You Oughtn't Be in Pictures Part 3
Part 2
The next morning, David arrives in his van, parks it, and glances at
Nancy's covered up car before going inside. ~Why didn't she tell me
that she needs repairs.~ He goes inside to the kitchen. "Good
morning."
"Good morning," Joannie says. "Anyone ever tell you you're my favorite big
brother?"
"Yes um anytime they need money or a favor and I'm your only big brother."
He jokes.
"Well, even if you weren't, you are, and I don't need money, and I don't
need a favor, either, not for myself, at least."
"Yes I'll fix Nancy's car. What's wrong with it anyway?"
"I'll tell you about that later. That wasn't what I wanted to ask you."
"Oh, then what's up?"
"Why don't we go outside, so I know we'll have some privacy?"
He nods, gets his coffee, and waits for her to join him.
Joannie follows him out. "I heard Dad and Abby talking last night. I didn't
hear everything, but enough to know they're in some kind of trouble. You
know about it, don't try to tell me you don't."
He sighs. "Joannie I can't tell you what it is, but I can tell you
that it's being taken care of."
"Not as of last night, it wasn't." Joannie takes a deep breath, remembering
what she overheard, and having to ask the question. "David, did someone hurt
Abby?"
"Physically no they didn't." David admits that much.
"Are you sure? It sounded like..."
"Sounded like what?"
"Oh, I don't know anymore. All I know is it didn't sound good."
"What did they say?"
"Dad asked--he asked if Abby felt--violated. David, that's not a casual question
to ask a woman."
"Joannie it is not what you think. There are others ways besides that
to cause someone to feel violated."
"David, don't try to protect me."
"Joannie if I tell you, you can't tell anyone, not even our sisters."
"I won't."
He tells her what's going on.
"Poor Abby. Dad's not mad at her, is he?"
"No, why would he be mad at her?"
"Because Dad's old fashioned."
"And he was there too."
"I know. It doesn't mean that Dad can't be irrational. But I'm sure glad
he isn't."
"So am I, but they shouldn't have to go through this."
"Isn't there anything we can do to help them?"
He shakes his head. "Dad has it under control."
"How could he have it under control?"
"He straightened things out with the guy who took the pictures." He tells
her what Tom had told him.
"But what about straightening out Dad and Abby?"
"That's up to them."
"Yesterday it didn't look like they were doing such a hot job of it."
"It's still up to them."
Joannie sighs.
"I want to sock that guy in the jaw but Dad won't let me."
"I'm not worried about that guy. I'm worried about Abby and Dad."
"What can we do without interfering?"
"I'm not sure. What would you do if it had been one of us instead of Dad
and Abby?"
"Honestly I don't know."
"Well, maybe together we can figure something out."
"Yeah maybe."
"You want some real breakfast?" Joannie offers.
"Sure, so what's wrong with the car?" He asks.
Joannie tells him about the vandalism.
"Probably teenagers." David says not knowing about the letters or phone call.
"You're probably right."
"Probably?"
"They didn't exactly sign their work."
"Most don't. I'll look at it after breakfast." He says as they go inside.
Meanwhile, inside, Nancy waits to talk to her Dad before calling Brad, and
then she'll talk to Abby after talking to both men if the day works out that
way. She ponders while she drinks her coffee.
Tom comes down in his robe yawning.
"You look like you slept as well as I did." Nancy comments.
"Looks like we all had a bad night."
"That's for sure."
"Nancy about last night."
"Dad I know all of this is scary, but please don't forbid me from going."
"I won't, even if I could, I cant."
"No I would go anyway, but with not much enthusiasm. Thanks Dad."
"It doesnt mean I like it."
"I know, but Dad it's going to be all right." She tries to assure him even
though she's scared herself.
"It better be, because If it isnt...."
"You'll make my threatener get out of town by sundown?" She says.
"No, I'll hold Brad responsible."
"Even if he does everything in his power to prevent it?"
"Yes." he states.
"Dad that's not fair."
"Fair or not, thats how I feel."
She gives him a hug. "I understand, I'll call Brad and let him know, and
see if he still wants to do this."
Tom nods. "Ok."
Nancy goes to call Brad and waits for him to answer.
