The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 18
A/N1—Continuation of the last chapter.
A/N2—This will be my last update until after Christmas (unless I decide to do another chapter beforehand). So, I'll make this chapter a nice, long one. Happy Christmas!
The next day in Carol's hospital room
Carol awakens, yawns and stretches. Mike hears her stir and rises from his recliner.
Mike: Morning! He gives her a quick peck. How are you feeling?
Carol: I'm feeling better, but I still have a bit of a headache.
Mike: I'm sorry. He kisses her again.
Carol: Did you call Mr. Phillips?
Mike: I did, and he told me to tell you to feel better soon. He's also given me the week off.
Doctor Foster knocks on Carol's hospital door.
Doctor: Mrs. Brady?
Carol: Sits up. Yes?
Doctor: Looking through her chart. How would you like to go home today?
Carol: I'd love to.
Mike: Concerned. Is she okay?
Doctor: The report from last night looks good. Starts examining her. Tell me, Mrs. Brady, how are you feeling?
Carol: I'm feeling better, but I still have a bit of a headache.
Doctor: Any ringing in the ears?
Carol: No.
Doctor: Blurry vision?
Carol: No.
Doctor: Dizziness?
Carol: Some, when I walk. And my head really hurts when I'm up and around.
Doctor: Can you walk by yourself, or do you need help?
Carol: I need a little help.
Doctor: Let's see you walk to the door and back.
Carol: Tries to stand up and sways a bit. Ugh!
Mike instinctively reaches out to steady her. She stands still until she regains her balance.
Doctor: You ready?
Carol: I think so. Unsure.
She takes a few steps and loses her balance. The doctor steadies her.
Doctor: Can you continue, or do you need to sit back down?
Carol: I wanna try.
Mike: Take it slowly.
Carol walks to the door and back, losing her balance a couple times. Then, she sits back on the bed.
Doctor: Any vomiting or loss of appetite?
Carol: No.
Doctor: Makes some notes in the chart. How would you like to go home?
Carol: I'd love to.
Doctor: Well, I think we can make that happen. Let me get your discharge papers written. Do you have any questions?
Carol: We have seven month old twins, and I nurse them.
Doctor: For this week, it might be better to bottle feed them. You may feel too tired or weak to nurse them. If you need to express, you can get in the bathtub and express.
Carol: Okay.
Doctor: I'm going to give you a prescription for pain medication to use this week.
Carol: If I need something later?
Doctor: It's okay if you need to take Tylenol. Don't take aspirin. It's not good for your head injury or your babies.
Carol: Breathes a sigh of relief. I'm glad I won't have to use formula for long.
Doctor: Now, no heavy lifting, which means let someone else get the twins and bring them to you. He addresses Mike. You don't need to monitor her twenty-four, seven, but I do want you to awaken her every so often during the night to do a neuro check. Ask her questions, such as her name, your name, your kids' names, important dates, today's date, etc. She may have light sensitivity, so it would be a good idea to keep the lights low where she is. If she's still dizzy, don't leave her alone when she bathes. Whoever keeps an eye on her doesn't have to stay in the bathroom with her, but can be right outside the bathroom.
Mike: Okay.
Doctor: Do either of you have any questions? I'll make sure you get the instructions in print.
Carol shakes her head.
Doctor: I'll go ahead and get the papers drawn up.
Mike: Thank you, Dr. Foster.
The doctor leaves.
Carol: Who are you going to call?
Mike: I'll call the house to let the kids know, and I'll call your parents to pick us up.
Carol: Groggy. Okay.
Mike: Concerned. Are you okay?
Carol: Yeah. Her eyes close. I'm just tired and my head hurts.
Mike: Why don't you lie down and take a rest until we're ready to leave?
Carol: Snuggles into her covers. Okay.
Mike dials his house first. Jan answers the phone in the kitchen.
Jan: Brady residence!
Mike: Jan.
Jan: How's mom?
Mike: She's being released today.
Jan: Do you need me to pick you guys up?
Mike: No, I'm going to have Carol's parents get us. How are the twins?
