Don't You Dare Tell Anyone Mr. Stevens

Thanksgiving!!!!!

"OH!!!!!!!!!!!!" Patty shouts when she pushes through Ethan's front door. "Happy Thanksgiving!!!!" she chimes and Ethan laughs.
"Thanksgiving isn't until tomorrow darling" I say and she shakes her hair of snowflakes. The days have become colder and the nights much longer. Marcus has been ignoring my existence. I like it that way. Mom is jolly as Mrs. Rubert. The woman that lived a few houses over. She was nice. Mom was decorating for the holidays and she just had this crooked glow to her. Even when she leaned down to kiss everyone. She still looked twisted.
"Oh, whatever. You get the gist" she says and slides off her trench coat. "I for one can not wait until 4 o'clock tomorrow morning when I board a plane for the luxurious island of Puerto Rico!" she says and falls unto the coach.
"In your face losers. You're spending Thanksgiving in the cold while I'll bet eating turkey on an island beach!" she says and her face turns dreamy.
"you're not the only one going away Patty, in exactly 3 hours I'm leaving for Mexico!" Ethan says with a wide smile and Patty groans.
"Oh God now you're showing off!" Patty says and i laugh. Things, in a very long time, had finally been looking up for me. Riley was very slowly winning me back. I smile a bit. I have to admit I was very much liking the idea. It's very funny fun watching him on his knees. So this is what it feels like to be Patty. Hmph, I think I like Patty's way. I'll have to tell her that one day. I check my phone and it was 4:30. I had to get home now and it was already pitch black out.
"Ben get your stuff! We're leaving!" I shout and Ethan looks at me.
"You're not staying?" he asks and I grab my jacket.
No, it's almost 5. Besides I have to figure out what i'm doing for thanksgiving tomorrow. Ben and I haven't decided either L Bella's Italian or Que Bueno Spanish cuisine!" I say and Patty laughs.
"If you and Ben fit in my suitcase I'd take you with me" he says and I walk over to him. I ruffle his hair.
"Aww you're so sweet" I say and Patty smiles.
"Hey paws off the man" she says. My eyes widen and I smile at her.
"ohhh, sorry. I forgot!" i say and she laughs. Ethan Kissed Patty. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!! Thank God! It only took our entire childhood. I have to be honest I thought things would be more awkward but things have never been more wonderful. Ben comes in with Kelly running through the house and they're laughing. Ben's bruises have completely gone away and so have mine. Ben seems lighter now. Even when he smiles his eyes aren't heavy. He seems to be almost floating on air. I guess you could say the same thing about me. Mr.Stevens says I smile a lot more. He says I seem to be flying with every move I make. I just laugh. He says I laugh a lot more too. I guess things just have to be at their worst before they ever get better.
There's a car honk from outside and I rush for the door.
I open it and stick my head out. "I'm coming!" I shout and shut the door.
"Ok Ben coat on" I say and he rushes for it. Patty's raises and eyebrow with a sideways smile.
"Who's out there?" she asks and I walk around the coach for my bag.
"Guess" i say. She smiles with a dropped jaw and raised eyebrows.
"Oh I see" she says and sits with crossed legs. I laugh and put Ben's hat on and open the door.
"Bye Patty!" I say with a wave.
"Uh, Ethan's here too!" Ethan snaps. I blow kiss.
"Oh i didn't forget about you either!" I say and shut the door behind me.
As soon as Ben sees the white car his face lights up and he storms down the snow covered cobblestone path.
"Ben" I say and struggle to put my scarf on.
Riley leans against the car with cross arms and legs ith smile.
"Hey Kid" he says and gears closer to Ben. He picks him up and Ben screams.
"Guess what I did today" Ben says and Riley's eyes widen.
"Ben you have to tell me!" he says and I smile when i finally wrap my scarf around my neck. In the weeks that have passed Ben has taken a liking to Riley. Riley's kind of been the male figure for Ben that I couldn't be. The one that I never can.
"Kelly and I made snowmen and hers fell apart. Mine was awesome" Ben says and Riley laughs.
"I bet it was. You didn't forget to give him a hat did you?" he asks and Ben shakes his head frantically. "Never!" Ben says and he laughs.
"Good, now hop into the bag seat kid" Riley says and opens the car door for him.
"You're very theatrical" I say and Riley looks at me. He was dressed very sophisticated to my surprise. he had navy blue pants on, black glossy shoes, black leather gloves, a red scarf and a beautiful long jet black trench coat the one with the pretty collar and buttons that go down the side. "And dressed to impress" I add and he laughs.
"I was at a seminar for my parent's charity. They're in Africa still and I had to make an appearance" he says and opens the door for me.
"Aww," I say "You're such a good son"
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"So what's Ethan and Patty doing for the holiday?" Riley asks and and I can hear the engine roar.
"Well Patty's going to Puerto Rico and Ethan's going to Mexico" I say and say and he nods.
"Lucky them" he says with a slight smile.
"Yes very lucky" I say. I look at him "What are you doing?" I ask and he lets out a deep breath as he turns the wheel.
