----------
"So, dude. You ready for today?" Seth asked when Ryan came in the next morning.
Ryan raised an eyebrow at him.
"That's a no?"
"That's a 'what the hell are you talking about'…" Ryan replied with a smirk.
"The funeral," Seth stated.
Ryan hesitated by the coffeepot.
"Sorry…" Seth apologized.
"No, it's just…at least it's a closed casket. I don't want to see her…like that," Ryan murmured. He recovered, pouring his coffee and turning to face Seth. "I don't want to talk about that."
"Well, before the parents invade…can I ask you about your Dad? How's that going to…"
"I'm not thinking about that either," Ryan replied.
"Ryan."
He slowly met Seth's gaze. "I don't want to talk to him. No matter what he says, good or bad, it's not going to be what I need to hear."
"Fair enough," Seth accepted.
"I'm more worried about the cousins."
"Cousins?" Seth asked, clearly intrigued.
"Yeah. Dawn's other brother is bringing kids," Ryan replied. "Nothing like a funeral to bring families together."
"Dude…" Seth scolded.
"Sorry."
"Dark much?"
"Yeah. Actually," Ryan grumbled.
"Morning, guys. Coffee?" Kirsten asked.
"Finish it off and I'll start a new pot," Ryan offered.
"How're you doing?" She asked as he poured her a cup.
"Tired," Ryan answered.
"He's grumpy," Seth volunteered. Ryan stuck his tongue out at Seth.
"What time are the Thompson's coming?" Seth asked his mother.
"Eleven. A car's coming to take everyone to the service around one." She glanced at Ryan. "You still sure about going?"
"As of right now…yes."
She nodded.
Sandy stepped in. "Coffee?"
Kirsten passed him a fresh cup.
"So, what's for breakfast?" Sandy asked.
"Coffee," Kirsten, Ryan and Seth replied.
"Ah. Coffee."
----------
"Jesus, Ryan!" Seth whispered, surprising him by the air conditioners.
Ryan frantically swatted away the smoke from his cigarette. "Are your parents out here?"
"No, dude, but seriously, where the hell do you keep getting them?" Seth asked.
"Rosa's trying to quit. She'll buy a pack, smoke one and feel so guilty that she'll give them to me. Until she buys another pack and…well, you get the idea," Ryan explained.
"They're going to kill you. And I don't mean cancer, I mean Luke and Mom…"
"Sorry…" He took a hurried drag before grinding out the cigarette with his shoe.
"Are you seriously okay?"
"Yeah. Seriously."
Seth raised an eyebrow.
"Don't give me the eyebrow," Ryan warned.
Seth kept his eyebrow raised with doubt.
"I'm cool. I mean, it's my mom's funeral, how am I supposed to act? Just let me be cool."
"Okay, man. But I'm here."
"I know," Ryan nodded.
"Hey, guys," Summer said. She kissed Seth's cheek and sniffed. "You smoking?"
"No," Seth said, glaring at Ryan.
"Chino! Luke's going to kick your ass," Summer scolded.
"I better go spray some cologne," Ryan said.
Inside, Kirsten and Sandy were greeting their guests.
"Sandy, Kirsten, this is my son, Evan," Grace introduced.
Evan was a tall blond man with a muscular frame. He shook their hands warmly. "I haven't heard much about you, but it's all been good."
"These are my grandchildren. The twins, Corinne and Lorraine, and my grandson, Brent," Grace continued.
The girls were thin and pretty while Brent mirrored his father, only shy a few inches of his height. All shared Ryan's bright blue eyes.
"Come in, make yourselves comfortable. There's food and videogames for the kids…" Kirsten said, leading them into the kitchen.
Brent was the first to speak. "You have a very nice home. Can we meet our cousin?"
Corinne shoved him, shaking her head. "Be polite," She hissed.
"That was polite," He whispered back. Lorraine smacked him on the back of his head.
"Excuse my children. Plane rides always make them a little rowdy," Evan smiled, embarrassed.
