Exactly! I've been wondering about Alex's immatureness and rebelliousness, but this chapter reviles some big elephants in the room!
It is so difficult to grow up without mother, in big brother's shadow! Never good enough whatever he does! Why bother then, only way to bring father's attention is to make problems around! He's like James Dean - Rebel Without a Cause.
And Joshua, at first, I thought that Alex is maybe not his biological son...but then again - they are so alike! Maybe that's the problem, for Joshua, looking at Alex is as looking at the mirror, and he is not happy looking at and being remind of his own life failures every day!
Seems that Matt has some clue about Alex and Blair...and their real feelings. The problem is he is already pretty estranged from his brother to be able to help him now. Hope they will improve their communication in the future.