Chapter 33—Freedom
November 15th, 1999
6:10 AM
Gunnar's POV
"So how are you feeling this morning, Gunnar?" Coach asked.
"Hmm?" I asked. I was daydreaming about Adam; I could not wait to hold him in my arms.
"I asked how you were feeling this morning," Coach asked.
"Vine, I guess. A vittle vired, really." I said.
"Did you sleep much last night," Coach asked.
"No, I didn't. I vas afraid that Father would get up in the middle of night and vake me to Ísland," I said.
"He can't take you without a passport," Coach said.
"I know vhat, but vhat won't stop him. Vho knows vhat vould've happened if Draupnir wasn't here," I said.
"Speaking of Draupnir, what does he do?" Coach asked.
"He velps keep father on schedule, kind of vike a secretary I guess," I said.
"Oh, I see," Coach said.
"Vhere, are we going to put me? Do I go back to Eden Hall?" I asked.
"You are not allowed on the campus of Eden Hall until you have your doctor's appointment that allows you to come back. But Michele and I were talking this morning and we were thinking that you would be comfortable in Adam's room for the week. Since Ollie pretty much wants to kill you," Coach said.
"Veah, vut I did nothing vrong," I said.
"I know that Gunnar. I know that" Coach said.
"Vhat about Adam isn't he going to be mad that his voom vill be taken," I asked.
"Well, I don't know, we can discuss that with Adam when he comes back," Coach said.
"Vhat, do you mean comes back? I asked.
"From his run, he was warming up when I was leaving to get you from your father," Coach said.
"He stayed vhe night at home?" I asked.
"Yeah, said that he didn't want to be all alone in the dorm room. I can't blame him. We didn't rearrange the room back to the way it was from before your father's inspection. I have the feeling that with Thanksgiving so close that we probably won't move you back into the dorm until after the holiday break," Coach said.
"Oh, if it would ve all right vith vou if I sleep today?" I asked.
"Yeah sure, I don't care. Michele is going to take Han's to daycare so I can get some work done," Coach said.
"Ok," I said.
"All right here we are," Coach said as he opened the garage door. After he pulled into the Garage, turned the engine off and closed the garage door, I started to get my stuff out of the truck of the car.
"Don't worry about that Gunnar, I will have Adam and Ollie move you back in later. You need to rest today," Coach said.
"Ok," I said.
I decided that I was going to lay down on the couch in the living room while waiting for Adam to come back. Michele, Han's and Coach were eating out in the kitchen.
"Gunnar do you want some toast or something?" Michele asked once she was done eating in the kitchen.
"No, it's okay, I'll vait," I said.
I had just closed my eyes when I heard, "Oh come on, Adam give me a break," Bella said as she walked into the door.
"I am telling you, you need to stop, he wasn't there," Adam said.
"Vho wasn't there?" I asked.
"Hey Gunnar, how are you feeling?" Bella said.
"I'm fine, vho vans't vhere?" I asked.
"Guy said that he thought he saw our birth father, at the game Saturday did you see him?" Adam asked.
I told Adam about how I vas at the game on Saturday and that it was a great game. How I vas proud of vhem of all of vhem. "No, I vas too busy vatching the game. I didn't pay any attention to vhat the crowd vas doing," I said.
"Oh," Bella said, disappointed.
"I sorry Bella," I said.
"Don't worry about it. I got to hit the shower," Bella said.
"Leave some hot water for me," Adam yelled after her. Bella stuck her tongue out at him.
I laughed and then I groaned before I said, "oh vhat hurts." I reached for a pillow as Adam was sitting on the coffee table.
"I am glad you are here," Adam said as he reached for my hand.
"Me too. Listen since Ollie vants to basically kill me vour mom and dad vhere thinking about putting me up in vour room vor the veek vhat I am home. Vhat do vou think?" I asked.
"Yeah, that would be great, I want to be able to hold you again," Adam said and then he kissed my hand.
"Oh God, YOUR HERE!" Ollie groaned.
"Hi Ollie," I said.
"Don't say hi to me. You two timing, four flusher," Ollie said.
"Vhat does that mean?" I asked.
Ollie scoffed before he said, "Like I would tell you." He then turned around and went back into the kitchen.
"Yeah, Ollie is still pretty pissed at you. I wish you could tell me what is going on between you and Charlie," Adam said.
