The Tie That Binds

[redBoobergurl]

Chapter Five:

The bus ride was long and Rowlf was fidgety for the entire ride. He felt bad for the person sitting next to him. He decided to finally apologize for his behavior.

“I’m so sorry I’m so fidgety,” he said to the person.

“It’s all right, I work a lot with kids,” said the person turning to face Rowlf.

“Bob!” exclaimed Rowlf.

“Rowlf! I didn’t realize I was sitting next to you,” said Bob.

“Same here,” said Rowlf. He knew he was now sitting next to Kermit’s friend Bob from Sesame Street.

“Where are you heading?” asked Rowlf.

“I’ve got a music convention in Chicago. Where are you going?” asked Bob.

“Minnesota. My brother’s in the hospital,” said Rowlf.

“What’s wrong with him?” asked Bob.

“Possibly cancer,” said Rowlf.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” said Bob.

“It’s just bad timing, everything is so messed up in my life right now,” said Rowlf and found himself suddenly pouring his heart out to Bob even though he didn’t know him very well. He felt connected to Bob since they had music in common and Kermit always talked about how nice the people on Sesame Street were.

After Rowlf finished his story he noticed Bob was silent.

“I’m sorry, I just dumped everything on you didn’t I?” apologized Rowlf.

“It’s all right. I’m just thinking a little bit about your situation,” said Bob.

“I suppose you don’t know all that much about dating someone who’s different from you,” said Rowlf.

“Actually I sort of do. Did Kermit ever tell you about Linda?” said Bob.

“No, he didn’t,” said Rowlf.

“Well, Linda was deaf, so communication was a bit of an issue for us. I had to learn sign language to talk with her. In a way, I think your situation is similar. You’re a dog and she’s a cat. You probably both have different ways of communicating,” said Bob.

“Well, we both speak the same language,” said Rowlf.

“That’s not what I mean. Your backgrounds are different. And she’s a female and you’re a male, there’s going to be differences in communication there too. Trust me, communication is key in any kind of relationship. It's important to learn how to communicate with one another so it doesn't break down,” said Bob.

“You’re right. I haven’t been communicating with her very well at all. I think I’ll give her a call when I get to Minnesota,” said Rowlf.

“Glad I could help. My stop is next. Good luck with everything. I hope your brother is all right and say hi to Kermit for me,” said Bob.

“Will do,” said Rowlf and waved as Bob got off the bus. He still had a long ride before Minnesota. He felt a little better talking to Bob though. Communication. That was his and Wanda’s problem.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Piggy approached Wanda as soon as she got up that morning. “How did it go with Rowlf last night?” she asked her.

“He was asleep. I got up to say goodbye, but he was already gone. He left without saying goodbye to me,” said Wanda sadly.

“Well all right, plan one didn’t work, we move on to plan two,” said Piggy.

“What’s plan two?” asked Wanda.

“Stick with moi, we’ll get this all worked out,” said Piggy and linked arms with Wanda escorting her out of the kitchen.

“Where are you two going?” asked Kermit.

“Oh Kermie, I’m sorry but this is non of your business. Wanda and I have some teesy weensy things to talk about so we’re going upstairs,” said Piggy.

“Well, don’t be late for the bus, we’re leaving for the theatre in 15 minutes,” said Kermit and walked away.

“Piggy and Wanda in cahoots?” he thought to himself. He wasn’t sure if that was such a good thing, but he was glad they were at least getting along.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rowlf’s bus finally pulled into Minnesota around dinnertime.

“Man, I’m beat already. I should really find a faster way to get here,” he said to himself as he got off the bus.

He looked around the crowded station. Rex was supposed to meet him here. He started to get worried when he didn’t see him.

“Rowlf! Hey Rowlf!” he heard a voice from behind.

“Rex!” Rowlf ran over and embraced his brother.

“It’s so good to see you,” said Rex.

“You too, I just wish it was under better circumstances,” said Rowlf.

“Me too. Hey, let’s get straight to the hospital. Moe’s got some test results back and the doc’s got some news,” said Rex.

“All right, let’s go,” said Rowlf. He and Rex found a cab and had it take them to the hospital. They made light small talk along the way, neither one of them really wanting to talk about Moe’s condition.

Finally Rex got around to the question Rowlf knew he’d ask and had been avoiding.

“So how are things with Wanda?” asked Rex.

“She’s doing great in the show. Kermit’s real impressed with her,” said Rowlf.

“No man, I mean, how are things going with the two of you?” asked Rex.

“Well, I’m really not sure, but I think I’m beginning to figure them out,” said Rowlf.

“That’s great! I kind of thought she’d be with you,” said Rex.

“Yeah, she decided to stay behind and keep with the show. She’s just starting to get the routine down you know?” said Rowlf.

“Oh I understand. Look, we’re here,” said Rex as the taxi slowed down in front of a massive building.

“Wow, it’s huge,” said Rowlf.

“He’s in the best hospital possible. Mom wouldn’t have it any other way,” said Rex.

“I’m assuming Mom and Charlie are already here?” asked Rowlf.

