Title- Aftermath
Author- Monica (Still)... btw people keep mentioning BETAs, what are they?
Disclaimer- All I own is my little DVD of the O.C season 1 (which is awesome by the way!)
Summary- Post Season Finale
Spoilers- Dearly Beloved, The Heartbreak, The Ties That Bind, The Family Ties, The Chrismakkuah That Almost Wasn't,
Genre- Drama/angst
Rating- PG-13, quite a lot of swearing in this chapter
Author's Notes- Thank you for all the marvelous reviews! You guys are my favorite people! But... next time I demand fifteen reviews before I post the next chapter! ( j/k... well actually know, but it's not a demand! Just a simply request!) Here is the newest installment
Chapter 3.
" I'd like to report a murder."
" I don't know, man, I'm still a little off-" Ryan looked up and notice at least a dozen pair of eyes on him and Seth.
Seth must have noticed too, because he immediately whispered, " Is it just me, or did the whole hallway just go quiet?"
" Well, it certainly isn't just you," Ryan assured him as he started turning the combination of his locker.
" This is just plain creepy," Seth observed, as more eyes glued to him and Ryan. " Do you think they all know? I mean it happened like two days ago!"
" Seth, it's Newport. Of course, they all know."
" So basically get ready for a day of awkward stares and hushed whispers?" Seth asked as Ryan pulled out all the books he would need for his morning classes. " Well, this should be fun." He clapped his hands together.
" I'm glad you're enjoying it." Ryan answered sarcastically, heading for homeroom early, mainly because he was feeling uncomfortable under all these people's gazes.
" Well, I'll see you later, Reuben!" Seth shouted after him. He turned and glared at Seth, obviously not getting the reference. " No? How about you be John Coyle and I be William? Still, no? You really have lost your sense of humor, Ryan!" Any student who hadn't been staring at them before, was now.
oOoOoOo
Summer slammed her books down on an empty lunch table. She purposely chose a small table that was completely shoved against the wall, hoping less people would be around. She had spent the whole morning with people coming up to her, asking ridiculous questions about the events at Trey's apartment.
" Did you really see Trey murdered?"
" Were you egging Ryan on?"
" Did Ryan look hot shooting Trey?"
Summer was so disgusted by these people. Had she really been one of them last year? She could only imagine what Coop and Chino must be dealing with.
" I heard Marissa Cooper actually slept with Trey and Ryan killed him when he found out!"
" What a slut!"
Summer whirled around at the two girls talking. They looked to be about freshman, and she was sure that she hadn't seen either her entire life.
" What is your problem? What is all of your FUCKING problems! I don't remember asking for any of your opinion or rumors, and I am damn well sure that I do not need you guys up my ass all day long! Just fucking grow up!" She screamed at the two girls, letting out all of her frustration.
" Whatever," the fatter girl mumbled under her breath.
" You fat bitch-" Summer accused lunging at them both. She had successfully knocked them down and was grabbing fistfuls of hair and slapping faces. Suddenly she felt arms around her waist, and was being pulled off. She swung her legs and arms wildly, not even caring if it was a teacher who had pulled her off.
" Summer."
" Ryan?" Ryan placed Summer back down on her feet.
" Trust me, you do not want to get in a fight with people now." Both of the girls were staring at Ryan with saucer for eyes, neither getting up from the ground. " Now, you two girls really don't want to tell Dr. Kim about this incident, do you?" They both shook their heads, still not blinking. " Good. Enjoy your lunch!" Both girls scurried to their feet and ran away. " I've finally found a bonus to having everyone think you're a killer. They're all scared shitless of you."
He turned back to Summer, who threw her arms around his neck, in a desperate hug. " Oh thank God, a familiar face!" Ryan laughed, gratefully returning her hug.
" Bad day?" He asked teasingly, sitting down at the table.
" The worse," she moaned, plunking down across from Ryan. " How are you holding up?"
" About the same," he grinned, " except I haven't punched anyone yet."
" I'm sorry about back there. It's just, with everything that is happening, and then with these jerks just making up stories- and talking about Marissa screwing Trey! I just couldn't- can't handle it. I mean call me self-centered and all, but I'm still not used to people talking about me like this."
" It doesn't get any easier," Ryan answered honestly, " trust me."
Summer slammed her head on the table.
" Hey, it's not that bad. I mean in like a week they'll be talking about someone's mom having sex with their daughters ex-girlfriend."
" That is not funny!" Summer squealed, laughing all the same.
" Are you hungry? All that fighting must take up a lot of energy," Ryan stood up, ready to get his own lunch.
" No, thanks."
" You should really eat, Summer," Ryan lectured.
" Eww, what is with this chivalry, Ryan? I'm fine. Really."
" Ok, I'll be back in a bit. Try not to get suspended before then," he raised his eyebrows in jest, and left.
" Haha, your getting real funny, Chino," Summer sarcastically told herself.
" Talking to yourself again? And I was the one in therapy?" Marissa laughed, joining Summer.
" I'm surrounded by comedians!" Summer responded.
" It is so great to see you, Sum!" Marissa screeched, sitting down. " You won't believe the day I'm having."
" I can only imagine. I'm so sorry, Coop."
" And how weird is all this?" Her voice dropped to a whisper. " Everyone thinks Ryan did it!"
" I know! Have you set everyone straight yet?"
Marissa bit her lip. " No." Before Summer could respond Marissa tried to defend herself, " it's just that I'm... afraid. There I said it! I'm afraid if anyone knows they'll be afraid of me or hate me or something."
" I'm not," Summer whispered.
