A/N Hey Me.. thanks!. You reading my mind again? LOL I have the ending all written just need to finagle everyone to the right spot so I can plug it in. Hadn't really thought about a sequel.

Starlette, thanks for the good reviews. I think my low number of reviews is proportional to the number of people that like my story. I don't think many do. I'm glad you enjoy it. :)

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

Chapter 25

Emily didn't want to go home. She drove aimlessly, at last finding herself at the same beach she and Ryan used to frequent. She wasn't quite sure what she was feeling...if she had been wrong in the way she had handled the situation, she would be wrong if she had to do it again because she couldn't think of anything she would do differently. She idly wondered if Caleb had talked with Marissa yet and if Marissa had told Jimmy she was moving back in with him. She really should call Mark when she got home to see if she still had a job. A litany of thoughts ran through her mind in an attempt to block out Ryan and the situation. Looking up she discovered how far she had walked and decided it was time to head home.

Ryan went straight to the pool house. Tossing his pack he paced around the room, unwilling to sit still. His brain worked feverishly to digest everything Emily had told him. Caleb Nichol... nothing that low life did would surprise him. A mental picture of Emily verbally sparing with Caleb came unbidden to his mind and a soft smile played on his lips. He ached wanting to be with her but things were happening so fast. He needed to think things through.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Seth, Summer and Marissa talked animatedly about the impending move.

Summer: Cohen and I can go over this and week and get all of your things.. that way all you'll have to do is unpack.

Seth: There won't be any tools or reconstruction this time will there?

Summer squeezed Seth's bicep and wrinkled her nose.

Summer: No, no tools this time but there may be heavy boxes.. we better get Chino to help.

Seth: Very funny..I prefer to exercise my brain instead of my arms... calling Ryan is an excellent idea.. If I recall correctly I am the brains, he is the brawn and what was it you were again? Was it by any chance "the bitch"? Yes I believe it was.

Summer : Cohen!

Seth: Well if the shoe fits... and today it fits!

Summer glared at him and then she turned back to Marissa.

Summer: So Coop, when you getting outa here and coming home to stay?

Marissa's eyes twinkled.

Marissa: maybe this week if I'm lucky. Dr Meuler says I am doing so well he might be willing to try it. I'd see him twice a week as an outpatient. I should know by Friday.

&&&&&&&&&&

Emily opened the door. Sounds came to her from deep in the house, instantly her guard was up. Before she could turn and leave the sounds became more defined. She followed the clatter and at the end of her path entered the kitchen. Ryan turned to her and beamed a smile.

Ryan: I hope you didn't eat, dinner is almost ready.

An amazed look possessed her face followed by delight. Ryan stepped away from the stove and held out his arms. Without hesitation she moved to him. Pressing her closer, he tasted her lips.

Ryan: I'm not used to anyone taking charge, it always seemed to fall on me... guess I was sort of an ass.

Emily: I didn't mean it as taking charge exactly.. I guess it worked out that way though. Is that what upset you?

Ryan stroked her hair and appeared thoughtful for a moment.

Ryan: I haven't had the best luck with communication in my last relationships guess I had a little deja vou. I understand now. It just hit me a little weird at first. You did a really good thing for Marissa.

Emily smiled and tightened her arms around Ryan.

Emily: Caleb is slime. Marissa needs all the help right now she can get. I'm really glad you're here

Ryan: Yeah?

Emily: Yep, I'm starved and now I don't have to cook.

An evil grin spread over Ryan's face.

Ryan: Yeah, but you're gonna get stuck with the dishes.

Emily punched him playfully on the arm. Laughing she moved away to set the table.

Emily: How did you get here and how the heck did you get in?

Ryan: Seth and Summer were going to visit Marissa. I got a ride with them. As to getting in... Breaking and Entering 101.. I learned to look under the potted plants on the porch for an extra key. You need to do something about that... never can tell who might be inside waiting for you.

Emily: mmm.. might be some good looking blond haired hunk, huh?

Ryan: Or big and ugly from out recent past....

Emily: Good point.. no more key out front. In fact why don't you just hang on to it. How are things between you and Marissa?

Ryan: We're good friends.. both of us are comfortable with that. Little weird huh?

Emily: Not really. I think it's great but I still feel a little awkward about "us" in all of this. The way it all happened.

Ryan laughed.

Ryan: It is a little awkward but if you had been here for mine and Marissa's history... you didn't break us up so there is nothing for you to feel bad about. You have done nothing but good for Marissa.

Again he took her in his arms. He kissed her deeply and she melted to him.

Emily: I really am glad you're here.

"Me too", he said against her lips.