Go Baby Grow

Chapter 36 – Let's Dance

Friday, June 5th

With students distracted and giddy throughout Seattle, the school day was mostly a waste regardless of the venue. At St. Frances, where tardies were considered anathema, seniors strolled into class late. Surely a tardy, they reasoned, would not keep them from graduating on Sunday. The younger kids, especially in Lucas' class, seemed to be bundles full of non-stop energy. At the already loose Montessori school, students were encouraged to be intentional about how they chose to spend their time. Olivia and Gwen took the instructions to mean that slipping off to out of the way staircases and quiet corners to make out was a worthwhile pursuit. Anna, who actually looked forward to returning to St. Frances the following year so she could attend the same school as her brother and sister, tapped her pencil and doodled as her day dragged on. With the prom only hours away, the students at St. Stephens focused on little else.

"Wha?" Julie responded when the teacher firmly called out, "Miss Caldwell?!" She raised her head off the desk and apologized, "Sorry, ma'am. I'm awake." Each day that week, Nate had led Julie and Ryder through intense workouts. Julie's abs hurt so badly that breathing was painful. When Captain Caldwell asked Nate if he'd mind taking over the efforts of preparing Ryder and Julie for Plebe Summer, Nate relished in the opportunity to have a familiar task. The workouts were a welcome break from the volumes of learning he faced at the base. Adding her rendez-vous with Nate the evening prior and Sam's surprise arrival, Julie was beyond exhausted.

As the bell rang and excused the students to the next class, Julie's teacher summoned her over. "Miss Caldwell, you fell asleep in my class twice today. Perhaps the prom tonight would take more energy than you have."

"No, Ma'am. I'm sorry, Ma'am," Julie grinned with desperation.

"Miss Caldwell, if this continues throughout the day, we can consider not allowing you to walk with your class at graduation," the teacher threatened.

"Yes, Ma'am," Julie stated, stifling a yawn.

Julie walked into the hallway and checked her phone. Nate Larson had sent two texts. The first read, Last night was nice. Thinking abt you. The second read, Ready for 3pm? Quick workout before prom?

The schedule is pretty tight today with pics, dinner, dance, etc. Better skip today's workout, Julie attempted. If Nate didn't buy her excuse, she hoped Adam would. After all, he'd been whistling and smiling all week. Certainly, Julie laughed to herself, that has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Tessa Rice is staying 'in the guest room' during her visit to Seattle and happened to be with him on the ship last night. Although she still could not put her finger on it, Julie's odd impressions of Tessa remained. Something simply wasn't right.

I don't think so, Larson jotted back. 1500. Quick 45 mins. That gives you from 1600-1730 to primp, 30 mins for pics, 1800-1900 for dinner, and 1900 on for the prom.

What if my prom begins at 1800? Julie wrote back.

It doesn't. I know. I called the school. Ha! Nate responded.

"Argh…" Julie groaned aloud as she walked. She stopped walking and leaned against some lockers, typing out a text to Ryder that read, Ensign Meanie sez 1500 for 45 mins.

Great. That'll give us a little more time for pics, etc, Ryder responded. Having good last day?

Having rotten day. Teacher just threatened me re graduation bc fell asleep in class, Julie shared.

Ryder laughed as he read her text, Sucks to be you Princess. See ya at park. Eager for prom tonight.

Will be a fun night… if I live through the workout, Julie responded. The tardy bell rang and she ran toward her class. The Dean stopped her and assigned a lunch detention for running in the hallway. When she reached her class seven minutes late, her teacher attempted to fill the same time slot. St. Stephens was not known for easing its expectations, even on the last day of school.

At the end of class, Julie approached her teacher to explain her quandary. "Sir, I already have lunch detention today," she explained.

"Hmm… that's problematic, Miss Caldwell," the strict male teacher commented. "You could turn in a 5-page paper on Monday instead."

"Umm… ok," Julie responded. "On the topic of my choice?"

