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

Chapter 23

Ryan sat on the edge of his bed still wearing the towel from his shower. He wished this night were over. He wished he had already told Marissa what needed to be said. This was not a good time but it had to be done.

Rising he grabbed his clothes. He was just finishing when Marissa appeared at the door.

Ryan smiled. She looked tired, dark circles under her eyes colored her face but she beamed a smile back at him.

Ryan: Hey I'm almost ready.

Marissa came across the room and kissed him softly on the cheek.

Marissa: Hey, would you mind if we stayed here a few minutes.. there are a few things we need to talk about.

Knots formed in Ryan's stomach. Marrisa had no idea how much needed to be talked about.

Ryan: Cool. I guess we do need to talk over some things.

Marissa smiled weakly.

Marissa: Me first... ok?

Ryan: Sure..

Ryan sat on the foot of the bed and Marissa began to pace the room. Her nervousness was obvious and Ryan wondered what she had to say that was making her act this way. Something really bad must be wrong. Forgetting his unease he stood and moved into her path. Reaching out he put his hands on her shoulders.

Ryan: Hey calm down... just say it. It's only me, Ryan.. you can say anything to me.. you know that.

Marissa looked lovingly at his face. She could say anything to him. Some things were different but not everything. She reached for his hands and held both of them in hers. Keeping her eyes on his face she began.

Marissa: Ryan, I had this big speech all practiced but I have forgotten most all of it. The best way for me is just to say it...who knows maybe you'll agree with me. I care for you so much.. and I will always want you in my life but my feelings are different than before. I love you but I don't think I am in love with you anymore. I am going through so much right now.. I need for you to understand.

Ryan watched the struggle on Marissa's face as she spoke. This was no act.. it was for real. In spite of the fact he had planned on saying much the same thing to her, he still felt sadness at what she was saying. They had been through so much together.. they had loved each other and now it was gone.. It hurt.

Ryan: Yeah, I agree with you. I didn't know that was how you felt.

Marissa: To be honest I'm not sure how I feel. Part of me feels one way and another feels something different. I know I cannot be with you right now but I don't want to be completely without you..

Ryan: Ok, we'll play it that way. I won't leave you alone... I promise.

Marissa: I spent some time with Emily this morning.

Ryan: Yeah, Seth said you called wanting her cell number.

Marissa: I can see why you like her so much.. and it's ok with me.

Ryan: What's ok with you?

Marissa flashed a knowing smile.

Marissa: The fact you like her so much. That was one of the reasons I wanted to see her was to tell her that and now I'm telling you.

It was hard for Ryan to meet her eyes but he did. His eyes had the look of both relief and sorrow.

Ryan: I never lied to you about any of it. I..

Marissa pressed her fingers to his lips to silence him.

Marissa: I know and I believe you. And I understand.

Marissa hugged him tight. She still felt safe in his arms.

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Emily sat in the waiting room outside Dr. Kim's office. There was always public school if she got kicked out of here. She would fit in better there anyway... maybe it would be a stroke of luck if she got pitched out. Dr Kim came into the room and motioned her into the office. A knot formed in her throat. Who was she kidding?

Dr. Kim: Emily, please sit down. I trust you are feeling well enough to return to your classes?

Emily looked up at her in surprise. Did she say return?

Emily: I'm fine, really. Are you saying I am going to be allowed back into school?

Dr. Kim: We have carefully analyzed the situation. I would have like to have spoken to your family but I see you are emancipated so no parental or guardian conference is necessary. It is felt expulsion isn't warranted. However do not mistake this decision for permission to conduct yourself in this fashion again. Any further displays such as this will result in your permanent removal from Harbor. Are there any questions or comments you would care to make.

Emily: No ma'am. I understand completely.

Dr Kim stood and walked from behind her desk. Smiling she reached out and took Emily's hand.

Dr. Kim: Excellent. I am very glad to have you back.

Emily: Thank you.

Emily made her way to her locker and grabbed her books. She had just enough time to get to second hour if she hurried. A knot formed in her throat when she saw a piece of paper on her locker. It read" Wait here for me at lunch" and was signed with a heart. Enough is enough. If this wasn't from Ryan she was going to go ballistic on somebody!

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Marissa awoke rested and refreshed. She had slept the night through. She was beginning to notice the difference in the way she felt. The meds they had her on were doing their job. A quick shower and just juice and toast for breakfast. She had requested and early appointment with Dr Meuler and she couldn't wait to talk to him.

Meuler: Good morning Marissa. How was your weekend?

Marissa thought for a moment. How would she describe her weekend.

Marissa: How about I tell you about it and then you let me know?

Dr. Meuler grinned at her. This was a good sign.

Meuler: I'm all ears.

Marissa started from when she left the hospital and didn't finish until Ryan dropped her off last night. She made no attempt to gloss over the exchange with Emily in front of the Cohen's house. She made certain Meuler knew she had intended to get drunk and about her over night battle to stay sober at Summer's. She told him all the things she had thought about and decided. She felt like she was babbling but her desire to communicate kept her talking. When she finally ran out of words she looked expectantly at Meuler.

Marissa: Well, what do you think and don't give me that double talk about it's what I think that counts. I really need some guidance here. Does that make sense?

