Like an Open Book Part 1

Like an Open Book

Part 1

Tom is up the next morning sitting in the chair near the window.

Abby wakes and without saying anything to him rushes for the bathroom.

Tom gets up. "Abby what's wrong, please tell me."

"Nothing's wrong, Tom. Must have been that takeout last night."

"Why do I feel you are keeping something from me?"

"I'm not keeping anything from you." ~Well, nothing much, anyway.~

"Don't you trust me?" Tom asks without thinking. "Never mind, I am just concerned about you."

Abby comes out of the bathroom. "I trust you. I thought I proved that to you last night."

"You did." Tom says. "But your ankle sure healed in a hurry. I just have a feeling its a cover for something else. That's all."

"I don't think I like what you're insinuating. I guess trust's a one way street around here."

Tom sighs. "You are right, I'm sorry."

"I was just at Hilda a few days ago and I'm going back next week. And maybe I'd be feeling better if you didn't keep this place like an inferno."

"Its not Hot in here, check the thermostat."

"I don't need to check the thermostat. If I'm sweating, it's hot."

"Fine, I'll go turn it down."

"Thanks."

~Strange~ Tom thinks. He turns down the thermostat. ~I'll call Hilda later.~

Abby goes to pop a few more Tylenol and get dressed.

Elizabeth comes out of her bedroom "Why is it freezing in here? Dad you are not on a conserve kick again are you?"

"No." he says. "Ask Abby, she's the one that told me to turn off the heat."

"Abby?"

Tom nods.

Elizabeth grabs a sweater and knocks on her door.

"Come in."

"Abby are you OK?" she asks. "Its freezing in here."

"You're kidding, right? I haven't sweated this much since the last Bradford-Maxwell championship game."

"I wouldn't be wearing a sweater if I was kidding, what gives?" she says shivering.

"Nothing. I'll tell your father to turn the thermostat back up."

"Abby, you are sweating." Elizabeth notices. "Are you ill?"

"No, just hot. And I don't think that food we brought home last night agreed with me."

"Maybe you should lay down for awhile."

"I don't have time to lay down for awhile."

"You're not going to do anyone good if you get worse." she reminds her.

"I know. If I don't feel better by the time I get home I'll go straight to bed, OK?"

Elizabeth nods.

"I have to go into the school board for a little while. Do you want me to drop you off at the hospital?" Abby offers.

"OK.' she says.

"I was planning to leave in about 45 minutes. Can you be ready by then?"

Elizabeth nods. ~It'll be warmer in the hospital then here,~ she thinks. "I'll meet you downstairs."

"OK." Abby waits until Elizabeth leaves to sink into a chair.

Tommy walks in the kitchen as Tom is making the coffee. Tommy turns to leave.

"Son, don't go."

Tommy sighs and walks back in.

"Are you going to school today?"

"That's it? That's what's on your mind?'

"No, of course that's not all that's on my mind. It's just--well...I'm sorry you're so upset, Tommy. I'm sorry we did things that gave you cause to be."

"Tell me something, are we all your kids or is that another secret?"

Tom is shocked by the question but determined to see this through. "Yes, you're all my children. If you really read the whole diary, you know what mistakes we made weren't made for very long. Just long enough to hurt."

Tommy thinks about what Abby said last night. "Aren't you the one who told us what one does in this family, it affects us all?"

Tom nods. "And how do you think I know that?"

Tommy nods in understanding.

"And then I promised myself I'd raise you kids so you'd never have to find it out the hard way like Mom and I did."

"I'm sorry Dad."

Tom tentatively puts his arms around Tommy.

Tommy slowly does the same.

Tom hugs him tight.

"I'm sorry for the things I said to you."

"It's all right. It's nothing I hadn't said to myself."

Tommy shrugs. "I still don't understand how Mom could have....." he lets his sentence trail off.

"Your mother was wonderful and I loved her very much, but she wasn't perfect."

