Notes: Gabrielle is from “Xena Warrior Princess” which belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. All other characters are my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .


Prologue [Amazon Village c.88 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

During times of celebration, families and friends join together to celebrate life, love and shared fellowship. As David, Angela and their students have informed me, such is the ritual of Thanksgiving for the twentieth century. In this case, people eat from a turkey, plates of fixings and treats and give thanks for everything.

However, during David’s sophomore year, he and his grandmother would spend the holiday as they always had—by themselves. Or will they? Such things make me understand why he is the way he is today and why he fights so hard to keep these traditions alive.


 

Chapter 1 [Three days before Thanksgiving 1980—Amherst High]

Students scurried for their lockers on the Monday of that Thanksgiving week, trying to get their books put away and home in time to help their parents prepare for the celebrations later that week. With such a short week, that also meant that everything needed to be dealt with in a shorter timeframe.

In the White Knight’s newsroom, Caroline scanned the holiday edition’s copy carefully, noting every nuance and making sure that the stories read the way they should. That issue was a personal favorite of hers. Accordingly, she wanted to insure that it was great.

“Does it get the Quality Stamp, Sis?” Karen teased mischievously.

The editor-in-chief raised an eyebrow as she turned toward her younger sister. “I think it’s going to need one more thing.”

“With you, it always does,” Karen remarked. “Remember, Mom and Daddy need us at home sometime in the next week.” She grinned.

Caroline chuckled. While she might have been offended if someone else made those cracks, she knew her sister was teasing her. “You’re right. I think we can drop it off at the press. The piece on holiday traditions was a nice touch.”

The younger sister shrugged. “Thank Dave for that idea. I’m glad he brought me on that project.”

“As if you two didn’t spend enough time cohorting around before, right?” the older sister cracked.

Karen rolled her eyes, knowing that Caroline had scored a verbal point. “Touche. Now let’s go help the parents….”


*****

[Supermarket—an hour later]

Dave pushed the shopping cart around the store, as he and Janet did their weekly supply run. As with most of these holidays, his mother had decided to take off for the weekend, leaving him by himself. Not that he really cared, mind you. He was just as happy to keep his grandmother company on such days and the feeling was mutual. “You’re going to make your pie, right?”

“I do every year, don’t I?” she replied, smirking at him. “Heaven forbid that I don’t.”

“You know me and apple-raspberry pie,” he retorted with a saucy grin.

“Do I ever,” she laughed, rubbing his shoulder. “I picked up the fruit in Whatley yesterday. We just need to get the turkey and fixings for Thursday.”

He smiled. “Turkey with cornbread stuffing.”

“And hot apple cider with it,” she added. It’s amazing how such simple things can make him happy. If making a few such goodies keep him like this then it’s worth it. Just to see a smile on his face like that. How I wish that Stuart and Sarah would do a normal holiday for Randy and him but that would be a recipe for Armageddon.

“Janet? David?” Jeannie Alvarez asked, passing them in the soup aisle.

“Hi, Mrs. Alvarez, how are you?” he greeted.

“I’m fine. Looks like you all are doing the same thing we are,” Mrs. Alvarez replied.

“We’re going to have a small dinner but we like it,” Janet noted. “How about you?”

“It’s going to be the five of us. I was hoping that my in-laws would come in for the weekend but they had to cancel,” Mrs. Alvarez responded. “It’s just as well. I have to work Wednesday afternoon. Thankfully, the girls will prep everything after school.”

“Could they use a hand?” he offered.

Janet eyed him knowingly. “You can’t stop helping, can you?”

“Nope. Not me. I figure that I can do my share by 3 for our dinner and maybe come over after that?” he proposed.

“Sounds good to me,” his grandmother relented.

“David, I don’t want to be any trouble,” Mrs. Alvarez noted.

“It’s no trouble. Really,” he insisted.

Especially where Karen’s concerned. Janet smiled. Ah well, let them have their projects if it keeps him happy. “Tell Caroline and Karen to expect him around 3.”

