The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 11
A/N—French restaurant name is fictional. And, apologies if the formatting is wonky. All I can say is, "Curse you, Perry the Platypus!" Oh wait, I mean, " !"
Tuesday
Sam and Alice make their way to the airport in Seattle. They get through the gate, check their luggage, and soon, they're able to board and settle into their seats.
Alice: What a great weekend!
Sam: It sure was! Any weekend I spend with my best girl is a great weekend.
Alice: Thanks for going with me so I could get my aunt's estate finalized.
Sam: Glad to come along. And I liked going to Pike's Place. Wish we could get that good of fish back home!
Alice: Wasn't it superb?
Sam: Yes, it was.
Alice: And I know Mr. and Mrs. Brady will like the rompers we got for the twins.
Sam: I still wish you'd let me get the fish decorations there.
Alice: Sam, we are NOT using fish decorations at our wedding.
Sam chuckles. Before they know it, the plane is landing at their destination. They disembark from the plane, pick up their luggage, and drive back to the Bradys' house. Sam walks her up to the house. Alice opens the living room door.
Sam: I'll see you later. He gives her a gentle peck on the cheek.
Alice: See you Friday.
Sam leaves, and Alice makes her way toward her suite. Carol walks in the living room, carrying Ryan.
Carol: Alice! Welcome home!
Alice: Thanks, Mrs. Brady.
Carol: Did you have a good time?
Alice: We did. We got my aunt's estate all settled, and were able to have a tour of Pike's Place. Sam was in Heaven there.
Carol: Wonderful!
Ryan smiles and coos at Alice.
Alice: Smiling. And we've set a date.
Carol: Eyes wide with anticipation and delight. When? Tell me!
Alice: June 21st.
Carol: Oh Alice! Gives her friend a hug. I'm so happy for you!
Ryan pats Alice's cheek. She laughs.
Alice: Thanks!
Carol: This doesn't give you a lot of time to plan.
Alice: Sam and I want a simple wedding. Just you guys, his brother, Emily, Myrtle and Emma.
Carol: Can we at least throw you a shower or reception?
Alice: Oh, you don't have to do that, Mrs. Brady. You, Mr. Brady and the kids have done so much for us already.
Carol: Alice, you're like family. It would be our pleasure.
Alice: Blushing. Well, if you insist, Mrs. Brady.
Carol: I need to get this little one changed. Welcome back, Alice.
Alice takes her suitcase to her suite and Carol changes Ryan.
That night at dinner
The Bradys are all abuzz from the news of Alice's upcoming wedding and Marcia's prom.
Cindy: Do you know what colours you want to use in your wedding?
Alice: I was looking at using Springtime colours. You know, lots of pinks, blues, greens and yellows.
Marcia: What about flowers?
Alice: I like daisies. All kinds, especially Gerber daisies, Black-Eyed Susans, and Classic white and yellow ones too.
Marcia: Dreamy. That sounds so romantic!
Alice: Speaking of romantic, have you picked out your prom dress?
Marcia: I did.
Jan: It's really pretty and goes well with the necklace Aunt Jenny gave her last Christmas.
Alice: So, tell me about it.
Marcia: It's a dark blue background slinky polyester spaghetti strap sleeveless Maxi disco cocktail dress. It has a V neckline, fitted waistline, and black polyester cords under the bust that wrap to the back zippered closure and down the middle front.
Alice: Confused. I don't know a whole lot about fashion, but I'm guessing it's beautiful.
Cindy: It is.
Alice: One thing that Sam and I have planned out is who we want as our attendants. Jan, would you be my Maid of Honour?
Jan: Honoured. I would be glad to.
Alice: Great! And, Marcia, I'd like you and Cindy to be my Bride's Maids.
Cindy: Groovy!
Marcia: Sure!
Carolyn take this opportunity to spit out the bite of cereal Carol just fed her.
Carol: Oh Carolyn. She laughs. Silly girl!
Bobby: Rolls his eyes. All this talk about dresses and stuff.
Greg: Just wait until you get married. Your fianceé will talk about dresses and cakes and venues, and all that, and you'll love it.
Carol: Gets choked up. You're not...
Mike: You and Nora aren't engaged yet, are you?
Greg: Laughing. No. Not even close.
Mike: Good! Best get through medical school first.
Greg: That's my plan.
Peter: I can't wait until Julie and I can get married.
Bobby: Not me! I'm a confirmed bachelor.
Greg: Just wait, little man. Before you know it, you'll run into a girl who will knock you off your feet.
Bobby: Rolls eyes. Yeah, right.
