Author's Note: Look for this at the bottom of the page…there are replies to the reviewers of chapter 6.

Disclaimer: I forgot to put one of these in the last chapter. But you know the routine. I don't own. No one sues. And so forth and so on…

I'm staring at your picture
and dreaming that I could hold your hand.
we'd walk down to the ocean
and I would write your name in the sand. -The Ataris, Bad Case Of Broken Heart

Ryan shifted in the bed for the thousandth time that night.

He couldn't get it out of his head.

Why was he still here?

Sure, all the obvious reasons made sense. Like what he told Seth. But he was starting to think that maybe that was just a lie. He knew that he didn't cause THAT many problems in Newport.

And, he did miss Marissa.

Theresa and him…were nonexistent. They never really talked. Especially after the past week. The only talking that was done was her arguing with him to go home.

"But Ryan, she DOES need you. She's a mess."

The words wouldn't leave his head.

He wondered what Marissa was doing.

Wondered if she was thinking of him.

"Why? I don't get it. You don't have to watch out for Theresa. Not anymore. She told me herself that she's moving to Atlanta."

It was true. Theresa was planning on leaving in 2 weeks.

Ryan wasn't going to go to Atlanta. He was going to get an apartment. Maybe finish high school.

After another hour of restless thoughts, Ryan got out of bed.

He pulled his pants on over his boxers and threw a hoodie over his wife beater.

A walk would clear his head.

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Sitting down in the grimy sand, he realized everything that he was missing.

In Newport, he at least could be a teenager, most of the time anyway.

He didn't have to work, if he didn't want to.

He had a best friend. A girlfriend. He was happy.

He trusted Sandy and Kirsten. They were his parents.

And he had left them to become a parent himself.

But that was over. The baby was gone. And he never really figured it to be his in the first place, but he would've taken care of it nonetheless.

Pulling out his wallet, he looked through the pictures.

There was the Chrismukkah one. All 4 of them together. His family.

There was one of him and Seth, side by side, smiling cheesily.

Then Marissa. 2 pictures of her. She was beautiful in both of them.

She was always beautiful to him.

Someone behind him cleared their throat and Ryan quickly turned to see who it was.

Theresa.

She sat in the sand beside him and smiled.

"I woke up and you weren't in the bed."

"Couldn't sleep. Came for a walk."

"Ryan, what are you doing?"

"I'm sitting in the sand…?"

"No, I mean, why are you still here? I don't need you…I mean, it's great having you around, but you're not happy. I know that. And Seth? He really misses you. So do the Cohens…and Marissa."

Ryan snorted. "Yeah."

"Why are you being so stubborn? Why won't you go? Honestly, don't give me that 'because I belong here'…or anything…why are you really staying?" Theresa looked at the sand, and saw what looked like 'Marissa' written in it, but was scratched out.

"Alright. If you'll stop this…I'll tell you." He paused, and sighed. "If I go back…then sooner or later, I'll just have to leave again. Something will happen, and I'll have to go. I'll have to leave Marissa, and Seth, and Newport…I just don't think I can do it again…I don't think they can stand me doing it again." He let out a breath or air. Finally, he was able to let his thoughts out.

"Ryan…do you really believe that?" Theresa traced back the name in the sand. "You're sitting out here, wishing you could go back…you miss them, just like they do you…obviously." She showed him the new writing of Marissa's name. "Go. Go back and be happy. They NEED you Ryan." With that Theresa got up and stretched her arm out to help Ryan up out of the sand. "Come on, let's go pack your stuff."

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Author's Note: I know this chapter was really short…but it was just a filler. Next chapter will be Ryan going back to Newport…and the reactions!

I hope you liked this. I tried once again, to make it interesting. Now I don't have to write Theresa…I'm so happy! LoL. Sorry for mistakes! I hate them just as much as you do!

Review. Jamie (Or J). Thanks for reading…

By order of review:

Lake: Thanks for the review. Now…Ryan is coming home. Don't you love fate?

Kursk: Thank you for the review, you always review…I love that. Hope you liked this chapter.

Svocfanatic: Wasn't sure how to put in the drama…but there should be some coming up later…that is if this story lasts a long time. Thanks for the review!

AmyR24: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you liked what I did with Theresa…I was kind of worried that it sucked.

KC-Chick: Once again, you gave me the longest review ever! I love that! Yes, stubborn Ryan is always fun to write…LoL. And the 26 thing…I'm glad you liked my little touch with Benjamin. Thank you so so much for telling me that you like the way I write and that I'm a good writer. It means the world to me knowing that you, one of the best writers on this site, think that I am a good writer. Glorious Author's respect is awesome. Thanks so much! I hope you update In The Dark soon…I love that story!

Dodgeviper: Wow, you started college? Awesome! I can't wait until I start college. Thanks so much for reviewing my story. I'm glad that you've found the time to review MY story…I feel privileged! Thank you!

IluvDanBen33: Thanks for the review…hope you do it again soon!

Niem: Yes, Ryan is coming home…now he can see what's up with Marissa. Thanks for the review!

Rainygal: I kind of wanted to keep Ryan in Chino a little longer…but I didn't want to write Theresa anymore. I'm glad that I made you laugh. I love making people laugh. Thanks so much for the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Samantha P.: I loved you enthusiastic review! You're awesome…really made me hype up! LoL. Hope you liked that I posted.

Ocobsessedrachel2: One of the best stories ever? Wow…thanks for that! Really made my day. Hope you weren't exaggerating! Thanks for the review!

Okay, that took a while! LoL.

Thanks to everyone for reviewing. I really appreciate it!

You guys Rock!