A/N – Whew, this is a long one. Maybe this will make up for my long absence. I actually do have a good reason for not updating, though. My mom had to take me to the hospital the other day, but don't worry, it's not as bad as it sounds. I was having trouble breathing and I've had this problem in the past, but this is the worst problem I've ever had. She decided to take me after I nearly fainted in the kitchen. The doctor's told me that I have sinus congestion, chronic cough, and moderate anxiety. Which makes sense. I start my senior year in September and I've already started studying for my SAT, and on top of that I'm going to Ohio for a wedding in September and then me and my family are going on a road trip in December, a week before Christmas, and I've been trying to write as well, but it's been a little hard. I'm taking two types of medicine now, and my cough is improving and I haven't had an anxiety attack since I've been to the hospital, so that's good. But they also told me I could have an early form of asthma, so I've got that to look forward to in my future.

Anyway, sorry for blabbering, onto your reviews. Marla's Lost – I'm using the Eric can't drive excuse just so him and Jackie can spend a little more time together, alone. At least for a little while. Thanks for your review!

AmbientSpaceNoise – Jackie's birthday is on September 24, 1961, and Eric's is March 5, 1960, which makes Jackie nearly forty and Eric forty-one, or so the That 70's Show Wiki says. As usual, your review has made me beam with joy. Keep up the nice reviews, I love them so!

Alright guys, strap in, because this chapter is full of drama!

June 28, 2001

It was only three days later the Jackie and Eric were packed and ready to head off to Point Place. It took two of those three days to really convince Eric into going, but he eventually caved. Jackie could tell he was excited to see his family, but he was also very nervous. He was nervous as to how they'd all react to his sudden appearance for the first time in 22 years, he was most nervous about his father's reaction, though. He'd probably be angry at him and call him a dumbass or something. Kitty was most definitely going to cry and hug him for at least twenty minutes.

"Are you ready?" Jackie asked, her hand light on his arm.

Eric looked down at her and smiled nervously, "Yep."

Jackie nodded and looked over at Donna, who stood on the sidewalk next to Jackie's recently purchased car, a small smile on her face. She was proud of Eric for finally realizing he needed to go see his parents. It was the right thing to do.

"Keep an eye on Chris, okay?" Eric said, stepping up onto the sidewalk with her.

Donna nodded, her arms crossed, "Don't worry, Eric. I don't really see Chris as a trouble maker."

Eric adjusted his shoulders and raised his eyebrows, "You'd be surprised."

Donna scoffed and kicked her foot as Jackie joined them on the sidewalk, "You guys be careful, okay? And be nice to your sister, Eric."

Eric nodded and rolled his eyes, "I'll be sure to."

Jackie could feel the tension surrounding the three. Jackie knew Donna was still a little uncomfortable with Jackie and Eric having had a date and having feelings for each other, but she was slowly coming around.

Eric looked up at the building he lived in, "Are they both still in Chris's room?"

Donna looked up at the building along with him and nodded, "Yeah… They're still mad at you guys for not taking you with them. They really wanted to go."

Eric nodded, "Yeah, I know. I just think I need some time with my parents alone. I don't want to be worrying about a couple of kids while I'm there, you know?"

Donna nodded, "Yeah, but I'm sure they'll be fine. They would have forgotten this whole thing by the time you guys get back."

Eric nodded, "You're right," He said as he looked back down at Donna. After a moment of silence, Eric spoke again, "Well, uh, we should get going."

Donna nodded in agreement, "Yeah, of course."

"Okay," Eric then awkwardly stepped towards her and gave her a friendly hug, "We'll be back on Monday."

Eric felt Donna nod into his shoulder, "Okay."

After a moment, Eric pulled away from Donna and stepped back, giving the two girls space. Jackie then stepped forward and gave Donna a quick hug, "Tell the kids we're sorry they couldn't come."

"I will," Donna replied as Jackie pulled away and stepped back to stand next to Eric.

"We'll see you Monday, Donna," Jackie said as she started walking around the car to the driver's seat.

"Okay," Donna replied as Eric got into the passenger seat.

"Oh, remind Chris that there's some leftover pasta in the fridge," Eric said, "And tell him I left him some money for pizza if wanted some this weekend."

Donna crossed her arms and nodded again, "I will."

Eric then closed his door as Jackie opened hers, "Have fun with the kids this weekend," She said as she got into the car and closed the door.

