The OC Files - View topic

OC=SEX · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 1:13 pm

I know this chapter took abnormally long...but I really want to get back into the swing of writing more often. So hopefully I can bang out the rest of this story pertty quickly. I think there's going to be about 7 more chapters befoe this story ends...we'll see how many. Please review.

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Chapter Forty-Six: Liar …It Takes One to Know One

“You lied to me…”

Ryan’s mouth fell open as his eyes went to the corner of his room. He stood still, thinking, before turning back to her again. “About what, exactly?” he questioned, still bum struck at her accusation. “You told me that you weren’t having those weird dreams anymore.” she explained. “You’ve been lying to me this whole time.” Ryan closed his eyes and sighed, shaking his head and looking behind him. He stared through the glass into the Cohen’s kitchen, where Seth still sat with his back to them. “Damn it, Seth.” he whispered, again turning back to his angry girlfriend. “It’s not Seth’s fault.” she said. “He actually told me the truth.” Ryan opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again with a loss of words. “I don’t know what to say.” he admitted, holding his hands up with defeat.

She took a step closer to him, her expression calming with each second second. She exhaled slowly, running a hand over her hair. “Why didn’t you just tell me?” she asked, her voice now much softer and more understanding. “I thought that we promised each other with this new relationship we would be honest.” Now she was only contradicting herself, unaware that Ryan knew she was lying too. “Yeah, so did I.” he said, anger building with the fact that he was getting grilled for something she had done less than a half hour before. “Don’t put this on me.” he continued, walking passed her. “You’ve been lying too.” Her own anger suppressed completely. She knew what he meant, figuring anyway that Ryan had heard her yelling at Kevin on the beach. “What are you talking about?” she said anyway, making a 180 degree turn to look at him. He clenched his jaw and inhaled. His voice was calm, surprising both of them. “I saw you…when I was inside…talking to Volchok on the beach.”

She knew he had heard. She wasn’t exactly quiet when she had ripped Volchok a new one. “That was nothing.” she slurred, not looking at him, knowing her eyes would give her away. “I just love how you come in here and grill me for lying to protect you, when you’re behind my back talking to that…GUY!” Ryan turned away from her, running a hand over the back of his neck before turning back. Her eyes darted through the room, trying to find an excuse or way to explain herself without it sounding like bull. “You were doing the same thing not even a half hour ago!” Ryan went on, making her even more nervous.

Marissa’s shoulders sank. She continued her search for words. “I know what you’re thinking.” she stuttered. “But-” He turned around, red in the face. “Do you!?” he yelled, interrupting. “Do you know, Marissa!?” She held her breath, stepping backwards in reaction to his fit of rage. “You…you don’t know anything.” he said, beginning to pace back and forth in front of the bed. “You don’t know how I think or how I feel, do you?” He took a deep breath, trying to calm down. He moved a hand up to his mouth to wipe away the saliva that had escaped while he yelled. He stood still finally, exhaling loudly. “Marissa…” he huffed. “You know that I don’t like the guy, okay? That, you know.” She nodded silently. “But you- you don’t know that these dreams I’m having are scaring the living hell out of me.” he continued. “I mean…” He raised his hands from his sides and shook his head, sitting down on the futon below.

He rested his forehead in his palms, letting one hand run though his hair while the other fell to his lap. Marissa stood in the same square of carpet before inching toward her fuming boyfriend. “Ryan…” she choked out, still fearful of another outburst. “Look, I- Ryan, it’s not what you think, really.” She tiptoed closer so she could sit at his side. “I heard you talking to him, Marissa.” he said, now sounding more hurt than angry. “Yeah, and if you were listening I think you could tell my words weren’t all that friendly.” she defended. “How do you think you heard in the first place? I was yelling at him.”