Jan: They're fine. They just ate their breakfast and Bobby and Cindy are playing with them.
Mike: Good. Last night went okay, didn't it?
Jan: Ryan was up and down for most of the night, so he and I wound up sleeping in yours and mom's room. Carolyn woke up once. I fed her a bottle and she went back to sleep.
Mike: I'm sorry about Ryan keeping you up.
Jan: It's okay. I know he likes his routine.
Mike: Chuckles. Yes, he does. Changes the subject. Can you call Greg and Marcia and let them know your mom's being released today?
Jan: Sure.
Mike: Thanks.
They say their goodbyes and hang up. Jan dials Greg, who's about to leave for the airport, first. Hank answers the phone.
Hank: Hello?
Jan: Hank? It's Jan. Is Greg still there?
Hank: Yeah. He's just about out the door though.
Greg: Walks back inside. Who is it?
Hank: It's Jan.
Greg: Lemme talk to her. Takes the phone. Hello, Jan?
Jan: Dad just called. Mom's being released today.
Greg: Breathes a sigh of relief. That's a relief.
Jan: Yeah. Dad wanted me to call before you left for the airport.
Greg: Tell Dad I'll call him tonight.
Jan: Okay.
They say their goodbyes and Jan dials Marcia.
Suzy: Hello?
Jan: Suzy? Is Marcia there?
Suzy: No, she left for work about half an hour ago.
Jan: Oh, okay.
Suzy: How's your mom? Marcia told me what happened. Ouch!
Jan: Yeah. Tell Marcia Mom's being released from the hospital today.
Suzy: Great! I'll be sure to tell her and to call you guys when she gets off work.
Jan: Thanks!
They hang up and Jan tells her siblings the news.
Meanwhile, back in Carol's hospital room.
Carol's fast asleep. Mike dials Carol's parents and Martha answers.
Martha: Hello?
Mike: Mom, it's Mike.
Martha: How's Carol?
Mike: She's still weak, but better today.
Martha: Oh, that's good.
Mike: She's being released today.
Martha: Do you need me to pick you guys up?
Mike: Could you?
Martha: Sure!
Mike: Thanks.
Martha: I'm on my way. Henry's working in the yard. I'll tell him.
Mike: I appreciate that.
They hang up and Carol awakens. Mike places a gentle kiss on her temple.
Carol: Groggy. Did you call mom and dad? And the kids?
Mike: I did. Your mom's going to pick us up.
Carol: Good. How did the kids do with the twins?
Mike: Jan said Ryan was up and down all night.
Carol: Poor kid!
Mike: Chuckles. Who? Jan or Ryan?
Carol: Smiles. I suppose both.
Mike: Jan said she and Ryan wound up sleeping in our bed.
Carol: Goodness! How did Carolyn do?
Mike: She said Carolyn woke up once, so Jan gave her a bottle.
Carol: I hope the other kids helped out too.
Mike: She didn't say about last night, but she said Bobby and Cindy were playing with them when I called.
Carol: Good. I'm glad the others are helping out.
Mike: Me too.
Carol sits up too quickly and gets dizzy. Mike helps her lie back down.
Mike: Easy there.
Carol: What about Greg and Marcia?
Mike: Jan said she'd call them.
Carol: Good. I don't want Greg to worry about me while he's at Nora's.
Mike: I bet he'll call tonight.
Meanwhile, back at the Brady house
Jan strolls into the living room and sees Bobby and Cindy playing with the twins. Carolyn's sitting in Cindy's lap and Ryan is on the floor by Bobby.
Bobby: Who was that on the phone?
Jan: Dad.
Cindy: How's mom?
Jan: She's being released today. So, when the twins are down for their nap, we need to get this house in shape. Where's Peter?
Bobby: He left for work about an hour ago.
Jan: Okay, so it'll just be the three of us then. Cindy, get the kitchen cleaned. Bobby, get the living room and family room straightened, and I'll work on mom and dad's room and bathroom, and the twins' nursery.
Cindy: Won't that wake them up if you clean when they're sleeping?
