Showdown
Part 53
Jing-Mei waddled over to Dave and tried to calm him down. He backed away from her.
Jing-Mei: Are you alright, baby?
Dave: No ggo. Ii ddon't tthere go.
Jing-Mei: It was just a suggestion. The captain thought it would be good if you went back there and maybe you would remember something that would help find the people who hurt you. As I told you before, no one is going to make you do anything you don't want to. Your in charge. You call the shots. When you're ready to go back to Hangar # 7, we'll go.
Dave: Okay.
Jing-Mei: Forget I even mentioned it. Now, why don't we have some of those great smelling cookies you made.
Dave: Yyou eat. Ddavey tired.
Jing-Mei: Well, you do look a little worn out. Why don't you get some rest and I'll see you later...for dinner, I hope.
Dave: Mmaybe.
Dave shuffles off to his bedroom. Jing-Mei tries to bend down to pick up the cookie sheet that Dave dropped on the floor when Mrs. Peterson walks in and picks the sheet up for her.
Mrs. Peterson: I was wondering what dropped in here.
Jing-Mei: It was an accident. Dave did it, but thankfully, the cookies were already off of it. Otherwise, Rascal and Lucky would have been having a special dessert tonight.
Mrs. Peterson: Is he okay? He didn't look too well when I passed him in the hall.
Jing-Mei: I think I upset him. He'll be alright. He just needs some rest.
Mrs. Peterson: What did you say to him? Did you ask him to go visit Larry again?
Jing-Mei: Yes, but that's not what made him mad. We are beyond that. He's at least considering it. No, this was something entirely new. Capt. Amos figured out that the reason Dave had the accident is because of a certain, unintentional movement of Larry in the car that day, Dave remembered the day he was kidnapped.
Mrs. Peterson: Really. What happened?
Jing-Mei: It's a rather long story but in simple terms, Larry had leaned over the front seat of the car with a handkerchief in his hand and we believe that Dave might have flashed back on the moment those son of bitches put the chloroform rag over his face and knocked him out. Anyway, Capt. Amos thinks that maybe if we reenact that day and the kidnapping it might help Dave's memory.
Mrs. Peterson: Sounds plausible but do you really think Dave can handle a stunt like that?
Jing-Mei: I'm not sure. Especially, when it involves going back to the airport hangar where he was held at. Of course, Dr. Legaspi would have been with us the entire time, in case Dave needed her. Doesn't matter now, though. Dave wouldn't go for it.
Mrs. Peterson: Can't say that I blame him, the poor dear. Why don't you let me talk to him after his nap?
Jing-Mei: Certainly. Now, if you'll excuse me I have to go pick Rusty up from his friend's house.
Mrs. Peterson: I'll start dinner.
Dinner was just about ready. Mrs Peterson had Tei and Antonio washed and at the table. They were waiting on Jing-Mei and Rusty to come home. Mrs. Peterson went into Dave's bedroom to check on him. She gently rapped on the door and when she didn't hear an answer, she opened it and peeked inside. Dave, was sitting up in bed with one of his books on his lap.
Mrs. Peterson: You're awake. Dinner's almost ready. Are you joining us tonight?
Dave: Ggot rread tthis.
Mrs. Peterson stood in front of him for several minutes and watched him struggle through with words.
Mrs. Peterson: You can read that later. It's time to eat. If you'd like, I can help you later on.
Dave: Ddo nnow. Ggot tto sso I be doctor.
Mrs. Peterson: It'll happen just try not to push yourself.
Dave continued to stare at his book when Mrs. Peterson sat down beside him.
Mrs. Peterson: I heard about what happened today. I know why you had you're car accident.
Although Dave heard her words, he chose to ignore them.
Mrs. Peterson: I also know what Jing-Mei asked you to do.
Dave slams his hand onto the book.
Dave: NNOT DDOING IIT.
Mrs. Peterson: Relax, sweetheart. You don't have to. I don't blame you either. It must have been so scary for you. You know that Jing-Mei wouldn't do anything if she thought it would hurt you. I'm not a philosopher or anything, but there's an old saying that in order to get over a fear, one must face that fear head on.
Dave: What mmean that?
Mrs. Peterson: It means that everyone, I don't care how brave someone acts, is afraid of something and the only way to stop being afraid is to challenge that fear and show it who's boss. Like some people are afraid of flying, so the best thing for them to do to overcome it is to get on an airplane. You see what I'm saying?
