The O.C. My version of The Ties That Bind.
Seth, Ryan, Marissa and Summer were down at the diner having breakfast together discussing the next few weeks of the year. "Prom is coming up soon", said Summer. "We better think about what we are going to wear". Marissa looked at Summer in her dullest look. "How can I think about prom when my mom is about to marry Caleb Nichol, and not because she loves him, only for his money and I have to move in with them and as mom calls it live happily ever after." Marissa announced trying to keep calm. "This is going to be a great holiday", Seth said sarcastically. Seth and Summer started discussing their plan for an end of year party while Ryan and Marissa just sat there. They still felt a little bit weird around each other. Since Theresa arrived in Newport Ryan and Marissa's relationship went downhill and they broke up. Marissa knew she could not, not be around Ryan so they decided to be friends. But things were still weird between them. After they had finished breakfast Summer went up to pay for their meals while the other three sat in silence thinking. Seth was busy thinking that tomorrow afternoon Julie Cooper would be his grandma and that scared him to bits. Marissa was busy worrying about how her dad was coping with the engagement and being in his apartment by himself and Ryan was only concerned about Theresa, he hadn't seen or heard from her in about 3 days. She told him she was going back to Chino to get some of her stuff and then she would be coming straight back and that was two days ago. They were just about to leave the diner when Ryan got a call from Theresa. "Hey, I was getting worried about you", he said. "Um, Ryan we need to talk, can I meet you at your house in 20 minutes", she said sounding really upset. "Is everything okay". But before he could get a response she had already hung up. "Who was that", Seth asked. Ryan told him it was Theresa and that she had something important to tell him.
When they arrived back at the Cohen's house Theresa was already waiting for Ryan in the pool house. Summer, Seth and Marissa said hi and left the pool house to let them talk. They all knew something was wrong because they saw that Theresa was crying. "What's the matter", Ryan asked. "Ryan, I'm pregnant", she announced. Ryan was shocked, he knew something was wrong but he never expected this. Theresa told him that she is going to keep the baby and that she is going back to Chino. After a short conversation Theresa asked Ryan to come back with him. He didn't know what to say so he didn't say anything. Theresa started walking out the door before she stopped and said. "Give me a call when you decide, but just remember Ryan, this is your baby", she said. Theresa said goodbye to Seth, Summer and Marissa and left the Cohen's house in tears. After a few moments to breathe Ryan walked into the kitchen where Seth, Summer and Marissa were. They could tell something was wrong by the look on his face. "What is it man", Seth asked scared of what his brother was going to say. "Theresa's pregnant", he announced. As soon as Marissa heard the news she bolted out the door crying. Summer got up from her chair and started to follow her. "Marissa, wait", she yelled. As Marissa left Sandy and Kirsten arrived back from Julie's after discussing wedding plans. Marissa ran past them and didn't bother to say hi, Kirsten could also tell she was crying. "Kirsten, Sandy hi, um Seth and Ryan are in the kitchen". Summer said in a rush. "I'm sorry but I have to go", she said. "Marissa wait up". Kirsten and Sandy headed for the kitchen to find out what was going on. "Ryan we just saw Marissa, do you wanna tell us whats going on", Kirsten asked. "Everything is fine mother, nothing is wro", Seth started. But before he could finish Ryan jumped in and told Sandy and Kirsten everything. Kirsten was shocked and speechless. "You're kidding right", Sandy said. "I have never known Ryan to tell a joke". "Um, he's not joking dad", Seth added. "Oh". There was a silence until Seth couldn't take it any more. "Well, what are you going to do", Seth asked. "I don't know", he