Seth lay in his bed looking up at the ceiling, his mind reeling. He didn't want to get out of bed, scared at how bad his hangover was. He should be used to the hangover though. In England he learned how to drink, and the only way to do that was experience and commitment. Those pint's are deadly, you lose control of how much you've had so easily. Next thing you know your being a hero downing the pint's like water to only find yourself with a nasty hangover, trying to remember anything from the night before praying to god u didn't make out with that scary hairy girl that was constantly waving at you.
Seth didn't get that drunk though. When he first left the house he went for a calming walk along the beach, but ended up getting frustrated and uncomfortable as certain thoughts never stopped circling through his mind, so he opted to drown his sorrows. He caught a cab from the beach to the bar, only returning home at around 4.
So here he was lying awake in his bed unable to fall back asleep. He turned his head to the side to check what time it was now. Only 9:30, and judging from only a slight pain from his head movement he didn't have that bad of a hangover. He had initially woken up at 7 and had been tossing and turning, trying to fall back to sleep. It was funny, while he was overseas he had imagined sleeping in his warm bed plenty of times, instead of the concrete slabs that the English called mattresses, but he couldn't get comfortable all night. Seth could appreciate irony, but at the moment he couldn't care less.
Giving up on trying to get more sleep, he decided to get up and see what the family was doing downstairs for breakfast. The sun was shining through his window which was still open from last night engulfing the room an inviting and comforting feeling which sort of lifted him. Placing a foreign smile on his lips, he got up from his bed taking a few steps before stilling himself. His mood plummeted along with the smile.
"Yeah didn't think the smile would last to long."
So maybe the hangover was worst then he initially thought. He went to the bathroom brushed his teeth, washed his mouth was just about to walk out to go downstairs before he realised he was wearing the same thing from last night. Thinking it was probably not to wise to go down in these clothes, and not wanting to arise and suspicion about his late night escapade he quickly changed and made way to the kitchen.
When he got there it was silent. The doors hadn't been opened, the blinds still not drawn which left the house tinged with a mellow orange that filtered through the said blinds. It felt kind of eerie.
"Huh, guess everyone's still asleep" he said to himself.
He opened up the blinds and the other stuff that was required to be per morning. Starting to feel dizzy from all the movement he beelined it to the fridge seeking out the orange juice. He grabbed the largest cup he could find pouring the juice in and sculling it within seconds.
Feeling slightly better from effects of the orange juice, he pulled out pans and some other necessary equipment, also grabbing the bread deciding that a bagel won't cut it as the hangover revitaliser. He decided on eggs and bacon and whatever other stiff he could get his hands on, thinking that cooking in a pan uses the same principles as a grill, so he should be all good.
He moved over to the fridge taking out the said bacon and eggs and some pancake mixture he found piling everything in his arms. He moved over to the bench trying to balance all the items then unceremoniously placing them down. He chucked some bacon in the pan, then opened up the egg carton taking out 2 egg only then realising he had broke four eggs when placing them down on the bench.
"Opps. Maybe I can make some extra for the family, give them a big 'it's Seth' breaksfast."
After congratulating himself on the marvellous idea, he started getting worried about his constant need to talk to himself, but brushed it off figuring he been doing for a while since he was back in England, and well it was better then thinking about certain petite person who caused perpetual pain. He sighed in relief, glad that he wouldn't have to deal with seeing her till later. He picked up the spatular moved over to the pan, busying himself with the preparation of breakfast, making any thoughts of Summer float away.
Summer strode past Sandy's Study room through the living room towards the kitchen. She heard some noises coming from the kitchen area and went to investigate. She gingerly walked through the kitchen entrance expecting to see Ryan or Hailey. Her eyes widened, mouth dropped, frozen still. It was Seth. She quickly moved out of the kitchen hiding behind the wall glad that Seth hadn't spotted her. What the hell was Seth doing awake now? He was always a fan of sleeping in.
She took a few moments to collect herself. Her mind was going crazy with thoughts, the same ones that went through her mind yesterday when she and Seth first met. She didn't know what to do.
She learned her head back against the wall taking a deep breath. "It's to early for this Shit." She sighed.
As much as she didn't want to go in there right now, she knew now was the best time. No one was around to witness anything and it seemed fitting. The kitchen seemed like the designated area for confrontations.
She turned around letting fate take its course, walking step by step to the kitchen bench, her heart pounding. Seth hadn't noticed her. She looked over to what he was so engrossed in. To her surprise he was cooking. And cooking a lot of stuff too. She mulled over what angle to take, but decided that there was no point. Just to go with the flow.
