Like an Open Book
Part 2
Abby follows Tom outside. "What is this really all about?"
"You'll see." he tells her as he opens the car door for her.
"You're being mysterious," Abby says when he gets in the car. "If I didn't
know you better, I'd say you have ulterior motives."
~I do.~ he thinks. ~Please let this work.~ "Can't a husband take his wife
out once in awhile on a date?"
"He can. But with everything that's going on in our house?"
"What better time? We need a break." he says as he drives to the restaurant.
"You do have a point," Abby sighs and leans back against the seat.
Tom pulls into the valet parking area.
"You keep this up and I'll think Tommy was right," Abby smiles.
"Huh? About what?"
"That this is no ordinary date."
"Oh..." he says as he hands the keys to the valet and opens her door.
Abby looks at where they are. "Now I could get really suspicious. But I'm
going to trust you."
~There's that word again.~ he thinks as he leads her inside. The Maitre D'
sits them in a quiet corner. "Remind me to give Donna a raise."
"Donna?" Abby asks.
"She made the reservations."
"Then I'll have to thank her."
Tom orders some champagne and appetizers.
Abby continues to wonder why Tom is being so nice.
Tom hands her a heart diamond pendant.
Abby's eyes go wide. "What is this for?"
Tom shrugs. "Just a small token of my love."
"If this is small, I don't think we could afford large."
"I just wanted to somehow let you know how much I love you and I would do
anything for you." Tom says leading up to his confession.
"I know that. And I'd do anything for you."
"Including calling Hilda tomorrow and going in?" Tom asks gently.
"There's no need. When I took Nicholas in to Max today I asked him to give
me a quick look-over. He gave me a prescription to hold me until my appointment
with Hilda."
"I talked to Hilda today." Tom says. "Why didn't you tell me you were supposed
to be resting?"
"Because everyone--wait. You spoke to Hilda? She called?"
"No, I called her." Tom confesses. "I was worried."
"And she talked to you? So much for doctor/patient confidentiality."
"She said the symptoms you were having weren't part of your recuperating
from your miscarriage."
"No, they're from eating bad take out."
"Your symptoms started before the take-out." Tom reminds her.
"It's just stress, Tom. I'm sure that's what Hilda said, too. You've got
to admit things have been crazy around here."
"Yeah." Tom concedes. "But nevertheless, she wants you to call her."
"Oh, believe me I'll give her a call," Abby answers. "She and I need to have
a talk."
"Abby, she's just about as concerned as I am."
"I said I'd give her a call," Abby snaps. "I don't like being tricked into
things is all."
Tom remains silent.
Abby pulls out the bottle of medicine Max gave her and swallows two pills.
The music starts. "Care to dance?" Tom finally asks.
"Are you sure I'm healthy enough to dance?" Abby pouts.
Tom gets up from his chair and holds his hand out. "Please?"
Abby takes his hand and smiles. "I never turn down a chance to dance with
you."
Tom sighs in relief. They go to the dance floor.
Abby leans close to Tom, as much for support as love.
"We need to do this more often."
"Maybe once all the kids are grown and out of the house."
"Why do we have to wait that long?"
"Because I feel very guilty being wined and dined by you when there's chaos
at home."
"Abby, we need this or how else are we going to deal with the chaos?"
"So what did you do before I came along? Go out dancing with strangers?"
Abby teases.
Tom shudders. "You don't want to know what Max put me through."
"Ah, so it wasn't me you wanted; you just wanted to get away from the matchmaking."
"Now you know all my secrets." he jokes.
"Not yet, but I'll find them all out. And you'll enjoy every moment of it."
Tom smiles. "You got that right."
Abby kisses him.
Soon the music stops but Tom doesn't notice.
Neither does Abby.
A waiter taps on his shoulder. "Sir your food is getting cold."
"Huh?" Tom says. "Oh, thanks."
"Who needs food?" Abby whispers in Tom's ear.
"We do, I need to keep my strength." he implies.
"Don't get your hopes up, mister. I'm still on the disabled list."
"I can't wait until the coach puts you back in the game."
"In the meantime, there's always practice."
Tom laughs and leads her back to the table.
Abby watches Tom eat but only picks at her food and drinks the champagne.
"I need to go to the Gents room." Tom says "I'll be back."
At the hospital, Elizabeth's eyes suddenly go blurry again. "I'll be right
back Nancy." She says as she hurries out of the room.
"Um ok." Nancy says wondering what's going on.
Elizabeth grabs what she thinks is a wall but loses her balance and collapses.
