The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 5
It's Saturday, the day of the Regional Spelling Bee. Bobby and Cindy are getting ready to leave, and are fighting over the bathroom. Cindy's styling her hair and putting on makeup.
Bobby: Cindy! I need to get in there and brush my teeth!
Cindy: Opening the pocket door. Spell elucubrate and you can have it.
Bobby: E-L-U-C-U-B-R-A-T-E! Now, spell smaragdine and I'll leave you alone.
Cindy: S-M-A-R-A-D-I-N-E!
Bobby: Wrong! It's S-M-A-R-A-G-D-I-N-E! Now, move over.
He enters the bathroom, gently shoving her over. Then, he gets out his toothbrush and brushes his teeth. Cindy continues to get ready to leave. Peter knocks on the bathroom.
Peter: You ready guys?
Bobby: Deffinithly! He responds, toothbrush still in his mouth.
Cindy: I think so.
Bobby spits out the toothpaste and rinses his mouth out.
Bobby: Now, spell esquamulose.
Cindy: E-S-Q-U-A-M-U-L-O-S-E! How about chiaroscurist?
Bobby: C-H-I-A-R-O-C-U-R-I-S-T.
Cindy: Wrong! C-H-I-A-R-O-S-C-U-R-I-S-T.
Peter: Hurry up! Mom and dad wanna leave soon.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the living room. Carol is nursing the twins in the rocking chair. The doorbell rings.
Carol: Mike! Can you get that?
Mike exits his office, walks across the living room and answers the door to reveal Mr. and Mrs. Tyler.
Mike: Mom! Dad! Thanks for coming!
Mr. Tyler: Martha wanted her twin fix. He chuckles.
Mrs. Tyler: Henry, don't be such a kidder. She turns her attention back to her son-in-law. How are the kids? Bobby and Cindy ready for the Bee?
Mike: They've been quizzing each other every chance they get.
Henry: Good for them!
The Tylers greet their daughter and youngest grandchildren.
Henry: Hi, Kitten! He kisses her on the cheek. How are you?
Carol: Fine. She smiles.
Martha: Hey sweetheart! She kisses her daughter on the cheek. And these sweeties?
Carol: Doing well too.
Ryan detaches and begins squirming.
Carol: Addressing her son. You finished? He begins to wail, and tries unsuccessfully to resume nursing. Still hungry, huh? Mike, a little help here?
Mike helps guide his son back to her breast. The baby quickly reattaches and resumes nursing.
Mike: There you go, kiddo.
The Tylers sit on the couch.
Carol: I'm sorry they're not done yet. They woke up late, so they're late nursing.
Martha: It's all right. Babies don't always stick to the prescribed schedule.
Bobby and Cindy descend the stairs, shouting spelling words at each other.
Bobby: logorrhea!
Cindy: knaidel!
Bobby: stichomythia!
Cindy: feuilleton!
Carol: Kids! Say hello to your Grandparents.
Bobby: Hi Grandma! Hi Grandpa!
Cindy greets her Grandparents as well.
Henry: Hugs Cindy. How are our champion spellers?
Bobby: Stoked!
Cindy: Nervous.
Martha: Awww! There's nothing to be nervous about. You'll do fine!
Henry: Of course you will! You're both bright and I know you've studied.
Bobby: I'm glad we have a Brady vs Brady showdown.
Martha: We know you'll do your best.
Cindy: I just hope I don't bomb like I did on "Question the Kids." That was embarrassing.
Bobby: Laughs. Yeah, you really did bomb.
Cindy: Well, at least I studied and got on the show...not like some people I know.
Mike: Irritated. All right you two. That'll do.
Carolyn finishes nursing and begins squirming.
Carol: Mom, will you take her?
Martha: Lifts the baby off her mother's lap. C'mere sweetheart. Come see your Gramma.
Mrs. Tyler begins burping Carolyn. As Ryan continues nursing, Carol goes over the twins' routine with her parents.
Carol: Mike, did you bring down plenty of diapers and wipes?
Mike: They're over with the blanket and their toys.
Carol: Thanks! Addressing her parents. They may need a bottle in a few hours. I have a couple made up for them each. I put out a change of clothes on the changing table in the nursery. Ryan finishes nursing and squirms. Mike?
