Down the Road Part 17..
Nora hit Bo several times with the paper he was covering up his head and laughing as she got increasingly annoyed
N: You promised!
B: What are you talking about?
N: This
She threw the paper at him. He picked it up
B: Look, I have to get to the station
He actually looked at the paper "Mayor accuses Police of funny business "
B: Oh hmmm gee I wonder how this all happened they stole the mayor's what? wow
N: Don't play that with me you promised you would leave the mayor alone
B: I did?
Nora begins to read the article
N: Yes at least I thought you had wait a minute you went to high school with him?
B: Hey did you see Sheryl's latest installment on the Board?
N: Don't try and change the subject
B: Maybe I can get you a plate
N (rolling her eyes): Maybe I can get you a discount on the tour what did you do exactly?
B: Who? Oh.. the mayor? Yeah, I vaguely remember him
N: It says here 'the latest installment of a lifelong feud' you didn't answer my question what did you do? It says here
B: Well, who says I did anything? Stop listening to Kevin I'm mean he's still a rookie
N: Please get that look off of your face
B: So if I need a lawyer
N: I'll give Sam a call and have him check his calendar
B (smiling): Oh gee thanks I'll call you from the station
He kissed her and left
****************************************************************.
The Police Station
Reporters all over the place . FBI wandering around Bo walked in and up to Officer Tim
B: Where are they?
OT: The FBI have them in the interrogation room Mr. Gannon is with them
B: Great oh hey good job
OT: On what sir?
B: Nothing Thanks
OT: Certainly sir
Bo went into the interrogation room. He and Hank came out together an hour later
B: You think they're telling the truth?
H: Not entirely
B: Is RJ ok?
H: Yeah they didn't get anywhere near him
B: You ok?
H: I'm a little shaken the first thing I thought was
B: Rachel?
H: Yeah
B: RJ did the right thing going after those guys we'll get them and put them away.
H: There's no way there's only two of them
B: I know we'll find them Hank
H: I know you will. I'm gonna check on Rachel
B: She ok?
H: No she's so angry at RJ. On the other hand she loves him desperately
B: Yeah Nora's scared too None of us wish him this mess he deserves a life and we'll do the best we can to make sure he gets through this after all, if anyone is going to make RJ pay for what he did to Nora it's gonna be his family, right?
H (laughing): Yeah
**********************************************************************.
The Palace
Joe paid the taxi driver as the door person took the suitcases inside. Joe registered and had the suitcases sent upstairs. Renee came out and greeted him
R: Joe! Hi what brings you to town?
J: Hi Renee. How have you been?
R: Good. Please come on in..
Selma got off the elevator and walked over
S: Joe! How are you?
She kissed him
J: Fine, Selma. How are you?
S: Good but I don't think you came to see me
J: Well, no
that's true. I packed
up a lot of Nora's stuff and was going to ship it but
then I thought why not deliver it myself?
S: Well, It's sure good to see you why don't you join us for dinner?
J: I would love that I'd like to go upstairs and clean up. Why don't I meet you back down here
S: How's 7?
J: Great!
Joe went upstairs Renee looked at Selma
S: Don't say it
R: Bo's gonna flip!
**********************************************************************.
Larry's Office
Nora's in for a check-up - she feels like hell
looks worse
L: So how did it go with Dr. Eye?
N: She was very nice
L: I wasn't asking if you liked her
N: Ok
my eyes
are worse, she updated my prescription, still can't drive or brush
my teeth without getting toothpaste all over my face.
L: How are your headaches?
N: Same frequency but I do notice that they're worse if I don't get enough rest
L: That's normal
N: There's something else
L: What is it?
N: I seem to be sick a lot
L: Just overall miserable or is there something you can tie it to?
N: I can't figure it out I've been trying to pay attention to what I'm eating or doing. The chemo seems to be harder and harder for me to take
L: I'm not surprised about the chemo. But you don't seem to be de-hydrated, your blood pressure etc are fine. Let's keep an eye on it.
N: Ok
L: How are you getting home?
M: Don't worry, I'm not driving Rachel's here
L: Great. See ya' next week
Nora left, Larry picked up the phone and called Dr. Wilson in Chicago.
