{"id":33689,"date":"2023-03-03T12:08:15","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T18:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=33689"},"modified":"2023-03-03T12:08:15","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T18:08:15","slug":"chapter-28-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2023\/03\/03\/chapter-28-thanksgiving\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 28: Thanksgiving"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cOh, Toby, dear,\u201d said Ribbons n\u2019 Lace, Toby\u2019s mother, embracing him in the doorway of the palatial New Pony home of the Collinses. \u201cIt’s so good to see you again. And Tabby, of course,\u201d she added as an afterthought, with a brief hug. \u201cHow was your flight?\u201d The pink and blue mare looked expectantly at her son, taking him by the foreleg and leading him into the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEverything went well,\u201d Toby said in an upbeat manner, looking back to make sure Tabby was still there. She smiled back wanly and followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had been three or four years, Tabby calculated (she had never been good at keeping track of years), since she had last been here as Toby\u2019s guest. Given her abrupt breaking-off of the relationship shortly after that last visit, Tabby wasn\u2019t sure what kind of reception to expect. All she knew for sure was that she would be happier if this was just another ordinary day at the clinic with Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful,\u201d gushed Ribbons n\u2019 Lace, not seeming to notice Tabby very much at all, which was fine with her. \u201cCome along to the dining room. We held lunch for you, and I had Frances make your favorite chocolate cake for dessert.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTendril and Dad are both here?\u201d Toby inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ribbons n\u2019 Lace confirmed. \u201cTribute\u2019s flight won\u2019t get in until late. It\u2019s so lovely that we\u2019ll have the whole family here for the holiday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf Tribute doesn\u2019t find an excuse to cry off,\u201d Toby said cynically.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Later in the afternoon, with Toby and his father discussing interesting medical cases and Tendril going out with friends, Tabby and Ribbons n\u2019 Lace found themselves facing each other across a coffee table. Toby\u2019s mother regarded Tabby speculatively. \u201cYou’re in a proper medical position now, Toby tells me,\u201d she remarked, relaxing back into her chair. \u201cThat’s lovely. With Thomas Fairfax, is that right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d stated Tabby, miffed at the implication that her work with Tiny had not been actual medical care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe and Toby were friends for a spell in school, but I’m afraid they had some sort of falling out,\u201d Ribbons n\u2019 Lace explained, sipping her tea. \u201cI wish he would put it behind him. I worry that he’s too wrapped up in his work to nurture friendships–except you, of course, my dear–but that’s how they always are.\u201d She looked affectionately across the room at her husband. \u201cThey won’t pay attention to anything that isn’t on a medical chart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMm-hmm,\u201d agreed Tabby, drumming her hoof on the arm of the chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s so necessary, I find,\u201d Toby\u2019s mom continued, \u201cto have ponies with whom one can unwind. Why, if I didn’t have my weekly mare’s tea, I don’t know where I’d be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn Misty Hollow, we go out for ice cream,\u201d Tabby said insightfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, dear, whatever works for you.\u201d Ribbons n\u2019 Lace patted her hoof. \u201cJust be sure to always have a pleasant home for him to come home to\u2026 when that time comes, of course; that’s what I’ve always strived for with Andrew.\u201d She nodded her head authoritatively. \u201cThey\u2019re putting themselves out there every day helping others; I think it’s only right that we take care of them in their time off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby squirmed a little in her seat, uncomfortable with the assumptions Toby\u2019s mother was making. She was comfortable enough with him, but wasn\u2019t sure she dared commit to more. \u201cI’m not really the domestic type,\u201d she observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut I trust you to look out for my boy,\u201d said Ribbons n\u2019 Lace, regarding her sternly. \u201cHe\u2019s a very sensitive soul, you know, and he has been able to talk about little other than <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> these past months. If something were to happen–\u201d She gave Tabby a significant look. \u201cWell, but we won’t talk about that, will we?\u201d Her lips curled up in a grim smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think your mom likes me,\u201d Tabby told Toby afterwards when they were alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNonsense,\u201d the doctor said with great unconcern.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanksgiving dinner was held with the immediate Collins family, consisting of Andrew, Ribbons n\u2019 Lace, Tribute, Toby, and Tendril. Tabby was the only outsider, and was annoyed that her name matched the alliterative naming convention of the siblings. There was a sumptuous spread, and drinks were plentiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

