Thanksgiving to You
Autumn time is coming to a brisk end once more, with winter right around the corner in the town of Odyssey. And so comes the time for Thanksgiving. It’s time for friends and family to gather for wonderful food, fellowship, and a good time together at Whit’s End while the shop is closed. However, one guest to this Thanksgiving gathering seems to be arriving late, and the others wonders when she will finally be joining them.
“Connie, I can’t find the stuffing!” Another crumpled tissue was tossed half-heartedly into the nearby trash bin. Connie trudged over to the threshold of her bedroom, poking her head out into the hallway. “… What?” Jules, to keep from continuing on with calling back and forth with her older sister, simply left the kitchen and went over to the hallway. “The stuffing, you said it was in the fridge, I can’t find it.”
“Huh,” Connie stepped out of her room, giving her sister a puzzled look. “Hang on, I’ll check.” She said. Jules watched as Connie walked by her, going back to the kitchen. Though, considering the fact the two of them were leaving for Whit’s End in about ten minutes, Jules would’ve figured her sister had gotten her hair done by now.
Saying nothing, yet, Jules followed after Connie. She returned to the kitchen in time to see Connie at the fridge, scouring it’s contents with narrowed eyes. “Ugh…” She quietly huffed, in a notably congested way. “Where’d I tell you to look?”
“The middle shelf. You said you put it away in a glass bowl with…” Jules noticed something on the kitchen counter she hadn’t before. “With saran wrap covering it…” The teenaged girl walked over to the counter, while her sister shook her head in confusion. “Yeah, I remember, so why isn’t it-?” Connie was interrupted by Jules clearing her throat—only to get her attention.
Turning to her younger sister, Connie blinked. Jules was holding an empty glass bowl, which had two boxes of instant turkey stuffing mix inside. Unopened, and certainly not prepared for the evening’s meal. “Found it.” Jules said. Connie visibly slouched, and sighed. “You’re kidding me…!”
“It’s fine,” Jules began, setting the bowl and mix back on the counter. “I mean, not like it’s the first time we’re late for something, right?” Connie shrugged. “Still… I’m gonna feel bad showing up late for Thanksgiving dinner, especially when I’m supposed to be bringing food, t… too-!” Connie just barely finished her sentence, before sneezing a few times into her arm. “Bless you.”
“Thanks.”
“So, do you want me to help you make this before we go, or…?” Connie shook her head ‘no’, as she grabbed a tissue from the box on the breakfast table. “I’ll, um,” She paused, blowing her nose. “Look, Jules, you go on ahead to Whit’s End. I’ll make the stuffing, and leave after.” She explained. And after tucking a lock of auburn hair behind her ear, Connie added, “… Also once I finish my hair.”
“Well, okay, then.” Jules hummed. “You’re sure?” She asked. Her older sister nodded. “Yup. I shouldn’t be long.” Jules smiled. “Okay. I’ll pass your plan along to everyone when I get there.” Connie gave her sister an appreciative look. “Thank you. Oh, and text me once you get there.”
“I will,” Jules answered, heading to the entry way for her jacket. “Bye, Connie!” Connie gave a short wave ‘bye’, before Jules left the house.
Once she was gone, Connie turned back to the counter. She rolled her eyes a little, more irritated at her forgetfulness of the turkey stuffing. She closed the fridge door, and went back to her bedroom to get a hair elastic before returning to get starting on the stuffing.
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She had an expression of mild annoyance on her face as she returned to the house, after almost getting stood up on at dinner from Burke. Jillian was supposed to meet with him and his family as a nice, Thanksgiving get together. However, just as she’d arrived in the restaurant’s parking lot, Jillian got a call from Burke explaining how a last minute emergency came up. She assured him it was fine, while he offered to make it up for her.
The sudden shift in plans wasn’t the end of the world, though Jillian was now a bit annoyed of having to detour all the way back to Connie’s house to change out of her formal heels, and into a much more comfortable pair of warm boots, before turning around yet again to meet up with the group who’d gone to gather at Whit’s End.