"Hey." She said timidly, cringing at the sight of his body turning rigid at the sound of her voice.
"Hi." He answered back in a stoic manner a few moments later.
Then silence.
Seth regained his composure, going back to his cooking. Summer though was feeling the pressure.
Deciding to let the elephant be, and defer fate she said, "So what you cooking?"
"Just some usual breakfast foods." His back was still directed to her with his voice employing the same stoic tune.
"You're cooking some eggs." Trying to get the convo moving.
"Yes. How very observant." He retorted sardonically.
She pursed he lips together. Well at least she got a rise out of him. Its better then emotionless front he had before.
"Ouuu. You got four there. You're a big boy now." She said condescendingly, never one for letting anyone get on top of her even if they had a reason.
"Actually, I was going to have two, but 4 broke when I set the carton down." Any remnants of a hangover disappeared as an old acquaintance in the pain department resurfaced.
She smiled amusedly. Such a Seth thing to do. "So what are you going to do with the extra 2 eggs." She hesitantly moved over to the coffee, pouring herself a cup, staying there leaning against the counter. "Cause if you have any leftovers, I wouldn't mind having it." She bit her lip and sighed. Somehow that sounded way better in her head.
Seth sensed her movement. "Actually I was planing on giving it to my family." Back to stoic.
"Ahh okay. Good idea." Feigning like it was, ignoring that he said family purposely to outs her. "You can make them like a special Seth breakfast." She shook her head from side to side after a moment, knowing he couldn't see her, that's great summer…
"Yea." He carried the pan to the bench, flicking the eggs out of the pan onto a plate that had some bacon and pancakes on it already. He picked up the plate along with a full glass of orange juice, and headed in the direction of his mum's room.
The whole conversation he hadn't looked at her once. Summer just sighed.
-
Seth knocked on his mother's bedroom door. Upon hearing a soft "come in" he opened the door to reveal his surprise.
"Ohh Seth. You shouldn't have." Kirsten gushed moving up into a sitting position.
"I know but yet I still wanted to." Seth replied, deeply gratified at seeing his mum smile and looking happy. He moved over to his dad's side of the bed. His gazed lingered there, where the covers where all messed up. Why where they messed he asked mentally.
His thoughts were ended at the sound of his mother's voice. "So what you got for me?"
"I got Eggs, bacon and pancakes." He placed the plate of her lap and the juice on her bedside table.
"Seth, next time please bring a tray."
Seth playfully scoffed. "I do all this, yet your still not satisfied. I will never get the mystery that is women."
Kirsten scrunched up her nose. "Seth sweetie, you got to know how to complete the whole thing. Only then can u reek the benefits."
"Well seeing you smile is benefit enough." Seth said earnestly.
Kirsten smiled again to him. "Well thankyou for this breakfast in bed. It's very sweet"
Seth laid down on the bed while his mother started with her meal. He had no real desire to go back to the kitchen anytime soon. He glanced over to the bedside table, his eye catching a book. Actually the name of the book caught his eye. The name of the book was What's Right? He had never seen it before.
He turned to face his mother. "Mum what's that book there?"
Kirsten looked over before leaning her head back in realisation. "That was your father's book. God knows how long he has actually had it for. Ever since I can remember he has always carted it along."
Seth was intrigued. His dad was a strange man that was a known fact. "What's it about?" he figured it was probably some fascinating mind exploding read, that left you in awe with plenty of questions, expressions and some captivating prose like lines that you were suppose to incorporate into your life to discover answers…
"I actually don't know." She laughed for a moment, Seth was clueless why. "He never read it."
A laughed escaped as he moved up on his elbows. "What do you mean?"
"Well he never read it. He always said he wasn't sure if he wanted to. Who knows what he means by that."
Seth picked up the paperback. It was quite heavy, very thick. The pages were a golden brown colour, making it in Seth's eyes much more worthy of reading.
"Mind if I take it mum?" Seth questioned hesitantly, actually concerned that she might say no.
She faced him smiling. "Of cause sweetie."
-
Summer was sitting at the kitchen bench, clutching her mug of coffee in both hands, mulling over the conversation she just had with Seth while Ryan walked in.
"Morning." He said slowly sensing something was up. He poured himself some juice.
"Hey." Summer answered back softly, still caught in her thoughts.
"How long you been awake?"
"For a while. Couldn't sleep."
"Yea same. Had the worst sleep. Kept tossing and turning." Taking a sip of juice.
Summer was still looking at her coffee, answering with a distant. "Mmm."
