Chapter 15 – Family Time!
The next morning Roman woke up and looked at the clock. He rolled over and kissed Machelle's shoulder.
"What time is it?" Machelle asked reaching behind her, putting her hand on Roman's cheek. "I don't wanna get up."
"Almost 9:30." Roman said kissing the palm of her hand. "Stay in bed for a bit."
He got out of bed and went into the washroom.
Just as Roman came out, Machelle was going into her closet.
Then the phone rang, Roman answered, it was Patty.
"You can stay in bed, babe." Roman said coming into the closet. He took the clothes out of her hands. Then hugged her. "Get some more rest, if you want. That-"
"No, I need to get up." Machelle said interrupting him. "I can't stay in bed, all day. Your family and mine are coming. Besides, I am starving."
"Yes, you can. Mom just called, Mom and The Aunts are going to go to the mall. Dad and your Uncles are going golfing. I can bring you breakfast in bed." Roman said and kissed her forehead. "You need your rest. How are you feeling, anyway?"
"Much better, than yesterday. I'm just tired, I can go for a nap later. Maybe when the boys go, for theirs." Machelle said and put her head on his chest. "I really think it was because, I didn't sleep very good without you the night before. It happens the first couple nights you go on tour but, then I'm good."
Roman smiled.
Machelle went into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. She decided to stay in her PJ's.
Roman checked on the boys. Who were still sound asleep.
Then waited for Machelle, to finish and they went downstairs.
Roman got the coffee going and turned on the kettle.
"Hey Ro." Machelle said peeling a Banana. "Did I have cravings, when I was pregnant the last time?"
He stole a bite, of the banana and hugged her.
"Hmm Mm. Not as bad as the watermelon, though." Roman smiled and got the cups out of the cupboard. "You had cravings for Jelly Beans. It was for certain colours, though. Dean and I, would buy like six big bags and separate the Orange, Yellow and Green ones. Green was mint that was your favourite. Even Vince when he came to see you, always brought a couple bags with him. Why did you ask that?"
"Hmm, I don't remember that. Just curious, that's all." Machelle said. "The girls asked yesterday, I couldn't remember. Tia said she had different cravings, with Christian and Evan. I know Sherri had cravings for Ice Cream."
Roman leaned down and kissed her.
"Go sit down, on the couch and I will get your tea ready and bring you something else to eat, Okay?" Roman said kissing her again.
Machelle nodded and went to the Linen closet, in the laundry room. She came out with a blanket.
Then went to the couch and got comfy. She turned the TV on and flipped through the channels.
Roman brought her tea and some muffins, for them to snack on.
He had just sat down beside her, when they heard.
"Daaaddy, where are you?" JJ yelled, coming down the stairs.
Machelle started laughing.
"With Mommy down stairs." Roman smiled and got up.
He met them at the bottom of the stairs.
JJ jumped from the stairs into Roman's waiting arms. JJ hugged him and then, Jake did the same.
Then it was El Torrito's turn, who was very excited to see them and gave them kisses.
Both the boys laughed.
Then they went looking for Machelle.
JJ sat beside her and put his head on her knee. Machelle combed her fingers through his hair, and put the blanket on him. Both boys loved it, when she did that.
"Morning baby, Did you sleep good?" Machelle smiled, JJ nodded.
"Are the babies, being bad again?" Jake asked, getting under the blanket.
Roman smiled, he was happy they were being so curious. He went into the kitchen and got them, a drink.
"They aren't bad sweetheart." Machelle smiled. "They just had to much excitement yesterday, that's all. Mommy just needs to take it easy. Did you guys have fun yesterday? You both did so, good."
Jake nodded. Then cuddled up to Machelle.
The movie Journey 2 the mysterious island, was on the TV and had just started.
The boys were excited to see Dwayne, on the big screen.
"Should we watch this?" Machelle asked the boys.
"Yeah." Both boys said.
Machelle smiled and put the converter on the coffee table.
