Thanks for the reviews! Even though it was only a few, they still were very encouraging! It gave me a little push to update quicker. And plus, I had some extra time so... Here's chapter 7! Don't forget to rate and review! Enjoy


It's been two months since Ryan said his final goodbye to Kevin Volchok. He called once, in the middle of the night, surprising Ryan. It was only 3 weeks after they said goodbye. He wanted to inform Ryan that he was able to rent an apartment with one of the construction workers, and that he's doing well. He was obviously drunk, slurring each word he said; but by the end of it, Kevin thanked Ryan. And then he hung up as he spotted a hot girl. Some things never will change.

It has also been one month since he's last heard of Marissa Cooper. It was by email this time.

10:23pm | July 19, 2006
TO: Ryan Atwood
FROM: Marissa Cooper

Hey, Ryan!

We've just finished touring South America. It was amazing. I met so many new people, on the ship and off the ship. I didn't know I could learn so much about history, life, culture, everything, in such little time. Chile was probably the most peaceful country I've ever been in. And the people of Brazil are so free-spirited. I wish I could've stayed in those countries longer, but we had to stick to schedule.

So remember when you told me once the people here get to know me, they'll love me? Well I decided to listen to you and open up a little. And I was easily able to make new friends. Like I said, there are no girls my age, but I was able to get to know this 28 year old woman, Kathy, who's a journalist. She shared so many stories about poverty and war in South America. It was such an eye-opening conversation. And also, there's this 45 year old man, Willis. The doctors told him he has only 3 more months to live. So he decided to quit his job to sail the world before it's too late. They're both so inspiring.

Dan and I have been getting close too. You remember? I described him to be a little weird? Well it turns out, he suffered a poor childhood. His parents died and so he had to grow up in many foster homes. He never stayed long enough to become close with anyone to call family; he never really had one role model to look up to. He's very mature and wise, but a child at heart. So I guess I'll take it back: he's not weird, just different.

I guess, with all the countries I've visited and people I've met, I never realized there's a world outside of California. A world with entirely different problems. I mean, it's not like Newport sheltered me so much I didn't know there was poverty in South America, but I guess I never really experienced the reality of everything until now. It's crazy and so surreal. But still, I'm really happy.

Wish you were here with me, I miss you and everyone at home so much.

I'll see you soon, love always,

Marissa

Ps. I don't know when I'll get in touch. But just in case it's not for a while, I want to wish you luck in college! You're going to kick ass at Berkeley. Make me proud!


Ryan made speedy recovery with his leg. With physiotherapy once a week, he surprised Dr. O'Connor with his improvement and had his final appointment last Wednesday. And now, it's August, almost time for college.

"So how you feel?" Sandy asked Ryan. They were having breakfast at the kitchen island together. Kirsten left early for work and Seth stayed over at Summer's.

"Nervous. But... who am I kidding, really nervous." Ryan said, playing with his bagel. Thinking about college, he all of a sudden lost his appetite.

"You'll be fine. Your mother, Kirsten and I, everyone, we're all very proud," Sandy told him, reaching out a hand and squeezing his shoulder.

"Yeah, I know..."

"If you're thinking that somehow, you're going to screw this up, think about these past years of high school. A lot has happened, but we're still here. You're still here."

"Yeah."

"You packed yet?"

"I haven't gotten started. Summer's going to help me tonight though."

"Don't worry, I'm a last minute person too; Kirsten hates it," Sandy joked, causing Ryan to laugh.

"Good morning, father, adopted brother," Seth said as he walked into the kitchen with Summer not too far behind.

"Hey you two. I was just talking to Ryan about college."

"Ahh yes, it's just around the corner," Seth commented.

"But like I was telling Ryan, no matter what happens in this next chapter of your lives, Kirsten and I will still be here for you guys. We're so very proud of each and every one of you."

"Jeez, dad, we're not leaving yet, there's still 4 more days," Seth said, resulting in Summer jabbing him in the rib.

"What Cohen meant to say is, thanks Mr. C" Summer said.

"So Summer, you're still helping me right? Pack and stuff for tonight?" Ryan asked her.

"Yeah, apparently Seth has this comic nerd thing so I'm all yours for tonight, Atwood," she responded.

"Sounds good," Ryan said.

