~Lies-20~
Seth woke up knowing something was different. He had that sense of anticipation that you get when you're eight on Christmas day, or your birthday. You just knew it would be a good day, better than normal, because something different was happening. Something special. He smelled bacon and coffee and opened his eyes to see Summer silhouetted against the glass wall, leaning back into a chair with her knees up, feet on top of an ottoman. She was sipping coffee while gazing out at the spectacular view of beach, cliffs and ocean below. Thinking of last night, he broke into a smile. Oh yeah. It was going to be an awesome day.
He sat up and stretched, trying to remember where he'd parted company with his pajama bottoms.
"Hey."
He turned toward her with a smile. "Hey yourself. How long have you been up?"
"Long enough to fix breakfast."
He stared at her. "You –you uh – cook?"
She laughed. "Well, duh, I basically live alone. I need to know enough to save myself from starvation."
He nodded. "Right. Hey, have you seen my pajamas? I don't remember where exactly – uh........."
"Try the far side."
He crawled across the bed and hung his head over the edge, calling back over his shoulder. "Nope. Where were yours?"
"Stuffed under the headboard and on top of the bar, respectively. Nice arm, by the way. Try under the covers."
He lifted the covers and looked, feeling around without success; finally just crawling entirely under the sheet and across, due to the massive size of the mattress.
Summer watched the odd-shaped lump move from one side to the other with amusement. A muffled "Found them!" came from the bed, and by the time Seth's head popped out from under the blanket she was giggling uncontrollably with her hand over her mouth; the other hand held her side.
"What? What's funny?"
That made her laugh harder. "You! You don't do anything the normal way, do you?"
"God, I hope not." He stood up and pulled on his pajama bottoms. "Look who's talking. You got hit by a car and spent time in the hospital in order to get me alone and spin your little web around me – just to get me into bed. Seriously, Summer, all you had to do was ask." He ducked as a piece of toast whizzed by his head and he raced across the room to grab her hand before she could launch more at him. "Ah ah ah. That's not very nice; we haven't eaten yet. We only throw the leftovers, remember?"
She giggled as he bent over and kissed her. "Sorry, I forgot. I'm heavily medicated, so my memory sucks. But I DO remember you in bed last night, Orlando. You rocked my world."
"Ouch. And 'Touché', vixen." She made room for him in the chair, then slid onto his lap after he sat down. He kissed her again. "Good morning, girlfriend."
She put her head on his shoulder. "Morning, boyfriend. Are you hungry?"
"Starving. I don't think I ate yesterday."
"That's what I thought."
"I can't believe you made breakfast! Never would I have guessed you as a domestic goddess. Goddess? Yes. Domestic? No. What are we having?"
"Funny. Don't get too excited, it's just bacon and eggs. I was trying to remember what you had that morning after we got the Rover fixed. Was it scrambled eggs?"
"You mean on the way to Tijuana? I don't even remember, Summer. But I love scrambled eggs. In fact, I love anything that isn't a bowl of cereal I've fixed for myself." He looked around. "Is it in the kitchen?"
"Yeah, I put it under the warmer." She stood up and grabbed her coffee and he got up too, both heading for the other room.
He put the food on plates while she poured his coffee and got butter and jelly out of the refrigerator, then they sat down at the table. "Oh. I almost forgot." Smiling, she reached over to the chair next to hers and pulled out the morning paper. He laughed and they divided it up between them, reading and trading sections over breakfast.
****
"Aren't you going to offer me the rest of your toast?" Summer pouted while staring at the front of the financial section he was reading.
He didn't lower the paper. "Do you think you deserve my toast after throwing yours at me?"
"Yes, because I made breakfast for you. It's the least you could do." She slid her hand under the bottom edge of the paper and felt around for his plate.
"You could have taken out an eye with that sharp crust, you know." He slapped her fingers and she quickly withdrew them.
"Se-e-eth!"
"Why do girls turn one syllable words into three syllables? Is that something they teach all of you in first grade or whenever it is you're taught how to get your own way with boys?" He felt a warm foot slide up between his thighs.
"No. They teach the three syllable thing in kindergarten. This however," she began exploring with her toes, "is taught in 10th grade."
"Do you want jelly on your toast?"
"No, sweetie, but how nice of you to ask." His plate slid under the edge of the paper. "Thank you." She lowered her foot to the floor again.
"Oh, truly my pleasure. Summer?"
"Yeah?" She bit into his toast.
"I am now, aren't I?"
She laughed. "Whipped? It's entirely possible. We'll see how the day goes and I'll tell you tonight."
"Fair enough. Do you want to shower first?"
"I kind of wanted to sit in the hot tub for a little while first." The paper came down and she could see his face, full of worry.
"Why? Are you in pain? Did we – did last night hurt you?"
"Seth, calm down. Last night was amazing. Today I'm a little achy is all. No big deal." She smiled at him. "Really."
He folded the paper and laid it aside, standing up. "Ok. Come on, into the hot tub with you."
She got up and started to clean off the table.
"No, I'll do that. You cook; I clean. Where IS the hot tub, anyway?"
"Come on, I'll show you."