"Ryan stays in the poolhouse. Evan, would you like me to introduce you as well?" Sandy asked.
"That would be nice," He said.
"We can have brunch on the patio," Kirsten said.
Sandy led Evan and the blond children onto the patio. Corinne and Lorraine cooed over the pool and view but Brent stayed by his father's side.
Sandy knocked on the poolhouse door. The blinds were all up and Seth, Summer and Ryan were sitting on the bed. Seth waved him inside.
"Guys, this is Evan Thompson and his kids. Brent, Corinne and Lorraine. This is my son Seth, Ryan and their friend, Summer."
Seth nudged Ryan who seemed frozen. Ryan got up and went to shake Evan's hand.
"You look just like Dawn…" Evan muttered.
"I've been hearing that a lot lately," Ryan gave him a weak smile.
"Hey," Brent nodded, sizing him up with his eyes.
"Hey. Nice to meet you guys."
"I'll let you guys get acquainted," Sandy said, leaving with Evan.
"So," Brent stated coldly.
"What do you guys want to do?" Seth asked, looking between Ryan and Brent worriedly.
"Is that bag Gucci?" Corinne asked Summer.
"That's totally not findable in Boston, you have to tell us where you got that," Lorraine echoed. The twins settled on the bed as Summer launched into a narration of her latest shopping trip.
"You can sit down if you want," Ryan told Brent.
"I'd like to ask you some questions," Brent replied, taking a seat in the chair. Ryan sat down beside Seth, ignoring his concern.
"Okay," Ryan shrugged.
"Why are you doing this to my grandmother? Is it because you want money, because it looks like you've got a pretty sweet setup already…"
"Excuse me?" Ryan asked before Seth could get a word in.
"Dad's going to do a DNA test. To prove that this is all a scam…"
"Dude, you are way out of line," Seth said.
"No, he is. Just popping up all of a sudden and saying that Dawn is his mother, just to have her mysteriously die before we can prove any of it," Brent continued. "You're just after Grandma's money…"
"You know what? You're right. Why'd you even come in here when you already know all the answers? You're right. Does that make you feel better?" Ryan spoke his words clearly and coldly. He stood up and walked into the bathroom.
"Get the hell out. Now." Seth stood up and took Brent by the collar and pulled him to his feet. "Get out."
"You're such an ass, Brent," Corinne said, pulling him by the arm through the door.
Lorraine turned to Summer and Seth. "I'm sorry about that. Brent's just…protective. Dad hasn't really told us anything and Brent's imagination is a little overactive."
"Ryan's mother died. Today is her funeral. If you're really sorry, you'll keep him away from Ryan," Summer said. Seth ignored them, going to the bathroom and knocking on the door. Lorraine followed her siblings out.
"Dude? Dude, open the door," Seth demanded.
The door swung open. Ryan was pale but his face was blank.
"Man, that guy is an ass…" Seth said.
"It's fine."
"Chino, are you okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. I'm going to go ahead and get dressed. I want to head over early so I can be there when Trey comes."
"You want us to come with?" Seth asked.
"If you want," Ryan shrugged. Seth stared at him. Finally, Ryan nodded. "That'd be nice. You can finally meet Trey."
"Come on, Cohen. Let's go get dressed," Summer said quietly.
----------
Grace, Graham and Evan were flipping through the photo albums when Brent appeared with Corinne at his side.
"Hey, kids. This was your aunt Dawn," Evan said, pointing at a picture.
"Who's the other kid?" Brent asked.
"Ryan's brother Trey. He'll be at the funeral," Graham replied.
"Why isn't he here?" Brent continued.
"He's in jail," Grace answered.
"Grandma, why do you believe this kid, he wasn't even living with Dawn," Brent said suddenly.
Grace gasped, blushing with anger. "Brent, he wasn't living with Dawn because she kicked him out. She was an alcoholic drug addict who should never have had children…"
"Mom," Graham warned.