"I'm finding that out."

"But she did love you kids. More than anything in the world."

"And you? Did she love you or did you two just stay together for us?"

"No," Tom smiles. "She loved me. And I was very lucky that she did."

Tommy half way smiles. "That's good to know."

"Look, I hate to sound like a broken record, but what about school today?"

Tommy nods. "I'll go. But what am I going to tell Gillette?"

"Tell him you hated Pasadena."

Tommy laughs. "No, you are the one who hates Pasadena."

"If you had to spend a few weeks alone with Harry, you'd hate it, too."

Abby walks in. "I heard that."

"Oh Abby." Tom says. "I like your Mother..." he tries to unruffle her feathers.

Tommy smiles.

Abby throws Tom an 'I'm angry at you, but you know I'm just kidding' look. "Elizabeth asked if you could turn up the thermostat again. Poor kid claims it's cold in here. And I've got to go to the district offices for a while today--I'll drop Elizabeth off at the hospital on my way. You need a lift to school, Tommy?"

Tommy winks at his father. "I'm still deciding." he deadpans.

Abby checks her watch. "Well, you've got a half hour, so get a move on."

Tommy smiles. "I'll go get my books."

"OK." Abby goes to pour herself some coffee.

Tom sighs in relief as Tommy leaves. "I think we have Tommy back."

"You're a miracle worker. What did you say to him?"

Tom explains the conversation.

"You did good, Tom."

"I do get them every now and then."

"Once a year or so?" Abby teases.

"About that." he jokes.

"I'll mark my calendar."

"You do that, I better get to work."

"Have you had any breakfast?"

Tom looks at his coffee cup. 'I'm drinking it."

"Stay a few minutes and I'll make you something to eat."

"Abby, thanks but you don't have time." Tom gets up. "I'll get something on my way in."

"Do I have to call up Donna and make sure you did?"

"Only if it makes you feel better, Scouts honor I'll get some breakfast."

"OK. I'll trust you."

Tom smiles. "I love those words."

"You would," Abby smiles back at him.

Tom kisses her. "Call me later?"

"About?"

"Nothing in particular, just to hear your voice."

"OK," Abby says, smiling.

Tom kisses her again and leaves.

Tommy goes and gets his books from his room and notices Nicholas sitting on his bed half dressed.

"You better hurry or you are going to be late." Tommy tells him.

Nicholas doesn't answer him.

"Nicholas what's wrong?" Tommy says.

"I'm cold." he says.

Tommy feels his forehead. "And you are burning up." he says as he pulls Nicholas shoes off. "Get back in bed, I'll get Dad and Abby."

Tommy covers him up and goes in the hallway as Elizabeth comes out of her room. "We have a problem."

"Since when do we don't have one?" she asks.

"Its Nicholas...he's cold and he is burning up." Tommy says.

"Oh no." she says. "I knew it was too cold in here."

"Yeah can you watch him while I go get Dad and Abby?" Tommy asks.

Elizabeth nods.

Tommy goes downstairs as Tom is pulling out of the driveway. "Darn I missed him." Tommy says. "Abby....." he says as he goes in the kitchen.

"You just about ready to go?" Abby asks.

"No...Its Nicholas." he tells her. "I think he's sick."

Abby groans. "Sick how?"

"Cold and feverish?" he tells her reluctantly.

"Go check if your father raised the thermostat temperature," Abby tells Tommy. "I'll call Dr. Max and see if I can take Nicholas in."

"Ok." he says and notices the thermostat has been turned off. He resets it. ~How did that happen?~

Meanwhile Abby calls Max's office and gets an appointment for the morning. When Tommy comes back Abby asks him to tell Nicholas to get ready. "You know the only problem with a family this size?" she says.

"You mean there's only one?" he jokes. "Sorry, No...what?"

"Too many babysitters. If we were a smaller family, I'd know someone outside the family I could call to stay with Nicholas. Oh, well, I'll just call the district offices and cancel--again."

