Chapter 15: Chapter 15

: Joy and a Piece of Sadness.

Justin and Chris looked at the documents in their hands, frozen to the spot, their eyes as wide as saucers failing to understand what was happening.

"I know this is a bit out of the blue," Mr Ryder continued, as Justin and Chris' eyes traveled from between him and Bree.

"However, before traveling to LA, I had this decision at the back of my mind as a solution after chatting with Miss Janice, we decided that if the trip was as successful as it had been then we'd adopt you. And seeing how much time we enjoyed with the both of you, we decided to take the step." Justin and Chris still stood there in awe not saying anything at all.

"Justin...Chris...we need an answer," Bree said slowly.

The boys looked up at them with tears in their eyes, "sir, you don't have to do this," Chris said with a shaky voice wiping the tears from his eyes. He never thought in his seventeen years of life he would be adopted.

Justin patted him on the shoulder as Bree stretched her hand out to Chris and held it in hers, "boys, you've only spent three weeks with us and I already feel like were family, truthfully, our lives were quite dull and like déjà vu, on repeat over and over again. This trip we took to Hollywood and the time we spent together has been wonderful and it doesn't have to end here," she said rubbing his hand.

Justin and Chris looked at each other and they both shouted out the same time, "yes!" They said hugging Bree and Mr Ryder.

"Thank you sir," Justin said hugging Mr Ryder.

"I always wanted to have a family," Chris added hugging Bree.

Mr Ryder hugged them both smiling, "you guys have actually done me a bigger favor, I always wanted to have a family and I'm not getting any younger," he said smiling at them as he took his glasses off.

Bree took two pens from her pocket, “we talked it over with Miss Janice a week ago and she's given us her full support," she said.

The boys smiled and cried tears of joy as the crew congratulated them on their new family, then suddenly Miss Janice and another Lady walked into their kitchen.

She wore a black suit and was holding a brief case. She had her hair up in a bun and was wearing glasses.

She was quite old in her late forties or early fifties, she had a few wrinkles and strands of grey hair here and there.

"Miss Janice!” the boys cried out rushing to her.

She laughed as she hugged them. "What are you doing all the way here in LA?" Chris asked.

"Well I came to wish my favorite boys all the best," she said smiling as she took Chris's hand.

"We decided to do everything right here and right now," Bree clarified, "so we flew Miss Janice over here for the pass over of guardianship," she explained.

"And partly because I wanted to make sure my boys were in the very best care and in good hands because I won't accept anything less," she said in a serious but somehow playful voice.

"Yes Ma'am," Mr Ryder replied as they all laughed.

"Okay, crew. We are going up to the study to finish this and you guys can relax here for a second, but don't go anywhere, we still need to talk," Mr Ryder said to Lucy, Humphrey, George and Beats.

"Okay sir. We’ll be right here reading these," Beats replied holding up there contracts as the others agreed laughing.

Chris, Bree, Justin, Miss Janice, Mr Ryder and the other woman then walked up the stairs towards Mr Ryder's study.

They closed the door behind them and they all took a seat.

"Hello, for all of you who don't know me," the woman dressed in the suit said looking at Justin and Chris,

"my name is Jenifer Riggings, I'm a legal representative and Mr Ryder's Lawyer," she said smiling, "I'm going to handle the official and legal switching of the guardian ship of you from Miss Janice Lawn to Mr and soon to be Mrs. Bree Houston Ryder." She continued taking out her recorder and switching it on.

The boys nodded.

"So firstly in the interest of the adolescents or under aged, I would like to know the reasons why Mr and if I may say so Mrs. Ryder would like to claim full custody on for lack of better terms these two orphans."

"Well I think since the very first time I met these two at a music hall in Chicago I have felt a connection that I rarely ever have towards anyone. Over the last few months and especially during these past three weeks I've gotten to know these boys, Chris and Justin, and they are one of the most weird but amazing boys that I think ever lived or will ever live," Mr Ryder said looking at them.

"Honestly they are both a handful. Got minds of their own and are never really prompt. Or in time," he said eyeing at them sternly making Justin and Chris exchange queer glances,

"But they are still very hardworking and focused and I have been much honored spending as much time with them as I have. All I hope for is spending more of that time with them, only this time as a family" He said with a soft grin and then looking at the ground hesitantly,

"Furthermore, Bree and I would like to have a family of our own, we talked about it a lot but we are both aware that that is quite impossible."