“Even so…” Ryan went on. “I don’t like when he’s around you. I’ve seen guys like him. He’s dangerous. Whatever you said tonight…he could have hurt you.” Marissa touched his hand. “You were there.” she said. “I wasn’t scare to tell him off because in the back of my mind I kind of knew you were listening.” Ryan slid his hand away, staring at his feet. “I didn’t hear what you said. You were too far away.” Marissa sighed, frustrated by the fact that he seemed so hurt. “I told him to leave us alone.” she explained. “I think he’s been following us. I could have sworn I saw him in the window of the diner when I got breakfast for us at the hotel.” Ryan closed his eyes, shaking his head. “He really needs a hobby, huh?”

Marissa half smiled at his comment, but it soon faded. She stared at him as he continued to stare at the ground. “I’m still not understanding why you’re so upset about this.” she said. “I know you want to protect me and you want me to stay away from him…but you should be happy about what happened earlier. I told him to stay away. I told him whatever there was between us was over and that I was with you now.” She paused to see if he reacted. He stayed silent, staring. She wondered if he was even listening. “I-I don’t understand.” she said, getting up. “I guess I’ll just go then.” She started walking toward the door. Ryan snapped out of it. “No, Marissa, stop.” he said, getting up after her. “Stop.” he repeated quietly. He held her by the waist, hoping to turn her around.

“Ouch.” she blurted, wriggling from his grip. “Ow.” His hands slid from her sides. “What happened?” he said, nervous. “Did I hurt you?” Marissa closed her eyes, lightly smiling as she gently patted her side. “No, no Ryan, it’s okay.” she said, shaking her head. He looked at her face and then to her hands. “Then what is it?” he questioned, trying to push her hands away. “Nothing.” she reassured. He wrestled her hands aside and lifted the bottom of her shirt. He bent to look closer. His hands traced a series of small bruises. His breathing quickened. “He did hurt you, didn’t he?” he said, standing fully erect again. “I’ll kill him.” Ryan said, trying to move passed her and out the door. She grabbed him by the shoulders, pushing him back into place.

“Ryan, he didn’t touch me, okay? I promise.” she said. He looked confused again. “But then how did you get these?” He pulled her shirt aside once more. She held it up so he could observe. Again, he traced them with one hand. The bruises were small, almost round shaped, placed in a crooked row. The tips of his fingers went over them. They matched up together perfectly. “Ryan, come on.” Marissa said, trying to push his hands away. Ryan paused in realization. “It was me, wasn’t it?” he whispered. Marissa remained silent. He got to his feet, eyes wide. He stepped away from her, running a hand over his mouth. “Ryan, I’m okay.” Marissa said, walking to him. “It’s not a big deal so don’t worry about it.” Ryan didn’t look at her. He thought back to their hotel room. He had fallen asleep with her in his arms. The nightmare that night was one of the worst. He couldn’t have known he was gripping her so hard. He was unconscious. It just surprised him that it didn’t wake her. “I hurt you, Marissa.” he murmured. “This is a huge deal.”

Marissa exhaled and licked her lips, resting her hands on his shoulders. “Hey…” she said. “I know you didn’t do this on purpose.” She tilted her head down, trying to make him look her in the eye. “I’m not mad about how the bruises got there. I’m mad about why.” He looked at her briefly, but his eyes met the carpet again as he shook his head away. She sighed in frustration. They both became completely silent. Marissa grew irritated again waiting for him to say something. Anything. She was giving him free rain. But he stood like a brick wall. She crossed her arms in front of her. “You don’t want to talk to me? That’s fine.” She moved passed him to get her jacket off the bed. “But you created this problem, Ryan. I wasn’t mad at you at all until now.” She gave him one last chance, but it was for nothing. She crossed the room and was out the door, slamming it hard before huffing away.

It wasn’t until Marissa hit the driveway that she realized Ryan had driven her there. She didn’t have a car to escape home in. Her whole body drooped and she raised her head to the stars, sighing loudly. She couldn’t go back in there to ask for a ride after yelling like a crazy person. He probably wouldn’t give her one anyway. She pulled the hanging sides of her jacket closer, shivering momentarily in the cold night air. Marissa strolled back onto the patio, pausing slightly to think before she made her next move. She walked up to the door, and stared through the glass at the boy inside before walking in.

