The Mall…
Tyler caught our mother in his strong arms and picked her up, like she was
a rag doll. Terri raced to my side a look of fear across her face.
“Bring her over here…” said the saleslady who had hurried out from the back
motioning to a chair behind the counter.
Tyler did just that. His hands were sweaty and nervous. He gently and
carefully placed her down on the chair and she stirred. The saleslady
hovered over her.
“Are you okay Mrs. Manning?” she asked. We all hovered around her.
“Yeah…I’ll be okay…” whispered Mom. Her eyes fluttered open. The
saleslady checked her forehead.
“You’re a bit hot Mrs. Manning,” said the saleslady.
“I’m okay…” she whispered fully opening her eyes looking into our faces -
our terrified faces.
“Should I call an ambulance?” asked the saleslady.
“No. I’ll be all right…I just got…” my mom’s voice dropped off as she
looked at all of us - the concern in our faces still apparent for her and
she grew concerned for us. It was silent.
“I’m sorry guys. I didn’t realize…just how…I’m sorry…” she started.
Terri ran up to her and hugged her. My mom returned the hug but it was
light and weak.
“What should we do Mom?” asked Tyler kneeling down beside her, looking up
into her eyes, “Want us to call Dad?”
“Tyler…I think you should take me home okay, so I can lay down and rest…”
she said weakly.
“Maybe we should take you to the hospital and have them check you over.
Have Dad meet us there…” I suggested. I know that’s what I wanted to do
just be sure she was okay.
“Trevor…” she started.
“No,” I said firmly, making a decision, “I’m taking you to the hospital to
get you checked out. And I’m driving too.” I held up her purse and dug out
her keys.
She said nothing as she looked at me, silently agreeing. I think she knew
that it was the best thing for everyone’s piece of mind.
“Ah, Trevor, can you get the dress?” she asked.
I gave her a slight smile and paid for the dress. While I did, Tyler was
there, at her side, holding her hand, helping her up.
As we walked out, I held her dress and Tyler helped her out to the car.
Terri held her other hand. Nothing was said. I think she knew how worried I
was for her and didn’t want to scare us anymore. I shoved the dress into
the trunk and mom got in the back with Tyler. Terri wouldn’t part from her
side either. We got in the car and I drove off reaching for mom’s cell
phone in her purse and glancing in the rear view mirror. Mom’s head rested
on Tyler’s shoulder, her eyes closed. Tyler had a protective arm around her,
trying his best to look strong but I could tell from his eyes he was just as
worried as I was.
“Mommy,” said Terri snuggling next to her, “Are you okay? Are you going to
throw up?”
“No Terri, I’m not going to throw up…” said Mom weakly.
I dialed Dad’s number.
“Dad, it’s Trevor…”
“What’s up Trevor?”
“I’m on my way to the hospital with Tyler and Terri and Mom…”
“What’s…what’s wrong with your mom?”
“We were at the mall and Mom had a dizzy spell. She’s okay. Just tired
but I think she should get checked out just to make sure…”
“Is…she bleeding?” My father’s voice was shaky and nervous.
“No, she’s not bleeding. I’ll see you there…”
CLICK. Guess he hung up.
That’s Dad. Direct and the point. I continued driving, all the while
becoming upset over his decision to have another baby. Why did he have to
do this to her? Why did he have to insist she have another one? Now wasn’t
the time to get angry. I had to keep a cool head.
“Mommy, don’t get sick okay. I love you…” said Terri placing her arms
around mom.
“I love you too Terri,” said Mom softly.
*****
We walked into the emergency room and mom’s doctor met us. I guess Dad
must have called him. Tyler helped Mom into an emergency room and stayed
with her. I waited with Terri in the hall for Dad while the doctor examined
her.
Finally, dad walked in, looking a bit scattered. He ran his hands through
his hair and swallowed. Terri looked at him and ran into his arms.
“Daddy, don’t look scared. Mommy didn’t throw up once…” said Terri as he
picked her up. He said nothing, only acknowledging her statement by nodding
his head.
He turned to me, “Where’s your mother? She’s not…she’s…?”
I swallowed, “She’s in with the doctor now.”
“Take me there T.D.,” he commanded.
I turned around and showed him the room. He waltzed in and I followed him
in.
Mom was lying down in the bed and Tyler stood next to her, his arms
crossed. The doctor looked up and smiled. He reached for a glass of water
and gave it to Mom who drank it.
“Téa…” whispered my father, “Doc - she’s all right, right?”
Dr. Clayton smiled, “She’s fine. Her vitals are okay. Téa’s got a slight
fever - 99 degrees and she’s a bit dehydrated but she’ll be okay…”
“The baby?” muttered my father.
“Is fine. Mother and baby are fine,” confirmed the Doc, “It’s normal to
have a dizzy spell now and then. Making a baby is hard work you know -
especially for mom.”
I swear, all of us - including my Dad let out a big sigh of relief.
Dad put Terri down and walked over to Mom’s side taking her hand, “So what
did you think you were doing at the mall? I could have gotten anything you
wanted…”
“Trying to keep a surprise…” she said looking guilty. Dad knew that look.
She blamed herself and looked away.
“Oh no, you don’t Delgado,” he whispered softly taking his hand turning her
head to look at him, “No surprises. I hate surprises. Look it doesn’t
matter. You’re okay. Baby’s okay. That’s all that matters to me.” He
turned to the doctor, “Can I take her home now?”
“Yep. I prescribe bedrest and lots of fluids,” said Dr. Clayton.
He turned to me, “You did good T.D.”
I just nodded my head.
We went home.
*****
Taylor was at home waiting for us, doing homework on the kitchen table.
Dad took Mom upstairs to their bedroom and I stayed in the kitchen with Ty,
Tail, and Terri. I showed them my book, “Pregnancies for Dummies” and told
them about some of the stuff I read. The twins listened intently while
Terri just kind of fussed. Just then Dad walked in, looking totally wiped
out.
“She’s dozed off. Everything’s okay. What’s with the book T.D.?” asked
Dad pointing to it.
I blushed, “I…ah…I…just wanna’ know…what Mom’s going through, that’s all,”
I answered.
“That’s…sweet, I guess,” he said, “But you don’t have to be so worried.
That’s my job. She’s my wife.”
“And she’s my mother. It’s my job too!” I spat. I shocked not only myself
but I think I shocked him as well. I didn’t mean it to sound so harsh but
that’ s how it came out.
My father wrinkled his brow, and bit his lip before continuing.
“Trevor,” he said firmly, “You are not two years old anymore and you do not
need to hit me in the face. I will worry about your mother. I am her
husband.” I could have sworn my father was going to burst a blood vessel.
I had angered him with my concern over my mother, that I felt was totally
warranted. I don’t want to see her get hurt.
“Trev, chill out man. Dad loves Mom. We all do. Me. You. Taylor. Terri.
Dad ain’t gonna hurt her if that’s what you’re implying. You know that,”
said Tyler walking up beside me, he turned me to look at him by grabbing my
arms, “Why would you even think that?”
“I dunno…Ty…I just…I just…look - this baby thing effects the whole damn
family - not just them - but us too!” I stammered.
“Listen up,” said my father, “Your mother is going to be fine and I’m going
to ensure that. No stress. No worries for her. And no fighting. Trevor,
it’s all right for you to be concerned about her - but I will not have you
worrying her with your worries. She doesn’t need that. Comprendé?” his
voice was serious.
“Yeah. I get it. Comprendé,” I said. Becoming royally angry at him. Not
wanting to get into a pissing contest with him right now in front of the
others, I stormed out of the kitchen and upstairs to my room.
TO BE CONTINUED…
