Adam dropped his quadruplets off at school. Miss Ida was in the passenger seat. It was one of the rare occasions she went grocery shopping with Adam. Adam had asked her for help so he could be at the hospital at noon for the tutorial about Megan's insulin pump.
"I'll do the fresh stuff and meat. You do the staples. I really appreciate this Ida. I don't want to be late, it's too important to Megan." Adam spoke as he parked at the grocery store.
Ida smiled and unbuckled her seat belt. "Good idea. Now, remember the special on turkey. I will make a nice dinner for Megan's homecoming on Saturday. I will prepare everything and Nancy is going to bake it. Thanksgiving on August first." She laughed as the walked to the door of the store.
"Sounds wonderful and so sweet of you. I don't mind paying for it either. Shawn and Hunter have done so much for me. You also want a fresh pumpkin? Canned filling is okay you know." Adam glanced at the grocery list Ida had written during the week.
Ida looked at Adam like he had three heads. "Canned filling? Me? Mother would be ashamed of me. Oh, and fresh cranberries for the sauce." She pointed out the last minute thing she'd written down.
Adam kissed Ida on the cheek. "You are the best, Ida. Well, good luck. Meet you up front in an hour. Ida, I do love you."
Ida smiled and patted Adam's cheek. "I love you, son." They each got a shopping cart and headed off to do their grocery shopping.
Adam had a brief moment as he put some oranges in a plastic bag. He hoped Alberto Del Rio's family were doing alright. He sighed and continued shopping.
An hour later, Adam wrote out a check for a bit over eight hundred dollars worth of groceries. The good thing was, the store had a great sale going on, so they had enough meat and staples for two or three weeks.
It took two grocery boys to load the Kia and Adam tipped them twenty dollars each. He and Ida settled in and buckled up.
"Wish we had grocery boys at home." Adam whined at the thought of unloading it all.
Ida laughed. "Most of it goes in the freezer in the garage. It was a great sale on meat. With the little monkeys, you will be glad we stocked up."
Adam pulled out of the parking lot and pointed the Kia toward home. "True, and don't forget Dean. I don't mind. As long as you cook it, I will gladly buy it. Don't let fixing the meal take away from your weekend with your mom though."
"It won't, dear. I will get it all ready on Friday. I will drop it off on my way to the care home. Nancy knows, but she hasn't told Shawn or Hunter. You can do that." Ida explained as they drove along.
At eleven fifteen, Adam put the last pack of toilet paper in the supply pantry. He let out a loud exhale. "Finished. I have got to go. Ida, please, sit and rest."
"I will, hon. Time for my soap opera lunch break. Give Meggie Pops my love. See you later. Hot dogs tonight. Oh, the clean smocks for after school project." Ida handed Adam the stack of neatly folded smocks.
"Thank you, I forgot about these. We should be home by six thirty. See you, Ida. I'll kiss Meggie for you." Adam took the smocks and headed out the door. He smiled when he heard Ida reset the security alarm.
Adam parked in his spot at the hospital. He grinned when he saw Dean's Mustang and Seth's Kia. Seth's car was a four door sedan and new. Roman had gotten it with the baby in mind. Adam went to the employee's entrance. Only difference, was this time, he didn't punch a time card.
Dean was at the nurse's station with Seth, Shawn, Hunter and Nancy. They all smiled when Adam arrived. Adam hugged Shawn, then Seth.
"I thought I was going to be late. Thank goodness Ida helped me grocery shop. So, how is Megan?" Adam asked as he settled in.
Dean grinned. "Happy as Larry. They are preparing to move her back to her room. Remember, masks and gloves before you enter the room, as an extra precaution."
"Oh by the way, Shawn, Hunter dinner on Saturday is taken care of. Ida is making a full Thanksgiving dinner and her cohort, Miss Nancy is baking it all. Think Dean and I could join you?" Adam happily announced the planned surprise.
Shawn beamed. "How wonderful! Of course you and Dean will be there. Nancy you sneak! But thank you! We can celebrate Megan being home and needle free." He hugged Nancy and Adam. Shawn was almost overly giddy. His daughter was going to be fine and happy.
