Hope for All- chapter 40
Tony came back with breakfast for them both. He stopped to call Rose from the childbirth class and let her know what was going on. She wished Angela a speedy recovery and said she would drop off the pamphlets and video during the week. Angela's doctor came into examine her and gave her another clean bill of health. They came and put a cast on her wrist now that some of the swelling went down. The babies were also doing well, their heart rates continuing to be in the normal range. They ran some tests on the babies but everything continued to come back normal. They told them if everything continued to progress normally, she would be discharged tomorrow. By the early afternoon, Tony had gone home to shower and helped Jonathan pack for camp, getting back just in time to bring Angela lunch.
"Hi sweetheart! I made you a homemade lunch! All your favorites plus some snacks too!" he said as he put out the food for Angela.
"That looks delicious Tony!" said Angela as she began to eat. Using only one hand was challenging but Tony did his best to have foods that were easy to eat.
"You'll never guess what finally came in the mail! The maternity photos from our honeymoon! The photographer apologized for the delay but they are absolutely gorgeous and worth the wait!" he said as he opened up the large envelope and took out the photos for Angela to see.
"Oh Tony! These are beautiful! That was such a wonderful trip! Wow… I thought I was big in that shoot… that's nothing to compared to now! I can't even begin to imagine how big I'm going to get if these guys end up going to full term…" she said wistfully.
"Eh oh, oh eh! You were, are and always will be beautiful! And no ifs… these guys are making it all the way! I'm going to see to it! You hear that little ones? You just get really comfy in there because you've got another nine almost ten weeks to go! Okay maybe eight if you are really anxious to get here but no sooner!" said Tony as he rubbed her stomach.
"Well so far they are listening to you! Let's hope they continue to listen!" chuckled Angela.
"Well someone has to listen to me! Better I start them when they're young!" laughed Tony.
"So how was Jonathan? Did he have any trouble packing? Is he still hesitant to go?" asked Angela as she continued to eat her lunch.
"Now that he knows you are coming home tomorrow, he seems a little less anxious. I think Sam and Mona talked to him last night too. Most of his stuff is packed and ready to go. I wasn't going to with everything going on, but I think I should drive him up on Monday. I'll check in on the road and make sure you are doing alright. I'll have Samantha or Mona stay with you" said Tony.
"Oh how I wish I could go! It's going to be so hard with him gone most of the summer! By the time he gets back the babies will practically be here! At least me being on bed rest for a while won't mean he misses out on much thankfully. We should really plan something for Samantha to do so she's not stuck home all summer long" said Angela.
"I'm sure she will be happy being at the mall or with her friends… or both! I'll see about some day trips to take her on…" said Tony.
"Maybe by then I'll have some restrictions let up and we can all do a day trip somewhere!" said Angela. Tony only responded with one of his overprotective stares.
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking about the babies, updates with work and school and just otherwise enjoying each other's company. The kids and Mona came by later and brought dinner with them. When it was time to leave, they all hugged and kissed one another goodbye. Angela was able to make a bit of room on the bed for Tony to squeeze into for the night.
"I'm not sure this is going to be any better than the chair but it's so nice to have you close by" said Angela as she brought him closer to her to snuggle.
"It's a 100% better now that I'm close to all three of you again! Alright little ones, let Mommy and Daddy get some rest! We've got a big day ahead of us tomorrow!" said Tony as he placed his hand on her stomach. They both tried their best to cuddle into one another and soon they were fast asleep.
The next morning, Angela was given one final check up and given the go ahead to go home with strict orders to be on bed rest for at least a month, only leaving the house for doctor's appointments, which would be weekly from here on out. She wasn't thrilled about the bed rest but knew she needed to do whatever it took to keep the babies safe.
Mona and the kids had a welcome home banner waiting for Angela when she and Tony came home. Angela had suggested she stay on the sofa for the evening before heading upstairs for the week. Tony reluctantly agreed, making sure her feet were elevated and she rested throughout the afternoon. By dinner time, Tony had cooked them all dinner, moving the kitchen table into the living room so Angela could spend dinner with the family. Tony helped Jonathan finish packing while Angela, Mona and Samantha watched a movie.
Soon it was time for everyone to head to bed. Tony wanted to carry Angela up the stairs but Angela put her foot down and refused, a vivid image of them all ending up a pile on the bottom of the stairs running through her mind. Angela was able to shower and get ready for bed, Tony soon following as they cuddled together in bed. Just as they were about to fall asleep, they heard a knock at the door.
