A/N: Hey everyone hope your enjoying sorry its been taking a while to get the chapters on the net. All the fluff is about to start...and some troubled waters too!?!?!? Read and enjoy oP
A Week Full Of Struggles And Changes
Ryan had gone home and practically went straight to sleep. Everything with Marissa, all the stress from work at the moment and the severe lack of sleep was really starting to catch up with him. As soon as his head hit the pillow he was out like a light. It hadn't seemed that long since he had gone to sleep, when he heard the continous click click click of the playstation controller. "Sethhhhhh" Ryan mumbled. "Hey man...you're awake. cool...so you going to work today. What you doin after work? You going to see Marissa. Summer wants to go. Maybe you can take her so I don't have to. Oh and we're going to the diner for brekfast this morning. Summer wants you there. So you gona come?" Seth rambled so quickly that Ryan was still processing all his questions and the information in his brain. "Woah woah woah. Okay first Seth I haven't had my coffee..." "Well its sitting right next to you" Seth replied with his duh-thats-obvious voice and a smirk on his face. Ryan took a gulp from the cup "mmm coffee...no one thing at a time" "Geez don't you pay any attention Ryan...rite ahh first things first...are you going to work today?" "No I spent the last two days starting work really early and finishing late so I can take the rest of the week off to spend some time with Marissa...and you and Summer too" "Rrrite...Like you'll even pay attention to us if she's around" Ryan shot him one of his deadly stares. "So are you two even going out now or what? It's so hard to keep track" Seth was shot another stare. The stare Ryan always gave Seth. The one that said say-anything-else-and-your-dead!!! "I love her. Let's leave it at that" Ryan responded, glaring at Seth. "Okay well Summ will find out the dtails and tell me anyway. Which reminds me I'm meetin' Summ in half. She wants to know if you wanna come have breakfast with us at the diner. I know there gone be a stack of pancakes with your name on it!" "ahh sure. That'd be great...haven't really seen Summ much lately. And pancakes definitly sound good right about now" Ryan replied licking his lips. "Okay cool well I gunna get changed outta my PJs and we can head off" "Okay" Ryan replied walkin Seth out of his room. Ryan turned around and walked over to his drawers and pulled out a fresh wifebeater, boxer, a pair of jeans, his favourite grey hoodie and black leather jacket.
Just as he was pulling out a pair of clean socks out of one of his draws, something fell out onto the floor...A small black velvet box. Ryan quickly grabbed it up and put it in one of his drawers, underneath a stack of wife beaters just before Seth game rambling in.
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"So man you ready to go?" Ryan turned around and quickly moved across to his bed, sitting down to put his socks on. Afraid Seth might find out about what he was hiding. "Ahh ...yeah. Let's go!" Ryan said getting up after tying his last shoelace. Now before you figure anything out Ryan thought to himself. He began pushing Seth towards the door. "Waaah...wait... are you sure you're feeling okay...you're acting a little weird" Seth queried suspiciously. "I'm fine. Now can we go before my stomache eats itself" Ryan tried. "Please don't make jokes Ryan ...I'm the comedian round here ...And I KNOW you're hiding something buddy...And I gonna find out!" Seth exclaimed challengingly. "Seth I'm not hiding anything ...now can we please go" "Fine we're leaving...But only coz I know my lil pumpkin will be waiting for us!"
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After a short car ride full of Seth's many questions, Ryan was pleased to be at the diner ...thus having Seth's attention turn to Summer and not himself. "Hey shnookums" Seth said walking up to Summer and drawing her into a tight embrace and a quick kiss on the lips. "Ryan! You came...Hope we're not pulling you away from work!?" "Hey Summ. No no. I took the rest of the week off. So I heared you had a good time catching up with Marissa last night. Bet you didn't shut up once" Ryan laughed. "Yeah, well what do you expect my best friends been in a coma for 3 years and I've been waiting for her to wake up so I tell her everything and tell her what's happenng with my wedding!" Summer's face lit up. Ryan knew just how hard the crash had been on Summer and how happy she was that Marissa was finally awake to be in her wedding. Ryan and Summer would be there visiting Marissa and after a while they got to talking. About Marissa, life, experiences and just everday stuff as well. As each month went by they got a little closer and were now quite good friends. There was never any awkard hugs anymore and they would talk now. Before they hardly said two words to each other. Now they could sit down and talk for ages and there was never any awkwardness like before. It was good and they knew Marissa would be happy about it too.