"I vell vou, vhere is nothing going on. He and I are friends and vhat is as far as it goes," I said.
"I know, but there is something that you two are doing together and I want to know what it is. And Bella is curious too," Adam said.
"I vnow and vhen vhe vime is right, I vill tell vou. Vhe vime isn't vight, vight now," I said.
"Ok, I believe you," Adam said.
"Adam what did I say about being on the coffee table, you are being a bad influence for baby Hans," Michele said carrying baby Han's.
"Huh?' Adam looked down and released what he was doing, he quickly removed his butt from the table and said, 'I'm sorry mom."
"That's okay sweetheart. Hurry up and get ready for school or we will be late," Michele said as she went down the hallway towards the bedrooms.
"Right, I have to go and hit the shower, I love you," Adam said and then he bent down to kiss me.
"Me too," I said.
Adam grabbed a quick shower and then made his breakfast and protein shakes he was going to need for the day. I managed to make myself some toast and milk, I was sitting at the table eating, when Michele and Coach walked back into the kitchen with Coach carrying Hans. "Adam 6:50 let's go;" Michele said.
"I'm coming, can I drive this morning?" Adam asked.
"No, Bella let's go, we are going to be late," Michele said.
"I will go and put him in the car," Coach said.
"I'm coming, let me finish my face," Bella said. Bella had just started to recently wear makeup to school. I didn't think that she needed it but that was her choice.
"I can't believe that I have scrape this early," Ollie said.
"Ollie how long have you lived here?" Adam asked.
"Oh, shut up Adam. God, I need my own place," Ollie said as he grabbed his coat and went outside to the back to get his car started.
"Can I drive this morning?" Bella asked as she entered the kitchen.
"Like I just told Adam, no you cannot. Now get in the car or we are going to be late," Michele said.
"We need another car. It's embarrassing to ride to school with your teacher," Bella said as she grabbed an apple and a breakfast cereal bar.
"Bella, I told you, a third car is just not in the budget right now," Michele said and then she went out to the car.
"A third car is just not in the budget right now," Bella said and then rolled her eyes before she followed Michele out to the car.
"And quit mimicking me," Michele yelled from the garage.
Adam shook his head at them before he said, "I'm totally jealous that you get to miss school this week."
"Don't be, I have to do vhe vork vithout vhe instruction," I said.
HONK! HONK!
Adam groaned before he said, "I have to go, I love you. See you tonight."
"Veah, Love vou," I said, and Adam disappeared into the garage.
"Wow, it is cold out there, winter is sure going to come early," Coach said as he walked back into the house to grab another cup of coffee.
"Veah. Coach I vave to ask vou a question," I said.
"You just did,' He said as he laughed, 'I'm kidding whats up?"
"Ollie called me a vwo viming four-flusher. Vhat does vhat mean?" I asked.
"Well, it's describing someone who is a phony or a fake. It's used in poker a lot when someone unsuccessfully attempts a bluff," Coach said.
"Oh," I said.
"He called me vhat because he vhinks vhat I am bluffing how I veel about Adam?" I asked.
"Yep, exactly. Do you need help getting set up for the day?" Coach asked.
"No, I think I vill be vine. I vas able to get my breakfast by myself," I said.
"I see that." Coach said as he reached for the paper.
"I am going to watch tv," I said as I got up. Then I put my breakfast dishes in the sink, walked out to the living room, grabbed the remote, turned on the tv and laid down on the couch. I thumbed thru the tv channels before I settled on "The 10,000 Pyramid" on the Game Show Network. I knew it was going to be awhile before Hogan's Hero's was going to be on. That show didn't come on until 1 in the afternoon and it was just now after 7 in the morning. I didn't hear Coach head down to his home office at 5 before 8, I was too engrossed in the game show that I was watching. After the Pyramid show was Password. I watched an episode or two and got tired of it. I started to flip through the television. As I was flipping through the channels I kept saying no to the program and then I heard as I landed on CBS that music, I didn't know how to describe it. It was intriguing. It was a duh duh duh duha, duha duha duha duha. It had a bunch of people clapping and cheering, I got further intrigued.
"Here it comes, from the Bob Barker Studio at CBS in Hollywood. Television's most exciting hour of fantastic prizes. The fabulous sixty-minute Price Is Right. Gerald Beach, come on down," said the announcer. There was a guy that vas making his vay through the audience hi fiving people as he vas going, then he got to the isle and ran to the front.
