Slowly, Newport Beach came into view over the horizon. Marissa leant forward in her seat, trying to spy familiar views from her isle side position out the plane's window. She had barely been able to eat anything throughout the trip, only nibbling on a few biscuits. The blonde was jittery in her seat, jerking at the slightest touch. When the flight attendant asked her is she wanted some drinks, Marissa almost hit the roof. They must all think she was crazy! Yet, it was obvious by the look in her eye that she was merely in love.

Marissa held on tight as the plane slowly touched down on to the airports landing strip. This was the day she had been waiting for, for practically 12 months. Butterflies bounced around in her tummy as if it were mid spring. She was tense, and on edge. Would he have come? Surely he must have seen other girls. Everyone knew that Ryan was one of the best looking guys Newport had ever hosted. Whenever they walked down the street, other girls constantly gave her envious looks as his arm slid round her shoulders. And sometimes she, too, was amazed. But he had loved her and hopefully, still did. Who knows what she would do if he didn't. Holy, Marissa tried to block those thoughts out. He must, for she needed him.

The next few minutes seemed to go in slow motion. The seatbelt sign flicked off, everyone slowly got up from their seats. Marissa hung back, breathing heavily in anticipation. She almost didn't want to go out there, expecting the worst. Pretty soon the aircraft was empty and she was the only one left. Slowly getting to her feet, Marissa walked down the isle. The hot summer wind almost knocked her flat with humidity as she strode down the stairs. Across the pavement the tall, lanky girl went. She clutched a handbag below one arm, with her dress flowing around her non-existent hips. Never the less, as always she looked absolutely stunning. As Summer had said once before 'You could wear rags and you would still look gorgeous'. But Marissa was still insecure, conscious of all her faults. No one else saw them though, only pure beauty. And that would be because she was. Many would say that she was the most fine featured girl that they had ever seen, including Ryan.

There he was, standing at the gates. He smiled, arms outstretched. This was the moment that they had both been waiting for. Yet, now it was here, they were both nervous as hell, scared of each others feelings. Breaking into a run, Marissa leaped into his strong arms. Tears began to well and fall, though caused by happiness not sorrow. They had finally been reunited. Ryan wrapped his arms around her lithe frame, never wanting to let go. Boy, he had waited so long. For the last few nights he had barely slept in fear of waking up and finding out that it was all a dream, that she wasn't really coming back. But of course, that morning he awoke to find out that his love was back that day. Rubbing his cheek in her sweet smelling hair, he drew in her scent that he had longed for, for so long. The air was electric, but neither dared to say anything. They just stood in silence, enjoying each others company.

'I missed you', Marissa finally said quietly into his shoulder. Her hands had glided up so they were resting on each side of his neck. Staring gently into his icy blue eyes, she smiled shyly.

'You have no idea, Marissa, none at all', Ryan replied. Oh, how much he wanted to kiss her. But he restrained himself, just. Making a suggestion to collect her bags, he led her off into the terminal. Their hands brushed as they walked along, fingertips touching as they swayed. It was a weird moment. Both of them wanted each other, though didn't dare let their feeling out. It was totally pointless and was killing them. Someone just had to make the first move. But with the run that those two had had, it wasn't likely that it was going to be made any time soon. It was as if the act was criminal, even. Sneaking glances at Ryan, Marissa could feel her heart yearning for him. And no doubt that he was feeling exactly the same way. Suppose they could go on for eternity just waiting for the other to express their feelings.

'This one's mine', she said, pointing to the pink and red striped suitcase in front of them.

'I bet it is! And here I thought you would come back all tough and manly.'

Marissa pulled a face, before breaking into hysterics. God, he had a way to make her laugh. Though usually Ryan was the 'broody' type with everyone else, but in her presence he shined. Grabbing her round the waist, he lifted both Marissa and her suitcase out of the airport and to the car. She put up a pathetically weak fight against him so it was no trouble at all. Actually, she quite enjoyed being in his arms again. Smiling playfully, she poked him on the arm as he slid into the driver's seat.

'Can I drive?'

'No'

'Please?'

'Not this baby, get your own car'

'But I'm a great driver'

'Compared to Seth, sure you are'

So, the mock fight carried on for a few minutes or so until Ryan reluctantly gave her the keys. Reversing out, Marissa narrowly missed a car coming round a corner. Slamming on the brakes, the two were lucky to still be in one piece. After the initial shock, they both started to laugh a little.

'Well, I have been on a boat for a year.' she reasoned, parking the car again for good measure.

'And don't I know it', Ryan mumbled. He ignored her gaze, trying to disguise his feelings that had been dormant for so long. But the hurt was obvious in his eyes, burning like a fire in his soul. It was painful, to see him in such a way. Placing a hand on his cheek, she turned his face so it was focused on her. Both had to fight the urge to lean forward and relieve the pain. But something in side both of them caused them to hold back. Perhaps it was because neither of them believed that the other still belonged to them. But, in reality they both knew that they would always be connected.

'It's ok now, I'm back now. And, I'm not leaving any time soon.'

As if totally avoiding the subject, Ryan changed directions completely. Hopping out of the car, he once again tackled with her over the car keys, resulting in Marissa in a laughing fit in the passenger's seat. Starting the car, they headed off, back into the life that they had once loved so dearly. But that was a long time ago; would things still be the same? Highly doubt it. But it was spring break, so anything could happen.

