Summary: Companion to Happier. Lindsay studies Marissa.
California Barbie, by Elle
When I was little, my favorite doll was a Malibu Barbie. It was very pretty: tall, slender, with tanned skin, blond locks, blue eyes and a body to make envy to a Gisele of life.
And I remember I used to think there were no such girls in real life. This lasted until I came to the Harbor and met Marissa Cooper.
She is a living Barbie, and wouldn't pay any attention to me, unless I had something – or someone – she wants. And, boy, I do.
I love the same man she does.
Right now, we're on a party at Kirsten's house – Kirsten is my sister. Ryan – that's my boyfriend's name – and I are hanging out with Seth – my nephew, Kirsten's son and Ryan's best friend – and his cool new girlfriend, Alex, when we pass through Marissa, who stands proud and perplexingly beautiful in her new green Versace. Ryan nods at her, while I wave, Seth mutters her name and Alex just looks at her coolly.
We stand next to the pool and I have an itchy feeling on my neck. I turn my head around and meet Marissa's cold stare at me. From distance she looks even more beautiful and I feel dirty and ugly on my new dark blue Tommy Hilfiger's dress.
I shudder next to Ryan. He looks at me, then at her and, with a glance at Seth and Alex – who are engrossed in their own conversation , leans towards me and whispers:
"I don't want a Barbie".
I smile thankfully at him and kiss him.
And I remember what mom used to say when I said I wanted to be a Barbie:
'Men don't like Barbies, honey. She is a fake beauty'.
And, thank God, Ryan is one of those men.