Jalouse

The O.C

A/N: Sorry for the long wait. I had a bit of a mental block. The next few chapters are going to be great! This chapter is A LOT less dialogue driven than the last six chapters because I just felt we needed a little more description. Oh, and I've never been skydiving so I don't really know what the sensation is like. I kind of wrote from a friend's experience. Happy reading! Genevra xxox

Chapter Seven: Sky-high

"Are you ready? I'm going to count down from ten and then you're going to jump," the instructor's nasal voice came over the headset. "After you've jumped, I want you to pull the cord like I showed you too but you have to do it as soon as I say, ok?"

"How are you going?" Sianna yelled in Ryan's face. He looked at her for a split second and then looked away. She laughed and then sighed. She patted his shoulder and he slowly turned to her.

"I have no idea how you got me to do this," he said, barely over a whisper. She grinned at him evilly and patted his head. She knew. Sianna had learnt quickly that Seth Cohen and Marissa Cooper made an unbeatable team, particularly when it came to convincing Ryan to uphold deals. She'd seriously had doubts as they'd driven to the airfield, as they'd gone through the rigorous training and even through the plane ride up.

"You can thank me when we get to the bottom," she said. She adjusted her goggles and nodded to the instructor who was waiting patiently. She laced her hand into Ryan's and prodded him towards the open door of the plane. He looked down at her and she smiled at him and prodded him again. He swallowed and she stifled a laugh as the instructor started counting down.

Ryan felt his heart beating as he listened…ten, nine, eight…but he wasn't sure if it was the impending jump and descent towards the ground or if it was the feel of flesh against flesh as Sianna squeezed his hand…seven, six, five…And let go…four, three, two…And stepped away…one…and jumped.

He felt himself being pushed. He felt weightless as he fell, as he flew. He could hear Sianna squealing in delight over the headphones but he could barely breathe, let alone scream. His eyes were squinted shut and he felt sure he was going to die as the wind rushed around him and he flew haphazardly across the clear, azure sky.

"This is great!" Sianna was screaming. She loved the feeling of felling nothing at all but the wind in her hair and the entire world at her feet. Ryan slightly opened his eyes and looked down. All he could see was the green of the grass below and what looked like the figures of Seth, Kirsten, Deidre and Marissa. He suddenly felt ill.

"Can we open the parachutes yet?" he asked in a panic, wanting nothing more than to feel the earth under his feet.

"Not yet," Sianna and the instructor strapped to his back yelled. Sianna continued to yell, having not lost her bearings. "Relax, Ryan. You might enjoy this yet."

"Doubtful," he muttered but he breathed in, as best he could and let himself relax. He realized that thee floating sensation wasn't that bad now that the wind had died and they were falling into calmer air. Just as he began to relax completely, the call came to release the parachute. Ryan let out a 'manly' scream as the parachute jerked him back and then he began to laugh. He could hear Sianna laughing as they approached the ground. He smiled and spoke into the microphone. "That was awesome."

"Wasn't that great?" Sianna exclaimed as she and Ryan untangled themselves from their parachutes.

"It was awesome," Ryan smiled. They stood beaming at each other for a second before Ryan swallowed and took a step towards her. "Thanks, Sianna."

"Anytime," she smiled back. A few blonde wisps of hair escaped from the tight ponytail that was covered by cap and goggles. Ryan instinctively reached up and pushed them back from her face. She swallowed and took a step closer. They moved together and their lips met in a tentative kiss that quite quickly changed into something more. Eventually, they pulled away. Sianna gasped. "What was that for?"

"Seemed like a good idea," Ryan said, nonchalantly. He felt slightly awkward, as they stood, unsure of what to do next or how to feel. He broke into a smile and laughed. "This is strange."

"I know," she said, with a smile. Ryan laughed and held out his hand which she accepted gratefully, albeit nervously.

"We better get back," he said. "They'll be wondering where we are."

The two smiled at each other one last time and began the trek back to where Kirsten, Deidre, Seth and Marissa were waiting for them.

