Chapter 27: Midnight Run-in

"Honey, can you get that," Jimmy shouted to Marissa as the doorbell rang.

"Mom, what are you doing here?"

"I came to say goodbye," she walked past Marissa through the door

"Where's your father?"

"He's packing," she replied bluntly.

"Hmm. This place is very …homely. I don't see why you don't stay with me and Cal."

"It's not the house that matters, it's the people inside it," Marissa said coldly glaring at her mom.

"Julie what a nice surprise," Jimmy said sarcastically.

"I just came to say goodbye to Marissa." A car horn beeped loudly from outside.

"You better hurry up. Wouldn't want to keep Cal waiting." Julie glared at Jimmy. She hugged Marissa and kissed her cheek. "Now remember you have the number if you need to get in touch."

"I'll see you when I get back. Jimmy."

"Julie."

"Bye honey."

"Bye."

"Well have you got your stuff ready to take to the Cohen's?"

"Yeah, it's in my room."

"Okay, we'll be leaving in about 10 minutes."

"Okay." Marissa went to her room. She zipped up her suitcase that was sitting on her bed. She frowned and went into her drawer, lifting out the bottle of vodka. Ever since she had found out that her attackers wouldn't be brought to justice, she had started to drink more. She had never even considered that they wouldn't be found out. She unscrewed the lid and tipped the bottle into her mouth. Just as she screwed it up her dad walked in, she quickly threw it on her bad and sat on it.

"Hey, just checking that you're ready."

"Uhuh, yeah," Marissa said as she felt her cheeks burning.

"You ok?" Marissa smiled and nodded. "You know I don't have to go."

"Dad please. I'll be fine."

"Right, the cab should be here any minute."

"Okay." As soon as her dad left she jumped off the bed and picked up the bottle. She stood there holding it for a second not sure what to do. She suddenly unzipped her suitcase and stuffed it in. She raked around her drawer and pulled out another two bottles burying them under her clothes in the suitcase. She sighed and noticed her hands shaking. Her life was a mess and she knew it, but she just didn't know what to do.

Jimmy leaned across the seats in the back of the cab and kissed Marissa's cheek.

"I'll see you in a week. Have a good time, and if you need anything just phone."

"Yep. I love you," Marissa said to Jimmy.

"Love you too kiddo." Marissa got out the car and closed the door. She took her suitcase off the driver. She blew a kiss and waved to her dad as the cab drew away. She felt so pathetic but she missed him already. Pulling out the handle on her suitcase she walked up the Cohen's drive.

"Hey sweetie," Kirsten said, opening the door to Marissa.

"Hey," Marissa gave Kirsten a quick hug and lifted her suitcase into the house. "Thanks for letting me stay. I really appreciate it."

"Oh it's no problem. What with Julie gallivanting around Paris and Jimmy in New York, we could hardly have you stay on your own." Marissa smiled at Kirsten as she closed the door. She really didn't know what she would do without the Cohens.

"So where do you want me?"

"I chucked Ryan into the guest room so that you can have the pool house to yourself."

"Thanks."

"And remember if you need anything I'm here, so just ask. Well I'll leave you to it."

Marissa picked up her suitcase and headed for the pool house passing Ryan and Seth on the play station.

"Hi."

"Ymphfgh," they both grunted to her.

"Ignore them," Marissa turned and looked at Sandy. "They've been at it all afternoon. So has Kirsten told you where you're staying?"

"Yeah, I'm just on my way there now."

"Well don't let me get in your way."

She smiled at him and continued out to the pool house, smiling to herself as she heard Ryan and Seth shouting at Sandy for turning their game off. She couldn't understand the attraction of video games. Though one thing she did like the idea of was getting lost in a different world where your problems don't matter. As she sat down on the bed in the pool house she realised that she was part of the way there. She may not be in a different world and her problems still did matter, but one thing she was certain of was that she was lost. Even just sitting in the pool house things just didn't seem right. It always seemed that there was a piece of the jigsaw of her life missing. She knew that finding this piece was easier said than done. Maybe even impossible.

Sandy stood in front of Ryan and Seth with his hands on his hips.

"Come on guys. She has been through a rough time recently. The least you can do is welcome her properly." They both dumped their controls to the side. "That's better." Sandy took his hands off his hips and walked away. Seth and Ryan struggled up from the couch. As soon as they both managed to pull themselves up Ryan pushed Seth back down and casually walked away to the pool house.

"Well at least I was winning," Seth shouted from the couch.

