This chapter may be considered rating M for a very quick scene in the beginning. But more like think T.
Chapter 31: A Time of Thanksgiving
******Tuesday Night******
Later that night Mac and Parker were at home. It was, for once, just the two of them. They had finished dinner and cleaned up. Both girls were trying to come to terms with what had happened to their friend and roommate. It had been a whirlwind the past few days.
Parker threw herself down on the couch. "God, I am beat! I haven't even packed yet for my trip home," she said.
"What time is your flight?" Mac asked as she sat down in the chair next to her.
"Very early. Piz and I found the cheapest flight we could, but it's at six in the morning. So I'll be up at four! We'll have to say our goodbyes tonight," she said.
"It's going to be strange having the house to myself. Dick is leaving for Vegas with his dad tomorrow," Mac said.
Parker sat up and looked at her in concern. "Will you be okay staying here by yourself? I'm a little creeped out myself knowing Jazmin was attacked here just a few days ago," Parker said. "I still can't believe this!"
"Yeah, me, too. My bio parents are freaked out about it. I guess my parents felt they had to tell them about it," Mac said warily. "You'll be happy to know they're going to fit the bill for an alarm system. So when you come back, you can feel more secure."
"Wow! I guess that's something. My parents will be happy to know that," Parker said.
"Are you going to tell them about it?" Mac asked.
"I don't know. Maybe a few bits. I don't think I'll mention the word rape, though, or this could be my last semester here," Parker said with a frown.
"Yeah, it does seem like a serious problem with this town," Mac said in disgust.
"I do wish Jazmin wasn't moving out, though," Parker said.
"I know. This entire thing is a nightmare," Mac agreed. "But it'll make her feel safer in the end to be in the same place as her brother."
"True. Not to mention her scary, intense daddy," Parker said.
"I guess we should think about getting a new roommate," Mac said. "Splitting the cost by two will be a lot more to pay."
"I want to save money for next summer's vacation," Parker said. "So I'd rather we get a new roommate instead of just splitting the bills by two."
"Maybe we should ask Thea or Daisy," Mac suggested. "I'd rather not have to interview a roommate but pick someone we already know and like."
"Well, you can decide. I don't know either very well, but they both seem nice. Daisy is a bit bold, but her and Jason are so cute together," Parker said.
"Oh, you didn't hear? They broke up," Mac said.
"Really? Why?" Parker asked in surprise.
"You'll have to ask her. She hasn't actually told me anything. I think she may benefit the most by living with girlfriends. Thea already lives with her sorority sisters," Mac said.
"Well, ask her and if she says no, ask Thea," Parker said.
The doorbell rang and then opened as Dick poked his head in. "Ladies," he said waving at them.
Mac smiled and got up and gave him a hug. "We're not going to see each other for days and that's how you greet me!" he complained.
Mac laughed. "Well, I didn't want to embarrass Parker," she said.
"By all means, embarrass me!" Parker said with a grin.
Dick took that as permission and laid a big kiss on Mac, who wound her arms around his neck and returned it with enthusiasm.
Parker clapped and whistled. Dick lifted his head and flashed her a smug smile. "Much better!" he exclaimed. Then he bent down and swept her up into his arms.
"What are you doing? Put me down!" Mack yelled as she flung her arms around his neck.
Dick grinned down at her in his arms. "Nope! I'm not gonna see you for like 5 days! I want to remind you of what you're gonna be missing!" he informed her.
"It's only 3 days and nights, you goof! You'll barely notice!" she said.
Dick looked at her like she was insane. "I'll notice," he said dryly. He carried her to her room, forgetting all about Parker.
He kicked the door closed with his foot and gently sat her down on the floor. "I'm sorry you're going to have to spend turkey day with both sets of parents," Dick said.
"Hey, it's fine. I'll be okay," she said. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
Dick slipped his hands under her shirt and pushed her back toward the bed without breaking off the kiss.
