“Try 628. It’s the Disney channel, even if it’s not cartoons at the moment it’s something Disney. And if that doesn’t hold their attention, try the mid seven-hundreds. There’s a Nickelodeon Channel there that has stuff for kids, too,” Bonnie answered. She closed the door behind herself and walked over to the bed. “How are you feeling today?”
Gwen smiled tiredly up at her. “I’m better. I’m actually conscious today without falling asleep every five minutes.”
“Part of that is most likely whatever they put you to sleep with yesterday so they could put you back together. You scared the heck out of us,” Bonnie said.
“Sorry. I just didn’t want to be any trouble. I was sure I would heal enough to handle it on my own.”
“I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“That?!” Beau asked, pointing at the tray Bonnie still held.
“That’s some breakfast and smoothies.”
“Nanana?” Beck asked.
Bonnie grinned at them and chuckled. “Yes, it’s got nanana, and strawberries and blueberries, too.” Both little boys got excited as Bonnie handed them each a sippy cup filled withsmoothie. “I brought you a smoothie, too, and some French toast and sausage. They’ve got some French toast and sausage, too.”
“Thank you so much,” Gwen said. While more like herself, and definitely looking better with her color returning, she was still weak.
“You don’t have to thank me, Gwen. You took care of me, we’re taking care of you. I’d have been here beside you like you were with me, but Rance practically growled at everybody who offered to relieve him. And I knew without a doubt you’re as safe as you’ve ever been with him at your side.”
Gwen shook her head gently. “No worries. My ladies and my babies needed you. Rance has things covered.”
Bonnie smiled at her and put the tray on the bedside table. “Here, let me help you get into a more upright position so you can eat without choking.”
“I got it!” Rance said, suddenly standing beside Bonnie.
“I can do it,” Bonnie said.
“Yes, but, let me,” he said, nudging Bonnie to the side a bit. He slid one of his hands beneath Gwen’s back, then allowed her to hold onto his other arm as he helped support her, at her own rate of movement, to a more sitting position.
“I think that’s as far as I want to sit up at the moment,” Gwen said.
“I got the pillows,” Bonnie said, adjusting the pillows behind Gwen, and quickly grabbing the others from the opposite side of the bed and using them to further secure her in place as well. “How’s that?” Bonnie asked, as Rance stood back and let her see how it felt without him supporting her.
“This is good. I like this much better than flat on my back. And I think I’m up enough that I won’t choke,” Gwen said.
“Excellent. Rance, there’s enough on Gwen’s platter for you, too, and a smoothie. If you guys want some coffee, I’ll bring that up, too.”
“I’d love some coffee,” Rance said.
“I’d just like the smoothie for now,” Gwen said, smiling at Bonnie as she handed it to her.
“Want some tea or something?” she asked.
“Maybe a little later. But this is fine for now. Thank you so much, Bonnie.”
“You’re more than welcome, and just let me know when you want that tea.”
“Shaushash,” Beck asked, pointing at the sectioned plastic plates that were obviously for kids.
“You want a sausage?” Bonnie asked.
“Yes!” Beck said, going and sitting down beside his brother who was engrossed in whatever cartoon the Disney Channel was playing at the moment.
Bonnie took both children’s plates and put them down on the carpet, one in front of each boy. She tucked a couple of paper towels across both their laps. “There you go,” Bonnie said, not expecting an answer.
“Tannt tou,” they both chimed in unison.
