Don't Come Home Too Soon
Disclaimer; I own nothing to do with The O.C
AN; okay folks unfortunately this is the last chapter for the foreseeable future – I've run out of ideas! I've written out all my ideas and really loved this story but now I'm fresh out don't know what else I can put the boys through.
So here's what I wanted to know – what do you want to see happen? I know that this is dangerous territory as I may not like all your ideas and not write them, but I trust my reviewers not to flame me too much. All I'm looking for is some general ideas things that happen to kids from the age of nine onward, major events etc. Maybe things happen differently in the U.S which I am not aware of. I never really planned for this story to follow the boys until they are teenagers but it doesn't feel right to end it just yet.
Anyway all suggestions welcome – just don't be disappointed if I don't write them!
In this chapter the boys head off to Camp Takaho for summer vacation so I hope you like it.
Enjoy and please review!
"Did you pack enough clean underpants? I labelled all your clothes and packed lots of spares you'll probably get dirty, dad put some extra cash in your side pouch don't touch it unless it's an emergency."
"Honey."
"Ryan your spare inhaler and diffuser are in the front give them to the instructor when you get there and keep yours with you all the time. If you get tight chested just let them know don't keep on with the activities."
"Honey."
"They have all kinds of events but if you don't want to do them don't. Either of you okay if you feel scared or uncomfortable just bow out don't play the hero. We'll call as much as we can if you want us to come get you just ask okay we'll come no questions asked."
"Honey! Please just stop okay, the boys will be fine. This is a structured organised event no need to worry plus they'll be there with kids from school."
"I just want to be sure we can get to them if they forget something. It's their first time away and it's a long time to be away from us I just want them to be safe."
"You're panicking because your babies are going away I get it okay but…"
"Dad we are not babies and we're only going away for a week because you're being over protective. Everybody else is staying way longer than us we're gonna look like such dorks."
Sandy surveyed his sons who were gathered near the door adorned with hats; long sleeve t-shirts and a thick layer of sun screen. They were surrounded by bags stuffed full of things they didn't need for their week away, it was only a week per Kirsten's insistence. The boys had wanted to stay for longer but Kirsten had panicked at the thought booking a family trip abroad just so they would have to come home.
Camp Takaho had placed fliers all over the school a broacher had even been sent home to all parents with a letter encouraging them to reserve places. The strap line read, "A safe healthy environment to encourage your child's inner abilities."
Sandy had been sceptical about sending the boys to a happy clappy camp along with football players and cheer leaders but recognised their need for a bit of freedom. Kirsten had been frantic at the thought of sending her boys away but she came round to the idea after some gentle persuading from Sandy, the offer of a little alone time appealed to her. Although she had gone over the camps procedures about ten times and asked more questions than all the other parents put together.
She had been buying the boys new clothes since they had booked up their places, she had clothes for every eventuality; underwear, vests, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters, pants and water proof jackets. The boys had moaned and groaned their way through every shopping trip pointing out the obvious to Kirsten about sun block and insect repellent they couldn't stand her smothering they were too excited.
Sandy sighed they had had this conversation with the boys countless times before, "You guys are only going for a week because we're going to holiday, you guys have got to be looking forward to that."
"Yeah us four and grandpa." Ryan added in sarcastically they all knew that the trip would be spent being dragged around random museums and galleries.
"Never mind kiddo at least you guys get three weeks away instead of two. Lots of exciting adventures to tell your friends when we get back - your class assignment will be no problem."
"Okay guys we have to get going or you'll miss the bus." Kirsten chimed in lifting the lightest bag she could find leaving the rest to the boys.
The boys stood awkwardly among the rest of the children from all over California, everybody was looking around in awe at the monstrous pine forest before them. Newport Beach wasn't exactly a city it had plenty of greenery around it but none of them had ever seen such a vast wilderness before.
The bus had finally left fifteen minutes late after the mothers had gotten all of their final smothering over and done with. Kirsten of course had been amongst the worse she was the only mother saying goodbye to two of her children.
