Disclaimer: I don't own anything regarding "The O.C." nor am I affiliated with any of the cast and characters used in the story. Anyone or anything that you don't recognize is mine, and anyone and anything else that you do recognize is not mine.

Against All Odds
Chapter 3 – CANY

"Seth, I think you have a serious problem."

Seth looked up from his desk, noticing the stern and yet worried look on his grandfather's face. However, instead of his statement sinking in, Seth's mind managed to process another particular detail.

"Have you been using Botox?"

"Excuse me?"

"You know, botulinum toxin. It temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, and forehead creases, and crows feet near the eyes, and let's not forget those thick bands in the neck."

"No, Seth, I have not been using… Botox," Caleb told him, clearly flustered and not liking the conversation one single bit.

"Are you sure, because you look awfully young. I mean, you're old, but you look the same. God knows I've aged, but you just look…"

"Seth!"

"Okay, I'll shut up now," Seth said quickly as he put his hands together. "You have my undivided attention."

"I think you have a serious problem."

"Gee grandpa, thanks," Seth smiled at him. "Right back at you."

"I'm serious, Seth."

"And so am I."

"Ryan told me what happened last week."

"Indeed he did," Seth said, obviously not pleased. "I guess he also told you about me seeing Mom and Dad."

"Actually, he didn't," Caleb informed him. "But now that you have informed me, I'm beginning to think that your problem is much worse off than I thought."

"Are you a shrink now?"

"Seth, it has been five years since your parents passed away. And every year, you have been getting worse and worse come September."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that maybe it's time you return to your therapy sessions."

"No!" Seth cried. "I will not let some phony tell me how I'm supposed to feel."

"It worked with Marissa."

"Marissa did not lose her parents. And for your information, it was Ryan who helped Marissa. Not some shrink."

"Then maybe you should see Ryan."

"No! I don't want to talk to Ryan. I don't want to talk to anybody."

"What happened to you, Seth?"

For the first time during their conversation, Seth was speechless. He didn't know what happened to him. Ever since the death of his parents, he had been a totally different person. Gone was Seth Cohen of the days of yore.

"I think you need to take a break."

"Grandpa, I'm fine, really."

"I'm making an executive decision," Caleb said firmly. "As your grandfather and as your boss, I don't think that you are in the right state of mind to be working right now."

"Are you saying that I'm crazy?"

"I'm saying that you need to take some time off. Get away from here. Get away from your job."

"But I have so many things to do," Seth said, picking up a pile of paper to prove his point. "And aside from that, I have charity matters to take care of and…"

"I'll make you a deal."

"Boy, you sure are quick."

"I'll send you to any of our three main quarters in the country: Chicago, Atlanta, or New York. You'll be representing me, going over business plans and public relation matters. All you really have to do is talk, and since you're so good at it, I don't see any issues regarding the situation. Your task will be a light load, at least until you're better."

"But…"

"Let me finish," Caleb cut him off. "I want you to take it easy, Seth. I don't care what my colleagues think. You are my grandson, and family comes first. That's what your parents taught me."

"Do I have a say in this?"

"Unfortunately, no. It's either my proposition, or I'll personally fire you at the spot and leave you with nothing."

"You drive a hard bargain, granddad."

"It comes with the territory," Caleb said, his expression as firm as ever. "What do you say?"

"I guess I'm going to New York then."

"I thought you hated New York."

"I know, me too," Seth said, surprised at himself. "I don't even know why I said that."

"Well, when you make up your mind, let me know."

"Will do. Thanks. And say hi to Julie for me."

Seth leaned back on his seat, contemplating on the decision that he had to make.

"Chicago, Atlanta, or New York," Seth repeated to himself. "Chicago, Atlanta, or New York."

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"Have you decided yet?"

Seth told Ryan and Marissa about the proposal later that night. They were having dinner at Seth's house. Although his mother lacked culinary skills, Seth was able to acquire some of those skills through college. His roommate, for one thing, had major aspirations of becoming a chef. If he was having trouble in the kitchen, the ladies were always glad to give him pointers.

"Um, no, not yet," Seth told Ryan.

"When do you have to decide?" Marissa asked.

"I'm guessing soon," Seth said. "Mr. Botox was pretty damn adamant about it."

Seth noticed the strange look that he got from his friends, so he quickly explained.

"It's an inside joke between gramps and I. We're tight like a 34-inch belt on a 44-inch waist."

"Anyway, which city are you leaning more towards?" Marissa asked, ignoring another one of Seth's jokes.

"I don't know. It's tough deciding between CANY."

"CANY?" Ryan asked him.

"Chicago, Atlanta, New York. CANY."

"You're getting weirder and weirder every year," Ryan said.

"Just the way we like you," Marissa smiled at him.

"I'm leaning more towards New York actually. I think New York would be great."

"New York?" Marissa said, shocked at his decision. "I thought you hated New York."

"Yeah, well, it's a nice change of scenery, and I'm a glutton for punishment."

"What about Chicago?" she suggested. "Or Atlanta? They're nice places, too. Why would you want to go to New York?"

"The last time I checked, this was my decision to make," Seth said, getting frustrated at Marissa. "Besides, I'm not really a big fan of Chicago and their music, and Atlanta's too hot for me."

"Funny," Ryan said. "Hey, you know what, you can visit the Nana."

"I can, can't I?"

"Doesn't she live in the Bronx?" Marissa asked.

