Part 3

Later in Nancy and Elizabeth's room.

"I hope Dad and Abby are having a good time." Nancy says to Elizabeth.

"Yeah, me too." Elizabeth says. "I am glad you came back."

"I didn't worry you I hope." She sits down beside her.

"Well....sort of."

"I'm sorry about that."

"That's OK."

"Good." She gives her a hug.

The next day Katherine gets Mary alone to talk, Mary assures her everything is fine so Katherine then goes to find Susan. "You look exhausted." She says.

"I am" Susan says "I've taken on too many extra sports this summer."

"Are you sure it's only that? When's the last time you went for a checkup?"

"A few months ago. I'm alright really."

Katherine feels her forehead just to be sure.

"I'm fine, really Grandma."

"Have you been thinking of lightening the load of sports you've taken on?"

"Yeah, I think I'm going to only do three sports this summer."

"Well that's a relief."

"I think I'm going to do Swimming, Tennis and Softball only."

"Good, and you'll get more sleep?"

"I'll try. I promise."

"Good, and if you can't sleep let me know and I'll make you some warm milk."

"Okay."

"Now if you'll excuse me I have to call a certain man of mine."

Tom wakes up early and quietly orders breakfast.

Abby hears him and wakes. She stretches. "Your back better today?"

"Yep." He says. "I was looking at the shipboard activities, How do you feel about skeet shooting?"

"Shooting?" Abby thinks of all her objections to any form of guns, even toys, and how things change. "Only if we can make a little side bet."

"Oh, what do you have in mind?"

"Hmm. I don't know. But something to make it worth my while, because I'm going to beat the pants off you."

Tom laughs. "I doubt that."

Abby speaks slowly and deliberately. "Don't...ever...doubt me."

"Uh huh." He teases.

"Uh huh," Abby repeats. "So--what are we betting?"

"How about breakfast in bed at home for a week?"

"Your cooking?" Abby grimaces.

"Cute." he states. "OK, what do you want?"

"Midnight snack in bed for a week?"

"Ok." he replies.

"At least this way you'll feed me something edible," Abby teases.

Tom frowns. There is a knock on the door.

"You're so cute when you pout," Abby tells him. "And speaking of food, isn't that our breakfast at the door?"

Tom opens the door. The breakfast tray is rolled in. "breakfast is served my lady." Tom says.

"And to think--I haven't even won the bet yet."

"Well, enjoy it, because you'll be serving me when we get home."

"You wish."

Tom laughs.

"You laugh now--but later on, I'm going to have to console you."

"Well, let's eat and see who's laughing in an hour or so."

Abby hands him the sugar. "Here--it'll make the crow taste better."

"You are awfully sure of yourself."

"My father taught me to shoot when I was 11 years old. I nailed my first jackrabbit when I was 12."

"So, anything recently?"

"You know I haven't touched a gun since Frank was shot down."

"I know, I'm sorry." Tom says. "If you rather not."

"No, it's all right. It's just skeet shooting."

"Great." he says. "Afterwards, if you'd like we could go swimming or whatever."

"We'll see. We're on vacation--we don't have to make plans."

"I forget." Tom says. "I have to quit playing platoon leader."

"Well, not always." Abby's voice drops a few notches. "Sometimes playing can be fun."

"Yes, it is, even playing doctor." He hints.

"Thomas Bradford, are you suggesting we skip breakfast and shooting and go back to bed?" Abby pretends to be shocked.

"You said yourself we have no set plans."

"That's true. But aren't you afraid of ruining your staid and sober image?"

"I won't tell, if you don't."

"You're such a bad influence...."

"I had a good teacher."

"Complimenting my professional skills will get you...oh, just about anywhere you want to go."

Tom laughs.

Abby leans over and kisses him.

"Hmmm...suddenly, I am full." He puts his fork down.

"You are so predictable," Abby laughs. She stands and holds out a hand to Tom.

Tom gladly accepts it.

"I guess we'll never know who's better with a gun."

