Testing, testing
Part 1
Later that afternoon, Nancy gets the mail, brings it inside, and discovers
and envelope from Brad her boss at the modeling agency. She puts the
rest of the mail on the desk and opens the envelope. In it is about
10 or 12 sealed letters from people she doesn't know and a letter from Brad
stating that it's fan mail and to call him whenever she wants to come
back and model again.
"Wow, never expected this." She takes it into the kitchen gets something
to drink and starts reading them. Most of them are the standard kind
of fan letters. There's a couple of proposals and one weird letter.
After she reads the weird one she shakes her head. "Yeah right not
in this lifetime buddy." She shrugs it off and trashes that one.
Soon a family member walks in.
"Whad thadt?" Elizabeth says sneezing,
"Would you believe fan mail? And what are you doing out of bed."
"Cool and I needed some Tea."
"I'll make it, you sit down." She gets it started.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, I think I should write these people back except for
the weird one."
"Which one?" Liz says as she sifts through them.
"The one I threw in the trash."
"May I read it?"
"As long as you don't show it to Nicholas." She retrieves it and hands it
to her.
Elizabeth eyes goes wide. "This is disgusting."
"Very, that guy has a few loose screws."
"You might want to save it, just in case.:"
"Why? And besides what if Nicholas decides he wants to snoop and finds
it?"
"Well if the guys continue...well you never know what he'll do, give it to
Dad or Abby for safe keeping."
"I think I'll give it to Abby. No need to worry dad unless I get more
letters from this jerk."
"Yeah."
"I'm just glad he has no idea where I live you know."
She nods sipping her tea.
Nancy puts the letter in her pocket till Abby gets home.
"I'm going back to bed."
"Do you want to stay down here and watch TV instead?"
"Thanks, but I'd rather sleep."
"Ok."
"See ya later and thanks for the tea."
"You're welcome."
Liz goes back to bed
Nancy looks for Abby so she can give her the letter to hide so Nicholas don't
find it and read the smut.
It's late when Tom and Abby finally pull into the driveway. "Oh, finally."
Tom yawns.
"Well, if you'd drive more than 50 miles an hour..."
"Funny." he states.
"Well, I guess you did have a few distractions."
"A few? Try one."
"Yes, but I'm a woman of many personalities."
"Don't tell me I'm living with Sybil."
"Not interested in an unpredictable woman?"
"Not that unpredictable when I have to worry about my life."
Abby caresses Tom's face. "If I kill you, you'll die a happy man."
"You are correct there."
"Sure you want to risk being alone with me tonight?"
"I think its a risk worth taking."
"Guess I'll just have to make it worth your while."
"You always do."
"I'm not hearing a complaint, am I?"
"On the contrary."
"Compliments?"
"Of course its a compliment."
"If you think you're complimenting me now--just you wait."
"I can hardly wait."
"You're going to have to wait, at least until we get inside, or you'll be
educating the whole neighborhood."
"Then lets go."
They head inside. Nancy waits for them to come in while trying to stay awake.
Abby sees her when they walk in to the house. "Nancy. Just the person I wanted
to see. What did Dr. Max say?"
"That he's not sure it was the filet mignon it might have been stress and
if I have it again to keep an eye on my blood sugars."
"That's good advice even if you don't have problems."
Nancy nods and then asks. "Can I talk to you alone for a minute?"
"Um, sure. Tom, why don't you take our bag upstairs? I'll be there in a minute."
Tom nods.
"Thanks Dad."
"No problem honey." Tom says.
"I'll be right up," Abby says and gives him a kiss.
Tom smiles
"Brad sent me an envelope with fan mail in it and one of the letters was
pretty strange I was wondering if you could hide it for me in case I need
it later," Nancy says once she and Abby are alone.
"Sure. But what do you mean by strange?"
"Someone who isn't playing with a full deck. Very delusional,
Elizabeth described it as disgusting."
"Mind if I read it?"
She takes it out and hands it to her. "No I don't mind."
Abby quickly reads the letter. "Elizabeth's right. Does Brad know you're
getting letters like this?"
"I don't think he does they were all unopened."
"I think you should tell him. He needs to know to keep his eyes open."
Nancy nods. "I'll call him in the morning. Hopefully this is just a one time
thing."
"I certainly hope so."
"And if not, there'll definitely be a restraining order and police involvement.
