Gregory Patrick

05/03/2022

Jaiden – Chapter 167

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Greg Patrick

 

Orange Beach Veterinary Clinic, this is Steph; how may I help you?

 

"Hi, Steph, this is Dr. Riley; Sally didn't have a vanishing pregnancy in Orange Beach; Seth just came early."

 

"Yesterday, Sally birthed Seth's twin, and she and Richard named him Peyton Robert Riley after Peyton and Jaiden. Phyllis is staying in Memphis and will fly to Erie on Friday for a few weeks to help Sally's mom care for her. So I'll be back in the office on Wednesday instead of Monday."

 

"OK, thanks for letting us know; I'll pass the word along. By the way, congratulations, Grandpa!" "Thanks, Steph; Rob is a cute little bugger!"

 

"Hi, Mom, is Richard at home?" "No, Peyton; he went to the store about thirty minutes ago to get some groceries." "Has he had flowers or something special delivered to Sally?" "No, at least not yet. He's so stressed he's having a hard time thinking of anything outside of closing out here and opening the practice in Erie."

 

"Jaiden and I want to send two dozen red roses to Sally from Richard if he hasn't thought to do that, so if you don't mind, can you find out for me. We'll put two wrapped silver spoons with the roses for Seth and Rob. If Richard has already gotten her flowers, we'll send a dozen roses from us."

 

"Peyton, hold off and let me talk with Richard." "OK, Mom; let me know."

 

"Richard, let me help you get the groceries inside, and then let's take a walk and get rid of some of your stress." "OK, Mom; that walk sounds good while someone is here to help Sally."

 

"Richard, are you OK; I'm concerned about your stress?" "I'm OK; it's just that everything has left Sally so tired, and she's having some postpartum depression." "Son, have you talked to her about seeing her doctor to control the depression?" "Yes, mam, but since we're heading to Erie on Friday, she wants to see her Gynob there."

 

"Son, call the doctor Sally saw here in Memphis while carrying the babies and see if she can prescribe some medication, at least enough until you can get to Erie and see the doctor there." "Mom, why didn't I think of that? That should have been the first thought in my mind."

 

"Richard, stress interferes with many things, and thoughts are generally the first thing affected. Call the doctor tomorrow and speak with her. She can talk to Sally if she needs to before calling in some medication."

 

"Mom, that isn't a medication that can be called in anymore; I'll have to go to her office and pick up the prescription. The other problem is she can't breastfeed if she takes antidepressants."

 

"Richard, do you think she's OK without the medication right now?" "I think so, but her mother is here and can help answer that question. So I'd like to hold off on medication for a week or so and see if things change." "That's a good idea, son, but if she needs medication for a short while, that's what needs to be done." "I know; thinking she had a vanishing pregnancy and then finding out she had a one-in-a-million pregnancy bothers her."

 

"Of course it does, it would bother me too, son, but that is one of the mysteries of life we just have to deal with. I'll be here as long as you need me or until you tell me to go home – or Peyton and Jaiden run me off." Richard laughed at his mom's statement, but he knew his mother would go home when she knew the time was right.

 

When they got back to the apartment building, Richard's mom hugged him and said, "Richard, go inside and sit with Sally and talk to her. Talk about how she feels and what she wants to be done that might not be happening or happening to suit her. Let her know you understand and care and are here for her." "I'll do that, Mom; thanks for the walk and talk." "That's what moms are for, son."

 

Richard did as his mom suggested: he went inside the apartment, sat next to Sally on the couch, and said, "High, beautiful; talk to me and tell me how you are feeling, what you are thinking, and what, if anything, I can do to make you feel better and more comfortable."

 

"Sweetheart, the stress of everything, this second birth two weeks after Seth...I'm so tired and, honestly, a bit depressed. I never anticipated this, and it is messing with my mind." "Sally, you've been through a lot; would you mind me calling your doctor and asking about a mild anti-anxiety drug that would help you feel less apprehensive?" "Richard, if there is a medication I can take that won't interfere with breastfeeding the babies, I'd be willing to try it; I don't want to feed the boys formula unless I absolutely have to." "I understand, love; that's what I expected you to say. I'll call Tressa in the morning and see what she thinks. Personally, I'd like to get a psychologist to come to the apartment and work with you on relaxation and provide talk therapy. That would be the safer route; there is still a chance that too much of an anti-anxiety or anti-depressive can get into the breast milk and sedate the boys."

 

"Rich, I'm not going to take that chance. My mom and your mom are here and can watch the babies long enough for me to see a counselor, and I trust our moms more than anybody." "OK, sweetheart; I'll make some calls and get arrangements made."

