Holding Eric 2016

Yep got it going all Revised and looking good, Thank’s everyone for all you’re comments and feed back along the way it’s been a real whirlwind getting it together again for California. Will be in Book form in 2017. Will

Back to Holding Eric Promo

Holding Eric Part 4 Promo 2nd
(Eric PG59 to 70) Dec 2015
All the other kids watching Eric looking out the corners of his eyes headed for the back section of empty Desks, Sitting down looking around the room with world maps and timeline history charts.
Snapping her wooden stick on the desk getting everyone’s attention back to the front, after talking with Jon now walking back sitting in the next desk placing his hands on the desk looking forward, Eric still looking over at him waiting.
“Better pay attention up Front” Jon said looking over
“Sure just checking to see if you were going to fold your hands also”
Jon shook his head not to be bother with Eric’s remarks, checking over drawing on the desk glancing over at the others not paying any attention to what she said about the civil war, moving back and forth pointing at the chalk board map, Eric smiled looking at the Chalk Board behind her desk checking out how they put it up, placing square screws with big washers around the top and Bottom even an old metal soap tray holding the eraser, tapping getting everyone attention again.
“Pay attention will you” in a low voice pointing forward.
Eric responding to Jon’ looking to the front with his hands resting across each other, glancing to Mrs. Darvan raddling on holding her book still pointing at the map, Leaning to one side checking out her desk spotting the name plate for everyone to see, someone made it in Old English type printing with her name, Leaning back grinning trying not to laugh at how the name was spelt, Mrs. Devan.
Lifting up in his seat after she heard him moving about looking right back at him before continuing tapping her stick on the board. Eric resting his chin on his hand looking out the window checking the green leaves and branches mostly blocking the view beyond them, the small kid in front of him blocking the view towards the Brown Paper covered door, sitting back upward when his eyes gotten wide knowing that feeling coming on reaching down holding his stomach trying to sit straight upward before it could start, just a second to late with sounds of hunger echoed throughout the room disrupting the whole class, everything just stopped it was total silence with everyone looking back at Eric’s gurgling stomach sounding again and again before stopping, Embarrassed looking down at his desk ignoring the stares trying to rub his belly again the sounds overwhelmed the room.
“Eyes front” Mrs. Darvan said outward and right back reading, attempted to catch rhythm to whatever lesson she was blurting out, when another big one started it was a long echoing sound that again turn everyone’s heads backwards. Eric sighed and dropped his head to his desk trying his best to ease the sounds taking slow breaths. Mrs. Darvan started talking again as if nothing had happen.
Eric raising his head only to see a young boy looking back at him. “Hi” boy quietly said smiling.
“Hey” replied Eric, trying to dismiss the acknowledgement and return to his own seclusion.
“I’m Scott” Saying it to him before turning back looking to the front, tilling backwards “She’s always been a wordy one, huh’ never seems to shut up till now” he snickered softly with a quick look back. “Your name’s Earaick?”
“It’s Eric ok”
“So why you here?”
“Shh!” Eric hissed raising his head, “You’re going to get us in trouble” his eyes whipping back across the room towards Mrs. Darvan, then to all them oblivious except Jon. Feeling it coming on again reaching down holding his stomach, this was a much higher gurgling sounds of hunger that just echoed throughout the room, Eric rolled his eyes nervously trying not to look up hearing total silence knowing he was disrupting her class, looking upward past his eyebrows watching her closing her book setting it down on the desk looking back.
“Jon would you mind taking Young Eric to the kitchen’ maybe help him out with his problem” Mrs. Darvan said outward while pointing back and forth at the others just scarcely holding back the giggles.
“Yes Mrs. Darvan right away’ Eric come with me!” Jon said Getting up keeping his head low heading to the door.
Eric scooting out almost knocking his desk over hitting the edge, being more embarrassed with his stomach gurgling followed by some whispered and giggles while walking to Jon, Mrs. Darvan cracked a small smile to Eric turning back to the others tapping her pointer on the desk. Jon already walking way ahead of him towards the stairs, Eric hurry up just behind him going back down stairs following Jon into the kitchen, Jon opening cabinets turning back pointing to the chairs then continued looking stopping at the refrigerator looking over at Eric scraping the chair from the table on the floor sitting down with more of his gurgling again.
Jon stood by the open refrigerator looking back asking. “When’s the last time you fed that thing?”
“Last night sometime I think?” Eric said resting his hand on his chin checking out the Matching red creamer and Sugar set, placed even on a folded Red towel near the back side of the table, around the table all the chairs even tucked in close with only wooden back showing.
“You Think’ you had something or you don’t remember what you had?” Raising upward looking over the refrigerator door asking.
“Maybe sandwich …. Yesterday?” looking away towards the window and cabinets
Jon holding the door shaking his head back and forth for a second looking back inside pulling a draw out ward looking inside closing it looking back over the door asking “What do you want to Eat?”
“I don’t know anything’ have any coffee or something to drink?”
Jon stood for a second looking at him “Ok’ that might explain why you were drinking the shower water” Reaching Down grabbing two Sodas.
Eric surprised looking up at Jon standing handing him a Soda setting the other one on the table “You seen me? I just needed something to drink” returning to the refrigerator opening the door, again his gurgling rumbled Eric quickly held his stomach looking back at the table.
“Next time just ask’ don’t drink from the shower that’s just gross”
“The Airport had vending Machines’ but we didn’t stop, just keep rushing through terminals getting to our planes” snapping the lid with a big his outward before guzzling it, letting his eyes water before setting it down with a big watery eyes smile of relief following a long Burp.
“Baloney ok’ Mayo or mustard?” Jon asked smiling at him waiting watching him blinking his eyes trying to see everything holding his soda away from him.
“Mustard good the spicy Brown if you got any, you won’t get in trouble will you?”
“No of course not I do it all the time, what did you do anyway?” Jon asked walking to the table seeing his gleaming eyes clearing, Setting down a White wrapped package along with a half bag of bread, to the cabinets opening a draw pulling out a paper plate and Knife holding then returning to the refrigerator getting Spicy Mustard, closing the door with his foot before go to the table sitting down, Jon looked over at the bread still on the table asking “You Hungry?”
Eric nodded his head smiling looking at the package holding his soda, Jon reach over taking the bread seeing Eric wasn’t making his own sandwich making him one, cutting it in half pushing the plate over. Watching him tear into it as it was his last meal pushing the lower part in puffin out his cheeks as chipmunks do eating walnuts. Eric heard a sigh creeping from his throat stopping swallowing hard, checking his soda can seeing it was empty frowning.
“Easy man take it easy I’ll get you another soda slow down” Jon getting him another soda sitting back down, Eric flipped it open taking a swallow clearing his throat reaching right down for the second half “You must be hungry do you want another one?” Asking watching him chew holding the last half ready to cram it in. Eric nodded yes gasping air as he push the last half in with his pinky.
“Yea’ They didn’t give me anything at the Family Center’ handing me over to Officer Nolan’ he’s such an ass he thinks he’s a big shot around us kids, we just avoid him hell he wouldn’t even get me a soda or let me go to the bathroom, afraid I’d jump out the window and make a run for it”
“Would you have?” placing four slices of meat on the bread this time with a quick dash of Mustard in the center pushing the plate over to him after cutting it in half like before.
“Sure anything to keep him from grabbing me, Thanks for the Sandwich” Already biting into it seeing the mustard on the side of his lips.
“Slow down you don’t have to rush” Jon returning everything back in the refrigerator grapping himself another soda sitting down flipping the lid watching Eric, finishing it off licking the sides of his mouth, then wiping it on his shirt sleeve, Jon frowning over seeing Eric taking his soda can rubbing its moisture over the sleeve.
“How long you been here?” Eric Asking taking a swig wiping his chin looking at his fingers
“Two years and three months” Jon spotted the knife slowly retrieving it towards him.
“What you do anyway ending up here for so long?” Sitting upward letting everything settle
“Fighting’ home problems that had nothing to do with me and a few other things, so yours?”
“Went to my Aunt’s in Denver thinking it be better!”
“Denver’ Wow that’s a Ways from here so what’ your just a runaway, is that why you’re here?” getting up taking the knife and empty paper plate, tossing the plate leaning over setting the knife in the sink glancing out the window, seeing his reflection in the glass also Eric turning back watching Eric wiping his mouth again on his clean sleeve.
“No’ My Aunt brought me back’, next thing I’m ending up here”
“They do That! Tell you one thing and do another all the time”
“Well I’ll be outt’a here tomorrow! Going to my mother’s funeral” gulping his soda down.
“Funeral sorry’ Wait a second something not right here, (Leaning towards Eric over the table) you say your Aunt took you to the Family service’s and then you ended up here, it’s just not adding up there’s no way you’re going anywhere let alone your Mother’s Funeral!” Jon adjusting sitting down watching Eric reaction holding the can squeezing it letting the moisture drip on the table.
“It’s My Mother they have too!” setting the can down hard glaring over at Jon
“No they don’t, she cast you off … she dumped you” nonchalantly sipping his soda looking over
“My Aunt will come get me” Reassuring himself nodding his head yes following with a big guzzle along with blurting outward and another long Burp raising his head back smiling amazed himself how loud it was smiling.
“You better stop that’ Not so fast just drink it slow’ hey when Nolan brought you here did he say how long it was for? And why didn’t they just take you to your Fathers or do you even have one”
Opening his eye’s wide looking over “Father’ why you think I ran away’ he killed her and I’m next” Finishing off the soda clicking in the sides holding it, looking around Jon at the doorway.
“So what happen to him?”
“They took him away’ maybe if I stuck around she’d be alive!”
“Good thing you got out when you did or you might also be dead” Jon said looking to the hallway hearing someone walking glancing around not seeing anyone turning back watching Eric playing with the empty can in the wet spot on the table.
“Maybe I just had to get out it was … (looking around Jon) who this standing behind you?”
Jon turning around “Get in here’ you know better than sneak up on anybody”
Eric watching the young girl walking in standing by the counter looking back and Forth
“Eric his name, this is Tiffany she on Medical break from school today”
Eric returning a nod watching her holding her puffy cheek with a small icepack
“She went to the dentist, had an eye tooth removed today!” Tiffany Squinting back with somewhat a smile hurry back out the door “Bye Tiffany” Jon stood up grabbing a towel tossing over to Eric, Eric wiped the table off.
“Bye’ Tiffany’ better her than me” Eric said wiping the table off
“Come on lets go’ put your empty can here in the box” Pointing next to the refrigerator pushing in the chairs, the two headed down the hallway back into the bedroom. Jon stopping at the desk thumbing from side to side in the desk draws. “Yes here it is” Handing it to Eric sitting down next to him on the bed. “We have to follow rules … I’ve got a copy here, you did look at them right?”
Eric looking over the paper surprised at what he was reading “You got to be kidding me”
“You’ve already started breaking them talking back’ it’s being disobedience’s see right here” Pointing to the number on the paper sitting more on the edge of the bed looking at him, watching his head moving back and forth on the paper as if he was speed reading it.
“Right nice rules they have … Dressed and ready for breakfast at seven, till eight and school starts at eight that’s lam” Taking his finger going down the list “What’s this Chores’ me do chores what wash the floor and windows’ not me that’s for sure they can wash their own windows” Frowning handing him back the paper laying down on the bed adjusting the pillow to his head. “What type of discipline do they have here?” moving to his side more.
“You don’t want to know what type of discipline they have here’ just try and follow these rules before you get me in trouble”
“Sure I’ll follow along anything else I should know about this place?” stretching outward
Jon got up walking over to a large dresser opening a few draws moving a few things to another draw “You’ll put your stuff in here for now, nothing gets left out, all dirty clothes go in the basket in the corner and make sure your bed is made before you leave in the morning understand?”
“Sure I’ll play along for one night” getting up scooping his plastic bag stuffing it in the draw closing it looking at back over at Jon now sitting on the chair shaking his head back and forth. ”What I put it in the draw didn’t I?”
“Look Frank shares this room also! He’s not all there in the head if you know what I mean, so if you say anything around him he might just take it the wrong way and you’ll be in some big trouble”
“Sounds like Frank trouble around here, had a few in school like him before”
“Just ignore him the best way, Dinner will be ready at six sharp just make sure your hands are clean and hair combed before you go into the dining room … whatever you do don’t sit down before Mr. Blanton signals us to sit down … you’ve got to remember that … it was one of the rules!” getting up from the chair checking the hallway
“Damn Rules” Eric’s eyebrows curled seating down in the chair “So what do you do around here anyway for you know like fun stuff?” inquired checking out the draws looking inside them.
“I’ll be back in a few just stay here and read that paper” Jon said heading into the hallway
Eric looked around the room before laying down, looking to the doorway thought for a moment of confusion and restless feeling his stomach bloating outward with a few gurgles going on, making himself burb while laying down on the bed, staring at the top bunk boards, following each little knot form in the wood as his mind began to wander in an attempt to piece together what was happening to him, his hand hit the paper picking it up next to his side reading outward in a low voice what was required to stay within their rules.
“While your here you will be required to follow the rules of the house with no exceptions, if you do not follow the below rules that are here you will have a punishment to the offence.”
“Mr. Blanton in charge of the Halfway house and will be address at all times as Mr. Blanton.”
“Children living here will be only address by their first name only, you will get along together without any arguing back and forth at any time, any arguments will be handled by the person in charge.”
“School hours will be strict so be on time for class, start time will be Monday Through Friday eight am till four pm, you will however have an hour for lunch that will be in the dining room.”
“Dinner will be at six PM sharp, you will be required to stand behind your designated seat till your asked to sit down, During the meal you will eat everything that has been prepared, if you do not like a one type of food that will be on the menu for that week you must fill out a form as why you cannot have it before the next meal.”
“The Bedroom that you will use will also be occupied by two or more persons, you will be responsible for its wellbeing keeping it clean at all times, School work will be done at the desk not on beds, you will keep the bed neat at all times when not in use, after you get up in the morning you will make the bed with all four corners tucked under the ends and pillow placed at the top, any extra blankets will be folded and placed at the bottom. Wear the proper pajamas to bed wake up time is six AM.”
“The Bathroom is for cleaning yourself and other personal needs, shower when you get up in the morning, washed your hair and keep it combed or brushed at all times.”
“Television will be in the study room and will only be on during the hours of six and eight pm, except weekends then only till eleven PM.”
“How lame is this” tossing the paper aside adjusting the pillow relaxing knowing something that always assured him that he was meant for so much more, smiling slowly closing his eyes to that place he’d always go that special place where he belonged, this time he was wondering about his new friend he made in the big green truck, then in a instant it changed to back to his last time sitting on the porch holding his hands over his ears, hearing his mother screaming at his father to stop while he was tossing things around the room, he was screaming angry at her for not buying him his Beer only bring home grocery’s storming in the other room tossing aside anything in his way, empty beer bottles pickup smashing them at the walls, Eric cringed in fear and frustration knowing what he was doing inside, sitting with his head between his legs holding them tightly to his ears, trying not to hear the screams while his tears rolling down his chin, waiting for them to calm down before going inside.
Eric staying at the side of his bed trying to hide watching the door with his heart pounding, as his father busted thru it, burring his head into the mattress closing his eyes waiting, feeling the pain unable to stop his tears rolling down along his face slowly to his chin, tasting the saltiness of it with his tong, before turning seeing his Aunt nodding it was ok, it wasn’t ok he tried pulling away from Nolan struggling hitting him, only seeing it wasn’t Nolan it was his Father grabbing him, Eric grabbing anything in reach to fight him off swinging at him, Eric tried opening his tighten eyes only they refused to open, his breathing became rapid harder each breath feeling the pain and his wet face.
Jon walked into the room looking right at Eric rustling with the pillow moving towards the bed scared looking down at the floor reaching over shaking his arm “Hey’ are you okay? Crap Eric!”
Eric opened his eyes wide pulling himself back away from a figure trying to hold his hands in front of him, Jon leaning over watching him staring at him, Turning his head to the side seeing another figure next to him again trying to focus blinking his blurry eyes a few times before making out the figure of a small boy “No o” he groaned dropping his head back on the pillow.
“Okay’ don’t move’ you’re going to be all right’ Watch him Scott”
The voice fainted away Eric holding the pillow trying to focus while Breathing deeply reaching upward rubbing his face and eye lids with closed knuckles, slowly moving upward stopping reaching over holding his arm again sitting upward his eyes seeing the figure of the small boy sitting in the chair not saying anything, still not able to focus blinking looking around slowly coming into focus looking down at the floor, focusing on a scattered array of blood and broken broom handle, he felt weak lying back down looking to the boy again before closing his eyes.

