A Friend in Need

by Demonwolf

When his family agrees to help care for a boy whose only relative is sick, James is initially eager to help out another boy in need. But Dylan Anderson couldn't be more different from James and not in a good way. But he's just a boy; he can't be that bad. Can he?

2. Chapter 2

Ch. 2

"Wow, poor Dylan."

"I know. That's why I really want to help him. And why my whole family wants to help him."

"What's wrong with his grandma?"

"I don't know. Mr. Ladybug only said she was sick."

"Uh-oh, when grownups say that, it's a bad thing."

"Ricky!"

"No really." Ricky adjusted the scarf around his neck. "My mom and dad used to say that my cousin was sick and in the hospital all the time. But he never got better."

"But Ricky, didn't you say your cousin was living in New Mexico?" James asked.

"Well, yeah, because he didn't get better. The doctors said he had to go live in a hot dry place, so that's why he had to quit his job and move away."

"But he's okay, right?"

"I think so. But Dylan's grandma isn't gonna move to Arizona, right?"

"Does she even need to?"

"I don't think so," James said. "I think she just needs to stay in hospital for a week while the doctors make sure she'll be okay."

"That's good." Tessa shivered as another gust of wind blew over the school playground. She, James, and Ricky had just finished tossing around a frisbee one of the other kids had brought in and where now leaning against the wall of the school to catch their breath. Recess was due to end soon, but James knew he'd have enough time to fill his friends in about Dylan's arrival.

"I wish I knew where Dylan was now." James scanned the playground, which was still swarming with kids engaged in various games. "At least I could let him know we can't wait to have him stay with us."

"He's in the third grade, right?" Tessa wiped her glasses as she looked around. "Hmm, do you know what he looks like?"

"Sorry, no."

"Well, maybe he's not even here," Ricky said with a shrug. "He might have been allowed to stay home because he needs to get ready to move into your house, James."

"And see his grandmother," Tessa added. "Remember how Luke was allowed to stay home when his grandfather got sick?"

"Yeah, and Luke's grandfather got better," James said with a smile. "I think you're right, Tessa; Dylan's probably visiting with her now. I'll just have to wait until Sunday to meet him. And if you come to the park, I'll introduce you too."

"You think he'll want to do that?" Ricky asked.

"Well, he's probably feeling really sad because of his grandmother. Maybe he'd like to make friends and have fun," James replied. "Do you think you could both come to the park on Sunday so Dylan can play with us?"

"I will," Tessa agreed. "We said we'd try and build snow forts this weekend anyway, right?"

"Right. I just hope the snow's not so hard on Sunday."

"Yeah, I tried to have a snowball fight with my brothers yesterday and we couldn't even make good snowballs." Ricky shivered again. "How much longer is it gonna be this cold?"

"Everyone in my family said it's going to be a hard winter and I think I heard Centipede and Mr. Grasshopper saying it's going to get really cold next weekend," James answered, curling his hands inside his gloves. "But Mrs. Ladybug said we should have sun during the day for the next few days and that'll help a little."

"Hey, do you think Dylan will want to have a snowball fight?"

"You should ask him."

"Okay, then I'll come to the park Sunday too."

"Thanks." James smiled at his friends. "Miss Spider said Dylan needs a friend and you're both my best friends, so you'll probably make him happy too."

The bell rang, causing the three kids to pause in their conversation before making their way back into the warm school. As they did, Tessa turned to smile at James.

"Well, you're our best friend too, James. And friends help each other, so we'll help you."

"Yeah." Ricky pulled his hat off as the three re-entered the building, shaking out his dark brown hair. "And making snow forts always makes you happy. I'll bet Dylan will feel a lot better after playing with us."

"I think so too."
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As it turned out, Mrs. Ladybug was correct and that Sunday afternoon was chilly, but sunny. Still, the morning passed by with only a few people stopping by to enjoy a snowy walk in Central Park. James didn't mind though; he was too busy helping his family prepare the guest room for Dylan.

"Every home needs a guest room," Mrs. Ladybug had said when they had first begun shaping the Peach Pit into a proper house. And so, one of the smaller rooms in the Pit now sported a small bed, a desk, and a chest of drawers, but until recently, the majority of the room stood mostly empty unless someone needed a temporary storage space.

