Lies – Chapter 27

"Are you ok?" Ryan reluctantly backed away from Anna and the car door she'd been pressed against.

She opened her eyes and focused on him. "Excuse me? Ok?" She had no idea why he was asking, since she'd been thoroughly enjoying their impromptu make-out session. It was oddly thrilling to be pushed against a car and kissed without warning. Oh God, what if she wasn't doing something right and he thought she DIDN'T like it? "Did I – wasn't I -?"

He smiled, very slightly. "That part was good. I was talking about Seth?"

"Who? Oh. Seth. You mean his and Summer's lip wrestling competition?"

Ryan gave a short nod.

"Fine. Only stung a little. I was actually worrying about how tough seeing Marissa was going to be for you. And then suddenly I was up against the car and being kissed and then, well, you were there, so I guess I don't need to go on, do I? No." She rubbed one hand on top of the other anxiously.

His lips twitched in an attempt to cover his amusement.

Anna sighed. "I'm starting to sound like him, aren't I? Rattling on longer than necessary. I guess I'm..."

"Nervous. Do I really scare you that much?"

She nodded slowly, thinking hard. "No! No. You don't SCARE me, it's more like..." Incredibly blue eyes were looking down at her with a mixture of warmth and amusement. She liked that he was taller, but not that much taller than she was. He was wearing a light blue shirt over a wifebeater that contrasted superbly against his tanned chest and neck and the breeze was blowing his hair around and she decided she'd never seen a man look so hot. In her life. Ever. He was still waiting for an answer, and she realized she'd forgotten the question. "Um. Can we talk about this later?"

He narrowed one eye and looked at her thoughtfully. "If you want." He grabbed his crutches and they began making their way to the front doors of the hospital just as Seth and Summer caught up with them.

"Jeez, you'd think they'd have valet service or something," Seth grumbled. "Did you have to park 3 miles away from the entrance? My ass hurts."

Summer gently patted him on the rear. "It'll feel better soon. We'll hit the hot tub when we get home."

"I thought you tripped, Seth? That would send you in a forward motion, so how did that part of your anatomy hit the floor?" Anna was curious. Ryan looked away, covering his smile.

"It was kinda like – uh – uh..." Seth turned to Summer for help.

"Oh, he like, did this amazing flip thing and under-rotated it, you know, like in gymnastics when they don't "stuff it"? The landing, I mean –"

Seth broke in. "I believe you mean "stick it" and actually? It was less like gymnastics and more like diving when the diver doesn't slice the water right and makes a splash." He glared at Summer and muttered under his breath. "Gymnastics?! That's worse than water polo."

She shrugged her shoulders while Anna was looking elsewhere. "But anyway, Cohen, they don't have valet service at hospitals because they have to keep the lanes open for emergency vehicles. Obviously," she added with emphasis.

He mouthed "obviously" while mimicking her sarcastically, then ducked away as she swung a hand at him. She came at him again and they pretend to slap each other, giggling.

Reaching the doors and entering the building had an instantly sobering effect on everyone. They fell silent, and while in the elevator, Summer moved closer to Seth and took his arm. "What do think she'll be like?"

He dropped his arm over her shoulder. "She'll be asleep, and she'll probably have a lot of machines hooked up to her. It will be entirely intimidating until you realize they're there just to monitor her heartbeat and respiration. Simple stuff. So don't let it mess with you."

She still looked doubtful. Turning to Ryan, she noticed his lips set in a grim line and his hand clenching Anna's in what looked to be a painful hold. She reached over and tapped his arm. "Hey, ease up on the kung-fu grip, GI Joe. Anna might want to hold a fork or a pen or maybe slap you sometime with that hand."

He looked up, surprised, then down at their clasped hands, immediately letting go. "Sorry. I didn't –"

"It's all right." Anna rubbed her hand with the other. "I still have circulation."

"Why didn't you say something!?" Ryan wanted to know.

Anna looked at the floor. "It wasn't THAT bad..."

The elevator doors slid open and they found themselves face to face with Kirsten and Jimmy. They both looked exhausted, but Kirsten's face brightened upon recognizing them.

"Hey, you guys!" She immediately latched onto Ryan, smothering him in a fierce hug. He slowly raised his arms and returned it lightly. "I've been so worried about you! Are you all right?" She released him and stepped back, looking him over carefully while he stared at the floor. "Are you sure you should be up? You look a little pale, Ryan."

"I'm good. I've been taking it easy." His voice lowered. "Thanks."

Jimmy shook his hand carefully, mindful of the bandages. "I haven't had a chance to thank you, Ryan. This is twice you've saved Marissa's life now."

Ryan shook his head a little and smiled ruefully, keeping quiet.

Jimmy looked around at the group. "It's great that you guys came, but I'm afraid it was for nothing. She's still – asleep." He glanced quickly at Kirsten.

"We know, Mr. Cooper. We just wanted to see her, and maybe talk to her. You know, like let her know we're here for her." Summer's voice was soft.

"Oh, Summer! You poor thing, look at you!" Kirsten hugged her carefully, then stared with concern. "Are you doing ok? Sandy and I want you to stay with us until your Dad gets back. Have you talked with him yet?"

