The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 17
A/N1—Continuation of the last chapter. I batted around some ideas for this chapter. I'm taking a risk, but go with me, please.
The next morning
The Bradys rise, eat breakfast, and are ready to start their day.
Bobby: What are we going to do today?
Mike: Whatever you guys want to do. However, we've got to get going after lunch.
Bobby: Can we go back to the Falls and go cliff jumping?
Mike: No!
Bobby: Well, you said "whatever you guys want to do."
Mike: Rolls his eyes. Let me amend that to whatever you guys want to do, EXCEPT go cliff diving at the Falls.
Greg and Marcia come out of their respective tents with their luggage. Mike and Carol eye their oldest quizzically.
Greg: Since I'm flying out tomorrow morning, I thought I'd better head home.
Marcia: And I've got work tomorrow.
Carol: Putting Ryan on the blanket. The baby pats his toy and giggles. What about Peter and Jan? Where will they ride? We don't have enough room in the car for the eight of us and our stuff too.
Greg: We can haul some stuff for you, so that two of them can ride in the third seat.
Marcia: Since you guys are going home today too, we can carry the tents and duffels.
Carol: We've also got the playpen and diaper bag and the coolers.
Mike: We're leaving after lunch anyway, so you'd get home fairly early.
Marcia: Addressing Greg. Well? What do you think?
Greg: I guess we can stay.
Carol: Good!
Mike: Of course, we'll help unload your car, so you two can get home before it gets late.
Carol swallows a lump in her throat. She looks down at the blanket where the twins are playing. Carolyn reaches for her toy. Seeing that it's out of reach, the baby scoots until she reaches the toy.
Carol: Excited. Look! Carolyn scooted across the blanket!
Mike: Delighted. Hey! Look at her go!
Carol: Picks the baby up. Good job, baby girl!
Carolyn protests, so Carol puts her back on the blanket and shows her the toy.
Greg: I'm going to go ahead and load up some of the stuff.
Mike: We can go ahead and take the tents down and load the duffels.
Bobby: Runs up to his parents. Dad? Can we go swimming at the Falls?
Mike: Bob, I said no.
Bobby: You said we couldn't go cliff diving.
Mike: Keep it up and you'll be grounded for a week. Why don't you guys go swimming at the swimming hole just downstream? They've got that slide and rope swing.
Bobby: Decides not to argue, and is okay with the suggestion. Okay. Runs to go change into his swimsuit. Hey Pete! Hey Cindy! Get your suits on!
Peter: We going to the Falls?
Bobby: Still somewhat disappointed. No, Dad said we couldn't. They've got that swimming hole just downstream.
Cindy: I call 'Dibs' on the rope swing!
Bobby: Nuh uh! I call 'Dibs!'
Mike and Carol laugh and shake their heads. Greg loads his and Marcia's duffels.
Peter: Sees Greg at his car. Hey Greg! Wanna go with us?
Greg: Reluctant. I don't know. I don't wanna be tired out for tomorrow.
Peter: Oh, come on, Greg! You know you want to.
Marcia and Jan join Peter, Bobby and Cindy.
Marcia: C'mon, Greg. We might as well, since we're staying a bit longer.
Greg: Okay, you convinced me.
Jan: Well, hurry up. Don't wanna keep everyone waiting.
Greg changes into his suit and the six go off to the swimming hole. Mike looks in the direction that the kids went.
Carol: Shows Ryan another toy. Did you want to go with them?
Mike: No, I can stay here.
Carol: Really. It's okay. Thinking.
Mike: What?
Carol: Well, there is a field over there.
Mike: Yes?
Carol: Grins. We could bring the twins and they can play on their blanket over there.
Mike: You sure?
Carol: Yes. I haven't been able to spend a lot of time with our older kids, and I'd like to watch them have fun.
Mike: Did you want to play too?
Carol: Her eyes light up. I'd love to, but I shouldn't.
