A Fresh Start
A week later, the day of her appointment with Max, Abby wakes up. ~Tomorrow,
back to work. And not a moment too soon.~ She starts to get ready.
Tom is getting dressed as well. "Enough of this."
"Enough of what?"
"Laying around, I've got work to do."
"You mean like recuperation?" Abby plays dumb.
"That too, as much as I love my roommate. Someone has to pay the mortgage."
"I'm going to Max today. He's supposed to be letting me go back to work."
"Are you sure you are ready?"
"More ready than you are, that's for sure."
"Who says?"
"I say. And if you come with me to Max, I'm sure he'll say it, too."
"This is ridiculous."
"Tom, don't get yourself worked up."
"I am not getting worked up." he starts to say loudly.
"No, of course you're not," Abby says, trying to calm him down.
Tom sighs sitting on the bed when another pang hits him.
Abby notices his expression. "See?"
"Fine, talk to Max."
"I'll take you in with me. We have an 11:00 appointment."
Tom nods.
"In the meantime, I've got some studying to do. You can take care of yourself
for a while?"
"Yes of course, I am not an invalid."
"I know that."
"Go study."
"I'll be downstairs if you need me."
Tom nods loosening his tie.
"If you want to have a cup of coffee or something together, just call me
and I'll take a break."
"In an hour?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll meet you in the kitchen."
"I'll see you then."
Tom nods.
Abby gives him a kiss and heads downstairs. An hour later, Abby goes into
the kitchen and puts coffee up to brew.
Tom comes down. "Am I late?"
"No, you're perfect."
"So are you."
"That's not what I meant, Tom," Abby laughs.
"I know, but its what I meant."
"Thank you."
"You are welcome."
"What did you do while I was studying?" Abby asks as she brings the coffee
to the table.
"Watch TV." he sighs. "That thing kills brain cells."
"You, watch TV during the day? I'm afraid to even ask what you watched."
"I really have gotten into Ryan's Hope." he whispers.
"Oh, no," Abby groans.
"Its actually pretty good." he says.
"You and my mother," Abby mutters.
"Honey, I am pulling your leg. I've been watching game shows."
"Like that's better. Some person jumping up and down, getting all excited
about a new garbage disposal." Abby looks over towards the sink and their
own legendary malfunctioning disposal. "Then again..."
"Don't even think it."
"Why not?" Abby teases. "You'd be great on one of those shows."
"No way."
"I can just see you, answering all their questions, guessing the store price
of popcorn..."
"Abby, would you just stop."
"Yes, sir."
"Besides, there is more women on those shows then men."
"Don't even think it."
"Why not? I can see you trying to price popcorn."
"But could you see me gushing all over some game show host?"
"No."
"Then that settles that."
"So we both wont be getting that new disposal."
"Oh, well. Anyway, I kind of like the old one -- it gives us a good excuse
to invite David over for dinner."
Tom chuckles. "Speaking of David, are he and Joannie still fighting?"
"Yeah," Abby says. "This show is really important to Joannie -- as apparently
David's plans are to him."
"Maybe I need to have a chat with my eldest."
"They're both adults. You could let them work it out for themselves."
"Then I couldn't be a nosy father."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll overhear the 'discussion'."
"I know, Loudly."
"In the finest Bradford tradition."
"I guess its too much to ask for all of them to get along for just a day."
"No, it's not. It's just too much to ask that it happen this century."
"Maybe the next century then."
"I'll put it on our calendar."
"We'll celebrate." he jokes.
"By then all the kids will be out of the house. It'll just be the two of
us, and every day will be a celebration."
"That'll be great."
"It will. And only twenty or so years away."
Tom sighs daydreaming about the prospects.
"You like the idea?" Abby teases.
"Don't you?"
"I love it."
Tom kisses her.
"Hold that thought for the next few decades."
"Do I have to wait that long?"
"Depends on what you have in mind."
"Our Anniversary is coming up."
"We'd better wait on any plans until we've seen Max."
"Terrific, now our happiness depends on our doctor."
"Hey, if it weren't for him we never would have met."
"True."
"And as long as we take care of ourselves, one way or the other we'll be
together for it."
Tom nods,
Abby nods. "We ought to get ready."
"I'm ready."
Abby rises. "I just have to get something from upstairs. I'll be right down."
"I'll go start the car."
"Oh, no, no, no. You're not driving."
