THE FAMILY

Ryan drove the black four-wheel drive, Chino disappearing in his rear-view mirror. Somehow he hoped that this was the last time he would have to lay eyes on the town in which he grew up. There were too many tragic memories. Too many times where he thought that he would rather end everything then stay and face the consequences. Too many times where he had been caught up in life or death situations.

Ryan knew that he had a new life now and that it was a good one, better than any he could have ever dreamed of. He had a loving girlfriend, caring foster family and was starting a good education.

But even as he thought about these wonderful and fulfilling things he remembered the one thing that had kept him from taking one step too many and going over the edge when he had lived in Chino. And that one thing took the form of a fifteen-year-old girl sitting in the seat beside him. She was beautiful, with short brown hair, straight like his own and shining hazel eyes. Her eyes told her story, one of trials and triumph. An inner strength was seen through them and yet, despite the illusion given by her toned figure, they carried a sense of vulnerability. She wore an army green no-sleeved top and black pants, a studded belt around her waist. A silver chain circled her slender neck, a small silver cross hanging from the front.

She was his sister, the one girl in the entire world who saw him for who is truly was. She saw past the scars and the tough attitude. She knew the real Ryan more than anyone else ever would. She had saved him from destruction, from losing control when times were hard.

Now it was his chance to save her.

.........

Rachel had slept for most of the drive, the tiredness finally weighing her down too much. Ryan had awoken her when they had reached the house, or rather what appeared to Rachel to be an entire hotel.

Orange County was everything that represented happiness. The sun shined brightly upon the spotless ground. Grand, expanding houses lined the colourful street. This was everything that Rachel had been promised once when she was younger by her then sober mother. However, after years went by to prevail Rachel had lost hope completely. Even seeing what she did now, she still couldn't believe.

"Are you alright?"

Ryan was standing beside her now as she leaned on the closed car door and took in everything around her.

"We don't have to go straight in if you don't want."

"No," Rachel replied. "I'm okay."

Months had pasted since the pair had layed eyes on each other and Ryan couldn't help but think that maybe that was why Rachel was being so distant. He thought that maybe she was unsure of how to react around him.

Together they walked into the house and around to the kitchen all the while Rachel was pinching herself trying to wake up from the dream.

"Oiw."

"What?" Ryan asked.

"Pinched too hard," she replied with a half smile.

Maybe they were okay after all and Ryan's earlier worries were not true.

As they entered the kitchen an older man and woman greeted them.

"Ryan, you're back," the man said. "We weren't expecting you 'till later."

"I like to surprise," Ryan replied.

Rachel stood by him awkwardly, aware that the woman was staring at her expectantly. She decided it might be best to just give her a smile so that she didn't seem like a complete snob.

"Kirsten," the woman said giving her a little nod.

"Rachel," Rachel replied.

"Oh, where are my manners," the man began.

"Out with the trash," Kirsten answered.

Rachel smiled at the comment. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing, a real married couple, a real, in love, married couple. Not like her parents, her father whom she didn't even know. Her mother brought home wave after wave of men, each as vile and disgusting as the next.

"Sandy Cohen, it's nice to meet you," the man ended. "And thank you for that little joke."

"Nice to finally meet you too," Rachel replied.

"Here let me take that to the guest room," Sandy said reaching for the bag she had slung over her shoulder.

"No, it's okay, I can take it."

"Rachel, you are a guest in this house, please, allow me."

She surrendered the bag over to him a little overwhelmed by their hospitality and kindness.

"Why doesn't she sleep in the pool house with Ryan," Kirsten suggested. "That way she has something familiar with her when she wakes up in this overwhelming place."

Overwhelming, that's an understatement, Rachel thought.

"There's only one bed in there Honey," Sandy replied.

"I don't mind where I stay, really. I don't want you to make a fuss," Rachel insisted.

"Not at all. We just want you to be comfortable."

"I think even if I slept on the floor it would be a huge step up the comfort ladder compared to what I'm used to."

