Okay, I would have to say that this is one of my favorite chapters so far. I don't even know why, heh heh. Anyway, though, here it is. :)
Legal: I do not own the rights to Three's Company or its characters, thanks.
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Chapter 11: Saturday Night at the Reagle Beagle
Friday night Chrissy made a "date" for Janet and Jack, to show off all that Jack had learned. Janet still didn't think he was ready, but Chrissy was sure he would change her mind.
"It's nothing big," Chrissy said to Janet as she was getting ready that evening. "It's just Jerry cooking and you and Jack eating. Me and Terri are going out for the evening and I told Larry not to stop in."
Janet nodded. She was wearing a blue dress like the one she had worn on her internet date with Jack. She knew it wasn't very revealing, but that was okay. She was nervous enough as it was. She didn't need to be wearing something that would make her feel more nervous.
She started to mess around with different ideas for her hair. Chrissy giggled. Janet looked at her. "What?"
Chrissy shook her head. "Nothing. It's just...you and Jack going out on a planned date. I think it's kind of cute." She smiled sweetly.
Janet felt a blush rise in her cheeks and she hoped Chrissy didn't see it.
Chrissy noticed, she just didn't say anything.
When Janet was ready Chrissy left to find Jack. Janet paced the floor nervously, wondering if she should keep her hair down or throw it up really quick before Jack got there. She stopped and breathed deeply. "Janet, this is Jack. Not only that, but it's animal Jack. There's no reason to wig out."
*Knock knock.*
She swallowed and walked toward the door, anxiously patting her hair. She opened the door. Jack stood in front of her, wearing a nice suit and navy blue tie. He smiled and extended his arm. "Shall we?"
Janet took his arm and they walked across the room to the table that was in front of the kitchen door. He pulled out her chair for her and when she had sat down pushed it back in. Then he took his seat and rang a little bell that was on the table. Jerry came out with an apron on and a towel hung over his arm. "Yes, sir?"
Jack thought for a minute about what to say and then grinned, remembering. "Champagne, please, garson."
Janet held back a giggle. They had even taught him to say *garson* right.
"Yes, of course, sir." Jerry nodded and left.
Jack leaned forward suddenly. "How am I doing?"
Janet shrugged. "You're doing great." She smiled.
Jerry returned with the champagne. When he had poured it and they had ordered he left again to make the food.
Jack picked up his glass. With a goofy grin he held it up and said, "To Janet."
Janet turned scarlet and clanged hers against his. They drank. Jack set his down and coughed. "Not that great," he said with a choked voice.
Janet laughed geniunly. Jack smiled again. "So, did you see that sky today? Talk about blue!" He said.
Janet laughed some more. "Oh, Jack. Did they teach you to talk about the weather?"
Jack nodded. Janet shook her head and leaned foward. "Jack, if you're on a date with a girl something that you should do is give her compliments. Do you know what a compliment is?"
Jack shook his head.
Janet nodded. "A compliment is when you say something good about someone. Like, Jack, I really like your tie."
He grinned and rubbed his tie. "Thank you. Janet, I like your eyes."
Janet blushed again and took a drink of her champagne. *I can't believe he's getting me with all of these goofy comments. He used to say stupid things like this to girls when he was regular Jack. Only this time...I think he really means them.*
"Should you say thank you, too?" Jack asked, confused.
Janet set down her drink. "Of course. Thank you, Jack."
He grinned, obviously proud of himself. "I think you are beautiful, Janet," he said.
Janet felt the color return to her cheeks once more. "Jack, don't compliment your date too much, okay?"
Jack's smile faded and he nodded. They were quiet for awhile and then Jack spoke again. "Janet, Larry told me how to 'get something on' with my dates. But I do not understand. What is 'getting something on'?"
Janet boiled with anger. *Oh, that Larry!* "Jack, Larry gives bad advice. You don't need to 'get something on' with your date. She'll be happy just to talk to you or hold your hand."
Jack nodded. They were quiet for awhile. Jack slowly put his hand on top of Janet's. She looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing, Jack?"
He brought his hand away and looked down. "I just want to hold your hand."
Janet smiled and reached for Jack's hand. He smiled back at her. Before she even knew what was happening they were leaning closer and closer and then--
The kitchen door burst open and Jerry came out. Jack fell out of his chair and pulled Janet down, too, since they were holding hands. Jerry looked down at them with raised eyebrows. "I see they've trained you well, Jack." He turned to Janet. "Mating under the table?"
Jack bounced up. "No, sir. I was just helping Janet up."
He picked her up and set her back on her chair, then took his chair and smiled up at Jerry. Jerry shook his head. "Right. Well, I just wanted to let you know that your dinner is almost done."
"Thanks, Jerry. Thanks a lot," Janet said with sarcasm.
"You're quite welcome," Jerry said as he went back into the kitchen.
They were quiet. Jack was twiddling his thumbs. Janet was looking at him expectantly. Finally he sighed and looked back at her. "Janet, Larry said I should know how to kiss and he said you could teach me," he said.
