Hey guys! I know some people don’t like poetry but I see it as a way to express the soul. And I just wanted to let you know this story does have a lot of poetry in it. None of these are mine I got them off a cool website, – Alkvingiel

Max sat at the kitchen table late that afternoon trying to get his Algebra 2 homework done before his parents got home. "Damn it!" Max yelled as he messed up again.

"Something troubling you?" A voice asked behind him. Max turned his head and smiled as his younger brother, Ryan walked into the kitchen.

"Nothing, I just can’t get the hang of this. I keep getting this problem wrong," Max replied turning back to his paper. Ryan grabbed a Coke from the fridge and looked over Max’s shoulder.

"Try adding a negative 3 to both sides. That should get the 6K by it’s self. Then try and divide both sides by 6. That should give you your answer," Ryan said as he walked out of the kitchen.

"Right! Thanks!" Max laughed after him not believing one word. About 30 minutes later just as he was putting his homework away Max’s father came in from work.

"Hey! Look who it is! Our very own superstar!" Mr. Brooks smiled as he walked in.

"Hey dad… very funny," Max told him.

"I brought home pizza!" Mrs. Brooks called as she came through the door. Max moved his things off the table as she walked in. "Hi baby. How was your day?" Mrs. Brooks asked as she set the pizza on the table.

"Fine," Max replied as he got the plates. Ryan watched his family from the shadows of the hall wishing he could be part of it. "Hey Ryan! Get in here and get your slices bro!" Max called. Ryan walked out of the shadows and picked up a plate. Ryan got two pieces of cheese when his own father shoved him aside.

"Get and go Ryan," Mr. Brooks scowled. Ryan dropped his head.

"Yes sir," Ryan whispered.

Max watched as his younger dark eyed and haired brother walked out of the kitchen. His head down and shoulders hunched. "Hey bro, you want to come and eat out on the deck with me?" Max questioned. Ryan cast a quick glance at him and then to his father.

"Nah… that’s okay. I think I’ll just eat in my room," Ryan replied as he disappeared down the hall. Max sat out on the deck looking at the stars as he ate.

"Hey superstar! Would you tell your mother that you won the last game with 16 homeruns!" Mr. Brooks asked from the living room.

"He’s right Mom," Max called and then stared back at the stars. He wondered about Ryan. That dark hair… those dark eyes. Where had he gotten them? Both of their parents had blonde hair and blue/green eyes. Of course he was a little mystery. When Max had been 2 his mother and father had gotten a divorce. Max was sent to live with his father, he was the one who taught him everything he knew about baseball. His father had been a pro baseball coach and a part time flyer. Then one day when Max was 6 his father had a heart attack and his plane went down. After the crash Max had to be moved again, this time to live with his mother. Max had gotten quiet a surprise when he arrived at his mother’s. She had remarried; a tall man named Mr. Brooks. And she was also 7 months pregnant. Mr. Brooks was a cool guy; he went through all the legal signings to adopt Max. And he played baseball with him, Max hated it but one day he called Mr. Brooks dad. He tried not to but it just became a habit. Then 2 months later his stepbrother had been born. They named him Ryan Cole Brooks.

"I can’t believe he’s this early. I mean I’ve only known you for 6 months," Max heard his mother say. He might have been young but even he could count, he’d found out later in school that it really just wasn’t possible. Suddenly his mind was drawn away from those thoughts. He saw someone standing out on the beach. The figure was dark and it looked like a statue.

Ryan stood watching the waves. He was barefoot and the water ran beneath his feet. "How great it would to be free. Free as the sand that moves out from under my toes. But life is not always like that. I am trapped here with my demons running and screaming but no one hears," Ryan thought as he looked up at the sky. Max watched as Ryan turned to his side looked at him and then bent down like a professional track runner. Ryan steadied his breaths with the waves. "3…2…1…" Ryan counted down. Max watched not blinking for a second cause if he had he would have missed Ryan running into the darkness.

"I am popular, captain of the baseball team, and 17. Yet I would rather be my brother. A loner, who doesn’t need people around to be happy. Book smart, funny, and ready for whatever life sends his way. My 14 year old brother," Max thought as he walked inside. The next day third period Mr. Jones asked Max to stay after class.

"I’m really worried about your scores Max. You’re not doing so good in my class. And if they don’t improve then I’m going to have to take you off the baseball team," Mr. Jones explained.

"Sir, I understand. I just can’t get the hang of all this stuff. Number 9 gave me a lot of trouble last night. Could we go over it?" Max asked.

