The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
Chapter 43
A/N1—Spring Break. BradyBunchFan517, this chapter's for you. Enjoy! I may do one more chapter before I go on vacation, but I doubt it. I'll resume writing after I get back.
Spring Break (Monday)
The Bradys are, once again, packing on a trip. This time, there are no contests or competitions on the itinerary, which is a welcome subtraction to their schedule. Carol's in the kitchen, packing a couple coolers for the trip and Jan walks in.
Carol: Jan, do you have all your stuff packed?
Jan: Shows her the suitcase. Right here, mom.
Carol: Good. Pauses. Who has the twins?
Jan: Bobby's watching them.
Carol: Thanks.
Jan: Anything else needing to go in the car?
Carol: You can take that cooler.
Jan: Sure thing.
She picks up the cooler and loads it and her suitcase in the car. Meanwhile, Peter exits his bedroom, with his suitcase.
Carol: Go ahead and load that in the car. And could you take that box of snacks too?
Peter: Okay.
Carol: How's Julie?
Peter: How'd you know I talked to her last night?
Carol: You're dating and expecting a child. It's natural that you'd be talking to her often.
Peter: Blushes. She's feeling better.
Carol: And the baby?
Peter: The doctor checked her hormone levels Saturday. Still good.
Carol: Good news.
Peter: They're leaving for her grandparents' house today. I gave her the number to our hotel, if that's okay.
Carol: That's fine.
Peter: They'll only call if there's an emergency or something.
Carol: It's okay. I think that's wise.
Peter: Me too. Sighs. I just can't help it, but I'm worried.
Carol: I understand. I've had four pregnancies carried to term, and one lost. It's natural to be concerned.
Peter: Anxiety level shoots up. Uhhh.
Carol: Realizes she erred. Oh Peter. I didn't mean to make you nervous. She's just about into the second trimester, which means the baby is getting stronger each day.
Peter: Trying to feel better. Oh, okay.
Carol: Do you have her grandparents' phone number?
Peter: I do. She'll be at her grandparents on her mother's side until Thursday, and then she'll be at her other grandparents until Sunday. I got both phone numbers.
Carol: Well, why don't you call her once at each place, just to check in? The phone calls don't have to be long ones.
Peter: That's not a bad idea. Thanks, mom.
Peter takes his suitcase and the box out to load in the car. Cindy loads her suitcase as well. Mike walks into the kitchen.
Mike: I've got ours and the twins' suitcases. Do you need to put anything else in them or can I go ahead and load them?
Carol: Go ahead. I went over them earlier. Bobby still watching the twins?
Mike: Yeah.
Carol: Sighs. I wish he could go.
Mike: Me too, but he's been out of control lately. He's gone too far. I know he and Peter spar sometimes, but he crossed the line a long time ago.
Carol: I know. Just wish he could go. Sighs. Reminds me of when we had to leave Marcia when we took that skiing trip.
Mike: Yes. It was hard then, but we've got to be consistent.
Carol: I agree, but it's Disneyland and he's been dying to go.
Mike: He should've thought about that before he kept insulting Peter.
Carol sighs.
Mike: Carol, if we give in now, he's won.
Carol: You're right, Mike. I just don't like it.
Mike: Me either.
Carol: I'd better go check on Bobby and the twins. I've got everything ready, so as soon as I finish getting them ready, we can go.
Mike: All right.
Carol goes into Bobby's room, where he's watching the twins.
Bobby: Sullen. Still can't go, can I?
Carol: I'm sorry, Bobby. You've got to understand...
Bobby: I blew it, didn't I?
Carol: Yes, you did. Maybe now you'll learn your lesson.
Bobby: Frowns. Yeah.
Carol: Well, will you help me get your brother and sister dressed and ready? Your grandparents will be here in a few minutes to pick you up. You're all packed?
Bobby: Yes. C'mon, Ry.
He picks his brother up and Carol picks up Carolyn.
Ryan: Bobby! He wraps his arms around his brother's neck. Love Bobby!
Bobby: Chuckles. Love you too, Ry.
Bobby changes Ryan and gets him ready, while Carol gets Carolyn ready. Soon, Mr. and Mrs. Brady pull into the Bradys' driveway. Mike's arranging the luggage on top of the car.
Agnes: Hi, son!
