Date: Mon, 5 Oct 2020 11:29:54 -0400 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions Book 2 Chapter 6 Well everyone. Here is the next installment. I promise I will get Chapter 29 of AP posted next week if not before. Again sorry for the screw up. I hope you like it. One thing I have learned from writing these stories is how much I truly appreciate Nifty. It is a sight we can post stories about out proclivities where as most sights would ban me immediately. So you should donate to Nifty today. Have a beautiful day. Eric Transitions Book 2 Chapter 6 Once they are all seated Eric starts the introductions of his family. "Mrs Smith these are my boys. First we have Tran here." He says pointing to him. "Then here to my left is Joey, and on my right is Alejandro. And I am Eric." "You have an interesting grouping there. All fine looking boys for sure. Me, I am Linda, this is my daughter Illianna, and our oldest son Zack. Of course we are here for little Joe. We live in Birmingham, Alabama. I am a teacher and my husband did work in a restaurant as a manager. But, he was missing so much work he didnt feel it was fair to them so he quit a few months ago. They said when Little Joe is better he is welcomed to come back. The District Manager said that if we wanted he could apply for a grant from the owner to help with bills and things like that. But, we just feel like that's charity. I guess the owner is a sweet man with a heart of gold. We never met him but, I guess he lives in Indiana somewhere. At least that's what we heard. When he first bought the McDonald s in Birmingham we were pretty scared that they would get rid of a lot of the management team. Instead he gave them all raises and better insurance packages." "Poppi don't you....." "Alejandro its not nice to interrupt when people are talking." Eric knows exactly what Alejandro was going to say, and he is positive that Joe is one of his managers. He doesn't want them to know who he is exactly. He isn't trying to hide it he just thinks its better to help them anonymously. "I was a McDonald's manger myself for almost twenty years. But, I had to retire because I was causing myself too much stress by overworking. I just couldn't seem to leave, I loved it so much." "Yeah I know the feeling. I just love my crew and the customers. Its just a heck of a lot of fun for a job. I really miss it a lot." "I have never been to Birmingham. Is it an interesting place?" "Oh yes. There are lots of things to see and do there. We love to see the museums and we all love to go to Talladega for the NASCAR race every year." "I think I would like to take the boys down to the museum of civil rights down there. Have you guys been?" "Oh my yes. Its a... well its hard to explain. Its sad and wonderful at the same time. To walk through and see the turmoil that black people went through and the abuse. But, then it gets better I mean shoot we had a black president. So it seemed like things were changing. Now I guess I'm not so sure." Linda says. "I understand what you are saying. I guess I had my blinders on the past few years and didn't see what some people were thinking. I was thinking we were finally past all that nonsense." Eric says. "Yeah it seems like we cant seem to get past that in our country. Racism, and people just being scared of people that are different then them. Its sad really. Like me I don't guess they get much whiter then me. But, I am literally the only white male manager at my store. I have a couple of black ladies that are fantastic. A few Hispanics. Thing is I find that women seem to be the best managers for me. They are meticulous at what they do. Men just say yeah sure that's fine. Not women no way.. They will not let just mediocre fly. At least that's been my experience. I had this one guy. He was so gay that Helen Keller would have known he was gay. I had a few people complain about him. But, I would just blow them off. Because he was the best manager I have ever seen. I was so sad to see him go." "Where did he go?" "He got his degree in business and moved to the corporate office in Indiana. I hear he is doing a fantastic job up there too. I here he is in charge of the research department, and is buying stores like crazy for his boss. I heard he just bought some stores in Florida like 22 or something like that." "Poppi didnt you just...." "Alejandro. Would you please stop interrupting." "But, Poppi....." "Excuse me I need to take My two interrupters to the restroom and talk to them for a moment. Please excuse us." Eric says. "Boys come with me." Eric says sternly. All three boys followed him. Even though Tran didn't say anything he figures he is meant to go too. Once they get to the restroom Alejandro says to Eric. "Poppi what did I do wrong?" Almost crying. "Aw buddy you didn't do anything wrong. I just don't want them to know I am the owner of his store is all. I want to help them, and if they know its me then they can refuse it to my face. Where as if I do it through the store they wont be able too. Does that make sense to you? Because you know they would, they are proud people and rightly so. You saw how hard it was for me to talk Mr Smith into letting me buy lunch. Can you imagine if I tried to do more?" Alejandro smiles. "I understand now. I thought I