"Sam, we're expected in the East Room in half an hour and CJ just called to say Mara was with her and she'd see you inside."
When Ginger didn't get a response she poked her head into Sam's office and found him resting his head on his folded arms. "Sam?"
"I've got such a headache Ginger, and I feel lightheaded at the same time."
"Like your head is filled with cotton batting?" Ginger inquired.
"Yeah."
"You're getting sick Sam, don't breathe on anyone, especially me since I can't take anything."
"I'm so not in the mood for this Christmas party, think anyone will notice if I go have a nap on Toby's couch instead?"
"Everyone will notice Sam. Have you taken anything for your head?"
"Yes, I've managed to take the maximum daily dose of Advil and it's not even eight yet. I almost called the pharmacy to ask them if anything would happen if I took 4. I decided I didn't want to hear the answer."
"You took 4 of them? Sam even I know that can't be wise. Don't you dare go near any alcohol tonight."
"Ah but you see, if I'm unconscious I won't feel anything."
"Let me rephrase that, you go near a drink and I'm going to beat the crap out of you."
"Didn't I like... fire you five hours ago?"
"Impervious, I knew that was just code to send in a request on your behalf to give me a raise."
"Ya think I'm going to sign that do you?" Sam chuckled.
"You already did three hours ago." Ginger replied with a huge grin.
"I've got to stop blindly signing everything you give me."
"Now where would the fun be in that ?"
"Lord only knows what you've had me signing the last five years."
"Just be happy I haven't pulled out the voluntary commitment papers."
"You know, when I think about the havoc you and Margaret could create for the country, I get chills."
"Mawha ha ha." Ginger laughed before going back to her desk.
Sam rested his head on his desk and hoped that if he fell asleep Ginger would leave him there. He had no such luck as Ginger pulled on his ear until he agreed to get up. He called her a few choice names which Ginger ignored. A lavish buffet had been set up in the East Room for everyone who worked in the West and East wing. Ginger had looped her arm around Sam's and refused to let go fearing he'd duck out. Mara wandered over with two glasses of champagne.
"Wow, you're starting to show a little bit Ginger. Here Sam." Mara handed Sam a glass of champagne.
"I know, I'm going to have to go shopping soon my clothes are all getting too tight. Sam's been cut off."
"I just took some pills for my headache." Sam supplied.
"Fine then you can just hold it for me. The food looks amazing, why don't we go get some before Ed and Larry eat it all."
Sam really didn't feel like eating but he didn't want to explain why, so he picked out a few things that he knew Mara and Ginger would eat off his plate when he didn't finish them. Sam tuned out the thank you speeches Jed and Abbey made since he had written them. He normally enjoyed this event but tonight he just wanted it to be over so he could go to bed.
"Ginger don't forget Sam has to be out of here by six tomorrow. Dinner is at 6:30 sharp Sam so no running late."
"Yeah, yeah dinner with Ainsley. I know. I'm sure Michael will love the train set I got him."
"I wanted to play with it when I wrapped it for you. I'm sure he'll love the Christmas Sesame Street wrapping paper too."
"Ginger, you're still wrapping his presents for him?"
"Yeah, I don't have to buy my own wrap and I get to do mine at the same time. Getting paid to wrap presents isn't exactly a hardship."
Sam's head was still pounding so he excuses himself from the table and went over to find CJ who was enjoying a gossip session with Carol and Margaret.
"Hey Spanky, you don't look so good."
"I don't feel too good. I've got the headache from hell and I can't take anymore pills."
"Here take my seat and lets see if I can help."
CJ started at the base of Sam's neck and massaged her way up his head then concentrated on his temples before working her way backwards back to his neck. The headache was still present when CJ was done but it was more dull than pounding.
"Better?" CJ asked.
"Yeah, it's not gone completely but it's bearable now. Thanks."
"Anytime, go home Sam and get some sleep. There are going to be a bunch of rugrats running around tomorrow and I bet you ten bucks you and I will be in charge of them."
"Fun, wow." Sam replied sarcastically. "I'm going to go tell my wife it's time to go home. See you all in the morning."
"Mar, it's time to go home."
"Come on Sam, it's still early and I haven't even started table hopping yet."
"Then stay, I'm going home."
"Still have that headache boss?"
"Yes."
"I'll drive you home. Ryan will be shocked to see me before nine, especially since the stores are open until ten."
