Chapter Five: The Build Up
As the short, curvy brunette sat in the passenger side of the old jeep wrangler she had her face pinned tightly to a large green book, trying desperately to read its words in the very dim light. As the sentences became more and more of a blur, she finally gave up and sighed softly. Her long loose curly hair was lying loosely around her shoulders, giving her a very soft and sexy look. Trying to stay comfortable for their long ride, she was wearing an old pair of jeans and one of her boyfriend's wife beaters. After marking her place with a feather, she closed the sixth Harry Potter story. Next, she kicked off her white flip flops and brought her knees up to her chest. With out saying a word she leaned over to turn up the radio and then turned to stare out the window as the sun was replaced with its counterpart, the moon and bright shining stars.
Although he was driving, and she obviously didn't think that he was paying attention to her by the way she was stirring, Ryan had still been watching her every move. It was something he loved doing, watching her when she had no idea that he was. When she didn't know, he caught her doing some of the most adorable things.
And then he broke the peace. "What's the matter, did Harry mess up some magic spell against Merlin or something?" He looked at her out of the corner of his eye and smirked slightly.
Isabella smiled lightly and turned her hazel green gaze towards the man she loved, even if he teased her almost continuously. "First of all it's Voldemort." She corrected him with a bit of a defensive tone, but at the same time smiled inwardly at him for at least trying. "Secondly no, it's just getting to difficult to read. Are we almost there?"
Ryan chuckled lightly at her impatience. He looked at her and then to the clock on the dash board. "Almost." They had already been driving for about five hours, and just about reaching the northern city limits of Los Angelus.
She perked up and stretched her arms up to the ceiling, yawning slightly. As she did, her shirt came up, revealing her stomach every so slightly. The couple was exhausted, which kept their talking on this trip to a minimum. They had just gotten off work, and seeing how this was the first time both of them had two days off in a row together, they had spontaneously decided to surprise the Cohen's with a visit.
It had been nearly a month since Ryan had seen them last and much much longer since he had been back to Newport. It was about due time for him to finally face the enormous mansions, sandy beaches and plastic woman. Besides, Seth had been calling Ryan every night telling him that he had to come home because he was bored. He was tired of something, antsy, and needed some real Seth and Ryan time.
So here they were, and in the home stretch Ryan was having second thoughts. Then again, he did this just about EVERY time he made his way home. It was with mixed emotions that he left the new comfort of San Francisco where the memories were of all new experiences, and trucked back to Newport. And yet he knew that he had to. He couldn't stay away for ever. It wasn't fair to the ones that had done so much for him, and it wasn't fair to him. He had to face the demons that haunted him; he just wished that it would get easier.
"Good, because my legs are falling asleep, I am dying of thirst and I really can't wait to crash in a big comfy bed." She paused a bit and realized how whiney she was sounding. She made a face and scratched her stomach lightly.
Ryan just looked at her with wide eyes and laughed. She was cute when she was irritable.
"Sorry, I know you're tired too. And I'm happy we are going to your home town, it's been awhile. I'm just irritable." She stated the obvious and then leaned over the space between the two car seats and rested her hand on his thigh.
"It's ok; I know that it's been long day. I can't wait to go to bed either." He shook his head some more and couldn't help but laugh.
"What? Oh no, I don't even want to know what you are thinking." Isabella couldn't help but laugh at him.
"What!" He looked at her innocently and shook his head. But as their eyes met once again a smirk fell across his face, and she swatted him playfully. Then he laughed, becoming more serious.
"No, that isn't it at all. I mean it could be partly it, but… I just know that once we get there, there is no chance in hell Seth is going to let us sleep." He turned the corner heading on the other side of LA and moving their way to Newport.
"He has called ten times since we left Berkley, and he can't stop rambling about how excited he is about Seth and Ryan time."
"Good, great." She started and let her feet drop back to the floor. "YOU can have time with your brother, and I can sleep!"
"Oh no no," Ryan started. "If I have to stay up listening to Seth ramble on and on about all the drama he created this last semester, so do you."
Isabella's mouth dropped open and she tried to protest. "But Seth wants Ryan/Seth time, not Seth/Ryan/Isabella time. I don't want to intrude on your sacred rituals."
Ryan lifted his eye brow and turned to stare at her. She continued to talk about why it wouldn't be good for her to impose on male bonding, and how it could throw off the karma of the universe and Ryan just sat there quiet.
Once she was done, she sat there satisfied with her defense and leaned her head back against the cool window. Ryan smiled and reached his hand over to touch her shoulder. "Seth loves you!" He began, now giving his side of the argument. "He was telling me just last night that he needs to take advantage of you and your counseling sessions now, before you get your PHD and charge him mega bucks."
Isabella laughed. Neither Ryan nor she had the heart to tell him that she wasn't going to become a Psychologist, but rather a social worker. She sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this battle.
"Besides, even if he didn't like you, you are part of the family now. Which means that you have inherited some of the Seth time. And you are NOT getting out of this one."
Isabella turned to him, her tired eyes now showing a glow inside. He had said that she was part of the family. No matter how tired she was, she couldn't refuse now. "Ok Ry, I'll sit with you and Seth. But I draw the line on that stupid ninja game."