"Come in" said Angela as she managed to pull herself up to a sitting position.
"I'm sorry I know it's late but can I talk to you?" asked Jonathan.
"Of course sweetheart. Is everything alright? Do you feel okay?" asked Angela as she motioned for him to sit close to her on the bed.
"How about I go make us a cup of tea?" asked Tony as he gave Angela a quick look, giving mother and son some private time.
"So what's going on sweetheart?" asked Angela as she started to rub his back.
"I still don't think I should go away tomorrow for camp. I'll be so far away from everyone and if the babies come early, I won't be here…" he said as tears filled his eyes.
"Oh sweetheart… I know you are worried but we all are doing much better. If anything changes, we would make sure you were made aware and someone would come and get you. Are you sure that's the only reason you are hesitant about leaving?" asked Angela.
"Well… that's a big reason…" he said as his voiced trailed off.
"So there might be another reason?" asked Angela, gently probing him as she knew if she pushed too hard he would clam up.
"What…what if I don't make any friends? What if everyone hates me and I spend the whole summer miserable and alone?" said Jonathan as the tears he was holding back started to fall.
"Oh Jonathan you are going to make friends! Tony and Grandma will drive you up to camp tomorrow morning and make sure you are settled before they leave. You will start making friends in no time! There's so many different activities for you to choose from too! It will be the end of the summer before you know it and you won't want to leave!" said Angela.
"But what if I don't and I'm miserable?" said Jonathan.
"Look… how about we make a pact now. If after three weeks you are completely miserable and can't stand it, you can come home. By that time, there will be a family weekend just like at your last camp and then you can come home then. Sound good?" asked Angela.
"Okay Mom that sounds good" he said as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Just then, Tony came back in with a tray with cups of tea and milk with cookies. They enjoyed their late night snacks until it was time for them to head to bed. They hugged and kissed Jonathan good night before snuggling back into one another.
"Do you think sending him is a good idea?" she asked as she held onto his hand.
"Of course it is! He needs to have some fun this summer! Get away from the nest so to speak and spread his social wings! And if it doesn't work out, I'll go up and get him myself" said Tony.
"I told him to give it three weeks and if he's miserable, during the family weekend we will come and get him. He seemed to agree with me on that" said Angela.
"Sounds like a plan… just not the part of 'we' going to get him. 'We' won't be going anywhere for the foreseeable future… I'll go get him…" said Tony.
"Yes Mr. Micelli. Whatever you say Mr. Micelli…" said Angela as she rolled her eyes at him.
"C'mon Mrs. Micelli… we all have another big day ahead of us tomorrow. Let's get some sleep…" he said as he turned off the lights and wrapped his arms around Angela. It took Angela longer to fall asleep as her thoughts continued to wander about Jonathan but she too finally fell asleep.
The next morning, Tony woke up early and got himself ready. He packed the car with Jonathan's bags and snacks for the car. He woke up Angela and helped her get dressed for the day. She was starting to get used to doing things with one hand but being almost thirty one weeks pregnant, she found she needed more and more help getting around.
"Okay Angela I think I've got everything for Jonathan and for you. Here is your breakfast, lots of snacks and water plus some books to read. I've given Samantha strict instructions to check in on you and help you until we get back. I have made your lunch already so all she has to do is bring it up to you. I'm going to call once we get there and before we head back. You have the number of the camp in case you need me right?" asked Tony.
"Yes Tony I do. I'll be fine and Samantha will be fine too. Send Jonathan up so I can say goodbye to him!" said Angela as tears formed in her eyes.
"Of course sweetheart" he said as he kissed her goodbye. After a few minutes, Jonathan came up to her room.
"Bye Mom… I'm going to miss you…" he said as the tears pooled in his eyes too. She motioned for him to sit next to her on the bed.
"You are going to have such a fun time! Remember, if by the family weekend you want to come home, you can I promise. I'm going to miss you so much!" she gushed as she pulled him into a hug. The hug was interrupted by one of the babies kicking.
"I think Baby B is saying hello!" Angela laughed as she took his hand and placed it where the babies were kicking. A smile came across his face as he felt them move.
"Whoa! They're strong! Does it hurt?" asked Jonathan with a sense of wonder in his voice.
"No it doesn't unless they kick me in my ribs! Then that hurts a bit! Just think when you get back it will almost be time for them to be here! They are going to love their big brother!" said Angela. Just then they heard an impatient Tony call up for Jonathan.
