The Keith Caper (Part 7)
Once again, the Partridges and Reuben gathered in the ICU, this time with more hope for Keith's recovery. While Keith lay in a room down the hall, Dr. Lewis briefed the others, and his words were making Shirley nervous.
"We've sent the syringe to the lab for analysis," he was saying. "We won't know the results for some time. Now, Keith is in quite a bit of pain at this point, and unfortunately, we cannot give him anything for it. We don't want anything interfering with the antidote, once we get a fix on just what chemicals he was given. He's going to have a rough ride ahead. I just wanted to warn you before you go in there and see him."
Shirley clutched Laurie's hand as the message sank in. "You can't give him anything? Not even an aspirin?"
The doctor shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Poor kid," Reuben said softly.
"I must say, your son is a trooper, Mrs. Partridge. He's handling the whole thing extremely well. He hasn't given my nurses an ounce of trouble."
"I've seen your nurses," Laurie smiled. "And believe me, it's not that he's a trooper. My brother is drowning in hormones."
Dr. Lewis laughed. "I see. Well, then he's a good actor. I should warn you, however, that the bravado is wearing thin. He's beginning to look as sick as he feels." He hesitated. "Are you all ready to see him?"
Shirley bolstered herself up. "Yes."
They followed him down the hall.
A young brunette nurse was blocking their view of Keith when they came into the room, and when the nurse moved aside, Shirley let out a motherly moan. He was sitting up in the bed, soaked with sweat, his skin so clammy and white he was nearly transparent. His hair was clinging to his head and around his face, and his breathing was at least twice as fast and hard as it should be. The whole thing reminded her of someone in a long, hard labor, only there would be no birth to end this. For all they knew, his pain wasn't ever going to end.
Reuben put his hand on her shoulder as Shirley stepped forward, trying not to look as horrified as she was. "Hi, honey."
He looked up at her, his brown eyes sunken and rimmed in gray. He forced a tiny smile. "Mom." It came out in a rush of breath.
She grabbed his hand, kissing it as the nurse handed her a damp cloth.
"You'll need to keep his face cool," she indicated a large bowl of water on the table nearby.
"Thank you," Shirley was numb. Was this really her son, the once carefree teenage heartthrob, the big brother, the B student, the songwriter, the center of the group? If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she never would have believed it.
The nurse exited unnoticed, while the others moved in around the bed, hardly believing their eyes, either.
"What've they found?" Keith's voice was raspy.
"Nothing yet, honey. Do you need anything? Can I fix the pillow?" Shirley was amazed to hear her voice. She wasn't sure she could even talk.
He shook his head, gripping her hand; fingers digging into her palm as pain tore through him. It took his breath away, and Shirley dabbed the cloth into the water and wiped off his face as he gasped, his chest heaving.
"What can we do, Keith, to make this easier for you?" Reuben was beginning to feel a little miserable himself.
Keith's head rolled on the pillow behind him. "You can get me a gun," he said, only half kidding.
"Would a massage help?" Laurie gingerly touched his forehead.
He hauled in another deep breath. "Maybe later…" His eyes met hers and he saw that she was ready to cry. "Hey, stop it. I'm the one in pain, here, remember?" he quipped.
She went to laugh, but it came out a sob, and she had to turn away. He took her arm, giving it a weak reassuring squeeze as she pulled away, moving toward the window. He looked at her, a little puzzled, a little hurt.
Shirley's hand was on his shoulder. "It's been a long day, honey. She's just tired," she explained.
He nodded, closing his eyes. The pain eased a little, and he seemed calm for a minute. Shirley kept at his face with the cloth, glad for the respite.
It didn't last long. He tensed, clutching at the blanket, his face contorted as the pain struck again, this time with full force. "Oh, god!" he wailed, doubling over. Shirley grabbed him, pulling him to her as he trembled in agony. She held him close, both arms around him, kissing his moist temple.
She noticed Laurie slipping out of the room as she tried to comfort Keith. "I know it hurts, Keith…keep breathing deep if you can. Come on…" she instructed, gently massaging his shoulder as he cried out again.
He clung to her, shaking with every breath. Reuben and Danny watched anxiously as the pain dissipated, leaving him weaker than ever. Shirley helped him lie back, grabbing the cloth and going over his face and throat with it. He moaned tiredly, and Shirley looked up at Reuben. "This is insane, letting him suffer like this. I'm going to find the doctor." She slapped the cloth into the manager's hand and stormed out of the room.
Laurie stood just outside the door, her back against the wall, sobbing. Shirley hurried to her. "Laurie?'
"Oh, Mom!" Laurie grabbed her. "I can't stand to see him like that…"
Her mother kissed her cheek. "Neither can I, darling. I'm going to get Dr. Lewis. "
Reuben looked out the door. "Shirley, you'd better come in here," he said nervously.
Her stomach knotted and she and Laurie ran for the door.
Keith was on his side, clutching the bed rail and calling for her.
She rushed to him. "Keith, what is it?" she tried to swallow her heart back down.
"Mom." His weakened voice was barely audible over his strained breath. He reached out for her and she grabbed his hand, leaning down to hear him. "Mom, I'm scared…I think I'm gonna die…"
She petted his head, tears in her eyes. "No you're not, honey. We're not going to let you die…" Her voice broke at the very thought.
"It hurts, Mom…I can't get it to stop."
"I know, baby, I know." She looked up at Reuben, who stood uneasily nearby. "Will you go find the doctor?" she pleaded, still gripping Keith's hand.
He nodded, obeying, as Shirley turned back to her son. "Keith, you've got to be strong. You're almost there. Don't give up, now, please."
"Don't leave me," Keith whispered, and Shirley shook her head.
"I won't; I'm right here, honey." She was weeping, now, and Danny climbed up on the bed, starting to rub Keith's back. It seemed to calm him a little and exhausted, he closed his eyes, moaning on and off as the pain increased and faded.
Shirley kept petting his head, looking over at Laurie, who watched, trembling.
"Laurie," she said softly. "Come hold his hand while I get some more water."
She hesitantly came forward, and Shirley placed Keith's clammy hand into Laurie's. Swallowing, Laurie grasped it, staring at her brother as he fought the pain with increasing weakness. He moaned softly, and she reached over touching his forehead. "It's okay, Keith, it's okay."
