A Thanksgiving Surprise 1

Author's note: This is my first attempt at any type of writing. I wasn't sure where the story was heading but there is definitely more coming soon if you like this chapter...which I hope you will

J

*****

It was early October and the color transformation of the fall leaves was in full swing. The smell of wet asphalt filled the air as the rain began to come down ever so slowly. I stood next to my car having just pulled into my parent's estate driveway. I had made the long 6 hour drive home from school for thanksgiving and I was having mixed feelings about what type of reception I was going to have upon my arrival.

My parents were both doctors considered experts in their respective fields. My father was a Rheumatologist and my mother was a Cardio-Thoracic surgeon. Will & Sara Smithson...thought by themselves to be society's

elite

. They lived a lavish lifestyle with a sprawling mansion on a 100 Acre property tucked into the Northern Ontario woods. Throughout my early teen years they were already pushing me and my sister to become doctors. I on the other hand opted to do a double major in business and engineering and follow my dreams that way. I wanted to establish myself by creating my own design and consultation firm. Although I was near the top of my class at one of the Nation's most credible and research-intensive Universities, they still made me feel that I was not living up to what they called "The Smithson Potential". If it was up to them they would have me marry a girl(who was also a doctor), take over the family practice and build a house on the same piece of land...not going to happen. As thoughts of incessant droning at the dinner table about what I could ever do with my life came flooding into my head I couldn't help but smile. Although my parents would be there, so would Cassie.

My sister Cassie and I had a very close relationship growing up. Cassie was the best older sister you could ask for. Even though she was two years older than me and finishing up her senior year of her undergrad in Life Science/Medicine (go figure) at a prestigious University, she was still extremely down to earth, protective, loving, and kind. Having been accepted early to Harvard Medical School, Cassie was the perfect combination of brains and beauty. Long flowing blonde hair, bright big sparkling blue eyes that seemed to turn to a light gray when she was upset, a perfect body with curves in all the right places, and gorgeous breasts that fit her body perfectly. She was toned but not muscular, soft but not squishy...all in all perfect. Having played varsity volleyball sure helped to keep her toned figure intact. Boy was I looking forward to seeing her again...whenever our parents made me feel like I was not living up to my "potential" Cassie would be right in there to have my back and stand up for me. Although I didn't need her to, and was more than capable of fighting my own battles, it still felt nice to have someone in the family on my side. I couldn't wait to see her and started heading for the front door.

I came around the guest house and noticed a shiny new bright yellow BMW convertible sitting in the driveway...I scoffed and my parent's need for another new vehicle but then quickly realized that it was not their style...at all. I noticed Cassie's red Mustang GT, Will's black Escalade and Sara's white Range Rover Discovery but couldn't put my finger on the other car. I shrugged and headed towards the front door. I was about 10 steps away when I heard the door creak open followed by a loud high pitched excited noise.

"Matty! You finally made it," Cassie shrieked as she came barreling down the stairs and leapt into my arms. I had no issue handling her petite frame as I spun her around while she clung to me with all her might.

"So good to see you too Cass!" I replied as I kissed the top of her head. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes after 6 hours on the road."

"You better believe it," she whispered as she kissed my nose and jumped off. She was wearing very short yoga shorts which accentuated her perfect ass and a tight white tank top with her hair up in a ponytail. She was wearing next to no makeup but she still looked radiant. "Need help with your bags sir?" she queried as she batted her eyes at me playfully.

"Sure why not," I replied as I threw my dirty laundry bag at her and heard a muffled 'oomph' as it hit her in the chest.

I put my arm around her neck as she led me toward the house. This was usual behaviour between us. To outsiders, it would probably look like we were dating or in a relationship of some kind. This was just the way we acted... we were very close and that's just the type of stuff that we did. Growing up, Cassie had been a huge role model for me. Always the most popular girl in school, she never really dated anyone as she was sometimes too focused on her school work. She DID however take a particular interest in who I dated as I was quarterback of the football team back in high school and she never wanted any of those 'cheerleader skanks to sink their teeth into me'. When I did date girls who she 'approved' of, she would always give me pointers on how to treat a girl and well pretty much taught me how to kiss and make out with one too. We never took it any farther than kissing but I think we both kind of had the urge and desire to.

