The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 10
A/N—The weekend of the Bee and Art Show.
Friday afternoon.
Bobby races into the family room, tossing his books on the table as he grabs a snack out of the refrigerator. He crosses the living room and is about to run upstairs. Carol is playing with the twins on the blanket.
Carol: Do you have any homework?
Bobby: Stops in his tracks. I got Math.
Carol: You'd better get it done before your dad and Greg come home.
Bobby looks at his hands and realizes he doesn't have his books. He backtracks.
Bobby: I'd better go get them.
He walks back into the family room, retrieves his books and heads back toward his bedroom.
Bobby: What time will dad get home?
Ryan grabs a teething toy and chews on it.
Ryan: Ah! Num! Num! Num!
Carol: He should be home by five. Smiles at her youngest son. Is that good, Ry?
Bobby: Chuckles at his brother. Thanks!
Bobby goes upstairs. Cindy comes home, fuming. She stomps through the kitchen and into the living room. Carolyn is sitting in Carol's lap, playing with a light-up toy.
Carol: Hi, how was your day?
Cindy: Sighs. School was fine, but Cassie drove me crazy during cheer camp.
Carol: Oh?
Cindy: She's still up to her old tricks.
Carol: I thought your conversation at the Bee would've put a stop to it.
Cindy: So did I. She sighs. The thing is, she's really good, and if she would quit acting like a jerk, she would be an asset to the squad.
Carolyn laughs and smiles as her toy lights up.
Carol: Kisses her youngest on the top of her head. You like that? Turns her attention back to Cindy. Are you still thinking about putting her on the squad?
Cindy: If she does well at tryouts next week, I'll have to consider it. At least Jennifer Nichols isn't one of the other judges this year, so I won't have to worry about favoritism.
Carol: Who are the other judges?
Cindy: Of course, Shelley is one, since she's the outgoing captain. Kathy Lawrence and Pam Conaway are judging again. Since that's only four judges, I'm asking Millicent to judge, since she'll be my co-captain.
Carol: Remember, you need to give her a fair chance.
Cindy: I will. Pauses. When are we leaving tomorrow?
Carol: The Show starts at six and we have to be there by five, so we'll leave here at three.
Cindy: Are we still getting manis and pedis?
Carol: Absolutely. She grins, then changes the subject. Do you have any homework?
Cindy: I've got some Science and History to do.
Carol: Go ahead and get it done. You may be too tired Sunday.
Cindy: All right.
She, too, goes upstairs to start on her homework. Alice walks out of her suite, almost frantic.
Alice: Talking to herself. Got the suitcase, clothes for four days, airline tickets, ID...uh, what else? I swear I'm forgetting something.
The doorbell rings. Carol, picking Carolyn up, answers the door to reveal Sam.
Carol: Sam! I think she's just about ready.
Sam: Smiles and tickles Carolyn. Hiya cutie!
Carolyn giggles.
Sam: You think your Uncle Sam is funny, eh?
Carol beams with pride.
Carol: Alice, Sam's here.
Alice: Makes her way to the door. Hi.
Sam kisses her on the cheek.
Sam: You ready? He takes her suitcase.
Alice: I am. She kisses him on the cheek, then addresses Carol. I'll see you Tuesday, Mrs. Brady.
Carol: Have a good time.
The couple leaves and Carol shuts the door behind them. As she makes her way back to the blanket, Mike comes home. A wry smile crosses her lips.
Carol: Kids, I'm going to have some fun with your father. She spies her husband entering the living room. Hi honey!
Mike: Mmmm! He leans down, embraces his wife and they kiss.
Carol: Keeps her smile in place. Did you have a good day?
Mike: Oh, about the same as usual. How 'bout you?
Carol: Well, not quite as usual as usual.
Mike: That's unusual. You gonna tell me what made it not as usual as usual? Pauses. Wait a minute. Last year, you used that line to tell me we were expecting. Horrified. Umm, we're not expecting again, are we? His voice is shaky.
Carol: Laughs. No. It was a year ago that we found out about these two...well, one of these two. I think our family is complete.
Mike: Exhales, relieved. I think so too. Sits and picks up Ryan. Heya, Ry! Having fun with mommy and sister? Kisses Carolyn on the head. Hi, Kitten! Your mommy just tried to pull one over on me.
Carol: Still chuckling. I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. Plants a passionate kiss on his lips. Our family is definitely complete.