"Well, if you rather...." he teases.

"I don't know...which do you think would be more fun for me?"

Tom kisses her. "What do you think?"

"We could always use Nicholas's BB gun if we really need to know," Abby says, kissing him back.

"I love you." He tells her before leading her to bed.

"Sure, sure--you just don't want to let me out of this cabin," Abby jokes.

"I'll admit it. I'm selfish. I want you all to myself."

"Then I guess today is just your lucky day."

Tom and Abby spend all of the morning in bed.

Later that day Katherine notices Elizabeth being fidgety. "What's wrong dear?"

"I was ask out on a date."

"And you're not ready to date?"

Elizabeth shrugs. "I don't know."

"Why don't you tell me what's going on in that head of yours?" She says gently.

"I guess I am getting paranoid, every time I think I am interested in dating again, old memories pop up."

"About what happened on your last date?"

Elizabeth nods. "Yeah, when I was raped."

"Then maybe if you like this guy you shouldn't go out with him alone till you are sure that you can trust him. You shouldn't do anything that you don't feel right about."

"Double Date?"

"Well it's an idea, something to think about."

"Hmmm...its a good idea. Thanks Grandma."

"Anytime honey."

"I'm going to go call a couple of friends." Liz says.

"Ok," Katherine nods and starts dinner.

Meanwhile Nancy goes to talk to Dr. Max.

"Thanks for agreeing to see me."

"I'm never too busy to see a Bradford. What's wrong?"

"I'm worried about Joannie, she's not herself, it was like that a little before the accident, but now more so. Did she suffer brain damage?"

"Not that I know of. She wasn't showing symptoms, but then again, we didn't run extensive tests. We were more concerned about getting her into surgery."

"Is there a way these tests can be done now?"

"Sure. Have Tom call me to request them and I'll make an appointment."

"Ok, but he won't be back for two weeks."

"I thought he called off the vacation."

Nancy smiles. "He tried but thankfully we intervened." Tells him what they did.

"Son of a gun. You're some kids. So who's keeping an eye on Joannie now?"

"Grandma Katherine, Mary is helping."

"Well, if Katherine is acting in loco parentis, I suppose she could request the tests..."

"Do you want me to talk to her about it and then have her call you?"

"That's a good idea. I haven't seen much suspicious about Joannie--no more than your average Bradford--but I haven't seen her much lately when she wasn't pre-op, post-op, or fainting. If I talk to Katherine first, she'll worry. Talk to her and tell her to call me, then we call Joannie in for
tests."

"I will and thanks Dr. Max."

"Any time. You know I worry about you kids."

She smiles. "I know, and we love you for it."

"Go talk to Katherine."

"I will." Nancy leaves and goes home to talk to Katherine.

She's hesitant at first but then agrees to it. ~What can it hurt? I'm sure it's not brain damage and when the tests come back negative it will be a happy discovery.~ She calls Max.

"Dr. Maxwell's office," the receptionist answers.

"Can I speak to Dr. Maxwell please?"

"May I ask who's calling?"

"Katherine Mitchell."

"One moment, please."

A minute later, Max answers the phone.

"Hi Max, I'll be bringing Joannie in if she agrees to it."

"Great. I don't know if she's any more brain-damaged than any other Bradford..." he stops, remembering who he's talking to.

She's about to rake him over the coals thinking he's insulting her family but then remembers he jokes around a lot. "Very cute Dr. Maxwell." She says in a light tone.

"Hmm...Tom never seems to think so. Talk to Joannie; I'll try to keep my schedule clear. I don't think there was any damage, but better to check."

"I will and thank you again, I'll call back after I've talked to her."

"I'll be waiting to hear from you."

Meanwhile, Joannie is in her bedroom resting.

After talking to Greg, Katherine goes to talk to Joannie.

"Honey I want to take you to Dr. Max for some tests but only if you agree to it." She tells her what the tests are. "Now even if you feel that 'hey all of you are wrong there's nothing wrong with my brain.' What would it hurt to have the tests done and prove everyone wrong?"