********************************************************************.
Joe met Renee, Asa, Selma and Len in the lobby. They were heading
into the dining room when Bo and Hank walked up. Bo stopped dead
in his tracks.
B: What the hell is he doing here?
H: Calm down
B: Don't tell me to calm down
H: Bo
Renee saw Bo and walked over to him
R: Bo
B: What
R: He's just here for a visit. He brought some of Nora's things.
B: Hasn't he ever heard of the postal service?
R: Bo be nice
B: Oh don't you worry about me.
R: Why don't you and Hank join us for dinner?
H: We'd love to
The three of them walked over to Joe
J: Hi Bo
B: Hey good to see you
Nora, Matthew and Rachel walked in to the Lobby
N: Joe! Hi
She gave him a big hug. Rachel gave him a hug and a kiss Matthew shook his hand
Rachel: What are you doing here?
J: Well, I told your mom I'd pack up her things and I wasn't sure what to do with it all.. so I thought I'd pay you a visit.
N: Thank you so much
J: No problem I wasn't quite sure what to do with it though
N: Um well
Bo struggled to keep his mouth shut. Len spoke up
L: I imagine you can just leave it here for now
N: Yeah.. I seem to be using the Palace as an extended closet I guess
B: Very convenient
J: Oh well just let me know
Renee: I'll have someone move Nora's suitcases to her suite if you'll just let me know which ones are hers
J: Well, we can do that after dinner can't we?
N: Sure I mean I was going to move all that stuff but um
H: You know what? I'm starved
B: So what else is new
H: Renee? Do we need reservations?
A (Loving the scene): Nope Come on Joe.. tell me about yourself I missed out the last time you were in town
Rachel put her arm around Nora and steered her into the dining room, the rest of them followed. Bo was quiet most of the meal, Rachel and Joe caught up, Selma and Renee orchestrated most of the discussion, Nora sat next to Joe. She tried to keep up her end of the conversation but was too tired to pay attention. Len kept an eye on her. He was growing uncomfortable. Bo fumed, Joe finally spoke up
J: Hey - anyone need a drink? Bo, can I get you something?
B: No, thanks
Rachel: I'd like a diet soda
Renee: I'll take a Manhattan, straight up
Asa: They know what I want
Joe ended up with a long list, Bo
offered to help him. They walked over to the bar in
silence.
J: So, how are you?
B: Great you?
J: Same .
B: Great
Silence
J: Can I say something
B: Oh sure.. just jump right in
J: I know this isn't any of my business
B: But hey that doesn't really matter Tell me how you really feel
J: Look we didn't spend a lot of time talking about the two of you
B: Oh well that makes me feel so much better
J: When we did we talked about how you didn't believe her didn't trust her
B: Oh.. well thank you SO much
J: I mean it Bo. I'm no threat to you I just came for a visit I care about her and I wanted to see her but we're friends
B: I feel much better now
J: You know you can be a huge jerk She loves you . Why? I can't quite figure out.
Joe took the tray of drinks back to the table Bo followed empty handed
When they got back to the table, Nora and Selma were gone
B: Where did Nora go?
L: She went to lie down.
B: Why?
L: It's ok Selma went with her she'll call Larry
B: That's supposed to make me feel better?
H: You know, she looked kinda' tired
Rachel: She was tired today when we were shopping but she said it was ok she said it was just the medication
Matthew crawled into Bo's lap
M: Daddy, is mommy ok?
B: Yeah mommy's fine.. she just over did it today shopping.. that's pretty hard work you know.
Bo saw Larry walk through the lobby and got up. He handed Matthew to Asa and kissed him
B: Matt, can you stay with your grandparents for a little while?
M: Sure daddy but I want to kiss mommy goodnight
B: Well, why don't I go ask Dr. Larry if that's ok?
M: Ok
Bo took off upstairs
****************************************************************.
Larry came out of the room and closed the door. Selma and Bo looked
up at him
S: I don't like that look
B: What's up
L: I'm not sure. She's feeling sick and exhausted and is in some pain. I gave her something to sleep and took some blood. I want to see her tomorrow morning as soon as she's up to coming in.
S: Why?
L: Tests
S: Don't play doctor with me.. what tests are you going to do? Why?
