I filled it up with ice from our new ice-making refrigerator and put a bunch of Diet Coke in it. I didn't particularly care for Diet Coke, but it was ...hat we had.Sue had a big thermos, filled it up from the coffee pot, and then started another pot. She went out to the patio to join our friends who were gathering. I put the cooler and the thermos in the pickup, then came back to join the group.When they heard what the deal was, they understood why we were early and ready to get going. I gave out. For them this truly was the garden of eden.Ed took her hand saying, “Mrs Lavender what a nice surprise to see you here; is your husband about to join us?” She out-streched her arm saying, “ Dan just couldn’t make it this time Mr Lewis, sorry.”Ed, taking her hand looked into her brown eyes and a soft grin formed on his lips as he gallantly kissed her outstretched hand. “That’s such a pity Mrs Lavender”, said Ed. “ Perhaps you would join me for dinner this evening?”“Could I get a coke mom?” said. The realization struck him like the impending snake, it had wanted to take over his body.The dreams he had been having, they were of his actions right when he had turned. The ones where he was a spectator however, were not of his doing. He was watching the demon in his body. His sisters, his mother, and Crystal too... they were being tortured by this monster. The Ioshari had taught him how to control his emotions, but he had never felt this way. His anger, his hatred was cold and calculating. A. I forced a smile."Eric, I'm sorry. And my brother feels terrible, too. He told me everything. And I'm so sorry about you and Marie. If there is anything I can do to make you feel better..." So you are offering yourself to me so that I would not be so harsh to your brother? Several times? And all the way around if I want to?"She looked truly shocked but after a moment she nodded. Shit, was that what I want? Am I really that kind of a person? I took a step forward and took a hold on her hands..