Eternally Bound
Disclaimers apply…
A/N: Okay, so this is the last chapter. Just a follow up on what happened to Summer. Most of you said that Pete and Summer shouldn't be together. Well, I'll admit it doesn't seem right, since Summer and Seth were perfect for each other. But I felt like this story needed some closure, and Summer alone did not seem like closure. So read on and you'll find out what my compromise was! Tell me if you think it's shitty, and I'll re-do it!
"Sum, what are you looking at?" Marissa asked. She and Summer were going through some old papers of Seth's, in an attempt to clean out Summer's house. Obviously they weren't getting very far, since Summer insisted on keeping everything.
"Um, nothing," Summer replied nervously. Marissa ignored her and snatched the paper out of her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw the heading, and then even wider, when she saw the content of the letter.
"Oh, Sum," Marissa gasped. "First the flowers, and now this? How did you find such a great guy?"
Summer shrugged. "Do you think he could've known?"
"I don't know. You know what this means," Marissa whispered. She patted her own slightly bulging stomach.
"I-I couldn't. It wouldn't be right, would it?" Summer asked, not daring to say it aloud.
"Why not? It's what you always wanted, isn't it?" Marissa encouraged her.
"Well," Summer considered, "I always thought it would happen. Just not in this way."
"It's your choice, obviously. But then, you would have something of his. Forever."
Summer took the paper from Marissa's hand and re-read it.
Dear Mr. Seth Cohen,
Thank you for choosing us in preparing for your future. You can rest assured knowing that, in the unlikely event that you and your wife are unable to conceive naturally, or you are not living, your legacy will be passed on for generations.
Your sperm bank number is P12U94. For additional information, please call your local ConceptionCenter.
Sincerely,
Thomas Miller
CEO of ConceptionCenter
"It's just so, surreal," Summer stated. "I don't feel right 'conceiving' when Seth is actually dead."
Marissa put her skinny arm around Summer. "Come on Sum, this is the only way you'll have kids with the one guy you wanted to be with. Also, we can be mommies together!"
Summer managed a weak smile. "So true, Coop. I don't know, I'll think about it, okay?"
About a month later…
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kirsten squeezed Summer's hand. They were in the waiting room at ConceptionCenter. After much deliberating, Summer had decided to go ahead with the procedure. This way, Kirsten and Sandy would have a blood-related grandchild and Summer would have a baby with her soul mate.
Summer nodded. The truth was, she wasn't sure. She couldn't bear to think about the doctor's words at their last consultation. 'This procedure doesn't have a 100% success rate, Summer,' Dr. Jamison had said. Summer figured it was just a chance she would have to take.
"Summer Cohen," the receptionist called out. "Dr. Jamison will see you."
Summer and Kirsten got up from the uncomfortable chairs. They followed a nurse to the room where Dr. Jamison was waiting.
"Hello Summer, Kirsten," Dr. Jamison greeted them. "Are you ready, Summer?"
"Yes," Summer whispered. Suddenly, her throat was dry and her stomach hurt.
"You're going to be fine," Dr. Jamison assured her. "Just relax."
Just relax. It was easy for her to say that, Summer thought. Dr. Jamison wasn't the one going through the procedure.
"I was really nervous when I went through this," Dr. Jamison admitted. "But the key is to just relax. Breathe deeply and it will all be over soon."
Summer's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't know that you did this."
Dr. Jamison smiled warmly. "Sure did. Katie's almost 7 now."
Summer felt a little better knowing this. Some doctors were totally unsympathetic to their patients, mainly because they themselves had never experienced what the patients were going through.
"Let's do it!" Summer said, with real confidence. No matter what happened, she would get through it.
A few months later…
"You're almost as big as I am!" Marissa exclaimed, licking her ice cream cone.
Summer laughed and patted her stomach. "That's because you're only having one kid."
Marissa shrieked. "You mean, you're having twins? When did you find out?"
"Yesterday. I would've called you, but I wanted to tell you in person," Summer squealed.
"Do you know the sex?" Marissa asked eagerly.
"Yeah. I was going to wait, but then I thought, how will I go shopping if I don't know the sex? One's a girl and one's a boy," Summer said.