Janet's eyes grew wide. "Larry what?"
"Said I should know how to kiss and--"
"I heard you, Jack, I heard." Janet sighed. "Do you really need to know how to kiss?"
Jack looked thoughtful for a minute and then slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Larry said that if my date goes bad I can just kiss her and she will be good again."
Janet stifled a laugh at Jack's misunderstanding. She shook her head. *Larry said this, Larry said that...* "Okay, Jack, but just a little kiss." *After all, we've kissed before. This should not be a big deal, Janet.*
She leaned forward and he did, too, following her lead. She took both of his hands. "Okay. It's really simple, Jack. I'm going to kiss you, you just follow up."
She gently put her lips on his and shut her eyes, savoring the moment. He kissed her back a little roughly, but then he had forgotten how to do it. As they kissed he got better and Janet could feel more of the old Jack in the kiss. Unfortunately the kitchen door swung open again and Janet shot backwards. Once again Jack fell off of the chair. Jerry set down their plates and two glasses of water. As he walked back to the kitchen he said, "Don't worry. I saw everything."
Janet sighed and picked up her fork. "Now let me see how you eat, Jack."
He folded his napkin and set it on his lap. Then he picked up his fork and knife and cut nicely into his steak. He used the fork to stab the bite and put it in his mouth. He chewed with his mouth closed. Janet smiled brightly. "They weren't kidding. You've improved marvelously, Jack."
He grinned. "So I can go to the Reagle Beagle Saturday night? Larry said that on Saturday night it's 'the place to be'."
She bit her lip and sighed. "Well...I guess so."
Jack leaped off of his chair. "Yes!" He pulled Janet up and hugged her. "Thank you, Janet!"
=-=
The next night everyone prepared excitedly to go down to the Reagle Beagle. Larry was chattering away to Jack about how crowded the place was on Saturday nights. Chrissy was talking dreamily about the "good old days" when she, Jack and Janet used to go there all the time. Janet looked around and sighed. It should be fun. She was just a little worried that Jack would mess up. He'd been known to do that before.
Finally everyone was ready and they left, but only long enough for Chrissy to realize that she needed to use the restroom, so they came back so that she could go. Then Terri noticed a large gash in her pantyhose and they went back again so she could change. But when Jerry commented that he might like to bring a book with him Larry put his arm around his neck and said, "Come on, J, you don't need a book--you got us!"
"I'm ecstatic," Jerry said with little emotion.
Chrissy slipped her arm in the crook of Jerry's. "Come on, Jerry. It'll be fun!" She said sweetly.
Larry grabbed Jerry's other arm and extended his free arm to Terri. She then hooked arms with Janet, who hooked arms with Jack. They probably looked a sight for sore eyes, walking down the street together like something out of an old book--especially when Chrissy said that they should skip and for some reason they obeyed.
"We're off to see the wizard--the wonderful wizard of oz!" Chrissy sang.
"That's where I draw the line," Larry mumbled.
They entered the Reagle Beagle and found a big booth to seat them all. Larry stood up and shouted to Steve. "Hey, Steve! One big round of drinks for all of my pals here. I'm buyin'!"
He sat back down and looked around at everyone. "Isn't this great? Hey, Janet, can I take Jack around to meet some chicks?"
Janet opened her mouth to say no, but Jerry spoke first. "You know, Janet, it might be good for Jack to meet some other people. Nice practice for when the Hammonds come in a few weeks."
Chrissy nodded at Janet with wide eyes. Larry gently slugged her shoulder. "Hey, we didn't train him for nothing, you know."
Janet sighed and nodded. "You're right. Go on, Larry, take him around. But be good, both of you."
Larry grabbed Jack's arm and pulled him away. Janet shook her head. Chrissy sighed. "Look, Janet. Our little Jack all grown up and meeting girls!"
Janet just nodded and rested her chin on her hands. Jerry sensed something and turned to Terri. "Terri, why don't you and Chrissy go ask Steve what's keeping our drinks." He rolled his eyes toward Janet.
Terri looked at Janet and then back at Jerry and nodded. "Of course. Come on, Chrissy."
She grabbed Chrissy's wrist and left. Jerry faced Janet. "What's wrong?" He asked, but with a demanding voice.
Janet sighed and turned to face him. "Nothing, Jerry."
He raised an eyebrow. She sat up. "Fine. I just feel...well, I feel like I haven't helped Jack at all. I mean, you taught him how to use the bathroom and bathe himself--"
"Which was no walk in the park, thanks," Jerry interrupted.
Janet nodded. "Yes, and Larry taught him how to talk for the most part. Chrissy taught him manners and Terri taught him how to walk right. What have I taught him?"
Jerry cocked his head slightly and studied Janet then he shrugged and said, "If you don't know then I'm not going to tell you."
It was Janet's turn to raise an eyebrow. "How much have you been hanging around Chrissy?"