"I can stay with him."

"Oh, no you don't . You're going to school. Maybe Elizabeth can go to the hospital later."

"Abby what's one more day?" he says. "Besides after the way I treated him yesterday, its the least I can do."

"Tommy, you're going to school. End of discussion."

Tommy sighs. "Ok, I'll go get him ready."

"Thanks." Abby rolls up her sleeves, fans her blouse to cope with the heat, and goes looking for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth comes downstairs as Tommy gets Nicholas dressed.

"Elizabeth, could I ask you a favor?" Abby says.

"You want me to stay with Nicholas?" she guesses.

"Just until I finish at work. I should only be two hours, maybe three, and then you can go to visit Nancy."

Elizabeth nods. "Ok."

"How about you come with us and then you can drop me off at work and bring Nicholas home?"

~Elizabeth goes pale. She wants me to drive after somebody rammed me on purpose?~ she thinks. "Sure." she says not wanting to let her down.

"You sure you're up to it?"

She nods reluctantly.

"Thanks. I'll just go get my stuff and hurry the boys along." Abby goes upstairs, gets her stuff, and catches a glance of herself in the mirror. ~I look like death warmed over. Maybe a little blush would help.~ She slaps on some makeup and then goes to the boys' room. "You guys ready?"

"He's all set." Tommy says.

"Great. First we'll drop you off at school, Tommy, then Elizabeth and I will take you to the doctor, Nicholas."

Nicholas nods without saying anything. Tommy picks him up and carries him to the car.

Abby gathers Elizabeth on her way out and they drive towards the school to drop Tommy.

Tommy sighs deeply and gets out of the car.

"Cheer up, Tommy. It could be worse. We could have done what you said you wanted and shipped you off to Pasadena," Abby tries to joke.

"Cute." he says. "I'll walk home."

"You sure? One of your sisters might be home by then; I could ask them to give you a lift."

"No that's ok, I have some explaining to do at the record store after work."

"OK. I'll see you at dinner then."

Tommy nods and walks away from the car.

Abby waits until he goes into the building before she drives away.

Nicholas stretches out in the back seat.

Tom comes into his office with a donut and coffee in his hands, "Donna!"

~Yelling already. And it's still so early.~ "Yes, boss?"

"Good morning," he says, "Get me Hilda Krause on the phone will you?"

"You're finally going for that sex change operation?"

"Haha." he pastes on a fake smile. "Just do what I ask. ok?"

"Yes, sir. Is something wrong?"

"That's what I am trying to find out."

"OK," Donna says, confused. She goes out to her desk and soon comes back. "Dr. Kraus's office is on the line."

"Hilda? Tom Bradford."

"Hello, Tom. What can I do for you?"

"Look, I know about Doctor and Patient Confidentiality and all but is Abby ok?"

"Yes, she'll be fine as long as she rests and lets her body recuperate. Women bounce back from miscarriages all the time, Tom."

"Rest?" Tom says surprised.

"Well, not all the time, but her body did go through a traumatic experience. She is taking it easier, right?"

Tom answers the question with another question. "Tell me if she doesn't rest, could she develop dizziness, nausea and sweating?"

"Well, dizziness maybe, but the rest, no. Why? Has she been experiencing those symptoms?"

Tom tells her of what's been going on with the thermostat etc.

"Hmm. Well, why don't you have her call me for an appointment and I'll see if I can figure out what's wrong?"

"You realize of course if she knew I called you, I'll be changing my address to the dog house in the back yard."

Hilda laughs. "Oh, yes, I realize that quite well. But I can't come to your house and kidnap her. If you think she needs to see me before her appointment next week, you're going to have to get her to come in."

Tom nods. "I'll bite the bullet."

"Good luck. And you might want to stock up on blankets. It'll be cold in that dog house."

"Don't I know it." he sighs. "Thanks Hilda for taking my call."

