Date: Sun, 12 Jul 2020 05:18:56 -0400 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Accidental Paradise Chapter 25 Bi adult youth I am surprised and not by the number of votes for the new story. Its kind of exciting to see what you all think is the most fun story idea. At this time Transitions Book 2 is leading. Followed by It Aint Tiffanys. I have named now the new story I am going to collaborate with Dan on. Its called The New Age. I tell you what Danny is super clever with some of his ideas. I really dont think he needs me. But, he thinks he does. He says i do well at dialogue. I have heard that many times. So maybe its true. Hell I dont know. Anyway as I said her eit is Monday. I have another chapter for you. I will send in another one if not two or three thursday if things go as planned. I will take votes up until then. I really do appreciate every email you all send. I do read them and as you know respond to 99%. I appreciate all of you reading my stories. I was thinking the other day that I have people reading from many states and several countries. I think thats really cool. I actually got a new one Friday when I posted. Milan Italy. How cool is that. Of course Andres in Germany. Much love to you Andres. Hope you are well. Then the governor. Havent heard from you in a while hope you are well. But, it really is a joy to rad your emails. Some are very short. Hey thanks great story. Others are several pages long. One question I want to answer here. I get it a lot. Why is the main character always named Eric? Easy answer. Regardless of the story I am working on I alwyas know the main character's name. Its just easier that way. Much love to all of you. Thank you for writing, and reading. Nifty you know the site here. They could use some donations I am sure. With the covid I am sure their numbers are down. SO hey help them out. In turn you are helping a lot of writers and readers as well. As always I leave you with wishes of peace love and happiness. Eric Accidental Paradise Chapter 25 The next couple of weeks flew by. It was a busy time for everyone. The whole family is getting everything ready on the farm to be gone for two weeks. At least that is what they are guessing it will take. No one knows for certain. Randy said he thought two weeks just to make sure everything is fine. Randy actually left four days after he arrived. He wasn't really happy about it and neither was anyone else. Especially Zoe. There seems to be a love connection there. He was actually trying to learn a bit of Spanish, and was doing pretty well. Santiago and his wife are thrilled at the hope of Danny's eyesight returning. So much so they are staying at the farm to make sure no one messes with anything while the family is gone. Eric had to do a bit of lying. Which he despises. But, there was no one to sign Mateo or Camilla's passport information. He slid a few dollars to a few people. Now on paper and in his heart. Mateo and Camilla are his children. They were thrilled about it as was Eric. But, today is travel day. Its going to be a very long flight. They fly from Argentina to Cuba then to Montreal then to Indy. Crazy flight pattern. But, its what the airline came up with. The kids are excited they get to see three new countries. Eric explained to them that they would be in the country. But, there is no time to see or do anything. Cuba they have an eight hour layover in Havana. So they will probably do something there. Eric had always wanted to see Cuba. After his entire life being told how evil and horrible it is. He has learned most of it was lies. Like George Washington was the first president. Which we all know is a lie. That he was the fourth. Of course the first being John Hancock. Then Samuel Huntington. Then John Hanson. All three presidents of the Continental Congress. So he is excited to see Havana anyway. They all say good bye to Santiago and his wife and head to the airport. Santiago had slipped Eric several thousand pesos for just in case money. Eric tried to refuse it. But, Santiago wouldn't hear of it. Eric figures he will get them gifts with that money. Once they all went through the lines and got on the plane it was rather uneventful as they flew from Argentina to Havana. Sure the kids were excited and Lucia couldn't understand why in the world she cant sit on Eric's lap during take off because she was scared. Once they landed in Cuba they all go out and start walking around a bit. Eric sees a taxi for rent that's a van and they hire the driver. "Where to senor?" The driver asks. "I have several places we would