Mac surprised him by unbuckling his belt and reaching inside and fondling him, causing him to gasp. He stepped back and quickly discarded his clothes. She always laughed at how fast he managed to disrobe. Mac decided to tease him a bit and took her time undressing since she knew that he enjoyed the show.
"You're killing me, babe!" he exclaimed in reverent awe. It didn't matter that he'd seen her naked more times than he could count. It still thrilled him like it was his first time. She was so buttoned down in her everyday life. Even though she streaked her hair unnatural colors, she was mostly a conservative gal. Only he got a glimpse of the vixen she really was. It was the biggest turn on to Dick.
His heart raced in excitement as she looked at him with fire and heat. He loved her when she got like this. She slowly stepped closer to him. "How about I give you a nice Thanksgiving treat?" she suggested with a wicked grin.
Dick returned her grin eagerly. "Whatever you want, Mackie!" he enthused. However, his eyes rolled back in his head when she dropped to his knees and engulfed him in her hot, wet mouth. "God bless America! I love Thanksgiving!" he shouted.
******The Next Day******
After driving Parker to the airport the next day and saying goodbye to Dick, Mac decided to stop by campus and check on Daisy. It was still early, and she hoped Daisy would still be in town.
Daisy opened her door. "Well, this is a surprise. Don't you have family to go see?" Daisy asked smiling at her.
"I see them way too often as it is," Mac said. "Remember, I now have two sets of parents telling me how to run my life."
Daisy laughed. "Yeah, I guess that would be a bit much. But come Christmas you'll get double the presents to make up for it!"
"True. I hadn't thought of that," Mac said. She saw the open suitcase. "Are you about to leave? I was afraid I'd miss you."
"You came just in time. Chip is coming soon to get me," Daisy said.
Mac could tell that Daisy wasn't her normal chipper self. There were shadows under her eyes that normally weren't there. "I heard about you and Jason, and I wanted to see how you are doing. Are you okay?" she asked.
Daisy shrugged. "I'm okay. Right now ,I'm mostly pissed," Daisy said with a frown.
"You know Jason isn't thinking straight right now. He's just upset over his sister almost dying. He'll realize what a mistake he's made," Mac assured her.
"It won't matter. He'll never get another chance to hurt me again," Daisy said grimly. "How's Jazmin doing?" It was obvious to Mac that she didn't want to talk about Jason.
"Pretty good considering. She saw a counselor before leaving the hospital, and her dad has made arrangements for her to see one in Chicago. She'll get through this," Mac said.
"That's good to hear. She and I aren't exactly friends, but I wouldn't wish what happened to her on my worst enemy," Daisy said.
"Her dad is insisting that she move back in with Jason next semester," Mac said.
"Really? I guess that's not too surprising," Daisy said.
"Parker and I were wondering if you'd be interested in moving into her room? We'd love to have you as our new roomie," Mac said smiling.
Daisy was caught off guard by the invitation, but it didn't take her long to respond. Finally, she had something to smile about. "I'd love to! Are you sure? Parker and I don't know each other that well," Daisy said.
"She's really easy to get along with, and she knows how fun you are. That's the biggest requirement in a roommate," Mac said, glad to see Daisy smiling for real.
"I've never had anyone but cousins that were close enough to me to be roommates. You and Veronica are really the first good friends I've made," Daisy said.
Mac reached out and squeezed her hand. "We're very lucky to have you as our friend. I'm sorry that things are so tough for you now with Jason," Mac said.
"Me, too," Daisy said softly, her eyes clouding over. She was ready to leave Neptune for vacation and put all thoughts of Jason out of her mind. She'd try anyway. For some reason, she wasn't so sure she'd be successful.
*******Dick and Weevil*******
Dick had an hour before he had to meet his dad to go to the airport. He wanted to get something done before he left, so he drove to campus after saying goodbye to Mac. Although there wasn't class today, he thought Weevil might be working. Wednesdays were his normal day to work on campus. The campus didn't officially shut down until tomorrow. Dick walked to the maintenance building to see if he could find him.
