Ready kiddies? Everybody hold hands. We're going for a little ride.
Josh, I'll give them all back to you. A little dizzy maybe, but otherwise unhurt. Don't sue. I won't be able to pay for my son's shrink bills if you do.
Chapter Ten.
It started to rain just as Ryan unlocked his door. He left his work stuff on the kitchen counter and went to the closet. Pulling his pay envelope out of his pocket, he quickly counted off the rent money, money for food and bus tickets. The rest of it went into his backpack, adding to the amount already there.
He pushed the envelope deep into the bag, underneath a pair of jeans and then returning the pack to his closet. He briefly wondered what the Cohens did with his other backpack.
With the things they'd bought for him.
Things he didn't ask for.
Things he could never bring himself to claim ownership over.
Maybe they had been given freely, but he'd done nothing to deserve them.
The things he kept in his backpack... they were his. He'd left them behind. It didn't matter. They were easily replaced, just as he could be easily replaced.
Another backpack, ready for a quick exit.
Sandy would find another lost cause.
The pack was his only security in life.
A half hour later after washing away the day, Ryan sat in a chair, eating the omelet he'd made for himself. He looked at the stack of books on the table, evidence of the vast selection from Carmichael's public library. For some reason, he'd been drawn to the science fiction section. Sci-Fi was never his type of book. He preferred things that were tangible, not one person's twisted idea of how things will be. Should be. He had surprised himself, taking out a selection from Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury. He picked up the top book and fanned through it.
"Robot Stories."
Ryan sighed and walked to the stove, turning the kettle on. Spooning some instant coffee into a mug, he then quickly washed his dinner dishes as he waited for the water to boil.
Hot water plus coffee powder and a science fiction novel on a Friday night equaled his life.
Welcome to Carmichael, bitch.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kirsten looked around the cramped hotel room. It was going to be an interesting weekend. She pondered leaving her overnight bag in the car. Between the 2 beds, 1 cot, the small table and chairs, the dresser and Summer's jaw-dropping amount of luggage, there wasn't an empty space in the room.
The thought of upgrading the room had reared its head more than once, but this was Sandy's call and she'd make due.
Seth and Summer left for a much needed coffee run. The embrace in which Sandy held her ended much too soon. She didn't think he could hold her long enough. Kirsten took a good look at her husband's face. He looked worn out and haggard, but his eyes had no sign of defeat in them.
Sandy Cohen did not give up.
"Just be ready to cover your eyes... They're probably going at it as we speak..." Seth's voice carried through the closed door. The thought crossed both Sandy and Kirsten's mind not to disappoint their son and give him exactly what he didn't want to see.
The door opened before Sandy or Kirsten could move. Summer rolled her eyes at Seth. "Why do I put up with you Cohen?"
"My rugged good looks, my charm, my wit... my incredible fashion sense?"
"You're delusional." She shot back, but the smile she gave Seth didn't go unnoticed.
"Okay." She continued. "We've got coffee, bagels and bear claws, and before anyone touches anything, what happened with Coop?"
Sandy Kirsten and Seth grabbed their coffees and sat down. Summer let out a petulant sigh, took the last coffee and sat beside Seth.
"Well," Kirsten started, "Rachel finally got a hold of Julie who was spa- ing in Palm Springs. I imagine she got there around 8. Rachel arranged bail and there will be another court date next month." She took a sip of coffee. "This is not going to go away... She's in big trouble..."
Sandy blew on his coffee.
"Why did it take so long? Where was Jimmy?"
Kirsten blushed.
"Jimmy... uh... Jimmy was... uh, having his "welcome to your 40th birthday" exam at the hospital."
Sandy looked puzzled for a second and then the realization hit him.
"Aha.....oooh.... Poor guy."
Seth was totally bewildered.
"I'd like to buy a clue here..."
It was Sandy's turn to blush.
"Let's just say he had his tonsils examined from the end where you can't open wide and say Aaaaahhh..."
Seth turned to Summer.
"Did you understand that?"
"Jimmy had a prostate exam and a colonoscopy. He was probably so whacked out on Valium, they could have used a garden hose..."
"Summer!"
"Sorry." She said, trying to look contrite. "Cosmo and Vanity Fair aren't the only magazines I read. Daddy gets the medical journals and I do look through them."
There was an uncomfortable silence as everyone tried to remove the image of Jimmy Cooper and a garden hose from their brains.
Kirsten was the first one to clear her throat.
"Anyway, Marissa will be released as soon as Julie gets to the station and signs the papers. This is not going to go away guys.... Maybe you could offer her a little support."
