A few hours later...
7 PM...
Taylor's POV...
After hours of helping Mom prepare for tonight's feast, finally we gather in our small dining table, with the various dishes all served perfectly. From Mom's signature homemade turkey to her famous pumpkin pie. Other than that, let's not forget the mac and cheese, cheese corn soup, mashed potato, and of course some salad. Eli and I had tons of fun getting messy in the kitchen, which actually feels nostalgic since it gives me flashback of our preteen years where Mom would yell at us for making the kitchen a bit too messy everytime we helped her prepare for Thanksgiving.
"The table looks delightful, Honey," Dad says as he pulls out a chair to take a seat next to Mom. From his eyes I could tell that he's already craving to cut the turkey. Well, you won't wait too long, Dad, since dinner's gonna start soon.
"Well, I'm lucky to have these two kids helping me out," Mom says.
"Don't mention it, Mom. Let's just start this dinner already," Eleanor says in a playful manner as she takes a seat next to me.
"As you say, Miss Eleanor. But can I be the first to list out the things that I am thankful of this year?" Mom asks.
"Of course, Mom," Eleanor says, this time in a more calm manner.
"Thank you, Dear," Mom says. "Now since it's Thanksgiving I am pretty sure we all know what it's all about."
"It's a gathering that takes place every year, Honey," Dad says.
"Yes, but other than that, it's that time where we can actually express our thankfulness and gratitude for everything in this life," Mom says.
"Agree, Mom," I say.
"Now, let me start. Of course, like every year, my list never change, but it does get longer," Mom says. "I am thankful of  this wonderful family I am blessed with. Though time passed, through thick and thin, I am grateful that our love for one another never change."
Hearing this, I form a small smile at my mom, seeing her looked so happy as she forms a big smile. It's good to see that my family is still the same like when I was still living my life in LA.
"Like you, Honey, I am also thankful of this wonderful family," Dad says. "I'm thankful for the career, the food, time, bond, and of course the love we have for one another."
Upon hearing my dad expressed his gratitude, I turn my head to Eleanor who is smiling at both of my parents. I noticed that she looked excited as well, and thought she might want to express her thankfulness and gratitudes before me.
"Eleanor, it's your turn now," I say.
Hearing this, Eleanor turns her head to me and forms a small smile. Her smile never changes from the days we were still together, before I left for New York City. It's the smile she grew up with, which has been her signature charm.
"I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for having such a supportive family, who I know will always have my back and support me at all cost. Growing up, I had many doubts in myself if I could actually reach my ambition in this life. Yet, my family has always been there for me, through ups and downs. I am thankful for that," Eleanor says.
Hearing Eleanor's statement, I could see Mom and Dad's eyes looked so touched yet happy at the same time for their daughter. Deep down, I also feel a bursting joy inside knowing that my sister has finally reach her dream in life.
"As time goes by, I also learn that there are many things to be grateful for in this life, which includes meeting some great people," Eleanor says as her hands reach out to grab a glass of orange juice from the table. Yet, my attention soon starts to focus on her finger which has a ring on it.
"Eli, is that a ring?" I ask her.
Eleanor smiles. "I was about to tell you guys this but seems like you noticed it first."
Hearing that, Mom and Dad both widen their eyes as they stare at Eleanor with a surprised look.
"Mom, Dad, Tay....I am engaged," Eleanor says.
Hearing this, I couldn't help but drop my jaws out of joy. Meanwhile, I noticed Mom and Dad starts to hold back their tears yet their mouths formed a shocked yet happy smile.
"Oh my, Eleanor, Honey..."
"Fred and I will plan the wedding date at the end of this year," Eleanor says. Wow, after all these years, I'm glad that the two are finally tying the knot soon. I'm so happy for them.
"Oh, Eleanor, I am speechless," Dad says in a still-shocked manner.
"I guess I surprised you two," Eleanor says in a playful manner.
"Congrats, El," I say to Eleanor as I give her a warm a hug. It's the kind of hug I used to give her when we were younger, whenever one of us feels sad, it's the comforting sister hug. In a warm embrace, her hands slowly wraps around my body, giving me that nostalgic feeling of our childhood days.
A few hours later...
9:40 PM...
After a wonderful dinner, we all helped Mom to clean the dishes and dining room. After that, I cleaned myself up and is now just relaxing in my room. Man...it's been a while since I last lie down on this bed, giving me a thousand emotions all mixed up, making me feel in peace knowing that I am now at home.
"Sleepy yet?"
I get up to see Eleanor standing in front of the door with her arms crossed. Her pretty lips shaped a small smile as her eyes stares at me, in which I stare back.
"Nope. Just trying to remember the last time I slept here," I say as I lie down again on the comfy bed covered with sunny yellow bed sheets.
"Well, before that, I thought I gave you a little Thanksgiving surprise," Eleanor says.
I quickly get up from my bed and turn my head to see Eleanor. Her lips forms a smirk, which I knew she definitely has something going on in her head. It's no surprise that the smirk from the girl is a signal that she has mad ideas in her head.
"What is it?" I ask her.
Eleanor smiles. "Just follow me."
To be continue...