On the Flip Side
Chapter 17: Things Were Going Great, Please Won't You Leave It That Way?
Disclaimer: I don't own the O.C. or its characters. All I own is my piece of the story line, which has been done…too many times to count.
A/N: Okay, so this update was slightly longer than I promised, but you get the next chapter tonight! Thanks for all the encouraging reviews. Also, instead of the hospital benefit the party is for Caleb, because…well, because he's Caleb. Got it? And I know the cops scene was in a different episode than "The Perfect Couple" but I'm using it here anyway.
Lala456- Um, she was in the hospital for three or four days. Something like that. But I didn't want to have the whole chapter be in the hospital…ya know. And thanks so much!
Emily-Yeah, I always love reading what you guys have to say about the story, after all, you are what keep me writing!
Newportbabe44-Read on…but things are going to look up…sort of.
Natalie-Looking back on chapter 15, I'm not so happy with it. Glad this one is more in tune with the story.
Reviewer-Only the occasional chapter is going to be darker, so enjoy it while you can! Lol. Well first of all, on the show when Marissa says I love you, Ryan says thank you, and also, Marissa has just come home from the hospital, she's tired, she's on medication…she's not completely there. But don't worry, the words will be exchanged again soon enough.
Sis2ACesarSalad-Lol, only because it's me, right? Well I guess I left out the washing hands part but I didn't really think it was important to the story…sorry. Yeah, Marissa has a poor body image, as do most borderline (or full-blown) anorexics or bulimics. But she's going to start getting better, slowly.
BenIsSexy-Don't worry, the alone time will come…all in good time.
Shouldbeblonde-Aw you flatter me!
Iloveben14-thanks so much! Hope this update wasn't too late.
Carpanthers21-I explained why she didn't say it back to reviewer. Thanks so much, and yes, Ryan's character is "newportified" lol for some reason that made me laugh.
Theresa-Me too!
TheOCisMe-Chap 17 is out right now. Sorry for the late update…
On with the story!
"Cohen!" Summer wailed, "Hurry up! Your grandfather's party is tonight, and I still have to find a dress."
"Coming, dear." Seth rolled his eyes at Ryan and walked into the foyer, where Summer was wearing jean shorts and a light orange tube top.
"I think I'm going to skip the party," Marissa told Ryan, leaning her head wearily against the counter.
"Why? It won't be fun unless you're there!"
"I don't know…I mean, it's a big fancy Newport bash, isn't it?" Ryan nodded, and Marissa continued, closing her eyes. "Well, I'm not exactly Newport material, am I?"
Ryan wrapped his arm around Marissa's shoulder. "Marissa, you can be. All of Summer's friends like you, I like you, my parents like you. Has someone said something to you?"
Marissa shook her head. "No…I just don't belong. I know it."
"Please come, for me?" Ryan pleaded, softly kissing the top of Marissa's head.
"Well…" Ryan cut Marissa off with a gentle kiss on the lips. "Okay. But can we leave early?"
"Uhh…" Ryan smiled apologetically at Marissa. "Not really, because it's on Caleb's boat."
"That's okay."
"You sure?"
"As long as I'm with you, I'll be fine."
"Let's go to the mall. Maybe Summer and Seth haven't left yet, and we can get a ride off of them. Because you need a dress."
Ryan grabbed Marissa's hand and they ran out the door, almost bowling Sandy over. He was wearing a wetsuit and his hair was slicked back…he'd just returned from surfing. Summer and Seth were still in the driveway, and Marissa could see them arguing animatedly.
"Can we come?" Ryan shouted, interrupting whatever stupid fight they were fighting.
Summer smiled. "Yeah, hop in. Oh, and Ryan, would you rather go to South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island?"
Ryan looked nervously from Summer to Seth and back again. Face the wrath of Summer's rage blackouts…or Seth. What a hard decision. "South Coast Plaza," he said easily, and Summer smiled triumphantly at Seth.
"Ha! I told you."
Seth glared, although lovingly, at his girlfriend. "Only because Ryan's scared of you," he pointed out. "What about you, Marissa? South Coast or Fashion Island?"
Marissa really wasn't sure what was better, South Coast or Fashion Island. But since Summer wanted to go to South Coast… "South Coast."
"Nobody likes me. They all like Summer," Seth whined, leaning his head on Summer's shoulder. "Hop in."