"Hello." he says
"Hi Brad, it's Nancy again."
"Hi Nancy, whats up?"
"They were at my house last night." She tells him about the car.
"Oh Nancy, I'm so sorry."
"Thanks, but that's not all."
"Yes?"
She tells him what Tom had said.
"Oh...." he says. "Tell him, I'll guard my star with my life."
Nancy laughs. "I don't want you to go that far, but I'll tell him."
Brad laughs also
After they've settled down. "He or Abby might call you later I'm not
sure."
"Ok. I'll be here."
"Ok, I'll see you Monday then."
"Bye."
"Bye." After she and Brad hang up she returns to the kitchen and tells her
Dad what Brad said.
"Thats good." he says. "Have you seen Abby yet this morning?"
"No."
"I'll go take some coffee to her."
"Will you tell her I need to talk to her?"
"Sure, anything I can do?"
"I don't know."
Tom kisses the top of her head. "It'll be ok."
"Thanks Dad."
"No problem honey." Tom says and then goes knocking quietly on Elizabeths
door with coffee in hand.
Abby has finally fallen asleep, slumped against the headboard, so she doesn't
hear Tom's soft knock.
Tom opens the door quietly and walks in shutting the door behind him.
He tiptoes to where Abby is and places the coffee near her nose.
Abby stirs. "Mmm..."
"Good morning." he whispers.
"Morning?" Abby whispers back and groans.
"Backache?"
"Nothing a year or two of sleep won't cure."
"Drink this and go get some sleep, I'll take today."
Abby takes the coffee cup. "No, I'll help you. Really, I'm fine."
"Abby, I love you but you are no superwoman."
"I'm not?" Abby jokes.
"The last I checked, there was no cape in your closet."
"Oh, Tom," Abby says in an exaggeratedly distraught voice, "I thought you'd
stopped looking at all my clothing like that. You promised."
Tom shakes his head
Elizabeth wakes up, "Dad and your clothing?"
"It was a joke, Elizabeth. Good morning."
"Hi."
"Hi. You hungry? Want something to drink?"
"Not really."
"You need to eat." Tom says.
"At least let me bring you some juice," Abby volunteers.
"I'll go get it." Tom says
"Thanks," Abby says and smiles at him. "Bring up some food while you're at
it, OK?"
"Sure, anything in particular?" he asks.
"Not for me, for Elizabeth. Shame to have you run back down in a few minutes."
"Cinnamon toast?" she asks
"OK." Tom says
"Just try not to ruin it, OK?" Abby jokes.
"Ha Ha." he says then leaves
"He once caused a fire in the toaster." she says.
"What is it with him, anyway?"
"Bad Karma."
"His or ours?"
Downstairs: "How's your van?" Nancy asks.
"All healed now." David says.
Nancy observes Joannie. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Ok." She returns to eating her mind on the breakup with Noah, the stalker,
and Elizabeth.
"You ok?" David asks.
"Yeah, besides Elizabeth and the show nothing *important* going on."
She finishes and gets her stuff together. "Will you tell Abby I'll
talk to her later I have to get to school. Mary can I get a ride?"
"If you stop making light of the threats that you've been getting." Mary
says.
"What threats?" David asks.
"Mary it's not important. It's just some jerk trying to run my life.
I don't need sympathy or people worrying about it." She says although
deep down she does need those things.
"What threats?" David repeats.
Mary checks to make sure Nicholas isn't around and tells him.
"Mary I can not believe you just did that." Nancy says. "Ever heard
of respect for someones privacy?"
"He has to know so he can protect you." Mary defends her actions.
"But you didn't even give me a chance to tell him myself." They continue
to argue back and forth.
David watches for a few seconds and then grabs his and Joannie's plates and
motions that they should escape.
Joannie follows him out. "Nancy's feeling a little over-protected. Dad didn't
want her to go to LA."
"Ahh, well I can understand both sides of that."
"So can I. So could Nancy, I'll bet, but it's still tough on her."
"Yeah but at least she's not panicking like she would have a year ago."
"You're right."
"But what's the keep the rest of us calm?"
"David, don't go getting scared on me. You're supposed to be the tough one."
"Ok, I'll save it for when I'm with Dad or something." He jokes. "She'll
be fine."
