Seth took his time, idly browsing through the CDs in the racks. The last time he'd been to the mall was with his mom and Ryan before the start of school. It wasn't a place that he otherwise frequented. He picked up a few cases and read over the song selections on the back. There was one CD in particular that he'd seen at Tanya's party. It hadn't seemed to jive with the rest of her collection – he'd actually found it beside one of the portable players set up on the patio – so he was pretty sure someone else had brought it along. Searching out the alternative section of the store, he found it. Yeah, this was the one.
Just as it had hit him during the party, looking at the shrink-wrapped cover filled him with a sense of excitement. He knew he loved this particular CD. Maybe Ryan was right. Maybe it was a sign that he'd start getting his memory back. Closing his eyes, he tried to will it to happen. Of course, it was a wasted effort. Nothing miraculously sprang out of the darkness at him. But he wanted this CD. Acting on impulse, he went up to the cashier and bought it.
Walking through the mall with his new possession, he wondered if he'd previously owned it. He certainly didn't have it at home now and he couldn't remember if it had been part of the stash that he'd thrown away. In hindsight, perhaps he had been a little hasty with the purging. Oh well.
A couple of giggling teenage girls passed by him, their arms loaded down with bags from various designer stores. It made him think of Summer and the fact that he never did make good on his promise to take her shopping.
During school this past week, every time he'd seen her, he'd thought of trying to talk to her. But frankly, he hadn't had the courage to do it. He'd been afraid of how she would react. Perhaps yell at him. Turn her nose up at him. Even ignore him completely. He wasn't sure which imagined reaction was worse.
One thing he did know for sure. No more parties. Or at the very least, no more drinking. He'd had his rebellious fun at Justin's party. The initial buzz had been awesome but the hangover the next day had been hell on wheels. He'd felt like a herd of elephants had merrily danced on his head. Since that night, he'd had a lot of time to analyse his behaviour. Specifically, why he'd kissed Tanya back, and the alcoholic stupor had definitely played a part in it. If he could find the guts to talk to Summer, he'd like to explain it to her. He owed her that much.
At Tanya's party, he had drunk a little less and had managed not to throw up. But the resulting buzz hadn't been as fun as the first overindulgence. And while he appreciated Marissa's pep talk that night, things weren't anything as dramatic as she'd made it out to be. At least, he didn't think so. But he did intend on heeding her advice and quitting before he got in over his head.
Right now, he couldn't wait to get home and play his new CD. Good thing he hadn't tossed his stereo.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Monday proved to be grey and rainy. Like everyone else, Seth chose to eat lunch inside the cafeteria. Yesterday, he'd gone online and downloaded some songs onto his iPOD. Chewing on his sandwich, he unconsciously bobbed his head lightly as the music piped into his earbuds.
He jerked his head back in surprise as the tiny earphones were suddenly yanked away. Looking up, he grimaced with distaste. It was dandy Andy. He had grabbed a hold of the iPOD and was now clutching it in one beefy paw.
"Listening to your crap music again, Cohen?" he sneered.
Getting slowly to his feet, Seth stared at him coldly. "If you want to debate music with me, fine. But put it down." He mentally added the endearment of 'asshole' to the end of the sentence, but didn't actually say it aloud this time.
"You know, sometimes I get real clumsy. Like this." Andy drew his arm back and hurled the fragile device across the room.
"Son of a..." Seth started to shout. They both watched as it arced through the air, Andy with undisguised glee and Seth with helpless dread. With Seth's luck, it would crack someone on the head and as the owner of the missile, he'd be sued for millions. His dad would have a fit. He couldn't believe his eyes when a small pair of feminine hands actually caught it. "Yes!" he whooped.
"Aw, shit," Andy mumbled, in obvious disappointment.
Even more miraculous than the catch itself? The hands belonged to Summer. She looked up with a bewildered expression before finding Seth's wide-eyed gaze. As she walked up the aisle, she continued to keep her hands busy, wrapping the cord of the earphones around the unit.
"Nice catch, babe," Andy spoke first, holding out his palm. "Give it here."
"It's mine," Seth said, with a glare in Andy's direction. "But that was a nice catch."