Seth looked down the hallways. "Here comes the little lady of the hour!"
Two aides pushed Megan down the hall on a gurney. All three wore masks. Megan sat up and even though she wore a mask, you knew she had a smile on her face.
Dean gently stopped Shawn. "Wait till she gets to her room."
"Oh, I forgot. We will have to wear masks for the two weeks of home isolation?" Shawn waved as Megan passed. Hunter blew is daughter a kiss.
Dean nodded. "It would be better. I mean you both do work in the public. The pump needs those two weeks to settle and adjust. Megan getting a cold or the flu would interrupt that. It's not a major risk, but, it would be better for her. So don't panic. Just a bit of extra hygiene and caution for two weeks."
Hunter nodded. "Whatever it takes. Nancy can get the proper things we need at the pharmacy." He smiled at Nancy.
"Yes, I will. I'll set up a table outside her bedroom with everything." Nancy spoke firmly.
The two aides from isolation returned with the now empty gurney. "She is settled in her bed and very anxious to see you. She has been such a polite, undemanding girl. We are glad she is doing so well, but a bit sorry to see her go. Please, let us know how she is doing." The head aide spoke with a smile as she no longer wore a mask.
"We will. Thank you for taking such good care of her." Shawn smiled in return as the aides left.
Dean spoke next. "Alright, let's go. We'll give you a few minutes with her first. Then we will do the pump tutorial." Dean lead the little group down to room 151. Seth stayed at the station, as did Adam. Adam would join the others in a few minutes.
Before either Seth or Adam could speak to one another, the elevator dinged. Drake Younger stepped off and headed right for the nurse's station.
"Ah! Adam, I didn't expect to see you today. But, since you are here, what about Saturday?" Drake gave Adam an expectant look. A little bird had told him Adam would be here today, but Drake had to act surprised. He'd pulled it off.
Adam knew Dean wanted to be there when Adam answered the question. "I'm not sure yet, Drake. Dean said he'd let me know after Megan's pump tutorial. That's why I am here. Come back in a couple of hours. Sorry, but I have to go." He saw Dean waving for him to come to Megan's room.
Adam quickly hurried away. Seth hurried off to answer a patient call. Drake was left alone at the nurse's station. With a shrug, Drake went back to his own work. He made a mental note to return in two hours.
Adam, Dean and Nancy put on masks and gloves. Dean sent Nancy into the room, but held Adam back. "What did he want?" Dean asked softly.
"To know about Saturday. I told him you'd tell me after the tutorial. I also told him to be back in a couple of hours. I knew you wanted to be there. Now, I wanna see Meggie." Adam gave Dean a wink. Together they entered room 151.
"Addy! Doctor Dean!" Megan happily greeted the doctor and nurse as they came into the room.
Both Dean and Adam hugged Megan. Adam spoke. "How are you feeling, Meggie Pops?"
"I'm alright. I am a bit tired, but I guess that's normal. I do feel more…controlled, is the best way to put it. And, I hardly notice the pump at all. The port hurts a little though." Megan spoke with honesty.
Dean looked at the pump port. "That pain will go away. The tissue around the port needs to heal. After all, a tube is invading your body and while not considered a major surgery, it is a surgery. Now, are you ready to be a guinea pig for a little bit? I need to teach everyone all about your little machine."
Megan laughed. "Yes, I am."
Dean slapped his forehead. "Shoot, I forgot the packets at the..." Seth came into the room, mask on his face.
"You left these at the station. I knew you needed them." Seth handed Dean four booklets of instructions for Megan's pump.
Dean took the packets. "Thanks, Seth. I appreciate it." Seth gave Dean a nod, waved to Megan, then left the room.
Dean now spoke like the physician he was. "First. Nancy, I am sure you know how to look for an infection. Infection of the port is the biggest risk. So cleaning the area properly is extremely important." He looked at Megan's caregiver.
Nancy gave a nod. "Redness, oozing or pus around the port area. Also check for any sudden swelling that could mean a pus pocket has developed." She spoke with confidence.
