Chapter Two: Like a Tidal Wave.
Disclaimer:
If it was mine, I would not be writing fanfiction.
Author's Note: A huge thanks to my reviewers, it really means a lot, just to know you read it. Also, a hug to Kath cuz bad days are bad.


"Hey sweetie," Seth rubbed his tired eyes as he reached for the box of Captain Crunch. "How goes it?"


"Hi Daddy. Aunt Marissa called—can I go shopping with her later?"


"Sure, I'll call and confirm."


"Thanks! I, like, really want this really cute bag I saw at Neiman last week—it's chocolate brown suede and it's by Chanel, and it's totally practical. Can I borrow the plastic?"


Seth stretched his arms over his head, he'd worked later than usual last night. "Give me an example of when you'll use it, and what it matches." Years of living with Summer, and than Erica, had taught him that, although he wanted to, his bank account couldn't afford succumbing to their every whims. It almost scared him sometimes how alike they were, and yet how different.


"I was thinking I'd wear it with that pink silk dress Uncle Luke gave me for me birthday? You know, the one from Paris? And I guess I'd use it when we go to the party at Jimmy's restaurant next week?"


"How much?"

Erica bit her lip. "950. But, seriously, Dad, it's completely timeless! I'll carry it foreveeeeeer." She carried out the word for emphasis.

"Okay, I'll give you the AMEX before you leave." For a ten year old, Erica was awfully taxing. But Seth Cohen was rich, so whatever. After inheriting millions when his grandfather died, he started an amazingly successful software company.

Sitting down next to his daughter, Seth poured some sugar into his cereal.

"That's so unhealthy, Dad." Erica whined. "You don't want a heartattack or something, do you?"

"Eri, I'm only 33. Besides, I've been eating the crunch like this forever. Its good, the milk gets all sugary, and it turns kinda beigey and its just much, much better this way."

She shrugged. "Don't blame me if you end up in Cardiac Arrest."

"I won't." He smiled.

The phone intuerrupted them.

Seth answered, checking caller ID first, "Hey Riss." He munched on his cereal.

"Hi Seth! Did Erica tell you I could take her shopping today?"

"Yeah, she did. It's cool with me, when are you going to take her?"

"I was thinking ten-ish. Is that okay?"

"Fine by me. Are you taking the twins, or do you want me to watch them?"

"Luke's Mom wanted to see them troday. It's so cute, she completely adores them. Besides, they're at that stage where it's impossible to take them anywhere! They're so squirmy."

"Yeah. Is Luke still in Milan?"

She sighed, "Yeah, I think he comes back Friday? I'd have to check."

"Oh, okay, Do you and the crew want to come over for dinner Saturday?"

"Um. Are you cooking?"

"Nah, I'll have Nina do it." Nina had been their housekeeper forever. She was a fabulous cook, even by Seth's standards.

"Sure, that'd be great. I'll come by for Eri in…" She checked her watch. "Twenty minutes?"

"'kay. I'll tell her. Thanks. Bye."

"Bye." Seth clicked the OFF button.

"Marissa's gonna come by in twenty."

"Okay, I'm gonna go get ready!" Erica got up, and stood by Seth's chair.

"So why exactly are you standing there? Some weird pre-getting ready thing?"

"Money."

"Oh, right. My wallet's on my armoire, just charge it all to the American Express."

She kissed his cheek. "Thanks Daddy! You're the best. You know, Chelle's Mom wouldn't let her get that Stila makeup kit, and the bag is like ten times the price!"

Erica ran upstairs.

Soon after, Marissa drove up the circular driveway in her champagne colored SUV. Erica ran outside as soon as she heard the car. Having never known her real Mom, Marissa was sort of a surrogate for her.

Seth sipped his coffee in contemplation. Opening the Orange County Register, he scanned the pages, he never really liked reading the news. His eyes rested on a familiar name in a headline.
Michael Roberts. Dead at 79.

He had liked Seth. Mr Roberts was genuinely happy at the wedding, something he usually was not. Scanning the lists of accomplishments, his eyes went to the last lines. Mr. Roberts is survived by his daughter, Summer Roberts of New York, New York. The funeral will be held tomorrow at Grace of God Cemetry.
Seth tried not to think about her. But when something like this hit him like a tidal wave, it was hard not to. He knew Summer would be back. Although he'd dreamed of that moment for ten years, he wasn't quite ready for it to actually happen.