Mike: Climbs off the bumper. Hi, mom! He kisses his mother on the cheek.
Thomas: Is Bobby ready?
Mike: Yes. He's inside. Come in.
They walk into the family room, where Peter, Jan and Cindy are watching TV.
Jan: Hi!
Agnes: Hi kids! Jan, congratulations on your win this weekend.
Jan: I didn't win. I took second.
Agnes: I know, but in my book, you won.
Jan: Grins. Thanks.
Thomas: And congratulations to you, Cindy. First at State. That's great!
Cindy: Thanks. When the judge gave me my last word, I knew I had it in the bag.
Thomas: Atta girl!
Mike: Where's Bobby?
Cindy: He and mom are getting the twins ready.
As if on cue, Carol and Bobby, each carrying one of the twins, walk into the room.
Carol: Hi, mom, dad.
Thomas: Kisses her cheek. Hi. And how are you, sweetheart?
Carol: Speaks and signs: Say hi.
Carolyn: Speaks and signs: I [hi].
Agnes: And how are you, little man?
Ryan: Waves. Hi!
Agnes: Chuckles. Aren't you the cutest?
Thomas: Bobby, are you ready?
Bobby: Sighs. I guess so. To Ryan, sad. I'll see you later, Ry. Have fun this week.
He sets Ryan down, and Ryan begins crying.
Ryan: Bobbeeeee!
Bobby: Picking his brother back up and kissing his cheek. I've gotta go.
Mike, Carol, Jan and Cindy say their goodbyes to Bobby. Peter eyes him and doesn't say a word. Bobby nods at him.
Bobby: To Carolyn, Singing and speaking: Bye, Carolyn.
Carolyn waves. Ryan fusses and clings to Bobby's leg.
Bobby: Unsure. Uhh, Dad?
Mike: Lifts his youngest son up into his arms. C'mere, Ry.
Ryan: Arms out to Bobby. Bobbeeee!
Mike: Mouths. Go on, Bobby.
Thomas: We'll see you guys next weekend.
Agnes: C'mon, Bobby. Ryan will be fine.
Agnes and Bobby leave the house. Thomas lingers for a second.
Thomas: Don't worry, son. I've got some chores for him. I've got a friend who needs some help with his vineyard. I think it'll be good for him. You know Larry Perkins. Your mother and I used to take you and your brother and sister there.
Mike: I remember.
Thomas: He invited Bobby to work in the vineyard this week, and I thought that would be a good idea. That way, he can do something productive instead of basic chores.
Mike: Thanks, Dad.
Thomas leaves. As soon as Mike's parents and Bobby leave, Mike corrals the family.
Mike: All right. One last pit stop, everyone, and then we'll be off.
Carol: Peter, can you take Carolyn?
Peter: Sure. Receives his sister. C'mere, sis.
Carolyn: Signs and Speaks: EEET! [Pete]
Peter: Chuckles. Yes.
Mike: Let's get these two loaded in their car seats.
Mike and Peter load the twins and Carol, Jan and Cindy walk out of the house. Carol locks up.
Carol: Okay, we're ready.
Peter and Jan get in the back seat, with Ryan in between them. Cindy lounges in the pop up seat, and Carolyn's buckled in the front between Mike and Carol.
Mike: Disneyland, here we come!
Disneyland Hotel
The Bradys pull into Disneyland Hotel and check in. Because Bobby isn't with them on the trip, Mike booked two rooms: one for him, Carol and the twins, and the other for Peter, Jan and Cindy. They unpack and prepare to go to the park.
Carol: Taking her clothes out of the suitcase. Oh Mike! I'm so excited to be here!
Mike: Smiles. You and the other three big kids.
She peers into the stroller and sees that the twins are asleep.
Carol: Lemme get the diaper bag packed and I'll be ready.
Mike: Okay.
He envelops her in an embrace and plants a soft kiss on her lips. She moves in and deepens the kiss.
Carol: Mmmm!
She runs her hands through his hair and he snakes his hands down her back. The phone rings and the couple startles apart. Mike answers the phone.
Jan: Dad, we'll be ready in about fifteen.
Mike: All right. Just knock on our door when you're ready.
Jan: Okay.
They hang up. Mike moves in and plants a passionate kiss on his wife's lips.
Mike: I've got Wednesday night reserved for just the two of us. He places soft kisses down her neck.
