You guys are great...Thanks for your support. I started writing this fic
when the Zoloft started keeping me up at night. Once again all disclaimers
apply. If I could afford the characters of the OC, I'd buy them, but for
now they are merely playthings for my seratonin re-uptake inhibited
presynaptic terminal.
Chapter Eight
Caleb's eyes narrowed.
"So..it's true.."
Sandy's silence answered for him.
"What are you going to do now...?"
The younger man looked up.
"What do you mean....?"
"Can you handle a kid with that much baggage..?"
"We all have baggage..." Sandy said quietly.
Jimmy left with Marissa in the middle of the afternoon. Ryan had drifted off to sleep just before they left. Kirsten and Seth had spent the rest of the afternoon quietly in Ryan's hospital room.
Dr. Michaels had come by to check in on Ryan and he decided to remove the restraints. He spoke to Kirsten about Ryan's prognosis.
"..Yesterday's little mishap aside, Ryan's doing very well. We'll be removing the stitches in his head and arm tomorrow. His liver is healing quite nicely, his skull and ribs didn't sustain any further damage from his fall and his blood work is good."
Kirsten nodded and asked...
"What about his fever?
"It's still low grade...the antibiotics will help fight off any infection..We'll be starting him on a liquid diet this evening and see how he tolerates it. I'd like to get him out of bed tomorrow and start some physio therapy..."
Kirsten's smile gave way to a worried look.
"Do you think Ryan will have problems walking...?"
Dr. Michaels shook his head.
"It's not so much walking, but because of Ryan's skull fracture his equilibrium will be off. He'll have to regain his sense of balance...We'll also set up an appointment for some out patient speech therapy. With a little bit of time and hard work he should make a full recovery."
Sandy came by the hospital that evening. He entered Ryan's room. Kirsten was happy to see him and decided to show him, drawing her husband into a kiss.
"Uh, again, not appreciating the visual you guys...."
Kirsten and Sandy ignored Seth for a few more moments before breaking their embrace.
Ryan was watching the two of them with an amused look on his face.
Seth looked disgusted.
"Would you two get a room...?"
"All in due time.." Sandy winked at his son. He turned to Ryan.
"How are you doing...?"
Ryan held up his hands.
"No tie up.... 'Rissa ...saw...afternoon...."
Sandy winced slightly at the mention of the restraints. He then turned to Seth.
"Your mom and I are going to go and talk for a few minutes...You and Ryan can plot your attempt to overthrow the Cohen dictatorship..."
Seth looked at his mom.
"You sold me out.."
Kirsten laughed and told him that all was fair in love and war.
Sandy and Kirsten sat in the cafeteria at their usual table. Kirsten found it ironic that with all the upscale restaurants in Newport, their 'table' was in a hospital cafeteria. Kirsten took a sip of her coffee and looked at her husband.
"Are you going to tell me where you've been all day?......You look exhausted.."
Sandy gave her a wry smile.
"So do you.."
He played with his coffee spoon before continuing.
"I went to see Trey..."
Kirsten raised an eyebrow.
"He, uh..told me what happened to Ryan...What he went through...."
Sandy was unable to continue. Kirsten reached for her husband's hand.
"It's okay..we'll get through this...we'll get Ryan through this..."
Sandy shook his head.
"I can't even get my head around it...I've seen a lot of stuff as a P.D. but how could a mother..."
The sound of a throat clearing interrupted him. Sandy looked up.
"Officer Riley..you always seem to know where to find us....Won't you sit down?"
Sandy's voice had a hard edge to it.
"What can we do for you...?"
The police officer sat down.
"We've made an arrest and have laid charges in the accident your sons were involved in."
"You've arrested Brad Campbell.." Sandy stated.
Officer Riley nodded.
"Yes, and we've also arrested Merlin Nordstrom...They're charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, drinking underage, possession of open alcohol in a moving vehicle..and we've also charged Dr. Campbell with filing a false police report..."
Kirsten spoke first.
"What happens now..?"
Before Officer Riley could answer, Sandy cut in.
"It'll all be pled down to a misdemeanor and they'll get a slap on the wrist..."
The officer kept her voice low and even.
