Standard disclaimers apply.
Chapter 6
When Seth entered the kitchen the next morning, the whole family was gathered around the table. They instantly stopped talking as soon as he entered. Seth's face flushed considerably, and he strode to the cabinet, trying to avoid making eye contact with any of them. He pulled out a bowl, and grabbed a spoon from the drawer. He wasn't all that hungry, but he knew his mother would be on his back if he didn't eat.
"Hey, we have any Lucky Charms?" he asked. He opened the pantry and spotted the cereal box buried in the back. "Never mind. Found 'em."
Conversation resumed at the table, though they probably weren't discussing what they had been before. Seth sat down at the table beside his dad, deciding to just ignore it.
"Hey, Dad. You going to the restaurant today?" he asked cheerfully.
Sandy shrugged. "I'm pretty sure Jimmy's got it all covered today. I'll probably just spend the day at home."
Seth nodded, pouring milk onto his Lucky Charms. "Cool. So Ryan, you working today?"
Ryan nodded. "Yeah, I have a shift later." He smiled slightly.
"So, afterwards I can count on you for a little Playstation action? Those evil ninjas aren't about to kill themselves, you know." Seth smiled.
"Count on it."
An idea popped into Seth's mind, and he smirked devilishly. It was wild and crazy, and he doubted anyone would go for it...but it would be absolutely priceless. He munched his cereal slowly, wondering if he should voice his idea or not.
"Say Grandpa," Seth began, unable to contain a smile, "how about I teach you how to play Ninja Death Fighter 5?"
The indignant look on Caleb's face was enough to get a genuine laugh out of everyone on the table. Caleb Nichol, playing video games?
Caleb saw the hopeful looks on everyone's faces, and realized that maybe he could suspend his dignity for awhile, to make his grandson happy. He knew they were all just having a laugh at his expense, but that was okay. He'd survived worse.
"I think that'd be all right," he responded slowly. He noticed Sandy smirking into his coffee cup. "I'll probably be better than your father anyway."
"Hey!" Sandy frowned. "I'm pretty good."
"Yeah, last time we played he only stabbed his own teammate a few times," Ryan offered, trying to suppress a grin.
"Dad, you've improved!" Seth grinned into his cereal bowl. He punched Sandy's shoulder. "Have you been practicing while I've been gone?"
"Very funny," Sandy muttered.
"Seriously, it's be the ultimate grudge match: Grandpa versus Dad. The Eyebrows versus the Business Suit. Mano-e-mano, no holds barred. It'd be like a cage match between Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart." He paused. "Wrestlers, people, if you're not big into the old school WWF. Or WWE, whatever the hell that's all about." But, you guys should play." Seth shoveled a spoonful of Lucky Charms into his mouth. "I'd be gweat."
"Seth, don't talk with your mouth full," Kirsten said, but in a gentle way. She sipped her coffee, without looking up at anyone.
"I believe that can be arranged," Caleb said dryly, not even reacting to Seth's wild babblings. It reminded Kirsten of how he was around Sandy when they'd first met. And boy, had Sandy been a rambler.
"C'mon Ryan, I'll drive you to school," Sandy said, quickly standing up. He walked around the table, patting Seth on the back as he went.
Ryan took one last chug of coffee before getting up and grabbing his backpack. He took a deep breath and gave a tiny wave to everyone at the table. His smile was hesitant and awkward, like he wasn't sure how to act around everyone else. Which he wasn't, when he really thought about it.
"See ya later."
"See ya, man." Seth looked over at the digital clock on the microwave and frowned. "Hey, aren't you a little late?" The clock read eight forty-five.
"Uh, yeah." Ryan scratched the back of his neck. "I have study period one today." A lie, but only a little one. Sandy promised him he could see Seth before going to school. And he had chemistry first period, which was as pointless and boring as study hall anyway.
Seth nodded, biting his lip. "Well, I'll see you later, dude. Tell the gang I said howdy."
"Be back in a few minutes," Sandy said, with so much exuberant enthusiasm that Ryan knew something was up with him. More than the obvious, at least.
Sandy was met with a few grunted good-byes. He and Ryan slipped out the front door and into the Range Rover.