"I see I don't need to worry. Now, the two most important things are battery drain and keeping the pump filled with insulin. I've written a new prescription. The insulin for the pump, while still the same, has a different viscosity and requires no refrigeration. The prescription is unlimited, and get enough to always have one emergency refill on hand. Also, always have a battery on emergency standby. A battery will last a week, sometimes a day or two longer, sometimes a day or two shorter. Rechargeable batteries are the best, but don't use them for more than two months. The older they get, the faster they drain, and the less charge they hold. Mark your calendars and it will be fine. Just remember, never leave the house without one refill dose and one battery. You can get a case to carry that is made for people with a pump. Also, if you ever fly, you have a card that explains about the pump. Okay, now I will show you how to refill the pump and change the battery." Dean spoke like a University professor in medical school.
For the next hour and a half, Shawn, Hunter, Nancy and Megan learned as both Dean and Adam explained things. Dean also made Shawn, Hunter and Nancy demonstrate back everything they had learned. Even Megan knew how to do it. After all, she would have it for life and needed to know, better than anyone.
As Dean finished, he gave a final few words. "The most important thing is to never panic. If for any reason, the pump should fail, calmly bring her to the hospital. So, any questions?"
Hunter spoke. "So even after the two weeks, we need to wear gloves when handling the port?" He wanted to be double sure of everything.
Dean nodded. "Yes, it is better. However, if you happen to forget, it isn't the worst thing in the world. The key to the entire thing is to never panic and stay calm.
Shawn held his booklet like a holy relic. "Thank you, Dean and you too, Adam. I feel much better about everything now. It is also a comfort to know you are just down the block if anything happens. Not that we will make a nuisance of ourselves, oh you know what I mean." Shawn gave a laugh.
Adam gave Shawn a pat on the back with a chuckle. "Yes, Shawn. I know what you mean. Besides, you've got Nancy."
Hunter spoke up. "Yes, we do. Nancy, you're also getting a twenty percent raise. We decided last night. We would be helpless without you. I know you, don't even open your mouth to protest. It's a done deal, as your account will reflect." Hunter gave Nancy a very warm hug.
Nancy's eyes glittered. "Thank you, Hunter, Shawn. Just…thank you. Also, I will stop at the pharmacy on the way home with the prescription and pick up the supplies. I know better what to get, and Cliff is used to dealing with me. Hunter, it will be a big initial expense, but worth it." Nancy had all the prescription and supply information, tucked into the bag she always carried with things for Megan.
Hunter nodded. "We are paid up with Cliff, so get everything you need. I don't care about cost, Megan is priceless."
"Agreed." Shawn stated just as firmly.
Adam had kept Megan occupied as money was discussed. He knew those things worried the teenager. Dean also joined their conversation and soon Megan laughed like a very normal young girl.
Nancy left for the pharmacy. Shawn and Hunter turned when Megan laughed again. Shawn looked up at his husband, tears glittered in his turquoise blue eyes. Hunter held his beloved close. There were also tears in his amber eyes.
"...so that poor little basset hound puppy tripped on his ears again and fell into the mud puddle." Dean finished another story about the long eared puppy.
Megan still laughed. "That poor little puppy. But you know, he was right. No matter what gets in your way, never give up. I didn't give up. I put up with something that scared me, because I knew I needed it. I knew if I didn't give up, I'd eventually get the pump. Daddy just needed the courage to finally agree for me to have it. I didn't give up, like that puppy. Now, I can just be… normal. I have my little friend here to help me." Megan gave her pump a gentle tap. The smile on her face outshone the sun.
Shawn sniffed. He went and hugged his daughter. "You are just the best child I could have ever asked for. I love you so much, Megan Anne Helmsley." He kissed the top of Megan's head, the mask prevented the touch, but not the love.
Hunter too, hugged his daughter as Dean and Adam moved back. "Daddy said it, but I will say it again. We were truly blessed when you were born into our lives. I couldn't ask for a more perfect child. I love you, Meggie." Hunter mirrored Shawn and kissed his daughter's blond head.