Mike: Smiles. You know you want to.
Carol: I didn't bring my swimsuit, and besides, someone's got to watch the twins.
Mike: I packed your maternity swimsuit just in case you'd have the need for it.
Carol: Grins like a little kid. Okay. Watch the kids while I get changed.
Mike: Chuckles and shakes his head. Kids, your mother is the greatest woman I've ever laid eyes on.
Ryan looks at his father and coos.
Mike: Ryan, my hope is when you grow up and want to get married, that the girl you marry is as sweet, as kind, as loving and as beautiful as your mother. And Carolyn, I hope you grow up to be just like your mother.
Carol returns, still grinning. She has a button up shirt and shorts covering her suit.
Carol: I'll watch them while you change into your swimsuit.
Mike: Already got mine on.
Carol: Smirks. You'd already planned on taking all of us over there.
Mike: I was hoping. He kisses her on the lips. Now, let's get these kids packed up, so we can join our other kids.
They pack the blanket, a few toys, and other essentials into the diaper bag. Then, Mike and Carol strap on the infant carriers. Mike lowers Carolyn into Carol's and Carol situates Ryan into Mike's.
At the swimming hole
The older six are having fun on the rope swing and slide. As Bobby begins his turn at the swing, he spots their parents and youngest brother and sister.
Bobby: Surprised. Hey! It's mom and dad!
Peter: How did dad convince mom to come?
Cindy: Hey mom, dad! Are you going to join in?
Mike: In a few minutes. We need to get the babies set up. Then, we'll join you.
Carol: Mike, why don't you go ahead?
Jan: Approaches her parents. Yeah, go ahead, Dad. We can take turns watching them.
Mike: Don't you want a turn?
Jan: We've been taking turns. I've had a few turns.
Bobby: GERONIMO! He swings out high, lets go and lands in the water.
Marcia: Also approaches her parents. I'll watch them too.
Carol: You sure?
Marcia: Sure I'm sure! I've wanted to work on my tan anyway.
Mike: Okay.
Marcia and Jan help their parents set up the blanket and toys and then they lift the babies out of their carriers and sit with them on the blanket. Mike and Carol divest themselves of the carriers and their clothes, covering their suits, and then get in line for the rope swing.
Carol: Taking her turn. Watch this!
She grins, leans back, runs, and then swings out, dropping into the water at the highest point.
Mike: Good swing!
Carol: Swims back to the side. That was fun!
Mike: Takes her hand and helps her up the hill. Wow! You were a veritable Jane there!
Carol: Smirks. Are you saying you're Tarzan?
Mike: Beats his chest. Me Tarzan! You Jane!
Carol giggles, as they make their way back up the hill. Mike takes his turn, hollering like Tarzan as he swings out and drops. As he swims back, Carol checks on the twins. She smiles, as she sees Marcia and Jan playing with Ryan and Carolyn. Ryan is playing with his apple and Carolyn, her ball.
Carol: How are they?
Marcia: Just fine, mom! To Ryan, who is on his belly. Get the apple, Ry!
Jan: To Carolyn. You see the horsies? To Carol. We're all right. Go have fun!
Carol: Are you sure?
Marcia: Yes! Now, scoot!
Mike: Carol! C'mon! It's your turn on the slide.
Carol: Coming!
Marcia and Jan nod, urging their mother to go play.
Peter: Takes his turn on the swing. I'm gonna swing out higher than you, Bobby!
Bobby: Let's see it!
Peter swings out and Bobby's impressed.
Cindy: My turn!
After a few turns, Carol feels a couple wet spots, not caused by the creek. She dries off and walks toward the twins.
Mike: Carol?
Carol: I gotta feed the twins.
Mike: Do we need to go back?
Carol: No. I'll get them nursed. It'll give Marcia and Jan a break.
Mike: I'll come with you.
Carol goes back to the blanket.
Jan: Mom?
Ryan begins to fuss.