"Any time. And Tom--make sure Abby gets some rest."

"Have you ever tried getting her to do anything against her will?" Tom states. "But yes, I will."

"If you don't, she might end up resting in the hospital."

"I'll take care of it." he says seriously

"Good luck."

"Thanks." he says and he hangs up.

Donna hangs up too, hoping she doesn't get caught eavesdropping.

"Donna?" Tom says quietly.

Donna comes to the door. "Yes, Mr. Bradford?"

"I supposed you heard."

"Heard what?" Donna plays innocent.

"C'mon Donna...I need to talk."

"OK, OK, I heard. You're worried about Abby."

Tom nods. "What am I going to do, you know how stubborn she is."

"I think that kidnapping idea shows real potential."

"Never mind." he says.

"No, seriously. Take her out for a nice dinner, tell her how much you love her, lead her to a pay phone and make her call her doctor."

"I can't believe I am saying this, but you might just have something there."

"I may not be married, Mr. Bradford, but I do have a little insight into how the female mind works."

"Thanks Donna, any suggestions on what restaurant?"

"Any place but that morgue you like so much."

"I wasn't planning on taking her there."

"Well, where does she like to go?"

"I could take her dancing." Tom says. "But that's probably wouldn't be a good idea."

"Not if she's supposed to be resting. Besides, you always claim you have two left feet."

"Just make a reservation somewhere, please?"

"Yes, sir. For tonight?"

Tom nods.

"I'll be right back."

Tom stares at the typewriter.

Abby drives over to Max's office. "Come on, Nicholas, time to let Dr. Max earn a living."

"I thought we were his main source of income." Elizabeth cracks.

Nicholas gets out of car and walks with them inside.

Max's nurse smiles at them when they walk in. "My favorite family."

"Hi." Nicholas says quietly.

"After Dr. Maxwell sees you," the nurse whispers, "come to me and I'll give you a lollipop."

"Thanks." he says.

Dr. Maxwell comes out. "Hey Nicholas, I understand you are not feeling well."

He nods.

"OK, lets check you out." he says picking him up and taking him to the exam room.

"I'll wait out here." Elizabeth says.

"We won't be long," Abby says and follows the men into the examining room.

Max checks him over and sends him out of the room to talk to Abby alone.

"What's wrong with him?" Abby asks.

"Except for catching every bug a kid gets at his age nothing." Max says as he writes a couple of prescriptions. "Keep him in bed for a few days and soon he'll be up and running again."

"Could the house having been cool last night helped him catch this latest bug?"

"Well...it couldn't have helped." Max says. "Don't tell me Tom is conserving again."

"No, I was the culprit. I thought the house was too warm. That's OK. I've got lots of T-shirts I can wear."

"You?" he asks. "Are you feeling ok?"

"I think all the tension is getting to me. I'll be fine once things settle down."

"In the Bradford household?"

"Good point. Look, maybe you could give me something. I haven't really had a chance to recover from the miscarriage, and no matter how many pain relievers I take, it doesn't do much. Maybe if you gave me something prescription strength..."

"Abby, you know I can't do that. You need to talk to Hilda."

"My appointment isn't until next week. Come on, Max, you're a doctor, too."

Max sighs and writes Abby a limited prescription "This should hold you until you see Hilda." he says.

"Thanks."

"Now how is Elizabeth?"

"Still very shaken."

"I can imagine, you didn't let her drive yet did you?"

"Well, she said she'd drop me off at work and drive Nicholas home. Bad idea?"

Max nods. "I'll call them a Cab."

"No, it's OK. I'll go get the prescriptions filled, take them home, and then I'll go to work."

Max nods. "Call me if he gets worse."

"I will. And thanks."

Nicholas is resting on Elizabeth's lap, while Elizabeth tries to rub her headache away.

"Elizabeth?" Abby asks. "As long as we're here, you want Dr. Max to take a look at you?"

"No, you'll be late for work."

