Note: Response to queries: This takes place when Ryan and Seth are nearly 7 years old. The stuff in italics represent flashbacks, mostly to flesh out the scenes and add some more detail to the background.
chapter 3
Toying with the stem of the cherry that came on top of his sundae, Ryan glanced nervously at Dawn. She had aroused an indefinable but indelible impression on him. Here was someone who did not glitter, shine with the reflection of wealth. Throughout his life, the concept of money had never been a concern.
"Hey, kid. I was wondering... What do your parents do? Since you obviously have money, considering your clothes," asked Dawn with a glint in her eyes. She had come to the mall for a sale on blue jeans for her son. Just seeing this kid made her realize that a world of difference separated Sears and Abercrombie even though the stores were only 20 feet apart.
Ryan blushed as he looked down at his Abercrombie ensemble.
"What is this place, Kirsten? Are you sure that this isn't the male version of Victoria's Secret?" teased Sandy as he surveyed the rather explicit pictures on display at the Abercrombie store.
"Sandy! This is one of the most popular apparel places these days. Even though I admit that the models in those flimsy underpants do look a bit overwhelming," scolded Kirsten.
Seth laughed out loud at his mom's choice of words. This store did not appeal to him. After all, what were shirts good for besides to display an easily visible message, written or symbolic? One of his favorite shirts, for example, had a picture of a Smurf along with the caption, "Hug me till I'm blue".
"Dad. You know that Ryan has to shop here since he's so popular with the girls. I mean, he was the first boy that Marissa decided didn't have cooties. Besides, he's the athlete in the family. I got most of your Jewish genes," snickered Seth.
Ryan shot Seth a death glare but was too embarrassed to complain. His mom usually picked out his clothes while respecting his preference for a plain style.
"I remember when Abercrombie was a store for old-timers. Things have really changed. Oh well, as long as you are footing the bill, Kirsten. I'm afraid that a public defender's salary does not cover $50 jeans," chuckled Sandy.
"My dad is a lawyer. My mom works for my grandfather at the Newport Group," replied Ryan.
"So, your parents must work in big offices with people to make them coffee every morning, huh? Must be something fancy like French Roast, not like Harvest Blend," questioned Dawn.
"My mom has an office like that. My dad doesn't. He likes to tease mom by saying that she sold out to the man. Seth, that's my brother, usually asks whether the man is like Mr. Scrooge from Duck Tales. Dad then laughs uncontrollably and says that he always figured Caleb, that's my grandfather, had a giant money pit. Mom tries to hide a smile while still shouting SANDY, that's my dad's name, really loud," explained Ryan.
"Are you close with your brother?" queried Dawn, finding a strange kind of solace in the kid's refreshing honesty.
"I guess. Since we were born on the same day, my parents always have to give us an equal number of presents so that Seth or I won't feel bad. On our fifth birthday, my mom accidentally gave Seth one more present. Seth felt that was unfair so he decided to give the entire birthday cake to me. Of course, that meant I would later give him half anyway since we share everything, but it was the thought that counted," mused Ryan.
Dawn caught herself wishing that her son had a companion like this boy. Trey had grown up having to share without anybody sharing with him. A small difference, but one that made him a little harder than she wanted...
"Do you have a son or daughter? You look like you do. My mom always says that you can tell who has children because you can see the tiredness in their eyes from waking up eight times a night for years. Mom said that I shouldn't tell Seth, but he managed to scream so loudly all the time that she was considering whether to install a permanent pacifier," inquired Ryan shyly.
Dawn had to smile at the matter-of-fact tone of the kid. She had no knowledge about the dynamics of his family or a detailed understanding of the personalities involved. However, she could sense that this kid loved them all. In the simple act of naming them, he instilled a sense of permanency and trust in belonging to a family.
"I have one son. His name is Trey. Actually, he is about your age, I think. Although, he is a bit taller. But still... You almost look like brothers, "murmured Dawn.
Ryan felt surprise along with a twinge of unease. Her comment dredged up some memories where he and Seth had been questioned about how they could look so different yet were still brothers.
Luke and some of his hulking friends watched Ryan and Seth walk to class.
"Look who's coming down the hall. Two...pansy fairies!" exclaimed Luke. He felt proud using an insult that he had heard from a water polo player at Harbor earlier that week.
Seth, feeling words come out of his mouth before he could think, retorted, "And that would make you the Queen, wouldn't it!"
"What did you say?" yelled Luke, "I will break you, bitch!"
Just as things looked like they would end badly, Ryan stepped in front of his brother. Truthfully, Luke was a little scared of Ryan. Although smaller, the other boy had an unbreakable quality to him, a desire to protect his brother that ignored the limitations of flesh.
The first time they had tangled, Luke had emerged victorious...with a broken nose and masses of bruises. Ryan had not fared much better with a dislocated shoulder and a scar near the temple that would never heal. Out of that fight, Luke learned one thing. You pushed Ryan Cohen, he would not back down. You pushed his family, you would get hurt until you never wanted to mess with his loved ones again.
"Well, at least my brothers and I don't look...like a mismatched pair of freaks," growled Luke as he hurried away, not willing to risk another fight.
Seth spluttered as he took in the insult.
"Is he trying to make fun of us? Mismatched... Ry?" asked Seth going from fury to sudden apprehension, "You're my brother no matter what, right?"
Ryan could only smile. Although he usually disliked public displays of, well, anything, he reached to hug his brother.
"Don't worry, Seth. You'll be bothering me with your crazy ability to talk as fast as a hummingbird flaps its wings well until we're both old. You just inherited more of dad's genes, while I took more of mom's," replied Ryan.
As the taller boy hugged tightly back, he swallowed his irrational fear.
"Ry? At least I inherited the cool hair," laughed Seth.
Staring intently at Ryan, Dawn missed seeing a brawny man wearing jeans and a flannel shirt barge in the ice cream shop and come directly at her.
"Dawn, where's my money, bitch!" roared the man.
With a cry of "No! Pete!", Dawn was pulled to the floor by a massive slap from Pete.