His mother never came back that night. Matty just watched television with his father the rest of the night. As soon as the sun came up. He left his parent's bedroom. He wanted to see what was going on with his mother and Jamie, but the door was closed.

He sighed and went down to the kitchen and started the coffee maker. He had to go back to school today. He was going to probably see Rachel today. God after everything that had happened since she ran off that day. That was the least of his problems.

The coffee finished percolating. Matty grabbed his tan mug that said "Matty" on it and poured himself a cup. Then he went over to the couch and sat down.

His mother came down the stairs. "Good morning, sweet boy. Did you sleep at all?"

Matty looked at her, "No, I was worried about Jamie. How is he?"

She sighed, "He will be alright. It is just going to take time. Tonight, I'm going to set up a rollaway bed for you in your sister's room. I also am going to call Phillip and see if he'll spend the night. I think it might help for the two of them to spend some time together. They both need each other right now."

Matty looked at her, "Can't I just stay in the room with them? Jamie liked it when I read to him."

His mother smiled, "We'll see how Jamie does tonight. You need to rest too. None of this was easy on you either. You were brainwashed too."

Matty looked at her, "I'm fine now, Mom. I got a clean bill of health from all the doctors. You are sending me back to school today. It is all going to be alright."

His mother nodded. "I know. But I'm your mother and I worry about you. It will be good for you and your sister to be in the same room. I'm worried about her too. I don't know what she saw. She won't tell me. Maybe she will tell you."

Matty spoke, "I'm pretty sure she saw everything, Mom. I'm a little worried about her too but she seems alright. She's been sleeping the best of all of us."

Then she looked at him. "How about you use the bathroom downstairs to get showered and changed? I'll go in your room and grab some clothes. I finally got Jamie to go back to sleep. I don't want you to wake him up."

Matty cleaned up and got ready to go back to school. His mother was taking him, and his father was going to take Leann.

He left with his mother to go to the school. They had to go a little earlier to meet with Principal Dennis since Matty had missed so much school.

His mother had told the school the most off the wall story. The story was that Matty & the family had a bout with Dengue fever. That when Matty was in the hospital. There had been a patient that came back from Africa that had been in the room before Matty, and there was a mosquito in the hospital room that bit everyone. The whole family had caught Dengue fever. It was a crazy story that made Matty's brain hurt worse than the brainwashing had. Matty was amazed at his mother's ability to sell it.

Matty was going to be on his own at school today. He was a little nervous. He had his hearing aid and could speak now so he no longer needed an interpreter. He was not sure how the other kids were going to treat him. Especially Rachel. They had not officially broken up yet.

They went to Principal Dennis's office. She smiled at them. "Good morning Matty & Amanda. It's so good to see you back. How are you all feeling?"

His mother spoke, "Well Matty is doing great. Jamie got the Dengue fever worst. He's still recovering at the house. My daughter and the grandkids are doing well now too."

Principal Dennis nodded, "Dengue fever a mosquito born virus in November. Well, it is too crazy a story to be made up. I'm glad that Matty is back. We missed him. All his makeup work has been turned in on time. My daughter Colleen is really worried about Jamie. She can't catch anything if she goes to visit Jamie. Can she?"

His mother smiled, "I would give Jamie a few more days before she sees him. The fever is mostly out of his system. He's still very weak. He was the mosquito's first victim. I don't think he is quite ready to see his friends yet. He took a leave of absence from his job. Jamie will probably be here in DC at least through the holidays. Maybe in a week or two, Colleen could come see him. I think that it would cheer him up a lot to see her."

Principal Dennis smiled, "Let him know that we are thinking about him. Jamie was always my favorite of Colleen's men. They were very cute together and Jamie was always so sweet to her. It is a shame he moved to New York. I was always rooting for those two to get back together. Especially after Jackson dumped her the way he did. But I'm losing track of what's important. You and I will have to get coffee sometime and catch up, Amanda. Now Matty can speak now? He no longer needs an interpreter?"

Matty smiled at her, "No, ma'am. The surgery worked. I have a hearing aid that works, and I can speak."

