Long Way From Home, Chapter Twenty Eight
Title: Long Way From Home
Author: me, un-beta'd
Warnings: Language, Violence
Summary: Ryan's dad shows up unexpectedly and throws the Cohens +1 into turmoil
Cross posted: fanfiction.net
ok, this one's longer but really nothing exciting happens. Just laying some groundwork and getting the funeral out of the way. I know I said that I'd try to get the next chapter of "Deception" out this weekend but I figured I'd better strike while the iron was still hot on this one.
Anyway, I hope this one doesn't put you to sleep. lol.
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Chapter Twenty Eight
One by one each of the Cohens tried to smooth things over with Ryan. Sandy and Kirsten knew that they couldn't let Ryan's decisions surrounding his Thanksgiving visit with Trey go but they realized that this was not the time to dwell on it. So they'd each tried to talk to Ryan but he wasn't having any of it. He had already called Caleb and arranged for him to wait until he hurriedly got ready before leaving to pick up Trey. Sandy and Kirsten had also called Caleb and explained the situation and impressed upon Caleb how important it was to keep a close eye on Trey. Seth had also tried to talk to Ryan, albeit halfheartedly. He was still a little pissed himself. He couldn't understand Ryan's defense of Trey after Ryan himself had told Trey he was done with him. Trey was no good for Ryan. Ryan admittedly recognized it. Hell, Trey realized it. So Ryan had no call to go off on him or his parents for telling him the same thing. Sandy and Kirsten tried one last time. The last ditch effort resulted in Ryan telling them all that he didn't care what they did but that he was going with Caleb. They took it as a tacit invitation. Not that they wouldn't have still gone anyway but it was a step up from his blatant request that they not attend. So they all got changed and hoped that by the time they met up at the funeral home Ryan would be more receptive. They'd just have to be very careful about their interaction with Trey. It was only for one day. This one last obstacle before revisiting the therapist idea with Ryan. It was more clear than ever that there were some well hidden land mines that they needed to address.
Ryan sat quietly in the passenger seat of Caleb's car. He had muttered a quick greeting and a thank you for allowing him to ride with him but other than that he'd remained silent, watching the scenery go by as they headed to Chino. He fidgets in the seat a little bit and a sharp pain causes him to realize that he hadn't taken his painkiller before he left. Great. He sighs.
Caleb had been sneaking glances at Ryan during the ride but didn't press him for any conversation before now. He figured that if the boy wanted to talk he'd talk but the sigh catches his attention and he decides to feel him out. "Are you feeling all right, Ryan?" He had caught a grimace when Ryan had gotten into the car and what skin on his face that wasn't mottled with bruising seemed a bit pale .
Ryan looks at him. "Yeah. I'm fine", he says. He was sure Sandy and Kirsten would have filled Caleb in on why he wanted to ride with him instead of them and had been surprised when Caleb didn't give his two cents on the matter. He was still having a hard time figuring Caleb out and he wasn't in the mood to play games right now. "Go ahead and say it", he says.
Caleb frowns. "Go ahead and say what?", he asks as he looks at Ryan.
Ryan meets his gaze for a second before Caleb turns his eyes back to the road. "Aren't you going to share your opinion of Trey and tell me he's bad news? I mean, considering what you thought of me, I can't imagine what you must think of him seeing as he's where you think I ought to be", Ryan challenges.
"Look, Ryan. I was wrong about you. I've admitted that I judged you harshly. KiKi and Sanford relayed the morning's events and they are concerned about the pull Trey may have on you and you can't honestly tell me that you don't understand why."
Ryan has to admit he had him there. He doesn't really know why he got so angry at them. They weren't telling him anything he hadn't already told himself. It was just that Trey was his brother. His family. The only one of his family that he felt ever really cared about him at all. He couldn't let the Cohens push him out of his life. He can't lose him, too.
When Ryan doesn't reply Caleb goes on. "I haven't spent an abundance of time with your brother but I have spent more time with him than Sanford or KiKi", Caleb states. "Obviously, he needs to learn some self control and some better judgment but then again don't we all", he says honestly. He's done his share of illegal activities. He's just never been caught. "He's blunt and more open than you...", he glances at Ryan before going on. "But I can see shades of each one of you in one another."
Ryan listens quietly, surprised at the somewhat fond tone Caleb has taken on. He doesn't seem to dislike Trey. Huh. The old man was a hard guy to nail down. "Uh, thanks?"
Caleb laughs at the questioning tone. "I did indeed intend that as a compliment, Ryan. Your brother was very concerned about you when I visited him. I imagine you both relied on each other a great deal growing up".
Ryan nods and says, "Yeah. For a while anyway. When we moved to Chino, he, uh, started staying away more and more. The last couple of years he wasn't around much at all really."
"Yes. He mentioned that. He said he sometimes made matters worse and felt that you might be all right without him there. He feels badly for leaving you to fend for yourself", Caleb reveals. Not sure if he should be sticking his nose in here or not. He feels Ryan's eyes on him and looks over. "As I said, he is a bit more open than you."
Ryan shakes his head and looks away. He can't believe his brother talked about their shit with Caleb Nichol. He can't believe he was sitting here talking to him about it. Hell, a few months ago he wouldn't have stayed in the same room with this guy for two minutes and now here he was willingly riding in a car with him. Alone. He was actually feeling some of the tension drain from his body at being able to talk about Trey without having to be defensive about it. He can hear no condemnation for his brother in Caleb's voice and he can't get over how fucking weird that is. It's like bizarro world. So much so that he finds himself actually continuing the conversation. "He shouldn't feel bad. I don't blame him for wanting out. I probably would have done the same thing if the situation was reversed".
Somehow Caleb doesn't think that's true. Now that he's finally taken the time to get to know the boy a bit he doesn't strike him as the sort to walk away from anyone. He nods in acknowledgment just the same.