like to see very much. Are you free the whole day?" "Yes." "Great. First stop Old Havana please. Then to Morro castle. I hear it is very interesting." "Si it is senor. It takes a couple of hours, to fully appreciate it." "Sadly we only have about seven, and a half hours left. But, we may be able to come back one day and check it out more thoroughly." Once they arrive Eric hands the man some money, and asks him to wait. He gladly does. The Castle is just that a castle. "Now everyone Morro castle was built in 1589 to protect Havana from any intruders that tried to attack Havana. It took thirty years to get it completed. Th ye all go in and pay around $4 American to go in. They all look around and the girls and boys loved the tower. They can see for miles from the top. Once they are done they head a round the bay to look at Castillo San Salvador de la Punta. "Now kids this too was a fortress to protect Havana from invaders." They all go through it and are surprised at how different it was from Morro castle. Once they are done they get back in the van. "We would like to see Havana Cathedral. I read somewhere that Alejo Carpentier described it as music set in stone." "Yes he did. It is a beautiful place for sure. They kept some of Christopher Columbus' remains there for over a hundred years." "Just some of them?" "Yes just some." "How odd to just have some of someone kept there." "Si." Once they arrive they tour the cathedral and it truly is as described. Music set in stone. It is one of the most beautiful churches Eric has ever stepped in. The ladies and the kids all crossed themselves with holy water when they entered. Them all being Catholic. Eric just looks at the water and walks by. Once they are done they go back to the van. "Where to now Senor?" "We are getting a bit hungry and I hear that they have great food and music the Callejon de Hamel." "Si they sure do. You are lucky its Sunday because the festival is going on." "Fantastic." Eric says. Once they start getting close they can here the Afro Cuban music wafting through the air. They all get out and start walking around. Each enjoying seeing all the brightly colored murals depicting the religions there. It is truly amazing art work. They grab some food and are walking along enjoying the festival. A boy about 5 comes up to Eric asking for some money for something to eat. He quickly pulls out a few dollars and hands it to the boy. He takes the money and races off. "You know Eric he has probably eaten. A lot of the kids do that to scam tourists." Zoe says. "Yeah that's true. But, what if he wasn't?" "Yeah true. Better to be safe, and make sure he has eaten." "Besides its not that much to us. It may be a lot to him." "True we are very blessed." they tour around that area for about two hours and sadly have to race back to the airport. Once they get to the gate and board the plane Tomas is sitting next to Eric on this flight. Eric let him have the window seat because he doesn't care one way or another and Tomas wanted to sit by the window. They fly without incident into Montreal and then immediately have to race to the other gate to catch the flight to Indianapolis. Once on Eric is starting to feel more relaxed, He was worried about this part because he knew they didn't have a lot of time to catch the flight. But, they did without any issues. Once they land in Indy they have to go through customs and it takes just a few minutes. When they walk out they see a huge banner that is on a set of dowel rods. Bienvenidas Eric, Maria, Zoe, Danny. Mateo, Lucia, Tomas, Benji, and Camilla. Eric sees its the two little guys holding it. Joey and Alejandro. "Guys that's our friends there." "Wow they made a big sign for us." Mateo says to Danny. "Whats it say?" "It says welcome and then all our names. Its really cool. I can see they made it and have hand prints and foot prints on it. Its all different colors too. Its really nice." Danny smiles. Eric walks up to Eric He extends his hand. He starts speaking Spanish not thinking. "The sign is so nice thank you so much for it. Thank you actually for everything you did to help. Its been a great journey so far." He says and wraps his arms around Eric giving him a hug. Eric not missing a beat hugs him back. Then answers him in Spanish. "It was all my pleasure. Now lets go get something to eat. Joey and Alejandro say they are starving half to death." He says laughing. "I know mine are probably in the same boat. Even though we ate so much in Cuba I'm not sure I will need to eat anytime soon." "How was Cuba? I have always wanted to go