After what seems like forever, I AM BACK. Enjoy! And make sure you rate and review!

Seth made his way over to the front door to meet up with Summer, Marissa and Kaitlin, with Ryan dragging behind.

Once Seth got there, Marissa immediately caught his eye and approached him for a hug, "Seth! It's good to see you!"

"You too Marissa, you're looking good!" he complimented her.

Ryan finally arrived once the two broke apart. Marissa saw him, and scanned him up and down with Ryan's eyes doing the same. Seth, Summer, and Kaitlin were watching intently.

"Hey," Ryan finally said, breaking the awkward tension.

A huge smile broke out on Marissa's face, "Hey," she replied, moving forward and giving him a huge hug. At first, he was surprised since he wasn't expecting it, but eventually he took in her fresh vanilla scent and squeezed his arms around her tighter, bringing her closer.

When they let go, Marissa still had a huge smile on her face, "So how are you?" she asked him. But as she soon realized that they weren't the only two in the room, she stepped back and cleared her throat, "I mean, how are all of you?"

"Good!" Summer spoke excitedly, "Coop, we all missed you so much!"

"Yeah, sis, not going to lie..." Kaitlin admitted.

"Yeah, travelling and all... it's great, but just not the same without all your guys," Marissa said.

Ryan remained silent as the rest of them interacted with one another. As he was about to say something, a guy came through the front doors and wrapped an arm around Marissa, "Hey, there you are," he told her.

Marissa looked into the guy's eyes and smiled back, "Dan, I want you to meet some people," she told him. Dan looked around and saw 4 pairs of eyes directed right at him. "This is my best friend, Summer..."

"Hi!" Summer smiled, reaching out to give him a quick hug.

"This is her boyfriend, Seth..."

"Hey, nice to meet you, man," Seth said next, holding out a hand which Dan shook gladly.

"Nice to meet you too, Seth."

"This is my little sister, Kaitlin," Marissa said.

Kaitlin at first, wasn't looking too happy, until Ryan nudged her from behind which caused her to put on a smile, "Hi Dan. Yeah, I'm Marissa's little sister, Kaitlin... what she said."

"Hi," Dan laughed, "You're one lucky girl, you're older sister is quite something," he said smiling.

Ryan, of course, just had to be the last one to be introduced. As Dan looked at him not knowing what to do, Marissa intervened, "And... Umm... This is... my friend Ryan."

To everyone's surprise, even Ryan, he smiled and reached out his hand for Dan to shake, "Hey man, I heard lots about you."

"Hope they're all good things," Dan laughed, "So anyways, I'm starved. Plane food never satisfies me."

"Same here, man. C'mon let's get you a plate," Seth offered him.

The party went on and everyone seemed to be getting along okay. Everyone except Kaitlin. She kept giving Dan attitude, being the bratty little sister she is. Whenever Dan would make a joke, the group would try to be polite and laugh, while Kaitlin would show almost no interest in anything he says. Dan could start sensing some tension, so would try his best to ask Kaitlin questions but she would just brush him off.

"So Kaitlin, where do you go to school?" he asked politely.

"Harbour, but why does that matter? It's practically irrelevant to anything we're discussing," she replied, not even looking at him. Marissa cleared her throat but Kaitlin didn't pay attention to her as well.

Ryan started to feel uncomfortable so he tried to intervene, "Hey Kaitlin, let's go inside and get everyone some drinks."

"What–" Kaitlin started to say, but saw a serious look in his eye that made her listen, "Kay fine."

Once they were inside and out of earshot, Ryan confronted her, "What the hell is wrong with you?"

"I don't like him," she bluntly said.

"You don't even know him."

"I just get this vibe..."

"What does that mean?"

"Why are you even questioning me? You should be hating on him too, instead of me."

"Why should I hate Dan?"

"DUH, because he's with Marissa?!" she said, as if it were obvious.

"Look, Kaitlin, how many times do I have to say this, me and Marissa aren't together. Not anymore."

She scoffed, "C'mon Ryan, we all know that you're still in love her. And right now she's just too in lust with this Dan, that she can't see that she's in love with you too."

Ryan cleared his throat. Kaitlin was waiting for him to say anything but he stayed quiet.

"Ryan?"

"My relationship with Marissa isn't up to you. Her relationship with Dan isn't up to you. You can't just try to control everything. This is how it's going to be. For now or who knows – maybe forever."

"You're giving up?"

"I'm moving on. You should too," Ryan told her. She folded her arms and rolled her eyes, "Promise me you're going to be nicer to Dan..." after a moment of silence, Ryan pushed on, "Kaitlin..."