"Hey!" Marissa smiled, running over to them. Seth followed behind them but Kirsten and Deidre stayed diplomatically away. Seth gave Ryan a knowing glance before winking towards Sianna. Ryan shrugged and turned back to watch Marissa and Sianna who were giggling, heads bent together.

"I really thought he'd back out at the last minute and that I'd have to pull him out behind me," Sianna was saying.

"I was not that bad," Ryan argued.

"Whatever," Sianna laughed, leaning perilously close to him. Marissa glanced at Ryan, a surprised look on her face before she smiled politely. She'd have to talk to him later.

"Ok, kids," Kirsten interrupted. "It's getting late. We should go."

The group trudged towards the Cohen' Range Rover and they all collapsed in.

"Listen, Kirsten, Roger and I were wondering if you and your family would like to come over for dinner tonight," she offered. "Since we're neighbours now, I thought we should get to know each other a little better."

Kirsten laughed and Deidre looked at her strangely as the kids chatted in the background, Sianna's hand discreetly linked with Ryan's. They were sharing the middle seat and turning around to talk to Marissa and Seth who were cooped up in the back.

"I'm sorry," Kirsten laughed, wiping the smile off her face momentarily. She broke into a grin again. "It's just that Sandy and I were kind of hoping that you and Roger would come over to our house tonight. We've ordered food and everything."

Deidre joined in on Kirsten's laughter.

"Seven," she asked, as they pulled into the Cohen's driveway.

"Seven sounds perfect," Kirsten said, expertly parking.

"Should I bring anything?" Deidre asked, as she unhooked her seatbelt and fished around on the floor for her alligator skin handbag.

"Just yourself, Roger and Sianna," Kirsten replied. The kids had already jumped out and were standing in the driveway chatting. A red convertible pulled up at the bottom of the driveway and Julie Cooper-Nichol beeped the horn. She waved at Kirsten as Marissa ran down the drive and jumped into the car. They talked for a few seconds and then drove off.

"Well, we'll see you then," Deidre said. She put an arm around Sianna's shoulders and kissed her forehead. "We should get going, kiddo. Thanks for driving us, Kirsten."

"That's ok," Kirsten smiled. "It was a pleasure. And I would never have missed Ryan jumping from a plane any day."

"You were very brave," Deidre drawled, her southern accent never more apparent. She waved again and pulled Sianna away and towards their house.

"So," Kirsten said when they were out of earshot. "The Wattson's are coming over for dinner tonight. I thought you guys might appreciate that rather than going over to the Cooper's old house."

"We're fine with it, Mum," Seth answered. "We have been there since the Cooper's left."

"Well, it'll just be easier in my own kitchen. I'd feel more comfortable."

"You don't cook anyway," Ryan pointed out. He and Seth both gazed at Kirsten pointedly. She sighed and slightly stamped her hard cement of the driveway.

"Fine," she admitted. "The whole idea of going into that house is kind of weird. I keep expecting to walk in and find Jimmy at his computer or Julie preening in the downstairs mirror."

"It's ok, Mum," Seth mock comforted her. "There's therapy for this kind of thing. And Ryan and I are always here to help."

"Frankly, I find that more of a worry," Kirsten said wryly. "I'm going to find your father."

She left the two boys standing on the front stoop.

"So," Seth said, sitting down on the front step. Although he knew what was coming, Ryan sat down too. "I saw what happened between you and Sianna."

"Yeah?" Ryan asked, warily.

"Yeah," Seth answered.

"Are you okay with it?" Ryan asked, bracing himself for the answer.

"Of course I am," Seth said a little too quickly for Ryan's comfort.

"Are you sure? Because I mean, I know you liked her," Ryan said.

"It's fine," Seth answered. "I'm back with Summer now. And you have a lady. It looks like things are going back to normal."

"Looks like it," Ryan said, with a sigh. He stood up. "I'm going to have a shower before dinner."

"You do that," Seth said, a little sadly as he sat on the step. "I might retire too."

But he didn't. He sat out on the front step and let the thoughts run through his mind. Why did things feel so wrong?

"Do you remember that time in Paris when you were younger?" Deidre was asking as Sianna squirmed. "With the chocolate croissant?"

