"Oh, Ryan it's perfect!" Marrissa exclaimed as she walked into their 4-bedroom home in Chicago.
"I know, Kirsten did a great job fixing it up!" Ryan replied.
"I'm going to go check out our room, can you get the rest of the stuff?"
"Ya, sure you can't carry most of it anyway,"
"I'm only three months pregnant, but I hate carrying things so you can do it anyway."
So Ryan walked out to Marrissa's Range Rover to unload. The car was jammed full of stuff, they had 3 boxes full of stuff they wanted one was Ryan's, two were Marrissa's. And there was 6 suitcases of stuff as well, huge suitcases (one was Ryan's, five were Marrissa's). He reached into the trunk of the Rover grabbing the next box and lugging it into the house.
(ONE MONTH LATER 2004)
"Welcome to Starbucks how may I help you?" Ryan said in a monotone voice to the person at the counter.
"One Grande Latte, no foam." A woman at the counter said.
"That would be $3.74,"
"Here," She said handing him the change.
"Thank you," he said moving away from the counter to get her Latte, thinking about how much he hated this job.
"Here you go," Ryan said handing her, her Latte, he turned, taking off his apron, hanging it on a hook in the back. His shift was over.
"Bye Mike," Ryan called to the manager.
"Is it that time already?"
"Ya,"
"See you tomorrow,"
"Ya," He walked over to a table and sat down,
"Hello," He said.
"Hey Ry," Marrissa said looking up from her book.
"You ready for Chinese?"
"Ya, I'm ready. How was work?"
"The usual,"
They hopped into the Range Rover and drove to the new Chinese place, Marrissa latest craving was Chicken balls in chocolate sauce.
(SEPTEMBER 12th 2004)
"Happy anniversary!" Marrissa said handing Ryan a silver wrapped gift. It was their one-year anniversary, this exact day last year, they had gotten stuck on a Ferris Wheel and had their first 'official' kiss. And true they had broken up many times since then, but since they would have about three dates to use for their anniversary, they chose this one.
"Happy anniversary!" Ryan had planned this special evening just for them, it was their anniversary and Marrissa had gone to her usual yoga pregnancy class. He had set roses and candles out while she was gone, and he had also made dinner for two.
"Open it!"
"Okay, okay, " he said peeling back the paper of the gift.
"Marrissa!" He exclaimed looking at the watch carefully. It was a beautiful gold ROLEX.
"Turn it over," She replied. He turned the watch over and gasped. Written on the back was 'Our love will last forever, Marrissa' and underneath it was a small carving of a Ferris Wheel!
"Wow, it's amazing thank you so much. I love it. I love you," he leaned over and kissed her.
"I love you too," She said when they pulled away.
"I have something for you too,"
"What is it?"
Ryan got of his chair and got down on one knee, He held out an open box "Marrissa, will you marry me?"
"Oh my god!"
"Is that a yes?'
"Yes, yes!" she said kissing him.
"Good," he replied slipping the simple yet elegant ring on her hand. It was an emerald cut diamond (3 karat) with two pink diamonds on either side.
"Oh my god Ryan. It's beautiful!"
"I'm glad you like it,"
"I love it!"
Ryan was so happy she had said yes, and so excited about the baby. It was due December 31st and they had an appointment to check on the health of the baby tomorrow. Ryan had the day of from work, to take Marrissa because one he wanted to be there, two Marrissa wanted him to be there, and three they only had one car.
(THE NEXT DAY 2004)
"Okay you have very healthy babies." The doctor said.
"Babies?" Marrissa and Ryan exclaimed.
"Yes, two beautiful babies,"
"Two babies?" They said in unison.
"Yes, you are having twin girls,"
"Girls?" Marrissa asked.
"Yes,"
"Ryan we're having girls!"
"That's great honey," Ryan said squeezing her hand.
(DECEMBER 13th 2004 )
"Marrissa?" Jimmy called out as he entered the house.
"Daddy is that you?" Marrissa called back.
"Yep!"
"Hi dadd…" she stopped mid-sentence, "What is she doing here?"
"She heard me talking to you on the phone,"
"So you brought her here?"
"She wouldn't stay home. She wanted to see you,"
"Why weren't you more careful?"
"I was in my office with the door closed. She was supposed to be at work,"
"I forgot something!" Haley protested.
"So you wound up outside my dad's office door?"
"I left my coffee in the kitchen and your dads office is on the way to the kitchen,"
"So you stood outside his door?"
"I heard your name and I wanted to know more, Marrissa you left us without a note. For someone who knew where you were he did a fair bit of crying."
"I'm a good actor," Jimmy said.
"Sure dad," Marrissa nodded his comment off. "You guys want some coffee?"
"Ya sure," Jimmy replied.
"Sounds great," Haley said.
Marrissa led the way to the kitchen at went to the coffee maker to start a pot of coffee. She got out three mugs and sat them on the counter, she then turned towards the table.
"Dad, Haley I have some good news!"
"Yes?" her father, asked.
"Ryan and I are getting married,"
"Honey that's great," Haley exclaimed.
