Part 286
The four ‘brothers’ woke before Howie and Sarah and sat watching the couple sleep peacefully, Sarah snuggled next to Howie’s chest and his hand resting on her stomach. They hoped that this would be what it took to make Sarah snap out of her ‘depression’ and get past the guilty feelings.
Brian spoke softly, "Kevin, I think Sarah needs to stop performing for a while…until she can get past this."
Nodding his head in agreement, Kevin said, "I agree. She needs to rest and get her head straight."
"She’s got today and tomorrow to rest," said Nick. "She’s not gonna like being told she can’t perform…by you OR Howie."
"I agree with Nick. Sarah loves performing as much as we do," said AJ. "But I also agree she doesn’t need to overdo it. Maybe she could cut her set back."
"No, she needs to stop for a while," said Kevin.
"It’s NOT our decision to make, Kevin," reminded Brian. "Howie is her husband and manager and he should have the final say in this. Not to mention, they discuss EVERYTHING before making a decision."
"Don’t get me wrong…I love both of them and think they have a great marriage but Howie’s NOT gonna stand up to her. If she wants to perform, all she has to do is say so and he’ll let her."
Sleepily, Howie said, "Fuck you, Kevin."
"Admit it, Howie. Sarah bats those blue eyes at you, kisses you sweetly, and you’re putty in her hands. You’re whipped."
Growing angrier by the minute, Howie retaliated, "And you’re jealous. Sour grapes isn’t your style, Kev."
"She needs to…."
"DON’T TELL ME WHAT MY WIFE NEEDS," growled Howie and Sarah moved in his arms. He looked down at her, lowered his voice, and continued. "I’ve been listening to all four of you and I ACTUALLY agree with you that Sarah needs to rest for a little while but I do NOT appreciate you making decisions about MY wife’s career without consulting me."
"I wouldn’t have done anything without talking to you first. I just sorta figured you’d agree after last night."
Looking down at Sarah as she slept in his arms, his anger quickly changed to desperation. "I’d do ANYTHING to protect her but I don’t know what to do this time. I hold her at night but she still has nightmares. I tell her it’s NOT her fault but she still blames herself for what’s happened…like she can control what some maniac is gonna do. I just want to help her feel safe again."
Howie couldn’t hold back his tears any longer and they fell onto Sarah’s skin. AJ moved beside the bed, rubbing Howie’s back as he said, "You’re gonna get past this, D. I know she still feels safe in your arms. Look at her sleeping now…she didn’t have any dreams last night."
Unaware that Sarah was awake, all five were startled when she spoke softly, wiping Howie’s tears, "You make me feel very safe, D. AJ’s right. I didn’t have a dream last night…because you were here, holding me. Please…I can’t handle your tears too."
"Angel, I love you so damn much…I can’t lose you."
"You aren’t gonna lose me, Howie. I’m right here, in your arms, where I belong."
The doctor coming into the room interrupted Sarah. "Well, good morning! I didn’t expect to see ALL of you still here."
"Can’t leave without Sarah. We’ve already left one of our family behind in Toronto," said Kevin.
Howie wiped his tears. "So, Doc…can I keep my wife with me?"
"Wouldn’t dream of keeping her here with ME…she’s got too many guys looking out for her that are bigger than me…especially the one at the door…I think his name is Billy."
The guys laughed and Nick said, "His bark is worse than his bite…although, the only ones who seem to be able to deal with him are my wife and Sarah."
"The best way to deal with Billy is to let him think he’s in charge," said Sarah.
Getting back to the matter at hand, the doctor said, "Sarah…you’re exhausted and last night, your body decided to make you stop. The contractions were simply…"
"Braxton-Hicks…now that I’ve had some sleep and can think clearly, I know that."
"I spoke to your doctor in Orlando and he approved the sedative I’m going to give you. Your husband has told me you don’t like to take medications but you need your rest. If you don’t, you could very well lose those twins you’re carrying."
"What about performing?" asked Sarah.
"Not a concern right now. You ARE NOT performing until AFTER the twins are born," said Kevin.
Howie and Sarah both shot Kevin a look as Howie said, "THAT hasn’t been decided yet."
"As long as Sarah gets plenty of rest, I don’t see why she couldn’t. Her body is accustomed to the demands of performing."
"Thanks, Doc. When can we go?" asked Howie.
"Well, I’ve already signed the release papers so you’re free to go. Here’s the prescription for the sedative. You can have it filled in the hospital pharmacy before you leave."
AJ spoke up, "Howie, I’ll take care of it."
"Thanks, ‘J’."
"Come on, Kaos…Let’s go check out the nurses."
"Man…I don’t wanna check out …."
AJ’s glare shut Nick down and the two headed to get the medicine for Sarah.
Kevin spoke up, "I’m gonna check on getting out of here. Bri, you comin’?"
"Yeah."
"Kevin, make arrangements for Raoul to meet us for breakfast with Jesse," said Sarah. "I’m starving."
"Sure, baby," smiled Kevin. Looking back from the door, he gave her that grin he knew melted her…you know the one where he scrunches his nose. "Don’t fight too much."
The doctor followed Kevin and Brian out leaving the couple alone. Howie sat up and moved so that he was facing Sarah. Taking her hand in his, he spoke softly, "Sarah, last night scared me but it’s time to move on. God spared you…that’s what counts. You can’t change what’s happened but you can make things better for the other survivors. First thing you need to do though is take care of yourself. I want you to take some time off, don’t perform. Spend time with Jesse, focus on our business stuff, the cruise, plans on how to decorate the house in Virginia, write. You started, what was it…’Dark Riders’….work on it."
"How long do you want me to rest?"
"I don’t know…how about until Becca comes back?"
"What about Kevin?"
"I’ll deal with Kevin."
Sarah smiled, "I can’t wait to see THAT."
"You’re BAD, Angel," laughed Howie.
"Not really. I just think it’s fun to watch Kevin’s head explode. He’s so cute when he’s TRYING to be in control."
"Promise me this won’t happen again?"
"I promise," said Sarah as she leaned to kiss him. "You know something…I love it when you’re all hot and sweaty after we’ve made love….but…YOU STINK!"
Howie pretended to be offended. "Hey…that’s NOT nice! You know, you aren’t exactly a bed of roses yourself!"
Both laughed and Sarah said, "Guess we need to get a shower before we head to get breakfast. I don’t suppose you thought to bring me some clothes."
"Nope…I left with you and didn’t get ANY clothes for either one of us."
There was a knock at the door and Kevin stuck his head in. "Is it safe or are there flying objects?"
"It’s safe," said Howie.
"Good. We’re headed to the buses first so you two can change clothes and then we’ll go eat," said Kevin. "What did you two decide?"
As the others followed Kevin in, Howie said, "A week…no performing."
"And if I get tired, I’ll tell Howie," added Sarah. "No more pushing myself."
Kevin shook his head, "I still…"
Sarah took Kevin’s hand. "I’ll be okay, Kevin. Stop trying to control me."
"Hard to do when you love someone."
Howie looked at the others. "I need a favor, guys."
"Just name it," said Nick.
"I need one of you to take Jesse for the rest of today. Sarah and I need some time alone, to talk and for Sarah to rest."
Brian spoke up, "I’ll take her for you, Howie."
"We’ll all take turns with ‘Peanut’," said Nick. "I’m sure Bec would love to talk to her."
Sarah spoke up, "Can we PLEASE get out of here? I’m SICK of HOSPITALS and I’m HUNGRY!"
The guys laughed and Howie hugged Sarah. He had his wife back and it was obvious she was ready to get on with life.