Chapter 3

A/N: Hello! I have decided to continue with this story. It's been a while! Thanks!!

Marissa sat in the bedroom and spent the rest of the evening getting settled and thinking about the breakup with Jason. She felt sorry for him, they had invested a lot of time in each other, and she knew he loved her. Then all of a sudden, out of no where Marissa found herself back in Newport. Marissa didn't want to leave again. It was home and it was where she belonged. It had nothing to do with Ryan. She promised herself, this was not about Ryan. He was with Taylor. It was now Sunday, the day she was going to the Cohen's. It would be great to see everyone again, Kirsten, Sandy, and the baby. It would be good to see Seth again- he was always good for making everyone laugh. Ryan wouldn't be there. Marissa still wasn't sure if she found this to be a good or bad thing.

__________________________________________________________________

Kirsten was in the kitchen Sunday morning, feeding Sophie, and reading over some stuff for work. Multi-tasking was something she had been doing for the past twenty years, since Seth was a baby. Most people thought she was crazy, having a child in her forties, when her child was out of high school and on to college. It had proved to be a really great choice for her. Kirsten had always wanted a daughter, and though she thought her days of having children were over, it was a surprise to have such a beautiful, healthy little girl.

"Good morning mom," Seth said, entering the kitchen.

"Hey Sophie, wow, that breakfast looks so, disgusting, I mean delicious," He said, referring to how she had decided to take her orange juice, oatmeal, and strawberries and mix them together.

"Hi! Where is Summer?"

"Still sleeping. We wanted to tell you together, but I can't help it. We got a house yesterday. It's only five minutes from you guys, it's beautiful. We will be moving in in about three weeks to a month,"

"Wow! Well, I will miss both of you, but that is great! I am happy for you. Me and your father will have to go see it sometime this week"

"Yeah, sure thing,"

"Where is dad! I wanted to say happy birthday!"

"He went golfing with his friends from work,"

"So, have you talked to Ryan at all, he really isn't coming tonight?"

"I haven't talked to him since when he was here yesterday, and he told me he wouldn't be able to come because of Taylor's party for work,"

"Oh, alright. Summer told you Marissa is coming?"

"Yes! It will be good to see her again. I called Julie and told her to come on over too. She has been acting weird, I haven't seen her in a while, but she agreed to come over with Marissa, so it should be a nice little get together."

"Alright, well I have to go get Summer up for some stupid paperwork we have to sign for the house and everything,"

"Well, if you need any help with any of it, just let me or your father know. I know it can he hard,"

"Right,"

__________________________________________________________________

Ryan had ended up at Taylor's place. After the phone conversation he had felt badly about it. He really cared about her but in the past twenty four hours, after finding out Marissa was back, his mind had been elsewhere. He had showed up at Taylor's and apologized again for not being able to see her this morning. He could tell she was really busy doing stuff for a work, but he stayed and just spent time with her and she went over stuff. After she was done, they went to bed together. They just cuddled and talked for a while.

"Ryan, I am so scared," Taylor admitted.

"Why? What are you scared of?"

"Marissa being back. All day I have just been so worked up over it. I just saw her, and how pretty she is, and all of the history, and I have always felt so insecure about myself when it came to her. All through high school, she was the center of everyone's attention. I know you haven't seen her such a long time, and I just am scared of those old feelings coming back-"

"Taylor, I moved on. Marissa and I do have a lot of history. I will always care about her, and remember our time together, but I don't love her anymore Taylor. Her being back isn't going to change anything with us, okay. You just have to trust me,"

"I trust you,"

Taylor fell asleep a few minutes later, and Ryan tried so hard to keep his mind off of Marissa. He knew sooner or later he would end up seeing her.

The next morning, Taylor woke up early to leave for work. Her and Ryan kissed a few times, and then she was gone. Ryan decided to give Seth a call and see if he wanted to grab lunch. He really just needed to get his mind off of things.

"Seth, what's up?"

"Nothing much. Singing a lot of creepy finical paperwork. Summer and I bought a house together. Just firming things up,"

"Wow! That is great man! I was just wondering if we could grab lunch together,"

"Yeah, sure, I should be done soon. I'll meet you for the usual at noon?"

"Yeah, alright, I will see you then,"

Seth met Ryan at the diner.

"How did it go? All the house stuff?"