"They'll plead out all the charges except for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. We've go enough evidence to go to trial on those charges, and the ADA is not going to take a plea. The charge of filing a false police report...."
Sandy shrugged.
"It's a class E felony. He'll pay a fine and get probation, do a little community service....
Officer Riley smiled.
"Yeah, but with a record he has to surrender his passport...and as Dr. Campbell told us, it seriously hampers his pre-paid, non-refundable, luxury class South American cruise.."
Kirsten tried not to laugh out loud, covering with an awkward sounding cough. Sandy however, did not try to hide his amusement. Officer Riley continued.
"ADA Cortez said you owe her one and...you are still the most arrogant and conceited pain in the ass public defender she's come up against.."
Sandy raised his eyebrows in mock indignation.
"Yeah, but that's why she loves me..."
The officer stood up and finished.
"I stopped in to see Ryan. Seth was with him...Those two together must be something else..."
Sandy's smile broadened.
"Yeah, they're plotting world domination as we speak..."
Paul entered Ryan's room carrying a covered tray. He put it down on the bedside table and turned to Ryan.
"Okay bud...You know the drill.."
He quickly checked Ryan's temperature and blood pressure. He injected pain medication into the IV now in the boy's right hand. He then took the lid off the tray with a flourish.
"Dinner is served..."
Ryan and Seth looked at the 3 small glasses of chalky white liquid.
Seth leaned over and sniffed.
"Mmmmmmm.....Yummers...!"
Ryan shook his head.
"No milk...Get sick..."
Paul unwrapped 3 straws.
"We know you're allergic to dairy products so what we have here is the finest non-dairy, soy based, high protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched cup of health we can offer you..."
He put the straws in the glasses.
"You'll have to finish all three..I'll be back to pick up your tray later...Bon appetit!" He said with a bow as he backed out the door.
Ryan stared at the tray and then looked at Seth.
"You...try.."
Seth stepped away....
"Uh, no..I'd rather eat mom's cooking..."
"Hey..I heard that.."
Seth turned and saw his mom and dad in the doorway.
"I uh...we...Ryan and I were just discussing the gastronomic...the uh..gastronomic merits of this uh...uh..non-dairy, soy based, high protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched epicurean extravaganza Ryan is being treated to.."
Kirsten ignored Seth and walked over to Ryan and gently hugged him.
"I'm going to take Seth home now...I want you to finish your, uh...dinner....You get some sleep and don't keep Sandy up all night..I'll be back tomorrow...Good night sweetie..."
Kirsten kissed Ryan on the forehead and stepped back.
"Tomorrow..see..."
Kirsten nodded.
"Tomorrow..see..."
Sandy sat in the recliner and watched Ryan drink his dinner. His hands were shaky but he insisted on holding the glass himself. He finally finished all three and fell asleep before Paul came back for the tray. It didn't take Sandy long to fall asleep as well, his mind drifting back to his visit with Trey.
Thursday, January 8
Kirsten and Seth sat in the kitchen enjoying a leisurely morning. Seth was hoovering a bowl of Count Chocula while Kirsten played with her bagel. Seth finished his cereal and brought the bowl to the sink.
"So..I wonder how Ryan made out with his dinner last night...That stuff looked like...uh, what did it look like..?"
Kirsten snickered.
"Baby formula..."
Seth stared at his mother, his mouth open.
"No way..!"
She continued.
"Think about it...What did the nurse call it....A non-dairy, soy based"..At point Seth chimed in.
"High protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched....oh gross....You're right mom. It is baby formula. What's next....strained peas...?"
Seth giggled.
Kirsten knew they shouldn't be laughing at Ryan's expense, but to hear her son laugh..it seemed like it had been forever...and Ryan..? Well, he'd probably figure out what that stuff they were feeding was soon enough.
Laughing with Seth had renewed her energy. Kirsten absently stuck her hand in the Count Chocula and took a handful.
"Get dressed Seth...I can drop you off to see Ryan and I'm going to go to kick boxing class...work off some stress...."
"What...no 'yogalates'...? 'Yogalates'....what kind of a person comes up with a name like that...?"
Kirsten threw her handful of cereal at her son.
"These are truly awful.."
"It's an acquired taste, mom..."
