Chapter Two:

It was a late Wednesday afternoon and mid-July it had been two weeks since Arthur's family had left California though when they returned to Elwood City with a bigger family than when they had left the Reads had to find a bigger house. Now they lived in a five bedroom three point five bathroom house with a large fenced in backyard {perfect for Arthur's dog Pal whom over the years had grown} and a two car garage.

Currently Arthur whom was dressed in black slacks, black belt, black socks, and black loafers with a dark gray collared shirt was having a job interview with the manager of the local corner drug store.

"Well Mr. Read I am happy to say you have yourself a job," said the man.

After they had finished and Arthur smiled brightly shaking the man's hand saying, "Thank you sir when can I start."

"I'll get you into the rotation Monday," said his new employer and he added, "We can start your training tomorrow and go through it over the weekend be here at four thirty."

"Yes sir," said Arthur.

Once again he thanked the man before parting the drug store in celebration for his new found employment Arthur decided to treat himself and get an ice cream.

Upon arriving at the ice cream shop he saw someone familiar at the register and grinning walked up.

The teen behind the counter said, "Welcome to the Ice cream shop how can I help you."

"I'll have a double scoop of mint chip," said Arthur wondering if he should mess with him a little.

Unawares Alan 'The Brain' Powers said, "Of course would you like the sugar or waffle cone."

"Cup preferably I don't want it to melt," said Arthur, which was true as he casually added, "See I'm from California and it can get pretty hot."

Nodding Alan handed the cupped ice cream over saying, "Huh I have a friend who moved to California a few years ago, which city are you from."

"Berkley," said Arthur handing over a five and receiving his change he pocketed it before adding, "And I should feel insulted that you don't recognize me Brain."

Alan blinked then looked at the customer again saying, "Arthur."

"Took you long enough," said Arthur with an eye roll.

His old friend said, "But I thought you were in California."

"I was, but mom got transferred back to Elwood City a few weeks ago," said Arthur pausing to take a bit of his ice cream.

"You look different," commented Brain.

Arthur responded, "Well yeah you can't expect me to wear sweaters in California I'd bake."

Brain chose to ignore the sarcasm instead he asked, "I meant you're all dressed up?"

"Oh well I just had a job interview at the drug store up the street I start training tomorrow," said Arthur.

Nodding Brain decided to take his break and joined Arthur at a table to catch up.

"So what have you been up to," asked Brain.

Arthur answered, "Not a whole lot I was a boy scout and then an eagle scout back in Berkley played basketball did a little boxing."

"Boxing you," said Brain in shock.

Arthur shrugged saying, "My friend Mason was taking lessons and we convinced my parents to let me join in I rather liked it and I'm rather good at it."

"Right," commented Brain a little unsure.

"Anyway what about you," said Arthur.

Brain said, "Well I'm on the Varsity Soccer team and Co-Captain of the Scholastics team with Suellen."

"That's cool," said Arthur.

Finishing off his ice cream Arthur said, "Well I better get going I promised my parents I'd watch my sisters and little brother."

"Alright," agreed Brain needing to get back to work.

He added, "Hey why don't you come to the Sugar Bowl on Saturday usually since we all have our own activities we meet up once a week to hang out."

"Sure sounds like fun I'll see you guys than," said Arthur smiling as he headed toward the door with a wave of his hand he added, "Auf Wiedersehen."

Before leaving the Sugar Bowl Brain scratched his head questioning, "Since when does Arthur speak German?"

When Arthur arrived back at the new house he walked into see DW and Kate fighting over the remote though Pal was tugging on Kate's pants showing whose side he was on while Elle watched from the couch and Charlie was in his playpen.

"Pal Heel," said Arthur.

Immediately Pal released Kate and trotted over however gravity took over sending Kate into DW knocking them both to the floor and the remote flew out of their hands. Catching it Arthur switched the TV and Spookypoo came on though reluctant DW and Kate settled down to watch as did Arthur and Elle while Charlie sat watching from his playpen…