Down the Road... Part 14
Nora had wanted to stay until they knew more about RJ's condition but Larry was adamant. There was nothing she could do. She was a little chilled so agreed to leave. Bo took Nora back to his place. He took her coat and hung it up. Nora updated Renee who had been staying with Matthew. Renee agreed to come back later that day if Nora wanted to go to the hospital.
N: Thanks Renee.
R: Don't mention it. We had a great time. He ate and we cleaned up then read a couple of books and he crashed. He tried hard to stay up but it didn't last long. He wanted to see his mom in her pretty new dress.
B: He sure missed a sight!
N: Thanks for your help.
B: You may help Nora shop any time you like
They all laughed.
Bo saw Renee out and turned back toward Nora. She slid into his arms.
N: I'd like to just stay here awhile.
B: 'Works for me! Wanna lie down in front of a fire for awhile?
N: I'd love that… Do you have some aspirin?
B: Sure do. You ok?
N: I think I have a little fever. It's chilly in here. She shivered…
B: Let me make that fire.
After taking the aspirin, Nora lay
down on the couch and promptly fell asleep. Bo grabbed a blanket
and slid in next to her and watched her sleep until the sun came
up.
******************************************************************.
Bo's House
Next morning
Matthew came bundling down the stairs bright and early.
M: Mommy... can I see your dress?
N: Morning sweetie. Give me a hug
M: That's a pretty dress mommy. I think you should wear it all the time
B: I don't know how I feel about that…
N: I thought you liked it
B: I like me looking at you in it… not so sure I wanna share that with anyone else!
Nora smiled…
M: What's for breakfast?
After breakfast, Nora made an appointment
with Andrew for the next afternoon, then went back to sleep.
*********************************************************************.
Parsonage
Next day
Nora and Bo walked into Andrew's living room. Bo looked extremely awkward, Nora was tired. Andrew started..
A: Well, I guess I should start… I don't have a prescribed set of rules when I pull people together beyond letting the other person finish their sentences etc. You two aren't fighting so that should keep things calm. So I would like to start out by talking a little about what I see, then we can talk about your expectations for all this and see where that takes us….
A: First of all, I see two people who are very committed to working out an incredibly complex situation. I would urge patience on both of you, although I can understand with Nora's health situation you might have a hard time with that.
A: I see two people in very different places in terms of this relationship and two modes of communication. I see Bo with a set of expectations based on how you, Nora, used to communicate. I am guessing that that might be part of the difficulty. Nora, I see you as unsure of yourself in terms of the people around you… of where you fit now… you seem tentative at times.
N: What do you mean?
A: Well, you used to be the more direct one. You would worry, out loud, about everything. Bo kept things inside of him until you beat it out of him. Now, you keep things inside as well. It's different from what we are used to, that's all.
N: I guess… that makes sense.
B: I guess I'm reading signals that aren't there.
A: Well, the point of this is to stop trying to read signals and start actually talking about what's going on.
N: I guess I don't really feel so sure of myself. I don't feel at home…you're right about that.
B: With me?
N: You, us… everyone, everywhere…
A: Bo, you seem to be focusing more on Nora's cancer… having already made up your mind that you and Nora belong together and driven by the fear. Nora, you seem to be focusing more on trying to put your relationships together, with Bo as well as others, while trying not to make the cancer center stage in your life.
N: That's fair
Andrew lead them through a discussion on how they were relating to each other, expressing their feelings about Nora's cancer, raising Matthew amidst all this chaos, etc.
He left them with some things to discuss
further and they agreed to meet again in a couple of days, after
Nora's next treatment. They left..
***************************************************************.
Hospital
The morning of Nora's next treatment came and Bo accompanied her to the hospital. Larry did a brief exam and let Nora know she was not to plan to go home that evening. She was run down and he wanted her to spend the night. They waited in silence for the nurse to set up the IV's. The look of dread was clear on Nora's face.
B: Hey, you ok?
N: Yeah… I'm fine... I just want
to get this over with.
The nurse came back in and asked Bo to leave. He kissed her good
bye and promised to be back as soon as Larry would let him back
in.