"That is so perfect! We can go shopping. I mean, I kind of promised Ryan I would stop shopping for the baby, but who cares!" Marissa confided.
"Okay," Summer agreed. "Have you thought of any more names?"
"Well, it's been so much harder since it's a girl. I mean, there are so many more good girls' names than boys. I was thinking maybe Blair or Alexis. But Alexis Atwood doesn't sound that good. Blair Atwood is okay. Maybe Blair can be her middle name," Marissa said.
"Hmm. Well nothing starting with an 'A'. Chelsea Blair? Brianna Kate?" Summer suggested.
"Wait a sec. I like that. Brianna Kate Atwood. What do you think?" Marissa said.
"I kind of like it too. It sounds nice. Let's think of more names though."
"What do you think of the name Kelsey?"
"I like that. Kelsey Blair. Kelsey Lauren," Summer said.
"What about you?" Marissa remained undecided.
"Well, I was thinking about Seth Benjamin. Or Brandon Seth. Or Seth Daniel. And for the girl, I have no idea," Summer said.
Marissa nodded. "I like Benjamin Seth. Or Seth Benjamin. I'll think about girls' names."
Two months later…
"Oh Coop, she's gorgeous!" Summer squealed.
"I can't believe I'm a mom," Marissa sniffed, with tears of joy in her eyes. Ryan was standing by her side, grinning at his little girl.
"And me, a dad," Ryan pointed out. "I love you."
Summer stared wistfully at the two. They were so in love. She would be in Marissa's spot in four months. Sure, Marissa, Ryan, and the Cohens would be there for her. But the father of her children wouldn't. Seth wouldn't be there for the birth, their first steps, words, and so on. Summer would be raising their twins alone.
"Did you decide on a name?" Summer asked. The girls had spent hours pouring over baby books but couldn't decide between a few.
"Well, it was between Brianna Kate, Lauren Blair, and Rachel Blair. But we decided on Brianna Kate," Marissa said. Her eyes were brimming with tears again.
"I get to name the next one," Ryan teased. "I was thinking about using a guy's name if we have another girl."
Marissa glared at him. "Ignore him," she told Summer.
"Don't I always?" Summer replied, laughing. Chino had really pulled through for her after Seth's death. They had never been close friends, but Ryan had made an effort to help Summer since then. And Summer was proud to say that they were good friends now. He was a pretty cool guy.
Four months later…
"Breathe," Ryan told Summer, as she gave his hand the Death Grip.
"I'm trying," Summer snapped. "If you think it's so easy then *you* have the damn babies."
Ryan rolled his eyes. He had learned with Marissa to just shut up and accede to her wishes. Summer was no different.
"Push. You're almost done," the doctor assured Summer. She had decided not to have a C-section, even though she was having twins. Now, Summer was somewhat regretting her decision. It was a little too late now, though.
With one last push, the first baby was out. Summer breathed deeply. Her face was bright red and her hair was limp.
"Good, Summer. You can relax for a minute," the doctor said, handing the baby to a nurse.
Ryan rubbed Summer's hand. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"Ryan," Marissa warned. "Don't even start." She gave a comforting smile to Summer.
"It's always my fault," Ryan muttered. Unfortunately, both Summer and Marissa heard him.
"It is," Summer agreed, sharing one of those looks with Marissa.
"If you ever want to have another child with me," Marissa started, "you might want to keep your mouth shut."
Ryan sighed. "Yes, mom." He knew that comment would cost him.
"Okay Summer, are you ready for the next one?" the doctor came back over to Summer.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Summer groaned, squeezing Ryan's hand again. Although she didn't want to admit it, she was happy Ryan was there, acting as 'the father' for her. He was extremely supportive and sweet. Just like Seth would've been. Oh, God. She didn't want to get herself upset about Seth. Not now. It was hard not to, seeing as she was giving birth to his children.
After a few more minutes, the second baby popped out.
"That was definitely easier than the first one," Summer announced, taking a sip of water from the glass Marissa brought her. Ryan was wiping her head with a cool cloth.
