The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 39
A/N1—Moving the story forward. The twins are 15 months old. This is going to be a long chapter with a lot of stuff in it. Nowadays, doctors don't gauge hearing loss in percentages, but they used to. I have tried to keep things current to mid-1970s, but there's not a lot of information on the internet about then. However, when I was in elementary school (which was in the mid-to-late1970s), I did have a good friend who was deaf, but used hearing aids. I also had a friend in high school (late 1980s) who was very hearing impaired (signed and spoke), but didn't wear aids. So, a lot of what I'm writing in this story (and the Bradys) is based on my recollections and as much research as I can find.
A/N2—I'm taking another risk here, but trust me. I know where I'm going. I was asked to include some conflict, so I am. I'd thought about going the direction I'm going, and had decided against it, at first, but I've figured out how it'll work. No, I won't have to modify my other stories to make what I'm doing here fit. I also think it helps explain some of the kids' behaviours in the Brady Brides and Bradys TV series (and also my adaptations of those).
March
It is Carolyn's follow up appointment. The audiologist has conducted another hearing test. He carries Carolyn back into the exam room and Carolyn holds her in her lap.
Audiologist: Good news.
Mike and Carol's faces light up.
Mike: Oh?
Audiologist: We've got more improvement.
Carol: Anxious. How much?
Audiologist: Eighty percent in her right ear and seventy-five percent in her left.
Carol: Excited. Will she continue to improve?
Audiologist: It's hard to say if she'll make more significant improvements. We're almost two months post-surgery. Usually the most significant gains occur up to six weeks after surgery.
Mike: You're saying it's highly unlikely she'll make more improvements?
Audiologist: She might, but yes, it's highly unlikely, given there was also significant conductive loss.
Carol: Discouraged. What about hearing aids?
Audiologist: We could try, but I'm not very optimistic.
Mike: Would it hurt if we tried?
Audiologist: It wouldn't hurt, but it may not help.
Mike: If she were your daughter, would you try hearing aids?
Audiologist: Pauses. No.
Carol looks at her husband, almost pleading with her eyes.
Mike: Is there some sort of temporary hearing aid that we could try?
Audiologist: Reluctant. I could fit her with some loaner aids, and if they work for her, then we can fit her with more permanent aids.
Carol: Decisive. Let's try it.
Audiologist: Exhales. All right. Let me get a pair of loaners and we'll go from there.
He leaves the room, enabling Mike and Carol to discuss things.
Carol: Mike, we have to try.
Mike: Agreed. We don't need to leave any stone unturned. I'd also feel better if we tried everything we can.
Carol smiles, relieved. The audiologist returns with a couple hearing aids and audiometer.
Audiologist: I brought a couple pairs here. Gets the first pair out. Let's try these first.
Carol starts to pass Carolyn to the audiologist.
Audiologist: It's okay. She can sit in your lap.
As the audiologist begins to fit the hearing aid, Carolyn fusses, turns away from the doctor, and wraps her arms around her mother.
Carol: Kisses the top of Carolyn's head. It's all right.
Audiologist: I'm going to slip this one over your right ear. Fits the right side. And now the left. Fits the left. The amplifier clips here. Clips the box to her clothing. Now I'll turn it on.
He turns it on and sets up the audiometer, fitting the headphones over the hearing aids. He conducts the test, with Mike and Carol waiting in anticipation. The test concludes and he takes the ear phones off.
Carol: Curious. And?
Audiologist: No change.
Carol's face falls, trying to hold back tears.
Audiologist: Let's try the other pair.
He repeats the process with the second pair and again, no significant change.
Audiologist: There's no significant change.
Mike: So, what you're saying is that hearing aids won't make any difference in her hearing?
Audiologist: No. It doesn't. I'm sorry.
A tear escapes Carol's eye.
Audiologist: I know this isn't what you wanted to hear, but she is a healthy and happy one year old little girl. The only thing is she has profound hearing loss.
The audiologist pauses to allow Mike and Carol to process the information
Carolyn: Pats her mother's face, then speaks and signs. Mah-ma! Mah-ma!
