thinking it over

Elliot knew things weren't going great for Derrick this school year. It was his first year of high school and he'd already been in a fight or two. That was at school. Then he had a fight with Dan.

"I think he needs Boystown." Dan called Amanda about it.

"Boystown?" Elliot thought that was a little harsh. He and Amanda stayed up late talking about it. Wondering, if he'd do any better with them, than with Dan, Amanda's older brother.

"Its gonna be crowded." Amanda reminded him. They had just the two bedrooms and the basement. Derrick would have to move to the basement.

"We'll figure it out." Elliot thought they should give him a chance. "At least, maybe things will get better with him and Dan if he moves in with us."

"Yeah, and things will just get worse with him and me." Amanda winced. She told Elliot right then, she was not here to be Derrick's maid. He'd have to pitch in and do something other than play his music constantly or video games.

Elliot was just somber about it. They had to at least give him a chance.

"Give him an inch, and he takes a mile." Amanda warned.

"But we spent the summer with him. He's not that bad." Elliot was still optimistic about this. Amanda tried to smile. "Look, I know you have your doubts, but maybe we're what he needs."

"Thanks." She didn't look to pleased about this.

"It wouldn't be forever." There he went all positive, again.

"It just might be." She looked a bit sad as they went to bed. They'd sleep on it. Feel better about this in the morning. But as he laid in bed next Amanda, he had to wonder if he'd get any sleep at all, just thinking of Derrick coming to live with them.