Carol: I'm going to nurse them for awhile. Why don't you two go and take a few turns before we leave?
Jan: Okay.
Marcia: Hey Greg! It's my turn on the rope swing!
Marcia and Jan take a few turns on the rope swing and water slide.
Carol: Picking up Ryan. You hungry?
Mike: Hey, Kitten! Carolyn looks at her father and cries. I suppose it's time for lunch, huh? You ready to see your mommy?
Carol: I'm ready for her.
Mike: Okay, kiddo. Let's go see your mommy.
He carries his daughter and helps Carol get Carolyn started.
Carol: That's my good girl!
Mike and Carol watch their older kids.
Cindy: Runs back and gets a good swing. I'll go higher than any of you! She swings out and drops gracefully into the water.
Carol: Look at her go, Mike! She chuckles.
Mike: She's just like her mother.
Carol: Oh, Mike. Giggling.
Mike: Well, she is.
The continue to watch their older kids in silence. Carol's eyes dance with delight. The twins finish nursing and the couple burps the babies.
Mike: You want another turn?
Carol flashes a Cheshire grin.
Mike: You do and you know it. Hey kids? Go ahead and take one last turn and then can one of you come here and take Carolyn for your mother, so she can have a turn? We're gonna have to leave for lunch soon, so we can head home.
Peter and Cindy take their final turns and go relieve their parents.
Peter: We'll take them.
Cindy: Dad, you take a final turn too.
Peter takes Ryan and Cindy, Carolyn. Mike and Carol get in line behind their other four kids. They take their turns. Now, it's Mike and Carol's turns.
Mike: After you. He makes a sweeping motion toward the rope swing.
Carol: Playing. Don't mind if I do!
Carol takes the rope, walks back, and prepares to swing. As she swings out, her foot hits a rock, she stumbles and lets out a blood curdling scream.
Mike: In a panic. Carol!
Marcia: Horrified. Mom!
Mike races down the hill and finds his wife lying at the bottom. He crouches down beside her. Greg, Marcia, Jan and Bobby rush to their father's side.
Mike: Carol! He strokes her head. Carol! Greg, get the car, drive to the front station, and have them call an ambulance. Your mother's hurt.
Greg rushes back to the campsite, grabs his keys and starts his car. He drives to the front station and dashes into the lobby. He repeatedly pounds the bell on the desk.
Greg: Panicked. I need an ambulance! My mother's hurt!
Clerk: Hands him the phone. Here you go.
Greg: Dials EMS. I need an ambulance. I'm at the Mount Claymore campground. My mother's hurt. Her name is Carol Brady. We're at Campsite Number Four, over by the rope swing and slide. Mom fell off the rope swing.
Greg waits in his car for EMS to arrive, and leads him to the site. Meanwhile, back at the swimming hole. Mike is by Carol's side.
Mike: Carol, wake up. He strokes the side of her face. Carol?
Carol: Stirs and tries to sit up. Mike, wha?
Mike: Gently lays her back down. Don't get up. You're hurt. Holds her hand.
Three paramedics jump out of the vehicle and follow Greg to where Carol lay. The paramedics assess her condition and ask her a few questions. Mike relays how she got hurt. Greg joins his brothers and sisters off to the side. Jan holds Carolyn close and Marcia has Ryan.
Paramedic: We're going to take her in for observation.
Mike: Where?
Paramedic: County General.
They transfer her on to a stretcher and load her into the ambulance.
Mike: Kids, go ahead and pack everything up and meet us there. He throws the keys to Marcia. It's almost all loaded and the twins have a couple bottles each made up.
Marcia: We know. We'll see you soon.
Mike climbs into the ambulance and sits beside his wife, as they are transported to the hospital. The kids arrive at the hospital about an hour later.
At the hospital
Greg and Marcia park the cars. Jan and Cindy carry the babies inside. Greg walks to the reception desk.