"Dad? You don't seem that surprised."
"I knew,"
"You knew?"
"Ya Ryan asked my permission to marry you,"
"He what?"
"He called me up and said I'd like permission to marry your daughter' I said yes of course and then he thanked me and hung up"
"Really?"
"Yes Really!"
"That's so sweet," Haley gushed.
"What's so sweet?" Ryan asked.
"Speak of the devil" Jimmy said looking at Ryan.
"I can't believe you asked my father permission,"
"What?"
"You called my dad and asked permission to marry me!"
"It's tradition in my family. One of the only ones I still believe in,"
"Oh that's so sweet!" Marrissa said walking over to him, and kissing him.
Ryan then realized that Haley was there, "Oh my god what is she doing here?" He asked pointing at Haley.
"She found out," Marrissa explained.
"So she came here?"
'She wanted to see me, us!"
"Fine, did she find out or was she told?"
"She heard my dad talking to me as she walked past his study, she heard my name and stopped to listen."
"Oh,"
"Ya I was just as surprised,"
"Well, Haley how are you?" Ryan said and everyone started laughing.
(JANUARY 1st 2005)
"Ooooooooooo!" Marrissa squealed as another contraction came.
"Hon are you okay?" Ryan asked.
"I'm about to squeeze two children out of me what do you think?"
"Sorry,"
"It's okay I didn't mean to yell,"
"That's okay babe, you're under a little stress."
"A little stress!"
"Okay a lot of stress," Ryan agreed as Marrissa squeezed his hand.
"You're telling me,"
She finally released his hand, and asked for her ice chips. He grabbed the cup off the nightstand and handed it to her.
"Thanks," she said taking it gratefully.
"Welcome," He said.
"Owwwwwwwww" She screamed. He was holding her hand instantly.
"Shh it's okay," He said soothingly.
"I've been doing this 17 hours already when will it end?"
"I don't know Hon I don't know,"
"I want it over!"
"I know, I know,"
"How could you?"
"Okay maybe I don't know, but I do know that if I could take this pain for you I would!"
"I'm about willing to take you up on that offer." They both laughed but that moment ended with another contraction.
"Owwwwwwww" She screamed gripping his hand tightly.
"Here let me get a nurse for you," Ryan offered trying to get his hand back, she had a death grip.
"No it's okay I have a button for that," she gripped his hand tightly and groped around her bad for the red button. "Got it!"
"Good," Ryan said, "maybe they can bring you some pain medicine."
"How about someone comes to deliver this baby?"
"Sounds good!"
Ryan was just about to get the nurse since no one was coming and it had been about 3 minutes, when the nurse and doctor walked in.
"Hello Marrissa how are you doing?"
"Owwwwwwwww!" she screamed gripping Ryan's hand, another contraction.
"I take it you're in pain?"
The doctor received the death glare from Marrissa, Ryan leaned towards her and whispered "You've spent to much time with me," in her ear. She laughed.
"Okay Marrissa do you want an epidural?"
"Yes," She replied.
"Okay I'll send the anastegiologist in and be back in a few minutes."
"No!"
"What?"
"I want these things out now!"
"The babies?"
"No, the kittens, yes the babies."
"Marrissa you're only 4 centimeters dilated the only way we can do this now is a c-section."
"No!"
"No what?"
"I don't want a C-Section,"
"Okay then you'll have to wait to deliver the twins,"
"Fine give me an epidural anything to stop this pain!" she gripped Ryan's hand harder.
(THREE HOURS you have two healthy beautiful baby girls," the doctor said handing her one of the babies and Ryan the other.
"So Marrissa do you have any idea on the names?"
"I want to name one of them Madison,"
"Okay, I want to name the other Elizabeth."
"Cute,"
"Do you want middle names?"
"Hmm Mmm"
"How about Elizabeth Summer?"
"Sounds great,"
"And what about little Madison's middle name?"
"Kirsten,"
"Madison Kirsten and Elizabeth Summer,"
"Sounds great,"
(DECEMBER 13th 2006)
"Honey what's wrong?" Kirsten asked sitting down beside Marrissa.
"I want Summer!"
"What?"
"We promised each other we would be each other's bridesmaids," she said in-between sobs.
"It's okay honey, it gonna be okay," She held her tight. It was one year after Ryan had proposed and they had chosen this as the date of their wedding. The girls were 11 months and 13 days old and walking, quite a handful they were. Marrissa was wearing a cute white sleeveless dress, with embroidered white beads at the hem. Her train was 3 feet long and she wore a simple long white Veil. The flowers were all pink and white roses, and everything was perfect so why was she crying? Oh ya because she wanted something she couldn't have, she wanted Summer here, but she couldn't have her here. It was her wedding day she shouldn't be this upset.
"Marrissa?" Haley asked from the doorway.
"Ya?" Marrissa said looking up.
"Ten minutes!"
"Oh god," Marrissa said rushing to the vanity to put on her makeup. Kirsten and Haley walked over to her and started to put on her veil around her huge hair. It was curled and pinned up with bobby pins all over the top of her head. Marrissa applied a light brushing of foundation all over her face, she put a nice medium brown eye shadow on her eyes, and a deep red lipstick, with a finishing gloss. She was going to apply blush but decided against it, her cheeks were flushed enough without it.
