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HelpRe: Year Game
in reply to a message by Fray
DH: Robert “Bobbie” Daniel Chadwick, age 28
Hair: brown, straight
Eyes: blue
Job: actor
DW: Sharlene Gwendolyn [Willis] Chadwick, age 25
Hair: red, straight
Eyes: hazel
Job: nurse
Home: Japan
Bobbie and Sharlene met when Bobbie had an accident on set one day. He was handling a knife when he accidentally cut himself pretty deep. They sent him to the emergency room where Sharlene was on duty. After taking care of his injury, Bobbie, being a cocky little son of a gun, handed her his number and, with a wink, told her to give him a call. At first, Sharlene was appalled. Who the heck did this guy think he was, to go asking the nurse who bound him up out on a date? But after a couple days thinking about it, Sharlene realized how much she was attracted to him.
So she agreed to go on a date with him. One date became two. Two dates became three. And before Bobbie and Shar knew it, they were in a serious relationship, considering marriage. All their friends and family urged them to move on with things and “Just get it over with!” So, on the anniversary of their meeting, Bobbie came into Sharlene’s work place, faking an injury. Sharlene, of course, took the job. When Bobbie revealed to her that he wasn’t in fact injured, Sharlene became furious. “What the heck do you think you’re doing, Bobbie? You can’t just go faking injuries so you can come see me in the hospital! That’s possibly infringing on legalities.”
Bobbie chuckled and pulled out the ring from his pocket. “Would you forgive me if I gave you this, baby?”
Sharlene looked from the ring to Bobbie’s face. “Robert Daniel Chadwick!” she gasped before engulfing him in a hug. “Of course, I’ll forgive you! With or without the ring.”
About six months later, Bobbie and Sharlene were on their honeymoon. While on their honeymoon, Bobbie discovered that he had been cast in a movie which required them to travel to Japan. Hence, their current location.
YEAR ONE
While in Japan, Sharlene one day came down with a bad case of what they assumed was the flu. She couldn’t keep anything down and felt simply awful. After a few weeks of this, she decided that a doctor’s visit was called for. “Bobbie, sweetie, could you bring me in?” she asked him feebly the night before. “I don’t think I could drive myself.”
Kissing her temple, he replied, “Of course, Shar. I won’t abandon you here all alone.” Shar smiled at him, thanking him before drifting off to sleep.
The next day, Bobbie brought her into the doctor’s office, explaining, “She’s been incredibly sick and we have no idea why. We thought it was the flu, but…”
“You don’t think so anymore?” the doctor chuckled. “That’s common with new parents.”
Bobbie nodded. “Common. Okay. At least we’re not the only ones.” It took a moment before it hit him. “Wait… parents?”
The doctor chuckled again, nodding. “Yup. Congratulations! You two are expecting you first baby together.”
Needless to say, Sharlene and Bobbie returned home and celebrated with a nice, wholesome dinner. And ice cream. Sharlene was craving ice cream that night.
The next few months flew by. Sharlene finally got over her morning sickness. Things went incredibly well. Before they knew it, Sharlene was in labour. She woke with a start one night to a terrible pain in her abdomen. “Bobbie, sweetie, I think it’s time.”
After a little bit of coaxing (seeing how he wasn’t fully awake at the time), Bobbie flew into action to get her to the hospital. Hours later, Sharlene gave birth to a healthy baby boy, weighing in at 8 lb. 9 oz. and measuring at about 20 in. Sharlene beamed with pride. “Bobbie, he’s beautiful,” she said, stroking his black curls and gazing into his green eyes. “He must have inherited this from my mother,” she laughed, seeing Bobbie’s strange look when he saw their son’s hair and eyes. “He’s beautiful.”
“What are we naming him?” Bobbie asked gently.
Pausing for a moment, Sharlene thought before asking, “Jeremy Thomas?” Bobbie shook his head. “Eric William?” Again, Bobbie disagreed. “Aaron Benedict?” A third time, Bobbie said no. “What are your ideas then, Bobbie?”
Bobbie thought and thought before announcing, “Rufus Leon.”