"Huh? What's the reasoning in that?"
"Because they're doing construction along the route, and I know how tense
you get at tie-ups."
"Well if that's the reason, I may as well give up my keys all together."
"Until you're better? That might not be a bad idea."
"Abby, I'm not going to be chauffeured around like Nicholas."
"We could take a cab. Nicholas never takes cabs."
"I'm going to trust a cab driver...I think not." he says and hands her the
keys reluctantly.
~Hmm. Hadn't really planned on driving. Oh, well, it'll be OK.~ Abby
takes the keys. "I'll be right down."
He nods.
Abby is soon back downstairs. "Ready any time you are."
"No time like the present."
"Then let's go."
Tom opens the door for her.
Abby does the same for him out at the car.
Tom rolls his eyes and gets in.
Abby smiles at him and drives them to Max's office.
"I hope he has new magazines."
"I'm sure he does. He might even be up to 1969 by now."
"Hmm, yeah."
"We could buy some of our own on the way in--a present to Max."
"Then his patients wont want to leave."
"It would take more than a magazine to get me to want to hang around a doctor's
office."
"True."
"It won't be so bad. A few minutes of torture and we'll be on our way back
home."
"I supposed you are right."
They go into Max's office.
"Who's first?" Tom asks
"What would you prefer?" Abby asks.
"You."
"OK." When the receptionist calls her, Abby steps into Max's office.
"Good morning Abby." Max says.
"Good morning. Tell me I can go back to work. Please."
"Tom driving you nuts?"
Abby nods vigorously.
"Like a little kid, eh?"
"Don't insult little kids. When they make you say 'in sickness' they don't
warn you first..."
Max checks her over. "How do you feel about part days for a week or two?"
"I'll take what I can get." ~ Boy am I glad he hasn't asked how I'm feeling
so I don't have to tell him about that day last week.~
"You've been feeling all right?" he asks as he looks at her chart
"As well as can be expected," Abby says, not really lying.
"Uh huh..." waiting for her to tell him what he already knows from Tommy.
"I just have to take it slow. Working half-time probably isn't a bad idea,
to get used to going back."
"Abby, I swear you are as bad as the kids. Without naming names. I know about
your set back last week. Now how am I supposed to help you if I don't have
all the facts?"
"I just tried to do too much too fast. I told you I have to take it slow,"
Abby defends herself. "So was it Elizabeth or Tommy?"
"I can't reveal my sources; so you can read whoever it was the riot act."
he says. "Come back next week and we'll talk again about you going
back to work." he tears up her going back to work form.
"Max..."
"Abby, listen to me please?" he sits next to her. "You wouldn't want to have
one of those spells in front of one of your students would you and scare
them?"
"How about if I start off with only one student and have someone drive me
there and pick me up?" Abby asks.
Max sighs. "How many days a week with this 'one' student?"
"Whatever you allow. Look, Max, Tom is already getting antsy about how the
bills will be paid. I've used up all my sick leave--I've got to get back
to work. The only question is, what's the safest way?"
"Ok, I still feel like I am being conned." he states. "One student only this
week and then we'll talk again next week ok?" he writes up a new release
form.
"OK. And if I need to, I'll see you sooner," Abby promises.
"Look I am sorry I was being hard on you." Max says. "I hope you understand."
"I do. I just hope Tom is as understanding when you're hard on him."
"Uh oh, what is it with you two? Is he still feeling under the weather?"
"According to him, he's perfectly fine. Not that that's true, of course."
Max sighs. "Send him in."
"Good luck," Abby says as she gets up to leave. She goes back to the waiting
room. "Your turn," she tells Tom.
Tom goes in. "Hey Max."
"You look a little better than the last time I saw you here," Max says.
"I'm feeling great, when can I go back to work." Tom says still standing.
"Sit down and let me take a look at you."
Tom sits.
Max begins to examine him. "How have you been feeling?"
"Fine just Fine, never better."
"Uh huh." Max presses on his stomach.
Tom tries not to grimace in agony.
"Nice try, Tom. Now, how do you really feel?"
"So I hurt a little, so what?"
"So it means you are not 'fine' unless you've found some new definition of
the word that I don't know about."
"Max, I have to get back to my column."
"From a hospital bed?" Max threatens.
'Now you are exaggerating."
"Not the way you're headed."
"What if I don't go into the office and work from home?"
