Work Text
"Ryan, are you alright?". Summer asks Ryan as they are in the school yard with Seth.
"No I am worried about Marissa."
"Really so am I?"
"Why are you guys worried?"
"I think Kevin's abusing her."
"Well, Ryan, I know he is. I've seen bruises on her arms and stomach, and they don't look good," Summer informs Ryan and Seth, answering their question.
"We need to talk to her."
"Seth, we can try but we might not get through."
"But it's worth a try." Summer responds as Marissa approaches the group.
"Hey Guys."
"Hey Marissa. Are you up to anything later we were thinking we could go for a bite to eat?"
"Sorry I can't I have to cook dinner for Kevin." Marissa replies to Ryan and also moves her hand slightly where both Ryan and Seth see her bruises for the first time.
"Okay well maybe next time."
"Yeah that sounds great Seth."
"You're right Summer those bruises don't look good at all." Seth comments after Marissa walks away.
"We need to do something."
"Yeah Summer we do. Let's try and talk to her." Ryan replies and they head to find Marissa.
"Hey again." Summer says greeting Marissa as her, Ryan and Seth approach her locker.
"Hey."
"I know we used to date, Marissa, but I've been meaning to ask: How are things with you and Kevin?"
"Ryan, things are great. I love him and he loves me."
"We can tell you're in a bubble of love as we don't see you anymore." Seth comments.
"I'm sorry but since I've moved in with Kevin we have our routine and have to stick to it." Marissa informs them before walking off.
"There were way too many red flags in that conversation - we seriously need to do something."
"I agree Summer we do."
"So do I and I think a good place to start is talking to Sandy he may be able to offer some ideas."
"That's a good idea." Seth responds as the bell rings for the day and the three head for the Cohen House.
"Sandy, you home?" Ryan yells walking into the Cohen House and it echos throughout
"Yeah in the kitchen."
"Hey, Ryan, Seth, Summer. How was school?"
"School was alright, Dad, but do you have a minute? We need to talk to you about something."
"For you Seth always. What do you need to talk to me about?"
"Marissa." Ryan replies.
"What about her? Now that I think off it I haven't seen her hanging out with you guys for awhile."
"That's because her boyfriend has her on a very tight leash Mr Cohen."
"Oh Ryan you did mention she was seeing a guy."
"An abusive one." Summer comments and Sandy's eyes raise.
"What do you mean?"
"Kevin's abusing her."
"Are you one hundred percent sure?" Sandy asks.
"Yeah Mr Cohen we are I saw the bruises months ago."
"And Ryan and I saw for the first time today and Dad they're pretty nasty."
"Sandy, we tried to talk to her and we even asked for her for a bite to eat but she refused as they have their routine."
"Oh and Mr Cohen she used the he loves me and I love him line."
"Oh no." Is the only way Sandy can respond and the door opens to the kitchen.
"Hey everybody."
"Hi Kristen."
"Why does everyone look so serious?" Kristen asks.
"I think we should tell Kristen she might be able to help."
"Mr Cohen's right." Summer comments.
"Tell me what?"
"Kevin's abusing Marissa."
"And yes they are one hundred percent sure." Sandy informs his wife.
"How long have you guys suspected this?"
"I have for months Mrs Cohen."
"And so have I." Ryan replies.
"I didn't until today but the bruises are horrible."
"You've seen them?" Kristen enquires.
"Yes."
"We need to talk to Julie."
"Kristen's right."
"Let's hope so Sandy." Ryan replies.
"Julie. You have a moment?" Kristen asks after they arrive at The Cooper Nichol House and Julie opens the door.
"Sure come on in guys."
"What's this about?"
"I think the kids should tell you since they are the ones that brought it to mine and Kristen's attention."
"Ok. What's going on?"
"Kevin's abusing Marissa." Summer informs her best friends mother.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah I worked it months ago and Ryan and Seth agreed when they saw the bruises."
"It would make sense I havent seen her for months and when I do see her in passing I have noticed the bruises. The last time I saw her she said she ran into a door."
"Well I don't think she did."
"I trust your judgment these days when it comes to Marissa, Ryan. We need to do something." Julie comments as the door opens and Marissa enters.
"Hey Mom. Oh hi everyone. I've just come to grab the last of my things."
"Before you do sweetie can we talk?"
"Sure but can't be long. Kevin's in the car."
"It's about him actually."
"What?"
"We know he's abusing you." Julie informs her Daughter.
"No he's not I love him and he loves me." Marissa says moving her hair out of her face and Julie sees the bruise on her arm and looks at Sandy and Kristen who nod at her as Marissa moves past them and heads to get her boxes.
"This is not good at all." Julie replies.
"No Julie it's not." Ryan comments.
"None of us could get through we need someone that can." Sandy replies.
"I think we should call Jimmy."
"I agree Kristen he and Marissa always told each other everything maybe he can get through to her." Julie explains grabbing her mobile out.
"Hey Jimmy it's me we need to talk it's about Marissa."