Once they got to the mall Seth and Ryan tried to sidle away, telling the girls they needed to do some shopping of their own.
"Oh no you don't." Summer waggled a finger warningly at Seth and Ryan. "Sit." She pointed to a few stuffed armchairs just outside the dressing room.
"Let them go," Marissa said, "Maybe they do have errands to run."
Summer sighed dramatically. "You have so much to learn. Cohen tries this trick every time we go to the mall. Their 'errands' consist of browsing CD's they're not going to buy and stuffing their faces with auntie Anne's pretzels."
Seth rubbed his stomach. "Mmm," he murmured wishfully, "I could really go for one of those cinnamon sugar pretzels."
Ryan hit Seth's arm. "Shut up! You're making my mouth water."
Summer turned on her heel, ready to look for a dress. "You two better be here when we get back," she warned. Seth nodded glumly and sat down in a chair, Ryan next to him.
Soon after, but not soon enough, Marissa and Summer came hurrying to the dressing rooms, each stopping to kiss her boyfriend. They disappeared into the dressing rooms, and an assistant with arms full of dresses came hurrying by a moment later.
Summer came out and modeled her first dress. It was a peach colored cocktail dress with a plunging neckline and spaghetti straps with a pearly sheen.
Seth put his two thumbs up and Summer beamed. She went back into the dressing room and emerged just as quickly. Marissa had yet to come out. Seth didn't like Summer's next dress, a strapless cerulean ball gown.
Summer wrinkled her nose and went back to change into dress number three.
She was twirling in the third dress, a black cocktail length dress with loads of white tulle beneath that flew up into a saucer shape, when Marissa came out in a multicolor Missoni concoction. It was light pinkish purple and yellow and brown and just all-around breathtaking, especially with Marissa in it.
All three of the other teens stared at Marissa, who shifted uncomfortably.
"Is it that horrible?" she asked finally, painstakingly averting her eyes from meeting Ryan's, Seth's, or Summer's. "I guess I'm just not made for these kinds of cloth—"
"Marissa! Summer shrieked, "Are you crazy? The dress is gorgeous, it's perfect, absolutely perfect!"
Ryan had to agree. The dress fit Marissa like a glove, as though it had been created especially for her. He smiled shyly at Marissa and she couldn't help but grin back.
"You look beautiful," Seth said in all seriousness. Summer smacked him on the lips before going back into her dressing room.
Marissa, content with her selection, headed to her dressing room to change back into her own clothes.
Seth and Ryan leaned back into the cushions of their chairs, both praying Summer would find her dress soon.
Marissa closed the door of her dressing room, as she had finished changing, and knocked on the door of Summer's. Seth watched, transfixed, as Marissa disappeared into Summer's dressing room, dress in hand.
His eyes glazing over wistfully, Seth said, "I bet some major lesbian hotness is happening in there as we speak."
Ryan rolled his eyes but he too couldn't help but wonder, although he was almost certain of Seth's inaccuracy.
"Why don't we find out?" Ryan conspiratorially lowered his voice. Seth grinned and stood up, pressing a finger to his mouth. Ryan nodded and they tiptoed over to Summer's dressing room. Ryan stood a bit away from the door; should Summer or Marissa come out he could make a run for his armchair, whereas Seth pressed his ear right up against the door. There was no need, as both of the girls' voices were high-pitched and strained.
"Summer, look at this price tag. I can't afford something like this." In the dressing room Marissa shoved the tag under Summer's nose. Summer inspected it dutifully.
"But I can." $957 was that much for a dress, especially not Chanel and especially not when Summer's father was paying.
"Summer, I can't ask you to pay for this." Marissa words were persuasive enough but Summer was certain by the longing look in Marissa's eyes that her step-cousin loved this dress.
"Look, Marissa, I'm not taking no for an answer. You live with my family and we're going to support you. We, meaning my dad." Summer would let Marissa think she was doing her a favor by accepting the dress. "Please let me buy it for you, it would really mean a lot to me."
"This isn't me, though, Sum. I'm not the kind of girl who should be wear—"
"No!" Summer cut her off. "I'm not interested in your excuses or reasoning. You're getting the dress.
Marissa sighed and hugged Summer. "You are so great," she told Summer who blushed furiously.
"Now, get out and go mack on your boyfriend or something. I need to find my dress!"
With this Seth and Ryan scurried back to the armchairs and had barely managed to look settled before Marissa came out with her very expensive dress in hand.
