Everyone got ready for the Thanksgiving lunch. When we were ready we waited for Erik to arrive so we could set off.
Once he got there we left.
…
It was a quick ride to my grandparents house. It was a sunny day that was as chilly as the day was bright.
We gave our greetings as we filed inside. Inside, was a cacophony of warm and sweet smells. It wrapped around you in gentle comfort and lulled you into a wistful haze. One which pushed you to feel happy and blissful.
We stood around and talked for a short while before settling down for lunch.
For lunch we had a brown sugar honey glazed apple wood smoked ham as the center piece. Along with stuffing, batter fried okra, green beans, sweet potato casserole with mini marshmallows on top, cinnamon baked apples, and buttery flaky croissants.
A full spread of deliciousness.
We all chowed down on the feast, having warm conversation and jokes.
While it was cold outside, the inside was pleasantly warm. With the dining room filled with laughter, the lunch passed quickly.
Afterward everyone settled in the sitting room to continue talking and have some dessert. Which was a choice of either pumpkin pie or fruit salad. Though I guess you could have both if you wanted.
We talked about a lot of things, one being what mom's plan was since her original one was dashed.
Mom started, "Yeah, I was really disappointed with how things went. But, thankfully now I can always just move somewhere else. Somewhere that actually fulfills my dreams.
A charming little town, with kind welcoming people, and a wholesome community that can come together to overcome a trial of adversity."
I said, "Mom, that last part might be a little too theatrical for reality."
Mom continued, "Maybe so, but the main point is to find a place I would like to settle down in. I am perfectly fine with traveling the world to find that place. Actually, traveling the world would help refine my criteria.
I know I have to live somewhere warm. I would also like to live somewhere that has both art and music. But, I don't know how realistic that is. I feel like most places should have that, but I haven't seen enough of the world to really know."
I followed up, "That's true. It's probably best to just see the world right now. Try out new things, have new experiences, and find out what type of life you want to live from here on out. I mean you have already found out that Regno d'Italia isn't a place you would want to live. You just have to keep checking things off your list. Or adding new ones."
Mom changed the topic, "Mom, dad, have you decided on what you want to do?"
My grandfather said frankly, "Haha, I'll just let your mother decide on that one."
Granny said, "Well, I will just wait until you find a place you like and then start looking around there."
Both grandparents seemed to be reluctant to leave, not that I blame them. They have been living here for a long time and both of their lives are here. Expecting them to change that at the drop of a hat is too much.
The major concern is that anyone who knows of my wealth will try and kidnap my family for my money.
I saw that that had happened to a lottery winner in the past.
But, one can't live their life in fear, and every person must make their own choices in life.
I can't dictate how another person should live their life.
We continued talking for a while longer and left once the talking wound down around 6:00.
Once we were home Layla hopped into the Cancry and left for her parents house. We had started using the Cancry more frequently because it was more comfortable and fuel efficient than the McLoud.
…
A few hours later.
I had stayed awake waiting for Layla to return. Which she had just done.
I got up from my desk from where I had been watching some Xia dramas. When I opened the door ready to happily greet Layla, I froze when I saw her red eyes and tear streaked cheeks.
I didn't know what to do, I just kind of stood there awkwardly, at a loss for what to say.
Layla had her head down, she didn't say a word. She just took a step forward and dropped her head on my chest.
With this, at least I knew what to do with it. I gently hugged Layla, where she started crying in my arms.
Layla cried for a while.
Once she finished crying I got her a glass of water. She finished the glass in a few seconds and said, "I want to take a shower, a super hot one."
"Go for it."
While Layla took a shower, steam piling up inside. I crawled into bed and started watching my Xia dramas again.
I felt bad and wanted to comfort her, but right now the only thing I could do was wait.
When she was out of the shower she crawled into bed and snuggled up right next to me.
I didn't say anything for a while, just rubbed her back while she leaned on me. I watched my drama, while she stared off into space.
After a length of unknown time I asked, "Are you ok?"
Layla replied, "I don't think so."
The drama playing in the background and the flashes of light from the TV danced on the wall. It created an odd silence, because despite the noise and movement, everything seemed still and silent.
I asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"
Layla was quiet for a moment then said, "My family… No, those people. Those people aren't my family. I don't know who they are, but they aren't the people that raised me. Or the people that I knew."