Chapter 52

A/N—Again, I'm taking a few risks in this chapter. Again, just go with me here. Thanks! Mid-October. Homecoming week! The twins are twenty-two months old.

At Westdale High School.

The school day is just beginning. Principal Booker, the new principal at the school, makes an announcement over the P.A. System.

Principal Booker: May I have your attention please? We have tallied up yesterday's votes for homecoming court. The results in some of the contests were very close, so two recounts were needed. In tenth grade: Martha Pope, Deanna Tripp, and Sylvia Perry. In eleventh grade: Shelley Jenkins, Charlene York, and Theresa Fields. In twelfth grade: Jan Brady, Dawn Frank, and Beth Gonzales. Congratulations to this year's nominees.

Jan and Beth squeal with delight.

Beth: Oh my goodness! We both made it in!

Jan: This is so exciting!

The teacher calls the class to order.

Teacher: Congratulations, Jan and Beth.

The girls smile. Meanwhile, Peter, sitting in his class, sighs, missing Julie.

Carol is at the doctor's office, getting blood work results from a routine physical she had a couple weeks previous. She sits in the exam room, thumbing through a magazine, when the doctor enters.

Doctor: Mrs. Brady. How are you?

Carol: I'm doing well. Feeling fine.

Doctor: Glad to hear. Sits at the table, reading the lab results. I've got your lab results right here. Your iron count's right where we want it. Reads more results. And your hormone levels are indicative of pregnancy...

Carol: Stunned. What?

Doctor: The pregnancy test is positive. Your hormone levels indicate you're probably about eight weeks along.

Carol: Eyes wide. Oh no!

Doctor: This isn't good news?

Carol: Mike had a vasectomy six weeks ago. We'd decided our family was complete. And how can I be pregnant? I've not had any morning sickness like I had with my previous ones.

Doctor: Every pregnancy is different. Sometimes women don't have morning sickness. And, your hormone level is on the low side of normal. That can make a difference.

Carol: Alarmed. The baby is okay, isn't it?

Doctor: Smiles. Let's see how this baby is doing.

Carol lies down on the exam table and sighs, as the doctor completes his examination.

Doctor: The baby seems to be in good health. You're due mid to late May.

Carol: Just in time for two of my kids' high school graduation.

Doctor: Helps her sit up; consoling. I know this wasn't necessarily what you wanted to hear...

Carol: I know. It's just going to take some getting used to and I'm not sure how I'm going to tell Mike.

Doctor: I can't help you there, but try not to stress. It's not good for your or the baby.

Carol: Smiles. You're right.

Doctor: I want to see you in a month.

Carol: Gets off the table. Thank you.

She walks to the receptionist's desk, makes a follow up appointment, and pays.

Receptionist: We'll see you in a month.

Carol: May I use your phone?

Receptionist: Sure. It's around the corner.

Carol: Thanks. Lifts the receiver and dials Mike's office.

Mike: Michael Brady here.

Carol: Voice trembles. Mike.

Mike: Carol, is there something wrong?

Carol: Tries not to cry. Can you meet me at Woodland Park in about twenty minutes?

Mike: Still worried. Sure.

Carol: Alice is keeping the twins, so I thought this way, we could talk without any distractions.

Mike: Carol, you're scaring me.

Carol: I'll tell you there. Meet me at the Pavillion.

Mike: Okay. I love you.

Carol: I love you too.

They hang up and Carol calls Alice.

Alice: Brady residence!

Carol: It's Carol. I just got out of the doctor's office and I'm meeting Mike, so I'll be home later on. How are the twins? She hears Carolyn crying in the background.

Ryan has taken Carolyn's toy away from her and she's crying.

Alice: Ryan, give that back to your sister.

Ryan: Clutches the toy. No. My toy!

Alice: Frowns. Ryan.

Ryan: Scowls. Okay. Hands it back.

Alice: Now say you're sorry.

Ryan: Speaks and signs. I sowwy, Carowyn.

Alice: Thank you. Turns her attention back to Carol. Sorry about that.

Carol: They haven't been giving you too much trouble, have they?

Alice: No. In fact, this is the first hitch we've had all day.

Carol: Breathes a sigh of relief. That's a relief.

Alice: Take your time. I was about to feed them their lunch and put them down for their naps.

Carol: Thanks, Alice.

They hang up. Carol thanks the receptionist and goes to Woodland Park.

Woodland Park.

As Carol pulls up to the Pavilion, she sees her husband's car already parked. Her nerves begin to get to her, as she shuts off the engine.

Carol: Sighs. Well, here it goes. She rests her hand on her abdomen. Now, how to tell your father you're here.

She gets out of the car and enters the building. There's a couple couches and a coffee table by the fireplace. She sees her husband rise from one of the couches. Mike envelops her in an embrace, ending with a soft kiss.

Mike: Feeling his own anxiety. How was your appointment? You sounded worried when you called.

Carol: Let's sit first.

Mike: Okay.