Summer looked away, then at Seth. "No, and really, I'd rather not talk to Dad. I'm fine now." She took his hand. "Seth's been helping me out."

Kirsten smiled. "Seth has? Really. I never pictured him as a nurse." She raised her hands as if framing him for a snapshot.

"Mother? Just don't. Let's not hear about the little white cap, ok? Moving on. Where is Marissa's room? Wait. I think Ryan needs to sit down if there's a lounge nearby. He's white. Like a ghost. A ghost with multiple injuries, if that was possible since ghosts theoretically aren't solid mass and are therefore uninjureable. Is that a word or did I just make a new one?"

Kirsten let out a little shriek as she finally saw his arm. "Seth! What happened to you? You didn't say you were hurt in the accident, too!"

"I wasn't and it's a long story – well, not actually and I can make it a short one by saying this: I tripped and fell. 'The End'. Whoa, buddy!" Seth caught Ryan as his hurt friend staggered back toward the elevator.

Anna put an arm around Ryan's other side and they followed Kirsten as she led them to a lounge around the corner. After sitting him on the couch, Anna went to find him a cold drink and Kirsten went to find a nurse.

"Dude, do NOT do that again." Seth and Summer sat down on either side of Ryan, and Summer took his hand. "Mom will without a doubt have you checked in here if you keep that stuff up."

"Leave him alone, Seth. Do you feel ok, Ryan? Are you still dizzy?" Summer felt his forehead and cheek with her good hand as he leaned back into the couch and nodded. "Have you eaten?" He shook his head. "Did you really sleep all day yesterday?" His lack of response answered her question. "We'll be right back, sweetie. Just relax." She motioned for Seth to follow her and they stopped around the corner. "I thought he was just faint from not eating or sleeping, but he's burning up, Seth. That's usually not a good sign."

"What's wrong with him?" Seth was immediately concerned.

"It could be a lot of things, maybe infection; I don't know. Can you find a restroom and bring back some cold, wet paper towels?"

He nodded and hurried down the hallway as Summer went back to Ryan. "Hey, Ryan? You awake?" Getting no response, she talked louder. "Ryan! Wake up and talk to me, ok?" She shook his shoulder and looked up gratefully as Seth came back into the lounge. "I think he passed out. Put a towel on his forehead, would you?" She grabbed another and slid it behind his neck, and another went across his throat and chest. "That might make him feel a little cooler. Where is the damned nurse?"

"Right here." Her voice came around the corner, followed by the actual nurse and Kirsten. "What happened?"

"He was dizzy so we sat him down but it didn't help, then he passed out. He was in a serious car wreck on Sunday and he has stitches from a blow to the head that concussed, a broken ankle, and burns on his arm and hands. He's running a high temp and he hasn't eaten or slept, probably for a day or two. What do you think? Infection? Internal bleeding? Maybe just exhaustion? And uh, sorry about the 'damned nurse' thing."

The nurse waved off Summer's apology as she stared at her questioningly.

Summer shrugged. "Candy striper. I listen."

"Ah." The nurse nodded her understanding. "The problem is for the doctor to determine, young lady, but I'm sure he'll appreciate all the helpful information." She felt Ryan's forehead, then his neck to check his pulse.

Anna returned with a bottle of water just then. "What happened? Is he all right?"

Seth put an arm on her shoulder. "He passed out, he's probably just tired. Or something. Stay calm."

"Are those all of your son's injuries?" The nurse looked to Kirsten.

"I – I think so. I don't remember anything else..."

Anna walked over and opened a few buttons on his shirt. "I don't know if it matters, but did they tell you about this?"

"Oh, man. I didn't know about that; he never said anything! Is that from the seatbelt?" Seth was shocked by the wide, red welt running across Ryan's chest.

Anna nodded. "He said it broke; I don't know anything else. He had some cream to put on it, but I don't think it helped much."

The nurse scanned it quickly. "I'm going to get a steward and we'll get him down to emergency right away, just in case this episode isn't from exhaustion." She disappeared around the corner and came back in a minute with a steward and a gurney in tow. They lifted Ryan onto it, and Seth laid an arm across his mother's shoulder as they all followed down the hall back to the elevator.

"It's going to be awhile, you know." Seth whispered in Summer's ear.

She nodded.

"Do you want to go up and see Marissa while we're waiting? Make the time go faster?"

"Yes, but I don't want to leave here." Summer looked miserable. She wanted to see her best friend, but was afraid to. She was worried about Ryan, and wanted to be there for him too.

"I don't want to leave either, but Mom can buzz my cell if the doctor comes out. We'll probably be back two hours before that happens anyway, if your ER visits are anything to judge by."

She smiled sadly. "We spend way too much time in hospitals, Cohen. Let's not do this anymore, ok?"

He nodded and got up, helping her out of her chair and hugging her before they headed for the elevator again.

"Rrryyyaannn." His name echoed hollowly around him, and all he saw was blackness. He felt as though he was drifting in space, free and unencumbered by gravity.

"Marissa?" Despite the scary-movie style distortion of her voice, it was unmistakably hers.

