Hide Your Heart

Dinner As A Band

Paul and the others had been home two weeks. Tommy was seven months along and barely showing. Eric was 25 weeks and looked twice as big. Eric and Gene had invited Tommy, Paul , Bruce and Amy out to dinner. Bruce wanted to see everyone happy. 

Tommy felt awful still but was glad for the distraction of being away from the house. He showed the sonogram pictures around as did Eric. "Wow, Er, that's a big baby." 

"I know. Damned kid kicks like an elephant."

"I hardly feel any kicking."

The others looked at Tommy. "Is that normal?" asked Bruce. "Shouldn't you feel something?"

"I do, just not heavy ones."

"So, Tom, are you carrying the triplets to full term or  is the doctor going to induce them early?" asked Gene. "Normal term for multiple births is 32 weeks."

"Why would he do that?" "Isn't full term 36 weeks? Paul?!"

"Gene, sh. We don't know yet."

Tommy started to get upset thinking something was wrong. "Paul?" "Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No ,baby. Calm down. Gene, sh."

Finally the food was brought out and set before them. Tommy looked down at his plate, no appetite now. He felt Paul nudge him. "Eat or I'll feed you."

Tommy willingly let Paul feed him since he now had no appetite. He mechanically chewed and swallowed.

Eric eagerly ate his, all the leftovers and two servings of cherry pie. Bruce was blissfully happy. Gene got a smack by Paul when he belched in his ear. "Gross asshole." mumbled Paul.

Tommy left his share of the tab and headed to the car. He was almost asleep when the others came out. "I'm running to the store, Tom. Stay in the car." said Paul, getting in.