Unspeakable Acts (bwwm)

25

| Alyssa Mitchell |
📍 Lake Tahoe

Thanksgiving morning stretches lazily across the house. The Macy's Day Parade plays on the TV, bright floats and marching bands filling the living room with color and sound. My brothers run around downstairs, arguing loudly over who gets to wear the turkey shirt Mom brought for them. Their laughter bounces off the walls, and I can't help but giggle at their ridiculous competitiveness.

Jaxon and I sit at the kitchen table, plates of waffles and scrambled eggs in front of us. The smell of cinnamon and syrup mingles with the faint scent of pine from the living room decorations. I pour myself a glass of orange juice and glance at him, watching him tilt his head thoughtfully as he eats.

"Did you see the float with the giant penguin last year?" I ask, sipping my juice.

He smiles, a small curve of his lips. "Yeah, that one was hilarious. I think I almost dropped my coffee laughing."

I laugh softly, leaning on my elbow. "You're obsessed with coffee, you know that?"

"Maybe," he says, smirking. "But it's a quality obsession."

We chat quietly, about movies we want to see, songs we've been listening to, and the ridiculous things we did last week at school. It's simple, easy, the kind of conversation that makes mornings like this feel golden. I feel warm just being near him, his presence a steady anchor.

The front door opens with a cheerful creak, and my grandparents walk in, rosy-cheeked from their Turkey Trot run. "We should've woken everyone up to do it," Grandpa says, shaking his head, water bottle in hand.

Jasmine perks up immediately. "We could still go if you want!"

Grandma laughs, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, I already know you don't run, Miss Girl," she teases, winking at me. I laugh lightly, feeling wrapped in the warmth and love of family.

My brothers are still bickering over the shirt, now threatening to swap if the other doesn't comply. The living room feels full, cozy, and alive, all laughter and movement and chatter.

Jaxon hops up to help my grandparents with their bags, and Grandma beams. "Thank you, Jax!" she says, pulling me into a tight hug. "Good morning, sweetheart!"

"Hi, Grandma," I reply, hugging her back. The familiar comfort of her embrace makes me feel at home in a way nothing else can.

We all move around the kitchen together, the chaos of cooking and setting the table somehow feeling natural.

***

after setting up everything and making some final touches jaxon and i head upstairs to freshen up for the evening.

I sit on the bed lacing up my heels watching jaxon step out of the shower. A view i'll never get tired of.

"we need to hurry, i need to get down to watch the lions versus the patriots." he lines up his beard in the mirror.

i laugh cocking my head, "im dressed, you're not."

***

My parents bring out the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the sides. The smells mingle and swirl, making my stomach rumble. Jaxon quietly helps carry dishes, he's calm, contrasting with the chaos, and I notice how seamlessly he fits in with my family. He smiles occasionally, his eyes catching mine, and I feel a flutter in my chest.

Grandpa announces he's going to carve the turkey, and my brothers crowd around, eager for the first slice. I laugh as they argue over who gets the biggest piece. Jasmine teases them mercilessly, and even Cameron can't help grinning.

We sit down to eat, the table a beautiful mess of autumn colors and delicious smells. The conversation flows easily, laughter punctuating each bite. Jaxon reaches over to squeeze my hand across the table, and I smile, squeezing back. No words are needed.

After dinner, we move to the living room with mugs of cocoa and blankets. My brothers curl up with Grandma to watch a cartoon, and the football game begins on the TV. Jaxon sits beside me, arm around my shoulders, and I lean into him, feeling safe and happy. The warmth of family, the silly arguments, the quiet moments of connection—it all feels perfect, like a snapshot of everything I love most.

As the sun sets over the lake, painting the sky with orange and pink streaks, I feel a calm happiness settle over me. For today, there is only this... laughter, love, and the simple joy of being together. I glance at Jaxon, his face relaxed and soft, and I think maybe this is what it feels like to have everything you need right where you are. i finally feel content.

For now, nothing else matters.

sorry for the short chapter
but have so much planned!!
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