He didn't smile, but Janet caught a twinkle in his eye. "Janet, you taught him something very important--more important than how to walk, talk or use a toilet. But I think you should figure out for yourself what you taught him."
"But, Jerry--"
"Besides, if I told you you probably wouldn't believe me anyway," he added.
Before Janet could question him more Terri and Chrissy returned, followed by a waitress with their drinks. They summoned Larry and Jack and each took a glass. "To the Save Jack Project: may it keep going really good!" Chrissy said brightly, holding up her glass.
"To the Save Jack Project!" Everyone echoed and they all clanged their glasses together.
They started talking and very soon the subject was brought around to finding Jack a date. Janet still didn't see the point, but Larry assured her it was a good idea. "Seriously, Janet. Maybe having a girl would remind him of the old Jack." He winked.
Janet shook her head. Terri shrugged. "Well, then lets find him one."
Chrissy looked around. "You don't have to look for one, Terri. There are lots of girls in here."
"Too true, too true," Larry said. "How about her." He pointed to a girl with lots of blonde hair and an oversized chest.
Janet waved him off. "No, no, Larry. That's *your* kind of girl."
"She's Jack's kind, too." Larry defended.
"How about--" Terri started.
Jerry interrupted. "What about her?"
He pointed casually to a girl sitting a table not too far away. She was by herself. She wore an outfit that subtly brought out her figure. Her skin was a light tan color, her eyes light brown and her hair was long and black. Janet had to admit that she was very lovely, but she didn't look fake like the girl Larry had pointed out.
"What a good choice, Jerry!" Terri exclaimed. "You really have an eye for the nice ones, don't you?"
Jerry blushed slightly
"Yeah, sure. Let's all go with Jerry's pick." Larry scoffed.
"All in favor of the girl Larry chose, raise your hands," Terri said, narrowing her eyes at Larry.
Larry's hand went up.
"All in favor of the girl Jerry chose," Chrissy spoke.
Everyone's hands went up, except for Larry's and Jack's. When Jack saw the majority of them had their hands raised he lifted his as well.
"It's decided then," Terri said.
Larry sighed. "Fine, fine. Jack-O, let's go introduce ourselves."
They left the table and approached the lone woman. "Hey, sugar. We couldn't help but noice--"
"I'm not a prostitute and I won't buy you a beer," she said.
Larry laughed. "Oh, you're a funny one. No, I was going to say that we--my pal and I--couldn't help but notice that--"
The woman stood and smiled at Jack. "Hello. I'm Jenifer Blake, but you can call me Jenny." She extended her hand.
Just like he was taught, Jack took her hand and kissed it. "How do you do, madam?"
Jenny brought a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. "I'm fine. What's your name?"
"Jack."
Larry leaned over and whispered, "Jack Tripper."
"Jack Tripper," Jack finished.
Jenny motioned to a chair. "Why don't you sit down, Jack?"
She sat down and Jack sat in the chair next to hers. Larry sat next to Jack. Jenny frowned. "Excuse me--"
"Larry. Larry Dallas." He shook her hand.
She withdrew hers. "Mr. Dallas, do you think I could talk to Jack...well, without you?"
"Well, I'm not so sure Jack can handle--"
Jack nodded. "I can, Larry."
Larry stood up and pushed his chair in. "Fine then. I'll just make a new friend."
He headed in the direction of the lady he had pointed out before.
Jenny smiled at Jack. She had a lovely smile, too. "So, Jack. Tell me about yourself."
Jack scratched his head. What was he to say? He knew that there was more to him than the animal that he was, but he couldn't remember any of that. Sometimes he really wished he could, but he just didn't. He shrugged. "There is--there's not much to tell."
Jenny smiled. "That's all right. There's not much I can tell you about mine either."
"Are you a secret agent?" Jack asked. He had just watched an old James Bond film that afternoon and loved it (Larry was sure he could learn more from watching movies and brought over a bunch of his favorites).
Jenny broke into hysterical laughter and Jack joined in.
Over at the booth Janet was watching enviously. "Oh, he made her laugh! It must be going well," Chrissy said, clasping her hands beneath her chin.
"Not necessarily." Terri pointed her index finger in the air. "Jack makes everyone laugh."
Chrissy nodded. "Oh yeah."
"I'm sure it's going just well, ladies," Jerry put in his two-sense.
"Sure it is!" Chrissy suddenly exclaimed. "Every girl likes a puppy and a puppy is what Jack is!"
"Oh, look," Terri said excitedly, "he brushed an eyelash off of her cheek or something! He's definitely a smoothie!"
"He's a smooth puppy!" Chrissy sang.
Janet stood abruptly. "I'm going to use the restroom. I'll be right back."
As she walked by Jenny's table Jack grabbed her arm and stood. "Janet," he whispered in her ear, "I think she likes me! She said I was sweet." He grinned.
Janet nodded. "That's--that's wonderful, Jack. You keep talking to her."
He nodded vigorously and sat back down. As Janet continued on her way she heard Jenny ask, "Who is that?"