there." "It was amazing. I couldn't believe all the old cars. Especially in Old Havana. It was really interesting." "I'm sure it was. Is McDonald's OK? That's what the boys said they wanted." "That actually sounds great. I haven't had a Big Mac in literally years. I don't think any of my crew has had McDonald's before." "We are going to travel about fifty miles before we stop. Do you think they need to eat before then?" "No that's just fine. But, why are we traveling. If I recall Riley is on Meridian street isn't it." "Well, I hope you don't think it is too forward of us. But, we were kind of hoping you would stay at our house." Eric looks around at his crew. "Sure we would love too." Eric is thinking nine of us three of them. That's a dozen people staying in a house. Its going to be really crowded. But, that's OK. All the kids are listening. "Lets get going then." Eric says to Joey and Alejandro. They all walk out and the kids from Argentina feel the cold blast of air hit them. "Aye chingawe." Camilla says. "Camilla. We speak better then that." Eric says scolding her. "I'm sorry its just really cold." "Yeah Eric we never felt it so cold before." Tomas says defending her. "True, But, we don't want our host to think we are rude and vulgar people." "I'm sorry." "But it is pretty fucking cold isn't it?" Eric says with a smile. As he says this a limo pulls up and the driver gets out. Eric waves him off and opens the door. "I figured this made the most sense because you wont all fit in my cars. So I just rented a car." All the Argentine kids are in awe and climb in looking at the opulence of the interior of the car. All the kids get in then Maria and Zoe. Followed last by the Erics'. "Would anyone like something to drink?" I know flying makes me so thirsty. I have packed a case of water and a case of Cokes for you guys to enjoy in the way." "Water would be fantastic." Eric replies. The kids all opt for a Coke and the ladies decide along with Eric to have water. Alejandro and Joey had given their former teacher several hugs in the airport and Eric was thrilled. No beyond thrilled to see them happy and thriving in a positive environment. Once they get to Eric and the boys town. Eric's former hometown they go to Eric's Favorite McDonald's. The Argentine kids get out and stretch and look at the restaurant. "We got McDonald's in Argentina." Benji says. "Never ate there. But, we got them." They all head in and the first and most important stop is the bathroom for everyone. They all take care of business and head back out to be greeted by Maria at the counter. She of course comes around and gives Alejandro and Joey a hug and kiss. "Who are all of your friends?" She asks them in English. Alejandro replies back in Spanish. "These ae our friends from Argentina." He goes through and says each of their names to her. "And this is Danny. He is going to get surgery to make him see again." "Oh that is so exciting I would bet." She says to Danny. "Yes I am super excited about it. We met a doctor on the farm and he says he can maybe fix my sight. He thinks its a good chance though." "That's great." She heads back around the counter and says. "Mr Eric I know what you and the boys want. What can I get for your friends?" "I don't know. You have to ask them. I am going to go sit down though I am tired these boys kept me up half the night excited about our guests coming." "Yeah when your old it takes it out of you." She says smiling. He just sighs at her and goes to sit down. The boys are helping the other kids decide what to eat. Eric tells her. He wants a Big mac meal. The kids all get Happy Meals. Some with chicken some with burgers. All with fries and cokes. The kids go and sit down after they order, as Eric is going to wait for the food. Once they are done he pulls out his billfold to pay. "How much do I owe you?" "Oh. Nothing Mr Eric doesn't pay here. We write if down as employee meals." "Whys that?" "He owns it. Didn't you know that?" "No I didn't." "Didn't you used to be my little brothers teacher?" "Maybe. Who's is your brother?" "Carlos." Eric smiles remembering Carlos. A cute little guy for sure. Always full of energy and couldn't stand to sit still for very long. "Yes I had Carlos as a student. He's a very smart boy." "And very rambunctious." She adds. "Yes he was. But, not in a bad way. He just has a lot of energy.' "You aint lying. Go sit down we will bring out your food in a minute." "Thank you." He says and puts his wallet up. He goes and sits down. Alejandro and Joey sit on either side of him. Much to Tomas' dislike of it. But, he