Chapter 48: Thanksgiving

KRIS:

It was a week from Thanksgiving so I returned home to spend time with my mom.

Call it a break from my crumbling life.

I got out of my car and walked towards the front door, pulling my suitcase behind me. Getting to the door, I tried the handle and it was opened so I let myself in.

"Mom! I'm home.” I called, getting into the living room.

"Ohh Baby!!” She ran from the kitchen, barreling into me.

I chuckled, embracing her tightly. Sometimes she made me feel like I was the mom with her ever jolly attitude.

God. I've missed her. I thought to myself, inhaling her fragrance.

It was the first time I was returning home that year.

"I've missed you.” I pulled back, staring into her eyes.

We were of the same height. For a woman who's sixty, she definitely didn't look her age. She could easily pass for my elder sister.

"I've missed you more, baby. You've become so beautiful.” I beamed at that but she was far from done. "And... ooohh...when did your breasts get this big?” She asked, eyes on them.

"Mom!” I pulled my leather jacket tightly around them.

Way to ruin our reunion.

"What? I'm just noting the changes.” She grinned.

"Good to know.” I rolled my eyes.

"Come on baby, take your suitcase upstairs and meet me in the kitchen. I'm baking your favorite cookies.” That was when my eyes trailed down and I noticed she was wearing an apron. "And you're gonna tell Mama all the gist I missed.” She grinned with a mischievous glint in her eyes, sauntering to the kitchen.

I shook my head at her with a smile on my face before proceeding to pull my suitcase upstairs.

And let me tell you, it wasn't easy.

Getting to my room, I collapsed on my bed.

I missed it.

My eyes roamed the room and stopped at a picture on my nightstand. It was a picture of Chris, Paige, Lexi and me. We were laughing wildly. It wasn't the best picture in the world but it described us well, The crazy teenagers we were.

Next to that picture was another picture of my dad and I. Looking at it, I realized how much I've missed him over the years.

My eyes left there and something next to the picture caught my eye. A black box. I knew what was in it.

The chain Lucian had given me on my eighteenth birthday.

I looked between the box and the picture of my dad, heaving. My shoulders slumped in distress.

It's been two weeks since Lucian opened up. I still hadn't processed anything. The break was my means of getting it all together.

Seeing my dad in that picture, with a smile on his face, he didn't look like the guy Lucian told me of. While he was alive, I saw him as someone that wouldn't hurt another human. In fact, he was always selfless, helping out however and whenever he could.

Sighing, I got up from the bed and headed for the bathroom to take a cold shower. I wasn't ready to let this issue prevent me from having a good time with my mom.

After showering and changing into comfortable clothes, I met my mum at the kitchen.

"You're right on time honey. Help yourself to some cookies.” She said, untying the straps of her apron.

Without wasting any more time, I took one from the tray, biting into it.

"Mmm..." I moaned out in pleasure, as the taste hit my taste buds. "Good as always.” I added before going for another one.

The sound of the doorbell disrupted me from my love making session with the cookies.

"I'll get it.” I told Mom with a mouthful of cookies, hurrying out of the kitchen.

Opening the door, I was pleasantly surprised at who it was. I jumped on him, squealing.

"Chris!! I've missed you so much.” I said grinning.

"What?” He acted like he didn't hear me.

"Nah... can't remember.” He chuckled, dropping me to stand on my feet.

"Damn! You look good.” He took in my appearance.

"I could've said the same but nah...you still need to work on your looks.” I giggled, running to the kitchen.

He looked really good. He grew taller with well-defined muscles. The v-neck tee he was wearing clung to him nicely, outlining his abs.

Definitely drool worthy but not for me.

He came into the kitchen, after me.

"Hi Kayla.” He greeted my mom with a smile.

"Get your fine ass here and give mama a hug. Don't hi me.” She said in all seriousness, making us laugh.

Chris strode to her and hugged her. She returned it and patted his back lightly before pulling away.

"Now that's a body to die for.” She commented.

I slapped a hand over my face.

What a mom.

"I know right? It's a pity Kris doesn't think so.” Chris added and I glared.

"Maybe she's seen better ones.” My mom waggled her brows. "Tell us baby, who is it?” She asked giddy with excitement.

Definitely seen better ones but I wasn't about to tell them.

"It's no one.” I rolled my eyes at her excitement.

She scrunched her face and looked to Chris who had the *you can't be serious face* before both their eyes focused on me.

"You're trying to tell me you don't have a man in your life?” Mom asked.

Well, there's Tyler. But then I cheated on him with my asshat of an ex and I still haven't come to terms with it. So, I went for the easiest way out:

Lying.

"Yeah....” I shrugged nonchalantly.

My mom gasped like I'd just committed a huge offence.

"Baby, you need a man in your life.” Her voice softened.

"I'm doing well without one.” I raised my hands up to emphasize my point.

"You can't….” The shrilling sound of her phone interrupted her. Pulling it from her pants pocket, she answered it.

"This is supposed to be my free week.” She yelled out in frustration at the caller. "Fine. This is the last one.” She said before ending the call.

"I'm so sorry babies. There is an emergency at the hospital and it requires my attention.” She placed a kiss each on our cheeks before turning to leave. "This conversation is far from over Kris.” She added before leaving.

I sighed, munching on my cookies.

"How did you know I was home?" I asked Chris who was also munching on a cookie.

"Just guessed. And I wanted to surprise you. I thought you might be home for Thanksgiving, so I came.” He shrugged.

"How have you been?" I drawled. "And what about Paige and Lexi?”

"I'm as good as always. Paige is not in town but Lexi's home. I bet she doesn't know you're around.”

"I just came in today.” I picked another cookie from the tray.

"So, how's Boston treating you?” He asked, eyes focused on me.

"Not bad.” I shrugged it off, not ready to delve deeper.

"Are you sure?” He narrowed his eyes on me.

"Totally.” I choked out.

"Come here.” He pulled me into a tight embrace. "If you wanna talk I'm always here for you. You know that right?”

I could only nod.

Damn him for being so observant.

"How about we go check on Lexi?” He broke the silence, pulling away from me.

"Yeah. I'd love to see her.” I smiled. "Lemme go change.” I didn't wait for his response before running upstairs.

"I'll help myself with the cookies.” He called after me.

"If you finish them I'll strangle you.” I threatened, hurrying into my room.

"I'll love to see you try.” He chuckled.

Asshole.