"Actually, when she started getting treated, Dad convinced her to move to the city so she won't have to travel far to go to the hospital in case of an emergency."

Seth perked up at the mention of his grandmother. Years ago, they all thought she would be dead. Who would have thought that she would live this much longer? Even outlasting his parents.

"I guess I'm going to New York then," Seth said before raising his glass for a toast. "To New York City."

"The Big Apple," Ryan said, waiting for Marissa to add something.

"The city that never sleeps."

"Not while I'm there anyway," Seth attempted to wink and smiled. "Now if you two lovebirds could please excuse me…"

"Where are you going?" Ryan asked.

"I have to make a couple of phone calls."

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She always liked coming there. It was warm and nice. It made her feel safe. It was nice talking to someone who understands what she's going through. To feel alone. To feel like life is going against you. To feel afraid.

"I'm back, dear. I'm sorry if I took a while."

"Oh no, it's really nothing," Summer told her. "I was just looking around and admiring your place."

"Well, someone very talented did help me decorate the place."

"I didn't do much," Summer blushed. "Besides, you already had the place decked out with everything."

"Don't be modest," the old lady said. "It looks better than it did before. Now I can finally show this place around."

"Who was that anyway?"

"The phone call?"

"I mean, you don't have to tell me, but you know me. Curious as a cat."

"It was actually my grandson," she eyed the young lady knowingly. "He said he'll be coming to visit really soon."

"Oh. How long is he staying?"

"Indefinitely from what I heard."

"Wow…" was all Summer could muster. "That's interesting."

"How so, my dear?" the woman looked at her inquisitively.

"I don't really know," Summer let out an nervous laugh. "I guess I better get going."

The woman looked at her with worried eyes. Summer didn't have to say anything for her to guess what was bothering her. They had talked about the situation before.

"Don't worry, Summer," the old lady said. "Your secret is safe with me."

"Thanks Nana," Summer smiled at her. "Thanks for everything."

"The pleasure's all mine," she hugged her back. "Have a good night, dear."

"You too."

Summer walked out of the building into the cold city breeze. It was finally autumn; her favorite time of the year. Pretty soon, the leaves would be changing and everything would be perfect. Several months ago, she thought she'd never witness autumn again. She always looked forward to it every year. Sure, it wasn't as spectacular as Vermont or New Hampshire, but it sure beat autumn in Newport.

As she got closer to her apartment, her mind slowly drifted from red and orange leaves to Orange County. Seth Cohen. Why was he coming here? To mess up her life again? She stopped herself before she ended up conjuring thoughts that she would soon regret. She couldn't blame him for everything that happened to her. The worst of her problems could not possibly be his fault. Would Nana tell him about their meetings? Well, Nana did giver her her word, and she knew that she could trust the Nana. She had been there for her throughout all the ordeal that she had gone through.

Upon arriving in her apartment, Summer went through her usual routine. She checked her mail. She grabbed a bottle of water. She checked her email. And finally, she checked her messages.

"Hey Summer, it's Mark from work. I was just wondering…"

She pushed the delete button. The guy had been trying to ask her out for the past week, but as nice as he was, Summer was just not interested.

"Hey Sum, it's Coop. I just wanted to know how you're doing. I'm sorry I didn't return your call the other day. We sort of had to take care of a small problem with liquor and everything. Ryan and I are going out to dinner tonight. Call me."

Summer smiled. She was always glad to hear from her friend. Although she did not mention it, she was very well aware of what the problem was. It had been the same one for the last five years. Nonetheless, she did not want to think about him, but apparently, today was not her lucky day.

"Hey Summer, it's me, Cohen. I've had you number for a while. Months now actually. I've been debating on whether or not I should call you. I guess I shouldn't have told you that. I can totally see you freak out right now, but rest assured, I am not stalking you. Anyway, the reason why I called… Oh, before I forget, I did not get your number from Marissa. That's probably what you're thinking. I mean, she didn't tell me that you two still talked. I just kind of figured. I actually got you number by calling and hiring a private investigator to track you down and get it… No, I'm just kidding. I freaked you out again, didn't I? I did, didn't I? Seriously, I saw it in a phone book during one of my visits, and sort of just wrote it down on a whim. I don't know. Spur of the moment, I guess. Anyway, about me calling you, I'm actually going to be handling Newport Group business in New York for an indefinite amount of time. Caleb's idea. In short, I'd be staying in the city for quite a bit. I'm not asking you to show me around or anything. I was just thinking that maybe we could hang around some time. You know, catch up and whatnot…"

Apparently, Seth had spoke too much, and the answering machine cut him off.

"I guess that's the end of him."

But alas, luck was still not on Summer's side.

"You thought you finally got rid of me, didn't you? You should know better, Summer. I'm not the one to give up easily. So I basically told you why I called. Look, I know we haven't had the greatest of relationships over the past several years or so. Actually, we haven't had any kind of relationship whatsoever. I know I'll be a little busy, but I'll make time for you, and hopefully you can do the same for me. You know, pencil me in and everything. I'll even bring my props if you want. Anyway, that's about it. I'm hoping you'll consider. I could really use a friend like you in a scary city like New York. Take care and have a good night."

As much as she tried to resist it, she couldn't help but succumbed to the smile threatening to form in her lips. He always had a way with his words. She's really in a predicament now. She did not want to see him, but she did not want to ditch him either after his message. She's really in a predicament indeed.