Hey guys! Glad to be back. I'm done high school! YAY! So with that said, the busiest craziest year of my life is now in the past. And now I'm back at it! So sorry for not posting and all; My laptop broke and all my files are now gone. Extremely angry with that but, using my father's laptop I decided to start fresh with this new story I had in mind. Really hope you enjoy! Reviews are super welcomed! (Also wanna s/o to Chinocoop81 for being my greatest 'the OC R/M fanfic inspiration'. Check all of hers out, they're all really good reads)
The story begins and starts off in Ryan's car; Ryan and Marissa are on their way to the airport.
"So call, email, send me a postcard," Ryan fixated his eyes on the road, "or whatever."
Marissa responded with a faint smile, even though both of them weren't even looking at each other. She knows she'll miss him. So much. The past few weeks, she actually started to feel like they were becoming really great friends. However, with their rocky history, she is still unsure where he stands and where his heart is.
In a perfect world, she would be leaving for a year and Ryan would be waiting for her. For 12 months they will be continuously talking to each other, whether on the phone or by email, rebuilding that relationship they had. As the distance from each other reignites a flame that was never put out from the moment they shared on the driveway, they will grow even closer to each other. And finally, As she returns to Newport in 12 months, he will be there, ready and awaiting, to pick her up from the airport. She will run into his welcoming arms, and they can finally be together.
But, this isn't a fairytale. This is life. Reality. They both know that their time is over – for now. They need to live their own respective lives, grow independently, before giving their relationship another go. Although it was a comforting feeling for her, as Ryan said those words right when she told him the news.
"It sounds great. It's what you need."
They finally arrived at the airport. Dreading their goodbye, Ryan slowly pulls up to the DEPARTURE lane and begins to unload Marissa's luggage. He handles each suitcase with such delicacy, as if it were the most fragile and important thing in the universe. Marissa observes his carefulness and realizes he's hating this just as much as she is. When the car is fully emptied, and it's time for her to go, they finally meet eyes.
After what seemed like eternity of just staring at each other, Marissa broke the intensity and chuckled. "I don't know if I can even say it. 'Goodbye' and all..."
"Then don't. How about," Ryan paused, "I'll see you soon?"
Marissa smiled from ear to ear. He is so cute.
"I know it's a little bit of an understatement–"
"Yeah just a little", she continued to smile, making Ryan blush. "Okay then, I'll see you soon, Ryan Atwood."
They both look around, down at their shoes, then reconnect their eyes again. They laugh at their own shyness. Moving closer together, they come in for a hug. Ryan breathes in the sweet scent of Marissa Cooper, while she enjoys his protective embrace around her. She plays around with the hair in the back of his head as he squeezes a little tighter, not wanting to let go.
When they break apart, Marissa is still smiling at Ryan. "It's a scary ocean out there polluted with pirates. I don't know how I'm going to make it without you this time. No more kid Chino next door to save Cosmo girl."
He laughs at her joke. Although sensing a little truth in what she's saying. "You're going to be fine. And if anything happens, you know I'll always be here for you." He says seriously. Feeling things starting to become tense, Ryan quickly tries to joke back. "Besides, maybe the distance is good. You've clearly been hanging out with Seth a little too much. You're beginning to talk like him."
Flight 909 to Hawaii now boarding at gate 10, Flight 909 to Hawaii now boarding at gate 10.
"That's me. I should really go." Marissa says, gathering all her things and ready to make her way. "Thank you. For everything."
"Go do what you need to do, Cooper. And I'll see you soon." He smiles, with that famous crooked smile of his.
With last glances exchanged between the two, Marissa picked up her luggage and made her way to the departure gates. She knew she shouldn't turn back for one last glance, in case any doubts creep in and stopped her from doing this. She had to do this for herself. And even Ryan. So she boldly continues to walk towards the gate. Ryan watches her every move until she disappeared within the crowds in the airport.
Driving home, Ryan couldn't help but feel conflicted. Marissa's gone, and that kills him to see her go. But for her to leave, to work for her dad, to be surrounded in a new atmosphere where she can learn and grow independently, Ryan couldn't help but feel proud of her. One day she was just a troubled teenager with her own share of struggles, but now she is striving to become something of herself. He's worried that maybe she won't need him anymore to save her. But excited to see her when they meet again, nonetheless. And, above all emotions he feels, he hopes that the year ahead, she won't grow out of their relationship. She's everything to him and he can't imagine his future without her. Whether he treasures their friendship or is still in love with her, Ryan still doesn't know himself. All he knows is that it's only been 25 minutes, and he already misses her like mad.
When he arrives at the house late past midnight, he is surprised to see Kirsten greet him in the kitchen.
"You didn't have to stay up for me," Ryan said.
"Oh no, it's okay sweetie. Julie gave this to me from Marissa. There were specific instructions that I had to give it when you arrived from dropping her off. And I didn't want to disappoint anyone so... Here," Kirsten offered him a small envelope labeled Ryan.
He took it recognizing immediately it was Marissa's writing. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Kirsten took her mug of tea and made her way to her and Sandy's bedroom, "Goodnight."
Ryan entered the poolhouse and sat down on his bed with the envelope on his lap. He opened with, again, such delicacy, as if anything of or from Marissa possessed such fragility.
Meanwhile, Marissa was on the plane heading to Hawaii. Majority of the passengers around her were sleeping, but she couldn't seem to fall into a slumber. Too many thoughts occupied her mind. She reached into her carry-on bag, hoping that some music will help her sleep. However, she was surprised to see, not her iPod but a letter labeled Marissa.
She knew it was Ryan's writing the moment she saw it and wondered when he snuck it into her bag. She didn't pay too much attention to that and began opening it, curious to find out what it says.
She reads...