Mom, Secrets And More

Chapter 37

As Joe returned from the cafeteria and exited the elevator to head towards Jamie's room a little while later, he saw Lee coming towards the adjacent elevator.

Lee, seeing Joe, stepped in front of him remarking to him carefully, "Wait, Joe... Can we talk for a second? Amanda's still in there with Jamie, but he's almost out for the night. Look.. I know having me here upsets you and I'm sorry. And I apologize also for speaking out earlier. It's really not my place to say this either, but if you had been in the situation Jamie and I were in you'd understand a bit better, I think...I really hope he's all right soon and I think he will be with Dr. Pfaff's help."

With no response from Joe, Lee shrugged thinking, I tried...

Lee got into the elevator, but just as the doors were about to close Joe held onto them for a moment as he looked at Lee and shaking his head swallowed commenting, "Thank you for trying to kick sense into me like Amanda did...It-It just hurts to think that your child doesn't seem to worship you the same way as before. Boy, if that doesn't wake you up! But I get it now. I have some growing up to do and that's not gonna be easy here. I apologize as well, Lee. Have a good evening."

They shook hands and Joe released his hold on the doors as they closed.

With a heavy sigh, he turned and went down the hall towards Jamie's room.

As Joe entered the room, he saw Amanda standing there next to the bed stroking Jamie's hair and crooning softly to him as she did when the boys were younger and needed help falling asleep.

As Joe stepped closer to the bed he gently placed a hand on Jamie's knee and queried softly, "How are you doing, Champ?"

Jamie shrugged and yawning answered in a murmur, "H-Hi, Dad. Getting sleepy, though. I thought you left?"

Joe swallowed and shaking his head glanced at Amanda and then stated quietly, "No, Honey. I just went to get some coffee. I'm not going anywhere, all right?"

But then the nurse came in and stated, "Mr. and Mrs. King? Jamie needs his rest now. Visiting hours are over. You both can come back in the morning."

Amanda nodded answering the nurse, "We will. Thank you."

She kissed Jamie's cheek and giving him a hug remarked softly, "Sweet dreams, Honey. And don't worry. You're gonna be just fine. I love you."

Jamie hugged her back commenting, "Love you too, Mom. Night."

Amanda went toward the door as Joe kissed Jamie's forehead and responded, "Son, I'm sorry if I seem upset lately where Mr. Stetson's concerned. He did save your life and I'll always be grateful to him for that-"

He stopped as he realized that Jamie was now fast asleep.

Looking at Amanda, Joe shrugged as she smiled lightly and gestured outside opening the door.

They walked out to the waiting area and Joe commented to Amanda slowly,"Listen, I want to apologize to you also here. I've-I've made a huge mess of things where Jamie's concerned and I want to make it right if you'll let me."

Amanda queried bewilderedly, "Uh..."also?" Who else did you apologize to tonight?"

Joe sighed and stated, "Stetson... He pointed out some things to me that I should have already known about you. So, I'm sorry."

Clearing her throat she answered confusedly, "Wow. Okay. What brought this on all of a sudden?"

They sat down on the couch and wearily Joe responded shaking his head, "I've been thinking about this since I got to the school and saw Jamie. Seeing him so out of it really scared me, Honey. I mean, you never want anything bad to touch your kids and when it does and you're not prepared for it-"

Amanda sighed and patted his hand answering softly, "I-I know, Sweetheart. Scares me, too. And I know the job I have scares you, also. But I'm being as safe as I possibly can. I'm still doing some training and it's coming along-"

Noting the sudden silence from Joe she asked, "All right. Now what?"

When he still didn't answer she got up and remarked tiredly, "Okay, Joe. Here's what we'll do. You come back to the house, stay in the den tonight and this way you can hang out with Phillip a bit before he goes to bed and you can see him in the morning before school and then we'll come back here and see Jamie. All right?"

Joe got up and nodded, kissing her cheek and commented, "Sounds good. Thank you."

They drove back in their own cars and coming into the house greeted Dotty who stated, "The den is ready for you, Joe."

Amanda shook her head responding, "But I only just thought of this earlier. How-"

Dotty smiled and answered, "I had a feeling. Anyway. Phillip is upstairs finishing his homework if you'd like to go up, Joe?"

Joe kissed her cheek remarking, "Thanks, Dotty."

As he headed upstairs Amanda followed her mother into the kitchen and asked, "Does this mean we're okay, now? That you're speaking to me again?"

Dotty sighed and stated, "My Darling Girl, we've been up and down and all around where Jamie's concerned. We were never not okay. I love you, all right? But this whole thing has everyone on edge. I was only upset at the school because I felt that you were keeping something from me. I was just hurt because you don't usually do that with me... On that note, Mr. Stetson called and asked if you'd call him back when you could. Since Joe is preoccupied with Phillip at the moment, no time like the present, hmm?"

Taken aback by her mother's comment Amanda faltered and then giving her a hug and kiss answered, "Thank you. I will. And Mother, I'm sorry about upsetting you earlier, but I was a bit upset that you called Joe to come to the school only because I thought I could handle it on my own, okay? And I know that your concern only comes from love and believe me I do love you and we will talk soon, all right?"

Dotty with unshed tears now remarked softly, "Yes, Dear. Go on, now."

Coming into her bedroom Amanda closed the door and getting on her phone dialed Lee's number.

When he answered she responded softly, "Hi...It's me. We need to talk. Do you mind if I come over now?"

TBC