Disclaimer: I don't own The O.C they belong to Josh Schwartz and Mark Schwahn. Although the character introduced at the end of this chapter is mine so paws of!
Ryan Atwood stood at the edge of the kitchen admiring his family.
Sandy stood with his arms gently wrapped around Kirsten's waste as they both listened intently to Seth's in-depth explanation of why Superman could beat Spiderman in any battle. They were just about to head out to dinner as a celebration of Ryan and Seth's excellent grades.
Ryan had felt guilty when the report cards had come through – he knew that his grades would be better than Seth's considering Seth had been spending all his free time with Summer recently. Reluctant to share his own grades after hearing Seth's, it took a call to Dr Kim before either Sandy or Kirsten could congratulate him. After another compassionate lecture from Sandy, reassuring Ryan that they were extremely happy he was doing so well in school and in no way was he to compare himself to Seth; he had accepted the invitation to dinner.
Being the owner of The Lighthouse, Sandy had booked the best table in the restaurant and made sure only the best staff were on hand to see to their every need.
During dinner there was a constant chatter, mainly from Seth's side of the table, with Sandy dropping in at any time that he couldn't be any prouder of his 'genius' boys. They talked about everything; school, work, girls but ultimately Ryan knew what Seth had coming. He hoped to use tonight to finally get his parents to let him have a car...or rather them have a car. He had tried to draw Ryan in but really he had it all planned so they couldn't say no - firstly playing the good grades card then the guilt card for all the hard work they had done for no reward. However it was very entertaining, Ryan thought, to see Seth be shot down in flames by both Sandy and Kirsten's quick fire answers. Seth had failed to anticipate his parent's knowledge of him; they had seen this coming and were prepared for all he could come up with.
After dinner Kirsten, Seth and Ryan were standing in the reception waiting for Sandy to return from paying the bill and thanking the staff for a wonderful night. The car argument was still in full swing Seth desperately claiming a convertible BMW to be a necessity, when a voice broke into their little group.
"Everyone I've talked to in this town had said there was some tough punk from Chino living it up here but when I finally find out who it is what do you know? It's only you!"
Shocked by the intrusion Kirsten and Seth faced the person speaking so forwardly about Ryan. Stood before them was a young man in his twenties, short cropped blonde hair with a very muscular build but what struck Kirsten the most was his eyes. Deep blue eyes which acted like a window into his soul, whose colour and wisdom reflected the same as a boys not to far them.
Seeing the commotion from a far Sandy hurriedly paid for dinner and rushed over to his family. His protection radar was on overdrive a stranger who knew Ryan was not always the best omen.
Reaching the group he gave the man a quick glance while placing a hand on Ryan's shoulder, no sooner had it made contact Ryan jerked round to face the stranger.
"Alex." Ryan uttered the word so quietly Sandy wasn't quite sure he had heard it.
"Ryan you OK kid," Sandy had never seen Ryan so pale he reached out and took his arm scared he would suddenly pass out, "do you want to introduce us to your friend?"
"Um...um Sandy this is Alex my...my...brother..."