A tear escapes Mike's eye.
Carol: Shocked. Carolyn? Did you just say Mama?
Carolyn: Proud. Speaks and signs. Mah-ma!
The audiologist stays silent, so Mike and Carol can take in the moment. Carolyn becomes quiet and the audiologist speaks again.
Audiologist: I know she'll be okay. Your dedication to your family and your faith in God will help her grow and thrive.
Carol: Thank you. That means a lot.
Audiologist: You're welcome. Pauses. I'd like to see her again in a couple months.
Mike: Will you do another hearing test?
Audiologist: I'd like to do another one. By then, we'll have an idea of where her hearing will settle. After that, we'll see where we go from there.
Mike: Thank you.
Audiologist: Let's try for May 17th.
Mike: All right.
Audiologist: I'll see you then.
He leaves the room and Mike and Carol make the appointment and leave.
In the car
Mike and Carol get in the car and drive back home. Carol seems pensive.
Mike: Curious. A penny for your thoughts.
Carol: Sighs. They're jumbled up.
Mike: Oh?
Carol: Discouraged. I was hoping the hearing aids would work.
Mike: Me too. Pauses. He did say he didn't think they'd work.
Carol: Annoyed. I know, but I still had some hope he might have been wrong.
Mike: So did I.
Carol: I still don't know what life is going to be for her as she grows up.
Mike: She'll be loved just like the other seven. She'll have her own struggles, but so do the rest of our children.
Carolyn: Speaking and signing: Mah-ma! Mah-ma!
Carol: Chuckling. She's singing my song.
Mike: Smiling. That, she is.
Carolyn: Proud. Mah-ma! Mah-ma!
Carol: That's my sweet girl!
Meanwhile, at the Westdale
Peter is swapping out the books he used for homework and retrieves the books he needs for his first two classes, when a worried Julie approaches his locker.
Peter: Smiles. Hi!
Peter tries to give her a peck on the cheek, but she turns her head.
Peter: Confused. What's wrong?
Julie: Trying to hold back tears. Peter, we've got to talk.
Peter: Concerned. What's going on?
Julie: Looks around. Let's get out of here.
Peter: Cut class?
Julie: Shhh!
Peter: You're talking about cutting class.
Julie: Annoyed. Would you just hush?
Peter: Well?
Julie: We go to the nurse and sign ourselves out.
Peter: But I'm not si...
Julie: Cuts him off. But I am. Turns green. I'll be back.
She rushes off to the restroom. Peter waits outside the door until she exits.
Peter: Concerned. You okay?
Julie: Let's just go.
They walk to the nurse's station and convince the nurse to let them sign out. After getting their assignments collected from their teachers, they get their books and Peter drives them to Woodland Park. As soon as Peter pulls up to Lookout Point, Julie breaks into tears.
Peter: Concerned. Julie, what's wrong?
Julie: Grabs a piece of paper out of her purse. Peter, we're in trouble.
Peter: Confused. What do you mean?
Julie: Hands the paper to him. Read this.
Peter: Reads the paper and his face falls. Are you sure?
Julie: Yes! Tears stream down her face. I've been late twice.
Peter: Late?
Julie: Annoyed. You have three sisters and you don't know what that means?
Peter: Actually, I have four sisters.
Julie: Irked. Carolyn doesn't count. She's one. Pauses. You grew up with three sisters. Better?
Peter: Trying to make sense out of this. So, when?
Julie: New Year's Eve.
Peter tries calculating the months.
Julie: Nine and a half weeks.
Peter: Anxious. Uhh. Wha... what are we gonna do?
Julie: Scared. I don't know. Inhales. All I know is I'm not getting rid of it.
Peter: Exhales. Tha.. that's goo... uh good.
Julie: Good. I'm glad we're on the same page. So, what are we going to do?
Peter: Panicked. I don't know! I can't raise a kid!
Julie: Also panics. I can't either, but I can't give my kid away.
Peter: Leans back in the seat and runs his hands through his hair. Oh boy. We're in deep aren't we?
