Go Baby Grow
Chapter 65 – The Goodbyes Begin
Friday, June 26th
"Ryder?" Ria stated softly and tentatively as she tiptoed into her brother's bedroom.
"Hmm?" Ryder responded without moving.
Ria licked her lips and then bit her bottom lip, "Umm… wake up."
"Why?" Ryder asked as he opened one eye.
Whispering, Ria explained in one nonstop sentence, "I'm supposed to come get you and trick you to come downstairs because we made a surprise breakfast for you and even Nolan and Lissa are here."
Ryder stretched his naked body under the covers. He whispered back with a sly grin, "Should I act really surprised?"
"Mmm Hmm," Ria nodded as she stood waiting for him.
He convinced his sister to scoot so he could get dressed and promised that he'd carry her downstairs on his back if she waited for him. She slowly made her way to the hall using her walker and sat on the top stair, calling down loudly, "He's coming in a minute."
Laughing, Ryder thought about how much he'd miss Ria. Of course, he'd miss everyone; however, he and Ria were true buds. He approached from behind and told her he was going to pick her up. She giggled as she steadied on his back and wrapped her arms around his neck. Ryder held the folded walker with one hand and grasped both her hands with the other.
"Woah!" he exclaimed with feigned but convincing shock as he ran through the living room. The Dining Room was decorated in a nautical theme, with most of the décor drawn and hung up by the Littles. Lissa had found some Go Navy paper plates on eBay and set the table with blue and gold plastic cutlery. Molly was the only one still wearing a blue party hat, and she called out to her Uka Wy with gusto.
Ryder let Ria climb down and then he headed over to Molly. The two rubbed noses and she held up her arms so he would pick her up. She squiggled her nose and offered a silly smile as she tried to reach the top of his head to put a party hat on him.
"Where's Mom and Dad?" Ryder inquired.
"Mom's sleeping in and Dad's at the hospital. We told them they weren't invited," Nolan, dressed for the office, shared. "We wanted to give you our own goodbye party."
"Guys…" Ryder grinned, touched by the thought. He turned and called out, "Hey Reds… all three of you."
Olivia, Lucas and Annabelle gazed at their brother. As the leader, Olivia spouted with sarcastic admiration, "Yes, dear brother?"
"I'm gonna miss you guys," Ryder smiled sincerely. All three made their way toward him, with Anna arriving first. She embraced him in a hug and Lucas hugged both Anna and Ryder when he arrived moments later. "Livie… c'mon…" Ryder teased as he stretched out an arm.
"Fine," she huffed with only mild disgust. When she reached him, though, she wrapped her arms around Ryder and held back tears.
At Lissa's urging, the two Littles peeled off and followed her into the kitchen. Ryder pulled his head back to see Olivia's face and consoled her, "Livs…"
"I hate that I'm crying over you," Olivia admitted with a little laugh.
"I hate that you won't be nearby to harass," Ryder grinned. He pulled her in close and whispered words seldom shared between the two of them, "Livs, I love you." She sniffled in response, to which Ryder replied, "No snot on my clothes, Curly."
"Jerk," Olivia smiled as she stepped back and pushed Ryder's chest.
Everyone sat at their regular places as Lissa and her assistants brought out Ryder's favorite foods. The highlight was Lissa's homemade strawberry waffles. Lucas acted as a waiter and poured everyone's drinks, while Anna served eggs, bacon, and sausage.
Nolan, who had assumed Owen's customary place, shushed everyone and looked expectantly at the group after everyone was finished eating. "We have one totally-Hunt, absolutely-dorky gift for you, Ry." Ryder smiled and glanced around as Lissa pressed play on an iPod. They all joined in singing a rewritten Hunt version of Anchors Aweigh penned by Olivia and Nolan:
Go Ryder! Plebe Summer! Make our family proud!
We'll never move from here so make sure to come ba-a-a-ck!
Shave off your bedhead! You'll get no sleep!
Run fast and run some more, Do push-ups, crunches, chin ups, hooray!
Embarrassed by his emotion, Ryder held back tears and smiled as he joined in the more standard lyrics:
Anchors Aweigh, my boys, Anchors Aweigh!