"Whose Beamer?" I asked as I nodded toward the shiny yellow car.

"It's Rachel's," Cassie answered. As soon as she mentioned that name, memories came flooding back to me. Rachel and I had made out a few times before we all left for school. We kept in touch a little bit but we each met new people and drifted away more than we would have liked. I last saw Rachel at Christmas last year when she came home and was dating someone. At that point, things weren't going great for me and I desperately wanted Rachel. It was devastating to know that I couldn't have her now that she was with someone. Now being almost a year later, I was thrilled to hear she was back for Thanksgiving.

"Her parents are out of town on business and she just broke up with her boyfriend a few months ago. She will be here for thanksgiving and staying over for a few nights. I hope that won't be awkward for the two of you."

I smiled when I heard the news that she would be staying over for a few nights and my smile widened when I realized that she wasn't seeing anyone...maybe I was going to get my shot with the spectacular Rachel after all.

"Not awkward at all Cass. Things were fine between us the last time we saw each other and I think it'll be great now to have her here for the holidays...especially for a few days." I couldn't help but contain my smirk.

"You better not spend all your time with her when you're home because your darling sister has needs too you know," Cassie jabbed as she playfully hit me in the arm. 'Needs?' I thought to myself...she has never used that term before and I wasn't quite sure what she was referring to...I brushed it off thinking it was nothing.

"You will always be my number one girl Cass," I declared as I playfully punched her in the shoulder.

"Good!" She agreed as we continued walking and arrived to the front of the house.

I opened the door and was immediately hit with the smells of a glorious dinner being prepared. The wonderful aromas of turkey in the oven, homemade dressing, and garlic mashed potatoes all wafted in to my nostrils in an exciting symphony of smells. I took a deep breath in and exhaled nice and slowly.

"it's so good to be home with you sis," I calmly said as I gave her a one armed hug.

"I'm so glad you're here too Matty. I think you're REALLY going to enjoy the time we spend alone together while you're home. I know I will," Cassie winked, as she kissed me on the cheek and ran upstairs to get ready for dinner.

Ok, that's two instances where Cass has referenced

something

...is it possible she wanted more out of our relationship? I had always had the urge and desire but did she? I couldn't comprehend how amazing that would be if it were to happen...I have wanted it for so long. I kicked the laundry bag out of the middle of the floor where Cassie dropped it, put the rest of bags down in the foyer and headed toward the great room to announce myself to my parents before heading upstairs to get changed.

The great room was appropriately named. 20 foot high vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams portrayed a sense of strength and immaculate design. Floor to ceiling windows on one side of the room overlooking the massive estate property allowed for gorgeous views and a stunning landscape. The different textures of leather, wood, and fabric all meshed seamlessly in the expansive chamber. Elegant and dramatic art pieces hung on the wall and depicted a sense of royalty and good taste. Will was sitting in a chair reading a newspaper while Sara was fussing with the housekeeper about the particulars for dinner. When she noticed me walk in, she immediately dismissed the housekeeper and hustled over to give me a hug. Even though my parents did not approve of my career path, they were still caring nurturing people (most of the time) to both me and Cassie. The sore subject of career paths would probably be brought up at dinner so I chose to enjoy the positive experience until that moment decided to present itself.

"Matthew it is great to see you," My mother beamed as she kissed me on my cheek and continued her hug. "I hope the drive wasn't too tiresome?"

"No mom it was fine, pretty smooth sailing," I responded solemnly.

"Can I fix you a drink before dinner?" she queried as she headed over to the bar to prepare one.

"Chivas on the rocks would be fantastic," I stated as I noticed my father put his paper down to come and greet me properly.

"I'll take one of those too Sara," My father's loud booming voice echoed through the great room. Sara nodded without a word and began preparing two drinks. "Matt it's great to see you son," as he held out his hand to give a firm hand shake.

