San Angelo With A Twist

Chapter 34

Amanda and Dotty had taken Phillip to the doctor that Monday afternoon to check on his broken ankle.

Luckily it was healing as it should and Phillip had begun to use the crutches and even managed stairs over the weekend, but the doctor after his examination told him it would be another few weeks until he felt the cast should be removed.

As they were getting ready to leave, Amanda queried, "Now, what about school? Would he be able to go back soon?"

The doctor nodded and looking at Phillip inquired, "I don't see why not. How about tomorrow, Young Man?"

Phillip nodded relieved stating, "Awsome! Thanks!"

They all chuckled and the doctor then added, "Now. Just remember, no gym class until the cast comes off, okay? I'll write a note for the school, Mrs. King."

Amanda stated, "Thank you, Doctor."

So before they left she got the school note and the end of the month appointment.

Amanda looked at the time when they were pulling out of the medical center lot and asked, "Anyone want Quickie Chickie for lunch?"

Dotty and Phillip both stated, "Sure."

They went to the drive thru, got three meals and then Amanda stopped at Marvin's and got a shake for Jamie as a treat for later and they drove home.

After lunch, Phillip went upstairs to lie down for awhile and Amanda and Dotty straightened up the downstairs.

Dotty asked Amanda, "Dear, are you going to ask Lee to come by tonight for dinner? I was going to do spaghetti unless you'd like something else?"

Amanda looked at the time. She knew Lee was still at work so she nodded and replied, "Yeah. Spaghetti's fine, but let me find out if he can."

She dialed the IFF number and Lee's extension. He picked up on the second ring. "Stetson."

Amanda smiled and stated, "Hi. What are you doing tonight?"

Lee smiled hearing her voice and responded, "Nothing as far as I know. Want me to come by after dinner?"

Amanda shook her head. "No. Why don't you join us? Phillip had his checkup and I know he and Jamie want to see you-"

Lee stated carefully, "Joe's gone, right?"

Amanda sighed. "Yes he is as a matter of fact. He left on a late flight last night. Feel better?"

Lee chuckled and stated, "Sorry, it's just that-"

Amanda waved her hand away."Stop. You made peace but not really. I get it. Look, whenever you're ready, just come on over okay?"

They hung up and Dotty smirked. "Is Lee the jealous type?"

Amanda chuckled and shrugged stating, "So's Joe, but then men are ridiculous at times aren't they?"

Dotty laughed and hugged her daughter remarking, "Yes. But I only wish I had two men fighting over me-"

Amanda shook her head at her mother's teasing and stated, "Mother!"

It was around six when Lee arrived and rang the front door bell. Amanda went to let him in saying, "Hi. Dinner's almost ready. Would you like something to drink?"

Lee answered smiling, "Sure. Anything's fine."

But as they were coming from the foyer into the kitchen, out of nowhere came a football and nailed Amanda in the stomach knocking the wind out of her! Lee brought her to the couch as Phillip moved over to the wing chair. Dotty stated, "Omigosh! I'll get her some water!"

Jamie moved over to Phillip's side and gulped remarking, "Uh-oh."

Lee rubbed Amanda's back as she coughed and Dotty brought her the water.

She stated firmly, "Here, Darling. Drink it slowly now."

As Amanda did what Dotty told her, Lee looked at both boys and sighed stating to them in clipped tones, "I assume you already know not to play football in the house, right?"

When both Phillip and Jamie just nodded and didn't speak Lee replied, "Yes or no. Answer me."

Both boys chimed in, "Yes-"

Dotty shaking her head stated to them, "Do you realize you could've seriously hurt her with your foolishness? Now apologize this instant!"

Jamie gulped, "Sorry, Mom. Are you okay?"

Phillip stated, "Yeah, Mom. We're sorry. We didn't mean it. Hope you're okay."

Amanda gasped and coughed once more after she finished the water.

As Dotty got up to refill her glass Amanda stated slowly to them. "I know it was an accident, but you know better than this. What were you thinking?"

Jamie sighed. "Well, we were just trying out a spin throw that Dad showed us-"

Phillip groaned, "He threw it farther than he was supposed to since I was only two feet from him on the couch! Wormbrain!"

Jamie got angry and replied, "Well, if somebody knew how to catch it right Mom wouldn't have gotten hurt, Doofus-"

Lee growled, "Enough! Now, while your mother and grandmother decide what punishment to give you I think you should both head upstairs until they call you for dinner. Dismissed!"

As they left the room silently Amanda patted Lee's arm and said, "Thank you, but I'll be okay. I know they didn't mean it."

Lee shook his head and went out to the hall and got the football off the floor and swallowed hard stating, "Excuse me while I put this away."

As Lee headed for the garage with the football Dotty sighed and sat next to Amanda on the couch stating, "What do we do with our athletes?"

Amanda shrugged and replied, "Well since Phillip won't be in gym class for a while, they can both help me in the yard. I'll show Jamie the ropes on mowing the lawn until Phillip can go back to it and meanwhile, he can help you with your gardening."

Dotty nodded agreeing. "Good. We can go to the nursery this weekend and pick up some things to add including mulch. They can release energy that way for a while."

Looking concernedly at Amanda, Dotty queried, "Are you sure you're all right, Darling?"

Amanda nodded and answered, "Yes, Mother. Where's Lee?"

Dotty looked at the back door and sighed. "He was going to put the offending item away, but he's certainly taking his time. Wonder where he is now?"

Amanda got up slowly with Dotty protesting, "No, Darling. Just relax. I'll-"

But Amanda shook her head and headed for the back door. "No. I think he just wants to talk to me alone. We'll be back. I promise."

She headed out and found him at the gazebo. When she got there she asked, "You okay? I'm going to be fine, Lee. Really-"

But Lee shook his head and stated, "I'm sorry. I had no right to jump on them that way-"

Amanda sat next to him and responded, "You most certainly do right now-"

Lee put his hands through his hair and looked at her with consternation. "C'mon! What kind of father am I gonna make if I go crazy like that all the time-"

Amanda sighed and stated, "Sweetie, Joe would do the same thing. It doesn't mean you stopped caring about them. It just means you are teaching them how to be responsible for their actions. I could've been hurt worse, but I wasn't. But they were scared enough to know not to do it again, all right? They know right from wrong and what they don't know, the three of us will teach them. It's all about being a parent."

Amanda then got up and held out her hand. "I think we should go in and have dinner. What do you think?"

Lee sighed and got up taking her hand as they walked toward the back door and shook his head stating, "I dunno. I thought I knew right from wrong until tonight."

Amanda shrugged saying, "Well, I have several books on my shelves to help you figure it all out. And what you're unsure of, you can ask Mother or me about, okay?"

Lee groaned, "Guess I have my work toward normal cut out for me, huh?"

Amanda kissed his cheek stating, "You're gonna do fine."

But as he and the family sat down to eat, all Lee saw ahead of him in his mind was a long road. But somehow he knew he'd be all right with Amanda by his side...

TBC