He followed her through the main room of the suite into the bathroom, his mouth set in a grim line as he watched her walk stiffly ahead of him, holding her side. She pointed to a door on the far side of the room and he opened it. "I thought this was another closet or something." The door led out to the hot tub and pool area; with the Newport prerequisite infinity pool situated on a cliff much like the one at the Cohen house. "Nice." He turned back to her. "Have you taken your medication?" She nodded. "Ok. Hop in. I'm going to clean the kitchen and I'll be back out to check on you." As he passed her he stopped and hugged her. "I was afraid this would happen. I'm sorry I hurt you."
"Seth, you didn't hurt me - the stupid car did. I wouldn't change last night for anything." She kissed his cheek. "I'll soak in the tub, my pain pills will kick in and I'll be fine. I won't be long, I know you want to get home and see Ryan."
He kissed her. "Take all the time you need. I'll be back in a few minutes."
He cleaned the kitchen up and walked out to the pool area with a towel. Summer was relaxing in the hot bubbling water. "How's it feel?"
"Like heaven. Drop your jammies and join me for a minute, Cohen."
He pulled a chair up next to the hot tub and sat down, noting her pajamas in a heap nearby. "No thanks. I think I'd rather just watch the hot naked chick frolic."
"Frolic? Hardly. Actually, naked chick is about cooked. A shower sounds totally fantastic now. Are you going to like, help me? Could you -?" She pointed at the towel, not wanting to stand up nude.
"Seth Cohen, shower aide extraordinaire - at your service." He missed her shyness and hesitation, just holding the towel out for her instead of handing it to her. She walked up the steps of the hot tub and he wrapped it around her, half dazed from seeing her nude again. "I've had – I've seen that – Lord, Summer you're a walking fantasy."
She looked up at him with a shy smile. "Really. So you've thought about me getting out of a hot tub naked before?"
"MY hot tub, as well as many other places naked - um, that answer is most definitely yes. Several years worth of – uh – yes."
"You'll have to tell me all about it sometime, ok?" She looked back over her shoulder toward him as they walked to the house.
He dropped his eyes to the ground and smiled, embarrassed. "I'll – uh – maybe." He looked up in time to see her lose her footing on the wet tile. He lunged to catch her but couldn't get there in time and she went down hard on her already injured hip. "Summer!" He kneeled next to her and watched helplessly as she laid there, her face contorted with pain. "Here, let me help you up."
"No! Oh GOD – it hurts so BAD! Seth?"
He grabbed her hand. "Squeeze my hand, concentrate on that until it eases up." Wincing as she proved to have a surprisingly powerful grip, he ran his other hand over her hair. "Did you hit your head?"
"No."
Noting her tensed up, rapid breathing, he'd had enough. "I'm gonna go get my phone and call an ambulance." She wouldn't let go of his hand.
"No! No ambulance. Please. It's not that bad. Just give me a minute to get up."
"Then I'll drive you. You might have broken something! "
"And I might not have! Just wait, ok?" She pleaded with him.
"Summer, damn it." He let out a heavy sigh. "All right. Put your arms around my neck." She did and he scooped her up, unsteadily rising and making his way into the house. He lowered her onto the bed. "Don't move." After walking to the kitchen, he got a plastic bag and filled it with ice cubes, wrapping a towel around it as he entered the main room again. Summer was standing next to the bed. His voice rose. "I distinctly remember telling you not to move."
"Try to remember you're my boyfriend, not my master, Cohen. I'm fine," she snapped. She took a step on her right side, sucking in a sharp breath and transferring the weight back to the left foot.
"You're fine, huh? Most fine people can walk." He stood with one hand on his hip, obviously angry.
Summer kept her voice even. "Get over it, Seth. Will you please help me take a shower so we can go see Ryan?"
Throwing his hands up in the air, he turned on his heel and stalked into the bathroom without a word, starting the shower and getting towels out of the linen closet. Her eyes narrowed and she started hopping on her good leg toward the door; he came back, shaking his head, and grabbed her elbow.
"OW!" She quickly shook his hand off. "Don't touch me! I'll do it myself. I'm obviously a big pain in the ass - take a break."
"I never said you were a pain in the ass! Where did THAT come from?!"
She straightened her arm, checking out her elbow. It was bloody and skinned all down her forearm. "Great. Like I need more ugliness on my body." She continued hopping to the bathroom while Seth took a deep breath and closed his eyes in frustration.
"Let me help you, Summer." His voice was flat.
As she reached the bathroom door she turned around. "I don't need your help."
The door slammed shut and he stood there for a few minutes, not knowing what to do. It was like the whole weekend hadn't happened and they were back at square one again. Suddenly determined, he walked to the bathroom and opened the door, crossing the room to the huge shower. "I'm not going to let you -!" Opening the shower door, he found her huddled on the floor, crying under the stream of water. He stepped in and sat with her, ignoring the fact that he was still wearing his pajama bottoms. "Oh God, I made you cry. Look, Summer, I'm sorry I acted like that. I'm just really worried about you and I'm trying to take care of you. Apparently I'm not going about it the right way."
She wouldn't look up. "Maybe I'm not very good at being taken care of. I just feel so stupid, falling when I'm already such a mess. I keep thinking that you're going to get sick of me needing help all the time."
"Ok. Summer. NOW you're being stupid. First of all, it was an accident. Second, you should know that taking care of you makes me feel useful, like I'm helping you somehow. I know how independent you normally are, so it's good to know that you need me sometimes. Ok?"
