--Chapter Seventeen Continued--
Greg arrives at the Brady house and spots his brothers and Cindy playing basketball.
Peter: Hey Greg. Care for a little two on two?
Greg: Okay, me and Cindy against you two clowns.
Bobby: You're on, bro.
Cindy: We can take 'em.
Bobby: So, who gets the ball first?
Peter: How 'bout letting our spelling experts determine who gets the ball?
Greg: Sure. Whoever spells "guerdon" correctly wins the toss.
Peter: Okay Bobby, spell.
Bobby: Concentrating really hard. G-e-r-d-o-n.
Cindy: Wrong!
Bobby: Okay, Miss Speller! Spell it!
Cindy: All right. G-U-e-r-d-o-n.
Greg: Cindy's correct.
Peter: Sorry, little brother.
Bobby: Spell "autochthonous."
Cindy: A-u-t-o-c-h-t-o-n-o-u-s.
Bobby: Nope, "A-u-t-o-c-h-t-h-o-n-o-u-s."
Cindy: How 'bout "hydrophyte?"
Bobby: Only if you can spell "vouchsafe."
Cindy: macerate.
Bobby: shalloon.
Greg: Children!
Peter: C'mon. Let's play. Greg and Cindy have the ball.
Greg: C'mon, Cindy. We can do it.
The kids play a hard game of basketball. Mike and Mr. Brady come outside.
Mr. Brady: Hiya kids!
Peter: Hey Grandpa!
Mr. Brady: Hey Pete. How's that new girlfriend of yours?
Peter: She's great.
Mr. Brady: Greg, a college man. How's it going?
Greg: It's good. I'm still not sure if I wanna do pre-med or music. I'm leaning toward pre-med with a minor in music.
Mr. Brady: Heard you have a steady too.
Greg: Her name's Nora. She's studying to be a nurse.
Mr. Brady: I said hi already to one spelling champ. How's my other spelling champ and top-notch cheerleader?
Cindy: I'm good, Grandpa.
Mr. Brady: So, who's winning?
Bobby: They're skunkin' us.
Mr. Brady: Care for three on three? Mike, you game?
Mike: Sure.
Mr. Brady: I'll be on Greg's team. Mike, take Peter's team.
Mike: You're on, dad.
Cindy: Yeah, Grandpa. We'll bake these turkeys.
Bobby: Aww dad, you're not gonna stand there and take that, are ya?
Mike: We'll show these grade schoolers who's boss.
Mr. Brady: You're on, son.
Cindy and the guys continue their game. Greg's team wins 21-12. Cindy throws the final basket, which happens to be a three-pointer.
Greg: Wow, little sis, you've got the moves on the court too.
Cindy: Thanks.
Mike: Now, go get cleaned up and say hello to your grandmother. Sam and your other grandparents should be here shortly.
The kids do as they're told.
Mr. Brady: That was some game.
Mike: Yeah, those kids nearly wore me out.
Mr. Brady: Let's go see what the ladies are into.
Mike: I wonder how Carol's back is doing?
Mr. Brady: You're really concerned about her.
Mike: Yes, I am. It's been a long time since I was an expectant father. With Greg and Peter, it was somewhat easy. Sue and I were really young and a bit naive. When Bobby was born, Sue was sick and then she died a few years later.
Mr. Brady: I know that really hurt you.
Mike: It did.
Mr. Brady: Carol's pregnancy has been relatively uncomplicated, hasn't it?
Mike: Yeah this one has been, but sometimes I can't help but worry a bit. After all, we're both in our forties and having a baby. Plus, we lost the other baby.
Mr. Brady: Ah, you'll be fine. Carol's healthy and she's had kids before. The baby will be here before you know it.
Mike can't help but grin from ear to ear. They go inside.
Sam has arrived with a ham.
Alice: Sam!
Sam: Heya, Alice. How's my little lamb chop?
Alice: Just fine.
Sam: I brought a ham. I got to thinkin' the turkey may not be enough, so we might enjoy a ham as well. It's a honey roasted ham.
Alice: Aww Sam, how lovely. It'll go just perfectly with dinner.
Sam: And these are for you. He pulls out a bouquet of red roses.
