Chapter 57: Saturday Soccer
Mid-May
As Owen was dealing with Oliver and Bronwyn upstairs, Finley bounced down the stairs to help Amelia. He stopped at each baby and made goofy faces at them, playfully engaging his little sisters.
"We have to get stuff to the car, Finley. Can you carry these bags out to the Enclave and then help me haul the cooler out there?" Amelia requested. He walked over and swung the strap of one bag around his shoulder, doing as his mom had requested. Once all the bags were loaded, he grabbed the cooler while Amelia's back was turned and carried it alone with ease.
When he returned to the kitchen, Amelia commented with raised eyebrows, "Wow. You carried the cooler alone? I'm impressed." She thought to herself, He's growing into a man wayyyy too fast!
Finley simply smiled and wondered aloud, "Can I do anything else to help?"
"Good question," Amelia looked at him seriously, "In a minute, you can help me with the babies. First, though, how about you come sit down over here next to me?" Amelia walked over to the barstools, putting Cheerios on both highchair trays on her way there.
"So…" Amelia started with pursed lips, "Dad tells me you let him down when he asked you to watch the kids outside." Both Amelia and Finley heard Bronwyn explode into tears and sobs.
"Yeah," Finley responded as he looked down at his feet and leaned his forearms on the counter. Finley looked up the stairs toward Bronwyn's room and sighed.
"And now Dad's up there and both your brother and sister are in a lot of trouble," Amelia nodded as she raised her eyebrows and folded her arms.
"I know. Kinda my fault, I guess," Finley mumbled as his gaze remained on the floor.
"Kind of. They're responsible for their decisions, too. But, yep, you could have kept them out of trouble if you hadn't been on the phone. Who's Allie?"
Then he responded to Amelia's question awkwardly, "She's… uh… a friend. A friend from school."
"Ok," Amelia nodded. Really, there was no harm in him calling or receiving a call from a girl, so she wasn't planning to belabor that topic. "Sounds like talking to Allie distracted you from what Dad asked of you."
"I know," Finley admitted.
"Finley, what Oliver ended up doing was just annoying, but Bronwyn was in the water. Imagine what could have happened," Amelia put forth.
"Mom, I waswatching her. I knew she was there. I was sitting on one of the chairs on the porch talking to Allie, but I was watching her the whole time," Finley insisted and argued.
"Mmm Hmmm. Since when do you change the rules for your brother or sister, Finley James? You know – all three of you know – that getting in the water is absolutely, completely, totally forbidden unless an adult is with you. Why would you let her do that? She could've slipped or wandered in too deep and accidents like that unfold quickly," Amelia explained.
"Yeah," Finley groaned without comment.
Amelia attempted to make eye contact, but Finley fixed his gaze downward. She informed him, "Finley, Dad and I aren't sure yet how we're going to respond. What I know right now is that the phone and your electronics are ours for now and that we'll talk to you more tonight."
Finley gulped and whispered, "Ok."
As Amelia and Finley concluded their discussion, Oliver came down the stairs, ready for his game. Everyone could easily hear Bronwyn sniffling as Owen carried her down the stairs just moments later. Owen handed Bronwyn to Amelia, currently in the role of good cop, and took Gwen out of her highchair so he could buckle her into her car seat.
"Finley, can you bring Ella out to the garage?" Owen asked. "Oliver, do you have your cleats? I think they're in the front closet."
Amelia interrupted, "They're in the garage by the door. Go grab them, Ollie, and you can put them on during the drive to the field." Amelia turned her attention to Bronwyn and grimaced, "Got in some trouble, huh?"
Bronwyn placed her head on Amelia's shoulder and pouted, "Daddy spanked me."
"Hmmm…" Amelia responded. She and Owen had long decided to agree to disagree about his stance on consequences in cases of danger. If Amelia ever caught the kids being unsafe, she would handle the situation differently. Strangely, Owen is always the one who was present and who followed through on discipline in those rare situations.
Curling her hair around her fingers, Bronwyn attempted to tune out on the discussion with her mom. Amelia interjected, "Gives you something to think about, doesn't it?"
"I guess," Bronwyn mumbled. "It still hurts."
"I bet it does," Amelia confirmed. "Well, Bronwyn, there's one certain way to avoid it, isn't there?"
"Run away?" Bronwyn pondered aloud with complete honesty.
Amelia chuckled as she corrected, "No. I wouldn't suggest that method. I meant that if you make safe choices, Daddy won't spank, right?"
"He doesn't like me," Bronwyn groaned, hoping for some pity.
Before Amelia could respond, Owen popped inside and kindly prompted, "Let's go, ladies." Owen walked to the counter and picked Bronwyn up. Unconsciously and out of habit, Bronwyn rested her head on his shoulder.
Owen and Amelia were both thankful that everyone was able to attend Oliver's game. Far too often, half the family went to Finley's match while the other half went to Oliver's. Amelia relished in watching either son play, but truth be told, she preferred to attend Oliver's games because none of the players fully knew what they were actually doing. Oliver's team was far more comical and entertaining, whereas Finley's team was more impressive and technical. This week, Finley's team had the week off, so all 7 Shepherd-Hunts were at Oliver's amusing match.