 

"Richard, one more thing: go tell our moms we are going to take a nap; then come back in the bedroom, get naked, and crawl in bed and hold me." "Ooh, that sounds amazing!" "Yeah, it does, and we haven't done that in a few weeks; I miss feeling your body against mine." So Richard gave the moms Sally's message, went back to the bedroom, and followed her orders to a tee. Two hours later, Seth and Rob awoke hungry...very hungry.

 

Richard changed the diapers while Sally prepared to breastfeed the babies. She had gotten the breastfeeding routine down to a science, with each boy attached and feeding simultaneously. "Richard, there is something funny about feeding our sons." "And that is, baby?" "Rob prefers the right breast, and Seth likes the left. That look on your face tells me you have a comeback to my comment, so say it." "Not in a million years, Sally; it would probably make you mad at me." "Was your thought something along the lines of `I like both of them.'" "I'm claiming the fifth on that question." "Ah, so I'm right. Well, Rich, I can tell you one thing: you're nowhere near as aggressive as these boys are when hungry!" Richard smiled; there was no way he would touch that comment, and smartly so!

 

"Sally, is it OK if I run to Jaiden's and Peyton's and check the children? They should be over the viral stage of measles, but I want to make sure they don't have any side effects." "It's fine with me, but on your way home, would you bring me a gallon of cherry vanilla ice cream and two cans of anchovies?"

 

"Sally, please tell me you're joking. You cannot be pregnant; we haven't done anything." "Oh, but you have; you rubbed yourself against me, and you could have set a few spermatozoa free." Richard turned white as a sheet and started fiercely sweating, making Sally laugh.

 

"Relax, Richard, I don't like cherry vanilla ice cream, and I have never tasted an anchovy – and from what I'm told, I have no intention of tasting that salty little fish." "Sally, don't scare me like that; I almost wet my pants."

 

"Richard, go check the children, talk to Jaiden and Peyton, and when you get back, I'll send our moms to Walmart to pick up a few things while I reward you for being so good." "Sally, we can't make love yet; it hasn't been long enough after Rob's birth to be safe and comfortable for you." "Who said anything about making love; I said I would reward you for being a good husband this week." "Back in ten minutes, sweetheart."

 

"Hey, Richard, to what do we owe the honor of your visit?" "Jaiden, I thought I would check the children and ensure they're getting over the measles OK." "That's what you told Sally, right?" "Now, how did you know that?" "Call it an educated guess, bro."

 

"So, what do you need to talk about?" "Jaiden, Peyton, Sally is having a hard time with anxiety and depression over the way Rob came into the world, and I wondered if the two of you know a good counselor who could talk with her."

 

"I'm sorry, Richard, we don't know a good counselor; however, we know a great counselor – here and in Erie." "Peyton, don't scare me that way; Sally's already gotten me today." "How so?" "She asked me to get her a gallon of cherry vanilla ice cream and two cans of anchovies on the way home." "Richard, that wouldn't be so bad; four babies won't be hard to handle. After all, Jaiden and I have five boys."

 

"Peyton, so help me, if she has two more babies close to Seth and Rob, we'll move in with you?" "Come on, my brother, the more family, the merrier."

 

"As for the counselor, we love Deborah Till. She was Leon's counselor, and we saw her perform several miracles we didn't believe could ever happen." "Could I get her number from you?" "No, I will let you get it from her."

 

"Deborah, this is Peyton; how are you tonight." "I'm doing well, Peyton; how about you and your family." "We're doing well; the children are getting over the measles – after having chickenpox three weeks ago." "Boy, am I glad I'm not living in your shoes right now." "Yea, it hasn't been an easy two weeks."

 

"My brother, Richard, has had the worst time for the past three weeks, and he needs to talk to you. Can you speak with him a minute and let him tell you what he and his wife need?" "Sure, be glad to."

 

"Dr. Till, this is Richard Riley, Peyton's brother. "First off, Richard, drop the Dr. stuff, or I'll call you Dr. Richard. Tell me what's going on." Richard related the events of the past few months, especially during the past three weeks. Deborah was astounded that there wasn't a vanishing pregnancy and that the twin was born a week and a half after the first baby. She understood how that could affect Salley and agreed to see her – at home.

 

"Did Deborah think she could help, Richard?" "She did, and she'll see Sally at the apartment to make things more comfortable for Sally. In fact, she's on the way to the apartment now, so I better head home." All four of the dads hugged Richard and told him they hoped things would get better for Sally and him, and they were there if Richard needed them.