Sandy was jolted awake by the unmistakable sounds of a struggle. He saw Ryan locked in battle with unseen demons. Sandy leaned over and held Ryan's arms down.
"Ryan...Ryan...RYAN!.........WAKE UP! C'mon son....that's it...open your eyes...you're safe..I'm here....it's okay...."
Sandy repeated the last part of the statement over again until Ryan stopped struggling and opened his eyes..drawing painful, jagged breaths.
"You're safe...I'm here...it's okay..."
Ryan looked blankly at Sandy.
"Ryan..can you hear me..."
Ryan nodded slowly.
"I need you to calm down..deep breaths....you can do it...."
Sandy held on to Ryan's shoulders until the boy's breathing calmed down. Ryan closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them.
This time they were clear and focused.
"I okay...."
Sandy leaned back and shook his head.
"I'm not....What were you dreaming about..?
Ryan looked at Sandy.
"...Monsters..."
Kirsten dropped Seth off at the front entrance of the hospital and drove to the gym. The kick boxing class had helped relieve some of the stress she was feeling and the massage did wonders for her mood. Unfortunately her good mood was short lived. Kirsten was behind a row of lockers when she heard Taryn, Julie and some of the other "Newpsies" enter the change room.
Taryn spoke first in that grating 'high school popular girl' voice she had never out grown.
"Can you believe Brad and Merlin were arrested for the accident last week...? Those poor boys..Their poor families...It's so unfair....They're both such good kids....I just can't fathom why the Cohen's are doing this...The accident couldn't have possibly been Brad's fault..."
Julie's voice cut in.
"Kirsten must have called in every favour she had....The charges against that delinquent were dropped....He almost killed Marissa....He could have killed their 'real' son....I heard he had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system.."
The voices grew distant as the women left the room, agreeing to Julie's suggestion of bellinis at her house.
Kirsten stepped out from behind the lockers, her anger growing every second.
By the time Kirsten arrived home she was in full blown bitch mode. Seeing her father's jag in the driveway didn't help matters.
She slammed the car door and entered her house. He father was waiting for her in the kitchen. Caleb sensed his daughter's mood.
"Is Ryan alright..?"
Kirsten took a deep breath and tried to stay clam.
"I haven't seen him yet this morning..I went to the gym..."
She proceeded to tell her father about the conversation she'd overheard. Caleb poured his daughter some coffee and motioned for her to go outside with him. Kirsten looked defeated as she stood outside. All her optimism had faded and the walls she put up to contain her emotions crumbled. Her father held her as she cried.
Kirsten took a deep shuddering breath and stepped back from her father. Before she could say anything she heard Julie's voice. She was about to go over and tear a strip off that witch when she felt her father's hand on her arm. He guided her to the side of the balcony that overlooked the Cooper's front door.
"What the hell do you mean I can't go inside..? WHO had the locks changed?........This is MY house!!!!!! The Newpsie clique stood silently, absorbing every detail to spit forth later.
The sheriff shook his head.
"This property and all its chattels have been sold due to non-payment. Further more, an eviction notice is served effective immediately.."
"YOU can't lock me out..You can't take my house!!!"
Two deputies stepped forward to escort Julie off her former property. She took a swing at one of them. He grabbed her arm. The second deputy took her other arm. The sheriff continued.
"You will be allowed to pick up your personal property in 24 hours under our supervision..."
As Julie struggled with the deputies she looked up and saw Caleb and Kirsten looking at her.
"Caleb....What...?"
Caleb smiled smugly.
"I told you I'd take care of everything darling....It was fun while it lasted...."
With that Caleb turned his back on Julie as she was escorted kicking and screaming from her former home, her humiliation to be fodder for the Newport gossip circle for a long time.
Sandy and Seth waited outside Ryan's room as Dr. Meyers and Dr. Berg finished removing Ryan's stitches. When they were allowed back in, Seth took one look at Ryan and tried to stifle a laugh. Wide strips of hair had been shaved away when the doctors had stitched up his lacerations. Sandy elbowed his son in an effort to quiet him. It didn't work.
"Dude...you look like Krusty the clown..."
Ryan frowned.
"Funny I look..?"