Principal Dennis smiled, "Well it's wonderful to hear your voice, Matty. Although I have to say it was nice to have Phillip back for a little bit. Keeping my teachers on their toes."

His mother smiled, "Well, Phillip loves it here. I'm sure in the spring when Matty starts playing sports. You are going to see a lot of him. He has four kids coming your way as well. You are going to have a whole lot of Phillip in your future. I'm sure. You'll love my daughter in law Irene. Have you met her? She is going to be a great addition to the PTA when the twins reach high school age. Although Irene is very busy it most likely will be Phillip who joins the PTA."

Principal Dennis smiled, "Well I know we thankfully at least have you again for the next few years between Matty & your daughter. When your daughter graduates. It's not unheard of for grandparents to be a part of the PTA."

His mother smiled, "Well that is a long way off. The twins just started kindergarten this year."

Principal Dennis smiled, "It really is great to have you back, Amanda. Matty should get to class. Give me a call sometime. We will schedule that coffee and come up with a way to get our kids back together."

His mother smiled. "Well, I think he is most likely going to go back to New York after the holidays. I'm not sure if anything will happen there. But he is going to be in town for a while. Colleen is welcome at our house anytime. You are too. I'll tell my husband to behave."

Principal Dennis smiled at his mother, "Oh, I can handle Lee. Are you sure he's not Phillip's father?"

His mother laughed, "You are not the first person to ask me that. I did not even know Lee back then."

Matty heard the bell ring. Matty hugged his mother and said goodbye to Principal Dennis. Then he headed to his first period class. His teachers were very nice to him. He went through his first four classes and did not really talk to anyone other than the teachers.
Then it was time for lunch.

Matty went to the back stairwell and sat down. Maybe he could just go unnoticed for the rest of his high school career. He pulled out his peanut butter sandwich and a book. He started eating and reading. When he heard footsteps coming.

Rachel came up to him, "Hey Matty."

Matty put his book down, this was it, "Hey Rachel."

She sighed, "I am so sorry about what happened. I just..."

Matty hoped he could get this over with quickly, "It's ok. I understand. I'll leave you alone. I shouldn't have pushed you that day. I'm really sorry if I hurt you."

Rachel looked sad, "You didn't push me that hard. It was just seeing you that sick. It scared me. I didn't know what to do so I ran away. I really am sorry. I miss you. Do you want to go back to the way things were before? Pretend like it never happened?"

Matty just wanted it to be over, "I really like you, Rachel. You were nice to me. I've never had a girlfriend before. But honestly, I don't think it was working. I'm a little screwed up. I kind of need things to go at a slower pace. I'm sorry. I hope we can still be friends."

Rachel looked sad, "I can slow down. I really like you, Matty. You are so sweet and gentle. Most of the other guys I've been with are way pushier. I know I screwed up. I'd really like for us to try again."

Matty felt awful. He didn't want to hurt her feelings but he also really did not want to go out with her anymore. Matty looked down, "I'm so sorry, Rachel. I really like you. You deserve someone better than me. I'd like for us to still be friends but I completely understand if you don't want to. I'll leave you alone. I'll just eat my lunch in the stairwell from now on."

Rachel looked scared, "No. Go sit at the table, Matty. Please. Those guys are barely talking to me now. They are all mad at me. Not at you. Bobby told me to come make it right with you or he'd never talk to me again. Jeff already had already stopped talking to me before the home invasion. You know about that right? That some burglars broke into Jeff's house and shot him?"

Matty nodded, "Yeah, I visited him in the hospital the other day."

Rachel nodded, "Yeah go sit with the guys. Jeff is the most popular guy in 10th grade. He loves you Matty. Please none of them will ever talk to me again if I don't make things right with you."

Wait was it never about him with her? She seemed more concerned about being able to sit at the popular table. Matty was starting to think that maybe he was dodging a bullet.

Just then Bobby Fergusen came over, "Leave Stetson alone, Rachel. Dude, come sit at our table. We choose you over her."

