A/N: Hey everyone, I'm back! Sorry about the long wait. I went on a road trip up north with two cousins and I think it's inspired me to do an OC Road Trip themed story. Good idea; or stupid? Ok, well this chapter is going to explain more about Summer's Mom. One reviewer thought maybe Seth or Kirsten would be to the rescue, which I think is a great idea, but I've decided to go a different way, and have someone unexpected help out. We also have R/M in Hawaii and Jimmy, and then looking at where Oliver is now. Maybe, don't know. Read and Review! Watch out for a new story coming soon.
A lonely figure stood outside of the bus station. The boys spiky dark hair fell in several directions, covered by the hood of his torn up rain coat. It never rained like this where he was from, but he was used to it by now. Running from town to town, just trying to make his way back home, to the one he loved. Too bad she'd never love him back, and his ways of loving were different than most others…
The smell of fresh grapes, and fermented wine hung in the foggy air. He was finally in California, but still a long ways from Newport. The inside of the bus depot wasn't much more exciting than the outside. A few older people stood around, looking out the windows, but it was silent. The boy walked up to a ticket counter and looked around.
"One ticket to Newport Beach," his feet danced back and forth with anticipation.
"I'm sorry, we don't have a bus going to Newport today," the woman with red curls pilled on top of her head gave an apologetic smile, and went back to the magazine she was reading.
"What the hell! Get a damn bus to go there, I need to get there! Ugh!" he pounded a fist onto the counter, startling the already scared woman and making all the other passengers look to the angry boy with the raised voice.
"You can take a bus to San Francisco, then from there to Newport Beach," the woman explained in a calm voice, careful not to upset him again.
"Thank you," he grinned and surveyed the room again, tapping his foot hurriedly, then looking back to grab the ticket.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Look at this place," Marissa spun around, letting her arms go up beside her, feeling the wind in her hair.
Ryan laughed and jogged up to her, taking her hand and giving the small secluded hut one last look before heading out to Jimmy's small private beach. They stopped at a cherry colored picnic table and Ryan sat sideways, looking to the beach, Marissa sat behind him, her chin now nuzzled up between his neck and chin, "Having fun?"
"Being chased by a crazy person who's after me and will probably try to kill you. Of course I am, what could be better? This is so.. Exciting. Romantic even," Marissa looked up at Ryan who was smiling, glad that she was at least strong enough to be sarcastic at a time like this. Sometimes it slipped both of their minds what they were really doing here.
Ryan took Marissa by her hand and led her out to the shore, sitting by the water, watching the tide change. Marissa remembered this was about the time her and Alex shared their first kiss. She frowned at the thought of Alex, but knew she understood and just wanted Marissa to be happy. Even if it was with Ryan.
Marissa looked to Ryan who was still staring off to the ocean, not caring what else was going on around them. She laughed to herself, after all this time how could he still give her that feeling in the pit of her stomach, not to mention heart. She knew it'd been awhile but she loved him now as much as she ever did. But did he feel the same way? She took his hand and then ran it up to his cheek, stroking the lightly stubble covered face with her thumb.
Ryan looked back at her, into her sapphire eyes. The time apart just made him realize how much he loved her and wanted to be with her, "It's going to be ok.." He sensed the tension, and knew she was scared, but didn't know how else to help.
"I know," She nodded unconvincingly, dropping her hand to his and standing up, "We should get back, help my Dad with the dishes."
"Ok," Ryan took her hand and stood up, giving her a quick, but passionate kiss and then walking back to the house.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Allleexxxx… here girl, come here," Seth whistled, ducking and looking for Alex.
"What do you want, Seth?" She came from behind the other side of the bar, throwing a towel down and looking at him for an explanation.
"Nice to see you, too. I came to help, do some work," Alex raised her eyebrows, knowing Seth never worked, or yet wanted to work. He was a child of Orange County, "Summer is blowing me off for her Mom all the time, work will keep me entertained."
"You don't do shit," Alex laughed, not caring that he didn't, she enjoyed his company.
"Yeah, and I don't get paid shit, so what do you say? One wonderful afternoon cleaning urinals, catching up, shooing off the alcoholics… Sound good?"
"Sounds good. I need the company anyways. Things are pretty boring around here on Sundays, and you always seem to brighten the mood," She started walking to her office, Seth following.
"It's my charm."
"Uh huh," Alex gave him an 'I don't think so' look and Seth shrugged, batting his eyelashes, trying to act like he was charming.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mmm Raspberry Cheesecake, my favorite," Marissa smiled at her Dad.
"I remember when you were little and couldn't pronounce it. You had such a funny baby voice," Jimmy and Ryan laughed, Marissa giggled once she noticed Ryan was laughing, not sure if she should be embarrassed or not.
"I'm going to go to bed," Marissa gave her dad a hug and headed to a small guest room down the hall.
"How is she, with the Oliver thing?" Jimmy looked to Ryan, who was picking up the plates and setting them in a pile.
"She's.. scared. Taking it better than I thought she would. It's just hard, not knowing what could happen or what to do," Ryan sat back onto the couch, crossing his arms.
"Thanks for doing all of this, helping out."
"Thanks for letting us stay here, I don't know what would of happened if we stayed in Newport."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A teary-eyed and out of breath Summer came running into The Bait Shop. She scanned around for Seth, and then saw Alex behind the bar so went up to her.
"Sdoyouknow…wheresethent?" Summer took slow long breaths, her mascara already smudging under her eyes and her hair everywhere. This wasn't the Summer Alex had met before.
"Um, come again? And a bit slower."
"Do you know where Seth went? He said he was working, so I figured he would be here, since he's not at his house," Summer wiped her eyes, embarrassed that she was crying in a public place.
"No, he said he was going somewhere to help his Mom out with something for her work," Alex stepped from behind the bar, wondering what was wrong, "Do you need something?"
"Um, no. I just… never mind. Sorry, bye," Summer went to take off but Alex grabbed her arm.
"I'll come with."
A/N: So.. That's it for now. I should be able to update again before work tomorrow. Alex Kelly, a heroine? Who knew. The fluff is really annoying me. I need to start on a darker story, too. Happiness.. Uck. Enjoy! Keep up the reviews, they're helpful.