After what seemed like forever, Nora fell asleep reading, the book was resting on her lap when Bo came back. He took it out of her hand and the bookmark slipped out. It was the letter from Becky Lee. He resisted the urge to open it and read it but did wonder what it was about. She woke up and noticed him staring at the letter.
N: Hi
B: Hey... how are you feeling?
N: Ok… a little groggy. Can I have my letter back?
B: Sure.. I didn't read it... I mean… I was just putting the book aside... you fell asleep.
N: Bo, it's ok. It's not that big a secret... I just.
B: You don't have to tell me anything.
N: I don't mind… It's about Drew.
B: Becky Lee wrote to you about Drew?
N: She said that she had heard that my memory was not exactly 100% and that there were some things she wanted me to remember. That she said I should know.
B: Oh… I didn't know. Andrew said you were the one taking care of Drew's grave… the flowers and stuff
N: Yeah.
B: Did she ask you to do that?
N: Yes. She sent me a packet of seeds and asked me to plant them. She said that whatever our differences, Drew and I both loved you… and she wanted someone who loved you to plant them
B: Why?
N: She said that when she took Drew away from you, when he was little… I guess. The morning glories were in bloom and she told him that his dad would come back when they were in bloom again. And I guess for years afterward, no matter where they were living, he would look for you at that time. She wanted me to plant them because she said I brought you back for Drew.
B: But the two of you fought so much
N: She said that when he first came back to Llanview… you were off on some case and I met Drew in Rodi's I think.
B: That's right
N: He told her that I was so in love with you… that that came through and that it was the first time he realized maybe you weren't some horrible monster who had left his kid. For whatever reason, I made him decide to give you a chance and she said that changed his life.
B: Oh my god… I had no idea.
N: I found this letter she wrote to me. It must have been right after you left me. She sent me a note telling me to not give up because she knew you loved me. She said if Drew could find you again, then I certainly could. It's the nicest, kindest note… Andrew said that I came to Drew's grave almost everyday, telling him about Matthew and how much I missed you. It was the only place I could go where someone believed me. I should have told you, I'm sorry…
B: Don't apologize …
N: It's in the past right?
B: Yes it is. But I am going to do my best to make you feel loved again. No matter how long it takes.
He kissed her hand.
B: Thank you for taking care of all that. His grave always looks like someone cares about him and misses him.
N: Well, he is missed… I know I loved him… I don't remember much else. It's nice to just sit there and think sometimes.
B: You had a difficult relationship, to say the least. But you made your peace before he died. I was so glad.
Asa walked in.
A: Hey, enough mushy stuff. How are you feeling honey?
N: Fine Asa
A: Going home?
N: No, Larry wants me to stay.
A: Well, we brought dinner… if you can't handle guests, just let us know.
N: It's fine. Is Matthew with you?
A: Of course. He had all yesterday with your mother… that woman is gonna corrupt him, I just know it!
N: Whatever you say Asa.
B: Larry didn't want Nora to have visitors, He wanted things quiet.
A: Don't worry about Larry. I told him that if he wanted you to stay out of her bed, someone better keep an eye on you two! Nora'll get more rest if we're all here than if we leave her alone with you!
N (rolling her eyes): Gee, thanks Asa.
A: Well, hell. Everyone in town knows to look out if it's after dark. Might trip over the two of you in a parking lot or movie theatre or the roof!
B: That's enough Pa.
N: Only after dark?
A: Hey… don't get me wrong.. I'm glad you two finally got your heads on straight.. it's just.. you know, we don't all need to know how well you're getting along, if you get my meaning!
N: Thank you for sharing Asa… could we move on? I'm a little hungry.
They ate, Matthew tried feeding Nora so she would eat more. Most of the food ended up in her lap. Bo finally packed up dinner and sent them all home. He crawled in bed with Nora after the last nurse shift change.
B: Is this ok?
N: Yeah. Although I think I would prefer to be home
B: How's your back?
N: My shoulder and back are both sore. I guess I'm just not used to this catheter thing… I can't seem to relax.
B: Well, let me see if I can help.
He crawled out of bed again and looked around for some lotion. Once he found what he was looking for he propped her up, undid the johnny and rolled up his sleeves.
