Chapter Ten
"Oh God, I feel like I'm in high school again!" Marissa whimpered, looking at her feminine contours in Summer's mirror. She borrowed a little dress from Summer- all of her clothes were still packed up in her two pieces of luggage, "How do I look, Sum?" she said, fidgeting with her watch as she gazed down, "He's going to be here in ten minutes," Marissa said feverishly, awaiting a reply from the very calm, and serene Summer.
For the longest time, Summer had been working on Marissa's hair. Her full concentration was being devoted to make her look like she did on every cover, for her old flame. With one last sprits of hair spray, and yet another of perfume, Summer took one step away from Marissa, "And Voilà, that is how it's done," Summer grinned with pride, "Coop, you're going to be fine! Just fine."
"You know what's funny, though Sum? I'm getting all prettied up, and he doesn't even know I'm here," Marissa said with a tiny, helpless shrug. She tried to seem indifferent, but her expression betrayed it all. Every pore on her fine complexion was screaming Marissa's innermost emotions.
"Well, do you want me to call him? Tell him to get all prettied up too?" Summer smiled, placing a comfortable hand on her shoulder, "Coop, let's go downstairs- you can help me finish up with dinner." She smiled encouragingly, as she started to walk out of her bedroom, "Seth! Come over here- let me know what you think," he and Summer gathered at the bottom of the steps, as they waited for Marissa to come down, with her poised step.
Within a matter of moments, Marissa appeared at the top of the staircase, Summer's little black dress hugging her body. Her hair was left hanging loosely against her shoulders, with the most natural-looking curls. Her make-up was gentle, yet profound, "Wow, he's going to go crazy over you," Seth chuckled, as Marissa walked all the way down.
"I think so too," Summer said, pressing her lips together, "You look absolutely gorgeous," Before Summer could say anything else, the doorbell rung violently. Summer walked over to the door, with a quick and refined step. She sent a comforting glance over to Marissa, as she swung the door open, "Hey Ryan-" her jaw nearly dropped, "And Hayley…" her voice trailed off lightly, as she looked at the two uneasily. Summer sighed- Okay, we're just going to have to work around that then. "Wow, Ryan I never knew you were bringing Hayley along," Summer plastered a smile on her face, "Well that's okay, can't send her home now," Summer laughed lightly, "Come on in- Ryan, I've got a little surprise for you," she smiled, opening the door to its full extent. Marissa smiled, recognizing her cue as she walked closer to the door, alongside Seth.
"Marissa?" Ryan said disbelievingly, as he walked over to her, locking her in his arms.
Her smile was radiant, "Ryan," she said in an almost whisper. The comfort she felt in his arms was inexplicable. The emptiness she felt once he let go, was unnerving. She continued to smile, nevertheless, "Hi I'm Marissa Cooper- I'm pleased to meet you," Marissa said, extending her arm toward the girl at Ryan's side. She had an almost searing expression on her face, but Marissa continued to smile- a smile so golden, that she hadn't felt before.
"Wow, Marissa Cooper," her face lightened, "You're the last person I thought I'd ever meet," she smiled, "I'm Hayley Chrisanthis," she said, shaking Marissa's hand. As soon as she was done, she slid her hand into Ryan's, holding it endearingly, as she cuddled into his shoulder.
"Seth, Sum- I hope it's not a problem that I brought Hayles," he said, a look of apology powdering his face tenderly.
"Oh come on," Summer said with a grin. Uh, yeah it is a problem! Summer thought, glancing at Marissa occasionally, "It's not a problem at all," Summer squeezed the words out of her, "Anyway, everyone come over to the dining room. Marissa and I will do some last-minute touches on dinner," Summer said eagerly, taking Marissa's hand as she literally dragged her to the kitchen. She then started to whisper with frustration, "I swear I didn't know this would happen," Summer apologized, "I'm so sorry Coop, you got all gorgeous, and then he brings that little whore," Summer said, grabbing some of the food, "Listen, be charming, be beautiful- be you- and you'll see, Hayley's going to be trash by tomorrow," Summer said, shooing Marissa off with a decorative plate of hors d'oeuvres. She set them on the table, before she disappeared into the kitchen again.
"Summer don't worry," Marissa said with a mild frown, "I kind of expected it anyway," she said quietly, bringing out another plate toward the table, before shuffling back into the kitchen.
