Go Baby Grow

Chapter 11 – Side By Side

Thursday, April 22nd

The next day, Ryder's temperature, heart rate, and bloodwork were headed in the right direction. Adam decided to allow Julie to drive to school so she could stop by the hospital on her way home in the afternoon.

When she stepped into his room, Ryder was sleeping. Julie sat on the combination pull out bed/couch by the window and worked on her homework. About an hour later, as she wrestled with a Calculus assignment, Ryder spotted her and gazed her way. Her brow was furrowed and her eyes were narrowed as she chewed her pencil and honed in on the paper. Grasping the pencil in her hand, she tapped it on the textbook and her shoulders drooped.

"The answer is D," Ryder declared confidently.

Julie looked up from the book and smiled. "You're awake. You looked so cute sleeping. I didn't want to disturb you."

"Captain Consequences let you out on parole, hmm?" Ryder investigated.

"Something like that. He hasn't said anything, but I get the sense he feels pretty bad about how everything went down," Julie shared.

"Good," Ryder nodded. "He should." Locking his eyes on hers, he pushed the button to raise the top portion of the bed. He added with concern, "How's your cheek?"

She looked away rapidly and mumbled, "Fine. It's fine." Then changing the subject, she wondered aloud, "And how are you feeling? Any better?"

"Tons better," he sighed. "As soon as they remember I'm here and a doctor officially releases me, I'm a free man."

"I don't have to be home until 6. Want me to hang out? I can give you a ride home," she offered.

With a grin, Ryder nodded slightly, "I'd love that. Now what's going on with your Calc? Can I help?"

She walked over and set her book and spiral on the wheeled hospital tray and Ryder scooted over so she could sit on the edge of the bed. He studied the problem and pointed out, "No wonder you're stuck. See up here in the third step? Look at it again."

"What's wrong with it?" Julie questioned.

"Figure it out. You're smart. Third step," Ryder challenged.

"Oh geez," she sighed with disbelief. "I see it." She flipped her pencil and erased multiple lines of work that had been predicated upon a mistake early in her answer. For forty minutes, he coached her through the chapter that was giving her trouble and encouraged her as she worked the problems.

"Why couldn't the teacher explain it the way you do?" Julie sighed.

"Maybe," Ryder offered with a sly grin, "he's not as intelligent as me."

Julie laughed and playfully hit him with a pillow. Ryder teased, "Watch out, JJ, I'm bigger than you."

"Ah, but you're weak. Now's my opportunity," she winked and smiled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Livs?" Amelia voiced gently as she checked on her daughter. Olivia was rustling in her bed and her curly red hair seemed to point in every possible direction.

"What?" she whined. Olivia had been up most of the night and was experiencing the worst of the stomach bug that had struck everyone one-by-one.

"I want to freshen up your sheets and clean up your bathroom. Can you move to my bedroom for a bit?" Amelia requested. She'd begun at one end of the hall and made her way to the other. The Littles, all fully over the bug, helped her make the beds in exchange for the promise of pizza for dinner.

Lucas put the idea into the twins' heads that they should all wear surgical masks and exam gloves to prevent any relapses. Adding to the uniform, Amelia threw random medical accessories such as stethoscopes and scrub tops on them. They were the Shepherd Hunt version of The Three Stooges Go To the Hospital.

Olivia dragged herself into the Master Bathroom, too tired and queasy to care that Owen was in the bed when she arrived.

Moaning, she announced, "Mom asked me to come in here so she can change my sheets and stuff."

"Climb in, Red," he invited as he patted Amelia's spot on the bed. "We'll be sick together."

"Umph," she exhaled as she fell onto the bed. Owen attempted to cover her up with blankets, but she resisted and pointed out, "I'm super hot. No blankets. Just let me sleep." Her short sentences reminded Owen that Olivia highly preferred to be left alone when she was ill. Olivia intrigued Owen – even when she was little, she was intensely hesitant to be examined by a doctor or her parents. While she had no problem running around the house shirtless (in her younger years), the prospect of even the most basic medical procedure sent her into hiding. Being sick was only one step away from a visit to the doctor and Olivia knew it. Being sick, therefore, was a source of angst.

Lonely from being by himself all day, Owen couldn't remain quiet. "How's your day been?" Owen inquired with interest and concern as he shifted so he was nearly flat on his back.

"Crummy. I was up all night and can't sleep at all," she groaned. "How about you?"

"About the same," he nodded. "More than anything, I'm exhausted. Yesterday was my major barfing and diarrhea day."

"Thanks for sharing, Dad," Olivia laughed. "Sometimes you are such a boy."

Lightly chuckling, Owen inquired, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"It just is. You're a boy. You like to talk about pee and poop and farting and barf. Just like my disgusting brothers," she shrugged and shook her head.

Owen stretched his elbow over and nudged his daughter's arm. When she turned slightly and glanced at him in response, he winked. Still peeking his way, Olivia scooted toward him and nudged him with her elbow. She giggled and Owen joined in. He wrapped his arm around her in a light headlock and rubbed her scalp with his fist. Then he stopped and kissed the top of her head before crossing over into annoying her. Pulling her onto his chest and keeping his arm around her, he thought back to when Olivia was little and loved to snuggle.

