Date: Sun, 27 Dec 2020 14:06:42 -0500 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions Book 2 Chapter 15 So Hi I hope you are all doing well. I got an email that I believe was supposed to make me feel bad. But, it actually made me laugh my ass off. I as you all know cant stand the current president. I make no bones about it. So the person sent me an email saying I should be ashamed. My response to him was. My stories are about love and compassion something this man knows nothing about. If you want to learn about it continue reading. Otherwise find another author. Maybe it was rude. But, its how i see it. I know many of you like this man and thats fine. We do thankfully live in a nation where we can kind of be free in our thoughts. For that I am thankful. Anyway I thought many of you would find that little tidbit amusing. Know what really be amusing? A donation to Nifty. I know they would appreciate it for sure. Eric Transitions Book 2 Chapter 15 The next morning Eric wakes up with Alejandro wrapped around him. He looks down and smiles at his son. He kisses the top of his head and slips out from under him to go pee. He looks in the mirror and scratches his newly growing beard. It is mostly gray with bits of brown in it. Pretty much like his hair on his head is. Down below is still all brown. He finishes peeing and decides Alejandro and Julia are right. He really hasn't been taking care of himself. He heads to the bedroom he is in and grabs his swim trunks. He leaves a note for the boys that he went to the pool and he will be back shortly. If they need him they can come and get him. He grabs a towel and heads down. He starts to swim some laps and after about five he is beat He forces himself to do one more lap and clombs out of the pool feeling limp like a wet noodle. He towels off most of the water and heads back upstairs. He is thinking how dissapointed he is at his weak as attempt at exercise. He rides the elevator up and walks back into the room. He puts the note in the trash and turns on the news. He is watching when Alejandro walks out, and cuddles up next to him. "Poppi you smell like a pool." "I went swimming while you were still asleep." "Oh." "I want to get back into shape. I used to run every day before you came to live with me. I just lost that along the way. Us being busy all the time. I don't want to leave you guys ever. I need to take better care of myself like you said." Alejandro just smiles, and puts his head on Eric's chest. Eric starts to switch it from the news but, the business news is on. "Wait poppi I want to see this." "Oh OK." Eric says a bit surprised. They watch and Alejandro has lots of questions about what the news peoplpe are saying. Eric answers all of his questions. He phrases everything so his little guy can understand. Alejandro seems content with Eric's answers as he doesn't ask any more questions. Once the business is over it starts talking about other things. "OK Poppi you can change it if you want." "So are you interested in business?" "Well, kind of. Its just that you own so many it seems to make sense I understand what you do." "I don't really do anything except take care of you guys. I have people that do it for me." "Yeah. Can I meet them?" "I don't see why not. When we get back I will set it up." "Cool." A little while later as Eric and Alejandro are watching some toons the other boys come staggering out like little drunk men. They are rubbing their eyes and sit next to Eric. "Morning Dad." Joey says a half smile. "Morning Joey. Morning Tran." "Morning Ba." Tran asys as he sits next to Eric. Alejandro scoots up on Eric's lap and Joey takes the other side. "Poppi went swimmint this morning tomake himself better." "Cool dad. We noticed you was getting a fat belly." Joey says teasing him and rubbing his belly. "I am not fat." Eric says smiling. "You ain't skinny dad." Joey says laughing. "You will see. In six weeks I will be in better shape then any of you boys." "Sure Ba. Sure." "I'm not joking." Eric says defending himself. The boys just laugh teasing him. "You guys hungry?" "Starving." They all say. All boys are always in a constant state of starvation it seems. Eric goes to the hard line in the hotel and picks up the phone and orders room service for them. When it arrives the boys have Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries and Eric gets oatmeal with toast and juice. "Your serious aren't you dad?" "Yeah I am. I don't want to leave you guys until im 103." "I don't want you to ever leave us." Tran says. "I don't ever want to either." Eric says. The boys eat like they haven't eaten in weeks. Eric eats his oatmeal and looks with longing at the waffles. In time I can