"You did?" Summer hissed, "Even I didn't expect this Coop, and I've seen him last week," she muttered, "Come on," Summer said, walking with her quick step towards the dining room. She ushered Marissa toward the table, "Well, you sure have done your share of work around here today," Summer smiled, "So guys, what do you want to drink? Seth, you can come help me in the kitchen," Summer said, with her sweetest smile on her anxious lips.
Seth started to get up, as Ryan spoke, "Uh, what the heck. I'll have a rum and coke, Sum," Ryan said politely, turning over to Hayley.
"I'll just have a black coffee- I still have tonight's shift to do, I might as well be good to go," she smiled.
"A coffee, and a rum and coke are on their way," Summer said, as Seth followed her closely from behind, "Cohen, we have got to do something," Summer said worriedly, in her constant, mystifying whisper.
"Relax, little lady. She said she has late night shift- we'll make Ryan stay, she'll go, Ryan and Marissa will talk like they've never talked before,"
"And how will she get there?" Summer muttered hoarsely, shaking her head, "That's not going to work," she bit her lip carefully, with a helpless shrug, "How about you drive her to work, because you need to grab some milk anyway, or something? Alright?" Summer asked coolly, turning the water on to boil, "Now make Ryan a good drink- make Coop one too, they need some loosening up," Summer sighed heavily. Somehow, she took all the fault on her shoulders. The weight was unbearable, as she scurried around the kitchen trying to render things perfect, even though they were already broken.
While Summer and Seth walked around the kitchen clumsily, an awkward silence seemed to fill the room. Hayley decided to burst the quiet, as she spoke, "So, what brings you to Newport Miss Cooper?" she asked politely, striking Marissa from behind, as she looked up speechlessly.
"Oh, um," she stammered, "Well, it's a long story, but I guess I missed this place," Marissa said with a gentle smile, "Oh, and please- call me Marissa," she said, trying hard not to let her emotions overwhelm her. Every glance she stole at the happy couple, she felt her insides writhing with a certain inexplicable emotion, one that she could neither control nor abate. She stared at the petite, blonde dynamo as her insides started to lace.
"Oh, how sweet," she said. Something about that smile of hers, made Marissa cringe. Something about the way she hung from Ryan's arm, made Marissa absolutely sick. The usually composed, and very proper lady, was now writhing with every simple motion of that woman. Hayley glanced at Ryan, "So, Marissa. How do you and Ryan know each other?" she inquired patiently, trying to feed the conversation.
Marissa smiled ineptly, "Well, Ryan can answer that one," Marissa chortled once, "Seth, do you have that drink there or something?" Marissa said, feeling the dryness of her mouth.
Ryan glanced at Hayley uncomfortably, and back at Marissa with an almost pleading stare. He didn't know what to say. He didn't want to seem completely indifferent- the moment he saw Marissa Cooper again, he didn't know what he felt, but it was definitely something. He also couldn't exaggerate the facts- what if she didn't feel the same way? She certainly didn't sound like it mattered much. He frowned carefully, making sure to choose his words correctly, "Well, Marissa was my girlfriend," he avoided Hayley's steaming stare, that almost pressured him to speak further. Marissa gawked at Ryan, shocked at his utter outwardness. She half-expected him to say they were just friends all along, or something of the sort.
"Girlfriend, hm?" Hayley smiled, "Yeah, Seth- how about that drink?" she continued with her powerful grin. Seth appeared into the dining room, with Marissa's drink, and Hayley's coffee. Summer quickly appeared after him, with Ryan's drink.
"So, what are you guys talking about?" Summer said giddily, as she sat down. Ryan shot her a glance, begging for some help on the topic.
"Oh nothing too interesting- just how Ryan and Marissa knew each other, that's all," Hayley stifled a laugh, "Always the best conversation starter,"
Seth smiled, "Oh, so you know that they were the hottest couple at Harbour?" Ryan's expression almost burned Seth at the stake, "Oh, oh, guess not," he said with a smile, "Oh, these drinks really do come in handy," he said, indulging in the momentary silence. Summer barely knew what to say. All she did was smile- by the end of the night, the way things were going, Ryan and Hayley would be over. Not that she was rejoicing or anything- she just wanted the right people, to be together.
"Everyone, come on- dig in. The foods out, and no one's eating," Summer frowned, as she passed around the platters of various foods. Within a moment, there was no room for discussion, as everyone was chomping down on Summer's delicacies.
