Back To You

Thanksgiving

Hiraeth Davenport

I set my empty plate down on the table and took a seat. My tongue ran along my bottom lip as I stared at all the cooked food. Thanksgiving had always been my second favorite holiday, my birthday being the first, because of the food. The clacking of empty glass plates being set onto the table soon stopped as everyone was getting seated.

Thankfully, my family of four plus Malakai were the only ones at this dinner. Angela wanted to invite her family however, they were unable to make it. I could already tell this dinner would be awkward enough without all the added guests. It was a while before we spoke as everyone was busy throwing various foods onto their plates.

Jamie cleared her throat dramatically, signaling that she would be the first to speak. "So how was your trip?"

"Perfect." I smiled sarcastically.

Jamie knew that Malakai and I had fun, in fact, she knew just how much fun we had. I rushed to tell her as soon as I came back from the trip.

"Perfect." Malakai echoed. She was busy eyeing the sweet potato pie so she wasn't really focused on the conversation that was taking place.

"I wish I was invited. I feel hurt and betrayed." Jamie placed her hand over her heart.

I rolled my eyes, knowing that she was just playing around. Jamie didn't even want me to go into details about the best part of my trip. She definitely wouldn't have wanted to be there. "Betrayed by who the Boogey Man?"

"My sister and my friend," Jamie said.

"You know exactly why you weren't invited." Malakai turned to Jamie with a knowing glance.

"See I told you Jamie, your lifestyle makes other people uncomfortable." Angela scolded. Jamie looked at her mother in shock. "I'm really sorry for the inconvenience, Malakai."

"The inconvenience?" Malakai raised an eyebrow.

"Lifestyle?" Jamie muttered.

My father jumped in with nervous laughter. "Malakai and Hiraeth used to be best friends a while back. They had a falling out and it took them years to become friends again. I'm sure that's why they didn't invite you."

Jamie forced a smile on her face and she shrugged. "I know, I was just kidding. Still, I wouldn't have minded going. But I don't think I would've enjoyed the trip as much as Hiraeth did."

"Oh shut up. I hope you choke on your yams." I huffed. Malakai started to laugh and I shot her a glare. "Don't start."

"Malakai do you say grace before you eat dinner?" Angela asked.

Malakai nodded. "Yes, I do Ma'am. My mama says we should bless every meal."

"Mhm." Jamie and I said simultaneously. In all my years of knowing Malakai, she was never a stickler for religion. Malakai hit my knee under the table and I was sure that Jamie got the same treatment because she laughed.

Angela didn't seem to notice our display of playfulness. "Finally, another religious person at this table."

"Oh, I'm not religious. My mother is, so I do it out of respect for her." Malakai stabbed a green bean with her fork.

"Hm, if only my daughter was so generous." Angela side-eyed Jamie who was stuffing her mouth with some turkey. "Where is your mother? Why aren't you spending time with your family?"

"Mom." Jamie coughed on her piece of turkey.

"It's just a question. I don't mean to intrude, I'm just curious." Angela shrugged.