Growing Up Brady And Johnson (Read 3,873 times)

[André DiMera]

Jennie seems really shy. Glad Carrie is trying to be friendly to her.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 32


Carrie made her way through the cafeteria with her lunch tray. She
quickly found her table, where the rest of the cheerleaders were
sitting. Carrie took a seat next to Sarah. The seventh grade
cheerleaders were telling the eighth grade cheerleaders about their
Science project for the next two weeks.
“Who’s the sorry dope who got paired with that pathetic loser,
Jennie?” Tori asked.
Carrie took a small sip of her milk. “Me,” Carrie said in a small voice.
“Sorry, Brady,” Tori said.
“It will be fine,” Carrie said. “She’s not that bad.”
“Hey, Tori said, “I still got my Science project from last year. I
researched the heart with Lisa. You want our project. You can just
copy down everything, and just change the names. Then you won’t have
to work with that loser.”
Carrie about choked on her pizza. She swallowed hard. “That’s
cheating. I can’t do that.”
“Come on,” Lisa said. “Mr. Lowe would never know. You’d be changing
the names to yours, and Jennie’s, and then you wouldn’t have to work
with her. You’d just copy down all the information. How about it?”
“You should do it,” Rachel spoke up. “If that were me, and I was
working with Jennie, I’d so cheat, just so I wouldn’t have to spend
time with her.”
“Besides,” Lisa piped up,” tori has the project at her house. It’s not
like Mr. Lowe even has it anymore. He probably doesn’t even remember
what we did last year.”
“We already decided on a body part,” Carrie said. “We’re doing the ear.”
Lisa sighed heavily. “Suit yourself, but if you change your mind.”
Before anyone else could say anything more about the Science project,
Jennie walked past the cheerleaders table with her lunch tray.
Megan smirked at Jennie. “Watch this,” Megan said.
Before any of the girls could say anything else, Megan stuck her foot
out from under the table. She stretched it out, and Jennie tripped
over Megan’s foot. “Oops,” Megan said snidely. “I didn’t see you
there.”
Jennie fell forward onto her lunch tray, as she and her tray fell to
the cafeteria floor. The entire room erupted in laughter. Jennie’s
milk busted open from the force of her fall,and a puddle of white milk
submerged her peanut butter sandwich. Her carrot sticks flew in
different directions, and her apple went rolling across the cafeteria
floor. Jennie just sat there stunned over what had just happened. The
entire cheer table was laughing uncontrollably. Carrie was the only
one who didn’t laugh. Even Sarah was laughing.
Carrie wanted to get up to help Jennie, but before she could get up
from her seat, Jennie quickly got up from the floor, and she ran out
of the cafeteria. Her ruined lunch tray still sat on the floor,
forgotten.
“Why did you do that?” Carrie asked Megan. “Jennie didn’t do anything to you.”
“Come on Carrie,” Megan said. “You have to admit it was funny.”
“It wasn’t funny,” Rachel said, “It was hilarious.” She began to laugh again.
Carrie sat for the remainder of lunch in silence, eating her food. She
still couldn’t believe what had just happened. She finished her food,
and got up to throw her trash away. She wanted to go see if she could
find Jennie.
“Carrie,” Sarah said, “Are you coming back to the table?”
“No," Carrie said. “I’m heading to the bathroom before Gym. I’ll see
you in study hall.”
Carrie then went over to the vending machine. She took some change out
of her purse, and put it into the machine. She had no idea what
Jennie even liked, but Carrie felt awful for what had happened to
Jennie’s, and that her lunch was ruined by her friends. Carrie
selected a bag of potato chips from the machine. She took the snack,
and went to try to find Jennie. She just hoped that Jennie liked
potato chips.
Carrie went into the girls bathroom. She figured that was a good place
to start looking for Jennie. Carrie walked into the bathroom, and
heard Jennie crying in a bathroom stall. Carrie walked up to the
closed stall door.
“Jennie,” Carrie said. “It’s Carrie. Are you okay?”
Jennie didn’t say anything. Carrie stood by the door, and continued to
listen to Jennie quietly crying. Carrie then slid the bag of chips
under the stall door.
The bell then rang. Carrie quickly left the bathroom so she wouldn’t
be late for her next class.