“Rufus Leon?” Sharlene laughed. “Baby, are you sure you want to give him such a strange name?” Bobbie nodded. Sharlene took one more look at their son. “Rufus Leon…” she mused. “I think I could get used to that.”
Bobbie (29) & Sharlene (26) with Rufus (0)
YEAR TWO
Rufus turned one. Bobbie took on a few small jobs since Rufus was born, but nothing huge. He wanted to stay closer to his family, as close as he could anyway. Once Rufus was born, they decided to stay in Japan for awhile longer. At least until Rufus was a little older.
On Rufus’ birthday, his crazy Uncle Jim (his dad’s brother) decided that his nephew needed a pet for a gift. Jim brought Rufus a little turtle along with all the trappings needed to keep it as a pet. “Here you go, little guy,” Jim told Rufus, handing the turtle to his nephew, who rested in his sister-in-law’s arms. “This is for you. Cherish him. His name is Tut. He’s a good little turtle.”
Bobbie thought Jim was crazy and confronted him about it. “Jim, what the heck? Rufus is one. We don’t need a pet. Not yet.”
Jim shrugged. “Eh. Whatever. I think you’ll grow to like Tut. He’s a good little turtle.”
“No. Jim, you’re taking it back.”
“Taking it— Bobbie, no!” Jim countered. “No! Tut won’t cause any trouble and he’s easy to care for. He’s just about as easy as a fish. And he’s more fun! You can actually play with a turtle whereas with a fish you can’t. It’ll be fine!”
“Jim—“ Bobbie warned.
But Sharlene interrupted. “Let it go, Bobbie. I think Tut will be a wonderful addition to our little family. Rufus loves him already.” She gestured to the other room, where Rufus, watched by his Aunt Nikki, was playing with the turtle. “It’ll be good for Rufus, too.”
Bobbie reluctantly agreed to keep the turtle.
Bobbie (30) & Sharlene (27) with Rufus (1)
YEAR THREE
Rufus turned two this year. Sharlene and Bobbie discussed having another child. Neither were opposed to the idea, but Sharlene suggested adoption. “Why should we have a child of our own again when there are so many children out there who need families but don’t have them? My heart breaks for them, Bobbie. I want to do something for them. I want to change the world of at least one of them.”
Bobbie kissed Sharlene lightly on the lips, his forehead on hers. “Shar, baby, I always knew you had a gentle heart. I think that’s a beautiful idea.”
The very next day, they started looking into adoption. They soon realized how long the process was. “I still think it’s worth it, sweetie,” Sharlene insisted. “If we can change the world for one little guy, I’ll die happy. Wouldn’t you?” Bobbie agreed.
So they continued with the process. They were matched up with a set of four year old twin boys from the Philippines. The original names of the boys were lost in translation, and seeing as how they were still young, they agreed to give them new names. Henry William and Thomas Laurence joined the family towards the end of the year, just in time for their first Christmas with their new family.
Bobbie (31) & Sharlene (28) with Henry and Thomas (4), Rufus (2)
YEAR FOUR
Rufus turned three and the twins turned five. What with three little ones running around, Sharlene decided to quit nursing and take up homeschooling the twins. “I want to give them a good start,” she told Bobbie when she announced her decision to quit. “Nursing is what I love to do, but I love being a mother more, and right now Tommy and Henry need me as their teacher and their mommy more than the hospital needs me as their nurse. I can always get back into the job market when they’re older if I decide it’s for the best.”
Bobbie was skeptical. “Are you sure, baby? Nursing was your heart’s desire. You love it!”
“Yes, I know, Bobbie,” Sharlene sighed. “But like I said before, I love being a mother more. They need me here; the hospital doesn’t.”
Bobbie hugged her, whispering in her ear, “It’s your choice, sweetheart. I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you.”
Bobbie (32) & Sharlene (29) with Henry and Thomas (5), Rufus (3)
YEAR FIVE
Rufus turned four. Henry and Thomas turned six. But best of all? This year Bobbie won an Academy Award! He and Sharlene, after the boys were in bed, were watching for the nominations when his name appeared on the list. “What?” Bobbie exclaimed. “What? No way!”