was in trouble." "Me too." Joey says. "I thought I was too and I didn't even do nothing." Tran says smiling. "So are we in agreement not to tell them EXACTLY what I do?" "Yes sir." They all say in unison. "You are such good boys. I love you all so much and am so proud of you guys." He says pulling all three in for a hug. "Now lets go back and have some fun with our new friends." "OK." "Lets eat us some BBQ boys show them these Yankees can eat with the best of them." Eric says smiling. They all walk back to the table all smiles. When they sit back down Linda says. "Well, I didn't figure they would come back smiling. I was worried you were going to spank them." "Oh no Poppi would never spank us. He might take away our games or not let us bowl as punishment. But, he would never spank us." "No I never would. I have found with my boys that they get more upset at themselves for letting me down then if I would spank them. Poor Alejandro got a B in his report card a while back and I was proud he got all As and a B. He was so upset he thought he let me down because he says he didn't try his best. I was really worried about him for a few days after that because he was so upset." "Maybe Zack should think like that. Illianna hasn't ever got below a B and like your son she was so upset." Joe says. "Last year she had to have surgery and she made her teachers send her homework to her so she could get it done." Linda says. "Joey seems to be pretty good at school. I don't know about Tran yet. He just joined the family." "I don't understand what you mean." Joe asks. "Well, my boys are all adopted. Well, Alejandro is officially. We have petitioned the court for me to adopt Joey, and Tran just joined the family a few days ago. So technically Joey and Tran are my foster sons. But, in my heart they are my sons." "You mean Tran is sick, and you still fostered him?" Linda asks. Without missing a beat Eric answers. "Of course we did. He didn't have anyone to help him and to love him through this difficult time. So the boys and I said we will. We have room in our hearts for another person to love. It doesn't matter if they are sick or not. He needs us and we need him." "Wow." Is all she says. Finally a waitress comes around to take their orders. "Sorry y'all its super busy today. I apologize for making y'all wait so long. What can I get you to drink. Everyone decides on iced tea the Smiths all get sweet tea and Eric's crew gets unsweet tea. Being Yankees and all. The waitress rushes away and gets back quickly with their drinks. She distributes them to each person and then asks. "Are y'all ready to order?" "I believe we are on my side." Eric says. "Yes ma'am we are too." Joe says. "I would like the beef brisquit sandwich. Eric says. Everyone agreed that sounds good and they all got fries as well and some cole slaw. Because whats BBQ without some good slaw. They have some light hearted talk about nothing while they wait and a few minutes later their food arrives and they all dig in. "Poppi this is really good." "I know huh?" Eric answers between a bite. "These fries are amazing." Illianna who hasn't said anything until now says. "Yeah they are." Tran the other silent one says and smiles at her. Eric smiles and thinks. Yeah Tran is going to be a player. But, not in a bad way. Eric is done and has some fries left. "Tran do you want the rest of these fries buddy?" "Yeah." He says with a huge grin. Then looks a crossed the table. "Illianna you want to share them?" She gives a pretty smile back. "Yes please." "Guys if you want some more I can order more." Eric says. "Oh no this is fine." The pretty little girl says. They share the fries and when everything is gone the waitress shows back up. "Would y'all care for some desert?" "Well. Dr. Thomas says you have the best Pecan pie ala mode in the world. So I think we should all try it at least." Eric says. The waitress giggles. "He comes in at least three times a week for that. I think he is so funny. With all the people he sends us we should give it to him for free." She says. "So do you all want some then?" She asks. "Oh no I will just have some of my husbands." Linda says. "No you wont. Every time you say that you eat all of it and I get one bite. I love you honey. But, get your own pie." He says smiling. "Yes I suppose we all will." The waitress races off and is soon back with pie for them all. "Now y'all be careful its really hot." She says. The boys are looking at it and take a bite with some ice cream and pie. "Oh Dad this is so good. Its like..... I don't know. Its just good." Joey says. "Oh for the love of God." Alejandro says as he takes a bite. Eric was waiting a moment and he decides screw that. He takes a bite. It is simply amazing. The part that the ice cream is on has crystallized and is chewy and its hot from the pie and cold from the ice cream. It is phenomenal. He knows they will for sure be back again before they leave Memphis for this tasty treat. Once they are all done they are in total agreement that it was fantastic. "I told Poppi we should trick Dr Thomas and tell him it was the worst food we ever ate. I think he would gt a good laugh out of us pulling his leg." Alejandro says to the table. "You know we are going to see him in a while. I think that's a great idea." Linda