A dinner and guest

"Help me with dinner, dear?" Laura asked with a smile. "If you'll cut the garlic and onions, I'll make spaghetti."

"Hey, why don't you sit down and tell me what you did today, and I'll cook. It's been a while since I could do something for you."

Laura blinked for a moment before coming over and hugging Dan tightly. "You are the best son I could ever ask for. You've done so much for me over the years, you just have no idea. Thank you," she finished with a bright smile.

"Hey, I know you've sacrificed more for me than I have for you. I'm glad I got my head out of my... well... I'm glad to help you now."

Laura laughed a rich, silvery tone of amusement. "I know what you were about to say. You were a little terror as a preteen. Ah, most boys are," she remarked with a smile. "You've grown up. I'm so proud of you."

"Aw, come on," Dan laughed as he pulled away.

An hour later, mother and son sat at their new table on the sturdy wooden stools. Dan seemed pleased with himself and Laura enjoyed his simple recipe. As they were finishing dinner, and talking about each other's day, there came a knock at the door.

Dan got up and checked through the peep-hole. He opened the door and smile, "yes?"

"Hi, uh, I was wondering if I could borrow a cup of sugar? I need one more cup to finish my cookies," a soft voice asked.

"I just bought some yesterday," Laura answered, looking around her son to see a beautiful redhead standing in the doorway. Short and athletic, her green eyes seemed to sparkle as the young woman looked Laura over. "Come in. I'll get you some."

"We just moved in," she greeted as she moved toward the cupboard.

"New to the area?," the redhead asked with a smile Laura could hear in her voice.

"No, we've recently gone through some trouble is all. Mack was nice enough to let us have the apartment on short notice."

"Oh, he does what he can for everyone," the redhead replied. Laura helped fill up the redhead's cup. "Uh, can I ask, are you waiting for your stuff to arrive?" the young woman asked as she peered around. "Sorry, I shouldn't pry."

Laura smiled before telling the redhead their story of recent woe in more detail.

"Oh! I might have some ideas on how to help," the redhead said. "Oh, gosh, where are my manners! My name is Amanda."

"Hello," Laura greeted with a smile. "I kind of forgot too. I'm Laura and this is my son, Dan."

Amanda looked back and forth between the two of them. "Oh, I can see the resemblance now. It's the eyes. I honestly thought you were a couple, sorry," she apologized with a faint flush.

Laura flushed as well. "We seem to be getting that recently," she admitted with a strange laugh. Their skin tones were different enough to throw most people off.

"It's nice to meet you, Amanda," Dan greeted.

"A pleasure," Amanda answered and took his hand.

"Is there anything else you need?" Laura asked.

"Oh, I actually feel bad for borrowing you sugar now," Amanda admitted.

"Nonsense, I'd share even if we had nothing else to eat. It's what neighbors do."

"No, it was amazing to meet you both. Do you mind if I pop back by and drop off a few cookies? It's the least I can do," Amanda asked.

"They won't be magic cookies either," she joked.

"Aw, darn. I haven't had one in years," Laura remarked with a laugh. It took her a moment to realize what she'd said. Her cheeks turned a little pink.

"You've had pot?" Dan goggled.

"When I was young and foolish. I haven't touched it since."

"Oh, wow, cool. I didn't know that."

Laura gave her son a tight-lipped smile.