Twist of Fate:Chapter 5
Title: A Twist of Fate
Ratings/Warnings: In this chapter- abuse, Ryan angst & swearing.
Beta: As always a huge debt of gratitude to loracj2
Disclaimers: I own nothing in relation to The O.C. All mistakes are mine
Thank You: Previously I forgot to thank loracj2, beachtree, finlee, and fifimom for helping me out with questions regarding home security and gated communities. I may have written some things in regards to this incorrectly, but it’s how I wanted it to work for the purposes of this story.
Summary: Beginning of Season 1, AU, In The Pilot, Kirsten asks Sandy “What if this is all a scam? What if he’s just using you to case the house?” In this story it is the truth, but not by Ryan’s choice. For the purposes of this story Dawn is dead and there never was a Trey.
a/n: I hope the fight scene meets with your approval, katwoman.
Twist of Fate: Chapter Five
“Well,” Seth began. He was drawing a complete blank on ideas for things he and Ryan could do that afternoon. He didn’t have much experience in the hanging out with friends department. Truth be told, he had no experience, unless you could count all the time spent with Captain Oats. His only hope was that he didn’t come across as a total dweeb. “I guess we could go down to the pier. Maybe take my catamaran out. How’s that sound?”
“Cool.”
“Good. I’m glad you two boys have some plans. Have fun. I’ll see you this afternoon.” Sandy grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
“You know, now that my dad’s gone, we don’t have to go anywhere. We can just hang out here.”
“What if he found out we lied to him? Wouldn’t he get angry?”
“Pffft.” Seth waved his arms nonchalantly. “He’d get over it. It’s not that big a deal.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Seth,” Ryan said, nervously. “I’m pretty much here because your folks feel sorry for me. I don’t want your dad to get mad at me.” As much as he wanted to stay here and check out the house, he couldn’t risk being found out. He didn’t know about Mr. Cohen, but the very thought of directly disobeying Art was enough to make Ryan break out in a cold sweat.
Seth shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever you want.”
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When they were halfway down the front steps, Seth turned, dug a small keychain out of his pocket, and pointed it at the front door.
“What’s that?” Ryan pointed at the device.
“This? It’s the alarm for the house.” Seth shoved it back in his pocket. “We each have our own code, but the alarm keeps beeping when you enter the numbers. It’s very nerve wracking. I entered the wrong code a few too many times, and the alarm company threatened to shut us off. I mean really, you’d think they’d have been a little more appreciative. Without me, we’d have never known that it takes fifteen whole minutes for the cops to get here.”
“Fifteen minutes, huh?” Ryan repeated the numbers in his head, storing the information away for later use.
“Isn’t that ridiculous? Some dirty crook-no offense, by the way-could totally steal my entire video game collection in that length of time. If you ask me, which no one ever does, might I add, they should have been thanking me for pointing out a serious flaw in their system. Instead, I got a lecture on the boy who cried wolf. Give me a break. There are no wild animals in Newport. Maybe the Newpsies, but that’s a whole different story. Anyway, I have this keychain now. All I have to do is press one button and the alarm is set. Pretty slick, huh?”
“Is that how you turn it off, too?”
“Yep. Hey, do you mind if I take my skateboard?”
“What? Oh, no, go ahead.” Ryan couldn’t believe his luck; finding out what he needed to know about the alarm system had been relatively simple. He still had to find a way to get that keychain away from Seth, but it was a relief to have at least half of one problem solved. If only Seth had put it into his back pocket, Ryan could have managed to steal it with no problem. It wouldn’t have been any different from lifting a wallet. But Seth had put it into his front pocket, a completely different story. Ryan made a mental note to watch Seth carefully when they got back to the house that afternoon. If his luck continued, Seth would be careless, and leave it lying around where Ryan would be able to pocket it with no one being the wiser.
Seth waved at the guard as they walked through the gate. “Hey, Joe. How’s it going? How are the wife and kids?”
“Just fine, Seth. Thanks for asking.” Joe pointed at Ryan. “It’s good to see you with a friend. You spend too much time by yourself or talking to me. You need to hang out more with kids your own age.”
“I know. I know. You tell me that every day. This is Ryan, by the way. He’s spending the weekend with us.”
“I’ll make a note of that. Good to meet you, Ryan. Don’t let this one talk your ear off.”
Ryan gave Joe a half-hearted smile and wave without answering. He was too busy thinking. He wanted to question Seth about the guards, but was afraid it would be pushing it. After all, he had just gotten done asking about the alarm system. It might make Seth suspicious if he started drilling him about the security at the gates. He decided to bide his time, in hopes that with Seth and his penchant for rambling would divulge enough information without actually having to ask any more questions.
“That’s Joe. He’s pretty cool. He doesn’t really get it, though…about the kids around here. They’re all blond hair and blue eyes.” Seth paused, realizing he was describing Ryan. “Oh sorry, not like you. You’re real. The guys around here, they’re like the Stepford kids, so perfect it’s creepy.”
“I understand.” Ryan was only half listening at this point. He was still thinking about the guards.
“Hey, how long did it take you and my dad to get here from Chino?”
“I don’t know. About an hour, I guess. Why?”
“Well I was just thinking. That’s not all that far away. Maybe we could still hang out together after you go home.”
“I don’t know, Seth. Things are pretty complicated for me right now.”
“Come on, why not? Joe saying he was going to put your name down made me think about it. There’s a list of the residents and another for people who don’t need permission every time they come, like Rosa. I could totally put you on that list. You could show up whenever you wanted, even if we weren’t here. If you’re on the list Joe, or whoever else was at the gate, would let you in. You could just wait in the pool house, until I got home. What do you think?”