Dave: Mommy, I sscared of place at airport. Yyou tthink should I go sso I wwon't bbe sscared anymore?
Mrs. Peterson: I think so, but only when you are absolutely sure you can handle it. We all want you to get better and this will be a giant step if you do this.
Dave: Mommy, wwhat yyou a..afr..afraid of?
Mrs. Peterson: Oh, lots of things. Death and being alone and getting older and spiders. I don't like spiders.
Dave: Nno sspiders here.
Mrs. Peterson: Thank god for that.
Dave: Yyou nnever ggonna be alone wwith yyour ffamily here.
Mrs. Peterson: I am so grateful for that.
From out in the other room, a door slam and footsteps are heard.
Rusty: Hi, Tonio and Tei. You should have come. Swimming was great.
Jing-Mei: Maybe next time, why don't you go get washed for dinner.
Back in Dave's room:
Mrs. Peterson: So, what do you think, big guy? Have dinner with us? It's spaghetti and meatballs tonight.
Dave: I hungry.
Mrs. Peterson: Well, come on then. Let's join the others.
Mrs. Peterson helps Dave to his feet and makes sure he's steady before she starts to walk.
Dave: We hhave ccookies for dessert.
Mrs. Peterson: Don't see any reason why not.
Dave: I llove yyou, mommy.
Mrs. Peterson: I llove you too, son.
Through out dinner, Rusty and the boys couldn't help but talk about the circus. Jing-Mei and Mrs. Peterson noticed how tensed up Dave was getting with the conversation.
Antonio: Cirsus fun, da.daddy.
Dave: Nno ggo.
Jing-Mei: Uh, boys. I think your dad isn't up to the circus now. You're Grandma Peterson and Uncle Salvador will take you though, tomorrow. Is that okay, Mrs. Peterson?
Mrs. Peterson: Of course. We would love to go. Dave, are you sure you don't want to go. You'll have fun.
Dave: Cclowns be there?
Rusty: Lots of them.
Dave rigorously shook his head.
Dave: Ii no go.
Mrs. Peterson: Dave, remember our early conversation. This may be a way to prove what we were talking about.
Jing-Mei: What was that?
Mrs. Peterson: Oh, we were talking about fears and how to get over them. About him going to the airport...
Jing-Mei: ...and what did he say about that?
Mrs. Peterson: He's scared and then we kind of got off topic.
Rusty: Why don't papa want to go?
Jing-Mei: Boys, you're papa is just getting better from his surgery in Florida. He's not taking the meds anymore that kept him from hearing. His hearing is back and he still doesn't like loud sounds. I think the circus will be too loud for him.
Mrs. Peterson: But we'll have fun.
Tei: Mama, coming.
Jing-Mei: No, I don't think so. Someone has to stay home with your dad and the dogs.
All three boys' jaws drop in disappointment.
Antonio: Woofies coming.
Tei: Rusty said so.
Jing-Mei: I hate to disappoint you, but they aren't allowed to go.
Rusty: Why not?
Jing-Mei: They don't allow dogs in the circus.
Rusty: They family.
Jing-Mei: I know they are but others may not think of them like that.
Rusty: They let animals in circus. I've seen them. They got tigers, bears, lions and dogs there.
Jing-Mei: They are performers, that's why. Besides, I only have five tickets.
Dave: Doggies home stay.
Mrs. Peterson(joking)Right, who will your parents have to play with if you take the dogs with you.
Jing-Mei(smiling and winking back at Mrs. Peterson)I think Dave and I can figure out something to do with the time.
All the boys looked confused by Jing-Mei's statement, but also uninterested.
Rusty: We'll bring you something back then.
Later that night, after the boys went to sleep, the adults were relaxing in the living room. Mrs. Peterson was knitting a blanket for the new baby, Jing-Mei was on the couch and Dave was laying with his head on her tummy.
Dave: Ccan't hhear bbaby?
Jing-Mei: I told you that you need the stethoscope in order to listen to the baby's heart.
Mrs. Peterson: Have you two come up with a name yet?
Jing-Mei: No, but we should discuss it. The baby will be here next week and we shouldn't wait until the last minute to give it a proper name. Have you come up with anything yet, Dave?
Dave: Rrussy.
