Part 4

Meanwhile, Harry goes upstairs looking for his wife.

She's in the bedroom putting on her makeup.

Harry walks in to the bedroom and closes the door behind him. "How many times have I told you, you don't need that? You're more beautiful without it."

She smiles. "And how many times have I told you that I appreciate you for saying that but I love makeup?"

He sits down in one of the armchairs. "Well, if it makes you happy..."

"Very happy, did Nancy like the settlement?"

"Of course. What's not to like? I worked hard on that, no matter what I've told her about it being a little nothing. And I talked to her about what's going on here."

"What did she tell you?"

"That she's also worried. What on earth has our daughter let herself in for?"

"Wait back up a little what has Nancy worried that will affect our daughter."

"Joannie, of course."

Katherine sighs. "What all did she say?"

"That she'd like to believe Joannie had a change of heart, but she'd have to wait and see what happened when Tom and Sandra Sue came home. Then we realized someone was listening in--it was Joannie."

"Oh sheesh."

"I know she's a grown woman, but I still worry about our little girl."

She hugs him. "So do I, but what if Joannie really is sincere?"

"I don't believe in sudden changes of heart. Then again, anything seems possible with these Bradfords."

"Harry."

"What?"

"Do you hate Joannie?"

"Of course I don't. I hate what she's putting our baby through, though."

"In the meantime there's this little boy who I'm sure would love to do some fun things with his Grandpa."

"I always did want a little boy."

"I know."

"Not that I wasn't happy with having Sandra Sue," Harry hastens to add.

She kisses him. "Why don't you go see what he's up to."
 
"All right." Harry gets up. "But don't think I don't notice your attempts to derail my line of questioning, Counselor. You and I will finish this conversation--later."

"Yes counselor."

"Then I take it you accept my motion to adjourn?"

"Of course."

Harry blows her a kiss and heads towards the boys' room. "Nicholas?"

"In here." He says from his room.
 
Harry walks into the room. "Do you play golf, young man?"

"Sure, me and Dad play miniature golf all the time."

"Interested in playing with a real opponent?"

"You want to play with me?" Nicholas asks.

"I hear you're pretty good."

Nicholas shrugs. "I do beat Dad sometimes."

"Then maybe today we'll work on making sure you can beat your father all the time."

Nicholas laughs. "OK."

Harry thinks a minutes, then shuts Nicholas's door. "Can you keep a secret?"

He nods.

"After I play a game of golf, Katherine knows I go for a drink. What she doesn't know is that it's an ice cream soda. Do you indulge, young man?"

"Oh boy, cool." he smiles.

"Then what are we waiting for?"

"I'm ready."

They head over to the local miniature golf course.

Nicholas misses a putt.

"Why don't you try that over and I'll show you how it's done," Harry suggests.

Later at the store, Nancy is there picking up a few things when some rowdy teens come in and start horsing around in their carelessness they knock an elderly lady over. They laugh and try to make a run for it. The manager tends to the lady while Nancy and a few others try to stop the kids from getting away.

The one Nancy does manage to get ahold of shoves her away and she falls back and hits her head on the counter momentarily stunning her. By the time her head clears the kids have gotten away.

A little while later at home after Katherine makes her put an ice pack on the head injury. "I can not believe kids today." She rants. "How's the older lady is she all right?"

"They had to take her to the hospital. She might have a broken hip." Nancy tells her.

"And did a doctor look at you yet?"

"No, if went to the doctor for every bump and bruise this family would have filed for bankruptcy by now."

Katherine calls Dr. Max and waits for him to answer.

"Greg Maxwell."

"Hi, this is Katherine again, but different kid this time." She tells him what happened. ~I guess Abby wasn't kidding when she said trouble finds her.~

"You're very lucky. I don't make housecalls anymore--except for Tom's family."

"So you'll come over, thank you Dr. Maxwell." She says.

"Please--call me Max."

"Ok Max, by the way would you like to stay for dinner after you check Nancy?"