Julie: Yeah!
Peter: Consoles his girlfriend. I love you.
Julie: I love you too.
They embrace and let the tears flow.
At Dinner
Carol is still on Cloud 9 with Carolyn now talking and signing. Greg and Marcia are visiting for dinner. Peter eats his dinner in silence.
Marcia: How did Carolyn's appointment go?
Mike: Her hearing improved some, but the audiologist thinks it's just about where it's going to settle.
Jan: So, what are her percentages?
Mike: Eighty percent in her right ear and seventy-five percent in her left.
Jan: What about hearing aids? I know you guys had said the audiologist said last year that they probably wouldn't work for her.
Carol: We tried them today to see if they'd work, but they didn't.
Bobby: So, that means she'll have to use sign language?
Mike: Yes.
Carol: Excited. Carolyn did say and sign "Mama" today!
Marcia: Face lights up. She did?
Carol: Smiles. Yes.
Jan: That's great!
Meanwhile, Greg looks at Peter, concerned and makes a mental note to ask.
Carolyn: Speaks and signs: More, Mah-ma!
Later that night.
Greg and Marcia are about to leave. They're about to get in the car and Greg stops.
Marcia: What's wrong?
Greg: Contemplating. There's something going on with Peter.
Marcia: I noticed he was quiet at dinner tonight.
Greg: I'm going to go in and see what's going on. Can you wait a bit or do you need to get on home?
Marcia: I can wait. I've got my books in your car, so I'll do a little of my homework. Go on and see what's going on.
Greg: I will.
Greg walks to the back entrance of Peter's door and knocks.
Greg: Pete, it's Greg. Can I come in?
Peter: Opens the door. Sure.
Greg: Enters his room and sits on the bed. You were quiet at dinner. What's going on?
Peter: Doesn't Marcia need to get home?
Greg: She's concerned too. Something's going on and I think you need to talk about it.
Peter: Sighs as he sits on his bed. You can't tell anyone else. Pauses. Okay, you can tell Marcia, but no one else, and make sure she doesn't say anything to anyone either.
Greg: Concerned. I promise. Pauses. Do you want me to go get her? That might be easier.
Peter nods. Greg steps out, gets Marcia and the three of them talk in Peter's bedroom.
Marcia: Now, what's going on?
Peter: Sighs. I'm in major trouble. Julie's pregnant. Exhales. And I'm the father.
Greg and Marcia sit stunned.
Peter: It was only one time. It was New Year's Eve. I didn't go to the Gonzales's party because Julie and I had a date.
Greg: Frustrated. I'm only going to say this once, because I have a feeling you'll hear more of this from Dad, but I warned you to be careful... that you were heading into trouble.
Marcia: Have you told mom and dad yet?
Peter: No, and I don't know how I'm going to. Julie just told me today.
Greg: Did she tell you how far along she is?
Peter: Well, it was New Year's Eve, so that would mean she's about nine or ten weeks.
Greg: Calculating. So, that would put the baby to arrive around the first of October.
Peter: I guess.
Marcia: Do you know what she wants to do?
Peter: Probably keeping it. She doesn't want an abortion, and I don't want her to either. I want to know my kid. I don't know if I could give it away.
Greg: Well, wait until you talk to mom and dad and her folks.
Peter: Sighs. I can't believe I'm going to be a dad. I'm not ready to have a kid.
Greg: I don't envy you there.
Peter looks in his bag for one of his books and stops short.
Marcia: What's wrong?
Peter: Horrified. Oh great! My book's in the family room.
Marcia: What's so earth shattering about that?
Peter: Julie gave me a copy of the doctor's report and it's in that book.
Greg: If mom and dad find it, your cover's blown.
Peter: Exactly.
Marcia: We'll get out of here so you can go get it before mom and dad find it.
Peter: Thanks.
Marcia: Remember, we're here for you.
Peter: Thanks.
Greg and Marcia, still in shock, leave the house, get in Greg's car and drive to Marcia's duplex.
Marcia: Can you believe it?