Jing-Mei: We already have a Rusty, a Tei and an Antonio. We need a new name. I was thinking maybe Kaylee or Amber or maybe Mi Huan.
Mrs. Peterson: Mi Huan Malucci...catchy. I can see you have your heart set on a girl.
Jing-Mei: It really doesn't matter as long as it's healthy.
Mrs. Peterson: It will be. You've had very good prenatal care and with the exception of Dave getting sick in Florida and the car accident, you haven't had very much stress.
Jing-Mei: Well, there was that time back when the boys were taken away from us.
Mrs. Peterson: I don't even want to think of that.
Jing-Mei: They're back now and that's what is important. No one will ever take them away from us again. But you're right, I would like a little girl this time since we already have three boys.
The phone rings and Mrs. Peterson answers it. She tells Jing-Mei that it's the hospital and, realizing that Dave has fallen asleep on her, she doesn't want to disturb him by moving. Mrs. Peterson hands her the cordless phone. She talks for a few minutes and then hands the phone back to the older lady.
Mrs. Peterson: Good news from the look on your face.
Jing-Mei: Yes, it was so...
Just then Jing-Mei jumped as did Dave, waking him up.
Mrs. Peterson: Are you alright, dear?
Jing-Mei: Yes, the baby just kicked. Hard too. Hard enough to wake him up. Well, now that you are awake, let me tell you the news. I spoke with Dr. Romano today and he just called to tell me that the hospital board has agreed to meet with you tomorrow, Dave, about you coming back to work at the hospital.
Dave started to smile.
Dave: I be doctor.
Jing-Mei: We talked about that. You'll be helping out mostly, but you still can learn as you assist the others. Wait until tomorrow, you'll impress that board so much, they can't say no.
Mrs. Peterson: It's that simple? It's been a long time since he worked as a doctor.
Jing-Mei: Well, it's a little harder than that. Dave will show the board how much he knows and what he can do and if they agree to it then he can come back part time and in the meantime, he'll have to re-take some of his courses and he'll probably drop back down to a first year resident.
Mrs. Peterson: What about medical school?
Jing-Mei: I'm not really sure how it works. I'll find out tomorrow. I know he'll have to take some classes over again and redo his rotations but I don't think they will make him actually go back to med school. He has in fact already graduated once. So, Dave, what do you think? Sound good.
Dave: Ii sshow I ggood doctor.
Jing-Mei: I bet you will. Now, let's get back to naming this little one.
Dave: Nnicky.
Jing-Mei: Still a definite possibility.
The next day, the boys were up early in the morning, although they weren't going to the circus until later that night. Rusty claimed that they were too excited to sleep. Jing-Mei and Dave had taken a shower together earlier and when he entered the living room, he was dressed in his best suit. Mrs. Peterson, who was fixing breakfast for the children, turned around to see him stumble by and onto the couch. She approached him.
Mrs. Peterson: Uh, Jing-Mei, there's a strange man in the living room!
Jing-Mei hurried into the living room to see her friend staring at Dave, who was totally confused.
Dave: Nno, mommy...it's mme...Ddavey.
Mrs. Peterson: So, it is. I didn't recognize you in that suit. You look even more handsome than usual.
Dave's face turned bright red as Jing-Mei took a deep breath, realizing that Mrs. Peterson was only joking about an intruder.
Jing-Mei: Whew! You scared the life out of me. Next time, you plan to joke with Dave, please fill me in first. The last thing I need is to hear some stranger has gotten into the house.
Mrs. Peterson: I'm sorry. I guess I just wasn't thinking.
Jing-Mei: We've got to go, Dave. We shouldn't be long.
Dave and Jing-Mei gave their children kisses and hugs and Mrs. Peterson wished Dave good luck on his interview.
The twosome arrived at the hospital early for Dave's interview. Before they headed up to the conference room, they stopped by the ER. It was extremely busy and there wasn't anyone who they could talk with until the interview, so they went pretty much unnoticed. As they headed for the lounge to wait, they ran into Dr. Legaspi, who had just been chatting with Kerry.
Dr. Legaspi: Dave, Jing-Mei!
Dave: Uh, oh.
Jing-Mei: Dave, relax. Dr. Legaspi doesn't mean to do you any harm. She's trying to help you, like we all are.
Dr. Legaspi: You have a few minutes?