"For what?" Summer spat. "We wouldn't be here if it weren't for her... Ryan wouldn't be who knows where..."
Before anyone could ask, Summer finished her statement.
"It was Marissa who made up this whole thing about Ryan and me... She made it up to get back at him for breaking it off between them. She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her..."
She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her...
She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her...
Ryan did love them. He'd opened his heart and allowed himself to care. Sandy wouldn't allow the guilt he felt to ravage him.
Seduce him. Devour him. Consume him.
Later, he told his mistress... There would be time later.
"Ryan loved us?" Kirsten asked quietly, making no attempt to hide her tears.
Seth leaned over to his mother and hugged her.
"He still does..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ryan closed the book, having read the same page several times. As hard as he tried to keep the Cohens out of his mind, they kept invading his thoughts.
Intruding.
Pervading.
Infesting.
That part of his life was over. Seth's manic monologues, Sandy's attempts to get him surfing, Kirsten's smiles that reached her eyes when she looked at him.
Fuck... He fought the urge to throw the book across the room. It wasn't his to throw. Dammit, why did he always have to try and do the right thing? That strategy never really worked out well.
He swung his legs off the bed and replaced the book on the kitchen table, pacing the room... his restlessness growing.
The walls of the tiny apartment were closing in on him. He couldn't breathe. Grabbing his sweatshirt and keys, he quietly stepped out to the small deck and locked the door, descending the stairs as discretely as he could.
He needed to get away, to hide from the memories of what he'd lost, of what he'd thrown away. At least it stopped raining.
Mandy had heard Ryan pacing. It was after midnight. Will had gone to bed and the kids were asleep. This was her "me" time. Diet Snapple Ice Tea, a pack of gel pens, a notebook to record her musings... It was her way to unwind from the day. Hearing Marty upstairs was unusual. He was quiet. Probably the quietist young man she'd ever met. Michael and Sam adored him. Will had made it his mission in life to try to get a real conversation going with him and Mandy knew he was hiding something or from someone. She saw the pain in his eyes as he observed her family, the lost look he'd get, as if he were somewhere else.
Mandy's maternal instincts kicked into overdrive as she thought of Marty going out. She grabbed the dog's leash and quickly roused Peanut, who was sleeping contently in the corner. She opened the front door just as Ryan reached the end of the driveway.
"Marty?"
Ryan stopped and turned.
"Marty... Could you do me a huge favour? Peanut is dying to go out for a walk and I can't leave the kids. Would you mind taking him out for me?"
Ryan looked at the dog. Peanut let out a big yawn and settled at Mandy's feet. Before he had a chance to answer, Mandy nudged the dog with her foot and walked him over to Ryan.
"I really appreciate this Marty... Thanks again."
Mandy turned back to the house. Ryan looked down at the dog, attired in a wife beater, lying down on the driveway.
"Nice shirt..." He flicked the leash and Peanut stood up, leading Ryan to the sidewalk. Mandy pulled the curtains back and watched them leave. She went back to the kitchen and grabbed another Snapple.
This might take a while.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Cohens met with the private investigator on Sunday. They discussed strategy and the next steps to take over lunch. It was nearly 4 weeks since they'd last seen Ryan. Their son, their brother, their friend.
Caleb had called, just to let them know that Marissa had been sent to a treatment facility in Oceanside for an indefinite stay, pending the outcome of her next hearing. The news was met with indifference. As Kirsten spoke with her father she realized that he didn't call to talk about Marissa, he was concerned about Ryan. He was concerned for his family and his family included a blond haired, blue-eyed boy.
Caleb also informed his daughter that she would be needed in the office first thing Monday morning.
"Kiki... Dammit, I wish I could take this meeting for you... I wish I could do more..."
Kirsten sighed.
"I know Dad, and I appreciate it, I really do. Sandy and Seth have things covered here. I might be able to re-arrange some things and come back here on Tuesday night."
"Drive safely Kiki. Give my love to Seth and tell the Sandman that..." Caleb didn't finish his sentence. What should he tell Sandy? That he's an idiot for chasing away a 17 year old kid? One that he shouldn't have brought home in the first place? As much as Caleb fought it, his eyes glowed with pride as he'd watched his daughter and her new son looking over housing plans. Ryan had listened, understood, asked valid questions, absorbed the information like a sponge. One day, he would run the Newport Group. Seth would be successful at whatever he did, but the Newport Group wasn't part of his future. He didn't want it, even though he would have worked there to make his mother and grandfather happy, his heart wouldn't have been in it. He was too much like his father. Altogether, it wasn't a bad thing...
"I'll tell Sandy you said hi... Love you Dad..."
"Love you too, Kiki..."