Mike: Reigns in the conversation. Alice, we are very happy for you.
Friday at Filmore Junior High
Cheerleader camp and tryouts are wrapping up. The girls have completed all their routines. Now, Shelley, Cindy, Millicent, and guest judges Pat Conway and Kathy Lawrence, deliberate over the scores.
Shelley: Cindy, who do you like?
Cindy: I still really like Lori Maness. Tonya Lane is good. I was hoping Amanda Smith would've done better. She started out strong at tryouts last week, but she bombed.
Shelley: I agree.
Pat: She was a Junior Varsity alternate this year, wasn't she?
Shelley: Yes, she was.
Cindy: I'm probably gonna kick myself for even thinking this, but Cassie Hathaway was great! I've never seen her do better.
Millicent: You're right.
Cindy: About her performing great?
Millicent: Hesitates. Well, yeah, but I was thinking more of you'll probably kick yourself if you let her on the squad.
Pat: You know, that could be risky. I'd heard about the grief she's given you.
Kathy: You think you can handle her?
Cindy: I won't be cutting any slack, and if she tries anything, she's off the squad.
Coach Muncie: That's right. She's already been warned.
Shelley: Well, do we have our list?
Kathy: Got mine done.
Pat: Mine too.
Shelley: All right! Smiles. My work as Captain is done. So Captain, go do your thing!
All the aspiring cheerleaders are anxiously awaiting the results. The tension is so thick in the air, that one could cut it with a knife. Cindy calls the girls to order.
Cindy: Okay! I've got the names of your 1975-76 Fillmore Junior High School Cheerleaders.
The girls erupt in cheers and applause.
Cindy: Before I announce these names, I want to say that this was a very tough decision for us. I've seen all of you work hard these last few days and have really improved. All of you should be proud of year, we have chosen ten cheerleaders and two alternates for each , without further rambling, I want to announce the members of the Junior Varsity team first. When I call your name, please join me. She begins calling out names. ...Gina Oleson, Aimee McBride and Maureen York. Alternates are Eve Kendall and. Amanda Smith. Congratulations, Junior Varsity Cheerleaders!
The newest Junior Varsity Cheerleaders and alternates join Cindy.
Cindy: And now, I will call out the names of the Varsity team. When I call your name, please join me. She begins calling out names. Lori Maness, Tonya Lane, Tammy Rutledge...
Cassie is just about to burst with worry.
Cindy: ...and Cassie Hathaway. Alternates are Margaret Andress and Kelly Brooks.
Cassie excitedly jumps up and joins the cheerleaders.
Cindy: Eyes her nemesis, then returns her attention back to the cheerleaders. Congratulations, 1975-76 Varsity Cheerleaders! Before our new squads cheer, I want to thank all of you for making this a great cheer camp. Cheerleaders, see Sarah and the coaches after I dismiss you so that you can get fitted for your uniforms. Alternates, see me afterwards. The rest, pom-pom girl tryouts are held in the fall, but you are eligible to go to pom-pom girl camp a week before school starts. If you're interested, see Coach Clark. Now, let's join our cheerleaders and alternates in the school's cheer.
Cindy begins the cheer and the squads perform their inaugural cheer. Cassie is energized from the excitement of being selected. After the cheer is over and the girls meet in their respective groups, Cindy calls Cassie over.
Cindy: Congratulations, Cassie. You were really good.
Cassie: Thanks.
Cindy: I know you and I have had our differences, but I'm willing to put that aside. How 'bout you?
Cassie: Non-committal. I guess so.
Cindy: The others tried to talk me out of putting you on the squad, but I thought that you might be willing if I put you on the squad.
She shrugs her shoulders.
Cindy: I'm the captain and Millicent is my co-captain. What we say about the squad goes.
Cassie eyes her rival.
Cindy: You know, Margaret or Kelly would be more than happy to take your spot.
Cassie: Rolls her eyes. Oh please! I can cheer better in my sleep than they can awake.
Cindy: It's up to you. She eyes her nemesis. I'm going to count to ten and I want you to tell me who will be on the squad, you, Kelly or Margaret. By the way, you looked excited when I called your name, that you'd been chosen to be on the squad.
Shelley and Coach Muncie eye their interaction with interest.
Cassie: This is ridiculous.
Cindy: One! Two!
Cassie gives Cindy the stink eye.
Cindy: Three! Four!
Cassie doesn't say anything.
Cindy: Five! Six!
Cassie sneers.
Cindy: Seven! Eight! You'd better decide.
Cassie looks pained.
