Thanksgiving Day
Sandy had a very early flight so he could be home in time for Thanksgiving dinner in New York. He knew if he missed it his mother would never forgive him. It was the one holiday out of the year that his family could count one everyone being present and accounted for. That is why Sandy made such an effort to be there. His flight left at five in the morning, putting him in New York by two eastern time. Even though, he left home as soon as he could, he still felt a strong connection with his family. He knew his mother didn't approve of him moving to California, but he knew it was more for selfish reasons than anything else. He has been trying to make up for his absence ever since he left.
During his six hour plane ride home, he tried everything to keep his mind off of what happened last night. He tried, in general, to keep his mind off of Kirsten. He shouldn't care what she does or who she keeps company with. He shouldn't have let it bother him as much as it did, but for some reason he couldn't help it. If there was any one quality he hated, it was dishonesty. He had hated his father for years for being dishonest with his mom and the rest of his family. It was something he really didn't have room in his heart to forgive.
Maybe that is why it bothered him so much. Kirsten was dishonest about her situation and he trusted her to give him more than that.
Maybe that is why it bothered him so much. He shouldn't have trusted her or put so much faith in her character. He usually was such a good judge of character and now his own senses failed him.
He did know that she cared enough to come out and try to explain it to him. It's funny to think that just a week ago, he was the one trying to explain things to her. She had misread the situation about why he dismissed her from his room that night. Maybe he was misreading this situation. He shook his head as his thoughts continued. What was there to misread? A preppy, stuck-up, rich guy shows up from her hometown to pick her up for Thanksgiving break. The same guy who is in all her pictures and who she shared a bed with last night. The more he thought about it, the more he was accurate in his original analysis. He did not misread the situation last night. He misread her.
Kirsten woke up in the comfort of a warm body cuddling against hers and strong arms around her tiny frame. It was something familiar and comfortable and she actually relished in the feeling. She didn't want to move because she didn't want to face Jimmy and his misconceptions.
"Good morning. I have been waiting for you to wake up." Jimmy loved waking up with her. It always brought back memories from the previous evening and the fun they always had. This morning was different though. Kirsten seemed cold and defensive so he didn't push her. He knew her better than that.
"That's just creepy." She pulled the covers off and started to get up. "We should get moving. We have a long drive and I need to start thinking of how to handle my father for the next four days."
They never got out of bed that fast, but the feeling of familiarity was replaced by discomfort. She wanted to lay close with Jimmy to feel better about herself. She knew that her feelings were because of Sandy and what he believed to be so wrong.
"Wait, where are you going? Lets lay for a little bit." He gave her these puppy dog eyes in the past that she could never resist.
She turned around to face him and smiled. "Jimmy! Come on, we know where laying is going to get us and I don't want to go there."
"Would it be so bad to go there?" He was getting hard just thinking about where there was.
She gave him a look that he had never seen before. It wasn't the pout she gave him when she didn't get her way, but it was more like a disapproving glare. "Jimmy.." She said it sort of whining like she really didn't want to have this conversation. "No, it wouldn't be bad, but it would be wrong. You and I cannot keep ping-ponging in and out of each other's lives. I haven't seen you in months and really want to spend time with you as a friend. I know it's something you and I have never mastered, but I would like to try it for once."
"Friends? Kirsten, you and I will always be more than friends."
"I know that." She sadly had to admit that. It was something she knew would stick with her forever. She lost her virginity to him. Of course, they would always be more.
"I will always love the person you are and who you have become." Jimmy had to add that in.
"I think I will always love you too, but I am not in love with you and haven't been in a long time. I don't want to continue a sexual relationship with you because I really think you and I need to focus on trying to go into uncharted waters and be friends."
Jimmy wasn't sold on the idea, but he would take Kirsten any way he could have her. "Okay. Lets get moving then, huh?"
The car ride back to Newport was slightly uncomfortable. She could tell that Jimmy was not pleased with how tings went this morning. She knew what his intentions were from the minute he called. She just had been so preoccupied with her mind weighing on Sandy, she just wanted some familiar company. Only now, did she realize how wrong she was.