Alice: Roses!! Oh Sam! She wraps him in a tight embrace and kisses him.
Meanwhile, the doorbell rings.
Cindy: I'll get it.
She opens the door to reveal Mr. and Mrs. Tyler.
Cindy: Grandma, Grandpa!
Mrs. Tyler: Hi, Cindy!
Mr. Tyler: Hi, kiddo. How are you?
Cindy: I'm fine.
Mike: Hi mom, dad. How was your trip back East?
Mrs. Tyler: Oh, it was great! New England is gorgeous in the fall.
Mr. Tyler: Good to see you, Mike. They shake hands and Mr. Tyler pulls him into a light hug. Boys, can you go to the car and bring in the dishes for dinner and then the thing under the sheet in the trunk? Leave the sheet over it though. Oh, and I've got a package in there too.
The boys do as instructed. Mike helps Carol off the couch. She gets off balance when she stands up and Mike steadies her.
Mike: Almost whispering. You okay?
Carol: Out of breath. Yeah. She winces a bit as she regains her balance.
Mike: Your back still?
Carol: Quickly nods and then regains her composure. She sees her mother. Mom!
Mrs. Tyler: Carol honey, how are you? She embraces her daughter.
Carol: Ready to have this baby.
Mrs. Tyler: I bet you are, sweetheart.
Carol: Sees her dad. Hi daddy!
Mr. Tyler: Hi kitten. He kisses her on the cheek. How are you feeling?
Carol: Fine. I'm more than ready to have this baby, but I'm hanging in there.
The boys return with the object under the sheet and a package.
Mrs. Tyler: Mike, Carol, why don't you sit over here so you can open your gifts?
Carol: Aww mom, you shouldn't have. Smiling.
Mike helps Carol in the rocking chair. He sits in the easy chair next to her.
Mr. Tyler: Open this first. It's from Mary and Roger.
The couple opens the package and reveals a pastel rainbow coloured crocheted afghan, a couple layettes, two pairs of crocheted booties and an envelope. Carol opens the envelope. It's a certificate for a pair of personalized baby shoes.
Carol: Holding up the afghan and booties. Oh mom, they're beautiful! Mary made these?
Mrs. Tyler: Mary made the afghan but Christine made the booties.
Marcia: Maybe I should ask Aunt Mary if she'd teach me to crochet. The afghan's gorgeous.
Mrs. Brady: Who's Christine?
Carol: She's my niece. She's a year younger than Jan.
Mr. Tyler: Greg, help me bring this over to your folks.
They bring the veiled item over. Mike and Carol eagerly open it and reveal a cradle and blanket set.
Carol: Her eyes brighten. Dad! You refinished it! It's beautiful!
Mike: Henry, you did a great job on it.
Mrs. Brady: Martha, the blanket's gorgeous.
Carol: Lovingly touches it. I used this for each of my girls, and now I'll get to use it for my son. A tear escapes. Mom, dad, thank you!
Bobby: What's the story on the cradle?
Carol: Dad made this when mom was pregnant with me.
Jan: I remember looking at Cindy sleeping in it and thinking how cute she was when she was asleep. Half-apologetically. Sorry, Cindy, but when you were a newborn, I was quite the jealous older sister.
Marcia: I'll say!
Carol: Never mind that. Giggles a bit. Now, we'll have one for the bedroom and one for down here. I suspect there will be many a night when I'll be walking my baby down here.
The family admires the cradle and then breaks off into groups.
Alice: Girls, can you help get the finishing touches on dinner? It should be ready in about an hour.
Mike: Guys, we need the tables and chairs set up.
The kids do as directed.
Mrs. Tyler: I know you've got the nursery set up.
Carol: Would you like to see it? I know you're dying to.
Mrs. Brady: I know I am.
The women go upstairs to see the nursery. Carol holds her back as a faint contraction hits. Her mother notices.
Mrs. Tyler: Sweetheart, are you okay?
Carol: Tries to breathe through the pain. Yeah. My back's been hurting for awhile.
Mrs. Tyler: You sure that's all it is?
Carol: Yeah. Changes the subject a bit. Yeah, you'll love the mural the girls painted.
Mrs. Tyler: Didn't Jan design it?
