I don't own anything related to the O.C., Bernadette and Alyssa are all mine though... please R/R!

A new hope

Prologue

Lying on a canvas chair, overlooking the pool where Alyssa was swimming, Bernadette sighed heavily, trying to enjoy the sunny day. Dressed in a light summer dress she couldn't hide her swollen stomach. A slight smile appeared on her face when the baby kicked inside of her and she protectively reached out for her belly, touching it gently.

"Alyssa, would you please come out of the pool and get ready, Dad will be home any minute. Uncle Seth and aunt Summer will come by tonight, so you gotta clean your room in case you and Cassandra want to play upstairs" she announced to her daughter.

"Yes mummy" the light brown haired girl answered, immediately climbing out of the pool.

Running over to her mother she picked up a towel and started drying her hair, while placing herself on the chair. Her blue eyes sparkled and she laughed as she spilled some water over Bernadette.

"Did you have fun?" the woman asked, smiling at her beautiful girl.

"Yes, I wish Cassandra could have swum with me, but I'll see her tonight, so it's ok." Alyssa answered. She quickly hugged her mum, grabbed her stuff and started walking towards the house.

Bernadette took her time to slowly get up, supporting herself at the back of the chair. Collecting the book she had been reading and the glass on the table beside her, she was just about to walk towards the porch when the door-bell rang.

"Sweetie, could you please get that?" she called out to Alyssa who was standing on the balcony, hanging her wet trunks.

"Sure" her daughter replied, already running downstairs.

Bernadette walked into the kitchen, placing her stuff on the table, trying hard to steady her breathing. A few seconds later Alyssa entered, grabbing her mother's arm to support her, announcing "You should have waited for me", her eyes expressing worry. When Bernadette didn't reply anything she continued:

"It's an Ms Cooper; she's in the foyer….. I think I know her from somewhere… she says she's here to see you?" Knowing that the curiosity could be well heard in her voice, Alyssa gave her mum a glance, hoping to receive more information on the newly arrived guest.

When her mum winced the worry was back in her face, she was about to ask what was wrong when Bernadette interrupted her: "Ok, thanks sweetheart, please go upstairs, I'll handle it."

"Are you sure you don't need any help?"

"I am sure, please go get changed, Dad will be home soon".

Knowing the there was no arguing; Alyssa left the kitchen, trying hard to figure out where she had seen the strange woman in the foyer before.

Bernadette slowly made her way to the foyer, thoughts racing through her mind. She knew that the woman she was about to meet was the complete opposite of herself. Single, good looking, thin, successful as a model worldwide. Looking down her body she sighed at the sight of her belly and tried to focus on the things she wanted say.

Marissa looked even more beautiful in real life than on TV. She was wearing a short skirt and a fancy blue top, the high heels on her feet making her appear even taller. Her brown hair was put back in a pony tail and Bernadette admired her slim figure as she was standing at the fireplace, looking at the paintings of Alyssa.

"Ms Cooper?" Bernadette asked quietly.

Marissa turned around and gave Bernadette a curious glance, eying her up and down.

"Bernadette?" she finally asked, holding out her hand to the strange woman in front of her.

"I wasn't sure you would come" Bernadette replied, while shaking the model's hand.

"Your letter said it was kind of urgent and since I was in Newport anyway… To be honest, I was curious."

"I know it was a strange letter and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you my full name, but I was afraid you wouldn't come…" Bernadette's voice trailed off, her eyes trying to avoid Marissa's.

"Do you want something to drink" she asked after a few moments of awkward silence.

"No, thanks…"

Another silence followed until Marissa couldn't hold back her curiosity and asked:

"So… what did you want to talk about that was so urgent?"

Bernadette placed herself on the couch, sighing heavily before lifting her gaze and looking directly into Marissa's blue eyes.

"I'm dying…"

"I..I…I'm sorry to hear" Marissa replied startled.

"I know it must sound weird, bring 5 months pregnant, but it's true. I have cancer in the last stage. My doctor discovered it a few weeks ago. The only option was an abortion, but as the doctors didn't know if they could heal me at all, I decided to keep my boy…"

Marissa nervously stared at her hands, her mind racing. What did this woman want? Obviously she didn't need money, as she was living in a huge mansion in Newport Beach. She appeared calm, telling her story in an even voice, not looking for pity. But what was she looking for?

"I'm sorry Bernadette, but I…I… don't understand what this has to do with me?"

"I haven't told my husband yet" Bernadette stated calmly, confusing Marissa even more. She nodded silently, not knowing what to say.

"I… I… was hoping… that maybe…. We could tell him together… this must sound weird, but I know that deep down in his heart… he loves you… he always has…"

Marissa tried her best to follow the words of the pregnant woman in front of her, but she still didn't see the connection.

"I don't think I understand… is he a fan?"

Shaking her head silently, Bernadette got up, walking towards the kitchen.

"I'm sorry, I need something to drink" she called over her shoulder, gesturing Marissa to follow her.

When she had emptied her glass of water she placed herself at the counter, again avoiding the woman's eyes in front of her.

The awkward silence in the kitchen was interrupted by the entering of Alyssa. She gave Marissa a curious glance, grabbing herself something to drink out of the fridge. The girl smiled shyly and was about to leave when she suddenly turned on her heels, excitingly grinning at the model.

"I know you! You're Marissa Cooper, right? I have seen you on telly over at the Cohen's"

"Cohen's? You know the Cohen's?" Marissa exclaimed surprised.

"Yes, Cassandra is my best friend, she's the daughter of Seth and Summer Cohen" the girl smiled, not catching the horrified look on her mother's face.

Suddenly the front door opened and the two women jumped.

"Anyone home" a deep, husky voice could be heard in the kitchen.

"We're in the kitchen Daddy, and guess who is here?" Alyssa called, immediately running towards her father.

He picked her up and hugged her tightly, pinching her cheeks softly, admiring her sparkling blue eyes which looked so similar to his own. He carried her while walking towards the kitchen.

Alyssa was just about to announce the name of their guest when he saw her standing at the counter, a shocked expression on her face.

"Marissa!"

"Ryan…."