REAL Old Fashioned: a BMW & GMW Spanking Story

Ch. 5/P. 2: The Thanksgiving Nightmare

The whole Matthew's clan plus Shawn, Maya, and John were sitting around the Thanksgiving table at Cory and Topanga's place. There were actually two tables: one for the adults and one for the kids, plus Eric (and his plus one). This meant that Riley and Maya had to sit together and try to get along. It also meant Josh, Cory's attractive (ten on the hotness scale) younger brother, had to sit there as well.

Riley had a plan. She thought that if she could get Maya and her uncle Joshua to chat, they would fall for each other. That way, she could have Lucas all to herself. Everyone would be happy. All would be well. What made this scenario even more interesting is Eric and his new girlfriend Corinna. There had been an established family rule set years prior that no one could bring their plus ones unless they were serious (dating for longer than 5 months). Eric and Nina (what Eric called her) had only been on three dates, which had gone pretty well. Riley was nervous that there would be some tension between her uncle Eric and her grandparents over this silly rule. She had hoped that just this once, they could have a civil family gathering. She had to make sure everyone got along in order for Maya and Josh to hit it off.

Then Shawn's half-brother Jack and his wife entered the room. All hell was about to break loose. Shawn's face turned a pasty white.

"Oh, hello! Sorry Shawn. I hope you wouldn't mind, but I invited Jack and his wife! I know, it's been years, hasn't it? Let's see some love." Cory was grinning from ear to ear with pride over this accomplishment. Topanga was equally as thrilled. Shawn just scowled.

"It's you...I can see nothing's changed. Had a nice life so far? It must be nice being you with all your fancy...everything. Still self-absorbed, are we?" Shawn walked toward his brother who was still standing at the door.

"Shawn, my brother, how have you been?" Jack cracked a fake smile and tried to play it off like everything was fine. He tried to give Shawn a hug, but Shawn backed away. The tension was so thick, it could be sliced with the same carving knife used to slice the turkey.

"Ya know, I could be better if my brother had cared. Why haven't you called? You knew the stuff going on in my life because Eric tells you everything, but you just didn't bother to talk to me. Why? Tell me Jack, if that's even your name." Shawn's eyebrows raised three inches.

"...What went on, Shawn? You never bothered to tell me anything all these years either. I didn't even know you were living in New York until just last week."

"Aren't you and Eric good pals? I would've thought he told you everything. I tried calling you many times over the years. It always went to voicemail. Was I a disgrace to you or something?"

"Do we have to discuss this right here, right now?" Jack said.

"Nah, I blew off my steam...said my piece...I guess we're not much good at this brother thing, are we?"

"I suppose we aren't...for the sake of family, why don't we just start over? Shawn, meet my wife, Nicki." Jack gestured toward his pretty blonde wife that stood four inches taller than him but still managed to have high heels on.

"...Hi. Welcome?" Shawn didn't know how to continue. He was beside himself with embarrassment.

"Hi there. How is life here in New York? Are your wife and kids here?"

"Well, I had a wife...I do have one daughter. Her name is Maya. She's right over there."

"Oh, nice to meet you, Maya. It's a pleasure."

Maya waved cautiously, hyperaware of Shawn's sour mood, not wanting to spoil it further. Usually John would be good with defusing these things, but he felt just as unhinged as everyone else in the room.

"Here, Jack, Nicki, why don't you sit? We've got room right here." Cory gestured to a seat nearest Shawn's. "And Shawn, just siddown." Shawn gave a glance toward Cory that said "you really did this?" Cory sank in his seat.

The room got silent, intensely silent. Then Eric broke the silence.

"So...Since we're bringing things out in the open...I figured I'd make an announcement. This is Nina! We've only been on three real dates, but it's been amazing so far. She's amazing. That's why I brought her here tonight. Applause anyone?" Eric bowed in his flamboyant Eric way.

Alan, Riley's Grandpa, stood up. He pointed at Eric.

"You, me, now...Let's talk in the hallway."

Eric remained seated. "What's there to talk about, dad? Nina is my girlfriend. I thought it would be special to have her share this Thanksgiving with me. Is that so wrong?"

Alan's fuse had always been of the shorter variety. "Eric, you know the rules on holidays. They've always been the rules...No girlfriends you've dated for less than five months! Three dates, really? That's not even very impressive."

"Do you know what I think of that stupid rule, dad? C'mon, Nina, let's go." Eric and Nina got up to leave.

"No, wait, son. I'm sorry. It's more important that you're here!"

"Too late. I want to change things up so the next generation can enjoy the holidays 'caus we adults sure suck at it."

"Wait, Eric. Let us come with you." Riley said. "Me, Maya, and Josh. We want to come with you. It's not fun for us here either. We can go have some fun somewhere else." She gave a knowing glance to everyone in the room.

"Hey, wait everyone!" Cory tried to calm the situation down, but he knew it was no use. "...Riley, just be back by 10pm, Okay? Eric, make sure that happens."

"Okay, dad. Will do." Riley replied.

"Same goes for you too, Maya." Shawn interjected.

"Fine by me." Maya said.

"Where to, girls and Josh?" Eric asked, holding his girlfriend's hand.

"I don't know. Somewhere with food?" Maya said.

Riley and Josh agreed.

"Oh, hey, can we pick up one person first?" Riley asked.

"Sure, I don't care, but let's get wherever we're going to fast. I'm so hungry. You know, today should just be about turkey. Keep it simple."