"Eh, you know. Boring. It will be nice once we move in and stuff. Then Summer and I can start planning on the wedding. Oh joy, I can decide what colors bow's to put on the chair. I think pink, but you know, it might clash with other thing's. Summer really likes purple,"

"Seth, hold up, you and Summer are getting married?"

"Yes. I asked her the other night. I brought her a new dress, and had her take a limo, and I had her meet me at harbor, the coffee stand where, well you of course know the story,"

"Wow, that is really great man, how did you manage that,"

"Oh, I have my ways Ryan. So how are things in Ryan's world?"

"I can't stop thinking about her…"

"Who is her? Taylor? Your girlfriend, that you really care about?" Seth said, even though he knew very well Ryan was talking about Marissa.

"Not quite. Well, I went over there last night. We talked and I assured her Marissa being back didn't mean anything for us. That she was girlfriend, and Marissa and I were over. I think I was trying to convince myself more then her."

"Don't even think about it, man. I mean who even knows how long she is going to be here. Taylor is great, and I haven't seen you this happy in a while. Don't throw that away for Marissa,"

"Wow, I can't believe you of all people are saying this. I mean you were always the one trying to push us together,"

"That was high school. It's not high school anymore. Marissa probably isn't even the same person you remember,"

"You're right. It's no big deal that she is pack. I give her a few weeks here before she gets bored and leaves again," Ryan said.

They finished lunch and didn't mention Marissa again the rest of lunch.

"Alright, well thanks for coming man. I just really needed to get some stuff of my mind. Which, I know, I never do. I'll see you tonight,"

"You're coming? I thought you had something to go to,"

"Taylor and I decided that I should be with my family instead. She doesn't exactly have time for me at those things, so like I said, I'll see you tonight,"

Seth thought for a minute if he should say anything about Marissa coming too. It might be awkward for both of them. He decided not to.

__________________________________________________________________

Marissa was almost finished getting ready. She had showered, did her hair, applied makeup, and got dressed in a cute, casual, summer dress. It was strapless, pink, and went down to about her knee. Her hair was perfectly straight, dirty blonde, hanging down past her shoulders. Her mother was ready as well, and the headed over to a place that Marissa hadn't been to in a very long time. They arrived and let themselves in the front door, and walked into the all to familiar kitchen.

Marissa saw Kirsten in there preparing flutes of champagne, filling one with ginger ale for herself.

"Kirsten!" Marissa said, going up to her giving her a hug, "It's really nice to see you again!"

"You too! Tell me that is not baby Sophie over there! She is not a baby anymore!"

"Yup! She is three and a half now, such a big girl!"

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Oh no, I will just catch up with your mom! Seth and Summer are outside by the pool,"

"Alright, I'll head out though,"

Marissa passed Sandy, going through the kitchen.

"Happy birthday Mr. Cohen," Marissa hugged him.

"Good to see you kid. How is it in Hawaii? How is Jimbo doing?"

"Great. Him and Haley are still together, her line is doing great, and he loves it. He has really gotten to start his life over again,"

"Good! Glad to hear it. I'm happy for him! Good to have you back for a bit,"

Marissa headed outside and saw Summer and Seth sitting outside.

"SETH COHEN!" Marissa said.

"Marissa! Let's hug!" He said giving Marisa hug.

"Wow, we haven't done this since you left the night of graduation. It's been a long time," Seth told her.

"Too long! So how have you two been? I can't believe you two are getting married. That it so cute, you two have been together forever,"

"Six years," Summer said, smiling. It was going to be forever.

"I can't even remember the last time that I hung out with the two of you, well just the two of you. Maybe that night when we were all in the hot tub, and Summer, remember we wanted Seth to have a threesome with us, which you turned down, Seth," Marissa started laughing really hard at this point.

"Oh, silly me. Well, I would gladly reconsider," He joked.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You must be thrilled to have Marissa back," Kirsten said to Julie.

"Yeah, it's really great, I just wish it was under better circumstances,"

"What do you mean? Is everything okay with Marissa?"

"I have cancer," Julie admitted. "It's spread a bit,"

"Oh Julie, I am so sorry. If you need anything, anything at all, please let me know,"

"Thank you, very much. It means a lot to me. I just wanted to let you know why I have been acting so distant."

