The O.C.

Past and Future

By: Atwood-Fan001

Homecoming

Ryan held little Rylie in his arms, she seemed scared. She was crying. He was holding her and whispering to her, and… singing to her. They watched as she slowly fell asleep in his arms.

Ryan walked past the three others and placed Rylie in her bed. On his way out his leg gives out and he falls to the floor. He purposely lands on his right arm to stop the thud from waking Rylie up.

"Shit…"

Seth ran over to Ryan, helping him to his feet. Summer watches as Seth moves Ryan to the couch and helps him sit down. Marissa stands in awe at what she has witnessed.

"Man, you need some rest…" Seth started.

"Don't lecture me, Seth." Ryan said sharply.

"Ryan, he's right. You don't look good at all." Summer said with compassion in her voice.

"No time. School in the morning, work right after that. Homework and supper for Rylie when I get home." Ryan said, looking down at the ground.

"That's it." Marissa finally said. "Ryan, get your clothes. Seth, go grab Rylie. Summer, get her some clothes and some of her things. Ryan can tell you what she'll need."

"Marissa…" Ryan tried to say.

"No, Ryan. You're going home with us, now." Marissa said, not backing down. "I haven't been looking for you for four years to let you slip away."

Ryan just stood up, and walked to his room. He threw his four other shirts and jeans into a bag, and then packed Rylie's things for her. He carried all the stuff to the jeep, regardless of the other three's complaints about his shape.

"Mom and Dad will be glad to see you, Man." Seth said quietly.

Ryan just looked down at the sleeping girl in his lap. She was sleeping so peacefully that he didn't want to wake her up. Summer sat up front while Seth drove. Marissa sat in back with Ryan. It was the hardest car ride he had to endure.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The jeep pulled into the Cohen's driveway. It was the same as he had remembered it. The white, the height, the luxury. He remembered it well. He had gotten so use to it within the year that he was with them, and he regretted that. He didn't deserve it, Rylie did.

"Ryan!" The shout came from the house.

Ryan looked up as he got out of the car, the sleeping Rylie still in his arms. He saw Kirsten and Sandy standing outside the front door. They were smiling, and Kirsten was in tears. Ryan looked down, smiling at his darling daughter. Seth walked up behind him, resting his arm on his shoulder.

"Welcome home." He said quietly.

Ryan took a deep breath and began his assent into the giant house. It had been four years since he had been here, and yet it was like yesterday to him. They all waited for Ryan to speak as they watched him look around.

"It hasn't changed," Ryan said quietly.

"You'd be surprised," Kirsten said, suppressing tears.

"The Pool House is waiting for you," Sandy said with a smile.

Just as Ryan was about to move toward the Pool House, the little critter in his arms began to squirm around. He knew she was going to wake up. He didn't bother to try and stop her. She slowly opened her eyes.

She looked at him and blinked a few times, "Where are we Daddy?"

Ryan smiled, and shifted Rylie so she could see Kristen and Sandy. He waited for her response to seeing them. He was not surprised as everyone else was when she finally realized who she was looking at.

"Grandma Kirsten! Grandpa Sandy!" she squealed as she scrambled to give them a hug.

They all looked at Ryan in disbelief. Ryan smiled slightly as he moved toward them. He watched as Sandy and Kirsten gave her big hugs and then she ran back to Ryan. He picked her up and whispered something to her. She got down and walked over to Seth and Summer.

"Aunt Summer, Uncle Seth… would you please show me the Pool House?"

They didn't know what to say, Rylie took their hands and they led her to the Pool House. This left Ryan, Sandy, Kirsten, and Marissa alone. He knew he needed to talk to them.

"I'm sorry." He finally said.

Kirsten began to cry, pulling Ryan into a hug. Sandy soon joined her, leaving Marissa feeling out of place. She began to walk towards the door, but Ryan soon stopped her.

"Please don't go!" He begged.

She stopped in her tracks. "What?"

A tear ran down his face, "Don't leave… please?"

She looked at Ryan, unsure of what he wanted. He got up and walked over to her, tears rolling non-stop now. She tried to hold back her own tears, it didn't work. She began to cry as Ryan finally spoke.

"I'm so sorry for disappearing with Theresa like that. I didn't know what to do, all I did know is that I had to be there for Rylie! I've missed you all so much, especially you, Marissa! Please, don't leave me now!"

Marissa fell into Ryan's arms. He held her as tight as he could, never wanting to let her go. It had so long, and they had all wanted this for so long. They held each other for what seemed like hours. Sandy and Kirsten could only smile.

Marissa whispered into his ear, "Welcome home, Ryan."