Seth swallowed. So much had happened in the past twelve hours. He couldn't read the expression on Anna's face, nor could he tell if she had seen the kiss that he and Summer had shared only moments before. He shoved his hands into his pockets and began to tap on the floor with his foot. "Um, Anna, hey there. Hope you're having a good New Year's. So, you're not going to believe this, I feel like a pretty big jerk, but-"

"But you're crazy about Summer and the two of you are together?" Anna looked at him expectantly. Her face seemed friendly and open, and Seth relaxed.

"I'm so sorry - I know I said I just wanted to be friends with both you both, and I hope that you'll still have me as a friend, but I can't help the way that I feel about Summer. I hope you understand," he said, talking her hands in his, "because I think that you are an incredible girl, and I really want to be a part of your life."

Anna cracked a small grin. "Well, it does sting a bit," she responded. "You know, my love life is anathema - a curse apparently has followed me across the country!" She laughed and looked up. Seth's face showed his obvious concern. "Seth," she bit down on her lip and accepted the inevitable. "I can't say that I'm surprised - it's obvious that you have stronger feelings for Summer than you ever did for me. I get it, and I'm ok. I really want you to be happy."

Seth felt like a huge weight had been lifted from him. A smile broke across his face, and Anna smiled as well.

"Seth!" Seth looked up to see Summer approaching, a panicked look furrowing her features. She stopped when she saw Anna standing there. "Anna - hi."

"Hi, Summer." Anna offered a small smile. "Seth told me about you two. I'm really glad for you both."

Summer looked surprised. "Oh- oh, thank you. That's really nice. Seriously," she smiled, "Thank you. Listen," Summer shook her head slightly and a look of worry returned to her face. "This is like, the worst timing ever, but there's something seriously wrong with Marissa. We need to get her out of her before anyone notices," she pleaded.

"Can I help?" Anna offered. Summer turned and nodded.

"Oh, yeah, sure - thanks," Summer and Anna headed off towards a corridor as Seth went to find Ryan.

"I'm really sorry about all of this," Summer's words startled Anna as they moved quickly through the party. "Lately, it seems like everything has been so melodramatic." Her voice dropped a few notches, and Anna strained to hear her over the noise of the party. "I just wish it could be easy again."

"I know exactly what you mean." Anna hurried to catch up to Summer. "This growing up thing - it's kind of a pain."

The two girls exchanged wry smiles as they approached the bathroom door. Summer knocked gently. "Marissa?" No one answered. "Marissa, are you in there?"

Anna pulled open Summer's purse and began rifling though the contents. Summer began to protest, but Anna shot her a look and Summer quieted, still confused but understanding that Anna was trying to help. Anna pulled out Summer's platinum Visa and kneeled in front of the door. She slid it slowly between the crease of the doorframe and the door itself. Summer heard a soft click, and Anna pushed the door open.

"Oh god, Marissa," Summer ran to her friend. Marissa was limp against a wall.

"Hey, it's Sum!" Marissa slurred her words and tipped over to one side. Summer propped her up, holding on to her tightly.

"Anna, please try to find the boys," Summer's voice wavered a bit, but she stayed strong.

Anna nodded and moved back over to the party before Summer called her name.

"Anna?" Summer looked into her eyes. "Thank you."

Anna smiled and turned back into the whirl of the party.