Eric and Jackie didn't see Donna again Memorial Day weekend. That was fine with them, Donna had become someone they didn't want to see anymore. She was more an enemy than a friend.
The Tuesday after Memorial Day they drove up to the prison. Jackie's Dad was getting out today. He would staying a couple weeks with Eric and Jackie. The parole board was aware of the living situation. The fact that Kelso, the chief of detectives was also there. Jack Burkhart had been assigned a parole officer and had to check in with him the next day.
Jack had told Eric and Jackie that he would be looking for his own place and be out of their hair before they got sick of him. What Jackie and Eric hadn't told Jack was that Lexi would be coming with them to pick him up. Lexi loved car rides, especially in Daddy's car. They pulled up at the prison and Lexi was confused to say the least. This didn't look like a fun place. She stayed either close to Eric or in his arms. She was scared of this place. They were led to a room where they waited for the paperwork to be processed.
Once all the paperwork was done, Jack appeared. He hugged Jackie tight for a solid minute. He had missed being with his daughter. He hadn't been the best father but she had forgiven him. He did love her and he wanted to be in her life. Neither of them had heard from her mother in years.
After hugging Jackie, he saw Lexi. She waved from her dad's arms. He smiled at her and said "Hi Lexi, my little girl has told me all about you! I can't wait to get to know you."
Lexi just smiled at him. She wasn't scared of him or shy. He seemed nice to her. Mommy and Daddy were happy to see him. Jackie took Lexi from Eric, whose arms were starting to wear out since Lexi had been in them for over an hour. Jackie said "Lexi this is my dad. You're Grandpa Jack!"
"Granpy bald! Not granpy!" was the reply from Lexi
"Sweetie that's Daddy's dad. This is Mommy's daddy. You get two Grandpas!" Jackie answered
"Two?" Lexi questioned
Jackie nodded and all across the prison, Jackie swore it was that loud, was heard "YAY!" as Lexi screamed in excitement.
They left the prison with Jackie riding in the back with Lexi. Lexi was yammering away about what she and Grandpa Jack would do. Suddenly the car became very quiet as Lexi in midsentence and fallen asleep. She had worn herself out with being scared at first and then excited.
Jackie chuckled at Lexi who was holding Kenya tight to her chest as she snoozed. Jack was taking in the sights as they drove. He missed seeing the trees and rolling landscape. As they pulled into Point Place, Jackie noticed her Dad tense up. She said "Welcome Home Daddy!"
That made Jack relax. They pulled in the driveway to the house and Kelso had just gotten home. Jack saw him and said "What is that idiot doing here?"
"Dad, we told you Michael was staying with us for a bit until Betsy finishes school. Then he will move to his own house." Jackie answered
"Sorry honey. I forgot." Jack replied
Kitty had insisted that they all come to dinner. It was time to celebrate. Jackie woke Lexi, who was hungry. Lexi ran ahead of the gang as they crossed into Red's backyard. Red was coming out of the garage and caught Lexi. Lexi said "I have two grandpas now!"
"Yes you do but remember Granpy is better!" Red told Lexi
"I heard that!" came from a smiling Jackie
Jack watched as Red and Jackie interacted. Eric whispered to Jack "My dad always liked Jackie the best out all my friends. Sometimes I thought more than me."
Jack whispered back "I always liked you the best out of her friends. Unlike some of other friends you always seemed to be there for her when it was rough. She wrote me and told me. Hell she told me all about you in Africa. I always thought you two belonged together Eric. Just take care of my little girl so I don't go back to prison."
"No problem, besides she would whip me back into shape if I ever need it. She may not be the biggest but lord have mercy on anyone who pisses her off." Eric replied
"I can vouch for that!" Kelso said smiling
"Will you people get in her so all my cooking doesn't get cold!" yelled Kitty
The gang headed inside, Kitty had made a feast. They were having roast beef, rice, gravy, green beans and garlic bread. Red was happy because he was getting a better dinner. He offered Jack a beer but Jack declined. Jack didn't want to do anything that could risk him going back. He wanted to wait until he met with his parole office. Jackie was proud of her dad for not risking anything. She wasn't certain of the rules but she knew even the smallest thing could send him back.
Eric and Jackie had made the guest room up for Jack. Well mostly Jackie but Eric was ok with Jack staying with them. Jackie was in with her dad talking when Eric called her to bathroom for Lexi's bath. Jackie headed straight in for the bath. Jack had a strange look on his face as he watched everything unfold. Eric saw it and said "Lexi likes Jackie to give her a bath. She plays better than I do. It's a girl thing."
Jack replied "Oh that's not it! Jackie has become such a good mom. Pam and I weren't the best parents so where did she learn all this?"
"That's easy! My mom taught her most of it while I was in Africa. My mom tried to teach Donna too but Donna wouldn't learn it. Jackie on the other hand listened and learned." Eric answered
Jack nodded and headed to his room to unpack and get settled in for the night. Jackie emerged from the bathroom with a squeaky clean Lexi.
