Title: Stepmom
Summary: 32-year-old Summer has taken the fashion world by storm, but now she's ready to settle down. The thing is her fiancé is a package deal, and his kids aren't exactly thrilled to have a new step mom.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own The OC or the movie Stepmom to which I owe my inspiration for this story. I do however own any original characters, and the story itself. If you want to use this, or add it to your fan fiction archive/site, please email or IM ) me so I can have a link. Thank you, and enjoy!
The streets of Manhattan were slick with September rain, and the sounds of car horns resonated in the air. 32-year-old Summer Roberts stepped out onto the curb, a confident air about her. Tonight had to be perfect, she thought to herself, as she stuck out her arm in order to hail a cab. Just as a taxi pulled up to the sidewalk, a voice erupted from the rush hour traffic.
"Hey, you!" Summer turned around, her eyes peering at the see of yellow cars. In the middle of them all was a familiar BMW- the same vehicle that belonged to her best friend and business partner. "Hop in, I'm going your way." Summer smiled and ran over to the car as quickly as she could in Prada pumps.
"Hi Coop," Summer greeted as she got into the car, "You're a life saver."
"So someone played hooky today, huh?" Marissa raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at her brunette friend, "Work was lonely without you."
"I know, I'm sorry," Summer laughed, "But tonight is big. I had to prepare."
"Ah, I see," Marissa nodded, flipping the radio stations before settling on an old Rooney song. "What'd you buy?"
"A lot of stuff," Summer replied, rooting through her various shopping bags, "Cookware mostly. I was looking for an apron, and let me tell you, the cooking industry does not have very stylish digs. Maybe we should expand our market to housewives, because I'm thinking…"
"Cookware?" Marissa interrupted her rambling, "I'm confused. I mean, come on Sum, you're the queen of take out. Your cell phone has every Thai restaurant in New York City programmed into it for God's sake. What in the world do you need cookware for?"
"Like I said, tonight is big," Summer smiled nervously, "I thought I'd actually cook, since it is a special occasion."
"What exactly is the occasion?" Marissa asked, while beeping at a green Nissan. Since moving to Manhattan for college, Marissa had become a bona fide New Yorker, down to every last habit. Including road rage. "Holy crap, did you see that guy? He totally cut me off!"
"It's okay Coop, take a deep breathe," Summer giggled, shaking her head before changing the subject, "I'm meeting the kids tonight."
"So you've never actually met them before?" Marissa responded, after letting out a heavy sigh. "How is that possible?"
"I think I've met them once or twice, seen pictures and Chrismukkah cards, that type of stuff," Summer explained, "But this will be the first time I meet them as their father's girlfriend. And frankly, I'm a nervous wreck."
"You have nothing to be worried about," Marissa reassured her, drumming her hands on the steering wheel, "They're the best kids, you'll adore them. I mean, I know I'm their Aunt, so I am kind of biased, but they are sweet children."
"Promise?" Summer bit her lip, "Because I'm still worried. When I was a kid I hated every single woman my dad brought home. No, I didn't just hate them, I aspired to take them down."
"You'll be fine," Marissa chuckled, "Don't worry about it so much. You do great with Grayson and Emily they totally love you. So I'm sure his kids will love you just as much."
"Alright, if you say so," Summer sighed, knowing it was going to be a challenge no matter what.
"Okay," Summer sighed, looking at the various bowls, pans, and pots out in front of her. "I need to boil the noodles first. That I can do." Carefully, Summer opened the box of spaghetti noodles and poured them into the pot of boiling water. As she set the timer, her eyes wandered to the clock. 5:30. A worried sigh escaped her, as she remembered that they'd be arriving at any minute. Taking a sip from her glass of red wine, she moved into the living room. The apartment was a little cozier then she would have liked, but it was still bigger then the apartment she had been renting prior to moving. Despite it's smallness, the apartment was quite comfortable. It had 3 bedrooms, a bathroom with the most beautiful marble tub she'd seen since Newport, a living room, kitchen/dinette, and a balcony that overlooked Manhattan. And the best part was that she was able to share it with the love of her life. On top of that, it was beautifully decorated. It was the perfect mix of traditional and trendy, and even had a bit of California tied in. For example, a picture of the Orange County sunset hung over the mantle, and a surfboard was still propped in the corner of the bedroom. Though she never wanted to admit it, she often longed to be back in California. To feel the warm salty breeze against her formally sun kissed skin, and to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Instead she was surrounded my smog and the smell of exhaust, and fell asleep to the sound of traffic. But New York had its perks too. A common misconception about New Yorkers was that they we're rude and frigid people, who we're only watching out for numero uno. After 14 years of living in the big apple, Summer had learned that it couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact, the residents of New York we're a good 10 times more friendly then any Newpsie, and smarter too! She also didn't miss the drama of "The O.C.". New York suited her just fine, and all in all, life was good.