A nurse comes over. "Get a gurney and who is she?" she says to anyone who
is in earshot.
"She came out of Nancy Bradford's room." another nurse says.
"Great, just what we need is another Bradford." the Head nurse responds.
"Page Dr. Maxwell."
She does this.
When Dr. Maxwell finds out what the situation is. He orders them to take
her to X-ray. He calls the house.
Joannie answers.
"Joannie? Its Dr. Max. Is your Dad home?"
"No, he and Abby went out on a date."
"Do you know where I can reach them?"
"If you need an extra poker player, call David."
"Joannie, its serious. Elizabeth collapsed at the hospital."
"What? Wait--we have the number at the restaurant here somewhere." Joannie
searches through the papers on the entryway desk. "Here it is." She gives
him the phone number. "Is Elizabeth going to be all right?"
"I am sure she'll be fine." he tries to assure her. "I'll talk to you later."
"OK." Joannie hangs up and begins to pace.
Tommy comes down. "Who was on the phone?"
"Dr. Max." Joannie debates whether to tell him everything. "Last time you
saw Elizabeth, how'd she look?"
"Out of it." he tells her. "What happened?"
Joannie tells him. "Dr. Max is trying to reach Dad and Abby now."
"Damn, I knew she wasn't feeling good." Tommy says. "Lets go to the hospital"
he says forgetting about Nicholas.
"Who's going to watch Nicholas?"
"I will." Tommy says. "Just go and call me."
"I will." Joannie gives him a quick hug and grabs her purse.
Tommy sits on the stairs near the phone.
Meanwhile Max calls the restaurant. The maitre D' brings a phone to the table.
"You have a call ma'am." he tells her.
~One of the kids. Of course.~ Abby takes the phone. "OK, who is it this time,"
she sighs into the receiver.
"Elizabeth." Max says.
"Max, what's wrong with her?"
"She collapsed at the hospital, She's in X-ray now."
"We'll be right there."
"Abby, I'm sorry I should have told you at the office. But Tom was supposed
to call me and he never did."
"I told him not to. I thought you wanted to talk to him about me," Abby admits.
"No, I had scheduled Elizabeth's tests for tomorrow, she was having headaches
and blurry vision."
"I wish you'd told me."
"So do I now." he admits. "But Elizabeth was worried about how much more
you could take."
"I'll have a talk with her when she's up to it. In the meantime, you take
good care of her until we get there," Abby says, anxiously waiting for Tom
to return.
"I will." he says. "See you soon." he hangs up.
Tom returns to the table and sees the Abby's face. "You look like you saw
a ghost?"
"Max just called. Elizabeth collapsed. I knew I should have made her tell
me what was wrong."
"I'm confused." he says as he pays the tab.
"I had Max take a look at her, too, while we were there today. All Max said
is that she needed to take it a little easier. But there was more to it than
that--he just wouldn't tell me. That's why he wanted to talk to you today;
I'm sorry I talked you out of calling him."
"Don't be." he says. "Lets go."
Abby nods and follows him out.
Tom drives as fast as he is legally allowed to the hospital. He drops Abby
off at the entrance. "I'll go park."
"I'll go start whatever paperwork there is," Abby promises.
Tom nods. "Thanks."
Abby watches Tom drive off and then goes looking for Max.
When Elizabeth doesn't come back Nancy wonders what happened to her. She
considers getting out of bed to go and check but falls asleep instead.
Several hours later she awakens in pain and has difficulty breathing.
She tries to buzz for a nurse but the buzzer slips out of her hands and falls
to the ground. She tries to reach for it and falls out of bed.
A nurse passing by hears the noise and comes in. She rings for an orderly
to come help her with Nancy.
The orderly enters and helps her get Nancy back to bed. Nancy tries
to tell them what's going on but can't talk between the pain and the difficulty
breathing.
"I think I saw her doctor around. Let me page him."
The orderly nods and tries to get Nancy calm so she can breath.
The nurse goes to page Dr. Maxwell.
Dr. Max arrives. "What's wrong?"
"She's having trouble breathing and I think she's in pain." The orderly says.
"She fell out of bed."
The nurse explains how she found Nancy.
~When will this day end~ Max thinks. "Nancy, whats going on?" he wants her
to talk.
She tries to talk but barely makes a whisper.
"OK...Lets get her into X-ray, to see what damaged if any has been done."
The orderly nods and goes to get a gurney. Once he brings it to the
room. Max helps him get Nancy on it.