B: Allow me to introduce you to Mr. Magic Fingers…
N: Go for it 'magic fingers'.
A half hour later Nora was relaxed and Bo slid back into bed.
B: So… how's that desk of yours?
N: My desk?
B: Yeah… the big one. Is it still in storage somewhere?
N: I have a big desk?
B: You have a nice big desk… lots of room… sturdy…
N: Lots of room? For what?
B: Please tell me you're joking
N: Am I supposed to remember something about my big desk?
B: Um… well maybe I can help you out…
Bo proceeded to fill her in on the
many uses for one's desk besides work. Nora fell asleep with a
smile on her face.
******************************************************************.
The next day
Nora didn't tolerate the chemo as well as Larry had hoped - she was vomiting and very weak. Bo got out of bed as soon Larry showed up and watched very closely as he examined her, following him around the bed. It was making Larry crazy
L: Bo
B: Yup?
L: Please stop following me. This room isn't that big.
B: Performance anxiety?
L: Bo
B: Ok, sorry.
N: I'm ok, Bo.
B: That's great… so it's the light reflecting off of the weird paint on the walls that is making your skin green…interesting.
N: Hey!
L: Bo, would you please wait outside?
B: Geez…
Bo kissed her and left.
Hank was outside.
H: Hey buddy. How is she? Rachel said she stayed the night.
B: She doesn't look so good.
H: Well, it is chemotherapy. It's not supposed to be a walk in the park. What does Larry say?
B: "Bo - meaningful pause - wait outside"
H (smiling to himself): Oh.
They sat down to wait. Larry came out and closed her door quietly. Hank and Bo jumped up.
B: Larry?
H: Is she ok?
L: Slow down guys… She's just having a rough time with the chemo, that's all.
B: What the hell does that mean?
L: I want her to stay here and rest. She didn't eat much yesterday and what she did eat she couldn't keep down. She's dangerously de-hydrated and weak. I just want to be careful. Why don't you two get out of here and come back this afternoon.
B: I'd like to stay
L: Ok, let's try this again. Get out and don't come back until I say so
H (Laughing): It can't be that bad or he'd let us stay. Let's go.
B: All right.
Bo and Hank left.
*********************************************.
Police Station
Bo stalked in
B: Tim!
OT: Yes sir
B: In my office
Officer Tim followed Bo into his office.
B: Sit down
Tim sat down.
B: Can I trust you?
OT: Absolutely sir!
B: Ok… look… this is important but I'm a little distracted here
OT: You can count on me sir
B: Great. Listen. Taking MY computer
was supposed to be a Halloween prank by the
Mayor's office.
OT: Oh… well, um… you got it back though, right?
B: Tim… the mayor touched my stuff
OT: Yes sir
B: He touched my stuff. No one touches my stuff.
OT: Sooo…
B: Sooo… I need a better prank for Halloween. Can you help me out here?
OT: Oh, yes sir! I'll get right on it sir!
B: Nothing violent, you understand.
OT: Oh, of course not. Um… Sir?
B: Yes
OT: Just exactly how much do you want to know?
B: Who me? We never had this conversation
OT: Yes sir… Sir?
B: Yes
OT: How's Mrs. Buchanan?
B: She's doing great.
OT: and she's still talking to you, right?
Bo laughed
B: Yes
Tim got up and left. Bo walked past the Officers cafeteria an hour later and noticed Tim had already convened a meeting of his best people.
B (to himself): Nobody touches my
stuff!
***********************************************************.
Nora's hospital room
RJ wheeled himself over to Nora's room, knocked and went in.
RJ: Hi
N: Hi… I didn't realize you were out of bed
RJ: Not supposed to be. How are you?
N: Ok
RJ: You don't look so good, if you don't mind my saying
N: Takes one to know one
RJ smiled to himself
N: RJ
RJ: Yes
N: What you tried to do
RJ: Don't worry about it
N: Tell me why you did it. You could have been killed
RJ: Nothing could be worse than Rachel hating me… almost killing you
N: Rachel doesn't hate you
RJ: and you?
Nora didn't say anything for awhile.
N: I guess things are a little complicated
RJ: A little?