Sharlene turned to him, engulfing him in one of her hugs. “Oh, baby, this is fantastic! You’ve done it! You’ve done it! You’ve made it on the list, Bobbie!”
“I’m stunned… I’m absolutely stunned…” Bobbie said, his voice reflecting his words. “I can’t believe it. Me? Up for an actual Oscar Award?”
“Best Supporting Actor,” Sharlene chuckled, kissing him lightly. “No matter what the results, you’ll always be my Best Supporting Actor.” She kissed him again.
The time for the awards ceremony rolled around. Sharlene and the boys were all prepared to attend, as was Bobbie of course. The night of, they donned their fancy attire and headed to the ceremony.
And it was announced that Robert Chadwick won Best Supporting Actor!
It was certainly a party in the Chadwick home that night.
Bobbie (33) & Sharlene (30) with Henry and Thomas (6), Rufus (4)
YEAR SIX
Rufus turned five. The twins turned seven. And the family went on a trip to Denmark where Bobbie was filming! After winning Best Supporting Actor last year, he was inundated with offers for roles, but he only chose the best.
One day, he returned home early, to find Sharlene playing with the boys. Sweeping in, he pulled her to her feet and picked her up, swinging her once around. “Time to pack your bags! We’re going to Denmark!”
Sharlene’s jaw dropped. “Denmark? We’re going to Denmark? Oh, Bobbie! You knew I always wanted to visit Denmark!” She paused, giving him a squinty eyed look. “You didn’t just take this job so that I could go visit, did you?”
Bobbie laughed, giving her a kiss. “No! Why would I do such a silly thing for the love of my life?” Sharlene tossed him a stern glance. “But, no, really, I didn’t, Shar,” he chuckled. “It just so happened that the one I liked the best films in Denmark. Great, huh?”
“Absolutely,” she replied, kissing him.
Bobbie (34) & Sharlene (31) with Henry and Thomas (7), Rufus (5)
YEAR SEVEN
Rufus turned six. Henry and Thomas turned eight. Bobbie decided that he and Sharlene needed some alone time this year. One night, in bed, Bobbie, his arms wrapped around Sharlene’s waist, whispered in her ear, “Baby, now that we’ve traveled to Denmark, where else do you want to visit?”
“What do you mean?” she asked sleepily.
Bobbie shrugged, stroking her hair. “I dunno. I just thought that, you know, since the boys, we haven’t been able to have much time to ourselves. The boys and my job, that is. I was thinking that maybe this year we could go on a trip, just you and me. Where do you want to go?”
Sharlene thought for a moment before turning to face her husband. Cupping his face in her hands, she whispered, “Brazil.”
Kissing her, he replied, “Brazil it is.”
Bobbie (35) & Sharlene (32) with Henry and Thomas (8), Rufus (6)
YEAR EIGHT
Rufus turned seven. The twins turned nine. And guess who got a little sibling this year?
About a month after Sharlene and Bobbie returned from their Brazil trip, Sharlene started feeling off again. “Mommy, are you okay?” Rufus asked, placing his hand on his mother’s. “You don’t look okay.”
Sharlene smiled weakly at her son. “No, baby, I’m not okay. Mommy’s gonna go into the doctor tomorrow to see what’s up.”
“The doctor gonna make you feel better, mommy?” Rufus asked, his tender heart worried about his mother.
Planting a kiss on her youngest’s head, Sharlene whispered, “I hope so.”
The next day, Sharlene, not bothering Bobbie with it this time, having found a sitter for the boys, went into the doctor’s office by herself. “Am I expecting again?” she asked immediately. “Please say I’m expecting again and not something else.”
The doctor chuckled. “Don’t worry, Sharlene. You aren’t going to die. But you’re right. You’re expecting again. Congratulations. Tell Bobbie hi for me.”
Sharlene returned home, beaming. Rufus noticed immediately the change in his mother. “Mommy, you look better. The doctor made you okay!”
Scooping him up, Sharlene kissed his head. “Yes, baby, the doctor made me okay. And you know why?” Rufus shook his head. “Mommy isn’t sick. I’m pregnant. Do you know what that means, sweetie?” None of the boys could answer. “That means that you’re going to have a little baby sibling!”