"Page me when you have the results." Max says.
The orderly and the nurse take Nancy to X-Ray.
Max goes to check on Elizabeth and afterwards comes out of the exam room
after consulting with a neurologist.
Abby hurries over to him. "How is she?"
Max takes her aside "Where's Tom?"
"Parking the car. Max, how is she?" Abby repeats.
"Let's go sit down." he points to the waiting area. "The good news
is she's conscious."
"And the bad news?"
"She's blind...only temporarily." Max tries to lessen the blow. "She developed
a blood clot from the accident that pressing on the optic nerves."
"So you have to operate and remove the clot?" Abby guesses.
Max nods. "We have an OR scheduled at 6 am."
Abby nods. "Is she awake? Can I go in to see her?"
"I'll have someone take you in, I'll stay here and wait for Tom." Max says.
"Oh...I hate to spring this on you but, Nancy's had a setback."
"How bad a setback?"
He tells her what happened.
"Don't tell Tom, not yet, unless he asks. Maybe she'll be back where she
was before he has to know anything more."
Max nods. he walks her towards the room. "How are you feeling? Please
tell me the truth?"
"I'll be fine," Abby tells him. "Do I have any other choice?"
"It's not easy being in this family is it?"
"Truth?" Abby asks him. "No. But I do love them."
"I know that feeling." he squeezes her arm. 'Elizabeth is pretty scared...try
to reassure her its only temporary...at least thats what we are hoping."
Max admits.
"Hoping? When will you know?"
"After the surgery."
"OK." They get to where Elizabeth is. "You'd better go back out there--Tom
should be in any minute."
"I'll go wait for him."
"OK. And Max--thanks."
"For what? I really blew it this morning."
"You're here now."
Max nods and goes off to find Tom.
Abby takes a deep breath and goes in to see her stepdaughter. "Elizabeth?'
she says before sitting down next to her.
"Abby? I'm scared." her voice trembles with fear.
"I know, honey." Abby takes her hand. "But tomorrow Dr. Max will operate."
"What if I never see again? She says holding her eyes wide open hoping some
light will come through."
"You will, Elizabeth. Don't worry yourself about what won't happen."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am. Everything will be fine, you'll...um...It'll be fine."
"You don't know anymore than I do."
"But Dr. Max does, and he said it was only temporary."
"Ok."
"Why didn't you tell me you were hurting?"
"Because, I thought it would go away. Besides you and Dad had enough on your
plate without me adding to it."
"Elizabeth, we're never to busy to try to help you. I thought you knew that."
"I do but you must admit, its been chaotic. I just.....never mind. I blew
it, I know."
"You didn't blow it. Maybe I did. I'm sorry you didn't feel like you could
come to me."
"I didn't want to interfere with your work." she admits. "I know how important
it is to you."
"You're more important. I thought you knew that."
"I've heard some of the arguments you and Dad have had."
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."
Tom hurries into the waiting room running into Joannie on the way in. "Joannie...boy
news travels fast."
"Dr. Max had to find out where you'd gone off to somehow," Joannie says.
"Joannie, thats why I left the number in the first place. Cut your old man
some slack, please?"
"Well, then don't be upset that we already know."
"I wasn't upset with you." he states. "I'm worried."
"So are we."
"I know." Tom says taking her hand. "Lets go Find Abby and Dr. Max."
"OK," Joannie says, giving her father's hand a squeeze.
They find Max waiting for them in the hall. "How is she?" Tom asks.
Max tells them what he told Abby.
"Poor Liz," Joannie says. "Can we go see her?"
Max leads the way. "Joannie, how is Nicholas?" Max asks as he pulls
her aside while Tom goes in.
"Pretty quiet," Joannie tells Dr. Max. "Tommy's watching him. How is Elizabeth,
really?"
"Good." he states. "I am sure after the surgery she'll be fine." He then
tells her about Nancy. "I didn't want to tell your Father yet."
"Why not?"
"Until we know whats going on, I don't want to add to his worrying right
now."
"He's not going to like that."
"Do you think he can handle anymore?"
"Do you think that once he does find out he'll be able to trust you anymore?"
"Look Joannie, I just thought you might want to know." Max gets beeped. "I
have to go."
"I'm sorry, Dr. Max," Joannie says, contrite. "And thanks."
"Its Okay Joannie."
"I'd better call home and let them know what's going on. Guess I shouldn't
tell them about Nancy, huh?"
"Not just yet, lets wait and see."