"No, he's wrong. Brent, Ryan did not come to me, I came to him. He's had a harder life than I can even imagine and he didn't even know we existed. He is my grandson as much as you are," She snapped.
"Did you say something to him, Brent?" Evan asked.
"I…" Brent stammered, clearly chastened.
"He said Ryan was only after Grandma's money," Corinne answered.
"Brent, maybe you should hear the whole story. Sit down. You too, Corinne," Grace said.
"I'm going to talk to the kid…" Graham said.
"You should leave him alone. His…the Cohen's son said we should leave him alone," Lorraine said, approaching.
"Sit down, Lorraine," Evan said.
Graham went to the poolhouse and knocked. Ryan opened the door, dressed in a simple black suit.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Why?" Ryan asked, leaving the door open as the man followed him in.
"Brent."
"He's fine. He's protecting his family. It's fine."
"He's wrong."
"It's fine, Mr. Thompson."
"It's Graham."
Ryan turned and kept his gaze at the man's feet. "It's fine, Graham."
"Ryan. This wasn't supposed to be like this…" Graham apologized.
"Honestly? Today is Mom's funeral. I didn't expect it to be easy. Nothing's going to make this day any easier, even if he had welcomed me with open arms, it's still going to be one of the worst days of my life. And I've had a lot of bad days, so that's saying something," Ryan stated quickly. "If you don't mind, I'd like a little time to get myself together."
"No problem," Graham said, startled.
Sandy stepped in. "Everything all right? Why are you already dressed?"
"Seth's going to take me over early so I can talk to Trey. Is that all right?" Ryan asked.
Sandy wrinkled his eyebrows with concern. Graham stepped out.
"What's going on?" Sandy asked immediately.
"This just sucks. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to, I'm getting bitched out by some punk I don't even know and I need to get out of here. These people, they aren't my family, I don't care what the DNA says, they don't know me and they don't need to know me. I want this over, Sandy. I want it finished…" Ryan said in a rush.
"Sit down," Sandy said calmly.
"I don't want to sit down…"
"Ryan. Sit down."
Ryan sat down beside Sandy on the bed.
"What happened?"
"I don't want…"
"I don't care. What happened?"
"Brent says I'm only after his Grandma's money," Ryan stated flatly.
"What?"
"It's so fucking stupid. But I can't deal with it. Not today. I have to go to this funeral and see my mother's coffin. I have to see my father standing in chains beside my brother who's standing in chains. And the worst thing is, I'm surrounded by strangers. None of these people even knew Dawn…not even you. And you're not a stranger…but it just seems wrong to have her being mourned by people that didn't even know her."
"Okay. Deep breath."
Ryan obeyed.
"Okay. You're ready. Seth and Summer are going to take you. What else can I do to make this easier?"
"Nothing. It's not easy…you've already done so much. I just want to go ahead and…and come to terms with it myself. Like, without a crowd…I'll be fine," Ryan said.
"I believe you. I don't know why, but I do. You can go with Seth and Summer. I'll make sure the Thompson's don't hassle you…"
"I don't have anything against them…I just don't…I don't belong to them, Sandy. I'm not a part of their family…I don't know if I want to be. Grace is fine, she's nice, I think she means well…but the rest of them? I…I don't want to get all stressed out over people that don't even know me."
"That's fine, Ryan. It's your decision. I want you to relax, okay? You're wound way too tight…" Sandy said.
"I know," Ryan sighed. "I'm trying to unwind…"
"But we won't let you smoke…"
"That doesn't help," Ryan laughed nervously.
"Seth should be ready soon. I'll deal with the Thompsons. Why don't you guys walk around the house and avoid the kitchen?"
"Thanks, Sandy," Ryan said, relieved.
"I'll give you some time. Tomorrow will be better, kid."
"I hope so," Ryan said.
Graham was waiting outside the poolhouse when Sandy stepped out. "How's he doing?"