Ryan is oddly comfortable talking about Trey with Caleb, in a way that he was never able to with the Cohens. All that had happened with his father had smudged the lines he'd so painstakingly drawn between his old life and his new but he felt no need for those lines with Caleb. Maybe it was because Caleb hadn't anything invested in Ryan. He had no expectations. Well, not anymore. He no longer expected Ryan to rob his daughter blind and just seemed to take him as he was. Whatever the reason, Ryan easily shares childhood stories about Trey dragging him everywhere with him, just to keep him out of the house and away from any volatile home situations. He doesn't delve too deep into the darker aspects, leaving out details he doesn't really feel like saying out loud.
Caleb listens with interest, letting Ryan speak with little interruption. Mostly only encouraging the conversation by offering attentive nods and gestures to show he was listening. He had never heard the boy talk so freely before. Not that he'd spent a great deal of time with him but he always seemed so selective and guarded with his words. Before he knew it they have reached their destination. He pulls into a parking space and tells Ryan to wait in the car, telling him they shouldn't be too long but that he brought Trey a change of clothes and so it would be a few minutes. He leaves the keys in the car, telling Ryan to start it up if he got too warm while he was waiting. Ryan suddenly flashes to the first night Sandy had brought him home, not knowing if he should leave the keys in the car or not. He shakes his head at the way his thoughts are jumping all over the place. This is going to be a weird day.
As Caleb opens the back door to grab the clothes he had brought for Trey, Ryan turns his head to make eye contact. "Mr. Nichol?"
Caleb looks up as he's reaching in and meets his gaze.
"Uh, thanks for all of this. You know, for coming to talk to Trey before and helping him get out today. It, uh...just...thanks", Ryan says.
Caleb simply clears his throat and nods and closes the door. He tries to make sense of the feeling in his gut as he walks toward the building. Damn, the boy is really getting to him.
Caleb gives the guard the change of clothes so they can be inspected before bringing them to Trey and allowing him to stop and change before being brought out. Caleb hears a rash of catcalls and vulgar statements being yelled and seconds later Trey is led through the door. He looks like a different young man out of the prison garb. He looks pretty sharp. Julie had done well picking out something for him to wear. She had scoffed when he'd asked her to buy something for Trey. She had come to accept Ryan and was fine with Caleb's change of heart about him but Trey was another story. One delinquent from Chino was enough. Ryan had slowly started to shed his past and had come to be accepted in the community as a part of the Cohens family but she had no desire to become more fodder for the gossip mill, being connected to Trey in any way. The recent events with Ryan's father had brought them all to the forefront as it was. She had been trying to distance herself from it all by spending time away from home and spending money like nothing out of the ordinary was going on. Caleb reminded her of where she was getting that money and she reluctantly agreed to add a few items for Trey to her shopping list.
"Hey", greets Trey as he messes with the collar and sleeves of the expensive shirt. "Thanks for these. Too bad they're being wasted on that son of bitch I called dad".
Caleb returns the greeting and quickly fills Trey in that something transpired with the Cohens and that Ryan was waiting out in the car.
Trey asks what happened and grimaces at the mention of Thanksgiving. Great. They're not going to want him anywhere near Ryan. "Shit", he says with closed eyes. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble between them and the kid. Maybe I shouldn't go."
"Nonsense", Caleb states with a wave of his hand. "It's done. Nothing you can do about it now. Your brother is waiting", he says as he turns back to the prison staff. They fit Trey with an ankle monitor and they sign some papers and acknowledge that they understand the conditions of the temporary release and are reminded that Trey is due back in exactly 24 hours.
Trey nervously rubs his hands on his pants as they exit the building. He's nervous about what he'll see in Ryan's eyes when he sees him. The kid's been through some fucked up shit. Caleb points out his car and Trey strides quickly to it.
Caleb watches as Trey pulls the front passenger door open, unhooks Ryan's seat belt and gently tugs him out of the car. Once Ryan is out he pulls him into a gentle hug. "Hey, LB". Caleb hears the sharp intake of air as Trey pulls back and takes a good look at Ryan. He puts a hand under Ryan's chin and tilts his head up and turns it, taking in the bruising on his neck. "Shit, Ry...that son of a bitch", he whispers as he rests his forehead against Ryan's. "I'm sorry, man. I shoulda been there." Ryan mumbles something that Caleb can't make out and Trey pulls him into another quick hug before helping him settle back into the car. After he shuts the door he turns to Caleb and says through gritted teeth, "It's a good thing that mother fucker is dead or I'd kill him myself", and then he climbs into the back and slides to the middle of the seat. Caleb gets in and fastens his seat belt and then tells Trey to sit back and fasten his.
Trey snorts and makes no move from his position. "Oh, come on, old man. Let's get this show on the road", he says leaning forward with his arms rested on the backs of the front seats. His head poking through so he can easily talk to Ryan.
"We won't leave this parking lot until you're seated properly", Caleb firmly states.
Trey looks up and meets Caleb's eyes in the rear view mirror, still not moving. "What am I? Five?", he says.
"You're acting like it", Caleb replies. "Now sit back and fasten your belt".
Trey's eyesbrows raise.
Caleb's eyes narrow.
Trey gives in. He sighs and slides over behind the driver's seat and buckles in with a scowl, muttering curse words under his breath. Finally, he looks up again and catches Ryan watching him with a smirk on his face. "Shut up...Spritle", he says with a smirk of his own.
Ryan's eyes widen and he casts a quick glance at Caleb. His face flushed with embarrassment at the nickname. They used to watch Speed Racer cartoons when they were kids and Trey's friends had taken to calling him "Spritle" with the way he was always tagging along and sometimes getting in the way. Some of them would even call him "Chim-Chim".