Carol: Melts in his embrace. Really?
Mike: I've got it all arranged. The kids will keep the twins. I've already arranged room service for them that night.
Carol: Kisses him. Oh Mike. You think of everything.
They hear a knock and Mike opens the door to reveal Peter, Jan and Cindy.
Cindy: I can't wait to ride the monorail! Will we get to ride it?
Mike: Yes. That's how we'll get into the park. The station is right outside the hotel.
Cindy: Excited. Great! I can't wait to ride Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, The Matterhorn, and the Haunted House.
Jan: I can't wait to ride the Pirates of the Caribbean.
Peter: I'm also wanting to do the People Mover, both Autopias and the Skyway.
Mike: And you'll get to do all of them.
Jan: What about the twins?
Mike: You three are old enough to go on your own, so you'll get to do some things without the four of us. We'll have to come back early and return later because of their naps. So, you'll be able to stay and ride if you want.
Carol: We'll come up with meet up sites.
Cindy: Thanks!
Mike: Well, let's head on out!
The Bradys make their way to the Hotel Monorail station and ride to the park. As they approach the Tomorrowland station, their excitement grows exponentially.
Jan: Can we do the People Mover first?
Mike: Sure. We can all do that one together.
They visit the People Mover first, then go to Tomorrowland's Autopia, and then Mission to Mars.
Cindy: I want to do the Matterhorn next.
Carol: How 'bout the Submarine Voyage next? You guys can do the Matterhorn later.
Cindy: A bit disappointed. Oh, all right.
They ride Submarine Voyage and then do the Skyway to Fantasyland. Mike and Carol had to take the twins out of the stroller in order to board the ride. Mike holds Ryan, Carol holds Carolyn, and Jan brings the stroller.
Peter: What next? Mr. Toad's Wild Ride?
Carol: I'll sit this one out with the twins.
Ryan and Carolyn awaken and begin to fuss.
Jan: Mom, if you want, I can sit out with you while Dad rides.
Cindy: And then I can sit out so you and Jan can ride.
Mike: Rocking a fussing Ryan. I'll sit out this time. You kids go on ahead. We can ride it another time.
The kids wind up riding it twice, as the ride was basically a walk-on. Then, they hit the Mad Tea Party, twice and Carousel once.
Cindy: Laughing. I think my head is spinning after all that spinning around.
Jan: No kidding! I can't even walk straight.
Carol: Did you guys have fun?
Jan: Oh yes!
Peter: I thought I could spin those cups fast.
Carol: Curious. Oh?
Peter: Impressed. Cindy's a fiend on those things.
Cindy: What can I say?
Peter: Where to next?
Carol: I think we need dinner.
Mike: I say we head back to the hotel and grab dinner at the restaurant there.
Jan: Can we come back tonight?
Mike: You guys can. We'll stay at the hotel. These two need a bath and to go to bed.
Cindy: Can we stay and watch the fireworks show at closing?
Mike: Thinks it over. The show is at midnight.
Jan: I know it's after curfew, but couldn't you make an exception for this week?
Mike: I think so.
Cindy: Excited. Thanks!
The Bradys eat their dinner, and then Peter, Jan and Cindy board the monorail back to the park. Mike and Carol take the twins back to the hotel room. Carol sets a blanket and toys up for the kids. She sets the twins on the blanket.
Carol: There you go, kids!
Mike joins them and begins planting kisses on Carol's neck.
Carol: Giggles. Mike! Can't control yourself for one minute?
Mike: I just thought while the older kids are watching the fireworks at the park, we could make a few fireworks of our own.
Carol: Eyes twinkling. I like how you think.
She leans in and gives him a peck.
Wednesday
The Bradys, minus Bobby, toured Frontierland, Adventureland and Mainstreet on Tuesday, which means they decide to head to Balboa Island.
Jan: What are we going to do at the Island?
Mike: I thought we'd take the ferry over to the island. They've got a pier, beach and a few shops there.
Peter: Can we go surfing?
Mike: I don't see why not.
Cindy: Great! I'd like to try it.
Jan: You should be a natural at it. After all, you and Bobby did all those swim camps while you were at Clinton Elementary.
Cindy: Sometimes I miss doing those.
Jan: You could always do another.
Cindy: Maybe so.