"That's my friend, Janet," Jack answered proudly.
Janet went into one of the stalls and plopped down on the toilet, burying her face in her hands. *You hear that? You're his friend, Janet. His friend. Of course I'm his friend and nothing more. That's how it's always been and how it will always be. I'll never be funny enough or pretty enough or anything enough for Jack Tripper--man or dog.* She wiped away a stray tear that rolled down her cheek. *Jack and Jenny Tripper. They're perfect,* she thought with remorse, not even considering that Jack and Janet Tripper sounded even more perfect. *Although I did notice something interesting about Jenny's soft voice. I've heard it before.* She shook her head and breathed deeply. "Oh, Janet, that's ridiculous. Where could you have heard Jenny's voice before? You've certainly never seen her before. And now I'm talking to myself."
She stood up and left the women's room, frustrated with herself. She had just gotten into the regular restaurant area when she was confronted by Elias! She gasped. "Oh, Mr. Elias. You scared me."
"I do that to a lot of people and it's Dr. Elias. *Doctor!* I didn't go to a scientific research institute for seven years to be called 'Mister'," he said as he pushed her back to where the phone was.
"Uh, sorry, Dr. Elias. I won't mess up again. What did you need to see me about?" Janet said, nervously clutching at her purse.
"Oh nothing, but I think you'd better come with me." He breathed.
Janet wrinkled her nose. "Right. First can I get one of my friends to come with me?"
"No. You have to come *alone.*" He grabbed her wrist.
"Let go of me!" She twisted to get away, but he held on tight.
Suddenly, out of nowhere it seemed, Jack grabbed Elias from behind, his arm choking the doctor. "Help!" Elias screamed loudly. "Help! A madman has me!"
Immediately customers began screaming and some ducking down behind their tables. Steve looked shocked. "Jack? What are you doing?"
He ran over and tried to pry Jack off of Elias. Jack just turned and bit Steve on the hand. The customers gasped and Steve stepped away, rubbing his hand and still in shock at Jack's behavior. "Jack! Jack, not now!" Janet exclaimed, pulling at the back of Jack's shirt.
He let go of Elias. Elias looked at them. "This isn't over yet."
He turned on his heel and left. Jack looked at Janet. "Did he hurt you?" He asked.
Janet shook her head, still shocked and dazed by the whole thing. In a moment the others had joined her. Terri and Chrissy smothered her in hugs. Larry patted Jack on the back. "Way to go, Jack-O. Hopefully he'll never show his face here again. So what was it, Janet? Was he a mugger?"
Janet sighed. "No, Larry. That was Elias."
Immediately Terri, Chrissy and Larry were chattering about him. Terri was glad to finally know what he looked like. Larry remarked that he was sure he'd seen him asking Mr. Furley how much it cost to rent out an apartment. Chrissy just shivered and said he looked like a creep. Jerry approached Janet. "What did he want?"
Janet sighed and rubbed her forehead. "He-he wanted me to come with him. He was going to force me to come with him."
Jerry nodded. "And did he say anything else?"
Janet tried to recall the conversation. "Uh...yes, yes he did. He made some comment about going to a scientific research institute. I accidentally called him a mister instead of a doctor and he kind of flipped out."
"So he's a mad scientist!" Chrissy exclaimed suddenly, shooting her index finger into the air.
Larry made a snorting sound. "Yeah, right."
Jerry shook his head. "No, Christmas is right on the money, I believe."
"What money?" Chrissy asked.
"He means that you're right. Elias is a mad scientist," Terri explained.
"Oh." Chrissy grinned and turned to Jerry. "Thanks!"
"But what does Elias being a scientist have to do with anything?" Larry queered.
"A lot," Jerry said.
Before they could question him any more Janet toppled onto Jack. Chrissy screamed. "No! Oh my God, he killed Janet!" She sobbed, grabbing Janet's limp hand.
Terri pushed her away gently and felt for Janet's pulse. "She's fine, Chrissy. She just fainted. I think she's really stressed and that incident probably just pushed her over the edge." She shrugged.
"Don't just stand there holding her around the waist, Jack, pick her up," Jerry said.
Jack scooped her up, a worried look on his face. Larry sighed. "Well, it looks like our Saturday night is over."
They started to leave. As they did Jenny approached Jack. "Wow, Jack. You were terrific! The way you fought that creepy guy...it was awesome! Here's my phone number." She slipped piece of paper into his jacket pocket. "Call me sometime." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I hope your friend gets better."
They all watched her leave the Beagle, mystified. Terri shook her head. "I can't believe she's still interested in Jack after all of this."
"You sure can pick 'em, J!" Larry said in awe.
"We should get Janet to the apartment," Jerry said, putting them all back in focus.
They returned to the apartment and were surprised to find the front door slightly open. Terri pushed it open all the way and flipped on the lights. Immediately gasps went around. Someone had broken into the apartment!
=-=
And there's the scene at the Reagle Beagle. The next chapter is underway right now as I type this! I'm thinking it will be up before Christmas, baby! I'm on a roll! ^_^
Legal: I do not own the rights to Three's Company or its characters, thanks.