Mr. Blanton stop only for a second at the door looking in, hurrying to the bed bracing himself with one hand on the top bunk while bending down, while seeing his arm slowly lifting it placing it on his stomach feeling Eric sweaty forehead overlooking him, “Eric’ Eric wake up son Eric” Calling his name watching for his reaction, Eric slowly stirring opening his crusted eyes focusing on who was standing over him, fear struck right away thinking it was his Father squirming backwards away from him pulling his crossed fist upward to his face to protect himself.
Mr. Blanton back away quickly watching him, Jon fearing with Scott standing back watching him Squirming in the bed hitting the back wall his hands moving muttering “No more’ No more”
“It’s ok you two I’ll take care of him’ Eric ‘Eric it ok son Eric!” raising his voice pulling at his Wrists towards him pulling him away from the wall “Your safe Now no one’s hurting you Eric!”
“I only left him a few minutes” Jon Said holding Scotts trembling hand.
“Jon it’s not your fault you did right getting me” Holding Eric’s hands still trying to keep them close to him, Mr. Blanton waited watching his tears falling around his face blinking looking right at him the tears of hurt afraid swallowing hard sniffing with each tear closing his eyes feeling weak “Eric’ Eric wake up Eric stay awake son” Eric went limp falling over into his arms crying.
Eric releasing the resisting his chin shivered feeling uncontrollable trembled in emotions that he lost everything his chest felt as if his heart just racing to get out pushing on his chest slowly looking up at him leaning over him, “Eric breathe slowly’ take it easy try sitting up and breathe slowly relax you had a bad dream“
“It hurts so much! It was so real” he tried to say between tears sitting upward with Mr. Blanton helping him sit upward moving more to the bottom area, Jon Handed Mr. Blanton a small hand towel to wiping Eric’s Reddish Wet face with, lifting His shirt damp bloody sleeve upward while Eric looking down looking at it “Bump it I guess” looking over seeing the two now standing at the door watching.
“Relax you’ll be alright’ little better” Tapping his hand on Eric’s Leg smiling waiting
“I think so did I do that?” Looking over to the floor, tighten his chin in a backwards frown
“You must have had some dream’ you get them a lot?”
“Sometimes at night”
“Well you feel up to walking, Maybe we can get you fixed up?” wrapping the towel around his arm, standing up holding one hand down for Eric to take helping him up. “Jon can you and Scott take care of this please, I’ll take him to the office and nothing to the others!” Looking at both of them nodding yes, Eric slowly stood up almost falling back when Mr. Blanton reach around him holding him till he was stable “You set?”
“I think so” Raising his head to the door, slowly walking with him down the hallway.
Scott watch from the door seeing them slowly walking together, returning back at Jon pulling the blankets off the bed tossing them on the bloody floor, “That’s was scary what happen to him anyway that made him do this?” Scott asked swirling the blanket around with his foot.
“Hard to say’ let’s hurry before the others show up” pushing hard down swirling
Scott seeing that it was dried and not all coming up “I’ll get the wash bucket” turning rushing for the door before Jon could say anything to stop him only Hearing Jon “Sure Just hurry back” rolling the blanket up tossing it in the basket.

Mr. Blanton helping taken Eric shirt off after a few hold backs before letting him help him, seeing his bruised markings up and down on his arm slowly pulling it down the other arm Eric moved sideways trying to avoid it sticking to the dried bloody area peeling it open squinting his eyes, Mr. Blanton turning to Eric more seeing his back while slowly removing the shirt asking “Who did this to you?” Looking at his back bone and upper arms purple and spots orange yellow, slowly running his hand over Eric shoulder, Eric quickly shying away turning himself around to look at him not wanting to be touched again, “Eric tell me who did this to you!” Pulling the smaller chair over for him to sit down, Eric just looking at the floor not wanting to say anything reach to his arm keeping it to his side.
Mr. Blanton slowly opening a bottle applying some to his arm, Eric trying to control his reactions from being touched “My Father” pulling his shoulders inward towards his body watching him dabbing the colored cream into his palm, Mr. Blanton slowly placing the cream on his arm moving upwards, Eric watching him feeling its coolness caressing his skin, “I can’t even remember when it didn’t happened, even coming here it was the same as always with him”
Mr. Blanton absorbing what had been said` letting Eric relax more, allowing him to was the dried Blood off and cleaning his arm, watching each dressing being placed cringing trying not to shake so much, “You don’t have to fear anything here’ You’re in a safe place” sitting in front of him looking at his watered face, keeping his voice low and unthreatening “I just want to understand what happen to you?” holding his hands looking up at him.
Eric sat looking at him slowly his eyes started watering no matter how hard he was trying to hold back his tears only to see Mr. Blanton still kneeling down holding his hand, tears sliding down his cheeks when he realize he couldn’t fight this any longer, reaching up trying to wipe off the tears with his shoulder opening his eyes feeling Mr. Blanton wiping his face off with his handkerchief handing it to him, taking it wiping down each side as his breathing slowing came back became to normal looking up to Mr. Blanton “What did I brake in the bedroom?” holding out his handkerchief to take back.
“Somehow you must have broken a bed railing without you knowing it?” taking the handkerchief setting it on his leg trying to look at his chest area again hoping to see what he was hiding.
“You can look if you want” Eric said standing up with a chill shiver taking a deep breath.
Eric felt it would be ok he seemed to care about him the only other person that even cared about him was his mother, she always would come into the bedroom after a fight to make sure he was ok, his cold hands slowly moving over his bruises stopping a few times looking at his arm, carefully not to make Eric nervous, slowly touching his side just under the yellow bruised colored rib cage, Eric took a deep breath in pain “AH!” trying to remain still, Mr. Blanton pulled away looking at his face, both eyes closed tightly again taking a deep breath gasping “It’s ok go ahead” Mr. Blanton reaching up with his hand placing it on his shoulder “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt…” Eric now was leaning to one side in pain holding his ribcage “Relax breath slowly go ahead and sit back down” telling Eric watching him slowly sitting back down still holding his side frowning in pain, Mr. Blanton turn away from him, Eric looked up holding back his hurt trying to forget it watching him walking over to a cabinet pulling out a package shaking it returning opening it handing it to him.
“Here place this on it’ it will help ease the pain” Eric took the blue folded pad placing it on his ribcage making him straighten upwards with a shiver, again his eyes uncontrollably filled slowly running down his cheeks, Mr. Blandon looking down at the floor spotting the handkerchief Eric must have dropped picking it up handing it to him, Eric bent over holding the Handkerchief and Pad closing his eyes.
Returning to his desk standing for a second looking over at Eric bobbing back and forth a few times, Mr. Blanton looking back at his desk pulling over the file opening it while picking up the phone dialing outward, stopping when hearing the knock at the door as it opened, seeing it was Jon and Scott coming in Setting the phone back down.
Jon and Scott looking over at Eric bent over not saying anything.
“Jon I need you to stay here’ Scott you better come with me” walking around the desk glancing to Eric before walking out the door with Scott closing it behind them.
Jon puzzled standing looking back and forth. “Holy crap what happen to you?” Jon asking’ pulling the small rolling stool over sitting next to Eric watching him slowly lifting up holding the pad.
“I’m in big Trouble’ I’ve got to get out of here!” Eric said wiping his tears leaning back looking to the door, spotting his shirt trying to reach for it stopping in pain holding the pad.
“You can’t leave! Look at yourself you need help” Jon holding his hand outward to stop him from getting up, Eric sat back down holding the pad outward looking at his swollen chest area.
“Look I’ve got to get out before he comes back’ he knows what happen now” Moving himself sideways reaching for his shirt holding it, Grunting trying to maneuver it while his hand was shaking holding the pad’, than opening his eyes wide with a strange pressure that just consumed his chest area, dropping the shirt “Jon!” gasping for air dropping his head and body starting to fall.
“Eric!” Jon screamed sending the stool flying behind him grabbing Eric, just as he was falling off the chair “Please Eric don’t Eric’ Eric’ Help someone we Need help in here” Eric could hear Jon’s fluttering voice pulling him upward, Jon trying to hold him steady sliding off the chair helping him to the floor watching his eyes closing, Jon Hollered again “Eric’ “ in a broken voice feeling he lost him “Help somebody” again hollering outward holding Eric across his legs watching him shaking in his arms.
Jon reaching over taking the shirt rolling it in a ball sticking it under his head looking back at the door again hollering outward “Help anybody Help!” feeling his own tears starting looking down at him “Anybody” in a low voice as his tear slide down onto Eric’s chest. Raising up looking to the door hearing someone rushing down the hallway Jon with a broken holler outward “Help someone Help” watching the door as it open seeing Mr. Blanton and Mrs. Darvan hurrying right in. “He just went out’ I didn’t know what to do” Jon Said holding him.
Mrs. Darvan down on her knees helping move him to her letting Jon free, Staying still watching her checking him over stopping looking at his stomach discolored and bloating rumbling sounds before spotting his ribs and pad laying on the floor, Reaching over placing it on his ribs lifting him upwards more looking over at Jon crying. “He’s going to be fine Jon’ you did right here” holding the pad on his rib area while keeping his body sitting upwards.
“Keep him still’ Jon hand me that bag over there” Mr. Blanton said walking around Mrs. Darvan kneeling down while pointing to a black bag near the cabinet, Jon retrieved it handing it to him standing looking down, watching him it taking out a small bottle checking the label shaking it while reaching in for a package ripping it open with his teeth showing he was getting a needle, pocking it inside the bottle slowly watching it fill, holding Eric’s arm up sticking it in looking back at Jon.
“He say anything before this happen?” Holding his chin upward lifting his eye lid up shinning the light in, with the bright light flashed into his eyes “Jon what did he have to eat?” Eric only followed the light with whimpers of someone crying, it was someone familiar he knew that voice it was his Mom calling him, more flashing lights blocking him from seeing her clearly standing over him.
“Just two bologna sandwiches with mustard nothing else!” Jon said in a broken voice
“Mom?” Eric tried to speak, only found himself unable to even lift his arms to her becoming motionless again blacking out dropping his head in her arms.
“Anything else that might have caused him to go out?”
“He tried to get up for his shirt looking at the blood on it and it started” reaching down picking up the stool “That’s what I was trying to tell you about” watching Mr. Blanton checking his chest area more while Examining his breathing very slow, opening his mouth looking inside for anything that might be stuck or blocking his breathing, not seeing anything waving to lower him down, taking the pad off checking him over “keep his legs up’ he’ll be ok” Jon quickly empty the little trash can handing it to Mrs. Darvan.
“Should I call for an ambulance?” Mrs. Darvan asking taking it setting his legs down pushing his shirt aside. Waiting on Mr. Blanton closing his bag setting it aside.
“No I did already but he’ll be fine’ he’s very weak’ I’ll cancel the ambulance”
“Should we take him to one of the rooms?” checking over the bruises Mrs. Darvan. Pointing out the old ones just clearing from the newer ones “Poor Child”.
“Jon you doing ok?” Mr. Blanton asking holding the phone.
“I’m ok just worried about him’ I never seen anyone go out like that before”
“Jon come sit with me he’s going to be fine” Mrs. Darvan said
Eric was out of it laying on the floor totally lost in his thoughts of all the times that he wished he was in a happier home with loving mother wishing he had a Mother and Father that were like other parents, knowing his Mother could only do so much to help him keeping him out of harm’s way sending him to his friend’s house when she could for long weekends, somehow it didn’t matter anymore, their fighting just seemed to be every night lately, recognizing deep down he would never see her again feeling sadden, turning himself to better times when she always made sure he had a birthday cake, even if it was only a single cupcake with one candle that they’d split together, only here it was tomorrow his birthday and she wouldn’t be with him no cupcake or smiles no hugging and kisses tears fall only seeing her knowing her funeral was on the same day now.
“Eric’ Eric come on son wake up” flashing lights again blocking his view, slowly the light drifted off to the side’ clearing his view blinking a few times focusing with Mr. Blanton and Mrs. Darvan over him, shivering feeling chilled raising his head backwards, “Easy now” Helping him to sit-up more on his own. “How you feeling? Any pain?”
Eric shook his head back and forth taking a deep breath, Mrs. Darvan waving Jon over, while Mr. Blanton was helping Eric in the chair “Ok feeling a little better?” asking him handing him the pad.
“Ok I guess’ did I do something wrong I’m sorry” Eric stumbled looking at them

Thanks to our new readers for Viewing Holding Eric’ Revision here is only a sample from part 4.
It’s new Acknowledgement bringing the story back, in a much different formatted motivational moments that seemed we left out before when it was first published in 2012. Thanks again Will.

Holding Eric part 30 it’s here

Holding Eric part 30

Penny unable to sleep under the circumstances tossing and turning before sitting on the edge looking to the window pulling her robe over while slipping into her slippers, Tying her robe as she walked down the hallway stopping at Jakes room looking in at his empty bed, only a second before checking his night stand with his small cars and game he wasn’t allowed to take, Penny smiled closing the door halfway heading to the living room, hesitating looking at the front window like she did every morning seeing if Jacob had come home during the night sacking out on the couch not waking everyone.

Only the Welcome Home banner they rush to put up last night had fallen halfway down behind the couch, with a rise in her shoulders turning to the kitchen, at the sink pulling her Best Mom cup from the drainer placing it next to the coffee maker, pulling the filler cup outward making sure she set it up before turning it on, placing it back pushing on the light button while checking to see it was lit, glancing out the kitchen window to the rear yard watching the rain diminishing into small puddles before the first grouping of coffee water was sent to the filter.

Sitting down in Jacobs chair at the end of the table, able to watch the rain dew dripping down in streams on the front window glass while the sun started breaking outward among the trees branches, morning dew steaming upward as the birds played in the small puddles while finding a few worms at the end of the driveway near the edges, after a few minutes the perking stopped, Penny turn looking at the pot “Wow that was quick” getting up pouring herself a cup, blowing on it feeling the heat on the handle setting it on the table checking above the refrigerator at the clock, six thirty four; deciding on breakfast before the girl’s got up only knowing them too well grabbing themselves an English or pop tart and off they go.

