The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 20
A/N-Happy New Year!
Mid-August. Six weeks after the camping trip. Carol has recovered from her fall, and her doctor has released her from his care. School is about to start for Peter, Jan, Bobby and Cindy. Before the babies were born, Carol promised Cindy a girls' day out without her older sisters. Cindy is in her room, lying on her bed, reading a book.
Carol: Knocks on the door. Cindy, may I come in?
Cindy: Sure.
Carol: Enters her room. What are you reading?
Cindy: "Go Ask Alice." It's really good!
Carol: Frowns. Isn't that about drugs and stuff?
Cindy: Yeah. It's a diary about a girl who gets hooked on drugs.
Carol: Are you sure you should be reading that?
Cindy: Looks her mother in the eye. Mom, it's no big deal. I got it from the library. I'm almost finished with it, if you want to read it.
Carol: Thanks, but no. Changes the subject. I was wondering if you wanted to go out, just you and me. I promised you a day out before the babies were born.
Cindy: Sure. Where? When?
Carol: I was thinking now, and we could do whatever you wanted.
Cindy: Thinks it over. I'd like to go see The Apple Dumpling Gang. It's still playing at the Cornet.
Carol: Smiles. Sure. It sounds like a cute movie. Do you want to go out for lunch afterward?
Cindy: That would be good. Can we go to that Mexican restaurant?
Carol: Julio's?
Cindy: Yeah. I've heard they have really good tacos.
Carol: Okay. Anything you want to do after lunch if we have time?
Cindy: I dunno.
Carol: Well, let's get ready and we'll go in fifteen.
Cindy: What about the babies? Who's going to watch them?
Carol: Your dad's working from home and Alice is here too. I've got bottles made up, so they're in good shape.
Cindy puts a bookmark in the novel, brushes her hair, puts on a bit of makeup and meets her mother, talking to Alice, in the kitchen.
Carol: We'll be back sometime this afternoon. The twins should go down for their naps in about an hour. Mike's got the kids in the playpen in his den. They've got bottles in the fridge, and they can have a jar of chicken and rice and peaches.
Cindy: I'm ready.
Alice: You two have a good time.
Carol and Cindy leave for their outing.
Carol and Cindy get popcorn and a soda each, then find a seat in the theatre. The movie starts and before they realize, it's over. They wait for the rest of the audience to leave, and then they make their way out of the theatre.
Carol: How did you like it?
Cindy: Laughs. I thought it was cute. Tim Conway and Don Knotts are funny.
Carol: Yeah, they sure are!
Cindy: I loved it when Amos said, "I'm gonna buy some new toes."
Carol: How 'bout when he said, (In her best "western" voice) "Uh, still aren't mad 'cause I shot you in the leg, are you, Frank?"
Cindy: Giggles. Yeah!
Carol: I'm hungry. You?
Cindy: A bit.
Carol: You still want to go to Julio's?
Cindy: Yeah.
Carol: Well, let's go.
They walk a couple blocks and get to the restaurant. They're seated immediately. The waitress serves them chips and salsa and hands them a menu each.
Waitress: Can I get you something to drink while you look over the menu?
Cindy: I'll have a Coke.
Carol: I'll have a Tab.
Waitress: All right. I'll be back in a few minutes with your drinks.
Carol: Do you know what you want?
Cindy: I was looking at either the crispy tacos, or the quesadilla, but that's a lot of food.
Carol: Do you want to split something?
Cindy: We could do that. What were you wanting?
Carol: If you want a taco, we could do the crispy tacos, and get rice and beans too. That way, we'd each have a taco and sides.
Cindy: But there's three.
Carol: I'm not terribly hungry, so if you want two, or we could split the third. It's up to you.
Cindy: That sounds fine. We can split the third.
Waitress: Serves the drinks. Have you decided?
Carol: Yes. We're going to split the crispy taco plate, with rice and beans. We'll need an extra plate.
Waitress: Writes it down. Okay. Do you want any extras? Like avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños?