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Chapter 11: Saturday Night at the Reagle Beagle
Friday night Chrissy made a "date" for Janet and Jack, to show off all that Jack had learned. Janet still didn't think he was ready, but Chrissy was sure he would change her mind.
"It's nothing big," Chrissy said to Janet as she was getting ready that evening. "It's just Jerry cooking and you and Jack eating. Me and Terri are going out for the evening and I told Larry not to stop in."
Janet nodded. She was wearing a blue dress like the one she had worn on her internet date with Jack. She knew it wasn't very revealing, but that was okay. She was nervous enough as it was. She didn't need to be wearing something that would make her feel more nervous.
She started to mess around with different ideas for her hair. Chrissy giggled. Janet looked at her. "What?"
Chrissy shook her head. "Nothing. It's just...you and Jack going out on a planned date. I think it's kind of cute." She smiled sweetly.
Janet felt a blush rise in her cheeks and she hoped Chrissy didn't see it.
Chrissy noticed, she just didn't say anything.
When Janet was ready Chrissy left to find Jack. Janet paced the floor nervously, wondering if she should keep her hair down or throw it up really quick before Jack got there. She stopped and breathed deeply. "Janet, this is Jack. Not only that, but it's animal Jack. There's no reason to wig out."
*Knock knock.*
She swallowed and walked toward the door, anxiously patting her hair. She opened the door. Jack stood in front of her, wearing a nice suit and navy blue tie. He smiled and extended his arm. "Shall we?"
Janet took his arm and they walked across the room to the table that was in front of the kitchen door. He pulled out her chair for her and when she had sat down pushed it back in. Then he took his seat and rang a little bell that was on the table. Jerry came out with an apron on and a towel hung over his arm. "Yes, sir?"
Jack thought for a minute about what to say and then grinned, remembering. "Champagne, please, garson."
Janet held back a giggle. They had even taught him to say *garson* right.
"Yes, of course, sir." Jerry nodded and left.
Jack leaned forward suddenly. "How am I doing?"
Janet shrugged. "You're doing great." She smiled.
Jerry returned with the champagne. When he had poured it and they had ordered he left again to make the food.
Jack picked up his glass. With a goofy grin he held it up and said, "To Janet."
Janet turned scarlet and clanged hers against his. They drank. Jack set his down and coughed. "Not that great," he said with a choked voice.
Janet laughed geniunly. Jack smiled again. "So, did you see that sky today? Talk about blue!" He said.
Janet laughed some more. "Oh, Jack. Did they teach you to talk about the weather?"
Jack nodded. Janet shook her head and leaned foward. "Jack, if you're on a date with a girl something that you should do is give her compliments. Do you know what a compliment is?"
Jack shook his head.
Janet nodded. "A compliment is when you say something good about someone. Like, Jack, I really like your tie."
He grinned and rubbed his tie. "Thank you. Janet, I like your eyes."
Janet blushed again and took a drink of her champagne. *I can't believe he's getting me with all of these goofy comments. He used to say stupid things like this to girls when he was regular Jack. Only this time...I think he really means them.*
"Should you say thank you, too?" Jack asked, confused.
Janet set down her drink. "Of course. Thank you, Jack."
He grinned, obviously proud of himself. "I think you are beautiful, Janet," he said.
Janet felt the color return to her cheeks once more. "Jack, don't compliment your date too much, okay?"
Jack's smile faded and he nodded. They were quiet for awhile and then Jack spoke again. "Janet, Larry told me how to 'get something on' with my dates. But I do not understand. What is 'getting something on'?"
Janet boiled with anger. *Oh, that Larry!* "Jack, Larry gives bad advice. You don't need to 'get something on' with your date. She'll be happy just to talk to you or hold your hand."
Jack nodded. They were quiet for awhile. Jack slowly put his hand on top of Janet's. She looked at him in surprise. "What are you doing, Jack?"
He brought his hand away and looked down. "I just want to hold your hand."
Janet smiled and reached for Jack's hand. He smiled back at her. Before she even knew what was happening they were leaning closer and closer and then--
The kitchen door burst open and Jerry came out. Jack fell out of his chair and pulled Janet down, too, since they were holding hands. Jerry looked down at them with raised eyebrows. "I see they've trained you well, Jack." He turned to Janet. "Mating under the table?"
Jack bounced up. "No, sir. I was just helping Janet up."
He picked her up and set her back on her chair, then took his chair and smiled up at Jerry. Jerry shook his head. "Right. Well, I just wanted to let you know that your dinner is almost done."
"Thanks, Jerry. Thanks a lot," Janet said with sarcasm.
"You're quite welcome," Jerry said as he went back into the kitchen.
They were quiet. Jack was twiddling his thumbs. Janet was looking at him expectantly. Finally he sighed and looked back at her. "Janet, Larry said I should know how to kiss and he said you could teach me," he said.