“Hey Seth.” she greeted to his back. He swiveled in his chair and met her eye-line as she walked back to her place against the counter, where she had stood earlier. “Hey…Marissa.” Seth answered, somewhat reluctantly. “What’s up?” He gulped nervously, glancing behind him to see if Ryan were anywhere in sight. He expected him to be, but exhaled a sigh of relief when all he saw was the dark patio. He turned his attention back to the girl to his left. “I was actually wondering if maybe you could give me a ride home.” she said, softening her eyes. “I don’t have a car here.” Seth furrowed his eyebrows. “But…isn’t Ryan gonna take you?” Marissa glanced back out the glass window, but there was still no movement from the pool house.

“No, he’s…a little preoccupied.” she said almost robotically, her eyes narrowing with the thought of him just standing there. Seth looked down at the last page of his comic book. He smiled as the story concluded, closed the booklet, and flipped it upside right. “Okay, let me just get my keys.” Seth rose from the chair and walked away into the living room. He slipped on his sneakers and snatched the Range Rover keys off the hall’s desk. Marissa followed him silently, taking one last look at the pool house, before leaving the kitchen and whole house all together.

Ryan watched her leave. He would run after her, but his feet just wouldn’t move. They were imaginarily glued to the floor. There’s nothing he could say now anyway. His chance had come and gone. And he needed time to think over exactly what he would say so he wouldn’t sound like a rambling idiot. But if there was something that everyone knew about Ryan…it was that he was horrible with words. He mentally kicked himself for making her leave angry. Their date had been so perfect…one of the best they had had in a very long time. But his stubbornness and misunderstanding got in the way of a perfect ending. He stood there until his legs and feet had fallen asleep. How could he make her not mad at him anymore? What could he say to make it better?

Seth and Marissa didn’t talk very much on the way to the house until Seth was stopped at an intersection. He clutched the wheel with both hands and turned to Marissa, waiting for the light to turn green. “I, uh…I’m sorry for making you guys fight.” he said, genuinely in the Seth Cohen way. “I honestly thought you knew about…everything.” Marissa smiled at Seth’s apology and stared downward at the dashboard. She paused for a second, thinking about the whole situation in her head. “I’m not mad at you, Seth.” she murmured. “You just assumed he would tell me because I’m his girlfriend…and the subject of the dreams for that matter.” The light changed, and Seth push pressure on the pedal again. He turned the wheel and cruised down another street.

“I don’t want you to be mad at Ryan though.” he said. Marissa shrugged lazily and looked out the window as scenery passed. “I really wasn’t mad about that.” she replied. “I mean, I was because he told me that he wasn’t having those nightmares anymore…but I know that he only did because he thought I would be upset over them.” Seth nodded, now only driving with one hand. “He did.” he said. “But I think it was also because he was ultimately upset about them.” Marissa looked at him, now more interested in what he had to say. “When he told me about them he was pretty freaked out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like that before.” Marissa looked down at her hands, now feeling somewhat guilty for getting mad and giving up so quickly. But those feelings of guilt were shadowed by her own frustration.

“But that’s the thing with Ryan that I don’t understand.” she confessed. “He’ll confide in you on absolutely every subject…but when I want to talk about something and work stuff out he just stays completely silent or pushes me away. Why is he so much more comfortable with you, than with me?” She leaned back into the seat as they pulled into the Roberts’ driveway. Seth brought the car to a stop in front of the stairs leading to the front door. He put the car in park and turned to her again. “I think it’s because…Ryan’s not in love with me.” He shifted in his seat, trying to think of any sound advice that would possibly make things better. “Ryan is like a brother to me…and I don’t know if he feels the same way about me, but I like to think that when he tells me these things, it’s because he trusts me.” Marissa nodded, but still had other questions. “But he doesn’t trust me?”

