A Penny For Your Thoughts

Chapter Seventeen~ Thanksgiving Dinner

 …ring…ring… The  phone rang in the kitchen before Michelle picked up. Patiently waiting until the fifth ring, she tapped on the counter. “Michelle it’s probably Luke, what are you waiting for?” her mom asked. “Because in girl world you can’t just pick up right away- you have to let them wait,” she explained. Her mom nodded, “Okay… if that’s what girls do now a days.” The fifth ring went by and Michelle picked up eagerly, “Hey!” “Way to not sound eager,” her mom teased while washing dishes. Michelle rolled her eyes but her lips formed into a smile when Luke’s voice appeared over the line.

 “Hello Michelle,” his voice soft and smooth said. Goodness she was falling hard for him. “Hey Luke what’s up?” she asked letting out a breath. “Just wanted to drop a call over and ask how Thanksgiving Break has been,” he said. She laughed, “It’s only been a day.” He chuckled, “You’re right. And I  guess because tomorrow  is Thanksgiving I should ask you a question.” “What?” she asked. “Do you have plans for Thanksgiving?” he asked simply. She looked over to her mom and she shook her head, “Nope. Why?” “Oh good. Because I wanted to ask your family would like to come over to my house for Thanksgiving,” he said. Michelle thought about it looking over to her mom, she nodded. “Yeah sure sounds great!” she answered. “Well… I mean Thanksgiving in Virginia… with my dad,” Luke finished. Michelle’s stomach dropped- He wanted her to meet his dad?

“You know Mom, I’m actually terribly surprised that you let me, as a 16 year old, travel with her boyfriend, alone- for an entire weekend?” Michelle asked. “Don’t forget that it’s a three day weekend,” her dad winked. “You of all people,” Michelle pointed. Her mom zipped up her duffle bag, “Michelle it’s a one in a life time chance that I’m gonna let you do this again until you turn 18. If I were you I’d enjoy it.” “What if something happens and I get pregnant?” Michelle asked. Her dad’s eyes widened but her mom simply said, “Don’t do whatever is gonna make you pregnant then.” Mr. Hartford coughed, “I think Luke is a good guy and you’ll be safe. Besides, if you feel uncomfortable at his dad’s house then just throw us a call and we’ll pick you up. It’s only an hour away.” “Oh! But don’t just say ‘Pick me up’ it’ll make Luke feel bad,” her mom said, “Just say ‘I feel cramps.’” Michelle laughed, “Okay Mom.”

 That’s when Luke’s car pulled up to the front of her house. “Oh he’s here!” Her mom said. “Hi Mr. and Mrs. Hartford,” Luke said with a smile taking Michelle’s bags, “Thanks for letting me borrow your daughter over Thanksgiving.” “No problem,” she laughed, “I just hope you brought me pie or something in exchange!” Michelle’s jaw dropped in laughter, “Mom!” “Oh I’m just teasing,” Mrs. Hartford rolled her eyes. “Actually,” Luke said with a hint of laughter, “Speaking of pie my mom did bake something for you.” He put Michelle’s bag in the trunk and took out a pie. “I was just joking,” her mom said seriously. Luke shrugged, “It’s actually for my dad’s house- but we both like you guys more than we like him.” Mr. Hartford chuckled. “Are you sure? I can’t take this,” Mrs. Hartford said. “No it’s fine take it! My mom makes AMAZING pumpkin pie,” Luke said pushing it into her hands, “Just take it.” “Okay then…” she said going back into the house to place it in her kitchen. “So what time will you guys be arriving there?” her dad asked. “About 1 in the afternoon,” he said. “Alright,” they both nodded. “Bye Mom,” Michelle hugged her mom then her dad. “Have fun,” her dad winked. “Sure thing Sir,” Luke shook his hand. “Take care of my baby,” her mom called out. “With my life,” he assured opening the door for Michelle to his car.

 “I really like that boy,” Mrs. Hartford said as they drove away. “I do too,” her husband said. “You think they’re gonna get married?” she said eagerly. “Slow down there babe!” Mr. Hartford laughed, “They’ve only been official for three weeks.” “So?” she said, “I don’t care if they date for 15 years! I just want her to end up with him.” Mr. Hartford shook his head, “You are such a hopeless romantic.” “And if I wasn’t how else do you think you’d be married?” she poked his nose and walked back into the house. He shut the front door behind him, “Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?”