The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 36
A/N—This is a direct continuation of the last chapter.
That night, Mike returns home. The older kids have eaten dinner and are watching TV in the family room. Jan looks up and notices her father.
Jan: How's Carolyn?
Mike: The surgery went well and she slept most of the day today.
Cindy: When are she and mom coming home?
Mike: Probably Wednesday. When did Ryan go down?
Bobby: Grandma's rocking him in the nursery.
Mike: I'll go check on them and then turn in for the night. Pauses. Does anyone have anything I need to sign or look over before I turn in?
Bobby: Nope. Finished all my homework.
Cindy: So did I.
Mike: Did Greg or Marcia call?
Peter: They did after lunch. Grandma filled them in.
Mike: Did they want me to call them back?
Jan: Yes.
Mike: Thanks. Sighs. I'll go call them after I check on your Grandmother and brother. Good night.
Jan: 'Night.
Mike walks up the stairs and sees Mrs. Brady rocking a sleeping Ryan.
Martha: Puts her finger to her lips. Shhh.
Mike: Mouths. How is he?
Martha: He just fell asleep a few minutes ago.
Mike: Grins as he looks at his youngest son. I'll take him.
Martha: You sure?
Mike: Nods, as he lifts the baby from her arms. Come here, little man.
Ryan briefly stirs, but falls back asleep on his father's shoulder.
Martha: How's Carolyn?
Mike: She's slept most of the day. The doctor and nurses have done a good job keeping her pain to a minimum.
Martha: That's good. And Carol?
Mike: She also was able to get good sleep today. I have a feeling she'll be up and down with Carolyn tonight. I offered to stay tonight so she could come home and come back tomorrow morning, but she would hear none of that.
Martha: That's Carol.
Ryan squirms.
Mike: I'd better put this little guy down and then I'll call Greg and Marcia and fill them in.
Martha: I'll say good night.
Mike: 'night.
Martha leaves Mike alone with Ryan.
Mike: Lays the child in his crib. Good night, little man.
He kisses his son and leaves. He goes into the master bedroom and dials Greg, who answers his phone.
Greg: Hello?
Mike: Greg, it's Dad.
Greg: How's Carolyn?
Mike: She got through surgery just fine. The doctor said we may be able to see some improvement immediately, and she should continue to improve through the next couple months.
Greg: Good news. Mom okay?
Mike: She is.
Greg: When's Carolyn supposed to come home?
Mike: Probably Wednesday, if she does well.
Greg: Good. Anything else? I'm in the middle of studying for an exam tomorrow.
Mike: No. Do you want me to call you tomorrow night?
Greg: I'm doing a gig at the student center tomorrow. Call me Wednesday night.
Mike: Okay. Will do.
They hang up and Mike calls Marcia.
Marcia: Answers her phone. Hello?
Mike: Marcia, it's Dad.
Marcia: How's Carolyn and mom?
He explains how the surgery and recovery have gone.
Marcia: Do you need anything? I can go grab some groceries or dinner after class tomorrow if you need.
Mike: I think we're fine, but if you want, you can check with your grandmother tomorrow.
Marcia: Thanks. I think I will.
They wrap up the phone call and hang up.
The next day
Mike awakens and enters the nursery. He sees Ryan standing up in his crib, with his arms out, crying.
Ryan: Daddy!
Mike: Lifts his son out of the crib. Hey Ry, what's the matter? He feels Ryan's diaper. You need a change. No wonder you're upset. Let's get you changed.
He changes and dresses the baby and brings him downstairs. Martha and the kids are in the kitchen eating breakfast.
Martha: I've got breakfast made.
Mike: Thanks. He lowers Ryan into the high chair and gets his breakfast. Here you go, son. We've got scrambled eggs and hash browns.
Ryan: Ha brow! He giggles and eats one.
Mike: That's right. Hash browns. To his older kids. Got any plans today?
Peter: I'm working on a project at Julie's house tonight.
Bobby: I got baseball practice.
Cindy: I've got cheerleading.
Jan: I've got another debate this morning, so I'm only in school half the day.
Mike: Another one?
Jan: Yes. We won yesterday's debate against Coolidge High, and Freemont won against St. Thomas Catholic High, so now we're debating against Freemont.
Mike: Good luck!
Jan: Thanks!
Peter: Changing the subject. Did you get the project finished up?
Jan: Almost. I'll finish it up this afternoon.
Peter: Lucky. It's about to eat my lunch.
The kids finish up and head to school. Mike cleans Ryan up as Martha cleans the kitchen. He walks back into the kitchen with a freshly cleaned baby.
