Matty went downstairs with the twins, his sister, and Joey. Matty booted up the game and let the twins play first. He sat with his sister and Joey on the couch while the twins started very happily playing Death Demon IV.

Matty looked at Joey he seemed sad, "What's wrong Joey? Are you ok?"

Joey looked at him, "I'm sorry. My parents were fighting the whole way here. I think they may separate. I don't know. I want to live with my dad if they do but I have a feeling I'll have to live with my mom. I mean my dad works all the time but at least he's fun sometimes. It's going to suck if my dad moves out and it's just my mom and me. I wish I could just have your parents adopt me. Then you and Leann could be promoted to fake brother and sister instead of fake cousins.'

Leann spoke, "I'm sorry, Joey. That sucks about your parents. But there's nothing fake about you being our family. Matty & I love you like another brother."

Joey smiled, "Thanks. I love you two like a real brother and sister too. I mean Jamie and Phillip are awesome, but they are so much older. Plus, Jamie lives in NYC and well when he comes home. He spends most of his time here. You're his favorite, Matty. Your everyone's favorite."

Matty felt bad for hogging Jamie. Jamie and he just had a special bond. Matty was going to talk to Jamie about spending more time with Joey. Jamie always did go over there but Carrie drove him nuts too. So he usually did not spend that much time over there.

Matty looked at him, "I'm sorry, Joey. I'll talk to Jamie. I'm sure he would be willing to make more time for you. And I am not everyone's favorite. Look at Leann, Phillip is her favorite brother."

Leann looked at Matty, "Well actually Joey's right. You are my favorite too. I am nobody's favorite either if that makes you feel better, Joey. Not even my parents. Matty's my dad's favorite and Phillip is my mom's favorite."

Matty spoke," That's not true. You're my favorite sister. I know you are Phillip and Jamie's favorite sister too."

Leann laughed, "I'm your only sister. Your favorite brother is Jamie. You and he are so much alike. Except you have some dad in you."

Matty looked at her, "I always thought I was more like Mom."

Leann smiled, "No, you are more like dad without the attitude. You are just like him except instead of dad's attitude you got mom's gentleness and patience. You got lucky. You are a mix of Mom and Dad's best qualities. I got mix of Grandma's sarcasm and Dad's attitude."

Matty laughed, "I think we all got Grandma's sarcasm. I wish I was as tough as you are. You don't take any crap from anyone. "

Leann looked at him, "And I won't let anyone give you any crap either, Matty. You too, Joey. Although Aunt Carrie does scare me a little."

Joey laughed, "Thanks. I just wish she would loosen up occasionally. I mean she does occasionally. But it's rare. She is my mom, and I do love her. But I really can't wait until I'm old enough to go to college and can move out on my own."

Matty looked at him, "I think my dad still owns an apartment building near Georgetown. We can get you one of those apartments. My dad lived in like 3 or 4 of them and Phillip had one before he married Irene."

Joey smiled, "I know my parent's plan for me is to go to Georgetown and become a lawyer like my dad. But I don't really want that. I kind of want to go into the film industry. Become a director or something. I mean I have the connections for that. I could work at IFF too. You know in the department that makes the real films. It was so cool that time Uncle Lee took me to IFF. I really liked Scotty Parker. He heads the department that make the real documentary films. He's such a cool guy. I know my parents would never let me.

Matty looked at him, "Scotty is cool. He loves my dad. They do use some of those guys to do real missions though. I mean you will get some field training. You wouldn't be a full field agent, but they do use those guys to gather information and have real spies embedded. Your mom isn't going to like this."

Joey nodded, "Yeah, I'll probably end up a boring lawyer like my dad. It's just a pipe dream. "

Leann spoke, "When your 18, Matty will be 20. I bet he'll let you live with him."

Matty looked at her, "Leann there's a very good chance I'll still be living here when I'm 20. Joey could always live at the estate in England. Nobody is living there now. You could live there if you wanted. There's lots of good film schools in London."

Joey smiled, "I don't want to live in England. If I were to go anywhere. It would maybe be New York City. At least Jamie is there, and NYU has one of the best film schools. I mean I might not have to settle for just making documentaries. You know none of this will ever happen though, right? My mom will never go for any of it. I am going to just end up a lawyer."

Leann spoke, "Your mom loves you though Joey. You are her world. I can tell. I bet she will come around eventually."

