A/N – Hey guys! Here's the next chapter! I'm trying to pick up the pace a little, a reviewer commented that it was a little slow, and after I read it myself, I agree…I think that it's because I was trying to just set things up and get back into the flow or something…but anywaz, I hope that you enjoy this chapter! I think I have to have a Spoiler's alert though…about the last half of the 1st season, I'm not sure exactly which episode. If anyone figures it out, let me know if you get the chance. Thanks to everyone who reviewed and to Kim and Jenn, you guys are awesome!
The day started off with the sun gracefully yet powerfully rising and shining brightly through the fading darkness. Dr. Brown started off this day the same way he did any other day; reading the latest 'Doctor's News' magazine while eating breakfast. It would be an hour or two before his children got up and he enjoyed the stillness in the early of the morning that he didn't have to share with anyone. It was so serene compared to what the town would be like at mid-day.
As he read an interesting article on a breakthrough that a doctor in California had made, a rapping on the door startled him. He looked up from his magazine, wondering whether he had imagined it. A second knocking dismissed that idea and puzzled, he got up to answer the door.
"Nina!" Dr. Brown exclaimed in surprise.
His neighbour smiled back at him sheepishly, "I know it's early, but can I come in?"
"Of course," he replied, opening the door and motioning for her to come inside.
Once she had stepped in, he closed the door and worriedly asked her, "Is anything wrong?"
"Oh no!" Nina answered, "I just have a huge favour to ask you."
"Alright. Well, what is it?" Dr. Brown enquired.
"Well, I'm going away on a vacation with my friend from college, we haven't seen each other for awhile and we always used to talk about how much we wanted to go down south…but my usual babysitter has bailed on me, and I was wondering if – "
"If I could baby-sit Sam, of course!" he filled in and answered with a smile.
"Really? I'd appreciate it so much, and Sam loves being over here and playing with Delia." Nina grinned in relief.
"Of course! I love Sam, and I know that Ephram and Delia do too. We'd love to take care of him for a while. How long are you going for?" Dr. Brown asked curiously.
"Oh, just for a week, but we're leaving in two days. I haven't told Sam yet, I wanted to make sure you would be able to take him before I told him," she replied.
Dr. Brown nodded in agreement, "What are neighbours for? But can I ask a question?"
Nina nodded.
"Shoot."
"Why can't Carl take care of him? Where is he?" Dr. Brown asked inquisitively, trying not to sound too nosy.
Nina reacted very subtly, but Dr. Brown noticed her tense up and her eyes widen a little before she regained her composure.
"Oh, uh …you know, I asked him, because of course we still keep in contact, but Carl's busy with stuff, so…" Nina tried to explain, trailing off. She thought for a moment and then attempted to change the subject. "So how'd Delia's date go?"
Dr. Brown was well aware that his friend was trying to change the subject, but decided to play along. Obviously something was not right, but Nina would tell him when she needed to.
He shrugged, "I think it went well. She really didn't go into details with her brother and I, fortunately. She and Amy had a chat upstairs though."
Nina's relief at the change of topic was evident and she clearly relaxed.
"I can't believe that girl is old enough to date," Nina shook her head in disbelief, "It seems like just yesterday when she was wearing baseball caps all the time."
"I know!" Dr. Brown agreed, beaming that someone understood him, "I feel the exact same way."
There was silence for a moment as the two adults looked at each other, smiling and sharing an intimate moment.
"So, I better get going before Sam wakes up and realizes I'm not there." Nina exclaimed, breaking the silence and walking towards the door, "Thanks again, Andy."
"No problem. Stop by later if you're not busy," Dr. Brown offered, hoping that she would.
"Definitely," Nina replied softly, "See you later."
Dr. Brown stared after her as the door shut behind her.
I wish I could put into words what I felt…I'm not even sure myself, he thought to himself, thinking for a moment, Furthermore, what's going on that I don't know about?
He shook his head and went back to his magazine to savour his last few moments of tranquility.
* * *
"We'll be fine, Nina!" Dr. Brown chuckled, "You're going to miss your flight!"
"I know," Nina, replied uneasily, "It's just Sam and I have never been apart for that long of a time…oh, I wish I'd never agreed to go on this stupid trip."
"Come on now, you want to go on trip with your old friend, remember? We'll be great, right Sam?" Dr. Brown turned to the young boy standing beside him.
Sam nodded enthusiastically, "Mommy, I'll be fine. Delia and I are going to play crazy eights after you leave!"
Nina laughed and gave her son a tight hug, "Okay, okay, I'll leave so that you can start your card game. I'm going to miss you!"
"Me too, Mom," Sam replied, a hint of sadness noticeable in his voice, "But it's not that long of a time."
Dr. Brown nodded, "He's right, Nina, you'll be back before you know it."
"Love you Sam!" she gave Sam a kiss on the cheek, and gave him another hug, "I'll call you when I get there."
"Okay Mom, bye!" Sam replied, running inside the house.
Nina shook her head, "I guess he's really going to miss me, wouldn't you say?"
"Oh, don't worry, he will. Now get going!" Dr. Brown laughed, pushing her towards the car.
"Thanks for doing this Andy. I'll bring you back something." Nina joked, giving him a hug.
"Really? Wow, I'm excited!" Dr. Brown mocked, as Nina hit him playfully.
"Fine, you get nothing now," she exclaimed as she got into the car.
"Awwww," Dr. Brown whined, "Come on!"
"I'll think about it." Nina replied, "Bye Andy!"
As she started the car, Dr. Brown waved.
"Bye Nina! Have a good time!" he called.
As she pulled out of the driveway, she waved back with one hand.
I hope everything's alright, he thought as he watched her car drive away. If only we could be on the same page at the same time…I really have to talk to you when you get back.
"Dad, you've got to see this!" Ephram called from inside the house, "Sam's beating Delia by a lot!"
Dr. Brown laughed and started heading towards the house.
"Okay, I'll be right there!" he called back.
It should be an interesting week.