Disclaimer: I don't own the OC!

Chapter One: Nightmares take Over

The sun shone brightly in the early hours illuminating the two occupants in the airy kitchen. The sound of sizzling echoed throughout the house while coffee wafted through every corner. A paper rustled and a giggle heard. Ryan Atwood turned around at the sound of his four year old daughter's giggle forgetting about the Mickey Mouse pancakes he had been making.

"What's so funny Gemma?" He smiled as she looked up at him beaming.

"Nothing Daddy. I was looking at the funnies. See? Isn't that a funny face?" She wrinkled up her nose and looked back at her dad. "Daddy, what's that smell?"

"What, oh damn…" he looked back at his daughter that had a look on her face reminiscent of her mother.

"Daddy that is a bad word. What would Mommy say?" She frowned at him while mocking a pointed finger in his direction.

Ryan watched as she tried to keep her serious face on put watched as she broke out in a huge smile and laughed loudly. "Oh, but Daddy I won't tell Mommy! Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Won't tell me what?" Teased Marissa as she rushed into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee.

"Nothing!" shrieked Gemma while looking at her Daddy wildly. "Nothing Mommy…you…you look very pretty today!"

Marissa cocked an eyebrow in her direction not believing a word and walked over to Gemma and bent down eye level with her. "I think you should tell me Gemma or I'll…" Marissa looked around the room before coming back to rest on her daughter's blue eyes. "I'll tickle you!"

Gemma's eyes went wide and looked at her Daddy for help. "But Mommy, I can't…" she broke out in crazy giggles as her Mommy tickled her round little stomach. "Mommy, Mommy stop!" Gemma shrieked laughing and trying to get off the stool. "Okay, okay Mommy I tell you!" Gemma gasped in air as her Mommy looked down at her with a smile. Sneaking a glance in her Dad's direction, she motioned for Marissa to come closer. Whispering into her Mom's ear, Gemma hissed, "Daddy said a bad word and …"

"Gemma!" Ryan protested laughing as he flipped the last pancake.

"Sorry Daddy, but Mommy was tickling me. Anyway, we girls have to stick together, sorry Daddy!" She beamed toothily at him and finished her pancake with a loud gulp. Turning to Marissa she pleaded, "Mommy, don't punish Daddy too bad. Maybe just a little bit of soap because I got soap yesterday for saying…"

"Gemma," interrupted Marissa trying hard not to smile, "how about you go brush your teeth, okay?"

"Okay Mommy, but please don't be too hard on Daddy." Reaching up to give her Mom a kiss, she hoped off the stole and skipped upstairs.

"So," Ryan smiled in Marissa's direction walking over to her at the counter "what is my punishment because I've been a really bad boy." He pouted and watched as her eyes narrowed.

"You have been a very bad boy," she sank into his open arms freely and looped her arms around his neck. "I'll have to punish you by…" she placed a chastise kiss on his cheek and bestowed the honor on the other. Moving down to neck, she placed a kiss on his Adam's apple and smiled against his skin at his gulp. Placing a soft kiss behind his ear, "Do you think you have learned your lesson?"

Ryan pulled her tighter against him and tipped her chin up. "Oh yes madam, I think I have learned really well." Tucking a piece of hair escaping from her bun, he brushed his lips against hers and was rewarded with a sigh. Pinning her against the counter, he crashed his lips against hers when a loud and…

"Daddy! Mommy! I'm ready to go!" Gemma came bounding down the stairs and regarded her parents suspiciously as they scrabbled apart and Marissa picked up her coffee with a trembling hand. "What were you guys doing?"

Ryan exchanged a quick look with Marissa and turned to his daughter that stood with her hands on her hips. "Nothing, Gem, ready to go?"

"Yes, I'm so excited Daddy, " she shrieked and rambled out to the SUV talking about preschool and Mrs. Brown and…

"So, I guess I'll see you later?" Ryan asked as Marissa picked up her stack of papers and grabbed an apple.

"Please try to be home for dinner on time," she mocked glared at him. "Anyway, I have something to tell you."

"A surprise, will I like it?"

"I hope so," her eyes looked up at him with a soft glow and Marissa leaned in for a gentle kiss. Pulling away breathlessly, "I'll see you later."

"Bye," Ryan waved as she walked out the door and buckled Gemma into her seat before walking over to the front seat. She waved back and blew him a kiss and Gemma yelled out the window,

"Bye Daddy, see you later!"

Ryan watched his two girls until they were out of sight and went to go get ready.

"Mommy why is the sky blue? Mommy why do birds fly but not dogs? Mommy why does…"

"Gemma," laughed Marissa exasperated, "Do we really need all these questions?"

"But Mommy, this is how my brain grows!" Gemma through her hands up for emphasis and knocked it against the window.

"Careful Gemma," warned Marissa glancing back at her daughter relieved as she sat there playing with her sneaker. Pulling into the parking lot, she spotted a familiar blue car.

"Hey look, Aunt Summer and Dylan are here already."

"I know that is because you were taking a long time punishing Daddy," Gemma threw her Mom a smile and unclipped herself out of the booster seat scrambling out the door. "Dylan! Guess what?"