Ryan looked over at Sandy, who wiped his face with both hands wearily. He put the key in the ignition, caught Ryan's stare, and smiled.
"I guess I can't say anything that'll stop you from worrying about me," Sandy said tiredly.
Ryan shook his head.
"Look, I promise, I'm fine. I won't tell you that it's Seth you should be worried about, because obviously you are." Sandy pulled the car out of the driveway, and started down the street toward Harbor School.
"So...what's up?" Ryan asked with a tiny smile.
"It's nothing." Sandy sighed, and shook his head, clearly frustrated. "It's just..." He frowned. "Seth's being the strong one. Kirsten and I are the parents....we're supposed to be the strong ones. We're supposed to try and lighten the mood for him, make him smile, take his mind off everything. Here he is cracking the jokes, trying to make us feel better. How could I let that happen?"
"He's Seth; it's what he does." Ryan stared out the window passively. "He wouldn't want it any other way. He doesn't want you all over him, but he doesn't want you far away."
Sandy chuckled. "True. I think he wants us comfortably close. Or something like that." He paused. "But I feel like there's something I'm not doing. I feel like I'm forcing him to hide his true feelings." He coughed.
"That's the way he is," Ryan said quietly. "When he wants to show his true feelings, he will."
"Yeah," Sandy muttered unconvincingly, thinking about how Ryan's statement could easily to describe both boys.
"I guess there's nothing I can say that will convince you you're doing a good job handling this," Ryan said softly.
"I guess not." Sandy sighed yet again. "Look, I'm sorry to be dumping all of this on you. I really shouldn't be telling you all this."
"I'd only hate you if you tried to act like this wasn't bothering you," Ryan half-whispered, his blue eyes staring intently at the cup holder before finally reaching Sandy Cohen. "You handle everything well."
Sandy pulled the car into the Harbor School parking lot.
"You're a good kid," Sandy said quietly. "I want you to know that no matter what, you're a part of this family. I can promise you that. You're here for the long haul."
"Thanks," Ryan replied solemnly, trying not to think of the implications of his words.
Sandy patted him gently on the shoulder.
"See you later, son."
"Bye."
Ryan hopped out of the car and began his trek up the steps to the school. He sighed, exhausted. He hadn't slept much the night before; mostly he'd tossed and turned, trying not to think about Seth and failing miserably. He felt confused, unsure of what he was supposed to do. Be supportive, that was a given. And Sandy had already confirmed the fact that he wasn't expected to leave, that he was a family member. But, other than that, what was he supposed to do? Did he try to crack jokes, keep Seth's mind off everything? Did he act serious, pressing Seth to talk to him about how he felt? What could he say that would make things better?
After checking in at the office, Ryan headed to his locker. He entered the combination and swung the door open. The door of his locker was very sparsely decorated, not at all like Seth's. Ryan had to smile. The door of Seth's locker was covered in pictures, a few of Summer, though she'd forced him to take down any supermodel pictures after they became a couple. A copy of their Chrismakkuh card, and a picture he got off the computer of a zebra riding a motorcycle flying over a leaping jaguar. God, that kid was weird. Ryan glanced at his door, thinking he'd have to add something more than the Chrismakkuh card, which he'd duct taped to the center.
Ryan grabbed his world literature book out of his locker and shoved it into his backpack. He smirked at his chemistry book; he wouldn't need it that day. He sighed heavily, checking his watch.
The bell rang piercingly, and kids swarmed out of their classes, shuffling like drones toward their second period class. Somewhere in there was Marissa. Ryan truly hoped that she didn't try to make up with him again. He wasn't sure he could say no at that point, and he really wasn't sure that that was a good thing.
Ryan saw Summer out of the corner of his eye, standing in front of her open locker, looking lost. Ryan swallowed, slammed his locker door shut and walked up beside Summer.
"Hey, Summer," Ryan said softly, his voice radiating warmth.
"Hey Chino," Summer said, looking tired and sad. Even her expertly applied make-up couldn't hide the fact that she'd been crying.
