As Long As You Love Me | j.d.b (UNDERGOING REVISION)

Chapter {37}: Thanksgiving Day P2 x Break

Jaden pulled up to the house that used to provide me with some sort bliss. Dwayne's driveway was packed and I was unsure whether or not it was because of family or friends. Although it was packed, it wasn't as packed as it usually was. Jaden turned off the car and Khalil hurriedly jumped out of the car causing me to giggle. Someone was definitely eager to grab another plate. Justin rushed out of the car as well and came over to my side to open the door for me. I opened it before he had the chance to do so, grabbing my small tote in the process. He glared at me and I simply smirked.

"Do you know what you're going to sing?" I questioned as Justin held his hand out for me to grab.

"Y'all couldn't have shut the doors gently? People are so disrespectful now adays." Jaden groaned, scrunching up his nose in the process, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Man, shut up." Khalil laughed.

"No, I didn't give it much thought." He murmured, nervousness appearing to occupy him. I chewed the inside of my cheek and sighed as I intertwined our hands. Justin shut my door behind me and a loud click emerged from the vehicle.

"That's ok, babe." I reassured, looking over at Jaden and Khalil who were already jogging up the pathway and to Dwayne's door.

"Justin!" Dwayne echoed as he welcomed us inside. He was always so loud. Justin laughed as he let go of my hand and dapped him up. "I didn't think you were actually going to come."

"Well, things worked out so here I am." Justin nodded.

"Vanessa." Dwayne nodded at me and I gave a small wave. He then glanced at Khalil and Jaden, extending his hand. Khalil stared at it for a moment before shaking it.

"I'm Dwayne and welcome to my home."

"Khalil."

"Jaden. Thanks for having us."

"My pleasure. Follow me, everyone else is in the living room while the table is being set up."

Justin's hand rejoined mine as I took in the remodeled house as we all followed Dwayne into his living room. The usual aesthetically pleasing walls I had adjusted to were now decorated with oranges, browns, and red décor pieces. Usually the living room was mostly vacant in comparison to how it was decorated now. It was used as a dance floor for the most part and now it appeared to actually be a family room.

"To think my house was nice." Khalil muttered causing to Dwayne to chuckle lowly. My eyes took in the room, it was large but cozy. I felt my throat tighten and my eyes became marble like as I stared at Ryan and Chaz who were talking among themselves on the sofa. Their backs were facing me and I was beyond thankful. I don't think I could handle that confrontation right now. Justin noticed and squeezed my hand, providing me with reassurance. Everything would be ok. Everything was ok. It appeared that everyone was here, including Green Eyes. She sent a small wave and I actually sent a genuine one back along with a smile.

"There's finger foods on the table for now. The food should be ready within the next ten minutes or so."

    We all lounged around for a moment, small talk was going on and a little music was playing. Khalil and Jaden were outcast for a little while before they decided to socialize. They were definitely crowd pleasers. Khalil and Jaden soon drifted off and Jaden spoke to a girl, nothing but intellectual knowledge flowing from him while Khalil started spitting a few rhymes. I couldn't help but laugh lowly. Justin clowned on them a little bit throughout it all. It was hard to ignore Chaz and Ryan considering the fact that they sent me a few glances. I was guilty of charge as well however. Anyone could tell something was going on between us three. I sighed as I sunk into the sofa, Justin's arm wrapped behind the back of it.

  Dinner was announced by a servant and everyone stalked into the dining room and I felt as if I genuinely was an adult having dinner with my adult friends. To simply think I was a Junior was scary. I essentially was a young adult and I didn't know how to feel about it. We all took a seat along the sides of the long clothed table, empty dinnerware placed in front of each seat. Justin pulled out a seat for me and I stared at him for a moment. Jaden and Khalil took notice and laughed at him for a moment. Justin smirked before shaking his head and taking a seat.

Dwayne held a wine glass in his hand as he stared at his dress shoes. His eyes were unreadable and he simply blinked, taking in the nothingness. For a moment I thought he'd never say a word but he soon cleared his voice.

"I know you guys must be starving since it is rather late, but I just want to thank everyone for coming and the staff of my home for helping me put this all together. At the beginning of this year I was a complete and utter jerk, I won't deny that part of who I once ways still lays in me for various reasons. However, you guys have bettered me in a way and I'm beyond grateful to have you all in my home this holiday." As he looked up sadness was evident in his eyes and I had no idea why. Maybe the lack of family around this holiday or something personal? I threw him a sympathetic look, one that he hardly noticed. He tipped his glass at the butlers and maid standing along the walls and they sent him smiles.

"If anyone else would like to say anything, feel free." With that Dwayne removed himself from the steep separation of a floor plan and sat at the head of the table on the end in which he could view everyone along with whoever decided to speak. I felt Justin lightly tap my thigh beneath the table.

"I'm Justin." My boyfriend greeted, stuffing his hands in his pockets. Rodger, Griffin, and even Cory found themselves roaring and a few people chuckled and clapped. "I'm sure all of you know of me since I've made a name for myself this year. I have a lot to be thankful for: my family, my friends, health, and most of all my beautiful girlfriend, Vanessa. She's made this year the best year it could've possibly been for me. Honestly, if it wasn't for Dwayne's parties we probably wouldn't have met and if so, it would've been different." I eyed the dining room table with a toothy grin on my face. Ryan was staring at me, but I couldn't make out an emotion.

"I know each and everyone of us is thankful for something, no matter how big or small. Happy Thanksgiving." We all clapped and I couldn't help but grab hold of his hand and peck his lips as he sat down beside me. A few more people spoke and then a delightful smell of food greeted us all.
The variety of food was astonishing and I should've expected it knowing it was coming from Dwayne. Dwayne was wealthier in comparison to the rest of us. Sure, we all had money, but he had the world.

Turkey.

Chicken.

Ham.

Greens and I seriously mean, greens. Multiple types.

Mashed potatoes with or without gravy.

Deviled eggs.

Cornbread and Hawaiian rolls.

Macaroni.

The list went on and I was happy we decided to come.
   

    The next day Vanessa got to meet Justin's grandparents. They were at the house last night, but called it a night early. It was nice to be able to call Vanessa Justin'a girlfriend and Pattie thought it was the cutest thing. She assumed from the beginning something was there and she was proud of her son for wanting to be with Vanessa. She was also happy
he was happy; that's all she ever wanted for her son. Happiness. Throughout the break Justin and Vanessa hug out nonstop and studied for hours on end. They went roof topping, to Olly's, and simply enjoyed each other's company. The break was well needed and the two were happy they got to spend it with each other. Although, Vanessa's relationship was going smooth, the one with her father was not. If anything Mr.Raymond felt more distant from his daughter than he did beforehand and that troubled him.