"Jennifer Thomas, come on down," The announcer said next. The lady quickly made her way through the row and ran down to the front. The Audience seemed to get louder.
"Sarah Michaels, come on down," The announcer said next. That lady did the same thing quickly made her way through the row and ran down to the front. The Audience seemed to get louder again.
"And Thomas Johnston, come on down. You are the first four contestants on The Price Is Right.' Then the music changed to ba ba ba dum, duh duh dune. 'And now here he the star of The Price is Right, Bob Barker," the announcer said. A couple of doors opened and an older Gentleman in a 3-piece suit walked to the front of the stage down to where the contestants where. There was a lady that appeared beside him in a short dress and handed him a microphone. He bowed; he obviously was loved by the studio audience.
"Welcome to The Price Is Right,' Mr. Barker said to the camera. Then he thanked the audience. 'Thank you for that wonderful welcome and right over here is the first item up for bids," Mr. Barker said as he pointed away from himself. What came down from the ceiling was Golf clubs and a golf bag, that the model vas showing.
"Here we have a new golf bag and some golf clubs, from Bridgestone Golf custom made quality golf clubs TPW to oversized woods and irons innovative design and sound engineering the professionals choice from Bridgestone Golf," The announcer said.
"And bid on that prize in dollars because we round off our retail prices to the near dollar. Thomas what do you bid?" Mr. Barker said. The audience started to scream, I had to turn the volume down on the tv just a little bit.
"$950, Bob," said Thomas.
"You bid 950 dollars, Sarah what do you bid?" asked Mr. Barker.
"1200, Bob," said Sarah.
"1200 dollars, Jennifer?" Mr. Barker asked.
"$500," Jennifer said.
"Her bid is $500, Alright Gerald," Mr. Barker said.
"One dollar," Gerald said.
"Gerald bids One Dollar," Mr. Barker said.
"Pff…. a dollar?" I asked the tv as I rolled my eyes.
"The actual retail price,' Mr. Barker pulled a card out of an envelope, '1667 Sarah you are the winner come up on stage." Mr. Barker said. Sarah jumped up and down and soon joined Mr. Barker onstage.
"Sarah is going to play our first pricing game. Sarah look what we got over there," Mr. Barker said.
"It's a brand-new TRUCK," the announcer said the audience cheered.
My mouth dropped open when I saw the blue truck. The model was doing a very good job at showing the truck off. It would have been perfect for Bella, Adam, and I. We could throw our hockey equipment in the back, and it would be just fine.
"A 2000 Ford Ranger XL 4 by two pickup that is fun to drive with strength and comfortable sitting for those long adventurous road trips. Comes with standard features, automatic transmission, anti-lock brakes and California emissions. A Ford Ranger it is a terrific prize worth Thirteen thousand one hundred and ninety dollars," the announcer said.
I saw the game; it said Hole in one. I thought okay Hole in one, I don't get it.
"Remember if you make the right decision about all of the products you get a $500 bonus in addition to putting from the line right up there by the hole what are these products, please?" Mr. Barker asked.
"Well, were playing with Alberto vo5 Hair dressing control frizz and flyway's and transformed all dry hair into shiny hair in seconds Alberto vo5. Aqua fresh whitening is safe to use every day for dazzling whiter teeth, Aqua fresh whitening. Coricidin HBP decongestant free cold relief for people with high blood pressure Coricidin HBP use only as directed. A two pack of Dove with quarter moisturizing lotion. Dove softens your skin as it cleans never drying your face the way soap can. Oscal is proven effective in more clinical studies and is recommended by more doctors than any other calcium supplement don't take chances take Oscal use as directed and for great and value enjoy Sunbelt Chewy Granola bars from the makers of Little Debbie get it to go," said the Announcer.
"Which of those products is the least expensive, Sarah?" asked Mr. Barker. A few members of the audience started to shout.
"The Dove Soap, Bob," Sarah said.
"The soap put that on the first line, now which one is the least expensive of those products," Bob said. A model took the little flag and placed it on the green board they had.
" The Granola bars," Sarah said.
"The Granola bars are next. You have four left, which is the least expensive now?" Bob said. A second model put the flag on the green that represented the Granola Bars.
"I think that the toothpaste is next," Sarah said.
"The toothpaste. Now which of those three is the least expensive," asked Mr. Barker. While the first model stuck the flag that represented the toothpaste on the green.