Ryan smiled softly, glancing at the picture of Seth that was taped on the door of Summer's locker. He was lying in bed eyes closed, blankets up to his chin, and a smile on his face, with Captain Oats' face peeking out from the blanket right beside his.
Summer saw where Ryan was looking, and she smiled a little.
He wanted to reach out and hug her, but not willing to risk the "Ewwww" that could follow. It was weird, actually wanting to make physical contact with someone. It would've never happened in Chino, not even with a girlfriend. Girlfriends were for sloppy kisses and generally awkward sex. There wasn't too much emotion attached to most of the girls he'd been with; Theresa had been the closest he'd ever come to truly loving a girl, though he'd told dozens of random chicks that he'd loved them. It never meant anything. And now, standing in front of some girl he'd long thought was a bitch, he wanted nothing more than to hold her until she could smile again. She was his best friend's girl, and, this was the big one, his friend.
"So how are you taking it?" Ryan asked.
Summer sighed. "Well now that Cohen and I are exclusive, I've basically committed social suicide. None of my friends will look at me anymore."
"I meant.." Ryan paused. "Ah. Joking." It was hard for one to get used to the black comedy that seemed to dominate the Newport crowd. When everything falls apart, crack a joke and watch the world burn to ashes.
"Yeah. Gotta handle it somehow." Summer exhaled a deep breath. "Um, still hasn't really sunk in yet or anything. I haven't really talked about it with anyone."
"You haven't talked to Marissa about this?" Ryan asked, furrowing his brow. He figured she'd be the first person Summer would run to after hearing the news.
Summer leaned up against the lockers, looking upset. She shrugged her shoulders tiredly. "Coop's been wrapped up in her own world since you guys stopped dating." She sniffled. "Honestly, I'm just here for her if nobody else is around." Her eyes looked teary. "She didn't ditch only you for Oliver you know." She paused. "Sorry."
"No, it's okay." Ryan shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Her mentioning Oliver really didn't sting as much as it might have earlier. He suspected he was getting over the whole ordeal. Made him realize a thing or two about love anyway.
Summer shut her locker and sighed. "How's Seth?"
"Okay, I guess. He hasn't been complaining or anything." Ryan wasn't sure exactly how Seth was, so he figured his answer probably wasn't all that accurate.
Summer nodded. "Tell him I'll call him tonight, okay? Or I might come by. I dunno yet." Summer hugged herself gently with her arms.
"Okay. I'll tell him."
"Thanks, Chino." Summer forced a little smile. "I have to get to biology class. Maybe I could at least stop by after school and give him the homework he missed."
"I'm sure he'd appreciate that," Ryan answered, smirking.
"Is he going to come tomorrow?" Summer asked hopefully.
"I'm not sure." Ryan bit his lip. "Doctor says he has to go in for a few more tests before they check him in next Thursday."
Summer nodded. She gave Ryan a little nod, and strode briskly away, trying to distance herself from the one other person in the school who knew how she truly felt at that moment.
She fought off tears and held her head high. She wasn't going to let anyone see her pain.
When Sandy got home Seth was lying curled up on the couch, watching Caleb struggle with Ninja Death Fighter 5. Seth snickered as Caleb made random sounds of frustration, occasionally letting slip a wild string of swears. Kirsten sat on a nearby armchair, an open book in her lap and a bemused expression on her face.
"Hey, all," Sandy said cheerfully. He remembered his conversation in the car with Ryan and decided that he was going to try and keep things light anyway.
"Hey, Dad," Seth greeted him, twisting around so his father could see his smile. "Grandpa's teaching me an assortment of new vocabulary words."
"Glad to hear it, son," Sandy patted his head fondly as he headed over to where Kirsten sat. He kissed her tenderly on the lips.
"Dr. Pearson called," Kirsten announced softly. "They need him in there tomorrow at two. Bone-marrow aspirations. They brought in another doctor to make sure the first diagnosis is correct."
Sandy nodded. He'd read about those in the material he'd been given. "Who's going to take him?" He paused. "I could do it."
"I don't want to put you out or anything," Seth piped up. "I could borrow the car, go on my own. I was thinking of going out tomorrow anyway. Must admit I have a bit of the wanderlust ever since I got out of the hospital. And yes, wanderlust is a great word."