"Mmm, Summer this is excellent," Marissa said, halfway through her meal. She savoured the food in her mouth, taking it in slowly.
"Why thank you, Coop," Summer smiled, as she herself, started to eat.
After a moment's worth of unbearable silence, Seth started, "Did you guys hearthe one about the priest, the king, and the pirate?" Everyone around the table cackled, and groaned, "I'm guessing by that, you've heard it?" Seth slapped his thigh, "Damn," he muttered, as he continued to eat, swinging his index finger into the air, "But don't worry, I will think of another one." He said slowly, taking a sip of his drink.
Marissa smiled endearingly, as she looked around the table, "God, I haven't seen you guys in so long," Marissa said quietly, with almost disbelief.
"We've seen you, everywhere," Ryan chuckled, "But hey, pictures can't actually compare to the real thing. When'd you arrive?"
Marissa blushed lightly, "Just today- it's been a long day," Marissa said with a sigh, "But there's nowhere else I'd love to be more," Marissa said, looking around, "So Summer, what'd you do with the kids? Where'd they go?"
"Oh, I sent them to their babysitters, so we can have a nice, quiet evening in," Summer laughed lightly, "I kind of thought this evening would be full of memories, and everything-"
"Aw, am I kind of the odd one out?" Hayley bit her lip uncomfortably.
"No, no, are you kidding?" Summer said with a heartwarming smile, a giggle, "There's tons to remember, but first, we should all get to know each other." Summer nodded. She could barely believe how much bull shit was exiting her mouth, "Well, I sure think it's time for a toast- To new friendships, new welcomes, and to all of us here." Summer held up her glass, as she smiled around the table. Everyone chimed in, as they took sips from their drinks.
"Well then, now that we've had a toast, I think Ryan and I should start going," Hayley started to get out of her seat, as she threw Ryan a glance, "I'd love to stay, I really would, but work is just always in the way," she apologized coolly, as she swung her purse over her shoulder.
"Going home already?" Summer said with a frown, as she too, got up, "Well there's no need for both of you to go," Summer said suggestively, "Seth has to go the store to pick up some milk anyway, so he can just drop you off. I mean, we haven't seen Ryan in quite a bit- we all need catch up," Summer's frown turned into a gleaming smile, "Is that alright with the both of you?"
Hayley shrugged, and nodded on her behalf, as she looked over at Ryan, "Well it sounds good to me- unless Ryan has any objections," Ryan shook his head.
"Well then good, good!" Summer half-chuckled, as she walked with Hayley, and Seth to the door, "Oh, Hayley. Feel free to come over whenever you want to- you're always welcome in this house," Summer's voice was racing, as though she were simply throwing her out- unintentionally.
"Is there something I'm missing?" she questioned quickly, staring at Summer awkwardly, "It's like you're trying to get rid of me, or something," she raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Summer smiled, "God no!" she replied, her voice slowing down to mask the disguise further, "I just wouldn't want you to be late because of me and my chattering," Summer pouted, "How could you think I was trying to get rid of you?"
"Oh I don't know- nevermind," she grinned a wide grin for a farewell, as she headed out with Seth. Summer decided she wouldn't quite ponder on Hayley's insecurities, even though she was actually quite curious, and even a bit frayed- she didn't want it to be obvious that Hayley was really like the third-wheel. She didn't want to exactly push her out of Ryan's life, but a tiny step in the direction wouldn't hurt anyone. She walked back over to the dining room, seeing that Ryan and Marissa were engaging in a friendly conversation.
"Can I get anything else to drink? Maybe something that takes a while to prepare?" Summer smiled in Marissa's direction, "No, nothing? Alright, well I'll think of something. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me,"
After Summer left, Ryan and Marissa erupted with laughter, "She hasn't acted this weird in a while- At least I haven't seen her act this way in a while. The last time she's been like this, was during the time of her wedding," Ryan recalled, taking a sip of his drink.
Marissa shook her head with a sigh, "Sometimes I wonder for that-" Marissa was about to say, girl. She wondered about that girl. But then she realized, that a girl was who she left behind- now, her best friend was a mother, a wife, a woman, "Sometimes I wonder for that woman," Marissa repeated, finishing her thought confidently, "I can't believe I missed out on so much," Marissa shook her head, as she thought about it.
