Saturday afternoon, Ava's head is still smarting from dodgeball. Nurse Wheaton instructed Johnny to take her by the ER for a cat scan. She was worried about her having a concussion, especially since Ava couldn't stand correctly. Her balance had been way off. So Johnny did as suggested, he took his wife to the ER.
After being admitted, the treating doctor performed a series of tests (including the CT scan). The tests came back negative for a concussion, but positive for a migraine. The doctor told the two of them "A concussion and migraine can occur from the same trauma, and also in the same setting." He instructed Johnny to take his wife home. "Let her rest. I'm giving you a prescription for migraine medicine. Have her take it per the directions on the information packet. If she's not feeling better Monday, then bring her back and we'll rescan her head."
Johnny did as the doctor instructed. He picked up Ava's prescription from the pharmacy, once it was ready. He even cleaned up the house and did all the things she normally would, but can't. And then when he grew tired and wanted a nap, he napped beside her in the bed.
By nightfall, she began feeling better. So much so that she wanted to get out of bed and go fix something to eat. Johnny wouldn't let her. He insisted she continues to rest, so he did it for her. Him fixing dinner meant phoning for pizza delivery, supreme for his wife, and pepperoni for him. They had a lazy dinner in bed.
He even sucked it up to watch All The Right Moves with Tom Cruise. Barf. Why his wife likes that guy he'll never know. He's such a one-hit-wonder, starring in the same types of movies over and over again. Like he's some romantic hero. If she wants a romantic hero, then all she has to do is tear her eyes away from the TV and look directly into his. But it really made no difference to him because he fell asleep during the movie anyway. That's what he thinks of that guy, boring.
The next morning he rolled over hoping to find his wife still asleep. He has big, big plans for their morning. They include a whole lot of loving courtesy of her very own romantic hero husband. However, when he went to make his move he came up empty, like her side of the bed. Raising his head, he called her name "Ava". No answer. With a groan, he laid his head back down.
As much as he wanted to stay in bed, the delicious smell wafting in from the kitchen wouldn't let him. Up he rose, hair sticking out in all directions, dressed in nothing but his blue plaid boxers. In the kitchen he found Ava standing at the island, whisking something around in a bowl. Coming close to her, he spoke "Babe what's that yummy smell?"
Continuing to whisk ingredients, she wished him "Good morning" and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I made a sausage breakfast casserole. It's in the oven and should be almost ready to take out. Will you check it for me? If the crust is browned then it's ready."
Good morning indeed. Opening the oven he saw the crust is golden, flaky brown all around. Taking it out, he snuck a bite. He couldn't help the moan that escaped his mouth. Not the least bit shocked, Ava asked "You snuck some didn't you?" Turning around, still whisking ingredients together, she held the bowl and inspected the casserole. "You don't have to be sneaky Sir. Take the pizza slicer and cut it for us. Then get the plates down too."
Curious as to what she's doing, he motioned to the bowl with his finger. "What's in that? What else are you making?" He moved to get the plates from an overhead cabinet and placed those on the island too.
"I'm making Dutch babies," she replied. The batter is almost ready.
Did he hear her correctly? In an instant, he loudly protested. "No! You are not having Dutch's babies. Never. Ever. You're my wife."
She could seriously laugh. "Johnny sometimes you're too funny." Putting the bowl down, she hip-bumped him out of the way and reached into a cabinet under the island. Once the muffin pan had been secured, she stood back up and explained "Of course, I'm not having his babies. That would be a touch absurd. I'm making Dutch babies. It's the name of this breakfast food. It's kind of like a mini pancake and a muffin all in one. My grandmother in Savannah would make them during the summers I spent with her." After greasing the pan, she began pouring the batter evenly all around.
Once she explained it, it made perfect sense. At least he wouldn't have to beat up one of his best friends. "So these pan muffin cakes, how long do they take to bake?"
Putting the pan in the oven, she told him "About fifteenish minutes. Why?" She lifted an eyebrow.