Matty spoke, "I don't want to cause problems, Bobby. Rachel has been friends with you longer."

Bobby made a face, "You and I have known each other since you came back when you were ten. I remember playing with you a little at the park with our brothers when we were really little before you got kidnapped. I've lived next door to your family my whole life. Technically I've known you longer if you don't count the time you were missing. If your dad wasn't so scary. I'm guessing you and I would be really good friends. I always liked you."

Matty smiled, "It's more your dogs and your oldest brother Billy that my dad hates. Well and your dad, Bobby. He doesn't have a problem with you. My mother will make sure he's on his best behavior to you if you ever want to come over."

Bobby smiled at Matty, "Yeah, your mom is really nice. Jeff said you have the new Death Demon game."

Matty spoke, "Well actually that game is at my brother's house now. But he only lives a couple streets over. We could go play it over there. Just a word of warning his house is usually pure chaos."

Bobby looked at him, "Sounds like my house. There are seven of us and four dogs. That would be awesome to go hang at Phillip's house. He's such a cool guy. I kind of would like to hang out at your house too sometime. I mean you are right next door. Maybe I can broker the peace between our families."

Matty never thought it was much of a feud between their families. It was mostly the dogs got into their yard. His dad would go over and yell. The Fergusen's would yell back. Then his dad would come home and start grumbling. Then his family would make fun of his dad. Matty looked at him, "Just never talk about your dogs or Billy. My dad wants me to have friends. He should be alright. Honestly the more time you spend with my father you'll see how not scary he is. He's pretty awesome actually"

Bobby smiled at Matty, "C'mon let's go sit at the table with the other guys. It's up to you if Rachel can still sit with us. Jeff's convinced by senior year, you are going to surpass him as the most popular guy in the school."

Matty smiled at her, "I highly doubt that. Yeah of course Rachel can sit at the table. Just because I don't want to date you anymore. I really would like to stay friends with you. You were the first person at the school to be nice to me. You'll always be my first kiss."

Rachel smiled at him, "I really am sorry I screwed it all up, Matty. You really are a great guy. You aren't a freak or screwed up at all. You should know that. Your older brother Jamie is single right?"

Matty was confused, "He's thirty. He usually dates girls around his own age give or take a couple of years."

Rachel smiled, "Ok well too bad. Joey's cute. He's fourteen right? That isn't too much younger than us."

Matty was definitely not going to take Rachel back, "I'll ask him for you. But my sister is his best friend. My sister doesn't like you that much. And I thought Jessie had a crush on Joey."

Rachel nodded, "She has more of a crush on you especially now that you got really good looking."

Matty wanted out of this conversation. He needed to tell his sister Leann about all this. He wished he and his sister were just a little bit closer in age so that she could help him navigate being in high school.

Bobby turned to her, "You're getting weird again, Rachel. You know I'm not really that hungry, Matty. Do you want to just go shoot some hoops or something until lunch is over?"

Matty nodded yes, "See you later, Rachel."

Bobby went back to the table and grabbed his backpack. Then Matty followed him to the gym.

Bobby just went and took out his sandwich, "I don't really want to shoot hoops. I just wanted to get away from Rachel. She is such a weird chick. You can do so much better."

Matty smiled at Bobby, "Thanks man. Also, the other week when I was sick. I appreciate you being so nice to me. I really was out of that day."

Bobby smiled at him, "Dude, it's all good. You were sick. I'm just glad you're alright now. I'll help you get a normal chick next time."

Matty smiled shyly, "Actually Jeff has a cousin named Lacie. I met her the other day when I visited him in the hospital. She gave me her number. I think I'm going to ask her out. Do you think she'll think it's weird if I bring my little sister and her boyfriend along?"

Bobby looked at him, "Isn't your sister like 10? She has a boyfriend?"

Matty nodded, "She's going to be eleven in less than a month. I just ...this is lame but I'm terrible at dating. The nice thing about Rachel was she didn't care. She would just tell me where we were going on our dates. She didn't care that I would bring my parents."