Carol: Mike, can you put some extra diapers in the diaper bag? We didn't have quite enough yesterday.
Mike: Got 'em. Do we need bottles and jars of baby food?
Carol: No. We can feed them some of our lunch and I'll nurse them too. We'll need the baby food for when the kids babysit.
Mike: We ready?
Carol: Lifting Carolyn and placing her in the stroller. Jan, can you get Ryan?
Jan: Sure. Lifts Ryan and places him in the stroller. C'mon, Ry.
They get in the car and drive to the Balboa Island Ferry. Mike sets up the stroller while Cindy and Carol settle the twins in.
Peter: I've got the diaper bag.
He waits on a sarcastic response and realizes Bobby's not there. Jan notices.
Jan: Whispering to Peter. Bobby's not here.
Peter: Breathes a sigh of relief. I was waiting for, "Better get used to it! You'll be carrying one around for a long time."
Jan: He really got to you, huh?
Peter: Yeah.
Jan: Well, he's not here right now, so you can relax.
Mike: To Jan and Peter. Come on, you two! We've got to get on the ferry.
They board the ferry and cross to the island. First, they explore the pier and some of the shops. Then, the older three rent surfboards and go surfing, while Mike and Carol watch them under a canopy. Ryan and Carolyn explore the sand, running their hands in the sand.
Carol: You like the sand?
Ryan giggles as he grabs handfulls. Carolyn picks at it, shaking it off her hands.
Mike: Chuckles. I don't think Carolyn likes it.
Meanwhile, back at the vineyard
Bobby's spending his second day tending to grapes at a vineyard his grandparents' best friends own.
Bobby: Mr. Perkins, which field are going to today?
Mr. Perkins: We're going to the north field. We've got to prune these back.
Bobby: How come?
Mr. Perkins: Well, these are a new crop of vines and the winter was hard on them. We've got to prevent them from producing a crop because they need another year or two to strengthen their root system.
Bobby: Oh, okay.
Mr. Perkins: Let's go. You did a good job yesterday with irrigating the south field, so let's see how you fare at cropping.
Bobby accompanies Mr. Perkins and some of the vineyard employees to the north field. Mr. Perkins shows him how to prune the vines.
Mr. Perkins: Okay Bobby. Now, you try.
Bobby: Prunes a vine. Like this?
Mr. Perkins: Just right! You may make a great vineyard worker or owner if you keep this up.
Bobby: Thanks!
That evening, Mrs. Perkins fixes dinner for Mr. Perkins, herself, Bobby, and Thomas and Agnes Brady.
Thomas: How's he doing?
Mr. Perkins: You've got one fine grandson there. You and your son should be real proud of him.
Agnes: Tousles Bobby's hair. We are.
Bobby: What do you have planned for tomorrow?
Mr. Perkins: We'll get some mulch and manure spread on the north field and then Friday, we'll work on the nets on the south field.
Mrs. Perkins: Are you sure? That sure is a lot.
Mr. Perkins: Smiles at Bobby. He can do it.
Bobby: Smiles. Sure, I can.
Back at the Island
After a long day of surfing, relaxing and exploring, the Bradys make their way back to the hotel. The twins are napping in their playpen.
Mike: Your mother and I are going to the restaurant in the hotel, and then to the park. We'll be back after the fireworks show.
Carol: Since you're keeping the kids, if you want, you can watch the fireworks from our balcony. It has a really good view of them.
Mike: Well, we're off.
Cindy: Have a good time!
Carol: I set out dinner for the twins, and if you want, you're welcome to give them some of your dinner as well.
Jan: Don't worry about a thing. We've got everything covered.
Carol: Thanks, guys.
Mike: Looks around. Where's Peter?
Jan: He's calling Julie.
Carol: Good. Just make sure he comes back and helps you out with the kids.
Jan: We will.
Mike: We'll be back around one.
Cindy: All right! Have a good time!
They leave, and shortly thereafter, Peter returns to Mike and Carol's room.
Jan: How's Julie and the baby?
Peter: Good. She's feeling better and the baby's doing well.
Jan: That's a relief.
Peter: Lets out the breath he was holding. Yeah.
At the park, after dinner
Mike and Carol stroll, hand in hand, through Disneyland park. First, they take a couple rides on the Matterhorn. Then, they ride the Skyway to Fantasyland.