"Dad?" Livs eeked out quietly.

"Hmmm?" Owen hummed. He was dwelling in peace and joy.

"Cuddling's kinda nice except… well… you really need a shower," she disclosed, slightly embarrassed for him.

Owen managed to sit up and smile, "Oh yeah?" With regret, she bit her bottom lip and nodded. He enveloped her in a big bear hug and teased, "Then how's this, Princess?"

"Dad! Stop it!" she sounded while also laughing and trying to struggle out of his grip.

Amelia peeked around the doorframe and questioned, "What's going on in here, Sickies?"

"Dad's attacking me with his stink!" Olivia called out as he tickled her.

"Owen! That's gross," Amelia sighed. "Let go of her."

"She told me I need a shower," he protested like a little kid trying to get out of trouble.

"You do," Amelia agreed as she folded her arms and lowered her chin. "If you're well enough to harass our daughter, you're well enough to shower."

"But I'm still sick," he whined. Olivia contained her laughter as she listened to his childlike arguments.

Raising her eyebrows and straightening her joined lips, Amelia nodded in the direction of the bathroom.

"Ok… fine," he droned as he slipped out of bed and walked toward the bathroom.

Olivia and Amelia burst into laughter as they took turns imitating his pouting. "But I'm still sick," one said as the other followed with, "Fine." "She said I stink," echoed after, "But I don't wanna."

"I can hear you," Owen called out before stepping into the shower. "Revenge is sweet."

Both Olivia and Amelia rolled their eyes, and Amelia declared, "He's all talk."

"Agreed," Olivia smirked.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Late that afternoon, Ryder was released from the hospital. Julie drove around to the hospital entrance, finding him waiting for her in a wheelchair.

"You get a free ride as a send-off around here," he joked.

"Get in the car, Hunt, or I'll make you run home," she teased.

"Can we stop at the store?" he requested as he buckled his seatbelt.

"Sure," she agreed readily. Glancing over at him, she pointed out, "You might want to stay in the car with those hospital-issued socks and scrubs. Were you naked when you arrived here or what?"

"Just boxers," he shrugged without embarrassment.

"Sexy," she chuckled. As she drove, she encouraged him to make a list of what he wanted her to pick up. He sent a text to Amelia, who added a few items. After a brief pause, she added more items, finally suggesting, Have her drop you off and pick up my credit card. The list is too long.

"How eager are you to stop at the store for me?" Ryder introduced as he prepared to tell her Amelia needed her to shop every aisle.

"I don't mind," she smirked. "As long as I'm home by six, I'm good. If I'm a minute late, I'm pretty sure I'll have hell to pay."

Ryder noted the time displayed on the car's sound system: 4:50pm. He sent a text to Amelia, JJ has to be home at 6. She can't get all this and make it home in time.

I can call Adam and soften him up, Amelia responded with a smiley emoticon.

Not wise. She was just released from his jail. Prob not ok to ask for special treatment yet," Ryder shared.

Amelia assured him, No worries. I'll ask Nolan.

Lissa will deeply appreciate that, I'm sure, Ryder concluded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Nolan's assistant buzzed through his intercom and announced, "Sir, your mother is calling."

He looked up from his work, made a quick note and responded, "I'll take it. Thank you." The call rang through and he answered it. "Mom, what's going on?"

"I need you to run an errand for me," Amelia started out.

Working a few calculations as he balanced his phone on his shoulder, Nolan reminded her, "I'm at work. Can Liss help?"

"I need groceries," she admitted.

"Ummm… Lissa probably wouldn't want to take the girls on that adventure," Nolan surmised. He surveyed his desk and the projects stacked on his desk. "I was planning to work late tonight."

"Please, Nolan? I'm not 100% yet, Dad's sick, Livie is sick, Ryder's still in the hospital and the Littles… well, they don't drive," she reported with a lighthearted tone.

"That's probably a good thing," Nolan chuckled. He leaned back in his chair and stared out the window, attempting to think up a plan. Feeling conflicted, he considered the projects awaiting him and the fact that his mother, 14 weeks pregnant and barely in her second trimester, needed a hand.

"I really wish I could help, Mom, but I'm under some pretty tight deadlines," he finally concluded, regretting his words. "Maybe Lissa will have a creative idea."

The two finished the call and Amelia sighed. She understood, but wasn't sure how to proceed. She pondered, Derek's covering my shifts, Mer is helping out in the ER, Lissa's hands are full enough, Ryder really doesn't want me to call Adam. Maggie! Maybe Maggie can help. She doesn't have a life outside the hospital!

Amelia grabbed her phone and called Maggie's cell. Maggie was in her office hanging up her lab coat and preparing to head home. "Amelia. Hi," she answered.

"Maggie, I need you," Amelia sighed with desperation.

"Why? What's up?" Maggie responded with questions.