Caleb fights back a laugh at the horror on Ryan's face and then just sits back and listens to the banter. Trey is keeping it light, deftly steering the conversation away from any darker subjects that start to rise. He doesn't mention his incarceration. He doesn't directly mention their father. Instead, like Ryan earlier, focusing on fonder memories between the two, when they were away from home and getting into mischief. For all intents and purposes, it appears that Trey raised Ryan. There are certain character traits that seem to be solely Ryan's but Caleb wonders if Ryan would have turned out as well as he had if he hadn't had Trey there with him growing up. He knows Sandy and Kirsten have their concerns about the boy's influence on Ryan but Trey clearly played an important part in shaping Ryan into who he is.
They arrive at the funeral home and Ryan tenses. He was grateful to Trey for trying so hard to keep him distracted. Here he was on his way to bury the man who first gave him life and then tried to take it from him and he was actually fighting back laughter on occasion. Trey had a way of spinning their life like it wasn't anything out of the ordinary and, at the time, Ryan didn't realize it was out of the ordinary. He spots the Cohens car and is simultaneously relieved and apprehensive. He's glad they came, despite what he said earlier, but he wants them to like Trey and he wants Trey to like them. However, knowing them all, he just knows they are going to clash.
"You ready for this, LB?", Trey asks as he opens Ryan's door and squats down to be more at eye level.
Ryan hadn't even noticed him and Caleb getting out of the car. He takes a breath and nods and Trey stands and helps him out of the car.
The Cohens are watching from inside the funeral home. They'd been waiting for Caleb to pull up. Anxious about how Ryan was going to receive them being there and anxious about what affect Trey's presence was going to have on him.
Caleb and Trey flank Ryan, ready to steady him if needed. The ride had been hell on his ribs and had tired him out. Trey makes a joke about psyching themselves up to see Frank "lying in wait". Caleb can't help the smirk that appears at the play on the phrase.
Ryan chuckles and shakes his head. "You're such a fucking idiot", he laughs.
"What? It's more fitting for the bastard", Trey says.
The Cohens don't know what to make of a smirking Caleb, a laughing Ryan and an idignant Trey entering the funeral home. That certainly wasn't the state of mind they expected to find Ryan in.
Ryan tenses again as Trey and the Cohens come face to face. He feels a hand on his shoulder and looks over to Caleb and nods thanks at the supportive, yet surprising, gesture.
Trey immediately acknowledges them. "Mr. Cohen", he says and then turns to Kirsten and Seth. "So, you must be the new mom and the new brother", he states. "I'm Trey. The old brother", he says with a smirk. Half trying to keep it light but also wanting to reassert his position in Ryan's life.
"Uh, yeah. Hey. I'm Seth"
"Kirsten", is all Kirsten says as she extends a hand to shake and studies the young man in front of her a moment before turning to Ryan. "How are you doing, sweetie?"
Ryan frowns at the somewhat dismissive treatment she'd given Trey. It reminded him of the way she looked at him that first weekend when he and Seth had gotten into that fight with Luke and his minions on the beach. "I'm fine", he says curtly. "Can we just get this over with?", he asks tiredly.
Sandy says, "Sure, kid. They're ready for us". He starts to step up to Ryan to lead him in but Trey beats him to the punch.
"Come on, bro", he says as he possessively throws an arm over Ryan's shoulder and guides him inside.
Seth jockey's for position at Ryan's other side. Kirsten starts to follow but Sandy's hand on her arm stops her. She looks at him puzzlingly. "What, Sandy? We have to get in there".
"I know but, Kirsten, we need to be careful. Trey is important to Ryan and despite our reservations about him we need to be open to him", he says.
Kirsten purses her lips. "I haven't done anything, Sandy. I don't know why you're..."
"Kirsten...", is all he says with a raise of his eyebrows.
She sighs. "Ok. So I could have been more...welcoming. It's just...I don't want to lose him, Sandy ."
"It's only one day, Kirsten", he says as he steps up and takes her hands in his.
"I know, but what happens when Trey gets out for good?", she says worriedly.
Those same worries have been going through Sandy's head, too, but he says, "we'll deal with that when the time comes. Now, let's get in there. We need to get this all done and get him home".
Kirsten nods and they turn and walk in, leaving Caleb standing there with a furrowed brow. He'd been quietly observing the not so subtle war for Ryan's affections and loyalties begin. He sighs. What the hell has he gotten himself into. He walks into the viewing room to find Trey and Ryan in front of the casket. Trey's arm still across Ryan's shoulders. His other hand gripping Ryan's right upper arm. Seth is off to Ryan's other side but back a step. Sandy and Kirsten are behind them all, watching the interaction between Trey and Ryan closely. Caleb steps up alongside Kirsten as they wait for both boys to do what they have to do, offering a silent show of support.
Ryan and Trey had both sobered the second they walked into the viewing room. They hesitantly approached the casket and looked in. Trey's stomach churned as he looked down at the still form of a man he hadn't laid eyes on since he was ten years old. Without realizing it his hand grips Ryan's arm tighter, causing Ryan to look over at him. He tries to read Trey's face and sees his own confused feelings mirrored in his expression. He turns back to Frank's body, studying the lifeless form. He flashes to the last time he saw him. He feels the hand around his neck. He sees the cold eyes boring into him as Frank brought the gun up with the intent of putting a bullet in his head. He sees the jerk of Frank's head as the S.W.AT. team's bullet pierces it instead. His breathing quickens and he closes his eyes.
Trey feels the change in Ryan and looks over. "Hey", he whispers. "Ryan? It's ok now. He's gone. He's never gonna touch you again. Ryan?...look at me, bro", he says as he turns Ryan away from the casket. He rests his forehead against Ryan's and looks him in the eye. "Come on. Let's go", he says and then leads Ryan past Seth and the rest of them and out of the funeral home.
