This Is How It Goes

Chapter Twenty Three: The Day of Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving weekend has never been something I’ve held too near and dear to my heart. Mostly it was just an excuse to stuff myself with turkey and pumpkin pie, as well as a nice little holiday. I didn’t look forward to it too much, most years I’d be surprised when it rolled around. Not this year though. I haven’t seen my siblings or my Mom in months. Not since I left in August and it feels like a lifetime. But finally Thanksgiving has come and I am going home. For the weekend at least.

Tabitha and Lachlan are different. That’s the first thing I notice when I dump my bags on the front step and crush them to me, almost cracking their ribs with the ferocity of my affection. As I hug them I begin to get that, off feeling as if the balance isn’t quite what it used to be. They smell, different, feel different. It throws me off. So when I let them go I’m not quite sure what to do with myself.

“Welcome back.” Lachlan grins.

“Where’s Mom?” I ask.

“She’s at the grocery store but she’ll be back soon.” Tabitha says, I look more closely at her and see that she’s wearing make-up. A lot of it.

“What’s that on your face?” I ask gripping her chin in between my thumb and forefinger. “Been playing in Mom’s make-up drawer Miss Tabitha?”

She squirms under my grip. “Mom bought me a set for my birthday.”

“I see.” I say. “Well you look nice. Just don’t let it become a part of you.”

She rolls her eyes and moves away from me.

“Darren’s in the living room if you want to say hi.” Lachlan says.

“Help me with my bags first.” I say.

“Why did you bring so many? You’re only staying for a few days.” Lachlan asks.

“I have washing I want to do.” I say picking up my purse and make-up bag and leaving the rest for my siblings.

“Don’t you have washing machines at college?” Tabitha asks narrowing her eyes at me, trying to wiggle out the truth.

“Yes, but it’s expensive. And so is fabric softener.” I walk through the front door. I’ve seen the house a few times but not many. Not since August at least. It’s huge. Painted cream and furnished in reds and black. It really is an amazing house. Open and light. Not exactly fitting of Darren’s personality, who if I’m being honest is a real downer. Darren is boring and this house is anything but.

I find Darren as I’ve been warned in the living room watching a football game. He looks relaxed in an oversized sweater with a bowl of chips on his lap. From this angle I get a full view of his receding hairline.

“Hi Darren.” I say making sure I come into view before I greet him.

He startles slightly and almost knocks the chips off his lap. “Katarina, I didn’t hear you come in.”

“Lachy and Tabs let me in.”

“Your Mom is out at the store getting some things for dinner.” He sets the chips down on the table. “Do you want some help with your bags?”

“No, it’s alright.” I say coolly. “Lachlan and Tabitha are getting them. Just wanted to say hello.”

He nods and his eyes flicker over to the TV. Typical. He has no interest in anything besides football, money and on occasion my mother. Oh and those dogs.

As if on cue Lachlan and Tabitha come in with my bags. Tabitha has a sour look on her face. She’s not pleased at having been made to do something. I hope she’s not got worse with her grumpiness since I’ve been gone. I worry about her, that she’ll turn out like yet another premadonna teenager, purely concerned with themselves. If I were here to keep her in check I think she might grow out of it but when Mom practically indulges her and Lachlan just fights back I don’t know what will become of her. I worry about Lachlan too. That he’ll forget to do his homework or that he’ll succumb to the pressures to be one of the boys. Lachlan’s not weak but I’ve made sure he doesn’t think it’s cool to catcall women or pick on boys smaller than him. Mom never really saw the need to instruct him in that department. I think she saw it as Harrison’s job. But I don’t think Harrison sees anything as his job anymore.