He'd meant the suggestion as a sincere way of trying to ease his parents' stress, but Kirsten's face paled at the very thought.
"I'll take you," Sandy offered. "It's no trouble."
"I could take him," Kirsten said, shutting her book. "It'd be no trouble for me either."
"Kikki I need you tomorrow for when we talk to Fred Anderson. I can't stand the jackass, but he seems to like you." Caleb never tore his eyes away from the television screen, furiously tapping buttons.
Kirsten gave Seth an apologetic smile. He shrugged and waved it off.
"No worries there, Mom. Dad and I'll be fine." Seth paused. "So am I going to school tomorrow?"
Sandy and Kirsten looked at each other, communicating silently. Sandy shrugged. Kirsten frowned.
"We'll think about it," Kirsten said finally. "It'll all depend on how you feel tomorrow morning."
Seth nodded thoughtfully. "Well I musn't fall behind on my studies," he fretted. "That would just be wretched."
"You just want to make time with that girlfriend of yours," Caleb chimed in. "Hah! I massacred that ninja bastard!"
"What year is this again, Grandpa? Pardon me, but Summer and I don't make time. Forget that old fogy speak. It's only shizzles and fo shos up in my hood. We have never and will never make time." Seth sniffed indignantly.
"Yeah, they just make out," Sandy chirped.
Everyone else in the room grimaced collectively. Sandy just laughed. Of course, he knew that Seth had done much more than that with Summer, but he liked having that be just a secret between the two of them. And Summer of course. And probably Ryan. Actually, he was surprised Seth told him in the first place.
"I'm going to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat," Sandy announced. "Anybody want anything?"
"No thanks," Kirsten said, reopening her book.
Caleb just waved his hand in a "go away" gesture.
"Seth?"
"Uh, actually, Dad, I think I'll go with you," Seth said, scooting off of the couch.
Sandy walked behind Seth, watching him like a hawk, making absolutely sure that Seth wouldn't fall again.
Seth slid into a chair at the kitchen table as Sandy started rummaging through the refrigerator.
"What do you want?" Sandy asked, pulling out some leftover pizza from the night before.
"A Sprite would be dandy," Seth replied.
"Nothing to eat?" Seeing Seth shake his head, Sandy grabbed the Sprite and slid it over to Seth. "So how ya feeling? I mean, really."
Seth popped the top of the soda and took a swig.
"A little woozy, tired," Seth admitted. "But my curveball's curving and my split ball's splitting, so I can go at least three more innings." He paused. "Yeah, probably shouldn't be talking about balls that much."
"Any joint pain?"
"A little." A pause. "Nothing I can't handle." Seth traced circles on the tablecloth with his fingers. He gave a frustrated sigh. "Look, I've been thinking about it...and maybe the counseling idea isn't so bad. For us at least. Don't know about the rest of them." He shrugged. "But I see how it is- everyone walking on eggshells around each other- and I figure it could work. Someone to talk to. It'd probably end up being about nothing, but hey, that's cool. I can talk about nothing."
Sandy nodded. "I'll talk to Dr. Pearson about it tomorrow, get it set up. And, you know, I'm always here if you really do need to talk."
"Maybe." Seth shrugged. "But we're both scared as hell about worrying each other aren't we?"
"Yeah. Yeah, we are." Sandy sighed.
Seth stood up and pushed in his chair. "Sooo...tomorrow? Getting my bones sucked dry..."
"Seth.."
"I'm kinda scared," Seth admitted with a nervous giggle. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, as Sandy's hand gently rubbed his shoulder. "But, hey, I'm a fighter. The don't call me Death Breath Seth because of these dimples, do they?"
"Why do they call you Death Breath Seth?"
"Long story involving the wretched Camp Selner and barfing in the woods." Seth shuddered. "Not something I feel like remembering at the moment. Perhaps I'll tell you when you're older."
Sandy nodded and smiled. He squeezed Seth's shoulder affectionately.
"We can get through this," he whispered, ignoring the doubt that creeped into the corner of his mind.