have tha again. Just in moderation he thinks. I have kind of let myself go. He has noticed his pants don't fit exactlly as they should anymore. They are a bit tight. When they get done with the breakfast Eric and the boys put the dishes back on the cart and push it into the hall. "Go get ready guys for the beach. Grab some towles." They do as they are asked and race in to get on their swim gear and towels. They head to the lobby and Eric buys a little collapsable cooler and several bottles of water to take with them. Also some trail mix as they will be hungry shortly. They go to the desk and ask if they can get a ride to rent a car. The man behind the desk says sure and makes a call. A few minutes later a rental company shows up with a new Cadillac for them to use. Eric gets behind the wheel. "I like this one." Eric says as they are driving. "Ba you got a car in the garage. Why dont we ever use it?" "We do buddy. Its just with all the trips and things its easier to use the SUV its bigger and more comfortable when we all go somewhere." "OK." Once they get to the beach the boys and Eric find a nice spot as its still early not many people are here yet. Eric and the boys go to the waters edge. "Poppi its dirty." "What?" "When we was in the islands it was all clear and stuff. It looks icky." "Well, this is a different ocean. Actually where we were its not an ocean but a sea. The difference is that oceans are bigger. Not all oceans are clear like the Caribean. I assure you its fine to get in." Alejandro looks at the water and steps in. Eric just picks him up and hurls him into the water. Alejadnro flying through the air and giggling as he does. It becomes a game and Eric is tossing all the boys in. Tran is a little bigger and Eric cant loft him as far. But, he still has fun. After an hour or so the crowd at the beach is getting bigger. Eric and the boys go and sit down and have some water and relax a little while. After about fifteen minutes a little latina girl comes over and starts talking to them. She is about ten or so. A very pretty girl. "I saw you on youtube." She says to Joey. "Oh?" He says. "Yeah you got a really pretty voice." "Thank you." "I think your brother is really cute." She says looking at Alejandro. "I think you are pretty too." Alejandro says. "I stayed up late last night and watched you on TV last night too." "Thanks." Joey answers. "I tried to send some money to St Jude's like you asked. But, I don't have a card or anything. So I couldn't." "Its OK." Joey answers. "Can I give it to you?" "I suppose that would be alright. I can send it in for you." "Cool." She says and races off to where her family is. Eric watches her talk to her mom. She is gesturing and smiling and pointing over to the boys. Her mom smiles and walks over with her. "My daughter seems to think you are the boy she saw on youtube and tv." "Cuz I am." Joey says. "Really? I figured you would be at some exclusive spa or something."The mom says. "Nah we aren't like that." He says. "Anyway my dauughter has saved around $20 and she says she wants to give it to you so you can give it to St Jude's.." "Wow you saved that much?" Joey asks. "Yeah it took a little while. I was saving for a game I want. But, it seems silly when children are sick." "We got to have some fun too though." Joey says. "How about you donate half and save the other half and I will give ten dollars and you give ten dollars so its twnety all together?" He says smiling at her. "Cool." She says smiling. "Mom can you get my money for me please?" "Sure sweetie." Her mom says and walks back and gets $10 from her bag and brings it back. The girl and her mom start talking and other people are starting to notice its Joey. Before long there is a bit of a crowd. Eric isn't really liking this. "C'mon boys we need to get going." "Can I have your autograpgh before you go?" The first little girl asks. "Sure." Joey says smiling. So before long there is a line of people wanting his autograpgh. Alejandro is surprsied and giggles when people start asking for his too. Tran as well. "But, I dont sing or nothing. Why would you want my autograph?" Alejadnro asks. "Cuz your famous too." "I'm just me. I ain't nothing special." He says and signs his name. After a little while its starting to get to be a bit of a mess and the beach patrol comes by to see what the fuss is over. As its starting to become a pretty big crowd. They ask very politely for Eric and the boys to leave so as not to cause an issue. Eric is actually thankful for this. Becasue he wanted to get the boys the hell out of there. But, aslso didn't want to seem rude or unappreciative of Joeys fans. But, he has heard and seen stories about bad things