Collision

The brightness seeping through the thin curtains brings me into consciousness the next morning. I roll over to where I'm facing Hayden and find his bed empty and unmade. Once again, I'm probably the last one awake.

I peel the covers off of my body and walk into the bathroom across the hallway. I don't have enough time to get ready so I just put my hair into a bun and clean my face before heading downstairs.

Everyone is gathered downstairs in the living room. At least they are still in their pajamas. I greet everyone and take a seat beside Hayden on the couch.

"We're having dinner around one." Mom informs me. I almost forgot it was Thanksgiving. My stomach churns at the thought of food and I stand to try and quench my hunger.

Arms wrap around my waist as I'm eating a bagel and I don't have to look to see it's Harry. His chin rests on my shoulder, his curly hair tickling my ear.

"You're up late," he whispers.

"I should have set my alarm clock," I shake my head and spread some cream cheese on the bread.

"Get ready," he kisses my cheek and disappears without question. Butterflies fill my stomach at the thought of where he's going to take me and I quickly eat my bagel.

I hurry upstairs and change into a red sweater and light colored jeans. I curl my hair and apply makeup, sliding a white beanie over my head on the way downstairs.

"Ready," I smile at Harry as I stand beside him. He laces his fingers through mine and leads me out of the door without telling anyone where we're going.

Harry leads me out to the edge of the property and down a dirt path that is almost completely overgrown with plants. The trail leads downhill and stops at a small stream that runs through the thick pine trees.

"Don't worry, we're not swimming," he laughs at my expression. He pulls me over to a rock that dangles over the stream and we both sit down on the cold stone. It's chilly outside but being with Harry lessens the cold a bit.

"Why are we out here?" I ask.

"It was getting suffocating in that house," Harry smiles. I nod, knowing the feeling. Six people can be a little overwhelming.

We sit on the rock for about an hour before I get a phone call that calls us back to the house.
We take the long way around to have more time together, but it's too short.

"Lunch will be done in a couple of hours," Mom informs us as we walk in the door. I nod, but don't comment on how she interrupted us. Harry gives me a kiss before disappearing upstairs to find his mother.

"Jess?" Mom calls me as I'm walking into the living room.

"Yes?"

"Would you mind running into town for me? I forgot the stuffing," she smiled sweetly. I look back into the living room as Harry and Anne are coming down the stairs.

"Sure," I grab the money that she is handing me and head out the door. I walk down the winding path and take a right once I hit the main road. A few minutes later, a small town comes into view. I make my way across the street toward the lone grocery store that is buzzing with people.

As I'm standing in line to check out, someone taps me on the shoulder.

"That line's open," the boy tells me and I thank him before switching lines. I look back at him as the cashier is ringing up the stuffing and see him helping an elderly lady bag her groceries.

After paying, I head out of the store and begin walking across the crowded parking lot. I'm almost at the road when I hear a car horn behind me.

"You need a ride?" The same guy asks me as his small truck stops beside me.

"I'm fine. It's only a short walk from here," I shake my head and adjust the bag in my hands.

"Oh, come on! No charge!" He smiles, his black hair shaking as he offers for me to take the ride.

"Thank you, but I'm good." I begin walking again, but this guy isn't having it.

"It's Thanksgiving! You should be thankful that I'm offering you a ride!" He jokes and I stop short.

"If I agree, will you stop bugging me?" I ask. He nods eagerly and hops out of his truck to help me in the passenger side.

"Where are you heading?" He asks once we get onto the main road. I point in the direction of the cabin and settle down in my seat.

"I didn't catch your name," he says during the uncomfortable silence.

"Jess," I tell him as we arrive at the end of my road.

"Well, I'm Jacob. It was nice meeting you," he smiles and opens my door for me. I thank him and step out onto the dirt road with my bag of stuffing in hand.

"Who's that?" Jacob points to someone walking down the road toward us. I'm not sure who it is, until I see the boy dressed in black.

"Crap," I mutter as he gets near us.

"Thanks for the ride, Jacob. Happy Thanksgiving," I try to end this conversation in hopes that he'll drive safely away before Harry beats him up.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Jess," he climbs into his truck and leaves just as Harry walks up.

"Who the hell was that?" Harry asks.

"Just someone who gave me a ride," I shrug like it's no big deal.

"Why the fuck did you get into his car?" He asks, following me up the driveway.

"Because he offered me a ride. It was no big deal," I tell him over my shoulder.

"What if he tried to hurt you?" Harry demands.

"He didn't. And it's not like I openly invited myself into his car."

"Whatever Jess," He mutters and storms past me. What?

I roll my eyes at Harry's child like behavior and follow him up to the house. I want to ask him what his problem is but I don't feel like getting in an argument with Harry.

I give my mom the stuffing and stay in the kitchen with her to avoid speaking or seeing Harry. Lunch is ready around one and we're all ushered into the dining room that has been set up by Anne and my mother when I was out. I sit down between Hayden and Dad in hopes of not having to speak with Harry. But a few minutes later he takes the seat across from me. Of course.

We say the grace and indulge in the delicious meal that has been cooked. I wish I could enjoy it more but the earlier argument with Harry has taken the energy out of me.

"I can help clean up," I propose as I follow my mother into the kitchen. Anything to get away from Harry.

"Anne and I've got it. You and Harry can have some alone time." She winks at me and practically pushes me out of the kitchen.

I sigh and head up to my room. At least I can be alone up there. I crawl into the neat bed and lay my head down on the pillow, trying to drown out the world.

Notes

Here's an update before I go to church! I will update afterwards but I just wanted to give you an early morning Sunday treat! Please continue to comment and vote! I love all of you guys! xx