Chapter 1
April 24th 2003
Marissa was in the hospital about to give birth to her baby, her no good husband didn't bother to
show up. Although she was furious she was ready to have this baby. Being in labor for 14 hours
would do that for you. On April 24th 2003 at 4pm baby Ryder was born. (This is a hypothetical
date, I made it up.) "I will call him Zachary Ryder Jr, but just call him Ryder" She told the
nurses her handing Marissa her baby boy. "Congrats, he is adorable" a nurse said. Ryder and his
mom spent 2 days in the hospital before they let them go home.
Marissa walked in the door of her house with baby Ryder in his car seat and said "Jim, I can't
believe you didn't show up, he is your son for god' sake" Marissa said fuming. "Who cares, I told
you I didn't want to be a father" Jim said drinking his beer. Marissa was able to take a year off
work to take care of Ryder, the first year of his life flew by. He was a fast learner and by the time
he was 9 months he had already reached many milestones. Ryder was just figuring out how to
walk and could say a few words as well. Marissa was very proud of her baby "You are going to
be a smart boy Ryder" she cooed at him. "Mama" Ryder said. Then the time came her 1 year off
had come to an end. "Jim, I am going back to work today, Please for the love of god just take
care of your baby." Marissa said kissing Ryder and walking out the door. She had a feeling she
would regret this.
Ryder didn't understand where is mother had gone he looked at the man in the room, he walked
over to him and said "Mama". Jim looked at Ryder and said "Scram kid, I don't have time for
you." Ryder started to cry he wanted food. Jim at this point was frustrated he really didn't want to
deal with this. "What the fuck am I supposed to do, SHUT UP!" he yelled at Ryder. Ryder
looked at him and cried harder. "I am not going to hit him, I am not going to hit him" Jim said to
himself he found packets of food in the cupboard and threw one at Ryder. That did it Ryder
immediately started eating the food and Jim had peace for a little bit anyways. After Ryder
finished eating he played with his toys, then he needed a diaper change. Ryder looked at his dad
and started crying again. "Dammit boy, I am not going anywhere near that diaper, you're on your
own." Jim said. Ryder just cried harder, then there was a knock on the door. Jim cursed as he
answered it, "Hi Jim, your wife said you might need some help, I live next door, oh you poor
thing" the lady said as she scooped up Ryder and took him to his room. "Thank god" Jim said as
he went back to his beer on the couch. Ryder was so happy to see the lady he wasn't getting
anywhere with his dad. "Hello Ryder, I am Ashe, did the mean old man ignore you" Ashe said.
"Mama" Ryder said. "Yes mama will be home soon, you wait right here I'll go get your bottle"
Ashe said. A few minutes later Ashe fed Ryder his bottle and put him down for a nap. "Ryder is
asleep, Marissa should be home before he wakes up" Ashe said as she left the house. Ryder's first
3 years went on like this, his dad ignoring him. By the time he was 2 he knew how to get his own
food as his mother kept this easy for him to grab, He also potty trained himself with a little help
from Ashe and his Mom. Ryder didn't need his dad, until his dad found a job.
*Time skip*
Ryder was now 4 and he was very intelligent for his age. His mother had bought him a computer
so he could learn from it. Ryder had already mastered most games and was able to build
programs. "Man you would give my research team a run for their money Ryder." Marissa said to
her son. "Can I go to work with you Mom, I don't want to stay here" Ryder said. "No honey, but
its okay I am taking you to school today." She said. "School cool! What is that?" Ryder asked
excitedly. "It's where you are going to learn so much more" Marissa told him. Ryder was so
excited he could hardly contain himself. At this point Ryder would start preschool but he was
going into Kindergarten. Ryder would be the youngest in his class but also the smartest as most
of the other kids couldn't even say the alphabet. Marissa dropped Ryder off and said "I will be
back to pick you up at the end of the day, here is your lunch. Good luck honey" Marissa said
kissing him and leaving. Ryder looked around he didn't know what to do, a lady walked up to
him and said "Hello sweetie, I am Mrs. Perry your teacher, who are you?" "I am Ryder" Ryder
said proudly. "Ah, my youngest student, alright take a seat in any open chair" Mrs. Perry told
him. Ryder did as he was told, he sat next to a boy and 2 girls. They all looked at each other but
no one said anything.
Ryder had a great day at school he couldn't wait to go back. He noticed that the other kids at his
table were a little far behind. He had finished all his work before they barely started. The day
came to and end and Ryder was waiting for his mom to come get him. The he saw a familiar face
"Ashe!" Ryder said, "Hi Ryder, your mom called me said she was running a bit late, I am going
to walk you home." Ryder agreed and walked home with Ashe, his school was only a few blocks
from his house. "Looks like your dad is home Ryder, I have to leave you and go to work myself.
Sorry" She apologized and ran to her car. Ryder walked into his house and his dad didn't even
acknowledge him. This is the way Ryder liked him.
I realize this story is going to jump around a lot, I live in Canada so that's why he starts
school at 4.
Chapter 2
Ryder sat in his room waiting for his mother to get home. He was hungry and didn't think his
father would feed him. The he heard him calling is name "RYDER!"Jim said loudly. Ryder
hesitated he wasn't sure if he should leave his room. He was terrified but decided it would be best
to listen he slowly approached his father. "Yyyes" Ryder said stuttering a little in fear. "Where is
your mother?" Jim asked. "I don't know, at work still" Ryder replied. "It's after 5, she usually
has dinner ready, are you hungry boy?" Jim asked him. "Yesss sir" Ryder squeaked. Jim laughed
"Well I made dinner for me but I guess you can have this" Jim said handing Ryder a leftover
piece of chicken. Ryder ate it before his father changed his mind. "I am going to go get more
beer, I expect the kitchen clean when I get back. Jim said locking the door behind him. "I'm 4
years old, how does he expect me to clean the kitchen" Ryder said to himself. He didn't hesitate
though he didn't want to think about the consequences if he didn't have it clean. Ryder grabbed a
chair and pushed it towards the sink so he could reach it. He then washed the dishes the best he
could, he was almost done when the door opened. "You aren't done yet boy?" Jim said as he
placed his beer into the fridge. Ryder finished the last plate and accidently dropped it. Jim
grabbed him and tossed him across the floor as he smacked his head on the table leg. "Useless
brat, look what you did" Jim said. Ryder fought back tears, his father grabbed him by the hair
and tossed him at the broken plate. Ryder cut his hand slightly as Jim said "Clean this up then get
to bed, I don't want to see you anymore." Ryder did what he was told, as he ran to his room and
cried.
