This is a reimagined version of the classic tale---The Bridge To Terabithia. This Fanfic is a part of my NaNoWriMo 2025 or Novel Writing November Exercise.
THE THANKSGIVING DINNER
The Aaron family was gathered in the kitchen, discussing their plans for Thanksgiving. Elaine was busy preparing the menu, while Jesse and May Belle sat at the table, arguing over whose turn it was to do the dishes.
"We should invite Leonie over for the Thanksgiving dinner," Elaine said, wiping her flour-covered hands on her apron.
Jesse's face lit up. "That's a great idea, Mom. I'm sure she'd love to come."
May Belle scowled. "Why do we have to invite her? Hasn't she already distanced herself from us? Just when I thought it was a good riddance, you have to let her into our lives all over again !"
"May Belle, that's not very nice," Elaine said gently. "She's our neighbor, and she's new in town. All alone in that house.It would be kind of us to include her."
Oliver, walked into the kitchen, a cup of coffee in hand. "What's the discussion about?"
"We're thinking of inviting Leonie over for Thanksgiving dinner," Elaine explained.
Oliver nodded. "That's a great idea. We should make her feel welcome during this reunion."
May Belle rolled her eyes. "You're all just being nice because she's pitiful."
Jesse shot her a look. "That's not the point, May Belle. The point is that she's alone on Thanksgiving, and it would be kind of us to invite her over."
Elaine smiled. "I think it's a wonderful idea to make her feel part of the festivities."
May Belle muttered incoherently. She crossed her arms and looked away.
Oliver nodded. "That's settled then. Jesse, why don't you go invite Leonie over?"
Jesse grinned. "I'll go talk to her first thing tomorrow morning."
As Jesse headed out the door, May Belle called out after him. "Don't expect me to be all smiles and sunshine when she gets here."
*******
The crisp November air was alive with the sweet scents of falling leaves from the Aspens and Larches. The skies in Virginia were a canvas of brilliant blue, with wispy clouds drifting lazily across the horizon. The sun shone brightly, casting a dreamy shimmer over the landscape. The rolling hills, once lush and green, had transformed into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, with bursts of vibrant russets, crimson and yellows enhanced in the mellow sunlight.
As the leaves continued their descent, they blanketed the ground in a crunchy carpet of golden hues, releasing an earthy aroma into the air. The trees, now almost bare-branched, stood sentinel against the sky.
The countryside was alive with the gentle scurrying of woodland critters, the soft coos of birds, and the distant rumble of a tractor in a nearby field, creating a sense of tranquility that is quintessentially autumnal.
As Leonie stepped out onto her porch, the toasty scent of woodsmoke from the chimneys of the old farmhouses across the street greeted her.
The ripples of breeze had a hint of coolness that carried the promise of winter's arrival. The leaves beneath her feet crumpled and crimped. She breathed deeply, feeling the stress of the past few weeks melt away, and smiled, feeling a sense of belonging to this place, to this moment.
Leonie stepped into her cozy little kitchen, a cup of steaming hot apple cider in hand, and surveyed the living room. She was determined to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the harvest season, and Thanksgiving in particular. She loved this time of year, when the air was festive and the countryside was a celebration.
She began by stringing up fairy lights around the windows and mantel, adding a warm and cozy glimmer to the room. Next, she brought out the vintage harvest-themed decorations she had collected over the years - a ceramic turkey, a wooden pumpkin, and a woven basket filled with artificial maple leaves and pinecones.
Leonie carefully arranged the decorations on the mantel, adding some lavender scented candles and a few sprigs of rosemary to create a festive centerpiece.
In the dining room, Leonie set the table with her antique china and linens, adding a touch of elegance to the harvest-themed decor. She placed a beautiful fall-themed centerpiece on the table, featuring a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, surrounded by candles and a wreath of herbs.
The house looked warm and inviting, filled with the scents and feelings of the harvest season.
She was making the Aarons’ her favorite dish– her grandmother's famous Pumpkin Pie and a batch of Amaretto Cookies.She couldn't wait to share it with them, who had invited her over for a lovely Thanksgiving dinner this night.