Mike: Here he is. I'm working in the office this morning and will go to the hospital after lunch and be there until after dinner.
Martha: Do you want me to keep dinner warm for you?
Mike: No. I'll eat with Carol tonight.
He starts to pass Ryan to his grandmother, but he clings to his father and begins screaming.
Mike: Aww! I'm sorry, Ry. Daddy's got to get to work. He puts a few kisses on Ryan's cheeks. Daddy's got to go.
Martha: C'mere, kiddo.
Mike: To Ryan. You and Gramma are going to have so much fun today.
Ryan: Daddy. He buries his face in his father's shoulder.
Mike: I know, son. He kisses his son on the temple. I'll see you tonight. Now, go see your Gramma.
Ryan reluctantly allows Martha to take him.
Martha: Mouths. Go. To Ryan. We're gonna have a lot of fun. Let's see what's in your toy box. Okay?
Ryan: Pitiful. Uh huh.
Mike sneaks out of the house and goes to work.
At the hospital
After finishing up a project, Mike's able to go to the hospital after lunch. He sees Carol rocking Carolyn.
Mike: Hi Honey!
He gives his wife a peck on the lips.
Carol: Smiles. You off this afternoon or is this just your lunch break?
Mike: I'm off this afternoon. I finished the project early, so I'm free. He kisses his daughter on the top of her head. So, how's she been doing?
Carol: She's slept most of the morning. She woke up for a late breakfast, but she's gone back to sleep.
Mike: Any pain?
Carol: Looks down at her daughter. None that I can tell. The nurses have kept the pain medication going, so she seems to be comfortable.
Mike: Good!
Carol: How are the kids?
Mike: Ryan didn't want me to leave this morning.
Carol: Oh?
Mike: Your mom and I had a time this morning, because he clung to me and cried.
Carol: Face falls. Poor little guy. This is the first time they've been separated.
Mike: And he's missing his mommy.
Carol: And his daddy.
Mike: Changes the subject. Has the doctor talked about her coming home tomorrow?
Carol: Not yet. The nurse said he'll do his rounds this evening. She shifts a little. Mike, can you take her for a few? Mother Nature's been yelling at me, and I need a shower.
Mike: Sure. Receives his daughter. C'mere, Kitten. Carolyn snuggles into his shoulder. Daddy's got you.
Carol: Thanks.
Carol gathers her belongings and goes into the bathroom. Mike settles into the rocking chair.
Mike: Hey kiddo. How are you feeling? Your brothers and sisters miss you, especially Ryan. I told him you'll be home soon. I'm glad you had a good night last night.
Carol finishes in the bathroom, changes into fresh clothes, and steps out of the bathroom. Mike and Carolyn are asleep in the rocking chair. She smiles. "I love this man!" Mike stirs and awakens.
Mike: Looks at Carolyn. She still asleep?
Carol: Seems to be.
Carolyn stirs and opens her eyes.
Mike: Well, hello Kitten! Did you have a good nap?
Suddenly, she scrunches up her face, holds her ears and screams.
Carol: I'll call the nurse. It's probably time for her pain medication.
She presses the call button while Mike rocks his daughter.
Nurse: Answers the call light. May I help you?
Carol: Carolyn Brady's needing her pain medication.
Nurse: I'll send someone right over.
Carol: To Mike. Why don't you let me take her?
Mike: Are you sure?
Carol: Yes. I'll nurse her after she gets her medication. It seems to help with the pain too.
The nurse comes in with the medication. Mike's walking a screaming Carolyn.
Nurse: Hears Carolyn crying. Aww! I'm sorry, Little Miss! I've got your pain medication. Administers the medication. There, sweetheart, this will help make you feel better.
Mike: Smiles. Thank you.
Nurse: My pleasure. Is there anything else I can do for you?
Mike: I think that's all. Thank you.
Nurse: About to leave. If you need anything else, just let me know.
She leaves the room. The medication begins to take effect and Carolyn calms down.
Carol: Mike, let me take her. I need to nurse her.
Mike: Passes the baby over. Go see your mama. Have you had lunch yet?
Carol: Sits in the rocker and nurses Carolyn. Here you go, sweetie. To Mike. No, but the lunch trays should be here in a few.
As if on cue, an aide brings in a tray and sets it up on the bedside table.
Carol: Thank you.
Aide: You're welcome.
She leaves the room and Carol begins eating.
Carol: You eat lunch yet?
Mike: Yes. I ate on the way over.
As Carol eats lunch, Carolyn falls asleep.
Carol: Mike, can you take her?
Mike: Lifts Carolyn out of Carol's lap. C'mere, Kitten. Let's put you down so you can get some rest.