[misfit]

Oh man, finally had a chance to play catch up. Such a sweet moment here with the potato chips and Carrie trying to make things okay for Jennie. Hope the two of them can join forces against the mean girls!

[André DiMera]

Man, those girls are horrible! Hopefully this will open Carrie’s eyes to what her so-called friends are really like. Glad she tried to talk to Jennie.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 33


Kayla stood at the kitchen counter, stirring the crock pot of sweet
potato chili. She had had a productive day of planning for when she
would return to work at the clinic. Kayla had gone into the clinic
that morning to check on how things were going. Kayla’s sister-in-law,
Adrienne, who also worked at the clinic, confessed that things had
been crazy at the clinic since Kayla had been gone for the past few
weeks. Patients were missing Kayla. Kayla felt a pang of guilt as she
listened to Adrienne. In that split second, Kayla had made the
decision to cut her leave short so that she could return to work.
After talking to Adrienne, Kayla went in the back to talk to Robin and
Mike. Rachel was busy with patients. Both Robin and Mike had confirmed
what Adrienne had already said. Kayla then told the doctors that she
would return to work next week. Robin was concerned about Benjy, but
Kayla assured her that Benjy was adjusting well,and she thought that
things would be fine for her to return earlier then planned. Kayla
then left the clinic.
Now back at home, Kayla had spoken to her mother-in-law, Jo about her
keeping an eye on Benjy after school. Jo was delighted that Kayla had
asked her to sit with Benjy after school once Kayla returned to work.
Jo even offered to keep Benjy if he were ever sick, so that Kayla and
Steve could still work. Kayla was grateful for the generous
offered,and accepted. Benjy had seemed to taken well to both Jo and
Adrienne when he had met them the past weekend.
As Kayla gave her chili one last stir, she heard the front door open.
She glanced at the clock, and noticed that it was time for Benjy to
be getting home from school. She went into the living room to greet
him. Kayla noticed Max standing with Benjy in the living room. Both
boys took their backpacks off. Benjy signed excitedly to Kayla. “Max
play with Benjy.”
Kayla smiled. “That’s fine,” she said. “Max, do my parents know that
you’re here?”
Max shrugged, and signed no. Before Kayla could say another word, the
boys ran upstairs to play. Kayla sighed heavily, and went back into
the kitchen to call her mother to tell her where Max was.
Kayla then went back to check on the simmering chili. Her thoughts
drifted to Max and his older brother, Frankie. Kayla and Steve had
found the boys wandering on the pier earlier in the year. Frankie had
tried to steal her purse, and Steve had chased him down to get
Kayla’s purse back. Once Steve retrieved the purse, both Steve and
Kayla had learned that Frankie and Max were homeless. Frankie was 16
and Max was only 6. Frankie had confessed to Steve and Kayla that both
he and Max had been living in foster care, but they ran away from
their foster home because it was abusive. Because of the abuse, Max
did not talk. Steve and Kayla had taken the boys in, and had begun to
get them help. In doing so, Kayla’s parents, Shawn and Caroline had
agreed to adopt the boys. Frankie and Max were now living with Shawn
and Caroline. The boys were in counseling. It was thought that Max was
capable of talking, but because of the abuse that he had endured, he
chose not to talk as a form of protection. Counselors had assured the
Brady family that Max would talk again once he felt secure in his new
home. The transition had been a little rough for both Frankie and
Max. Kayla was secretly relieved that she and Steve hadn’t had any
real problems with Benjy’s transition into their home.
Once done talking with her mother, Kayla went upstairs to check on the
boys. She found them sitting on the floor in Benjy’s room playing
Legos. Kayla knelt down beside Max. She began talking and signing to
Max. When Kayla and Steve had found Max and Frankie, Kayla had begun
signing with Max immediately. Frankie had explained at one time, Max
was able to talk, but then all of a sudden he had just stopped. So
Frankie had taken it upon himself to learn sign language, and he then
had taught Max, so the boys could talk to one another. Kayla signed to
Max while talking. “Buddy, you have to tell an adult where you are
going. You just can’t leave without telling anyone. Mama was worried
about you when you didn’t get off the bus today.”
Max signed back. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again. Am I in trouble?”
Kayla ruffled the boy’s hair. “I don’t think so,” she assured. “Mama
was just worried.”
Max nodded. “I’ll ask next time,” he signed back.
Benjy then began to sign. “Kayla, Max stay for dinner?”
“Sure,” Kayla said.
Benjy beamed happily. “Benjy happy he has Max. Max signs like Benjy.”
He signed.
“I’m glad too,” Kayla said.
She then went back downstairs and left the boys to play.