" Your not what, Summer?"
" Afraid of you. And I certainly don't hate you."
Ryan and Seth walked up carrying lunch trays. " Hey Summer, look who I found-" Ryan started before realizing who was sitting across from her.
" Hi, Ryan," Marissa greeted before quickly looking away.
" Hi, Marissa."
" Hi," Seth said, this time directing it to Summer. He leaned in, kissing her on the cheek, and then sat down. " Great, now that we're all acquainted, can we eat?" Summer shoved him for his bluntness.
" Are you going to sit down, Ryan?" Marissa asked, still staring at the table.
Ryan stared, still unsure. " Yeah," he said finally. " I'm going to go get a drink, though." He set his tray down and went back in line.
" You haven't talked yet?" Summer hissed when he was out of ear-shot.
" Well, no. I called him once, but he was out. I think we're avoiding each other."
Summer and Marissa stared at Seth, waiting for him to spill. He looked up, uncomfortable under their gaze. " What? Do I have mustard on my face?"
" Well, did Ryan say anything?" Marissa tried not to sound too interested.
" I'm just eating my sandwich," he mumbled. " I figured you'd want my cookie." Summer shook her head and pushed his tray back to him. " I thought these were your favorite?"
" Just not hungry," Summer shrugged off.
" More for me," Seth replied cheerfully.
Ryan came back without a drink. " Changed my mind," he mumbled softly. He sat down and stared at his fork.
" We should go, Sum," Marissa hinted looking nervously at Ryan.
" You're right. That big test we have to study for!" Summer said, catching on.
" What test?" Seth asked clueless.
" You know, the test, Seth. The one with, uhh, the space for you name and uhm-"
" Questions!" Marissa tried helpfully.
" Right, the questions! You know, it has the name and the questions... boy, it's gonna be a doozy!"
" Summer, what the hell are you talking about?" Seth was completely confused. " Oww! You just kicked me!"
" No I didn't!" replied Summer too quickly. " C'mon, Coop, let's go!"
oOoOoOo
" You seem a little quiet tonight, kiddo," Jimmy observed putting down his fork.
" Just be happy you actually got her to sit at a table," Julie replied bitterly. Marissa shoved food around on her plate, occasionally nibbling at it. " So, what, no comments about how horrible the food is?"
" It's fine," Marissa replied distractedly, trying not to appear sulky.
Julie appeared shocked while Jimmy stayed concern. " Did something happen today at school?" He tried again.
" Nope." Marissa lied and then thought better. " I think I might being coming down with a cold or something? Could I just stay home tomorrow?"
" Sure" and " Absolutely not!" came simultaneously.
" Julie, she's not feeling good."
" Oh, I'm sure," Julie replied sarcastically. " Do you want to know who I called this afternoon?"
" Not really."
" Dr. Kim." Both Jimmy and Marissa winced at this. " You're grades were poor, at best. There are reports of you bunking, leaving school-"
" Wait, how could this have happened?" Jimmy asked, his concern growing.
" It's been a stressful year!" Marissa shot lamely. " It's under control, trust me."
" You are so close to being kicked out of the school!" Julie exclaimed, raising her voice.
" I said it's under control!" Marissa matched her mom's volume.
" Is this about that D.J kid? Or was it Alex?"
" No, no, Mom! It's my fault, don't blame them! Why can't you just say who's fault it really is. It's my fault! MINE!" She had already put up with way too much shit today.
" Sweetie," Jimmy tried to reason.
" How about you two try worrying about grades when the only good thing in your life leaves, and then you're gold-digging slut of a mother marries my ex-boyfriends GRANDFATHER!" She was interrupted but objections from both her parents. " You don't think people talk about that? And then you try to pay my boyfriend to break up with me! You think maybe if he runs away I'd turn to you, but you were wrong! I'd never turn to you again! Then you," this aimed at her father, " go running off, leaving me in this- this loony bin town! I get a new stepsister, my stepfather dies, and then you two suddenly get back together? Oh, and in case you forgot, I just killed someone! So yeah, excuse me if I don't make the honor role!"
Jimmy's mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. Julie's eyes narrowed.
" Shut up and finish your dinner," she commanded harshly.
" I'm not hungry," Marissa yelled and threw her napkin into her plate. With that she quickly ran upstairs and slammed her door.
Jimmy ran his fingers through his hair and stared at Julie, she shrugged her shoulders.
" I think it is time to call that psychiatrist back."
oOoOoOo
Joe Grille sighed as he came to the next apartment. Normally he could care less as long as his tenants didn't cause too much trouble and paid him. This particular kid had been nice because he kept to himself so much. No late night parties or all of that crap. However, his rent was now over five days late. He knocked on the door and waited. No answer. He pounded harder this time. Still nothing.
" This is your landlord, open up!"
Nothing.
Grumbling to himself, he pulled a series of keys out of his pocket and opened the door.
The destruction was the first thing Joe noticed.
A glass table was cracked, all legs collapsed. All the cushions on the couch were scattered on the floor. The floor was covered in a weird, red substance...
That was when he noticed Trey's dead body on the floor. Some inches in front of him, a gun left carelessly, and on a side table was a pile loaded in cash. He greedily took a fistful of bills that Trey owed him and left the room. When he came back to his apartment he grabbed an antique looking phone and dialed.
" Hello. I'd like to report a murder."
TBC...
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Ok so if you're a little confused, the whole school assumed it was Ryan because a certain blonde someone floated it. Also, I don't know when eppie took place so am assuming it was a Friday just for my easy access. So c'mon people, love it? Hate it? It's only 7 reviews!