As the holidays approached Director McMillan found herself sorting through everything that had transpired over the last few months. A terrorist organization from the future, a rogue vampire, a necromancer, even a charismatic devil who was becoming just a little too friendly with the staff for Sarah's taste. The organization could measure their existence in months and already Sarah needed a vacation.
While a vacation was out of the question for now, she could at least enjoy a long weekend. Thats what Thanksgiving was supposed to be. Over her years of service, Sarah had found that the federal employees didn't quite have holidays off like regular people. More often than not, she found herself working on Thanksgiving, the fourth of July, even Christmas. It meant that she never really got together with family during holidays. This Thanksgiving was suppose to be no different, her parents were on a vacation in Hawaii meaning Sarah would be spending a quiet weekend at home, possibly ordering a take out meal. That is until Jacob Moreland discovered her plans.
"I'll be damn if you're spending Thanksgiving alone," he exclaimed. "You're coming to dinner."
Pulling into the Morelands driveway, Sarah was both thankful and a little annoyed. Yes a home cooked meal sounded fabulous but she didn't want to feel like a burden. Jacob told her that Thanksgiving was a family affair at his home. This year was no different with Jacob's immediate family and his brother and sister in law attending. Sarah though, wasn't family. "You're a friend Sarah," Jacob replied. "And I hate the idea of you spending it alone."
As Sarah exited her car, she couldn't help but admire the quaint farmhouse he called home. The plot of land consisted of a barn, complete with horses, a couple of cows, and a half dozen pigs. Near the two story home, Sarah could hear the chickens squawking incessantly. As someone who had grown up in the Midwest, these sights gave her a feeling of nostalgia she hadn't felt in quite sometime. Ringing the bell, Sarah waited patiently for someone to come to the door. Only for her eyes to go wide in surprise as the door opened.
"You must be Sarah."
Sarah nodded, gazing at the 8 foot living statue that loomed before her. "Um yeah that's me," she replied nervously. "And you are?"
"Daphne," the statue replied. "I'm a golem. You know, the living statue of Jewish myth? A protector?" Sarah nodded, she was familiar with legend of the golem, she just wasn't expecting to actually meet one. "Please come in," Daphne smiled. "Make yourself comfortable, dinner will be ready shortly. I'll tell Jacob and Nina you're here." As Sarah entered the home, she made her way towards the living room, taking a moment to take in interior of the Moreland home. The house itself could be described as a classic farmhouse. The decor emanated a warmth with a country style to it. Intermixed with that though was some of Jacob's previous career. Sarah could see the heads of several creatures mounted like trophies along the wall as well as a weapons case that had not only guns and knives but what looked like mystic runes.
As she entered the living room, Sarah could see a man and woman holding an infant, along with a teenage boy and girl. The family engaging in idle chit chat as they waited for the football game to start. Noticing Sarah, the man now stood. "You must be Sarah," he said. "I'm Rick, Jacob's brother."
"Nice to meet you Rick," Sarah replied.
"This is my wife Julia," he said pointing to the blonde woman holding an infant. "And my daughter Tammy and right over there is my nephew Connor and his girlfriend Spark." Sarah smiled, offering a polite wave to the teenage boy and his green haired girlfriend.
"Hey what about me?!"
Sarah glanced around curiously, only for her mouth to drop as she found herself gazing at a talking skull. "Oh sorry," Rick answered sheepishly. Slowly the man now picked up the skull, holding it so that it could get a better look at Sarah. "This is Jim."
"A talking skull," she exclaimed.
"Oy that's right," Jim replied. "Got a problem with that?"
"No not at all," Sarah replied quickly. The Morelands now stifled a laugh, noting Sarah's complete shock at the situation. Now it was Sparks turn to antagonize Sarah. Quickly shrinking down into fairy form, she could see the look of bewilderment on Sarah's face. Where a punky looking teenage girl stood before, now a tiny, green fairy with amber eyes and blonde hair floated in front of her. "So Director," Spark smirked. "Jacob tells me your agency is establishing diplomatic ties with the supernatural community. Any reason you haven't visited the Fairy Kingdom yet?"
"Um sorry," Sarah blushed, stunned by everything she had seen so far. "You better be," Spark grumbled. "Just because fairies are small in stature doesn't mean we don't pack a punch."
"Quit joking around Spark," Connor sighed, looking to Sarah apologetically. "Sorry about my girlfriend. When she heard you were coming she wanted to mess with you. She's got a quirky sense of humor."
"Hey its a legit question," Spark exclaimed. "I mean shes already been in contact with vampires, werewolves, and kitsune. When is she going to talk with the fairies?"
"Shes my dad's boss Spark," Connor groaned. "So can we not make her so angry that she fires him?" Spark grumbled, once more growing to human size as she now plopped onto the couch. "Is it always this interesting around here," Sarah asked.
"Not always," Julia replied. "And this isn't even the weirdest thing that's happened around here. I think everyone is just putting on a show since it's your first time here." Julia now stood, allowing Sarah to sit in the couch. "Make yourself comfortable," she said. "The game is about to start. I'm going to check with Nina to see if she needs anything and let them know you're here."
Sarah nodded, smiling as she offered a thank you to Julia. As she now settled in to watch her beloved Lions play, she couldn't help but find the entire day strange yet somehow enjoyable. Hopefully the rest of her Thanksgiving would be just as enjoyable and strange as these first few moments.