announced. Ryan was sick of the silence so he got out of his chair and went into the pool house. Meanwhile Summer and Marissa were down at a small beach with no one else around. "What's going to happen now", Marissa asked still crying. "I don't know", Summer said, "But we are going to stick together, and we need to support Ryan through this". "You're not angry at him are you", Summer questioned. "No, It just came as a shock, and now he might have to leave". "Come on, lets go see how Ryan's doing". Ryan was in the pool house thinking. He was so shocked he didn't know what to do. He didn't want to leave Newport, leave Sandy, Kirsten, Seth, Summer and Marissa they were the best things that had ever happened to him but he didn't want his son growing up without a father because he knew how painful and unfair that is. All these thoughts were rushing through his head when there was a knock at the door. It was Sandy. "Hey". "Hey" answered Ryan. Sandy sat down beside him. "Whatever you decide we are here for you", he said. "Now is there anything you need"? "I just want to be alone", Ryan answered. So Sandy left. Sandy, Kirsten and Seth were in the kitchen talking about the wedding tomorrow and everything else. "I wonder if Marissa is okay", Kirsten said. "I hope so, cause Ryan is really going to need her support", said Seth. Just then Marissa and Summer entered the kitchen. "How's he doing", she asked. "Well, he's not good and I don't think you helped running off like that, it made him feel worse than he already did", Seth argued. "Seth". "What mum she's not even dating him any more and she is making it all about her", Seth explained. Marissa tried to explain that it was only shock but she couldn't get anything in he had already left for his room. "I'm so sorry Marissa he didn't mean it he was just upset", Sandy explained. "No, he's right, do you think I should talk to Ryan", Marissa asked. "I think he just needs a little bit of time by himself", Sandy said. Meanwhile Summer headed upstairs to talk to Seth.
When she entered his room he was lying on his bed with captain oats. "Hey, you know you were a little harsh out there with Marissa". "Yeah I know", Seth admitted. "And I will apologise". "I just want to be alone for a while, tell her sorry and I will see her tomorrow". Summer gave Seth a kiss and left his room. When she got downstairs Marissa was waiting to go. "Um, do you think we could get a ride", they asked. "Sure", answered Kirsten. "I'll just get my keys. Back upstairs Seth was talking to Captain Oats. "What am I gonna do if he leaves, Oats". Seth said. " Wait I know I will go back to being the biggest loser. "Life sucks Oats, you are so lucky you are plastic". "Thanks for the ride Kirsten", said Marissa. "I will come over tomorrow morning and see Ryan". "Okay, see you then", said Kirsten. When Kirsten arrived home she made some coffee and attempted to give it to Ryan but when she entered the room it was empty, no one was there except a note. "Oh no", Kirsten whispered. She thought he had attempted to run away.
Gone for a walk at the beach be back before 6:00. Don't come looking for me, I need to do some serious thinking
Ryan.
Just then Sandy walked in and got the same impression that he ran away. "Where's Ryan", he asked." He's gone for a walk", answered Kirsten. Sandy, Kirsten and Seth were waiting in the kitchen waiting for Ryan. "He's 4 minutes late", said Seth sarcastically. "Maybe we should fill out a missing person file". "Seth he's just late, he just needs some time, he will come back", Kirsten confirmed. Just then they heard the front door open and Ryan walked into the kitchen to find his family waiting for him. "Dude your 4 minutes late we were nearly gonna file a missing persons" said Seth. "Sorry". "I did some serious thinking and it's not fair to let my child grow up without me, I know what it is like it happened to me and I don't want it to go through the same horrible thing, so tomorrow afternoon I will be moving back to Chino. Ryan could see the hurt in everyone's eyes and he couldn't bear it so he walked off into the pool house to pack up his stuff.