Marissa finally came home at 7pm, Jim was asleep on the couch, she went to find Ryder. She
walked into his room and Ryder immediately ran to her and said "Mommy, never leave me
again." "Aw my sweet boy, I am so sorry I had a huge breakthrough in my research, I brought
you some dinner" She said handing him a sandwich, Ryder took it happily. "Ryder honey, what
happened to your hand?" Marissa asked noticing the cut and poor bandage wrap that Ryder did.
"I cut it on a broken plate, when I dropped it" Ryder said. Marissa fixed it up and re wrapped his
hand. "I don't want you picking up broken glass, its not safe." Ryder was going to say that his
dad made him but just said "Okay mommy." "How was school?" She asked him. "Good, I
finished all my work before everybody else." Ryder said excitedly. Marissa kissed him and said
"That's my boy, time to get ready for bed, I will be back to tuck you in" Marissa said as Ryder
got ready for bed. Marissa walked into her bedroom and changed out of her work clothes, she
then cleaned up the mess Jim left in the living room. She went and tucked Ryder into bed and
went to bed herself she had another busy day at work tomorrow.
The next morning Marissa showered and made Ryder's breakfast and lunch for school. Ryder put
on his clothes his mother had laid out for him and went to the kitchen. He was relieved he didn't
see his dad. Marissa walked Ryder to school and said "Do you think you can walk home alone
after school? I might be late at work again" Ryder nodded he wanted to be brave. "Okay love you
Ryder have a good day" Marissa said as she left him inside the school and went to work. Ryder
walked to his class and Mrs. Perry said "Good morning Ryder, take seat anywhere you'd like."
"Morning Mrs. Perry, okay" Ryder replied and sat in an empty chair. "Hi" a boy said to Ryder.
"Hi" Ryder said back. "You are the smart baby that is in our class right?" the boy said. "I am not
a baby" Ryder said back. "Well you are compared to me little baby" the boy said. Before Ryder
could reply Mrs. Perry said "Josh that's enough" as she started her class. Ryder didn't much like
this Josh, he just wanted to get his work done. Josh kept throwing little pieces of paper at Ryder,
he was just ignoring it but it bothered him. Not only was he getting punished at home but now he
had to deal with it at school to. The morning ended at it was lunch time, Josh knocked Ryder's
sandwich out of his hand and it landed on the floor. Josh laughed and said "aw the poor baby lost
his lunch" Ryder wasn't going to let it get to him he just ate the other things he had as he put his
sandwich in the garbage. A young girl came up to Ryder and said "Here, you can have half of my
sandwich" "Thank you" Ryder said taking it. "I am Jenny" she said, "Ryder" Ryder replied. "I
know who you are, Josh just picks on you because he's jealous" Jenny told him. "Of what?"
Ryder asked. "You, silly, I mean you are younger than us and you are clearly smarter" Jenny
said. "I don't rub it in or anything, I just want to do my work that's all" Ryder said. "Yeah, but he
doesn't care." Jenny said as the bell rang indicating the end of lunch. The rest of the school day
went by fast and Ryder ran home hoping to avoid Josh.
Ryder arrived home and he saw his dad's car, he hope he wasn't there but he took a deep breath
and walked in the door. "BOY, where have you been?" Jim asked him. "I was at school" Ryder
said running to his room. Jim followed him and swung the door open, "You don't run away when
I am talking to you" Jim said grabbing Ryder's arm and bringing him closer, "You doing good in
school?" Jim asked him. "yyesss" Ryder squeaked trying to pull his arm free. "You should clean
this room, its disgusting" Jim said as he tossed Ryder onto his bed. Ryder didn't reply as he
started picking up stuff from the floor. Jim left him to it and went back to his beer and the sports
he was watching. Ryder hoped his mother came home soon, his dad didn't hurt him when she
was there. He stayed in his room and didn't even leave to find out what he could have for dinner.
It was 730 pm and his mother still wasn't home Ryder was really hungry. Did he risk going into
the kitchen or just staying put.
Chapter 3
Ryder decided he needed to eat before he went to sleep he crept out of his room, his dad wasn't
in the living room or the kitchen. He ran to the fridge and found some leftovers as he grabbed a
fork and ran back to his room. He realized he was eating cold food but he didn't care. He finished
eating and put the bowl on his bedside table and fell asleep. His mother came home just after 9
and noticed that Jim wasn't there she ran to Ryder's room and saw him asleep. "Idiot left a 4 year
old home alone" She took the bowl from his room and tucked her son in. She cleaned up the
kitchen and went to bed herself. Jim came home just after 11 and he was drunk he passed out on
the couch.
The next morning Marissa had to get work early she packed Ryder's lunch and grabbed him a
bagel to go as she walked him to school. "Mommy you are never home anymore" Ryder said. "I
know sweetie, I am sorry, I am just so close to a breakthrough on my project. I promise to try be
home earlier today ok" Marissa said. "Okay" Ryder replied back. She kissed him as she left him
at school and went to work. Ryder walked into the classroom and saw Josh he decided to sit at a
different table this time. Josh noticed this and followed Ryder and sat beside him "Hey little
nerd" Josh said flicking Ryder in the back of the head. Ryder didn't respond he wasn't going to
let the bully get to him. "Hey, you can't ignore me little baby, I am older!" Josh said. Mrs. Perry
said "Josh, leave Ryder alone" as she started class. Mrs. Perry noticed how quickly Ryder
finished his assignments she kept trying to challenge him. Ryder passed all her test with flying
colors. This boy is incredible she thought, he is already doing grade 2 work. Mrs. Perry didn't
know if she should put him further ahead as he was already having trouble with bullies. She
wanted to speak to his mother and see if they could give him more challenging work. School
couldn't end soon enough for Ryder, he now hated it as much as being at home. Josh pushed him
a few times today, giving Ryder bruises on his knees. He didn't have any friends and only like
the school part of school.