Cindy: Nine! Ten!
Cassie: Interrupting. OKAY! She fumes.
Cindy: Okay, what?
Cassie: I'll do it! I'll be on the squad! She sounds desperate. I've always wanted to be on the squad. I love cheerleading.
Cindy: And it showed today. I want your promise that you'll behave yourself, follow my rules, or if Millicent is leading practice, her rules too.
Cassie: I promise.
Cindy: Sees the coach out of the corner of her eye. I want it in writing. She takes out her tablet and a pen and hands it to her. Now, I want you to write, "I promise to follow the rules set by Coach Muncie, Cindy Brady and Millicent Duncan..."
Cassie begins writing.
Cindy: Continues. "...If I do not, I will receive one verbal warning. If I refuse to follow the rules a second time, I will have a conference with Coach Muncie and Cindy or Millicent. A third breaking of the rules..."
Cassie: Annoyed. Slow down and let me catch up. Finishes the sentences. Okay, what next. Sighs.
Cindy: "A third breaking of the rules will cause me to lose my spot on the squad." She watches her finish writing. Now, sign your name and date it.
Cassie does as directed and hands the tablet back to Cindy.
Cindy: Now, I'm going to sign and date it. She does. And, we're going to hand it to Coach Muncie, so she can sign and date it too.
They walk over to the coach and Cindy explains the paper. Coach Muncie signs and dates it.
Coach Muncie: Now, I expect you to behave yourself and abide by the rules.
Cassie: Yes, ma'am.
Coach Muncie: I will make a copy of this and put one in your student file and one with my files.
Cassie: Yes, ma'am.
At the Brady house
Cindy comes home after cheerleader tryouts. Alice is in the kitchen starting dinner.
Alice: How was tryouts?
Cindy: They went okay, I guess.
Alice: Putting the casserole in the oven. You guess?
Cindy: I'll have some good girls on the squad. With the ones returning and moving up from Junior Varsity, we didn't have very many new ones to add.
Alice: That's good, I'm guessing?
Cindy: Yes.
Carol walks in the kitchen.
Carol: Mmmm! That smells good, Alice! Sees her daughter. How was tryouts?
Cindy: We'll have a good squad next year.
Carol: Hesitant. Did Cassie make the squad?
Alice: Oh, I'd forgotten about her. She didn't make any trouble for you, did she?
Cindy: Yes and yes.
Alice: Yes and yes?
Carol: Oh, Cindy!
Cindy: I gave her a choice. Either she could follow my rules or she could refuse to join the squad.
Alice: What did she choose?
Cindy: It took some doing, but she decided to join the squad.
Carol: You do know she may try a few things.
Cindy: I do. That's why I drew up a contract with her and had her sign it, along with Coach Muncie. The Coach thought it was a good contract. She's going to put a copy in Cassie's file and keep one in her office.
Carol: Amazed. Very good thinking!
Alice: I wouldn't have thought of drawing up a contract.
Cindy: It's kinda like when dad told Peter to reason with Buddy Hinton.
Carol: How so?
Cindy: Well, I told her who's running the squad: me and Millicent, and if she wanted to stay on the squad, she had to follow my rules. If she didn't want to follow the rules, I would gladly put one of the alternates on the squad in her place.
Carol: Beaming. Cindy, I am so proud of you! You've shown such grace and maturity through this. I'm sure you'll be able to handle her.
Cindy: As part of the contract, she'll get three warnings, and then she's off the squad. And, just like Shelley did with me, I invited the alternates to practice with us.
Carol: I'm impressed! I know you always do your best and you'll be a really good captain. You've got the backing of the coach and you chose a great co-captain too.
Alice: I like Millicent. She's a really nice girl.
Cindy: Me too. She doesn't put up with stuff either. Well, I'd better get upstairs and get started on my homework.
In Jan and Cindy's room
Marcia is trying on her prom dress, and Jan is helping her with hair styles. Cindy drops her books on her bed.
Cindy: Marcia, you look so pretty!
Marcia: Beams. Thanks!
Jan: You know, this would make a great bride's maid dress...if Alice agrees.
Cindy: I bet I can find a dress to coordinate.
Marcia: How was your tryouts?
Cindy: Exhausting!
Jan: How so?
Cindy tells them about tryouts, complete with Cassie and dealing with her.
Marcia: Wow, sis! You really showed her!
Cindy: Uh huh!
Jan: You think she'll leave you alone and cooperate?
Cindy: I hope so! Changes the subject. So, where are you going for dinner before Prom?
Marcia: Charlie's taking me to Ma Chérie.