Quick to comprehend the situation, Summer handed the iPOD to Seth, their fingers touching briefly. "What are you, like, in grade three?" she said to Andy in a condescending tone.
"I can see you two deserve each other," Andy muttered under his breath, looking increasingly uncomfortable.
With one hand on her hip, Summer's eyes glittered dangerously. "That's right. And if you ever call me 'babe' again, I'll gouge out your eyeball with one fingernail and eat it for lunch. Now take off, assface."
Though going slightly red, Andy said nothing further, walking away a little more quickly than his usual ambling gait.
Seth couldn't help chortling at her fierceness. "Wow, I'm really impressed. I was going to say, remind me never to get on your bad side but I guess it's too late for that, huh?"
She shrugged. "I hate mean bullies."
"Thanks, Summer," he started to say, when he felt a sudden rush to his head. A weird sense of déjà vu seemed to envelope him from head to toe.
He's zooming along the pier on his brand new skateboard, the wind rippling at his clothes. Concentrating wholly on his balance, he doesn't notice the pair of boys coming up behind him. He doesn't even know what has happened. Suddenly he's falling, tumbling onto the unforgiving ground, rolling over several times. Only then does he hear raucous laughter up ahead. Looking up, he sees them high-fiving each other and starting to take off. With his skateboard.
"Daddy! Those boys stole his skateboard!"
He would recognize that voice anywhere. It's Summer Roberts. She's practically jumping up and down to get her father's attention.
"Hey! You boys!" roars a booming, authoritative voice. Mr. Roberts can sound downright scary.
Apparently thinking the same thing, the young culprits drop the board and run away. Summer retrieves it and walks back toward him. By now, he is standing shakily, trying his best not to show how humiliated he feels.
"Are you okay?" she asks.
He nods, hopelessly tongue-tied and feeling the heat of his flushed cheeks.
She points to his leg. "You're bleeding."
He can only nod again, the sting of the abrasion making him wince a little. His elbow hurts too but he holds it awkwardly, hoping she won't notice.
"Well. Here." She hands him the skateboard.
Accepting it, he thrills at the touch of her skin, as their fingers connect for a millisecond. With eyes downcast, he can finally breathe one word. "Thanks."
"Welcome. Bye!"
Glancing up again, he watches as she races back to her waiting father, long dark hair streaming behind her. Just when he's convinced she's a spoiled and selfish snob like everyone else in Newport, she does something amazing to melt his heart again. One day, he plans to get down on one knee and spill his guts. Tell her exactly how he feels about her. Yeah, right.
With a disgusted snort, he turns around and limps home.
"Are you okay?"
Seth blinked, trying to shake himself out of the fog. "What?"
At the touch on his arm, he focused on her concerned face. "Are you okay?" Summer repeated. "Maybe you should sit down. You looked like you were going to pass out or something."
"That was either the weirdest daydream I've ever had or I actually remembered something." The more he thought about it, the more he was convinced it was an actual memory. "God, Summer, I think I just got a memory back!"
She beamed, looking genuinely happy for him. "That's great! What was it?"
"You were in it too. You were with your dad at the pier."
Her smile lost some of its lustre. "That must have been a long time ago. I don't remember the last time we did that."
"Yeah, I must have been twelve. No, wait, I think I was thirteen. That's right, I got a new skateboard on my birthday. I was at the pier and some jerks came along and pushed me off. Your dad scared them and then you gave the board back to me. Remember?"
He fervently hoped she would remember, otherwise he was afraid that he'd totally lost his mind. The memory had seemed so real. He could still feel the wind on his face as he sped down the boardwalk. The high-pitched laughter of his tormentors in his ears. The bittersweet ache in his heart as their fingers touched.
Standing here now, he watched the crinkles form on her brow as she swam her way back through her own memories.
"Did you say you were on your skateboard?" she asked, sounding uncertain.
"Yeah."
It took a few stretched out seconds but her brow gradually began to clear. "I think I do remember something. Yeah, I was at the pier with my father. It was probably the last time we ever did that together. I saw a boy on his skateboard and thought he was going way too fast. Then two other boys came out of nowhere and knocked him over." With wonder in her eyes, she looked up at Seth. "That was you?"
"Did you hand me back the skateboard? Tell me my leg was bleeding?"