Seth and Sandy moved closer to Ryan. Angry red scars crossed his head.
"I don't think this is a look you can pull off buddy..."
"Funny I look..?" Ryan repeated.
"No" said Sandy. "You look like a survivor...Your hair however, needs a little help.."
At that point, Dr. Berg came back into the room carrying Ryan's lunch tray.
"Hi Ryan...I hijacked your lunch tray since I was coming here anyway.."
She put the tray down and removed a black bandana from her pocket. Without saying anything else she quickly tied it around Ryan's head. When she finished she stepped back and admired her handiwork.
Ryan looked at her.
"I be pirate now...?"
Seth and Sandy snickered before being silenced by 'the look' from the medical resident.
"No way pal...Think Axl Rose.. This is one fine looking 'do rag' you've got there..."
Just then her pager went off.
"I've gotta run..If you like I can have someone from patient services come up later and give you a hair cut..."
She gave a warning glare to Sandy and Seth as she left the room.
"Play nice..."
Sandy lifted the lid of the lunch tray and unwrapped the straws inserting one into a small cup before handing it to Ryan. His hands were not as shaky as last night, but there was still a slight tremor.
Ryan took a sip of his lunch and looked at Sandy and Seth.
"I look like pirate...?"
Seth had an impish grin on his face.
"You're just showing some Harbour School spirit dude..."
Kirsten and her father sat by the pool, coffee now replaced with a vintage red wine. Caleb looked at his daughter. He was clearly savouring Julie's humiliation. The other ladies beat a hasty retreat after Julie was escorted from her former home. Kirsten saw the look of smug satisfaction in her father's eyes. The realization hit her....
"Dad....you didn't...."
His eyes twinkled.
"You did..You bought the Cooper's house..?"
Caleb nodded.
"The bank was only too happy to let me take it off their hands...The mortgage was already in default so I bought it as an investment and exercised my right to evict Julie."
Kirsten looked at her father.
"You're going to live next door...?"
Caleb took another sip of wine.
"I'll say this about that husband of yours..He does have excellent taste in wine.."
"....Dad....."
"Relax Kiki...I'm not moving in....I'm going to rent it out...Jimmy Cooper is moving back in...."
Chapter Eight
Caleb's eyes narrowed.
"So..it's true.."
Sandy's silence answered for him.
"What are you going to do now...?"
The younger man looked up.
"What do you mean....?"
"Can you handle a kid with that much baggage..?"
"We all have baggage..." Sandy said quietly.
Jimmy left with Marissa in the middle of the afternoon. Ryan had drifted off to sleep just before they left. Kirsten and Seth had spent the rest of the afternoon quietly in Ryan's hospital room.
Dr. Michaels had come by to check in on Ryan and he decided to remove the restraints. He spoke to Kirsten about Ryan's prognosis.
"..Yesterday's little mishap aside, Ryan's doing very well. We'll be removing the stitches in his head and arm tomorrow. His liver is healing quite nicely, his skull and ribs didn't sustain any further damage from his fall and his blood work is good."
Kirsten nodded and asked...
"What about his fever?
"It's still low grade...the antibiotics will help fight off any infection..We'll be starting him on a liquid diet this evening and see how he tolerates it. I'd like to get him out of bed tomorrow and start some physio therapy..."
Kirsten's smile gave way to a worried look.
"Do you think Ryan will have problems walking...?"
Dr. Michaels shook his head.
"It's not so much walking, but because of Ryan's skull fracture his equilibrium will be off. He'll have to regain his sense of balance...We'll also set up an appointment for some out patient speech therapy. With a little bit of time and hard work he should make a full recovery."
Sandy came by the hospital that evening. He entered Ryan's room. Kirsten was happy to see him and decided to show him, drawing her husband into a kiss.
"Uh, again, not appreciating the visual you guys...."
Kirsten and Sandy ignored Seth for a few more moments before breaking their embrace.
Ryan was watching the two of them with an amused look on his face.
Seth looked disgusted.
"Would you two get a room...?"
"All in due time.." Sandy winked at his son. He turned to Ryan.
"How are you doing...?"
Ryan held up his hands.
"No tie up.... 'Rissa ...saw...afternoon...."