"Sure we don't want to put that room to better use?" Centipede had asked one night, his voice reaching James's bedroom as the little boy was close to dozing off.

"We have plenty of space; I don't see what else we could use it for," Mr. Grasshopper had replied. "And a spare bedroom can always be put to use."

"Especially several years from now, depending on what James decides."

"Well, hopefully that won't happen too soon."

James had been a bit confused about that, but had fallen asleep fairly quickly and no one had said anything to him regarding the family's spare bedroom. And now it looked like James didn't need to decide anything in order to put the bedroom to use.

Well, other than deciding to help get it ready.

"Right. Now we just need the pillowcases."

"I have them, Mrs. Ladybug."

"Thank you, dearie, you're a big help. Did you put your laundry in the hamper?"

"Yes, when I got dressed."

"Good boy. I'll have to ask if Dylan needs any laundry done before school tomorrow." Mrs. Ladybug straightened the pillowcases on the bed, newly made with fresh sheets and blankets. "Right, this room just needs a bit of vacuuming and it should be ready."

"What time will Dylan get here?"

"Around 2:00, I think. His grandmother is having several tests done this afternoon and will likely be too exhausted for visitors afterwards."

James nodded. "Ricky and Tessa said they would probably get to the park at 2:30 and I think some other kids will be there too. Do you think Dylan will want to build a snow fort?"

Mrs. Ladybug laughed. "Well, I'm sure he'll appreciate being asked. But he may need to take things slowly, James, all things considered."

"I know. We'll let him decide what he wants to do first."

"That's very kind of you, dear. But it's getting on noon; why don't you run along downstairs and we'll get you lunch as soon as I'm done here."

"Mrs. Ladybug?"

"Hmm? Yes?"

James paused, then asked,

"Dylan's grandmother is going to be okay, isn't she?"

Mrs. Ladybug set the vacuum aside to face her son. Sighing, she knelt down to lay a hand on his shoulder. "I hope so, love. The doctors are going to do all they can, but... well, there's a chance she may not fully recover."

"What'll happen to her then? And to Dylan?"

"Depending on what Mrs. Anderson needs, she may need to move somewhere."

"Like how Ricky's cousin had to move to New Mexico?"

"Something like that," Mrs. Ladybug explained with a small smile. "I believe in the case of Ricky's cousin, he had problems with his lungs, so hot dry air was better. For Dylan's grandmother, she would probably remain in New York, but would need to live in a special kind of hospital. One where she wouldn't have to stay in bed all the time, but would still have doctors and nurses to take care of her."

"But then, what about Dylan? Would that mean he couldn't go home?"

"We're hoping that's not the case, but there is a chance that could happen, James. And if it comes to that, then we'd have Dylan stay with us longer until a more permanent solution could be reached."

"Couldn't he just stay with us?"

"It's possible, especially since you'll likely end up being the best of friends." Mrs. Ladybug smiled at James. "And if it does come to that, we'd certainly not just let another small boy go without a home and family. But we're still hoping that Dylan will be able to go home with his grandmother."

"I hope that too. I wouldn't want anyone to lose their family," James said softly.

"Oh, James." Mrs. Ladybug hugged James to her, running her fingers through his soft hair. "You're a very kind boy, my dear, and we're all so proud of you for showing that kindness toward Dylan. He may need that in the future, so I'm glad we have you to help us."

"I want to help."

"I know and you have." Mrs. Ladybug kissed James's cheek before letting him go. "Now, let me finish tidying this room and then we'll have a nice lunch before Dylan gets here."

Now, two hours later, and not only was the sun still shining, but the park was starting to fill up a bit as people who had been cooped up due to the snowy weather took advantage of the meager winter sun they had. Despite the living room's closed windows, James could hear the laughs and shouts of children as they raced and tumbled about through the snow. Much as he was eager to join them, James was determined to wait until Dylan arrived before running outside to join the other kids. As such, the little boy had parked himself on the couch with his book while he waited and already he was halfway done with it. At least the story was good and the time seemed to be passing by quickly enough. James looked up at the clock: 2:10. Hmmm, shouldn't he be-

"I think I hear them." Earthworm raised his upper body off the rug he'd been curled up on in front of the fireplace.