"Oh, my goodness, Amelia, look how they're growing!" Susan, one of the soccer moms and the wife of a doctor from Seattle Pres, exclaimed as she hauled her chair over by Amelia just before the match began. Her youngest was one of Oliver's friends, and Susan longed for another baby in her arms. Often, when the two moms ran into each other at the boys' events, Susan was more than eager to be an extra set of hands and hold one of the girls.
"Which one do you want?" Amelia asked with a grin, "Or, if you like, you can hold them both…you could even take them home for a day or two."
"I remember those days," Susan smiled nostalgically. "Exhausted?"
Amelia explained, "A little. Ella has been fussier than normal. Not miserable but just crabby. And we had an ugly, everyone-in-trouble morning. Owen's a big meanie."
"Ella's probably teething. And, who knows, maybe Owen's teething too," Susan guessed and quipped. As Susan picked up Ella, she began baby talking to her and making exaggerated facial expressions. "Is that it, little Ella? Are you getting a tooth? Is that your deal? And is your daddy a big meanie? Hello, baby girl. Hello…"
Amelia smiled as she watched Susan fuss and play. She joked, "It's almost like she's PMSing already."
Rolling her eyes and offering a sly grin, Susan warned, "Oh, just you wait. Those days will be here before you know it." Susan had four children, ranging in age from 8-16. Her youngest was her only son, so she was sort of an expert on raising girls. As their friendship grew, Amelia came to deeply appreciate Susan's insight and input on parenting and children.
While Susan entertained and played with Ella, Amelia took an opportunity to work with Gwen on standing and bearing weight on her right leg. To anyone unaware of Gwen's spina bifida, the scene appeared to be a Mommy bouncing a baby on her legs. In this case, the goal was to hold Gwen, bounce her up and down and encourage the baby to not concentrate all of her weight on the left foot when her feet touched her mama's legs. The game was easiest when two people worked with her, but one could attempt it if Gwen cooperated.
Susan and Amelia chatted non-stop about their families and husbands. Before the kids were born, Susan was an OR nurse. Since becoming a mom, she kept her nursing license intact by occasionally filling PRN openings at the hospital. Jack, Susan's husband, was an ER doctor. He and Owen liked sharing ER stories and had much in common.
At one point, Amelia turned her eyes back to the field just in time to see Oliver assist on a goal. Owen, serving as a referee that day alongside Susan's husband Jack, blew his whistle to confirm the goal. With the whistle still in his mouth, he smiled over to Amelia and raised his eyebrows. He gazed at his wife for an extended moment. Amelia beamed back. As Oliver ran by him, Owen patted Oliver's back. As she watched the scene unfold, Amelia wasn't sure who was having more fun – Owen or Oliver.
"I know I've said it before, Amelia, but he is just so damn hot," Susan observed. "How can you possibly focus on brain surgery when he's milling around the hospital?"
Amelia laughed, "Actually, I usually turn into an uptight bitch and shoo him away from me because he's distracting. When we first started dating, he'd find reasons to be nearby or to bring me coffee. It was both endearing and absolutely annoying."
"When we're both at the hospital, you'd think Jack either hated me or was blind. He completely ignores me and acts as if we've never met," Susan shared as she shook his head. "I used to think it was some sort of ego-filled bravado, but I've decided to believe I'm just too hot and distracting for him," Susan joked.
"I see Oliver and the babies. Where are your other monkeys?" Susan asked.
"Finley's over at the swings with Bron. Did your girls come today?" Amelia wondered aloud.
"Jenny is here somewhere – mostly because she was caught lying so I'm dragging her with me wherever I go. The other two took advantage of Sally's new driver's license and hit the mall. You might want to call our house first before leaving yours – we can let you know if she's on the road or if the coast is clear," Susan jested.
Amelia turned to check on Finley and saw him talking to Jenny as he pushed Bron in a swing. "There she is," Amelia commented.
"Not surprising, she has a crush on your boy," Susan commented dryly.
"Really?!" Amelia laughed. "They're too young for that, aren't they? Earlier today, Finley was on the phone with a girl. What the hell? Hormones are a'raging."
Owen ran up, sweaty and out of breath, "Hey, Susan. Aims, do you have some water?"
Amelia reached into the cooler and handed Owen a couple waters, asking, "Does Jack need one too?"
"He's probably already breaking into a beer at our cooler," Susan kidded.
As she threw Owen a towel, Amelia mentioned, "Owen, did you know Jenny has a crush on Finley?"
Owen chuckled, "Really? I'm not sure I'm ready for that. Susan, call her off."
"You try telling an 11-year-old girl what to do and see how that works for you," Susan quipped with a smile.