Greg: Sighs. I was afraid of something like this happening.
Marcia: Didn't you bust those two last fall?
Greg: Yep. They were asleep in his room. I warned him something like this could happen, but I guess he didn't listen.
Marcia: Mom and dad are going to flip.
Greg: They are. Pauses. I'm glad I'm not in his shoes.
Marcia: Me too.
Meanwhile, back in the Brady House
Mike and Carol are doing a little bit of straightening up in the family room. The twins are in bed asleep and the older four are either asleep or doing homework in their rooms. Carol is grinning from ear to ear.
Mike: Teasing. You're beaming.
Carol: Teasing back. What?
Mike: You're beaming.
Carol: Gives her husband a peck on the cheek. Well, we've got a lot to celebrate. Our kids are doing well. Greg and Marcia are making the grades in college, Peter and Jan are excelling in high school, Bobby and Cindy love being in junior high, and Ryan and Carolyn are walking and talking. She sighs a contented sigh. Life is good.
Mike: Gives her a quick kiss. It is.
Carol: Grins. Carolyn said "Mama" today!
Mike: Made your day.
Carol: Of course. My baby girl said "Mama."
Mike: Kisses her lightly on the lips. Maybe she'll say or sign "Daddy" soon.
Carol straightens up some books and a piece of paper falls out of one. She picks it up.
Carol: Hello, what's this?
Mike: Curious. What?
She reads it and nearly drops it in shock.
Carol: Pained. Mike?
Mike: What is it?
Carol: Doesn't trust her voice. Just read it.
Mike: Reads it and sighs. This... this... this... Sighs. This isn't good.
Carol makes her way to the couch and sits down. Tears stream down her face. Mike joins her, still holding the paper.
Carol: Mike, what are we gonna do?
Mike: Sighs and puts his face in his hands while he regroups. I don't know. The first thing we'll do is talk to Peter about this.
Carol: Do we want to keep him out of school or talk to him tomorrow night?
Suddenly, they hear a door open. They look up and see it's Peter. He sees them and is stunned and knows he's caught.
Peter: Stunned. Uhhh.
Mike: Care to talk about this?
He sits on the other couch. Tears continue to stream down Carol's face.
Carol: Anguished. Peter?
Peter: I don't know what to say.
Mike: Frustrated. For one thing, what were you thinking? Corrects himself. On second thought, you weren't thinking.
Peter: We messed up.
Mike: You sure did.
Peter: What am I going to do?
Mike: For one thing, you're not going to run away from this. She didn't do this by herself.
Peter: I know.
Mike: Checks his watch. It's late, so you can call Julie tomorrow. The four of us need to sit down so we can figure out what to do next.
Peter: Okay. She said she doesn't want to get rid of it, and I am glad.
Carol: That's good. How... how far is she?
Peter: Nine, ten weeks.
Mike: Embraces his son. I know this is a set back, but you'll get through this. Your mother and I will be here for you.
Peter: Relieved. Thanks. Good night.
Peter leaves. Mike and Carol sit, stunned, on the couch.
Carol: Oh Mike.
Mike: Sighs. This is big. I know our kids aren't perfect, but I never dreamed this would happen.
Carol: This breaks my heart.
Mike: Mine too.
They sit in silence, holding each other, letting the tears flow.
The next day
The Brady household is buzzing at breakfast. Mike and Carol are assisting the twins with their breakfast. Bobby and Cindy are chatting about the spelling bee coming up. Peter picks at his food and Jan notices.
Jan: Mouthing. Are you okay?
Peter: Mouthing. Later.
Jan: What?
Peter: Later.
Bobby: Nothing's conflicting with the State Spelling Bee this year, is there?
Mike: Not that I can tell.
Ryan: Drops his cup. Uh oh!
Mike: Did you drop your cup?
Ryan: Uh huh!
Mike picks it up and puts it on the counter and Ryan fusses.
Mike: I think you're done, Mister.
Bobby: I hope I get higher than I did last year.
Cindy: I'm just glad I actually made it this year.
