the little girl eagerly bouncing from foot to foot.
"Can she daddy, please. Please." Mai pleaded.
"I guess. But just a little." Elliot said simply.
"That's fine. Here." Renee said picking up Mai and handing Elliot a picture. The picture was of Mai who had dressed herself and put her own makeup on this morning.
"And daddy can do anything. He's Super Daddy, the best daddy ever in the whole wide world." Mai said putting her arms in the air as Renee to her to a different room to apply makeup.
"Aww memories." Wesley said while they waited looking at the picture which Elliot put in the kitchen on the counter.
"Yeah. That'll be an interesting one to show any boyfriend she gets when she gets older." Elliot said as they waited.
"I thought you said she could never date." Wesley said looking at his friend.
"Ha! Like I can actually stop her when she gets older. The only thing I can do is make sure the guy or girl doesn't hurt her." Elliot said simply.
"You think she could go either way then huh?" Wesley asked.
"She could. Whatever her choice is, I'll love her no matter what. Weather its guys or girls. Anyways moving on." Elliot said obviously uncomfortable with this discussion.
"Right. Do you want to tell everyone about the big news today?" Wesley asked seriously looking at Elliot.
"Yeah I guess. It's about time we do." Elliot said. He was about to say something else, but Renee came out with Mai and another picture.
When Renee set Mai down on her feet to look at Elliot and Wesley, the boys melted.
"Wow. Where is my baby girl? Have you seen her around anywhere?" Elliot asked looking at Mai.
"I'm right here daddy." Mai said confused.
"I know. I guess I'm just not used to seeing you in makeup." Elliot said looking at her.
"Do you like it daddy?" Mai asked.
"You look beautiful. What all do you have on?" Elliot asked picking her up.
"Ummm…blush, eye stuff, other stuff." Mai said not really sure.
"I just put a little foundation on, with light pink blush and eye shadow, with some pink glitter lip gloss." Renee said simply handing Elliot the picture.
Before they left to go Elliot put the picture with other one.
Fifteen minutes later they arrived at Zoey's place; her parents asked that they arrived early for Mai's sake…so they could meet people one by one instead of bombarding them with a lot of people at once.
However, once they got there Zoey's mother bombarded them with pictures and how cute they looked, especially Mai.
Suzie was wearing a long white and pink dress with black tights and a fake pearl necklace.
Adam was wearing jeans and a football jersey.
"Zoey! Elliot, Mai, Wesley and Renee are here!" Suzie called to Zoey.
"Ok, be out in a minute!" Zoey called.
"Ok, I would like you guys to meet my parents. This is my mother Franny and my mother-in-law Becky. My father Garry and father-in-law Axel are in the den, watching football with Adam, you probably won't see too much of them today, except for maybe when we eat. Mom, Becky, this is Zoey's boyfriend, his daughter Mai, best friend Wesley and Wesley's girlfriend Renee." Suzie said introducing everybody.
"How cute. How old is she?" Franny and Becky asked looking at the shy girl in Elliot's arms.
"She's three grandmas." Zoey said finally emerging from her room. She was wearing a light pink dress with pink tights.
"Cute, I have a two great grandchildren her age and a few grandchildren as well." Franny said simply.
"Who has children that would make you a great grandmother?" Zoey asked confused.
"Your cousin Nattie; she'll be here today." Suzie said checking on the turkey.
"You invited them?" Franny asked sourly.
"Yes, they are family after all. Just because she didn't get an abortion doesn't mean can cut them out of our lives. I miss my sister and my niece. By the way mother Darcy, as much as she hates the circumstances loves being a grandma. And as for Carl, well you know about what he did. None of this Darcy's or Nattie's faults. Anyways, I have two sisters and one brother who will all be here with their kids. I love them all dearly, but my brother is kind of an idiot; he's the one with a six year old and a three year old with a younger women. As stupid as I think he is I still love him and as long as he's happy. My older sister has three kids of her own; two boys, seventeen and fifteen and a girl, twelve. Her husband recently passed away. And my younger sister, bless her heart has tried her very best. She has a daughter, Nattie who is eighteen and a son, Zoey's age Tate. Unfortunately her husband cheated on her and they just finally got a divorce. Nattie has twins, Allie and Ellie, who just turned three I think a week before Mai. Yes mom, I've been talking to them. Moving on then. Adam has an older brother who has four kids; three girls, sixteen, fourteen and ten and a boy, five. And a younger sister who has one child a boy, eleven. And as far as I know they will all be here." Suzie said as she, her mother and Franny peeled potatoes.
