A very short one but I was urged on by reviewers (thank you everyone!) and I wanted to see what you thought with where it ends for this chapter.

Sandy bought the first round of pain meds that evening with Ryan's dinner.

Ryan was stoked because he knew he had a big challenge ahead in sneaking out. He hadn't been out of bed in two days due to his injuries and now he had to stealthily make it out to the open road and find a way back to Chino.

He wouldn't take the pills now. He needed to be sharp and alert so that he didn't screw this up. Ryan also knew he'd need the meds later, after the long trip back to Chino – he'd be exhausted and need to knock himself out.

Ryan ignored Sandy's long stare when he brought the pills and dinner in but gave a sincere rasp "Thank you". The guy had done more than anyone else ever had. It was best to be leaving now, maybe he could keep that bizarre figure of a nice guy in his head.

He waited until midnight. He'd never changed into the new clothes Kirsten and the maid had brought – he hadn't had the energy. It made it easier now, all he had to do was get up and leave.

Just get up and leave…

yep…

gotta do it.

Ryan steeled himself and carefully pulled himself out of the bed. He stood swaying for a moment, holding onto the bed head until he felt steady to move.

Thankfully he'd improved from his completely helpless physical state a couple days ago due to the rest and the bit of food he'd been able to eat. To be honest though he still felt really unsteady and although he was getting used to the pain that persisted in his head and body, sometimes it would intensify and take his breath away.

There was no point thinking about that though, he had to do this.

Ryan moved towards the door and was pleased when he didn't stumble or pass out. He opened the door slowly and made his way past an infinity pool (holy shit!).

He really had to focus on where he was putting his feet. Looking at the house, he tried to work out the best way to sneak past it and down to the street. There was a small fence running through the landscaped backyard that would usually be no harder than a tiny jump to get over but that seemed like a mammoth task right now and Ryan had to save his energy – he had a long way to go. Not going over the fence meant he would have to pass closer to the house. Ryan hunched down a bit more as he got closer but all the lights were off and he saw and heard nothing.

As he passed closer to the kitchen windows a plastic bottle on the counter reflected in the moonlight. It caught Ryan's attention for a second and he recognised it as a medication bottle. It's probably my pain meds. He knew how hard they were to come by in Chino – to get the right stuff legally you had to go into a clinic or emergency room and that involved waaay to many questions. The only other option was through dealers and Ryan avoided those kind of people as much as he could – he already had enough shit to deal with.

Ryan knew those pill would be so good to have, he only had the one dose Sandy gave him in his pocket and that would wear off after a few hours. He wouldn't be living the cushy life he had been here back in Chino, things would be hard and painful and to function at all for the next week or so Ryan knew he needed the meds. Especially if anything else happened, even a tap would set his ribs on fire and from previous experience he knew it would be some time before his headaches and intermittent migraines left.

It was a warm night and the door was open with only a screen door standing between him and the kitchen.

Kirsten had told Sandy to lock it but he'd left it open in case something happened and Ryan tried to come looking for them. Sandy couldn't lock him out.

Ryan was relieved to find the screen open and silently slipped a couple steps inside to grab the pill bottle. He was out again in seconds and making his way around the side of the house.

Thank god there was no gate at the side he had to negotiate and Ryan saw a clear run down the side of the property in some shadows, straight down to the street. Little did he know there was security posted at the entry and exit point to the estate.

He didn't get that far. He heard a mild voice from behind him "Going somewhere?"

Ryan had turned in an instant to find the source of the voice, although he knew who it was.

Sandy had been coming downstairs to get a drink when he'd seen Ryan through the kitchen window. He'd remained out of sight on the staircase as he saw Ryan looking longingly into the house. He'd followed his gaze to the pills. Maybe he needs more for the pain Sandy had thought. He would have to stop him if he tried to take them as he could do damage taking too many but he was curious as to what Ryan would do next – he was always so shut down when anyone else was around.

He'd watched Ryan silently and efficiently sneak in and out, and continue around the house. When he saw the boy looking down the street, he was sure of what he was planning and had to step in.

Ryan looked terrified. He'd been sure no one was around. He had to leave, there was no option. It was his last chance. Sandy would try to stop him. Ryan knew in his state he couldn't best the man. What was he gonna do? There had been no plan B, he would leave and no one would stop him. Shit!

He backed away from Sandy with small steps but didn't get far before Sandy started taking small steps towards him.

"Sandy…" He tried. Sandy looked at him with a calm face. It scared Ryan. He continued to back away.

"I have to go…" He half whispered. Still moving.

"Please just let me go." It was barely audible.

All Sandy wanted to do was put his arms around this boy and tell him everything would be ok.

He saw so much fear and desperation in Ryan's face - as if it would neutralise Sandy and he'd allow him to go – it certainly had a destabilising effect and would have stopped him in his tracks had he not had an instinct to stay with the boy and keep him engaged.

He understood Ryan's plan in a second. He wouldn't go to a group home, he'd sneak out and make his own way. His own way back to Chino and his own way in life.

Thing is, Sandy knew where that would probably lead. He knew all the danger along the way and knew the chances that Ryan would beat the odds and avoid the countless pitfalls was slim. He knew he was a smart kid and had a good heart but he was still a child and there was so much stacked against him that even the best person would likely never make it through all those dangers unscathed. And Ryan had been so scathed already. By life and the deck he'd been dealt. Sandy knew what Ryan's best chance was and knew he would use every bit of influence now and in the future to help Ryan. But he couldn't leave now.

"Ryan I'm sorry…"

"..No…"