[André DiMera]

Thanks for the refresher on Frankie and Max’s history. I’m glad Max is being friendly to Benjy.

[misfit]

So I'm catching up on this while I'm waiting for my Chinese food to arrive and I'm starving - so thank you for putting the mouthwatering idea of sweet potato chili in my brain, lol. Not surprised all the patients are missing Kayla but love that Adrienne and Jo are able to help her out with Benjy. Also, Frankie teaching Max sign language is the sweetest thing in the world. I wish the show would've explored that! Looking forward to more.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 34

The doorbell rang. Kayla went to answer the door. She opened the
door to find Frankie standing on the front porch. “Hey Kayla,” Frankie
greeted easily.
“Hey sweetie,” Kayla said. “What’s up?”
She moved aside to let Frankie in. “I just came to talk to Steve. Is he home?”
“Not yet,” Kayla said. “Do my parents know where you’re at?”
“Nope,” Frankie said.
Kayla rolled her eyes. She sighed heavily. “Frankie,” she said in mild
annoyance. “You just can’t leave. You have to tell someone where
you’re going.”
It was Frankie’s turn to roll his eyes. “Come on Kayla,” Frankie said.
“It’s not a big deal. I was just coming over here. Besides, Max is
here right?”
“He is,” Kayla said. “But still, you boys need to tell an adult when
you want to go somewhere.
“I’m 16. I can take care of myself,and Max.”
“Frankie,” Kayla warned. “I mean it. You’ve got a really good thing
going here with my parents. They love you. They worry. They need to
know where you’re at.”
“Fine,” Frankie relented. “I’ll tell them.”
“Good,” Kayla said. “Max is upstairs playing with Benjy. Steve should
be home soon. Would you like to stay for dinner? Max is staying.”
“You don’t have to ask me twice,” Frankie declared. “What’s for dinner?”
“Sweet potato chili,” Kayla replied.
“What?” Frankie wrinkled his brow. “Sweet potato chili. Sweet potatoes
are a Thanksgiving food. Chili needs beans and beef.”
Kayla laughed lightly. “This chili has beans, and sweet potatoes, and
turkey.”
“I guess,” Frankie said. He sauntered into the kitchen. Kayla followed
behind him. Frankie breathed in the aroma of the chili. “Yeah, I guess
it does smell good. What else is with chili?”
“How about grilled cheese?” Kayla suggested.
“Yeah, Frankie agreed. “Everyone knows that you’ve gotta have grilled
cheese with chili.”
Kayla nodded. “Okay, why don’t you call Mama and tell her where you’re
at, and that you and Max are staying for dinner.”
Frankie agreed, and he made the call. Just as Frankie hung up the
phone, the garage door opened, and Steve walked into the house.
“Frances,” Steve greeted. He clapped Frankie’s shoulder in a friendly
greeting. “What’s up my man?”
Frankie grinned. “I just came to talk.”
“Max is upstairs too, playing with Benjy,” Kayla explained.
“We’re staying for dinner,” Frankie said.
“Great,” Steve said. “Sweet potato chili I gather. Smells delicious,
Sweetness.”
“Why don’t you and Frankie make grilled cheese sandwiches to go with
the chili,” Kayla offered.
Frankie rolled his eyes. Steve put his hand up. Stop,” he said in a
warning tone. “You and I will make sandwiches. Besides, you said that
you needed to talk to me anyways, right?”
“Yeah,” Frankie said in a mutter.
“Alright then,” Steve said. “Wash your hands son. I’m going upstairs
to change, and then we’ll make us some grilled cheese.”
Steve went upstairs to change his clothes. He said hello to Benjy and
Max before going back downstairs. Kayla then left the kitchen to give
Steve and Frankie some privacy to talk as they made the sandwiches.