Pulling the pans out trying not to make too much noise setting them on the burners, opening the refrigerator door casting the light into the livingroom brighten the walls, leaning on the door looking trying to decide ham steaks or beacon taking both out, retrieving a sharp knife opening the packages letting them slide outward into the pans, turning the flames up looking at the three pans full “Jee’s you need eggs and butter what was I thinking” reaching inside pulling out the egg package and stick butter, with only a glance before closing the door, reaching down pulling out the large griddle, flipping the beacon curling separating what she could letting it slowly sizzle, checking her mug drinking it slowly while it was still cooling off, a few strips at a time placing the bacon on a paper towel letting it drain, placing the griddle on the front two burners able to start the eggs, sure enough it worked alright Colleen walked in sitting down just barely keeping her eyes open looking to the stove “Morning Mom”

“Morning where having breakfast eggs this morning” Penny said taking down a stack of plates setting them down as she gatherer the silverware placing it on top, with a quick check to the griddle taking the plates to the table setting them around skipping her own seat, stopping at Jakes looking at the empty chair hesitant stare before setting them down returning to the stove.

“Mom I’ll do that” Colleen said watching her stopping, reaching for the napkins placing them around the table, while Penny removed the Hams setting them on a platter along with the Bacon, shifting the eggs to one side of the griddle some got crisp on the edges, cracking a few more eggs on watching them, “Juice Mom?” Colleen asking while reaching inside the refrigerator pulling out the glass jug holding it, Penny stood shifting the eggs around on the griddle absorbed to it.

“Mom Juice?” Colleen asking again’ standing at the cabinet looking over a few times with her not responding, gathering smaller glasses placing them on the table.

“Sure honey’ it’s in the refrigerator”

Carefully holding the jug so it didn’t slip from the moisture around the glass pouring it slowly, just moving the last glasses over spotting lights casting on the wall looking right up to the window seeing car lights coming in the driveway “Mom they’re here! Mom”

“Already it can’t be them? It’s too early” Penny surprised leaning back looking to the window unable to see anything, turning off the stove, Colleen already headed for the front window.

Colleen her knees on cushion, pushing the fallen banner to one side pulling it towards the front before it dropped behind the couch checking outside. “It’s Grandma’ Mom it’s not them Grandma’s Here” getting off the couch hurrying to open the door, waiting for her walking up, seeing it cleared up outside waiting.

“You’re up early’ expecting someone maybe?” with a simple kiss on Colleens forehead hugging her “Grandma you know there all coming home today”

“Yes I know’ around Noon you ready to meet him, Eric?” Colleen nodded smiling walking together to the kitchen, setting her purse down on the floor seeing the empty place setting, which Penny always sat at sitting down, looking over to Penny fixing her a cup of coffee already

“Morning Grandma’ she’s all excided all right” setting her cup down with two blue packets

“Becky is too’ maybe more so” sitting down looking over the bacon, then spotted the jug getting back up “Grandma Juice?”

“No Thanks’ Coffees fine”

“Breakfast is ready, better get your sister up! Grandma plenty of Eggs? Ham Steak also”

Colleen placing the jug back before rushing off to get Becky up, Penny cracking three more eggs on the griddle, “Over easy and some warm ham steak?”

“That sounds good, you need any help with the toast, English?” spotting the plates stacked

“No English today’ regular breakfast for a change” Penny smiled lifting the platter

“See you have Extra plates someone coming by this morning?”

“No’ just habit normal five plates” Scooping the eggs onto the plates, topping off her coffee before sitting down, only to get back up for the salt and pepper.

Colleen coming in sitting down, reaching over for the bacon “She’ll be right along she said”

“So did Jake get that pony he wanted?” Grandma asking Penny

Colleen surprised lips tighten “Grandma what pony he just got one for his birthday?”

“Dearie he was looking for one to pull the old wagon”

“Wagon’ Mom did Jake get one’ he better not have I’ll end up taking care of it also” Colleen snapping down on a slice of bacon glaring at Jakes chair.

“Colleen your Brother can take care of his own horses”

“Right so he did get one’ well he can clean his own stalls then” stabbing her eggs letting the yoke run outward among her toast, moving her beacon aside.

“Thing’s will soon be different you’ll see” Grandma said as she smiled holding her cup.

Colleen looking at both of them smirking not even looking at her. “Grandma you know something you’re not telling me? What are you hiding a secret?”

“Why dearie what would I ever keep from you” Smiling at her “Pass the toast dearie”

Becky walking in looking among them, leaning forward gritting her teeth “Egg’s we out of muffins?” sitting down next to Colleen dipping her toast in the yoke “Gross”

“Good Morning to you too’ Eggs, toast with jelly and Good Morning!” Penny said looking over

“Right Morning’ Hi Grandma’ they here yet?’

“Do you see them’ and Jakes getting another pony” Colleen busted out waving her toast

“What’ Mom’ ….  Dad didn’t buy him a pony did he?” eyes wide waiting

“Not that I know of’ beside if he did he has his reasons now eat up chores to be done still”

“Boys seem to need a lot of little things, Morning Becky don’t we look nice”

“Morning Grandma’ Jake always gets what he wants”

“Sure Just buy him whatever he wants’ he” Stopping looking over her mother looking at her tighten face “Mom’ Dad buys him everything” Colleen scooping the last bacon over stopping

“That’s plenty from you two’ be grateful you even have him after what just happen”

“Mom?” Becky and Colleen stopped surprised looking over waiting to find out what happen

“He’s fine now’ and just so you know Eric’s the same age as your brother”

Grandma sat finishing off her coffee holding the cup upward to Penny already getting the pot “Well Looks like we got our hands full this morning with everyone coming home”

“Yea he’s probably still sleeping, I can’t wait to meet Eric!” Becky smiling raising her head posing like a photo star on her finial photo shot

“Becky he’s not’ what a dork he going to be our brother”

“Mom” Becky said frowning over “Its looks dry out can we set our banner by the driveway?”

“After your breakfast and I sure hope you’re not going out in your nightgowns?”

Colleen finished first taking her plate to the sink asking “Grandma you making cupcake’s?”

“Well see’ Grandpa and Jake like the strawberry type’ I didn’t pick-up any up from the store”

“Why Grandma you forgot?” Colleen saying taking her mothers and Grandmothers plate

“I was going to get some beforehand”

“We’re done can we go?” Becky not finishing her toast

“That’s ok’ I got three boxes” Penny butted right in watching Beck leaning on the chair becoming irritating “Don’t forget you have to check the new colt stalls today”

“We will after we get Eric’s banner up” quickly smiling to the hallway with Colleen following behind her shaking her head back and forth.

David watching both mirrors pulling into the rest area getting close to the building as possible, Jake followed him around the trailer checking on the colts making sure they were holding up ok before heading up to the building together. “Pepsi Jake” asking watching Jake heading to the side. “Yes be right out”

David pressed the button waiting looking around before the bottle fell to the bottom, Another dollar and another Pepsi, taking both over to the road sign setting Jakes on the trash can while opening his, Jake came right out taking his “Thanks’ Grandpa” Twisting the cap with his shirt cleaning the top off before drinking it.

“Looks like we won’t be much longer now”

Jake taking a big drink asking “before dark?’

“Should be home just after one” twisting his lid back on ready to walk looking down, Jake quickly turn his closed walking back to the truck getting in looking for his chips, Grandpa was checking the trailer once more before getting in, seeing that Jake was already into his corn chips “Jake chips’ you’re going to get thirsty and look you almost finished your soda?”

Jake tilted the bottle frowning, setting it down in the holder folding the bag up.

“Here go get another one” David handed him a dollar, Jake hurried to the vending machine, David watching him returning trying not to shake it.

“Now were good Right Grandpa?”

“Yes we are let’s make tracks maybe will see your dad along the way”

“Didn’t he leave early?”

“Your Dad’s not a morning person”

“He’s always the last to get up at home”

“Even when he was your age’ just like you” smiling over pulling back on the highway.

Grandma Meggie frosting the last batch of cupcakes with happy faces, spotting a van pulling in “Penny dear Mail truck here” looking to the side not hearing her she got up walking to the door, opening it standing with a box.  “Just about to ring” holding the box outward for her and his small pad for her to sign “Just sign here and it’s all yours” Meggie looked up at him still wiping frosting off  asking “That’s for Mazzionie?”  Holding the box signing her name “Yep that’s what it says here Jacob and Penny Mazzionie” handing the pen back holding the box “You have a good day now” Maggie said watching him walking away, closing the door as he back out the driveway.

Taking the box to the kitchen setting it on the counter seeing who it was from, hurry around to the bedroom. “Penny dear you got a box you need to see, Penny”

Penny raised her head “Ok be right in”

Meggie went back to the kitchen cleaning up what she could, setting up the coffee pot with two cups waiting next two it. Penny came in “Sorry Grandma was just so tired”

“I know dear the box is on the counter I sign for it” Moving the plates to the side sitting down

Penny pick the box up looking opening the draw for a knife to open it stopping short, looking at the box pulling the strip open looking inside with a note on top of a brown book pulling it out looking at it.

“Look what she sent’ I don’t believe it” Penny started reading the note, sitting down smiling reading the note.

“What’s the note dearie?”

“It’s from the Ms. Waterford the social worker in Rhode Island, she said’ hesitation looking at the book handing it to Grandma, “She wanted us to have it for Eric, It’s his Album with his first photos with his parents, some extras also included a few years ago that she found. She also goes on about the paperwork has all been signed for his adaption to us and so glade she could help out, then said that Mr. Santino was very professional Lawyer inevitably swaying the judge to sign everything in such a short time than she had ever seen anything like it before, and he was willing to work with our state in relocating other youth here, oh Grandma she’s Asking if when the time came to tell Eric she was only doing what she felt was best for his wellbeing having only his best interest in mind always, and again thanking us for opening our doors to him and so glade he has a family that will care for him that he always wanted, with just her name and phone number” Meggie turning the photo album pages smiling with Penny looking at each page.

All of a sudden the front door flung open Colleen running in “There here Dad’s home’ Mom Grandma come on there here” Rushing back outside watching the car pulling in horn beeping.

Penny and Grandma stood on the porch watching them pulling up, Colleen rushing to the passenger side looking in, Becky pulling right up getting off her gator, Eric sat looking over “This is my Family now?” Jacob smiled “Yes this is your home also ready?” Eric smiled over opening the door.

Note: Computer Malfunction on 6/29/2015 just when it was going to be uploaded, it made a bang and sizzle sound, yep it lit up upright and two weeks later Tec Rodger found the rest from hard drive, thankfully we were able to place most of it back together and posted it. Remember to back up on a flash drive or a disc not just the computer. Well a new Computer helps run things faster now.

Hope you enjoy the story, we wanted to thank you for following, were so glade by the response’s you’ve sent. Only wish we could have gone on. It’s up to you to fill in what happen in your own way now. Looking forward to the next story in the works &Thanks again Will.

Holding Eric part 29

Holding Eric part 29.   Wednesday night 6:30pm

Jacob at Bert’s with Eric.  Helping wipe off his tears standing in front of him, Jacob still on one knee trying himself not to cry seeing him was like seeing Jake upset allover, Eric embracing him again,

“Come on now everything’s going to be ok” Jacob said in a low voice smiling with his hand reaching under Eric’s chin lifting it upwards to him “So you just decided to come find me right?” handing him his handkerchief while using his finger wiping down his tears, “Ye … ss but I …I had too” leaning back wiping his face off “do you still like me?” Jacob reach outward holding his shoulder “What’s not to like about you?”

Eric reached for his arm leaning into him in a soft broken voice “I just couldn’t stay they were going to lock me up” another tear rolled down his chin reaching up wiping it away waiting, Jacob turn his head seeing one of the other boys waving him back, with a nod back to him returning to Eric watching him before Jacob could say anything Eric reverberating his words “I can find someplace else if you want?”

Jacob stood up looking down at Eric controlling his tears ready to do whatever he asked him to “No Eric you cannot find some other place you’re with me now! no more running ok?”

Eric smiled thru his teary eyes leaning inward, Jacob couldn’t help but hold him again only for a second “Hey’ you can breathe easy now and Blow your noise its running” Eric blow his noise a few times trying to control his excitement, his cheeks all red and puffy yet he was smiling holding out the handkerchief for Jacob to take.  “Put it in your pocket for now”

Eric placed it in his back pocket hearing Casey calling his Name turning looking back at the yard.

“Maybe we should join them what do you say?”

“I have to tell you something” Holding his breath looking up at Jacob

“Yes?” brushing Eric hair aside looking at his watery red eyes.

“I called a few times looking for you” reaching in his pocket pulling out the cards showing him, and I told them you were my Dad sorry” slowly looking sideways upward hoping he wouldn’t be mad.

Jacob looking at his hand holding two bent dirty cards, closing Eric’s fingers holding the card “You keep the cards ok” Eric stood looking at his hand closed for a second then quickly looked up holding his hand back outward open showing him the cards again “One here for you’ I was told to give it to you” Eric handing him the other card “I forgot his name but he was a Trucker and said to give him a call”

Taking the card looking at it not sure why placing in his shirt pocket

“So I heard’ Penny my wife talked to you?”

“She talked to Bert also and it was a long time before she hung-up is she mad at me?”

“She’s very concerned for you and she’s looking forward to seeing you very much”

Eric frowned placing the card back in his pocket trying not to look up “She is?”

“Yes she was even going to come get you here with the girls Becky and Collen”

“Right your two girls’ …. You had a son too’ I saw him in the photo”

“Photo’ Yes, yes Jake he’s in Kentucky with his Grandfather”

“He doesn’t live with you?’

“He unquestionably lives with me’ he’s at a Horseshow till Monday” with a big smile looking upward seeing Casey walking towards them, Eric also turned around.

“Hello’ my Dad said to tell you to join us in the back’ Hamburgers are already getting cold”

“Ok we’re coming’ sounds good Hamburgers!” Jacob said reaching down around Eric shoulder letting Casey leading the way.

“On a Fire too … Barbequed” Eric said while smiling walking together.

Bert just taking Hamburgers off the grill as they came around the corner, “About time you two have a seat Jacob’ cold beer?” Bert looking to Herb to get him one from the cooler.

“Sound’s Good’ smells good also”

All of a sudden Eric pulled away looking up at him “You Drink?” his face dropped scared all of a sudden

“Sometimes I’ll have one not always” Jacob said watching him backing away “Eric what is it?”

Eric stood for a second as if he was dazed as both his eyes started watering staring at Jacob thru his tear.

“What’s happen Eric?” Bert quickly setting the plate on the table, watching Jacob surprised more than anything looking at Eric, Herb stood over the cooler pulling out a beer holding it looking over, Casey sat at the table holding his Hamburger not moving a mussel, Jacob turn seeing the others looking over then everything fell into place seeing Herb holding the dripping beer bottle, turning around staring right to him “Eric did something happen? Oh shit Eric I’m sorry’ Eric it’s not what you thinking” Jacob waited.