Meuler: It seems you have had a very busy weekend. I am very proud of you. You made several milestones. This makes me believe we are on the right track with your medications. I think you are beginning to see the benefit from it now. As to the other issues...your break up with your boy friend.

Why did you feel now was the time to do that?

Marissa: Dr. Meuler, my relationship with Ryan has not always been an easy one. We have caused each other a lot of pain at times. I can't deal with that now or in the near future. I don't really know who I am.

I've always been what and who everyone wanted me to be and I am angry and resentful about that. Right now I need to be selfish and concentrate on getting better and finding my way.

Dr. Meuler scribbled a few words on his pad and winked.

Meuler: Not too bad... I think we have spent enough time today. If I continue seeing this type of progress maybe we can revisit your desire to go home. I'll see you later in-group.

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The day was really dragging. Emily couldn't believe it was only lunchtime. At least she could see Ryan and speak of the devil there he was waiting at her locker.

Emily: Hey are you ever a sight for sore eyes.

Ryan leaned forward and kissed her firmly on the lips.

Emily: Wow getting a little public ain't cha.

Ryan grinned broadly.

Ryan: They can turn their heads.

Emily giggled. Ryan slipped his arm around her waist and they headed to the cafeteria.

Emily: Where is Seth and Summer?

Ryan: They had some errand they had to run. Said they would join us if they got back in time.

Is that all you're eating?

Emily: I'm not really hungry right now. Speaking of errands what are you doing after school?

Ryan: Soccer practice till five o'clock .Why what's up?

Emily: Oh, nothing.

Ryan: Are you sure? I can skip practice..

Emily: No you can't. I was just asking.

Ryan: You wanna pick me up at five?

Emily: Do you want me to pick you up?

Ryan: Yep sure do.

Emily: It's a date then.

Just then Seth and Summer arrived in a flurry of motion.

Seth: Emily, Ryan you will be so grateful when you hear what Summer and I did.

Summer stood beside him with her head nodding up and down. Ryan and Emily fell silent waiting for Seth to continue.

Seth: We scored ticket for all of us to the must see concert of the year.

Summer: Isn't that great? We are all going to see the Vamps.

Ryan: Who?

Seth: Gawd, Ryan we have got to do something about your lack of musical sophistication. Trust me, you'll love them.

Ryan: I guess I'll have to trust you huh? Emily do you know who they are?

Emily: Are they local?

Seth: Not you too! Ryan is rubbing off on you. Maybe we need to get you shots or something.

Rising from the table Emily laughed.

Emily: I'm sure they will be great. Gotta go.. see you guys later.

Ryan: See you at five.

Emily didn't even go back to her locker. As soon as the last bell rang she was out the door. She had no time to waste if she was going to get back by five o'clock. Thank god she had done a recon run to locate the building. She found a parking place close. "Newport Group", impressive building.

She went straight to Caleb Nichols office and presented herself to the receptionist.

Emily: I need to speak with Mr. Nichol.

Receptionist: Do you have an appointment?

Emily: No but I'm sure he will see me. Tell him Emily Tate an associate of Henry Webb's is here to speak with him about urgent business.

The receptionist looked doubtful but she picked up the phone and called through. Her expression changed to amazement and she hung up.

Receptionist: You can go right in.

Emily: Thank you.

The door opened as she reached for the handle and she met Caleb Nichol face to face. He was smiling but it didn't reach his eyes, which were cold and mean. She entered his office and the door closed behind her. She could understand why Marissa was afraid of this man. She had the same feeling now as the first time that she saw a Great White Shark up close.

Emily: I would introduce myself to you but you know who I am, don't you. I'll get right to the point because I don't want to spend anymore time near you than I have to. Mr. Nichol, you and I are going to conduct a little business and here are my terms. You are going to allow your stepdaughter to move back in with her father where she can be happy. Since her father will need more money to take care of his daughter you are going to form a business venture with Jimmy Cooper. You will fund this venture with let's say ... three million dollars arranged where you can't touch it but he has full access. Do you have any questions?

Caleb sneered at Emily and moved to stand close. Emily wanted to run.. she could hear her Dad speaking in her ear, hold your mud now don't let him see you're afraid. Instead of backing up Emily closed the distance and came to a stop almost in Caleb's face. Caleb's face showed no surprise and Emily felt the full weight of his glare.

Caleb: And what makes you think I will do any of this. I'm not in the habit of bargaining with children.

Emily offered Caleb the papers she held in her hand.

Emily: Mr. Nichol how do you think it would look if this information were to be made public? Think of things like child custody hearings and massive child support payments. Think of the embarrassment to you and your wife... think of divorce. You may consider me a child but I assure the people that provided this information aren't. Even the police don't have this information. Now can we come to an agreement or does it get dirty?

Caleb: You're quite the little bitch aren't you?

Emily: And then some! Do we have an agreement?

Caleb: Do I have a choice?

Emily: No. You have three days to set up what ever venture you want for Mr. Cooper. You will call Marissa tonight and tell her she is moving back with her Dad. If anything goes wrong, you will see me again. And needless to say, we never had this meeting.

She was at the door when he called to her.

Caleb: Hey kid. Come see me when you graduate. You need to work for me.

Silently she closed the door behind her. Her legs felt like they were made from putty and she was afraid any minute they would deposit her in the floor. Now after the fact she was shaking all over. She'd rather be skinned alive than have to do that again! Hopefully she wouldn't have to.