"Why is that ...Mr Ryder?" Jenifer asked very cautiously.

Mr Ryder looked at Bree for a moment, Bree patted his hand, "it's okay baby, you can tell them," she said rubbing his back.

He lifted her hand and squeezed it then kissed it lightly. "See Bree can't have any children and I am impotent. A match made from heaven," he said smiling a little, "So no matter how hard we try it will always be just the two of us but we are hoping we could change our fate. I mean I'm 58 in September I'll be 59 still alone with all my money cars and houses but in the end they'll all mean nothing, Justin and Chris have sparked that family feeling within us and we just want to know how it feels like to have a complete family and I know they do too."

For the first time Chris and Justin saw tears in Mr Ryder's eyes. Bree rubbed his back over and over again, "its okay, Robin," she replayed.

Mr Ryder wiped thee lone tear that escaped from his eyes and looked up at the boys, "so you see why I said this is more of a blessing to us than to you," he finished as Miss Janice stretched out her hand and patted his.

Justin and Chris looked at each other,

"Thank you Mr Ryder," Jenifer continued slowly, "now to Miss Janice, their current guardian, are you in 100 percent? Do you believe that the care of Justin and Chris are best in the hands of the Ryder's?" She asked.

Miss Janice spoke up. Her voice was quite shaky, she too had shed some tears after listening to Mr Ryder,

"Yes, I am the legal guardian of Justin and Chris, there the two most blessed boys I've ever come to know, unlike the rest and full of potential very ambitious," she said taking Justin's hand in hers.

"They want more in life than anyone else I've come to know and even though I've grown to be fond of these two and love them," she said looking at them,

Chris took her other hand, "I must admit that I am unable to handle their adventurous spirits and believe are best in the most capable hands of the Ryder's who I know will take extremely good care of these two treasures," she said squeezing their hands.

"I have only known Mr Ryder for a few months, but I have seen that he is quite responsible and definitely in the financial position to take care of them and make sure all the dreams come true,so I am 100 percent sure that they will be more than okay with them," she said looking at the Ryder's then turning to Jennifer.

Jennifer nodded, "I assume the adolescents are fully on board?" She asked

Justin and Chris nodded with approval from Miss Janice,

Jennifer opened her briefcase and took out the official and original copies of the adoption sheets.

She stood up and walked over to Janice and spread them on the table before her.

"I would like the current guardian to sign the official adoption contract,” she announced handing her a pen.

Miss Janice paused for a bit then nodded and took the pen then signed.

"Now I would like the new Guardians to sign the document," she said.

Bree and Mr Ryder stood up and signed the documents.

"Congratulations," Jennifer said taking the documents and greeting Mr Ryder and Bree,

"You are officially the new guardians of Chris and Justin.....Ryder," she finished Clapping as Miss Janice joined her.

Bree and Mr Ryder hugged Chris and Justin again.

"Wow, I still can't believe this sir," Justin said hugging Mr Ryder.

"Uh… uh," Mr Ryder refused as he hugged the both of them together,

"I'm no longer sir, I'm your Dad," he said with a deep chuckle as Bree joined the family hug, "and I'll soon be your mum!" She added as they all laughed.

"Dad, dad, dad," Justin said over and over again, tasting the word on his tongue, "I'm definitely going to remember next time," he said and they all laughed again,

"C’mon Janice, bring it in, no matter what you're still part of the family,” their new Dad said to Miss Janice with his arms wide open.

Miss Janice smiled as they all came in for another large family hug.

After breaking it off Chris spoke up, "I'm now a Ryder...” Chris said confused. "Chris Ryder," he said sounding like a character in an action movie,

"I can definitely rock this," he said to himself laughing.

"Not like how I rock this," Justin argued, "check this out, Justin Star Ryder, don't that sound catchy," he said bumping into Chris playfully.

"You always win. Dad, it's not fair," Chris said turning to their dad.

"Justin, stop nagging your Brother,” Dad said.

They all laughed. "Feels like a family already," Miss Janice pitched in.

"Yo, Justin do you know what this means," Chris said turning to Justin seeming to be newly enlightened.

Justin looked up at him trying to read his face for a clue, Chris laughed, "You and I are officially brothers..." He smiled as Justin's face became enlightened too, they hugged, "I told you, right? Didn't I tell you we'd be brothers?" He asked with a wide grin.

"I always knew you were never going to get rid of me. Well, now you’re stuck with me forever," Justin said patting his back as they hugged.