"Sure. Oh this one. A lot of students had trouble on this one. See all you have to do is, add a negative 3 to both sides. That gets the 6K by itself. Then you divide both sides by 6 and that gives you what K equals," Mr. Jones said working it out and then looked at Max to see if he understood. Max was white as a ghost. "Is something wrong? You look as if you’re going to be sick," Mr. Jones asked with concern.

"No… it’s nothing. Just my brother told me the very same thing last night. I didn’t believe him," Max stated.

"Well that’s understandable, he probably has had me before," Mr. Jones replied.

"I don’t think so… you see he’s only 14," Max told him in a quiet voice. Mr. Jones just stared at him.

"Are you fucking with my mind Max?" Mr. Jones questioned.

"No sir. He’s always been smart. When he was 4, Ryan poured out my mothers white powder and wrote addition problems with his fingers. My mother got so mad at me because she thought I had done it. But then he told her he’d seen it on one of those educational kid shows," Max explained, he was shocked by Mr. Jones forwardness.

"Would you mind if I followed you to your house and meet this brother of yours?" Mr. Jones questioned.

"Not at all and I’ll just drive because I have to come back at 6 for practice. So I can drive you back then," Max replied as he stood and grabbed his stuff. Mr. Jones stood up and followed Max to his car. It took them half an hour to get there.

"What a beautiful view," Mr. Jones commented getting out of the car.

"Thanks," Max said as he got his house key out. Ryan was sitting on the porch looking bummed and waiting for Max to unlock the door.

"Hey bro. How was your day?" Max asked.

"Oh terrific. Here’s another note from Ms. Oliver, she’s says I was causing a disruption. But God Max that class is so boring! I think she just totally hates me," Ryan told him as he leaned over the railing.

"Don’t worry about it, I’ll sign for Dad that way he won’t have to know," Max said smiling.

"Ryan? I’m Mr. Jones, Max’s Algebra teacher. We were talking about his work and he told me that you had explained how to do a problem on my worksheet last night," Mr. Jones explained.

"Yeah, I’ve just been watching him and kinda got the gist of it," Ryan replied.

"If you wouldn’t mind I would like to write out some problems for you to do and see if all your problems in Math are really boredom," Mr. Jones told him.

"Sure, I have nothing better to do. I usually hang out until my parents get home and then hide himself away in my room," Ryan smiled.

They walked inside and Mr. Jones wrote out 5 problems and gave them to Ryan. 5 minutes later Ryan handed the paper back to him. "No one, not even myself has done those 5 problems that fast," Mr. Jones said impressed. Ryan looked at him no emotion on his face what so ever. "Yeah. Okay then. Wow, they’re all right. And you did them 3 different ways. You used the Addition, Substation and Graphing Methods. I am impressed," Mr. Jones commented looking at Max who smiled. "I think I will put…" Mr. Jones started and then the door flung open.

"Max! I found this paper crumpled up on the ground outside. This paper you got a 45 on. You just don’t do that. It’s his fault isn’t it? He’s been distracting you while you work. Ryan! Go to your room and don’t come out until I say!" Mr. Brooks yelled. Ryan jumped up and ran to his room closing the door behind himself.

"Dad… Ryan isn’t responsible…" Max said but Mr. Brooks cut him off again.

"Wait, who are you?" Mr. Brooks asked.

"I’m Mr. Jones, Max’s Algebra teacher. I came by to give…" Mr. Jones started but stopped as Max shook his head and gave him a slitting throat movement.

"To give Max some help on his work," Mr. Jones finished.

"I will just go and make sure that boy doesn’t bother you," Mr. Brooks smiled.

"No Dad. I’ll take care of it. You just go and relax. Oh gosh look at the time. Mr. Jones has to get back to school and I have ball practice. I won’t be back till nine. See ya," Max told him in a harsh voice as he ushered Mr. Jones out to his car. As Max drove they were both silent for the first 15 minutes.

"Why did you stop me from telling your father about Ryan’s test?" Mr. Jones asked.

"Ryan doesn’t have a easy time at home. My parents leave him out of stuff a lot. I try and make up for it but it just isn’t the same. They’re always so busy praising me for my baseball talent that they just forget they even have another son. If I do bad on a test they think it’s Ryan’s fault and punish him," Max explained sadly.

"And Ryan isn’t hurt about this?" Mr. Jones questioned.

"If he is he doesn’t show it. Just stands out there on the beach late at night watching the waves," Max said as he pulled into the school parking lot.

"I would like to take Ryan to take a I.Q. test. I think he could really do well. And if he got a high score then I would also like to teach him in the afternoon after school. I’m sure you wouldn’t want him in your class would you?" Mr. Jones laughed.