With both tears rolling down Eric rushing to him if he hit him any harder they both would have been on the ground. “Eric No matter what no one’s ever going to harm you ever again” Jacob held him meanwhile Bert handed Herb his Beer to put in the cooler pointing to it then to the house, Herb quickly placed the beer in the small cooler taking them to the house, Casey finishing his corn chips looking at his father asking “Dad what happen he was just fine” confused looking back and forth.

“I’ll tell you a little later it’s ok’ you too want cheese on your burger?”

Eric turn his head around with a nod yes, then looked up to Jacob “I’m sorry it’s just’ It just came back … why did he do it why? My mom” closing his eyes with each hurting tear rolling downward

“Eric I don’t know why I can’t give you an answer, just sometimes it happens”

“I know it just that my Mom’ why she let him?”

“Let’s talk about it later ok’ let get some Hamburgers ok?”

“I’m sorry I’m to blame again like always’ me ruining everything” starting to move away

With a firm grip on his arm making him turn back looking at Jacob pulling him back to him

“No Eric’ it’s not your fault you’re not to blame for anything that happen before”

“But maybe I could have changed” Jacob stopping him “No stop’ It wasn’t you! you did everything right or you wouldn’t be here today’ with any of us here” Eric with a big swallow shaking his head back and forth trying to pull away. Jacob holding him pulling him to him harder holding him.

Herb came back to the table just in time to see Eric being pulled into Jacob, glancing to His Dad asking “Dad what just happen’ I thought he was fine then this? What’s with this kid?”

“Herb! Leave it for now eat your burger”

“Dad what happen to his Mom? Did she run off?” Casey asking flipping the soda can open watching them

“No it was much worst’ hush up now”

Moving Eric back a little but not letting him go holding him by his shoulders just in case he wanted to run “You ready to eat something I’m starving?” trying to cheer him up changing the subject

“But what abo”

“No let’s eat and forget about everything else for a later time, there waiting for us”

“Ok” Walking over to the table sitting down next to Casey, checking around the table seeing something was missing “Where’s the beer?”

“Herb took them in the house” Casey said handing him the bag of corn chips

Hesitant “It’s ok if you want it’ I said I was sorry” Eric said holding the bag

“That’s ok we can have Soda also or maybe Jacob would you like some coffee?” Bert asked

“Soda’s good for me also, still have got quite a ride yet tonight”

“You like Pepsi? Seems that all they like around here” with a nod Yes Bert reach down handing him one waving to the food to help himself, sitting down across from him with a smile picking up the rolls seeing that Eric biting on the burger like nothing happen.

Casey reaching for the corn chips again remarking “Did you know this was an unofficial Nation holiday”

All of them looking over waiting for him to finish getting what he wanted from the bag

“Don’t let us hang little brother now like you know something here what is it?”

“It’s National Tooth Fairy Day and so even celebrate it on February twenty eight” stick a few chips in

“You’re so lame” Herb said looking away from him

“That’s enough with the insults we have company you two”

“Yea Herb do you still believe in the tooth Fairy or didn’t you get your quarter?”

“Shut up”

“Boy’s I’m not going to say it again!”

“Ok Dad bet Herb didn’t know the President Roosevelt became the first United States chief executive to ride in an automobile on the twenty second also that was back in nineteen o-two take that an smoke it” Casey said smiling reaching for another bun, Eric started laughing watching the two, Bert sat trying to ignore them.

“You read too much junk that serves no purpose at all”

“Well it does it’s what happen in our history”

“Boy’s I’m not going to tell you again!”

“You got quite a place here’ horse and all”

“It’s a lot to keep up on”

“Believe me I know what you mean, we have twenty horse and I forgot how many heifers”

“Wow you got a good size spread then”

“Mostly my Fathers he bought it from his uncle back in the day”

“Just the three of us here, we manage what we can to hold on to it”

“You drive and Horse’s so you looking for more work?’

“That’s easy it’s finding someone to hold the fort without them two getting on each other”

“Jake a real handful for me and Penny, seems he’s always getting the bunt from his sisters”

“Boys if you’re done go play frizz-bee or something no computer games till later go”

Eric finishing off his plate wanting to join Casey waiting for him to finish off his chips, Herb didn’t waste any time heading for the house after showing his father a phone jester.

Eric holding his empty plate asking” is it ok that I go with Casey?”

“Sure you don’t have to ask” Jacob said

Eric leaned into him with a nod then took off with Casey down the yard with all three dogs running with them, Jacob and Bert sat watching them going back and forth keeping the frizz-bee the best they could from the dogs, Tossing a tennis ball for them to get the frizz-bee back.

“Look if you want you can spend the night we have plenty of room”

“Really I should take him, he’s already put you out here”

“No’ it’s going to be late and if you don’t mind the couch?”

“Sorry to hear about his Mother, Penny informed me what happen”

“Bet she gave you an ear full”

“That she did, all right, He’s going to need a lot of help and support”

“He’ll defiantly get it at our house”

“You must have made one hell of an impression on him hearing what he’s done to find you”

“Hard to say what he was thinking so easy going when I gave him a ride”

“Something he wanted that’s for sure’ like being part of a family looks like to me”

“Family, he was looking at my family photo in the truck”

The two sat watching the two running around with the dogs enjoying themselves, Herb came out with the small cooler setting it down on the table, Bert watching Herb sitting down reaching for his Pepsi and Corn Chips, Bert flip it open checking inside, Jacob raising his head looking also spotting four beers around ice, Bert reach in handing Jacob one taking the other with the bottle closing the lid back over sitting back smirking at Herb. “Did you enjoy it?”

Herb popping the tab “What?”

“The One that missing here?”

“I dumped it’ you don’t like warm beer” taking a hand full of chips popping them in one at a time

“Ok your right’ just checking’ so Jacob you two staying the night

“Well it sounds good and all but”

“You can get an early start have breakfast with us what do you say?”

“I could’ you sure were not putting you out?’

“No not at all, I’d like to hear more about your Horse’s and more what you do” tossing the bottle to the side reaching for another “So call Penny and tell her you’re spending the night”

“Ok I’ll call her she’ll understand” Jacob took his beer checking his phone seeing he had bars “Well good bars I’ve to get some things from the car anyway be back in a few”

Bert holding his bottle upwards gestured to him smiling as Jacob headed towards the front, leaning on the car waiting for the phone, Penny was happy he was with him after so long, Jacob told her they would be spending the night with the rain coming in better not to chance it till morning, Penny said that would be fine as the girls are making a big welcome sign for Eric, Jacob laugh a few times as she told him that they even made him a cake decorating it welcome to the family,  Then asked if he talk to Jake within the last few hours?, Jacob worried look when Penny told him he called and said they be leaving early also dishearten because they were canceling some events due to the weather, David said even the state fair might closed, then told me that Dora was sending a truck down with the rest of the horse’s seems David bought a few like twelve horses and six colts, wondering just how many Jacob was involved in without asking him, Jacob said he’d call his dad to find out when they be leaving.

David rapping up another sale with Jake watching each horse walking bye him trying to count his hands on top of each other to the horse, mostly only getting to ten hands before they past him.

“Well Jake looks like we got another fine colt” David said patting down the brown filly

“Look’s good how many we got Grandpa? We got room for the horses?” again placing his hands seeing the height of the Brown quarter horse “Grandpa I got eighteen hands is that right?”

“No’ Jake he’s only about twelve hands he needs to mature more yet”

“But why do I come up with more?”

“You have smaller hands than men do”

Smiling down Jake nodding comparing his hand with his Grandpa’s.

“See ponies like this one is thirteen hands so it would be fifty-two inches”

“So if that’s all the bigger they get then we use them for small wagons”

“Right Jake typically the horse stands between fifteen and sixteen hands”

“Oh so a few inches more or less”

“Jake it’s measured at the withers’ more the point here where the neck meets the back” showing him the line on the back feeling his well sloped shoulders and lean legs.

“They do grow fast wish I could”

“You will soon enough cowboy” Smiling rubbing his hair.

“Grandpa they have the Junior Exhibitor show for thirteen and under championship”

“Equitation Riders seventeen and under also then will get some dinner what do you say?’

“With Michael and his Mom?”

“Dora sure we could if you like”

“Cool there moving to Texas also’ Michael said they were moving near Huston”

“Huston? Maybe will see more of them” (rolling his eyes upward to the sky)

“That’s great Huston, its Houston … Jake HOUSTON ok?”

“That’s what I said Houston anyway it’s not that far from us”

David reached over handing Jake the rains to lead the colt around the pen, Jake walked around a few times with the colt raising his head a few times, David open the gate letting him walk down to the stall’s Jake stopped at the stall door, looking down only for a second then followed David to the walking stall, checking his water and then let David finish what he had to before he join Jake heading to the ring show.

Penny and the girls working hard on the kitchen table making a banner for Eric, waiting on the cake to finish so they could decorate it, more ecstatic than normal to welcome Eric to his new home, Taping the banner on the front window so they could see it when they arrived, Now it was a tossup who would pull in first Jacob or David, after talking to Penny. Jacob called David still at the restaurant with Jake having dinner along with Dora and the kids as well, David said they would be leaving in the morning most of the shows were being canceled due to the weather coming in, should be arriving home around three along with bringing the colts and one Morgan with him.

Jake talked only quickly asking if he was there and how was he, also saying that Michael beat him on the game and they didn’t own any horses even asking if they could come down so we could all go riding, Jacob said he see what he could do of course, Jake frown handing the phone to Dora, surprised talking it with everyone looking over waiting to see if it was ok’ She just waved her hand at then back and forth sideways, seeing that everyone just started talking amongst themselves again was able to get a few words in and then finding out about Bert and his farm, she remembered him from a few years back, driving a few horses in from Texas.

Later that night Jacob and Bert sat up talking after the boys all went to bed with the dogs following right in the bedroom with them, Bert enjoy the company telling him things were slowly coming along but it was hard with the boys, picking up local jobs around town not any state to state less the boys were home from school or staying a weekend with friends, Asking about Dora saying he had a house if she needed one a few miles away and besides they were always looking for someone with people skills around here.

Thursday morning.

Bert and Herb where making Breakfast, the smell of eggs cooking woke Jacob up sitting upward on the couch looking around the room adjusting his eyes to the sunny day starching looking back towards the kitchen. “Good morning sleep well” Bret asking

“Didn’t wake once, is that the right time?” looking at his watch putting it on

“Sorry we get up early around here”

“Do you sleep late we don’t always good to start your morning early so you get the full day out of it” hh said placing plates on the table.

“Eric up?’

“Been up with Casey over an hour or more should be in any time”

“Six-thirty and sunny great” Getting up walking to the window, then headed to the bathroom just as he was folding his blankets adjusting the cushions.

Bert sitting down at the table saying “Coffee’s hot when you’re ready”

Jacob just nodded back setting his duffle bag on the couch before heading to the kitchen, sitting down   filled his cup asking if he wanted cream or milk, refusing just sugar fine looking to Bert.

“He likes cooking’ said he’s going to be a chef someday”

“Why not’ Chefs make a good living”

“Here they come” Bert said just as the door flung open with Casey trying to get in before the dogs did making the door crash into the wall, Eric cracking up laughing coming in right behind him, dogs running in the kitchen as Herb was bring everything to the table, “You must smell food” he said watching Michael sitting down smelling over the table. Eric sat down next to Jacob smiling up at him.

“Boys wash up” Bert said

Hurry to the bathroom returning all clean hands and face brushed hair sitting down, Eric looked at the plate asking “Rice?” Herb looked “No it’s Grits in butter”

“Do I have to eat it, I’d just like eggs and toast ok?”

“No bacon? Bert holding the plate over

“O’yea I like beacon’ ok if I have three?”

“Have four if you want Eric there’s plenty”

Eric looked at Jacobs’s plate seeing he also had three taking three himself, Jacob didn’t have any grits asking “You like grits?” Jacob just shook his head no, Eric smiled looking up seeing Casey holding the bowl of potatoes towards him, taking a few passing them down.

Casey gave Eric a few things that he outgrown, even giving him his old backpack, Jacob shook hands thanking them for everything for complete strangers that not the case anymore setting up to meet again, Jacob gave Bert, Dora’s number so maybe that could set something up, making suggestion that they all get together at the farm and have one big cook out, Herb might even Show David a few things, they chuckled on that, Eric sat it the front seat waving as they pull out.

David and Jake heading back way before Jacob was even up starting out three in the morning to avoid the heavy traffic, Jake fast asleep next to his Grandpa after they talked about Eric living with them, Jake even asked his mom to take down all the covered mirrors not to tell him why, light rain crossed the windshield with only truck lights heading both ways

Just a quick Thank You to everyone here so glade you enjoyed the story with only one part left we must end this story even know we could go on about it there was so much left to say but as it is we must move on. So will be getting out the last part before the end of June. Thanks again. Will

Holding Eric Part 28

Holding Eric part 28.

Dora pulling in just as Jacob and Jake had just started walking from the car after they dropped David off at another arena, Dora smiling over to them while parking, the two went over to the car Jake right over to Mike checking his game level, Tora spoke out fifteen I’m still on ten, before Mike could even show him, walking together towards the buildings Jacob looked over at the three only looking up a few times while walking “Jake behave I’ll see you in a few” Jake only nodded back stepping up on the bleachers together.

Jacob followed her inside with only a nod walking past the elderly lady still filling out little pink call back slips looking over her chain glasses then back to what she was doing, Jacob sitting at Dora’s her desk waiting for her to get things setup, Dora, Brought over two coffees sitting down “So The boys in Texas now and you have to go?” holding her cup waiting

“Well yea’ it’s important to him that I was there when he arrived” felling the hot Styrofoam cup

“You just drove to the hospital thinking it was him’ now you’re heading home to see this boy?”

“He’s needs someone’ Penny been home doing everything already that she can”

“I understand that Jacob’ but what do you know about this boy anything”

“Eric’ well he’s just looking for a family I guess” another slow sip setting it down.

“Hell Jacob we all want a family even me with the two kids, sometimes you can’t have it all”

“Your so right Dora’ the boy is different alright he’s doing whatever it takes to have a family”

“So why did he pick you?”

“Must have been something giving him a ride’ showing him I cared, I don’t know”

“Wow Jacob where were you all my life when I needed someone?”

“Texas” With a big smile sipping on his hot coffee

Dora smiled back reaching over tapping Jacobs hand, stopping short hearing ahem from the desk, looking over seeing the elderly lady holding the phone with a frown at them “We’re good here you got something for me?” waiting she just return to the pink papers, Jacob looking over also before turning back to Dora “Look I should go’ I’ll check on the kids before heading to the stalls” Standing up looking around for the trash can, Dora pointed behind him, Jacob tossing it inside, “Talk to you later” walking towards the door. “Ok but make sure you see me before you leave” with a nod back and one to the elderly Lady looking over her specked glasses sideways.

Jacob found the three watching the show from the higher seats looking down Mike nudged Jake pointing down “Hi Dad” Jake said setting on seats making his way down the bleachers. “Dad see the mare over there Grandpa just bought her see he’s looking at another right there” pointing over to David checking over an all-black Morgan lifting each hoof.

“You ok here! Minding your Grandpa” looking outward also watching David

Jake Smirking back “You leaving already’ can’t you stay just a little more?” waiting for him to look down

“Jake we need to talk about something have a seat” the two seating down watching David checking over the horse with the owner.