Leann smiled, "Thank you. I know. I love her too. My parents are never going to understand me wanting to go into the film business. It would be my dad that would be disappointed in me too."

Matty looked at him, "You know what? I'll be right back."

Matty ran upstairs. He saw Jamie, Phillip, Irene, Baby Dottie, Uncle Joe, and Aunt Carrie in the living room. His parents were in the kitchen. His grandmother was not back yet.

His parents saw him first. His mother came over to him and put her hand on his forehead, "Are you alright sweet boy? Do you need to lie down?"
Matty nodded no, "No, I need to borrow Jamie for a few minutes. I'll tell you later."

His mother nodded. "Jamie, can you come into the kitchen for a minute?"

Jamie came in, "Hey Mom, you need me to help with something?"

His mother answered, "Your little brother needs you. Just figured if Matty went in there. He'd never escape."

Jamie smiled at Matty warmly, "What's up little dude? "

Matty nodded, "Can you come downstairs for a minute? We were having a conversation about me hogging you."

Jamie raised his eyebrow, "You hogging me? "

Matty looked at him, "Yeah well Joey likes you too. I think he'd like it if you spent more time with him. I just figured maybe you could come down and talk to him."

Jamie made a face, "Oh my gosh. I am such a jerk. Poor Joey. He is my brother too. It's just easier with you and Leann."

Matty smiled, "That's what I said. There's some other stuff too. I just figured you should come down. Talk to him too. I think it will make him feel better."

Jamie nodded, "Yeah, absolutely."

Jamie walked with Matty back down the basement stairs. Joey and Leann were talking quietly. Matty had no clue what they were saying because they were talking too softly and the way they had their heads turned Matty was not able to read their lips..

Matty moved to the recliner and Jamie sat next to Joey.

He smiled at him, "Hey Joey, I am so sorry that I have been neglecting you."

Joey looked at Matty, "You told him? Look Jamie. I totally get it. My mom's a drag. I didn't really want Matty to tell you. I'm sorry."

Jamie looked at him, "No, man. I'm glad Matty said something. You're right. I do pay more attention to Matty, Leann, and Phillip when I come. I need to be better about spending some time with you. You are my brother too. I really am sorry."

Then Leann spoke, "Tell him the other thing you were upset about Joey. If anyone can help you, its Jamie. He went through the same stuff when he was young. Uncle Joe wanted him to be a lawyer too."

Jamie laughed "No, I was going to be a doctor because science was my favorite when I was little. My mom and dad thought I'd be the doctor. Phillip was the one dad wanted to follow in his footsteps and be a lawyer because he's a smooth talker. Dad was disappointed when I wanted to become a photojournalist.

But my mom convinced him that it wasn't a waste of a career. She wheeled and dealed on my behalf to get his support. Dad got over it. Especially because Phillip wasn't even talking to him at the time. He didn't want to lose both of his sons. Why do you not want to be a lawyer, Joey? "

Joey looked at them, "You won't tell my parents if I tell you why. Will you?"

Jamie looked at him, "No, not at all. Seriously I am not a snitch. You can trust me."

Joey looked down at his feet as he spoke, "I want to be a filmmaker. Maybe work for IFF in the cover department. I'm probably not good enough to get into the movie or television business. But documentaries like IFF's new one 'Carbonated Water: A History' I could be good at."

Jamie smiled, "Really? That's so cool. Dude you might not have to work for IFF making boring documentaries. I know people that could help you break into the real film business. It would be so nice if you got more famous than me."

Joey looked at him, "Yeah but there's no way my parents are going to let me. I mean maybe my dad would. But I don't know about my mom."

Jamie looked at him, "Maybe my mom could help."

Joey scoffed, "I doubt that. Your mom is only a small notch above Phillip for who she likes. She is so jealous of your mom."

Jamie nodded, "Got it. Lee can help. Your mom loves Lee. My mom can just tell him what to say to her. My mom can work on your dad. She can get both Lee and my dad to do whatever she thinks is right. It's harder with my dad. But my mom can be pretty convincing when she needs to be. She is probably the best person for the job."

Joey smiled, "Or maybe I could just study law at Georgetown and do film as a minor or something."