"That's right. You were so shy and looked totally embarrassed. I felt so bad for you. I can't believe that was you."
It had been almost four months since the accident. Four months of feeling lost and vulnerable, tossed on the sea without a compass to guide him. And finally, he felt like maybe he was heading for home. Forget drinking. Forget wild teenage rebellion. This first concrete memory was like a super drug that shot him straight to cloud nine. Feeling like he would burst from happiness, he grabbed Summer in a bear hug and impulsively kissed her.
He had caught her completely by surprise but to his wonder, she responded to the kiss. He'd almost forgotten where they were until a few whistles and light applause reached his ears. Coming to his senses, he broke away first.
"Sorry," he sputtered nervously. He could see her struggling to maintain her composure.
"I'm happy for you, Cohen. I really am. But this doesn't make everything okay between us."
"I know." Well, it was now or never. "Listen, can we sit down and talk sometime? Hey, it's Monday. Maybe we can meet in the lounge after school?"
"I...I don't know."
"Please, Summer. I really need to talk to you."
She blew out a light breath and at last said, "Okay."
He breathed an internal sigh of relief. It was a start. "Thanks. I'll see you there."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The bell rang, signalling the end of another class. Finally, just one more class to go and he'd be able to sit down with Summer.
As Seth collected his things, he saw Tanya making her way over to him.
She spoke in a rush. "I know you have a class next but can I talk to you? It's really important."
"You have a class too, don't you? We'll both be late."
"I've been meaning to talk to you all week but I hardly see you. I'll make it really quick, I promise."
Curious, despite himself, he relented. "Okay. What is it?"
"Not here."
He followed her into the hallway. There was less privacy out here but with the change between classes, the noise and activity gave them cover. She looked uncomfortable but determined and as promised, talked fast. "I like you, Seth. I didn't really know you until we talked at my party. You've been going through a really rough time with your amnesia and I feel like a total heel about something I've done. You deserve to know the truth." She paused, seeming to falter a little. "I...the night of Justin's party, when I kissed you? He asked me to do it."
Seth frowned, confused. "Why would he do that?"
"He, uh...he likes Summer. We sort of timed it so he would get Summer to go looking for you when I was coming on to you." Her fair skin was tinged pink as she confessed her sins, gazing at him guiltily.
"That's low, Tanya. I can't believe you would do that. I can't believe Justin. Pretending to be all friendly with me when all the while..." Seth trailed off, fuming. "That son of a bitch," he hissed through clenched teeth.
"I'm so sorry. Justin and I have been friends a long time. He's not a bad guy. He's just...persistent, I guess. When he wants something, he goes after it."
"Even when it's someone else's girlfriend."
Tanya put up no defense to that accusation. "I'm just as guilty for going along with it. Anyway, I just wanted you to know the truth. And that I really am sorry."
Although there was plenty more Seth could have said, he chose to remain silent. He wasn't about to say, 'apology accepted, let's be friends' either. Realizing her time was up, Tanya started edging away. "I better go. I hope you work things out with Summer."
After she'd gone, Seth stood there for another minute or so, his mind working furiously. He was angry with Tanya and Justin, but also with himself. For being a shmuck and falling right into their little web of deceit. Justin must have spent some time congratulating himself on how well his plan had worked. Had he already started hitting on Summer?
The halls were starting to thin out now. Just a few stragglers hurried to get to their next class. Seth started to head for the stairwell but stopped. Fuck it. He needed to talk to Summer first. He didn't care if he was late.
First, of course, he would have to find her.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
As others rushed around her, Summer took her time down the hallway. She'd been a little dazed ever since her encounter with Seth at lunch. At least school was over for her now and she just had to wait another hour or so before their talk. She really had mixed feelings about this. The childish side of her wanted to cling to her hurt and push Seth away. The more mature side of her understood that they needed to talk and get things out in the open. Their break up was a two-way street, which meant she would have to admit to her wrongs too. Was she ready to do that? She supposed she would find out.
Her locker was all the way down to the end of the corridor. It was deserted now. Everyone was behind closed classroom doors. Spinning the combination lock, she snapped it open.
"Hi there."
She nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of the voice above her head. "Justin! You scared me."