"Well if you will excuse me, I have a meeting in an hour, I better head off. It was nice seeing you, as always, Summer."

"You too, Sandy." Summer smiled in response.

"Boys," Sandy said, he grabbed another bagel to go and left.

"See ya," they both yelled out.


Later that night, Seth was out and Summer and Ryan were sharing a pizza in the pool house, packing up all of Ryan's things for Berkeley.

"How about these?" Summer asked him, holding up a stack of books.

"Don't bother, I've read all of them and there's no point," Ryan said, throwing all his clothes out onto his suitcase.

Summer walked over to the bed and saw a big pile of clothes on top of Ryan's suitcase, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Chino, you're doing this all wrong." Ryan turned towards Summer. He examined the pile of clothes and then gave her a blank look. "Thank goodness, I'm here. You need to organize them all," Ryan went over to his bed and looked at all his clothes. "You know, all your wifebeaters in one suitcase, the rest in the other?"

"Ha ha, very funny Roberts."

"I'm kidding. Organize all your sweaters, pants, shirts. Clothes you wear often, put them in the suitcase, clothes you don't, pack them in the boxes. That way, once you've reached Berkeley, you have quick access to all your everyday clothes. And then you can take your time, to slowly unpack all your clothes."

"Man, I'm glad you're here."

"Well, I'm happy to help!" Summer smiled. She started fold all the clothes Ryan carelessly threw onto his bed. "So, how're you, since after the whole accident... you know, this past summer in general? Every time we're together, Seth's always been around, we've never actually, like, talked talked."

"Well... to be honest, I'm not sure. Physio's now over, I'm fully recovered, so I'm happy about that; I don't have to worry about my physical health just as I'm starting college."

"And how are you feeling, with starting college and all?"

"Nervous. I mean, I'm the first Atwood to be going into college, so I don't even know if I'm 'college-material'."

"C'mon Atwood, you can't really believe that?"

"Yeah, well... how about you. You going to Brown, Seth going to Rhode Island School of Design; I mean it's all you two have ever dreamed of. At least you'll always have each other, only 2 minutes apart."

"It's too good to be true, I still can't believe it. But I guess you're right. I'm thankful we'll still be together throughout college and not have to do the whole 'long-distance' thing like you and Marissa and all, but still, I hope we can stick it out the next 4 years or so. I mean, we won't have you or Marissa around."

"Okay, whoa, first of all, I'm only a phone call away. Second of all, there is no 'long-distance' thing between me and Marissa because we're not together."

"Please. Me and Coop, yeah we're best friends so obviously she stayed in touch with me. But they're just little emails here and there. And an hour – tops – phone conversations."

Ryan only continued organizing his clothes.

"Ryan, you can't tell me that all of your guys' emails are endless paragraphs or that your phone conversations are 15 minutes made up of small talk?"

He stayed silent for a while, but then decided to speak up, "You're right, they're not. But that's only because we've become really good friends who've stay in touch. But she's not my girlfriend, there is no relationship."

Summer was going to press on, but decided to leave it at that. She knew that deep down, Ryan agreed with her. And she hoped that eventually, her two best friends would be a couple again.

"Anyways, I know you're living in a dorm and Seth in an apartment, but eventually, do you think you would want to move in with him?"

"Well, yeah, I mean, it's inevitable right?"

Ryan only shrugged.

"I don't know. I would really want to. But you know Seth. Sometimes, he's so unpredictable and even I can't get around all his Cohen-y Cohen-ism. Sometimes, he's so hard to figure out. I don't know, am I making any sense?"

"Yeah. Seth is Seth. But what, you don't want to live with him?"

"No, I just... I guess it wouldn't hurt to be asked, just for that, you know, reassurance. Like prom, back in high school."

"He'll come around." Ryan said, looking up to see Summer still unsure. "What else is there?"

"Huh?"

"Summer, you're thinking of something. What's up?"

"Like I said... Cohen's just hard to figure out sometimes..."

"Are you scared that he doesn't want to live with you?"

"I just... I don't know. Again, a little reassurance would be nice here and there."

"And of all the times you make out in front me, that's not reassurance?" Ryan said jokingly. But Summer only glared his direction. "Look, whether you move in with him or stay in your dorm, he loves you regardless," Ryan reassured her.

