Go Baby Grow

Chapter 52 – Can I Help?

Monday, June 15th

Waking up to the sound of Owen vomiting was not Amelia's preferred alarm.

"Oh, Handsome…" she called out. "What can I do for you?"

"Washcloth," he uttered as he took shallow breaths.

Moments later, Amelia wet a washcloth and rubbed his face with it. "You poor baby. What the hell? Are you still migrainey?"

Gazing at her with sunken, tired eyes, he explained, "Yeah… I've been up most of the night."

"Why didn't you wake me up? I could have given you meds," she sighed.

Laying down on the floor, Owen shared, "Too weak to move or call for you. Besides, you need your sleep, Mama." He threw a dry towel over his torso and hips.

Amelia frowned, feeling sorry for him. She retrieved a blanket and covered him with it, receiving a happy hum in response. "Water? You've got to be dehydrated," she cautioned.

"I just want to sleep," he stated.

"More meds first?" she suggested.

"If you think it will help," he said with disinterest.

"What will help is a shot of Demerol. I'm going to call over to the hospital and see if someone can stop by," Amelia told him.

"Whatever," he mumbled. Amelia leaned over him and dabbed the washcloth on his unshaven face. She ran it over cool water to refresh it, wrung it out, and set it on his forehead and cheek.

Returning to the bedroom, she called the hospital. Kepner answered the phone and mentioned her shift was about to end. She suggested a different anti-nausea med and promised to bring it over with the Demerol and a banana bag.

Adam tried to leave for the base at 7:30. After kissing Tessa goodbye, walking toward the door, turning around, and returning to kiss her again, he rubbed the tip of his nose along her cheek.

"Put your feet up and take it easy today. I'll try to slide out by 3," he stated with a grin.

"I…" she emphasized with a post-sex smile, "will be impatiently waiting for you."

With a slow blink, Adam grinned. "Delivery's today?" he sought to confirm.

"Hopefully," she sighed.

"Let me know," he encouraged before leaving the house and driving to work.

"I will." Tessa questioned, "Did you speak to Julie yet?"

Shaking his head as he stepped away, he reported, "Haven't had a chance. Tonight for sure."

Assuming that Julie was a typical teen who preferred to sleep in, Tessa sat at the kitchen counter wearing Adam's robe and sipping coffee. She assumed she'd have the house to herself until at least 9 or 10am. However, when Julie bounded down the back stairs wearing an oversized t-shirt and a pair of PJ shorts that resembled men's boxers, Tessa decided to act as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Oh," Julie sounded softly, surprised to see anyone in the kitchen. With a chipper tone, she added, "Good morning, Ma'am."

"Sleep well?" Tessa inquired.

Julie was facing the fridge. She turned her head and grinned, "Actually, yes, Ma'am. Better than I have in about a week."

"Glad to hear it," Tessa smiled before clearing her throat and then drinking her coffee.

What the hell am I supposed to say to her? Or do? Ask 'so how was Dad in the sack last night?' Offer to make breakfast? What's the protocol here? Julie wondered.

Interrupting Julie's thoughts, Tessa offered, "I was thinking about making some scrambled eggs and toast. Can I add some for you?"

"Oh, thank you, but no thank you, Ma'am. I'm going for a run and then boxing. I'll stick to a couple protein bars for now," Julie grinned awkwardly.

With a soft chuckle, Tessa encouraged, "I hope you don't mind me saying this, but for years, my go-to meal before a run has been a peanut butter and banana sandwich on toast."

"Sounds like a great boost," Julie responded.

"Can I make it for you?" Tessa offered, trying hard to bond with Julie.

"I don't want to trouble you, Ma'am," Julie replied as she thought This is weird. You want to make me breakfast in my own home and you don't live here. That's nice and all, but kind of strange.

Tessa sighed deep inside and decided to offer one more time, "Really, Julie. I have nothing to do today. It will make me feel productive." She added, "And by the way, if you call me Ma'am one more time, I may lose my temper. How about calling me Tessa?"

Gulping down a large glass of orange juice, Julie shrugged and laughed uncomfortably, "My dad wouldn't hear of it. He would probably also lean on me for not offering to cook you breakfast, but if you really want to…"

Standing up and walking to the fridge to find eggs, Tessa assured Julie, "I do. I'd love to make you breakfast, actually."

Whatever floats your boat, Navy lady, Julie figured as she searched her mind for conversation topics.

Tessa beat her to the punch. "Running then boxing. Sounds like you're taking your pre-training for the summer seriously. You'll be glad you did. Make sure you don't make the summer workouts look too easy, though, or they'll add more to your routine."

"I've heard about that. My brother warned me," Julie answered, trying to sound pleasant and not bored.

"Of course. Sam. Sam was there a few years back," Tessa recalled. "How great to have someone who can provide the inside scoop. Has he given you other pointers?"

