Passageway

Chapter 11

Amanda, Joe , and Lee had taken the boys out to the patio to discuss Mike's visit before his arrival while Dotty was clearing the table.

As they all sat at the table Amanda looked at her sons stating, "Okay, Fellas. The reason this man Mike is coming to talk to us is because Grandma feels that the custody arrangement with your dad is not really working any more and neither is having Lee out of the house so she'd like to have custody instead. Now, I know that sounds confusing but we'll do our best to clear it up. You have nothing to be afraid of, all right? Mike just wants to get an idea after he talks to all of us."

Lee cleared his throat and remarked looking at his wife, "I know we said they may not be able to handle this next part but it would clear things up a bit, Honey-"

Amanda knowing what her husband was about to say put a hand on top of his and responded gently, "Sweetheart, I really don't think this is the time-"

Joe jumped in commenting, "Well Amanda, this whole thing with Dotty isn't just about my being in Africa and beyond with the EAO-"

Amanda shook her head and answered, "I know, but still-"

Phillip then stood up and stated loudly, "Stop!"

The three adults looked at him surprised and Phillip continued when he noticed he got their attention by responding as he gestured to Jamie, "If you're all gonna yell or fight then Jamie and I are going to hang out in the treehouse until this Mike guy is gone!"

Swallowing hard he looked at his mother and remarked sadly, "We know it isn't mature but the way you're all acting isn't either!"

He nodded to Jamie and gestured to the treehouse, "Let's go already!"

The adults watched as the two young boys went up and closed the hatch to the treehouse.

As they sat at the table Lee shook his head and stated, "Whew! They sure told us, didn't they?"

Joe swallowed looking at Amanda who had tears in her eyes and answered, "I guess they're more grown up than we thought huh, Amanda?"

Amanda wordlessly nodded and got up. Taking one last look at the treehouse above them, went into the house with Joe following. This isn't at all what she expected! She knew they were hurt but she didn't know what else to do.

Lee sat at the table feeling as bad as Joe and Amanda did but decided that maybe because they didn't know him as well as their own parents, that they might want to talk to him.

He decided to try. Getting up he went to the tree and climbed the wooden steps and knocked as he got to the hatch.

He stated, "I come alone and in peace, Boys. Can I come in?"

Meanwhile Joe and Amanda talked with Dotty in the kitchen about the boys reaction earlier and Dotty sighed and responded, "Well, maybe we should cancel with Mike. I certainly don't want them hurting, do you?"

Just then, the bell rang and Amanda half smiled commenting, "I'll get it. Nice try Mother, but we're a little too late."

Amanda went to answer the door while Lee was up in the treehouse talking with the boys.

He remarked, "I know you have issues with your folks about the divorce and I'm real sorry because I've been feeling that I just added to your misery by your mom and I having problems as well. But believe me when I tell you that it has nothing to do with you two at all. I love you guys like you were my own and-"

He stopped as he swallowed and muttered, "Damn. Sorry, darn. What I'm trying to say here Fellas, is-"

Phillip nodded and remarked, "It-It's okay, Lee. We get it."

Then Amanda came out to the yard and called out, "Lee? Mike's here.."

Lee answered back, "Coming, Sweetie.."

Looking back at the boys he commented, "If you don't wanna talk to Mike it's okay but he does want to help. Tell you what. Why don't you guys stay up here and I'll send Mike out to you when he's done with us, okay?"

Jamie half smiled and nodded and Phillip after a moment did the same. They answered in unison, "Thanks, Lee."

Clearing his throat Lee nodded as he left the treehouse.

Amanda met him at the back door and whispered, "Are they okay?"

Lee kissed her temple and answered as they went into the house, "I think they are. Yeah..."

This meeting would be very interesting indeed...

TBC