Farewell to Our Home Shores, we sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay;
Through our last night ashore, drink to the foam,
Until we meet once more, here's wishing you a happy voyage home!
Blue of the mighty deep, Gold of God's great sun;
Let these our colors be, Till All of time be done-n-n-ne;
On seven seas we learn, Navy's stern call:
Faith, courage, service true, With honor over, honor over all.
After breakfast, Nolan offered his wife a goodbye kiss and promised Ryder he would see him the following day at the big party being thrown by their parents. Olivia, hoping nobody noticed her shaking hands and clammy appearance, disappeared to her bedroom for her morning dose of Valium. The Littles and the Tremblay Hunt girls played in the Living Room.
Ryder repeatedly attempted to connect with Julie, who wasn't answering her cell phone nor responding to texts. While he waited for a response, he helped Lissa clean up.
As Ryder brought the last armful of syrup, butter and other goodies to the kitchen, Lissa questioned, "Who are you trying to reach?"
"JJ," Ryder frowned as he put the syrup in the cabinet. "She's not answering and not texting back."
"Maybe her phone died," Lissa suggested.
"She never lets that happen. Her dad would flip out if he couldn't reach her," Ryder explained.
"Hmm," Lissa pondered. "Have you tried calling him instead?"
"No," Ryder answered as he pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled down for Adam's number. "I suppose it's worth a try. I don't want to seem desperate, though."
The second he finished the last sentence he spoke to Lissa, Adam answered his phone, "Caldwell."
"Good morning, Sir," Ryder answered as he gave a thumbs up to Lissa. "I've been trying to reach Julie. Is she…?"
Without letting Ryder finish his sentence, Adam pulled the phone from his mouth and hollered upstairs, "Itsy?"
Hannah came down wearing a t-shirt and PE shorts and sarcastically quipped, "Face-to-face, Daddy. Face-to-face."
"Yeah?" Julie responded.
"Ryder Hunt's on the line. He hasn't been able to reach you on your phone," Adam conveyed.
Julie rummaged around for her phone and realized she'd left it off all night. "It's off. Want me to talk to him on your phone?"
"Call him on yours," Adam instructed. He placed the phone against his ear and cheek, sharing, "She'll call you momentarily, Hunt."
"Thank you, Sir," Ryder acknowledged.
Getting ready to eat bfast, Julie typed, not sure she was ready to talk to Ryder. She hadn't had much of an opportunity to sort out her feelings and thoughts since Wednesday.
Can we talk? He responded.
Gotta eat. Then taking sis to mall, Julie explained.
Ryder grinned, Is she hot?
Blonde. Rockin body. Cheerleader. Enthusiastic. Just your type, Julie responded, not sure if she was joking or jabbing.
After taking a long, extended breath, Ryder typed, I know things are weird with us. Can I come to the Base?
Julie bit her lip and hesitated. She had enough to worry about between dealing with Hannah, possibly seeing Nate, and attending the wedding. The day had only begun and she was already exhausted. It's not that I don't want you there…
Ryder read the message and hit a sofa cushion with his fist as Lissa looked on from across the room. He waited, hoping she might write more.
After a full minute, Julie added, U there?
Yeah, he wrote as he sighed.
Today's going to be crazy. I'll barely have time to hang out. It wouldn't be fair to ask you to attend, she reasoned.
Immediately, she continued, You won't know anyone. It'll be boring.
Can we talk before my thing tomorrow? He begged.
We can try, Julie responded. Gotta go. Sorry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
"Here's the deal, little sister," Hannah advised as she directed Julie to turn into the parking lot for a spa. "I found this place on Yelp and made appointments for us."
Julie glanced at the clock in her car. It was 10:00 a.m., and they hadn't made it to the mall yet. "What about clothes?"
"Dad is insisting I wear my uniform," Hannah groaned. "He's been a real dick since I arrived."
"He has?" Julie questioned honestly. "Seems pretty normal to me."
"He's usually more of a pushover," Hanna laughed.