Carol: Whatever place you get, we're really proud of you two.
Carolyn: Speaks and signs: More! More!
Carol: Speaks and signs: Okay, here you go. To Jan. When's your art show?
Jan: It's the next weekend, the 19th, so there's no conflict.
Bobby: So, you both can come?
Mike: Yes.
Bobby, Cindy and Jan finish their breakfast and leave the table. Peter remains.
Mike: Have you talked to Julie?
Peter: I called her last night.
Carol: Do they know?
Peter: They do. They want us to come over tonight for dinner.
Mike: Okay.
Peter: They figured it would be easier to discuss if we went there, since Julie only has a younger sister, Katie.
Carol: Sighs. I'll see if mom or Alice can stay with the twins.
Peter: Panics. You won't tell them about this?
Carol: No.
Peter: Relieved. Thanks.
Mike: You'd better get a move on before you're late to school.
Peter: Okay.
Carol: Puts her hand on Peter's arm. Peter, we love you.
Ryan: Laughs. Love yoooooo!
Peter: Chuckles. Thanks, mom, and thank you, Ryan!
Ryan: Fank yoooo!
In the car
Jan and Peter drive to school. Today, they take Jan's car. She pulls into a parking space, turns off the engine and stops Peter before he gets out of the car.
Jan: What's going on, Pete?
Peter: Tries to dismiss it. Nothing.
Jan: It's not nothing. What's going on?
Peter: Sighs. Julie's pregnant.
Jan: Shocked. Oh my God, what?!
Peter: You can not tell anyone, not even Billy or Beth.
Jan: I won't, but pregnant?
Peter: Yes. Sighs.
Jan: When?
Peter: New Year's Eve.
Jan: When you didn't go to the party?
Peter: Yes.
Jan: Wow. This is big. I don't envy you.
Peter: Yeah.
Jan: Do mom and dad know?
Peter: Yeah. And mom, dad and I are going over to Julie's tonight to talk about it.
Jan: Good luck.
Peter: Thanks.
At the Brady House
It's time for Mike, Carol and Peter to leave for the Dunham's house. The doorbell rings.
Carol: Crosses the living room. I'll get it. She answers the door to reveal Alice. Hi! Thanks for coming.
Alice: My pleasure. You sounded frantic over the phone.
Carol: Hugs her friend. Oh Alice. I wish I could tell you, but I can't right now.
Alice: I understand. Where are the kids?
Carol: Bobby's upstairs doing his homework. Jan and Cindy have the twins in the family room. I've got to warn you, Ryan's been a bit cranky. He's been clingy to me or Jan.
Alice: So noted.
Carol: Sees Mike and Peter. Well, we've got to go. Thanks again.
The three leave and go to the Dunham's
At the Dunham's house.
Mike, Carol and Peter walk up to the door, and Mike motions for Peter to ring the bell. He rings the bell and Julie answers the door.
Peter: Nervous. Hello, Julie.
Julie: Also nervous. Hi Peter, Mr. and Mrs. Brady. Come in.
She escorts them into the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Dunham greet them.
Mr. Dunham: Hello, Mike, Mrs. Brady, Peter.
Mike: Mark, Mrs. Dunham, Julie.
Carla: The other kids watching the twins?
Carol: Yes, and Alice also came over to help. And Katie?
Carla: My mom's got her. Pauses. How are you?
Carol: Shell shocked. And you?
Carla: Us too.
Mark: Let's go ahead and talk. We can sit in the dining room.
Carla: Would anyone like some coffee?
Mike: None for me.
Carol: Thanks, but I'm fine.
Mark and Carla sit by each other and Mike and Carol sit together. Peter and Julie, nervous, take the remaining two seats beside each other. They join hands under the table.
Mark: We all know why we're here. The point is we've got to figure out what we're going to do. Both Julie and Peter have said abortion is not a choice here.
Mike: I tend to agree.
Mark: As do I. Pauses. So, we've got keeping and raising the child or placing the child for adoption. If we keep the baby, we've got to figure out who keeps the child, custody arrangements, and other details. If we place the child, we'll need to figure out what agency to use.
