The Brady Eight: Just Starting Out
A Welcome Aboard Sequel
A/N—After a five year hiatus on my Brady Bunch series, I'm baaaaaack! I completed one of my three unfinished stories and the 2nd one is nearly complete (My Harry Potter stories). The 3rd, I'm also taking a bit of a hiatus (My Touched By an Angel story). I've finally got inspiration to continue this series. I'm using script format again, just to make things consistent. Anyway, thanks for hanging in with me and being patient. Thanks for all your kind reviews and private messages. Happy Reading! This takes place right where "Welcome Aboard" leaves off.
Chapter 1
Christmas Break is over and the kids are back in school. The twins are six weeks old. Jan has completed the mural at Haskell's and is eagerly awaiting her painting being shown at the Regional Art Show. Marcia's counting down the days until graduation. Bobby's studying for the Regional Spelling Bee. Cindy's into her cheerleading, and with Bobby's insistence, is also studying for the Bee. Peter is dating Julie Dunham.
Mike gets ready for work, trying not to disturb his wife and sleeping six-week-old twins. As he walks out of the bathroom, he stubs his toe on the night stand.
Mike: OW!
He hops on his good foot, while he tries to make his way to the chair at Carol's vanity. Carol sits up in bed, stretches and yawns.
Carol: You okay?
Ryan startles, so Carol climbs out of bed to pick her youngest son up. As she makes her way to the bassinets, she notices Carolyn's still sleeping.
Carol: Come here, baby boy! She picks her son up. Did Daddy wake you up?
Mike: Yeah. He rubs his toe, trying to make the throbbing go away. I just stubbed it on the night stand.
Carol sits in the rocker and adjusts herself, so Ryan can nurse. She looks back at the bassinets, and sees that Carolyn still has not awakened.
Carol: How's your toe?
Mike: I think it's okay.
Carol: Can you check on Carolyn? She could sleep through a bomb!
Mike stands up and figures his toe isn't broken, so he checks on his youngest daughter.
Mike: Good morning, Kitten. It's time to rise and shine. The baby doesn't stir, and Mike chuckles. Child, you COULD sleep through a bomb! He strokes his daughter's back, and she stirs. Good morning, sweetheart. You hungry? He picks her up and she form fits onto his shoulder. You're such a cuddle bug. Carolyn starts grunting and lets out a wail. Okay, let me get you to your mommy.
Carol positions Ryan, adjusts herself, and Mike places Carolyn in her mother's free arm. The baby latches on quickly.
Carol: I think I'm getting the hang of juggling twins. She giggles.
Mike: What?
Carol: If anyone told me this time last year that I would have twins, I think I'd have laughed them to the nearest State.
Mike: I seem to recall a certain woman who was horrified every time someone mentioned the possibility of twins.
Carol: I know. It sounded scarier than it actually is. She looks down at her babies. The more I think about it, the more I like that they're twins. They're built-in best friends. You going into the office today?
Mike: As you know, I haven't been in since the twins were born. Mr. Phillips has been kind enough to let me work from home since then.
Carol: When will you be home?
Mike: I'll be home for dinner.
Carol: Don't forget Jan's art show is tonight.
Mike: Kisses her on the cheek. Not a chance.
Carol: I wish I could go, but I don't want to take the twins out just yet.
Mike: Who's staying with you?
Carol: Alice volunteered. She went to the first one and Sam's out of town at a Butchers Convention.
Mike: Well, I need to get going. He kisses her on the cheek again. Love you! He kisses the top of the babies heads. Love you too!
Mike leaves for work as the twins are finishing up.
At Mike's Architecture Firm
Mike is working on a new account. He glances at the latest family picture taken at Christmas on his desk. "Wonder how Carol's doing?" Mr. Phillips knocks on the door and walks in.
Mr. Phillips: Welcome back!
Mike: Thanks.
Mr. Phillips: How are Carol and the twins?
Mike: Doing well. Carol's moving around easier and we're getting the hang of having twins.
Mr. Phillips: Splendid!
Mike: Carolyn's quiet. Nothing ever seems to disturb her. Ryan's rather vocal. He's usually the first one up, or if Carolyn wakes up first, she manages to wake him up.
Mr. Phillips: Showing their personalities already.
Mike: They really are.
Mr. Phillips: How are the rest of the kids? They doing okay with the twins?
Mike: They're fine too. Greg declared a pre-med major. Marcia's counting the days until graduation. Peter and Jan are enjoying high school, and Bobby and Cindy have carved their niche at Filmore.
Mr. Phillips: Good! Good! He starts to leave and pauses. Are you up for a new account?
Mike: Oh?
Mr. Phillips: The Parks and Recreation Department are wanting a couple new parks designed, and Mark Dunham requested you.
Mike: Sure.
Mr. Phillips: Of course you can work from home on it.
Mike: Thanks.
Mr. Phillips: Come see me in a couple hours and I'll fill you in on the details.
Mike: I'll have this one finished by then.
Mr. Phillips: Splendid! He leaves and Mike resumes work on his project.