Bobby laughed, "Oh wow, dude. How about you ask Lacie out for a double date with my girlfriend and I. We can get a pizza and go to the movies.. My girlfriend Lisa and I usually do that every Friday night. So just let me know when you do it."

Matty smled at Bobby, "Thanks man. I appreciate it."

The rest of the day went well. It was a relief off Matty's shoulders to officially be broken up with Rachel. When school ended he went out to the parking lot. He was waiting for his mother to come pick him up but he saw Vetty pull up.

Phillip was there. He was still sporting his beard. Matty had shaved his. You couldn't really tell he had a beard and it was super itchy. So Matty just gave up and shaved.

Phillip had his goofy smile back. It was nice to see Phillip smile again. Being at Arlington High always made Phillip happy.

Matty walked up to Phillip, "Hey little dude. How was your first day back?"

Matty ran his fingers through his hair, "I officially broke up with Rachel."

Phillip looked at him, "Oh wow. Was that the first time you talked to her since puke-gate?"

Matty nodded, "Yeah, you and Leann were right about her. She is a weird girl. She asked me if Jamie was single?"

Phillip laughed, "Oh wow. He's thirty. But even if Rachel was age appropriate for him. That's a violation of bro-code. You don't date your brother's ex-girlfriend."

Matty smiled, "I know. It gets better. Then she asked me about Joey."

Phillip made a face, "Oh wow, dude. Doesn't her sister Jessie like Joey? So she wanted to violate bro-code & girl-code?"

Matty nodded, "Yeah she was violating all the codes. I'm so thankful for Bobby from next door. He saved me from the rest of the conversation. I'm sure she was going to ask me about you next. Bobby's a real nice guy. He said he would double date with me when I ask Jeff's cousin Lacie out."

They got into Vetty and Phillip started driving home.

Phillip grinned, "I'm proud of you little dude. You are getting there. So, to get serious for a second. How's Jamie doing? Mom said he had a rough night. Kept you up."

Matty looked at Phillip, "He's a mess. I'm worried about him. I told Mom I didn't mind him keeping me awake. She just wants me to get some sleep tonight. I would rather stay in the room with Jamie and you though. I don't care about sleeping. That's what coffee is for."

Phillip smiled, "I got the doofus tonight. You handle the runt. Mom's worried about her too. She saw Jamie kill Birol and we all saw him shoot my father. "

Matty spoke, "How is Uncle Joe? I mean he and Jamie haven't talked yet since everything."

Phillip sighed, "He's worried about Jamie too. He wants Mom to bring Jamie to come see him. I know Grandma Diane and Carrie tried to talk to to Jamie today. But I guess Jamie just broke down again. Carrie likes me now. I mean I know that it's a good thing. But honestly little dude it's weird. You'll see. The only thing I don't like is I think Mom is going to end up being the new Phillip."

Matty spoke, "Well Carrie has always been jealous of Mom. Like Mom didn't even go back to your dad when she thought my dad was dead."

Phillip laughed, "They would never get back together in a million years. If Mom hadn't got pregnant with me. I don't think they would have even ended up married. I screwed up both of their lives just by being born."

Matty looked at Phillip, "No you didn't, dude. Mom adores you. Mom loves kids. I know she doesn't think of you like a mistake."

Phillip smiled, "Yeah, Mom is the best. But she had dreams and stuff too. She didn't want to be a housewife."

Matty looked at him, "Mom would have made a lousy photojournalist. Things needed to happen just as they did. Mom needed to meet my dad. My dad really needed all of us. He's told me a few times that he's not sure he would still be alive if it wasn't for Mom."

Phillip grinned, "Yeah Mom bringing your Dad home was the best thing that ever happened to our family. I just wish she had done it alot sooner so Jamie and I could've had more time with him when we were kids.'

They pulled into the driveway. Phillip went and grabbed his overnight bag from the back. Matty went into the house.

His mother was in the kitchen. She smiled at him, "Hey sweet boy. How did it go?"

