A/N: Now, everyone, please bear with me. This, along with my story I'll Love You, Forever and Ever, are the two projects I am currently working on. I'll try to go back and forth with updating, but don't expect a new chapter every other day because of school and other things I have to do. With that said, here's the first chapter of the fifth installment of the That '80s Beginning Series.

I've decided that I want to be the kind of dad that Red Forman is.

My reason for telling you this? It's because I'm going to be a dad soon.

Point Place, Wisconsin

November 28th, 1986

8:01 AM
Location: Eric Forman's Basement

Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade always brings back great memories. Since my mom only paid the electrical bill when it was no more than ten degrees below zero and she always seemed to disappear with a new guy every week, I always wound up sleeping over at the Formans on Thanksgiving and waking up early with Eric to watch the parade. About halfway through, Laurie would straggle in, Donna and Kelso would come over, and then Jackie and Fez when they came to be our friends. And for some reason, they are always my favorite memories.

In the basement, as the parade starts, I'm sitting on my chair while Jackie, who gave up trying to hide her very pregnant belly around month four, stretches out on the battered couch. Eric and Donna are here, too, they're sprawled out on the floor. Donna cradles their seven month old son Luke in her arms; I don't think I've seen him awake for more than an hour straight. Their six year old Charlotte, with her curly, flaming red hair, jumps up and down excitedly as the opening ceremonies begin. I don't look at Jackie's face, but I can guarantee a big smile is plastered across it. I can also guarantee you that she's thinking that will be our children in a few years and I guess I'm thinking the same thing also.

December 12th is her due date, but Jackie looks like she could burst at any moment. She's been on bed rest for about a month, but it hasn't stopped her from walking over from our house, Donna's old home, over to the Formans, where we are now, everyday. I don't blame her; it must get pretty boring being at home all alone, considering I'm at work almost everyday.

Believe me when I tell you I couldn't be more terrified. Who wouldn't when they find out they're expecting twins? It's a huge undertaking and already we've moved from our tiny apartment, bought more baby clothes than I've ever seen in my life, and Jackie is stillpouring over Babies Я Us magazines. I guess I can cut her some slack on that one, since we don't know if the babies are boys or girls. But my wallet can't be cut any slack; Jackie was never one to worry about dollars and cents.

The parade cuts to commercial and Charlotte, a bit disappointed, runs to Eric. "Daddy," she starts, her tiny voice bringing the attention of everyone in the room to her. "Where'd the parade go?"

"It had to go away for a little." I take note of how Eric talks to her, and the way he smiles at her. "But guess who's going to come before the parade comes back?"

Charlotte's mouth grows into a smile and she giggles with anticipation. "Who? Who?"

Eric wiggles his hands in front of her face. "The tickle monster!"

Charlotte shrieks and heads for the stairs, but because she's so small, she only makes it up halfway before Eric catches up with her. He comes back down, Charlotte hanging upside down over his shoulder. "Look who I caught," Eric smirks.

Donna and Jackie laugh, and even I throw in a smile.

Daddy.I can't wait until the day I hear those words. I can't wait until the day I can chase my children around until I fall to the ground defeated, watch as my kids climb over me and then jump up, carrying one under each arm. Most importantly, I can't wait until the day I can hold those two babies in my arms.

It turns out I won't have to wait too long, though, because the events of the next few hours will ultimately change me and Jackie's lives forever.