"I'd love to. Daisy's off taking some real estate class."

"Well next time you'll bring Daisy? I'll see you soon."

After they hang up Max cleans up the day's loose ends and hurries over to the Bradfords'.

Mary lets him in when he gets there. "Hi handsome." She says.

"Mary! I thought it was Nancy who got conked on the head."

She laughs, "She was. Can't you take a compliment?"

"I don't know. It's been such a long time since I got one."

"Now that is a tragedy." She says.

Meanwhile Joannie comes downstairs. "Hi Dr. Max. Hi Mary, I be back in a few, need to take a walk."

"No you don't, young lady," Max tells her.

"Just kidding." Joannie grins at Dr. Max and Mary.

"Does she do this a lot?" Dr. Max asks Mary.

"She didn't used to but lately." Mary says.

"Joannie, you've got to stop worrying your sisters. It'll give them premature wrinkles."

"Hey, I have been obeying doctors orders since my fainting incident." Joannie smiles.

"Good. Now go lie down."

"Ok. Why are you here Dr. Max? Who got hurt?"

"Nancy. But I'm sure it's nothing but Abby's mother not being used to your family."

Joannie enters the kitchen to check on Nancy. "What happened Nancy?"

"An overgrown Dennis the Menace wanted very badly to get away." She tells her everything.

"Kids are getting more out control aren't they."

"Yeah tell me about it."

Katherine makes Joannie sit down and rest. "Now is Max here yet?"

"Yes he is."

Katherine goes to get him.

"So how's the patient?" Max asks Katherine.

"She says she's fine but I wanted to make sure."

"Lead me to her," Max says. "But don't worry--Bradfords all have hard heads."

Meanwhile the sisters talk. "That poor old lady." Nancy says. "I'm not hurt at all compared to her."

"Maybe we can find out where she lives and help her out till she gets back on her feet."

"After you're healed and if Dr. Max says I'm not ok, then after I heal too."

"Ok. I just those punks gets theirs."

"I'm sure the police will take care of it."

"How is your head?"

"It still hurts a little."

"Bad luck always seems to find this family."

"Good luck does too."

"I guess."

The phone rings. "If it's Dad or Abby don't tell them about what happened." Nancy says.

"I wont." Joannie picks up the phone. " Hello."

The caller makes a lame joke and then hangs up.

"What the hell!" Joannie says.

"Who was it?" Nancy asks.

"Some idiot making a prank call."

"Remember when we used to do that."

"Yea. I still remember the lecture we got from Dad."

Nancy laughs. "So do I." She's about to say something else when her ears start ringing and a slight pain goes through her head, it only last a few seconds, but a few seconds too long for her.

Joannie notices Nancy's reaction. " Honey, are you ok?"

"I am now, I think. My ears wanted to play a concert for me." She jokes trying to make light of the situation.

Joannie has a worried look on her face. "I'll go get Dr. Max." Joannie is about to get up when two people enter the kitchen.

Katherine leads Max to the kitchen and sees Joannie's worried look. "What's wrong?"

"Nancy had some ringing and a some pain in her ear." Joannie says.

"My ear didn't hurt, my head did, but it's gone now honest."

"Get it checked out little sis or I will go take a walk." Joannie grins.

"Ok ok." She says.

"Joannie," Max reprimands. He sits down to Nancy and opens his black bag. "Let's see what's what's with you."

Katherine waits anxiously.

Max checks Nancy out. "Looks like just a good sized conk on the head," he tells the women.

"So she'll be all right?"

"Well, with any head injury, there's always a slight risk of a concussion."

"What do we do for her then?"

"Everyone here knows the routine--it wasn't that long ago Tom had a concussion. Just keep her comfortable and don't let her sleep more than a couple of hours. Make sure she's coherent and that she doesn't run a fever."

Katherine nods. "I'll do that, thank you Max."

"I'll come by and check on her during the night."

"Thank you."

"It's bed rest for you young lady." Joannie says to Nancy.

