Chapter 27
Later that day
Bridget and Annie were in the master bedroom looking on line at bridal stuff and baby stuff when there was a knock on the door; it was Sarah,
"Can I come in." she asked "Sure Bridget said They showed her the stuff they were looking at. Bridget said "this kind of stuff never excited me before I am not into the girly girl stuff, but I have to say it is kind of fun."
"Well it is so much better when it's being planned for you" Annie said the 3 of them sat on the bed looking at everything for both big upcoming events for quite a while.
Now Matt had finally made sure the boys were asleep then peeked in his parents room to tell Sarah "The boys are asleep I am heading downstairs"
He went down the back stairs to the kitchen where his dad and Brian were still talking. "Dad, you know I am going to need so much help with all of this I told you what kind of a role model I had for the whole parenting and marriage thing and I certainly don't want to be like them" Brian said with a lot of concern in his voice
"Is this a private conversation, or can I join in too?" Matt asked
"Hey Matt sure" Brian said
"As far as the parenting thing you are a natural with kids so I don't see a problem there but there are plenty of us around you and Bridget to always help and that goes for the marriage" Matt reassured him.
"You know," Brian said. "When I was in the hospital, when Bridget and I were alone we did a lot of talking, neither of us had the best upbringing nor did either of really have religion in our background well except for my mother's funky flavor or the month every once in a while. She went from pagan to kabala to whatever was the hot topic of the time she never stuck with anything for long but most of the time there wasn't anything. Bridget never had any exposure to anything at all. But seeing how THIS FAMILY is I wonder if it the fact that you have your religion so central to your life and family and your value system. Bridget and I keep asking ourselves if there is anything to it?"
Eric had a big grin on his face. Matt saw his dad's face and chuckled. "Oh now you've done it Bri, You are going to have dad going now on for hours now, hope you're prepared for it."
Eric went on to discuss just some of the fundamentals of their faith and how important it is to them and how the family unit us important. Also how through their faith it go them both personally and as a family through very hard times. After Eric going on for over an hour,
Brian said "You know that is what had been missing from my life the family and faith thing, I am already doing the family thing for the first time maybe I should give the religion thing a shot too" he said,
Matt then said" it works for us" "I think Bridget and I will go on Sunday and check it out, I suppose we should get to know the church we are getting married in," he chuckled.
"Not to change the subject" Eric said "but it is getting closer to dinner and Sam and David should be home by now plus I guess you mother lost track of the time with Bridget and Sarah upstairs. Maybe we should start dinner"
Just then Sam and David walked in, "Sorry we are late the coach got a flat on the way home We are going upstairs to do homework now ok"
Then the boys went to their rooms "Dad I am not sure about dinner," Brian said "I don't know if Bridget is up for it or not. Everything is making her sick, everything except for that soup you made her this morning Matt"
" Ahh you made her Ramen Cup a soup huh Matt" Eric said "works every time.
Actually let me look in the pantry, yup we have a ton of it. "Good maybe Bridget should stick with that" Matt said
Eric looked in the refrigerator; Annie had a ton of chicken in here. Maybe we should make some chicken"
"Yeah about that you better let Brian and I deal with food we want it edible "
"Very funny Matt" Eric said "Ok Bri, feel up to cooking?"
"Well I don't know how much better than dad I will be but I will try." Brian said. "Whatever we cook we have to make it so there is not a very spicy or strong smelling or it will make Bridget sick"
"See you are good husband material most guys would even think about that" Matt said
"Getting back to dinner, I do know how to make mom's breaded lemon pepper chicken, and then maybe white rice,"
So Matt got out all the stuff and showed Brian what to do.
Eric asked "what can I do"
Matt laughed how bout, go see if Sam and David need help with their homework." As they were preparing the food Brian's cell went off.
It was Dave Brian saw on the caller ID. "Let me get this" Then Brian answered. "Hi Dave what's up?
Dave answered in an upset panicked voice. "Hi Brian I hope you are going to go to work tomorrow I feel terrible about this but can you run the presentation, Deena and I are at the hospital with Carrie and Marjorie is admitting her, Adam Jimmy and Ivy are watching Geneva and Larissa. We don't know anything yet other than Carrie's ears are badly infected and she has a 104 temperature. I can call you later when we know more."
"Oh Dave I am so sorry," Brian said, "Yeah I will handle everything Friday. Call me later about Carrie."
"Thanks Bri" and Dave Hung up. Brian put the phone down and was quiet he had his head down and was leaning on the counter with both hands,
Matt asked "What's going on with Carrie?"