"Umm… yes, but I can't think of any off the top of my head," Julie stated.

"I'd be happy to sit down and chat about the Academy from a woman's perspective if you'd be interested. Don't feel obligated, though. You can think about it," Tessa offered then began to step back. "It's been many years since I was a student, but I served there recently."

With a genuine smile, Julie lowered her shoulders slightly and responded, "That's really thoughtful. Thank you."

"We women need to stick together, Julie. You'll be out-numbered 3-to-1. In my day, it was more like 14-to-1," Tessa disclosed.

"Yikes," Julie reacted with surprise.

Tessa threw the sandwich together after turning the heat down on her eggs and handed it to Julie. "Here you go, kiddo."

"Thanks," Julie smirked. Besides not being used to living with another female and not accustomed to finding her father's girlfriend in his robe in the morning, Julie was not sure how to react to someone calling her 'kiddo,' preparing her breakfast, and worrying about her nutrient intake.

"What's on your docket after running and boxing?" Tessa inquired curiously before taking a bite of eggs. She was leaning on the counter and casually nibbling, yet another unfamiliar practice in the Caldwell home.

"Not much," she admitted. "I was thinking I might go over to Ryder's and see his nieces and sister-in-law. His mom is pregnant and on bedrest, so she could probably use some company too. What about you?"

Tessa knew her plans for the day, but was fairly certain Adam had not spoken to Julie about them. How do I tell her? Tessa wondered. Unable to summon the courage, she responded, "Not much."

"You're on leave. I guess it's a good thing to not have many plans," Julie commented.

Tessa hesitated before admitting, "Actually, I'm retiring. I guess that means I'll be on permanent leave."

"Congratulations?" Julie stated, not sure if that was the best term for the situation.

"It's a mixed blessing. I was unwilling to accept an assignment that would have led to a promotion – it's sort of a forced retirement. But I've put in 25 years. I suppose it's time," Tessa explained.

"Oh," Julie responded. "What are your plans for retirement?"

Again, kiddo, I can't say. Your dad really needs to talk to you. With a casual shrug, Tessa offered, "For now, I'm taking one day at a time. Plans should begin to gel soon."

Olivia showed April Kepner up to the master bedroom. As they walked, April noticed she seemed a bit listless and vacant. "Have you been sick?" April inquired.

"No," Olivia responded briefly as she made her way down the hall weaving slightly. April lowered her brows and took in her observations, not sure if she should tell the Chief or not.

Olivia knocked on the door and opened it, announcing, "Daddy, Dr. Kepner's here."

A few minutes earlier, Amelia had convinced Owen to move to the bed. He was flat against the mattress in the cool room. "April, thank God," he mumbled. "Thanks, Livs," he added.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, just slightly uneasy about treating her shirtless Chief in his darkened bedroom, she detailed her plan, "Let's start with the IV and get the fluids running. I'll add the meds directly through that."

"If you need more light, I can cover my eyes," Owen suggested.

"Actually, that would be helpful," she decided. "Ready?" she asked before switching on the nightstand lamp.

Amelia strolled in and offered her greeting, "April, thank you so much for stopping by."

"No problem. I've missed you around the hospital. How's the pregnancy?" April sang as she rubbed an alcohol wipe on Owen's forearm.

"The bump's growing," Amelia smiled. "Lots of kicking around the clock. I'm pretty sure we have another soccer player on our hands."

"All our kids like soccer," Owen mumbled. With great precision, April inserted the needle in Owen's arm. Owen praised, "She's smooth, Mia."

With a tiny laugh, Kepner pointed out, "And he hasn't even had the Demerol yet."

Amelia approached from the other side of the bed as she chuckled and scooted toward Owen. She ran her hand along his head and frowned slightly, "I hope it helps, Handsome."

"The fluids alone should work wonders," April shared. She placed the needle of each syringe in an IV port as she chatted. Looking at Amelia, April asked, "Shall I leave another dose of Demerol?"

Gritting her teeth and opening her lips, Amelia raised her shoulders and advised, "No. We try to keep Schedule Ones out of the house."

"I can always come back. Give me a call if you need to," April offered. She set her hand on Owen's arm momentarily and spoke directly to Owen, "Chief, you should be experiencing some relief very soon."

"Already," Owen moaned, obviously high as a kite.

"Great," April smirked. Looking at Amelia she mentioned, "He'll probably sleep most of the day. Really, please call if he rebounds or needs anything more."

"Thanks, April," Amelia smiled. She stood up and showed April out. When Amelia closed the door and turned around, she spotted the refrigerator door wide open. She sighed, assuming one of the kids had neglected to close it.

As she came closer, she saw Lissa's rear was sticking up in the air. Lissa was rummaging around the lower shelves.

"I'd recognize that back end anywhere," Amelia laughed.

