Edited version: I've been going back and fixing all the spelling mistakes in the story.
Ryan walked into the visiting room where Seth was waiting for him at the table. Memories of when he first met the Cohen''s flooded past him as he walked into the room, for the first time not a prisoner but a visitor. He slid in the seat in front of Seth who looked like hell.
"How are you holding up?" He asked softly. Seth''s head was down and he shrugged.
"All right." He said. "Screwed but all right."
"You''re not screwed." Ryan contradicted him. "Kirsten said that Caleb is going to pay your bail."
"Yeah, only because he wants to keep the press out of this for his chances on running for Mayor. He doesn't want them to know that his only grandson is a killer."
"You''re not a killer."
Seth snorted.
"I killed someone didn't I?"
"Well yes, but..."
"Then that means that I'm a killer. Besides even if Grandpa does pay for my bail who's to say that I won''t go back to jail after the trial''s over?"
"You won't." Ryan assured him. "Sandy found a terrific lawyer. Steve McKinley."
"Wait, dad's not going to defend me?!" Seth looked up and when he did Ryan saw the shiner. Ryan stared at it quietly.
"Who gave you the shiner?" He demanded.
"Answer my question first."
"Just like families aren't allowed to operate on each other, lawyers aren't allowed to defend each other. To much conflict. They are already biased even before they know what the case is about because it''s their families. Father''s are especially not allowed to defend their sons or daughters. Now answer my question, where the hell did you get that shiner?"
"It was just a stupid fight, there are tons worse ones in any Jail Ryan. Are you sure about Steve?"
"Who did it?" Ryan snapped, fury in his eyes. Damn it, he wasn't there to protect Seth, and he knew that this would happen.
"No one, Ryan. Just forget it. Now about Steve, how good is he?"
"Why are you so obsessed about Steve?" Ryan snapped.
"Why? Because this is my life we're talking about here!" Seth practically shouted. "I can't spend a year in this place Ryan. You've seen what they could do to me! If I go back there for good I'm a dead man. I need to make sure that my lawyers the best there is."
"Steve's the best." Ryan assured him, trying to take deep calm breaths. "Otherwise Sandy wouldn't have hired him."
Seth looked at him and nodded, knowing how true that statement was.
"When's my Grandfather going to pay for the bail?" He almost pleaded. He was getting desperate here.
"As soon as he's done with his meeting." Ryan told him.
"What meeting could be more important then his grandson's safety?" Seth snapped and then snorted as he said that. "Stupid me, forgot whose Grandfather we're talking about."
"I'm sure this meeting was very important and that he couldn't get out of it, whatever it is." Ryan told Seth patiently, understanding Seth's fear and anger. He looked at the shiner and knew that Seth needed to get out now. Where the hell was Caleb?
Scene switches to Caleb's office.
"I am surprised how willing you have agreed to this arragement." Caleb was saying smoothly.
"So am I." Said a male's voice, we couldn't see his face though. "But are you sure Ryan would even want to see me? Let alone live with me?"
"Trust me." Caleb looked up and handed the man the check. "Every boy wants a father, no matter how bad he is."
We then see Frank Atwood sitting in the chair. He looks very uncomfortable.
"I'm not sure that I should take this." He said, studying the large sum of money.
"Don't tell me that the money couldn't help you out. Let you go back and finish college. Now that you have your Bachelors Degree you can get your Masters. And you and Ryan could live a wealthier and better life."
"It doesn't feel right, taking money to take my kid away."
"Look you're his father. I can get connections with the child services to have them take Ryan away. To have him live with you again, permanently. We're in this together. You need the money and want to bond with Ryan again, and I need Ryan out of my hair. He has been nothing but trouble for my family since he's got here."
"This is my son you're talking about." Frank's voice rose a bit.
"Yes I know. It's not completely his fault. Trouble just seems to show up wherever he goes." Caleb told Frank. "Now do we have a deal?" Frank looked at Caleb, looked at the check for a million dollars, thinking of a better life for him and Ryan-his only son now-and nodded.