The news was released to the media that Bobbie and Sharlene Chadwick were finally adding another child to their family, after their youngest had just turned seven. Everyone was buzzing about it. People were guessing what their baby was going to be and what they were going to name him or her. Their mailbox was full of congratulatory fan letters.
The months passed and soon Sharlene was in labour. This time it was in the middle of the day and Bobbie was on set. She phoned her sister, Beatrice, who drove over and took her to the hospital. Bobbie came as soon as he possibly could, two hours later. By then, Sharlene had already given birth to a beautiful daughter. Bobbie took her in his arms, kissed her red hair. “Baby, she looks just like you.”
“But she’s got your eyes, sweetie,” Sharlene replied with a yawn.
Bobbie glanced at them. “Yeah. She does.”
Sharlene smiled. “They’re the prettiest blue, just like yours.” She yawned again.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, baby?” Bobbie told her. “I’ve got her. I’ll think of names and we’ll discuss it when you awake.”
After Sharlene’s short nap, Bobbie said, “Well, I have a few proposals for you. Alice Cameron, Susanna Rose, or Primrose Elisabeth?”
“Primrose Elisabeth is pretty,” Sharlene responded, taking her daughter again. “Primrose Elisabeth Chadwick.”
“Primrose Elisabeth Chadwick it is.”
Bobbie (36) & Sharlene (33) with Henry and Thomas (9), Rufus (7), Primrose (0)
YEAR NINE
Henry and Thomas are ten. Rufus is eight. Primrose is one. Once again, Sharlene brought up with Bobbie the idea of adopting. “Maybe an older child this time,” she added. “Henry and Tommy are ten now. Rufus is eight. They need a big brother, someone to look up to.”
“How old are you thinking, baby?” Bobbie asked. Like last time, he was a little skeptical, this time not about the idea of adopting but about the idea of adopting an older child. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I wasn’t thinking too old. Only a couple two or three years older than the twins, honestly,” she responded. “I think that’s a good enough age, don’t you?”
“So around thirteen or so?” Bobbie clarified. Sharlene nodded to signify her meaning. “Okay, yeah, I think we could handle that. Just not a little baby. Primrose is enough of a hassle at this point. We don’t need two little babies running around.”
“Oh, I definitely agree there, sweetie,” Sharlene laughed as she kissed him.
After looking into adoption once again, the Chadwicks were matched up with a thirteen year old boy from Columbia named Joaquin Francisco. “You can call me Joey,” he told them when he first met them. And from that point on, they knew that this child was meant to be a part of their family.
Bobbie (37) & Sharlene (34) with Joaquin (13), Henry and Thomas (10), Rufus (8), Primrose (1)
YEAR TEN
Joey turned fourteen. The twins turned eleven. Rufus turned nine. Primrose turned two. Awhile back, Tut the turtle passed away. What with Primrose’s birth and Joey’s adoption, they decided that getting a new pet wasn’t a priority at that time. Besides, having five children was enough of a hassle that Sharlene and Bobbie agreed that a pet was an unnecessary addition.
But this year, for his birthday, Joey approached his parents. “Mama, papa,” he began, “could I ask for something large for my birthday?”
Bobbie and Sharlene exchanged looks. Both could tell what they other was thinking: how large? “Go ahead,” Bobbie replied.
“You know how my parents were shepherds?” Joey continued. His parents nodded to acknowledge this fact. “I’ve always felt comfortable around animals, especially sheep, and I was wondering… I guess.. I wanted to know if… would it be okay with you if my birthday present was a lamb? I know how to care for it and I would do it all myself. I wouldn’t need any help. I could teach Henry and Tommy and Rufus how to care for it, too, if they wanted. Is that too much to ask?”
Sharlene cupped his face in her hands and planted a kiss on his forehead. “No, sweetie, not at all. I think a sheep is a good idea, especially if it’ll remind you of home.”
So on Joey’s birthday, waiting outside for him, was a little black lamb. Scooping it up, Joey christened it Stella.
