Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 46 - Where Is Everybody?

Matt was the first one to arrive on Thanksgiving Day. He was at the house earlier than most people were wake. The exception was Susan, who was already up and in the kitchen working on their Thanksgiving dinner.

"Hi Mom," Matt said as he came in through the cave.

"Hi Matt. Happy Thanksgiving," Susan said with a smile.

"You too," Matt said. "Where is everybody?"

"Still in bed," Susan told him. "How come you're here so early?"

"I wanted to help. I'm supposed to go see Ashley later today, but I know you always need me and Zack to set up the tables for you ... and without Grandma here to help this year, I thought I should check on you," Matt said.

Susan smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate it," Susan said as she wrestled with the turkey in the sink.

"Do you need help with that?" Matt wondered.

"Yes please. Wash your hands, then I need someone to hold it while I season the cavity," Susan said.

"Doesn't Greg usually help you with this?" Matt asked once he was holding the turkey.

"He does, but he's dealing with Melody this morning," Susan told him.

"Is something the matter with Melody?" Matt asked.

"She woke up fussier than usual," Susan told him. "He's trying to get her to go back to sleep for a while in our bed."

"Good luck with that," Matt said. "You know Melody never goes back to bed once she's been up."

"She may change her mind, eventually," Susan said in an optimistic tone.

Matt regarded her doubtfully while he helped with the turkey. Once Susan was ready to take it from him, Matt washed his hands and went in the direction of Melody's bedroom to check on her.

Matt was partway down the hall when he met his little sister coming towards him, dragging her Raggedy Ann behind her and still wearing her pajamas, though they sagged particularly badly in the back.

"Mapp," Melody said in a sad sounding tone.

"Hi Mel. Hey what's wrong?" Matt asked picking her up. "Besides your diaper, I mean. That's a mess, but you haven't called me 'Mapp' in a long time."

"Mama busy," Melody told him.

"Yeah, she is. Maybe Greg can help you?" Matt suggested.

"Shower," Melody said pointing at the bathroom.

"Yeah, okay. Maybe I can help. Come on," Matt said.

Matt took her to the bathroom in the children's wing and ended up giving her a bath. That's where he was when Zack got up.

"Hi," Zack said in surprise.

"Hi. Could you get me a diaper for Melody from her bedroom?" Matt asked.

"Sure ... ah ... err ... why are you giving her a bath?" Zack asked.

"Instead of Mom, you mean?"

"Sort of. Didn't she do that last night?" Zack asked.

"I don't know. I just got here, but Mom is busy in the kitchen, Greg is in the shower, and Melody was a mess. I'm just trying to help out," Matt said as he lifted her from the tub and started to dry her off.

"Yeah, I know. Without Grandma, Mom is having to do everything for Thanksgiving this year. Cindy and Julie aren't even here to help," Zack said.

"When are they coming?" Matt asked.