She finally looked up. "I'm sorry too, Seth. I don't want to fight. I just don't want to go back to the hospital. I want to stay here with you."
He hugged her. "I know you do. And that's what I want too, but if you're hurt worse from the fall, then you need to get it checked out. Tell you what. Let's get cleaned up before we run out of hot water, go to my house and see how you feel in a little while. Then we'll decide if you should go to the emergency room. Does that sound fair?" She nodded, and he helped her up. "I'm glad you at least covered your cast before you got in."
"I was mad, not stupid, Cohen. You DO realize you're in the shower with your PJ's on, right?"
"Yes. Yes I do. They weigh 20 pounds right now." He shucked them quickly and reached for the shampoo. "Don't take this the wrong way, but it's the epitome of weirdness to be naked in front of you."
"It's not like when we were in bed, is it? I'm not very comfortable either, if that helps."
"It does." He smiled at her. "I guess we were concentrating on other things in bed." He washed her hair and gently bathed her with a cloth, being careful around her sore spots. "Your arm looks pretty bad. It saved you from hitting your head, though."
"It really stings, but other things hurt worse right now."
"I'm sorry."
"Baby, it's not your fault." She kissed him while rinsing under the stream of water.
"Ok, you're done." The door opened, sending steam billowing through the room. He wrapped her in a towel, walking her safely out before returning to the bathroom for his shower.
When he came out again and entered the suite, she was struggling with her jeans. He pulled his own on. "Want some help?"
"Please." She let them fall to the floor, defeated. "This is so frustrating. I can't even dress myself!"
"It's only for a little while. You'll be as good as new soon." After she stepped into them he pulled her jeans up and fastened them. "Are these going to be ok? I can run up to your room and get sweat pants or something if you want."
"I think these will work."
"All right. Do you want one of those lacy bra thingies?" He couldn't help staring at her chest, cocking his head with a small smile. "It's like scenery abuse to cover them up. And very sad for me, also."
She rolled her eyes. "No bra. Sounds painful."
"Ah, yes, you've given me a little happiness back. Too bad about the shirts, though." He went to the open suitcase and took out the tops he'd picked for her and her socks and shoes. After he'd helped her get dressed, he stood back and studied her. "You look so good right now." He finished dressing and she looked down at her clothing, then over at him.
"Huh. Where have I seen this outfit before, Cohen?"
"Um. Hey, did I tell you that you look really hot? Those shoes rock, woman."
"Hot. Uh huh. Do you mean the shoes that are exactly like yours?" She laughed. "They are comfortable, I guess." She looked in the mirror over the dresser. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but this outfit is pretty cute." She looked back at him. "At least I match."
****
With an arm around her, he helped her walk from the truck up the steps to the front door. "Wait a second, ok?" He leaned back against the door and put both arms around her. "Before we go in and see – other people – I want to tell you something. "He looked to the side, trying to gather his thoughts. "I hate that you're hurt, don't get me wrong, but I'm glad we got to spend all that time alone together and I'm SO happy about -" he gestured from himself to her a couple of times and looked her in the eye, "this. Between us. I almost hated to leave your house because it's like our own little world and now everything else is going to – interrupt it. I realize that's selfish, but this is so awesome, Summer, you –"he looked away again, then at the ground beside them. "You have no idea."
She touched his cheek and made him look at her. "Yes I do. You may have wanted this longer than me, but I promise I'm just as happy as you that we're together." His eyes shifted away. "You don't believe me?"
"Well, last night was - I guess I do, I mean, I don't think you're lying – it's just hard, Summer. I'm used to pissing you off and disgusting you."
"You never disgusted me, you'll always piss me off, and pretty soon you'll be used to me loving you. Come here." She kissed him. "I do love you, Seth."
She gave him that soft smile and he melted inside, hugging her close. "I love you too. So much."
They were still in the middle of a long kiss when the door opened behind him. "Seth, is that you? I heard a car – oh wow. Sorry guys! Um, I'll just –"Sandy shut the door and went to the kitchen, grinning. "That's my boy."
Seth and Summer came in a minute later. He helped her over to the couch and Sandy came back into the room.
"So guys, sorry about that. I heard the car and you didn't come in and, well, sorry."
"Father, now you know how I feel tripping over you and mom sucking face all over the house. Consider that payback."
Summer gave him a look. "Seth." She turned to Sandy with a serious expression. "It's ok, Mr. Cohen, really. We're sorry."
"Please, call me Sandy."
"Um, ok. Sandy, I'd like to thank you for letting him stay with me in the hospital, and everything. He's been such a big help and I don't think I could have gotten through this without him. It's been horrible and I don't know what I would have done, all by myself." She began to tear up. "I can't even get up the stairs to my room at home or like, comb my hair or cut my food by myself. And thank you so much for all the legal things you did for me. I really appreciate it." She managed a sad smile.
He went over and hugged her, surprising her. "You're welcome, Summer. I know how hard this must be for you. How are you feeling? Seth said you weren't doing so well today."
"Not really, no."
Seth cut in. "She was in the hot tub and she slipped getting out and fell on her bad side. Landed right on the same hip the car hit."
Sandy looked horrified. "Summer! You should see a doctor."
"Yeah. Dad. We've already had that argument. She doesn't believe it's serious, so we'll wait a while and see how she feels."