"I'll go get the tests done. I am sure there nothing wrong except feeling guilty about how I sometime treat people who I love."

"Ok I'll set up an appointment then." She kisses her on the forehead and goes to call Max. "Joannie's agreed to it." She tells him. "When should I bring her in?"

"How about tomorrow at 9?"

"Ok we'll see you then."

That night, Joannie is sleeping but is in the middle having a nightmare. She wakes up. " GET AWAY FROM ME!" She yells.

Nancy is woken by this. "If I didn't know better I'd say someone is  pulling strings to make Joannie's life identical to mine."

Katherine goes to calm Joannie. The next morning they have the appointment and get the tests done, and they don't find any brain damage. Saturday arrives with everyone looking forward to Tommy's gig and Katherine hoping that Harry shows up in the morning.

Joannie walks into Nancy's. " Hey kid. I am sorry if I have worried you . But I can tell I am starting to feel like my old self. I am thinking about asking Grandma Katherine if we could have a small party."

Nancy sighs in relief but thinks. ~We'll see how things go.~ "Thank you, I'm sorry if I was a little harsh."

"That's ok. What do you think of my idea of the party. We would only have family and close friends so the party does not get out of hand like some of our past parties." Joannie smiles.

"I like the idea." She says. "As long as I don't have to smile at the party if I don't feel like smiling."

"You don't have to smile if you don't want to. Should I ask Grandma Katherine or should you."

"Why don't you ask her."

"Do you know where she is?"

"I think she's downstairs."

"Thanks." Joannie goes downstairs to the kitchen where she finds Katherine. "Hi Grandma Katherine."

"Hi honey what's on your mind?"

Joannie tells Katherine what's on her mind. "What do you think Grandma Katherine?"

"As long as there's no alcohol at the party I don't mind a bit."

"There won't be no alcohol. I do not want Tommy or Elizabeth to be tempted."

"Good."

The doorbell rings.

"Hold on honey I'll be right back." Katherine goes to answer the door.

"Hi, honey, I'm home," Harry says. "Or at close as it can get in Sacramento."

"And a full 12 hours early." She says in a I don't mind a bit tone and kisses him. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too. The house is too quiet without you there, humming all the time."

"The kids should all be asleep within the hour." She whispers and ushers  him in where he's mobbed by Bradford children hugs.

Harry checks his watch. ~58 and a half minutes...~

Katherine notices this and tries not to laugh.

Harry smiles at her over the heads of Tom's children.

Meanwhile, Joannie gets herself some rocky road ice cream. When she sits down she hears Grandpa Harry's voice. She goes to greet her Grandpa.

"Hello, Joannie. How are you?" Harry asks.

"I am feeling a lot better than I was a few days ago. How are you doing Grandpa Harry?"

"As well as can be expected."

"Us kids are glad that you were able to come up and stay with us."

"You are?"

"Yes we are."

"Why?"

"You and Grandma Katherine were there for us when needed Grandparents."

"You're Sandra Sue's family," Harry explains.

"I do have one question for you Grandpa Harry?"

"What, Joannie?"

"Do you really dislike our Dad or is some father in law thing where you are to pretend not to like your son in law?"

Nancy's jaw nearly drops to the floor, so does Katherine's.

"I'm going to have to plead the fifth on that one."

"I know that was probably not a fair question, but after seeing how much anger Grandpa Wells had toward our Dad, I just want to be sure that you and Grandma Katherine skip out on us like Grandpa and Grandma Wells did for awhile." Joannie says.

"That will never happen Joannie." Katherine says.

~I sure hope not~ Joannie is thinking to herself remembering how it still hurts a little when the Wells skipped out on them for quite a while.

"As I said, you're Sandra Sue's family. I can't see that changing, can you?"

"No I can't."

"Well, then, there's your answer."