“Sounds good. Thank you, David, for helping. I appreciate it. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to the grind,” Mrs. Alvarez expressed before heading down the aisle.

“That was very nice of you not that I’m surprised,” Janet assessed.

“I really don’t mind helping my friends, Gram. You know that. Besides, the Alvarezes have been really great to me since I moved here,” he explained.

I’ll say. “And you have a regular shift tomorrow, right?” she inquired.

“I do. I’ll be over afterwards to peel those apples,” he promised, double checking his mental checklist.

“Sounds great. I’ll treat you to a mocha when we’re finished here,” she promised, as they headed for the butcher’s section.





Chapter 2 [Next day—Library]

Dave wheeled the book cart around the building, shelving books and eyeing the shelves for neatness and order. A misplaced book is a lost book. Taking out the feather duster from time to time, he swiped at the shelves as needed.

“You’re a regular Susie Homemaker, you know that?” Karen teased.

Hearing his best friend’s voice made him fidgety. Get a grip, Dave. He composed himself. “Must be the friends who inspire me.”

“I wouldn’t know any of those, would I?” she countered.

“Maybe,” he retorted saucily. “How goes the battle in your Mom’s kitchen?”

She rolled her eyes. “That is going to be a disaster. Mrs. Campbell wants me to work tomorrow afternoon. Apparently, Ann and Clara Nelson’s parents didn’t bother to tell anyone about their plans. Now Mom’s ticked at me. I hate this!”

“It’s okay, Karen,” he told her.

Not hearing him, she continued, “I mean—I look forward to that afternoon with Caroline every year and to have Mom do everything, I really feel like a creep.”

“Karen,” he insisted, shaking her out of her funk.

“What? Dave, this is a disaster!” she declared.

“Caroline knows what to do, right?” he inquired.

“Of course she does!” she retorted. “Why?”

“Your Mom didn’t tell you, did she?” he asked.

“Didn’t tell me about what? All I know is that Caroline’s going to be by herself,” she reiterated.

“Between us, I offered to help you both tomorrow. If she can guide me through it and…well…you can bring me a mocha out of it, I’ll pull double duty,” he revealed.

“You’d do that for me?” she asked, feeling a sense of relief washing over herself.

“Well it was more for Caroline but yeah…you could say that. And free mochas are appreciated,” he teased.

She swatted the air playfully in front of his face. “All right—be that way!” She grinned. “Seriously, Dave, thanks for the save. Caroline’ll appreciate it.”

“My pleasure. I’ll stop by the Express on the way home. Gram needs me to peel apples for her pie tonight,” he informed her.

“It’s a date,” she affirmed. “See you then.” She headed out the door toward the bike rack.

He shook his head and smiled. If all things in life were that easy…. Seeing Ms. Parsons standing there, he apologized, “Sorry if we disturbed anyone.”

She smiled at him. “I was just going to compliment you on how you handled that. Very well done.”

“Thanks, I guess,” he accepted. “It’s no big deal. I just help my friends. Speaking of which, we’re covered for tomorrow, right?”

“Don’t worry about that. I know you’re already occupied. Keep up the good work and have a great Thanksgiving,” she told him.

“Same to you,” he replied pleasantly. “See you next week.”

“Right,” she concluded, heading back downstairs.

Just another day in Paradise. He sighed and went back to checking his shelves. “Keep on moving.”





Chapter 3

[Cappuccino Express—6:15 PM]

After calling his grandmother to let her know where he was going, Dave rode down to Cappuccino Express. After getting a coffee and a cookie from the counter, he found April and Garth sitting in the corner booth. “Hey, guys!”

“They actually let you out on good behavior?” Garth teased.

“Imagine that,” she sassed.

“Actually, I get a coffee break before I launch into apple peeling,” Dave informed them. “I’m swamped tomorrow too.”

“We heard,” she informed him. “Always the Good Samaritan, aren’t you?”

