Chapter 4
Amanda had just gotten out of the shower. She had a bathrobe on and a towel wrapped around her damp hair. She looked at herself in the mirror and almost laughed. She looked horrible. She had dark purple bags under her eyes and wrinkles were forming on her forehead. To most people it would've been a nightmare. To Amanda, it was funny.
Mark came in and looked at her. He seemed confused momentarily, but then smiled and laughed.
"Why are you smiling?" He asked. Amanda turned to face him. She shook her head.
"No particular reason." She replied. She put her hands on his chest and looked up at him. He bent down and kissed her.
"I love you." He said.
"I love you, too." She said.
Amanda woke up the next morning and felt refreshed. She had slept good the night before only she didn't know exactly why. Mark was lying awake next to her and she smiled to him. He smiled back.
"Were you watching me sleep again?" She asked in an annoyed yet playful tone.
"Maybe." Mark replied. He leaned in to kiss her when the phone rang. They both groaned and then heard John cry over the monitor.
"I'll get the baby." Amanda volunteered.
"I'll get the phone." Mark said. They both got up. Amanda walked John's room and lifted him out of his crib. She fed him, then cradled him in her arms for a long time. He didn't fall back asleep, but just stared back at her with his big green eyes. Mark came in and Amanda stood up from her chair.
"Guess who," Mark said.
"Hmm, does he have a mustache?" Amanda asked.
"Yes."
"Grayish hair?"
"Yes.
"Erickson?"
"Ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!" Mark joked. They both laughed. Amanda sighed.
"You have to go, don't you?" She asked. He nodded sadly. She smiled and kissed him.
"I love you."
"Love you, too." He turned and left the room. Amanda sat back down in the chair with John. She smiled to him.
"I love you, too, John." She said, then kissed him on the forehead.