"It would be weird. But Ryan has track practice after school. Track ends at 6 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Most meets happen on Saturdays," Max said as they walked into the school.

"Well I’d just have to take him on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays if he’s free," Mr. Jones told him.

"Sounds great. I’m sure he’d like it," Max called as he ran down the hallway to the field. Mr. Jones walked back into his office thinking about Ryan.

"If he makes a good score I could try and get him promoted up a couple of grades," Mr. Jones thought.

A week later Max ran into Mr. Jones room after school. "Hey Mr. Jones! Do you have a stop watch I could use?" Max asked.

"Yeah, I think so why?" Mr. Jones asked.

"Ryan is up on the track and wants me to time him. You want to come watch?" Max offered.

"Sure. Let’s go," Mr. Jones said and they walked out the door. Ryan was stretching when they reached the track.

"Hey Ryan. You ready?" Max questioned.

"Sure. Hey Mr. Jones, come to watch me run? Max told me that you wanted to take me somewhere to take a huge I.Q. test?" Ryan asked.

"Yes I was thinking about it, but how about we talk about it after you run," Mr. Jones suggested. Ryan nodded and stood at the starting point. He got into position like that one night on the beach and waited for the signal.

"On your mark! Get set! Go!" Max yelled. Mr. Jones started the stopwatch.

"How many times does he run around?" Mr. Jones asked.

"Three," Max replied. Ryan pasted them for the first time. A minute later he passed them for the second and then at last half a minute later he stopped sucking in breath.

"Wow. Three minutes and twenty five seconds. Max that just beat Sam’s old record of five minutes even. Even with him being younger, I’m still surprised," Mr. Jones said amazed. Ryan smiled and then started to stretch out.

"So when do you want to go?" Ryan asked.

"Are you free right now? I have a friend at the main broad who sent me the test when I asked for it. We could go inside right now and take it if you want. Then I could run it through the scanner in my room and see what you scored," Mr. Jones explained.

"Cool I’ll be down in a minute just let me make one lap at a jog to make sure my muscles are cooled off," Ryan told him as he took off. A half an hour later Ryan sat at a desk and was half way through the test. After two hours of hard work Ryan finished the test and handed it to Mr. Jones.

"This will take five minutes," Mr. Jones said. He ran the papers through and then stared at the score.

"How’d he do?" Max asked.

"He scored a 1300," Mr. Jones replied quietly. Ryan was not phased in the least.

"Is that good?" Ryan asked.

"Sure is, mainly with someone your age. The highest you can score is a 1600. You’re above average," Mr. Jones explained. Max smiled and clapped his brother on the shoulder. If Ryan was excited it didn’t show on his face.

"So I scored higher than some other kids my age, big deal," Ryan said his eyes cold.

"If you choose you could do great things. Being smart as you are if you studied you could become great," Mr. Jones replied ignoring Ryan’s comment.

"There’s no way my parents would ever let me go places to learn. I barely get to go to school now. The only way I get to come up here and run is if I sneak out and then meet Max on the road," Ryan explained. Max glanced at Mr. Jones and Mr. Jones looked at him.

"If I will send books and other materials home with Max will you use them?" Mr. Jones asked. Ryan looked at him as if he didn’t believe him.

"You…you would do that for me?" Ryan questioned surprised.

"Sure, I would. If anyone of my students was half as smart as you are I would do the same for them," Mr. Jones smiled.

"Thank you sir. I will never be able to repay you," Ryan whispered. Max put an arm around Ryan and squeezed.

"Let’s get home bro," Max said quietly. Mr. Jones walked them out to Max’s car and then waved as they drove off.

"Summer is coming up. What do you have plan on doing?" Ryan asked sinking down in the seat.

"Well… I got a job. Starting a week after school lets out I’ll be on my way to Palm Springs to be the sports director at Sweet Sands Beach Club. I’ll be gone all summer. It’ll give Mom and Dad time to bond with you," Max told him seeing his face.

"Those guys will never bond with me. Never," Ryan stated. Max was going to say something but decided against it. The next time he looked over Ryan was asleep, even enough it was faint Max could have sworn he saw a tear on Ryan’s cheek.

When Max pulled into his spot in the driveway his parents cars weren’t there. "Good," He thought, getting out of the car. Max walked over to the other side of the car and opened the door. He picked Ryan up ever so gently as not to wake him. "Strange… he feels warm," Max told himself as he opened the front door and carried Ryan to his room. Gently Max laid Ryan on his bed and covered him with a blanket. "Sweet dreams little brother," Max whispered as he closed Ryan’s bedroom door. It was about 8 now. An hour later his parents came in smiling.

