Home Sweet Home
They were just outside the hospital door. It was Marissa's first time out of the Hospital for almost 4 years and they stood for a moment taking in the warmth of the sunlight, the cool breeze, the beauiful clouds ...And all of the world's glory. It was a beautiful sight.
Ryan was first to break their comfortable silence. "I'm gonna go round to the parking lot and get the car. You gonna be okay here?" "Do ...do we have to take the car?" Marissa asked nervously. Ryan bent down in front of her and stared into her sad, worried eyes. "Hey...hey. I know it's really scary. I mean the last time you were in a car I almost lost you" Ryan looked down to the cement. "I couldn't even go near a car for 3 weeks. Then I had to take a long trip down to L.A to meet some people for work and I couldn't even drive myself. Sandy literally had to push me to even get in the car and he drove me. Then it took me almost another two months to drive again. It was too painful and I didn't want ...it to happen again. But Sandy made me...And I'm glad he did" Ryan looked back up into Marissa's eyes. "Look I know you're still having nightmares about the crash and I know it's scary as hell...but it's the only way we can get you home" Marissa was still worried and nothing Ryan as saying was helping. "Can't we walk or..." "Riss it's too far...Look it was hard for me for my first time back in a car ...But I'm here for you for yours Riss. You know I'm not going to let anything happen to you...Not again...Not ever" Marissa looked up into Ryan's eyes after a moment. A little reassurance hitting her..but she was still scared. "I'm going to take it very slow and if you tell me to stop I will. I promise baby...I'm not letting anything even come close to taking you from me again. Okay!?" "O...Okay" Marissa said shakely. " Ryan stood up a little and pulled Marissa into his arms. He just held her for a while. Dissolving all her fears and worries. If she was with him then nothing would tear them apart again she thought silently. Ryan stood up giving her a soft kiss on her forehead. "Let's go to the car then!" Marissa stated sighing. Ryan wheeled Marissa to where his car sat in the parking lot. He opened Marissa's door for her. At first Marissa jut looked into the car. Then she looked into Ryan's deep blue, reassuring eyes. She gained strength from his reassurance and finally eased her way up put of the wheelchair. Ryan drew her into a hug and held her close. Deep down he was just as nervous about their first car ride together after the crash but he knew he needed to be strong and reassure Marissa that everything would be okay. Secretly it helped reassure himself at the same time. "You ready?" Marissa looked into the car nervously. Then she looked at Ryan. "Ready" she proclaimed.
She gently shifted into the car awkwardly and slowly moved into a comfy position. Ryan closed her door and quickly ran the wheelchair back to the entrance of the hosptial. He put it just inside the entrance where the nurses had told him to and ran back to the car. Marissa was looking out the car window at the clouds above her. Just thinking when Ryan opened the car door and jumped ino the driver's seat. "You ready to roll?" Ryan asked smiling softly. Marissa grabbed his hand and gently squeezed it. "As ready as I'll ever be" And with that they rode off. Heading for a place called home.
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Ryan and Marissa where half way home when Ryan looked at the clock. 12:45pm. Shit...I still have to stall for another 45 minutes Ryan thought. They were just going past the beach when Ryan had an idea. "I wanna take you somewher before we go back to your house" Ryan told her, squeezing her hand. "Ummm okayyyy" Marissa said confused. "Close your eyes!" "What?" Marissa asked confused. She heard what he had said but why did he want her to close her eyes??? "Just close your eyes. Trust me" "Okayyy" Marissa said closing her eyes, still unsure of what Ryan was up to. They drove for another 5 minutes when Ryan turned off the engine. "Don't open them" Ryan said getting out and walking over to her side of the car. "Now I'm going to pick you up. Just tell me if I'm hurting you and I'll put you down okay!?" Ryan told her. Marissa had barely replied when Ryan put one hand under her knees and one at the back of her lower back. He lifted her up in his arms, carrying her like a bride. He kicked the door shut with his foot and carried her over the sand. A little while later Marissa felt Ryan stop. She felt him slowly release her and she stood...her eyes still shut tightly. "Okay. Open them" Ryan whispered into her ear wrapping his arms around her. Marissa leaned back into him and slowly opened her eyes. She felt butterflie, nervous to know where he had taken them. As she opened them she was staring at an old wooden wall. It took her a moment to realise where they were...Her favourite place, where she had always come to think...The old life guard tower. Her mouth fell open. She loved it here and it had been just the place she needed to come to. She gently turned in Ryan's arms and smiled up at him, giving him a kiss. "Thank-you" She said simply. Ryan just smiled and walked to the back of the tower and slowly pulled Marissa down to sit with him. She gently eased her way down and sa in between Ryan's legs. Leaning against him and resting her head upon his chest...like so many times before. But this time something was different!!!
