in it together

 Brick must have been flabbergasted. He didn't really know the meaning of it. But there was Ollie with his new wife Maddie and she was pregnant. Although her stomach was rather flat. Just how did Ollie know.

Naturally, Ollie was apologetic at his parent's house. It had been forever since Ollie was home. "I'm sorry you weren't there when we got married." He shrugged, but it was true. They'd been married for over three months now. They'd had a simple service at the Fontenelle Forest. Brick didn't even know you could get married there. 

The things he learned during Thanksgiving. At least, he had Izzy by his side. He wondered if they would last that long. He remembered when Ollie was with Valentina. It was ancient history now. He wondered if Ollie ever thought about her. Of course, he did his best not to think about Lilly.

After pie, it finally donned on him who Vanna looked like. Lilly. It was a harsh revelation. Why did it hit him so hard? He stared at his empty plate.

"Did you want to try the cheesecake or the chocolate one?" Izzy asked. 

"The chocolate one." It was a jello pie that Izzy made. He felt as if he really needed to eat what she brought. Although, the festivities were a day late. Due to his grandmother giving out food at a food pantry and her husband (Ollie's dad) driving a bus for Senior Citizens to get a Thanksgiving meal.

Brick smiled when Izzy gave him a slice on a paper plate. Really, all he wanted to do was watch her. Of course, she devoured her piece of pie so quickly.

"You're getting really tall," Ollie nodded. He was, of course, eating chocolate pie and cheesecake. He shared with Maddie.

Brick nodded. He wished he could say more. But it was as if Ollie was in a different universe now. Or maybe it was him. Brick only nodded.

"I'm glad you're home," Brick finally said. After all, he knew Ollie wasn't by blood, still, he was family and he'd always felt closer to him than the rest.

Simon knew it was coming. Declan was in a huff. No way would he come to Thanksgiving at Xander's. "Maybe it's a good thing," Simon had said then. After all, it was nice to have so many over for Thanksgiving that night. Valentina was here with Matty and Jools and Mick came by later for pie. It was nice to see them as a real couple. Simon knew it wasn't like that with Declan. Especially, how Jools and Mick smiled at each other and interacted. 

If it was the end with Declan. So be it. He thought. He could get through this somehow. After all, he wanted to help Chevy. He wanted to make that house a home. 

"But..but he's giving you the silent treatment," Chevy told him.

"Well, isn't that the best kind," Simon smiled. Sure, it hurt. It did. But he wasn't exactly a follower. And he knew their relationship wasn't perfect.

When he looked at Matty and Valentina, he knew that was perfect. They were best friends. They could tell each other anything and everything. And they listened to each other. 

Yes, this year he knew there was plenty to be thankful for. And he was glad to be with his family. He was happy Chevy was here, too.

Dimi was quite possibly out of her element for Thanksgiving. Bishop invited her to Thanksgiving dinner. After all, it was only the four of them (his sister and her fiancee). Dimi had to help with the turkey, but it was a lot like the experiments with Bishop at work. He read the directions and she did whatever he said. So it wasn't a bad Thanksgiving. It was just kind of strange. Since she was only his assistant. Although, it felt more like his work wife. And he seemed OK that she was there.

Of course, Emily was in a neck brace and Liam was tending her for the most part. Dimi felt really sad for her.

"Why should you feel sad for her? She knew what she was getting into," According to Bishop, Emily should have never worked at the preschool. "I told her this, but does she listen to me?" He looked a bit peeved, but Dimi was used to this. He wasn't the easiest to get along with. Honestly, she thought he stayed a little mad, all the time. 

And then his parents showed up. Immediately, they were happy to see her as if she was the one. She would be the one. 

Of course, Dimi didn't know what that ONE actually was. She wanted to give them a heavy sigh, but it wouldn't do much good. Naturally, Bishop was not in a good mood with them around. Dimi did her best to keep the peace. 

Yes, she was thankful to have the job at the university, but couldn't Bishop's parents understand..they were not together. They were only co-workers.