Receptionist: May I help you?
Greg: Our mother, Carol Brady was brought in here.
Receptionist: Lemme check. She checks the board. Yes, she is.
At the same time, he sees his father exit the ER.
Mike: Greg?
Greg: Dad, how is she?
Mike: The doctor's in with her right now. He and Greg walk over to the other Brady kids.
Marcia: Stands up. How's mom?
Mike: Let's go into a family room. That way when the doctor comes by, he can talk to us at the same time.
Mike leads the family to the family room around the corner from the ER bay where Carol is. The doctor knocks on the door.
Doctor: Mike Brady?
Mike: Stands up. I'm Mike Brady. How's Carol?
Doctor: I'm Dr. Foster. She suffered a pretty severe concussion.
Greg: Upset. So, how is she?
Doctor: She's awake and coherent. She was fortunate to hit her head on the soft dirt instead of rock. She doesn't have any skull fractures. I'd like to admit her for a day or two for observation, but I believe she'll make a full recovery.
Mike: Breathes a sigh of relief. When can we see her?
Doctor: They're taking her up to her room. You can see her in about an hour. Just you, for now. The nurse will come get you in a few minutes.
Mike: Thank you.
The doctor leaves and the nurse knocks on the door.
Nurse: Mr. Brady?
Mike: Yes.
Nurse: I can show you to the waiting room
Mike: Thank you.
The nurse shows the Bradys to the waiting room. Ryan and Carolyn begin to fuss.
Nurse: Is there anything I can do for you?
Mike: I think we're okay. Thank you.
The nurse leaves.
Jan: Addressing Carolyn. Are you ready for your lunch?
Mike: They haven't had their lunch yet?
Marcia: We fed them their bottles, but they haven't had their baby food yet.
Cindy: Rummaging through the diaper bag. We've got squash and applesauce. Is that okay, dad?
Mike: Sure. Let me feed Ryan.
Marcia nods and hands Ryan to their father. Jan feeds Carolyn. Peter and Bobby pace the floor, while Marcia and Cindy snuggle together.
Greg: Dad, maybe I shouldn't go tomorrow.
Mike: No, Greg. Your mother would want you to go. You heard the doctor. She'll be fine.
Greg: Protesting. Nora would understand.
Mike: You need to go. You and Nora have already made plans. You can call us to see how she's doing.
The nurse returns.
Nurse: Mr. Brady, you can go see her now. She's in room ten.
Marcia: I'll take him.
Mike: Thanks.
He walks to Carol's room and knocks on the door.
In Carol's hospital room
Carol: Come in!
Mike: Smiles. Hi, honey.
Carol: Her eyes light up. Mike!
They embrace.
Mike: How are you feeling?
Carol: I have a headache, but I feel okay. What happened?
Mike: Gives her a soft kiss on the cheek. You were taking your last turn on the rope swing, hit a rock with your foot and you slipped and fell and hit your head.
Carol: Sits up and rubs a sore spot on her head. Ow! That hurts. She winces.
Mike: That's where you hit your head.
Carol: How are the kids?
Mike: They're fine.
Carol: Flustered. I need to feed the twins!
Mike: Relax. He takes her hand. The girls gave them their bottles and we fed them a jar of squash and applesauce.
Carol: I need to pump though.
Mike: We can get the hospital to get you a pump. Changes the subject. Greg wants to postpone his trip.
Carol: Her face falls. Mike, no. He can't.
Mike: That's what I told him.
Carol: Can you send him in and also call our parents? We'll need them to help with the twins while I'm here and when I get back.
Mike: All right.
Mike kisses his wife and sends Greg in while he calls the Bradys and Tylers.
Carol: Greg, come in.
Greg: Hesitant. How are you?
Carol: Other than a headache, I feel okay.
Greg: Good.
Carol: Greg, I want you to go tomorrow.
Greg: I can always reschedule. Nora will understand.