“Yep, let’s go upstairs,” said Rex and led Rowlf through a ton of hallways and twists and turns. Rowlf felt very uncomfortable. He and Kermit had done some visits for sick people before and the entire Muppet clan performed at hospitals from time to time, but this was different. This time it was personal.

“All right, here we are,” said Rex ushering Rowlf into a small room. He swallowed hard when he saw Moe lying in bed looking white as a sheet. Felicia and Charlie stood up and came to hug Rowlf.

“Thanks for coming bro,” said Charlie.

“Rowlf, I’m so glad to see you,” said Felicia.

“Sure, sure just ignore the one in the bed,” said Moe laughing a little. It helped put Rowlf a little more at ease as he stepped over to pat Moe on the head.

“How’re ya doing?” he asked.

“Well, let’s see, I’m in the hospital, but yeah, other than that, never been better,” said Moe sarcastically.

“Sorry,” said Rowlf.

“It’s all right. I’m trying to keep positive about the whole situation and making jokes is one way I can do it!” said Moe.

Just then the doctor entered the room.

“Hello, I’m Dr. Whitmere, I’ve got some things to go over with all of you,” said Dr. Whitmere.

“Hey Doc, lay it on me, it’s what we thought right?” said Moe.

“I’m afraid so. Acute leukemia. You’re going to need that transplant,” said Dr. Whitmere.

“Transplant?” gulped Rowlf. This sounded serious.

“Yeah, we all knew this was a possibility,” said Charlie.

“That’s why we’re so glad you’re here,” said Rex.

“Why’s that?” asked Rowlf.

“We checked your birth records. You’re the only one of us who matches Moe’s blood type,” said Felicia.

“And that means what?” asked Rowlf.

“We’d like you to donate your bone marrow to your brother,” said Felicia.

Rowlf fainted on the spot.

 

[RedDragon]

<on edge of seat> Oh my goodness *falls* <gets up, sits on edge of seat>

 

[The Count]

Wo-hoo! New chapter. Oy, where to start...

Bob! *Hugs for that Beth.
And how they talked to each other on the bus, rully nice.
And Linda! *Double hugs.

Wanda and Piggy gettin' together... Why do I have this fear creeping over me of what Piggy's planning to teach Wanda?
She'd better not turn that cat into a... Aw, what the hey, a little naughtiness is good from time to time.

Rowlf's arrival at Minnesota...
The cab ride, and the conversation... And then the comedy with Moe, well handled.
But is it Dr. Whitmere or Whitmire?
Nice Muppeteer cameo BTW.

Did I mention hugs for Bob and Linda?
One thing though... You say Bob and Rowlf didn't know each other that well... Beg to differ.
There's an episode of SS, the last one I watched when watching it continuously before starting my undergrad college years back in the summer of 96... This is the episode with Renata Scottie Dog. She comes to Sesame Street searching for a piano player for her operatic musical tour. Bob's the best qualified and asks if he wants to come. At the end of the episode, before the sponsors, Bob kind of mentions he knows someone named Rowlf who might be the piano player she's looking for.
Hope this helps. Post more when you can.

 

[redBoobergurl]

Wo-hoo! New chapter. Oy, where to start...

Bob! *Hugs for that Beth.
And how they talked to each other on the bus, rully nice.
And Linda! *Double hugs.

Wanda and Piggy gettin' together... Why do I have this fear creeping over me of what Piggy's planning to teach Wanda?
She'd better not turn that cat into a... Aw, what the hey, a little naughtiness is good from time to time.

Rowlf's arrival at Minnesota...
The cab ride, and the conversation... And then the comedy with Moe, well handled.
But is it Dr. Whitmere or Whitmire?
Nice Muppeteer cameo BTW.

Did I mention hugs for Bob and Linda?
One thing though... You say Bob and Rowlf didn't know each other that well... Beg to differ.
There's an episode of SS, the last one I watched when watching it continuously before starting my undergrad college years back in the summer of 96... This is the episode with Renata Scottie Dog. She comes to Sesame Street searching for a piano player for her operatic musical tour. Bob's the best qualified and asks if he wants to come. At the end of the episode, before the sponsors, Bob kind of mentions he knows someone named Rowlf who might be the piano player she's looking for.
Hope this helps. Post more when you can.

Wow, that's cool, I never saw that one! That's really awesome though, they're more connected than I thought! And yes I meant Whitmire, I just can't spell.

 

[christyb]

Oh where's the bear. *looks frantically for my teddy* This is so sweet and sad at the same time. Piggy and Wanda in cahoots? Why do I smell disaster?

 

[theprawncracker]

WHAHAHA!!! Beth you heart strings tugger you!! I loooooove it!! Bob was amazing! It's so great to here him talking about love and such, you never here about that sorta thing on the show . I love love love it!! More please!

 

[redBoobergurl]

Chapter Six:

When Rowlf woke up he was sitting up on a chair and about five faces surrounded him.

“Give him some air!”

“Are you sure he’s all right doc?”

