A/N: You guys probably hate me. I haven't written anything in like, forever. So sorry, y'all…my computer needed to be fixed, then I got grounded. Busy week for me! xD

Chapter Seven

If anyone who didn't know me came through my front door, their immediate reaction would have something to do with how completely insane I was. I was lying in the kitchen, sprawled out on the cold floor, staring blankly up at the ceiling. The back of my right hand was pressed dramatically against my forehead for no particular reason, my hair in limp, wavy curls that cascaded across my shoulders. I was trying to stay cool; the heat was so intense outside it almost made you faint.

I sighed over-exaggeratedly, sitting up. I kept my gaze locked on the ceiling for a minute, before turning to look over at the dishwasher next to the refrigerator. I realized quickly that the phone was ringing relentlessly, so I stood up rapidly, rushing to the phone.

"Hello?"

"Princess!" I recognized the voice instantly.

"Cohen!" I squealed excitedly, smiling softly to myself. "What's up?"

"Nothing. And I seriously mean NOTHING. I'm so booooooored."

I laughed. "Come over here, then."

"What? No way! I'll shrivel up like a prune in this heat – you come over here." Seth complained.

"So you're going to let me face the heat? What a gentleman." I responded sarcastically, leaning up against the island in the middle of the kitchen.

"I've got sparkling grape juice…" He tempted.

"I've got Kool-Aid."

He muttered something under his breath. "Well, I've also just ordered the best Chinese food in town that needs to be shared – your favorite too."

"Mmm…sounds so romantic." I said teasingly. "All right, I'll be over in five minutes."

"See you soon, then." He said, a cheerful tone to his voice.

"Bye Cohen."

We both hung up.

I brushed my teeth, styled my hair, and quickly slipped on a pair of lavender-colored flip-flop sandals before finally heading out the door. The air was still; no cooling breeze today. I sharply quickened my pace, dreading I'd melt in the intense heat. I reached the Cohen's front door, knocking twice. I waited a second, before Seth abruptly opened the door.

"Good morning!" Seth exclaimed, welcoming me inside the house, closing the door suavely behind me.

"Cohen, it's like 4:00 PM, what are you talking about?"

He smiled, wrapping his arms around me. "Anything you want me to be talking about."

I couldn't help but smile, my hands on his shoulders. "Oh, really--" He pressed a passionate kiss to my lips, completely interrupting me. I then realized I didn't have anything more important to say in response, so I kissed him back, afterwards pulling away, resting my forehead on his shoulder.

He sighed softly, now loosely wrapping his arms around my waist.

"What's the matter?" I asked, speaking softly. I didn't really want to ruin the perfectly quiet moment.

"Just thinking."

"About what?" I asked, lifting my head, and looking up at him in fair concern.

He shrugged. "Everything, basically."

I stared at him. "…Everything?"

He nodded quickly. "My grandfather, my mom…you."

I continued to stare at him questioningly.

"All right, I'll explain in a second. But we've got to sit down, 'cause I've been standing all morning."

I smirked, shaking my head. I didn't want to know. "Okay." I said simply, turning around, and he released me from his grip. "Where to?"

"My room is probably the most comfortable place." He answered, winking jokingly.

I rolled my eyes in a silent response, walking slowly towards the staircase. But he stopped me, gently grasping my wrist. I turned around briskly, looking at him in confusion. He carefully pulled me towards him, and then quickly lifted me up into his arms. One arm was supporting my waist, the other arm underneath my knees. I wrapped my arms around his neck for support, still watching him with bewilderment. I smiled though, kissing him softly. "You're so romantic, Cohen." I placed one hand on his cheek, watching as he smiled. God, I loved his smile.

"I knew you'd like it." He replied, clearly amused, and carried me up the stairs.

"You sure I'm not too heavy?"

He shook his head vividly, still smiling. "Of course not, Rachel – you're as light as a feather."

I smiled back at him, shaking my head. "Yeah, right."

He chuckled softly, and once we reached his room, he carefully set me down on the bed. He sat down next to me, draping one arm over my shoulders. I rested my chin on his shoulder, and he gently pushed my hair back, out of my eyes. I liked how he did that; stroking my cheek and brushing my dark, almost wavy hair out of my eyes with such a look of loving admiration on his face.

"All right, so explain that thing you were gonna explain." I said, cuddling closer to him, ready to listen.

"Oh, right." He nodded. "Weeeeeell…at the beginning of the summer, my grandfather died. I've been thinking about him a lot lately…I guess I really miss him." He paused, and I nodded softly, listening intently. My heart ached for him. "After that…well - my dad thinks before that – my mom started drinking – like, a lot. So, she got enrolled in rehab. She's coming home this weekend, actually."

I lifted my head. "Aww, Cohen, you poor baby!" I exclaimed, frowning sympathetically. I was concerned for him and felt horrible that all this could happen in just a matter of days. It was strange how such bad things always happened to good people.

He sighed in response. "I guess it really hasn't hit me that hard yet. I was depressed the first few days, but then I kinda just pushed it away. It'll probably come back to me someday, though." I winced, kissing him softly, sympathetically.

I wasn't sure what to say though, so I kept quiet. He didn't seem to mind much.

Finally, I broke the silence. "Cohen, just know that you've always got a shoulder to lean on, no matter what happens. Trust me; I'll be there for you." I promised truthfully, "I'll always be there for you."

A/N: Sorry I made you guys wait so long. It's kinda short, 'cause I just wanted to get it out there. Hope you guys like it, and I'll update soon!