[misfit]

Loved Steve and Kayla both being tough but fair with Frankie, and him being all skeptical about the chili cracked me up. Can't wait for more!

[André DiMera]

Glad Steve and Kayla let Frankie stay, but warned him that he needed to let people know where he’s going.

[wildheartashley]

Chapter 35


Steve buttered bread as Frankie unwrapped cheese slices for grilled
cheeses. “So, what’s up?” Steve asked as he turned on the griddle.
“Um,” Frankie said, “I need to talk to you.”
“Sure,” Steve said. “What about?”
“Girls,” Frankie said sheepishly.
Steve nodded as he began to assemble sandwiches.
“The Homecoming dance is in two weeks, and I kind of want to go.”
“And you want to ask a girl,” Steve interrupted.
Frankie nodded. “Kind of."
“What’s stopping you?” Steve asked. “You’re a great looking dude.”
Frankie blushed. “Yeah, but I want to ask Jennifer Horton. She’s way
out of my league.”
“Hey man,” Steve said. “Give yourself some credit. You’re doing well
in school.”
“Yeah, but Jennifer is into the football players. She’d never go out
with me. She’s hanging all over Glenn Gallagher. I don’t stand a
chance.”
Steve took sandwiches from Frankie and put them on the griddle.
“Francis, that’s no way to talk.”
Frankie scowled at Steve. “Man, do you have to call me that?”
Steve grinned. “Hey, Francis is your name.”
“Maybe so,” Frankie said, “But can you just call me Frankie? It’s
cooler then Frances.”
“Fine,” Steve relented. “Frankie, just be real with Jennifer. I’ve
learned the hard way that if you’re not honest with the ladies, then
you really don’t stand a chance. Just ask her. You might be
surprised.”
“Maybe I will,” Frankie said.
“What else is bothering you?” Steve could tell that Frankie was still
bothered about something.
“Well,” Frankie’s voice trailed off. “Um, it’s just, if I do go to the
dance, I don’t want everyone making a big deal out of it. You know
what I mean?”
Steve nodded in understanding. “You mean you don’t want Caroline
fussing over you.”
“Yeah,” Frankie said. “And I don’t want Kim or Kayla taking tons of
pictures. It’s just a stupid dance. People don’t need to make a big
deal over it.”
“Tell you what,” Steve said, “If you ask Jennifer, and she says yes,
I’ll at least make sure that Kayla tones it down. And I’m sure if
Kayla talks to Kim, she won’t go crazy either. As far as Caroline
goes, Frankie, talk to her. She loves you. I guess parents fussing
over their kids is probably in the job description.”
“You and Kayla haven’t fussed over Benjy,” Frankie countered.
“I haven’t,” Steve said, “But Kayla has in her own nurturing way. I
really can’t tell her not to. I never had anyone fussing over me as a
kid, but I’m sure my time will probably come as Benjamin’s parent.”
Steve and Frankie finished making the sandwiches.

[André DiMera]

I always loved Steve and Frankie’s relationship! He gave him good advice.

[misfit]

Loved this so much. I could picture the scene so well in my head, and I'm such a sucker for Steve in papa mode. His last line about having a chance to eventually fuss over a kid as Benjy's dad, yeah that totally made me melt. Looking forward to more!

