Meeting Dan’s parents

Meeting Dan’s parents

Thanksgiving came and went.  Marc and Alana had a turkey and all the usual fixings.  It was quiet at Marc’s place.  According to tradition at noon they listened to “Alice’s Restaurant.”  For the remainder of the day they played a mix of everything from classic rock, goth and new wave.

Anat celebrated her first Thanksgiving since she used to go to her grandparents and be tortured by her mom and dad. She reminisced about those days and was still considering reaching out to her parents. Dan did a doubleheader on Thanksgiving. Anat’s for turkey with falafel and hummus and his folks for the more traditional meal.

Jerry ate lots. He smiled the whole time. He had no idea what this holiday is. Anat got him a few coloring books and they colored in the pilgrims and Indians. He was learning. This was his first real Thanksgiving. It was his first real celebration of any holiday. His parents were always too stoned no matter what day of the week it was and had no idea if it was a holiday or not.

Anat and Jerry drove out to Annadale to meet Dan’s parents.  Dan grew up there. She was nervous. But she loved the guy and figured she had to meet his mom and dad.  She brought flowers and a cake.  Dan was already there when she arrived.  She hadn’t been to Staten Island in years.  She thought it was cute.

She and Jerry walked in. Dan’s mom greeted them. She picked up Jerry and gave him a big kiss. Dan’s sister, Ellen showed up a few minutes late.  She’s loud. But sweet.  She’s a typical Staten Island girl.

Anat went through the abridged version of her life story. Ellen thought her kid would love Anat. He’s a die-hard Yankee fan. Anat mentioned she went to school with Mike Mussina. 

Mom figured they’d order a few pies from Gino’s Villa Monte.  That happened to be Marc’s favorite place.  There was a Giants game on television. Dan and dad were watching, while mom, Anat and Ellen chatted away. Jerry rolled around on the floor with Casey, Dan’s parents Labrador. The two instantly became friends.

All was going well.  The pizza was perfect. Everyone got along well. In her heart, Anat was sad. She wished she could do this with her folks. The food would be different. It would be just as good. Anat’s mom despite her shortcomings was a  great cook. She was leaning towards trying to make amends. But wondered if she went through enough of a transformation.

Meanwhile, Jay was riding his motorcycle down Amboy Road. He stopped near the Annadale Train Station, just a few blocks from Dan’s family.  He turned in their direction and started to ride over.