"Don't save it for Dad. He's got enough on his mind. Pretend I'm Dad or something."
"But I thought you needed me to be strong."
"Maybe for once I'm ready to try what you need. Maybe I'm growing up, David."
"Ok."
"I can try being strong for you, for a change."
"Joannie I'm ok really." He says.
"OK. But if you ever want to talk, you know where I live."
"I know, and thanks."
"Any time."
"I'll think about what we can do about Dad and Abby at work and get back
with you. Do we have any more rehearsals before the show tomorrow night?"
"I'd like to, if people have time."
"I have time and I'm sure the others do. All the crises that are going
on right now are just fillers before the show."
"Thanks. What time is good for you?"
"Anytime time after work, I get off at 4:30."
"I'll talk to everyone and let you know what time is good."
David nods.
"Think it's safe to go back inside?"
He listens at the door. "Yeah I think the arguing is over."
Joannie picks up David's things. "Then let's go while the going is good."
David helps her and they go back inside.
Joannie looks around, hoping it really is all quiet on the kitchen front.
"Mary left for school." Nancy says.
"You two make up first?"
"She doesn't want to she's too angry right now."
"Want me to talk to her?"
"If you want to, and can you give me a ride to school?"
"Sure. How soon will you be ready?"
"I'm ready now."
"Just let me go grab my stuff."
"Ok."
"Sorry to talk and run, David," Joannie says.
"It's ok I have to get to work anyway."
"OK. I'll let you know about the time."
He nods and then leaves.
"I'll be right back down," Joannie tells Nancy.
"I'll be waiting."
Joannie hurries upstairs and back down.
Nancy has the car keys ready for her. "Unless you want me to drive?"
"If you want to."
"Sure, and I guess this means we listen to your radio station." She says
on the way out.
"No, I think for one day we can break the rules. Whatever you want to listen
to."
"Thanks Joannie."
"You're welcome."
They get in the car and head for school.
"You OK?" Joannie asks her.
"Not really, I guess I should probably be freaking out about now but
I think the meds are preventing that. How bout you? Everything
ok with you?"
"Yeah. Do you think you'd have time for one more rehearsal?"
"Sure as long as Tommy does."
"I'll ask him when I get home."
"Good idea." She stops at a red light and when it turns green she goes on.
"So what's happening with LA?"
"I'm still going but Dad's holding Brad responsible for my well being."
"He's just letting off steam. He's worried about you."
"I know, and I know I complain about his worrying but I kind of don't
mind it you know?"
"Yeah, I know. I'd worry if he didn't worry."
"Believe me so would I." She pulls into the parking lot and finds a good
space.
"I've got a few minutes before class. I'm going to go look for Mary."
"And I probably shouldn't be there when you talk to her. I'm going
to call No..." She stops herself in midsentence remembering. "Go to
class early."
Joannie leans over and gives her a hug.
Nancy hugs her too. "Thanks I needed that."
"All part of the service."
"Yeah, I'll see you later ok." She says as she gets out.
Joannie also gets out and walks around, looking for Mary.
Mary's in the cafeteria nursing some coffee.
"It doesn't get any better," Joannie says.
"Huh?"
"The coffee. Might as well drink it. It won't get better just because you
hold it."
"Sorry I was just thinking."
"Happens once a decade or so."
"Ha ha." She manages a smile.
"Whatcha been thinking about?"
"How stubborn a certain sister is being."
"Yeah, Susan's a real redhead."
"I don't mean her this time."
"Elizabeth?"
"Not her either, the one who wants to pretend that she's not scared about
being stalked."
"Oh, her. Look, would you rather she were quaking in fear and crying all
the time?"
"Not really, but at least then I would know what to do."
"How about just be there for her?"
Mary thinks it over. "Makes sense."
"That happens once in a while, too.'
Mary laughs.
"You going to tell her?"
"Yes I'll tell her, whenever I find her."
"You could go look for her," Joannie hints.
"Good idea, see you later Joannie." Mary says and goes looking for Nancy.
Mary finds Nancy in the library.
"Are you ready to stop being angry with me yet and accept my apology?" Nancy
asks.
"Yes, do you accept mine?"