The next morning Ryan woke up with all his stuff packed in boxes, today was the day when he would have to leave everything he cared about most. He would miss Seth and his sarcasm, Sandy and his spectacular Sandy Cohen speeches, Kirsten and her way of making him feel safe, Summer and the way she made him laugh and the way Marissa loved him for who he was even when they went through hard times. He got dressed and headed into the kitchen, he hoped that his last breakfast with the Cohens would be something to remember but unfortunately for him Seth made that impossible. When he walked into the kitchen he saw Kirsten, Sandy and Seth ready for Julie and Calebs wedding. "Hey Ryan, You do know the weddings on today right", Kirsten asked. "Yeah, I didn't forget, you know me doesn't take me long to get ready", Ryan answered. Ryan wasn't looking forward to the wedding, first of all he hated Julie Cooper and Caleb hated him and Second of all he would have to face Marissa just before he left, which would be to painful for him just as much as her. "Ryan, why are you even going to this wedding it's obvious you can't wait to leave Newport", Seth grumbled. "Seth I hope you know that's not true", Ryan said. Seth rolled his eyes and stormed upstairs to his room. Ryan walked up to Seths room to talk to him but Seth didn't want to hear it. "Just go away", he said. So Ryan left and gave him some space. Later on at the wedding Ryan found Marissa and told her about his departure. She couldn't help falling into tears. "I understand why you have to go, but I wish you didn't have to", she said with tears rolling down her cheeks. Marissa wiped her tears and put on a brave face for the happy couple. The ceremony was beautiful, gorgeous dress, beautiful flowers, perfect church, all around perfect wedding, for some. Most of them were miserable especially Seth he wasn't mad at Ryan all though he did act like act but mostly he was just going to miss him. Before Ryan came along Seth was a loser and was treated with no respect until Ryan and when he did things turned around for Seth, like he started dating the most beautiful girl in school. He didn't want to go back to being nothing. After the wedding everyone was at the Cohen's saying goodbye to Ryan except for Seth who was upstairs in his room. "I will miss you heaps, keep in touch", said Marissa. "See ya later Atwood, I never thought I would say it but I will miss you too", announced Summer. "Where's Seth", Ryan asked. "I don't think he's coming down", Summer answered. Ryan was really disappointed he can understand what Seth was going through but could he a least say goodbye. Just then Ryan could hear footsteps coming down the stairs he looked up and saw Seth coming down to say goodbye. "Sorry I acted like a jerk, keep in touch, see ya soon", he said. "Yeah keep in touch", Ryan said with a smile on his face. "Well we better get going", Sandy said. "Kirsten are you coming", Ryan asked. "Of course I am coming I couldn't say goodbye like this". Everyone waved as the car slowly made its way down the driveway. Marissa was in tears and so was Summer believe it or not. "We better get home, see you later Cohen". "Bye Summer, I love you", he announced. He gave her a small kiss on the cheek and went back inside. "Sum, is he okay", Marissa asked. "I think he just needs to get his head around it, that's all". The drive to Chino was silent all Ryan, Sandy and Kirsten could think about was how much they were going to miss each other. They finally arrived at Theresa's house. Before Ryan could say goodbye Kirsten started crying. "I'm going to miss you so much", she said. "I know, I am going to miss you just as much". Kirsten gave him a big hug before Sandy jumped in and ruined the moment. "And Kirsten's not even a hugger", he giggled. "Oh, you always know how to ruin a moment", Kirsten said. "Well, you better get going but thanks for everything, I'll keep in touch", Ryan said. Ryan put out his hand to shake Sandys but Sandy gave him a hug instead and that's when Ryan started to cry all he wanted to do was go back to Newport and live happily with his brother, girlfriend, best friend and parents. When Kirsten and Sandy arrived back home Sandy went and ordered some dinner while Kirsten went to check on Seth. When she walked up to his room she knocked on the door but there was no answer. Then she let herself in and found empty draws and shelves and two envelopes on his bed side table. Kirsten walked over to the letters with tears rolling down her cheeks she opened the one that said Mum and Dad.
Dear Mum and Dad
No sarcasm, I'm gone
Are you sitting, standing, here goes
Before Ryan came I was well a loser my only friends were you. Then Ryan came and everything changed I was no longer bullied, I was dating the most beautiful girl ever and I had a friend. Now Ryan is gone and what do you think is going to happen. I have gone to Portland I talked to Luke and he says I can stay there. I promise to call. Love you.
Seth.
Kirsten could hardly breathe it was bad enough Ryan leaving and now Seth, what was she going to do without them. She collapsed on his bed and started crying. After Sandy ordered dinner he ran upstairs to find out where everyone was when he heard Kirsten crying. "Kirsten", he yelled. There was no response. "Kirsten". He ran into Seth's room to find her balling her eyes out. "He's gone", she said. She gave him the letter, Sandy read it and put his hands around his wife to comfort her. Meanwhile at the Caleb McMansion Marissa was unpacking her stuff into her new room. It hadn't been a day and she already missed Ryan. She went downstairs to Calebs liquor cabinet and stole of bottle of pure vodka, she took it back upstairs and started to drink. If ever Marissa had a problem she could always count on drinking to make herself feel better.