"Marrissa, it's time," Said Haley as her and Kirsten finished adjusting the veil.
"Okay I'm ready!"
"You're sure?"
"Yes, don't make me second-guess myself Haley!"
"Sorry, just checking,"
"Well don't,"
"Marrissa?" Kirsten questioned carefully.
"Ya?"
"Calm down,"
"Okay," she said walking to the door. She turned at the door thought about saying something decided against it and walked out. Haley and Kirsten followed automatically.
"Doo do do doo," The bridal march started up.
Marrissa started walking down the aisle one slow step at a time. This is perfect she thought as she walked down the aisle, the flowers are so pretty, the only thing missing is my bridal party. Summer's not here and I'm not close enough with any of my other friends so I am party-less, there are no wedding parties for either of us actually. Another thing missing is the big bash there would be if this were in Newport, they were just going out to a small restaurant with our close friends. She stopped thinking as she reached Ryan. Her father lifted her veil and kissed her cheek, and then Ryan took her hand and they turned to the minister.
"Do you Ryan Christopher Atwood take Marrissa Lauren Cooper to be your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health as long as you shall live?"
"I do," Ryan said.
"And do you Marrissa Lauren Cooper take Ryan Christopher Atwood to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," She replied.
"The through the power vested in me by the state of Illinois I pronounce you Husband and wife, you may kiss the bride. Ryan and Marrissa kissed and walked towards the back of the church and walked outside slowly. They hopped in to the black limousine with 'Just Married' on the back, and cans trailing along behind to drive home, so Marrissa could change for the dinner party.
"So Mrs.Atwood, how are you?" Ryan asked with a corny grin on his face as they drove home.
"Fine, and you?" Marrissa asked back laughing at how corny they were being.
"Just fine?"
"No actually, I'm perfect and I've never been happier."
"I agree," he said and kissed her.
They broke apart laughing when they reached their house.
(WEEK OF JAN. 2nd TO JAN 9th)
"Marrissa, everything will be fine," Haley assured ushering her out of the house. Ryan and Marrissa were finally going to get that promised honeymoon and Haley would be watching the twins. However Marrissa was reluctant to leave the twins for the first time ever!
"I know, I know I'm just nervous." Marrissa said squeezing the twin's hands and kissing them on the forehead again.
"Don't be," Madison said importantly.
"Ya, Grandma Haley takes great care of us." Elizabeth agreed.
"I know she spoils you but you will still go to bed on time and listen to everything she tells you!"
"Yes mommy," They said together.
"Hon, we should go," Ryan said from his spot by the Rover.
"Okay," Marrissa called to him hugging the twins saying thanks again to Haley and turning away.
"Bye mommy, bye daddy" the twins called out.
"Bye guys," Haley called out.
"See ya!" Ryan and Marrissa called getting into the Rover, Haley had a rental car for the week.
(WEEK OF JAN 10th TO JAN 16th 2007)
"Liz, Madi listen to your father while Grandma Haley and I are out okay?"
"Okay mommy," They said together.
"Ryan, no chocolate,"
"Marrissa I know how to take care of my own children!" Ryan replied.
"Okay, but last time you gave them chocolate and they were bouncing off the walls."
"But I learnt from my mistakes didn't I?"
"I don't know did you?"
"Yes,"
"Marrissa let's go!" Haley said from the doorway. Marrissa and Haley were going to a movie and dinner for a chance to get to know each other.
"Okay Haley," Marrissa said squeezing the twin's hands and kissing them on the forehead. "Bye guys,"
"Bye," Liz, Madi, and Ryan said at the same time.
"Okay so where do you want to go for dinner?" Marrissa asked taking the wheel.
"How about Chinese?"
"Sounds good,"
They had a Chinese buffet and went to see 'Troy 2 the Trojan horse strikes back'. They had a wonderful time, and really got to know each other. Marrissa was happy that Haley had found out by the end of the evening, because they could talk about anything without worrying about the subject of Newport because Haley had spent lots of time in different places. The conversation could go pretty much anywhere without ending up in Newport which was something that Marrissa and Kirsten had a harder time doing. Marrissa wasn't thrilled about being cut off completely from Newport because she did miss things but, her and Ryan's life here was going just fine.
(OCTOBER 30th 2007)
"Marrissa, finishing college online was a really good idea!" Ryan said happily after coming home from the office one day.
"That's nice Hon," Marrissa said distractedly.
"Today, Mike said that I could be head contractor on the new Sears building going up by the Tim Hortons,"
"Hey Ryan?"
"So I finally get to run my own project and be the boss instead of getting bossed…"
"Ryan?"
"Around. This is an amazing opportunity for me Marrissa!"
"Ryan I'm pregnant!"
"This could mean big money!"
"P-R-E-G-N-A-N-T"
"What?"
"I said I'm pregnant."
"You're pregnant?"
"I'm pregnant!"
"You're pregnant!"