Joannie gives Harry a hug. " I bet you and Grandma didn't ever think that you would ever have eight instant grandchildren." Joannie smiles.

"That's certainly true."

Joannie talks to the Grandparents a little longer before heading off for bed.

Harry pours his wife a drink. "Hello, Katherine. How has this madhouse been treating you?"

"I have things well under control here so far, and how were your meetings?"

"They were terrible."

"Tonight I'll make you forget all about them."

"No, you'll make me think about them even more."

Katherine is confused. "What do you mean?"

"They were terrible because I was thinking about you the whole time."

She smiles. "I think that's one of the sweetest things you've ever said  to me, Harry Mitchell."

"I have a private stock of corny lines I can pull out when I want to show off to you, dear."

"Then show off as much as your heart desires."

"In the living room?"

"Well there is a comfortable bed waiting for us upstairs."

"Who's room are we staying in?"

"Tom and Abby's bedroom of course."

"All right, so what have you found?" Harry sighs.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She says as she heads upstairs.

"Right. Who's the parent who kept one step ahead of her daughter by reading her daughter's diary every morning?"

"Honey, she's a grown woman now."

"And you're still her mother."

"She doesn't even keep a diary anymore."

~Knew you'd been looking.~ "So what did you find?"

"Nothing you'd be interested in dear."

"Everything about my daughter interests me, darling."

"But tonight is for us."

Harry puts his arms out, trapping Katherine against the hallway wall. "Yes, it is," he whispers. "But tomorrow you'll tell me?"

"Yes, tomorrow I'll tell you." She whispers back.

Harry leans in and kisses her, never noticing one of the bedroom doors opening.

Mary tries to sneak to the bathroom unseen.

Harry, no longer used to sharing his house with kids, continues kissing his wife.

Mary makes it to the bathroom and back and tries to keep from laughing out loud.

"That bedroom door does have a lock on it, doesn't it?" Harry asks when he finally comes up for air.

"Yes it does I checked it out when I arrived here."

"Good. Last thing we need is those kids seeing us and gossiping."

They make it to the bedroom still unaware that Mary saw them.

Joannie opens her door to go downstairs to get something to drink. After she gets something to drink, she goes back upstairs and sees Mary bedroom light on. Joannie knocks on the door.

Mary opens the door and lets her in. "I thought you were asleep."

"I was, but my throat said it needed something to drink." Joannie smiles.

"It's good that you listen to your body." Mary says.

"I should had listen to my body when I decided to try and take that walk. I am sorry for causing you to worry."

"It's all right."

Joannie notices the look on Mary face. "What have you seen, I know that look."

"Nothing." Mary claims.

"You can't fool me, confess or I will get the rest of our sisters to gang up on you."

"It was just Grandpa Harry kissing Grandma Katherine, no biggie."

"Tommy sure played well today." Joannie says changing topics.

"He sure did, I do believe he's found his talent."

"I believe he got some of that talent from David."

"I agree."

Joannie yawns. " I think I should go to bed."

"Oh I think you're right." Mary jokes.

"Good night." Joannie leaves to go back to bed.

"Good night."

Late that night, Harry turns to Katherine. "So what did Sandra Sue tell you is going on in this house?"

"Lots of things." She tells him what Abby had told her about the kids.

"Is that why Joannie was asking all those questions?"

"Apparently, she had Nancy so worried that she thought Joannie suffered brain damage in the accident."

"But there wasn't any," Harry says, sure that that's true.

"None at all."

"And Sandra Sue thinks she's plotting something?"

Katherine nods.

"So what are we going to do about that? I won't let her hurt our little girl."

"Harry I think Sandra Sue is more than capable of taking care of herself."

"This is her home. She shouldn't have to here."

"I know and I've talked to Joannie and she said that she's sorry for the  way she's treated Sandra Sue in the past and wants to make it up to her. I told her to relax and basically stop trying so hard."

"Do you believe she's really sorry?"

"I want to believe it, time will tell."

"And if it isn't true?"