With a shrug, Julie pointed out, "He has a lot on his mind, I guess." As Julie and Hannah walked toward the entrance to the spa, Julie wondered, "Why did you make appointments for us?"
"Because I'm getting ready to go on my Youngster Cruise for eight weeks and you're about to suffer the perils of Plebe Summer," Hannah began. "Neither of us are going to have time to girl up, so we're having our legs waxed."
"Sounds painful," Julie commented as she stopped walking.
"Get your ass inside, you baby," Hannah insisted.
The two checked in and were led to a changing area where they could stow their clothes and change into fluffy robes. As they stretched out on overstuffed sofas and waited, Hannah pointed out, "We also have time for you to have a haircut."
"Why?" Julie questioned, unconsciously grabbing her hair that flowed to her mid-back.
"You do not want the people at the Academy cutting it on I-Day, Julie," Hannah laughed with an almost wicked sound. "It'll be a hack job and you'll look like every other female plebe who didn't know better."
"I've seen pictures," Julie reasoned. "The female plebes don't look that bad."
Hannah nearly sprayed her lemon water throughout the waiting area, "Trust me on this, Girlie. Get your hair cut here today. It'll actually have style and will grow out much, much, much better than if you go the I-Day Special route."
"I'll think about it," Julie resigned as her name was called. She stood and looked at Hannah as if Hannah were dropping her reluctant preschooler off for the first day of class.
"Go on," Hannah urged. "She knows what she's doing. Be tough." Julie was determined to live through the waxing, having already decided it would be a harrowing ordeal.
The woman tending to Julie chatted with her as they walked to the room. She figured out quickly that Julie wasn't sure about the process. Tenderly, the woman explained everything in detail and assured Julie that she would make the process as comfortable as possible.
To keep Julie distracted, the woman chatted throughout the process. Although she winced a few times, Julie was surprised when it was finished. The woman stopped for a moment to note something on a piece of paper before stating, "It looks like you also wanted a Brazilian wax. Shall we proceed?"
"I… My sister made the appointment. I'm…" Julie sputtered. She thought she knew what a Brazilian was, but was not positive. What in the world had Hannah planned?
The woman explained the procedure, and Julie unconsciously pulled her legs up to her chest and curled her arms around them tightly. "No… definitely not necessary," Julie smiled awkwardly.
"A bikini wax perhaps?" the woman offered.
Although that sounded terrifying as well, it was the lesser option. Besides, Julie thought, there would be a great deal of swimming during the summer. Tempted to bite into the pillow as the woman abruptly pulled the strips off Julie's body, Julie was thankful the process was over quickly. As she recollected the last hour, Julie couldn't decide if she should thank Hannah or pummel her.
Within minutes, the stylist came in and summoned Julie for her haircut. Uncharacteristically spontaneous, Julie stood up and decided to embrace a new style. The stylist ran her fingers through Julie's thick, brown hair and praised her, "Your hair is gorgeous. It's so healthy and long. I'm guessing you only want the ends trimmed."
"Actually," Julie hesitantly disclosed, "I need it to be no longer than the bottom of my shirt collar and not grow beyond that point for eight weeks."
The stylist looked at Julie with shock and pointed out, "That's a drastic change. Are you sure?"
"I'm attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis," Julie explained. "I don't have a choice, so I want something easy, sporty, and cute."
The stylist walked over to a table and returned with a book. She opened it and showed Julie a few options. "There's always the blunt cut – same style you have now only much shorter. No bangs." She flipped to the next page and showed the other extreme, "We could shave the back or the sides and leave a little length along the top." Julie shook her head clearly when she studied the second set of pictures.
With a smile, the stylist continued, "We could taper the back and throw in some layers like this picture or create some long bangs that you can sweep to the side. Another option would be a messy, curly cut. I could perm your hair with big rollers that would create waves. Permed hair dries quickly, too."
Overwhelmed, Julie's conservative side emerged. "Let's go with the one length bob with long bangs."
"No layers?" the stylist confirmed with an air of disappointment.
"Are they easier? I need my hair to be easy. I won't have time to style it," Julie clarified.