"Great to see you too dad," as I completed the other half of the handshake.

"Care for a section of the paper?"

"No, I'm good, I'm going to head upstairs and change for dinner. Just thought I would say hi first."

My dad nodded without a word and headed back to his chair to finish reading his paper. My mother handed me my drink and I made for the staircase to head upstairs. I turned the corner from the great room and it was then that I saw her...Rachel. Anyone could easily tell why Rachel and Cassie were friends. Rachel was a drop dead gorgeous brunette bombshell. She had larger than average breasts that fit her frame perfectly. She was a good 4 inches taller than Cassie bringing her to about 5'6 and had incredibly long smooth silky legs and perfect skin. Her hair was down to her mid back in loose curls that framed her perfect face. Beautiful green eyes, a cute button nose and a perfect smile of white pearly teeth had instantly made my heart skip a beat. She was wearing a white blouse with a ruffled design and a black skirt with high heels. She looked incredibly sexy and classy.

"Hey Matty," Rachel purred in a sexy smooth voice as she began to walk very slowly down the stairs.

"Hey Rach, nice to see you again," I managed to choke out as I made my way up the stairs to meet her half way. "Glad to see that you'll be staying for a few days. Hope all is well."

"You win some you lose some, am I right?" Rachel chuckled.

"Absolutely," I replied as I was now standing on the same step as her. There was a bit of a pause in the conversation when Rachel just threw her arms around my neck and held me close to her. I instantly had a face full of her amazing smelling hair and responded by putting my hands around her waist. Rachel's breasts began to push against mine as she held me closer. "I'm so glad to be sharing the Holidays with you and Cass," she whispered in my ear. "I think the three of us will have a lot of fun together."

She released the hug and gave me a quick kiss on the lips. Even though it was an extremely short kiss, the sparks were there. It brought back so many amazing memories. As soon as she planted the kiss, Cassie came from around the corner upstairs and flew by us on the way to the dining room.

"Well that didn't take long," she quipped as she passed us in the middle of what felt like the perfect kiss.

"Sometimes the timing is just perfect," Rachel quipped back "Wouldn't you agree Matty?" Rachel gave me a playful look of humour but with a hint of desire.

"Couldn't agree more," I replied as I gave her a quick kiss on the lips and continued to head upstairs to get changed.

After 30 minutes, I was heading back downstairs dressed in a pair of khaki pants and a brown button up dress shirt. I managed to have a quick shower and threw on the least wrinkled clothes from my bag. My brown hair was spiked in a somewhat messy look and I had a little bit of scruff on my face from not shaving for a few days. 'Don't always have to keep up a professional look as a student' I thought to myself. I was in fairly good physical shape as I kept to a pretty strict workout schedule and diet. I was not my any means a body builder but I had definition and tone appropriate to my body. Cassie had told me on a few occasions that I had amazing abs and a great body. I did however allow myself to indulge from time to time and usually holiday dinners at the Smithsons were a chance to do just that.

As I walked into the dining room, the table was already set for dinner. Will and Sara sat at the heads of the table (they wouldn't agree to sit anywhere else). Cassie at her usual spot and I noticed my spot had an extra chair next to it. 'Rachel' I smiled as I thought to myself. Just as that thought came into my head, Rachel sat down in the extra chair and patted the seat next to her as she winked at me. This was going to be the best dinner of my life.

"Saved you a seat," she said as she saw be standing there smiling at her.

"Why thank you," I replied as I took the seat next to her and couldn't help but smile as the inched it closer to me.

"Let's eat!" Cassie shouted as the food was served from the kitchen. Plates and platters of turkey, potatoes, turnip puff, squash, ham, dressing...it was quite the spectacle for any outsider, but to me Cass and Rachel, it was just the norm for a Smithson dinner. In University my meals were not nearly as extravagant but I felt I ate healthier than the average student. The wine was served and small talk was being made by all of us. Rachel, Cassie and I were talking about our current semesters and courses we liked or didn't like. Being in the same program, Cassie and Rachel had most of their classes together and would make inside jokes about some of their professors. These jokes included impressions and mannerisms that they were both cracking up about. I was having a great time watching the two go back and forth reliving their last few weeks of school.

