Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing that has to do with the OC or Fox.
Author's Note: Well, it's almost over. :Sniffle: This was the first story I ever posted on ff.net, and now I'm almost done with it. There's one chapter left after this, and I hope that you have enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Thanks to all the loyal reviewers and readers for giving me motivation to write. Your comments have really been very helpful to my writing. This chapter takes inspiration from the Countdown episode of the OC, you'll see why when you read it. I have Still Fighting It and another few stories in the works, so keep an eye out for my stories. Thanks and enjoy…
One
Chapter 23: Nothing can compare
Summer felt a poke on her shoulder. "Cohen?"
"No, sorry ma'am, we're about to land and we need you to return your seat back to its upright position."
"Sorry." Summer looked out the window at the landscape of France below. Paris was already bustling. She felt excited and scared, but not because of the new surroundings. The butterflies in her stomach were getting more restless. Would her fairytale come true?
She hurried off the plane as quickly as she could. She strode out of the gate, searching for his familiarity. Throngs of people surrounded her, and she couldn't see a thing. She stood on her tiptoes, looking for that curly mop of hair that she couldn't wait to run her hands through. Nothing. Her flight had landed early, so maybe he couldn't get there on time. She sat down on one of the seats, waiting for the large crowd to thin out. Her eyes darted around the terminal, looking for any sign of him. She checked her watch several times a minute. The people in the terminal rushed past her, wondering why that American girl was sitting alone in the seating area. She got up and walked around, maybe he was at another gate, thinking it was her flight. She wondered where he was. Sam had found Jamie, so why hadn't he found her yet? He's just late. I'm sure he'll be coming through the doors in a few seconds from now.
Seconds became minutes, and minutes became an hour. An hour became two. She buried her head in her hands. He wasn't coming for her after all. He meant everything he said. He had let go, hoping that she would do the same. She would never have a teary airport reunion. She would not get the chance to tell him how she felt. A fresh batch of tears formed at her eyes and she couldn't hold them in. They were done. Seth and Summer were no more. Her chest heaved as the other people in the airport stared at her. An old woman offered her a tissue, which she gratefully took. She tried to clean herself up and look halfway decent to meet her driver, who had probably been waiting for all this time.
She flipped open her phone and started dialing his number.
"Allo, Miss Roberts?" his thick accent did not comfort her one bit. It only served to remind her that she was in France, while the love of her life was back in California.
"Hello, I'm sorry, have you been waiting long?"
"No, not at all. I've just picked up your luggage and will bring the car up to the curb at terminal B. I will hold up a sign with your name on it, so just come out and find me."
"Thank you." She gathered her carry-on bags, pointed her head high and walked towards the exit. She may have lost the love of her life, but she would not lose her pride.
As she exited terminal B, she was greeted with dozens and dozens of people. Her visibility was lost. Everything was hot and a jumble to her. She could barely see the exit as people pushed past her and bumped into her, rushing to get their luggage and meet their parties. Finally she saw the door. A black Lincoln town car was parked outside and a man was leaning on it, holding a sign up that said her name and something else that she could not read. Finally. She could go home and relax before the daily grind of the magazine world started up again. The man turned to look for her through the crowd.
Curly hair. Dark, bright eyes. It could not be.
He was dressed in black pants and a Ben Sherman shirt. He stopped talking to a dark suited man when he saw her coming towards them. Suddenly, everything seemed to happen in slow motion. He dropped the sign and straightened, looking frightened and awestruck at the same time. He held open his arms to her. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her even though it felt like she was running in slow motion, reaching her final destination, the softness of his arms, the smoothness of his lips.
I was crying
Over you
I am smiling
I think of you
Where your gardens have no walls
Breathe in the air, if you care, you compare
Don't say farewell
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
I was crying
Over you
I am smiling
I think of you
Misty mornings and waterfalls
Breathe in the air, if you care, you compare
Don't say farewell
And nothing care compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Virtual sensibility
Escape velocity
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Nothing can compare
To when you roll the dice and swear your love's for me
Breathe in the air if you care, you compare
Don't say farewell
Nothing…
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. He broke the kiss and showed her the sign. Summer Roberts, please forgive me. "I thought you weren't coming, that you had actually let go." He looked at her and smiled, kissing her forehead and pulling her closer to him.
"Summer, I love you. I would never let you go." He kissed her again, letting his arms run through her hair. Feeling what was meant to be felt.
"I love you, too Seth."
"Wait a minute…hold that thought. Your carriage awaits…" He opened the door to the limo and let her peek inside. Several bouquets of orchids, champagne, and soft music greeted her. She hugged him and kissed his cheek. Everything was turning out perfectly.
"Wow, I don't know what to say, Seth."
"Say that you will accept my apology and that you will accept me." He looked at her hopefully and waited for her answer…
To be continued…
Dice by Finley Quaye featuring Beth Orton and William Orbit