Hello Readers: What did you guys think of that last chapter? Are you glad that we now have the Halstead Family back in the story? Well, I hope you are as they are going to stay here for a bit; especially since I want to visit them for a bit and see how they're doing at the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hope you guys continue to enjoy the story, and maybe let me know what you guys want.
Chapter Three Hundred and Five
The Start of COVID with the Halstead Family
"Natalie, we're in a time of crisis; of course, I'm going to let Will work at the hospital, rather than at Casey. As long as he's safe, Will belongs at the hospital so that he can take care of as many people as he can during this time." -Matthew Casey, Chairman and CEO
Second Floor Family Room, Halstead Home – It wasn't that often that Alex Casey sat in the upstairs family room, as she mostly sat in the main floor family room; and that was due to the fact that it was where the big TV was. But right now, she was sitting up here as she wanted to spend a bit of time with Natalie; some time where they can relax as girls, and just take it easy while their husbands were out grocery shopping…something that only they can do, as they need to do something else. And that would be take care of the twins, which Alex was currently doing with Natalie; as she was breastfeeding Michael, who most definitely was loving this feeling of her feeding him. And while she may not have breastfed from the start, she's glad that she's doing it now as she loves the feeling.
And she also loves the time that it allows her to bond with her beautiful children, which is why she always rotates which one of the kids that she feels. And right now, it was Michael's turn to be breastfed; while it was Olivia's turn to be fed by the bottle, by her aunt Natalie. But at the same time, they were also talking to Matt and Gabby, which is when Alex finally heard Natalie give a response to Matt's statement. "I think that's why he's still there, as he doesn't want to just sit around and do nothing when he can be of help at the hospital." Alex agreed with Natalie, concurring in her statement. "Which is why they moved in, so that Will wasn't worried all the time while he was at work; because he knows that Natalie's safe with us, because we're safe with the kids." Matt agreed with Alex.
After all, he had a feeling that was why they were living there. "Now, just remember that you need to take it easy Natalie." Natalie laughed as she heard Matt say that, as that should be what she was telling him; especially after everything that they've been through, ever since Gabby gave birth to the girls. "I just hate that I wasn't there to say goodbye to you guys today." Matt laughed. "You wouldn't even have seen us; we left the hospital at around five this morning." Natalie was a bit taken aback as she heard Matt say that they left the hospital at five this morning. "What? Why did you guys leave so early?" Snickering, Gabby went to answer that question. "It's due to the fact that Matt wanted to get out of there, as he didn't want to expose our girls to this." Matt agreed with Gabby, as it was true.
"If I could get Gabby and the girls out of there, without us contracting COVID-19; then I was going to do that, especially when I was already under enough stress as it is. I have so much on my mind."
Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that, able to hear it in his voice. "Let me guess, a bunch of things related to work?" Gabby sighed as she spoke on her and Matt's behalf. "Let's just say that some things that come with being a CEO are not all that glamorous, not when you need to figure out how to keep a lot of people employed in the middle of a pandemic." Matt sighed as he heard Gabby say that, before adding on. "And I have barely figured it out, because there are so many rules that I have to deal with. And honestly, it couldn't have come at a worst time. I mean, we literally bring the girls home; and then it's also when we're just expanding the company into multiple states, and that means that we need to deal with multiple laws when it comes to how we work."
Natalie agreed with Matt. "I know, and that's why you made the COVID committee; by the way, nice talking to see you and seeing you this morning. And I think that you were right to end the call, as you looked like crap! God, you had so much bed head hair." Matt was shocked when he heard his friend say that. "And you couldn't have told me that, I must've looked like crap in front of everybody. I mean, all of the doctors were there and so were a bunch of my other staff including Rafael." Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that. "Matt, they all know that you were just home from the hospital and that you had enough going on; we just agreed to let you be. I mean, don't you read the chat that we have going on at the bottom of the screen?" Matt was a bit surprised as he heard that.
"You guys have a chat at the bottom of the screen when we're in those calls?"
