Between A Rock And A Hard Place
Chapter 2
Amanda was ready to leave for Dulles but had one last thing to do.
Her goodbyes to her family. It broke her heart to even think that she wouldn't see them again but she'd do anything in the world to keep them safe!
She sat down in the family room taking her flowery notepad and three separate envelopes with her and placing the envelopes on the coffee table.
She had addressed them already.
The first note was to Joe King, her ex-husband who was currently living in Estoccia and working for the E.A.O. organization.
She wrote:
Dear Joe,
I'm going away for a while to visit a friend in California. I've taken care of the mortgage and other monthly bills for now, but I would appreciate it if you could come back here to look after Mother and the boys.
I know it's a lot to ask, but I really need this time away. I wish I could explain why I'm doing this but you'll find out soon enough and when you do, you may not feel the same way about me any more.
I'll always cherish the memory of what we had early on and the children that fill our lives with such joy.
Be there for them, Joe. They'll need you now more than ever.
Love, Amanda
Sighing she put the note in the envelope and put it in her purse. She'd mail it on the way to the airport.
Getting a tissue to wipe her now damp eyes she then began the next note to her mother, Dotty West.
She wrote:
Dear Mother,
I'm going to California to visit a friend for a while. I don't know when I'll be back, but please don't worry. I've paid all the monthly bills including the mortgage and have asked Joe to come back to look after you and the boys while I'm gone.
I so wish to be able to tell you what's been on my mind lately because whenever I've needed a smile, hug, or a bit of encouragement, you've always been there.
I don't know what I would've done without you when Joe and I split up. I truly don't deserve a mother as wonderful as you. I'll be in touch soon.
All my love, Amanda
Blowing her nose and wiping her eyes, she wrote her final note to her sons:
Dear Phillip and Jamie,
I have a friend in California that I'm going to see for a while, but your dad will be with you and Grandma while I'm gone.
I want you to please behave for them and keep making me proud.
You both are my greatest achievements. I wish I could take you with me, but you'll always be with me in my heart.
I'll love you forever, Mom
Sighing deeply she put the notes into the envelopes and got up to put them on the counter.
Taking one last look around her eyes focused on the family photo that was nestled in the bookcase.
Going to it she took it down and held it to her chest whispering, "I hope someday you'll understand why I did this and can forgive me...I love you."
She kissed it and put it back on the shelf swallowing hard.
As she went to collect her bags near the front door she stopped one last time as she gazed suddenly at the back door leading out to the patio having one last person on her mind.
Lee.
Memories of their cases and the back yard talks flooded her mind as she shook her head stating softly, "I'm so sorry, Lee. I'm so sorry for everything."
Gulping she realized that whatever they had or what could have been someday was indeed gone now and she'd never meet anyone like him again.
Straightening herself up with a firm resolve she got her purse and keys and going to the front door gathered her bags and went out the door locking it behind her.
Getting to Dulles a short time later, she got her boarding pass and got her luggage checked and then went to the terminal and finding a pay phone called Kitty telling her the arrival time would be around dinner.
There was no turning back now.
She only hoped she had done the right thing by her family...
TBC