He grinned at her. "Sorry. So how are you?"
"Fine," she stated shortly. "What do you want?" While he seemed a nice enough guy, he was starting to annoy her.
"Just stopping to chat and see how you're doing."
"I said I'm fine. Now go away." She quickly finished transferring her stuff and shut her locker.
"Don't be mad. I didn't mean to scare you. I was thinking, since we both have spares right now, would you like to have a drink and talk?"
"No thanks."
"Why not?"
Honestly, he just wasn't getting the hint. "Justin. Listen to what I'm saying. I am not interested in you. Comprende?"
For once, he dropped the charming smile. "You're still mooning over Seth, aren't you? I can't believe this," he exclaimed.
"It's none of your business," she snapped at him.
As she tried to step around him, he moved to block her path. "You know what your problem is, Summer? You've never had a real man."
Disgust curled her lower lip. "Oh, puh-lease! Did it take you all day to come up with that line?" She managed not to wince when he grabbed her arm. "Unless you want me to scream bloody murder, I suggest you take your hands off, dickhead!" Despite her brave words, her heart was thumping rapidly with a surge of adrenalin. If he tried to kiss her, she planned to place a well-aimed kick to a sensitive area. A few bloody scratches on his clean-shaven face wouldn't hurt either.
"Hey!"
The familiar voice echoed down the hall. At the sound, Justin immediately let go of her arm. Summer knew whom the voice belonged to but still, she watched in disbelief as Seth came barrelling towards them, looking angrier than she'd ever seen him.
"Cohen," she started to say.
But he wasn't even looking at her. The heated glare radiating from his eyes was directed solely at Justin.
Justin tried to recover from his surprise and held out a hand. "Seth..."
He never got a chance to finish the sentence. Seth's fist shot out and pummelled him in the jaw, sending him crashing into the row of lockers.
Summer gasped, one hand over her mouth, her ears ringing from the metallic sound. Justin didn't fall but he staggered a little, swiping at his bloody lip. He then launched himself at Seth with full bodily force. The impact sent them both careening against the lockers on the opposite wall. Locked in battle, they tumbled onto the floor, a tangle of punching fists and flailing limbs.
By this time, several nearby doors had opened and two teachers ran to the scene. Their students poured into the hallway with curious fascination, forming a large crowd. It didn't take long for the two offenders to be pulled apart.
One of the teachers, Mr. McKenzie, stood between the boys and clasped each one by the shoulder. "All right, you two. Down with me to the office." He directed his next words to his students. "Everyone else, back to the room. Start working on questions five to ten. There better be complete silence in there when I get back. I won't be long."
Summer trailed after him. "Mr. McKenzie? It wasn't Seth's fault. He was just trying to protect me."
He stopped and peered through his glasses at her. "What do you mean?"
"Well, Justin was, you know, bothering me. And Seth just tried to help me."
Although he hesitated, Mr. McKenzie started forward again. "Better come with me, Miss Roberts. I suppose you're the only witness to this."
He was walking at a clipped pace and she hurried to keep up. Although Seth still hadn't looked at her, she slipped her hand into his. He squeezed it gently, finally met her eyes, and gave her the tiniest hint of a smile.
She wasn't sure if he was thanking her for her gesture of support or simply pleased with himself. Although the fight had been brief, he'd literally come out on top. He was sure to have a few minor bruises but Justin would be the one to have a black eye and a very sore jaw tomorrow.
Although she was mostly shocked by Seth's act, she secretly had to admit, part of her had thrilled to see him jumping to her defense. He was just full of surprises these days.
A/N: My, my, Seth is getting rowdy these days, isn't he?
To those who have to fight their gag-reflex when Marissa's on the scene: No apologies necessary. Your review is your opinion and I always respect that. No offense taken. Actually, I get quite a laugh out of the remarks (especially the Quaker/Christian/Soccer Mom! Hee!). I can understand why she's disliked by a large majority but for some reason, she just doesn't bother me. Good thing R/M are only playing a minor role in this fic though, hmm?
A special shout out to benzbabidoll for her amazing run of reviews for 13 straight chapters. That must have been quite a marathon for you! As always, thanks to each and every one of my reviewers. I'm really thrilled so many of you are enjoying this story of mine.