Stepping Away

Thanksgiving Pt. 1

Thanksgiving was just around the corner. My parents had invited Gunner and I a couple months ago to get a head count. Of course we had accepted, but now I was on the fence of even going back home to see everybody.

Bobby sat me on the couch. He sat on the coffee table so he could look at me. "Why don't you want to go home anymore? Whenever you're parents invited you, you were so excited you couldn't stop talking about it."

I shook my head. "I haven't even told my parents everything that's happened with Gunner and I, or you and I. They don't even know who you are. I don't know...can't we just have a Thanksgiving here? The two of us? Plus there's Friendsgiving already that's this weekend."

The Hi5 crew had decided to do Friendsgiving this year the weekend after Thanksgiving so people could leave and visit their families for Thanksgiving but also attend Friendsgiving.

Bobby brushed my hair behind my ear and cupped my cheek. "If that's what you really want."

I was unsure why I was unwilling to go home. There was just so much drama that had happened in a short period of time, plus I honestly didn't really miss my parents or Texas. I had always been ready to get out of there as soon as possible.

I bit my lip and sighed, knowing that the better idea was to go and spend the holiday with everybody. "Would you come with me? Back home?"

He nodded. "Of course. I wasn't planning on letting you go alone anyway." He offered me a reassuring smile.

"Can we take your truck?"

"You'd rather drive than fly?"

I nodded. "I've always loved car trips. Bonding time." I smiled at him, thankful that my mind was finally made up. I had been stressing over that for a bit.

Bobby stood up and pulled me up with him. He wrapped his arms around me. "We'll leave tomorrow."

"Why so early?" I giggled.

"So we can take our time." Bobby smiled at me. "Now go get packing."

I headed to my room and grabbed my duffel bag from under my bed. Riley's head popped off the bed. I could hear his tail as it swished against my blankets.

"Don't worry baby, you're coming with us." He yipped excitedly even though he didn't really understand what I was saying.

I giggled and sat on my bed, pulling the boy in for a hug. "Hey buddy." I smiled, kissing the top of his head. "Yeah? You excited?" He yipped again and I laughed. "Awww I love you too."

I finally got around to packing. I threw in a couple t-shirts for the drive and the lazy days, plain white crop top for Thanksgiving day. Jeans, shorts, my tennis shoes, a jacket, and my booties was all I needed. I zipped up my bag and then grabbed Riley's duffel as well.

Now he knew what this meant. He sprung off the bed and rocketed towards me, jumping up and onto me.

I laughed and dropped the bag, picking my dog up like a baby. "Huh? Now you're really excited!" I stepped outside my room, figuring Bobby was off packing too until I heard his laugh from the living room.

My smile widened.

"He is such a baby." He laughed, patting the spot beside him as he scooted over.

I took a seat and giggled as Riley's head lazily lolled to the side. He eyed Bobby for a second, his tongue hanging from his mouth.

"You're the weirdest dog I swear." I teased, running my fingers through the fur on his stomach.

Bobby wrapped his arm around my shoulder and kissed my temple, causing my heart to flutter.

"You all packed, babe?"