The doorbell rang, and Leonie smiled, knowing that Jesse had arrived to escort her to his house. She opened the door to find him standing on the porch, holding a bouquet of sunflowers and a bottle of wine. "I brought reinforcements," he said, grinning.
Leonie's heart skipped a beat as she took in the sight of Jesse, looking handsome and charming in his casual Thanksgiving attire. "You're a lifesaver," she said, taking the flowers and wine from him.
***
The Aarons' porch was a cozy vignette of their autumnal celebration. A warm wreath made of twisted branches entwined with cranberries, dried corn husks, and a few sprigs of rosemary hung on the front door, welcoming guests with a rustic touch.
The wide steps were lined with small pumpkins and gourds in earthy tones, interspersed with lanterns that cast a soft glow as the sun set. Twinkling string lights were draped along the railing, adding a festive sparkle as night fell. Plump, weathered hay bales sat by the door, topped with a checkered blanket and more seasonal decor— a potted mums in burnt orange, and a basket of pinecones resting on them. The overall look was perfect for a cozy Virginia fall evening.
Adding a playful touch, a friendly garden gnome in a pilgrim hat stood guard near the doo. Beside him, a charming vintage wheelbarrow overflowed with more gourds, mums in an assortment of hues, and dried leaves.
The warm glow of lights from the windows spilled out onto the porch, inviting her in from the chilly evening. Jesse's mother, warm smile and all, greeted her at the door.
"Leonie, dear, it's so lovely to have you over for Thanksgiving! Come on in, get warm," she said, enveloping Leonie in a gentle hug.
Leonie returned the hug, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Jesse's family for including her. "Thank you so much for having me, Elaine. I've brought you all my homemade Pumpkin Pie and Amaretto Cookies."
Elaine led Leonie into the cozy living room.
The aroma of roasting turkey and Mincemeat pies wafted through the kitchen transporting Leonie to a place she couldn't quite remember. She stood, sipping a glass of Eggnog, as Elaine Aaron bustled around her.
"Can I help with anything?" Leonie asked, feeling a bit like a guest in someone else's home.
Elaine smiled warmly. "Just keep Jesse company, dear. He's in the living room, watching football."
Leonie nodded and made her way to the living room. Jesse was indeed watching TV, his eyes fixed on the screen. He looked up as she entered and smiled.
“Come join the excitement," he said, patting the cushion beside him.
Leonie sat down, feeling a bit more at ease. May Belle, was sitting across from them, her eyes fixed on a book. She didn't look up as Leonie greeted her, her expression remaining impassive. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in Leonie's presence.
"Hi," Leonie said, trying to sound friendly.
May Belle's response was a curt nod, her gaze drifting back to her book. Leonie shrugged it off as the humiliation she had faced over the fake Rabbit Soup at the Town Bake Sale Fair.
****
The Aarons' Thanksgiving dinner was a masterclass in autumnal charm, a celebration that filled their home with warmth, delicious food, and the promise of togetherness.
The dining table, dressed in a rust-colored linen with hints of gold threading, was the heart of it all. At its center, a stunning arrangement of seasonal elements stole the show: a wooden cornucopia overflowing with faux sunflowers, wood apples, acorns, and sprigs of eucalyptus, surrounded by pillar candles that cast a soft, flickering glow.
Elaine had added a touch of elegance with antique china, polished silverware, and cloth napkins tied with twine.
The decorations played off the colors of fall perfectly. Scattered among the centerpiece were gourds of different shapes, sizes, and warm tones—buff, green, white and vibrant orange—adding texture and a rustic touch. Dried leaves in shades of gold, crimson, and amber were arranged in a loose garland on the backs of chairs, their earthy scent mingling with the fragrance of rosemary and sage from a small herb wreath that hung on the wall.
Pillar candles in mercury glass holders added a cozy glow, and a few pinecones sprinkled with glitter brought just the right amount of sparkle.
The food was a feast for the senses, a classic American Thanksgiving with a few thoughtful twists. The star of the show was a perfectly roasted turkey, brined and stuffed with a mix of walnuts, pecans, herbs, and aromatics. Sides included creamy mashed potatoes, green beans sautéed with garlic and toasted almonds, a warm Lamb and Artichoke Stew and a Kidney Bean Chili that sparked a playful debate at the table. There was also a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, homemade and canned, for a touch of tradition.
