Coming out of the Dolby theater, Avril and Matt walked on the outskirts. It was a little ridiculous. There weren't many people walking in the area. Most were in private vehicles. It didn't matter. Avril figured no one would notice two high school kids walking to the nearest bus stop. After all, aren't Americans usually not too busy thinking about other people?

"This is pretty ridiculous" Matt said.

Avril turned her head. "Oh, my God! I was thinking the same thing."

"Let's just say we're living a healthy life" said Matt.

"Yeah. That one's good too."

"Or maybe you want to tan your skin even more, A?" Matt joked.

Avril laughed at what Matt had just said. That one was absolutely ridiculous. "No thanks, I could use some thicker make up."

Matt laughed. "I'm just kidding."

"I know. It's nice to hear you joke around like this" Avril said.

Matt's laughter died down. Not long after, Matt started looking for topics again.

"Are you starting to regret it now, A? Should we go back and whine to Warren to pick us up?"

Avril smiled a little and shook her head in response. "First, I have no regrets. Second, I don't like whining. Third, believe it or not, my life is already filled with ridiculous things"

Matt glanced at Avril. Now that he had no intention of keeping Avril out of his life, he was truly free. How could he not? Chatting like this with Avril on the side of the road was a good thing for Matt. What's more, they weren't in a school environment and there was no Warren to control the topic of their conversation. Funnily enough, Matt is even trying his best to be fun in Avril's eyes. Matt was determined to chat with Avril as much as possible and tried to find as many topics as possible. Well, Matthew Connor has never done either of those things. But, yes, Matt wanted to give it a try.

"If it's filled with weird stuff, I think I agree. The ridiculous stuff, of course not," Matt said.

Avril turned her head. In the sunlight, her hazel eyes looked so sweet and mesmerizing. Matt could probably stare at them all day.

"Weird things for example?" Avril asked.

"Swimming with sharks," said Matt. "That's pretty weird. Not everyone wants to, I guess."

Avril laughed. "Did J tell you about it?"

"No" Matt said uncomfortably. "J and I don't have a good relationship. You know we're not related by blood, right?"

Avril nodded. Avril knew that Johanna loved her mother very much. Johanna's life revolved around her mother. When her mother died and her father decided to marry two years later, Johanna's heart cooled. Johanna did not rebel. She loved her father. But, yes, Johanna still couldn't fully accept Matt and her mother. It was too much to say that J considered her house a hell. J still liked to spend time in his house. However, Avril knew. Johanna would take advantage of their college opportunity to get out of there and have her own life.

"As a matter of fact, J isn't very friendly to others either," Avril tried to comfort.
"Can you imagine J being a sweet boy?"

"No, I can't. That's ridiculous" Matt said.

"Exactly. Johanna is like that" Avril said trying to convince him.

The more Matt got to know Avril, the more curious he became about her. Matt wanted to know Avril. What's in that girl's head and how she thinks. According to Matt, Avril is really full of surprises. Avril is like a fortune cookie. When you open the cake, you feel a thrill. Are you going to get something good? Or something bad? But, Matt knew, she was just trying to cheer him up.

"Yeah. I'm quite happy with Johanna. She does her homework well. She prefers to study. So, yeah, I can handle the television. I think that's a good thing," Matt said.

Avril laughed at Matt's words. "Mastering tv. Oh, my gosh! You're right too."

Matt noticed Avril again. Matt liked to see Avril laugh. When she laughed, Avril looked so loose. Her laugh was really bright and Matt could tell that Avril was absolutely adorable. At the end of the laugh, Avril would sigh, wipe the tears from her eyes and then smile a little.

"Well then, you guys are pretty compatible" Avril said.

Matt nodded in agreement. "Compatible in our own way"

Soon, they reached the nearest bus stop. They sat side by side on the seats provided. For the first time in Matt's life, he felt comfortable in the company of another person. Matt was really enjoying his solitude. But, Avril managed to get into Matt's boundaries. It was as if Avril had managed to make Matt expand his little world so that Avril could enter.

The bus arrived not long after. They both got on and sat next to each other again. Just like last week. Matt didn't think at all that he missed the seat next to him being occupied. Being next to Avril, seeing her staring out the window seemed like a normal sight to Matt. Matt was grateful that Avril had forced Warren earlier. At least, Matt could spend more time alone with Avril. To be honest, Kim and Warren were quite annoying.

"So? Why are you looking for me?" Matt said again.

Oh, looks like Matt will get an Oscar for starting the conversation today.

"To collect my dues, of course. It's Friday Matty" said Avril.

Matt smiled a little. "Collecting rights?"

"Yes. If you remember, we had an agreement" Avril said.

Matt nodded. Matt should have been grateful that Avril didn't give up at all. Somehow, the girl persevered. Avril could even keep her word.

"Okay."

"So? Do you think I did it?" Avril said.

"Successful at what?" Matt asked.

"I did well, right? I managed to keep your world," said Avril.

Matt was speechless. Why is Avril so adorable? Yes, Avril did succeed. Avril even came forward to protect Matt. That fact actually annoyed Matt a little. Any other time, Matt would have moved to protect Avril.Then, Matt did something he never did. He patted the top of Avril's head affectionately as his eyes watched her hazel eyes.

"You did well" Matt said.

Avril's pupils dilated. At the sight of Avril's response, Matt even realized what he was doing. But, Avril smiled sweetly afterwards.

"Glad to hear it!" Avril said cheerfully.

Before long, they were smiling. Matt quickly withdrew his hand while trying to control his heart. Oh, my! Being face-to-face with Avril like that just made his heart skip a beat. Matt was even looking away now. Matt was really misbehaving now and this was another new experience for Avril. Unlike Avril. Her smile widened even more as she silently glanced at Matt beside her. Can Avril hope that this is a good start?