"I know." She says.

"You go upstairs to your bed, and I will bring you some juice."

"No Joannie, both of you will go upstairs to bed and I'll bring her some juice, and then I'll get dinner started. Max do you want a drink before dinner?" Katherine says.

"I'll get one for myself. I know where Tom keeps everything."

"Ok," Katherine brings Nancy and Joannie juice and then gets started on dinner.

"Would you mind if I lay down on Liz's bed and keep you company until Liz comes home?"

"Not at all." Nancy says as they go upstairs.

"I wonder when we get to beat the Maxwell's in football again. Maybe Dad won't play again like the last time so we can win." Joannie laughs.

"But Dad didn't play last time remember?"

"That is what I said little sis. I said maybe he won't play like the last game." Joannie says.

"Oh.... sorry."

"That's ok. Do you need a aspirin or anything?"

"No, but thank you."

"No problem."

"So Max," Katherine asks, "how has the Summer been treating you?"

"Summer is always a wonderful time for doctors. Lots of cuts and scrapes."

"And when do you get to go on vacation?"

"Whenever Daisy tells me to."

She smiles and soon Harry and Nicholas return. "Harry you remember Max?"

It takes Harry a minute. "Oh, yes, the stag party," he says at last. "You're
Thomas's friend. The doctor."

"That's what it says on my license."

"Is someone sick?" Harry asks his wife.

"Yes Nancy got hurt today." She tells him what happened at the store.

"I told you this city is nothing but trouble."

"Harry it could've happened in any town."

"Not in Pasadena."

"How was the outing?"

"Ask Nicholas," Harry smiles.

"Nicholas did you have fun?"

"Yeah, I won."

"Fair and square," Harry adds.

"Thanks Grandpa Harry."

Katherine smiles, "Harry you've finally met your match. Well I think that calls for a victory desert so you will choose desert tonight."

"Uh...no thanks, I'm full." Nicholas replies holding his stomach.

"Oh all right, do you want me to save you some dinner for later?"

"Thanks."

"Anytime sweetie."

"Next time I visit, I'll teach you how to play regular golf. You should see the swing on this boy, Katherine."

"Maybe after dinner he can show me."

Joannie comes walking downstairs. "Is dinner almost ready?"

"In about twenty minutes. How's Nancy?"

"She doing ok. I better get back to her. Just let me know when dinner is ready." Joannie gives Katherine a peck on the cheek , but ignores Harry on the way back upstairs.

Katherine gives Harry a kiss and gets back to preparing dinner.

"Dinner be ready in 20 minutes little sister." Joannie says entering the bedroom.

"Great I'm starved," Susan says.

"Thanks Joannie, hey why the long face?"

"Nothing wrong." Joannie lies.

"Liar."

"It's that man downstairs. If he has a problem with me, he should have come to me instead of trying to get you or anyone else involved." Joannie says with a little anger.

"Have you told him that?"

"If I talk to him right now, I might say something that I probably will regret."

"Then you should probably wait on it."

"You are correct there."

"Susan, Have you made your decision on what you are going to do."

"I think I'll just do the three sports we talked about earlier."

"That is good. I just didn't like seeing you so worn out all the time." Joannie gives Susan a hug.

"What are you talking about?" Nancy asks from her bed.

"I'm cutting back on the number of sports I'm doing this summer."

"Why? What's going on?"

"I've just taken on more than I can handle this summer."

"That's not good; you need quality time quiet time with yourself.  Everyone does."

"I finally realized that. That's why I'm not taking on so much this summer."

"Good."

A little while later at dinner.

"When do we get to see your next concert?" Nancy asks Tommy.

"Hopefully next week."

"Cool."

Tommy smiles.

"You guys were really good." Joannie says.

"Thanks."

"More than that, Harry you should have been there." Katherine says.

"Would I have needed ear plugs?"

Elizabeth laughs.

"Yes, but you would've enjoyed it."

"Well, if he has another one next week, we'll still be here."