The Cohens are left not quite knowing what to do. Kirsten goes to follow and Caleb stops her. "Let them be", he says firmly.
"Yeah, we may as well not even be here anyway. They walked by like we were invisible", Seth says with a frown. He knew he should have stayed home. Ryan doesn't need him here today.
"Seth", Sandy says softly. "Frank was their father. Looking back, Ryan will appreciate that we were here for him. Even if he doesn't turn to us for support today.Trey's his brother. They need to deal with this together."
Seth can't help but wonder what that makes him. Just the "foster" brother. The stand in. The subsitute. One of those people at award shows that fill the seats while the stars go take a piss. He's a seat filler. He sighs.
They all eventually turn to the elephant in the room and look over at the casket.
Sandy walks up to the it and looks down upon the man who has caused Ryan so much pain one final time. He takes a breath and feels Kirsten step up beside him. Seth finally gathers his courage and looks in. He shivers at the sight and quickly walks away. He looks just as scary dead as he did alive. Kirsten can't look at him much longer and pulls Sandy away with her. They go in search of Ryan and Trey.
Caleb is the last to view the body. He had never seen the man face to face. Having only seen pictures that his private investigator had taken. Even in his current state, the man has an intimidating air about him. He can't imagine what it must have been like for two young boys to have that man looming over them. Hurting them. All he can think is good riddance. It's all any of them can think.
Caleb steps out of the funeral home to see Trey and Ryan sitting side by side on a bench. Both smoking a cigarette. He sees a frown on Kirsten's face as she makes her way toward them.
Trey had led Ryan over to the bench and lit up a cigarette and offered it to him. After a very brief hesitation Ryan accepted it and took a deep drag. It hurt his ribs but he figured, hell, he was supposed to be taking deep breaths anyway. So maybe this wasn't what the doctor had in mind but damn did it taste good.
Trey then lit up one of his own and they sat in silence for a few moments trying to process whatever it was they were feeling for their father. Suddenly the sound of clicking heels approach and they look up to see Kirsten standing before them. She has her eyebrows raised as she holds out her hand. Trey frowns as Ryan sighs and hands her the cigarette without question.
Kirsten stomps it out and says, "Thank you", and then turns to Trey. "He shouldn't be smoking with those ribs", she states and then turns back to Ryan. "You shouldn't be smoking at all. Either one of you", as she casts another pointed look at Trey, who bristles at the admonishment. Who the hell does she think she is? He knows how to take care of his brother and he sure as shit doesn't need her telling him what to do.
Sandy, Seth and Caleb join them and Sandy asks if they're ready to go. Ryan nods and Trey helps him stand up. Kirsten and Sandy notice how pale he is and ask if he's sure he's up to continuing. He starts to nod but Trey interrupts, "we don't really need to do this, do we? We don't actually have to see him put in the ground do we? I mean, look at you. You look dead on your feet. Why don't we call it a day?"
Ryan looks unsure and chews his lip. "Shouldn't someone be there?"
"Someone will be. Some preacher will be there to say something, right?", he asks as he turns to Caleb.
"That's right, Ryan. That's all been arranged. It's not imperative that you be there. You've paid your respects and you can always go to the grave at a later date if you are so inclined. When you're feeling better", Caleb answers.
Ryan looks at Caleb and then to the Cohens. They all clearly want him to agree but he still feels unsure. He turns back to his brother.
Trey, sensing that Ryan needs one more little push says, "look, man. You've done more than anyone else would have. It's more than he deserved. When I get out, we'll both go together but right now, your ribs have got to be hurting like a bitch. "
Kirsten suddenly gasps. "Oh, Ryan. You never took your pain pill", she just realizes. "I'm so sorry. You must be hurting. Seth, go get my water from the car", she orders as she fumbles in her purse for the pill bottle.
"It's ok. It's not too bad", Ryan tries to assure.
Kirsten steps up and gently brushes the hair from his eyes. "Uh huh", she says with a small smile, knowing that if he's admitting to any pain at all then it must be bad. Seth returns with the water and she shakes out a pill and hands it to Ryan. He takes it and washes it down and then sighs in relief.
Trey watches uncomfortably. Not quite knowing how he feels about watching this woman, this stranger, taking care of his brother. It's better than Dawn, he knows that, but he feels a pang of envy or jealousy or something that he doesn't quite know what to do with.
"So, " Seth breaks the silence. "What's the plan? Onto the cemetery or back to Newport?", he asks, mentally crossing his fingers that Ryan opts for the latter. He feels completely and utterly useless and out of his element here and feels like if they just get back on his turf he can turn the tables on Trey and show that he can do the brother thing, too.
Ryan thinks on it a second before finally agreeing to go back to Newport.
Sandy puts an arm around Ryan and smiles. "Ok, you riding back with us?"
Ryan looks up at him and then his eyes trail over to Kirsten and Seth's hopeful faces. Then he glances at Trey who looks briefly anxious before he masks it and starts walking to Caleb's car. Ryan feels a twinge at the fact that Trey has automatically assumed that he'd choose the Cohens over him. He looks back to the Cohens and hesitantly says, "Uh, I'd kinda like to ride back with Trey...if you don't mind.". He sees Seth's face fall and feels another twinge. Sandy and Kirsten plaster on smiles and say that it's fine. He feels a need to explain just the same. "It's just that he's only going to be here for a day and I..."
Sandy squeezes his shoulder and says, "It's ok, Ryan. Go."
"We'll see you back at the house, sweetie", Kirsten says as she steps up and kisses his cheek.
Ryan turns to Seth and holds out his fist, willing Seth to understand. Seth reaches out and taps fists and then quickly heads to their car. He can't help but feel slighted that Ryan chose Trey.
Sandy and Kirsten watch Ryan make his way to Caleb's car and see Trey's face light up when he sees Ryan is coming with them. They sigh and tell themselves again that it's only for one day and get into the car to head back to Newport.
