DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to Warner Brothers and Shoot The Moon Productions. I’m borrowing them again for a lesson in Life.

RATING: PG-13

SUMMARY: Spring…third season…Time for renewal…new life…new beginnings…love. There is a sermon given to Lee by Billy, which I feel, he needed. Perhaps this makes this story AU, so be it.

ALWAYS

Storm clouds chased the tops of the Blue Ridge Mountains as was typical of early Spring. One minute, your face can taste droplets of warm, dewy rain. Then, in the next second, the pleasant warmth of the sun is caressing your cheeks. Spring weather was like a woman, unpredictable.

Amanda King relaxed in the rocker swing on the deck of her aunt and uncle’s seldom used cabin in the mountains of Virginia. Her gaze held towards the nearby mountains as the performance continued, undaunted . Flashes of distant lightening decorated the gray sky, reminding her of the angry sparks reflected in a certain pair of hazel green eyes just a short while ago.

The scent of the fresh Spring rain invading her senses was an abundant renewal for her. Next to the Autumn, this was Amanda’s second favorite season. Usually, happiness reigned at this time of year, for it was time for new life, new beginnings…love.

Sadness and loneliness permeated her demeanor. Her tears matched the raindrops falling upon her sweet face. Another disagreement had occurred between Lee and herself. This time they couldn’t agree on some minor aspect of their most recent case. Lee remained stubborn and wouldn’t apologize, therefore, the balance of their day was conducted in strained silence. As a result, Amanda left early for the afternoon without even a "good-bye" to her partner. Later, she phoned Billy and asked for Friday off, so she could take a long weekend. Dotty and the boys were away visiting Aunt Lillian.

Billy gave her permission to take the extra day, but explained that it was essential to let him know her whereabouts in the event she was needed to answer a question or relay some information. She would not be called in for any work related issues, he guaranteed. Reluctantly agreeing, Amanda provided her aunt and uncle’s cabin address and phone number.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

From the time his partner left the office, his whole day went downhill. They had started to become closer with the promise of even more. The few dates they had were so much fun for both. During these encounters, Lee was relaxed, caring and affectionate. They both were disappointed when the evenings ended so soon. These happy times were placed in the treasured memories box of their minds for retrieval on bad days.

Q BUREAU – later that same day.

‘What happened,’ Lee wondered as he wandered deep into thought at his desk. "I can’t even remember what started the whole row," he grumbled to himself. ‘All I know is that I have to make it right with her,’ he thought. He remembered the hint of tears he had seen from the corner of her turbulent eyes as she hurried out of the office.

Deep down he knew what the problem was: his growing feelings were overwhelming his self-control and he was scared. Scared of how deep and intense his love for Amanda was. He couldn’t lose her. He wouldn’t lose her. She was everything sweet and innocent in his life. Amanda was the girl he had waited for all his life, and he wasn’t about to let a silly disagreement spoil his chances with her.

The weekend was upon him and he needed to take Friday off to try and make peace with his partner. He decided to ask permission from Billy.

BILLY’S OFFICE, BULLPEN

"Enter," gestured Billy Melrose, from his busy desk. "Yes, Lee, what can I do for you?" his boss motioned for him to sit down with his free hand.

"Billy, I was wondering if I could have Friday off. There’s a few personal items I have to clear up," he hinted strongly.

"Botch it up with Amanda again, huh, Scarecrow," Billy chuckled.

Lee tried to hide his embarrassment to no avail. "Yes, Billy. I goofed royally this time. I just need to see her."….

Before he could finish, his boss interrupted. "She’s out of town for the weekend, Lee, until Monday morning."

"Do you know where she went? Please tell me, Billy. I really want to talk to her," he entreated insistently.

"Not this time, Stetson. She needs some time alone, Lee, away from the Agency….and you," Billy had never been so blunt with his best agent before. Seeing the obvious hurt in Scarecrow’s eyes, Billy saw this occasion as the perfect opportunity to preach that sermon to Lee that he thought should be said.

"Let me tell you a story, Lee…about a young field agent and his girl,… a few years ago."

"Billy," Lee interrupted, "I know what you’re going to say and I," …

"For once, Scarecrow, just listen, okay," his boss warned impatiently.

Billy continued his tale. "This young whippersnapper started out to be a lawyer as a life ambition, until, one day a friend approached about entering the spy world as a field agent. Of course, it sounded thrilling and dangerous. The pay didn’t offer much financial reward though. Our would-be lawyer never tried a case. There was a problem at the beginning though, namely, his girl.

During their courtship, this young gentleman was consistently "putting down" his girl’s good points and concentrating on parading her vices instead of the virtues inside her. When the career change showed its predominance, the situation came to a head very soon. She demanded to be treated with respect and as an equal from that moment on, if he was to continue seeing her. Our rookie agent agreed and sincerely apologized for all his past actions. It seems he was afraid of commitment. She understood completely. Once the air was cleared, they both agreed to treat each other with a lot more regard, especially concerning their careers. From that day on, their love deepened considerably and still endures today. After they got over their fears and pledged to full commitment to their relationship, a whole new world opened to them."

"Billy, I didn’t know you had the same problems with Jeannie. I just never realized that my doubts could happen to any one else," Lee reiterated quietly.

"Lee, every one goes through hesitation concerning a relationship because, if the other party’s your future, you want your love to last forever."

"Did I say Amanda was my soul mate, Billy?" Lee smiled.

"You didn’t have to say it, Scarecrow, it’s written all over your face every time Amanda enters the same room. Your face lights up immediately. The both of you are so obvious."

Knowing he was caught Lee interjected, "I never remember being so vulnerable before, Billy, not before that day at the train station," he reminisced. "Please, Billy, tell me where she is. I promise with all my heart to treat her right and love her forever," Lee vowed. Then he realized that the key word had slipped out.

Billy was not overly surprised at his response. "I believe you, Lee." Sighing, he added, "she’s staying at her aunt and uncle’s cabin in the Blue Ridge. Here’s the address and phone number. Now, get going, Stetson and don’t come back to work until you’ve straightened everything out with her. I want two happy agents back Tuesday morning."

"Tuesday? Does that mean that we have Monday off too?" Lee asked excitedly.

"Yes, it does. Now, get out of here before I change my mind," Billy laughed.