"Could you do that without getting upset at everyone disturbing you?"
"Max, would it make you happy if I lose the house because I can't pay the
mortgage? Then we would all have to move in with you."
"Now you're exaggerating, Tom."
"Am I?" he says.
Max sighs. "How about I let you work a limited amount of time each day--say,
in the mornings when the house is quiet?"
"Fine that's all I need."
"You and your wife..." Max mutters.
"What was that?"
"Nothing. Nothing."
"Anything else?"
"When are you planning to start working?"
"Tomorrow."
"Fine. Then I'll be over tomorrow afternoon to check on you."
"You don't trust me?"
"Should I?"
"Now Max...."
"Yes?"
"I think you have known me long enough that when I say I'll do something,
I will. So yes you can trust me."
"I trust you, I trust you. Can't a guy come over and check up on his friend?"
"Sure he can."
"All right, then I'll see you tomorrow night."
"Bring a deck of cards."
"All right, I will."
"Are we done here?"
"Yes, we are," Max says, a little hurt by his friend's attitude.
"Thanks Max, sorry I gave you a hard time."
"It's all right," Max says, somewhat mollified. "After all this time, I know
you."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You're a great friend, Tom, but a lousy patient."
"Oh, well 1 out of 2 isn't bad." he jokes
"That's right. Good patients are a dime a dozen."
Tom smiles. "Max, thanks and I really mean that. I know Abby and I give you
a hard time at times but we do appreciate you.'
"That's good to know. Now go home and get some rest."
"Yes Doctor." he says and meets Abby in the waiting room.
"So?" Abby asks.
"I can work a couple of hours a day from home; you?"
"I can start tutoring, but slowly--one kid at a time." ~I wonder if he lied
to Max to get permission to work.~
"It was a tough sale." Tom states.
"How did you get him to agree, then?"
"By threatening to move in with him, if we couldn't pay the mortgage."
"Gee, I didn't know you were that desperate to get close to Daisy," Abby
jokes.
Tom laughs. "Well, it worked."
"But you will take it easy, won't you?" Abby frets.
"Yes, I'll take it easy." he promises. "You?"
"The only way to take it."
"I guess we will see."
"I guess." ~And I will be watching you.~
"What do you want to do now?"
"Shouldn't I take you home to rest?"
Tom sighs. "I'm tired of resting."
"So what do you want to do instead?"
"How about a movie? I'll even let you pick."
~We can both rest at a movie~ Abby rationalizes. "You never like my choices.
You pick, but no Disney."
"Fine." They go to the new multiplex "How about Escape from Alcatraz?"
"Sounds autobiographical."
"Hmm…who's?" he jokes.
"Why don't we go see it and find out?"
Tom pays for the tickets and they go in.
Abby tries to steer Tom safely past the concession stand.
"No popcorn or raisinettes?"
"They're probably not ulcer-friendly."
Tom sighs. "Ok."
Abby takes his arm and leads him to the theater.
They go in as the previews start. Tom notices a young man in the front. "If
I didn't know better, that looks like Tommy." he whispers to Abby. Then watches
the screen.
Abby spends her time watching the young man down in front. ~First the music
store, now this?~
"I need a soda, can I get you one?" Tom asks Abby.
"Yes, please." ~And while you're gone I can check if that's Tommy.~
Tom gets up and stands in line at the concession stand.
Abby moves down front and into a seat next to the young man.
Tommy turns his head. "Abby? What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you then same thing," Abby whispers back.
"It's not what you think." he states. "It's homework."
"So where's the rest of your class?"
"Look, I know it looks bad, but I can explain it at home, OK? After the movie?"
"Your father is here, too," Abby tells him.
"What? He'll freak. Abby please get him out of here."
"And just how am I supposed to do that?"
"Tell him you have a headache or something."
"Oh, he'll find that very calming. OK, OK, I'll see what I can do. But this
explanation had better be good."
~I hope it is.~ "Thanks Abby, I owe you one."
"You most certainly do," Abby says, and heads back to her own seat.
Tom comes back with the sodas.
"Thank you," Abby says, and gives him a kiss.
"Thank you, but it was just a soda."
"Well, thanks anyway." Abby takes a sip of her soda and casually lays a hand
on Tom's knee, slowly working higher.
Tom turns red. "Abby, what are you trying to do?" he whispers at her.