The stylist felt sorry for the young girl facing such a bland option, but easily relented, "Then no layers." She cupped her hands at the ends of Julie's hair and pulled it up. "That's what it will look like. You ready?"
"Sure," Julie nodded. Inside, her stomach was in knots. However, she reminded herself that having her hair cut at the salon gave her options and more of an intentional style.
The stylist clipped away and asked many questions about the Academy and Julie's decision to enroll. She saved the front sides for last, just in case the length shocked her client. Within 45 minutes, Julie had a new look. Having softened and lightly layered the ends, the stylist beamed with pride as she dried Julie's hair and pulled the ends into a soft inward curl.
Although she liked it, Julie was more stunned than she anticipated. She tried to make small talk, not wanting to hurt the stylist's feelings. "This will certainly be easier," Julie mentioned with a nod.
"And the bangs," the stylist pointed out. "You can put them back in a barrette and not worry about them at all, or brush them softly to the side like this."
"That's cute. I like them down," Julie commented honestly.
After explaining Julie's options for hair product, Julie selected what she referred to as 'hair goop.' She couldn't remember if it volumized or flattened her hair nor if it would add a hint of curl. She simply selected the one the stylist recommended and made her way back to the waiting area. As she walked, she kept touching the ends.
Hannah squealed and clapped when she saw the cut. "Adorable. Adorable. Adorable. Sooooo cute!"
To her relief, Julie saw nobody else when she scanned the room. She was embarrassed by Hannah's exuberance and volume. Approaching her younger sister, Hannah reached up and played with Julie's hair while Julie wondered to herself, What the hell is she doing?
"Sooooo much cuter than a crummy plebe hack job," Hannah beamed. "See? Aren't you glad you listened to me?"
With a shrug, Julie reluctantly agreed, "Sure."
Hannah was almost dancing. "Why are you frowning?" she asked Julie with a playful frown.
"Why are you dancing like Cinderella at the ball?" Julie scoffed.
"Tell me about the waxing. Did you do it?" Hannah giggled with a twinkle in her eye.
"The Brazilian?" Julie asked flatly.
"Yes," Hannah grinned.
"No," Julie responded emphatically. "Do you think I'm crazy? That was almost a cruel, cruel joke."
"They're incredible," Hannah disputed. "And it makes sex so…"
"Don't go there," Julie snapped as she held her hand up in a stop position.
With more giggling, Hannah questioned, "You don't like to talk about sex, huh? Are you one of those girls who becomes all shy and awkward when people talk about the nasty?"
"I've never had sex," Julie mumbled with embarrassment under her breath even though they were alone.
"What?!" Hannah yelled with glee and surprise. "We'll have to fix that!"
"No, we don't have to worry about it," Julie scoffed.
Hannah placed her arm around Julie's shoulders and tsk'd. "Oh, sweetie…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
Meanwhile, Ryder sprawled out and studied the rates he was expected to have memorized for I-Day while Amelia stretched out on the other side of the sofa and made some phone calls. She ignored the fact that Bogey was on the furniture snuggled up alongside Ryder. Ria sat on the floor and set a pad of drawing paper on the coffee table in front of her. She was deeply concentrating as she looked up pictures on Ryder's cell phone and attempted to draw what she saw.
With her datebook in front of her, Amelia chatted with the receptionist at the pediatrician's office and attempted to find a convenient time for Olivia to see the doctor. "No, we'll be out of town July 1st through the 3rd," Amelia shared. She waited for the next option, then replied, "Actually, Tuesday the 7th would be ideal. 11:00 am sounds great." After jotting the appointment in her date book, Amelia scooted toward Ria and plunked her swollen feet on the armrest of the couch.
"What's wrong, Mama?" Ria wondered with gentle curiosity.
Amelia grinned lovingly and explained, "My feet are swollen. It happens when someone is pregnant."
"Or when they have spina bifida, like me. Sometimes it hurts when my leg and ankle and foot swell up," Ria sympathized.
"Mine don't swell, they just smell," Ryder joked without removing his gaze from his papers.
Ria giggled and said to Amelia, "That's why it's sad Ryder is leaving – because he's so funny all the time."
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryder grinned at his sister then at Amelia.