Ryan glanced at her. "Okay, so I know you're not much of a morning person but there's something up. Talk"
Summer looked at him for a sec before returning her gaze back to the mug breathing out. "I woke up, did the usual routine," she paused clicking her tongue, "then strolled into the kitchen where Seth just happened to be."
"O." Ryan moved over, taking a seat in the chair next to Summer.
"Uh huh."
"And what happened then?" he questioned.
Summer leaned back placing her mug on the table. "Nothing he was cooking some bacon and stuff. I tried to make small talk, but he kept shutting me down."
Ryan just shrugged figuring it's a difficult situation. Seth was coming home for the worst possible reason, and to deal with this on top was definitely not fun. But all in all Ryan knew one thing.
Not to get involved.
"Well don't worry about it. Just give him some time and space. And just be there for him."
Summer regarded him in a strange manner. "Okay Ryan." She said sardonically.
He got up from his seat moving to take out some cereal from the cupboard, then returned to his seat while saying, "Well I am just trying to help. Keep the peace around here. The last thing we need is a vibe of hostility floating around the house."
Summer still regarded him. "Okay. What's up with you." Ryan looked at her questioningly. " Your too…. normal."
He dug his hand in the cereal box grabbing a handful, shovelling it into his mouth. He didn't know why he felt being called normal an insult, but he did. "I'm not. Its just that I want things calm around here. With everything set for tomorrow, we just need to take care of shit." He looked at her earnestly, watching her face soften. "You get what I mean?"
Summer nodded glumly. "Yeah I get ya."
"How was Kirsten?" Taking another handful of cereal.
"Yeah she was alright. Well as can be expected. She was a bit restless and had some episodes, but she's mostly caught up in her thoughts."
Ryan reassuringly put a hand around her shoulder. "Don't worry its going to be okay. We will deal. Together." He kissed her on the cheek, then got up, starting to prepare his breakfast.
Ryan and summer had a close relationship. They were very involved in each others lives. He sort of thought of her as a younger sister. He always thought it would be cool having a younger sister, to take care and be defensive of and to give him endless and much needed advice on fashion and maybe a little with girls and other areas of his life. Summer though had destroyed this thought. Well not totally. He was well aware of, and increasingly more everyday, that she could be a pain. But what she lacked in that area she more then made up in others.
"So what's your plans for today?" Ryan asked.
"Well we were planning on going out for lunch, something European, maybe Italian or French. Then we were thinking spa and massage, something to relax, and be home for dinner."
"You live a hard life." He said raising an eyebrow.
"Its for Kirsten." She replied waving her hand defensively.
"Of cause." He counted blandly. "Whose the we you are talking about anyway?"
"Me, Hailey and Kirsten. You are invited, but I don't think it's your thing. It's a girls hanging out doing girl things." She paused for a sec thinking. "Eww…Ryan Atwood sparing and waxing…" she snorted at the thought.
"Is Hailey even up yet?" He smeared a bagel with cream cheese passing it over to Summer.
"Not that I know of."
Ryan laughed. "God. She is crazy."
Summer broke off a piece of the bagel placing in her mouth. "She went to sleep really late. Talking on the phone."
"I wish her and Jace all the best." Shaking his head smiling. Taking a bite out of his bagel.
"Pshh, you commenting on other people's love life. The only relationship you can hold is you and your hand." She said smugly.
"What. It's not like you've had dates streaming in."
"That's cause I choose not too. I can call a bundle of guys up if I wanted to. But see there is a difference between me and you. You just can't seem to get a date, can you."
"I can if I want."
Summer fake nodded in understanding. "Sure you can buddy."
Not liking how he was getting dominated in the conversation he went for the cheap call. "Well all I got to say is Seth."
She looked at him for a moment raising her eyebrows. "All I got to say is Incest."
"What are you talking about?"
"Dating your Aunt." She fake shuddered. "How very Amish of you."
Yup definitely could be a pain.
Ryan 'ohhed' at her response. "That was harsh." Summer just shrugged. "And besides she's not my real Aunt and we didn't even know- "He shook his head in mild disbelief. "Why am I defending my self."
"Give me back my bagel." He reached out trying to retrieve it but Summer evaded his grasp
She shrugged taking a bite of her bagel. "Don't start what you can't finish."
"Actually you started." Ryan shot back sordidly.
She shrugged. "And I finished it."
He finished the last bites of his bagel before filling up a bowl of cereal and pouring the milk.
"So for tonight, dinner. I was thinking that maybe we could all get some takeaway and have dinner at home. Maybe some Thai, watch some movies, then hit the sac early." They always did this. Bickered for a moment, then just went back to their original conversation.