"Wheeeeeeee!" Marrissa squealed as Ryan spun her around.
"Girls come in here!" Ryan called as he put Marrissa down.
"Ya daddy?" the girls asked coming into the living room.
"You are going to be big sisters!" Marrissa announced happily.
"You mean a new baby is coming?" Liz asked.
"Yep," Marrissa said.
"Where is the baby coming from?" Madi asked.
"Mommy's stomach," Ryan explained.
"Baby are you in there?" Liz asked tapping Marrissa stomach. Ryan and Marrissa burst out laughing.
(MAY 3rd 2008)
"Mommy?" Madi asked climbing up beside Marrissa on the hospital bed. Marrissa was just out of labor.
"Yes pumpkin?"
"Where is Scott?"
"In another room with daddy,"
"When can I meet him?"
"You already did, he was the little baby mommy had a little while ago."
"You mean that wrinkly thing was our brother?" Liz asked climbing on the bed beside Madi.
"Yep," Marrissa said laughing.
"Is something wrong with him?" Madi asked.
"No, all babies look like that when they first come,"
"Madi and I didn't!" Liz said surely.
"Mommy where do babies come from?" Madi asked.
"Babies come from mommies stomachs,"
"How do they get in there?"
(OCTOBER 3rd 2011)
"Scott you have a doctors appointment today so you get to go to work with daddy,"
"Ya," Scott yelled enthusiastically.
"And Madi, Liz your teacher called and requested you do not correct her on front of the class again,"
The twins just shrugged and went back to eating their breakfast.
(JULY 14th 2012)
"Marrissa we need to go back!" Ryan begged.
"Why?" Marrissa asked.
"My job isn't going anywhere, it's a dead end."
"Okay, we can find you a new one,"
"I already found one,"
"Where?"
"The Newport group,"
"Ryan no!"
"Marrissa there is a job opening there for you to!"
"Doing what?"
"You'd start out as assistant to the corporate leader, and rise from there."
"Ryan, things will never be the same there,"
"I know that Marrissa but I miss it, and I know you do to!"
"So?"
"The twins are old enough to understand, and Scott's young enough that he won't care!"
"Ryan, I like our life here!"
"So do I,"
"Then why leave?"
"Because I loved are life there!"
"Okay,"
"Okay what?"
"Okay, we can arrange it with Kirsten, and put a down payment on this cute little house a block away from the Cohens"
"How do you know about Real Estate down there?"
"My dad had always hoped that we'd go back."
"Good, we know at least one person will be happy."
(TEN MINUTES LATER)
"Mike?" Ryan asked into the phone. Him and Marrissa had four important phone calls to make.
The other end of conversation was muffled.
"I'm leaving,"
"What?" Was yelled so loud that Marrissa could here it from across the room.
"I'm going home,"
More muffled voices.
"I won't be into work on Monday, bye."
Ryan hung up the phone and Marrissa picked up the extension she had in her hand and called her own work to quit as well. When Marrissa finished that, Ryan dialed the Cohen house, and Marrissa picked up the extension.
"Hello, is there?" Ryan asked disguising his voice.
"This is she," Kirsten said into the phone.
"Kirsten hi it's us," Ryan replied.
"Hi guys,"
"Hey," Marrissa added.
"What's wrong?" Kirsten asked worried.
"Why would anything be wrong?"
"Because it's 7:00 on a Friday, we never call each other on Fridays,"
"Well, we have news," Ryan said.
"Good or bad?"
"That's a matter of opinion," Marrissa decided.
"Okay, tell me!"
"We need you to put an offer down on the cute little bungalow, down the street from your house." Marrissa said slowly.
"What? Why?"
"Because we're coming back!" Ryan put in.
"You're coming back?"
"We're coming back!"
"Oh yea, that's wonderful news!"
"Maybe," Marrissa said unsure.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"We don't know how people will react." Ryan thought out loud.
"They will be excited!"
"Or mad," Marrissa threw in finishing Ryan's thought.
"You guys, you're coming home, everything will be fine!"
"Okay if you're sure!" Marrissa said happily.
"I'm sure."
"Good then we need to decide when we're coming." Ryan said.
"Well, if you want to tell one person at a time it really doesn't matter, but if you want to do it all in one sweep, then I suggest you come home a week Friday,"
"What's two weeks Friday?" Ryan asked.
"A Newport Group party,"
"Perfect, everyone can find out at the same time!"
"If that's what you want, it can be arranged."
"Sounds good to me,' Ryan finished.
"Okay I'll start making plans,"
"Don't forget to call the Real Estate agent, and tell my dad would you?" Marrissa asked.
"No problem,"
"Okay bye," Ryan and Marrissa said together.
"Bye!"
(THE NEWPSIE PARTY 2 WEEKS LATER)
"In the living room, you guys I would like you to meet Scott James, Elizabeth Summer, and Madison Kirsten," Kirsten paused watching the looks on Sandy, Seth, and Summer's faces, "And their parents Ryan and Marrissa Atwood."
(AFTER THE NEWPSIE PARTY)
Marrissa woke with a start, the dream finally over.