Ryder walked in the door of his house and his father was angry, not at him in particular he was
on the phone yelling at someone. Ryder tried to run to his room before being noticed but his dad
stopped him grabbing is arm as hung up the phone. "Your teacher thinks you are to smart for
your own good, thinks we should give you more challenging work." Jim said to him. Ryder
didn't say anything, "Don't ignore me boy, stop showing off at school!" Jim said slapping him
across the face. Ryder fell to the floor as Jim let go of his arm and the slap caught him off guard.
Ryder ran to his room and cried. Ryder couldn't help it if he was smart, how was he supposed to
stop showing off, its not like he meant to be smart. Ryder started building his designs, he wanted
to be a rescuer and save people who were in trouble. He was trying to figure out how to created
gadgets he could use to help himself. Of course they were just hypothetical right now as he had
nothing to build them with. Marissa came home just shortly after 5 that day she had brought
dinner home. "Jim, here is dinner" she said handing him a plate of food. Jim didn't say anything
to her she has no idea why she stays with him in the first place. She took a plate of food to
Ryder's room, "Hi sweetie how was your day?" Marissa said she noticed a bruise on his face.
Ryder hugged her crying. "Oh sweetie, I am so sorry, what happened to your face?" Ryder didn't
know if he should tell her, "I fell at school" Ryder said eating a mouthful of food. Marissa didn't
believe him but she never pushed him on the subject. "Your teacher told me you're doing really
well in school" Marissa said. "I know, dad told me to stop showing off" Ryder said sadly.
Marissa cursed him under her breath. "Ryder don't stop being the awesomely smart boy you are,
Your father is an idiot and he is just jealous. You be you. I understand its hard but I actually have
something here that will help you." Marissa said pulling out a USB drive. "This here is some
stuff you can learn from, it is some courses I managed to get, you can now learn at home"
Marissa continued. Ryder took it excited to get started.
*Time skip*
Ryder is now 5 years old and his mother works more and more. Ryder goes to school he is now
in grade 1 but he is doing grade 5 work at home. Ryder tries not to be as smart at school as he
has enough problems as it is. No one talks to him other than Josh and he only teases him and
makes his school days harder. "Hey little weirdo, no one wants you here" Josh says as he corners
Ryder on the playground. "Leave me alone" Ryder said, "Nope, you don't get to go this time"
Josh said giving Ryder a little shove. Ryder wanted to fight back but he knew if he did it would
only get worse for him. "Josh, just leave him alone, he never did anything to you" Jenny said.
"He exists, that's enough of a problem for me" Josh retorted back. "Your just jealous he is
younger and smarter than you" Jenny said. Josh punched Ryder in the stomach, "Jenny is making
it worse for you little baby, I can't hit her" Josh said as Mr. Jones walked up to them and said
"Josh office now." Josh was suspended for a few days. Ryder was relieved he finally had a few
days in school that he actually enjoyed. Being at home was another story. His father still hit him
when he was angry, sometimes for no reason at all. Ryder was in his room when he heard "Come
here boy!" Jim yelled from the living room. Ryder took a breathe and walked into the living
room. "You fighting at school?" he asked. "No" Ryder said. "That's not what I heard, you got a
kid suspended, you deserve to be suspended just for existing" Jim said as he grabbed Ryder by
the hair, "I don't want to hear about you fighting again, you hear me" "Yess" Ryder squeaked.
"You are pathetic, can't even talk like a real man" Jim said tossing Ryder aside. Ryder scrambled
to his feet. "You don't get dinner tonight get out of my sight" Jim said. Ryder ran to his room,
little did he know Ryder had snacks hidden in his room. He started doing that because his mother
was at work a lot and his father hardly remembered he was there.
Marissa hated leaving Ryder alone with Jim she knew he wasn't treating him well but her work
was important. She was trying to cure all kinds of terrible diseases. She was a world renowned
scientist and her work was making her lots of money. In the end she was doing it for Ryder so he
could have a better life.
Chapter 4
Another year has almost gone by and Ryder was approaching his 6th birthday. He knew not to
expect much. His mother was working late again and Ryder's dad was angry he hated having to
cook for himself. "Not only do I have to cook my own food but she expects me to feed the child
of hers as well." Jim growled to himself. "BOY! your dinner is ready, you have 10 seconds to
come and eat it or it goes in the trash." Jim bellowed at his son. Ryder ran from his bedroom
surprised to be getting anything at all. Ryder ate his food quietly, it wasn't the best meal but at
least he wouldn't be hungry tonight. "Ungrateful child, I don't even get a thank you" Jim said as
he kicked Ryder's chair sending him and his plate flying to the floor. The plate smashed and Jim
said "Clean this up, then get out of my sight" Ryder quickly cleaned up the mess and ran to his
room. Ryder sighed "Why do I deserve to be treated this way, I wish mom was here" he thought.
He knew his mother was working hard for the both of them but he missed her a lot.
Ryder woke up the morning of his birthday and didn't feel like celebrating it was a Monday and
he had to deal with the 2 people he hated most. His dad didn't work Mondays and his enemy in
school Josh tortured him relentlessly. He dressed and left his room noticing his mother was again
not home. Ryder sighed as he put bread into the toaster hoping his dad wouldn't wake up before
he left for school. Thankfully Ryder was out the door as he heard his dad moving around. Ryder
walked the 3 blocks to school eating his toast. Once he arrived at school he saw her, a beautiful
blonde with blue eyes. He was in a grade higher than her but it didn't stop him from admiring her
when he could. Ryder knew who she was but he doubted she knew him. Ryder walked into his
classroom and sat at his desk, hoping for a good day today. Mrs. Perry walked up to him and
gave him a cupcake "Happy Birthday Ryder" she said. "Thanks" Ryder said putting the cupcake
into his lunch box for later. Josh heard and said "Little dorks birthday is today, sucks its going to
be no fun for you." He laughed. Mrs. Perry settled the class down and said "We have a few new
students joining us from the grade 1 classes." Ryder was awestruck the girl he watched on the
playground was standing in front of him, he couldn't believe it. The girl sat next to Josh and he
immediately noticed her. Ryder looked disappointed but didn't show it he was at school for work.