Presently, things were so terribly wrong with Sandy, but she shouldn't care what he thought of her. But she knew it was his constant misjudging that drove her crazy. He would have to let her explain. He would have to grant her the same respect she granted him, although it was forced through passionate kissing. God he had a way about him. Kirsten didn't realize she was smiling on the outside until Jimmy interrupted her.
"What are you thinking about?" He loved to see her smile and was curious to see what the cause was.
Kirsten blushed. She was caught and would never admit it, especially to Jimmy. "Nothing. I was just thinking about something funny."
"Why are you getting embarrassed? You are turning red! Does this have to do with a guy?" Jimmy had every right to tease her. She always teased him about his college flings.
"I am not embarrassed and I assure you it has nothing to do with a guy."
"Okay." He didn't believe her for a second. He knew her too long to know when she was lying. He just figured if it was someone important and meaningful, she would have shared it with him. They could be the best of friends if he let them.
They arrived at her parents house a few hours later and she always seems to be amazed of how she grew up there. The mansion was so cold with all the Italian marble and massive in size for just four people. The only positive about the size of the property was the fact that there were many areas she could escape to where no one could find her. She almost resented being back there and her resentment increased each time she visited. She hated who she was forced to be and it was something that she could never change. She tried to rebel but her reputation was so in tact that even she couldn't foil it. That is why she chose Berkeley and she chose not to be devastated when she and Jimmy broke things off. She wanted a fresh start and ending the expected union was something that helped that fresh start take off.
Jimmy watched as she reluctantly climbed the front steps to her house. He couldn't understand how someone who had absolutely everything at her fingertips could resent it to the utmost degree. He could never understand her need to struggle and earn everything when her life could be so much easier.
He followed her up the stairs and grabbed the bag out of her hand. "Even though you insist on being just friends, I can still be a gentleman."
"Thanks Jimmy." She sighed thinking about what was to come. "I just don't want to go in."
"Come on, it won't be so bad. Your parents are going to be thrilled to see you and then my family will be over later for dinner. You could use our dysfunction as a distraction."
The smile that she had on her face immediately disappeared when she heard the door open. "Kiki, it's good to see you." He held his arms open for a hug. Kirsten was surprised but she recovered and hugged him back. This felt good and maybe this trip won't be so bad. "You look so grown up. Have you given any thought to taking some business classes?" Think again, she thought.
"Dad, don't start!" She made her way into the house with Jimmy trailing behind her. "I am going to take a shower. Thanks Jimmy for the ride and I'll see you later for dinner." She needed to excuse herself from the situation before her dad pissed her off within the first three minutes of her arrival home. Home. What a funny word? She never felt more out of place than she did right now.
Caleb turned to Jimmy and invited him in. He was always fond of Jimmy and spent a lot of time with him at the country club, on the golf course and sailing on his yacht. Jimmy was everything he wanted in a son-in-law and he expected that someday they would all be family.
"So, How's classes Jimmy? You, I assume, are still taking all your business classes." Caleb smiled while he offered him a drink.
Jimmy nodded, "Yes, sir. I am on target to graduate a semester early and so I can study for my Series Seven license before I turn twenty two. As you can imagine, my father feels it cannot happen fast enough."
"That's good to hear. You are going to make a small fortune before you turn twenty five." He laughed, but it was said with all seriousness and there was a sense of pride in his tone.
"Well, I hope so."
"And what about you and Kirsten? Things with the two of you have been distant."
"Well we do go to separate schools."
"Yes, but I appreciate you going to get her this weekend. I could have sent my jet, but I am happier when she is with you."
Jimmy knew where this was going because this conversation has taken place in the past.
Caleb continued, "Have you two made any plans toward the future? I have to assume that seeing you two together today has to mean something?" It was a phased as a question, but Jimmy knew it was more of a demand.
"Well, you know Kirsten. She has a mind of her own. She told me just last night that her and I are to be friends. I am not really sure what that means, but she seems happy, so I am okay with it for now."