"Okay I guess I need to go… I love you Mom!" he said as he hugged her one more time.
"I love you too!" she said as she hugged him back, holding in her own tears until he was out of sight. She could hear them downstairs as Tony, Mona and Jonathan headed out the door.
She decided to finish her breakfast and do a little light work before resting. She figured she'd be able to convince Samantha to bring her briefcase when she came up to check on her later. With a bribe for some extra money for the mall, Samantha was able to bring her work, while she brought Angela's empty dishes downstairs. Angela worked for a little while before opting to rest for a while. Her rest was interrupted by the phone.
"Hello? Oh hi Tony! How's it going? How does Jonathan seem?" she asked as she waited for his answer.
"Oh that's great! I hope he enjoys himself… yes I'm fine… all of my breakfast yes… about to rest actually… yes she's been great… no I haven't been working…" she said as she rolled her eyes.
"Okay call me before you leave. Give him a hug for me!" said Angela as she hung up the phone. She leaned back and smiled as she closed her eyes, sleep soon following. She woke up a few hours later to Samantha bringing up her lunch.
"Knock knock! Are you ready for lunch?" asked Samantha as she brought in the tray with lunch. She helped Angela to stand up so she could use the bathroom. When she came back, she patted the space next to her on the bed for Samantha to sit.
"Dad called a little while ago. The dweeb is all settled in and they are headed back. Sounds like he's liking it so far" said Samantha.
"I hope so. He could really use the time away and hopefully makes some new friends in the process. So what are your plans for this summer? I really appreciate you staying around today to help me out but I don't want you thinking you have to spend your entire summer doing this" said Angela.
"I know but I don't mind. I'll still hang out with my friends. Bonnie's family is talking about going away for two weeks at the beginning of August to Maine. They asked me to go but…" started Samantha.
"But you think you need to be here for me and the babies…" said Angela. All Samantha could do was nod and look down at her hands.
"Listen… I think you should go. I'll talk to your dad and convince him to let you go. I'll be fine here and I think it will do you good to get away for a bit before all anyone will be focused on is these two little ones!" said Angela.
"Thank you Angela! You're the best! Can I get you anything?" asked Samantha.
"Just go take my briefcase downstairs and hide it so your dad doesn't know I was working!" laughed Angela as Samantha grabbed her work stuff and headed downstairs.
Angela ate her lunch and decided to open up one of the pregnancy books. She had finished some of the books they had gotten and she was halfway done with this current one. She loved to read about what the babies looked like and their developmental stages. She read that their senses were already developed, they could suck their thumbs and are doing flips inside, something she definitely could believe was happening, especially at around three in the morning. She wondered how they were possibly going to basically double in size in the next couple of months when she was already huge, having trouble walking and breathing while sitting was an exercise in and of itself. She continued reading until she heard the front door open. After a few moments, she heard their door open and Tony popped his head in.
"Hi sweetheart! How are you feeling? Did you eat okay? Drink enough water?" asked Tony as he scooted himself onto the bed next to Angela.
"We are all good! How did he do? Does it seem like a good place?" asked Angela as she put her book on the nightstand.
"If you weren't pregnant and we weren't together, I'd have enrolled myself in that camp! It blows our camps right out of the water! There was a thing called a zip line right in the middle of camp for them to swing across the camp! It had its own golf course, tennis courts, stables, a baseball diamond and even a bowling alley! It was unreal! He's going to have a blast!" shouted Tony.
"That's wonderful! Actually, speaking of having a blast… Bonnie's family invited Samantha on vacation to Maine for two weeks at the beginning of next month. I told her I thought it was a great idea and I'd talk to you about it…" said Angela.
"By talk to me, you mean convince me right?" he snickered.
"Well… possibly… she didn't want to go initially because she feels like she needs to be here for me and the babies. I told her she should go and get away, that we are fine. She needs to go Tony… just like Jonathan needed to go. We will be fine… and besides it will give us some alone time before our family of five becomes a family of seven…" she said as she rubbed her stomach.
"Alright she can go. I've got about two weeks left of school for the summer so by the time she leaves, I'll be able to be home with you. I think you should rest some more and I will go talk to her. I have a surprise for you later on after my evening class. I'll make sure Samantha and Mona bring you up dinner" said Tony as he kissed her and then kissed her stomach before he got up.
"You're too good to me Tony… to us…" said Angela as she smiled back at him, watching him head out of the room.