Sandy winced slightly at the mention of the restraints. He then turned to Seth.
"Your mom and I are going to go and talk for a few minutes...You and Ryan can plot your attempt to overthrow the Cohen dictatorship..."
Seth looked at his mom.
"You sold me out.."
Kirsten laughed and told him that all was fair in love and war.
Sandy and Kirsten sat in the cafeteria at their usual table. Kirsten found it ironic that with all the upscale restaurants in Newport, their 'table' was in a hospital cafeteria. Kirsten took a sip of her coffee and looked at her husband.
"Are you going to tell me where you've been all day?......You look exhausted.."
Sandy gave her a wry smile.
"So do you.."
He played with his coffee spoon before continuing.
"I went to see Trey..."
Kirsten raised an eyebrow.
"He, uh..told me what happened to Ryan...What he went through...."
Sandy was unable to continue. Kirsten reached for her husband's hand.
"It's okay..we'll get through this...we'll get Ryan through this..."
Sandy shook his head.
"I can't even get my head around it...I've seen a lot of stuff as a P.D. but how could a mother..."
The sound of a throat clearing interrupted him. Sandy looked up.
"Officer Riley..you always seem to know where to find us....Won't you sit down?"
Sandy's voice had a hard edge to it.
"What can we do for you...?"
The police officer sat down.
"We've made an arrest and have laid charges in the accident your sons were involved in."
"You've arrested Brad Campbell.." Sandy stated.
Officer Riley nodded.
"Yes, and we've also arrested Merlin Nordstrom...They're charged with driving under the influence, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, drinking underage, possession of open alcohol in a moving vehicle..and we've also charged Dr. Campbell with filing a false police report..."
Kirsten spoke first.
"What happens now..?"
Before Officer Riley could answer, Sandy cut in.
"It'll all be pled down to a misdemeanor and they'll get a slap on the wrist..."
The officer kept her voice low and even.
"They'll plead out all the charges except for driving under the influence and reckless endangerment. We've go enough evidence to go to trial on those charges, and the ADA is not going to take a plea. The charge of filing a false police report...."
Sandy shrugged.
"It's a class E felony. He'll pay a fine and get probation, do a little community service....
Officer Riley smiled.
"Yeah, but with a record he has to surrender his passport...and as Dr. Campbell told us, it seriously hampers his pre-paid, non-refundable, luxury class South American cruise.."
Kirsten tried not to laugh out loud, covering with an awkward sounding cough. Sandy however, did not try to hide his amusement. Officer Riley continued.
"ADA Cortez said you owe her one and...you are still the most arrogant and conceited pain in the ass public defender she's come up against.."
Sandy raised his eyebrows in mock indignation.
"Yeah, but that's why she loves me..."
The officer stood up and finished.
"I stopped in to see Ryan. Seth was with him...Those two together must be something else..."
Sandy's smile broadened.
"Yeah, they're plotting world domination as we speak..."
Paul entered Ryan's room carrying a covered tray. He put it down on the bedside table and turned to Ryan.
"Okay bud...You know the drill.."
He quickly checked Ryan's temperature and blood pressure. He injected pain medication into the IV now in the boy's right hand. He then took the lid off the tray with a flourish.
"Dinner is served..."
Ryan and Seth looked at the 3 small glasses of chalky white liquid.
Seth leaned over and sniffed.
"Mmmmmmm.....Yummers...!"
Ryan shook his head.
"No milk...Get sick..."
Paul unwrapped 3 straws.
"We know you're allergic to dairy products so what we have here is the finest non-dairy, soy based, high protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched cup of health we can offer you..."
He put the straws in the glasses.
"You'll have to finish all three..I'll be back to pick up your tray later...Bon appetit!" He said with a bow as he backed out the door.
Ryan stared at the tray and then looked at Seth.
"You...try.."
Seth stepped away....
"Uh, no..I'd rather eat mom's cooking..."
"Hey..I heard that.."
Seth turned and saw his mom and dad in the doorway.
"I uh...we...Ryan and I were just discussing the gastronomic...the uh..gastronomic merits of this uh...uh..non-dairy, soy based, high protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched epicurean extravaganza Ryan is being treated to.."