I'm not putting up with this."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Nancy smiles. "Thanks it's good to say it, a year ago I probably would
have been panicking."
"There are some benefits to growing up."
"That's for sure. Hey Elizabeth has a cold."
"It's always someone in this family, isn't it?" Abby sighs.
"Don't worry Dr. Max says she'll be all right."
"That's good, but we should organize the tea and soup brigade, just in case."
"Already been done."
"Great. Well, I'm beat--it was a long drive. I'll keep that letter safe."
"Thanks Abby."
"You're welcome." Abby gives her a hug and then heads upstairs.
Elizabeth comes out of her bedroom sneezing on the way to the bathroom.
"Bless you," Abby says.
"Oh thanks, welcome home."
"Thanks. Sorry you're not feeling well."
"Its ok, Dr. Max told me to stay in for a day or two."
"You'll be able to keep your dad and me company."
"Great."
"Don't look so enthusiastic."
"Sorry, this cold just makes me feel miserable, really I am glad you home."
"Why don't you get a good night's sleep and tomorrow we'll try to knock that
cold out of your system."
"With a one two punch?" she jokes.
"If one is tea and two is soup, we'll have that cold on the canvas by nightfall."
Liz laughs. "Thanks. Oh, Did Nancy tell you about an appointment for a test
in the morning?"
"Yes, thanks." Abby snaps her fingers. "I almost forgot--I have to go talk
to Tommy."
"Ok. Goodnight then."
"Sleep well." Abby continues on and knocks at the boy's door.
Tommy gets up and answers half asleep.
"Oh, I didn't realize you'd be asleep."
"It is after eleven."
"Sorry. I just wanted to tell you that the test is set up for tomorrow morning."
"Do we have to do this?"
"Of course you don't have to. But wouldn't it be nice to get all the 'you've
just got to apply yourself' people off your back, once and for all?"
Tommy nods. "I guess I see you in the morning."
"At least it means you don't have to go to school."
Tommy laughs. "Good point."
"I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight."
"Good night," Abby says, and heads off towards her own bedroom.
Tom has the bed covers pulled down. "Is Nancy ok?"
"She'll be fine. No immediate danger that I can see."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Nothing important. Oh, and Elizabeth and Tommy will be home tomorrow."
"Why? Elizabeth taking the test too?"
"No, she's got a bad cold. Max told her to rest for a few days. I just hope
she doesn't start an epidemic."
"Terrific." he sighs.
"Maybe it is a good thing I'll be home from now on."
"I'm still going to write that column."
"Did I thank you for that idea?"
"A few times but I don't mind being thank again."
Abby puts her arms around Tom. "Thank you."
"You are welcome."
"I don't know--you're writing a column at my request. I feel like I owe you
something more than a simple 'thank you'."
"You paid me at lookout point, but if you want to repay me, I don’t mind."
"Paid you? That was barely a down payment."
"You'll find my repayment plans very reasonable."
"Do you want a lump sum payment or can I spread it out over time?"
"Over time is good, that way I can collect on the interest."
"Oh, I think you'll find my payment methods very interesting."
"How so?"
"I can be very inventive."
"Hmmm. I am intrigue."
"Want a demonstration?"
"Don't you have to get up early in the morning?"
"Yeah, I suppose I do."
"A rain check?"
"Redeemable any time."
Tom kisses her. "I love you."
"With what I'm planning for you, I should hope so."
"Lets get some sleep and you can show me tomorrow night."
Abby nods. "I'll bet you need your rest, anyway, after the last two days."
"Don't you?'
~More than I'm willing to admit.~ "I suppose it couldn't hurt."
Tom crawls into bed. "You know there is something said for cuddling."
"Oh? What can be said for it?"
"Being close and comforting."
"I'm all for being close and comforting," Abby says, climbing into bed next
to him.
Tom nuzzles closer and shuts out the light. "Goodnight."
"Love you."
"I love you."
"Good night."
Tom falls asleep before he can answer.
Not long after, Abby is asleep too, and way too soon after that the alarm
goes off.
Tom groans and shuts it off. "Abby, its time to get up."
Abby groans and puts the pillow over her head.
"Abby, Tommy's test remember?"
Abby groans again, but gets out of bed. "Remind me never to schedule anything
for mornings, ever again."
"Even work?" He asks.
"That's not something I have to worry about right now, remember?"
"Yeah, but I do." he states as he gets out of bed.
