Apocrypha

Chapter 19

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."
2 Corinthians 4:15

THE SMELL OF FOOD traveled through the air. The lights were dimmed, and the fire was on.

In the kitchen, Gabriel finished up making the bread rolls while Lysander plated the stuffing. The two made joint meals for the potluck. 

"Okay, we're done. Do you want to freshen up before dinner?" Lysander asked. Gabriel shook his head. 

"I'm fine. I think I'm going to the living room to watch the ceremony." 

Gabriel walked to the living room. He sat next to Virgilia. She, Horatio, and Aaron's friend watched Mamillius. 

The TV showed a news segment of President David Barrington as he pardoned a turkey. The turkey was then given to Commander Benaiah LaFont. In accordance with tradition, the pardoned turkey is given to a special person every year who proved to be virtuous. It will then be eaten by the person and their family. Benaiah was given the turkey due to his successful efforts in capturing Manila. 

Mamillius picked up a dice and threw it. "Six!" He yelled, moving his piece on the board game six paces forward.

Horatio threw his and grabbed a card. "Uh-oh! You get discovered having an affair with your boss's wife and are now being hunted down. Take three paces back or skip your next turn." He read.

The others in the room chuckled. Horatio set the card aside and chose to skip his turn. They continued their game with Virgilia and Gabriel began to talk about the horde of Canadian geese that had flown over the day before. 

It was only a few more minutes before dinner was officially done. Kari and Lysander both stood at the doorway towards the living room and watched everyone talk to one another. 

"Too crowded?" Lysander asked Kari. 

She flicked her long braided black hair to her back. "What's the saying? The more the merrier?"

Lysander used his sleeve to wipe his forehead. He watched Gabriel talk to Virgilia on the couch, the two engaged in some sort of conversation using hand movements. 

"You two kissed." Kari said, watching Lysander admired his lover from afar. 

"How did you know?" Lysander replied, not looking away.

"A friend that works across the diner told me that you two shared a kiss. Apparently, all the office ladies were watching you two."

"I didn't know we had an audience." Lysander said, turning back to Kari. 

"Well, you guys did. And be careful of that. Just because this place may greet you with open arms, does not mean you can close your eyes and frolic through the woods."

"Understood. I'll let Gabriel know." Lysander replied. 

Kari's eyes glanced once more at the living room. She watched as Aaron's friend grabbed a log of wood and chucked it into the fire, then poked it around with the fire poker. He then returned to his chair and made conversation with Cassio, who had just entered the living room.

"Kari," Timon said, appearing in the hallway. Lucrece was behind him holding a tray of ready pecan pie. "Dinner is ready." He whispered to her. 

The woman nodded. She allowed a few more minutes for people to converse more until the clock struck 7. At which, she clapped her hands loudly for everyone in the house to hear.

"Dinner is ready!" She announced. "Wash your hands and sit at the table."

People stood up and created lines in the kitchen or bathroom to wash their hands. They sat at their seats, plates empty ready to be stacks with all types of food.