Gabby laughed as she heard her husband say that, surprised that he didn't know that as well. "Wait, you knew that?" Gabby agreed with Matt as he asked her that. "Baby, of course I did. I do it sometimes with my Casey Apparel staff when I did video calls with everybody in the hospital, especially when we did the post-press conference meetings." Gabby then went ahead and spoke to Alex and Natalie. "I want to thank you guys again for the words you said, it really warmed my heart that you guys said that." Alex agreed with Gabby, having already been made aware of that when they made the statement. "Gabby, we already knew that; plus, it was just the right thing to do. We needed to defend you and keep you far away from the media." Gabby agreed with the both of them.
And the truth was, that really did help her relax in the hospital. "It really helped me when I was in the hospital, to know that the media was going to stay far away; I really didn't want a repeat of the last time we gave birth." Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Gabby, that was why we made the statement; and it's also why you can just relax and take it easy." Matt agreed with Natalie as she said that. "Trust me when I say this, that's exactly what Gabby's in the midst of doing; we're just laying down in bed with each other, as we feed the girls." Alex laughed as she heard Matt say that. "Me and Natalie are actually feeding the twins right now too." Matt agreed with Alex as she said that, while also thinking about her husband; and how he might be feeling.
"By the way, I want you to tell Jay that he doesn't need to overwork himself; I want him to take it easy, as he needs to do that for the sake of his mental health. I am not sure what's going to happen with this, or how long it's going to go; but it Jay ever needs a break, then he can take a break and just concentrate on his health. I know firsthand what's probably going through his head right now."
Alex agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly was something that was on her mind as well; just how this is going to affect her husband, as well as his mental health. "Yeah, I think he's not in the best place right now; he got a call today, and he's just been off." Turning her head, Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that. "I noticed the same thing! Is Jay okay?" Alex sighed before shrugging. "I was going to put the kids down for a nap after we feed them, and then I was going to check on him in the backyard; he's either in the pool, or he's working out." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware of what that means; as did Gabby, as Matt's the same way. "Matt's the same way, he goes to be by himself when he needs to think." Matt then sighed, as he heard that.
"Yeah, I guess I do. I think that I need to stop doing that right now, when it's a pandemic and we need to work together to get through this. We need to be a team, for our sakes; and then for the sakes of the kids."
Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that, as that most certainly is what all the couples need to be. "Me and Will already promised each other that each and every night, we would just take some time to ask each other how we're doing; well, after he takes a shower of course." Turning her head, Alex agreed with Natalie. "You mean, at the hospital. I told you guys that I want Will to shower at the hospital, before he even comes home; because I swear, I am going to kill your husband if he…" That's when Jay walked in, and got worried. "Wait, is Will home? Did he not take a shower? Fuck, I am going to kill…" Alex then put her hand up and looked at her husband. "Hey, take a breath and relax. No, Will isn't home. We're talking to Matt and Gabby about the rules we made." Jay sighed.
After which, he took a breath and just looked at Alex as he was worried. "Right, that makes sense…uhm, I'm…" Alex then looked at Jay as he started to speak up. "Jay, go sit in our room right now okay? Wash your hands and just take a breath, I'll come be with you soon." Jay agreed with Alex as she said that, as that most certainly is what he needs. But first, he went to say hi to Matt and Gabby. "How are you guys doing at home Matt and Gabby?" Gabby laughed. "Good, but just go take a breath and relax Jay. We're just talking about what we're going to do when it comes to work." Matt then added on. "And I was saying that you don't need to work all day, because you need to put your mental health first; promise me that you do that Jay?" Jay agreed with his boss as he said that, as he will.
"I promise, I'm going to put my mental health first…"
Jay then turned to look at Alex, as he wanted to make her the same promise. "I mean it Alex; I'm going to put my mental health first." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, while leaning her head back to give him the message that she wants something; and that something would be a kiss, which Jay most certainly is more than ready to give her. And that's why he just leaned over her and proceeded to kiss the woman he loves. "I love you." Alex agreed with her husband as he told her that he loves her, as that's something that she most certainly knows. "I love you too. Now, go take a shower and then relax there. We need to put the kids down for a nap, then I'll come in there so that I can take a nap; we need to talk by the way." Jay was confused as he heard Alex say that.
"What do we need to talk about?"