Jing-Mei: Actually, we have about 30 minutes. We were going to wait in the lounge and have some coffee if you want to join us.
The psychiatrist followed the Maluccis into the lounge. Dave sat down on the couch, still unsure about what was going on. The two lady doctors got some coffee and joined him.
Dr. Legaspi: Well, Dave, you look well.
Jing-Mei: He's doing better. He's still having a little trouble eating, but his doctor said that's not unusual with the bruising to his intestine. It's difficult for him to digest without any pain.
Dr. Legaspi: What brings you to the hospital looking so nice?
Jing-Mei: Dave's got an interview with the hospital board about coming back to work part time again.
Dr. Legaspi: That's great. They should approve you on just your looks. We could use a good looking stud around here again.
Jing-Mei waits to hear a note of appreciation from Dave to Dr. Legaspi for her compliment and when it doesn't come, she nudges him with her elbow.
Jing-Mei: Dave, what do you say?
Dave: I tthought yyou ggay.
Embarrassed, Jing-Mei places her hand over his mouth and red-facedly apologizes to the psychiatrist about her husband's comment.
Jing-Mei: DAVE! THAT'S RUDE! I am so sorry, Dr. Legaspi. Sometimes his brain isn't able to monitor what he says. He has a tendency to shoot off his mouth without thinking.
Dr. Legaspi: From what I hear, he was like that before his attack. That's okay, I understand.
Jing-Mei: Dave, I let go of you, I want you to apologize to the doctor.
Dave nods and Jing-Mei releases his mouth.
Dave: Sssorry, Ddr. Lesa...Kim. Ii bad.
Dr. Legaspi: No, you're not. Anyway, I still know a good looking guy when I see one.
Dave blushes again as Jing-Mei checks her watch. The three get up and exit the lounge.
Dr. Legaspi: By the way, Jing-Mei, have you had a chance to talk to him about what Capt. Amos wants to do.
Jing-Mei: I mentioned it, but Dave wants no part of going back to (whispering) Hangar #7. He's still not ready for that move just yet.
Dr. Legaspi: That's a shame. I think the captain is on to something there. Well, good luck on your interview, Dave. Maybe, we can talk later.
Jing-Mei: We'll see. Bye, Dr. Legaspi.
Jing-Mei and Dave arrive at the conference room still early, but she decides it's better if they just wait there and avoid any more embarrassing issues with Dave.
Finally, the hospital board assembles and interview Dave. Dave demonstrates what he can do. He shows them that he knows how to do CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver, although with his cracked ribs, it's difficult for him to pull back on someone right now. Then he shows them on a dummy arm how to give shots, take blood and suture. They watch and whisper between them.
Board Member: I think we've seen enough, Mr. Malucci. We will take everything into consideration and get back to you. Thank you for coming in.
Both Jing-Mei and Dave stood and shook each of the board members' hand and thank them for hearing Dave out. The Maluccis left, satisfied that Dave did his best and gave them the best interview he could.
On their way out of the hospital's main entrance, they were called at by a voice from behind.
Larry: Dave, Jing-Mei!
Dave, instantly recognized the voice and pulled Jing-Mei towards the door.
Dave: Llet go, Cchin. Home ggo.
Jing-Mei: Larry! Dave, stop that pulling. We aren't going anywhere. Now, just settle down.
Larry's older brother was pushing him in his wheelchair as his younger brother, Marty, carried his bag. They approached the Maluccis.
Larry: Hi, you two. Well, I'm checking out of here.
Jing-Mei: You're going home, today. Terrific.
Larry: Not exactly. I'll be staying with Alan and his family in Springfield while I do my physical therapy, but I'll be back.
While Jing-Mei faced the Johnson boys, Dave kept his back to them.
Jing-Mei: Dave's here for an interview about getting part time work in the ER. Dave, say hello to your friend. You'll have to excuse my husband, he's (getting angry) a little shy.
Dave: Hhi.
Larry: That's a start. Dave, these are my brothers that I told you about. That's Marty and this is Alan. Guys, this is one of the best patients I ever had and probably one of the nicest, too.
Jing-Mei: Although, he's acting like a jerk right now.
Larry: Uh guys, why don't you give us a couple of minutes.
