If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share. [Thanksgiving Day in the City]

[gloriouscurse]

Never had Regina had an abundance to be thankful for. Henry, of course, she was glad every day for him. Under the curse they'd had this holiday together, though it had always been just them, and after it broke the holidays had fallen to the wayside as event after event happened in Storybrooke. Then there was the year spent back in the forest, and though everyone knew what it was, there hadn't been much to celebrate. Or if anyone had, Regina certainly hadn't taken part in the festivities. She'd had nothing but newfound vengeance. In her life before, there was no such thing as 'Thanksgiving' and the last large meal she'd had, the last grand gathering, had been the king's birthday and she couldn't have cared less if she tried.

This year is different. This year there's family and friends of the family and things to celebrate. There's Henry getting to have a holiday with all three of his parents, there's Robin and Roland and a happiness that has managed to settle into Regina's belly and slowly allow her to relax. She hasn't had a terrible dream in weeks, and maybe she's started to let herself believe that this could be how her life is. She finds herself wanting it, the warmth Cora's home never allowed for, the laughter she's denied herself, and so she works hard at it, cooking and baking. Henry's with her in the kitchen in the morning after spending the day before hunting wild turkey with Robin. There are appetizers out by eleven: parmesan and cream cheese pumpkin puffs, deviled eggs and veggies with homemade dip. The wine and drinks are flowing by noon, and at three, dinner is served with traditional fare: turkey and stuffing, mashed and sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, real cranberry sauce and everything in between. She'd urged her guests to bring food they enjoyed too. Dessert is during mid-cleanup and includes Henry's no-bake pumpkin pie, an apple pie, pecan, and sweet potato.

The dull chatter in the room, the occasional laughter and the noise of whatever people watched on television during Thanksgiving all lended itself to make her step back and watch for a moment, eyes suspiciously damp. She's truly thankful, because she never thought she'd have this.

[ooc: Treat as gathering! Lots of mingling and tagging one another.]

Comments

[exitthewallflower]

"Most families are in some ways." Mine has a sociopath in it. I'd almost rather have Dad be my age. Actually, I probably shouldn't say that, around here that might just happen.

"I won't say anything to embarrass you, I promise." I give her a little hug. I'm not that kind of parent. Heh, I just called myself a parent. Oh, man.

[ghost_holder]

"I know you won't," Aggie says, returning the hug and resting her chin on Barbara's shoulder--it's a lot less difficult than it used to be now that she's been growing. "You're too cool."

[exitthewallflower]

God, she's getting tall. I mean, I'm not short, but when I think about how small she was when I first arrived? Yeah, that conversation about boys and things is going to have to happen sooner rather than later. But I'm going to try not to think about that tonight.

"Okay, enough bonding, go find your friend and hang out, I'll find some other not un-cool parental type to hang out with."

[ghost_holder]

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going," Aggie promises. She gives Barbara one last squeeze and then withdraws to say hello to her friends.