"Hi sweet heart. Did you have a good day?" Mrs. Brooks asked.

"Yep. Went to school and ran a few laps," Max replied flipping through a magazine.

"Well your mother and I are tired, we are going to bed. Goodnight superstar," Mr. Brooks told him. They then disappeared down the hall to their room. Max stayed up until past midnight reading in his magazine. A door opened, Max looked over the top of the couch. It was Ryan.

"Hey bro? Everything okay?" Max asked, Ryan never got up in the middle of the night.

"Max… I don’t… feel so… so good," Ryan murmured and then he pitched forward. Max jumped up and caught Ryan just before he hit the floor. Max’s hands had never felt anything so hot.

"Hang on bro. I’m taking you to the hospital," Max told him as he picked him up. Max carefully put Ryan in the backseat and backed out of the driveway. He sped down the road and picked up his cell phone. He dialed a number, 578-0349 Mr. Jones would have to be home.

"Hello? Dave here," A sleepy voice asked.

"Mr. Jones! It’s Max," Max started. Mr. Jones heard the panic in his voice and sat up in his bed.

"Okay, what’s wrong?" Mr. Jones questioned.

"I’m taking Ryan to the hospital. He got up and told me that he didn’t feel very well. Then… he just pitched forward. Mr. Jones he’s running a fever so high, I’ve never felt such heat," Max stammered.

"Okay clam down. Where are you taking him? Okay, I’ll meet you there," Mr. Jones said as he jotted down the name of the hospital. Mr. Jones then hung up his phone and jumped up hurrying to get ready. Max threw his cell phone into the seat and looked back at Ryan. He was totally soaked in his own sweat and tossing his head about.

"Hang on bro… just hang on," Max murmured as he saw the lights of the hospital. Max drove up to the emergency room door and 3 nurses came running out.

"What happened to him? And what relation do you have?" A nurse with black hair asked.

"I’m his older brother. I don’t know. He just came out of his room told me he didn’t feel well and then pitched forward," Max explained. The nurse jotted this information down quickly as the other two nurses put Ryan on a gurney. "Will he be okay?" Max asked.

"We will come and tell you in a few minutes. Please give your keys to Peter and he will park your car. Please follow me," The black haired nurse beckoned. Max followed her and watched as the nurses pushed Ryan behind the emergency doors.

"I will wait with you until the doctor comes. My name is Maria. We will need his legal guardians signature," Maria told him. Max took the board and signed all the papers. "I said we need his legal guardians signature," Maria repeated.

"I am his legal guardian," Max said.

"I will need to see proof," Maria stated. Max pulled out his wallet and got the papers that were his proof.

"I got them last year, privately I went through the whole court deal to get custody. All papers are legal," Max explained handing them to her. Maria read over the papers and then gave them back.

"All right. They’re good enough for me. I’ll be right back," Maria told him. 15 minutes pasted and Maria didn’t return, but Mr. Jones did come in.

"Max! How is Ryan?" Mr. Jones asked running up to him.

"It’s been 30 minutes and no one has said anything. Mr. Jones… I’m scared," Max told him shakily and tears started to slide down his face. Mr. Jones put a hand on his shoulder and sat down next to him. 2 hours pasted and no one came to them with any information. Mr. Jones glanced at his watch; it read 2:30 a.m. Max had fallen asleep on the floor at his feet a hour ago. Mr. Jones was just about asleep when a doctor walked into the room.

"Are you the ones waiting to hear about Ryan Brooks?" The doctor asked.

"Yes," Mr. Jones said nudging Max awake. Max yawned as he sat up and his eyesight cleared, he saw the doctor and jumped up.

"How is he? My brother? Ryan?" Max questioned.

"He will be all right. Ryan is quiet out of it because of his fever. But it has come down some. I’m afraid he will have to stay for a week. You were right to bring your brother so quickly. Pneumonia is very serious. Do you have any idea how he got it?" The doctor explained.

"No, he stays in his room all the time. I just don’t know. Can I see him?" Max asked.

"Yes follow me," The doctor replied. He led them to room 316. It was a private room and Ryan lay in the bed that was in the middle of the room. Max walked up to the bed and Ryan opened his eyes a little.

"Hey Max… sorry to be such… trouble," Ryan whispered.

"Think nothing of it bro. Do you have any idea on how you could have gotten sick?" Max asked.

"I went out… swimming the other… night. The water was chilly… but I didn’t think it would make… me sick," Ryan explained.

"Doc says you’ll have to stay here for a week. So just chill and think about getting better. Hey, you had me so scared I called Mr. Jones. He came, you want to see him," Max told him. Ryan looked as if he didn’t believe Mr. Jones was there.

