A/N: Okay, I know this has been a long time coming, but I have really had a hard time getting inspired for this story, but here I am with the final chapter and I'll do my best! So my apologies and thanks to all of you for your wonderful support and patience! So here we go!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, sadly.

Dawn stood there, her face turned down and tension obvious in her posture. The Cohens were at a loss as what to do. They didn't know if Ryan wanted them there with him or away so that he could talk to his mother in private. Their answer was soon realized when Ryan said so quietly that they could barely hear.

"Don't go."

All three watched as Dawn slowly walked over, walking like a child about to be punished. Her fingers fumbled with her purse and she had tear streaks down her face. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to both her and Ryan she got to them. Dawn, surprisingly, was the first to talk.

"Um, Kirsten, I was wondering if I could talk to you for one minute? Alone?"

Kirsten was taken aback by the request but begrudgingly obliged, and walked away from both Sandy and Ryan with Dawn close on her heels. When she got far enough out of earshot from the boys she turned and looked at Dawn expectantly. After a few minutes Dawn started.

"I know what I've done is horrible, I really do-"

"Fancy way of showing it." Kirsten spat, anger evident on her face. Dawn only showed guilt.

"That's why I want to talk to you about adopting my son and taking care of him like a real mother."

Kirsten was only shell shocked. This was the last thing she thought Dawn wanted to talk to her about. She could only quickly gather her wits and respond.

"You're giving up? You're his mother; you have to take responsibility! Don't do this to him!"

"Do what to him? Give him a stable and loving home with people that truly care more about him than themselves? This would be taking responsibility! This would be the best thing I ever did for him! I'm begging you to give him what he deserves more than anything, please!"

Kirsten only stood, yes she wanted to take Ryan in, but she felt that she shouldn't be the one making that decision.

"I'd love to take Ryan in to our family, but he will be the one to make that decision, it's his choice."

"Okay, whatever you want . . . I truly want this for Ryan. . ."

Both women turned back and walked back to Ryan and Sandy who had found a seat on the curb of the sidewalk, talking quietly them selves. Both turned and stood up, waiting expectantly. Kirsten spoke first.

"Ryan, there's something we'd like to ask you. Dawn, if you will?" Dawn stared at her son, now noticing the true damage she had caused and only felt sick. The woman could see the anger, hurt, and betrayal in his eyes. She swallowed hard and started talking.

"Ryan. . . I know I've been the worst mother, but I want to make things right for you."

"How're you gonna do that 'Mom'?" Ryan said, his steel shield back in place, spitting out the last word acidly.

"I want you to live with the Cohen's. . . . . permanently. I want you to have the life you deserve."

Ryan only felt completely obliterated by those words. His mother, Dawn, wanted to give him up? Was he really that insignificant?

"What? You don't want me? I don't get it Mom, after all this crap you put me through, you pull this now too? This has been hell on me and you only add to it!"

"It's not like that Ryan! I'm tired of failing you and allowing you to get hurt! It's not that I don't want you, it's that I'm not able to pull myself up high enough to take care of you too! I'd give anything to keep you, but I now know that I can't without destroying you! I want this for you so that you might still have a chance at happiness!"

Ryan was again taken aback by his mother's words. He studied her face looking beneath the surface. More tears poured down her face but she stared him directly in the eye, something liars don't do. Maybe she was telling the truth this time. Ryan could now see Dawn had hit rock bottom and could truly see the damage.

"It's your choice, Ry, whatever you want to do. . . I'll do it."

Ryan hesitated, thinking. He knew the Cohen's were fine with it, since it was also Kirsten inviting him into the family. He did want happiness, he was just confused on which way to go. He loved his mother, but he also knew that she was a train wreck that couldn't be helped. Ryan made a decision.

"I love you Mom, but I want to stay with the Cohens. . . make a new family. . . . "Ryan said, his eyes falling to the ground.

Kirsten and Sandy were ecstatic. Absolutely thrilled that Ryan wanted to stay with them. They hid their joy though, in courtesy to Dawn who, although this was what she wanted, looked heartbroken. Ryan approached her slowly and gave her a hug. She held him back, gently. Ryan felt as if he had finally made peace with his mom and was satisfied. They let go and Dawn turned and walked back towards her car. She gave one last look then got in and drove off.

Ryan turned back towards the Cohen's a small smile on his face. He took his arms around them both and gave them a hug and they returned it.

"Thank you."

Two weeks later the adoption was final, although Ryan kept his last name. Keeping it was a way of remembering his old ties and his 'other' family. His grades picked back up to straight A's, getting him onto the honor roll. He even knew where he was going to college and what major he was going for – architecture. Ryan also had a girlfriend, named Jessica. Nothing serious, but he was happy. He finally had the life, and the family, he had always wanted.

FIN

A/N: Finally done! How'd you like it? I know it was short but I wanted to get to the point. I really hope you all liked it as much as I did! Please review.

BTW – I do have another story floating around in my head and the first chapter should be up soon, but this time I'm gonna write it all out first so that I can update better and faster, and hopefully have a better story!