"I know, Kirsten did a great job fixing it up!" Ryan replied.
"I'm going to go check out our room, can you get the rest of the stuff?"
"Ya, sure you can't carry most of it anyway,"
"I'm only three months pregnant, but I hate carrying things so you can do it anyway."
So Ryan walked out to Marrissa's Range Rover to unload. The car was jammed full of stuff, they had 3 boxes full of stuff they wanted one was Ryan's, two were Marrissa's. And there was 6 suitcases of stuff as well, huge suitcases (one was Ryan's, five were Marrissa's). He reached into the trunk of the Rover grabbing the next box and lugging it into the house.
(ONE MONTH LATER 2004)
"Welcome to Starbucks how may I help you?" Ryan said in a monotone voice to the person at the counter.
"One Grande Latte, no foam." A woman at the counter said.
"That would be $3.74,"
"Here," She said handing him the change.
"Thank you," he said moving away from the counter to get her Latte, thinking about how much he hated this job.
"Here you go," Ryan said handing her, her Latte, he turned, taking off his apron, hanging it on a hook in the back. His shift was over.
"Bye Mike," Ryan called to the manager.
"Is it that time already?"
"Ya,"
"See you tomorrow,"
"Ya," He walked over to a table and sat down,
"Hello," He said.
"Hey Ry," Marrissa said looking up from her book.
"You ready for Chinese?"
"Ya, I'm ready. How was work?"
"The usual,"
They hopped into the Range Rover and drove to the new Chinese place, Marrissa latest craving was Chicken balls in chocolate sauce.
(SEPTEMBER 12th 2004)
"Happy anniversary!" Marrissa said handing Ryan a silver wrapped gift. It was their one-year anniversary, this exact day last year, they had gotten stuck on a Ferris Wheel and had their first 'official' kiss. And true they had broken up many times since then, but since they would have about three dates to use for their anniversary, they chose this one.
"Happy anniversary!" Ryan had planned this special evening just for them, it was their anniversary and Marrissa had gone to her usual yoga pregnancy class. He had set roses and candles out while she was gone, and he had also made dinner for two.
"Open it!"
"Okay, okay, " he said peeling back the paper of the gift.
"Marrissa!" He exclaimed looking at the watch carefully. It was a beautiful gold ROLEX.
"Turn it over," She replied. He turned the watch over and gasped. Written on the back was 'Our love will last forever, Marrissa' and underneath it was a small carving of a Ferris Wheel!
"Wow, it's amazing thank you so much. I love it. I love you," he leaned over and kissed her.
"I love you too," She said when they pulled away.
"I have something for you too,"
"What is it?"
Ryan got of his chair and got down on one knee, He held out an open box "Marrissa, will you marry me?"
"Oh my god!"
"Is that a yes?'
"Yes, yes!" she said kissing him.
"Good," he replied slipping the simple yet elegant ring on her hand. It was an emerald cut diamond (3 karat) with two pink diamonds on either side.
"Oh my god Ryan. It's beautiful!"
"I'm glad you like it,"
"I love it!"
Ryan was so happy she had said yes, and so excited about the baby. It was due December 31st and they had an appointment to check on the health of the baby tomorrow. Ryan had the day of from work, to take Marrissa because one he wanted to be there, two Marrissa wanted him to be there, and three they only had one car.
(THE NEXT DAY 2004)
"Okay you have very healthy babies." The doctor said.
"Babies?" Marrissa and Ryan exclaimed.
"Yes, two beautiful babies,"
"Two babies?" They said in unison.
"Yes, you are having twin girls,"
"Girls?" Marrissa asked.
"Yes,"
"Ryan we're having girls!"
"That's great honey," Ryan said squeezing her hand.
(DECEMBER 13th 2004 )
"Marrissa?" Jimmy called out as he entered the house.
"Daddy is that you?" Marrissa called back.
"Yep!"
"Hi dadd…" she stopped mid-sentence, "What is she doing here?"
"She heard me talking to you on the phone,"
"So you brought her here?"
"She wouldn't stay home. She wanted to see you,"
"Why weren't you more careful?"
"I was in my office with the door closed. She was supposed to be at work,"
"I forgot something!" Haley protested.
"So you wound up outside my dad's office door?"
"I left my coffee in the kitchen and your dads office is on the way to the kitchen,"
"So you stood outside his door?"
"I heard your name and I wanted to know more, Marrissa you left us without a note. For someone who knew where you were he did a fair bit of crying."
"I'm a good actor," Jimmy said.
"Sure dad," Marrissa nodded his comment off. "You guys want some coffee?"
"Ya sure," Jimmy replied.
"Sounds great," Haley said.
Marrissa led the way to the kitchen at went to the coffee maker to start a pot of coffee. She got out three mugs and sat them on the counter, she then turned towards the table.
"Dad, Haley I have some good news!"
"Yes?" her father, asked.
"Ryan and I are getting married,"
"Honey that's great," Haley exclaimed.
"Dad? You don't seem that surprised."
"I knew,"
"You knew?"
"Ya Ryan asked my permission to marry you,"
"He what?"