Carol: She did.
Mrs. Brady: I can't wait to see it.
Carol shows her mother and mother-in-law the nursery. Carol follows them in. Another contraction hits, but she's able to hide it from them.
Mrs. Tyler: The mural's beautiful.
Carol: Thanks. Mike and I decided on a baby animals theme. Jan also put in the sea creatures since the kids went to the beach and Sea World this summer.
Mrs. Brady: It is lovely. And I love this furniture.
Carol: The bed converts into both a toddler and a twin bed.
Mrs. Tyler: What a clever design. I love the cherry wood. It's gorgeous.
Carol: That's one thing that I like about it. I love cherry wood. A bigger contraction hits. She tries to hide it.
Mrs. Brady: And the sleigh bed design is so pretty.
Mrs. Tyler: The animal print is so sweet.
Carol: We thought so too.
Mrs. Brady: And it goes with either a girl or a boy.
Carol: That's what we thought. Mike still thinks it's a girl.
Mrs. Brady: Do the two of you have names picked out?
Carol: We do, but we're keeping them a secret. A huge contraction hits.
Mrs. Tyler and Mrs. Brady notice.
Mrs. Tyler: You've been having contractions, haven't you?
Carol: The contraction releases. Here and there, but nothing real strong.
Mrs. Brady: Until now?
Carol: No, these are about the same. She straightens back up. They're not very regular. I think I can make it through dinner.
Dinner is about ready. Alice calls the family to the table. She starts in the back yard and gets the kids to wash up. Then, she goes in the den and calls the men. Last, she calls up the stairs for the women.
Alice: Dinner's ready.
Mrs. Tyler: Quietly to her daughter. Are you okay or do you need us to get Mike?
Carol: I'm fine.
The family gathers around the table. Mike and Sam bring the turkey and ham to the table. Carol, Mrs. Brady and Mrs. Tyler descend the stairs. A huge contraction hits as she descends the last stair. She holds on to the banister for support.
Mrs. Brady: Mike!
Mike sets the turkey down, looks over and sees his wife doubled over in pain. He rushes to her side. She's got a death grip on the banister.
Mike: Honey? Is it time?
She doesn't answer. The kids are watching the scene with a mix of concern and excitement. As soon as the contraction passes, Mike touches her shoulder.
Mike: Carol, let's get you to the den.
Carol nods. Mrs. Tyler helps Mike walk her daughter into the den. Mrs. Brady joins the family.
In the den. Mike and Mrs. Tyler try to help her on to the couch.
Carol: No.
Mike: What would you prefer?
Carol: Hold me.
Mike: Okay.
Mike helps his wife position herself to where he is sitting on a tall chair and she is bent over with her head on his shoulder. Her hands are on his sides.
Mike: Turns to Mrs. Tyler. The stopwatch is on the desk over there. Can you keep time?
Mrs. Tyler: Sure. She grabs the stopwatch as Carol has another contraction.
Carol cries out in pain. She digs her nails into Mike's back. He suppresses a grimace.
Mike: Coaches her through it. Breathe. The contraction climaxes and settles. That's it, honey. He rubs her back.
Carol: A couple tears stream down her face. I didn't want to mess up dinner.
Mike: You're not messing up dinner.
Carol: Yes, I am.
Mrs. Tyler: The baby may have just decided today was the day to make his appearance.
Mike: You can't control that.
Carol: I know.
Mrs. Brady peeks her head in.
Mike: Go ahead with dinner. We may be making a trip to the hospital.
Mrs. Brady goes to update the family.
Alice: How's Mrs. Brady?
Mrs. Brady: It looks like she's in labour. They're talking about taking her to the hospital.
The kids are getting excited.
Greg: I need to move my car out of the way.
Marcia: Me too. We'll be right back.
They move their automobiles out of the path of Mike's convertible.
Bobby: This is it, Cindy. We won't be the youngest anymore.
Cindy: Yeah. We'll have someone to pick on. Sees her grandmother's glare. …or love. She smiles from ear to ear.
Forty-five minutes pass. The family had decided to delay dinner on the hopes their parents will either get to join them or go on to the hospital.
Cindy: Wonder what's taking them so long? They're still in the den.