Author: me, un-beta'd
Warnings: Language, Violence
Summary: Ryan's dad shows up unexpectedly and throws the Cohens +1 into turmoil
Cross posted: fanfiction.net
ok, this one's longer but really nothing exciting happens. Just laying some groundwork and getting the funeral out of the way. I know I said that I'd try to get the next chapter of "Deception" out this weekend but I figured I'd better strike while the iron was still hot on this one.
Anyway, I hope this one doesn't put you to sleep. lol.
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Chapter Twenty Eight
One by one each of the Cohens tried to smooth things over with Ryan. Sandy and Kirsten knew that they couldn't let Ryan's decisions surrounding his Thanksgiving visit with Trey go but they realized that this was not the time to dwell on it. So they'd each tried to talk to Ryan but he wasn't having any of it. He had already called Caleb and arranged for him to wait until he hurriedly got ready before leaving to pick up Trey. Sandy and Kirsten had also called Caleb and explained the situation and impressed upon Caleb how important it was to keep a close eye on Trey. Seth had also tried to talk to Ryan, albeit halfheartedly. He was still a little pissed himself. He couldn't understand Ryan's defense of Trey after Ryan himself had told Trey he was done with him. Trey was no good for Ryan. Ryan admittedly recognized it. Hell, Trey realized it. So Ryan had no call to go off on him or his parents for telling him the same thing. Sandy and Kirsten tried one last time. The last ditch effort resulted in Ryan telling them all that he didn't care what they did but that he was going with Caleb. They took it as a tacit invitation. Not that they wouldn't have still gone anyway but it was a step up from his blatant request that they not attend. So they all got changed and hoped that by the time they met up at the funeral home Ryan would be more receptive. They'd just have to be very careful about their interaction with Trey. It was only for one day. This one last obstacle before revisiting the therapist idea with Ryan. It was more clear than ever that there were some well hidden land mines that they needed to address.
Ryan sat quietly in the passenger seat of Caleb's car. He had muttered a quick greeting and a thank you for allowing him to ride with him but other than that he'd remained silent, watching the scenery go by as they headed to Chino. He fidgets in the seat a little bit and a sharp pain causes him to realize that he hadn't taken his painkiller before he left. Great. He sighs.
Caleb had been sneaking glances at Ryan during the ride but didn't press him for any conversation before now. He figured that if the boy wanted to talk he'd talk but the sigh catches his attention and he decides to feel him out. "Are you feeling all right, Ryan?" He had caught a grimace when Ryan had gotten into the car and what skin on his face that wasn't mottled with bruising seemed a bit pale .
Ryan looks at him. "Yeah. I'm fine", he says. He was sure Sandy and Kirsten would have filled Caleb in on why he wanted to ride with him instead of them and had been surprised when Caleb didn't give his two cents on the matter. He was still having a hard time figuring Caleb out and he wasn't in the mood to play games right now. "Go ahead and say it", he says.
Caleb frowns. "Go ahead and say what?", he asks as he looks at Ryan.
Ryan meets his gaze for a second before Caleb turns his eyes back to the road. "Aren't you going to share your opinion of Trey and tell me he's bad news? I mean, considering what you thought of me, I can't imagine what you must think of him seeing as he's where you think I ought to be", Ryan challenges.
"Look, Ryan. I was wrong about you. I've admitted that I judged you harshly. KiKi and Sanford relayed the morning's events and they are concerned about the pull Trey may have on you and you can't honestly tell me that you don't understand why."
Ryan has to admit he had him there. He doesn't really know why he got so angry at them. They weren't telling him anything he hadn't already told himself. It was just that Trey was his brother. His family. The only one of his family that he felt ever really cared about him at all. He couldn't let the Cohens push him out of his life. He can't lose him, too.
When Ryan doesn't reply Caleb goes on. "I haven't spent an abundance of time with your brother but I have spent more time with him than Sanford or KiKi", Caleb states. "Obviously, he needs to learn some self control and some better judgment but then again don't we all", he says honestly. He's done his share of illegal activities. He's just never been caught. "He's blunt and more open than you...", he glances at Ryan before going on. "But I can see shades of each one of you in one another."
Ryan listens quietly, surprised at the somewhat fond tone Caleb has taken on. He doesn't seem to dislike Trey. Huh. The old man was a hard guy to nail down. "Uh, thanks?"
Caleb laughs at the questioning tone. "I did indeed intend that as a compliment, Ryan. Your brother was very concerned about you when I visited him. I imagine you both relied on each other a great deal growing up".
Ryan nods and says, "Yeah. For a while anyway. When we moved to Chino, he, uh, started staying away more and more. The last couple of years he wasn't around much at all really."
"Yes. He mentioned that. He said he sometimes made matters worse and felt that you might be all right without him there. He feels badly for leaving you to fend for yourself", Caleb reveals. Not sure if he should be sticking his nose in here or not. He feels Ryan's eyes on him and looks over. "As I said, he is a bit more open than you."
Ryan shakes his head and looks away. He can't believe his brother talked about their shit with Caleb Nichol. He can't believe he was sitting here talking to him about it. Hell, a few months ago he wouldn't have stayed in the same room with this guy for two minutes and now here he was willingly riding in a car with him. Alone. He was actually feeling some of the tension drain from his body at being able to talk about Trey without having to be defensive about it. He can hear no condemnation for his brother in Caleb's voice and he can't get over how fucking weird that is. It's like bizarro world. So much so that he finds himself actually continuing the conversation. "He shouldn't feel bad. I don't blame him for wanting out. I probably would have done the same thing if the situation was reversed".
Somehow Caleb doesn't think that's true. Now that he's finally taken the time to get to know the boy a bit he doesn't strike him as the sort to walk away from anyone. He nods in acknowledgment just the same.