As soon as Sam got home he said hello to Killer, checked to see if he still had some dry cat food and went straight to bed. He didn't even feel Mara slid in to bed around midnight. When his alarm went off he still felt awful. Once he motivated himself to move, he quickly swung his legs out and stood up. He had to sit back down again because he felt dizzy. His head felt like it was going to explode, his eyes hurt and he felt like he'd been punched in the nose. He found one generic sinus tablet in the box and quickly downed it. He fed Killer and spit out his coffee after one sip because it made his stomach lurch. He grabbed a tetra pack box of apple juice from Jenna's visit a few weeks ago, plunged the little plastic straw in and felt like a kid using a drink box. The guard protecting the house looked at him strangely but Sam didn't care. He closed his eyes during the short trip to the White House wishing the pain in his head would go away. As soon as Ginger caught a glance of him she knew it wasn't going to be a good day.
"Sam staff is at 7:30 and you look like crap. Still got that damn headache?"
"Yes, you might want to keep a safe distance, I swear my head is going to explode any minute. My eyes hurt and my nose feels like I just went five rounds with a boxer."
"Ouch did you take anything?"
"The last sinus pill we had. It hasn't done anything so far."
"I'll go get you some coffee."
"Coffee is not a good idea, it's making my stomach lurch, could you go steal some apple juice for me?"
"I hope you know I'd only commit a white collar crime for you." Ginger said with a grin and went off in search of juice .
Ginger had no luck in the mess and was on her way to the main kitchen when she ran into Abbey.
"Good morning Dr. Bartlet, you're up at an ungodly hour."
"Morning Ginger, so are you."
"Yes but my job is to open the communication office so I have to be up this early."
"I'm going shopping with Mara this afternoon so I want to have everything done by then. What are you doing over in this direction?"
"I'm looking for apple juice for Sam. He asked me to go steal him some. He's stomach is rejecting coffee this morning."
"Well with the kids coming in today there should be some in the main kitchen. If not, stop by my office and I'll have someone check the private kitchen. Remind Sam that in his opinion apple juice has no medicinal merits." Abbey added with a grin.
"Thanks Dr. Bartlet, enjoy your shopping."
Five minutes later Ginger returned with a crafe full of apple juice and handed Sam a sleeve of her soda crackers. He thanked her and groaned over Abbey's medicinal merit comment. Years ago just after their honeymoon, Mara got very sick and asked Sam for more apple juice. They had run out and Mara was none to happy that Sam had no intention of running out to get her some more. Abbey had called to check in on Mara and Sam asked her where he'd find information about the medicinal merits of apple juice as it applied to the treatment of sinus infections.
Sam had eaten the sleeve of soda crackers, drank two mugs of apple juice and still felt absolutely horrible. He was actually considering going to Abbey's office and asking her to take care of him when CJ showed up at his door. One look at the pained expression on his face told her it was his head again. She didn't say anything, she simply pushed his chair up a bit so she could stand behind him and started a temple massage. He was just starting to feel a little better when it was time to leave for senior staff. Sam gave up trying to listen to Leo because it just hurt too much.
"See I told you we'd get put in charge of the kids." CJ said as they left the office.
"Huh what?"
"Sam did you hear a word Leo said?"
"My brain sort of shut down after, "there is still work to be done and the vacation hasn't started." So what's with the kids?"
"We are welcoming sixty under privileged kids from DC area schools for a luncheon and carols. The President will then read them a story, hand out candy canes and wish them all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza etc."
"I take it these aren't high school students."
"No they are grade two's and three's."
"You think the teachers would let us tape all their mouths closed?"
"Not a chance in hell, mi amour."
"Then kill me, kill me now."
CJ chuckled softly, "I'll come by to get you just before eleven, give you a massage and then we can go greet them."
Ginger did her best to run interference for Sam, finding everything Toby needed so he didn't have to disturb Sam. She gave him her last sleeve of soda crackers and went back for a refill of apple juice. She sent one of the interns out to buy more sinus medication, another box of crackers and a few cans of apple juice. CJ gave him a fifteen minute complete neck and head massage but after only ten minutes with the kids she could see how miserable Sam was.
"Spanky, go lie down on my couch. Tell Carol not to let anyone disturb you and I'll have her wake you up just as we are heading to the Mural room to see the President."
"I love you Ceeg." Sam whispered softly and headed straight for her office. Carol checked in on him twenty minutes later and put CJ's quilt over him. CJ didn't have the heart to wake Sam up so she got Donna to give up her lunch hour to help her settle the kids down before the President entered the room. Once they had waved good bye to the last group of school kids Donna went back to her office and CJ headed over to see Carol.
"Sam still asleep?"
"Yeah."
"I'm going to go work out of his office then."
Toby was at a meeting so CJ was able to get her work done and no one other than Carol, Ginger and her, knew that Sam was asleep. Sam woke up a little after three feeling better rested and his headache was gone. Unfortunately, his entire body ached instead. He slowly made his way back to his office where Ginger gave him another pill, more juice and ran down to the mess to bring him some chicken soup. Sam ate the soup because he didn't want to appear ungrateful. Ginger encouraged him to go home at five but Sam didn't want to be around Mara setting up for dinner. She always expected him to do things, criticized the way he did them and then did it over herself.