Nancy nods. "You know I'm not being calm about all of this in order
to aggravate you. I really can't help it, the meds have been suppressing
a lot of my emotions."
"I realize that, and I'm here for you when you need me."
"Thanks Mary."
One hour later during a tutoring session and before class.
Nancy and her tutor try to go over what she needs to know for the test she'll
have when she returns for LA but she can't concentrate at all..
"Forget it, it's hopeless." Nancy finally says.
"No it's not you just have a lot on your mind right now, try to work
on this later and also in LA when you get the time."
Nancy nods in agreement and soon she goes to class after the session is over.
After school is over with she goes to check on Elizabeth.
"Hi." she says
"Hi, you feeling any better?"
She nods
"That's a relief, can I get you anything?"
"Yeah, something to do."
"Hmm, " she takes out a deck of cards. "Poker, Spades, or War?"
"Poker."
"You got it." Nancy shuffles and deals.
"So how've you been?"
Nancy laughs. "Where do I start?"
"The beginning is always the best."
"Ok, here goes." She first tells her about Noah and then about the
threats escalating.
"Oh Nance, I'm so sorry."
"Don't be, just concentrate on getting better." She replies.
"I am."
"Good."
"Look, I am getting sick of these four walls, How about helping me downstairs."
"No problem." Nancy says and starts helping her.
~Hopefully Dad and Abby aren't home.~ "Thanks." she says.
"No problem." She says and gets her situated on the couch in the tv room."
"So what shall we watch?"
"I don't know." She checks the tv guide. "The soaps are too boring."
"Theres got to be a movie on some channel."
"Just love stories." Nancy grumbles.
~OK, no soaps or love stories.~ "Forget the TV, put on the stereo instead."
"Now you're talking." Nancy turns it on to Liz's favorite station.
"So this is what the rest of the house looks like huh?"
Nancy nods. "Does it seem smaller?" She asks knowing what days of bed
rest feels like.
"Yeah it does."
"Been there, done that. That's mainly why I agreed to help you rest
down here."
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
Abby hears music from the living room and strolls on by to investigate.
"Hey Abby." Nancy says.
"Hi."
~Terrific~ "I thought you were out." Liz says.
"No. Your father had some things to do, but I'm still here."
"You're probably wondering why I am down here."
"The question had crossed my mind."
"She needed a change of scenery."
"Like the hospital?"
"No, she's resting fine in here. I helped her down here she didn't
do it by herself. Just as Tommy helped me down here when I had it."
"I don't remember you being home with an oxygen mask."
"Can the oxygen mask come downstairs also?" Nancy asks her.
"I suppose we could ask Dr. Max. Which is what the two of you should have
done in the first place."
"Sorry." Nancy cringes.
Just then Tom walks in. "Whats going on in here?"
"Thanks Nance, but I better go back upstairs." Liz says.
"Yeah I guess so. Sorry about this, Dad, Abby."
Liz sighs and goes back upstairs.
"I'll help you get her back upstairs and into bed."
"Thank you."
Tom just shakes his head in disbelief.
Nancy gives him a please don't hurt me look while she and Abby help Liz upstairs.
"I'll be right back down," Abby tells him.
He nods.
"Abby, don't you and Dad blame Nancy, It was all my idea."
"I'm not blaming anyone," Abby says. "I'm just getting you back into bed."
"Ok..Ok."
They get her settled back in bed.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I'll call Dr. Max soon and we'll see what he says."
"Can we talk after you and Dad are done?" Nancy asks Abby since she missed
her earlier that morning.
"Sure, unless you'd rather talk first."
Nancy thinks it over. "That'll work."
"Step into my office."
They go into her and Tom's bedroom.
"How did your day go?" Abby asks.
"Except for arguing with Mary, uneventful thankfully, how bout yours?"
"Fine. I've been getting a lot of studying in."
"That's good, I wanted to ask you something last night."
"Oh? What?"
"I get the feeling there's something more going on in this house than Elizabeth
being sick, Noah's deception, my stalker, and Tommy's Dyslexia."
"Isn't that enough to have going on all at once?"
"More than enough actually, it's just a feeling I have. I don't know
with who."
"Well, if you find out, let me know, OK?"
"I will."
"Good."