They exchanged looks as Marissa walked up to Ryan and sat down on his lap.
After a whiled Marissa closed her eyes, until the strident voice of Summer rudely awakened her.
"What do you think?" Summer was wearing a strapless black dress with white polka dots. It cupped her breasts and gave the illusion of Summer being taller than she really was. It was perfect for her.
Marissa quickly opened her eyes. "Oh, Sum, it's beautiful!"
Seth nodded and Ryan did too, trying to stifle yawns. Summer glared at the two of them but said, "This is the one. Let me go change."
Summer and Marissa went up the counter to pay leaving Ryan and Seth snuggled in the armchairs.
"Summer's really a great girl…I mean, she's nice…uh…"
"I know what you mean, Ryan. That was really nice of her in the dressing room."
Ryan nodded and closed his eyes, beginning to drift off.
Someone was tickling Seth's nose. He woke up with a start. "What?" he jumped. Summer giggled and kissed his nose.
"We went to pay for our dresses and when we came back you guys were sleeping. Jesus, we were only here for…" Summer checked her watch, "…two and a half hours. That's not long at all!"
Seth rolled his eyes and followed Summer out of the store, Ryan and Marissa trailing behind them.
Ryan and Marissa waltzed across the floor. Ryan had been dancing sine before he had learned to walk and Marissa was a fast learner. They'd barely sat down to catch their breath the entire party.
Marissa really wanted a drink but knew she shouldn't get one. She'd promised Ryan she would stop, and she would, just one more drink tonight wouldn't hurt, would it?
A slow ballad came on and they stopped waltzing. Ryan drew Marissa closer to his body and they rocked back and forth, her head resting on his shoulder.
From a table Grace watched her former boyfriend contemptuously. She'd get them back, good. It was going to involve some planning but once Grace was finished with them, the Cohens would forbid Ryan to be with Marissa, if he didn't break up with her already.
She grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing water and chugged them, feeling the bubbles rush to her perfectly styled head.
Seth and Summer were dancing alone, at the bow of the ship. The music trickled over them and enveloped them in a special moment between water and stars.
"Look at the stars, Summer. They're shining for you."
"Cohen," Summer said, "You are the sweetest…the best…"
"It rubs off," Seth said. Summer looked at him, confused, and he continued. "You're the best anyone could ever get and I have you, so your charm rubbed off on me I guess."
Summer kissed Seth gently, nibbling on his lower lip then plunging her tongue into his warm mouth that tasted faintly of the champagne he'd drunk for the toast and, if Summer concentrated hard enough, she could almost taste the cinnamon sugar from the pretzel she'd bought for Seth at the mall.
Seth closed his eyes, cherishing the moment with Summer, as he always did, a mental snapshot in his mind for years to come. He loved her so much and hoped they would have many more nights like these. But now, in the words of one of his all time favorite movies, The Little Mermaid, it was time to 'kiss the girl'.
They were thoroughly enjoying themselves, and Seth's hands had begun to wander when Kirsten came up. "Ahem," she said, "I don't want to break anything up…" Seth and Summer looked up and broke apart, embarrassed. "…but I need Seth for a moment. His grandfather wants another toast, with the whole family up on the podium." She shrugged and wrapped her arm around Seth.
"I'll be back," Seth said to Summer, in his best Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. Summer smiled at the retreating mother and son. Seth was lucky to have a mom like Kirsten; she was successful, happily married, and fun to be around.
Caleb walked over to Ryan and Marissa once the slow song had ended.
"Mind if I borrow my grandson for a bit?" he asked Marissa. "Another toast, you know."
Marissa shook her head as Ryan kissed her—short and without tongue because of Caleb's presence—and walked off.
She could hear them discussing the Newport Group as they headed for the podium, where Kirsten, Sandy, and Seth had already assembled. Once they'd gotten far enough away, Marissa turned and headed to the bar on the other end of the boat. She'd just satisfy her craving a little…
She contemplated ordering a drink, but then decided on something else, something better and something that would last longer.
The bartender was more than happy to give the sparkling young woman in Missoni an entire small bottle of vodka. He winked as she slipped the bottle into a light fuchsia purse Summer had lent her for the evening.
Marissa hurried to the bathroom and locked the door, taking the alcohol and a bottle of Ashley's prescription pills out. Someone knocked on the door just as she began to drink, pumping herself up for the pills. The person began to toss profanities through the door.