He looked doubtful. "Well, ok, but don't wait too long."
Summer turned to Seth, quickly changing the subject. "Let's visit Ryan. I want to see how he's doing." Seth nodded.
"I'm sure he'll appreciate the company. He's pretty down." Sandy shook his head.
Seth held out a hand to Summer. "Come on, girlfriend. I'll help you totter out to the pool house."
"Oh - nice verbal skill, Cohen." She rolled her eyes and looked at Sandy. "I totter now. Isn't he sweet?"
Sandy laughed. "Seth, why don't you go get Summer something cold to drink and I'LL help her out to the pool house. I want to talk to Ryan anyway."
"Ok. Hand off." Seth ducked under as Sandy put his arm around Summer. "Be careful, Dad, sometimes she lists to the starboard side."
Her eyes narrowed. "Now I'm a boat?"
Sandy shook his head. "And you let him kiss you?"
"I know, right? What was I thinking?"
Seth came back to kiss her quickly. "That you love me." He headed back to the kitchen.
His dad's eyes widened as Summer turned to him, nodding wryly. "It's true. I'm in love with your son."
Sandy winked at her. "And do you think the blow to your head and subsequent concussion might have something to do with that, Summer?"
"Hey!" Seth yelled from the kitchen.
"It's certainly a possibility, isn't it?" She laughed.
"Hey! I heard that!"
****
When Seth got to the pool house, Sandy was just leaving. "Try to do something to cheer him up."
"Yeah. Ok. My best comedy routine, coming up." He rolled his eyes and went in.
"Hey, Ryan. How's – Oh, dude." He stopped abruptly inside the door. From what he could see, Ryan looked worse than Summer. He was currently slumped against her with his head on her shoulder as she hugged him, both sitting on the bed. Wearing only a wife beater and shorts, dark bruises were visible on both legs and arms. One ankle was in a cast and both hands were bandaged, with the bandages winding further up one arm. The side of his head above the ear had been shaved and a long cut closed with many stitches was visible.
Seth put three sodas on the bar and went down the steps to sit by Ryan on the bed, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right, bro? I mean – obviously you're not, but – wow. For the first time since you got here I think I'd win the 'pretty boy' prize over you."
"Seth!" Summer looked dismayed.
Ryan gave a short laugh and sat up. "Any humor is good right now. Even yours." He turned to Seth they hugged.
"I am so glad you're –ok, for the most part. I was completely freaked for a while, not knowing what happened with you and Marissa after she took off. Then I saw the car wreck on the news."
"I know; the whole thing is just.........unreal. I didn't know the car hit Summer until I woke up in the hospital," he turned stiffly back to her, "I'm so sorry you got hurt; I shouldn't have tried to get the key, I didn't think –"
Summer put a hand on his shoulder. "Ryan, none of this is your fault. We were both trying to stop her – I just got in the way. Seth even told me not to get too close to the car. It was all a horrible accident."
Seth sat on the floor so Ryan wouldn't have to turn back and forth between him and Summer to talk. He leaned against Summer's leg and she dropped a hand onto his shoulder. "Is there any new news on Marissa?"
Ryan shook his head. "Still waiting for her to wake up."
"Dude, I know how bad that part sucks." He looked at the floor. "Summer was unconscious for a ridiculous amount of time. Scared the hell out of me."
"Awww, honey. That's sweet. But I thought you said you were flirting with nurses?"
"No, Summer, I said the nurses were flirting with me. There's a difference." He cocked his head indifferently at Ryan. "You know how it is, man. They're bored; they've got nothing to do all night, so they'd come into the room every fifteen minutes, right? And talk and giggle."
"Did you ever think they were just doing their job, checking on an unconscious patient who'd been hit by a car, and thought it was nice to see someone awake to talk to in the middle of night?"
Seth looked hurt. "Dude. Stop it. You're ruining my nurse fantasy."
Summer smacked him on the side of the head. "Excuse me, your what?"
"Ow! Normal teenaged male thoughts, thank you very much." He turned to look at her. "You know, we could get you a nurses outf –"
Ryan quickly held his hands up in front of him. "Stop. Please."
"Yeah. Sorry dude. I suffer from an overactive imagination, and damn - have you SEEN my girlfriend?"
Ryan nodded, smiling at Summer over Seth's head. "I get it, man; I just don't need details."
Summer bent to kiss the top of Seth's head. "Nice save, Cohen."
"Whew. Got out of that one." He turned around on the floor to face her, putting his arms around her and she kissed him again.
There was a tap on the door, and Ryan started to get up, calling "Come in".
The door opened and Anna walked in, stopping short as she saw Summer and Seth, still kissing. "Uh, hi. Everyone."
There was an awkward moment as the three of them looked at each other, then Ryan continued over to the door, shutting it behind her. "Hey Anna, come in. How are you?"
"I'm good. The question is - how are you guys?" She sat uncomfortably in a chair, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "So, I saw Summer's car wreck on the news, and you guys haven't been at school, and I was worried. About all of you. They didn't give names on the TV, just that people involved were critically injured, so I thought I'd stop by to see if everyone was all right and if there was anything I could do. If I'm intruding........."
Seth waved a hand dismissively. "Of course not. It's – it's good of you to come by." Summer and Ryan chimed in their agreement, and Anna relaxed a little.