James looked up eagerly, shifting slightly to peer out the window. Through the glass, he could see a woman in a black coat walking up the path toward the Peach Pit House. Next to her was a stocky boy in a blue winter coat and matching hat. The boy was carrying a suitcase and the woman was carrying a backpack as well as a briefcase.

James placed his book on the end table and slid to his feet as the rest of his family stood waiting to greet their guest. Mr. Grasshopper met the two at the door, stepping aside to allow them entry.

"Good afternoon. Ms. Gould, isn't it?"

"It is." The woman shook out her short chestnut hair and smiled at the family. Looking at her, James almost couldn't believe she was a case worker; Ms. Gould looked like the kind of person who smiled and laughed a lot, a far cry from the stern and cold people who'd sent James to his aunts. James returned the woman's smile before looking over at the boy.

"And you must be Dylan," Mr. Grasshopper was saying.

"Yeah." Dylan was already pulling off his hat and coat. His round face was red from the chill and his light hair was cut short and stood out on his head like the quills of a porcupine. Underneath his coat, Dylan was wearing a thick woolen sweater and a pair of corduroy trousers.

"We're glad to have you here. You can your coat and hat up by the door."

Dylan glanced up at Mr. Grasshopper only briefly before fully shrugging his arms out of his coat and instead handing them to Ms. Gould. Grasping his suitcase, Dylan looked around the house.

"This is it?"

"Yep. Home sweet home." Centipede grinned at Dylan, but the boy didn't return the bug's cocky smile. Instead, his full lips seemed to twist down in something almost like a pout as he scanned the room. The main room of the Pit, where James and his family had first met, was no longer a hodgepodge of overgrown trash and debris. While the walls were still brown, the floor had been sanded and varnished, with only the middle of the room covered with a light green and white carpet. Two dark green couches were set in the center of the room, along with a few cushioned loveseats and a rocking chair. Directly across from the front door was a rounded fireplace with a polished oaken mantle set atop it. Other than that, each couch had an end table that boasted a lamp, a gleaming oaken coffee table in the middle of the room and a small television set across from the couches. A small chandelier had been set in the ceiling, alongside the hollowed-out lamppost Glowworm used when she wasn't lighting up the Statue of Liberty. It was nothing extravagant, perhaps, but it was cozy and James couldn't have asked for anything better. Dylan, however, seemed to have other ideas.

"I thought it'd be bigger."

"Bigger?" Earthworm asked, tilting his head in confusion. "The room's quite spacious. A little too spacious, if you ask me, but-"

"I think what Dylan means is that it looks like this is all the room we have." Miss Spider smoothly cut off Earthworm's incoming moaning. "You need not worry, Dylan; there is plenty of room both here and upstairs."

"Indeed and you are welcome to it, lad," Mr. Grasshopper said with a nod.

Dylan didn't say anything, but his expression didn't change and he clutched his suitcase tighter. Mrs. Ladybug noticed this and spoke up.

"James dear, why don't you show Dylan to his room? We just need to speak with Ms. Gould for a moment."

"Okay. C'mon, Dylan, it's this way."

James led Dylan up the sturdy wooden steps, rounding a corner to emerge on the second floor landing. Dylan followed James, puffing a bit as he hefted the suitcase up the stairs.

"Do you want help?"

In response, Dylan held the suitcase out to James, who took it with both hands. The little boy stumbled a bit as he tried to heft the case. "Sorry, it's a little heavy," he said with an apologetic grin.

Dylan shrugged. "I couldn't bring all my stuff."

"Oh." James felt a familiar tug in his chest as he remembered having to pack his own suitcase before being sent to Spiker and Sponge. Aside from the suit he'd worn to his parents' funeral, he'd only been allowed to pack his pajamas, a toothbrush, and a few extra clothes as that was all that had fit in the suitcase he'd been given. All the rest of his toys and books and games had been left behind and to this day, James had no idea of what had become of them. Only the fact that he'd kept his travel book in his pocket had saved it from also being left behind and it was pure luck no one had discovered the tiny box of treasures he'd managed to hide under the clothes. "Well, I'm sure we can pick up more of your things from your house if you forgot anything. And I have plenty of toys; I can share them with you."

Once again, Dylan didn't say anything and instead scanned the hallway with its various doors. "Which one's mine?" he asked.