says. "He is always pulling pranks on the kids we should pull one on him too." This makes Joe chuckle. "Yeah when he first came in he asked Illianna if she was Joe and says shes an awfully pretty boy." "Yeah he told Dad he looks really old for being 11." Joey says giggling, making the entire table laugh. They laugh and joke for a little while then Linda says they need to get back to the hospital to meet with the jovial Dr Thomas. Eric pays the check and leaves a generous tip for the waitress and they head back to the hospital to let the Smith family go hear hopefully something positive. After they drop them off Eric and they boys head back to the hotel suite to relax for a while. Once they get back the boys go to their rooms and come back a few minute later less shoes and socks. Alejandro sits on Eric's lap. Joey seems a bit disappointed by it but, takes a spot next to Eric. Tran does what feels natural and sits on the other side of Eric. Eric puts his arms around both boys and they snuggle in. "So Poppi what are we going to do to help the Smiths?" "Yeah Dad what are we going to do?" "We do need to help them boys. They are really having a hard time. Good people in situations like that shouldn't have to struggle. I don't have the answers for the government but, I have the answers for me. Alejandro go get my phone. I set it on the dresser in m room." Alejandro hops off his lap and is ack in a jiffy holding Eric's phone out to him. "Here ya go Poppi." "Thank you sweetie." Eric goes to his contacts. He flips to Lara Reynolds the head of his Human Resources. He pushes dial. "Hello Mr Murphey how are you today sir?" "I'm great Lara. I thought we talked about this Mr Murphey business." "Sorry sir I cant help it." "I need you to do something for me. I need you to look up Joseph Smiths file from Birmingham, Alabama." "Sure thing sir." He hears keys clicking. "Sir he doesn't work for us any longer. He resigned a little while back. But, it looks like a real loss for us. His stores sales have been improving very well. Since hes left they have dropped off a bit. He was with that store when we acquired it. You gave him a nice raise of about 20 percent. As always much better health care. We should get him back with his record." "We didn't lose him. His son is sick with leukemia." "Oh boy." She says sighing. "OK here's what I want you to do. First how long ago did we get the paperwork he resigned?" "He filed it two months ago and we got it last month." "OK I want you to type up a letter from me. But, use my alias." "Why sir?" "Because we met him here in Memphis. I don't want him to know its me. A man can refuse you to your face pretty dam easy. This way its not me but, the company. Matter of fact you sign your name to it. I want it to read. Mr: Smith: After your fantastic service record with our company we can not in good faith accept your letter of resignation. The owner of the company has informed me that you will get every cent of pay that you have missed. He also says that your healthcare is also active. He also is enclosing a check for some of your expenses during your time of need. He says at his company we are all family, and family helps family. Especially in times of need. He says also that once your son is back to good health you are to return to work so we can all celebrate his triumph as family. We wish you and your family the best. If you NEED anything please let us know. Regardless of what it is. We are extremely disappointed you felt you had to quit. We understand family emergencies and they demand us to leave work for extended periods of time. We do wish you the best. Then sign your name. That way its better. You are head of HR. Makes sense to come from you right?" "Yes sir. You do realize what this will cost?" "When have I ever worried about that?" There's silence at the other end a good fifteen seconds. "Never. I will get right on it." "I want you to fax this letter to them at the Ronald McDonald house in Memphis. I also want you to wire transfer a thousand dollars to them to help out little. Then have his paychecks deposited in his account. I assume he had direct deposit." She checks. "Yes sir." "Cool." He waits a second. "Lara." "Yes sir." "Thank you." "Your very welcomed sir." She says. He can hear her smiling. "Ill talk to you later." "Bye sir." He looks at the three boys all smiling. "Well, do you think that's good enough?" Eric asks. "Yeah." Joey says smiling. "You really meant it didn't you?" Tran asks. "Of course I did the Smiths are good people. Besides he works for me." "No not that. What you told the Smiths at lunch. That you guys had room in your hearts for me." All three respond. "Yeah." He tilts his head and asks. "What if I die?" Alejandro who is still standing in front of us. He moves over and hugs Tran. "If that happens we will be very sad we lost our brother." He says to him and kisses his cheek. "Lets think positive thoughts guys. We don't want any negativity around us. Just rainbows and gumdrops." Eric says. "Rainbows and gumdrops?" Joey says and the boys burst out laughing. Eric giggles too. "I'm just saying I want us to be happy and hopeful. But, I also want us to be honest too." "We are always honest with you Poppi." "Not always buddy." "Poppi I don't lie to you. Not ever." Alejandro