happening. They get back into the car and when they do Alejandro starts pulling cash out of his pockets. Its well over $500. "Buddy where did you get the money from?" "People was handing it to me for the hospital." "Yeah me too." Tran says pulling out at least as much. Joey smiles and does the same. "I swear you guys are the best thing that's happned to St Jude's since Danny Thomas." They all smile at Eric's praise. They get back to the hotel and head to the room. As they get in Eric's phone starts to ring. "Hello?" He says not knowing the number. "Mr Murphey I am Pat Pastore and I wanted to say thank you for all the money you and your sons have raised for St Jude's. We raked in over three million dollars last night from Joeys show. I just wanted to say thank you." "It isn't me you should thank. Heres Joey." He says handing the phone to Joey. Joey takes it. "Hello?" Joey listens and says. "Its no big deal. I just want to help is all." Joey listens for a little while and gives out their address to the lady. Eric is curious as to why. So when Joey hangs up he asks. "Why did she want our address?" "Dont know dad. She said she wanted to send me something." "What?" "Don't know. She wouldn't say." A few hours later Mr Diamond had called and he came over and Eric and him went through the contract. Eric crossed out the six concerts planned instead they are doing three pay per view concerts. With the promise that during the entire shows St Jude's phone number is posted at the bottom of the screen. Alejandro insisted as did Joey. Its for three records, 10 videos and the three concerts for three years. With each recording Joeys pay goes up considerably. Also so do his royalties. He is going to be allowed to sing or play his choice of music. Eric made sure of that. He doesn't want him to be like other child singers that are forced to sing things they don't like. With that done they get into a limo and return home via private jet. When trhey land Alejandro says to Eric. "I better call Cindy and let her know we are going to be home. I miss her a lot." "I'm sure you do." So Eric hands him his phone and he calls his fiance. He listens to them chat as they are in the limo taking him home. After a few minutes he hands the phone back to Eric. "She thinks its so cool I was on TV. She thinks I'm famous now." "You kind of are." Eric says. "Yeah but, not like Joey. I just was there." "Yeah but you collected a lot more money for St Jude's too." With that Alejadnro just smiles. We head into the house and Rich and Julius were gone. Rich had been getting much better and moved back to his own home and Julius was with him most of the time. They really love each other very much. Eric does worry though because Rich is fairly old and he worries about when he leaves Julius alone. It is bound to happen. But, hopefully not for years to come. He knows Julius is happy. He does miss seeing his little black friend as often. But, its ok he knows he is happy. Its a little late when they get home around 7 or so. Eric makes the boys and him some chicken, as Julia didn't know they would be back. He fries theirs and bakes his with a little lemon and they all eat and are happy. Cindy shows up right after they finish eating and her and Alejadnro take off to god knows where to talk and do whatever they do. Eric doesn't mind. They are young. If they are expermenting, that's just fine. Joey says he wants to go think so he heads to the basement to bowl. He likes to bowl and it helps him think about things. So its jut Eric and Tran. They decide they want to watch a movie and they go to Eric's room to do so. They are spread out on the couch. Eric his feet up on the coffee table. Tran with his head in Eric's lap and Eric is gently running his fingers through Trans hair. "Ba I like this. Us just relaxing together. It feels so I don't know perfect I guess." "I feel the same way." They watch the movie and Cidy comes in and says she needs to get home. Eric hugs her goodnnight and Alejadnro walks her downstairs to the door. A few minutes later Alejadnro is with them and a few minutes after that Joey appears. He is a bit sweaty. "I almost did it again dad. One day I will get that 300 game." "I know you will." When the movie was over they were all pretty tired and headed off to bed. Joey taking a shower before because Eric told him he didn't want him smelling like a turtle tank. Making the boys giggle. The next morning Eric wakes up and goes directly to the pool. He swims six laps and forces a seventh. No pain no gain he thinks. He is naked and he walks through the hosue with a towel wrapped around him. He is surprised to find Miss Julia in the kitchen. "Oh shit." He says and races to his