Ryan hated this more than anything he had ever done in his life. He was good at stealing. He knew that. Even Art admitted that he was one of the best pickpockets he had ever seen. However, being a petty thief, even a masterfully skilled petty thief, was not something Ryan ever took pride in. But this, this feeling of being torn ate at him like nothing else ever had.
On one hand, by lying to Seth and telling him they could still be friends, the problem with the guards would be solved. Sure, the Cohens would know without a doubt that he was the one who had robbed them. But what did that matter? It wasn’t as if he was planning on seeing them ever again after Monday. The main thing that worried him was that the police knew where he lived. He hoped Art was planning on moving after this was over with.
On the other hand, he felt a whole new level of guilt. He had never known anyone he had stolen from before. And now, here he was going to rob someone who was already calling him a friend. Ryan knew he didn’t deserve to have a friend like Seth, and Seth really didn’t deserve to be used like this. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it. But then, an image of Art flashed through his mind; his face flushed with rage, his arm ready to strike, and the mind numbing terror that was Ryan’s constant companion returned destroying any willpower he had managed to build. He knew what he had to do. There was no other choice.
“Sounds great. I’d like that.”
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There were times in Ryan’s life that he honestly believed that if Art didn’t stop hitting him, he would die. He was experiencing that same feeling on Seth’s catamaran. He had never been on the ocean before, and if this constant rocking back and forth was all it had to offer, he never wanted to leave dry land again.
“You all right, man? You’re looking a little green around the gills.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ryan didn’t say any more for fear of throwing up. He was anything but all right. In addition to his stomach constantly turning flip-flops, the life jacket he wore was rubbing the welts on his back. He could feel some of the sores starting to open again. There was little doubt that they would bleed through onto his shirt again. He would have to be careful to always stay behind Seth once they reached the shore - if he made it back alive.
Hoping to take his mind off his rumbling stomach, Ryan watched Seth aptly maneuver a set of ropes. “Where did you learn how to do that?”
“My grandpa. Sailing is the only thing we have in common. He bought me this boat for my thirteenth birthday.”
Ryan remembered back to that same birthday.
It was his first since his mother had died, and the only thing he had wanted was to go back to Fresno and visit her grave. The whole week before his birthday he had worked extra hard not to make Art angry. In a desperate attempt to get in Art’s good graces, he stayed out late each night trying to earn as much money as he could. The morning of his birthday, he awoke at dawn, nerves keeping him from further sleep. Going to Fresno would require permission from Art to take the day off from working. In preparation for this, he hadn’t even asked for as much as a glass of water in days. Three long hours later, he finally heard Art moving in the kitchen, getting himself his usual breakfast of beer and Doritos, before plopping himself in front of the television. Ryan hid behind the doorway in the hall, trying to gauge the man’s mood that morning. Deciding he could put it off no longer, Ryan took one hesitant step into the living room.
“Um, Art?” He kept his head down. Art liked it when Ryan appeared completely submissive.
“What the hell do you want?”
“Well, today’s my birthday.” He paused, his mouth suddenly gone dry from anxiety.
“Yeah, so? You expecting me to care?”
“No, of course not. I...I was just wondering if maybe I could not work today. I’d really like to go visit my mom’s grave. If that’s okay. I don’t need you to drive me or anything. I can just hitch a ride.” He waited, his body literally shaking in anticipation of Art’s reaction.
Art eyed him with what could almost be described as amusement. He rose from the couch and slowly walked over to the now cowering boy.
“Look at me.”
Ryan’s head remained bowed.
“I said, look at me.”
Ryan had barely lifted his head when Art delivered a backhand that knocked him to the floor. He grabbed Ryan under his arms, hauled him to his feet, and viciously shook him. “You have got to be kidding me. You barely earn your keep around here as it is and now you want fucking vacation?”
“I made extra this week to make up for it. Remember, I brought in almost seventy-five dollars yesterday.”
“Do you think that even comes close to what I have to put out to keep you around? Forget it.”
“It’s just one day.”
“Boy, do you want me to get the belt?”
“N...no, p...please.” Ryan began to stutter in fear.
“Then don’t ask again.” Art turned to walk back to the couch. He paused for a moment, and faced Ryan again. “What do you want to visit her grave for anyway?”
“She was my mom,” he answered, meekly.
“Do you think that means anything? Any stray cat in heat can get knocked up. It doesn’t make her a mother. Dawn never wanted you. She ever tell you that? If her and your and jailbird father would have had the cash, you would never have been born. She was a junkie and a whore that didn’t give a damn about anything other than her next fix. Do you think she would be visiting your grave if it was you that died?” An evil grin formed on his face. “But she didn’t just die, did she? She killed herself. One night after you went to bed, she locked herself in the bathroom and swallowed a whole bottle of pills. She didn’t even leave a note. She couldn’t even bother to take five seconds and say goodbye to you. She must have really hated you to choose death over motherhood. Doesn’t sound like much of a mom, does it? Answer me, boy.”
“No.” Ryan was softly crying. Art hated when he acted like a baby, but he couldn’t stop. It hurt so much when he talked about his mother that way.
“Then it’s settled. I don’t want to hear another word about it. You’ll work just like always. No, I take that back; I’m not sure I can trust you. You might still try and sneak over there. When you walk through that door tonight, you better have one hundred and fifty dollars in your hands.”
“But that’s impossible,” Ryan protested. He had never stolen anywhere near that amount in just one day.
Art slapped him again, then grabbed him by the arms, literally lifting him off the ground.