The next morning Kirsten and Sandy woke to there phone ringing. "Who would be calling at this time", Sandy questioned still half asleep. "Maybe its Seth", Kirsten said panicked. She jumped out of bed and answered the phone. "Hello". "Hey, mum it's Seth". Oh, thank god, Seth this is silly, come home", Kirsten begged. "Mum I just wanted to let you know that I got here fine and I am safe". "Seth just come home and we can talk about Ryan, but I need you here, hello, Seth". There was no answer. Kirsten smacked the phone down on the table and took a deep breathe before heading down to the kitchen. When she got there she rummaged through drawers until she could find the phone book. While trying to find Luke's number Sandy walked into the kitchen. "What are you doing", he asked. "What do you think I am doing Sandy, I'm bringing him home", she said. "Maybe you should just leave it a day, Sandy said while taking the phone from her hand. " Let him cool off, give him some space, this is his home and he is going to figure that out", Sandy confirmed. Kirsten grabbed the phone back and dialed the number. "Well then let me talk to him, you know I am very persuasive and you've already tried and well it didn't seem to work". "What the hell does that mean", Kirsten asked. "Nothing, just let me talk to him". Kirsten finally gave up and handed Sandy the phone. Sandy was surprised at the things Seth said, he had never heard him so angry, he complained about everything in Newport. "Dad here's the thing, I hate it there and I am never coming back to Orange County, now if you and mum want to move to I don't know, say anywhere else on the planet then maybe we can talk". "You're mother and I aren't going to just move", Sandy said. "Well then I guess we have nothing to talk about", Seth said just before hanging up. Sandy placed the phone down on the bench and turned to face his wife who had tears in her eyes. "What did he say". "A lot, this whole Ryan thing has really gotten to him". "Doesn't he now that we didn't want Ryan to leave anymore than he did", Kirsten said unable to control her crying. Sandy walked over to Kirsten and gave her a kiss. " I love you and he will come home, just give it time".
Meanwhile Summer and Marissa were relaxing by the pool at Calebs. " So have you talked to Ryan since he got to Chino", Summer asked. "No, I mean, what would I say to him Sum". "Um, that you love him and want him back", Summer said sarcastically. "Sum, I can't he's got a family now, I can't stand in the way". "Ok", said Summer. They were just about relaxed when Julie came out. "Oh great", whispered Marissa, "the witch has arrived. "Marissa I thought I told you to finish unpacking your stuff and clean your room". "Yeah, it's my room which means I'll clean it when I'm ready and I can't unpack it makes living with you more real", Marissa said pleased with how she just spoke to her mother. "What did you just say". "Nothing", Marissa giggled. Summer was surprised by the way they were acting, she knew things were bad between them but she didn't expect it to be like this. Julie was just about to speak when Summer's phone went off. "Uh, I'll just take this over here, you guys finish your conversation,", Summer said glad to get away from it all. Summer looked at her phone and read the Cohen's number. "Ah, must be Seth", she said. "Hey Seth, what's going on". " Ah, Summer it's Kirsten". "Oh, hey Mrs C, what's up". Kirsten told her to stop by her house for lunch because she had something important to tell her. "Ok", Summer said confused. She walked over to Marissa and Julie fighting and asked if she could get a ride. "Sure", Marissa said, "anything to get away from here". "You'll be unpacking later tonight", Julie yelled as Marissa and Summer headed for the gate. "Thanks for getting me away from her, said Marissa, "so where are we going"? "Mrs Cohen called had something important to tell me". "Huh, interesting", said Marissa. Later on Summer and Marissa arrived at the Cohen's huge mansion. "I can't believe how big this house is", said Marissa. "Me neither, anyway lets go see what we are wanted for". Marissa knocked on the door and Kirsten answered. "Hey, Kirsten", said Marissa. "Hi, come in". "Are you alright", asked Marissa knowing something was wrong. "Yeah, I'm fine", she said, but Marissa knew she had just been crying. Kirsten lead them into the kitchen. "So where's Seth", Summer asked. "Ah, that's what I wanted to talk to you about, um, this thing with Ryan has really gotten to him and", she started. "He ran away, didn't he", Summer said not looking surprised. "What", Marissa said startled. "That little bitch", said Summer, "Where did he go"? "Portland, he's uh staying with Luke. "Wow", said Marissa still shocked. Kirsten handed Summer the letter and told her not to be mad at him and to just talk to him, try and convince him to come home. "Ok, I can do that", she said, "oh, and Mrs Cohen don't worry, I'll drag him back if I have to". The drive back to Summer's was silent, Summer kept fiddling with the letter. "Are you going to read it or just stare at it", Marissa asked. "Oh ah, read it I was actually just about to", she said pretending to be strong. She opened the letter and read it out loud.
