Chapter 4: Big Brother, Little Sister

Ryan and Karen sat at a picnic bench at a park. Neither one had said a word for several minutes; they were just watching the children play when Ryan spoke up.

''Remember when we used to play like that?''

Karen smiled ''I remember you used to pull me off the monkey bars''

''I did?''

''Ryan, you're three years older than me, you were a bully. The only reason I came was because my mom said I had to''

''I used to push you on the swings''

''Yeah, and than we'd have contests to see who could jump the farthest''

''I'd always win''

''Just because you had longer legs''

''Bet I could beat you now''

''What? ''

''Come on'' Ryan grabbed her hand and brought her to two empty swings. He sat on one and started swinging himself back and forth

''You've got to be kidding me, Howl, aren't you a little old for this?''

''Come on 'Pup' you know you want to''

''Fine'' She sat on the other swing and brought herself back and forth

''On the count of three'' Ryan said '' One, two, three''

They launched themselves from the swings. Ryan landed first, than Karen who landed further than Ryan

''Ha! Who cares about longer legs, its all about skill''

''Two out of three''

''Alright, if you want to get your butt whooped by little sister. Just let me get a drink fast'' She went over to the water fountain while Ryan continued to swing himself

The cold water was a refreshment, she took a bit in her hand and dabbed her forehead and the back of her neck.

''Pretty hot huh? '' A voice said behind her

Karen turned startled. There was a man about 5'10, dirty blonde hair and bright green eyes.

''Sorry I didn't mean to scare you'' He apologized

''Its okay''

''You here with your kid?''

Karen rolled her eyes ''Yeah the big one on the swings'' She pointed at Ryan

''I got an idea, why don't we ditch big kid and I'll show you how to have real fun in Miami'' He drew closer

''Thanks for the offer, but I don't think so'' Karen turned away, heading back to the swings

''Hold on'' The man grabbed her arm

''Let Go'' She ordered, by this time Ryan had seen what was going on

''You don't know what I'm offering you''

''I know and I'm passing Now LET GO''

''Say the magic word''

''Now!'' Ryan showed up behind him '' the lady said let go, you let go''

The man held on, than reluctantly let go

''Fine, some other time Babe'' He made a kiss and left brushing by Ryan, Karen rubbed her arm

''You alright?''

''Yeah, thanks by the way''

''Hey, what are big brothers for''

They turned to leave the park

''I just fell like calling P.D to come and pick up that son of a …''

''Watch your mouth''

Karen huffed a laugh ''you really are my big brother''

-xxx-

''Man I'm stuffed'' Ryan said when they entered the apartment

''What a meal'' Karen followed

''I think I'm gonna hit the sack, you should too, we got to get up early tomorrow'' He went into his room

''You can sleep after a meal like that? Wow. I think I'm going to stay up just a bit longer to digest. Hey, by the way you nervous about tomorrow?''

No answer came

''Howl?''

She went to his room. The door wasn't completely shut and she pushed it open

''Ryan?''

This scene is set to Edwin McCain's: I'll be

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide.
I'll be better when I'm older,
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

I've been dropped out, burned up, fought my way back from the dead.
Tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said

Ryan sat on the side of his bed, his back to the door. Karen could tell there was something wrong.

''You alright? '' she sat beside him

''You asked if I was nervous, truth is, I'm a little scared''

''There's nothing wrong with that. Everyone gets scared going through these things''

''If this doesn't work''

''Don't talk like that. This is going to work''

''But if it doesn't, you know there's a possibility. I could lose my sight, I wouldn't be able to work CSI anymore''

''True, there is a slim possibility that the operation won't work, but you got the best doctors in Miami working on you, your friends there to support you. This will work. They'll fix your eye and it will be as if nothing ever happened to it''

A single tear rolled down Ryan's cheek

''I'm scared Karen''

''I know Ryan, I am too'' She held his hand ''but remember you're not alone, Horatio. Calleigh, Eric and I we're all there for you. We're going to get through this, I promise''

They both sat there, staring out the window in the room, their minds only on the events of tomorrow.

I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be love's suicide.
I'll be better when I'm older

I'll be the greatest fan of your life.