“Listen to me, and listen good, brat. You will bring back that much, or else. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then get out of here.” He suddenly released Ryan, causing him to fall. He quickly picked himself up, and hurried out the door, not having a minute to waste.
It was eleven-thirty that night before Ryan finally rounded the corner in front of the house. He had worked himself to the point of exhaustion, managing to steal exactly one hundred forty-eight dollars. He walked slowly home, examining the sidewalk for any loose change to help make up the difference. He had found none. With a great amount of trepidation, Ryan walked through the front door. He didn’t think Art would get too angry over a couple of bucks. He was wrong. For the lack of two dollars, Art broke two of Ryan’s fingers. He held his throbbing hand against his chest and listened to Art berating him for being worthless, lazy, and too stupid to follow the simplest orders. The only wish Ryan had for his birthday that year was for it to be over.
That birthday and the two following were a far cry from getting a boat from your grandfather. Ryan didn’t want to admit to himself, but he was beginning to feel jealous of Seth. The unfairness of it all hit him hard. Ryan would have given anything to live Seth’s life for just one day.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Seth ran a hand across the side of the boat. “Her name’s the Summer Breeze. I named her after a girl...the girl.”
“You have a girlfriend?” Ryan didn’t mean to sound quite so surprised, but he had gotten the impression Seth was a loner.
“No, she’s not my girlfriend. She’s not even a friend who’s a girl. I’ve never spoken a single word to her. I’ve tried a few times, but every time I get near her, I can’t seem to speak.” He noticed Ryan’s look. “Yeah, I know, me speechless. Who’d have thought that was even possible? Things are going to be different this year, though. I get my license in the spring, and I’m going to ask her out.” A small sad smile crossed his features. “I mean it could happen, couldn’t it? A guy can dream, can’t he?”
Ryan didn’t know about that. Where he came from having a dream only made you weak. Dreams didn’t come true in Chino. But this wasn’t Chino, it was Newport; their whole lives were a dream world. If Seth wanted to believe in fantasies, who was he to stop him? “Yeah, sure. Why not?”
With that, Seth returned to his excitable fast talking self. “Really? I’m glad someone else thinks so. Are you sure you’re all right? Maybe we better take the boat in. You still don’t look so good, and I’m starving.”
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Seth tied up the boat, Ryan sat down on the dock, putting his head between his knees. He was so focused on not getting sick, he forgot all about his back.
“Okay, I’m ready.” Seth walked over to Ryan. “Hey, what happened to your shirt?”
“What do you mean?” Ryan asked, holding his stomach, deciding he hated the ocean.
“There’s stuff all over the back.” Seth looked closer. “Dude, are you bleeding?”
Ryan immediately sat up. “It’s nothing. Forget about it.”
“Bleeding through your shirt is a lot more than nothing. How’d it happen? Do my folks know you’re hurt?”
“Seth, you can not tell your folks about this. I already told you it’s not a big deal. I must have scraped my back when I wrecked my bike.”
“They told me not to ask you about it, but since you brought it up - is that what happened to your face? Because that doesn’t make any sense, I’ve fallen off my skateboard tons of times, before I became the semi-pro that I am now, I mean, and my face never looked as bad as yours, and I never managed to make my back bleed.”
“Well, that’s what happened. I took a header over the top of the handle bars, and skidded across some gravel. Okay?” Realizing the harshness of his tone, he continued more calmly, “Please, Seth. I’m not really hurt. It doesn’t even bother me. I don’t want your folks finding out. Please, just drop it.”
Seth wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t understand why Ryan didn’t want his parents to find out he was hurt. He was certain they would want to know about this, but he didn’t want to make Ryan mad at him. In the end, he went against his better judgment and decided to abide by Ryan’s wishes. “If that’s what you want. Mum’s the word. They won’t find out about it through me.”
“Thanks.” Ryan stood up, once the earth finally stopped spinning. “I thought you said you were starving.”
Seth eyed Ryan. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. You still look like you’re going to hurl. Why don’t we just walk around for a while? I could show you where I get the best deals on comic books. If you’re up to it - does it hurt to walk? I noticed that you move kind of slow, but I didn’t want to say anything before.”
“I’m fine, just a little sore. But I think waiting to eat is a good idea. You read comic books?”
“I prefer the term graphic novel.”
The two boys continued down the pier, Seth talking a mile a minute. Ryan looked around in amazement. He had never experienced the display of wealth that surrounded him. These people had to be the easiest marks in the world. They were practically begging to get robbed. At any other time, he would have had a field day here. The woman pulled out their make-up in the middle of the street, leaving their purses wide open. Men left their wallets casually laying around on counter tops and tables. It was almost too simple. Ryan had to control the urge to help himself to the plentiful pickings. He could hide today’s haul, and be set for weeks after he returned to Art. But he didn’t. There were rent-a-cops all over the place, and he couldn’t risk getting caught. Art would kill him if he messed this up over a few wallets.
If he wanted to admit the truth, he just didn’t want to think that way for one afternoon. He was so tired of eyeing up every person he saw, wondering how much money they had, if they were worth the risk. He remembered that morning playing video games with Seth, and how normal it felt. Ryan wanted more of that feeling, if only for a little while. He wanted to hang out at the pier with his friend, eat at a restaurant, and more than anything he wanted to be like any other teenager, to not be different. He only wished it could last for more than a few hours.
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After an hour of walking around and checking out Seth’s favorite comic stores, the boys decided it was time for lunch. Given Ryan’s obvious hang-ups on eating, Seth decided a burger joint was the best bet.