Mike: Lifts his son into his arms. C'mere son. Let's go see your Grandpa.
He passes Ryan over to Mr. Tyler. Carol readjusts her clothes and removes the concealing blanket.
Henry: C'mere, kiddo!
Mike: It's time to get going. He calls out to their older kids. Peter! Marcia! Jan!
The three oldest Brady kids descend the stairs and greet their Grandparents. Then, they leave for the bee.
At the Bee
As the Bradys approach the spelling bee venue, Bobby and Cindy's nerves begin to get the best of them. Jan leans over and whispers to her younger sister.
Jan: What's wrong?
Cindy: Nothing. She gulps.
Peter: Just remember not to stare at that big red light.
Cindy rolls her eyes.
Carol: Peter!
As they pull into a parking space, Cindy spots Cassie and Kerry Hathaway.
Cindy: Oh great! She groans.
Marcia: What?
Cindy: Oh, it's only Cruella de Ville and her older sister the Wicked Witch of the West.
Marcia: Just don't pay her any mind.
Bobby: What's she doing here? She was disqualified.
Jan: Kerry made it to regional.
Cindy: Lovely.
They step out of the car and walk into the building. Cindy tries to avoid her nemesis as she makes her way to the registration table. She is relieved when she doesn't see any sign of her, and approaches the table.
Registrar: Name please.
Cindy: Cindy Brady, Fillmore Junior High.
Registrar: Checks her name off and hands her a number. Yes, here you are. You will be contestant number 23.
She rejoins her family and then looks around the lobby.
Cindy: Addressing her mother. I'm going to go use the bathroom before I have to go.
Carol: All right.
Cindy freshens up at the sinks. She sees a stall open.
Voice: Well, well, well. Who do we have here?
Cindy: I have no idea. She rolls her eyes.
Cassie: Walks up to the mirror. So, who did you and your brother have to bribe to get me out of the spelling bee and you in it?
Cindy: Exasperated. What are you talking about?
Cassie: You know very well what I'm talking about.
Cindy: Why don't you go do something productive...like play in traffic or something.
Cassie: You would like that, wouldn't you?
Cindy: Walks toward the door. I don't have time for this. Just leave me alone.
She walks out of the bathroom and sees Bobby.
Bobby: Sees that she's upset. What's wrong?
Cindy: Nothing. Dismissing.
Bobby: Cassie got to you, huh?
Cindy: I wish she would stop. I'm so tired of her.
Bobby: Just put it out of your mind. You don't want her to psych you out.
Mike approaches the pair.
Mike: It's time for you to go back stage. Good luck!
Carol: Hugs her kids. You'll do great. Cindy, just relax.
Marcia, Jan and Peter wish their brother and sister good luck too. Bobby and Cindy make their way backstage and wait for the competition to begin. The rest of the Bradys enter the auditorium and find their seats.
Meanwhile, back at the Brady house
Henry and Martha sit on the couch as the twins sleep. Martha is holding Carolyn and Ryan is sleeping in a baby swing.
Martha: Carol has told me she's concerned about Carolyn.
Henry: How so?
Martha: She says Carolyn doesn't seem to care for rattles and other toys that make noise.
Henry: Doubtful. Nonsense! Didn't you see her earlier when you had the squeak toy? She reached for it.
Martha: I don't know. Ryan seems to interact more with the toys than she does.
Henry: She was the "stowaway." Perhaps she's just a little behind.
Martha: We all have our struggles, I suppose.
Back at the bee
The Emcee welcomes the contestants and audience and goes over the rules. Then, the Bee commences. One by one, students become eliminated, but Bobby and Cindy remain in the bee. Soon, the contestants are whittled down to the top ten. It's Cindy's turn to spell.
Judge: Constant Number 23, your word is sussultatory.
Cindy: Can you use it in a sentence?
Judge: Sussultatory. Characterized by up-and-down vibrations of large amplitude — used of an earthquake.
Cindy: Takes a deep breath. Sussultatory. C-E-S-S-U-L-T-A-T-O-R-Y. Sussultatory.
