Too Much

Chapter 1

Amanda had come home to Arlington after her shooting and almost one month's stay in Los Palmas, California and was feeling a bit stir crazy after two whole weeks, announcing to Dotty early one Saturday morning, "Mother. I think I'm going to try walking to the park today."

Dotty, who was cleaning up the breakfast dishes smiled and nodded. "Okay. As soon as I'm done here, we'll get the boys and head out-"

But Amanda shook her head."No, Mother. I meant just me."

Dotty sighed and looked at her daughter, who was sitting on the couch with the newspaper and answered, "Darling, it may just be a bit too soon for that. Around the house is fine for now, but-"

Amanda shook her head."Weren't you the one in the hospital who said,"After a couple of weeks, I'm going to have you jumping around the house"? Well, it's been two weeks, and I think I'm ready."

Dotty put the dishrag on the counter near the sink and came over to her remarking calmly, "Dear, I didn't mean that literally. Look, we all love you and know what you're capable of, hmm? But you just went through major surgery. We don't want to jump the gun-"

At that statement, Dotty shook her head quickly. "Darn it! You know what I mean, Sweetheart."

There was silence for a moment and then the boys came downstairs.

Phillip commented, "Hey, Mom? We're going to the park to meet the guys. We'll be back for lunch-"

Amanda stood up slowly as he and Jamie were going to the front door and called out, "Wait, Fellas. Okay if I tag along?"

Jamie shook his head worriedly. "No, Mom. You're still sick, remember?"

Looking at Dotty, Jamie replied, "The doctor told her to take it easy, right?"

Dotty answered with a nod, "Yes, we were just discussing that. But your mother feels-"

Amanda sighed. "I'm just fine. Believe me, Fellas. I'm not ready for marathons yet, but going down the street won't kill me, okay?"

But then Amanda immediately saw the frightened look on Jamie's face and put a hand up stating lightly, "Sorry. Poor choice of words. What I meant was-"

Jamie answered quietly, "It's not funny, Mom. We-we almost lost you."

Amanda then walked over slowly to the boys and remarked swallowing hard, "I know, Sweetheart. But the doctor in California wouldn't have let me come home unless he was sure there were no complications and I could handle it, huh?"

Noticing the hesitation on both of her sons' faces, Amanda then after a moment gave in, shrugging. "Okay. Have a good time."

Jamie quickly left first, and Phillip, seeing the crestfallen look from Amanda, gulped and commented, "He's just scared. We both are. We love you and-"

Amanda shook her head, waving it away commenting lightly, "Oh, c'mon. What you mean to say is that you don't need your old mom hanging around embarrassing you, right?"

Phillip then blushed and Amanda then kissed both his cheeks. "I love you both. The second kiss is for your brother, but I don't expect you to pass it on, okay?"

Phillip groaned. "Bye, Mom, Bye, Grandma."

Dotty chuckled as Phillip left saying, "Bye, Honey."

Amanda went back to the couch and sat slowly reaching for the paper once more as the phone rang.

Dotty answered, "Hello?"

Lee remarked, "Hi, Mrs. West. How's Amanda doing today?"

Dotty bringing the phone over to her daughter commented, "I'll let her tell you."

Handing the phone to Amanda, Dotty remarked with a pointed look, "I'll be upstairs if you need me."

As Dotty went toward the landing, Amanda replied, "Thank you, Mother. I love you."

Dotty heading up called to her, "I know, Dear."

Amanda then spoke to Lee. "Hi."

Lee smiled. "Morning. So, you doing all right? Your mom made it sound like-"

Amanda sighed shaking her head. "Yes, I'm fine. But I'm feeling a need to get out for a bit. You wouldn't want to join me, would you?"

Lee shrugged. "Sure. I can come get you and we'll take a drive-"

Amanda groaned. "No. What I mean is to get out and walk somewhere today. And I don't mean through my yard or the driveway or up and down these darn stairs-"

Lee put up a hand at her ramble. "Ho-hold it, Sweetheart. I understand you're frustrated, but you've got to let your body heal, okay? In it's own time, huh?"

Hearing his wife answer with a heavy sigh, he looked at his watch and quickly stated, "All right. Tell you what. I'll grab a quick shower and shave and be right over and we'll talk about where you'd like to go today. Sound good?"

Amanda nodded. "Yes, thank you. And I'm sorry if I'm sounding irritable here, but-"

Lee shook his head. "Hey. I love you, no matter what. Remember that, huh? See you shortly."

Hanging up, Amanda got up slowly from the couch and walking over to the kitchen, got a coffee cup out of the cabinet for Lee, putting it on the counter.

Heading to the landing, Amanda called to Dotty as she began climbing upstairs, "Mother? Lee's coming over. He'll be here in a little while..."

TBC