Shortly after Jasmine left, Aunt Amanda returned and asked Don how he was feeling. Don showed her his injured hand and flexed it slightly, saying, "I feel better already."
Amanda smiled and ca closer to take a look at it. She held his hand and said, "It looks many tis better than what the police did for you."
Don nodded. "Jasmine said we could go when you ca back."
Amanda showed a bit of surprise but just sighed. "Jasmine may have a busy shift. I'll likely call her after she's off so we can catch up."
Don nodded at the information and got off the chair he was seated on, holding the paper Jasmine had given him. Amanda noticed the paper and asked, "What's that?"
"Instructions," Don answered briefly.
Amanda just nodded, and they began walking out. As they did so, she asked, "Do you want anything?"
"A beer wouldn't hurt," Don said casually. He didn't care about the views on alcohol; he really needed a drink in that mont.
Amanda laughed. "You've really grown up. I'll get you a whole case as a welco-back gift, and you can keep it under your bed like your mom and I used to."
Don chuckled. "I'll settle for just two. I don't drink much. I mostly want a drink to ease my mind."
Amanda nodded understandingly. "How is everyone at ho? Dad, Mom, and Sumr?"
Amanda's face imdiately fell, and she explained, "You see..." She took a deep breath, trying to collect her thoughts. "Your mom and dad... they got a divorce."
Don's eyes widened slightly, and he nodded slowly, taking in the information. "I guess that explains so things."
"They tried to keep it amicable for your sake, but it's been tough on everyone, especially Sumr. She misses you a lot, Don."
Fifteen minutes later, Don and Amanda were parked at a filling station. The station had a couple of old pumps, a small convenience store, and a few cars coming and going. Don was currently seated in the rear loading area of the pickup truck. He sat casually with a bottle of beer in hand, taking casual sips.
After a sip, he looked over at the supermarket near the gas station where Amanda had gone, saying she needed so groceries.
Unaware, while inside the supermarket, Amanda was on a phone call with Don's mother, Samantha. "You wouldn't believe how big he's beco," Amanda said.
Samantha asked with concern, "Did you tell him about the divorce?"
"Yes, I did, but he didn't react much. It might be the beer and ds he's on," Amanda replied.
Samantha's voice imdiately filled with worry. "Is Don taking drugs?"
"Calm down," Amanda reassured her. "He looks clean from what I saw. He just ran into so trouble at the hotel he was staying at."
Samantha's voice broke as she asked, "What kind of trouble?"
Amanda sighed, realizing how much Samantha was struggling with this news. "He was attacked, but he defended himself. The police were involved, but it's all sorted now."
Samantha's tone was filled with fear and concern. "Oh my God, is he okay? Why didn't he call ?"
"I think he just needs so space right now," Amanda said gently. "He's been through a lot, and he's trying to process everything. Give him so ti."
"I want to talk to him. Can you put him on the phone?" Samantha pleaded.
Amanda hesitated. "I think it's best if he reaches out when he's ready. Let him settle in a bit first. Trust , Sam."
Samantha sighed deeply. "Alright, but tell him I love him, okay?"
"I will," Amanda promised before ending the call.
Amanda finished her shopping quickly and returned to the truck. Don glanced up as she approached, noticing the serious look on her face. "Everything okay?" he asked.
Aunt Amanda replied, "I'm fine," and the two entered back into the car and drove off. As they approached the Chanel Hills community where Don's mom and sister lived, Amanda revealed, "I always feel uncomfortable driving around here with my rusty old car."
Even before entering the Chanel Hills gate, Don began noticing more expensive cars pulling up. At least he wouldn't be staying in a crummy place, he thought. Amanda soon rolled down her window to talk to a guard in a booth near the gate.
The guard was a muscular, brown-skinned man who looked to be in his forties. He had short-cropped hair and a friendly deanor. His uniform was dark blue with a badge on the chest, giving him an authoritative yet approachable look. He walked up to the car with a smile. "I could hear your car from five blocks away, Amanda."
Amanda laughed. "Shut up, Dave."
Dave laughed too. "You know I'm just teasing." He then noticed Don and asked Amanda, "Is that your new boyfriend?" He pretended to be heartbroken, clutching his chest dramatically.
Amanda laughed again. "Behave, Dave. This is my nephew, Don."
Turning to Don, she said, "Don, this big clown is Dave. We were on the track team together in high school."
Dave let out a nostalgic sigh. "I'd have been rich if I just beca an e-athlete. Instead, I chose a sport no one watches anymore."
Amanda laughed. "At least we had fun tis."
"You bet," Dave agreed. "Go on ahead, but be warned, Cassie is trying to push a vote to ban any cars that don't et a certain standard from entering the Hills."
Dave shook his head. "Cassie really hates you, Amanda. What did you do?"
Amanda chuckled. "I've done a lot to piss Cassie off since high school. I've lost count."
Dave laughed and opened the gate. "You shouldn't be too worried, but Cassie has been gaining more followers in the community."
"I feel sorry for them," Amanda replied with a smirk.
Don didn't ask anything about Dave but took note of the information. Amanda reassured him, "Don't worry about trouble while living here. Dave is capable despite how laid back he acts."
"I'll keep that in mind," Don replied.
As they drove through the gates, the houses beca larger and more luxurious, each one showcasing a different architectural style but all exuding wealth. The lawns were immaculate, the trees well-trimd, and the driveways filled with high-end cars.
Amanda pointed to a modern-looking house with large glass windows and a beautifully landscaped garden. "That's where your mom and sister live."
Don took a deep breath, trying to prepare himself for whatever awaited him inside. The past few hours had been a whirlwind of emotions, and he wasn't sure what to expect next. Amanda parked the car in the driveway and turned off the engine.
"You ready?" she asked, looking at him with concern.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Don replied, giving her a small smile.
They got out of the car, and Amanda led the way to the front door. She rang the doorbell, and after a few monts, Samantha opened the door.
"Donnie!" she exclaid, pulling him into a tight hug. "Welco ho."
"Hey, Mom," Don said, hugging her back.
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