Alex looked at her husband as he said that. "Your refusal to get up at 5 AM this morning, which meant that I needed to feed BOTH of the twins by myself!" Matt then proceeded to speak up. "Jay, I am telling you this as a father of four. Run!" Jay laughed as he heard Matt say that. "Yeah, I highly doubt that Alex is going to do any…" Alex then looked up at her husband. "Would you like it to be me who speaks to you about this? Or do you want me to fill in my father about what you did to me this morning?" Jay shook his head as he heard Alex say that. "You wouldn't." Alex agreed with Jay as he said that, as she most certainly would, which is when Matt spoke to Jay again. "Jay, remind me why you haven't already left so that you can stop getting in trouble with your wife?" Jay agreed with Matt.
"Okay, I am going. Thanks for the advice Matt."
Matt agreed with Jay as he said that. "Yes, now get out of here before I ask you to work for both Casey Police and the PTSD resource center. That reminds me, I need to talk to you about that Natalie." Natalie was a bit confused as she heard Matt say that, as she didn't exactly understand what he was talking about. "What are you talking about Matt?" After hearing Natalie ask Matt that question, Jay thought that it was a good time for him to walk away; so that's exactly what he did, he walked away so that he could go take a shower.
After Jay left to go take a shower, Alex and Natalie returned to the conversation that they were having with Matt and Gabby; more specifically, about a PTSD resource center? Well, that's not something that they've ever heard about; and that's why they're going to hear about it now. "Okay, so we're going to have to talk about this Matt; because this is the first time I am hearing about this." Matt agreed with Natalie as she said that, well aware that was the case. "Oh, I am well aware that's the case. And that's due to the fact that it literally just came into my head right now. I didn't even think about this until right now." Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that, which makes a lot of sense considering he basically just put it out there. "For what it's worth, I'm in the same place as you Natalie."
Natalie agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also hearing Matt say something to her. "And I'm sorry about that. But like I just said, this literally just came into my mind right now; and I haven't had a chance yet to talk to you about it, since this is even the first I am talking about it with myself." Gabby laughed as she heard her husband say that, before speaking up as well. "Then how about we all talk about it now?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that, before going ahead with doing just that. "Okay, so here's the thing; as you know, we can't exactly have people go into the office; heck, we can't even have employees go in there right now. And that's why we're moving to work from home, which actually makes things a lot easier as I can just have people on maternity leave work still."
Going to slap Matt's chest, Gabby most certainly didn't like the sound of that. "That's not going to happen, but that brings up something. We need to figure out how we're going to make our models work, and how we're going to do photoshoots." Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "I have a feeling that we're both going to work during the pandemic, aren't we?" Matt sighed as Gabby asked him that question, as he isn't sure when it comes to that. "Can we talk about that just between the two of us, rather than while we're on the phone with Natalie and Alex?" Gabby agreed with her husband as he asked her that. "Of course, we can. So after, now where were we?" That's when Natalie decided to speak, so that she could bring them back on topic today, which they need to do.
"We were talking about something that you wanted me to do for the company."
Matt agreed with Natalie as she said that, as that was right. "Right. I was thinking that we can create a new part tor the website that we have set up for the company, something that can help people with PTSD." Natalie then realized what he was trying to say. "I know that we just started the PTSD groups this year, and I don't want to stop those just because of the pandemic; rather, I want to keep them going. But we need to do it safely, and we need to figure out how we can do it with HIPPA." And yes, Matt does know what HIPPA is; as he had to read about it, when he wanted to start offering these services. "Do you want to add Ethan to this conversation?" Matt laughed. "No, because that's going to be your job to figure this out; I am just delegating jobs." Natalie agreed with her boss.
After all, that's exactly what he's in the midst of doing; he's in the midst of delegating jobs that need to be completed, and she was more than happy to do this for him. "Well, what do you want me to do Matt?" Matt smiled. "Well, just figure out how we can offer the same types of services that we already offer; but at the same time, we need to offer them virtually. And that also means that we may need to add more privacy stuff to the website if we want to do virtual chats and stuff, because that's needed for HIPPA." Natalie agreed. "Well, I sure am glad that I have someone who understands the law." Matt laughed. "Natalie, did you forget that I used to be engaged to a doctor? I could never ask her how her day was, because there was always HIPPA worries." Natalie agreed with Matt.