"Hurry up Daddy, come cuddle with us." JJ said and smiled, when he came and sat down.
Jake climbed on Roman's lap and covered Roman's legs, with the blanket.
Machelle put her head on his shoulder, and smiled up at him.
El Torrito laid down on the blanket. The kittens jumped up on the couch, and laid down on the back.
"This is what I needed." Machelle smiled.
Roman leaned his head down and kissed her.
"I agree. I think, I could do this all day just cuddling up with you guys." Roman smiled and kissed her again. "Just a lazy day. Well at least for a couple hours, anyway."
After the movie, Machelle and the boys went upstairs for a nap.
Well, she fell asleep the boys watched TV then eventually fell asleep.
Roman had just come down the stairs, from checking on them. When Dean knocked on the door and Roman let him in.
"Hey Ro, where are the Monsters?" Dean asked. "I was going to ask them, if they wanted to go for a ride. I have to go get Taylor, from her friends place."
"Sleeping with Machelle." Roman smiled, and showed Dean the picture he just took. "They should be up soon, come have a coffee."
"Aw, that is very cute." Dean smiled, and followed Roman into the kitchen. "So, Sherri sent me over to help with the prep for tonight."
"Don't think there is much." Roman said. "Think it's just burgers, we are having. Did you find out about Tia, for Seth?"
"Yup, she's single and has two teenage boys." Dean smiled. "I asked, Sherri last night and texted him this morning. All I can say is Seth, better not screw around with Tia. Sherri will kick his ass. Machelle feeling any better? I hope she's okay, today."
"Yeah, she's okay. She was just tired, this morning." Roman said handing him a coffee. "She doesn't sleep very good, when I'm not there. It's a different story, when we are on the road. I don't think she is coming, if we decide to go somewhere today. She feels really bad but, I think it's better for her to rest. So, it will be me and the boys if we do anything. I'm actually, looking forward to spending time with them."
Roman, got the tomatoes and onions out and started cutting them up.
"What are we doing today, anyway?" Dean asked. "I hear you, Sherri was throwing up this morning. She went back to bed. She kicked me out, of the house. She said she was fine but, I have no idea if that is normal, is it?"
Roman smiled and nodded his head.
He went into the living room, then handed Dean a book.
"Mom, and all the Aunts went to the mall. Dad, took the Uncles golfing. They are going to be here in two hours." Roman said and smiled. "It's normal, until she's about 12-16 weeks. Depends on each women. She might be crabby for a bit but, just be there for her. Don't take anything personal. Machelle went through this, remember when she would lock us out of the bus?. This book, will help you a lot in understanding what's going on with her."
"Thanks Roman, I will read it and give it back when I'm done." Dean smiled. "I always thought you guys were getting, busy."
"Oh yeah, while I was outside with you." Roman said and rolled his eyes.
Machelle, came down the stairs and heard some of the conversation.
"There are more books, if you want them Dean." Machelle smiled, coming into view. "You really are a pervert."
"You should be sleeping, young lady." Dean said coming over to her. "You need to rest."
"Shut up, Dean." Machelle smiled, and shoved his chest lightly. "I'm fine. I'm not doing anything today. Except sitting, I promise."
Dean smiled and pulled a chair out for her, at the kitchen island.
Roman turned the kettle on. Then just listened while he cut things up, and got things ready.
"Sorry, you are family and I'm worried for both of you." Dean said sitting beside her.
"I'm pregnant not dying, Dean. Women have had babies for thousands of years." Machelle smiled. "Morning sickness is normal. Sherri guessed she was about nine weeks along. You have about a month more of this. Sometimes, it can last the whole pregnancy. Roman's right, just be there for her. But, don't suffocate her, meaning give her some space. I hated getting sick when Roman, was around. That's probably, why she kicked you out. She didn't want you hovering over her, while she's puking her guts out. That's also the reason, I locked you guys out of the bus sometimes."