Carol: Looking at the park below. The view is gorgeous!
Mike: It is.
Carol: Snuggles into her husband. I could ride this all day.
Mike: Kisses his wife's cheek. I could too.
They land in Fantasyland. Reluctantly, they disembark the ride and ride each side of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and then the Tea Cups. Carol staggers off the ride.
Carol: Oh! That last ride made me dizzy.
Mike: Chuckles. How 'bout we tackle It's a Small World?
Carol: That's about my speed right now.
Back at the hotel
The twins awaken, ready for dinner. While Jan feeds Carolyn, Cindy tries to feed Ryan. However, he's not having any of that. Instead, he fusses until Peter feeds him.
Peter: Okay Ryan. I'll feed you your dinner.
Ryan: Smiles. Love Peet!
Peter: Chuckles. You know just how to get your way, huh?
Ryan: Yes.
Peter chuckles as he cuts up his meal.
Jan: Ryan, you're too much!
Ryan: Uch!
Carolyn: Signs: More!
Jan: All right! Let me get some of this cut up for you. To Cindy. Cindy, can you get some more ice? We're out and our drinks have gotten warm.
Cindy: Okay.
As she grabs the ice bucket and starts to leave, Carolyn holds her hands out and fusses.
Cindy: Smiles. C'mon, Carolyn.
She lifts her sister up, puts her on her hip and goes to fill the ice bucket. Peter and Jan talk.
Peter: What is it with the twins fussing when someone leaves?
Jan: Chuckles. It's just a stage they're in.
Ryan: Tired of being ignored. Peet! My Peet!
Peter: Yes, Ryan.
Ryan: Wraps his arms around his brother. My Peet!
At the Park
Activity at the park is winding down, as the fireworks show is about to begin. Mike and Carol find a place where they have a good view of the show.
Carol: Leans her head on her husband's shoulder. What a great week!
Mike: It really is.
Carol: It's gone by so quickly. Sighs. I wish Bobby could've come with us.
Mike: Me too. I hope that this week working instead of vacationing gets through to him.
Carol: I hope so too. Pauses. I hope Julie and the baby are still okay.
Mike: Is he going to call her tonight?
Carol: Yes. Sighs. What a big responsibility they've put on themselves.
Mike: He's got a good head on his shoulders. It'll be hard, but he'll be an excellent father.
Carol: I'm really proud of how attentive he's been.
Mike: So am I. Kisses her on the cheek. Now, no more talk about the kids.
Carol: Smiles. All right.
Mike plants soft kisses on her neck as the fireworks show begins.
Saturday
Bobby finishes the week at the vineyard. Although it was tough going at first, he's found he really enjoys working at Mr. Perkins' vineyard. After he and Mr. Perkins finish for the day, Mr. Perkins sits Bobby down to talk.
Mr. Perkins: Come on in to my office so we can talk.
Bobby: Yes, sir.
Mr. Perkins sits in one of his chairs in front of his desk and invites Bobby to sit in the other.
Mr. Perkins: Your grandfather was telling me that you and your older brother are having some issues with each other.
Bobby: Gulps. Uh, yes sir.
Mr. Perkins: Can you tell me what's going on, son?
Bobby: I know I've been giving my older brother, Peter, a hard time.
Mr. Perkins: Inhales. From what I've heard, you've really been picking on him relentlessly.
Bobby: Yes, sir.
Mr. Perkins: I'm going to just ask you this straight. What's your payoff?
Bobby: Not understanding. My what?
Mr. Perkins: Your payoff. You know, what you get out of it.
Bobby: Thinks. I get attention.
Mr. Perkins: Anything else?
Bobby: It's fun.
Mr. Perkins: Satisfied. All right. Now, what have you lost?
Bobby: Peter and I got into a fight the night of my spelling bee.
Mr. Perkins: What else?
Bobby: I had to pay for damages at the hotel.
Mr. Perkins: What else?
Bobby: I got grounded for a month.
Mr. Perkins: What else?
Bobby: My family's at Disneyland and I'm here.
Mr. Perkins: Okay, so you've gotten injured, grounded, lost money, and lost a really neat vacation. Pauses. What else have you lost? I want you to think long and hard about this one.
Bobby: Thinks. My relationship with Peter, and the trust and respect of my family?