Chapter 6
When Seth entered the kitchen the next morning, the whole family was gathered around the table. They instantly stopped talking as soon as he entered. Seth's face flushed considerably, and he strode to the cabinet, trying to avoid making eye contact with any of them. He pulled out a bowl, and grabbed a spoon from the drawer. He wasn't all that hungry, but he knew his mother would be on his back if he didn't eat.
"Hey, we have any Lucky Charms?" he asked. He opened the pantry and spotted the cereal box buried in the back. "Never mind. Found 'em."
Conversation resumed at the table, though they probably weren't discussing what they had been before. Seth sat down at the table beside his dad, deciding to just ignore it.
"Hey, Dad. You going to the restaurant today?" he asked cheerfully.
Sandy shrugged. "I'm pretty sure Jimmy's got it all covered today. I'll probably just spend the day at home."
Seth nodded, pouring milk onto his Lucky Charms. "Cool. So Ryan, you working today?"
Ryan nodded. "Yeah, I have a shift later." He smiled slightly.
"So, afterwards I can count on you for a little Playstation action? Those evil ninjas aren't about to kill themselves, you know." Seth smiled.
"Count on it."
An idea popped into Seth's mind, and he smirked devilishly. It was wild and crazy, and he doubted anyone would go for it...but it would be absolutely priceless. He munched his cereal slowly, wondering if he should voice his idea or not.
"Say Grandpa," Seth began, unable to contain a smile, "how about I teach you how to play Ninja Death Fighter 5?"
The indignant look on Caleb's face was enough to get a genuine laugh out of everyone on the table. Caleb Nichol, playing video games?
Caleb saw the hopeful looks on everyone's faces, and realized that maybe he could suspend his dignity for awhile, to make his grandson happy. He knew they were all just having a laugh at his expense, but that was okay. He'd survived worse.
"I think that'd be all right," he responded slowly. He noticed Sandy smirking into his coffee cup. "I'll probably be better than your father anyway."
"Hey!" Sandy frowned. "I'm pretty good."
"Yeah, last time we played he only stabbed his own teammate a few times," Ryan offered, trying to suppress a grin.
"Dad, you've improved!" Seth grinned into his cereal bowl. He punched Sandy's shoulder. "Have you been practicing while I've been gone?"
"Very funny," Sandy muttered.
"Seriously, it's be the ultimate grudge match: Grandpa versus Dad. The Eyebrows versus the Business Suit. Mano-e-mano, no holds barred. It'd be like a cage match between Hulk Hogan and Bret Hart." He paused. "Wrestlers, people, if you're not big into the old school WWF. Or WWE, whatever the hell that's all about." But, you guys should play." Seth shoveled a spoonful of Lucky Charms into his mouth. "I'd be gweat."
"Seth, don't talk with your mouth full," Kirsten said, but in a gentle way. She sipped her coffee, without looking up at anyone.
"I believe that can be arranged," Caleb said dryly, not even reacting to Seth's wild babblings. It reminded Kirsten of how he was around Sandy when they'd first met. And boy, had Sandy been a rambler.
"C'mon Ryan, I'll drive you to school," Sandy said, quickly standing up. He walked around the table, patting Seth on the back as he went.
Ryan took one last chug of coffee before getting up and grabbing his backpack. He took a deep breath and gave a tiny wave to everyone at the table. His smile was hesitant and awkward, like he wasn't sure how to act around everyone else. Which he wasn't, when he really thought about it.
"See ya later."
"See ya, man." Seth looked over at the digital clock on the microwave and frowned. "Hey, aren't you a little late?" The clock read eight forty-five.
"Uh, yeah." Ryan scratched the back of his neck. "I have study period one today." A lie, but only a little one. Sandy promised him he could see Seth before going to school. And he had chemistry first period, which was as pointless and boring as study hall anyway.
Seth nodded, biting his lip. "Well, I'll see you later, dude. Tell the gang I said howdy."
"Be back in a few minutes," Sandy said, with so much exuberant enthusiasm that Ryan knew something was up with him. More than the obvious, at least.
Sandy was met with a few grunted good-byes. He and Ryan slipped out the front door and into the Range Rover.