“No, of course he does.” Seth affirmed. “But in a different way…you should see him when you’re not around. You’re all he talks about. And I’m sure you take up the majority of his brain waves.” Marissa weakly smiled. “I think in this particular situation, Ryan is just scared of losing you.” She thought about that statement, but still, nothing really made sense. “But I’m not going anywhere.” she said. “These dreams…they’re just dreams…he’s not predicting the future or anything.” Seth shrugged. “I think maybe just the thought of losing you like that is scaring him enough.” He looked up at the house and his eyes focused on one of the lit windows. “I know if I ever had dreams of Summer like that, I’d be pretty shaken up, too.”

The car grew silent again, aside from the light purring of the engine. Marissa sat in place, taking in Seth’s philosophies. She looked up at him and gave him another weak smile. “I should get inside.” she said, opening the door. She stepped out onto the concrete, closing the door but standing there to talk to Seth through the open window. “Thanks for the ride.” Seth nodded and put the car in drive again. “Say goodnight to Summer for me.” Marissa nodded, her smile remaining. “I will.” She stayed by the car door. “And Seth…thanks. You really opened my eyes.” Seth gained his own boyish smirk and batted a hand at Marissa. “Hey, it’s what I’m here for.” They waved each other off and Seth drove away, leaving her alone outside.

She lingered there, in front of the stairs, listening to the quiet chirp of crickets among the bushes. The Range Rover’s brake lights escaped from view as Seth drove further away. Marissa didn’t know what to do now. She didn’t want to call Ryan and talk over the phone. That seemed a little impersonal. She’d just have to talk to him at school. Maybe slip away during lunch. She rubbed a hand over her eyes, trying to rid herself of the bad portion of her night with Ryan. He had been so romantic and sweet and gentle…and then she had to blow a gasket and turn the mood around. She knew she did kind of handle things the wrong way, especially concerning Volchok, but she just didn’t know any other way of dealing with such matters.

The front door opened behind her and Summer emerged wearing her pajamas. Her hair was tied up in a pony tail and was held in place with a stretchy head band. “Hey Coop.” she greeted, shutting the door behind her. She walked down a few steps, then sat down, rubbing her arms. “How was your date?” Marissa sighed and walked up the stairs to sit next to Summer. “Parts of it were great.” she answered, fiddling with her finger nails. Summer looked up to the street. “What happened?” Marissa’s head tilted away from her as she bit her lip. “We had a fight.” Summer bottom lip curled upward with the news, seeing her friend get obviously disheartened. “About what?” she asked. Marissa leaned her head against her palm. “It’s a long story.”

Summer patted Marissa’s knee. Marissa patted her hand in response. “Seth brought me home.” she said. “He told me to tell you he said goodnight.” Summer nodded and smiled. The girls looked ahead again, staring at the remaining stairs below them. “I never realized how sensitive Seth was.” Marissa said, looking back at Summer. Summer chuckled quietly. “Sensitive? Cohen?...My boyfriend, Seth Cohen? Sensitive?” Marissa laughed with her, but confirmed the fact. “I was surprised too. But he gave me some good advice.” Summer’s laughter eased and she stood up from the stairs, holding her hand out for Marissa. “Come on.” she mumbled. “Let’s go to bed. You can sort out everything with Ryan tomorrow.” Marissa took her hand and got up, walking with her inside.

She had changed into pajamas, brushed her hair and teeth, and was now lying on her back in bed, staring at the ceiling. She wondered exactly what Ryan had been seeing. How violent and devastating were his nightmares that he was so scared of them or what message they sent out. Was it all just psychological fear? Did Ryan think she was going to leave him? She now second guessed what she had told Seth in the car. Was Ryan subconsciously predicting what would happen to her? After what happened with Volchok…maybe it made sense in some distorted way. Maybe Volchok really had a plan to hurt them one way or another. Maybe Ryan only lied to protect her.