"I'm going to go get Kirsten and Sandy," Ryan said, leaving Marissa and Summer alone. Well, besides the doctor, nurses, and the babies.
"I can't believe I did it, Coop," Summer squealed.
"Here you go," a nurse said, placing the girl in Marissa's arms and the boy in Summer's.
Summer couldn't stop beaming. "You're definitely a Benjamin Seth Cohen," she told the baby boy. "And you, you're an Ashley Brooke Cohen," Summer told her daughter.
"Aww, Sum, that's such a cute name!" Marissa said.
The next morning, Summer woke up to the sweet, fragrant smell of flowers. Ryan was sleeping in the chair by her bed. She assumed that Marissa had gone home to take care of Brianna.
"Ryan," Summer croaked, "can you get me some water?"
For some reason, her throat was really dry. Ryan's eyes popped open and he stood up.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Great, actually. But I really need a drink," Summer said again.
"Right. I'll be right back," Ryan ran out of the room to get Summer her drink. When he got back, he gave her the drink. Then he started to look at the cards on the flowers.
"You've got one from Sandy and Kirsten. One from me and Marissa. Three from your father, and one from your stepmother and father. Here's one from Luke. And one from your employees," Ryan counted.
"Is that it, Ryan?" Summer asked. She noticed that he hadn't looked at all of the bouquets yet.
"No. Jimmy Cooper sent you these carnations, and Caleb sent you the pink roses. And--oh, never mind," Ryan stopped, his eyes transfixed on a bouquet of red roses.
Summer craned her neck to see the bouquet. "Who are those from?"
Ryan didn't answer. Slowly, he turned to look at Summer. "They're from Seth."
Summer's heart stopped. "But how could he have known?" Her mind wandered back to Bill at the flower shop. He had said that Seth wrote a few notes in advance and he still had them on file. Did Seth plan for the birth of their children, too?
"Oh, my God," Summer whispered. Ryan walked over to her and sat down gingerly on the bed.
"I didn't want to get your spirits down," Ryan admitted.
"Don't worry about it. It's just, I never had any idea. That he would," Summer gestured.
Ryan nodded sympathetically. "Seth was a great guy. He loved you more than anything. I guess he wanted to be prepared in all cases. You're lucky, you know that?"
Summer could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. "I know."
They sat there for a while, rocking back and forth, with tears gliding down Summer's face.
Summer cried until she fell asleep. Then Ryan gently pulled his arm from around her and went to go get some breakfast. But before he could get out of the door, a deliveryman greeted him.
"Delivery for Summer Cohen," the man announced. He gave the bouquet to Ryan and waved goodbye.
Ryan walked back inside Summer's room to put the flowers by her bed. He didn't bother looking at the card. They were probably from her father, again. Another guilt-ridden bouquet, with promises that he would come visit the baby soon. Okay, Mr. Roberts.
Summer woke up shortly after Ryan left. She was used to waking up at random times because she had to throw up. But she had already had the kids. So it was probably just her body in its routine. She noticed a bouquet of white and red roses by her bed that definitely hadn't been there before. They were just within her reach, so she grabbed them.
A thorn pricked her. "Shit," Summer said, and then remembered that she wouldn't be able to use that kind of language anymore. She remembered what the pregnancy book had said about cursing having a bad influence on small children.
Dear Summer,
Congratulations on the twins. You must be so proud. I'm sure Seth would've been too. I just wanted to say hi, since we haven't talked in a while. I know it's not really the best timing, but I miss you. Anyway, I'm in town for a few days and I thought that I might stop by if that's okay. Call my cell and let me know if I can.
Pete
Summer sighed. Pete was as far from her mind as possible. She felt bad for neglecting their friendship, but she knew that Pete wanted to take it a step further. As for that, she wasn't sure how she felt about taking the next step. Sure, Summer liked Pete, but she wasn't sure if he was worth it.
One thing Summer was sure about was that Seth was looking down on her from wherever he was. She hoped he was in heaven, if heaven existed. She hoped he was proud of her. And that he knew that she still loved him, and always would, even if other men came into her life.
Ryan came back with breakfast not long after. "More flowers from your dad?"