Jan: Carolyn's a sound sleeper, and I can put Ryan on my back in the carrier.
Bobby: Did dad say when they'd be home?
Jan: No. The babies should go down for their nap in about an hour, and we can start cleaning then.
Back at the hospital.
Martha Tyler arrives at Carol's room and knocks on the door. Mike answers.
Mike: Mom!
Martha: Hugs her son-in-law. Mike.
Mike: Thanks for coming.
She walks in the room and sees her daughter smiling back.
Carol: Mom!
Martha: Embraces her daughter. Carol. How are you, Kitten?
Carol: Tired, but I'm feeling better. I can't wait to get home and see the kids.
A nurse knocks on the door.
Nurse: Mrs. Brady?
Carol: Yes.
Nurse: I've got your discharge papers here. She goes over the information with Mike and Carol. Do you have any questions?
Carol: No.
Nurse: After you sign these papers, you're free to go home.
Carol signs the papers and the nurse brings in a wheelchair. Mike helps his wife into the chair, then gets their belongings.
Nurse: You ready?
Carol: I am. Just get me home.
The nurse wheels Carol to the lobby.
Martha: I'm going to go get the car.
Mike stays with Carol. When Martha pulls up, Mike and the nurse help her into the car. He puts their stuff into the trunk of the car, goes around to the other side and gets in the back seat. Martha starts the car and drives to the Brady house. Carol sleeps snuggled by her husband on the way there. As Martha pulls into the driveway, Mike awakens his wife.
Mike: Carol, we're home. Kisses her head.
Carol: Groggy. What?
Mike: We're home.
Carol smiles.
Martha: Mike, you get her inside and I'll get your stuff.
Mike: Let's go inside and see our kids.
They walk into the house. Martha's behind them with their belongings.
Mike: Kids, we're home!
Bobby and Cindy bound into the living room.
Cindy: Smiles. Mom! Glad you're back.
Carol: Hi, sweetheart! I am too.
Bobby: Gives his mom a light embrace. How are you?
Carol: I'm feeling better.
Cindy: Cries into her mother's arms. Oh, mom!
Carol: Heartbroken. Cindy.
Cindy: I was so scared!
Carol: I know. It was scary, but I'm doing better.
Jan descends the stairs with Ryan.
Jan: Hi, mom!
Carol: Hi. She kisses her daughter and son. Hi, Ry.
Ryan reaches for her to hold him.
Carol: Sweet boy, I wish I could hold you.
Mike: Do you want to go up to our room so you can hold him and Carolyn?
As if on cue, they hear Carolyn awaken in the nursery.
Cindy: Wipes the tears from her eyes. I'll get her for you.
Carol: Thanks.
Mike helps his wife up the stairs to their room. She feels like her head is spinning and holds tightly onto her husband. Martha brings up their duffels. Carol changes into a nightgown and crawls into the bed. Jan places Ryan in his mother's arms, and Cindy carries Carolyn in and places her beside Ryan.
Carol: Kisses each of the babies. I've missed you! This was the first time I've spent the night away from you two.
Martha: To Mike. Is there anything I can do for you?
Mike: I think we're good.
Carol: Thanks, Mom.
Martha: Do you need me to stay with you this week? I know Alice is still on her honeymoon.
Carol: Thanks, but you don't have to.
Mike: Actually, Wednesday I've got a meeting with a new client. Mr. Phillips gave me the week off if I need, but I probably need to meet with the client for a few hours, so I don't get too far behind.
Martha: Just let me know when you need me, and I'll be here.
Mike: Thanks.
Martha: Kisses her daughter on the cheek. I'm going to let you get some rest.
Martha, Jan and Cindy leave the room.
Martha: To Jan. Is there anything I can do for you right now?
Jan: I was about to start dinner.
Martha: Let me do that. You look tired. Were you up with the twins last night?
Jan: Tries to stifle a yawn. With Ryan.
Martha: You scoot on to bed and Bobby, Cindy and I will get things going here.
Jan: Thanks.
Martha puts Bobby and Cindy to work while Jan goes to her room to take a nap.