"Oh darn I didn't think of that," Chris said turning toward Jennifer, "is there a money back guarantee?" He asked.

They all laughed and Justin smacked him playfully.

"No. You are stuck in this family forever, I mean there's no such thing as divorcing your family," Jennifer joked.

And it was true.

***

They all laughed before they headed downstairs.

"Look at the newest Ryder's!" Humphrey shouted out as they descended down the stairs.

The crew clapped. They congratulated Justin and Chris again once they saw the document that certified there adoption.

"OK that's enough, boys," Dad said.

"All of you will be still heading back to Chicago though only for a week. So y'all can rest and refresh, put your affairs in order for your shift to LA. I know that it will get lonely here so I will allow you guys to shift with one person.

Y'all can carry a friend along. By this time next week we should all be back to serious business, Son's you two will go back to Chicago with Miss Janice to give your peers a proper goodbye then I want you two back home in the next three days." He told them.

"Yes sir...oh I mean Dad," Chris corrected saluting, "still got to get used to that,"

"Patience pays," Miss Janice replied.

Mr Ryder smiled and nodded. "Good! Dwayne is waiting outside to take y'all to the airport. In three days I'll meet you two and in a week the rest of you, safe trip boys!" He paused turning to Lucy, " And girl!"

Everyone chuckled grabbing their luggage’s, each of them leaving with light hearts they found the limo parked outside.

Chris and Justin said goodbye to their new family. They were taken in the private plane and enjoyed the twenty nine hour flight back to Chicago.

After they arrived they all were taken in different cars. Miss Janice went with Chris and Justin, George and Lucy went home together while Beats and Humphrey took the same ride.

Upon arrival at the orphanage the boys were welcomed warmly by the other boys.

Turns out they knew about their adoption long before Chris and Justin knew.

They were celebrated for Justin's career take off partying (responsibly, under Miss Janice watchful eye) like crazy.

The next day was full of smiles and hellos As Justin packed the last of his belongings in a trunk, it was then he realized how much he had come to love Jenny's Orphanage.

During his stay there he had never once felt out of place, no bad memory whatsoever.

He realized that only good things had happened to him in this old orphanage.

He found Mr Ryder while staying at the orphanage,

He had found a real brother, his career had taken off and had found his first mother figure, Miss Janice right there.

He sat on the bed as he thought. He really had come to call this placed his home, he suddenly began to feel homesick and guilty.

He really loved this place and Miss Janice had shown him so much hospitality and this was how he was just going to leave?

"Are you okay?" A voice said behind him. He turned around, starting at Miss Janice.

Justin nodded, "I just realized how much I was going to miss this place," he said wiping the tears from his eyes smiling.

Miss Janice returned the smile as she entered the room and sat by him, “I know this place is just wonderful," she said patting his hand.

“I’m going to miss you!" He said hugging her. She smiled and rubbed his back as he held on to her, "you got to let go of everything one day," she said softly, "you have these good memories, take them with you and create new ones with your new family, you know you two are very lucky," she pointed out.

Justin nodded as he pulled away, "you know, I still can't believe that I now have a complete family, a brother, mother, and a father, that seemed to be just a dream to me," he said sighing.

"Ah...but you forgot that a dream can become a reality if you focused hard enough, I'm so proud of the both of you," she said squeezing his arm.

"What if I'm not ready to leave?" Justin asked.

Miss Janice smiled and pushed him a little, "Justin my boy,” she said with a chuckle, " I remember when you first came here about a year ago, yeah it feels like it was just yesterday. I could see it in your eyes that you desperately needed a home and you got one here. My arms will always be open to you for a visit, this is where you belong, and you will never really leave. But now I see in your eyes that you are desperate for a real family and now you have one. They are always going to be there for you, we all are," she eased.

Justin pushed out a little laugh brushing away the remainder of his tears, "you always have the right words to say to make someone feel better, how do you do it?” Justin asked sniffing away.

"A mother’s instinct," Miss Janice replied standing up. "I'm sure you're okay now,"

Justin nodded. Miss Janice headed toward the door then suddenly turned around, "oh I can't believe I almost forgot,"

She said turning around.

Justin looked up at her, his eyebrows furrowing noticing that her face had become clouded.

Just then Chris walked in. He sensed the despair in Miss Janice's eyes, "what's wrong?" He asked taking a seat beside Justin.

