And Baby Makes Three

by Yerron Yerrown

A slant on Avery and Juliette's life after the birth of their daughter

3. Chapter 3

I am only using characters from the Nashville Television Show. I have no ownership rights or claims whatsoever.

Please note: I have changed the baby's name from Jolene to Cadence to fit the show. I have also bought this in line with the show. The continuation will focus on Juliette's condition, behaviour and how these can be resolved.

And baby makes three.

Chapter 3. Conflict.

Avery was in Rayna's office when she returned. "I see you lived through it," he joked. "Don't tell me, perhaps not your most pleasant experience?"

"Ok Avery," Rayna said resignedly, "We'll add the clause you want. Damned if I know what we're going to do though. This will leave us in one hell of a hole over Layla."

"Sorry I can't help but I'm not wrecking my marriage over it. Even as it is I expect I'll get a blast when I get home. I knew it would be hopeless even apart from the Layla thing. Juliette wants to start work on a new album today. That's going to keep me busy for quite a while but we'll start writing some new material first up. At least you know you'll have that underway."

Juliette's behaviour had radically changed over the last couple of weeks. Avery was trying to work out when this all started. Thinking back he reckoned it began after his parents returned home to Ohio. Before his parents left Juliette could not have been better. She was always trying to take over Cadence's care from Sandra. Avery was proud, it was obvious Juliette would be a perfect mother. He had to concentrate but the first change he could think of was when she became agitated nursing the baby. She could not settle Cadence when she was crying and was almost pleading with him to help her. He calmed the baby easily but gradually Juliette's behaviours became more detached.

What really tripped him off was when Juliette went to Los Angeles. She made no mention of the trip and he had no idea where she was. He had been at a meeting and when he returned home that night she was gone. In her place she hired a live in nanny. Avery was angry. He sent the nanny on her way and looked after Cadence himself. Looking back now, with all that had happened he was pleased he dismissed the nanny. Having her there would only give Juliette an excuse not to have contact with the baby and also allow her to disguise her changes.

Juliette was in Los Angeles for three days and when she returned he challenged her about it but in her opinion her behaviour was quite acceptable. She also brushed off the fact that she had hired a nanny without any discussion. The situation didn't satisfy Avery but he reasoned these marriage and family things were both new to Juliette. She was used to making her own decisions. Maybe if he just hangs in there with it she will come to understand.

But Juliette became more unpredictable. After they had completed only one song on her new album she suddenly changed direction. Avery protested, "Baby, so far this album is looking great.. A few months and we'll have something fantastic."

She wasn't interested. She began this bizarre organization of these impromptu, roof top, performances. She called them concerts but that was a gross exaggeration. She only performed two or three songs and the whole thing was over in less than half an hour. However, they stopped traffic and caused considerable upheaval to that part of whatever city they were in. They caused a lot of upheaval in the Highway65 offices as well, with fines, protests and the fact they were unlicensed being the main areas of concern.

Juliette however was adamant, these were generating great momentum for her and she needed a tour organized immediately. "Baby," Avery cautioned her. "I'm not so sure these are generating any momentum. I think they're more a curiosity. I mean the people in the street can't even see you. They wouldn't have a clue who was performing if you didn't tell them. Besides, these haven't created even one voice of demand for a new Juliette song. The album's the right way to go, then the tour."

"No!" Juliette said almost angrily. "These concerts have been great for me and I'm going in to see Rayna tomorrow to get a tour organized."

The next day, he recalled, was when things deteriorated at a great rate of knots. That was the start of his world falling apart.

This was the evening Deacon was giving a performance at the Bluebird. Considering Deacon had cancer and a questionable future Avery was of the opinion they should lend him their support by attending. Juliette returned from her meeting at Highway65 and announced Rayna had demanded an album from her in two days. Avery was dumbstruck. "I was only talking with Rayna a few weeks ago and told her we were starting work on the new album. She'd know as well as we do that two days is an impossible deadline. I'll ring her right now and straighten this out." He picked up his phone.

