having to behave

His mother was shocked to see him get ready for such an experiment. She just couldn't stop laughing about what Ellie had set up. Babysitting.

"Why are you laughing at me?" This was about par for the course. His mother was like this about everything. H'd even caught her laughing about most of her divorce. A few times, those turned out to be tears, but as it was.... she laughed when something bad was going to happen.

"Its just funny. Really funny. I don't suppose Ellie has ever seen you put bookshelves together. You know how you can start swearing like a sailor if it doesn't go well."

"I do not." Eric knew he had nothing on his sister. She was named the top potty mouth girl in school her senior year. "Its all Dora's fault, you know."

"Quit blaming, Dora. Just behave yourself." Her final word.

"Oh, do behave." He smiled back. Of course, it would just be her and her cats and her favorite shows on TV. No one would pry her away from that. He thought she might actually have a boyfriend if that wasn't her set schedule. Of course, lately, she had a friend or two who took her away on weekends for quilting trips. But his mother didn't have to worry about much other than work.

"I'm serious." She told him.

"All right." Eric shrugged. "I will." What could happen?

He got over to Ellie's before she left for her interview. Of course, she looked all ready to be the number one girl to fold jeans already in her slim a-line gray sweater dress she'd bought the day before at Gordman's.

"You know you'll do great," he told her.

"Well, you will too. I know two girls who can't wait to meet you." He wasn't too worried about the girls. Just Nico.

"You can always call Kyle if you need any help." Ellie told him.

With that, they kissed and wished each other good luck.