Post by CarpentersFan2003 on Jan 14, 2004 20:25:43 GMT -5
Chapter Seventeen
January 1986.
Karen and her family had been overjoyed to finally come home to Downey a month after the birth of little Jocelyn. It had taken that long for the hospital she was in to be sure that she’d be fine without constant care.
Christopher loved being a big brother. He and Jocelyn where inseparable. He took and active role in helping Karen and Cathy now serving as both children’s nanny.
One day just before Karen was due to leave for England for the Carpenters command performance for the Queen and the Royal Family and then on to play a sold out concert tour for all cities in the UK, Christopher came down with what Cathy though was a simple cold.
When the family had gathered to wish Karen, Richard and Lynda a good trip. Christopher was still had a runny nose and a cough, but he was in still able to hug his stepmother goodbye. Karen scooped him up in her arms and said.
“ I will bring you something nice back from England.” She kissed the boy’s cheek and then gave him back to Cathy.
Karen then hugged and kissed Nathan. When she looked him there where tears in her eyes.
Nathan hugged Karen again and whispered in her ear.
“ Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. See you in six weeks.”
Turning to his little sister he hugged her and then said. “ You take care of yourself and watch out for my wife over there.”
Lynda nodded and then looked at her watch.
“ Hey you guys we got to get going. The plane is ready to go.”
The group walked the terminal and then again said goodbye.
Karen called over her shoulder as she was pulled down the ramp to the plane.
“ I will call when we touch-down in London. I love you, Nathan.”
Karen and Richard had chartered two leer jets for the fight over to England and after six and half-hours. Karen and the others where ready to get off the planes and into their hotel rooms. Once in her room Karen was overwhelmed to see a waiting telegraph for addressed to her and Richard.
To Karen and Richard Carpenter,
On behalf of the Royal family, I would like to welcome you to London. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow at Buckingham Palace. Please arrive promptly at 6 p.m.
HRH. Princess Diana of Wales.
Lynda and Karen where sharing a suite of rooms, Richard had his own and then the band was taking up the floor below them.
“ These rooms are amazing!” Lynda said as she walked form the living room to the bedroom and then on to the bathroom. She let out a squeal of delight when she saw the deep, fully enclosed whirlpool style tub. She came out of the bathroom and said to her sister-in-law.
“ Maybe we ought to fill that tub of yours up and invite the guys in the band up to take a swim.”
Karen rolled her eyes and then flopped down on one of the two couches in the living room. She grabbed the phone and then dialed her condo’s phone number. She’d promised to call Nathan. After a number of rings a sleep-filled voice of her husband answered.
“ Hello… Dr. Nathan Yates… You’d better be dying…”
Karen could help the laugh that escaped her throat. She then spoke up.
“ Nathan, It’s your wife, and yes I’m dying… Dying to see you…”
Nathan groaned and then said in a clearer voice.
“ Hi, baby. So you had a safe trip. That is good to hear. I miss you already.”
Karen chuckled and then rolled her eyes.
“ I bet that you’re loving having the bed to yourself. Sleeping spread eagle.”
“ Speaking of sleep. I have to be at a meeting in about five hours. Can I call you back tomorrow sweetheart?” Nathan yawned.
“ Of course. I love you, and your sister sends her love too.”
“ I love you too Karen. Oh, before I forget. I took Chris to see his pediatrician this afternoon. His cold has gotten worse. He has a mild fever. Nothing to get upset about. Just thought you should know.”
“ Thanks for the information. Keep me posted. Goodnight love.” Karen hung up the phone.
“ Is there something wrong?” Lynda asked her eyebrows knitting with concern.
“ It’s nothing, Chris has a mild fever. He’s going to be fine.”
Lynda nodded.
