Weathering Marissa

"What's there to talk about? We already know how it ends, we already lived through this once!"
- Marissa

Ch 1: Newport Living

Disclaimer: Characters and events where either scripted by Josh Schwartz or based on his show. I don't own anything, nor do I benefit from it.

Break-ups are a bitch. Alex knows this best, she's been through so many the last few years, it's just about the only thing she is certain about when concerning the word relationship, or to be more precise: Relation-Shit.

It wasn't as if she went out looking for the over-controlling types, or the heart-breaking ones, and definitely not the drama-diseased disaster kinds. She's had one too many of rich, drop-dead gorgeous brats and she will never ever invite another drug-addict into her house again, especially since her last experience with one left her one month behind on rent. Then there were the ones that stole more than just cash and a meaningful necklace, ones that stole things that could never be replaced or bought. Those were the worst.

Those were the ones that hurt.

Sighing she peered through yet another glass mug before wiping it dry. Business was always overwhelmingly slow during weekdays especially when it was only two in the afternoon. These were the times when she would reflect back on her poor choice of dates.

Maybe staying in Newport was a little stupid of her.

But then she would recall her first ever dating experience in O.C and how awkward and painfully tense it all was to sit there with Ryan Atwood. If only she had realized she was charting on dangerous territory back then, how that one little get-together would ensure her of the drama that would come crawling and eventually swallow her whole later.

Then there was Seth Cohen. He had been so hell-bent on getting over Summer Robertson, but as much as he tried he couldn't love her with the same intensity he did with his first girlfriend and Alex gets that. Cause even though she was new in town, it didn't take her long before she realized Seth was in love with Summer, and he knew it too.

So she let him go because it was an inevitable decision, and with a guy like Seth, it was best to break it up early, otherwise she might have seriously ended up liking him, in the love-sort of way. And Alex wasn't ready to fight for Seth, especially with a girl like Summer cause despite her history of fist-fight victories, it didn't matter a dime when Seth was the judge. To him, Summer was always right.

And though it doesn't really boost her ego or self-esteem, she doesn't blame Seth for asking her out, or for making her happy for the first time since her break-up Jodie, and for making her feel care-free instead of suffering the loneliness that typically accompanied moving.

Then everything went downhill after that point. As she had predicted Seth got back together with Summer, that hadn't been anything other than a smidge burn, and then she start nose-grazing Marissa and that's what killed her. It had no doubt been her most emotional relationship by far and this was before Ryan re-entered the picture.

"Hey, Tru? I'm gonna take my break now so cover me," she called out right before stepping outside for a quick breath of fresh air. Eventually her eyes way their way towards the water, it was a good day to go surfing. "Too bad I'm stuck here, working. Lovely."

The urge to grab a beer coursed through her veins hastily and hungrily, bordering desperately. "Alex?"

She turned around slightly startled, "Seth?" The familiar chicken-armed boy brought a swell of relief and happiness, "Shouldn't you be in school? Oh, is Seth Cohen being a badass?"

Brushing off her little comment with a comical attempt at a smirk, he asked shell-shocked, "I thought you skipped town. Marissa mentioned something about you heading back to L.A…not that I don't want to see you or anything like that." He added on quickly and disjointedly.

"Right. I did, for about two days. Then I remembered how annoying my parents are so I drove back here, then again I hadn't really thought I would stick around for so long. Unfortunately the former Baitshop owner died and he kinda…well left me the club. So here I am." She explained with an air of nonchalance.

Seth smiled goofily before congratulating her with a cozy bear-hug and hi-fives. "That's awesome, not about the sudden death of your boss but about you owning the Baitshop. This is definitely a win-lost-win situation."

"Right," she agreed slowly while cocking an eyebrow. To be honest Alex was just glad that someone was happy for her. "So about you skipping 'Mr. Cohen', what's up?"

"Oh. Oh! About that, I'm sort of…taking a day off!"

"I see. Wanna grab a drink?"

"Wow-wow-wow, hold on. I can't illegally drink on the same day I'm skipping, that's a double-dig. No-can-do-"

Amused she cut in, "Seth. Seth! I meant more along the lines of coke and burgers. Maybe ice-cream."

"Oh. Well then, yeah, okay. Cool."

-- -- --

"So let me get this straight, you got jealous over this guy named Zack and left after lunch?"

"Right. Oh and I totally forgot, Ryan's picking up his brother from jail, it's his release day."

"Ryan's got a brother, in jail?"

"Technically out now, but yeah. Pretty much," Noting the look of utter disbelief he stated, "I'm guessing Marissa didn't fill you in on the details of Ryan?"

"I guess not. Look, it doesn't really matter anyways." Finishing off her milkshake she started getting up, "I really should be getting back to work anyways, I might own the place but I still need to keep it running."

"Right. Wait, what time is it again?"

Alex checks her phone before answering, "It's close to four, why?"

"Shit, I have a date with Summer. Crap, crap, crap. Uh…I hate to ask, but could you-"

"I knew you would be here!" Both Alex and Seth turned wide-eyed when they heard a familiar irritated voice. "Seth! You are so- Alex?"

"Hey," the blonde weakly greeted.

-- -- --

"I thought you were somewhere in L.A," next to her Seth bobbed his head.

"I know, that's what I said."

Alex smiled awkwardly, uncertain of how to respond. "Uh…Look I don't mean to be rude or anything but I really need to get back to work. We'll catch up later, promise."

