Chapter 10
Disclaimer- McG and Josh Schwartz own the O.C., I just wish I did.
Review!! This chapter was extra long, I hope you guys like it! I'll try to update within a few days.
A Very Cohen Christmukkah
Marissa and Summer were getting ready for Christmukkah Eve. Sure, the party didn't start for three hours, but you can never be too ready for a party!
"Coop, help me find something to wear," Summer whined, dumping her suitcase on the floor.
"Summer Roberts, unable to find something to wear? That's a first," Marissa teased, walking carefully over a pair of Jimmy Choos. "Are these shoes mine or yours?"
"Yours," Summer replied.
"Okay, so you want to impress Seth, right?" Marissa said.
"Right. And I was thinking about what you said the other day. About me being the best gift he could get," Summer started cautiously.
"Okay," Marissa answered.
"Well, I decided that's a really good idea. That, and his old Death Cab shirt, although I will probably be borrowing it every other second," Summer finished.
"Okay. So why don't you wear that black halter dress from Dior?" Marissa asked.
"I'm not sure if I brought it," Summer admitted. "I didn't expect to fall right back in love with Cohen."
"I found it!" Marissa exclaimed triumphantly. "Ooh, try it on!"
Marissa helped Summer into the gorgeous dress. Summer looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. "It's perfect."
"Totally. You're going to knock his socks off, Sum," Marissa smiled, a slightly poignant expression on her face.
"Now, let's find you something to wear, Miss Cooper," Summer said, walking over to Marissa's suitcase. She looked inside, and finding nothing, "Oh, that's right. You're a neat freak."
Summer opened the closet and sure enough, Marissa's clothes were neatly hanging up. "I think you should wear your strapless Vera Wang."
Marissa put the dress on. Summer gasped when she saw. "Coop, you look absolutely gorgeous!"
"Look who's talking! Summer, you look amazing. Seth is going to go crazy!"
The girls did their makeup and put on some jewelry. Marissa wore her hair down and wavy, parted on the side. Summer wore her hair down and straight. The two looked like princesses.
Summer linked her arm in Marissa's. "Ready to go?"
Back at the main house, Seth was on the phone with Ryan. "Ryan?"
"Hey, Seth. What's wrong?" Ryan replied.
"What's wrong? You're not here!" Seth snapped.
"I just stepped off of the plane. I'll be there in an hour or two. Chill out," Ryan said firmly. "Besides, why do you care so much?"
"Ryan. Think. You are my brother. It's Christmukkah Eve. Why wouldn't I want you here?"
"Okay, I get the point. I'll call you when I'm almost there," Ryan hung up the phone.
"I think it's so sweet that Seth thinks of you as his brother," Anna said, smiling at Ryan.
"Yeah," Ryan replied. One word answers were his trademark.
Anna could see that he didn't feel like talking about it, so she walked away. "Come on, we want to be there in time for Christmukkah Eve, don't we?"
Ryan followed her. Did she really think that Seth wanted her back? Oh well, Ryan thought, that's Seth's problem, not mine.
Ryan and Anna drove to the ski lodge. Surprisingly, there was hardly any traffic, it being Christmas Eve and all. Anna turned up the music. Great. It was Death Cab for Cutie. One of Seth's favorite bands. Ryan noticed the wistful look in Anna's eyes, and silently changed the station.
"I happen to like that song," Anna snapped, reaching her hand to change the station back.
"Well I don't, okay? And this is my car, not yours," Ryan replied equally stonily. "Whatever. Sorry. So, we had some pretty good times up at the ski lodge, didn't we?"
Ryan didn't answer. Anna continued. "I mean, you, me, Seth, Marissa. It was fun. Wasn't it?"
Still no reply.
"Speaking of Marissa, have you heard from her lately?"
Ryan uttered a barely audible "No."
"That's too bad. You guys were so cute together, you know. I thought you were going to be together forever. But then, again, I thought the same about Seth and me."
"Anna, just stop. Now." Ryan's voice was gruff.
