Chapter 5: "We're too cool to be alone"

Marissa was quiet and deep in thought as Ryan helped her strap the car seat into the car. Marissa had insisted on going home incase her dad was to call, so he would not find out that she spent the night with Ryan. She also really needed to get her thoughts together. What was she going to do? Maybe the letter would help her decide.

Ryan insisted on going back to her place with her to make sure she got settled in, with the "baby", and all.

They were quiet as they drove down the highway.

"So… this Noelle… How do you know her?" He asked Marissa

"Um, … I met her when my family was on vacation a long time ago…" She said

"And you guys stayed in touch?" Ryan asked raising an eyebrow

Marissa nodded.

They pull up at Marissa's house, and unhooked the car seat. Ryan carried it up the stairs because it was so heavy. Marissa had trouble imagining Summer lugging it around.

"Alright." Marissa said turning to Ryan when they reached her door. "I can take it from here." Marissa said

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I really need to be alone right now."

Ryan nodded and kissed her on the cheek.

"I'll come back tonight with dinner or something."

"Sounds good." Marissa kissed him on the cheek, and then entered her empty apartment.

Marissas hands were shaking so much that she had to pause and ake a deep breath before she opened the letter.

"Marisssa,

Hey. It's been awhile huh? I'm sorry about everything at the hotel, … I could not drag you down with me. Anyway, I tried to stop by your house to drop her off, but nobody was home, so I figured that you would be at the Cohens. I knew that I would not have the strength to see Seth in person right now, so I just dropped her and this letter, addressed to you, and left. I know this is not really fair, but I will be back. I just have to get some stuff together. PLEASE do not let Cohen find out that she is his. I know how this looks but I never intended on dumping her on you. We lost our place because I wasn't able to work the later months I was pregnant with her. I love my daughter more than I ever dreamed possible, I will be back, I promise I don't' intend to be gone more tan a week or two. I just have to find a way to get some money. BTW, her name is Isabella Marissa Roberts, I call her Ella though. I love you Coop, a million thank yous.

Xoxo Summer"

Marissa looked down at the girl, "Ella". She had Seth strong jaw, and he and Summers dark hair. Anyone with two eyes would be able to realize that she is Seths.

Marissa carefully picked up Ella and held her close. Ella soon began to cry.

"It's okay… your mommy will be back soon."

~ The Cohen house

"You think that whole thing with Noelle was weird?" Ryan asked Seth

"Yeah, but you know Marissa. Queen of surprises."

Ryan nodded as he bit into his bagel.

"So you up for the Crab Shack tonight?" Seth asked Ryan

"I was going to take Marissa something over to her place." Ryan said. "Check up on her and stuff."

"Fine. I understand. Leave the brother for the girlfriend." Seth said pretending to be hurt.

Ryan playfully punched him in the shoulder, then the phone rang.

"I'll get it." Seth said heading over to the phone "Hi, Marissa!" He said looking over to Ryan. "Yeah… sure… I will tell him…. Uh huh…. Will do…. Chinese? See you soon!"

Seth hung up the phone.

"Was she okay?" Ryan said.

"Yeah, she just asked if you could stop by the store on the way and pick up diapers and formula…"

"How am I supposed to know what to get?" Ryan said

"I can go with you and help if you want." Seth said

"Oh yeah, and how do you know anything?"

"Um, I had a cousin who stayed with me once, … actually maybe he wasn't a cousin-"

"I get it! Let's go." Ryan said grabbing the keys off of the table

Ryan and Seth stand blankly in the diaper isle of the super market.

"I thought you said you knew what you were doing."

"Dude… I do. Here these…" Seth said taking a pack of diapers off of the shelf.

"Fine then lets go."

They walk up to the cash register, the girl standing there gives them a weird look when they walk up with the diapers.

"And who may I ask are these for?" She asked

"A baby." Ryan said in a no duh tone.

"Let me help you." The girl said coming from behind the register.

Seth and Ryan looked at one another cluelessly

"What's wrong with those?" Seth asked

The girl shoved the diapers back onto the shelf.

"Those were ADULT diapers."

Ryan looked at Seth and smacked him on the back of the head. The cashier girl had long flowing blonde hair and a simple smile, dimples coming to her cheeks when she mocked the boys.

"So which one of you is Daddy?" She asked

Ryan and Seth both stuttered something or another.

"Alright. Is it a newborn?"

Seth nodded open mouthed.

The girl rolled her eyes at them and shoved a pack of Pampers at Seth and gestured for them to follow her so she could ring them up.

Ryan and Seth left the store embarrassed without a word. Ryan, on the way to the car kept on giving Seth glances.

"What!" Seth finally said

"She was so checking you out!"

"No she wasn't."

"Whatever." Ryan said as he got into the car

Ryan banged on Marissas door over and over. Marissa finally came to the door with her finger over her lips.

"Ella is asleep."

"Who's Ella?" Seth asked

"YOUR DAUGHTER!" Marissa wanted to scream but held herself back. "The baby, her name is Ella. Come on in guys but PLEASE be quiet."

She stepped back from the door allowing them in, as she took the grocery bag from Ryans hands, and rummaged through it.

"You guys did well." She commented

"It was all me." Ryan boasted

"I can imagine it now, little Atwood illegitimates running around Chino." Seth said

"There better not be!" Marissa said kissing Ryan on the cheek, and then grabbing the bag of Chinese food, and heading to the living room.