L: Selma
S: Answer me
L: I am not sure. Her eyes are worse and the headaches are more intense but she has had more energy the last couple of days. It could just be that she's felt better and overdid it or
S: Or it could be that the tumors are growing
L: Or it could be that the tumors are growing
B (shaking): Oh god
L: Bo let's take this one step at a time. We don't know anything . There's lots of possibilities but we don't know anything until I get some of these tests back. She was asking for you.
B: Matthew wanted to kiss her good night
L: I'm not sure that would make either of them feel better
B: You said she's in pain. Is this just from the train accident? Left over from the pelvic fractures? Is there something else?
L: Well, Nora will have pain from that accident probably for the rest of her life. It seems that that is all it is. However, she's having a more difficult time tolerating it.
B: She doesn't want to take the pain pills
L: I know. And that's fine as long as she can handle it. But it's interfering with her getting sleep and that isn't ok. She did agree to take it for the next couple of days.
S: Bo, you stay here and I'll walk Larry out. Matthew can stay with us
B: If you could work it out with Pa and Renee that would be great.
S: Ok come on Doctor Larry put a smile on that face so my grand son isn't so scared
They left and Bo went in to see Nora. He crawled onto the bed and held her. Nora stirred
N: Hi
B: Hey You mind company?
N: I'd love company
N: Bo
B: Yeah?
N: I don't feel so good
B: I heard
N: What did Larry say?
B: He's worried
N: Ok
B: One thing at a time, ok?
N: OK Bo?
B: Yup
N: Would you do something for me?
B: Sure
N: Remind me tomorrow that I'm mad at you
B: Oh ok sure pause Larry said you were in some pain
N: My back is killing me he said I have to take the pain pills for a little while
B: You want a back rub?
N: I'm really tired could you just hold me?
B: Yeah, I can do that
N: Don't forget I'm mad at you just because I'm on pain pills doesn't mean we're gonna mess around
**********************************************************************.
Nora got up in the middle of the night. Bo heard her vomiting
in the bathroom and went to get her
N: I'm ok
B: Oh yeah I noticed
He helped her clean up and carried her back to bed. She turned over and huddled under the covers. Bo picked up the phone
B: Larry?
L: I'm up what's happening?
Bo told him about the vomiting and the fever.
L: I'll meet you at the hospital
B: Ok
Bo called downstairs for a taxi and
wrapped her in a blanket. Front desk guy noticed them climbing
into the taxi and called Renee. Renee called Selma
******************************************************************.
The Hospital
Larry had admitted her and hooked her up to an IV for fluids. She was resting, Bo and Hank were sitting in the waiting area. Renee and Selma went for coffee. Larry answered a page and went to use the phone.
L: Dr. Wolleck.. Hi yes, she's been vomiting we don't have the tests back from radiology on the tumors no, I didn't. Damn that makes a lot of sense. Ok..I'll get back to you.
He hung up and dialed the lab.
****************************************************************.
1 hour later
Larry hung up the phone and went down to Nora's room to look for
Bo.
L: Bo, can I talk to you?
B: Sure
L: We found something . Nora's not going to like it
B: What?
L: She's pregnant
B: Damn
Bo turned away from Larry and walked down to the end of the hall and back
L: The fetus has been receiving the chemotherapy
B: What does that mean?
L: I want to do a D&C
B: An abortion?
L: Yes
B: I don't know what to say
L: I'm not asking you to make a decision Bo. You aren't married, Nora is the only one who can make that decision. I am going to try and talk her into this procedure.
B: I don't have a say? I mean ok I understand.. I do I really do I just oh my god isn't there anything I can do? I mean help?
L: Bo.. calm down. You can calm down that would help Nora take a deep breathe and let me worry about her, ok? We can worry about you later.
B: Ok, yeah you're right . I'll just stay here. I'll just be here and you can go and talk to Nora
L: Ok, you sit here. Don't do anything
just sit here
*****************************************************************.
Nora's hospital room
Selma was sitting with Nora. Larry walked in
L: Hi honey
N: Hi how am I?
L: Well, we have something to talk about. Selma would you mind
N: It's ok Larry, she can stay
L: Ok . I don't know why I didn't think of this when you were in my office the other day
N: What?
L: Honey you're pregnant.
N: Oh my god.