"OK." Joannie heads for the pay phone and calls home.
Tommy answers it on the first ring.
Joannie stops long enough to make sure it's not Nicholas answering, then
spills what Dr. Max told her--except the information about Nancy.
Tommy is speechless. "I knew I should have made her tell me what was wrong."
"Tommy, what were you going to do, beat her up if she didn't tell you?"
"If it would have prevented this, yes."
"Tommy, it's not your fault."
"I know." he says.
"Good."
"Give her my love, OK?"
"I will."
Tommy hangs up. Soon tears comes to his eyes.
The nurse tracks Max down with Nancy's results. "Read them to me."
Max says as he fills out paperwork on Elizabeth.
"There's no damage, but there looks to be some growth on her lungs."
"Wonderful." he sighs. "Lets get her on a iv antibiotic."
They do this.
Tom overhears Elizabeth and Abby's conversation. ~Great...just Great.~
"Hi Honey." he says as he puts his one arm around Abby and squeezes Elizabeth
foot.
"Hi Dad." she says. "Sorry I ruined your evening."
"You didn't ruin anything." he tells her.
"Here," Abby gets up and wipes her eyes with her free hand. "Why don't you
have a seat?" she tells Tom.
"No that's Okay...I have to go finished the paperwork."
A nurse comes in..."We are moving her to her room now."
"What floor?" Tom asks. "The neurological unit, You can sit with her when
we get her settled and hooked up."
"Looks like I can help you with that paperwork." She bends down and kisses
Elizabeth. "We'll see you in a little bit."
"Ok, don't be too long."
"We'll be up there as soon as they let us."
Tom kisses Elizabeth and walks Abby out.
"Are you ok?"
"I never realized what kind of message I was sending the kids," Abby says.
"If I'd known, maybe..."
"Maybe what? Abby, don't do the what if game...It'll eat you alive." he says
talking from experience.
"I guess you're right. Just move on, right?"
Tom nods and holds her.
Abby pulls away. "We'd better finish that paperwork you talked about."
"Yeah.'
"I'm sorry our date ended like this. At least you're the best dressed man
in the hospital."
"And you are the best dressed woman."
"Perfect clothing for pacing the waiting room."
Tom smiles. "Maybe we can take turns going home changing, its going to be
a long night. In fact why don't you go home and get some sleep. No sense
both of us being here."
"I promised Elizabeth I'd come up to see her. Besides, I don't want to leave
you."
"Then I'll go home and bring a change of clothes for you." Tom starts filling
out the paperwork. "You'd think they would have this all memorized by now."
"We ought to just keep a few copies around the house, filled out," Abby agrees.
Tom signs the last of them. "At least we know Nancy is on the mend."
"While you're home," Abby says, changing the subject, "don't forget to check
on Nicholas."
"I won't." he says. "I'll walk you up there."
"Ok." Abby takes his arm. "She'll be all right, you know."
"She has to be."
"She will be. We can't let her think anything else."
"Thank you."
"Go on. Go home and get some rest," Abby says, kissing him on the cheek.
"I'll be back in an hour or so."
"Maybe you should try to take a nap while you're home."
"No...I'll be back." he says firmly.
"I'll call you if she falls asleep while you're home," Abby insists. "No
need to rush back then."
"Except to be with you."
"I'll pass on that pleasure if it means you get some rest."
"I better go or we'll be here discussing this all night." he comments.
"You're right." Abby kisses him again. "I'll see you when you get back."
Tom goes home.
At home, Mary walks in the front door. "Tommy what's wrong?"
He tells her about Elizabeth.
"Oh no." Mary goes pale.
"Joannie just called."
"Oh sheesh, I should get to the hospital."
"Ok, I'll call David."
Mary nods and leaves for the hospital.
Tommy dials David's
David soon answers the phone. "Hello."
"Hi David."
"Hi Tommy, what's wrong?" David asks.
Tommy tells the story again.
"That's awful, which hospital?"
"General."
"Thank you." He hangs up and heads to the hospital.
Abby gets herself directed up to Elizabeth's room. "Hey, Elizabeth," she
says as she walks in.
"Hi." she says.
"Your dad went home to check on Nicholas, but he'll be back in a little while."
"Ok." she says. "I'm glad you decided to stay."
"I told you I would."
"I know, so how was dinner?"
"Very nice," Abby smiles, remembering. "Tom can be very romantic when he
wants to be."
"Dad? Romantic?" she says. "That's picture I don't want to see." she says
off the cuff then remembering she might not see anything else again.