****
Seth woke up knowing something was different. He had that sense of anticipation that you get when you're eight on Christmas day, or your birthday. You just knew it would be a good day, better than normal, because something different was happening. Something special. He smelled bacon and coffee and opened his eyes to see Summer silhouetted against the glass wall, leaning back into a chair with her knees up, feet on top of an ottoman. She was sipping coffee while gazing out at the spectacular view of beach, cliffs and ocean below. Thinking of last night, he broke into a smile. Oh yeah. It was going to be an awesome day.
He sat up and stretched, trying to remember where he'd parted company with his pajama bottoms.
"Hey."
He turned toward her with a smile. "Hey yourself. How long have you been up?"
"Long enough to fix breakfast."
He stared at her. "You –you uh – cook?"
She laughed. "Well, duh, I basically live alone. I need to know enough to save myself from starvation."
He nodded. "Right. Hey, have you seen my pajamas? I don't remember where exactly – uh........."
"Try the far side."
He crawled across the bed and hung his head over the edge, calling back over his shoulder. "Nope. Where were yours?"
"Stuffed under the headboard and on top of the bar, respectively. Nice arm, by the way. Try under the covers."
He lifted the covers and looked, feeling around without success; finally just crawling entirely under the sheet and across, due to the massive size of the mattress.
Summer watched the odd-shaped lump move from one side to the other with amusement. A muffled "Found them!" came from the bed, and by the time Seth's head popped out from under the blanket she was giggling uncontrollably with her hand over her mouth; the other hand held her side.
"What? What's funny?"
That made her laugh harder. "You! You don't do anything the normal way, do you?"
"God, I hope not." He stood up and pulled on his pajama bottoms. "Look who's talking. You got hit by a car and spent time in the hospital in order to get me alone and spin your little web around me – just to get me into bed. Seriously, Summer, all you had to do was ask." He ducked as a piece of toast whizzed by his head and he raced across the room to grab her hand before she could launch more at him. "Ah ah ah. That's not very nice; we haven't eaten yet. We only throw the leftovers, remember?"
She giggled as he bent over and kissed her. "Sorry, I forgot. I'm heavily medicated, so my memory sucks. But I DO remember you in bed last night, Orlando. You rocked my world."
"Ouch. And 'Touché', vixen." She made room for him in the chair, then slid onto his lap after he sat down. He kissed her again. "Good morning, girlfriend."
She put her head on his shoulder. "Morning, boyfriend. Are you hungry?"
"Starving. I don't think I ate yesterday."
"That's what I thought."
"I can't believe you made breakfast! Never would I have guessed you as a domestic goddess. Goddess? Yes. Domestic? No. What are we having?"
"Funny. Don't get too excited, it's just bacon and eggs. I was trying to remember what you had that morning after we got the Rover fixed. Was it scrambled eggs?"
"You mean on the way to Tijuana? I don't even remember, Summer. But I love scrambled eggs. In fact, I love anything that isn't a bowl of cereal I've fixed for myself." He looked around. "Is it in the kitchen?"
"Yeah, I put it under the warmer." She stood up and grabbed her coffee and he got up too, both heading for the other room.
He put the food on plates while she poured his coffee and got butter and jelly out of the refrigerator, then they sat down at the table. "Oh. I almost forgot." Smiling, she reached over to the chair next to hers and pulled out the morning paper. He laughed and they divided it up between them, reading and trading sections over breakfast.
****
"Aren't you going to offer me the rest of your toast?" Summer pouted while staring at the front of the financial section he was reading.
He didn't lower the paper. "Do you think you deserve my toast after throwing yours at me?"
"Yes, because I made breakfast for you. It's the least you could do." She slid her hand under the bottom edge of the paper and felt around for his plate.
"You could have taken out an eye with that sharp crust, you know." He slapped her fingers and she quickly withdrew them.
"Se-e-eth!"
"Why do girls turn one syllable words into three syllables? Is that something they teach all of you in first grade or whenever it is you're taught how to get your own way with boys?" He felt a warm foot slide up between his thighs.
"No. They teach the three syllable thing in kindergarten. This however," she began exploring with her toes, "is taught in 10th grade."
"Do you want jelly on your toast?"
"No, sweetie, but how nice of you to ask." His plate slid under the edge of the paper. "Thank you." She lowered her foot to the floor again.
"Oh, truly my pleasure. Summer?"
"Yeah?" She bit into his toast.
"I am now, aren't I?"
She laughed. "Whipped? It's entirely possible. We'll see how the day goes and I'll tell you tonight."
"Fair enough. Do you want to shower first?"
"I kind of wanted to sit in the hot tub for a little while first." The paper came down and she could see his face, full of worry.
"Why? Are you in pain? Did we – did last night hurt you?"
"Seth, calm down. Last night was amazing. Today I'm a little achy is all. No big deal." She smiled at him. "Really."
He folded the paper and laid it aside, standing up. "Ok. Come on, into the hot tub with you."
She got up and started to clean off the table.
"No, I'll do that. You cook; I clean. Where IS the hot tub, anyway?"
"Come on, I'll show you."