Bobbie (38) & Sharlene (35) with Joaquin (14), Henry and Thomas (11), Rufus (9), Primrose (2)
Hair: brown, straight
Eyes: blue
Job: actor
DW: Sharlene Gwendolyn [Willis] Chadwick, age 25
Hair: red, straight
Eyes: hazel
Job: nurse
Home: Japan
Bobbie and Sharlene met when Bobbie had an accident on set one day. He was handling a knife when he accidentally cut himself pretty deep. They sent him to the emergency room where Sharlene was on duty. After taking care of his injury, Bobbie, being a cocky little son of a gun, handed her his number and, with a wink, told her to give him a call. At first, Sharlene was appalled. Who the heck did this guy think he was, to go asking the nurse who bound him up out on a date? But after a couple days thinking about it, Sharlene realized how much she was attracted to him.
So she agreed to go on a date with him. One date became two. Two dates became three. And before Bobbie and Shar knew it, they were in a serious relationship, considering marriage. All their friends and family urged them to move on with things and “Just get it over with!” So, on the anniversary of their meeting, Bobbie came into Sharlene’s work place, faking an injury. Sharlene, of course, took the job. When Bobbie revealed to her that he wasn’t in fact injured, Sharlene became furious. “What the heck do you think you’re doing, Bobbie? You can’t just go faking injuries so you can come see me in the hospital! That’s possibly infringing on legalities.”
Bobbie chuckled and pulled out the ring from his pocket. “Would you forgive me if I gave you this, baby?”
Sharlene looked from the ring to Bobbie’s face. “Robert Daniel Chadwick!” she gasped before engulfing him in a hug. “Of course, I’ll forgive you! With or without the ring.”
About six months later, Bobbie and Sharlene were on their honeymoon. While on their honeymoon, Bobbie discovered that he had been cast in a movie which required them to travel to Japan. Hence, their current location.
YEAR ONE
While in Japan, Sharlene one day came down with a bad case of what they assumed was the flu. She couldn’t keep anything down and felt simply awful. After a few weeks of this, she decided that a doctor’s visit was called for. “Bobbie, sweetie, could you bring me in?” she asked him feebly the night before. “I don’t think I could drive myself.”
Kissing her temple, he replied, “Of course, Shar. I won’t abandon you here all alone.” Shar smiled at him, thanking him before drifting off to sleep.
The next day, Bobbie brought her into the doctor’s office, explaining, “She’s been incredibly sick and we have no idea why. We thought it was the flu, but…”
“You don’t think so anymore?” the doctor chuckled. “That’s common with new parents.”
Bobbie nodded. “Common. Okay. At least we’re not the only ones.” It took a moment before it hit him. “Wait… parents?”
The doctor chuckled again, nodding. “Yup. Congratulations! You two are expecting you first baby together.”
Needless to say, Sharlene and Bobbie returned home and celebrated with a nice, wholesome dinner. And ice cream. Sharlene was craving ice cream that night.
The next few months flew by. Sharlene finally got over her morning sickness. Things went incredibly well. Before they knew it, Sharlene was in labour. She woke with a start one night to a terrible pain in her abdomen. “Bobbie, sweetie, I think it’s time.”
After a little bit of coaxing (seeing how he wasn’t fully awake at the time), Bobbie flew into action to get her to the hospital. Hours later, Sharlene gave birth to a healthy baby boy, weighing in at 8 lb. 9 oz. and measuring at about 20 in. Sharlene beamed with pride. “Bobbie, he’s beautiful,” she said, stroking his black curls and gazing into his green eyes. “He must have inherited this from my mother,” she laughed, seeing Bobbie’s strange look when he saw their son’s hair and eyes. “He’s beautiful.”
“What are we naming him?” Bobbie asked gently.
Pausing for a moment, Sharlene thought before asking, “Jeremy Thomas?” Bobbie shook his head. “Eric William?” Again, Bobbie disagreed. “Aaron Benedict?” A third time, Bobbie said no. “What are your ideas then, Bobbie?”
Bobbie thought and thought before announcing, “Rufus Leon.”
“Rufus Leon?” Sharlene laughed. “Baby, are you sure you want to give him such a strange name?” Bobbie nodded. Sharlene took one more look at their son. “Rufus Leon…” she mused. “I think I could get used to that.”