Ryan looked over at Sandy, who wiped his face with both hands wearily. He put the key in the ignition, caught Ryan's stare, and smiled.
"I guess I can't say anything that'll stop you from worrying about me," Sandy said tiredly.
Ryan shook his head.
"Look, I promise, I'm fine. I won't tell you that it's Seth you should be worried about, because obviously you are." Sandy pulled the car out of the driveway, and started down the street toward Harbor School.
"So...what's up?" Ryan asked with a tiny smile.
"It's nothing." Sandy sighed, and shook his head, clearly frustrated. "It's just..." He frowned. "Seth's being the strong one. Kirsten and I are the parents....we're supposed to be the strong ones. We're supposed to try and lighten the mood for him, make him smile, take his mind off everything. Here he is cracking the jokes, trying to make us feel better. How could I let that happen?"
"He's Seth; it's what he does." Ryan stared out the window passively. "He wouldn't want it any other way. He doesn't want you all over him, but he doesn't want you far away."
Sandy chuckled. "True. I think he wants us comfortably close. Or something like that." He paused. "But I feel like there's something I'm not doing. I feel like I'm forcing him to hide his true feelings." He coughed.
"That's the way he is," Ryan said quietly. "When he wants to show his true feelings, he will."
"Yeah," Sandy muttered unconvincingly, thinking about how Ryan's statement could easily to describe both boys.
"I guess there's nothing I can say that will convince you you're doing a good job handling this," Ryan said softly.
"I guess not." Sandy sighed yet again. "Look, I'm sorry to be dumping all of this on you. I really shouldn't be telling you all this."
"I'd only hate you if you tried to act like this wasn't bothering you," Ryan half-whispered, his blue eyes staring intently at the cup holder before finally reaching Sandy Cohen. "You handle everything well."
Sandy pulled the car into the Harbor School parking lot.
"You're a good kid," Sandy said quietly. "I want you to know that no matter what, you're a part of this family. I can promise you that. You're here for the long haul."
"Thanks," Ryan replied solemnly, trying not to think of the implications of his words.
Sandy patted him gently on the shoulder.
"See you later, son."
"Bye."
Ryan hopped out of the car and began his trek up the steps to the school. He sighed, exhausted. He hadn't slept much the night before; mostly he'd tossed and turned, trying not to think about Seth and failing miserably. He felt confused, unsure of what he was supposed to do. Be supportive, that was a given. And Sandy had already confirmed the fact that he wasn't expected to leave, that he was a family member. But, other than that, what was he supposed to do? Did he try to crack jokes, keep Seth's mind off everything? Did he act serious, pressing Seth to talk to him about how he felt? What could he say that would make things better?
After checking in at the office, Ryan headed to his locker. He entered the combination and swung the door open. The door of his locker was very sparsely decorated, not at all like Seth's. Ryan had to smile. The door of Seth's locker was covered in pictures, a few of Summer, though she'd forced him to take down any supermodel pictures after they became a couple. A copy of their Chrismakkuh card, and a picture he got off the computer of a zebra riding a motorcycle flying over a leaping jaguar. God, that kid was weird. Ryan glanced at his door, thinking he'd have to add something more than the Chrismakkuh card, which he'd duct taped to the center.
Ryan grabbed his world literature book out of his locker and shoved it into his backpack. He smirked at his chemistry book; he wouldn't need it that day. He sighed heavily, checking his watch.
The bell rang piercingly, and kids swarmed out of their classes, shuffling like drones toward their second period class. Somewhere in there was Marissa. Ryan truly hoped that she didn't try to make up with him again. He wasn't sure he could say no at that point, and he really wasn't sure that that was a good thing.
Ryan saw Summer out of the corner of his eye, standing in front of her open locker, looking lost. Ryan swallowed, slammed his locker door shut and walked up beside Summer.
"Hey, Summer," Ryan said softly, his voice radiating warmth.
"Hey Chino," Summer said, looking tired and sad. Even her expertly applied make-up couldn't hide the fact that she'd been crying.
