Cool Down

“So how was it?” I asked. Knowing full well what childbirth was all about…confusion, mind searing pain and hopefully a good aftermath.

“You have to be kidding” she responded, and she gave me a look that only a mother could give.

“Yeah” I said, “my first wife almost died giving birth to my son while I was standing in a corner in the room, so I understand a little about process, but I’m glad that you’re OK. What can I do for you?”

“I’d die for a Coke.”

“Um…I can’t do that” I replied “I’d be in big trouble if I did. I could put in a word about an extra Jello cup.”

“You have that kind of pull here…an extra Jello cup” she asked?

“Well not me” I answered, “but Sheri could pull some strings for you…maybe even get you some extra broccoli.”

“Yuck” she said “why would you do that to me?’

“Cause I can” I laughed.

“Your wife is nice…she stopped by a while ago…just to say hi and see how things were going.”

“Well I told her you were here, and since she does rounds in the hospital anyway she told me that she’d check up on you. Since we both have a lot invested in you.”

“Invested in me…what does that mean?” Mary asked.

“Let me put it this way” I began, “Sheri can tell when we’ve interacted, because you usually drive me nuts…thus she’s put up with you too…in a nondirect way of course.”

“But I’m glad she came to see you.” I said.

“Drive you crazy” she said, “I think that you should look in the mirror before you accuse other people of that. Will, you can drive a person nuts yourself you know. Anyway, your wife is awesome and it was nice that she’d take the time to stop in to talk to me and see how she could help.”

“She didn’t happen to mention any dinner plans did she” I asked?

Mary thought to herself and replied “No, but that means that you forgot!”

“God Will…you forgot your plans for dinner with your wife” Mary asked?

“Hey, don’t look so happy” I shot back.

Mary got a delighted look on her face… “You were telling the truth, you really are a screw up aren’t you?”

I smiled and turned towards the door, “No extra jello for you today.”