Hope for All- chapter 58
Tony arrived home and was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't hearing screaming coming from anywhere in the house- adults or newborns. He decided to head into the kitchen and grab himself something to eat. He made a quick sandwich with some cut up fruit and headed back into the living room to sit down and eat. No sooner did he put the food to his mouth when Mona and Samantha came through the front door with the babies both crying in the stroller.
"Oh you're home! How's Jonathan? And your children need a diaper change…" said Mona as she picked up Anna and handed her to Tony.
"He's doing well! When I left he had fallen back asleep… as did Angela. I had the nurse bring up a cot for her to sleep. She's exhausted… I don't think she's slept for more than three hours straight since they were born" he said as he quickly changed Anna on the sofa. He handed her to Samantha as he picked up Matthew and changed him as well.
"She needs to get more sleep but nursing makes that nearly impossible. I'm hoping these guys take a bottle of formula so she can just pump at the hospital. Maybe you guys can head back over there and make sure they are both doing okay and then send her home to rest" he said as he rocked Matthew back to sleep.
"Okay Dad but are you going to be okay here by yourself?" asked Samantha.
"Of course I will be fine! They aren't due to eat for another hour or so. I need to get some chores done so I'll try that carrier again. A piece of cake!" he said as both Mona and Samantha gave each other a look.
"As they say, father knows best… or diddly squat…" said Mona, the last part under her breath. Samantha handed a wide awake Anna to Tony and then headed out the front door with Mona.
"Alright you two! It's just me! Go easy on your old man would ya? You're not due to eat for a while so I think we can just hang out for a bit! What are the chances I can place Matty down without waking him up?" he said out loud. He shocked himself when he was able to put him down and he stayed asleep after he gently rocking the stroller.
"So it's just you and me Anna banana! I really need to get some cleaning done! How about you help your old man?" he whispered to her as he stood up and grabbed the carrier on the side chair. It took him about six tries before he got it all working and Anna safely secured inside but once he did, she fell right asleep. He took a quick look at Matthew who was still sound asleep and headed to get his broom and duster.
Meanwhile, Mona and Samantha arrived at Jonathan's room. He was watching some television as Angela was still asleep on the cot.
"Hi guys! Be quiet… Mom is still sleeping…" he said.
"She's gotta be exhausted. She hasn't slept more than three hours at a time in over a week" said Samantha.
"She needs to go home and sleep. Angela… Angela… Angela!" said Mona, screaming her name at the end.
"What? What is it? Where am I? Where's Jonathan? Where are the babies?" she asked frantically as she looked around.
"Relax Angela. Jonathan is here and eating some toast. Tony is home with the babies. You fell asleep here so Tony had them bring a bed, which come to think of it, why didn't he ask for one for himself! Anyway, you are exhausted. You need to go home and rest for a while. Come back tonight after everyone is settled. We will hang out with the kid and keep him company" said Mona.
"But Mother…" said Angela when Jonathan interrupted.
"No buts Mom! I'm fine! You can come back tonight or even tomorrow. You look exhausted" said Jonathan.
"Alright… let me see about an update from the doctor and then I'll head home. They will be due for a feeding soon" she said as she stood up and headed to the nurses' station. She spoke to the doctor who said Jonathan was healing nicely and would most likely go home on Monday morning. He would need to be out of school for two weeks but could return the week after if he was feeling up to it. She kissed him goodbye and headed home.
"So Jonathan, they give you any good food to eat yet? I'm sure we could smuggle in something good if you want!" said Samantha.
"Just this dumb toast. They said I have to have smaller meals of bland food for a day or two but then I can eat what I want. Anything sounds good except ice cream!" he chuckled.
"Yeah I doubt you are going to be in the mood for that for a while!" laughed Samantha.
"You want us to bring you some comics or books? I'd bring your snake in but I think they'd frown upon that one…" said Mona.
"Some comics would be good! They don't have too many channels here so I have a feeling I'm going to be bored a lot! I can't wait to go home! Two weeks out of school too!" said Jonathan.
"I'll make sure to get all your work for you now that you and I are in the same school!" she said. Just then, the phone rang; Mona picked it up.
"Hello… oh hello Michael… yes he's awake…" said Mona as she rolled her eyes and handed the phone to Jonathan.
"Hi Dad! How are you and Heather… I'm doing okay, just sore… yes that sounds like fun… South Africa? Oh wow… okay… love you too…" he said as he hung up the phone.
"Your dad going on a trip?" asked Samantha.
"Yeah… they are leaving tomorrow for South Africa. They will be gone for two years…" he said with a sad voice.
"Well hopefully he will send you some cool stuff! It just better not be a new snake!" laughed Samantha.