The school day went slowly for Ryder as he just wanted to get through the day. Lunch came and
Josh immediately went to teasing Ryder again. "Hey dork, remember how I said your birthday
would be no fun, well it starts now" Josh said kicking mud at Ryder. The mud landed inside his
open lunch box ruining most of his food. Ryder sighed and just closed his lunch and walked
away. "I never said you could walk away" Josh said tripping him and making him fall into the
mud. His friends all laughed, then Katie came up to him. "You alright?" she asked helping Ryder
up. "Yeah, I'm fine" Ryder said. "Don't pay attention to him Katie, he's a loser" Josh said. "He's a
lot more mature than you" Katie said defending Ryder. "He has no friends, and his parents don't
love him, he's a weirdo" Josh said making his friends laugh. Ryder almost snapped he wanted so
badly to just punch Josh in the face. Mr. Jones walked up to them "Josh that is enough, you are 7
years old, how can you be so cruel. Go to the office!" Josh sighed as he made his way to the
principals office. Ryder looked at Katie and he said "Thanks" "Your welcome, I am sorry he's
such a jerk to you" Katie said. "I'm used to it, you don't have to be my friend." Ryder said. "Well
to bad I want to be" Ryder smiled at her, he opened his lunch again and remembered it was full
of mud. Katie noticed this and said "Here have some of mine, my mom gets carried away."
"Thanks" Ryder said taking a few things from her overpacked lunch box. "Happy Birthday by
the way. Ryder blushed "Thanks" he replied. "How old are you?" she asked him. "6" Ryder said.
"cool I will be 6 next month, wait are you in grade 1?" Katie asked. "No I skipped a year I am in
Grade 2" Ryder said to her. "Wow, lucky you must be really smart then." Ryder blushed he didn't
know what to say. Just then the bell rang and the students returned to class. Ryder finished his
school work again faster than anyone else. Josh was blowing spitballs at the back of Ryder's
head. Katie noticed this and brushed them out of his air, startling Ryder a bit. "Sorry" she said to
him. Mrs. Perry said, "Josh, you are already in enough trouble today do we need send you to the
office again?" "No Ma'am" Josh replied. The end of the day bell rang and Ryder couldn't leave
fast enough.
He was almost out the door of the school when Josh stopped him, "Hey dork, you can't get away
from me that easy." he said, Ryder started to run only to have 1 of Josh's friends trip him causing
him to fall on his face. Ryder's lip was bleeding, Josh laughed "Oh did the baby get hurt" Josh
was about to kick Ryder while he was down but Katie stepped in. "Leave him alone Josh!" Katie
said. "Why? What are you going to do about it?" Josh said. Ryder took advantage of this and ran
off hoping Katie would be alright Josh did say before that he wouldn't hit a girl. Ryder ran home
as fast as he could. To his surprise his mother's car was home. "Happy Birthday Ryder!" Marissa
said as he walked in the door. "Thanks" Ryder said, she noticed his lip "Oh no what happened?"
she asked him. "I fell on my way home, I am ok mom" Ryder said. Marissa wasn't convinced, "I
wanted to tell you my research is almost finished and we are going to have lots of money soon
sweetie" she said. "Only for dad to steal it all" Ryder said. "What do you mean?" Marissa asked
her son. "Well, he takes most of your money anyways and just gets drunk" Ryder said annoyed
now. "Ryder, I know your dad is well useless, but this money is in a special account that he
doesn't have access to, its just for you and me. Don't tell him" she said. Ryder nodded and said "I
promise, I won't" "I have something for you" Marissa said handing Ryder a gift. Ryder opened it
and it was a brand new computer, way more high tech then the old one he had. "Wow, thanks
mom" Ryder said. "Your welcome, just don't let your dad see this, I wouldn't want him to take it
from you" She said. Ryder spent the evening with his mom and the end of his birthday was
actually pretty decent. He went to bed happy.
The next morning he saw a note beside his bed. He was worried it was from his mother.
Chapter 5
Ryder unfolded the letter worried about what it was going to say,
Ryder,
I am so sorry, please forgive me I have to leave you. I have the opportunity to make a huge break
in my career and I am doing it for us. I understand if you hate me, I will always love you, and I
promise to come back for you. Where I am going doesn't allow children otherwise I would bring
you with me. I will email with you and try figure out a way for you to be safe. For now hang in
there Ryder you are a smart and brave boy. Your father doesn't need to know where I am, just
tell him I left. I love you Ryder even if you don't love me anymore. Stay safe
Love always,
Mom
Ryder read the not 4 times before he started crying. How could she leave me, what am I
supposed to do now? he thought. She didn't even say where she went, Ryder was furious how
could she love her work more than me, I hate her! he thought. Ryder didn't even feel like going
to school today. He was just so angry and hurt. Then he heard him, "BOY GET YOUR ASS
OUT HERE NOW!" Jim yelled. Ryder just wanted to crawl under his bed and pretend he wasn't
there. He decided in the end to just face him, Ryder walked slowly out of his room and stood
before his father. "Did you know about this?" he said holding a letter. "I am not sure what you a
referring to" Ryder said. "Don't be cheeky, this letter is from your mother said she left me
couldn't take it anymore. She also left you which is even more aggravating" Jim said. "I just
found out a few minutes that she left, and I don't know why she left me" Ryder said. "I told you
all along you are a bad kid, no one loves you! You should have never been born. Get out of this
house!" Jim said. Ryder didn't understand he was 6 where was he supposed to go, He decided to
just go to school.
Ryder was a little late for school, but Mrs. Perry gave him a pass as he was years ahead of the
rest of his class. She noticed he was crying, she worried for him but didn't know if it was her
place to ask. He didn't even bring a lunch today, he sighed knowing Josh was just going to tease
him, he wasn't in the mood today. Lunch rolled around and all Ryder wanted to do was go home,
he wondered if he faked being sick if they would let him. He saw Josh walking towards him,
Ryder decided to run to the nurses station and try his luck. "Are you alright sweetie?" the nurse
asked him. "I feel sick" Ryder said. The nurse checked him over and said "well you don't have a
fever or anything, I can call one of your parents to come get you" she told him. "They won't
come, can I just walk home?" Ryder said. "I have to release you to a parent of guardian, I am
sorry" the nurse said. Ryder said "Forget it" and left the nurses station. He didn't see Josh around
and he walked to the office. He found Mrs. Perry and broke down in tears. "Oh darling boy, are
you alright?" She asked him. "No, my mother left me and I'm stuck with me dad, he kicked me
out, I don't know what to do." Ryder cried. "He kicked you out, my goodness you're 6 years old,
I have to report this" Mrs. Perry told him. "Please don't it will only make it worse, I don't know
why I even told you, I just I'm sorry" Ryder cried into her chest. "Oh sweetie, there is nothing for
you to apologize for, your father can't treat you this way, it's against the law" She told him.