"I will," Donna said to herself as Jackie started the car. Donna then stepped back and watched as the car pulled out onto the road, Eric waving to her with a goofy smile on his face, making Donna giggle.

She stood on the sidewalk and watched the car drive until in disappeared around the corner at the end of the street before she turned around and went back inside to check on the kids.

0-0-0-0-0

"Do you really think Donna's going to be okay with the kids all weekend?" Eric asked, sounding unsure.

Jackie smiled and rolled her eyes. It was cute how concerned he was, "I'm sure she'll be fine, Eric."

Eric fidgeted nervously and nodded, "Yeah, you're probably right…"

Jackie glanced over at him as she drove, a sweet smile gracing her lips. He looked so nervous, all the stress of this trip really starting to wear him down. She wanted to give him a hug, tell him it'd all be fine soon, but she'd have to wait to do that later. Jackie was sure this trip to see his parents would give him a new mindset, maybe it would relieve some of his stress. This was a major thing in his life that he needed to take care of and just maybe seeing his family again would give him a little bit of happiness in his life. Jackie knows he needed it.

The two of them just sat in silence for the next hour or so, listening to the radio. Eric got extremely excited when Weezer came on the radio and he cranked the volume up to really make sure he could hear Say It Ain't So.

Jackie smiled when she saw the smile on his face as he sang along to one of his favorite bands at the moment. He looked a little happier now, but that could also be because he was a little tired. He hadn't slept much the night before, his nerves really getting to him.

After the song ended and another one began, Eric turned the radio down and leaned back in his seat. Jackie glanced at him briefly before asking, "I'm guessing you really like that song?"

Eric smirked and nodded, "Yeah… I went to see them back in '95. They put on a pretty good show."

Jackie smiled and nodded, biting her bottom lip, "Yeah, I went to see Radiohead in 1996. I love them."

Eric raised an eyebrow and cast Jackie an odd look, "Radiohead? You like Radiohead?"

Jackie furrowed her brow in confusion, "Yeah. Why? What's wrong with Radiohead?"

Eric shook his head, "Nothing, I love them. I just didn't really see you listening to rock music."

Jackie rolled her eyes, "I still jam to pop music, too. I have every single one of Janet Jackson's albums."

Eric nodded, "Oh, okay. Well, that makes more sense."

Jackie gaped, but smiled as well, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Eric smiled and laughed a little, holding his hands up defensively, "Nothing, nothing…" After a moment of Eric's soft laughter, it was silent again.

Jackie, a sweet smile still on her face, looked down at the clock. It was nearly two. They probably wouldn't be in Point Place until late tonight. They'd have to stay in a hotel overnight and go see Eric's parents in the morning.

After a few more minutes of silence, Jackie looked over at Eric again. He had his head leaned into his shoulder, his eyes falling heavy. Jackie smiled at how cute he looked when he was sleeping, or nearly, anyway.

It was only a moment later that Jackie heard soft snores coming from him that made her smile even more. She was glad he was asleep, he needed some rest.

Jackie just continued to drive as Eric snored gently next to her, his arms crossed comfortably. Jackie just focused on the road and Eric's gentle breathing as she listened to the radio.

Jackie drove for about a half an hour more before she felt a sudden weight on her shoulder. Jackie raised an eyebrow and quickly glanced down to see what it was and felt her heart melt. Eric had slumped over and apparently slipped out of his seat, because his head was now resting on Jackie shoulder.

Jackie looked back at the road ahead of her and smiled. Eric's weight on her shoulder made it a little harder to drive, but she was just going straight anyway, so it shouldn't be a problem. She'll just wait to wake him after she's gotten off the highway.

Right now, she'd just let him sleep comfortably against her.

0-0-0-0-0

It was about two hours or so later when Jackie pulled onto the exit. As the car slowed down considerably, Jackie saw a stop sign several yards ahead. As she slowly pulled the car to a stop and waited for the cars to pass, she looked down at Eric, who was still soundly sleeping against her shoulder.

She had to wake him, she couldn't make this turn with him sitting like this.

Jackie placed her hand on his side and shook him gently, frowning when she could feel his ribs. He still hadn't gained any weight? Jackie furrowed her brow in concern and shook him again, but softer. It was still so thin, that must be why he's been layering his clothes lately, to appear heavier. It was nearly July and he was wearing a sweater.

