Emily's mind was a whirl with conflicting emotions, all of them vying for control. She had managed to avoid being alone with Ryan since their conversation two days ago but she couldn't managed it much longer. For over a year she had been running away , building up barriers between her and anything that might make her care. She hadn't wanted to feel anything ever again. A smile flirted with her lips. Moving here had been a bad mistake. She had found people she really liked and the temptation to let her guard down was overwhelming. Maybe she was healing... maybe it was time.

Her reverie was broken by a soft cough from behind her. Turning she saw Summer standing there playing with her fingers and doing that foot shuffle she did when she is nervous.

Summer: Hey

Emily : Hey

Emily had no intention of making it easy on Summer. She could understand the loyalty Summer felt toward Marissa but to say all the things she said, without proof they were true was without conscience. She had caused a lot of pain to everyone.

Summer: ummm can I like talk to you for a minute?

Emily: I'm not sure we have anything to say to each other.

Summer: Look I made a mistake.. I thought you were after Chino... my mouth caused a lot of trouble.. I'm umm ... sorry

Emily: I believed you once before, you are a pretty good liar. Why should I believe you now?

Summer: Look I can be a real bitch.. don't say it, I know you agree. Can we just like start over and you sorta let me prove I can be different?

Emily: Why would you want to?

Summer: Look I just do...ok?

Emily: Ok.. we'll give it a try on a limited basis. But I'm warning you, don't ever lie to me or pull any of your sh!t concerning me again or there will not be a hole deep enough for you to hide in. Take it or leave it...

A big smile spread across Summer's face.

Summer: I'll take it

They heard voices as Seth and Ryan came out of the house. Seeing both Summer and Emily by the pool the boys, wearing looks of apprehension, approached the them.

Seth: Summer, I waited for you after school. You didn't mention you were coming over.

Summer: Well, I kinda wanted to talk to Emily..

Seth: Yes.. and how did that go? I don't see any blood and I should think there might have been some spilt.

Summer: Cohen chill. Emily agrees I am a b!tch, but has agreed to overlook it on a limited basis.. right Emily?

Emily shook her head and looked at the ground as she tried to hide a smile

Emily: I'd say that's pretty much correct.

Seth: That's my Summer, mind like a steel trap. So what's the plan here. Anyone have an agenda for tonight?

As he spoke Seth watched Ryan watching Emily and Emily ignoring Ryan. Something was up but he didn't know what.

Summer: Hey we all should do something, after all it's Friday night.

Seth: That good with you Ryan?

Ryan: Yea, I'm cool with it. Emily?

Seth knew Ryan was not very happy with Summer right now. He had been afraid Summer had burned her bridges as far as Ryan was concerned. He was very surprised with Ryan's response, pleased but surprised.

Just as Emily opened her mouth to answer Ryan, Kirsten opened the door and yelled for help with the groceries and to announce she had brought home dinner.

Seth: Food! Come on Ryan, let's see what kinda goodies mom brought home.

Emily: You guys go ahead. I need to make a phone call... be in later

Ryan: Everything ok?

Emily: Yea, why?

Watching Seth and Summer he had to laugh.

Ryan: Just checking. Hurry if you expect to eat.

Emily: Start without me. I'm not really hungry. See you in a bit.

Ryan watched her enter the pool house. He wanted to follow her. He felt a change between them but didn't really understand what it was.

Seth was yelling from the house.

Seth: Hey Ryan... if you don't work.. you don't eat!

Ryan: Coming

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Emily looked around to make sure she had everything. She was ready. All that was left was saying thank you and good bye. She headed toward the house.

When she got there she found only Sandy and Kirsten. Looking around she saw no sign of the others. Maybe they already went out.. she hoped so..

Kirsten: Emily, I saved you some dinner. Ryan told me you weren't feeling too well.

Emily: I feel fine.. I just wasn't very hungry. This life of leisure doesn't do much to give me an appetite. Where is everyone?

Kirsten: They all decided since you weren't up to par they would just rent some movies and you all could just hang out here. Sandy and I are heading over to Jimmy's in a few minutes so we won't be under your feet.

Kirsten's eyes sparkled as she gave Emily a knowing wink.

Kirsten: I know how you kids are about having grown ups around.

Emily: Well, I guess it's good I caught you then. I think I'm going to go home tonight. I really can't impose on your hospitality anymore. I want to tell you how much your kindness has meant to me. You guys have been wonderful and like I said before Seth and Ryan are very lucky.

Kirsten came across the kitchen and enveloped her in a big hug. Suddenly Sandy joined them.

Sandy: Group hug! We really like you and we both hope you won't be a stranger.

Emily: Thank you. I'll take you up on that.

Kirsten: When will your aunt and uncle be back?

Emily: Who knows. When I checked messages I found a number to reach them in Russia but no mention of coming home.

Kirsten: Are you sure you want to go to that house all by yourself? We still have plenty of room..

Emily: I'll be fine, but thanks.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

When Jimmy entered the waiting room Marissa was already there and waiting.

Jimmy: Hey sweetie. I hurried. If you had let me know you wanted to come home tonight instead of tomorrow I would have been here much earlier.

Marissa: I wanted to surprise Ryan. He doesn't know.

Jimmy smiled.

Jimmy: This is one surprise he'll love. Got everything?

Marissa: All ready.

Jimmy: We're gone.

Arm and arm there headed for the car.