He lays her in her hospital crib. The couple relax together. A couple hours later, the doctor knocks on the door and enters.
Audiologist: How's Carolyn today?
Carol: She seems to be pretty comfortable. She did seem to be in some pain around lunchtime, but the nurse gave her the noon dose of medication and she fell asleep pretty quickly.
Audiologist: Good. He examines the baby and reviews her chart. If all goes well tonight, I see no reason for her not to go home tomorrow. I'll be doing my rounds again this time tomorrow, and if she's still doing well, I'll sign her release papers.
Carol: Thank you.
After dinner
Mike goes back home after he and Carol have dinner together. He walks into the family room and sees Jan, Bobby and Cindy watching TV.
Jan: How's Carolyn?
Mike: Doing well. The doctor said she may be coming home tomorrow.
Cindy: Great!
Bobby: Grandma's got Ryan. He's been fussy all day.
Mike: Concerned. Oh?
Bobby: Yeah.
Mike: I'll go check on them. 'Night. Don't stay up too late.
Cindy: We won't.
Mike: Where's Peter?
Bobby: Rolls his eyes. He's out on a date with Julie.
Jan: Annoyed and addresses Bobby. He and Julie have a project due tomorrow, so he's been over at her house working on it. He said he'd be home by ten.
Mike: Okay. I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Bobby: 'Kay.
Mike leaves and the kids continue to talk.
Bobby: Doubting. School project? I bet his only "project" (he does finger quotes) is Julie.
Jan: Rolls her eyes. For your information, Robert, I had the same project and I got it done this afternoon. I had part of the day free because of my debate this morning, so I could finish it early. He's had archery practice and tournaments lately, so he got a bit behind.
Bobby: Dismissive. Whatever. I still think he and Julie are going to get in a heap of trouble.
Cindy: Annoyed. Would you two knock it off? I'm trying to watch TV.
The three fume and resume watching their program. Peter opens the family room sliding glass door.
Bobby: Sarcastic. Well, if it isn't Romeo? Have fun with Juliette?
Peter: Who got your knickers in a wad?
Jan: Ignore him. Did you get your project finished?
Peter: Relieved. Yeah. It took awhile. It wasn't easy.
Jan: It just about ate my lunch too.
Peter: Dad home?
Cindy: Yeah. He got in awhile ago. He and Grandma are up with Ryan.
Peter: How's Carolyn?
Cindy: She may get to come home Wednesday.
Peter: That's good. Pauses. Well, I'm beat. 'Nite.
He leaves and the three finish up their program.
In the nursery
Mike goes upstairs and sees Martha walking a fussing Ryan.
Mike: Want me to take him?
Martha: Startles. Oh! When did you get home?
Mike: Just now.
Ryan: Whimpers. Daddy!
Mike: C'mere, son.
Ryan leans over and wraps his arms around his father.
Mike: You look like you don't feel good. Feels his forehead. You're warm.
Martha: He's had a fever and been fussing all day. He threw up a few times.
Mike: Feeling guilty. And I thought he was just missing Carolyn.
Martha: I called Dr. Porter and she said it's just a stomach virus.
Mike: Addresses Ryan. I'm sorry, little guy.
Ryan sobs into his father's shoulder.
Martha: How's Carolyn?
Mike: Doing well. She had some pain today, but the medication worked quickly. The doctor said she may be able to come home tomorrow.
Martha: Great! If you'd like, I can stay over tomorrow night and help with Ryan. I know you'll have your hands full with Carolyn, and I know you guys don't want her catching this.
Suddenly, Ryan wretches and covers Mike's shoulder and back.
Mike: Rubbing his back. Shh. It's okay, Ry.
Martha: Let me take him.
Mike: I've got him.
Martha: All right. I'll get your bedroom and the nursery cleaned and disinfected tomorrow.
Mike: Thank you for everything. To Ryan. C'mon, son. Let's get you cleaned up.
Mike carries his son into the Master bathroom, bathes him, changes him into clean pajamas, and puts him down for the evening.
The next day
Mike spent the night up and down with Ryan, and decides to work from home for the morning. He brings Ryan and the port-a-crib into his office, while Martha cleans and disinfects the Master bedroom and bath, and nursery. Afterwards, she knocks on the office door.
Mike: Come in.
Martha: How's everything going?
Mike: Looks over at his son. He's been asleep for awhile.
Martha: Throwing up anymore?
Mike: Not since about six this morning.
Martha: That's a relief. You going up to the hospital after lunch?
Mike: As soon as I finish this up, I'll go on over.
With a few more strokes of his pencil, he declares the sketch done.
