Thanks for Nothing. Part III

Chuck looks around at the table. Now this was an odd group. He sits at the end of the table, staring across it at Brandon Macdonald. On either side of him sits Ashley and Zack. Next to Zack, Amy.Across the table sits Amy Matthews. On either side of her, Zack and Jessica. To Chuck’s left, Alison Williams. Next to Ashley is an empty chair, where Jessica will sit whenever she returns. The three babies sit in his chairs between Alison and Jess, situated so the mothers can easily reach them. Chris and Colleen sit across from Alison and Jess.

Amy Matthews: “Where is that sister of yours?”

Jessica Matthews: “Here.”

The family turns as Jessica walks into the room, holding a massive silver plate with a steaming turkey on it. She sits it on the table, and takes her seat next to Ashley.

Brandon Macdonald: “Quite the feast.”

Chris Matthews: “It’s how we do things in the Matthews house.”

Chuck remains silent. He stares at the food in front of him. Last year, Corey was in Brandon’s seat…it was like that chair was cursed to be sat in by someone Chuck really didn’t like. Chris and Brandon seemed to be on good terms…though Chuck wasn’t really sure why. Tag champions of a past era created some sort of bond? Who knows.

Amy Matthews: “Would you like to do the honors, Charlie?”

Chuck sighs.

Chuck Matthews: “Might as well.”

He takes the knife and massive fork in his hands, and pulls the tray towards him. Amy slaps his hand.

Amy Matthews: “Are we forgetting something?”

Chuck stares at her, waiting for a reply. She narrows her eyes, looking at him sternly.

Chuck Matthews: “Person, place, or thing?”

Chris and Jessica stifle a laugh.

Amy Matthews: “Don’t you give me that smart-alecky attitude, Charles.”

Chuck sits back in his seat.

Amy Matthews: “Zack, will you say grace?”

Chuck grunts. Amy shoots him another warning glare, then smiles at Zack, who takes a deep breath.

Zack Matthews: “Um…okay. Thank you, Lord for….the food that Aunt Jess made tonight. Thank you for bringing the family back together again. Thank you for bringing us the newest members of the Matthews clan this year…and um…..thanks for bringing us together again. Amen?”

He looks at his grandmother for some sign that his prayer wasn’t complete shit. She smiles and nods.

Amy Matthews: “Amen.”

Chuck frowns, looking around the table. He slices into the bird, releasing another wave of steam.

Chris Matthews: “You might’ve outdone yourself here, Jessie.”

Jessica smiles, and begins taking food for herself and the kids.

Ten Minutes Later…

Chuck sits, eating and listening to some of the conversations that have popped up around the table. Alison and Jessica are chatting about parenting, and all the cute little things Claire, Raylyn and Gavin have done.

Jessica Matthews: “I walk in, wondering why they’re so quiet. And there they are, sleeping right there on the floor, and Ray is all curled up next to him like brother and sister. Here, look at this.”

She takes out her phone and shows Alison a picture. Alison smiles.

Alison Williams: “Aww, that’s cute.”

Amy is talking excitedly to Chris about his and Colleen’s wedding. Chris had finally proposed to her in July. It wasn’t much of a proposal in Chuck’s mind, as much as it was “Collen now living with him.” They still hadn’t really gone over wedding plans, at least as far as Chuck knew. The only thing that had really changed between them was that Colleen now resided at Valeo Manor in Tennessee, and had a ring on her finger.

Amy Matthews: “Why not get married sooner? Tennessee isn’t too cold this time of year.”

Chris Matthews: “We’re in no rush, mom. We got plenty of time to finally do it. For now, we’re enjoying our time, not worrying about taking the next step.”

Colleen Meadows: “Chris and I intend to be t’gether for the rest of our lives, Mrs. M. We have a lot of time to get married.”

Chris smiles, and pats Colleen’s leg.

Chris Matthews: “We were thinking of going to Ireland for it.”

Amy Matthews: “Ireland!”

Chuck smirks. Here it goes…

Chris Matthews: “There;s a place Colleen knows.”

Colleen Meadows: “I used to go to this place as a girl. Big open field. It’s beautiful in the summer. We could things up, and get married right there.”

Chris Matthews: “I like that.”

Amy Matthews: “Your old mother won’t even be there to see you get married?”

Chris Matthews: “We would fly you out, mom. Give you a place to stay. You’d be all set.”

Amy opens her mouth, obviously thinking of an objection as to why Chris and Colleen can’t get married in Ireland. She finally gives up, and closes her mouth. Chuck turns his attention to Zack, who is listening to Alison and Jess’s conversation, while making funny faces at the babies, making them laugh and clap with every ridiculous expression.

Ashley Matthews: “Brandon, please. This is my family’s dinner. Can we not do this here?”

Chuck notices Ashley and Brandon at the end of the table. Ashley’s words are barely audible, but for some reason, Chuck picks up her words as though she sat right next to him. Brandon hisses something at her, and she snaps right back, speaking in a hushed voice that Chuck can’t hear. He picks up a few words here and there, though.

Ashley Matthews: “I don’t understand…….fighting………asshole.”

Brandon Macdonald: “We…….time to think…….tough time……..clingy.”

Chuck sits back, watching the two go back and forth. Finally, Brandon stands up.

Brandon Macdonald: “Ashley, can we talk in private for a second?”

Ashley glares at him, but gets up, and follows him from the room.

Amy Matthews: “Now where are those two going!”

Chuck shrugs.

Chuck Matthews: “Not a clue.”

Amy sighs.

Amy Matthews: “Really, Charlie. How can she be your daughter?”

Chuck looks at her, frowning.

Chuck Matthews: “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Amy Matthews: “She’s a proud Miami girl. She’s a southerner. But she’s so strange.”

Chuck Matthews: “Strange how?”

Amy Matthews: “She hasn’t said a word to me all night! I’m her grandmother!”

Chuck Matthew: “She’s shy, I guess.”

Chris laughs.

Chris Matthews: “Maybe she’s got a point. Ashley really can’t be your daughter.”

Chuck shakes his head. He’s about to reply, but is interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell…