after season seven

Chapter 1: Eddie

Even though it has only been a couple of weeks since my son Chris left with my parents to Texas, I can't help but think about him and how much my life has changed since he left. No more driving Christopher to school and the park, or making meals for two people and putting Chris to bed every night. It just feels wrong.

I know I wasn't present for the first few years of Christopher's life while I was in Afghanistan, but I've gotten really attached to the idea of being his father over the past few years.

To try and gain a sense of normalcy in my life again, I've decided to get a membership at a new gym to work out at when I'm not at the station. Maybe I'll even meet a hot chick there that can take my mind off of losing both Christopher and Marisol in one night. Not that I really liked Marisol anyway but it's a lot of change to handle at once.

I'm about to head out for the gym when my phone rings. It's my best friend Buck.

"Hey man, what's up?" asks Buck.

"I was about to head to the gym. Why, what's up?" I answer.

"Oh, well Tommy and I were gonna go to the park to shoot some hoops and I was wondering if you wanted to tag along."

"You're playing basketball again? I thought you hated it."

"Yeah I still do but Tommy really wants to so I'm okay with it. I thought it would be more fun with you around too though."

I don't understand why exactly but hearing that made me really happy. I know Buck is like my best friend so obviously we do stuff together outside of work but the fact that Buck wants me to join him and Tommy? Yeah that makes me feel pretty good.
"I was probably going to play at the gym anyway so I'll come with."

"Really? Okay sounds good. Just meet us at the park in 30 minutes... unless you want me to pick you up?" Buck asks nervously.

"No, that's alright. I'll just meet you there. See you soon."

"Okay, see you soon."

After I hung up the phone I suddenly felt the need to change my entire outfit. I'm already dressed in athletic clothes but now that I know Buck is gonna see me? Simple workout clothes just won't cut it.