Fresh Existence

Author's Note:

Thanks for all the reviews. In answer to your questions, Ryan is ten years old. I just mentioned he appeared to be around eight because he is so small. Also, I would love to attempt a Ryan/ Marissa thing. It would be absolutely darling! LOL. Anyway, glad you like it so far.

Disclaimer:

I know I didn't put this in the first chapter so I thought I would say this now... I own nothing in concern with the OC unfortunately.

Chapter 2

Sandy pulled into the long driveway to find a scowling Kirsten sitting on the front step. Seeing his now hesitant approach, she stood up.

"Why don't you wait here for a second?" said Sandy halting Ryan's progress with his seatbelt after he was parked. Ryan peered over the dash with much neck craning before turning to give Sandy a look. Sandy laughed at the look he was receiving.

"That's my wife, The Kirsten," seeing Ryan's puzzled look Sandy continued quickly," you'll understand now in a minute." With that said, Sandy exited the Range Rover and met Kirsten on the bottom step of the porch that lead to their amazing mansion. With much gesticulations from Sandy and many neck rubs from Kirsten, Sandy finally waved for Ryan to come. Climbing out of the large vehicle, Ryan slowly approached Sandy and Kirsten.

"Honey, this is Ryan," introduced Sandy with an encouraging look at Ryan. Kirsten gave Sandy a death look before turning her attention to the young charge at Sandy's right.

"Hi, I'm Kirsten," she greeted while holding her hand out for Ryan to shake. After peering up anxiously at Sandy, Ryan reluctantly put his small hand in Kirsten's and gave one small pump. "Why don't you come with me, see if I can clean your face up a bit."

"Yes, good idea, come on Ryan," said Sandy as he once again placed his hand on Ryan's shoulder and ignoring the flinch that results. With Kirsten regaly leading, the three entered the mansion.

"You can just take a seat on the toilet while I get the supplies,"said Kirsten as she went to the sink and began to pull items out from the drawers beneath it.

"I can do it," offered Ryan, speaking for the first time in Kirsten's presence. He came up beside Kirsten," you don't have to do anything, I can do it myself."

"No, I'll do it," insisted Kirsten," sit on the toilet please."

"I'll uh, go make lunch... or something," said Sandy in the effort of retreating from the battle of the wills taking place in front of him.

"Go. Please sit on the toilet Ryan."

"Alright," complied Ryan with much reluctance. Sitting on the toilet, he eyed Kirsten warily.

"Okay, this may sting a bit," warned Kirsten. "So, how old are you?" she asked while lightly patting the antiseptic cotton ball on his lower lip.

"Ten," answered Ryan while wincing lightly as she hit a tender spot.

"Sorry," apologized Kirsten before continuing," you know, I have a son your age. His name is Seth, he's at school right now."

"Cool," responded Ryan. He was looking around the ocean style while listening to Kirsten explaining her son Seth to him. Everything was a different shade of blue with sailing boats as the border and seashells wherever they could be placed without it looking cluttered. It was an altogether nice bathroom, very well put together conceded Ryan to himself. His dream of becoming an architect was still alive if only just barely.

"Do you have any brothers or sisters," asked Kirsten bringing Ryan back to her.

"Uh, ya, a brother," he replied. Kirsten was now putting some sort of cream on his left eye which was turning a nice shade of black by now.

"Really? How old is he? Where is he?" bombarded Kirsten.

"Um, he's fifteen, and he's in Juvie for stealing a car," responded Ryan looking at his hands uncomfortably.

"Oh, well, we're all done. Why don't you go watch some TV while I help Sandy in the Kitchen," offered Kirsten as she put away the antiseptic, cotton balls and so on. After leading Ryan to the family room, she continued on to the kitchen.

Sandy was sitting at the kitchen island nursing a cup of coffee when Kirsten entered.

"Hey!" greeted Sandy enthusiastically," how did it go, where's Ryan?"

"It went fine and he's in the family room watching TV," answered Kirsten while she got herself a cup of coffee and the stuff needed to make sandwiches.

"Honey, what are you doing?" asked Sandy concerned. After looking around confused for a second, Sandy's concern finally dawned on Kirsten.

"Oh really Sandy! I can make a sandwich just as good as any other human being on this planet!" said Kirsten with such conviction that it made Sandy laugh.

"I know dear. Hear, let me do that for you," said Sandy while successfully pushing Kirsten out of the sandwiches reach. "Why don't you go get Ryan, these will be done in a few minutes."

Ryan was looking at a series of family photos when Kirsten walked into the family room, the TV stood in the corner untouched.

Hearing Kirsten's approach, Ryan quickly turned around expecting a scolding for snooping.

"Come on, lunch is ready," called Kirsten. Ryan hesitantly shuffled toward Kirsten as if expecting something more than just 'lunch.' When he was standing beside her, Kirsten lightly placed her hand on his shoulder and led him out of hte family room and into the kitchen.

When they entered Sandy was already seated at the table ready to dig in. When he noticed Kirsten and Ryan enter, a huge smile graced his features.

"Come join me in this most magical of feasts," said Sandy brightly while winking at Ryan. A slight smirk appeared on Ryan's face.

"Okay, we have turkey sandwiches with mustard and lettuce. Is that okay for you, Ryan?" asked Kirsten as she took her seat and waved for Ryan to take his.

"Y...ya," stammered Ryan in response as he slid into the seat between both adults who were sat at the end of the table. He was clearly surprised his opinion mattered.

"Okay then, let's dig in!" announced Sandy enthusiastically. After both Sandy and Kirsten had taken a bite of their respective sandwiches, Ryan lifted his to his mouth and took a small bite.

After lunch, the two adult Cohen's and young Atwood moved into the family room. Sandy and Kirsten took a seat on the three seater couch while Ryan took a seat in the lazy boy across from them.

"So Ryan, I think it is time we discussed this situation we are in," began Sandy uncomfortably. Ryan glanced uncomfortably down at his clasped hands which were in his lap.

"Ya," responded Ryan playing with an old scab on his knuckle.

"Now for starters, I was thinking you could stay here tonight and I will bring you home tomorrow. Does that sound alright to you?" questionned Sandy.

"Okay," responded Ryan.

"I know you probably don't want to talk about this but I need to ask. Why were you kicked out of your house?" asked Sandy not noticing Ryn stiffening. Ryan merely shrugged in response. "You mean you don't know why you were kicked out?!" asked Sandy incredulously. Ryan just shook his head no.

"Where was your mother through all of this? Your father?" asked Kirsten jumping into the conversation.

"Sitting on her ass... in jail," answered Ryan shortly. At the silence that continued at his response Ryan looked up and realized the mistake he had made; he had swore, the most unholy thing to do in the Atwood household if you were any older than sixteen. "Sorry," mumbled Ryan.

Sandy, Kirsten and Ryan sat in an uncomfortable silence, their conversation completely forgotten when Sandy suddenly jumped out of his seat making Ryan jump along with him.

"I've got to go to work!" stated Sandy as he ran to get his keys and briefcase by the front door," I'm late! I was only supposed to be home for lunch! You guys going to be okay here?" asked Sandy as he opened the door and took a step outside.

"Yes, have a good day," answered Kirsten a little uneasily. She looked slightly paniced at the thought of being home alone with Ryan. Ryan quietly nodded his head in agreement.

"Bye babe," said Sandy giving Kirsten a peck on the cheek, "see ya kiddo."With that said and done, Sandy shut the door leaving Kirsten and Ryan in the foyer staring at the ground not knowing waht to do next.