"Not so good. He'll be fine. I don't think we should force any more family reunions on him, though. Today's hard enough for him…"
"He doesn't want anything to do with us, does he?"
"Can you blame him?" Sandy asked, guiding Graham toward the house. "I don't think your nephew made the best impression." Sandy hardened his tone. "Ryan is not after money. He's a good kid. He could care less about money…I don't appreciate your nephew's words, Graham. Ryan has enough to deal with living here, he gets enough flak from the snobby little kids around here, he doesn't deserve to hear it from you guys."
"I'm sorry about Brent, Sandy. I don't feel that way about him, I know Mom doesn't…" Graham started.
"I hope not. But I'm afraid that I have to side with Ryan on this one. Stay away from him, Graham. This is really hard for him. I'm sorry that I have to ask, but I do. Ryan's my first priority. Give him space."
Graham nodded. "I understand. I'll talk to Mom."
"Thank you."
----------
Ryan walked into the church, followed by Seth and Summer.
"Dude, you haven't said anything the whole way, can I please get something?" Seth urged.
"Something…" Ryan muttered.
"Thanks," Seth sighed dramatically.
"Come on, Seth. Leave him alone," Summer whispered.
"No, it's fine. I appreciate you guys coming with me. I'm just a little messed up right now," Ryan confessed. He sat down in one of the last pews of the church. Far from the flower-covered coffin at the front.
"Messed up?" Seth asked, sitting down beside him.
"I mean…I know it's not my fault. Mom dying. It was the drugs, it was her choice…but I can't stop thinking…If I had been there, if I had still been living with her…"
"Chino, you can't be serious. She kicked you out, she left you…" Summer started.
"Wait," Seth said, taking her hand. "Go on, Ryan."
"I know all that, Summer. But…but I took care of her. She was…she was my mom. She was the only mom I ever had…and I let her die…"
"You didn't let her die. How many times did you try to get her help?" Seth asked.
"A few…"
"And how many times did she shut you down? She was an adult. She made her own decisions…" Seth stated quietly.
"I know. But she's dead."
They were silent.
"It's not your fault," Summer whispered.
"I hope not," Ryan replied. Seth put his arm around him.
"Are you going to be okay, man?"
"If I can make it through today, I'll be fine," Ryan muttered.
"Can I help you kids?" A priest walked up to them.
"Um…sure, I guess. I'm Seth Cohen and this is my brother, Ryan Atwood. That's his mom," Seth pointed to the coffin.
The father nodded. "Ah. I see."
"We came a little early so Ryan could greet his brother, he's coming from…" Seth's words started to trail off.
"From jail," Ryan finished, giving Seth a grateful glance.
"I was informed. If you'd like to talk, I'll be around, okay?" The man smiled.
"Thanks," Ryan nodded. The priest walked away.
"Weird."
"This whole day is weird," Ryan muttered.
"You want to go outside? I know you have cigarettes," Seth offered.
Ryan gave him a lazy grin.
"Right?" Seth asked.
"Yeah. You're not going to tell your folks?" Ryan asked.
"No. But Summer's going to tell Luke," Seth replied as they walked outside.
"Damn." Ryan lit a cigarette and paced in place on the sidewalk.
"Dude. You're really wired," Seth said.
A Department of Corrections Van pulled up nearby and parked.
"That your brother?" Seth asked.
"Or my father. I can't tell," Ryan replied.
"What are you going to do if it's your Dad?" Summer asked.
"Nothing. I have nothing to say to him," Ryan replied evenly. His hands were shaking as he inhaled deeply off the cigarette.
Two guards got out and opened the door of the van. Trey stepped out, dressed in a suit but still handcuffed. He shook off the guard's helpful hand with a glare.
"That's Trey," Ryan said.
"Hey, little brother." The guards walked him over to where they were standing.
"Trey, this is Seth and his girlfriend, Summer," Ryan introduced.
"Nice to meet you," Trey nodded. "I'd shake your hand, but I'm a little tied up," He smiled.
"Nice to meet you, too," Seth replied, relaxing at his joke.
