Chapter 14
Pete and Mike arrived at the hospital and, after parking the Monkeemobile, headed inside the emergency room and found Ronnie waiting to hear about how Vicky was. Pete gave her a big hug, trying to get her to relax, seeing the waiting was upsetting her.
“Has anyone told you anything yet?” Mike asked when Pete sat down with her.
“No, nothing yet. She’s been through there nearly half an hour now,” Ronnie answered, playing nervously with her fingers, trying to find something to do.
Pete took both her hands in his. “She’ll be okay. Don’t worry.”
“She had really bad stomach cramps. She was bent over, screaming in agony, and her stomach was so hard to the touch. She was in tears, Pete. It was horrible, seeing her in so much pain.”
Mike left them talking and went to the reception desk to see if anyone had any news or an update for them. He went back over to Ronnie. “The nurse behind the desk says someone will be out to see you soon,” he said and sat next to Pete.
Soon a doctor came up to them. “Hello—Miss Lee, is it? Here with Victoria Lewis?”
“Yes, that me—have you any news on her?” Ronnie stood and shook the doctor’s hand.
“Don’t worry. It’s not as bad as you think. She’s got a very severe case of food poisoning. We’re going to let you take her home. Just make sure she stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest. She’ll be better in about three to five days.”
“Does she need any medication?” Ronnie asked.
“She can take pain killers and get some Pepto-Bismol. She needs to avoid dairy, spicy, and fried foods. Bananas, rice, oatmeal and boiled vegetables are good. Try toast first—just nothing to upset her stomach again.”
“Okay. I can make a list of where we’ve eaten over the past few days. We did try a new diner the other day.” Ronnie was quiet for a while trying to think of its name.
“That would be good. She’s getting ready now and should be out soon. Just take her home and get her resting in bed for a few days. If that’s all, I’ll say goodbye, and get back to work.”
“Bye and thank you,” Ronnie answered and sat down to wait for Vicky to come out.
“How did you get here?” Mike asked Ronnie.
“I got a taxi. It was easier—someone had just arrived at the club in it. Would you be able to give us a ride back to our apartment?” She was looking over at the doors to the wards.
“Of course. That’s no problem at all. Anything to help. And speaking of that, we both got better samples of sperm in the containers this time, but I guess it’s best not to bother right now, with Vicky not being well.” Mike put his hand on Ronnie’s arm and she turned to listen to him.
“Oh, I’m sorry for you wasting your time. We did try with the sperm you gave us the other day, but we weren’t sure if we did everything right, But I’m sure we’ll know soon if it worked.”
“We hope it worked too,” Pete said to Ronnie and Mike. Mike could tell Pete was still in a worried mood so he took his hand and started to rub it as carefully out of sight as he could.
Soon Vicky came out from the medical room, pushed in a wheelchair by a porter and not looking too well. “Oh hi, Mike, hi, Pete. How are you both?” she asked the two of them.
Pete bent down to her level to talk to her. “We’re both fine. You need to be more concerned about yourself, making sure that you get better, okay? That’s the most important thing. I mean you could be pregnant.”
Vicky looked straight at him. “They gave me a immunologic pregnancy test just in case. It’s a new procedure. And I’m not, so I guess what we tried the other day didn’t work.”
“That’s okay. Getting you better is the main thing right now. The guys are gonna take us home and you’re gonna have a few days resting in bed. We’ve got plenty of time to worry about things like that,” Ronnie said as she walked alongside Vicky, who was being pushed in the wheelchair out to the Monkeemobile.
Mike noticed Pete had gone quiet after Vicky’s comment and he stopped him getting into the car after helping Ronnie get Vicky into the back seat. “Listen, it’s okay. Things don’t always happen straight away, you know, the first time.”
“I know, but it would have been so good, but things will happen when the time’s right, don’t you think?”
Mike thought Pete was trying to convince himself, and hide his disappointment in front of the girls. “Yeah, Pete, I’m sure everything will work out.” Mike pulled Pete into a hug.
The ride back to the club was in silence. Vicky was upset and Ronnie was comforting her, and Mike knew that the news had affected Pete. Pete was a sensitive soul and took things in differently to how Mike did, so Mike would make sure to reassure and talk to him when they got back to the pad later.
Mike and Pete stayed a while and had a drink upstairs while Ronnie got Vicky settled into bed. “Thanks for everything, guys. I think she’ll be asleep soon, and that’ll do her some good. I’m gonna stay up here—the staff can manage everything downstairs.”
Ronnie poured herself a glass of wine. “I need this, Pete. It’s been a stressful day,” she said abruptly, when she noticed the look he gave her. “I’m probably not pregnant either. I used the smaller sample, and there might not have been enough to work.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything. I’m just upset. I know how much Vicky wants a baby.” Pete finished his drink and got up. “I’ll go wait in the car for you, Michael. I need some fresh air first.” Mike passed him the keys and Pete left the room.