N: I don't wish you dead, if that is what you want to know
RJ: I know. You're not that kind of person
N: Forgiveness can be a long time coming
RJ: I'll wait… as long as it takes
N: Thank you.
Pause
N: Rachel was scared sick.
RJ: I know. She's come by several times to let me know how angry she is. Which, frankly, has been wonderful. I miss her a lot
N: She needs time
RJ: I know.
N: RJ?
RJ: Yeah
N: I'm glad you're not dead
RJ: Gee thanks!
N: You know what I mean…
RJ: Yeah, I know. I'm just glad the cops got those guys and they're still around to go to jail forever.
N: Yeah, Bo's pretty busy on that right now.
RJ: Yeah…. Tell me something
N: If I can
RJ: You really love that guy?
N (quietly): Yes
RJ: He's such an unbelievable jerk
N: Well, that may be true
RJ: I just don't get it
N: I don't either sometimes. It's not exactly voluntary
RJ: Joe seemed so nice
N: Joe is nice
RJ: Bo's just such a jerk.
N: He's not such a huge jerk. He's been a big help and he's a great dad
RJ: Is he a great husband? I seem to remember not
N: We're working on that
RJ: I guess
N: It's not like I have a lot of control over how I feel.
RJ: You don't have control over when he leaves you again either!
N: RJ.. I don't want to fight about Bo. I just want to get better and to do that I have to be positive.
RJ: Ok.. I'm sorry. I should be happy you're even talking to me
N: Yes, you should
There was a knock… Selma walked in
S: RJ.. what the hell are you doing out of bed?
RJ: Cruising for women, what else?
S: Well, at least you're feeling better. Get back to bed though... My grand daughter isn't done yelling at you so you can't die quite yet.
N: Plus you have to testify in court against these guys…
RJ: Gee… thanks
Selma laughed and kissed him. He turned around and wheeled out.
S: So how are you feeling?
N: Ok
S: Liar…. Try again
Nora paused and tried to collect herself.
N: Mom - I don't feel so good
S: I can tell. Has Larry been in lately?
N: He was in this morning.. he kicked Bo and Hank out and said to get some rest. That that would make me feel better.
S: Do you?
N: Not really.
Selma picked up the phone and dialed Larry. She got his office.
Secy: Mrs. Hanen, Dr. Woleck is unavailable right now, could I take a message?
S: Young lady, Have you ever seen 'Terms of Endearment'?
Secy: Ma'am.. please don't
S: Young lady…I'm sure you mean well but you can just tell Larry Woleck that he better get available soon or I am going to do my best Shirley Maclaine impersonation and start running down the halls screaming at people. My daughter needs help now, not when it is convenient for Larry Woleck. Can you pass that on to him?
Secy: um, yes ma'am. Of course.
S: Now young lady
Secy: Yes ma'am
Selma hung up.
N: Feel better?
S: Actually.. yes I do. How about you?
N: I'm a little scared.
Larry rushed in
L: Nora, what's wrong
S: My daughter is still not feeling well doctor.
L: I heard. Selma…
N: Larry, something just feels weird.. why don't I feel any less sick today? I mean I know I'm not running the marathon anytime soon but
L: Shhh it's ok. Let me check you out. Selma, would you please wait outside?
S: Who do I look like? Bo? You're not kicking me out.
Selma watched closely as Larry examined
Nora and asked plenty of questions.
**************************************************************.
The Court House cafeteria
Lunchtime
Secret Meeting
OT: Ok, listen up guys… This is important… we could have a lot of fun with this but we've got to keep it quiet.
Sophia: Yeah… so…any ideas?
Officer 1: Well, at MIT they put cars on top of the main building on campus as a prank
OT: Um… well that's an idea… anyone here graduate MIT? Nope? Ok… anyone else?
Offier 2: We could take all the Mayor's stuff and hide it in different places.
Officer 3: We could spike the Mayor's halloween candy.
OT: Eww… that has possibility… What else?
Officer 4: Could we arrest him?
OT: For what?
Officer 4: Impersonating a mayor - We could have a whole mock trial?
***********************************************************.
Nora's hospital room
Bo went back to the hospital to try and sneak back into Nora's
room.