"Do you guys need help with anything?" Wesley and Elliot asked as Zoey took Mai and Renee to her room to show her all her things.
"No, I think we're good. Did you bring the pies and cakes though? Elliot owns a little café that they live in and Wesley is an amazing baker." Suzie said smiling.
"Yes. They're still in the car. I knew we were forgetting something. We'll go get them. Be right back. I think Zoey has Mai." Elliot said as he and Wesley went to get the stuff.
Three minutes later they were back with all the stuff; six pies, pumpkin, apple and peanut butter and two cakes, chocolate and vanilla.
"Those look absolutely divine. Did you really bake all these?" Becky asked shocked.
"Yes." Was all Wesley said as the ladies took them and put them away.
After awhile people had started to arrive. Adam's younger sister Missy, her new husband Vic arrived with their son, eleven year old Devin, who was glued to his DS.
Next to arrive was Laura and her kids Nick seventeen, his girlfriend Hannah seventeen, Tyler fifteen and Jenny twelve; all of them interested in Mai. Especially Hannah who wanted kids like crazy, but was willing to wait.
After a few minutes Nick and Tyler went to watch Football while Hannah obsessed over Mai and Jenny sat and talked to Devin while playing her DS.
Next Adam's brother Aaron showed up with his wife Kara and their children Taylor sixteen, Nelly fourteen, Alexia (Alex) ten and Axel Jr. 5.
Finally Suzie's younger brother, Keith showed up with his fiancé Bailey their kids Kyle six and Katie three and their younger sister Darcy, her kids Nattie eighteen and Tate 16 and Nattie's twins Allie and Ellie three.
Once everybody was there everybody was happy to see Darcy and her family. Even her parents (Becky and Garry) were happy to see them, or they appeared to be. Garry was genuinely happy to see them, Becky was faking it for Suzie's sake.
"Ok…so this isn't exactly how I wanted things to go, but I am happy everybody is here." Suzie started as she turned the t.v. off annoying the men and some of the women.
"What do you mean by that?" Laura, Suzie's older sister asked.
"Well everybody arrived pretty much all together and we have new people to introduce and one of them is very shy and I was going to do this one by one, but I guess we'll have to do it this way. Ok…" Suzie started but was interrupted by Adam.
"Ok family this is Elliot, Zoey's new boyfriend, his three year old daughter who he just found out about six and a half months ago. Long story, if he wants to tell that's up to him. The guy next to him is his best friend past guardian Wesley and his girlfriend Renee. Yes, yes. She is the famous Renee Roberts, but she would like to be just Renee for the day. Elliot and friends this is our family." Adam said as the guys clapped and turned football back on.
"Ok…getting real introductions over next to Axel and Adam is Adam's older brother Aaron and his wife Kara. This is Adam's younger sister Missy and her new husband Vic is next to Aaron. Their son Devin is over there in the corner play is game thing with Laura's daughter Jenny. Speaking of which this is my older sister Laura and both her sons are on the floor watching football. The taller one is Nick and that's his girlfriend Hannah who is obsessing over Mai; she really wants kids some day. The shorter boy is Tyler. Next to Aaron is my younger brother Keith this is his fiancé Bailey and their children are napping I think…actually I think all the little children are napping somewhere. And finally this is my younger sister Darcy, her daughter Nattie, and her son Tate is next to Tyler watching Football. I'm so happy that everybody could be here this year." Suzie said holding her hands together while smiling.
Two Hours Later:
"Ok, will someone get the little kids up? We'll give them fifteen minutes to wake up before we eat." Suzie said as Elliot found Mai, Nattie got Allie and Ellie, and Zoey found Kyle, Katie and Axel Jr.