He opened his eyes, and she was startled to see how vacant they were; as if the pain had taken over his body and soul. A cold, empty feeling surrounded her and she could sense her heart breaking. She clutched his hand tighter. "Come on, Keith, you can do it," she told him through the tears. "Don't let it win!"
He shuddered from yet another painful blow, whimpering, as Shirley returned with the cold cloth. Laurie moved aside as her mother sat back down, wiping off the beads of sweat that glistened on his skin like fresh dewdrops.
He jerked, his fingers closing hard around hers. "Mom," he whispered, moaning. "Hold me…"
Without hesitating, Shirley got up and sat beside him in the bed, taking him in her arms. Everything around them seemed to fade away as she rocked him back and forth as if he were two years old once again and he'd fallen off his tricycle, cutting his knee. She whispered to him, giving him words of encouragement through her tears. He would tense with the pain, but it seemed to be happening less and less as each second passed.
Then the door opened, and Dr. Lewis and Reuben entered. The doctor had a vial of liquid in his hand and Shirley and the others watched as he quickly attached it to the I.V. tube in Keith's left hand, letting it slowly start to drip down.
"Is that the antidote?" Shirley asked, still cuddling Keith's spent form.
The doctor nodded. "I'm sorry it took so long. I had to get just the right combination."
"How long will it take? When will it stop the pain?" Danny asked for all of them.
"We should notice a significant change within the hour." Dr. Lewis watched the dripping liquid as, drop by precious drop, it seeped down the tube.
Almost reverently, the Partridges and Reuben took seats around - and on - the bed, waiting for their miracle to happen.
In twenty minutes, Keith was asleep; a good sign that the medication was doing its job. Shirley kept vigil by the bed, watching every breath he took, while Laurie paced nervously and Reuben and Danny played "Twenty One" on the other bed.
"You know, I could go for a cup of coffee," Shirley looked over her shoulder.
Laurie stopped pacing for a moment. "You can't leave now!"
"I wasn't going to. You, Reuben and Danny can get it for me. And take your time, please."
"Are you trying to get rid of us?" Danny asked from across the room.
"In a word, yes. " Shirley said honestly. "All the worrying in this room is driving me up the wall."
Laurie smiled. "Most people like to have someone to worry with."
"Believe me, I have enough for all of us. Please? If you don't mind?"
Reuben sighed, rising. "Come on, kids. Maybe we can look in on an operation or something."
"Thanks, Reuben," Shirley smiled tiredly. The worry was not wearing well on her pretty face.
They left and she settled back in the chair, staring at Keith as he slept peacefully for the first time in a long while. All sorts of thoughts started shooting through her mind. Would this really be the end of his pain? What would happen if it didn't work, and it all returned two-fold?
Quit thinking like that, she told herself. Nervously, she got up straightening up the room. She knew she had to keep busy or her mind would keep going back to those dreadful thoughts. He's going to be all right, she kept repeating silently. He has to be. What more could happen?
Her question was answered, suddenly and surprisingly. Keith gasped loudly from the bed and she turned. He was sitting bolt upright, the fingers of his right hand clawing at his chest. The look on his face was one of utmost terror.
"Keith!" she hurried to him as he gasped again.
"I can't breathe!" The words barely came out before he fell back onto the pillow, still struggling for the breath that just wasn't coming.
Panicking, Shirley grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back up with one hand while fumbling for the call button with the other.
It seemed like ten minutes before someone came; a nurse - an apparently experienced woman, for she went calmly and quickly to them. "Are you having chest pains?"
Wide-eyed, Keith nodded, and the nurse flipped on the intercom. "Code blue, 313, code blue, 313," she said into it, then turned to Keith. "Help is on the way." She put her hand on his chest just as the door burst open and several people came in with paddles, machines, needles, the works.
"He's defibrillating, " the nurse told them, and they crowded around Keith, nearly pushing Shirley out of the way.
She stood there, stunned and horrified as Reuben, Danny and Laurie hurried in. "Mom, we heard them say Keith's room number -" Laurie began, then, seeing all the activity around her brother, she cried out.
"He couldn't breathe…" Shirley said anxiously. "Dear God, he's having a heart attack!"
She began to wobble, and Reuben caught her, sitting her down on the empty bed. Laurie put her arms around her.
"Come on, Mom, let's go outside," she instructed.
"Yeah, before you end up joining him," Danny nodded, his blue eyes as wide as they could get.
"No. He needs me!" Shirley all but fought them off, but Reuben's grip on her arm was tight.
"He's in good hands, Shirley. Let them do their job!"
Reluctantly, Shirley did as they told her, letting her daughter guide her out into the hall. Laurie led her to a bench a few doors down. Both women were shaking, clinging to one another in fear, but Laurie was determined to be the strong one here. They sat down, and Laurie pulled her mother to her.
Shirley closed her eyes, praying silently through the tears. She only got about halfway through the prayer before the dreams started. They weren't dreams, exactly, more like memories, but each and every one was clear and concise, comforting, really.
She was in another hospital bed this time, her newborn son in her arms. He was tiny and fragile and she was smiling down at him as he cried his little lungs out. He was her first; a surprise, because she'd been longing for a daughter, but this little one would do just fine. She would name him Keith Douglas Partridge, after a favorite great uncle.
The memory began to fade, only to be replaced by another. She found herself on the sidewalk in front of the newly purchased house on Sycamore Road. Keith was six years old, Laurie was two days shy of her fifth birthday, and Shirley was pregnant again. The kids were playing tag with their bicycles that Grandpa Renfrew had given them as early Christmas presents, and Shirley watched anxiously as they rode up the street. They had just barely taken the training wheels off of Laurie's bike, and she was still a little unsteady on the two wheels. Shirley had admonished Keith to take it easy on his little sister, but as always, he ignored her pleas, heading for the pigtailed Laurie at full speed. Then his front wheel caught a crack in the cement and the bike and Keith did a full somersault, landing in the grass near the fence. Startled at first, he sat there, the wind knocked out of him as Shirley hurried to him. His left pants leg was ripped at the knee, exposing a bloody scrape. He was doing his best not to cry in front of his sister, and Shirley squatted down by him, kissing his head and taking his knee in her hand. She could see his wide-eyed expression as he stared at her. "Am I gonna die?" he asked, his lip quivering.