As they were in Megan's room, out of sight of staff and other patients, Dean wrapped his arm around Adam's waist and held him close. Adam gave Dean a soft smile and laid his head on Dean's shoulder. The love between Megan and her parents filled the room. It was a wonderful feeling.
Megan yawned behind her mask. "I'm sorry, but I am tired now. Dad, take daddy out to a nice lunch, you both deserve it. I love you both, so much. It was God who blessed me with such wonderful parents. Doctor Dean, Addy, please, with all my love, throw them out and send them to lunch. I love you two, too. Thanks for everything, I mean that." Megan couldn't stop another yawn from escaping.
Dean took control. "Another lioness has emerged. Okay you two, you heard the boss, out. At least for a couple of hours. Go, have a nice, relaxed late lunch or early dinner. Hey Megan, what do you think? You know the old folks eat their supper early." He gave Megan a wink.
Megan laughed again. "Yeah, they do. Oh and dad, make sure daddy gets his can of Ensure for dessert. He likes the vanilla pudding."
Shawn gasped. "Megan Anne! I told you not to tell anyone. I take it all back! You are a brat of the first water. Hunter, take me to lunch, but if I hear one crack outta your mouth, you will sleep on the couch in the garage until Christmas. I mean it."
"I may be a brat, but you still love me. Dad, I'd keep your mouth shut if I were you. I think he means it about the couch in the garage. I love you, but, I really wanna sleep now. I'll see you later." Megan gave another yawn behind her mask and slid down further in her bed to be comfortable for sleep.
"Not saying a word. Now, we love you. Daddy and I will be back later." Hunter spoke softly as both he and Shawn tucked Megan into the bed. They kissed her and said goodbye.
Shawn and Hunter left after Dean and Adam said goodbye to Megan. The four men left room 151. They removed their masks and gloves, then tossed them into the bio hazard bin outside the door.
Dean spoke as they walked down the hall. "Now, are you both confident? The only bad question is the one that goes unasked."
Shawn replied. "No, no questions, at least not for now. We may have some once she is home on Saturday. Dean, we really do appreciate everything you've done and will continue to do for Meg. Adam, you as well, you've always been there for us. It's a great relief to know you're there. Now, husband feed me. Just enough time before court."
Hunter chuckled when Shawn's tummy rumbled. "Yes, dear. Dean, Adam I echo what Shawn said. Thank you, both of you." They all arrived at the nurse's station.
Drake was there and Adam could tell Seth was on the verge of beating Drake to death. Adam and Dean bid farewell to the Helmsley's.
Adam gave Seth a sly wink. "Drake, come on, let's have a cup of coffee, Dean needs a break." He nodded toward the staff break room.
As the three walked to the break room, Seth sat with a sigh. Drake had driven him nuts. The man had asked a lot of questions about Adam. Seth was polite and tried to answer without really saying anything personal about Adam. Drake was not going to ruin Adam's life, not if he could help it.
In the break room, Adam poured three cups of coffee. He joined Dean and Drake at one of the tables. Before any words were spoken, coffee was sipped.
Drake spoke first. "So, what about dinner on Saturday? It's not a hard question. I am trying to make amends. It would make being here easier, for all of us, if we could at least be civil with one another." He looked from Adam to Dean.
"I know it would, Drake. However, I'm sorry, but we can't have dinner with you on Saturday. We are already committed to helping Megan Helmsley. She will be going home on Saturday, and her parents want to make sure everything goes smoothly. I'm sure you can understand how important that is. It is not a reflection on you." Adam gave Drake a direct and honest answer, with a smile.
Drake adjusted in his chair. "Of course I understand. That is very important. Maybe we can do it another time. I am trying here. I know what I became, and I'm not proud of it. I am trying to change, I really am. Dean you know me. I just want a chance."
Dean sipped his coffee, and looked at his ex-lover. "I can see that you are trying. Once Martin Miller has his wheelchair, I'll be impressed. Drake, I hated what you became, and yes, Adam knows, we have no secrets. I know part of it was the Administration at Truman. But, you didn't have to let it change you like it did outside of work. I blame you for that. You destroyed what we had. You not me. Oh I know I was a bastard at times, but you drove me to it. If you can become the Drake I first met and knew, it would be nice. We will never be as close as we once were, but maybe we could be friends again. You have a very long way to go and a lot to prove. Do that and I will take you to dinner sometime, with Adam of course. And yes, before you say anything, Adam knows everything, even about the guy at the gym. So don't think you have that to use as a weapon. Understand?" Dean gave Drake a hard stare and took another sip of coffee.