Jamie looked at him, "Little dude dos, if you want NYU. I can get you in. It would give you a leg up. I would be honored if you name dropped me. Let me use my fame for something other than getting swag bags for my grandma. We will make this work, dude. I promise. Then hopefully you can surpass my fame. Although when Leann becomes a famous fashion designer. Nobody is going to surpass her fame."

Leann laughed, "You know it. I think I'm the only one in the family that wants nothing to do with the agency or being a spy. I don't even want to work there when I'm 16."

Jamie looked at her, "I liked working there. It was fun. I think the best part was getting the clearance so I could find out all the cool stuff Mom and Lee had done. They are legends at the Agency. It is worth it so you can see how awesome Mom & Lee are."

Leann smiled, "I know how awesome Mom & Dad are. I don't need to work for IFF to now that. I want nothing to do with the spy work. It's that place's fault that I had to wait until I was almost five years old to meet my brother and father. Matty would not be deaf. Plus hey hurt Matty when he first got home. If we had nothing to do with the agency none of us would have to have weird guys following us around all the time for protection. I wouldn't have to be scared all the time."

Matty put his arm around his sister, "You don't have to be scared. Dad will always come for us. No matter what. And when Dad gets too old. I will always come for you, I promise."

Leann leaned into Matty, "Well I'll always come for you too."

Joey looked at them, "Nobody would ever come for me."

Matty spoke, "Leann and I will. I promise."

Jamie spoke, "I will too, Little dude dos."

Joey looked at them, "Thanks guys. Jamie, little dude dos?"

Jamie looked at him, "No? Phillip and I were discussing nicknames. We came up with that one. You don't like it? We can keep working on it."

Joey laughed, "It's ok. It's better than Binky, I guess."

Jamie looked at him," How about we shorten it to LDD?"

Joey laughed, "Whatever you and Phillip want to call me. I'm ok with. I mean I'm ok not really having a nickname. Why do you call Matty little dude anyway?"

Jamie smiled, "Oh, Phillip and I went through a phase of calling Lee, dude. I mean we already had a dad even though Lee's been more of a dad to Phillip and I then our dad ever was. Although Dad really is trying to make more of an effort now."

Joey nodded, "He still works like all the time. And he keeps going over to England. Although it was fun when he took me with him over the summer. It was just he and I. Tony was so much fun to hang out with. Have you talked to Tony yet, Matty?"

Matty smiled, "No, I was going to, but I slept through most of yesterday. Mom wants me to invite all the British crew for Christmas this year."

Jamie said, "That would be awesome if Tony actually came to the US for Christmas. I mean I know his mom Rosa is terrified of flying and Tony won't leave his mom. But maybe if you ask him."

Matty spoke, "No, Tony probably won't come. But I bet we will get everyone else. Although I'm not sure if Chef will ever come back. He and Grandma do not get along."

Jamie laughed, 'I bet Sven and his wife will come again. Maybe their daughter Hannah will come."

Matty smiled at Jamie, "Hannah is in NYC. I thought you knew that. Did she not call you?"

Jamie looked at Matty, "Hannah is in NYC? Why didn't anyone tell me? "

Matty looked at him, "I didn't think about it. You never talk about girls you like. I kind of forgot you had a thing for her. Sorry, dude."

Jamie looked at Joey, "Little dude dos an opening for my new favorite little brother just opened up."

Matty gave Jamie a fake hurt look, "That's ok. Phillip will be happy that he's my favorite older brother again. I figured Mom would have told you about Hannah."

Jamie looked at Matty, "Mom doesn't know I like her."

Matty looked at him. "Mom knows everything. She can read our minds. Just ask Mom for her number."

Jamie looked embarrassed. "No man. I'll just ask Lee. Mom will make it weird."

Matty laughed. "Mom is cool about helping with girls. She's been helping me alot with Rachel. She's really good at relationship stuff."

Jamie looked at Matty, "Seriously dude. You go to Mom for relationship advice? I guess that makes sense. You would think she is good at dating. You've only ever seen her with your dad. Oh my God, she had the worst taste in men. They were all such dweebs."

Leann piped in, "Jamie, remember Lester the guy that looked like a turtle and smelled like old books?"

Jamie laughed, "Oh god. He was the one that had the pencil sharpener collection, right? Or was that, Donald?"