Ryder looked at her, "If he goes to jail where will I go?" he said. "I am going to take you home
after school okay, we will straighten this out" she told him stroking his back trying to calm him.
The end of the day and Ryder waited for Mrs. Perry to walk him home. When they arrived Jim
opened the door and said "Oh thank goodness, Ryder thank you miss for bringing him home."
Ryder was confused and said "This morning you told me to get out though" Jim laughed "Ryder
don't be ridiculous, I only meant for you to get out and go to school, thank you again miss for
bringing him home." Jim closed the door. Mrs. Perry was confused as well she felt like she had
been played, his father didn't seem that awful. She left not knowing that it was all and act. "What
the hell do you think you are doing boy?" Jim asked sternly. "What do you mean?" Ryder asked.
"You told someone didn't you, you little shit" Jim said slapping him. "No sir, I didn't say
anything" Ryder cried. "Don't lie to me boy, if you ever tell anyone about this I will kill you do
you hear me." Jim yelled at him. Ryder nodded afraid to speak or move. Jim said "You are waste
of space kid, you are to go to school and come straight home, if I hear from anyone that you told
them about me you will not live to see another day. Get out of my sight!" Ryder ran to his room
he was so scared. He wished he didn't have to live with his father. He really hoped now that his
mother would find a solution sooner rather than later. Of course he still hated her too but she at
least loved him. Ryder wasn't sure if he was going to get dinner that night his father was furious
with him.
It was 7pm and Ryder heard the front door slam, he went and checked, his father wasn't there. He
looked in the fridge for some food. He found and sandwich and decided to eat it. Ryder at least
went to bed with some food in his system as he had not eaten all day. He wondered where is
father had gone but quickly decided that he didn't care as he drifted off to sleep, wondering what
tomorrow would bring.
Chapter 6
It was 1 am when Jim finally came home. He was angry that his sandwich was missing. He went
to Ryder's room knowing exactly who took it. He dragged his son out of bed causing him to
whimper. "You think you can eat my food?" Jim asked him. "Sorry, I was hungry" Ryder said,
Jim grabbed his belt and started hitting him each blow causing Ryder to cry out. He was hit 5
times and the last time was hit by the buckle and it left a mark. His dad left him on the floor as he
was a crying mess. Ryder cried he wished he was anywhere but home. It was getting colder
outside and Ryder had no winter clothes for this year. He received and email from his mother
saying that she was sending him some things. Ryder didn't know how he would get them before
his dad, but he noticed that he didn't go to work like he normally did. Ryder left the house
without eating breakfast or saying anything to his dad. He arrived at school and was immediately
attacked by Josh, "Hey dork, I heard your mom left you, ha she doesn't love you anymore, and
your dad beats you." he said as he laughed. Ryder didn't know how he knew this but he tried to
just walk past him. "No dork, you don't get to walk away from me, I am not finished yet" Josh
said as he tripped him causing Ryder to fall. His friends all laughed, Josh was about to kick him
when Mrs. Perry walked by, she saw the situation and sent Josh to the office. "Ryder are you
alright?" she asked him. "Yeah" Ryder said as he walked into the classroom. Before class started
Mrs. Perry handed Ryder and box and said "This was delivered to me for you, I think it will help
you" Ryder looked inside the box and noticed warm clothes and a Jacket. He knew it was from
his mom, he started to not hate her as much. He knew she still loved him even if she was far
away.
It was lunchtime and Ryder wished he had something to eat. Katie sat down beside him and said
"Hi Ryder" handing him an extra sandwich. "Thanks Katie" Ryder said taking it. "I noticed
yesterday you didn't eat either, I was worried so I asked my mom to make an extra. I'm glad I
did." Katie said. Ryder smiled at her he was thankful knowing it would probably be the only
meal he gets today. "I am sorry your mom left" she said to him. "She is just working, she will be
back" Ryder said trying to convince himself. Katie and Ryder talked all lunch break and this was
the first time Ryder actually had a good time. The rest of the day went by too quickly as now he
needed to go home. He walked in the door and was surprised his dad was not there. He took his
clothes to his room and was about to get his computer out to email his mom when the front door
slammed. "Lost my job, how am I supposed to by beer and food. How can I pay for this house.
FUCK I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE BLASTED KID TOO!" he was yelling at no one in
particular. Ryder quickly emailed his mom and told him that his dad lost his job and he couldn't
afford to pay for the house. He also thanked her for the clothes. Ryder didn't know if he was
going to leave his room.
It was 7pm when he heard footsteps outside his door, he prayed they didn't come into his room.
Ryder pretended to be asleep, and the door opened, "Kid you hungry?" Jim asked. Ryder was
surprised he said "Yes" Jim handed him a plate and left the room. Ryder was shocked he actually
ate 2 meals today. He fell asleep shortly after. It was December and Ryder didn't feel like
Christmas was going to be any fun this year. School was out for the holiday and he was forced to
stay at home all day. His father was always there, so Ryder hid in his room. He hadn't received
any new emails from his mom recently. Ryder was working on a software program that could
connect electronically during rescue missions. He was basically designing the pup tags just not
knowing it yet. "BOY!" Jim yelled from the living room. Ryder came immediately he tried to not
get punished if he could avoid it. "Yes sir" Ryder said trying to be brave. "You are in your room
all day, what are you doing?" Jim asked. "Nothing" Ryder said. "There are people coming over
soon to watch a game with me, you will do whatever anyone asks, I think one of them is bringing
his son he should be your age. If you don't do what you are asked, you will be punished later got
it? Jim told him. "yes sir" Ryder squeaked. He was really not looking forward to this but didn't
want to be punished. He was also not looking forward to entertaining another kid either, he had a
hard enough time in school with other kids.