"Mum," Sianna squealed. "Don't you dare tell that story."

"But sweetie, it was so funny," Deidre laughed. The rest of the table was laughing so hard their sides hurt. Deidre and Roger were quite funny, despite their fortune. They had millions of anecdotes about their life abroad, from parties and social gatherings that made even Kirsten blink in disbelief. Roger had even had tea with the Queen.

"If you're going to tell them, I'm leaving," Sianna said, standing up. She grabbed her empty plate and carried it over to the sink.

"Sweetie, maybe you should tell them about the time you choked on an anchovy at that reception instead," Roger said. He was the sweeter of the two, not as outlandish and eccentric or even as posh as his wife. He had wavy brown hair that vaguely resembled Sandy's after a well-earned haircut. His eyes were a kindly and clear blue that sparkled every time he caught his wife or daughter's glance. It was easy to see where Sianna got her friendly manner and quick wit.

Her mother Deidre was a red-haired girl from the South. She was loud, witty, outlandish and yet regally elegant and polite. Kirsten knew people like her. She was the same. Calm, cool and collected in the company of strangers and yet when she was with her family and closest friends, she would talk and laugh and be herself.

They seemed like the perfect family. They complimented each other well and just like the Cohen's, it was easy to tell that they adored each other.

"Just leave that plate there," Kirsten said to Sianna. She glanced at Ryan who rose his eyebrows and then smiled. "Ryan, maybe Sianna would like to see the pool house?"

"Sure," he said, standing up. He carried his plate over to the sink and then prodded Sianna out the door.

"I'll join them," Seth said, standing up. He was grateful for the break from wine, laughter and the smell of Deidre's expensive perfume.

"You know the rules, son," Sandy said, glaring at Seth.

"Come on, Dad," Seth pleaded. He didn't feel like clearing the table right now.

"Seth," Sandy warned. He turned to Roger and Deidre, whom he was beginning to like. "Is Sianna so disrespectful to her poor, hard-working parents?"

"Not really," Roger said. "Except for when she refuses to clean her room."

"How she can find anything in that mess, I'll never know," Deidre sighed dramatically.

"Oh, so all teenagers are the same?"

"Apparently so. believe me, I could tell you some stories about Sianna."

"As could we…"

Sianna perched herself on the edge of Ryan's bed as he puttered around looking for something. He gave up and flung himself on the bed next to her.

"I don't see how you're blonde," he said, finally, after they'd sat staring at each other.

"Hmm?" she murmured, distractedly.

"Your hair. Your mother's a red-head and your father has brown hair," he explained.

"My mother's a bottle red. She's naturally blonde," she answered. "And my blonde is kind of helped along. I have slightly darker hair naturally."

"You won't after living here for a little while longer," he said as they lapsed back into silence.

"Ryan," she said eventually, glancing at him.

"Sia," he replied with a cocky smile. He moved towards her and kissed her lightly. She pulled away. "I'm sorry. I'm not so good with the talking bit. I don't talk much. I'm used to just…"

She interrupted him by kissing him, hard.

"We can talk later," she purred, pressing her body into him. She tilted her head to him and moved her hand so it cupped his chin firmly in her hands. His hands ran through her hair and they stared at each other briefly before moving into another kiss. They were completely oblivious to anything but their lips pressed against each other's and the movement of their tongues.

"Hey, guys," Seth said, flinging the door open. He stopped short and stared. Ryan and Sianna quickly disentangled themselves and fixed their clothes up. "I'm sorry. I should have knocked."

"It's ok," Ryan said, somehow finding the words.

"We were just finishing anyway," Sianna said, raising her eyebrows.

"Are you sure?" Seth asked. "I mean I could come back later."

Both shook their heads.

"No? Well in that case, Summer and I were going to meet down at the pier for ice-cream and I was wondering if maybe you two would like to come with us."

"Sure," Ryan said, glancing at Sianna who nodded. "Sounds like fun."

"The fresh air will be good for us," she answered. "Just let me tell my parents."

She left the room with barley a backward glance. Seth whistled.

"Boy," he said. "You move fast."

Ryan shrugged and brushed past.

"Someone in this family has too."