"That's Ok Grandpa, I'm sure you are busy." Tommy replies.

"In Sacramento?" Harry scoffs.

"It is the State Capital."

"It's full of politicians. I rest my case."

Tommy can't help but laugh.

"Grandpa Harry does have a good point there." Joannie laughs. She turns to Harry . "Can we have a talk after dinner?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea."

"We can talk in Dad's study so we can have some privacy."

"Yes, I think privacy would be a good idea."

Joannie looks at Nancy with a worried look on her face.

Nancy gives her a be brave you can do it look.

After dinner, Joannie goes into the study with her grandfather.

"Now, Joannie, what was it you anted to say?" Harry asks, ready to give her enough rope to hang herself.

"I heard you talking to Nancy this morning. I just want to know why you did not come straight to me since for some reason that you hate me."

"Don't be so dramatic," Harry says. "I don't hate you. I do worry, though, about what's going on in this house."

"I have been so unfair to Abby. When she wanted to be my friend, I treated her badly. I just want to try and make up for all the hell I put her through. Everyone thinks that I am planning to do something. I just wish someone believes me that I just want to make up for everything I have done to her." Joannie starts crying.

"Why should we believe you?" Harry asks. "Based on your sterling record?"

"You're right about my record. I guess I don't deserve a second chance."

"Giving you a second chance is up to Sandra Sue. My job is to look out for my daughter."

"I don't think I will ever get that from her." Joannie says sadly. "I blew the chance of ever being her friend."

"Sandra Sue is much more patient and forgiving than I am." He decides to cut the kid a break. "But she hates apologies--you've got to show her you mean it, not say it."

"That is what I am trying to do. I just hope that one day that I don't have any mean spirited motives or something to cause trouble."

"Sounds like you're still worried about yourself--so why shouldn't I be?" Harry challenges her.

"I guess I keep on plugging away until Abby knows for sure that my motives are pure."

"I guess so," Harry agrees. "If I see that you're sincere, I'll help you. But if you hurt my daughter again..."

"Nancy would get me before you had a chance to get me. I just want to have a relationship with Abby like Nancy does." Joannie says with a look that Harry can tell that she is being honest.

But Harry doesn't entirely buy it, having seen that look one too many times in the witness box. "Is that it? You're jealous of Nancy's relationship with her?"

"It's not that I am jealous, I am glad that Nancy and Abby have the relationship that they have. I just want to try and have a good relationship with Abby."

"And you think making her nervous is the way to do it?"

"I have tried to talk to her. I am not trying to make her nervous. That was not my goal."

"Then maybe you'd better rethink how to get what you want."

"What would you suggest?"

"Show her, don't tell her."

"I've been doing more things around the house to make it easier for her until my little car accident."

"If she weren't someone you were trying to impress, would you have been trying so hard?"

"I am just trying to make up for all the trouble that I have caused her. Maybe I did not want to give her a fair chance because I was scared that she was trying to take my mother's place." Joannie says sadly.

"Then my advice is to stop trying so hard and just act the way you would if you'd been nice to her all along."

"Ok. I want to let you know that I am really sorry for hurting your daughter, and I promise to you that I at least not on purpose will hurt her again." Joannie says in a sincere tone.

"You'd better not," Harry says seriously.

"Half the family would kill me before you would have the chance to get here."

"I'd make sure to be here for the funeral."

"Don't worry, there won't be a funeral to attend."

"There had better not be. I'm very protective of my little girl."

"You and my Dad do have something in common then." Joannie smiles.

"Perish the thought."

"My Dad is as protective of us girls as you are of Abby. That is what I call a good thing to have in common."

"I suppose it's just a thing men in our generation do."

"I am glad that we were able to clear the air. I also want to have a good relationship with you and Grandma Katherine."

Meanwhile in the living room. "You were awfully quiet at dinner." Mary says to Greg and offers him a slice of pie.

"I was just trying to stay out of the way. The way Abby's father and Joannie were shooting darts at each other, I thought I should have brought my little black bag to the table with me."

