"Okay, and what's wrong with my music?" Sandy questioned, smiling at his son.
"It goes like this, you list three reasons you like or don't like or the meaning of something random, like, let's say, driving in the car with your dad to the airport to pick up your cousin while you could be at home sleeping, oh that's a good one, you take it," Seth stated, smiling at his dad, with some added sarcasam.
"Sounds like fun. Number three, you would be home by yourself on a glorious day like this while your mother takes Ryan out shopping. Number two, I needed some company and someone to cover up any awkward silences and number one, she's your cousin you haven't seen in years, greet her!" Sandy easily replied to his son.
"OK, three valid points..." Seth said, considering them. It would be good to spend some time with his dad, he thought, and it was going to be good to see his cousin.
"So, you have a recent picture of her? So you'll know who slash where slash what she is?" Seth asked, as they pulled into the parking lot.
"Don't worry son, I'll know her when I see her," his father finished, stepping out of the car and adjusting the sunglasses on his face.
"Whatever you say..."
Peyton's flight had arrived on time thankfully, she wasn't a big fan of planes. She quickly made her way through her exit gate and to luggage claim. She remembered her uncle from the way he was. Thick new york accent, uncontrollable eyebrows, loving smile, a lot of energy. And her cousin Seth, remembered him too. Small for his size, talked a lot, which didn't come in handy at a funeral and loved comic books. Also not suitable for a funeral, but they were nine. Seeing her uncle would only remind her of her mom, but she knew it was a good thing. Grief was a thing of the past. Time for a clean slate, in New Port, Orange Country, California.
With her bag snugly on her hip, she approached luggage claim and through the crowds of people felt fairly lost. Once I get my luggage, I'll be fine, she thought as she pushed her way through the mobs. She didn't notice any framilar faces as she made her way through, so a feeling of uncertainty settled in.
"Ok, so you are sure you know what she'll look like?" she heard a close voice.
"Yes, she'll have curly blond locks like her mother and a slim build like her father," Sandy started, as he looked up at overhead screens listing flights. Peyton knew it was them, by the description and the accent.
"And the rest just falls into place?" Seth asked, stretching a bit.
"Just about," Peyton said as they backs faced her. Sandy turned around to the voice, as did Seth. A smile led to both their faces. Sure, they weren't the closest family but they kept in touch enough. They were pretty solid.
"Hey there kid," Sandy said softly, pulling her into a tight hug. She hugged him back, in the same way. He didn't let go as soon as she did, so she gave Seth a quick smile who gave a fun grin back.
"Hey," she replied as they made their way from luggage return after grabbing her bags.
"How was the flight?" Sandy asked, taking one of her bags and making small talk.
"Uh, pretty good, I guess, I never really like planes anyway," Peyton said, shrugging a bit. As they stepped outside into the sunny outside, she breathed in the fresh California air. It felt good.
"So cousin, isn't this a change from lil ol' Tree Hill? Emphasis on the lil..." Seth stated as they made their way to the car.
"You don't know how much..." she stated briefly as she looked around at the variety of landscapes. They placed her bags in the back of the car and Seth situated himself in the back, letting his cousin sit in the front.
"I'm guessing you guys get pretty good weather down here?" Peyton asked as they drove along.
"Yup, it's pretty good, good sailing weather that's for sure," Seth answered.
"And surfing," Sandy added in.
"You surf?" she questioned him, "And you sail?" she said to Seth. They both nodded and she smiled.
"So you've moved on from you comic books?" she questioned her cousin as they pulled through a set of gates.
"Nope, what are you crazy?" he asked in a state of disbelief. They pulled into the driveway of the Cohen's house and Peyton looked around. It was a change from her small homestead in Tree Hill but she knew she would adjust.
"Nice place," she said as she stepped out of the car.
"It's home, I personally would have wanted something a bit bigger, but you get used to it," Seth said with a sly smile.
"You shouldn't take all this for granted son," Sandy said, laughing.
"Right, okay, after you," Seth gestured to the front door. Here goes nothing, Peyton thought, giving Seth a small smile. The inside of the house was just as impressive as the outside. Tall arches and detailed railways and designs filled the first room, with a warm feeling. Doors led out to a small patio or porch kind of thing with an attached pool and poolhouse.
"You're not sticking me in the poolhouse are ya?" she joked, admiring the house.
"Nope, that's taken," Seth said, leading her upstairs. She laughed with him as he stopped at a room near the end of the hallway. Once opened, it led to a big room with a four poster bed with a silk red bedspread and beige carpet.
"This is where I'll sleep?" she asked in awe.
"This is your room," he replied,"Just remember I'm just between that wall, if you need anything,"
"Thanks Seth," she said as he placed her bags near the door and shut the door behind him. She looked around the room and flopped down on her bed. There was something about the place that made her feel good. It was just a great feeling. She just hoped she wouldn't miss Tree Hill too much.
(and thats all for now, hope that wasnt too short, saving some good stuff for the next chapter, heehe. I would like to thank everyone who reviewed, you all rock! do it again! lol. spoliers: Peyton meets Ryan, both Lucas and Brooke find out she is gone, more drama and exploration of Orange county! tune in soon! lol)