 

There was a knock on the door, and Sally's mother answered it. "Mrs. Isenberg, I presume." "Yes, may I help you?" "I'm Dr. Deborah Till, I talked with Richard a few minutes ago at Peyton's and Jaiden's, and he asked if I would speak with Sally. Is she home by chance?" "She is; please come inside, and I'll get her."

 

When Deborah stepped into the apartment, she saw Phyllis, and they picked up where they left off in court. Phyllis let Deborah know how well Leon and Peter were getting along and how proud she was to call Leon her son. They were talking about how proud of Leon they were when Sally walked into the living room.

 

"Hi, I'm Sally Riley." "Sally, I'm Dr. Deborah Till, Deborah to you. I spoke with Richard, and he told me a little of what was going on. Is there somewhere we can talk in private?" "Yes, mam, I was about to feed the boys; we can talk in the bedroom while the boys have dinner."

 

Deborah and Sally went into the bedroom, and both had a seat in one of the rocking chairs. In less than thirty minutes, Deborah had Sally relaxed and laughing her head off. Richard had returned home and was in the living room with his mom and his mother-in-law.

 

Sally and Deborah concluded their conversation, and the boys had eaten, been changed, and put back to bed. So, they walked into the living room, where Sally introduced Richard to Deborah.

 

"Richard, it's nice to finally meet you; Peyton and Jaiden have told me volumes about you. From what they have said, it is evident how much they love and respect you and Sally." "Deborah, if it wasn't for Jaiden and Peyton, my little brother would be dead; I put them leagues above me. Charley told Peyton's parents what was going on at that time, and they caught the next plane and flew to Erie. Peyton's mom sat day and night with Seth. When he was finally able to go to court, they went to court with us, and the next thing I knew, Peyton's parents became Seth's and my parents, and we have never been happier. Seth is now in veterinary school at the University of Florida. He is only seventeen; that alone tells you what our new parents and family have done for us."

 

"You feel blessed by everything, don't you, Richard?" "Immensely, without a doubt. My boys are blessed to have wonderful grandparents who will never abuse them. Seth and I have parents we don't have to physically fight anymore - our new world is heaven to us. And I met Sally through a job as a physician's assistant that Jaiden and Peyton arranged for me. I'll never be able to repay them for all the good they have brought to Seth and me."

 

"Richard, I know both of those gentlemen, and I feel safe saying they don't want you to feel you have to repay them for anything. If they didn't care about and love you, they wouldn't have done what they did." Phyllis spoke up and said, "Deborah, Peyton, and Jaiden have told Richard and Seth that, and so has their Dad and me. We have received untold blessings because of Richard and Seth, and we have been repaid a hundred-fold for whatever we may have done for them. Even the jackass on the farm loves Seth; won't have anything to do with anybody but him."

 

"Folks, I hate to run, but I need to get back home. Richard, I'll drop by again next week to chat with Sally; if you need me, call me." "I will; thanks so much, Deborah!" "Richard, you're Peyton's brother and Jaiden's brother-in-law; it's the least I can do for you after all they've done to help young people in Memphis. Have a good night!" "You do the same, Deborah."

 

"Hey, Babe, how'd you like Deborah?" "Richard, she seems like a beautiful person, and I am much more relaxed after talking with her. She's been where I am, so she understands what I am going through, and we relate because of her experience."

 

"Deborah said she'd call the doctor tomorrow and talk with her about some medication that won't affect the boys. After a couple of sessions with Deborah, I don't think I'll need medication; I simply need to learn how to manage the fluctuating hormones – and medication may help in that regard." "Good, sweetheart, we'll do what we have to do. You know I love you to Mars and back!" "I know, sweetie, and I love you the same; please be patient with me until I whip the postpartum blues." "As long as it takes, Sally; as long as it takes."

 

"Richard, this is Peyton. Was Deborah able to see Sally today?" "She was, and when Deborah left, Sally was feeling better. She said Deborah had been through what she suffers from, and Deborah gave Sally some good ideas of things to try. Deborah will also talk to the Gynob here and see if she thinks medication may be warranted. As good as the wife is feeling now, I think talk therapy with Deborah may be all that's needed – that and her mother not trying to smother her with love." "Jewish moms always try to go overboard, Richard, and if you say anything, they'll remind you they are momma and Bubbee." "I kinda figured that Peyton; I've already gotten that lecture." "Tell mom what happened and how Sally feels smothered; mom will take care of that in short order – the Jewish way – without making the mother-in-law mad." "You think so, Peyton." "No, I know so; I've seen mom do it before."

 

"Maybe mom would like to go to your house and check on her grandchildren, and we could get a cup of coffee, and you, mom, and I could take a walk." "Richard, you're using your head! That's a fantastic way to get mom away from Mrs. Isenberg so you can talk to her. I'll get the coffee started; come on over when you can." "We should be there in fifteen minutes."

