Recovery

Chapter 2

Later that evening Amanda had promised Lee a movie that he'd like.

She was in the kitchen getting popcorn and drinks when the doorbell rang.

Lee went to let Francine in and as she looked around she stated with a teasing barb, "Wow, Lee. Such domesticity going on!"

Francine didn't try to rein in on her condescension, but then switched to a more conspiritorial whisper to him stating, "I've got just the place to get you out of suburban hell. That new nightclub that opened near the Federal building last week has your name written all over it! I even heard that Elissa Danton may drop by. How about it, huh?"

But Amanda had overheard while coming out of the kitchen with the food tray and went to place it on the coffee table.

Coming back toward Francine and taking her bag from her she shook her head and stated saucily, "No, I'm sorry Francine. Lee can't come out and play for a while yet but thank you for bringing my stuff over."

Francine gave her a disenchanted look and then with a wink to Lee she shrugged remarking, "I tried. Have fun."

Lee let Francine out and chuckled as he shut the door.

Amanda put her bag by the couch and asked Lee, "Ready?"

Lee nodded and came over to join her on the couch. Sighing he queried, "Okay, What yawnfest are we seeing? I can take it."

Amanda responded sadly, "I don't know why I bother sometimes-"

Lee took her hand and squeezed it gently replying, "Hey. I'm teasing. C'mon, what is it?"

Amanda shrugged stating, "Well, can you handle John Wayne?"

Lee grinned broadly and nodded stating, "Oh, yeah!"

Amanda smiled and got up to set up the VCR and put in the movie, "McLintock."

Lee was over the moon as he responded, "I haven't seen this in years. You'll love it!"

Amanda nodded and headed for the bedroom commenting, "You start watching. I'm gonna call Mother and check on the boys."

Going into the bedroom she closed the door and went to call.

A little while later as Lee was engrossed in the movie, Amanda came out looking disconcerted.

At one point, Lee saw her face and then paused the movie querying, "Everything okay?"

Amanda recovered slightly and nodded, "Sure. It's just been a long day. Turn it back on."

Lee did, but halfway through he realized she wasn't paying attention and turned it off.

Puzzled, Amanda queried, "You don't like it after all?"

Lee took the tape out of the VCR and turned to her stating, "I love it but you really aren't feeling up to a movie, are you?"

Avoiding Lee's eyes Amanda suddenly focused on his arm and replied, "Okay. Time to change that bandage-"

Lee shrugged and stated, "I'm fine. I wish you'd stop fussing-"

Amanda snapped, "Let's go! Move it!"

Lee was floored as he followed her to the bathroom! What got into her all of a sudden, he wondered.

Amanda got the bandage off and cleaned the wound. But when she applied the antiseptic, Lee winced and gritted his teeth.

Amanda saw pain etched on his face and mumbled, "Sorry."

Lee nodded and swallowing hard stated, "It's okay. I'm fine. Go ahead."

As Amanda finished up, Lee remarked, "You know, I'm kinda beat. I think I'll turn in, all right?"

Amanda nodded as she put away the medical items and responded, "Okay. Your pills are on the nightstand with your water. Sleep well."

Lee smiled slightly at her. "You too. Goodnight."

Amanda left the room closing the door behind her and went about cleaning up the living room and kitchen.

By the time she laid down on the couch to sleep, it was past midnight...

TBC