"Fine, whatever."

Marissa came in to find the two, "Kaitlin, Ryan, is everything okay?"

"Perfect!" Kaitlin smiled as she went by her sister to go back to the table.

"Ryan," Marissa said, walking closer so they're right in front of each other, "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, your sister's just stressed out with high school drama and stuff..." he lied.

"Okay..." Marissa looked up and met Ryan's gaze. He started to get lost until she spoke to snap him out of it, "Hey, I'm really sorry I haven't been in touch as much as before."

"It's okay," he shrugged, "Travelling, always on the go... I can see how you may be busy here and there..."

"Yeah..."

"Plus, I mean you got..." Ryan started out. He looked at the direction of their friends seated at a table outside. He looked at Dan who was trying his best listening to Seth ramble on.

"Ryan," Marissa said softly. Ryan looked back to her, "Are we friends?"

He breathed in deeply and exhaled, thinking deeply on her question and trying to figure out a proper response. He finally smiled, "We're getting there," he said lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

"Let's do something fun," Marissa said out of nowhere, "For old time's sake."

Ryan was confused, not understanding what she was really suggesting. She surprised him by grabbing him on the arm and bringing him outside, "Hey guys, let's do something fun..."

Summer, Kaitlin and Dan were waiting for her to go on, until Seth clued in to what she was suggesting, "Bait Shop?"

The group was able to escape the Newpsie party before it got even more boring. As they arrived in the Bait shop, they had holiday decorations up and a live band performing as usual.

"We'll get drinks!" Seth said, pulling Ryan with him to the bar.

"So man, what do you think of Dan?"

"He's cool, I guess."

"Jealousy creeping in yet? Anger? Suspicions?"

"I'm trying to avoid getting in between Marissa's relationships. Plus, with everything she's been through in high school, I think she's mature enough to see who's the right guy to date and who's a psycho."

"Okay, just checking in."

"Why, what do you think of him?"

"He's cool. I mean, I don't know. I feel like I'll always be biased and team Ryan-Marissa forever..."

Ryan laughed at Seth, man did he miss his brother. As the drinks were ready, they grabbed them from the bar and made their way back to their friends who were enjoying the band of the night.

"Here you go, Summer my love," Seth said handing her a drink and then kissing her on the cheek.

"The music is really good," Dan said. Then he turned to Marissa and wrapped an arm around her. And to Ryan's shock, he found himself not angry.

The group stood there just enjoying the music until Kaitlin spoke up, "I gotta pee. Marissa? Summer?"

The girls all agreed and made their way to the washrooms leaving the guys all by themselves.

"There are some seats empty by the bar, wanna sit?" Ryan offered.

"Yeah, let's go," Seth said leading the way.

Once they all were seated, Dan was the first to speak, "So how's college going for you guys?"

"Surprisingly, no bullies, no shoes peed in, no fighting... plus my girlfriend and I are doing well... so I guess things are really good!" Seth rambled, "Nothing like Newport."

"So you don't miss home?" Dan asked Seth.

"Oh of course I do. Like I said, nothing like Newport."

Dan just nodded his head as if he understood. "And yourself?" he asked Ryan.

"I guess going good too. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming."

"So you've always wanted to go to college? That was the dream?"

"Yeah, I guess. My biological family... is quite the mess. I'm lucky to be where I'm at now," Ryan told him.

"Oh... I didn't know. I mean, Marissa talks about you guys but never in detail."

"I forgive her," Seth said sipping on his drink, "But long story short, Ryan got in trouble, my dad was his attorney then; and shortly after a house caught on fire and some fist fights with the captain of the water polo team, he got adopted into our family."

Ryan laughed as Seth summarized his story. Dan just sat there with his beer, confused and speechless.

"Don't worry Dan, you'll catch up eventually," Ryan consoled, "But anyways, how's working on the ship?"

"It's good. Captain James is really nice–"

"Whoa, 'Captain James'? Marissa's dad? That's hilarious!" Seth laughed.

"Seth, let him finish..." Ryan nudged him.

"Anyways... Yeah it's good. You'd think, being a foster child, you get to move everywhere... but really, I've never travelled outside America."

"Foster child you said?" Seth clarified, "Wow, Marissa has a thing for–" Ryan kicked Seth under the table before he was able to finish his sentence. "Nevermind."

"And you're liking it?" Ryan pressed on, ignoring Seth.

"Yeah! It's cool to see all these places and get to know the different cultures."

"That sounds cool man," Ryan said.