Judge: That is incorrect.
Cindy leaves the stage, shoulders slumped, as the next student spells the word.
Judge: Contestant Number 52, spell sussultatory.
Contestant 52: Sussultatory. S-U-S-S-U-L-T-A-T-O-R-Y. Sussultatory.
Judge: That is correct.
Carol leans and whispers to her husband.
Carol: Poor Cindy.
Mike: She still did really well.
The Bee continues until there are five contestants left.
Judge: Contestant Number 2, spell ignimbrite.
Contestant 2: Ignimbrite. I-G-N-E-M-B-R-I-T-E. Ignimbrite.
Judge: That is incorrect.
The contestant leaves the stage as Bobby approaches the microphone.
Judge: Contestant Number 25, spell ignimbrite.
Bobby: Can I have that in a sentence?
Judge: Ignimbrite. A volcanic rock formed by the welding together of tuff material from an explosive volcanic eruption. Ignimbrite.
Bobby: Ignimbrite. I-G-N-I-M-B-R-I-T-E. Ignimbrite.
Judge: That is correct.
Bobby returns to his seat on the stage, relieved that he survived another round. Soon, it is his turn to spell again.
Judge: Contestant Number 25, spell circensian.
Bobby: May I have that in a sentence?
Judge: Circensian. Of or relating to the Circus in ancient Rome. Circensian.
Bobby: Circensian. C-I-R-C-E-N-T-I-A-N. Circensian.
Judge: That is incorrect.
Bobby leaves the stage as the next person spells the word.
Judge: Contestant Number 17, spell circensian.
Contestant 17: Circensian. C-I-R-C-E-N-S-I-A-N. Circensian.
Judge: That is correct.
The contest winds down and the Emcee closes the Bee.
Emcee: I'd like to thank the contestants and their families for a great Regional Spelling Bee for 1974-1975 school year. The top four contestants will advance to the State Spelling Bee in April. Let's have our Top Ten Contestants back on stage. He waits a few moments as the contestants return to the stage. As I call your name, please come forward and receive your award. Tenth place goes to Cindy Brady.
Cindy receives her trophy, and plasters on a fake smile. The Emcee announces Ninth through Fifth Place, and they receive their awards.
Emcee: I will remind the contestants and audience that the top four places will advance to the State Bee. Fourth Place, and State Bee Contestant is Bobby Brady.
Bobby receives his award.
Mike: Whispers. Atta boy, Bobby!
Carol: I'm so happy for him! She sighs. But poor Cindy. She's crushed.
Mike: She'll get over it. She did well. Besides, she has her cheerleading. Bobby really doesn't have anything else.
Meanwhile, back at the Brady house
Henry and Martha Tyler have just finished giving the twins their bottles.
Martha: Carrying Ryan. I'm going to get this little guy changed.
Henry: She's still working on hers.
Martha carries the baby up to the nursery and places him on the changing table.
Martha: Who's a sweet boy? You are! She tickles his chin and he grins. You are such a little honey! Yes, you are!
She changes him out of the soiled diaper, cleans him up, and just as she puts the clean diaper underneath him, he squirts his grandmother on the shoulder.
Martha: Oh!
She cleans the baby up again, wipes down her shoulder with another baby wipe.
Martha: You just wanted to get your Gramma, didn't you? She tickles his chin again and he grins.
After dressing him, she carries him back downstairs, finds two of his favourite toys, and plays with him on the blanket.
Martha: To her husband. This little guy "got" me.
Henry: Chuckling. Little boys do that sometimes.
Martha: Yep. It's just been awhile.
Carolyn finishes her bottle. Henry puts her on his shoulder and burps her. The baby lets out a big burp.
Henry: That's my girl!
Suddenly, she spits up.
Henry: Uh oh! Topped off a bit too much?
He grabs a second burp cloth and cleans his shoulder and her mouth as best he can.
Back at the Bee
The Bradys meet their kids in the lobby. Carol hugs her daughter.
Carol: Congratulations! You did great!
Cindy: I choked. I knew how to spell that word and I choked. That was such an easy word and I blew it.
Peter: Easy? I couldn't spell half those words you did.