Afterwards, when everyone was milling about the living room, Tribute cornered his brother in a corner of the room. \u201cWell, we’re back to playing this game with Ms. Fershund, are we?\u201d he asked conversationally. \u201cAre you sure that’s wise, after what happened last time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were young and inexperienced back then,\u201d Toby said defensively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tribute lifted an eyebrow. \u201cAnd still are, from my perspective,\u201d he stated sardonically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou might not understand,\u201d Toby said, frowning, \u201cbut we love each other.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t doubt that <\/span>you’re<\/span><\/i> smitten,\u201d said Tribute with a wry smile, \u201cbut, frankly, I don’t think Ms. Fershund would nurse a broken heart over you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t know her like I do,\u201d Toby snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tribute shrugged. \u201cShe’s a bit cool, if you ask me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt takes her time to open up to a pony,\u201d Toby insisted, \u201cbut she is warm and funny and–\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tribute held up a hoof to forestall his brother continuing. \u201cSpare me the litany of her virtues; I’m sure she is divine perfection,\u201d he said. \u201cMarry her if you must, but one thing that\u2019s for sure is that you have to get out of that godforsaken place you’ve buried yourself in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’m not opposed to doing either of those things,\u201d Toby said stiffly, \u201cbut they will be done on my terms, not because you’re dictating it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, little brother. They\u2019re merely suggestions,\u201d Tribute said with a bemused air. \u201cDo what you want. I\u2019m just offering my opinions.\u201d He wandered off.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas was in attendance at Strawberry\u2019s Thanksgiving party. It was a bustling open house, with much merry-making; but Thomas was momentarily alone, standing behind the Christmas tree and staring reflectively out the picture window in Strawberry\u2019s living room. A social event without Tabby didn\u2019t seem like anything worthwhile. He kept catching himself scanning the room, hoping to meet her glance, but that was futile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby had been distant ever since the day with the water panther, appearing more pensive, with less chatter over breaks–or avoiding him altogether, Thomas realized with a pang. He felt certain now that she considered him to have overstepped, that he had misinterpreted the depth of their friendship, and that the personal revelation from his life was awkward and unwelcome. Thomas\u2019 heart sank, realizing his feelings were not reciprocated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething’s on your mind,\u201d Grant noted, coming to stand by Thomas. The ram and his wife were there as well, the couple having become acquainted with the hostess from bringing little Lorna to the clinic for check-ups. \u201cAm I correct in thinking it has to do with the absence of a certain pink unicorn?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas thought about denying it, but was tired of making excuses. \u201cShe\u2019s spending the holiday with her someone special,\u201d he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure of that?\u201d Grant asked with a disbelieving look. \u201cThe way you two worked together, I’d be surprised if she could find someone else half as well-suited.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey’ve known each other a long time,\u201d Thomas observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat does that matter?\u201d Grant scoffed. \u201cWell, you need to tell her how you feel. There will be no closure, one way or the other, unless you do. You’re a smart lad; you don’t need me telling you this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut if it doesn’t go well and we lose the friendship we have–then I’d rather have kept my peace,\u201d Thomas argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you really, though? Seems to me these feelings aren’t going away. Things change whether we want them to or not–are you an active participant or an observer in the orchestrations of fate?\u201d the ram said philosophically.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hadn\u2019t thought of it like that,\u201d Thomas admitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t pay any heed to me, though,\u201d Grant cautioned. \u201cSheila says the eggnog goes straight to my head, and I start spouting nonsense.\u201d With a wink, he went to join his wife, who was helping Strawberry decorate the Christmas tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Would Tabby run off and marry Toby one day? Could Thomas live with himself if he remained silent? Maybe Grant was right. Maybe he should make a stand. Or maybe it <\/span>was<\/span><\/i> just the eggnog talking.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll go to Mirabella\u2019s next–you\u2019ll love it–I get all my ribbons there,\u201d said Tendril, flushed with excitement. It was the following day, the biggest shopping day of the year, and Toby\u2019s sister had invited Tabby on a shopping expedition. Tabby was not opposed to shopping, but the boutiques they visited weren\u2019t her type of shop, not with all that frippery and nonsense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tendril had her mother\u2019s gift of conversation, for which Tabby was grateful, because it saved her having to say anything. The crowds made her uneasy, and she was mostly focused on not bumping into other ponies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLast summer, I went on a service trip to Bobango. Did I tell you about that?