Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own the OC or much of anything else for that matter.
Author's Note: Sorry I haven't updated quickly--I've had a crappy week and an even crappier day thanks to my organic chem test. But, I hope you enjoy. There's a lot of action in this one. I think this is my favorite chapter so far---so please tell me what you think of it. The song that goes along with this chapter is, of course, Still Fighting It by Ben Folds off the Rockin' the Suburbs album (sound familiar? that's where I got my pen name--one of my favorite albums). It's the inspiration for this story and one of my favorite songs ever. I'm working on some new stories, so keep an eye out for them. Enjoy...
Still Fighting It
Chapter 6: I picked you up and everything changed
The children gathered around him at the patio table, all smiling and laughing. They all leaned in toward the big cake with all 8 candles lit. It was shaped like Batman, and Danny couldn't wait until they cut it. It was his favorite, mint chocolate chip ice cream with chocolate cake. He wondered if his dad liked that kind of cake too. As the song winded down, Brian made sure his voice was the loudest as he wished his best friend a happy birthday. A girl from Danny's class elbowed Brian, and smiled at Danny. Summer noticed, Danny was going to be quite the lady killer one day.
Luke rolled his eyes at his wife, Stacy, and Summer. Ryan laughed and Marissa juggled one daughter in her arms, while trying to get the other to sit still at the table. His great grandpa, Caleb, sat with his wife, Julie at the other side of the table. Sandy and Kirsten stood behind their grandson as he blew out all of the candles on his first try. He loved his birthday, and all holidays for that matter. Just like someone else they all knew.
I wish…
It was only one day a year that he got to wish for something, and hopefully it would come true. He looked up at his mom, who had Jared's arm wrapped around her shoulder. Maybe he should've wished for Jared to leave their family alone instead. Summer smiled and enthused, "Great job, Danny. Okay, kids, let me cut the cake, then it'll be time to open presents!" The kids cheered, and waited as Summer divided generous pieces up. The adults sat around the backyard, talking and watching as the kids tore into their cake. All of them were so happy, so cheerful. Innocent.
"MOM! Can we open presents now?" Danny looked up eagerly at Summer.
"In a sec, sweetie. I gotta get some more batteries for the camera." Summer walked into the house and heard the doorbell ringing. She hoped that the person who was waiting on the other side hadn't been waiting for that long.
Seth stood outside his house. He pushed the doorbell again, but still no answer. He heard the sound of laughter coming from the back and figured that they were all having lots of fun in the yard. Maybe it was wrong to come back here. He knew that it was time, but on the day of his son's party? Was he ready to see everyone at the same time? He wasn't sure he was ready to see Summer alone, nevertheless his parents, Ryan, and Danny all in one place.
Seth turned to head back to his car. Summer stuck her head outside. She sucked in a breath which was barely audible, but Seth heard it. He turned and saw her. Really saw her. Summer stood there in khaki capris and a blue halter top. Her hair was pulled back in a pony tail, and her skin was pale and milky. He supposed all those days in the office didn't leave much time for tanning anymore. Even though she looked different, she was exactly as he remembered or as he pictured she was going to look. Beautiful. Neither knew what to say. Words weren't necessary, even though they both had so much to tell each other. Summer broke the silence.
"Where do you think you're going, Cohen?" He smiled while his heart ached at the sound of her nickname for him.
"Nowhere." She smiled weakly. It was so awkward to be here, with her husband that she had not seen for so long and not think of anything to say. He rendered her speechless. Her heart thudded in her chest. She couldn't breathe. He was there, in all of his Sethness. Jeans, sneakers, a striped button down shirt and a black blazer, sunglasses. He looked like the rockstar he was. She felt like a 16 year old again, getting all riled up over some celebrity. Even if she was married to that celebrity. His hair was still a Jewfro, and she would have gave anything in world to run her hand through it, but she didn't. That's not what estranged spouses did.
He stepped up to her and gave her a hug. His arms wrapped around her tightly. It was okay to do that wasn't it? He didn't know, and he didn't really care. It had been too long without her touch, and even if she hated him, he still loved her. And he needed to feel her. He took a deep breath and smelled all that reminded him of his teenage years, and his college years, all the years they had been together. His happy years. The years he had been found, and not lost like he was currently. He brushed his lips against her cheek, meant in a friendly fashion, but it was filled with much more meaning than that. It was awkward, yet comfortable. It was as if nothing had changed at all.
Her eyes widened slightly as she was taken aback. She reddened and became flustered.
"Sorry, sorry Sum, I didn't really mean that as anything…" He was quickly reminded that things were not the same anymore. It hurt.
"No, no umm, it's okay. It's good to see you. Come on in, everyone is out back." She led Seth into the house and stood with him in the foyer. They stood there for a second, just looking at one another. Neither had really looked like they had changed, but they knew that everything between them had. Seth's fears were calmed a bit as Summer put her arm on his and started to lead him out through the family room.
"MOM! Presents! WHERE ARE YOU?" Summer winced as Danny screamed through the house. He burst out into the room, and stopped abruptly. Seth nervously smiled as Summer let go of his arm. He looked at Seth. Seth looked at him. They both stood there.