Carol: No, Greg. I insist. I'll only be in here for a couple days.
Greg: Okay.
Carol: Good. Now, have your father come back in here. And you kids need to go home. You've got a flight tomorrow and Marcia has work.
Greg: I will.
Carol: Smiles with relief. Tell Nora I said hello.
Greg: I will.
Greg returns to the waiting room.
Greg: Dad, mom wants to see you.
Mike: Okay. Why don't you and Marcia take everyone home?
Greg: How will you get home tomorrow?
Mike: I'm going to stay here until she gets released. I'll have someone pick us up.
At the Brady House
Greg and Marcia help the rest of the kids unload the cars and go back to their homes. Jan takes charge of the twins. The other three are nowhere to be seen.
Jan: Walking through the house, juggling two fussy babies. Hey, will someone help me change the twins and heat up their bottles? Peter? Bobby? Cindy?
Cindy: Walks out of her bedroom. Need some help? Reaching for Ryan.
Jan: Whatever gave you that idea?
Bobby: Walking out of the bathroom. Need a little help?
Jan: Can you heat up a couple bottles while we get the babies changed?
Bobby: I don't know how.
Cindy: I'll do it. Passes Ryan to Bobby. You get him changed. Walks off to heat the bottles.
Bobby: I've never changed a baby before.
Ryan is in full-fledged wail.
Jan: Exasperated. Well, c'mon you're gonna learn.
They go into the the nursery. Since Carolyn isn't fussing, Jan sticks her in the crib and instructs Bobby on how to change Ryan's diaper.
Jan: Now, go down to the kitchen. Cindy's probably got the bottles all ready for them and I'll bring Carolyn in just a few minutes.
Cindy's heating the bottles, and Bobby carries Ryan to the kitchen.
Bobby: Got the bottles ready?
Cindy: Tests one on her wrist. Yeah. Hands him one. Here, feed your brother.
Bobby: How? You do it.
Ryan squirms and pats the bottle.
Cindy: Sighs and takes the bottle. Go sit in the recliner in the family room and I'll bring in the bottle.
Bobby sits in the recliner and Cindy helps position Ryan and the bottle. Jan enters the kitchen.
Jan: Cindy?
Cindy: Enters the kitchen. Bottles on the stove. Heat's off. She takes it out of the pot and tests it on her wrist. It's ready.
Jan: Thanks. Where's Bobby and Ryan?
Bobby: From the family room. In here.
Jan: Walks in the family room and sits on the couch. How's it going?
Bobby: Fine. He's nearly finished. Now, what do I do?
Jan: Burp him. Sit him up and pat his back.
Bobby: Sits him up on his lap. Like this?
Jan: Yes.
Bobby: Okay. Got it. Ryan lets out a burp. Good one.
Jan: Now, go ahead and put him to bed.
Bobby: Stands up. Which one?
Jan: The one with the blue sheets. I'll be up in a few minutes with Carolyn.
Peter walks into the family room.
Peter: I'm gonna lock up. Anything else we need?
Cindy: I'll thaw out bottles for tomorrow.
Jan: I think that's all. Burps Carolyn. Will you wash out these bottles too?
Peter: Okay.
Jan: I'll take the baby monitor up to my room.
Cindy: You don't want to take mom and dad's room?
Jan: No. It's not necessary. Carolyn finishes. Let's get to bed. Mom and dad may need us tomorrow.
Jan puts Carolyn to bed, Cindy transfers a few bottles from the freezer to the refrigerator, and Peter cleans the used bottles and locks up. Then, they all go to bed.
Meanwhile, at the hospital
Mike is kneeling at his sleeping wife's bedside.
Mike: God, please be with my wife. I know the doctor said she'd be fine. A couple tears roll down his cheeks. Please heal her. She's such a strong woman, and the love of my life.
He gets up, plants a soft kiss on her cheek, stretches out in the recliner and falls asleep.
-End of Chapter 17-