Chapter Seven.

Seth returned, with a small, but plump duffle bag swung over his shoulder. Ryan looked at him inquisitively, "I hope you don't think we're staying there for long," Ryan said, as he started to zip a back pack only barely filled with a change of clothes, and some money, "I'm going to say goodbye, Seth. I'm not moving there," he said, as he sighed, "Maybe this isn't such a good idea- she won't want to see me," he said, closing his eyes as though filled to the brim with stress, and utmost confusion.

"You're an idiot if you think she's sleeping right now," Seth muttered, "I can see it now- her pillow is probably wet with tears, her face swollen from crying, and her mind begging her to go to sleep. Reminds me of a certain someone I know," Seth stared at him dryly, folding his arms over his chest, waiting for him to rebound with some sort of witty comment.

Instead, Ryan simply pushed back the thought of Marissa so miserable, as hewalked through the door, "Let's go." He said, not allowing himself to think about it further. In a way, he hoped Seth was right. Although he felt guilty about it, he wished that Marissa wasn't already ready to move on, and wasn't already absorbed in the fast-paced New York City lifestyle. Seth patted him on the shoulder once, with an almost hefty slap but Ryan knew it was only an encouraging gesture to know that he had someone behind him through the whole way.

Seth almost admired Ryan's determination to remove the tear-swept gaze of Marissa, as he imagined it thoroughly in his mind, "Ryan," Seth said lightly, as he stood at the end of the driveway, waiting for the taxi that he had called in moment's earlier, "If you ever need to talk, during or after the trip, I'm here, okay?" Seth said in his most reassuring tone. Ryan shrugged, as he pocketed his hands, "Ryan, I'm serious. I know at times I can be an idiot, which I hate to admit, but seriously. I know what you're going through," Ryan continued to stare straight ahead of him. He was afraid that although Seth might understand what he's going through, Ryan wouldn't even be able to put his thunderous emotions into any comprehensible words. Even now, shriveled with excitement deep inside, and confusion, and terror as to what Marissa would say, he couldn't tell Seth that. In fact, he couldn't even manage to reply to his appealing words of comfort.

The next few minutes they dwelled in silence. When the taxi cab pulled up in a rushing state, Seth and Ryan climbed into the car.

"Where to?" the man said in a heavy accent, that neither Seth nor Ryan could distinguish. They gave each other a glance, and Seth took the role to reply.

"The airport, please." Seth said simply, "And please hurry, my friend over here has a lady to see." The cab driver smirked, as he hit the gas pedal only enough to go about ten above the speed limit. Seth rolled his eyes and muttered, "Well, not exactly what I meant by the vroom vroom." He said, so that the man couldn't hear him. He realized the cab driver was patient enough to haul himself over to the Cohen Residence at such a late hour. Seth shot a glance at Ryan, to make sure he was okay, but Ryan didn't even realize he was being watched. He kept a steady glance at the road outside his window, admiring what simple things basked in the fearful darkness.

When they reached the airport, Seth paid the man after grabbing his things. Ryan felt a chill running down his spine, cooling his entire body. He took a deep break, gripping his backpack a little tighter, hoping to relieve himself of the fear that was gripping his insides so remorselessly, "Ryan, you'll be fine." Seth broke the silence, as he took the lead into the airport. Ryan trudged along behind him, not sure if he was supposed to carry on, or simply take the next eager cab back home. Seth was already at the desk, asking for the price of tickets when Ryan just got inside. He made his way over to him, and saw that Seth had already taken care of everything. Ryan laid down his share of money on the counter, for the lady to retrieve, and they were soon on their way, to their proper gate.

Once they crossed the metal detectors, and people, and gates, and more people, it all seemed to Ryan like a huge blur. When the finally sat down, Ryan let out a mighty sigh, as he leant his head against the seat, almost unable to think clearly. The only thing that was occupying his mind, was the fact that he was going to see Marissa. The fact that he was so excited about seeing Marissa. And the fact that she might not be as excited to see him.

"Seth! What if she doesn't want to see me any more? What if I'm the reason he left?" he asked abruptly, with a certain curiosity, and a demand to know. Seth shook his head, with a heave of a sigh.

"Don't be dumb, Ryan. You'll be lucky if she doesn't jump on you, or something." Seth replied boredly, as he continued to dream about sweet-nothings.

"Seth, you don't get it. She left, because she wanted to. Even you said so! What if she's already moved on, and she doesn't want me to come and visit her?"

"What if, what if, what if? Well what if she's praying to God right now, that you'll be her night in shining armor, to sweep her off her feet and bring her back to Newport?" Seth answered, slightly amused by Ryan's simple afflictions.

"I'm not going to New York to bring her back," he pointed out.

"So, you're going to see her. And she'll be equally excited, and you better believe it." Seth said, barely tolerating his apprehensiveness. Seth knew in his mind that no matter how badly Ryan could have screwed up in the passed, Marissa would be ecstatic to see his face after being separated such a distance, for what would appear to be a long time.

"I can't wait to see her," Ryan simply said, in a tone almost filled with disbelief, hope and again, dismal fear.