West Of Ordinary | COLLEGE SEASON

S3 Ep.5: "Look Who Came to Thanksgiving"

West rested her forehead against the cold glass of the car window, eyes trailing over the familiar blur of trees and houses. Two months had passed since the Derek fiasco, and things were... stable. Sort of. There was still that unspoken tension with Daniel, like they were holding their breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. She wasn't sure how long they could keep sidestepping it.

Avery: Poking West's arm Earth to West. Are you having deep, introspective thoughts again?
West: Startling What? No, just... thinking about how nice it'll be to sleep in my own bed for a few days.
Benny: From the backseat, grinning That's the spirit! Forget school, forget responsibilities—just sleep, eat, and avoid awkward conversations with the family. The Holy Trinity of holidays.
West: Laughing That would be ideal, but my mom's not really a fan of silence. I give it twenty minutes before she starts grilling Daniel.
Daniel: Eyes widening Grilling? Like, metaphorically? Or are we talking literal flames here?
Avery: Leaning forward Oh, she'll flame you, alright. Elizabeth Ambers takes no prisoners, and this is your first meet and greet, so buckle up.
Benny: Cackling Don't worry, though. If you survive, she'll adopt you. She's done it to all of us. But if you don't... she'll skin you alive and we'll be eating you for Thanksgiving next year. No pressure!
Daniel: Nervous chuckle Is it too late to turn the car around? I think I saw a Motel 6 up the road.
West: Grinning You'll be fine. Just... don't say anything too stupid. Or about politics. Or, like, anything that could remotely set her off.
Daniel: Gulping dramatically Great. Just avoid half the English language. I can work with that.

• • •

The moment they pulled into the driveway, West could feel the tight knot of anticipation in her chest. The house looked as cozy as ever—covered in autumn decorations, the front porch packed with pumpkins and wreaths. But the warmth didn't quite extend to her nerves. She threw Daniel a reassuring smile as they stepped out of the car.

West: Nudging him Relax. It's just dinner.
Daniel: Muttering Dinner with Lord Voldemort, maybe.

Before West could respond, the front door burst open, and Carly came charging out like a hurricane.

Carly: Shouting West! Tackles her in a hug You're finally here! Mom's been asking about you every five minutes!
West: Laughing as she hugged Carly back That sounds about right. I told you we'd get here by four.
Carly: Pulling away, eyeing Daniel with curiosity So, this must be Daniel. Grins devilishly The boyfriend. West I could've sworn that I told you to bring one for me too!
West: Carly is there any version of this day where you don't completely piss me off and embarrass me?
Carly: I mean there would've been if you had just did what I told you instead of bringing your boy toy!
Daniel: Giving her a polite smile I'm sorry to disappoint.
West: Groaning Carly, please.

Before Carly could say anything else, Liz appeared in the doorway, her presence instantly commanding. She scanned Daniel like a military general sizing up new recruits.

Liz: Smiling, but with the intensity of a hawk Well, well. So, you're the infamous Daniel.
Daniel: Trying his best to appear confident Yes, ma'am. Thanks for having me.
Liz: Nods, eyes sharp Let's see if you're still thanking me after dessert. Come on in, we're almost ready to eat.
Benny: Whispering as they follow her inside Girl, pick your face up.

Daniel adjusts his collar as he steps inside the house.

• • •

Dinner was exactly as chaotic as West had warned, if not more. The table overflowed with food—turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and at least five kinds of pie. Benny's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store, while Daniel sat rigid, doing his best to appear calm under Liz's watchful gaze.