"No!" Juliette sounded anxious. "Leave it with me. I'll handle it."

"Well, it's your business I suppose, but I'm not comfortable with it. See how you go, but I'll step in if I need to." Avery said. "On a brighter note I was thinking that tonight is Deacon at the Bluebird. What do you reckon we go. It'll be a relaxing break and we can ask Emily to look after Cadence."

'We don't have to trouble Emily," Juliette said. "Look, you go and I'll take care of the baby. Everything will be alright. Go and have a good night."

Deacon decided to ask Rayna to join him in a duet. Avery was delighted to see they were becoming very close. Despite Deacon's condition, between themselves they were clearly happy and devoted to each other. Avery whispered a quiet wish that some supreme power would get Deacon through this. He and Rayna deserved happiness to make up for the years of doubt. They both returned to Avery's table. Since Avery was Rayna's latest signing she wanted to show him how important he was to her plans and his part in Highway65. "I know we didn't agree the other day," she said to Avery. "But how about when Deacon gets over this you produce an album of him and me?"

"Are you kidding?" Avery was overwhelmed by the request. "You're both so good it would be my honour. Also, the world's easiest job as well." They were all laughing at the idea. "By the way Rayna," Avery recalled his earlier discussion with Juliette. "Something I wanted to check out with you. Juliette came home this afternoon and told me something that frankly doesn't make any sense. She said you asked for a new album and wanted it inside two days."

"I didn't ask for that. In fact I hardly spoke to her. I was pre-occupied with Deacon's situation. Something had just happened. I was really upset and I wasn't really in the mood for any of Juliette's antics. I'm sure you know what I mean."

"Yes, well, she is my wife but I know where you're coming from."

"I didn't even see her leave. I left her with Bucky. Bucky told me he advised her that she should produce an album first and then we can set up a tour. He said she didn't like that suggestion and flew off the handle. Then she told him I would have the album in two days."

Avery was deeply concerned. "What the hell is going on with her? She's become irrational and is becoming even more so." Just then his phone chimed. He answered but he couldn't hear over the noise in the café. He excused himself from Rayna and Deacon and went outside.

"Emily?" he said. "What's the matter?"

"Avery, Juliette asked me to come look after Cadence. When I got here the baby was crying and Juliette was listening to music through headphones. She couldn't hear the baby. She couldn't even hear me until I stood in front of her. She said she had to go to the studio and left."

"She's not even there?"

"No, she went as soon as I got here. Avery, that's not all. I don't think Cadence has been changed or fed for hours."

"Ok Emily. I'll come straight home."

Emily confronted him as soon as he walked in the door.

"Avery, I've put Cadence down but I'm very worried about Juliette. I think something may be wrong with her."

"I agree. I just had a talk to Rayna and Juliette was very strange with her this afternoon. This is beyond me. I'm going to need help and advice. I think we should get Glenn and her doctor as well. Perhaps all together we can get something figured out to help her."

Glenn confirmed what Rayna told him about Juliette and her two day album. They each described their observations to the doctor. Avery could see the doctor suspected the problem. "I would suggest she is suffering Post Partum Depression. Anger, not connecting with the baby, irrational behaviour it all fits. Actually it's a fairly common occurrence after childbirth. I think we can help her. The treatment is usually successful even if does take some time."

"Ok," Avery said. "I'll ring and get her to come home. We can all go through it with her and hopefully get her on the right track."

Juliette confronted the group as soon as she walked in. "What's so important I have to come home? What's my doctor doing here? I'm not hanging around for whatever this is, I'm heading back to the studio."

Avery stood up. "Baby, we're all worried about you. You're not being your usual self. We think there might be something wrong. I mean you're aggressive, don't seem to want anything to do with Cadence and Rayna told me this two day album was all your idea. Baby, that's just not possible."