Ryan smiled softly, glancing at the picture of Seth that was taped on the door of Summer's locker. He was lying in bed eyes closed, blankets up to his chin, and a smile on his face, with Captain Oats' face peeking out from the blanket right beside his.
Summer saw where Ryan was looking, and she smiled a little.
He wanted to reach out and hug her, but not willing to risk the "Ewwww" that could follow. It was weird, actually wanting to make physical contact with someone. It would've never happened in Chino, not even with a girlfriend. Girlfriends were for sloppy kisses and generally awkward sex. There wasn't too much emotion attached to most of the girls he'd been with; Theresa had been the closest he'd ever come to truly loving a girl, though he'd told dozens of random chicks that he'd loved them. It never meant anything. And now, standing in front of some girl he'd long thought was a bitch, he wanted nothing more than to hold her until she could smile again. She was his best friend's girl, and, this was the big one, his friend.
"So how are you taking it?" Ryan asked.
Summer sighed. "Well now that Cohen and I are exclusive, I've basically committed social suicide. None of my friends will look at me anymore."
"I meant.." Ryan paused. "Ah. Joking." It was hard for one to get used to the black comedy that seemed to dominate the Newport crowd. When everything falls apart, crack a joke and watch the world burn to ashes.
"Yeah. Gotta handle it somehow." Summer exhaled a deep breath. "Um, still hasn't really sunk in yet or anything. I haven't really talked about it with anyone."
"You haven't talked to Marissa about this?" Ryan asked, furrowing his brow. He figured she'd be the first person Summer would run to after hearing the news.
Summer leaned up against the lockers, looking upset. She shrugged her shoulders tiredly. "Coop's been wrapped up in her own world since you guys stopped dating." She sniffled. "Honestly, I'm just here for her if nobody else is around." Her eyes looked teary. "She didn't ditch only you for Oliver you know." She paused. "Sorry."
"No, it's okay." Ryan shook his head. "Don't worry about it." Her mentioning Oliver really didn't sting as much as it might have earlier. He suspected he was getting over the whole ordeal. Made him realize a thing or two about love anyway.
Summer shut her locker and sighed. "How's Seth?"
"Okay, I guess. He hasn't been complaining or anything." Ryan wasn't sure exactly how Seth was, so he figured his answer probably wasn't all that accurate.
Summer nodded. "Tell him I'll call him tonight, okay? Or I might come by. I dunno yet." Summer hugged herself gently with her arms.
"Okay. I'll tell him."
"Thanks, Chino." Summer forced a little smile. "I have to get to biology class. Maybe I could at least stop by after school and give him the homework he missed."
"I'm sure he'd appreciate that," Ryan answered, smirking.
"Is he going to come tomorrow?" Summer asked hopefully.
"I'm not sure." Ryan bit his lip. "Doctor says he has to go in for a few more tests before they check him in next Thursday."
Summer nodded. She gave Ryan a little nod, and strode briskly away, trying to distance herself from the one other person in the school who knew how she truly felt at that moment.
She fought off tears and held her head high. She wasn't going to let anyone see her pain.
When Sandy got home Seth was lying curled up on the couch, watching Caleb struggle with Ninja Death Fighter 5. Seth snickered as Caleb made random sounds of frustration, occasionally letting slip a wild string of swears. Kirsten sat on a nearby armchair, an open book in her lap and a bemused expression on her face.
"Hey, all," Sandy said cheerfully. He remembered his conversation in the car with Ryan and decided that he was going to try and keep things light anyway.
"Hey, Dad," Seth greeted him, twisting around so his father could see his smile. "Grandpa's teaching me an assortment of new vocabulary words."
"Glad to hear it, son," Sandy patted his head fondly as he headed over to where Kirsten sat. He kissed her tenderly on the lips.
"Dr. Pearson called," Kirsten announced softly. "They need him in there tomorrow at two. Bone-marrow aspirations. They brought in another doctor to make sure the first diagnosis is correct."
Sandy nodded. He'd read about those in the material he'd been given. "Who's going to take him?" He paused. "I could do it."
"I don't want to put you out or anything," Seth piped up. "I could borrow the car, go on my own. I was thinking of going out tomorrow anyway. Must admit I have a bit of the wanderlust ever since I got out of the hospital. And yes, wanderlust is a great word."