"Oh, we'll soon see."

"What are they like," Kirsten smiled, resting her head on Sandy as they watched Seth trying to catch Ryan.

"She'll be ok, won't she?"

"Who?"

"Marissa."

"She's Julie Cooper's daughter, of course she'll be fine," Sandy said gently kissing the top of her head.

"No she's not. She's Jimmy Cooper's daughter." Which they both knew was a completely different matter.

Marissa put her suitcase on the bed and unzipped it as Seth and Ryan came stumbling through the door on top of each other.

"Hey," Seth panted.

"Hey," Marissa replied. Smirking at him. "So let me guess. Sandy turned the power off on your game." Seth and Ryan both looked down guiltily. "You know, you should really grow up from those computer games," Marissa said unpacking her suitcase. Seth and Ryan looked at each other, with a sparkle in their eyes.

"Did she just call our computer games childish?" Seth asked Ryan.

"Yeah I think she did." Marissa looked up as Seth and Ryan charged her onto the bed. Marissa grabbed a pillow and started hitting Ryan with it. Seth and Ryan grabbed pillows and started hitting her. Marissa couldn't help but laugh, as she ducked under Ryan and jumped off the bed.

"Woah," Marissa said still laughing.

"That was pretty much our way of saying welcome to the Cohen household and we hope you enjoy your stay." Seth said standing up. Ryan jumped off the bed and passionately kissed Marissa on the lips. "Yeah, ummm, that's Ryan's own welcoming stunt," Seth said awkwardly as Ryan and Marissa carried on kissing. "So I'm just gonna go now," Seth pointed out the door, "and let you get on with, ummm, yeah," he closed the door as Ryan and Marissa fell onto the bed

"Can you pass the gravy?" Kirsten asked Ryan, as they all sat at dinner.

"So Marissa how's the pool house?" Sandy asked.

"Oh it's great thanks."

"Don't worry dad, we gave her a warm welcome. Or at least Ryan did," Seth said with a wink, as Ryan and Marissa both looked down uncomfortably.

"Seth I've already told you. What happens between Ryan and Marissa is private," Kirsten said sternly.

"Well I feel there should never be any secrets if we all want to live long happy lives," Seth said defiantly.

"I think if we all knew the details of each others lives, we would want to kill each other not live in harmony," Sandy said laughing.

"So you're saying I don't know everything about you?" Kirsten asked him.

"Oh no. You know everything which is why I'm sure there are times you would like to kill me."

"I've had a few of those," Seth said as Kirsten kicked him under the table.

"Oww!"

Marissa carefully opened the patio doors not wanting to wake anyone. She turned the light on and rubbed her head. She opened a cupboard door and took out some aspirin.

"Oh hey sweetie," Kirsten said walking in, surprised to see Marissa.

"Hey," Marissa replied groggily as Kirsten got a glass from the cupboard. She looked over at Marissa and noticed the pills in her hand.

"What's wrong?" she looked at Marissa concerned.

"Oh, it's nothing. Just a headache."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, honestly. I'm fine."

Kirsten nodded as she filled her glass with water and started to drink. Marissa took out a glass as Ryan stumbled in still half asleep. He looked at them surprised to see them.

"I think this is the busiest this kitchen has ever been at…" Kirsten glanced at the clock on the oven "..3:15 am."

She smiled at Ryan as he dragged himself to get a glass as Marissa filled her glass and swallowed the aspirin. Marissa joined Kirsten leaning against the work top as Ryan went to the fridge for some orange juice.

"So what's kept you up?" Kirsten asked him.

"Seth," he said bluntly.

"How come?" Marissa asked.

"Last night he thought it would be good to have a bit of Seth/Ryan time and have a "manly chat". In the end he fell asleep on the floor. I don't think I've ever heard anyone talk so much in their sleep. He talks more than when he's awake, which I didn't think was possible."

"Just hit him," Kirsten told him.

"Oh I did but then he would try and talk to me awake.

"Tell him to shut up or to leave," Marissa suggested.

"I did that too but he said he was too tired to walk the two steps back to his room, so he fell back asleep and started mumbling again. It just keeps going in circles."

"I'm sorry for chucking you out your own room," Marissa said suddenly feeling guilty.

"Don't worry it's not your fault."

"Yeah, you're welcome here any time," Kirsten smiled at Marissa. "Well I'm off back to bed," Kirsten said putting her glass in the sink. "I hope your head feels better," she gently touched Marissa's shoulder.