"So have you got everything planned out now?" Ryan asked. "Yep. Now all we have to do is set an actual date and order the food and bouquets and everything. Then we'll be married!" She sighed and gave Seth a huge smile. She couldn't wait til she married the man of her dreams. Sure they had their fights and they weren't the most perfect couple...but then again whoever is? ... All Summer knew was that Seth made her feel happy and treated her like a princess and loved her unconditionally and that had only been what she had ever wanted!!! "Cool. Well as soon as Marissa's out everyone will be there!" Ryan replied. He couldn't wait til Marissa was out...or for this wedding to be out the way...then Summer would stop talking about it and Seth wou;d stop complining to Ryan about all the decisions he had to help make and how much Summer kept going on about the wedding.
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The three sat eating pancakes and talking about bit and pieces. After they had eaten the topic of conversation moved onto Ryan. "So if you're not at work are you planning on doing Atwood?" Summer quired (although she already knew what the answer would be). "Ahh I think I'm just gonna spend some time with Marissa and yous I guess. Actually since we have finished here I think I'll go there now and see her" Ryan added. "Oh well I was going to do the same. Did you just wanna come with me and Seth can take the car back to your house? I'm sure he needs some down time with Captain Oats or something boring to do" Summer joked. "I'll have you know that Captain Oats is never boring. And actually I was going to get the wedding rings today" "Well If you're going to do that then I may as well get a lift off ya Summ. If the offers still there?" "Sure. Why don't we go there now...then we'll have more time with Marissa!" "Well I guess I'll see yous later" Seth added, getting up stretching and rubbing his belly. mmm. Those were some good pancakes He thought. "I'll meet you back at home" Summer said cheerfully, delegently placing a kiss on Seth's mouth. And with that Seth walked to his car and headed for the jewellers.
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After finishing their pancakes and milkshakes, Ryan and Summer left sortly after Seth. Paying as they walked out the door. "Do you think she might want some more magazines or anything from her house?" Summer asked as they walked out to her silver convertable. "Ahhh nah. I think she said Kaitlin brought everything she needs from home ...and you definitly bought her enough magazines to last a while" Ryan laughed. "You can never have enough magazines to read...besides the goss changes everyday. You should know that by now Atwood" She laughed back and gently hit his arm. "Yeah yeah" Ryan replied. Living in Newport definitly had made him more aware of the lives of the celebrities.
"So we'll just drive straight there?" Summer asked. "Yeah. Sure...I did tell her I'd be there before she woke up" Ryan said guiltily. He knew she was probably awake by now. He made a mental note to make it up 2 her one day...he knew how much she needed someone around...Ryan knew how lonely and boring hospitals could be...
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Marissa was lying in her bed...utterly exhausted. Ryan and Summer came in just as she began to relax and started to think when Ryan was going to get there...he had promised to be here before I woke She thought.
"Hey hun..." Summer stopped and looked at her friend. Ryan looked up as he entered right behind Summer. "Marissa...ahh What happened? Are you okay? Why's your hair soaking wet?" Ryan asked rushing to her side, sitting on the side of her bed, picking up her hand. "I'm fine. I just had my first session with Sammy...my Physio Therapist. It was just a lot of hard work and hurt so I guess I'm a little sweaty. Sorry...Actually I was just about to go for a shower..." Marissa looked down and her voice became almost a whisper " The nurse wil be here soon...to..help me" Marissa was so embarassed. She hated the fact that someone had to help her shower. She was a 21 year old women now...not a five year old...She shouldn't need help but she knew she didn't have the strength to stand there on her own and bend down to wash her self properly. And to admit it to her firends was even harder. She hated what they might think of it. She tried to forget about it and just deal with the fact that a complete stranger had to rub her up and down in the shower and dry her off and help her change or go to the toilet...all those simple things only a little kid would need help with.
