Hey guys, sorry this chapter is so short, I didn't have much time tonight, I promise it'll be longer tomorrow. Anyway, I do something a bit daring… okay, a lot daring in this chapter, and I'm not sure if it's too ridiculous, but I thought I'd try it… any reviews would be greatly appreciated, I'd love to know what you think. I don't think I'll make that particular storyline last long however; I have something else planned. Anyway, enjoy!
(Later, at the Cohen's. Seth walks up to the poolhouse and knocks on the door before pulling it open)
Seth: Hey, Ryan, can I talk to you? (Sees Marissa is with him) Oh, Marissa, hi, sorry, didn't know you were here, sorry; I'll come back later…
Marissa: No, it's okay. We weren't doing anything.
Seth: Oh, okay (goes and sits on the bed next to Ryan and Marissa).
Ryan: So what did you want to talk to me about? (Seth glances sideways at Marissa. Marissa sees him looking at her)
Marissa: My lips are sealed.
Seth: Well, it's about my mom. I heard her and Dad arguing over Rachel and I went to talk to her. When I went into her room, she was sitting there holding a bottle of vodka and some sleeping pills. She tried to hide them when I came in, but…
Ryan: (looks worried) You don't think she would try to…?
Seth: That's just it. I don't know. (Looks at Marissa) then your mom showed up and I haven't seen them since.
Marissa: My mom? Well, that's really encouraging… (Sees the looks on Seth and Ryan's faces; they're in no mood for joking.) Sorry. Who's Rachel? (Seth and Ryan glance at each other)
Marissa: (Looks from one to the other) What?
(The Cooper house. Marissa storms in and stands in front of her Dad, yelling at him)
Marissa: When were you planning to tell me huh? Or were you just gonna keep it from me forever? Pretend nothing was wrong?
Jimmy: Whoa, whoa, kido, slow down! What are you talking about?
Marissa: Rachel! Your secret daughter! My sister!
Jimmy: Oh, honey, I meant to tell you…
Marissa: Yeah? When? I just had to find out from Ryan! Do you know how that makes me feel?
Jimmy: I'm sorry Marissa, I meant to tell you, but I only found out this morning myself, and your mom, she didn't exactly take it well… I was going to tell you, I swear, it was all so sudden… (Marissa just looks at her dad and starts crying. Jimmy gets up and hugs her)
Jimmy: Oh, hey, it's gonna be okay…
Marissa: What… what's gonna happen now?
Jimmy: (sighs) I don't know kido. I really don't know.
(Later that night, at the Cohen house. Ryan comes out from the poolhouse into the kitchen to get a drink. He switches on the light and sees Rachel sitting at the table.)
Ryan: Uh… (He's not sure of what to say; he still feels a little awkward about what happened at the beach) Hi.
Rachel: I'm sorry about what happened at the beach. I shouldn't have done that. Especially after you told me you were going to meet your girlfriend. Or my sister. (Shakes her head) Whatever she is. Anyway, it was a mistake, and I'm sorry. I hope this doesn't make things tense between us…?
Ryan: (looks relieved) No, it's okay. The past few days have been rough on everybody. You were confused; I get it. (Rachel grins at him. He pulls the orange juice out of the fridge and holds it up) Want some?
(Much later that night, at about 2am. A cab pulls up outside at the bottom of the Cohen driveway; Julie and Kirsten stumble out. They're very drunk)
Julie: Well, I gotta hand it to you Kirsten; you really know how to party!
Kirsten: (Giggles) You're not so bad yourself.
Julie: We really gotta do this more often. It was fun.
Kirsten: (Smiles) Yeah, it was. (Pauses for a sec) Hey, Julie, thanks for this. (Slurring) Who knew that when everyone else abandoned me – my own family even – you'd be the one to pick up the pieces? You were the one to get me out and take my mind off things, that's so weird… (Looks blank for a second, then moves closer to Julie) Anyway, I really appret… aprrecia… appreciate it.
(She smiles at Julie. Then something happens that neither of them expects… they kiss. After about 10 seconds, Julie finally pulls away, giggling)
Julie: I better get home. Jimmy's probably looking for me. (She sways on the spot and hiccoughs. Then she turns around and starts walking down her driveway, or rather, stumbling.) Thanks again Kirsten! (She calls behind her. Kirsten stands there for a moment, before stumbling her way up her own driveway).