Summer shook her head. "They're from Pete."
"You know, Summer, Seth would've wanted you to be happy. That was his main goal in life," Ryan stated. Summer had been told this over and over, but coming from Ryan, she could kind of believe it.
"I know that," Summer boasted. Ryan gave her a look. "Okay, I've heard it before, but I don't believe it. I mean, I didn't. But you make me feel like it's okay."
Ryan was shocked. Summer Cohen, admitting she was wrong? And thanking someone for helping her. Sure, she was nicer than before, and he would even call her a close friend. But still. Times really had changed.
Ryan's cell phone rang. "Hey, Marissa. Yeah, okay, I'll be there soon," Summer only heard one end of the conversation.
"Is Marissa okay? Is Brianna okay?" Summer's voice was laced with concern.
Ryan smiled at Summer's motherly instincts, which had already kicked in. "Both of my girls are fine. Marissa just needs me to take Brianna for the day. She has an appointment or something."
"Sounds more like she wants to go shopping or something," Summer laughed.
Ryan lowered his voice, as if Marissa would be able to hear him if he spoke normally. "Something tells me you're not wrong."
After Ryan left, Summer picked up the phone and dialed Pete's number.
"Hi, Pete? This is Summer," Summer said.
"Summer. How are you? Did you get my flowers?" Pete's voice was anxious.
"I'm fine, thanks. And thanks for the flowers, they're gorgeous," Summer replied.
"So," Pete said.
"So," Summer said, "did you want to stop by?"
"Yeah, I'd love to. I mean, if it's okay with you. It is okay with you, right?" Summer smiled. She had another rambler on her hands.
"Come over whenever is good for you," Summer told him.
"Okay."
"I can't wait to see you," Summer added. And she really meant it.
A/N: So, here ends this fan-fic! I know, you're all really sad. And some of you probably hate that Summer invited Pete to the hospital. But she deserves to be happy. And I left it up to you to think what might happen after. Should I do yet another follow-up chapter? With Pete and Summer getting married? Or do you like it how I left off? Tell me!
Disclaimers apply…
A/N: Okay, so this is the last chapter. Just a follow up on what happened to Summer. Most of you said that Pete and Summer shouldn't be together. Well, I'll admit it doesn't seem right, since Summer and Seth were perfect for each other. But I felt like this story needed some closure, and Summer alone did not seem like closure. So read on and you'll find out what my compromise was! Tell me if you think it's shitty, and I'll re-do it!
"Sum, what are you looking at?" Marissa asked. She and Summer were going through some old papers of Seth's, in an attempt to clean out Summer's house. Obviously they weren't getting very far, since Summer insisted on keeping everything.
"Um, nothing," Summer replied nervously. Marissa ignored her and snatched the paper out of her hand. Her eyes widened when she saw the heading, and then even wider, when she saw the content of the letter.
"Oh, Sum," Marissa gasped. "First the flowers, and now this? How did you find such a great guy?"
Summer shrugged. "Do you think he could've known?"
"I don't know. You know what this means," Marissa whispered. She patted her own slightly bulging stomach.
"I-I couldn't. It wouldn't be right, would it?" Summer asked, not daring to say it aloud.
"Why not? It's what you always wanted, isn't it?" Marissa encouraged her.
"Well," Summer considered, "I always thought it would happen. Just not in this way."
"It's your choice, obviously. But then, you would have something of his. Forever."
Summer took the paper from Marissa's hand and re-read it.
Dear Mr. Seth Cohen,
Thank you for choosing us in preparing for your future. You can rest assured knowing that, in the unlikely event that you and your wife are unable to conceive naturally, or you are not living, your legacy will be passed on for generations.
Your sperm bank number is P12U94. For additional information, please call your local ConceptionCenter.
Sincerely,
Thomas Miller
CEO of ConceptionCenter
"It's just so, surreal," Summer stated. "I don't feel right 'conceiving' when Seth is actually dead."
Marissa put her skinny arm around Summer. "Come on Sum, this is the only way you'll have kids with the one guy you wanted to be with. Also, we can be mommies together!"
Summer managed a weak smile. "So true, Coop. I don't know, I'll think about it, okay?"