"Ohh well we might go out and buy you some more magz or something! Anything you want or need?" Marissa was glad they seemed to not think much about her situation and leave her to get cleaned up. "Ahh no I think I'm good. Thanks" Marissa gave a small smile. Ryan sensed her tension and wrapped an arm around her and gave her a sweet kiss on her forehead. "It's okay we understand baby" Ryan whispered, looking down into Marissa's eyes. His eyes reflexing the knowing and then the care Marissa needed to feel.
"Well then. Lets go grab something at the gift store downstairs Ryan...And maybe some better coffee?" She directed her attention to Marissa as Ryan began to get up and walk towards the door. "That would be great. Thanks guys" And with that they left walking out the door and making way for the nurse to enter as well.
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When the nurse came in Marissa began to feel really uncomfortable and anxious. She hated depending on people...and the only person she wanted to see her body naked was Ryan. Not some stranger she didn't even know.
"Hi Miss Cooper. My name's Michelle. I'm just going to help you out with your shower and make sure nothing bad happens. We don't want you slipping and hurting yourself again do we?" The nurse explained cheerfully. "Ahhh yeahhhhhh" Marissa replied hesitantly. "Well let's get you in there so we can get you back into bed before your friends come back hey!?" "Do...do you have to come in?" "Well yeah. If anything happens to you it's our responsibility and your health is important to us" The nurse replied a little confused that Marissa was hesitant and really insecure about having her there to help her. But the nurse was used to it. Many people didn't like to admit they needed help to do these things or have someone there to make sure nothing happened. "Look I know it must be a little hard to trust me or to feel comfortable being helped to shower by a complete stranger..But I have seen plenty of people. I've seen just about all types of bodies and there is nothing to be embarassed about. You just need a little help until your body is able to cope with doing these sort of things on there own" Marissa was sitting on the edge of her bed quietly..but her anger and frustration was brewing and it was about to let slip...
"Don't you get it..It is fucking embarassing. I don't even know you and I don't want you touching me while I'm naked. It's just weird and I'm fucking fine. I think I can stand on my own for like the 15 minutes it takes for me to have a shower. I don't want anyone to see me naked or help me shower. My body is only for my and my boyfriend Ryan's eyes only!!!" She finished, calming down. "Umm. Look this seems to be abig deal for you and I understand but I need to be in there to make sure you don't slip. Marissa was starting to get frustrated again as it seemed like they were just going in circles. But then Marissa remembered back to when she was really little and her mother had very occasionally taken her to see her grandmother before she died. She remembered walking passed her gran's toilet and seeing a chair in the shower. She had asked her mom and she had told her because her granmother was too weak she would sit in it and have her shower that way.
"Okay we'll if it's just because you don't want me falling can't I get a chair in their like they have in retirement places?" "Ahh yes but I will still need to be in the bathroom but I can get a chair for you if you want?" "Yes. And I know its just your job but can't you wait outside the door" "Umm as long as you don't lock the door then that should be fine" Michelle replied then turned on her heels and went to get the chair. God that was hard Marissa thought And I haven't even had the shower yet. While she was waiting she messaged Ryan ...Hey Ry. So I'm gunna need a bit more time for my shower. Had a bit of an argument with the nurse but sorted it out. So give me say another 45 minutes and I should be showered and back in bed. Ryan replied back An argument? Are you okay? I can come back now and tell Summ to go home if you want? MArissa could sense is worry and protective streak coming out again No Im fine. I wanna see you guys today. I'll be fine... just need a bit longer. Thanks.Ryan wasn't sure if she really was okay but he knew he had to do what she said. He would talk to her about it later. He promised he would. He had promised himself after the crash that he would always talk with her and sort things out and communicate better. That was what always got them...Not communicating...But that would change... Okay see you in an hour then.