 

"Mom, are you ready to go check on your grandchildren?" Mom Riley noticed the `look' Richard sent with his question and replied, "yes, I am; and it's an excellent time to take me to Peyton's. Adelle is watching the boys while Sally takes a nap, so it's a good time. You can pick up something to eat on your way back home."

 

Richard and his mom got in the car, and his mom looked at him and asked, "what do you need to talk about, son?" "How'd you know that, Mom." "The look, son."

 

"I think Sally feels a bit smothered by her mom, and it's stressing her." "I kind of figured that. Do you think Sally would feel better taking care of the boys by herself when you get back to Erie?" "I think so, but she hasn't said one way or another; I can ask her and let you know." "Do that. There will be a surprise waiting for the two of you when you get to Erie; I won't tell you what it is, but I can promise it will make your lives much simpler and take a lot of stress off Sally."

 

"Mom, if it will take some stress off Sally, it is good. I have a sneaking feeling Jaiden has his hand in whatever it is." "Maybe, maybe not, son, we'll just have to wait and see. But in the meantime, I'm going to take Adelle out shopping and for lunch on the paddlewheel boat; that should take all day."

 

"Mom, thanks; that should give Sally some time to herself; I'll let her know what you are planning. And, of course, I'll cover lunch for y'all." "Nonsense; I have your Dad's credit card, and he's got plenty of money to pay for lunch. I think Adelle and I will have fun buying some clothes for Rob so he won't have to share with Seth."

 

"Sally, Mom, and I had a talk today, and she's going to take your Mom shopping and to lunch on the paddlewheel boat tomorrow to give you some time to yourself."

 

I'll give you a choice of what you want me to do: I can go somewhere so you can be alone, or I can close the curtains, get the room dark and cool, and give you a long, soft massage. So what be your pleasure, my dear?"

 

"Does the dark, cool room and the long, soft massage come with diaper changes for a few hours?"

 

"I'll take the dark room and long, soft massage if you don't mind." "Keep that thought in mind for in the morning. As for the diaper changes for a few hours, the answer is no; I'll do all the diaper changes."

 

Sally had soft music playing in the bedroom, and when Richard said he'd change all the diapers the next day, she got up, hugged her husband, and slow danced with him for the longest.

 

The following morning, Mom Riley arrived at the apartment at 9:00 a.m., collected Adelle, and headed to the largest shopping complex in Memphis. At midday, they boarded the paddlewheel boat for lunch, an excursion that would take several hours, after which they would go to a few more baby shops to pick out clothes for Rob.

 

Richard walked into the bedroom, changed his son's diapers, and drew the curtains getting the room as dark as possible. Then, he retrieved some Hawaiian massage lotion and began giving his wife the massage he had promised.

 

Nearly thirty minutes into the massage, he noticed Sally had fallen asleep and was sleeping peacefully, so he covered her with a soft fleece blanket and sat in a rocking chair, and watched his wife as she slept. The thoughts coursing through his mind were that he was the luckiest man in the world to have a beautiful wife who loved him more than anything or anybody.

 

When Richard's and Sally's moms returned to the apartment, his mom told him to take his wife out for a romantic dinner while the grandmother's watched the babies. So, Richard did that; he took Sally to a little out-of-the-way bistro. They sat in a corner booth, had a candlelight dinner, and enjoyed each other's quiet company.

 

When the lovebirds got back to the apartment complex, the sun was starting to set, and the temperature dropped to a more comfortable level, so they took a walk around the flowered walking path of the hospital's grounds.

 

"Richard, I love you." "I love you too, baby. Thank you for sharing a beautiful evening with me; I hope you've been able to relax a little more by getting out of the apartment."

 

"Sweetheart, you have no idea how much I have enjoyed this evening with you. I feel like we were on a date like we had before getting married." "Sally, we were. That is what I hoped you would feel, what I wanted you to feel." "Love, you succeeded beyond your wildest dreams."

 

When Richard and Sally returned to the apartment, their moms asked if they had had a good time. Sally assured them it went way beyond a good time.

 

Sally's mom said, "Sally, I talked to your Dad today, and he said you're probably at a point where you'd like to do things by yourself and have some time alone to bond with your sons. So, if you don't mind, I thought I would fly home tomorrow. Phyllis is flying to Erie to help Jaiden and Peyton with their boys while they're moving back into their home. So, if you need any help, she'll be in Erie, and you'll also have Ginny and Granny to help."