"I know... I don't know..."

"Only time will tell."

"Yeah..." Summer sighed. They continued to pack in silence. Summer was able to pack away all of Ryan's clothes, neatly into a box.

"Wait," Summer said all of a sudden, breaking the moment of silence, "Did you just say 'only time will tell?" She then burst out in laughter.

"What?" Ryan said, completely oblivious that he was being mocked.


Four hours of organizing and packing have past, and now it's midnight; Ryan and Summer were just finishing up the last of it.

"Just close this up," Summer said, pointing towards the box. Ryan obeyed and shut closed the box with some tape. "There, finished!"

"Thanks Summer," Ryan told her. Looking around he was completely satisfied. They both managed to pack all of Ryan's things that he would bring to Berkeley, into only 3 big boxes and a suitcase.

"No problem, Atwood. It's my specialty."

"I gotta go use the bathroom, be right back," Ryan said.

Summer sat down on Ryan's bed, waiting for him in silence. She suddenly heard Ryan's phone vibrate. She looked over at it and saw one text message.

"Atwood your phone!" Summer yelled. But she got no response. She assumed he didn't hear her.

Again, his phone vibrated and it was another text message. She looked carefully and saw it was from Seth. Curious, she opened up Ryan's phone to read it.

Ryan! After weeks of bugging her, she finally said yes!

Ryan! This is good news man! Answer your phone!

Summer's eyes practically popped out of her sockets. Suddenly, a spark flew inside of her and she grew in anger. As Ryan exited the bathroom, innocently whistling, he looked up and saw that Summer was furious, "Summer, what–"

"What is this?!" She yelled at him, storming towards him. Ryan knew there was a rage blackout coming. "Explain this, Atwood!" She said, hitting him and showing Ryan the text message.

"Ow!" Ryan said as Summer hit him again on the shoulder.

"I haven't said 'yes' to anything. What the hell is Seth talking about?! WHO IS HE TALKING ABOUT? WHO'S THIS 'SHE' THAT SAID 'YES'?!" Summer said, who completely lost it, hitting him one more time, but this time in the head.

"Rage blackout." Ryan winced.

"You bet your ass it's a rage blackout!"

"Summer, I really think you should calm down, Seth will explain."

"Calm down? Like hell he'll explain anything! You tell me what the hell this is right now!"

Just on time, Seth comes running into the pool house, dancing, completely oblivious of the situation, "Ryan my man, the gods have blessed me with such..." Seth turned around. "Summer." Seth said, now noticing his girlfriend and Ryan, who's holding his head. "Ryan, what happened? And Summer, you're still here? It's almost midnight!"

"What the hell, Cohen!" Summer said, walking towards him and hitting in the shoulder.

"Ow!" Seth said in pain.

"You deserved it! And. Many. More!" Summer said, hitting him each time. "Start explaining, Cohen!" she showed him the text messages on Ryan's phone.

"Wait, why do you – Ryan, why did you let her see your phone!" Seth said, angrily towards Ryan.

"She took it while I was in the bathroom!" Ryan defended. "I'm going to give you two some time alone. Meanwhile, I'll go get some ice for my head. And maybe some advil."

"Well?" Summer said, still very angry. "Who the hell is 'she', Cohen?!"

Seth sighed and led Summer onto the bed. His voice lowered, "Summer, first of all, I love you. There's no changing that. No denying it."

"So why're you meeting up with a random girl saying she said 'yes'?"

"Around the time of Ryan's accident, I was feeling a little bit insecure with our relationship. I mean with college coming, I was scared I was going to lose you to another Zach. Someone who's hotter, smarter, funnier..."

"Seth..." Summer said, her voice now calmed.

"No, let me finish," He interrupted. "I told Ryan I wanted to do something to show you that I will always love you. And the only thing I could think of was proposing." Summer's eyes widened, "But don't worry. I know that's rushing things. So Ryan helped me with another idea."

"Wait, before you tell me, I just want you to know that I will always love you too. And Zach was the perfect package, but I did end up with you, didn't I? That tells you something."

Seth leaned in and kissed her, Summer kissed back and they both were now reassured. "So anyways," Seth said, breaking apart, "For a while I've been in contact with Brown University and someone in Rhode Island... and it was only today everything has been settled and approved."