He'd meant the suggestion as a sincere way of trying to ease his parents' stress, but Kirsten's face paled at the very thought.
"I'll take you," Sandy offered. "It's no trouble."
"I could take him," Kirsten said, shutting her book. "It'd be no trouble for me either."
"Kikki I need you tomorrow for when we talk to Fred Anderson. I can't stand the jackass, but he seems to like you." Caleb never tore his eyes away from the television screen, furiously tapping buttons.
Kirsten gave Seth an apologetic smile. He shrugged and waved it off.
"No worries there, Mom. Dad and I'll be fine." Seth paused. "So am I going to school tomorrow?"
Sandy and Kirsten looked at each other, communicating silently. Sandy shrugged. Kirsten frowned.
"We'll think about it," Kirsten said finally. "It'll all depend on how you feel tomorrow morning."
Seth nodded thoughtfully. "Well I musn't fall behind on my studies," he fretted. "That would just be wretched."
"You just want to make time with that girlfriend of yours," Caleb chimed in. "Hah! I massacred that ninja bastard!"
"What year is this again, Grandpa? Pardon me, but Summer and I don't make time. Forget that old fogy speak. It's only shizzles and fo shos up in my hood. We have never and will never make time." Seth sniffed indignantly.
"Yeah, they just make out," Sandy chirped.
Everyone else in the room grimaced collectively. Sandy just laughed. Of course, he knew that Seth had done much more than that with Summer, but he liked having that be just a secret between the two of them. And Summer of course. And probably Ryan. Actually, he was surprised Seth told him in the first place.
"I'm going to the kitchen to grab a bite to eat," Sandy announced. "Anybody want anything?"
"No thanks," Kirsten said, reopening her book.
Caleb just waved his hand in a "go away" gesture.
"Seth?"
"Uh, actually, Dad, I think I'll go with you," Seth said, scooting off of the couch.
Sandy walked behind Seth, watching him like a hawk, making absolutely sure that Seth wouldn't fall again.
Seth slid into a chair at the kitchen table as Sandy started rummaging through the refrigerator.
"What do you want?" Sandy asked, pulling out some leftover pizza from the night before.
"A Sprite would be dandy," Seth replied.
"Nothing to eat?" Seeing Seth shake his head, Sandy grabbed the Sprite and slid it over to Seth. "So how ya feeling? I mean, really."
Seth popped the top of the soda and took a swig.
"A little woozy, tired," Seth admitted. "But my curveball's curving and my split ball's splitting, so I can go at least three more innings." He paused. "Yeah, probably shouldn't be talking about balls that much."
"Any joint pain?"
"A little." A pause. "Nothing I can't handle." Seth traced circles on the tablecloth with his fingers. He gave a frustrated sigh. "Look, I've been thinking about it...and maybe the counseling idea isn't so bad. For us at least. Don't know about the rest of them." He shrugged. "But I see how it is- everyone walking on eggshells around each other- and I figure it could work. Someone to talk to. It'd probably end up being about nothing, but hey, that's cool. I can talk about nothing."
Sandy nodded. "I'll talk to Dr. Pearson about it tomorrow, get it set up. And, you know, I'm always here if you really do need to talk."
"Maybe." Seth shrugged. "But we're both scared as hell about worrying each other aren't we?"
"Yeah. Yeah, we are." Sandy sighed.
Seth stood up and pushed in his chair. "Sooo...tomorrow? Getting my bones sucked dry..."
"Seth.."
"I'm kinda scared," Seth admitted with a nervous giggle. He pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, as Sandy's hand gently rubbed his shoulder. "But, hey, I'm a fighter. The don't call me Death Breath Seth because of these dimples, do they?"
"Why do they call you Death Breath Seth?"
"Long story involving the wretched Camp Selner and barfing in the woods." Seth shuddered. "Not something I feel like remembering at the moment. Perhaps I'll tell you when you're older."
Sandy nodded and smiled. He squeezed Seth's shoulder affectionately.
"We can get through this," he whispered, ignoring the doubt that creeped into the corner of his mind.