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Chapter 40

Timmy rode home with us; we were both excited about him being here for the week. Right after we got home Timmy and I walked to the video store to rent some movies. It was his turn to choose so I knew we would be watching an action movie. As we walked towards the movie store, he teased me and said he was going to pick a Bruce Lee movie. He knew that I did not like movies with a lot of violence in them as well as he does.

As we were walking down to Main Street, we were laughing and talking. It was so good to have the time to spend with him. For the first time since we were forced to go into hiding, we did not have to worry about Timmy going home. We could take our time relax and just have some fun.

After all the cold weather we had had it felt great to just be walking down the street, enjoying the warm breeze, the sun was just beginning to set, and you could see the clouds beginning to change colors.

There was a light breeze blowing, and it was in the mid-70s. Timmy and I both had on short sleeve shirts. I have always loved those first few warm days, when winter finally gives up. Timmy and I were not the only ones who were out enjoying the weather. There were several couples out walking, and the Sidewalk Café had its patio open. There were a number of people enjoying their dinner outside. As we walked past it I heard a few snippets of conversation.

I don't think I had ever felt this comfortable before. It was not just a physical comfort, however there was more to it. For the first time in my life I was comfortable with who I was. There was no more hiding, or wishing I was someone other than who I am. I was happy, truly happy for the first time in my life.

When we arrived at the video store Timmy surprised me, by allowing me to pick the movie. So I made sure that I picked one that I knew he wanted to watch.

When we got back my Uncle was standing at the counter with the lid off the crock-pot. Timmy leaned over and said, "What are you cooking?"

"I'm making beef stew."

"It sure smells good!"

He smiled and said, "I'm sure you'll like it. It's an old family recipe. I can remember my grandmother making it for me when I was just a little kid. It's one of the few good memories I have of my childhood."

He paused a moment. Then he said. Of course, she cooked it in a pot on the stove. But we don't have the time on weeknights. So I had to make do with a crock-pot, all in all it's turning out pretty good.
I noticed the change in my uncle's mood and said, "Uncle I love you."

He cleared his throat and said, "I love you to Matt."

"Dinner should be ready in about an hour."

Timmy and I went into the living room, to watch some TV. But there was nothing but news on. So we went into my room to get online. As usual, Timmy sat down in my office chair and then I sat in his lap. I gave him a couple extra wiggles and he swatted me on the head. I laughed.

When we logged in, David was online. We chatted with him for a couple of minutes before he had to leave for dinner.

David: "How are you two studs doing?"

Matt: "We're doing good. How bout you?"

David: "about the same. Did you see the look on Josh's face?"

Matt: "Yep!"

Matt "Thanks for making his night."

David: "Hey you two did most of the work."

Matt: "But you're the one that got the other guys to see that they weren't treating him right."

David: "He deserved better. Most of the guys aren't trying to shut him out. They just did not know him well enough. All I did was point out what a good guy he was."

Matt: "He needed to know that they accepted him. I don't think I have ever seen him smile like that."

David: "I know. It was good."

David: "Listen guys I have to run its dinner time. I'll catch you two later."

Matt: "Ok. Later"

Since no one else was on, we got out our schoolbooks, and started on homework. We were using the desk in my room. My Uncle had given me an old desk, he had in storage. It was kind of run down but neat. It was an old bankers desk from the 30's, and had a ton of room. It was a good thing that my Uncle had made the rooms so large. When I had first moved in I had my computer on it, but he had give me me a new computer desk. Timmy and I used it to do our homework.
Timmy had asked me to look over his book report, so I proofread his rough draft for him. He had really done a good job, and I only had a couple of suggestions. He highlighted the areas that I had changed, and made the changes on the computer. Then he saved it and printed it out. I had finished most of my homework during study hall. So I just checked over my work, while he finished up his.

We were finishing up when my uncle called us to dinner. Both of us were hungry and the smell of the cooking stew was making my mouth water. Timmy and I set the table, by the time we had finished the stew was ready. We took turns filling up our bowls, and sat down to eat. Uncle had picked up some French bread, which he had heated in the oven. I really enjoyed the meal. I made a mental note to fix it again when it was my turn to cook.

After dinner I helped Timmy unpack his things. We were both excited that he was staying with us. It took until after midnight for us to fall asleep. When my uncle knocked on my door at 6:45 AM it was a real struggle to get out of the bed. As I stumbled into the bathroom, I heard my uncle trying to wake Timmy. He passed me in the hallway, and I had to laugh. His hair was sticking straight up, and he looked like he was sleepwalking. His only response to my razzing him was to grumble under his breath. That made me laugh again, and he gave me a sheepish grin. I finish getting dressed and headed into the kitchen to wait for him. It only took him about 15 minutes to get ready and join me in the kitchen. My Uncle had fixed sausage and pancakes for breakfast. For some reason, I was really hungry, and dug into my pancakes. I was eating so fast that my uncle said, "Slowdown Matt, Timmy's not going to steal it."

I blushed and said, "sorry Uncle."

He just shook his head, and went back to eating his food. Of course Timmy could not resist, and suddenly I saw his hand slowly edging towards my plate. I took my fork and pretended like I was going to stab it. He laughed and said, "Hey! Don't turn violent on me."

My Uncle looked up, and for second I thought he was mad, but he just smiled and went back to eating. When we were finished; Timmy and I rinsed the dishes, and put them in the dishwasher. By then it was time to head to school.

When we arrived at school. We headed to our lockers, and dropped off our book bags. It was pretty much a typical school day, other than the fact that Josh was still glowing.

He came up to us and said, "Thanks again guys. It really was a great evening."

I said, "Your welcome." And Timmy smiled then said, "To borrow a phrase "That's what friends are for."

I rolled my eyes at him and Josh laughed at us both.

Imitating the response he sighed and said, "yeah" giggled and walked away.

I said, "Both of you are going to drive me crazy." As I walked away laughing.

The rest of the day passed quickly. When the last Bell rang, I headed to my locker to meet Timmy. When I got there he was there waiting. As I entered my combination he leaned over and said, "Love you"

"Love you too."