Weevil looked up in surprise when his name was called out. He was doubly surprised to see Dick. "What's wrong?" Weevil asked, figuring something must be in order for Dick to look him up.
"Nothing, dude. I just wanted to ask you something," Dick said. "I'm going to meet my dad soon to head to Vegas for the break."
"Sounds fun," Weevil said. Dick wasn't his normal chit-chat buddy, but he did know how to have polite conversation.
"So maybe you heard that I'm moving out of the beach house? Gonna move back into my dad's. He's traveling a lot now for work and doesn't want the place to sit empty. Since Ronnie and Logan are going to tie the knot soon, I figured I may as well give them some space," Dick explained. "It's getting a bit crowded there anyway with little dude and Trina."
"Yeah," Weevil said, not sure why Dick was telling him this. He gave the man an expectant look.
Dick started to feel a little awkward but plunged ahead. "So I was thinking that since you gotta move out of Jason's 'cause of Jazmin moving in, you might be looking for a place to live," Dick said with a questioning note.
"Yeah. I haven't had a chance to look yet. She won't be back until next semester, so I have time," Weevil said.
"Wallace is moving in with me until next semester. Then he's gonna move in some place else with the Pisser dude," Dick said.
"And this concerns me why?" Weevil asked.
"I was thinking you may want to move into my place," Dick said. "The place is huge, and I don't want to live there alone. Mac doesn't want to move in with me yet."
Weevil blinked a moment, not sure the man was being serious. "You're serious?" he asked.
"Yep. I know we're not like best buds or anything, but the place is so roomy we wouldn't be tripping over each other. You don't have to pay rent or anything," Dick said.
"I'm not the mansion type, so no thanks," Weevil said. Nor was he a freeloader, but he didn't bother adding that part.
"Yeah, Ronnie said that, but she said you might consider the pool house. It's got its own bathroom and stuff. Like a little apartment. Of course, you could use the house kitchen or pool anytime you wanted," Dick said.
Weevil gave Dick a considering look. "I'll think about it," he told him.
Dick grinned as if it was a done deal. "Cool!" he exclaimed. "Happy turkey day!"
Weevil watched him leave in bemusement. The world might just spin off its axis if he actually took Dick up on his offer.
That evening Weevil was at J & E when Wallace dropped in.
"I was hoping you'd be here," Wallace said. He sat down in the chair across from Weevil's desk.
"Nico is flying to Chicago this evening. I'm about to close up," Weevil said.
"Are you closing for Thanksgiving?" Wallace inquired.
"Yes. We're shutting down until Monday. The machine will pick up any inquiries. If there's something big that comes up, I'll take it," Weevil said.
"Well, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about David using me to lure Jazmin to our room," Wallace said, his disgust with himself apparent.
"Yeah, that's pretty messed up," Weevil said grimacing. "But I don't really blame you. You're not suspicious by nature, so why would you have suspected David?"
"You know Thea knew David wasn't right the moment she met him and saw his attraction to Jazmin," Wallace admitted. "I keep replaying what Thea said over and over in my mind. I laughed at her concern. Now I just feel sick about it."
A part of Weevil was angry that someone had actually warned Wallace about David, but he ignored it. He shook it off, knowing Wallace wasn't at fault. David would have found some way to get to Jazmin if he was really determined. "The entire mess makes me angry. I told Jason something was wrong, and Jason wasn't concerned either," Weevil said in displeasure.
"For the longest time, Jason and Jazmin only had each other. I doubt Jason could fathom Jazmin not coming to him if something was wrong. She always had before," Wallace pointed out.
Weevil grudgingly admitted, "That's true, but I'm still pissed at him."
"If you're not mad at me, you can't really be mad at Jason. I know Jason feels even worse than I do. He broke up with Daisy he feels so guilty," Wallace said.