He put his feet on his desk instead and dozed until Ginger came in to tell him it was six. He couldn't take another pill until 9 so he set his watch alarm to remind himself.
He walked in the house at 6:20, hung his coat up, pulled his tie off and undid the top two buttons on his shirt.
"Sam is that you?"
"Last time I checked it was."
"Smart ass, go turn the oven down to warm, get a bottle of red wine from the cellar and don't eat anything!"
Sam turned the oven down but couldn't resist putting a square of gingerbread in his mouth. He picked out a bottle of wine and felt his stomach lurch. He just had enough time to make it into the main floor bathroom to throw up. He rinsed the bitter taste of bile from his mouth, splashed some water on his face and took a few deep breaths. He noticed his throat was starting to hurt so he went into the kitchen and made a salt water mix to gargle. He had just enough time to gargle and hide the evidence before Mara entered the kitchen.
"Wow, you look amazing Mar."
"Thanks, I just bought this today." Mara said of a fitted, deep cranberry, silk coat dress.
"You are a little over dressed though. You look like you should be off to a cocktail party not dinner at home."
"It's my party and I'll wear what I want to."
"So what are we having for dinner?" Sam asked wishing he could just eat soda crackers.
"Angel hair pasta tossed with a three cheese shallot sauce."
(I'm going to be puking for sure.) "Sounds good."
Sam was miserable during dinner but pulled off his best acting job in ages. He had to excuse himself twice to throw up and passed on dessert claiming he was too full. Tom was in a talkative mood and Sam feared they would never go home. He set up Michael's train set on the dinner table so he didn't have to sit on the floor to play with it. Sam excused himself a few moments before nine, took his sinus medication and wolfed down a dozen soda crackers. He brought Michael a tetra pack of apple juice to cover drinking one himself.
"Michael, what time do you go to bed?" Sam asked around 9:30
"Eight."
"Aren't you tired?"
"A little."
"Tell you what, if you go over and tell your Mom you are really tired and ask if you can go home, I'll take you to that bouncing place in the new year."
"Kay, tanks for my tain set."
"There is an R in there Michael, tr ain."
"Mommy, I'm wheelie sleepy can I go home?"
"Oh baby, I'm sorry I lost track of time. "
"That's a hint if I've ever heard one." Mara laughed.
"Out of the mouth of babes. Thank you for dinner Mara, it was delicious. The train set is great Sam, Michael and I are going to have a lot of fun playing with it."
"Thank you for coming Tom. Have a safe trip back to Carolina in the morning. Merry Christmas Ains."
"Merry Christmas Sam." Ainsley replied and gave him a big hug before picking her son up.
"I hope Santa is good to you Michael."
"Me too."
Sam waved good-bye from the door, locked it and headed to the kitchen for some more crackers.
"You ready for some gingerbread now?" Mara asked as she put the last glass in the dishwasher.
"No, I have a craving for soda crackers. I'm beat, you ready for bed?"
"Nah, it's too early, I'm going to finish wrapping some presents. Night."
"Night."
Sam was just about to fall asleep when his stomach lurched. He threw the crackers up and decided it was time for a Gravol. Half an hour later he threw the Gravol up. His throat was hurting again, his headache was back and his nose started to run.
"Hey what are you still doing up?" Mara asked around midnight as Sam came out of the bathroom.
"Nature called." Sam lied as he had thrown up saliva.
"Ah, I thought maybe we could go look at all the lights after dinner tomorrow and maybe go skating on Saturday. I just love this time of year don't you?" Mara asked enthusiastically.
(I just want to die in peace.) "Yeah, what I love the most is watching you get so excited."
"I was talking to Zoey earlier, she says there is two feet of snow in Manchester. I've never spent a Christmas on the farm. I can't wait to get there! We can go for sleigh rides, have snowball wars with Zoey, Charlie and Deanna, build snowmen and go skating on a real frozen pond!"
"I married a ten year old." Sam remarked before he started coughing.
"That didn't sound too good Sam, I hope you aren't getting sick." Mara stated, concern evident in her voice.
"It's nothing, you think I'd let germs ruin our Christmas?"
"No because you know how long I've been looking forward to this. I can almost taste the warm apple cider. Let me go get you some Tylenol with codeine for that cough."