"No, honey. You're going to live 'til you're…oh, ten, at least," she told him. The remark made him smile and the scared expression disappeared as Laurie came up to them. Whew; right in the nick of time.
Another memory faded in over this one. Shirley was now a widow; the children fatherless. It was a week after the funeral, and she was going over the expenses. There had been a little bit of insurance, but most of that had been eaten up with the cost of the funeral. There was at least another fifteen years of house payments, the kids' college funds were all but depleted, and the furnace was acting up. She had her job at the bank, but the pay was minimal. Fifteen year old Keith, and fourteen year old Laurie had offered to get part time jobs, but Shirley was always against that, especially when grades would suffer. Keith had been tooling around with the idea of starting a singing group; he was a whiz on the guitar, and was always humming some little tune he had made up. He'd taught Laurie how to play the piano, and Danny was becoming quite good on the bass, mimicking his older brother, and Chris, though only seven, could pound out a decent beat on the drums. Little Tracy was practically born with a tambourine in her hands; it was the welcome home gift Keith had given her when Shirley brought her home from the hospital, the last time she would go through that again. The only problem was, the group was in need of a lead singer. The girl that Keith had in mind had come down with the mumps, and he wasn't about to fill in for her until he was convinced that his own voice was sure and steady enough. Besides that, he'd become a little shy since puberty had hit, and to be out front practically paralyzed him. Shirley knew that it was just a stage he was going through; he was turning into quite the handsome young man, and she was always trying to make him see it, too. The girls at school all had crushes on him, according to Laurie's weekly report, though she couldn't see past the annoying big brother role. But he still balked at the idea of being the center of attention, and so the search was on for a singer. When he approached Shirley, out of desperation, she assumed, she was flattered, but she had to turn him down flat.
"Why?" he asked, his hands pushed into his jeans pockets.
"How do you even know I can sing?"
He rolled his dark eyes. "Mom, I have heard you sing lullabies for fifteen years, now. And when we went to see "Oklahoma," you were singing those songs for days. Don't tell me you can't sing. I have an ear for talent."
"I'm sure you do, sweetheart, but have you ever seen me in front of a crowd?"
"What do you call five kids?"
"Keith, five people isn't the same as a roomful of…of a paying audience. Besides, what do you want with someone my age singing rock and roll? I'd look ridiculous up there with all you young kids."
He grinned that magic, crooked grin. "You're not exactly old, you know. Look, we could be the First Family of Rock. Don't you want to be in on a groovy thing?"
She was hesitant, but his smile, as always, was too much. "Well, all right, but this is only temporary."
Hah. Little did she know…
More memories followed, but these were quick and to the point. There was Keith's first car; a motorcycle he'd bought from his best friend; his emergency appendectomy. She saw him grow up right before her eyes, from towheaded little boy to America's Heartthrob. Nearly every little girl in America had Keith's picture on her wall. Her son; her son! The fame he and the family had was hard to fathom. It had its rewards, and it also had its drawbacks. It was fame that got them the best tables in restaurants, free tickets to special events, a meeting with a dignitary or a celebrity. But it was also fame that made it hard to even walk down the street without being accosted for a photograph or an autograph. Not that it bothered them much; Keith especially loved it. He took the opportunity to scope out future dates and make friends. It wasn't always easy for him, however.
She remembered the Monday following the release of their first recording, "I Think I Love You." It started out just like any other school day. The kids readied themselves at the last minute, grabbing books, lunches, jackets. Then Laurie happened to look out the front window.
"Mom, there's a bunch of people in our yard!" She announced.
Shirley and the others joined her at the window. She hadn't been joking. There were at least 20 youngsters all milling around on the lawn, and they were all holding the "Love You" single.
"Looks like they want autographs," Keith surmised, a little taken aback.
"Wow," Danny grinned. "Let's see…20 records at $.79 each…" he began to calculate. "That's $15.80…and who knows how many more sold…"
"Look, J. Paul Getty, it's only a handful of neighbor kids. Don't get your hopes up." Laurie pinched his arm.
"Even so, it could get pretty wild out there, if Keith is right and they do want autographs. I'd better drive you to school." Shirley told them.
It turned out that getting to school was the easy part. That afternoon, the four youngest of her five up-and-coming stars came home fairly unscathed. It was Keith that she needed to worry about. He was already an hour late from school, something that was rare for him unless he had some sort of sports activity going on, and then he would always call. Just as Shirley was ready to panic, he came flying in the door, slamming it behind him and locking it. His neck-length hair was mussed, his clothes were torn and his dirty face wore a look of downright terror.
"Keith, what happened?" his mother shrieked.
Out of breath, he stood against the door, books still in hand, and his face pale. "Are they gone?"
"Who?" Shirley was puzzled. Was it a group of bullies looking for a fight he was fleeing?
"The….the girls!" he swallowed.
"Girls, what girls?" Laurie peered out of the window. All seemed quiet outside.
"Mom, you're not gonna believe this, but I was mobbed at school today. Everywhere I went, there were all these girls…grabbing and touching and begging me for my autograph. Then after school, a bunch of them, like twenty or thirty waited until I left the building and began following me. I didn't think too much of it at first, but then they got aggressive, running towards me. I took every shortcut I could think of, but they stayed with me until I got to Sycamore. I just did now duck them."
His story held the others captivated, especially Laurie and Danny. Chris and Tracy made faces at one another as if they found the whole thing repulsive.
And thus was the beginning of the Partridge Family's fame, fame that was good and bad at the same time. It was fame that paid the bills, fame that taught them hard-earned lessons; fame that got Keith kidnapped and almost killed. Darned stuff, anyway.
Laurie's voice in her ear jarred her back to the present. "Mom, here comes Dr. Lewis."
She looked up as the doctor approached, looking quite distressed.
"Doctor?" she barely squeaked the word out.
"He's all right, Mrs. Partridge. We've got a good rhythm going now."
"What caused it?" Laurie still held Shirley's hands.
"It was an allergic reaction to one of the chemicals in the antidote."