"Really? Okay, I can do that." Dean said. Then smiled. "So, when does the horny part come?"
Roman, laughed and almost spit his coffee out.
"I could tell you but, I won't. Read the book, it will tell you." Machelle laughed and hit his shoulder lightly. "Pervert."
"Okay, just checking." Dean said smiling. Then went serious. "You, sure your okay?"
Machelle nodded.
"I promise I am good. I plan, on letting you guys do things. Just like when I taught you guys to cook." Machelle said and smiled at the memory. "The Aunts, went to Patty's the other day, to help make the salads. Uncle Everett and Johnny made hamburger patties, the other day. They are in the deep freeze, in the garage. You guys have the buns at your place."
"I brought them with me." Dean said. "What about the part when we show your family around, you going to come with us?"
"Then we have everything done." Machelle said. "I don't know Dean. I want to go and be with everyone but, it depends on what they want to do. I might just go to Miami. Vanessa told Sherri and I about this store, and she found the crib set she wants."
"When should we put that up? Like is it to early or not." Dean asked. "I mean Sherri has the room painted and ready for the crib but, I don't know how to put it up."
"Roman, still hasn't put ours up." Machelle smiled. "So, It's up to you when you put it up."
"I'm putting ours up with Seth, this week. So, while your gone we will put yours up." Roman said. "So, when you get back it will be done."
Dean was going to say something when, the boys came down the stairs.
As soon as they heard Uncle Dean's voice, they went running to him.
"Hey, Squirt 1 and Squirt 2." Dean smiled. Both boys laughed. Uncle Dean had weird names for them all the time. "How about we go test, out my new four wheeler?"
All you heard, was them screaming YEAH.
They ran to the front hall closet and got their runners, and Roman helped get their shoes on.
"Don't worry, I have helmets for them." Dean smiled and looked at Machelle. "Taylor's friend lives like two blocks from here. We are going to pick her up. Then maybe, stop at the youth centre and come back down the beach."
"Dean, I trust you." Machelle smiled. "You have like two hours, before everyone gets here. So, have fun."
Machelle and Roman walked them out, to the front yard. Dean got their helmets on and got them belted in, and then they were off.
"You could of went with them, you know." Machelle said to Roman.
"I didn't want to." Roman smiled and put his arm around her. "I think Dean wants to prove to himself, he can be a good Dad. If you ask me, I think he's kinda scared."
"I think your right." Machelle said and started walking back to the house. "I know he's scared but, he does great with the boys and Taylor. I think, they will help him relax a bit. Maybe, it's the baby stage he is scared of?"
Roman, thought maybe she was right.
About a half hour later Seth, Tia and Brittany came over.
Roman and Seth took El Torrito for a walk leaving the girls to chat.
Dean and the kids:
They had stopped off at Dean's place, and grabbed Ares.
"Okay boys here we go." Dean said. "Hey, look there is Uncle Seth. Wave to him."
Both boys waved as Dean went down the street.
They went straight to Tirana's place and Taylor was waiting outside with her friend.
"Dean, can Tirana stay for dinner tonight?" Taylor asked. "She asked her Mom, and she said yes."
"That is fine with me but, I want to meet her parents." Dean said. "Just so she knows who I am, that's all."
Tirana went and got her Mom and Dad.
Her brothers came with her. They all watched wrestling and were happy Dean wanted to meet them.
After Tirana's parents and Dean chatted, they got back on the four wheeler and went to the Youth Centre.
There were about six teens outside.
"Hey guys how's it going?" Dean said. "You guys wanna play soccer? I have a little bit of time."
Dean and the teens went into the gym and grabbed some balls.
They split up into teams.
Dean, JJ, Jake, Taylor and Tyson were all on one team.
Tirana decided to be a cheer leader for Dean's team. She wasn't into sports.
"Tirana, I need you to do me a favour. You can be the time keeper." Dean said. "I set the timer for an hour, when it goes off just yell, Okay?"
