“Eric, where’d you put the pepper?” Martha asked.
“Uh, i dunno. In the kitchen.”
“I’m in the kitchen. I can’t find it.”
“Mom, I’m in the bathroom. Ask Nate to help you look!” Eric said. He didn’t even need to go. He was just hiding from his mom. She was particularly nuts this year. His father had escaped the house, saying he was going on a grocery run for something. And Nate pretended to take a call from someone important.
“Nate, get down here!” Martha shouted, which was unnecessary since Nate was in the next room.
“Mom the pepper’s on the closet.” Nate yelled back.
“Oh, so it is. Thank you sweetie. Can you get the phone, I’m elbow deep in a turkey.” Martha asked as the phone started to ring. Nate jumped up from his seat on the couch and grabbed the phone sitting on the entertainment center.
“Anderson house, Nate speaking. May I take your order?” he joked. Upstairs he heard his brother finally flush the toilet, after his thirty minute visit.
“Uh, Nate, this is Evan Lawson. Are either of your parents around?”
“Dad went out to get some groceries, and Mom’s got her arm in a turkey. Hang on a second.”
“Who’s on the phone?” Eric asked as he descended the staircase.
“Spencer’s dad.” Nate said, setting the phone down to go get his mom. Eric stood in the couch, staring at the phone on the table beside the couch. It was like a poisonous snake, Eric waited for something bad to happen.
“Did something happen to Spencer?” Eric thought in panic. He knew he was probably overreacting, but after everything that happened he couldn’t help but worry. Nate came back into the living room with his mother, whose arms were covered in goop. Nate held the phone up for her.
“Evan, sorry for the wait.”
“No problem. I didn’t realize you were so busy. I was just wondering if you’d be able to spare Eric for the afternoon.”
Eric immediately perked when he heard that. Spencer was fine, and Evan was actually asking to see him! What a day this was turning out to be.
“Sure. What do you need him for?”
“Well Spencer was discharged this morning. But I’m meeting some guys from the base in Everett, then driving down to Seattle. And Maggie is clocking in some extra hours at the hospital. I was thinking maybe Eric could keep Spencer out of… I mean keep her company.” Evan corrected himself.
Martha needed only look at Eric to confirm that her assumptions were correct.
“He’s already bursting at the seems with excitement, When should he be there?” Martha asked, smiling at her son. Eric looked like a kid who just a puppy for Christmas (or the equivalent).
“Whenever’s convenient.” Evan said.
“I’ll come over now!” Eric said, knowing Evan would be able to hear him. Eric jumped up and then raced upstairs to grab his things. He dashes into his bedroom, packs a day bag, and flies down the stairs. All done in less than five minutes. Eric doesn’t bother to listen to whatever his mother or brother are saying.
“I guess I’ll see him in a few minutes.” Evan laughed, before saying goodbye.
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“Eric? Where are you going?”
Eric was halfway to the Lawson’s when he saw Alex and Ben. They were wearing sweats, apparently out for a run. Ben had a pair of headphones hanging around his neck.
“Spencer’s house, bye!” Eric said.
Alex and Ben exchanged a bewildered look as Eric ran off.
“Guy sure does rebound fast.” Alex remarked.
“Not sure if Spencer is really a rebound. I think he’s really into her. Like, more than Julie.”
“Really? Hey did you hear about the fight she had with her mom in the parking lot before school Monday?”
“Ya. I talked to Dana myself. Said it wasn’t exactly a fight, but Julie spent the morning crying after. I do feel kinda sorry for her. Even if the situation is her own fault.” Ben said.
“Since when are you friends with Dana Sanders friends?”
“Since for-like-EVER.” Ben said in an exaggerated girl voice. Alex laughed, and rolled his eyes.
“Went to summer camp together, every year for like six years. We got close. Not like BFF close, but close. I don’t talk to her much anymore, since she’s two grades below us. But if ever I need to get the inside scoop on something, she’s my go to.”
“Huh. And what am I?”
“Besides my boyfriend? You’re the loser who’s about to get his ass handed to him on the last lap around town.” Ben said, running ahead of Alex.
“No fair Ben! Get back here you cheater!” Alex shouted, pumping his legs faster to catch up. The two always made their runs together a bit of a competition. It motivated them to say the least.
And while Ben and Alex ran off in the other direction, Eric arrived at the Lawson house, out of breath and ready to pass out. But after catching Spencer watching him from her bedroom window, he straightened his back and approached the front door.