Cindy: I'd like avocado.
Carol: None for me. Thank you.
Waitress: You're welcome. It should be out in a few.
Mother and daughter dine on chips and salsa while they wait on their lunch.
Carol: We haven't had much chance to talk. How are you feeling about all the changes that have been going on recently?
Cindy: Unsure. What do you mean?
Carol: Well, it's been an eventful year with Greg and Marcia graduating and moving out, you and Bobby in Junior High, the twins being born, finding out about Carolyn being deaf, my concussion on the camping trip...
Cindy: Shrugs her shoulders. I dunno. It is a lot when you start to think about it.
Carol: It is. I know you were unsure of how things would be once the baby...well, babies were born.
Cindy: I guess it's okay. It's just taken time to get used to them being here. Don't get me wrong. I do love them, but I just haven't had as much time to be with them like Jan has. I've had the spelling bee and cheerleading. And next year will be busier since I'm captain. She begins laughing.
Carol: Curious. What?
Cindy: I still can't believe how much I enjoy cheerleading. When Marcia was a cheerleader, I couldn't stand cheerleading. I thought it was pretty silly. But now that I've been doing it for awhile, I really like it.
Carol: Delighted. Great! Do you think you'll continue in high school?
Cindy: I don't know. I'm only in seventh grade. I've got at least another year, or possibly two after this year.
Carol: Have you heard from Shelley?
Cindy: Yeah. She made Varsity at Westdale.
Carol: Wow! As a sophomore. That's great!
Cindy: Yeah. I'll miss her on the squad next year, but I'll be able to handle being captain.
Carol: From what you said, she was a good captain.
Cindy: She was.
While Carol is mulling a few things over, the waitress arrives with their lunch.
Waitress: I've got the crispy taco plate, split into two. One with avocado and one without. She places the plate with avocado in front of Cindy and the other, in front of Carol.
Carol: Yes, thank you.
Waitress: Is there anything else I can do for you?
Carol: I think we're okay.
Cindy: May I get some more hot sauce?
Waitress: Sure. If you're looking for something different, we have a verde salsa that it excellent. It's got a tangy flavour to it.
Cindy: Interested. That sounds right up my alley. I'd love to try it.
Waitress: I'll bring out both.
Cindy: Thanks!
The waitress serves her a small bowl each of verde and red salsa. Cindy notices her mother is thinking about something.
Cindy: What?
Carol: I don't know. I was just thinking.
Cindy: About what? Carolyn? Taking sign language classes? I'm good with the classes. I'm sad about Carolyn being deaf, but it's hard to wrap my head around it right now. She doesn't seem that much different from Ryan right now. I'm fine about Greg and Marcia moving out. Yes, it's different at home now that they don't live there, but that's what we're supposed to do: grow up and move out. She tries some of the verde salsa. Ooh! This is good! You've got to try it.
Carol: Tries some. It is good!
Cindy: Dips a chip in both bowls. Ooh! Try them together!
Carol: That is good!
Cindy: Told you it's good. She pauses and studies her mom. I'm so glad you're feeling better.
Carol: Smiles. Thanks! I am. I'm feeling just about like my old self.
Cindy: It's a relief. A tear rolls down her cheek. It was so scary, mom. That fall was awful!
Carol: Oh Cindy! Let's get to go boxes and talk about this.
Cindy nods. Carol summons the waitress, asks for to go boxes, and pays the bill. After the waitress comes back with the boxes and change, Carol dishes the food into the boxes and they go to a secluded area of Woodland Park.
Carol: Cindy, let's talk.
Cindy: In tears, nods. I was playing with Carolyn and she crawled to her toy. I was so excited to see her crawl...
Carol: Smiles. She'd just started scooting that day. Ryan was close, but hadn't quite gotten the hang of it.
Cindy: I heard you scream. I scooped Carolyn up and ran over. Peter had Ryan. Marcia took Ryan and Jan took Carolyn. She inhales. You were so quiet and still! Dad looked so scared. It was awful!
Tears stream down Carol's face.