Abby gives her hand a squeeze. "Hey, if he weren't such a romantic guy, I'll
bet half you kids wouldn't be here."
Elizabeth laughs. "You have a point."
~Good, she's laughing.~ "Wait, wait--you'll see. When you get serious with
some guy and you look--um, think--back, you'll realize that your father was
more romantic than you ever gave him credit for being."
"Still not a thought I want to imagine."
Abby laughs.
Max comes in. "What is this, a party?"
"No, it's not officially a party until you join us, Max," Abby says.
"Wish I could, but I just came to check your vitals Elizabeth."
"OK." she says.
He does the whole medical bit. "Sounds good.' he states. "Elizabeth, is it
ok if I borrow Abby for a few minutes?"
"OK." she says. ~Now what's wrong.~
Abby steps out into the hallway. "How is she doing, Max?"
"All things considering, she's doing good. But her blood pressure is a little
high more than I would like it to be. It's probably just stress from worrying."
Max says. "I'm going to have them administer a mild sedative. So if she drifts
off, you'll know why."
"Sleep would probably do her good. Any change in how Nancy's doing?"
"She's developed a lung infection. I put her on antibiotics." Max says. "Sorry
I couldn't get them in the same room."
"Maybe it's for the best."
"How are you holding up?"
"A little tired and I wish I hadn't had such a heavy dinner before I got
on this emotional roller coaster, but…Oh, what's the point? I'd give anything
to be home in bed, but there isn't time for that, and don't you dare tell
Tom. But--you wouldn't happen to have any of those pills you gave me today,
would you? I didn't exactly pack my purse for the long haul."
"I'll have them bring you a dose." Max says. "But this is the last time."
"What do you want me to do, call Hilda Krauss right now? We've got two kids
in the hospital, another one home sick...I can hold out until my appointment,
with a little help."
Max sighs. "Abby, I am just doing my job. When you are taking any pain medications
either over-the-counter or prescription for an extended period of time, there
is something else wrong. Now if any of the kids wanted what you just asked
me to do, would you want me to give it to them carte blanc without giving
them a complete physical, whether they have an appointment next week or not?"
"I know something is wrong, Max, but I can wait--Elizabeth, Nancy, and Nicholas
can't. I promise--as soon as at least one of them is healthy I'll either
come to you or go to Hilda, all right?"
"I'm going to hold you to it." he says pointing his pen at her. "I'll go
write you a script."
"And you won't say anything to Tom? He's got enough to worry about."
"He'd kill me if he knew I was keeping something like this from him, but
no I cant say anything."
"Thanks, Max." Abby gives him a hug. "I'd better go back before Elizabeth
falls asleep."
"Ok." he says.
Elizabeth is still awake when Abby comes back in. "It's funny how my
other senses have been compensated...you know like smell and 'hearing.'"
"That's because you're more focused on them," Abby tells her.
~Do I let her on that I overheard them~ she thinks. "Yeah.'
"So, how did you know it was me coming in?" Abby asks.
"Your perfume and high heels."
"Then I guess it's a good thing I went out with your father tonight."
Elizabeth nods still reeling in what she heard. A nurse comes in and gives
her the sedative through the IV.
"I'll stay with you until you fall asleep," Abby tells Elizabeth. "And I'll
be here when you wake up."
"Thanks." Elizabeth says as she turns on her side towards the wall.
Abby sits and waits for Elizabeth to fall asleep, idly humming to herself
to keep her mind preoccupied.
A nurse comes in with a cot. "Mrs. Bradford?" she whispers. "Dr. Maxwell
had this sent in for you." she then hands her a prescription.
"Thanks. Do you know if I could check in on my other daughter?" Abby asks
her, gratefully taking the prescription.
"Sure parents are allowed in 24/7."
"Great." ~Yeah, let's just hope she's asleep.~ "Then I'll go see how she's
doing and come right back."
"I'll sit with her until you get back."
"Thanks. I won't be long."
She nods.
Abby heads over to Nancy's room, but from a quick look through the door it
appears Nancy's sleeping, so Abby decides to postpone her visit until morning.
Instead, she finds a pay phone and calls home.
Tommy answers. "Hello Joannie?"
"No, Abby. What are you still doing up?"
"I couldn’t sleep, so I was trying to catch up on some homework."
"Sleep is important, too. Go to bed--there isn't going to be any news from
here until morning, anyway."
Tommy realizes she’s right. "OK..., is there another reason why you called?"
"Is your father around?"
"He just left."