Selma realized immediately where Larry would be going with this. She was determined to not let Nora have time to think about this the 'mom' kicked in.
S: Larry What's next?
L: Honey I know this is a lot at one time but the tests on the fetus don't look good
N: What does that mean?
L: I don't believe you can carry the pregnancy to term. If we do a D&C now you should do better with the chemotherapy
N: You want
S: Nora honey you have two babies who need you. Not to mention the rest of us
N: Did you tell Bo?
L: Yes
N: What did he say?
L: Honey you two aren't married this is your decision. I know you will want to talk to him but this is your decision and it's about your health. The fetus has received too much of the chemotherapy. I told him what I wanted to do.
S: This isn't the time to be worrying about Bo.
N: This isn't the kind of decision one usually makes alone.
S: Please think of Rachel and Matthew and the rest of us
Nora looked at her mother for a long moment.
N: All right can you just do it now?
L: Sure. I'll book an OR and get right back to you
S: I'll go get Bo
N: Thanks mom
They left Bo went in
B: Hey
N: Hey
B: You ok?
N: No
B: Do you want to talk about this? You don't have to do anything you don't want to
N: Yes I do. And I don't want to talk about it right now
B: Ok
Bo stayed with her until the nurses
came to take her to the OR
*******************************************************************.
That evening
Nora's Hospital Room
Knock on the door . Joe stuck his head in
J: Can I come in
N: Sure.. Hi
He came in and put the flowers on the bed and kissed her
J: How are you feeling?
N: You heard?
J: Yeah. I'm sorry. Bo said that it should help with the chemo though. Anything that means we'll have you around a little longer is ok with me.
N: I do feel a lot less sick.
J: That's something so how are things going otherwise?
N: Ok I've been trying to pull things together I have a couple of clients
J: Hey, great!
N: Yeah.. all family but it's a start
J: I bet as soon as your old clients find out you're back in town, you won't have a problem building up your practice again
N: You think so?
J: Yes I do. So you've decided to stay here?
N: I don't know. I still feel like I'm being forced into something
J: But is it what you want?
N: I don't know I think so then I don't think so
J: That's called 'life' my dear! You love Bo, right?
N: Yes
J: You're afraid he's only in it for the rough times?
N: I think so sometimes I mean, I know Bo is an incredibly good man.
J: He is. He loves you and he's scared. That's all. He's scared. We all are.
N: Why do I feel pushed?
J: 'cause you are. Cancer is a pretty pushy thing not a lot of room for compromise or taking time to think
N: I need time
J: There's no reason to give in no reason to not hold out for what you need Were you trying to tell me that you are moving your things into Bo's?
N: Yeah
J: So, why aren't you?
N: I want to But I think I really want my own place. I want time to just be me to be healthy and to have fun
J: Can't you do that with Bo?
N: I hope so
They both laughed. Bo walked in
N: Hi
B: Hi Hi Joe
J: I guess I'll be going
N: You don't have to
J: Oh yes I do. The nurse gave me a time limit. I'll see you tomorrow
He kissed her good night
Bo sat down.
B: How are you feeling?
N: I don't know less sick, more mad, frustrated, sad my headache's gone
B: I guess that's better feeling well enough to yell at me?
N: What did Joe say to you at the bar?
B: What?
N: We had a waiter there was no reason for the two of you to go to the bar. What happened?
B: Oh basically, he felt the need to remind me I was being a jerk
N: Which you were
B: Thank you
N: You just did it again, when you came in.
B: Did what?
N: Acted like a jerk
B: Ok
N: Joe is a friend of mine.
B: Yeah, I got that
N: Why do you act that way?
B: What way?
N: Like a jerk. Like he's a threat or something? Like I have to clear everything with you. Like you own me?
B: Uh
N: Because you don't
B: What?
N: Own me
B: I'm glad you're feeling better
N: You're a jerk
B: I'm sorry I just hate that he exists. I'm sorry
N: He helped me a lot.
B: How?
N: He just did.
B: How?
N: Does it matter? Besides.. you slept with Lindsay for god's sake and that blond plastic-brain-surgeon doctor I mean what the hell was that about? I manage to be civil to her when I trip over her in the parking lot. Why shouldn't matter that I was with him for awhile. I am theoretically with you now He helped me that's all.