"He called me up and said I'd like permission to marry your daughter' I said yes of course and then he thanked me and hung up"
"Really?"
"Yes Really!"
"That's so sweet," Haley gushed.
"What's so sweet?" Ryan asked.
"Speak of the devil" Jimmy said looking at Ryan.
"I can't believe you asked my father permission,"
"What?"
"You called my dad and asked permission to marry me!"
"It's tradition in my family. One of the only ones I still believe in,"
"Oh that's so sweet!" Marrissa said walking over to him, and kissing him.
Ryan then realized that Haley was there, "Oh my god what is she doing here?" He asked pointing at Haley.
"She found out," Marrissa explained.
"So she came here?"
'She wanted to see me, us!"
"Fine, did she find out or was she told?"
"She heard my dad talking to me as she walked past his study, she heard my name and stopped to listen."
"Oh,"
"Ya I was just as surprised,"
"Well, Haley how are you?" Ryan said and everyone started laughing.
(JANUARY 1st 2005)
"Ooooooooooo!" Marrissa squealed as another contraction came.
"Hon are you okay?" Ryan asked.
"I'm about to squeeze two children out of me what do you think?"
"Sorry,"
"It's okay I didn't mean to yell,"
"That's okay babe, you're under a little stress."
"A little stress!"
"Okay a lot of stress," Ryan agreed as Marrissa squeezed his hand.
"You're telling me,"
She finally released his hand, and asked for her ice chips. He grabbed the cup off the nightstand and handed it to her.
"Thanks," she said taking it gratefully.
"Welcome," He said.
"Owwwwwwwww" She screamed. He was holding her hand instantly.
"Shh it's okay," He said soothingly.
"I've been doing this 17 hours already when will it end?"
"I don't know Hon I don't know,"
"I want it over!"
"I know, I know,"
"How could you?"
"Okay maybe I don't know, but I do know that if I could take this pain for you I would!"
"I'm about willing to take you up on that offer." They both laughed but that moment ended with another contraction.
"Owwwwwwww" She screamed gripping his hand tightly.
"Here let me get a nurse for you," Ryan offered trying to get his hand back, she had a death grip.
"No it's okay I have a button for that," she gripped his hand tightly and groped around her bad for the red button. "Got it!"
"Good," Ryan said, "maybe they can bring you some pain medicine."
"How about someone comes to deliver this baby?"
"Sounds good!"
Ryan was just about to get the nurse since no one was coming and it had been about 3 minutes, when the nurse and doctor walked in.
"Hello Marrissa how are you doing?"
"Owwwwwwwww!" she screamed gripping Ryan's hand, another contraction.
"I take it you're in pain?"
The doctor received the death glare from Marrissa, Ryan leaned towards her and whispered "You've spent to much time with me," in her ear. She laughed.
"Okay Marrissa do you want an epidural?"
"Yes," She replied.
"Okay I'll send the anastegiologist in and be back in a few minutes."
"No!"
"What?"
"I want these things out now!"
"The babies?"
"No, the kittens, yes the babies."
"Marrissa you're only 4 centimeters dilated the only way we can do this now is a c-section."
"No!"
"No what?"
"I don't want a C-Section,"
"Okay then you'll have to wait to deliver the twins,"
"Fine give me an epidural anything to stop this pain!" she gripped Ryan's hand harder.
(THREE HOURS you have two healthy beautiful baby girls," the doctor said handing her one of the babies and Ryan the other.
"So Marrissa do you have any idea on the names?"
"I want to name one of them Madison,"
"Okay, I want to name the other Elizabeth."
"Cute,"
"Do you want middle names?"
"Hmm Mmm"
"How about Elizabeth Summer?"
"Sounds great,"
"And what about little Madison's middle name?"
"Kirsten,"
"Madison Kirsten and Elizabeth Summer,"
"Sounds great,"
(DECEMBER 13th 2006)
"Honey what's wrong?" Kirsten asked sitting down beside Marrissa.
"I want Summer!"
"What?"
"We promised each other we would be each other's bridesmaids," she said in-between sobs.
"It's okay honey, it gonna be okay," She held her tight. It was one year after Ryan had proposed and they had chosen this as the date of their wedding. The girls were 11 months and 13 days old and walking, quite a handful they were. Marrissa was wearing a cute white sleeveless dress, with embroidered white beads at the hem. Her train was 3 feet long and she wore a simple long white Veil. The flowers were all pink and white roses, and everything was perfect so why was she crying? Oh ya because she wanted something she couldn't have, she wanted Summer here, but she couldn't have her here. It was her wedding day she shouldn't be this upset.
"Marrissa?" Haley asked from the doorway.
"Ya?" Marrissa said looking up.
"Ten minutes!"
"Oh god," Marrissa said rushing to the vanity to put on her makeup. Kirsten and Haley walked over to her and started to put on her veil around her huge hair. It was curled and pinned up with bobby pins all over the top of her head. Marrissa applied a light brushing of foundation all over her face, she put a nice medium brown eye shadow on her eyes, and a deep red lipstick, with a finishing gloss. She was going to apply blush but decided against it, her cheeks were flushed enough without it.