"What're you talking about?" Summer asked Seth, having no idea.

"Summer Roberts, would you like to move in with me? Share a nice one bedroom apartment that is both 5 minutes away from my and your school?"

A huge grin broke out onto Summer's face, "YES!" she exclaimed. She wrapped her arms around Seth and brought him in for a tight hug.

"Okay. Can't. Breathe."

"Sorry... Yes," She repeated herself. She gave him a kiss and Seth smiled into it.

"In the pool house wasn't really how I wanted to ask you. But I guess it'll do."

"I'm sorry. I should've trust you. And I shouldn't have snooped on Ryan's phone while he was in the bathroom."

"It's okay."

"We're going to be living together," Summer said in realization. She smiled towards Seth who gladly returned it.

Ryan then walked in with a bag of frozen peas on his head and a glass of water, "Hey, is everything okay?"

"Yes, and sorry, Atwood. Seth explained to me everything and regardless, I shouldn't have taken my rage blackout on you."

"It's okay. Although I have to say, I'd rather be in a fight in Chino than have to go through that again," he joked.

Summer laughed. "So that's what you meant, with the whole 'only time will tell'?"

Ryan only shrugged and smiled towards his two friends.

"We're going to be living together!" Summer squealed.

"Congratulations guys," Ryan said.

"Thanks Atwood. Seth told me also, that it was kind of your idea."

"No worries. I'm glad you two are happy."

"C'mon, Seth! Let's tell your parents and then call my dad about the good news!"

"Ugh, can you do all the talking with your dad though? He still scares me."

"Ugh, you're such a wimp." The couple went on bickering, exiting the pool house.

Ryan sat down, observing his two friends from afar. He was happy for them. But deep down, he was slightly envious at their happiness that they found in each other.


The next few days flew by fast. It was now the eve of the day Ryan, Summer and Seth would leave for college. Of course, Sandy and Kirsten – mostly Kirsten – insisted they have a goodbye dinner. It was just a small little gathering between the Cohen's, Ryan, Summer and her father, and Julie and Kaitlin.

"Kirsten, this is really good," Neil commented, take another spoonful of lasagna.

"Thanks, it was all from scratch," she boasted.

"So, Seth, Summer, you excited? Living together and all?" Julie asked.

"YES!" Summer spoke for both of them. Seth just smiled silently, watching Summer explain to them all their plans. Every second passing, his smile growing as Summer's enthusiasm built up. "Since Seth can't do any heavy lifting or building."

"Better you than Seth, Summer," Sandy added.

"Hey!" Seth said, "I'm hurt!"

"Oh sweetie, it's okay, you're a good painter!" Kirsten complimented.

"Gee, thanks mom, way to build my confidence."

"Yes, Kirsten, when we did Marissa's room, he was in charge of painting and I was quite impressed. So he's doing all that for our apartment," Summer went on.

At the sound of Marissa's name, Ryan went off into his own world. He had a flashback of the time he dropped Marissa off in her house and found Seth and Summer there. He could picture perfectly the look Marissa had on her face, walking around her new room. Her mom was marrying Caleb Nichol, she had been blackmailed into moving in with them, and Luke was moving away. It was a tough year for her over all, but somehow, in that moment, she was completely content. The four of them squished onto her bed, made fun of Seth, and were just enjoying each other's company.

"Ryan? Ryyyaannn?" Kaitlin spoke to him.

"Huh, what?" He said, clicking back into reality. He looked around the dinner table and could see all eyes on him.

"Where were you there, bud?" Seth questioned.

"Sorry," he said, clearing his throat.

"I was just wondering how you're feeling, with college and all?" Julie asked him.

"Good, good."

The rest of them looked at each other and silently agreed not to push it any further, slightly confused on Ryan's odd behaviour.

"So Kaitlin," Summer said, switching the topic, "Me, Seth, Ryan, Marissa... We're all gone now. You're going to have to fill in all of our shoes. That means, you've got to work extra hard – four times the drama and chaos."

"Please, she has more of me than Marissa does, so that won't be too hard," Julie joked.

"Yeah, you guys are out of Harbour, out of Newport, now I can rule all of Orange County," she smirked, partly joking... partly serious. This caused everyone to laugh.