They had almost finished eating when trouble walked through the door in the form of two Harbor School jocks.
“Oh look, Chet. Isn’t that cute? Steph Cohen has a date.”
“Great,” Seth muttered. He slapped his knee, pointed to the two boys, and faked a laugh. “Good one, guys. My name’s Seth and you called me Steph. Funny. I haven’t heard you use that one since school let out.”
“Who are those guys?” Ryan asked.
“Chet Steadman and Logan Flowers. They’re water polo players from school. I’m not exactly popular with the “in” crowd.”
Chet and Logan sauntered over to the table. Grabbing a couple of chairs, and flipping them around, so their arms rested on the backs.
“So,” Chet began, taking one of Ryan’s fries. “You must be new. Everyone else knows not to hang around with queer-boy here.”
“Big talk from two guys who get off shaving each other’s chests.”
Logan grabbed the front of Seth’s shirt. “What’d you just say, fag?”
“I said you two are the best.” Seth gave them a thumbs up. “Water polo players, I mean.”
“Let go of him.” Ryan’s voice was low and dangerous. He wanted to smash their faces, but he knew in his condition, he wouldn’t be able to take them both. It was pretty obvious that he would be the one doing all the fighting; Seth would be of no help.
“It’s okay, Ryan. Let’s just go.” Seth tried to stand, but Logan pushed him back down.
“Leaving so soon? We were just starting to have some fun.”
“Unless,” Chet added. “New guy here isn’t his boyfriend. He does look a little rough around the edges. Maybe Cohen found him on a street corner.” He looked at Ryan and sneered. “Is that right? Are you a working boy? Are you on the clock right now?” He leaned closer. “So tell me, does Cohen pay you by the hour or by the lay?”
Ryan snapped. He might have to endure Art’s endless abuse, but no way in hell was he going to take it from these spoiled rich kids. He jumped up, grabbed Chet and delivered a blow that sent him flying on top of a nearby table. Ryan was about to hit him again, when he was tackled from the side by Logan. He pinned Ryan to the ground and started pounding away. As soon as Chet recovered, he quickly joined his friend. Ryan didn’t stand a chance. He had been right; it was too soon after Art’s beating to be able to put up much of a fight. He concentrated on defending himself as much as possible from the onslaught of continuous blows.
Seth looked on in astonishment. He had never seen a real fight before, let alone actually been involved in one. He realized he should be doing something to help. He grabbed Logan by the back of the shirt, catching him off guard, and pulled him off Ryan. Logan stared at Seth, completely shocked that the school’s biggest wimp would dare touch him, before pulling his arm back to punch him. Luckily, for Seth the manager and two waiters appeared and broke up the fight. One waiter grabbed Logan’s arm just in the nick of time, while the other waiter pulled Chet off Ryan, and the manager hauled Ryan to his feet.
“You two,” the manager ordered, indicating Chet and Logan. “Sit down, eat, and don’t cause any more trouble. And you two…” He grabbed Seth and Ryan by the arm and started dragging them to the door. “Get out of here. I don’t want to see you again.”
Seth protested, “Us? What about them? They were the ones who started it.”
“This is the way I see it. Those two are regular customers. Their parents are regular customers. You two bozos, I don’t know. And from where I was standing, this punk here,” He jerked Ryan’s arm. “Threw the first punch. So out you go.” With that, he shoved them out the door.
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The rush from the fight quickly wore off, leaving Ryan to feel its full effects. It hurt to move. He made his way over to a nearby bench. “I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have started the fight.”
“Are you kidding me? That was AWESOME! Sorry I couldn’t be of any more help. Do you think you could teach me how to fight? I think with a little work, I could really be a contender.” He started shuffling his feet in an odd sort of dance, and jabbing the air.
Ryan smiled and shook his head. “Yeah, you’d be a regular Rocky Balboa.” He held his side, groaning as he sat down.
“Oh my gosh. I didn’t even think about how you might be hurt. Are you okay? Should I call my parents?” Seth pulled out his cell phone. Ryan made and attempt to grab Seth’s arm, but came up short when a shooting pain in his ribs stopped him cold.
“No, don’t. I’ll be fine. I don’t want your parents to know I...we got into a fight.”
“Uh, dude. I think they’re going to figure that one out.”
“How? They didn’t even touch you, and my face couldn’t look any worse than it did.”
“You don’t know my mother. She has the eyes of a hawk, trust me she’ll notice. Besides, unless you know how to sew, this shirt is a pretty big clue.” He tugged at the now torn shirt sleeve.
“Shit. This is your dad’s shirt. He is going to be so pissed at me.”
“I thought it looked familiar. It’s just an old shirt he wears after surfing. He’s got a ton of them. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
It had been Ryan’s experience that there was always something to worry about. “What’s your dad like when he gets angry?”
“What?”
Ryan sighed in frustration. “Your dad, what does he do when he gets mad? Is it pretty bad?”
“Oh you know, he’s a lawyer. He loves to talk. Mostly it’s blah, blah, blah, act your age. Blah, blah, blah, you need to start acting more responsible. The usual parental lectures. But when he really gets mad, watch out. He turns into a regular Godzilla.” Seth raised his hands like claws, and made a roaring noise. He didn’t realize he was confirming Ryan’s worst fears.
Ryan swallowed a lump in his throat. “Godzilla, huh?”
“Uh huh, but like I said, don’t sweat it about the shirt. He’s not going to care. If you want to worry about clothes, worry about what my mom is going to make you wear tonight to the fashion show.”
“Fashion show? What fashion show?”
tbc
Ratings/Warnings: In this chapter- abuse, Ryan angst & swearing.