"Here, I'll show you." James lugged Dylan's suitcase along with the older boy following him along. Despite being older, Dylan was roughly the same height as James, if only a little taller. But he was certainly rounder than James, particularly in his face and belly. His face was still red and James wondered if maybe Dylan was too hot in his sweater. Well, all the more reason to ask if Dylan wanted to go outside then.

"This is your room. We got everything ready for you." James pushed open the door and set the suitcase down on the floor. Dylan paused in the middle of the room, ignoring James who was stretching out his arms and fingers from carrying the suitcase.

"Wait, this is it?"

James looked up, surveying the cozy room once again. Aside from the fresh bed and vacuumed rug, the lingering scent of lemon furniture polish hovered in the warm air, and the curtains that hung around the circular window were freshly ironed.

"Is everything okay?"

Dylan turned to stare at James. "This is smaller than my room at home. I thought you guys were rich."

"Well... I guess." In truth, James had never given thought to if he was rich or not. Sure, he and his family were famous and the little boy supposed that with the jobs everyone had, that meant they probably had a good amount of money. But then, when he'd lived with his parents, only his father had worked and James had never considered them poor. If anything, he might have said his aunts had been poor, but even that might not have been true, given all the stuff they'd had.

"So, why don't you live in a mansion with really big rooms and tons of toys?"

James shrugged. "We like the Peach Pit and I have plenty of toys."

"What about a TV? I have a TV in my room at home. Don't you?"

"No, we just have the one downstairs."

"Really?" Dylan looked annoyed. "I'm not gonna be able to sleep without a TV."

"Is it because of the dark? Miss Spider usually leaves the hall light on until I'm asleep."

"No, I just need the TV."

"Oh." James wasn't sure what to say to this. "Maybe... maybe we can send someone over to pick up the TV from your house."

Dylan scowled and scuffed his foot against the carpet. "Great. What am I supposed to do until then?"

"Why don't you come outside with me? My friends are coming by and they all want to meet you."

"Nah, I'm going downstairs since that's where the only TV is." Dylan brushed by James, not bothering to open his suitcase. "Hey, you guys got any cookies?"

"Not until after dinner."

"Oh, unpacked already?" Mr. Grasshopper asked as Dylan tromped back into the living room, closely followed by James.

"I wanna watch TV."

"Ah, well, we're still discussing a few details." Ms. Gould was seated on the couch, several documents spread out on the coffee table. The rest of the bug family was seated around her, either on the couch or on the loveseats which had been pulled up around the table.

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" Dylan asked with a whine.

"James, I believe you said your friends were coming by, yes?" Miss Spider asked.

"Yes." James, who had felt his spirits sink a bit as he talked to Dylan, brightened once more. "They want to meet you Dylan, and we were going to build snow forts today. We were hoping you'd join us."

"Sounds fun. You go on and enjoy," Centipede said.

"Awww, but it's cold out."

"We won't be long, I promise," Mrs. Ladybug assured him. "And once you're out having fun, you won't notice the cold."

"C'mon, Dylan, it'll be fun." James was already pulling on his own coat, gloves, and scarf. "And my friends are really nice."

"That they are," Mr. Grasshopper affirmed. "Run along, boys, and have fun."

"We will. C'mon, Dylan." James was already waiting by the front door.

"Go ahead, Dylan," Ms. Gould urged. She still smiled, but there was a firmness to her voice that Dylan clearly knew well.

With a sigh, the older boy donned his own coat and hat. "Fine. But don't stay too long; my favorite show comes on soon." Yanking on his hat, Dylan trudged after James as both children headed out into the winter sun.

"Doesn't seem too cheery, does he?" Earthworm remarked once the door had closed.

"Now, Earthworm, be nice; Dylan's dealing with a lot right now," Mrs. Ladybug chided gently.

"Indeed. And once he starts having fun, he will likely forget about the television and enjoy himself," Miss Spider added.

"I certainly hope so," Ms. Gould admitted. "I don't think Amelia Anderson limited the time Dylan spent in front of the television set. He might have trouble adjusting."

"Nah, he just needs someone to show him what kind of fun he can have without sitting around all day," Centipede assured her. "And trust me, that's somethin' our Jimmy can do."

"Oh, well, that's good to hear." Ms. Gould noted something down in one of her files. "Your son seems like such a nice boy. I have the feeling that James's influence is just what Dylan needs right now."