"Marrissa, it's time," Said Haley as her and Kirsten finished adjusting the veil.
"Okay I'm ready!"
"You're sure?"
"Yes, don't make me second-guess myself Haley!"
"Sorry, just checking,"
"Well don't,"
"Marrissa?" Kirsten questioned carefully.
"Ya?"
"Calm down,"
"Okay," she said walking to the door. She turned at the door thought about saying something decided against it and walked out. Haley and Kirsten followed automatically.
"Doo do do doo," The bridal march started up.
Marrissa started walking down the aisle one slow step at a time. This is perfect she thought as she walked down the aisle, the flowers are so pretty, the only thing missing is my bridal party. Summer's not here and I'm not close enough with any of my other friends so I am party-less, there are no wedding parties for either of us actually. Another thing missing is the big bash there would be if this were in Newport, they were just going out to a small restaurant with our close friends. She stopped thinking as she reached Ryan. Her father lifted her veil and kissed her cheek, and then Ryan took her hand and they turned to the minister.
"Do you Ryan Christopher Atwood take Marrissa Lauren Cooper to be your lawfully wedded wife in sickness and in health as long as you shall live?"
"I do," Ryan said.
"And do you Marrissa Lauren Cooper take Ryan Christopher Atwood to be your lawfully wedded husband in sickness and in health as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," She replied.
"The through the power vested in me by the state of Illinois I pronounce you Husband and wife, you may kiss the bride. Ryan and Marrissa kissed and walked towards the back of the church and walked outside slowly. They hopped in to the black limousine with 'Just Married' on the back, and cans trailing along behind to drive home, so Marrissa could change for the dinner party.
"So Mrs.Atwood, how are you?" Ryan asked with a corny grin on his face as they drove home.
"Fine, and you?" Marrissa asked back laughing at how corny they were being.
"Just fine?"
"No actually, I'm perfect and I've never been happier."
"I agree," he said and kissed her.
They broke apart laughing when they reached their house.
(WEEK OF JAN. 2nd TO JAN 9th)
"Marrissa, everything will be fine," Haley assured ushering her out of the house. Ryan and Marrissa were finally going to get that promised honeymoon and Haley would be watching the twins. However Marrissa was reluctant to leave the twins for the first time ever!
"I know, I know I'm just nervous." Marrissa said squeezing the twin's hands and kissing them on the forehead again.
"Don't be," Madison said importantly.
"Ya, Grandma Haley takes great care of us." Elizabeth agreed.
"I know she spoils you but you will still go to bed on time and listen to everything she tells you!"
"Yes mommy," They said together.
"Hon, we should go," Ryan said from his spot by the Rover.
"Okay," Marrissa called to him hugging the twins saying thanks again to Haley and turning away.
"Bye mommy, bye daddy" the twins called out.
"Bye guys," Haley called out.
"See ya!" Ryan and Marrissa called getting into the Rover, Haley had a rental car for the week.
(WEEK OF JAN 10th TO JAN 16th 2007)
"Liz, Madi listen to your father while Grandma Haley and I are out okay?"
"Okay mommy," They said together.
"Ryan, no chocolate,"
"Marrissa I know how to take care of my own children!" Ryan replied.
"Okay, but last time you gave them chocolate and they were bouncing off the walls."
"But I learnt from my mistakes didn't I?"
"I don't know did you?"
"Yes,"
"Marrissa let's go!" Haley said from the doorway. Marrissa and Haley were going to a movie and dinner for a chance to get to know each other.
"Okay Haley," Marrissa said squeezing the twin's hands and kissing them on the forehead. "Bye guys,"
"Bye," Liz, Madi, and Ryan said at the same time.
"Okay so where do you want to go for dinner?" Marrissa asked taking the wheel.
"How about Chinese?"
"Sounds good,"
They had a Chinese buffet and went to see 'Troy 2 the Trojan horse strikes back'. They had a wonderful time, and really got to know each other. Marrissa was happy that Haley had found out by the end of the evening, because they could talk about anything without worrying about the subject of Newport because Haley had spent lots of time in different places. The conversation could go pretty much anywhere without ending up in Newport which was something that Marrissa and Kirsten had a harder time doing. Marrissa wasn't thrilled about being cut off completely from Newport because she did miss things but, her and Ryan's life here was going just fine.
(OCTOBER 30th 2007)
"Marrissa, finishing college online was a really good idea!" Ryan said happily after coming home from the office one day.
"That's nice Hon," Marrissa said distractedly.
"Today, Mike said that I could be head contractor on the new Sears building going up by the Tim Hortons,"
"Hey Ryan?"
"So I finally get to run my own project and be the boss instead of getting bossed…"
"Ryan?"
"Around. This is an amazing opportunity for me Marrissa!"
"Ryan I'm pregnant!"
"This could mean big money!"
"P-R-E-G-N-A-N-T"
"What?"
"I said I'm pregnant."
"You're pregnant?"
"I'm pregnant!"
"You're pregnant!"