"Certainly not," the teacher chuckled with delight. "Besides a proper introduction and conclusion, you can offer an analysis about a minimum of three situations when different historical figures faced problems or serious implications due to their tardy arrival. Hurry on now or you'll have another tardy."

With every cuss word rolling through her head, Julie walked quickly and slid into her seat at the next class just as the bell rang. Her teacher caught her eye and asked Julie to hand out blank paper for a pop quiz. Her last day of high school would certainly be memorable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Hey, Gorgeous," Ryder winked when he ran into Heather in the hallway. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her, casting half an eye around the area hoping not to spot any teachers or administrators. "Wait until you see what I have planned for us on Monday," he hinted even though he had no idea how they would spend their time.

"I wish I didn't have to wait all the way until Monday," Heather whined as she slipped her hand under his jacket and squeezed his ass.

"Me too, Doll," Ryder winked. "I'll text you tomorrow… maybe we can figure something out for the afternoon."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

"Thanks again for moving your appointment up to today. Everything looks spectacular," Arizona proclaimed with glee as she concluded her initial exam.

"No effacing or dilation, right?" Owen sought to confirm.

Wincing, Arizona searched for a way to share her findings. "I didn't check specifically because nothing is indicating any premature labor. We're dealing with one baby. Preterm labor isn't as much of a worry as it was with your twins."

"But with a history of preterm labor and given Mia's age…" Owen began.

Amelia, still lying on the exam table, patted Owen's forearm and assured him, "She's an expert, Handsome. We have great care."

"I'd just hate to miss any subtle signs," Owen fretted.

"As long as you take it easy and only stand or walk around to use the restroom or eat a meal, I'm hopeful you'll deliver at or close to term," Arizona stated.

"Hmm…" Owen frowned as he glanced at his wife. "That means really taking it easy, Mia. Not just not working."

"You have been on bedrest, right, Amelia?" Arizona sought to confirm.

"I can't lie to a friend, Arizona," Amelia confessed and bit her bottom lip. "I've not been the most compliant patient… I let that order slip my mind."

"Slip your mind?" Arizona pressed with seriousness. "Owen, I'll reiterate this to you and you can try to manage the wayward Mama… bedrest. Except for meals and the bathroom. I don't care where you rest – you can spend time next door or outside on a lounge chair, but horizontal, Amelia. Is that clear enough?"

Amelia smirked, knowing full well she'd been caught. She pointed out, "Ryder's graduation is on Sunday and I'm supposed to help his friend get ready for her prom tonight."

Folding her arms and staring at Amelia, Arizona waited a bit before responding. "Sit rather than stand as much as possible, minimize walking, and please, please stop if you experience anything unusual."

Looking up at Arizona, Owen reminded the doctor, "We're scheduled to travel to Maryland at the end of the month. Do you still feel comfortable with that?"

With a toothy grin, Arizona glanced quickly at Amelia before answering, "At this point, absolutely. After all, Owen, she'll be travelling with a trauma surgeon the entire time. I've heard he is amazing." Amelia laughed sarcastically and Arizona winked at her.

"You two are hilarious," Owen deadpanned.

As Arizona began to prepare the transducer for a brief ultrasound, she emphasized, "If you take it easy the next few weeks, Amelia, we'll reassess right before the trip and determine parameters." Arizona looked at Owen and inquired, "Who's watching the other kids when you head to Maryland?"

"My mom is going to stay at the house. Since Nolan lives next door, they'll pitch in too," Owen detailed.

"If your mom needs a break or anything…" Arizona began. "Just call Karev."

"Funny, Robbins," Owen chuckled.

"Still no gender reveal?" the doctor confirmed.

"We want to be surprised," Amelia stated.

"This child really would like you to know," Arizona giggled as she moved the monitor. "Every time we check in, the gender is crystal clear."

"Can we see the face?" Amelia hoped.

"Let me… move… over… here," Arizona commentated. "Here we go," she announced as she moved the screen.

Owen reached over and traced his finger on the monitor. He became teary at every ultrasound and at every sound of the heartbeat. "Hi, Baby…." he sighed with deep awe and wonder.