"Sounds like a good idea." She paused for sec turning to look at him. "And who the hell says hit the sac." She playfully winced. "Don't say that every again."
"Whatever." He replied uninterested. "And me and Hailey are going to hire the movies. You and definitely Seth are not choosing the movies."
"Whatever" Summer repeated his sentiment.
They sat there for a while enthused in their own actions before summer spoke.
"So….have you talked to Seth yet?" She said not even trying to act nonchalant knowing there was no point.
"Umm….yea I had a chat to him last night." Scratching the back of his neck. "Actually me and Hailey both talked to him when he was up in his room. After he saw Kirsten and…you."
"And…"
"And what?"
"Well, how was he, what did he say?" She asked incredulously.
"He was alright." He replied. She just looked at him. "He was sad, really worn out."
Summer was getting frustrated. Ryan wasn't a man of many words which kind of annoyed, since well she talked a lot.
"Well what did he say?" A bit of frustration sliding out through the words.
Ryan stood up taking his empty bowl to the sink. Summer's eyes following him. "Summer…"
"Ryan just….you know, you can tell me. I won't tell anyone, it will be as if you just accidentally let it slip." Summer suggested standing up."
"Summer. No." Ryan replied keeping a strong front.
"Uhh, come on. Stop being such a boy scout." She said it as if she couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't tell.
"Seriously Summer, Seth would kill me if I told you." Ryan said staying resilient.
"Ryan, I'll kill you if you don't tell me." She said earnestly.
"Summer you can do whatever, but I'm still not going to tell you."
"Urgghh. Your such a bitch. No wonder you fit so well in Newport now." Summer stated distastefully.
"Thank you Summer." He said in a sweet mocking voice.
"Why don't you run off to your little boyfriend then." Mimicking his sweet mocking voice.
"I bet you wished you could call him that." He got scared and moved to the other side of the kitchen bench.
Summer was just about to through a bagel at him when Hailey trudged into the kitchen.
"Morning." Hailey appeased
"Morning." Ryan replied still keeping in mind where Summer was.
Summer seeing her opening for a come back said, "Hailey, Ryan was talking about you behind your back." She smiled proud of herself.
Hailey was at the coffee machine pouring herself a cup. "Honestly, the guys here are worst then the girls." She turned to look at Ryan. "Hmmm…no wonder you fit in so well here."
"I was not talking about you behind your back." Ryan defended.
"Yes you were." Summer accused, then turned to Hailey. "He was."
He narrowed his eyes at summer. "Hailey anything I got to say I would say to you."
"Puh-lease. Hails, you and I both know how much of a bitch he is."
Ryan scoffed. "Hailey you want to know what I said?" he said adamantly.
Hailey shrugged. "Actually I don't really care."
Ryan smiled happy with himself. "Huh" he said proudly.
Summer was already over it and shrugged nonchalantly.
"So Hails, we doing what we said we were going to do yesterday?" Taking a seat again.
Hailey grimaced. "Yeah." She bit her lip for a moment. "That's the best option. And Kirsten needs it….so yea we might as well."
Summer nodded. "K k. I called up Meredith yesterday and told her we were coming. So everything is taken care of." Meredith had become close acquaintances with Hailey and Summer. After all they did meet on a very regular basis. She knew exactly the routine the girls liked, which progressed from waxing, to messaging to sparing. Just riddle that with the copious amounts of gossiping and girl talk and you had an extremely rambunctious afternoon.
"Okay cool. And we should be home for dinner. Ohh, what are we gonna do about dinner." Looking from summer to Ryan.
"Well I was thinking that we have dinner at home all together, get takeaway, I vote for Thai, get some movies and watch them."
Summer quickly shot. "What else are you going to do with a movies Ryan." Ryan glared at her.
"Yeah that sounds good. Then have and early night." Hailey said either ignoring or not hearing Summer.
Summer looked at Hailey. "Speaking of night…" she bit her lip. "did you talk to Seth?" she said softly.
Ryan bowed his head shaking it from side to side.
"Yes I did in fact." She replied not hesitating, turning immediately into a gossiping girl pal.
Ryan let his head fall to the side and breathed out. Knowing it wasn't going to be long till certain details of their talk were regurgitated, he decided to make himself scarce. "Well you two enjoy spilling gossip about a private conversation. I'm going to go." He waited for their reply, but ended up walking out when he realised he wasn't going to get one.
