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The girls were screaming with no attempts to calm them down from Amanda. That was the first thing Sonny noticed as he approached her door. He immediately frowned. While there was nothing more Amanda loved than her daughters having fun, she would hate waking up the neighbours so early.
Sonny knocked at the door, and Jesse opened it with a huge grin plastered to her face. “Momma said you were coming!”
“Yes I am!” He exclaimed with enthusiasm, swooping her off the floor as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him. “Where is your momma anyway?”
“I’m in here,” A weak voice said from inside Amanda’s room. Sonny placed Jesse back on the floor, and went to check on Amanda. There was a crack in the door, only slightly open. Sonny nudged it in, and saw her leaning with one hand against her closet door, her eyes gently shut.
“Manda’, what’s the matter?” He asked softly, reaching out to take her shoulders, but she moved away. She was in her work clothes, a white blouse and black pants, but no shoes, and a sheer layer of sweat across her forehead. It was chilly outside, so Sonny knew it wasn’t from the weather. He jumped back immediately, shuddering. “Are you sick?”
“It’s just a bug, I’ll pop an Advil, I’ll be fine.” Amanda reeled out the words like she’d rehearsed them. “I need to get to work.”
“No, you need to stay home and rest.” Sonny rebutted, figuring it was time to put his lawyer hat on for some convincing. Boy, would he need it.
“I need to take Jesse to kindergarten and Billie to daycare,” She tried arguing, swaying as she picked up some socks from her clean washing basket that she hadn’t put away yet. She slumped down on her bed, too dizzy to keep standing. “My sitter isn’t due until the afternoon for pickup.”
“Then I’ll take them.”
“We have so many open cases and we are understaffed, I need to be there.” Amanda urged, struggling to put her boots on. Heels, Sonny noticed, not good for the ill and lightheaded.
“The precinct isn’t going to collapse if you take a day or two off.” He reassured her, though not moving any closer.
“Last time I called in sick, I was actually at a gambling club, what if Liv thinks I’m gambling again and then I get in trouble…” Amanda trailed off, an exaggerated sadness on her face. It would've been adorable if she wasn't slightly green.
“The last time you called in sick was eight years ago? Amanda, you will feel better if you take a day.” Amanda had told Sonny about the gambling a long time ago, she must be really delirious to bring it up again now. “You won’t be able to get any work done in this state, and you’ll get the rest of the squad sick.”
Amanda paused, considering what Sonny had said. He nodded slowly as she gave up on getting ready. “Hmmkay.”
“Thank you. Now go out on something more comfy while I take care of some stuff for you.” Sonny backed out of the door. He’d always been a germaphobe, avoiding even the mere possibility of getting sick for as long as he could remember. Though with Amanda, he didn’t seem to care as much, he only wanted to help.
Sonny ordered Jesse to get her bag ready for school while he dressed Billie, and afterwards he packed their lunchboxes and sat them by the front door, making them promise to behave while they giggled away. He then took some Advil from the bathroom cabinet and took it into Amanda’s room, along with a glass of water.
He pushed the door open with his fingertips, spying Amanda now deep under the covers. He smiled softly, taking slow steps towards the bed to not startle her.
“I got you the medicine, and I’ll be back during my lunch break to bring you some food.” He placed the items on her bedside table, and she mumbled a tiny ‘thank you’ in response. “You want me to call the Captain for ya?”
“Yes please.” Amanda sniffed loudly, Sonny winced but stayed put. He dialled Olivia’s number, placing the phone to his ear.
“Hey Cap’,” He greeted as Olivia answered the call.
“Carisi,” She responded, Sonny took a deep breath. “Is everything alright?”
“Yes, yes. Well, no, actually. Amanda’s not coming in today, she’s got some kind of cold.” He explained, glancing at her to see that she was about to say something.
“Tell her that I’m at home and not gambling!” Amanda grumbled, a concerned look on her face. She then dropped her voice to a harsh whisper. “Do it!”
“She, um. Wants me to tell you that she is home and not gambling.” He said, biting his lip, waiting for Olivia’s reaction.
“Oh, well you can tell her I’m not worried.” Olivia laughed. “Mkay, I’ll see you later, tell Amanda to get well soon.”
“Will do, Liv.” He said as he hung up the phone, shoving it into his suit pocket. He looked back to Amanda, who was half-asleep already. “Rest up, ‘Manda.”