Anna knew she had touched a nerve, so she decided to drop it. But it was so obvious that Ryan still wanted Marissa. Why else would he not want to talk about her?
Anna smiled gently at Ryan, a knowing smile on her face. Shit, Ryan thought. Was it that obvious?
"So, um, what did you get Seth for Christmukkah?" Anna asked.
"I got him some CD's and the first edition of some comic book. Very rare, you know."
"That's so sweet, Ryan," Anna said, "Want to know what I got him?"
"Sure," Ryan replied, wondering if he even had a choice. "Wait, when did you have a chance to get him something? You didn't know you were coming to the party until yesterday." He looked at her suspiciously.
"Oh, well, you know," Anna blushed, "I figured since I was going to be in Newport, I would drop a present off at his house. For old times sake."
Ryan laughed in his head. Seth was going to have a crazy time with Summer and Anna fighting over him. It was just like high school. Almost like high school. The only thing missing was Marissa and himself together. You can change that, Ryan thought to himself. He shook his head. There he went again, messing with his own mind.
"Ryan, turn left here. We only have five miles left," Anna's perky voice brought Ryan from his thoughts.
Anna's heart started pounding as they got closer to the Cohen's ski retreat. She hoped that Ryan couldn't sense the nervousness.
"I'm going to call Seth. To tell him that we are almost there," Ryan announced, dialing Seth's cell.
Seth's cell rang. "Ooh, can I answer it?" Marissa asked eagerly.
Seth shrugged and took the cell phone out of his pocket. He was about to toss it to Marissa, but luckily he glimpsed the Caller ID. It was Ryan.
"Uh, no. Actually, I think I'll just answer it. I think it's a friend from college," Seth replied glibly.
Marissa smiled, totally believing Seth's little white lie. Whew, that was a close one, Seth thought, running out the front door.
"Hey man, it's Ryan," Ryan said. "I just wanted to tell you that we are about two minutes from the place."
"Okay, see you soon," Seth replied, pressing the END CALL button on his phone.
He walked back inside where Summer, Marissa, Luke, and Holly were chatting and drinking champagne.
"That was fast," Summer pointed out, "What did your friend want?"
"It was actually Tom and Sara. They wanted to tell me that they were a few minutes away from home, and had a safe flight," Seth chose his words carefully, hoping that Summer would understand.
A flicker of recognition shone in Summer's eyes. Seth winked surreptitiously at her.
"This is a great party, don't you think?" Marissa asked Holly.
"Totally. It's so great that the whole gang is back together for Christmukkah," Holly agreed.
"Actually, not the whole gang. Where is Ryan, by the way?" Luke said, in complete oblivion.
"Uh, I don't think he could make it," Summer muttered. She and Seth exchanged looks. It seemed like everyone missed Ryan and just HAD to bring him up.
"That's too bad," Luke said, putting his arm around Holly. "Does anyone want a drink?"
Luke went off in search of drinks for Marissa, Summer, Holly, and Seth. Suddenly the room got really quiet. Seth checked his watch. It was ten- thirty. Ryan would be there any minute. "I'd like to make a toast," Sandy's voice rang out loud and clear, "to my beautiful wife Kirsten. She put this whole party together, and I love her."
All of the guests clinked glasses and cheered. "I'd also like to propose a toast to all of you. Thanks for coming out here and spending your Christmas, or should I say Christmukkah with us!" Sandy continued. There was a smattering of applause and then everyone started talking again.
"Seth, your dad is so nice!" Summer squealed. "And sweet. I see where you get it from."
Seth smiled and bent down to kiss Summer. "At least I don't have the eyebrows."
Summer laughed. "Not yet."
Ryan and Anna pulled into the drive. "We're finally here!" Anna screamed, as Ryan turned off the engine. She jumped out of the car and ran into the house. By this time many of the guests had retreated to their rooms for a little Christmas Eve love. However, the Cohens, Marissa, Summer, and a few other guests were still at the party. Marissa, Luke, Holly, Seth, and Summer were sitting in the living room, laughing at Seth's imitations of various stars.
Anna walked into the living room, looking cute, but that was it. Just cute.