room. "Ain't like I never seen a mans bits before." She laughs as he scurries from the room. He heads upstairs and hops in the shower. He is pleasntly surprised when Alejandro joins him. "You excercis this morning poppi?" "Yes I did." "Good." Eric as usual starts washing Alejadnro. He knows he can do it himself as he does most days. But, its just nice to wash him. He does so and when he is done he starts to wash himself. Alejadnro gets out and dries off and goes to his room. Eric realizes the boys have to go back to school tomorrow. He thinks back to when he was a boy and they always it seemed had to write a story of what they did on their christmas break. Well, the boys will surely have a lot to write about. Eric gets dressed and he calls the school to get it set up for Tran to start at the boys school. Seeing as how he is in 6th grade he will still attend the same school as Joey and Alejandro. He gets it all in motion and he lets them know the school he was attending and tomorrow he will have to go in and sign paperwork to get him enrolled. Not a big deal. Just more paperwork the bureaucrats want. Its life always a new form for something. When Eric is dressed he walks down the back stairs to the kitchen. Julia is making french toast. "I just want oatmeal, toast and a glass of juice." "Really now. You be listening to me now?" "No." He says smiling. She gets out the oatmeal and starts some for him. "So how was your date?" She smiles at his question. "He a nice man. He treats me good." "Good you deserve a nice man." "Seems ever body got a man but me." "Sounds like you got one now." "I guess I do at that." She says smiling. Once the boys come down they have their breakfast and Eric suggests they go sledding as they got new snow while they were gone. His idea is welcomed with entusiasm. "Now we cant stay too long as Tran is still recovering. But we can have some fun for a while." "Cool." They all say and go to put on their snow suits. They all go to the garage and get the sleds down of the wall hooks and head to the golf course to have some fun. After about an hour Eric says its time to head back. The boys all wanted to stay a bit longer. But, sometimes Eric has to be the parent and do what is best for them. They all trapse back to the house dragging their sleds and put them up. Joey accidently scratches the car with his sled. "I'm so sorry dad. I didn't mean to." He says crying. "Buddy its just a car. It doesn't matter." He says picking him up and hugging him. "You ain't mad?" "No buddy im not mad. If you did it on purpose I would be. But, it was an accident." Joey dries up his tears as Eric carries him into the house. Julia has made hot chocolate for them to enjoy. Eric has hot tea instead. He is taking this getting into shape serious. He knows he needs to. His health isn't something he wants to play with. The boys sip their hot chocoolate and Eric calls the office. "Yes hello June. Its Eric Murhphey." "I know your voice Mr Eric. What can I do for you today?" "Well, my son Alejadnro is intersted in business. He wanted to see what it is you do. Would it be alright if I brought him by in a while so he can pepper you with a million questions?" "I would be delighted." She responds. "Great we will be by in an hour is that good?" "Anytime for you sir." Eric just rolls his eyes and says thank you and rings off the line. "Alejandro I just talked to my office manager and we are going to see her in an hour. So go get dressed." "Cool." "Can we go too dad?" "Sure. You dont think I was going to leave you here did you?" Joey kind of looks at him like well maybe. So the boys all dress in slacks and polos with a sweater over the top and they take the car this time. As Tran pointed out. They really haven't been using it much since he got there. Once they arrive at the office a little nondescript buidling Eric enters the code on the door and they walk in. "Mr Eric so good to see you." June says. "Good to be seen." He says smiling. "These are my boys. You know Alejandro. This is Joey and Tran." "Pleased to meet you boys. Come with me guys and I will show you what I do." Eric heads to his office in the building. That he maybe goes into once a month at best. In it is just a desk and a computer. He turns on the computer and checks his emails and answers several. He sees one that catches his eye. Intersting he thinks. He walks to the office of the person that sent it to him. "I like your idea. How should we persue it?" "Well sir as you had said you were intersted in purchasing some KFC units. I have found several that are great and a few that need a lot of work." "How may all together?" "Its 123 stores in all. Most of them are owned by a single franchisee