My Misadventures

33: Thanksgiving With A Very Good Friend

After spending the last day and a half doing homework, I'm ready to socialize again. Well, partially ready.

I'm sweating. The bus ride to Grandma's house is far too long, and gives me too much time to think. How am I going to introduce Caleb? How am I going to keep my cool? How am I going to dodge invasive questions, and avoid embarrassing stories?

What if Caleb is already there, being bombarded by my extended family? What if he gets overwhelmed? What if he's already told them that we're boyfriends?

I'm not only nervous, I'm flat out scared. Scared of what Granny Murdock will say, scared of what my aunts and uncles will think, scared of my cousins finding out.

I try to take deep breaths, but nothing can calm my nerves. I'm practically shaking by the time I step off the bus. I have to take off my coat while i walk so the cold air can cool my trembling body.

I might throw up. I lean over a gutter drain, paying close attention to the temperature of my saliva. I sit down on the curb, holding my head between my knees.

"You're okay." I say aloud, massaging my neck. "You're going to be fine, you'll see. It's just thanksgiving, there's nothing to worry about."

It takes a while to talk myself down from an anxiety attack, but I eventually overcome the tightness in my chest. I take deep breaths, and stand to look at the sky. Overcast. I just hope it doesn't snow.

I close the final distance to my grandma's house, noting the cars spilling out the driveway and lining the street. Even the Eldridge's car. That means Caleb is already here. Deep breaths.

I think about his embrace, and his warm smile. If i want to see him, I have to go in there. I can do this. I can totally do this.

When I open the door, all eyes turn to me. The gesture normally would have made me freak out, but everyone seems excited to see me. Several people call my name, and some of my cousins run over to hug me. After hugs and kisses for the kids, I make my way into the house.

Everyone's gathered around the kitchen island thing, laughing and talking with Caleb and his mom. When he sees me, he smiles even wider. Not quite a "love smitten" smile, but open that says "I'm so happy to see you again."

I greet my aunts with a hug for each, and give my uncles hand shakes all around. When I finally land next to Caleb, I give him a fist bump.

He leans in quick and whispers. "Friends."

I nod my thanks. Our secret is safe for now.

"So, skylar." Aunt Kelsey says, bringing my attention to the people around me. "Caleb was telling us about how you two met."

"Oh, how much did he tell you?" I nudge him playfully.

"Not much yet." He shrugs. "We were at a party."

"Yeah, friend of a friend... of a friend." Everyone laughs when I explain.

Apparently that satisfies everyone, because they go back to bombarding Caleb with personal questions. I stay by his side in case he gets overwhelmed. It only takes a couple of minutes before he reaches over and taps my knee under the counter top.

I sit up straight as if remembering something. I turn to Caleb, and put a hand on his shoulder. "Oh hey, can I talk to you for a sec?"

"Oh, yeah." He nods, acting surprised.

I lead him away from the crowd, and down a side hall of empty bedrooms. I pick a random one and we slip inside, closing the door after us. I slump in a desk chair, letting out a heavy sigh.