The Other Side

A Story Of The O.C.

Written by: Mike Cobb

December 18, 2005

A/N: Ryan Atwood can't believe his luck. Everything seems to be going well, great girlfriend, all new family. Who seem to want him around. What will happen when his past pops up to haunt him. Read and find out.

Ryan Atwood was sitting in the pool house, his new home. Since the Cohens had taken him in, his life had really improved. He was still the kid from Chino, the one who stole a car and burnt down a house, but it was better. He had what was maybe the most intimadatingly beautiful girlfriend in the history of high school. He had a best friend who, though was a little weird, was always there for him. He was more like a brother than a best friend.

"Hey man, what's up." Seth says from the door way.

"Nothing, just comtemplating how i got here, is all." Ryan says.

"Yeah it was a kind of weird way for it all to happen." Seth says.

"Yeah, and everything else that has happened. This is like the best thing that has ever happened to me. Why is it that every time something goes good i am waiting for the other shoe to drop?" Ryan asks.

"How do you mean man?" Seth asks.

Niether of them has seen Marissa standing just outside the pool house.

"Well, lets review. I stole a car, my mom left me a note, then i burnt down one of your mom and grandpa's houses. I just happen to fall into hands who really care, then there is Marissa, can a guy want anything more? All of that is good for the most part. Now that i am here with just about every thing i could ever want, what's going to go wrong?" Ryan asks.

"Nothing man, it will be easy street, trust me." Seth says.

"Famous last words. Seth i know my luck, it seems every time i turn around i am getting into a fight." Ryan says.

"Well yeah, all you need to do is learn to control your temper." Seth says.

"Easier said than done." Ryan tells him.

At this time Marissa decides it is time to step in.

"Well then i guess you will just have to have our help then won't you." She tells him.

"Hey, how long have you been standing out there?" Ryan asks her.

"Long enough to know you think i am a good thing in your life." Marissa smiles at him as she walks up and kisses him.

"One of them yes." Seth says as he heads for the door.

"One of the most important ones." Ryan adds.

"Ok well with that i will leave you two to talk. See you buddy." Seth says.

"See you Seth, and thanks for the talk." Ryan tells him.

"Hey what are brothers for. Bye Marissa." He tells them and then leaves.

"Bye." She manages to say before he closes the door.