There was no time for the pills and Marissa found herself strangely relieved. She took one last satisfying swig before screwing the top on the bottle and shoving it and the pill bottle into her purse.
Opening the door, Marissa was practically bowled over by a drunken Grace. Quickly she hurried away from the bathroom before Grace recognized her, although, in her current state, it was highly unlikely.
She took her place in the crowd and caught Ryan's eye up on the podium. Caleb was talking about his wonderful family and such, and Ryan was staring at Marissa lovingly. Seth's eyes were probably on Summer.
After the long drawn out speech Ryan made his way through the crowd to Marissa.
"For a few minutes I couldn't spot you in the crowd," he said. Marissa shrugged and hugged Ryan as the boat chugged back into the harbor.
"It's crowded here," she said simply. Ryan kissed Marissa's neck and goosebumps rose on her arms and bare legs. She shivered and Ryan draped his suit jacket over her shoulders, and she kissed him gratefully. The kiss intensified as the boat prepared for docking, and Marissa ran her hands through Ryan's hair while he cupped her jaw in his hands.
Suddenly the boat jerked backwards. They had docked.
Grace came up to Ryan and Marissa and broke apart their embrace. She stepped right in front of Marissa and drunkenly slurred, "Ryan, we need to talk." And then she sloppily planted a kiss on his mouth, he could taste the alcohol on her lips and tongue.
Ryan pushed her away roughly but Marissa had already run off the boat. He ran after her, Seth and Summer making their way to the car as well.
Marissa ran off the dock and to the parking lot, tears streaming down her face. Grace had to ruin everything! It wasn't Ryan she was angry or upset with right now, it was Grace. And the way Grace thought she could just kiss Ryan whenever she wanted, even though they were broken up.
Marissa was in the driver's seat, her head spinning slightly, she turned on the engine.
"Marissa, stop!" Ryan ran in front of the car. She backed up to turn and escape Ryan but backed right up into a car.
She began to cry more freely now, as she slowly removed her hands from the steering wheel and let Ryan gently move her into the passenger seat.
On the way home Ryan drove and Marissa sat next to him. Seth and Summer were snuggling in the backseat of the Range Rover, kissing and cuddling and whispering to each other. Ryan turned up the music and Marissa was grateful; listening to the sounds of Seth and Summer was not exactly her cup of tea.
She bent down and opened her purse, which was on the floor. While Ryan was concentrating on driving she slipped the bottle out and unscrewed it, quickly sipping it then replacing the cap and holding it between her legs.
Ryan glanced over just as she was screwing the cap on, and his eyes tinted with anger, but before he could say anything…
Red and blue lights flashes in Marissa's eyes. "Shit," Ryan said, and pulled over. A cop came over and Ryan rolled down the window. The officer shone his flashlight in the teenagers' eyes.
"You kids been drinking? Your taillight's broken."
Ryan shook his head, looked the main straight in the eye to prove the validity of his statement. "No, sir. We were at the mall earlier and when we got to our car someone had hit it."
The officer shone his flashlight on Marissa, seeing her eyes, which had become slightly bloodshot, mostly from the alcohol and partly from her tears. "She was crying," Ryan explained, and the officer nodded doubtfully.
"You'd best get that taillight fixed. I'm going to let you off with a warning," the officer said, as his radio crackled to life. "Go straight home, you hear me?" And without waiting for a response the officer got into his car and drove off, lights still flashing.
Ryan walked over to Marissa's side of the car, his eyes flickering with anger. His temper was flaring up, and Marissa was crying. What a way to end the night. He opened the door and reached between her ankles for the bottle, flinging it far off the side of the highway. They couldn't even hear it crash and break.
Ryan slammed the door shut, and Marissa cowered in the seat. Ryan opened it again and slammed it with so much force that the entire car shook, trembling, just like Marissa.
Without a word he walked back to the driver's side and drove home, slowly feeling his temper subside. He didn't want to yell at Marissa, without words he'd conveyed his anger, shock, and upset.
Ryan let his hand creep over to Marissa's and clasp it affectionately. Without words, she knew that he was no longer as angry. But she knew how disappointed he was in her, she'd almost gotten them arrested.
When they got to Summer's house Ryan kissed Marissa coolly on the cheek and she whispered with vodka-enhanced breath into his ear, "I'm sorry."