"Dave didn't say all that much he was in such a hurry just that she was being admitted and it was her ears again and she had a really high temperature, he sounded panicked something is really wrong, He said he would call later when they knew more. And that Marjorie was admitting her. He didn't even say what hospital but I assume Cedar Sinai"
"Marjorie, Adam's Marjorie" Matt asked "
"Oh that's right you wouldn't know" Brian said "she is actually Dr. Marjorie Seaver she is a pediatrician"
A little while later Sarah came down to get some juice for all 4 boys She saw the upset look on Brian and Matt's faces
"What's wrong "She asked,
Brian told her about the phone call with Dave about Carrie. While Brian and Sarah talked Matt finished with the chicken and put in in the oven, and then went to sit and talk with Brian and Sarah and came in on the middle of their conversation,
"I am not sure what we can do" Sarah said "I guess we have to wait for a phone call, I think I am going to go upstairs and let everyone know about Dave's little girl. And that you started dinner. Sarah went upstairs leaving just Matt and Brian in the kitchen.
Brian then told Matt "Dave also asked me to head up the presentation tomorrow because he knew he wouldn't be there. So it is a good thing that I have everything together, or I would be overwhelmed right now. Oh you're still taking me in tomorrow right?"
"Yup" Matt said "I told you I would"
"I probably should be there by 8:30 since Dave won't be there, so we have to be up really early. Are you sure you don't mind?"
"I am actually looking forward to seeing you really in action. Hey I hate to change the subject but we should finish the food, Mom must be in her own personal Heaven, planning wedding details and a baby details at the same time." So they finished getting everything ready for dinner.
Mary and Carlos and their 3 kids came in shocked to see it was Matt and Brian doing the cooking,
"How come you're cooking, where is mom" Mary asked
"Upstairs with Bridget and Sarah in the master bedroom why don't you see what they are doing and Ask Bridget to tell you our big news" Brian said and you can hang with us Carlos." Mary and the kids went upstairs to find out what was going on.
"Ok" Carlos said "What big news we already know you engaged"
"Well" Brian said "You're not the only one having a baby, we just found out this morning that Bridget is pregnant too"
Carlos got up and gave Brian a huge hug, and high fived him "Congrats Brian so I guess you guys are going to get married pretty quickly, too bad you couldn't do it with in the next two weeks while Mary and I are out here"
"Hey is that even possible? Brian said,
"I don't even know if mom is that good Bri, Matt said "she may ring your neck for asking. Besides don't you want a little bit more hair to grow back in for the wedding pictures?"
Brian took off the red bandana , "Yeah still pretty scarce I want it grown out enough that you can't see this," Pointing to the wound,
"Yeah you still have the bruising on the left side of your temple and face too its faded but you still see it." Matt said.
"Well it was just a thought Carlos said, "but don't worry whenever your wedding is we will come back for it for that weekend ok."
Upstairs Mary went into the Master bedroom, "You're having a party and you didn't invite me" she laughed "Oh all the kids are in Sam and David's room by the way. So Brian told me to ask you Bridget what the big news is and what you are so busy doing that you forgot about dinner?"
"Oh my heavens what time is it I have to go and start the chicken," Anne said
"Oh don't worry about it" Sarah said "they took care of it already"
"Oh no not Eric, we will have to order out."
"No mom Sarah laughed "they sent him to Sam and David's room to help them with homework. Matt and Brian are taking care of it and Matt can cook so we are safe and Bridget it isn't anything with a pungent or spicy smelling so you will be ok, I guess that also applies to you as well Mary since you two have something in common. Tell her Bridget"
"Well" Bridget said with a big smile on her face "You're not the only pregnant one in this room."
"Oh my God no way you too, that is so awesome" Mary said "when are you due?" Matt did my exam today and told me December 5th, "What about you." I am a oh you are further along, I am December 15th so what are you doing up here" Annie answer "planning for a wedding and the baby all at the same time."
"Maybe we can go to David Bridal Saturday to look at dresses" Bridget said
"Oh that would be so much fun We should include Ruthie, Lucy and Nicole too and have the men watch the kids Sarah said "I would love to have Deena to but with what's going on with Carrie I don't think she will be able to go I hope little Carrie will be ok," They continued to chat about Saturday and the men made the dinner.
Dave and Deena's house
Adam was with Marjorie when she had gotten the call from Deena about Carrie. They went to Dave and Deena's and when Marjorie examined Carrie knew she were in trouble. She had Adam stay with Geneva and Larissa while they took Carrie to Cedar Sinai pediatrics
Adam called Jimmy and Ivy to help babysit and to stay with him until they heard anything Around dinner Jimmy and Ivy arrived and they brought take out so they and the girls could eat Ivy said" I hope little Carrie will be ok she is so small Does Marjorie know what is wrong, well besides the obvious ear infection?"
