Dinner with Brady

Nancy and Brady sat at the dining room table, in an uncomfortable silence. They picked with their grilled chicken more than they ate it. Chloe was on their mind, and no matter how delicious the chicken was, they couldn't enjoy it. Nancy looked at Brady as his lids grew heavier. The silence was unnerving, so Nancy decided to break it.

N: So, Brady…

Br: (lifting his head) Yes, Mrs. Wesley?

N: Craig told me that you were going to take better care of yourself.

Br: (covering his yawn) Yeah.

N: I hope I'm not getting too personal, but how will you accomplish that?

Br: Actually, it isn't personal and you do have a right to know. (taking a deep breath) I told my father about Chloe. I didn't want to do it, but Chloe insisted.

N: Oh, but did telling him help?

Br: Yes, it did. He wants me to reduce my hours at BB. But the most, make it, the two most important things are he won't tell anyone else about Chloe and…

N: Go on, Brady.

Br: It felt good letting someone close to me know where my loyalties lie. You all have become close to me, but you're not my dad.

N: (smiling) I understand that.

Br: My only regret is the timing. This time of year is kinda tough for him. You see, tomorrow would have been my parents' 21st anniversary.

N: Oh, I didn't know that.

Br: My dad doesn't talk about it, but he always act strangely this time of year. My parents' anniversary elicit mixed emotions and to tell him about Chloe's condition… anyway, I have confidence that telling him will help, somehow.

N: (thoughtfully) Twenty-one years. Wow!

Br: Unfortunately for my dad and I, twenty and a half of them were without her.

N: I'm sorry, Brady.

Br: Thank you. And just so you know, my being here for Chloe has nothing to do with my mother.

N: I wouldn't say that she was the sole reason, but she must have affected your decisions, in some way.

Br: (smiling) Well, maybe in a small way. My father always imparted to me that the daily routine, or drudgery… drudgery is my word, not his…of caring for a newborn created some normalcy in her life. Now, you know I can be a chore, so maybe I wanted to be here for Chloe, to help her engage in her daily temper flare-ups, which could be unpleasant to you and Dr. Wesley.

N: (smiling) We're used to it.

Brady took a bite of chicken.

Br: This chicken is delicious.

He began to eat his dinner.

N: Thank you. There's plenty more, in the kitchen. (looking at the table) Oops, I forgot the salsa.

Nancy went into the kitchen. Brady continued to eat but grew more sleepy with every bite. There came a point when he was eating and napping at the same time. Nancy returned with the salsa, just in time to see him doing it.

N: (to herself) A twenty year old man, sleeping and eating at the same time? That's a sight I don't see everyday.

Nancy placed the salsa on the table and walked out of the dining room. Brady tried to blink himself awake, but couldn't. He placed his fork next to the plate and sat there. His head bobbed several times until he stopped fighting it. Nancy returned to the dining room to find Brady sleeping.

N: (to herself) Thank God he stopped eating. He may have choked or something.

Nancy walked over to Brady and touched his shoulder.

N: (softly) Brady…

Brady looked up.

N: (softly) I've made up the guest room for you.

Br: (drowsy) Why?

N: Because you're sleeping through dinner.

Br: No, I can go home.

N: I'm sorry, Brady, but if you can fall asleep while eating, I don't have faith that you can drive home safely. You are shutting down and nothing, at this point, can help except rest. You don't have to stay all night, but you need to replenish yourself before getting behind the wheel. Come on, I'll show you to your room.

Nancy led him to the spare bedroom, beyond the kitchen. It was decorated like a room at a bed and breakfast, with floral comforters and plates of potpourri on every table. Brady sat on the bed.

N: (in the bathroom) Over here is the bathroom, in case you want to shower or freshen up. There are plenty of towels and I also have some travel-sized toiletries like razors, toothbrushes, if you need them. (coming out of the bathroom) If you need anything…

Brady's head was bowed.

N: (softly) Well, I'll leave you alone, now. (walking to the door) I'll give your father a call and let him know what's going on. (turning off the light) Goodnight, Brady.

Nancy closed the door and went to the living room to retrieve her address book. She perused through it and found the Blacks' phone number. She dialed the number and waited.

Marlena: Hello?

N: (surprised) Oh, Marlena. It's Nancy Wesley.

Ma: Hello, Nancy. How are you?

N: I'm okay. Is John home?

Ma: Actually, he's not. Can I help you?

N: (hesitant) Maybe you can. I assume that you know about Chloe.

Ma: (solemn) Yes, I do. How is she?

N: (sadly) Not so good, today.

Ma: (solemn) I'm sorry to hear that.

N: I'm sorry to say it, (sighing) but anyway, I'm calling about Brady. I wanted to let you know that he's sleeping here tonight. I think he's much too tired to call you, much less drive home.

Ma: I appreciate you letting us know. And I hope Chloe feels better soon.

N: So do I.

Ma: We're praying for her, for you and for Craig.

N: (touched) Thank you, Marlena. I have to go. Goodnight.

Ma: Goodnight, Nancy.

Nancy hung up the phone. She walked to the dinner table and began to clear it. She looked at Brady's plate, noticing the half eaten meal she made.

N: One of these nights, one of my meals will be eaten, completely.