Cindy: Dad looked like he'd aged about ten years when you were in the hospital. And when you came home, you were so sick. It was hard. You were so different.
Carol: I didn't realize how hard it was for you guys.
Cindy: I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, mom.
Carol: Brushes a lock from her daughter's hair. I know you weren't. Since I was so sick, I didn't realize how hard it was for all of you guys.
Cindy: I'm just glad you're better.
Carol: Embraces her daughter. I am too. I feel stronger every day. Cups Cindy's face. And you know something? The nine of you were my motivation to get better. You'll understand when you're a wife and a mother.
Cindy: Blushes. That feels like a long way off.
Carol: Grins. I remember you and Kitty Karry-All.
She thinks back to 1969, a few months after they all move into the present-day Brady House.
-Flashback Sequence-
1969.
Six-year-old Cindy is in the family room sitting on a couch, singing and rocking Kitty Karry-All to "Rock-a-Bye-Baby." Carol is in the kitchen making the doll a bottle on the play stove/oven set. She looks lovingly toward the living room while Mike comes out of the utility room with his golf bag. He smiles at his beautiful young wife.
Carol: Mike, take a look at this. She points toward the living room where Cindy is still singing and rocking her doll.
Mike: Laughs. Cindy really loves that doll.
Carol: Did'ya know this is the ninth bottle she's feeding her today? Holds up the doll's bottle.
Mike: Guess you'd better get some more of those little diapers ready.
Carol: Have a good time, dear.
They exchange a quick peck and he goes off to his golf game.
Mike: Have fun around the house.
Carol: Yeah, I'll start by straightening up the kids' rooms.
Carol goes off to do the housework. Bobby and Tiger march through the family room, Bobby playing on his kazoo and Tiger following happily along.
Cindy: Annoyed. Shh!
Bobby: Why do I hafta shh!
Cindy: Because I'm putting my baby to sleep. That's why!
Bobby: That's no baby. It's just a dopey ole doll.
Cindy: You stop that! Kitty Kary-all doesn't make noise when you're trying to take a nap.
Tiger barks.
Cindy: Whispering. Stop that Tiger, you'll wake up Kitty.
Tiger quits barking and Cindy resumes singing. Bobby still stands there.
Bobby: I don't know who asked that stupid ole doll to come live here anyway.
Cindy: I did!
Bobby: Well, I didn't. I wish that she'd move out and never come back!
Cindy: Offended. You stop that! You'll hurt her feelings!
Bobby: She hasn't got any feelings. She's just full of sawdust or rags or something. Throws up his hands. A guy can't even practice his kazoo anymore!
Cindy ignores him, resumes her singing and Bobby goes off playing his kazoo. She glares at him as he goes off.
-Flashback Sequence Ends-
Back to the present.
Carol: You really loved that doll.
Cindy: Smiles. I still love that doll!
Carol: You'd play with her for hours and dream about being a mommy.
Cindy: I still want to one of these days.
Carol: And you'll make a good mother one of these days.
The women embrace.
Carol: It's time we get back.
Cindy: I had fun today. Thanks.
Carol: Me too.
Meanwhile at the Brady house
Peter enters Mike's den and sees his father working on some blueprints.
Peter: Hey, Dad?
Mike: Hmmm?
Peter: Some of the guys and girls from school want to get a beach volleyball game going. Can me and Jan go?
Mike: Yeah, sure.
Peter: We're gonna roast hotdogs for dinner.
Mike: Stops his work and faces his son. When are you going to be home?
Peter: Is midnight okay?
Jan enters the den, about to ask her father the same question.
Jan: Oh! You've already asked.
Mike: Who are you two going with?
Peter: We're gonna pick up Julie and Billy on the way.
Mike: Okay. Midnight. No later.
Jan: Excited. Thanks, Dad!
Peter: Thanks!
Mike: Have fun!
They leave the den, but Jan pops her head back in.
Jan: Dad?
Mike: Yes?
Jan: Ryan's awake.