"For now." Jimmy couldn't possibly be happy with that arrangement. Caleb needed to set Jimmy on a better track for his daughter. "Jimmy, Kirsten and you belong together. You have to understand that sometimes Kirsten doesn't know what she wants. I expect you to lead her onto a more guided path. I trust you with her and that is something I do not take lightly. You have to make sure she knows your future is planned with her. That her future is secure with you. Do you understand me?"
Jimmy knew never to argue with Caleb Nichol so he obliged. "Yes, sir. I understand." He knew arguing with Kirsten wasn't much fun either, so he needed to change the subject. He started toward the door. "What time should we be here for dinner later? I have to go home, unpack and shower."
Sandy was now in a cab on his way from Queens to the Bronx. He really did love New York, but he would never be rich enough to live in Manhattan and truly enjoy what the city had to offer. He would always be a bridge and tunnel New Yorker and that is why he left. There was nothing glamorous about the Bronx, except Yankee Stadium. As the cab pulled up in front of his old apartment building, he was just reminded of why he left in the first place. He opened the door and the cool air hit his body. It had to be thirty-five degrees here and he was just not used to that.
He dreaded walking up the stairs and facing his mother. He loved her dearly and prided himself on being a family man, but her constant comments about his abandonment was something he just didn't look forward to.
He climbed the steps and arrived in front of the door, where he heard lots of noise from the dimly lit hallway. He opened the door and a familiar sight met his eyes. His mother, head down focused on papers and files that were spread across the kitchen table, his sister and brother trying to make the most of the holiday trying not to get in her way which was next to impossible.
After the warm welcome from his siblings, Sandy turned to his mother. She rested his hand on her back forcing her to look up at him. "Hey Ma, Happy Thanksgiving. It's so nice to be home." Sandy was lying, but he just wanted to say what she wanted to hear.
Putting her head back down, she said "You don't have to lie Sandy, but it is good to have you home."
He smiled thinking that this visit maybe wouldn't be so bad. Maybe his mother has finally, after four years, accepted the fact that his life is now in California. He even let his mind wander to getting up the courage to ask her to come out for his graduation at the end of May.
"So, what have you been up to? Besides leaving home without turning your head back and chasing rich, California blondes, you must be getting good grades or your ass would be right back here." Maybe not such a positive visit, he thought.
He had to tell her now he was accepted into Berkeley Law and that he would not be finishing his education in New York. "Actually Ma, I am doing really well. I was recently accepted into Berkeley Law and even got to meet some of the Alumni from the school." As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he regretted it. He could see the look of disappointment on his mother's face. He knew he should have waited until the end of the weekend to spring that news on her.
He had to change the subject and fast. "Ma, lets not think about this right now. Lets focus on the positives. I was wondering..."
"This is a positive. My son is going to law school. I am proud of you Sanford. I really am." She put on fake smile that could have been spotted a smile away. He smiled a fake one back as she changed the subject to her work. She always did that to avoid any near damaging topics.
Sandy and his siblings worked hard to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They gathered around the table which was a rare occurrence and just talked for a few hours. It was a nice change from the constant bickering that went on in that household. Sandy was trying to be very careful and not speak of his future at Berkeley Law knowing not only it would upset his mother, but probably his brother and sister as well. Sandy considered himself a family man and wished his actions didn't hurt them in such a great depth. Not that Sophie Cohen would ever admit to it. She was too strong for anyone to see her weaknesses, even her own son.
After dinner, Sandy had a few beers with his brother before he called it a night. He was exhausted from a late night which turned into an early morning, the flight and the time change. He knew that he had to speak to his mom about staying in California and he was hoping once they ironed everything out, that she would come out there to see him graduate. He would wait until tomorrow after a good night sleep and a clearer mind.
At the Nichol mansion, the Thanksgiving meal was a five hour ordeal. There were several courses which were each broken up with drinks by the fireplace. Caleb and Jimmy's dad always spoke of business and the mothers always about upcoming events in Newport. Since Kirsten and Jimmy were still underage, they would sneak off to her room for a drink of their own. Kirsten was always good to have a bottle of vodka stashed in the back of her walk-in closet. That was always the start of her escapes as she liked to think of it.