"You okay? You look a little shook up," Trey said.
"Yeah, well. Long day."
"I guess." Trey said. "So, should I go in and…"
"Closed casket," Ryan said. He met Trey's gaze and they stared at each other for a long moment. Seth glanced at Summer, confused.
"He's coming. Are you going to talk to him?" Trey asked, reading Ryan's eyes.
"He's found religion according to Sandy. And no, I'm not going to talk to him," Ryan replied.
"Good. You stay with your new brother here, don't fuck with Dad." Trey glanced at Seth. "You don't let him go near him, you hear me? He might say he's changed, but I don't believe it. It's for the best."
Seth gave Trey an uncomfortable nod.
"Leave Seth out of this. I'm not messing with him," Ryan replied.
"Let's get you inside. We'll take the cuffs off in the church for the service," The guard on Trey's left said.
"I'll see you inside. You sitting with me?" Trey asked.
"Depends on where Dad sits," Ryan replied.
"Good answer," Trey grinned. The guards walked him inside.
"He's nice," Seth said.
"Yeah. He has his moments. A little overprotective for a guy in jail, though," Ryan muttered.
"You want to go back inside? Everyone else should be arriving soon…" Seth said. Another department of corrections van pulled up.
"Yeah. Inside," Ryan said, tossing his cigarette into the street.
Seth and Summer flanked him as they returned inside.
Ryan disappeared into the bathroom and Summer and Seth waited outside. Two guards walked in with an older man dressed in a faded suit. Unlike Trey, he was handcuffed and shackled and the guards were clearly watching him closely.
"Is my boy in there?" He asked Seth. Seth was chilled by the man's cold blue eyes. They weren't like Ryan's or Grace's or any of the Thompsons. His eyes were stony and cold.
"Excuse me?" Summer asked. "Your boy?" She snapped, immediately defensive. She put a hand on Seth's arm protectively.
"Ryan," He replied.
"I don't think that's any of your business," Seth responded.
"Let's go, Atwood. You're here for the service, not small talk," One of his guards growled, leading him inside.
"I want to see my boy," He said but the guards kept him moving.
"That was…" Seth started.
"Surreal," Summer finished.
Ryan stepped out, looking steadier.
"So. Your Dad's here. He was looking for you," Seth said shakily.
"Did he say something to you?" Ryan asked, sensing the tension.
"He was looking for you. He…he doesn't seem as nice as Trey," Summer said.
"He's not…" Ryan replied. He leaned against the wall, deflating.
Sandy stepped in with Kirsten at his side. "Everything all right?"
"Yeah. Ryan's dad and brother are here," Seth said.
"Oh," Sandy said, surprised. "Did you…"
"No. I talked to Trey, I was in the bathroom when Dad came by," Ryan replied.
"Let's go talk to the priest, Ryan," Kirsten said, taking him by the arm. "We'll make sure the service is to your liking. Grace and her family should be coming along any minute and we'll get you out of the line of fire. We'll wait until right before the service starts to sit down with Sandy and Seth. Okay?"
"Okay," Ryan said. Kirsten led him away.
"You guys okay?"
"Yeah. But his dad is a creepy guy. Trey told us to keep him away from Ryan…"
"Thanks for coming with him. Let's get our seats. Ryan will be sitting with us," Sandy said.
----------
The service was nice and calm. Soft piano music played as the priest said a few words and read from the scripture. Ryan didn't react to any of it. He sat between Seth and Sandy. Sandy held Kirsten's hand while Seth held Summer's hand. Ryan kept his hands folded on his lap. He was still despite his father's constant glances from across the room. Dawn was going to be cremated so after the service, there wouldn't be a graveside service. Grace had requested her ashes, she wanted to take Dawn home to Boston.
"Ryan? You ready?" Sandy asked as the priest finished the service.
"Yeah. Ready…" Ryan said.
Trey and his father were both standing up, the guards between them. Ryan didn't look over until he heard his name from his brother.