Ryan is oddly comfortable talking about Trey with Caleb, in a way that he was never able to with the Cohens. All that had happened with his father had smudged the lines he'd so painstakingly drawn between his old life and his new but he felt no need for those lines with Caleb. Maybe it was because Caleb hadn't anything invested in Ryan. He had no expectations. Well, not anymore. He no longer expected Ryan to rob his daughter blind and just seemed to take him as he was. Whatever the reason, Ryan easily shares childhood stories about Trey dragging him everywhere with him, just to keep him out of the house and away from any volatile home situations. He doesn't delve too deep into the darker aspects, leaving out details he doesn't really feel like saying out loud.
Caleb listens with interest, letting Ryan speak with little interruption. Mostly only encouraging the conversation by offering attentive nods and gestures to show he was listening. He had never heard the boy talk so freely before. Not that he'd spent a great deal of time with him but he always seemed so selective and guarded with his words. Before he knew it they have reached their destination. He pulls into a parking space and tells Ryan to wait in the car, telling him they shouldn't be too long but that he brought Trey a change of clothes and so it would be a few minutes. He leaves the keys in the car, telling Ryan to start it up if he got too warm while he was waiting. Ryan suddenly flashes to the first night Sandy had brought him home, not knowing if he should leave the keys in the car or not. He shakes his head at the way his thoughts are jumping all over the place. This is going to be a weird day.
As Caleb opens the back door to grab the clothes he had brought for Trey, Ryan turns his head to make eye contact. "Mr. Nichol?"
Caleb looks up as he's reaching in and meets his gaze.
"Uh, thanks for all of this. You know, for coming to talk to Trey before and helping him get out today. It, uh...just...thanks", Ryan says.
Caleb simply clears his throat and nods and closes the door. He tries to make sense of the feeling in his gut as he walks toward the building. Damn, the boy is really getting to him.
Caleb gives the guard the change of clothes so they can be inspected before bringing them to Trey and allowing him to stop and change before being brought out. Caleb hears a rash of catcalls and vulgar statements being yelled and seconds later Trey is led through the door. He looks like a different young man out of the prison garb. He looks pretty sharp. Julie had done well picking out something for him to wear. She had scoffed when he'd asked her to buy something for Trey. She had come to accept Ryan and was fine with Caleb's change of heart about him but Trey was another story. One delinquent from Chino was enough. Ryan had slowly started to shed his past and had come to be accepted in the community as a part of the Cohens family but she had no desire to become more fodder for the gossip mill, being connected to Trey in any way. The recent events with Ryan's father had brought them all to the forefront as it was. She had been trying to distance herself from it all by spending time away from home and spending money like nothing out of the ordinary was going on. Caleb reminded her of where she was getting that money and she reluctantly agreed to add a few items for Trey to her shopping list.
"Hey", greets Trey as he messes with the collar and sleeves of the expensive shirt. "Thanks for these. Too bad they're being wasted on that son of bitch I called dad".
Caleb returns the greeting and quickly fills Trey in that something transpired with the Cohens and that Ryan was waiting out in the car.
Trey asks what happened and grimaces at the mention of Thanksgiving. Great. They're not going to want him anywhere near Ryan. "Shit", he says with closed eyes. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble between them and the kid. Maybe I shouldn't go."
"Nonsense", Caleb states with a wave of his hand. "It's done. Nothing you can do about it now. Your brother is waiting", he says as he turns back to the prison staff. They fit Trey with an ankle monitor and they sign some papers and acknowledge that they understand the conditions of the temporary release and are reminded that Trey is due back in exactly 24 hours.
Trey nervously rubs his hands on his pants as they exit the building. He's nervous about what he'll see in Ryan's eyes when he sees him. The kid's been through some fucked up shit. Caleb points out his car and Trey strides quickly to it.
Caleb watches as Trey pulls the front passenger door open, unhooks Ryan's seat belt and gently tugs him out of the car. Once Ryan is out he pulls him into a gentle hug. "Hey, LB". Caleb hears the sharp intake of air as Trey pulls back and takes a good look at Ryan. He puts a hand under Ryan's chin and tilts his head up and turns it, taking in the bruising on his neck. "Shit, Ry...that son of a bitch", he whispers as he rests his forehead against Ryan's. "I'm sorry, man. I shoulda been there." Ryan mumbles something that Caleb can't make out and Trey pulls him into another quick hug before helping him settle back into the car. After he shuts the door he turns to Caleb and says through gritted teeth, "It's a good thing that mother fucker is dead or I'd kill him myself", and then he climbs into the back and slides to the middle of the seat. Caleb gets in and fastens his seat belt and then tells Trey to sit back and fasten his.
Trey snorts and makes no move from his position. "Oh, come on, old man. Let's get this show on the road", he says leaning forward with his arms rested on the backs of the front seats. His head poking through so he can easily talk to Ryan.
"We won't leave this parking lot until you're seated properly", Caleb firmly states.
Trey looks up and meets Caleb's eyes in the rear view mirror, still not moving. "What am I? Five?", he says.
"You're acting like it", Caleb replies. "Now sit back and fasten your belt".
Trey's eyesbrows raise.
Caleb's eyes narrow.
Trey gives in. He sighs and slides over behind the driver's seat and buckles in with a scowl, muttering curse words under his breath. Finally, he looks up again and catches Ryan watching him with a smirk on his face. "Shut up...Spritle", he says with a smirk of his own.
Ryan's eyes widen and he casts a quick glance at Caleb. His face flushed with embarrassment at the nickname. They used to watch Speed Racer cartoons when they were kids and Trey's friends had taken to calling him "Spritle" with the way he was always tagging along and sometimes getting in the way. Some of them would even call him "Chim-Chim".