Tirana nodded her head. Then the game started.
Roman and Machelle's House:
"You feel any better, Machelle?" Tia asked. "Sherri never answered my text."
"A lot better." Machelle said. "Dean came over and took the boys on his toy to go get Taylor, from Tirana's place. They both had a permanent smile on their face, when they left. Sherri is at the sick stage of her pregnancy. Dean told us this morning, she kicked him out of the house and went back to sleep."
"We saw Dean and the boys, on our way here." Brittany said smiling. "They all waved to us. The smile was still there."
They chatted for a bit, then all the rest of the families showed up.
Tia went and got Sherri, who finally responded to her text.
The girls, were sitting outside just talking. Machelle made them all Daiquiris and a virgin one for herself and Sherri.
"Machelle wants to go with us but, she can't do much walking." Patty said. "Do you guys want to go to a winery or something? We could go to Miami, they have lots to see."
"What ever you guys want, is good with us. Any of them sound great." Lisa said looking at the rest of the Aunts, who nodded. "We just want to make it easier, on Machelle."
"I can stay on the bus, if need be." Machelle said coming outside with a tray of drinks. "I just can't walk very much. I think I would rather go to Miami, than anything else."
She handed everyone one a drink and went back into the house to get hers.
Sherri, was just putting the blender away. When Roman and Seth came back, and had brought an ice cream cake with them. Roman put it in the freezer.
"What are you guys doing with Ares, while your gone?" Roman asked Sherri. "We can look after him, It's not a problem."
"No, we got that covered." Sherri smiled and closed the fridge. "Ares is going to boot camp, while we are gone. Machelle gave us Derek's number, he trains dogs. Ares is a great dog, he just needs to be properly trained. Maybe just the cats but, that's it."
"That will help him." Seth smiled.
Machelle came into the house, trying to run and opened the front door.
All the girls were right behind her.
Roman was, wondering what had happened.
Then they heard screaming and Taylor came running into the house, with JJ in tow. Her friend Tirana, had Ares by the collar.
Roman grabbed him from her.
Dean was holding Jake. Who was crying and had blood on his forehead and shirt.
"Call the police." Dean screamed, coming up the driveway.
"What the-." Seth started but stopped.
Roman grabbed Jake and went to the bathroom. Machelle, Ares and El Torrito were right behind him.
Seth called 911 and handed the phone to Dean, who explained what happened.
Sherri and the other family members stayed and listened to what was going on.
"What happened Dean?" Seth asked.
Dean was out of breath so, Taylor answered the question.
"Ares tripped Jake on the road, by mistake. There was a stray dog on the way home, from the beach. The dog tried to attack Jake, who was walking. Dean stepped in front of him, to protect him and the dog charged Dean. That's when Ares got involved, he was protecting them." Taylor said trying to calm herself, then pointed outside. "Then Dean, told us to run back here and he carried Jake home. The four wheeler is still at the entrance to the beach. He's right there across the road, he followed us home."
Mr. Collins came over, to see if Jake was okay. Roman led him to the bathroom.
"It's okay, Taylor. Are you both alright? That dog didn't hurt you did he?" Dean asked both girls. Then hugged Taylor when both girls shook their heads. "I let Taylor drive, because Ares was scared of the four wheeler. Jake was walking with me, when the dog showed up."
"I hear the sirens coming, sounds like there is more than police coming." Seth said.
There was a ASPCA van and the police coming down the road.
The police car stopped when Roman, Dean and Seth came out of the house. They chatted for a bit.
Then the men in the van got out, when they saw the rouge dog going to the beach.
Mrs. Collins came out and told them she had called the ASPCA. Her and George, saw the whole thing from their back deck and called.
The guys, went back to the house to see if Jake was okay. Leaving Vera to chat with the dog catchers.
Dean handed Seth the keys, to the four wheeler and he went down to get it.
"Is he okay, Sherri?" Dean asked concerned. "The Dog catcher is here to get the dog. George and Vera saw the whole thing."