Bobbie (29) & Sharlene (26) with Rufus (0)
YEAR TWO
Rufus turned one. Bobbie took on a few small jobs since Rufus was born, but nothing huge. He wanted to stay closer to his family, as close as he could anyway. Once Rufus was born, they decided to stay in Japan for awhile longer. At least until Rufus was a little older.
On Rufus’ birthday, his crazy Uncle Jim (his dad’s brother) decided that his nephew needed a pet for a gift. Jim brought Rufus a little turtle along with all the trappings needed to keep it as a pet. “Here you go, little guy,” Jim told Rufus, handing the turtle to his nephew, who rested in his sister-in-law’s arms. “This is for you. Cherish him. His name is Tut. He’s a good little turtle.”
Bobbie thought Jim was crazy and confronted him about it. “Jim, what the heck? Rufus is one. We don’t need a pet. Not yet.”
Jim shrugged. “Eh. Whatever. I think you’ll grow to like Tut. He’s a good little turtle.”
“No. Jim, you’re taking it back.”
“Taking it— Bobbie, no!” Jim countered. “No! Tut won’t cause any trouble and he’s easy to care for. He’s just about as easy as a fish. And he’s more fun! You can actually play with a turtle whereas with a fish you can’t. It’ll be fine!”
“Jim—“ Bobbie warned.
But Sharlene interrupted. “Let it go, Bobbie. I think Tut will be a wonderful addition to our little family. Rufus loves him already.” She gestured to the other room, where Rufus, watched by his Aunt Nikki, was playing with the turtle. “It’ll be good for Rufus, too.”
Bobbie reluctantly agreed to keep the turtle.
Bobbie (30) & Sharlene (27) with Rufus (1)
YEAR THREE
Rufus turned two this year. Sharlene and Bobbie discussed having another child. Neither were opposed to the idea, but Sharlene suggested adoption. “Why should we have a child of our own again when there are so many children out there who need families but don’t have them? My heart breaks for them, Bobbie. I want to do something for them. I want to change the world of at least one of them.”
Bobbie kissed Sharlene lightly on the lips, his forehead on hers. “Shar, baby, I always knew you had a gentle heart. I think that’s a beautiful idea.”
The very next day, they started looking into adoption. They soon realized how long the process was. “I still think it’s worth it, sweetie,” Sharlene insisted. “If we can change the world for one little guy, I’ll die happy. Wouldn’t you?” Bobbie agreed.
So they continued with the process. They were matched up with a set of four year old twin boys from the Philippines. The original names of the boys were lost in translation, and seeing as how they were still young, they agreed to give them new names. Henry William and Thomas Laurence joined the family towards the end of the year, just in time for their first Christmas with their new family.
Bobbie (31) & Sharlene (28) with Henry and Thomas (4), Rufus (2)
YEAR FOUR
Rufus turned three and the twins turned five. What with three little ones running around, Sharlene decided to quit nursing and take up homeschooling the twins. “I want to give them a good start,” she told Bobbie when she announced her decision to quit. “Nursing is what I love to do, but I love being a mother more, and right now Tommy and Henry need me as their teacher and their mommy more than the hospital needs me as their nurse. I can always get back into the job market when they’re older if I decide it’s for the best.”
Bobbie was skeptical. “Are you sure, baby? Nursing was your heart’s desire. You love it!”
“Yes, I know, Bobbie,” Sharlene sighed. “But like I said before, I love being a mother more. They need me here; the hospital doesn’t.”
Bobbie hugged her, whispering in her ear, “It’s your choice, sweetheart. I trust your judgment.”
“Thank you.”
Bobbie (32) & Sharlene (29) with Henry and Thomas (5), Rufus (3)
YEAR FIVE
Rufus turned four. Henry and Thomas turned six. But best of all? This year Bobbie won an Academy Award! He and Sharlene, after the boys were in bed, were watching for the nominations when his name appeared on the list. “What?” Bobbie exclaimed. “What? No way!”
Sharlene turned to him, engulfing him in one of her hugs. “Oh, baby, this is fantastic! You’ve done it! You’ve done it! You’ve made it on the list, Bobbie!”
