Go Baby Grow

Chapter 51 - Squabbles

Sunday, June 14th

When Julie and Adam arrived at home, Julie went for a run. Actually, she put on running clothes, walked to the park, and sobbed. Seeing Nate made her heart hurt. She wished the relationship had never happened; the grief of the break up sapped her energy and stole her motivation.

Returning to the house an hour later, Julie heard Adam laughing. He was chatting with someone on the back porch. Praying the guest wasn't Nate, Julie made her way through the house to let Adam know she was home. When she spotted the guest, she was both relieved and disappointed.

"Captain Rice, pleasure to see you," Julie stated warmly as she stood in the back doorway.

"Hi Julie," Tessa Rice responded. The last time Julie interacted with her, Captain Rice seemed uptight and finicky. This time, she looked like a completely different person. Her hair was down and resting on her shoulders. Along with the relaxed hair style, Tessa's entire demeanor was softened. Smiling warmly, she seemed authentically happy to see Julie.

"Good run, Itsy?" Adam asked as he lit a cigarette.

"Good enough," she shrugged.

"Your face is flushed. Maybe you need some water," Adam observed.

Julie grinned and replied, "Good idea. I'll grab some on my way upstairs."

"After you shower, come join us," Adam invited with care. "Tess has some tips for you about this summer."

"Twenty minutes," Julie announced as she turned and walked back into the house.

Before Julie was out of range, she heard Adam's footsteps and the sound of Captain Rice sighing. Argh… they're probably kissing. Then she overheard Adam tell Tessa he loved her and Tessa echo the words back to him. Julie's heart sank. Those words were seldom conveyed in the Caldwell home. Hearing them shared with Captain Rice was like a knife through the heart.

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

"But I like eggs," Anna whined when Amelia described the new food plan. Owen's eyes darted between mother and daughter as if he was at a tennis match.

"Annabelle, let's give this a try. I'll give up eggs too. We can do it together," Amelia offered.

"I don't want to do it at all," she protested sadly.

Trying to help, Owen mentioned, "I had a friend once who was allergic to bananas. He was so frustrated when the doctor told him not to eat bananas anymore. But you know what? After a week, he gave tried one and hated it. He had more energy and felt better, too."

"Are you making that up, Daddy?" Ria inquired innocently, seeing through the point by point tale that offered no nuances or details.

"Of course not, Ree," Owen scoffed as he brought his coffee mug to his mouth.

"If Ria gives up something she likes, then I'll give up eggs," Anna relented with a heavy sigh.

"I'll give up milk," Ria volunteered quickly.

"No, you won't," Owen chuckled, knowing his daughter was trying to get out of something she was constantly being encouraged to finish.

"How about chips?" Amelia suggested. Owen shot his wife a look, attempting to communicate the severity of her proposal.

"Sure," Ria shrugged. "I'll give up chips if you give up eggs, Annabelle."

"Ok, then," Anna groaned.

"What about me? What am I giving up?" Lucas pressed, feeling neglected.

Ryder shook his head, "Squirt, shut up. Don't jump at the chance to give up something you like."

"That's what the twins are doing," Lucas emphasized.

Leaning toward Olivia, Ryder mumbled, "He doesn't get it, does he?" Olivia smiled and held back a giggle.

Protesting, Lucas hollered, "Don't whisper about me."

"Don't yell at the table," Ryder scoffed at normal volume.

"Don't argue at the table," Amelia added sternly.

"Yeah, Ryder," Lucas spouted.

"Ok, Lucas," Ryder replied using Lucas' eight-year-old with attitude tone.

Owen rubbed his hand over his forehead and eyes. "Please, gentlemen. Enough." He glanced at Olivia and mentioned, "Livs, we have some business to tend to after lunch."

"Huh?" Olivia attempted to clarify. She'd seemed distracted and distant all day.

"You were supposed to apologize to Ryder by Saturday, but time got away from us. You, Ryder, and I need to meet in my office after we eat," Owen stated plainly. With an 'I-told-you-so' smile, Ryder glanced at his sister.

"Well, I am sorry," Olivia attempted. She looked Ryder in the eye and continued, "I apologize for making up those lies about you and trying to get you in trouble."

"Do you think that'll cut it, Red?" Ryder challenged. "You completely fabricated stories about me and had no qualms about busting me. You're going to need to say or do more than that lame apology."

"Let's do this after lunch," Owen reminded his older offspring. The Littles, intrigued by the topic, were now the ones imitating tennis fans.

"More fruit? We have about five more bites of melon," Amelia pointed out.

"Yes, please," Ria responded.

"Same," Ryder waved his hand.

