A/N: Thanks to everyone who reads this, don't forget to submit your reviews of this fan fiction, as it'll improve not only your reading experiencing, but will help with future chapters.
I've received a question regarding whether or not Taylor will be part of this fan fiction, and the answer is that at this stage Taylor will be part of this story, just at a later date. She's too important of a character to just omit completely, so yes Taylor will feature.
Anyway I hope you enjoy, and hopefully the next chapter will be up in a few days!
Seth sat at the kitchen table, mulling over whether to eat Corn Flakes or Count Chocula for breakfast, while waiting for the kettle to boil. As mundane as that sounds, it had become Seth's ritual over the past few months. Mind you it was almost 10am, as his parents continually pointed out, but Seth didn't care. He was hungry, thirsty, and that meant it was breakfast.
"Ooo, kettles boiled", exclaimed Seth, as the kettle let out a high pitch screech. He got up, walked over to the window, poured his coffee and sat back down again. This wasn't what Seth had in mind after graduating from high school. In need of some stimulation, Seth reached over for the newspaper and flicked it open; to the leisure section of course.
"There's an Imax movie on the Arctic seal colony starting at 3", notioned Seth.
"What, do I look 6 years old to you?"
Kaitlin Cooper slammed down the playstation controller on the lounge table as she made her way over to where Seth was seated, who now had a look of shock on his face.
"Look Mini Cooper, I'm the babysitter which means that I get to choose today's activities, so I hope you like aquatic mammals."
"You are not babysitting me"
"Well let's look at the facts here, shall we Cooper? Your mum has gone out, left you under the watchful eye of myself, and has left us twenty dollars for pizza. According to movies that I have seen, that makes me your babysitter"
"Oh really? And would a baby do this?"
Kaitlin reached for her jacket and pulled out a small tin container, which Seth had instantly recognised, and he had seen a lot of Kaitlin recently. Kaitlin pulled out a small bag containing a green substance that Seth was all too familiar with.
"Wow, grass, classy Cooper. I suppose that gives you street cred amongst your high school friends."
"Why, you want some?"
"No thanks, last time I used marijuana, it didn't end so well."
"Oh yeah that's right, you burned down your fathers office. Great move there moron."
"Well what can I say? Arson runs in the family"
"So does beating up water polo players, impregnating ex girlfriends and looking good in wifebeaters. Clearly you missed the boat on that one Cohen."
"Oh, I can't wait til your mother takes you off my hands."
"Finally, something we both agree on."
"So we have the table settings sorted out for the Casino Royale night, now to get some volunteers to work as the croupiers. Any suggestions people?"
Julie Cooper looked around the table at the other members of the charity committee, those of who included Kirsten Cohen, Sandy Cohen and Neil Roberts.
"Julie, may I ask why myself and Sandy need to be at this committee meeting. We really should be working at our respective jobs, instead of talking about video poker machines", asked Neil, who was now clearly tired of the meeting.
"Well Neil, this Casino Royal event is going to need funding to get itself up and running…"
"But why can't you just pay that off with the money you make on the night Julie?" Sandy piped up, now aware that he was becoming Julie Cooper's personal piggy bank.
"Because Sandy, that money is going to the local drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. Can you imagine how the guests would react if they found out the all the money was going to cover the costs? And with the Belle and Beau's event coming up in a fortnight's time?"
Sandy Cohen shot a look towards his wife. Kirsten shrugged her shoulders back at him; there was nothing she could do about it.
Sandy, although annoyed at the fact that he was now financing the Casino Royale event for the newpsies, knew that it wouldn't be right to decline. After all, everyone knew why Julie was hosting all these charity functions, although no-one was brave enough to voice their opinions. The death of Marissa Cooper had been hard on everyone, and everyone was coping with the loss in different ways. Julie, in too much pain over her daughter's death, had sought the option of spending as least time possible dwelling upon and dove head first into the charity work. The more time occupied with charity functions, the less time she spent thinking about Marissa.
Although Sandy knew that this wasn't the best way to cope with the grief, who was Sandy to tell her otherwise?
"Right, now who will volunteer as croupiers for the event?" proclaimed Julie, clearly oblivious to the fact that Sandy was reluctant to help.
"Martha Jennings has already offered the services of her son Rick for the evening, so how about Seth, Kiki?"
"If sure Seth will make up some reason to get out of it, but I'll make sure he comes and helps out with something."
"Great, thanks Kiki. How about Ryan?"
Kirsten paused. Ryan was still a touchy subject within her family, after he walked out on them some three months ago.
"We haven't been in contact with Ryan for some time now Julie, you know that", chimed in Sandy, now aware of the look of his wife's face.
"I just thought that maybe Ryan had contacted you recently…."
The expression of Julie's face had now changed to that of hope. This however was noticed by both Neil and Sandy, who were now themselves sporting looks of suspicion.
"Moving on, Julie continued, let's discuss the catering situation. It's ok Neil, yourself and Sandy can return to work now, us ladies will work out the remaining arrangements"
"Thank god", muttered Neil under his breath.
"What was that, honey?"
"Nothing Julie, I'll see you at home later."
Neil and Sandy, both looking relieved, took their leave from the restaurant and made their way to the carpark.
"Anyway Sandy, I guess I'll be seeing you on Saturday at the Casino Royale night", Neil said as he unlocked the passenger door to his new Volkswagen.
"Actually Neil, I was hoping we could meet up for a drink some time before then; there's something I need to discuss with you."
"If it's to do with the financial input, we'll sort something out on the night."
"It's not that Neil, I wanted to talk about Julie"
Neil paused for a bit, then turned to Sandy with a serious look on his face.
"I thought as much Sandy."