"I can't help it," Abby whispers back. "A dark movie theater, a handsome
date..."
"We've been to movies before, why is this different?"
"I don't know," Abby whispers in his ear, taking the opportunity to nuzzle
it, "it just is. Do you want me to stop?"
"No." he whispers back. "but we better go home before you get me arrested."
Abby kisses him again. "So let's go already."
Tom leads her to the car.
Abby manages to land a few more kisses along the way. "I'll take you to see
the rest of that movie sometime," she promises.
"Thanks." he says. "But I have a feeling what we have planned is ten times
better than a movie."
"Twenty," Abby corrects him. "At least."
Tom winks at her.
"Don't do that unless you want me distracting you while I drive."
"I'll be good." he states.
"That's exactly what I'm counting on."
Tom turns red.
Abby smiles and starts the car. ~Boy, are you in luck, Tommy Bradford.
You get what you want and I get what I want--a win/win situation if ever
there was one. But your explanation had better be good...~
They go home and make passionate love. Soon Tom is asleep and then the kids
start to come home.
Abby gets dressed and goes downstairs, lying in wait for Tommy.
Elizabeth walks in. "Hi Abby, how was your day?"
"Oh, you know how it is when you're recuperating."
"Yeah, boring." she says. Tommy and Nicholas soon follow in "Hi Abby." Nicholas
replies.
"Hi, Nicholas. Tommy."
"Hi Abby." Tommy says.
"Hey Abby, that trick you showed me for math? It really works. I got a A
on my test today." Nicholas tells her.
"That's great. I told you you could do it."
"You know its kind of nice to see you here when I get home." he tells her.
~Speak for yourself.~ Tommy sighs.
"That's good, because I plan to be around when you get home. Gives me a chance
to talk to you," Abby says to Nicholas, but looking at Tommy.
"Are there any cookies?"
"I'm pretty sure there are some left in the kitchen. Why don't you go check
while I hear how Tommy's day went?"
"Ok." he says and runs for the kitchen.
"I'll go help him." Liz says as she sees the looks on Abby and Tommy's faces.
"I suppose you want me in the study?" Tommy asks.
"Always said you were smart," Abby says as she leads the way.
Tommy sighs and walks into the study.
Abby closes the doors. "OK, I lived up to my end of the bargain--I got your
father out of there and he never even gave the person he thought looked like
you a second thought. Now's your turn: what were you doing there?"
"Like I said, homework for Civics class. We were supposed to write an essay
on one prison in the country and the history of it and I was assigned Alcatraz.
I haven't had time to go to the library because of band practice, so I went
to the movie instead. Went back to school wrote my essay during study hall
and turned it in."
"You used a movie as your only research source for a paper?" Abby asks.
He nods.
"Because of band practice."
"I've been busy and its no different than Joannie, Susan or Mary using Clift
notes." he states.
"Depends on why and how they use them."
"The point is they use them."
"Not necessarily. Using something to help you understand the work you've
done is far from the same as using fiction as a crutch when you didn't make
time to research the facts."
"You never used them?" Tommy asks
"You've managed to find the one thing I never did do in my misguided youth."
The phone rings Elizabeth picks it up before her Dad has a chance too. "Hello?
Yeah just a minute." Elizabeth considers getting her Dad but remembers what
Abby said. She knocks on the study door.
"Don't go anywhere," Abby warns Tommy. "Come in," she says to the person
outside the door.
"Hi, a call for Dad but I thought you might want it. Its Tommy civics teacher
Mr. Jackman?"
"Sure, I'll take it. Be glad to. Thanks," Abby says as she picks up the phone.
Tommy sinks into a chair.
"Hi I was on hold for Mr. Bradford?" the man says.
"This is Mrs. Bradford--will I do?"
"Of course, I am sorry." He wonders where he has heard that voice before......~nah
it couldn't be~ "Uh I have a strange feeling I know you."
"Maybe from some teacher's union meeting. I used to be Abby Abbot."
"Of course, Mrs. Abbott. Its Phil Jackman, I was one of your student aides."
"Oh, that makes me feel about 102."
He laughs. "Don't, this is my first year." he says. "Its about Tommy? He
turned in a paper today and it was very good almost as good as a movie script."
he states.
"So he just got through telling me. How do you want to handle it?"
"First tell Tommy teachers go to movies too and normally I would fail him
but as a favor to you I'll let him do another paper, only double in size?