"......It's not your fault......"

"What's going on?" He could feel her presence in the inky darkness, but couldn't quite see her. He understood her words and knew instinctively what she was talking about, but couldn't come to terms with the current situation. It was like he was in a Stephen King novel or something.

"...be happy...... live well ......"

"Is this a dream?" He was becoming increasingly panicked, partially because he knew she was in a coma and couldn't possibly be talking to him, and also because he knew he was asleep on the couch in the lounge area of the hospital. Wasn't he? Or was he dead?

"I have to go...... I'm not coming back, Ryan...I love you...... I always did......"

"Wait! Where - Marissa! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen!"

"Ryan......you made me happy............love you........."

"Where are you going! Marissa?!"

Ryan's head was spinning in confusion. He had NOT just talked to Marissa. It was not possible and he must have hit his head again or he was having a major stress meltdown. Too much medication? And why was it so dark? He felt utterly alone and was surprised by how strange and frightening that once familiar feeling was now. He desperately wanted to hear Seth going on and on and on about anything and everything again. He wanted Kirsten to worry about him and hug him again, and this time he'd hug her back immediately. Hard. He wanted to tell Sandy how much it meant to him to have a father figure in his life that he respected and could trust. He wasn't ready to take on the darkness alone.

Seth was talking quietly with Jimmy while keeping a close eye on Summer. After wandering past them down the hall, she had stopped to gaze out the window. Sunlight glinted off dark hair and softened her profile, washing away her fading bruises in the glow. She appeared calm, and he watched as she took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly. She turned and walked with determination to Marissa's room. The door sighed closed behind her and within 5 seconds re-opened; a pale Summer rushed out with her hand over her mouth. She leaned against the wall with her back toward them, and Seth was behind her in an instant.

"Cohen!"

"Hey, hey, I'm right here. What's wrong?"

She spun to face him, eyes wide. "She's – I can't. It's awful."

He grabbed her shoulders. "You can. Listen, remember me telling you it would look worse than it was? And Mr. Cooper told you she looked pretty rough, right?"

Summer nodded, calming a little.

"Ok then. You'll be fine. It's all right." Seth kissed her on the forehead.

"Come with me."

"You know she can only have one – "

"I don't care, Cohen. You have to."

Seth looked inquiringly at Jimmy, who'd joined them, also concerned about Summer. "Go ahead. I'll watch for doctors."

"Thanks." He followed Summer as she put a hand on the door, hesitated a moment, then pushed it open again. It was immediately obvious what had sent Summer out of the room previously, and Seth felt his stomach twist into a knot. Marissa was indeed in very bad shape, with cuts, bruises, and burns rendering her nearly unrecognizable. White bandages concealed her scalp, with others covering her from nearly head to toe, and he assumed she'd needed surgery in many other areas besides the neurological. Summer squeezed his hand and then crossed the room to the bed as he sat down.

"Hey Coop. This isn't one of your best hair days, is it? That's ok, girl, because I know ALL about that, too. Seth had to comb my hair and put it up for me today, can you believe it?" Summer pulled a chair up and sat next to the bed, carefully laying a hand over Marissa's. "You were right about him, you know. You told me a long time ago that he was a good guy, and now I believe it. We're together and he – he loves me. And I love him so much and he's so good to me." Her voice lowered, then broke. "I wish you could see the ring he got me, Coop. You'd like, freak, it's so beautiful." She collected herself, and continued. "It's like when we were little and played fairy princess. Remember how we'd try on your mom's jewelry and pretend..."

Seth tried to tune out, feeling as though he was listening in on a private conversation. He knew the girls had been friends since probably birth, and wouldn't even try to imagine how hard this must be for his girlfriend. Even since last summer when Ryan had arrived and Marissa's life had turned into a prime time drama - all about Marissa all the time - Summer had stayed loyal and stuck with her, if possible, becoming a better friend while helping her through it. They'd all faced some hard truths about life and done a lot of growing up after witnessing Marissa's downward spiral. A soft tap on the door interrupted his thoughts, and he realized Summer had been quiet for quite a while now. Looking up, his heart cracked as he saw Summer holding Marissa's hand, her head lying on the bed by her friend's broken body. He went to her and laid a hand on her shoulder, speaking softly. "Summer? You can stay as long as you want, but I have to go. Mr. Cooper just tapped. I'll be right outside, though."

"No, it's ok. I'll go too." She looked up at him with grief-stricken eyes. "Coop's gone now."

Seth stared at her, stunned, then started for the door. "What?! I'll get a doctor – shouldn't there have been alarms?!"

"No Seth. She's still breathing." Summer stood and leaned over to gently kiss Marissa's cheek, whispering softly to her. "I love you, sweetie. Best friends forever, right? Find peace." Seth had stopped in his tracks and she took his hand now while drawing a shaky breath. "I'm ready."

Before they left, he took a step and bent to kiss Marissa also, not knowing what to say.

As they walked down the long hall, her hand gripped his tightly and she spoke in a voice choked by unshed tears. "Don't let go, Seth."

"I won't, Summer. I promise."