Chapter 4
"I haven't been on one of those things in years," Dotty said. "That was fun!"
"It was alright!" Philip moaned. "Another turn on one of the roller coasters would've been more fun, but—"
"Yeah!" Jamie agreed.
"I think it was fun," Amanda said. "You know that as a family, we have to make compromises."
The boys were silent.
"Your mother is right," Lee said. "We each got to do something that we liked. I must admit the Ferris wheel is tame compared to the other rides, but I enjoyed myself." Mostly because I held Amanda's hand the entire time and she was by my side. Lee thought to himself with a smile.
"Lee, we're glad you've enjoyed yourself today," Dotty said.
"Me too! I must admit that I was reluctant to come, but I'm glad I came."
"What would you like to do now?" Amanda asked.
"What if we head home now," Lee stated glancing at his watch.
Amanda and Dotty glanced at one another, then nodded in agreement. "Sure, Lee if that's what you want. It's your birthday," Amanda said.
Catching their shared look, Lee started to say something just as Jamie asked, "Lee, too bad I didn't bring my camera. How do you think pictures from the amusement park rides would've turned out?"
"I don't know. That's a good question," Lee answered placing his arm around Jamie's shoulder as they headed to the car. "I think you might need a special camera to take the right kind of pictures from off the ground."
"I guess you're right!" Jamie said.
"Duh, worm brain!" Philip said, to which Jamie glared at his brother.
"Now, cut that out! We've had a great time up til now, let's not go spoiling things now," Dotty proclaimed.
"Your grandmother's right!" Amanda agreed as they got in the car.
The ride back to their house was quiet with a slight conversation about the amusement park. Part way to the house, Amanda asked, "Lee, I think we have everything you wanted for dinner tonight. But is there anything else that you'd like us to pick up while we're out?"
"No, I'm sure whatever we have at home will be fine."
"We just want to make sure you have a special day," Amanda said.
"Is there poppy seed cake?" He thought he saw the ingredients yesterday, but he didn't remember seeing either of them make it, but now he wasn't so sure if he saw the ingredients for his favorite cake or not.
"Yes!" Amanda answered.
"Then, I'm happy," Lee replied as they drove up to the house.
Amanda was happy to see that neither Billy or Francine's car were out front and the block wasn't inundated with too many cars. She wanted to keep up the pretense of having a quiet dinner at home as long as she could. Lee's mood had softened, and she intended to keep it that way.
"Amanda, Lee, I'll take the goldfish, but can you and the boys handle carrying in the other things?" Dotty asked grabbing the goldfish from Philip's lap. "I'll be right back; I need to make a trip to the ladies room."
"Mother, I told you that you should've gone when we stopped at the gas station on the way back."
"I know, I know," Dotty said rushing towards the house, pulling the door behind her.
"Why did she close the door?" Lee asked. "She knows we're coming in right behind her."
"Oh she must've forgotten," Amanda answered with a shrug.
Lee gave her a quizzical look, but said nothing as he pulled out all the prizes they won from the amusement park, a few of the items from the trunk of the car, making sure to give each of the boys an even amount to carry. Surprisingly, neither boy grumbled as they rushed ahead of Lee into the house with Amanda directly behind them, also pulling the door closed.
"What the hell?" Lee retorted out loud walking towards the door.
"Oh, sorry!" Amanda said stepping back out and taking the items from Lee. "Lee, is there much left?"
"No, why?"
"Because…"
"Mom! Lee!" Philip shouted at the open door. "Lee, come quick, grandma needs your help!"
"What happened?" Lee and Amanda questioned together moving quickly towards the door and into the house.
"SURPRISE!"