"I doubt he's bringing anything back for me… he'd have to remember me first…" said Jonathan as he took the remote and tried to find something on television. Despite Mona and Samantha's best efforts, Jonathan was in a bad mood for the rest of the visit.
Angela pulled into the driveway and sat back in the driver's seat. She tried to make a mental list of things she needed to do for Jonathan but her mind was just in a permanent fog since the twins were born and her sleeping ceased to exist. For no other reason than pure exhaustion and worry from the past twelve hours, she just cried into her hands. After finally crying herself out, she tried as best she could to make herself presentable and headed into the house.
"Oh good you're back! They are starting to get hungry, although I think Anna could hold off for a bit… she's going to be a pro at cleaning like her old man!" said Tony as he bounced her in the carrier as he finished dusting.
"That's good to know… hi my little love! You must be getting hungry!" said Angela as she picked up Matthew.
"How was Jonathan… wait Angela, have you been crying?" he asked as he came and sat down next to her on the sofa.
"Just had a quick cry in the car… no big deal…" she said as she got herself situated on the sofa to nurse.
"It's a big deal Angela if you are crying! Are you sad? Is something wrong? Is it that post something depression they handed us a pamphlet for at the hospital?" he asked as the concern and worry in his voice grew.
"No Tony… I'm just worried about Jonathan and these little ones. I feel so conflicted; when I'm here, I should be with Jonathan and when I'm with him, I should be here. Add on the sleep deprivation…" she said as the tears formed in her eyes again.
"Oh sweetheart… I know it's been a rough week, especially the past day or so. I wish I could help more with the feedings so you could sleep. You're doing an amazing job with everything I promise!" he said as he wrapped his arm around her back.
"Thank you Tony but I don't feel like it. It just feels like no matter what I do, I'm letting someone down…" she said as Matthew started to cry.
"Case in point!" she chuckled as she latched a very hungry Matthew. Tony handed Anna to her and she too latched quickly.
"You're not letting anyone down Angela! These two guys here are doing well- growing big and strong! Jonathan is doing fine and is going to be home soon. We've got this! As soon as you're done nursing, I want you to go upstairs and get some real sleep" he said.
"Okay Tony I will" she said as the doorbell rang. Tony got up to answer it; Mrs. Rossini greeted Tony with an oversized hug as she quickly moved past him and sat down next to Angela. Tony was left to carry in about an army's worth of Italian food.
"Oh my gosh! Look how big they've gotten in a week! Oh they are so beautiful! So where is everyone? Mona headed for the hills I'm assuming!" she chuckled.
"Actually she's at the hospital with Samantha. Jonathan had to have emergency surgery last night to take out his appendix. He's doing fine thank god but they are both there with him. I just got back a few minutes ago" said Angela.
"Oh my gosh! Thank god he's okay! You poor thing Angela! What can I do?" she asked.
"After they are done feeding, if you could help Tony with the babies so I can hopefully get some sleep, that would be great. After their next feeding, I'm going to head back to the hospital to relieve Mother and Samantha" said Angela.
"Yes of course, whatever you both need. Alright let me go and put away the food I brought" she said as she got up and headed into the kitchen.
"She's got enough in there to last us until thanksgiving!" he joked as he sat down next to Angela.
"Well at least that's one less thing on your plate…" said Angela.
"Don't you worry about my plate Angela. I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about!" he said.
"I'll be fine once I get some sleep and more importantly Jonathan is home… I need all four of my kids to be back under one roof…" she said. The twins fed for almost an hour before they were satisfied. Angela handed the babies to Tony and Mrs. Rossini as she headed upstairs. Thoughts of showering entered her mind, but she was way too exhausted and just collapsed on the bed. Three hours later, she awoke to the all too familiar sound of the twins crying.
"Alright here's Mommy so you are no longer starving!" chuckled Tony as he walked in with both babies.
"Thanks Tony. I needed that sleep! Were they okay?" asked Angela as she took Matthew from Tony and began to feed him, followed by Anna.
"They were fine! Spoiled by Mrs. Rossini who refused to put them down for a second other than to take them for a walk. I was able to get some more work done for school so I'll be good until Monday. Mrs. Rossini has taken over the kitchen and cleaning duties, despite my protests. On the upside, that means we can have some lunch and then maybe I'll drive you back over to the hospital" he said.
"Okay that sounds like a plan. I want to grab some stuff for Jonathan from his room. I hope Michael calls him before his trip. Jonathan doesn't need to be upset anymore by Michael" said Angela.
"I know Angela. How about I go make us lunch and bring it up here? Then we can relax a bit before heading back out again. Depending on how things go, I'll stay with Jonathan overnight again" he said.