Just then thenurse came back in carrying a large plastic chair. Marissa quickly snapped the phone shut and put it on her bedside table. "Thanks. Amnd sorry I snapped...I just don't like it that's all" "Don't worry I ued to getting snapped at in this job" She laughed "Not many people like an attractive stranger scrubbing them up and down or even just helping them stand in the shower...Well except some of the guys" Marissa and Mchelle both laughed. They both knew how the sleezy guys were. "Yeah. Guess you do get a bit of tantrums" Marissa add. "Yup. But it's my job and I love it. Anyway here you go" Michelle said placing the chair in the middle of the shower. "Now I'm going to be right outside this door. Don't be afraid to ask for help okay?" "Okay. Thanks Marissa said slowly getting off the bed. Michelle walked out the bathroom and helped Marissa walk over to the shower. "Just chuck your PJ's over here" Michelle said pointing away from the shower. "I'll get a new pair out for you and then I can pass them through the door when your ready. And your towel is over the hook just here" She added. "And please, please, please don't try and pick the other PJs up... I'll do that when your done" She hurriedly added. Making sure Marissa wouldn't try to pick them up in case she fell or something happened. "Okay. Thanks" Marissa replied closing the door behind her. "Oh and please use the chair Marissa. Don't try and stand. Promise?" Michelle asked. "Sure" Was all Marissa could say. She didn't wanna be one of those old lady's that did that in retirement and she didn't feel right sitting naked on a chair in the middle of the shower. Or stting on the chair at that ...She didn't like the fact that thousands of naked people had probably sat on it to take their showers and as much detergent as they used..it would just be ...yucky. So she told Michelle she would. She wasn't really lying in all fac. She was promiding she'd use the chair at all times and after that short walk in there she knew she would use the chair to lean on...
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Her hand had been on the chair at all the time giving her support. But it still hurt Marissa ...a lot. A few times she had groaned and screamed out in agony from different movements she was doing to try and wash herself and the muscles were hurting. It had been the longest periodmof time she had stood for in more than 3 years...and she was really feeling it. "Arghhh" Marissa screamed out as she tried to bend down to wash her lower half. "Marissa, Are you okay in there? I think I should come in" Michelle, the nurse, inquired afraid Marissa was doing more damage. "No! I'm fine. I just lent down too far. I'm nearly done. Can you just get my clothes out...please" Marissa begged. She really didnt feel like having a stranger walk in on her showering...especially since she had promised her she would sit in the chair while showering. "Okay. Well hope out and start drying off and I'll get your clothes" Michelle replied. She didn't know if she should leave her after the screams and little grunts Marissa had extinguished from the pain, but she went and got the clothes. Marissa had said she was fine and Michelle knew it was a big thing for Marissa to do this on her own so she let her be. "You nearly done sweetie. I got your fresh PJs here" Michelle spoke as she walked towards the bathroom door. "Just a sec" Marissa opened the door slightly poking her head out and grabbing the clothes from Michelle. "Thanks Michelle. I'll just be a sec getting changed" "Grab onto the bench so you dont fall over okay!? And just take it easy. Don't over do it and if you need a little help just ask okay. I don't want you opening up any old wounds or hurting yourself" Michelle smiled. Marissa returned the smile and shut the door. She had whinced a few times trying to get her underwear on. It had killed her but she had got them on herself. But now she needed to rest for a minute. There was a small bench where you could put your belongings on while you showered. Marissa sat as much on it as she could.