Weevil knew Wallace was right. However, Jason was the closest friend he'd made since he left his boys. He couldn't help but expect more from Jason. It wasn't easy for Weevil to let someone in the way he had Jason. They'd become like brothers. Never did Weevil think his relationship with Jazmin would cause problems between him and Jason. He sighed. Maybe some distance from both Jalenos would make things better.
*******Thanksgiving Day*******
Mac looked around the table having trouble believing this was her life now. She sat at the Sinclairs' huge dining room table. Stephen and Marilyn sat on each end while her parents sat across from Mac with Lauren and Ryan next to them. Mac knew that her moms had purposely sat her next to Madison. They thought it was the way to make peace, but it was mostly keeping Mac from being very hungry.
"This is nice having everyone together," Mac's mom said brightly.
"I agree," Marilyn said happily.
Ryan and Lauren were whispering together. "What are you two so excited about?" Mac asked them.
Ryan looked up and grinned. "We're placing bets on how long before a cat fight breaks out," he said.
"There will be no fighting," Stephen said firmly. "Like it or not, we're family. You two may not be actual sisters, but you share two sets of parents. I know you've had a rocky history, but it needs to change."
"Tell her to call off her attack dogs," Madison sourly.
"I don't have any attack dogs," Mac said, giving her a cross look. "If you want Veronica and Logan to leave you alone, I suggest you apologize and mean it. No one controls those two. Not even me."
Marilyn exchanged a look with her husband. She had a long talk with him recently after Mac had come and talked with her. "Your dad and I agree, Madison. You attacked a pregnant woman who was a guest in our home. The fact that she got the best of you doesn't excuse your rudeness. Whether or not your attack caused her miscarriage can't really be known. I'm sure it didn't help. She was hit by a car not long ago. A body can only take so much abuse. Telling her that her baby was better off dead was a heartless thing to say. It makes me ashamed that the daughter I love and raised as my own child could be so cruel," Marilyn said, surprising both Mac and Madison.
"You're serious?" Madison asked in disbelief. She looked at her father, expecting him to come to her defense.
She was shocked when her father added, "Your mother is right. We've spoiled you too much. This belief that you're innately superior to everyone needs to stop. If you want your credit cards back, I suggest you pass your finals and apologize to Veronica."
"I'll help you study," Mac said, offering an olive branch.
Madison got up, determined to storm out and ruin the dinner.
"Sit down!" her father ordered, raising his voice to her for the first time in her life.
The shock of it brought her back in her seat. Mac and Lauren's mouths both were open in shock and amazement. Ryan, his mother's child, quickly ended the awkwardness by telling a funny story.
Mac sat there a moment without moving, trying to take in what had happened. Finally, she picked up her fork, her appetite had returned. She couldn't wait to tell Dick.
*******The Mars'*******
Like last year, Duncan and Lily joined their friends at Keith and Alicia's for a second Thanksgiving dinner in the evening.
Lily was very excited to see Richie. He could finally do a bit more than cry and eat.
"Can I hold him? Can I?" she asked excitedly after everyone had finished eating. Veronica had her sit on the couch and gently placed him in Lily's arms.
Lily grinned at her dad who was sitting on her other side. "Can I keep him, Daddy?" she begged.
"He's not a toy, Lily. He's a real baby. No, you can't keep him. One day when you're much older, you can get married and have your own baby," Duncan said, not knowing how he felt about that thought.
"His mommy would miss him if you kept him," Veronica said.
"Are you sure about that one?" Duncan asked.
"Well, I know she loves him," Veronica said. It bothered her that Trina had left Richie on a holiday, but she did realize he was too young to really notice. There wasn't any real harm done because of her absence.
"Why don't you put him in the bouncy chair?" Alicia suggested. "I picked it up on sale. Darrel and Wallace always loved those."
Duncan smiled as Alicia moved both children to the other side of the room, freeing them up to talk. Logan joined them, eating a plate of leftovers.
"I can't believe you still have room!" Duncan exclaimed.
"You're the one who already ate a turkey dinner earlier. I live for Alicia's turkey dinners!" Logan said smacking his lips.
