Chapter Twenty Five

"Mom," Seth paused nonchalantly, "When did you first know you were 'in love'?" Now the anxiety was apparent in Seth's voice, as it gently quivered. Kirsten smiled, and patted her son on the back.

"I just knew. But what really tipped me off was," Kirsten paused momentarily, "when I noticed I had that same silly grin on my face every time I was with your father. Plus, when my mother noticed that I was in skin deep- she too, came to talk to me. Little did I know, I'd marry this guy." Kirsten laughed, seeing Seth's face. She noticed that he was a little worried, but then again, who wasn't? She knew very well that Seth wasn't ready for such a commitment, but she also knew even better, that this here was definitely, absolutely love.

"So this is the real thing, eh?" Seth asked doubtedly.

"You know, honey, everyone has cold feet at first." Kirsten reassured him softly.

"That's before a wedding mom. I'm just scared to tell her that I really, really love her. I've done it before, but it didn't really mean anything… I want to tell her that I know this is absolutely 'it' but I don't want her to take it the wrong way." Seth confessed.

"How can you say 'I love you' and not mean it?" Kirsten asked, stunned.

"Well you know: 'Bye, love 'ya!'. That kinda love thing. Also, when I told her I loved her, I was so scared and I hesitated. I think I told her I loved her just because I didn't want her mad at me."

"Seth, you can't say you love Summer if you have doubts. You have to tell her when you really mean it." Kirsten replied.

"I do mean it though, mom. I just," Seth bit his lip, and inhaled not knowing how to continue his sentence, "I just don't want her to get cold feet, I guess." Kirsten laughed kindly, and hugged her son tightly. Kirsten kissed Seth on the forehead, and decided to end the discussion there.

"What time is it?" Marissa asked, yawning tiredly as she nudged Ryan to wake up. Ryan looked up at her, and smiled. He touched her cheek and pulled her in for a smooth, awakening kiss.

"Who cares?" Ryan asked, obviously carelessly.

"I do. My mother's going to kill me- slice me into a million pieces- you know that." Marissa laughed, but she could also care less about her mother. Ryan hugged her.

"Is it going to be, that, bad?" Ryan asked her.

"Probably. I didn't even call." Ryan gasped sarcastically.

"No call, eh? Now what are you going to do?" Ryan thought for a moment.

"Lie." They both said at the same time, before bursting out with genuine laughter.

"How does this sound? 'Ryan- my partner in crime'." Marissa asked, giggling, her eyes enlightened.

"It sounds damn right hot." Ryan said, then got up from his bed. He entered the bathroom and started to take a shower. In the mean time, Marissa decided to brush her hair and get herself a little straightened up- that's when Julie Cooper called in.

Marissa glanced at the Caller Identification. If she hadn't just glanced at it, she wouldn't of picked up. "Hello?" Marissa said into her pink cellular phone.

"Where the hell have you been?" Julie said in her usual, morning grumpy voice, that was as cold as ever.

"Mmm," Marissa thought for a second, and tried to conjure up a lie. "Well, you know. Here and there. I lost track of time last night, so I stayed at the Cohen's. I didn't want to wake you- sorry." Marissa spat out delightfully.

"I didn't sleep anyway! Ever wonder why?" Julie asked.

"Why? You had time to screw another street skank?" Marissa laughed quietly, as she awaited for Julie's reply.

"No, actually," Julie paused grimly, "I was waiting for you to come home. Is that so hard to believe?" Julie asked, her voice slowly starting to warm up.

"Yeah, yeah it is. Since when have you cared about me?" Marissa asked.

"Maybe it's not apparent, but I've always loved you, sweetie."

"Bull freaking shizzle." Marissa said into her phone, "I'll be home soon."

"When?" Julie quickly asked.

"Soon. That's all you have to know." Marissa said, then she hung up fiercely, before she could listen to more of her mother's crap.

"Is everything alright?" Ryan walked in covered with nothing, but a teeny-weeny towel. Marissa only gaped at the sight, and she smiled.

"Wow." Was the only thing she could say, and she said it with pride.

"Wow what?" Ryan asked, unknowingly. He knew Marissa was staring at his towel, willing it to fall off abruptly so she could see what was hidden underneath.

"Ah, nothing." Marissa laughed.

"So- is everything okay? You look kind of ticked off?" Ryan asked.

"Nah. Not even. I gotta get going though- mama wants her baby back home." Marissa said sarcastically, and ran up to Ryan to give him a good bye kiss. Without thinking, she pulled his towel down, laughing at her joke. However, Ryan had been well prepared for such a trick- he already wore his boxers underneath.

"Damn you." Marissa whispered into his ear, still smiling.

"I love you, too." Ryan quickly said. Marissa laughed out loud, then she ran out the door happily. She had to get home soon, unless the witch, with a capital B, would certainly come chasing after her. Marissa then thought- does she really love me, like she claims she does? Marissa then quickly swatted the thought away because she had no intentions to ruin her morning.