Janet's eyes grew wide. "Larry what?"
"Said I should know how to kiss and--"
"I heard you, Jack, I heard." Janet sighed. "Do you really need to know how to kiss?"
Jack looked thoughtful for a minute and then slowly nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Larry said that if my date goes bad I can just kiss her and she will be good again."
Janet stifled a laugh at Jack's misunderstanding. She shook her head. *Larry said this, Larry said that...* "Okay, Jack, but just a little kiss." *After all, we've kissed before. This should not be a big deal, Janet.*
She leaned forward and he did, too, following her lead. She took both of his hands. "Okay. It's really simple, Jack. I'm going to kiss you, you just follow up."
She gently put her lips on his and shut her eyes, savoring the moment. He kissed her back a little roughly, but then he had forgotten how to do it. As they kissed he got better and Janet could feel more of the old Jack in the kiss. Unfortunately the kitchen door swung open again and Janet shot backwards. Once again Jack fell off of the chair. Jerry set down their plates and two glasses of water. As he walked back to the kitchen he said, "Don't worry. I saw everything."
Janet sighed and picked up her fork. "Now let me see how you eat, Jack."
He folded his napkin and set it on his lap. Then he picked up his fork and knife and cut nicely into his steak. He used the fork to stab the bite and put it in his mouth. He chewed with his mouth closed. Janet smiled brightly. "They weren't kidding. You've improved marvelously, Jack."
He grinned. "So I can go to the Reagle Beagle Saturday night? Larry said that on Saturday night it's 'the place to be'."
She bit her lip and sighed. "Well...I guess so."
Jack leaped off of his chair. "Yes!" He pulled Janet up and hugged her. "Thank you, Janet!"
=-=
The next night everyone prepared excitedly to go down to the Reagle Beagle. Larry was chattering away to Jack about how crowded the place was on Saturday nights. Chrissy was talking dreamily about the "good old days" when she, Jack and Janet used to go there all the time. Janet looked around and sighed. It should be fun. She was just a little worried that Jack would mess up. He'd been known to do that before.
Finally everyone was ready and they left, but only long enough for Chrissy to realize that she needed to use the restroom, so they came back so that she could go. Then Terri noticed a large gash in her pantyhose and they went back again so she could change. But when Jerry commented that he might like to bring a book with him Larry put his arm around his neck and said, "Come on, J, you don't need a book--you got us!"
"I'm ecstatic," Jerry said with little emotion.
Chrissy slipped her arm in the crook of Jerry's. "Come on, Jerry. It'll be fun!" She said sweetly.
Larry grabbed Jerry's other arm and extended his free arm to Terri. She then hooked arms with Janet, who hooked arms with Jack. They probably looked a sight for sore eyes, walking down the street together like something out of an old book--especially when Chrissy said that they should skip and for some reason they obeyed.
"We're off to see the wizard--the wonderful wizard of oz!" Chrissy sang.
"That's where I draw the line," Larry mumbled.
They entered the Reagle Beagle and found a big booth to seat them all. Larry stood up and shouted to Steve. "Hey, Steve! One big round of drinks for all of my pals here. I'm buyin'!"
He sat back down and looked around at everyone. "Isn't this great? Hey, Janet, can I take Jack around to meet some chicks?"
Janet opened her mouth to say no, but Jerry spoke first. "You know, Janet, it might be good for Jack to meet some other people. Nice practice for when the Hammonds come in a few weeks."
Chrissy nodded at Janet with wide eyes. Larry gently slugged her shoulder. "Hey, we didn't train him for nothing, you know."
Janet sighed and nodded. "You're right. Go on, Larry, take him around. But be good, both of you."
Larry grabbed Jack's arm and pulled him away. Janet shook her head. Chrissy sighed. "Look, Janet. Our little Jack all grown up and meeting girls!"
Janet just nodded and rested her chin on her hands. Jerry sensed something and turned to Terri. "Terri, why don't you and Chrissy go ask Steve what's keeping our drinks." He rolled his eyes toward Janet.
Terri looked at Janet and then back at Jerry and nodded. "Of course. Come on, Chrissy."
She grabbed Chrissy's wrist and left. Jerry faced Janet. "What's wrong?" He asked, but with a demanding voice.
Janet sighed and turned to face him. "Nothing, Jerry."
He raised an eyebrow. She sat up. "Fine. I just feel...well, I feel like I haven't helped Jack at all. I mean, you taught him how to use the bathroom and bathe himself--"
"Which was no walk in the park, thanks," Jerry interrupted.
Janet nodded. "Yes, and Larry taught him how to talk for the most part. Chrissy taught him manners and Terri taught him how to walk right. What have I taught him?"
Jerry cocked his head slightly and studied Janet then he shrugged and said, "If you don't know then I'm not going to tell you."
It was Janet's turn to raise an eyebrow. "How much have you been hanging around Chrissy?"
He didn't smile, but Janet caught a twinkle in his eye. "Janet, you taught him something very important--more important than how to walk, talk or use a toilet. But I think you should figure out for yourself what you taught him."