Sam decided not to mention the sinus pill because if he was lucky the combination would knock him out and let him get some sleep. He could almost hear Abbey berating him as he swallowed the pills but he was beyond caring. When his alarm went off he carefully got out of bed and went into the bathroom. His mouth was so parched, it hurt to yawn. He tried swallowing a glass of water but it hurt his throat so much he only finished half the glass. He did the math in his head, it was 3 am in California. His Mother would understand and she'd probably feel better knowing he still needed her. He made his way to the study and dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Mommy, I don't feel good."
"Sam, what's wrong Sweetie?"
"I'm sick, my throat feels like I swallowed razor blades, I've had vicious headaches and body aches since Wednesday and I couldn't stop throwing up last night."
"What did Mara say?"
"I've been hiding it from her. I don't want to ruin her Christmas. She's so thrilled to be going to Manchester, I just need to survive until this passes. There is no way I can ask Abbey or Mara will find out."
"Oh Sam, you need to go see a doctor, you might need antibiotics. I know Mara is the Queen of Tylenol with codeine, go take three, force yourself to have some toast and keep drinking clear fluids. Have you been taking anything?"
"Just sinus pills."
"You use to have problems with those as a kid, stick with the Tylenol until you see a doctor. I know it's the 23rd but if your name and job can't get you into a doctor with short notice, you may as well quit."
"Thanks Mom, I wish you were here to take care of me."
"So do I Sweetie, but I think you should fess up and let Mara take care of you."
"No, I'm not ruining her favourite time of year. I'll call you from Manchester on Christmas around noon Eastern time."
"No, you are going to call me after you see a doctor today and if I haven't heard from you by five my time, I'm calling Mara to ask how you are doing."
"That's blackmail Mom."
"Yes it is dear. I love you, take care and I hope you feel better."
"Thanks Mom, I love you too and sorry for waking you up."
"A Mother's work is never done Samuel and we don't keep office hours. I'll talk to you in a few hours."
"Kay."
Sam forced himself to get dressed and followed his mom's instructions. While he was in the car he called Margaret.
"Leo McGarry's office."
"Margaret it's me. Could you do me a big favour and then forget about it."
"That depends Sam, what laws will I be breaking and will you represent me?"
Sam couldn't help chuckling. "It's nothing that fun Margaret. I need to go see a doctor today and find out if I just have the world's worst cold or if it's an infection of some sorts. Mara can't know I'm sick so......."
"Dr. Bartlet is out, I'll have an appointment for you within the hour. Come see me when you get in."
"Thanks Beautiful."
"See, that's why we are willing to help you. You'd think Josh or Toby could have figured that out after seven years."
Sam, you still look haggard. "Ginger remarked.
"Yeah well I spent half of the night puking. I've got to go see Leo for a minute. I thought I told you not to bother coming in this morning."
"I wanted to finish a few things up and our flight doesn't leave until noon. I also wanted my Christmas gift."
"What makes you think I got you anything?"
"You love me Sam, you worship the ground I walk on and you'd be a walking disaster without me. I know you got me a gift."
"Let me go see Leo and then we can do the gift exchange."
"Exchange? What makes you think I got you anything?"
"You love me Ginger Ale, you worship the ground I walk on and you'd be bored to tears without me. I know you got me a gift."
"Smart Ass."
"That's Mr. Smart Ass to you."
Sam went into his office and dug Leo's and Margaret's gift out from his closet. He'd found some pictures from the first Campaign in the summer and had them put in an album for Leo and Margaret with pictures for every year they'd been in the White House. He knew Margaret would love it and Leo would appreciate it.
"Merry Christmas Margaret."
"Aw, thanks Sam. You look a little better than yesterday, not much but a bit better. I take it you feel worse."
"Yeah."
"Well, I got you in to see my Doc at noon. She's in the building your eye guy was in, fifth floor, suite 528, Dr. Nixon. Don't be late, I told her why you need to see her." Margaret handed him the information on a slip of paper.
"Thanks Margaret, you're a life saver."
"Anytime Sam. I'll leave your present on Leo's desk.'
"Thanks."
Sam laughed when he spotted Ginger sitting in his chair with her feet up on his desk.
"Hand it over so I can go finish packing and catch my fight. You know this whole Christmas at the in-laws thing seemed like a better idea when I didn't have to go to a different country."
"I'm telling Mara you are reluctant to visit her homeland."
"Don't you dare, now give me my present!"
"It's in my bottom drawer."
"Pepto Bismol, geez Sam, you shouldn't have!"
"Look further back you dope."
Ginger found a long box with a silver charm bracelet inside. It had five charms on it. A Christmas tree, a baby carriage, the White House, a typewriter and a round disc that simple read To Ginger, Xmas 2006, on one side and Luv Sam on the other.
"Oh San, I love it ! Thank you soooo much. Will you do the honours?"
Sam attached the bracelet on her right wrist and planted a soft kiss on her right cheek.