A few unique additions complemented the spread without overwhelming it. Roasted carrots and parsnips, tossed with thyme and a drizzle of honey, brought sweetness and color to the table. Crispy green bean "bundles" tied with bacon and dotted with warm cranberries added a sweet-savory crunch. A maple-glazed butternut squash, sticky and nutty, was a crowd-pleaser. And for something refreshing, a spiced apple cider compote sat alongside the turkey, perfect for spooning over slices.
For dessert, the showstoppers were Leonie’s famous pumpkin pie—a silky, spiced filling in a flaky crust—and Elaine’s Plum Pudding, dripped in a rich brandy sauce. The whole spread felt like a warm hug.
Leonie took a bite of the turkey stuffed with mixed nuts, and the flavors exploded on her tongue. "This is amazing, Elaine," she said, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Jesse's mother.
May Belle's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Leonie eat. "You're really enjoying that, aren't you?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Leonie felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "Yes, it's delicious," she said, trying to keep her tone light.
Jesse kicked May Belle under the table, and she glared at him. "What?" she mouthed.
"Let's focus on the food, shall we? Leonie, tell us about your plans for the rest of the holiday season."
As they passed dishes around the table, May Belle's hand tightened around the bowl when Leonie reached for the mashed potatoes. "Can I get some?" Leonie asked, her eyes meeting May Belle's for a brief moment. May Belle handed her the dish with a scowl.
Leonie launched into a story about her plans to try out some new recipes, and the conversation flowed easily from there. May Belle remained quiet, but Leonie could sense her watching her, her eyes lingering on her face.
As they served the pumpkin pie,Leonie tried to draw her into the conversation.
"What's your favorite dessert, May Belle?"
May Belle shrugged, her eyes drifting back to her plate, "I like apple pie." It almost sounded like she had dismissed Leonie’s Pumpkin Pie.
Leonie smiled. "I'll have to try out an apple pie recipe sometime."
The candles flickered merrily, and the conversation flowed as easily as the food. May Belle was her usual reserved self, but even she couldn’t resist sneaking glances at Leonie’s pie. Jesse teased her about it, earning a playful roll of her eyes. Outside, the Virginia woods were dark and quiet, the night air crackling heralding a winter. But inside, it was pure Thanksgiving magic.
The rest of the evening passed with a mix of warmth and a little aloofness from May Belle.
As Leonie prepared to leave, Elaine hugged her tightly. "Thank you for joining us, Leonie. You're welcome anytime."
Jesse walked Leonie out, the cool night air a welcome relief after the warmth of the house. "Sorry about May Belle," he said, his voice low. "She's just...particular."
Leonie smiled. "It's okay, I understand. I think I'll win her over eventually."
"Thanks for coming over," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're glad to have you as a neighbor. Do come over often…like you would earlier…” he scruffed the toes of his shoes in a sheepish way.
Leonie smiled, feeling a sense of cordiality returning from the Aarons. "I'm glad to be here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As Jesse waved her off at her gate, the cold air hit Leonie like a slap in the face, and she shivered. She quickened her pace, her eyes fixed on the warm lights of her house in the distance.
As she reached the door, she turned back to look at the Aaron's house. May Belle was standing in the window, her eyes fixed on Leonie. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the tension between them bubbling. May Belle turned away and drew the curtains noisily. Leonie was left feeling puzzled and a bit uneasy.
As Leonie locked her front door, she let out a soft exhale,kicking off her shoes. The silence felt different , like the quiet after a storm. She began putting away the leftovers Elaine had packed for her, the leftover turkey and Plum Pudding a comforting reminder of the evening.
But May Belle's prickliness lingered in her mind. Leonie settled in for the night, curling up with a book as the autumn wind whispered outside. Her mind drifted to her past, at the Lang house– the usual ache a little softer after tonight's warmth.
The wind rattled the windows, and Leonie felt a shiver. The Virginia woods were speaking to her. Or maybe, just maybe, they'd unfold with the people she was starting to know.
https://www.theblogchatter.com/blogrolls/chapter-19-bridging-memoriesterabithia-reclaimed
To Be Continued...
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