Meanwhile, at the Brady house
Alice is trying to get out of bed, but feels like she has been run over by a train. Her head is stuffy and her stomach is queasy. "I have to get up and help Carol out with the twins." Slowly, she stands up. Bile rises up from her stomach and into her throat. She rushes into her bathroom and empties the contents of her stomach.
Alice: Ugh! She rinses her mouth with a glass of water.
She hears Carol fixing breakfast in the kitchen, so she makes her way to the threshold of her suite.
Alice: Mrs. Brady.
Carol: Alice! Her eyes widen in horror, as Alice is green. You're sick?
Alice: I'm sorry, Mrs. Brady, but I'm not feeling very well today. The kids got off to school a few minutes ago. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay with you and the twins tonight while the rest go to the Art Exhibit.
Carol: It's all right, Alice. Get some rest. We'll be fine. It's not like I haven't taken care of a baby by myself before.
Alice: But it's the first time you've had twins. Maybe if I rest today, I'll be fine tonight.
Carol: Really, it's okay. Go back to bed.
Alice nods meekly and goes back to her bed. Carol sighs. "I was hoping Mike would be able to go to the Art Show," she sighs to herself. "Maybe I can handle the two of them by myself. I'd hate to ask one of the kids to stay home."
School is about to let out
Students at Filmore Junior High are anxiously awaiting the dismissal bell. Bobby and Cindy pack up their books in anticipation of the bell. Principal Stoner begins the afternoon announcements.
Principal Stoner: May I have your attention please? We've got a few announcements to make before we dismiss for the afternoon. Tomorrow's lunch menu has been changed from fish and fries to pizza. There will be no Art class for the rest of the week as Mrs. Tilson is out with the flu. There has been a change in our representation at the Spelling Bee.
Bobby and Cindy perk up.
Principal Stoner: Cassie Hathaway has been disqualified from the Bee. Her results have been canceled, so the winner of the Filmore Junior High Spelling Bee is Bobby Brady. He will be representing our school next month at the Bee. Cindy Brady has been awarded second place, and will be taking the wildcard spot at the Bee.
Cindy and her best friend, Jennifer, shriek with excitement, while Cassie frowns.
Principal Stoner: Third place will be awarded to Anita Perry. Picture re-takes for the yearbook will be Friday. That concludes the announcements for today.
The bell rings and Bobby and Cindy rush from their rooms to their lockers. They see each other at their lockers.
Bobby: It's going to be Brady versus Brady after all!
Cindy: I can't wait! Thanks for insisting I study for the bee.
Bobby: You're welcome! I was hoping this would happen.
Suddenly, Cassie and her posse storm over to the Brady siblings.
Cassie: All right you two! I know you did this!
Cindy: Did what?
Cassie: You know what! She puts her fists on her hips. You got me disqualified.
Bobby: I didn't do anything.
Cindy: Neither did I.
Cassie: I bet you did.
Cindy: Cassie, you're a talented person. I have full confidence that you can get yourself disqualified all by yourself.
Bobby: And do it very well.
Cassie: She shakes her fist at Cindy. Once I find proof you did this, you'll be sorry.
While Cassie and her minions storm off, Jennifer and Millicent join the pair of Bradys.
Jennifer: Can you believe her?
Bobby: Rolls his eyes. She's being a pain...
Cindy: ...as usual.
Millicent: Where does she get off?
Cindy: She's just a sorry excuse.
Bobby: Well, we gotta get home and get our homework done before we go to Jan's art show.
Cindy: Yeah, you're right. See you guys tomorrow!
At the Brady home
Bobby and Cindy run through the front door and into the living room, full of excitement. As Cindy runs in first, Bobby accidentally slams the door behind them, startling Ryan awake.
Cindy: Mom! Mom! You'll never guess what! It's the greatest news ever!
Carol: With Carolyn in one arm, she picks up a wailing Ryan from the downstairs crib. Keep it down, guys. You woke up Ryan and Alice is sick. She tries to balance both babies.
Bobby and Cindy: Sorry.
Carol: Exasperated. Will one of you take her for me?
Bobby: Here.
He takes his sister, enabling Cindy to tell their mother the good news. Carol calms Ryan down, and then directs her attention to Bobby and Cindy.
Carol: Okay, now what's the good news?
Cindy: Cassie got disqualified from the Spelling Bee!
Bobby: Which means there will be a Brady versus Brady showdown after all!
Carol: Congratulations!
Cindy: Thanks! And that's not all!
Carol: Oh? She sits in her rocker and begins rocking Ryan.
Bobby: Yeah, she not only got disqualified from the Regional Bee, her scores from the school bee were canceled, which means I won!
Cindy: And I took second AND the wildcard spot!
Carol: Really? That's wonderful! So, your protest worked?
Bobby: We don't know.
Cindy: She tried to blame us when we were at our lockers this afternoon, but the reason for her being disqualified wasn't disclosed.
Carol: Aren't you glad you didn't quit studying?
Cindy: I sure am!