Jake sat looking over a few times with his eyes sideways asking “Dad what I do?” knowing something was up by that expression on Jacob.

“Nothing Jake you’ve been good” reaching around Jake holding him inward.

Jake looked up “What is it Dad … Mom said I could stay or do I have to come home?” fearing the worst time possible leaving without seeing the big show.

“You’re staying with grandpa but remember the boy we talked about” surprised looking back over

“Yea some of it did he do something?”

“Well yes in a way”

“What he do” getting his full attention

“He wants to live with us” Waiting looking down.

Jake snapped back puzzled looking “But he’s real not a ghost …why did he scare me then I don’t like him dad he’s real scary boy”

Jacob took a deep breath more stun at his remarks “His name is Eric and he needs are help Jake”

“Why us’ he has his own family let him stay with them” Jake sitting upward checking the bench

Jacob looked to the horses and back to Jake “Jake he has no family”

“Well he’s not staying with us!” huffy starting to get up all upsetting

“Sit back down!” Jacob quickly said pointing his finger at the bench, Jacob had seen this before but always tried to avoid it, from his own passed growing up, trying not to let him explode.

“I don’t want him around” he snapped sitting back down looking downward at the lower benches

“Jake this is not like you’ Eric needs us and he needs you also”

“Me … no he scared me that’s what he wants to scare me” banging his feet on the bench.

“Stop’ Jake’ Eric is coming and not to scare you’ that’s why I had to leave before”

Trying not to look over studying more on his feet moving up and down like small hoofs in the sand stopping looking over hesitating  “What … But I thought you had a business thing?”

“I was at the hospital in St. Louis looking for Eric” bring it up making the situation worse than it was before then seeing Jakes eyes squinting with his puckered lips with a quick look over only asking

“So that’s where he’s at?”

“No he’s in Texas, and will be at our house later today”

“Texas how he get there … what’s he want with us anyway?” getting more snappy in his voice

“He’s just looking for a family Jake”

“Why he pick me to scare then let him find another family to go scare” glared back waiting for the conflict between them to start again getting angrily in his voice ready to dish it out again

“Jake sit down and listen to me Eric will be staying at our house’ is that clear?” firm voice right back pointing to Jake to sit down.

Jake turned away, Jacob reach over taking his shoulder arm turning him around “Listen Jake I’ve gone easy with you to a point, this attitude has got to stop your older now” releasing his arm watching him sitting upright holding his arm looking at him definitely. “Jake it will be like having a twin brother”

“Twin brother’ I’m me not a twin” snipping back

“Ok then’ I’ll go home and send him on his way back in the streets to live ok?”

“But way’s he got to stay with us?”

“He needs a home”

“Why can’t he go back to his own home?”

“He doesn’t have one’ He lost his parents and his home”

“The streets no home and no Mom or Dad?”

“No One Jake he’s all by himself, that’s way he’s hoping will take him in”

Jake sat looking around the bench then back up waving to Mike and Tora, checking out what Grandpa was doing, then over to Jacob “Dad what about Dana won’t she get mad with another boy in the house?”

“No she’ll be fine with it, beside now she’ll have two of you to pick on that’s if he can stay with us”

“If’ thought he was going to stay?”

“No not if you don’t want him to’ your still number one son”

“Why do I need to say whether he can stay or not, that’s up to you and Mom not me!”

“You have the final say yes or no, maybe you could meet him first before you make up your mind”

“What about the show Grandpa was looking forward to showing me stuff?”

“You can stay with Grandpa’ but I need to go home and see him”

“Ok let him stay if he needs a home ours is good’ where’s he going to sleep?”

“Well find room don’t worry”

“He can stay in my room as long as he doesn’t scare me, maybe he could ride my go-cart”

Jacob reach over pulling him inward holding him, the two watching Grandpa looking over horses.

Jacob called Penny and found out Eric would be staying the night playing a few games with Bert’s two boys and get letting him rest before they came down in the morning around Tenish, Jacob could drive over and Pick Eric up, Penny suggested he might call Bert ahead knowing it would be late before he got to the house, Jacob said he would call him right after talking to her, Jake was ok about Eric they had a little talk and he wanted to share his room as long as he didn’t scare him anymore, Penny smiling informing him that Mr. Santino was meeting them on Monday in Town and wanted to meet Eric, seems he has to sign legal papers as well, along with giggly girls waiting to meet Eric as there New Brother.

Jacob said he would call her and let her know when he arrived at Bert’s, Not even out of the lot talking on the phone while it charge on the cord, talking to Bert finding out about Eric helping with the meals and even help with feeding the horse’s, Bert said that would be fine not to worry about what time he arrived, being morning he might even make it for dinner, Eric wanted to have a cookout, Jacob said he’d see what he could do if traffic wasn’t too heavy. Next thing they were talking about runs back and forth seemed Bert was also a driver transporting Horses to Shows, he would have made the show this year only he had to make several runs to Henderson Nevada for highlight show otherwise he would have made the trip to Kentucky. After twenty minuets’ talking Jacob was on his way stopping for gas and coffee to go.

Arriving at the local grocery store picking up fresh hamburger, rolls, cold cuts and large bag of potato chips with Eric, before picking up the boys from practice Bert pointed them out on the field arriving just before the end, Casey rushing over eager to meet Eric of course Herb the oldest just shook his head pointing to the rear, Bert only said his dad was picking him up and might show up for dinner, Casey and Eric sat in the back seat while Eric was telling him all about his adventure getting here, seems it was more like embellishing a few times with the drivers, funny Eric leaving out the Bear and armadillo of course, Casey shown him around the farm even helping with his chore’s letting Herb and Casey take care of the horses while he watched Bert setting up the Barbeque, Eric watching every move he was making, remarking he had only seen it done on Television never in person, Bert was surprised then explain about Barbeque cooking from cooking on a stove, letting him roll the Hot dogs a few times even trying to turn a burger or two. Eric even tossed around a Frisbee till the dogs decided to run off with it.

Sitting on the round wooden table having Hamburgers when the dogs stopped short what they were doing rushing around the house, All of them also went to see who was coming in the driveway, They didn’t recognize the car, Bert just Smile with his hand on Eric shoulder “Eric your new Dad has arrived” Eric face drop from his cheerfulness looking up at him and back at the car slowing down stopping, Eric’s eyes started watering seeing him getting out, Bert stayed with him walking over, Jacob held out his hand to Bert while looking down at Eric wiping his chin

“You must be Jacob?”

“Bert right?”

“You know this little guy?” Eric slowly looking up tears running down his chin

“What’s this don’t you know me?” lower down on one knee in front of him.

Eric wiped his tear with his hand reach outward, Jacob reach right over embracing him, letting him hold him as tight as he wanted to, Bert waved the boy to the rear with a thumb pointing to the rear walking back with his boys. Jacob rub his back a few times letting him get it out of his system.

Holding Eric part 27 Wow have we got news

Holding Eric part 27.

Hello everyone Thanks for everything, This has been a very busy week as Holding Eric has gone to Paramount Production after so long time wanting this story I gave in’ we will be working reviewing together over the next few months with the technical services as well. Don’t worry we will finish off with Part 30. So again I thank all of you for the following making Holding Eric worth the time to read to so many response’s on the internet. Will.

Starting out the story on August 21^st Wednesday mid-morning

Crushing the can checking around for the trash, Bert pointed to a bag near the door with uncrushed cans inside, with a cringed look over at the bag getting up placing it inside, looking down the hallway  before sitting back down waiting.

Bert finally was able to get a few words in after hearing about Lawyers and everything about Eric “Penny’ Eric’s fine and looks fine he’s has been thru a lot I understand”

“Great he’s something all right how he’s managed to get as far as he has without getting pick up already by somebody before this I don’t know’ he’s so young” Bert cutting her off “Penny’ Penny I’m just outside Houston a few hours away’ I could drive him down as soon as my boys get out from school”

“Right what was I thinking’ My husband was looking for him in St. Louis and just drove back to Kentucky they’ve been at the Horse show there”

“No that’s quite alright I understand about horse shows been to a few myself”

“No it’s no problem I can bring him’ really it’s no problem” looking to a pad on the table pulling it over

“That’s great I’ll call my husband and let him know’ you’ll be bring him here”

“Right now I believe Eric needs to get some rest and cleaned up, we should be starting out around five’ o’ wait the boys have practice so it won’t be till seven before we could leave, tell you what if its ok I could drive him down in the morning would that be better? Or you could come here before night fall?”

“Yes perhaps he should get some rest’ you sure he’s no problem staying the night?”

“Sleeping in some woods the past few days he a little ragged, I’d feel better knowing he was rested”

“Thank You Bert’ you’re a life saver”

“Well take my number and give me a call in the morning or later if you like”

“Let me get a pen’ seems there’s never one around when you need one’ my boys are always taking them for one thing or another’ ok found one” opening a few cabinet draws before finding one returning to his seat. Exchanging Numbers.

Eric waited looking out at the horse’s in the field again, Bert smiling over seeing he was enjoying himself. Penny went on giving him Jacob’s number also just in case Eric wanted to talk to him, Bert hurrying trying to get her off the phone “Ok will see you then” Holding the phone outward for Eric to hang it up relaxing looking at the paper, Eric sat down looking over at it while brushing the crumbs in a pile, Bert clean off the table placing the coffee pot back on the counter “Boy she talks a lot’ hope you know what you’re in for kid” smiling over waving for him to follow, “Eric you’ll really need to wash up and get into some clean clothes”

“Clean clothes? Wash up?” checking his pants over frowning at the wheat and mud

“Yes that’s what I said Shower and clean clothes” nodding yes waving his fingers to follow walking into a bedroom, Eric looking around among the Baseball posters and bedspread everything baseball, Eric started for the bed just as he was going to sit down on the bed “Don’t sit on Casey’s bed I’ll never hear the end of it” Bert open the closet door waving his hand towards shirts hanging “Any color you like Blue or Green?” turning back looking down at Eric dumbfounded with his shoulders rising upward.

“It doesn’t matter Blue’s good” Gratefully looking them over, Bert lifted a short sleeve handing it to Eric, turning to the dresser opening draws pulling clothes out setting them on top, stopping looking back Eric just watching dangling the shirt hanger on his finger, with a snap outward opening pants checking to see if they were big enough draping them over his waving arm, getting the rest. “Ok this should do you’ shower that includes Hair and place yours in the hamper not on the floor”

Bert walked out of the room heading back towards the kitchen, Eric stood in the hallway watching him at the counter, with a quick look at the screen door then into the bathroom, overly clean room with small green rug on the floor and towels placed neatly on the rack, placing everything on the toilet seat checking out the Mirror “Right dirty I am”  tossing his hair back frowning, pulling down a wash cloth and towel from the shelf setting them on the sink reaching over checking the shower before bending down turning it on, watching the water while getting undressed, stopping just before getting in looking back at the door hearing the screen door closing, slowly opening the door peaking around outward first at the kitchen turning back at the screen door seeing Bert sitting on the steps with the dogs running up to him.

Penny wasted no time calling Jacob waiting with it going to voice mail, frustrated hanging up calling David, He pickup on the third ring “Hi Penny” Penny with a slight smile relived asking “Jacob around his phone went to voice mail?” eye’s wide looking outside the window “Hold on” David sitting at the table handed the phone over to Jacob “Your Wife” going back to his breakfast.

“Hi honey phone charging”

“That’s fine you will get another phone when you back’ and I’ve got some news for you”

Jake wanting to talk excided waiting on the phone watching him, David pointed down to Jakes plate, Jake frown slowly taking a bite. “Jake wants to talk to you when were done so is it Good or bad?”

“Good news he’s here in Texas!”

“At the house now?” suppressed looking over at David

“No a Mr. Gallagher said he found him, told Eric called here”

“So where is he?”

“Just outskirt of Houston so When you headed home’ today? He’ll be here looking for you!”

Dropping his fork looking over to Jake “Ok’ will be heading home then!” moving his plate aside

Jake stopped eating looking up “No you said we could stay till Sunday Dad!” tossing his fork on the plate

“Jake we have to go home”

Pouting turning lowering his head, David reach over bringing closer to him looking at Jacob.

“No’ dad were supposed to stay you said we could” looking away saggy his shoulders

After shaking his head watching Jake with his Grandpa “We still have the rental till Monday”

“Monday Jacob’ No you need to come home he expecting to see you”

“Honey we just can’t drop everything and head home”

“Jacob you started this with Eric’ he’ll be here tomorrow!”

“I understand that’ I could drive the rental home but … could Jake stay here with Dad?”

Jake quickly turn looking over with David waiting to see what she said

“Jacob your too soft’ how many times Jake gets his way’ that boy’ Let me speak to him” looking around the kitchen at dirty dishes holding the phone smiling at photos on the refrigerator of the kids playing.

“Jake your mom?” Jacob holding the phone to Jake pressing his lips together staring at his plate not wanting to take it looking away, David with one finger getting his attention pointed to the phone, Jake frowned reaching over taking it with his upset voice “Hi Mom why can’t dad just come home I want to stay with Grandpa It’s the big show and I’ll be fine and Grandpa can watch me” broken voice frowning waiting.

“Jake if you want to stay and come home with your grandpa its ok’ I miss you”

“Mom it’s the real big show event please can’t I stay? Give me gimmy kiss’ Love you Please”

“I said yes Jake’ behave and mind your grandpa ok dear?”

“Thanks Mom I’ll stay out of trouble’ I’ll be good” handing the phone back to Jacob smiling with his tong hanging outward nodding “Grandpa I can stay’ we won’t miss the show” picking up his fork cutting his sausage link smiling.

“He’s better’ so you told the girls about you know who’s coming?”

“Yes there taking it well and how’s Jake taking the news?”

“I … Sort of told him in a roundabout way” looking over at Jake trying to hear what she was saying now

“Who’s coming Dad?” Jake asking looking back and forth at the two of them “Who coming Grandpa?”

“I’ll tell you after quite’ finish eating” David said getting his attention back.

“Hello Jacob you still there?”

Holding the phone hesitating “I’m here”

“Really’ what’s going on Jacob that you’re not telling me something besides the show?”

“Well Yes’ one of the workers here from the office’ Dora her name and she’s bringing her two children by in the morning so Jake can have someone more his age, she’s really good with Jake.

“Dora’ she called me telling she was helping Jake”

“Well we all went for dinner last night I told you didn’t I?”

“Jacob you did and did you hire her?”

“Sort of’ she’s moving to Houston she can help selling some of the horses”

“You told me’ look have a good time just becareful, as soon as you get here we got a few papers to fill out that need to be brought in and filed in courthouse”

“I understand honey’ he’s been thru a lot for his age ‘just thing if it was Jake”

Jake looked over only hearing his name “Me I didn’t do it dad”

“Drink your juice Jake” David said hurrying Jacob up as the waitress took the empties refilling there cups.

“I be home soon I’ve got to go don’t worry’ I’ll call when I’m ready to leave”

“Ok’ give my gimmy kisses to Jake and thank David for me”

“Me too love you” Hanging up handing the phone over reaching for his coffee.

