Thanks for all the great reviews everyone.
Disclaimer- I don't own anything related to the O.C - except a rather large obsessionwith Mr McKenzie…that's all mine!!
Again Sorry for any spelling and grammer errors.
The Fourth wheelChapter 2
It was 6.30 and Kirsten could sleep no longer. What with the constant indigestion and the baby playing football with her bladder. She decided now was a good time to get up. No point in laying in bed tossing and turning. She'd only disturb Sandy.
She padded her way into the kitchen and put the kettle on, a nice cup of tea was in order. She loved this time of the day when no one else was up. She could sit out on the patio and just gaze into the ocean. This was her thinking time.
As she sipped her tea she couldn't believe that in just over a month she'd be having a baby. She smiled and rubbed her 'Bump' O.K the timing hadn't exactly been perfect.
What with Caleb's many indiscretions coming to the fore. And the subsequent legal battles in store.
Surprisingly Kirsten has managed to stay relatively unscathed. There was something to be said for ignorance.
She had known Caleb to be ruthless in his business dealings but she had never in a million years thought that bribery and corruption had been his game. Having this baby felt right, it had shifted her focus off business and she had realised that she missed having a life outside of the office.
She turned as she heard the sound of the pool house door open. Seth had laughed Ryan over this, even though they were in a different house Ryan had still claimed the pool house.
"Morning Ryan"
"Ohhh, Hi Kirsten" Ryan looked shocked to see her there.
"The kettles just boiled, why don't you join me for a cup of tea?"
Ryan looked uncomfortable "That's O.K… Erm I've got some stuff to do down at the library before school…. But Thanks"
Kirsten smiled at Ryan and replied, " In case you didn't realise that was more of a command than a request, Grab a cup and join me. I want to talk to you"
She knew Ryan dreaded hearing those words more than anything. Talking wasn't Ryan strong point. Ryan gave a barely noticeable sigh and put his bag down, and when to get a tea from the kitchen. He returned and sat down opposite Kirsten and focused on his cup.
" You're up very early for school?"
Ryan looked up and muttered, "I've just got a lot of work to catch up on. I find it easier to get done in the Library"
" Are you falling behind in your work, because if you are I could schedule a meeting with Dr Kim. If you are finding it too much, though I find it odd that you are having to do so much extra work. The last me and Sandy heard you were way ahead on your course work and were getting top grades?"
Ryan looked uncomfortable and shifted in his chair
" You seem to be spending a lot of time over at Lindsay's house studying too?" Kirsten said softly "Is there anything you want to share with me Ryan?"
Kirsten had been worried about Ryan's continual absences from the house, at first she had been amused that Ryan was spending so much time with her half sister, She had assumed that Ryan was doing what teenage boys did with their girlfriends. She trusted Ryan. After the summer he had just had she knew he wasn't about to make the same mistake twice.
It had taken an accidental meeting with Lindsay's mother to make her realise that Ryan had not been honest as to where he had been spending his evenings.
" No, I'm just trying to keep my grades up that's all"
"Ryan, sweetie, I know that you haven't been over at Lindsay's when you said you've been. Both Sandy and me have given you time, But we don't appreciate being lied too. What's going on?"
Ryan focused on his tea again.
"Is it me, is it the baby? Talk to me Ryan. We're worried about you "
" God Kirsten, please don't think that I'm upset about the baby, everything is fine. Really. I just…I just sometimes need time on my own. I'm sorry I lied about where I was. I don't mean to worry you… I just…. I do need to get to the library Kirsten " Ryan stood up and grabbed his bag.
" Ryan. I know how much it hurt when Theresa lost the baby Honey. I know how much seeing me must hurt you, But shutting yourself off from us, your family, it won't help. When the time comes you'll make a great father but until then, this baby needs its big brother. I know you find this family a little overwhelming sometimes but don't shut us out Ryan please. This is your chance to be a teenager, don't waste it worrying about what could have been"
Kirsten saw the brief flash of pain in Ryan's eyes at the mention of Theresa. He nodded and turned away.
"Ohhh and Ryan, in the future I suggest that Lindsay comes over here in the evenings"
Ryan turned back "You're grounding me?"
'No Ryan…. Just keeping you close"
TBC