They sat there looking out across the water, cuddling each other, both consumed in their own thoughts...
"I'm sorry Ryan" Marissa spoke quietly. Ryan was startled at first then realise what she had said. "Wait...what?" "I'm sorry" Marissa said again staring out into the ocean. Ryan held his gaze to the back of her. He was really confused and didn't understand what she was saying. "Sorry for what?" He asked confused. He turned her around and shifted so he could look at her. "For everything" Marissa looked into his eyes and then quickly flinched and looked away. Staring at the sandy floor she continued. "For Luke, for Oliver, for DJ, for Johnny, for the drinking, for the all the drama, for TJ, for all our fights and ...just for everything Ryan" Marissa finished with a sigh. "Hey...All that happened in the past okay!?" Marissa urged herself to look up at Ryan. "Look I've done a lot of stuff that has come between us too you know. If anyone should be apologising its me. After the whole Luke thing and the model home and Theresea. Moving back to Chino was a huge mistake. It nearly ruined us for good...I just didn't want to leave a kid without a dad. And then there was the whole Lindsay thing and Sady and I was the reason for lots of those fights too...Look what I'm trying to say is that we both had things that we did and we both caused problems in our past relationship, But that's all in the past and it's made us who we are to day...it's made us as strong as we are now" "I know but..." "No buts ...Riss all that stuff...everything that's happened...it's all in the past but now...now we're together again. I almost lost you but I was given another chance with you and I don't care what has happened in the past. I love you Riss...I have ever since I met you... and I'm not letting anything get in our way again. Not ever. Okay. So don't apologise coz I'm just as guilty and it just doesn't matter anymore. As long as I have you now and we are together now then that's all that matters baby" Ryan wiped away the few tears running down Marissa's cheeks. Her tears had stopped and her frown had been replaced with a slight loving smile...just for Ryan. All that she could manage to get out was..."I love too Ryan" He pulled her back into his body and wrapped his arms around her stomache. Pulling her back as close to him as he could and holding her tight. He wanted to be like this forever. He never wanted her to leave his arms...
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They stared out at the ocean for a while longer when Ryan pulled out his cell and looked at the time...1:15pm it read. Ryan started to panick a little. He had to be at the Roberts mansion in 15 minutes. They would just make it on time if they left now. Ryan moved a little and then spoke up. "What do you rekon...shall we get you home?" "As much as I love sitting here in your arms looking at the most beautiful ocean I know, I rekon that's a good idea!" Ryan got up and slowly helped Marissa to her feet. Marissa whinced when she was standing back up. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" Ryan asked getting worried. "I'm fine. I've just been sitting in the same spot for too long. I just need a minute then we can get going" Marissa began to stretch gently. She stood for a moment, Ryan staring at the beautiful woman in front of him. Marissa turned around and saw Ryan looking at her. "Can't take your eyes off of me hey" Marissa said, cocking one of her eyebrow and flashing a smile. "mmm I just can't help it" Ryan replied not removing his stare. Marissa walked over to him and draped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips against his and Ryan instantly smiled into it. He could never get enough of her sweet lips. Marissa pulled away slowly, Ryan unconciously moving his head closer as hers backed away until he was about to fall forward. He stood up and regained his consciousness. "Okay let's get going before you side track me again" "Why? You don't enjoy it when I ...distract you?" She smirked. "No...I just love it too much. And I think it's time we got you home before people try and find you at the hospital and realise you're not there" Ryan raised his eyebrows "Good point" Marissa replied. They laughed as they headed back to the car. Marissa slowly got in as Ryan held her door. Then Ryan hopped in and started the engine and they were off... headed back to the Roberts' Mansion.