"To come here? Great. I was going to tell him not to Elizabeth and Nancy
are both asleep for the night."
"Sorry, why don't you come home then?"
"I promised Elizabeth I'd be here when she woke up. The nurse set up a cot
for me in her room."
"How is she? I mean mentally."
"Better than I thought she'd be. It's only until surgery in the morning,
anyway."
"That's good." Tommy says
"I'll call you as soon as there's any news, so in the meantime, go to bed."
"Yes ma'am." he jokes. "Do I keep Nicholas home?" he asks not knowing what
Dr. Max said.
"Yes--Dr. Max said to keep him home for a few days. If none of your sisters
can stay with him this morning give the hospital a call and I'll come home."
"Ok...goodnight."
"Sleep well." Abby hangs up and goes back to Elizabeth's room.
When Abby returns she finds Elizabeth asleep.
Abby tucks her in and heads for the bathroom. After losing what little she
ate at dinner, she lies down on the cot and tries to sleep.
Mary finds Joannie at the hospital. "How is she?"
"She's been taken upstairs. I don't think we'll know anything more before
morning."
"Can we see her yet?" Mary asks Joannie
Joannie shakes her head and goes back to pacing.
Mary goes to sit down.
David arrives at the hospital and sees Mary and Joannie in the waiting room.
"How is she?"
"I don't know," Joannie says. "I thought Dad and Abby would come down and
tell us, but they haven't."
"I'm sure they will soon, how did it happen?"
"I don't know. She's been moping around the last day or two is all I know.
Think it's got anything to do with the car being dented up?"
David shrugs.
"Who's been moping around?" Noah says from behind them. "What's going
on?"
"Can you keep a secret from Nancy?" Joannie asks him.
"It depends would it make her worse if I didn't." He says and wonders
if he should tell them about the lung infection.
Joannie throws him a quick 'shut up' look.
"Let's go get some coffee." Noah says catching the hint.
"You guys can hold the fort?" Joannie asks Mary and David.
"Of course." David says.
"Go ahead." Mary says.
Joannie leads Noah out. "I haven't told everyone about Nancy. Dr. Max said
not to."
"Why did he say that?"
"He doesn't want Dad to know yet, and what the family knows, Dad knows. Now
don't go getting all bent out of shape--doesn't mean any one think Nancy
isn't important. I guess Dr. Max just thinks that knowing would be one too
many things for Dad, especially since Nancy will get better soon--she's real
tough. And since he's Dad's doctor and Dad's best friend, I'm not going to
fight him on this."
"Ok, but what is it you don't want me to tell Nancy?"
"She doesn't know about Elizabeth yet, does she?"
"Um no, not that I know of, what happened to Elizabeth?"
"I don't want you telling Nancy until she's stronger," Joannie warns.
He nods. "You can count on me. Call Tommy and tell him that I might
be calling if Nancy asks me to and to tell us that Elizabeth is sleeping
at home."
"You're a good guy, Noah."
He smiles. "Thank you, so what is wrong with Elizabeth?"
Joannie explains as much as she knows.
"Poor kid." He says. "You're right I shouldn't tell Nancy yet."
"After we know how the surgery went we'll tell Dad about Nancy and Nancy
about Elizabeth." Joannie takes a sip of her coffee. "What a mess."
"That's for sure." He says.
"Well, at least one good thing's happened to this family lately."
"What's that?" He says pretending to be oblivious.
Joannie swats him.
He laughs but then grows sober. "I'd better get back to Nancy to see if there's
an update on her yet."
"Well, don't send her my love, 'cause she'd want to know why I'm here."
"Got it, but before I go there's something else I wanted to ask you about."
"Sure--what?"
"How's Nancy been dealing with what Rick did to her?"
"I have a feeling that now that you're here, everything will be forgotten."
"I sure hope so."
"You're the best medicine around for what ails her. I just hope she knows
what a lucky kid she is."
"Thanks Joannie." He kisses her forehead and goes to see Nancy.
Tom finally finds Elizabeth's room after being directed the wrong way. "Finally."
he mumbles.
"Tom?" Abby asks sleepily.
"Yeah," he whispers. "Sorry I woke you."
"'Sok." Abby starts to get up. "Why don't you lie down for a while? I'll
sit in the chair."
"Nonsense." he says. "I'm a professional chair sleeper."
"Think you could drag that chair over here, then, next to me?"
Tom pulls the chair closer to the cot. "Is that better?"
Abby reaches for his hand. "Much better."
