Chapter Four: Overwhelmed

Wednesday, October 17, 1990

On Mondays and Wednesdays, Sam had four classes, almost back to back. Usually, it wasn't pleasant, but the busy schedule was a welcome distraction this week. She sat down for dinner with her dad and Jonathan but excused herself to study after quickly cleaning her plate.

Jonathan watched her push through the kitchen door. "Tony, I'm worried about Sam. She never studied this much before."

"Well, college is different from high school, Jonathan."

"But it's not just that. Sam was in my mom's room for a long time last night, and when she came out, her face was all puffy and red."

"Really? I wonder if she's overwhelmed by school. Maybe she's afraid to tell me. I'll talk to your mom about it when she gets home from her date." Tony tried not to reveal how much it bothered him that Angela was out with Andy.

"OK. But don't tell Sam I was concerned about her."

Andy crowded Angela from behind as she found her key to the front door. He ran his hands lightly down her upper arms and skipped to her hips. She was not in the mood to get frisky and was becoming annoyed that he wouldn't take a hint. She turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open. Tony was sitting on the couch with a textbook.

"Thanks for dinner, Andy. Good night." She turned and guided him from the entryway to the porch.

"No kiss?" he pouted. Tony watched as Angela kissed Andy quickly on the cheek and closed the door on him. She hung her coat and purse and started taking off her shoes.

"How was your date?"

"Fine."

"Oh yeah? It didn't look so great from over here."

"It would be nice if Andy were a little more sensitive. I have some things on my mind, and he just wants to have a good time." Angela sat down on the end of the couch.

"What kind of things? Anything you want to talk about?"

Angela shook her head no and cursed herself internally. She couldn't share her worries with Andy, and she certainly couldn't share them with Tony.

"Well, can I talk to you about something that's on my mind, then?" Tony asked, knowing his request would be granted.

"Of course you can!" Angela scooted closer to Tony on the couch, tapping him lightly on one knee.

"I'm worried that Sam is overwhelmed with school. Has she talked to you about it?"

Angela was trapped. She had seen Jonathan come out of his room right when Sam headed back to hers the previous evening. He had looked between the two women with curiosity before muttering "Night, Sam. Night, Mom." Partial truths would have to be leveraged.

"Yes, Tony, she did talk to me. She's worried about being able to get through college. And even more than that, she's worried about disappointing you. I'm sure that it will pass. She just needs to buckle down and study more."

"Well, she's been locked in her room quite a bit. I guess your little talk helped." Tony smiled, relieved that Sam felt comfortable turning to Angela.

"Good. Well, I'm tired, and tomorrow's a big day." Angela had gotten an appointment with her OB/GYN for Thursday morning, when Sam didn't have class. "I have an offsite meeting with a large medical practice." She stood and grabbed her shoes before starting up the stairs.

"Goodnight, Angela. Thank you for being there for my little girl."

"Always." It was a given. Had been for more than six years. "Goodnight, Tony."

Thursday, October 18, 1990

The family gathered around the kitchen table for breakfast Thursday, as usual. "Almost time for me to drive you to the train" Tony said.

"I'll take you!" Sam offered, following the plan. "I have to go to campus for Dr. Kendrick's office hours."

Mona and Angela got into Sam's yellow monstrosity of a car. It was only a few minutes to the train station. Sam hopped into the driver's seat and turned the key. She pulled out of the driveway. Suddenly a wave of nausea passed over her, and she clapped one hand over her mouth as she burped. "Excuse me!"

She continued on to the train station drop-off area. Mona exited the back of the yellow submarine, and Angela paused in the passenger seat, turning to Sam.

"Ten o'clock. You have the address?" Sam nodded, holding up a slip of paper. "I'll meet you there. See if you can get some ginger tea for the drive."

"What's going on?" Mona asked her daughter, as they boarded the train.

"Nothing," Angela squeaked. "Why would something be going on?" They found a pair of empty seats facing forward and settled in.

"Gee, I don't know, Angela. Sam is driving us to the train station and meeting with her professor when the term has barely started. You have an offsite meeting, and you won't tell me who the client is. Both of you have been avoiding Tony. Clearly you've been conspiring. I want to know what the big secret is!"

"No. It's private. And I really need you to respect that." Angela was dead serious, and it took Mona by surprise.

"OK, fine. Geez. I was going to ask if you're helping Sam get on birth control. Because I have a sixth sense about these things, and the next time she sees Matt, she's going to need it."

"Mother! She's just a kid." Angela feigned indignance. Mona didn't need to know how right she was. Nor did she need to know that it was already too late.

"Well, I'm not ready to be a great-grandmother!" Mona had never discriminated between Sam and Jonathan, spoiling them equally from the moment the Micellis arrived.

"You're not going to be, not any time soon," Angela snapped. She swallowed and looked out the window. She didn't know what Sam's decision would be, but her statement was technically true. Her mother wouldn't be a great-grandmother, and she wouldn't be a grandmother to any child of Sam's.