Cindy: Oooh! I've always wanted to go there!
Jan: Maybe you can convince dad to take us there for your graduation dinner.
Marcia: Doubt it. It's rather expensive.
Cindy: How is he going to afford it?
Marcia: His uncle's the owner, and he's giving him a discount.
Two weeks later. Prom night.
Marcia's in her room, getting ready for the prom. She slips her dress on and begins putting on her makeup. Carol knocks on the door.
Carol: Marcia, can I come in?
Marcia: Sure.
Carol walks up her stairs and takes in the sight before her. She feels a tear threaten to escape from her eye. Marcia notices.
Marcia: Mom?
Carol: I...I'm just noticing how beautiful you are! You're not a little girl anymore!
Marcia: Blushes. Oh, mom!
Carol: Composes herself. I thought you'd like to wear these.
She clasps a diamond teardrop necklace around her daughter's neck and hands her a pair of diamond drop earrings.
Marcia: Oh mom! They're beautiful!
Carol: I wore these when I married your father.
Marcia: Confused. No, you didn't. You wore pearls.
Carol: Not Mike.
Marcia: Oh!
Carol: Turn around. Let me look at you!
Marcia turns around and blushes.
Carol: You are beautiful.
Jan knocks on the door.
Marcia: Yes?
Jan: Enters the room. Wow! You look divine!
Marcia: Thanks!
Jan: Charlie's here.
Marcia: Tell him I'll be right down.
Carol and Jan exit the room, descend the stairs, and join Mike and the rest of the family and Charlie.
Carol: Whispering to Mike. She looks gorgeous.
Marcia descends the stairs. Charlie grins as he takes in her beauty. Greg and Bobby snap pictures. Mike puts a loving arm around his wife. Charlie approaches his date and tries to pin her corsage. However, he fumbles it. Marcia giggles.
Charlie: Uhh.
Carol: Volunteers to pin it on. Here, let me. She effortlessly pins it on. There!
Greg and Bobby snap pictures of Marcia by herself, with Charlie, with Carol and with Mike and Carol. Soon, it's time to leave.
Carol: Have a good time!
Marcia: Thanks!
Mike: Have her in by Midnight.
Charlie: I will, Mr. Brady.
Marcia: Thanks Mom, Dad!
Charlie helps her with her shawl and they leave the house. Mike sees Carol getting choked up, and envelops her in an embrace.
Carol: She looks so beautiful. My baby! She's growing up.
Mike: They tend to do that, you know!
The other five children silently leave the living room.
Carol: I know. They grow up so fast!
Mike: Chuckling. If you're this emotional now, what is it going to be like when Ryan and Carolyn go to the prom?
Carol: Glowers at him in mock horror. Mike Brady, don't you even!
He kisses the top of her head.
The prom is magical! The restaurant was exquisite and the dance, wonderful. It's over all too soon...sooner than Marcia would have wanted. Charlie opens the door for her and walks her up to the front door of her house.
Marcia: I had a good time!
Charlie: So did I. He hesitates.
Marcia: What?
Charlie: Can I...uhh...Can I kiss you?
Marcia: Sure!
He begins, haltingly, to place a soft kiss on Marcia's lips. Suddenly, they hear someone clear their throat and jump back.
Mike: Say Goodnight, Charlie.
Marcia giggles, as Mike walks away from the door, but leaves it slightly ajar.
Charlie: G...good night.
Marcia: Good night.
Charlie walks back to the car as Marcia walks into the house. She sees Mike and Carol sitting on the couch. She scans to see if the twins are awake, or if they're asleep in the living room, but they're not in the living room.
Carol: Did you have a good time?
Marcia: It was amazing! Ma Chérie was exquisite!
Carol: What did you have?
Marcia: I had Soupe à L'oignon, Sole Meunière, sparkling grape juice to drink, and Kouign-amann for dessert.
Carol: Sounds exotic. What was it?
Marcia: Giggles. Onion soup, fillet of sole, and some type of almond butter cake.
Carol: That sounds delicious!
Mike: I may have to take your mother for our anniversary.
Marcia: It's good. She yawns. Well, I'm going to go to bed. Good night!
Mike and Carol: Good night.
Marcia heads to her bedroom while Mike locks up.
Carol: I'm so glad she had a good time!
Mike: Me too!
Carol: Yawns. It's time for me to hit the sack too.
Mike: Right behind you.
The couple peeks in on their youngest and see that they are sound asleep. Then, they head to their bedroom and quickly fall asleep.
-End of Chapter 11-