Wow. So it's been awhile since an update, huh? I don't even know if anyone cares anymore...except the lovely Shogunwoot, who reviewed not too long ago asking about a new chapter. So I did my best. I sort of suck at writing endings for stories, but...I did what I could. It's a little cheesy. A little lame. But just kind of a wrap-up. A full circle of sorts. Enjoy! Maybe...? Also, if you like what you see, take a peek at my new story, "Don't Let Go". That one should be updated pretty soon, too. It's been a busy week. Regardless, thanks for your kindness earlier with this story. And sorry it took me forever to update, for those of you who wanted to know what happened. Enjoy, and happy November!

xoxo

Kirsten, after quickly changing her clothes, went to Seth's room. She knocked quietly, unsure of whether he would be awake or not.

"Yep?" She opened the door and found him sprawled out on his rug. He appeared to be playing Jenga by himself. She smirked.

"Hey, honey."

"Hi." He eyed her suspiciously.

"Great news." He raised an eyebrow. "Ryan's back! He's been here the whole time! In the pool house! Asleep!" She shrank back, aware of her excessive punctuation.

"Wow." Seth straightened a bit. "Cool. That's awesome."

"You want to come say hi?" Seth quickly shook his head.

"Yeah. Um, no. I mean...it's pretty late and I have stuff to do tomorrow."

"Like what?" She took a few steps into his room.

"Summer stuff. Taking her sailing." Kirsten nodded.

"That sounds nice."

"Yeah? What are your thoughts on picnics? I was thinking of bringing on along. Maybe stopping on one of the little islands and setting it up on the beach. Lame or...like a nice, Dawson's Creek-y sort of thing?"

"Oh, definitely romantic." She smiled. "You sure you don't want to go see Ryan? Just for a minute?" Seth glanced away and she sat on the edge of his bed. "You lost that courage you had this afternoon?" He shrugged.

"I don't think it was ever really there in the first place."

"It's been a strange couple of weeks, hasn't it?"

"And how."

"You guys just need a little while to readjust?"

"Yeah, totally." She smiled.

"I'll tell him you're sleeping."

"You rock my world," he deadpanned. She stood up, ruffling his hair.

"Right back atcha." She started to go and he hesitated, holding up a hand.

"Mom?"

"Yeah?" She turned to face him.

"That whole time we were freaking out? I wasted the E.T. thing that I've been planning in my head for months for some comedic relief that wasn't even necessary?" She laughed.

"Well, if your goal was to insult your father and make him self-conscious, I think you've succeeded. At least for a few days."

"Eh," Seth shrugged. "Good enough." She sensed that he hadn't called her back only to discuss his sense of humor and she knelt down next to him on the floor.

"I know you don't get into too many fights with your friends, so this is probably foreign territory...but your dad has had his fair share of...disputes. Mainly with Jimmy Cooper and your grandpa...but, you know. And the way that...men seem to reconcile is just by...I don't know. Unspoken agreement. I don't think you'll have a problem with Ryan." Seth paused, then nodded.

"You're probably right."

"Seth, no one is better than you at fixing awkward silences."

"That is true."

"So...let's go see him. I think your dad and I could even extend curfew a little bit tonight if you guys want to go out and...do guy stuff. Go to an IMAX. Or take your girlfriends out." At this, Seth perked up.

"Except I think Ryan and Marissa broke up." Kirsten shrugged.

"So don't. Do whatever you want. Just be home by...two."

"Oh my god. Dude, are you serious?"

"Don't call me dude. And don't question me or I'll give this actual thought and change my mind."

"Thanks, Mom. That's awesome. I thought E.T. was supposed to marry, like, a total skitzo pod person. Dad's really done well for himself, being an alien and all."

"Your father does not look like E.T.," she said, laughing. "But if this whole extra-terrestrial theory is correct, I'd watch out. You take after him a lot more than you do me." Seth rolled his eyes and jumped up, offering her a hand. He pulled her up and they started downstairs together. Sandy and Ryan had relocated to the living room and Sandy shot Kirsten a curious look upon seeing Seth.

"Hey, kid. Look who's home," he said, and watched as Seth shot Ryan a nervous wave.

"Hey, man," Ryan said.

"Welcome home," Seth offered, approaching him.

"Thanks." They awkwardly avoided eye contact for a moment until they both started talking at the same time.

"Look, man, I didn't—"

"I wanted to say—" They both stopped, laughed, and then Seth took a giant step towards Ryan and pulled him into an clumsy hug.

"Good to have to back, buddy," Seth said as Ryan patted him roughly on the back. Kirsten and Sandy shared a smile over the boys' shoulders.

"Good to be back," Ryan said quietly. They both stepped away from each other, uneasy.

"Hey, so...Mom's drunk or something and we don't have to be home until two. You up for an IMAX?"

"Sounds good," Ryan agreed, laughing.

"We'll be back later," Seth said over his shoulder as he steered Ryan into the kitchen. "Dude, I have so much to tell you." Kirsten was left facing Sandy, who smiled quizzically at her.

"Two in the morning? Unsupervised and free to venture off to any rowdy teenage party in the vicinity?"

"They're going to the movies," she said, taking a few steps towards him. He reached to pull her closer and examined her face.

"Are you crying?" She sniffled.

"No."

"You are!" He brushed a tear away from her eye and wrapped an arm around her. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing," she protested, absently swiping a hand over her eyes.

"Kirsten, honey, you can tell me if something's the matter." She shook her head, letting her hair fall in front of her face.

"They're just such good boys," she said. "And Seth has a brother and a best friend and...it's just so nice." He smiled at the way she was crying through her laughter.

"I know," he said into her hair. She took a deep breath and rubbed her eyes again.

"I'm okay."

"Good."

"All of this. Everything. We're going to be fine." He pulled her into a hug.

"Glad to hear it."

And...the end! "Hurray!" or "Oh my god, you suck!"? Let me know. ;) Please leave a review! You guys are awesome!

xoxo