BACK TO GOOD

The next day, Marissa and Caitlin planned a sister-bonding day. Well, Marissa planned it. She felt as though Caitlin was slowly drifting away. Caitlin knew too, but didn't really know how she felt about it... but she agreed anyways, for Marissa and her's relationship's sake.

"So what do you want to do today?" she asked Caitlin. They were in Summer's room, Marissa lying on the bed and Caitlin painting her nails.

"I don't know. Did you have something in mind?"

"Well, since you asked, maybe we could go do some shopping then go to the Cohen's. They're having a BBQ, sort of a 'goodbye dinner' before we all leave for college again."

"Sounds good!" Caitlin got up and grabbed her purse. Marissa ignored the urgency Caitlin showed and followed her out the door.

The two Cooper girls were now at Southcoast plaza. They just exited the millionth store they visited with tons of shopping bags hanging from their arms. "So are you all shopped out?" Marissa asked Caitlin. She looked odd.

"Yeah, let's grab a bite?"

"Uhh, sure!"

After being seated at a burger restaurant, Marissa decided to confront Caitlin. "Look Caitlin, I just wanted to clear the air, I'm not mad at you or anything..."

Caitlin's eyes wandered off to her menu. Marissa didn't know whether she was even acknowledging what she said or just ignored her.

"Caitlin?" Marissa started to get angry. "Look, I'm glad you're safe and nothing happened to you, but I'm starting to get ticked off. You need to drop the attitude. Stop being so selfish. There are people here who actually care for you and want to be a part of your life!"

"What, like you?"

"Yes!" Marissa responded immediately.

Caitlin looked up from her menu and saw the realness in Marissa's eyes. She sighed, "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be all bitchy... Marissa..." she began. Marissa, now empty of anger, stared at Caitlin waiting for her to continue, "I'm messed up."

Marissa laughed a little, "You're telling me that? Do you remember anything when I was in high school?"

Caitlin smiled at her response, "Okay, I see your point." She paused, "But I mean, you had Ryan and Summer and Seth. I–"

"Caitlin, you know you always have us right?"

"I don't know. You guys are all off to college and only come back on holidays. In between special occasions, I'm left literally alone. I have no one."

"Well, you can always call or come visit us whenever you want. You know that too. You don't have to turn to a random guy to date or drugs."

"I know..." she scoffed, "Trust me, I'm done with guys and drugs for a while."

"Good... but why did you get involved in the first place? Was it all really because you felt you were alone?"

"I don't know... Now that I think about it, maybe it was just all for the attention. A 'pity party' for Caitlin... that's so sad."

"Caitlin..." Marissa consolded.

"No, it's fine... But I also think I just wanted to escape all of it. And I know it's stupid, but I thought maybe getting high and into drugs will help."

Marissa thought back to her own incident in TJ, "Remember that time me, Summer, Seth and Ryan went to TJ and I was practically found dead in an alley?" Caitlin nodded. "It's because I wanted to escape."

"You never told me that. All I remember was you saying Luke cheated on you..?"

"Yeah... and also, Mom and Dad were going through that divorce and... I just wanted out. But didn't mean to kill myself or anything. Like I said, an escape." Marissa reached out across the table and held Caitlin's hand. "So I guess I understand what you went through. Why you did it. And I don't blame you. But we both know now, those things don't solve anything. We just have to face it..."

"Yeah, I know."

"So promise me no more of this?"

"Just as long as you promise me to keep strong with your relationship with Ryan? No more drama."

"Deal." Marissa smiled.

"Glad to hear it." The two sisters exchanged smiles, "I love you, sis. Sorry once again, for putting your boyfriend, your friends, mom and you through all of my crap."

"Hey, you're a part of our lives. Whatever happens to you, both the good and the bad, I'm always going to be there for you. And Ryan, mom, everyone else. You don't have to apologize."

"Thanks, Marissa."

"So now that we got all of that out of the way, wanna go meet everyone at the Cohen's?"

"Yeah, I'm kind of bored of you now..."

Marissa rolled her eyes and laughed. Finally they were able to clear the air and her and her sister are on the same page for once. She can be a pain, but she loves her no matter what.

/

The Cooper girls arrived at the Cohen's late afternoon. They went to the back to find everyone there, Seth, Ryan, and Summer were in the hot tub, Sandy and Neil were working the grill, and Julie and Kirsten were sitting down and talking.

As Ryan looked over, he noticed Marissa come by. "Hey!"

Marissa smiled at her friends and boyfriend and went over. She leaned in and gave Ryan a quick kiss, "Hey."

"So how was shopping?" Summer asked. She then saw Caitlin enter the backyard, bags in hand. "I'm guessing successful..?"

"Yeah, we even had a good talk... I think we're fine."

Ryan smiled at her. "Why don't you guys change and get in here? Dinner isn't for another 30 minutes."

"Okay, I'll be right back... C'mon Caitlin," Marissa said, grabbing Caitlin and leading her to the pool house.

After a few minutes went by, Marissa and Caitlin walked out of the pool house in their bikinis. Ryan's mouth literally dropped when he saw his girlfriend, swaying her hips and purposely teasing him with the mini catwalk. She came over, as well as Caitlin, and hopped into the tub.

"Coop! New bathing suit?!" Summer asked in excitement.

"Yeah, bought it today with Caitlin. You like?"

"Oh, I definitely like." Ryan teased. Marissa laughed at him then scooted over and sat on his lap, giving him a kiss on the cheek also.

"I like too." Seth added, getting a punch on the arm from Summer.

"Cohen! Ryan can say that, not you."

"Ow geez woman. Alright! Marissa, you look ugly in that bikini." He said; but this time, Ryan swung his fist and punched Seth in the same place on the arm. "OW! What now?"

"Jackass." Ryan muttered, but Marissa only laughed at Seth, knowing he was just joking.

"I'm just gonna stop talking." Seth said.

"Good idea." Summer glared at him.

Caitlin began to laugh, "Thanks guys." They all turned to her. "For just... this. For once in a long time I feel... normal and... happy."

Marissa reached her arm across and wrapped it around Caitlin, giving her a side hug. "I love you, Caity."

"It's all good, mini Coop."

"Yeah, don't mention it." Seth grumbled, rubbing the bruise Ryan and Summer gave him. He turned to Caitlin, then spoke, "Seriously, you know you can turn to any of us. We got your back." He said.

Summer scooted closer to Seth after he said this, and Seth flinched at her movements. They all laughed at him then Summer linked her arms with him, "Seth, you know we love you too."

Seth let out a little chuckle then kissed Summer's forehead.