Someone's Gotta Do It

Monte didn't mind being his mom's patient when she needed to study for her next nursing exam, but he knew that he couldn't always be the one to do it. He grinned when he spotted his dad, and his older brothers as he came down the stairs. "Mama's studyin' again, somebody's gotta go help, I did it last time..."

At Monte's words, they all froze and exchanged worried looks. It wasn't that she did bad, just that none of them were really very fond of anything medical related, especially not Adam.

"Uh..." he started, looking down at Monte. "Does she really need help with it at the moment..?"

"Well, she does have a test tomorrow, and you do always tell us it's important to study," said Monte. "It's only Mama y'know..."

"I know, I know..." Adam replied, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll go see..." he added with a sigh.

Their bedroom was a mess of textbooks, and medical tools, Charlie sitting in the middle of them all.

"...Charlie?" Adam called, knocking on the door.

A soft, warm smile. "Hi Addy!"

"Hey," Adam replied, returning the smile. "...Monte said you needed help?"

A soft smile. "I have a really big test tomorrow...simple stuff, but still."

"Not worried at all are you?" He asked as he made his way over to her.

"I mean, it's just the basic checkup stuff, but I'm still nervous."

Adam nodded, understanding. "I'm sure you'll do just fine though."

"I've given a thousand check ups before, but I've never been graded on giving one," Charlie sighed.

"Why does that matter?" Adam shrugged. "Just relax and pretend it's another practice one; you never get those wrong."

"Because it does..." Charlie sighed softly, "but I might not have much time for school soon if my doctor gives me the clear. I got a call from two different producers today."