_________________________________________________________________

Ryan opened the front door, and let himself, as he always did. This place was home to him. This was the same door he had walked into when Sandy had first taken him in. From that point on, his life was never the same. He had both of them to thank for the person he had become. Sandy, Kirsten, Seth, and Marissa all helped to make him the person he was today.

He walked into the kitchen to see both Kirsten and Julie talking. Julie was here? Did that mean that Marissa was also here.

"Hi everyone,"

"Ryan? I didn't know you were coming, what about Taylor's party?" Kirsten asked.

"She didn't really need me there, I decided to come here instead. I'm sorry I didn't let you know sooner,"

"Oh no! You are always welcome here. The kids are out back, we will be having dinner in a little less then an hour,"

"Alright,"

Ryan found Sandy, and told him happy birthday, and then headed into the backyard. Then he saw her. It was like time stopped for a moment. It was Marissa. Sitting down next to Seth and Summer. She looked beautiful. It felt like had been looking at her for minutes, but it was really seconds. Then she turned around, and their eyes met. Ryan got himself to move somehow and walked over to the three of them.

"Wow, Marissa, you're back?" Ryan said, it was all he could mutter.

"Yup! It's good to see you Ryan!" She hugged him, and he hugged her back, smelling her hair, and feeling her against him. It was a lot harder seeing her then he ever thought it was going to be.

"Ryan, I had no idea you were coming!" Summer said.

"Oh, I told Seth earlier, I didn't think it was a big deal," Ryan now understood the reason Kirsten had that reaction. Marissa had been there. Had they known Ryan was coming, they would have at least given him and Marissa some warning.

"Oh, he did? Seth, can I talk to you for a minute?" Summer asked him.

Summer pulled Seth by the ear, and brought him over to talk in the pool house.

Ryan and Marissa laughed nervously, and then didn't say anything.

"Okay, this is awkward," Ryan said.

"It really doesn't have to be," Marissa smiled.

"You're right. So how you been? What are you up?"

"Well, I finished school at HPU. Was looking for a place and a job, but then I decided while I had the time to come back here for a while. What about you? How have you been doing?"

"Great. I got my own place, just about ten minute away. A condo, beach front property. Kirsten really went all out decorating it. I started working at the Newport group, it's only been awesome so far,"

"And you're with Taylor now. When did you two start, um, dating?"

"A couple of months before graduation actually. We just started hanging out, and it just kind of happened. Do you have a boyfriend-"

"Jason. Well, I don't know if him and I are still together. I don't really plan on going back anytime soon, so I don't really know how it will work,"

"How long do you plan on staying here?"

"A while…"

"What made you come back?"

"I don't think my mom has really told anyone yet, besides my dad and I, she has cancer, and she obviously needed someone, so I decided to come. It could be months, a year that I am here. Part of me just wants to say, and build my life here,"

"Oh wow, Marissa, I am sorry to hear about your mom,"

"Thanks,"

Seth and Summer came back from the pool room, and they all continued to make small talk. Soon enough it was dinner. Everyone made small talking during dinner, and eventually got in to old memories. It was kind of funny to look back to these things now. Marissa was glad to see Mom having a good time. Dinner lasted a while. A small cake, in which Sophie insisted on blowing out the candles, was for dessert. After that, Sandy left to go give Sophie a bath, and get her into bed. Kirsten and Julie cleaned up, and continued to talk.

"I think we should all go for a swim!'" Summer suggested.

"I think me and my mother are going to get going soon," Marissa said, "Sometime soon though, okay?"

"Aw, alright. Well Cohen, Atwood?"

"I think I am going to go home and crash, I have to work early tomorrow," Ryan said.

"Well, if I get to see you in a bikini, I guess I'll go in. That huge ring I got you might make you sink though, and I don't feel like doing CPR on you," Seth told Summer.

"Cohen, just come with me and get changed,"

They left to change, once again, leaving the two alone. Ryan and Marissa.

"Tonight was actually really fun," Marissa told him.

"Yeah, it was, just like old times,"

They both just looked at each other. There was something there. There was such a strong connection. It took everything Ryan had not to reach in, and kiss her. He couldn't do that. It wasn't fair to anyone, Taylor, Marissa, or even himself. He found himself moving closer, like he was going to do it. Marissa started to move closer, then all of a sudden they heard the door open, and Summer and Seth were running towards them, about to jump into the pool.

"You two are no fun! You should be going in with us!"

"I am going to get going," Marissa said.