Dear Summer.
You know that before Ryan came I was a loser, you didn't even know who I was and can you imagine what is going to happen now that he is gone, so that is why I had to leave. I love you lots and I will miss you heaps. I promise to call, love Seth.
"Oh Summer I am so sorry", Marissa said. "It's ok, I'll talk to him and he will come home", she said trying her hardest not to fall into tears but Marissa could tell she was upset. When they arrived back at Summers house she ran into the kitchen where the phone was and dialed Luke's number. "Hey, it's Luke". "Oh, hi Luke it's Summer, is uh, Cohen there", she asked. "Sure I'll just get him for you". Luke handed Seth the phone and he was surprised that Summer had called him. "Hey Summer". "Cohen, get your skinny little ass back to Newport before I come up there and kick you out", she yelled. "Summer I'm not coming back", he said. "What do you mean your not coming back, you're just going to live with Luke and his gay dad, quit school and find a job". "Well, Summer I have already got a job and yes I will live with Luke and his gay dad but I won't quit school, I've already enrolled at Portland High for the new semester". "Well it looks like you've got a whole new life planned so I will just leave you to it", she said. "Summer". "No Cohen I don't want to hear it, just don't call me or I'll have you killed and don't think I'm lying I'm being serious so goodbye". Summer dashed upstairs into her room and slammed the door and sat on her bed crying until Marissa came. "Oh hey come on, it'll be ok, just give him time", Marissa said comforting Summer. "Oh I don't care, I mean come on I never really liked Cohen anyway, Coop I just want to be alone". So Marissa went home and when she got there she didn't know what to do but she knew what she wanted to do and that was to call Ryan. Ryan and Theresa were at there small house in Chino having lunch but nothing was really happening everyone was silent until the phone rang. "I'll get it", Theresa said as she jumped out of her chair. "Hello". "Hi, Theresa it's uh, Marissa". "Oh hey Marissa, what's up". "Oh, I was just wondering if I could talk to Ryan". "Sure, I'll just put him on". Theresa went back into the kitchen and told Ryan that Marissa was on the phone wanting to talk to him. Theresa handed him the phone and he went outside so he could talk to her privately. "Hey, Marissa". "Ryan, hey, I was just wondering do you think you could come back to Newport this weekend I thought I would get everyone together for lunch or something", she said. "Yeah that sounds great", Ryan said. "Well I'm not sure Seth will want to come but", she started. "What do you mean Seth may not come he lives there", Ryan asked confused. "Oh, I thought you knew". "Knew what", Ryan asked. "Ryan, Seth left Newport, he ran away". "Well where is he alright, do you now where he is". "He's in Portland with Luke and he is ok, so what about this Saturday at 11:00, does that sound good", Marissa said. "Uh, no I'm bust that day", he said. "Ok then what about Sunday at 11:00, she said. There was no answer and it didn't take her long to realize that he had hung up. All thoughts were running through her mind. Should I call him back, give him some time, go to Chino and see how he is doing, but Marissa chose to keep her distance it was to painful to see or talk to him because they would never be together.