"Hello?" A voice called as Summer heard the door swing open. Along with the voice she instantly recognized the sound of children. Children fighting, to be exact.
"Hi," Summer responded cheerfully, jumping up from the couch as she made her way to the kitchen. Her face instantly lit up as she saw her boyfriend, Seth Cohen, who was currently ushering his kids into the door.
"Hey babe," Seth smiled once he had finally pushed the last child, a surly looking teenager through the door, "How was your day?" He gave her a quick peck on the lips before piling turning back towards the munchkins.
"Great," Summer nodded, studying the kids, "Hey guys, my name is Summer!" The three of them stared at her, each one looking unsure then the next.
"I'm Livvy!" The smallest of them announced, her curly brown hair bouncing as she walked further into the apartment, "Guess how old I am!" Summer's smile grew. This wasn't so bad.
"How old?" Summer asked, her voice cheery and light as she bent over so she could look the child in the eye.
"Four!" Olivia laughed, holding up 4 fingers triumphantly, "How old are you?"
"Um…too many to count on my fingers," Summer laughed, standing up straight. She had to admit, Livvy was as cute as they came. Long light brown hair fell off her shoulders in mounds of curls, and a pair of green eyes shown brightly as her cheeks dimpled.
"So now that we're all informed on Livvy's age," Seth smiled, patting his youngest daughter on the head, "I think we can go on with the introductions. Catalina, Devon, this is Summer, Summer, this is Catalina and Devon."
"Lena, just Lena for short," The surly teenager specified, raking a hand through her dark wavy hair, that carried a hint of honey blonde here and there. She was tall and skinny, and reminded Summer so much of Anna that it was frightening. Lena's brown eyes were traced darkly with eyeliner, and her lips were glossed in a pixie pink. Her old looking jeans were torn all over, and her maroon asymmetrical smocked tunic was covered with a shrunken white cardigan. The only thing that didn't quite fit with her outfit and personality was an awkward looking gold locket that hung from her neck.
"Noted," Summer smiled, "Is there anything you want to be called, Devon?"
"No, Devon is good," Devon shrugged; adjusting the Yankees hat he was wearing backwards.
"Why don't you guys go into the living room," Seth suggested, giving Lena a nudge forward, "We've got MTV3- so feel free to go wild."
"Oh wow," Lena rolled her eyes, "MTV3, alert the press!"
"Just go, sit quietly, don't destroy anything," Seth rolled his eyes back at her, "I'll call you if I need a sarcastic comment." Lena squinted her eyes menacingly, before moving into the living room, pulling Devon along with her.
"Cute kids," Summer smiled genuinely, as she moved towards the stove, taking the noodles off the burner. "They seem sweet."
"Haha," Seth laughed, "Oh wait…you were serious?"
"Oh come on," Summer smiled, draining the water from the pasta, "You know they're sweet."
"Yeah, sure. You say that now, just wait until they're all sugared up," Seth replied, pouring himself a glass of wine, and refilling Summer's, "I gave Livvy a Popsicle once and ten minutes later the couch was on fire and my car was gone."
"You lied," Lena strolled back into the kitchen, heading straight for the fridge, "There's no MTV3. And you don't even have Fuse: Rock. I can't believe you dad. I'm disgusted."
"How can I make it up to you?" Seth replied, pulling out his wallet, "What are we talking here? 10 bucks? 20?"
