Unaware of being mentioned in the recent phone conversation between his mother and Samantha Twist, Eric Anderson was walking hand in hand through town with his girlfriend/fiance Julie Stovall.
While not an athlete by any stretch of the imagination, Eric found he could easily keep pace with Julie since becoming a were-merman thanks to an increase in his physical stamina.
But the only thing he truly cared about was being with her.
"Eric, do you have any idea how much I love you?" Julie asked with a huge smile on her face.
"I would presume at least as much as I love you," he replied, before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"I felt it even before... you know..." she said, while fingering the single pearl necklace around her neck with her free hand. While originally intended as just a token of his growing love for her, Eric had no regrets giving it to Julie since his entry into were society, since that was the were-mers' idea of an engagement ring.
"I know what the dreams we've shared have shown us, but what do you think married life is actually like?" wondered Julie.
"I would guess pretty much like how it is for my parents and yours," said Eric. "They love each other, and while each does have to work to help support their respective households, coming home to your mate is definitely something to look forward to each night," he added, while holding her hand a bit tighter.
They talked more while strolling through the downtown area of Moon Lake, blissfully unaware of the situation with Lionel Ulysses in Seattle.* When they reached the local cinema, Eric and Julie stopped to look at the display posters just as the latest showing of the current feature was letting out.
Eric and Julie were commenting upon the various upcoming movies that would be available in Moon Lake, when someone started calling out their names.
The couple turned and saw Violet Johnson and her boyfriend Lee Hansen approaching.
After hellos were exchanged, the movie goers looked at Eric, as if seeing him for the first time.
"Did you..." asked Violet, as Lee was sniffing the air.
"HE DID!" proclaimed Lee, before Eric could answer. "Congratulations," he said, holding out his hand to shake Eric's. "What made you–"
"Love," said Eric, while putting his arm around Julie.
"So does that mean someday the two of you..." wondered Violet.
"Someday," was all Julie would say, leaning against Eric as the two of them began to blush.
"That is so cute. Look honey, they're even blushing together," Violet said to Lee.
"So, how is everything among the weretigers?" Julie asked in a low voice to make sure she wasn't overheard, while trying to change the subject.
"We may just be Freshmen, but Lee definitely makes my tail twitch, among other things," said Violet, while looking at her date.
Lee just simply smiled before saying, "If you're going to see the movie, it's okay for a chick flick, but don't bother getting butter on your popcorn. It's kinda stale."
"Yeah, but they do have a trailer for that new Star Wars movie**," added Violet.
"Unfortunately, we don't have time for a movie today. We're just walking and enjoying each other's company," said Eric.
"You know, that sounds like a good idea," said Lee. "What say we call my folks, cancel the ride, and take a walk ourselves?" he asked Violet.
"Any place in particular?" Violet asked in return.
"Your house?" Lee suggested.
"Considering my folks aren't home right now tiger," said Violet seductively, before she started leading Lee away from the theater.
"See you guys in school tomorrow," Lee called out, before they disappeared around a corner.
"Are we like that?" Eric asked with a bit of concern in his voice once they were alone again.
"In love? Yes," answered Julie. "Horny? Maybe," she said, embracing him while gently kissing Eric. "But I am developing this itch that might need scratching later," she added with a smile, while rubbing against him.
"I'll see what I can do my love," said Eric with a smile of his own, before they resumed their walk.
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*Part of Moon Lake, Tad's recent story line.
**It is currently the Sunday before Halloween, 2015 in Moon Lake.—tmw.