About a month later…
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Kirsten squeezed Summer's hand. They were in the waiting room at ConceptionCenter. After much deliberating, Summer had decided to go ahead with the procedure. This way, Kirsten and Sandy would have a blood-related grandchild and Summer would have a baby with her soul mate.
Summer nodded. The truth was, she wasn't sure. She couldn't bear to think about the doctor's words at their last consultation. 'This procedure doesn't have a 100% success rate, Summer,' Dr. Jamison had said. Summer figured it was just a chance she would have to take.
"Summer Cohen," the receptionist called out. "Dr. Jamison will see you."
Summer and Kirsten got up from the uncomfortable chairs. They followed a nurse to the room where Dr. Jamison was waiting.
"Hello Summer, Kirsten," Dr. Jamison greeted them. "Are you ready, Summer?"
"Yes," Summer whispered. Suddenly, her throat was dry and her stomach hurt.
"You're going to be fine," Dr. Jamison assured her. "Just relax."
Just relax. It was easy for her to say that, Summer thought. Dr. Jamison wasn't the one going through the procedure.
"I was really nervous when I went through this," Dr. Jamison admitted. "But the key is to just relax. Breathe deeply and it will all be over soon."
Summer's eyebrows shot up. "I didn't know that you did this."
Dr. Jamison smiled warmly. "Sure did. Katie's almost 7 now."
Summer felt a little better knowing this. Some doctors were totally unsympathetic to their patients, mainly because they themselves had never experienced what the patients were going through.
"Let's do it!" Summer said, with real confidence. No matter what happened, she would get through it.
A few months later…
"You're almost as big as I am!" Marissa exclaimed, licking her ice cream cone.
Summer laughed and patted her stomach. "That's because you're only having one kid."
Marissa shrieked. "You mean, you're having twins? When did you find out?"
"Yesterday. I would've called you, but I wanted to tell you in person," Summer squealed.
"Do you know the sex?" Marissa asked eagerly.
"Yeah. I was going to wait, but then I thought, how will I go shopping if I don't know the sex? One's a girl and one's a boy," Summer said.
"That is so perfect! We can go shopping. I mean, I kind of promised Ryan I would stop shopping for the baby, but who cares!" Marissa confided.
"Okay," Summer agreed. "Have you thought of any more names?"
"Well, it's been so much harder since it's a girl. I mean, there are so many more good girls' names than boys. I was thinking maybe Blair or Alexis. But Alexis Atwood doesn't sound that good. Blair Atwood is okay. Maybe Blair can be her middle name," Marissa said.
"Hmm. Well nothing starting with an 'A'. Chelsea Blair? Brianna Kate?" Summer suggested.
"Wait a sec. I like that. Brianna Kate Atwood. What do you think?" Marissa said.
"I kind of like it too. It sounds nice. Let's think of more names though."
"What do you think of the name Kelsey?"
"I like that. Kelsey Blair. Kelsey Lauren," Summer said.
"What about you?" Marissa remained undecided.
"Well, I was thinking about Seth Benjamin. Or Brandon Seth. Or Seth Daniel. And for the girl, I have no idea," Summer said.
Marissa nodded. "I like Benjamin Seth. Or Seth Benjamin. I'll think about girls' names."
Two months later…
"Oh Coop, she's gorgeous!" Summer squealed.
"I can't believe I'm a mom," Marissa sniffed, with tears of joy in her eyes. Ryan was standing by her side, grinning at his little girl.
"And me, a dad," Ryan pointed out. "I love you."
Summer stared wistfully at the two. They were so in love. She would be in Marissa's spot in four months. Sure, Marissa, Ryan, and the Cohens would be there for her. But the father of her children wouldn't. Seth wouldn't be there for the birth, their first steps, words, and so on. Summer would be raising their twins alone.
"Did you decide on a name?" Summer asked. The girls had spent hours pouring over baby books but couldn't decide between a few.
"Well, it was between Brianna Kate, Lauren Blair, and Rachel Blair. But we decided on Brianna Kate," Marissa said. Her eyes were brimming with tears again.