"Don't worry about that."

Max comes out into the waiting room. "Is there a problem?"

"As long as we're here, could you give Elizabeth a quick look-over. We're really trying to take advantage of your family rate program."

"Hey if it wasn't for you Bradfords, I wouldn't be able to afford my new Mercedes." he jokes. "Come on Elizabeth..." he points to the exam room.

Elizabeth pulls Nicholas off her lap.

Max takes one look at Abby and sees she is uncomfortable.

"Abby?" Max says. "If you are really pressed for time, we do have a pharmacy in the building."

"No, I might as well wait and take care of it on the way home. In case I have to pick something up for Elizabeth, too."

Max nods and leads Elizabeth into the room.

"Poor Nicholas. You catch everything going around, don't you?" Abby says.

Nicholas shrugs. "I guess."

Meanwhile Max examines Elizabeth. "How are your eyes?" he asks.

"Blurry sometimes." she states.

"Headaches?" he asks her.

She nods.

"Hmmmm." he says. "I'm going to order some tests."

"What's wrong?" she asks.

"Probably nothing." he says. "But lets be on the safe side."

"OK, but don't tell Abby. OK?" she asks him.

"Elizabeth, I have to tell one of them.'

"Then call Dad, I don't know how much more Abby can take."

Max shakes his head. ~First Abby now Elizabeth.~

"Please Dr. Max?" she begs,

"I doubt I can arrange the tests today anyway." he states. "OK, but you have to promise me if you experience anymore blurriness or headaches. You tell Abby or your Father immediately."

Elizabeth nods.

Max leads her out of the room.

Abby stands up. "So?"

"She's been pushing herself too hard." Max claims. "Cut back on the studying for a couple of days." He tells her. ~That way I can get the tests results back.~

"OK. We can do that. The tutor doesn't come until Monday anyway."

Max nods.

"Elizabeth remember what I said." he tells her as she gets Nicholas.

"What did he say?" Abby whispers to her.

"No driving." she quickly responds.

"Oh. OK. That's it?"

"Sure." she lies. "We better get nicholas home."

"OK. We'll have to stop off at the pharmacy first."

Elizabeth nods. "Can you drive me to see Nancy when you get back?"

"Sure. No problem." ~Thank you, Max, for those pills.~

"Thanks."

"Either of you need anything else while we're out?"

They both say No.

"OK." Abby parks in front of the pharmacy. I won't be long. Why don't the two of you wait here in the car?"

"Ok."

Donna comes back into Tom's office. "Telepathic column writing?" she guesses.

"I wish." he states.

"Well, I talked to the food critic and she recommended that new French place on L. Made a reservation for 2 at 8pm. OK?"

"Yes, Thank You." Tom replies.

"Want me to order some flowers for her, too?"

"Every time I try giving flowers, it ends in an argument."

"Perfume? Jewelry? Chocolate?" Donna suggests.

Tom eyes light up. "Donna you are a genius."

"I am? I mean--of course I am."

"I'm going to the Jeweler, If Abby calls tell her I'm in a meeting."

~That is one man with a guilty conscience.~

Tom grabs his coat forgetting his briefcase.

Donna goes back to work. A while later Editorial calls Donna with a question. She goes into Tom's office looking for the papers she needs. They're not on the desk, not in the files. She spots his briefcase on the floor and tries that. ~A diary?~ She looks at the handwriting. ~Joan's. No wonder he's buying Abby jewelry if he's toting this around.~

Max dials Tom's number after scheduling Elizabeth's tests for the next day.

"Mr. Bradford's office."

"Hi Donna, its Max, Is your master around?" he jokes.

"My servant, you mean--but don't tell him that. Let me check if he got back yet." She puts Max on hold and goes to check Tom's office.

The office is empty.

Donna picks up the phone at Tom's desk. "Sorry, he's not back yet. Do you want to leave him a message?"

"Tell him to call me as soon as he gets in."