Will that be fair?"
"I think that would be more than fair. Thank you."
"You taught me well Mrs. Abb..er Mrs. Bradford, its the least I can do."
"I appreciate it. I'd better go tell Tommy."
"Good luck." he states. ~Poor kid.~ he chuckles under his breath. "Bye now."
he then hangs up.
Abby hangs up and turns to Tommy. "Want to hear the good news first or the
bad?"
"Sounds like no matter what I hear I'm not going to like it. So its your
choice."
"Well...the good news is your teacher liked your paper. The bad news is that
he liked it even better when he saw it at the movies. The good news is that
he was one of student aides, so he'll go easy on you. Of course, the bad
news is that he was one of my student aides, so you can guess at his idea
of 'taking it easy'."
Tommy moans. "Terrific."
"Yep. Redo your paper--this time, the right way. Oh, and double the pages."
"Double? You have to be joking."
"I might be, but your teacher wasn't. Originally, he was going to fail you."
"For one paper?"
"For cheating."
"It wasn't cheating....but I'll never convince you of that. So I'll start
the redo tonight after practice."
"No, you'll practice after you start the redo."
"But I can't the guys are expecting me and we have a gig this weekend."
Tommy throws the door open and heads upstairs.
Abby shakes her head and follows him out of the study.
Elizabeth comes out of the kitchen. "What happened?"
"I guess you should ask Tommy that, but remember--I have my spies everywhere."
"Huh? What does that mean?"
"In your case, nothing. In Tommy's, a few slammed doors and a lot of work."
"School?"
Abby nods.
"Oh." she replies.
Tom comes downstairs. "What was the slamming about?"
"Tommy," Abby says, making light of the situation. "He didn't like that I
made him start on his homework before band practice."
"We've got to do something about that." Tom states.
"Let him slam doors if it makes him feel better--as long as he does his homework,
which he will."
Tom sighs. "Out of all the kids Joan and I have always had trouble with him
buckling down to do his homework." he says. "I just don't understand it."
Abby takes a deep breath. "Tom, have you ever considered getting him tested
for learning disabilities?"
"Tommy? Learning disabled? That's absurd, he's just lazy"
"Tom, you know that's not true. When I was tutoring him, he was anything
but lazy."
"Well then not lazy but rebellious."
"Tom, would you stop trying to think the worst of him for a minute and think?
You know he's not lazy, and you know he's not just rebellious--well, no more
than any of the others. What's so wrong with getting him tested?"
"It'll label him."
"Would you rather have him labeled and helped or unlabelled and a dropout?"
Tom shakes his head. "Ok, we'll have him tested. But how are we going to
tell him?"
"I suppose I should. It was my idea."
"He's not going to go willingly."
"I'll do my best."
"Good luck."
"I'll probably need it."
Tom nods.
A little while later Noah drives Nancy home from school and walks her to
the door. She expects that he's going to kiss her but he doesn't.
She looks at him strangely. "Do I need a breath mint or something?"
"Huh?" He tries to play dumb.
"You can kiss me you know I won't bite." She says.
~But it's hard to do that nowadays when we can't do more.~ "Honey it's my
breath that's bad today. I'll see you later." He hurriedly heads home.
She sighs and goes inside.
Meanwhile Elizabeth is in the kitchen when Nancy walks in. "Hi Sis."
"Hi." She says a little distracted.
"Uh, you OK?"
"No not really."
"Why what happened?"
"Noah wouldn't kiss me."
"What? You are kidding."
"I wish I was, he rarely puts his arm around me anymore."
"Have you tried talking to him about it?"
"Yes and it's like talking to a brick wall. He just changes the subject
or makes excuses."
"Sounds like you need to make an ultimatum, either tell you what's wrong
or else."
"But it's not good to give someone an ultimatum. Mom always told us
that."
Elizabeth shrugs. "Well if you don't want to know where you stand with him,
then don't talk to him."
"Because I don't want to give him an ultimatum suddenly I'm the bad one who
doesn't want to talk to him? Gee thanks."
"Nancy, that's not what I meant. What I meant was, Isn't it better knowing
upfront then trying to guess what's wrong?"
She takes a deep breath and lets it out. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to
take it out on you. And yes it is better."
"Just consider it, OK?"
Nancy nods. "Ok, so do you need any help in here?"
"Make a salad?"