"It's definitely going to be different." Sandy said, standing up and grabbing his glass.

"Oh boy," Kirsten looked down, embarrassed.

"Dad, really?"

"C'mon son, let me have my moment," Sandy said, "So... I just wanted to say. You guys are all so grown up. It's been crazy these past few years. But, despite all of it, I could not be any more proud or happy as a parent. You all have surprised me and exceeded my expectations," he cleared his throat, "Summer, Seth, Ryan, Kaitlin, here's to you," Sandy raised his glass, as the rest of them followed, "To new beginnings and a bright future ahead!"

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"


A little while later, all the parents were enjoying some wine in the living room. Seth and Summer were busy away in the Seth's room doing whatever they're doing, which leaves Kaitlin alone in the pool house with Ryan.

"So... any news from your sister?" Ryan asked casually. He was flipping through his DVD collection, trying to decide which movie to put on.

"I don't know, you tell me," Kaitlin replied. He looked up, "I'm kidding, Ry. Kind of. Look, you and my sister probably talk more than me and her. Last time I heard from her was a month ago. By email. Her and my dad together. Just the usual, 'what's up', 'how are you and mom', 'what souvenir do you want', you know... nothing special."

He continued to flip through, "How about horror?"

"No, I'm not in the mood to be scared," Kaitlin said.

"So what, like a chick flick?" he said in disgust.

"Try... comedy."

"Okay, comedy... Hmmm..." he looked at some of his DVDs. He came across The Breakfast Club, "How about this?"

"What's that?" Kaitlin asked.

"What do you mean? It's a classic! Your sister was the one–" Ryan rambled, but saw Kaitlin raise her eyebrows, testing him.

"It was just one of her favorites."

"Suuuure, okay."

"Whatever."

"So... you didn't really answer my mom back then, so I'm going to try again. How're you feeling? I mean, you're moving tomorrow."

"Like I said, good." Ryan put the DVD in, started the movie, and joined Kaitlin on the bed. "I'm a bit nervous but that's a given. But still excited...? I don't know. It's just a little scary starting this so called 'next chapter of my life'... alone."

Kaitlin took in all of what Ryan said. She watched the change in emotion on Ryan's face as he was talking. For a while, they stayed silent, watching the movie begin until Ryan looked up to see Kaitlin staring right at him.

"What?"

She shrugged and turned her attention back to the movie.

After a while, she finally exclaimed, "I got it!"

This caused Ryan to jump a little. "Got what?" he asked, completely taken aback.

"Alone. You wish you had Marissa here because she too, was going to go to Berkeley. It would have been perfect. Even though you two claim not to be 'together', at least you'll have her around. But at the same time, you're Ryan, of course you're proud of her doing this 'finding herself' thing. If she stayed, you would feel guilty about it – even though you aren't responsible for her anymore," she rambled, "But in the end, it doesn't change the fact that you're still in love with her, so obviously you miss her and wish you two were starting college together."

Ryan looked at Kaitlin, mouth agape and was shocked. He was speechless. He didn't even know what to say back.

Kaitlin saw his reaction and smiled. His silence told everything. "Oh I remember this movie from when I was like, 4. I remember this part, it's one of my favorites." she said, turning her attention back to the movie and ignoring him, who was still shocked and without words.

Ryan tried to watch the movie but couldn't stop thinking about Kaitlin's ramble.

"Ry, I love you like a brother," Kaitlin said breaking the silence; she was talking to him even though her gaze was towards the movie, "And soon, I hope you'll actually be my official brother-in-law. But as your younger sister, I have to be brutally honest here. And besides, it's the truth isn't it?"

Ryan remained quiet, still unsure of how to respond.

"Oh, also, I know about your meetings with Volchok."

Ryan's eyes bulged out. He started to feel heat from his ears as his anger inside of him built. He turned towards Kaitlin to meet her face to face, "Did Seth–"

"Nah..." she said, still facing the TV and ignoring Ryan's heated stare. "I saw you at the beach and wanted to catch up to you, have lunch or something. But then I ended up following you to Volchok's place. All I saw was him opening the door and you willingly walking inside." She turns to face him, "What were you doing?"

"I uh..."

"Ryan, don't lie."