"I will. Is someone sick?"

"Nicholas has a bug but he'll be OK."

"Oh, Ok. But won't Abby be telling him that herself?"

"You have a point." he says. "Have him call me anyway."

"I will." ~Something is definitely going on.~ She looks at Tom's briefcase, back to the door, and down to the briefcase again. ~I wonder if I have time for a quick peek.~

Max hangs up and returns to his other patients.

Donna hangs up and reaches for Tom's briefcase.

Tom walks in oblivious to what is going on.

Donna jumps out of his chair. "Oh, um, Mr. Bradford. I was just...um...I was. Dr. Maxwell wants you to call him."

"Ok..." he says. "Everything OK?"

"Um, sure. You get what you went for?"

Tom nods. "I'll pick it up on my way home."

"I'm sure she'll like it. Well, I'd better get back to work."

"Ok." he says. He dials Max's number but it is busy. Then he forgets to later.

Abby goes in to get the medicine. While she is waiting she calls Channing and tells him she'll have to postpone.

"Someone's always sick in that house."

"That's what happens when you've got a lot of kids."

"You mean when your husband does," Channing mutters. "Look, I'll meet you at work. We can talk over lunch."

"No, I have to get home. I have to drive Elizabeth over to the hospital."

"Abby, we have to talk. Don't you care about the book anymore?"

"You know I do." Abby sighs. "Why don't you meet me at the hospital at, oh, 4 o'clock. By then someone will be home to watch Nicholas."

The pharmacist motions to Abby. "I've got to go," she tells Channing. I'll see you at 4." She hangs up, pays for the medicine, slips her pills into her purse and comes out with Nicholas's in her hands.

"Did you get it?"

"Right here," Abby says, waving Nicholas's bag of medicine.

"Yuck." Nicholas states.

Elizabeth covers her mouth trying not to laugh.

"Sorry, champ. But it'll make you feel better."

"Why does it have to taste so nasty?"

"I don't know Nicholas. I wish I could do something to make it taste better for you."

Nicholas stares out the window and Elizabeth leans back with her eyes closed.

Abby drives them home and parks the car.

"You go ahead, I can take care of this." Elizabeth tells her.

"Thanks. I'll be home as soon as I can."

"OK." she tells her and takes Nicholas inside.

Abby heads off to work.

At the hospital. Joannie shows up before she has to go to school and sees Noah in there with Nancy. Nancy tries to gauge her reaction hoping that Tom has already told the family that Noah is back.

"I'd heard it," Joannie says, "but I didn't believe it. It's really you?"

"Yes Joannie, it's me." Noah says.

Joannie drops into a chair. "Wow."

"Honey are you ok?" Nancy asks her.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. It's just--wow."

"I know, it's still hard for me to believe."

"But I bet you don't mind getting used to the idea," Joannie smiles.

"I don't mind at all." Nancy smiles back.

"I'll bet you don't , either," Joannie says to Noah.

Noah kisses the roots of Nancy's hair. "Not at all, so how ya been?"

"Much better now."

"Did you get a big acting job?" He asks not sure what she means.

"Nope--just lost one."

"Joannie what happened?" Nancy asks.

"I just lost the job of pretending I'm not worried about you. It's all Noah's now," Joannie smiles.

Nancy smiles back but then a thought occurs to you. "That doesn't mean you'll stop being my big sister does it?"

"Never."

"Good."

"As long as you don't stop being my little sister."

"That will never happen."

"Good."

"So how are things at home?"

"OK. I think a lot of people will be in to see you today."

"They will?"

"OK, OK, they won't be in to see *you*."

Nancy smiles. "Oh."

"Everyone wants to see lover boy again."

"Everyone?"

"You sound surprised."

"That's because I am."

"I'll be right back." Noah kisses Nancy and leaves the room to go to the gift shop.

"OK, Nance, what's up?" Joannie asks.