"Thanks."

"Goodnight."

"Night," Ryan and Marissa both replied.

"She's great," Marissa said after Kirsten left.

"Yeah she's pretty cool," Ryan walked over to Marissa.

"You know sometimes she feels more like a mom to me than my own mom. I wish she was my mom or at least that my mom was more like her," Marissa said almost sadly. Ryan wrapped his arms around her waist, and she linked hers around his neck.

"We both know that I'm not your mom's biggest fan, but like I've said before she loves you."

"Yeah, sometimes I'm not so sure."

"Well even if she doesn't, I do," Ryan said before letting his lips gently touch hers. He deepened the kiss but suddenly stopped when he felt goose bumps on her arms.

"Hey, you feeling cold?"

"Well it is 3:20 in the morning – not the warmest time of day. But you know I know somewhere much warmer," she said suggestively, smiling at him.

"Do you now?" Ryan couldn't help but let a small smile escape his lips. Marissa nodded her head and bit her lip. She moved away from him and held out her hand. He grabbed it and they let their fingers intertwine as she led him out to the pool house.

She closed the door of the pool house and felt Ryan's arms wrap around her from behind.

"I hope you don't talk in your sleep," Ryan whispered into her ear.

"Who says I'm going to be sleeping?" she whispered back.

"Good answer," Ryan whispered pulling her with him onto the bed. "I love you," Ryan said quietly, his face inches away from hers as they lay on the bed. Ryan frowned as Marissa remained silent. "I'm going to choose not to be insulted by your lack of response," he said lightly. He gently stroked her face with his thumb when she still didn't say anything. "Hey, you okay?"

Marissa looked at him and before he knew what was happening she grabbed his head and attacked his mouth with hers, forcing his lips open with her tongue. He was about to say something but was taken over with passion as he pulled her body closer. He rolled over on top of her as they continued to kiss urgently. He grabbed the covers and pulled them over them as Marissa slid out of her top. The covers draped over them as they were shielded from all their problems.

Marissa struggled to open her eyes as she heard a gentle knock at the door. She rubbed her eyes and saw Kirsten standing in the door way with a cup of tea.

"Morning."

"Morning," Marissa mumbled still half asleep.

"I brought you tea," Kirsten walked over and sat on the edge of the bed handing her the cup.

"Thanks," Marisa started to sip the tea.

"How you feeling?"

"I'm fine since the aspirin – always does the trick."

"I mean about everything that has been going on recently. I know it hasn't been easy."

Marissa looked away as she felt tears threaten to fall.

"Marissa? Honey?" Marissa turned back and couldn't help but let a tear escape and roll gently down her cheek. "Oh sweetie." Kirsten moved closer and hugged her tightly. Marissa wrapped her arms around Kirsten as more tears fell from her eyes.

"Hey, come on. It's okay," Kirsten said gently. "So do you want to tell me what's wrong?" Marissa let go of Kirsten and wiped her eyes.

"I don't know. I mean I'm seeing the therapist now and that's great and everything but I'm still scared …. All the time…and I'm scared of disappointing everyone. I feel like I've dragged everyone into my messed up life."

"You didn't drag us. We came because we love you."

"I just don't understand why I can't move on. I don't even know what I'm scared of. I feel so pathetic."

"Hey, you're anything but pathetic. What's happened to you since that night is more than anyone should have to go through in a life time never mind a few weeks. It's happened and it's always going to be with you but it doesn't have to hurt you." Marissa nodded and wiped tears off her face as she felt Kirsten's protective arms wrap around her again. Suddenly the door opened and Seth barged in.

"Oh…" he said surprised and embarrassed as he turned to go back out. "I'm sorry I'll come back a bit later."

"No it's fine. Come in," Marissa said wiping her cheeks, trying to cover up her grief.

"Yeah, I was just leaving. You gonna be ok?" Marissa nodded and Kirsten kissed her head lightly. "Okay. And remember if you need anything just ask." Kirsten got up and walked past Seth who still looked uncomfortable. She gave him a look to warn him to be careful. Seth went and sat on the edge of the bed beside Marissa.

"Look, we both know I'm really not good in these sorts of situations. I always create awkward silences." They both sat there in awkward silence. "Uh, so basically," he looked at Marissa's bleary eyes "I guess I just want you to know that I will always be here for you. Well obviously not right here because it's your bed and that would just be weird…." Seth rambled as Marissa smirked at him.