Caleb fights back a laugh at the horror on Ryan's face and then just sits back and listens to the banter. Trey is keeping it light, deftly steering the conversation away from any darker subjects that start to rise. He doesn't mention his incarceration. He doesn't directly mention their father. Instead, like Ryan earlier, focusing on fonder memories between the two, when they were away from home and getting into mischief. For all intents and purposes, it appears that Trey raised Ryan. There are certain character traits that seem to be solely Ryan's but Caleb wonders if Ryan would have turned out as well as he had if he hadn't had Trey there with him growing up. He knows Sandy and Kirsten have their concerns about the boy's influence on Ryan but Trey clearly played an important part in shaping Ryan into who he is.
They arrive at the funeral home and Ryan tenses. He was grateful to Trey for trying so hard to keep him distracted. Here he was on his way to bury the man who first gave him life and then tried to take it from him and he was actually fighting back laughter on occasion. Trey had a way of spinning their life like it wasn't anything out of the ordinary and, at the time, Ryan didn't realize it was out of the ordinary. He spots the Cohens car and is simultaneously relieved and apprehensive. He's glad they came, despite what he said earlier, but he wants them to like Trey and he wants Trey to like them. However, knowing them all, he just knows they are going to clash.
"You ready for this, LB?", Trey asks as he opens Ryan's door and squats down to be more at eye level.
Ryan hadn't even noticed him and Caleb getting out of the car. He takes a breath and nods and Trey stands and helps him out of the car.
The Cohens are watching from inside the funeral home. They'd been waiting for Caleb to pull up. Anxious about how Ryan was going to receive them being there and anxious about what affect Trey's presence was going to have on him.
Caleb and Trey flank Ryan, ready to steady him if needed. The ride had been hell on his ribs and had tired him out. Trey makes a joke about psyching themselves up to see Frank "lying in wait". Caleb can't help the smirk that appears at the play on the phrase.
Ryan chuckles and shakes his head. "You're such a fucking idiot", he laughs.
"What? It's more fitting for the bastard", Trey says.
The Cohens don't know what to make of a smirking Caleb, a laughing Ryan and an idignant Trey entering the funeral home. That certainly wasn't the state of mind they expected to find Ryan in.
Ryan tenses again as Trey and the Cohens come face to face. He feels a hand on his shoulder and looks over to Caleb and nods thanks at the supportive, yet surprising, gesture.
Trey immediately acknowledges them. "Mr. Cohen", he says and then turns to Kirsten and Seth. "So, you must be the new mom and the new brother", he states. "I'm Trey. The old brother", he says with a smirk. Half trying to keep it light but also wanting to reassert his position in Ryan's life.
"Uh, yeah. Hey. I'm Seth"
"Kirsten", is all Kirsten says as she extends a hand to shake and studies the young man in front of her a moment before turning to Ryan. "How are you doing, sweetie?"
Ryan frowns at the somewhat dismissive treatment she'd given Trey. It reminded him of the way she looked at him that first weekend when he and Seth had gotten into that fight with Luke and his minions on the beach. "I'm fine", he says curtly. "Can we just get this over with?", he asks tiredly.
Sandy says, "Sure, kid. They're ready for us". He starts to step up to Ryan to lead him in but Trey beats him to the punch.
"Come on, bro", he says as he possessively throws an arm over Ryan's shoulder and guides him inside.
Seth jockey's for position at Ryan's other side. Kirsten starts to follow but Sandy's hand on her arm stops her. She looks at him puzzlingly. "What, Sandy? We have to get in there".
"I know but, Kirsten, we need to be careful. Trey is important to Ryan and despite our reservations about him we need to be open to him", he says.
Kirsten purses her lips. "I haven't done anything, Sandy. I don't know why you're..."
"Kirsten...", is all he says with a raise of his eyebrows.
She sighs. "Ok. So I could have been more...welcoming. It's just...I don't want to lose him, Sandy ."
"It's only one day, Kirsten", he says as he steps up and takes her hands in his.
"I know, but what happens when Trey gets out for good?", she says worriedly.
Those same worries have been going through Sandy's head, too, but he says, "we'll deal with that when the time comes. Now, let's get in there. We need to get this all done and get him home".
Kirsten nods and they turn and walk in, leaving Caleb standing there with a furrowed brow. He'd been quietly observing the not so subtle war for Ryan's affections and loyalties begin. He sighs. What the hell has he gotten himself into. He walks into the viewing room to find Trey and Ryan in front of the casket. Trey's arm still across Ryan's shoulders. His other hand gripping Ryan's right upper arm. Seth is off to Ryan's other side but back a step. Sandy and Kirsten are behind them all, watching the interaction between Trey and Ryan closely. Caleb steps up alongside Kirsten as they wait for both boys to do what they have to do, offering a silent show of support.
Ryan and Trey had both sobered the second they walked into the viewing room. They hesitantly approached the casket and looked in. Trey's stomach churned as he looked down at the still form of a man he hadn't laid eyes on since he was ten years old. Without realizing it his hand grips Ryan's arm tighter, causing Ryan to look over at him. He tries to read Trey's face and sees his own confused feelings mirrored in his expression. He turns back to Frank's body, studying the lifeless form. He flashes to the last time he saw him. He feels the hand around his neck. He sees the cold eyes boring into him as Frank brought the gun up with the intent of putting a bullet in his head. He sees the jerk of Frank's head as the S.W.AT. team's bullet pierces it instead. His breathing quickens and he closes his eyes.
Trey feels the change in Ryan and looks over. "Hey", he whispers. "Ryan? It's ok now. He's gone. He's never gonna touch you again. Ryan?...look at me, bro", he says as he turns Ryan away from the casket. He rests his forehead against Ryan's and looks him in the eye. "Come on. Let's go", he says and then leads Ryan past Seth and the rest of them and out of the funeral home.
The Cohens are left not quite knowing what to do. Kirsten goes to follow and Caleb stops her. "Let them be", he says firmly.