"Wheeeeeeee!" Marrissa squealed as Ryan spun her around.
"Girls come in here!" Ryan called as he put Marrissa down.
"Ya daddy?" the girls asked coming into the living room.
"You are going to be big sisters!" Marrissa announced happily.
"You mean a new baby is coming?" Liz asked.
"Yep," Marrissa said.
"Where is the baby coming from?" Madi asked.
"Mommy's stomach," Ryan explained.
"Baby are you in there?" Liz asked tapping Marrissa stomach. Ryan and Marrissa burst out laughing.
(MAY 3rd 2008)
"Mommy?" Madi asked climbing up beside Marrissa on the hospital bed. Marrissa was just out of labor.
"Yes pumpkin?"
"Where is Scott?"
"In another room with daddy,"
"When can I meet him?"
"You already did, he was the little baby mommy had a little while ago."
"You mean that wrinkly thing was our brother?" Liz asked climbing on the bed beside Madi.
"Yep," Marrissa said laughing.
"Is something wrong with him?" Madi asked.
"No, all babies look like that when they first come,"
"Madi and I didn't!" Liz said surely.
"Mommy where do babies come from?" Madi asked.
"Babies come from mommies stomachs,"
"How do they get in there?"
(OCTOBER 3rd 2011)
"Scott you have a doctors appointment today so you get to go to work with daddy,"
"Ya," Scott yelled enthusiastically.
"And Madi, Liz your teacher called and requested you do not correct her on front of the class again,"
The twins just shrugged and went back to eating their breakfast.
(JULY 14th 2012)
"Marrissa we need to go back!" Ryan begged.
"Why?" Marrissa asked.
"My job isn't going anywhere, it's a dead end."
"Okay, we can find you a new one,"
"I already found one,"
"Where?"
"The Newport group,"
"Ryan no!"
"Marrissa there is a job opening there for you to!"
"Doing what?"
"You'd start out as assistant to the corporate leader, and rise from there."
"Ryan, things will never be the same there,"
"I know that Marrissa but I miss it, and I know you do to!"
"So?"
"The twins are old enough to understand, and Scott's young enough that he won't care!"
"Ryan, I like our life here!"
"So do I,"
"Then why leave?"
"Because I loved are life there!"
"Okay,"
"Okay what?"
"Okay, we can arrange it with Kirsten, and put a down payment on this cute little house a block away from the Cohens"
"How do you know about Real Estate down there?"
"My dad had always hoped that we'd go back."
"Good, we know at least one person will be happy."
(TEN MINUTES LATER)
"Mike?" Ryan asked into the phone. Him and Marrissa had four important phone calls to make.
The other end of conversation was muffled.
"I'm leaving,"
"What?" Was yelled so loud that Marrissa could here it from across the room.
"I'm going home,"
More muffled voices.
"I won't be into work on Monday, bye."
Ryan hung up the phone and Marrissa picked up the extension she had in her hand and called her own work to quit as well. When Marrissa finished that, Ryan dialed the Cohen house, and Marrissa picked up the extension.
"Hello, is there?" Ryan asked disguising his voice.
"This is she," Kirsten said into the phone.
"Kirsten hi it's us," Ryan replied.
"Hi guys,"
"Hey," Marrissa added.
"What's wrong?" Kirsten asked worried.
"Why would anything be wrong?"
"Because it's 7:00 on a Friday, we never call each other on Fridays,"
"Well, we have news," Ryan said.
"Good or bad?"
"That's a matter of opinion," Marrissa decided.
"Okay, tell me!"
"We need you to put an offer down on the cute little bungalow, down the street from your house." Marrissa said slowly.
"What? Why?"
"Because we're coming back!" Ryan put in.
"You're coming back?"
"We're coming back!"
"Oh yea, that's wonderful news!"
"Maybe," Marrissa said unsure.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"We don't know how people will react." Ryan thought out loud.
"They will be excited!"
"Or mad," Marrissa threw in finishing Ryan's thought.
"You guys, you're coming home, everything will be fine!"
"Okay if you're sure!" Marrissa said happily.
"I'm sure."
"Good then we need to decide when we're coming." Ryan said.
"Well, if you want to tell one person at a time it really doesn't matter, but if you want to do it all in one sweep, then I suggest you come home a week Friday,"
"What's two weeks Friday?" Ryan asked.
"A Newport Group party,"
"Perfect, everyone can find out at the same time!"
"If that's what you want, it can be arranged."
"Sounds good to me,' Ryan finished.
"Okay I'll start making plans,"
"Don't forget to call the Real Estate agent, and tell my dad would you?" Marrissa asked.
"No problem,"
"Okay bye," Ryan and Marrissa said together.
"Bye!"
(THE NEWPSIE PARTY 2 WEEKS LATER)
"In the living room, you guys I would like you to meet Scott James, Elizabeth Summer, and Madison Kirsten," Kirsten paused watching the looks on Sandy, Seth, and Summer's faces, "And their parents Ryan and Marrissa Atwood."
(AFTER THE NEWPSIE PARTY)
Marrissa woke with a start, the dream finally over.