says getting miffed. "Sometimes when I know your upset and I ask you and you whats bothering you and you say nothing. That's lying. I understand why you do it. Because you need to think about it for a while. I understand that and am OK with it," "But sometimes I just cant share it Poppi. I just still feel scared what you will think. I know you love me no matter what. But, sometimes my old life makes me think that one day you will leave. I know its not true but I get scared." "Yes you know that's not true. I love you so much. Its just things like that if I knew about them. We could talk them out and help us both more. Like right now I'm kind of scared about Trans procedure." Eric says. "You I'm terrified." Tran says. "He said it was going to hurt like Hell. He said. Oh that cant be good." "Yepper exactly what I'm worried about." "I wish we could go in with you." Joey says. "No guys the doctor said no. Besides I think hes probably right about it." "Yeah prolly." Alejandro says. "So are we going bowling tonight?" Joey asks. Nothing like a boy to take a conversation in another different direction in a second. Especially when hes uncomfortable." "I want to go. I better take a nap though. I'm a little tired." Tran says. "I can sleep with you if you want." Alejandro says. Tran smiles at the thought. "Yeah I think I would like that." The two boys go to Trans room and go to lay down a while. "Well, dad you wanna take a nap too. I know your old and all." Joey says teasing Eric. "Yessss sssonnnyy. I reckon dese ole bones is tired sumthin fierce." Eric says sounding like a really old man. Joey giggles at him. "Yeah why don't we take a nap. I know none of us really slept much last night." "Not really." "C'mon then." Eric says picking up joey and carrying him into the bedroom much to his delight. He giggles the whole way in. Eric dumps him on the bed and jumps over the top of him landing with a few bounces. "Your goofy." Joey says giggling. "I'm glad I am." "Me too." Eric wraps his arm around Joey and they doze off together. After a couple of hours Eric wakes up and sees Tran and Alejandro in the living room. He slips out of bed and heads to see whats up. "Everything alright guys?" "Perfect." Tran says smiling. Eric looks at Alejandro and he says "Perfect." and is smiling. Something is going on here and I'm the butt of the joke somehow. I just head to the restroom and let the water flow. I wonder what t these boys are up to he thinks. Ah its noting bad he convinces himself. They are good boys no need to worry. Whatever it is he will find out soon enough. Once he is done he walks back out to the living room of their suite and sits down. He picks up his phone and calls Joe. "Hey Joe its me Eric. The boys and I were wondering if your family would like to go bowling with us. Tran even took a nap so he will be able to bowl at least one game." "I don't know. We cant really afford it." "I'm asking so that means I pay." "I don't feel comfortable with that. You guys got lunch. If we go we will pay for us." "Well the boys really want you to go. For that matter I do too. Its nice talking to a grown up with a similar background. I love my boys but, its nice to talk to a grown up for a while." "Yeah I know what you mean. My wife and I don't get so much time together nowadays. You know the hell with it we will go." "You want us to pick you up or meet us there?" "We will meet you." They work out the details and Eric googles to find the closest lanes. They decide to meet in an hour and he smiles as he hangs up the phone. "I better go wake up Joey." Eric says. "I will." Tran says. "Ill help him." Alejandro says. It takes two boys to wake one? Eric thinks and lets it slide. He watches the boys walk into the room and shut the door. Eric just turns on the news and starts watching. After about half an hour he thinks I better get these guys moving. Those two probably went in and went to sleep with him. He gets up and goes and opens the door. What he sees shocks him yet doesn't. Alejandro has his butt up in the air sucking on Joey while Tran is pushing in him from behind. "Oh I'm sorry guys. I didn't know it was private time for you." Eric says looking down at the floor. Granted he has done all of these things with Joey and Alejandro. But, not Tran. So he is a little embarrassed. "Its OK Dad we are almost done." Joey says from the bottom of the love making. Tran has stopped cold. "OK Just we have to get going soon."Eric says and steps out of the room. Well now he knows what they were up to. A couple minutes later all three boys walk out and Alejandro and Joey are smiling. Tran is looking down and looking ashamed. "We better get going guys. Go get your jackets on. Its a little cool outside now." They all go and get their jackets and come back Tran still is looking downcast. "Tran why so glum chum? Eric asks. "Im sorry I disgraced your family." He says. "How did you do that?" Eric asks. "Well, for doing what we were doing." "Did you do it badly? Did Alejandro not enjoy it?" "No he liked it." "So how did you disgrace the family. You were making love to your brother who obviously wanted you too." But, we are all boys. Isn't that wrong?" "Do you love them?" "Yes." He says. "Did you force them to do anything?" "No." "I bet it was even their