Mike: So, are the boys ready? We'll need to get going in about an hour if we're going to get there before it's late.
Carol: Bobby's doing his homework. Greg and Peter haven't come in yet.
As if on cue, Greg pulls up in the driveway.
Mike: Bet that's Greg. Looks at his wife. Are you sure you're going to be okay without me? I can fix up bottles and a suitcase and take one of the twins.
Carol: We'll be fine. You and the boys just go and have a good time.
Greg enters the living room.
Greg: Hi! What time are we leaving?
Mike: Hey! We'll be leaving in about an hour. Where's your suitcase?
Greg: It's in my car. What cars are we going to take?
Carol: We'll need the wagon.
Mike: We can take my convertible.
Greg: Okay. I'll go put my suitcase in the car. Do Peter and Bobby have theirs ready?
Mike: I can go check. He tries to put Ryan down, but the baby protests.
Greg: Here, lemme take him.
Mike passes the baby to his oldest and goes upstairs to check on Bobby.
Greg: Hi kiddo! You want to help me put my suitcase in dad's car? I'll bring him back, mom.
As he goes to his car, he passes Peter coming into the house.
Peter: Confused. Ryan going with us?
Greg: No. Dad tried to put him down, and he started to fuss.
Peter: Chuckles. So, you got roped into babysitting?
Greg: I don't mind. I don't get to spend a lot of time with them. He stops. Oh, and dad wants you to get your suitcase together and put it in the car. What made you so late?
Peter: Grinning. You have to ask?
Greg: You and Julie? He shakes his head. You guys are moving faster than Chuck Yeager when he broke the sound barrier.
Peter snorts.
Greg: Serious. You two'd better be careful though. Don't wanna take things too far or too quickly.
Peter: Dismisses. Ah, we'll be okay. Anyway, I gotta get my suitcase.
Greg: Watches his brother walk into the house and chuckles. Ryan, we've gotta watch that brother of ours. If you ever need dating advice, don't ask him. Now, if you need to know what NOT to do, he's your go to guy.
Ryan coos and pats Greg's cheek.
Greg: Chuckles. C'mon, little brother. Mom's probably wondering what's keeping us.
He transfers his suitcase into Mike's car and brings Ryan back into the house. Mike corrals his older sons.
Mike: Holding Ryan. Everyone ready to go?
Peter: Got my suitcase.
Bobby: Got mine too.
Mike: All right! Let's get a move on, so we can get to the hotel before it's late. Bobby, you've got the first part of the Bee bright and early tomorrow.
Greg, Peter and Bobby kiss their mother and the twins good bye and get into the car. Jan enters the living room.
Mike: Just in time. Can you take Ryan for me?
Jan: Sure.
Mike kisses him on his cheek and passes him to Jan. Ryan starts fussing.
Mike: I'll see you Sunday, Ry.
Marcia walks into the living room.
Carol: Can you take Carolyn for me?
Marcia: C'mere, baby sister.
Carol passes the baby to her oldest daughter. Mike tells Marcia and Jan good bye, and kisses Carolyn.
Mike: See you soon, Kitten.
Marcia: C'mon sis, let's you, Ryan, Jan and me play in my room.
They go upstairs, leaving Mike and Carol alone.
Carol: Embraces her beloved. I miss you already.
Mike: It's only gonna be two nights.
Carol: I know. She runs her hand through his hair.
They hear the car horn honk.
Mike: I guess that's my cue. He gives her a passionate kiss. Make it last.
Carol: I love you.
Mike: I love you, too.
They give each other another quick peck and then Mike leaves. Carol goes upstairs to check on her oldest two girls. She sees Marcia and Jan playing with the twins and smiles.
Marcia: With Ryan in her lap. The wheels on the bus go round and round...!
Ryan smiles at his sister and laughs when she moves his arms to the song's motions.
Jan: Dancing and singing with Carolyn on her hip. Do you love me...?
Carol watches for a few minutes and leaves, unnoticed.
Saturday.
Mike and his three oldest sons eat breakfast in the hotel and then Bobby reports to the registration table.
Registrar: Name?
Bobby: Bobby Brady, Fillmore Junior High.
Registrar: Hands him a number and a packet. You're contestant number 54. You'll report to Room A. Your packet contains the spelling test, scratch paper and four pencils with erasers. Don't open the packet until you receive instructions from the proctor there.