"Anna," Summer said, surprised.
"Hey Summer, hey Seth," Anna winked, wrapping her arms around Seth and pecking him on the cheek. "Well isn't this fun! It's just like old times," she added, giving an annoyed look to Summer.
Summer walked over to Seth and put her arm around him. "You know, Anna, Seth and I were so happy that you could make it," she lied. "I'm so happy we can all still be friends."
By this time Anna was seething. "Anna, you look great," Holly said, nudging Luke.
"Yeah," Luke said, "Uh, you are still as beautiful as you were in high school."
Anna laughed. "Thanks, guys."
Ryan handed his keys to the valet that Kirsten had hired. "A little late to the party, aren't we?" the valet winked.
Ryan ignored him and walked into the house. He heard laughter and followed the sound. Luke and Seth were describing one day in high school when they had gone sailing. Ryan walked into the room, slowly taking in his surroundings. Then he saw her. And stopped dead in his tracks. Marissa and Holly looked up. They had been laughing so hard they couldn't look at Seth and Luke. Marissa froze.
"Hey Ryan," Seth exclaimed, just a little too enthusiastically.
"Wow, Ryan, what a surprise," Summer added, shooting a look at Marissa.
"Hey.guys," Ryan said absentmindedly. He couldn't take his eyes off of Marissa.
Slowly but surely, Ryan walked over to Marissa. And hugged her. "I love you," he whispered, as she cried into his shoulder.
"We're standing under the mistletoe," he added softly.
She looked up at him, his striking blue eyes staring hopefully at her. He waited for her to say something. Anything. His heart sank. She didn't love him back. But then.she kissed him. Passionately. Taken by surprise, Ryan kissed her back. Like he meant it. And, boy did it feel good. After all those years, Marissa was still the only one who could make him feel like he was in heaven.
Did Ryan just walk in here? Marissa thought. And am I kissing him, right now? Is this a dream? She continued kissing him. Her world was spinning. Ryan had just told her that he loved her. Wow. Marissa didn't like to be corny, but absence really did make the heart grow fonder. She opened her eyes for a second, just to make sure it was really Ryan. Yup, it was him.
"This is the best Christmukkah ever," Marissa murmured, looking into Ryan's eyes.
Ryan stared at her. He didn't even have to say anything. His eyes shone, and Marissa knew. He was back. For good. And he loved her.
They kissed again. Sandy and Kirsten walked into the room. "Well, I'm guessing that Ryan and Marissa have found each other again," Sandy remarked to Kirsten.
Ryan and Marissa pulled away from each other, embarrassed. After all these years, Ryan was still embarrassed when his "parents" walked in on him.
"Come here, Ryan, and say hello to your mother," Sandy insisted, as Kirsten pulled Ryan into a tight embrace.
"We're so happy to have you here. For Christmukkah," Kirsten said, kissing Ryan.
Summer smiled. Operation RyRissa was a success! She turned to give Seth a high-five. But she had a better idea. She kissed him.
"Oh, Seth, can you come and help me with my bags?" Anna yelled, desperately thinking of a way to break Seth and Summer up. Hmm.
"Sure," Seth looked apologetically at Summer. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"You know Seth, that was so nice of you to kiss Summer. Since you were under the mistletoe, I mean," Anna commented.
"Well actually-" Seth started.
Anna cut him off. "I've been thinking a lot lately. About you. And me. And I think we should give it another chance."
"Um-" Seth began to say, but was once again interrupted by Anna. Wait. Was this Anna or Summer?
"Shh," Anna whispered. And with that, she kissed him on the lips.
Just then Summer walked outside, and to her dismay, Anna and Seth were kissing passionately.
"Seth," she started to say, but with this sight she was speechless. "Seth Cohen, I can't believe you! I hate you!" she added, running back into the house as the tears started flowing.
Seth abruptly pushed Anna away. "Now look what you've done," he hissed.
Anna smiled apologetically at Seth, but she wasn't actually sorry. She knew that she had felt something in that kiss, and she was pretty sure Seth had too.