Josh, I'll give them all back to you. A little dizzy maybe, but otherwise unhurt. Don't sue. I won't be able to pay for my son's shrink bills if you do.
Chapter Ten.
It started to rain just as Ryan unlocked his door. He left his work stuff on the kitchen counter and went to the closet. Pulling his pay envelope out of his pocket, he quickly counted off the rent money, money for food and bus tickets. The rest of it went into his backpack, adding to the amount already there.
He pushed the envelope deep into the bag, underneath a pair of jeans and then returning the pack to his closet. He briefly wondered what the Cohens did with his other backpack.
With the things they'd bought for him.
Things he didn't ask for.
Things he could never bring himself to claim ownership over.
Maybe they had been given freely, but he'd done nothing to deserve them.
The things he kept in his backpack... they were his. He'd left them behind. It didn't matter. They were easily replaced, just as he could be easily replaced.
Another backpack, ready for a quick exit.
Sandy would find another lost cause.
The pack was his only security in life.
A half hour later after washing away the day, Ryan sat in a chair, eating the omelet he'd made for himself. He looked at the stack of books on the table, evidence of the vast selection from Carmichael's public library. For some reason, he'd been drawn to the science fiction section. Sci-Fi was never his type of book. He preferred things that were tangible, not one person's twisted idea of how things will be. Should be. He had surprised himself, taking out a selection from Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury. He picked up the top book and fanned through it.
"Robot Stories."
Ryan sighed and walked to the stove, turning the kettle on. Spooning some instant coffee into a mug, he then quickly washed his dinner dishes as he waited for the water to boil.
Hot water plus coffee powder and a science fiction novel on a Friday night equaled his life.
Welcome to Carmichael, bitch.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kirsten looked around the cramped hotel room. It was going to be an interesting weekend. She pondered leaving her overnight bag in the car. Between the 2 beds, 1 cot, the small table and chairs, the dresser and Summer's jaw-dropping amount of luggage, there wasn't an empty space in the room.
The thought of upgrading the room had reared its head more than once, but this was Sandy's call and she'd make due.
Seth and Summer left for a much needed coffee run. The embrace in which Sandy held her ended much too soon. She didn't think he could hold her long enough. Kirsten took a good look at her husband's face. He looked worn out and haggard, but his eyes had no sign of defeat in them.
Sandy Cohen did not give up.
"Just be ready to cover your eyes... They're probably going at it as we speak..." Seth's voice carried through the closed door. The thought crossed both Sandy and Kirsten's mind not to disappoint their son and give him exactly what he didn't want to see.
The door opened before Sandy or Kirsten could move. Summer rolled her eyes at Seth. "Why do I put up with you Cohen?"
"My rugged good looks, my charm, my wit... my incredible fashion sense?"
"You're delusional." She shot back, but the smile she gave Seth didn't go unnoticed.
"Okay." She continued. "We've got coffee, bagels and bear claws, and before anyone touches anything, what happened with Coop?"
Sandy Kirsten and Seth grabbed their coffees and sat down. Summer let out a petulant sigh, took the last coffee and sat beside Seth.
"Well," Kirsten started, "Rachel finally got a hold of Julie who was spa- ing in Palm Springs. I imagine she got there around 8. Rachel arranged bail and there will be another court date next month." She took a sip of coffee. "This is not going to go away... She's in big trouble..."
Sandy blew on his coffee.
"Why did it take so long? Where was Jimmy?"
Kirsten blushed.
"Jimmy... uh... Jimmy was... uh, having his "welcome to your 40th birthday" exam at the hospital."
Sandy looked puzzled for a second and then the realization hit him.
"Aha.....oooh.... Poor guy."
Seth was totally bewildered.
"I'd like to buy a clue here..."
It was Sandy's turn to blush.
"Let's just say he had his tonsils examined from the end where you can't open wide and say Aaaaahhh..."
Seth turned to Summer.
"Did you understand that?"
"Jimmy had a prostate exam and a colonoscopy. He was probably so whacked out on Valium, they could have used a garden hose..."
"Summer!"
"Sorry." She said, trying to look contrite. "Cosmo and Vanity Fair aren't the only magazines I read. Daddy gets the medical journals and I do look through them."
There was an uncomfortable silence as everyone tried to remove the image of Jimmy Cooper and a garden hose from their brains.
Kirsten was the first one to clear her throat.
"Anyway, Marissa will be released as soon as Julie gets to the station and signs the papers. This is not going to go away guys.... Maybe you could offer her a little support."
"For what?" Summer spat. "We wouldn't be here if it weren't for her... Ryan wouldn't be who knows where..."