"Juliette," her doctor said. "I think you may have Post Partum Depression. It's quite common and we can treat it…"

She cut him off. "There's nothing wrong with me and don't forget who you all work for. The staff does not run this show, I do. I want you all out of my house."

No-one moved. They all spoke over each other trying to convince her. "I've had this. I'm going." She glared at Avery as she was leaving. "I have an album to finish in less than two days."

Next morning Avery woke alone in their bed. Surely she wasn't out all night. He found her asleep on the couch in the living room. "Baby, what are you doing out here?"

"I was pretty late and I didn't want to wake you."

"Do you want anything?"

"Just coffee." He made it for her.

"Baby, I think we need to sit down and have a talk. You're worrying me."

"Not now. I have to go."

"What's going on? You're never here and when you are you don't seem to be able to leave fast enough."

"We'll talk later. I have to go." With her coffee in one hand she rushed out the door.

The following morning he'd just fed Cadence and was settling her down when Juliette came in. "You were out all night?" he asked.

She ignored his question. "Here it is, my finished album. Buddy did a great job and in only thirty six hours."

"Who did the production? Buddy? You didn't even want any advice from me? Am I fired?"

"There was no time with you looking after the baby." Avery felt he had just been ignored a second time, as if she didn't value his input. But, he thought, let's face it. Thirty six hours? No way! Impossible!

"Ok," he'll put her to the test. "Let's hear it then."

"No, I don't have time. I have to go see Rayna."

"You don't want to play it for me? If it's that good I thought you'd be proud of it and want to show it off. Just how good is it really?"

She looked awkward. "I don't have time for this," and left without so much as looking back.

It was a couple of hours later when his phone rang.

"Yes Rayna."

"Avery, I need to tell you this first hand. I respect you a lot and I hope this doesn't cause too big a rift between us."

"I can't imagine anything doing that."

"I need to explain. This business with Deacon has me at my wit's end. We just find each other and look to have a great future then this cancer happens. I'm just stressed beyond belief and worry. I'm just barely coping. I'm coming apart at the seams and trying not to crack up completely."

"I understand Rayna. You hang in there and try to be strong for Deacon."

"That's what I'm trying to do but it isn't easy. Anyway to get to the point, Juliette came into Highway65 this morning with a new album that apparently she's put together in thirty six hours. Did you help her?"

"No, it was all done between her and the recording engineer, Buddy."

"I thought as much. Well, when I asked to hear it she threw a tantrum and basically told Glenn, Bucky and I what we could do and stormed out of the office. Avery, it took me a while to get adjusted but I just can't handle her crap anymore. I rang her and told her she no longer had a contract with Highway65. Look, when she gets control of herself I'll reinstate her but right now I just can't handle her with everything else."

"I understand Rayna but you need to know, Juliette is sick. The doctor said she has Post Partum Depression which is having a behavioural effect with her. We'll be back to see you when we get her over this."

"Get her over this please Avery, because right now, she's becoming unhinged."

This situation was affecting Avery as well. The main problem was he had no idea how to help her. The doctor gave him some instructions last night but they were general and non specific. He was lost and distressed for Juliette and feeling defeated. If she had the 'flu or had a broken leg or something physical he knew how to help her. But this? Who knew about mental issues? Even the doctor was vague. This was beginning to send him off his rocker. He had to try something. If he can get her talk he might be able to fathom some direction. He had to do something, Juliette was his life. He must help her through this.

He'd just finished feeding Cadence and was in the process of settling her down when Juliette came in.

"Hi baby, how'd it all go?"

"Yep, pretty good. I'm getting it worked out."

He deliberately avoided bringing up his earlier conversation with Rayna. Maybe I'll try a direct approach he thought. "I've been singing to Cadence to help settle her down. Want to take over? I'm sure she'll like your singing a lot better than mine."