Amelia gave part of the fruit to Ria then passed the bowl down to Ryder, who ate the bites directly from the bowl.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Owen sighed and commented, "Really, Ry?"

"Oh… sorry," he answered as he moved the last piece of melon from the bowl to his plate.

"Thank you," Owen grumbled.

"How are you feeling, Handsome?" Amelia asked Owen as she placed her hand on his arm.

"Fine," he lied. "Just a little headache. Pardon me, I'm going to grab some ibuprofen." He stood before leaving parting instructions, "Does everyone know who's doing what? Dishes? Clearing the table?"

"I know," Annabelle predictably replied. "I'll make sure everyone does their job."

"Thanks, honey," Owen said with a feeble smile.

By the time he made it to the master bathroom, Owen was feeling nauseous and light headed. He sat on the edge of the tub and closed his eyes briefly. As he began to feel clammy, he slid onto the floor and rested his head on the cool tile. He grabbed his phone and texted Amelia, forgetting that she wouldn't have her phone at the table. When the text went through, he heard her phone beep from its spot on their dresser.

Calling out as loudly as he could, Owen hollered Amelia's name.

Amelia heard him, walked to the stairway and called out, "What?"

"Come here, please," Owen yelled anxiously.

When Amelia reached the bathroom, Owen was vomiting. She went to the linen closet, selected a washcloth and brought it to the bathroom sink. With tenderness, she rubbed his shoulder, saying, "You poor thing. Here, this will feel nice."

"Thank you," Owen stated with relief. He threw the washcloth over his face and pressed his hands against it. After a minute of solace, he handed it to Amelia and threw up again.

"How can I help?" Amelia asked as she sat behind him and leaned against his broad back.

"I'm all clammy, Mia, can you…" he began. Amelia read his mind and scooted away.

"Want an anti-emetic?" she offered.

"Please," he groaned with closed eyes.

"Do you think it's food poisoning? The flu?" she quizzed, knowing that certain medications worked well for one type of nausea but not another.

"Migraine," he whispered.

"Then a shot of Imitrex and some Zofran," she promised. She slowly pulled her lower legs out from under her upper legs and stood. She walked to the other end of the bathroom and opened the medicine cabinet, hoping Owen's migraine meds were stocked. Once she spotted them, she approached Owen and injected the Imitrex without warning."

Sounding like a grumpy four-year-old, Owen whined, "Ouch…"

"You're fine," she assured him with minimal compassion. After placing a band aid over the injection site, she pointed out, "Little Mermaid will help you feel better."

He looked down and saw an Ariel band aid on his upper arm. Continuing his whining, Owen stated, "Why'd you do that?"

"Because it's what I found. If you like, I can go down to the boys' bathroom and check for race car band aids," she giggled.

"I feel like crap. You're not funny," Owen grumbled. "Where's the Zofran?"

"Here you go," she offered as she peeled back the seal. "Open up, I'll drop it in." Doing as he was told, Amelia fed her baby bird the tablet. Owen leaned back and threw the washcloth back onto his face.

Amelia regarded him with pity and frowned as she sat beside him. "Do you want to lie down in bed?"

"No," he replied without moving.

"The Zofran's going to zonk you out. You really want to fall asleep in here?" she pressed.

"I'll move in a minute," he assured her. "Thanks, Mia."

"I'd kiss you, but you smell barfy. Brush your teeth before heading to bed," she advised.

"Such loving words, my dear," he joked. "Hey… can you deal with Ry and Livs? She needs to apologize and he needs to get over himself."

"Of course," she agreed. "I'll come check on you in a bit."

"Mmm Hmm," he responded.

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

Ten minutes later, Olivia, Ryder and Amelia sat in a circle in the office. Olivia, still acting as if she'd just woken up, was gazing out the window. Ryder was sitting in the chair with his arms folded, obviously still angry at his sister.

"We all know why we're here," Amelia pointed out. "Who has something to say?" She glanced between both kids and waited.

"I meant what I said at the table, Ryder. I am sorry," Olivia offered.

Ryder looked at Amelia and protested, "I'm not buying it. She's saying what's expected, not what she means."

"Olivia? Do you truly mean it?" Amelia inquired.

After a yawn and extended blink, Olivia responded, "I really do. I was so worried about staying out of trouble that I lied and made everything worse. I dragged you into my plan and I apologize, Ry."

"Do you realize what could've happened if Dad had believed you?" Ryder fumed.

"Temper…" Amelia warned.

Resuming his remarks, Ryder added, "Livs, this Academy stuff is a huge deal. Dad could've decided to pull me out of it. I might've ended up grounded during my last few weeks at home. I'm pissed. You knew without a doubt that I caught you and Gwen, then you turned it into a ridiculous story that put my integrity in question." Shaking his head, he concluded, "I can't believe what you did."