"We have a deal." He agreed.
"Good." Caleb stood up and they shook hands. "I have to go bail out my grandson before those animals tear him up."
"Your grandson, isn't he the one that killed Trey?" Frank asked, pursing his lips.
"On accident." Caleb looked at him. "It wasn't Seth's fault. If Ryan hadn't gone over there in the first place..."
"So now it's Ryan's fault that Trey's dead?"
Caleb looked at him.
"It was an accident, can we leave it at that?" He pleaded, needing Frank's cooperation. Frank glared at Caleb, knowing the sooner he gets a hold of Ryan, the sooner he can get the hell out of there. But every time Seth Cohen's name was mentioned he got tense.
"An accident." He agreed.
"Good, glad we have that cleared up." Caleb put on his jacket and left Frank alone in his office. Frank studied the picture of Seth on the wall.
"An accident." He repeated to himself, ideas slowly forming his mind. "An accident."
With that he walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Scene goes to Credits and then commercials.
Scene switches to the Cohen home. Sandy, Kirsten, Ryan and Seth are climbing out of the car.
"Home!" Seth cried and fell to his knees kissing the dirt and grass. "Home sweet home!"
"Okay that's just pathetic." Ryan said causing Sandy and Kirsten to laugh at the odd sight.
"Maybe for you but you don't know what it's like in there!" Seth defended himself and looked at Ryan sheepishly. "Oh that's right you do."
A throat cleared causing Seth and Ryan to turn and look at a very amused man standing in the front lawn.
Sandy laughing introduced him.
"Seth, this is your lawyer, Steve McKingly."
"Oh, it's great to meet you." Seth shook Steve's hand.
"Nature lover?" Steve's eyes twinkled at that.
"Sort of." Seth looked sheepish.
"How about you boys go on inside with the groceries?" Kirsten suggested, opening the back of the car. "We'll get the rest and then you and Mr. McKingly can talk about your case Seth."
"Call me Steve, Mr. McKingly makes me feel old." Steve told them.
"You are old." Seth reminded him and Ryan glared at him.
"Yeah but I don't have to be reminded of it." Laughed Steve.
"Seth." Kirsten gave a look that only a mother could give to her son and Seth knew to shut up and help Ryan with the groceries.
"Thank you for helping us Steve." Kirsten told him as she got two bags out.
"It's my pleasure." Steve reached for a bag but Sandy stopped him.
"Can I talk with you for a second Steve?" He asked as Kirsten headed into the home.
"Yeah sure, what is it?" Steve asked.
"I know you're doing this as a favor but I don't want you to treat this just like any client. This is my son you're defending."
Steve grinned.
"You haven't changed a bit since law school Sandy. Always the family man."
"I'm serious Steve. I don't kid when it comes to my family."
"I know." Steve was equally serious. "I don't when it comes to mine. Trust me Sandy, I'm doing everything in my power to keep Seth out of jail for good."
Sandy studied him and nodded.
"I believe you." He said and picked up two bags. "Mind grabbing the rest?" He asked as he headed to the house.
"Sure thing." Steve agreed and both headed up to the kitchen, both their minds on the same thing. Trying to keep Seth Cohen out of jail.
When they get to the kitchen Seth is on the phone.
"I can't wait!" He said in an excited tone. "It's going to be great to see you again!"
"Who's Seth on the phone with?" Sandy asked as he and Steve set the bags down. Ryan shrugged.
"The phone was ringing when we came in and he answered it." He said.
Seth hanged up then, his entire face lit up.
"You'll never guess who's in Newport right now!" He said eagerly.
"Luke is but I already know that." Ryan said.
"Wait, Luke's back? That's wonderful!" Kirsten said.
"Um back to me know?" Seth said. They all turned to him, they were all used to his mannerism except for Steve who was rather taken back by that comment.
"Anna Stern is coming back!" He said excitedly causing them all to stare at each other.
"Wow, everyone's coming back." Ryan said after a few moments of silence.