Ginger pulled a thin envelope out from a file folder on his desk. She'd known what she wanted to give him for almost three months but the last month had convinced her it was both a perfect gift and one hell of a tempting the thing on high, idea. Ryan had finally convinced her to just do it, so she did. Sam found a pale pink letter filled with Ginger's best handwriting and a small square envelope.
Dear Sam,
I thought long and hard about what to get you. I mean you have a sail boat, a house on the Bay, a plane and a helicopter. I looked at that fifty bucks I had put aside and decided I needed a manicure more than you needed a gift. I'm just kidding, about the gift that is. I went for the manicure. Anyway, I've known you long enough to figure out that you really do appreciate the thought more than the gift.
By now, I've started to show, so it will come as no surprise to you that I'm pregnant. I was withholding a little piece of information from you though. Just before we left for Australia, I found out I was carrying a little girl. I couldn't tell you on the trip, after everything you'd gone through. Once we got home, I had a long cry for you and Mara. Ryan reminded me that you'd notice I was pregnant eventually and be hurt that I didn't share such wonderful news with you earlier. I really would rather die than hurt you Sam, so I told you as soon as I thought it was appropriate. I've given this a great deal of thought since that night in the hotel and I know I'm making the right decision. Open the white envelope. Love always Ginger.
Sam opened the white envelope and found a sonogram picture taken the week before. He looked down at the writing and his stomach dropped, instead of baby Gauthier it read Samantha Nadine Gauthier. A tear ran down Sam's face and Ginger carefully wiped it away with her thumb.
"So Sam, will you be your name sake's God Father?" She asked softly with a big smile.
"Oh Ginger. I'd be honoured and thrilled. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever....Oh God yes."
"I was hoping you'd say that. You know Toby would tell us to go outside, turn around three times and spit."
"When you leave, I'll walk you out and we can perform the ritual, just in case. We wouldn't want Toby to be anymore stressed out, now would we?"
"God no. I'm going to leave in about an hour."
"I was going to give you your card when you left but since I need Kleenex, I think it's only fair you do too."
Sam handed her another envelope. She laughed at the picture of a snowman trying to recover after drinking a hot chocolate. When she opened the card she found herself staring at a slightly shrunken piece of her own writing spread along both sides of the card. She recognized it immediately. It was a section of the note CJ and her were writing back and forth in the Sydney hotel when he had fallen asleep in CJ's lap after finding out that Mara lost their baby.
Have his baby? The thought has crossed my mind. I almost offered Mara my services as a surrogate last time.
"Sam, how did you?"
"You and Ceeg would be bad criminals, you left your evidence behind."
"Oh." Ginger whispered and continued reading the card.
Ginger, I found this on the saddest day of my life but the love behind it reminded me just how fortunate and blessed I truly was. I've done the math, you were pregnant when you wrote this. Knowing you as I do, I'm sure you didn't get much sleep that night. Worrying about what if you lost your baby too and wishing that you didn't already love your baby so much, so you could offer it to Mara and I. Ginger, you are the most tender hearted person I've ever had the privilege of knowing. You are one of my closest and dearest friends. You are going to be an amazing Mom and I love you dearly, my sweet effervescent Ginger Ale. Merry Christmas and Thank You for always being there to keep me in line and drive me crazy.
"Oh Sam..." Ginger said softly as tears ran down her face. "I was actually wishing She was twins, I figured one each was a fair deal."
Sam gave Ginger a long hug and they were resting their foreheads together until Josh came along and ruined the moment.
"Are you two listening to sappy Christmas songs again?" Josh asked.
"Shouldn't you be begging CJ to wrap Donna's present for you?" Ginger retorted.
"Aren't you suppose to be giving Canadian Immigrations a hard time?"
"My flight leaves at noon."
"Ah, Sam your eyes are blood shot, did you get drunk with Ainsley last night?"
"No, I've got a cold. Did you want something?"
"Yeah, Donna wanted to see you and Ginger. "
"I'll go over now Sam and see what's up."
"Kay, after that I'll walk you out."
"Yes we can't forget the ritual."
"Mr. Seaborn, I'm afraid you have a bad case of the flu. The only thing you can do is continue to take Tylenol for the pain, get as much rest as possible and drink plenty of fluids."
"Thank you Dr. Dixon."
"You look like a cherry lollipop type." The doctor replied and handed Sam a large lollipop.
"Thanks, I should get sick more often. Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas Sam."
Sam was on his way back to the White House when Leo called to thank him for the gift and tell him to just go home and feel better. He called and left a message for his Mom updating her on his condition. Sam knew Mara wouldn't be home before four so he headed straight home and went to bed.