kept it to himself. Since he and Eric made love he hasn't left his side. He is truly enamored with Eric. He wants to be with him all the time. Eric doesn't mind and figures it will wear off in time. "So Mr Eric. We are so happy to see you again." Alejandro says. "I am glad to see you guys again too." He says wrapping his arms over both of their shoulders. "I am also glad to see you both doing so well. So Joey did you win the bowling tournament?" "Yes and I won another one yesterday." "Cool. Alejandro did you play in that one too?" "I did. I came in third." He says looking sad about it. "Third is great." "Yeah I guess." "How many people were bowling?" "I think 122." "So you mean to tell me that you feel sad you came in third out of 122. I think that's phenomenal." `I suppose so." "No suppose to it. Did you do the best you could?" "I tried really hard." "So there is no shame in doing your best and coming in third. Its fantastic." "You think so?" "I know so." Alejandro smiles at this. "You know I told you the same thing yesterday." Eric says. "I know Poppi. But, you think I am great no matter what." "Because you are." Eric responds. "I think your Poppi is right. You are both great boys. Also full of surprises. I didn't know You spoke Spanish Joey." "Sure. Doesn't everyone?" "No. But, it shows how smart you are." Maris shows up with everyone's food and sits the tray down. She puts Danny's in front of him and tells him where everything is. He thanks her and she heads back to working. "I Bet she is really pretty." Danny says. "You would win." Eric replies. "She has worked for me a good while now. Not only is she beautiful on the outside. She is even more beautiful on the inside where it really matters." "Yeah." Danny says smiling. "So Eric the boys and are are really pleased you will stay with us. It may be a little crowded. But, we think it will work out. We have set up a guest room for Camilla and Lucia. We are hoping they can share." "They always sleep together anyway. So that's not a problem." "Good. Also we have a bedroom each for you, Maria, and Zoe. The boys we had to set up beds upstairs I hope that's OK. If you would rather stay at a hotel that's fine too." "No its great. I mean its nice that company is paying for us and all. But, if we don't have to waste money on rooms that will save them money to help someone else hopefully. Because things aren't cheap here. It would probably cost at least $500 a night at a motel, or hotel. So that's saving like seven grand. That's a hell of a lot of money." "Yes it can help others. I like the way you think." Eric responds. Eric takes his first bite of a big mac in years. "MMMM." He quickly takes another bite and has it finished in five bites. "Want another one?" "No I don't want to be a pig about it. But, it was delightful for a change." "Ah nonsense. Have another." "Maybe another day." "The offer stands if you change your mind." "Thanks." Once they are all done eating they shuffle back out to the car and head to Eric and the boys house. When they pull up to the front Tomas looks at it. "Wow this is a nice apartment building." "This isn't an apartment its our house." Alejandro says smiling. "Oh." Joey is giggling. "I said the same thing first time I came home." "Its huge." Camilla says. "Yeah it is." Alejandro agrees. "C'mom and I will show it to you and show you your rooms." "Cool." Lucia says. Alejandro and Joey along wit the kids zip into the house. All carrying a suitcase and a bag. The Erics walk in and Eric says to him. "Welcome to our home. I am sure we have seen the last of the kids for a while. I am sure yours are like mine and love playing the video games." "Yeah we just got one the kids love it. I personally don't see the fun in it." "I agree. When I was a kid we had Atari and it was fun. But, now its just too much." "Yeah too many buttons." "Yes. Are you tired you want a nap or anything?" "No I'm good. I slept most of the ride on the plane." "I do that as well. Its just so boring." "absolutely." "Would you care for a tour of our home?" "Yes I would. I always liked this house when I lived here. Never been in it though." "It was my dream home from when I was a boy. It became available and I luckily had the funds to buy it. We did put a lot of solar up though. Especially the pool. It takes so much energy to heat a pool. Not to mention the house is so massive. So we try very hard to keep our carbon foot print small as we can." "That's great. We only have solar on the farm. To be honest I don't think we can get regular power out where we live. Not sure. I never