Marissa winced slightly at her daughter's loud shriek and rested her head on the steering wheel for a minute. A voice brought her out of her slump.

"Already a long day, Coop?" Summer laughed at her best friend's bygone face.

"Hello to you to Summer. Please tell me that is not Gemma pulling that little girl's hair… Marissa watched as Dylan pulled Gemma away from the girl and raced her to the sandbox. "She is so full of energy; I don't know what to do with her sometimes!" Marissa glanced at Summer as she stifled a laugh. "Go ahead and laugh because your son is not crazy, will drink milk, and play nice with other kids."

"Coop," Summer laughed, "Gemma is just one of a kind. Dylan is just more like Seth…which I'm sure is a good thing." She frowned at the thought as the bell rang.

The two kids ran over to their mothers' arms. "Have a great day Dylan," Summer ruffled his curly hair and smiled at her five year old son.

Marissa laughed as Gemma threw her arms around her and gave her a big bear hug. "Be good today kiddo, love you."

Gemma placed a quick buzz on her Mom's cheek and ran to catch up with Dylan, "Love you forever more Mommy!" With a last wave and a blown kiss, the two tiny creatures disappeared into the school halls backpacks securely fashioned.

"So, do you want to do lunch?" Summer asked as she walked over to her car."

"Yeah, lunch sounds good. I have to finish a couple of articles, but should be able to get off."

"Okay, sounds good."

Marissa waved as Summer pulled out of the parking lot, and she followed turning left toward the newspaper office. Majoring in journalism had been a surprise, but she loved her job and the flexible hours it allowed her to be with Gemma after school. Ryan after much decision decided to join the Newport Group working for Kristen. Usually he was home for dinner, but sometimes the hours were long. Pulling into the parking spot, Marissa grabbed her stack of papers and hurried inside. She was running just a little late, but since having Gemma it became a well known fact that Marissa Atwood was always a little late.

"No, no Ernie. I don't need that picture. I need the one…wait a second somebody just walked in. I'll call you back." Marissa placed the phone back on the desk and looked over at her boss, Nora Wylie. "Hey Nora, what's going on?" Nora rarely came into her office just to chat, and Marissa inwardly groaned at the thought of another article layout to do tonight.

"Your little girl, Gemma, she goes to Harbor Elementary School right?" Nora looked at Marissa steadily without blinking.

"Yes, she does. She attends the accelerated preschool program there. Why, do you need to know something about the school? I'm sure Mrs. Peabody wouldn't mind…"

"No," interrupted Nora looking concerned. "Marissa you know how we get the police blotter, and it is checked fairly regularly for various stories?" She watched as Marissa's face paled considerably and eyes started to blink frantically.

Marissa felt her heart thump painfully and a million thoughts flew across her mind. Did something happen at the school…Gemma…Ryan…?" Nora what is going on?" Demanded Marissa as she managed to get words out only slightly choking.

"We received news that at about an hour ago that two masked individual stormed the school and took a class under siege. That is all that I know…"Nora watched as Marissa pushed her chair back from the desk almost falling over and grabbed her purse. "I'm so sorry that I don't know anything else but…" she never got to finish because Marissa was out the door and running toward her car.

Almost colliding with a little convertible as she whipped the car on to the road, Marissa yanked out her cell phone and barely managed to dial Ryan's work. Come on, come on please pick up, oh my gosh please pick up…please

"Hello, you have reached Jane, Ryan's secretary, how may I help you?"

"Jane, it's Marissa. I need Ryan now!"

Stunned by the almost hysterical sound in Ryan's wife's voice, Jane went and interrupted the meeting without a thought. "Mr. Atwood, Marissa is on the phone. I think something is wrong.

Ryan stood up quickly and took the phone. "Hey beautiful, what is wrong?" He heard heavy breathing on the other side and a slightly whimper. Scared Ryan demanded, "Marissa, what is going on?"

"Ryan," Marissa mumbled while flying past a silver car going way too slow, "Something happened at the school. We got a news blot saying that two masked individuals…and Gemma in the school…don't know what is going on…"

Ryan could barely manage to make out his wife's words, but did know that she was falling apart and something could be wrong with Gemma.

"Marissa, take a breath," he heard her take a shallow gasp and prayed that she wouldn't hyperventilate while driving. "I'll meet you at the school." He started to say something else, but was surprised that she had already hung up. Grabbing his coat, he rushed out the door to his car. What on earth is going on?

Coming up to the school, Marissa slowing brought to car to a halt and stared in numbness at the scene. The once innocent place had been tainted. The playground still had swings that moved in the breeze and a bright sunny school bus sat in the back. However, ugly yellow tape had been wrapped around the school much like a Christmas present. Police officers swarmed the building while red and blue lights created a kaleidoscope of color. She felt numb. Something was breaking. She had this horrible feeling that only a mother could have. Her little girl was inside there somewhere and…Marissa yanked the door open and scrambled out running over to an officer. Teachers were leading students out of the doors holding hands. Little girls' hairs were messy and dirty. A little boy had a scrape on his knee and all were crying. Marissa watched as relieved parents grabbed their children in desperate hugs and little arms grabbed back just as hard. Marissa scanned the children looking for the slightly reddish light brown hair that was her daughter. Not seeing her, she pushed herself through the crowd to get a closer look.