They agree and both Larry's brothers and Jing-Mei step out of ear shot. Larry wheels himself to Dave, who's still standing with his back to his friend. Larry taps Dave on the back and for the first time since the encounter, Dave turns around to see his best friend. He winces and turns his back again.
Larry: I've never known you to be shy. What's going on, big guy?
Dave remains silent for several minutes, then out of nowhere begins to speak.
Dave: Ii hhurt yyou.
Larry: Is that what the problem is? Dave, I don't blame you for the accident. It wasn't your fault. I scared you. I know that now.
Dave: Ccchin ssays Ii ccould kkilled you.
Larry continues to tap Dave on the back and then finally decides to wheel around in front of him so that Dave is facing him.
Larry: Dave, you didn't mean it. I know that. I told you it was an accident and as far as killing me, you saved my life. The doctors said I wouldn't be here now, if it wasn't for your quick thinking.
Dave: You jjust ssaying that.
Larry: No, I'm not. You pulled me out of the car safely. You made sure my neck was secure and breathed for me when I couldn't breathe for myself and you called 911 and got us help. For that I will be eternally grateful, pal.
Dave: Pal? Wwe sstill ffriends?
Larry: Are you kidding? We're best friends.
Dave bent down so he was at eye-level with Larry. Larry reached out and hugged his friend as the others approached them. Dave started pulling away from Larry when he saw the others coming near him.
Jing-Mei: Isn't this sweet?
Dave: Ii nnot gay.
Larry: Calm down, Dave. No one is saying you are. It's alright for guys to hug, sometimes.
Jing-Mei: Dave knows that. He's just not comfortable with it. Never has been.
Alan: You're all signed out, little brother. We had better go now. We have a long drive ahead of us.
Larry: Alan, did you give Jing-Mei your address and phone number?
Jing-Mei holds up a piece of paper.
Larry: Now, I expect you to use them Dave. I want to hear all about how your interview went and the new baby.
Alan: And maybe, you can come and visit us sometime.
Dave: Llike that.
Larry: And try not to worry. You're going to be a great doctor again. You certainly proved that to me. Goodbye, pal.
Alan wheeled Larry out the door as Jing-Mei and Dave stood behind waving at him.
Dave and Jing-Mei arrived home in time to see Mrs. Peterson getting the boys ready for the circus. Just as she finished brushing Antonio's hair, there was the sound of a horn honking.
Mrs. Peterson: That's Salvador. Let's go boys.
Jing-Mei and Dave kissed their boys goodbye as they hurried out to the car.
Dave: Bye...RTA.
RTA: Bye, papa.
Jing-Mei: Have fun, guys.
Mrs. Peterson: You too.
The two watched as Mr. Santini drove off and headed for the circus. They made their way into the dining room to see the table set and candles lit on either end. The room was darkened except for the small light from the candles.
Jing-Mei(shaking her head)Mrs. Peterson.
After dinner, Jing-Mei gave Dave his meds and then he insisted on another shower, like the one they had in the morning. Both Maluccis slowly undressed each other and then climbed into the steaming shower. They gently caressed one another as they, in turn, took a soaped up sponge and ran it down the other one's body, making sure each inch of the other was cleaned and kissed. Jing-Mei poured the shampoo on to her hand and ran it through Dave's hair. She scrubbed his head making sure to do behind his ears, knowing how much he loved having his ears scratched. Now, it was Dave's turn to wash Jing-Mei's long, dark hair. As he rubbed the shampoo through her tresses, he would smell each strain of it as it fell between his fingers. After he was done, Jing-Mei couldn't resist washing his penis. She placed the hard cock between her hands and stroked it up and down, driving Dave absolutely wild. He dropped to his knees, momentarily scaring the hell out of his wife, but she realized that he was just getting turned on. He parted her legs and placed his face down on her lower bush and started licking the cum as it trickled down her thighs. Then there was a series of moans and groans before they were through with their shower. Drying each other off was almost as fun as getting cleaned.
Meanwhile, at the circus, Mr. Santini had come back with popcorn and sodas for all. The boys were so fascinated with the lion tamers, they didn't pay attention to what their adult chaperones were doing. After they had their food in their hands, on came the trapeze artists and while the children were watching, Mr. Santini slowly slid his hand on to Mrs. Peterson's thigh and little bit at a time advanced it inward on her leg. She jumped, not expecting it. Mr. Santini pulled his hand away, realizing that he might have went to far. She smiled at him, then took his hand, kissed it, placed it back on her leg and then put her hand on top of it. They stared at each other for several minutes before anyone spoke.