-
Seth was sitting on the ground leaning against the bed in the pool house playing playstation, crash bandicoot or something. It was in the late afternoon around 7ish, the sun was setting in a serene blue which gave off a relaxing feel, allowing Seth to calmly play his game. He had a fairly uncomplicated day, and was very much wanting to complete this day in the same manner. But when he heard the gaggle of women burst through the front door, their voices overlapping each others, he knew this was all going to dissolve.
But at least he was in the sanctuary of The Pool House, and hopefully they didn't need to make the trip out here to for some reason.
But of cause one of them had too.
Hailey came waltzing up the stairs, into the pool house. "Hey what you doing?"
Seth turned his head quickly to acknowledge her before returning his attention back to the game. "Hey. Nothing much, just catching up on some much needed restitution."
Hailey moved over taking a seat at the end of the bed. "What game are you playing?"
"Crash bandicoot." His attention fixated on the game.
She smiled shaking her head slightly. "Seth you're 20. And you're still playing playstation. And it's a cartoon game." She snorted at her last revelation.
"I told you. Its restitution."
"When are you going to grow up?" She teased.
"Later." He shrugged. "Besides you're like 50 and living in your sister's house."
"Hey!" She scolded. "My house is getting built. And plus I want to take care of her right now…" She trailed off seeing no point in finishing off the sentence. So she started a new one on a higher note. She swatted him on the back of the head. "And I am not 50. I am 29."
He paused the game for a moment rubbing the back of his head. "I'm sorry. Yea you're only 29." Unpausing the game and returning his attention back to it after his head was comforted.
Hailey leaned back letting herself fall back on the bed, her body felt so airy and floaty. The massage and spa really worked wonders. "You were suppose to say …ummm," not really caring enough to come up with something, "something about how I still look hot and young enough to be your sister."
After hearing no response and suspecting an eye roll she said, "Well you can think of something better."
"Yes I can, so how about leaving it up to me next time."
She ignored his comment. "So where is Ryan? Me and him are suppose to pick up dinner and the movies."
"I don't know. He wasn't here when I got home."
She moved back up to a seating position slapping her hands on her knees. "Alrights. I better go get him." She stood up hesitating for a second looking at the screen of the game Seth was playing. "Okay, what animal is that." She cocked her head to the side as if it would show her a better picture. "It looks like a standing up hyena. Or like that Tasmanian devil thing."
"It's a bandicoot."
"Huh."
"You know, as in how the name of the game implies…Crash bandicoot."
"Huh." She repeated her sentiment. Seth jut shook his head from side to side.
As if on cue Ryan came strolling in.
"Hey" he said apathetically. Before he let himself fall onto the bed falling face first.
"Huh." Hailey repeated from her standing position.
"Hey man." Seth said. "What's up with you."
"Everything's been hectic. Today was bad ay." He said rolling onto his back.
"Actually I had a relaxing day." For once Seth kept things concise.
"And me and the girls had an easy day too. It was actually pretty chilled." Hailey said as she moved back over to the end of the bed taking her seat again.
"Huh" Ryan repeated Hailey's sentiment. "So was I the only one running around doing errands?"
"What errands?" Hailey questioned.
"Last minute things for tomorrow…and stuff for the Newport Group. Just to check up and stuff…"
Hailey solemnly nodded in understanding.
Seth immersed himself in the game again.
Ryan looked over at Seth and sighed.
"So Seth….What did you get up to today…?" Ryan said realising he hadn't seen him the whole day and wanting to get past the awkward moment.
"Ohh just relaxed. Went around, did the usual. Haven't been in Newport for ages to, so yeah…" Very blasé.
Hailey gave a deadpan look to Ryan before looking back at Seth. "Okay Seth, vague has never been your thing."
He paused the game breathing out. "I went down to the port and took the summer breeze out for a spin for the afternoon. Just basked in the fresh air and all." He basically spat out summer breeze. "I think I'm going to rename my boat." He muttered as an after thought.
When hearing the coldness in Seth's tone, Hailey and Ryan shared a look of concern. Ryan raised his eyebrows and shrugged to Hailey. He moved to sit of the floor next to Seth. "Umm isn't it bad luck to rename a boat." Ryan questioned.
"Well if that guy I sold it to renamed it.." He shook his head at the memory of how pathetic he was, naming a boat after her. "so why cant I."
"But its bad luck." Hailey said very child like.
Seth shrugged. "I'm pretty low right now. It would be pretty hard to stoop lower."
Ryan raised his eyebrows. "Seth I would watch what you would say. You especially would know how irony sticks its ugly head in unwanted places."
Seth smiled at Ryan's sticky way of trying to introduce some humour.
So Seth decided to humour them. "Opps my bad. Lost a step since I been gone. So you know, a bit rusty."
