Chapter 11


"Seth, hunny," Mom said, "You have a visitor at the door."

I sighed. After about a good hour of dazing into space, I was finally able to start to study for my history test the next day, only to be interrupted. I shut my book forcefully and walked past Marissa and Ryan, who were snuggling on the couch.

I walked into the foyer to see Katie chatting happily with my mom.

"Hey, Seth," She greeted brightly, walking towards me and giving me a kiss, "I missed you at school. Where were you?"

To be perfectly honest, I was trying to stay away from her. Quite frankly, I wasn't enjoying being around her anymore.

"I was busy," I answered solemnly. My mom gave me a glare, as if saying to be more polite.

"Well… since you're not too busy now, would you want to go some place to eat?"

"No thanks."

"Seth," Mom said, "You've been studying none stop, I think it would be a good idea for you to take a break."

Katie looked at me expectantly.

"I have a lot more to do," I said.

"Well," Katie said, wrapping her arms around me tenderly, "I could help you…"

I backed away from her when she started to kiss my neck. "Katie, really. I have a big test to study for. I'll see you tomorrow at school."

Katie frowned. "Alright, Seth. Call me later?"

"Yeah, whatever."

She gave me one more kiss before walking out, and shutting the door behind her.

"What was that?" Mom asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked innocently.

"You know what I'm talking about," she said pointedly, "Why were you acting so rude to her?"

"I have to study."

"Since when would you pick studying over a girl?" Mom asked.

"Mom," I said, "I really don't want to talk about this right now."

"Seth, is something bothering you?" she asked, concerned.

"No! Nothing's wrong," I said, my voice rising.

"Seth-"

"Mom, I told you I didn't want to talk about it! Just leave me alone!"

My mom looked a little shocked, and hurt at my outburst. I considered apologizing, but thought otherwise; I was too angry. Angry at Katie, for being so bitchy to Summer; angry at Summer for being so bitchy to me, angry at Aaron for just being himself. Hell, I was even angry at Ryan and Marissa for being so disgustingly happy.



My eyes felt heavy as I was sitting in English class the next day. I was up all night thinking of a way to end things with Katie. But really, what was there to end? She wasn't my girlfriend, although she seemed to think otherwise.

"Ms. Roberts?" the stern voice of Mr. Ronerdson droned, "Can you repeat what I just asked?"

Summer whirled her head up, and she looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"Well…?" he said impatiently.

Summer just gave him a blank look.

"Just as I thought. Try to pay attention, Ms. Roberts. I know that deciding which color nail polish to wear with which outfit is important, but I think that learning about Hamlet will be a tad more crucial to your education."

"Now," he said, walking up to the front board, "Who can tell me what the main conflict is the play?" His eyes roamed over the class. Finally, they stopped at me. "Mr. Cohen?"

Damn, never read the play.

"Umm, when Hamlet…" I started, taking my time. I looked around the room for an affable face; none. "Well, you see…"

Mr. Ronerdson laughed wickedly, "Actually I don't see, would you care to elaborate?"

"I didn't read the play," I said quietly, putting my head down.

"Well, that will be a minor setback to do the required Hamlet project," he said dryly, "You will be paired up with Ms. Roberts. Maybe the two of you together can come up with something halfway decent to present to the class. As for the rest of you, pick your partners." He started to pass out packets to us. "The packets will explain the project in further detail; it will be due exactly a week from now."

The bell rang and everyone scurried out of the classroom. Instead of heading for the door, Summer crept over to my desk.

"Good job, Cohen."

"Excuse me?" I asked defensively.

"If you would have answered the question correctly, we wouldn't be having this delightful conversation," she said.

"Me?" I asked, "If you would have paid attention in the first place, he wouldn't have called on me. Therefore, it's because of you we're speaking."

Summer stomped her feet and pouted, knowing I had a point, "Whatever. Let's just get this done as soon as possible."

"Sounds good to me," I agreed, "Is tonight okay? Or do you have a date with Drunk Boy?" I couldn't resist adding that in.

Summer's eyes clouded, "I'm perfectly free. But wait, I won't get attacked by your psycho girlfriend for associating with you, will I?" She finished with her fake sweet tone.

"First of all, she's not my girlfriend-"

"Could have fooled me," Summer interrupted, "But continue on."

"And second of all," I said, about to make a comment on how she wasn't physco, "She's, she's not my girlfriend," I finished lamely.

A pleased smile graced Summer's pretty features, "Come to my house at five. We'll try to get this done in one day." With that, she walked out.

I couldn't help but grin to myself; I was going over to Summer's house. I just had to face the fact: I'm in love with Summer, I may as well not abnegate myself.

Although, as soon as I walked out, my grin quickly faded. Katie was standing at the doorway, looking rather pissed.

"Why were you two in there? Alone?" She accosted.

"We were talking about a project we're assigned to," I said monotone.

She looked at my suspiciously, but then turned pleasant. "So, I hope you don't have any homework tonight, we should hang out at my place."

"Listen, Katie," I said, "I don't know what you think we are, but whatever this is, it's not working for me."

Katie backed away as if she was slapped, "Seth, you don't mean that."

"I'm sorry, Katie. You're not the person I thought you were," I said softly.

"Oh right," She said, almost yelling now, "Well you know why that is? It's because I'm not Summer!

"Shhh," I said while touching her arm, in attempt to pacify her.

"Don't touch me," She yelled and turned away, "Oh, and by the way, Summer will never like you, give it up already, it's pathetic."

She had a good point. Summer probably won't ever return my feelings. Still, Katie and I weren't meant to be together, and I was relieved when she walked away.

Just then, Summer and Aaron walked past me; Aaron with his arm around her shoulder, talking. Summer must have heard us, and sent me a compassionate look, and for some reason, took Aaron's arm off of her shoulder.

Or maybe…there is still hope after all…


A/N: Well, there ya go!! I'm thinking this story is almost done; only a few more chapters to go, but who knows, I might want to add some more. Anywho, please please please please review!!!