In the Master bedroom.
Carol studies her twins. Mike sits on the bed next to her.
Mike: You need to get some sleep.
Carol: I know. Becomes weepy.
Mike: Brushes a lock of hair from her face. Hey. What's wrong?
Carol: Tears flow. I dunno. I guess it's the concussion. I feel like myself, but I don't. You know?
Mike: I think so. Dr. Foster said it'll take some time.
Carol: What happened? I mean, I know some of what happened, but things are fuzzy.
Mike: You were about to take a swing; you hit a rock with your foot and lost your balance. That's when you hit your head.
Carol: How long was I out?
Mike: I don't know, but it felt like an eternity.
Carol: I'm sorry.
Mike: You have nothing to be sorry about. It was an accident. I'm just glad you weren't more seriously hurt. He gives her a light kiss.
Carol: Smiles and looks at the babies. I want to nurse them so badly!
Mike: Let's wait a few days on that. We want you to get stronger.
Carol: But my breasts hurt.
Mike: Do you need to express in the tub?
Carol: No. It's not that kind of hurt. Sighs. I'd rather take a nap.
Mike: I can get the kids to take the twins.
Carol: No. Looks like Ryan's gone back to sleep. They can sleep in the bed with me.
Mike: Let's get you three settled in bed then.
Carol nods as Mike settles her and the twins into the bed and then joins her.
Mike: Gives her a kiss. I love you.
Carol: I love you too.
Greg arrives at the airport in Nora's hometown.
The plane lands and taxis to the gate. Although Greg appears calm, he can hardly contain his excitement. It's been a little over a month since he's seen Nora; they've never been apart this long since they began dating. As the plane taxis to the gate, he searches the airport windows to see if he spots his beloved. He smiles as he discovers she's watching the plane approach the gate. Although he's excited to see Nora again, he's a little nervous about meeting her parents. He hopes they like him. The pilot parks the plane and gives the okay to exit the plane. Greg gathers his suitcase and exits the plane. As he enters the airport, Nora races to her beloved.
Nora: Races into an embrace. Greg! I've missed you!
Greg: I've missed you too.
Nora: Walks him to her parents. Greg, come meet my folks. Mom, Dad, this is Greg. Greg, these are my folks, Donald and Shirley Richman.
Shirley: Pleased to meet you, Greg. Nora's told me a lot about you.
Greg: Pleased to meet you too, ma'am. Blushes. Good things, I hope.
Shirley: Chuckles. Of course.
Donald: Shakes Greg's hand. Good to meet you.
Nora: Keeps her arm around Greg. I'm so glad you're here!
Greg: Smiling. Me too.
Donald: Well, let's go.
Shirley: Are you hungry? You like Italian?
Nora: We've got the best Italian restaurant here. Guiseppe's. They've got the greatest pasta primavera and tiramisu.
Greg: Sounds good.
They leave the airport and go to the restaurant.
At Marcia's
Marcia comes home from work. Suzy's vacuuming the living room and sees her housemate walk through the garage door.
Suzy: Turns off the vacuum cleaner. Jan called this morning.
Marcia: Oh?
Suzy: Yeah. She said your mom was being released from the hospital today.
Marcia: Excited. I gotta go call them. Dials home and Cindy answers the kitchen phone.
Cindy: Hello?
Marcia: Cindy, it's Marcia. How's mom?
Cindy: She's weak and tired, but doing better.
Marcia: Sighs in relief. I'm glad. Is there anything I can do?
Cindy: I don't think so. Grandma Tyler was over earlier and helped us cook dinner. Mom and dad are asleep.
Marcia: Oh, okay. Tell them I'll call tomorrow and may come over the next day.
Mike enters the kitchen.
Cindy: Dad's up if you'd like to talk to him.
Marcia: Sure. Put him on.
Cindy: Dad, it's Marcia on the phone. Hands the phone over.
Mike: Thanks. Hello, Marcia.
Marcia: How's Mom?
Mike: Doing better.
Marcia: Cindy said she's weak and dizzy.
Mike: A little.