Leann laughed, "No Donald was the one that collected the potato chips that looked like famous people. He gave Mom the potato chip that looked like Lincoln for Valentine's Day. Then Phillip ate it by accident. Donald was one of the better ones of Mom's lame ass guys. Lester the turtle guy was the one that had the pencil sharpener collection. I am so glad Daddy came back. But I think she was just dating those guys to keep Grandma off her back. Matty's right though mom is good with relationship advice. Phillip, Matty, & I all listen to her. That may be why you are the only one of us siblings that's still single"

Jamie gave her a look, "Whoa, you are only eleven years old. Are you saying you aren't single?"

Matty laughed, "Leann's got a little boyfriend. His name is Levi."

Jamie looked at Leann, "I'm guessing Lee doesn't know about Levi if that kid is still alive."

Leann smiled, "Dad knows. He is ok with it because we are only 12. I know I'm still 11 but I'll be 12 in December. Dad is only ok with it because I am only 11. He thinks we haven't kissed or anything."

Jamie spoke, "Whoa, hold up. What do you mean he thinks? Have you? Do I need to kill this Levi kid? Because I may be the sensitive artist in the family, but I have no problem killing if some little Romeo takes advantage of my little sister."

Leann spoke, "Seriously you do not have to kill Levi, Jamie. I took advantage of him. Not the other way around. I did a Rachel and kissed him. I didn't want my first kiss to be when I'm old like Matty."

Jamie stared at her, "You think Matty's old? What does that make Phillip and I?"

Leann smiled, "Ancient. How old were you when you had your first kiss, Jamie? Were you old like Matty?"

Jamie laughed, "Wow. I was sixteen too. It was Colleen Dennis. She was my first real girlfriend. As long as Lee didn't get Conner in trouble. I should call Colleen and say hi. We are still friends."

Matty spoke, "If you call Colleen, I should probably tell you that Principal Dennis wanted to know if you wanted to talk to the school."

Jamie made a face, "Not really. I hate public speaking. But I'll do it for them. See that's even more motivation for me to use my connections to help you get famous, LDD. So I don't have to be the one that gives motivational speeches."

Joey smiled, "Thanks Jamie. About this nickname thing. Maybe you and Phillip should keep trying. I'm not sure little dude dos or LDD is quite right. It's ok for now though until you think of a better one."

Phillip came down the stairs and interrupted. "Yo munchkins, monsters, and doofus. Dinner is ready."

"Yo wormbrain. Little dude dos or LDD has been accepted as an interim nickname until we find the perfect one for Joey."

Phillip smiled, "Nice. Oh, and my family calls dibs on Death Demon IV after you beat it, little dude. Is that cool?"

Matty smiled, "Yeah of course but my friend Jeff is going to come next weekend. I kind of want to play Death Demon with him Then I'll let you guys borrow it or I'm sure my dad will buy you your own copy when its released next week"

Phillip spoke, "Way more fun to steal yours because then you have to come over. C'mon let's go eat. Matty, you really look like crap. You should def lie down after we eat."

Matty nodded, "I really am doing ok."

They all went upstairs. They had a kid's table set up. Matty sat in between Leann and Joey. The other side of the table was Jimmy, Mandy, and Baby Dottie. Phillip sat at the head of the kid's table so he could keep an eye on baby Dottie.

At family dinners it was normally Irene who took care of Baby Dottie. But at family dinners that Carrie was in attendance. Phillip always chose to sit at the family table. Baby Dottie was getting older. At least they had another one on the way so Phillip could get away with doing it a little longer.

Matty almost wondered if Phillip kept popping out kids just for the excuse of sitting at the kiddie table longer to avoid eating at the big table with Carrie.

His mother put the food on their table, then she came over to Matty.

She touched his forehead to check for a fever "How are you feeling, sweet boy? You look exhausted and pale. After we finish eating. I want you to go lie down, ok?"

Matty nodded, "I will, Mom."

Leann spoke,"I'll keep an eye on Matty, Mom. Maybe Jamie should sit at the kid's table too. In case Matty passes out in the food or something. He is wearing his camera. It would be a good photo opp."

Their mother rolled her eyes, "Matty passing out in his food is not a good photo opp."

Matty heard Jamie yell from the big table. "It kind of would be, Mom."

Their mother rolled her eyes. "Don't pass out, sweet boy. You'll get no sympathy from your siblings. "

Matty smiled, "I can make it through. I am hungry. Grandma did all this for me and I want to be with everyone."