"Thank you Tony! I don't know what I'd do without you…" she said as she leaned over for a kiss. He headed downstairs and made them a quick lunch, which he brought back to their bedroom. Tony was able to eat his lunch as Angela finished up nursing. After they were fed and burped, Angela was able to eat her lunch as Tony held the babies.
"Do you think Mrs. Rossini will be alright with the twins by herself?" asked Angela as she took back Anna from Tony.
"She will be fine. Besides, Mona and Samantha will be back to help her…" he said as he cuddled Matthew.
"Alright then, let's go…" she said as she headed into Jonathan's room. She grabbed a bag and put some clothes, his Walkman, some books and comics inside as she headed back out the door. She was becoming very skilled at holding a baby and getting everything she needed to get done with the free hand.
Once they were downstairs, they got everything ready for Mrs. Rossini. Tony showed her where they kept the diapers, change of clothing as well as bottles in case they needed extra formula before Angela got home.
"Okay Mrs. Rossini… Mother and Samantha will be back soon. If you need anything, please call the hospital and one of us will come right back" she said as she kissed the babies goodbye.
"You focus on Jonathan. We will be just fine!" she said as Angela and Tony headed out the door. They were able to get to the hospital and found close parking. As soon as they got to Jonathan's room, they could tell something was off.
"Hi sweetheart! How are you feeling? Is everything okay?" asked Angela.
"I'm fine Mom for the hundredth time…" he said as Angela gave Mona a questioning look.
"Well, now that you two are here, I think we will head back home. Carmela is still there I assume or did you leave the twins to fend for themselves?" she chuckled.
"Yes Mrs. Rossini is still there! She will probably be fine but if one or both of you could help her, that would be good. I'm going to stop home later and then come back to stay the night" said Tony.
"I don't need a babysitter… I can stay the night by myself…" said Jonathan.
"Oh Angela, the doctor wanted to speak to you think. Maybe you should go see. We will walk you out. See you tomorrow kid…" said Mona as she hugged him and headed out.
"Catch ya later dweeb!" said Samantha as she and Angela walked out of the room.
"So… anything good on television? Your mom packed you some books and comics if you want those instead…" he said as he picked up the bag and put it next to him on the bed.
"Thanks Tony…" he said as he looked halfheartedly at the bag and went back to the television.
"You sure you're okay? You seem like something is bothering you…" he said.
"Why are you so nice to me Tony? It's not like you have to be… we aren't blood related…" he said sadly.
"Eh oh, oh eh! Because I love you that's why! You may not be my biological son, but you are my son in every way that counts! Your mom and I love you so very much! All four of you equally! Does this have to do with your Dad? He didn't call you yet?" asked Tony.
"He did… he managed to take the time from his busy schedule to call me for like two minutes. Did you know he's going on a trip for two whole years? I haven't seen him in over a year and now it won't be for another two years at least!" he shouted.
"Oh buddy… I didn't know it was for two years. He should have told your mom that! He just said he was leaving in a few days for a trip. Honestly… sometimes I don't know what to make of your Dad… if you were my biological son, I'd never have let you out of my sight! His loss is my gain…" he said as he reached out and put his hand on Jonathan's arm. Angela had come back a few moments earlier and had listened to their conversation in the doorway. She decided it was a good time to come in as Mona had explained the situation with Michael.
"Hi sweetheart… Tony is right. Your dad has… dropped the ball many times over the years and I think he does it because he knows that Tony and I are here for you. It doesn't make it right though… I know it doesn't seem like it, but he does love you very much…" she said.
"How about we play a card game? I threw a deck of cards in the bag. Three man poker… this time I keep my wallet out of the pot! I know better than to mess with either of you again!laughed Tony, putting a smile on Jonathan's face.
"Alright deal the cards!" said Jonathan. They enjoyed playing poker and chatting for the next couple of hours. Angela was able to pump two bottles of milk for the twins and sent Tony home.
"Why don't you rest up a bit before they bring you dinner? I'll be fine to just sit here and relax" she said.
"Mom… oh never mind…" he said.
"What is it sweetheart?" she asked, concerned something was wrong.
"It's just stupid is all. I… I know my dad is my dad and all but he's never here and Tony is! I'm not a little kid anymore so it shouldn't even matter what name I call him…" started Jonathan.
"Jonathan… do you want to call Tony dad?" she asked as her heart melted.
"It's stupid I know… forget I even mentioned it…" he said disappointedly.
"It's not stupid sweetheart! I know you and your dad haven't been close since he left and moved to California. Tony has been more of a father figure to you for the past five almost six years. If you want to call Tony dad, I think he'd be honored…" she said.
