Peter WHY...

Liz Allan set her phone down on the kitchen counter, the screen going dark after Peter's call ended. A flutter of nerves danced in her stomach, and she pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady her breathing. 

Thanksgiving at Peter's house, she thought, a mix of excitement and worry swirling in her mind. It was the first time she'd meet his family—Aunt May and Uncle Ben, the people he talked about with such warmth. 

What if they don't like me? The idea gnawed at her, but beneath it was something stronger: I really like Peter. Like, really like him.

She glanced around her empty apartment, the silence stark without her mom bustling about. The hospital emergency with her grandparents had thrown their plans into chaos, leaving Liz alone on Thanksgiving. Peter's invitation had been a lifeline, pulling her out of the gloom of ordering takeout by herself. 

He's so sweet, she thought, a smile tugging at her lips. Checking in on me, inviting me over—he's not like anyone else. Ever since that day he'd sat with her on the school bench, asking about Flash and offering to visit the hospital with her, she'd felt drawn to him. His quiet kindness, his easy grin—it had turned into something more over these months, and now he was her boyfriend.

But meeting his family? That was a big step. Liz wandered into her bedroom, her socked feet padding softly against the hardwood floor. I've got to look decent, she decided, opening her closet and rifling through her clothes. 

She pulled out a red sweater—too bold, too much like she was trying to impress. A black dress—too formal for a family dinner. She tried on a pair of jeans with a green blouse, but it felt off, too casual maybe. Come on, Liz, it's just Thanksgiving, not a pageant, she scolded herself, catching her reflection in the mirror. Her blonde hair fell in loose waves, and she tucked a strand behind her ear, chewing her lip.

Finally, she settled on a simple outfit: dark jeans, a cream-colored sweater that hugged her frame without being flashy, and a pair of ankle boots. She added a thin silver necklace—a gift from her mom—to keep it understated but nice. This is fine, she thought, smoothing the sweater. 

It's cozy, it's me, and Peter likes me for me, right? She grabbed a light jacket, knowing the late November chill would bite once she stepped outside, and checked herself one last time. Aunt May and Uncle Ben—they're probably as nice as he says. I hope.

Her thoughts drifted back to Peter as she gathered her things—a purse, her phone, her keys. He's different, she mused. Quiet, but not shy. Smart, but not stuck-up. And that smile…

She'd always been the school queen, popular and poised, surrounded by loud friends and fleeting crushes, but Peter stood out. He'd checked on her when Flash got hurt, sat with her when she felt off, and now he was inviting her into his world. I want this to work, she admitted to herself. He makes me feel… safe, I guess. Special.

Liz took a deep breath, locking the apartment door behind her as she stepped into the hallway. The building was quiet, most neighbors already off celebrating, and the elevator ride down felt like a countdown. 

When she exited onto the street, the cold hit her immediately, snowflakes dusting her jacket as the city glowed with holiday lights. She shivered, pulling her phone out to call a cab, her fingers fumbling slightly from the chill and her nerves.

A yellow taxi pulled up after a few minutes, its engine rumbling against the festive hum of the street. Liz slid into the backseat, the warmth of the heater a relief against her flushed cheeks. "15 Ingram Street, Forest Hills, Queens," she told the driver, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. The cab pulled away, weaving through the snowy streets, and Liz watched the city pass by, her mind racing with thoughts of Peter and the night ahead.

He didn't have to invite me, she thought, staring out the window at the twinkling lights .But he did. That's Peter—always thinking of others. She really liked him—more than she'd expected—and meeting his family felt like a chance to see another side of him. I just hope I don't mess this up.