Ryan: Pack of Marlboro Red's.

The man on the other side of the counter eyed Ryan up and down. Ryan watched the man's eyes as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a five-dollar bill and tossing it on the counter. The man looked down at the cash and then back at Ryan before reaching up and grabbing a pack of cigarettes from above his head and placing them on the counter. Ryan grabbed the pack quickly and turned as the man opened the cash register.

Ryan: Keep it.

The man looked up at Ryan and slowly slid the bill into the drawer, closing the register and watching Ryan walk out of the store.

Ryan stepped out of the small liquor store near the numbered streets and was immediately consumed with the salty smell of beach air. Ryan waited for the few cars on the road to pass him, and walked across the street heading towards the shore. Ryan stopped as soon he felt the sand under his feet. He reached into his pocket pulling out his cigarettes, and tapping them against the palm of his hand, before unwrapping the plastic, pulling out a cigarette, and placing it between his lips. With his other hand, Ryan quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out his Zippo, running it across his pant leg and causing the wick to ignite. Ryan slowly brought the flame up to the tip of his cigarette, and lit it, taking a long drag, before closing his Zippo and letting a cloud of smoke billow out of his mouth and into the night sky.

Ryan sighed as he took another drag off his cigarette and looked down at it; as if it was an old friend he had missed. Somehow Ryan had made his way to one of the many lifeguard stands, which stood tall along the shore of the beach. As always, it was empty at night, and Ryan made his way inside, lighting a fresh cigarette off of the butt of his first one. As Ryan took a long drag on his new smoke, he tossed his old one into the sand, watching the cherry slowly burn out. He wasn't sure exactly how long he'd been gone, and he knew he had to go back soon; but right now, he knew he couldn't be there, he just couldn't explain why.

Back at the house, an unfinished dinner sat on the kitchen table, as everybody had somehow jumped out of their seats at the mention of Ryan being missing.

Seth: Okay, both cars are still here, and his bike is on the side of the pool house…

Sandy: That's good, so he shouldn't have gotten far.

Kirsten: Where would he have gone?

Kirsten looked at Seth and then at Marissa, but neither of them spoke up with a suggestion. Marissa leaned back against the kitchen counter looking at everyone around her. Summer and Zach had returned to their seats at the table, quietly talking to themselves. Marissa figured that Summer was giving Zach the back story, since he had a thoroughly confused look on his face since he arrived at the house. Kirsten was cradling Samantha in her arms, slowly feeding her out of a bottle and talking quietly with Sandy. Lindsay, who had been lingering in the doorway walked towards Seth and leaned in towards him.

Lindsay: Do you think Ryan will be okay?

Seth reached over and patted Lindsay's arm gently.

Seth: He'll be fine.

From across the room Summer was suddenly pretty uncomfortable about how comfortable Seth and Lindsay seemed to be together. Zach had remained talking to Summer, while picking at food that was left on his plate, but Summer had no idea. Zach seemed to be the last thing on Summer's mind, which created a problem, due to the fact that Zach was seated to her right. Zach wasn't stupid and was slowly beginning to notice Summer's distraction.

Zach: I was thinking we should go out this weekend; maybe drive up to Santa Barbara or something…

Summer wasn't really paying attention.

Summer: Yeah, sure…

Zach: …or maybe we could go to Catalina.

Summer: Sure, sounds fun…

Zach looked over at Summer who's eyes remained on Seth and Lindsay and weren't budging.

Zach: Or, how about a trip to the moon, how does that sound?

Summer: Oh yeah, I've always wanted to go there…

Zach hung his head slightly and looked at his girlfriend.

Zach: You're not even listening to me.

Summer quickly snapped out of it, putting her full attention on Zach.

Summer: Yes I was.

Zach slid his chair back from the table and stood up, picking up his dish with one hand, and Summer's with the other.

Zach: No, you weren't.

Zach turned, walking the dishes towards the kitchen sink. Summer watched his back as he walked away from her, feeling guilty, yet completely torn at the same time. Her eyes darted back to Lindsay and Seth for just a second, before returning to Zach who remained by the kitchen sink. Silence had filled the kitchen once again as all the individual conversations ceased.

Sandy: Seth, get ready…let's go out and look for him.

Seth: Dad, what are we supposed to do…he could be anywhere.

Sandy: Seth.

Seth could read the unpleased look on Sandy's face, and slowly gave in.

Seth: You know last time this happened, we didn't find him.

Sandy: Last time this happened, you knew where he was, and had me driving around in circles.

Seth: Good point.

Sandy: Let's go.