The Cousin from Boston

Berkeley, CA

It was Chrismukkah 2009 and Cohen household was beginning to get in the mood for the holiday season. Kirsten and Sandy always looked forward to this time of year as it was one of the few times when the entire family could be together. Kirsten, Sandy, Ryan and Sophie were already at the house finishing up the decorations, with Sophie adding her special touch by placing the star on top of the tree. Sandy entered the living room to find Kirsten and Ryan on the couch.

'Well I'm glad to see we have a strong work ethic in this house' said Sandy with a laugh. Kirsten turned around and lazily smiled at her husband.

'Oh honey I'm sure you have everything under control. Ryan and I are just enjoying a little holiday television.' She said.

'Oh really? What's on?' asked Sandy as he sat in between his wife and son. Ryan yawned.

'It's A Wonderful Life' said Ryan.

'Ah a Christmas classic' smiled Sandy. 'Hey what time is it?' Kirsten looked at her watch.

'Err almost three. Seth and Summer's plane will be landing soon. You should get going sweetie.' She said motioning to Sandy.

'Me? Oh I get it, I do all the work around here.' Said Sandy. At this point Sophie came running into the room.

'Mommy!' she squealed pointing at her nose which was bleeding. Kirsten went over to Sophie to have a look at her nose.

'Oh sweetie, calm down it's alright, what happened?' asked Kirsten.

'I bump it' said Sophie with tears in her eyes. Kirsten stroked her daughter's hair.

'Aww ok then lets go get you cleaned up in the bathroom. Keep your head down.' she said and she began to lead Sophie away. 'Ryan would you finish setting the table?'

'Yeah no problem, and hey Sophie!' he called to his sister. She turned and looked at him. 'What does Seth say to remember you are when you get hurt?' he asked. Sophie smiled.

'A supppper-eero!' she shouted while punching her small arm in the air in a Superman-type pose. Ryan laughed.

'That's right and that means you have to be big girl for your mom ok? He said. Sophie nodded and laughed in agreement and walked off with Kirsten.

Sandy watched all this with great pride. Ryan had really truly become a part of the Cohen family. Last year he made the final step by completing the adult adoption papers and changing his surname to Atwood-Cohen. It was one of the happiest moments of his life and he could barely believe that things would turn out this way 7 years ago when he first met Ryan. He still referred to Kirsten and him by their first names but maybe 'mom' and 'dad' had some bad memories attached that Ryan didn't want to bring to his new family. This look of pride must have shown on his face because Ryan began looking strangely at Sandy.

'What are you thinking?' he asked with a puzzled look. Sandy smiled.

'Just thinking about how great you are with Soph.' he smiled. Ryan looked a little embarrassed.

'Yeah well you know she's a great sister.' He said rubbing his neck in a bashful way. Sandy laughed and put his arm round Ryan.

'She sure is and now I have to go pick up your other sibling. See you later kid.' He said and he grabbed his keys and headed out the door.

Ryan took a moment to look around the living room. He felt a bit stupid, he had spent countless days and nights here, but the house still had an effect on him. It still gave him a feeling of safety and warmth in the same way the Newport house used to. It was a feeling he would never get tired of… the feeling of home. He was shaken from his daydream by the phone ringing. He picked it up.

'Hello' he said. A strange sounding voice responded.

'Hello is this Ryan Cohen?' it asked.

'Yeah, who's this?' he asked puzzled. The voice laughed and in its normal sound he recognised it instantly.

'It's me man' said Seth. 'I just like saying Ryan Cohen. It gives me a warm feeling bro, just like Chrismukkah.' There was a pause and Ryan knew Seth was dreaming of Chrismukkah. He shook his head and laughed.

'It's Atwood-Cohen Seth and you really need to work on stealth voice. It's a little psycho killer stalkery sounding. Where are you anyway?' he asked.

'Just got off the plan-..' he was interrupted by Summer in the background.

'Who's that?' he heard her say.

'It's Ryan Summer' replied Seth.

'Ooo can I talk to him?' said Summer excitedly. There was some rustling and bashing with the phone on the other end. Ryan sighed.

'No Summer…I'm talking…Get off… Down girl!' he heard Seth shout. He then heard a thump and a loud 'Ow!' from Seth.

'Ass!' shouted Summer and then, 'Hi Ryan!' Ryan laughed.

'Tell her I say hi Seth.' He said.

'Will do bro, now I gotta go she's snooping around the duty free.' He said.

'Ok see you soon man' said Ryan and he hung up. He smiled and walked over the table to finish setting it.

Boston, MA

Meanwhile on the other side of the country in Boston, MA, Daniel Cohen walked into his living room to find his son and wife sitting waiting for him with suitcases all around them. He smiled.

'Ok guys are you ready to go?' he asked. The boy looked up and gave a wide smile.

'Yeah! It's gonna be weird seeing Uncle Sandy again. It's been a while.' He said. His mom nodded.

'You're right it has, but this Christmas is going to be great. Sandy and Kirsten have a lovely family, and I'm told Seth is looking forward to seeing you again.' She said. The boy smiled again, then a strange moment of sadness and realisation came over him.

'I forgot something in my room. You guys go get ready in the car I'll be out in a second.' He said and hurried off. His mom got up and walked over to Daniel. She sighed and sagged into her husband's embrace.

'We need this Daniel… Jake needs it more than anyone. After the year he's had…' she trailed off. Daniel nodded, tightening his embrace, holding her closer.

'I know Elle, he's gonna be fine, our son's a survivor.' He said. Elle looked at her husband.

'I just feel like I can't understand what he feels when he thinks about it. It breaks my heart that I can't help my own son with his pain.' She said with a sigh.

Meanwhile, in his room, Jake walked over to his bedside table and picked up a photoframe. He stared at the photo and instant sadness washed over him. He took a deep breath, wiped a rogue tear away from his face and placed the picture into his backpack. He turned and walked out of his room to his waiting parents.

Hey everyone, this is my pilot story so I hope you enjoy it!! Reviews will be much appreciated!