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They arrived at 1.40pm. Ryan knew Summer would be wondering where they were but hoped they were right on time. "You ready?" He asked looking over at Marissa. Marissa was holding his hand and was squeezing it. She didn't know why but she was really nervous. So much had changed and she didn't know what to expect...She was just glad she had Ryan to help her through it all. Marissa gave a last sigh letting her nerves settle and the strength to take over. "Alright...Let's go in" Marissa said. Ryan let go of Marissa's hand and ran to her side and opened her dor for her. He held out his hand and Marissa took it and gently got out of the car. She was surprised at how such a simple daily task could hurt so much. Marissa closed the door behind her and Ryan drew her into a reassuring hug. He always knew wen somethign was wrong and he knew jst holding her helped her gain strength. They stood for a moment embracing each other and then Ryan pulled away slightly and stared into her dark blue eyes. "I'm here and I not going to leave your side okay" "Okay" Marissa squeeked out quietly. "Alright now you ready to go in there?" "Yep. The sooner I get in there the sooner I can go lay down and spend some quiet time alone with you in somewhere comfortable" Marissa laughed. Ryan took her hand in his and gave it a small squeeze and began walking towards the front door. Marissa stopped as they got to the door. She wasn't sure if she should knock or just walk in. She contemplated ti for a moment. She gave Ryan's hand a final squeeze and opened the door...
"SURPRISE!!!" Everyone yelled out as Marissa walked into the foyer. Her mouth fell open as she looked around at everyone and ten turned her attention to Ryan. "You planned this didn't you?" "Well actually it was Summ's idea. When you told her you were coming home today she got back here and decided to plan it all. So she rang everyone and they all brought over bits and pieces and woolah! Though I didn't think they'd get it all done in time" Marissa stared at all her friends and family. There wasn't a more beautiful comforting feeling in the world then having them all there. "So is that why you took me to the life guard tower?" "Well...yes. But I was planning on taking you there after I got you home but I got to do it first" Ryan smiled at her. Marissa walked into the room and began to greet and hug everyone. "Thanks Summ. It looks amazing...I'm surprised you had enough time to get it all done before we got here" "Well I have Atwood to thank for that a little" Summer laughed.
Marissa went around the room and talking to everyone. Her mom, Neil (aka Dr Roberts and her new step dad), Sandy and Kirsten, little Sophie, Seth and Summer, Anna, Luke, her litlle sister Kaitlin (who wasn't little anymore), Brad and Eric (The younger Ward brothers) and Mrs Ward, Taylor (who had now become sort of part of the group...though it is and always will be just The Fantastic Four) and even Chilli and Kathy had come, as well as a few old Harbour High 'friends'...oh and how could we forget some of the Newpsies (A few of the ladies from the cardio-bar and pilates classes which Julie and Kirsten both went to still).
Everyone went outside to the patio area and sat down and had a late lunch. All the kids hung out around the pool. Kaitlin and the ward brothers went swimming but Ryan, Marissa, Summer, Seth, Anna, Luke and Taylor sat along the edge of the pool. Their feet in the water, just talking and catching up. Everyone laughed as Taylor kept making advances towards Luke, but look wasn't interested and sat ended up moving and sitting between Summer and Anna to get away from her. "Yeah Taylor's been trying to get with Luke but your just not interested are you buddy" Seth told everyone as Taylor had gone to get drinks. "No. She's so... weird and besides I like a girl back home in Portland" Luke replied. "Ahh just haven't made a go for it hey?" Ryan laughed at Luke. Luke glared at him and then they all cracked up into fits of laughter. It was good to be all together again and catch up.