“I’m stunned… I’m absolutely stunned…” Bobbie said, his voice reflecting his words. “I can’t believe it. Me? Up for an actual Oscar Award?”
“Best Supporting Actor,” Sharlene chuckled, kissing him lightly. “No matter what the results, you’ll always be my Best Supporting Actor.” She kissed him again.
The time for the awards ceremony rolled around. Sharlene and the boys were all prepared to attend, as was Bobbie of course. The night of, they donned their fancy attire and headed to the ceremony.
And it was announced that Robert Chadwick won Best Supporting Actor!
It was certainly a party in the Chadwick home that night.
Bobbie (33) & Sharlene (30) with Henry and Thomas (6), Rufus (4)
YEAR SIX
Rufus turned five. The twins turned seven. And the family went on a trip to Denmark where Bobbie was filming! After winning Best Supporting Actor last year, he was inundated with offers for roles, but he only chose the best.
One day, he returned home early, to find Sharlene playing with the boys. Sweeping in, he pulled her to her feet and picked her up, swinging her once around. “Time to pack your bags! We’re going to Denmark!”
Sharlene’s jaw dropped. “Denmark? We’re going to Denmark? Oh, Bobbie! You knew I always wanted to visit Denmark!” She paused, giving him a squinty eyed look. “You didn’t just take this job so that I could go visit, did you?”
Bobbie laughed, giving her a kiss. “No! Why would I do such a silly thing for the love of my life?” Sharlene tossed him a stern glance. “But, no, really, I didn’t, Shar,” he chuckled. “It just so happened that the one I liked the best films in Denmark. Great, huh?”
“Absolutely,” she replied, kissing him.
Bobbie (34) & Sharlene (31) with Henry and Thomas (7), Rufus (5)
YEAR SEVEN
Rufus turned six. Henry and Thomas turned eight. Bobbie decided that he and Sharlene needed some alone time this year. One night, in bed, Bobbie, his arms wrapped around Sharlene’s waist, whispered in her ear, “Baby, now that we’ve traveled to Denmark, where else do you want to visit?”
“What do you mean?” she asked sleepily.
Bobbie shrugged, stroking her hair. “I dunno. I just thought that, you know, since the boys, we haven’t been able to have much time to ourselves. The boys and my job, that is. I was thinking that maybe this year we could go on a trip, just you and me. Where do you want to go?”
Sharlene thought for a moment before turning to face her husband. Cupping his face in her hands, she whispered, “Brazil.”
Kissing her, he replied, “Brazil it is.”
Bobbie (35) & Sharlene (32) with Henry and Thomas (8), Rufus (6)
YEAR EIGHT
Rufus turned seven. The twins turned nine. And guess who got a little sibling this year?
About a month after Sharlene and Bobbie returned from their Brazil trip, Sharlene started feeling off again. “Mommy, are you okay?” Rufus asked, placing his hand on his mother’s. “You don’t look okay.”
Sharlene smiled weakly at her son. “No, baby, I’m not okay. Mommy’s gonna go into the doctor tomorrow to see what’s up.”
“The doctor gonna make you feel better, mommy?” Rufus asked, his tender heart worried about his mother.
Planting a kiss on her youngest’s head, Sharlene whispered, “I hope so.”
The next day, Sharlene, not bothering Bobbie with it this time, having found a sitter for the boys, went into the doctor’s office by herself. “Am I expecting again?” she asked immediately. “Please say I’m expecting again and not something else.”
The doctor chuckled. “Don’t worry, Sharlene. You aren’t going to die. But you’re right. You’re expecting again. Congratulations. Tell Bobbie hi for me.”
Sharlene returned home, beaming. Rufus noticed immediately the change in his mother. “Mommy, you look better. The doctor made you okay!”
Scooping him up, Sharlene kissed his head. “Yes, baby, the doctor made me okay. And you know why?” Rufus shook his head. “Mommy isn’t sick. I’m pregnant. Do you know what that means, sweetie?” None of the boys could answer. “That means that you’re going to have a little baby sibling!”