Later that evening Jim's friends showed up and to Ryder's surprise so did Josh. "Hey dork, I told
my dad to bring me, I knew we were coming here" he said. Ryder groaned now he had other
problems to deal with he didn't need the school bully to add fuel to the fire. Jim told all his
friends that if they needed anything to ask Ryder. He couldn't keep up with all the demands while
keeping Josh out of his room. Ryder felt like he was going to explode he couldn't take it, every
time he tried to bring someone something Josh would trip him or make him drop something. This
cause Jim to get angrier, as Ryder was just making messes everywhere. Finally just after 11 the
last Josh and his dad left, Josh managed to punch Ryder really hard in the arm before he left. Jim
looked around the room and then at Ryder, "You will clean all of this up before you go to bed,
and if its not spotless when I wake up in the morning I will punish you." Jim said as he went to
bed. Ryder was so tired, he didn't know if he could clean it spotless, it wasn't even clean before
everyone was here. He tried his best, washed all the dishes, and scrubbed the floors. It was 2 am
when he was finished and he felt he did a good job. Ryder went to his room and collapsed onto
the bed.
Jim woke up at 9am and Ryder was still asleep, he made breakfast and went to wake up Ryder.
He didn't exactly wake him up gently either he pulled the blanket off and dragged him to the
floor. Ryder woke up with a shock "Ouch" he said under his breathe. "Get up boy, there are
things to be done" Jim said. Ryder was still tired but he got dressed anyways and walked into the
kitchen. "You will do these chores on the list, I want them all done before I get back." Jim said as
he walked out the door. Ryder looked at the list and cried, he had no idea where to even start or
how long he had. He started on the bathrooms as they were going to take him the longest. Ryder
was so tired and dirty by the time he was finished the last chore that he could have fallen asleep
standing up. He decided to shower before going to lay down. As Ryder was in the middle of the
shower Jim came home. He was angry that he couldn't find a job, he had been trying and every
time he came up short. Ryder just finished his shower and was going to his room when Jim
stopped him. "You are the reason I can't find work, If it was just me I'd have a job. You are
ruining my life!" he said. Ryder didn't know how to respond. Jim grabbed him by the hair and
tossed him onto the floor. Ryder tried to get up and Jim kicked him and said "You don't move,
you will take your punishment like a man" Ryder didn't know why he was getting punished. Jim
took out his belt and hit Ryder several times, then he grabbed him by the arm and dragged him to
his room. Jim tossed Ryder to the floor and he banged his head on the bed frame, causing him to
get dizzy. "You stay in here till I come get you" Jim said slamming his door shut. Ryder lost
consciousness from the pain he felt.
Chapter 7
Ryder woke up a few hours later and managed to climb into bed. He had bruises and welts all
over his body. Ryder was physically exhausted and tomorrow was Christmas eve. His father
basically just beat him because he himself couldn't find a job. He had no idea why his father
blamed him for this. Ryder cried himself to sleep, he hated his life. He wanted to tell someone,
anyone who would listen but he remembered his father's threat, "You tell anyone and I will kill
you." Christmas had come and gone in Ryder's house with no presents from anyone, at this point
he knew it was the worst year of his life.
*Time skip*
Ryder was now 8 years old and he didn't stay in the house much, he would escape from his
bedroom window. Ryder just needed to get out and see how life should be. One day Ryder was
walking and he noticed a German Shepard pup in the middle of the road as cars were whizzing
by him. Ryder ran into traffic and managed to bring the pup to safety, "Hello, are you okay?"
Ryder asked the pup. "Yeah, I think so" the pup replied. "Wow you can talk, what is your
name?" Ryder asked him. "CCchase" Chase said, "I am Ryder" he said. "Thank you Ryder sir,
for saving me" Chase said. "Your welcome Chase, where are your owners?" Ryder asked. "I
don't have any owners, I was left here" Chase said. "You poor pup, well I am going to be your
owner, no one deserves to be alone" Ryder told him. Chase was so excited his tail was wagging
quickly. Ryder looked up and saw Josh walking towards him, "Chase come on lets go" Ryder
said as he walked away from Josh. Of course Josh ran and caught up to Ryder and said "Dork,
why do you run from me? you are such a loser" Josh said as he pushed Ryder. Chase growled at
Josh. Ryder said "Leave me alone Josh." "Never, you are so easy to pick on, it makes it fun" Josh
said as he pushed Ryder again making his trip over the curb. Chase stepped in front of Ryder and
growled louder. Josh noticed him and said "Your stupid mutt can't save you" Josh said as he
went to kick Chase, Ryder noticed and grabbed Josh's leg causing him to fall onto his butt. Ryder
grabbed Chase and ran as fast as he could. They lost him in the park, "Who was that Ryder sir?"
Chase asked. "Just someone from school, no one important" Ryder replied. "I don't like the way
he treats you" Chase said. Ryder smiled and said, "You think that's bad wait till you meet my
dad" Chase was scared, "Why do we have to meet him?" he asked. "I live with him Chase, I
don't have a choice" Ryder said as they walked up to his bedroom window and crawled in
grabbing Chase. "I am going to go get us something to eat, please stay here no matter what, and
be quiet" Ryder told him. Chase didn't like it but he obeyed.
Ryder walked out into the living room and Jim was asleep on the couch, Ryder quickly went to
the fridge and noticed a hotdog and some leftover hamburgers from yesterday, he grabbed them
both and ran back to his room. He gave Chase one of each as he ate a hamburger himself. "Thank
you Ryder sir" Chase said. "I might not get food for us all the time, I have to sneak it" Ryder told
him. "Your father doesn't feed you Ryder sir?" Chase asked curiously, "Sometimes he does, but
he's not the nicest man" Ryder told him. He heard footsteps, "Chase under the bed and don't
make a sound" Ryder said pushing him under. His father opened his door and said "Where the
hell have you been?" "I was just getting some air" Ryder said. "You aren't to leave this house
without permission again, you hear me?" Jim said. Ryder nodded and Jim slapped him "You
answer me when I talk to you" Chase didn't like the way his father was talking to him but he
stayed put. "Yes sir" Ryder squeaked out. Jim left slamming the door behind him, Chase came
out, "I see what you mean Ryder sir, are you alright?" he asked. "I am okay Chase, he can't ever
find out you are here, I don't want you to get hurt." Ryder told him. "What about you Ryder sir, I
don't want you hurt either" Chase said. "I am used to it at this point and if he found out I have
you things will get a lot worse for the both of us. Promise me you will stay hidden" Ryder told
him sternly. "I promise Ryder sir, but I don't like it" Chase replied. Ryder downloaded his
program onto a small device that he attached to Chase's collar and said "This will allow you to
communicate with me if we ever get separated" "Cool, thanks Ryder sir, you are handy that you
can build these devices" "I have a lot of ideas, I have secretly been taking online computer
classes and tech classes. I am actually getting them done and learning a lot" Ryder said.