Without another word the blonde exited the crabshack, leaving Summer bubbling with questions and unfinished business, as a weak attempt she half-hearted threatened under her breath, "You owe me Kelly." Recalling her former distress she snapped her eyes back to her boyfriend, "And you. You ditched."

"But, but…" He tried to reason. Finally he settled on, "So Alex Kelly, huh? Who've guessed."

"Like yeah, totally not what I was expecting. Wait, don't try and change the subject, you are so in trouble Cohen."

"What if I said I know a secret?"

-- -- --

"So…as much fun as this looks like, wanna ditch and come to a party?"

"Since when is work ever fun?" Alex teases while serving the man next to Seth. "Now about this party, it wouldn't be a white-collar invites only event, now would it?" A smirk wrinkled the edges of her lips as she moved on to refilling a glass. "Not really my thing Seth. I'm more of an ice-cream and beach kind of girl."

"And I see that and completely understand, but, but, I'm sure you would like to be served rather than do the serving."

She shook her head, "I don't know. Didn't you say this is some promotional party for Julie? In case you don't remember, I wasn't exactly buddy-buddy with her." Slowly she leans in before whispering, "To tell you the truth." Almost like it's a scandalous secret she finishes all hush-hush like, "I don't think she likes me."

Pulling away, he makes a face, "Oh oh, shocker. Anyways you should know, you probably won't even see Julie." Eyeing the lack of confidence in Alex's eyes he began begging, "Oh come on, please, please, pretty please. Alex come on, just this once? Just to catch up?"

"Fine, just this once though." She turned to Max and asked him to cover, "Thanks Max, I know it's kind of last second and all-"

"It's cool, just be sure to consider giving me a raise sometime this year."

"Consider it done." She turned to Seth, "Give me ten minutes to change and clean up."

-- -- --

"I can't believe I let you talk me into this."

"Me neither, usually people threaten at least once before agreeing." Putting an arm around her for comfort he soothed while guiding her towards the bar, "Come on, lighten up. At least there's free food and drinks –Newport's finest!"

"Right. I just hope I don't bump into Marissa…" She murmured softly under her breath while keeping her eyes open for her ex and her ex's mom.

"Huh? What did you say? I couldn't really hear you over the stupid violins."

Sheepishly smiling she answered, "Uh, I was just wondering how loose they are about serving under-aged teens."

"Oh, getting right down to the drinking I see. Cool. Uh, it shouldn't be a problem, what do you want? I'll go get it."

"Rum with coke and please hurry."

"Aye-aye captain drunkie."

-- -- --

Oh. My. God.

Those were the only words that ran through her mind as her eyes stayed trained to the screen. Along with a few others, Alex's grip on her glass slipped as did her control over her jaw. Before long she was standing there gawking. Where the hell was Seth? And so much for not seeing Julie. This was definitely too much Julie for one night, suddenly it shows the older Cooper on her knees, probably too much for the rest of her life.

Thankfully she hadn't ran into Marissa or worse, Ryan either, she did not need the drama. With one last glance at the screen she waved for champagne. Lots and lots of champagne.

The next morning was hardly green grass and bright sun shines. "Ugh."

"Hey."

Rubbing her eyes she asked dumbly, "Summer?"

"Yeah, I saw you passed out on the backyard. Figured I'd get you out of there before Marissa spotted you."

"Thanks, but where am I?"

"Oh. I would've taken you to your apartment but turns out you aren't staying in the same flat as before."

"Uh yeah, I moved last week…"

"Right. You're at my house."

"Great. Look I know I said let's meet up and catch up, but I'm not exactly-"

"You've got a hangover, clearly you aren't up for a little chat. Aspirin and water is on the bedside table. We can talk after breakfast."

Once Summer closed the door and left, Alex took the pill before flopping back down on the bed. "Great. Can't wait."

-- -- --

"I know you don't really do breakfasts so I figured you would just want some coffee."

"How did you? Wait, Marissa. Right. So…what do you wanna know?"

"Let's start easy, why are you still here Alex?"

"Look Summer-"

"I'm not trying to be rude and I'm not implying that you shouldn't be here. I'm just curious to as why Marissa thinks you're in L.A when you are clearly here."

"If you think this is about Marissa, you're wrong. If want the details just ask Seth. Thanks for breakfast and last night, but I really should get going."

"The Baitshop can wait," the petite brunette firmly stated while keeping her hazel eyes locked onto Alex's.

-- -- --

"You know what? I know the perfect place for you."

"Really?" Both Trey and Ryan asked with eyebrows raised.

"Yeah. Why not Alex's flat?" Marissa suggested as she looked away, the blonde still a somewhat touché subject.

-- -- --

"Do you still like Coop?" She asked casually as she glanced through the menu.

"Does it matter? She's back with Atwood, right?" Alex retorted, failing to keep her voice neutral but succeeding at keeping the venom absent.

The café was nice, a bit too classy for her usual tastes but seeing as Summer was treating her, Alex didn't mind too much. Except for the fact that she was starting to feel like a charity case even though she was probably making a better salary than half of Newport now with her new job. The job she should be doing right now.

"For your information, they aren't together."

"Yet," she insisted.

"Maybe. Maybe not. Why won't you talk to her?"

"I'm not a big fan of friends with benefits."

"Oh my God, since when did you get a stick shoved up your ass?"

"Look, I don't know what you want from me, but I really got to go to work."

Before she could even attempt standing Summer ordered, "Sit."

Sighing and rolling her eyes she waited patiently. This was definitely going to be a long day.

Author's note: I figured I should help revive Malex cause there seriously has been a lack of them lately...Anyways hope you guys enjoyed this!