"Uh huh. Coffee."
"Please."
"I was asking, not offering, but I'll go put some up," Abby says and reluctantly
gets out of bed.
"Thank you, I owe you one."
"You certainly do," Abby says as she stumbles around the room to find her
robe.
Tom falls back to sleep.
Abby glares at him a moment before heading downstairs.
Elizabeth is sitting at the table just staring.
"Want some tea?" Abby offers her.
She nods. "Thanks."
Abby puts water up to boil and coffee to perk. "Did you get any sleep last
night?"
"About an hour or so."
"Well, you can make it up this morning," Abby consoles her.
"I hope so."
"We'll try to keep it quiet. At the least you can rest."
"I'm going to go lay and watch some TV."
Abby makes her a cup of tea. "Here--don't forget this."
"Thanks Abby." she says as she takes the tea into the den.
Abby prepares a tray with two cup of coffee and takes it upstairs.
Tom is getting out of bed when Abby comes in. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Abby says, sinking into a chair with her cup of coffee.
"You ok?"
"Nothing that a few hours sleep won't cure."
"Hmm, I know that feeling."
"After Tommy finishes his test, I think I'm going to take a nap."
"I'll join you."
"I have a feeling we're not going to get much rest."
"I can always rest on the couch, if you prefer." he jokes.
"Like you'd get any more rest there."
"Touch'e"
"And if you don't rest, why should I?"
"Because I worry about you."
"Then I really think you ought to take that nap with me. You know, keep an
eye on me."
Tom smiles. "Maybe I'll just do that."
"You're such a concerned husband. Selfless, really."
"Well someone has to take care of you."
"And you certainly know how to do that."
Tom kisses her. "I better get started on that column."
"And I've got to try to wake Tommy up. I'll come get you later."
"Ok." he gives her another kiss and leaves.
Abby finishes her coffee and then goes to knock on the boys' door.
"Come in." Nicholas says.
"Nicholas, shouldn't you be getting to school? You're going to be late."
"I'm going." he sighs.
"Good. Tommy still asleep?"
"He's in the bathroom."
"Oh, that's good."
Nicholas runs past her "Bye."
"Bye," Abby says, smiling, and then goes to knock on the bathroom door. "Don't
take all day, Tommy," she yells.
"I'll be right out."
"I'll get your breakfast ready."
"Thanks." he calls out.
"Just don't let it get cold," Abby says before heading downstairs.
Tommy finishes getting ready and heads downstairs.
Abby puts his breakfast on the table.
"So how long will this test take?"
"It's generally two hours, give or take."
"Then what?"
"Then they grade it, and we should have an answer by the end of the week.
If that is your problem, we work on an individualized education plan, get
you the help you'd need to learn how to deal with the problem and figure
out other ways to get the information into you, like that tape we've been
working on."
Tommy sighs in a depressed mode.
"Just take it one step at a time, Tommy, OK?"
"Yeah."
"Good. The test first, then we'll talk."
Tommy finishes his breakfast. "I'll be outside."
"Just don't wander off far, OK?"
"Ok." he gets up and goes outside to shoot baskets.
Soon Mary and Nancy venture downstairs.
Nancy pours herself some coffee while Mary still tries to come to terms with
the fact that it's morning.
"You two hungry?" Abby asks.
"Yes, and good morning." Nancy says.
All Mary can do is nod at the moment she can't talk yet.
"Good morning," Abby says and starts preparing two more portions, knowing
Mary will wake up at some point.
"Good morning you two." Mary finally says.
"She speaks," Abby gasps.
Nancy laughs.
"Hey I don't do mornings." Mary says to them.
"We've noticed."
Mary smiles at her comment.
Abby brings their food to the table.
They start eating.
"I've got to go get dressed," Abby tells them. "I'll be down soon."
"Ok."
"If anyone comes by, call me, OK?"
"Sure."
"Thanks."
Tommy waits for Abby.
Abby quickly gets dressed and comes back downstairs. "Anyone come?" she asks
whoever is still in the kitchen.
"Not yet." Tom says from the kitchen.
"I wonder what's keeping him," Abby frets.
"Who?" Tom asks
"The person who is supposed to run the test," Abby reminds him.
The doorbell rings. "Oh, that must be him. Could you get that while I go
get Tommy?"
"Oh right. " Tom says. "Sorry." Tom goes and gets the door.