With teary eyes, Olivia reiterated, "I'm sorry. I really mean it. I don't know what else to say or do."

"If you were a guy, I'd punch you in the gut," Ryder growled.

"Because violence solves everything…" Amelia quipped. Ryder glared at her, then sat back in his chair. Ryder stared at Olivia and Olivia gazed around the room. When she met her brothers' eye, she paused before looking away.

Amelia observed the dynamic and questioned, "Are we copasetic?"

"I guess," Ryder grumbled.

"Can you forgive her?" Amelia inquired.

"No, not really, but I heard the apology," Ryder clarified.

"What more can she do, Ryder?" Amelia pressed.

Shaking his head, Ryder answered, "It's fine, Mom. Whatever. Livs, don't ever lie about me again. I don't lie about you. I never have and never will. Pay me the same courtesy."

"Ok," Olivia replied meekly, sure that Ryder had likely lied about her at some point in the past.

Olivia hurried out of the room and headed for her bed. Sticking around and stewing, Ryder sat in the chair moving his lips around as he thought.

"I think she was sincere," Amelia opined.

"I do, too," Ryder agreed. "I'm still shocked that she did it. It's… it's just… wrong."

"I know. I think she's learned her lesson, though," Amelia emphasized.

Ryder caught Amelia's eye and stood up. He hugged Amelia from the side and rested his head against hers. "Two things," he said. "One, lying is something I just can't tolerate, and two, I hate having crap like this happen right before I leave."

"Good thinking. It's best to leave without any unresolved issues," Amelia granted. She wrapped her arm around him and whispered, "Two weeks? I'm not ready, Ry."

"I know," he answered, taunting, "I could be a total pain in the ass for the next two weeks so you're relieved when you drop me off."

"Not necessary, Baby Bear," Amelia chuckled. "Absolutely not necessary, but let's make sure we sit down this week and go over everything. I'd feel better if we did that. Julie can come too."

"I'll let her know," Ryder assured his mom. "I love you, Mama Bear."

Squeezing him tight, Amelia repeated the sentiment. "I love, love, love you, Ryder." She held back tears, remembering that Owen had pointed out a page in the Parent's Manual that encouraged parents to remain upbeat about the summer. Seeing crying parents, it reasoned, would only add to the pressures of the seven- week intensive. Kissing his head, Amelia concluded, "I need to check on Dad."

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

When Julie dashed down the stairs, she spotted Adam in the Living Room. "Where's Captain Rice?"

"Outside," he replied. "I asked her to excuse me for a few minutes so we could talk."

"Umm… ok. About what?" Julie asked. Her eyes were puffy and swollen from crying all afternoon. Adam stood and began to pace. When her father did that, Julie knew what was coming: yet another lecture from Captain Caldwell.

Without delay, Adam recited his memorized list of concerns, "First, you barely made it out of bed this morning. Then, I had to remind you how to dress appropriately. Once we were at the base, your respect for protocol took a back seat to your mood. As if all of that wasn't enough, your social graces were consistently absent all morning. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I'm sorry," she apologized as she sat up straight and rested her hands on her lap.

"What's tied you up in knots today? This isn't how you normally behave," Adam huffed with a hint of softness.

Julie hesitated. She wished she could share her heartbreak with Adam. In her dreams, he would rush to console her and hold her as she cried. Then, he'd tell her that the guy she grieved wasn't good enough for her. In reality, Julie knew her dreams were fantasies. "I suppose it's because we leave for DC in two weeks," she proposed.

"I'm not buying that," Adam growled. "I've seen nervous soon-to-be Plebes before, Julia. If you'd rather not tell me, admit it, but please don't lie to me."

With her voice cracking slightly, she confessed part of her angst, "I've been missing Mom lately. The grief appeared out of nowhere and has been really painful. I'm sad all the time."

"Oh," Adam uttered with surprise. He sat down in an armchair across from his daughter and studied her. "I'm sure that's difficult for you."

Difficult?! Julie thought. Do you know what's difficult? Being raised by a man whose only emotions are flat and fury. "Yes, Sir, it is," Julie replied.

"What do you suppose Claire would suggest at a time like this?" Adam asked himself as much as he asked Julie.

"She'd sit beside me and hold me. She'd sway back and forth and tell me to cry out all the tears," Julie imagined.

"Hmm," Adam responded, unsure what to say. Awkwardly and with hesitation, he moved and sat beside her. He placed his arm around her shoulders and grasped her upper arm.

"Do you ever miss her?" Julie wondered aloud as she monitored her tone of voice.