Mara expected to find Sam lounging on the couch eating gingerbread while reading a book. She was surprised to find the house quite and the gingerbread intact in the kitchen. She cut herself a large square and sat down in the kitchen flipping through the various Christmas cards she hadn't opened yet. Killer jumped up on the counter and continued to look at her and the gingerbread until Mara relented and gave him some. After Killer had his fill, he jumped down and Mara heard him galloping upstairs. She put the gingerbread away when she realized she ate half of it. She wondered what was keeping Sam as she started making dinner. When dinner was made and the clock read six She dialed Sam's cell phone. After a few rings Sam picked up.
"Mwph hello?"
"Sam where on earth are you?"
"I was sleeping until a few seconds ago."
"Well get home, dinner is ready."
"Kay."
Sam didn't want to eat and wondered why Mara was calling his cell instead of waking him up in person. The look on her face as he padded down the stairs was priceless and explained it all. She never made it past the first floor when she came in.
"Sam, you've been here all along? No wonder Killer dashed upstairs."
"Yeah he was asleep at my feet like normal."
"Well go sit down and I'll get dinner."
"Don't give me much Mara, I'm not really hungry."
"You pigged out on sweets at work I suppose."
"Not really."
Sam was happy Mara forgot about driving around the city to look at the lights and she actually started yawning around nine so she agreed to call it an early night. He didn't get out of skating on Saturday and he fell asleep shortly after Holiday Inn started Saturday evening. He thought his stomach had finally settled down but shortly after eating a piece of gingerbread he started throwing up again. Mara was so giddy about going to Manchester that Sam decided he'd die before telling her he really didn't want to do anything but sleep.
Something jolted Mara awake in the middle of the night and her arm went flying in Sam's direction. It wasn't until after she finished apologizing that she realized she didn't make contact with any part of Sam's body. She sat up in bed and noticed a light in the bathroom. She was about to go back to sleep when she heard him cough and decided to go investigate. Sam was sitting on the floor with his head hovering over the toilet bowl. She could see sweat dripping off his face and rushed over to him. She knelt down behind him just as he started throwing up. She grabbed a wash cloth, ran it under some cool water and rubbed his back until he lifted his head. His back was soaked and hot to the touch. She felt his forehead before giving him the face cloth.
"My God Sam, you're burning up!"
She got up, found the thermometer and put it in his ear. Her eyes bugged out when the digital display read 105.3. She turned the cold water on in the shower and added a little bit of warm water. The water temperature made her shiver none the less.
"OK Sweetie, you've got to get up and get in the shower right now. We've got to get your temperature down."
Sam started to get up but his body just ached too much and he sunk back down.
"Can't, hurt too much."
"Sam, you weigh almost twice as much as I do, you're going to have to help me." Mara yelled as she did her best to help lift him on to his feet.
He was very unsteady on his feet and Mara realized that there was no way he'd be able to stand in the shower by himself. Mara got him into the shower and turned the spray on. It was so cold she yelped, but Sam was so out of it he didn't make a sound. Mara's teeth were chattering and she had goose bumps on top of goose bumps. After fifteen minutes, Mara couldn't take the cold anymore and maneuvered Sam out of the shower. She braced his hands on the counter for support and kept one hand on his back as she pulled off her drenched tank top and boxer shorts. She wrapped herself in Sam's robe and pulled his boxers down. She peeled his T-shirt off and took his temperature again. It read 103.8, She towel dried him off and walked him over to her fainting couch.
Once Sam was safely laid out on it, she cranked the air conditioning up full blast. She put her silk pajama's on and dashed downstairs to get her migraine mask from the freezer and the two first aid cold packs that were always handy when she hurt her ankle. She pulled out a large blue glass that she normally used as a vase, filled it with ice and water, grabbed the only straw she could think of
( bright purple twist with Tigger hanging off it) and got back upstairs as fast as possible. Sam had managed to pull the towel off his waist to use as a blanket. As Mara drew closer she could see him shivering and hear his teeth chattering. She poured 3 Tylenol's into her hand and crouched down beside him.
"Sam, Sweetie, lift your head and take these pills."
"Cccccold."
"I know baby, but the pills will make you warmer." She lied. "Now take a big sip of water with it."
Sam heard it will make you warmer and quickly swallowed the pills and took two sips of water. He couldn't believe how cold he was and he had no idea why he was naked and on the fainting couch.
"Sam, I'm going to put a mask on your face that will make your eyes and head feel better and I'll put these two hot packs on your chest."
"Kay, feels cold."
"No Sam, they are warm." She lied again.
She was starting to get cold herself so she yanked the comforter off the bed, pulling Killer with it.
"Sorry Killer but I'm cold."