Walking up the porch steps, she sent Jason a text message, asking if there was any turkey left for her. He responded in the time it took her to enter the house, explaining they hadn’t eaten yet and were waiting for the turkey stuffing which Connie was meant to bring. Jillian hummed curiously upon reading that.
Pocketing her phone, Jillian slipped out of her heels, and put them away in the boot rack in the coat closet. Though, before getting her boots on, she peered into the house, hearing a quiet sniffling sound coming from the kitchen. Followed by a bout of sneezing.
Jillian promptly headed over, finding Connie standing at one of the counters. She was mixing turkey stuffing together in a large bowl, with a wooden spoon. It didn’t seem as if she was mixing the stuffing together well, if her loose grip on the spoon, slouched posture and visible shivering was any indicator. “Connie? You’re still here?”
“Huh-?” Jillian held back from visibly cringing when her friend turned to look at her. Because, literally, she looked terrible. “Oh… Is, uh, that the turkey stuffing?” Connie slowly looked back at the bowl. “Yeah. I’ve just… gotta finish mixing it, then I have to bring it to Whit’s End.” She tiredly explained, in a nasally, congested sounding voice. Jillian sighed.
Going over to her, she offered to take the spoon. Connie, though hesitantly, handed it to Jillian—who then went to finish mixing it in hardly thirty seconds, thanks to mixing it at a faster pace. “I’ll bring the stuffing to Whit’s End. How about that?” Connie gave her a puzzled look. “But… Aren’t you and Burke supposed to meet up…?”
“Burke couldn’t make it,” Jillian explained. “Last minute emergency, he said. So, I’m going to hang out with everyone at Whit’s End, instead.” She told her, putting the wooden spoon down before going to find the saran wrap to cover the turkey stuffing. “Oh, I’m sorry, Jil’.” Jillian shrugged.
Pulling a large sheet of the plastic wrap from its packaging, she answered, “Don’t worry about it. Anyways, at least the good thing to come from this is that you can stay home and rest.” She noted. Connie took a second to realise what Jillian had just insinuated to her.
“… Wait, no. I’m not st-staying h-home-!” Connie sneezed again, into her elbow. Jillian was giving her a pitying look. “You’re too miserable and sick, Connie. Everyone’ll understand.” She told her. “Now, go get changed into something cozy, and I’ll make sure to boil some water if you wanna make yourself tea, or hot chocolate while you enjoy the quiet all to yourself.”
Looking discouraged, Connie loosely crossed her arms and shrugged. “Fine… Okay, I’m… gonna stay home, then.” Jillian smiled. “Good. I’ll say ‘hi’ for you, alright?” Connie nodded, and yawned. “… Yup, thanks.” The two of them left the kitchen. Jillian went to slip her boots on, while Connie returned to her room to get dressed out of her jeans and turtleneck.
“See you later, Connie!” Jillian called from the foyer. “Bye!” Connie called back. Jillian, now with her jean cut boots on, and the bowl of turkey stuffing in her arms, finally left to head for Whit’s End.
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“… I bet those mashed potatoes have gotten cold by now.” Bernard quietly lamented to himself, looking over the food which had been set out for the group’s Thanksgiving meal.
Yes, while getting together as friends and family for a time to give thanks with one another was the main reason for their get together, everyone was naturally looking forward to eating the wonderful food that they’d each pitched in bringing. And the longer they all waited for their final guest to arrive, the more time that left for the food to get cold.
Bernard quietly sighed, and shook his head a little. He decided to walk away from the table in favour of having a conversation with someone instead of watching as the food very subtly and slowly became less steamy upon the serving table.
Jules had found herself sitting idly on a stool at the soda bar, taking a moment from socialising. She’d taken out her phone to send her sister another text, just as the seat next to her was filled. Jules glanced over to see Bernard giving her a small nod ‘hello’. She pocketed her phone. “Hi, Mr. Walton.”
