Chapter 10- So Goes Love

The Harts pulled into their driveway, back from a long day of work and learning. Eva ran straight for the front door, ready to play with the Monkees. However, she was stopped at the door by a particular Mike Nesmith, who picked her up and placed her down at the bottom of the steps.

"No can do. You'll have to wait." Mike said to the little girl.

Eva scrunched her face together to express annoyance. "And why not?" She asked in her best, 'can't-you-see-I'm-mad' voice.

"Because Davy said so." Mike smiled, knowing the excuse would get the little girl to obey. She flopped down into the dirt, crossing her arms and pouting.

"What's going on?" Maria asked when her and her husband approached the scene.

"We've got a surprise for the three of you, to express our gratitude. We're just not ready yet."

Mike Hart cocked an eyebrow. "What did you do to my house?"

"Nothing! I promise." As if on queue Peter emerged from the front door, declaring that everything was ready. "Alright folks, come on in." Mike escorted the family into the house.

The two Monkees led the family to the living room where Micky and Davy were. Set up in the living room was Mike Hart's old drum set, which took up a large amount of the room. Micky sat behind the drums, tapping out a complicated rhythm. Davy held a tambourine Maria remembered buying at a garage sale. The family was led to the couch. After they were seated, Mike and Peter tuned their guitars and a banjo Maria remembered inheriting from her father. After everything had been tuned, Mike introduced the group.

"Now, I know within the last week you've heard us sing," Mike began.

"A lot." Davy added.

"Yeah, a lot." Mike continued, giving Davy a look. "But, well, you see, we didn't know of any other way to thank you guys for everything you've done for us. So while you were gone we found some instruments and decided to give ya'll a concert."

"Mommy, Mommy!" Eva cried. "I've never been to a concert!"

"Shush dear, let Mike finish." Maria said, placing a finger on Eva's lips.

The four Monkees smiled. "Well, that pretty much sums it up. We'll start with 'Papa Gene's Blues.'" And off they went. During the first song the family sat diligently, studying the boys. Eva made it more obvious than her parents, sitting on the front edge of her seat, eyes squinting and her head propped up on an arm. With the final cord to 'Papa Gene's Blues' ringing in the house, the band jumped right into 'Laugh.' Maria and Mike were astonished at the symbolism thrown into the song. All the lyrics, however, went over Eva's head, who was now smiling, her feet swinging to the beat. The song ended with the couple passing concerned glances at each other. From 'Laugh' they went to 'Your Auntie Grizelda,' giving the family no notification of the transition. Eva fell off the couch from jumping due to the intensity of the new song. Maria jumped as well, but was saved by her husband's arms. The Monkees smiled at the surprise.

When 'Your Auntie Grizelda' finished, the boys gave the family a minute to recollect themselves. Maria and Mike were laughing while Eva threw toddler threats at the Monkees. "Don't do that! I could have died!"

After everyone settled down, they launched into 'I'm a Believer.' Everyone's mood lightened to the tune of doubt and the finding of true love. As the song ended, Micky declared they would take a fifteen minute break. At the notion, Mike, Peter, and Micky disappeared into different parts of the house. Davy remained in the living room with the Harts. Mike Hart stood, aiming for the kitchen. However, Davy quickly ran in front of him. "No can do. The kitchen and the back porch are off limits!"

Mike Hart cocked an eyebrow. "Can I go to the bathroom then?"

Davy stepped aside. "Go ahead."

Maria laughed at the notion. "What have the four of you got going for us? We didn't do that much!"

Davy kneeled in front of the woman, putting on a very polite, extravagant voice. "Ma'dam, you saved my life. You saved the life of my comrade, and most of all, you brought the four of us together again. There is nothing we could possibly do that would make up for all you have done for us."

"Well, there is one thing." Maria said, blushing. Eva was too busy humming to herself 'I'm a Believer' to notice what her mother was saying.

"Whatever the deed is, consider it done." Davy responded in his polite voice.

Maria leaned in, her face as bright as a cherry. "Could you, well, tell my Mike that… oh, no I can't make you do that."

"Do what?" Davy said in his normal voice, suddenly realizing this was no laughing matter.

Maria leaned in closer. "I'm pregnant. When I was pregnant with Eva he didn't find out till he asked me if I was." Davy couldn't believe her face could be any more red than it already was. Obviously he was wrong. "I don't want that to happen again. It was awkward for the both of us."

Davy thought for a moment. "I don't think I have the right to tell him, Maria, but I do think I can set the mood for it. Me mates and I have everything ready. We were planning on it after the concert." He whispered so the day-dreaming girl didn't hear. "I'm not supposed to tell you, but we've got a candle-lit dinner prepared outside for you and Mike. I'm having dinner too, in the kitchen."

Maria's face burned. "Thank you."

Davy quickly got up as everyone returned to the living room. Maria's face returned to a natural color, and Mike Nesmith gave another speech. "This next portion of the concert includes pieces that, well, Davy doesn't know too well. Peter, Micky, and I wrote them when he was still in England. However, we're going to start with one Davy and Micky know pretty well as a transition piece.

Davy looked at Mike with utter confusion. They had not told him about this part of the concert. They were originally going to play four more songs that he knew pretty well, but this threw him off guard. "And what one is that, Mike?" Mike gave him a shy smile as he and the other two launched into 'Gonna Buy Me a Dog,' allowing it to take Davy by surprise and causing all of his parts to come on late, just as it was supposed to be. Eva laughed as Davy tried to recover when one of his bandmates would shove him or come in with him. Micky tried hard to keep from laughing, but failed miserably. The Harts were laughing as well. When the song finally ended. Davy straightened himself out, muttering, "Not funny guys."