"She didn't say but I could tell by her expression that she thought it was pretty serious. Adam said, did anyone call Nicole or Brian, Well I know Nicole knows because Deena was at the shop when Dave called And both I and Nicole were there too Ivy said. "Speaking of Brian did you hear the news Adam, I was there at noontime when he called to talk to Nicole I already told Jimmy,"
"What news I already know they are engaged, let's see if he actually goes through with it Adam said,
"Oh I think he will now Ivy said "I don't think he has a choice, Bridget just told him she is pregnant she had an ultrasound today and everything,
"Wow I guess they better have a quick wedding then. Adam said "Well at any rate his new found dads a minister right at least they have someone to marry them Hey maybe after we eat I will call him, I haven't spoken to him since he was hurt I have been so wrapped up with Marjorie and I feel like a jerk I am just glad he is ok. Maybe if he is still speaking to me I will try calling him after we feed the kids and put them to bed"
"Let me call the girls and for dinner, Jimmy said "Hey Larissa, Geneva come eat"
At the Hospital
They had Carrie in the pediatric ICU she was one sick little girl the bacterial ear infection had leaked into her brain area and now even though it was rare she had meningitis. Deena and Dave were afraid they could lose their little girl. Her temp was over 104.8 they were at least comforted by the fact that they had Marjorie to help them through this.
Carrie was being pumped full of antibiotics and giving her medicine to get the fever down and they had her on a cooling blanket, it was too soon to see any improvement. "It's my fault Deena said if I hadn't pushed for the surgery at such a young age she wouldn't be this sick"
" Don't blame yourself it's both our faults we both are her parents, We both were just so into our own lives and sort of getting back at each other we didn't notice Carries problem. We have to do better now not just for Carrie, but our other girls too."
"Your right Dave, we should never have separated but again my fault I thought we should do the open marriage thing I messed everything up"
"We can't go back and change it Dee, we can only move forward" Dave tried to comfort her by saying it. "I am going to move back into the house we need it as normal as possible for the girls ok"
"Ok" She replied
Dinner at the Camden's
Eric came down to see if Matt and Brian needed any help, "You have to let me do something guys,"
"Well if you set the table that will be safe" Matt teased his dad.
"Ya ya fine. Do you know if Ruthie or Kevin and Lucy will be here?"
"I have no idea about Ruthie" Matt said, "But Kevin and Lucy are at home with Savannah because Kevin's brother Ben is in town."
Then Eric said "Actually instead of setting the table why don't we just do it Buffet style and everyone can make a plate and then sit where they want."
"Hey I should boil water for that soup for Bridget in case she can't eat this" Brian said and he went to the pantry to get it out the soup "Everything is done" Matt said, "why don't you go upstairs Carlos and get everyone."
Brian waited for the water and stared out the kitchen window lost in thought He was concerned about how Bridget was feeling, but at least he knew it was only due to the pregnancy and then his thoughts turned to poor little Carrie the panicked sound in Dave's voice scared the hell out of him he got a bit weepy eyed, He was so completely lost in thought he didn't hear Bridget come up behind him and he jumped when she touched him,
"I am sorry Bri, I didn't mean to startle you are you ok"
"Ya I am fine"he said
"Your eyes are tearing up and they don't look like happy tears," Bridget said,
"I am just very worried about Carrie I wish I knew what was going on with her, If you could have heard the panic in Dave's voice."
"We will try to find out information after we eat ok" she gently comforted him"
he kissed her and said "speaking of eating do you think you can eat the chicken if not I have the water all ready to put in the soup"
They sat and ate Bridget was only able to eat a little then went with the soup, When they were done they all started to clear the table and Brian's phone started to ring, it was the Greco's house phone,
"Oh maybe there is some news let me take this" he walked into the living room.
"Hey its Brian" he answered,
"hey its Adam"
"Oh hi Adam "
"Boy you sound disappointed" "Well I was hoping it was Dave with news about Carrie, wait do you have news,"
"No I wish" Adam said "Carrie was in rough shape though when they took her to the hospital, Marjorie was really concerned" "She is really sick Bri,"
"What hospital, Adam."
"The one you were at Cedar Sinai. Speaking of you being in the hospital I feel like such a jerk for not being there for you. I only really found out after you were discharged how serious it was, I guess because I was wrapped up in my own world and then I didn't want to call for fear you would hang up on me Bri. Are we still friends?"