"Good morning. I'm looking for Tommy Bradford," a pretty young lady says.
"Right Come on in." Tom says
"Thank you. Is there a quiet place I can get set up?"
"Uh yeah, I guess you can use the study."
"Actually, I prefer a less scholastic area. Do you have a den or porch no
one uses during the day?"
"The screen porch."
"Thanks."
Abby goes out the back door to call Tommy in. "Tommy, they're here."
"OK." Tommy goes in.
Abby follows him.
The young woman follows Tom to the porch and starts to set up just as Abby
and Tommy walk in the back door.
"Hi." Tommy says with little enthusiasm.
"Hello, Tommy," the girl says. "I'm Kristine. I'm a grad student over at
the University and I'll be running your test. Then my professor will look
them over, and we can take it from there. Do you need anything before we
start?"
"No thanks."
"All right." The grad student pulls out her papers. "Then we can begin as
soon as you can muster up the enthusiasm."
"Sorry."
"Are you always like this?"
"No." he says. "Just allergic to tests."
"Oh, I know the feeling. You should have seen me before I took a test like
this one."
"You? But you are a grad student."
"Now. I nearly flunked out of high school. I set a new record for academic
probations."
"I know about that."
"But once I knew it wasn't that I was dumb or lazy or anything and my teachers
and I learned how to get the information into me, well--hello, college, hello
grad school. I'm not straight As or anything, but I'm doing OK, and I like
what I'm learning."
Tommy sighs not quite believing. "OK, where do we start?"
The grad student administers the test.
Before her classes Nancy pays Brad a visit.
"Nancy, you look good."
"Thanks Brad, you look tired.'
"I am, trying to find a model for an ad campaign."
"I'd love to but will there be a tutor there for me?"
"Huh? Nancy You want to come back to work?"
"Well to be serious it's not actually a good time with the way my studies
are going, and that's not the reason I'm here."
"Then what?"
"One of the fan mails wasn't very good." She shows him the letter that
she had gotten back from Abby that morning and was going to return if Brad
didn't need to keep it.
"Nancy, I'm sorry, From now on we'll screen the mail."
"Thank you and it's not your fault, but if another one arrives I want to
know about it because I'll be pressing charges."
Brad nods. "So when can you go to LA?"
"Huh?"
"The modeling job, its in Los Angeles."
"If you throw in a tutor to help me with my studies I can leave Monday.
If not I'll need to discuss it with my parents."
"I'll throw in a tutor, what the subject?"
"History mostly, and also Psychology."
"Ok, its a deal. I'll make the arrangements."
"Thanks Brad." She smiles.
"No, thank you."
"Uh you're welcome. I better get home and start packing. You'll
call me and let me know all the arrangements?"
He nods. "I'll let you know this afternoon."
"I'll be home." She says.
"Good."
She soon leaves and heads back home to start packing.
In the kitchen, Abby paces.
Tom comes in. "Trying to pace through China?"
"Well, it's good exercise," Abby says, stopping for a moment and then starting
again.
"Sit down and have a cup of coffee with me."
"Weren't you supposed to be working?"
"I can't concentrate just now."
"Tommy?"
"Yeah…how about you?"
"If I was just pacing for the exercise--there are better ways to burn off
breakfast."
"Is there something more than just the test bothering you?'
"Why would you think that?" Abby tries to scoff.
"Because, you are a teacher." Tom says. "What's up?"
"Oh, I don't know. I'm just feeling a little confused, I guess."
"About?'
"Everything. If I were so serious about my career, I wouldn't have gotten
fired, right? And if I were that good a teacher, I would have seen Tommy
needed help a long time ago. And if I were any kind of stepmother I'd be
happier with the prospect of staying home, and...well, you get the idea."
"Oh boy." Tom says. "Your mind is working overtime." Tom says. "Abby, you
are a great teacher and stepmother rather you decide to go back to work or
not."
"Of course you'd say that."
"Huh?"
"You're my husband," Abby says. "What are you going to tell me, 'I think
you're pretty rotten, but that's OK, because I love you'?"
"I have eight witnesses to back me up." Tom states. "And trust me they aren't
easy to please."
"I'm not sure I'd count on all eight if I were you."
"Joannie, I know. But why do you always looks at the glass half empty instead
of full?"
"Less disappointing that way."
"Oh I am sure Nicholas, Tommy and the rest of them appreciate that."