The baby kicked and everyone laughed.

"He or she really knows Daddy's voice," Arizona grinned. "Look… it's sucking its thumb."

"Awwww…. Another Lucas," Amelia stated with nostalgia.

"Another Lucas," Owen whispered as he kissed Amelia's forehead, then each cheek, then her mouth.

Arizona removed the transducer after noting the measurement data. She shared, "I was thinking about Ryder not being able to be here when the baby is born."

Both Amelia and Owen gazed over at her sadly, as if to say, Why are you reminding us?

"The other day, Dr. Collins delivered a baby and the Daddy is in the service. He skyped the Daddy in for the birth," Arizona enthusiastically stated.

"I'm not sure we want him there for the actual birth, but immediately afterward would be phenomenal," Owen pondered aloud.

"And for our traditional family picture!" Amelia added with joy. "We can hold up the tablet."

"That will be so adorable!" Arizona oozed. "We're halfway there. Won't be long now."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Precisely at 1500, Nate, Ryder and Julie began their workout. Nate shared that they'd skip pushups and crunches given the limited time. Additionally, since they'd both been working so hard, Nate suggested they slow their pace. "Today will be a maintenance run so to speak," he explained.

Ryder ran to his car to grab a water bottle and Nate took advantage of the opportunity to ask Julie a question.

"I've been meaning to ask," Nate threw out. "You and Hunt…"

"We're friending to the prom, not dating," Julie clarified.

"Friending?" Nate inquired, not sure what Julie meant.

Ryder approached as Julie explained, "Friending – when you go on a date with a friend, which means it's not really a date-date. It's just friending. Ryder and I do that from time to time, right RB?

"Friending. No benefits," Ryder added.

Julie blew air toward her forehead, pointing out, "You had to cross that line, didn't you, Ryder? You had to bring sex into the conversation."

"Why not?" Ryder chuckled. "You know I'm teasing, JJ."

"Sometimes… actually, most of the time, you are such a guy," she grumbled.

Nate laughed and glanced at Ryder, sharing, "I'd take that as a compliment, Hunt."

"Always. I always do," Ryder smirked. "You have a special lady in your life, Larson?"

"Kind of… we'll see how things evolve," he responded dreaming about the kisses he and Julie had shared the previous night. "The last time I had a girlfriend was when I entered the Academy. An adorable and kind girl from my home town. Legend has it only 2% of romances that began before enrollment at the Academy make it through."

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened?" Ryder wondered aloud.

"We both changed. She went to state school and earned a degree in Business. I became more and more of a Navy guy. We broke up Christmas of my plebe year – a pretty typical time. I swear half the guys came back from break single that year. She and I still talk once or twice a year. She's engaged now. If Caldwell grants me leave, I'll head home to the wedding in September," Larson disclosed.

"Dating could be a real distraction, I'd guess," Julie added, having mixed feelings about their make out session.

Nate studied Julie's face as he ran and Ryder noticed it out of the corner of his eye. He'd spotted their lengthy eye contact, winks and flirting lately, and a deep sense of protectiveness bubbled inside him. Quite frankly, Ryder hated seeing the little hints and giggling between them. After all, Ryder reasoned, guys don't giggle. Besides that, Nate had to know that he could not possibly begin a relationship with a plebe. That would break all sorts of rules. However, Julie wasn't a plebe yet, and that's what worried Ryder. Nate had a few weeks to hook up with Julie, and she was starry eyed when she was with him and when he was mentioned in conversation. Despite her intelligence and savvy, Julie was naïve about guys.

"A distraction? Has that been your experience of dating, Caldwell?" Nate scoffed slightly.

Julie shot Ryder a quick look, but he pretended to be focused forward. With hesitation, Julie admitted, "I've… actually, I've never really had a boyfriend."

"Yeah, right!" Nate responded with disbelief. "A hottie like you? You're smart, beautiful, and athletic. Fess up, how many guys have your dated?"