\u201d Tendril chattered, swiping through photos on her phone as they walked down the crowded street. \u201cHere’s a picture of me giving a bottle of water to a foal–isn’t he adorable?\u201d She beamed, shoving the screen in Tabby\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAren’t there more cost effective ways of delivering water than shipping in tourists?\u201d Tabby wondered aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a temporary pause; Tendril decided to continue without answering directly. \u201cAnd here\u2019s our group with the hut we built to house the medical clinic,\u201d she stated proudly, showing another photo. There was a decided tilt to the structure, Tabby noted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026 very nice,\u201d Tabby settled on saying. \u201cI\u2019m sure that\u2019s holding up well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway, that\u2019s what I\u2019ve been up to,\u201d Tendril said cheerily, finally tucking her phone away in her purse. \u201cIt\u2019s been, what, three, four, years since we\u2019ve seen each other?\u201d she asked, turning her attention to Tabby\u2019s life. \u201cToby was devastated when you broke up with him. Just devastated,\u201d she prattled on. \u201cI’d never seen him so down on himself. I think it’s great that you’re back together. I can see the change in him–you’re good for him.\u201d She gave Tabby an encouraging smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby hesitantly smiled back.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when are you going to let your mother and me visit you out there?\u201d Andrew asked conversationally when Toby sought him out in his study.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe this spring,\u201d Toby said noncommittally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you see yourself going next?\u201d Andrew prodded, settling back into his wingback chair and preparing for a long chat. \u201cYou know that I\u2019m happy to put in a word for you at King or Thistle Ridge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTribute already got to me,\u201d said Toby with a wry smile, sitting opposite his father. \u201cYou don’t need to repeat the speech. But for now, I’m happy where I am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere you are, or who you’re with?\u201d Andrew asked, getting to the crux of the matter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toby\u2019s smile grew. \u201cDad, I’m going to ask her to marry me,\u201d he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought you might have something of the sort on your mind.\u201d Andrew raised his brow. \u201cI hope she is of the same inclination.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe is,\u201d Toby said confidently, but added, \u201cShe will be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Fershunds are a fine old family, completely unobjectionable,\u201d Andrew noted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Toby looked at him curiously. \u201cYou always told us that wealth and power don’t matter, that we’re all the same on the inside,\u201d he pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Andrew said cautiously, steepling his hooves, \u201cbut I think it’s only fair to acknowledge that there are certain difficulties with crossing social levels that needn\u2019t come into play here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if Tabby wasn’t from a notable family?\u201d Toby asked, frowning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut she is, so it hardly matters,\u201d Andrew sidestepped the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWould you dissuade me?\u201d Toby gave his father a piercing look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, not dissuade, only\u2026\u201d Andrew trailed off. \u201c…make you aware of realities,\u201d he settled on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d said Toby, feeling that perhaps he did not know his father so well after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway,\u201d Andrew said, clearing his throat, \u201cif that’s what you want, then I wish you well. You don’t need my blessing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Dad,\u201d said Toby a little stiffly before ducking out of the study.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

On Saturday, Toby and Tabby\u2019s last day in New Pony, Toby announced that he had procured a reservation for just the two of them at a very swank establishment that was held in high regard among the upper crust of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studying the menu, Tabby noted that every dish had at least one element that she disliked, at entree prices with which she could practically buy ice cream for the entire gang back home at the SSSS, and finally had to choose the least offensive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Something about Toby seemed off, Tabby noted as her date\u2019s hooves shook handling the menu; usually level-headed, he was anxious and high-strung.<\/span><\/p>\n