Julie: I want to keep the baby
Carla: You're not ready to raise a baby.
Mike: And neither are you, Peter.
Carol: What do you want to do, Peter?
Peter: I don't know. I don't want to give up the baby, but I don't know if I'd be able to raise it.
Mike: We don't have to decide everything tonight.
Mark: True. Just in case, we may want to contact a couple adoption agencies.
Mike: Sounds like a good idea.
Mark: We also need to talk about finances. Julie's going to need prenatal care. We can put it on our insurance.
Mike: But Peter's the father, so we need to chip in.
Mark: Good. We can work that out.
Mike: Just let us know.
Carol: Peter said Julie's nine or ten weeks along?
Julie: Swallows. Yes.
Carla looks at her daughter and raises an eyebrow. Julie shrugs.
Carol: Calculating. The baby should arrive in October.
Carla: That's what we're thinking.
Mark: Julie will finish out the school year at Westdale and then she'll go to the Piercy Center and stay until the baby's born.
Julie: Protesting. Dad, no!
Carla: I think that's best. We can talk about it later.
Peter: I want to be able to be a part of this.
Mark: Annoyed. You already have been a part of this.
Mike: Irked. That's enough. Both of them got themselves into this and I think it would be best if they at least kept a relationship, since it's their baby.
Carla: Agreed. Exhales. They can't make things much worse.
Carol: And if they keep the baby, they need to maintain some relationship with each other.
Mark: You're right.
Mike: I think we need to get home. The kids have school tomorrow and we probably need to take a little breather here.
Mark: Agreed. They shake hands. We'll stay in touch.
Carol and Carla embrace.
Carla: We should get together.
Carol: Yes, we should. Call me.
Peter: Nervous. I'll see you in school tomorrow.
Julie: Yes.
Peter looks at their parents questioningly. They nod, so he embraces his girlfriend.
Peter: I love you.
Julie: She takes his hand and places it on her abdomen. I love you too.
Mark clears his throat and they break apart. Then they say goodbye. The Bradys leave to go home.
In the car.
Peter breathes a sigh of relief.
Peter: Guess that went well.
Carol: Okay?
Peter: Well, Mr. Dunham didn't kill me.
Mike: Don't tempt him. Sighs. I could ground you, but I don't think that would be very effective. You've already got a job, so I expect you to put most of the money back so you can help support her through her pregnancy and save for the baby.
Peter: I figure if I save up eighty percent of my take home pay, it would be a good savings.
Carol: How did you reach that figure?
Peter: I need some money to save for my expenses, but I figure a lot of it should go toward Julie and the baby.
Mike: Very wise.
Peter: Greg, Marcia and Jan already know, so when should I tell Bobby and Cindy?
Carol: The sooner the better.
Peter: Tonight?
Mike: That might not be a bad thing.
Peter: And what about Grandma and Granddad Brady and Grandma and Grandpa Tyler?
Mike: I think we may be merciful on you there.
Carol: If you'd like us to tell them after you tell Bobby and Cindy, we can.
Peter: Sighs. Thanks.
They spend the rest of the ride in silence.
At the Brady House.
The twins are in the nursery asleep. Alice, Jan, Bobby and Cindy are watching TV in the family room. They hear the car drive up. Jan becomes concerned.
Jan: Wonder how things went?
Bobby: Confused. Huh?
Jan: I'm not at liberty to say, but if you'd lay off your sarcastic comments, it would be greatly appreciated.
The door opens. The three walk into the house. Peter is very solemn. Bobby and Cindy notice, but don't say a thing.
Carol: How were the twins?
Alice: They're asleep.
Carol: Did they give you any trouble?
Alice: No. Actually, both of them played hard.
Jan: Ryan even let me put him down so I could get my homework done.
Carol: Good news.
Mike: Looking at Peter. I think Peter's got some news to share.
Alice: Oh?
Jan looks at him with sympathy as he, Mike and Carol sit down on the couches. Mike turns off the television set.
