*!The Surprising Changes!*

*****

Matt opened the door to the house and let himself in. He heard his dad out in the back, and followed the voice all the way to the backyard. He immediately saw Summer sitting and reading her book as his father sat reading the paper. She didn't seem, as upset as she had been before, so the time here must be helping her.

"Stop disturbing our peace boy, and pull up a seat."

Summer looked up through her sunglasses and waved to him. Matt thought for sure he saw a smile form on her lips, but the sun was way to bright, so he couldn't tell.

'Sorry dad, I just came by to see how you're doing."

"Did you hear that Summer? I think my eldest boy just lied to me. That has to be the first time I think he's ever lied to me."

Summer laughed and patted the seat beside hers on the swing.

"I think he did lie to you Gil. Come on Matt, sit down and enjoy the quiet for awhile. I promise you I don't bite."

Matt was shell-shocked. The last time the two of them had spoke there was so much hurt and pain, and neither one really wanted to talk to the other and be honest about their feelings. Being here now, with Summer actually talking to him and smiling, well he was glad she was happy, but he couldn't help wondering where it was all coming from.

"I'm going to grab some food and let the two of you talk. You want more of that herbal concoction you've been drinking all day Summer?" Gil asked as she headed up towards the stairs leading to the kitchen.

"That would be great, I can help you if you'd like."

"Nah, just sit down and catch up with Matthew, I think I remember how you take it."

Gil walked into the house and Matt watched him go. He seemed happier just to have another person around the house. He felt bad that he'd never brought her here when they were dating.

"What are you thinking Matt?"

"How stupid it was, me not bringing you here when we were dating, and how I'm the one who basically made you run to my father to get away. He obviously thinks a lot over you."

"It was better meeting this way I believe. There is a lot less pressure to be the perfect girl for you. You can't be perfect when you're messed up."

"I'm sorry Summer... I..."

"Matt you know what? Don't do that anymore. I do not want to hear it anymore. I do not want to hear anymore apologies."

"I didn't come here to cause you anymore stress and put more pressure on you."

"I know you didn't. I guess I'm going to have to put the pressure on you."

Matt laughed and shot Summer a puzzled look. He had no idea what she was talking about, but at least she was happy, and had a smile on her face the size of New York. It was something he really missed seeing on her face.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm asking you out Matthew Moore Hardy, that's what I mean. Now the question remains, do you accept?"

"Summer are you sure you're alright?"

'I've been doing some thinking, and talking with your dad. Actually a lot of talking with your dad, and I am seeing things in a much clearer way now. So are you game or what?"

"I'd be delighted, but what about the past...how can you just move past that?"

"I'm not moving past anything. It's there and it still bothers me, I believe it always will, but I need to know where I stand. Am I standing with you, loving you or am I standing on my own? I still love you, even when you're an asshole Matt. I just have to figure out if it's right, given what's happened between us."

"That's more then fair. I love you too, just to put it on the record."

"I know, I can feel it."

"So where do we go with this new start of ours?"

" I have absolutely no idea. I didn't really think that far ahead Hun." Summer said breaking out in a fit of laughter, as Matt's face turned into a hole of mass confusion. He really had no idea how to take her and to be honest she was loving every minute of it.

"We aren't exclusive Matt. That much I know this time going in. I cannot go back to being Matt Hardy's girlfriend again. At least not until I know it's right."

"I understand completely, maybe not being together exclusively will make me not cheat on you. Have you talked to Jeff about this yet?"

"No actually, I haven't talked to him for a couple of days, not since before I came here. It's coming, I know, and I will deal with it on Monday in Seattle. He calls and checks in with your father, and then your dad tries to hide it, but he cares and I am fine. So things will begin to make sense soon enough."

"So you're doing alright, honestly?"

"Better then I have in months. I've gained so much just coming here, and your father is such an amazing man. He has taught me so much in the short time I am here."

"That he is. I'm going to go help him with the tea and the food I think he's making in there. We'll talk in a few minutes. And Summer?"

"Yeah Matt?"

"It's nice to see you smile again. I really missed it."

"It's nice to smile again Matt, let's just hope it stays that way."