Bittersweet Homecoming

Because He Knew

Seth and Summer strolled hand in hand, each with an ice cream cone in their hand. The hot day was melting the confection fast and it was starting to drip down. They pushed Savannah along in her blue stroller, but they were more intent on each other than the peacefully sleeping baby.

The boardwalk was crowded with so many people, but mainly they were tourists, snapping pictures like crazy.

Summer took a bite out of the strawberry ice cream she was holding. "So, what were you doing yesterday?" Summer asked.

"I was with Marissa." He stopped for a breath before quickly continuing. "I ended . . . whatever we had together."

Summer stopped and squinted at Seth. "Are you serious? How did she - how did you take it?"

Seth shrugged and continued pushing the stroller along. "We both took it well," he lied.

"That's great!" Summer exclaimed as she jumped up and clung to Seth's arm.

Seth didn't respond.

Seth opened the door to his house with his golden key. He turned the key and pushed the door open. At that exact same time, a letter the both of them hadn't seen, dropped.

Summer, out of curiosity, picked up the letter.

"Give that to me." Seth snapped as he snatched the letter from Summer's hand just as she was about to open it.

She didn't have any business reading his stuff that was at his door.

Seth took Savannah in the house and Summer parked the stroller near the entrance, still embarrassed at Seth's reaction.

Seth walked over to the large dining table and examined the envelope. It was a standard white letter that was blank. It wasn't postmarked so it was obviously dropped off.

He gently ripped off the side and tapped it against the palm of his hand to let it rapidly fall against his flesh. He pulled out a pink piece of stationary and unfolded it.

"What is it?" Summer asked, coming up to where Seth was standing.

"Oh," Seth turned around. "Just a letter."

"What does it say?"

"I don't know." Seth turned his attention back to the pink paper that had roses on the top right corner. Realization hit him. "It's a note. A note from Marissa."

Summer's face scrunched up in confusion. She read the letter along with Seth.

Summer, Seth:

You two left before, and so did Ryan. I guess it's my turn now. You guys don't know how hard it is for me to write this. Summer, you're my best friend. Always, remember BFFAE? We've been through everything it all from the start - but not to finish.

Seth, thanks for being there for me. Who knew I would find such comfort in the emo dork? LOL.

The love you have between you guys is so ovious, I don't want the baby and me to come in between the both of you. I hope you guys and Save have a great life together and pick up the pieces to become a beautiful family.

Love,

Marissa

"Oh god!" Summer cried and broke down into tears. She hugged Seth tightly, the tears starting to stain through his shirt.

Seth didn't move. He didn't cry. Because he knew, yesterday he realized what Marissa wanted, what she needed.

Escape.