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Please review!!!

OC=SEX · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 9:55 pm

Come on...no one? Sad

mcooper11 · Posted: Thu Jul 26, 2007 11:01 am

oh bri sorry i had read it on fanfiction.net but i really didn't get to reply to it but i thought it was awesome .........and sad for me i really did wonder how marissa got those bruises but hey please update soon bri loved it

i*miss*da*oc · Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:33 pm

hey i only just got to read it cause the site wouldnt open but i love it! plaese let marissa forgive ryan and not let her die! update a.s.a.p!!
xox

OC=SEX · Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 11:30 am

Chapter Forty-Seven: Apologies and Invites

Seth stood at the kitchen counter, staring down at his coffee mug. He took a quick swig and stared around the room as he swallowed the burning liquid. The house was completely silent, and if he hadn’t passed his parents room and heard them snoring on the way down the stairs, he would think the house was completely empty, too. He inhaled deeply, swishing his tongue around and trying to get rid of the unpleasant mixed taste of caffeine and morning breathe. He slunk down into one of the stools surrounding the island, twisting his body back and forth so the swivel chair swung with him. He pouted his lips and made noise with his mouth, bopping back and forth like an extremely bored elementary schooler. His fingers tapped the marble surface of the counter, and he began to make an off beat tempo with his mouth and hands.

“Seth, what are you doing, son?” Sandy asked, standing in the doorway of the kitchen. He had his normal shirt and tie on, with the morning newspaper under his arm. Seth was startled by his sudden presence and stopped his one man band act. “Uh, nothing.” he said, swiveling naturally toward his father. He crossed his hands and put on an embarrassed smile. Sandy crossed the kitchen, walking passed his son to pour himself a cup of coffee. Seth watched him, then looked back toward the kitchen’s entrance. “Where’s mom?” he asked, realizing his parents hadn’t come down together as usual. “Still in bed.” Sandy answered, taking a sip of his black drink. “I have to get to the office early today…so I should probably get going soon.” He patted Seth on the back and rounded the island, suddenly feeling the same overwhelming silence Seth had felt before.

“Where’s Ryan?” Seth’s face tightened in anguish at the question. Sandy sighed and tossed the newspaper onto the top in front of him, leaning over it with his hands. “What did you do now?” he asked. Seth let his hands rest on his lap, his fingers intertwined. “I kind of told Marissa something Ryan didn’t want her to know.” Seth sunk back into his seat, crossing his arms in preparation for a lecture. “Well, your mouth always did bring out the worst in you.” Sandy said with a shake of his head. Seth nodded, mimicking his father. “I don’t know what to do…I don’t want Ryan to be mad at me.” Sandy turned toward the back door, looking at the pool house through the glass. He saw no movement and turned back to Seth. “Did you talk to him about it?” Seth shook his head no. “Well then how do you know he’ll be mad?” Seth sat up for further emphasis.

“Dad, it’s Ryan.” he pointed out. “I made Marissa storm out on him after their first real date being back together …trust me, he’s mad.” Seth sat, stirring in regret. “I don’t know what to do.” He looked down at his hands, pondering all possible ways to grovel for forgiveness. “Talk to him.” Sandy ordered. “Tell him you’re sorry and stupid and you didn’t mean to cause any trouble.” Seth wasn’t enthused. “We’ll see how well that works out.” he said, his natural sarcasm engulfing the statement. Sandy lifted his wrist, checking the time on his Rolex. “I gotta go…look, it’s worth a try. I’ll see you tonight. You better get moving for school, too.” Seth acknowledged his father’s last words, watching him hurry out the front door. He stayed put momentarily, dreading the upcoming encounter with the current pool house occupant.