Kirsten followed her grandson into the house, and saw her own son standing in front of him. She covered her mouth to keep anyone from hearing her gasp. Sandy followed her, and raised his eyebrows when he saw the same scene. Their son was home.
Danny's face slowly changed into a look of realization. The eyes, the smile, the hair. They were all like his own. This was real. His wish had come true. Seth eyes began to tear up as he wished he could make up for all the time he had lost. This was his son. This boy who looked exactly like him. This boy whom he had disappointed.
He should have come back a long time ago.
Tears started falling from Summer's eyes as she beheld this moment.
"Hey Danny…" Seth spoke slowly, not sure of what was going to happen. Danny's face crumpled as the tears began to fall from his eyes. He ran and flung himself into Seth's arms. Seth held him. Hugged him tight. He was holding his son. Nothing could ever feel as bittersweet or right as that moment.Good morning son
I am a bird
Wearing a brown polyester shirt
You want a coke? Maybe some fries?
The roast beef combo's only $9.95
It's okay, you don't have to pay
I've got all the change
Everybody knows it hurts to grow up
And everybody does, it's so weird to be back here
Let me tell you what
The years go on and we're still fighting it
We're still fighting it
And you're so much like me…
I'm sorry
Good morning son
In twenty years from now
Maybe we'll both sit down and have a few beers
And I can tell you 'bout today
And how I picked you up and everything changed
It was pain, sunny days, and rain
I knew you'd feel the same thing
Everybody knows it sucks to grow up
And everybody does, it's so weird to be back here
Let me tell you what
The years go on and we're still fighting it
We're still fighting it
You can try, and try and one day
You'll fly away from here
Good morning son
Good morning son
Good morning son
I am a bird
It was pain, sunny days, and rain
I knew you'd feel the same thing
Everybody knows it hurts to grow up
And everybody does it's so weird to be back here
Let me tell you what
The years go on and we're still fighting it
We're still fighting it
We're still fighting it
And you're so much like me
I'm sorry
---
Long after all the parents had come to pick up their kids, a few remaining adults wandered around cleaning up the disaster that was fifteen children under the age of 8. Seth tried to help out as much as he could but found that he didn't know where anything was, or where to put anything back in its rightful place. It was a further reminder that this wasn't his home anymore. Luke walked up and patted him on the shoulder.
"We really missed you here Cohen, Newport wasn't the same after you left."
"Thanks, man. It seems like everyone has done pretty well though. I mean, you all have families and successful businesses. You took over one of your dad's dealerships right?"
"Yeah, it's treating us well. Brian, he loves to tell people that his dad owns a car dealership, but he loves to tell people anything, true or not." They looked over at Brian's sleeping figure on the couch in the family room. He was a smaller version of his father.
"He's something. Rambunctious like his father, I see."
"I prefer to think that he gets it from Stacy."
"Hmm? Are you talking about me, Luke?" she folded her arms across her chest and looked at her husband from across the room where she was standing with Summer. She walked over and linked her arm with his. Seth thought they looked like the perfect Newport couple.
"Well, I was just saying how incredibly beautiful and smart and perfect you are."
"Ohh god Luke, please don't make us vomit," Marissa rolled her eyes at her ex and teased. They had gotten over their differences long ago after Seth left, when they had both supported Summer. She had eventually forgiven him.
"Well, she is. Seth, I don't think I've properly introduced you. Stacy, this is Seth Cohen, mega-recording star. Seth, this is my mega-beautiful wife, Stacy. And don't make any cracks about Stacy's mom or you're dead." Ryan, Marissa, Summer, and Stacy all chuckled, but Seth felt it uncomfortable. When had the subject of Luke and Marissa's mom's, his step-grandmother, affair become so passe? Luke saw his expression and reassured him, "Don't worry about it Cohen, we all got over it. It's all in the past now."
"Right." When had things changed so much? Everything and everyone was different. Ryan was the alpha-father who openly showed his emotions to his wife. Luke was another great dad who was kind and generous and was probably teaching his son to be a good person and not bully kids. Marissa was now mentally stable. That was the most shocking change of all.
And Summer. Well Summer was so much more serious and subdued now. Gone were the days of frivolously reading Riviera magazine and commenting on celebrity boob jobs. She was Summer the business woman, with people to see and things to do. She was Summer the mom, who lived for her son. She was so responsible. He was supposed to be the responsible one who watched out for her while she had her crazy shopping sprees and spa days. But he had abandoned her. He had abandoned all of them.
"Well, we better wake up Bri and get going. He's going to never fall asleep tonight if we let him nap for too long."
"See ya man, thanks for coming."
"No problem, I'll see you sometime soon." Luke and Stacy packed up and got ready to leave. Ryan leaned over to him, "Yeah, we better get going too. I have some work I have to finish up at home."
"Okay, well I'll see you later. I'll call you and tell you how this goes."
"Sure. Later, Seth."
Seth waved as Ryan and Marissa and company walked out to their car. A minivan. What the hell. They all had really changed.