“Hello, Jules,” Bernard greeted in return. “Any word from your sister, or will we be waiting ‘til the first snow of the season?” Jules smirked at the exaggeration, though she could only offer a shrug. “I dunno. She said she wouldn’t be long.” Bernard hummed.
“What was Connie held up with, again?” Came another question for Jules. Katrina had made her way over to the two at the soda bar. “She forgot to make the turkey stuffing earlier, so she kinda had to hurry to put it together right as I left.” Jules explained. “And well, she did get boxed stuffing, so I’m not sure why she’s not here yet…?”
“Huh… Then, I’m guessing Connie had a busy day, today?” Jules shook her head ‘no’. “Not really, but she did seem kinda miserable all day.” She noted. Bernard sighed a little. “Well, it is ‘that’ time of year. Would be a shame for her to catch something in time for Thanksgiving.” He said, to which Katrina nodded in agreement.
The three’s attention on their short conversation was turned to the front door of the Parlor when the small bell above the door was heard ringing. Sliding off her stool, Jules looked over expecting to see Connie finally arriving. Instead, Jillian entered Whit’s End, nodding ‘hello’ to those greeting her. She also had a saran wrap covered bowl with the turkey stuffing.
Mr. Whittaker and Penny were the first to meet her at the door. “Jillian, I’m glad you made it!” Jillian smiled. “Yeah, my original plans kinda fell through, so I figured hey, I’d come hang out with all of you!” She told them. “Oh great!” Penny replied, quickly clarifying with, “The ‘hanging out with us’ part, not the ‘your plans falling through’, part.” Her and Jillian shared a laugh.
“So, where should I bring this stuffing?” Jillian asked. “I brought it for Connie.” Penny promptly pointed over to the tables of food not far from them. “Just find a spot on the tables.” She answered. “Wait,” Whit began, walking with Jillian while she went to the food tables. “Why did you have to bring Connie’s stuffing?”
“Ah, Connie got a cold, looks like it,” Jillan explained. “I told her I’d bring her stuffing, and that it’s maybe best she stayed home. So, that’s where she is now.” Whit hummed, shaking his head. “That’s unfortunate…” Jillian simply shrugged, setting the stuffing down on the table with the rest of the food.
“Wait, Connie’s not coming?” Jules asked, as she’d heard the second half of Jillian’s explanation to Whit. “No, she’s at home. Sorry, Jules.” Jules sighed a little. “That’s too bad, I guess. She’s probably gonna be upset for missing out.” She said. Jillian seemed to agree with her assumption.
“Hey, Dad,” Jason had come over to the three stood by the tables of food. “Are we ready to pray, yet?” Whit paused, thinking for a moment. Jason gave him a curious look. “Well, Connie won’t be coming, so I’d say yes.” Jason nodded, though he went on to ask, “Aw, why not?” Jillian replied, “She caught a cold.”
“Ah, too bad.”
“I have an idea,” Whit stated. “Jason, you can let everyone know we’re ready to pray for the meal.” With a thumbs up, Jason turned his attention towards everyone else—calling out just loud enough to announce the food being ready. The group gathered back together by the tables, as Whit turned his attention towards his friends.
“Now, then,” He began, clapping his hands together with a chuckle. “I appreciate the patience from everyone, I know we’re a bit late to eat—everything that was brought tonight looks very good!” He said. “But, on the bright side, I’m sure we’ve all been enjoying simply being in one another’s fellowship in the meantime.” A few folks nodded to confirm as much, and everyone was wearing a warm smile.
“That is one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving, being able to gather together just like this. It’s a wonderful reminder of just how thankful I am to have all you good friends, and I thank God that he gives us such meaningful relationships in our lives.” Whit continued. He could easily tell how everyone shared the sentimentality being shared with his word to them.
Gesturing towards the group, Whit then said, “I’ll say a prayer over the food, and then we can all dig in.” Everyone bowed their heads, respectfully. “Dear Father in Heaven,” Whit prayed. “We thank you for this time you allow us to share among friends and family. As we gather around, for Thanksgiving, using this time to remember the blessings you freely give us”.
