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............Part
17.......,
Hank began to laugh as he pulled Dixie closer. "Joyce and I have been divorced for almost four years. It just worked out better for us to still be housemates. Rent is high enough around here. This way we each have a place to live, we can still date if we want, but we aren't together. In fact, just last week, Joyce found a new boyfriend, a veterinarian over in West LA."
Dixie looked at Hank, then joined in his laughter. She was beginning to feel better about her relationship with the tall fireman. Then, another thought struck her. "If you and Joyce aren't really an item, how come you never told anyone about us?"
****
Roy just looked at wife with pain, guilt and frustration warring for control of his facial features. "How the hell can I NOT think you two are hiding something from me! Johnny's in here holding your hand, even though he supposedly can't remember anyone, you're talking in your sleep about how you two have to confess something to me! Don't lay this "it's all your fault" trip on me!" Roy struggled mightily to keep his voice down to avoid calling in the nurse.
Joanne lay back and looked at him with a mixture of shock and surprise. "You heard us talking? When? And Johnny can't remember anything. The nurse told me he has amnesia. Johnny came over to the house to fix the stove. He comes over to play with the kids and help with the occasional chore if you have to work overtime. I've tried to talk him out of it, but he thinks he's watching over us for you." Joanne's voice softened and she held out her hand to her husband. "Please sit down Roy. Let me try and explain something."
Still simmering, but wanting to believe, Roy sat down on the bed next to Joanne, careful not to disturb the monitors or the IV lines. He ached to hold her hand, to stroke her forehead, but something got in the way. He tried to ignore it, but the feelings of betrayal and jealousy were just too strong. "I'm listening." he said curtly.
Joanne took a deep breath. "Roy, when your father died, your mom had his ashes scattered didn't she?"
"That's what she told me." Roy confirmed. "What does my dad have to do with you and Johnny?"
"This isn't about me and Johnny. This is about you and John. Roy, I called your mother today. I had to know. Your dad, he didn't die. He walked out on your mom and you. She just told you he was dead so that she wouldn't have to answer questions about why he left." Now Joanne looked at her hands, twisting her wedding band around her finger. Roy looked at her in silence.
"Go on." he prompted.
"Johnny was at the house, fixing the stove. He had finished and saw the photo album out where the kids had left it. He came across a picture of your dad. He said...he said..." she stopped, the lump in her throat causing tears to fall.
"He said what?" Roy's voice was low and gentle. He took Joanne's hand in his and squeezed it gently.
Joanne looked at Roy. "I love you, please know that. Never doubt it again. Please don't be angry with Johnny. He's just as confused as you are. I promised that I'd be there to help him just like I have always and will always be there for you."
Roy could feel the ice within him begin to melt. Joanne's soft green eyes were wet with tears. He brought her hand up to his face and kissed it ever so lightly. "Go on honey. What happened?"
Joanne looked at Roy. "Johnny recognized your father. He said, that man in the picture was HIS father." She held Roy's hands tightly as her husband's face went white.
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