"Yeah well, you got to get your game back. Nothing like a little humour to ease the air around here anyways." Hailey stated.
Ryan grumbled, rolling his neck. "You don't know what you just asked for. We will see what you think about his so called humour soon enough."
Seth carried on with his game unfazed. "Jealous much Ryan."
Ryan carried on as if he hadn't heard Seth. "Seriously Hails, you started an epidemic."
Hailey did a sought of concern laugh. Not knowing why, but it just came out, probably at Ryan being so extreme but also thinking he was right.
Seth laughed at his response. "Puh-lease…" Being too engrossed in the game he didn't finish off his response till he passed the hard part of the level. "If you won't be nice you won't be able to play me."
Ryan reached over grabbing a spare control. "Gimmie that. I'm master at this game now."
"Ryan you can't play now! We have to go pick up the food and movies" Hailey cut in.
"Dammit."
Seth laughed not taking his eyes of the screen. "Ohh poor Ryan. Still a softie for girls."
Ryan put the control down, then stood up. "Yeah I have to, or she won't let Jace come out for a drink with me and friends."
Seth paused the game immediately. Oh crap. He forgot to congratulate her on her engagement! He stood up instantly moving to hug Hailey. "Sorry it totally slipped my mind. But yeah, happy engagement." He released her from the hug wondering whether that is what you say to someone who has just become engaged? Happy engagement? It just didn't sound right. He felt like a total ass being so occupied with himself and forgetting something so important. So as per Seth, he kept on talking.
"Congratulations. I'm so happy for you." He said sincerely. "It's great that there are at least some people who are caught in the illusion of love." He hesitated, realising what he had said. He sighed then continuing when he had thought of something productive. "I can see he makes you happy."
Hailey just laughed. "You can see that….he makes me happy? Even though you have barely seen me since you came back." She said sceptically.
Seth nodded his head sincerely. "Yeah, you can see it. It's in your body action and your eyes."
"You can can you?" Rasing her eyebrow.
"Yeah." Still sincere. "You see, happiness is like pissing yourself, everybody can see it on you, but only you can feel its warmth."
Hailey and Ryan both cracked up laughing.
"Random." Hailey said shaking her head, still laughing slightly.
Seth shrugged smiling.
"Anyways…let's go get the food." Ryan suggested.
Hailey turned to Ryan. "Okay okay." She then turned back suddenly. "Ohh by the way, thank you for breakfast. That was really nice."
Seth gushed. "Well no worries. I was glad to actually. I'm not such a bad cook ay?"
"Yeah, not bad." Hailey said cocking her head to the side. "I was actually heaps surprised you woke up so early…you know from your late night expedition." Rasing an eyebrow.
Hmmm so maybe he wasn't so stealth after all. Lost a step in this as well. Seth bowed his head and pursed his lips together.
"Not so stealth after all hey buddy." Ryan declared saying Seth's thoughts out loud.
He looked at Ryan impassively. "Why thankyou Ryan." He deadpanned.
"So where you end up going last night." Hailey appeased questioningly.
Seth looked up thinking of what to say, more importantly how to say it. "I just needed some air, you know. Gather my thoughts."
Ryan nodded his head once in an affirmative manner. Seth didn't know what to make of it.
"Where abouts you go?" Hailey repeated the question slightly hoping to get an actual answer to it this time.
"I just went to the beach first..." Leading off he figured he might as well tell the truth. They won't judge. "Then went to a bar for a while before getting a taxi home."
Hailey bit her bottom lip for a moment. "Okay well as long as you didn't get yourself into any shit." Seth could see she was trying to tell whether he was telling the truth or not. "And you better not have gone down to the pier to get some coke."
Seth laughed. "Hailey even though I may deceive some people by looking the part, I am not a bad boy." He replied cheekily relieving any seriousness to the situation.
"Okay. Just checking on you." Smiling back. "Anyways lets be off then."
"Yup." Ryan agreed. "And thanks for breakfast Seth. You going to do the same tomorrow?"
"Actually I wouldn't mind. Yeah I will actually." He said earnestly before stalling. "Well, as long as it remains uneventful."
Hailey looked at him curiously. "Why what happen? You catch on fire or something?"
He scratched the back of his head for a second. "No, but thanks for the vote of confidence."
Ryan tried to get Hailey's attention to prevent the conversation from progressing into dangerous water. She ignored Ryan, looking at Seth expectantly, waiting for him to continue.