that is getting on in years and has let them run down a bit. I think its our best bet and I know we can get them for a song." "Well, sing away then." Eric says smiling. The man smiles and starts singing a silly song making him and Eric laugh. "Do you think I am taking on too much with another franchise?" "No sir. That's what you have us for." "I suppose your right about that. If you need to hire more people to take care of this then do so." "I was actually going to ask you about that. I will need I think about five new people. I have a couple in mind but, I will have to find the others." "I have the utmost trust in you to find good people that fit into our enviroment." The man smiles and Eric walks back to his office. He approves the purchase of a few more apartment complexes. He is really getting to have a huge amount of properties. He is looking at an old mall that closed. He isn't exactlly sure what to do with it. But, its so cheap he is thinking it might be a good idea to get it. Eric has been looking through things for about two hours and the boys come in smiling with June. "You guys learn anything?" "Yeah Ba you are way rich." "No we are way rich. Oh June I need you to send a check for a million dollars to the Dave Thomas foundation for me." "Sure." She says not even blinking at the amount. Its really nothing for Eric to say something like that. When she first started she would be floored by such requests. But, she has been with Eric for some time now. "June our fiscal year is ending what next week right?" "Yes sir." "How much is left in the charity fund?" "I am not positive. I will get back to you in a few minutes on that." "No I don't need to know the numbers. Just donate it the rest to St Jude's." "Yes sir." She say and takes off. "What are you looking at Poppi?" Alejadnro gets up on Eric's lap and the other two boys are looking at the wall of awards and plaques Eric has gotten over the years for his charity work. "Well, I see this old mall here and its so cheap they are almost giving it away. I want to buy it but, I don't know what to do with it. I am not the kind of person that just throws money away." "Are there pictures?" "Sure." Eric says and pulls them up. Alejadnro looks through the pictures and thinks a minute. "Easy poppi. You can turn most of it into apartments and the rest into either offices for people or shops." "Hmm that's a good idea." "Tran go find a man named Jack for me. He is two doors down on the left." "Sure Ba." A minute later Jack appears int eh door. "Yes Mr Eric." "Come here and look at these pictures." Eric scrolls trhough them. "What do you think about making a majority of this into apartments and the rest into office space and say a grocery store for the people that live there to shop in?" "How much is it?" Eric shows him the price. "I think that's very doable. I think we can actually see a profit on it in as little as two years after all the construction costs. I keep seeing these and couldn't figure out what to do with them. But, they are so cheap I was still looking trying to figure out what to do with them. Good idea boss." "Wasnt mine. Alejandro suggested it." Alejandro beams with pride as he gets the credit. "Looks like you are going to be a chip off the old block." Jack says smiling at Alejandro. "No he is smarter then me. That's for sure." Eric says messing up Alejandros hair. "Lets call this one Alejandro apartments. Lets get three as a matter of fact. One will be Tran living. No better not put that the christians will get pissy. Joey living and then Tran suites." "Perfect I will get right on it. If I find others do you want me to buy them as well?" "Lets trythese first. If it works as we think. We will purchase a ton of them." "You want me to run serious cost analysis on the projects?" "Yes just to be sure." "I will have it for you as soon as I can." "Perfect." "Smart little guy there." He mumbles as he leaves Eric's office. "Your idea probablly just made us a few million dollars buddy." Eric says hugging him. "You are so smart." "Poppi seems I should get a bigger allowance." He says giggling. "Seems that way doesn't it. I tell you what. I will double it. However half of it goes into the bank for saving for college." "Poppi do we really need to save for college?" "Ok its not for college just to save. Becasue its important to save money. A lot of people in this country cant seem to figure that out. They just want to spend all they have and not worry about the future. That is people who don't have to live paycheck to paycheck they just over spend. I saw that sixty perccent of people in our country don't have $600 in the bank." "Shoot poppi I got that." "I know buddy. Its why im