Teasing Ryder, Amelia added, "And what's so ridiculous, Ria, is that Ryder's funny just by telling the truth. His feet are stinky."
The two females laughed as Ryder protested, "I'm finding duct tape and attaching one of my nasty shoes to each of your noses."
"Ewwww! That's disgusting," Ria exclaimed jovially.
Owen emerged from the garage and heard the laughter. He was dressed in scrubs and headed over to kiss Amelia. "What's so funny over here?" he inquired.
In a matter-of-fact report, Ria shared, "Ryder's feet are smelly."
Everyone laughed and Owen sought clarification. "And that's funny why?"
"It's a long story full of silliness. You had to be here," Amelia offered as she sat up partially and kissed her husband. "Didn't you wear a suit today?"
With a frown, Owen explained, "Yes. Another long story, but not as funny as yours. Suffice it to say, I intervened in a crisis in the ER without gowning up."
"Yick," Amelia reacted with a face full of disgust.
Wincing, Owen replied, "Yeah, beyond that. I actually threw the clothes away. $300 gone… but there's no way they were salvageable."
"Dude, that's insane," Ryder commented, again remaining focused on his rates.
"What are you reading?" Owen inquired.
Ryder set the paper face down on the dog and recited from memory, "The Mission of the Naval Academy: To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government." He ended with a celebratory, "Yes! I think that was 100%."
"Fascinating," Owen teased with a grin. "But great job memorizing."
"I have the Chain of Command down cold and need to drill the first three general orders of a sentry into my head." He read aloud, "First: To take charge of this post and all government property in view. Second: To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing. Third: To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce."
"Fourth," Ria pretended to recite, "To clean my stinky feet."
Ryder leapt off the couch and playfully attacked his little sister by tickling her. "Oh yeah? What if I stick my stinky feet in your face?"
Giggling nonstop, Ria begged, "No! Ryder don't!"
He slowed his tickling and worked his way down to her problem leg. "Your leg looks pretty swollen today, Mini Mia. I wish tickling helped it feel better," he offered.
"You could massage it," she suggested. "I'm going to miss your massages – they're the best ones from anyone."
"Hear that?" Ryder boasted to his parents, "If this Navy thing doesn't pan out, I have options in the field of massage."
"No comment," Owen chortled as he sat and placed Amelia's feet in his lap and began rubbing them. "You're swollen too, Mia."
"They've been bugging me all day," Amelia commented. Owen slid a pillow under her knees and massaged her lower legs. "Thank you," she sighed with momentary relief. You are wonderful, O."
"How come your legs hurt when you're pregnant?" Ria questioned.
Owen clarified, "The baby is growing and Mom's carrying extra weight. That means her feet have to walk with a heavier load. There's all sorts of stuff happening right now inside Mom. Her skin is stretching, progesterone increases and makes it harder to concentrate, Sometimes it's tough for her to sleep because she can't find a comfortable way to doze off. That's why we spoil her with massages and attention."
"I hope my husband is as nice as you when I have babies," Ria pondered aloud.
"If he's not, call me and I'll come straighten him out, Ree," Ryder promised.
The sisters arrived at the Base ten minutes before noon. Julie was on edge, knowing Adam would consider their arrival as late.
"We still have ten minutes," Hannah protested.
"Not to Dad. Early is on time, on time is late," Julie recited.
Hannah pffftd and opined, "He'll get over it."
Adam met them at the car as Julie parked by his office. He was expressing his dismay with a lowered chin, slightly raised eyebrows, and a cigarette in his hand.
"I'm sorry, Dad. No excuse," Julie fretted, feeling strangely naked even though she'd skipped the Brazilian.
"Exactly," he nodded as he took a drag.
"It's all my fault, Daddy," Hannah attempted. "I was dawdling. You know how lose track of time."
With dry wit, Adam commented, "And how the Academy hasn't eliminated that habit is beyond me."
"I guess I love push-ups," Hannah teased. She put her hands on either of Adam's cheeks and kissed him, commenting "You're so adorable when you're stewing. Now where's Mom? She has my uniform."