They sit on one of the couches.

Carol: I got the results from the blood work I had last week.

Mike: W... wha... what did the doctor say?

Carol: I'm the picture of health.

Mike: Confused. Then, why call me and have me come down here?

Carol: You know a few weeks ago when I told you about Ken and Kathy adopting another little girl and we decided our family was complete?

Mike: Yes?

Carol: Places his hand on her abdomen. I thought I was beginning peri menopause, but I... I'm eight weeks along.

Mike: Stunned. You're... you're... you're?

Carol: Gulps. I'm pregnant.

Mike: Sighs. So, that was two weeks before my...?

Carol: Yes.

Mike: Still can't really speak. When?

Carol: The baby's due mid to late May.

Mike: Just in time for Peter and Jan's graduation.

Carol: Yes. Begins to cry. I should be happy about this baby, but right now, I'm not. I thought we were done. Our family felt complete. It's felt complete since the twins were born. Now, we'll have to juggle two and a half year old twins and a newborn. And if the twins stay in this "terrible two" stage for a long time, I don't know how I'll handle it.

Mike: Embraces his wife. We'll handle it together.

Carol: Ends the embrace and wipes her eyes. You're right. Sighs. I should've known I was pregnant when the twins ended their night time nursing a couple weeks ago.

Mike: They're almost two. They may have decided they didn't need to nurse anymore.

Carol: I've had no morning sickness, no dizziness, no breast tenderness, no nothing.

Mike: What did the doctor say about that?

Carol: He said every pregnancy's different, and my hormones are on the low side of normal, which could explain the lack of symptoms up to now.

Mike: There, you see? He did say the baby's okay, didn't he?

Carol: Sniffs. He did.

Mike: Smiles. Good.

Carol: Chuckles. You were the one who felt "old" when I told you I was pregnant with the twins. Now, I feel "old." I'll be forty-three when this baby is born.

Mike chuckles and embraces his wife again.

Mike: When do you want to tell the kids?

Carol: Not yet. This is Homecoming Week. I'd rather wait until after Homecoming's over. Besides, it'll give us a few days to get used to the idea

Mike: Okay.

Carol: I told you how I feel about the baby. How do you feel?

Mike: My head is spinning a bit from shock. I felt we were done too, and that's why I had... uh... it done. Pauses. But, now that the baby's on its way, maybe it'll be good that the twins will have a brother or sister close to their age. Maybe we'll have another little girl.

Carol: Still unsure. I'm not sure what this one is. I thought maybe Paige was a boy.

Mike: Or, maybe this one's a boy. Smiles. Guess we'll find out this Spring.

Carol: I don't know. I just don't feel as connected to this one as I did the girls, Paige, or the twins. Sighs. I feel awful about that.

Mike: You're in shock. It'll take some time.

Carol nods.

Mike: I need to get back to work. You going to be okay?

Carol: I will. I may take a walk around the park before going home. Alice has the twins and she was going to feed them lunch and put them down for their nap.

Mike: That might not be a bad idea. It may help you clear your head. Plants a gentle kiss on her lips. I love you.

Carol: I love you too.

Mike: Rises. I'll see you at supper.

They exit the building and exchange one last kiss before Mike drives back to work.

Carol: Places a hand on her abdomen. I guess it's just you and me, kid, for right now. Let's take a walk around the park before getting home to your brother and sister.

At Westdale.

It's the end of the school day. Jan and Beth talk about their homecoming plans. Shelley approaches the pair.

Shelley: Hey! Congratulations!

Beth: You too!

Shelley: Who are you going to ask to escort you?

Jan: Billy Garst.

Beth: I asked Brad Sherwood. What about you?

Shelley: I'm not sure. Lucas and I broke up. Bites her lip.

Jan: What's wrong?

Shelley: Do you think Peter would escort me?

Jan: Unsure. I don't know.

Shelley: I know he still misses Julie. I'd want to go just as friends. I don't want to get into another relationship either.

Jan: Sees her brother approaching. Well, you can ask him.

Peter: Ask me what?

Beth: Shelley has something she wants to ask you.

Shelley: Blushes. Would you be my escort for homecoming?

Peter: Uhhh.

Shelley: Quickly. I mean, as friends. I just broke up with Lucas and you're missing Julie...

Peter: Reluctant. I dunno.

Shelley: I'm not ready to be in another relationship. I just want to go as friends.

Jan: Maybe we could triple date?

Peter: Relents. Okay.

Shelley: Relieved. Great!

Peter: Feeling awkward. I've got archery practice, so I'll see you later.

Shelley: 'Kay.

Peter walks off.

At Marcia's Duplex.

Jan calls home after school and drives to Marcia's duplex. She knocks on the door and Suzy Norris answers.

Suzy: Hey Jan! Come on in!

Jan: Is Marcia home?

Suzy: She's running late, but she should be here So, would you like anything to drink?

Jan: I could use a glass of water.