Ryder managed to keep Chase hidden for a month before Jim found him. Ryder was beaten
severely with his belt to the point Jim actually made him bleed. The last blow caused a huge
mark from the belt buckle, he also slammed Ryder into the floor and knocked him out. Chase
growled, Jim kicked him across the room causing Chase to get knocked out as well. Both Chase
and Ryder were unconscious. Chase woke up first he started licking Ryder's wound not knowing
how else to help, Chase licked his face, this caused Ryder to stir. "I am sorry Ryder sir, I didn't
mean for us to get caught" Chase said sadly, Ryder pet him and said "It's okay Chase, we can't
stay here anymore, I wish I had another option but I don't I am sorry that you were hurt Chase"
Ryder said as he cried. Jim didn't allow Ryder to go to school anymore, he felt he needed to be
punished and preventing him from learning was his way of doing that. Ryder however was
already getting his GED and he almost completed his online college courses as well.
Ryder snuck out of the house to check the mail he was supposed to be getting his GED certificate
and didn't want his dad to find it first. He received it along with a letter addressed to him, Ryder
had no idea who it was from. He brought it inside and started to open it.
Chapter 8
Chase watched as Ryder unsealed the envelope and asked "Who is the letter from Ryder sir?"
Ryder looked at it and said "My mom" as he began to read it,
Ryder,
I am so sorry that it took me so long to write this, I have found us a solution Ryder. There is a
lady in a place called Adventure Bay, her name is Mrs. Goodway. She has agreed to take care of
you for the time being. You need to somehow get your father to sign this form, don't allow him to
read it as he will be stripped of his parental rights. This will leave you in Mrs. Goodway's care. I
of course am still your legal guardian but as I can't be with you right now this is our only option.
I love you Ryder and I will contact you as soon as you are safe. Remember Adventure Bay, its a
small place so it will be easy for you to find who you need.
Love lots,
Mom
Ryder was relieved he just had to figure out a way to get his father to sign his form. He said
"Chase wait here I will be right back" Chase nodded. Ryder walked out to find his dad already
drunk in the living room or still drunk from last night. "Can you please sign this?" Ryder asked
him. Jim grumbled "What for?" "I need it for my teacher as I am not going to school anymore,
she needs to have a form saying that you pulled me out" Ryder quickly came up with a lie. Jim
tried to read the form but as he was still drunk and now hungover he didn't much care. He signed
the form for Ryder shoving it back at him. "Thanks" Ryder said as he ran back to his room. "Did
he sign it? Chase asked him. "Yes, and he doesn't know what it is" Ryder fist pumped the air. He
began to pack all his belongings into his backpack and Chase and Ryder left through his
bedroom window. Ryder looked back at his house knowing that this was it, he had finally got
out. His father was no longer his guardian and he couldn't help but smile. Not only was he
leaving his life behind but he would move to a new place where no one could bully him. Chase
and Ryder set out towards Adventure Bay.
It was a further journey that Ryder had intended as they were walking, Ryder tried to hitch hike
seeing it in movies but no one would stop. Finally after walking for hours a car stopped for them.
"Hello young boy, where is it you are headed?" the man asked. "Umm, my pup and I are trying
to get to Adventure Bay" Ryder said a little worried. "Well you are in luck that's exactly where I
am headed, my name is Herashio Turbot, I am a captain of a fine ship out in Adventure bay, you
can call me Capt'n Turbot" he said. "Thank you sir, I am Ryder and this is Chase" Ryder said
getting into the vehicle with Chase. They arrived an hour or so later and Ryder thanked him once
again. Ryder asked before departing "Capt'n Turbot, do you know where I can find a Mrs.
Goodway?" "Yes indeed, she is in town hall, she is the mayor after all." he replied. Ryder
thanked him and he and Chase made there way to town hall. The building was smaller than what
he expected but then again so was the town. They walked in and there was a lady sitting at a desk
with a chicken beside her. "Hello, Mayor Goodway, my name is Ryder and I was told to find
you" Ryder said. Mayor Goodway looked up at the boy and smiled at him "My dear boy, I am so
glad you could finally come, I hope you have the papers" Mayor Goodway said. "Yes ma'am I
do" Ryder said handing them to her. "Excellent, now Ryder I don't have much room in town hall
for you, but there is and old tower at the top of the hill, I think it would be a perfect place for
you." Mayor Goodway said. "You mean I will be living on my own?" Ryder asked. "Well I will
still be here to lookout for you, but you will be there and you aren't alone Ryder, looks like you
have him" She said pointing towards Chase. Ryder looked at Chase "How am I supposed to get
food and such?" Ryder asked. "Well your mother left you with this, and Mr. Porter's has more
than what you will need." She said handing Ryder a stack of money. "Wow, thank you" Ryder
said as he took the money.
Chase and Ryder stopped in at Mr. Porters and Ryder bought both of them enough food for a few
days as they made there way up to the tower. Chase looked at it and said "Wow, cool lookout"
Ryder laughed and said "yeah it does look like a lookout, that's what we will call it" They settled
in and Ryder had begun using his degrees to his advantage. Being finally free he was able to
create things as the lookout actually had many things for him to use. They have been living at the
lookout for over a month now and Ryder had built himself and ATV and a vehicle for Chase that
transformed into a pup house. "WOW, Ryder sir this is so cool" Chase said as he figured out the
controls of his new ride. "Chase, I have been thinking of make us a rescue team, you can be my
police dog, What do you think?" Ryder asked him. "I am in sir, but what are we going to call our
team?" Chase asked him. "I am not sure yet seeing as how its just us, we need to find other
members, lets go explore Adventure bay a little" Ryder suggested. Chase nodded and they drove
their new vehicles around.
