Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

On the fourth week of November; the twenty eighth to be exact, you go home from school, happy that you get a week off. You arrive and get ready to party. About a few centuries ago, the same thing is happening between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. A giant feast is being prepared; full of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Smacking lips. To this day, that tradition has been carried on to million of Americans everywhere. Your mother pulls out the turkey and your cousins eye it with envy. Then, it’s chow time. You dig in while everyone is doing the same. Quiet classical music is being played and everyone is talking amongst one another. Your guests stay for a bit, then leave. After all, tomorrow is Black Friday.

Next day, you listen to the song “Manhattan” from your favorite movie about a girl who goes to New York and tries to learn English. It really fits the Black Friday theme. Too bad you’re not in New York with all the Jimmy Choos, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Zara to amaze you, as the song says. Your mother grumbles from up front, annoyed with the fact that people aren’t on vacation and are instead wanting to shop because of the big sales. You politely remind her that you aren’t on vacation either. Bad move. Quickly, you slip on your earbuds and get off the car as your mother parks it. “Manhattan” is still playing. When the line “to your left is Prada, to your right is Zara, Giorgio Armani, thank God it’s Friday,” your heart suddenly longs to visit such exotic places. “Gucci and Versace, Jimmy Choo Givenchy, Diesel Dior Hokey Pokey Gap and  Bloomingdale. Louis Vuitton. Moschino. Valentino.” You turn it off suddenly, steaming mad that you live in such a small time without any of these stores and instead get stuck with places like Naartjie. Who has heard of Naartjie? Your mother drags you off to Aeropostale, Abercrombie and Justice to buy some clothes while you ponder over this question. When stepping out, you can’t help but notice how similar Downtown is to Manhattan. There were so many legs, shoes and avenues! The song drones on. This time, a new spark of energy ripples through you. You sing along. “5, 6, 7, 8 avenues. Million billion legs and shoes. Lots of colors, dollars, dollars, sense of piddly poo. Breakfast is for all day, straight and gay they all sway. And Lexington and Madison, it’s all so ooh! Frappucino. Mochaccino. Cappuccino.” Then, it’s time to go. “You won’t be back till next year so you better say bye!” Your mother says. “Wha? Why?” You ask. “Because,” she says. “Monday is Cyber Monday and people will shop online.” But why can’t we go? Can’t we be different? What about vacation?” Your mother laughs over all your questions, but she only answers one. “Sweety, just because there’s no school doesn’t mean that you get vacation!” She grabs your hand and you walk to the car.  Silently, you watch as the car reverses and the scenery slowly disappears. You stare outside and whisper towards the sky, “goodbye Manhattan.”