This was a fantastic read well done

I'm glad that you're keeping it real in many ways where the show's writers failed. Yes, 15-year-old Ryan would need a guardian to first arrange in advance by several days some kind of jail visit, and it would be too soon for the transfer to state prison. Now I only hope that it's denied or that Sandy intervenes to postpone or not allow it to happen. I can't imagine why it would be a good idea to subject Ryan to that. Yes, Ryan asked about Trey when Sandy met him, either automatically or to deflect from himself because that's who he's had to be as the one who's disposable, something Trey demonstrated again. There's a big difference between inquiring from an authority figure and wanting to be near the person who failed you and put you at risk for nothing but self-gain. And it was a long pattern. Knowing how Ryan had had to survive on his own in the dangerous house Trey left and what he had to face when Trey walked away, it's clear that Ryan had rarely been around Trey for years, and not only when Trey was behind bars. I'd think he'd be too overwhelmed trying to stay afloat in his first day(s) of a trial run in Newport and that he's still recovering to boot. Also, if Sandy is really on top of things, it's much more important to keep Ryan safe in ways besides having someone tracking Dawn.

Some of the lighter, fluffier material seemed a little at odds, especially with Ryan Hicks and definitely with Ryan apparently jumping in with the movie. That's something that a withdrawn, cautious, uncertain kid would be very wary of, more like watchful and letting others choose without offending anyone. It threw me for a loop.

I'm glad that the sheriff came to deliver the letter and to provide some information about the conditions and terms. I hope it leads to some detailed discussion. As much as Ryan has had to bury things and move on, this shouldn't be one of those times.

Thanks for taking the time.

Awww, this was great. I love the conversation between Sandy and Ryan at the end.

loved it. thanks

I loved this story - the first one as well. Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

Another great story! Keep up the good work:)

omg, read your fic and found it really really great.

Generally, I don't like very much these kinda POV-stories but yours just brilliant...

bye, co

Hi Joey51,

I just read "One Step Forward" & "Two Steps Back" and, being them the first two stories I chose, I'm totally positive surprised! Although O.C. has been aired here for I while, I never get a grip on it (interfered too much with my other tv series), but now they show the first season again and I was able to watch some episodes - seems great that far. So I searched here to get some Ryan related stories and, as I already said, found these two of yours and they were really, really wonderful and great. I don't know about your other stories yet, but if there are any other great Ryan-angst-style-ones you wrote by yourself or like or anyone who reads this note I'd be really glad to get a short note ? It's just easier that way when you're knew to a series *smile*.

Thanx, Brakkari

Wow! That was great. V deep.

Lyrical and poignant. *sniff*

An emotional conclusion to "One Step Forward." I think your insights into the family dynamics are right on and the descriptive segments (eg. Ryan smoking during the storm as he stares out at the ocean) paint a vivid picture. The only fault I find is a tendency toward language that doesn't fit the character. What they say in quotation marks is good, but the interior monologue parts should match the characters as well. If they're a teen, they probably wouldn't use certain words even in their thinking and often aren't self-aware enough to realize why they do the things they do.
I just wanted to offer something more than the standard, "Great work. Loved it." Which is always nice but doesn't offer the depth of critique one might want. Hope this helps and doesn't offend in any way.

as usual that was awesome! i can't wait until you post your next story!
deadserious

I LOVED this story (and One Step Forward)! I think you are an extremely talented writer and I definitely look forward to reading more from you :)

Excellent finish - keep up the great work!

I'm so sad to see this end. It was such a well written piece! I thought it was interesting that you ended with Sandy's POV and not Kirsten's or even Ryan. I think if I was writing this piece I would have done the same, because Sandy is the one that feels most deeply for Ryan. Please write more...