“Love you more,” he responded before hanging up.
Some of the weight had lifted off my shoulders, and I wiped the tears from my cheeks. I swore to myself I would make this Thanksgiving the best one yet.
Wanting to end this chapter of my life, I texted Jason’s dad.
I wanted to let you
know my dad will
have no further
inquiries about
Jason.
He responded back quickly.
Good. Have you
considered my offer
for the JackholeS?
I erased his text from my phone, completely ignoring his last comment. I was finally moving forward, and I didn't want anything from my past holding me back. Those ties were now severed.
I went to the kitchen to start prepping, since the boys had to be at the festival early. I planned on cooking everything the next night, so we could just reheat it when we got home.
Excitement for the boys rushed through me. This would be the chance they needed to break into the industry–I was positive of that.
As for Mr. Hutchingson, he could go suck on the fuck-off stick.
Iwoke up early, bouncing up and down with excitement. My dad and Martha would be landing soon. Kill laughed at my exuberance, but I could tell he loved seeing me like this. We planned on taking D’s Highlander so we could fit everyone comfortably.
I wasted time by cutting up fruit for the fruit salad. The music was blasting, and I was singing and dancing, letting my happy flow. Kill came in and grabbed my arms, swinging me around. He sang along with me, and everything seemed perfect.
Jet and Amy ran in and started grinding on each other like they were in a club instead of the kitchen singing at the top of their lungs. Van and Jessie came in to investigate and began singing and dancing along. D shook his head at us, always the epitome of professionalism. We chanted for him to sing, and he surprised us all by hopping onto one of the kitchen chairs and belting out the song.
We cheered and laughed, singing and dancing around the kitchen. I felt so accepted, and my life felt right. This was one of the rare, perfect moments you only experience every once in a while. I knew this was a memory I would think of on every Thanksgiving from here on out.
We sang and danced to a couple more songs before Kill and I had to leave. I assigned everyone a chore while we were gone. When we left, they were still in the kitchen singing and laughing while they chopped and mixed. The sight made my heart beat with delight.
While we waited at baggage claim, I leaned into Kill, absorbing his love and basking in the moment. When I saw my dad and Martha come down the escalator, my heart almost burst from happiness.
Martha's long blonde hair was pulled into a French braid. She looked younger in her pink sweatpants and black long-sleeved thermal shirt. My dad was in one of his many plaid shirts with jeans, showing off his lean body with an air of authority he would never be able to shed. His face had a look of contentment. His arm was around Martha's shoulder as they scanned the baggage claim for our faces. As soon as our eyes connected, I ran to him, hugging him tightly as he picked me up, kissing me on the forehead.
“Hey, baby girl, you look good. I missed you.”
“Missed you too, Daddy.” I released him and turned to give Martha a tight hug.
“How’s my girl?” Martha asked, making me smile even wider.
“Better, now that you two are here.”
She looked over my shoulder and arched her eyebrow. “Are you going to introduce us to that fine male specimen behind you?” she asked, making my dad puff out his chest.
“Hey, now. I've lost ten pounds,” he pouted, flexing his arms.
“I know you have, honey, and you look amazing.”