"Sure." Nancy gets started. "I've been noticing something lately."
"What's that?"
"That you've been there a lot for some of us lately."
"I have?" she asks perplexed.
"Yes you have, is there anything you need to talk about?"
"Besides trying to keep this family functioning?" she says as she makes dinner.
"Keeping this family functioning shouldn't be all up to you."
"Well tell that to Joannie, Susan and Mary."
Mary overhears and seeks Joannie and Susan out.
"They'll come around." Nancy says. "They are busy maybe they don't
realize."
"I know."
Nancy continues to do the salad.
"Feel like that movie tonight?"
"Actually yes I do. I'll talk to Noah tomorrow."
"Great."
"Yeah great."
"Maybe we get Abby out of here too for awhile."
Nancy smiles. "That will be fun."
"I'll ask her later."
She nods
"How's the salad coming?"
"It's finished."
Upstairs, Tommy is on his room reading the same paragraph over and over.
Abby comes in and closes the door behind her. "Tommy, I need to talk to you."
"Now what:?
"Tommy, I want to ask you a question and I want an honest answer, OK?"
Tommy sighs and nods.
"Do you have trouble with your reading assignments?"
"What do you mean?"
"Words or letters getting mixed up, not looking right, hard to understand
even though when you hear them you know just what the text is talking about."
"I'm not retarded." he states.
"I didn't say that, Tommy. In fact, I know you're not--far from it. I just
asked you a question."
Tommy concedes and says "Yes."
"I wish you'd said something," Abby sighs, "although given your comment about
my question, I'm not surprised you didn't. No wonder school is so hard for
you, Tommy--it probably has nothing to do with being stupid or lazy or any
of the other names people --and you-- called you. I'd like to take you to
get tested, and if I'm right, we can get you help."
"Tested?" he says. "You are kidding, no way."
"It's not a test like in school--well, not for the most part. A test like
at school would sort of defeat the purpose."
"And then what? Being assigned to the special ed classes?"
"You, in special ed?" Abby laughs. "No. You'd probably need some tutoring,
but I know you could live through that, and some new ways to assimilate what
the other kids get through reading, but there's no way I'd let anyone put
you in a special ed class."
"Really? You wouldn't?"
"Whatever kind of students special ed was meant to work with, I know the
kind of students who are put into those classes, and you're not like them.
You're very bright, Tommy. You've just got some problems in the way words
on the printed page make their way into your head."
He nods. "In the meantime, what do I do about this paper?"
"You know, there are places where people who can't see well can get books
that have been read onto tapes. Maybe they'll have something on Alcatraz."
"So when does this 'testing' take place?"
"I don't know. I'll call and get you an appointment."
"Do you think until then I can get a reprieve from school until we find out
for sure?"
"No, but I'll help you with your reading assignments."
"I kind of figured that, but I had to ask."
"You wouldn't be you if you hadn't."
"True." he states.
"I'll let you know what I find out."
"May I go to band practice?"
Abby nods. "Leave me your book and your tape recorder. I'll try to read some
of it onto tape while you're out."
"You'd do that for me?" he asks surprised. "After everything I have put you
through."
"I would. Now get everything together or you're going to be late."
"Yes ma'am." he says halfway smiling grabbing his guitar and showing her
where the tape recorder is.
"And don't stay out too late," Abby warns him.
"I won't." he says as he runs out of the room past his Dad. "See ya later."
"Bye." Tom says confused. "Well?" he asks Abby."
"He agreed to get tested. It took some persuasion, though."
"I can imagine." he says feeling guilty for all the times he has yelled at
him.
"I just don't understand why it took me so long to see there might be a problem,"
Abby says.
"You? What about me?"
"You're not trained to recognize the signs. Besides, you're too close to
him to see them."
"But you think with eight kids I should have known something and what about
his past teachers?"
"I don't know. The problem with learning disabled kids is that they can be
very bright and fool everyone. Then they fall through the cracks."
"Thank you."
"For?"
"For being a part of this family, I know its cliché but I don't know
how we would have managed."
"Tom..." Abby starts, then ends with a sigh. "Never mind."
"I know how you feel about what I said, just forget I said it." Tom says.
"I'm going to go lay down again."
Abby nods. "I'll go check how the girls are doing on dinner."
"Ok." he says and leaves Tommy's room.
Abby heads downstairs.
Part 2