trying to instill the thought of saving to you." Eric's desk phone rings. "Sir St Jude wants to talk to you." "Why?" "Becasue of the wire transfer we just did." "Oh." "Hello Eric Murphey here." "Mr Murhpey. I can see why your boys are so genrous. I just wanted to personally call and say thank you for the donation you just made." "Who am I speaking to?" "Oh I'm sorry I'm the CEO of St Jude's. I have to say we don't get many seventeen million dollar donations. Especially after what your son did for us. I just have to say you are truly a god send." "Your welcome. I imagine you will get more soon. I am going to put St Jude collection boxes in all of my stores. I am aquiring 123 new ones soon so we will be asking for donations in over 500 stores. I don't plan on it stopping any time soon. I think I will have them out year round." "Wow. I'm sorry I am usually more articulate then that. I'm just surprised and extremely pleased. Thank you so much." "No thank you for helping so many children and never charging a dime. You guys are truly heroes in my eyes. My sons too." "Its just what we do." "Same here. Have a great day." "How can I not." The man says giggling like a child. "Again thank you." "No thank you." With that they end the call. "What was that about poppi?" "We donated some money to them and he wanted to call and say thank you." "That was nice. How much did we donate?" "Not as much as I want. But, a good amount. Lets go home guys." "'Kay." Alejadnro says. June catches him on the way out. "You know that son of yours is very smart. He showed me a faster and better way to do a few things. He asked me questions I didn't think about until I was in college. He is going to be a great business man." She says smiling at him. "No Cindy says I'm going to be a doctor. I think I want to help people. I definitely want to help kids like us." He says. "Whose Cindy?" June asks. "Shes my finace. She says we are getting married. I believe her." "I do too." Eric says smiling. "Well, congratualtions on your future nuptials." "Thanks I think. Whats a nuptial." "When you get married." Eric says. "Oh yeah thanks." He says smiling. They get in the car and Eric heads for home. "I really liked that car in California." Eric says. "You should get one dad. It was super cool." "No this one isn't that old. It would be wasteful to get a new one. Besides we just got the Escalade." "You should get it poppi." "No reason to get rid of this one. Its in perfectly good shape." "Except the scratch I put on it." "Pshaw. I think it can be buffed out. You guys want McDonalds for dinner?" He receved several replies in approval of the suggestion. Julia had told him earlier she was going on another date earlier. So he told her to take the night off and have fun. So dinner was on him. They pull into Eric's favorite store. He smiles as he looks at it. "What you smiling about dad?" "I was just thinking of how many times I have gone through that door and the joy its given me. How even this store in a way has given me you guys." "How Ba?" "Well, if I was just a worker I wouldn't have the time and money to help you guys. I would probablly never even considered adopting one of you guys. I'm sure I would have wanted to. But, I don't think I would have because I couldn't provide for you like I would want." "Thanks McDonalds." Joey says. "Yeah thanks." Tran says after. "Thank you indeed. Now lets go eat." When they get in Maria lets out a shout when she sees them. She is of course around the corner in a second and has Alejandro in her arms hugging him and giving him a kiss. "I love you little guy." "I love you too Maria." He says giggling. She puts him down and picks up Joey hugging him and kissing his cheek. "Hows my boy friend today?" "I'm good. I was on TV." He says trying ot impress her. "I know I saw. We all watched you were really great." "You realy think so?" "I know so." Joey kisses her cheek. "Thanks girl friend." He say smiling. She puts him down and hugs Tran and kisses his cheek making him blush. He hugs her back of course. He isn't stupid a pretty girl hugs you. You hug her back. "How you doing Tran?" "I'm good. I feel really good." Eric can see when Maria pulls away Tran is feeling really good. She hugs Eric next. "How is the cutest of the bunch?" "You seem to be doing just fine." He says teasing her back. "Oh you." She says and playfully slaps his chest. She goes back around the counter to get the boys orders. "I know what you want Mr Eric. Your usual." "No actually I want a salad with grilled chicken and balsamic vinagrette. A bottle of water to drink." "What?" "Poppi is trying to take better care of himself." "Good its about time he loves himself for a change." She turns to