Before he spoke, he chose his words carefully. He cleared his throat, "You know how I wanted to keep it from Marissa about my accident?" Kaitlin nodded. This time, it was Ryan who turned to face the movie and Kaitlin looking at him, "It's because I know that if she knows about the accident, she would figure out the whole truth."

"What're you talking about?"

"Volchok was the one who ran me over."

For once, Kaitlin was the one without words.

Given the silence, Ryan decided to go on, "I confronted him about it, not to fight about it, but make a deal. I don't rat him out and he leaves Newport – for good."

"So... he's gone now? Like, out of our lives? For good?" she asks.

"Yeah, it's the best for everyone – even him. A fresh start for him."

"Wow, you've really grown, Atwood. My sister–"

"No, you cannot tell Marissa." He said, turning to her to show he was dead serious.

"Why not? She'll fall even more in love with you."

Ryan shook his head, dismissing Kaitlin's last comment, "Look, ever since she left... all our conversations... I've never heard her speak with such happiness and enthusiasm. She's really enjoying herself. We're both with clean slates. She doesn't need this. And I was able to handle it and take care of it myself. There's really no point," he concluded.

Kaitlin wanted to press on, but then realized, he was right. She thought for a moment longer, then finally spoke up, "Fine. I'll keep my mouth shut. But still... Ryan, you're quite the guy. My sister's pretty lucky," she said, looking down, suddenly a huge change of emotion. She was kind of sad.

"What? What did I say?" he asked, catching on to her guilty face.

"Ugh, my sister's so stupid. I'm so stupid."

"What're you talking about?" he asked confusedly.

"I kind of lied back then. I talked to my sister a week-ish ago, over the phone."

"What?" Ryan was shocked. Kind of hurt that she didn't call him but still shocked.

"She was calling for Summer, and I happened to be there with her."

"Okay..?"

"She wanted to ask us for advice. On this guy..."

"Daniel?"

Kaitlin leaned back, away from Ryan, "Wait, you know already?"

"Well, she mentioned him... what about him?"

"He keeps flirting with her and I guess... she flirts back?"

"So...?"

"And he also... he kind of... keeps asking her out. Like on a date."

Ryan again, found himself with nothing to say. He decided to turn his full attention back to the movie. With it on, it was an easy escape. "So what does she say?" he asked, trying to sound casual about it.

"That's why she called us. This guy keeps proposing a romantic late night dinner on the ship deck after they're finished work. But... she doesn't know what to say to him. She's confused. She doesn't know how she feels. Not just towards this guy... but towards you."

Ryan tried to push his feelings down, but always found it resurfacing, "Why are you telling me this again?"

"I don't know. I feel bad. Me and Sum were distracted, we didn't even think of you two. We were just excited, it's been a while since this kind of gossip happens. So obviously we tell her to go for it. If he's hot then it's worth it. But now... after everything you two have been together, how you two are now, and after everything we've just talked about tonight... I take it all back with what Summer and I told her on Dan. You two are meant to be together."

Ryan shrugged, pretending not to be too affected.

"Ryan!"

"Look Kaitlin, your sister is old enough to make her own decisions."

"You sure you don't want to tell her about Volchok? About how you feel with college? About her?"

"Now that would be just selfish of me..."

"Ryan, you're a great guy–"

"And she's a great girl who deserves everything going for her," he interrupted. "Kaitlin, if your sister and I are really supposed to be together, that time will come."

"Ry–"

"Let's just watch the movie okay?"

Kaitlin decided to just drop it, "Fine." She folded her arms, frustrated with Ryan, even though he had a point.


As the movie was over the half way point, Kaitlin's head slid onto Ryan's shoulder. He turned his attention to her and realized she fell asleep. He carefully, making sure not to wake her, reached for the blanket beside him and pulled it over her; then continued to watch the movie.

After a while, he silently whispered over to her, "You know... you're right. About before. I do love her. I'll never stop."

It was the final scene of the movie and Ryan could hear the last song play through.

"Slow change may pull us apart"

Ryan sighed. He's moving out tomorrow. College is quickly approaching. And she was always there to be his rock. But now she's sailing the world and he's back to the lifestyle he had before he met her. Loneliness.

"Don't you... forget about me."

Ryan sighed. He missed her, so much.