"Ryder and I have friended to a few events. That's really it," Julie shrugged.

"There was that one dweeb around Christmastime. What was that loser's name?" Ryder taunted.

Julie huffed, "The young gentleman's name was Rick. We hung out for a few weeks, but I never kissed him," Julie clarified.

"Really?" Ryder sought to confirm. His face showed absolute shock.

"The real question, Hunt, is why do you remember that?" Nate heckled.

Ryder searched for the perfect come back, commenting, "He was memorable in the sense that there was nothing noteworthy about him."

"Right," Nate jeered as he bumped Ryder's elbow. "What about you, Hunt? Got a girl?"

"Ha!" Julie spouted.

Nate glanced quickly at Julie then back at Ryder.

"High school has been an enjoyable time," Ryder stated evasively.

"Why don't you go after Caldwell?" Nate teased.

"She's too good for me," Ryder shared as he added with sarcasm, "You should go for it, Larson. You've got a few weeks before it'd be any sort of violation."

Larson laughed uncomfortably, well aware of Ryder's observation.

The trio ran silently a few minutes before Julie inquired, "Larson, what do you know about my dad and Captain Whatshername?"

"Captain Rice? Gossip around the base has it that they used to be an item," Larson mentioned casually.

"Really? When?" Julie wondered aloud. She knew that her parents had begun dating when Adam was in the Academy. They married two days after his graduation.

"I guess they worked together in DC," Larson reported. "I'm really not sure. It's probably a bunch of gossip anyway."

Julie did the math. Adam was stationed in DC in his early 30s just before and after she was born. Did that son of a bitch cheat on my mom?! Julie wondered. She needed to ask Sam and find out what he knew.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Amelia headed over to the Caldwell's before picture time to help Julie with her hair and makeup. Given her state of mind, Lissa simply wasn't up to it. Sitting on a stool to avoid being on her feet, Amelia gelled Julie's hair and put it up in hot rollers. Once her hair was rolled, Amelia sprayed an enormous supply of hairspray while they waited for the rollers to cool.

Contorting her face as she stretched her chin and eyes, Amelia instructed, "Now do this and don't flinch."

"Are you trying eyeliner? Because the lady who did my makeup for Ryder's prom gave up on me," Julie explained. "I couldn't sit still while she tried to apply it."

"That's exactly what you're doing to me, Super Girl," Amelia groaned. "Let's try this – here's how I taught Lissa. Watch me put it on, then do it yourself. Don't worry about screwing up. We can always remove it and reapply."

Julie studied Amelia's application techniques and imitated them perfectly. "How's that?" she asked her teacher.

"Fantastically beautiful," Amelia grinned. Leaning closer to Julie, Amelia whispered, "Who's that lady that was downstairs when I arrived?"

"Oh… her. Nobody," Julie shrugged. "Some Captain who's staying her while she's visiting the Base. She and Dad are old friends."

"I sensed that," Amelia commented without detail.

"Really?" Julie was afraid to confirm.

Amelia moved her head near one shoulder and confessed, "I think I saw your dad steal a little kiss."

"Uck," Julie groaned. "I don't get it."

"What? She's really pretty," Amelia pointed out.

"Close the door," Julie encouraged in a whisper.

Amelia did so and whispered, "What?"

"Nate Larson, that new officer who's been working out with Ryder and I? He said something today about Dad dating Captain Rice when Dad was stationed in DC," Julie disclosed.

"Awww… cute," Amelia smiled.

"No, not cute," Julie clarified. "My dad was stationed in DC while he was married to my mom."

"Oh…" Amelia groaned. "It's probably gossip anyway, JJ. I'm sure it's a story that's been floating around for years."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'

Amelia made her way downstairs and onto the porch to tell Adam that Julie was ready and on her way downstairs. Before announcing the belle of the ball, Amelia spotted two new faces.

"Well, hello," Amelia smirked as she flirted. "Dr. Amelia Shepherd. And you two are?"

"Lieutenant Sam Caldwell, Ma'am. I'm pleased to meet you."

