Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to the OC, but FOX and Josh Schwartz do.
Author's Note: This is a big chapter, both lengthwise and in relation to the storyline. I hope that everyone enjoys this chapter, but don't get discouraged about Seth and Summer. Read and Review!

Seth rolled over and placed his arm on the bed expecting her to be there, but all he touched was the sheets. He lifted his head and realized that Summer was no longer there. Last night hadn't cleared up anything in Seth's mind; instead it made him more confused. He noticed a piece of paper on the nightstand and he extended his arm across the bed to grab it. Seth opened it and began to read:

Cohen,

Sorry that I couldn't wake up in your arms this morning. I had to leave because I am meeting Thomas this morning before we go to the memorial service. We still have a lot to think about concerning last night's events, but that can be dealt with later. I will see you at the Church.
Summer

During the service, Seth noticed Summer walk in with Thomas. She was attached to his side the whole time and not once did she look at him. He was not really concerned with that though, since his mother was crying buckets and he was given the job of being the never-ending Kleenex provider. It was a hard job, but somebody had to do it.

After the burial the family and friends met at the Cohen's for the final party celebrating Caleb's life. Seth was sitting at the table, blatantly staring at Thomas and Summer when Marissa approached him.

"You wanna dance? I think it would be good for you to get up and move around."

Seth lifted his head out of his hands, "Nice try Marissa, but I am not really willing to get up and dance. I would much rather stay and entertain myself in the Seth Cohen pity party."

"One dance can't be that bad, can it?"

"Your never gonna leave me alone, are you?" Seth looked up at Marissa and she smiled at him.

"I am glad to see that you are still inquisitive, Mr. Cohen."

Seth started to stand up, "You never seem to lose that as you age. I assume that is a good thing, though?"

Marissa giggled, "I would think it is."

Summer watched Marissa and Seth dance and laugh as she sat bored with Thomas and acquaintances he had made. She wanted to be the one dancing with Seth, not the one watching him be happy. As Seth and Marissa danced she looked over at Summer. She could see her friend's boredom and was still curious about what had happened between the two of them in the poolhouse.

She started to inquire, "So…Seth are you ever going to tell me about last night."

"Marissa, are you being nosy?"
"I might be…so stop trying to change the subject."

"Alright….I give in. Last night, Summer and I may have come to an understanding about our relationship."

"You definitely came to an understanding after what I saw last night." Marissa winked at Seth.

"What are you talking about…" Marissa gave him that look, "Ohh… Summer and I didn't sleep together, I mean we slept together, but not "slept" together, just slept in the same bed." Marissa just sat their and laughed at Seth.

"You think this is funny….it is most certainly not Ms. Cooper."

"I am just glad to see Seth Cohen return to form, rambling and all."

Marissa let go from Seth and began to walk towards Summer.

"Hey Sum." Her head perked up, "I think that there is someone out there waiting for you." Marissa looked towards Seth and Summer understood. She didn't even know where Thomas had drifted off to and she really didn't care. She just wanted to be in his arms.

Summer got out of her chair and walked towards Seth. He gave her open arms and she fell right into step with him.

Summer looked up at him, "Hi"

"Hi"

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah…I mean the burial was a little rough, and my mom is still a mess, but all in all today has turned out okay."

"I'm glad." Summer put her head against Seth's chest and they danced.

I can feel the magic floating in the air
Being with you gets me that way
I watch the sunlight dance across your face
And I've never been this swept away
All my thoughts just seem to settle on the breeze
When I'm lying wrapped up in your arms
The whole world just fades away
The only thing I hear
Is the beating of your heart

Baby, all we need is just to be
Caught up in the touch
Slow and steady rush
Baby, isn't that the way that love's suppose to be
I can feel you breathe

In a way I know my heart is waking up
As all the walls come tumbling down
Closer than I've ever felt before
And I know, and you know
There's no need for words right now

After the song finished, Summer looked up from Seth and saw Thomas staring at them. She couldn't read his expression, but she knew he was hurt. It was at that moment Summer made her decision between Seth and Thomas.

