I haven't updated in awhile, I know...let's just say RL has been becoming busier as the months go by...

BUT, in honor of Thanksgiving, I'd like to share this chapter with you guys :)

Enjoy!

*BTW: I understand Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in London, but I'll ask you the same thing Claire did when she first gave the Professor his hat: "Try to keep an open mind"*

Thanksgiving: a time for friends, family, and tons of food…it's also a day the Professor and I strive to keep Flora out of the kitchen at all costs.

It was three days before Thanksgiving, and Clive and I were sitting at the kitchen table, playing cards while the professor read the day's paper. That's when Flora came in, walked up to the Professor, and asked, "I'm preparing the turkey again this year, right Professor?"

Instantly, a look of panic crossed my face, and I glanced up at Professor Layton, who seemed at a loss for words. Of course he couldn't say "No", that would not only be ungentlemanly, but would offend Flora. "Um, uh—" he began to stutter, but was interrupted by Clive.

"Actually," he stood up, "since it will be my first Thanksgiving meal with all of you, I was going to cook, Flora."

I smiled. At times like this, I was grateful Clive was here to help us, instead of planning to terrorize us (and half of London) with a giant robot.

Flora stared at him for a moment. "Oh, I…didn't know you liked to cook, Clive." She said, sounding a bit taken aback. Then with a strange smile (was it angry? Real?), she nodded and left. For once, I had hopes that our turkey would not come out burnt.

"Okay," Clive said as he finished basting the turkey he had gotten the day before. "We just need to pop this in the oven, and when it comes out, we'll have a delicious bird that'll be the envy of all Thanksgiving tables!"

"That'll be a first," I laughed, ripping out some aluminum foil from a box and preparing to place it over the turkey.

"Everything going well?" Someone asked, and I looked up to see Flora. "I'll be stepping out for a bit, but I'll be back for dinner!"

"Flora…" I began, spotting a large paper bag in her hand. "What's that you're carrying?"

"Oho, you'll see, Luke. You will see." And with a laugh, she walked away.

Clive caught my eyes with a puzzled expression, then shook his head and shrugged, placing our beautiful bird in the oven.

Professor Layton was the one who heard the small pop.

The Turkey had been roasting for some time, the aroma that had begun to fill the house indicating that everything was going smoothly. Clive and I had left the kitchen and had been watching television, when the professor came in. "Did you hear that?" He sounded concerned.

"What?" Clive and I asked in unison.

"It came from the oven. Probably nothing, but maybe we should check?"

Clive looked at me, a uncertainty etched on face. We both rushed into the kitchen, cautiously opened the oven….and were faced with the sight of a mess of turkey and stuffing bits. In the middle was our once grand turkey, now resembling a crater.

Clive was at a loss for words. I simply sighed. It wasn't my first time dealing with a turkey trauma, but I had hoped for a different outcome this year.

I began to walk over to the phone, ready to call in for a take-away meal, when the door opened. In walked Flora and Emmy.

"Emmy and I've made you a surprise!" Flora giggled, placing the bag she'd been carrying earlier on the table and removing a big, golden and delicious looking turkey from within.

I stared at it, then looked up to see Emmy and Flora beaming at us. I beamed back, knowing that this year, friends like them were truly something to be thankful for.

Well, hopefully this has put you in the Turkey Day mood! Have fun tomorrow, everyone! Eat a lot, sleep a lot, and to those of you traveling, stay safe!

Until next time,

~Lizz