Will & Sara were having their usual dinner conversations (the latest research in the field of medicine, how their investment portfolio was doing, future travel plans, etc) but after they had exhausted all of that, they turned to ask us questions about school. Great. Just what I was waiting for. They began by almost interrogating Cassie about what field she wants to specialize in, how her grades are, telling her that she can't just cruise by because she has been accepted into Harvard. I could tell she was starting to get a little frustrated so I figured I would jump in.

"Whoa guys, she is still completing her undergrad and is not even in med school yet. Maybe take it easy on all the questions. She would never let her grades drop because she has been accepted early. That's not how she is"

Cassie looked up at me and smiled. I smiled back but knew that my comment would unleash them onto me. I braced myself for the onslaught of how many times I was going to be made to feel inferior to them.

"Matthew" my mother started "It's hard to explain to someone not in the medical field but Harvard Medical School is a prestigious honour that very few people have the opportunity to attend"

'Hard to explain because I'm in engineering?' I thought to myself. That's one.

"Engineering may be simple enough with a 4 year undergrad and then you're off into the working world but medicine is a lot more schooling and a lot more difficult.

'Engineering simple?' That's two. I could feel my blood start to boil as she continued droning on.

"Medicine is helping people. Saving lives. Engineering is designing and constructing things. Not nearly as important," My mother off-handily commented.

Three strikes and you're out. That was it. I was about to go off on her and opened my mouth to begin my defence of my program when Rachel began to speak.

"With all due respect Mr. and Mrs. Smithson, I think what Matt is doing is extremely important. He has ambitions to create and manage his own engineering firm. Every successful business, organization, and even hospital needs to have strong management and someone who knows how to run a successful business. With Matt's program he is going to do exactly that."

"Thanks Rachel for the kind words," I smiled as I began my own defence. "Mother, I am well aware of your feelings of my current program and I know it may not be what you want for me but it is what I want for myself. It's not like I expect to be some entry-level engineer at a random company. I am striving to have the expertise to understand the complex world of engineering and to deliver new products and build and single-handidly run a large international organization. Maybe someday my company will be designing new equipment that you will be using in your operating room. Did you ever think of that?" I snarled at my Mother.

My mother chuckled. That irritated me. "Well we'll just see about that," she grinned. "Still seems like a bit of a long shot. I just don't know why you don't follow in our footsteps like your sister is doing."

Cassie put her fork down rather loudly and looked up from her plate...Her blue eyes looked more like a shade of gray as she began to speak. "Just to be clear mother, I am not following in your footsteps and I am not going into medicine because you want me to. I am doing it because I WANT TO." I could see the fire in her eyes as her voice became more aggressive. "You have always pushed your ways on us ever since we were children and I am so happy that Matty is doing what he wants to do and is not feeling forced to something that you guys want him to do. Just remember that we have our own minds and are going to follow OUR dreams and not yours."

My father was sitting back from his plate and was looking at her with a piercing gaze. "Cassie. You do not raise your voice to your mother like that. Show her some respect," He said in a firm intimidating tone.

"The same way you respect my career path?" I piped up. "If you want us to respect you than the least you can do is respect our own wishes and stop trying to force your plans down our throats. I'm done with dinner. Thank you," I said firmly as I stood up and excused myself from the table.

I caught a glimpse from Rachel that looked like she was sorry for getting involved and making things worse. I mouthed 'thank you' and began to head to the recreation room in the basement to shoot some pool as a way of winding down. I slammed the door to the basement a little louder than I had planned. The basement was never used by my parents and was always just a hangout for us kids when we needed to wind down.

I could hear conversation carrying on upstairs. A little while later I heard what sounded like chairs being pulled out and plates being cleared. I guess dinner was finished.