Thanksgiving.

I walk into my grandmother’s house and was instantly attacked by hugs from my aunts and uncles and especially my grandmother. She pulls away from me, taking a good look at me. “You’re growing up beautifully Annabel.” She smiles. “Your partner in crime is downstairs.”

“Thanks Grandma.” I smile as I slip off my leather jacket and head downstairs where everyone was; waiting for dinner to be done. I easily spot my cousin talking to our grandfather. I clear my throat, causing the two guys to snap their heads up. Ashley is the first to get up and pull me into a hug.

“Hey kiddo, I’m actually shocked to see you here.” He chuckles as we part and I go over to give my grandfather a hug and a kiss.

“Why are you so shocked that I’m here?” I question him. “It’s thanksgiving and I’m with my family, where else am I supposed to be?”

“With your boyfriend.” He points out. “Andy didn’t invite you to his family dinner?”

“Yea, but I knew you were coming here and you know hoes before bros.” I shrug then a smirk grows on my lips as I watch Ashley’s jaw drop.

“Bitch you didn’t not just call me a hoe.” He says, acting pretty ghetto. “That shit is unacceptable.”

“But not wrong!” Grandpa chimes in. I just laugh as Ashley’s jaw drops even more.

“That’s sad, even Grandpa knows you a hoe.” I say between laughs. Ashley glares at me as an evil smirk appears on his lips. I let out a shriek before running away from my cousin as he laughs behind me.

**

Later that night, Ashley and I are sitting on the front porch. I’m smoking a cigarette as we talk about everything and anything. We’re talking about music, our relationships; basically the usually shit we talk about. It was nice having this moment with Ashley, he truly is my best friend.

“You should come out to California for your birthday.” Ashley tells me. “I’d like to celebrate your 18th birthday with you.”

“Andy’s birthday is right after mine and I’d want to be there with him for his birthday.” I tell him sadly as I put out my cigarette. “If he wasn’t my boyfriend I’d be out there; but this is would be our first birthdays together.”

“You really like him don’t you?” He chuckles.

I couldn’t help but to smile. I really did love him. “I think you’re right; I think I really do love him.”

“He better no break your heart or there will be hell to pay.” Ashley says, seriously. “No one fucks with my baby cousin and gets away with it.” I just laugh as he puts an arm around me. I’m going to miss him when we leave. It sucks that he lives clear across the country from me…