Mr. Perkins: Points at him. Bingo. So, you've gained attention and fun, but have lost relationships, respect and trust. Was it worth it?
Bobby: I thought so at first, but I'm not so sure now.
Mr. Perkins: Uh huh. What do you think you need to do to repair your relationships, respect, and trust?
Bobby: Apologize?
Mr. Perkins: That's good, but what else?
Bobby: Quit picking on Peter?
Mr. Perkins: And?
Bobby: Promise not to pick on him again?
Mr. Perkins: Exhales. Talk is cheap. Try again.
Bobby: Work hard to earn back trust?
Mr. Perkins: You have to guess?
Bobby: I get it.
Mr. Perkins: Good. It'll take time, but if you stay focused, eventually you'll be able to repair your relationship, respect and trust with your family.
Bobby: Yes, sir.
Mr. Perkins: Smiles. You're a good kid and a hard worker.
Bobby: Blushes. Thanks.
Mr. Perkins: I know you would've rather gone with your family to Disneyland, but I have enjoyed having you work here this week.
Bobby: Thank you, sir.
Back at the hotel
The Bradys are packing to go back home.
Carol: Folding clothes and packing suitcases. I had so much fun this week!
Mike: Me too.
Carol: I'd like to do this again sometime. Maybe when the twins are a little older.
Mike: Perhaps we can.
Carol looks in the playpen and sees that the twins are asleep.
Carol: Mike, can you call the kids and see if they're just about ready?
Mike: Sure. Picks up the phone. Hey, Peter. Are you guys all packed?
Peter: Just about. Are we meeting for breakfast, or do we need to get it on our own?
Mike: Go ahead and get it on your own. Meet in our room around nine-thirty.
Peter: Okay.
They hang up. The twins stir and awaken.
Carolyn: Speaks and signs: Mah ma!
Ryan: Stands up. Mommy! Mommy!
Carol: Hi, sweethearts! You ready for breakfast?
Mike: Picks up Carolyn. Good morning, Kitten!
Carol: I'm going to nurse them this morning.
Mike: Do you want me to go get breakfast for us?
Carol: Please. To Ryan. Okay, baby boy. Let's get you some breakfast.
Ryan: Fast! Pats his mother's breast. Mommy, fast!
Carol: Chuckles. Okay, Ry.
She lowers the straps of her gown, exposing both breasts. Ryan latches on.
Carol: Ryan, slow down! Pauses. Ouch! No!
Mike: Still holding Carolyn. What's wrong?
Carol: He bit me.
Mike: Reluctant. Are you ready for Carolyn?
Carol: Yes. Hopefully she won't decide to bite me.
Mike: Kisses Carolyn on the cheek. Now, be good for your mother while I'm getting breakfast.
Carol: Giggles and receives her daughter. Oh, Mike.
Mike: Kisses her cheek. I'll be right back.
Mike leaves the room and Carol settles into her pillows.
Carol: This has been such a fun week! I can't wait to do this again when you two are older. Sighs. Promise me something, you two. Never fight with each other, and if you do fight, please make amends quickly.
At the Brady House
After leaving the hotel, and stopping by Crescent Bay for a few hours, the Bradys pull into the driveway, exhausted. Mike shuts off the car engine.
Mike: We're here. Let's get the car unloaded.
Peter, Jan and Cindy awaken.
Cindy: Groggy. What?
Carol: We're here.
Mike: Peter, Jan, can you two help me get the luggage?
Carol: Cindy, can you bring Ryan in for me?
Peter: Okay.
He and Jan get out of the back seat and grab a couple pieces of luggage each.
Cindy: Sure, mom. To Ryan. C'mere, Ryan.
Cindy carries a sleeping Ryan in as Carol brings a sleeping Carolyn inside. As Mike, Peter and Jan unload the car, Mike's parents and Bobby pull into the driveway and exit the car. Bobby remains quiet as his grandparents talk with his father.
Thomas: Hi, son. How was Disneyland?
Mike: We had a good time. The kids really enjoyed the Matterhorn and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride the best.
Agnes: Good!
Thomas: Brags. Bobby, tell your parents what you did this week.
Bobby: I learned how a vineyard is run.
Mike: How was it?
Bobby: Good.
Mike: I'm glad.