After the main course, dessert was brought to the table on a tray–two plates with a tiny square of chocolate on each, and a jewelry box conspicuously placed between them. While Tabby was still processing that information, Toby left his seat and bent down on one knee facing her.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Tabby was more aware of the murmurs in the dining room, as word seemed to spread about the unfolding scene. She suddenly felt very stifled, and wished she were anywhere but here. She could feel all eyes on her and mustered an artificial smile at Toby, who was staring at her with hope-filled eyes as he asked the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the aftermath, Tabby couldn’t even recall what she had responded, so self-conscious had she been; but it must have been what he wanted to hear, because the next thing she knew, he was putting the ring on her foreleg and kissing her tenderly as applause rang throughout the restaurant.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was entirely too much attention, Tabby thought helplessly, and couldn’t wait until she was well and truly alone, which was a luxury she didn’t think she had ever fully appreciated before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Champagne was brought out to accompany dessert, and then blessedly the couple could leave, though even the way out through the maze of tables was wrought with congratulations delivered by other restaurant patrons.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cool air stinging Tabby\u2019s cheeks was a relief as they sank into the anonymity of the street hoof traffic. Toby hadn’t stopped beaming since the acceptance, and he held her close at his side. Tabby had a dull sensation that this was not quite the happy event her fiance thought–<\/span>fiance<\/span><\/i>! The word startled her. She needed peace and quiet to process this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought maybe a summer or fall wedding,\u201d Toby was prattling on, having been holding a million thoughts back, it seemed, that now all came pouring out. \u201cDo you want it in Misty Hollow or New Pony? I know Misty Hollow is your home, but Mother would love the chance to plan this. I think she has always had her heart set on a cathedral wedding,\u201d he rambled, and the constant stream of conversation was irritating her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don’t need to work out all the details tonight,\u201d Tabby said with a nervous laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo… no, we don’t,\u201d Toby said quietly, patting her hoof and settling into silence for the rest of the walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was an impromptu party with more champagne when they returned to the Collinses’ home and shared the news with the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re so pleased to have you in the family, my dear,\u201d Ribbons n\u2019 Lace said magnanimously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to be a bridesmaid!\u201d Tendril enthused, embracing her prospective sister-in-law.<\/span><\/p>\n

Light-hearted banter continued, until Tabby stood up. \u201cI think I\u2019m going to bed,\u201d she said abruptly, and left the room, Toby following.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you okay?\u201d he asked anxiously, catching at her foreleg.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah\u2026 I’m sorry, this is all just kind of a lot happening all of a sudden,\u201d Tabby said wearily. \u201cI\u2019m a bit tired, I guess.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s all right, dearest,\u201d Toby assured her. \u201cWe have the rest of our lives together.\u201d He beamed. \u201cWho would have thought, that day I found you with those potions in the lab, that we would end up here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWho, indeed,\u201d Tabby echoed faintly. Those dratted potions–that had been her misstep, and the reason that she couldn\u2019t now consider making a play for Thomas\u2019 affections.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs anything else the matter?\u201d Toby asked, looking at her with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, nothing,\u201d Tabby said, mustering a smile. <\/span>Work with what you have–an adoring fiance. Why can’t you be satisfied?<\/span><\/i> she berated herself as they arrived at the door of her chamber. Toby surprised her by stepping into the room after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe’re an engaged couple,\u201d he said, seeing her startled look. \u201cWe’re allowed some freedom.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn’t mean\u2026\u201d Tabby trailed off, feeling truly alarmed at what he expected.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, of course not,\u201d Toby hastily explained. \u201cBut I can give you a proper goodnight kiss.\u201d \u2026which he proceeded to do, leaving Tabby with a myriad of misgivings.<\/span><\/p>\n

* * *<\/span><\/p>\n

Some time later, Toby stepped out into the hall, just as Tribute happened to be passing through. Toby met his speculative look with a determined tilt of his chin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPatience, little brother,\u201d admonished Tribute with a smirk. \u201cYou’ll be hen-pecked soon enough.\u201d Chuckling, he ambled on his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Toby was too blissful to allow his sibling’s jibes to bother him. With a light heart, he went on to his own chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cOh, Toby, dear,\u201d said Ribbons n\u2019 Lace, Toby\u2019s mother, embracing him in the doorway of the palatial New Pony home of the Collinses….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33689","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33689","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33689"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33691,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33689\/revisions\/33691"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33689"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33689"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}