He gave her the once-over, from the top knot on her head to the plum polish on her toes. "Because it gives me time to do this." In a swift move, he had her up on the kitchen island kissing her breathless. It's obvious what his intentions are by the passion behind his kiss. His kisses are always irresistible to her, but when burning adoration and careful attention are combined... oh have mercy.
Just as things were truly getting hot and steamy in the kitchen, the doorbell rang. Unphased he continued to kiss her, most especially the spot around her ear. Her lips disconnected from his. "We have to answer it," she commented in a breathy tone.
Having placed a kiss on her neck, he uttered "No we don't. They'll go away eventually." More kisses ensued.
"But what if it's an emergency?" she asked.
With a groan, he told her "I have an emergency right here." But it's clear his emergency was going to take last priority, as she hopped down from the island. With a whimper, he laid his head down on the cold marble. Getting frisky would have to wait and whoever is at the door better have a very good reason for this interruption. VERY good reason.
Of course, they didn't have one being that it's Bobby, Rachel, and Jimmy. The three came in and sat down in the chairs at the island. They took one look at Johnny with no shirt, in just his boxers, and their eyebrows raised through the roof. Rachel delicately questioned, "Did we interrupt something?"
The question got mixed responses. Ava said "No", while Johnny responded "Yes". Ava cut her eyes at him and gave him a look. He gave her one back with a pout and a smirk before he left to put on clothes. Once he left, Ava turned to her friends. "So, who's up for some breakfast casserole and Dutch babies?"
Bobby voiced "Dutch's babies? What?" He looked as confused as Johnny had been.
Returning to the room after a fast change, wearing jeans with a red and white raglan baseball tee, Johnny answered "It's a pan muffin cake thingy." He stopped by the fridge and took out the orange juice.
Pulling out glasses, Ava set them on the island beside the juice. Johnny started filling them, while she took out the Dutch babies. The tasty smell filled the room, and Jimmy's stomach rumbled while Bobby and Johnny's mouths watered. She took them out and put them onto a platter. Then sprinkled a light dusting of powdered sugar, all over the tops of the breakfast confection. Once they were dusted, she got the raspberry jam and sat it on the island too.
Glancing at Johnny, Jimmy had to know "Do you eat like this every day?" Johnny nodded yes. "You're so lucky." Turning to Ava, begged "Adopt me, please. I can sleep on the other side of your house far away from the two of you. I clean up after myself and I don't feel the need to waste water in the shower. I do yard work, so I can help there too." He continued to list his best qualities.
Ava just had to say it. Yes, she knew she was poking the bear but sometimes it's super fun to poke it. "Jimmy, I wish I had known all of this before. I would have SO dated you instead of this one." Her hand motioned to Johnny. With the jam knife in his hand, Johnny's smile faded. He pursed his lips and gawked at his wife.
Peering at him from the corner of her eye, she started laughing. Her eyes sparkled with fun. "You are a wicked woman," he asserted pointing the jam knife at her.
Not missing a beat, Ava admitted "Sometimes you have to be cunning and wicked, especially being married to you." Everyone laughed, but Johnny. His sharp blue eyes bore into her. "Honey I'm joking. I love you and there's no one I'd rather have married or dated, but you."
Getting in on the action, Bobby wore a pained expression. "I'm hurt, Ava. All this time I thought we had something, you and I."
Johnny put the knife down with a thud. Staring at his wife, he informed her "You are not having Dutch's babies. You are not adopting or dating Jimmy. And you do not have something with Bobby. I also forbid you to do whatever with Tommy." Then he kissed her, in the kitchen, in front of his friends, not even caring. When he felt like she had been kissed thoroughly enough, his fingers tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "So think about that when you start thinking about them."
In a daze, Ava touched her lips and spread jam all over her hand thinking it was the breakfast food. She wore a bemused smile. Their friends snickered and ate, except Rachel. She loves Johnny and Ava. They're one of her favorite couples. Her face radiated admiration.