Once dinner was finished, both families sat in the living room as they reminisced of Thanksgiving pasts. They discussed the meals, how their children have grown and all the memorable moments. Everything was going right in line of a typical Nichol-Cooper Thanksgiving until Caleb had to speak his mind.
"Just think, one day we will be all sharing this holiday at Kirsten and Jimmy's house. It can't be that far off. They are already half way through their sophomore year. Before you know it, they will be college graduates." Caleb was smiling proudly, not even catching a glimpse of the tense wave that came over the room.
Kirsten was livid and Jimmy wanted to die from embarrassment. He knew that Caleb was trying to plant the seed of the future he wanted to see. He also knew that this was not the way to handle Kirsten. She hated when people told her what to do and Jimmy knew that he couldn't push his way into Kirsten's heart. She had to accept what was to come on her own terms.
Kirsten couldn't believe her father. When was he going to stop this incessant need to plan her future? She wanted to yell and scream that she would never do as he says. He had no intention of living thie life that he wanted for her. She was going to live her own life and her own dream. She knew that above all else she stil was a Nichol and would never cause a scene.
She just got up from her seat and starting walking out of the room. "I am kind of tired and am going to head to bed."
Jimmy wanted everything to go back to the way it was before Caleb's comment. He wanted her to forget anything was mentioned. He knew all of this was not working in his favor to win her over. "Kir..." He began as she turned around to look at him.
"Jimmy, It's okay." She gave him a sympathetic smile basically clueing him in that what her father wanted was never to be. "Good night everyone."
FridaySandy slept well, but woke up with a start. He had to figure out a plan of how he was going to talk to his mother and make her understand his position. He figured the best way to start was to be open and honest with her. After an hour of lying in bed, he decided that maybe they could spend some quality time together before the arguing started.
They spent the whole day together and he couldn't remember the last time he saw his mother smile so much. It was exhilarating. When they arrived back at the apartment, Sandy decided to broach the subject.
"Ma, there is something I want to talk to you about."
"There always is. What do you need Sandy? I know you didn't spend the whole day with me for nothing."
"Ma, don't be like that. I had real fun today. It was good to get out and see a side of you that doesn't come out often."
"Don't beat around the bush Sanford."
" I want you to say something about me staying in California and attending Berkeley Law. Good, bad or indifferent, just say something." Sandy eyes pleaded with her to be honest.
"What do you want me to say that wouldn't make you feel bad? Everything I want to say is only going to make you feel guilty. But I'm Jewish right? That's my job, right? Why couldn't you just come home and go to NYU Law."
"Because I love California. My life is there now." He knew she was never going to understand his argument.
"What about our life? Your family's life? Doesn't that mean anything to you? You are no better than your father! Taking off without one look back on the rest of us. It is just not fair Sandy."
"What's not fair is a mother not wanting what is best for her son. Ma, please support me on this. I am happy there." She had to have some place in her heart for his happiness.
"Well, she must be something!"
"What?" Now he was utterly confused.
"In my head, there has to be an overlying reason to why you would want to stay on the west coast and it has to be a girl. I am sure she is everything we're not."
"I would never make a decision about my future over just some girl. Why do you think I am that clear headed?"
Sophie wasn't even listening to him. She was too wrapped up in her own theories. "She must be blonde, beautiful and loaded with money. She probably likes you because you are not on her level. She probably likes slumming around with you for fun and you are too stupid to realize it."
Sandy thought at that very moment that his mother might have severe mental problems. Where did all this come from and why would she assume that he would fall for such a girl? He felt ashamed and insulted and angry. How dare she accuse him of all these things? No one made him feel less like a grown man than she did right then and there. He couldn't think straight and words just came flying out of his mouth.