"Says the man who's smilin'" Mike Hart commented, laughing himself.

Mike Nesmith took in a deep breath to calm himself down. "Right, this next piece is called, 'Circle Sky.' Davy, just keep a steady beat for this one." Davy nodded as Mike launched 'Circle Sky.' Mike and Maria listened tentatively, however Eva now was curled up in the nook of her mother's arm. After 'Circle Sky,' Micky left his spot at the drum set and began 'Goin' Down,' surprising everyone with the speed at which he was singing. Frankly, no one understood that he was singing about a man's thoughts as he committed suicide, but they seemed to enjoy the impressive dancing he dished out. Out of breath, Micky finished 'Goin' Down,' and returned to his place behind the drum set.

"Now, our final piece is called, 'I Don't Think You Know Me.'" Mike announced. They started playing, but when it was time for the lead vocals to come in, Mike, Micky, and Peter came in at the same time. Trying to not stop the band, Mike tried to overpower the others. Peter and Micky tried to do the same. It was Davy who cut off the band.

"Oi! Come on, now what is this? Only one of you has to sing lead!"

"I'm supposed to sing lead!" The three chorused. Each gave the other a scowl.

Maria and Mike Hart snickered as Davy gave a heart-felt sigh. "Right. Try another song then if you can't agree."

"What's wrong with that one?" Eva asked, oblivious to what just happened.

Davy laughed. "On with the next tune, mates."

After a minute or two of arguing, they decided upon Micky's 'song about porpoises,' which they had not given a proper title yet. When this piece finished, the boys bowed and the Harts applauded. As the applause died down, Micky announced it was time for food. "If you will follow me, Mr. and Mrs. Hart, to your table." Micky said, leading the way to the back porch. The couple followed.

Davy held out his hand to little Eva who tried to follow her parents. "Excuse me Ms. Hart, but you would mind accompanying me to dinner this evening?"

The little girl blushed. "Sure, Davy." She giggled as she was escorted to the kitchen.

It was dimly lit, the only light being that of some candles. The table was covered in a white cloth, and two plates were set upon it. Davy pulled out a chair and insisted Eva sit down. When he pulled her chair in he sat down across from her. Peter came up to them with a big dimple smile. "My name is Peter and I will be your waiter this evening."

Mike Hart pulled out a chair for his wife. The Monkees had set up a small table on the back porch for the couple. White Christmas lights hung around the doorway and porch. A tall candle sat in the middle of the red-clothed table. Mike Hart sat down across from his wife. Micky walked up to the table, putting on his best 'snobby waiter' impression.

"Good evening ma 'dam and monsieur, I shall be your waiter this evening. Mr. Nesmith will provide accompaniment for your meal. Now our special tonight is spaghetti with a Italian meatballs and imported garlic bread."

"Where was the bread imported from?" Maria asked.

"Your freezer." Mike deadpanned, strumming a quiet medley.

Micky blushed. Mike Hart laughed, "We'll take two."

"Will do sir." Micky said, bowing and running off into the house. Micky ran into the kitchen, finding Davy and Eva engaged in a conversation about unicorns while Peter was finishing up a second plate of spaghetti. "Two more Pete." Micky said, handing him the plates.

"Hey Mick, come here a moment." Davy interrupted. "I need to talk to you."

"Aren't you on a date?" Micky asked, being handed a plate.

"Just get over here."

"Alright, alright." Micky said. He walked over to the Englishmen, kneeling so he could be face-to-face with the shorty. "What?"

"Right, so Eva, tell Micky what's what."

"Mommy's,"

"Not so loud."

"Sorry Davy." Eva dropped her voice to a raspy whisper. "Mommy's having a baby."

"And Mike doesn't know."

"Why would Mike care?" Micky asked.

"Not our Mike!" Davy hissed. "Now I need you and our Mike to set the mood so Maria can tell him, got it?"

Micky nodded. He stood, grabbed the second plate for Maria and Mike, and hurried out of the kitchen. Upon delivery he quickly poured the couple some wine. He backed away to join Mike Nesmith, who was strumming the tune of 'So Goes Love.'

Micky whispered the situation into Mike's ear. Mike nodded and suddenly began strumming the tune of 'As We Go Along.' Micky quietly sang the words. "I can tell by your face, that you're looking to find a place, to settle your mind and reveal who you are. And you shouldn't be shy, for I'm not gonna try to hurt you or heal you or steal your star."

Maria looked over at the two men, as if mentally asking them if it was time. They nodded in sync. Maria took a deep breath before taking her husband's hand in hers. "Michael,"

"Yes dear?" Mike looked up, his mouth full of spaghetti.

Maria laughed at him. She took another deep breath to calm herself before proceeding. "I need to tell you something."

"You were able to convince your mother not to move in with us!" Mike asked, hopeful.

"No," Maria said, taken aback. "I'm… I'm…"

"Pregnant?" Mike asked, cocking an eyebrow. "I know. I found the pregnancy test in the trash last week. I've been waiting for you to tell me."

Maria blushed. "Sorry."

Mike squeezed his wife's hand. "It's okay. At least I didn't have to fish it out of you." He smiled. Mike Nesmith and Micky Dolenz stumbled to shake each other's hand at the accomplishment. Micky and Mike finished 'As We Go Along,' while Maria and Mike finished their meal.