Matty was exhausted and the pain in his ear was getting worse because the medication was wearing off. But Matty powered through the dinner. His grandmother had made it special for him.

He ate his food quickly because he felt like his sister was right. He did not want to give Jamie the photo opp. His family was talking and laughing around him. But the room was starting to spin.

He heard Phillip say," Lee, Mom come quick. I think Matty really is going to pass out."

Phillip and his dad were immediately at his side. Matty felt really dizzy. His dad and Phillip helped him to his room. His mother was behind them.

They got to his bedroom and Phillip and his dad helped him get into bed. His dad took Matty's shoes off.

Then Matty heard the phone ring.

Matty heard his grandmother yell from downstairs, "Lee! Francine is on the phone. Says its urgent!"

Phillip spoke, "I'll talk to Francine. You take care of Matty, Lee."

HIs dad nodded, "Tell her unless we are on the verge of WWIII again or something. I'm staying with my son."

Phillip nodded," Yeah, don't worry about anything. I'll talk to Francine. I'll handle everything."

His dad turned to his mother, "Should we take him back to the hospital?"

His mother was stroking Matty's hair. "No, I think he just overdid it today. He will be alright."

Matty looked at his mother," I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't mean to scare everyone again. I was trying to make it through. I was having fun. I almost made it."

His mother kissed his forehead, "You pushed yourself too much. It's my fault. I should have stopped your grandmother from organizing the big family dinner. You weren't ready."

Matty smiled weakly though, "It was great though. Seeing everyone. Hearing what everyone sounds like. I loved it. It's nice having Jamie home too. But he has to spend more time with Joey. The poor kid feels left out. Can we let him come to our house more often? I think he needs more time away from Aunt Carrie."

His mother smiled, "Joey is always welcome here. But it's up to Uncle Joe and Aunt Carrie how much time he spends here."

Matty looked at his mom, "Can he live with us when he turns 18 and goes to film school instead of becoming a lawyer? Jamie's going to help him get into NYU if he wants that. If Uncle Joe and Aunt Carrie throw him out. I'll pay for his school. "

Matty hadn't meant to say that. He was just sick and exhausted. His mother smiled at him, "Joey doesn't want to be a lawyer? That makes sense. He's only 14 though. Things change. Well, your Uncle Joe will support him if that's what he really wants. He won't let your Aunt Carrie throw Joey out. He will probably be disappointed, but he doesn't ever want to have one of his children not talk to him again. Joey's his second chance to do things better."

His father came in the room with his pills and a glass of water. His father looked so worried. "Are you sure we don't have to take him to the hospital again, Amanda? He is the wrong color?"

His mom stroked Matty's face. " I'm sure. He just needs his medication and to rest some more. We'll leave the door to our bedroom open a little again tonight. You don't have to knock. Just come right in if you need us."

Matty took his pills and looked at his dad, "I'm sorry, Dad."

His dad looked at him," Hey buddy. Don't apologize so much alright? We just want you to get better. You are more important than having behind locked door time with your mother. Believe me, your mom and I are used to having to figure out different ways to have our alone time."

Matty groaned, "Gross Dad. Your supposed to make me feel better not make me want to puke."

His dad laughed, "Well at least you still have your sense of humor. Get some rest so your mom and I can lock the bedroom door again soon."

Phillip came in the room, "Sorry to interrupt. Lee, we need to go to the office. It's big."

Matty looked at his dad. " I'm just going to sleep anyway. Mom is here. Go save the world, Dad."

His dad looked at his mother, "Amanda, you will call me if he gets worse, ok? Phillip, this better be good."

Phillip spoke," Lee, you're going to want in on this. It's Addi Birol. They think they've located him here in DC. "

His mother went over and kissed his father, "Get that bastard, Lee. End this."

Matty looked at his mother, "If you need to go too, Mom. I'll be ok. Jamie and Grandma can take care of me. I really am going to be alright. I wish I could go help too."

His dad looked at him, "I promise you I will do whatever it takes to make sure that son of a bitch never hurts my family again. Amanda if we need you to look at anything I'll call. You can just use the computer downstairs in the basement.. You take care of yourself,kiddo. Amanda, call me no matter what if he gets worse."

Then his dad tapped "I love you." on Matty's forehead. His father kissed his mother again and left the bedroom.

Notes:

Next chapter - Matty and Rachel reunite for real this time. We will get an update on what was going on at the Agency.