[wildheartashley]

Author’s Note: I’m posting the newest chapter a few days early. With having Christmas festivities tomorrow and Sunday, I won’t be able to post on my usual Sunday. Next week’s update may also be a few days early, with NYE next weekend. Thank you for all the wonderful feedback. Your comments are always nice to read. Onto the next update.

Chapter 36

Kayla then came back into the kitchen. “Everything okay?” She asked.
“Yep,” Frankie said. “Things are fine.”
Kayla nodded as she went to the fridge and got out vegetables to make a salad.
“I don’t gotta eat that?” Frankie motioned to the salad.
“No,” Kayla said. “This is for me.”
Just then, Benjy and Max appeared in the doorway of the kitchen.
“Dinner,” Max signed.
“Yeah, it’s all ready,” Frankie said.
Without signing, Max went over to the kitchen sink,and washed his
hands. Benjy did the same. Everyone then sat down to eat dinner. The
younger boys examined their chili before eating it.
“If you don’t like it, it’s okay,” Kayla said. “Just try it.”
Frankie was also examining his chili.
“Man baby, I’m not sure how these fellas are digging your Thanksgiving
in a bowl.”
Frankie began to snicker as he took a spoonful of chili. “It’s pretty
good. Why don’t you guys try it.” Frankie motioned to both Benjy and
Max.
The younger boys both nodded, and each took a spoonful of their chili.
“What do you think?” Kayla asked in anticipation.
“Thanksgiving in a bowl,” Max signed.
“Benjy like,” Benjy signed. “Good Thanksgiving.”
“It’s not really Thanksgiving,” Frankie said. “Steve was just being
funny. It’s just chili. Just not the chili that we’re used to.”
Max nodded in understanding. Everyone finished dinner. Steve then took
Frankie and Max back to Shawn and Caroline’s. Once he got home, he and
Kayla got Benjy ready for bed. They tucked him in, and then went back
downstairs.
They sat on the couch. “Steve,” Kayla said.
“Yeah, baby.”
“I’m going back to work next week.”
Steve looked a bit surprised. “What happened to taking six weeks off
to get Benjy settled. It’s only been two weeks.”
“I know,” Kayla said. “But I went into the clinic to check on things
today, and.” Her voice trailed off.
“And you missed work,” Steve finished for her.
“Sort of,” Kayla confessed. “Adrienne was working the front desk,and
she was telling me how crazy things had been in the past few weeks.”
“Did my sister guilt you into coming back early?”
“No, Steve,” Kayla said. “There was no guilting from your sister. I
truly do miss work. I think Benjy is adjusting fine with us. Don’t you
think?”
“Yeah, baby. I do think he’s adjusting well. If you want to go back to
work, I certainly won’t stop you. Nurse Kayla has gotta go heal the
sick and down and out.”
“Stop,” Kayla said as she playfully hit Steve’s arm. “Thank you.”
“Any time,” Steve said as he kissed Kayla on the cheek.
“Was Frankie okay?” Kayla asked.
“Yeah,” Steve said. “The dude is fine. Just a little nervous about
asking a girl out.”
“Aww,” Kayla cooed.
“Right there baby,” Steve said.
“What?” Kayla asked.
“You don’t gotta go making a big deal over Frankie asking a girl out.”
“Okay,” Kayla said. “I’m sorry. It’s just sweet that’s all.”
“Just don’t make a big deal out of things, if he does ask the girl out. Okay?”
“Got it,” Kayla said. “I’ll keep it cool. Like you.”
“Exactly,” Steve said. “It’s just a Homecoming dance. No biggie.”
“Aww,” Kayla cooed. She grinned. “Sorry. I just had to say it one last time.”
They then went upstairs and got ready for bed. Kayla felt content as
she laid in bed that night with Steve.

[misfit]

“Aww,” Kayla cooed. She grinned. “Sorry. I just had to say it one last time.” This line brought the biggest grin to my face. SO cute. Love me some S&K cuteness and great interaction with them and the boys. Loved Frankie not being on board with eating the salad, lol.

Hope you and yours have a merry Christmas wildheartashley!