Seth paced back and forth underneath the garden terrace in Zach's back yard. He brought his hand to his head, scratching it, while continuing to pace. He began mumbling to himself as more time passed. Eventually, Summer stepped under the terrace and into the small enclosed space Seth had been pacing around. He turned immediately, and looked at Summer for a second.
Seth: We have to tell him.
Summer: I know…
Seth: I'm going to tell him.
Seth pushed past Summer , but she grabbed hold of his arm, turning him back around.
Summer: It can't happen like this…you can't just storm in there.
Seth: Well I can't watch him fondling you! Do you have any idea how hard it was for me to watch the two of you tonight!
Summer: I thought you liked the whole, sneaking around thing…
Seth: Yeah, well I changed my mind.
Seth turned again, but Summer grabbed his arm pulling him back.
Summer: Cohen…
Seth turned and locked eyes with Summer. He looked down at the floor recognizing defeat and took a step towards her.
Seth: It's just…I've spent so much time waiting…
He moved closer to her still.
Seth: …since I came back, I…
Summer: Seth, I know.
A small smile crept onto Seth's face, he reached over, grabbing hold of Summer's hand.
Seth: I'm sorry…I just don't know if I can do this anymore…
Summer: We have to.
Seth's head dropped to the ground. Summer's free hand moved up to Seth's face, bringing his head up so she could look into his eyes.
Summer: I know it's hard…
Summer portrayed a comforting smile, and Seth felt a little better. He returned the smile and leaned in towards Summer.
Seth: Just a few more days, right?
Summer smiled again, and nodded.
Summer: Yeah…
Seth leaned in the rest of the way and softly kissed Summer's lips. They both pulled away slowly, opening their eyes. They both seemed frozen, and then almost instantaneously, moved back towards each other, meeting in a passionate kiss. Summer's hands wrapped around Seth's neck, as his arms snaked around Summer's waist. A few minutes later, they pulled away from each other breathless, but still couldn't take their eyes off each other. Summer smiled once again and leaned her body into Seth's. She let her forehead rest on Seth's chest, and closed her eyes letting out the breath she'd been holding all day. She turned her head, eyes still closed and took in a deep breath as Seth pulled her body closer to his.
Seth: I missed you, Sum…
A smile crept onto Summer's face once again, and her eyes opened slowly. She opened her mouth to respond to Seth, but was left utterly speechless. Standing in the entry, underneath the small terrace stood Zach. His mouth hung open dumbly as he looked back and forth between Seth and Summer. Summer jumped out of Seth's embrace, and took a few immediate steps towards Zach.
Summer: Zach…
Zach shook his head and then locked eyes with Summer. He looked as if he was frozen, as if he couldn't believe what was happening.
Summer: …Zach, please…
In an instant, Zach snapped out of it, but still stared dumbly at Summer. He turned on his heels swiftly walked away, leaving Seth and Summer to now stand dumbly. Seth looked over at Summer, he brought his arms up in a shrug, indicating he didn't know what to do. In an instant, Summer ran out of the enclosed area, after Zach. Seth stood alone for a few seconds, and then followed Summer.
Summer trailed behind him as Zach walked huskily down the dark street outside of the house.
Summer: Zach! Please, stop. This wasn't supposed to happen.
Zach stopped dead in his tracks and turned around facing Summer. He peered over Summer's shoulder and saw Seth lingering under a lamp post down the street. Zach turned back to Summer, but didn't speak.
Summer: I'm sorry.
Zach: I don't doubt that.
Summer stared up at Zach, unsure of what to say or do.
Zach: What do you want me to do, Summer?
Summer: I don't know.
Zach: I really like you, Summer. And I think that you really like me…but never as much as you'll love Seth.
Summer: Zach, please…
Zach: Summer, I've known the whole time. You never fell out of love with Seth, and I saw it the second he came back. I tried to ignore it…I tried to tell myself that it didn't matter…that you were with me. But I knew…I knew it was just a matter of time…
Summer stood back speechless. Eventually, she mustered the nerve to speak.
Summer: I did really like you. I never wanted to hurt you, Zach. And I didn't want you to find out this way. I'm sorry…I don't want you to think that you didn't mean anything to me, because you did.
Zach: I know…
Zach looked down at his feet and then up at Seth who remained under the lamp post.
Zach: …you know, my first instinct is to fight for you, Summer…
Summer looked down at the ground quickly, and then back up at Zach.
Zach: …but, I don't know if there's a point. I don't want a fight, and I'm not looking to make a scene. You had to make a choice, and you did…I can't say that I don't wish it was me, but…you and Seth…
Zach's gaze dropped to the ground again and he shook his head.
Zach: …are made for each other. I'm not really sure how…but you are…
Zach's gaze returned to Summer and he took a small step closer to her.
Zach: …you can't fight fate.
Tears welled in Summer's eyes, and in turn formed in Zach's as well.
Summer: I'm…I'm so sorry…
Zach: I know…it's okay…
Summer: …I never…
Zach: Shh…I know.
They both choked back a sob, and in and instant Summer moved towards Zach wrapping her arms around him. Zach stood frozen for a second, and then wrapped his arms around Summer's waist. Summer brought her lips to Zach's ear and whispered softly to him.
Summer: (Whispering) Thank you…
Zach pulled away with a small smile, and reached up wiping a tear away from Summer's face.
Zach: Thank you.
A small smile appeared on Summer's face, and Zach looked over her shoulder once again at Seth who was trying intently not to stare. Zach looked down towards Summer again, and then motioned to Seth.
Zach: Go…
Summer looked over her shoulder and for the first time, noticed Seth lingering down the street.
Summer: Why don't we all go back to the house…
Zach: No…I need to think. You two go back, I'm going to take a walk.
Summer: You're sure?
Zach nodded his head affirmatively and forced a small smile onto his lips.
Zach: It's okay…go…
Summer offered a small smile and then turned. She hesitated for a moment and then moved towards Seth. Zach watched her walk away for a few seconds, and then turned as well, walking off in the other direction. Summer met up with Seth, who remained under the lamp post. She approached him slowly, a small smile appearing on her face.
Seth: Are we okay?
Summer nodded her head, and reached over, grasping onto Seth's hand.
Summer: We're good.
Seth smiled and leaned in, placing a kiss on Summer's forehead.
Summer: Let's go back to the house…
Seth nodded and the two turned, walking slowly back up the dark street hand in hand.