"Oh Justin, I don't know if you still remember officer Patrick, usually called himself Officer Rick, " Miss Janice blurted sadly.

"Of course I know him, he's the one that that found me and brought me here, I owe him a lot. Imagine if he hadn't found me? I wouldn't be where I am today," Justin realized, then he looked back up at Miss Janice, "what happened?"

"Two days ago, he was shot. Two bullets in the chest and one through the head," she said sadly.

"What! How?!" Justin asked shocked his eyes widening at the news

"Well, he was at a shop and some guy wearing a hoody just shot him, that's what his partner Jones told me. He was a good man…he didn't deserve what happened to him," Miss Janice wept shaking her head,

"Officer Rick is dead? He was one of the best cops in our neighborhood, and the kindest. How is how wife and daughter doing?" Chris asked as shocked as Justin

“The poor woman is devastated and even attempted suicide. Some people are so heartless, I can't imagine what wrong Patrick could ever do to anyone. The weird part about his death was that he wasn't even in uniform when he was shot, this signifies that it must have been personal," Miss Janice said.

"I can't believe he is dead, he was so nice to me," Justin said shaking his head.

"The funerals tomorrow at 9. You boys can come if you want to," Miss Janice encouraged.

"We'll definitely be there," Justin replied still shocked.

Miss Janice smiled, "You boys have some rest," She said closing the door behind them.

Justin and Chris discussed this issue for some time still stunned.

They even picked out black suits for the funeral the next day.

The following day, Miss Janice, Chris, Justin and some other boys at the orphanage who knew Officer Rick went to the funeral.

Officer Rick's widow cried all the time and her daughter who was only six would wipe away her tears and tell her that everything was okay because her Daddy was in heaven.

It was a sad day.

This reminded Justin of the earlier days when his mum left and his dad had fallen into depression.

Justin had always been there to wipe his tears but when his dad died no one wiped his tears.

He felt for the family as he watched them. The pastor said some words over the victim.

Justin remembered the first time he saw Officer Rick when he found him asleep in the gutter.

He really did owe the deceased a lot. He knew it. Officer Rick was a good man, he really was. Went to church every Sunday, never once missed any tithes,

A family man, honest, sincere and faithful, he was against corruption and a good partner. He was a wonderful cop.

He had many friends and so his funeral was packed. All people could say about him was nothing but sweet words.

**

After the funeral the boys headed back to the orphanage for some lunch.

Justin could not stop thinking about Officer Rick. He remembered how Officer Jones broke down as he was giving a speech in memory of his former partner.

Come to think of it, .it was strange how he died. Even as Justin slept that night he could not stop thinking about it.

The next day the boys had all around fun since it was the last day they would be spending at the orphanage.

They had a party in the backyard and invited some friends and neighbors.

Justin thought it was inappropriate seeing they were just from a funeral, but you only live once.

They had fun. Water slides, Full music just going all out, all boys and Miss Janice so everyone was free.

As Justin lay in bed that night all he could think about was that this was his last night in his old life and by tomorrow he would be saying hello to his new life, paparazzi, fans, villas, celebrities, cars, a family. And a new home. He closed his eyes and awaited the adventures of tomorrow.

**

The next day, they had breakfast and found Todd (their bodyguard) parked outside.

After eating they said their goodbyes to the boys and kissed Janice who kissed each of them on their foreheads for good luck and made them promise to visit from Time to time.

Everyone escorted them out of the house and into the BMW parked outside.

Todd opened it for them. They waved good bye as the car started off and everyone kept waving at them till they finally disappeared out of sight.

"I'm going to miss them," Chris said turning to Justin.

"I will too," he replied staring out of the window.

They reached the private jet and were made comfortable.

Back in the plane they endured the 29 hour flight back to LA and their new family.

When the plane landed, they found Bree waiting for them. She wore a coat and sun glasses and looked fine as heaven.

Chris whistled as they climbed down the stairs.

Bree smiled, "how are my two favorite boys? Give you’re soon to be momma a kiss" She said giving them each a hug a kiss on the cheek.

They laughed, it was typical Bree. Fun wild and loving.

"I must admit that flight made my back hurt," Justin complained stretching

"Oh don't worry, when we get home I'll call for a nice massage," she said hitting their backs.

They climbed into the car and headed toward the villa.

