February

1995

I opened the mailbox and pulled out a stack of envelopes. A card and money from mom. A Card, money and promises of a package to be delivered later in the week from dad. A card each from D.J. and Benny, they had sent me a camera between them the week before. And card from Tess with a photo of her and Jamie. And finally a card with a brown package attached to it. I pulled the package open. It was a small blue box. I opened it and gasped. It was a small pearl drop hanging on a light silver chain, with two matching earrings. I ripped open the card and read it.

Cal,

I remember how you used to love wearing your mothers

So I decided to get you your own.

Happy 21st

Always,

Eric

February

2007

That was the last time I heard from him until six years later and I was called by special request to join Horatio Caine's newly formed team. I'd dropped my gun when I'd walked into him on the way to my new ballistics lab. I couldn't believe it, of all people it had to be Eric. I thought I'd changed in the time I'd been in Tulane, and then in New Orleans. But I hadn't in his eyes. No to him I was still his six year old best friend. Just his best friend though. He was going out with someone when I arrived. Julia I think. So we immediately fell into our platonic relationship. Everything else was forgotten about. I fooled myself into thinking that what had been there before was gone now. That because I'd changed my feeling had too. That I just didn't love him anymore. Not in the same way. But as I sat there clutching his hand praying he'd make it, I knew that wasn't true. I knew I'd never love anyone else like I loved him. I loved Jake but not in the same way…

"Eric…" I whispered. "…please wake up…" he didn't stir. I tried again. "Wake up you Pollo!" after a few seconds he groaned. I smiled. "Eric… thank god!"

"No-one calls me a chicken Specially not you Calleigh Duquesne." He croaked.

"Works every time." I smiled still gripping his hand.

"My mother was right." He said softly.

"About what?"

"Nothing is going to keep us apart. You're stuck with me for good."

"I wouldn't want it any other way…"

"I love you Cal I always have. Ever since I saw you in your kitchen when we were six years old…"

"I love you too Fish-man." I said.

We had years of history the two of us. A long story. And in my eyes it was really only getting started.

Ok will I end it here or will I go again with Eric's P.O.V… let me know

Lol

Grace