Drake swallowed his own sip of coffee with a sigh. "One thing I can always count on, Dean. You never mince your words. I happen to agree with you. I did become a different person at work and home. I did destroy our relationship. I should have agreed to having children. I realize now, how much joy and happiness they can bring into the world. I am working on Martin's wheelchair. One of the Elks Clubs is helping me. I will get that chair, I promise. Adam, while it is hard, I am glad Dean told you. Knowing Dean, he was fair and honest. I just hope, you will give me a chance and show that I can change. I don't know what else I can do." He sighed again and managed to put a mask of sadness on his face. Inside he seethed. It was killing him to eat so much humble pie. His fear of the McMahon's was the only thing that kept him in check.
Adam looked at Dean, then Drake. "Drake, I am sure this is hard for you. It's not easy to change, but, you deserve the chance to try. I would say the same to anyone. I don't know you like Dean does. When he tells me you've changed, then I will believe it. You concentrate on doing your job. From what I understand, when you first started in child advocacy you could rival our Hazel Forest, and that is saying something. You become that person again, and we can be friends at work. Drake, aside from all that, remember one thing; those sick and dying children need someone fighting for them. Especially the terminal children, who need all the happiness they can get in the little time they have left. Imagine, having child, a creation from inside your body, then being told, that precious creation only has months to live and there isn't a fucking thing you can do to stop it. Now, wouldn't you want someone who could help make those few months the happiest they can possibly be?" Adam gave Drake an extremely pointed look.
Dean couldn't help but lean over and give Adam a soft, but love filled, quick kiss. He know Adam thought of his own kids as he spoke.
"I could not have said it any better or plainer than that. Become that Drake Younger again, and we can be friends. One chance, Drake. You get one chance. You let one family or patient down, and you will be wiped. Got it?" Dean also gave Drake a pointed look.
Drake tapped his coffee cup. "I will do my best. I can't force places to help you know. Even Hazel can't do everything. I hope you will remember that. Adam, you're right. It would be devastating to know your child is dying and couldn't stop it. Dean, can I say something? Something I should have said before, but never did?" He gave Dean an honest look of hope.
"I guess." Dean gave a shrug and drained his cup of coffee.
Drake sighed. "Before I say it, I want you to know, I really mean it and I wish I had said it when we were together. When you told me about Cathy and all you did for her, I kinda brushed it off. Now that I have become better at what I do, I want to say, I really admire what you did for your sister. She was lucky to have you. I bet Adam's children enjoy your reading voices. You should read them the Wizard of Oz. Anyway, Dean, I truly mean it, I'm sorry she died." Drake was honest and not playing for points; for once. He gave Dean an honest look.
Dean laced his fingers with Adam's under the table. "I appreciate that, Drake. I can tell you mean it. I am reading Oz to them now actually, a chapter a night. Yeah, I still do the voices. Listen, I've to do my rounds." He looked at his watch. He was a bit late.
"Oh and I have to go to the school, my day to paint." Adam stood as Dean stood. He took their cups to the sink and put them in the "Dirty" tray.
"I won't keep you. I have to call my connection at the Elks. Thanks for the talk. Maybe some damage got mended. Take care now." Drake stated as he hurried out of the break room. Stephanie had to invoke Plan B and quickly.
Dean kissed Adam and with the promise of a talk later at home, went to do his afternoon rounds.
Adam stopped at the nurse's station to briefly speak with Seth. "So, did it go alright? I hope you told him no." Seth arched his brow at Adam.
Adam smiled. "Yes, we said no. I don't know what to believe. Dean will tell me later at home if Drake was honest or not. Don't fret, Seth. He will not be a part of our lives outside of work. I'd better go, my day for after school. I'll see you tomorrow." He gave Seth a hug.