Bert turned seeing Eric at the door holding his shoes “Set them here in the sun and get yourself a soda”

Eric without hesitation retrieved a soda, returning sitting on the porch next to him watching the dogs playing. Bert smiled over “You look a lot cleaner’ feel better?” checking his messy hair over

“I needed a good shower, his clothes fit, and your Casey around my age?”

“Casey’s almost twelve mostly outgrown his clothes already”

“He won’t mind me wearing his stuff?”

“No’ he won’t mind”

“So you ran away? And heading to the Mazzionie’s?”

“Trying anyways”

“So think you’ll like it? Penny seems pleasant even if she talks a lot” Smiling over watching Eric wiggling his toes in the sun light, Eric smiled back taking a swig setting it down on the water ring, looking around the yard rising up a little spotting more horse’s.

“The dogs don’t bother the horses?”

“No they get along good together, let me ask you something Eric why did you leave?” Eric frozen glancing over “Its ok she told me some of it’ didn’t sound like a fun place to be anyway right”

“It was the pits’ and juvenile was there next order of placing me, so I ran away’ besides I’ve managed before” taking a deep breath laying down on his back checking the porch boards, pulling himself up by his fingers gripping the edge sitting back up.

“Well you’ve been thru a lot the past few weeks” reassuring him watching him tensely gripping into the wood edge turning his fingers white, his dazed eyes closed “Eric it ok son you’re going to be living with them, Penny already said you were so you can relax a little”

Eric looked up shocked “She did and Jacob?” relived relaxing his fingers reaching for the wet soda can.

“I’ll be taking you’ how’s that sound?” waiting watching him finishing off the can without crushing it this time setting it down nodding yes, wiping the drippings on the pant leg.

“That be great we leaving now?”

“No in the morning’ you’ll stay here the night and get some needed rest”

“Is it far from here?”

“No about three hours’ drive’ the boys have no school till Monday, sure they’d like to meet you also”

“No school?”

“Teacher’s planning days so they have a long weekend”

“You like cookouts?”

“I’ve been to a few not many”

“Will have one tonight

“Tonight’ you mean you can have one here whenever you like?”

“Of Course we can anytime”

“Up north we can’t city zoning something that’s what I was told anyway”

“Hamburgers maybe hotdogs or whatever you like how’s that sound?”

“Cheeseburger’s ok?”

“Sure I’ll take you to town we can stop and get a few things for tonight and pick up the boys from practice, then will start the cook out will even have ice cream”

“Great’ Ice cream too” smiling checking his shoes “it’s not been that easy getting here’ last night was so scary this space monster came out at me with its glowing eyes and a leather coat, it was so long and moving its legs right at me” holding his arms and hands outward showing how big it was, Bert smiled moving his head back and forth trying not to laugh at him.

“It almost got you did it” cheeks getting red from grinning smiling over

“It did’ it was after me, so I ran as fast as I could getting away from it”

“Did it follow you?” spilling some of his coffee on the step

“No I found a place near the creek and stayed the whole night waiting for it to show up”

“Eric that was an armadillo not a space monster” smiling not able to drink his coffee setting it back down, reaching over rubbing Eric messy wet hair.

“I washed it and had to do it again so much dirt just spinning around the drain”

“You needed a showed”

“I put the clothes in that box thing and folded the towel setting it on top that ok?”

“Fine’ anything in the pockets that you’ve forgotten?”

Eric’s eye open getting right up rushing inside, returning holding his bill’s and Two Cards

“You have two cards?”

“One from another trucker who gave it to me for Jacob” holding the card so he could see it

“Did the driver say why he gave you the card?”

“Just so he could call him I guess”

“Did you do something that made him give you the card?”

“No he just gave it to me he was friendly making sure I was ok before he left”

“So you just got rides all the way here”

“Pretty much … some walking, and sleep in alleys other than the trees”

Penny sat down with papers in front of her holding the phone as it rang

“Santino Law Firm how may I direct your call?”

“Mr. Santino”

“I’m sorry he’s out of the office right now would you like to speak top someone else?”

“Maybe do you know who’s handling the Leiski or Mazzionie case?”

“Sure hold on” placing her on hold “That would be Sean Bradley he’s here would you like me to transfer you?”

“Yes please I’m calling from Texas”

“Yes hold on”

Holding hearing music waiting checking what papers she had, while Bradley pulled the file sitting down pushing the phone button “Hello Mrs. Mazzionie I may I help you”

“Are you working on The Leiski case?”

“Yes I’ve worked with Mr. Santino on the Family court case”

“Fine Mr. Santino said we needed to get the paper work started before he got here’ well he’s here”

“What Eric’ there now with you?”

“No he’s here in Texas, arriving in the morning or around noon” thumbing over her papers.

Stopping from his folder looking to the doorway seeing Mr. Santino waving him in pointing to the folder, walking in seeing the folder waving for the phone.

“Hello this is Mr. Santino how’s everything?”

“Great Eric here in Texas”

“He made it well that’s good news”

“Good? what about the social worker is she coming for him?”

“That’s not going to happen Mrs Mazzionie”

“So were good’ no one coming looking for him?” holding the phone waiting

“No he’s out of their jurisdiction’ so they say besides costing the state to much to take him back to Rhode Island just to place him in a juvenile facility till he was eighteen”

“So what’s our next move than?”

“Is he with you now?”

“No he’s here in Texas, arriving in the morning or around noon”

“That’s a good sign, will file a few more papers and will see you say Monday that good for you?”

Hastate looking down shocked “Monday?”

“Sure around Ten and bring Eric I’d like to meet him also”

“Mr. Santino we live in Texas”

“Yes I know’ Say lunch in town’ I’ll call when we arrive and set up a place”

“That be just fine’ Will have lunch”

“Good will see you on Monday Mrs. Mazzionie you have a good day now”

Penny just smiled at the phone hearing it disconnect sitting back in the chair with a big smile.

“Lawyer’s they don’t know if there coming or going’ Lunch Ta Ta” Smiling closing the folder.

Holding Eric part 26

Holding Eric part 26. August 21^st Wednesday

Eric pushing the wheat as tall as he was aside reaching the roadway, looking straight ahead into the brighten sun area while walking towards the opening spotting two farm house’s off in a distances lifting his head more checking looking along the wooden fence towards horses back in the field Eric Smiled, Then suddenly below there was no step sending him in a downward fall towards the pavement, with his palms outward bracing himself hearing screeching tires following with blaring sound of a horn, Eric turning his head seeing the car as he was falling, closing his eye seeing only the bumper while hitting the pavement.

Laying on the ground looking at his hands white with small stones on each palm trying to brush them together letting the rock fall off, glancing sideways seeing the bumper raised his head turning around spotting a man standing over him wearing a western hat holding his hand outward to Eric.

“You ok?”

“Yes Sir just fell”

“Thought you was a deer coming out of the field’ did I hit you?”

“No just fell or something?” with a deep breath rubbing his hands off on his pants.

“You must have lost your step in the ditch”

“Ditch, oh yea, the ditch” looking back seeing the incline in the ground

“You need a ride?”

“Where am I anyway?”

“You sure I didn’t hit you?” Eric frowning with help standing up.

“No I fell’ I was taking a short cut thru the wheat”

Lifting him from under his arm, while checking his hands over seeing they were hurting.

“Short cut that’s strange’ come on I’ll give you ride home I’m Bert and it’s only a scratch”

“What? Oh Eric’ Hello”

“You only scratched them nothing broken no blood your fine” checking over his dirt mixed pant legs.

“Right it just hurts like hell”

Bert smiled gestures to the car, the two walking to each side Eric soar lifting the handle looking back and forth along the roadway opening the door, hesitating for a second before bending down looking in.

“Well you coming? Where’s home?” One quick look around before getting in.

“You need to wash your hands’ so where’s your house? What street?”

“I don’t exactly live around here I’m!” keeping his head low better

“You don’t live around here? Where are you from?” frowning slowing down

“Logan” tilting his head upward

“How’d you end up here? From Logan?” Driving around the UPS Van

“Drove here then the car broke down” checking the Van over seeing what the guy was doing inside

“Ok’ so what now then? You heading home or going someplace?”

“Was heading to the truck stop for something to eat”

“Truck stop?” only glancing over before checking the mirror watching the dust kicking up behind them

Slowing down turning on a dirt roadway heading to a farm house, watching his dogs rushing off the porch heading towards them following them back to the house, the two got out fussing over the two dogs.

“Your Dogs sure are friendly?”

“Overly friendly’ Maybe you should call someone after you wash up a little”

Heading over to the porch Eric’s head lifted upward hearing another dog inside jumping at the door, Eric stopping on the porch stairs, “Ok you two leave him be now’ Come on they’ll be ok”

Really what about that one is he friendly?”

“Bam-bam a big mush”

“Right Bam-Bam”

Bert open the screen door letting the big yellow lab out, Eric just frozen letting it sniffing him while Bert holding the door open for Eric slowly moving towards it “Ok Bam-Bam go” Running off with the other two towards the fields, Eric entered the hallway Bert just pointed down the hallway, looking upward seeing he meant the kitchen area heading right for it turning quickly out if the way, after hearing the echoing thru the house of the door banging closed.

“Have a seat the phones on the wall” Eric spotted the green phone hanging with a coil cord drooping downward in spots, only time Eric ever seen one of these old phones was on TV “This work?”

“Sure it works has for the last twenty or more years” Eric’s face cringed as the sound of the metal coffee lid fell on the floor vibrating before it stopped, “You making coffee?’ anyone else here?”

“No in School’ what about you no school today?”

“No I’m on vacation”

“One of them privet schools’ local good enough for mind” sitting across from Eric check outside the window, spotting the dogs running around. “Bathrooms first door when we came in, clean towels and soap when you’re ready” Eric turn back watching him sitting down with one cup “Soda’ I have juice and some other stuff you boys drink” opening the refrigerator showing Eric the inside waiting.

“You got Pepsi?” With a nod reaching in pulling one from the box handing it to him.

“Maybe you could call your dad or Mom at work?”

“Sure my Dad’ if he’s home” sipping on the soda little too fast buzzing in his eyes from carbonation, feeling the moisture from the can wet dirt mixed, reaching down wiping them off on his pants, finding it was just as dirty, setting the soda down spotting Bert holding a towel over the table for him, reaching over wiping his hands off. “This is all I have with me”

“Casey is about your size”

“You have a son?”

“Casey Thirteen and Herb fifteen”

“What about your Wife is she working?”

“Nope ran off with some singer a few years back’ we said good ridden as she got on the bus”

“Sad’ so what do you do for work around here?”

“Horse’s”

“My dad has Horse’s”

“What kind?”

“Horse’s” palms upward from the soda can looking confused “Not the real big ones just Horse’s”

Bert sat upward looking over at him for a second not saying anything just that single look “Look’s like my Coffee ready’ sugar bags just above your head’ mind getting it” Bert holding the pot pouring almost to the top, watching Eric getting the bag setting it on the table. Bert set the pot down on the table taking the bag just pouring some in his cup, reaching back over opening one draw getting a spoon with a quick stir before blowing on the cup taking a sip, while checking over Eric looking out the window.

“You said you were coming from?”

“Yea Rhode Island” Holding his soda then slowly looking upward

“Rhode Island you live there or here?”

“Kinda like both My Dad’s here and I stay with Mom”

“That makes scents, so you’re here visiting then?”

“Yep’ hitch hiked all the way” Smiling watching the dogs playing then turn back around looking up to Bert.

“Let me ask you something does your dad even know you’re coming?”

“I called’ so he should know”

“You called and when did you call?”

“The other day maybe Sunday or was it Saturday’ I’m not real sure but I called”

“Maybe we should call him’ what do you say?” Pointing to the Phone

Eric looked over with a nod back lifting it off the base stretching the core over, only then looked at the phone and back at the wall.

“Yes you have to dial the numbers”

“I knew that just checking” Reaching in his pocket for the card, Bert raised his head watching him, Eric set the card down then turn spinning the dial a few times, Bert interrupted him “Dial one first then put the area code in before the number” holding his cup watching him dial waiting still checking the card number and name of the company he was calling.

Holding the phone to his ear Eric waiting hearing it ring, sliding the card closer to him wanting anything to hang it up before someone pick up. “Hello?” Eric surprised looking down his cheek at the phone “Hi Dad home yet?” in a low voice casting his eyes over to Bert watching waiting.

“No Jacob is in Oklahoma till Sunday” Stopping what she was saying for a second “Eric is that you are you ok?” Eric sat upward dropping the phone his chin wobbled up and down, Bert reach over taking the phone hearing someone calling out for Eric “Hello’ Eric’s right in front of me he’s ok”

Penny with a sign of relief “Thank God he’s ok’ who am I speaking to?”

“Bert Gallagher and your Eric Mother?”

“No My names Penny’ we’ve been looking for him over a week”

“A week he’s been gone’ he said he was from Rhode Island heading to his Fathers”

“Eric is not our son and how do I say it’ he’s trying to get here hoping will take him in”

“I’m not sure I understand’ all this but I have plenty of time”

“Mr. Gallagher Eric just lost is parents and was placed in a home, that he ran away from”

“Ok’ I understand’ Eric just sit down everything’s fine here” Bert reach over taking a bag off the counter setting it in front of Eric, Eric slow took the bag looking inside seeing bagels, smiling back pulling one out, While Penny explain on the phone about Eric, Bert got out the cream cheese and shared it with Eric letting the phone rest on his shoulder while they enjoy bagels together, penny just keep talking Bert could only smile at the phone a few times with A’ha  O’yea understand, sure a’ha. Watching Eric sitting enjoying himself smiling like nothing happen as long as he was eating.

Holding Eric part 25

Holding Eric part 25

Hello Reader’s due to request not to end the story at part twenty five. We thank all our readers who like the story so will keep it going just a little longer and so many thank you too everyone’s emails. It’s odd so many have found it on the web channel more so, its two years with good response back.

WordPress is still holding’ we will keep both sights also, so don’t worry WordPress readers the story will go on just as it did before’ Thank You again Will.

Holding Eric part 25

Dora standing on the porch having a cigarette checking out the horses being walked around when she spotted Jacob sitting on the bench talking on the phone, Jake standing in front of him, raising her eye brows with a smile tossing her cigarette in the sand headed inside gathering her things together.

Jake stood watching his Father on the phone, David called Jake away letting Jacob finish talking with Penny, Jake did get his attention once again before leaving the benches “Dad tell mom we want to stay till Sunday for the big event’ Please” pleading more or less to slowly making his way down the benches watching for a reply’, nodding back holding the phone away from his ear with Penny not so happy he wasn’t there, David reach up taking Jakes hand pointing to the Hotdog stand, Jake looked back rising his voice “Dad were getting Hot dogs hurry up!”

Dora headed straight over to the Hot dog stand with a quick rub of Jakes hair “Hi doing better?”

“Fine you want a hot dog’ my dad’s here”

“No maybe later’ talking to your Mom I’ll bet” smiling over at David.

David smiled back “She giving him an ear full, sure you don’t want one?”

“I’m good just thought I’d say hi to Jacob before I go”

“Good timing here he come’s now”

Jacob eyes wide looking at the three together “Hi again Dora you met my Father and Jake?”