get their order together. The boys go and take a seat. A boy about thirteen walks over to the table. "I saw you on TV. You were really good." "Thank you." Joey responds. "But, that's not why I wanted to come over. I wanted to tell you I was adopted from foster care. I know how important it is. I got a forever family. I hope you keep talking about it. Becasue people seem to listen to you when you talk." Joey is moved hearing this he gets up and hugs the boy. "I know how you feel. Its so great having someone love you huh?" "Sure is." As he says this two men walk over. "These are my dads." He says and introduces them. "Nice to meet you." Eric says and stands up to shake the mens hands. "So I see you adopted too." One says to Eric. "Yes and its the best decision I've ever made." "Us too they say with here arms wrapped around each other pulling their son into them. Its obvious there is a lot of love in this family. Damn the people who think gays shouldn't adopt Eric thinks. This boy has a loving home now. As do his three. "Have you guys eaten yet?" Eric asks. "Yes we just finished and Cory just had to talk to your son." Cory smiles. "Not very often you get to talk to someone famous." He says and blushes. "I'm not famous. I'm just Joey." "No your famous." One of the dads says. "We already plan on buying your recodings. We also donated a hundred dollars to St Jude's." "Thanks I know they appreciate that." He says waxing over the praise they give to him. He likes it. But, really only desires it from Eric and his brothers. It is them he wants to impress. But, he knows they don't care about any of that. They just love him. "We best be going. It was great to meet all of you." They say and head out the door. "Dad is that going to happen all the time?" "Probablly." "Its embarrasing." "You will get used to it." "I hope I don't have to." Maria arrives with their food and Eric starts to eat his salad. "You know this is really good. I think I like it almost as much as a cheese burger." Eric says taking another bite. "Can I try some dad?" "Sure buddy." He says and loads the fork for him. "That is good dad." So of coures the other boys had to try it. They all agreed it was good and were getting it next time. When they got done they cleared there table and headed back home. On the way Eric was talking to the boys and doing about 45mph and a deer comes into his path. There is just no avoiding it. He crashes into it setting off the air bags in the front. He regains his senses after a few seconds. "Is everyone alright?" He gets three yeses. "Good. I don't think the car or the poor deer faired as well though." Eric gets out and looks at the deer. Obviouly dead. The front of the car comletely smashed up. Both headlights out. "I guess I better call DNR to get the deer and a tow truck for the car. Cant drive with no lights." The boys had gotten out and were looking at everything. Alejandro was crouched down next to the deer. "Poor guy. Were sorry we just didn't see you is all. You just ran right out. We are so sorry." He says crying. Eric hangs up with the police and they are on their way out. He also calls a tow truck. He sees Alejandro is upset when he hangs up from the tow truck company. He walks over to him and picks him up. "Its OK buddy. It happens. I don't like it either to take the life of a beautiful creature like this. But, it happens." "Its so sad. What if he had a family?" "Then that would be sad. But, think of the good in this. Its what keeps me from crying." "Whats that?" "The deer will be sent to people that need some extra food. So its not a horrible thing Sad yes. But, there is some happiness in it." "I suppose so." Alejadnro says wiping the tears from his eyes. Tran upset too tries to make light of the situation. "Gosh Ba I know you wanted a new car. But, did you have to kill a deer to do it?" Alejandro laughs at this. Making Eric and Joey laugh too, its infectious as they are all having lots of emotions and laughing seems the best way to cope. It was scary the air bags going off. The impact and the fright of not knowing what was happening. After a few minutes the police show up and take a report. The DNR shows up and takes the deer. "This is a big one I bet he feeds a lot of people." The man says. Alejadnro smiles. " I hope so." the cop helps the guy put it in the back of the truck and the tow truck shows up. Eric didn't think about how to get home. He looks at everyone. "Um hey I didn't think how to get home." "I can take you." The DNR guy says. "Thanks." They all climb in the pickup truck and head home. When they get there they decide its been a long day and they all take a shower and wind up in Eric's bed. They all find sleep easily.