"Then Tom and Sandra Sue will have a lot on their hands."

"Sandra Sue will, you mean. And Tom will be forced to choose between her and that girl."

"Harry don't be silly. It won't come to that."

"If you don't know what Joannie's up to, how do you know that's true?"

"Then I will find out what she's up to."

"How?"

"With your help."

"Tell me what to do."

"Talk to her."

"You think she'll tell me the truth?"

"It's worth a try."

"So's getting our daughter out of this mad house."

"Harry we're not going to break up her marriage."

"We won't have to. Joannie will do that, and then where will Sandra Sue be?"

"Tom won't end the marriage because of one of his kids."

"OK, maybe not end it, but it certainly won't be easy for either of them if Joannie keeps it up."

"I know."

"We could make it easier."

"How?"

"Try to find out what is wrong with that girl--and don't stop until we do."

"You have yourself a deal."

"Good." Harry kisses her. "Now, tell me what you found when you went looking for our daughter's diary."

"I will not."

Harry gets up on an elbow and leans over her. "You promised you would."

"Harry it's a female thing." She hints.

"That's what you said the first time you found a training bra in her drawer. And when you found that prescription. But when she snuck a boy into her room, you certainly came running to me fast enough, didn't you?"

Katherine laughs. "Harry this is different."

"Why? I'm married to a woman. Nothing can shock me."

"It's not something a man should see when it comes to his little girl."

"Oh, but for a mother to see--that's fine?"

"No, and I don't want to share what I found, you're better off not knowing."

"Or searching for it myself."

"Harry don't you dare." She playfully scolds.

"You know I can't stand having my curiosity unsatisfied."

"If it's satisfaction you want you have me for that."

"That, my dear," he kisses her, "is an entirely different kind of satisfaction."

She smiles, "I know but you like it just the same."

"Not the same at all, dear, not the same at all."

She kisses him.

"You can distract me, Katherine, but not forever."

"Watch me." She counters.

"All I get to do is watch?" Harry pouts.

"You're very welcome to take part."

"I thought you'd never offer."

She smiles and waits for him to make his move.

Harry doesn't disappoint her.

The next morning, Joannie wakes up and gets out of bed to see if she in line first for use of the bathroom. When she gets in the hallway, she sees a long line. "Hey guys, how about giving the sister who is healing a break."

"If you want a break, wake up earlier." Mary says.

"But I am the sister who loves you all." Joannie gives her best Tom Bradford pout.

"We love you too." Mary says and doesn't move from her spot.

"Can someone tell me when the line is clear. I am going back to my bed and lay down."

"Joannie I'm just kidding you can go after me." Mary says.

"That's not it. My body is telling me to lay down. I probably got out of bed too quickly." Joannie goes to her room and lays down.

Meanwhile downstairs at the breakfast table. "Hi Grandpa Harry, you wanted to talk to me?" Nancy asks.

"Yes." Harry pulls his briefcase out from under the table. "I have some papers for you to sign, about your car accident."

Nancy is a little taken back but soon recovers and sits down. "Thanks for not listening to me when I said it was no big deal."

"Clients who escape with their lives usually say that. A good lawyer knows when not to listen."

Nancy smiles. "So does a good Grandpa."

"Thank you." He pulls out the papers. "They've offered a settlement. We can take it, or try to fight for more."

Nancy looks at the amount. "Hey that's not bad, not bad at all."

"If we pushed, we might be able to get a little more. Or lose what I've gotten so far. It's your call."

"I think I'd like to keep what I've gotten so far, thank you Grandpa Harry."

"You're welcome. Just sign these forms and I'll submit them as soon as I get home."

Nancy signs the forms and offers to make him breakfast.

"That can wait. Why don't you sit down for a few minutes and talk to me?"

"Ok, how have you been?"

"Worried."

"What and/ or who have you been worried about?"

"Sandra Sue, of course."

"What's going on?" Nancy asks wondering if there's something she doesn't  know about.