The rest of breakfast was much tamer. They were all excited about Spring Break only one week away. Ava and Rachel made plans to go shopping together Thursday afternoon. Friday night is the country club spring fling dinner and dance. Both couples in the room are attending. Jimmy said "I don't know. I mean it's a couples dinner. I'm not a couple."
That got Ava thinking. Having chewed her bite of casserole, she remarked "Well you need to be. Is there anyone you have your eye on?" He told her no, not really. Then she remembered. "Dawn has this cute, single friend. Rach, do you remember that sweet girl with sandy blonde hair? The one in the Junior class?"
Rachel stopped her fork from going in her mouth. Her eyes went round and the corner of her mouth turned up. "Yes, I do. She's a cutie and very kind. I forget her name though."
With her head, swiveled towards Jimmy, Ava told him "Her name is Jennifer. Let me introduce you tomorrow." Her eyes showed bright with promise.
Both Bobby and Johnny groaned. Ava pinched her husband on the side. He held his fork out toward her. Jimmy, having grown tired of being a bachelor, accepted her help. "Fine you can introduce me, but don't make me seem like a loser in private though." Both Ava and Rachel squealed with glee.
Bobby said what Johnny's thinking. "Oh, God. You're letting them set you up. Do you have any idea what you've just unleashed?"
Looking between the two girls, Jimmy had some kind of idea about that. It's a scary idea. He only hopes this girl, Jennifer, is worth this trouble.
After breakfast, Rachel stayed to help Ava clean up the kitchen. The guys went to the living room to watch TV. While they were sitting in there Bobby asked Johnny "Hey Man, Thursday when the girls are out shopping, can I come over to your house? There are some things I'd like to ask you about."
Before Johnny clicked the button on the remote, he replied. "Yeah, sure Man. Come on over. Bring all the guys. We can have a men's evening. Then dinner when the chicks return." His two friends nodded. They clicked on the TV and settled down to watch a football pre-game show.
It wasn't until almost three that their friends left. Ava began to grow nervous. A bad taste began to fill her mouth. She's been nervous and anxious all day. That's why she got up early and made the breakfast casserole and the Dutch babies. It helped to take her mind off this evening. That and the surprise visit from their friends. It all served as a great distraction.
Thinking about this evening, and what's going to happen, made her pulse race and her palms sweaty. Any number of things could go wrong. Then Johnny could end up misjudged and wrongly accused. But the truth is absolute. It never changes. Even when the truth is hard and cold and dangerous, it's still absolute. And the truth is Johnny is the victim in the whole scheme of things.
That's why she's chosen this path. Her position is fixed. The goal is clear. Even though she's afraid of all of the possible outcomes. Even though she worries about not being strong enough to follow through with the plan, her path is still unmovable. In a few short hours, their lives will be irreparably changed.
Measuring time is like counting grains of sand. How long do you need to change your life? A second? A minute? Days and weeks? Perhaps months or years? Sometimes all you need is an hour or two, and everything changes. Â Life is short and time is fast. Every moment counts. Which is why she finds herself clutching her husband's middle, for dear life, on the back of his bike.
Johnny wanted to ride out and survey the property. That's something they haven't done yet. Before they started the ride, Ava took their land map, from the important documents folder, and put it in her jacket pocket. They started at the backyard and rode all the way back to the inlet river. It's where they discovered they have a personal stone brick dock and a covered riverfront gazebo.
They would have never known, had they not ridden out. The pair stopped, hopped off the bike, and looked around. "If we clear out a good path, from our house to here, then this could be an amazing space. What do you think?" Johnny spoke asking her opinion.
Ava considered his idea. "I think it definitely has merit since it's not too far from the pool to here. We should look into it soon." She really likes the stone dock. It's different and you can tell thoughtful consideration was put into it. Plus it just fits their style.
They hopped back on the bike and drove to the property lines, on either side of the house. For a couple just starting out, five acres is a lot of land. Five acres is a lot of land for anyone. Everything their eyes have seen is loaded with possibilities. It's exciting. And the best part is they don't have to put up with nosy neighbors.