There was a knock on the open door.
It was Vera, one of the dog catchers and a police man.
"They have the dog. These gentlemen would like to talk with you, Dean." Vera said.
Dean nodded and went to chat with them.
George and Vera Collins, are Roman and Machelle's neighbours. They lived two doors away from Sherri and Dean.
George was a paramedic, and Vera was a teacher. They had a little girl, that the boys played with sometimes.
They saw Jamie build the house.
They had come over, when Dean, Roman and Machelle moved in and introduced them selves.
Sherri mowed their lawn, and the neighbours beside her and Dean. When she did Machelle's, just because it was next door.
Neither of their neighbours yards were big. It only took her three swipes, in her ride on mower and they were done. They were also very nice people.
Machelle and Mr. Collins came out with Jake. Machelle, went to the cupboard and gave Jake a Baby Aspirin.
"Jake should be fine Machelle. He has a hard head, just like his Dad. Just put an ice pack on the bump, and just keep him calm." Mr. Collins said smiling. "If he has any trouble at all, just call me. Jake, you are a great patient."
Jake gave him a high five, when he put his hand up.
"Mommy, do you think the blood will come out of my shirt?" Jake said. "It's the one I got for my birthday, from Lily."
"Yes, Baby it will come out." Machelle smiled.
Then they heard an Ambulance coming.
"Thank you so much, for coming and getting Jake bandaged, Mr. Collins." Roman said shaking his hand.
"No problem. You know, I have been your neighbour for four years. But, you and Dean both still call me Mr. Collins, That's my Father." Mr. Collins smiled. "It's George, Roman."
"Sorry, George." Roman smiled and shook his hand.
As George was leaving, he stopped in front of Dean.
"Dean are you hurt? I saw the dog grab your pants." George said. Dean looked down at his ripped jeans and lifted his pant leg and there was nothing. "Good, wouldn't want anything to happen, to one of our best wrestling neighbours."
Dean smiled and shook his hand and smiled at Vera.
Then Vera and George left.
George talked to the paramedics, that had showed up and the ambulance left.
When all the excitement was calmed down. Sika went and started the BBQ.
All the women, let the guys get things ready.
"This is kinda nice not doing anything. Don't you think?" Patty smiled.
She made sure Sika heard her.
"It is our pleasure to help." Sika smiled at her. "You girls always do this for us, now it's our turn."
Then he went inside and sat down at the island, to chat with the guys.
"Dean, I hear you have another challenge for Machelle." Sika said. "I think you should know, she has been training hard and you might be surprised."
"I heard you and Afa were training her, but I don't know why." Dean said. "She's not a wrestler."
"It wasn't always wrestling Dean. It was more like Lima lama." Afa started. "Lima lama is a kind of martial arts that originated in Samoa. Derived from the words Lima and malamalama, meaning five fingers of understanding and intelligence. It symbolically means hands of wisdom."
By now all the guys, were listening to Afa.
Afa took a sip of his coffee, then started again.
"The founder Tu'umamao 'Tino' Tuiolosega practised aikido, Shaolin kung fu, choy lay fut and hung gar in his early years. All kinds of Samoan martial arts. As the son of a royal Samoan family, he was required to learn various self-defence techniques. Lima lama mixes the traditional movements of Polynesian dancers with the battle-proven tactics perfected by fierce Samoan warriors. It focuses on warrior traditions. Specifically dance, shifting and swaying tactics intended to unbalance one's opponent. Kind of like wrestling does." Afa said and took another sip of his coffee. "It includes holds and take downs, boxing, pressure points, kicks and stick fighting. Among other things. Tino introduced it to California in 1964. One of the United States most famous experts. Was Hawaiian native Ted Tabura. Who through his school, continues to spread the Polynesian art throughout the world."
"What he is trying to say, is Machelle started this after the boys were born." Roman smiled. "That is how she lost all the baby weight. It was to get fit, not to fight. Although I wouldn't want to try and assault her, she will kick ass."