"But, Jerry--"
"Besides, if I told you you probably wouldn't believe me anyway," he added.
Before Janet could question him more Terri and Chrissy returned, followed by a waitress with their drinks. They summoned Larry and Jack and each took a glass. "To the Save Jack Project: may it keep going really good!" Chrissy said brightly, holding up her glass.
"To the Save Jack Project!" Everyone echoed and they all clanged their glasses together.
They started talking and very soon the subject was brought around to finding Jack a date. Janet still didn't see the point, but Larry assured her it was a good idea. "Seriously, Janet. Maybe having a girl would remind him of the old Jack." He winked.
Janet shook her head. Terri shrugged. "Well, then lets find him one."
Chrissy looked around. "You don't have to look for one, Terri. There are lots of girls in here."
"Too true, too true," Larry said. "How about her." He pointed to a girl with lots of blonde hair and an oversized chest.
Janet waved him off. "No, no, Larry. That's *your* kind of girl."
"She's Jack's kind, too." Larry defended.
"How about--" Terri started.
Jerry interrupted. "What about her?"
He pointed casually to a girl sitting a table not too far away. She was by herself. She wore an outfit that subtly brought out her figure. Her skin was a light tan color, her eyes light brown and her hair was long and black. Janet had to admit that she was very lovely, but she didn't look fake like the girl Larry had pointed out.
"What a good choice, Jerry!" Terri exclaimed. "You really have an eye for the nice ones, don't you?"
Jerry blushed slightly
"Yeah, sure. Let's all go with Jerry's pick." Larry scoffed.
"All in favor of the girl Larry chose, raise your hands," Terri said, narrowing her eyes at Larry.
Larry's hand went up.
"All in favor of the girl Jerry chose," Chrissy spoke.
Everyone's hands went up, except for Larry's and Jack's. When Jack saw the majority of them had their hands raised he lifted his as well.
"It's decided then," Terri said.
Larry sighed. "Fine, fine. Jack-O, let's go introduce ourselves."
They left the table and approached the lone woman. "Hey, sugar. We couldn't help but noice--"
"I'm not a prostitute and I won't buy you a beer," she said.
Larry laughed. "Oh, you're a funny one. No, I was going to say that we--my pal and I--couldn't help but notice that--"
The woman stood and smiled at Jack. "Hello. I'm Jenifer Blake, but you can call me Jenny." She extended her hand.
Just like he was taught, Jack took her hand and kissed it. "How do you do, madam?"
Jenny brought a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. "I'm fine. What's your name?"
"Jack."
Larry leaned over and whispered, "Jack Tripper."
"Jack Tripper," Jack finished.
Jenny motioned to a chair. "Why don't you sit down, Jack?"
She sat down and Jack sat in the chair next to hers. Larry sat next to Jack. Jenny frowned. "Excuse me--"
"Larry. Larry Dallas." He shook her hand.
She withdrew hers. "Mr. Dallas, do you think I could talk to Jack...well, without you?"
"Well, I'm not so sure Jack can handle--"
Jack nodded. "I can, Larry."
Larry stood up and pushed his chair in. "Fine then. I'll just make a new friend."
He headed in the direction of the lady he had pointed out before.
Jenny smiled at Jack. She had a lovely smile, too. "So, Jack. Tell me about yourself."
Jack scratched his head. What was he to say? He knew that there was more to him than the animal that he was, but he couldn't remember any of that. Sometimes he really wished he could, but he just didn't. He shrugged. "There is--there's not much to tell."
Jenny smiled. "That's all right. There's not much I can tell you about mine either."
"Are you a secret agent?" Jack asked. He had just watched an old James Bond film that afternoon and loved it (Larry was sure he could learn more from watching movies and brought over a bunch of his favorites).
Jenny broke into hysterical laughter and Jack joined in.
Over at the booth Janet was watching enviously. "Oh, he made her laugh! It must be going well," Chrissy said, clasping her hands beneath her chin.
"Not necessarily." Terri pointed her index finger in the air. "Jack makes everyone laugh."
Chrissy nodded. "Oh yeah."
"I'm sure it's going just well, ladies," Jerry put in his two-sense.
"Sure it is!" Chrissy suddenly exclaimed. "Every girl likes a puppy and a puppy is what Jack is!"
"Oh, look," Terri said excitedly, "he brushed an eyelash off of her cheek or something! He's definitely a smoothie!"
"He's a smooth puppy!" Chrissy sang.
Janet stood abruptly. "I'm going to use the restroom. I'll be right back."
As she walked by Jenny's table Jack grabbed her arm and stood. "Janet," he whispered in her ear, "I think she likes me! She said I was sweet." He grinned.
Janet nodded. "That's--that's wonderful, Jack. You keep talking to her."
He nodded vigorously and sat back down. As Janet continued on her way she heard Jenny ask, "Who is that?"
"That's my friend, Janet," Jack answered proudly.