"Yeah I know, what is it like, reunion time or something?" Seth agreed.
"Why did she move back?" Kirsten wondered. Seth shrugged.
"Dunno. She said she wanted to see me right away."
"Does she know about Trey?" Sandy asked.
"Dad!" Seth looked frustrated. "It's Anna! Come on guys, you're acting like a bomb exploded!"
"We're sorry sweetie, it was just rather a surprise, and with everything that's going on." Kirsten sighed but then smiled again. "I would love to see Anna again though." She said.
"So would I." Ryan agreed quickly, not realizing how much he missed Anna. Anna was the first decent kid in Newport. Decent to him that is, other then Seth and Marissa.
"Well I'm going to head over to where she's staying at. She wanted to tell me something right away."
Seth looked excited for the first time since Trey's death so of course Sandy and Kirsten let him go, equally happy that he'll get to reunite with his old friend again.
"Oh my God, Seth!" She squealed and threw her arms around him. He hugged her back too.
"It's great to see you!" She cried. "Come in come in." She hurried him inside.
"I can't believe you're back." Seth grinned, truly happy for the first time since the shooting, "You and Luke!"
"Luke's back to?" She laughed. "Sit, sit. We have so much to catch up on!" She smiled as they sat in the livingroom.
"Nice house." Seth remarked. She smiled and suddenly seemed nervous.
"Look Seth, I have something to tell you." She looked down. "It's why I'm here..."
"I have something to tell you too." Seth answered, thinking of Trey. He'd have to tell Anna sooner or later. Especially if he ends up going back to jail.
"Can I tell you first? I've been working up the courage to tell you ever since I moved back here."
"Wait, how long have you been here?"
"A few months."
"A few months! Why didn't you tell me?" Seth was shocked.
"I have a reason for that all right Seth?" Anna suddenly looked no longer cheerful but actually fairly upset. "I um...after I moved back home I found out some news.." She sighed. "And not very pleasant news." She looked at Seth. "I'm sick Seth."
Seth looked at her.
"Sick? How sick? I mean you'll get better right?" He looked confused at this and she shook her head.
"No I don't think so." tears formed her eyes. "I'm dying Seth."
Seth stared at her, shocked...
scene goes to commercial
"Wait, what do you mean your dying?" Seth was sure he heard wrong. He had to. Anna put her hand on her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"I moved back here because of the medicine. My parents and I moved back here cause of the doctors. They've tried almost everything. We're going to start radiation as our last alternative but Seth..." She shook her head. "It doesn't look good for me Seth."
"Radiation?" Seth looked sick. "You have cancer?"
She nodded.
"Leukemia." She said softly. "Acute Leukemia."
"You'll beat it though. I mean you're Anna Stern, a fighter! We still have radiation. and Chemo right? We still have those!"
Anna stood up because Seth started to pace.
"Seth, I'm so sorry!" She cried. "Oh God, Seth..." She had tears rolling down her cheeks. "I hated God for the longest time you know? I thought about talking to you, calling you..."
"Then why didn't you?" Seth snapped, unusually cruel.
"I don't know." She shook her head. "I wanted to...It's just that if I did would be so much more real. I guess I didn't know how to tell you...Seth..."
Seth just shook his head, his happiness wiped out of him.
"Why now?" He asked, sounding so tired. "Why? Why did you have to tell me now at all times?"
She looked confused at that.
"What do you mean?" She asked. He shook his head.
"I can't deal with this too." He muttered, sounding exhausted as he sank back down on the couch. "Not this too."
"What do you mean?" She repeated. He looked up with tears in his eyes.
"I killed someone." He said quietly. "And I'm going on trial for murder." Anna just stared at him and her mouth dropped in horrified shock...
Scene switches to the Nichol Manor. Marissa walks in the kitchen where Julie is at.
"Well, I heard that Caleb finally told you the wonderful news." Julie smiled at her daughter who rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, he's running for Mayor. What a surprise."
"I don't appreciate your tone young lady." Julie said sternly.
