It was nearly dark as Stephanie now made her way towards Travis's home. Meeting Ann's side of the family had been fantastic, her cousins, aunts, and grandparents giving the teenage girl a great deal of satisfaction. Now, she wondered, just how strange her boyfriends family would be? Approaching the mortuary, she knocked, anxiously awaiting Travis to answer.
"Stephanie," Travis smiled. "Hi. Happy Thanksgiving." Stephanie smiled, placing a gentle kiss on her boyfriends cheek. "Happy Thanksgiving Travis. Thanks for inviting me." A goofy grin now spread across the teenage demigods face, as he escorted Stephanie inside. "So how was meeting Ann's family," he asked. "Interesting," Stephanie smirked. "My Aunt Kellie and Uncle Jack are incredible but, they don't hold a candle to my grandparents. That reminds me, they're going to be visiting around Christmas for awhile. I can't wait."
"Sounds like fun," Travis replied. "Know you've been dying to meet them. I can't wait to meet them." Stephanie paused, an impish grin spreading across her face. "You think you can handle them?" Gazing at his girlfriend, a smug expression now spread across his face as he gestured to the large family behind him. Stephanie could only gawk at the assembly of gods and goddesses now milling about.
"I think I can Stephanie."
Stephanie felt as if she was in a haze as she now met Travis's siblings. Close to fifty deities of life and death from different cultures introduced themselves to the ebony haired teen. She found herself talking with Shiva, sampling Idonn's cooking, even talking sports with Thanatos. The entire experience was surreal, all of Travis's siblings now asking her questions. Each curious about their little brothers girlfriend and making sure she was not going to break his heart.
"Okay everyone," Life announced as she walked to Stephanie's side. "I think you've interrogated the poor girl enough." Stephanie finally could breath a sigh of relief, thankful for Life's intervention. Taking a seat next to Travis, she now noticed a sly grin on her boyfriends face. "What was that you were saying about handling it?" Stephanie frowned, playfully elbowing her boyfriend in the ribs. Both teens giggling as Death now called everyone's to attention.
"I want to thank you all for coming today," Death smiled. "Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorites. A time for all of us to come together. A chance for our children to enjoy a day in eachothers company, which we so rarely get to do. As well as scare the pants off your baby brothers girlfriend." A collective chuckle now emanated from the assembled gods and goddesses, Travis and Stephanie turning several shades of crimson. "Now if you don't mind," Death smiled. "Its time for your mother and I to enjoy our traditional dance."
Death now gestured to a small group towards the side, before bowing before his wife. Life smiled, taking her husband's extended hand as a song now echoed throughout the mortuary. A small smile spreading across Stephanie's face as she watched the middle-aged couple slowly dance. "What a lovely song, what's it called?"
"El Sol se Recuesta," Travis stated. "But we just call it the Dance of Life and Death." Stephanie nodded, leaning her head on Travis's shoulder as she watched his parents dance. As the second part of the song began, Travis stood extending his hand to Stephanie. "Care to dance?"
"Wait what," Stephanie exclaimed. "Travis I don't know how to tango!"
"Don't worry," he smiled. "Just follow my lead." Stephanie gulped, nodding as Travis helped her to her feet. Taking his hand, she now found herself led by the young reaper as they danced side by side with his parents. A whirl of emotions now rushing through the teen. She felt her pulse race, her cheeks flush as the assembled family of Travis watched the two dancing couples. Everyone was smiling and as the song concluded, a round of applause rang through the mortuary. For Stephanie, as she gazed lovingly into her boyfriends eyes, she realized this was truely the greatest Thanksgiving she had ever experienced.