Lee sat on the couch in their family room, confused. His head hurt, not just from the injury, but also from the overwhelming amount of information he was flooded with as soon as they walked in the door. He was surrounded by photos he didn't remember, the artifacts from his apartment on the same shelves as knick-knacks and poorly painted school clay projects and a family he didn't know he had. In the corner, stood a large Christmas tree, the lights twinkling off the large bulb ornaments. He couldn't help notice the small round ornament with a picture of he and Amanda, titled, "Our First Christmas".
Amanda had cried silently most of the ride home as Dotty chattered loudly. When they got in the house, the boys, Jamie and Philip, immediately began asking questions about what happened and how it was going to affect their skiing plans for the upcoming weekend. Christmas was only a few days away and the boys were excited for their holiday break from school.
He dropped his aching head into his hands, unsure what to do. He wanted to be back in his own apartment, alone. He had no idea how to interact with the family watching him from down the hall.
"Amanda, what are you going to do?" Dotty asked over the rim of her tea cup. She was sitting on one of the kitchen stools where she could watch Lee from her vantage point.
Amanda sighed softly then said, "I called Mr. Melrose. He's on his way over." She was keeping herself busy, mixing the ingredients for a poppy seed cake, Lee's favorite. "I also called Joe and asked him to pick up the boys. He'll be here any minute."
Dotty looked at Lee once more then said, "Well, very clearly he knows who you are but doesn't remember all of this. So, I'll ask again…what are you going to do?" She blinked as she sipped her tea, her eyes focused on Amanda.
Amanda finished scraping the batter into a greased bundt pan, placed the pan in the oven and turned back to Dotty. "I'm going to give him space. He can sleep in the guest room tonight and tomorrow we will take it slow. I'm not going to bombard him with questions," she stated, her eyebrows arched.
Dotty threw her hands up, slid off the stool and stated, "I can take a hint. I'll give you both space tonight but Christmas is in just a few days. I called Kurt when we got back and he'll be here in a few minutes as well." She placed her tea mug in the sink, walked to the stairs and said, "I'll be in my room putting my things together for the evening if Kurt arrives."
Amanda closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She rubbed her belly protectively and whispered, "Don't worry, little one, your daddy will remember soon enough." Her thoughts were interrupted by the door bell chimes. She glanced at the clock, mentally calculating the time for the cake and headed to the front door, calling out, "I'll get it."
Billy stood at the door, his face tight, "I got here as soon as I could. I'm so sorry, Amanda. Where is he?"
"Thank you, sir. He's in the family room, confused. Like I said on the phone, he remembers you, the agency, his old apartment. He only remembers me a little," Amanda explained as she closed the door. "The boys are confused, Mother's confused and to be honest, I'm not sure what to do."
Billy rubbed her arm sympathetically and said, "I'm not sure what I can do, but I'll try." He followed Amanda to the room Lee sat, now staring at the tree.
"I'll be in the kitchen," Amanda said before turning away and walking down the hall.
"Scarecrow, I came as soon as Amanda called," Billy said quietly.
Lee's head snapped around, his eyes immediately narrowing before recognition set in. "Billy, I'm…I don't…" Lee stuttered, unsure what to say.
"It's okay, we'll get through this. The important thing to remember is this is only temporary," Billy assured him.
Lee touched his head with a grimace and said softly, "What if it's not. What if I don't ever remember?"
Billy sat on the chair beside the couch and said, "You can't think like that, man. As partners, you and Amanda have been through some pretty tough times and always make it through. You'll get through this, together."
Lee shook his head slowly, the pain begining to take its toll, "Amanda and I? Partners? I don't remember. I mean I sort of remember her, but not really. Does that make any sense?"
Billy chuckled, "Perfect sense. Sometimes I still wonder how you two did it, but you did. She saved your butt on a number of occasions so be nice to her. And don't forget, that's your baby she's carrying. I remember the look on your face when you came in to tell me. I wasn't sure if you were going to pass out or throw up, you were so nervous."
Lee looked down the hall and caught a fleeting glimpse of Amanda as she moved around the room. "We're happy then? I mean, the baby wasn't an accident, was it?"
Billy covered his mouth and chuckled louder, "I don't think so. Not the way you two were behaving. After all, you just celebrated your first anniversary, bought this house. I'm pretty sure you knew what you were doing."
Lee looked at the Christmas tree, then back at Billy and said, "I think I owe her an apology."