"I get to name the next one," Ryan teased. "I was thinking about using a guy's name if we have another girl."
Marissa glared at him. "Ignore him," she told Summer.
"Don't I always?" Summer replied, laughing. Chino had really pulled through for her after Seth's death. They had never been close friends, but Ryan had made an effort to help Summer since then. And Summer was proud to say that they were good friends now. He was a pretty cool guy.
Four months later…
"Breathe," Ryan told Summer, as she gave his hand the Death Grip.
"I'm trying," Summer snapped. "If you think it's so easy then *you* have the damn babies."
Ryan rolled his eyes. He had learned with Marissa to just shut up and accede to her wishes. Summer was no different.
"Push. You're almost done," the doctor assured Summer. She had decided not to have a C-section, even though she was having twins. Now, Summer was somewhat regretting her decision. It was a little too late now, though.
With one last push, the first baby was out. Summer breathed deeply. Her face was bright red and her hair was limp.
"Good, Summer. You can relax for a minute," the doctor said, handing the baby to a nurse.
Ryan rubbed Summer's hand. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"Ryan," Marissa warned. "Don't even start." She gave a comforting smile to Summer.
"It's always my fault," Ryan muttered. Unfortunately, both Summer and Marissa heard him.
"It is," Summer agreed, sharing one of those looks with Marissa.
"If you ever want to have another child with me," Marissa started, "you might want to keep your mouth shut."
Ryan sighed. "Yes, mom." He knew that comment would cost him.
"Okay Summer, are you ready for the next one?" the doctor came back over to Summer.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Summer groaned, squeezing Ryan's hand again. Although she didn't want to admit it, she was happy Ryan was there, acting as 'the father' for her. He was extremely supportive and sweet. Just like Seth would've been. Oh, God. She didn't want to get herself upset about Seth. Not now. It was hard not to, seeing as she was giving birth to his children.
After a few more minutes, the second baby popped out.
"That was definitely easier than the first one," Summer announced, taking a sip of water from the glass Marissa brought her. Ryan was wiping her head with a cool cloth.
"I'm going to go get Kirsten and Sandy," Ryan said, leaving Marissa and Summer alone. Well, besides the doctor, nurses, and the babies.
"I can't believe I did it, Coop," Summer squealed.
"Here you go," a nurse said, placing the girl in Marissa's arms and the boy in Summer's.
Summer couldn't stop beaming. "You're definitely a Benjamin Seth Cohen," she told the baby boy. "And you, you're an Ashley Brooke Cohen," Summer told her daughter.
"Aww, Sum, that's such a cute name!" Marissa said.
The next morning, Summer woke up to the sweet, fragrant smell of flowers. Ryan was sleeping in the chair by her bed. She assumed that Marissa had gone home to take care of Brianna.
"Ryan," Summer croaked, "can you get me some water?"
For some reason, her throat was really dry. Ryan's eyes popped open and he stood up.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Great, actually. But I really need a drink," Summer said again.
"Right. I'll be right back," Ryan ran out of the room to get Summer her drink. When he got back, he gave her the drink. Then he started to look at the cards on the flowers.
"You've got one from Sandy and Kirsten. One from me and Marissa. Three from your father, and one from your stepmother and father. Here's one from Luke. And one from your employees," Ryan counted.
"Is that it, Ryan?" Summer asked. She noticed that he hadn't looked at all of the bouquets yet.
"No. Jimmy Cooper sent you these carnations, and Caleb sent you the pink roses. And--oh, never mind," Ryan stopped, his eyes transfixed on a bouquet of red roses.
Summer craned her neck to see the bouquet. "Who are those from?"
Ryan didn't answer. Slowly, he turned to look at Summer. "They're from Seth."
Summer's heart stopped. "But how could he have known?" Her mind wandered back to Bill at the flower shop. He had said that Seth wrote a few notes in advance and he still had them on file. Did Seth plan for the birth of their children, too?
"Oh, my God," Summer whispered. Ryan walked over to her and sat down gingerly on the bed.
"I didn't want to get your spirits down," Ryan admitted.
"Don't worry about it. It's just, I never had any idea. That he would," Summer gestured.