Matty smiled at her, "Good. I'm officially broken up with Rachel now. Bobby Fergusen was super nice to me. He wants to come over and hang out sometime. Can you talk to Dad? Tell him to be nicer to the Fergusen's or at least not to go on any rants about the dogs if Bobby does come."

His mother smiled, "Yes, that's no problem. I'll make sure he behaves around Bobby."

There was a plate of fresh brownies on the counter. Matty pointed to them. His mother smiled and nodded yes. Matty took one and started eating it.
Phillip came in the kitchen and just grabbed a brownie too, "Yo Mom. What's the haps? How's doofus doing? Should I go bring him a brownie?"

His mother smiled, "I already brought him some. Maybe if you go in there and start eating his brownies. He will actually want to eat some."

Phillip smiled, "So I have your permission to steal from him? Really?"

She smiled, "Well nothing else is working. Maybe you can annoy him back to his old self. It's worth a shot. Also see if you can get it so maybe he will go see your father with you tomorrow morning. I'll come too."

Phillip grinned, "I'll try, Mom. I mean Dad is doing way better. I think Carrie and him are going to stay together. Her being so nice though. It's like when the grinch's heart grew a couple of extra sizes. How long do you think creepy Carrie is going to last?"

His mother made a face, "Don't call her creepy Carrie. I think it's nice that she is being so nice to you."

Phillip looked at her, "C'mon Mom. It's weird. I went from the worst person in the family to her favorite. I mean right now she likes me more than Matty. Sorry little dude."

Matty laughed, "Hey, you can have her. I don't mind. I'll take Grandma Diane in exchange."

Phillip made a face, "No man. I'm keeping Grandma Diane too. Alright let me go steal the doofus's brownies. Time to try and cheer him up."

Matty spoke, "Leann will be home soon. We can come in there and make fun of how bad you smelled during your depression. At least Jamie still smells good. I mean and even if he stops showering too at least there's a window in our bedroom."

His mother laughed, "Actually that might be a good idea if you and your sister gang up on Phillip in front of Jamie. Maybe you can get him to join in. "

Phillip made a face, "Mom, you are encouraging them to make fun of me? Seriously? I'm your first-born."

She smiled, "It's for Jamie, sweetheart. If it were reversed. I'd do the same for you."

Phillip smiled, "Yeah alright. You and the runt have free reign on me tonight. I won't retaliate. But it's a one night only kind of deal. Alright let me go try to cheer up the doofus."

Matty went to the living room. His sister came home. She smiled at him and she started doing her homework too. They both wanted to get it over with so that they could go find out how it was going with Phillip and Jamie.
Matty finished. He then went to the bedroom.

Phillip and Jamie were just hanging out talking quietly. They both looked serious when Matty walked in.

Matty looked at them, "I finished my homework. Mom said I could come in. I can go if you two want to be alone. "

Jamie smiled at him, "It's ok little dude. You can stay. The munchkin's is coming too. I know about that. Phillip said that Mom said we can gang up on Phillip and she won't stop it."

Matty smiled, "Yeah. To cheer you up. Phillip also said he wouldn't retaliate."

Jamie smiled at Phillip, "Well that kind of takes the fun out of it a little if there's no risk involved. So, you want me to start with the beard or the smell?"

Matty spoke, "We should wait for Leann? You think we can make Phillip cry?"

Jamie grinned, "Oh I know we can."

Philip punched Jamie in the arm. Jamie punched him back. His mom was right. Jamie needed Phillip. He was almost acting like his normal self with Phillip by his side.

Their mother popped her head in, "How's it going in here? Leann is almost done."

Jamie smiled a little, "Mom, Phillip punched me. "

Phillip was smiling too , "Quit being a tattletale, Dingus."
Matty signed to his mother, "Don't stop them, Mom. It's working."

Their mother winked at Matty, "Well just don't kill each other."

Their mother realized what she said as soon as she said it. Both his brothers stopped smiling. Jamie looked at Phillip.

Then Jamie hugged Phillip, "I really am sorry about what happened."