Marcia: Concerned. Should the doctor have kept her another day or so?
Mike: Dr. Foster thought she was strong enough to go home. He said a little dizziness, headache and weakness is normal.
Marcia: Can I do anything?
Mike: I think we're good.
Marcia: I'll come over in a couple days. I'm pulling a longer shift tomorrow, so I can't come over tomorrow.
Mike: Whenever you're able.
Marcia: Okay. I've gotta go. We're cleaning the house today. See you soon. Bye.
They hang up. Peter arrives home, and is surprised to see his dad.
Peter: Is mom home or something?
Mike: She is. The doctor released her this morning.
Peter: How is she?
Mike: Doing really good. She's a little tired, weak and dizzy, but the doctor is pleased with how she's doing.
Peter: Good. Pauses. Is it okay if Julie and I go out to dinner and a movie today?
Mike: Sure. Right now, we need to limit who comes over, so the house will be quiet for your mother.
Peter: Okay.
Mike: What are you going to see?
Peter: She wants to see Jaws, so we're going to the drive in. They've got a double feature with Monty Python and the Holy Grail afterwards.
Mike: Chuckling. What kind of movie is that?
Peter: It's some British comedy.
Mike: If you say so.
In the Master Bedroom
Ryan awakens with a loud wail. Carol opens her eyes and sits up. However, her head spins and she lies back down.
Carol: Slowly sits up and picks her son up. You hungry?
Ryan continues to wail.
Carol: You're going to wake up your sister.
Carolyn's beginning to stir.
Carol: Mike! Someone! Need some help here! She holds her head. Oh!
She sees that the door is closed.
Carol: Kids, I need to open the door.
Ryan is screaming at the tops of his lungs. Carol stands up, gets her bearings, walks to the door, and opens it.
Carol: Mike! Someone? A little help?
She hears someone come down the hall.
Jan: Lifts Ryan from his mother's arms. Mom, you shouldn't be out of bed with Ryan.
Carol: The door was closed.
Jan: Helps her mother back to the bed. Let's get you back in bed.
Carol nods, climbs in bed and holds Carolyn, who is beginning to wail.
Carol: Checks Carolyn's diaper. Can you bring me a diaper and some wipes?
Jan: Sure. And I'll get someone to fix them a bottle.
Carol: Thanks.
Jan: Walks out of the room and sees Cindy. Cindy, will you fix a bottle for the babies?
Cindy: Sure.
Cindy fixes the bottles while Jan changes Ryan and brings a diaper and wipes for Carolyn. When she returns to the master bedroom, she sees her mother crying.
Jan: Concerned and sits on the bed by her mother. Mom?
Carol: Wipes her tears. I'm sorry.
Jan: You don't have to apologize.
Carol: I just want to care for my babies.
Jan: I know you do. You'll get better and be able to care for them again. It'll just take some time. We'll help you.
Carol: Smiles. When did you get so wise?
Jan: Blushes. It's a gift.
Carol tries to change Carolyn's diaper, but struggles through it, poking herself a few times with the diaper pins.
Carol: There! You're all clean now.
Cindy brings the bottles and hands them to Carol and Jan.
Cindy: I've got the bottles.
Carol: Thanks. She feeds Carolyn. You hungry, girl?
Carolyn eagerly takes her bottle, but Ryan refuses and continues to scream.
Jan: C'mon, Ry. You gotta eat something.
Carol: Let me try. Cindy, can you take her?
Cindy: Sure.
Carol passes Carolyn to Cindy and Jan passes Ryan to Carol.
Carol: Offers the bottle to Ryan. Time to eat, little man.
Ryan still refuses to take his bottle. Tears of frustration and despair roll down Carol's cheeks.
Jan: Mom, let me feed him a jar of baby food. What should I feed him? I'll feed Carolyn after her bottle.
Carol: If we have sweet potatoes, feed them those and applesauce. If we don't, just pick a fruit and a vegetable.
Jan: Lifts Ryan from his mother's lap. C'mere, little guy. Let's get you fed.
Cindy: Do you want Carolyn or do you want me to feed her?