"Really? You don't think he'd think it was stupid or anything?" he asked.
"Not at all. He already thinks of you as his son. The only difference would be the name. He's going to love you no matter what name you call him, I promise you that…" said Angela.
"Okay! Alright think I will close my eyes for a bit…" he said with a yawn. Soon, he was fast asleep as Angela watched him sleep. She thanked whatever higher power brought Tony into her life, not only for her benefit, but for all four of her children.
Tony came back a few hours later so Angela could go home for the night. He decided to stay again with Jonathan, knowing Mona agreed to give up her date and help Angela overnight with the twins. Angela arrived home and was once again met with screaming babies.
"It's okay Mommy's here! How were they? Did they take the bottles of milk?" she asked as she took Matthew from Samantha.
"It was a struggle for Matthew to take the bottle. He eventually took it but he put up a fight! Anna was good though but I think they just missed you!" said Mrs. Rossini.
"I can't thank you enough for all of your help! We couldn't have done today without you!" said Angela as she latched Matthew. Mrs. Rossini handed Anna to Angela to feed and then headed into the kitchen to prepare dinner.
"Do you need anything Angela?" asked Samantha.
"No I'm good. Thank you too for all your help today. I know there were probably more fun things to do than spend your weekend at the hospital and with two screaming babies…"
she said.
"It wasn't so bad. They didn't start screaming until about ten minutes ago- they were really very good! As for Jonathan… he's my kid brother… he's family so you do for family…" she said.
"That… that means a lot to me Samantha. I know we aren't blood related, but the four of you are my children…you are no different in my heart from Jonathan, Anna or Matthew and I know Tony feels the same way…" she said.
"Thanks Angela… I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come into my life… I love you!" she said.
"I love you too sweetheart, more than you can ever imagine. I'm glad we are having this conversation because I had a talk with Jonathan earlier and while it doesn't exactly have anything to do with you, it may impact you. Jonathan is very upset with Michael, as you know, and he… has grown less and less connected to him over the years while he's had you and your dad living with us. Tony has really become his father figure and… he's thinking of talking to Tony about calling him dad…" said Angela.
"Oh wow…" said Samantha.
"I was surprised too… it may not happen but if it does, I don't want you to feel any pressure about anything… you are older. Marie will always be your mother. You had a much different relationship with your mom than Jonathan does with his father. You calling me Angela doesn't negate how we feel about each other. If that ever changes and you wanted to call me mom, I'd be honored, but if not, that's perfectly okay too. Does that make sense?" she asked.
"Yeah it makes sense. I… I don't know…" she started.
"Sweetheart this is not something you need to decide now or ever. I just didn't want you to be blindsided by this, that's all. Here, would you mind burping Anna?" she asked.
"Sure… come here Anna banana!" she said as she took Anna to burp. Angela was able to burp Matthew and continue to feed them both. Samantha helped her finish burping them just as dinner was ready. Mrs. Rossini helped Angela settle the babies in the stroller as they ate their dinner. Angela and Samantha tried to help clean up after dinner but they were both told to go and relax. Bonnie called and asked if Samantha could hang out for the night. Angela told her she should go and relax, but to be home by curfew. Mrs. Rossini finished cleaning and offered to stay until Mona got in, but Angela convinced her to go home and rest. Soon, it was just Angela and the twins who were awake and content in the stroller.
"Alright you two… it's just going to be us for the next few hours! I'm hoping your daddy calls to give me an update on your brother and then we can do a feeding followed by hopefully a good stretch of sleep for all of us! Your grandma is going to help us out tonight but who knows when she will get back from her date! I can't complain though… she along with everyone else is going above and beyond for us!" she said as the phone rang.
"Hello? Oh hi sweetheart! How are you feeling? Good… oh you did… well of course he wouldn't mind! I told you he wouldn't mind you calling him dad… okay I love you sweetheart! I'll will see you tomorrow morning… hi Tony… I know he spoke to me about it earlier… yes I will make sure the doors are locked… they are good! Wide awake! Okay yes…" she said as she placed the phone near the twins as Tony gave them his nighttime speech.
"Okay Tony… I love you too…" she said as she hung up the phone. She spent the rest of the night alternating between napping and feeding the babies. Samantha came home right at curfew and helped her get the babies ready for bed. Mona came in around eleven, just as Angela was getting into bed.
"How was your date Mother?" whispered Angela as checked on the twins one final time before getting into bed.
"I'll let you know tomorrow morning when it ends… this is but a brief intermission…" smirked Mona as she got into bed. All Angela could do was roll her eyes as she wondered how much help her mother would actually turn out to be.