Disclaimer- McG and Josh Schwartz own the O.C., I just wish I did.
Review!! This chapter was extra long, I hope you guys like it! I'll try to update within a few days.
A Very Cohen Christmukkah
Marissa and Summer were getting ready for Christmukkah Eve. Sure, the party didn't start for three hours, but you can never be too ready for a party!
"Coop, help me find something to wear," Summer whined, dumping her suitcase on the floor.
"Summer Roberts, unable to find something to wear? That's a first," Marissa teased, walking carefully over a pair of Jimmy Choos. "Are these shoes mine or yours?"
"Yours," Summer replied.
"Okay, so you want to impress Seth, right?" Marissa said.
"Right. And I was thinking about what you said the other day. About me being the best gift he could get," Summer started cautiously.
"Okay," Marissa answered.
"Well, I decided that's a really good idea. That, and his old Death Cab shirt, although I will probably be borrowing it every other second," Summer finished.
"Okay. So why don't you wear that black halter dress from Dior?" Marissa asked.
"I'm not sure if I brought it," Summer admitted. "I didn't expect to fall right back in love with Cohen."
"I found it!" Marissa exclaimed triumphantly. "Ooh, try it on!"
Marissa helped Summer into the gorgeous dress. Summer looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. "It's perfect."
"Totally. You're going to knock his socks off, Sum," Marissa smiled, a slightly poignant expression on her face.
"Now, let's find you something to wear, Miss Cooper," Summer said, walking over to Marissa's suitcase. She looked inside, and finding nothing, "Oh, that's right. You're a neat freak."
Summer opened the closet and sure enough, Marissa's clothes were neatly hanging up. "I think you should wear your strapless Vera Wang."
Marissa put the dress on. Summer gasped when she saw. "Coop, you look absolutely gorgeous!"
"Look who's talking! Summer, you look amazing. Seth is going to go crazy!"
The girls did their makeup and put on some jewelry. Marissa wore her hair down and wavy, parted on the side. Summer wore her hair down and straight. The two looked like princesses.
Summer linked her arm in Marissa's. "Ready to go?"
Back at the main house, Seth was on the phone with Ryan. "Ryan?"
"Hey, Seth. What's wrong?" Ryan replied.
"What's wrong? You're not here!" Seth snapped.
"I just stepped off of the plane. I'll be there in an hour or two. Chill out," Ryan said firmly. "Besides, why do you care so much?"
"Ryan. Think. You are my brother. It's Christmukkah Eve. Why wouldn't I want you here?"
"Okay, I get the point. I'll call you when I'm almost there," Ryan hung up the phone.
"I think it's so sweet that Seth thinks of you as his brother," Anna said, smiling at Ryan.
"Yeah," Ryan replied. One word answers were his trademark.
Anna could see that he didn't feel like talking about it, so she walked away. "Come on, we want to be there in time for Christmukkah Eve, don't we?"
Ryan followed her. Did she really think that Seth wanted her back? Oh well, Ryan thought, that's Seth's problem, not mine.
Ryan and Anna drove to the ski lodge. Surprisingly, there was hardly any traffic, it being Christmas Eve and all. Anna turned up the music. Great. It was Death Cab for Cutie. One of Seth's favorite bands. Ryan noticed the wistful look in Anna's eyes, and silently changed the station.
"I happen to like that song," Anna snapped, reaching her hand to change the station back.
"Well I don't, okay? And this is my car, not yours," Ryan replied equally stonily. "Whatever. Sorry. So, we had some pretty good times up at the ski lodge, didn't we?"
Ryan didn't answer. Anna continued. "I mean, you, me, Seth, Marissa. It was fun. Wasn't it?"
Still no reply.
"Speaking of Marissa, have you heard from her lately?"
Ryan uttered a barely audible "No."
"That's too bad. You guys were so cute together, you know. I thought you were going to be together forever. But then, again, I thought the same about Seth and me."
"Anna, just stop. Now." Ryan's voice was gruff.