He finally built up enough courage to get out of his seat and walk to the back doors. He stood watching the pool house, thinking up every horrible way the next few minutes of his life could go. He finally opened one of the doors and moseyed excruciatingly slowly to the steps of the pool house. He paused a few inches away, feeling his heart beat quicken. Ryan had been mad before, but Seth had really screwed up this time. Seth hated when people were mad at him, and to have his best friend furious wouldn’t be the best of sights. He gently knocked and waited to here Ryan’s yell to go away, but he heard nothing. After a second knock and another round of silence, Seth opened the door, peeking his head in to see if Ryan was inside. The room was empty.

“Greeaat.” Seth mumbled to himself, stepping all the way in. With Ryan nowhere in sight, he sighed loudly and looked around. The bathroom door opened. Ryan walked out, fully dressed, rubbing his wet head with a towel. Seth was momentarily startled, and his nerves returned with the sudden appearance. “Oh, good, you’re here.” he stuttered, clapping his hands together firmly. Ryan furrowed his eyebrows and nodded, giving his hair one last rub before tossing the towel onto his bed. Seth took a step forward. “Alright, look man.” he started. “I’m really, really sorry about what happened last night. It’s just that you were upstairs and Marissa was there and that just seemed like a good topic to converse about and-”

“Seth, it’s okay.” Ryan interrupted. Seth paused in surprise. “Wait, you’re not mad?” Ryan shook his head and walked down the few stairs to the main floor. “I was, but you’re not the one I should be mad at.” he said. “You didn’t know that I hadn’t told her about my dreams, and it was me who screwed up.” Seth smiled and sighed with relief. Ryan shoved a text book into his backpack and zipped it up. “I’m sure it would have come up sooner or later…so at least you got her mad at me sooner.” he finished. Seth got out of Ryan’s way so he could pass and pick up the button down shirt off the chair to their side. He swung it around himself, pulling his arms through the sleeves. “I think I have a way to get you out of the dog house.” Seth propositioned. Ryan’s eyes grew bright as he finished the last few buttons, leaving the top of his wife beater showing.

“Prom is coming up.” Seth said. “Plan a big romantic gesture, apologize, and ask her to go.” Ryan walked passed Seth again and stopped in front of the small mirror by the doors to straighten out his hair. “I thought the big romantic gesture was your thing.” he said, using his fingers as a comb. Seth crossed his arms and tilt head nodded, in his mind thinking of how slick he was when it came to public apologies. “I’ll let you carry the trend.” Ryan finished up. “I don’t think so. I’ll just talk to her at school. There are other ways to apologize than standing on top of some kind of food cart and belting out to the whole school how sorry you are and how much you love a girl.” He grabbed his book bag and gave Seth a look before walking out the door. “Hey, my tactics are golden!” he confirmed following behind.

“Come on, Coop!” Summer yelled as they walked up the stairs of Harbor High School. “Senior Prom is going to be awesome!” Marissa looked down at her feet, absent mindedly listening to her friend’s excited blabber. Summer continued to rattle Marissa’s ear off as they entered the halls of the school. “I don’t know, Sum.” Marissa grumbled. “I was all excited for prom, but now…I’m not so sure. I probably won’t even have a date.” They stopped at Marissa’s locker, and she let out a sigh as she fiddled with the combination. Summer gawked at her. “You honestly think because of what happened Ryan won’t ask you to prom?” Marissa shrugged as she pulled her locker door open and pushed it again the other closed ones. “You should have seen his face.” she said, taking a few books out of her bag and resting them inside.

“Marissa, I already told you that everything is gonna be fine.” Summer insisted. “I promise you…you two will work this out, have hot make-up sex, and then the four of us will have a kick ass prom night.” Marissa’s mouth dropped open, then morphed into a smile as she playfully swatted at Summer’s arm. Summer laughed. “You see?” she said. “You’re already feeling better.” In the corner of her eye, Marissa saw the boys walking up the stairs of the school. “Not for long.” she said, hiding her face behind her locker door. Summer tugged at her elbow as they approached. Marissa reappeared as they formed a circle. “Hey guys.” Summer greeted. Ryan and Marissa both looked down awkwardly. Seth said good morning and they all grew silent, looking back and forth from one to the other. Summer’s eyes darted from Ryan and Marissa and then landed on Seth. “Come on, Cohen. Walk me to Bio.” she said, figuring ordering Seth to leave would give Ryan and Marissa some alone time. She linked there arms together and gave a wave. “See ya later, Coop.”

