Chapter 5
Ryan fell asleep during the rest of the journey. Kirsten turned off the radio and allowed herself to be surrounded by her own thoughts. She had no idea how she could hold on to this secret any longer. Ryan knew so she could only do the right thing and try to explain to Sandy before Ryan had the opportunity to have it slip out. She doubted he would mention it to Sandy but what if he was to say something to Seth? Seth would never forgive her. She would never forgive herself to allow that to happen.
As Kirsten pulled into the driveway she saw that Sandy was home. She looked over at the slumbering Ryan on her right and sighed. He had gone through so much and he was only sixteen years old. She leaned over and shook him gently out of his stupor. His head jerked up suddenly and he got caught in his seatbelt. Kirsten laughed and helped him untangle himself.
As Ryan got out of the car he felt drained. He looked at Kirsten and she looked the same. He felt that he had actually gotten to know her better and he realised that he cared for her even more. She was there for him and she could relate to him more than anyone else. He was ashamed at his outburst and he wished he could take back the pain he had caused her. "Ready for this?" she asked him. "As I'll ever be." He replied. Kirsten took his hand and squeezed hard. They made their way into the manor in silence. Ryan tried to prepare himself for seeing Sandy again.
The house seemed empty and lacked presence. Probably due to the fact that Seth hadn't been here for months. Ryan couldn't imagine what it was going to be like not having Seth dancing up and down the halls or chattering on about graphic novels every morning. Kirsten turned abruptly as loud laughter erupted from the kitchen.
She yanked Ryan through the hall and into the kitchen where she saw Sandy and Seth propped up on stools sipping cups of coffee. "What the hell is going on?" she demanded, "Where the hell have you been?" Kirsten commanded although it was muffled seeing as she had launched herself around the island to pull Seth into an overwhelming hug. "Uh mom oxygen!" Seth wheezed, "RYAN OH MY GOD!!!! You're here man what's up? How's Theresa? Is she here? Where is she?" Ryan looked at Kirsten and she sensed the panic in his eyes. "Oh no Seth, don't you dare and try to skip the issue. You and me are going to talk NOW!"
Quick save.
"About..."
"SETH!"
Kirsten looked at Ryan reassuringly and then continued to rant at Seth about his sudden departure. "So Ryan what are you doing back? Visiting or what?" Sandy asked. Ryan didn't know how to answer or whether or not he had the energy to tell him. At least he was too tired to start crying again. "Well Theresa had a paternity test and it turns out that I'm actually not the father of the baby," he said in one breath, "so I guess I'm back."
"Oh Ryan I'm sorry but... you knew the chances of you being the father were slim you said so yourself. But I really am sorry... welcome home I guess." he moved to Ryan and hugged him. "We really did miss you and now we've got both our boys back in one fail swoop. That means Kirsten and I have to be parents again!"
"Both your boys?"
"Yeah you and Seth." Sandy said squinting, trying to read Ryan's expression. "Oh. Yeah I guess. Both your boys." Ryan said a small smile playing on his lips. Sandy smiled, "Ryan you know Kirsten and I consider you to be our son and we both love you like our son. Always remember that. I know you and Kirsten didn't get off to a great start but give her a chance huh? Underneath the tough exterior she's fragile." He paused for a moment. "We're all gonna be there for you. Whatever you need... hey you're tough, you'll get through this." Ryan looked at Sandy and he recalled all of the things Sandy had done for him and before he knew it he had his arms around Sandy. His saviour .His hero. His Dad. When he pulled away he punched Sandy in the arm. "Thanks man."
Kirsten walked back into the kitchen. Both her and Seth's faces were tear stained and tired. "Ryan I think we should move you into a room inside the house. I've always felt like we were keeping you separate from the family having you in the pool house but now you're back I thought... you know if you want to."
"That would be really great. Thanks for everything. Especially today you were...great." Ryan replied weakly while Seth and Sandy looked on confused. Kirsten squeezed his arm and replied, "You're welcome honey."
I know the chapters are short but I'll update quicker than I usually do to make up for it. The next chapter is pretty long though.
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