"God, I am so glad that Will and I are both doctors at the same place; and that we have a lot of the same patients, which means that we used to be able to talk to each other about it."
Alex was confused as she heard Natalie say that. "Used to?" Turning her head, Natalie laughed. "Remind me where I'm living?" Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that, as that makes a lot of sense now; of course, they can't talk about it when they're here, as she and Jay aren't doctors. And that's why Matt and Gabby actually did something while they were at the hospital, which Gabby soon revealed to them. "The only way that Natalie was able to talk to you and Jay about how me and Gabby were, was due to the fact that we signed a waiver for our friends and family. More specifically, for you and Jay since we knew that you'd always ask her and Will how we were at the hospital; and we were fine with that. So, we signed away the confidentiality for just you and Jay." Alex agreed with Gabby.
"And I hope you know that we really appreciate that Gabby, as we were both really worried about you; and it meant that world to us for you to feel comfortable sharing that information with us, as we wanted to do whatever we could to help you guys."
Matt agreed with Alex as she said that, as that was exactly what she and Jay did. "Believe me, Jay was phenomenal when it came to helping me; I spoke to him a lot while I was in the hospital and dealing with everything including my PTSD. It was a lot to deal with all at once, while also worrying about my family. Heck, I still don't think it's really set it that we're out of the hospital since we're still inside all the time." Natalie agreed with Matt as he said that, understanding why that would be the case. "Just remember that you guys need to keep relying on each other, and that you have friends who you can always reach out to if you need to talk to somebody; because I am always here to give you advice if you need it, including medical advice." Gabby agreed with Natalie, as that was going to happen.
"Believe me Natalie, I already have you on speed dial. If I have any questions, you're going to be the first one that I call."
Natalie laughed a bit as she heard Gabby mention that she's on speed dial if she needs something. "Oh, I had no doubt in my mind that was the case. Heck, I think that Matt would have me on speed dial too." Matt agreed with Natalie as she said that, as he does. "I have all of my executives on speed dial. I just open an app that I have on my phone, which is connected to my office phone; I just have to hit the extension, and then I can call you right away whether you're away from the office or in the office." That's when Gabby decided to make sure of something. "You do have that off right now, right? Because I don't want you to work right now. Did I mention that he did some work this morning?" Matt agreed with Gabby as she said that. "Yes, and I made a new decision."
Alex snickered as she heard Matt say that. "Of course, you did. And what might that be?" Matt then went to tell them. "I decided to appoint Rafael Solano as co-Chief Executive Officer so that we can split the duties. He's going to do the behind-the-scenes work, while I'm the face of the company and the one who's going to guide the company in the direction that we want to take it." Natalie agreed with Matt, before making a quip about it. "Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts!" Gabby agreed with Natalie, as she was just thinking the same thing. "I was just thinking the same thing, as I know my husband is not going to want to stay off too long." Alex agreed with Gabby as she said that, while also turning her head and looking down at Michael as he continued to feed off her.
"Someone's a hungry baby boy today, aren't you Michael?"
Turning her head, Natalie saw that Michael was still feeding. "Yeah, they're both feeding a lot." Alex agreed. "I may have just done a small feeding this morning, didn't have the energy." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, as that makes sense. "Well, that makes sense. You guys are tired." Taking a breath, Alex agreed with her sister-in-law as she said that. "Yeah, I most definitely am tired." That's when Gabby decided to say something that Alex needed to hear. "Then Alex, you shouldn't be working when you're still tired. What's going on anyways?" Alex sighed. "It's just a lot to deal with at the moment, as I know that things are probably worse in Chicago; and that means that my dad may be at risk, because that's…" Natalie agreed with her sister-in-law, and saw that they had to stop.
"Hey Matt and Gabby, I think we need to talk; just me and Alex."