"The Conditioner is next," said Sarah.
"The Conditioner. Now which one costs less the medicine or the supplement," said Mr. Barker as the first model stuck the flag on the green, again.
"I think the Medicine goes next," Sarah said.
"The medicine goes on the next line the supplement goes on the last line," Mr. Barker said as the models were putting the last two flags in the last two holes.
Mr. Barker started to move towards the green box. "Right over here Sarah we are going to find out how well you've done what is the price of that soap?' Mr. Barker asked. The model flipped open the flag. ' $2.24. How about the Granola Bars?' The model flipped open the flag. Then there was a buzzer, '1.49 you are going to putt from this line back here but I'm happy to say that the lovely Kathleen has made four of these in a row so of course she continues to putt as long as she makes it. She may be putting for the rest of the year, take your time and putt it in the hole. This will be five putts in a row if she gets this one in the hole," said Mr. Barker.
Kathleen the model took the putt and made it into the hole, "She did it, 5 putts in a row," said Mr. Barker. I thought she would be good at Hockey. Might not get it past Julie but she could get it past Paul and Goldberg.
"Five in a row, she'll be putting the next time we play there you go Sarah there is your inspirational putt. Kathleen has made 5 in row you can make one. Putt that ball in the hole and we'll give you that truck," said Mr. Barker. Sarah lined up her shot and missed by overshooting, The buzzer sounded "Oh that was so close, but the name of the game isn't just Hole in one but Hole in One or Two,' Mr. Barker said as he hit the name on the game, 'so there you go. You get another shot, line up your shot and get the ball in the hold and we'll give you that truck," said Mr. Barker. Sarah lined up her shot and hit it just right and it went right in the hole. "You did it you did it you got that truck. We will be back for more pricing games after this commercial break," Mr. Barker said.
I was so impressed by this show that I kept watching. They gave away a trip, a dining room table, and chairs with china. 12,000 dollars, they almost gave away another car. I was waiting for the game show to come back when I heard, "Gunnar, Gunnar!" from the coach.
"Vhat? I asked.
"What are you doing?" Coach asked.
"Nothing. Vhatching this game show, its pretty good,' I said and then I heard the music, 'It's on, be quiet."
"Welcome back to The Price Is Right, Rod?" Mr. Barker said.
"Yes, Bob?" The announcer said.
"We have a spot on the contestants row, can you fill it for us?" Mr. Barker said.
"Yes, I can, Trudy McDaniel's come on down, you're the next contestant on The Price Is Right," said the Announcer.
"You're watching The Price Is Right?" Coach asked.
"Vah, quiet," I said.
Coach and I watched the next Pricing Game. When it went to commercial Coach said, "I can't believe that show is still on the air."
"Vhat, do you mean?" I asked.
"It was on when I was a kid," Coach said.
"It vas?" I asked.
"Yeah. After my dad died, my grandmother had to take over and watch me during the day while mom went to work. I went over to her house for the day during school vacations from when I was nine until I was almost twelve. My Grandmother watched The Price Is Right. Although I have to admit Bob Barker has gone all white in the years since I last saw the show, but then I guess it's been almost 25 years," Coach said.
"Vow," I said.
"Yeah, so what do you think?" Coach said.
"I like it, the little disk game was fun. The dollar bill game vas interesting," I said.
"Dollar bill game? You mean Lucky Seven?" Coach said.
"Vah that's it, oh it's on again," I said
After the show, I knew I was hooked. I was hoping there was going to be another episode of The Price Is Right. Unfortunately, Coach said that it won't be on until Tomorrow. Great, I had to wait 23 hours to see the show again. I spent the rest of the day between napping on the couch and watching tv. It was the laziest that I had ever been in my entire life. I was napping on the couch, when I heard the Garage door roll up, I was startled awake. A few minutes later Ms. Michele walked with Han's through the kitchen door and said, "I'm home." She sat Han's down, and he quickly took off for his room.
"Hi Ms. Michele," I said for the couch, I was too lazy to even get up.
"Gunnar you haven't been on that couch all day, have you?" Michele asked.
"No, I've been up. To the bathroom and kitchen," I said.
"Gunnar," Michele said.
"Vhat?" I asked.
"Gunnar, I thought you were going to do your schoolwork during the day while you were home," Michele said.