He sees his dad and brothers.
Mike: Got everything you need?
Bobby: Yeah.
Peter: Good luck!
Greg: You'll do great!
Bobby: Thanks. He inhales. Guess I'd better go.
Mike: Remember, just take your time. Don't rush through.
Bobby: Smiles nervously. I won't. Thanks!
He leaves and goes to Room A. The moderator at the door asks for his ID and number.
Bobby: Bobby Brady, Contestant Number 54.
Moderator: Go take a seat.
Bobby does as instructed. Soon, it's time for the test to begin.
Proctor: You'll have two hours to take the test. There's scratch paper in your packets, if you need. There are four pre-sharpened pencils. If you need another one, raise your hand, and someone will bring one to you. Don't rush through the exam. You can leave after you have finished, but if you leave, you can not return to the room. There are restrooms at the back of the room. If you require the use of the facilities, notify the moderator. You may now begin.
The students turn the tests over and begin. Bobby struggles through the test; it's the most difficult spelling test he's ever taken. He finishes just as time is called.
Proctor: Time's up. Put your pencils down and we'll collect your papers. Come back at two o'clock to find out the results. We will have them posted at the registration table.
The proctor and moderator collect the papers and Bobby exits the testing center. He returns to his hotel room. Mike, Greg and Peter are there waiting for him.
Mike: How do you think you did?
Bobby: Sighs. I think I bombed.
Mike: I'm sorry. When will you know the results?
Bobby: We'll have to be back by two.
At the Brady house
The Brady women are getting ready for their nail appointment. Carol is sitting on the couch in the family room, nursing the twins. She has her lunch on a TV tray beside her, and tries to eat her lunch at the same time. She accidentally spills her drink and it lands on her lap and on Ryan, who starts fussing. The girls are eating at the kitchen table.
Carol: Someone help, here?
Marcia and Jan hurry into the family room. They see a harried Carol with two screaming babies.
Carol: Can one of you grab some napkins and the other one take him?
Marcia grabs napkins and Jan takes Ryan. Cindy returns with Marcia to help clean up the spill. Carol stands and readjusts Carolyn. Then she sits in the easy chair.
Jan: Let's get you dried off, little brother. She takes a wash cloth and towel and cleans him up. There! All better?
Carol: Can you hand me Ryan?
Jan: Sure.
Carol: Thanks, girls, for your help! I'm sorry I've had my hands full.
Marcia: We understand.
Cindy: When will we leave for our nail appointment?
Carol: What time is it?
Jan: It's twelve-thirty.
Carol: Almost panicked. Goodness! We've got to leave in fifteen minutes. Carolyn finishes up. Can one of you take her while Ryan finishes?
Cindy: Here. She lifts Carolyn off Carol's lap and begins burping him.
Jan: I gotta finish getting ready.
Marcia: Me too!
The older girls race off to finish getting ready.
Carol: Thanks, Cindy, for helping me. Ryan finishes up. That's a good boy!
Cindy: You're welcome.
Carol: You girls are great with the babies. I'm so proud of how you girls have pitched in to help your father and me with them.
Cindy: We don't mind, do we? She tickles Carolyn, who giggles. I really like being an older sister. I didn't know if I would or not, but I like it.
Marcia and Jan return to the family room.
Carol: Everyone ready?
They take the station wagon to the salon. Marcia sets up the stroller while Carol and Jan get the babies out and place them in the stroller.
Nail Technician: Welcome! May I help you?
Carol: Yes, we have an appointment for manicures and pedicures? The name is Brady.
Nail Technician: Yes! Manicures and pedicures for four. Go ahead and pick out nail polish and we'll start with pedicures.
Cindy: May we have the foot massages and hot stones?
Carol: Yes, that's part of the package we ordered.
Cindy: Thanks!
The four choose the polish and sit at the pedicure stations. The pedicures are heavenly! Carol has looked forward to having a foot massage. Oh, how she's needed it so! The technicians buff and then polish the ladies' toes. Marcia chose a dark pink, Jan chose a pearl with sparkles. Cindy chose dark blue with gold glitter, and Carol chose pearl. Before they know it, the appointment ends. Although they enjoyed getting their nails done, they were a bit sorry it had to end. They get into the car and head to the Art Show.
