Doug suffered through the two weeks without a car. Thankfully, Amanda still had hers, so they could go out by car rather than bus. Upon getting his driving privileges back, the teenager was very grateful. Eventually, Don found that Doug spent too much time on the phone, talking to Amanda or Aaron.

"Doug, you need to spend less time on the phone." Don told him one evening during dinner. "It costs money, and you have homework."

"But Dad, Aaron helps me with Math." Doug protested. "And Amanda's parents are separating! I gotta be there for her!"

"I'm sorry to hear about her parents." Don said gently.

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Two weeks passed, and Amanda got into a car accident one Sunday afternoon.. Doug rushed to her bedside. She had IVs in her arm, casts on her righ leg, and other medical equipment.

"How are ya baby?" he asked.

"Could be better. Docs say I'm lucky. I broke a leg, fractured a rib, and punctured a lung."

"who hit you?"

"Some turd in a beamer. He must have driven off."

"A hit and run?"

"Yeah."

Just then, a nurse came by to check on Amanda's vitals.

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Doug came to the hospital everyday after school giving Amanda company, and the homework so she wouldn't fall behind. One day, he noticed her staring at one of the young male doctors as the latter spoke with herparents. Annoyed, he confronted her when the three left the room.

"You're crushing on the doc!" he sneered.

"No I'm not!" she got defensive. "You're not gonna be one of those overly jealous guys, are you?"

"Would you be okay with my oogling the doc if she were a woman?" Doug shot back.

"If you were really doing it."

"See?"

"I was looking at him because he was talking about my health, you dummy!"

"I know crushing when I see it."

The two argued some more until Amanda said, "Get the hell out of my room!"

"But.."

"Out!"

Doug reluctantly complied, and went home.

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Noticing his demeanor upon returning, Don remarked. "You're home early."

"Amanda and I had a fight." Doug admitted. "She was crushing on a doctor there and wouldn't admit it."

"the wondering eye, huh?" Don said.

"I guess."

"It happens."

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The young couple did not make up until after Amanda got discharged from the hospital.

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Some months after the discharge, Doug noticed that the mole on his stomach grew and changed colors. Shrugging he let it go, though he told his girlfriend about it the next day.

"You should see a doctor!" Amanda exclaimed. "Just in case.

Doug said. "Maybe its from being a teen? Like pimples?"

"I doubt it. Tell your dad, see what he thinks." Amanda suggested.

Doug did just that after dinner when Robin worked; Maggie munched on a banana.

"Let's go to the bathroom so you can show me." Don suggested. Reluctantly, Doug followed his father to the bathroom and showed him the mole.

"What color was it before?"

"Dark brown."

"So it's lighter than before?"

"Yeah."

"I'll make an appointment." Don promised. "You can never be too careful."

"Okay..." Doug sighed.

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Robin, Don and Doug went to see the pediatrician the following week. As they waited, Don stared into space, getting a feeling of deja vu.

"It'll be fine." Robin whispered to him.

Don whispered back."I hope so."

TBC