"So I was cooking peacefully and all flipping the bacon and what not.." he drifted off clicking his tongue for a sec, "…when Satan's child comes strolling into our kitchen." Finishing off with an exasperated hand gesture.
Ryan tapped Hailey on the shoulder, but she swatted his hand away uninterested. She looked at Seth confused. "Satan's child?"
Seth rolled his head before spitting out. "Summer."
Hailey leaned her head back, realisation dawning on her. "O."
"Yeah." He said dryly. "Why the hell was she at our house so early?"
After not hearing a response he cocked his head looking over at Hailey expectantly, but she looked away. He then turned his head looking at Ryan. He just shrugged coolly.
Seth was just about to ask another question but was cut off by Hailey. "So, Seth we would love to chat, but we can't. We have to pick up the food and all that jazz, so we will catch you in about half and hour to forty minutes." She moved swiftly taking him in a hug before making her way toward the main house.
"Yeah see ya soon. Practice up on the playstation. I'm telling you, I'm master at it now."
Seth stood there looking at a retreating Ryan. "Wow, that was weird."
And that coming from Seth.
-
Seth walked into the kitchen from the pool house thirty seven minutes later. And yup he counted. He had been sitting on Ryan's bed cross legged for the whole time constantly switching the channel. Absolutely nothing was on. He turned the TV off and started counting.
After thirty seven minutes a thought drifted through his mind. Why not spend some time with his mother.
A simple thought.
No wonder it took him thirty seven minutes.
So here he was in the kitchen head deep in the fridge reaching for a mountain dew for himself and bottle of water for his dearest mother. He started making his way to her bedroom when Ryan and Hailey came jostling through the front door.
"Hey. Nice timing." Seth stated.
"Always." Hailey proclaimed making her way to the kitchen.
"Where is everyone?" Ryan questioned following Hailey.
"I got no idea. I was just going to go find mum." Seth trailed after them.
"Good you guys are back. I'm starting to feel hungry." Came Kirsten's voice from the living room.
"Huh. I sware she wasn't there a minute ago." Seth said surprised.
He made his way into the living room seeking to commence his simple thought of spending some time with his mother. This quest though was ruined as his eyes landed on Summer. She was occupying his seat next to his mother, they both sharing a blanket, looking to comfortable for…well, comfort.
"Great." He breathed through his clenched jaw. He moved over taking a seat on a different couch from them.
"Hey sweetie." Kirsten said affectionately.
"Hi." Summer said in a reserved fashion, her body language mirroring her voice.
"What you get up to today." Kirsten question.
Not really wanting to get into it and give Summer any satisfaction of mentioning the boat he named after her, he went with vague, again. "Just went around, caught up on all the Newporty stuff I have unfortunately missed out on during my hiatus."
She smiled "That's nice."
"You have a good day?" He thought he might as well go with it, at least she was smiling.
"Yeah. It was nice."
"Good." A moment of awkward silence passed by. "What are you watching?" He took victory in saying 'you' meaning he was only talking to his mum.
"I don't know. Something about these people on an island."
"Lost…" Summer had to fill in, of course. "….we are watching Lost repeats."
"Ahh, great." Seth said dryly.
Kirsten not having it, continued. "It's pretty interesting, it's like a book I read back when I was in school. Uhh what was it called… 'Lord of the flies.' That's the one." She completed with a hand gesture.
Before Seth had a chance to speak Summer cut in. "Eww!" Summer leaned away in disgust. "Isn't that the book where the kids cut off a pig's head?"
"Yeah." Kirsten laughed at her response. "I wonder why they haven't done anything like that on this show. I mean it's bound to happen. People's mind's start to drift…"
Seth raised a curious eyebrow at his mum. "Okay then.."
Summer moved back into her original position narrowing her eyes. "I wonder how people would taste."
"Probably like chicken." Seth mumbled. They didn't hear him.
Kirsten also seemed to be thinking of this too. "I wonder how they would cook them."
Summer put her hand on Kirsten's shoulder eagerly. "Yuk!" She did a weird head movement showing her revulsion. "They probably spit roast them."
Seth just looked on mildly disgusted at the topic, but mostly concerned at the conversation between Summer and his mum, and how they were conversating.
"They don't have to cannibalise. They have fish and other animals on the island." Seth commented trying to get back in the conversation, but they didn't hear him.
Kirsten did a face thing that almost mirrored Summer's. "But that wouldn't cook them properly. Some parts would be all tender, but others raw. And I mean who wants to eat raw people." The two girls nodded in unison as if saying good point.
"Mum you can't cook, let alone have a clue how to cook bush style." Seth jutted in.
Kirsten's shrug was the only response he got.