 

"Mom, I hate to see you go home, but you are right: I'm at a point where I need to bond more with the boys. Seth hasn't gotten the attention he got while he was the only baby in the house, so I'd like to spend some time with them and Richard just having fun together." "I think that's a great way to feel, Sally; Phyllis will take me to the airport at ten tomorrow morning, and I'll check on you as soon as I get home."

 

Her mom walked to the kitchen to get a knish and a cup of coffee. While she was out of the room, Sally hugged Richard's mom and said, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Phyllis didn't say anything as she looked Sally in the eyes and gave a smirk. Richard kissed his mom on the cheek and smiled.

 

Richard said he needed to get something out of the car and headed to the parking lot. While he was outside, he called Peyton and said, "My dear brother, I love you more than I can describe. I did what you told me to do."

 

"When Mom and Adelle got back to the apartment this afternoon, Sally and I went out for a romantic dinner at that little bistro you and Jaiden like; it was amazing! Then out of the blue, Adelle let us know she was flying home in the morning and Mom would take her to the airport at ten. You should have seen the look on Sally's face when she said that."

 

"Richard, I told you Mom would get the job done." "She sure did; she is one amazing lady." "That she is, Richard, and Dad will remind us if we forget.

 

"I better run, Peyton; I have a few more things to pack, and then we'll be ready to head home on Friday morning when the movers get here. Mom is flying to Erie with us, and we'll stay at the Hilton until the furniture arrives." "That's good.

 

We're going to Leon's and Peter's Friday morning, and on Friday night, Dale and Charley will graduate from Wellstone. Then, we'll head to Erie Monday morning, stopping along the way to eat. If we see something the children might enjoy, we'll stop and get them out of the van to get some exercise and hopefully tire themselves out - and sleep most of the trip home. We should get to Erie late Monday evening, Tuesday evening at the latest. If the furniture hasn't arrived by the time we get to Erie, we'll see y'all at the Hilton."

 

"Peyton, I don't know about you and Jaiden, but I can't wait to get back to Erie and our practice. I miss the hospital and staff in Erie." "It's the same for Jaiden and me, Dale, and Charley."

 

"Peyton, what's the first thing y'all want to do when we get back to Erie?" "The first thing is to go to the seafood buffet at the Wharf. The second thing is to ride up to the bluff, park, and watch the ships coming in with all the night lights."

 

"You aren't going to have a make-out session with Jaiden?" "If Mom keeps the boys, we will; I can promise you that." "You're a mess, bro." "Maybe not now, Richard, but we will be!" "TMI, Peyton!" "Well, you asked!"

 

"Peyton, the car carrier will be here tomorrow to load the cars and take them to Erie. If you don't mind, call Richard back right quick and remind him." "Callin' now, babe."

 

"Richard, Jaiden asked me to call and remind you that the car carrier will be here tomorrow to load the cars and take them to our house in Erie." "OK, thanks, Peyton. We'll get the rental first thing in the morning and bring our car to your house for transport." "Good, see you tomorrow."

 

Thursday afternoon late, the movers arrived to pack what needed to be packed and load the furniture on the moving trucks. By eight Thursday evening, all the furniture was on the way to Erie, and everyone booked into the Hilton on the Mississippi for the night. Friday morning, everyone had breakfast at their favorite restaurant, and Sally, Richard, their boys, and Richard's mom went to the airport and flew back to Erie. Jaiden, Peyton, Dale, Charlie, and all ten children headed to Leon's and Peter's house for the weekend.

 

Friday night, All the guys, plus Leon and Peter, drove to Wellstone for Dale's and Charlie's graduation. To say Dale and Charley were anxious about delivering their addresses to the graduating students would be a significant understatement; they were petrified.

 

Charley's reaction to the number of people filling the auditorium was the funniest. His eyes showed pure fear, and the huge drops of sweat dripping from his face told the true story of how he felt. Dale, for some reason, was as cool as a cucumber. He saw his and Charley's parents and spoke with them until it was time for the graduates to assemble for the ceremony.

 

The pomp and circumstance music began, and Charley and Dale ascended the stage with all the dignitaries there for the graduation ceremonies. Jaiden, Peyton, the Andersons, and Leonards took their seats and ensured the children acted as appropriately as possible.

 

Everything went well until Dale was called to the lectern to deliver his address to the students; Alaina Noelle screamed, "I want my daddy," and the audience went wild with laughter and applause. Then, when it was Charley's turn to speak, Charles Logan yelled, "Daddyyyyyyy!" The audience again responded in kind. Dale and Charley spoke for almost forty minutes each. Finally, when they completed what they had to say, there was a standing ovation and thunderous applause. Their addresses to their fellow students were deemed to be the best in the recent history of Wellstone graduations, and would be shown on the news the following evening.