Beta: As always a huge debt of gratitude to loracj2
Disclaimers: I own nothing in relation to The O.C. All mistakes are mine
Thank You: Previously I forgot to thank loracj2, beachtree, finlee, and fifimom for helping me out with questions regarding home security and gated communities. I may have written some things in regards to this incorrectly, but it’s how I wanted it to work for the purposes of this story.
Summary: Beginning of Season 1, AU, In The Pilot, Kirsten asks Sandy “What if this is all a scam? What if he’s just using you to case the house?” In this story it is the truth, but not by Ryan’s choice. For the purposes of this story Dawn is dead and there never was a Trey.
a/n: I hope the fight scene meets with your approval, katwoman.
Twist of Fate: Chapter Five
“Well,” Seth began. He was drawing a complete blank on ideas for things he and Ryan could do that afternoon. He didn’t have much experience in the hanging out with friends department. Truth be told, he had no experience, unless you could count all the time spent with Captain Oats. His only hope was that he didn’t come across as a total dweeb. “I guess we could go down to the pier. Maybe take my catamaran out. How’s that sound?”
“Cool.”
“Good. I’m glad you two boys have some plans. Have fun. I’ll see you this afternoon.” Sandy grabbed his keys and headed out the door.
“You know, now that my dad’s gone, we don’t have to go anywhere. We can just hang out here.”
“What if he found out we lied to him? Wouldn’t he get angry?”
“Pffft.” Seth waved his arms nonchalantly. “He’d get over it. It’s not that big a deal.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea, Seth,” Ryan said, nervously. “I’m pretty much here because your folks feel sorry for me. I don’t want your dad to get mad at me.” As much as he wanted to stay here and check out the house, he couldn’t risk being found out. He didn’t know about Mr. Cohen, but the very thought of directly disobeying Art was enough to make Ryan break out in a cold sweat.
Seth shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever you want.”
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When they were halfway down the front steps, Seth turned, dug a small keychain out of his pocket, and pointed it at the front door.
“What’s that?” Ryan pointed at the device.
“This? It’s the alarm for the house.” Seth shoved it back in his pocket. “We each have our own code, but the alarm keeps beeping when you enter the numbers. It’s very nerve wracking. I entered the wrong code a few too many times, and the alarm company threatened to shut us off. I mean really, you’d think they’d have been a little more appreciative. Without me, we’d have never known that it takes fifteen whole minutes for the cops to get here.”
“Fifteen minutes, huh?” Ryan repeated the numbers in his head, storing the information away for later use.
“Isn’t that ridiculous? Some dirty crook-no offense, by the way-could totally steal my entire video game collection in that length of time. If you ask me, which no one ever does, might I add, they should have been thanking me for pointing out a serious flaw in their system. Instead, I got a lecture on the boy who cried wolf. Give me a break. There are no wild animals in Newport. Maybe the Newpsies, but that’s a whole different story. Anyway, I have this keychain now. All I have to do is press one button and the alarm is set. Pretty slick, huh?”
“Is that how you turn it off, too?”
“Yep. Hey, do you mind if I take my skateboard?”
“What? Oh, no, go ahead.” Ryan couldn’t believe his luck; finding out what he needed to know about the alarm system had been relatively simple. He still had to find a way to get that keychain away from Seth, but it was a relief to have at least half of one problem solved. If only Seth had put it into his back pocket, Ryan could have managed to steal it with no problem. It wouldn’t have been any different from lifting a wallet. But Seth had put it into his front pocket, a completely different story. Ryan made a mental note to watch Seth carefully when they got back to the house that afternoon. If his luck continued, Seth would be careless, and leave it lying around where Ryan would be able to pocket it with no one being the wiser.
Seth waved at the guard as they walked through the gate. “Hey, Joe. How’s it going? How are the wife and kids?”
“Just fine, Seth. Thanks for asking.” Joe pointed at Ryan. “It’s good to see you with a friend. You spend too much time by yourself or talking to me. You need to hang out more with kids your own age.”
“I know. I know. You tell me that every day. This is Ryan, by the way. He’s spending the weekend with us.”
“I’ll make a note of that. Good to meet you, Ryan. Don’t let this one talk your ear off.”
Ryan gave Joe a half-hearted smile and wave without answering. He was too busy thinking. He wanted to question Seth about the guards, but was afraid it would be pushing it. After all, he had just gotten done asking about the alarm system. It might make Seth suspicious if he started drilling him about the security at the gates. He decided to bide his time, in hopes that with Seth and his penchant for rambling would divulge enough information without actually having to ask any more questions.
“That’s Joe. He’s pretty cool. He doesn’t really get it, though…about the kids around here. They’re all blond hair and blue eyes.” Seth paused, realizing he was describing Ryan. “Oh sorry, not like you. You’re real. The guys around here, they’re like the Stepford kids, so perfect it’s creepy.”
“I understand.” Ryan was only half listening at this point. He was still thinking about the guards.
“Hey, how long did it take you and my dad to get here from Chino?”
“I don’t know. About an hour, I guess. Why?”
“Well I was just thinking. That’s not all that far away. Maybe we could still hang out together after you go home.”
“I don’t know, Seth. Things are pretty complicated for me right now.”
“Come on, why not? Joe saying he was going to put your name down made me think about it. There’s a list of the residents and another for people who don’t need permission every time they come, like Rosa. I could totally put you on that list. You could show up whenever you wanted, even if we weren’t here. If you’re on the list Joe, or whoever else was at the gate, would let you in. You could just wait in the pool house, until I got home. What do you think?”
