Eric finished his story, Red was stunned. Eric had been through a ton during his time in Africa. Red thought his war experience was bad with killing and seeing friends killed but never the love of his life or the mother of his child. How was Eric able to hold it together like he is? Kitty was torn between being mad at Eric and being in love with her granddaughter.

Eric told his parents that he was looking for a place to live, Kitty instantly wanted him to move home but Eric said he couldn't. Eric said he was used to being on his own and not having anyone else bossing him around. Red understood but Kitty missed having her little boy at home. Eric also knew if he moved home then his mom would never let him leave.

Eric asked his mom if she wanted to take care of Lexi while he taught. Kitty started jumping up and down for joy. Eric said "Mom slow down. I have some rules for Lexi. First no sweets until after her afternoon nap. She can always have fruit but only one cookie per day. She is only 18 months old and I want her eating right."

"But Eric, I know how to take care of a baby."

"Mom, promise me?"

"Why?"

"Fez is a big enough reason."

Red had to snicker until Kitty shot him a look. Jackie was giggling at the scene unfolding. Kitty caved when Eric said "Well then I will have to find someone else to watch your granddaughter."

Eric was glad his parents took the surprise as well as they had. It had been uncomfortable at first but soon they forgave him. He was their son. Eric was still staying at Jackie's because he didn't want to move twice. She agreed to let him stay and it was nice having others around. He still had stuff to get shipped from Africa. His dad had agreed to let it be shipped there.

Lexi was worn out from all the excitement. Eric had tried he couldn't get her to stop saying "Dumbass." Jackie had to fight back a laugh every time that little voice said dumbass. Lexi was soon sleeping soundly. Eric was wiped out too and begged off talking with Jackie.

Eric passed out and immediately started dreaming. He was taken back to the first time he asked Marie out.

Eric's dream

Eric had just finished teaching for the day. Marie would drop by unannounced and listen to the program members teaching. She had to write reports on them. It kept her busy and let her do different things all the time. Marie was wearing her yellow t-shirt and jeans. It made her pretty blue eyes. They were ice blue and with her black hair it made her eyes stand out more. Eric was nervous from the onset. Marie smiled at how he was nervous. He was cute and smart, why was he single?

Eric finally managed to speak. "Marie, would you like to go to dinner and a movie?"

"Sure Eric!"

Eric was shocked that this beauty had agreed to go out with him. All the guys called her the ice princess. Eric never did. Marie was sweet, smart and had a quick wit. Eric agreed to pick her up on Friday at 7pm.

Eric didn't tell the guys he was going out with Marie. He didn't need them teasing him or hitting on her. Eric had an extra bounce to his step as he worked that week. He even wrote Jackie about having a good week. Friday arrived and Eric took his old beat up Jeep and drove to the house that she gave him directions to.

Eric parked and walked to the front door. He was met by Serge holding a double barrel shotgun. In a rough thick Russian accent "You're the boy that's going to take my granddaughter out tonight?"

"Yes sir!"

"Be back by midnight or I will hunt you down and no funny business."

"Yes sir! My father would kill me if I treated a lady wrong."

"Grandpa, stop trying to scare Eric! He is sweet boy!'

Eric was shocked Marie was even prettier than before. Marie was wearing a yellow knee length dress. Eric would do anything she asked from that moment on. Eric let Marie pick the movie because he didn't want to mess up. Marie thought it was sweet he let her pick. Marie knew Eric like science fiction and Star Wars had finally made it to Kenya. Marie had heard the Americans talking about it and wanted to see it. Eric was stoked, a hot girl and Star Wars. It was everything he remember and he could tell Marie loved it. She was talking about how cool it was and that the force would cool to control.

Eric was thinking OH MY GOD!

Eric was brought out of his dream by Lexi. She had a nighttime accident and was crying. He quickly took care of his daughter and tucked her back into bed. By this time it was 3am and he wasn't ready to get up yet. Eric dozed back off and had another dream. One he had many times and always hated.

Eric answered the phone in his apartment. It was the police telling him about the accident and that they were gone. He hugged Lexi close that night. He did everything he could to keep himself from thinking about it.

He managed to drag himself out of bed the next morning and walk to the US Embassy. He usually went there daily to tutor the ambassador's son. Eric liked helping the son understand math better. The kid wasn't stupid or anything the teacher just couldn't relate to him how to work the problems. Eric had a unique ability to relate to any student.

The Ambassador saw Eric when he was coming in. He was confused about why Lexi was with him, Eric hadn't brought her in a while unless she needed to see the doctor. Ambassador William Collins stopped Eric and said "Hi Eric, Lexi doing ok?" Eric could barely nod yes. Collins knew something was wrong. Eric had never been this quiet. Mrs. Collins heard her husband say Lexi and came running. Whenever Eric brought Lexi, Mrs. Collins got to play. She was a substitute grandma and loved little Lexi. Ambassador Collins got Eric to walk with him while Mrs. Collins took Lexi. Once out of sight of Lexi, Eric broke. He told William about the accident and losing Marie. William's heart sank for the young man. He tried his best to raise his spirts even offered to have the state department fly his parents over. Eric couldn't have him do that. They didn't know about Marie or Lexi. They would know when he got home. Collins promised to push the paperwork through to get Lexi her passport to get her home. Eric was still sad but at least he wasn't completely alone.

Eric left Lexi with Mrs. Collins and went to identify Marie and Serge. He didn't want to but he had to. Ambassador Collins had the Gunny take Eric in his car to morgue. The Gunny had to catch Eric when they pulled back the sheet on Marie.

That was when he woke up to Jackie holding him. She saw his eyes open and said "Eric, its ok you're home now. I don't think you need to live alone with Lexi. You need someone to help you through this and well I guess I am it. You are more relaxed when we talk and calmed down from your nightmare when I held you. My lease is up next month. Let's get a three bedroom or rent a house together. You need someone there for you. I know your mom is too much but you need someone. So now you are stuck with me! Besides my god daughter needs me to teach all the girlie things you can't"

"Way to bossy for this early in the morning Jackie but thanks!"

"Always there for my friends!"