Chapter Text
He leaned against the frame of the RV's window, a look of disinterest over taking his face, as he forced himself to view the sight passing through. Hills, mountains, valleys. Everything he could see from above. Nothing new, or interesting that took his mind off the fact he was getting shipped to an unfamiliar town. Where no one knew him, and he knew nobody. It bothered him a little bit more then he would like to admit.
But he asked for it. His grades were not the best, to the point Dash Baxter could have had better grades then him. And sometimes, he slacked on his work in class, knowing well that could have been the only class time he would have had that week to complete any real work. Was it really his fault though? Oh, he didn't believe it was. Though, something pulled at his heart that wouldn't let him fully believe that.
Something stupid, he believed.
"Danny, you haven't talked since we've gotten into the G.A.V. Is there something wrong, dear?"
He blinked, twice, before realizing his Mom was talking to him.
"NO- I mean, yes, I mean!.." He sighed with no signs of even attempting of how nervous he was at the moment. "Mom, do I have to do this..?"
She looked back at him, her eyes slightly showing some empathy for her child who seemed like they were about to burst. "Danny, I would say yes if it wasn't for the fact your grades were so low." Her brows slanted, sadly. "You're lucky that your teacher was even nice enough to give you that extra chance to boost your grade."
"But the place does seem unnecessarily far." She whispered under her breath.
He paused.
"I know. I'm sorry." He couldn't help but look a bit disappointed. Not about anyone, but about himself. About how lucky he was to get a second chance again.
The air in the car felt dry after that. A tension looming above, waiting to be answered. But no one dared to talk. Only leaving Danny to assume that his Mom didn't want to acknowledge his apology. Or worse, accept it.
He stared at the back of the car seat in front, his mind somewhere else. Thinking of how awkward and depressing this trip became with a weak excuse of an apology. If only he could tell his parents why. Then maybe, just maybe, he wouldn't seem like such failure for once.
"Sweetie,"
His head went up with one of his eyebrows raised.
"I know you aren't a C- student. Even if you were, it doesn't make me think any less of you." A soft assuring smile grew on her lips. A smile he needed for a while now.
It felt like once less pressure was gone.
The frown on his face softened up into a small smile, his own way of saying thanks without having to say a word. And while Maddie was looking for a more verbal response, she didn't mind her son wanting to stay silent for once. Seeing his smile through the rear view mirror was enough for her today.
"Now, about the place you're babysitting in," She talked subtlety. "I heard it's a nice, little quaint town! With very nice people too."
But we haven't even seen the place yet. He fought the urge to roll his eyes.
"So if you're lost in the town, I'm sure someone will help you if you ask." She paused. "If something happens though, make sure to call me, okay? I'll pick you up in the G.A.V. immediately and we won't tell Lancer you didn't do the full week."
"I'll definitely make sure to call the moment something goes wrong then!" He tried his best to be sincere, but knowing he was one phone call away from going back home was something he took into consideration more then he liked to.
However, his mom already knew how clever he could be.
"BUT!" She started, "You have to show me proof of whatever is happening."
"Picture proof?" He smiled awkwardly.
"Video proof." She smiled smugly.
A groan of defeat came from Danny, as his mom silently sat in triumph for the rest of the G.A.V. ride.