They drove through night, stopping only twice for gas and caffeinated drinks. Summer promised she would stay awake and make sure Luke stayed awake. Ryan had fallen asleep before they had left the driveway. He woke up only once and took another pain pill, and promptly went back to sleep. The only sign of life were the slightly grunts of pain whenever the truck hit a bump.

"Well… That was fun…" Summer said, as the signs of snow began to recede. Luke glanced at her, "I'm kidding…"

"Heh, yeah."

"Trip from hell,"

"Yup," Luke was exhausted and hardly in the mood to chat, but talking would keep him awake. "So, you and me?"

"Yeah?" Summer asked cautiously.

"Never happened, right?"

"Right," Summer gave a sigh of relief. "But you know, you were awesome. Taking care of Ryan- I mean!" She explained quickly.

"Thanks," Luke said, and shrugged. "I know Ryan would have done the same for me."

*****

"Oh the kids are here, thank God!" Kirsten had been glued to the window for most of the night, even though she knew they wouldn't get there for hours. She felt such a wave of relief as the big black truck pulled into her driveway. She was downstairs before the car was even put into park, Sandy hot on her heals.

"Hey Kirsten," A tired- looking Luke climbed down from the truck.

"Morning," Summer jumped down as well. Sandy and Kirsten exchanged a look- why hadn't Seth taken Ryan home? But they didn't have time to start asking questions. Luke was helping Ryan down from the truck, and Sandy rushed to his side to help.

"Hey kid," He tried to smile, but it was hard, the kid looked like he had been through hell.

"Hey Sandy,"

"Oh my God!" Kirsten was there now, taking in the size of the leg brace and Ryan's pale face. "Sandy, get him in the car- we're going to HOAG!"

Ryan shook his head, "Kirsten, let me get some sleep, then we go, okay?"

"Alright…" Luke picked up the bag and the four of them formed a procession out to the lake house. Kirsten was going to suggest Ryan stay in the guest bedroom, but they stairs would probably be harder on Ryan. Once in the pool house, Ryan instantly sank on the bed, and Kirsten instantly fell on him.

"Let's give them a moment…" Sandy said, ushering Luke out of the door.

"See you around Ryan," Luke yelled.

"Bye Luke," Ryan replied, then fell back against the soft pillows.

"How are you feeling?" Kirsten asked him, brushing his sweaty bangs out of his face.

"Tired…" He admitted.

"How does your knee feel?"

"Not good,"

"Want me to make an orthopedist appointment? Or do you wanna go to the ER?"

"I already went to the ER," Ryan said.

"I know sweetie, but it could be weeks before we can an appointment with an orthopedist, and I really don't think we should wait that long." Ryan didn't say anything, just sort of nodded, already falling asleep. "I'm calling an ambulance,"

"What?" Ryan's eyes flew open.

"I've seen how much it hurts you to move, I think we're better off leaving it the professionals."

"But Kirsten…" Ryan protested, "I'm fine. I just need rest."

"No but's Ryan…" She said, and started dialing. "Yes hi, I need an ambulance. My son broke his leg skiing and he just got home, but he's in a lot of pain and I don't think we can move him." As soon as she got off the phone, she kissed Ryan on the forehead. "I'm going to tell Sandy, and then I'll be right back."

"Okay…" Ryan was too tired to fight anything anymore.