Lissa giggled and stood up, "After Emmy, it's hard to miss it."

"What do you need? You're welcome to it if we have it," Amelia inquired.

"I was hoping to score some berries. Little Miss Molly has decided that's all she wants to eat," Lissa groaned.

"Toddlers," Amelia smirked. "Worse than grown men."

"We need to hang out more often, Amma," Lissa chuckled.

"I could come rest at your house. A change of venue might be nice," Amelia joked.

"Then come on over," Lissa invited.

Amelia glanced toward the upper floor, "Maybe tomorrow. Poor Owen has a monster migraine."

"And you're going to nurse him back to health while you remain on bedrest, pregnant lady?" Lissa challenged. "I can ask Becca to watch the girls. That'll free me up to help over here."

"How about," Amelia pressed her lips together and widened her eyes playfully, "my granddaughters and their nanny come over here so their uncles and aunties can play with them? Then you can pretend to take care of Owen while you and I hang out."

"I'll call her," Lissa smiled as she walked to the kitchen phone. "You do know that you are one of ten houses in Seattle that still has a home phone?"

"Owen… It's his deal. Not worth a debate," Amelia scoffed.

After Lissa chatted with Becca, she ended the call and explained, "I'm going to run over to help Becca bring the ladies over. Be right back." Lissa kissed Amelia's cheek and hugged her before nearly skipping to the door.

Amelia decided to rouse the kids and tell them the babies were on their way over. She started at Ryder's door, knocking and calling his name softly.

"Yeah?" Ryder responded.

"Babies are on their way over," Amelia shared.

Ryder opened his door. He was dressed in running shorts and a t-shirt. "Damn," he commentated, "I'm on my way to JJ's. We're running then boxing."

"Dang," Amelia grimaced. "Come home afterward. I want every minute I can have with you before you leave."

Ryder hugged his mom and promised, "Deal, Mama Bear. I'll try to bring Jules with me, how's that sound?"

"I'd love that," Amelia smiled. "Want to help me wake up your siblings before you go?"

"No dice," Ryder explained as he walked past her. "Already late." He bounded down the stairs and out the door.

Lucas' room was across the hall, so Amelia turned and knocked on his door. "Lucas?" she cooed.

"Hmmm?" he responded sleepily.

"Can I come in?" she requested.

"Yep," he responded. When she entered, he had thrown the blankets over himself and attempted to sink into the mattress.

"Oh no, I thought I heard him in here," Amelia played along. Hearing giggling, she continued, "Maybe he's in the closet."

"Noooooo," Lucas stated happily.

"Hmm… under the desk?" Amelia wondered aloud.

"Nope, nope, nope," he clarified.

Amelia walked over to the bed, bent down and attempted to tickle him through the covers.

Throwing the blankets off, Lucas laughed and explained, "Mommy, you can't tickle through blankets. It doesn't work."

"Darn it," Amelia frowned. "The babies are on their way over. Want to help me wake up your sisters?"

"Can Puppy come?" Lucas beamed.

"Absolutely," Amelia smiled as she held out a hand for Lucas to grab as he hopped out of bed. He jumped onto the floor and ran to Ria's door. Amelia strolled slowly behind him, stopping to peek into her bedroom to check on Owen. He was asleep and peaceful.

By the time she reached the girls' part of the house, Ria and Annabelle were part of the wake up crew. The three banded together to attack Olivia. They reasoned that she couldn't attack all three of them at once.

"Guys… let's not…" Amelia began too late. The trio of Littles jumped on Olivia's bed and yelled.

"What the…" Olivia screeched. "Get off my bed and get that smelly, ratty blanket out of here."

"The babies are coming over," Lucas shared joyfully.

"So what? Get out! All of you, you annoying urchins," their older sister spewed.

The Littles giggled, and Ria asked, "Want me to find you some clothes, Livs? I can help."

"No. Stay out of my things and go away," Olivia growled. "And where's your walker?"

"In my room," Ria shrugged.

Amelia smiled and motioned the Littles away. "Wait for me, Ree. We'll help each other down the stairs."

With fury, Olivia scowled at Amelia and declared, "How dare you let them do that to me."

"Excuse me?" Amelia responded as she lowered her chin toward her chest.

"It's bad enough I don't have a door. But when my own mother doesn't protect me…" Olivia grumbled.

Amelia interrupted, "Livs… I'm sorry. I did try to stop them. Are you coming downstairs to see the babies? Lissa and Becca are bringing them over."

"No, I'm not. Now get out of my room," Olivia ordered with gritted teeth before flopping down on the bed and covering her head.

Dealing with Olivia's temper was not on Amelia's to do list for the day. Rather than challenge her, Amelia backed out of the room, then made her way downstairs. Man… Amelia thought, that child brings a whole new meaning to the term challenging teenager.