Day Seven

PROMPT: "Thanksgiving" [four days]
Part 1 of 4

"You're coming over to Rafe's for dinner tonight, right, sis?" Jada asked as she and Talia sat together sipping coffee and enjoying a light breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. Autumn was in the air. The Brady family had decked out the Pub for the holiday.

"Who's all coming?" Talia asked, not offering an immediate promise to attend. Jada noted it but chose not to comment.

"Well, Rafe's cooking up a regular feast. He's invited his sister Gabi and her husband Stefan. They're bringing the kids. Eli and Lani, and their twins are stopping by later on for dessert."

Talia sipped from her warm mug. "Isn't there some bad blood between Gabi and Lani?"

"Well, yes, I guess there was, but they're trying very hard to put it behind them; you know, for the sake of keeping the peace."

"Mmm, peace is a nice thing. Do you think you and Rafe could make peace with Shawn?"

Jada raised an eyebrow. "Nice segue. What are you getting at? I'm not, nor have I ever, been at war with Shawn Brady. He is my partner."

"I know that, and I'm seriously not trying to start something here, but we both know you're still mad that he and I slept together."

"Talia-"

Talia pressed on undeterred. "Plus, Rafe has scolded him - I don't know how many times - for getting drunk."

"Of course, he has, because Shawn was drunk on the job. We carry firearms, Talia, and we're supposed to protect and serve the community, not endanger people's lives."

"I know. It's just... Shawn is really trying to get help. He's attending AA meetings, and he's stopped drinking, even socially."

Jada sighed. "Just how do you know all this, Talia? Are you seeing him?"

"Don't be mad…"

"Oh, God…"

"Shawn and Belle are getting a divorce, Jada. You know as well as I do, that Belle dumped him as soon as she found out we slept together."

"I know, but as I've said before, they could reconcile, and then where does that leave you?"

"Shawn says they aren't getting back together, that they're done for good this time. There's just too much water under the bridge, you know. I think he means it too. We've been spending time together and -"

"In or out of bed?"

Talia flushed and tossed down her napkin. "Jada - You know what? Forget I said anything. I don't want to disappoint you and that's all I ever seem to do. I'll apparently always be a screw up in your eyes."

Jada sighed and reached for her sister's hand. "Hey, don't say that."

Talia's eyes watered. "Well, it's true, isn't it?"

"No, it's not true. You're not a screw up in my eyes. Sometimes you do things that I question. Yes, okay, I admit that, but that's mostly because I just worry about you. It's a big sister thing. I don't want you to get hurt."

"I know, and I appreciate that, I honestly do, but -"

"But you're an adult. I get it. And that means I have to give you the space to let you make your own decisions, don't I?"

"Yes, but I still need you by my side, loving me even if you don't always agree with what I do."

"Well, I'm right here with you." Jada smiled. "You obviously brought up Shawn for a reason. You mentioned wanting to make peace …"

"Yes. I guess what I'm wondering is … Is there a way we can all make peace, even if it's just for one day? If you could just reach out to Shawn somehow, I know it would mean a lot to him. He acts like he doesn't care what you two think about him anymore, but deep down, I know that he does care how you and Rafe feel about him."

Jada nodded. "Alright. I will reach out to him, Talia. It's the right thing to do. And I'll tell Rafe about what you're asking of him and see what he says. I can't make any promises, but I am thinking he'll agree to make peace with Shawn too. Rafe is not an unreasonable person, you know. He's a good person."

"I know he is. You wouldn't be with him if he weren't."

"I love you, sis."

"I love you too, Jada."

"So about tonight. You're coming to celebrate with us, right?"

"Yes, I'll be there. With bells on."