God this hurts. Even sitting like this is such a hard task. I just wish I could be better and be outta here...and be able to do everything on my own! Marissa put her face in her hands and let a few sobs escape. She felt so useless and stupid. "Marissa are...are you okay? Is everything alright in there?" "No. It hurts. I'm aching everywhere. I just want it to stop. I can't..." She let out another sob. "can't even dress myself!" She replied verbally kicking herself for being so weak and stupid. "I'm going to come in okay!?" Michelle slowly opened the door and saw where Marissa was silently crying. She walked over and bent down to Marissa's level. "Hey" She said giving her a hug "Hey. It's okay. Everyone has a lot of trouble with their first real shower after such a long time. You've actually done pretty well. Most people can't even make it through half a shower when they call out for help" Michelle pulled away looking at Marissa, making her see the truth behind her words. Marissa's cries subsided and she gave a small yet awkward smile. "Right! Now let's finish getting you dressed and back into that bed so I can give you some more pain killers for that throbbing pain hey!?" "Yeah. Thanks Michelle" Marissa said quietly with an appreciative smile.
Michelle bent down and Marissa stepped into her flanel pants. Michelle pulled them up to where Marissa would be able to reach and Marissa finished pulling them over her waist while Michelle got her singlet. Marissa put her arms up and Michelle pulled her arms through the holes and slipped it over her head. Marissa played with the edge of her shirt and adjusted her clothes so they were sitting comfortably around her body. "Ahh great teamwork!" Michelle said brightly. "Thanks. I thought I could do it...but it just got so sore and everything started to ache" "That's normal. But trust me it will get easier and its nothing to be embarassed about okay!?" "Yeah thanks" They both exchanged appreciative, knowing smiles. "Now lets get you backin that bed" Michelle laughed as she began to notice how tired Marissa looked. And Marissa could feel her body tiring as well. "Please" They laughed amd Michelle helped support Marissa over to the side of the bed. Marissa slowly turned around and sat down really slowly and gently as she could. Her body had been through enough this morning. She gently lay down, slightly propped up against the pillows so she was in a sort of sitting postion. Michelle pulled the blankets over Marissa and made her comfortable. "How's that?" She asked "Good. Just everything is still aching" Marissa replied honestly. Michelle turned her back to Marissa and grabbed something. She turned back..."Well this should help" Michelle answered back. She had a needle in her hand and began putting the pain killers into Marissa's drip. She put the used needle and dirty gloves in the special bins and then waited a few moments before asking "Feelin a little better now?" "Yeah thanks...for everything and sorry I was such a pain this morning. You've been really nice. Thank-you" Marissa said feeling guilty for her behaviour earlier and trying to show her appreciation for the understanding and care Michelle had given her. "No Problemo. It's my job ...and don't tell anyone but your my favourite patient" She winked. They both laughed. "Well I'm off to bathe a less beautiful patient" Michelle laughed "See you tomorrow after your next session okay!?" Marissa gave a sarcastic laugh "Can't wait. But I promise to be nicer next time round" "Thanks well catch ya later Marissa" "Cya" Marissa said just as Michelle walked out.
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Marissa had put her head back and rested her eyes for a moment. But not for long...soon Ryan and Summer had entered the room. Marissa stayed where she was. "Ohh She's asleep" Summer cooed. "Maybe we should come back this arvo" Ryan suggested, knowing she needed her sleep. "I'm awake guys" Marissa laughed opening her eyes and lifting her head up to see her two friends at the end of her bed. "Oh" Ryan said. "Come sit" Marissa asked with her large blue puppy dog eyes that she knew Ryan could never resist. Ryan walked over and gently found his usual place sitting next to Marissa as she melted into his side. "And Summ can have the big brown cozy chair" Marissa laughed. Summer flumped into the huge chair.
