together again

Xander enjoyed his time with the family. Of course, he wasn't so sure Matty was having a good time. Byron could test the nerves, but then he spent a good portion of his time with Dakota and her Dad while at Worlds of Fun, and by the time he rode back with them, he slept most of the way.

"And I take it, you had a miserable time?" Xander asked on the way back.

"Oh no, not really." Still, Matty was indifferent.

"I wish..." Xander didn't know how to say it. "I wish I knew you longer. I might know what you like."

"It's not like that." Matty almost smile. "I'm fine. Really."

Xander nodded. "So what do you really want to do this summer?"

"Get my learner's permit and a job." He was matter of fact.

Xander didn't know if it were too late at the supermarket or not. He guessed he should make sure he got in an application.

"Its hard growing up," Xander mentioned what sort of jobs he'd done when he was growing up. "My mom had a salon so I washed a lot of hair. She taught me what she knew and then there was babysitting all her friends' kids. "I guess that's why I like kids. I never had, that kind of family."

Matty nodded. Xander noticed Matty looking over at a slumbering Byron.

"He's not so bad," Matty told him. "I think he's a little scared." He then told Xander he'd expected him to be worse, as in breaking things or wanting to fight.

Xander was glad Matty told him how he felt.

"Remember, you can talk to me about anything." He wanted them both to have a good summer. "If you can think of any more road trips, just tell me."

Matty said he couldn't think of thing. He just wanted a job.