The couple fell silent unsure of how to reply to the comment. Kirsten and Sandy knew what the Atwood children had lived with their entire lives but it was made all the more real when brought up in conversation. It was Ryan who broke the silence.

"Why doesn't she just stay with me, the bed's big enough for too, plus she's only small."

"Hey!" Rachel protested.

"In a good way."

Sandy nodded. "If that's what makes you both happy, I'll go and put this in the pool house."

He turned and left with Rachel's bag clutched in his hand.

"Why don't you take Rachel to meet Seth," Kirsten suggested to Ryan.

"Okay."

He guided Rachel toward the stairs and knocked loudly on one of the doors.

"Come in if you're beautiful," came a voice from inside the room.

Rachel raised an eyebrow at the comment. "Guess I'm out."

Ryan shook his head and opened the door.

"Ah, Ryan, of course you would think you are what I mentioned in my previous comment." His eyes fell on Rachel. "However, I believe the real winner here is you my lady."

"Smooth Seth, real smooth," Ryan mumbled.

"Usually a guy would get his ass kicked for saying something like that," Rachel said tilting her head.

Seth stood from his bed and walked over to her.

"And today?"

Rachel smiled. "I think I'll let it slide."

Seth carried an aura around him, one of fun and incredible charisma. Rachel liked it. He wasn't too harsh on the eyes either, with and inquisitive face and shaggy brown hair. Definitely a step up from the scum she was used to.

"Ryan!" They heard Sandy call from downstairs call.

"I'll be back," Ryan said before disappearing down the hallway.

Rachel watched him go.

"So...I'm Seth," Seth said a little distracted by the girls' beauty.

She was indeed a sight to be seen. Despite all that he had been told about her, Seth couldn't picture such a girl being brought up in a horrid place like Chino. The only give-away was in the way she held herself. She had a strength there, like she knew how to handle herself no matter what.

"Yeah, I kinda figured," Rachel said smiling. "Rachel."

"So you're the sister."

"That's what they call the daughter."

"Interesting."

They stood silently for a while just looking at each other. Really looking. Something had clicked between them the moment that their eyes had met, something deep. It was only when Ryan came back into the room was the trance broken and Seth looked away ashamed, and partially worried about what Ryan's reaction would be if he knew he found his sister attractive.

"You're things have all been put away," he sad to Rachel.

"Things?"

"Okay, your bag has been put away. Marissa might have to take you shopping for some new stuff, just to make you feel more at home."

"Ah, yes, what else makes a girl feel more wanted than shopping with someone she doesn't even know," Rachel commented. "You know me better than that Ry'."

"Marissa's his girlfriend," Seth answered.

Rachel turned to Ryan. "You have a girlfriend? Geez, the only thing that you've ever had that could partially be considered a girlfriend was Katrina from the other side of town. What was it, three hours that one lasted?"

"I thought you were a real womaniser," Seth commented. "Or were you just saying that to boost your own ego?"

"Oh, he was a womaniser, he just didn't stick around long enough to find out if there was anything there. You know, break the horse and then let it run free."

Ryan glared at her. "Thankyou Rach, really, very informing."

Rachel looked away from him a little upset at his stern reaction.

"I'm gonna go unpack," she said.

"I'll show you where..." Ryan began.

"No. I'll just ask Kirsten." She turned and left.

Seth was smiling now, he couldn't help it, what he had just layed his eyes on was a million dollars worth of gold. When Ryan saw the expression he narrowed his eyes.

"What?" He asked.

Seth looked at him. "She's pretty cool."

"Yeah, everybody loves her," he mocked.

"Why so glum?"

"I dunno, it's just different having her back, it's been so long."

"You'll be fine, plus I think my mum likes having a little more femininity in the house."

"You give off enough for everyone to share."

"Hey!"

TO BE CONTINUED.........

(So what do you guys think so far. I know it was a little rough, but obviously I needed an introduction to the new character and what better way to do it then by moving her into the Cohen's with Ryan. I also would like some suggestions for a story title cos i don't really like this one. Anyways, please review and give any suggestions as to how you would like to see things play out.)