“Yes in the First Aid earlier” Dora watching Jake with his hot dog

“Thank You for looking in on him”

“That’s what Mother’s do, did she chew you out?” Smiling over Jakes head

“Somewhat” Looking down at Jake ketchup on his chin “Jake napkin”

David reach over to get one Dora already pick it up wiping his chin off

“Little cowboys love these dot dogs” Dora said handing Jacob the wet napkin

“Hope he still has room for dinner we were heading out to a nice place tonight”

“Nice place not fast food what you have in mind?” Dora asking while David rest back on the counter looking back and forth at the two hitting it off together, censing what she was hinting up to.

“Pizza Dad?” Jake asking. All three just looked down at him tilting back checking them.

“We have a few nice place’s here what type of food you guys like?” Dora asking

David and Jacob surprised looking over, Jake finishing his Hot dog looking upward at her.

“We have Pizza or a nice family type?”

“We’ve got a rental so it doesn’t much matter what would you suggest?”

“Nice Family type” Looking at Jake licking his lips off, then wiping with his sleeve.

“Really and where would that likely be?”

“Not far I can show you I’ll be going myself after picking up my two at the park”

Jacob was taking back not expecting it, Nodding yes only glancing to David Smiling back.

“Ok so what do you say want to make it us six together?” smirking looking sideways to Jacob while reaching for another napkin handing it to Jake.

“We could do that’ our cars right over there will follow you ok?”

David started walking with Dora, Jake taking Jacobs hand walking behind them

“By the way Jacob your wife said hi” Smiling walking over to a blue compact car.

Jacob face dropped watching her, Jake pulling his hand towards the Black Buick.

Eric was excided entering Texas more relaxed leaning on the window slowly he fell asleep being awoken with the truck stopping, opening his eyes looking around seeing they had stopped in a rest area.

We stopping?”

“Yep you’ve got to get a ride from here”

“Here?”

“Yea’ look I’m on a tight run and I just can’t make any Detour so this is it”

“Were are we?” Stretching outward

“Texas just outside Dallas”

“Dallas?” Frowning opening the door “Well thanks for the ride”

“Maybe you better call home and have your Dad pick you up”

“That’s sounds like a good idea to me’ I better call him” nodding his head holding the door while stepping down, avoiding the small lights on each step, before the last step closing the door hopping off stepping back so he could pull out, adjusting to the low lights around the lot, as the semi slowly pulled forward away from him tail lights slowly blending with traffic on the highway.

Eric walking to the sidewalk pulling his jacket together spotting a few cars near the building, looking over one person resting on the window for the night, glancing to the other car not seeing anybody, walking around a green trash can chained next to the building “Chains who going to seal a trash can?” checking the worn Welcome Center sign missing it glass front, Open eight AM to Six PM. Looking to the skyline unable to see much with the street lights glaring around the building, Restrooms one side female the other males staying close to the building walking to the male side stopping at the entryway for sounds not hearing anyone curiously entered around the wall into a dim lit room, right away reaching up grabbing his nose from the stench aroma lingering.

Only one other area smelt worse than this place did that was an old outhouse after you lifted the board up hoping no flies were waiting for you to sit down. Looking stalls all without paper, walking into the last one just in case someone came in he could always hide and wait for them to leave, checking behind him glancing at the mirror showing the other stalls, wondering where it all was coming from taking so long. Standing relived leaning inward into a faded mirror at himself, hair messy sticking up in a few places with a frown brushing it over with his hand before someone entered hurry back outside, stopping trying to make out the torn Map on the wall to where he was in Texas unable to make anything from it walked to the end of the building towards the parking lot.

Spotting a few travel trailers parked next to each other no lights on either one just be on them one moving company semi parked more on the outer section. Watching the traffic on the highway leaning on trash can seeing the wooded area headed towards them for shelter away from the lilted area, before someone spotted him walking around by himself, leaning himself on one large tree trunk able to keep an eye open for any trucks coming in resting the night, barely able to keep his eyes open surprised by a movement of some sort by the sounds of It, Eric sat still looking with his eyes trying to see what it was knowing it was moving closer, looking around the tree eye brows raised shivers up his arms spotting it moving, standing right up as ruffled in dried leafs looking at the ground intensely while it still moving closer toward him.

Watching intensely at this barreled round long noise critter moving leafs as it walked then all of a sudden lights from a car coming into the lot just lit it eyes up glaring at him, shiver be on anything scared Eric quickly escaped the raft of the critter running the outer section of trees to the ramp area, Out of breath stopping bent over sweating checking the surroundings for another place to hide, looking over just below the ramp area a declining area hearing water rushing, Eric carefully watching his steps into the wooden area reaching one small stream passing over shallow rocks, seating down he could see the moon above feeling relived away from sight from anyone. Just a few feet from the stream laying down on dried leafs looking up to the stars slowly closing his eyes feeling safe.

Dora pickup her two children and smiled back waving to follow her pulling around the lot to the exit Jacob following right behind her, only a few blocks later they stopped at a locale restaurant finding two space’s next to each other, Dora stood by the front of her car waiting with her kids while they exit the car walking over, Jake spotted the boy playing a game looking over.

“Mike’ this is Jake, his Father Jacob and David”

“Well hi” Jake said smiling with his hand outward trying to see what game he was playing.

“Level six and that’s my sister Tora” Mike said tilling his head to Jake to follow him first to the door.

Jake turn to his dad seeing him nod it was ok, before rushing off with them to the front door.

“Wait for us!” Dora said watching the three walking checking the game to the doorway

“Well we going to eat or you two just going to stand there?” David asking with the two just standing watching them walked, David just walked in front of them smiling.

“Ok’ Dad were coming’ Dora shall we?”

“A little Surprised?”

“Sure’ and Husband?”

“Sorry’ not with us anymore” smirking waving him on

“Didn’t mean to pry”

“No it’s been Ten years’ Mike was just a year old”

Inside the waitress set them up at a long table handing them all menus, Jake, Mike and Tora enjoying coloring the placemats, only after Dora told Mike to put it away till after dinner, Dora and Jacob talked about everything under the sun it seemed to David keeping more an eye on what the kids were doing, David was able to getting in a few words between them during dinner, David took the check said it was on him this time, Jacob hit it off pretty good together before they said goodnight. Dora agreed to bring Mike and Tora in the morning they could hang out with Jake giving them a break for a while after all being almost the same age and interest, not so much in games but horse’s also.

Returning to the motel, Jacob sat on the bed talking to Penny, telling her about their evening with Dora and the kids, while Jake curled in next to him watching the TV while he talked, Jacob Advising Penny it might be better to explain Eric to the girls before Eric just showed up knocking on the door, maybe or just in case he did before they got back. Sitting looking towards the window sides watching the amber lights casing around the curtains inside. Penny also shared news to Jacob the paperwork starting the legal proceedings with the lawyer had been filled out already and sent back just in case he was picked up beforehand. Jake of course falling asleep being such a long day for him, Jacob trying to wake Jake to talk to his mother but he was to tired not even budging off the pillow.

Eric leapt to his feet when he heard something approaching among the tree lines, adjusting his eyes wiping dried leaf’s from his chin amongst the misty air coving the area, having one of his night mares about his father beatings again being scared sweating, looking outward after hearing heavier steps coming right towards him, then there right in the opening was the silhouette “Bear” Eric could only say to himself eye wide looking at the silhouette moving, feeling scared quivering his chin frustration set in knowing this was it dropping as closed to the tree as he could holding his head between his legs, arms wrapped around holding them closed all cringed in fear shaking starting to cry waiting for the attack.

“Danny!  Shit! You ok kid!” hurry towards him then stopped next to him looking down, “Holy shit” Danny said seeing him curled up shaking back and forth., “Go back and call in the police!” turning rushing back while the other man stood looking down asking “Hey you ok?” Eric let out a scream as the man touch his shoulder backing away from him now watching him shaking holding his legs together, only now recognizing it wasn’t the Bear grunting it was more human, slowly bringing his head upward his watery eyes squinting looking at the heavy set man standing bent over towards him “Easy kid helps on its way” mumbling “Bear” the man looked around himself “No Bear’s here were you attacked by one?”

Eric sat up more looking at him starting to get closer, Eric back into the tree with a grunt hitting it while watching the palm of his hands upright stopping him “Ok kid just take it easy’ helps coming” Eric looked over to the trees then back over to the stream spotting a farm house off in the distances.

“I’m Glen what’s your name?” Waiting for a reply Eric Brushed his jeans off with another quick check around setting his eyes on him again “Bobby I must have fallen asleep here last night”

“What where you doing out here last night?”

“Looking at the stars by the stream” brushing leafs from his hair feeling sticky on the ends

“Bobby’ helps coming will get you home’ why don’t you come with me?” holding his hand outward to Eric to take, Eric looked down and back up leading himself back straight upward next to the tree

“Home’ man my dad’s gonna whoop me’ I gonna go” Eric starting to move away from the tree

“Hold on a second” with one foot moving closer towards him.

Eric quickly responded darting his hand hurrying around the tree into the stream rushing around rocks, crossing it as fast as he could feeling every rock beneath him, into a golden greenish yellow field of wheat, stopping bent over anxiety sweating now gripping his jeans on the knee caps hidden away from view getting his breath, looking to the ground spotted his shoes and pant legs soaked covered in wheat, he had to look back just to make sure the guy didn’t follow, slowly turning popping his head up just over the wheat looking back, with a sign relived no one in sight turning for sight of the house, only to spot it to the right of the field, with a snap back hearing a truck coming raising upward looking towards it spotting a UPS van going around a curve, seeing it wasn’t far making his way in the wheat.

Holding Eric 24

Holding Eric part 24

Spending the night behind the plaza hidden from view by a large recycled paper bundle, hoping no one would bother him Eric curled himself around one folded cardboard box keeping the wind and coldness away, disturbed twice by motorists taking a short cut around the buildings to the roadway.

Sitting upward pulling his jacket together slowly waking looking to the sky seeing the sun  rays casting in the alley, pushing the cardboard cover aside standing up, hearing only motors from the other side running  checking over the bundle while scooting closer reliving himself not a moment too soon, turning his head quickly around something moved seeing it was the soda can rolling, smiling for a second before looking down brushing off his pants finding he slept near a dirt pile, walking around the sun warm building towards the front area checking trucks and cars before going inside.

Walking inside the travel store was like walking in an old Stucky’s almost everything the same layout having to walk along shelves of cheap travel store specials mostly to take back home with you telling you were there every state seemed to have the same type of junk trinkets, Eric checking the shelves as he walk to the rear past the small with yellow plastic booths to the counter area with only five stools.

Seating himself down two stools away an older man, bending over eating his eggs scooping the yoke with the toast watching the yoke dripping back on the plate Eric trying not to stare at him retrieving the menu almost knocking over the glass sugar jar from of the holder, glancing sideways at the waitress cooking hearing the sizzling seeing it was Hamburger with a smile smelling it “I’ll take one also and fries” Eric said to her she turn looking at him “Coming right up honey wants some coffee?” nodding yes back as she placed fries in the basket dropping them, going back to finishing walking around the counter setting it down at a table with one younger couples returning with the coffee setting it down “Cream?” smiling down Eric like her right off very cheerful older more like a grandmother helping out than a waitress.

“No thank you wait do I need it?” frowning raising upward from the burnt smell “Let me see here smells strong maybe you better” leaning over the holder with her low cut blouse showing her lacy bra Eric tried not to stare as hard as it was looking down at his cup “I’ll make fresh just for you sweetie” Eric smiled back spinning in the stool checking the tables again seeing how the hamburger was cooking on the grill.

Hamburger juice and ketchup dripping down on his fries, Eric wiped his mouth a few times finding the napkins so thin and small using four at a time still getting on his fingers licking them right off, luckily she was getting busy with other customers piling in for something to eat, one or two families came in with their children playing with table toys while they waited,  She didn’t forget Eric more less letting him eat in peace keeping an eye open making sure he had plenty of coffee, she even brought him an orange juice.

Eric finished looking back towards the restrooms spotting the clock above the doorway just as the waitress walking around the counter Eric asking “Eleven thirty is that the right time?” holding fresh pot of coffee ready to pour him some, Eric placed his hand over the cup “No I’m good too much already” smiling leaning over setting the check down staring right at him “That’s be about lunch time around here…. such beautiful eyes anyone ever tell you that before?” and of course had to lift his hair upward showing both eyes better “Yes and they’re mine not some contact lenses that change color”

“Very Bright Blue” Raising her head checking his hair waving from the air conditioner blowing, Eric again brush it back “Amber?” She raised her cheeks smiling down “Amber”

Husky guy asked looking over after sitting himself on the stool. “Hey how about some service over here”

“Sure thing the menu, Right in front of you” change in her tone towards him, looking back at Eric

“So you live nearby?” not even looking to the guy just smiling at Eric

“No just traveling with my Dad”

“Didn’t see him with you?” check outside the window

“No he’s resting”

“Can I get some coffee when you have a time from your chatting?” with on hand raised waiting

“Well looks like back to work, I’ll be back in a shake of a stick”

Eric watching her walking over to the rude guy with a cup and pot of coffee, pointing her finger at him then to a sign, (No rudeness allowed …You don’t like the Service Leave!) filling his cup right to the rim leaving no room for cream “Well what will it be I’m busy here?” Holding her small order book waiting.

Eric not wanting to stare at them looked away checking out how much it was, the price more than he realized it would be, he only had a few dollars in his pocket, smiling at himself reaching down taking his shoe off bring it to his lap lifting the inside foam padding removing two twenty’s setting one on the check, finishing off his cold coffee waiting for her to return. One lady frowning over her blue sun glasses.

As the waitress went by retrieving the check and cash hurry down making his change returning spotting more coming in waiting for service “Take care Honey it’s been nice talking with you stop in anytime” “Thanks’ on our next run will be sure to stop” placing three dollars under the cup spinning around after spotting the bellowing upward smoke from the grill, getting much loader inside fading the background music out.

Remember the candy rack he passed going in picking up four candy bars and bottle of mountain dew, even grabbed a small free traveler’s guide before heading outside, checking out the newspaper racks before dangling his feet seating on the pipe railing next to them, enjoying his candy bar watching the trucks backing in or just leaving after getting fuel, sure enough drivers spotted him asking if he needed a ride some just looked mean or creepy, dishearten with some heading the other way before the right one came along heading to Austin then to San Antonio, Eric wasn’t about to say no it was Texas he waited over an hour already finished off three candy bars and his mountain Dew.

Following alongside the driver he seemed friendly enough not to old nor to young clean shaven knowing he couldn’t be too bad, stopping in front of a large red Freightliner he pointed to it “This is it” looking down seeing he was hauling something under a large tarp on the flat bed “Go ahead the doors open” walking on past the door, checking for the exhaust pipe making sure it wasn’t hot or anything carefully stepping on the bent on one end steps opening the door, hanging onto it pulling himself upward into the seat, checking it out inside hearing the CB set squeezing before seeing newspapers, travel mugs then Eric smiled at a few girl magazines laying on the floor, straighten right up watching the driver getting in, starting it up with a quick check on the gauges pushing buttons on a black box near the dash with words that Eric was unable to see without moving over, already moving towards the roadway Eric checking above the visor and around the dash not seeing a log book, turning back looking at the single bunk with one blue blanket tossed on it with a faded pillow case cover.