checked into it because I didn't want it. Besides we don't use that much power." "That's good. So lets begin our tour. I like to start on the top and work down if that's suitable to you." "Sounds perfect." Eric walks his new friend Eric through the house. They run into the kids all unpacking and getting their things in order. Danny is staying tonight here and tomorrow he goes to hospital to check in and the surgery is the next day. He is scared and excited at the same time. As would anyone be. Possibly getting their sight back after being told you never will. He is really scared it wont work though. But, if it doesn't work at least they tried. When they get through the basement and Eric sees the pinball machine he says. "Now those are great fun. The new games are all just too much. Pinball is a classic." "Care to play?" "I used to be pretty good at it. But, hell I haven't played in years." "I don't play often. The boys don't like to play me because I always beat them. I think its fair they beat me at everything else." "Seems like we got to have at least one thing we do better." "Yeah they destroy me at video games. I don't really play much so its not a surprise. But, they beat me at bowling most days we play. Please go first." Eric steps up to the machine and smiles. He starts playing and Eric is impressed and knows he definately has a challenge on his hands when Eric has released three additional balls and is managing to keep them all in play. He is hitting the flippers keeping them all in play. After about ten minutes Eric finally loses his last ball." "Well. I seem to have some suitable competition here." Eric says and steps up. He does well. Not as well. But, does rack up about three fourth of the points Eric had just gotten. By now the kids are down and Joey and Alejandro are laughing at their Dad losing. Because he doesn't lose at pinball. Not ever. At least not hat they have seen. All the kids are cheering on the new Eric especially Alejandro and Joey. The Eric's just laugh and keep playing. After about a half an hour and hard play. Eric beats Eric on his own game. "I may have lost. But, damn that was sure fun. Want to play another?" "Yeah Eric play again. Its fun to watch." "Maybe we should let the kids play?" "They can play later if they like." "Yeah Eric play again." Tomas says. "Alright. Since you lost you go first." Eric says. He steps up and he is not going to lose this time. He is going to give it his all. After about five minutes of play Eric throws a hp into the machine a bit to hard and it tilts the game. "Damnit." He says. "Yeah I hate when that happens." Eric says as he takes his position and pulls back the plunger. The ball flies out of the chute and Eric is having grat fun. He has released two additional balls and loses one almost immediately. He still has two balls going and is nailing the targets one after another. Once he loses his balls his score is twice what the other Erics is. "Gee Poppi. Seems like someones better then you." Alejandro teases him. "I think you are right. But, you know what boys. If I lose. And I think I am going to. Its OK because I did my best. He is just a little better then me." "A lot better dad." Joey says. "OK I concede to that. A lot better. But, its still fun." Eric steps up and starts playing again. He is on a roll and has four balls out and its racking up points like nobody's business. He passes Erics score and quickly triples it before he loses his balls. "Ha beat that." Eric says smiling. "That was a great run for sure." Eric says smiling as he takes position behind the machine. He does his best and matches and is slightly ahead of Eric on this ball. "Good play. I was hoping you wouldn't catch me though." "I didn't think I was going to." By the time it was all said and done. The visiting Eric won by a little more then five hundred thousand points. In pinball that's pretty close. At least on this machine.