"Vut, I tired. Can I sleep voday and vhen vomorrow I vill do it," I said.
"Alright, fine. But I want you do to a little work this afternoon before Adam and Bella get home from school; you understand?" Michele asked.
"Ves," I said.
Hans came out of his room, carrying his toy train. "Gunna, train let's play!"
"I can't Han's, I don't feel good," I said.
"Otay,' Han's said as he took back off to his room, leaving his toy train, within a minute he was back with a Thomas the Tank Engine book, 'READ!"
"Okay vine," I said as I started to make room for him on the couch, Hans scrambled onto the couch to read. Once I was about two pages in, he decided that was enough and got off the couch. The minute I laid back down he was back, wanting me to read to him. I grunted as I sat back up to read two more pages and he was gone again. Which I laid back down and then he was back.
"No," I said.
"No?" Hans questioned me and then pulled out his big brown eyes and a quivering lip, then he started to cry.
"Han's what's wrong?" Ms. Michele said.
"Up Mama!" Hans said.
"Ok,' Michele said as she picked up Hans and placed him on her hip. Hans started to play with her necklace. 'What's wrong Hans?"
"No Adam?" Hans said.
"Han's Adam is at school," Ms. Michele said.
"No Bella?" Hans said.
"Bella is at school too," Ms. Michele said.
"No Olle?" Hans said.
"I don't know where Ollie is," Ms. Michele said.
"Oh," Hans said.
"Han's why don't you go and try and find daddy. Gunnar has homework to do," Ms. Michele said as she put Han's down.
"Otay, Daddy?" Hans said as he started to look through the house for Coach.
"How do vou keep up vith him?" I asked.
"I don't know. But you need to do your homework, sir," Ms. Michele said.
I fake cried, I didn't want to do my homework.
"NOW GUNNAR!" Ms. Michele said.
I took some of my homework to the kitchen and did it while Michele was making dinner. After dinner, I did some more. I have to admit I was in quite a bit of pain. I was so happy to see Adam after hockey practice tonight.
"Hi," Adam said and then he kissed me.
"Hi, how much homevork do vou have to do?" I asked.
"Uh quite a bit, I think I only have French and AP US Government and Politics done. I still have to finish editing my essay, finish my ten problems from calculus and study for chemistry. What about you?" Adam asked as he was looking in the refrigerator.
"I am trying to understand what ve are talking about in Calculus, I don't get it. Did vou turn in my homevork?" I asked. I had been staring at the book since dinner. I only managed to read and review the article for Weightlifting and work on the worksheets for the digestive system for AP Biology. I still had to work on my essay, try to figure out my French homework and take my test for Ms. Michele's class. Ms. Michele locked herself in Coach's office so she could grade in peace now that Han's was in bed and sleeping, Coach said something about getting a shower.
"Yes, I have to admit all of your teachers were surprised to see your work," Adam said as he took a bite of the Apple.
"Good," I said.
"How did you do on mom's test today, you think?" Adam asked.
"I uh didn't do it, vet," I said.
"Gunnar what have you been doing all day?" Adam asked.
"Not much, I haven't felt good. Vould, you help me vith this, please?" I asked.
Adam rolled his eyes, before he said, "Fine."
Adam helped me understand Calculus, then he looked at my paper for English class and I read his so I could get the practice of peer editing. It was hard with all of the notes that Jeremiah Hope, who was the smartest kid in our class, made. He and Julie were racing 1 and 2 for who was going to give some big speech at graduation, I don't remember what it was. Apparently, Charlie was mad that Bella could not peer review his paper and he had to give it to Adam. They had to pass the papers to the person that was caddy corner from them to the right. Adam and I always sat in the 2nd column of chairs, Adam in the second seat of the column I was in the 3rd. Jesse was in front of Adam. Goldberg was behind me, Charlie was to my left , Russ was to my right, Fulton was to Goldberg's left, with Connie in front of Bella. Adam thinks what made Charlie the maddest of all was that he got the paper of Reese Brockmeier, the ex-girlfriend. Which surprisingly but not surprisingly the paper wasn't done.
At about ten o'clock Michele came up the stairs and said, "Boys it's time to go to bed."
"Mom I am not done, studying for chemistry tomorrow," Adam said, as he had a piece of paper talking about Ions, whatever they were.
Ms. Michele sighed before she said, "How much more do you have to read?"
Adam flipped through his book, "Like four or five pages."