She baulked when he tried to pass her the baby. "No, not now. I have a meeting to get to." Juliette headed for the door.

Exasperation was catching up with Avery. "What's going on Juliette?" he said abruptly. "You just get here and then you go. You don't even refer to Cadence by name and you never nurse her. What's going on with you? You should really stay, we need to talk."

"No, not now. I have to go."

Damn it Juliette, this just isn't good enough. You're treating everyone who cares for you like shit, you're behaving irrationally and you don't even want anything to do with your daughter."

Juliette felt cornered and angry. This confrontation made her feel very uncomfortable. She held out her arms and said abruptly, "alright, give her to me."

Avery could see Juliette was agitated. "You're angry, I don't think now is a good idea. You need to calm down."

"I am calm. Now give her to me."

'You're not calm. You just want to take her so you can get out of here. You think if you take her it will shut me up."

Juliette was clearly angry now. "Damn it, just give her to me." The baby started crying.

"No, I'm sure that would be a bad idea."

Juliette was now in a blind rage. In an uncontrollable fit of anger she picked up a glass ornament hurling it at Avery and Cadence. Avery ducked, bending over to protect the baby in the same motion. Fortunately the throw was high but that was no consolation to Avery. Glass sprayed in all directions when the object smashed against the wall. Juliette clearly had issues far more serious than he was led to believe. This was bordering on insanity, throwing things around a baby.

Avery was shocked, disbelieving. He took a few seconds to respond. "Get out," was all he said and then the realization of what Juliette had done registered with him. "Get out," again, but this time he yelled it.

Juliette was completely non-plussed as well. She couldn't fathom what happened and in her condition she couldn't respond, almost as if her mind froze. It was only Avery yelling at her that caused any action. She could not think, instead she reacted, almost by instinct and rushed out the door.

It took Avery a full half hour to settle Cadence. He was another matter entirely. He would repeatedly sit, then get up and pace around. His hands were still shaking. He'd never been so helpless in his life. He desperately needed help but had no clue who to ask or where to find it. He felt on the verge of panic. In an effort to calm down he decided to get a dust pan and clear up the broken glass. It seemed things just couldn't get any worse for him. But they did.

While he was cleaning up the glass Glenn came in. "The door was open," he said. Obviously, in her haste Juliette didn't close it.

"Glenn, you look a bit worse for wear pal. I guess this is a day for it all around."

"You can say that again. I thought you should know, Juliette fired me earlier."

"She's just not rational. Hang in there. I'll figure out how to get her over this."

"It's not so much I'm fired. It's what she's done, who she went with."

"What do you mean?"

"Avery I really know how you'll feel about this and I'm so sorry but she's gone with Jeff Fordham."

Avery stopped sweeping. He stared blankly at Glenn. This was now almost beyond his comprehension.

It took him five minutes to gain some semblance of composure. "I need help here Glenn and I need to figure this out. She lost her contract with Rayna as well. Unless Juliette agrees to get help I'm going to have to take Cadence away. It's not safe to have Cadence anywhere near her. I'll take her around to Emily's and have this out with Juliette when she gets home."

When Juliette returned home she was obviously very pleased with herself. She carried a box and produced a replacement ornament for the one she broke earlier. "Guess what?" she beamed. "Will Lexington is gay and I'm going to take his place on the Luke Wheeler tour."

"I couldn't care less about that. I want to hear what you have to say about your antics today over that thirty six hour album."

"What do you mean?"

Don't start that. You know exactly what I mean. You threw a fit in Rayna's office when she wanted to hear the album. Now she's cancelled your contract. That's a great way to get your career back on track."

"Huh," Juliette scoffed. "I don't need Rayna James. She doesn't deserve me. Besides I've fixed that, I just signed with Luke Wheeler's new label."

"I can't believe what you're saying. Luke Wheeler? This is the guy who said you were a flash in the pan. You're putting your future in his hands? That's just crazy. He hasn't recorded an album in god knows how long. He's never produced one and he wouldn't know anything about running a label. I'll bet you're his only artist."