The fathers had stood aside laughing and joking about their wives, each trying to insist that their own sons would excel at sports while away. Usually Sandy didn't partake in this macho activity but he felt a surge of pride when the other fathers comment on his boy's athleticism – well they said boys but he knew they meant Ryan.
So here they stood with many many bags in tow waiting to be sectioned off into their respective groups. Ryan had already been taken aside and questioned repeatedly on 'his condition' and what he could or could not do. Of course being a nine year old boy he had insisted that he could do anything he wanted but he was sure the counsellors weren't buying it.
They all obediently sectioned off, a scheme suppose to teach competitiveness, they clearly didn't realise that everything in Newport was a competition in the eyes of pushy parents. As expected the boys were swiftly split up into two opposing sections; Ryan in the tigers and Seth in the panthers. Both were very glad to see that Luke was taken put in a different section from both of them.
The first few days were to be taken up with many different activities to find out what they were all best at. Seth had whined and moaned about how pointless the whole process was because he already knew what he was good at and they would be leaving before any teams were formed anyway.
Ryan thought the full week would be spent listening to Seth bitch about how rubbish a time he was having. To his utter surprise Seth full embraced all of the events climbing the ropes first, diving head first into the lake even helping out in the kitchens at meal times.
Knowing his brother was safe and relaxed helped Ryan to relax in turn; finally away from Kirsten he had the opportunity to spread his wings. He had his first taste of baseball and found swimming an activity he could do without even getting short of breath he would have to suggest it when he got home.
Ryan was busy drying and putting away the cutlery after the days evening meal when his eye was caught by the most strangest of sights.
Seth and a girl.
A really pretty girl.
She had emerald green eyes and long dark hair that just touched the top her shoulders and no more. Seth was talking animatedly to her throwing his hands all around in an attempt to bring the story to life. She was giggling furiously and her cheeks glowed red from the laughter, her eyes were completely focused on Seth not aware of any of the others in the room.
Grinning widely Ryan looked back down at his dishes, the got through a couple more before his curiosity returned glancing up he was surprised to see Seth and the mystery girl missing. He scanned all around the room and caught side of Seth's curly hair disappearing out the door toward the camp fire.
The next morning Ryan made his way over to Seth's table quickly, they weren't suppose to sit together but he hoped no one would notice for one day. Plopping down between Seth and another boy he tried hard to ignore the stares from the other children who didn't recognise the stranger in their midst.
"Hey bro?" Ryan grinned shovelling cereal into his mouth.
"Ryan? You aren't suppose to sit here…"
"What happened to you last night?" Ryan cut him off getting to the point fast in case he was discovered. "I came to find you at association where'd you go?"
A boy with fiery red hair and countless freckles nearly choked on his toast, his head shot up and his face beamed with a toothy smile. "He was with Sarah…"
"Shut up Colin." Seth snapped at him, his ears beginning to tinge with red.
"Seth and Sarah sitting in a tree k-i-s-s-i…" This was as far as he got before Seth delivered a swift kick to his right knee.
"I just went outside Ry no big deal. You know its called association so we associate with others." He tried to sound nonchalant but failed miserably the red glow he had now taken on giving him away instantly.
"So who's Sarah?"
Again Colin spoke up taking far too much pleasure in Seth's embarrassment, "A girl in the Lions, I saw them both last night they were on the log by the fire and they were kissing!"
At this the whole table stopped eating and gave up on pretending not to be listening, they swung their heads round to see Seth's face. Seth automatically dropped his low fiddling with his spoon as he tried to drown what remained of his cereal.
"Ryan! Ryan Cohen? You should be sitting with your own group move please!" A cheery camper called out.
Standing up slowly Ryan made his way over to his table slowly, dropping down into his chair his eyes stayed dazed.
All that he could think was, "I can't believe Seth was kissed before me!"
There you go final chapter for a while although I know it has been ages sinceI last updated.
Look forward to hearing your suggestions for future chapters so please review and help me brainstorm.