idea wasn't it?" Tran doesn't want to snitch on his brothers thinking they may get in trouble. So he doesn't say anything. "Yeah it was Poppi. I begged him to do it. Cuz earlier he was scared and I was like I can make you feel good and not be scared for a while. So I sucked him. He liked it a lot. He never had no one do it to him before. Then he did me. Hes pretty good Poppi. But, your still the best at it." Alejandro says spilling the beans he wasn't yet ready to spill on Tran. "You mean you do it to them too?" Tran asks. "Only when they ask me too." Eric says. "Which is a lot because Dad is really good at it. When we get back we will have him show you." Trans eyes light up a little at that thought. "Hes better then you guys?" "Lots." Alejandro says. Eric sees Tran adjust his cock that's hardening at the thought. Oh the joys of youth. Little cocks are always ready. "We will see about later. But, we have to get going now." Eric says. They leave the suite and ride the elevator down to the parking garage in silence. Eric notices Tran occasion reaches in his pocket and adjusts himself. Eric thinks. Yes I am so going to suck him if he wants me too. If not I wont pressure him. They all load into the Escalate and take off to the bowling alley. Once they get there they see Joe and his family waiting outside all laughing and smiling. Once they get up to the family. Illianna is taking long glances at Tran sheepishly kind of hiding her face and looking up at him. Zack is just holding his moms hand. Joe has a huge smile on his face. "Tonight is on me." He announces. "No we cant allow that." Eric says. "No you don't understand. My boss refused my resignation and sent us a lot of money. He also paid me back pay since I quit. He said that we are all family and he was disappointed that we didn't let him know whats going on and that my job is there whenever Little Joe is better. So we got this no problem." He says smiling. "Thats great news." Eric says. "Yeah its weird but, great. He must really be a super nice guy." "Yeah he is." Alejandro says. Eric lifts his leg and slightly kicks Alejandro in the butt. Not in a mean way but, in a shut up. Fun sort of way. "I will make you a deal Joe you pick any of us and if you beat that person then you pay. If that person beats you we pay. You can pick any of us but Tran. Because hes sick and that wouldn't be fair." "Alrighty then. Ill pick my little song bird." He says thinking he made a good choice. "No I don't think you want to do that." Eric says. "I will let you choose again if you want too." "Nah I think your tricking me I will take him on." He says just knowing he will beat him with no problem. "OK Your choice. Don't say I didn't try to change your mind." "Sure I hear you. Joe says smiling. They all head in and get shoes and find some lane balls. Eric pays for his and the boys shoes and Joe pays for his families. Seems fair at this point. "I want to raise the stakes." Joe says "Sure." "How about when I win I buy dinner. I saw a nice looking pizza place down the road we been wanting to try." "Sure but I'm not buying any beer." Eric says smiling. "You can have one if you want." Joe says. "No thank you I don't drink." Eric says with a smile. "Me neither its too expensive and I got better things to spend my money on. I used to be a drinker. But, then Illianna was born. I just stopped. Never made a conscious choice to I just did." "I never have drank much. A few over the years. Its just not my thing. Well, since we invited you guys to play its only right you go first." Eric says and starts typing names into the computer. First up is Zack who does OK. He gets eight pins knocked down and seems happy with it. Illianna goes next and she gets a spare and is delighted. Then Mrs Smith goes. She gets a gutter ball then hits seven pins. "Oh my its been a long time." She says laughing. "Oh Linda you will do better." Joe says patting his wife on the butt. Joe gets up and he he hits nine pins the first ball leaving the 5 pin. He goes up and gets his spare. Then its Trans turn he gets up and throws the ball and he gets a spare. Next is Alejandro. Who throws a perfect strike ball. It however leaves the ten pin. "Poppi that's not fair. I hit it right." He says upset. "Sometimes it happens that way buddy." "I know doesn't mean I don't like it though." He says as he goes to get his spare. "Your turn Joey." Joe says kind of taunting him in a fun way. Joey goes and picks up his lane ball. He looks at eric and smiles. Eric smiles back. They know its a trick so Eric can pay and both like it. Joey gets up and goes to the wrong lane on purpose. "No Joey we are in this lane on this frame." "Oh sorry Dad. I get confused since I've only been bowling a few weeks now." "I know son its OK." Eric says playing along with the joke. "Oh this will be a cinch." Joe says to his wife. Joey throws the ball and Joe watches it ride the first board two thirds of the way down and it catches and crashes into the pins giving Joey a strike. "Like that Dad?" Joey says turning around half smiling. "Yes Joey just like that." Eric says smiling to himself. "Boy that was lucky it didn't fall off." Joe says to Joey and runs his fingers through his hair as he walks by. "Yeah sure was lucky huh?" Joey says grinning. By the fifth