Suzy: Fixes her a glass, and they sit on the couch. So, Marcia said this week, you guys voted on homecoming court.

Jan: Yes. I got nominated again.

Suzy: Congratulations!

Jan: I can't believe I've gotten nominated three times. It's crazy!

Suzy: Well, you've got a lot of friends at Westdale.

Jan: Still, it's such an honour.

Suzy: You deserve it. Do you know what dress you're going to wear?

Jan: I don't know.

Marcia: Enters the house. I know the perfect dress for you. I saw it at that gorgeous dress shop on Main Street.

Jan: What colour?

Marcia: It's a blue velveteen maxi Dress with a deep V neckline at front and back. The bodice is lined in taffeta rayon. I thought we could add some sequins along the neckline. You could add a simple drop necklace and earrings and complete the outfit.

Jan: Chuckles. You've got this all figured out.

Marcia: I'm serious!

Jan: You didn't even know I'd been nominated for homecoming court.

Marcia: I had a feeling you would be. Let's go shopping, sis!

Jan: Excited. Okay!

Marcia: Suzy, wanna come with?

Suzy: Sure!

The three go to the shop and Marcia shows her sister the dress.

Jan: I love it!

Suzy: Try it on!

Jan: Tries it on and shows her sister and her friend. Well?

Marcia: You look divine! Finds the perfect sequined chord and pins it against the neckline. This is what I was talking about. How do you like it?

Jan: I like it.

Suzy: It really makes it pop.

Marcia: Sure! I could sew it on tonight and have it done by tomorrow.

Jan: Sounds good!

Jan changes back into her clothes, pays for the dress and they go back to Marcia's apartment.

Marcia: Go ahead and try it on, so I can fit the sequins.

Jan does as instructed and Marcia begins pinning the cords.

Marcia: Suzy, what do you think?

Suzy: Perfect! Excited. Jan, it's going to be beautiful!

Marcia: Finishes pinning. Okay, change out of it so I can get to sewing.

Jan: Changes back into her clothes and looks at her watch. I gotta get back home.

Marcia: Tell mom I'll see her tomorrow.

Jan: 'Kay and thanks!

At the Brady House.

The Bradys have finished dinner and are watching TV in the family room when Jan arrives home.

Carol: Hi! Did you and Marcia have a good time?

Jan: We did... Smiles. ...and we found a great dress for homecoming.

Carol: Excited. You got nominated again!

Jan: I did.

Mike: Hey! Congratulations!

Jan describes her dress, including the alterations Marcia is adding.

Carol: I can't wait to see it.

Jan: I'm sorry we didn't take you with us, but I had to jump on it. It was on clearance and I was afraid it wouldn't be there tomorrow.

Carol: That's okay. I know it's lovely.

Carolyn lies on a blanket on the floor and becomes very still.

Cindy: We're debuting a new routine. It's not a very difficult one, but I think it's the best one yet. Millicent and Cassie choreographed it.

Jan: Can't wait to see it!

Mike: The coach approve it?

Cindy: She did. After what happened at the opening game, the coach asked us to scale things back.

Mike: Sounds wise.

Jan: Well, I need to finish up my homework. I got most of it done in study hall.

Carol: We saved you a plate if you want to warm it up.

Jan: Thanks.

Soon, Ryan becomes still.

Mike: I think we've got two little ones who are ready for bed.

Jan leaves the room. Mike and Carol carry the twins to bed. Carol changes Ryan while Mike changes Carolyn. The twins remain asleep as they lay them down in their beds. Mike turns off the lights and they go to their bedroom.

Mike: How are you?

Carol: Changes into her nightgown. My head is still spinning.

Mike: Brushes his teeth. Oh?

Carol: I'm not ready for another baby. Sighs. I suppose I've got thirty-two weeks to get ready for this one. We've got two in college, two graduating, two almost in high school, and two toddlers, and now, we'll have a newborn this Spring.

Mike: Cheeky. Unless we have twins again.

Carol: Horrified. Oh no, Mike Brady, don't you even!

Mike: Gives her a quick peck on the lips. I'm just teasing with you. Embraces his wife. I know this isn't what we'd planned, but it'll be fine.

Carol starts to speak, but Mike interrupts her.

Mike: We felt unprepared for twins, and then Carolyn's hearing loss, and we've handled that fine. We'll handle having another child fine too.

Carol: Smiles weakly. I love this baby already, but...

Mike: But right now, it's hard thinking about it.

Carol: Yes. Climbs into bed. I still want to wait until after homecoming to tell the kids.

Mike: Turns off the lights and climbs into bed. I think that's best.

Carol: I don't want to steal Jan's thunder. Smiles. I hope she wins Queen this year.

Mike: Me too.

Carol: Yawns. I can't hold my eyes open.

Mike: The two of you are tired. Places a gentle hand on her abdomen. Get some sleep. I love you both.

Carol: I love you too. Goodnight.

They exchange a quick peck and quickly fall asleep.

-End of Chapter 52-