Hey Guys! Thank you for all the reviews and encouragements so far! Looking back at what I have so far, I want to try to keep the story as organized as possible: having a new chapter per event. So I apologize for those short chapters. However, I'm trying to make them longer! With that said, this one is another short one. Just a fluffy Ryan-Marissa scene back in Berkely. Enjoy! And thanks again!

DATE NIGHT

After Thanksgiving weekend, Ryan and Marissa couldn't be any happier. It was now December, which meant that Chrismukkah was almost here. Ryan and Marissa were seated at JJ's for a quick cup of coffee in between their classes.

Marissa was drinking some coffee, "So you excited for your internship? It's in less than a month."

"Yeah, I am. But also I'm nervous. This could be my only shot. I don't want to mess it up."

Marissa leaned in and kissed Ryan from across the table. "You'll do great."

Ryan smiled and returned the kiss. Once they broke apart he spoke, "Thanks. But even if I don't, I'm really happy. Everything that's happened, we're still here together..."

"Me too." Before Marissa could speak even more, her phone went off. "That's probably Sarah. I told her I'd meet her and we'd walk to English Lit together. Sorry." She stood up and gave Ryan a quick peck. "Call me later? It's movie night."

"Yeah, I will." And with that, she took off. Perfect timing because Ryan's phone also went off. "Hey!... Yeah she's not here, it's safe...Okay sounds good...Christmas is in 2 weeks and we're going to go to Newport for the holidays, so I'll break the news to her when we come back which is after New Year's...Yeah. Don't worry about it, probably around February? Thank you...Alright bye!" Ryan hung up his phone, finished his coffee and headed off to class.

/

Later that night, Marissa was snuggled up with Ryan in his dorm. His roommate had left on his own date, leaving the two alone. It was Marissa's turn to pick a movie and she chose A Walk To Remember. They had made a deal that they would each take turns picking a movie with no complaints – so Ryan couldn't complain even though he hated chick flicks. But it didn't really matter, they would usually just make out, barely watching the movie. As Ryan began kissing Marissa's neck, he could hear her sniffle.

"Why are you crying? Did I do something?" He asked in concern.

Marissa let out a little laugh, "No look, she's dying of Leukemia." Ryan glanced at the TV then back to her, "What? It's sad."

"Since when did we pay attention to the movie?" he asked.

"Do I need to say it again? This is one of my favourite movies of all time."

"Isn't there something else you'd rather do that is also a favourite thing of yours?" he smiled seductively.

"Ummm... nope!" With that Ryan let out a huge sigh, gave up and laid down on the couch.

"Fine! Whatever."

"Hey, are you complaining? Remember the deal?"

"No I'm not. I love this movie too!" He sarcastically lied.

Marissa looked at Ryan, who's trying his best to watch the movie. She kept staring at him until he turned his eyes to her. She slowly climbed on top of him and grabbed the remote to turn off the movie.

"I thought we were watching the movie?"

"No I found something else to do."

As they continued to make out on the couch with Marissa on top of Ryan, Thomas, Ryan's roommate, walked in. "Wow, you go buddy!"

The two broke off immediately. Marissa started to feel embarrassed. It was awkwardly silent for a moment, then Ryan spoke up. "Hey, um... Thomas. How was your date?"

"Meh... Let's just say I'm jealous you got more action tonight than me."

Marissa felt even more embarrassed. "Yeah well I was just gonna go, see ya." She kissed Ryan's cheek then left in a hurry.

Once Marissa was out the door, Thomas turned to Ryan, "ALRIGHT BUDDY!" He offered him a high five. Ryan looked at him, confused and embarrassed. "Okay fine, leave me hangin'. I was just gonna hop in the shower and sleep. Goodnight man!"

That was Thomas for you. Enthusaistic, a total player, and anything to do with girls? he was in. He kind of reminded Ryan of Luke sometimes...

Ryan fell back on the couch. Why does someone always come in like that? He Remembered Kirsten walking in on them the night after the kick-off carnival. He smiled at the memory. Marissa was so embarrassed, left in a hurry, kind of like tonight. Oh how much he loves that girl. He then had a thought come into mind and immediately reached over to grab his phone.

"Hello?" the female voice on the other end.

"Hey, it's me. Can we bump it to the day I get back from Newport?"

"Rushing things, are we?"

"Sorry, I want this as soon as possible."

"Don't worry, I'm sure that can be arranged. You're a sweet guy, Ryan Atwood."

He blushed, "Thanks. I'll talk to you later. Bye"

As he hung up, he couldn't help but feel giddy inside. He had a plan. It was going to be a memorable holiday.