"Eric…" Jackie said softly, nudging him again, earning a quiet groan from him and slight movement, "Eric," She tried again, "I have to drive, you have to move."

Eric cracked his eyes open, his arm still crossed over his chest. He peered around, looking at his surroundings and realized he was lying again Jackie, making his blush a little.

"Oh, sorry," Eric said, sitting up slowly.

Jackie smiled a little, but concern still dawned on her, "I didn't want to wake you, you looked comfortable."

Eric smiled sweetly, "Like I've said before, you're a comfortable pillow."

Jackie giggled, "I try."

Then, as Jackie turned onto the road, making a right, she cast a glance at Eric, "I'm getting a little snacky, I'm going to stop at a gas station and pick up some snacks."

Eric nodded, "Okay."

Jackie glanced at him, looking for a response, but she didn't get anything. He seemed okay with it, although she hadn't asked him if he wanted anything. Maybe he thought she just meant for herself.

It was quiet the rest of the way to the gas station, neither of them needing to say anything. Jackie parked up in front of the small building and put the car in park, turning it off before she looked over at Eric, "You want anything."

Then she got the reaction she was looking for. Eric grimaced and shook his head, "No, I'm not hungry."

Jackie sighed in disapproval, "What about a drink, want one of those?"

Eric looked down at the cup holders between them, noticing his drink was nearly empty, "Yeah, a Coke, maybe?"

Jackie nodded, "Okay, I'll be back."

Eric nodded as Jackie got out of the car, carrying her purse with her. Eric watched her as she waltzed up to the door of the gas station, and he couldn't help but look at her body. How had she stayed so fit over the years? Eric felt the heat rise to his face when an inappropriate image popped into his head and he shook his head to clear it out of his mind.

Eric resorted to looking out the window and people watching as he waited for Jackie to come back. It only took her a minute to get what she needed and pay for her stuff before she came prancing back out the door, a bag full of goodies in her hand.

Eric sat patiently for her to get into the car and when she did he looked right over at her, always happy to see her face, "I know you didn't want anything, but I had to get you something, so… Here you go," Jackie handed Eric a Snickers bar and saw him smile.

"You know I love Snickers," He said, sounding a tad like a little kid.

Jackie giggled but immediately frowned when she saw how much Eric was sweating, "Eric, you know it's almost 90 degrees out, right?"

Eric nodded as he opened his candy bar, "Yeah… Why?"

Jackie rolled her eyes, "Eric, you're sweating like a pig…" Jackie sighed, looking him up and down, "Are you wearing a shirt underneath that?"

Eric nodded, "A t-shirt, yeah."

Jackie put the bag full of goodies down and gave Eric a look, holding her hands out, "Give me you sweater."

Eric frowned, "No, I'm fine, Jackie."

Jackie rolled her eyes again and shook her head, "Eric, hand it over."

Eric was about to protest, but when he saw the stubborn look on her face he decided it was best not to argue with her. Eric nodded and frowned, but took his sweater off. Jackie winced a little when his t-shirt rid up a little bit and she saw his old scars, but she gently shook it off and waited for him to hand her his sweater.

When it was finally in her hands she looked up at Eric. He was paler than he was before and trembling slightly, he looked thinner than before, too.

"Eric," Jackie said, her voice shaky, "When's the last time you threw up?"

Eric adjusted his shirt, but when he heard her question, he looked down at his hands in shame, "Early this morning."

Jackie frowned harder and sighed, messing with his sweater in her hands, "Eric… You know you can't keep going on like this."

Eric nodded, "I know," He said, still not looking up at Jackie as he played with his fingers.

"If you lose too much weight, I'm going to have to take you to the hospital," Jackie threatened.

At this, Eric looked up at her, his eyes sad, "No, Jackie. Please don't do that."

"Then start eating and keeping it on your stomach," Jackie said, "Stop forcing your body to do something it doesn't want to do…"

Eric shook his head, "It's harder than you think."

Jackie furrowed her eyebrows, "Why do you do it to yourself?"

Eric shrugged, trying not to let his emotions get to him, "I don't know… I guess I just don't feel comfortable with myself."

Jackie raised an eyebrow at this, "Why not?"

Eric shrugged once more, "I don't know."

Jackie sighed and looked down at Eric's sweater before she threw it into the back seat. She looked back over at Eric, who just looked broken. Jackie reached forward and grabbed his arms, forcing him to turn towards her, "Eric, look at me," When he didn't do what she asked, she grabbed his chin and forced his head towards hers, "Look at me."