"You stay away from Ryan. He doesn't need your bullshit anymore. Haven't you done enough to this family already?" Trey was yelling.
Ryan started to go over but Sandy gripped his arm tightly.
"No, Ryan. Don't," Sandy urged.
"It's fine. Let me go," Ryan said. Sandy studied him but finally released him. Ryan walked over and glared between his brother and his father.
"Ryan…" His father started.
"Stop it. You want to see me?" Ryan held his arms out and turned around dramatically. "Here I am. Other than that, we're done. You want to make a scene at my mother's funeral? Fine. But have a little respect for the dead. Both of you," He snapped, glaring at Trey.
"Man, I'm sorry," Trey apologized.
"I just want to talk to you," Ryan's father said, his face twisted in anger.
"You're a few years too late. The service is over," Ryan said to the guard on his father's right. The guard nodded and started leading him out of the church.
"Ry…"
"Drop it, Trey," Ryan said. He turned to him. "I'll come see you in a few days. You can bitch at me all you want then."
"Ryan. Let's go," Seth came over and spoke quietly. Ryan followed him down the aisle and out of the church. Seth put his hand on Ryan's back and he flinched, visibly affected.
"Sorry," Ryan said.
"It's cool. Come on, Summer's already bringing the car around…" Seth said. Ryan nodded. Summer's car screeched to a halt on the curb.
"Your parents…"
"They're behind us. I'm under orders to take you home and chill you out," Seth replied.
"Oh," Ryan said. He was frozen on the curb.
"Get in the car, Ryan," Seth urged.
"Oh. Yeah," Ryan murmured, climbing into the backseat.
"You okay, Chino?" Summer asked.
Ryan nodded. He didn't have any words yet.
----------
"Aren't you going to check on him?" Evan asked Sandy back at the house. They were alone in the kitchen.
"Seth's with him," Sandy replied.
"I want to apologize for Brent. He's not usually so ignorant," Evan said.
"I know how kids can be. It would've been nice for Ryan to have some…some good familial relations. His mother and father…I'm not a fan of either," Sandy replied.
"I see that now. I can't believe she'd ask him over just to O.D…it's the worst, most heartless thing I've ever heard."
"He's safe now. Ryan's one of the brightest kids I've even know. Seth's smart and together…I think they could do anything they put their minds to…it's a scary thought. He's overcome what Dawn and his father have done to him."
Seth entered with Summer from outside.
"Hey, kid," Sandy greeted.
"He's okay. He just needs time," Seth said.
"We'll be upstairs," Summer said, pulling him from the kitchen.
"So. Tell me about yourself," Sandy said, leading Evan back into the den with the rest of the guests.
Ryan was sitting between the air conditioners, smoking.
"Hey. Can I bum one?"
Ryan recognized one of the twins. He shook out a cigarette for her. She lit it with her own lighter.
"Can I sit?"
"I don't bite," Ryan replied.
"Ryan, right? I'm Corinne." She lowered her voice. "I'm the bad one."
"Ah. Good to know," He smiled nervously.
"Sucks about your mom."
"Yeah."
"I mean," She started. "I don't know exactly how you feel, but I got the synopsis from Grandma. Your mom, she had a lot of problems?"
Ryan nodded.
"My ex…he's a junkie. I love him…a lot…but nothing I do will ever make him better." She took a thoughtful drag. "I had to let him go because I don't want that life. Drugs, stealing…I want a safe life."
"I get that. Good for you," He said honestly.
"I don't love him less because I left. I mean, if he cared the same way, he'd clean up, you know? We all have choices."
"You're pretty smart for sixteen," Ryan remarked.
"From what I hear, I'm only a few months younger than you, guy," She laughed. She gave him a look. "Don't…don't tell Lorraine or Brent about all that. They don't really know about the ex's problems…"
"Don't worry, I don't talk much," Ryan replied.
"Cori? Are you smoking?" Brent appeared. He looked at each of them for a moment. "Can I get one?"