"Hey Ryan," Mr. Jones said. Ryan gasped his eyes wide.

"You… came!" Ryan gasped.

"Yep, like I said earlier I will do anything for a good student," Mr. Jones told him.

"Okay enough, I would like him to get some sleep," The doctor said.

"All right, see you in the morning bro," Max told him. Ryan nodded and before they had reached the door he was asleep. Max smiled as he looked at his brother, and the doctor closed the door.

The next morning at 8 a.m. Max was at the hospital. Ryan still had his fever but it was at a safe degree. About 9:30 Ryan started to toss and turn but didn’t wake up. "No… don’t… please. Don’t hurt… me. I promise… I didn’t do it. Please," Ryan pleaded in his sleep. Max watched as Ryan raised up one of his hands to ward off something. That was when he saw it. There was a dark purple mark on Ryan’s upper arm; it looked like a hand print. Max stood and shook Ryan’s shoulder gently. Ryan stopped tossing and slowly woke up. "Uh… hey Max. What’s wrong?" Ryan greeted him seeing Max’s worried face.

"Where did you get that mark on your arm?" Max asked, his voice hard like steel.

"Mark? Oh I… I fell running… on the track," Ryan replied nervously.

"No you didn’t. If you did it wouldn’t look like a hand print," Max pointed out. Ryan was quiet and refused to meet Max’s eyes. "Tell me where it came from," Max demanded. Ryan whispered something and a tear ran down his face. "What?" Max questioned.

"It was Dad okay! Dad! He was mad at me for ruining your math so after you left he came to my room. And grabbed my arm. Told me that if I ever distracted you again that he would hurt me. Please… Max. Don’t do anything. I’m scared if you do; he’ll try something. So just let it go," Ryan explained still not meeting his eyes. Max was about to say something when Mr. Jones walked in.

"You can’t keep this a secret forever Ryan," Mr. Jones said walking up to his bed.

"Mr. Jones! How… how much did you hear?" Ryan asked quickly, he looked like an animal trapped in the headlights of a car.

"I heard all Ryan. You have kept your secret well and not even your brother has noticed. There are many secrets in life that we can keep but ones that hurt ourselves more are the ones we shouldn’t keep. It will be your choice to tell but if you choose not to then I will respect your choice," Mr. Jones told him.

"Then I choose to keep it to myself," Ryan replied. Mr. Jones glanced at Max and could see the anger flashing in his eyes.

"Fine. I brought you some books, a tape player, and tapes. Each of the tapes are of different subjects. Just to keep you from being bored," Mr. Jones said smiling.

"I’m going home to get my homework, do you need anything?" Max asked picking up his coat.

"Just one thing. Could you bring me my journal? It’s in my bedside drawer," Max nodded and started to leave, when he got to the door Ryan said something else. "And Max remember… don’t say you word to Dad," Ryan finished giving him a cold stare. Max didn’t answer but turned and smiled. After Max had left Mr. Jones looked at Ryan, tears covered his eyes but didn’t fall. "God… I’m dead," Ryan groaned.

"Don’t say that. Max is a good guy, and he will respect your wishes," Mr. Jones told him.

"No! Max is my brother, I know him better than he knows himself," Ryan replied. Mr. Jones could see that this pressure was wearing him down.

"Get some rest and we’ll talk about this later," Mr. Jones told him. Ryan looked up at him with those big dark eyes gratefully, but behind that gratefulness was fear. Those eyes reminded Mr. Jones of a boy in a book he had read to his daughter. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. There had been a boy with dark eyes that had, had the same scared expression to them. The author had described him as a dark puppy that had been kicked too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers. This was the same way Mr. Jones thought of Ryan now. Before he could say anything else Ryan was asleep and he left.

When Ryan woke up no one was in the room and he felt extremely lonely. Ryan picked up the tape player and a tape of English. There were four books on tape; Oliver Twist, Robin Hood, Where the Red Fern Grows, and The Outsiders. Ryan put Robin Hood in. The relationship between Robin and Little John had always amazed him. The tape was halfway through when Max walked in. Ryan took off the headphones and turned the tape off. "Hey Max! I’ve been listening to Robin Hood. You remind me of Robin, always leading people," Ryan told him smiling.

"Really now? Well you remind me of Little John, willing to do anything for anyone," Max replied. Ryan stared at him for a minute.

"What did you say to him?" Ryan asked.

"What? I haven’t said anything to anyone," Max stuttered.

"Don’t lie to me Max. I can read it in your eyes. Now what did you say to him?" Ryan demanded.