“It’s perfectly normal, people react in all different ways to this type of news.”

“Ok, guys, I’m fine,” said Rowlf finally waving everyone away from him.

“I’m sorry we just sprung that on you. That’s not the only reason we wanted you to come here you know. I hope you understand that dear,” said Felicia.

“I know it’s not the only reason. And I’m not saying I’m not going to do it. There’s just a lot for me to consider. How involved is this Doc?” asked Rowlf.

“Well, it’s actually a pretty simple procedure. We’ll put you under and inject a needle into your hip where we can take the bone marrow and then we’ll give it to your brother. You’ll be sore for a couple of days after the surgery, but the recovery is actually pretty quick. Moe here will be in recovery a lot longer. But, if the surgery is a success, then his cancer will be in remission which is the goal,” said Dr. Whitmire.

“Rowlf, don’t do it unless you’re sure,” said Moe.

“We’ll also have to check you out to make sure you’re healthy enough to donate and that your blood does indeed match Moe’s,” said Dr. Whitmire.

“Well, why don’t I at least go ahead and get the check-up. That much can’t hurt anything. After that, I should probably talk to Kermit and make sure it’s all right if I’m gone a bit longer,” said Rowlf.

“Oh Rowlf, thank you so much,” said Felicia throwing her arms around him.

“It’s no problem Mom. You guys are family,” said Rowlf.

Since it was already pretty late they decided they would check Rowlf out the next day. Until then everyone gave Moe hugs goodbye and then they all went back to the taxi storage garage that Rowlf's family lived in.

When they arrived Rowlf asked to use the phone.

“You’re calling Kermit already? I thought you were going to wait until after the physical tomorrow,” said Rex.

“Yeah, well I should at least call and check in so he knows I’m here,” said Rowlf.

“Are you sure you’re not just checking up on your girlfriend?” asked Charlie teasing a little.

“That is not why I’m calling,” said Rowlf blushing a little bit. He had to admit though, he hadn’t thought about Wanda once since he’d arrived. But, he was thinking about her now.

“Sorry bro, we don’t mean to give you a hard time,” said Rex.

“Really, we like Wanda, it’s great that you’re together,” said Charlie as they both got up to give Rowlf some privacy.

“But are we really together?” thought Rowlf to himself as he dialed the Boarding House. He figured he’d talk to Kermit and then maybe talk a little bit with Wanda even if it was just to make sure everything was going all right.

“Muppet Boarding House, Kermit speaking,” came Kermit’s voice on the other end of the line.

“Hey Kermit, it’s me,” said Rowlf.

“Hi Rowlf! So you made it! How’s your brother?” asked Kermit.

“He’s in good spirits,” said Rowlf.

“That’s great, it’s going to help him in the long run,” said Kermit.

“Yeah, it is a good thing because things are not looking so great for him,” said Rowlf and proceeded to tell Kermit what he had learned and what they wanted him to do.

“Rowlf, you should do it. Don’t worry about things here,” said Kermit.

“Oh I know, I won’t worry about things there. But I still have to get through the physical tomorrow to make sure I actually can donate,” said Rowlf.

“I understand. Well, I hope it works out. You’d be giving such an amazing gift to your brother,” said Kermit.

“Yeah. So, how are things there?” asked Rowlf.

“Great, we had another good day of rehearsals. Wanda and Piggy’s number is looking really great. We’ll run it with costumes tomorrow, but I think it’s going to be fantastic,” said Kermit.

“That’s great. I wish I didn’t have to miss it. Hey, could you put Wanda on the phone a minute?” asked Rowlf.

“Sure,” said Kermit and went to track her down.

Rowlf waited anxiously for a really long time. He was thinking about asking Wanda to come out after the show on Friday. With all he was facing he suddenly felt like he needed someone to be there for him. Sure, his family was all around, but they needed to be there for Moe as well.

Finally Kermit came back to the phone. “Um, Rowlf, I’m sorry but she says she’s indisposed,” said Kermit.

“Oh, all right. Well, tell her I said hi and I’ll talk to her later,” said Rowlf and sadly hung up the phone.

Kermit hung up and wondered just what was going on. Wanda had been spending an unbelievable amount of time with Piggy. And this was just the type of thing Piggy might try and pull. He decided he should investigate a little more. It pained him to see his friend hurting so much and he knew Wanda was hurting too.

 

[The Count]

That was a rully nice chapter Beth... At least now Rowlf's up to speed on what's happening and what they need of him.

Liked how Rowlf called in to check on the gang back at the MBH.
But what's Piggy convincing Wanda to do... Worried, a little.
Nice update, please post more soon.

 

[redBoobergurl]

That was a rully nice chapter Beth... At least now Rowlf's up to speed on what's happening and what they need of him.

Liked how Rowlf called in to check on the gang back at the MBH.
But what's Piggy convincing Wanda to do... Worried, a little.
Nice update, please post more soon.

Well I'll be happy to post some more...but where's yours? Gotta turn the nagging sticks around a little bit.

 

[The Count]

Yeah, I know... Posted, just not a chapter.