Carol: Hugs her son. Congratulations! Going to State! That's wonderful!
Bobby: Blushes. Awww!
Marcia: That was some stiff competition you had.
Bobby: That one word just about tripped me up.
Jan: Which one?
Bobby: Ignimbrite. I nearly misspelled it. If I had, I wouldn't get to go to State.
Mike: Well, you did a great job. Are we ready to get back home?
Carol: I am! I know the twins will need to be fed once we get back home.
As the Bradys start to exit the building, Cindy hears a voice yell out.
Voice: Ha! Ha! Look at the loser! You don't get to go to State.
Cindy tries to ignore her. Carol steers her daughter away from the taunts.
Voice: Cindeee! Cindeee! What a loser!
Cindy stops in her tracks. Carol looks at her, wondering what she'll do next. The young Brady looks her nemesis in the eye.
Cindy: You just won't quit, will you? I may not be going to State, but I placed in the Top Ten. That's no small feat. Besides, I did it on my own, and without having to resort to cheating, like you did!
Cassie: Says who?
Cindy: You know, you used to be a thorn in my side, Cassandra. But now, I see that you're just pathetic. You could've won the school bee fair and square, without resorting to cheating, and then you would've been up on stage instead of me. You're a smart person. She pauses, takes a breath, and continues. But for such a smart person, you're really dumb. You bribe and cheat, and try to buy friends. Nobody likes you. She looks her up and down. I pity you.
She turns and leaves Cassie, standing in her tracks, speechless.
Cindy: That felt good!
Carol: I'm really proud of you...for doing well in the Bee, but especially for how you just handled yourself back there.
Cindy: I'm proud of me too.
The Bradys leave the arena and head for home.
At the Brady home
Mike, Carol and the kids finally return home. Carol is anxious to see how the twins are; this is the longest period of time that she's left them. Henry's playing with Carolyn on the blanket and Martha's got Ryan on her lap. Henry looks up and sees his daughter enter the room.
Henry: You're home! How was the Bee?
Bobby: I got Fourth Place and I'm going to State!
Martha: Congratulations!
Henry: Atta boy! He sees Cindy enter the room. And how did our other speller do?
Cindy: I got Tenth Place.
Martha: That's great!
Cindy: I don't get to go to State. Only the top four do.
Henry: I'm sorry about that. Did you do your best?
Cindy: Yes.
Henry: Then, be proud of how you did. Tenth place is still very, very good.
Cindy: Thanks! She's blushing.
Carol: How were they?
Martha: Standing, holding Ryan. Perfect angels! She passes him to his mother.
Carol: Wonderful!
Ryan begins rooting and Carol feels a couple wet spots forming.
Carol: I think I need to get these little ones fed.
Martha: Passes Carolyn to her father. Here you go, Papa!
Carol: Thanks for babysitting.
Martha: Our pleasure! She kisses her daughter on the cheek.
Mike and Carol take the children upstairs.
In the Master bedroom
Carol rocks and feeds the twins as Mike gets dressed for bed.
Carol: What a day! I'm so proud of our kids.
Mike: Me too!
Carol: They both did so well, and I'm so proud of Cindy standing up to Cassie.
Mike: So am I. He sighs. I don't understand that girl's obsession with Cindy.
Carol: I don't either. She pauses. Jan's show and Bobby's spelling bee are the same weekend. How are we going to navigate that?
Mike: Kisses her on the cheek and sits on the bed beside her. You haven't been able to go to either of Jan's shows, and you did go to the Bee, so how 'bout you go to her show and I'll take Bobby to the Bee?
Carol: That'll work. What a busy semester we have! Jan and her art shows, Bobby and Cindy and the Bees, Marcia's prom and graduation, getting used to twins, Greg finishes up his first year of college, and I bet Peter has something going on...
Mike: Chuckles. Yeah, Julie Dunham!
Carol: Oh, Mike!
Carolyn finishes and detaches, while Ryan continues nursing.
Mike: Want me to get her?
Carol: Please?
Mike: Lifts his daughter. C'mere, Kitten. Daddy's got you!
Carol: Looks at her husband with their daughter and beams. I love my life!
-End of Chapter 5-