Tom settles in for a long night.
Abby holds his hand and dozes off.
Before he knows it. Max is in his surgical grubs. "Tom?" he wakes him gently.
"Oh Max." Tom tries to wake up "What time is it?"
"5:30." he says.
Tom tries to stand. "Ow."
"Tom, if I knew you were coming back I would have them brought in another
cot."
"That's ok, How's Elizabeth?"
"Fine, her vitals are stable. We will get started in a half hour."
The men's voices wake Abby. She sits up and gulps rapidly, trying to control
her wayward stomach. "It's time already?" she asks them.
"Yeah." Tom says. "Are you OK?'
"Give me a minute and I will be."
"Can I get you anything?" Max asks.
"No, you've done enough for me, thanks."
"Huh?" Tom asks
Abby shakes her head. "Remember, I told you I went to see Max yesterday while
I was there with Nicholas."
Tom mutters. "Sorry."
"It's OK."
"Oh no!" Tom remembers
"What?" Max asks.
"I left Joannie downstairs, she doesn't know what's going on."
"You'd better go tell her," Abby says.
Tom looks at Max
"Go ahead, we still have a few minutes before we take her to surgery."
Tom nods. "I'll be right back."
Abby sits back down to wait for Tom to return.
Tom finds Joannie downstairs. "Joannie I am so sorry."
"How's Elizabeth?" Joannie says, ignoring the apology.
"She's ok, considering.....Do you want to see her before they take her to
surgery?"
"Can I?" Joannie perks up.
"Sure." Tom says, not knowing David and Mary are there also.
"Can David and Mary come, too? If they haven't fallen asleep, that is."
"They are here?"
Joannie nods and points towards the next room. "They've been here most of
the night."
"Look, I have to get back up there." Tom gives her the room number. "Can
you get them and bring them up?"
"Sure. We'll be right there." Joannie gives her father a hug and goes to
gather her brother and sister.
While Tom was downstairs. Elizabeth awakes she forgets for a moment where
she is. "Abby?"
"I'm right here." Abby hurries over and takes Elizabeth's hand.
"What time is it?"
"Almost 6."
"So soon."
"The sooner you start, the sooner it'll all be over."
"I must admit, I'm pretty scared."
"I know. But Dr. Max will take good care of you."
"Of course I will." he states. "After all, I wouldn't let anything happen
to any Bradford."
Tom walks in.
Abby smiles at him. "You found Joannie?"
"Yeah, it seems Mary and David came last night." Tom says. "Max I told them
they could see Elizabeth before the surgery."
"That's fine Tom."
"What's up?" Mary asks when Joannie enters the waiting room.
"Dad said we can go up to see Elizabeth before they take her for surgery."
"Let's go." David says.
Joannie leads them up to Elizabeth's room.
"Hi guys." Elizabeth says as she hears their footsteps.
They enter and Mary kisses her forehead. "Hey there."
Max waits for a few minutes more, then sends for the orderlies. "Time to
go."
Abby leans down and gives Elizabeth a kiss. "We'll be there when you wake
up. It'll be all right, you'll see," she adds deliberately.
Tom gives her a kiss. 'You'll be fine sweetheart." he says then quickly steps
back before the tears start to flow.
"Bye guys." Liz says to her family.
Mary gives her another kiss.
"See you soon." David says and kisses her.
Max follows as the orderlies wheel her out. "I'll keep you informed." he
tells them
Abby hugs Tom. "Now will you get some rest, while we wait?' she whispers
to him.
"I will later, I promise." he says. "Coffee anyone?"
Mary and David nod.
"Not for me," Joannie says.
"Why not?" Tom asks
"I'll just pace."
"Come on, you can pace in the cafeteria." he states. "How's Nancy?"
"Busy with Noah," Joannie side-steps the question.
"I suppose we should wait downstairs," Abby says to Mary and David. "They
won't bring her right back upstairs."
"You're right." David says.
"I'm ready whenever you all are." Mary says.
"You two go ahead--I'll be right there," Abby tells them.
They nod and go downstairs.
Abby spends a few minutes in the bathroom, takes another dose of Max's medicine,
and then heads downstairs.
Tom is sitting there with his eyes closed. ~I wish I could have one weekend
just to sleep.~
Abby sits down next to him and takes his hand.
Tom opens his eyes. "How are you doing?"
"OK. You?"
"Exhausted."
Abby pats her shoulder. "Come on, take a nap."
"I can't, I have to call home to see how Nicholas and Tommy are." he says
but doesn't move.