It only took the children about seven minutes to fully wake up and notice each other and of course Suzie being Suzie introduced the children to each other.
"Aunt Suzie, can I talk to you for a few minutes, before we eat?" Nattie asked, her mother behind her.
"Sure thing. In private?"
"Yes please." Nattie said following Suzie to her room.
"What is it sweetie, Darcy?" Suzie asked right away after closing the door.
"Do you think you could watch Allie and Ellie for me for a few days?" Nattie asked with hopeful eyes.
"How many days?" Suzie asked.
"Two or three." Nattie said simply.
"Yeah, that'd be fine. What's going on?" Suzie asked curiously.
"Well…" Nattie started.
"Mom is kicking us out." Darcy finished.
"What?! Why?!" Suzie asked shocked.
"Because of me and the twins." Nattie said simply.
"Why?" Suzie asked again.
"You know the reason." Darcy said simply.
"Because she wouldn't get rid of the babies when she was pregnant or even after birth?" Suzie asked.
"Yeah. And two months ago she called and told me if I didn't kick them out we would all be homeless. So we found a new place and we just a place for them to be so we can finish packing and then move and unpack." Darcy finished.
"Wow…do you guys need any help? Because Adam, Keith and I would help you. Does Keith not know?" Suzie asked.
"Keith knows, but he has his rugrats to worry about. He offered, but he can't find a babysitter. And we have some friends helping as well." Darcy said simply.
"I can watch his kids for him as well if he really wants to help." Suzie said simply.
"Do you mean that?" Keith asked coming in.
"Yeah, if you really want. I love little kids. Now if I could just get Elliot let me borrow Mai for a few nights, then it would be perfect. Mai needs friends; she's a very lonely girl aside from her dad, Uncle Wesley, Zoey, Renee and a few other girls. From what I understand she has an older brother from a different dad." Suzie said simply.
"Yeah, you said he has an interesting past or whatever?" Nattie asked.
"Yeah, but it's up to him to discuss his life." Suzie said simply.
"Right I understand. Well anyways, thanks a bunch. I really do appreciate it." Nattie said hugging Suzie.
"Not a problem sweetie." Suzie said as they broke apart and walked out the door agreeing to be civil with their mother for Thanksgiving.
"Where were you guys?" Garry asked.
"Yeah, what were you guys talking about?" Franny asked suspiciously.
"Just talking about moving." Darcy said simply.
"Any who, time to eat." Suzie said defusing any fight that might have started.
"Ok everyone let's behave for Auntie Suzie and let's figure out seating arrangements." Laura said as Suzie brought out plates and other eating utensils.
"So where is everyone supposed to sit?" Keith asked as the teens started to complain.
"We don't have to sit at the kiddie table again do we? I'm so sick of being treated like a kid!" Nelly complained.
"Nelly!" Aaron scolded his daughter.
"What I'm fourteen! I'm a little child anymore!" Nelly shot back.
"Then stop acting like one and listen to what Aunt Suzie has to say." Aaron shot back.
"Ok as I was saying. There will be three tables; the adult table, the kiddie table and the teen table. Kyle, Axel Jr., Katie, Mai, Allie, Ellie, Devin and Alexia will be at the kiddie table." Suzie started.
"What why do I have to sit with the little kids!" Devin demanded.
"Because that's what Aunt Suzie said, now behave." Missy snapped.
"Fine." Devin huffed.
"Teens table will have Zoey, Elliot, Nattie, Nick, Hannah, Tyler, Nelly Jenny, Taylor and Tate. Then the adult table will be me, Adam, Wesley, Renee, mom, dad, Adam's parents, Aaron, Kara, Missy, Vic, Laura, Keith, Bailey and Darcy. So we'll get the little kids set up with their food set first and then the teen table and finally the adults." Suzie said simply and everyone agreed.
So it took a few minutes but eventually everyone got their food and was sitting down eating, having a good time.
"Mai is so polite and well behaved for her age. How do you do it?" Aaron and Kara asked amazed.
"Yeah, Suzie and Adam said there were Issues and that you just found out about her recently. What is that all about?" Keith asked outright.
