Author Note: (Whew! After chapter 20 – the author had to go smoke a cigarette metaphorically, speaking of course!) No disrespect intended for Jacuzzi tubs, - (also this is a bit of a fluffy filler chapter)

21

Thanksgiving was coming and Kitty was all excited. This year she was having the family meal in her new house and would get to use all of her new appliances. She couldn't decide between and ham or turkey and decided to do both. In addition to Jackie, she invited Michael and his family, Kitty was fond of little Betsy Kelso.

Jackie left work early that Monday and decided to stop by the Forman house to see if Kitty needed any help before her "big day" Red opened the door and gave her a hug and kiss on the top of the head.

"Where's Eric? I thought he was attached to your hip." He groused affably. Jackie laughed and set her purse and coat near the door. "I think Eric is at school – he teaches math – you remember math, don't you Mr. Forman?" she teased.

Red smirked, "Of course, how do you think that's how I kept track of all you damned kids leaving my house? Eric leaves, that's minus one….Steven leaves…minus two…" Jackie swatted him on the arm. "Be nice."

She danced into the kitchen to see what Kitty was up to. "Hey Mrs. Forman, what smells so good?" Kitty turned and saw the young girl with smiling eyes. "Oh Jackie, I'm so glad to see you. Come sit down with me." Kitty put her apron on the sink and led Jackie to the dining room where they had some privacy. Jackie was concerned by Kitty's hushed tone of voice.

"Mrs. Forman, what's wrong?" Jackie watched as Kitty tried to maintain her composure. She put on her Kitty Forman smile and replied. "You were right. We need to tell Eric and the sooner the better." Jackie covered the older woman's hand with her small one. "What happened at the doctors?"

Kitty sniffed, "I just thought Red was overly tired from unpacking and getting settled in, you know, all of the things a person does when they move. Since he got that chair, he's been taking these long daily naps and missing lunch."

Jackie didn't see how that was a problem for someone as old as Red. Kitty continued, "In the course of Parkinson's, one of the symptoms is somnolence – it's a condition where either Red falls asleep too easily or he sleeps too long. I have some medication he has to take daily or he won't be able to drive."

"And Mr. Forman loves his car. Did the chair cause the problem? Because I can get rid of it for you if that's what you want…."

Kitty laughed softly, "No honey, it's not the chair, in fact the recliner is actually good for him and I don't have to worry about him falling out of it."

"Do you need someone to drive Mr. Forman to the doctors or run errands for you?" Jackie knew there was something that Kitty wasn't saying.

"No and yes to your question - Sweetie, I think it's time for Eric to be more involved. I can't take care of Red all the time and I need some Kitty time once in a while. Do you understand?" Jackie smiled, "I do and you don't want Mr. Forman to think he needs a babysitter."

Kitty knew she liked this girl, "Yes! As long as he feels like he's still independent, he won't get the depression that most patients usually get. How do I tell Eric?"

Jackie said, "I'll call him and tell him to meet us at that little diner over on Larch Avenue tonight after school. I'll make up an excuse to get him over there. We can tell him together and he'll have both us to support him."

Kitty smiled and patted Jackie's hand. "You are such a good girl!" Jackie scooted out of her chair and walked to the kitchen glass doors. "Mrs. Forman, do you know who lives there?" Kitty looked at the condo that was just beyond her back fence. "Why, I don't think anyone does. They just finished building all of those units last week. Why?"

Jackie's brain was working in overdrive. "Mrs. Forman, how would you like me as a neighbor?" Kitty looked at the building that was only separated by a wooden fence and didn't know whether to be ecstatic or dismayed. "Honey, what are you thinking?"

'Mrs. Forman, you know I've been looking for a bigger place. Now that I have than damned work computer in my kitchen, I am running out of room. I have enough money invested that I can buy that house, rip out that ugly fence and well; Eric does spend a lot of time at my place…."

Kitty saw where Jackie was going and her heart was overwhelmed with anticipation. "I could have my baby over for dinner more often!" She almost jumped for joy. "Oh honey, "she said hugging Jackie, "This would be a blessing. Red loves you and I love you and both of you would come over more often."

Red hollered from the living room. "Dammit Jackie, are you making Kitty cry again?"

Kitty dried her eyes with the back of her hand, "It's a good cry Red, now watch your game!"

*

Immediately after leaving, Jackie drove around the block to look at the new structure. She liked it already and hadn't even stepped inside. It was a two story home with tall windows in the front that stretched from floor to roof – she peered through the glass panes and saw a tiled floor with a bigger fireplace. The layout was similar to the Forman's house but this unit had cathedral ceilings and a loft bedroom that extended out over the living area. It reminded Jackie of the towers in Romeo and Juliet. She loved it and was determined to buy it.

"May I help you Miss?" Jackie turned around and found the apparent realtor standing on the sidewalk with his hand in his suit pocket. "Hello, I'm Jackie and I am interested in looking at this house."

The tall dark haired realtor held out his hand, "Hello Ms Jackie, I'm David and I'm interested in selling. Follow me."

Jackie watched as he unlocked the double doors and let them swing open into her new dream home. In her minds eye, she could see where all of her furniture and belongings would fit perfectly. She knew where her Christmas tree would be put. She could see bells and candy canes hanging from the wooden handrails of the staircase.

She walked through to the dining room and looked out the sliding glass doors. This condo had the mandatory small backyard and a fence that bordered the Forman property. She could see Kitty cooking in the kitchen. Perfect.

David showed her the downstairs guest room and she allocated that room for her office and she followed him up the carpeted steps to the remaining bedrooms and master bath. Mentally, she was envisioning waking up in this loft bedroom where the beams of the ceiling were almost within reach. The second bedroom was smaller but had a nice view of the backyard. The master bath had the Jacuzzi tub she had always dreamed of!

She whirled around to David the Realtor and said without hesitation, "Let's do this."