Part Four By: Prodigette

Terry put back some of the food cans into the cabinets, leaned against the cool refriderator and closed his eyes.

"Man, I have no idea what I'm doing. There is probably 20 things we could make, but I only know how to scramble eggs."

"Good to hear you admit it."

Terry opened one pale blue eye and he gave the older man a small smirk.

"It wouldn't hurt you to do the same, you know."
"What's there to admit? I know what I'm doing."
"Uh huh. Then why aren't you cooking now?"
".........."
"So are you going to admit it?"
".........."
"Ah, nevermind."

It was going to be an interesting night.

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Mary McGinnis walked up to her apartment door with keys in one hand, and a fairly heavy bag of groceries in the other. Matt was beside her, fiddling with a Game Boy Plus.

"Matt..."

"Matthew.." Mary was� growing impatient with her youngest son, but the bag seemed to be getting heavier. It has been a long day. A rather hectic day at work, and the argument with Terry over his grades earlier that day. She didn't need this, as well.

The 8 year old continued playing, and was caught up until he heard the tapping of her foot. That usually meant trouble.

"Uhm.. .sorry Mom." He said before putting the video game in his backpocket and scooping the bag into his own arms.

"I swear.. it's as if you have the attention span of a gnat."� Mary opened the door, letting both her and Matt inside and closed it behind them. Inside the apartment was still dark, but there was a light coming coming from the kitchen.

*Clank*

'What on earth?' Mary thought to herself.

She creeped towards the kitchen to see Terry and Bruce surrounded by a several food cans. Both of their backs were turned to them, and it was a bit too quiet.

"So whatcha makin'?" Matt piped up.

Terry jumped at the high-pitched voice, but Bruce just simply turned around. He had already heard them come in. Listening was another thing that Terry needed to focus on. Terry gave his little brother a scowl, and crossed his arms.

"What's it to you, squirt?"

Matt stuck out his tongue at his older brother, but stopped and averted his eyes to the floor when Bruce raised an eyebrow at him. The tiles began to look more and more interesting.

"Terry, don't talk to your brother that way. Oh my! Sir, I didn't see you there. Mr Wayne, it's very good to see you again."� Mary said, giving him a mega-watt smile and trying to fix up her red hair. It wasn't going to be such a bad night for her, after all.

Terry furrowed his brows at her comment and clenched his jaw at his mother's all-too-sunny attitude. Every time that Bruce was around, she got this way. All smiles and school girl giggles. Bruce had seen her smile, and returned it with a polite smile and a wink. It seemed as if that "millionaire playboy" didn't disappear at all.

Terry rolled his eyes and shot "For-the-love-of-God-stop it!" looks at the two adults. He would never be able to get used to this.

"It's nice to see you as well, Mrs. McGinnis. Your son and I were attempting to make dinner.. but.." Bruce began with a polite smile.

'And another attitude takes a 180...'� Terry mused to himself.

"I promise to take care of everything. Dinner should be ready in less than 45 minutes if I start now. Please, make yourself at home."

Bruce gave a polite nod, and with his cane he walked to go take a seat at the table.

"Mom, can I please sit next to you and Terry? Mr. Wayne's kinda scary." Matt whispered.

Mary just looked down at her son, then back at Bruce and sighed dreamily. Terry just gave a slight smirk and walked to the table, as well.