It was almost four-thirty when they returned the bike to its place in the garage. This left them thirty minutes before getting ready for Sunday dinner. Johnny could tell Ava is worried about something. She always either bites her bottom lip, twirls a strand of hair, or whips something up in the kitchen. Plus she just seems discomposed, with a few sighs.
Taking her hand, he had her follow him to the living room. He sat on the sofa first, then pulled her down to sit in his lap. His arms went around her and his left hand began rubbing her back. "Hey what's up? You seem distracted. Is it your head? Does it still hurt?" The concern is evident in his voice.
She shook her head no. "I'm OK. It's nothing to worry about, but I keep thinking about my horrible cousin. I just can't believe she's so crazy as to pull the crap she pulled with you. I mean who does that? You know?" Turning her head she kissed his cheek.
"You've had a rough school year. First with that guy Daniel, losing the tournament, then having your Sensei choke you out, and now being drugged. Any lesser person would have given up. But not you." She sees the shame in his eyes. "Life has kicked you around Johnny. It's beaten you up and pushed you around. You've survived. But you're not just a survivor. You're a fighter. Life is tough, but so are you."
He leaned his head back and ran a hand over his face. "Yeah." Opening his eyes he looked at his wife. "The school year hasn't been all bad. It gave me you. I think that's the thread that holds me together. You've helped me through all of those obstacles. I don't care to dwell on what-ifs, but if I didn't have you then things could be drastically different. I could see myself drowning in beer, fighting, and working my way through girls. Not giving a rat's ass about life, just partying all the time. And that's not good." He stared off into space.
Stroking her hand, he told her "I realize I'm not the brightest bulb in the box, and sometimes I say things weird. And sometimes I still feel like a loser, but I'm learning a lot about myself too. After the whole drugging thing, I realized my life has meaning. I have good people in my life, like you and my friends. All the pain it took to get me here, to this moment, to this realization, just doesn't matter anymore."
She hugged him and laid her head over his heart. He's right it doesn't matter. There's no point in being bitter about the things that tried to crush you. Because in the end they only created a diamond and gave you strength instead.
They untangled themselves from each other and went to get ready for Sunday dinner. Her grandmother had phoned Wednesday wanting to know what Johnny's favorite foods are. Ava told her "Besides pizza, he loves to eat fresh home cooking and also Mexican food. But he really hates salsa verde, or the green sauce as he calls it."
Knowing her grandparents expect fresh clothes (clean, neat, and dinner appropriate), they were a little dressier than usual. Ava wore a pair of sunny yellow, skinny trousers. A white lace tunic finished it off with a pair of gold sandals on her feet and gold jewelry all around. Johnny matched, slightly, with a pale yellow polo and navy slacks. At these dinners, they sometimes enjoy matching each other.
When they were ready to leave, Ava grabbed Johnny and gave him a scorching kiss. A kiss filled with promise, hope, and one strong enough to relieve her mind from dwelling on future events. It's a hard business fighting the things you're afraid of. Sometimes all takes is a little help, even if it's a kiss from the one you love most.
With swollen lips, Johnny wondered "Not that I'm complaining, cause I'm not, but what was that for?"
Pecking his lips, she pulled back. Looking into his eyes, as if he's the only star in the sky, Ava told him "Your kiss melts all my worries away." Then she whispered into his ear "And sets my heart on fire." A blissful shiver ran through him. Then she tugged on his hand and pulled him in the direction of the car. "To grandmother's house, we go."
They set off to Sunday dinner, quiet and comfortable. Once they pulled up to the gate and were let inside, their eyes noticed the presence of many cars. Johnny parked and went around to wait for his wife to exit. Stepping out of the vehicle, she quirked a smile and raised an eyebrow. "I can be a gentleman when I want to be," he remarked.
Holding hands all the way to the front door, they gave each other a squeeze before they let go. Ava pressed the doorbell and waited. When the door opened they were totally unprepared. "Rat Face I had hoped I wouldn't have to see your ugly mug tonight," her annoying brother greeted. His eyes sparkled with mischief. Life just threw an exasperating curveball.