"So how was your farewell reunion? If I can call it that," she said while driving,

"Well, it was actually quite nice and heartwarming, we're really going to Miss Chicago," Chris said

"Oh I wouldn't worry about that dears, it takes some time to adjust to new places but I assure you that Robin and I will do our very best to make you boys feel at home," she replied

"Oh yeah speaking about it…where's dad?" Justin asked.

"Oh. He’s at home, he wanted to make sure everything was in good shape for your arrivals, he really is excited about starting a family it's all he ever really wanted," she said

"It's all we ever really wanted too," Justin replied

"Good! And I promise we will be very happy," Bree replied

"I can't believe I got two handsome sons," she sung.

They laughed.

Upon arrival at the villa they met their new Dad wearing casual clothes and sandals,

"Welcome home!" Dad said as he hugged Justin and Chris. They smiled,

"You know Dad... I'm really digging these new looks of yours," Chris said as they entered.

Dad laughed, "I know you're used seeing me in suits but actually I'm more of the casual type especially when I'm at home. You'll soon see that,"

"If that's really true. I going to love, love it here!" Justin said as they all laughed.

The boys went back to their old rooms. Unpacked everything. After that they had family fun at the pool diving chilling swimming.

Then it was a picnic in the garden then swam some more.

Mr Ryder gave them each credit cards. "My money is your money, we are family now," he said laughing. They thanked him.

"Spoil yourselves, live a little, you have all the money in the world!" He said and they sure as hell did.

They did have a lot of fun that day, in the evening they had family talk where they all cuddled up in one blanket by the fire place singing songs and playing games.

They got to know each other more by asking questions.

Justin asked Mr Ryder what his greatest fear was.

Mr Ryder replied losing a family.

Bree asked Chris what the greatest joy of his life was and he said finding them all, you know just typical ask you, ask me answering but they did understand a lot more about each other and the way they all functioned.

When it was late they headed up for bed. Justin flopped on his bed. Tired and stressed out. Then he heard a knock on the door, "come in!" He said thinking it was Chris,

"Oh Dad it's you, come on in," he said when his new dad peeped in.

Justin sat in his bed as his step dad sat at the edge.

"I hope you like it here," he said. Justin nodded, "I do, I really do," he confessed.

"I know you know we are family and new family by the way. As your dad I feel a need to get extra close to you, do you understand me?" Justin paused for a Moment then nodded.

"What do you want to know about me?" He asked folding his legs, his dad smiled and put the cane he was holding on the bed, "I want to know your past, Justin, it's the only way to connect truly with you," he said smiling slowly.

Justin thought for a moment, "What makes you think I have a past?" Justin asked.

Dad laughed. "We all do but yours is different," Justin looked away sadly he knew he had a past.

"How do you know that?” he asked softly memories flooding in

"You show it every single day son, especially when you sing. I've been in the music business for thirty six years. And I'm still counting. I've seen my fair share of talent and no one just starts singing the way you do unless they relate to something. Something that haunts them," Dad replied.

Justin looked away, he stood up and walked to his balcony, his dad followed as they stood side by side.

"You're right. I do have a past. But it's pretty ugly. I'm afraid you will judge me," Justin said slowly knowing all the crime he committed.

Dad smiled, "your past isn't as bad as you think it is, I'll start with mine.” Dad said slowly as he looked at Justin,

"But this is strictly father and son confidentiality," he warned. Justin nodded.

"I was twenty seven years old at the time. I was young and very ambitious. I got involved with some bad friends who said they could help me boost my career in music.

They had me selling drugs and illegals in the street. I guess I don't really regret much but there's something that haunts me to this day.

There was a woman, I knew she was a prostitute. Not because she wanted too but because she was doing what was best for the benefit of her two year old daughter, she was a nice woman and she never planned on being a prostitute forever you know a mothers love.

I usually sold my drugs on the corner she used to get hooked up with.

So we talked from time to time, she was a nice lady. “She treated me like a son, she always used to tell me, Robin, these streets were not meant for people like you, and you can still become what you want in life. Don't ruin it. Don't ruin it," Dad repeated pausing for a moment as he watched the night sky,

"One day I was trying to sell some weed and a cop caught me.

While running away the cop started firing away.

I run and hit into her. She asked me what was going on. I couldn't say anything. Suddenly she grabbed me and turned me around so she shielded me from the bullet.

She took that bullet for me that night. As she slumped in my arms she whispered that I was meant for something bigger.

And that I should realize that. The wretched cop run away after seeing he had shot the wrong person." Mr Ryder sighed gazing into the dark night sky. "I could have died that day."