"He didn't have any dessert. That's why he has room. Alicia made him his own pie to take home," Veronica said, rolling her eyes.
"Peach pie and ice cream! Yum!" Logan said, grinning. "I already bought my favorite brand of French Vanilla to go with it."
Duncan laughed. "It's good to see you guys smiling again," he observed. "There hasn't been much to smile about lately."
"Yeah, I know. Logan had to remind me, though, we do have some things to be grateful for," Veronica said.
"Like what?" Duncan asked.
"Well, we have Richie. Jazmin's going to be okay. I'm okay. And we're getting married very soon," Veronica said.
"True," Duncan said, but he wasn't smiling.
"What's got you so bummed?" Logan asked.
"Did you know Parker invited Piz to join her with her family for Thanksgiving?" Duncan asked.
"That blows," Logan said with sympathy.
"I'm sorry, Duncan," Veronica said. She felt a bit guilty for feeling happy for her ex. Piz was a good guy, and he deserved to be happy. However, she also thought Parker would make a great stepmother to Lily.
"She must be really serious about him," Duncan glumly observed.
"She wouldn't introduce him to her parents if she wasn't," Veronica said.
"I'm in love with her," Duncan admitted.
Veronica reached over and took his hand. "I know. I wish things would work out for you," she said with sympathy.
"It's hard for me to let her go because whenever I'm with her I feel so connected to her. More than I ever have with anyone," he shared.
"Then you shouldn't give up on her," Logan advised.
Veronica frowned. She didn't want to see any of her friends hurt anymore. "I don't know, Duncan. Maybe you should move on. If Parker can't see how great you are, then there's plenty of girls out there who will," she said. "Not to mention if Parker sees you moving on with someone, she might realize she's not so satisfied with Piz."
"Maybe. But I just don't want to play games or date anyone else," Duncan said glumly.
"Well, maybe you should think outside the box," Logan said. "Be patient. Like Jason said the other day about Daisy: if it's meant to be, you'll find your way back to one another."
Veronica loved that he was such a romantic, but she tended to be a bit more realistic. "Sometimes, the early bird gets the worm. Sometimes, you gotta work for it," she said, flashing a smile.
Logan chuckled. He did enjoy doing the workâat least when the prize was Veronica.
******Later at the Beach House*******
It was bedtime, but Richie was being fussy. He obviously missed his mother. Veronica took him into their bedroom.
"He won't go down. I think he misses Trina," Veronica said glumly. She laid him down on the bed next to Logan and got on the other side, boxing him in.
Logan held out his finger, and Richie grabbed it in his little hand. He smiled and kicked his little legs, obviously not wanting to sleep yet. They gave him the attention he was craving. Then Veronica fed him his bottle until his sleepy eyes grew heavy. Veronica picked him up and laid him on top of her to burp him. He finally fell asleep.
She rubbed his back, not wanting to move him and wake him up. Tears came to her eyes, and she cried softly.
"Honey, what's wrong?" Logan asked in concern.
"I can't believe I'll never hold my own son like this," she said, wiping the tears off her cheeks.
"They'll be other sons or maybe a daughter. One with your killer eyes and relentless courage," he said lightly, trying to make her smile. He ran a finger down her cheek. "Let me put him to bed." He reached over and grabbed Richie. Then he took him to his bed.
Logan crawled back into bed next to Veronica and pulled her into his arms. "Don't cry, Sugarpuss," he said. He placed a kiss on her forehead. "You know every day is Thanksgiving for me."
She looked up at him. "It is? Why?" she asked.
"Because every day I am thankful for you and the life we are building," he said quietly. Then he kissed her.
Veronica didn't really have the words to tell him how grateful she was for him. Instead, she showed him by loving him with every touch and every kiss.
*******Chapter End*******
SO I am assuming that Lauren and Ryan are pretty much the same age. Is there any strong evidence to dispute that? I've been writing them that way, and I hope it's accurate. Sorry if it's not.