“Will you tell him I’m sorry? I didn’t mean to react like that. I’ve been worried about Vicky and now she’s upset. It’s gonna be a tough few days. I’m grateful you’re trying to help us. I guess we’ll get another chance.” She took another drink of her wine.
“Of course I will. You gonna be all right?”
“Yeah. Do you think this sounds bad of me? Well, I’ve been thinking…does Vicky want a baby more than she wants me, and am I just going along with the whole thing to please her?”
Mike wasn’t sure what to say. “No, I think she loves you, but she wants a family. Do you? Do you really want to get pregnant yourself?”
“I’ve talked things through with my mom, and my dad and his partner—they shared bringing me up together—and I’ve been through all this with them. I just worry what’ll happen if we ever split up.”
“Don’t think about that now. Just be positive. I know how you feel. It’s hard having this type of relationship, hiding it from people, not being accepted, but I’m sure the two of you will work things out and be brilliant moms. Pete and I will always be around when you need us. Remember that.”
“Thanks, Mike. We’re grateful to both of you. Not everyone would want to do what you’re doing for us.” She stood at the same time as Mike and he gave her a hug.
“I better get off and see if Pete’s all right. Like I said, he’s upset too. He really wants you both to get pregnant. Having a family is important to him.” Mike went over to the door and said goodbye.
“Thanks again. We’ll see you tomorrow at the gig. I might take the night off, though, stay up here with Vicky. Come up and see us before your set.”
“No problem. See you tomorrow. Call us if there’s anything you need.” Mike left and headed out to the car, where Pete was already waiting in the passenger seat.
“I’m sorry I took off. You know what I get like. I just thought everything would work out the first time. I should know not to get my hopes built up straight away.”
“We just need to be patient, Pete. If it’s meant to happen, it will. Don’t worry.” Mike started up the car and pulled onto the road to drive back to the pad.
“Thanks, Michael. You’re right as always. That’s why I need you in my life. You help me with all my worries and doubts—you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” Pete gave Mike a big smile.
“You are to me, too, Pete. We fit together well.” He stroked Pete’s arm to comfort him. When they stopped at a red light, noticing no-one else was around, he took Pete’s hand and gave it a squeeze.
Soon they were pulling up into the driveway of the pad. Inside, Micky and Davy were in front of the television, watching a movie and sharing a bowl of popcorn and drinking beers. Micky turned around when he saw them walk in the living room. “Everything okay, guys?”
“Not too bad. Vicky’s got food poisoning and has to rest up for a few days.” Mike went over to the icebox, grabbed a beer and passed over a bottle of soda to Pete.
They both joined the others to watch the movie, sitting on the couch together. Pete cuddled up to Mike, not saying a word, and Mike put his arms around him and settled down. Pete soon fell asleep, snoring softly.
“You wearing him out, Mike? Do you not let him get much sleep in there?” Micky laughed, pointing at the downstairs bedroom.
***
The next morning, Mike and Pete were both up early, having some breakfast. Pete had made them something healthy with bananas, granola, yoghurt, and berries. Mike wasn’t too impressed but he ate it to please Peter, noticing he hadn’t made any for the other two. At least he had his strong black coffee. “I’ve got some porridge we can have, but with hot water instead of milk,” Pete said as he was taking a mouthful.
“Can we have sugar in it, though?” Mike asked, looking a little concerned.
“No, we need to cut out as much sugar as possible. We can put salt or fruit in it. I was thinking we could go to a bigger grocery shop and get some more healthy foods. I’ve heard of a soda called Tab that only has one calorie so will be much better for us, and less sugar might make Micky less hyper too.”
“Well you can tell him. I’m not being the bearer of bad news. Isn’t this kinda food gonna be more expensive, Pete?” Mike was normally the one who controlled what they spent on food.
“Yes, maybe, but it’ll be worth it if we feel better, and it helps us start a family, don’t you think?”
Mike just stared at Pete not knowing what to say. He got up and refilled his coffee cup.
“Ooh maybe we could get some decaf coffee for you too. I’ll start a list.” Pete got up and picked up a pencil and some paper.
“Anything else I can’t have anymore, babe? The odd beer isn’t too bad, is it?”
“No. I know you don’t drink too much. Maybe we could cut down on fried food? Grilling is so much better for you, but you need to start eating more fruit and vegetables. Don’t worry—you can still have meat as long as it’s not fatty. I’d even cook it for you.”
“What are you gonna stop eating, then, because most of these changes seem to be all for me?” Mike came up behind Pete and looked at the shopping list.
“I’m gonna stop eating candy and chocolate, and drink more herbal tea. My diet’s not too bad, though, but we can help each other, eat at separate times to the other two, then we don’t get tempted?”
Micky meanwhile had come down the stairs. He came into the kitchen and started filling a bowl with frosted flakes and milk. “Morning, guys, what you up too?”
“We’re planning on what to get when we go shopping soon,” Pete answered him.
Micky came over and grabbed the list. “Hey, man, what’s with all the fruit, vegetables, and salad stuff? This is boring! Can I add some things to it? We need some sugary cereal—I’m a growing young man, Pete.”