Killer gave her a dirty look and walked out of the room. Mara held his hand and kept forcing him to drink every few minutes. Once he had finished all the ice water she ran downstairs for a refill.. She took his temperature again an hour later and it read 102 so she helped him into bed and covered him up. They both dozed off and when Mara woke up a little after six, she leaned over to feel Sam's forehead again.
"Shit he's burning up again."
Mara got the thermometer and was a little relived it was only 104 but that was still too high. She pulled everything but the sheet off him and went down for more ice water. She pulled out a bag each of frozen peas and corn and headed back to the room. She woke Sam up to take more Tylenol and made him drink half the water. Sam closed his eyes and went back to sleep immediately. Mara put the corn against the top of his head and plopped the peas on top of his chest.. She continued to wake him up every ten minutes to drink and called Abbey at seven.
Abbey was disappointed to hear Mara wouldn't be going to Manchester because she knew how much her fourth daughter had been looking forward to it and she wanted Mara there herself. She was concerned about Sam's temperature and told Mara she'd stop by to check on him around eight. She called GW, explained the situation and got them to prepare three IV bags for her. Abbey was just waiting for the agent to return with the IV so she could leave.
At quarter to eight, Mara woke up Sam again, had him finish the water and told him he had to put some clothes on because Abbey was on her way.
"No Abbey, Mara will find out." Sam muttered.
"Mara will find out what?" She asked.
"I'm too sick to go to the Farm. Gotta suck it up, help me Ging."
(Ginger? I'm going to have to tease him about this later.) "Help you how Sam?"
"Hold all my calls, let me get some sleep. I can't ruin Mara's happy farm vacation and she'd kill me if she finds out how long I've been feeling like death."
(I'm going to kill him, resuscitate him and kill him again.) "Sam, we'll deal with your death sentence once you are healthy again." Mara said dryly.
"Mara?"
"Yes Samuel?"
"This is bad on so many levels." He mumbled while covering his face with his hands.
Mara had to stifle the urge to laugh, "You bet your ass it is Mister. Now lift your hips up so I can get your boxers on. How long have you felt sick?"
"I'm taking the fifth."
"Samuel Norman Seaborn, how long?" Mara growled.
"Friday?"
"Sam?"
"Wednesday." Sam whispered in a defeated tone.
Mara wanted to slug him. "I'm getting you more water." She said in a huff and went downstairs.
Abbey let herself in and noticed Mara in the kitchen. She could tell from the way Mara was hurling ice into the glass that she was not in a very good mood.
"Sweetie what are you doing?"
"Adding arsenic into Sam's water. He's such a jackass."
"What did he do ?"
"He's been sick since Wednesday and instead of letting me know and staying in bed so that he might feel better today, he hid it from me and now he's so sick he needs help moving."
"I'm sorry Mara, it was a stupid thing to do but he's a man. They are often misguided enough to think they are doing you a favour when they are just making matters worse."
"I nearly froze to death in an ice cold shower for fifteen minutes last night and it's his own damn fault!"
"Mara, just remind yourself of your first Christmas together."
"He's still a jackass."
"Agreed, now can I go check him out?"
"Be my guest and don't feel the need to be gentle."
Abbey chuckled on her way up the stairs. "How are you feeling Samuel?"
"Kill me please."
"Don't worry, Mara will take care of that."
As Abbey suspected, Sam was dehydrated so she set up the IV and informed Sam he'd be attached to it until all three bags entered his system. She gave him a mini lecture on taking care of himself and left a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"Merry Christmas Sam and good luck you're going to need it."
"I know, if I only managed to keep it under cover for twelve more hours I'd be in Manchester and Mara could still have fun."
"Sam if you had dealt with this Wednesday you might be feeling well enough to leave today. That is why Mara is pissed. Be prepared for the silent treatment today but she'll come around in the morning."
"Thanks Abbey, Merry Christmas."
"Well kiddo, the IV is set up, try not to give him too rough a time. I'm going to miss you but if Jackass Jr. is feeling better in a day or two come on up. I'm staying until after the New Year. I'll have someone bring your presents over later in the day "
"Thanks Abbey, yours are all in the two bags by the door. I'll call you around eleven and we can open them over the phone. If he wasn't so sick I'd kill him!"
"If he wasn't so sick, we wouldn't have a problem. Dr. Singh is the person to talk to if Sam takes a turn for the worse. He said he'd call you later in the day to check on Sam. Merry Christmas Sweetie."
"Merry Christmas Abbey." Mara replied sadly and gave her a long hug.
"Mara just keep remembering that first Christmas. "
"Yeah, yeah, yeah."