Before Marissa could object Seth and Summer had walked away leaving her alone with Ryan. She finally met his eyes as he took a step closer. “Hi.” he said, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Hi.” she said back. Ryan leaned against the wall and motioned to say something, but his words were cut off by the sound of the bell. They both let out frustrated sighs. Marissa grabbed a pen out of her locker before slamming it shut. “We’ll talk later?” she asked, waiting for his nod before hurrying away in the opposite direction. He watched her disappear around a corridor, then turned to get to his own first period. He would have to wait until lunch to get out what he had to say.

When fourth period finally let out, Ryan shuffled his way to the quad, stopping at his locker to trade text books. He walked around the front of the school, seeing if Marissa had the same idea he had, but when she was nowhere to be found he walked around back to the lunch tables. He didn’t see her standing in any food line and pushed his way through the cliques of students until he spotted her at a table with Summer. He stood watching her from afar. She seemed so down in the dumps. Ryan wanted nothing more than to see her smile again. He’d have to find some magic to work. He approached the table and rested his hand atop the metal surface. “Hey.” he said, breaking their quiet conversation. The girls looked up. He looked at Marissa. “Will you take a walk with me?” Marissa nodded, leaving Summer as Seth set down a tray of food and handed her a salad. They watched Ryan and Marissa walk off toward the parking lot.

The noise lessoned a few octaves as they slowly strolled down the stairs toward Ryan’s car. “I figured this would be easier if it was quiet.” he said, giving her a nervous smile. She nodded in agreement. He opened the passenger door for her and let her settle in while he rounded into the driver’s. The seats were especially warm in the morning sun. Ryan shifted in his seat to face her better. He took a deep breath, searching for words. “Look Marissa…I don’t know how to explain to you how sorry I am.” he started. “But…like I told you…I just got scared. I didn’t know what I was seeing meant and I let my conscience get the better of me.” Marissa listened intently, appreciating his words and being somewhat impressed. In all the time they had dated she had never heard him confess something so honestly.

“I don’t want you to ever think that you can’t talk to me.” she said, looking into his sad blue eyes. “I don’t think that.” he said. He played with her hands, intertwining their fingers and sliding them up and down. “In this situation…I just didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to tell you and have you freak out and be nervous with me. I just figured that if anything were to really happen…I would know how to stop it…and I could save you.” He looked down as his hand remained still. She held it with both of hers. “You don’t have to save me, Ryan.” she whispered. “You only have to be with me…be there for me…isn’t that what you want?” He nodded and rubbed her palm with his thumb. “Of course it is.”

“Then stop fighting this.” she pleaded. “Stop worrying. You’ll only make yourself wonder if what you see in your dreams means more than what it looks like.” He grew frustrated. “I can’t just sit here…and not wonder, Marissa.” he said, breaking their contact. “You know me better than that.” He sat up, beginning to speak with his hands. “I always- I always have to fix things. I always have to be there when you’re in trouble.” He sighed in defeat, but kept searching for words to throw emphasis on his point. “I just…I don’t want to see you get hurt. I mean…what if-”

