A journey to change Autumn

37

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time of being thankful for the things you have not the things you want. But for some reason it doesn't seem that way this year. I don't know if it is the people or just the mood of the whole day but I felt pretty selfish all day. Not being able to help but instead stealing Tyler all day up until an hour before lunch so that McKenna and Emma could get me ready. It didn't feel like family. But it might also be that way because my parents are dead.

When I woke up on thanksgiving I immediately felt happy. Only three days ago Tyler and I officially got together as a couple, two days ago he called me his babe, and yesterday there wasn't school so Eli, Tyler, Luke, McKenna, Emma, and I all got to hang out in my room since I didn't want to go down the stairs again. We played random games and made fun of each other. But the best part was when Tyler reached over and held my hand during a few games. Thankfully no one noticed or they would have known something was between us.

Pretty much all of the beginning of thanksgiving day, I hung out with Tyler. I first woke up and took a bath in my luxurious bath. We never had enough money for a separate shower and bath, but at this house it's different. After that I got out and slowly put my sweatpants and t-shirt on. Going down the stairs was the hardest part but with Tyler coming to help me after I yelled for him at the top of the stairs I got down them quicker than expected. Once on the brown couch in the living room with Tyler we decided what to do for the rest of the day.

First we would talk a little bit while staying on the couch. Next we are going to figure out a easy way to tell everyone about us. Then he said he wanted to take me out on our first date today after our thanksgiving lunch and our big announcement. He wouldn't tell me where but he said that he talked to my uncle about it and said that he already knows about us and gave Tyler his permission. So that's how the day went.

After talking for a while and mapping out exactly what we were going to say McKenna and Emma came running down the steps to come and get me. I say running but it looked more like galloping to me.
"Excuse us, but we have to steal Autumn to get her ready for lunch." Mckenna says to Tyler while Emma stands some what cowardly behind her.
"Sure thing ladies. But let me carry her up there." Tyler states right before winking at me. It's hard but I find a way to control my giggling. He lifts me up in one swift motion like I am weightless and carries me up the stairs like promised. I don't see how he does it because trust me I weigh more than you would think.

By the time we reached my room I was just starting to enjoy the free ride. I didn't want him to go but I know that I will see him soon enough. He winks at me one more time before shutting the door behind McKenna and Emma. I flop down on my bed not wanting to get up and get ready. Thankfully Emma and McKenna don't make me get up just yet. Instead they buzz around my room getting things ready to get me ready offering me a 10 minute window to rest. After those peaceful but short 10 minutes they make me get up and start going crazy.

By the end of it I don't recognize myself. I am wearing a spaghetti strap blue almost denim color dress with a lace pattern at the bottom that comes down to right above my knees. I have on a cream cardigan and a cream shoe on my foot that doesn't have a cast in it. My autumn colored hair is in a high ponytail but curled. My thick glasses rest on the bridge of my nose on top of little makeup. I can honestly say I look great.

Mckenna was wearing a deep green dress with mid length sleeves and Emma was wearing a maroon skater dress with a sweetheart neckline. We could be the three musketeers. Not really. Soon we hear Tyler's dad and his girlfriend (I don't really know how she got invited but here she is) come and everyone going into the living room. We soon realize that it is 11:52 and we need to get down to the dinning room for lunch. McKenna goes down the stairs first followed by me then Emma. They both help me down slowly but surely to the bottom of the steps where I lock eyes with Tyler. He seems to mouth the word "wow" after looking at me but I doubt he did. Everyone soon take their seats while Tyler goes into the kitchen to help my mom bring all of the food out.

They decided to put the men at on side and the woman on the other. They decided to put me on one end and Uncle Adam on the other. To the left of me are McKenna then Emma, Shannon (Tyler's dad's girlfriend), then lastly aunt Mia next to her husband. To the left of me we have Eli, Luke, Tyler, and then Tyler's dad.

By the time all of the food got out everyone got in their seats and I found out that Shannon is actually really nice. She has sort blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She is small and short. She apparently had a previous marriage but her husband died from cancer. She is so sweet. Once we all got and blessed the food Tyler stood like rehearsed. He got the attention pretty quickly just by standing, clearing his throat, and saying "may I have your attention".

"May I have your attention please. Thank you." He starts," we are gathered here in this very moment for many reasons. First of all I would like to thank our host for opening up their home for us to enjoy this wonderful meal. Second, Shannon we are thankful you could join us this year. Next, I am sure we are all very thankful that Autumn is out of the hospital just in time for thanksgiving." I couldn't control the heat rising to my cheeks. This wasn't part of the plan. "Thanksgiving. We all know how it started but we really need to take this time to be thankful for what we have know. So I'd like to take a moment to go around the table and say what we are thankful for. If you would start for me Luke." Tyler finishes. What is he doing? That wasn't the plan.
"I am thankful for Aunt Mia and Uncle Adam for opening their home to us when we need it the most." Luke begins not waiting long.
"I am thankful for having a roof over our head and food in the table." Eli continues. Now it's my turn.
"I am thankful for a second chance." Not needing to elaborate since everyone in the room knows what I mean by that.
"I am thankful for friends and family that is always there for me." McKenna says nicely.
" I am thankful for the chance I am given every morning to strive to be the best I can." I think was the deepest thing I have ever heard Emma say.
"I am thankful for new opportunities. " Shannon shyly says.
"I am thankful for this family." Mo- aunt Mia says.
"I am thankful for my children and what they have accomplished." I know when uncle Adam says that he means Luke and I too.
"I am thankful for you guys opening your home and hearts to us and the environment it had given my son." Tyler's dad says in a husky voice.
Now it's Tyler's turn. Here goes.
"I am thankful for everything. For my friends and family. And of course how could you forget my girlfriend Autumn." Tyler says without any nervousness in his voice. It takes a minute to register through people's minds but once it does the room erupts in noise.