Levi is known by the team for being an outstanding cook. Whether he's bringing in a batch of cookies, dip, or a homemade cake, it's normally gone within minutes. Tonight, however, he outdid himself.

A turkey cooked to perfection—the meat tender and juicy, mac and cheese that yes, was fucking mouth-watering, roasted vegetables and buttery rolls. Everyone around the table devoured their plates, me included, and now I'm wishing I wore sweatpants instead of jeans. The buttons are threatening to burst from how full my stomach is.

With this being my first Friendsgiving, I wasn't sure what to expect. I've always spent the holiday with my family, and although I'm missing my nieces and nephews more than life itself tonight, spending it with Aria and my team is a close second. Their laughter and constant chatter make me feel as if I'm home.

Aria takes a sip of wine before she leans into me and whispers, "I'm having a great time."

My hand, which has been trying to touch her as much as possible tonight, moves from around her shoulder to land on her thigh. "Were you expecting to hate it?"

"No, it's just been a while since I've..." She gulps down another sip and winces. "It's been a while since I've celebrated Thanksgiving with anyone."

My hand freezes from creating circles on her thigh. She's only had two glasses, so I know she's not confiding in me because she's intoxicated. The door's been opened, and I'm damn sure going to take the opportunity to burst through it.

"Your parents couldn't make it?" I pry.

She laughs softly. "Quite the opposite, actually. If they could be on a plane tomorrow, they would. After my sister passed things just haven't been the same. I don't think I've been able to accept that when we do celebrate it again together, it won't be with her. I don't want to celebrate as a family again if it's not with her." She blinks away tears, so I start my circles on her thigh in an attempt to calm her. "It sounds ridiculous when I say it, but celebrating as a family of three instead of four seems like it would make it permanent that she's gone. If I stay here where we grew up our entire lives... If I refuse to go to my parent's new home on the opposite side of the country, she might still be alive, and I won't have to know what it feels like to create new traditions without her."

A tear slips onto her face, so I quickly swipe it away with my thumb. I let my hand linger, creating soothing strokes along her cheek. "I think change can be hard for anyone," I admit. "It doesn't make you sound ridiculous, it makes you human. Although I've never dealt with grief firsthand, I don't believe it has a set of instructions for you to follow. People navigate it in their own way, and they move on at a speed they specifically require. It sounds like your parents love and care for you, so I imagine they've been patient and will continue to be patient until you've reached the speed they're at, you know?"

If anyone around us is paying attention to our intense conversation, they don't show it. Laughter and music surround us, but it all fades when a genuine smile falls onto Aria's face. It's the kind of smile I hope I'll be lucky enough to put there forever.

"You're right. It's been five Thanksgivings I've spent alone, but tonight has me believing I'm ready to celebrate with them again and create new traditions. It's the first time I've been surrounded by people and have been happy while thinking of my sister and how much she would have loved this. She...She would have loved you."

The words get lost in my brain as I scramble to come up with something to reply. For her to confide in me like this, and to say something like that? My eyes dip to her lips, and since words don't seem to suffice, I'm two seconds away from showing her how much I appreciate that when—

"Aria! You never told me how the meeting went at the Big Sister program!" Esme leans forward with an elbow on the table, resting her chin on her palm. Her eyes are bright, and her cheeks are flushed. She doesn't seem to realize she interrupted an important conversation, but when her free hand brings the wine glass to her lips for another sip and it sloshes over the sides, all is forgiven. She's had too much to drink.

Mila went to her room an hour ago, leaving the rest of us to drink and party. I don't blame Esme for getting plastered after the bomb drop she received tonight. I don't think anyone around this table does.

"It was good," Aria says. Her eyes meet mine as she silently communicates, I'll tell you later. I never knew she was entering into a Big Sister program, but I'm not upset she didn't tell me. That part of her life, when her sister passed, is one Esme went through with her. When Aria feels comfortable enough to open up to me about it, she will. Even things that stem from it, like the Big Sister program.

"Monique didn't seem like she wanted to talk to me at first," Aria continues. "The program instructors said she's been having a difficult time warming up but that it's normal because a lot of foster care kids go through a transitional—"

Cal, who is sitting beside Aria, whips his head to hers. "What did you say her name was?"

Aria seems as shocked as I am by his outburst. Cal, who couldn't care less about anything, suddenly seems frantic to get this information. "Monique," Aria repeats slowly.

"Do you have her last name?" He urges.

"I..." Aria shakes her head. "No, but I can ask the next time I see her?"

"Please. Let me know as soon as you find out."

I make a mental note to speak with Cal privately before practice tomorrow. Now isn't the right place or time to inquire why he might know who Monique is, though I have my suspicions.

"Oh, shoot!" Esme gasps at the now spilled wine glass. Red liquid travels along the runner, staining the perfectly ironed fabric. Gone is the silly tipsy version of Esme. Now, her face pales as she reaches for napkins, trying but failing to dab it up. "I am so sorry," she exclaims. "I'm such a klutz. I should have stopped drinking after my last glass. I don't know why I—"

Levi places his hand over hers, squeezing it. "It was an accident, Esme. It's okay."

"But you put so much effort into this table. This runner is beautiful." Tears begin to pool in her eyes. "Fuck, and now I'm crying. I'm a mess."

He dips his head to capture her gaze with his. "I can get a new runner. That's what online shopping is for, right? Besides, is it really a party if there isn't at least one spilled drink?"

"Party foul!" Matti calls from the living room where he's watching the game.

"For the love of God, shut up!" Levi throws over his shoulder. He brings his attention back to Esme, his eyes softening. "Let's go get you cleaned up, okay? I can bring you a change of clothes."

She follows his stare downward to where red wine coats her dress. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry, Ana!"

"It was old," Ana replies from the couch beside Matti. She stretches out a hand towards him and wiggles her fingers. "Beer me again?"

"Happy to oblige," Mattie croons, but before he can get up, Cal's chair screeches back, his knuckles white on the empty glass he's now holding.

"I'll get it," he mutters. "I need a refill, anyway."

Silence falls over the group when he storms down the hall towards the kitchen, but Levi breaks the silence when he asks, "You wore your sister's dress tonight?"

Ana cackles from the living room. "She wanted something to spice things up. Did it work?"

"Ana!" Esme shrieks.

Aria and I continue to follow the back-and-forth conversation like we're watching a tennis match. Again, I find myself invading something that feels private, and Aria must feel the same because she scoots her chair back and says, "Want to go walk this food off?"

"Gladly," I mutter.

Author's Note:

IF THIS CHAPTER HITS 300 VOTES AND 200 COMMENTS, I'LL UPDATE AGAIN ON MONDAY :)

I FEEL A BREAKTHROUGH COMING!!!

DO YOU?

Maybe the questions regarding Aria's past will all be answered next chapter ;)

COMMENT AND VOTE IF YOU WANT A DOUBLE UPDATE <3

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