Ryan laughed and nodded in agreement. "Of course not." The two of them stopped talking, Isabella looking out at the stars, and Ryan merging onto another highway reading a sign that said: Newport 10 Miles. "You are more the Star Wars type anyway."
Isabella's mouth dropped open and she snapped her head back to him. But when she saw the smirk on his lips, and the loving look in his blue eyes, she just laughed and shook it off. It was going to be a long night.
It was the next day on the other side of the world, and the sun had risen a few hours ago. Rays of light were streaming through the east window of Marissa's small yet gorgeous room in Formello. As the golden luminosity hit her in the face, she squinted her already closed eyes and groaned loudly. She cursed herself for forgetting to shut the curtains, and turned her body around to face the other way in her antique canopy bed. The sheets and comforter engulfed the body masses that lay in the queen sized cradle as she tried to hide from the intruding star's warmth. As soon as she turned she felt two strong hands wrap around her dainty frame. This made Marissa's scowl turn into a slight grin, and her eyes fluttered open to reveal their soft blue.
"Good morning love." Bray smiled into her eyes and reached his hand up to push some darkish blonde locks away from her well defined face.
Marissa smiled and curled her body up closer to his. They were both clothed in their pajamas, Bray in long cotton blue pants without a shirt, and Marissa clad in short, silk, pink shorts and a matching tank top. And although their bodies were somewhat covered, Marissa could still feel the warmth radiating from him and it comforted her.
"Mmmm good morning." She smiled, letting her hand run lightly across his bare chest. With her touch, Bray took a deep breath; she had no idea just how much he wanted her.
"Did you sleep well?" He asked her, with true concern in his voice. He knew that she had nightmares often. In fact, Bray new as much about Marissa as she did. Although they had only been dating for about a year, he knew of Marissa's amnesia and of the accident, at least her version of it. In fact, from his conversations with Julie, he might even know a bit more.
As he rubbed her hips lightly through the thin material of her tank top she let out a small smile. "Actually, very well!" She acted very surprised. He smiled and they moved even closer together.
Although Marissa and Bray were close emotionally, they weren't as far as most couples were their age physically. Lucky for her, Bray was extremely patient. And they had just started 'sleeping' together. "I seem not to have those dreams when you are here with me." She spoke quietly, resting her head on his chest.
Bray smiled. He was happy that he could provide security for her. He just couldn't help but want something more. He wished that she felt safe enough with him to share everything.
"Well maybe we'll have to make this more of a habit then, now shouldn't we?" And with that he lightly pressed Marissa back so that she was forced onto her back and he was hovering over her. His dark chocolate eyes burning into her own. "I mean, my girl needs her beauty sleep."
Marissa couldn't help but take a deep breath. He was always gentle with her, and never pressured her. But the more and more they spent the night together, she knew the harder it was becoming for him to resist her. And just then she could feel just how 'hard' it was.
"Easy there killer." She laughed and pressed her hands to his chest softly, holding him back. He just chuckled and she continued. "I'd like that though… I mean, as long as you are enjoying it too."
Bray shook his head and laughed at her. "Are you kidding? There is nothing more that I want than to be laying here next to you."
"Nothing more?" She asked with a raise of a brow. She held back her smirk as she ran her knee lightly up between his legs.
He shuddered slightly and let out an excited laugh. "Are you trying to kill this poor chap?" He laughed, but didn't seem to mind at all as her teasing ways. The two of them giggled and he lowered his body closer to hers. As their lips inched closer to one another, they could feel each others breath upon their faces.
"I love you Marissa Cooper." He whispered, his lips now so close to hers that when he moved them, they lightly danced along the outside of hers.
Marissa just grinned and arched her back, to press her body into his. At the same time he leaned down and pulled one of the straps of her tank top aside to press his lips to her collar bone. "Are you just trying to get lucky Mr. Edeson?"
After a few more kisses Bray pulled back and smiled. "Miss Cooper, I am already lucky."
Marissa's heart melted and she closed her eyes. It was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever said to her (from what she could remember anyway.) She exhaled slowly and didn't protest when his hands began to freely roam over her essence. And into the late morning sun, the young couple forgot the rest of the world. So much that Marissa almost forgot about that chapter of her life that had been erased…. almost.
"Cohen, would you shut up and listen to me for a moment!" Summer was growing inpatient. She had spent the entire evening with Marcello. They had skipped site seeing upon Summer's request, and went back to her hotel room to dive directly into the plan. So she had been up all night, and had just called Seth to update him on her new found information.
However, upon hearing Summer's voice, Seth grew so excited, that he forgot that he even had ears. And for the last 5 minutes straight Seth had been filling Summer in on his latest adventures of ninjas, super heroes and pirates. And when he was finished with that he started to move into complaining about how bored he was alone with just Sandy and Kirsten to entertain him.
"Summer?" He gasped and held a hand to his chest. "Did you just tell me to shut up?"