Ryan passed the pack to him.
"What are you guys talking about?" Brent asked.
Corinne was silent.
"I don't talk," Ryan answered finally.
"So…I'm sorry," Brent said.
Ryan shrugged.
"You're an ass, Brent. That's what you should be sorry for," Corinne snickered.
"Well, I can't really do anything about that, Corinne," Brent joked, flipping her ponytail. She ducked, annoyed. "But seriously, Ryan. I was stupid. I'd like it if we could be friends."
"Brent thinks he's the shit because he's going to UCLA in the fall," Corinne muttered.
Brent laughed quietly when Ryan didn't respond. "You really don't talk."
"I really don't," Ryan smiled.
"Chino!"
Ryan winced at Luke's voice and crushed his cigarette hurriedly.
"Kirsten gave me permission to kick your ass if you were smoking," Luke said, pulling him to his feet.
"Fuck you, Luke."
Luke scoffed but finally smiled. "Sorry I couldn't make it earlier…"
"It's cool. Luke, this is Corinne and Brent," Ryan introduced.
Luke shook Corinne's hand politely before glaring at Brent. "Cohen said you were a dick."
"Luke, it's cool. He's cool," Ryan said quickly.
"Cool." Luke stepped back. Brent was clearly surprised.
"Seth called you?" Ryan asked.
"I called. Wanted to see if you needed a break from brooding. My Dad's out of town and I just got this new game so…" Luke started. He caught Ryan's glances at Corinne and Brent. "Oh. Yeah. Well, you guys are welcome to come, it's a big place," He offered.
"I don't know if Dad would go for that," Corinne said.
"No drinking. Sandy and Kirsten have Chino on lockdown," Luke said. He gave Ryan a look.
"No," Ryan said immediately.
"What?" Corinne asked.
"Chino can talk his way out of anything. He could convince Sandy," Luke said.
"What do you say, sis? Want a break from Dad and Grandma?" Brent asked.
"Hell, yeah," She grinned at Luke.
"Fuck all of you," Ryan grumbled. He held out his hand to Luke.
"What?"
"Gum," Ryan stated.
"Hell no, you should let them smell the smoke," Luke muttered.
"You want to go to your Dad's or not?" Ryan asked. Luke gave him a piece of gum and Ryan walked away.
"You known Ryan long?" Brent asked, amused by their exchange.
"A few months. I hated his guts when he first got here. He took my girlfriend…it's a long story. But then this house burned down and I got shot and my Dad…anyway. We're cool now," Luke grinned.
"Wow." Corinne was impressed.
"He doesn't talk much, but he's loyal. He's one of the best guys I know," Luke added.
"Hey, guys. What's going on?" Lorraine appeared.
"Nothing…" Corinne said, dropping her cigarette butt absently. "Lorraine, this is Luke, Ryan's friend."
Lorraine gave him a smile. "Hey."
"Nice to meet you."
Ryan reappeared. "Okay."
"Okay?" Corinne asked.
"Yeah. Let's go." Ryan held up the keys to the Range Rover.
"Where's Cohen?" Luke asked.
"Out front already. We've got three hours and then we have to be back for dinner."
----------
Luke, Brent and Seth were playing video games while Summer, Corinne and Lorraine took turns burning cds on Luke's computer.
Ryan was lying outside on the patio in one of the chairs. A breeze from the beach was blowing on him and the sun was warm but he was still tense.
"It's gorgeous here."
Ryan shielded his eyes and recognized Lorraine. She had shorter hair by an inch or so than Corinne. "Yeah."
"Your friends are nice. And Corinne's been a fan of yours since Grandma said you were in juvie," She smiled. "Your one step further into trouble than she's been on that note."
"It's not really something I'm proud of."
"A bump in the road. We all have them. Brent, Cori, and me, we're no stranger to bumps. Maybe not of your caliber, but…"
"It's cool, Lorraine."
"So, Seth. He talks a lot, is that why you're so quiet?"