"Your kidding right?" Lena laughed pulling 3 Pepsi's out of the fridge, "Do you really think you can regain my respect with just 20 dollars? I don't think so Pop. It's going to take a lot more."
"Looks like someone has you wrapped around her finger," Summer smiled, as she mixed the pot of tomato sauce on the stove, "Good Job, Lena."
"Um, yeah," Lena's smile faded, as she popped open her can of soda, "I'm going to go…now." And with that Lena walked quickly back into the living room, a displeased look about her.
"What did I do?" Summer asked worriedly. She was trying to be as careful as possible. With kids, first impressions we're everything.
"Who knows," Seth shrugged, "She's 14, what doesn't upset her?"
"Dinners ready," Summer announced, as she moved the serving dishes to the kitchen table. The kids barely even looked up, their eyes focused on the TV.
"Here, you've got to really get their attention, like this," Seth explained, "FOOD! And you better run, because there's only enough for two of you." All three looked up immediately, and Devon and Livvy practically ran to the table.
"Last one is a rotten egg!" Devon shouted as he ran, making it to the table and nearly knocking over Summer in the process. Livvy squealed and ran behind him, crawling into the first seat she could get to. Lena walked in last, looking unfazed and unenthused. "Lena's the rotten egg."
"I'd rather be a rotten egg than a midget," Lena muttered, sitting down.
"Lena, watch your mouth," Seth scolded, before turning his attention to Summer, "Everything looks great Sum, you should cook more often."
"Thanks," Summer smiled flirtatiously across the table, as she took another sip of her wine, "But don't count on it."
"Pasketti!" Livvy yelled out from her seat, which she was kneeling on just to see over the table. After everyone had served themselves, Summer's attention was drawn to Lena, whose plate was completely empty.
"Lena, what's the matter?" Seth asked, already on task.
"I hate spaghetti," She stated evenly, "Anything involving tomatoes makes me gag."
"I'm sorry, do you want me to go make you something else?" Summer asked, biting her lip nervously. This wasn't a good sign, she thought to herself.
"No, can I just be excused?" Lena questioned looking straight at Seth, "The fumes are making me nauseous."
"Sure, but then you can go straight to your room," Seth replied seriously, "Because your grounded for the weekend."
"Fine, whatever," Lena spat, as she flew out of her chair and down the hall. She opened the first door, went in, and slammed it shut behind her. After a minute or two she emerged, a flushed look on her face.
"Enjoy the linen closet?" Seth laughed, but Lena just glared.
"What kind of apartment has a linen closet that big anyways?" Lena muttered, walking to the next room.
"She's just moody because her boyfriend broke up with her," Devon announced with his mouth full.
"And thank God for that," Seth sighed with relief.
"What?" Summer questioned shocked, "That's terrible. Poor girl, but then again she's better off. My boyfriend in high school was such a jerk…I'm still sorry I wasted so much time with him."
"Very funny," Seth rolled his eyes, "We're all laughing Summer, your such a comedian."
"They're 4 and 7, they don't get it," Summer reasoned, a grin spread across her face, "And speaking of, your four year old is covered in sauce." Both adults turned to look at Livvy, who was, sure enough, full of red sauce.
"I'm a meatball!" Livvy laughed, as she stuffed another forkful of noodles into her mouth.
"I couldn't be more proud of you sweetie," Seth replied, "Here, you missed a spot." Seth leaned over, and covered Livvy's nose with Prego. "There, now your perfect."
A/N: Okay, just getting things straightened out, because I know I'm going to get these questions if I don't make things completely clear. The whole OC gang is 32, and living in New York. Seth and Anna are divorced, and Lena (14), Devon (7), and Livvy (4) are their kids. Marissa and Ryan are married, and though they really don't play a part in this chapter, they will show up later. They have two kids Grayson (6) and Emily (2). The parents (Sandy, Kirsten, Jimmy, Julie, Hailey, etc.) will show up later as well as Anna. And yes, this is partially based on the movie "Stepmom", so I will be taking bits and pieces of that to help me out. So thanks for reading the first chapter, and please, please, please, review, and leave any thoughts/questions/comments/requests/ideas. Thanks again!!!!
Stephanie