"It didn't…damage his heart or anything…"
"I don't think so. It was more of a spasm than an attack. He wouldn't have been able to survive a full-blown attack, not with his weakened condition. I have full confidence that he'll recover one hundred percent. I took him off the antidote for now. I'm counting on the fact that he got enough into his system to do the job. I'm sorry for the scare." The doctor smiled. "You can go back in there, if you'd like. He's asleep again, but this time we have him on some assistance."
"Thank you," Shirley said, looking at Laurie uneasily.
"Ready?" Laurie asked.
Shirley took a deep breath. "No, but I guess we'd better go back in."
They opened the door to find still another disturbing scene. Keith was hooked up to no less than three machines, tubes coming from his mouth and going into his nose. He looked terribly uncomfortable and Shirley couldn't help but stare at all the equipment surrounding him as he slept.
Reuben and Danny joined them at the bedside. "What a fiasco! I'm glad you didn't have to see it, Shirley," Reuben said softly.
"Yeah, let's just say it wasn't pretty," Danny added.
"He could have died," Shirley whispered shakily.
"But he didn't," Laurie attested. "That's all that matters."
Wearily, Shirley sank into the chair next to the bed. "I don't know how much more of this I - or he - can take! I'm afraid to even imagine what could be next."
"I know it's been rough, Mom, but you heard the doctor…Keith's prognosis is good." Laurie glanced up at her mechanized brother. "Put him in God's hands, now."
Shirley nodded, closing her eyes at an attempt at another prayer.
It was now the middle of the night. Shirley had Reuben take the kids home, electing to stay with Dr. Lewis' permission. Keith had not awakened yet; having slept soundly since the heart incident. He hadn't moved when they came in twice for blood, and was left undisturbed when they took the machines away, leaving his heart to beat all on its own.
She slept rather fitfully in the other bed, waking every half-hour or so to check on Keith. It was about midnight and she was just drifting off when Keith stirred in his bed, moaning softly. Shirley was at his side in an instant.
"Keith?" Her heart raced as she turned on a soft light above his bed, hoping this wasn't a dream.
He opened his eyes, looking sleepily up at her. "Mom," he said, "What time is it?"
She smiled, feeling ecstatic. "Midnight. How do you feel, darling? Are you in pain?"
"Not like before." He blinked. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you home, asleep?"
She shook her head. "Do you honestly think I could, with you here?" She petted his head.
He stared up at her. "No offense, Mom, but you look terrible. You could use some sleep."
She laughed, gently patting his face. "I think I'll be able to get some, now." She leaned down, kissing him on the cheek. "After I call the kids first. Is there anything you want me to tell them?"
He took a deep breath, thinking. "Yeah. Tell 'em that even though they weren't here when I woke up, I still love 'em."
Shirley kissed him again. "Blame it on me. They didn't want to go home, but I insisted."
He nodded tiredly as she started for the door. "And can you have them bring my guitar tomorrow? I want to work on the song."
She sighed. This boy certainly was the trouper. "Of course. You're sure you don't want the piano…?"
"Do you think they could get it on the elevator?"
His grin sent chills through her; it had been so long since she'd seen that smile. She was beginning to think she'd never see it again. Blowing him a kiss, she exited the room.
The audience was one of the smallest he'd ever played to: four siblings, his mother, his manager, two nurses and three pretty candy stripers, but Keith sang as if it were a sold out Hollywood Bowl. The song, just barely an hour old was soft and gentle and his voice was riveting. He'd titled it "Every Song Is You," and when he officially dedicated it to her, Shirley couldn't help but cry. She also applauded the loudest when he finished it; their eyes meeting as he let the last note reverberate in the silent room.
"Oh, honey…I don't know what to say!" Shirley went to him as he sat the guitar aside, the applause still surrounding them.
As all of the hospital personnel filed out of the room, going back to their jobs, Keith stood up, taking her in his arms. "Like it?"
"It was…magnificent!" she kissed his cheek.
"Yeah, Keith, that was great!" Danny grinned. "I'm glad to see your talent as the family songwriter hasn't diminished."
"Yeah, too bad you'll have to wait to try it out in concert, seeing as we won't be doing Seattle after all," Laurie said, a bit gloomily.
"I can't believe they let us out of the contract," Shirley said, her arm still around Keith's waist.
Reuben nodded. "Well, it helped that I found them a replacement act. Once they heard that Keith wouldn't be able to come, they weren't so gung-ho about it, anyway."
"Which isn't saying much for the rest of us," Danny muttered.
"Face it, Danny. The kid's our meal-ticket." Reuben shrugged his shoulders.
Keith looked a little embarrassed. "You know that's not true."
"Oh, it's true, all right. Without you, we'd just be five people who sing backup and play a few instruments," Laurie said matter-of-factly. "You, dear brother, are the celebrity here."
"Knock it off, will you?" Keith tossed his mane. "I'm no more popular than any of you."
"Oh, really?" Now it was Shirley's turn. "Did you forget the incident at the Seaquarium? And why were the nurses arguing about who was going to take care of you once we get home?"
Keith looked surprised. "They were?"
"Yeah," Danny sighed. "But I solved the problem."
Keith looked skeptical, sitting down on the bed. "You solved it? " He looked up at his mother. "I'm afraid to ask, but, how?"
"Simple. I just interviewed them all, and, knowing your needs, I chose the best one for the job."
"Oh," Keith nodded; feeling just a little relieved. "That sounds reasonable."
"Yeah. You'll like Harold. He's into Spiderman, and he loves our music."
Everyone reacted as Keith stared at his little brother. "Harold?"
Danny nodded. "Of course. Come on, Keith, it's only logical. Would you really want a female bathing you and massaging you?"
Again, Keith looked up at Shirley. "Mom?"
Still laughing, Shirley asked, "Yes, honey?"
"Do you think it would be against doctor's orders for me to beat Danny up?"
"As long as you don't exert yourself," she told him.
Keith made the move to stand up and Danny shot out the door.
"I'm gonna have them give you a colonic!" Keith bellowed after him.
Shirley and the others laughed. Things were back to normal, all right. Normal for this Family, anyway.