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After a while Ryan got up. Marissa looked up confused as to where he was going. He noticed and began "Umm I just have to go call someone. I'll be back in a minute" He finished bending down and kissing Marissa and then walking back inside.
"So are you two officially back together?" Taylor said as she noted the kiss, as she came back and handed everyone a drink. "Ahh yeah" Marissa replied snapping out of her thoughts. Marissa found it odd that Taylor was asking. To tell the truth she didn't even know her. She was just a girl at school who always wanted to take Marissa's job as the Head of the Social Commity. I better get used to it I guess. I mean she has become friends with Seth and Summer so I spose she'll be around more often so I may as well get to know her. Marissa thought to herself. "Aww that's awsome Coop" Marissa got bombarded woth one of Summers tight hugs. "Ahh Summ...ribs" Marissa whinced out as the pain surged through her. "Oh right...Sorry" Summer said dropping her arms. "But that's great. You and Ryan are so perfect for each other and we didn't want you to leave. You should have seen him when we thought that you were...well he wasn't good. He was brooding all day everyday and then one day he just decided to do something with himself ...I guess for you so he went to college and then work and then his own business. But he was still a wreck. He'd come home and brood and he'd be at the hospital all afternoon and all night. Sometimes he wouldn't even go home and he never even looked at any chiks who he meet or anything. He just kept going back to the hospital...to you" Summer finished. Marissa was saddened as Summer told. He had been so miserable and seemed to have abondoned his own family just to be by her hospital bed. She was just so glad he did something with himself and got his own life started with college and work and his new company. At least he had realised that's what she wanted for him. She wouldn't have been able to forgive herself if he hadn't made something of himself all because she wouldn't...no couldn't wake up.
Just then she heard Ryan's voice boom out. "Excuse me everyone, If I could just have you're attention for just a moment" He turned to fave in Marissa's direction "Riss baby I think you will want to be standing this way" Everyone around the pool stood up and Marissa turned to face her body to where Ryan was. She was so confused. Why do I need to be standing? Is he making a speech or...what's going on??? Marissa thought. She was so confused and it was evident on her face. "Now when Marissa told me this morning that she was getting out this afternoon and Summer had told me of her Welcome Home plans I knew there would be one person missing. So I gave them a call and called a few contacts and booked the first plane ticket I could get here" Marissa froze He can't mean...He didn't ...It can't be... "And so as my welcome home present to you baby I give you..." "DADDDDDD!!!!!!!" Marissa finished as Jimmy walked out from around the corner just inside the door. Marissa ran up to her dad and gave him a huge hug. It hurt but she hadn't seen him since about 4 years ago. "Hey kiddo" Jimmy replied laughing and kissing his daughter sweetly on the top of her hair. Everyone looked at Ryan sweetly and smiled at Ryan and at the sight of the reunited father and daughter. Everyone knew how much her Dad meant to her and how big a present this was for Ryan to give to her. But it wasn't just that...it was the that the present was something Ryan did out of love, care and consideration for Marissa. You could just tell right then how much Marissa meant to him.
Sandy walked over to Ryan. "You're a good kid Ryan. You're going to make that girl verrry happy" He proclaimed. "I hope so...she deserves it" Ryan said quietly. He always found it awkward to talk about these sorts of things with anyone but when it came to talking about Marissa or talking to Sandy and Kirsten about it, Ryan was finding it easier. "You both do son" Sandy finished as Marissa began to walk over to Ryan with her dad. "Thanks again young Ryan. I wouldn't have been able to make it unless it wasn't for you and your good contacts. I owe you one sometime" Jimmy said shaking Ryan's hand. "Don't mention it...It was my pleasure. Anything to make Marissa happy" "That you have, that you have... Now if you two will excuse me. I should go say hello to everyone else" He said as he began to walk over to Julie, Neil, Sandy and Kirsten with little Sophie wriggling in her arms.