\ "Care to play another?" Eric asks. "No I think the kids want to try." "Probably so." Eric says. As they start walking up the stairs the kids decided to play teams. Each person gts a ball and then they go from there. Eric thought it was clever of whomever came up with the idea. The Erics went to the living room and start just chatting about general things. Then Eric asks about the farm. They discussed that for about two hours. Eric is excited to tell about it. While the other Eric is excited to hear and learn about it. He is shown many pictures from Eric's phone. He is really very interested. "I would love to come visit and show the boys." "You guys are always welcomed. But, its nothing fancy like what you are used to. We don't have air conditioning or anything like that. But, we are happy and we eat well." "That's important too." "Yes it is. I have known rich people who have everything they ever wanted and are miserable. It wouldn't be bad having some extra money. But, we will get there. We did lease the land next to us with an option to buy at the end of this years lease." "How much is the land?" "A lot more then we have that's for sure. But, if the crops do well. I think we can swing it this year. Maybe next. I suppose we will see." "So did the older lady move out yet?" "As a matter of fact she came two days before we left. She is simply thrilled with everything. She said we couldn't have made her house any better. Lucia suggested we build a porch on the front. We made it all around the house. Miss Sophia loves it." "See thats great. I cant wait until school is out. We will definitely come visit then." "We will keep the light on for ya." Eric says imitating an old Motel 6 commercial making them both chuckle. "Well, I know I am starting to get hungry again. I know if I am the kids are starving. Hows pizza sound for dinner?" "That sounds great. We make our own and are starting a little pizza shop on the farm. Just a couple days a week to help make a few extra pesos." "That's cool." "Yeah its strange how it all came about." Eric tells him about Randy and everything that happened while he was there after Eric orders several pizzas. After they all eat and the kids play video game for a few hours. Eric announces to his host that he and his kids need to get to bed. As its been a pretty long day. "Yeah I am bushed to. Those two kept me up nearly all night so excited to meet your family. Not to mention see you again." "Yeah I have to admit I was excited to see those little guys again too. By the way can you drive me to the rental car place tomorrow. I need to get a car. No a van would be better so we can get around." "Don't be silly I got a perfectly good SUV in the garage you can use." "I wouldn't think of it. I would in no way want to put you out." "I rarely drive it anyway. Thing drinks gasoline. I just use it for when the kids have hockey practice or something like that. Guess what I'm not on carpool for a month. So I wont need it at all. I like my car better. The boys think the SUV is cooler though. I just think they are station wagons on steroids. Mommy mobiles with big tires." Eric laughs. "I never thought about it like that before. But, yeah I see what your saying." "The keys are by the garage door. Feel free to use it whenever. What time do you need to leave tomorrow?" "Six or so." "Just curious. No reason for me to know. I hope everything goes well tomorrow.." "Me too." Eric says tears on the verge of coming out. "I so want that boy to see again. He is amazing." "From what I have seen so far. He sure is. Sleep well my new friend." "Thanks. Again I really do appreciate everything you have done to help us." "Anyone would have done it." "No. I think your wrong there. But, thank you anyway." "Your welcomed. Are all of you going or no?" "Well its just me, Danny, and for some reason the doc wanted us to bring Camilla. He felt that all the kids would be too much maybe." "Maybe so. Why Camilla?" "She has a way about her. If you are upset she can calm you in a second. I cant figure out what it is. But, its amazing." "Cool." "Way cool." Eric says smiling and heads up the steps to bed. He checks on all the kids and last on the ladies. "So how is everything going?" He asks them. "This house is so nice. Its nicer then hotels." "Yeah it is. You know they have a swimming pool you can swim in the winter in?" "Eric said something about a pool I recall." "He is real rich huh?" "Yeah I think he isn't hurting at all." "He is so nice though. Most rich people are mean and bitter." "No not in America. It's different here. I just wantedd to check on you to make sure you are OK." "Yeah we are good." "G'night ladies." He says and shuts their door. He heads to his room and sees a lump on his bed. "Tomas you are supposed to be sleeping." He says. "I know. I wanted to sleep with you." "Fine. But, we cant do anything. Eric is really nice. But, I don't think he would understand our love." "Yeah. It isn't fair is it?" "No. But, life a lot of the time isn't fair." "I'm learning that." "Just remember even when it isn't fair don't be bitter about it. Just smile and go on." "I will." "I know you will. Now I got to get to sleep." With that Eric went to sleep with worry and hope filling his head.