"Marissa!" yelled a voice, and Marissa felt her best friend crash into her. "Do you know what is going on…I don't know…and Dylan…nobody is saying anything…" Summer rambled looking up at her closest friend fighting tears.

"I don't know Sum," Marissa whispered still glued to the school. Suddenly she spotted a head of curly dark hair and grabbed Summer's arm. "Look Sum, there is Dylan!"

Summer have a half sob and pushed herself through the crowd yelling at anybody who got in her way and pulled her little boy into her arms falling to the ground. Marissa watched as Seth came running out of no where falling to the ground with the two in a crushing hug. Marissa turned back to the school hoping to see her baby because Gemma and Dylan were in the same class. However, no little girl came down the steps with two braids. Marissa kept imagining that she saw a speck of red and knew her little girl wouldn't be crying. She would be scared, but desperate to prove that she was brave. Her lower lip would be trembling, but her chin stuck out. Marissa kept imagining that she saw Gemma that she was surprised to realize that children had stopped coming from the school. Looking around, she was surrounded by parents being reunited with their children. Where was her baby? Seeing Summer and Seth pushing toward her, she took in Summer's worried face and Seth's wide eyes.

"Where is Gemma?" Summer asked yelling above the noise.

Marissa looked at her dumbly and looked back at the school. Something snapped inside of her, and she strode toward an office several feet away.

"Not now miss, not now. I'm a little busy and…"

"Where is my daughter?" Marissa yelled at him while crossing her arms around herself for protection. "Where is Gemma Atwood? She is in the accelerated preschool class and…"

The officer looked at the woman in a new light and respectfully changed his tone, "Mrs. Atwood, why don't we go over there and talk."

"No, I don't want to go over there! I want to know where my four year old daughter is!" Marissa shrieked and moved to grab the officer. Summer had managed to make her way over and she grabbed Marissa's hand.

"Coop, maybe we should move over there. Come on." Summer led her friend through the crowd as Marissa kept looking back at the school. Mrs. Peabody, the school principle, stood in a group clustered around the back of the school examining a broken window. Seeing Summer leading Marissa, she broke away from the group and hurried over to the two.

"Oh, oh I'm so sorry Mrs. Atwood." Mrs. Peabody threw her arms around Marissa who just stood there in shock. What was going on? "Two men managed to get into the school with guns and it was complete chaos in the preschool class. After everything, we counted up students and found that one student was missing, Gemma Atwood." Mrs. Peabody gave a sniff and looked up at Marissa with watery eyes. "We have witnesses saying that the two grabbed her right as they were escaping because the police were on the way. We are doing everything we can." She looked up at Marissa again hopefully.

Marissa stared down at the woman who was supposed to protect her child. Her little girl that was only four years old and didn't like to drink milk. Her little girl that could barely tie her shoes. When she spoke, she barely recognized her own voice, "Are you telling me that Gemma was kidnapped from your school and you don't know where she is and didn't protect her?" Her voice rose and became harsher as everything sunk in. Her baby was gone.

Summer moved to put her arms around her friend, but was thrown off. Looking around, she spotted Ryan sprinting across the grass. Thank goodness…

"Marissa!" Yelled Ryan as he approached the group, but Marissa kept staring at Mrs. Peabody and the officer. Suddenly she gave a great cry, and spun toward the school striding toward the wrapped up school.

"Wait Mrs. Atwood, you can't go in there! Wait!" The officer gave the command and a lose chain of officers formed blocking her path.

Marissa tried to push her way through the officers. "Move, by daughter is in there somewhere! Move, Gemma!" Marissa screamed into the school as one officer physically restrained her. By then Ryan had caught up, and yanked the officer off of her.

"Don't touch her." He pulled Marissa into her arms as she fought against him.

"Ryan, let me go. Gemma is in there somewhere, Gemma needs me!" She clawed at his arms, but he held tight. Slowing, her moments stopped exhausted, and she collapsed against him. "Ryan," she sobbed, "Gemma is gone…"

"I know, I know," whispered Ryan brokenly as he held his broken wife. Summer was holding on to Seth desperately with one arm around Dylan's small body. She was crying and Seth kept wiping his eyes. "I know baby, but we will find her. I promise you that." He made her look at him in the eyes, and what he saw was emptiness; a mother without her baby. Pulling her close again, he stroked her hair and closed his eyes. They had to find Gemma. Looking up, he watched as the officer in charge approached the grieving couple and pulled out a notebook.

"Mr. and Mrs. Atwood, it is important to begin the search as soon as possible. We need a recent picture of Gemma and a physical description. Also, is there anybody that might have any threat against you? We can't rule out that they went specifically for Gemma."

Ryan closed his eyes and felt Marissa become stiff in his arms. This was a parents' worst nightmare and it had begun on an innocent sunny spring day. Now it was dark, murky, and deadly.

To be continued!