"So, glad to be back in Newport?" Jared walked up beside him and put a firm arm on his shoulder.
"Yeah, it's nothing like what I remember."
"Well, it was 7 years ago that you left." That stung. Who was this guy to tell him anything? He didn't know the circumstances, he didn't know them. He was about to come back with a biting come back, but thought the better of it. He wanted to stay on Summer's good side, and picking a fight with her new boyfriend was not the way to do it.
Summer walked outside and stood between the two men. Jared put his arms around her, and Seth wanted to strangle him. "Babe, I have to go soon, I have a flight to catch in the morning, but I'll call you later okay?"
"Okay." He leaned down to kiss her and Seth was about ready to vomit right then and there. "Bye, hun." It was awkward standing there and listening to her call another man, "Hun." That's what she called him. He walked off to his ostentatiously showy SL600. What a douche bag.
They both walked into the house and sat down on the couch. Seth reached over to the armchair and ruffled Danny's hair slightly. He was fast asleep, tired from all the exciting events of the day. After Seth's arrival, he had been attached to his side the whole afternoon. And it felt so nice. "He's sweet isn't he?" Summer came up behind him and watched her son sleep. He looked so much like Seth it was scary.
"Yeah. I didn't think Jewfros could look so cute."
She smiled. "Well, a Jewfro basically made all that money for you. All those women screaming, "Can I touch your hair?"
"Well, I can't help it if I'm irresistible." She rolled her eyes just like old times. It felt so natural being here, talking like they used to.
"So, umm…thanks for coming back for his party."
"No problem. I would have come back before, but you know. The tours and stuff."
"Yeah. Seth, we have to talk about some things." Danny shifted and slowly opened his eyes. Seth was happy to turn his attention away from Summer's serious tone.
"Hey kiddo, ready for me to take you upstairs for bed?" Danny nodded and let Seth pick him up.
"Can I sleep in your and mommy's bed with you guys?" Seth must have had a bewildered expression on his face because Summer shot him a look.
"Well, Danny, I don't think I'm going to be sleeping in there tonight. I think I'm gonna be going to a hotel."
"Are you leaving again, Dad? Don't leave."
"No, I'm not leaving. I'm gonna be really close, I promise I will see you tomorrow morning, bright and early."
Danny looked heartbroken. Why were his parents now staying together? Weren't parents supposed to sleep in the same house? "Actually, Seth, you can stay here and take the guest room, I don't mind. It would probably be best that way, since then you don't have to drive back and forth."
"Please Daddy?"
"Umm, okay, if it's okay with you, Sum." She nodded. "Well, then I guess I'll take you upstairs and get you ready for bed."
Summer stood, looking out at the sea from their living room. She silently wondered if this was such a good idea, having Seth stay in the house. She was sure that it would be awkward and uncomfortable, and she was also sure that Jared wouldn't be too pleased. She just wanted Danny to be happy though, and he had been without his father for too long. Seth walked up behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. She shivered. He still had that effect on her after all these years.
"Sorry. Umm, before I put him to bed, I just want to say thanks for letting me stay. I mean, I know you're probably not too comfortable with it and you're just doing it for his sake, and I appreciate that. After he gets the fact that I'm not going to be leaving him, I can just go and stay with my parents so I won't burden you."
"You're not a burden, Seth. It's fine, you should stay here with him."
"Okay, well we'll figure something out later, I'm going to go read to him. Goodnight." He gave her a friendly pat on the back and a smile.
How was it so effortless for him? From the moment she saw him walking on the driveway, her heart had been in pain. Was it that easy for him to just walk in and act like they had never even been married or known each other at all? Every look, every move he made reminded her of some distant memory. They were married. But soon enough, she would ask him for a divorce then they would be over. It would be the right thing for everyone. Her stomach churned though, why was it so hard to let go of him? They had been apart for seven years already. She couldn't forget what had happened in the past.
Seth sat on the bed next to his son, reading the story, watching as the boy fell back into sleep. Seth lay his head on the pillow, and thought about what had happened. He had met his intelligent and beautiful son. He had seen Summer again. What did he feel for Summer? He loved her, he always had and always would. Seeing her with another man hurt him greatly, but Seth knew that she needed someone in her life to take care of her and treat her like the goddess she was. But he wanted to be that person. Each time he was even less than five feet away from her, he felt the heat between their bodies. It's as if their bodies remembered each other and were yearning, calling out by sending heat to the other. The connection was undeniable for him. She was undeniable. When they touched, he felt the spark run through his nerves. They had so much history and love and memories in the past, she couldn't possibly turn her back on all of that. And not to mention the fact that they had a child together.
Summer walked into Danny's room to kiss him goodnight, and paused at the door. Both father and son were fast asleep. She retucked Danny into bed and kissed his forehead gently. She walked to the other side of the bed and pulled the covers over Seth's body. He shifted and her skin made contact with his arm for a brief second. Goosebumps grew along Seth's arm. Her breaths became more shallow but she couldn't figure out why. She took a deep breath and turned out the lights in the room, savoring the scene for one last time.
Still Fighting It by Ben Folds