B: How?
N: Does it matter?
B: Sure it does he's definitely a better dresser but I bet he can't dance does he have a better sense of humor? Is he better in bed? Take you to the ballet? What? Just how helpful was he?
N: You're lucky I can't move here or I'd throw something at you
B: I'll consider myself clubbed by a book from across the room. But I won't withdraw my question.
Larry walked in
L: Well, sounds like you're feeling better.
N: Yeah just great
B: Is she ok?
N: I can ask my own questions, thank you.
L: You came through the procedure well. I also got the tests on the tumors - they are not growing they haven't shrunk as much as I had hoped but it's seems the pregnancy was the major complication.
N: So I guess that's good news.
L: I know this has not been easy for you.
B: Can she still get pregnant?
N: As if you needed to know
B: Can we .. you know?
N: That really isn't up to Larry.. unless you want to sleep with him... although I don't really think pregnancy would be a concern there
L: Ok you two call a truce for a couple of minutes please there is no reason why Nora could not become pregnant in the future.
N: I can think of one
L (smiling): You will probably experience some discomfort for a week or so. I would take it easy. You still need lots of rest and I want to monitor how you're feeling much more closely the next couple of weeks see what we can find out. If you eat your veggies tonight and a big breakfast tomorrow I'll think about letting you out. You will probably want to wait a week or so before you feel the need to make up. I would very much appreciate it if you two would be more careful next time . And you until further notice.
B: We will
N: I have a couple of weeks to make up with him? I'm not sure that's enough time
L: Good night
Larry left
B: Well that's better news.
N: I guess
B: So where were we? Oh yeah Joe
N: Why can't I have male friends?
B: Who said you couldn't have male friends?
N: Bo
B: All right I hate him I hate the fact of his existence but I am glad you have friends, even if it's a male one I don't mean to be a jerk
N: Yes you do I'm not a jerk to the brain surgeon
B: Actually, I think she's afraid of you
N: Good.. you are a jerk when Joe is around
B: Well
maybe a little. I'll
be nice to him
ok? I'll try. I mean, he seems like he is
nice.
N: He IS nice. He's very nice
B: I'm sorry
N: Thank you
Pause
N: It's just I'm too tired for all this
B: Yeah?
N: Everyone here they all want something from me you all want something from me If I don't remember someone or something.. it's like a personal affront or something The looks and the expectation from all of you Joe just accepted me the way I was and he still does. The rest of you are all waiting for me to be whole again or something He treats me like I am whole Like I'm good enough the way I am right now.
Long pause
B: I'm sorry
N: You act like a huge jerk sometimes
B: I'm sorry
N: if you're lucky I might let you make it up to me
B (rolling his eyes): promises, promises
**********************************************************************.
Couple of days later
Rodi's
Lunchtime
Nora and Dallas walked in and were being seated when Nora noticed Rae.
N: Hi Rae.. Have you met Dallas? Clint's wife? She's assigned to make sure I eat enough today
R: No.. Hello it's nice to meet you
N: Would you like to join us?
R: I think I would
D: How is RJ?
R: Recovering
N: He better
R: Yeah there seems to be a line to get at him
N: I'm sorry.. I didn't mean
Rae: No.. it's ok RJ knows what he did. He's been really enjoying people coming in to yell at him
D: I don't understand
N: Rachel and my mother have been visiting him regularly to yell at him. It's been a long time since Rachel could sit in the room with him they've been able to talk a little more I think it's helping her a lot
R: And RJ is so grateful I just wish it hadn't had to come about this way
N: I have to be honest.. I'm glad RJ went after those guys.
D: I know Clint is as well
R: Yes having them behind bars will be nice
N: Rae RJ'll be fine. He's strong and pig headed and he's made it through a lot worse than this once the trial is over you two can settle down.
R: I hope so
Rae excused herself and headed back to the Banner
Joey walked in and looked around. He saw Nora and Dallas and waved. He walked over
J: Hi
D: Joey, why don't you join us?
N: Do you have the time?
J: That would be great
Joey sat down and they chatted for awhile. Dallas excused herself and went to the ladies room. Nora looked at Joey
N: Ok spill it
J: Spill what?
N: Whatever it is you came to talk to me about
J: How do you know?
