Author's Note: I started posting this about a month, but as soon as I had started posting my parents split so there was the whole emotional crap to deal with, and the fact that my mom had the computer for a while. Anyway, it's back and I'll try to update lots - as long as you all review!!
Disclaimer: I own pretty much nothing, except the idea and whatever character isn't on the show.
- _ - _ - _ - _ -
I just love it down here at night, Marissa sighed dreamily, synchronizing her steps with Ryan's. It's so calm - so beautiful.
Ryan smiled and gently placed an arm around her tiny waist. Marissa shivered slightly as they slowly walked down the beach, shoes in hand.
Are you cold? Ryan asked, slightly concerned. Marissa shook her head lightly and massaged her bare arms a bit.
I'm fine, she said, but Ryan paid no attention to her response. He took his sweatshirt off and draped it carefully around Marissa's tiny shoulders. She smiled, her eyes sparkling.
he apologized quickly. It would be more romantic if it was a jacket or something.
Marissa smiled.
Don't be, she said. It's perfect.
Ryan smiled as she leaned in for a kiss. Their lips crashed together for a blissful second as Marissa smiled again before they continued to walk down the beach.
I'm so glad we worked everything out, Marissa said suddenly. Ryan looked at her and smiled for what seemed like the millionth time that night.
he agreed. Marissa smiled - she knew he wasn't a big talker, but she liked it.
They stopped somewhere down the beach and sat down, Marissa resting comfortably in Ryan's arms.
No more misunderstandings? she asked as they looked over the ocean. Ryan nodded in agreement.
No more misunderstandings.
-_-_-_-_-
Seth sat on the same couch, pounding furiously at the same controllers as he tried to beat his own score on one of his many video games. He remained seated as the doorbell rang.
Kirsten walked into the living room from the kitchen and stared blankly at Seth for a minuet.
Could you not hear the door? she asked. Seth looked up at her, a confused look plastered across his face.
he asked, as if he couldn't hear. Kirsten rolled her eyes but laughed slightly as she walked towards the front door.
How come you're in tonight, anyway? she asked her son. Why aren't you out with one of your friends?
The TV is my friend, Seth replied, eyes still glued to the tube. And we like to stay in.
Kirsten laughed slightly again as she opened the front door. She let out a small gasp and stared, confused, at the figure in her doorway.
Standing at the doorstep was a young girl with long, thick blonde hair and sad aqua blue eyes as clear as a pool on a sunny day. She wore army green cargo pants with a studded belt and black boots on her feet. A large denim jacket had been draped over a white t-shirt, a backpack slung loosely over her left shoulder. Her skin was impossibly fair considering the location, and the only jewelry she wore consisted of a couple of plain, inexpensive studded bracelets that wrapped around her thin wrists and a black collar around her neck.
But this isn't what attracted Kirsten's attention.
What attracted Kirsten's attention was the large purple and black bruise developing under her right eye and the cut on her lip that slowly bled. It was the gash in her forehead and the holes in her pants where her knees should go and the scrapes beneath them that made Kirsten gasp.
She stared, wide-eyed, at the shy young girl standing uncomfortably on her doorstep.
the girl spoke, her voice soft and shy. Is Ryan here?