Nancy nods and then asks. "I just had one more thing, what do you do
when you can't concentrate on studying?"
"Oh, laundry, dishes, cooking -- there's always something for me to do around
here."
"So that's good and bad?"
"Well, it's certainly busy," Abby makes light of it.
"True."
"You having trouble studying?"
"Yes, I try very hard to concentrate and I still can't."
"Maybe that's your problem."
"Trying too hard?"
"When you work too hard at something, sometimes your mind refuses to take
it in."
"Then I guess I should ease up a little."
"It can't hurt, can it? Try to get into the flow of what you're reading."
Nancy nods in agreement. "Thanks Abby."
"Any time. I'd better get downstairs or your father will think I got lost."
Nancy laughs lightly. "Yeah, hey do you need me to keep and eye on
Liz I promise I won't bring her downstairs."
"I'd appreciate that."
"No problem." Nancy says and heads to the room Liz is in.
"Hi, Was it bad?"
"Was what bad?"
"The lecture."
"Abby didn't lecture me."
"Good, I'm glad."
"So am I, but there's still Dad."
"Oh yeah, i forgot."
"Given that he's worried about both of us maybe he'll go easy."
"Yeah."
Nancy sits down.
Elizabeth tries not to doze.
"Stop trying to stay awake." Nancy says in her big sister tone.
"But I dont want to leave you by yourself."
"I'll be all right, I'll study some till Abby or Dad get back."
"You sure?"
She nods.
"Ok, thanks Nancy."
"No problem."
Elizabeth adjusts her mask and falls asleep.
Nancy attempts to study while keeping an eye on Liz. She's able to
relax like Abby told her to but even then she's unable to concentrate.
Abby heads downstairs.
Tom is pacing in the foyer.
"Hi."
"Hi, Is she all right?"
"I think so. Both of them."
"What were those two thinking?"
"I don't think they were thinking--more like just reacting. Speaking of which,
how did your appointment go?"
He nods. "It went well."
"That's it?" Abby asks, knowing Tom may want to keep it private, but wanting
to know more.
"Study?"
"OK," Abby says, and leads the way.
Tom starts pacing wondering where to begin.
Abby sits down and watches him.
"Uh Abby, you know I love you right?"
"Yes..." ~Uh oh.~
"Well, the doctor thinks I haven't entirely dealt with Joan's death, which
I think is absurd."
Abby goes silent for a moment. "What does he suggest you do?" she asks.
"More sessions."
~Is that all?~ Abby thinks, relieved. "It couldn't hurt, could it?"
"But why talk about the past? Its over."
"Aren't you the one always telling me the past is never really over?"
"My words again haunt me."
"Well, if you didn't go around saying such smart things..."
Tom shrugs
"I think that therapist is right, Tom."
"What?!?"
"I think that therapist is right," Abby repeats. She gets up and puts her
arms around him. "I think you still have a lot of ...unresolved issues with
Joan."
"Unresolved?" he asks as he puts his hands on her.
Abby nods. "A lot of unfinished business."
"But what's the point? She's gone."
"But you're not. Nor are your memories."
"So it doesn't bother you that I'll be sitting in an office with a stranger
talking about my former wife?"
"Who else would you feel comfortable talking to about her?" Abby says. "It's
not the stranger I care about--it's you, and if therapy can help, then I'm
all for it."
"Ok." he says conceding.
Abby hugs him. "Did the therapist say anything else?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know, something more immediate."
"You mean yesterday?"
"Among other things."
Tom chuckles "Well I think he was wondering how I came to have eight kids."
"And you gave him The Talk?" Abby smiles.
"He was wondering how I never needed therapy before."
"Who said you didn't?"
"What?"
"If I hadn't been so upset yesterday, you wouldn't have gone today, would
you have?"
"No."
"Maybe something like this would have been good for you before, only no one
forced you into it."
"I guess we will see."
Abby gives him another hug. ~It may be good for you, I just hope it isn't
bad for us.~
"So how are you?"
"Fine. The life of a housewife is never ending thrills."
"No calls?"
"About work? No. Maybe I really should just think about concentrating on
grad school. I might actually get my degree before the turn of the century,
and then I could concentrate on one thing at a time."
