GLAZED DONUT

It was one of those rare occasions that the girls actually called Brian and begged him to take Gus for the week.  Both Gus and baby JR had horrible colds.  The girls were finding it difficult coping with two sick children although in a private moment, Lindsay did reveal that Gus was handling his illness a lot better than JR.  She attributed the differences in behavior to the simple fact that Gus was older and better equipped to verbalize his frustrations and his needs.  Brian attributed Gus’ superior behavior to his superior parentage.

Lindsay and Mel took turns staying home from work to care for JR.  Brian worked from home with help from Cynthia and Ted.  Friends and family divided their time between the two households, delivering food, soup and snacks specially prepared to boost little immune systems and to fortify the parents.  In a moment of panic, Brian wasn’t sure he was doing the right thing and began doubting his fathering skills.  However, he was reassured by Justin and by Debbie that he indeed was doing an excellent job by being supportive, treating the symptoms of the cold and most importantly by just being a dad.

Brian had made a comfortable nest in the alcove for Gus.  The child was situated on the futon pillows, plenty of juice and tissues on hand and with a bevy of children’s books and DVDs.  Whenever Gus sneezed, Brian was quick with a soft tissue or warm moist cloth to wipe away the evidence.  Three days into his cold, little Gus was still stuffy and miserable.

“Lindz, should I take him to his pediatrician?” Brian asked over the phone.  “He doesn’t seem to be getting any better.”  A sneeze emanating from the alcove punctuated the observation.  “I’ve tried everything that you told me to do.”

“Let’s give it one more day.  I really don’t want him to go out if it’s not necessary.  It’s been so rainy lately.” 

Brian agreed.  “Okay, one more day but if he doesn’t improve, I’ll take him.”  Brian hung up then called Debbie to get her opinion.  An hour later Justin came in carrying two boxes, one large and one small.

“What’s this?”  Brian asked.

“I picked up the humidifier like you asked.  And I brought us a treat; I thought you could use it.”

“Thanks Sunshine,” Brian said sincerely.

Within the hour, the humidifier was set up and bellowing its medicated steam in Gus’ general direction.

“Think it’ll work?”  Brian asked.

“It always did when I was a kid,” Justin reassured him.  Just then Brian’s phone rang.  While Brian went to his desk to be the ad man, Justin made a fresh pot of coffee and prepared the treats he brought.

“What’s all this?” Brian asked as he returned to the kitchen.  The coffee was ready and the donuts were artfully arranged on a platter.

“Just some of Emmett’s creations, he’s working on a new recipe and asked if we’d taste them.”

“They smell great but...”

“Brian it’s not after seven and you can indulge yourself just this once,” Justin said as he lifted the platter to bring the delicately glazed donuts closer to Brian in an effort to tempt him.  The sweet confections were shining brightly under the loft lights.

Just as Brian was about to pluck one off the plate, Gus let out a loud, sinus clearing sneeze.

“Daddy?” a pitiful little voice called out from behind Brian.

Brian looked down to see his son covered from the nose down with shiny, sticky...um, you get the picture.  Gus’ hazel eyes were looking up to his father for help.

“I think I’ll pass on the glazed donuts, Justin,” Brian said as he immediately picked up his son to bring him to the bathroom to de-glaze him.

“Yeah,” Justin said with a sigh as he slid the donuts off the plate and back into their box.

-end-

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