***     

   With the coming of the new year, came a more agile and talkative Lucy, Ed didn't mind much but he sometimes missed the day when she could hardly move two steps with out falling. Outings to the pack were more frequent and so were the endless chase Ed had to do to keep up with Lucy,she was getting use to her bike but not near perfect yet.

    Lucy turned three in march and her parents had a small house party, she also received a giant teddy bear from her uncle Jack. Jack had kept his word he called to talk with Lucy almost every week or at list once every few weeks , most of the time he talked with Ed and they would chat about the most random stuff, most time Jack would tell him all about his day. Ed was starting to look forward to these calls, it was the closest thing he had to having a good friend he could always talk to.

    On countless occasions Ed had thought of asking Jack for help with his parents inquiry but always decided against it, Ed still had no idea what to do or how to go about finding a good detective but he knew he would need more money than he had saved up.

    Ed's phone ran on the dining table where he usual left it, picking up Lucy he walk down stairs to answer his phone. He thought maybe Stella or Sam was  call to say they would be late which usually happens when they both decide to have a spontaneous date night.

    "Hello"   Ed said in a coarse tone as he held the phone to his ear.

    "Hey Ed it me Jack"

      "Oh hey .. did you call the land line I didn't hear it ring we were upstairs"

    Pausing  Ed pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it, it was Jack number sure enough but he didn't recollect giving Jack his number. 

    "How did you get my number?"  he asked hoping Jack would clear up the mystery

    "Stella gave it to me, hope you don't mind"

    "No not really"

    "Good then open the door and let me in"

    "What you here?"   Ed asked as he put Lucy down on her feet and made for the door.

    "Hey" Jack side with a big smile on his face, I didn't want to scare you like the last time so I called first. Jack said still standing by the door.

    Ed looked at the once familiar face standing before him with a duffel band slug on one shoulder and smiling he step aside to let Jack in .

    Jack dropped his bag and walking over to Lucy picked her up thrusting her in the air twice.

    "Hey Lucy its uncle Jack you know your uncle Jack don't you?"  The only form of replay Jack got from Lucy was in forms of giggles and a repetition of his name.

    "She got so big." Jack states as he turn to look at Ed who still wore the look of surprises.

    "Hey you look good"   Jack said

    Ed smile as he walk toward the intruder. "I know it's not my place to ask but there is still four months to Christmas the last time I checked so am guessing this is a special visit"

    "Well I almost believe you are not happy to see me"  Jack said in reply to Ed  inquiry.

    "No I don't mean ... I mean you look great too I guess"

     Jack's laugh rang through the house as He walked over to Ed.  "Am here on a visit Ed, a special visit but the reason of my visit has to remain a secret until I tell Sam and Stella, you have to wait till then."

    Ed nods his head in understanding as Jack suddenly pulled him in for a hug.

    "You smell good"  Jack said as he released the startled Ed from his embrace. 

    "No I don't"  Ed said bending his head to sniff his shirt.

    "What do you use? something expensive I guess."

    "I don't know what you talking about it's just a common deodorant from the drug store." Ed said as he studied Jack face, he figured this was just one of his new was of messing with him remembering his behaviors from his last visit.

     "I guess it smell good because you're wearing it. if I did it will probably will not smell the same. right now I smell horrible and I feel it too I had a longer lay over than I expected"  he stated as he pulled off his jacket.

    "Am going to take a long shower and then you can tell me how you've been" Picking up his bag Jack walked towards the guest room, leaving Ed to watch his frame disappear with bewilderment written over his face.

    Ed sniffed his shirt once again, he didn't smell any different from the last time Jack was here and for some reason he couldn't tell why jack would care how he smelt.

    Deciding to not over think the words or actions of a jet lag man, Ed grabbed a book and walk towards the small frame of Lucy now playing with some toys, keeping her self entertained by making conversation with few stuffed dolls that were careful arranged around her.