Into the Cottage

"Careful now this is the last time you have to do this," Amanda said as Johnny on his crutches went down the stairs at the boarding house.

Arthur stood on the step below him making sure he made it in one piece. He had been a world of help to Amanda as she moved the last of their belongings from the boarding house. The last load was Johnny and to Amanda the most important load of all.

"Thank you Arthur," Amanda stood on tiptoes and kissed his cheek after getting Johnny settled in the car. "I can take it from here, remember now…Friday night," she waved to a smiling Arthur and got behind the wheel.

"Are you excited Johnny," She was and it showed.

"Yeah a little, I can see you are," he smiled over at her as she pulled out of the parking space.

A short while later she pulled up in her driveway a little nervous now that he might not see what she did when she looked at the cottage.

"This it?" Johnny asked opening the door, "it’s nice Amanda…and that’s going to be the school," he turned to her and smiled, "I like it."

"Oh I am glad Johnny…I was a little afraid you wouldn’t."

"It is your house love, what I think shouldn’t matter." He humped himself to the front door which she opened and closed it behind them. Once inside with the door closed Johnny walked around looking at the things she pointed out.

"This is your room…I’ve put all your things away…you can change anything you want in here…I mean it’s your room Johnny." Amanda stood in the doorway and he moved to the door looking in and then looking down at her. Suddenly he was embarrassed…to be there…to be that close to her and want her like he did. He blushed and looked into the room.

"Thank you Amanda," he said softly.

Amanda felt the tension between them…where had it come from…she moved away…he was standing she was used to him lying down or sitting…it was different somehow…his standing. She laughed nervously.

"The fridge is stocked…would you like something to drink or a sandwich or something?"

Johnny took a breath, "that would be nice."