~~THE END ~~
(and thanks for taking the time to read my first "entry"!) CM
Once again, the Partridges and Reuben gathered in the ICU, this time with more hope for Keith's recovery. While Keith lay in a room down the hall, Dr. Lewis briefed the others, and his words were making Shirley nervous.
"We've sent the syringe to the lab for analysis," he was saying. "We won't know the results for some time. Now, Keith is in quite a bit of pain at this point, and unfortunately, we cannot give him anything for it. We don't want anything interfering with the antidote, once we get a fix on just what chemicals he was given. He's going to have a rough ride ahead. I just wanted to warn you before you go in there and see him."
Shirley clutched Laurie's hand as the message sank in. "You can't give him anything? Not even an aspirin?"
The doctor shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
"Poor kid," Reuben said softly.
"I must say, your son is a trooper, Mrs. Partridge. He's handling the whole thing extremely well. He hasn't given my nurses an ounce of trouble."
"I've seen your nurses," Laurie smiled. "And believe me, it's not that he's a trooper. My brother is drowning in hormones."
Dr. Lewis laughed. "I see. Well, then he's a good actor. I should warn you, however, that the bravado is wearing thin. He's beginning to look as sick as he feels." He hesitated. "Are you all ready to see him?"
Shirley bolstered herself up. "Yes."
They followed him down the hall.
A young brunette nurse was blocking their view of Keith when they came into the room, and when the nurse moved aside, Shirley let out a motherly moan. He was sitting up in the bed, soaked with sweat, his skin so clammy and white he was nearly transparent. His hair was clinging to his head and around his face, and his breathing was at least twice as fast and hard as it should be. The whole thing reminded her of someone in a long, hard labor, only there would be no birth to end this. For all they knew, his pain wasn't ever going to end.
Reuben put his hand on her shoulder as Shirley stepped forward, trying not to look as horrified as she was. "Hi, honey."
He looked up at her, his brown eyes sunken and rimmed in gray. He forced a tiny smile. "Mom." It came out in a rush of breath.
She grabbed his hand, kissing it as the nurse handed her a damp cloth.
"You'll need to keep his face cool," she indicated a large bowl of water on the table nearby.
"Thank you," Shirley was numb. Was this really her son, the once carefree teenage heartthrob, the big brother, the B student, the songwriter, the center of the group? If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she never would have believed it.
The nurse exited unnoticed, while the others moved in around the bed, hardly believing their eyes, either.
"What've they found?" Keith's voice was raspy.
"Nothing yet, honey. Do you need anything? Can I fix the pillow?" Shirley was amazed to hear her voice. She wasn't sure she could even talk.
He shook his head, gripping her hand; fingers digging into her palm as pain tore through him. It took his breath away, and Shirley dabbed the cloth into the water and wiped off his face as he gasped, his chest heaving.
"What can we do, Keith, to make this easier for you?" Reuben was beginning to feel a little miserable himself.
Keith's head rolled on the pillow behind him. "You can get me a gun," he said, only half kidding.
"Would a massage help?" Laurie gingerly touched his forehead.
He hauled in another deep breath. "Maybe later…" His eyes met hers and he saw that she was ready to cry. "Hey, stop it. I'm the one in pain, here, remember?" he quipped.
She went to laugh, but it came out a sob, and she had to turn away. He took her arm, giving it a weak reassuring squeeze as she pulled away, moving toward the window. He looked at her, a little puzzled, a little hurt.
Shirley's hand was on his shoulder. "It's been a long day, honey. She's just tired," she explained.
He nodded, closing his eyes. The pain eased a little, and he seemed calm for a minute. Shirley kept at his face with the cloth, glad for the respite.
It didn't last long. He tensed, clutching at the blanket, his face contorted as the pain struck again, this time with full force. "Oh, god!" he wailed, doubling over. Shirley grabbed him, pulling him to her as he trembled in agony. She held him close, both arms around him, kissing his moist temple.
She noticed Laurie slipping out of the room as she tried to comfort Keith. "I know it hurts, Keith…keep breathing deep if you can. Come on…" she instructed, gently massaging his shoulder as he cried out again.
He clung to her, shaking with every breath. Reuben and Danny watched anxiously as the pain dissipated, leaving him weaker than ever. Shirley helped him lie back, grabbing the cloth and going over his face and throat with it. He moaned tiredly, and Shirley looked up at Reuben. "This is insane, letting him suffer like this. I'm going to find the doctor." She slapped the cloth into the manager's hand and stormed out of the room.
Laurie stood just outside the door, her back against the wall, sobbing. Shirley hurried to her. "Laurie?'
"Oh, Mom!" Laurie grabbed her. "I can't stand to see him like that…"
Her mother kissed her cheek. "Neither can I, darling. I'm going to get Dr. Lewis. "
Reuben looked out the door. "Shirley, you'd better come in here," he said nervously.
Her stomach knotted and she and Laurie ran for the door.
Keith was on his side, clutching the bed rail and calling for her.
She rushed to him. "Keith, what is it?" she tried to swallow her heart back down.
"Mom." His weakened voice was barely audible over his strained breath. He reached out for her and she grabbed his hand, leaning down to hear him. "Mom, I'm scared…I think I'm gonna die…"
She petted his head, tears in her eyes. "No you're not, honey. We're not going to let you die…" Her voice broke at the very thought.
"It hurts, Mom…I can't get it to stop."
"I know, baby, I know." She looked up at Reuben, who stood uneasily nearby. "Will you go find the doctor?" she pleaded, still gripping Keith's hand.
He nodded, obeying, as Shirley turned back to her son. "Keith, you've got to be strong. You're almost there. Don't give up, now, please."
"Don't leave me," Keith whispered, and Shirley shook her head.
"I won't; I'm right here, honey." She was weeping, now, and Danny climbed up on the bed, starting to rub Keith's back. It seemed to calm him a little and exhausted, he closed his eyes, moaning on and off as the pain increased and faded.
Shirley kept petting his head, looking over at Laurie, who watched, trembling.
"Laurie," she said softly. "Come hold his hand while I get some more water."
She hesitantly came forward, and Shirley placed Keith's clammy hand into Laurie's. Swallowing, Laurie grasped it, staring at her brother as he fought the pain with increasing weakness. He moaned softly, and she reached over touching his forehead. "It's okay, Keith, it's okay."