“That’s me. Hey, if I can help my friends, why not? Speaking of which, you’re both hanging in there, right?” Dave inquired.

“We are. No offense, Dave, but we’ve got things under control,” Garth replied.

“Garth,” she interjected. “That wasn’t called for. Dave was trying to be nice.”

“I just don’t want him to get sick and more stressed,” Garth noted.

“It’s okay,” Dave indicated. “He’s just being a friend.” Seeing her moodiness, he asked, “What is it?”

“My folks have to go out of town tomorrow for an emergency shipment. They’ll be back on Friday but well…I guess it’s going to be weird not having Thanksgiving with them. I’ll plow through Thursday and we’ll do our dinner when they get back,” she explained.

“When did that come up?” Karen asked, as she slid into the booth next to Dave.

“Last night of all things. Weird, huh?” April retorted.

“I’m sure Gram wouldn’t mind if you come over. Let me check with her first and call you,” Dave noted.

She nodded. “I’d appreciate that.” I get to spend some time with him. Finally!

It figures. He was hoping to invite her to dinner at his place. “Let me know if I can help too.”

“Don’t worry; I will,” Dave agreed, rubbing Garth’s arm.

At that moment, Adrienne sauntered over. “I was hoping to run into you all.”

They all looked incredulously at her, not believing that for an instant.

April recovered first. “And why would that be, Adrienne?”

“Well…my parents are putting on a big dinner on Thursday. You all can come of course. Dave, umm…I was wondering if…you’d like to come,” she explained.

Dave gulped, trying to think of a way out of the proposal. Ever since the Biology project, Adrienne had been hitting on him almost nonstop. At the same time, he made excuse after excuse for not being with her. Why won’t she just take the hint? I don’t want to hurt her!

Karen fumed. She had a plan of her own cooking in her head for Thursday. It would figure that Adrienne would pull this! GAH!!!! I don’t mind if April comes over but there’s no way I want HER in my house!

“Let me…check with Gram. I think we’re booked. Thank you for the invite though,” Dave declined.

“We have plans,” April indicated, blocking that attempt.

“You two have plans? Karen, what do you think of this?” Adrienne wondered haughtily.

Other than the fact that I want to drop kick your sorry butt out of here? “Hey, Dave’s just trying to be a friend to her and all of us.” Karen sipped on her coffee, trying to keep her composure. “Sorry, Adrienne.” She looked at Dave. Just tell her you don’t like her!

Dave put his hand up to cut them off. “Seriously, I do appreciate the invite.” He saw Karen and April looking at him, urging him to say something. “I don’t want to cause a scene but…”

Adrienne nodded sullenly, feeling another fit coming on. “It’s okay. There’ll be plenty of other people to talk with. Thanks, Dave, for being honest.” She frowned at the others before leaving.

Garth sighed. “Real smooth, Dude.”

“What?” Dave asked, throwing his hands in the air. “I let her down easy. She’s got enough problems without me yanking the rug out from under her.” He put the money for his goodies on the table. “There you go, Karen. Cash and of course, your tip.”

“Why thank you,” she accepted. “Ride safely, all right?”

“Always,” he agreed. “See you all tomorrow morning.” He headed out the door.

After he left, the others wondered why he just didn’t tell her the real scoop. They knew that this would be trouble eventually.


****


[Janet’s house]

Dave hurried into the house, somehow remembering to take his shoes off at the front door. He called, “Gram?”

“Back already?” Janet asked surprised. “I thought you were winding down.”

“We’ve got apples to peel and core. I wanted to get to it,” he replied while washing his hands. “I wanted to ask a favor.”

“Yes?” she wondered.

“April’s folks will be out of town on Thursday,” he told her. “She’ll be by herself.”

“Of course she can eat with us. There’ll be plenty for everyone.” She put the newspaper down and walked over to the sink. “When did that come up?”