"Sure," Adam offered unconvincingly.

Julie confessed, "I miss her all the time."

"It's been seven years, Itsy," Adam pointed out. Julie suspected Adam's grief focused less on Claire and more on how Claire's death impacted his life.

"Did you love her?" Julie heard herself ask before she could stop the words.

"What a ridiculous question, Julia. Why would you ask that?" he responded with a forced chuckle.

"You never talk about her or tell stories about your time with her. The only pictures of her in the house are in the closet upstairs or in my room. It feels so sterile…like she was never a part of the family," Julie ventured.

Defensively, Adam inquired, "What stories would you like to hear?"

"Not knowing the stories makes it difficult to request them," Julie stressed with a soft laugh. "What was your marriage like? Are there funny stories from your wedding or honeymoon?"

"Funny? No, not really. We were married at the Academy in a formal but small ceremony. You've seen the pictures," he reported without passion. "Our honeymoon was spent moving to a new post."

"What was she like as a wife?" Julie pushed.

"She was a fine wife. The house was immaculate, her cooking was marvelous, and she managed our day-to-day needs with ease. I was always proud to have her on my arm at social occasions. She was a fantastic hostess and a thoughtful guest. Her ability to make conversation was impressive," he described as if reading a grocery list.

Julie's eyes narrowed as she stared at her father. Her suspicion that he had been involved with Captain Rice in the past was growing. As Adam described Claire, he boasted about what a proper military wife she'd been. He conveyed minimal warmth.

"Why are you staring at me?" Adam questioned curiously.

"It doesn't sound very passionate. It sounds like she fit the job description," Julie pointed out.

"For God's sake, Julia," Adam scoffed before running his hand through his hair.

Julie stared at her father as she cocked her head, "Dad… did you hear the words you used? I'm not trying to be critical, but the attributes you mentioned were… well… the ideal officer's wife."

Adam was reminded that his daughter was wise and insightful. Julie was beginning to notice the cracks in the few stories she'd heard over the years. The truth was simple. As time evolved, Adam and Claire weren't deeply in love. Like highly compatible roommates, they teased one another respectfully, laughed together, and shared stories. Claire excelled at her role as a mother and an Officer's wife, and Adam succeeded as a provider and a Naval Officer heading toward the rank of Admiral. They co-existed peacefully and seldom fought. In many ways, that's why their eighteen-year marriage worked.

Julie could tell Adam was lost in his thoughts. She cleared her throat and requested, "Can I ask you something?"

Laughing, Adam observed, "You've been asking all sorts of questions. Why ask for permission now?"

With a gentle smirk, Julie caught her father's eyes. "You never talk about Mom, Dad. That seems… I dunno… odd. I used to think talking about her was too hard for you because you missed her."

"And now? What's your hunch now, Itsy?" he inquired.

"What inspired you to marry her?" Julie asked, avoiding his question.

"Hmm…" Adam pondered. With a soft grin, he shared, "She was a lovely woman… not only physically. Claire was a lovely person. Kind, funny, poised, savvy… intelligent. I always imagined I'd marry someone like her."

Not satisfied with his evasive answers, Julie pressed, "But did you love her? When you looked at her, did your heart beat faster? Did you forget the rest of the world when you looked in her eyes? Did all sense of time disappear when you were with her?"

"Those are romantic and fairly unrealistic descriptions, Itsy-kit," he smiled knowingly.

"Did you marry her because she was pregnant?" Julie quizzed. Slowly, the pieces of the puzzle were coming together.

"Even if she was, we wouldn't have conceived a child unless we loved one another," Adam feebly attempted to argue without admitting anything.

"I might be a virgin, Dad, but I know what guys in their late teens and early twenties are like," she stressed.

"My sex life is not up for discussion," Adam stated flatly. Frustration began to build inside his chest, mostly because Julie was figuring out secrets he'd never intended to share with her.

"What about Tessa Rice?" Julie tested in a whisper.

"Captain Rice?" he stressed. "She was a classmate. You know that."

"You lit up when she came to town, Dad. When you talk about Mom, you seem to be reporting the unhurried action of an icicle melting over a period of hours when the temperature is just above freezing," Julie challenged him.

"Why is any of this (a) important and (b) your business? I refuse to be put on trial by you, young lady," Adam stressed as tension filled his voice.

"I'm not judging, Dad. I'm curious. I want to know the stories about my parents. Honestly… I didn't mean to upset you," she emphasized.

"We're finished talking," he declared with a steely calm voice. "Captain Rice is probably wondering if I'm ever returning to the porch."

"Again, I apologize for my behavior this morning," Julie repeated.

