Author Note: This story takes place around 1985 - No disrespect to Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Danielle Steele or the State of Illinois.
Kitty sat at the round dinette in her green kitchen - the same kitchen where she cooked meals for her husband and adopted family for over 25 years. Love and laughter walked thru the sliding glass doors and she adored every minute of it. She was going to miss this kitchen. She loved the way she could sit and drink coffee and watch Red as he worked in the garage or watched the kids play basketball in the driveway. She sighed softly and wished none of it had to change.
Red wasn't getting any younger and after his heart attack a few years ago, the doctor kept telling him to take it easy. He didn't want to admit his hands were trembling – he would just explain that he overworked himself in the muffler shop. When he would lose his balance climbing the stairs to the bedroom, he says he was just tired – "It was a long day, Kitty." But Kitty Forman knew better – she was nurse and recognized all the symptoms. Red was in the beginning stages of Parkinson's disease.
Dr. Fletcher confirmed the diagnosis and told Red to seriously consider taking his retirement. There were some doctors that specialized in this disease but the best were in Chicago. The Forman's needed to find a physician that could monitor Red so he could still be healthy and safe for the remainder of his life. Red was angry with the diagnosis as Kitty was expecting him to be, but she let him vent and fuss until she could get him to understand how this would change their lives.
They had to sell the house. The Forman's put the Point Place home up for sale. The big FOR SALE sign was a blight on Kitty's heart. Kitty didn't want to sell; this house was her life. Everything in it was picked out with love and it sang "Kitty lives here" but things were changing. Red Forman walked into the kitchen aware that his wife didn't know he was there. He knew the thought of moving was killing her. He could see it in her face. He wished that he could stop the tears that she wiped away, but his heart was breaking too. He fixed things in this house, all of the little repairs were his handiwork – the well kept lawn and clean gutters were his pride and joy. It was going to be difficult to leave Point Place.
Kitty must have heard Red come in – she hastily dried her eyes and put on her patented Kitty Forman smile, "Red Forman, where have you been?"
Red sat down across the table and took her hand in his big one. "Kitty, the realtor found us a nice condo. There's a big garage for me, and a laundry room for you. She says that it's all on the same floor so that should be a big help." Red didn't want to confess the relief he felt at not having a second floor. Stairs were a concern for him now.
"This bit of news should cheer you up." He smiled because didn't want her to cry anymore. She looked up hoping for some good news. "We'll only be living about 15 minutes away from Eric."
Kitty gasped. "Oh honey! Hurray! That is good news! We'll be closer to Eric. I was so worried that we wouldn't see any of the kids!" She got up and ran around the table and rained little kisses on Red's cheek. Red didn't say anything but he knew that despite the medical costs and doctor visits, the announcement of having to sell the house was the one thing that deeply hurt his wife. He drew her in for a bear hug and let her cry happy tears.
*
Eric could hear the telephone ringing while he unlocked the door to his apartment. He dropped his book bag on the door and took a flying leap to catch the receiver before the caller hung up. Beeeep! He just missed the call and the answering machine got it. "Eric, it's your mother. You father and I are selling the house and we need you to come help us pack." And just as quickly, she hung up.
What? Eric was shocked and fell back on his sofa. Selling the house? The Forman House – that home was a landmark! They couldn't sell it. Could they? Eric picked up the telephone and called his mother back. She must have gotten into the good wine this time! Eric got a busy signal not realizing that Kitty was making the same call to all of her children – biological or adopted.
*
"Oh, Mrs. Forman that is SO great! I live in Chicago – we can go to the salon together!" Jackie gushed. "Brooke and Betsy can go with us!" Kitty smiled, she always liked Jackie Burkhart. "Honey, we need help packing and moving into our condo. Could you possibly come over?" She pulled the receiver away from her ear when the girl squealed with delight. The poor dear just loved being part of a family and jumped at the chance to visit the Forman's. "Jackie, honey – do you mind bringing me the keys from the Realtor when you come?"
"Mrs. Forman – you can count on me!"
*
That next Saturday, Eric pulled the aging Vista Cruiser into the family driveway. He turned off the engine realizing that the old Cruiser wouldn't be parking here any longer. What a sad thought. No more monthly visits to Point Place – not that there was anything left here besides his folks. Bob Pinciotti sold his house and moved to Florida when Donna and Randy moved to Madison. Hyde and Samantha left the Forman basement and relocated to Milwaukee when Grooves opened up a second headquarters and W.B. asked his son to take control of the business.
Eric got out of the car and Kitty flew out of the kitchen crying tears of joy. "My baby!" She exclaimed. She grabbed her son and just hugged him to death. Red came out behind her, "For God's sake Kitty, give the boy a box."
"Hey - Dad!" Eric's muffled voice requested, "Could I get a hand here?"
Red chuckled and pulled Kitty off of their son. "Good to see you boy. Follow me in the living room; I have some boxes ready to be taped." Eric was put to work quickly while Kitty made sure there was plenty of drinks and snacks. Red made sure that Eric carried the heavy boxes to the kitchen while Kitty labeled the outside. It was hard and tiring work, but Eric knew better than to complain around his dad – that would guarantee a foot in the ass.
AN: I was trying to keep this story light-hearted, but in later chapters I found myself letting it a bit naughty. This is my second That 70's Show FanFic and I am attempting multi-chapters – please read and review – I'm trying to find my audience.
Thank you!!!!!!!