“What if?” she mimicked, interrupting. “That’s just it, Ryan. Every single day of our lives is what if. That’s what life is about.” He sat back, relaxing to listen to what she had to say. “What if I win the lottery today? Or what if I get hit by a bus on the way to school?” she continued. “That’s just life. It’s about taking chances and waiting for things to happen. You walk outside…do you go left or go right? You can take one step closer to your destiny or one step further away. Nobody wakes up in the morning knowing exactly what’s going to happen.” She took his hand again, pausing to finish her inspiring monologue. “Your job is not to save the world, Ryan.” He looked up at her again. “It’s to be eighteen years old…and be with me.” Her hand went up his forearm and back down again to touch his fingers. “Stop worrying.” she whispered. “The world will find a way to fix itself. You’ll see.” She gave him a half smile that he returned reluctantly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” he said, whole heartedly. “But I don’t know…you really can’t expect me to suddenly be fine with this.” She shook her head and leaned closer to him. “I don’t expect that at all.” she defended. “I just don’t want this to come between us…and make you keep things from me anymore.” She tilted her head to lean against the head rest. They gave each other puppy dog eyes. Ryan glanced out the glass of the windshield, a brightly colored banner catching his field of vision. “Alright, I’ll tell you what…” he spoke, turning back to her again. “I will be completely honest…from this day forward…about everything…dreams or no dreams…if you agree to go to prom with me.” He flashed her a half smile and held a hand out to her like a perfect gentleman.

Her eyes brightened with the invitation. “Really?” she asked, not yet getting her hopes up with the knowledge of Ryan’s past prom escapes. He put his hand down and straightened himself out in the seat. “Hey, if you don’t want to go…” She urged to grab his hand back. “No!” she almost yelled. “No, no I, um, I’d love…to go to prom with you.” She smiled widely at him as he leaned into her. He put a palm to her cheek, pulling her into a delicate kiss. Her hands found his face, too, as they made up in the front seat of the Range Rover. Ryan pulled away, opening his door. “We should get back before lunch ends.” he said, pointing toward the back of the cafeteria. “All of this mushiness makes me hungry.” Marissa followed suit, getting out of the car and walking with Ryan back toward the school. She clutched his arm, then slid her hand down to his, gripping it softly.

Seth and Summer sat at the table, leaned back in their chairs with rolled up napkins strewn around their food. They both looked up as Ryan and Marissa walked toward them. Summer gave Marissa a grin, seeing her hand wrapped inside Ryan’s. Marissa let go and went to see by Summer again. “Hey man.” Ryan said in Seth’s direction. “Come get food with me.” Seth gave Summer’s hand a squeeze before getting up from his seat to follow Ryan. Seth waited to speak until the girls were out of hearing range. He looked back at the table where the girls staring to laugh and talk. “So, uh, is everything good now?” he asked. Ryan nodded, picking up an empty tray. “Everything’s fine.” Ryan replied. “We talked and we’re fine.” Seth grabbed Ryan’s arm, hanging from it like a monkey. “Brrr, it suddenly got cold out here.” he gasped. Ryan shook Seth off him.

“What are you talking about?” Seth shrugged as they stopped in the food line. “Hell has frozen over.” he informed. “You and Marissa actually talked about your feelings.” Ryan rolled his eyes and pretended to laugh. “Yeah, that’s…that’s really funny.” Seth nodded and patted himself on the shoulder. “I really thought it was.” They moved forward in the line. Seth looked back at the girls. “So what now?” he asked on a more serious note, wondering if Ryan and Marissa had really gotten some closure on the dream issue. Ryan looked at Marissa sitting at the table, then back at Seth with wondering eyes. “We have to plan something big for prom night."

PLEASE REVIEW!!!

i*miss*da*oc · Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 12:38 pm

omg prom is gonna be unreal! i cant wait to read about it!! pleeeeeeease update a.s.a.p! xxx

OC=SEX · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2007 10:01 pm

Okay so...it's my birthday tomorrow...and I would really like some more reviews as a present to me. Wink

mcooper11 · Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:51 am

omg bri happy birthday today i almost forgot but happy birthday and i just got home form vegas sunday and my internet went out on monday and i wasnt here tuesday but wow awesome update more soon

OC=SEX · Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:45 am

Does anyone even come here anymore...I used to live on this site.

Oh, the memories...

ryan=hot · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:00 am

nope
only me, newbies and pornposters.

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Topic: Changes and Choices (R/M)