OMG you guys I am soooo sorry I have not updated in forever but everything has been so hectic. I was sick and then it was prom, which was so fun, but I am back and will try to post more often. I definitely want to thank J you have given me inspiration and you keep me writing. Thanks, everyone for reviewing they make my day thanks so much. Now on with the story.

Running to her side. "Marissa." Ryan's voice quivered with sympathy for a beat up Marissa.

Tears lightly fell from her newly bruised eyes. "Ryan……I'm so sorry"

"Shhh don't talk. It's ok you have nothing to be sorry for." Ryan said rubbing her back soothingly. Seeing her like this made him hurt, the person responsible for her pain would pay. "Who did this Marissa?"

"Don." She spoke slowly, barely getting the name out.

Anger took over Ryan, anger at Don, at Theresa, but most of all himself. For not breaking up with Theresa, for not being there for Marissa. If he had broken up with Theresa before none of this would be happening and Marissa would be fine. "Seth take her to our house. Jimmy can't see her like this."

Seth searched the cold blue eyes and found nothing. All emotion was gone and what replaced it was revenge. He rushed over blocking the door.

"Ryan-"

Not allowing his brother to talk him out of it, he interrupted his speech with demanding orders. "Seth move."

Knowing Ryan had made up his mind and there was no changing it. Seth backed out of his way accepting defeat.

Ryan found himself driving down the streets of Chino once more that night. This time for a different purpose, but for the same person. He scanned the lots for Don's silver '89 Camaro, his thoughts in disarray. Turning on the radio to calm him, some rock, band it was obvious Seth had used the car last. Pulling up next to the dented up car, which he finally found in a local bar. Walking in he spotted the 5'4 brown haired women-beater playing pool. Keeping his cool, Ryan trotted over to the table. "Hey."

"Atwood what are you doing here so late?" Don asked already knowing his answer.

Shoving Don backwards, he picked up a spare pool stick. "I think you know."

Becoming scared Don never dealt with Ryan; Trey paid him a few visits but not Ryan. He knew several people who told stories of Ryan's wrath. Compared to Ryan Trey's fury was nothing. "Listen man she asked for it."

Breaking the stick Ryan stuck the jagged edge to Don's throat. "I'm only going to give you a warning this time but if I hear you ever touch Marissa again I'll be back and it won't be for a warning. You understand?"

Fear shot through his eyes as he spoke. "Yeah, yeah I understand."

Throwing the stick down Ryan laughed a little and left.

Slowly closing the front door, so to not make any sounds. The lamp flickered on, busted.

"Ryan Atwood why are you home so late? His adoptive father, Sandy asked remaining calm.

At that moment, one thought ran through his mind Marissa. "I'm sorry I lost track of time." He bowed his head with the guilt of lying.

A short blonde woman rose from the couch at his excuse. "Ryan we give you a curfew and expect you to keep it."

He sighed with relief, Kirsten was awake he would not get in too much trouble. "I know and I'm sorry. It won't happen again I promise"

Kirsten smiled warmly. "Ok it won't now go to bed you have school tomorrow." Kirsten hugged him goodnight and watched him down the hall.

Slipping his hands on his wife's waist, Sandy kissed the top of her head. "You should have let me ground him."

Leaning back into his arms she answered, "It was his first offense Sandy. Ryan never misses curfew. You and I both know it won't happen again."

"You're right. That's one of the reasons I fell in love with you." Sandy said while wrapping his arms around her.

Kirsten took his hand in hers leading him to their room. "Come on I'm exhausted,"

Plopping down on their bed, they immediately fell asleep.

Creeping towards his room, Ryan felt bad about lying to his parents he would have to make it up to them some how. His guilt vanished at the sight of the reason. "They don't know right Seth."

"Right I came through the window." Seth said to a tense Ryan.

"The window! What the hell were you thinking Seth?" Ryan exclaimed in fear for Marissa.

"Ryan calm down ok we came through the back." Seth laughed.

"Ha ha very funny." Ryan replied sarcastically.

Summer jumped up running to the bathroom across the hall, retching over the toilet. Finished she returned to the room whispering, "Can you please stop yelling."

"My dear Summer I believe you may have had a few too many drinks." Seth said to an annoyed Summer.

"Can it Cohen." Summer said shooting him a death glare.

Ignoring his friends' witty banter Ryan took a seat by Seth's bed. Watching a peaceful, Marissa sleep. Brushing a piece of hair from her face her eyes fluttered open.

"Hey." Marissa whispered a little taken back from the blue eyes. His blue eyes.

Silently breathing a sigh of relief for her safety. "Hey. Are you ok?"

Sitting up she winced at the pain from Don's fist against her ribs pushing him into full panic mode. "Are you ok? Where does it hurt? Can I get you something?"

Assuring him with a pat on the hand. "It's ok I'm fine." Touching her bruised eye, she joked. "Guess I'm fitting in already."

"I'm sorry this happened." Ryan spoke with a stern look.

"It's ok you didn't do it." Taking her hand from his she replied with truth. "You can't protect me and Theresa at the same time."

Feeling he deserved Marissa's bitterness Ryan told her the news. "Right….That's why I've decided to only protect you." Ryan smiled hopeful his words weren't too late.

Not getting her hopes up Marissa made sure of Ryan's statement. "Until Theresa needs a hero."

Taking her hand Ryan told the short story. "I broke up with Theresa when I found you."

Thinking he felt pity for her Marissa pulled back.

Realizing his words came out wrong Ryan corrected them. "No I mean when I found you I had just broken up with her. I came to find you at the party. Marissa it's you I want not Theresa."

Hearing the words she dreamed of Marissa pulled him closer cutting him off with her soft lips. Deeply looking in his eyes Marissa saw truth. Marissa could rest assured Ryan chose her and there was no going back.

On looking at their best friends Seth and Summer slipped out letting Ryan and Marissa have their privacy.

So how did you like it good or bad? This was not an easy chapter to write I rewrote it sooooooo many times with many different endings but I liked this one the best. Don't forget to give me a CONSTRUCTIVE REVIEW so I can improve it or whatever. Just review I love them!