frame Joe knows he should have chosen Eric because he is the worst of them all. Even Tran is pretty damn good. Joey has a perfect game going. All strikes so far. Alejandro isn't too far behind. He did have a spare the first frame but has strikes since then. Tran is alternating between strikes and spares. Eric has two open frames. Joe however is striking every other frame like Tran. "I'm starting to think I took a suckers bet." Joe says smiling. "Hey I offered to let you change your mind." Eric says laughing. "Yeah you did." Joe says grinning. By the eighth frame Joey still has all strikes. There is a buzz going around the lanes that a little boy is bowling a perfect game. A crowd is kind of forming to watch as Joey throws his ball down the lane. He gets a strike in the frame and a cheer goes up for him. He looks at the crowd and just smiles. Hes kind of embarrassed by it. He goes and sits next to Eric. "Dad?" "Yeah buddy." "I'm kind of scared." "About what?" "Well I got four more balls and if they are all strikes its perfect." "Why are you scared of that?" "What if I don't do it?" "Then you will another time. Don't worry about it. Just take one frame at a time buddy." Everyone bowls kind of quickly so that they can watch Joey bowl. He gets up for his ninth frame and another perfect strike. The crowd goes wild. Its like a Big ten basketball game Eric thinks. "I got that one perfect huh Dad?" "Yeah you did." "Joey you can do it." Alejandro says to him. "I sure hope so." "Ah you can. Just pretend were at home and no one is watching." "Kind of hard to do that." Joey says looking over his shoulder at the crowd. "Don't let them bother you. Just do it." Alejandro says. "Yeah Joey just do it." Tran says. Its Joeys turn again and he is in the tenth frame. He steps up and gets his ball. He faces the pins and looks back at Eric. Eric can see hes nervous as shit. He walks up to him and puts his hand on his shoulder and gets down on one knee in front of him. "Joey I love you. You know that right?" "Yes." "If you get a perfect game do you think I will love you more?" He giggles. "No." "So if you don't will I love you any less?" "No." "So I would like very much to see you get a perfect game. But, you know what?" "What?" "We are here to have fun. Are you having fun?" "Yeah." He says smiling. "So have fun." He says and pats him on the but as he stands up and returns to his seat. Joey steps up to the line. He looks back at Eric and his brothers and smiles. He throws the first ball and its perfect right in the pocket and the pins crash around. Another strike. Joey walks back and takes a sip of soda as he waits his ball to return. Once it does he walks back up and wipes his hands off on his pants. He picks up his ball and lines up on the line and throws it again. Yet another perfect strike. Just one more. He walks back and takes another sip of soda. Alejandro gives him a hug and whispers in his ear. "Love you too Alejandro." He says back to him. He steps up to the line and no one is talking. No one is bowling the entire bowling center is waiting and watching. Joey steps up to the line and releases the ball. Eric hears it he crickets the ball. Meaning he bounced it off the floor as he was on his downward swing. As soon as Joey released it he slumped his shoulders. The ball rides the first board and it turns too late and Joey knocks down six pins. The crowd in unison all groaned their sadness. Joey turns around and Eric can see the tears streaming down his face. He walks up to him and takes him in his arms. The entire crowd breaks out in applause for Joeys great game. "Its OK Joey there will be other times. You will get it eventually." Eric says consoling him. "But, I really wanted to now." He says crying. "You will. Just give it time your still young yet." "How old were you when you got a perfect game Dad?" "I will let you know when I do." Eric says smiling. "You mean you never got a perfect game?" "No buddy. I got a 272 once though. I am still pretty happy about that one." "You never got one?" "No buddy did you think everyone gets a perfect game?" "Well yeah." "Some people do but, its very rare. Why do you think all these people were watching you. They wanted to see you do it because most of them never have either. Its exciting to see someone do something perfect." "Yeah but, I'm still sad about it." "I am too. I was hoping you would. But, there is always the next time or the time after that or the time after that. Shoot buddy you may never get a perfect game." "Yeah I will." Joey says smiling a bit. "If any of us do I know it will be you. I don't know maybe Alejandro hes pretty good too." "Yeah he is. I just want to do it before him." "Well I want to do it before you." Eric says tickling his tummy. "You never gonna beat me old man." "Care to play some pinball?" Eric asks teasing. "When I think you need an ego boost sure." Joey says giggling. "Oh whatever." Eric says and walks back to the seats. "I thought you were gonna get it buddy." Joe says to him. "Yeah we were all hoping you would. Linda says. "I tell you what I never have seen a boy bowl as good as you two guys. Next time I'm taking on your Dad. You guys are too tough for me." Joe says laughing. "Yeah even I beat you." Tran says. "By one pin." Joe says defending