Anna knew she had touched a nerve, so she decided to drop it. But it was so obvious that Ryan still wanted Marissa. Why else would he not want to talk about her?
Anna smiled gently at Ryan, a knowing smile on her face. Shit, Ryan thought. Was it that obvious?
"So, um, what did you get Seth for Christmukkah?" Anna asked.
"I got him some CD's and the first edition of some comic book. Very rare, you know."
"That's so sweet, Ryan," Anna said, "Want to know what I got him?"
"Sure," Ryan replied, wondering if he even had a choice. "Wait, when did you have a chance to get him something? You didn't know you were coming to the party until yesterday." He looked at her suspiciously.
"Oh, well, you know," Anna blushed, "I figured since I was going to be in Newport, I would drop a present off at his house. For old times sake."
Ryan laughed in his head. Seth was going to have a crazy time with Summer and Anna fighting over him. It was just like high school. Almost like high school. The only thing missing was Marissa and himself together. You can change that, Ryan thought to himself. He shook his head. There he went again, messing with his own mind.
"Ryan, turn left here. We only have five miles left," Anna's perky voice brought Ryan from his thoughts.
Anna's heart started pounding as they got closer to the Cohen's ski retreat. She hoped that Ryan couldn't sense the nervousness.
"I'm going to call Seth. To tell him that we are almost there," Ryan announced, dialing Seth's cell.
Seth's cell rang. "Ooh, can I answer it?" Marissa asked eagerly.
Seth shrugged and took the cell phone out of his pocket. He was about to toss it to Marissa, but luckily he glimpsed the Caller ID. It was Ryan.
"Uh, no. Actually, I think I'll just answer it. I think it's a friend from college," Seth replied glibly.
Marissa smiled, totally believing Seth's little white lie. Whew, that was a close one, Seth thought, running out the front door.
"Hey man, it's Ryan," Ryan said. "I just wanted to tell you that we are about two minutes from the place."
"Okay, see you soon," Seth replied, pressing the END CALL button on his phone.
He walked back inside where Summer, Marissa, Luke, and Holly were chatting and drinking champagne.
"That was fast," Summer pointed out, "What did your friend want?"
"It was actually Tom and Sara. They wanted to tell me that they were a few minutes away from home, and had a safe flight," Seth chose his words carefully, hoping that Summer would understand.
A flicker of recognition shone in Summer's eyes. Seth winked surreptitiously at her.
"This is a great party, don't you think?" Marissa asked Holly.
"Totally. It's so great that the whole gang is back together for Christmukkah," Holly agreed.
"Actually, not the whole gang. Where is Ryan, by the way?" Luke said, in complete oblivion.
"Uh, I don't think he could make it," Summer muttered. She and Seth exchanged looks. It seemed like everyone missed Ryan and just HAD to bring him up.
"That's too bad," Luke said, putting his arm around Holly. "Does anyone want a drink?"
Luke went off in search of drinks for Marissa, Summer, Holly, and Seth. Suddenly the room got really quiet. Seth checked his watch. It was ten- thirty. Ryan would be there any minute. "I'd like to make a toast," Sandy's voice rang out loud and clear, "to my beautiful wife Kirsten. She put this whole party together, and I love her."
All of the guests clinked glasses and cheered. "I'd also like to propose a toast to all of you. Thanks for coming out here and spending your Christmas, or should I say Christmukkah with us!" Sandy continued. There was a smattering of applause and then everyone started talking again.
"Seth, your dad is so nice!" Summer squealed. "And sweet. I see where you get it from."
Seth smiled and bent down to kiss Summer. "At least I don't have the eyebrows."
Summer laughed. "Not yet."
Ryan and Anna pulled into the drive. "We're finally here!" Anna screamed, as Ryan turned off the engine. She jumped out of the car and ran into the house. By this time many of the guests had retreated to their rooms for a little Christmas Eve love. However, the Cohens, Marissa, Summer, and a few other guests were still at the party. Marissa, Luke, Holly, Seth, and Summer were sitting in the living room, laughing at Seth's imitations of various stars.
Anna walked into the living room, looking cute, but that was it. Just cute.