He opened his eyes, and she was startled to see how vacant they were; as if the pain had taken over his body and soul. A cold, empty feeling surrounded her and she could sense her heart breaking. She clutched his hand tighter. "Come on, Keith, you can do it," she told him through the tears. "Don't let it win!"
He shuddered from yet another painful blow, whimpering, as Shirley returned with the cold cloth. Laurie moved aside as her mother sat back down, wiping off the beads of sweat that glistened on his skin like fresh dewdrops.
He jerked, his fingers closing hard around hers. "Mom," he whispered, moaning. "Hold me…"
Without hesitating, Shirley got up and sat beside him in the bed, taking him in her arms. Everything around them seemed to fade away as she rocked him back and forth as if he were two years old once again and he'd fallen off his tricycle, cutting his knee. She whispered to him, giving him words of encouragement through her tears. He would tense with the pain, but it seemed to be happening less and less as each second passed.
Then the door opened, and Dr. Lewis and Reuben entered. The doctor had a vial of liquid in his hand and Shirley and the others watched as he quickly attached it to the I.V. tube in Keith's left hand, letting it slowly start to drip down.
"Is that the antidote?" Shirley asked, still cuddling Keith's spent form.
The doctor nodded. "I'm sorry it took so long. I had to get just the right combination."
"How long will it take? When will it stop the pain?" Danny asked for all of them.
"We should notice a significant change within the hour." Dr. Lewis watched the dripping liquid as, drop by precious drop, it seeped down the tube.
Almost reverently, the Partridges and Reuben took seats around - and on - the bed, waiting for their miracle to happen.
In twenty minutes, Keith was asleep; a good sign that the medication was doing its job. Shirley kept vigil by the bed, watching every breath he took, while Laurie paced nervously and Reuben and Danny played "Twenty One" on the other bed.
"You know, I could go for a cup of coffee," Shirley looked over her shoulder.
Laurie stopped pacing for a moment. "You can't leave now!"
"I wasn't going to. You, Reuben and Danny can get it for me. And take your time, please."
"Are you trying to get rid of us?" Danny asked from across the room.
"In a word, yes. " Shirley said honestly. "All the worrying in this room is driving me up the wall."
Laurie smiled. "Most people like to have someone to worry with."
"Believe me, I have enough for all of us. Please? If you don't mind?"
Reuben sighed, rising. "Come on, kids. Maybe we can look in on an operation or something."
"Thanks, Reuben," Shirley smiled tiredly. The worry was not wearing well on her pretty face.
They left and she settled back in the chair, staring at Keith as he slept peacefully for the first time in a long while. All sorts of thoughts started shooting through her mind. Would this really be the end of his pain? What would happen if it didn't work, and it all returned two-fold?
Quit thinking like that, she told herself. Nervously, she got up straightening up the room. She knew she had to keep busy or her mind would keep going back to those dreadful thoughts. He's going to be all right, she kept repeating silently. He has to be. What more could happen?
Her question was answered, suddenly and surprisingly. Keith gasped loudly from the bed and she turned. He was sitting bolt upright, the fingers of his right hand clawing at his chest. The look on his face was one of utmost terror.
"Keith!" she hurried to him as he gasped again.
"I can't breathe!" The words barely came out before he fell back onto the pillow, still struggling for the breath that just wasn't coming.
Panicking, Shirley grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back up with one hand while fumbling for the call button with the other.
It seemed like ten minutes before someone came; a nurse - an apparently experienced woman, for she went calmly and quickly to them. "Are you having chest pains?"
Wide-eyed, Keith nodded, and the nurse flipped on the intercom. "Code blue, 313, code blue, 313," she said into it, then turned to Keith. "Help is on the way." She put her hand on his chest just as the door burst open and several people came in with paddles, machines, needles, the works.
"He's defibrillating, " the nurse told them, and they crowded around Keith, nearly pushing Shirley out of the way.
She stood there, stunned and horrified as Reuben, Danny and Laurie hurried in. "Mom, we heard them say Keith's room number -" Laurie began, then, seeing all the activity around her brother, she cried out.
"He couldn't breathe…" Shirley said anxiously. "Dear God, he's having a heart attack!"
She began to wobble, and Reuben caught her, sitting her down on the empty bed. Laurie put her arms around her.
"Come on, Mom, let's go outside," she instructed.
"Yeah, before you end up joining him," Danny nodded, his blue eyes as wide as they could get.
"No. He needs me!" Shirley all but fought them off, but Reuben's grip on her arm was tight.
"He's in good hands, Shirley. Let them do their job!"
Reluctantly, Shirley did as they told her, letting her daughter guide her out into the hall. Laurie led her to a bench a few doors down. Both women were shaking, clinging to one another in fear, but Laurie was determined to be the strong one here. They sat down, and Laurie pulled her mother to her.
Shirley closed her eyes, praying silently through the tears. She only got about halfway through the prayer before the dreams started. They weren't dreams, exactly, more like memories, but each and every one was clear and concise, comforting, really.
She was in another hospital bed this time, her newborn son in her arms. He was tiny and fragile and she was smiling down at him as he cried his little lungs out. He was her first; a surprise, because she'd been longing for a daughter, but this little one would do just fine. She would name him Keith Douglas Partridge, after a favorite great uncle.
The memory began to fade, only to be replaced by another. She found herself on the sidewalk in front of the newly purchased house on Sycamore Road. Keith was six years old, Laurie was two days shy of her fifth birthday, and Shirley was pregnant again. The kids were playing tag with their bicycles that Grandpa Renfrew had given them as early Christmas presents, and Shirley watched anxiously as they rode up the street. They had just barely taken the training wheels off of Laurie's bike, and she was still a little unsteady on the two wheels. Shirley had admonished Keith to take it easy on his little sister, but as always, he ignored her pleas, heading for the pigtailed Laurie at full speed. Then his front wheel caught a crack in the cement and the bike and Keith did a full somersault, landing in the grass near the fence. Startled at first, he sat there, the wind knocked out of him as Shirley hurried to him. His left pants leg was ripped at the knee, exposing a bloody scrape. He was doing his best not to cry in front of his sister, and Shirley squatted down by him, kissing his head and taking his knee in her hand. She could see his wide-eyed expression as he stared at her. "Am I gonna die?" he asked, his lip quivering.