Carol sees that Carolyn is asleep. Ryan has calmed down as well.
Carol: You guys need to get started on your homework. Your dad and the others will be home soon so you can go to the art show. Bobby, you can lay her down in her crib. Thank you for helping me.
Bobby: You said Alice was sick? He lays Carolyn in her crib.
Carol: Yes. She has a stomach virus, so don't go disturbing her.
Cindy: We won't!
As they rush off, Mike walks through the kitchen and into the living room.
Mike: Alice is sick?
Carol: Yes. She's got a stomach virus, so she won't be able to stay with me and the twins.
Mike: Kisses his wife. I can stay home.
Carol: Protesting. Mike, no. One of us needs to go, and since I can't, you need to go.
Jan: Walking into the living room. Go where?
Mike: Your mother was telling me that Alice is sick and can't help with the twins, so I'll need to stay home and help.
Jan: I understand. Greg and Bobby will take pictures. She greets her youngest sister, who is lying contentedly in her crib. As I said, they're worth it. She picks Carolyn up. C'mere, sweet girl, we need some sister time.
Carol: Shifts Ryan in her arms. I hate that I'm missing another one of your events though. I told your dad that I can handle them alone for a couple hours, or we can bring them along.
Jan: Mom, no. I know it's cold and flu season, and that you don't want to bring them out while they're so young.
Carol: Your father and I will work something out.
Jan: I know. Starts to walk off. I'm going to change this little girl. She's getting a bit stinky.
Carol: All right, but bring her back after you get finished. I need to get them fed. And while you're up there, can you bring a clean one for Ryan?
Jan: Okay. Addressing her sister. C'mon sis. Let's get you a dry diaper.
Mike and Carol look at their daughter with pride.
Carol: We've got great kids. They've really taken to the twins, especially Jan.
The phone rings and Mike answers it.
Mike: Hello?
Greg: I was wondering when you and the gang were leaving for the show.
Mike: The kids will be going, but I'm staying with your mom and the twins.
Carol: Whispers. No, you're not!
Mike: Shh!
Greg: I thought Alice was staying with mom.
Mike: She's sick with a stomach virus.
Greg: Nora and I could stay with the twins if you and mom wanted to go.
Mike: That's really nice of you, but I don't think your mom wants to go out just yet either.
Carol: What?
Mike: Holds the phone out, so he can explain to his wife. Greg and Nora offered to babysit so you and I could go.
Carol: No, I'd better stay in.
Mike: Your mom said thank you, but she probably needs to stay in as well.
Greg: Okay.
Mike: We can meet you at seven and then Haskell's afterward.
Greg: Isn't Mr. Haskell going to premier Jan's mural?
Mike: This weekend, when he reopens the shop, but he's giving us first viewing.
Greg: We'll be there. Marcia's driving the kids?
Mike: Yes. She'll have the wagon.
Carol: Mike, you can go. We'll be fine.
Jan descends the stairs, and sees that her dad's on the phone.
Jan: She's all clean and I've got the diaper for Ryan. I can change him, while you get Carolyn started.
Carol: Thanks, Jan.
Carol places Ryan in the crib, receives Carolyn and gets her situated. Jan changes Ryan.
Jan: Who's dad talking to?
Carol: Greg.
Jan: Greg? Are he and Nora still meeting us?
Carol: They'd offered to babysit so your father and I could go, but I should stay in. I am truly sorry, Jan.
Jan: Like I said, these guys are worth it. Besides, if I win, there's always State.
Carol: I keep telling your father he should go, but he insists on staying.
Jan finishes changing Ryan.
Jan: You ready for him?
Carol: Sure. Bring him over.
Jan places him in their mother's free arm and soon he latches on.
Jan: I hate to argue, but I think dad's right.
Mike: Finishing up his conversation with Greg. They'll see you tonight. Bye. He hangs up the phone and turns his attention to Jan and Carol. Dad's right about what?
Jan: About you staying home with mom and the twins.
Carol: I am perfectly able to care for my babies by myself. I've done it all day.
Mike starts to interrupt, but Carol stops him.
Carol: No, really. I insist.
Mike: But what if they both start crying at the same time?
Carol: Bring the swings in here and enough diapers to last me until you get back. It'll be just about their bed time when you get back, and you can help me with their feeding then.
Mike: Decides not to argue any further. If you insist, I'll go.
Carol: I do.
Mike: Okay, where are the rest of the kids? We'll need to get some dinner and then go.
Soon, Mike rounds up the kids, and they start to leave. Carol has finished feeding the twins. Ryan is swinging in one of the baby swings and Carol is burping Carolyn.
Mike: I wish you could go. He kisses his wife.
Carol: I do too, but I know Bobby and Greg will take plenty of pictures.
Jan: Bye, mom.
Carol: Have fun!
Mike and the kids leave. Carol settles on the living room couch and cradles Carolyn.
Carol: Well kids, it's just you and me for the evening.
-End of Chapter 1-
A/N—Chapter 2 will take place at the Art Show.