himself. "Yes one or a hundred I won." Tran says poking fun at Joe. "Yeah Dad I'm beating you this next game." Illinna says smiling. "Oh you guys." He says shaking his fist at them joking. They all start to bowl the second game and the owner of the lanes shows up to talk to them. "I saw you almost got a perfect game." He says to Joey who is on Eric's lap. "Yeah almost." "How old are you?" "I'm nine." He answers. "I was thirty before I got my first perfect game and I was a professional bowler. I think you can be if you want too." "Maybe I don't know yet." "You guys live around here?" "No we are here cuz my brother is sick. He is going to saint Jude's." "Oh I'm so sorry to hear that." "Yeah hes going to be OK though. We hope." "Well I hope so too." "Yeah and Mr Smith and his wife's son is sick too. But, hes at the hospital now. So he cant come with us." "Oh I am so sorry to heat that too." "Yeah we met him today. He wanted me to play him a song. So I did and now we are all friends and stuff." "Well that's nice." "Yeah I think so. They are real nice people. Just like us. We are all kind of scared and worried. We thought it would be fun to come bowling tonight to have some fun." "Always a good choice. I just wanted to come over and tell you great job on the nearly perfect score." As he says this a little girl around ten comes up and pulls on his hand. "What punkin?" She hands him her phone and he sees Joey playing the piano from earlier. It apparently went viral in hours. "Oh my goodness. I saw this earlier. Now it makes sense you sang him a song. No you sang him a few songs. You are really talented." "Thanks but, its nothing really." "No its something alright." "I just wanted to let you guys know that all the bowling is on the house tonight for you guys. You want anything from the snack bar its yours no charge." "We cant do that." Eric says. "I don't see why not." The owner says. "Well, it just doesn't seem right." "How about I sing a song and then it will be like a fee for singing." Joey says. "Will you?" The little girls says smiling. "Sure you got a piano?" "No but we got a karaoke machine." She says to him. "Cool I always wanted to do that." He smiles at her. So the game is interrupted for a song. Joey goes and picks out a song from the machine and starts singing. He chose the old Dolly Parton song that Whitney Houston sang. I will always love you. He starts off and says. "I chose this song to sing to my dad and brothers. Because without them I'm nothing. They make me feel like I am special. I want to make them feel special too. They are a great family. I love them so much. Love you guys. Then the song starts. He wails it like Whitney but somehow better. Once he stops the alley again you can hear a pin drop in the place. Once he finishes its still for about two seconds as everyone is in such awe at his talent. Then the entire place starts clapping. Joey just blushes and bows. The little girl says something Eric cant hear and he smiles and nods. He starts another song. He sings Joy to the world by three Dog night. By the middle of the song he has the entire crowd Singing Joy to the world. To all the boys and girls. Joy to the fishies in the deep blue see Joy to you and me. The crowd is loving it. Eric sees a lot of phones out. He knew it would happen seems to always happen. He finishes with Otis Redding's sitting on the dock of the bay. He hands the microphone back to the owners daughter who smiles big at Joey. She kisses him on the cheek and the entire crowd see it and Joey blushes beat red. He walks back through the crowd that opens up for him as he goes back to the lane to be with his family. The little girl behind him. "Um can I have your autograph?" She says. "Why would you want that?" He asks. "Cuz your famous." "I'm not famous I'm just Joey." He says. "But, can I have it please?" She asks. "Sure but. I think its silly." She goes and gets a pen and paper really quickly and is back. He signs his name Eric sees. Joey Murphey. Well he isn't yet but he will be Eric thinks and smiles. Soon there is a line of people kids and adults wanting to get his autograph. Alejandro never one to miss an opportunity shouts to the crowd. "OK Everyone line up straight. We are here for our brother who is going to Saint Jude's. You are all from here so you know the great work they do for kids like my brother and for Mr Smiths son. So if you want an autograph you have to make a donation we will give it to them tomorrow. Its doesn't matter if its a dollar or a hundred every little bit helps. So line up and we will even let you take your picture with Joey if you want too." The people are all digging and Eric goes to get a paper bag so put the money in. Nearly everyone in the place got their picture and autograph from Joey. All said and done they collected a little more then three thousand dollars. Joey got a lot of people saying hes going to be rich and famous and soon. He just brushed off the compliments and said hes just having fun. Eric looks at the phone of a guy that hands it to him. Joeys performance from the hospital has over ten million views already. Holy crap Eric thinks. He knew he was talented but damn. Finally the crowd dies out and everyone is back to bowling. The Smiths and the Murpheys have a good time and do have