The news was released to the media that Bobbie and Sharlene Chadwick were finally adding another child to their family, after their youngest had just turned seven. Everyone was buzzing about it. People were guessing what their baby was going to be and what they were going to name him or her. Their mailbox was full of congratulatory fan letters.
The months passed and soon Sharlene was in labour. This time it was in the middle of the day and Bobbie was on set. She phoned her sister, Beatrice, who drove over and took her to the hospital. Bobbie came as soon as he possibly could, two hours later. By then, Sharlene had already given birth to a beautiful daughter. Bobbie took her in his arms, kissed her red hair. “Baby, she looks just like you.”
“But she’s got your eyes, sweetie,” Sharlene replied with a yawn.
Bobbie glanced at them. “Yeah. She does.”
Sharlene smiled. “They’re the prettiest blue, just like yours.” She yawned again.
“Why don’t you get some sleep, baby?” Bobbie told her. “I’ve got her. I’ll think of names and we’ll discuss it when you awake.”
After Sharlene’s short nap, Bobbie said, “Well, I have a few proposals for you. Alice Cameron, Susanna Rose, or Primrose Elisabeth?”
“Primrose Elisabeth is pretty,” Sharlene responded, taking her daughter again. “Primrose Elisabeth Chadwick.”
“Primrose Elisabeth Chadwick it is.”
Bobbie (36) & Sharlene (33) with Henry and Thomas (9), Rufus (7), Primrose (0)
YEAR NINE
Henry and Thomas are ten. Rufus is eight. Primrose is one. Once again, Sharlene brought up with Bobbie the idea of adopting. “Maybe an older child this time,” she added. “Henry and Tommy are ten now. Rufus is eight. They need a big brother, someone to look up to.”
“How old are you thinking, baby?” Bobbie asked. Like last time, he was a little skeptical, this time not about the idea of adopting but about the idea of adopting an older child. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I wasn’t thinking too old. Only a couple two or three years older than the twins, honestly,” she responded. “I think that’s a good enough age, don’t you?”
“So around thirteen or so?” Bobbie clarified. Sharlene nodded to signify her meaning. “Okay, yeah, I think we could handle that. Just not a little baby. Primrose is enough of a hassle at this point. We don’t need two little babies running around.”
“Oh, I definitely agree there, sweetie,” Sharlene laughed as she kissed him.
After looking into adoption once again, the Chadwicks were matched up with a thirteen year old boy from Columbia named Joaquin Francisco. “You can call me Joey,” he told them when he first met them. And from that point on, they knew that this child was meant to be a part of their family.
Bobbie (37) & Sharlene (34) with Joaquin (13), Henry and Thomas (10), Rufus (8), Primrose (1)
YEAR TEN
Joey turned fourteen. The twins turned eleven. Rufus turned nine. Primrose turned two. Awhile back, Tut the turtle passed away. What with Primrose’s birth and Joey’s adoption, they decided that getting a new pet wasn’t a priority at that time. Besides, having five children was enough of a hassle that Sharlene and Bobbie agreed that a pet was an unnecessary addition.
But this year, for his birthday, Joey approached his parents. “Mama, papa,” he began, “could I ask for something large for my birthday?”
Bobbie and Sharlene exchanged looks. Both could tell what they other was thinking: how large? “Go ahead,” Bobbie replied.
“You know how my parents were shepherds?” Joey continued. His parents nodded to acknowledge this fact. “I’ve always felt comfortable around animals, especially sheep, and I was wondering… I guess.. I wanted to know if… would it be okay with you if my birthday present was a lamb? I know how to care for it and I would do it all myself. I wouldn’t need any help. I could teach Henry and Tommy and Rufus how to care for it, too, if they wanted. Is that too much to ask?”
Sharlene cupped his face in her hands and planted a kiss on his forehead. “No, sweetie, not at all. I think a sheep is a good idea, especially if it’ll remind you of home.”
So on Joey’s birthday, waiting outside for him, was a little black lamb. Scooping it up, Joey christened it Stella.
Bobbie (38) & Sharlene (35) with Joaquin (14), Henry and Thomas (11), Rufus (9), Primrose (2)
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