Eric looked into her eyes, his own watery with unshed tears. Jackie noticed he was pinching himself on the leg, a stem so he didn't cry.

"Eric, there is no need to feel uncomfortable with yourself," Jackie said, "It doesn't matter what other people think of you, it only matters what you think of yourself. And you need to know that you are a handsome, smart and very kind individual who always knows how to make everyone else's day a little brighter. Do you understand me?"

Eric nodded a little, avoiding her stare, "Yes."

Jackie looked at him for a moment longer before she leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek quickly, pulling away a moment later and seeing the tears falling from his eyes. Jackie gently wiped them away with her thumb before she slid her hands down to his shoulders. It was then that Jackie noticed his shirt was a little wet with sweat.

"I'm going to go get you a new shirt out of the trunk," Jackie said, pulling away from Eric, "After that, we're going to blast Weezer as loud as you'd like the rest of the way to Wisconsin."

That made Eric smile a little as Jackie got out of the car.

"I'm not kidding," Jackie said, reaching for her CD case and throwing a couple of CD's his way, "I've got Blue and Pinkerton. Pick which one you want to listen to first, I'll be right back."

Jackie closed the door after seeing the smile light up Eric's face before she walked around to the back of the car. She grabbed her keys and unlocked the trunk before opening it and what she saw made her angry and worried.

"Eric!" She called loudly, making Eric jump.

Eric placed the two CD's in his lap aside before he jumped up and out of his seat and got out of the car before he ran around to face Jackie, "What?!"

Jackie pointed towards the trunk, an angry scowl on her face. Eric followed her finger to where she was pointing and he immediately felt the same emotions she felt right then.

"Callie?! Chris?!" Eric cried in anger, glaring at the two sweating teenagers in the trunk of Jackie's car, "What the hell are you two doing?!"

Callie immediately retorted with, "We're hitching a ride to Wisconsin, what's it look like?"

Eric huffed and ran a hand across his eyes in frustration as Jackie spoke, "I'm surprised you two haven't had a damn heat stroke, it's like 90 degrees out here!"

"Yeah, we know," Callie said as she and Chris started climbing out of the trunk, "We were so hot we almost resorted to taking our clothes off."

Jackie and Eric both gave Callie an incredulous and annoyed look as the two teens finally stood in front of them.

Callie looked up at them, brushing herself off, "What?! I'm kidding! Jeez, lighten up would ye'? I'm just kidding around, right Chris?"

Chris jerked his head up and looked over at Callie before he looked up at Jackie and Eric, "Huh? Oh, yeah… She's kidding. She is. I wasn't. I was totally digging that plan."

Jackie and Eric both glared at Chris as Callie giggled. Chris smiled and gave the two adults amused looks, "I'm taking classes in sarcasm from Callie, if you couldn't tell."

"Oh, we can tell," Jackie said, "And I liked it better when you were unassuming and aloof."

Chris gave Jackie a look, "What's that supposed to mean."

"Oh, never mind!" Jackie cried loudly, "How did you two even—You know what? I don't even want to know how you snuck back here without anyone noticing, I don't. Really."

Callie nodded, "You're right, you probably don't. We did some highly illegal stuff to get in there. Highly. Illegal."

Eric glared at the two kids before pointing to the car, "Get in the car and shut your mouths!"

Callie and Chris both flinched, looked at each other, made a face, then walked around the two adults in front of them.

"Yes sir," Callie said, mocking a salute as Chris tagged along behind her, a smile on his face the whole time.

As the two got in the car, Jackie looked up at Eric, her face still angry, as was his, "How—"

She didn't even know what to say, and neither did Eric, as he just shrugged and mumbled to himself. Jackie shook her head and huffed irritably as she leaned forward and started jumbling through all of their bags, looking for a new shirt for Eric.

After a moment of rustling through everything, Jackie pulled out a grey t-shirt and handed it to Eric, "Here, put this on."

Eric nodded and peeled off his currently sweat stained shirt and tossed it to Jackie as she tossed him a new shirt. He quickly put that on as Jackie stuffed his dirty shirt into his bag and zipped it up. When she looked back at him, his new shirt was on and wrinkle free.

"All good now?" Jackie asked, her voice still gritty with frustration.