Thomas: I explained Bobby's situation to my best friend, Larry Perkins... You remember Larry and his wife, Sheila? You and your brother and sister used to pick grapes out of one of his fields every time we went over there.
Mike: Oh yeah! Patricia and Rick intentionally picked under ripe grapes and made me eat them. Pained. Oh, those were sour!
Bobby snickers at the image.
Agnes: Oh, they did?
Mike: Yes, they did and I can still taste them.
Thomas: Anyway, he invited Bobby to work in the vineyard, and I thought it would be good for him to do something productive instead of mindless chores. Charlie said he's a hard worker.
Mike: How was it?
Bobby: It was hard, but I actually enjoyed it.
Mike: Pleased. Good! I hope you learned something.
Bobby: I did... and not just about vineyards.
Agnes: That's our cue to go. Kisses her son on the cheek. Bye, son.
Mike: See you later, mom.
Agnes: To Bobby. Bye. Was so good to have you at our house this week.
Bobby: Hugs his grandmother. Thanks.
Thomas says his goodbyes. He and Agnes leave as Mike and Bobby talk.
Bobby: Remorseful. I'm really sorry about how I've been acting lately.
Mike: Oh?
Bobby: Yeah. Mr. Perkins showed me how wrong I've been and how I've betrayed your trust and respect.
Mike: Thank you. I accept your apology.
Bobby: And I know talk is cheap, so I'll do whatever it takes to earn it back. I know it won't happen overnight, but you've got my word as a Brady.
Mike: All right. And the first thing I want you to do is apologize to Peter.
Bobby: I'll do it straight away, Dad.
Bobby walks into the house and knocks on Peter's door.
Peter: Who is it?
Bobby: It's Bobby. Can I come in?
Peter: Opens the door, angry. Why should I? So you can pick on me some more?
Bobby: I want to say I'm sorry.
Peter: Not buying it. Right.
Bobby: No, really. I am sorry. I don't expect you to accept my apology.
Peter: Good, because I'm not going to.
Bobby: That's okay. I am sorry and I mean it. A... and I'm going to make it up to you.
Peter: You really hurt me.
Bobby: I know.
Peter: I'm not ready to accept it yet, but maybe in time.
Bobby: That's all I ask.
That night
Mike and Carol get ready for bed. Carol changes into her night gown and check on the twins. Both Ryan and Carolyn are awake, standing in their cribs.
Carol: Can't sleep, you two?
Ryan: Mommy, fast!
Carol: Smiles. All right. Let's go.
She picks both children up and carries them into the master bedroom.
Mike: Finishes in the bathroom. You going to nurse them tonight?
Carol: Yeah. They were wide awake and standing in their cribs. Can you get Carolyn for me?
Mike: Sure. Lifts Carolyn from her mother's arm. C'mere, Kitten.
Carol gets in bed, pulls down the straps of her gown and gets Ryan started.
Carol: Firm. Now, don't bite.
She relaxes as he begins nursing.
Mike: Ready for Carolyn?
Carol: Yes. Bring her over.
Mike places Carolyn in her mother's lap and gets in bed beside her.
Mike: It seems this week did Bobby a world of good.
Carol: Oh?
Mike: Yes. Apparently, Mr. Perkins not only had him work in the vineyard, he sat Bobby down and had a heart to heart talk with him.
Carol: Did it work?
Mike: I think so. Bobby not only apologized to me, but he also apologized to Peter, and vowed to do whatever it takes to win back our trust and respect.
Carol: Do you believe him?
Mike: I actually do.
Carol: Breathes a sigh of relief. I'm glad. I was hoping someone would get through to him.
Mike: Maybe this will be the end of their feud. Peter wasn't so forgiving.
Carol: I don't blame him.
Mike: It'll take time, but I think those two will patch things up.
The twins finish up and are asleep.
Carol: We need to get these two to bed.
Mike: Lifts Carolyn. C'mon, Kitten.
Mike and Carol carry the twins, kiss each of their cheeks and lay them down in their cribs.
Carol: Whispering. Good night, you two. I love you.
They step out of the room and Mike plants a passionate kiss on her lips.
-End of Chapter 43-
A/N2—I've never been to Disneyland California. I have been to Disney World in Florida and Tokyo Disneyland. So, I've had to do research on this specific park, so sorry if I get a few details incorrect. Same with vineyards.