He followed her through the main room of the suite into the bathroom, his mouth set in a grim line as he watched her walk stiffly ahead of him, holding her side. She pointed to a door on the far side of the room and he opened it. "I thought this was another closet or something." The door led out to the hot tub and pool area; with the Newport prerequisite infinity pool situated on a cliff much like the one at the Cohen house. "Nice." He turned back to her. "Have you taken your medication?" She nodded. "Ok. Hop in. I'm going to clean the kitchen and I'll be back out to check on you." As he passed her he stopped and hugged her. "I was afraid this would happen. I'm sorry I hurt you."
"Seth, you didn't hurt me - the stupid car did. I wouldn't change last night for anything." She kissed his cheek. "I'll soak in the tub, my pain pills will kick in and I'll be fine. I won't be long, I know you want to get home and see Ryan."
He kissed her. "Take all the time you need. I'll be back in a few minutes."
He cleaned the kitchen up and walked out to the pool area with a towel. Summer was relaxing in the hot bubbling water. "How's it feel?"
"Like heaven. Drop your jammies and join me for a minute, Cohen."
He pulled a chair up next to the hot tub and sat down, noting her pajamas in a heap nearby. "No thanks. I think I'd rather just watch the hot naked chick frolic."
"Frolic? Hardly. Actually, naked chick is about cooked. A shower sounds totally fantastic now. Are you going to like, help me? Could you -?" She pointed at the towel, not wanting to stand up nude.
"Seth Cohen, shower aide extraordinaire - at your service." He missed her shyness and hesitation, just holding the towel out for her instead of handing it to her. She walked up the steps of the hot tub and he wrapped it around her, half dazed from seeing her nude again. "I've had – I've seen that – Lord, Summer you're a walking fantasy."
She looked up at him with a shy smile. "Really. So you've thought about me getting out of a hot tub naked before?"
"MY hot tub, as well as many other places naked - um, that answer is most definitely yes. Several years worth of – uh – yes."
"You'll have to tell me all about it sometime, ok?" She looked back over her shoulder toward him as they walked to the house.
He dropped his eyes to the ground and smiled, embarrassed. "I'll – uh – maybe." He looked up in time to see her lose her footing on the wet tile. He lunged to catch her but couldn't get there in time and she went down hard on her already injured hip. "Summer!" He kneeled next to her and watched helplessly as she laid there, her face contorted with pain. "Here, let me help you up."
"No! Oh GOD – it hurts so BAD! Seth?"
He grabbed her hand. "Squeeze my hand, concentrate on that until it eases up." Wincing as she proved to have a surprisingly powerful grip, he ran his other hand over her hair. "Did you hit your head?"
"No."
Noting her tensed up, rapid breathing, he'd had enough. "I'm gonna go get my phone and call an ambulance." She wouldn't let go of his hand.
"No! No ambulance. Please. It's not that bad. Just give me a minute to get up."
"Then I'll drive you. You might have broken something! "
"And I might not have! Just wait, ok?" She pleaded with him.
"Summer, damn it." He let out a heavy sigh. "All right. Put your arms around my neck." She did and he scooped her up, unsteadily rising and making his way into the house. He lowered her onto the bed. "Don't move." After walking to the kitchen, he got a plastic bag and filled it with ice cubes, wrapping a towel around it as he entered the main room again. Summer was standing next to the bed. His voice rose. "I distinctly remember telling you not to move."
"Try to remember you're my boyfriend, not my master, Cohen. I'm fine," she snapped. She took a step on her right side, sucking in a sharp breath and transferring the weight back to the left foot.
"You're fine, huh? Most fine people can walk." He stood with one hand on his hip, obviously angry.
Summer kept her voice even. "Get over it, Seth. Will you please help me take a shower so we can go see Ryan?"
Throwing his hands up in the air, he turned on his heel and stalked into the bathroom without a word, starting the shower and getting towels out of the linen closet. Her eyes narrowed and she started hopping on her good leg toward the door; he came back, shaking his head, and grabbed her elbow.
"OW!" She quickly shook his hand off. "Don't touch me! I'll do it myself. I'm obviously a big pain in the ass - take a break."
"I never said you were a pain in the ass! Where did THAT come from?!"
She straightened her arm, checking out her elbow. It was bloody and skinned all down her forearm. "Great. Like I need more ugliness on my body." She continued hopping to the bathroom while Seth took a deep breath and closed his eyes in frustration.
"Let me help you, Summer." His voice was flat.
As she reached the bathroom door she turned around. "I don't need your help."
The door slammed shut and he stood there for a few minutes, not knowing what to do. It was like the whole weekend hadn't happened and they were back at square one again. Suddenly determined, he walked to the bathroom and opened the door, crossing the room to the huge shower. "I'm not going to let you -!" Opening the shower door, he found her huddled on the floor, crying under the stream of water. He stepped in and sat with her, ignoring the fact that he was still wearing his pajama bottoms. "Oh God, I made you cry. Look, Summer, I'm sorry I acted like that. I'm just really worried about you and I'm trying to take care of you. Apparently I'm not going about it the right way."
She wouldn't look up. "Maybe I'm not very good at being taken care of. I just feel so stupid, falling when I'm already such a mess. I keep thinking that you're going to get sick of me needing help all the time."
"Ok. Summer. NOW you're being stupid. First of all, it was an accident. Second, you should know that taking care of you makes me feel useful, like I'm helping you somehow. I know how independent you normally are, so it's good to know that you need me sometimes. Ok?"
