Hi. Sorry that I've been updating really slowly but I recently started a new job and it's kept me busy.

So thanks to marianne-larsen, sarklover826, BeAuTiFuL MaDnEsS, Lennie 1984, goingtoazbaby 1804 and LivingintheOCsucks for your reviews. Also, I know my chapters are short but I'll try and make them longer. (After this one!)

It was almost eleven o'clock when Seth and Marissa pulled into the driveway of the Cooper-Nichol mansion, after their game of bowling turned into best out of three, followed by the loser buying diner afterwards.

"Are you sure you don't want a ride home? It's pretty far, and dark. Please let me drive you." Marissa pleaded.

"It's ok, really." Seth replied. "I mean, even though I've been blessed with this incredible body, what's the worst that can happen?"

"Alright. Your prerogative "

As both stepped out of the car, a light can on in the front hallway.

"My mom's probably gonna flip out at me. I didn't realise how late it is." Marissa said looking at her watch.

"Well, tell her your were out all night with a mysterious man. That ought to shut her up."

Marissa laughed. "Thanks Seth. I'll keep that in mind. Oh, and thank you for today. I really needed this."

Seth smiled sweetly at her. "Yeah, my pleasure. I had fun."

"Me too." Marissa agreed.

The two stood there, for a moment, taking in the significance of the day.

"Well, if you wanna do it again sometime, you know where to find me." "Thanks. I will." Marissa leaned in for a hug which Seth embraced. It was broken by the opening of the front door, and the unmistakable, menacing figure of Julie Cooper-Nichol.

"Hey, grandma!" Seth said with a goofy wave. Marissa let a huge laugh, which had been almost absent from Newport Beach in the recent months. Julie shot Seth a death stare that would even scare Darth Vader. "I guess that's my cue to leave."

"Ok."

" But remember what I said, ok. Anytime, any place I'll be there. As long as it not bowling." For the second time today, sincerity creeped into Seth's voice.

"Bye Seth."

Her turned round and made his way home. "Bye."

She watched as he walked down the driveway, his figure becoming more and more vague. Today had been the first time in forever where Marissa was able to forget the recent happenings and just have fun. And she had an unexpected source to thank for that. A boy, who not even two years ago she would have acknowledged, was now the one person, she now felt a strange connection too.

"Marissa, aren't you coming in?" Julie called out in impatience.

"No mom, I thought I might just stand out here and freeze to death." Marissa sarcastically replied as she marched into the house past her mother.