Ryan smiled. "Nah."
"You guys okay out here?" Summer and Corinne stepped out.
"Yeah, it was just my turn to talk to Ryan," Lorraine said.
"Why aren't you in with Cohen and Luke?" Summer asked, concerned.
"I was just…sitting. I'll let you guys sit now," Ryan said, going inside before they could stop him. He sat down in the empty chair in the living room.
"Chino, what's up?" Luke called.
"Nothing."
"You still look sprung, man, what happened today?" Luke asked.
"Nothing," Ryan sighed.
Seth shoved Luke on the couch. "Stupid. Shut up."
Luke flushed. "Sorry, Chino."
Ryan waved his hand indifferently. He closed his eyes and covered his face. Luke and Seth's bickering lulled him to sleep.
----------
Ryan and Seth brought Brent and the twins back to their house before dinner. Ryan had formed tentative friendships with his new cousins but was exhausted and tired of being the center of attention.
Kirsten cornered him in the kitchen before dinner. "You okay?"
"Yeah."
"You don't look okay," She replied.
"I'm…I'm tired."
She nodded. "Hard day."
"I just need some quiet…" He admitted.
"I understand. You can go lie down."
"What about…" Ryan started.
"Don't." She shook her head. "It's your turn. Go. I'll keep Seth away until after dinner."
Ryan was visibly relieved. "Thanks."
"And Ryan?"
He turned by the door.
"No smoking. I mean it."
"Okay," He smiled, leaving.
He stretched out on his bed. It was quiet except for the Jacuzzi pump in the background. He could take a break.
Not think about his mother.
Not think about his father.
Not think about his recently discovered relations.
He wouldn't think for a while.
When he fell asleep, he was relaxed for the first time in days.
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After dinner, Grace found Sandy and Kirsten in the kitchen.
"Grace. Everything all right?"
She nodded. "I just wanted to say thank you for taking such good care of Ryan. He seems…really special. Hell, even Corinne likes him and she hasn't liked anything lately."
"He's a part of our family," Kirsten said.
"I can see that. I'd like to keep him as a part of mine, too. If he wants to be…maybe something as simple as phone calls…or visits…only if you approve, of course," Grace said nervously.
"It's Ryan's decision," Sandy replied.
"I know. I'm going to be in town for a few more days. Brent wants to show us UCLA so we're all going to head over there tomorrow. I was hoping, maybe, we could take all of you out to dinner tomorrow night. Apparently, Corinne has already invited someone named Luke," She explained.
"That sounds nice. We'll talk to Ryan about it," Kirsten agreed.
"I'd also like to set up a trust fund for him…all my grandchildren have them."
"You'll have to discuss that with Ryan. He'll barely let us pay for his school. He's…stubborn about taking money," Sandy explained.
Brent and Seth entered. "Dad, can we see if Ryan's awake?" Seth asked. Sandy nodded.
Seth and Brent hurried across the patio to the poolhouse.
"Does he always leave the blinds up?"
"Unless he's mad. If they're closed, you shouldn't bother him," Seth explained. He knocked and walked in. Seth saw Ryan sleeping on top of the bed and he immediately started jumping on the bed.
"Seth." Ryan didn't open his eyes.
Seth continued to jump. "Get up, man…"
Ryan grabbed his ankle and Seth immediately fell onto the bed. Brent laughed at Seth's stunned expression.
"What time is it?" Ryan asked, nodding to Brent with a yawn.
"Eightish."
"Wow. What are you guys doing?" Ryan asked.
"Dad and Uncle Graham are arguing about politics and the girls are mooning over Luke," Brent replied.
Ryan smiled. "So, you guys want me inside?"
"Yeah. We were going to do some playstationing and we need your thumbs," Seth said.
"Sure. I'm feeling a little more social now," Ryan said, getting up.
"You, social? Brent, he's full of shit," Seth laughed.
"Maybe, but I can still kick your ass," Ryan warned.
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