"You guys ever want to travel the world?"

"It'd be cool yeah," Seth spoke, "Especially to sail."

"You like sailing?" Dan asked.

"Are you kidding me? I spent most of my days sailing and drawing before Ryan showed up."

"That's cool man, you're going to have to show me sometime!" Dan smiled.

Seth and Ryan both looked at each other and knew they were thinking the same thing. Dan must be the first guy to date Marissa that's normal.

Meanwhile, all the girls were in the bathroom.

"So, what do you guys think of Dan?" Marissa asked them while she was putting on lip gloss.

"He seems alright," Summer said not really knowing what to say.

"Kaitlin?"

"Same with Summer," she lied.

Once Marissa was finished, she looked at the two through the mirror, "Why are you guys lying to me?"

After a moment of silence, Kaitlin spoke up, "Look Marissa, I'm never going to be a fan of anyone for you other than Ryan."

"What? Ryan?"

"Yes! Ryan."

"Summer, do you feel this way too?" Marissa asked her best friend.

"No–" Summer started to say, but Kaitlin shot her a glare, "Yes?" Summer then turned to her best friend who was looking confused and slightly hurt, "Look, Coop. Dan is great. I have nothing against him. I think both Kaitlin and I just need a little time to get to know him. We just met the guy."

"So this has nothing to do with Ryan?" Marissa clarified.

"No" Summer said, the same time Kaitlin said, "Yes"

"Coop," Summer started, "I'm going to the handicapped to pee and redo my make up. You two work this out then grab me after." Summer went on and left the sisters behind.

Once Summer was out of sight, Marissa turned to Kaitlin who was avoiding eye contact, "Kaitlin?"

"Look I told you my reason."

"Yeah but Ryan and I are no longer together. That was back in high school for Pete's sake!" Marissa argued.

"That was what – only 6, 7 months ago?"

"I've been gone since then!"

"Yeah, but ever since you left you two haven't stopped writing to each other," Kaitlin fought back.

"We're never getting back together, I'm back with Dan!"

"Never?"

"I –" Marissa started to say, but then grew silent. She was lost of words. After a moment of complete silence, she spoke up again, "Kaitlin. I'm with Dan now. That's just how things are going to be from now on. And despite our differences you are my sister. I'd really appreciate it if you at least made an effort."

Kaitlin sighed, "Fine. I'll try."

"Since when were you all for Ryan?" Marissa questioned her little sister.

"We got close since you left and he's a good guy..."

"He is." Marissa agreed.

"Ugh, alright. I'll make an effort. But the minute I see a red flag –"

"Alright Kaitlin!" Marissa said, grabbing her and leading her out of the washroom. They met Summer who was just exiting the washroom.

"Oh! Perfect timing," Summer smiled. The girls made their way over to the guys who were seated at the bar.

"Hey!" Marissa said coming up behind Dan, "What were you guys up to?"

"Oh, nothing," Seth smiled deviously. Summer glared at her boyfriend, but then let it go.

"C'mon Seth, I love this song!" Summer said, grabbing Seth and pulling him to the open floor.

"Dan, let's go!" Marissa said excitedly.

Dan looked at Ryan who was giving him the look You better go! He laughed in Ryan's direction as he finished his drink quickly and followed Marissa to the open floor.

Kaitlin took a seat next to Ryan who wasn't much of a dancer, "So... You like him?"

"He's really cool, yeah."

"Really?" she asked shocked.

"Yeah," he said looking over his shoulder to see the two couples enjoying the music.

"Anywhere inside of you screaming in jealousy?" Kaitlin poked at him.

"No," he grinned knowingly at her.

"How's Jess?" Kaitlin switched the subject.

"She's doing great. Actually, she got you something for Christmas. I have it in the poolhouse."

"Aww! Well, actually, I got her something too! Bring it with you when you go back."

"Sounds good," Ryan smiled, taking another sip of his Coke.

"And Jed?" Kaitlin asked. Ryan turned to Kaitlin slowly and gave her a look. "What?"

"Nothing," he laughed, "Jed's great. He's dating this really hot chick... what's her name..."

"What?" Kaitlin asked furiously.

"I'm kidding!" Ryan joked.

"Ugh! Ryan I'm going to –" Kaitlin couldn't help but laugh to herself while she was hitting Ryan in the shoulder.

While this was happening, Marissa turned back to check on the two to be surprised by how comfortable they were with each other. Ryan was laughing as Kaitlin was hitting his shoulder and grabbing his hair. In return, Ryan pulled Kaitlin down and messed up her hair. She didn't what to think other than how close could they have gotten while I was gone?