Ms. Michele sighed again before she said, "Ok as soon as you are done with your Chemistry you need to go to bed, Understand?"
"Yes, Mom," Adam said.
"Gunnar are you done with your homework?" Ms. Michele asked.
"Yah, except for vour test, can I do it tomorrow, I have a headache and my stomach hurts," I said.
"I suppose, but it needs to be done, by the time I get home tomorrow afterschool," Ms. Michele said.
"Ves Ms. Michele. I need an aspirin before I go to bed," I said as I started to get up and walk over to the refrigerator to fix myself a glass of milk.
"In my medicine cabinet in my bathroom, there's some," Adam said.
As soon as I finished pouring my milk I said, "Ok good night, Adam, Ms. Michele."
"Good night, Gunnar," Ms. Michele and Adam said together.
Within 45 minutes I felt a strong pair of arms around my waist. I knew it was Adam, since Ollie had basically holed himself in the basement since dinner.
"How's your head?" Adam asked.
"Better, it's almost gone, I love vou," I said.
"And I love you," Adam said as he kissed me.
November 19th, 1999
Gunnar's POV
I had spent the rest of the week working on my classes and homework during the day. I would work on my classes from the time that Michele, Adam, and Hans left for school at 7 am until about 10:00 am. From 10:00 to 11:00 I vould vatch The Price Is Right and I vould scream out prices for stuff. I think it vas distracting to Coach because he vould come up and vatch with me Vednesday and yesterday. Then ve vould have lunch and then it was back to vork. I vas usually done with my vork by the time that supper vas ready to eat. Michele, Hans and I vent to the ducks game on Tuesday afternoon. Ve von again three goals to two against Break. The Ducks were facing Minnehaha Academy tomorrow afternoon.
Coach got tickets to Minnesota Gophers versus UMD Bulldogs hockey for tomorrow night. It vas going to be Coach, Adam, Bella, Charlie, Ollie, and myself at the game. Adam said that Ollie vas still madder than Hornet's nest at me. Vhatever that meant, I didn't know. It was a distraction for us since according to Coach the hens were going to be over at the house planning Michele's baby shower for the second weekend in January. The hens meaning, Michele, Mrs. Bombay, Grandma Lebrie, Mrs. MacKay, Mrs. Moreau, and Casey. I guess they wanted to get as much planning done because of the upcoming holidays. The vay I understood it vas that I vans't invited. Coach said it vas for vomen only. He said that us guys might go to a movie or something.
"Gunnar don't forget that you have your doctor's appointment at 10:15, today," Ms. Michele said.
"I do? Vor what?" I asked.
"To get your stitches removed," Ms. Michele said.
"It's about time, because you are reek so bad," Adam said.
Adam did have a point, I did vash the important parts and Michele did my hair in the sink. But I guess I didn't vant to face Dr. Kell. He vas Adam's, Bella's, Han's, and mine primary care doctor.
"Vut, vut, vut my show!" I said.
"What show?" Adam and Ms. Michele said together.
"He is talking about The Price Is Right. He has been watching it every day this week. Don't worry Gunnar we can tape it, I am sure we have a blank tape somewhere," Coach said as he vas vipeing Han's up from his breakfast.
"Oh, I will be in the car," Adam said as he finished his first protein shake for the morning.
"Ok Adam let me put my shoes on and we will get going," Ms. Michele said.
Once Coach was done cleaning Han's up, he released him from the highchair he vas in. We were searching for a blank tape to tape my show. Han's was playing with a car trying to get it to move across the plush carpeting.
"Okay Hans have a good day, I will see you after school," Ms. Michele said.
"Bye bye,' Hans said then he turned to me 'Gunna elpppppp."
I took the car from him and placed it on the coffee table, back it up and let it go. Once the car was off the table Hans said, "Oh no! Fall down!" And he ran to the other end of the table to get the car.
I then realized that Ms. Michele left without baby Han's, "Coach?" I asked.
"Yes?" Coach said.
"Ms. Michele left without baby Han's," I said.
"I know, I am taking the morning off. We are going to drop Han's at daycare and then go to your appointment, so you need to be ready by 9:20," Coach said.
"Veah," I said.