"Well," he says and slows down in front of the gates of my house "My parents won't be home until Christmas Eve so the family and I decided we'd head out for our house in the Hamptons early tomorrow morning" he says and i nod. He looks over at me with big green eyes.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" he asks and I laugh.
"Well," I say and turn in my seat. "Ben and I haven't decided on what restaurant to go to yet" I said and looked to the back seat. Ben was flying his plane in front of the window. "Right Ben?" I ask. He looks over for a moment smiles nods then goes back to his plane and I giggle a bit.
When I look back Riley has his eyes shut and he's shaking his head. I frown and tilt my head.
"What's wrong?" I ask and he opens his eyes.
"That's not how you spend the holiday. You're supposed to spend it with your friends and family. Everyone you love." he says and I snort.
"Right, because mama bear and papa bear" I say and point with my thumb behind me "Are all the people I'd love to spend my holiday with. Are you thinking clearly today?" I ask.
He puts the car on park and the engine stops.
"You are not spending the holiday here" he says and gets out. He comes over to the other side and opens my door.
"I don't have a choice remember" I say. Ben gets out and starts zooming up the path way to the house with his airplane.
As Riley walks back the other side of the car he speaks "I'll be here at 4:30 if I have to march into that house and drag you out of bed" he says
"Bu-" I begin to protest and he cuts me off.
"Don't wear anything nice because the last time we tried cooking we made a mess. You can bring a luggage i'm taking the truck tomorrow so it won't matter. Ben can sleep in the back with the rest of the kids I'll just push back the seats" he says and opens the door. He grins "And don't be late. I have a soft spot for you Tess but I don't tolerate tardiness" he remarks and takes a step into his car. There's a smirk creeping across my face. He smiles and ducks his head to get in. he slips the key into the ignition and the car begins to pur as the lights go on.
He looks out the window "Good night Yess" he says and I laugh a little.
"Good night Riley" I say mimicking the same tone. He laughs quietly to himself and drives off. Well, that went well. With crossed arms I turn smiling to the floor and kick a pebble.
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I shut the house door behind me and lean back resting my head on its cool surface. Eventually I peel myself off and walk past the living room.
"Hey!" a rough deep voice says and I look over. Mom is rocking on her chair somewhat jittery but done up nice and beautiful knitting something. "What are you so happy about?" he growls.
Because I was away from you for hours, you moron. It's obvious I think but just shake my head.
"The weather" I say and he chides me.
"Who was that boy?" he spits "You're not bringing any men into my house are you?" he says. God, right now is a good time for a pan. I"m far from the kitchen. Damn it. I need my little friend
I snort "Right, I also have a couple hobos coming in tomorrow night!" I say sarcastic and wide eyed. My face goes straight and I turn to head from my room.
"You better not. I'd hate to have to put up electrical wiring around the house" he says. My neck slowly cranes to see him but he's already reading his newspaper again. I'd love to kill that man. I really would. One day he'll die and it'll be by my hand. I swear it.
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I toss and turn in my bed all night. When I finally fall at least half asleep its around 1:30. My head is plastered to my pillow when I hear a creaking noise. My eyes fling open instantly. I hear a door opening then closing and there's weight being put unto my wooden floors. I fling up in my bed and turn to see. Ben stands at the side of my bed with with his pillow and bear.
"I couldn't sleep. Mommy and Daddy were screaming again upstairs" he says and looks to the ground.
"Oh Ben," I say and he climbs into my bed. I brush the hair back from his face and make room in my bed for him. I pull the plush blanket up so that it hits below his chin.
"Just go back to sleep. Ignore them. its probably nothing" I say. he nods and eventually he falls back asleep. I don't. I sit there and watch his chest rise and fall. I'm a failure as a sister Was what I had said once and I still stand by it. My little brother who's only 8, no matter how hard I try, there's nothing I can do. Eventually there's banging like someone is throwing bowling balls around the house. There's the shatter of glass and I shut my eyes. Every time there's another bang I flinch and every time there's another shout I grit my teeth. Ben moves but the noise has stopped and there's only whimpering left which soon dies down. Its almost like when a storm passes. First there's the wind, trees, then the thunder and lightening. Next is the rain that turn to showers and last is the the shaking of the earth. i feel hallow everywhere inside and out. How will I ever make it through the night.
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When I wake I decide I'll blow out my hair. Plus, it'll keep the room warm until I have to wake Ben. Marcus likes the house below 0. Weirdo. My long brown, now straight instead of curly, hair cascades down my back like the streak of a brown crayon on paper. Ben wakes and I pack outfits for both of us. The hard part is getting out. We leave through the back door and Ben doesn't even wait for me. He just runs and clings t Riley's leg. Riley smiles and ruffles his hair. When I finally catch up Riley flashes his watch and I give him a look.
"You are 2 minutes late" he says. I guess its the face I give him because soon after he laughs.
"Yes well you try sneaking out in the middle of the night" I say and put the bag down on the ground. He looks at me eyebrows pressed together.
"What's wrong?" I ask. He shakes his head. He takes a piece of my hair and twists it between his fingers.
"You did something different to your hair." he says and my cheeks burn red.