“Today, I guess,” he surmised, taking out the cutting board and grabbing the bag of apples out of the refrigerator. Then he began washing the fruit. “We’re still two days away and problems are already starting. Karen’s got to work tomorrow. And now, this. It’s never easy.”

“As long as everyone’s not taking advantage of you,” she told him. Seeing his confused expression, she continued, “I know about Karen’s situation. Sometimes though, Dave, I think you’re a little too eager to help. I know the others here wouldn’t do that but down the road, it could get you taken advantage of.”

“I know,” he agreed. “I just want people to be happy. I guess the best of intentions and all that….”

Janet smiled. I hate to have to tell him that but it’s for his own good. “I know that. Go ahead and call the McKenzies. That’ll put her parents’ minds at ease, I’m sure." When he set about doing that, she nodded. This, at least, is good for all parties concerned.





Chapter 4
[Alvarez House—3:00 PM Wednesday]

Dave parked his bike by the garage, making sure to have it out of the cars’ paths. He knocked on the door.

Caroline peeked through the curtains and smiled. She opened the door. “Looking for another feature, are we?”

“Very funny,” he cracked. “That would be Mrs. C, I believe.” Walking into the house, he looked around at the fixtures and family pictures.

“This way,” the editor-in-chief beckoned, leading him into the kitchen. There, a pot simmered on the stove and a few grocery bags sat on the table.

“Whoa!” he exclaimed. “Are you feeding an army or what?”

“Not an army just us…for the next few weeks, I think,” she quipped humorously. “I’ll let you start mashing potatoes if that’s okay?”

“That’s fine. I have a few tricks of my own for that,” he concurred, opening the refrigerator and grabbing the butter and milk. “Let’s have at it!”

“That’s what I like about you, Dave,” she told him.

“What would that be?” he inquired.

“There’s no challenge too big for you. Let’s get going,” she replied pleasantly, as they set to work.



****


[Two hours later]

Mrs. Alvarez came in the front door, feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the day’s affairs. Several meetings—all of which were called ‘urgent’—had items that could have waited until the following week if not for the boss’ enormous ego and lack of planning skills. And Karen’s going through the same thing at the Express. I wonder how the kids are doing? “Caroline? David?”

“In here, Mom!” her daughter called.

She walked into the kitchen to find the two teenagers hard at work. She nodded in approval while asking, “What’s going on here?”

“Mischief,” Dave retorted with a smirk on his face. “How was the office?”

“Busy,” the elder woman replied. “Seriously, what’s going on?”

Caroline noted, “Dave’s mashed and mixed the potatoes. He also cut the corn off of the ears. I’m mixing up the stuffing. We just need to slice the apple pieces.”

“I can baste this bird too if you want,” he offered.

Mrs. Alvarez shook her head. “You can get the apples but that’s it. I think you’ve more than done your share. I just stopped by the Express. Karen’s expecting you.”

“I told you so,” Caroline interjected.

He shrugged and started slicing the apples. Within ten minutes, that was done too. “I’ll clean my share before going.”

“That’s okay. Sis is waiting,” Caroline assured him. “Charles needs to do something. Right, Mom?”

“That’s right,” Mrs. Alvarez concurred. “Seriously, David, thank you so much for your help. Karen is really grateful too.”

“She’s a great friend. It’s really no problem. Have a great day tomorrow,” he concluded, heading out the door.

“He’s something else,” Caroline told her mother. “It would have taken Karen and me another hour at least to do all of this. I wish there was something we could do other than that mocha.”

“Maybe we can,” her mother indicated, picking up the phone. “Hi, Janet? This is Jeannie Alvarez. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Janet indicated. “How are our chefs doing?”

“David just left. He did a great job on the prep work. In fact, he accomplished far more than we expected him to do. I was wondering have you started on your turkey yet?”

“I was just about to. Why?” Janet asked.

“How would you and David like to eat with us tomorrow? We have plenty,” Mrs. Alvarez offered.

“I would say yes except that Dave’s invited April McKenzie to eat with us tomorrow. Apparently, her parents are going to be out of town,” Janet declined.