"Yeah, well that's all you know. You're just jealous because it's not your work. Luke's heard my album and he thinks it's career defining."

"Does he? Well, there's a real musical appreciation authority right there. He wouldn't know good music if it bit him on the ass. He thinks anything with the words, "Truck", "Wheels" and "Kenworth" in it is good music."

"Well, what about firing Glenn?" Avery continued. " He never deserved that. He's been there right from your start and he built you up from nothing."

"He wasn't doing his job. He wasn't getting me anywhere."

"He just cared for you and wanted the best for you always. So you fire him and go to…. I can't say it…that repulsive bastard who nearly wrecked us. That shit head who couldn't even manage his own career and then took a national company down with him. This is just stupid."

"He's done alright for Layla. I just want him to manage me, I'm not going to have sex with him."

"No, that had better never happen. Not with him, not with Wheeler, not with anyone. Do that and you'll never see me or Cadence…ever. I promise you, I'm all out of forgiveness the second time you break my heart."

"Avery, please," that last little home truth seemed to give her a jolt of realism. It was reflected in her face. He could still trust her. But it was only fleeting. "Avery you don't get it, I really need this."

"More than you need us?" he asked. She just looked and didn't speak. He got his answer.

"Juliette, you're sick. You need help. You seriously need help."

Despite his concern for Juliette, Cadence was his first priority. He picked up his bag and left. Juliette was clearly upset and crying but she said nothing as he stepped out the door.

"Good God! What a mess. I really have no idea what to do Emily. All I know is Cadence can't be anywhere near her. It's just not safe. Juliette is too unpredictable and could snap her wire for no reason. This is becoming too much to handle."

"What are you going to do?'

'I really have no idea. It's all just too sudden. I just need to think for a bit."

"If you want to Avery," Emily looked a little sheepish. "You and Cadence could stay here for as long you like."

Just the way Emily said it gave Avery pause. "I appreciate that Emily but I don't think that would work. It would be a lot on you and besides, Juliette is so strung out, god only knows what she might think."

"I couldn't go to Scarlett's for exactly the same reasons and Deacon's about to have an operation. I know Gunner would put me up but he's busy with his band and it wouldn't be fair on him to bring a baby into the house."

"Sounds like you mightn't have a choice," Emily said. "You might have to stay here."

"I need to make sure Cadence is safe and well looked after. That needs to happen so my mind is clear to tackle Juliette's problem. I'll take her to my parents. I'm going to Marysville Ohio tonight. If you need to reach me you have my phone number."

He stopped remembering how he got to this point and realized he was crying. Not the safest thing to do when I'm driving he chastised himself. None of the past few weeks made any sense whatsoever. Thinking and re-hashing seemed to make it worse. Perhaps his parents might have a suggestion. Damn, he hadn't even warned them he was on his way. He rang on his hands free. He spoke to his father but when Sandra knew it was Avery she took over the phone. "Things are a real mess at the moment," he warned her. "I'll fill you in when I get there. I'll be late. Around midnight I reckon."

He went back to focus on his driving. He had this great ache in his chest. This was destroying him, he loved Juliette so much. He had to pull himself together. He started talking to Cadence who was asleep in the travel crib in the back seat. He wasn't specific, just saying little comforting things as much for his benefit as for Cadence. "It'll be alright baby. Daddy will fix everything. Mommy will get over this. We'll get back together soon." He whiled away the miles with these continual mutterings.

His judgement was fairly close, he was ten minutes earlier than his estimate when he arrived. He spent over an hour with Carl and Sandra going over the events since they left Nashville. "I can't believe it," Sandra said. "She seemed so happy when we were there. This is so quick. I wouldn't believe it possible but obviously it is. You're right, this is a major problem."

