As Nate took his show and Eric laid in bed, staring at the ceiling and doing some heavy thinking, his cellphone rang.
Taking it out of his pants pocket, there was a smile on his face. Caller ID said it was Julie. "Hello," he said, unable to keep the happiness out of his voice over talking to her again.
"Hi yourself," said Julie. "How's it going?"
Eric thought about that for a second and replied, "Not bad, all things considered."
"Yeah. I bet you're worried with Yvette still being on the loose."
"Kind of," admitted Eric, "but I'm sure the police will arrest her again in time."
"Last I overheard from my dad's side of the conversation when they called him earlier with an update, she's been leading them on quite a chase around the shores of Moon Lake, but no luck yet."
"That's too bad, but like I said, I'm sure they'll get her in time and then they'll make sure she pays for her crimes." Especially those against my family, thought Eric. Then he paused before saying, "I was wondering about something."
"Yes?" said Julie, not knowing what could be on his mind.
Eric paused again before asking, "How do you feel about me?"
The silence before Julie spoke again seemed a lot longer than the few seconds it actually was, and every moment it continued made Eric fear her reply would not be favorable. Then Julie said, "I like you."
Eric didn't realize he had been holding his breath until he let it out at hearing her response. "I like you too." Then there was another awkward silence before he asked, "I was wondering if maybe, that is, if you don't have any other plans that is..."
"Eric Anderson, are you trying to ask me out on a date?" asked Julie in return.
"Err, yes," said Eric, keeping his fingers crossed.
"I'd love too," replied Julie, to which Eric could not help smiling about again, but his mood was shattered when she added, "However, I do think we should wait until that stupid werevixen is back in jail."
"Why?" asked Eric.
"Nobody's explained things to you?" asked Julie in disbelief.
"Explained what?" Eric asked in return.
"There are three ways a normal human can become a were. Sex is the most pleasurable. Normal stuff like holding hands or kissing won't do it, but a bite or scratch from a were can change a person too."
"Meaning?" asked Eric, sitting up and wondering what was going on.
"From what I hear, this Yvette is crazy for your dad and will do almost anything to get him back with her," said Julie. "You already know that becoming a werefox wasn't his idea. Whether accidentally or on purpose, Yvette scratched him while trying to rape him in the campus parking lot. That's when your dad started becoming a werefox, although he didn't complete the process until—"
"I get the idea," said Eric, interrupting her.
"Well, the authorities are afraid that, as part of whatever scheme she might come up with in a stupid attempt to try to win him back, Yvette might try to kidnap you. One bite or scratch and..."
"I'll become a werefox too," realized Eric.
"I'm afraid so," confirmed Julie.
Eric thought about it for a moment, and then asked, "What if I become a were before she attempts anything?" remembering part of the reason why his mother became a werecat.
"Well..." began Julie on the other end of the phone, wondering exactly how to answer that, "once you are a were, that's it. You can never become another were, even if a different were wants you to. And if you're thinking what I think you might be thinking, don't!" said Julie sternly. "I like Eric Anderson just as he is right now. Whether or not we ever become something more than just friends, let alone weres together, is a question that can only be answered in time. Becoming a were is a pretty big step and a lifelong commitment. Besides, I promised my mother that I'd stay a virgin at least until after high school graduation." Unless the right boy came along... Eric, was the part of her feelings that Julie never said aloud.
"Oh... wow..." was all Eric could say, as he laid back down on the bed again.
Julie and Eric talked for almost another two hours, until his cellphone started beeping its standard warning that the battery was in need of being recharged.
They discussed many things, including the possibilities of where they might go on their first date once Yvette was in jail again.
Eric even got up the nerve to tell Julie about his dreams concerning the two of them. The only detail he didn't mention was the sticky mess the most intimate dream sequence created in his pajama bottoms.
"I've never had anyone tell me they've had such thoughts about me before," admitted Julie, "and the town does hold a community dance every Halloween. It is kind of funny seeing everybody in their were-forms trying to wear a costume too. But I do like the idea you had for us, although I would like us to have our first date before the Halloween dance."
"Me too," agreed Eric. "I hope they catch that werevixen soon."
"I can guarantee you, it isn't from a lack of trying," said Julie. "She committed a serious crime turning your father against his will, and she will be punished to the fullest extent of our laws," she promised.
Just as the battery warning beeped again, Eric said, "Well, I guess I'll see you at school tomorrow."
"You better believe it. You're the only reason I look forward to lunch period now. In the past, I would just sit in the lunch room eating with my head buried in a book."
"Me too," said Eric, over a more persistent beep. "Gotta put my phone on the charger, so bye Julie."
"Goodbye, landboy," Julie said with a giggle, before hanging up.
After hanging up with Julie, Eric just laid in bed, staring at the ceiling, until Nate came in saying, "Hey Eric. Didn't you hear mom calling? Lunch is ready."
"Okay Julie," said Eric as he got up and finally put his phone on the charger.
Nate was about to say something, but saw the huge smile on his younger brother's face and let it slide as he went back downstairs. I wonder if I have a big goofy look on my face whenever I think of Alex?
MEANWHILE, Julie Stovall was laying on her waterbed, staring at the ceiling, when her mother came in with a basket full of her daughter's clean clothes.
"I know that look," said her mother, while setting the basket down.
It was all Julie could do to keep from screaming as she said, "Eric likes me!"
"That's good, right?" asked her mother, wondering exactly how Julie felt about the boy.
"You better believe it!" replied her daughter. "He even wants to go on a date, but—"
"The werevixen," realized her mother, sitting on the bed next to Julie.
"Right," she said, sitting up to make room. "Would you believe Eric didn't even know the danger he was in?"
"Being the only normal in a house of new weres, the rest of his family probably didn't want Eric to worry," guessed her mother.
"Probably," agreed Julie.
"You know your dad and the rest of the town authorities are doing every thing they can to get her, right?"
"I know," said Julie, leaning in and hugging her mother. I just hope they do it soon. And heaven help that bitch if she hurts my Eric!