"Fine, I told him that if he ever laid a hand on you again, that I would kill him," Max replied.

"Nice job since you promised you wouldn’t say anything," Ryan said coldly looking away from him.

"I had to do something! I can’t stand to see you take this shit the way you do anymore," Max stated handing him the journal.

"Well why don’t I just go on and die if I bother you so much," Ryan replied.

"Why don’t you!" Max yelled. As soon as the words came out Max clapped his hands over his mouth. Ryan looked more hurt than he ever had; all the pain built up over time came out now. The tears ran down his face and he started to shake. "Ryan…I didn’t mean…" Max whispered.

"Leave me alone Max. You don’t care, just leave me alone," Ryan cried and he turned away. Max hung his head; right now he could have kicked himself for what he’d said. Slowly looking back only once Max left. Ryan’s tears stopped quickly, a look of genuine determination and fear replaced them. "No one want’s me. No one cares. My life is over as of now," Ryan told himself rapping his fingers around his anti-infection line. Slowly looking up at the sky and praying, "Lord, please forgive me," Then he pulled the line out of his arm. He hed it well so none of the nurses wouldn’t notice. It would take a couple of days but soon enough he would die and go to Hell. Ryan knew as well as anyone that if you committed suicide that you would go straight to Hell. He also knew that tomorrow was Monday and Mr. Jones wouldn’t be back. Max would keep his distance for a few days and by the time he came back it would be to late. Now satisfied with what he’d done Ryan slipped into darkness.

Something cold was pressed to his forehead and Ryan’s eyes fluttered open. "Kelly?" Ryan whispered.

"Hey Ryan. Are you okay your fever has come back?" Kelly asked concerned. Kelly was the nicest of the nurses who took care of Ryan. She often came in late at night when he couldn’t sleep and sung a few songs until he did.

"No I feel fine," Ryan replied feeling sleep pull at him again.

"Alright then, but if you start to feel bad at anytime during the night just push the button to call me," Kelly told him as she started to walk out the door.

"Kelly? Could you please sing to me?" Ryan asked quietly. Kelly stopped at the door and turned to face him.

"Of course," Kelly smiled. She came and sat by his bed. Ryan watched her with a small smile.

"Lullaby and goodnight. Go to sleep sweet child. Sleep sweet, sleep sweet…" Kelly sang and then hummed as she walked out the door. Ryan slept after she left until late the next morning when Kelly came in again to check on him. She felt his forehead again, now she became worried. Ryan’s fever was full blown again and he was shaking. She wiped his soaked hair out of his face and ran out the door. Kelly quickly paged his doctor.

"What’s wrong?" Dr. Edwards asked running up to her.

"Ryan Brooks fever has returned. It’s full-blown again and I don’t understand how. All lines are still hooked up," Kelly explained as they walked into Ryan’s room. The doctor checked everything and through it all Ryan just groaned.

"You were right to call me. I have bad news. He’s in a coma and is slipping deeper and deeper," Dr. Edwards told her. Kelly gasped and tried to wake Ryan. She couldn’t let him die. He was her sweetest patient. "It’s no use. All we can do is pray he will snap out of it," Dr. Edwards whispered.

"I’m working over time until he comes around or is back at a safe level," Kelly replied. Dr. Edwards nodded and left the room. Kelly sat there praying and praying that Ryan would wake up and ask her to sing for him. "Silent night, holy night. All is clam, all is bright. Round yon virgin, mother and child. Sleep in heavenly peace… sleep in heavenly peace," Kelly sang. Ryan stopped tossing and turning.

"I don’t want to wake up. I’m happy, I know someone is waiting for me. But who could it be? Who would care that much about me?" Ryan wondered as he drifted through the darkness.

"In your closet there is a small door. Look into it and you will find your past," A voice told him.

"But I don’t want to wake up! No one cares about me on the other side! Please don’t make me go!" Ryan pleaded.

"No you must go. It is not your time," The voice replied. Back in the hospital Kelly had left just for a minute to get her reports to work on. When she came back she could have sworn someone was standing by Ryan’s bed smiling. But when she blinked the figure disappeared.

"What was that?" Kelly asked. She walked over to Ryan’s bed and looked at the monitors. His temperature was back to normal and his heart rate steady. Ryan groaned then and his eyes opened, he looked around and finally his eyes rested on her.

"Kelly?" Ryan questioned.

"Ryan your awake!" Kelly beamed.

"Yeah… when can I go home?" Ryan asked.

"In a few days," Kelly whispered rubbing his hair. Ryan reached for something.

