I do not own any of the original characters from the OC.

As Ryan talked, Jimmy struggled to understand. "What had he and Julie done to their daughter?"
he thought. His poor baby girl. He gritted his teeth and waited for Ryan to finish.
When Ryan was silent, Jimmy stood and headed for the door.

Jimmy: I need to see Marissa.

Sandy: Now Jimmy, don't fly off the handle. Marissa is living with Julie and Caleb so we are going to have to work with them.

Jimmy knew Sandy was right. He mentally kicked himself for allowing Marissa to stop her therapy sessions. She had been through so much. He had been wrapped up in his own troubles and hadn't noticed her slipping away. He reached for the phone and dialed Julie's number.

Julie entered the house and headed straight to the bar. God but she needed a drink. Her hands shook as she poured vodka over the ice. Raising the glass she downed the drink in one swallow and immediately filled the glass again. Within seconds the alcohol began relaxing the tension and she suddenly sat down as the tears rolled down her face. This was all Jimmy's fault... all his fault

The phone rang and she finished off her drink before she answered.

Julie: yes

Jimmy: Julie, I need to see you.

Julie: Jimmy, what do you want?

Jimmy: It's about Marissa.

Julie: Jimmy, I am very busy and don't have time for this.

Jimmy: You don't have time for your daughter? Julie our daughter is in trouble and needs us so you will damned well make time for me. I'm coming over and you had better be there.

Hanging up he turned to Sandy.

Jimmy: Sandy, I have a feeling I may need my lawyer with me.

Sandy: With you all the way, Jimmy

Sandy turned to Ryan.

Sandy: kiddo, I think you better sit this one out. No use in baiting the she bear by waving you in front of her. Take my car and I'll ride with Jimmy.

Ryan looked at the offered keys and then searched Sandy's face. He badly wanted to go with them but he could tell there was no way. Sandy was probably right anyway. He took the keys and they all went their separate ways.

Seth led Summer out onto the school grounds. Still holding her arm he pulled her closer.

Seth: Summer, what the hell is wrong with you?
Summer: Seth, she's a sleezy tramp. I've seen her type before.

Seth: Summer, she is a new student who knows absolutely no one and it so happens she is nice, intelligent, and fun to be around.
Summer: You forgot to mention cute and what a "hot chassis" she has. Seth, she had her hands all over you and Ryan. Since Marissa isn't here I felt it my duty to protect her interest.

Seth: Correction, I had my hands on her and Ryan. You totally embarrassed me with your obnoxious out burst. "whore on the motorcycle". That was completely out of line and as far as I am concerned until you apologize to Emily, we have nothing to say to each other.

He turned and stomped back to the school. Summer stood looking after him without believing what had just happened.

Emily sat on her bike rubbing the stiff muscles in her neck. Today had really sucked and each day that passed she disliked this place more. From now on she was going to steer clear of all of them. She put on her helmet and started her bike.

Ryan decided he would pick up Seth on the way home. As he drove by the school trying to spot Seth in the wave of exiting students, he saw a green Ninja pull out of the parking lot. "Seth, old buddy, catch ya later" he thought. "Gotta catch me a Ninja".

As Emily pulled onto the coast highway she leaned into the bike and opened the throttle. Her heart thrilled to the speed. She left her cares and focused only on the ride.

Ryan speeded up to try and keep the bike in sight. He was still on probation so he shouldn't take the chance of getting stopped but he had no intention of letting that bike get away.

Emily parked her bike by the garage. Pulling her helmet off and grabbing her pack she headed to the house. She heard a car and turned as the driver got out and headed toward her.

Ryan: Do you always drive that fast?

Emily smiled.

Emily: That wasn't fast, that was granny speed. What brings you to this neighborhood?

Ryan: I wanted to apologize for what happened today.

Emily: Not a problem. It's not unusual for girls to have a negative response to their boyfriends having female friends.

Ryan: It shouldn't have happened. I don't let anyone dictate to me who I can have as a friend.

He was silent then waiting for her to decide where this was going to go.

Emily: So.. umm.. you wanna come in and have something to drink?

Ryan smiled.

Ryan: I'd like that a lot.

Inside Emily put her helmet and pack in the closet.

Emily: I can offer you juice, soda or water.

Ryan: a soda would be good

Emily went to the bar and rummaged in the refrigerator. Ryan spied a group of pictures and went over to take a closer look. Emily was in many of them with people he assumed was her family. One picture with Emily and a boy caught his eye. A laugh escaped his lips.
Emily came up behind him.

Emily: Find something funny?

Ryan pointed to the picture

Ryan: "Girls Kickboxing Champion" "Summer needs to see that one", he said with a chuckle.

Emily looked at the picture and a soft smile spread across her face.

Emily: My brother and I both won that day. Shall we go outside by the pool?

Emily led the way. Soon they were sitting side by side, sipping their drinks and kicking their feet in the water. A comfortable quiet hung around them. Finally Emily broke the silence.

Emily: So where was , Marissa right, today?

Ryan didn't speak immediately. He looked at Emily for a long while and then he began to speak. When he was finally done he had told her all of it. All about his move here, the fear, the frustration, Marissa, Theresa, all of it.

She had listened with out comment or interruption. When he had finished it was her turn to study him.

Emily: Wow and here I thought you were the strong silent type.

Ryan blushed then they both burst out laughing.

Emily: Thank you. I'm glad you shared that with me. I hope things straighten out for you and Marissa.

Voices filtered out from the house. Ryan looked at Emily.

Emily: My aunt and uncle.

Ryan: I probably should go. See you tomorrow?

Emily: yep you will.

She escorted Ryan to the door and waved good bye.