Sam slept most of the morning and afternoon. Zoey had called to tell Mara that her Mother fired off five snowballs at her from the porch and said it was from her. Mara started laughing and told Zoey to go thank her mom for involving her in the snowball fight. She talked to Zoey for over an hour until her stomach started growling and she hung up to order a pizza. She was working on her third slice when she heard Sam calling her. She finished the slice and went up to see what he wanted.
Sam managed to get out of bed and go to the bathroom but on his way back to bed he tangled the IV line and couldn't free himself with just one hand. Mara took one look at him, rolled her eyes and set him free.
"You want to put the line around my neck don't you."
"No, it would involve too much clean up. Get your butt in bed so I can take your temperature."
Sam sat patiently while Mara took his temperature and changed the IV bag. He couldn't decide if it was better to stay quite or talk to her. He knew Abbey had probably reminded Mara how they spent their first Christmas which was unfair but to his advantage.
"Your temperature is down to 101. You can have some more Tylenol's. I'm eating pizza do you feel like anything ? I can made you some toast or heat up some chicken soup."
"That sounds good thanks. Will you bring your pizza in here and eat with me?"
Mara took a good look at Sam. He looked sick and helpless, like a lost little boy. His normally perfectly coifed hair was standing out in all directions. His eyes were watery and red. She still felt like killing him but her anger was slowly disapearing.
"'Kay, give me ten minutes and take your pills."
Sam waited until they both had finished eating to say something.
"Mara, I had good intentions. I figured if you knew I was sick you'd call off the trip and I didn't want that to happen. My plan was to live long enough to get to Manchester then I could sleep the holidays away and you'd still be surrounded by people you love. My stupid plan almost worked. I'm sorry I screwed everything up when that was exactly what I was trying to avoid doing."
"Let me get this straight, you've felt like crap since Wednesday but you sat through the Christmas party, played with Michael and let me drag you all over town yesterday then went skating?"
"Yeah."
"I don't know whether to kill you with my bare hands or kiss you."
"I vote for kiss me." Sam said with a gentle smile.
"Samuel Norman Seaborn," Mara sighed, "Abbey kept reminding me of our first Christmas together. The reason I'm so mad at you is that after the sheer hell I went through then, you still think jeopardizing your health is a good plan? Sam you could have caught pneumonia, had complications and died! I could be spending another Christmas at GW. I cringe every time I have to set foot in that bloody place. Now instead of flashing back to you in a coma I think about miscarriages. So if your temperature goes up, you're going to GW alone. How many times do you have to be told not to mess with your health? Having you around to nag for the next fifty years is my top priority, why isn't it yours?"
"It's the flu Mara, granted I feel like dying but the only way I'm actually going to die is if you kill me."
"You got lucky this time Sam. I swear, if you ever do this again, I'm filing separation papers and I've never been more serious in my life."
"OK I get the message, are you still mad at me?"
"Yes but I'm not planning on leaving you alone and going to Manchester any more."
"Thanks, I think. I'm going back to sleep now."
"I'm going to go eat some gingerbread and maybe some chocolate cookies."
"You're mean."
"Yes but you're a jackass."
Sam didn't like his new moniker but he was in no position to argue about it. Mara wasn't nearly as upset as he thought she'd be. He still felt very guilty about ruining her holidays and scaring her.
He still thought she was being over dramatic about messing with his health. It wasn't as if he was having chest pains and ignored it and he did go see a doctor. He didn't feel Mara change the third IV bag during the night or remove the needle from his hand. He woke up when Killer sat on his chest and shoved his whiskers in Sam's face.
"A less obnoxious Merry Christmas would have been nice Killer." Sam said as he started rubbing the cat's head.
"Killer, I sent you up here to wake Sam up, not get a massage." Mara admonished a few minutes later.
"Oh he woke me up, it's hard to ignore a cat sitting on your chest shoving his whiskers in you face. Merry Christmas Baby, I'm sorry we're here."
"Don't remind me, Merry Christmas Sammy. Now get your butt downstairs."
Mara's breakfast of Swedish pancakes stuffed with apple sauce, Canadian back bacon and fruit salad looked and smelt so good that Sam couldn't resist eating it. He hoped it would stay in his stomach and it did. Mara told him that he had to get better quickly because she was trying to make it up to Manchester in a few days. Sam dedicated himself to that idea, he desperately wanted to make this up to her. Christmas was quite but it was fun listening to all the commotion going on in Manchester as they opened gifts at the same time. Mara sent Sam back to bed at one, cleaned up and joined him an hour later. One look at Sam, hugging Tedzy, his dark lashes fluttering gently melted her heart and the last trace of her anger away.
She leaned over and let a soft kiss on his lips. "You're an idiot but all I ever need to be happy is you Sam."
Sam waited until he was sure she had left and smiled. He knew all was forgiven and cuddled Tedzy a little closer.