Before anyone could ask, Summer finished her statement.
"It was Marissa who made up this whole thing about Ryan and me... She made it up to get back at him for breaking it off between them. She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her..."
She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her...
She couldn't stand the thought of him loving you guys more than her...
Ryan did love them. He'd opened his heart and allowed himself to care. Sandy wouldn't allow the guilt he felt to ravage him.
Seduce him. Devour him. Consume him.
Later, he told his mistress... There would be time later.
"Ryan loved us?" Kirsten asked quietly, making no attempt to hide her tears.
Seth leaned over to his mother and hugged her.
"He still does..."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ryan closed the book, having read the same page several times. As hard as he tried to keep the Cohens out of his mind, they kept invading his thoughts.
Intruding.
Pervading.
Infesting.
That part of his life was over. Seth's manic monologues, Sandy's attempts to get him surfing, Kirsten's smiles that reached her eyes when she looked at him.
Fuck... He fought the urge to throw the book across the room. It wasn't his to throw. Dammit, why did he always have to try and do the right thing? That strategy never really worked out well.
He swung his legs off the bed and replaced the book on the kitchen table, pacing the room... his restlessness growing.
The walls of the tiny apartment were closing in on him. He couldn't breathe. Grabbing his sweatshirt and keys, he quietly stepped out to the small deck and locked the door, descending the stairs as discretely as he could.
He needed to get away, to hide from the memories of what he'd lost, of what he'd thrown away. At least it stopped raining.
Mandy had heard Ryan pacing. It was after midnight. Will had gone to bed and the kids were asleep. This was her "me" time. Diet Snapple Ice Tea, a pack of gel pens, a notebook to record her musings... It was her way to unwind from the day. Hearing Marty upstairs was unusual. He was quiet. Probably the quietist young man she'd ever met. Michael and Sam adored him. Will had made it his mission in life to try to get a real conversation going with him and Mandy knew he was hiding something or from someone. She saw the pain in his eyes as he observed her family, the lost look he'd get, as if he were somewhere else.
Mandy's maternal instincts kicked into overdrive as she thought of Marty going out. She grabbed the dog's leash and quickly roused Peanut, who was sleeping contently in the corner. She opened the front door just as Ryan reached the end of the driveway.
"Marty?"
Ryan stopped and turned.
"Marty... Could you do me a huge favour? Peanut is dying to go out for a walk and I can't leave the kids. Would you mind taking him out for me?"
Ryan looked at the dog. Peanut let out a big yawn and settled at Mandy's feet. Before he had a chance to answer, Mandy nudged the dog with her foot and walked him over to Ryan.
"I really appreciate this Marty... Thanks again."
Mandy turned back to the house. Ryan looked down at the dog, attired in a wife beater, lying down on the driveway.
"Nice shirt..." He flicked the leash and Peanut stood up, leading Ryan to the sidewalk. Mandy pulled the curtains back and watched them leave. She went back to the kitchen and grabbed another Snapple.
This might take a while.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The Cohens met with the private investigator on Sunday. They discussed strategy and the next steps to take over lunch. It was nearly 4 weeks since they'd last seen Ryan. Their son, their brother, their friend.
Caleb had called, just to let them know that Marissa had been sent to a treatment facility in Oceanside for an indefinite stay, pending the outcome of her next hearing. The news was met with indifference. As Kirsten spoke with her father she realized that he didn't call to talk about Marissa, he was concerned about Ryan. He was concerned for his family and his family included a blond haired, blue-eyed boy.
Caleb also informed his daughter that she would be needed in the office first thing Monday morning.
"Kiki... Dammit, I wish I could take this meeting for you... I wish I could do more..."
Kirsten sighed.
"I know Dad, and I appreciate it, I really do. Sandy and Seth have things covered here. I might be able to re-arrange some things and come back here on Tuesday night."
"Drive safely Kiki. Give my love to Seth and tell the Sandman that..." Caleb didn't finish his sentence. What should he tell Sandy? That he's an idiot for chasing away a 17 year old kid? One that he shouldn't have brought home in the first place? As much as Caleb fought it, his eyes glowed with pride as he'd watched his daughter and her new son looking over housing plans. Ryan had listened, understood, asked valid questions, absorbed the information like a sponge. One day, he would run the Newport Group. Seth would be successful at whatever he did, but the Newport Group wasn't part of his future. He didn't want it, even though he would have worked there to make his mother and grandfather happy, his heart wouldn't have been in it. He was too much like his father. Altogether, it wasn't a bad thing...
"I'll tell Sandy you said hi... Love you Dad..."
"Love you too, Kiki..."