"Ryan my hair!" Kaitlin said, coming out of his strong grip.

"C'mon, can't a big bro mess with his little sister?" he mocked Kaitlin, seeing as that's how she always referred to them.

"Ha ha," Kaitlin shot back.

"Why do you care what Jed does?" Ryan asked.

"I don't know..." Kaitlin shrugged. Feeling Ryan's eyes on her she looked at him, "You know Ryan!"

"No I don't," he started.

"Shut up," she said giving up.

"How about Bryce?" He asked her.

"My ex? No. We couldn't possibly get back together given our history," she explained.

"Yeah... well who knows?"

"I do. Bryce was so first semester..." Kaitlin said, taking his Coke and drinking some.

Ryan looked at Kaitlin, "And who's second semester?"

"Who knows?" Kaitlin smiled. "Now why don't we shut up and listen to the music?"

After a while, the band announced their last couple songs. Just at that moment, Summer turned to Seth and yawned. "Whoa, Summer, you tired already?"

"I guess..." she said surprised herself. She checked Seth's watch to read midnight, "Holy, it's almost 1am! I think I'm going to call it a night." Summer turned to Dan who had his arms wrapped around Marissa, "Hey guys, me and Seth are going to go. Need a ride to the hotel?"

"Yeah sure. We should probably go now anyways," Marissa said.

"Okay, let's go grab Ryan and Kaitlin," Seth said walking over to the bar, "Hey guys, ready to go?"

"Actually, no, I'm down for some burgers and fries." Kaitlin said.

"Kaitlin, it's almost 1am. Mom–" Marissa said.

"It's fine, I can drive her home right after," Ryan offered.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Yeah, it shouldn't take that long. Your sister can eat five burgers in two minutes."

"Ha ha!" Kaitlin mocked, "I'll see you in the morning guys!" she said, leading the way out of the Bait Shop.

The two arrived at the Diner as Kaitlin's stomach started to grumble, "Perfect timing!" she said.

They went to sit down at a booth as a waiter came by to take their orders, "Two cheeseburgers and fries please," Ryan said.

The waiter nodded and took their menus from them. Just at that moment, Ryan's cell phone rang.

"Hello?" Ryan answered. Kaitlin leaned in curious.

"Ryan! Oh thank God you picked up." Jess cried in the phone.

"Jess? You alright? What's wrong?" he asked worried.

"My parents. They know everything. I was about to tell them but they went on my phone and – they read through all my messages. They know! They found out... I wanted – just not like this," Jess continued to speak crying.

"Whoa, just calm down okay? Where are you?"

"My father was so upset so I ran. I'm back here in Berkeley. I'm sorry for calling so late I just – I'm sorry..."

"Jess it's okay. Where's Jed?"

"He's off at some party. I don't know... I just left and you were the first one I called."

" I'll be on the first bus back after Christmas okay?"

"No, Ryan I didn't mean to – "

"No arguing. I'll be there in two days okay? Just hang tight."

"Thank you," Jess spoke quietly.

"I gotta go, but I'll talk to you soon okay?"

Ryan hung up the phone and chugged his water anxiously.

"Ryan? Hello! What happened with Jess?" Kaitlin asked worried.

"She's upset. Her parents know about her but found out the wrong way and it just didn't end well. She ran and is back in Berkely."

"I'm going with you."

"What? No. You need to spend time with your family. Your sister–"

"Is off with Dan, remember? Plus, when I needed someone, she was there for me." Ryan gave her a look, "You were there for me too, but Jess was there for me... when I needed someone like a sister."

"Kaitlin–"

"Ryan."

"Fine. But this is a conversation between you and your mom. If she says yes, then you can come. If no, then you can't."

"Fine." Kaitlin agreed.

The next morning Ryan woke up early to cook breakfast. He knew leaving right away would break the Cohens' heart, but he already told Jess he would be there. In that moment he wasn't really thinking other than being there for Jess. And it's too late to say otherwise.

Sandy and Kirsten both came into the kitchen in their robes, "Oooh, I knew I smelled bacon!" Sandy said taking a seat at the table.

"Ryan, what's the special occasion?" Kirsten smiled, grabbing herself and Sandy a cup of coffee, and then joining her husband at the table.

Seth came in shortly after ecstatically, "Bacon! YES."

"Let me just finish up on the eggs," Ryan said. He grabbed a plate and dumped all of what he was cooking in the pan onto the plate. He made his way over to the table and joined his family, "There we go, dig in!" he smiled half heartedly.

