For people that aren't so hot about it, give it a couple for chapters to pick up.Okay, so as promised, the next chapter is done and is posted. I tried to advance the plot along as much as I could (plot?...it has a plot?..lol) without breaking away from the introductory stuff. Bare with me, Im still trying to establish character state of mind and all that jazz...and if youre wondering what happened to the letter and more importantly, what it said, you'll find out...just not in this chapter. It's a little bit longer than the last chapter but still not a length I'd approve of...dont worry they'll get longer as they come. Chapter 3 will be up probably tonight, if not tomorrow. and it will be longer!..or shorter...im not sure yet... So, again, read, review, bitch, applaud, whatever suits your fancy to this story. Everything is welcome.

Swallowed in the Sea – Part 2

Though it was nearly noon, Seth was still very tired. He always enjoyed the early morning look of the Pacific Ocean but the worst part about it was the time. The early morning was the most quite time of day, also the most peaceful. He now sat on one of the dock chairs, his eyes closed just enjoying where he was, despite his troubling thoughts and memories.

After making a pact with himself, that he would no longer think about Marissa for the duration of the day, Seth's mind then drifted to Summer. Reminiscing of the night before, Summer was wreck. They had been talking about Marissa and the funeral again. He felt bad for just leaving her in the bed but he had to get up. He knew she would understand. With his eyes still closed, he took another deep breath of fresh air and relaxed his mind once more.

Seth had just started to doze off under the peaceful sun when he suddenly felt two small hands on his shoulders. "Well, what do you think Cohen?" came the voice from behind him. "I don't." he replied still not breaking out of his semi-relaxed state of mind, eyes still closed. "That's the whole point of all this"

"I know" Summer sighed and made her way around to sit next to him, her head immediately attaching to his shoulder.

Finally opening his eyes, Seth looked down at Summer, who, despite just getting out of bed, still looked as beautiful as ever. Summer was one of those girls who was just naturally gorgeous. He smiled at her and kissed her head softly before brushing away some random hairs.

"Hi" he said quietly

"Hi" she replied just as quietly and hooked her arm under his before linking her left hand with his right.

There they both sat in silence for a while taking in the early afternoon.

Although he always enjoyed just sitting there with summer, enjoying the comfort each other offered, Seth was the first to break the silence. "You want some coffee?" he offered, slowly standing up to stretch his back muscles every which way. "Sure" Summer smiled as she leased Seth hand. Seth bent down, kissed her forehead and was off in search of breakfast.

Summer looked around at the large yacht. She was pleased that they had decided to rent a yacht instead of trying to fit on Seth's little catamaran. This way, there was enough room for everyone to be together, or have enough space if they needed to be alone.

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Alone.

That was something Ryan had wished for for many days since the funeral. He had always been the quiet individual. Although, despite opening up in the last 2 years with the Cohen family, Ryan was now more reserved than ever. The death of Marissa was extremely painful and hard for him to deal with. He wasn't even ready to say good bye to her when they were leaving for the airport. He was trying to prepare himself for a temporary good bye, but never did he think it would turn out to be a permanent one.

All three teenagers had dealt with her death in very similar ways. Seth, Summer and Ryan would confide in each other. Ryan to Seth, Summer to Seth and vice versa. Summer and Ryan had grown closer in the past year and had only grown more since then. The three would also have their individual time periods. During these times, Seth would be on his bed listening to his iPod, Summer face down in her pillows crying, and Ryan staring blankly up at the ceiling while laying on his bed in the pool house.

All of them had come so far since then. But some days were worse than others and things aren't always what they seem.

The trip to Tahiti was decided on amongst the three of them over breakfast at the Diner down by the pier a few days ago. All agreed that a get-away from Newport would be the ideal temporary escape.

Seth came back up to the deck and handed Summer a coffee mug and sat back down beside her.

"I'm sorry about last night" she said as she sipped at the coffee

"No, hey, that's okay" he said putting his arm around her and rubbing her right arm.

"Its just hard sometimes, you know?" she said her voice faintly cracking.

"Yeah. Can I help?" He leaned in closer and kissed her forehead.

"You already are" she smiled and snuggled into him further.

Seth and Summer still sat on the deck seating, Summer leaning onto Seth with his arm around her, both drinking their coffee.

"How do you think Ryan's doing?" It was Summer who broke the silence this time. A little concerned that she hadn't seen Ryan this morning yet. He was usually one of the first people to get up in the morning….. aside from Seth, who woke up at absurd hours to talk about what was on his mind.

"I don't know. He's probably in the middle of a brooding session." Seth answered.

"You should go talk to him." Summer said, in no way was this a suggestion.

Seth just snorted and continued to look out at the ocean.

"Go talk to him!" Summer yelled lightly slapping Seth on the arm.

"Alright!" Seth quickly put his coffee mug down and ran off to find Ryan.

"Ryan?" Seth called from behind the cabin door. He knocked lightly when he heard no answer.

"Ryan" He called once more. "If I open the door am I gonna wish I hadn't?" he asked hoping that Ryan was fully clothed. "Alright" Seth said, clearly talking to himself at this point.

Seth opened to door and saw Ryan laying face down sprawled on the bed. Seth looked at him sceptically. He began to make his way over to his sleeping body when he noticed the vast assortment of half full and empty vodka bottles and beer cans on the counter next to the bed.

"Oh hey, passed out….That's awesome." Seth said sarcastically looking back at Ryan. He sighs in disappointment and leaves the small room.