"Julie's brother! I'll bet she's thrilled you're here for her graduation," Amelia commented.

Sam tilted his head to the side and appeared deep in thought, "I wasn't sure I'd be able to obtain leave, so I surprised her last night. She was pretty stunned, almost speechless. I threw her for a loop."

Interjecting before the conversation about Sam's arrival progressed further, Nate extended his hand. "Ensign Nate Larson, Ma'am. Pleasure to meet you."

"Larson…You're the one who has been wearing out my son, Ryder. Thank you. He's been far more cooperative lately," she teased.

"You're Ryder's mother? He's a great guy. He'll thrive at the Academy, Ma'am. I have no doubt," Larson praised.

"As long as I survive it as his mom, I suppose," Amelia commented as she forced a smile. She surveyed the area and remembered why she'd come. "Julie is ready. She should be down any minute." Looking at Adam, Amelia mentioned, "We decided to leave her hair down, Adam. It turned out absolutely gorgeous."

"Thanks for helping her out, Amelia," Adam pursed his lips with a tinge of sadness. "Her mom… you know…" Sam glared at his father briefly before returning to a poker face.

"No worries. It was an honor," Amelia reassured her friend.

Julie descended the stairs shortly before Ryder arrived. She peeked around the banister and spotted everyone waiting for her. After considering the option to hide in her room until Ryder arrived, she decided to proceed.

"Holy Mother of God, Itsy," Sam hollered. "You look all grown up. I'm going with you and fending off the guys."

"Funny…" Julie rolled her eyes as she responded to Sam.

"Julia…" Adam cooed when he saw her. "You're stunning. Your hair is beautiful and, once again, that dress is incredible." He approached her and hugged her. "I suppose I should go throw on my uniform."

"You don't have to, Dad. We took pictures that way last week," Julie pointed out.

"Are you sure?" he checked.

"Do you know how many pictures I have of you not in uniform? None. I'd rather have one with you just the way you are right now," she smiled.

"In khaki shorts and a plain old white button down, short sleeve shirt?" Adam protested lightly.

"Only if you keep the flip flops on," she teased.

"It's your call, Itsy Kit," Adam shrugged. "Works for me."

Julie's eyes glanced over at Nate. He was already locked on and made a gentle joke, "You clean up pretty well for a plebe, Caldwell."

"Thanks," Julie replied softly.

Ryder and Owen arrived together in the Boxster. Owen lent it to Ry and Julie for the night and planned to go home with Amelia after dinner. Like Owen and Amelia had done, but on a much smaller scale, Adam had decided to invite everyone to dinner. After the kids left for the prom, the Shepherd Hunts, Captain Rice and Ensign Larson planned to join Adam and Sam on the back porch for a cookout.

Sam threw his muscular arm around his sister and posed for a picture. His attire, like Adam's, was casual and refreshing. Even so, someone threw out the suggestion that the three should pose for a formal family picture. The Naval officers liked the idea and hurried upstairs to don their dress blues. Even with all of the regalia, both Sam and Adam returned quickly.

"That was quick, Sirs," Ryder commented when they returned with their dress uniforms perfectly in place.

"You'll get speedy at changing uniforms, Ryder. Just wait," Adam joked as Sam and Nate laughed. Ryder and Julie had no idea what was so funny.

Sam warned Ryder, "This summer… especially if your squad is pissing off your detailer, you'll experience the joy of uniform races, Hunt."

"I don't know what that is and I'm not sure I want to find out," Julie laughed.

After posing and smiling and posing some more, Ryder insisted on one final shot. "Mom, I'm going to pick you up."

"I'm not sure I want to be picked up with this giant bump, Ryder," Amelia laughed.

"C'mon, Mama, it'll be cute. You'll be glad you did it," he pushed. Owen prepared to take the picture. Just as Owen pushed the button, Ryder glanced at the camera while he kissed his Mama Bear on the cheek and she giggled. That picture would be one he'd gaze at many times during his first year at the Academy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'