"If I'm so wonderful, then why did Tommy look like I was leading him to his
execution?"
Tom rolls his eyes. "Honey he’s scared, that’s no reflection on you."
"I know. But he's not the only one who gets scared, you know."
"I know, but so do I. I wouldn't be a parent if I wasn't."
"How come you never told me all these down sides to being a parent before
we got married?"
"I was afraid you'd run the other way." he smiles.
"That was probably wise."
"Parenting is a thankless job, but every once in awhile you do get an occasional
thank you and then its all been worthwhile.'
Abby looks towards the screen porch. "Well, I'm not expecting a thank you
from there any time soon."
"It'll be all right."
"You're right. I suppose."
Tom laughs.
Abby starts pacing again and checks her watch.
Tommy comes out.
Abby stops mid-pace. "Well? How'd it go?"
"I don't know, ask her."
Kristine follows Tommy out and overhears this. "Hey, I just administer the
test. My professor is the one who checks it."
"How do you think it went?" Tom asks.
"Tommy would know as well as I would."
Tommy shrugs. "Ok, I guess."
"How long until you've got the results?" Abby asks the grad student.
"Probably by tomorrow," she says. "I can try to push for them today."
"Thank You." Tom states. "can I get you anything before you leave."
"No thanks. I want to drop this off before I have to get to class."
Tom nods. "I'll show you out."
"Thank you."
Tom walks her out.
Meanwhile, Abby asks Tommy, "So, it went OK?"
"I guess, it like one of those tests where there isn’t a right or wrong answer."
"Those are my favorite kinds."
"I suppose."
Abby checks her watch. "If you hurry, you can still make your afternoon classes."
"Yeah, ok." he says. "I'll see you later."
"We'll be here."
Tommy leaves.
Abby starts to head upstairs. ~Guess Tom's not coming up after all.~
Tom finishes his column and then goes upstairs a half hour later.
Abby's in bed reading a text book. "I'd wondered where you'd gotten to."
"Once I got started, I couldn't stop." he says and hands her the column.
"You sure you wanting me reading it before it's published?"
"I promised you that you could read this column and decide if you want me
to publish it or not."
"If you're sure..." Abby says and reaches for the pages.
Tom turns away from her and cringes as he never let anyone read his column
before publishing it not even Joan. "I'm sure."
Abby reads it through once quickly, and again more slowly. "Oh, Tom, this
is terrible."
"Huh? What?"
"This is terrible," Abby repeats.
"Terrible how so?" he starts to steam.
"It's all laid out so clearly and so elegantly. I've read it twice; I ought
to know what I want to do now. It's not that I'm confused anymore -- who
could be after reading this? You've taken all my excuses away, and that's
terrible of you. You write too well."
"You had me scared to death."
"I did?"
"Yes when you said it was terrible."
"You didn't think," Abby says, "you didn't think I meant your writing, did
you?"
He nods.
"Oh, Tom, you're a good writer. How could you doubt that?"
"A momentary lapse in judgment, not to mention what your father said to me
yesterday."
"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not my father."
"No, but his words linger."
"Tom, you are much too old to be taking things like that to heart."
"I know."
"But you still do," Abby finishes his sentence.
"Yes, but I'll forget it."
"Just in time for me to say I want to see my parents again," Abby sympathizes.
"I am beat." he sighs.
"Anything I can do to help--I mean, aside from never seeing or speaking to
my parents ever again?"
"I don't expect that, how about a massage?"
"Just what kind of massage are you interested in?" Abby teases.
"Whatever you are offering."
"Are you sure you can handle what I'm offering?"
"Try me,"
"Oh, I plan to."
"When?" he taps his fingers.
Abby gets up and locks the door. "Why don't you lie down and get comfortable?"
"OK." he says.
Abby joins him on the bed and starts rubbing his back.
"You do have magic fingers.
"You inspire me."
"If you keep going, I'll be so relax I'll fall asleep."
"You did say you'd rest after you finished your column, so go right ahead."
"But what about you?"
"I'll rest, too. Don't worry," Abby says, still massaging Tom's shoulders.
"Good." he yawns. "This is better than any sleeping pill."
"If I weren't such a secure person, I could really take that the wrong way,"
Abby teases.
"Well I didn't mean it that way."
"I know. Relax. Just close your eyes..."
"Yes dear." he says and a few minutes later is asleep.
Abby gives him a kiss and then lays down next to him.
Part 2