Eric nodded, "Yep."

Jackie nodded, "Good."

She then closed the trunk, locked it and the two both went back around to their sides of the car and got in. After the doors were closed they both looked back at the two kids in the back who were currently rifling through the bag full of goods that Jackie had just bought.

"Are you two proud of what you've done?" Eric asked suddenly, breaking the silence.

"No," Chris immediately responded, but it didn't sound genuine, "But it sure was fun breaking and entering."

Eric rolled his eyes as Callie said, "It wasn't breaking and entering, Chris."

Chris tilted his head, "We broke into this car and we entered it, I'd call that breaking and entering. Ooh! Slim jims!"

Eric and Jackie looked at each other and then back at the teens, "We're taking you back," Eric said as Jackie started the car.

Chris and Callie both looked up at Eric, their faces completely changed from happy go lucky to disappointed and sad, "What? No, you can't take us back, I've always wanted to go on a road trip," Chris said.

Callie nodded, "Yeah, come on, don't take us back. I just want to go home again, I kind of miss that tiny town."

Eric shook his head, "No, we're taking you back and that's final."

"But Eric," Chris protested, but Eric cut him off.

"Chris, don't choose right now to talk back to me, I'm really upset with you," Eric snapped.

Chris frowned and furrowed his brow sadly, "You are?"

Eric tried not to let that tone of voice get to him as he glared back at his adopted son, "Yes, Chris! What should I feel? Happy? Proud that you ran away from home without even telling your mother where you were going?!"

Chris then glared at Eric and tossed the bag he was holding over to Callie, "Like she'd even notice I was gone!"

Both Callie and Jackie looked up at this, a little taken off guard by his tone and choice of words. Eric hardened his gaze at Chris, "Of course she'd notice, she's your mother and she loves you."

Chris grimaced angrily, "Does she really? 'Cause last time I checked, when you love somebody, you don't constantly abuse them!"

Chris then threw the car door open and jumped out, storming away from the car. Callie and Jackie looked at each other and then at Eric as he jumped out of the vehicle and ran to catch up with Chris.

"Chris! Chris, come back!" Eric called after him.

Chris clenched his fists and continued walking, trying his best not to look back at Eric.

"Chris! Please, look at me!" Eric called again.

Chris clenched his fists so hard that time he was surprised he wasn't bleeding. He spun around and glared up at Eric, "What?!"

Eric flinched at his tone. He hasn't seen Chris this angry in years. Not since he lashed out at school and beat up another student for constantly picking on him.

"Chris… What happened? Did she hit you again?" Eric asked, his voice softer now, sympathetic.

Chris shook his head, "No, she didn't hit me. She was just being a bitch, as usual."

Eric looked down at the boy, Chris's face stern, "What did she say, bud?"

Chris glared at Eric, "Don't call me that, I'm not six!"

Eric flinched again. Jeez, what was getting to him?

"Chris? Please tell me what's wrong," Eric begged, wanting to know so badly how he could help.

Chris shook his head, "Why? So you can make fun of me, too?"

Eric released a breath and gazed at the teenager sympathetically, "What? No, I'd never do that to you… Tell me what's bothering you, I want to help."

Chris was trying his best to keep his face stern and hard, not wanting to show emotion, but he knew he would fail in the end anyway. Chris's bottom lip trembled and his face softened slightly, but his fists were still clenched, his hands shaking as he looked down and away from Eric, "She called me a pathetic excuse for a son…"

Eric strained to him, which prompted him to say, "Sorry?"

Chris looked up at Eric again, tears flooding his eyes, "She called me a pathetic excuse for a son."

Eric's look had softened completely now and his shoulders slumped, "Oh… Chris, you know she didn't mean that, she was probably drunk or something."

Chris shook his head, "Nope. She had only had two beers and she hadn't had any drugs yet. She was sober."

Eric didn't know what to say to that. What did you say to that?

"We got into an argument and I told her she needed to try to clean up her act, stop taking heroin and slow down on the booze… Somewhere during this argument, things got heated and she just started screaming. Screaming things I'm guessing she'd had pent up for years and never said and it all just came out in the same sentence. She just didn't stop talking."

"Chris…" Eric tried, but the boy kept talking.

"At first, I tried telling myself that what she said wasn't true, or that I was just dreaming it all, but I knew… I knew she was speaking her mind. Truthfully," Chris said, his face still showing anger, but more sadness now than before, "I just couldn't convince myself that it was all a lie."