Summer continued as if Seth hadn't talked. "Yea good point. Well maybe…" She shook her head from side to side in a cute way. "Actually nahh."
Kirsten moved her legs around so she could cross them on the couch, rearranging the blanket so it was still evenly draped over the laps of her and Summer. "How would they choose who to eat?" Kirsten cheeped out.
"Well I guess they would eat the loser people first. Like the whiny ones and the lazy one." Summer suggested with a head nod.
Seth saw an opening and took it. "Well I guess Summer would be first to go." But before he could even finish his first word his mum cut him off.
"How could you eat a person you have known? You must have really disliked them, or they must have really pissed you off."
Seth saw another opening, and after getting over the fact that his mum just said pissed off he jumped in, speaking slightly louder this time. "I think I could." He said cordially keeping his gaze fixed on the television.
Summer raised an unamused eyebrow. "Really Cohen." She said dryly. She looked at Kirsten for a second before altering her look to a glare. "And who would that be."
Seth held it back not wanting to cause trouble, well just not wanting to cause trouble in front of his mum.
"Hmm." She said patronizingly, trying to urge him on. "Me?" she suggested with a pointed look.
He didn't want too.
But he had too.
"Well I don't think you would be a good choice…" he shrugged arrogantly. "I don't think your middle would be able to be thawed." He finished conceitedly.
Summer glared at him rolling her tongue across the back of her molars. "Well I don't think anyone would be eating you. You would taste a bit, bitter." She replied coolly with a swirl of icy bite.
Seth took a moment to think of a comeback, but took too long as the growing uncomfortable silence made Kirsten speak up. "So, ummm where is that food." She said nervously, before shouting towards the kitchen. "Hailey, you ready to bring out the food."
Just at that moment Ryan and Hailey came walking in carrying a heap of those takeaway containers on a trey. Sensing the turbulent air of the room, she got to handing out the takeaway containers to everyone. While Ryan took a seat next to Summer, Hailey went to retrieve the DVD's from the kitchen walking back, to stand in front of the television, movie cases clad in hand.
"So we were thinking of what type of movies to get, and naturally we went with comedy. Now first we have Click." She held up the movie to display it too all. "Next we have Fun with Dick and Jane." Displaying the next movie. "So which one first?"
Summer and Seth both just mumbled something along the lines of great choices and cool movies. Ryan just Shrugged. Kirsten commented on not liking the second movie because the name was not very becoming.
Hailey leaned on her left foot, hands out in a displeased manner. "Okay Click it is."
She put the movie in the DVD player, grabbing the controls in one hand and a takeaway container in the other plopping down on the seat next to Seth.
She pressed play and not another word was said.
A couple of hours later and they were still lounged around watching the television, the second movie. Empty takeaway containers littered everywhere, all the other lights had been turned off, which left a light glow from the moon that bounced off the tiles from outside the only light along with the flickering of the television. Ryan glanced around the room tiredly. The day definitely had worn him out. The last time he glanced around the room to check on everyone was about three quarters through Click. And there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Well apart from him and Seth. But he could see that Seth was showing real commitment to not letting any tears appear visibly to anyone, the big softy.
When he and Hailey chose this movie they had thought cool, and funny family movie we can unwind to. They had no idea that this was probably the worst movie to chose, especially seeing as what they as a family are going through.
So yeah, maybe people how have no idea about movies shouldn't to aloud to chose. Cause then this happens.
Immediately after Click finished he rushed to the DVD smiling saying, "Okay then, why don't we just get right to the next movie." He started the next movie, returned back to his seat, watching the girls wipe their eyes, changing positions to get more comfy.
So this time when he looked around the room he saw everyone in their own world. It was barely 10 minutes into this movie and wondered if anyone was actually watching it.
He glanced at Summer, her knees held up close to her chest. Her mind definitely else where. Her head leaned back resting against the couch.
Kirsten was curled up, her eyes shut. The blanket tightly wrapped around her.
Seth was stretched out, his feet on the coffee table, his head propped up by his hand. His mind god knows where, as he mumbled something. "Bitter at the start, but sweet at the end. Dammit why didn't I think of that?"
Hailey was tapping her knee, her head resting against the corner of the sofa.
He contemplated asking if everyone wanted to go to sleep but thought better of it. Kirsten shuffled for a moment before removing the blanket, walking out without a word.
Ten minuets later Hailey got up and wordlessly left.
Seth five minutes after that.
Summer a few moments after.
Ryan sighed, moved over to where the remotes where, turning off the television, flooding the house in an empty, hollow aura.
-
Please review :)