Ryan hated this more than anything he had ever done in his life. He was good at stealing. He knew that. Even Art admitted that he was one of the best pickpockets he had ever seen. However, being a petty thief, even a masterfully skilled petty thief, was not something Ryan ever took pride in. But this, this feeling of being torn ate at him like nothing else ever had.
On one hand, by lying to Seth and telling him they could still be friends, the problem with the guards would be solved. Sure, the Cohens would know without a doubt that he was the one who had robbed them. But what did that matter? It wasn’t as if he was planning on seeing them ever again after Monday. The main thing that worried him was that the police knew where he lived. He hoped Art was planning on moving after this was over with.
On the other hand, he felt a whole new level of guilt. He had never known anyone he had stolen from before. And now, here he was going to rob someone who was already calling him a friend. Ryan knew he didn’t deserve to have a friend like Seth, and Seth really didn’t deserve to be used like this. He couldn’t do it. He wouldn’t do it. But then, an image of Art flashed through his mind; his face flushed with rage, his arm ready to strike, and the mind numbing terror that was Ryan’s constant companion returned destroying any willpower he had managed to build. He knew what he had to do. There was no other choice.
“Sounds great. I’d like that.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
There were times in Ryan’s life that he honestly believed that if Art didn’t stop hitting him, he would die. He was experiencing that same feeling on Seth’s catamaran. He had never been on the ocean before, and if this constant rocking back and forth was all it had to offer, he never wanted to leave dry land again.
“You all right, man? You’re looking a little green around the gills.”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Ryan didn’t say any more for fear of throwing up. He was anything but all right. In addition to his stomach constantly turning flip-flops, the life jacket he wore was rubbing the welts on his back. He could feel some of the sores starting to open again. There was little doubt that they would bleed through onto his shirt again. He would have to be careful to always stay behind Seth once they reached the shore - if he made it back alive.
Hoping to take his mind off his rumbling stomach, Ryan watched Seth aptly maneuver a set of ropes. “Where did you learn how to do that?”
“My grandpa. Sailing is the only thing we have in common. He bought me this boat for my thirteenth birthday.”
Ryan remembered back to that same birthday.
It was his first since his mother had died, and the only thing he had wanted was to go back to Fresno and visit her grave. The whole week before his birthday he had worked extra hard not to make Art angry. In a desperate attempt to get in Art’s good graces, he stayed out late each night trying to earn as much money as he could. The morning of his birthday, he awoke at dawn, nerves keeping him from further sleep. Going to Fresno would require permission from Art to take the day off from working. In preparation for this, he hadn’t even asked for as much as a glass of water in days. Three long hours later, he finally heard Art moving in the kitchen, getting himself his usual breakfast of beer and Doritos, before plopping himself in front of the television. Ryan hid behind the doorway in the hall, trying to gauge the man’s mood that morning. Deciding he could put it off no longer, Ryan took one hesitant step into the living room.
“Um, Art?” He kept his head down. Art liked it when Ryan appeared completely submissive.
“What the hell do you want?”
“Well, today’s my birthday.” He paused, his mouth suddenly gone dry from anxiety.
“Yeah, so? You expecting me to care?”
“No, of course not. I...I was just wondering if maybe I could not work today. I’d really like to go visit my mom’s grave. If that’s okay. I don’t need you to drive me or anything. I can just hitch a ride.” He waited, his body literally shaking in anticipation of Art’s reaction.
Art eyed him with what could almost be described as amusement. He rose from the couch and slowly walked over to the now cowering boy.
“Look at me.”
Ryan’s head remained bowed.
“I said, look at me.”
Ryan had barely lifted his head when Art delivered a backhand that knocked him to the floor. He grabbed Ryan under his arms, hauled him to his feet, and viciously shook him. “You have got to be kidding me. You barely earn your keep around here as it is and now you want fucking vacation?”
“I made extra this week to make up for it. Remember, I brought in almost seventy-five dollars yesterday.”
“Do you think that even comes close to what I have to put out to keep you around? Forget it.”
“It’s just one day.”
“Boy, do you want me to get the belt?”
“N...no, p...please.” Ryan began to stutter in fear.
“Then don’t ask again.” Art turned to walk back to the couch. He paused for a moment, and faced Ryan again. “What do you want to visit her grave for anyway?”
“She was my mom,” he answered, meekly.
“Do you think that means anything? Any stray cat in heat can get knocked up. It doesn’t make her a mother. Dawn never wanted you. She ever tell you that? If her and your and jailbird father would have had the cash, you would never have been born. She was a junkie and a whore that didn’t give a damn about anything other than her next fix. Do you think she would be visiting your grave if it was you that died?” An evil grin formed on his face. “But she didn’t just die, did she? She killed herself. One night after you went to bed, she locked herself in the bathroom and swallowed a whole bottle of pills. She didn’t even leave a note. She couldn’t even bother to take five seconds and say goodbye to you. She must have really hated you to choose death over motherhood. Doesn’t sound like much of a mom, does it? Answer me, boy.”
“No.” Ryan was softly crying. Art hated when he acted like a baby, but he couldn’t stop. It hurt so much when he talked about his mother that way.
“Then it’s settled. I don’t want to hear another word about it. You’ll work just like always. No, I take that back; I’m not sure I can trust you. You might still try and sneak over there. When you walk through that door tonight, you better have one hundred and fifty dollars in your hands.”
“But that’s impossible,” Ryan protested. He had never stolen anywhere near that amount in just one day.
Art slapped him again, then grabbed him by the arms, literally lifting him off the ground.