Back to the Bee
Bobby, his brothers and dad report back to the registration table, to find out his results.
Registrar: Name and contestant number?
Bobby: Bobby Brady, Number 54.
Registrar: Congratulations. You made it into the Bee tonight. Report back here at six. The Bee will start at seven.
Bobby: Thanks.
He joins his family and smiles.
Mike: Well?
Bobby: I made it!
Mike: Congratulations!
Bobby: I was sure I bombed it.
Mike: What time do we need to be back?
Bobby: Six.
Mike: We'll have an early dinner at the hotel restaurant. That way, we'll be back in time.
Meanwhile, at the Art Show
Carol and the kids arrive at the Show. Jan's nerves are getting the best of her. Part of her is looking forward to seeing how she placed, and part is dreading it. As soon as Carol parks the car, she almost jumps out from anticipation.
Jan: I'll get the stroller.
Carol: All right. She chuckles.
Cindy: Someone's in a hurry. She shakes her head as she gets out of the car. I'll get Carolyn.
Marcia: I've got Ryan.
The girls place the babies in the stroller, then Carol pushes the babies to the gallery. Jan leads her family to her painting. She approaches her painting, reads her placement, and frowns.
Jan: Honourable Mention. She sighs. I didn't make it to National.
Carol: You still did very well. I'm so proud of you!
Marcia and Cindy look at some of the other paintings.
Cindy: Spies the first place winner and frowns. I don't know why this one won. It's nothing special.
Marcia: I don't know. Sometimes there's no accounting for taste. She sees the one who took second place. Look at this one. No thank you.
Cindy: Now, third place is good. I love the roses! I think this one, or Jan's, should've won.
Marcia: Well, art is subjective. It all depends on what the judges like, I suppose.
Carol, Jan and the twins join Marcia and Cindy at the third place painting.
Jan: Wow! This one's so good!
Cindy: Either yours or this one should've won. I'm sorry yours didn't.
Jan: Trying not to be sad. Thanks.
Marcia: How many places did they take for National?
Jan: Three. After that are the Honourable Mentions.
Carol: I do like this one, but I love yours, Jan.
Jan: Blushes. Aww, thanks mom.
Marcia: When do you get your painting back?
Jan: Next week.
Carol: One thing about not making it to the National Show, we can put it up in the living room for all of us to enjoy.
They spend the evening looking at the different exhibits. The twins become restless and begin fussing.
Carol: Picks up Ryan. You hungry, little man?
She looks around the gallery and finds a private lounging area.
Carol: Marcia, can you get a bottle for Ryan?
Jan: I'll feed Carolyn.
Marcia looks through the diaper bag and finds two bottles. She hands one to her mother and the other to Jan. Ryan quickly finishes his bottle.
Carol: Son, if you drink that fast, you'll give yourself a tummy ache! Now, let's get you changed.
She picks up the bag and makes her way to the restroom. Marcia and Cindy look at the sculptures nearby. Jan feeds Carolyn her bottle.
Jan: There you go, girl! Looks like you're a hungry little one!
A lady walks into the lounging area and smiles at Jan and Carolyn.
Lady: Oh, what a beautiful baby! Is she yours?
Jan: She's my sister.
Lady: Skeptical. Uh huh.
Jan: No, really. She is my sister.
Lady: Shakes her head. Kids are having babies younger and younger these days.
Jan: Annoyed. Honest. She's my sister.
As if on cue, Carol and a freshly changed Ryan, comes out of the restroom. The lady watches the scene before her with interest.
Carol: Doesn't notice the lady. Ry, wanna go see your sisters?
Marcia and Cindy walk back into the room.
Carol: Will one of you take him while I get Carolyn?
Marcia: Sure. Carol passes the baby to his oldest sister.
Carol: Approaches Jan and Carolyn. Do you want me to take her? She probably needs changing.
Jan: I can change her if you'd like.
Carol: Thanks, but I'll do it.
Jan: Okay. Passes Carolyn over.
Carol: C'mere sweetheart. Mama's got to get you changed before we head home. Carolyn pats her mother on the cheek. That's my sweet girl!
She takes the baby in to get changed.
Lady: Apologetic. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions.
Jan: It's okay.
Lady: Notices Marcia with Ryan. Your mother has twins?
Jan: Yes, ma'am.
Lady: Five kids?
Jan: No ma'am. Mom and dad have eight. We've got three other brothers too.