She finally looked up. "I'm sorry too, Seth. I don't want to fight. I just don't want to go back to the hospital. I want to stay here with you."
He hugged her. "I know you do. And that's what I want too, but if you're hurt worse from the fall, then you need to get it checked out. Tell you what. Let's get cleaned up before we run out of hot water, go to my house and see how you feel in a little while. Then we'll decide if you should go to the emergency room. Does that sound fair?" She nodded, and he helped her up. "I'm glad you at least covered your cast before you got in."
"I was mad, not stupid, Cohen. You DO realize you're in the shower with your PJ's on, right?"
"Yes. Yes I do. They weigh 20 pounds right now." He shucked them quickly and reached for the shampoo. "Don't take this the wrong way, but it's the epitome of weirdness to be naked in front of you."
"It's not like when we were in bed, is it? I'm not very comfortable either, if that helps."
"It does." He smiled at her. "I guess we were concentrating on other things in bed." He washed her hair and gently bathed her with a cloth, being careful around her sore spots. "Your arm looks pretty bad. It saved you from hitting your head, though."
"It really stings, but other things hurt worse right now."
"I'm sorry."
"Baby, it's not your fault." She kissed him while rinsing under the stream of water.
"Ok, you're done." The door opened, sending steam billowing through the room. He wrapped her in a towel, walking her safely out before returning to the bathroom for his shower.
When he came out again and entered the suite, she was struggling with her jeans. He pulled his own on. "Want some help?"
"Please." She let them fall to the floor, defeated. "This is so frustrating. I can't even dress myself!"
"It's only for a little while. You'll be as good as new soon." After she stepped into them he pulled her jeans up and fastened them. "Are these going to be ok? I can run up to your room and get sweat pants or something if you want."
"I think these will work."
"All right. Do you want one of those lacy bra thingies?" He couldn't help staring at her chest, cocking his head with a small smile. "It's like scenery abuse to cover them up. And very sad for me, also."
She rolled her eyes. "No bra. Sounds painful."
"Ah, yes, you've given me a little happiness back. Too bad about the shirts, though." He went to the open suitcase and took out the tops he'd picked for her and her socks and shoes. After he'd helped her get dressed, he stood back and studied her. "You look so good right now." He finished dressing and she looked down at her clothing, then over at him.
"Huh. Where have I seen this outfit before, Cohen?"
"Um. Hey, did I tell you that you look really hot? Those shoes rock, woman."
"Hot. Uh huh. Do you mean the shoes that are exactly like yours?" She laughed. "They are comfortable, I guess." She looked in the mirror over the dresser. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but this outfit is pretty cute." She looked back at him. "At least I match."
****
With an arm around her, he helped her walk from the truck up the steps to the front door. "Wait a second, ok?" He leaned back against the door and put both arms around her. "Before we go in and see – other people – I want to tell you something. "He looked to the side, trying to gather his thoughts. "I hate that you're hurt, don't get me wrong, but I'm glad we got to spend all that time alone together and I'm SO happy about -" he gestured from himself to her a couple of times and looked her in the eye, "this. Between us. I almost hated to leave your house because it's like our own little world and now everything else is going to – interrupt it. I realize that's selfish, but this is so awesome, Summer, you –"he looked away again, then at the ground beside them. "You have no idea."
She touched his cheek and made him look at her. "Yes I do. You may have wanted this longer than me, but I promise I'm just as happy as you that we're together." His eyes shifted away. "You don't believe me?"
"Well, last night was - I guess I do, I mean, I don't think you're lying – it's just hard, Summer. I'm used to pissing you off and disgusting you."
"You never disgusted me, you'll always piss me off, and pretty soon you'll be used to me loving you. Come here." She kissed him. "I do love you, Seth."
She gave him that soft smile and he melted inside, hugging her close. "I love you too. So much."
They were still in the middle of a long kiss when the door opened behind him. "Seth, is that you? I heard a car – oh wow. Sorry guys! Um, I'll just –"Sandy shut the door and went to the kitchen, grinning. "That's my boy."
Seth and Summer came in a minute later. He helped her over to the couch and Sandy came back into the room.
"So guys, sorry about that. I heard the car and you didn't come in and, well, sorry."
"Father, now you know how I feel tripping over you and mom sucking face all over the house. Consider that payback."
Summer gave him a look. "Seth." She turned to Sandy with a serious expression. "It's ok, Mr. Cohen, really. We're sorry."
"Please, call me Sandy."
"Um, ok. Sandy, I'd like to thank you for letting him stay with me in the hospital, and everything. He's been such a big help and I don't think I could have gotten through this without him. It's been horrible and I don't know what I would have done, all by myself." She began to tear up. "I can't even get up the stairs to my room at home or like, comb my hair or cut my food by myself. And thank you so much for all the legal things you did for me. I really appreciate it." She managed a sad smile.
He went over and hugged her, surprising her. "You're welcome, Summer. I know how hard this must be for you. How are you feeling? Seth said you weren't doing so well today."
"Not really, no."
Seth cut in. "She was in the hot tub and she slipped getting out and fell on her bad side. Landed right on the same hip the car hit."
Sandy looked horrified. "Summer! You should see a doctor."
"Yeah. Dad. We've already had that argument. She doesn't believe it's serious, so we'll wait a while and see how she feels."