They came across and house and Chase smelled smoke and then they saw a black and white blur
fly past them. Before Chase could react the black and white blur had put out the small fire and
smiled. Ryder walked up to him and said "Wow, that was fast thinking there, I am Ryder". The
dalmatian looked at Ryder and said "I am Marshall, and I have always wanted to be a fire pup"
Ryder smiled at him and said "Do you have any owners?" Marshall shook his head. "How would
you like to join me and Chase, we could use a pup like you on our rescue team" Ryder said
beaming at him. "That would be awesome, rescue team of a boy and his pups, Like the PAW
patrol" Marshall said. "Hey that's a great name for our team the PAW patrol" Chase smiled.
Ryder had built a fire engine for Marshall and they were only 3 members as of right now but
they started to get a few calls here and there. The PAW patrol had officially began!
Chapter 9
Chase and Marshall were having a blast being in the PAW patrol a whole year has passed, but it
was really tiring them out, as they were the only 2 right now they had to do a lot of missions.
Ryder had been developing more equipment as well and was really hoping to find new members.
Chase and Marshall had earned a day off as they were playing in the yard when they heard a
"AHHH" coming from the nearby cliff. They both ran to check out the source of the noise, there
was a small golden cockapoo pup stuck on the ledge of the cliff. "Hi, down there" Marshall
called out to her. "Oh, hi um I'm stuck" She said. Chase had dialed Ryder on his pup tag and he
ran over. "Hi, I am Ryder let us help you, Chase I am going to have you lower me down with
your winch okay, then I will have you pull us back up" he said. "Yes Ryder sir, ruff winch"
Chase replied and Ryder had gone down to save the cockapoo. Within minutes they were at the
top and she said "Thank you so much, I was running from an eagle and I wasn't paying
attention." She said. "Well, I am glad we were able to help, do you have a name? and any
owners?" Chase asked her. Man she is beautiful he thought. "Yes sorry I am Skye, I had an
owner but she recently passed away, and I was trying to figure out where to go next." "Well
Skye, what do you like to do? Do you have any dreams?" Ryder asked her. "I've always wanted
to fly, I mean I am usually pretty good with heights and I used to be in the circus." Skye said.
"Ryder Sir, can she be in the PAW patrol?" Chase asked. "Well Chase that is up to her, but it
would be nice to have a flying pup, I can build her a helicopter." Ryder said going off on a
thought process. "The PAW patrol, what is that? and did you said build me a helicopter?" Skye
asked excitedly. "The PAW patrol is our very own rescue team, right now its jus the 3 of us we
help the people of adventure bay, Yes I built Marshall here is fire truck and Chase his police
cruiser, I am sure I can build a helicopter as well." Ryder said confidently. "WOW, so I'd be part
of a rescue team?" Skye said with a wonder in her eyes. "Only if you want to be, and you can
even stay with us here at the lookout" Ryder said. Skye did an excited backflip and yipped. "I
accept!"
Ryder called Skye into the lookout and said "Skye this here is your collar, it has your pup tag on
it, this will allow me to call you and assign you missions, it will also mean that I have officially
adopted you" Skye thanked him and accept her new pup tag. "I also have a surprise for you
outside Skye" Ryder said. She excitedly ran outside and saw her pup house. She climbed inside
and it transformed into a helicopter. "WOW, this is amazing can I fly it?" She asked excitedly. "I
would be hurt if you didn't take it for a spin" Ryder told her. Skye immediately started it up and
took it for a spin. She got used to the controls fairly quickly, Ryder had to call her back as she
was having way to much fun. "Sorry Ryder, I was a little to excited" she said as she landed in her
spot. Ryder laughed and said "This here is called your pup pack it is basically like a set of wings
with jets, it will help you fly without your helicopter if you ever need to use it" Skye yipped
again and licked Ryder. "Thank you, all my dreams are coming true" she said. Chase just
watched her with amazement he was in love, of course he would keep that to himself.
"Alright pups, there is a new pet salon that just opened up, I thought we would go and check it
out maybe you guys could have baths" Ryder said. The pups all agreed as they drove down to the
new pet salon. When they entered Ryders jaw dropped to the floor he thought "It can't be, no its
just my imagination right?" "Oh my god Ryder!" Katie squealed as she ran to him and gave him
a hug. "I was wondering what happened to you" "Katie, wow when did you move here?" Ryder
asked. "My mom and I always had a house here and well there was an opportunity for the salon
here and I volunteered to run it. I still of course go to school but mostly I will work here" Katie
said. "Awesome, well my pups need baths, this is Chase, Marshall and Skye" Ryder said pointing
at each pup. "I heard about you guys, the PAW patrol, very cool. Of course I will give them a
bath" Katie said as she started to get them ready. "Do you still go to school" She asked Ryder.
"Um, no I actually don't have to anymore" Ryder said. "Oh that must be nice, how come?" Katie
asked. "Well I graduated last year, actually and I have 3 college degrees" Ryder said blushing a
little. "HOLY CRAP! are you serious, I mean I knew you were smart but that's incredible" Katie
said. Ryder turned redder and just looked at his feet. "Alright your pups are all cleaned up, I hope
to see you around Ryder" Katie said. "We will be around, thanks Katie, and come by the lookout
anytime" Ryder told her.
A few weeks after finding Skye they found Rocky and Zuma. Rocky was from Foggy bottom he
was looking for a better place to live. He came to Adventure bay and started fixing things around
town. Ryder noticed him and asked him to become the fix it and recycling pup of course he
accepted. Rocky was able to help Ryder build his truck and Ryder was happy to have him on the
team. He also had Zuma become the water rescue pup and they built his hovercraft. The PAW
patrol was officially growing. Once they found Rubble in the tree it was smooth sailing.
Ryder had also at this point built, Robo-dog, the air, sea and PAW patroller.
This story is now at the point where it blends into Ryder goes missing. Hope you enjoyed it!