Owen sat down in one of the foldable chairs and picked up Gwendolyn. He tried to help her 'stand' on his legs with his support. "How's my girl? Look how big you are! How's Gwen today? You're happier than your crabby sister, aren't you? Yes, you are," Owen beamed as he playfully spoke to his youngest.
"Daddy! Umm… Daddy…hey," Bronwyn sounded loudly as she ran over. "Can me and Finley have money for ice cream? Pllleeeeeaaassssee." Then Bron patted Gwendolyn's head and started acting silly so that her little sister would flirt with her. Gwen smiled and cooed with joy as she tried to grab Bronwyn's curly hair.
"I didn't bring a wallet, Bron. Sorry," Owen lied.
"Daddy…really? I think you are trying to fool me," Bronwyn said as she put her hands on her hips. Owen shrugged as he looked at her. He wasn't giving in and was still feeling cranky toward his three oldest kids.
Amelia dug through her purse and handed Bronwyn a five-dollar bill, "That's for both of you plusa popsicle for Daddy and I to share. Here," Amelia added as she gave Bron a few more dollars, "And let Jenny pick something out, too." Bronwyn's eyes widened at the big-time money placed in her hands. Before running back to her brother, Bron kissed Amelia on the cheek.
"So much for her being in trouble. Thanks, Amelia," Susan smiled. "Then again, if it's coming from you, I still get to look like an ogre."
Amelia smiled as she turned to watch Finley, Jenny, and Bronwyn head toward the ice cream, "Yeah, my two over there are in trouble today too. I should've thought of that before buying the treats. Sorry, Owen." Finley was enraptured in conversation with Jenny while Bronwyn trailed behind and attempted to keep up. "Susan, it looks like the crush might be mutual," Amelia giggled.
"Oh my…" Owen groaned as he opened his mouth wide and smiled at Gwendolyn. As he conversed, he made funny faces at the baby and nuzzled his nose into her tummy.
Susan laughed and then spotted one of the other soccer moms, Lena. "Hide yourselves, she's here. Refuse to make eye contact," Susan joked as she put on her sunglasses and appeared to be focused on the players who were snacking during their break.
"She's not thatbad, Susan," Amelia chuckled.
"How many times has she asked either of us if we're Catholic?" Susan reminded her friend.
Laughing heartily, Amelia responded, "Umm… every time we see her?"
"What?" Owen asked with curiosity as he lifted Gwen up above his head and brought her back down with his own sound effects.
"She's obsessed with big families and assumes anyone with more than two children must be a birth-control denying Catholic. I'm not sure if she has an opinion on Catholics one way or another, but she repeatedly asks Amelia and I if we're Catholic because we have so many kids."
Amelia added with a giggle, "She remembers our names but not our religions."
Looking thoroughly perplexed, Owen nodded with hesitation and kindly wondered, "Maybe she has a neuro condition, Doctor and nurse, and just needs her friends to be patient with her repeated words."
"You're no fun, Hunt. No fun at all," Susan retorted with a grin.
"Ohmigosh! Amelia! Susan! How great to see you," Lena exclaimed as she approached the group. She looked quizzically at Owen and shared, "Have we met? You look so familiar to me."
Owen balanced Gwendolyn on his knee with his left hand as he offered his right hand and introduced himself, "I'm Owen. Amelia's husband. Oliver's dad."
"Owen, nice to meet you. I'm Lena Wilks. Owen what? Shepherd?" Lena inquired.
Chuckling, Owen clarified, "Uh, no. Shepherd is Amelia's last name. Mine is Hunt. Owen Hunt."
"Hunt," Lena repeated with a faraway stare. "That's an English name, isn't it?"
With a warm smile, Owen confirmed, "Yes, it is." He was determined to be kind and friendly to this poor woman that Amelia and Susan seemed to barely tolerate.
"That's funny," Lena pondered aloud. "An English heritage with a Catholic faith tradition. Your mother must be Catholic, hmm?" Amelia and Susan gathered their self-control and held in their laughter.
"No, actually. Amelia and I aren't Catholic either. Not that there's anything wrong with being Catholic," Owen explained.
"You're notCatholic?!" Lena exclaimed. "But you have fivechildren!"
Amelia intervened as she wrapped her arm around Owen's arm and threw her legs over Owen's knees. With a sly expression, a twinkle in her eye, and a mischievous grin, Amelia blurted, "Nope, not Catholic. We just love sex and hate birth control."
"Yeah…." Lena responded blankly as she attempted to process Amelia's comment. Looking at Owen, Lena smiled and acknowledged, "Great meeting you, Owen." Lena walked away completely befuddled.
"You really are cruel to throw that comeback at her," Susan laughed.
"But it was so much fun!" Amelia celebrated with a playful grin.
Leaning over to kiss his wife, Owen laughed and declared, "You're incorrigible." He kissed Gwen, handed the baby to Amelia, and stood up before announcing, "I'm going back on the field where life is simpler." As he ran toward Jack and the players, Owen looked over his shoulder and winked at Amelia as Susan swooned at Owen's mere presence.