“That’s no problem. Can the three of you come by—let’s say about noon? I want to keep it a surprise for him if that’s okay,” Mrs. Alvarez offered.

“That’s fine. I’ll bring some cornbread and a pie with us. Thanks, Jeannie, for doing this. I’m sure Dave will enjoy it.”

“He certainly earned it and so have you. Take care and see you tomorrow,” Mrs. Alvarez concluded and hung up.

“You certainly know how to put on a surprise, don’t you?” Caroline inquired.

“I don’t want Karen knowing either. This will be a nice surprise all the way around,” her mother indicated with a smile. “Let me change and I’ll give you a hand.”



****



[Cappuccino Express—5:30 PM]

Karen locked the café’s front door gladly. As if the town wanted one last dose of caffeine before the weekend, customers had mobbed the place. She had spent the whole afternoon on the run, bouncing from one table to another with the coffee pot in hand. “Whew!” she exclaimed, slumping into the Cadre’s designated booth.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Campbell came over with a cup of coffee in hand. “I can’t thank you enough, Karen. You just pulled holiday pay for that stint.” Seeing the girl’s shock, she continued, “You did a great job single-handedly. And your family was inconvenienced. There is one other customer waiting if you don’t mind.”

She bit back a tired response as she made her way to the counter. “Yes?”

“I’m here for my mocha,” Dave chuckled.

“What?” she asked, taking a minute to allow his response to compute. “Dave! What are you doing here?”

“Your mother said you were expecting me. I wanted my mocha and to chat if that’s okay,” he declared warmly.

“Sure. Let me get that and…” She saw her boss coming over. “I can get it.”

“I’ve got it,” Mrs. Campbell indicated. “You two take a seat.” A couple of minutes later, she walked over with a tray. “Mocha for you, Mr. Dubois and a bowl of soup for each of you on the house. I hear you spelled Karen so she could be here.”

“I was going to help her and Caroline anyhow, Mrs. Campbell,” he insisted. “I’m glad I was able to do it.”

“I called your grandmother too, David. She knows you’re here. I promised I’d get something hot inside of you,” the owner told him.

“Thanks for that. This is good,” he expressed. “Karen, you’re all set for tomorrow. Caroline and I got everything done this afternoon. I guess your folks are going to baste your turkey. Otherwise, you’re set.”

She shook her head and smiled wistfully. “I just wish there was something more I could do for you.”

“Just be yourself,” he advised.

She nodded while taking another spoonful of chicken broth. She felt all warm inside and it wasn’t all from the soup either.





Chapter 5 [Thursday about noon]

Dave put on his best sweater and slacks before riding over to his grandmother’s house. Granted, it was just going to be him, his grandmother and April but he wanted to do his part. As he walked into the house, he smelled nothing out of the ordinary—a fact that concerned him. “Gram?”

“In here,” she called. As he entered the kitchen, she continued, “How are you this morning?”

“Okay, I guess,” he replied. “Why isn’t the turkey going?”

She replied, “Maybe because we’ve been invited for dinner to someone’s house. April’s coming as well.” Hearing a knock at the door, she added, “That should be her now.”

He opened the door to find April standing there. “Hi. Happy Thanksgiving!”

“Thanks! You too,” she responded. Walking into the house, she asked, “Where’s the turkey smell?”

“I was asking the same thing myself,” he concurred. “Follow me.” He led her into the kitchen where his grandmother was getting two pies set for transport. “I guess we’re all going to someone’s house for dinner.”

April managed to keep her feelings under wraps. And here I thought I was going to get him to myself today. Ah well, I should have known better. They are doing you a huge favor, April. “Can I help with those pies, Mrs. Dubois?”

“If you could each take one, that would be great,” Janet agreed, knowing what the girl was thinking. Sorry, April, Jeannie’s invitation was too good to pass up where we were all concerned. “Come along now.” After they had left, she locked the door behind them.