"Yeah I thought I was going to get some practice on patients tonight."  She comments.

"What's going on? Is Joannie standing in for your father?"

"She must be."

"Boy am I glad he's not my father-in-law."

"What's your father-in-law like?"

"Not as bad as either of Tom's."

"But not a joy either?"

"No father-in-law is. Wait until you get married."

Mary mock trembles.

"Well, maybe your father won't be so bad--he has to split it over eight."

"I don't know it might be predetermined."

"Or it might be a learned behavior--in which case, I feel sorry for you kids. He's learned from the best--or is it the worst?"

"I'm not sure which it is."

"Time will tell. So--you all ready for school next year?"

"I think so."

"If you ever need any help..."

She smiles, "I will come to you first."

"Great."

She gives him a kiss on the cheek. "I have to do a few things so if I don't see you before you go home drive safely."

Currently in the kitchen.

"I think it's time for you to get back to bed." Katherine says to Nancy.

"I don't wanna." Nancy says.

"I didn't ask your opinion." Katherine counters. "Now go to bed or I'll embarrass you in front of your friends if they come over."

Nancy laughs, gives her a kiss, and then heads upstairs to her and Elizabeth's room. "Hey Lizzie."

"Hi."

"Sam!!" After a little while he comes out from under the bed and hops into bed with her. "What are you reading?" She asks Elizabeth.

"Valley of the Dolls."

"So that's where it disappeared to."

"I'm sorry, I should have asked first."

"It's all right I've already read it all."

"I'm bored." Liz says.

"With the book?"

"No, my life."

"I'd take you out for a night on the town but I don't think that would go over very well with Dr. Max and Grandma Katherine."

"That's OK, I'll just go take a shower and crawl into bed early tonight.:"

"Ok." Nancy says. "Or we could play a game with Nicholas or something."

"He and Tommy are watching a game on TV."

"We can prank call David."

"Great."

Joannie leaves the study and goes upstairs to her bedroom. She sees all 4 of her sisters in her room.

"Hi. Are we having a party?" Joannie asked.

"Kind of they're trying to keep me from falling asleep too soon." Nancy says. "How did it go?"

"I am still alive."

"That's nice." Mary says more concerned about keeping Nancy awake and avoiding an emergency than with how it went with Harry.

"Anyone want to play monopoly?"

"Sure." Nancy and Mary say.

Joannie goes get the monopoly game. "What monopoly piece do you want?"

Mary takes a look at Nancy and makes a decision. "Elizabeth can you get  Nancy back to your room. If you have trouble keeping her awake I'll come help."

"OK." Liz says. "Come on Nancy."

"All right." Nancy says and says goodnight to Mary, Joannie and Susan. Then she and Elizabeth go back to their room. "Thank you I don't think my brain can take a monopoly game right now."

"I kind of figured."

Nancy smiles at her and climbs into bed.

"Want anything?"

"A soda if it's not too much trouble."

"One soda coming up." Elizabeth goes downstairs.

"Is that for Joannie or Nancy?" Katherine asks.

"Nancy."

"Do you need help with her?"

"No, You just relax. I got it." Liz says.

"Ok, but Harry and I have second shift."

"You got it. I better get this soda up to her."

Katherine nods.

Liz runs back upstairs. "One soda delivered." She says to Nancy.

"Thanks honey." Nancy says and drinks it.

"I need a favor." Liz asks.

"Sure what is it?"

"I need you to double date with me." Elizabeth asks.

Nancy is taken aback by the request she's about to say no not under any circumstances but sees the look in her younger sister's eyes. "Ok, I know a guy who's just a friend who wouldn't mind going out for fun."

"Thanks Nancy, I wouldn't have asked but...."

"You don't feel safe dating alone yet." She finishes the sentence for her. "And you are very welcome."

"Yeah, silly huh?"

"Actually no, it's not silly at all."

"Thanks, I'll call Jeff tomorrow."