"Yeah, me too,"

"Alright, well, before you leave Cohen and I wanted to officially tell you two something,"

"What is it?" Marissa asked.

Seth started, "Ryan, you are like a brother to me- well actually you legally are kind of like my brother, though not blood, but who cares about things like that, I know I sure don't. I mean-"

"Cohen- just get the point," Summer said rolling her eyes.

"I want you to be my best man Ryan, when Summer and I get married. We are planning on a New Years Eve wedding,"

"Yeah, I want to get married right at midnight, going into the new year. I want you to be my maid of honor,"

"I would love to!" Marissa said.

"Seth, you know my answer, of course,"

"Okay! Great! So, um, I know this is short notice. But I got a room in Las Vegas, where I was planning on having the wedding, it's a very nice hotel, not cheesy, but I wanted to go see it. We would be back Saturday, before the party," Summer announced.

"You want to do a trip to Las Vegas? This Friday night? What about the party?" Ryan asked, talking about Sandy's party that Saturday night, in which most of Newport would be at.

Summer nodded, "We were going to come back Saturday, in time for the party"

Marissa looked around for a minute, "Yeah, of course I can go,"

"Atwood?" Summer asked.

"So, we would go, the four of us?" Ryan asked.

"Well, I mean you can bring Taylor if you want, I was planning on asking her to be a bride's maid,"

Oh great. If Taylor came on this trip, Marissa would have to find some way to cancel. That would be hell, total hell.

"I can ask her if she wants to go, I'll see what she says, but either way, I am going," Ryan said. It would be hard, but for some reason the idea of spending time with Marissa really appealed to him.

"Alright! I can't wait! Marissa, I wanted to start shopping for stuff for the house. Seth has like no taste in anything, so I was wondering if you wanted to come out with me, um, I think Tuesday night would be best? Does that work for you? Kirsten is going to come too I think,"

"Yeah, that is perfect, see you then Sum. Bye Seth, see you this weekend!"

"Yeah, bye everyone," Ryan said, heading out.

Marissa and him both walked into the kitchen, almost bumping into each other entering the door.

"Kirsten, it was a really great dinner, thanks. Tell Sandy I said happy birthday again. Ryan told her.

"Yeah, it was really great seeing all of you again!" Marissa said, " I am sure I will be seeing you again soon,"

Marissa and Ryan both reached the driveway. Why did they suddenly feel so awkward around each other, Marissa thought. Most of the evening hadn't been so bad, but then the trip came up, and it was weird from that point on.

"It was nice seeing you again, Ryan," Marissa said, standing by her mother's car, waiting for her to come out.

"It was nice seeing you again, Marissa, it was. I am sorry if I didn't act it. I just wasn't expecting you, and it's been such a long time and-"

"I know, it's complicated," Marissa finished.

"Yeah, but I am sure it will get easier. We're going to be seeing a lot of each other. We are both in the wedding and all. Summer is your best friend, and Seth is my brother," Ryan said.

"I am sure it will get easier and easier each time," Marissa said.

"Well, I suppose I will see you next weekend?" Ryan asked.

"Yes, I will see you then. Tell Taylor I said hi," Marissa said. Almost to remind herself that Ryan was with her, he had moved on, and she had to always remember that.

"I will, good night Marissa," He drove off. It was still early, he thought about stopping by Taylor's party, but decided not to. He was tired, and he would see her tomorrow.

"I'm sorry, I was just finishing up with Kirsten," Julie told Marissa. She handed Marissa the keys, "I am exhausted, do you think you can drive home?"

"Yeah, of course I can,"

"Marissa, you look nervous, are you ok?" Julie had a feeling the way her daughter looked had to do with Ryan, the love of Marissa's young life.

"Just weird seeing Ryan again, I am fine though, let's just head home. Oh, I was going to head to Vegas next weekend, do you mind? When do your start your treatment and everything,"

"Not until next Tuesday, of course you can go Marissa,"

"Okay, I just, I know mom that we didn't always get along the best when I was young. I know when our family kind of fell apart, you and I just broke apart. Then we started to get close again, and I just left. I am sorry for doing that,"

"Marissa, don't worry about that. I am just so glad you are here with me now,"

A/N: Let me know what you think! If there is an interest in it, I will keep going with it. If there really isn't anymore, then I wont continue, so if you like it, let me know so I keep going with it.