"I'll have one of the kids call. You won't do anyone any good if you're exhausted."
Tom's too tired to argue and drifts off to sleep.
Abby motions Joannie over. "Call home, would you, and ask how Nicholas is
doing? And see if Tommy managed to find--" Abby makes a quick head count--"Susan
and if she could watch Nicholas while Tommy's in school."
Joannie nods and goes to call home.
"Hello." Tommy says.
"Hi," Joannie says. "Elizabeth's in surgery. How's Nicholas?"
"OK, I guess he's still sleeping."
"Abby said you should ask Susan to watch him today so you can go to school."
"She has a thing about school Doesn't she." Tommy says.
"A one-track mind."
"No kidding, I'll go ask Susan." he says.,
"Should I hang on or call you back?"
"Hang on." he says.
He rushes upstairs and knocks on Susan's door
"Come in"
"Susan, can you watch nicholas while I go to school."
"Yeah, I suppose I could watch him today."
'Thanks Susan, Abby is hassling me to go to school today"
"I agree with Abby you should go to school today. I can handle Nicholas."
"Thanks." he says. "I'll call later to see if theirs any word on Elizabeth."
"Okay." Susan says "Have a good day at school."
Tommy sighs. "Have fun taking care of Nicholas."
"Thanks. I will."
Tommy returns to the phone. "Joannie?"
"Right here."
"Susan says she will watch him."
"Great. I'll take over for her later so you can come here after school if
you want to."
"Yeah thanks, I'll drop by after my last class." he says. "You can pass on
the message to Abby i am going to school." he shakes his head.
"I'll tell the dictator she's being obeyed."
Tommy laughs. "Thanks Joannie."
"I'd better get back. Enjoy school."
"Yeah right." he says then hangs up.
Joannie goes back to report. "Tommy said Susan will stay with Nicholas this
morning."
"Good," Abby says. "Thanks, Joannie."
"And he said he'd report to school as ordered."
Abby sighs. ~Did he say that, or is it Joannie's interpretation?~
Meanwhile in Nancy's hospital room. Noah arrives and the nurse stops
him from entering.
"Why can't I go in?" He demands.
"She has a lung infection and we have to get her stabilized first." The nurse
says.
"Is she going to be ok?" Noah worries.
"Please wait outside." The nurse says and goes back in the room.
Noah waits outside the room for word.
Soon Dr. Max comes out.
"How is she?" Noah asks.
"She's going to be fine Noah."
"Can I see her?"
"Only for a few minutes, she needs her rest."
"Thanks Dr. Max." He goes inside to see Nancy.
Noah kisses Nancy as she awakens the worst part of the infection over. "How
are you feeling?"
"Much better, did Elizabeth ever come back?"
He shakes his head.
"I have to call the house and find out what happened." She says.
Noah nods hoping that Joannie's had a chance to call Tommy and tell him to
tell Nancy that Elizabeth is sleeping. Nancy dials the phone number
and waits for someone to answer.
"Hello?" Tommy says.
"Hey Tommy."
"Nancy, Hi."
"Hi, hey Elizabeth left my room pretty abruptly earlier, is everything ok?"
"Yeah, shes still asleep." he says what Joannie told him.
Nancy sighs in relief. "That's a relief."
"How are you doing?"
"I'm doing ok." She says wondering what all Tommy does know.
"That's good." he says.
"Thanks."
"I think I hear Nicholas, I have to go."
"Ok, talk to you later."
"Take Care."
"You too."
Tommy hangs up and seeks out Nicholas
Nicholas is sitting on his bed getting dressed.
"Hey buddy why are you getting dressed? You don't have to go to school
today." Tommy says.
"Who says?"
"Dad, Abby, and Dr. Max."
"Like they care, I haven’t seen them."
"Nicholas they had to go to the hospital again. Liz is sick but she's
going to be all right." He smoothes it over a little.
"How come no one told me?"
"Because you were asleep."
Nicholas sighs. ~Not fun to be sick when no one is around,~ he thinks. "I
guess i'll get back in bed."
"They'll be home soon to check on you." He says as he tucks him in.
"If you say so." Nicholas sneezes.
"Bless you, do you need a tissue?"
He nods.
Tommy gets him a tissue
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
When Tommy leaves the room. Sam enters and hops into bed with Nicholas.
"Hey boy." he says.
Sam gives him a kiss and lies down next to him guarding the bed.
Nicholas falls asleep.
As does Sam after an hour or so.
part 3