A/N: Omg. I knew I said I would update a lot more often but I did not expect to be so busy after my exams. Sorry guys. I'll try to get another chapter up as soon as possbile! Please review in the meanwhile!
Ryan and Marissa sat on the sand, side by side. Marissa was resting her head on Ryan's shoulder and she smiled, more than contended.
Slightly earlier, the two for them spent the time sitting on the beach, catching up on what had happened in the past few weeks. Ryan had wanted to hear what he missed out in Newport and so, Marissa did tell him.
She had been completely honest with Ryan and admitted that she had initially drunk when he left. Although he was slightly upset when he first heard it, he soon became proud of Marissa that she had managed to kick her drinking habit.
On top of that, Marissa had been struggling to help Summer. Marissa had told Ryan in great detail about Summer's earlier behaviour. How she was so quiet and how she had been broke down. Ryan was relieved to hear that Summer was back to her usual self but he was slightly troubled as he did see Seth recently.
After contemplating, Ryan told Marissa about Seth's visit at Chino after making her promise she would not tell anyone else, not even Summer. He knew that Seth had told him to keep it a secret but Ryan could never keep any secrets from Marissa. Furthermore, at least Marissa now knew Seth was safe. She could find another way to convince Summer, Sandy and Kirsten that he was indeed safe if they should become incessantly worried, without telling them that Seth had visited Ryan.
A day with Ryan was much more than she bargained for when she signed the contracts. This was like fulfilling her fantasy – being with Ryan for one day after he had gone back to Chino. But all fantasies had to come to an end, just like this one.
It was time to say goodbye but neither Ryan nor Marissa were willing to leave first. Summer had been rather reluctant to break the loving couple apart but suddenly remembered that Coop had to be home by 7pm – Julie Nichol would be returning from her honeymoon. Summer was left with no choice but to drag Marissa away to the car. But not before Ryan and Marissa shared some last moments.
Marissa whispered to Ryan the same words she had at the last dance, "I understand why you have to do this but I wished you didn't have to." This time though, it was with an understanding smile. She knew Ryan would come back. Even if the twins were his, he would still managed to find a way.
Ryan confirmed this by kissing her on the forehead and told her that he loved her. After a final kiss and embrace, Marissa allowed herself to be dragged by Summer to face her so-called mother.
Ryan smiled throughout his drive back to Chino. His thoughts were obviously on Marissa and the wonderful day they had. How beautiful she looked, how much he missed her, how her smile managed to melt him, how good it felt to have her in his arms again...
He arrived back at Theresa mom's house in a good mood. Although he was reluctant to come back down to reality, he knew he had to. Opening the door, he stared at the three figures sitting on the couch. Ryan forced himself to stop thinking about Marissa for a moment and tried to work out what was in front of him.
Seth, however, did not give him the chance to do so and jumped up. "Ryan, hi, can we go outside?"
Then, just like he did a couple of days ago, Seth dragged Ryan out to the porch. "Come on, let's go back. Eddie's back."
Ryan stood there for a moment, trying to process everything. His thoughts were somewhat still lingering on Marissa.
Seth got impatient. "Come on, go pack then we can get out of here." Seth pushed Ryan towards the door.
"Wait." Ryan turned around. "How did you get Eddie back?"
"I found him at the garage." Seth said simply.
"Yeah but how do you know he won't hurt Theresa?"
"I've got my ways. Come on, go pack."
"Seth. I need to know Theresa's in safe hands."
"Don't you even trust your brother?" Seth shot back.
"I do. But Seth, what did him say to you. Or what did you say to him." Ryan said slowly.
Seth just looked down.
"Seth, don't tell me you..." Ryan didn't complete his sentence. It couldn't be. Seth would never do that.
Seth could only nod.
"Seth! How could you!" Ryan exploded. "Bribing him with money is not an option!"
"Look man, I did it for you."
"Seth! You can't bribe him with money! He's suppose to do it willingly! It's his duty!"
"I did it so you could go back to living your perfect life in Newport and practically everyone back in Newport needs you." Seth shouted.
"How about Theresa? What if she gets hurt?" Ryan yelled.
Seth eyes widened and he opened his mouth to shout back. However, on second thought, he closed it and shook his head before saying in a low voice. "Sometimes I don't even know who you love. Thanks for destroying all our lives."
With that, he turned away and walked off, leaving a shocked Ryan standing on the porch. Just like he did a couple of days ago.
A/N: I know it was short but it felt right to end it there. Hope you liked it! Tell me what you think. If you guys have any suggestions, please email me or put them in the reviews! :)