"Anna," Summer said, surprised.
"Hey Summer, hey Seth," Anna winked, wrapping her arms around Seth and pecking him on the cheek. "Well isn't this fun! It's just like old times," she added, giving an annoyed look to Summer.
Summer walked over to Seth and put her arm around him. "You know, Anna, Seth and I were so happy that you could make it," she lied. "I'm so happy we can all still be friends."
By this time Anna was seething. "Anna, you look great," Holly said, nudging Luke.
"Yeah," Luke said, "Uh, you are still as beautiful as you were in high school."
Anna laughed. "Thanks, guys."
Ryan handed his keys to the valet that Kirsten had hired. "A little late to the party, aren't we?" the valet winked.
Ryan ignored him and walked into the house. He heard laughter and followed the sound. Luke and Seth were describing one day in high school when they had gone sailing. Ryan walked into the room, slowly taking in his surroundings. Then he saw her. And stopped dead in his tracks. Marissa and Holly looked up. They had been laughing so hard they couldn't look at Seth and Luke. Marissa froze.
"Hey Ryan," Seth exclaimed, just a little too enthusiastically.
"Wow, Ryan, what a surprise," Summer added, shooting a look at Marissa.
"Hey.guys," Ryan said absentmindedly. He couldn't take his eyes off of Marissa.
Slowly but surely, Ryan walked over to Marissa. And hugged her. "I love you," he whispered, as she cried into his shoulder.
"We're standing under the mistletoe," he added softly.
She looked up at him, his striking blue eyes staring hopefully at her. He waited for her to say something. Anything. His heart sank. She didn't love him back. But then.she kissed him. Passionately. Taken by surprise, Ryan kissed her back. Like he meant it. And, boy did it feel good. After all those years, Marissa was still the only one who could make him feel like he was in heaven.
Did Ryan just walk in here? Marissa thought. And am I kissing him, right now? Is this a dream? She continued kissing him. Her world was spinning. Ryan had just told her that he loved her. Wow. Marissa didn't like to be corny, but absence really did make the heart grow fonder. She opened her eyes for a second, just to make sure it was really Ryan. Yup, it was him.
"This is the best Christmukkah ever," Marissa murmured, looking into Ryan's eyes.
Ryan stared at her. He didn't even have to say anything. His eyes shone, and Marissa knew. He was back. For good. And he loved her.
They kissed again. Sandy and Kirsten walked into the room. "Well, I'm guessing that Ryan and Marissa have found each other again," Sandy remarked to Kirsten.
Ryan and Marissa pulled away from each other, embarrassed. After all these years, Ryan was still embarrassed when his "parents" walked in on him.
"Come here, Ryan, and say hello to your mother," Sandy insisted, as Kirsten pulled Ryan into a tight embrace.
"We're so happy to have you here. For Christmukkah," Kirsten said, kissing Ryan.
Summer smiled. Operation RyRissa was a success! She turned to give Seth a high-five. But she had a better idea. She kissed him.
"Oh, Seth, can you come and help me with my bags?" Anna yelled, desperately thinking of a way to break Seth and Summer up. Hmm.
"Sure," Seth looked apologetically at Summer. "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"You know Seth, that was so nice of you to kiss Summer. Since you were under the mistletoe, I mean," Anna commented.
"Well actually-" Seth started.
Anna cut him off. "I've been thinking a lot lately. About you. And me. And I think we should give it another chance."
"Um-" Seth began to say, but was once again interrupted by Anna. Wait. Was this Anna or Summer?
"Shh," Anna whispered. And with that, she kissed him on the lips.
Just then Summer walked outside, and to her dismay, Anna and Seth were kissing passionately.
"Seth," she started to say, but with this sight she was speechless. "Seth Cohen, I can't believe you! I hate you!" she added, running back into the house as the tears started flowing.
Seth abruptly pushed Anna away. "Now look what you've done," he hissed.
Anna smiled apologetically at Seth, but she wasn't actually sorry. She knew that she had felt something in that kiss, and she was pretty sure Seth had too.