Mrs. Brady: It takes awhile to time the contractions. They don't want to go to the hospital too early.
Back in the den. Carol has another contraction.
Mike: What's the time?
Mrs. Tyler: It's been ten minutes.
Mike: They're farther apart now?
Mrs. Tyler: Yes.
Carol looks exhausted. Mike gently rubs her back.
Mike: Carol, they're getting more faint?
Carol quickly nods, trying to hold back tears.
Mrs. Tyler: Let's get you to the couch. You look tired.
Carol: Meekly. Okay.
She lets Mike and her mother help her on to the couch.
Mrs. Tyler: I'll go update everyone.
Back in the dining room. The family sees Mrs. Tyler come out.
Jan: Are they going to the hospital?
Mrs. Tyler: No.
Marcia: No?
Mrs. Tyler: Her contractions are getting farther apart and lessening in frequency.
Alice: A bit sorrowful. Another false alarm.
Mrs. Tyler: Afraid so.
Mrs. Brady: We've decided to delay the big dinner until tonight. Right now, we're having sandwiches or whatever we can get from the refrigerator.
Back in the den. Carol's lying on the couch with her feet propped up on pillows. She's upset and very tired.
Carol: Oh Mike, not again.
Mike: Honey, I know.
Carol: I feel like I'll never have this baby. She's crying. I'll be pregnant forever.
Mike: No you won't.
Carol: Between sobs. I'm just so tired of false alarms. I wish the doctor would just induce labour. Then I wouldn't have to deal with false alarms.
Mike: If that's what you want, we can talk to the doctor next Friday at your appointment.
Carol: That's what I want.
Mike: Okay. You look like you could fall asleep. Take a little nap, honey.
Carol nods and closes her eyes. She quickly falls asleep.
Mike: I'm gonna let everyone know what's going on.
Mike goes into the living room. He notices that the dinner has been put away and the family has been eating left overs and quick fix meals.
Mrs. Tyler: So, how's Carol?
Mike: Asleep now. The contractions have stopped.
Mrs. Brady: Poor dear. How many does this make?
Mike: Four. She wants us to talk to the doctor about inducing.
Mrs. Tyler: When's your appointment?
Mike: Friday.
Alice: I don't know if she'll go to Friday.
Mike: Me either. With each one, the contractions seem to get increasingly intense. I just hate seeing her go through this and then be so exhausted.
Mrs. Brady: I know, son. You look tired too. Why don't you go and lie down? We can listen for Carol. She's still in the den?
Mike: Yes, she is. Yawns. I think I will lie down. Wake me up if the contractions start back up or dinner's ready.
He goes to the bedroom and falls asleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.
Six o'clock in the evening. Mike is still asleep in the bedroom and Carol's in the den. The family sets up the food for dinner. Mrs. Brady wakes her son up.
Mrs. Brady: Mike?
Mike: Yes, mom? Is it Carol?
Mrs. Brady: No. She's still asleep. Mrs. Tyler just checked on her a few minutes ago. We're getting dinner on the table and I thought you'd like to eat some dinner.
Mike: Thanks. I'll get Carol.
Mike goes to the den and wakes his wife.
Mike: Carol?
Carol: Hmm? She barely opens her eyes.
Mike: Do you want dinner?
Carol: I guess so.
Mike: You don't have to if you don't feel like it.
Carol: I think I can eat a little bit.
Mike helps her up and escorts her to the dining room. The family stands and applauds. Mike helps his wife into her chair. The family sits down. They notice that Mike and Carol are very tired. Mike sits down.
Mike: Carol and I want to thank you for hanging in there with us. We thought the baby might make her appearance today, but I guess she has other plans. Let's hold hands and bow with me. Mike begins to pray:
Dear Lord,
we are thankful for this day,
set aside to honor all the ways You bless us
with Your goodness, love, and grace.
We are thankful for the people at this table
who add a variety of wonderful things to our lives
just by being who they are.
We are thankful for the food we are about to eat,
which You created for our nourishment and pleasure.
Most of all, Lord, we thank You
for always being there for us,
guiding us, encouraging us,
comforting us and blessing us. Amen.
--End of Chapter Seventeen--