"You know what Ma? It is a girl. The whole reason I plan on staying there is because of her. I never wanted my life to end up next to a bitter woman like yourself. And if you think for another split second that I can't make sound decisions, then I don't need your support. I don't need it for me to be happy with my decision to stay out there."
With that Sandy turned away before any more hurtful things were to be said. He was mad at himself for losing his temper and he was mad at her and her damn assumptions. He knew he had to leave before things got worse. He booked himself on a seven o'clock flight and would arrive back in Berkeley around ten. As he stood at the door, he called out to his mother one last time. She appeared in front of him and he could tell she was upset that he was leaving. "Ma, don't be upset. I have to leave before one of us really hurts the other. I know how much you hate California, but it would mean the world to me if you could come to my graduation in May. Don't say anything now, just think about it."
Kirsten stayed in bed until the afternoon. Jimmy tried to get her to meet up with some old friends earlier, but she had no interest. She just wanted to figure out what the hell she was going to say to her father. She wished she could just let it go, but it wasn't in her nature, especially when it came to her father. She knew he was working from home like he did every Friday of this holiday weekend. She had to get this off her chest because he had to stop making comments about her like she didn't even exist.
She went to his study and knocked before entering. Caleb was on the phone and had held his index finger up indicated that he would be with her in just one minute. As he was making some sort of business deal, Kirsten started to get nervous about what she was going to say. She needed to stay focused and on track, and thinking about a loveless marriage and life in Newport helped her not derail.
Caleb hung up the phone and walked over to her. "What can I do for you?"
"Dad, this isn't a business deal. I just want to try and have an adult conversation with you."
"Okay. Does this have something to do with why you didn't come out of your room today and ignored Jimmy's request to go out. You know you should really let the boy take you out. You need to let him spoil you a little bit."
"Dad! Stop it! I don't want to talk about Jimmy and me. You have to get something in your head. There is no Jimmy in my life the way you want him to be. He and I are just friends. You have to accept that."
'Kirsten, don't be silly. You and Jimmy are lined up to be the most powerful couple of this community. Just think of the great things you two will be able to accomplish together."
"I don't want to be a part of this community. I don't want to be part of Jimmy's life that way. I don't want you to keep up with this whole charade of pretending that my opinion doesn't matter. It does matter. I want my life to be what I build it to be."
"Enough! Kirsten, that's enough. You are nineteen years old. You have no idea what you want. You have no idea what is best for you. When you grow up a little more, you will see that I am right. You are so worried about proving me wrong that you are willing to sacrifice your own future. This must stop right now." Caleb couldn't believe she was challenging him like this. She never stood up to him.
"You know what dad? I may only be nineteen, and I may not know exactly what I want out of life, but I do know this. You spent the last nineteen years raising me to be an independent woman so I would never have to depend on anyone. Looks like you did your job to well."
Caleb just tried to ignore that last comment and focus on Jimmy. "What's is wrong with Jimmy? I don't understand. You guys used to be inseparable and now you've changed your mind about what he has to offer? It makes no sense." And then it hit him. "Is there somebody else that thinks he has stolen your heart? Some free spirited Berkeley nobody that is poor and striving to change the world?" Caleb laughed at such a thought.
Kirsten couldn't believe that he was basing her whole demeanor on a guy. How could he think that she was getting upset over her life being planned for her because of some guy? Was he insane? She could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks. How could he think that she was that naive? She felt her heart racing. "Yeah Dad, that is exactly it. Some guy swept me off my feet and made me decide that I don't want this life any more."
The phone rang and she knew he was going to pick it up signaling the end of their conversation. Before he did, he said "Kirsten, darling, believe me, the world doesn't work like that. You are going to be miserable. Sorry to be the one to break it to you." He picked up the phone as Kirsten stormed out.
There was no way she was staying there another minute. She started packing up her stuff and thought to call ahead to get her Dad's hjet fired up and ready for take off in a few hours. She had to get out of there because she realized her father would never understand her, even if she spoke to him until she was blue in the face. He would never budge on his position. She arrived at the private airport and looked at her watch. She was going to arrive into Berkeley around ten.