"Yeah, we may as well not even be here anyway. They walked by like we were invisible", Seth says with a frown. He knew he should have stayed home. Ryan doesn't need him here today.
"Seth", Sandy says softly. "Frank was their father. Looking back, Ryan will appreciate that we were here for him. Even if he doesn't turn to us for support today.Trey's his brother. They need to deal with this together."
Seth can't help but wonder what that makes him. Just the "foster" brother. The stand in. The subsitute. One of those people at award shows that fill the seats while the stars go take a piss. He's a seat filler. He sighs.
They all eventually turn to the elephant in the room and look over at the casket.
Sandy walks up to the it and looks down upon the man who has caused Ryan so much pain one final time. He takes a breath and feels Kirsten step up beside him. Seth finally gathers his courage and looks in. He shivers at the sight and quickly walks away. He looks just as scary dead as he did alive. Kirsten can't look at him much longer and pulls Sandy away with her. They go in search of Ryan and Trey.
Caleb is the last to view the body. He had never seen the man face to face. Having only seen pictures that his private investigator had taken. Even in his current state, the man has an intimidating air about him. He can't imagine what it must have been like for two young boys to have that man looming over them. Hurting them. All he can think is good riddance. It's all any of them can think.
Caleb steps out of the funeral home to see Trey and Ryan sitting side by side on a bench. Both smoking a cigarette. He sees a frown on Kirsten's face as she makes her way toward them.
Trey had led Ryan over to the bench and lit up a cigarette and offered it to him. After a very brief hesitation Ryan accepted it and took a deep drag. It hurt his ribs but he figured, hell, he was supposed to be taking deep breaths anyway. So maybe this wasn't what the doctor had in mind but damn did it taste good.
Trey then lit up one of his own and they sat in silence for a few moments trying to process whatever it was they were feeling for their father. Suddenly the sound of clicking heels approach and they look up to see Kirsten standing before them. She has her eyebrows raised as she holds out her hand. Trey frowns as Ryan sighs and hands her the cigarette without question.
Kirsten stomps it out and says, "Thank you", and then turns to Trey. "He shouldn't be smoking with those ribs", she states and then turns back to Ryan. "You shouldn't be smoking at all. Either one of you", as she casts another pointed look at Trey, who bristles at the admonishment. Who the hell does she think she is? He knows how to take care of his brother and he sure as shit doesn't need her telling him what to do.
Sandy, Seth and Caleb join them and Sandy asks if they're ready to go. Ryan nods and Trey helps him stand up. Kirsten and Sandy notice how pale he is and ask if he's sure he's up to continuing. He starts to nod but Trey interrupts, "we don't really need to do this, do we? We don't actually have to see him put in the ground do we? I mean, look at you. You look dead on your feet. Why don't we call it a day?"
Ryan looks unsure and chews his lip. "Shouldn't someone be there?"
"Someone will be. Some preacher will be there to say something, right?", he asks as he turns to Caleb.
"That's right, Ryan. That's all been arranged. It's not imperative that you be there. You've paid your respects and you can always go to the grave at a later date if you are so inclined. When you're feeling better", Caleb answers.
Ryan looks at Caleb and then to the Cohens. They all clearly want him to agree but he still feels unsure. He turns back to his brother.
Trey, sensing that Ryan needs one more little push says, "look, man. You've done more than anyone else would have. It's more than he deserved. When I get out, we'll both go together but right now, your ribs have got to be hurting like a bitch. "
Kirsten suddenly gasps. "Oh, Ryan. You never took your pain pill", she just realizes. "I'm so sorry. You must be hurting. Seth, go get my water from the car", she orders as she fumbles in her purse for the pill bottle.
"It's ok. It's not too bad", Ryan tries to assure.
Kirsten steps up and gently brushes the hair from his eyes. "Uh huh", she says with a small smile, knowing that if he's admitting to any pain at all then it must be bad. Seth returns with the water and she shakes out a pill and hands it to Ryan. He takes it and washes it down and then sighs in relief.
Trey watches uncomfortably. Not quite knowing how he feels about watching this woman, this stranger, taking care of his brother. It's better than Dawn, he knows that, but he feels a pang of envy or jealousy or something that he doesn't quite know what to do with.
"So, " Seth breaks the silence. "What's the plan? Onto the cemetery or back to Newport?", he asks, mentally crossing his fingers that Ryan opts for the latter. He feels completely and utterly useless and out of his element here and feels like if they just get back on his turf he can turn the tables on Trey and show that he can do the brother thing, too.
Ryan thinks on it a second before finally agreeing to go back to Newport.
Sandy puts an arm around Ryan and smiles. "Ok, you riding back with us?"
Ryan looks up at him and then his eyes trail over to Kirsten and Seth's hopeful faces. Then he glances at Trey who looks briefly anxious before he masks it and starts walking to Caleb's car. Ryan feels a twinge at the fact that Trey has automatically assumed that he'd choose the Cohens over him. He looks back to the Cohens and hesitantly says, "Uh, I'd kinda like to ride back with Trey...if you don't mind.". He sees Seth's face fall and feels another twinge. Sandy and Kirsten plaster on smiles and say that it's fine. He feels a need to explain just the same. "It's just that he's only going to be here for a day and I..."
Sandy squeezes his shoulder and says, "It's ok, Ryan. Go."
"We'll see you back at the house, sweetie", Kirsten says as she steps up and kisses his cheek.
Ryan turns to Seth and holds out his fist, willing Seth to understand. Seth reaches out and taps fists and then quickly heads to their car. He can't help but feel slighted that Ryan chose Trey.
Sandy and Kirsten watch Ryan make his way to Caleb's car and see Trey's face light up when he sees Ryan is coming with them. They sigh and tell themselves again that it's only for one day and get into the car to head back to Newport.