“I ask that you continue to be with us in our fellowship, and that our time together this evening brings you glory—as we seek to achieve in all we do. We thank you for the wonderful food. May it nourish us, and may you bless those who took the time to prepare it. All this we pray in the name of your Son, Lord. Amen.” Others in the room echoed an “amen”, as everyone looked up again.
A moment later, folks had formed a small line as everyone took their turn to dish themselves their desired helping of food to eat. The first couple people, Bernard and Katrina, had already made it to the end of the tables of food when Whit spoke up to everyone again. “I just have something small I’d like you all to know,” He began. “Connie isn’t going to be joining us, it seems she’s sick unfortunately… I don’t want her to have missed out completely on this, so I will be putting together a plate of food to bring to her. Would a few of you want to join me to check in with her?”
“Oh, that’s a good idea—I’ll come with you!” Penny answered first. “Agreed. A visit from friends could well bring Miss Kendall some needed cheer.” Jason looked in Eugene’s direction. “So, are you going with them?” Turning to Jason in return, Eugene nodded. “Indeed.” Jason smirked. “Great. I’ll tag along, too.”
Whit was smiling at their enthusiasm. “Thank you, Connie will appreciate this!” Penny stepped out of the food line, and began towards the kitchen. “I’ll go get a container for her food!” Whit nodded. “I’ll plate her food, while you do that!” Jason and Eugene also stepped out of the line, both going to put their coats back on—as well as getting Whit’s and Penny’s for them.
Once Penny returned with a proper container, Whit handed the plate of food he’d put together for her to transfer into the container. As she did, Whit turned his attention back to the rest of his friends. “We’ll be back after, shouldn’t be long.” Bernard offered him a brief thumbs up. “Sure thing. We’ll even try to make sure some dessert is left waiting when you all come back.” Whit chuckled. “Okay, thank you!”
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The small trash can that had been brought into the living room from one of the bedrooms was already half way full of used tissues, as Connie remained curled up on the couch—wrapped up with a blanket, and now wearing a much more comfortable pair or pyjamas. Her mug of tea on the coffee table had a little bit left in it, which had now gotten cold.
Connie had also turned on the TV, wanting to pass the time watching whatever interesting thing that was on. She’d had no luck yet, and was still channel surfing. Eventually, she landed on a channel showing a documentary covering the history surrounding the holiday of Thanksgiving. It would do, for now.
Tossing the TV remote on the couch cushion beside herself, Connie adjusted the blanket around her shoulders, and shifted a little to get more comfortable where she sat on. Just before she could get comfortable, though, a knocking came on her door.
She quietly sighed to herself at having to get up, seeing as she was still tired and miserable. Connie sneezed twice, quickly blowing her nose before going to answer the door. Whoever was there had knocked another few times.
“Coming!” Connie called out. Abandoning her blanket in the livingroom, she went off into the foyer to unlock and open the front door. To her surprise, she was met by friends standing on her front porch. Connie blinked. “Hi, Connie,” Whit greeted her. Connie smiled. “Hey, you guys! What’s… all this?”
“Jillian told us you were sick, and wouldn’t make it, tonight.” Jason began, with Eugene continuing. “Mr. Whittaker proposed that a few of us come visit you, to see how you are getting along, as well as bring to you our seasonal salutations for Thanksgiving.” Connie laughed a little. Penny then held up the container of food she was holding. “We even brought you some of the food, if you’re hungry.”
“That’s… really sweet, you guys!” Connie told them. “Um, here… come in,” She opened the door wider, allowing the four to come inside. “Thank you,” Whit thanked. “I’ll go warm this up on a plate for you.” Penny offered, heading off into Connie’s kitchen. “Thanks…!” Turning back to the other three, she then said, “I’d offer a hug to say ‘thank you’… but eh, probably not a good idea.” They all gave her understanding looks. “It’s fine, Connie. Here, how about this instead?” Jason offered her his elbow. Laughing a little, Connie returned the gesture—the two of them sharing an elbow bump.
