(Disclaimer: I don't own anything at all. So don't sue me. Please.)

A Note from the Author: shakes head Crazy Marissa. Hopefully, she's being portrayed as not having a big flashing sign over her head reading "Hate Me". Like, there's a reason for all of the Marissa-centric chapters (as much as it pained me to write them). My personal bias aside, what I'm trying to say here is that she isn't a spiteful, hateful bitch. She's just got bad mental problems, which makes her sees things in a different (crazy!) light than others. This is how everyone is reading these chapters, right? Right? crickets chirping Right. Uh… onwards.   

Chapter Nineteen

"Coop doesn't want to see you anymore. So just stay away!" With that said, Summer slammed the door in Luke's face. She was surprised at how naturally the action came to her, and then she realized, oh yeah. Luke had always been an asshole to Marissa.

Marissa was curled up in her couch with a blanket tossed haphazardly over her. Her shoulders were shaking, and she was unmistakeably crying. Again. Summer sighed, plopping down on the couch to lay a reassuring hand on her back. She didn't really know what Marissa had to be sad about; wasn't she over Luke already? And if she was disappointed in him and her mom, well, she obviously set too high standards for them to live up to. Because, I mean, Mrs. Cooper?

Even though she was a mother in name, she sure as hell didn't act like Mrs. Cohen.

Summer didn't understand why Marissa had to get so emotionally invested in people; it was a little bizarre how much trust she put in others. And she really could not comprehend why Marissa would skip meals without telling her best friend. It seemed that everything that could go wrong, did, and the end result was that Jimmy had to watch her eating habits like a hawk, and her psychiatric visits were increased to three times a week. Summer understood that Marissa needed a person to help her get through the bad times, but why didn't she turn to her?

It was hard for her not to sound a bit selfish like this, but Summer had always been insecure in her friendship with Marissa. While she was awkward and unbalanced, loose and unpredictable, her best friend was tall and lithe, graceful and poised. She had always felt a bit inferior compared to Marissa, and more like the sidekick instead of the other half. Then again, she had to be grateful towards the girl for defending her when some jealous girls labelled her a slut, or a whore. That sort of humiliating experience never happened again after Marissa put her foot down. 

And right now it was Marissa who needed Summer, and she tried to make the best of the situation. Comforting Coop while muttering insults at Ward was her strategy at the moment. However, while Luke could be ignored and tossed to the side like the useless bastard he was, Julie Cooper was still, and will always be, Marissa's mother. Summer didn't really know what she thought of her, but due to recent experience, she had the feeling that Marissa should at least remain in touch with Julie.

"You okay?" she asked as Marissa's sobs subsided.

"Yeah, I… just need a moment to breathe."

"That's like, totally okay," Summer reassured. "Take your time. You know what, you stay here. I'll get the ice cream and let's just see what's on the movie channel, 'kay?"

When the two were settled nicely in the confines of the couch, spoons stuck in the giant tub of Ben and Jerry's Summer had dug out of the freezer and eyes glued to A Beautiful Mind, she decided to break the news to Marissa.

Summer had to ease into it first; she didn't want her to get more upset than she already was. She felt hesitant, but thankfully Marissa broke the ice first.

"You know, Sum, I'm happy that you're here, but you don't have to do this. If you have something better to do…"

"It's no big deal." She gestured offhandedly. "And besides, we're going to need as much 'girl time' as possible… I'm going to New York City for Christmas break." She braced herself for a reaction.

Marissa noticed the lack of explanation, but she was still too emotionally preoccupied with another issue to pursue the matter further. "Oh," she briefly replied. "I can't believe you're going. I mean, I'll be all alone here, and… I'll have to face everyone myself. Luke. Mom. Ryan – did I tell you about him yet?"

Summer discreetly avoided the question. "You'll be fine, I'm sure. Like, the Coop I know can totally make it on her own."

The other girl nodded. "Sure, but, what am I going to say to them? Especially mom. I still have to get all my stuff from my old house."

"Well, actually…" Summer hesitated. "I think you should forgive your mom. Or at least see her from time to time."

Marissa looked at her in surprise. "What? Did you mean…?"

"I just… I mean… She's your mother, Coop. She always will be," she protested.

Her friend tensed in the spot next to her, and softly repeated, "I can't believe this. I can't believe you're saying this."

"And maybe she's not so bad. I think you should really, like, reconsider the whole 'never seeing her again for the rest of your life'," Summer continued, wondering why the hell she just said that.

Marissa's mouth was agape for a second or two before she shot back, "Are you siding with her?"

Summer was taken aback. "N-no, I was just saying –"

The other girl advanced, grabbing her arm roughly. "Did she put you up to this? Have you been talking to her?"

Summer tried wrenching her arm away, but to no avail. Panicked, she tried to object, but was interrupted by Marissa's cry of "How could you do this to me?"

She was getting hysterical now, and Summer had to admit that she had never seen this side of her before. It was downright creepy. "Coop, I –"

"Get out!" Marissa screeched. She tightened her death-grip on Summer's forearm, yanking her up and spilling the bowl of popcorn in her lap to the ground. "I don't need to hear this right now! I need to be independent!" She dragged Summer to the door, wrenched it open, and threw her and her jacket outside.

"Coop, wha…?"

Marissa leaned in close and coldly whispered, "Maybe you should think about whose side you're really on." Then she slammed the door in Summer's face.

The brunette could only stand there, stunned. She hadn't even had enough time to react, and her years of experience with catfighting and rage blackouts were briefly forgotten for the moment. Never in a million years could she have predicted that. And Marissa was so strong… She gingerly rubbed her arm, which was most likely bruised. Okay.

Maybe some time apart would do their friendship some good.