"Inside," Adam simpered as he shook his head. He gazed over at Julie and added with a smile, "Nice haircut, Julie. I like it." Julie stopped in front of Adam and grinned, studying his face with playful intrigue.
"What?" Adam reacted with curiosity.
Julie wrapped him in a hug and declared, "She's right, you know? You are kinda cute when you're mad."
"Get," Adam sputtered as he unsuccessfully tried to hold back his laughter. He called out with a chuckle after Julie was a few steps away, "You're the one that's supposed to be influencing her, Itsy."
"Aye aye, Captain," Julie teased as she hurried into Adam's office area without looking at where she was headed. As soon as she closed the main door, she walked directly into Nate.
"Excuse me," Julie said before she realized the identity of her victim.
Nate had a flat hand against Julie's arm, which had stopped her from falling. He cleared his throat uncomfortably and stepped back as he retracted his hand, "I… uh… I was just leaving, so we…"
"Wouldn't have to run into each other," Julie interrupted as she completed his sentence with a small smile.
"Right," Nate agreed then pressed his lips together in an awkward smirk. "I figured it was better…"
"Yeah," Julie blinked and noticed Hannah exiting Adam's office and heading toward her.
"Julie! Introduce me, Silly!" Hannah called out with a flirty tone as she flashed a winning smile and saluted Nate. "Midshipman Hannah Caldwell, Sir."
Nate returned the salute and introduced himself, then apologized, "I'm sorry, Ladies. I must be going." He flashed his gorgeous eyes at each Caldwell and nodded formally. As he exited the building, he placed his cover on his head.
"Who. Is. That. Hottie?" Hannah cooed as she fixated on Nate's rear walking away from the building. She whistled her thrill.
"Oh, Hannah… Long, long story," Julie sighed.
"Did you catch Larson, Julie?" Adam inquired as he entered the building.
"Yes, Sir," Julie answered.
"Too bad he couldn't reschedule that medical appointment so he could be at the reception," Adam frowned as he clicked his tongue. He paused to review Hannah's uniform and analyzed her appearance from top to bottom. "Scuff on your right shoe," he pointed out in a grim tone as he straightened her name badge.
"Where?" Hannah gasped with disappointment. Adam winked and laughed then continued walking. He'd lied about his observation and found his teasing hilarious.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~'
The reception was lovely. A few funny stories were shared, and one retired officer who had returned to the Base to share his best wishes recalled the first day he met eleven-year-old, wide-eyed Julie. He became misty as he noted that now "the base's little girl" was grown up and would make her country proud. Julie hugged the man who had been a grandfather figure to her for many years. She wiped away one of his falling tears, then he reached over to her cheek and did likewise.
Various attendees hollered out questions, asking about what Julie was going to study, what she most anticipated, and what she was dreading. She handled the questions with ease and poise. She answered one question by clarifying that she wasn't sure about her major yet. Knowing that much of his crew worked with ship repair, Adam yelled with a teasing voice, "Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, of course." Many in the crowd chuckled and cheered Adam's declaration. Not realizing he was only furthering Julie's distress, Adam also bellowed proudly, "And she'll be playing Varsity Basketball! Go Navy!" A number of people in the crowd yelled back, "Beat Army!" and cheered loudly. Glancing at Julie, Tessa noted that Julie moved her gaze to the floor at the mention of Varsity basketball. Tessa registered the topic in her memory, hoping to ask Julie about it later.
Before the day was underway, Adam shared his hope that Julie would be the focus of the day. He did not want fuss about Hannah or the wedding. Those pieces of news could be shared another time, and Hannah could have her own moment of notoriety another day. While his intent emerged from deep in his heart, Julie found all of the attention a bit overwhelming.
Little by little, the crowd dwindled. Julie hugged people she'd known for years and shook the hands of others. Hannah observed her sister from afar, impressed by her demeanor and composure.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"
As of June 26
Nolan and Lissa, 22
Molly 15 months
Emily and Elizabeth (born 3/15) 15 weeks
Ryder 18, Julie 18
Olivia 15
Ria and Anna 10
Lucas, almost 9
Baby Hunt – due October 25. 23 weeks gestation.