"That's for sure," Avery said. "But right now I'm bushed. I need to get some sleep. Perhaps if we leave it till morning we might come up with some ideas."

The drive and the stresses had their effect on him. He slept like a corpse for ten hours straight. Sandra let him rest and took care of Cadence, she knew Avery was wrung out.

The next day, as promised, they discussed how to best manage Juliette's situation. Some solutions were achieved. Sandra and Carl would take care of Cadence. Perhaps Avery should go back to Nashville where he can call on Juliette from time to time. He'll also needed to work and that's where his work is. Unfortunately, they came to the realization that none of these ideas were helping Juliette, they were only helping Avery and minimizing his stresses.

"I just have no idea what to do for her," Avery said. "Mental issues are something no-one has experience with. I thought usually these people were put in special hospitals but she would never agree to that."

"How about," Carl said. "You go and see Doc Edwards. I bet he'll have some ideas."

"I tried the doctors in Nashville," Avery pointed out. "They weren't of any help. Doc Edwards must be at least seventy five now. I doubt he'd be up with this."

"Yes he would," Sandra interrupted. "He's one of the most respected Doctors, not only in Marysville but in all of Columbus, seventy five or not. He's not a just a Doctor, he's a Physician. He's had training in a lot of areas of medicine. Even Columbus doctors discuss complicated cases with him. If any one can help, it's him or at least he'll know where to go."

"Sandra rang the Doctor's office. You have an appointment at five thirty. I told him what it was about so he put you in last."

"Hi Doc," Avery said when he was called into the Doctor's office.

The Doctor extended his hand. "It's been a while my boy." Avery had been 'my boy' to Doc Edwards since his first vaccination. In fact Doc may have even used the reference when he delivered Avery but that was going a little too far back. "You're mom tells me you're in Nashville and doing well for yourself. Good for you. She also explained briefly why you're here. So, take a seat and let's have it. Go from the start."

Avery finished, by which time Doc Edwards was tapping his finger on the end of his nose, deep in thought. "Hmmm," was the only sound he made and he turned to the wall of books behind him. He ran his finger along a row of books and selected a sizable volume. He found his reference and began reading.

Avery felt a little uneasy after a while, almost as if he didn't exist. "The doctor in Nashville said she had Post Partum Depression," he said in an effort to put himself more at ease.

Doc just acknowledged with an, "uh, uh."

He pushed the book aside and started typing on his computer. "Clever things these computers," he said. "Unfortunately, I'm no wizard but my nurse has nicknamed me 'lightning' when I use it."

"No offense Doc, but is she being sarcastic because you're not fast?"

"Maybe," Doc said smiling. "Or maybe because I don't strike the same place twice."

He studied the computer screen for a few minutes. "Ok," finally, a conclusion.

"This is where we are at this point," he said. "Now, you need to know, for me to be absolutely certain I would need to interview and observe your wife. However this is my best guesstimate but I'd be prepared to put money on it. What your wife has may very well have started as Post Partum Depression but in my opinion it has progressed far past that. I believe she has Borderline Personality Disorder. This is not very common but believe me it is extremely serious and I can't emphasise that enough. Now, what were your plans?"

"Well, I intended going back to Nashville and stay with a friend. That way I can look in on her from time to time and see how she is."

"Ok, let me give you the score and what needs to be done no matter how unpleasant it is. If you want your wife to have any chance of getting over this under no circumstances can you leave her. More than anything she will need your love and support because you are the only person who can help her with this. If this isn't done she will probably never understand she has this disorder. Now, I know this will probably not be easy, but no matter what, you don't leave her alone and you never let her take control of any situation. Fortunately, mental cases tend not to be logical so if you can confuse her train of thought she is likely to be much more compliant"

"Ok Doc, I understand,"

"Now I have just given you the good news," Doc said.

"It gets worse?"