“Listen to me, and listen good, brat. You will bring back that much, or else. Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then get out of here.” He suddenly released Ryan, causing him to fall. He quickly picked himself up, and hurried out the door, not having a minute to waste.
It was eleven-thirty that night before Ryan finally rounded the corner in front of the house. He had worked himself to the point of exhaustion, managing to steal exactly one hundred forty-eight dollars. He walked slowly home, examining the sidewalk for any loose change to help make up the difference. He had found none. With a great amount of trepidation, Ryan walked through the front door. He didn’t think Art would get too angry over a couple of bucks. He was wrong. For the lack of two dollars, Art broke two of Ryan’s fingers. He held his throbbing hand against his chest and listened to Art berating him for being worthless, lazy, and too stupid to follow the simplest orders. The only wish Ryan had for his birthday that year was for it to be over.
That birthday and the two following were a far cry from getting a boat from your grandfather. Ryan didn’t want to admit to himself, but he was beginning to feel jealous of Seth. The unfairness of it all hit him hard. Ryan would have given anything to live Seth’s life for just one day.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” Seth ran a hand across the side of the boat. “Her name’s the Summer Breeze. I named her after a girl...the girl.”
“You have a girlfriend?” Ryan didn’t mean to sound quite so surprised, but he had gotten the impression Seth was a loner.
“No, she’s not my girlfriend. She’s not even a friend who’s a girl. I’ve never spoken a single word to her. I’ve tried a few times, but every time I get near her, I can’t seem to speak.” He noticed Ryan’s look. “Yeah, I know, me speechless. Who’d have thought that was even possible? Things are going to be different this year, though. I get my license in the spring, and I’m going to ask her out.” A small sad smile crossed his features. “I mean it could happen, couldn’t it? A guy can dream, can’t he?”
Ryan didn’t know about that. Where he came from having a dream only made you weak. Dreams didn’t come true in Chino. But this wasn’t Chino, it was Newport; their whole lives were a dream world. If Seth wanted to believe in fantasies, who was he to stop him? “Yeah, sure. Why not?”
With that, Seth returned to his excitable fast talking self. “Really? I’m glad someone else thinks so. Are you sure you’re all right? Maybe we better take the boat in. You still don’t look so good, and I’m starving.”
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
As Seth tied up the boat, Ryan sat down on the dock, putting his head between his knees. He was so focused on not getting sick, he forgot all about his back.
“Okay, I’m ready.” Seth walked over to Ryan. “Hey, what happened to your shirt?”
“What do you mean?” Ryan asked, holding his stomach, deciding he hated the ocean.
“There’s stuff all over the back.” Seth looked closer. “Dude, are you bleeding?”
Ryan immediately sat up. “It’s nothing. Forget about it.”
“Bleeding through your shirt is a lot more than nothing. How’d it happen? Do my folks know you’re hurt?”
“Seth, you can not tell your folks about this. I already told you it’s not a big deal. I must have scraped my back when I wrecked my bike.”
“They told me not to ask you about it, but since you brought it up - is that what happened to your face? Because that doesn’t make any sense, I’ve fallen off my skateboard tons of times, before I became the semi-pro that I am now, I mean, and my face never looked as bad as yours, and I never managed to make my back bleed.”
“Well, that’s what happened. I took a header over the top of the handle bars, and skidded across some gravel. Okay?” Realizing the harshness of his tone, he continued more calmly, “Please, Seth. I’m not really hurt. It doesn’t even bother me. I don’t want your folks finding out. Please, just drop it.”
Seth wasn’t sure what to do. He couldn’t understand why Ryan didn’t want his parents to find out he was hurt. He was certain they would want to know about this, but he didn’t want to make Ryan mad at him. In the end, he went against his better judgment and decided to abide by Ryan’s wishes. “If that’s what you want. Mum’s the word. They won’t find out about it through me.”
“Thanks.” Ryan stood up, once the earth finally stopped spinning. “I thought you said you were starving.”
Seth eyed Ryan. “I don’t think that’s such a good idea. You still look like you’re going to hurl. Why don’t we just walk around for a while? I could show you where I get the best deals on comic books. If you’re up to it - does it hurt to walk? I noticed that you move kind of slow, but I didn’t want to say anything before.”
“I’m fine, just a little sore. But I think waiting to eat is a good idea. You read comic books?”
“I prefer the term graphic novel.”
The two boys continued down the pier, Seth talking a mile a minute. Ryan looked around in amazement. He had never experienced the display of wealth that surrounded him. These people had to be the easiest marks in the world. They were practically begging to get robbed. At any other time, he would have had a field day here. The woman pulled out their make-up in the middle of the street, leaving their purses wide open. Men left their wallets casually laying around on counter tops and tables. It was almost too simple. Ryan had to control the urge to help himself to the plentiful pickings. He could hide today’s haul, and be set for weeks after he returned to Art. But he didn’t. There were rent-a-cops all over the place, and he couldn’t risk getting caught. Art would kill him if he messed this up over a few wallets.
If he wanted to admit the truth, he just didn’t want to think that way for one afternoon. He was so tired of eyeing up every person he saw, wondering how much money they had, if they were worth the risk. He remembered that morning playing video games with Seth, and how normal it felt. Ryan wanted more of that feeling, if only for a little while. He wanted to hang out at the pier with his friend, eat at a restaurant, and more than anything he wanted to be like any other teenager, to not be different. He only wished it could last for more than a few hours.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
After an hour of walking around and checking out Seth’s favorite comic stores, the boys decided it was time for lunch. Given Ryan’s obvious hang-ups on eating, Seth decided a burger joint was the best bet.