Pulling up to the now Mr Roberts and Mrs Cooper-Roberts house, the car fell silent. Neither knew what to say to each other. It had been so long since they had had a I-love-you-but-can't-tell-you moment, so suppose the stops had been put in place. Marissa sighed, staring up at the beautiful mansion before her. This house was so majestic, so sacred. Before her trip, it was just another home. But now…let's just say she didn't take anything for granted. A year of peeling potatoes, hand washing clothes and doing the dishes every night had defiantly changed her look on life.

Her mother and Dr. Roberts were away the weekend, again. Marissa had ringed her a few days before, when she had gotten in range for her mobile to work. Se had to admit; though she loved her mother she was kind of glad that she had the house to herself for a while. She just needed some time to settle down and get back into a routine. But that wasn't to say that she wanted to be totally alone.

'Do you wanna come in?' she asked him nervously, expecting him to decline.

'Uh sure.' he replied. Secretly, he had been yearning to spend more time with her away from everyone else. They all made it more complicated, harder to deal with the fact that they weren't together.

They both stepped out of the car, as an awkward silence swept over them. Ryan grabbed her suitcase from the boot and headed toward the house with Marissa by his side. Her hair, still as long as before, fell beautifully around her shoulders. The dress, short but tasteful, showed off her best assets that pretty much made her irresistible. Yet somehow, she managed to be so insecure. She compared herself to other girls and felt that she was the one with all the faults. When she was with Ryan, however, he made her feel special. Like she was the only girl meant for him. And, that's exactly how he felt about her. Together or not, fighting or friends, there was always going to be an attraction, a connection between them.

Fumbling with the keys that she had retrieved from under the mat, she eventually opened the door to an immaculately kept house. She had to admit, her mother certainly had a way with décor. Though, with the odd tank top or CD lying around it was obvious that Kaitlin had made herself at home the last year. Walking inside, she heaved a sigh. Well, she was defiantly back at Newport now. Ryan carefully placed her suitcase down and walked to her side. There was no other place that he wanted to be other than beside her. After all, this was where he felt most at home. She had cast a spell over him that could never ever be lifted again.

'Oh', she said brightly, turning to face him, 'I brought you a present!'

Ryan let out a mock groan, but willingly accepted the package after she had retrieved it from the masses of clothes that she failed to fold when she packed. Carefully, he pulled the ribbon undone and pulled away the paper. Inside, was a perfectly carved miniature yacht. He had once said to her that one day, he would buy them a big one that they would sail around the world in., all alone. That was to be his gift to her, to get her away from all the pain that this place caused her over the years.

Holding it in his hands, Ryan ran his fingers along the side of the finely painted wood. He was speechless. It wasn't the yacht that caused it though, but the fact that she remembered what he had said such a long time ago. And, the realisation finally hit him. He had to have her back. The fact was that he couldn't honestly survive without her, couldn't live without her. Never before had he longed so much for her touch. They had gone too long without each other. Now, it was time for the two to be reunited once again.

'Marissa, I love you', he said huskily, taking a step closer to her.

Taking one arm, he wrapped it around her waist and pulled her lithe body close to his. Their mouths found each other like old friends and the two kissed deeply, passionately like it was the last chance they would ever have. Marissa was caught a bit aback, but didn't force him off. This was what she wanted, more than ever. Running one hand through his hair, she felt his hands caress her body. Here, was where she felt safe. Marissa let her hands drift down to either sides of his neck and let them rest there.

Ryan picked her up, with their lips still connected. He tactfully managed to carry her, kiss her and walk up the stairs at the same time. Though, she didn't carry much weight at all so it wasn't much of an issue. Finding his way to her room, he let her down gently on to the queen sized bed. She pulled him down on top of her, hands underneath his wife-beater. Ryan pulled it off, revealing a soft but toned body. His fingers gently pulled down the straps of her dress, undoing the buttons and taking it off. She felt a happy shiver go down her spine at the feel of his hands against her bare stomach. Her hands pulled him down to a point where Ryan was basically so close that he was laying on her. Their skin rubbed against each other as she unhooked her pink bra. Ryan, energetic but loving, stopped for a moment to look her in the eyes and said,

'Are you sure, Marissa?' was all he could get out before she pulled his mouth back to hers.

The lanky girl undid his belt, pulling it out. It was like she was a pro, now. She undid the buttons on his pants and slid them off. He, in turn, gently pulled down her underwear and ran his fingers gently across her lower stomach. Marissa giggled into his shoulder, and it didn't take her long to rip off his boxers. Nibbling at her neck, Ryan slowly let himself into her temple.

The duo lay asleep; Marissa snuggled in the warmth of Ryan's arms. He held her firmly, despite his dreamlike state. They had a smooth blanket tossed across their bare bodies, though it made no difference as no one was coming home. Marissa rubbed her cheek against his chest, causing him to stir. Blurrily, Ryan looked down at the one he loved. She looked almost angelic, her hair still perfect and skin unblemished. One of her hands was rested on his own, as if griping for him in her dream. His heart was aching to kiss her sweet mouth, to hold her closer. Bending his head down, he leant his lips against her forehead and let them rest there for a while. Marissa, sensitive to the touch, let her eyes flutter open. Looking at Ryan, she smiled groggily.

'Hey', he whispered tenderly, stroking her cheek.

'Hello', she replied equally as quiet.

Moving down more in the bed, Ryan pulled her closer and she failed object. He inhaled the sweet scent of her hair, letting it ferment under his nose. Tilting her head slightly, she gave his a sweet morning kiss.

'I love you too', the girl stated whole-heartedly. Ryan, filled with joy, returned her kiss as a sign that things were only going to get better.