“This is mainly for Mike and me. We’re going on a healthy eating diet. There’s plenty of things for you to eat. You don’t have to eat the same as us, if you don’t want to. I’m gonna get ready for us to go out.” Pete headed off to the bedroom.
“This all Pete’s idea? You onboard with it?” Micky pointed at the list and looked at Mike.
“I’m gonna see how things go. If it makes Pete happy, I’ll do it. I’m still gonna have the odd beer and red meat, just cook it differently. Don’t give me that look, Mick.”
“He’s got you right under the thumb, hasn’t he? It’s so funny.” Micky laughed.
“Just drop it, Mick. Don’t give him any grief. Last night shook him up, and I’ll do anything to make him happy.” He gave Micky a slap on the back of his head. “You’ll understand when you’re at the same level as we are. You want to please Gemma, don’t you?”
“Okay, sorry, Mike, and yes I do but I don’t think we’re as serious as you two are. But I hope it lasts.”
Pete came out of the bedroom and took his jacket from the coat stand. “You ready to leave, Mike?”
Soon they were at one of the bigger stores nearby. Mike got a cart and walked up to Pete who was busy looking at juices. He put an apple and orange juice in the cart. It was soon full of a lot of fruit and vegetables, rice, pasta, low-calorie sodas, more granola, bran flakes, honey, eggs, and some low-fat milk.
Pete smiled at Mike as he put a beef steak in the cart for him. “I’m gonna cook you this for dinner this evening before we go to the gig, let you have a treat, with some potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes. That okay for you?” He put some eggs and bread in the cart too.
Soon they were back in the Monkeemobile, heading back to the pad. They pulled into Beechwood and were approaching the driveway. “You are okay with this, aren’t you, Michael? I want you to be honest with me—you’d let me know if you weren’t happy, wouldn’t you? I hope that you’re not doing this to please me.”
Mike pulled up the car and looked Pete straight in the eye. “Of course, Pete. I promise I’d tell you. I’m fine with it, okay?”
“Thanks, Michael. You do put up with a lot from me. If I’m ever too much, tell me. Can I have a hug, please?”
Mike pulled him into his chest and stroked his back. “Everything’s cool, babe. Don’t worry about a thing.”
When they got inside, both Davy and Micky were sitting at the kitchen table, looking through the newspaper. Micky looked up at Mike. “We got a phone call from the TV network about the gig at Diamond’s bar and lounge…we didn’t get it.”
“What? Why? I thought it was a done deal—that’s what that Max guy said last night, that we went down best with the audience.” Mike sat beside them, Pete coming to sit next to him.
“I know. I thought the same, but the network had the final say on the whole thing, and the guy said we were good. In fact, we were too good—he said I was too funny, that I showed Max up. Seems we made him look slow and his age, out of touch with younger people. and they need something a little safer.”
“So who got the gig then?” Mike asked him, looking slightly annoyed.
“They wouldn’t tell me, but Davy here got a call from a certain older woman who took a shine to him.”
“It’s not funny, Micky. She was scary, and no chick normally freaks me out. But yeah, guys, they’ve given Candy the slot. She called and told me, wanted to know if I wanted to sing now and then with her, saying we can make sweet music on and off the stage. That I could help her with things Max can’t provide for her, if you get what I mean. And I don’t want to picture her and Max and what he does do for her.”
“She’d eat him alive. I’ve never seen Davy turn a chick down ever. I’m in shock. I was glad I was sitting down.” Micky laughed and nudged his elbow into Davy.
“Well, because I said no thanks, she said they were gonna offer Sapphire a chance to be a backing group for her, but I wonder how they’d feel about that.”
“I wouldn’t want to end up as a backing group to someone like her,” Micky said
“So we basically wasted a whole day yesterday. It was all for nothing.” Mike just shook his head at Micky. Pete took his hand to try and calm him down.
“No, not really—the man who called said another guy at the network wanted to see us about something that might be coming up in the future. You will listen to him when he calls us, won’t you, Mike? Please.”
“Go on, Mike, for me and Micky. I’ve had a traumatizing morning. I need something good to focus on,” Davy pleaded with Mike.
Mike looked at Pete who was still holding his hand. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s a good idea. It’ll be good for us. It looks like things are starting to go our way for once—let’s hope it goes for everything. Yes, guys, Mike will say yes to this, won’t you?”
“Okay…looks like I’ve got no option. Let’s hope the Monkees are finally going in the right direction for once.” He hugged Pete again and smiled. Davy and Micky soon joined them, making it a group hug.
“Thanks, guys. You won’t regret it, Mike.” Davy winked.
Mike just stared back at him and hoped he was right.
Pete leaned in closer and whispered in Mike’s ear. “Next month we can help the girls try to get pregnant again. I think our luck is finally starting to change.” He kissed Mike and gave him his dimpled smile. “Think of all the fun we can have helping them. We’ve got a month for lots of practicing…”