Mr. Santini: This is fun. You and I being here with the children. I know we are a little beyond the point of having our own but that's only one benefit of...uh, marriage.
Mrs. Peterson put her finger into her ear to block out the loud screams of all the other circus goers, not to mention their own three.
Mrs. Peterson: What did you say?
Mr. Santini: I know we've only been seeing each other for a few months, but they have been by far the happiest few months of my life since my beloved past.
Mrs. Peterson: I feel the same way. You and the Maluccis have been wonderful to me and I love you all very much.
Mr. Santini: I love you, too. That's why I want you to be my wife.
Mrs. Peterson: Your what? Your wi...fe?
Mrs. Peterson's jaw dropped. Stunned was written all over her face.
Mr. Santini(nodding)Will you marry me?
Still in shock, unable to catch her breath, much less speak...all she could do was nod until her powers of speech returned.
Mrs. Peterson: Yes, I would love to be your wife...
Before she could get the words out of her mouth, Mr. Santini slipped a ring onto her finger and the two were kissing until Rusty interrupted.
Rusty: Grandma Peterson, Uncle Salvador...did you see that? That man did triple somersault off trapteaz.
Mrs. Peterson: That's trapeze, Rusty.
Rusty: Yeah, right. Wasn't it a great moment?
The adults look at each other, while holding hands.
Mr. Santini: That was a terrific moment, little guy.
Unbeknownst to Rusty, the adults weren't talking about the trapeze artist but their own special moment that the two just shared.
Jing-Mei and Dave were in bed but were far from asleep. She kept pressuring him to come up with a name for the baby, but all he wanted to do was flirt and kiss with her. She humored him and although both did alot of foreplay, there wasn't any sex, because of Jing-Mei being so close to her delivery date.
Finally, worn down to near exhaustion, the two just laid awake in bed and talked.
Jing-Mei: I'm glad that you got the chance to see Larry before he left for Springfield. We will have to plan a trip out there to see them.
Dave: Llarry llikes me. He's my friend best.
Jing-Mei: I told you he didn't blame you for the accident. That's why they call them accidents. It was no one's fault.
Jing-Mei then gently bit her lip before she dared to proceed.
Jing-Mei: You know, we all think it would be a good idea if you did go back to the airport and to Hang...
Dave grabbed his ears and started to sing.
Dave: On top of spagetti, covered sauce...
Jing-Mei: Alright, I get the message. When you're ready, you will let me know.
Dave released his ears and quieted down. Jing-Mei started playing with his hair as she pulled herself up on one elbow.
Jing-Mei: You do know that we aren't asking you to do it, just to hurt you. We would never do that. Everyone just wants you to get better.
Dave: I bbetter.
Jing-Mei: Yes, you are. You realize you will never be 100 like you were before your attack. You're going to have medical problems for the rest of your life.
Dave: I nnot going be ssmart either, llike yyou and others hospital at.
Jing-Mei: But you are smart in your own way. You knew what to do to save Larry and Antonio and you can play the piano. I can't even do that. Just because you can't talk without stuttering most of your words, or mixing the words up doesn't mean your stupid, Dave.
Dave: Yes, it does. Ii lloser.
Jing-Mei: DAVID ANTONIO MALUCCI...I DON'T EVER WANT TO HEAR YOU PUT YOURSELF DOWN LIKE THAT AGAIN.
Dave flinched as he grabbed at his ears, again.
Jing-Mei: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout and hurt your ears.
She takes his hands down and holds onto them.
Jing-Mei: You aren't a loser. You're a survivor. Let me tell you a thing or two, pal. When the paramedics first brought you into the hospital after your attack, you were...uh, I'll just say it, a mess. Your skull was crushed, your face smashed in, blood all over the place, you were strapped down on a backboard and tubes coming out everywhere. Your arms, legs, chest and throat were all shattered. None of us have ever seen some one with those severe injuries survive and we were sure you weren't going to make it either. Then you underwent 31 hours of surgery on all parts of your body and remained in a coma for over seven months.
Dave: Ddon't remember tthat.