Carol: Sees that she's almost finished with her bottle. Why don't you go ahead? She's almost finished, and you'll need to feed her the baby food.
Cindy: Okay. She gets up with Carolyn. We'll see you later.
Jan and Cindy bring the babies to the kitchen to feed them. Carol curls up in bed and cries. Mike knocks on the door, and Carol tries to dry her tears.
Carol: Come in. Sniff!
Mike: Honey, are you okay?
Carol: Sits up and gets light headed. No.
Mike: Panics. Do I need to take you back to the hospital?
Carol: No. Tears stream. Ryan wouldn't take his bottle and I can't nurse him. Now, I'm leaking and I want to nurse my son.
Mike: Holds his wife. I know.
Carol: I feel like a blubbering fool.
Mike: Awww! You're not.
Carol: I just don't feel like myself.
Mike: I know. Remember, it was only yesterday when you hit your head.
Carol: Rubs a sore spot on her head. How can I forget?
Mike kisses Carol's head and she winces.
Mike: Sorry. Why don't you get some rest?
Carol: Yeah. I am tired. Sighs. I don't know if I want to take a nap or a bath. Tries to sit up, but her head spins.
Mike: Do you need another pain pill?
Carol: Yeah. My head's pounding.
He fixes a glass of water and gives it to her. She swallows her pill and takes a couple sips of water. Then, he tucks her into bed and puts a bell on her nightstand.
Mike: I'll be in my den. Ring if you need something. He kisses her and starts to leave.
Carol: Uhh, Mike?
Mike: Yes?
Carol: I've gotta go to the bathroom.
Mike: Okay. Lemme help you.
Mike walks her to the bathroom. He waits for her outside the bathroom. Carol walks to the sink and washes her hands. She walks out of the bathroom and stumbles. He helps her up.
Carol: Blast! I can't even walk from here to there.
Mike: Let me help you.
Carol nods and allows Mike to tuck her back in bed.
Carol: Thank you.
Mike: Get some rest.
Carol snuggles into her covers and quickly falls asleep. Mike works in his den. The phone rings, awakening Carol.
Carol: Answers the phone. Hello?
Greg: Mom?
Carol: Smiles. Greg! How was your flight?
Greg: Good. It got me over to Nora.
Carol: Chuckles. How is she?
Greg: She's great. She told me to tell you to feel better soon and that she sends her love.
Carol: Aww! Tell her thank you for me.
Greg: I will. How are you feeling?
Carol: Tired, but I'm glad to be out of the hospital.
Greg: I don't want to keep you, but I just wanted to call and check on you. Jan had told me you were being released today.
Carol: Thanks for calling and enjoy being with Nora.
Greg: I will.
They hang up and Carol goes back to sleep.
At Nora's.
Nora: How's your mom?
Greg: Worried. She sounds really tired and weak.
Nora: From what you said, she took a nasty fall yesterday.
Greg: It really was. I can't get that picture out of my head.
Nora: Kisses him on the cheek. I understand.
Greg: Kisses her on the lips. And that's why I love you. Changes the subject. Do you want to go to the movies?
Nora: Sure. I think Jaws is playing. It looks really good.
Greg: Sounds good to me.
Nora: And on the fourth, we can go to the park and see the fireworks.
Greg: Grins. And make some fireworks of our own.
Nora: Giggles. Sounds good to me.
That evening.
After dinner, Martha Tyler returns home. Peter and Bobby wash the dishes and Cindy prepares bottles for the next day. Mike and Jan change and dress the babies for bed, and carry them into the master bedroom so that Carol can say goodnight.
Carol: Cradling her babies. Good night, sweethearts. Kisses each of them. Sleep well.
Mike and Jan lift the babies from Carol's arms.
Mike: Waves Carolyn's hand. Good night, mommy!
Jan: Kisses Ryan. Say good night, Ry!
Carol: One more kiss for the both of you. She kisses the babies on their cheeks.
Mike and Jan carry the babies into the nursery.
Mike: Good night, kids. He kisses each of the babies. He places his youngest daughter in her crib.