"Well I don't appreciate him trying to take my friends away!" She shot back and Julie sighed.
"Well that explains it." She muttered. "He told you what he wants you do to? To stay away from Ryan, Seth and Summer then?"
"Yes and it's not fair mom!"
"Life's not fair!" Julie shot back. "This is a wonderful opportunity Marissa! Would it kill you to just cooperate for a change?"
"Wonderful opportunity for who mom? All you care is that your family always has plenty of money to splurge. You don't care if they are really happy though do you?" With that Marissa stormed out of the house and took off in her car where she drove to Summer's house. Unawhere that she was speeding she groaned when she saw the flashing lights of the police officer...
Scene switches to Luke and Ryan at a bench
"Man oh man, I can't believe that Seth's going to jail. I mean of all people." Luke snorted.
"Yeah me neither." Ryan agreed and Luke looked at him.
"So what are you going to do about all this?" He asked and Ryan sighed.
"That I don't know." He replied, totally lost. " I just don't know."
"Well cheer up, how much worse can it get right?" Luke asked, slapping him on the back. Ryan gave look a famous Ryan stare that he reserved for family or close friends only.
"Trust me." He assured Luke. "Things could get worse, a lot worse." And of course Ryan Atwood was right.
Scene switches back to the Nichol Manor
"$1500?! Marissa!" Julie was holding the ticket in rage.
"So what if I got a ticket? It's not the end of the world!" Marissa shot back.
"What has gotten into you? Lately you've been nothing but trouble!"
"Maybe I haven't been the trouble, have you ever thought of that?" Marissa snapped back at Julie.
"When Caleb finds out about this..."
"What's the big deal? It's not like he can't afford it."
"That's not the point!" Julie glared at her daughter. "That's it." She snapped. "I've had it, this was the last straw Marissa Cooper."
"What are you talking about?" Marissa paretically snarled, and almost rolled her eyes at her mother but thought better of it.
"You're going to boarding school. With your sister."
"Mom you can't do that!" Marissa was horrified.
"I can and I just did. Your attitude is unacceptable lately. And it would help Caleb and the whole situation of keeping you apart from your friends."
"Oh yes, just do anything for your new husband and for money! Including making your daughter miserable!"
"Stop being so melodramatic Marissa, it's not the end of the world..."
"For you it isn't! I have to live there!" Marissa cried, hot angry tears rolling down her cheeks. "My whole life is at Newport!"
"Exactly, it will help you to see a bit of the world Marissa. To study abroad even..."
Marissa just glowered at Julie. It was such a stare that it even disturbed Julie Cooper.
"I hate you." Marissa said flatly and stormed out of the room.
"Marissa..." Julie sighed but it was to late, Marissa had stormed outside and once again taking the car, not giving a damn at that point about the tickets...
Ryan was still at the Pier but this time Seth was there with him, both just looking out at the water watching the sun set.
"Wow, so Anna's sick?" Ryan asked, stunned.
"Believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are." Seth said. Ryan shook his head.
"Boy with things get weird around here, they just get weird." He looked at Seth. "You okay man?" He asked. Seth shrugged, almost lifelessly.
"No. I'm probably going back to jail for who knows how long for murder and one of my closest friends is dying...So no I'm not all right. I'm not all right at all."
Ryan sighed.
"We'll get through this okay bro?" He promised Seth. "And you'll not go to jail. Sandy, Steve and I will make sure of that."
"You can't be sure of anything but thanks anyway." Seth smiled. "For trying to help."
"Any time." Ryan said seriously.
"Ryan?" Said a voice from the past. Ryan and Seth both turned and Ryan stared at Frank Atwood, his father.
"Dad?" He asked, shocked, causing Seth to be stunned twice in one day. Frank nodded.
"Yeah."
"What are you doing here?" Ryan almost snapped, not wanting to see him again.
"I'm out of jail and I'm here because I live here now." Frank told him. "And I want you back Ryan. I want my family back."
Ryan and Seth just stared at him as the screen goes blank and then
Goes to credits.