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As Things Change - Part XXVI The flights are on schedule and the family arrives back in Llanview in the early afternoon. Matt occupies himself with his iPod, saying little on the plane. They make their way to the baggage claim in the airport and are surprised to see Rex and Lauren waiting for them. Lauren gives Nora a hug as Bo shakes hands with Rex. “Thanks for coming, Balsom.”   “We thought you might like a ride home. Nigel lent us the limo.”   Lauren looks at Bo. “I’m so sorry about your father. He was an impressive man.”   Bo smiles at her. “Thank you.”   “The news has been blanketed with stories about him. He will be missed in this city.”   Nora nods. “No doubt about that.”   Rex looks at Matt. “Hey, squirt. How was Texas?”   Matt shrugs. “Okay.”   “I’m sorry I missed it. We were looking forward to coming down.”   “I guess you’re mad Grandpa dying ruined your free vacation.”   Nora glares at her son. “Matthew! That’s a terrible thing to say. You apologize to Rex.”   “It’s okay, Mrs. B. No offense. I know this is a tough time for all of you.”   “That’s no excuse to be rude.” She turns back to Matthew. “You owe Rex an apology.”   “Sorry. You guys can handle the luggage. I’m going to go wait in the limo.”   He walks away as Nora turns to Rex and Lauren. “I’m sorry about him. He’s having a hard time with this.”   Rex shrugs. “No sweat. I won’t hold it against the squirt. He’s a teenager. That about covers it for his behavior.”   Bo walks toward the conveyor as the luggage starts coming up. Rex joins him as Nora turns to Lauren. “So how are you?” She glances at her left hand. “I see you have news to share?”   Lauren holds up her hand with a smile. “Yes, we’re engaged. I assume you knew he was going to ask me when you left for Texas?”   Nora nods. “He talked to Bo about it before we left.” She takes Lauren’s hand to examine the ring. “It’s lovely. We’re thrilled for you two. I hope you’ll be very happy together.”   “Thank you. We wanted to tell you about this under much better circumstances.”   “We understand. When things settle down, Bo and I would love to take you out for a real celebratory dinner.”   “We’d like that.”   Rex stands beside Bo, watching for their bags. “How are you really doing, partner?”   Bo stares at the conveyor belt. “It’s hard. Asa could be too much, but he was my father. We’ve gotten closer over the years – especially since we found out about Matthew. They were really close. He’s going to have a tough time.”   “Matt’s a strong kid. I’m sure he’ll bounce back.”   “I hope so.”   “I’ll keep an eye on him. Maybe take him out driving again.”   Bo looks at Rex curiously. “Again? What do you mean?”   Rex frowns. “Oh… I uh… I kinda took him out before you guys went down to Texas. Just to the old drive-in. No real roads with real cars.”   “No wonder he was so comfortable when I took him out for his ‘first’ time.”   “Sorry, partner. We only went out once. It was just for fun.”   “It’s okay, Balsom. I appreciate any help with Matthew. And if he trusts you, maybe he’ll open up about Asa if he won’t talk to me or Nora.”   Bo and Rex gather the luggage and they all pile into the limo. Matt listens to his iPod the entire trip back home. He grabs his backpack and immediately escapes into the house and up to his room when they arrive. Nora looks pleadingly at Bo as they exit the car. He shakes his head. “Let him be, honey.”   Rex gets out of the limo and helps Bo with the luggage. Nora and Lauren head into the house. “Would you like something to drink or eat… I’m not sure if there is anything in the house.”   “It’s okay, Nora. You don’t have to entertain us. We want to help you. Would you like me to make a run to the grocery store for you?”   “No, that’s not necessary. We’ll order something in tonight. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”   “If you’re sure. Please call me if you need anything.”   Rex walks in with Bo, setting the bags in the entryway. “We should go, Lauren. I have to return the limo to Nigel.”   Nora walks over and pulls him into a hug. “Thank you for picking us up. It was so good to see a friendly face when we came back.”   Rex kisses her cheek. “No problem, Mrs. B. We’ll see you at the service, but call if you need anything.”   “We will.”   Bo holds out his hand. “Thanks, Balsom.”   Rex shakes his hand. “Take care, partner.” He takes Lauren’s hand as they walk out of the house.   Nora collapses on the couch and Bo sits beside her. “This is all so surreal. Yesterday we were returning from a wonderful getaway and Matthew was enjoying a roundup on the ranch and now we’re home and Asa is gone.”   He takes her hand. “I know. It’s another reminder of how fast life can change and why we need to enjoy every minute we can.”   “Asa certainly lived that way.”   “He sure did – no matter who got in his way.”   She leans her head on his shoulder. “I’m sure gonna miss him.”   “Me too.”   Matt tosses his backpack on his bed and zips it open, digging around for his phone. He checks his voicemail – Kallie has left him another message. He hits delete and tosses the phone on the bed. He grabs his laptop off his desk and powers it up. He logs into his email account and sees all the messages that have been piling up since he left for the ranch. He makes his way through the list, deleting the junk mail and skimming the rest. He opens an email from Kallie and smiles as he reads about her adventures at the Putt Putt Park. He deletes the message without responding and continues through the list. He looks up when he hears a small knock on his door. “Yeah?”   Nora pushes the door open. “Are you hungry, sweetie? Dad and I were going to order delivery. What would you like?”   “I’m not hungry.”   “You have to eat something. You didn’t eat on the plane…”   “I’m old enough to eat when I’m hungry, Mom!” Matthew snaps.   Nora frowns at him. “I know you’re upset, but watch your tone, young man.”   He lowers his voice. “Sorry. I guess pizza is fine - get extra pepperoni. Just put mine in the fridge and I’ll eat later.”   “Okay. I’ll call you when it gets here.”   Matt rolls his eyes as Nora closes the door and leaves him alone. He returns to his emails.   Nora makes her way downstairs. “He wants pizza, although he’s not hungry right now.”   “Pizza is fine, honey.”   Nora is about to call to place their order when the phone rings. She answers with a frown. “Hello.”   “Mrs. Buchanan? You’re back from the ranch.”   “Yes…”   “It’s Kallie. I’ve been trying to reach Matt. Is he home?”   “Oh, Kallie. Hi. Of course, he’s here. Hold on a second.”   Nora walks to the bottom of the stairs, covers the phone with her hand and yells up the stairs. “Matthew! Kallie is on the phone for you.”   Matt opens his bedroom door. “Tell her I’ll call her back.”   “Matthew! You don’t want to talk to Kallie?”   “I said I’ll call her back!” He closes the door again.   Nora sighs, putting the phone to her ear again. “I’m sorry, Kallie. He can’t talk right now. I’ll have him call you back.”   “It’s okay, Mrs. Buchanan. I heard about his grandpa and I’ve been trying to reach him. I’m sorry for your loss.”   “Thank you. I’m sure Matt will be in touch soon.”   Nora hangs up and frowns at Bo. “I know, honey.”   Nora sits beside him. “He won’t even talk to Kallie. And last night he wouldn’t answer his phone when Stevie called. Stevie is his best friend.”   “Maybe he just doesn’t know what to say to them right now.”   “But he’s not talking to us either. And he was even rude to Rex.”   He puts his arm around her. “Let’s just get him through the service and then we’ll evaluate, okay?”   “I guess we could try that.” She gets up and picks up the phone again, ordering their pizza. As she hangs up, it rings again. “Grand Central Station,” she says as she picks it up again. “Hello.”   “Mom, you’re home. How are you?”   “Rachel! It’s so good to hear your voice.”   “Daddy called me about Asa. I tried to call you but you must have been on the plane, so I waited until you got home. I wanted to let you know I’m flying in tomorrow.”   “Oh, Rikki. I should have called you. It’s just been so crazy, I haven’t had time to think straight. I’m so happy you’re coming.”   “I always loved Asa – because he was so fond of you. Even when you and Bo were divorced.”   “I know. He was always so kind to me and Matthew – even before he knew Matthew was his grandson.”   “How is my little brother taking it?”   “Not well, I’m afraid. He’s not speaking to anyone at the moment – not even Stevie or Kallie. Maybe he’ll open up to his big sister.”   “I’ve arranged for a week off, so I’ll spend some time with him.”   “Thank you, Rachel. I think a little one-on-one sibling time right now might be just what he needs.”   “I’ve missed my little brother.”   Nora smiles. “He’s not so little anymore.”   Rachel laughs. “He’ll always be my little brother. So, how’s Bo doing?”   “Okay so far. He’s right here. Would you like to say hi?”   “Sure.”   “Hold on.” Nora hands the phone to Bo. “It’s Rachel.”   “Hi, Rach.”   “Hey, Bo. I’m so sorry about Asa. How are you?”   “I’m doing okay. Did I hear that you’re coming to town?”   “Yeah. I’m coming in for the service.”   “That’s great. Do you need a ride from the airport?”   “No, I made plans with Dad. I’ll see you at the service.”   “I’ll look forward to it. Love you. Bye, Rach.”   He hands the phone back to Nora. “See you soon, Rikki. Safe travel. Love you.”   “Bye, Mom.”   Nora joins Bo on the couch. They sit quietly, staring at nothing in particular, lost in their own thoughts. When the doorbell rings, Bo jumps up. “It’s the pizza. I got it.”   He pulls open the door to Jimmy the pizza guy. “Hey, Mr. Buchanan. Sorry to hear about your father.”   “Thanks, Jimmy.” Bo hands him some bills and takes the pizza box. “Keep the change.”   Bo takes the pizza into the kitchen where Nora is digging out plates and soda. “I’ll take some up to Matthew.”   Nora drops pizza on a plate and grabs a soda. She heads upstairs, knocking softly on his door. “Pizza’s here, sweetie.” She walks in and holds the plate out to him. “Get it while it’s hot.”   Matt is propped on his bed with his laptop. “I’m not really hungry, Mom.”   “Maybe not, but you have to eat.” She sets the pizza and soda on his nightstand. “How come you didn’t want to talk to Kallie?”   He shrugs. “Just didn’t.”   “You might feel better if you talk to her. Or Dad. Or me…”   He looks at his mother with a sigh. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”   She sits beside him on the bed. “I want you to tell me what you’re feeling.”   “What do you think I’m feeling? Grandpa just died.”   “I know, sweetie. And it’s normal to be sad about that. But it’s also normal to talk about it. You have to let your feelings out.”   “I will, Mom. I’m just not ready right now.”   She leans in and kisses him on the cheek. “Okay, whenever you’re ready. Oh, Rachel called. She’s coming for the service and she’s going to stay for a week. Maybe you could talk to your big sister.”   Matt gives her a small smile. “Rach’s coming?” She nods. “That’s cool.”   Nora gets off the bed. “Eat your pizza. And come downstairs later if you feel like talking, okay?”   “I will.”   Nora closes the door and makes her way down to the kitchen. She sits at the table and stares at Bo. “I’m worried about him.” He nods. “He did seem excited that Rachel is coming. Maybe she can get him to talk.”   Bo takes her hand. “We’ll all help him, Red. He will get through this.” Nora smiles at him softly. “I hope so.”   TBC