Kirsten ignored Seth and walked over to Ryan and gently hugged him.
"I'm going to take Seth home now...I want you to finish your, uh...dinner....You get some sleep and don't keep Sandy up all night..I'll be back tomorrow...Good night sweetie..."
Kirsten kissed Ryan on the forehead and stepped back.
"Tomorrow..see..."
Kirsten nodded.
"Tomorrow..see..."
Sandy sat in the recliner and watched Ryan drink his dinner. His hands were shaky but he insisted on holding the glass himself. He finally finished all three and fell asleep before Paul came back for the tray. It didn't take Sandy long to fall asleep as well, his mind drifting back to his visit with Trey.
Thursday, January 8
Kirsten and Seth sat in the kitchen enjoying a leisurely morning. Seth was hoovering a bowl of Count Chocula while Kirsten played with her bagel. Seth finished his cereal and brought the bowl to the sink.
"So..I wonder how Ryan made out with his dinner last night...That stuff looked like...uh, what did it look like..?"
Kirsten snickered.
"Baby formula..."
Seth stared at his mother, his mouth open.
"No way..!"
She continued.
"Think about it...What did the nurse call it....A non-dairy, soy based"..At point Seth chimed in.
"High protein, iron supplemented, vitamin enriched....oh gross....You're right mom. It is baby formula. What's next....strained peas...?"
Seth giggled.
Kirsten knew they shouldn't be laughing at Ryan's expense, but to hear her son laugh..it seemed like it had been forever...and Ryan..? Well, he'd probably figure out what that stuff they were feeding was soon enough.
Laughing with Seth had renewed her energy. Kirsten absently stuck her hand in the Count Chocula and took a handful.
"Get dressed Seth...I can drop you off to see Ryan and I'm going to go to kick boxing class...work off some stress...."
"What...no 'yogalates'...? 'Yogalates'....what kind of a person comes up with a name like that...?"
Kirsten threw her handful of cereal at her son.
"These are truly awful.."
"It's an acquired taste, mom..."
Sandy was jolted awake by the unmistakable sounds of a struggle. He saw Ryan locked in battle with unseen demons. Sandy leaned over and held Ryan's arms down.
"Ryan...Ryan...RYAN!.........WAKE UP! C'mon son....that's it...open your eyes...you're safe..I'm here....it's okay...."
Sandy repeated the last part of the statement over again until Ryan stopped struggling and opened his eyes..drawing painful, jagged breaths.
"You're safe...I'm here...it's okay..."
Ryan looked blankly at Sandy.
"Ryan..can you hear me..."
Ryan nodded slowly.
"I need you to calm down..deep breaths....you can do it...."
Sandy held on to Ryan's shoulders until the boy's breathing calmed down. Ryan closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them.
This time they were clear and focused.
"I okay...."
Sandy leaned back and shook his head.
"I'm not....What were you dreaming about..?
Ryan looked at Sandy.
"...Monsters..."
Kirsten dropped Seth off at the front entrance of the hospital and drove to the gym. The kick boxing class had helped relieve some of the stress she was feeling and the massage did wonders for her mood. Unfortunately her good mood was short lived. Kirsten was behind a row of lockers when she heard Taryn, Julie and some of the other "Newpsies" enter the change room.
Taryn spoke first in that grating 'high school popular girl' voice she had never out grown.
"Can you believe Brad and Merlin were arrested for the accident last week...? Those poor boys..Their poor families...It's so unfair....They're both such good kids....I just can't fathom why the Cohen's are doing this...The accident couldn't have possibly been Brad's fault..."
Julie's voice cut in.
"Kirsten must have called in every favour she had....The charges against that delinquent were dropped....He almost killed Marissa....He could have killed their 'real' son....I heard he had twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system.."
The voices grew distant as the women left the room, agreeing to Julie's suggestion of bellinis at her house.
Kirsten stepped out from behind the lockers, her anger growing every second.
By the time Kirsten arrived home she was in full blown bitch mode. Seeing her father's jag in the driveway didn't help matters.
She slammed the car door and entered her house. He father was waiting for her in the kitchen. Caleb sensed his daughter's mood.
"Is Ryan alright..?"