Mike: Gets up. Thanks!
He goes upstairs and picks Ryan up.
Mike: Did you have a good nap, son? Feels that he's wet. Let's get you changed before your sister wakes up.
As if on cue, Carolyn awakens and starts to fuss.
Female voice: I'll get her.
Mike turns around and sees his wife pick their youngest daughter up.
Mike: How was your day with Cindy?
Carol: Grins as she feels that Carolyn's wet. Terrific. She smiles and begins changing the baby's diaper. We've got an amazing daughter...we've got four amazing daughters.
Mike: Picks Ryan up. We do.
At the beach
The beach volleyball game is underway by the time Peter, Jan, Julie and Billy arrive.
Guy1: Hey Pete! Wanna substitute in? It's girls versus guys. We can get you in next game?
Peter: Who's winning?
Guy2: Right now, the girls are smoking us, ten to six.
Peter: Sure, I'm in!
Billy: I got the cooler.
Billy takes the cooler out of Peter's car. He and Jan set up beach chairs and then join the group watching the game.
Girl1: Hey Julie, Jan! Wanna play next game? So far, we're kicking the guys' butts thirteen to seven.
Julie: Absolutely!
Girl2: We're sure to beat them into submission with you in the game.
Julie: Right on!
The first game ends with a score of fifteen to eight, girls winning. Peter and Julie join the game.
Girl1: Hey Jan! You in?
Jan: Yeah! She takes her place in the game. C'mon, Billy! Gonna play? We'll whip you guys into shape.
Billy: Joins the game. Don't think so!
The game is underway and the girls quickly reach a second victory, sixteen to fourteen.
Guy1: Taunting. We'll get you girls next game!
Julie: Don't count on it!
Julie begins game three with a serve. The ball sails over the net and hits the back opposite corner, making the guys unable to return the ball.
Girl2: First point is ours! Good serve, Julie!
Volley after volley goes by and the girls are ahead seven to two. Peter's up to serve.
Guy2: C'mon, Pete!
Peter serves the ball straight to his sister, who manages to slam it over the net and onto the sand, giving the girls another point.
Julie: Perfect! Ten to three! Your serve, Jan!
Jan steps back and serves the ball. It sails over the net. Two guys dive to get the ball, but miss and the ball hits the sand.
Jan: Pumps her fist. Yessss! Eleven to three!
It takes no time until the girls win their third game, fifteen to four. The guys accept defeat.
Guy1: Good game!
Girl1: Now, lets get the hotdogs and break out the chips and soda!
Girl2: I believe it's loser cooks!
The guys begin cooking the hotdogs and passing out chips and sodas to everyone. As the sun sets, people begin pairing off into couples. Peter and Julie lay against a log and eat their hotdogs, chips and drink their sodas.
Julie: I'm having a good time. Glad we came!
Peter: Yeah, me too! He kisses her on the lips.
Julie: I can't wait for school to start again. That way, we can see each other every day. She snuggles into his embrace.
Peter: Smiles. Every day. (kiss) All day. (kiss)
Julie: What are you taking this year?
Peter: Honour's English, AP American History, American Sign Language I, Pre-Calculus, Economics and Geography, and Shop.
Julie: Grins. We'll be in three classes together! I'm taking Honour's English, AP American History, French II, AP Chemistry, Economics and Geography, and Drama. I hope I can get the lead in this year's school play.
Peter: What is it?
Julie: Funny Girl. I hope I get the part of Fanny Brice. That part is fantastic.
Peter: You'd make a good Fanny Brice.
Julie: Laughs. How do you know? You've never seen the play.
Peter: I know, but I know you. You'd be great in any part you'd play.
Julie: You flatter me.
Peter: Sing me something from the play. He pretends to beg. Please?
Julie: Blushes. Okay. She begins to sing.
Don't tell me not to live,
Just sit and putter,
Life's candy and the sun's
A ball of butter.
Don't bring around a cloud
To rain on my parade.
Don't tell me not to fly-
I've simply got to.
