How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

Sloan laughed at the story, but after a few moments asked, "What made you decide to stay? In the end?"

 

[BookKnight]

Xander considered the question. "Necessity, at first. There was that big storm, and leaving was basically death. Then stayed because... Well, here was as good as anywhere. Stayed in a lot worse places with a lot meaner people. If these folk turned out to be bad ones, we could just leave later. Wasn't any different than most of the rest of the places we lived."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"It seemed to have worked out for you," Sloan told him, "I'm glad you found a place where you're happy."

 

[BookKnight]

"Yeah. Me too. I hope you find it, too," Xander told her. "I didn't trust my happy place for a long time."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I think mt situation is a little different," Sloan said lightly before asking, "When did you realize you could trust it?"

 

[BookKnight]

"A bit, yep," Xander agreed. "Hmm. I think... for absolute certain even if sometimes my head got in the way, it was when our so-called dad showed up." He couldn't remember if he'd ever told Sloan the full story for that, but he figured she knew enough. Whatever she knew.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I almost forgot about that," Sloan said, "I can't imagine what it must've been like."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander's face crunched, and for a moment, he looked like his usual, moody self. "It wasn't fun. That's for sure." After a moment, his expression cleared. "Hey. Here's a question: If rabbits show domination by being groomed, and cats show domination by grooming, what happens if you put a cat and a rabbit together? Do they both think they're on top, or what?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I think I've heard that they both do, and that's why they get along?" Sloan shrugged, "I really don't know. Hey, I should probably be going home though, are you going to be at school tomorrow?"

 

[BookKnight]

"Yep. Think so," Xander said. He again patted the air vaguely above her arm. "Thanks for dropping by. You're a good kid. A better friend."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"It was great seeing you," She said, knowing she'd probably appreciate this afternoon for longer than he did, "I have snacks I brought over in the kitchen. You should probably have your dad or brother bring them to you..." She paused for a second and then pointed at him, "Do you know what this is the perfect time for?"