Seth hugged Adam back. "Good. I will never trust him, but I will work with him, if he does his job right. Kiss the kids for me. See you tomorrow… oh..." He hurried off to answer a patient call.
Adam turned to leave when Stephanie McMahon stepped off the elevator. "Oh Adam! I need to speak to you a minute please."
Adam internally rolled his eyes, but gave Stephanie a smile. "Of course, ma'am."
"I need a favor. I've hired a new RN for nights. I need you to show him how we do things here. Would you work nights next week, for two weeks off at some point? His name is Justin Gabriel and he graduated at the top of his class. He worked at a hospital in South Africa before he moved here. He loves children and working nights. Lita needs the help, but you would be better at training. So Lita will do days next week if you will do it. Please, Adam?" Stephanie needed Adam to accept in order to put Plan B into gear.
Adam nodded. "I will be glad to. I can make it up to Lita for last time. Justin sounds like a good find. So then, Monday night?" He was glad to do it, to help Lita if nothing else.
Stephanie smiled. "Yes, Monday. Thank you so much, Adam. I think you and Justin will get along very well. Thanks again."
"No problem, ma'am. Sorry, but I have to get to the school. It's my day as after school helper." Adam returned the smile, but was anxious to leave.
Stephanie nodded. "By all means, go. Thank you again." She smirked as Adam hurried off. Plan B was better anyway. Stephanie hurried back to her office, she had some final things to arrange.
Adam had fun with Mr. Bowen at the school. They taught the children how to dip string in paint and make designs on paper. Even and Janice and James enjoyed the string art.
When they got home, Dean was there and helped Ida prepare the hot dogs. Ida sent Dean to help the children with their school work.
Adam joined them. "Well, daddy has some news. I am going to work nights next week to train a new nurse. Will you be good for Miss Ida and Uncle Dean?" Adam looked at his children, then Dean. He hoped all would be good.
"Yes, daddy. We will be fine with Uncle Dean here." James spoke for all his siblings.
Dean grinned. "Everything will be fine, daddy. It's about time. Lita needs help. So don't worry about anything, baby."
"Whew. Thanks. I owe Lita for last week, so I wanted to do it. I know I should have asked you first." Adam was relieved, Dean wasn't upset with him.
Dean chuckled. "No, it's okay. You don't need my permission to do things. Adam, you are an independent person, you can make decisions. If something ever does conflict, we will work it out. The little lions and I will have fun. Besides, you'll still be here to tuck them in. You will have peace to sleep as well. So don't worry." He gave Adam a wink and helped James with his math workbook page.
Later, with the children tucked in and read to, and Dean showered, the couple were curled up in Adam's bed.
"So, was he being honest?" Adam was curious about the talk with Drake.
Dean held Adam in his arms. "Yes and no. He was being very honest with what he said about Cathy and having children. All the rest was mostly crap. Maybe he was serious about doing better at work. But wanting to be friends, nope, all lies. He was covering up something, I just don't know what. There is one other thing I saw, but he covered it quickly. He was afraid of something, very afraid. He only taps his fingers when he's scared." Dean let his thoughts fade.
Adam nuzzled against Dean's chest. "Maybe he was afraid you'd realize he was lying about some stuff. He knows you too, after all. I think we're just going to have to wait and see. The only thing I really care about is him getting Martin's wheelchair. If he does that, I will respect him at work. But that's as far as it goes." Adam spoke firmly.
Dean kissed the top of Adam's head. "Maybe. All I know is he was lying and scared of something. I honestly don't care. You and the little lions are what matter to me. Now, I am really tired, baby. Meeting Roman at five at the gym. Maybe next weekend you could go with me and check out the kids gym." He ended with a yawn.
Adam yawned too. "Kay. Night, I love you, Dean." Adam snuggled in and closed his eyes.
"I love you, Adam. Night, baby." Dean pulled Adam close and quickly drifted off to join Adam in sleep.
At the McMahon mansion, Stephanie was deep in a private meeting with Drake Younger and Justin Gabriel. Both part of the elite Lieutenant's council of the McMahon family faction. The were making Plan B a deadly reality.