Ryan nodded sympathetically. "Seth was a great guy. He loved you more than anything. I guess he wanted to be prepared in all cases. You're lucky, you know that?"
Summer could feel the tears welling up in her eyes. "I know."
They sat there for a while, rocking back and forth, with tears gliding down Summer's face.
Summer cried until she fell asleep. Then Ryan gently pulled his arm from around her and went to go get some breakfast. But before he could get out of the door, a deliveryman greeted him.
"Delivery for Summer Cohen," the man announced. He gave the bouquet to Ryan and waved goodbye.
Ryan walked back inside Summer's room to put the flowers by her bed. He didn't bother looking at the card. They were probably from her father, again. Another guilt-ridden bouquet, with promises that he would come visit the baby soon. Okay, Mr. Roberts.
Summer woke up shortly after Ryan left. She was used to waking up at random times because she had to throw up. But she had already had the kids. So it was probably just her body in its routine. She noticed a bouquet of white and red roses by her bed that definitely hadn't been there before. They were just within her reach, so she grabbed them.
A thorn pricked her. "Shit," Summer said, and then remembered that she wouldn't be able to use that kind of language anymore. She remembered what the pregnancy book had said about cursing having a bad influence on small children.
Dear Summer,
Congratulations on the twins. You must be so proud. I'm sure Seth would've been too. I just wanted to say hi, since we haven't talked in a while. I know it's not really the best timing, but I miss you. Anyway, I'm in town for a few days and I thought that I might stop by if that's okay. Call my cell and let me know if I can.
Pete
Summer sighed. Pete was as far from her mind as possible. She felt bad for neglecting their friendship, but she knew that Pete wanted to take it a step further. As for that, she wasn't sure how she felt about taking the next step. Sure, Summer liked Pete, but she wasn't sure if he was worth it.
One thing Summer was sure about was that Seth was looking down on her from wherever he was. She hoped he was in heaven, if heaven existed. She hoped he was proud of her. And that he knew that she still loved him, and always would, even if other men came into her life.
Ryan came back with breakfast not long after. "More flowers from your dad?"
Summer shook her head. "They're from Pete."
"You know, Summer, Seth would've wanted you to be happy. That was his main goal in life," Ryan stated. Summer had been told this over and over, but coming from Ryan, she could kind of believe it.
"I know that," Summer boasted. Ryan gave her a look. "Okay, I've heard it before, but I don't believe it. I mean, I didn't. But you make me feel like it's okay."
Ryan was shocked. Summer Cohen, admitting she was wrong? And thanking someone for helping her. Sure, she was nicer than before, and he would even call her a close friend. But still. Times really had changed.
Ryan's cell phone rang. "Hey, Marissa. Yeah, okay, I'll be there soon," Summer only heard one end of the conversation.
"Is Marissa okay? Is Brianna okay?" Summer's voice was laced with concern.
Ryan smiled at Summer's motherly instincts, which had already kicked in. "Both of my girls are fine. Marissa just needs me to take Brianna for the day. She has an appointment or something."
"Sounds more like she wants to go shopping or something," Summer laughed.
Ryan lowered his voice, as if Marissa would be able to hear him if he spoke normally. "Something tells me you're not wrong."
After Ryan left, Summer picked up the phone and dialed Pete's number.
"Hi, Pete? This is Summer," Summer said.
"Summer. How are you? Did you get my flowers?" Pete's voice was anxious.
"I'm fine, thanks. And thanks for the flowers, they're gorgeous," Summer replied.
"So," Pete said.
"So," Summer said, "did you want to stop by?"
"Yeah, I'd love to. I mean, if it's okay with you. It is okay with you, right?" Summer smiled. She had another rambler on her hands.
"Come over whenever is good for you," Summer told him.
"Okay."
"I can't wait to see you," Summer added. And she really meant it.
A/N: So, here ends this fan-fic! I know, you're all really sad. And some of you probably hate that Summer invited Pete to the hospital. But she deserves to be happy. And I left it up to you to think what might happen after. Should I do yet another follow-up chapter? With Pete and Summer getting married? Or do you like it how I left off? Tell me!