"You didn't really miss out, Marissa- While we were here, stuck in Newport, you were traveling the world, meeting new people, doing what you love," Ryan tried to comfort her. Marissa looked up at him with a smile, remembering that same soothing voice- the voice that had led her through so many of her problems, and guided her out of them, "What, why are you smiling?" Ryan chuckled.
Marissa continued to smile, as she shrugged lightly, "You guys haven't changed one bit," she said with a nod, "All these years, I was afraid to rekindle our friendships because I thought you were all so different, so mature, so adult-like. Meanwhile, nothing's changed, and all this time has gone by,"
"Well, stuff like that happens," Ryan said, unable to explain it either, "So, Marissa. Are you staying? For good? " Ryan asked abruptly, looking up at her hopefully.
She smiled with a nod, "Yeah, I'd like to think so," she exhaled heavily, "But honestly, I don't know where I'm going, or even what I'm doing here," she shrugged, her shoulders burdened, Derek flashing through her mind. She stifled a troubled laugh, "I don't know anything anymore. In New York everything seemed to be so ordered, and I knew where I was going with my life. Until my whole life changed right before my eyes, and then I found myself here. I'm still trying to get used to all this, but I don't really think I'll be able to," Marissa said simply.
"So what brought you here anyway?" Ryan asked gentle.
Marissa laughed again, "That's among the many questions I get asked by people. Why? Because, the relationship I was in, shattered. I mixed pleasure with business, and now I have no business- and even if I chose to go back, I wouldn't. The man I thought I loved, cheated on me in his damned office, and what? What was I supposed to do? Stay there?" She replied bluntly. For some reason, when Ryan was talking to her, all her problems seemed to seep through into the outer world. She felt so vulnerable- and yet so safe. She felt that she could tell him anything, and she did, "But that's okay- I'll live, shit happens," she shrugged, "Well I got to say, Hayley's a nice girl- you guys seem," Marissa tried to speak the words without hesitation, "Great together," she continued. The words pained her, but she didn't want to reveal that the moment she saw him, she felt her heart collapse, and her whole body ache to see him again, touch him again, be with him again.
"Really? You think so?" Ryan smiled, "It means a lot, M'rissa," he grinned that radiant grin of his. She felt a surge of guilt- if she had only meant what she said.
"Yeah, sure," she continued, looking him straight into his eyes.
"How much do you want to bet Summer has about three bags of milk in her fridge?" Ryan chuckled quietly.
"That's probably true," Marissa laughed with him. In that moment, when their laughs were simultaneous, she almost felt a déja-vu of senior year. She could almost feel Ryan's warm embrace, but she made sure to smother the thought, before she got too enthralled with its essence.
"So why are you all dressed up, and gorgeous?" Ryan smiled at her gently.
"You really want to know?" Marissa blushed, slightly embarrassed, "Sum told me you were coming," she replied simply. She raised her glass to her lips, as she took a long gulp of the liquid. She felt its coolness running down her throat- the sweet sensation that it was. Ryan looked stunned for a moment. He didn't know what to say. Her directness seemed to shock him every time. He too, took a long drink.
"You're not kidding?" Ryan said after a moment's worth of silence, as his eyes fed off of her beauty.
Marissa shook her head with a laugh, "Of course I'm kidding!" she chuckled. Not, she thought quietly. A wide smile spurted on Ryan's lips- a look of comfort, that lacked the previous moment's awkwardness, "I wanted to look pretty, come on Ryan- I am a model," she joked.
"M'riss?" he said gently, which made her look up. His soft, tender voice enveloped her skin with chills, "You wanna take a walk or something? Catch up? I'm sure Summer wouldn't mind," he laughed lightly.
Marissa's jaw dropped a little. She was absolutely clueless as to what to reply. She wanted to scream out yes- and yet she wanted to maintain her cool. She wanted to refuse, for Hayley kept popping into her conscience, "Sure," she said, without thinking, "Sum!" Marissa called a moment afterwards. Summer peeked into the dining room with a curious smile, "You mind if we head out?" Marissa smiled up at her carefully, so that her gaze wouldn't completely show her excitement.
"Aw, and I still wanted to talk!" Summer frowned, "You know what?" she said, looking over at the two with a strange expression, "I can talk to you two whenever- so go, before I start making your drinks," she chuckled.
Marissa smiled, "Goodnight Sum,"