Ve pulled up to the Rainbow Bridge Daycare and Preschool at 9:37 on vest Lake Street. Coach grabbed Hans and took him inside to the daycare, I followed inside because I vas curious, I never saw a daycare in my entire life. My mother was home all of the time to raise us. So, I didn't understand the need for places like this. Ve vind our vay through the building and I saw his classroom the Busy Bees. Inside the classroom there vas a couple of murals of bee's on the vall. There vas thirteen kids in the classroom, all on the rug singing songs, vith a teacher leading them and another teacher off to the side getting there snacks ready.
"Hans, Hans is here!" said a child to the group.
"Good morning, everyone," Coach said.
I smiled and waved at all of the little tykes.
"Gigi," Hans said.
Coach put Hans down and Hans ran over to the group.
"Uh Michele will be here to pick him up after school," Coach said.
"Ok said the teacher that was to the side.
"Bye Daddy. Bye Gunna," Han's said.
"Bye Han's," Coach said.
I looked at the toys, it all looked so fun, I wanted to stay and play with them.
"Come on Gunnar lets go," Coach said.
"But I vant to play," I said.
"Now you have a doctor's appointment," Coach said.
I fake cried as I walked out of the room. It wasn't until we were at the doctors that I asked, "Coach?"
"Yes," Coach said.
"Vhy the need for places like where Hans is going?" I asked.
"Well, when a family can't afford to have a parent stay home all of the time, there needs to be someone to watch the children, to make sure that they are safe. Did you ever have anything like that in Iceland?" Coach asked.
"No," I said.
"Well, I supposed that we could live without Michele's salary, but I know my wife and she likes teaching older kids, so she would want to work outside of the home," Coach said.
"Oh, I see," I said.
"Gunnar Stahl?" said a nurse.
I and Coach got up and walked to the door that the nurse was waiting for us. "To the left Gunnar and hop onto the scale," the nurse said.
I was weighed in at 174, but my height hasn't changed at all. After the scale I was taken into an exam room, where the nurse took my temp, blood pressure and pulse. "Here to get your stitches removed?" the Nurse asked.
"Yep," Coach said.
"Alright Dr. Kell will be in shortly," the nurse said.
Within about 5 minutes there was a knock on the Door, "Good morning, Gunnar," Dr. Kell said. He was rather a portly and short Doctor, who was about in his mid-50's.
"Morning," I said.
"Here to get your stitches out, huh?" Dr. Kell said.
"Veah, vill it hurt?" I asked.
"No, you might feel a little tugging and pulling but it's normal, let's take a look at you," Dr. Kell said.
I pulled my shirt off and was told to lay down. Dr. Kell got a closer inspection and said, "Well the incision has healed nicely, and those stitches are ready to make their exit."
"Good," I said. The next thing I knew there was a little pulling and a few snips and a little more pulling and I was free from the stitches.
"Alright, Gunnar you are almost 2 weeks post-surgery. So, you can start to take brisk walks, and skate a little bit, if you feel pain or discomfort you need to stop. And I will write you a note that says you can go back to school on Monday," Dr. Kell said.
"Vhat about hockey?" I asked.
"I am afraid that you won't be able to play until January 29th, but you can do a little skating around the rinks just nothing strenuous until your abdomen has fully healed. Be careful during the next two weeks don't be lifting anything over 10-15 pounds," Dr. Kell said.
"No lifting Han's he weighs 24 pounds," Coach said.
"Okay, Can I carry my books?" I said.
"As long as it's not over 10-15 pounds," Dr. Kell said.
"We can weigh your book bag when we get home," Coach said.
"Any more questions?" Dr. Kell asked, I shook my head no. "Alrighty we will see you later." and with that Dr. Kell was gone.
I vent home, ve veighed my book bag. Vith all my books, it veighed in right at 15 pounds. I knew I was going to have to have help from the ducks getting it on and off. Then I took a shower, vatched The Price Is Right, while eating lunch and then spent the afternoon vith my homework.
Later that afternoon vhen Michele and Hans got home ve took a little walk around the neighborhood, I have to admit it felt great just to walk around again. And the sunshine really helped boost my spirits.
"Look, BIRDS!" Hans pointed from his seat in the stroller that Michele vas pushing.
"Yes Hans, those birds are heading south for the winter," Michele said.
"Birdy go bye bye," Hans said.
"Yes Hans, they will be back next spring," Michele said.
"Can I push him for a little bit?" I asked.
"Yes, please do this baby is pushing against my ribs, we may need to stop for a minute," Michele said.
"Okay," I said.
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