The Simple Things

November

"Dinner will be ready in five minutes!" Oliver's mother called from the kitchen. Oliver was busy setting up the table. Somehow, he had convinced his mother and father to come together again for a Thanksgiving meal. He was excited to have his family back together. At least for one meal.
"I still don't know why you want to bring that man back here, Oliver. After what he did to us..." Oliver looks as his mother stops what she's doing. They had a rough past with Jeff (Oliver's father).
The doorbell rang as they both turned sharply to the door like dogs. "...I suppose that's him." Oliver walks to the door and opens it. He is greeted by a very tall and very well built man. Gray hairs could be seen through his dark greasy hair as the man takes off his glasses. "There's my boy!" The two embrace and Oliver can't help but smile. It goes away when he notices someone behind his dad.
"Oliver, meet Courtney. She's studying to become a hairdresser." Oliver tries to be polite as he shakes hands with her. He could hold back any rude comments, but his mom would go ballistic when she saw her. The three of them enter the kitchen as Oliver's mom turns around. "Jeff. And..." Her face drops even more at the sight of Courtney. "...Courtney, right? You used to go to Oliver's high school?" She nods and smiles before setting a bowl on the table. "And you brought food...even though you knew I was cooking."
Jeff knows where this is going as he takes Suzanne (Oliver's mom) to another room to talk. They start yelling before the door even closes all the way. Courtney and Oliver are left alone. "So Oliver...how's high school? Any different since I left?" Oliver shakes his head. "Nah. Mr. Turner is still cranky as hell." Courtney had graduated Oliver's high school when Oliver was becoming a freshman. They had barely talked except for a fundraiser and an audition they both went to.
Suzanne and Jeff come out. "Let's just stop fighting. At least for a little bit while we eat." They all take a seat as the food is set out. It is very awkward and silent as food is served to each plate. Oliver gets an idea. "Let's all take a turn saying what we're thankful for! I'm thankful we can all come together and enjoy a wonderful meal. And for life in general-" "Are you still auditioning? Any luck?" Jeff asks with a mouth full of food. "Yes...and no, but-" Jeff laughs a bit. "Damn. You just don't know when to quit. What is it? 20? 24 shows now? Kinda sad if you ask me."
Oliver's mom shoots daggers at his father that are so sharp you could've cut the turkey with them. "Jeff, at least he's trying. Which is more than you've ever done." Jeff slams his napkin on the table. "Don't fucking start, Suzanne. I'm not the one who-" Oliver cuts them off before they could continue their fight. "Let's just stop fighting! Dad, you're up."
He thinks for a bit before giving a smile. "I'm thankful for Courtney. A REAL woman who knows how to treat a man properly." He sips his drink with a satisfying smile. Suzanne looked like she was about to explode before speaking up. "I'm thankful for Oliver. Who I didn't meet online and who stayed with me longer than two weeks." Jeff gives a mean glare before going again. "I'm thankful for not having to hear annoying bitches every night complaining about their amazing life." Suzanne stands up. "I'm thankful that you're out of my fucking life!" Jeff stands as well, slamming his fists on the table. "I'M THANKFUL I GOT OUT OF THIS ROTTEN HELL HOLE AND AWAY FROM ALL OF YOU!!!"
Oliver let's that last part sink in. While he loved his Dad, he did question if the feeling was mutual at times.
Suzanne is trying to hold back tears as she eventually runs to her room, slamming the door shut. Jeff sits down and finishes eating. "This turkey is shit. Over cooked." He burps before grabbing another plate and finishing it like he had not eaten in a week. Jeff stands and grabs his coat. "Tell your mom a cook book comes in handy when making dinner."
He laughs and grabs Courtney's hand as they begin to leave. "Hey Dad?" He turns as Courtney continues to the car. "What's up?" Oliver tries holding back his own tears. "A-Are you really happy to get away from us? From me?" Jeff takes a deep breath.
"Oliver...sometimes grown ups say stuff they don't mean. You know I would never say anything like that to you." Oliver nods. "But...why do you say it to mom then?"
Jeff sighs again before putting his glasses back on. "I...It's a grown up thing. You'll understand eventually. I gotta go." He rubs Oliver's hair before leaving for his car. "I'll see you later, sport." They drive off as Oliver takes a seat on his front door step.
"...if that's a grown up thing...I don't wanna grow up."