I do not own any of the original characters from the OC.
Ryan found Sandy and Kirsten in the kitchen. Seth was no where to be found.
He looked at Sandy.
Ryan: Well, what's going on?
Sandy explained, for the second time since he got home, the situation with Marissa.
Ryan: When can I see her?
Sandy: You can't.
Ryan opened his mouth to protest but Sandy raised his hand to silence him.
Sandy: Ryan, right now there is nothing you can do. In time she will need your support but she has to do this. You cannot do it for her.
Ryan knew Sandy was right but that didn't make it any easier.
Ryan: Ok, if I can't see her, what can I do?
Sandy showed a tired smile and put his arm around Ryan.
Sandy: Be patient.
Ryan: That wasn't what I wanted to hear.
Just then Seth entered the kitchen.
Seth: Ryan.. Dad.. so what's the deal with Marissa?
Sandy exchanged a look with Ryan.
Sandy: Ok Ryan, third times the charm it's yours this time.. Honey, what's to eat?
In the pool house both boys filled each other in on the happenings of their day. Seth wanted to know all about Emily. Ryan shared the highlights. He didn't really understand why but he just didn't want to talk about all of it.
Ryan: so ummm are you really fighting with Summer?
Seth: She was a total ass.
Seth paused for a long moment. Looking out the door and speaking almost to himself, he continued.
Seth: I'm different, Ryan. I don't know how to explain it... Sometimes I look at her and see how she can be and I ask myself what the hell am I doing with her and why did I ever want to be with her. Does that make any sense?
He looked questioningly at his friend.
Ryan: It makes a lot of sense. It has been a busy summer and we have all changed. Maybe in ways we didn't intend to or that aren't really for the better.
Feeling Seth's confusion and sadness, he squeezed Seth's shoulder.
Ryan: Hey man, we always have each other.
Seth looked into Ryan's face. Ryan made kissing sounds and fluttered his eyes at Seth.
Reaching behind him Seth grabbed a pillow from Ryan's bed a smacked his friend in the face. Ryan snatched a pillow and the fight was on. Sounds of laughter echoed across the pool and the time for serious talk ended in rowdy fun. The boys were home and happy to be there.
Marissa opened her eyes. She was lying on a mattress that was on the floor. The room was empty. The only light was on a tall ceiling. Slowly it came back to her. She quickly stood up and went to the door. There was no handle. She pounded on the door.
Marissa: Hello? Hello? Let me out... I want my father... anyone out there.
An observation window opened and an attractive woman looked in.
Attendant: Hello Marissa. My name is Charlotte but everyone calls me Charlie. How are you feeling?
Marissa: I want my father. Has he been called?
Charlotte: Now.. now first things first. How do you feel?
Marissa: I feel all right considering I am in here.
Charlotte: Are you hungry? You slept through the night and didn't have any supper.
Marissa: Can I get out of this room?
Charlotte: If I let you out, will be behave?
Marissa: I'll do whatever you say, just get me out of here.
Charlotte: ok.. here is the deal. I let you out, you eat some breakfast and behave yourself. If you don't... back you go and it will be a long time before I let you out again. Understand?
Marissa: I understand.
Charlotte: ok step back from the door now.
Marissa was in a new room with a window but it was covered in heavy fine wire.
Charlotte gave Marissa a conspiratorial wink.
Charlotte: I wasn't sure what you liked so I told them to bring everything. Told them you needed to be fattened up anyway. Now, how about a nice hot shower? That will make you feel like a new woman. By the time you get done your food will be here.
Her smile was infectious and Marissa soon found herself responding to Charlotte's gentle ways. Tears threatened her eyes but she fought to keep them at bay.
Showered and fed, Marissa did indeed feel better. Charlotte had brought her meds and explained what each one was. A knock sounded at the door and seconds later Dr. Meuler entered.
Dr. Meuler: Good morning, Marissa. Did you sleep well?
Marissa glared at the doctor.
Marissa: Why wouldn't I? You drugged me.
Dr. Meuler: you really didn't give me much choice now did you?
Marissa: From where I was, it seemed I was the one that had no choice. My mother snaps her fingers and you lock me up.
Dr Meuler: is that what you think happened?
Marissa: That is what I know happened. I want my father... now.
Her anger was showing more with each word she spoke. She thought it probably wasn't a wise thing to do but she could not help herself.
Dr. Meuler sat studying her. He drew a deep breath and let it out.
Dr. Meuler: Marissa, you have a problem with alcohol. It remains to be seen if you also have problems with any other controlled substances. You are suffering from severe depression, possibly bipolar. You have a rather colorful history of conduct. We have a lot of work to do... with your help it will be easier. I have you for 96 hours to evaluate your condition. I want to help you but first you have to decide two things.
First you have to decide to accept my help and second you have to decide to help yourself. I'll leave you alone for a while to think over what I have just told you. We'll talk later this afternoon.
Marissa watched him leave, her fear growing. She was locked up in a nut house. They could keep her as long as her mother wanted them to. The tears that earlier threatened became reality and she laid on her bed and cried herself to sleep.
Julie answered her phone.
Jimmy: It's me. We have an appointment at 1:00. Bring Marissa clothes and whatever else you think she might need.
Julie: Did they say how she is doing?
Jimmy: They said she was in with the doctor, whatever that means. See you at one.
He hung up the phone and fought against the tears that threatened to engulf him.
Emily turned down the hall to her locker and groaned inwardly. Beside her locker stood Summer. Steeling herself she move forward.