"No, honey. You're going to live 'til you're…oh, ten, at least," she told him. The remark made him smile and the scared expression disappeared as Laurie came up to them. Whew; right in the nick of time.
Another memory faded in over this one. Shirley was now a widow; the children fatherless. It was a week after the funeral, and she was going over the expenses. There had been a little bit of insurance, but most of that had been eaten up with the cost of the funeral. There was at least another fifteen years of house payments, the kids' college funds were all but depleted, and the furnace was acting up. She had her job at the bank, but the pay was minimal. Fifteen year old Keith, and fourteen year old Laurie had offered to get part time jobs, but Shirley was always against that, especially when grades would suffer. Keith had been tooling around with the idea of starting a singing group; he was a whiz on the guitar, and was always humming some little tune he had made up. He'd taught Laurie how to play the piano, and Danny was becoming quite good on the bass, mimicking his older brother, and Chris, though only seven, could pound out a decent beat on the drums. Little Tracy was practically born with a tambourine in her hands; it was the welcome home gift Keith had given her when Shirley brought her home from the hospital, the last time she would go through that again. The only problem was, the group was in need of a lead singer. The girl that Keith had in mind had come down with the mumps, and he wasn't about to fill in for her until he was convinced that his own voice was sure and steady enough. Besides that, he'd become a little shy since puberty had hit, and to be out front practically paralyzed him. Shirley knew that it was just a stage he was going through; he was turning into quite the handsome young man, and she was always trying to make him see it, too. The girls at school all had crushes on him, according to Laurie's weekly report, though she couldn't see past the annoying big brother role. But he still balked at the idea of being the center of attention, and so the search was on for a singer. When he approached Shirley, out of desperation, she assumed, she was flattered, but she had to turn him down flat.
"Why?" he asked, his hands pushed into his jeans pockets.
"How do you even know I can sing?"
He rolled his dark eyes. "Mom, I have heard you sing lullabies for fifteen years, now. And when we went to see "Oklahoma," you were singing those songs for days. Don't tell me you can't sing. I have an ear for talent."
"I'm sure you do, sweetheart, but have you ever seen me in front of a crowd?"
"What do you call five kids?"
"Keith, five people isn't the same as a roomful of…of a paying audience. Besides, what do you want with someone my age singing rock and roll? I'd look ridiculous up there with all you young kids."
He grinned that magic, crooked grin. "You're not exactly old, you know. Look, we could be the First Family of Rock. Don't you want to be in on a groovy thing?"
She was hesitant, but his smile, as always, was too much. "Well, all right, but this is only temporary."
Hah. Little did she know…
More memories followed, but these were quick and to the point. There was Keith's first car; a motorcycle he'd bought from his best friend; his emergency appendectomy. She saw him grow up right before her eyes, from towheaded little boy to America's Heartthrob. Nearly every little girl in America had Keith's picture on her wall. Her son; her son! The fame he and the family had was hard to fathom. It had its rewards, and it also had its drawbacks. It was fame that got them the best tables in restaurants, free tickets to special events, a meeting with a dignitary or a celebrity. But it was also fame that made it hard to even walk down the street without being accosted for a photograph or an autograph. Not that it bothered them much; Keith especially loved it. He took the opportunity to scope out future dates and make friends. It wasn't always easy for him, however.
She remembered the Monday following the release of their first recording, "I Think I Love You." It started out just like any other school day. The kids readied themselves at the last minute, grabbing books, lunches, jackets. Then Laurie happened to look out the front window.
"Mom, there's a bunch of people in our yard!" She announced.
Shirley and the others joined her at the window. She hadn't been joking. There were at least 20 youngsters all milling around on the lawn, and they were all holding the "Love You" single.
"Looks like they want autographs," Keith surmised, a little taken aback.
"Wow," Danny grinned. "Let's see…20 records at $.79 each…" he began to calculate. "That's $15.80…and who knows how many more sold…"
"Look, J. Paul Getty, it's only a handful of neighbor kids. Don't get your hopes up." Laurie pinched his arm.
"Even so, it could get pretty wild out there, if Keith is right and they do want autographs. I'd better drive you to school." Shirley told them.
It turned out that getting to school was the easy part. That afternoon, the four youngest of her five up-and-coming stars came home fairly unscathed. It was Keith that she needed to worry about. He was already an hour late from school, something that was rare for him unless he had some sort of sports activity going on, and then he would always call. Just as Shirley was ready to panic, he came flying in the door, slamming it behind him and locking it. His neck-length hair was mussed, his clothes were torn and his dirty face wore a look of downright terror.
"Keith, what happened?" his mother shrieked.
Out of breath, he stood against the door, books still in hand, and his face pale. "Are they gone?"
"Who?" Shirley was puzzled. Was it a group of bullies looking for a fight he was fleeing?
"The….the girls!" he swallowed.
"Girls, what girls?" Laurie peered out of the window. All seemed quiet outside.
"Mom, you're not gonna believe this, but I was mobbed at school today. Everywhere I went, there were all these girls…grabbing and touching and begging me for my autograph. Then after school, a bunch of them, like twenty or thirty waited until I left the building and began following me. I didn't think too much of it at first, but then they got aggressive, running towards me. I took every shortcut I could think of, but they stayed with me until I got to Sycamore. I just did now duck them."
His story held the others captivated, especially Laurie and Danny. Chris and Tracy made faces at one another as if they found the whole thing repulsive.
And thus was the beginning of the Partridge Family's fame, fame that was good and bad at the same time. It was fame that paid the bills, fame that taught them hard-earned lessons; fame that got Keith kidnapped and almost killed. Darned stuff, anyway.
Laurie's voice in her ear jarred her back to the present. "Mom, here comes Dr. Lewis."
She looked up as the doctor approached, looking quite distressed.
"Doctor?" she barely squeaked the word out.
"He's all right, Mrs. Partridge. We've got a good rhythm going now."
"What caused it?" Laurie still held Shirley's hands.
"It was an allergic reaction to one of the chemicals in the antidote."