"Joannie I don't think Abby's up to seeing Noah yet."

"What makes you think that?"

"Dad says she's having a hard time with it and she hasn't been by since he's returned and she said she'd be by."

"She hasn't even called?"

"Nope."

"That's not like her."

"I know."

"I'm sure she'll come around."

"I hope so, I miss her."

"You know, you could call her, too."

"Is she home right now?"

"With her, who knows?" Joannie shrugs.

Nancy picks up the phone and dials.

"Hello." Tommy says.

"Hey there, is Abby home?"

"No. she's still at work. How are you?"

"Getting better, how have you been Tommy?"

"Busy, I'm sorry I haven't been by."

"It's ok, busy with what?"

"School." he lies.

"Oh all right."

"When are you coming home?"

"Saturday."

"Good." he says. "I heard about Noah."

"Did Dad tell you?"

"Yep, unbelievable."

"Yeah, hey I'd better let you go, take care of yourself ok."

"Yeah...ok." he says.

After they've hung up. "She's not home."

"She never is," Joannie sighs.

"What do you mean?"

"She's running around all the time. Who knows where?"

"Maybe she's busy."

"Yeah, real busy."

"But shouldn't she be taking it easy?"

"I guess not. Who knows. Maybe she never really was..."

"What do you mean?"

"She certainly bounced back from her 'miscarriage' fast enough."

"Excuse me what did you just say?"

Joannie repeats herself.

"Joannie, she wanted this baby."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"If you say so."

"Why wouldn't she want the baby?"

"What about her career and school and taking care of us and Dad? She couldn't handle more than she's got."

"That still doesn't mean that she'd be happy about a miscarriage."

"That's not what I said."

"Then what are you saying?"

"Ever hear of hysterical pregnancies?"

"Yes, but Abby was really pregnant."

"Yep. After all, she told us she was."

"And she wouldn't lie about something like that."

"Of course she wouldn't." ~Bet she would.~

Soon Noah returns

Joannie stands. "I ought to leave you two love birds alone."

"You don't have to leave on my account." Noah says.

"Nah. I have to get to school."

"Drive careful." Nancy tells her.

"I will."

"Good."

"See you later," Joannie says, bending down to give Nancy a kiss.

"See ya." Nancy says.

When Abby gets a breather, she dials the Register.

Tom answers. "Bradford."

"Hi," Abby says. "You said you wanted me to call..."

"The highlight of my day." he says. "How are you?"

"Fine. Nicholas has some bug, though. He'll be home for a few days."

Tom sighs. "Well that explains why Max called."

"He called?" Abby says, worried. "Oh, well, I guess he just wanted to thank you for your contribution to his finances."

"Funny." he says. "How would you like to go to dinner tonight, just the two of us."

"I don't know if we ought to--what with Nicholas sick, and Elizabeth still not fully recuperated, and Tommy's first day back at school."

"We won't be long." He tells her. "We will leave the number of the restaurant with the rest of them."

"Well, if you want to. OK. I'd like that."

"Good me too."

"I have to finish up here, and then I have to go home, wait for one of the kids to come home, then take Elizabeth to the hospital and wait for her to see Nancy. I shouldn't be home long after you."

"Fine, I'll see you at home then."

"I love you."

Tom breaks out in a smile. "I love you too."

Abby is all smiles as she hangs up. She shakes two pills out of the bottle Max prescribed and digs into her work.

Two hours later she gathers the last of her paperwork and heads for home. "Anybody here?" she calls out as she walks in.

Tommy walks out of the kitchen with a tray for Nicholas.

"Home already?"

"Yeah, it was half a day.....some teacher conference. Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know. I'm not fully back at work yet, remember?"

Tommy sighs. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"It's OK. How was your first day back?"

"Uneventful." Tommy says. "But Gillette wasn't happy I was back."

"Well, he's just going to have to live with the disappointment."

Tommy laughs. "There's some soup on the stove, if you want some."

