CHAPTER 4 Wise Words.

Seth dipped his feet into the cool water, occasionally looking across at the now empty pool house. Ryan had only been gone for a few minutes and Seth was already missing him. Seth sat in the same position for the next hour. His thoughts were finally disrupted by the sound of high-heeled shoes clicking against the stone patio tiles. He instantly recognised the footsteps and looked up to see Summer standing next to him.

"Hey Cohen." She said gently.

"Hey, Summer." He smiled sadly.

"Do you mind…?"

"No, sit down." He answered. She took off her shoes and let the water splash over her legs.

"Your mom called me." Summer said matter-of-factly.

"Really?" He said surprised.

"She said you looked a little depressed and needed cheering up."

"I'm fine." Seth lied.

"I've known you for long time right?" Summer asked.

"Yeah." Seth nodded his head.

"Then tell me the truth. Ryan's gone, is that it?" She guessed.

Seth looked up from the water into Summer's warm brown eyes. He felt the need to tell someone his secret.

"You can't tell anyone, no one at all…" Seth began.

"I won't. You can trust me." Summer was suddenly concerned when she saw the expression on Seth's face. She had never seen him look like that before.

Seth quickly whispered all that had happened and the agreement made between Ryan and himself. Summer sat there in shock for a moment.

"So you and Chino, huh?" Summer stated.

"Yep." He replied miserably.

"I think he had the right idea."

"You do?"

"Yes, just deal with it and have a good time at college." Summer smiled at him.

"Since when did you become so wise, Summer?"

"Since always, Cohen." She replied. "I also heard you need a kick up the ass because you still haven't packed your stuff." Summer said changing the subject.

"I do need help packing." Seth admitted.

"You can pack your CD's and comics. I'll handle the clothes. I am the fashion expert after all." She said with mock gravity.

"Thank you." He said gratefully as he helped her up.

"But Cohen, just one thing." Summer said as they walked towards the house.

"What's that?"

"I am not touching your X-Men underoos!"

"It's a deal." Seth replied. He put his arm around her shoulders. Summer was glad that Seth would be distracted for the next few hours and that she was able to cheer him up.