B: Ready to go?
N: I would love it if you'd get me out of here
B: As soon as Larry gives the ol' ok.
N: Meanie…. What's that grin about?
B: What grin?
N: That one… on your face…
B (looking in the mirror): I don't see a grin
N: Bo
B: Counselor, I think you need to ask yourself a very important question
N: and that would be?
B: Exactly how much do you want to know?
N: Bo! What did you do?
B: Me? Personally? Not a thing
N: That can be traced, I bet! Is this about the mayor?
B: Who?
N: You got your computer back
B: That is soooo not the point! Besides, you got me my computer back. (He kissed her) Did I thank you?
N: Yes, but you could thank me again, if you like.
Bo kissed her again.
Larry came in
L: Gee Bo, did I call you?
B: Yeah, don't you remember?
N: Larry, please let him stay
L: I suppose it's a lot easier on everyone if I do
B: Officer Tim call you?
L: Stay in the chair please.
B: Why?
N: My back's pretty sore
L: I want Nora to get the rest she needs.
B: I give great back rubs
L: I've heard. However, I don't want the back rubs going any further, for now.
B: Spoil sport… Hey Larry… I hear your wife calling…
L: Everyone's a comedian!
Nora slept the rest of the afternoon
and Larry let her go early evening
**************************************************************.
Bo's
Two days later
Nora was sitting on the couch reading the paper trying to catch up on the news. Bo was going through the mail…
B: Junk, junk, junk… oh, hey… there's a post card from the gals… "Hi, don't give up on us, we're hatching a brilliant plan! Thanks again for the funding...Stay tuned…. Love - the Road trip gals… p.s. anyone know a good lawyer just in case the criminal justice system has a different opinion of JFP?"
He sat down and put his arm around her shoulders.
B: Whaddya think, counselor?
N: Gee, I don't know…
B: Hey, how are you feeling?
N: Ok
B: Yeah?
N: Yeah… why?
B: I was just wondering…
N: About what?
B: Not sure
N: Oh
B: It's just… there's something
N: What?
B: I don't know
N: Well if you don't know then I guess I don't know
B: Really?
Pause…
B: I'm pretty sure there's something, though
N: Um… well, can you give me an idea?
B: I can't quite put my finger on it… but there's something
Long pause
N: Bo?
B: Yes
N: What are we talking about?
B: I'm not sure exactly
N: and I'm the one with the communication problem!
B: It's just… there's something… when Andrew asked us about ... you know... if we were ok, so to speak, in bed?
N: Oh that
Pause
N: Um… are we? Ok, I mean?
B: You tell me
N: Oh
Long pause…
B: Did I do something? Or not do something? Because
N: No. No, that's not it
B: So there is something?
Pause
There was a knock on the door
B: Damn
N: Ignore it
Asa walked in.
B: Easier said than done.
A: Hey, did I interrupt anything? Well, too bad - keep your clothes on for 5 more minutes please. This is important.
N: What is.
A: I talked to Larry and he said that it would be ok, so Renee had the place straightened up.
B: Pa, what are you talking about?
A: The beach house… you look like you could use a break. So take one. Both of you
N: What about Matthew?
A: Don't worry about that grand son of mine… He and Nigel are taking cooking lessons.
N: Oh my god! Nigel has been wonderful.
A: So, you'll go?
N: I don't know
B: Pa, we'll talk about it and get back to you.
A: Ok… but say yes. That's an order.
Asa left…
N: Bo
B: Yes?
N: Do I …. Satisfy you?
Bo couldn't believe what he was hearing…
B: Um… yes…absolutely… is that what you're worried about?
He sat down next to her again.
N: Kinda'
B: Kinda'? Kinda' how? I mean…
Pause
B: Red… there's nothing better in this world than being in bed with you, or on the roof or... You make me crazy… why would you ever think that I'm not happy with you?
N: This is so weird… it's just….
B: Are you sure I didn't do something? I don't understand….
N: You haven't done anything except be incredibly wonderful. I just … I don't want
B: Oh… hey calm down… what is it? Just tell me
N: I'm so tired all the time and sick and my back hurts… I mean, I'm not much of a date as you say… I don't want to keep using you like a pain killer… you keep telling me about how we used to make love all over the place… I'm not much in the gymnastics department these days…
B: You're worried because you think you're using me?