Emily: Excuse me, I need to get into my locker.
Summer: Yea, sure
Summer moved aside but continued to stand there.
Emily: Is there something you need?
Summer: Well, yea there is. Look I was pretty much a bitch yesterday.
Emily: I would say that is a pretty accurate assessment.
She was silent waiting for Summer to continue.
Summer: Well, I'm kinda sorry. My temper sometimes gets the best of me.
She looked expectantly at Emily but Emily remained silent. Summer stood twisting her hands and fingers and shuffling her feet.
Summer: So... um.. do you like accept my apology?
Emily's eyes hardened and she allowed her anger to show. Her previous attitude toward Summer's attack had been replaced by a slow burn. The more she had thought about it the madder she got.
Emily: I'll get back to you and let you know. Now if you'll excuse me.
She walked away leaving Summer unsure of what had happened.
Emily was still musing over the event when the warning bell sounded. Running down the hall she barely made it to class on time.
The day flew by amidst assignments and projects. When the last bell rang Emily happily headed to her locker. She dumped her books. No homework! She had gotten it done in class. Taking her backpack she headed to her bike.
On her way she saw Seth and Summer in earnest conversation "They really are a cute couple", she thought idly.
A young man with dirty blonde hair stood by her bike watching her approach. He smiled as she drew near.
Ryan: Hey, where you been hiding all day?
Emily: "Just trying to keep my nose clean and be respectable", she laughed What's up?
Ryan: umm. I was hoping we could maybe hang out for a while. Seth and Summer are in negotiations and it might get pretty messy at the house. I hate the sight of blood.
She loved the way he could convey so many emotions with nothing but a look. Right now his eyes twinkled with humor, a big contrast to the ice blue she had seen when he was angry.
Emily: So in other words you need rescued? I had planned on doing some riding tonight, wanna go with?
Think you could take riding behind a girl?
She couldn't resist a little teasing.
Ryan laughed. He raised his eye brows up and down in mock lechery.
Ryan: Just try me...
Emily: Give me your address. I'll go get my extra helmet and pick you up.
Ryan: I'll be ready.
They rode for miles, played in the surf, then shared burritos and nachos while they watched the sunset. Neither of them could remember any meaningful conversation. They just enjoyed.
Emily pulled the bike in the driveway.
Ryan: Wanna come in? I'd like for you to meet Sandy and Kirsten. Maybe we could find a movie to watch.
Splashing sounds came from the pool and Summer's voice yelled at Seth.
Emily: That, I think would be a very bad idea.
Ryan snickered.
Ryan: you could take her.. give her a kick or two in the head... might knock some sense into her
Emily: Atwood, you are bad! I'll see you tomorrow.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Striding from one side of the room to the other, Julie alternated between screaming and sobbing .
Julie: What am I missing here? I should be with my daughter. She needs me but what is happening? Instead of me she wants to see her felonious father and that juvenile delinquent brat. Why won't she see me? I'm not the perfect mother but I love her and know what is best for her. Are you listening Caleb?
Caleb loved his wife and she could make hell too hot for the devil if she was upset enough, so her happiness was one of Caleb's top priorities. He breathed deeply over the brandy snifter, swirling the golden liquid and watching the reflected lights. He looked up sharply when he heard his name mentioned.
Caleb: I'm sorry darling, I was mulling over some office troubles. What were you saying?
Julie: Caleb, I thought we agreed you would leave the office at the office. When you come home I want you all to myself and right now I desperately need your support and help to get my daughter back.
As she spoke, she glided across the room to him. Her arms reached around his neck and she looked into his eyes. She was the only woman he had ever seen that was beautiful even when she cried. It made it all the more difficult to deny her. Caleb embraced her and sighed.
Caleb: What can I do?
Julie: Find a way to get that brat away from my daughter. How can I get her into her new home and new life with him poisoning her against me? He's not good enough for her. Jimmy I'll just have to deal with.
Caleb: I'll see what I can do but he's just a kid...
Julie: Just a kid! That kid, as you call him, has undermined everything I have tried to do concerning my daughter since the day they met. Marissa is infatuated with his "bad boy "image and won't listen to me. He may have the others fooled but I see through him like glass. The situation is serious now. He has to be dealt with.
Caleb: Ok I'll look into it.
Who should he use? Leafing through his card file he picked out a name. Reaching for the phone he dialed the number and listened as it rang.
Hello..
Caleb: Hank, this is Cal Nichol.
Hank: Cal.. long time.. what can I do for you?
Caleb: I was wondering if we could meet for lunch. I could use your services on a small project.
Hank: Yea, lunch would work for me. Just came off an assignment and I'm free as a bird. When and where?
Caleb: How about the Lighthouse at , shall we say 12:30?
Hank: See you then.
Caleb had just ordered a drink when he saw Hank walk in. Caleb had used him many times in the past to acquire sensitive information.
Caleb: Hank, good to see you..
Hank: Caleb, it has been too long.
Caleb: I took the liberty of ordering you a drink.. I trust you still drink the same..
Hank: Somethings never change.... Now how can I be of service to you?
Caleb withdrew a picture from his pocket and laid it on the table between them.
Caleb: I have a small surveillance job for you. This young man is involved with my daughter and I need to know a little more about him than I presently do. Vital statistics are on the back. When can I expect a report?
Hank: Give me a couple of days.
Caleb: Excellent... now let's check these menus.