They had almost finished eating when trouble walked through the door in the form of two Harbor School jocks.
“Oh look, Chet. Isn’t that cute? Steph Cohen has a date.”
“Great,” Seth muttered. He slapped his knee, pointed to the two boys, and faked a laugh. “Good one, guys. My name’s Seth and you called me Steph. Funny. I haven’t heard you use that one since school let out.”
“Who are those guys?” Ryan asked.
“Chet Steadman and Logan Flowers. They’re water polo players from school. I’m not exactly popular with the “in” crowd.”
Chet and Logan sauntered over to the table. Grabbing a couple of chairs, and flipping them around, so their arms rested on the backs.
“So,” Chet began, taking one of Ryan’s fries. “You must be new. Everyone else knows not to hang around with queer-boy here.”
“Big talk from two guys who get off shaving each other’s chests.”
Logan grabbed the front of Seth’s shirt. “What’d you just say, fag?”
“I said you two are the best.” Seth gave them a thumbs up. “Water polo players, I mean.”
“Let go of him.” Ryan’s voice was low and dangerous. He wanted to smash their faces, but he knew in his condition, he wouldn’t be able to take them both. It was pretty obvious that he would be the one doing all the fighting; Seth would be of no help.
“It’s okay, Ryan. Let’s just go.” Seth tried to stand, but Logan pushed him back down.
“Leaving so soon? We were just starting to have some fun.”
“Unless,” Chet added. “New guy here isn’t his boyfriend. He does look a little rough around the edges. Maybe Cohen found him on a street corner.” He looked at Ryan and sneered. “Is that right? Are you a working boy? Are you on the clock right now?” He leaned closer. “So tell me, does Cohen pay you by the hour or by the lay?”
Ryan snapped. He might have to endure Art’s endless abuse, but no way in hell was he going to take it from these spoiled rich kids. He jumped up, grabbed Chet and delivered a blow that sent him flying on top of a nearby table. Ryan was about to hit him again, when he was tackled from the side by Logan. He pinned Ryan to the ground and started pounding away. As soon as Chet recovered, he quickly joined his friend. Ryan didn’t stand a chance. He had been right; it was too soon after Art’s beating to be able to put up much of a fight. He concentrated on defending himself as much as possible from the onslaught of continuous blows.
Seth looked on in astonishment. He had never seen a real fight before, let alone actually been involved in one. He realized he should be doing something to help. He grabbed Logan by the back of the shirt, catching him off guard, and pulled him off Ryan. Logan stared at Seth, completely shocked that the school’s biggest wimp would dare touch him, before pulling his arm back to punch him. Luckily, for Seth the manager and two waiters appeared and broke up the fight. One waiter grabbed Logan’s arm just in the nick of time, while the other waiter pulled Chet off Ryan, and the manager hauled Ryan to his feet.
“You two,” the manager ordered, indicating Chet and Logan. “Sit down, eat, and don’t cause any more trouble. And you two…” He grabbed Seth and Ryan by the arm and started dragging them to the door. “Get out of here. I don’t want to see you again.”
Seth protested, “Us? What about them? They were the ones who started it.”
“This is the way I see it. Those two are regular customers. Their parents are regular customers. You two bozos, I don’t know. And from where I was standing, this punk here,” He jerked Ryan’s arm. “Threw the first punch. So out you go.” With that, he shoved them out the door.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The rush from the fight quickly wore off, leaving Ryan to feel its full effects. It hurt to move. He made his way over to a nearby bench. “I’m sorry about that. I shouldn’t have started the fight.”
“Are you kidding me? That was AWESOME! Sorry I couldn’t be of any more help. Do you think you could teach me how to fight? I think with a little work, I could really be a contender.” He started shuffling his feet in an odd sort of dance, and jabbing the air.
Ryan smiled and shook his head. “Yeah, you’d be a regular Rocky Balboa.” He held his side, groaning as he sat down.
“Oh my gosh. I didn’t even think about how you might be hurt. Are you okay? Should I call my parents?” Seth pulled out his cell phone. Ryan made and attempt to grab Seth’s arm, but came up short when a shooting pain in his ribs stopped him cold.
“No, don’t. I’ll be fine. I don’t want your parents to know I...we got into a fight.”
“Uh, dude. I think they’re going to figure that one out.”
“How? They didn’t even touch you, and my face couldn’t look any worse than it did.”
“You don’t know my mother. She has the eyes of a hawk, trust me she’ll notice. Besides, unless you know how to sew, this shirt is a pretty big clue.” He tugged at the now torn shirt sleeve.
“Shit. This is your dad’s shirt. He is going to be so pissed at me.”
“I thought it looked familiar. It’s just an old shirt he wears after surfing. He’s got a ton of them. I wouldn’t worry about it.”
It had been Ryan’s experience that there was always something to worry about. “What’s your dad like when he gets angry?”
“What?”
Ryan sighed in frustration. “Your dad, what does he do when he gets mad? Is it pretty bad?”
“Oh you know, he’s a lawyer. He loves to talk. Mostly it’s blah, blah, blah, act your age. Blah, blah, blah, you need to start acting more responsible. The usual parental lectures. But when he really gets mad, watch out. He turns into a regular Godzilla.” Seth raised his hands like claws, and made a roaring noise. He didn’t realize he was confirming Ryan’s worst fears.
Ryan swallowed a lump in his throat. “Godzilla, huh?”
“Uh huh, but like I said, don’t sweat it about the shirt. He’s not going to care. If you want to worry about clothes, worry about what my mom is going to make you wear tonight to the fashion show.”
“Fashion show? What fashion show?”
tbc