The next morning Kirsten was in the kitchen pacing around the telephone waiting for Seth to call when Sandy came back from surfing. "Honey, what are you doing", he asked. "Waiting for Seth to call", she answered. "Ok look if it'll make you feel better and get you to calm down, I will go up to Portland this afternoon and see him". Kirsten turned and faced Sandy. "That's a great idea", she said, "but maybe I should go". "No, I don't think that is a good idea", he said. "Why not", she asked. But before she could get a response the phone rang. Kirsten didn't hesitate and answered the phone. "Hello". "Hey, Kirsten it's Ryan". "Ryan", she said surprised. Sandy was to. "When were you going to tell me about Seth?" he confronted. "Oh Ryan I'm sorry, it's just we have had a lot on our mind with you leaving and now Seth, but Sandy is going up to Portland this afternoon if you would like to go and see him to", she said. " You're right, I'm sorry, oh and I would go but I can't, Theresa has an appointment at the doctors so, yeah". "Ok then, talk to you later".
Later that afternoon Sandy arrived at Luke's house while Seth and Luke were playing play station. "Come on, Come on, Come on", Luke yelled. "Yes, he scores, he scores, no, what, man what happened you just died", Seth explained. "I'll beat you next round", Luke confirmed. Seth was just about to start when there was a knock at the door. "I'll get it", Luke said, "But then you're gonna be dead". Luke opened the door and was surprised to see Sandy. "Mr C, come in", he said. Seth turned his head and for once he was speechless. "Oh, god", he said. "Hey Luke, Seth", Sandy said. Seth's mouth was wide open and all he could do was wave. "So Sandy would you like to stay for dinner?" Luke asked. Seth shook his head. "Sure, why not", Sandy said looking at Seth with a grin on his face. Luke was showing Sandy around when Seth grabbed his father on the arm and pulled him into his bedroom. "Dad, what are you doing here?" Seth asked angrily. "Seth I need you to come home because you are killing your mother and she is killing me". "Dad this isn't about you". "Yes it is, it is about me because I did not raise you to grow up like a spoilt brat and run away when things get tough". "Dad you can't expect me to grow in Newport the place I hate most and tell me everything bad about it then expect me to go back there, you just can't, now if you don't mind I would like you to leave". Sandy didn't want to argue anymore so he decided to leave. "Look Seth if you want to stay here fine, but keep in touch, go to school and for god sakes call your mother", he said. Seth was so happy he got permission to stay here so now he didn't feel guilty. Now there was just two calls he needed to make. "Hey mum it's Seth". "Hey, so your father told me that you are staying up there now". "Yeah look I just want you to know I'm sorry mum and I love you". "Me to, look I have to go but call me later ok", she said. Kirsten didn't really need to go anywhere but she was just about to break into tears and she didn't want Seth to hear. "Ok, that went well, Seth said to himself, "hope the next one goes that well". Summer was in her room watching a "Valley" marathon on T.V when the phone rang. "Hello", she said. "Summer hey it's Seth". "Cohen what did I say don't call me". "I know but I just wanted to talk to you". "Yeah and I also said we have nothing more to talk about, Cohen this is your last warning if I hear from you again I will have you killed", she said as she hung up the phone, which made her proud of herself. "Damn, well at least I got one good conversation", Seth said. "Hello, Summer, are you ready", Marissa asked. "Ready, Ready for what", she questioned. "The beach party". "Oh right, the beach party yeah I don't think I'm going to go". "What, why not"? "Because there's a Valley marathon on so", she started. "So nothing we are going, now get dressed, come on". The party was one of those typical Newport parties with girls in bikinis, guys fighting and people drinking until they pass out. Before Ryan came Marissa and Summer used to come to these parties all the time but when Seth and Ryan came along they stopped going and Summer didn't know what she was doing back here but she knew it had something to do with how Marissa was feeling since it was her idea to come. Summer turned around to ask Marissa why they were there and noticed that she had gone, gone to the drinks, as a matter of a fact she had already started drinking.