INTRO

After not seeing her for 2 months over the summer holidays, she was finally coming home. She went to Italy with her sister Caitlin and mom, to "reconnect" the Cooper family back together. Those 2 months were needed with their history, being full of drama and stress. Before college back in high school up till now, the Cooper family was slowly coming together again. Even Jimmy took a break from his job on the boat to go to Italy. And now, they were finally comfortable in calling themselves a "family". But because summer was coming to an end, and school started again, Jimmy had to go back to work and the rest of the Copper's had to return home, to Newport. And after 2 months of patiently waiting over the summer, of lazy days spent brooding in the poolhouse, Ryan would finally see Marissa again.

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They have been attending Berkely together for 2 years now, going on their third. Over those years, they have become very close friends; at least they saw it like that. Everyone around them – Seth, Summer, Sandy, Kirsten, and even Julie - saw that they still had that spark between them. But of course, Marissa and Ryan claimed they just wanted to "focus on their studies" – at least, that's what they thought.

It was Christmas Eve in 2007, during the second year at Berkely, the Cohen's, the Cooper's, and the Roberts' all gathered together at the Cohen's over the holidays. The adults were out drinking wine while back in the living room, the fab four as well as Caitlin and her boyfriend of the week, all hung out. Ryan was unsure at that point, how he felt about Marissa. Over the years, ever since they escaped high school and went to college, she changed. She became more mature and there was definitely less drama, although she was still kind-hearted and caring – the girl whom he fell for ever since his first night in Newport. As they all continued to make fun of Seth and reconnect with each other, (Seth and Summer go to Brown, Caitlin and her boyfriend go to Harbour), drinking eggnog, that was the moment Ryan thought to himself: was he actually falling for Marissa? He would steal quick glances at her and couldn't help but smile when he saw her laugh and smile. Those eyes, green and full of life, that nose that would wrinkle when she makes a face at Seth, those pearly white teeth that show when she is full of happiness and laughter, and the love that she shows towards everyone – thinking of all those things, Ryan's ears started to burn and his heart started to swell. He couldn't tell what was going on inside him. But at midnight, all the lights in the living room were off but the TV was still on, playing a movie. Ryan looked over and saw Summer with her head on Seth's shoulder, Kaitlin doing the same with her boyfriend; they were all fast asleep on the couch. Ryan turned to look at Marissa on the opposite side of him. She too, was asleep. He smiled when he saw her, clearly dreaming about something nice. That moment, that perfect scene before his eyes, he fell for her, and hit hard.

For Marissa, it was New Year's Eve of that same year. The three families gathered once again but this time, at the Roberts' house. They all wanted to celebrate the past year/new year. It was around 8:30, and Ryan was on his way. Unforunately, Kirsten called him asking him to run go back home because they needed some wine, desserts, and the camera that she all forgot. He quickly went back to get everything, but as he was making his way once again to Summer's, there was traffic. Ryan tried to call Kirsten, just to let her know, but his phone died. As things seemed to be getting only worse, traffic became slower and slower. At the Roberts', the kids all planned to relocate to the beach to watch the fireworks from there, so they tried to get a hold of Ryan.

"We'll let him know when he gets here, he shouldn't be much longer." Kirsten said.

"Don't worry! You kids just be safe and have fun! Happy New Year!" Julie said as she hugs Caitlin and Marissa. And so Seth, Summer, Marissa, Caitlin and her boyfriend were off to the beach.

As a car backed up from one of the driveways, Ryan quickly had to manoeuvre around, accidentally spilling some wine on his pants. Great, just what I needed, Ryan thought. Once he arrived it was 11:30. Sandy greeted him, thanked him and looked over to his pants.

"There was this stupid car and you know... stupid wine," he turned red out of embarrassment. Sandy laughed.

"Thank you. We shouldn't have asked you with traffic being this bad"

"It's okay, really. Not a problem. Where is everyone?"

"OH right! Your phone died to Seth couldn't reach you. They all went to the beach to watch the fireworks. If you leave now, you can make it"

"Okay, I'll go right now. Happy New Year Sandy" Ryan quickly ran to his car.

"Happy New Year!" Sandy called out to him; he couldn't help but smile at Ryan's urgency.

The 5 of them already there were around a bonfire. Seth and Summer were sharing a blanket, Marissa beside them with her own, and Caitlin leaning against her boyfriend.

"Man, Ryan better be coming!" Seth said.

"I'm gonna take a walk. C'mon Jake." Caitlin said, pulling Jake to go with her.

"I'm gonna go for a walk too, leave you two love birds alone. I mean, I don't really wanna end 2007 and start 2008 being the third wheel with you two." Marissa teased. And she got up and made her way to the lifeguard stand.

Ryan drove as fast as he could. There was only 3 minutes left as he arrived on the beach and sprinted to where they all were. When he got there, he only saw Seth and Summer.

"Oh she went for a walk. Hurry dude. You're gonna miss it" Seth said. Summer couldn't help but wonder what Ryan was gonna miss. But then she put two and two together.

"C'mon Atwood. Vamanos!" Summer said. Ryan glared at Seth, angry he told Summer. Seth responded with pleading eyes, telling him he swore he didn't. But then Ryan looked at his watch – 11:59, he had no time to be angry with Seth, he turned around and ran for the lifeguard stand. Getting nearer to it, he slowed down his pace and started to walk. He then saw her there, sitting down looking out to the water. He walked up and stood there watching her.

"Just run a marathon or something?" Marissa said, laughing. Ryan just noticed that he was still panting from running, then turned slightly red, embarrassed. He looked down.

Marissa just laughed some more. "Come sit, the fireworks should begin soon. Unless you wanted to join Seth and Summer, three-way." Ryan smiled at her and sat down beside her. A gust of wind shot at their direction and Marissa's body shivered at the coldness.

"Here," Ryan said, giving her his leather jacket. As he slowly puts it on her, Marissa could see the pair of bluest eyes look deep into hers. He gently places the jacket on her shoulders and rubbed her arms, hoping to give off some heat. His actions of kindness and care made her realize how much she's missed him. Being with him.

"Thanks" she said. His hair being blown in the wind and his arms growing goose bumps. She continues to look at him and he continues to look at her. Marissa couldn't help but think about that one new year's, Ryan was panting and out of breath from running. They shared a beautiful kiss right at midnight. Will it be like that tonight? she thought.

She snaps out of her thought when Ryan speaks up, "You know, running away from Seth and Summer about to makeout was the first time in a long time I've ran so hard. Last time I could remember, was probably those stairs going up to the penthouse that other New Year's...meeting you..." He realizes his simple comment was her exact thought at that moment. He continues to gaze at her until he leans in. As their faces slowly inch closer to each other, their lips almost meeting, a crash and bang made both of them jump. The fireworks started.

Marissa smiled at the colours in the sky and looked over to Ryan. "Happy New Year, Ryan."

"Happy New Year, Marissa" She leaned her head and rested it on his shoulders, as Ryan wrapped his arm around her. Though the fireworks stopped them from sharing their first kiss in a long time, she still saw this as the perfect moment. And from this moment on, Marissa was falling again, for the boy from Chino.