"Of course Adam we will always be friends"
"Oh I heard from Ivy I should be congratulating you, A baby huh wow"
"Yeah Bridget and I are happy about it and what's cool is my brother is her doctor he checked her out today got an ultrasound and everything. Hey I hate to cut you off but I am going to see what info I can get I am going to try to reach Dave on his cell. If I find out anything I will let you know." He hung up and called Dave's cell
Dave answered in a pretty shaky voice he sounded very upset,"Hi ya Bri"
"What's going on man tell me about Carrie" Brian pleaded
Dave couldn't really talk Carrie had gotten worse not better He handed the phone to Marjorie, "Hello" she said
"Hey it me Brian what's going on how is she?" Marjorie stepped out of the room as to not upset Dave and Deena any more than they already were.
"Not good Brian she is in the pediatric ICU" She started to go over medical stuff forgetting that it was way over his head "Hold on a sec because some of this stuff is way over my head I am not a medical person but Matt my brother is" he yelled "Hey Matt I need you come here and take the phone."
Matt came in the living room, and asked "Who's on the phone?" "Marjorie, Dr. Seaver have her explain what's going on with Carrie then explain it to me in layman's terms. He handed him the phone,
"Hi Dr. Seaver I am Dr. Matt Camden Brian's brother, we are all terribly concerned about little Carrie,"
"Oh aren't you the one who arranged the meeting with Heather Cain?" Marjorie asked
"Yes I am Heather is a very good friend, Any way getting back to Carrie what's going on" Marjorie explained her condition in detail the inner ear defect that hadn't been caught on previous tests and had been magnified because if the surgery it wasn't seen before because she was so small the defect allowed the infection to get to her inner brain and cause bacterial meningitis that allowed the ear infection"
"Ok can there be visitors even just to be there to support Dave and Deena"
"Well they may let you in to see Carrie I can try to allow access even briefly" Marjorie said
"OK let me hang up and explain this to Brian, thanks Dr. Seaver."
"Call me Marjorie "See you soon."
He turned to Brian "Oh god I can see by the expression on you face it is bad isn't it Matt?"
"Yeah Brian she has bacterial meningitis she has also had some seizures from it there is a 35%-40% Mortality rate to this its higher because she has had at least one seizure,"
"Ok what is Mortality rate mean?" Brian asked "It means Brian that 35-40 out of every 100 children die from this" Brian sat on the couch with his head in his hands "Oh God, We have to go there even if for a little while but then I do have to go home because I still have that job to do and I promised him I would do it"
Matt went into the dining room and told everyone what was going on with Carrie
"I want to go too Matt." Sarah said "Mom, will you and dad watch the boys for us?" Matt asked
"Of Course" Annie said So Brian Matt Bridget and Sarah left in the van and headed to Cedar Sinai
Cedar Sinai
They arrive there by 6:30 and found their way to the pediatric ICU Matt asked for Dr. Seaver stating he was Dr. Camden. He figured that would give him more clout than if he just told them he was a visitor.
Marjorie met them in the waiting room. "Hi Brian" she said, she hadn't seen him since the accident, and she was taken aback by his appearance, even though he looked much better he still looked well not great as opposed to what he looked like before, he introduced Matt and Sarah to her and of course she already knew Bridget from the weekend at Big Bear Lake
"How are Dave and Deena?" Brian asked,
"As you can imagine a wreck" She said "I will let them know you are here"
She left down the hall to go tell them Deena came out first her eyes all red and swollen from crying "I am so glad you are here, Frankie, my mom is flying in but hasn't gotten here yet Brian you're not even 100 % better and you are here and we hardly know you meaning Matt and Sarah and you are here and Bridget.I know you feel crappy form the morning sickness yet you are all here that means so much to us. Carrie is so sick they can't get her temperature down they have her on a cooling blanket."
"I know how horrible that is from recent 1st hand experience when I had my own brain infection; she is so little to be going through that, I am an adult and it so was hard." Brian said.
Dave came out and talked to them too, they each were briefly allowed to see Carrie, They stayed until 9 pm
Brian said "Dave we should go I have that presentation you asked me to do"
"Thanks for doing it Bri, I know you will do a good job man" Dave said
"Keep us posted on how Carrie is, and I will let you know how tomorrow goes ok" Brian said and with that they headed back to the apartment.
Back at the apartment
They were very quiet on the way back it was 9:30 when they pulled in "I think I am going to stay here tonight do you think mom and dad will mind watching the boys, "No I will call them" Matt dialed his parents and let them know Sarah would be staying here because they were too tired to go back they were fine with it. They all got ready for bed Matt and Sarah lay on the cot mattresses on the floor again and were out almost as they lay down
Brian and Bridget went into the bedroom he got out his stuff for tomorrow so it would be already to go so he wouldn't have to fuss with either his clothes or his work.
Bridget did the same with her things. He set the alarm on his phone for 6:30 and put it in the charger and for backup. He set his alarm clock too for 6:30 am. They both used the bathroom and then lay in bed. They fell asleep almost immediately.