The Problem with Dreams

Chapter 87 - New Hours

Dinner time discussion that evening in the Abernathy household focused largely on Susan and Greg's news about Melody. Everyone had a lot of questions about everything Dr. Bower said.

"And he doesn't think she's deaf?" Mr. Abernathy wanted to know. "A little girl we used to know with Downs at church couldn't hear at all."

"No. As far as Dr. Bower can tell, her hearing and her auditory canal are completely normal," Susan said.

"What about her eyesight, Susan?" Mrs. Abernathy asked.

"She can see. She's too young to know how well yet. She'll probably need glasses when she's older, but plenty of children wear glasses," Susan said.

"Yeah, Mom, they do," Matt agreed.

"Mama, is Melody going to be able to play with me?" Jessie asked.

"When she's older, Jessie," Susan answered.

"I imagine you will be playing with her long before that," Greg told her. "Remember how Melody liked looking at you in the hospital on Saturday?"

Jessie nodded.

"My guess is you are going to be her favorite entertainer for quite some time," Greg said.

"What about me?" Zackary protested.

"She loves watching people, Zack; so I'm sure she's going to like watching you too," Susan soothed.

"So Mom, are you going to be home for dinner every night from now on?" Matt asked.

"I plan to be. The nursery she's in now has lots of other babies in it and the nurses are busier, so we've had to change our routine. We plan to go in early for the rest of the week, so we won't be here for breakfast, but we will for dinner," Susan said.

"That's better any way," Zackary said.

"Why's that, Zack?" Greg asked.

"That way Mom can help me with my homework," he said.

"I thought Grandpa has been helping you with homework," Susan said.

"Yeah he has, but you're better at math," Zackary said

Susan looked at her father doubtfully.

"I never got this new-fangled math they teach in the schools these days," he said apologetically.

"That's all right, Dad. Thanks for trying," Susan said.

"So you'll be home in the afternoons?" Mrs. Abernathy checked.

"I plan to be," Susan said. "I can help you more with dinner that way."

"It does sound like the doctor thinks we should be cooking ahead for when Melody comes home," Mrs. Abernathy said. "I think that's a good idea. I also like his idea of hiring a housekeeper."

"I do too. I'm going to visit Marion tomorrow between feedings. I thought I'd start by asking her about it. She's had housekeepers before, so she might know how to go about it," Susan said.

"I'm sure she does," Greg said approvingly as the family finished their meal. "I'll help your mother clean up. You go help Zackary with his homework."

"I'll help too," Mr. Abernathy added.

Susan smiled. "Thanks, you two. Come on Zack. Let's go tackle your math."

c

Bedtime came quickly on that Monday evening, but Tuesday morning came quicker still. Greg and Susan were out of the house before dawn, following each other through Malibu canyon in their separate cars, on their way to see their daughter and to spend some time with her while Susan gave Melody, her six am feeding. Although the hospital in general was a busy place at that hour, the nursery was relatively quiet. Most of the babies were already out with their mothers, leaving only Melody who was crying heartily when they arrived.