Phillip looked at him, "Doofus, you've apologized a thousand times already. The person you need to go apologize to is Dad. You need to talk to him. He isn't angry at you at all. I can take you there tomorrow morning. He's worried sick about you. You won't go see him. You won't take his calls. You scared Carrie and Grandma Diane when they came to see you this morning. Dude, I'll be there. Mom will come too, right Mom?"

Matty spoke, "I can go too. I want to be there for you too."

Their mother spoke, "No sweet boy. You've missed enough school. Of course I will go with you whenever you are ready to see him. Jamie if you aren't ready to see your father yet. We understand. But I think it will help you. If you see he's recovering. That he is not mad at you in the least little bit. I know you boys have had your issues with him. But he really does love you both very much. If you go with Phillip & I in the morning. You'll get to see Carrie be nice to Phillip. It's very weird."

Phillp looked at Jamie, "She keeps hugging me, dude. It's creepy. Has she ever hugged you?"

Jamie looked at him, "Oh wow. If Carrie ever hugged anyone of us, it would be Matty. Everyone hugs him because he's so sickeningly cute."

Phillip looked at Jamie, "No, he's not cute anymore, dude. He's hot now. You have your title back as Mom's cutest kid back."

Jamie looked at him, "You are a freak. What about Leann though? She's the cutest."

Phillip smiled, "Yeah, she's cute but she's going to end up really good looking too. Those two have the Stetson blood. It just makes them hotter."

Jamie looked at him, "You are so weird. But I'm kind of glad you are getting back to your freak self. What is up with that beard?'

Matty needed to call his sister in. If they were going to make fun of the beard. She needed to be involved. Matty signed to his Mom. She smiled and yelled for Leann to come in.
Leann spoke, "I still have a little bit of history homework left."

HIs mother smiled, "Your Daddy can help you with that after dinner. Jamie is going to make fun of Phillip's beard. We didn't want you to miss it."

Leann hugged their mom as she came in. "You are the best, Mom."

Then Leann went down and sat down on Matty's bed next to him. "You know Matty was growing a beard for you too, Jamie. But you couldn't really tell. It was more just scruff. It actually looked good on Matty. Why did you shave it, Matty?"

Matty spoke, "It was getting itchy. Jamie knows I love him. I don't need a beard to prove it."

Jamie looked at Matty, "Yeah none of you have to stop showering or make it look like a dead animal has taken up residence on your face to prove your love for me."

Leann spoke, "Nobody stopped showering except Phillip. Mom has been fabreezing the basement office like crazy. It's kind of like that bed. I don't think the office will ever go back to smelling normal. Phillip has his scent in there forever now."

Jamie smiled, "I'm not sorry I missed that. Was it as bad as when he got sprayed by the skunk, Mom?"

His mother smiled, "Worse. At least we were outside for the skunk. There are no windows in the basement. I appreciate the fact that you still are showering even though you are having a rough time too."

Phillip looked at her, "Really, mother? Really? It was not that bad."

She grinned, "Oh sweetheart, we are teasing you for Jamie. Remember?"

Phillip smiled, "Yeah I mean even though you are all ganging up on me. It is really nice all four of us being together. It's not even a holiday."

They stayed in the room until dinner time joking and laughing. Making fun of Phillip was the sport of the evening. Even his father got into it when he got home from work. They had a really great night. It was not often anymore that it was just the four of them and their parents. Even during the holidays. The house was usually full of extra people. Plus Phillip had his wife and kids. So it wasn't the same. Matty knew it was probably going to be a long time before it was just going to be the four of them and his parents alone again. It ended up being a great night. Matty was disappointed when his mother made him and Leann go to bed.

The next day, Phillip got Jamie to go see Uncle Joe. The way Matty understood it was that they talked for a long time. About a lot of things. It may have seemed like Jamie had a better relationship with Joe than Phillip did. But there was a lot of things Jamie had bottled up over the years. Uncle Joe and Jamie really had a good conversation. They cleared the air about a lot of things.

Notes:

You will get Joe and Jamie's conversation in the future companion story. "Fathers & Sons"

Next chapter - The final chapter. It's almost over.