"I'll be fine honestly."

"Come here," Seth opened his arms and they hugged each other.

"Well that went pretty well," he said letting go of her. Marissa hit him playfully on the arm. "But seriously, are you going to be ok?"

"Seth I'll be fine," Marissa said getting frustrated. "Now what did you actually come here for because if that was it you might have wanted to be a bit more prepared."

"Oh right no. What I came for was to ask if you fancy going to the beach with me, Ryan and Summer."

"Yeah that sounds great," she smiled at him as the room fell into silence.

"Umm, there are bagels if you want one but I should warn you if you don't get there soon they'll all be gone. Bagels don't last long in the Cohen house."

"OK, thanks. I'll be through in a minute."

"Ok," Seth got up and left.

Kirsten leaned against the worktop drinking coffee as Sandy made himself a bagel.

"I just can't imagine what she's going through."

"I know honey, I know, but she'll be fine. She is surrounded by friends and as along as we stay strong for her…."

Seth walked in and grabbed a bagel.

"How is she? What did you say?" Kirsten immediately quizzed him.

"Well naturally I caused several awkward silences."

"Seth! You were supposed to comfort her not make her feel uncomfortable!"

"Don't worry mom, we did the whole hugging thing," he took a bite of the bagel "I even made her laugh."

"So you going to the beach?" Sandy asked him.

"Yeah. The fantastic four haven't hung out in a while."

"It'll be fun, just remember to put on sun cream."

"Mom!"

"What! You should be thanking me. Need I remind you of the summer of 98 when you looked like a lobster wearing swimming trunks?"

"What was that about a lobster wearing swimming trunks?" Marissa asked, walking into the kitchen. They all turned to her.

"Hey."

"Morning. Bagel?" Marissa took a bagel out of the basket in Sandy's hand.

"Thanks."

"Well I have to go into the office for a bit to check a few things," he gave Kirsten a quick kiss. "You guys have fun at the beach." Sandy left as Ryan walked in. "Hey Ryan."

"Hey man. You look a bit tired, got bags under your eyes there."

Ryan glared at Seth as Marissa and Kirsten tried not to laugh.

"What! What did I do? What did I say!" Seth asked as Ryan shoved past him to get a bagel.

"Well I'm off to have a fun day shopping with the Newpsies," Kirsten said sarcastically. "You kids have fun." She picked up her bag and left.

"So seriously Seth, what was that about a lobster wearing swimming trunks?"

"Oh just fond memories. You know you would think that you couldn't make a living out of selling lobsters wearing swimming trunks but…"

"Uhuh, sure," Marissa said smiling at him.

"As much as I'm enjoying this conversation I told Summer I would go over so I'll see you guys later."

"Bye."

"See ya."

Ryan walked over and kissed Marissa.

"So last night was pretty good."

"Hmm," Marissa said sounding unconvinced. Ryan hit her playfully. "I'm kidding," she grinned before kissing him again, "It was fantastic." She kissed him again, wrapping her arms around his body.

"So I noticed you disappeared for a while last night," Seth said to Ryan as they walked to the beach, Marissa and Summer a bit behind them. "Where'd you go?" Ryan gave him a look as if to say 'you know where'. "Ah well, I guess you just really missed your bed. So how was it?"

"It was great….she was great. And afterwards she just fell asleep in my arms. She looked so happy."

"Don't worry man," Seth said noticing the sadness in Ryan's voice.

"So you had any midnight run-ins?" Marissa bit her lip and looked guilty. "Coop! Why didn't you tell me!"

"Well I haven't really had the chance since you've been gushing about Seth. Plus it was 3 in the morning not midnight."

"They're pretty great," Summer said looking to Ryan and Seth ahead of them.

"Yeah they are," Marissa smiled back. Summer linked her arm in Marissa's and they ran to catch them up.

"Hey," Summer said bounding up to Seth. She let go of Marissa and grabbed Seth's hand. Ryan smiled at Marissa and put his arm around her shoulder, as she slid hers around his waist.

"Isn't life great!" Summer said with a huge smile on her face.

"You're rather cheery this morning," Seth said. "You're not high are you?" Summer hit his chest as Ryan and Marissa laughed at them. Marissa didn't know why but she suddenly felt free from all her troubles.

"You know what life is great," they all looked at Marissa not expecting her to say it. Ryan smiled and kissed her cheek. Seth and Summer looked at each other and smiled. Maybe they could all move on from all the drama of the past few weeks. Maybe……

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