{First, my apologies. I was in a rush to finish the previous episode "NOT A Pleasant Valley Sunday" to keep a date and didn't have time to proofread it. The two spots where it says PRIDE should say SKULK, the proper name for a group of foxes, unless you think Akane's grandson intentionally used the wrong term to distract Harry from what was going on with Jenny. Now then...}
Samantha, Frances, and Ben walked over to the Andersons' house for a late lunch about 2:30 that Sunday afternoon.
William and Martha surprised everyone by springing for pizza. They had to pay a delivery fee, but also got the local grocery store to send over some additional sodas, a bag of ice, and a small cake from their bakery.
William stood in front of the dining room table, surrounded by his family and their friends, to make a toast. "There are many things within a parent's life that they wish for their children to accomplish. Among them are to learn, grow, hopefully be more successful in life than they were, but above all else: to be happy. I never thought I'd be saying these words to anyone, let alone my own son, but I truly hope you enjoy being a werewolf to its fullest Nate."
"Here, here!" Ben said, as the others joined in the toast.
Then the Twists adopted son stood up and said, "As you saw when I first introduced you to them, our specific pack is a little more loose and less formal than others, but they are among the best at friendship, and having your back in times of need. If you ever need help with anything, all you have to do is call or howl and we'll come a running."
"Thanks man," said Nate, clasping Ben's hand before they both let out a small howl of friendship together, but not one loud enough that it could have been heard outside the house.
During their gathering, it was mutually agreed that no one would say the Y word (Yvette). This was a time for celebration and friendship. Despite everything they had been through during the past couple of weeks, the Anderson family was adjusting well to life in Moon Lake, and nothing was going to spoil the fun.
At one point, Nate said, "So little brother, what did you and Julie talk about?"
"Stuff," was all Eric would say, before taking another bite of hamburger pizza.
"Did you ask her out?" inquired his mother, to which the room grew quiet waiting for Eric to answer the question.
Finally, Eric's cheeks started to turn as red as the pizza sauce when he said, "Yes, and she said yes."
"Hey, that's cool," both Ben and Nate said, almost simultaneously, before each older boy high-fived Eric.
Eric was growing to like Ben. His friendship was like having another brother. But as he got up to get another slice of pizza, he stopped by Frances and said, "I'd like to take you up on your offer to talk. Privately, if possible."
"Sure. Anytime," said Frances, wondering what the younger Anderson wanted to discuss.
The party continued for almost another hour, with nothing of any major importance said, until the pizza was gone and Martha prepared to serve the cake. Just as she started serving the desert, Samantha's cellphone rang. One quick look at the Caller ID made the Town Chancellor rise from the table and say, "I have to take this."
Samantha walked over to the far corner of the Anderson living room and said, "Hello Mister Mayor. Good news, I hope."
Mrs. Twist listened to the Mayor's update on the were-vixen hunt for Yvette, her back to everyone else in the room. Then finally, she said, "Where would you like me to meet you?"
A moment later, her conversation was finished, and she turned to face the others while hanging up her cellphone. "I'm sorry. I have to go."
"We know," said Martha, for everyone else in the room except Eric now had a were's enhanced hearing and had heard everything. Yvette was not only still on the loose, but had turned another innocent human too.
Samantha grabbed her purse and said, "Ben, make sure you and your Mom get home okay, but don't let this spoil the rest of your afternoon."
"Will do mom," said Ben.
"Be careful honey," said Frances, blowing her wife a kiss.
"I always am," her mate said with a smile.
Samantha was about to walk out the door when Eric yelled, "Samantha!" and ran up to her.
"What is it Eric?"
"Be careful," he replied, while giving her a hug. While not having overheard any of the phone conversation, knowing it was the mayor who called meant who the call was about, and why Samantha was leaving now.
Samantha Twist was speechless. She silently returned Eric's hug, but before she could leave, Eric whispered to her, "And if you see Julie, please say hello for me and that I will keep my promise to her." Eric would stay a normal human, unless the time and the reason were both truly right for him to become a were.
"I will," promised Samantha, wondering what that last part was about, before walking out the door to get her car.