San Angelo With A Twist

Chapter 25

Lee and Amanda were just coming into the house when they heard laughter coming from the family room.

They went in to find Dotty and the boys having a spirited game of Scrabble with Phillip on the couch and Jamie on the floor and Dotty in the wing chair.

Dotty shook her head at her older grandchild saying, "Really is a word, but not hafta!"

Phillip protested once more. "Yes it is, Grandma-"

Dotty sighed."Okay. Use it in a sentence, Young Man. This I've got to hear-"

Amanda looked at Lee giggling and added as she went to Phillip, "Yeah, I think I'd like to hear it as well-"

They all waited as Phillip thought carefully for a moment. Lee even shook his head as he thought, He'll never get it.

Phillip then said, "Tonight's the last game before the season's over and I really hafta be there!"

The adults laughed and Jamie spoke up saying, "What? He said it right!"

Amanda recovered and smiled as she kissed Phillip's forehead and said, "That was terrific, Sweetheart. Now let's get ready for lunch, okay? Then you really need to get some rest before dinner-"

Phillip pounded the couch pillow replying, "Aw, man!"

Jamie helped Dotty clean up the game while Lee helped Amanda get the burgers started on the grill and she got the potato salad to go with it.

Jamie put away the game and set the coffee table up for Phillip's lunch and asked, "Mom? Can I eat over here with Phillip?"

Amanda shrugged, "Sure, Sweetie. Only get one of the paper tablecloths to go over the table so you don't make a mess, all right? They're in the china cabinet drawer in the dining room."

Jamie nodded, "Okay."

Dotty went outside to where Lee was at the grill and commented, "Thank you for helping out today. I really couldn't see Amanda or I trying to get Phillip upstairs even if Jamie helped us as well."

Lee shrugged as he answered, "As I told Amanda earlier, all I was set to do today was settle in with a game on TV. No problem-"

As he turned the burgers, he stated, "I'm gonna need a big plate to bring them in-"

Dotty nodded. "Of course. I'll be right back."

As Dotty went in, Amanda came out and shook her head. "Okay. What did Mother say?"

Lee was surprised. "Nothing. She just thanked me for helping you all today. Why are you so suspicious?"

Amanda shrugged, "I don't know. But this isn't your real life. It's mine and-"

Lee sighed as Dotty was coming out. She noticed that the conversation had stopped and said to them earnestly as she handed the plate to Lee and he put the burgers on it, "Please don't stop on my account. Did I interrupt something?"

Amanda sighed as she took the plate from Lee thanking him and went in remarking, "No Mother, but let's drop it all right?"

Dotty waited as Lee shut off the grill and said to him, "What's going on now?"

Lee sucked in his breath and let it out slowly and then shook his head sadly as he remarked finally, "I dunno, but after we finish lunch and I help get Phillip set upstairs, I think it's best if I get out of here."

He went to the door and let Dotty go ahead of them and they all sat down to eat their meal.

When they at last finished, Amanda went to check on Phillip. He tried denying he was tired, but Amanda knew better.

She stroked his cheek and remarked, "Honey, let's get you settled in your own bed all right? You'll be a lot more comfortable than on this couch-"

Jamie asked, "But what about his ankle? He can't move it."

Amanda answered, "That's what extra pillows and blankets are for, right? Would you go ahead and get them and bring them into your bedroom, please?"

Jamie shrugged and went upstairs while Dotty followed.

Lee went to Phillip and asked, "Ready to go?"

Phillip shrugged. "I guess. This really stinks. But at least I'll miss school-"

Amanda chuckled, "No, you won't miss that much. I'm having Billy Barton bring over your homework assignments until you're able to get around using crutches while you're recovering."

Lee then picked him up, carrying him to the boys bedroom where Dotty had the bed all ready to go for Phillip as Lee carefully put him down.

Phillip yawned and said, "Thanks, Lee."

Lee gently tousled the boy's head and answered, "You're welcome. Feel better, huh?"

Amanda kissed Phillip's temple and said softly, "I'll be right back, okay?" Looking at Jamie then she commented, "Sweetheart, why don't you go to the park for a while? Phillip needs his rest. But be back before dinner, huh?"

Jamie nodded and commented to Phillip, "See ya, Doofus."

Phillip replied, "See ya, Dweeb."

Amanda was going to admonish them for name calling, but then she saw they were smiling at each other and let it go.

She then followed Lee downstairs and out to his car. She remarked, "Not the day off you planned on, was it?"

Lee got into the car and started the motor and looking at her sighed wearily, "No, but you had the exact same kind of day. I had originally wanted to talk about something with you but now isn't a good time obviously."

Amanda was puzzled and shrugged as she replied, "Well, you can talk now. What is it?"

Just then, Dotty called to Amanda. "Darling, Joe's on the phone. He wants to talk to you."

Amanda replied, "On my way, Mother." Looking back at Lee she said, "I'm sorry. I'd better go-"

She turned to leave and Lee held her hand to stop her. "Wait. I'm gonna be home the rest of the weekend. Please call me when things start to calm down because we do need to talk, okay?"

Amanda realized then that Lee was serious and nodded slowly. "Okay, sure. Thanks again for everything today."

Lee half smiled and responded, "Not a problem. Oh, don't forget the crutches in the back of your car-"

Amanda shook her head and replied, "Oh, right. I won't."

As Lee pulled away from the curb leaving the area, Amanda walked back to the house slightly confused wondering what had been bothering him and then deciding that she'd call him when she could tomorrow.

Now all she was concerned about was Phillip and of course telling Joe about the mishap today. This should be fun, she thought as she got the crutches out of the car and went inside...

TBC