Ryan begins fussing.
Jan: Sits in the rocking chair. I've got him. Go see about Mom.
Mike: You sure?
Jan: Yeah.
Mike: Okay. Come get me if you need me.
Jan: I will. She remembers one more thing. Oh, and I've got the monitor in my room.
Mike: I can go get it.
Jan: No. I'll keep it for tonight. You and mom need your rest.
Mike: Okay. Thanks. Smiles. I really appreciate how you and your brothers and sisters have stepped up to help us out.
Jan: Smiles. Good night.
Mike leaves the nursery and returns to the master bedroom. Carol is lying in the bed.
Carol: Can you draw me a bath?
Mike: Chest hurting?
Carol: Sighs. Yeah. I need to express.
Mike: Do you want warm compresses or a bath?
Carol: I'd rather nurse my babies, but since I can't, I need a bath.
Mike: Okay. Gives her a peck on the lips. I'll go draw up one for you.
He draws up a warm bath, gets out some fresh night clothes and towels for the both of them.
Mike: You ready?
Carol: Yeah. I feel so grimy since I didn't get to bathe yesterday.
Mike helps Carol up from the bed. She swoons.
Mike: Concerned. Carol?
Carol: Turns green. I feel sick.
Mike: Do you need to sit down?
Carol: Out of breath. Yeah. And can you turn down the lights?
Mike: Okay, honey. He helps her sit down and then turns down the lights. Just rest for a few minutes.
Carol nods. She feels cold and clammy.
Mike: Do you want some water?
Carol: No.
Mike: Let's rest a bit until you're ready.
He holds her until she feels strong enough to stand.
Carol: I'm ready.
Mike: You sure?
Carol: Yes.
He helps her stand up and they stay still until she nods to go on, managing to get to the bathroom without incident. Carol steps in first and Mike, behind her. She expresses and relaxes in her husband's embrace.
Mike: Better?
Carol: Yeah. She shuts her eyes and relaxes even more.
Mike: Gently shakes her awake. Carol? Stay with me.
Carol: Yawns. I think I'm falling asleep.
Mike: The water's cooling down. We'd better get you out and back in bed.
He gets out and towels off, wrapping the towel around his waist. Then, he helps his wife out of the tub.
Mike: Easy now.
She places a hand on his shoulder to steady herself, as she towels herself off. Mike fumbles with her gown, trying to dress his wife, but he can't seem to figure it out.
Carol: I can do it. She dresses into her night gown.
Mike: You ready?
Carol: I wanna brush my teeth and my hair first.
She finishes getting ready for bed and Mike walks her back. Carol climbs into bed and Mike tucks the covers and climbs in on his side.
Mike: Good night.
They exchange a quick peck and drift to sleep.
The middle of the night.
Mike's alarm clock sounds. Groggily, he shuts it off and notices his wife's still sleeping. He shakes his wife awake.
Mike: Carol? Wake up.
Carol: Yawns. What?
Mike: What year is it?
Carol: 1975.
Mike: Good. How many kids do we have?
Carol: Eight. Nine, including Paige.
Mike: Looks somewhat surprised, as he didn't expect her to include Paige. What are their names in alphabetical order?
Carol: Stops to think. Bobby, Carolyn, Cindy, Greg, Jan, Marcia, Paige, Peter, and Ryan.
Mike: That's right.
Carol: Can I go back to sleep?
Mike: Yes.
Carol: Yawns. Thanks.
She rolls over and goes back to sleep. Mike hears Ryan awaken, and decides to check on him. He quietly gets up and walks to the nursery, seeing Jan rocking her youngest brother.
Mike: How are they?
Jan: Whispering. They're fine. Go back to bed.
Mike: You sure?
Jan: Yes. I've already fed them their bottles and Carolyn just went back to sleep. She looks down and sees Ryan is asleep. I'll put him down in a few minutes.
Mike: Okay. Thanks.
He goes back to the master bedroom. Carol is still asleep. He resets the alarm and quickly goes back to sleep.
-End of Chapter 18-