Jing-Mei: I didn't think so, and I'm glad you don't. I wish those memories weren't so vivid in my head, either, but they are. In a way, though, it's good because it reminds me just how far you have come. Against all odds and all medical opinions, you did make it and are here today. On top of that, you had to retrain the left side of your brain to do what the right couldn't anymore and you taught yourself how to speak and walk again. You are truly a walking, talking, breathing medical miracle and I couldn't be more proud of you then I am right now.
Dave: Bboys, too?
Jing-Mei: The boys? Hell, you're their hero. Mine too. I am very honored to be Mrs. Dave Malucci.
Dave smiles up to his wife and she returns it when they are interrupted by a pouncing on the end of the bed.
Dave: Razzal proud too me.
Jing-Mei: Absolutely. What's that you got there, buddy?
Jing-Mei takes a piece of paper out of Rascal's mouth. She turns on the light next to her bed.
Jing-Mei: It's a letter. Must have come in today's mail.
She opens it and starts to read it.
Jing-Mei: Dave, it's from Manny.
Dave: Manny? He who?
Jing-Mei: You're brother-in-law. He's inviting all of to his house back in Italy. They are having some Italian festival over there this summer and thought we would enjoy it.
Dave: My in-law-brother.
Jing-Mei: Your sister's husband.
Dave: Sophie. We go.
Jing-Mei: Well, let me think. It's not until near the end of August and I should be back in shape and well enough to travel after having the baby and I did promise the boys we would take a vacation this summer. Yes, I think we can do it.
Dave starts to clap.
Jing-Mei: It'll be nice. You'll get to see Manny and your niece, Marissa. I bet she's really big by now.
Dave: ...and Sophie. I see sssister.
Jing-Mei: Dave, you know you can't see her.
Dave: Wwhy not?
Jing-Mei: Because she's de...
Jing-Mei's words came to an instant halt as she realized that Dave didn't know his sister was dead, or at least didn't remember her telling him that Sophie had died.
Dave: Ssister doesn't see want Davey?
Jing-Mei: It's not that. Sophie won't be in Italy, not exactly. She's in heaven.
Dave: Oh. Wwe wait until she come back from there then.
Jing-Mei held the letter as Dave pulled her towards him and she laid her head on his chest. She listened to his heart beating in its normal irregular way. She started to bite the corner of the letter, wondering how she was going to explain to him about Sophie and she knew she had to at some point, especially if they were going to Italy that summer.
Later that night, Jing-Mei was awaken by a light in the hall.
Mrs. Peterson: I'm sorry to wake you up. I just wanted to let you know that we were all home.
Jing-Mei slowly released herself from a sleeping Dave's grasp and followed the nanny into the kitchen.
Jing-Mei: So, how was the circus?
Mrs. Peterson: Terrific. The boys had a great time. They have presents for you.
Jing-Mei: I'm sure we'll hear all about it in the morning.
Mrs. Peterson: So, how did things go here? From the way you two fell asleep, I would imagine pretty well.
Jing-Mei: Not without a little help from you. Thanks for the dinner. It was wonderful and very romantic.
Mrs. Peterson: I hoped it helped you two talk and solve any problems you might have been having.
Jing-Mei: We still haven't come up with a name for the baby, but we had a wonderful time here, just the two of us. I tried, again, to convince Dave to go to the airport but he still won't do it. I know he's scared and I would be too.
Mrs. Peterson: He'll come around. What's that you have?
Jing-Mei: Oh, it's a letter from Manny Pancamo, Dave's brother-in-law. He's invited us all to Italy at the end of summer to come stay with him for awhile.
Mrs. Peterson: That'll be nice. The boys will love it.
Jing-Mei: Dave liked the idea, too. He hasn't been back home there since before Rusty was born. He left it, scared I think. Trying to get away from his father. He has a lot of bad memories about a place he use to love so much. But since his memory is scrambled, I don't think those memories are his problem now.
Mrs. Peterson: What's wrong?
Jing-Mei: I told him that he'll get to see his brother-in-law and his niece, Marissa. He's never met her.
Mrs. Peterson: And he has a problem with that? I know he's not comfortable around new people, but she's only a little girl and he loves children.
Jing-Mei: True. The problem is he thinks he's going to see his sister, Sophie, there too.
Mrs. Peterson: He knows she's dead, doesn't he?
Jing-Mei: He does, I think. He knows she's in heaven and he knows about death but I don't think he's quite connected the two yet. I'll see what I can do to explain it to him tomorrow.