"It didn't…damage his heart or anything…"
"I don't think so. It was more of a spasm than an attack. He wouldn't have been able to survive a full-blown attack, not with his weakened condition. I have full confidence that he'll recover one hundred percent. I took him off the antidote for now. I'm counting on the fact that he got enough into his system to do the job. I'm sorry for the scare." The doctor smiled. "You can go back in there, if you'd like. He's asleep again, but this time we have him on some assistance."
"Thank you," Shirley said, looking at Laurie uneasily.
"Ready?" Laurie asked.
Shirley took a deep breath. "No, but I guess we'd better go back in."
They opened the door to find still another disturbing scene. Keith was hooked up to no less than three machines, tubes coming from his mouth and going into his nose. He looked terribly uncomfortable and Shirley couldn't help but stare at all the equipment surrounding him as he slept.
Reuben and Danny joined them at the bedside. "What a fiasco! I'm glad you didn't have to see it, Shirley," Reuben said softly.
"Yeah, let's just say it wasn't pretty," Danny added.
"He could have died," Shirley whispered shakily.
"But he didn't," Laurie attested. "That's all that matters."
Wearily, Shirley sank into the chair next to the bed. "I don't know how much more of this I - or he - can take! I'm afraid to even imagine what could be next."
"I know it's been rough, Mom, but you heard the doctor…Keith's prognosis is good." Laurie glanced up at her mechanized brother. "Put him in God's hands, now."
Shirley nodded, closing her eyes at an attempt at another prayer.
It was now the middle of the night. Shirley had Reuben take the kids home, electing to stay with Dr. Lewis' permission. Keith had not awakened yet; having slept soundly since the heart incident. He hadn't moved when they came in twice for blood, and was left undisturbed when they took the machines away, leaving his heart to beat all on its own.
She slept rather fitfully in the other bed, waking every half-hour or so to check on Keith. It was about midnight and she was just drifting off when Keith stirred in his bed, moaning softly. Shirley was at his side in an instant.
"Keith?" Her heart raced as she turned on a soft light above his bed, hoping this wasn't a dream.
He opened his eyes, looking sleepily up at her. "Mom," he said, "What time is it?"
She smiled, feeling ecstatic. "Midnight. How do you feel, darling? Are you in pain?"
"Not like before." He blinked. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you home, asleep?"
She shook her head. "Do you honestly think I could, with you here?" She petted his head.
He stared up at her. "No offense, Mom, but you look terrible. You could use some sleep."
She laughed, gently patting his face. "I think I'll be able to get some, now." She leaned down, kissing him on the cheek. "After I call the kids first. Is there anything you want me to tell them?"
He took a deep breath, thinking. "Yeah. Tell 'em that even though they weren't here when I woke up, I still love 'em."
Shirley kissed him again. "Blame it on me. They didn't want to go home, but I insisted."
He nodded tiredly as she started for the door. "And can you have them bring my guitar tomorrow? I want to work on the song."
She sighed. This boy certainly was the trouper. "Of course. You're sure you don't want the piano…?"
"Do you think they could get it on the elevator?"
His grin sent chills through her; it had been so long since she'd seen that smile. She was beginning to think she'd never see it again. Blowing him a kiss, she exited the room.
The audience was one of the smallest he'd ever played to: four siblings, his mother, his manager, two nurses and three pretty candy stripers, but Keith sang as if it were a sold out Hollywood Bowl. The song, just barely an hour old was soft and gentle and his voice was riveting. He'd titled it "Every Song Is You," and when he officially dedicated it to her, Shirley couldn't help but cry. She also applauded the loudest when he finished it; their eyes meeting as he let the last note reverberate in the silent room.
"Oh, honey…I don't know what to say!" Shirley went to him as he sat the guitar aside, the applause still surrounding them.
As all of the hospital personnel filed out of the room, going back to their jobs, Keith stood up, taking her in his arms. "Like it?"
"It was…magnificent!" she kissed his cheek.
"Yeah, Keith, that was great!" Danny grinned. "I'm glad to see your talent as the family songwriter hasn't diminished."
"Yeah, too bad you'll have to wait to try it out in concert, seeing as we won't be doing Seattle after all," Laurie said, a bit gloomily.
"I can't believe they let us out of the contract," Shirley said, her arm still around Keith's waist.
Reuben nodded. "Well, it helped that I found them a replacement act. Once they heard that Keith wouldn't be able to come, they weren't so gung-ho about it, anyway."
"Which isn't saying much for the rest of us," Danny muttered.
"Face it, Danny. The kid's our meal-ticket." Reuben shrugged his shoulders.
Keith looked a little embarrassed. "You know that's not true."
"Oh, it's true, all right. Without you, we'd just be five people who sing backup and play a few instruments," Laurie said matter-of-factly. "You, dear brother, are the celebrity here."
"Knock it off, will you?" Keith tossed his mane. "I'm no more popular than any of you."
"Oh, really?" Now it was Shirley's turn. "Did you forget the incident at the Seaquarium? And why were the nurses arguing about who was going to take care of you once we get home?"
Keith looked surprised. "They were?"
"Yeah," Danny sighed. "But I solved the problem."
Keith looked skeptical, sitting down on the bed. "You solved it? " He looked up at his mother. "I'm afraid to ask, but, how?"
"Simple. I just interviewed them all, and, knowing your needs, I chose the best one for the job."
"Oh," Keith nodded; feeling just a little relieved. "That sounds reasonable."
"Yeah. You'll like Harold. He's into Spiderman, and he loves our music."
Everyone reacted as Keith stared at his little brother. "Harold?"
Danny nodded. "Of course. Come on, Keith, it's only logical. Would you really want a female bathing you and massaging you?"
Again, Keith looked up at Shirley. "Mom?"
Still laughing, Shirley asked, "Yes, honey?"
"Do you think it would be against doctor's orders for me to beat Danny up?"
"As long as you don't exert yourself," she told him.
Keith made the move to stand up and Danny shot out the door.
"I'm gonna have them give you a colonic!" Keith bellowed after him.
Shirley and the others laughed. Things were back to normal, all right. Normal for this Family, anyway.
~~THE END ~~
(and thanks for taking the time to read my first "entry"!) CM