"Thank you," Adam exhaled. "And your questions just now – completely out of bounds, Julia. Let's not let that happen again."

"Yes, Sir. I'm sorry," Julie acknowledged. She stood and grabbed her purse, "I need to run to the store." She knew he wouldn't question a trip to the grocery store because he wouldn't want to risk hearing that she needed to buy tampons. As she closed the front door, Adam remained seated in the arm chair with his elbows resting on his knees and his chin resting in his hands.

When Tessa heard the door open and close, she stepped inside to check on the situation. Adam sensed her arrival, but didn't move. She walked over, kneeled in front of him, and smoothed down his hair. Leaning in, she kissed him and received his immediate embrace.

"I have no business raising children," Adam confessed. "I never know what to say, and I treat them like subordinates."

"Maybe you could try being as tender and loving with her as you are with me," Tessa suggested. Adam tightened his embrace and closed his eyes.

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

Sunday evening snippets

Olivia sleepily texted with Gwen and filled her in on the meeting with Ryder. Gwen peppered her with questions and was eager to know the whole story.

One more week…that's what matters, Olivia typed and sent.

I miss you, Gwen replied.

Olivia echoed the thought, Me too. I want to hold you and hug you.

And…? Gwen teased.

You'll have to wait to find out, Olivia joked back.

Gwen changed the subject, referring to the Valium, Do you have enough?

I think so. As long as I stay at 2 a day, I do, Olivia informed her friend and source.

They are so helpful, right? Gwen sought to confirm.

I can't imagine life without them, Olivia declared.

Down the hall, Ryder was reading materials for the Academy when his phone sounded. He peeked at it and spotted a text from Julie that read, Something weird with Dad and C Rice

What's weird? Besides the two of them in general, Ryder responded.

I overheard them telling each other 'I love you' Julie shared.

Ryder's eyes widened and he typed out, Woahhhhhh. No way.

Then he bitched me out for not being military enough at church. Fun times, Julie continued the story.

Sorry. Livs apologized to me today. I was kind of an ass but I'm still pissed, Ryder reported.

Julie chuckled as she typed, You're a mean big brother.

Yeah, well… Ryder stalled.

How was the ER last night? She wondered.

Gory. Couple deaths – saw one guy die right in front of me. They did the shocker things and all that. Another chick had her leg cut off from a steering wheel. Pretty cool and disgusting at same time, he described.

Julie was intrigued, Wanna hear all about it. Running then boxing tomorrow am?

Counting on it. Meet at park or want me to park at your place? He inquired.

Either way. Just let me know, she suggested.

Hope you don't have nightmares about the love birds, he taunted.

Quick with a retort, Julie teased, Hope you dream about how much you love your sister.

Ryder read the message and chuckled, then set his phone down. He was glad Julie was joking around and not sobbing. He'd been hoping the pain would start to ease as time moved on.

Meanwhile, at the Tremblay-Hunts, Nolan and Lissa sat in the middle of their Living Room floor playing with the babies. Becca had the night off and, as much as they adored her, they relished in having the house to themselves.

Molly came running up behind Nolan. She was growling, her favorite new sound, and giggling. When she reached Nolan's back, she jumped onto it and tried to pull him to the floor. Accommodating her desire, Nolan fell down dramatically.

Molly clapped and Lissa laughed as Lissa commented, "You're strong, Molly! What a big girl."

"Go like this," Nolan advised his daughter, making muscles as he held his upper arms parallel to his shoulders and lower arms upward.

Molly tried to copy his example as she flexed. Nolan pressed her upper arms, "Wow… those are some big muscles. Wanna feel Daddy's arms?" Rather than saying something, Molly leaned over and kissed each of Nolan's arms.

Lissa giggled, then broke into full laughter when Nolan raised his eyebrows playfully and asked her, "Do you want a turn? Big muscles, Mama." She oohed and ahhed as she checked out the firm muscles on his arm, smiling as she admired her man.

Smitten, Nolan said gently, "It's wonderful to hear you laugh and see you smile. Welcome back."

"I love you," she grinned as she approached him and hugged him. Molly called out, "Ma-yee, Ma-yee," and inserted herself into the hug.

"Babies need hugs too," Nolan pointed out. He took Emmy out of her bouncy seat and handed her to Lissa, then picked Lizzie up from the floor and held her. The five regrouped and joined in a full-family hug.

Ages:

Nolan and Lissa, 22

Molly 15 months

Emily and Elizabeth (born 3/15) 3 months

Ryder 18, Julie 18

Olivia 15

Ria and Anna 10

Lucas, almost 9

Baby Hunt – due October 25. 21 weeks gestation.