Author's note; Due to lack of interest in the story I have decided that this chapter shall be the last. Enjoy!

Ryan took his place next to his older brother on the sun lounger, pausing to enjoy the silence and scenery.

"I'm s..."

"Don't Ryan, you always apologise for things, even when there not your fault. Just so you know 'sorry' is not allowed in this conversation because neither of us has anything to be sorry for. I left home, got a job, an education - even though I left you I can't be sorry for making my own way...I can't. After I left yeah things got bad for you but look at you now living with a brilliant family who care so much about you, top grades in a private school and going off to college soon."

"I had a brilliant family in Chino; because you were part of it."

"Flattery will get you nowhere little brother." Identical grins spread across their faces.

"Really Alex you were what made life bearable, you were our everything. Mother, father, brother. Without you I don't think we would have made it..."

"You think Trey made it do you? Being in and out of lock up, getting you mixed up in stealing a car classes as making it does it?"

"How did you...I mean you knew..."

"I told you I kept track of you guys, a friend of mine is in the same wing as Trey. He wrote to me, told me what happened. I didn't know about you getting kicked out I promise because if I had I would have been back like a shot. It wasn't until I went to see Trey I found out that you were living here...well not here Trey could only give me rough details so I had to track you down."

"You talked to him, did he say anything else?"

"What about Gattas and the debt yeah...you're stupid sometimes you know that? Risking all this for him, I mean I understand but there were other options. Needless to say it won't happen again you and him are done."

"Yeah I know I told him that myself. So what now?"

"Well I have to go back my squad being posted in Europe for a few months maybe a year. You on the other hand have school and college to aim for. So I guess if we're cool, we just keep in contact phone write whatever. Then when I come back we could meet up maybe I could get a place near by settle down."

"You live here; you'd go mad."

"Maybe but being near you would make it that little bit more bearable."

Two weeks past by and in that time Alex had become a fully fledged member of the Cohen clan. Sandy and Kirsten had accepted him into their home another addition to their boys; Seth revelled in having an older sibling to barrage with questions while Ryan was at ease for once safe in the knowledge that his barrier was back in place.

The day came for Alex to leave the Cohen's plus two sat round the dining table feasting on the best take out in town, each was sad at the departure of their newest addition.

"So umm I wanted to say thanks to all of you for looking after me and Ryan. I have some things for each of you I thought you'd like to have them."

Alex left the table as the others shared an apprehensive glance, all were nervous but particularly Ryan as he was unsure what to expect. He would soon find out as Alex returned three items in hand each neatly packaged, he came toward him first.

"Ok so this is something I have been working on for a while I guess it won't mean much now but you should still have it." He handed Ryan a bank book which on opening he discovered contained a substantial sum of money, he glance up at Alex who was smile hopefully at him.

"What...I can't...can't take this..."

"I started it when I got my first wages there's one for you and one for Trey. I thought you could use it for college or whatever but I guess you don't really need it anymore." He risked a glance at Sandy and Kirsten hoping they would appreciated what he was trying to do.

"That's cool Alex I mean we could buy a car to get around, or a new games console for the dorm room, or ..."

"Seth I think that's Ryan's money. You could use it for supplies or not to have to work when you move." Kirsten was quick to point out its necessity as much for Seth as Alex.

"Thanks. I'll put it top good use."

"I know you will, which is exactly why Trey's is tied up in investments. Sandy Kirsten I've got something for you both, I've kept it for a long time but now I think it's time for someone else to be its keeper."

He handed Kirsten a dark blue bound book edged in gold, carefully she peeled back the front cover to reveal photographs neatly arranged in order of date. Flicking through she found a variety of pictures; Ryan, Trey and Alex on occasion all three. She was mesmerised by the transformation occurring before her eyes, many times she had been curious about Ryan as a child now she had an opportunity to experience it.

"Alex we can't accept this. You should keep it, they're your memories."

"Actually they're Ryan's memories and this way you can add to them. Start a new chapter of his life. Lastly for you Seth," Alex handed Seth a wrapped box which Seth promptly tried to rip open. "Umm no I'd wait until I've left to open that."

Grinning he rose form the table exchanged hugs and handshakes with all the members of his new family then headed out for the airport.

As soon as the car lights were out of sight Seth had the package torn open to reveal a black cassette tape. With all members of the family gathered round the den television Seth plopped down at his father's feet and hit play.

"Welcome Moms, Dads and other relatives to Chino Elementary production of 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown..."