Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 88 - After the Wedding

The day after Matt and Ashley's wedding, Alan and Cindy hosted a small family party in the Abernathy's cottage in honor of Olivia's second birthday. Most of the guests who came to the party were also at the wedding the night before, and by comparison, it was a casual, small affair. Even though there were a few other children present, most of the guests were adults.

A birthday cake was presented to the birthday girl, the two candles were blown out, and her presents were opened. At two years old, Olivia was still bewildered by the candles on her cake. Noah on the other hand, was mesmerized by the flames and tried to reach for them from his high chair.

By contrast, Melody was very quiet. She had no interest in playing with the other children or helping to blow out the candles, preferring instead to sit quietly with Susan, sometimes on her lap during the party.

"She really doesn't feel well does she?" Julie asked as she joined Susan on the sofa.

"No, I don't think so," Susan said, brushing Melody's hair away from her face with her fingertips. "I put a call in to her pediatrician this morning about what happened at the wedding yesterday. He recommended we call her cardiologist in the morning and try to see her right away. He doesn't consider it an emergency, but he does feel she should be seen soon."

"I would say right away. This is such a change from the way she was yesterday," Julie observed. "Even after her attack, she was more active than this."

"Yes, she was," Susan agreed.

"We're going home as soon as the party is over," Julie said. "I want to be sure we're out of your way. But if you need anything, please let me know? For you, for Melody ... for anybody. I'm here, you know?"

"Thank you Julie," Susan told her seriously. "That means a lot to me."

"Family is worth it, Susan. We've said goodbye to too many family members recently. I was hoping this would be the year we wouldn't lose anybody, but especially not Melody."

"We're leaving as soon as the party is over too," Rosemary said as she overheard what Julie was telling Susan. "Please, let us know what the doctor says?"

"I will," Susan promised. "You'll be at your mothers?"

"For a few days. We'll be using Julie's guestroom at the end of the week, closer to the naming," Rosemary said.

And so at the end of Olivia's birthday party, most of the Abernathy's guests went home. Everyone was anxious to be out of the family's way, but all wanted to hear what the doctor had to say.

c

"Are you coming?" Susan asked her husband early on Monday afternoon. Zack and Jessie were busy for the day and Greg decided to go with Susan to take Melody to the doctor.

"I am. I've rescheduled my meeting with Alex for later in the week," Greg told her.

"I didn't know you had a meeting with him scheduled, since the series you were in was canceled," Susan said.

"It's because the show was canceled we scheduled the meeting," Greg told her. "We're discussing where to focus my attention next."

"Is there something specific you're thinking of doing?" Susan asked.

"There is. Perhaps we could discuss it on the way," Greg said.

Susan nodded. "Come on Melody. It's time to go."

"Doctor, Momma?" she asked.

"Yes. We're going to see Dr. Lin today. I am hoping she can make you feel better," Susan said.