"What is it?" Kelly wondered. Then she saw the IV line. "Ryan? Did you pull this out?" Kelly asked. Ryan wouldn’t meet her eyes. "You tried to… to…," Kelly started but see couldn’t get the words out. "Why?" She finished.

"Max and I had a fight. I said that if I bothered him so much why didn’t I just go on and die? Then he yelled, "Why don’t you." I just couldn’t take it any more," Ryan explained.

"Oh…Ryan…why didn’t you tell me?" Kelly whispered.

"I was just so mad. It was just a quick thought," Ryan replied.

"All right. You just get some sleep. I’ll be back it a couple of hours," Kelly told him. Ryan closed his eyes not asking where she was going and he was soon asleep. "Hey Sarah! I’ll be back in a couple of hours. I have to go see a friend," Kelly called to the nurse on duty at the station.

"Okay! Take care!" Sarah called back.

Kelly walked out of the hospital and got into her car. "It’s time I pay Max a visit," Kelly told herself. She drove for an hour to get to the high school. Then she walked into the school.

"Hello, my name is Angel. How may I help you?" Angel asked.

"I’m looking for a Mr. Max Brooks, it is about his brother who is in the hospital," Kelly told her.

"Oh all right. He’s in room 28, Mr. Jones Algebra 2," Angel replied.

"Thank you," Kelly thanked her. Then she walked down the halls. Kelly found Mr. Jones room and knocked on the door.

"Class work out problems 1-8 and then sit quietly," Mr. Jones told his class as he walked to the door.

"May I help you?" Mr. Jones asked Kelly opening his door.

"I need to see Max Brooks, Mr. Jones," Kelly said smiling. Mr. Jones nodded stepping back into his room. Mr. Jones walked over to Max and whispered in his ear. Max came outside the room along with Mr. Jones.

"Kelly? What’s wrong?" Max asked as Mr. Jones closed the door and stood with them.

"Maybe I’m new at family things but when someone is sick his or her family come to see that person. I’m guessing but I’ll bet you didn’t know Ryan tried to commit suicide 2 days ago," Kelly told him.

"What!" Max yelled.

"Yes. He pulled out his IV line that put the anti-infection medicine into his system and he almost died. Ryan went into a coma but because of forces I don’t know he awoke this morning," Kelly explained.

"Is… is he okay?" Max asked his voice shaking.

"Yes, he’ll be fine. Ryan is very anxious to go home. I hope you will come by and see him this afternoon," Kelly told him as she turned and left. Max stood there for a minute and then turned to Mr. Jones.

"Could I be excused for the rest of the day Mr. Jones?" Max asked.

"Of course. I’ll come by after school, and bring your stuff with me then," Mr. Jones replied. Max nodded in thanks and ran out of school. Max got there right after Kelly and followed her in. When he got to Ryan’s room Max closed the door behind himself. Ryan was asleep and didn’t wake up when the door closed. Max walked up to the bed and looked down at his brother.

"Why Ryan? You never tried this before when we had fights," Max wondered quietly.

"You never told me to die before. I was only trying to make you happy," Ryan whispered opening his eyes.

"I’m sorry Ryan. I never should have said that. Do you forgive me?" Max asked.

"Of course but maybe in a few days," Ryan replied.

"Thanks. Hey I spoke to your doctor and guess what? You’re going home tomorrow," Max told him. Ryan smiled. "And when we get home you are going to help me train for my big game against the Wolves," Max said. Ryan grinned but didn’t answer. Ryan then turned to Max and told him about the books he’d listened to on tape and how good they all were. Max listened for two hours and laughed when he got excited. Then Mr. Jones walked in.

"Hey Ryan heard you tried to pull some bullshit on us. Now why would you do that when I haven’t gotten to teach you yet?" Mr. Jones asked walking into the room. Ryan laughed but didn’t answer. Mr. Jones gave Max his stuff and sat down.

"I finished all the books on tape sir. They were all good. Thank you for bringing them to me. I guess you will want them back now," Ryan said handing them back to him.

"Keep them. I brought them for you so keep them and listen to them over and over," Mr. Jones told him.

"Thanks!" Ryan thanked him. They talked for awhile then Mr. Jones left and Max fell asleep in his chair. Ryan looked out the window as the stars came out and thought about when he went home tomorrow. Finally about 2 a.m. he fell asleep.