"Thanks, but I'm not hungry."

"OK, I'll take this up to him before it gets cold."

"I'll go up with you. I just came home to get Elizabeth and take her to visit Nancy. Can you stay with Nicholas for a while?"

Tommy nods. "Is Elizabeth all right?"

"I'm not sure. Dr. Max said she's just been pushing herself too hard, but I wonder if there isn't something more to it."

"She's been sleeping since I got home on my bed."

"Well, let's go see what's up." They go into the boys' room and Abby tries to gently wake Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is startled. "Huh?"

"You fell asleep. Come on, let's let the guys have their room back. I'll help you to your own bed."

"No, I'm okay. Lets go see Nancy."

"You sure?"

Elizabeth nods.

"OK. Just let me grab my papers and I'll be right with you."

"Ok." Elizabeth says.

Tommy pulls her aside. "You are not OK."

"I'm fine Tommy, just drop it." she says.

"I'm going to keep my eye on you."

Elizabeth leaves and meets Abby at the car.

Abby drives very slowly and overcautiously to the hospital. "You go on up to Nancy. I have some meetings I didn't get to this morning, so I schedule one of them for now in the cafeteria. Send her my love."

"Ok...Are you going to stop by later?"

"I'll try to. Your father wants us home about when he gets there."

"I thought I might spend the evening with Nancy."

"You'll call for someone to pick you up?"

"Yes."

"OK. And I will try to get up to say hello to Nancy, if only for a little while."

"I'll see you later then." Elizabeth says.

"If you change your mind I'll be in the cafeteria."

"Ok." she says. she walks towards Nancy's room and her eyes goes blurry again. She hurries and grabs the wall for support. A few seconds later, it passes. She continues onto Nancy's room. "Hi Sis."

"Hi sweetie, are you ok?" Nancy asks.

"Sure." she says. "How are you?"

"Getting better."

"Good." she says and sits down in a chair next to her.

"How are things at home?"

"Nicholas is sick." Elizabeth says "And Abby is acting all weird."

"What's wrong with them?"

"Nicholas has a bug." she says. "As for Abby....." she tells her how she's been acting.

"Give them both a hug for me." Nancy says.

"I will, Abby sends her love."

"Thanks send her my love when you see her. Do you want some m&m's?"

"Thanks." Liz says. "Where's Noah?"

"He'll be back soon, he went home for dinner."

"I'm surprised he didn't want to eat cafeteria food." she jokes.

After Elizabeth goes upstairs Abby goes to the cafeteria to meet with Channing. Then she starts upstairs, changes her mind, and instead drives home.

Tom is getting dressed in his best suit.

"Hi," Abby says when she walks into their room. "Classy outfit."

"Hi." he says "Thank you."

"Guess this means I'm a little underdressed, huh?"

"If you rather not change, we can go somewhere else."

"No, I'll change. Did you check on Nicholas when you got home?"

Tom nods. "He's asleep."

"Good. Any suggestions about what I should wear?"

"I've always like that Black dress."

"Then the black dress it is." Abby goes to the closet to get her outfit together.

"I'll wait for you downstairs."

"Don't let any kids waylay you."

"Don't worry I won't."

"I won't be long." Once Tom leaves Abby gets dressed, takes a few more pills, and then spends a while trying to put some color in her cheeks. Finally she goes downstairs.

"Wow." Tom comments

"Thank you."

Tommy walks into the foyer. "My oh My, what is this Prom night?"

"Why, were you planning to give us a curfew?" Abby asks.

"The thought did cross my mind." he says. "Is Elizabeth upstairs?"

"No. She wanted to stay with Nancy this evening. She'll call when she wants a lift home. If no one can drive her, tell her to take a cab, OK?"

"Ok..." he says concerned.

"Why don't we pick her up after dinner?" Tom suggests.

"If she hasn't come home before, it's OK with me."

He nods.

"OK, then lets go."

part 2

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