Author Note: …a chapter to move along the time-line for the story….

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Chapter 18 – Business As Usual

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Kitty was fussing about the kitchen when Eric came stumbling through the door. "Honey, are you okay? You usually don't sleep this late!'

Jackie snickered behind her coffee cup. Eric looked over at the minx who kept him awake all night. "I'm fine, mom, I just had trouble staying in bed. When I finally got to sleep, I guess I overslept. I didn't even hear the alarm."

He sat down in the chair next to Jackie and she nudged him with her knee "Good morning, Eric. How are you today?"

Eric yawned and poked her in the ribs, "You're a funny girl." He leaned closer so his mother wouldn't hear, "I think you killed me last night." She bubbled with laughter. "I don't know what to tell you…."

"Jackie honey, Red has someone from the insurance company coming over to interview you this morning. I need you to put on some clothes that are a little more…decent."

Jackie remembered she had thrown on a tank top and sweats. "Oh, okay, I'll be presentable."

Eric whispered, "As if….." Jackie pinched his leg. "Be nice. There are rewards that come with being nice." She smiled prettily. Eric whispered from behind his glass of orange juice. "I'm all about rewards!"

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Jackie listened politely while the Insurance Investigator from Red's company ran down his list of requests and she tried not to cringe when she heard him spit on pronouncing the letter "P". She was just glad when it was over.

"Do you have any questions Miss Burkhart?"

"Well, I understand the need to learn Braille. That's in case my surgery isn't successful. But, why do I need to take compressive tests when I can't see? I graduated high school, I held two jobs. I'm not stupid."

Investigator Wilson replied, "This ensures that you are not lacking. The tests are merely a formality for the company to continue paying (spit) for your rehabilitation. They will test your other senses and make sure you aren't lacking in other areas."

Jackie wished Mr. Wilson sat closer so she could kick him in the shins. She was lacking? Indeed! "When do I need to take these tests?"

"We have you scheduled for Friday afternoon in Kenosha. I'll give Mrs. Forman the address. In the meantime, here is a Braille pamphlet (spit) that you can hold on to. It's a little primer (spit) if you will." Jackie prayed he didn't spit on the primer!

"Well, thank you Mr. Wilson. I'm sure you can find your way out the door. I'm going to wash my hands."

Jackie got up and headed straight for the stairs. Her hands felt icky and Mr. Wilson reminded her of a pervert. Could he say pervert without spitting?

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Eric was re-sketching the layout of a kitchen lunchroom for the strip mall the construction company was working on. He couldn't get yesterday out of his head. Every time his thoughts strayed, it was to Jackie or about Jackie or something she had said. He was so smitten.

No, this must be what love feels like. Real love.

He didn't feel like this with his red headed neighbor, that felt like a war that had finally been won and he was tired of the fight. No, this feeling was fresh and new and just made his heart soar.

He didn't have to work on Tuesdays, so maybe he could take Jackie on a nature walk. Of course, she'd have to bring the cane, but there were lots of sounds she could relate too. Were there spiders? Better rethink that idea! Eric was interrupted from his musings by a telephone call.

"Eric Forman." He answered.

"Forman. This is Kerry Carson. I'm down at the job site, come down; I'd like to talk to you." The owner of the construction company hung up the telephone.

Eric found Mr. Carson sitting in his truck next to the payphone. He held out his hand and Eric shook it. "Nice to meet you again, sir." Eric said sincerely.

"Forman - a pleasure. The reason I called you down here is because I think we're ready to hire you as a full time employee."

Eric almost shouted, Yes! - but he remained cool. "Thank you Mr. Carson." Kerry put his yellow construction hat back on his head. "I have paperwork for you to sign in the office downtown. I'm asking you to take a couple of evening classes in drafting. You're good, but I want your drawings to be a little more standard like the other blueprints. Shouldn't take you more than a couple of weeks to get a handle on it"

"Yes sir." Eric repeated.

Kerry smiled. "Have the office get you some safety gear, I'll need you to inspect the site from time to time and it can be dangerous." Kerry shut his truck door but leaned out the window.

"I knew you had some talents and I'm glad you proved me right. I'll see you later Forman."

Eric watched the company owner drive off and he exhaled the breath he was holding. A full time job at a company his dad respected. He was in love. How could life get any better?

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Jackie was waiting on the patio for the sound of her Mustang to drive up. Red had already gotten home and was reading his paper. Kitty gave him the quick overview of the Insurance Investigators visit.

Eric turned into the driveway and saw Jackie's smiling face waiting for him. He could get used to seeing that everyday! He quickly walked around the front of the car and picked her up in a twirling hug. She squealed happily and hugged him back.

"You'll never guess what happened to day!" he said excitedly. Jackie could feel the smile on his face. "What happened?"

"The company offered me a full time position!" Eric laughed.

Jackie was so happy for him. He liked this new job and he was good at it. She knew he thought that she was his motivation for getting the job but in all reality, he did it himself. He just needed a little spur in the right direction.

Eric took Jackie's hand and pulled her to the side of the house and kissed her. It wasn't a simple hello-how-are-you-kiss; no it was a hot I-missed-you-with-my-whole-being kiss. Jackie leaned into him and sighed with sweet contentment.

"I thought about you all day." He whispered against her temple. His breath made her shiver and she hugged him tighter. "Me too. What are we going to do about this?"

That was a good question!

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The work week flew by! Eric was busy, Red's attorneys were getting positive feedback from the battery parent company regarding settling the lawsuit and Jackie was done taking the required comprehensive exams. She came home with a beginners book of Braille and a phone call that her surgery would be scheduled for the following Monday.

Kitty was so excited. "Oh honey, this is wonderful. I have such a good feeling about the new doctor. They wouldn't have called so soon unless they were sure the surgery would be successful."

Jackie was running her fingers over the raised bumps that were like hieroglyphics to her. "I can't imagine how much I'll be able to see. It would be nice to know if I'm looking at a person or a refrigerator."

Kitty laughed, "Oh, I think it's be better than that! Just stay positive honey." Mrs. Forman kissed the top of her head. "Just for fun, let's have a look at that book you got there!"

"Are you thinking maybe I won't be able to read again?"

Kitty replied, "When you were going to school you had a choice of learning a second language. French or German or Spanish, right? Well, think of this as a new language. You can learn Braille and read it to others that can't read, like children or old people."

"That's a good idea Mrs. Forman!" Jackie thought about her motivational speaker type job….this was a good skill. Huh.

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