He looked doubtful. "Well, ok, but don't wait too long."
Summer turned to Seth, quickly changing the subject. "Let's visit Ryan. I want to see how he's doing." Seth nodded.
"I'm sure he'll appreciate the company. He's pretty down." Sandy shook his head.
Seth held out a hand to Summer. "Come on, girlfriend. I'll help you totter out to the pool house."
"Oh - nice verbal skill, Cohen." She rolled her eyes and looked at Sandy. "I totter now. Isn't he sweet?"
Sandy laughed. "Seth, why don't you go get Summer something cold to drink and I'LL help her out to the pool house. I want to talk to Ryan anyway."
"Ok. Hand off." Seth ducked under as Sandy put his arm around Summer. "Be careful, Dad, sometimes she lists to the starboard side."
Her eyes narrowed. "Now I'm a boat?"
Sandy shook his head. "And you let him kiss you?"
"I know, right? What was I thinking?"
Seth came back to kiss her quickly. "That you love me." He headed back to the kitchen.
His dad's eyes widened as Summer turned to him, nodding wryly. "It's true. I'm in love with your son."
Sandy winked at her. "And do you think the blow to your head and subsequent concussion might have something to do with that, Summer?"
"Hey!" Seth yelled from the kitchen.
"It's certainly a possibility, isn't it?" She laughed.
"Hey! I heard that!"
****
When Seth got to the pool house, Sandy was just leaving. "Try to do something to cheer him up."
"Yeah. Ok. My best comedy routine, coming up." He rolled his eyes and went in.
"Hey, Ryan. How's – Oh, dude." He stopped abruptly inside the door. From what he could see, Ryan looked worse than Summer. He was currently slumped against her with his head on her shoulder as she hugged him, both sitting on the bed. Wearing only a wife beater and shorts, dark bruises were visible on both legs and arms. One ankle was in a cast and both hands were bandaged, with the bandages winding further up one arm. The side of his head above the ear had been shaved and a long cut closed with many stitches was visible.
Seth put three sodas on the bar and went down the steps to sit by Ryan on the bed, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right, bro? I mean – obviously you're not, but – wow. For the first time since you got here I think I'd win the 'pretty boy' prize over you."
"Seth!" Summer looked dismayed.
Ryan gave a short laugh and sat up. "Any humor is good right now. Even yours." He turned to Seth they hugged.
"I am so glad you're –ok, for the most part. I was completely freaked for a while, not knowing what happened with you and Marissa after she took off. Then I saw the car wreck on the news."
"I know; the whole thing is just.........unreal. I didn't know the car hit Summer until I woke up in the hospital," he turned stiffly back to her, "I'm so sorry you got hurt; I shouldn't have tried to get the key, I didn't think –"
Summer put a hand on his shoulder. "Ryan, none of this is your fault. We were both trying to stop her – I just got in the way. Seth even told me not to get too close to the car. It was all a horrible accident."
Seth sat on the floor so Ryan wouldn't have to turn back and forth between him and Summer to talk. He leaned against Summer's leg and she dropped a hand onto his shoulder. "Is there any new news on Marissa?"
Ryan shook his head. "Still waiting for her to wake up."
"Dude, I know how bad that part sucks." He looked at the floor. "Summer was unconscious for a ridiculous amount of time. Scared the hell out of me."
"Awww, honey. That's sweet. But I thought you said you were flirting with nurses?"
"No, Summer, I said the nurses were flirting with me. There's a difference." He cocked his head indifferently at Ryan. "You know how it is, man. They're bored; they've got nothing to do all night, so they'd come into the room every fifteen minutes, right? And talk and giggle."
"Did you ever think they were just doing their job, checking on an unconscious patient who'd been hit by a car, and thought it was nice to see someone awake to talk to in the middle of night?"
Seth looked hurt. "Dude. Stop it. You're ruining my nurse fantasy."
Summer smacked him on the side of the head. "Excuse me, your what?"
"Ow! Normal teenaged male thoughts, thank you very much." He turned to look at her. "You know, we could get you a nurses outf –"
Ryan quickly held his hands up in front of him. "Stop. Please."
"Yeah. Sorry dude. I suffer from an overactive imagination, and damn - have you SEEN my girlfriend?"
Ryan nodded, smiling at Summer over Seth's head. "I get it, man; I just don't need details."
Summer bent to kiss the top of Seth's head. "Nice save, Cohen."
"Whew. Got out of that one." He turned around on the floor to face her, putting his arms around her and she kissed him again.
There was a tap on the door, and Ryan started to get up, calling "Come in".
The door opened and Anna walked in, stopping short as she saw Summer and Seth, still kissing. "Uh, hi. Everyone."
There was an awkward moment as the three of them looked at each other, then Ryan continued over to the door, shutting it behind her. "Hey Anna, come in. How are you?"
"I'm good. The question is - how are you guys?" She sat uncomfortably in a chair, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt. "So, I saw Summer's car wreck on the news, and you guys haven't been at school, and I was worried. About all of you. They didn't give names on the TV, just that people involved were critically injured, so I thought I'd stop by to see if everyone was all right and if there was anything I could do. If I'm intruding........."
Seth waved a hand dismissively. "Of course not. It's – it's good of you to come by." Summer and Ryan chimed in their agreement, and Anna relaxed a little.
****