Kirsten took a deep breath and tried to stay clam.
"I haven't seen him yet this morning..I went to the gym..."
She proceeded to tell her father about the conversation she'd overheard. Caleb poured his daughter some coffee and motioned for her to go outside with him. Kirsten looked defeated as she stood outside. All her optimism had faded and the walls she put up to contain her emotions crumbled. Her father held her as she cried.
Kirsten took a deep shuddering breath and stepped back from her father. Before she could say anything she heard Julie's voice. She was about to go over and tear a strip off that witch when she felt her father's hand on her arm. He guided her to the side of the balcony that overlooked the Cooper's front door.
"What the hell do you mean I can't go inside..? WHO had the locks changed?........This is MY house!!!!!! The Newpsie clique stood silently, absorbing every detail to spit forth later.
The sheriff shook his head.
"This property and all its chattels have been sold due to non-payment. Further more, an eviction notice is served effective immediately.."
"YOU can't lock me out..You can't take my house!!!"
Two deputies stepped forward to escort Julie off her former property. She took a swing at one of them. He grabbed her arm. The second deputy took her other arm. The sheriff continued.
"You will be allowed to pick up your personal property in 24 hours under our supervision..."
As Julie struggled with the deputies she looked up and saw Caleb and Kirsten looking at her.
"Caleb....What...?"
Caleb smiled smugly.
"I told you I'd take care of everything darling....It was fun while it lasted...."
With that Caleb turned his back on Julie as she was escorted kicking and screaming from her former home, her humiliation to be fodder for the Newport gossip circle for a long time.
Sandy and Seth waited outside Ryan's room as Dr. Meyers and Dr. Berg finished removing Ryan's stitches. When they were allowed back in, Seth took one look at Ryan and tried to stifle a laugh. Wide strips of hair had been shaved away when the doctors had stitched up his lacerations. Sandy elbowed his son in an effort to quiet him. It didn't work.
"Dude...you look like Krusty the clown..."
Ryan frowned.
"Funny I look..?"
Seth and Sandy moved closer to Ryan. Angry red scars crossed his head.
"I don't think this is a look you can pull off buddy..."
"Funny I look..?" Ryan repeated.
"No" said Sandy. "You look like a survivor...Your hair however, needs a little help.."
At that point, Dr. Berg came back into the room carrying Ryan's lunch tray.
"Hi Ryan...I hijacked your lunch tray since I was coming here anyway.."
She put the tray down and removed a black bandana from her pocket. Without saying anything else she quickly tied it around Ryan's head. When she finished she stepped back and admired her handiwork.
Ryan looked at her.
"I be pirate now...?"
Seth and Sandy snickered before being silenced by 'the look' from the medical resident.
"No way pal...Think Axl Rose.. This is one fine looking 'do rag' you've got there..."
Just then her pager went off.
"I've gotta run..If you like I can have someone from patient services come up later and give you a hair cut..."
She gave a warning glare to Sandy and Seth as she left the room.
"Play nice..."
Sandy lifted the lid of the lunch tray and unwrapped the straws inserting one into a small cup before handing it to Ryan. His hands were not as shaky as last night, but there was still a slight tremor.
Ryan took a sip of his lunch and looked at Sandy and Seth.
"I look like pirate...?"
Seth had an impish grin on his face.
"You're just showing some Harbour School spirit dude..."
Kirsten and her father sat by the pool, coffee now replaced with a vintage red wine. Caleb looked at his daughter. He was clearly savouring Julie's humiliation. The other ladies beat a hasty retreat after Julie was escorted from her former home. Kirsten saw the look of smug satisfaction in her father's eyes. The realization hit her....
"Dad....you didn't...."
His eyes twinkled.
"You did..You bought the Cooper's house..?"
Caleb nodded.
"The bank was only too happy to let me take it off their hands...The mortgage was already in default so I bought it as an investment and exercised my right to evict Julie."
Kirsten looked at her father.
"You're going to live next door...?"
Caleb took another sip of wine.
"I'll say this about that husband of yours..He does have excellent taste in wine.."
"....Dad....."
"Relax Kiki...I'm not moving in....I'm going to rent it out...Jimmy Cooper is moving back in...."