"Hey are you okay?" Ryan whispered. "Have you been crying? What happened Riss?" Ryan asked worried and sympathetically. "I'm better now you're here. It was nothing really"m "But I thought you said you had a fight with the nurse?" Ryan asked confused. He knew something had happened and he wanted her to talk. "We did. She kept insisting on being in the shower and helping me shower but din't want her to. So then I suggested having a chair in there instead and she an wait outside so thats what happened" "Then why have you been crying?" She hated how it was so obvious when she had been crying and how Ryan knew when something had happened or something was wrong. "Ohh it just hurt a lot when I tried to have my shower and I tired to get changed on my own but the agony was sooo bad that I had to get Michelle to come in and help finish getting me into my clothes...She ended up being a realy nice, very sweet person. I was just being difficult" Marissa replied embarassed. "So Michelle is the...nurse?" "Yeah. She's really nice. Just had to get to know her I guess" "So you sure you're okay now? Are you still in pain?" "Yes and no. Michelle helped me back into bed which is helping. Just lying here is good and she also gave me some more pain killers before she left" Marissa replied. "I'm not hurting you am I? I can move if it is" "You are right where I want you...I feel much better when I'm in your arms Ry" They shared a loving smile and a quick kiss.
Summer had been reading an article in a magazine she didn't get to finish the day before and had just put it down..."Okay you guys...you'll have plenty of time for all that when I'm gone okay. Now before it goes cold. Here's your latte. If anyone askes it wasn't me who brought it in for ya" They all laughed. "Thanks Summ. So hows everything coming along with the wedding?" ...
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The three had been talking for hours when Seth called. "Hey pumpkin. Just bought the rings we both wanted and dropped them off at home for safe keeping. You still at the hospital?" "Ahh yeah. Coop and Chino are all over each other...come save me...please!" Summer joked as everyone fell into hysterics. "Well I'm on my way. See you in 10 minutes or so k?" " Okay. Love you" "love you too" And they shut their phones. "Is Seth going to come over?" Ran asked. "Ahh yeah. Said his already on his way and wil be here in 10 or so. OH MY GOD. You haven't seen him for a while have you Coop" Summer and Marissa laughed "Ahh no. Not since just after I woke up. Why?" Summer giggled. "He's trying to grow a beard. Says it will make him look more 'macho' and 'manly' ...As if his scrawny ass could ever look manly" All three laughed as much as Seth wishes, it defintly wouldn't happen...with or without a beard!
"Heyyy" Seth said coming into Maissa's room. They all cracked up again. "What?" Seth looked confused. What the hell are they laughing about? He thought. "Wwhat?" Seth tried again looking around and over his body "Do I still have soe thai left on my face?... What is it?" "No, there's nothing on your face...wait you had thai without me...oh you're gunna pay...sooo gunna pay" Summer threatened.
"So how you going Marissa? Bet you're just loving the scrumchious hospital food!?" "Don't say srumchious Seth" sai Ryan."Ahh yeah. Totally lov v ve the food" Marissa replied sarcastically. Everyone laughed.
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That's how the next couple days went. Marissa would have her physio and then Michelle would help her with her showers. Marissa had gotten used to Michelle helping her shower and they had become good friends. Everyone knew her physio times and would visit after 10:30am, after they knew she would have had her shower and be settled into bed and pain-free.
Ryan was always the first one there then sometimes it would be her mother or Summer or the Cohens. Sophie had become even closer to Marissa and always asked when she was coming home...
"Mawissa when can you come to Wyans and babysit meee?" "Soon hunny. I'll get out of here soon and then I promise I'll babysit okay?" Marissa said sweetly. Ryan observed quietly. She's going to be the BEST mom. I just know it!!! Ryan thought to himself as he watched them play on Marissa's bed.
Luke had come up to visit ...and so did Anna. Anna was staying with Seth and Summer in their guest room and Luke was staying with his mom. "Killing two birds with one stone" Luke told them.
Luke and Anna tried to visit every second day and everyone hung out everyday. The Cohen's would put on dinner for all the kids and Julie and Neil would join them. Then the kids would go out leaving Julie, Neil, Kirsten and Sandy to talk. It had been a good few days and Marissa was tired but she loved having all her friends there to keep her company. But will she was having fun in the hospital, She couldn't help but wish she was somewhere else...somewhere like home.
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