Eric gazed at him sympathetically, no words coming to mind that he could possibly say that would make Chris feel better.

"What's wrong with me?" Chris asked suddenly, his eyes locking with Eric's, which was a rare occurrence, "Why does she hate me?"

Eric opened his mouth to speak, but Chris rambled on.

"Is it because I have Asperger's? Is it because I have anger issues? Is it because I can't make friends? Does she just hate me because I'm me? Why does she hate me?!" Chris begged for answers, answers Eric couldn't give him.

Eric then grabbed Chris's arms as Chris let his head fall, sobs racking his body as tears fell from his eyes, "Chris, there is nothing wrong with you. I don't know why your mother yells at you, hits you, and calls you names and says awful things. That's just the way she is. But I need you to understand that just because your mother doesn't show you love doesn't mean that nobody else doesn't love you. Everybody in that car over there loves you for who you are, and no disorder or social handicap is going to change that. Jackie loves you, Callie loves you, Donna back home loves you…" Eric said, grabbing Chris's chin and lifting his head so he could look at his face, "And I love you, so much. Never forget that. Do you understand me?"

Chris nodded, and closed his eyes, trying to stop crying, "I'm sorry I upset you."

Eric grimaced and immediately pulled Chris into his arms, hugging the boy tight, even though he knew the boy hated it. Chris didn't move to put his arms around Eric, he just buried his head in his chest and sobbed as Eric rubbed his back soothingly, "I'm not mad," Eric said softly.

"I'm sorry…" Chris repeated as Eric continued to hold him.

This lasted another minute or so before Chris's sobs started slowing down and his eyes were no longer producing tears. After another minute of trying to calm the boy down, Eric pulled away from him and looked down at his face, "Chris."

Chris looked up at Eric, his face red from crying and his eyes wet from tears.

"I love you," He said, his hands on his shoulders.

Chris nodded, "I love you, too."

Eric smiled a little and hugged the boy again. It was a quick hug, but a sweet one none the less. The two pulled away from each other a moment later.

"Come on, let's get back to the car," Eric said, ruffling the kid's hair, "Don't want to leave the ladies waiting too long."

Chris smirked and nodded, following Eric back to the car. Eric got back into the passenger seat and Chris sat in the back with Callie, closing the door behind him.

Jackie was looking back at Chris now, her hands on the back of her seat, "Chris?"

He looked up, wiping his eyes, "Yeah?"

Jackie smiled sweetly, "You're a sweet kid, and I love you."

Chris smiled and nodded before he turned to Callie when she put her hand on top of his. Her face was sweet and caring, "I love you, too."

Chris could feel the tears stinging his eyes again as he smiled a little wider, "I love you, too."

Callie smiled back at him and scooted closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder, her hand gripping his lovingly. It took Chris a moment to respond to this action, but he eventually rested his head against hers and gripped her fingers in his hand gently.

Eric and Jackie smiled back at the two before they looked at each other, saying a thousand words with just that one look. Jackie turned back towards the steering wheel as Eric put his seat belt on, Jackie putting the car in drive before she pulled out of the gas station and got back on the road for Point Place, Wisconsin.

0-0-0-0-0

Hours later, after dark, the group of four arrived in Point Place, but it was near midnight and they decided that Red and Kitty wouldn't be up this late, so they decided to rent a room for the night. Jackie pulled into the small hotel parking lot at around eleven-thirty that night as Eric looked back at the kids in the backseat. Chris had fallen asleep about an hour ago, his head resting on Callie's shoulder, his hand in hers.

Callie was smiling sweetly as she looked down at their entwined hands. That put a smile on Eric's face, "Hey Callie?" He whispered, garnering her attention, "Can you wake Chris? Tell him we're here."

Callie nodded gently with a small smile before she turned to look down at Chris's head resting against her. She put her hand on his upper arm and shook him gently, "Chris. Wake up, we're here."

Chris mumbled something incoherent as his eyes slowly opened. He sat up a little and looked around before he turned to face Callie, "We're here already?"

Callie rolled her eyes, "We've been driving for nearly twelve hours, what do you mean 'we're here already?'"

Chris shrugged, "Just seemed like that right question."

Callie snickered as Eric's voice broke through, "Hey Callie?"

The girl looked up at Eric, a small smile on her face, "Yeah?"