"Wow, Maybe you shouldn't fight her." Everett said smiling. "Yes, we heard about your challenges. They all sounded really good and harmless but, I don't know. This one sounds, like you might have bitten off more than you can handle, Dean."
"I think you are right. I mean I don't want to fight a girl-" Dean started but, was cut off.
"Don't you, chicken out on me now, Dean." Machelle said coming into the house. "I am looking forward to kicking your ass. Besides Seth recorded the bet. I see your point in not wanting to fight a girl but, a bet is a bet."
"Mommy that's a bad word." JJ said with his hands on his hips.
Everyone laughed.
"Sorry Sweetheart." Machelle smiled. "It's Uncle Dean's fault. He started it."
JJ laughed as Machelle, pretended to put up her fists to Uncle Dean.
"Burgers are ready." Sika laughed and put his arms around, Dean and Machelle's shoulders and ushered them outside. "Don't worry, we can all come up with a challenge for you two. We have like five months to plan something."
They sat and ate and just chatted, about what they were going to do for the rest of the time, the Family was there.
The decision was made that they would drive Dean, Taylor and Sherri to Miami.
The rest of the family, were going to do something from there.
After all the Aunts and uncles left, Machelle, Sherri waited for the kettle to boil.
The rest of the adults were taking Ares and El Torrito for a walk. They were also going to walk Tirana home. Dean wanted to talk to her parents and explain what had happened.
Jake wasn't feeling good so, he stayed behind and was watching TV.
"You sure you want to come with us?" Sherri said. "I mean, to Miami to drop us off."
"Yes, I do. Since, we are taking the bus I can rest if I get tired. I can put my feet up, for long trips." Machelle smiled. "Sika said there is a RV park in Miami to hook the bus up. We can always rent a car. I want JJ and Jake, to know Mom's family and stay in touch with them. Like Roman's family does. As for tomorrow I might just stay home and rest."
"Okay, I get what your saying." Sherri said, and got Machelle's laptop. "We can work this out. We need something that kids and adults can see. How about Gatorland in Kissammee? That would be fun for both. There is also Legoland there. That would be good for the kids and I bet the adults would love to go. So, I figure maybe some place in between would be okay."
When the kettle boiled Machelle made tea. She handed Sherri a cup and they walked outside to finish their conversation.
"Roman's Mom, did say we are famous for our Gators." Machelle smiled. "The boys, I know would love Legoland. Sounds like a plan, to me."
Taylor and the guys came back and walked outside.
"Okay, What are you two up to?" Dean smiled and sat beside Sherri. "What's a plan?"
Roman came out with Jake and sat next to Machelle. Jake climbed on Machelle's lap and cuddled up to her.
"How you feeling Jake, you okay?" Machelle said and smiled when he nodded his head. "Sherri and I have some Ideas for tomorrow."
"Okay, what are the ideas?" Dean said. "Ro, and I had some things to."
"Legoland or Gatorland, were our ideas." Sherri said. "We thought everyone would like that."
"We had the same ideas." Dean smiled. "We can't do both because, Taylor has to be home by at least four. The dance starts at seven. Jackson is coming to get her at 6:30. We can got for dinner after she leaves."
"I say Gatorland." Taylor said, coming out and sitting by Dean.
"Me too." JJ smiled and climbed up on her lap.
"No, Legoland Daddy." Jake said.
"We have to ask everyone, you guys." Roman said. "I think everyone would like either one but, they might not. We will have to ask the others, okay?"
Jake nodded his head and put his thumb in his mouth. He was resting his head on Machelle's stomach. Then out of no where, he sat up. Machelle smiled.
"You okay, Jake?" Dean said.
"One of the babies moved. He had his foot pushed up on Jake's cheek." Machelle said.
All of them, put their hands on Machelle's stomach. They felt the babies toes and one of their hands.
"That is cool." Dean said smiling.