Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It all belongs to Josh Schwartz and all the producers, etc.

Author's Note: Sorry it took a long time to update, but I had to leave it for a while because I went to camp (yeah, I stole the plot from my own experience) and sorry for the short chapter. I just got back and am so tired. The next chapter will be longer, promise. Hope you like it and I greatly appreciate any form of criticism. Thank you to everyone who reviewed my story, it really helped.

Dedication: This whole fanfic is dedicated to Alison Henning, an excellent writer and beta. Thanks Ali! She helped me a LOT (more than I can say) and everyone, check out her fanfic 'Brotherly Love' because it's awesome!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 3:

"Wow," Seth Cohen remarked, glancing around at his surroundings.

The secluded area up in the mountain range hadn't sounded so exciting in the brochure ('this area is known for it's striking flowers and wildlife'); but it was more picturesque now than in the glossy leaflet.

"I should have brought my camera," Anna breathed. "It's so..." She paused, searching for an adequate word to describe the atmosphere, "serene,"

Slowly people boarded off the bus and collected their luggage from the bus' compartment.

Ryan spotted Maia rummaging in her backpack, alone, by the rear end of the bus.

"Uh, I'm just gonna stretch my legs," He said quietly to Marisa, who was deep in conversation with Anna.

"Sure," She replied vaguely, continuing her conversation without a backwards glimpse at him.

Maia saw Ryan heading over to where she was standing.

"We need to talk," Ryan said heavily, aware of how difficult the task would be.

"Oh really? Because I don't have anything to say to you," Maia snapped, her eyes blazing.

"Listen—" Ryan began, attempting to sooth the old wound.

"Don't talk to me. Don't even come near me, Ryan!"

"Just let me talk!" Ryan exploded.

Maia flinched, and Ryan sensed that he was getting aggressive.

He took a deep breath, inhaling in air and exhaling gradually.

Seth interrupted Ryan, just as he was about to speak.

"Hey guys! We're being separated into cabins according to our gender. It's lame, but the teachers seem to think it's appropriate. Hormones and all, you know," Seth explained mock-seriously, smirking. He frowned when he noticed the tension between Ryan and Maia.

"Come on, it's not that bad," He said reassuringly.

"I'm cool with it. This is kinda exciting. Let's go!" Maia said, flashing him a dazzling smile, and swinging her sleeping bag over her shoulder. "Bye Ryan," She said coolly.

They walked off, leaving Ryan feeling frustrated.

What was the matter with him? Wasn't he over Maia? Was he purposely trying to hurt Marisa? Was he scared of Marisa leaving him; so he would leave her first? What else would explain his stupid and negative behaviour?

No, Ryan defended his actions; you were only trying to explain things to Maia; to gain some sort of closure.

Face it, another taunting voice in his head argued, you want to get closer to her. You still care about her. She's the only one who understands you – past your outer pretense. She's the only one...

"NO!" Ryan whispered angrily, frightened and annoyed of his thoughts. He was so confused.

Someone touched his arm lightly. He turned around.

"Is something wrong?" Marisa asked. Ryan hated the concerned expression on her face. It made him feel unsettled.

"No...just tired. If you've got your bags, we should head up and unpack. There's an introduction in 15 minutes,"

"Okay, I've got everything," Marisa agreed, still eying him carefully. "Poor Seth. He ended up carrying all of Summer's suitcases. I told her not to pack so much, but you can't stop Summer when she's on a roll. Packing was part of the reason she decided to come...hey, what do you think we'll be doing here, anyway? A camping trip seems a bit strange for our age,"

Ryan was only half listening. Marisa didn't notice he was distracted, and continued chatting until they reached their cabins and split up.