N: Joe
N: Ok.. look if you don't think you're up to it, we'll understand
N: Up to what
J: Nigel and I want a child
N: Ok and I can help with this how?
J: Well we thought we might have problem adopting since we're two men and
N: Oh.. ok I would love to help you and Nigel any way I can. Have you thought about public or private adoption?
J: Mostly, we just want to keep grandpa from going out and buying a kid! We haven't thought much further than that!
N: Well, why don't you let me look into it and I'll get back to you.
Joey hugged her
J: Thanks so much!!! This means a lot
N: You know it's hard to believe you're all grown up.
J: Yeah I missed you. It's really great to have you back and not just 'cause of Matthew and how happy Uncle Bo is either.
N: Yeah? You think Bo's happier now?
J: Definitely. We all are. You know you're a great aunt I know Jess especially loved having you to talk to.
N: That means a lot to hear you say that You and Kevin and Jess have made me feel so welcome I'm sorry I don't always remember things
J: Don't be you were a great person before the accident and you still are. That's all that matters you're part of our family no matter what happens with you and Uncle Bo although he's awful happy these days
N: You said that Did he pay you?
J (laughing): No I know it's none of my business sorry
N: Don't be I don't mind
N: Have you talked to your folks about this?
J: Yeah they both said they're thrilled and would love to do anything they can to help Dad said he wouldn't say anything to Granpa
Dallas came back to the table with the cell phone in her hand.
D: Nora, that was Clint. think we should go back to the station
N: Why? What happened?
D: Clint said that the mayor is trying to get Bo to arrest half the police force.
N: What?
J: Brilliant! Let's go this should be fun
N: Fun?
J: Yeah you know Dad and Uncle Bo went through school with this guy,right?
N: Bo said he vaguely remembered him
J: 'Vaguely remembered him?' Well, that's not the story we've always heard
N: What have you heard?
J: Dad and Uncle Bo hated this guy he was a total wimp but incredibly smart. He went into journalism too, for awhile and would write stories about GranPa that were even more outrageous than anything Gran Pa would actually do, even now. Apparently, he once won a bowling tournament.. the only thing he ever won Dad teases him about it every chance he gets They take turns beating each other up periodically
N: Bowling? Isn't that one of the things that was stolen?
J: Allegedly stolen He didn't go to Vietnam either got out of it
N That wouldn't go over well with Bo
J: Not at all He and Uncle Bo are like oil and water He apparently had a crush on you when you first came to town. Hank introduced you two and you went out for a while.
N: What?
D: Oh great Bo is awfully jealous these days! It does sound like a mess
N: I don't like it. I'm tired of all this
J: Yeah Just don't get in between dad and the mayor it gets pretty ugly, pretty quick. Mom used to go nuts But hey isn't that every woman's dream? To have lots of men fighting over them?
D: Young man you have a lot to learn about women!
They paid their bill and took off
******************************************************.
The police station
Chaos
Officer Tim has his hands around Bo (Come on Commissioner he's not worth it besides Nora's gonna be pissed) ,
Hank is restraining the mayor (Buchanan you are going down do you hear me? DOWN do you hear me? DOWN)
Viki is holding onto Clint (For god's sake Clint, grow UP! What will Dallas think?).
The FBI agents are standing on the fringe just watching (local law enforcement! It's a wonder these people don't kill each other!)
Nora, Dallas and Joey walked in. Joey reached for his camera bag and started pulling out his stuff
J: Cool
D: Oh my god
Nora went over to Sophia
N: What's going on?
S: Well, the mayor said something and Bo and Clint went at him. Fortunately, Mr. Gannon is bigger than both of them
N: Well, that's some thing What did the mayor say?
S: Well, he was whining about his bowling trophy when he looked at The Commissioner and made a comment
N: A comment?
S: A comment
N: What comment?
Sophia looking around awkwardly
S: Well
N: It's ok.. what did he say?
S: He said that Bo should be ashamed of himself that the more time you spend with him, the worse off you look.
Nora walked over to the mayor who was still being held by Hank. She looked at the mayor.
Mayor: Nora! How are you?
Nora turned around and put down her purse on a chair. In one motion she turned back around and punched the mayor as hard as she could.
N: Thank you Hank
To be continued .
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