"Can it Cohen! It's not like it was the first time. Besides, this is important!" Summer rolled her eyes and looked to Marcello laying on her bed holding his stomach in laughter.
"Are you insinuating that my life of video games and comic books isn't important?" He was offended, here he thought that his girlfriend supported his passions.
"SETH!" Summer didn't have time to play games, she was tired and needed to get a couple hours of sleep before phase one of their plan took place. "We found her!"
And then the impossible happened, Seth actually shut up. In fact there was now dead silence on his end of the phone. He sat there for what seemed like a decade and at first Summer thought that she had lost her overseas connection. "Cohen?"
"Holy foshizzle batman, what!" His eyes lit up and he jumped out of his bed with exhilaration. He couldn't believe it, but Summer had actually done it, she had found the missing person of the fantastic four. A million thoughts started running through his brain. Was she still the same? Was she happy to see Summer? Did she still carry around all that drama that he loved to use for his comic? Ryan was coming home and he couldn't wait to tell him… he couldn't wait to share the newest gossip. Wait did she just say, 'we?'
"Did you just say we?"
Summer jumped slightly at his sudden outburst and then rolled his eyes at his reaction. "Yes we, Marcello and I. He actually works at the restaurant that Julie's newest, gag me now, fling owns…. I haven't seen Marissa yet, but Marcy has been filling me in on what he knows and…"
But she was interrupted by a very paranoid Seth. "Marcy? Who is Marcy and why haven't I heard about him yet?" He tilted his head, full of worry an inquisition.
If Summer could reach, she would have leaned across the ocean and smacked him up side the head. "Cohen, are you hearing me? I… FOUND… MARISSA!"
"That's great and all, and I can't wait for you to rescue her from the evil wraith of the Fire Mistress, but I think what is important here Summer, is who Marcello is, and what your relationship is with him." He folded his arms across his chest, tapping his converse sneakers on the plush carpet, and waited for an explanation.
Summer groaned when she realized that is was completely helpless to go on with her story without reassuring him that there was nothing going on. "Cohen, when are you going to learn to trust me? I was away for an entire semester freshman year, without the likes of you and I didn't ONCE think about anyone else BUT you. If you don't know by now how much I love you, how much I can't live without you, then I think we have some serious issues."
Suddenly Seth's insecurities melted away. A smirk fell across his face and he relaxed, letting his lanky arms fall to his sides. "Can you say that part again?"
"What they we have some serious issues?"
"No the part about how much you loooove me!" He smiled and fell back onto his bed.
"You are such an ass, Cohen!" She sounded annoyed, but only Marcello could see the change in her eyes. He couldn't help but laugh at their obviously bizarre ways of affection. He just shook his head and let her finish.
"So tell me what you know." Seth instructed Summer to finally continue. And then she proceeded to fill him in on the town of Formello, the restaurant in Italy, and the fact that Julie did indeed seem to have sheltered Marissa from the truth. Seth listened attentively as Summer spoke, chiming in here and there only when he knew Summer wouldn't bite his head off, and within the matter of 15 minutes he was all caught up.
"Wow, so what's the next step?" He asked, growing more excited by the minute, and wishing he could be there to help her out? "Do you need my presence to develop an expert undercover mission?" He asked with hope in his voice, his ideas starting to run out of his mouth.
"Cohen, no!" She spoke with sternness. "Marcello and I are developing a really good plan, and if you come and Julie sees you, it could all be ruined."
Seth felt like his heart had just been ripped out of his chest and he sighed loudly.
"But I promise if I need any extra help, you will be the first one I call." She reassured him.
And although it didn't help much, Seth shook his head. "Ok Summer my own Magnum P.I. " He sighed again. "But keep me updated." Just then Seth heard the door downstairs open and Ryan's voice yell. "We're home!" followed by a "That's odd, I would have expected him to wait up for us."
"Eww Cohen, Tom Selleck is so not attractive." She made an 'eww' face right at the same time that Marcello did and they both laughed.
"Summer, I've gotta go, Ryan just came home and I can't wait to…"
"Remember your promise Cohen!" Her tone immediately changed and she warned him before he could even finish his sentence.
Seth stopped dead in his tracks and remembered he had promised Summer that he would not tell Ryan of what she was doing. It was going to be difficult, but he had to try.
"Right, I won't tell Ryan that…"
"Don't tell Ryan what?" Ryan came bursting through the doors with a huge grin on his face.
"Gotta go Summer, have fun in ah… skiing in the Alps." He turned around so that Ryan couldn't see his face and he rolled his eyes at himself for coming up with a horrific cover up.
Summer heard Ryan's voice in the background and shook her head. "Good one Cohen. Just remember that if you slip and tell him, I might just have to slip and kiss my new friend Marcello."
Seth gasped and shook his head vigorously. "You play dirty Summer… very very dirty."
"I learn from the best." She smiled proudly. "Now get off the phone, and think of something clever to tell him, I will call you tomorrow night… oh and Cohen?"
"Yeah."
"I love you, and miss you."
"I love you too Summer, hurry back." With that Seth flipped his cell phone shut and smiled. And then Ryan cleared his throat and he remembered he had to come up with a story fast.