Charlene couldn’t believe how fast Thanksgiving was approaching. She knew Tonya enjoyed Halloween, and now she would experience Thanksgiving. She had asked Tonya what Thanksgiving was like with her mother, and she had told her they never did anything.

Charlene looks over toward Henry “so, are we still doing thanksgiving at your place this year?”

“Unless you and Tonya have somewhere else to go.” Henry looks at Charlene.

“Nope, I want this Thanksgiving to be very special for Tonya. I asked her what Thanksgiving was like with her mother, and let’s say she never experienced it.”

“Well, I’ll make sure Tonya knows what Thanksgiving is like.” Henry has been hearing a lot about what life for Tonya was like.

“Tell Mary I’m bringing the ham this year, along with two side dishes.” Charlene was thinking about making her mother’s famous macaroni and cheese as one of her sides.

“As long as you bring your mother’s famous Macaroni and Cheese.” Henry loved Charlene’s mother’s dish.

“Of course.” Charlene planned on going shopping after work today.

“Are you planning on going to the auction on Wednesday?” Charlene knew Henry liked flipping cars.

“Yeah, and hopefully, I’ll be able to purchase a few cars this time.” The few times Henry went to the auto auction. He was unable to purchase any of he cars. The prices that they were going for, were to steep for his taste and left little profit.

“Well, good luck.” Charlene knew Henry enjoyed buying and selling cars.

After work, Charlene and Tonya go grocery shopping. Tonya loved shopping with Charlene. She watches as Charlene selects the cheese for her macaroni and cheese.

“Charlene, what are we doing for Thanksgiving?” Tonya was curious.

“We’re going to Henry’s place for Thanksgiving. My father and I started it after my mother died.”

“Cool! I like going to uncle Henry’s and aunt Mary’s place.” Tonya liked staying over at Henry’s place.

“And they like having you over. Especially Mary. She likes spoiling you.” Charlene knew how Mary spoiled her, and now Tonya.

“Can I help cook, please?” Tonya looks at Charlene.

“Yes, you can, sweetie.” Charlene didn’t mind Tonya helping her cook the Macaroni and Cheese or the Green bean casserole.

Charlene walks up and down the aisles, picking out groceries for the dinner and the next few days. She watches as Tonya stop and looks at a few things she might be interested in.

“Do you see anything you like, Tonya?”

“No, ma’am.” Tonya didn’t see anything she really wanted.

Charlene looks at the different hams on sale and spots the one she wants to buy. It was already cut, and it came with the honey glazed already. She picks out the biggest one and put it in the cart.

“Are we going to eat all of that?” Tonya looks at the size of the ham.

“There might be some left over.” Charlene knew Henry and Mary always invited other family members.

When they come to the turkeys, Charlene picks one for everyone that works for her.

It was a tradition her father started, and she would continue it. She also buys ones for Terry, Tammy, and Ralph. By the time she checks out, she has put a big dent in her budget. She could write it off on her taxes, but she doesn’t like doing that.

Tonya looks at all the food Charlene bought. They had two carts full.

“Will we get all this in the truck?” Tonya didn’t think they could.

“Yes, we have plenty of room.” Charlene pushes the carts over to the truck.

Tonya and Charlene unload the carts and put everything in the back, and secure the groceries, so nothing goes flying while she drives. She’ll give the turkeys out tomorrow.

When Charlene and Tonya arrive home. They spend the evening making the sides and cooking the ham. Charlene noticed Tonya fell asleep in one of the kitchen chairs. A smile appears on her face as she picks Tonya up and carries her upstairs to her bedroom. She undresses Tonya and puts her nightgown on her.

“Sleep tight, my little sister.” Charlene kisses Tonya’s forehead and heads back down to the kitchen.

She stays up cooking the ham, macaroni and cheese, and green bean casserole. She leaves the fried onions off until they reheat the casserole at Henry’s place. When everything is cooked, she covers them with foil and prepares to drop them off at Henry’s. Afterward, she goes upstairs to her bedroom and goes to bed.

Two Days Later, Henry’s Place:
Mary watches as Tonya smashes the cooked potatoes. She knew Tonya wanted to help, so she was teaching her how to make mashed potatoes from scratch. A smile appears on her face as she watches Tonya whip the potatoes.

Charlene steps close to Mary “Tonya looks like she is having fun.”

“I would have to agree with you.” Mary was pleased with herself.

Mary and Charlene keep Tonya busy while they work on everything for dinner. By the time dinner is ready, Charlene looks at Tonya, “why don’t you go and tell everyone dinner is ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Tonya heads into the living room, where several people and Henry are.

Henry spots Tonya come walking into the den. Everyone who wasn’t in the kitchen had gathered either to watch the football game or socialize with one another.

“What’s up, Tonya?” Henry looks at Tonya.

“Dinner is ready.”

A smile appears on Henry’s face as he looks at Tonya and notices she has some flour on her clothes. He knew she had been working hard inside the kitchen with his wife and several other women.

“Okay, Tonya.” Henry gets up and turns the television off.

Everyone gathers around the table. The kids had a table of their own, and their parents made sure they had what they wanted. As for Tonya, she had no idea what she wanted to eat first. But she does take a little of everything to try at first.

Charlene watches Tonya throughout the meal. She already knew what Tonya liked, but she’ll learn more about Tonya. She hopes Tonya enjoys herself.