Lady: Wow! Big family.
Jan: Yes ma'am.
Lady: Well, you've got a lovely family. Have a good evening.
Jan: You too.
As the lady walks off, Marcia looks at Jan quizzically.
Jan: Shrugs her shoulders. Don't ask me. She started talking to me and assumed Carolyn was mine.
Soon, Carol and Carolyn return.
Carol: We ready to go?
They pack the twins in the car and make the two hour journey back to the house.
Back at the bee
The Emcee welcomes the contestants and audience and goes over the rules. Then, the Bee commences. One by one, students become eliminated, but Bobby remains in the bee. Soon, the contestants are whittled down to the top twenty. It's Bobby's turn to spell.
Judge: Constant Number 54, your word is cynosure.
Bobby: Can I have the definition?
Judge: Cynosure. An object that serves as a focal point of attention and admiration
Bobby: Takes a deep breath. Cynosure. S-Y-N-O-S-U-R-E. Cynosure.
Judge: That is incorrect.
Bobby leaves the stage, shoulders slumped, as the next student spells the word.
Judge: Contestant Number 89, spell cynosure.
Contestant 89: Cynosure. C-Y-N-O-S-U-R-E. Cynosure.
Judge: That is correct.
The contest winds down and the Emcee closes the Bee.
Emcee: I'd like to thank the contestants and their families for a great State Spelling Bee for 1974-1975 school year. The top four contestants will advance to the National Spelling Bee in June. Let's have our Top Twenty Contestants back on stage. He waits a few moments as the contestants return to the stage. As I call your name, please come forward and receive your award. Twentieth place goes to Bobby Brady.
Bobby receives his trophy, and plasters on a fake smile. The Emcee announces Ninteenth through Fifth Place, and they receive their awards.
Emcee: I will remind the contestants and audience that the top four places will advance to the National Bee. Fourth Place, and National Bee Contestant is Laicie Talliaferro...
The Bradys meet Bobby in the lobby.
Mike: Congratulations! You did great!
Bobby: I choked. I knew how to spell that word and I choked. That was such an easy word and I blew it. Now I know how Cindy felt when we were at Regional.
Peter: Easy? I couldn't spell half those words you did.
Greg: I couldn't either.
Mike: Well, twentieth place isn't anything to sneeze at.
Bobby: Yeah, I guess.
Greg: I thought you did pretty good.
Mike: I seem to remember a young man this afternoon who swore he bombed the written exam. So, if you'd done as badly as you'd thought this morning, you wouldn't have even been able to participate tonight.
Bobby: You're right, dad.
Mike: Let's go get a snack and then back to our room. We've got an early start tomorrow.
Mike and the boys return to the hotel room, watch some television and get ready for bed.
Sunday
Mike and the boys quickly get up, eat breakfast and get ready to go back home. Bobby is still bummed about the outcome of the Bee.
Mike: Ready to load up, men?
Greg: Got my stuff packed.
Peter: Mine too.
Bobby: Shows his suitcase. Got it here.
Mike: All right. Let's head out.
Mike checks out and they travel back home. When they arrive, Greg says his good byes, and drives back to his place. Mike and the other two boys unload their suitcases and go inside. Carol's taking advantage of the twins being down for their naps, and is taking a nap herself. Mike quietly knocks on the door and enters the master bedroom. He sees his sleeping wife and kisses her on the cheek. Her eyes flutter open.
Carol: Mike! She smiles. When did you get home?
Mike: Just a few minutes ago.
Carol: How did Bobby do?
Mike: He placed twentieth.
Carol: Excited. That's great! Did he make it to Nationals?
Mike: No. They took only the top four.
Carol: Oh, I'm sorry.
Mike: How did Jan do?
Carol: She didn't make it to Nationals either. She received an Honourable Mention.
Mike: I'm sorry too, but I'm proud of our kids.
Carol: Me too.
Mike: How are the twins?
Carol: They're fine. They're taking their nap.
Mike: How did you fare juggling the twins by yourself?
Carol: The girls were a big help. She tries to stifle a yawn.
Mike: That's good. You're tired. Why don't you go back to sleep?
Carol: Only if you join me.
Mike: Okay.
He plants a soft kiss on her lips, puts some more comfortable clothes on, slips into bed, and they quickly fall asleep in each other's arms.
-End of Chapter 10-