A/N: I've been plotting this chapter out for like, two weeks now. Finally, I've got it down into words.

Reviews:

xocourtneyxo: I'm wondering if Seth is just a little too sweet. But then again…he stood on top of a hot dog stand for Summer. xD But I think I like Seth sweet. It clicks with his style.

Just now, I noticed Summer hasn't been mentioned much. I'll write a chapter with her soon. Catfights galore.

Chapter Nine

It was definitely August.

There was a chill to the air, signaling fall was on its way. Of course, it wasn't nearly as prominent as it was back in New York, but there was a difference between the seasons, even if the difference was very slight.

I stepped outside, my hands shoved into the pockets of my jeans. It was completely dark outside, except for the street lights. The stars splashed the night sky with light, shimmering in the distance. I threw my head back, sighing. It was getting cold outside, but I kept walking. I wasn't going to walk far. I really wasn't going to walk for long. I just needed to walk.

I really needed to run. Running, it seemed, was the only thing that could completely clear my mind.

But for now, I settled for walking. It had the same lulling effect as running, but without the exhilaration.

My thoughts were jumbled. My brother was getting married. I called him back, only to find out that he wanted me to be a bridesmaid in the wedding. And, that the wedding was in two weeks.

TWO DAMN FLIPPING WEEKS.

Why so soon? I hadn't even bothered to ask. He simply told me that my father would be there too, along with Renee and her kids.

I groaned, even at the thought of it. This would all just be a huge mess. I'd have to witness my brother getting married, and then I'd have to deal with my dad. Was there anything else that could make this whole situation worse? I hoped not.

"Rachel?"

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice. It wasn't Seth, however. I turned around quickly, my hair swinging over my shoulder like a girl in a movie. "Hey, Ryan." I smiled weakly, and stopped walking.

Ryan quickened his pace, catching up to me. "How're you doing?"

I blinked. "Seth, told you, didn't he?"

He nodded sheepishly. "Seth tells me pretty much everything. Even the stuff I don't want to know."

I shrugged limply. "I'm doing okay."

"Just okay?"

I sighed. "It's just…weird. My brother is getting married. I'm going to have to go all the way back to New York and deal with my family."

Ryan nodded again, almost knowingly. "I guess…you aren't looking forward to it?"

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "Not. At. All."

Ryan smirked.

"It's just…frustrating. I'm probably overreacting, but…it's a HUGE deal to me."

"I don't blame you. I couldn't imagine my brother getting married, and having to face my mother, and her boyfriend-of-the-day." He smiled lopsidedly.

I grinned slightly, tilting my head to the side, and suppressing a yawn. "It's very comforting to know that there is someone out there more miserable than I am." I stated simply, but was only joking.

He laughed. "Well, things get better from here. Trust me…I really do know."

"Yeah, Seth told me. Chino, huh?"

He nodded. "Not exactly the friendliest neighborhood, if you know what I mean."

"I used to live in New York, Ryan."

"Oh, right." He grinned sheepishly.

I smiled softly once more, before casting a quick glance down towards the ground. "Well, it's great talking to you, but I should probably get back home."

Ryan cleared his throat, and nodded quickly. "Yeah, uh, of course…me too."

"I'll see ya 'round."

"Definitely - some time soon." He smiled.

"Bye, Ryan." I winked teasingly and waved, turning on my heel, heading back towards my aunt and uncle's house.

"Bye, Rachel." He called, and it was the very last thing I heard before walking through the front door. It felt nice to talk to someone else who wasn't Seth, Marissa, or my aunt and uncle, just for a change.

A/N: Ahh! It's short, but meaningful. To me, at least. Anyways, review, and let me know what you think!