"Not a problem and I'll call Steve."

"Great."

"Is it ok if I take a little nap yet?"

Elizabeth looks at her watch. "Just a half hour."

"I get a half hour of sleep or I have to wait a half hour?"

"You can sleep for a half-hour."

"Thank you, you are so kind." She says before nodding off.

Elizabeth covers her up and steps out into the hall so she doesn't disturb her.

Meanwhile Joannie goes downstairs to get some ice cream. After she gets the ice cream , she goes into the living room to watch tv. A family member walks in.

"Hi Grandma Katherine." Joannie says to her Grandmother

"Hi honey, how are you feeling?" Katherine asks.

"Getting better. Grandpa Harry and I had a good long talk. I think the talk went well."

"Good."

"Dad and Grandpa Harry do have something in common."

"And what is that dear?" Katherine asks.

"They're both really protective of their daughters."

"Oh you got that right, but somehow I think it's something all fathers have in common."

"Well, I've only had one, but he can really freak if he thinks someone's picking on one of his little girls."

Katherine smiles. "So can Harry."

"Got it."

"But don't let him scare you."

"Oh, I won't."

"Good, and in the meantime go and get some rest."

"But I'm bored. How about I just sit here with you and plan that party you said we could have."

"Ok, but if I see you're starting to tire out it's off to bed with you."

"OK," Joannie says reluctantly.

"Good," they start planning the party.

Later that night during Joannie's shift.

"If I give you money will you let me sleep for longer than an hour?" Nancy asks her.

"How much?"

"Ten dollars."

"Nah, can't buy a new sister for that."

"I think that's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me." She says.

"Then reward me for it--stay awake."

Nancy smiles. "Ok I will and what about you? Are you feeling any better?"

"A little. Well enough to stay here with you."

"That's a relief." She says. "And I think we should part company with the Sedan and get a new car."

"You think that and I think that, but after taking a cruise, Dad's definitely not going to think that."

She sighs. "Why does not having enough money always have to get in the way."

"Because this is real life?"

"Good answer."

"Thank you. Now we just have to figure out how to convince Dad to save up for a new car without complaining about the mortgage, the doctor's bills, Liz's dance lessons..."

"Hmm, how's this?" Nancy begins. "Dad, that Sedan has been responsible for too many accidents and we need to break the vicious cycle by getting a newer, safer, more economical car."

"More economical--he'll like that. Let's work on that angle."

"Ok, I'll pick up some car brochures when I get better."

"I'll come with you."

"Good and maybe we can have lunch before or after."

"Now that sounds worth getting better for."

"Good," Nancy says still not use to having her big sister being hurt like she was and never wanting to get use to it.

"And you watch that pretty head of yours."

She smiles. "I will."

"Good. You hungry? Thirsty?"

"A little of both."

Joannie pretends to hold a pad and pen. "May I have your order please, Miss?"

"You sure may." Nancy tells her what she's in the mood for and also adds. "If your not up to it please get Mary or someone to help you."

"I can handle it. Don't go to sleep while I'm gone."

"I won't." She says and while Joannie is off getting her a snack she walks around a little to stay awake.

Joannie heads downstairs to fix Nancy's snack.

Nancy waits patiently for her.

Finally Joannie comes back upstairs with a tray. "Everyone awake in here?" she asks at the doorway.

"Yes." Nancy says and opens the door for her.

"Your order, Miss," Joannie says, putting the tray down on the desk.

"Why thank you."

"Just remember me when it's time to tip."

"You bet I will."

"Eat."

"Yes boss." After she finishes. "Can I please go to sleep now?"

Joannie checks her watch. "For an hour."

"Thank you." She says before drifting off to sleep.

A few days later after Dr. Max gives Nancy a clean bill of health. "Now, what about Joannie?" She asks him. "Does she get a clean bill of health too?" When he doesn't answer her, she tries again. "Dr. Max?"

"It's going to be another day or two."

"Ok."

After awhile he leaves.

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