Eleventh Grade Burns(51)

Vlad could barely contain a smile. He glanced over at his uncle who seemed to have the same problem. Otis won that prize for sure, but neither of them were about to argue the point.

“—I’ll go first. This year, I’m thankful first and foremost for the health and happiness of my family and good friends, as I’m certain you all are as well. I’m also thankful for my new position at the Bathory Gazette as editor-in-chief and for Greg making it home from college for the holidays.”

Vlad shifted in his seat. He wasn’t sure what he was thankful for, but after hearing Mr. McMillan’s speech, he knew it had to be for something far more meaningful than chocolate chip cookies.

Joss’s dad spoke, then Otis did. After him, Matilda talked about how grateful she was that everyone had joined them today and what a blessing it was that Joss’s family had moved to Bathory.

Vlad knew it was stupid, but he was starting to feel all kinds of pressure to figure out something that he was thankful for. The truth was, other than surviving Joss’s stake and dodging every death blow D’Ablo could throw him, Vlad couldn’t think of anything unique to be thankful for.

Nelly paused for a moment and everyone waited for her to speak. Finally, she smiled and said, “I’m grateful that Vlad survived that horrible accident a year and a half ago and that his health is sure and strong now, despite the fact that we almost lost him. I’m so thankful that he has all of you, his friends, because without that kind of love and support, he might not have made it. I’m thankful that Joss is back in his life, and I’m certain that their friendship will find a way through whatever darkness envelops it.”

Vlad glanced at Otis, who wore the same surprised expression that he did. Huh. Maybe Nelly wasn’t so blind to the lingering danger that Joss brought with him.

She was looking at Joss, and he was looking back. More meaning crossed that table in their eyes than Otis and Vlad could have ever managed with telepathy. Nelly had forgiven Joss for almost killing Vlad. And now she was asking Joss to forgive himself.

Joss blinked away what looked like the threat of tears and Nelly smiled reassuringly. Beside her, Otis’s expression was blank. Vlad was guessing that Otis wasn’t brimming with forgiveness for Joss just yet.

After a short pause, Greg gave his reasons for being thankful—Vlad wasn’t really listening, but it sounded like something having to do with his college baseball team. Henry only out-aged Joss by about a month, so he went first, mumbling that he was thankful that we were almost done giving thanks and could eat soon. Matilda berated him, while Big Mike just laughed. Then it was Joss’s turn.

Joss, like Nelly, was quiet for a moment. When he spoke, his tone was hurting and full of venom. Vlad knew instantly that it was a message meant for him and him alone. “I’m thankful for the safety of my family, and if anyone dares to cause any one of them harm, I’m going to hunt them down and teach them what it is to feel pain.”

Mouths fell agape around the table, all but Vlad, Otis, and Henry. Then Henry mumbled something foul that ended with “you, Joss” and Matilda sent him to his room without dinner, grounding him from video games for two weeks. Once silence and order had been restored, Matilda said, “It’s your turn, Vlad. What are you thankful for?”

Vlad thought about it for a minute and then it came to him. This was it. This was how he was going to reach Joss, how he was going to cut through the distorted web of the Slayer Society and make him see the error of his ways. He made sure to meet Joss’s eyes as he spoke. “I’m thankful for you, Joss, and ... for Cecile.”

Joss clenched his jaw. It looked like he was doing everything he could not to leap over the table and stab Vlad with a carving knife.

Vlad held his gaze, meaning every word, hoping something would break through Joss’s cold exterior. Even if it backfired, at least Joss would know how he felt. “Seeing the way you talk about her makes me realize how much I missed out on not having any siblings. Luckily, I’ve found a brother in Henry ... and in you. Thank you.”

The rest of dinner passed with casual conversation. The only two who didn’t speak were Joss and Vlad.

After dinner, Joss disappeared into the guest room. Everyone else retired to the family room for after-dinner drinks and conversations about whatever it is that adults talk about when kids aren’t around. With permission from Nelly, Vlad said goodbye to everyone, making sure to stop upstairs and thank Henry for having his back and sneak him a piece of pumpkin pie from the kitchen. He hurried back downstairs and out the door, thankful for the solitary walk home.