N: yes
B: and you're worried because we're making love in a more …uh … sedate manner?
N: Um.. yes
B: Well first of all… every guy I know is jealous of ..
N: Jealous of what?
B (re-thinking what he was going to say): Um… let me try again..
B: Ok…first of all - I don't know a lot of women who would be comfortable making love on the roof of a hotel…. And second of all 'Use away!'
N: Please don't laugh
B: Ok… I'm not… it's just, you scared me there for a minute… (He stopped to think for a moment) listen… I want you to turn to me… if there's some way I can help, I want to know that. If I can make some of the pain go away, even for a little while, I want to do that. And just because you haven't strolled into my office naked in the middle of the day lately doesn't mean you don't excite me. 'Cause you do. You're the sexiest woman I've ever met… clothes on or off!
N (quietly): Thank you
B: But…
N: But … you do all the work… so to speak… I'm so tired sometimes…
B: Well, work isn't exactly the word I would use.
N: Bo, I'm serious!
B: I know you are… so am I. What would you like us to do… would you rather we didn't make love? Do you want me to back off? I don't want to push you into anything…
N: No… I didn't say that… I just… I don't know
B: You know… if I was upset about something or had a bad day or was scared of or Dr. Wilson… I don't know what medicine to give you. If holding you helps, even a little, why can't I do that?
N: This is so awkward…
B: I love holding you and touching you. I love the sounds you make when I touch you… when I'm inside of you…being with you is the most incredible, amazing thing… I love seeing the tension and the pain leave your face…
N: But I'm so tired all the time…
B: You won't always be… so, when you get better, you can um... take over… how's that?
N: You really don't mind?
B: So, it really helps?
N: Yes... it helps a lot. Usually it's the only thing that does. Those pills Larry gives me, they make me stupid and silly and take the edge off the pain but it's not the same. This time - when Larry said I couldn't go home from the hospital, I wanted to cry. I just wanted you to take me home and make it all go away. But I was so tired, I couldn't move to get out of bed, let alone get myself home.
Bo moved closer to her and put his arms around her.
B: Next time, I promise. Ok?
He kissed her.
N: Ok
B: and promise me you won't worry about any of this. I love you and it's my job to make you feel good. So you just let me know what's going on and I'll take care of the rest. Ok?
N: Ok… as long as you tell me what's going on with you too.
B: Deal
Long pause…
B: So, how are you feeling?
N (Laughing): I could use a back rub…
B: Excellent!
Bo ran upstairs to get the baby oil. He came running back downstairs with a couple of pillows a towel and a blanket. Nora sat on the couch expectantly with a smile on her face.
N: What's all that?
B: Hey… I'm a professional you know. Of course, it looks easy, but it isn't. It takes years of study to develop the correct technique.
N: And props?
B: These aren't props. They're tools of the trade
N: Oh.. I didn't realize… Please proceed.
Bo built a fire to take the chill out of the air. Then he moved over to the couch, took off Nora's shirt and laid her back down on the couch with a pillow under her head and a blanket over her legs.
B: Warm enough?
N: Yes, thank you
B: Prepare for the back rub of your life.
Bo had been at work for 20 minutes or so when the phone rang.
B: Let's just let the machine get it
The machine beeped… it was Hank
H: Hey Bo, Nora.. look, I when you get this you need to call me. Someone broke into RJ's room at the hospital. Larry isn't sure he'll make it and Rachel's hysterical
Bo leapt at the phone and grabbed it just before Hank hung up. He got the details and turned around to talk to Nora. She was already dressed and moving toward the phone. She took it out of Bo's hand.
N: Hank? How's Rachel? Ok… I'll call mom and dad… All right, bye
She turned to Bo who was strapping on his gun and getting ready to go out.
N: I'm going with you
B: You stay here
N: No.
B: Nora
N: Stop arguing with me… I'm too tired and Rachel needs me.
B: Larry's gonna kill me
They sped over to the hospital and made their way up to RJ's room. It was crawling with police.
******************************************************.
To be continued…..
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