Falling Slowly | Ricky Bowen

19- Dinner with the Bowens

Re-runs of the Macy's Parade played on the TV as I stood in the kitchen, analyzing the cooking instructions. I decided to try and make some sort of thanksgiving meal, even if it was only me tonight; I'm sure dad would appreciate the leftovers.

So far, my mashed potatoes were too runny, my boxed turkey was burnt, and the green beans were soggy, "looks like we're eating stuffing and rolls for dinner tonight, Laur," I spoke to my dog, the stuffing was the only thing that turned out edible, and the rolls were store-bought, meaning they were perfect.

As I cleaned up my mess, my phone rang, Ricky's contact flashing across the screen, "Hey," I greeted him, putting my phone on speaker so I could continue cleaning, "aren't you supposed to be having dinner with your dad?"

Ricky and I had talked briefly after school yesterday, and I could tell he wasn't looking forward to a thanksgiving without his mom around, "Uh, yeah," Ricky replied, "I was wondering if you wanted to come over?"

"For dinner?"

"Yeah," He breaths; I had declined all of my friends offers to join their families, not wanting to intrude, "I just can't stop thinking about how you're alone," he admits; I'm glad he's over the phone and unable to see the blush spreading across my cheeks, "you can so say no if you want," He adds, "I just-"

"I'd love to," I cut him off, placing the final cooking utensil away, "are you sure your dad doesn't mind, though?"

"No, uh, he actually wants to meet you," Ricky informs me; I furrow my brows, me? why did Mr. Bowen want to meet me of all people? "dinner is in half an hour, is that cool?" Ricky adds before I can question why his dad wants to meet me.

I glance at my reflection in the mirror; my clothes were covered in various ingredients, and my hair was braided down my back. "uh, yeah," I nod anyway; why was I so worried about what I looked like anyway? It's just Ricky, Eloise; your friend, I remind myself.

"Cool, I'll see you in a bit then," he greeted me, hanging up; I rushed into my room; thanksgiving had always been an occasion when mom was around, something we'd dress up for, was it that way for the Bowen's too? Would my usual jeans and sweater be too casual?

I sigh, rummaging through my closet; none of my clothes seemed very "thanksgiving," the drawer of clothes I bought with mom all those years ago catches my eye.

Mom had thought ahead, knowing she'd miss shopping for special things, so when we went shopping for what I thought had been just another trip to the mall, mom had been preparing me for all the occasions she wouldn't be here for, including holidays.

A corduroy jumpsuit got my eye as I skimmed through the items; it was a burnt orange shade perfect for the fall and was something I would never normally pick out; still, I pulled it out, laying it on my bed before turning back to find something to pair underneath it.

I quickly grabbed a cream-colored turtleneck, and a pair of black boots; before changing into the outfit. Unlike the extravagant, poofy dress Carlos had picked out for me a couple of weeks ago, I felt comfortable in the jumpsuit, and despite it being different than my everyday wardrobe, I still looked like me.

Due to how long it took me to find an outfit, I untwisted my hair from the braid, which had created some light waves, clipping two pieces back. If it was too much, there was no time to change; because within minutes, I had left the house and made it outside of the address Ricky sent me.

"Eloise," He greeted as he opened the door; Ricky opened his mouth to say something else but paused; the look he had on his face at the school dance returned.

"Hey, Ricky," I smile, my hands gripping the container of stuffing I'd brought with me; I hated not being able to tell what Ricky was thinking, "you okay?" I asked; so far, he hadn't moved from the door, allowing me in.