"Keith!" Suzie snapped back.
"What? I'm curious." Keith said simply.
"It's fine. Her mother had her and never told me about her; she had taken advantage of me on the anniversary of my parents' death. Her mother, mother's boyfriend and aunt used to abuse and neglect her to point of her being so afraid of and non trusting of anybody she met." Elliot said simply.
"Wow…we're sorry to hear all that." Bailey said sincerely sorry.
"I'm not. I mean I feel bad that she had to go all through that, but had none of that happened to her I'd never have gotten a hold of her. As long as her mother was still alive she kept Mai pretty well hidden. Child Services even admitted they were looking into her case, but could never prove anything until she died." Elliot said simply.
"Yeah and she's such a sweet little girl. And if it weren't for Mai he might've never gotten together with Zoey." Wesley said simply causing Elliot and Zoey choke and cough on their food, clearly embarrassed.
So the rest of lunch/dinner went smoothly and then it was time for dessert.
After dessert the adults sent the kids off to play; Nick and Hannah found a spot to make out. Jenny, Devin and Alexia found a place to play their DSs Mai, Allie, Ellie, Kyle, Katie and Axel Jr. were all playing hide and seek around the house. Nelly, Jenny, Taylor, Tate and Tyler were watching T.V. Elliot, Zoey and Natter were outside talking while Wesley and Renee helped Zoey's mom and grandmothers and aunts clean up and the men watched football in the den.
"So what did you want to talk about Nattie?" Zoey asked looking at her cousin.
"I was just so moved by what Elliot said and I respect what you did. Even though you didn't know about her until she was almost three and you had the choice to put her up for adoption, and yet, you decided to keep her." Nattie said.
"Because it was the right thing to do. Not only that, but I love having her around. She brings joy to my life." Elliot said simply.
"Well, your story makes me not regret my decision to keep my girls." Nattie said simply.
"So is it true? About how you got pregnant that is? Mom said you were raped." Zoey said looking at her.
"Yes it's true. Grandma was so mad when I didn't get an abortion. And then she was really mad when I didn't put them up for adoption. She believes that it was a mistake to keep rape babies. But I love them to death." Nattie said simply looking down.
"Well I think you did the right thing. No matter what Grandma thinks it's one hundred percent your decision. Just like it was Elliot's." Zoey said.
Just then Suzie came out and called them in.
"Can you guys come in? We're going to discuss Christmas. Elliot, would and the others like to join us for Christmas?" Suzie asked.
"Sure, I'd have to ask Wesley and Renee, but I'm sure Mai wouldn't mind. In fact I'm sure she'd love it." Elliot said as they went inside.
So plans for Christmas were made, the adults did Secret Santa, even Elliot was included.
"So I think Elliot has something to say." Wesley said hinting to Elliot the big news.
"Oh and what would that be?" Adam and Suzie asked as they watched Mai start to fall asleep in Elliot's arms.
"We finally found a home to move to. It's a duplex, so Mai and I will be on one side and Wesley and Renee on the other side. Oh and it's about three blocks away." Elliot said causing Suzie to squeal with delight, waking Mai and the other little kids.
"So Elliot, I had a quick question for you. Would it be ok if Mai stayed here for a few days? Allie, Ellie, Kyle and Katie are staying for a few nights while their parents try to figure some stuff out. I figured that it would be good for Mai if she made some friends. I mean they seemed to hit it off, but they could get to know each other a little more. What do you say? Suzie asked looking hopeful.
"It's fine by me…if Mai is ok with it." Elliot said simply.
"I want to stay with Grandma and Grandpa." Mai said simply. By then everybody else except Darcy, Nattie, Keith and Kara had left.
"Ok…guess I'll have to come back with her stuff." Elliot said simply.
"No, it's fine. We have a bunch of her things here already." Suzie said smiling as she took Mai, after they gave each other cheek kisses.
"Night daddy, see you later." Mai said as Suzie put her down.
"Night sweetie, see you in a few days." Elliot said as he, Wesley and Renee headed home…
So there you go
Tell me what you thought
Try to update soon,
SarT55