If someone takes a spill,
It's me and not you.
Who told you you're allowed
To rain on my parade!
Peter: That was great!
The night passes quickly, and it's getting late. One of the guys brings his guitar, and some of the kids listen to him sing some of the latest tunes. Others separate and use this as a time to be with their girlfriend or boyfriend. Jan and Billy spot Peter and Julie engaging in a heavy make-out session.
Billy: Would you get a load of them? They're going faster than Richard Petty in the Daytona 500!
Jan: Rolls her eyes. I think she's the one that's fast. She's nice enough, but she definitely has her claws in him.
Billy: Looks at his watch. Uh oh!
Jan: What?
Billy: What time did your dad say he wanted you home?
Jan: Midnight. Why?
Billy: Because it's after midnight. That's why.
Jan: Looks at his watch and freaks. Oh my gosh! Stands up. Peter! We gotta go!
Peter and Julie don't pay any attention. Billy and Jan walk over to the couple.
Jan: Peter. We gotta go.
Peter: In mid kiss. (muffled) Go away! Can't you see we're busy here?
Billy: Grabs a cooler of melting ice and pours it on them. That'll cool your jets.
Peter and Julie shriek as the cold water hits them.
Peter: Mad. Wha'dya do that for?
Billy: You were getting a bit too hot and heavy.
Jan: And besides, we're late.
Julie: Wha'dya mean we're late?
Jan: We mean, our dad told Peter and me to be back home by midnight and if I remember correctly, so did your dad.
Peter: So?
Billy: It's after midnight.
Julie: Indignant. No, it isn't.
Billy shows Peter his watch. They notice they're alone on the beach.
Peter: Surprised. He's right! We'd better get going!
Billy: I've got our cooler and a couple of the blankets.
Jan: I've got one of the beach chairs if you'd get the rest.
Peter and Julie get the rest of their stuff and they load it into the car. They drop Billy off first, then Julie. Peter walks her up to the door.
Julie: I had a great time.
Peter: So did I.
They engage in a deep lip-lock. Jan waits a bit and then honks the horn.
Julie: Startles. I guess you'd better go.
Peter: Yeah.
He steals one more quick kiss and then gets back into the car.
Jan: I was waiting for you two to come up for air.
Peter: Ignores her comment. Well, guess we'd better get on home.
They drive home, exit the car and see the house is dark.
Jan: Whispering. Looks like mom and dad's gone to bed.
Peter: C'mon. Quickly.
Peter unlocks the front door and they quietly walk into the house. Peter gets almost into the kitchen and Jan gets to the base of the stairs and they see a lamp click on. They turn, horrified, to see their parents sitting on the couch, frowning.
Mike: Home so soon?
Jan: Gulps. We're sorry. We lost track of time.
Peter: It's my fault.
Mike: When I told you midnight, I didn't mean after midnight.
Carol: It's two o'clock in the morning.
Mike: You're grounded for a week. No TV, no phone, no friends, no dates.
Peter starts to protest, but Jan shoots him a look.
Carol: I know school starts next week, so unless you have a school assignment, no friends over, and you'll have extra chores.
Jan: Yes, ma'am.
Mike: Good night.
Peter: I'll lock up.
Carol: All right.
Mike and Carol go upstairs and go to bed. Jan helps Peter lock up.
Jan: Somber. We blew it.
Peter: I'm sorry. It's my fault.
Jan: No, we lost track of time too. I had a good time though.
Peter: Cracks a smile. Me too.
Jan: Sorry about the water, but you and Julie need to be careful.
Peter: Locks the family room door. Wha'dya mean?
Jan: You two are moving too fast. You looked hot and heavy there tonight. Just don't want you two to get into any trouble.
Peter: We'll be careful.
Jan: You'd better. You know mom and dad would kill ya if you got into trouble.
Peter: Don't worry about me.
Jan: Locks the kitchen sliding door. Good night.
Peter: Good night.
Peter goes to his suite and Jan, to her bedroom and retire for the night.
-End of Chapter 20-