The Look Of Love

Chapter 36: Thanks

Over a week has past and Mary still isn't talking to Ashley. She made up with, and forgave, everyone else including Lori and Dutch. It's kind of hard to be mad at Dutch, when his whole personality overpowers your own.

Which is what happened in Home Ec, last Thursday. Mary was intent on ignoring him. Even when he made his silly turkey puns, she kept herself from laughing or smiling. But as Ms. Careen announced the winners, and she announced Mary's turkey as runner-up... Dutch's face broke out into a huge smile. And he pulled her in for a hug. 

She couldn't help it. She missed her big ego Cobra friend. So, she hugged him back. And of course when he won first place, she was proud for him. She knew he had found something he excels at besides karate.

After that everything returned to normal, except with Ashley. Every time she thinks about the sneakiness, and the lying, it makes her upset all over again. Ashley was the first friend she made at West Valley High. She knows her deepest secrets, and they've been through so much together.

 When Ash's mom got really sick, and was in the hospital for weeks, Mary was there. When she has her sporadic migraines, Ash is there. She's helping her and keeping her company. Mary attends every one of her friend's golf team matches. And Ashley attends all of her ballet recitals, and competitions. They've always been as close as sisters.

Which is why it makes this treachery a difficult pill to swallow. Friends don't enter friends in beauty pageants, behind their back. So, Mary continues to stew and simmer in frustration. Today would be the first day, she's been near Ash since her big reveal last Wednesday. 

With two days left before Thanksgiving break, Mary had taken to eating with Bobby elsewhere. Their friends took turns eating with them. They had split up who would eat with who. It was sad. Even Tommy mentioned, "It's like we're in a divorce. You need to make up." 

Poking her head into Mary's room, Lori asked "Are you ready? The shelter is expecting us within the hour."

"I just have to put on my shoes, then I'll be finished," Mary replied. Today she wore her purple plaid Bob Mackie dress, with multi-colored stripes across the middle. She chose green closed-toe pumps, to also match the green in the plaid. It was festive and happy. She needed festive and happy, if she's going to be in the same room with Ash.

Grabbing her tote she walked into Lori's room. She found her sister applying a spritz of perfume. Once done, the girls walked down the stairs together. They approached their aunts, in the parlor. The aunts gave them a sizable donation check, to present to the director. Then they drove to shelter.

The first thing the girls did was present Mrs. Applewick (the shelter director) with their aunt's check. Mrs. Applewick cried tears of joy. "Thank you girls so much for coming every year to help us out. You don't how much your help, and this check, means to our small staff. And another thank you, for brining your friends along this year. We're expecting another record turn out." 

Placing tablecloths on all the round tables, Mary began reflecting on the many things she's thankful for. Interrupting her thoughts, Johnny and Dutch walked in. They saw Mary and gave her a hug. Afterwards, she pointed them in the direction of the kitchen. The staff must have told them to set up the serving table buffet, cause she noticed them doing just that.

Soon, all the others arrived... Bobby, Gemma, and Ashley. The girls headed Lori's way, while Bobby stayed with Mary. He helped her finish the tablecloths. Then they set the tables, with paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware. For the finishing touch, they placed cute turkey crafts in the middle as a centerpiece. The crafts came courtesy of West Valley Elementary.