Eric looked out the windshield, "When we get up to our room, I want you to call your mother, tell her where you are and that you're okay. Alright?"

Callie furrowed her brow, "You think she's still up?"

Eric nodded, "Of course. Knowing your mother, she'd be up for days until she knew where you were and that were safe."

Callie smirked warmly and nodded, "You're probably right."

"I know I am," Eric said quietly before he looked over at Jackie, "Ready?"

Jackie nodded through a yawn, "Yeah… I'm beat."

Eric nodded, "Yeah, me too."

Jackie gave Eric a look, "What do you mean by that? You've slept all day, I'm the one that drove."

Eric shrugged, "I must have slept so much, I'm tired from sleeping so much."

Jackie scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Get out and help me with the bags."

Eric smiled and nodded, "Yes ma'am."

The two then got out of the car, followed by the two teenagers and they all helped out with the luggage. It took them about ten minutes or so to get their bags, rent a room, get a key and go upstairs and get settled in. After they put everything down, Chris and Callie immediately got ready for bed.

"We're pooped out," Callie said before she yawned and stretched her arms over her head before she looked up at Eric and Jackie, "You guys don't mind if me and Chris share a bed do you?"

Jackie rolled her eyes, "Why does it matter? We're all in the same room, it's not you two are going to do anything."

Callie nodded and shrugged, "Good point."

A few minutes later, Chris and Callie had their shoes off and were in bed and out like a light. A few minutes behind them were Jackie and Eric. The lights were out, the pajamas were on and they were all in bed sleeping in under fifteen minutes.

There were two full size beds in the room, there was about six feet between them, and about fifteen feet from the bed Eric and Jackie were using was the bathroom. Eric kept looking at it, since he was closest to it.

The group had stopped earlier and got McDonald's to hold them over for the rest of the night. Jackie already said they were going to stop at the small diner across the street in the morning for breakfast. But Eric didn't care about that right now, he felt like he needed to be sick. It was like an urge, if he didn't do it he'd be paranoid for the rest of the night. It comforted him somehow.

Eric released a breath through his nose before he looked over his shoulder at Jackie, whose eyes were closed and her breathing was even. She was asleep, or so he thought.

As he made a move to get out of bed, one foot out in the open, he felt a hand grab his arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" Jackie asked, but she already knew the answer.

"Jackie…" Eric said quietly, "I have to go to the bathroom."

Jackie shook her head, "No, you don't."

Eric furrowed his brow sadly, "Jackie, please. Let me go."

Jackie shook her head and opened her eyes, gazing at the back of his head, "No, Eric. You don't have to go to the bathroom. I know exactly what you're doing."

Eric closed his eyes and sighed, "Jackie, please. I have to do this."

Jackie shook her head again, "No, you don't. You don't have to. Just stay here with me, please? I don't want you to go and do that to yourself. Please stay."

Eric tried getting up again, but Jackie's arm snaked around his middle and pulled him close to her. He felt her head rest against his upper back as her warm arm comforted him, her small hand laying across his stomach, "Don't go."

Eric frowned, "Jackie…"

"Eric," She warned, tightening her grip on him, "I won't let you. I won't let you hurt yourself anymore."

Eric sighed and sat there stiffly for a moment, but soon loosened up and leaned into her touch, giving up. There was no point in rebelling, it wouldn't work. She was so stubborn she'd stay up all night, no matter how tired she was, just to make sure he didn't force himself to be sick.

Jackie calmed down a little when she felt Eric relax and lean into her, "Fine, I'll stay."

Jackie smiled sweetly and grasped a fistful of his shirt in her hand gently, "Thank you."

Then it was quiet. Jackie kept her eyes open until Eric fell asleep, his soft snoring being a signal. She had to keep him from hurting himself for as long as she could. The longer he went without doing that to himself, the less he would need it for comfort.

Jackie swore to herself to protect him for as long as she could. She wouldn't let him be horrible to himself. Not anymore.

A/N – Hope you liked it, I was taking some risks here. I hope you all enjoyed. But I've got something to tell ye'! I've got the plot for the sequel for this. I've decided to make it about the OC's in this story, AKA, Callie and Chris, but I'm not going to reveal too much, it might spoil it. I just thought I should tell you that I've got a plot figured out and I'm super stoked. I hope you enjoy that when I start writing it. Anyway, until next time. Have a nice day! (Or night).