Mike: Well, it's done.
Martha: Can you help me move Ryan and the crib into the family room?
Mike: Sure.
Martha lifts a sleeping Ryan out of the crib and Mike moves the crib into the family room. Ryan stirs, so Martha sits in the rocker.
Martha: Mouths. Go on. I've got him.
Mike: You sure?
Martha: Yes.
Mike: All right. Thanks.
At the hospital
Mike enters Carolyn's hospital room and sees Carol bouncing Carolyn on her knee.
Carol: Father and Mother and Uncle John Rode to the doctor, one by one. Father fell off, She slides Carolyn to one side. Mother fell off, She slides her to the other side. And Uncle John rode on and on. And on and on and on!
Carolyn giggles. Carol looks up and sees her husband.
Carol: Hi, honey!
Mike: Gives her a quick peck on the lips. Looks like someone's feeling better today. Hi Kitten! He kisses the baby on the top of her head.
Carol: She slept through the night and has been playing all morning. Studies her husband and grows concerned. You look tired. Is everything all right at home?
Mike: Ryan was up all night with a stomach virus.
Carol: Oh no! Feels a bit guilty. How is he?
Mike: He seems to be feeling better. He hasn't thrown up since six this morning. I worked from home.
Carol: Poor little guy. Mom has him?
Mike: Yes...and she cleaned and disinfected our room and bathroom and the nursery.
Carol: So, how will we work this tonight? We can't put both kids in our room. Carolyn doesn't need to be exposed to it.
Mike: Kisses her on the cheek. You don't need to worry about a thing. Your mother said she'd stay over tonight and keep Ryan with her.
Carol: I don't want her getting sick. We can take care of both kids.
Mike: I said the same thing, but she wouldn't hear of it.
The doctor knocks on the door and enters.
Audiologist: How's Carolyn today? Smiles. Hi, kid! He tickles the baby's chin.
Carolyn grins and laughs.
Audiologist: She looks like she's feeling pretty good.
Carol: She slept through the night and played all morning.
Audiologist: Great! He examines the baby and reads her chart. How would you like to go home today?
Carol: Pretending to speak for Carolyn. I think we'd love to.
Mike: Her twin brother has a stomach virus. Is that a problem?
Audiologist: Try to keep them separated, but if she gets it and spikes a high fever or appears dehydrated, call me immediately.
Carol: Diluted apple juice okay? That's what I used with my older girls.
Audiologist: Diluted is fine. Just don't give it to her straight. It's got too much sugar in it. Is your son still vomiting?
Mike: He stopped around six.
Audiologist: I'd go ahead and give him diluted apple juice, and if he wants something to eat, saltine crackers, until tomorrow.
Mike: Thanks.
Audiologist: Let me get the papers drawn up and then you'll be free to go. Bring her in Monday morning around nine.
Carol: Do we need to change the packing in her ears? And what about bathing?
Audiologist: I'll take it out Monday, but if it falls out, it's fine. And sponge baths until Monday. If she needs a full bath, try not to get her ears wet. And if she seems to be in pain, baby aspirin should be fine.
Carol: Thank you.
The audiologist leaves the room.
Carol: I'll get her nursed and then I'll get her stuff together.
Mike: I'll call your mom and then pack.
While Carol sits in the rocker and nurses her daughter, Mike calls the house.
Martha: Answers the phone. Hello, Brady residence.
Mike: Martha, it's Mike. How's Ryan?
Martha: He threw up a few minutes ago, but he's asleep right now.
Mike: Face falls. Goodness.
Martha: How's Carolyn?
Mike: We're on our way home soon. The doctor is signing her release papers right now.
Martha: Have you eaten lunch?
Mike: Yes. Carol ate here at the hospital and I grabbed lunch on the way over.
Martha: All right.
Mike: We'll see you in about an hour.
They hang up.
Carol: How's Ryan?
Mike: He's still throwing up.
Carol: Sighs. Poor kid. I know he's miserable. Sighs. And poor mom!
Carolyn finishes up as Mike packs everything up. The nurse arrives with a wheelchair.
Nurse: I've got her discharge papers right here. If she seems to be in pain, give her a couple baby aspirin, don't get the inside of her ears wet, and the doctor will see you Monday morning at nine.
Carol: Receives the papers and gets in the chair, with Carolyn in her arms. Thank you.
Mike: I've got the suitcases.
The nurse wheels Carol and Carolyn outside. Mike pulls the car up. Carol buckles Carolyn into her car seat and gets into the front passenger side. Mike places the suitcases in the trunk and then drives home.
-End of Chapter 36-