As Jing-Mei heads back to bed, she hears a small giggle coming from Mrs. Peterson and turns back towards the older lady.
Jing-Mei: What was that for?
Mrs. Peterson: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Jing-Mei: That giggle. What are you up to now? You're as bad as the four boys, always pulling surprises on me...like this romantic dinner you set up for Dave and me.
Mrs. Peterson: Well, now that you mention it...speaking of romance. Tonight, was very romantic for me too.
Jing-Mei: How?
Mrs. Peterson holds up her left hand and displays the ring.
Mrs. Peterson: Salvador proposed to me tonight.
A huge smile grew on Jing-Mei's face as she hugged her friend.
Jing-Mei: You obviously said yes. I am so happy for you. We've got a wedding to start to plan.
Mrs. Peterson: Not so fast. I told Salvador that I still needed some time. It's barely been a year since I lost Lee. We are going to take it slow, give it a chance to sink in.
A voice comes out from behind the two ladies.
Dave: Wwhat ssink in? Where?
Jing-Mei: Sorry, to wake you, sweetheart. But now that you're up, you should hear the good news too.
Mrs. Peterson: Salvador, that is Mr. Santini and I are getting married.
Dave started to rub the sleep from his eyes.
Dave: I ggonna hhave nnew ddaddy.
Mrs. Peterson: Well, in a way, I guess, yes. Salvador always says he wished you were his son.
Jing-Mei: Isn't it great news, Dave.
Dave: NO, NEWS ROTTEN. HATE YOU. YOU HATE ME. GO AWAY FROM ME.
Both ladies stood in shock.
Jing-Mei: Dave, you don't mean that.
Mrs. Peterson: Jing-Mei, let me talk to him. Dave, I know this is stunning news, but believe me it's good news. You aren't losing me, we are adding on to our little family and I told you when I first started dating Salvador, which incidentally was your idea, that I would never leave you. It's going to be awhile before we actually get married, and when we do if you guys would have us we would like to stay right here with you.
Dave: I ggoing bed.
Dave stumbles, angrily, back off to bed, leaving both women behind him.
Jing-Mei: Oh, don't worry about him. He's just in one of his moods. He'll sleep it off and be back to his self in the morning. I'll talk to him then and straighten things out. Goodnight and again, congratulations.
The next morning, Dave sat on the edge of his bed thinking about his attitude from last night. Finally, he rose to his feet. Jing-Mei had been up for some time before him and was just getting out of the shower.
Dave: Cchin, ggood morning.
Jing-Mei: Well, you're in better spirits today. How are you feeling?
Dave: Hungry. I get something to eat.
Jing-Mei: Go ahead and I'll join you when I get dressed.
Dave limped out of his bedroom, past the living room where the kids were playing circus and over to Mrs. Peterson's bedroom. He tapped on the door and then slowly opened it. He went over to her and started to shake her to wake her up.
Dave: Mom…Davey, boys hungry...feed us. Waffles wwe want.
Mrs. Peterson didn't respond, so Davey shook her again.
Dave: I nnot mmad at yyou aanymore. Ii ssorry ffor bbeing bbad. Nnow gget up make breakfast. (pause) Come on mom, sstop ffooling with Davey.
Davey stood for a few minutes without saying a word and then...
Dave: RUZZY!
In flew Rusty at the sound of his name.
Rusty: What's up, papa?
Dave: Sshe's pplaying wwith Ddavey. Ttell her gget up and mmake food. Sshe llisten to you.
Rusty shook her once and then again.
Rusty: Grandma Peterson?
Both boys stood in silence. Rusty looked up at Dave with a tear in his eye.
Rusty: Papa, I think Grandma Peterson went to heaven.
Dave: She can't go there. She has tto mmake ffood ffor us.
Rusty: I'll go get Mama Jing.
Rusty ran into Jing-Mei's bedroom and frantically grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him. He took her to the nanny's room and as the two stood in the door way, an unforgettable sight met them. Dave was on his knees next to Mrs. Peterson's bed, her hand in his hand and his head on the bed next to her.
Jing-Mei: Dave?
Dave lifted his head and turned to face his wife and son. His face soaked in tears, his eyes squinted and shaking.
Dave(crying) Mommy.
To be continued. Please read and review.