Amelia explained the predicament and Maggie readily agreed to help. She jotted down the lengthy list, surprised by the quantities. A little over an hour later, Maggie drove up and knocked on the door. From upstairs, Amelia called down, "Ryder? Door!"

"On it," he promised as he unburied himself from the dogs who were fighting over his lap. Barkley and Bogey followed him to the door, barking to announce the guest.

"Hi Auntie," he smiled as he reached out to hug her. He snapped his fingers firmly and the dogs stopped their barking.

"You made it home," Maggie smiled. "I'm so happy."

"Me, too," Ryder agreed. "So are these nerds," he joked as he motioned toward the dogs.

"Do you suppose they could help carry in groceries?" she proposed.

"Only if you don't want them to make it to the kitchen," he smiled. "Just a sec – I'll rally the help." Walking over to the bottom of the stairs, Ryder hollered, "Littles. Front and center. Shoes on. Aunt Maggie's here and needs some help."

"Does that really work?" Maggie quizzed with intrigue.

"We'll see," he quipped. "Mom's upstairs to reinforce the message, so that'll help."

The kids came bounding down the stairs. Usually well-dressed, clean, and coifed, the Littles resembled the Garbage Pail Kids. Lucas was wearing PJ pants with a juice stain and no shirt. His hair was clumped into curls stiff from dried sweat. Anna had on a tutu and outgrown nightie with cowgirl boots. Her long brown hair was in what could only generously be described as a messy bun. For her part, Ria wore a winter coat zipped to the top. Her leggings had multiple holes and her flip flops rounded out the look. Her long red hair was down but full of tangles and rats' nests.

"My…" Maggie exclaimed slowly, "Thanks for the help, kiddos." They followed her out to the car and then helped her put the groceries away.

Amelia came downstairs and commented, "You three don't help me put groceries away."

"You're not Auntie Maggie, silly," Lucas explained as if the difference made complete sense.

"How are you feeling?" Maggie asked with compassion.

"Better but crummy. Owen keeps thinking he's better, gets up and then cycles back to vomiting," she explained. Softly, she disclosed, "He's driving me nuts."

Maggie smiled widely as she handed each of the Littles another item to put away. She winced and offered, "Should I stay and run them through the bath? I have time."

"You're my angel from Heaven," Amelia declared as she lifted her arms in the air. "Maggie, that'd be marvelous."

"It's no problem," Maggie assured her.

"No hot dates tonight, huh?" the sister teased.

"No hot dates ever," Maggie laughed.

Amelia raised her eyebrows and showed a sly grin, "What became of Adam?"

"Who?" Maggie questioned with confusion as she turned to look over her shoulder at Amelia while putting groceries in the cabinet.

"The guy… you know," Amelia's eyes widened. "In Ryder's room?"

"Oh," Maggie responded flatly. "Like he'd want to date me. I was such an idiot around him."

"Well, let's just see," Amelia grinned mischievously as she dialed Adam's cell.

"Caldwell," he answered curtly. Hearing him on the other end of the line, Maggie was motioning her distress. Mightily, she attempted to keep Amelia from setting up a date or discussing her with Adam.

"Adam… Amelia Shepherd," Amelia cooed.

"What a pleasant surprise. What can I do for you, Amelia?" Adam responded as he finished up the final touches on dinner.

"I'm not sure if you're much of a dater, but…" Amelia began with syrupy charm. "I have a single friend. Every time I think about either one of you, I imagine the two of you together." Maggie's eyes widened beyond their sockets as she shook her head violently.

"My post at the Base keeps me busy," Adam responded cryptically.

"Wouldn't a night on the town be a nice treat? C'mon, Adam, when's the last time you treated yourself to a fancy dinner?" Amelia pressed with charm.

"Are you going to allow me to decline?" he chuckled.

"You know… I wonder if you met my friend. She was one of Ryder's doctors at the hospital," Amelia casually mentioned.

"Oh?" Adam wondered aloud. "I met a young, attractive doctor… Pierce, I think. Pretty sure her name was Dr. Pierce."

"One and the same," Amelia pointed out with a sultry tone.

"What the hell," Adam chirped. "Umm.. sure."

"Wonderful!" Amelia celebrated. She grinned at Maggie, proud to have accomplished her goal. "I'll text you her contact information."

"I'd appreciate that," Adam admitted. "I'll call her."

Amelia ended the call and Maggie leaned toward her, challenging her, "What have you done, Amelia? I can't believe you."

Looking up to the side, Amelia shrugged her shoulders slowly.

"Now he knows I'm the nerd who stood in Ryder's room like an idiot without a plan. He's barely met me and he knows I'm socially awkward," Maggie declared.

"Aaaaannnndddd, he was interested anyway," Amelia pointed out.

"You amaze me," Maggie huffed as she shook her head. "Incorrigible. Rotten to the core. And you don't listen."

"Shall I send your contact info to him then?" Amelia grinned as she prepared to hit the send button.

Running her hand through her hair, Maggie sighed and gave in, "Sure."