Special Payback

Johnny was propped up in bed having his lunch. Amanda had brought him a tray from the dining room. She also had brought him other things. He was beginning to feel the weight of her purchases for him.

"I don’t want you to keep doing this Amanda…there is no way I can pay you back."

"You’re not to worry Johnny…what do you think about these?" she asked holding up a pair of knee length knit pants.

"I think you’re spending too much money on me." He answered taking a bite of his sandwich. Johnny thought he was no charity case he’d be working if he could. All these meals she bought him, and now she was buying his clothes. Still he would admit if it hadn’t been for her…and she was lovely.

Amanda sat down on the side of his bed, "Look, I’m not putting myself out Johnny. I have money it’s not a big thing with me. You need…a lot of things Johnny and I know it bothers you for me to keep bringing you clothes and food and things. I like to think somewhere in there in your hard head that you appreciate what I am doing…I’m not looking for payback…at least not money." She got up and walked over the dresser and started putting the new clothes she’d bought him away.

Johnny looked at her, "I do appreciate it Amanda…more than you know. It just don’t feel right…letting a Sheila take care of me. As soon as I can walk again…I’m going to do something special for you. You are a very special…friend…probably the only one I’ve got."

Amanda turned and smiled, "I’m not your only friend but I like the special part. I like that a lot Johnny, see that’s the kind of payback I want…I want to be special to you because you’re pretty special to me."

Johnny stopped mid bite…what was she saying?