I've Loved You Forever

by planet oc

When an accident turns everyone's lives around, can they ever go back to the way it used to be? This is my first O.C. fic.

9. And The Cycle Goes On

Title: I've Loved You Forever

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I do not own the O.C. or any of its affiliates.

Chapter Nine: And The Cycle Goes On

Marissa's heart had stopped beating. She stared into his eyes as her brain processed what he had said. She wanted to tell him she loved him too so badly. She felt the words rise up on her tongue and she bit it so hard that she drew blood. Ryan looked at her, his eyes widening.

"Marissa?"

"Don't," she said as she stood up, brushing the sand off of her dress.

"Don't what?" he yelled after her as she turned and ran back up to the party.

Tears were streaming down her face.

"Don't fall in love with him again."

Ryan decided against running after her. He just stared off into the darkness, listening to the waves crash and smelling the salt in the air.

Seth had looked up from talking to Summer just as Marissa ran through the crowd of people. No one really seemed to notice her exit except for Seth and Summer, who both automatically looked down at the beach where they saw Ryan standing there completely confused.Seth looked at Summer and she nodded her head for him to go and talk toRyan.

"Are yougoing to talk to Marissa?" Seth asked as he walked toward the beach.

"I think I should probably waituntil morning." Seth nodded and walked towardRyan, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

Ryanturned at the soundof someone walking but his face fell when he realizedwho it was.

"Oh, it's justyou," he said, his facefalling.

"Thanks, I love you too man," Seth said, noticingRyan cringe at his choice of words.

"You okay?" Seth asked

"Not particularly," Ryan snapped.Seth held out his hands.

"Okay, sorry."

Ryan looked at him. "No, I'm sorry. I just... I told Marissa that I loved her and she just ran off."

Seth snorted. "Really? Cause it looked like you just punched one of her boyfriends again."

Ryan glared at him."Right, so you're not in the mood for comedy. So, why don't you just go talk to her? She was probably just afraid thatyou said it. You probably just surprised her,that's all."

Ryan shrugged. "Yeah,I guess you're right."

After driving home, Ryanparked thecar and walked to the poolhouse. He opened the door and heard the soundof the shower. Hesat down on the bed and leaned his head back, hitting something hard as he didso. Rubbing theback of his head, he turned around and looked atwhat he had hit. Hiseyes widened as he saw what it was.