Bobby: What's going on, Pete?
Peter: Stammering. Uhh... me and Julie... Uhh... Julie and I... Uhh...
Bobby: Did you break up?
Cindy: If they broke up, mom and dad wouldn't be in here.
Carol: Okay, that's enough. Encouraging. Go on, Peter.
Peter: I'm going to be a father.
Bobby: Shocked. WHAT?!
Cindy: Julie's pregnant?
Alice's face falls, but she doesn't say anything.
Peter: Yes.
Bobby: Tempted to be sarcastic, but refrains. Wow.
Cindy: Excited. I'm going to be an aunt?
Mike and Carol look at her quizzically.
Peter: I guess so.
Cindy: I know this isn't easy and this isn't what you wanted, but how can you not get excited about a new baby?
Peter: Grins. Well, you do have a point, Cindy.
Cindy: Stands up and gives her brother a hug. Congratulations. To her parents. I need to get to bed. Good night.
They tell her good night as she gives them each a hug.
Bobby: Congratulations, I guess.
Peter: Annoyed. What, no sarcastic remark? No, "you knocked Julie up?"
Bobby: No. I know I've teased you.
Peter: That's putting it lightly.
Bobby: I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you. I've got your back.
Peter: Thanks.
Bobby also says good night and leaves.
Jan: We can talk later. I'm here for you, big brother.
Peter: Thanks.
She leaves.
Peter: Alice?
Alice: Sighs. I'm not thrilled about this, but I think Cindy put it best when she said, "How can you not get excited about a new baby?"
Peter: Blushes. Thanks Alice. That means a lot.
Alice: Whatever I can do to be of help, just let me know.
Peter: I appreciate that.
Mike: Thanks, Alice.
Alice: Well, I need to run. Sam's going to wonder where I am.
Peter: It's okay to go ahead and tell Sam.
Alice: All right.
Carol: Stands up and embraces her friend, tears rolling down her cheeks. Thank you, Alice.
Alice: You're welcome.
Mike: Thanks again, Alice.
She leaves. Mike, Carol and Peter are still seated on the couches.
Peter: I'm going to bed. I'm beat.
Carol embraces her son.
Carol: I love you. I know we're not thrilled about all this, and we'll come around, but I just want you to know that I love you.
Mike: That goes for me too. I love you, son.
Peter: Thanks. 'night.
Mike: Good night.
Peter goes to his bedroom and Mike and Carol lock up before turning in for the evening.
Carol: Sighs. What a night.
Mike: I never thought I'd have to have one of these conversations with my son and his girlfriend and her parents.
Carol: Neither did I. Exhales. Cindy's right, but it's just going to be awhile before I can get excited.
Mike: Embraces his wife. Same here.
Carol: Besides, we don't know if they'll keep the baby or not.
They check on the twins, who are fast asleep.
Mike: I have a feeling they will.
Carol: It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that we'll have a grandchild a little less than two years younger than our youngest children.
Mike: Dawns on him. That is hard to believe... and I'm not ready to be a grandfather.
Carol: I'm not ready to be a grandmother either.
They finish getting ready for bed and turn down the covers.
Carol: When do we want to tell our parents? I don't think Peter should have to tell all the family. He's told his brothers and sisters and that's enough.
Mike: I tend to agree.
Carol: Maybe we can go out to dinner this weekend and tell them.
Mike: It's the spelling bee this Saturday.
Carol: You're right. I can call mom and dad tomorrow.
Mike: And I call mine tomorrow as well.
Carol: Slips in bed. That's good. The sooner the better.
Mike: Turns off the lights and slips in bed. I love you. Gives her a quick peck.
Carol: I love you too. She returns the kiss.
They embrace and quickly fall asleep.
-End of Chapter 39-
A/N3—Carolyn's speech will be muffled, since she can't hear very well. I'll try to type it that way, but sometimes I won't be able to do so.
A/N4—Please, no flames if you don't like the direction of the story. Simple dissent is fine though. Also, things may not be as they seem. Won't give any more hints than that. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it!