A/N My chapters are sometimes pretty short but I only can write as much as

I have time to. This one is likely to be around the same length. Who

knows? Considering I haven't written it yet. I'll get to the action

eventually but as I go I feel the need to address different characters and

their emotions about the situation. Then I run out of time and have to end

the chapter so I can get it to you. I don't want to rush through all the

sappy parts because I don't know how many more there will be. I am slow but steady but I will get where I am going. Thanks for the reviews! They keep me going.

Eddie felt confused. He knew the cops would be out for him at any time.

Yet, he wanted to know how Ryan was. Had he actually killed him? Had he

made it? He bet Teresa was crying her eyes out over him. That bugged the

shit out of him. Yet it was more out of jealousy than anything else. A

huge part of him was hoping Ryan was gone. That had been intension. If he

only had not freaked out. He could have made sure he had done the job

right. He knew it was the only solution to his problem. Yet if Ryan was

dead Eddie's DNA was no doubt all over the body. He had not planned to

leave the body where it could be found. If Ryan was alive...should he

finish the job? It would be hard to get him in the hospital. He would have to wait. But the cops would probably find him before he got the chance.

Even if he was going to jail...he wanted Ryan to go down with him...and away from Teresa. Ryan had lied to him about sleeping with her. Ryan didn't

deserve her. No matter what it took or cost Eddie, he would see Ryan dead

before with Teresa.

Summer left the hospital room.

"He is all ears for you!" Summer smiled as she held the door open for

Marissa.

"Thanks." Marissa was surprised how reassuring Summer's smile had been for

her. Probably since it was the first genuine one she had seen for hours.

She walked slowly into the room. Ryan looked almost peaceful. It let air

finally make it into her lungs. She felt more reassured.

"Hey Ryan. You're looking good. You handle getting shot with style." Her

voice was jittery and her meek attempt to lighten the mood for herself

turned on her and made it worse. She wanted to swallow her words.

"Sorry, weak attempt to lighten my mood. You look dashing and brave. That

sounds a little better in my opinion." She smiled at him. Then she

couldn't resist her urges and placed a hand in his hair. He shifted a

little until his face was rested near her hand. Marissa felt it was kind of a sweet moment. One she wished he was awake for. Yet at the same time she new it would end if he was awake.

"I care a lot about you, you know. You'll probably hear quite a few people

say that to you while you're getting better. Which you will. Just in case

you were wondering. I have a good hunch on the issue." She wanted him to

feel reassured. Even if he wasn't taking in what she was saying, at least

she knew she had tried.

"They will probably kick me out of here any minute. Something about your

family wanting to see you or something. I guess that makes sense what do

you think?" Marissa laughed to herself aware that it was only her own

laughter that was present. She wished she could hear Ryan's laugh. She

couldn't imagine what life would be like if she didn't get to hear it often. There were so many little things about Ryan she loved. Even the small

stupid things like that.

"Do you remember when you conquered you fear of heights and rode the Ferris

wheel with me? I do. You made me feel special and completely important. I want to make you feel that way Ryan. When you're awake you just name it. ok? No arguments? Then we have an agreement." Marissa nodded in his

direction. She would have to plan something for him. Something true and

meaningful. She would have to ponder what. She knew she wasn't Ryan's

girlfriend anymore, but she could be again. Possibly even soon. Ryan had

said he loved her. People don't say that to people that they are friends

with, even when they are shot. Plus, even if she remained just Ryan's

friend, that was no reason she couldn't do something special for him.

"I better go. I think your family was ready to scream because they let me

in before them. I was ready to scream when I was out there too. I feel

there pain and hurts to much for me to stay here hogging you any longer.

I'll see you again tomorrow and I'll be in the waiting room tonight. Get

better Ryan. I lov...I care about you. Have nice dreams. Bye!" Marissa

slowly eased out the door feeling much better now that she had seen him

again.

Marissa felt her exhaustion fall upon her suddenly and she grabbed Summer's

arm for support.

"What's wrong?" Summer looked at her concerned.

"I'm just tired. I'm going to get settled for the night." Marissa smiled

at Summer and made her way to a waiting room chair. The minute she had sat

down sleep found her.

Ryan felt assured he didn't know why. It was someone's voice. At the time

he couldn't quite recognize who it belonged to. Yet it made him feel more comfortable than he had before the voice had started talking. There had been a voice before this one. It had been familiar as well. Yet, somehow, it had not had the same affect on him. He needed to hear this new voice, but he heard it drifting away. He felt his new found ease drifting with it. He didn't want it to go...he hoped it would stay.

The voice was gone. Ryan felt panicked and confused. Soon all he could envision was Eddie and a gun with bullets flying at him. He was horrified and alarmed.

Ryan's heart rate increased rapidly. His monitors went bonkers trying to keep up, which alarmed the doctor.

"Not good." The doctor mumbled rushing into his room.

A/N sorry the chapter is short...as always...all I have time for! Please keep up the reviews! I enjoy them!