She whispered, "I can't do this."

Seth heard her mumble but couldn't make out what she was saying, "What?"

"I can't do this Seth. Not anymore."

"What can't you do?"

"Seth, you died in my heart a long time ago. I thought I could go back to you, but I don't know what I was thinking."

Seth grabbed Summer around her shoulders, "We figured this out. We are going to be together."

Summer pulled away, "No we're not Seth. Thomas is my future. I promised my life to him. I can't break that."

Seth was starting to tear up, "You love me Summer, I know you do."

"Goodbye Seth." By now tears were streaming down her face. She turned and ran away past Thomas. He turned and followed her out the Cohen house.

Seth stood blankfaced on the dance floor. He composed himself and walked upstairs to his bedroom. He laid in bed, tears rolling down his cheeks. He felt so weird crying, but it was the years of stress and hurt all being released at once. Marissa walked in with a large box of tissues.

"So I guess this is goodbye."

"I can't believe you're watching me cry. This is so embarrassing…"

"As if you have never seen me cry, Seth. Trust me I know how you feel."

"I don't even think I am crying over Summer."

"You keep telling yourself that. Here." Marissa handed Seth some tissues.

"Thanks. So I am going to leave tomorrow. Go home and get situated before I start working again."

"I am going to miss you Seth. I wish that you could go home a different personthan when you cameback, but I'm obviously you're not going to get that wish."

"What are you talking about Marissa. I changed a lot on this visit."

"That might be true, but you never got what you came for."

"And what was that exactly?"

"Summer…."

"Well technically I came home because of Caleb,so Summer was a just an incentive."

"So, what happened?"

"She had a change of heart. Her feelings for me died a long time ago. I just need to move on."

"Seth, you know she still loves you."

"That might be the case, but she doesn't want to be with me and that is kind of important."

Marissa had nothing left to say, "I am going to miss you Seth Cohen."

"Well, you will just have to leave sunny Newport and make the trek to Boston sometime. The door is always open."

"I may have to take you up on that offer sometime."

"I will be waiting."

Marissa gave Seth a quick hug and started to walk out.

"Hey, do you think that you can take me to the airport? It would just be easier for my mom and stuff."

"Of course. I'll pick you up at…"

"One is good. We can eat lunch before I leave."

"Well it's a date Seth Cohen. I'll see you then."

Marissa walked out of the room and left Seth to himself. He reached for the phone and dialed the number. Unfortunately all he got was the message machine.

"Hey it's Summer, sorry I can't get to the phone. Just leave a message and I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can."

"Hey Summer, it's Seth. I just wanted to say goodbye. I know that it is jerky to do it over the phone, but since you can't stand the sight of me, it's necessary to leave you a phone message. I hope you have a great wedding, but don't bother sending me an invite."

Seth hung up the phone and just closed his eyes, wanting time to speed up so he could just leave this town. Meanwhile, Summer was in her apartment replaying Cohen's message. She had just missed him, she could have said goodbye, but instead she was just left replaying the message over and over while tears rolled down her face. She needed to find out where and when he was leaving and she knew just the personwho wouldtell her.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Sandy it's Summer."

"Let me get Seth…"

"No, I kinda want to talk to you."

"Okay…So what's on your mind?"

"I was wondering if you know when Seth is leaving tomorrow."

"Yeah, he will be in Gate 57 and his plane leaves at 5."

"Thanks, Mr. Cohen"

"Your welcome….and Summer"

"Yeah…"

"Good luck."

"Thanks."

Summer was confused at what Mr. Cohen was hinting at. She wasn't going to the airport to profess her love to Seth Cohen, she just wanted to say goodbye. If she could only convince herself that, then maybe she would believe it.

Authors Note: The song is parts of Faith Hill's "Breathe", which I do not own the rights to, I just borrowed it.