Crunching his noise from a smell of sourness asking “No log book?” watching him shifting.

“Nope don’t need it all electric now”

“That save’s you time from writing so much”

“So why you going to Texas’ running away from home?”

“No just missed Greyhound after it stopped for a rest stop”

“Didn’t they know you didn’t get on?”

“No I don’t think they even checked who got on or off”

“That doesn’t sound so convincing!” looking over at Eric in doubt

“No really – it’s stopped and we got out to rest! Then they took off while I was in the shitter”

“That’s too bad that they just took off without checking”

“I know and I got left behind”

“Why didn’t you just call home?”

“Sure that would really piss my Dad off, that’s why I’m hitching rides home so he won’t find out, he’d say it was my fault and beat the hell out of me for missing the bus” lowering his head towards the floor

“You okay?” He asking softly glancing over at Eric feeling embarrassed by his anger tone coming out.

“I’ll be ok’ just want to get home before the bus arrives” sweeping his hair aside from the air vent tossing his hair upward checking the road and cars alongside.

“Understand’ it shouldn’t be too long before where in Texas what part?”

“Logan you know where it is?” Eric smiled feeling better knowing he believed him now

“Gee’ not quite sure were that is”

“It’s more the lower right side”

“Ok’ will check the map when we stop next”

Eric looking over at the tires passing them more on the right side, looking up another sign Welcome to Texas, “Wow” Eric said excided looking over with the driver smiling back checking his mirrors pulling into the right lane opening another sign Weight station Closed going right pass it seeing a few trucks parked inside.

Penny and Grandma were making Danishes from scratch the phone rang, Grandma said she’d get it seeing Penny had her hands full of dough “Hello”

“Hi is this the Mazzionie residents?”

“Yes can I help you?”

“I’m calling for Jacobs wife is that you?”

“No she right here can I ask whose calling?” Frowning looking back at Penny

“Dora’ I’m calling about Jake her son” shifting her eyes to one side

“Hold on one second – Dear it’s Dora about Jake”

Penny quickly wiping her sticky hands off on a towel taking the phone “Hello this is Penny is Jake alright?” holding the phone with the towel waiting

“Yes he’s doing better he’s up and talking with everyone’ I wanted to call and let you know he’s fine”

“Dora you’re the nurse there?”

“No your husband used my phone before to call you” Embarrassed grinding her teeth checking the phone waiting unsure what Jacob might have told her about them.

“Right’ Jacob called before he had an emergency call”

“I’m a mother also I work in the office and heard about what happen and just felt it would be best if a mother was with him when he woke up”

“Thank you so much he’s our little boy I mess him already”

“Well he’s in good spirts now wanting to go outside and play”

“I can’t thank you enough for caring for him I wish I there with him”

“His Grandfather is with him every second now along with a few others keeping an eye on him”

“Dora how can I ever repay you for your kindness”

“Its hard being away from your children I have two myself and try to get home before they do from school, sometimes I work to late and we go out afterwards”

“Well our house is always open if you need a break”

“Thank You’ I’ve got to get back now you take care and I’ll keep a look out for Jake also”

“Thank you again Dora”

Dora hung up the phone watching Jake and Grandfather playing horse shoes.

Returning back to Winchester Kentucky Farms Jacob hurried to the truck not seeing David or Jake walked to the first aid center asking for Jake, the doctor stepped outside with him telling him everything would be ok, Jake seen what happen but didn’t see anything while it happen only seeing the horses blood most likely set him off into a shock, nothing to worry about and he’s already playing with the other kids and looking at horses, besides having plenty of company staying with him at all times.

Jacob found the two sitting watching a match in the benches, Jake spotted him rushing over with open arms happy to see him back, David stood behind him watching the two embrace, Jacob held him tightly not wanting to let go lifting him upwards holding him walking to David.

“He’s going to be fine Jacob”

“Dad I should have been here”

“You’re here now that’s what he needs”

“Jake you ready to head home?”

Jake lean back with a frown “But we need to find a good horse or two”

“Jake have you talked with your Mom yet?”

“No”

“Jake she’s worried maybe we should call her?”

“Ok I didn’t want to’ Dad she gets upset over little things”

“Little things”

“Well you know what I mean dad all this do we have to tell her?”

“Just call and let her know you’re ok”

“Ok dad’ can I tell her first?”

“Sure’ if you’re up to it”

“Yea’ Mom will cry if we don’t call”

Seating down on the benches together Jacob handed him the phone, Jake held it looking at the two then pushed the button waiting.

“Hello”

“Mom its Jake miss you’ here’s Dad” handing Jacob the phone.

“Jake’ Jake”

“Hi honey he’s right here everything fine”

“Well put him back on the phone now!”

“Jake she wants to speak with you” handing Jake the phone again

“Hi Mom really I’m fine where checking horse’s out having a good time”

“I miss you’ you coming home soon?”

“Yes Mom dad wants to leave” Frowning looking over

“Well maybe you should come home now you’ve had a busy few days”

“But Mom will miss the events can’t we stay a little longer?” Disappointed shaking his head no

“I’ll talk with your Dad about it, doing ok anything you need?”

“No just wanted to stay I miss you and will be home soon love you gotta go”

Handing the phone back Jacob smiled at him taking the phone.

Holding Eric part 23

Holding Eric part 23

Waiting on the Ringing with David’s phone going right to voice mail, “Hi dad just to let you know it wasn’t Eric so spending the night, I’ll call you first thing in the morning, Hope Jake’s not giving you a hard time, Dad I’ve got to go now’ I’ll call you in the morning give Jake a kiss for me and I’ll see you soon”.

“Who’s Jake your?” Sean asking with both hands holding his cup, Jacob looked over ready to push another button “My Son” Pushing the call button waiting turning away looking out the front window.
Becky having the phone next to her quickly responded “Hello Brian I knew it was you calling?”
“Becky its Dad put your mom on” Before he could even finish Becky hollered out “Mom its dad” “Becky?” Jacob only hearing the Television in the back ground waiting.
“Hi Hun’ everything going ok?” Penny holding the phone talking while walking towards the kitchen.
“No it wasn’t Eric’ it was another boy they thought was Eric, and I have another problem while I been here” Penny checking the coffee pot feeling how warm it was waiting hasting “What type?”

“A lawyer was at the hospital when I arrived and his name is Sean all the way from Connecticut, and looks like I’ll be taking him to the Airport before heading back” Looking over sideways at Sean wiping his pants leg off trying to dry a large wet coffee spot.
“Sounds like they were trying to find him pretty quickly?”
“Yea wonder what my Dad told them?” Checking around the parking lot watching a few cars going by
“Knowing your Dad he probably sent the army and air force out looking for him also”
“Could be at that, any way spending the night here’ did Jake call you?”
“Yes he did and all excited about getting a Black horse” Looking over to Becky walking in motioning she was waiting on a call, “Guess he likes horse’s alright said they bought four” With a nod to Becky waving her back to the livingroom.
“He’s a real horse finder’ Dad love’s all the attention he been getting”
“Will you just take care of business and get back before they buy the whole place”
“Ok give the kids a kiss and I’ll see you soon, I’ll call you tomorrow when I get back”
“Becareful and drive safe’ Love you too”

Jacob heard the sound of a click seeing the lights flicker closing the lid checking over at Sean just smiling over after hearing the conversation “Everything ok at home?”
“Yes everything’s fine you got a motel near here?”
“No just came right here from the park”
“Is that all you brought with you?”
“Well not much time to pack anything had to get a plane fast”
“Ok we can find a motel for the night and I’ll drop you off in the morning at the airport”
“Can we have breakfast first it’s a long ride on an empty stomach”
“Sure, need to use my phone?”
“No I’ll call the office in the morning before we go”
Jacob started driving down the road looking at motels one after the other before finding one for the night.

David talking with an older rancher at the end of the barn when they heard a scream, which was loud enough to shatter one’s heart being so deep, looking down seeing Jake moving his hands on the latch of the open stall door, David just reach him pulling him backwards covering his eyes getting him out of the stall.
“Easy son it’s going to be fine’ take him away from here” the rancher said grabbing the blanket coving the horse by this time other ranchers also heard the scream of a child rushing over.
“Get the Police hurry”
Everyone asking what happen trying to look inside only seeing the horse laying covered with the stall blanket, the hay around was all bloody, asking over and over what happen who did this, some asking if the boy got hurt did he see who did it, The rancher stood firm not letting anyone inside, looking down seeing that was Jake retching over bring up his breakfast, Dave dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around the shattered boy, his cries of hurt and pain shattering his little body while he held him close looking back at the crowd gathering around the stalls, everyone asking same question what happen, Police arrived within minutes disbursing most of them trying to find out themselves what was going on.

One of the ranchers hurry to the office informing them what happen, Rico filing papers turn quickly checking the window seeing the crowd, Rico was in charge of the event rushing with the Rancher towards the barn, making way around the others talking outside the stall, stopping looking over the half wall seeing the horse covered when the older rancher explained that the boy – Jake found him, his grandfather had taken him to First aid.

Rico radio into the office having them page the Vet right away to the barn, luckily he was already on his way after hearing about it from other ranchers checking their own stalls and horses, Two policemen stayed by the door waiting themselves for orders to keep the area clear, The Vet walked inside the stall looking down and quickly looked back at the older rancher and Rico standing waiting.

“This is Jakes Black he just bought it yesterday’ I checked it out” setting his small bag on the ground lifting the blanket.
“What happen doc?”
“Somebody didn’t want Jake to have her that for sure” Looking right to Rico
“Deliberate doc?”
“It sure was’ Rico you better see if the old owner still around”
“You think he could have done that?”
“It’s very possible”
“One of you officer’s better come with me’ just might need you”
“Rico how’s Jake doing?” Doc asking looking upward
“Don’t know but well take care of him’ just find out what you can”

David with Jake in a small room after the Doctor gave him something to rest, watching him slowly fall back in the pillow David wiped his face off with the wet cloth watching him drifted into comfortable rest
“He’s a tuff kid doc this was very hard for him to see”
“Anybody would be upset seeing there horse the way you said”
“It was a good horse Jake fell for it all smile too”
“Well it’s going to be hard when he wakes up where’s his mother?”
“Texas”
“Is there’ Anyway she can come up here?”
“No’ His father will be here this morning”
“Someone needs to stay with him, I can have a nurse watch him for a while if you like”
“Thanks Doc I need to check what going on back at the barn”
“Ok he’ll be out for a few hours’ go ahead if he wakes will page you, better yet take this radio I’ll call you” Doc pulling the radio from the slot handing it to David.
“He’ll be ok doc?”
“Sure it might take a little time you understand that after this”
“I understand” David said walking outward with the doctor after watching him pull a sheet over his chest, brushing his hair back from his eyes.

Stepping off the steps David upset slowly looked around the area, checking every Rancher cowboy walking knowing one of them did this to his grandson, Reaching in his pocket flipping his phone calling Jacob, ringing twice before going to no call zone please leave a message or call back, David held the phone for a second “Jacob call me as soon as you get this important Family” tighten his lip looking at the phone again not wanting to make the other call but knowing he had too “ Penny’ David’” Heisting
“David what’s up’ so early you’re calling?”
“It Jake the boy’s ok he has ….. a little upset belly this morning”
“Probably you feed him all kinds of junk food” David’s eye wondered around “Maybe so but something else happen’ he’s ok just very emotionally upset at the moment”

“What the hell happen?” Penny asking sitting straight up in her bed looking at the door waiting.
“It’s a long story I’m waiting on Jacob to call back”
“David what happen to my son?”
“He’s fine they gave him something to relax for a little while”
“Who’s They? Where is he?”
“He’s in the First Aid building here, he’s not hurt nothing broken”
“David’ my son?”
“He found a dead horse”
“David he seen dead horse’s before what happen”
“It was his Black”
“God David what happen”
“Someone killed it, there looking into it to find out who did it”
“Jacob in St. Louis still when you expecting him back?”
“Anytime’ he must be at the airport no single just left him a message”
“David’ keep me informed’ David watch over my son”
“You know I will’ I won’t leave his side’ don’t worry”
“Call me as soon as Jacob arrives”
“Yes I’ll call.. I’ve got to get back inside so I’ll call you later”
“Ok David’ David Thank You for calling me about Jake”
“Yes Penny I’ll call you bye” closing the lid leaning over the rail before going back inside to Jake.

Rico returned after they arrested the former owner saying he got even with the old man, taken to jail in an unmarked car before the ranchers found out he was the one, Rico back and forth to the office letting them know what was going on while the Police in less than two hours taking pictures, collecting anything they felt important and finally Rico could have the horse removed and stall disinfected, one officer waited while she was being lifted into the back-loader removing her from the stall finding the knife that was used. Rico spotted it right off pointing it out to the officer, the vet stood by watching also seen it taking a large bag out of his pouch handing it to the officer, “We got him now” Rico and the vet headed over to the First Aid station checking on Jake condition.

Dave sat in the chair looking over Jake as they came in waving him outward, David checking Jake walking out to the front to meet them, while the nurse step in to watch Jake.
“Mr. Mazzionie we got him!”
“Who do you have?” David asking unsure
“The past owner did it’ said it was pay back”
“Pay back where is he now?” David getting mad ready to tangle with this guy one more time
“In jail’ were taking care of this whatever you need just ask” Rico told him
“I have other horse’s here also they ok?” being concerned about the others now
“Already check there find and good health someone’s with them also” Rico saying with a halfway smile back to David just as David’s phone starts ringing David looks down seeing its Jacob calling “Great Jacob’s calling that would be Jakes Father”
“Tell him everything under control and the boy will be fine” Rico insisted
“Sure I’ll tell him just that’ excuse me a second” Staying near the door looking down the hallway able to see Jake still lying in the bed “Jacob how’s it going?”
“Fine Dad what’s up you said Family anything wrong?”
“Yes and No”
“What now dad?”
“The black that Jake wanted”
“Yea his special black he liked”
“Well it’s dead”
“What’ thought the vet said it was in good condition?”
“It was till the owner killed her during the night”
“What killed her’ Jake must be devastated” wide eye looking forward in the airport parking lot watching a plane slowing lifting upward.
“He found her first thing this morning” David checking again on Jake seeing he moved a little
“Is he alright Dad?”
“No he took it real hard’ worst thing he ever had to see”
“Dad I’m on my way back right now let me speak to him” Jacob’s face shifted from intrigued to terrified, in a matter of seconds waiting holding the phone turning away looking down at the flyer on the seat.

“The doctor gave him something to relax awhile” watching him slowly waking up with the nurse over him, looking down calling the doctor over as he was waking up, David moving aside watching.
“Dad he’s in shock then?”
“Yes”
“Dad stay with him I’ll be about an hour or more’ whatever you do don’t call Penny”
“Jacob she already knows!”
“Shit’ I’m on my way dam it Dad’… I’m not sure I’m ready for another emotional rollercoaster just yet what a mess this is going to be” Jacob sat in the car looking to the sky holding back his tears.
“Jacob everything will be find just becareful and get back as soon as you can for Jake”
“Ok dad’ see you soon … watch him dad make sure nothing happens to him” Nervously waiting
“I know son hurry back” reluctantly watching the phone flicker call ended folding it up walking to Jake.