"That's what I'm trying to find out. Tell me why you thought Joannie had brain damage."

"I don't know it's almost like she was doing silly stuff that I use to do." She tells him everything. "She did apologize for worrying me."

"And have you stopping worrying about her?"

"Well yes so far, I'll have to see how she is when Dad and Abby return."

"Why?" Harry plays innocent. "Why would their coming back make a difference in how Joannie behaves?"

Meanwhile Joannie comes downstairs for breakfast, but before she enters the kitchen, she overhears Harry's conversation with Nancy. Joannie thinks to hers that Harry does not trust her. She stays where they don't see her so she can hear the rest of the conversation.

"No not that, we'll have to see how she acts with them before I can really stop worrying."

"How does she act with them?"

"Lately she's been wanting to be very helpful and normally that wouldn't be cause for concern, but it's such a fast turnaround."

"Turnaround? You mean she's usually not helpful?"

Nancy shakes her head. "You got it."

"Well, there are certainly enough of you. You should barely notice if someone's not doing her share of chores."

Nancy hears something from the other room. "Who's there?!"

Joannie leaves before anyone catches her.

Nancy goes to check but no one is there, she then returns to Harry.

Meanwhile upstairs, Joannie decides to go visit Grandpa and Grandma Wells. She packs up some clothes and go downstairs when the coast is clear. Joannie is thinking to herself that nobody trusts her, that she is up to something, but that not even close to the truth. She leaves a note that says where she will be. Joannie goes toward the front door when a family member sees her.

Nancy stops her and then they go upstairs to Joannie and Susan's room. "You heard us talking didn't you?"

Joannie looks at her and nods her head. " I was coming down for breakfast when I heard you two talking. I am sick and tired of people who think that I ulterior motives toward Abby."

"I can understand where you're coming from believe me but you have to admit it is a quick turnaround." She says. "We just need time to get used to it."

"Maybe people should realize that I am trying to grow up , but it is hard to do if people don't believe me."

Nancy sighs not knowing what to say. Torn between wanting to believe Joannie and also wanting to make sure that she is sincere.

"I think it be best for everyone if I go visit Grandpa and Grandma Wells for a few days."

"Joannie you're not recovered yet."

"You're right, Maybe David will let me stay over at his place."

"Joannie please don't go." Nancy says.

Joannie thinks for a minute. "Ok, I won't go. I would not want want to have you worried about me."

Nancy sighs in relief. "Good."

"But I'm pretty sure I don't want to talk to Mr. Mitchell right now or ever again."

"If you say that then you'll have to resign not to talk to me again I took part in that conversation too."

"But your not the one who is prying about me. I don't think he has ever given a second thought about me. He would only be happy if Abby went back home to Pasadena."

"That's not true, he doesn't want to break Dad and Abby up."

"It just seems like it all the time. He is always putting Dad down."

"That's a father in law's job."

"But it seems like he goes way overboard sometimes. I just hope Dad don't act like that when his daughters get married."

Nancy grins. "You know he will."

"Maybe he be nice to his son in law just because he knows how bad it is to have father in laws act so rough on him." Joannie grins.

"That's always a possibility."

"I guess I can see why people are suspicious of my motives. I haven't been the nicest person in the world to Abby. I just didn't want to give her a chance, but now I see I was wrong and you know how much I hate to admit when I am wrong."

"That's the Bradford in you."

Joannie smiles. " Grandma Katherine says we could have the party as long as there is no alcohol involved."

Nancy smiles back. "All right."

"But now with Grandpa Harry here now, I hope the plans don't get changed."

"She won't let that happen."

"Can you talk to him, he doesn't hate you."

"After I get back from the store, but maybe we should leave that up to Grandma, and he doesn't hate you either."

"Can I go with you? I am feeling a lot better."

"Joannie that's great and no."

"Ok."

"In a couple of days." Nancy promises.

"Now I know how you probably felt being stuck in bed. Were you bored to death too?"

Nancy nods and then leaves for the store.

Part 4