Marissa smiled up at Ryan. "What?" He said cheekily. "You're the amazing...you know that!? This is the best present I have ever got" Ryan smiled at Marissa's cute goofy grin. She was so happy. "I'm glad you like it. You needed it" "Thank-you" Marissa replied simply leanign up to kiss Ryan a kiss. "I...love...you...sooo...much" Marissa punctuated with kisses. "Well if this is what I'm gonna get everytime then I'm definitly going to surprise you more" Ryan smiled wrapping his arms around Marissa's waist. Ryan walked them over back to their group of friends and sat on one of the pool lounges together. Marissa laying back against Ryan's chest. Summer and Seth did the same and the others sat around.
Everyone hung around, talking, drinking and catching up with each other until about 7.30pm. They had all gathered around and ate dinner together and everyone were all starting to return back to their homes. Marissa thanked them all for coming and said would catch up more when she was stronger. By 8.00pm everyone was gone. Sandy and Kirsten had taken Sophie home and Ryan said he would be home later. Neil and Julie had retreated to the lounge room, while Kaitlin went for a shower and was in her room playing her music and talking on the phone and what-not. Ryan and Marissa had gone back to Summer's old room where Marissa now was taking over. They layed down on the bed together, cuddling. Summer and Seth had also gone back to their apartment and everyone was now safely home and getting ready for an early night. After all it had been a very big day!
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It was now 10pm and Marissa was staring to fall asleep in Ryan's arms, and as much as he loved to watch her sleep he knew he needed to go back to his own house and leave her to rest in her own room. "I think I'm gonna go" Ryan whispered quietly. Marissa's eyes opened and instantly connected with Ryan's. "Do you have to?" "You need your rest and I can't stay here" Ryan pointed out. "IT's my first night out and all I want to do is be asleep in your arms..." Ryan looked at her deeply but Marissa continued. "I don't want to be here in a room that isn't even really mine, in a house that I have known forever but never feel at home in...I just want to be with you" She fiished quietly...saddly. It broke Ryan's heart to see her so down but he knew she needed to be here and sleep...and he definitly knew Julie and Neil weren't about to let Ryan stay over all night. "Look I know it's hard and you don't want to be alone here but you need to sleep...I need you to get your rest and keep your strength up. You just got out and we all want to take you out and hang out but we can't if you're too tired or are can't cope okay!?" Ryan said sweetly. Marissa frowned and looked down. He knew this was hurting her...but it was killing him just as much, "Hey. Please don't make this any harder on me then it already is...please baby. Look you have my number...If you need me or just want to talk then call me whenever and I'll stay up talking to you but I really have to get back to the Cohen's. Kirsten's waiting. Just call me when you need me okay" Ryan said getting off the bed. Marissa grabbed his hands and sat up. Ryan was walking out but Marissa held on. He walked back towards her and she stared into his ocean blue eyes. "Thank-you for today Ryan. The Welcome home surprise and bringing my dad here. It means so much to me. You really are the best boyfriend ever. And I'm sorry I'm being so difficult...I just miss you whenever you're not around and I just always want to be with you...in your arms that's all" "I know baby. But sometimes I have to go...but it doesn't mean I'm not with you" Marissa looked up at him puzzled. "I'm always in here" he said placing his hand oer her heart. "And I'm never far away. You know you can call whenever you need to and I'm not that far away so if you need me I'll come running okay!?...Now please get some sleep Riss. We are gonna have lots to do tomorrow. Just you, me, Summer and Seth...like old times...Now I'm gonna go. I love you and call me if you need me, kay baby" Ryan hurried and quickly pecked Marissa's lips. He had to get out of there efore she puled another sad face on him. He was powerless when he saw her upset. "Bye" Marissa called out as Ryan got to the door. Why is he leaving so fast? I just wanted him to stay...
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A/N: Hope You're Enjoying oD