“Is there anything that you need us to do, or get for you while we’re here?” Whit asked her. Connie thought for a second. She sniffled, and shook her head ‘no’. “No, I um… I think I’m okay… thank you.” She assured them. “I’ll be fine… I just need some rest.” Jason nodded. “That’s good, then.”
“Connie!” Penny called from the kitchen. Connie quickly went over into the other room, Whit, Jason and Eugene following behind her. Walking in, Penny directed Connie’s attention to the breakfast table. “Your food’s ready, and warm.” Connie looked over to see Penny had set up a single place setting in as much of a Thanksgiving-esk style she could.
With a warm, fall colour patterned placemat beneath the ceramic plate of food, a Thanksgiving themed napkin folded underneath a fork and knife, and even the scented candle which had been sitting on the windowsill by the kitchen sink was now in the middle of the table—the small flame burning, emitting a pleasant smell of apple pumpkin.
“Aw… this is so sweet, Penny!” Connie commented, giving her best friend a bright smile. Penny was also smiling. “I’m happy you like it! I hope it makes it feel a bit more like a Thanksgiving meal, like this.” Connie nodded. “Yeah, it does. Thank you,” Attention returning to now all four of her friends, Connie again said, “Thank you, really… I was kinda moping a minute ago… because I was missing the celebration with you guys… but you all really made it much better…!”
“It is our pleasure,” Eugene said. “And, our gesture to show how our gratitude of this friendship we’ve shared with you.” The other three nodded in agreement. “Amen to that.” Whit replied. “I’m thankful for friends like you, too.” Connie expressed. “Having friends like you all… who I can count on for encouragement… is certainly something I thank God for…!”
“Couldn’t have said it any better, Connie.” Jason complimented. She laughed a little.
Glancing down at her plate of food, Connie said, “I’m not super hungry… but, that does look really good…!” She commented. “Want me to keep it warm in the microwave until you’re hungry?” Penny offered. Connie shook her head ‘no’. “That’s fine, I think I’ll eat a bit.” She answered.
“In that case, I think everyone else is waiting for us to come back.” Whit noted, taking a look at his watch. “You’re sure there’s nothing more you need?” Connie shook her head, smirking at Whit’s thoughtful insistence. “I’ll be alright, Whit.” Whit hummed. “Okay. We’ll let you get your rest, then.”
Connie went to see the four of them back to the door. “Happy Thanksgiving, Connie.” Penny said to her, having the same idea Jason had earlier, and offering Connie an elbow bump in place of a hug. “Happy Thanksgiving to you guys… too.” She answered. “And, tell everyone I… I ah-” Connie’s thought was interrupted by a short bout of sneezing into her elbow. She sniffled.
“Bless you, Miss Kendall.”
“Thanks,” Connie mumbled. “Tell everyone I said ‘happy Thanksgiving’.” She finally said. “Will do, Connie.” Jason assured her. He then opened the front door, allowing everyone to leave. Whit was the last one out, though not before offering an elbow bump of his own to Connie.
“You’re such a blessing to have as a friend, and don’t forget that, Connie.” Whit said to her. “So are you, Whit.” Connie answered, still smiling warmly despite the cold chill outside. Feeling a bit awkward about being unable to offer a hug, Connie merely settled by telling him, “I’ll give you a hug when I’m not sneezing…” Whit chuckled. “That sounds good.”
Stepping out onto the porch, Whit gave her a last goodbye. “Happy Thanksgiving, Connie.” Connie offered a small wave. “Happy Thanksgiving, Whit.” Watching the others getting into Jason’s car—with Whit heading over to join them—Connie gave them all a wave goodbye. The three waved in return. Jason turned the car’s engine on, and pulled out of Connie’s driveway.
Connie closed the door, heading inside to eat the warm Thanksgiving meal that had been brought to her, happy the holiday hadn’t been completely miserable, in the end.
𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝓎 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀𝓈𝑔𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑔!
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