Tom nods. "Whatever you want, I'll support your decision, you know that right?"
"I'd hope so..." Abby says, not entirely convinced.
"You don't believe me?"
"If I do start school full time, it'll mean being away from home a lot of
nights."
"No classes during the day?"
"During the day I'd have to do research for my thesis, and TA work...Most
of my classes would be at night."
~Great~ he thinks. "You do what you have to do, i'll be fine."
"You and I both know that's not true."
"Sure its true."
"Maybe you shouldn't bother wasting your time with therapy," Abby says suddenly.
"What's that supposed to mean."
"There's no point in therapy if you're not going to be honest with yourself.
Or it only me you can't be honest with?"
"Abby, what do you want me to say? I am thrilled we won't have any time together?"
"So I'll stay home. That's what you'd rather, isn't it? Maybe I could sign
up for some morning classes in cake decorating or something challenging like
that."
"No you won't, I won't ruin your life like I ruined Joan's." he blurts out
unexpectedly. Tom then goes pale and falls into his chair.
Abby stands where she is, shocked, stunned. "What?"
Tom sighs. "You knew about Joan's interest in Photography, right?"
Abby nods. "She worked when the Register was on strike, you told me. And
that time before you started at the Register, when you both, well..."
"Yeah, well before we got married she received a scholarship to some college
in England. She had won a photo essay contest. And me being Mr. Macho, gave
her an ultimatum to choose between me or England. After all I was the man,
I wasn't supposed to follow her to England."
"And she chose to stay?" Abby asks, surprised, even though she knows the
answer.
He nods. "Maybe if I had let her go she'd still....."
"Tom..." Abby kneels down next to him. "You can't think like that. There's
no changing the past. Besides, maybe if she had decided to go, you would
be short 8 very wonderful children."
"It doesn't change the fact that I killed her dreams and I will not make
that mistake again."
"Don't give yourself so much credit. It takes two to kill a dream. Although
you do have a way of damping a person's enthusiasm."
Tom chuckles. "I'm sorry."
"It's OK," Abby shrugs. "If you were perfect, you'd scare me."
"When you look through the course catalog, do you think you can find one
named Tom Bradford?"
"Are you kidding? That's my major."
"Major?"
Abby nods. "I'm in what, my fourth semester of Tom Bradford? It's a fascinating
subject."
"Oh, I'm sure it is."
"You have no idea."
"I'm sure I do, 'How not to be a chauvinist.' "
"Sorry, that's not in my curriculum. You have to have been enrolled at least
40 years for that level of coursework."
"Then what is in your curriculum?"
"Are you sure you're man enough to handle that information?"
"I think so."
"Well, there was Introduction, Cultural History, Home Ec," Abby gets up and
sits in Tom's lap. "And then there was Anatomy, Seduction..."
"So far I like the coursework."
"And then there are the labs..."
"Checking out theories?"
"Practical experience. Field work."
"Ah I see."
"Only problem is we need a willing subject to study on."
"I'll make the sacrifice and volunteer."
"Now, Tom, I know my studies are not something you fully support. I wouldn't
dream of letting you make that kind of sacrifice."
"But I insist."
"I'm sorry, Tom, I just can't allow you to make that large a sacrifice."
Tom grabs her face gives her a long kiss. "I wish you would re-consider."
"Well...maybe."
Tom kisses her again.
"You have a unique method of persuasion."
"Is that good or bad?"
"I won't know until the field work begins, will I?"
"So I am in?"
"Oh, all right," Abby sighs. "But I don't promise you any work past this
semester."
"I'll take my chances."
"Don't worry. I'll give you every chance to prove yourself."
Tom smiles and kisses her again.
Soon there is a knock on the door.
"Now what?" Tom asks.
"Dad?" Nicholas says
"Nicholas? Come in."
Nicholas comes in with blood on his knees.
"Nicholas what happened?"
"Well I was doing wheelies on my bike."
"Does it hurt?" Tom asks.
"A little." he says trying to be brave.
"Come on, Nicholas, let's go upstairs and get you cleaned up," Abby says.
"Could you send Nancy down?" Tom asks
"Sure."
"Thanks."
"Later on we'll continue this conversation?"
He smiles. "Sure."
"OK."
Part 4