a few free cokes. Eric doesn't mind that so much. Once they are done they decide to meet down at the pizza place. Eric follows them because he isn't sure where it is. Once the get there they go inside. As the sit down a little girl about five comes up to Joey. Shes bald and obviously a patient of Saint Jude's. She just walks upa nd takes Joeys hand as he is sitting at the end of the table. "Well Hi there." He says smiling to her. "Hi." She says shyly. "I'm Joey and wahts your name?" "I'm Elizabeth. But everyone calls me Beth. I saw you singing at the hospital. You sing pretty." "Thank you Beth." A frantic woman comes over. "Beth leave these people alone." "Shes fine ma'am." Joey says. "Mommy this is the boy from the hospital that was singing." She says smiling. "Oh my it is you isn't it?" "Yes. I was just singing its no big deal." "Mommy take my picture with him please." The girl almost whines. Eric already has his phone out and has a picture of it. Joey bends down and kisses the little girl on the cheek and her mom takes the picture. Beth smiles a huge smile as he does. "Please have your family join us for dinner." Eric says. "Oh no we are just finishing up and Beth took off. She never does that." "Yeah my son has that effect on people." Eric says smiling. "Why don't you give her an autograph." Illianna says to Joey. "She wouldn't want that." Joey says. "Yeah I do." Beth says. The sever comes up at this time. "Can I borrow your pen ma'am?" Joey asks. "Sure." She syas not knowing whats going on. Joey turns over the place mat and signs it. To Beth: The prettiest little girl in Memphis. Joey Murphey He hand it to her. "Whats it say Mommy?" She asks handing it to her. She tells her. "I'm not pretty I don't got any hair." She says running her fingers over he smooth scalp. "I think your pretty hair or not." Joey says to her. She looks at him doubting his seriousness. He smiles and kisses the top of her head. Then he blows on it making a zerber noise, She giggles at that. "See even prettier when you smile." Joey says. "Aww." Is all she says. "We better get going. Thank you for this though." She says holding up the autograph. "Anytime." Eric says. "You really are famous aren't you?" Zack asks. "No I just sing. I guess people like it. But I'm not famous." The waitress gets their order they get multiple pizzas and pictures of Coke and root beer. They are all laughing and having a good time. They eat and enjoy each others company. When the bill comes Eric holds it up. "Hey Joey wanna sing for your supper?" Eric says joking. "Sure dad." He says and starts to stand up. "I'm joking buddy." Eric says. "Oh. I will if you want me to though." "I know buddy. I got this." "Cool." The waitress asks. "Is he famous or something?" "He''s or something." Eric says ruffling his hair. "No Im not famous I'm just Joey is all." "Oh OK." She says unimpressed. They all say their good byes and promise to meet up again tomorrow at the hospital. Dr Thomas called and said he wanted Tran in the hospital tomorrow morning. He isn't to eat anything after midnight. They all head back to their respective places they are staying. Once Eric and the boys get back to their suite they all just kind if plop on the couch. All intertwined and happy and a bit worried about the unknown of tomorrow and the near future. They all decide they are tired and stinky so they all go shower when Eric is done he dries off, puts on a pair of sleeping pants and climbs into bed. He is about to turn off the light when Tran appears in his doorway. "Ba can I sleep with you? I'm kind of scared about tomorrow." "Yeah of course you can. I'm kinda scared about tomorrow too." "Really?" Tran asks as he climbs into bed. He faces away from Eric and snuggles up against him. Eric wraps his arm around him. "Of course I'm scared. We don't know what to expect. I mean we are certain knowing its going to hurt. But, how much?" "Yeah, and what if it doesn't work?" "Well I guess we need to see if it does first. Then if it doesn't we will go from there." "Do you think it will work?" "I hope so." "Yeah but, do you think it will work. I know you hope it does. But, do you think it will." "I honestly don't know. I wish I did but, I don't know." "What do you think its like when you die?" "Well there are lots of beliefs about that. I don't know what I really think will happen. I guess I think that you live on forever in your families hearts. As far as heaven and all that. I don't know. I hope its like that joy and laughter forever but I dont know for sure." "I guess no one really does huh?" "No I guess not." Eric says reaching up to turn out the light again. He sees Alejandro peeping around the corner of the door. "Stop peeping and you and tour brother get in here." Eric says. As soon as he does he sees two blurs running towards the bed. They both dive a crossed Tran and Eric. Landing on the other side of the bed. They both wiggle around and get under the covers. "Good Night boys." Eric says as he snuggles in with Tran. The other two snuggle in with each other. Right next to Eric. Both have a hand on him somewhere. As the are starting to doze off Eric hears. "Love you dad." "Yeah Poppi love you." "Ba I love you too." "I love all of you guys too." Eric says and they doze off after a long hard day.