****



[Alvarez House—ten minutes later]

As with Dave over at his grandmother’s, Karen noted the changes going on. She asked her mother, “Are we having extra people over?”

“I invited some friends over. I didn’t think you’d mind,” her mother replied. “What are another three spots right?”

“The more, the merrier,” Karen responded enthusiastically, helping to set the table.

“That’s the spirit!” her father exclaimed happily. “I love a house full of happy people.”

Caroline agreed, “This should be a great afternoon.” Hearing a knock at the door, she asked, “Karen, why don’t you get that?”

Karen opened the door to find Dave, Janet and April standing there. “Hi! I think we’re expecting guests but you’re welcome to come in!”

“They are the guests!” her sister advised while walking into the front room. “Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Let’s get settled here and then I think dinner will be ready in just a bit.”

Dave and April set the pies in the kitchen next to everything else.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Alvarez, everything smells great!” he declared.

“Thanks, David, considering that you had a hand in it, that shouldn’t be surprising. Good to see you, April. Thanks for coming,” the hostess replied.

“It’s great to be here. Is there something I can do to help?” April offered.

“Not at the moment. Everything’s on the table already and I think we’re about to eat. Take a seat, you two.” Mrs. Alvarez took another slice out of the turkey in front of her.

The two teenagers sat next to Karen, Charles and Caroline at one end of the table while the three adults were at the other end.

Everyone admired the shared bounty spread in front of them. It was truly a Thanksgiving feast to behold.

After a minute, Dr. Alvarez cleared his throat and looked at the others. “Now this is a table rich in things and people to be thankful for. Can we pray please?” When everyone had done so, he started, “Lord, we thank you for providing us with this food and for the blessings throughout the year. We also thank you for the opportunity to share in fellowship and friendship. Amen.”

“Amen,” everyone else reiterated.

Dave meditated on those words for a minute. True he had endured several trials since coming there from Rowenshire however the others around the table—whether they knew they had or not—were responsible for his survival. Good friends are something to be treasured.

Across the table, Karen smiled. I’m just thankful for such good friends especially you, Dave.

With that, they dug in, taking in the wonder of that food and the holiday.



Conclusion [The following Monday, Amherst High]

Dave put his books back in the locker and traded others for the afternoon classes. He felt better after the Thanksgiving feast and having everyone together for one big meal without worries or interruptions. Times like that are rare and they’ll keep getting more so.

“Dave?” April asked.

“Oh, April. Hi!” he greeted while closing the locker door. “What’s up?”

She shrugged. “Nothing much. I wanted to thank you for including me last Thursday.”

“Why wouldn’t I? Granted I wasn’t planning on being at Karen’s but well…let’s say I didn’t mind either,” he indicated. “Your being there was a great thing for all concerned.”

“Really? I know you were thinking about Karen a lot,” she assessed. Seeing the look on his face, she added, “Dave, it’s no big secret. You should tell her how you feel.”

He sighed. “April, I’m sorry….”

She put her hand up. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you want me around and I’m not in the way.”

“Now why would I think that? You’re a good friend and you’ve stood by me in some very difficult times. You deserve better than that,” he assured her.

She smiled wistfully. “And here I was going to ask you if it was okay if I started dating Garth. He asked me to the movies tomorrow.”

“And you’re going, right?” Dave asked.

“Yeah. Now I think I will. Maybe you can meet us at the Express afterwards?” she inquired.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Karen will want to hear about it too, I’m sure. Good luck,” he agreed.

She grinned. “You too. Let Karen and Adrienne both know, Dave. They deserve it.”

“When I have the right words,” he declared. “I don’t know exactly what to say.”

“How about the truth?” she suggested. “I wouldn’t let it go too long. Just my two cents. Talk to you later.” With that, she headed down the hall, whistling a Celtic tune to herself.

The truth. I don’t know if you all could handle that. He shook his head, knowing what the Empress had erased from their minds. Maybe one day I can but that day ain’t today. With that, he picked up his backpack and headed for the next class….