Part Five

(Thursday)

3:34 PM

The front door opened. Jamie burst in first. His blond hair was neatly combed, and his new wire rim glasses made him look quite the young professional. Phillip, who was still wearing his basketball uniform from the late season practice they'd had that day, followed him. His arm was around Cassandra, who was wearing a cheerleading uniform that matched the colors of Phillips outfit, blue and white. Those were the colors for all the Arlington High Husky uniforms, whether the sport was field hockey or football, basketball or cheerleading.

Amanda joined up with the teens in the TV room.

"Hey, Mom." Said Jamie. "Kevin and I are going to the chorus concert tonight, okay? His mom will take us!"

"You want to go to a chorus concert?" She asked, puzzled. Jamie never showed much interest in the middle school chorus.

"He only wants to go because Chelsea Rice has a solo!" Teased Phillip. "And Jamie thinks she's cute!"

"Shut up!" Jamie's nearly thirteen-year-old face turned bright red.

"Don't tease you little brother, Phillip. It isn't nice. I wish I had a little brother or sister," his girlfriend said quietly.

'I am really going to like her,' thought Amanda.

"Yes, Jamie, you can go. But be home by nine, it's a school night. And Phillip, Your friend is right. It isn't nice to tease your brother. I always wanted a sibling too, so I know how she feels. You and Jamie are lucky to have each other."

He grumbled something inaudible (and most likely not worth hearing) in response.

A horn outside blasted loudly. It was Kevin's mothers' car. Apparentlly Jamie had been sure Amanda would grant permission. With a smile and a wave he bolted towards the door.

"Anyway, Bye, Mom! Thanks!"

Jamie ran out in a rush.

"Bye! Well, Phillip, aren't you going to introduce us?"

"Oh yeah! Mom, this is Cassi. Cassi; Mom."

They exchanged hellos.

A moment later Dottie arrived home from her Yoga class (yet another new hobby involving yet another new man).

"Oh Amanda!" She began as she breezed through the door.

"You should have seen Mr. Charles Newton this afternoon! Absolutely GORGGESS! Were having dinner tonight, so I won't be home..."

Suddenly realizing she and Amanda weren't the only ones in the room;

"Um, Grandma, this is Cassi---"

"Very nice to meet you, Cassi. I'm Dorothy West, Phillip's grandmother."

"Very nice to meet you too, Mrs. West. I'm sorry, but I thought I overheard you say Yoga---"

"Silly, I know. But I find it relaxing and wonderful."

"Oh! Not silly at all! I think it's wonderful."

"Do you do it?"

"Oh, yes. I have classes every Saturday with Dr. Lincoln. I believe he's an associate of Mr. Newton's."

"Yes, I think they're partners at Yoga-Works Fitness Gym."

As the two continued their conversation, Amanda and her oldest son exchange a puzzled sort of glance, and both began to cough---actually, they were hiding their laughter.