Matt agreed with Natalie as she said that. "Hope you guys stay safe." Alex agreed with Matt as he said that, before taking a breath as they all went ahead and hung up the call; at the same time, she turned to look at Natalie who spoke up. "You have a lot on your mind, don't you?" Alex agreed. "My father is an older man, and that means that he's on at risk based on what you've told me." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that. "Have you spoken to Jay about that?" Alex sighed. "He isn't the biggest fan of my father, and I'm not sure whether he wants to talk about it." Natalie sighed, before biting her lip. "Alex, I can tell you one thing; and that's that Jay loves you more than anything. If you tell him that you need to talk to him about your dad, then he'll do it for you." Alex agreed with Natalie.
After which, she took a breath and turned her head to look at Michael. "And I mean that Alex. If you tell Jay that you need to talk to him about your dad, then he's going to listen; and I can speak from experience, because I do it all the time. I tell Will that there are times that I need to talk about Jeff. Like on his birthday, or the anniversary of his death. And we talk about it." Alex was a bit surprised as she heard Natalie say that. "Really?" Natalie agreed with Alex as she asked him whether they really talk about Jeff on his birthday, and on the anniversary of his death. "Of course, we do, because it's what I need to do." Alex smiled and agreed with Natalie as she said that, really starting to find more and more respect for Will each and every day. "God, I have much respect for Will now."
Natalie agreed with her sister-in-law as she said that, before smiling at her. "I'm just glad that the relationship between our husbands is better than it was when we were in Chicago." Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that. "It's due to the fact that they only have each other, and their wives. Well, and their kids." Natalie understood what Alex meant, and smiled as that most certainly is the truth. "Well, I think we both know that comes in handy at times." Alex was confused as she heard Natalie say that. "Means that we get all of our husband's attention both in and out of bed." Alex laughed as she heard Natalie say that, as that most certainly is the truth. "Well, I want to say this. I do not want to her any complaints." Looking at Alex as she said that, Natalie smirked as she knew what she meant.
"Let me guess, you think that you and Jay are going to…"
Alex sighed. "I don't want to say that this is going to be the truth, but I just have this feeling that Jay has a lot more on his mind than he's been telling me over the past couple weeks; I know that's crazy but…" Natalie shook her head as Alex said that, as that most certainly is not crazy. Rather, it made complete sense. "Alex, it's not crazy; it's just the truth, and we both know how much mental health is important to prioritize here. And you even said it to Matt. But please, make sure that he's okay; and talk to us if you ever need to talk to us." Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that, well aware that was the case. "I promise, we will do just that; but I am also going to just take it easy and relax." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, well aware that was the case; but she knew the truth.
"Oh, sure you are."
Alex laughed as she heard Natalie say that, well aware that she knows what they're going to do; and that's due to the fact that she can just read her better than anybody. Ever since they all moved here to Hawaii, she and Natalie have gotten very close; and that's due to the fact that they're family, and they only have each other here. "God, I love that I have you as a sister." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that. "And I am so glad that I have a sister too, because I miss having girlfriends." Alex smirked. "We really should've had a girls' night out ahead of COVID." Natalie agreed with Alex as she said that, as that most certainly is something that they should've done prior to the pandemic. "Well, then we're going to have to do it when the pandemic is over." Alex agreed with Natalie, smiling.
After all, that sounds absolutely perfect. "Well, let's wait until we see how long this goes for; anyways, we may want to go for a baby eventually. By surrogacy of course." Natalie agreed. "Really?" Alex shrugged. "I don't know, but I think it's something that I'm open to because I feel like I owe it to Jay." Natalie looked at her sister-in-law as she said that. "Alex, you don't owe anything to Jay when you had to deal with that at the hands of your own father. But if you want a baby, then you can do it via surrogacy." Alex agreed with Natalie as she said that, well aware that was the case; after all, that most certainly is a possibility. "Is that you offering?" Natalie laughed as she heard Alex say that, as that most certainly is not what she's doing; not that her husband would ever allow her.
"I highly doubt that my husband would be okay with me doing that, when the father is his brother."
Alex thought about it, and just agreed with Natalie as that makes a lot of sense. "Well, that makes sense." Natalie smiled as she heard Alex say that, before going to look at Michael who was done. "Listen, these little ones need to get in bed. Do you want to help me?" Natalie agreed with Alex as she asked him that and smiled as they both got ready to put the kids in their cribs; after which, Alex is going to spend some quality time with her husband.