Janet went into one of the stalls and plopped down on the toilet, burying her face in her hands. *You hear that? You're his friend, Janet. His friend. Of course I'm his friend and nothing more. That's how it's always been and how it will always be. I'll never be funny enough or pretty enough or anything enough for Jack Tripper--man or dog.* She wiped away a stray tear that rolled down her cheek. *Jack and Jenny Tripper. They're perfect,* she thought with remorse, not even considering that Jack and Janet Tripper sounded even more perfect. *Although I did notice something interesting about Jenny's soft voice. I've heard it before.* She shook her head and breathed deeply. "Oh, Janet, that's ridiculous. Where could you have heard Jenny's voice before? You've certainly never seen her before. And now I'm talking to myself."
She stood up and left the women's room, frustrated with herself. She had just gotten into the regular restaurant area when she was confronted by Elias! She gasped. "Oh, Mr. Elias. You scared me."
"I do that to a lot of people and it's Dr. Elias. *Doctor!* I didn't go to a scientific research institute for seven years to be called 'Mister'," he said as he pushed her back to where the phone was.
"Uh, sorry, Dr. Elias. I won't mess up again. What did you need to see me about?" Janet said, nervously clutching at her purse.
"Oh nothing, but I think you'd better come with me." He breathed.
Janet wrinkled her nose. "Right. First can I get one of my friends to come with me?"
"No. You have to come *alone.*" He grabbed her wrist.
"Let go of me!" She twisted to get away, but he held on tight.
Suddenly, out of nowhere it seemed, Jack grabbed Elias from behind, his arm choking the doctor. "Help!" Elias screamed loudly. "Help! A madman has me!"
Immediately customers began screaming and some ducking down behind their tables. Steve looked shocked. "Jack? What are you doing?"
He ran over and tried to pry Jack off of Elias. Jack just turned and bit Steve on the hand. The customers gasped and Steve stepped away, rubbing his hand and still in shock at Jack's behavior. "Jack! Jack, not now!" Janet exclaimed, pulling at the back of Jack's shirt.
He let go of Elias. Elias looked at them. "This isn't over yet."
He turned on his heel and left. Jack looked at Janet. "Did he hurt you?" He asked.
Janet shook her head, still shocked and dazed by the whole thing. In a moment the others had joined her. Terri and Chrissy smothered her in hugs. Larry patted Jack on the back. "Way to go, Jack-O. Hopefully he'll never show his face here again. So what was it, Janet? Was he a mugger?"
Janet sighed. "No, Larry. That was Elias."
Immediately Terri, Chrissy and Larry were chattering about him. Terri was glad to finally know what he looked like. Larry remarked that he was sure he'd seen him asking Mr. Furley how much it cost to rent out an apartment. Chrissy just shivered and said he looked like a creep. Jerry approached Janet. "What did he want?"
Janet sighed and rubbed her forehead. "He-he wanted me to come with him. He was going to force me to come with him."
Jerry nodded. "And did he say anything else?"
Janet tried to recall the conversation. "Uh...yes, yes he did. He made some comment about going to a scientific research institute. I accidentally called him a mister instead of a doctor and he kind of flipped out."
"So he's a mad scientist!" Chrissy exclaimed suddenly, shooting her index finger into the air.
Larry made a snorting sound. "Yeah, right."
Jerry shook his head. "No, Christmas is right on the money, I believe."
"What money?" Chrissy asked.
"He means that you're right. Elias is a mad scientist," Terri explained.
"Oh." Chrissy grinned and turned to Jerry. "Thanks!"
"But what does Elias being a scientist have to do with anything?" Larry queered.
"A lot," Jerry said.
Before they could question him any more Janet toppled onto Jack. Chrissy screamed. "No! Oh my God, he killed Janet!" She sobbed, grabbing Janet's limp hand.
Terri pushed her away gently and felt for Janet's pulse. "She's fine, Chrissy. She just fainted. I think she's really stressed and that incident probably just pushed her over the edge." She shrugged.
"Don't just stand there holding her around the waist, Jack, pick her up," Jerry said.
Jack scooped her up, a worried look on his face. Larry sighed. "Well, it looks like our Saturday night is over."
They started to leave. As they did Jenny approached Jack. "Wow, Jack. You were terrific! The way you fought that creepy guy...it was awesome! Here's my phone number." She slipped piece of paper into his jacket pocket. "Call me sometime." She smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I hope your friend gets better."
They all watched her leave the Beagle, mystified. Terri shook her head. "I can't believe she's still interested in Jack after all of this."
"You sure can pick 'em, J!" Larry said in awe.
"We should get Janet to the apartment," Jerry said, putting them all back in focus.
They returned to the apartment and were surprised to find the front door slightly open. Terri pushed it open all the way and flipped on the lights. Immediately gasps went around. Someone had broken into the apartment!
=-=
And there's the scene at the Reagle Beagle. The next chapter is underway right now as I type this! I'm thinking it will be up before Christmas, baby! I'm on a roll! ^_^
