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Two days later, Ryan and Kirsten left St. Francis. It was another sad goodbye, as all of the therapists, nurses, and doctors had obviously played such a huge role in Ryan's progress. They all promised they would keep reading the blog and posting to let the family know everyone was thinking about them.
Kirsten had began telling Ryan weeks ago about the move back to California. She was certain now that he understood what was happening and that he most likely wouldn't see the staff again. The doctors were happy with Ryan's ability to comprehend change and empathize with everyone saying goodbye to him. After multiple pictures of Ryan with the staff and Kirsten as well as of him leaving the rehab hospital, Ryan and Kirsten left for the airport in a taxi.
The airport had a wheelchair for Ryan to use as they made their way to the gate, walker and two suitcases in tow. Ryan was all bundled up including the hat, and the long sleeves on his jacket covered some of the hand brace. The two were ready for take off.
To Kirsten's surprise, Ryan wasn't as apprehensive about flying back to America then he was flying to Italy. She was hoping almost that another glimpse of the old Ryan would show, but the only phobia she witnessed was his semi-fearful feeling at the top of the escalator. At least he was still nervous about heights.
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"Ryan," Kirsten had said when they were on the last leg of their flights home. "Do you remember how I was telling you that you are going to see some friends when we get home?"
"Yesss," Ryan answered truthfully. Kirsten had started days ago letting Ryan know the plan.
"Ok, good. Well Sandy and Seth are going to be at the airport to pick us up. You are finally going to get to see them. Are you excited?"
"Yesss."
"Keep talking, Ryan. What do you think about going home?"
"Seeingg be goodd. Talkkk phoneee, seee pic of faces, but nottt touchh."
"Yes, that's right. They are going to hug you. Are you ok with that?"
"No likee touchh but ok…I knoww it cuz misss and likee so ok," Ryan said with a nod.
"That's very mature of you, Ryan," Kirsten laughed. "I know you don't want to be touched. But they will hug you. Will you hug them back?"
"Ok," Ryan answered and sipped some water.
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Just as Kirsten predicted, Sandy and Seth were waiting at the gate to pick up Kirsten and Ryan.
"Ryan! Kirsten!" Sandy exclaimed as he jogged to the pair.
"Ryan! Mom!" Seth yelled as he followed his father.
Kirsten immediately kissed Sandy and Seth and Ryan stood a little behind, almost as if he didn't want to get in the way.
"Ryan! How are you feeling, kid? It's so good to finally see you!" Sandy said with a smile as he pulled Ryan into a hug. As he promised, Ryan hugged his foster-father back and felt secure which made Sandy happy. Sandy had talked to Ryan multiple times during their separation, but Ryan still wasn't too good at phone conversations, as he couldn't see the other person and was easily distracted.
"Hey, Bro!" Seth said as he gave Ryan a one-armed hug. "You look better than when I saw you last!"
To everyone's satisfaction, Ryan gave an understanding smile and replied, "Thankkk for blogg. I kneww gnommee was no realll."
Seth laughed loudly. "Dude, you got that? That's awesome!"
"I told you, Ryan's really into the blog! He'll repeat some comments to his therapists. Sometimes they have him re-copy some of the comments," Kirsten said proudly as she patted Ryan's shoulder.
"Let's get going, then on that note. You two deserve some warm air!" Sandy said picking up one suitcase as Seth took the other.
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The family finally made it to the driveway in Newport and got Ryan's walker out of the back of the car and they made their way slowly up the walkway and into the house. When Sandy opened the front door, a small group yelled, 'Welcome home!'
Ryan was stunned when he saw all the faces. He was confused as to why they were all in his house. He was so tired from the long day and was not fond of being woken up in the car. All he wanted to do was rest.
Everyone started talking at once. Ryan was looking all around quickly at the voices. At least they were all speaking English. The doctors told the Cohens to limit Ryan's guests to his close friends only to avoid over-stimulating the fragile teen, and by the looks of Ryan's reaction, the five new people were just enough.
Sandy held off the group. "Ryan, it's ok. They're here to say hi to you. Do you remember them? Take a good look. I'm right here, I promise it's ok."
Ryan did as his guardian suggested. He looked at the younger people on his right. She was familiar. Summer, he decided her name was. He knew the boy as Luke, the other friend who wrote the blog. The third classmate was memorable, too. Yes, she was his neighbor, Marissa he thought her name must be. Over to his left he saw two figures, but he had to move his head to see them properly. The woman was Marissa's mother. Julie is what people called her, Ryan remembered. Finally, the older man standing near Julie looked like Kirsten. He stared for a moment. Nicol, he finally settled on. Caleb Nicol.
Ryan nodded to Sandy.
"Good, can you come say hi now?" Sandy asked, putting his hand on Ryan's shoulder. He had many days worth of parenting to make up for and he was glad Ryan was so receptive.
Ryan nodded again and walked with the walker farther into the house.
"Heyyy. Whha alll doo here?" Ryan gave a look of confusion, clearly stating his mood.
Luke laughed out loud. "Seth, I think we got choices a, b, and c!" he said referring to the blog poll.
"How are you feeling, Ryan?" Marissa asked timidly as she tried to put her hand on Ryan's left shoulder.
Ryan pulled away. Not only did he not see her come up on his limited-vision left side, but she took him off guard when she nicked his balance.
"Ryan, why don't you come sit down?" Seth asked as he slowly guided Ryan to the couch. Everyone made space as Ryan walked with the walker across the room.
"We've missed you, Chino!" Summer said to Ryan as she sat down next to him. Ryan didn't respond and looked around the room. "Chino, are you ok?" She gently nudged his right shoulder.
"Chinno?" Ryan answered. Was she talking to him? Wasn't he Ryan Atwood?
"Uh, yah. That's what I call you. You know…Chino because you're from—" Summer was cut off by Seth.
"So bro, what's it like to be back here? Ready to take a nap in your pool house?" Seth quickly changed the subject.
Kirsten and Sandy had decided to tell Ryan that they were his foster-parents, to be honest with him. He asked once about his mother and Kirsten replied that she wasn't here anymore and that Ryan had lived with her, Seth, and Sandy now for the last few months. That was enough for him. He remembered after the reminder. The doctors advised them to only tell Ryan the minute details of his past if he asked. They were not to lead him on or lie to him, just make him feel comfortable, confident, and safe.
Luckily Ryan answered Seth's question, forgetting about Summer. "Yesss. Tireddd. Sleepp in pool…houssse. Pool houssse. Not water," Ryan corrected and laughed.
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The walk to the pool house wasn't any farther than Ryan had been practicing at St. Francis, and Sandy, Kirsten, and Seth helped guide Ryan outside, just for a visit, not to stay. It was important, the doctors said, for Ryan to get re-acclimated as soon as he could. Although he was only going to be home for three days, it was good for Ryan to remember his past.
Ryan immediately headed for his bed. The smell of the sheets reminded him of his many nights in the pool house and he smiled, another 'oh yeah' moment. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out. Sandy tucked the blankets around Ryan as he watched him sleep. Not wanting to leave him alone, Sandy, Kirsten, and Seth sat on the couch and talked quietly. The other guests had left after calmly coming in to say goodbye, promising to check in later.
Ryan woke up a few hours later. He looked around the pool house and he smiled as he saw the walker next to the bed with Kirsten asleep on the couch and Seth and Sandy snoozing on the floor with extra pillows. Ryan knew they cared about him and they were helping him, despite his injury. He didn't know what he did to deserve such behavior, but he was grateful. He closed his eyes and fell back asleep with a satisfied smile on his face.