"It sure does. This is a fact and you need to understand it. I emphasise, she is never to be left on her own. She must never be allowed to lock herself in a room. If for any reason you can't be with her get a nurse, a friend, anyone who can do what is needed. It is a statistical fact, between seventy five and eighty percent of all persons with this disorder, will, at some point develop suicidal behaviours. Of that number a very significant proportion will actually follow through with it."

Avery was horrified. He'd never heard of such a disease. "Commit suicide you mean?" he said in disbelief.

"That's exactly what I mean," the doctor said.

This was a shocking development, it unnerved him and he had to fight back the sense of panic he felt for his wife. God, help me. I've left her alone. Please God, keep her safe. Suddenly his whole attitude to Juliette's behaviour changed. Now he understood. She really needed help. He would be there for her and together they would beat this thing.

The Doctor was talking and Avery had to snap out of his thoughts and focus. "Fortunately, the situation, long term isn't hopeless. There are treatments for it. There are medications that can help but there is nothing that can cure it. Treatments involve maybe a short stay in hospital, group therapies, psychiatric treatments, sometimes even hypnotism. The best news is the vast amount of this can be done right at home where she is most comfortable."

"However", Doc continued. "Before she can undergo any treatment she will need to first acknowledge she has the condition and admits to needing treatment. Getting her to see that will not be easy. The downside of this is nearly all sufferers of mental disorders won't admit to having the disease. They think if they admit to it people will think they're crazy, insane even. Of course that isn't true, they're just sick, same as if they had the flu or whatever. Generally, with less severe disorders, often the person will come to realise something is wrong without much help, but, the more severe the complaint, the more difficult it is to get them to understand. Getting your wife to admit this as you have already seen will not be easy, but let me illustrate the type of scenario you need to create to give her the best chance to see it. How you do this I don't know but you need to create an environment where your wife feels isolated and alone, desperate, even better, where you are her only alternative for help. Then you will have an opportunity to guide her to what she needs."

"Thanks Doc," Avery said. "You've been a huge help. Now, at least I know what I need to do."

"The pleasure was mine my boy," the doctor said. "I'll send you some information just to list the points. Let me know when she'll accept treatment and I'll find someone in Nashville for you to take her to."

"That won't be necessary doc," Avery said. "When she's ready for treatment we'll be coming to you."

Doc laughed. "Nashville to Marysville. That's a hell of a trip for a doctor's appointment."

"It's not that bad Doc. It's probably less than an hour. We have our own plane."

"Do you? Well your mother wasn't kidding. You really have done well for yourself haven't you?"

His visit with Doc Edwards had a real effect on him. He was aware now of the entire situation. He decided to ring Juliette, just to know she was alright and he could rest a little easier.

"Hi baby," he said when she answered.

"Avery, thank god. Where are you? I've been so worried."

"I'm at mom and dad's place. I bought Cadence up here to leave with them for a while. They're so happy to have her. I'll be home about lunch time tomorrow. I thought it would be good for us to just be together and concentrate on each other without any distractions."

"You're coming back home. Oh, Avery. After last night I thought you were going to leave me. I thought you were so upset."

"Yes, well I was upset over that business involving shit-head but I'm over it now. If you need to work with him I guess you know what's best for you. Just don't mention him around me, ok?" He deliberately downplayed Fordham to suppress any possible tensions. In truth, given Avery's attitude, Fordham was going to be the first casualty of this fiasco.

"Are you ok baby?"

"I am now. I love you."

"I love you as well. I'll see you tomorrow."

He filled his parents in with the details of his appointment. They were both as horrified as he was concerning the severity of Juliette's condition. "You take as much time as you need." Sandra said. "Don't worry about Cadence she's in the right place. You get Juliette right."

"That's right son," Carl said. "Get Juliette past this. We're right behind you. Anything you need and we're there for you both."

Avery hugged them both. "Thanks, both of you. I can't tell you how much your help means to me. Right now though I'm going to turn in. I want to hit the road at six in the morning."