After the plates were devoured, Seth patted his stomach, "That my friend, was delicious."

"What did we do to deserve this?" Kirsten smiled at Ryan. "I'm so happy my family is back for the holidays."

"Me too," Sandy smiled looking at his family.

This hit Ryan even more and he couldn't stop but feel even more guilty. His face dropped and Kirsten saw and knew something was up, "Ryan? What's wrong?"

"I uh–"

"Everything okay?" Sandy asked.

"I need to go," Ryan said.

"Go where?" Seth asked dumbfounded.

"Back to Berkeley."

"So soon?" Kirsten asked heartbroken.

"Jess called late last night. She's not doing so well. She ran back to Berkeley upset and she's all alone there for the holidays."

"Honey, is Jess okay?" Kirsten asked worried.

"I don't know. But I don't want her to be alone. Especially in a time like this." Ryan explained.

"But the holidays... Christmas... New Years..." Seth went on.

"I know, and I'm sorry. But she's going through some stuff. And she shouldn't have to alone."

After a while of just sitting in silence, Kirsten finally spoke up, "Bring her here!"

"What?" Ryan asked shocked.

"We have the spare room. Plus, Sandy and I would love to meet your college friends."

"Yeah, that way you stay here, and she won't be alone!" Seth added.

"You sure that's okay?" Ryan asked.

"Hey, we understand you want to be there for her if she's going through a rough time. This way, everyone ends up having a nice holiday – together," Sandy said.

"We'll even buy her ticket here! She'll be on the first flight to Newport," Kirsten said, "I'll go call book it right now."

"Seth and I will clean up, thanks for breakfast," Sandy said to Ryan, "Go give Jess a call and tell her it's not a problem for us and that we can't wait to meet her."

"Thanks Sandy," Ryan said. He went over to the pool house to give Jess a call.

"Hello?"

"Jess, hey it's me."

"Ryan, look I didn't mean to call last night only to have you cancel your holidays with your family–"

"Jess..."

"No let me finish. I don't want to ruin your holidays. Marissa is there! I can't have you–"

"Jess!"

"No Ryan! I won't let you come here."

"That's fine. You come here."

"What?"

"I told the Cohen's today and they want you here. They don't like anyone spending their holidays alone."

"Ryan, I can't let you–"

"You're not."

"I can't let the Sandy or Kirsten or–"

"You're not. We insist. Sandy even told me to tell you it's not a problem and that they're excited to meet you."

"I don't know..."

"C'mon. Kirsten is already having your flight booked. You'll be on the first plane here!"

"Ryan, this is too much."

"Well, get used to it. See the Cohen's are powerful people. They won't take no for an answer. But thank God they're also the kindest people ever. They'll do anything for family."

Jess was speechless. She couldn't come up with any words.

"I'll take your silence as a yes. Get packed and I'll send over your flight information," Ryan smiled through the phone.

"Thank you, Ryan. Seriously."

Ryan hung up the phone and made his way back into the kitchen to be met by Kirsten.

"Here's all the flight information," she smiled.

"Thanks Kirsten. Honestly, I couldn't be more–"

"Oh don't mention it," she said.

Ryan made his way back to the pool house but stopping at the door to turn back to Kirsten, "For the record, it's not like I chose Jess over you guys. I love you guys. It's just–"

"It's okay Ryan. We know you don't mean anything against us. You're just always wanting what's best for others."

Ryan smiled towards Kirsten, which she returned gladly, before making his way back to the pool house to email Jess all her flight information.

Seth popped his head in shortly after, "Knock knock!"

"Hey Seth," Ryan said, busy on his laptop.

"So Jess huh?"

"Yeah, what about her?"

"And Marissa?"

Ryan then stopped what he was doing and turned towards Seth, "What about her either?"

"Nothing, I'm just excited to see Coop's reaction," Seth smiled.

"She won't be jealous that's for sure. Jess is... not my type. And I'm not hers. We're friends, believe me."

"Oh I believe you... it's Marissa that I'm looking forward to see."

"Marissa won't be jealous."

"And how can you be so sure?"

"She's with Dan, Seth."

"Yeah, but the reason why things went smoothly yesterday is because we all knew about him before they both showed up."

"Yeah so?"

"How about Jess? Coming in out of no where?" Ryan began to see where Seth was getting at. "This'll be a Chrismukkah I won't forget, that's for sure!" Seth laughed.

"Seth. No drama."

"Oh hey, I can promise you that, but can everyone else?"

Ryan took a moment to breathe. He has nothing to worry about... right?