Couple of weeks later

Max walked down the dark hallway at 1 a.m. just as he opened his bedroom door he noticed Ryan’s door was open a crack. "That’s not right," Max thought. He walked over to the door and listened, nothing. "Ryan?" Max whispered pushing the door open slowly. The bedside lamp gave the room a faint glow. Max looked around; Ryan wasn’t there to be seen. His room was messier than usual. Then Max noticed the curtains blew from the warm breeze coming through the open window. Footsteps lead from the window and down the beach. The only sound was the ocean waves smacking into the sand. The waves glowed with an errie light from the stars and moon above. Max slowly glanced back as he climbed out the window. He followed the footprints about a mile down the beach to a place. A place where the only light was the moon and the only sound was the ocean. Max saw a dark figure sitting on a large rock. The figure sat without moving, his knees brought up to his chest arms folded, and his head resting on his arms. "Thank God," Max thought. He stopped suddenly about 5 feet from Ryan. Max could see That Ryan’s lean body was wracking with sobs. His hands squeezed so tight that his knuckles were white. "Ry…" Max started.

"Go away Max. There’s nothing you can do for me," Ryan stated keeping his head down.

"But you scared me. I didn’t know where you were," Max told him taking a few more steps.

"You never cared about me before! Why would you start now?" Ryan screamed looking at him. His eyes were blazing and wet with tears.

"What are you talking about? I’ve always cared about you! You’re my brother and you know I would do anything for you," Max said.

"Then why didn’t you ever tell me?" Ryan demanded.

"Tell you what?" Max asked.

"Tell me what? Tell… me… about my father," Ryan whispered jumping down off the rock. It was then Max saw. A gold chain clutched in one hand and in the other was a letter.

"Believe me Ryan, I thought Mr. Brooks was your father," Max told him.

"Yeah right. Like hell you did. You know that we are and look nothing alike," Ryan said falling to the sand. Max kneeled down beside him. He took the letter and began to read.

My Dearest Son,

If you are reading this then it means I did not live to see you. I wrote this letter when your mother was 4 months with you. We used to dance and laugh, we were so happy together. But then I found out I had cancer. The doctors did all they could but it was incurable. It ate away at me. And though I know I didn’t make it because you are reading this… I want you to know. You have flowing through your veins a very proud line of Spanish blood. My family is looked highly upon for things we did back in the war. I have given you life my son, I hope you will live it well. I know your mother will never tell you all this. She values all the wrong things in life. I know she has already replaced me. I hope she finds true happiness. With this letter I have enclosed a locket. It has my picture in it. I pray that you will wear it with pride. Live a happy life my son. I will be waiting for you. I love you my son.

Love,

Carlos Monchro

Max dropped the letter to the ground shocked. He grabbed the locket. It was gold and had Ryan’s name written in silver. Max slowly opened the locket. A picture of a young Mexican smiled at him. Those eyes… that hair… eyes… hair… it was Ryan made over.

Max looked at Ryan. After that explosive burst Ryan was spent. He had been out on the beach crying and feeding on his anger for 3 hours. His so-called parents hadn’t cared about him after the game and had left him at the park. Ryan had walked home listening to the cheering of the people still at the park. Max felt horrible, he had totally forgotten about Ryan. After his winning pitch, that Ryan had helped him perfect, Max’s friends had tackled him. Then they had driven off and gotten tacos. Ryan had a good arm on him and could easily take his place as team captain but he didn’t tell people. Ryan liked keeping to himself, this way people wouldn’t bother him. "Ryan I swear I didn’t know," Max stated. Ryan looked up at his brother; his eyes were vacant and tired.

"I know. I know Max; you’re the only one who has ever been really nice to me. You really care about me and I’m sorry for saying you didn’t. But I don’t want to stay home while you go to Palm Springs. The very thought scares me to death," Ryan explained.

"Well, believe me I would take you with me but I can’t. Is there a camp you want to go to for the summer?" Max questioned.

"Actually… I want to go to Moon Camp. We sleep during the day and play at night. I love the night more than the day and they teach us how to help others. I’m going to learn what I can do with my life to help others," Ryan told him.

"I don’t know much about all that but if it’s really what you want to do then okay. Bring me the papers and I’ll sign them. How much money do you need?" Max asked.

"None, I’ve gotten a job writing for the paper. They pay me 50 bucks a week. It’s cool and my manager says I have real talent," Ryan said smiling.

"Well… aren’t we just Mr. talented. Ryan the track star and Ryan the writer. Which will you choose to build your life on?" Max questioned.

"I don’t really know but writing sounds fun. I can express myself and make up stuff without getting in trouble," Ryan replied smiling.

"Well I won’t stop you. Have fun. Now come on we need to be getting inside. You just got over being sick," Max smiled as he stood. Ryan looked up at him.

"Maybe I really do have a future," Ryan thought as he looked at his brother. Max helped him up and then they walked back to Ryan’s window with Max’s arm on his shoulder the whole time.

TBC…