"Um, ya. Why? You don't like it?" I ask and he just shakes his head again. He lets my hair slips through his fingertips and he looks at me then smiles.
"No, I actually like it a lot. Something...different" he says. The softest smiles stretches across my face when I push my hair behind my ears and he opens the door for me. This will be an interesting day. i have already decided that much will be true.
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With my arms laid out across the car door window I look out and the sun is rising over the ocean. One of the most beautiful sights had ever seen. Riley's house was by the water. I have now decided that I love his house. I stand at the bottom stair that leads to the large doors. The kids run straight in including Ben but Riley stays behind. he stands by my side with hands on his hips.
"So has slowly winning you back gone well so far?" he asks and I look at him.
"You are something else Riley Grey" I say and he laughs.
Everything about this house was big. Big indoor pool outdoor pool. Lots of land. The most intricate carvings I had ever seen.
"Why thank you Tess Chance" he says mimicking my tone.
The entrance to the house was huge and a part of the ceiling was all beautiful glass for skylight. There were beautiful curling stairs and tall walls with wainscoting and crown molding. The kitchen was huge with a wall made so that you can see straight out into the property and the view of the water it had. The hours had gone by. It had went from sunrise to sunset. My hands were cramped, my jeans white with flour, hair sticky with sweat, and lips all the flavors of the things we made because I had tried everything. Ben was tying the tie on his outfit and I had just finished blow drying the last piece of my hair. Good thing I brought it.
Ben had on his J Crew suit. He looked adorable and his hair was slicked back. I had a navy blue dress on. It hit right above my knees and was fitted. Patty had gotten it for me for my birthday. She got it a size too small. When I asked her why she said Too hug your curves girl! God didn't give them to you for nothing! At least you have! You better flaunt them! I just remember laughing. I had my Louboutin's. The black ones of course. I had put my necklace on. The pretty one with dark stones and I saw putting on my right earring when i turned to face Ben. I smiled because he had no idea how to tie it. I bent down in front of him and tied his tie.
"There, you look like a little man" I say and he raises an eyebrow at me. I begin to put on my next earring. I open my mouth to say something but there's a knock on the door.
"Come in" I say.
Riley comes in looking dashing. I laugh to myself. That world dashing is so old it was there for the Last Supper.
"I just wanted say that the cake came out..." he says and trails off. He stands in the doorway with the door knob in his hand and just looks at us. I smile an stand behind Ben with my hands gently placed on his shoulders.
"What do you think? Do we look like a mentally stable family to you?" I joke and he just looks at us. With the softest emerald green eye I had ever seen. he very softly shakes his head.
"You look..." he says and trails off again before his eyes lock with mine "Amazing" he says.
I smile "You're doing a very good job at winning me back. Thought you should know" I say and he lets a laugh that's mostly air.
The dining room is bursting with laughter nice autumn colors and warmth.
Darla, like the little doll she is, waltzes around with a pretty bow in her hair, white lacy socks, white glossy shoes and a soft pink puffy dress. Cara on the other hand looks a bit edgier. She has a black and hot pink dress on with black glossy shoes with a heel about an inch high and her hair is in a ponytail with a bump in the front. I love that style. Jason helps set the table with a button down and a nice blazer. Aailine where's a modest beautiful lacy dress and stockings. She, as always, stays quiet and folds the napkins. It seemed so odd seeing how their family worked compared to mine.
They work together setting the table. Darla puts plates down over Cara's head while she puts down the forks then Jason soon after with knives and spoons. They actually use their utensils. Marcus flings them. I'm not saying I have no class or that Ben and I are wild beats its just that this family has so much love. I never had that. That's why I try so hard for Ben to have it because even though I didn't I still wish for him to experience him.
With burning fingertips I put the turkey on the table. I wince and stagger back. I bump into Riley and look up when he grabs my shoulders to steady me. he smiles "I told you you're a klutz" he says and I hit him with my glove.
Everyone is rowdy but settle into their seats.
"Ok guys quiet down so we can say grace" I say.
"Ya guys quiet down" Aaline says softly.
"Oh hush Aaline!" Cara says. Riley pulls out his chair and points at her. "Nice" he says and she huffs falling into her chair. Jason laughs. Darla reaches across the table to touch the chocolate cake. Right when Riley wants to sit he stands.
"Darla" he says and she turns to him with a wide smile.
"Ben sit" I say and he does so no longer on his knees.
"Oh there's cookies!' Jason says. Ben shouts up to his knees again. "Where!" Ben exclaims. Jason reaches over the table. Right when Riley is about to sit he reaches over the table and pushes Jason's hand.
"No" he said and Jason frowned with narrow eyes. Riley looks to the sky clearly stressed and lets out a deep breath while the rest of the table chatters away and I laugh.
He pulls his chair in and the belle rings. He sprints up again and sighs.
"I'll get!" he says and I laugh again. I look over to Ben again and sigh.
"Ben please sit" I say. he huffs and puffs then sits. I smile over his head victoriously.
"Thank you" I say.
"Guess who's here" Riley says and I turn behind me to see a man and a woman behind him. My heart instantly stops when their eyes meet mine.