~ Lies 21 ~
Ryan looked from Anna to Summer and figured that Seth and Anna might need to talk. "So Summer, maybe we should go to the house and get some chips and more soda."
Summer looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "Ryan, I can't walk by myself and also? Apparently I 'list to the starboard side' sometimes." She shot Seth a glare, and Ryan and Anna laughed. She turned her attention back to Ryan. "And you're on crutches. We'll both end up in the ER again." She smiled at him to soften her sarcastic tone. "Clearly Seth and Anna should go."
Ryan gave her one slow nod. "Uh yeah. That might work better. "He looked confused and mildly embarrassed.
Summer looked at him with sympathy. "Sweetie, it's the meds you're on, that's all."
Seth jumped in. "Oh, that is so true, bro. You wouldn't believe some of the things she's done and said while 'chemically impaired' these last few days. She was so funny! This one time -"
"Shut it, Cohen. Take Anna and go get some chips and soda, will you?"
"Please, you guys, I know what you're doing, but really, no one needs to leave. Unless you actually do want food." Anna looked over at Summer. "I was surprised to see you two, um – together now, but it's ok. Since the minute I met Seth, it's always been about you." She laughed. "I think the next guy I date should have very little in common with me."
Seth had been oblivious that Ryan and Summer were trying to give him time alone to talk to Anna. It finally dawned on him. "Are you sure you don't want to talk? I don't want this to hurt your feelings, not that I think I'm all that, or anything, and we didn't plan this beforehand, it just sort of.........happened. I'd hate it if things were weird for anyone. For you. "
She waved a small hand in dismissal. "I'm fine. Let's get to the important stuff. How is everyone? I'm assuming from the condition Ryan and Summer are in, they were in the car wreck. So where's Marissa?"
Everyone looked at the floor, then Ryan spoke softly. "She's in LA, in the hospital. She just had surgery again, and we're waiting for her to wake up."
Anna's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry. Will she be ok?"
Summer spoke. "We're not sure yet. Coop was hurt pretty badly." Seth reached up for her hand, hearing the hitch in her voice.
"Oh, you guys. This is so awful! So Summer and Marissa were in the wreck?"
"Actually, Marissa and Ryan were in the car when it crashed. The Corvette accidentally hit Summer when it took off." Seth squeezed his eyes shut as the video in his head replayed those last moments again. He'd let Ryan tell her how it all really happened if he wanted to. It wasn't his call.
"Seth, would you mind helping me?" Summer gestured to the bathroom. "I don't think I can get up the steps."
He rolled his eyes. "You can't get TO the steps by yourself." He turned to Ryan. "She fell getting out of the hot tub, right on her already bruised hip."
Ryan grimaced. "Ouch."
"Exactly. But she won't go to the emergency room to see if it's broken."
"Oh, great. I SO wanted you to tell everyone, Cohen. God." Summer looked away in embarrassment.
"Well, Summer, if everyone agrees with me, maybe you'll realize you should go. "
"It doesn't hurt that bad!"
Seth rolled his eyes and took a sarcastic tone. "Hmmm, and can we think of a reason WHY it doesn't hurt that bad? Oh, I KNOW! Maybe because you're already ON pain medication? Try to walk. Go ahead." He made a sweeping motion with his arm, urging her on.
She took a step and hissed at the sting in her hip, quickly moving back onto the other foot.
"You should really go, Summer. Just to be safe." Anna watched her sympathetically. Ryan nodded in agreement.
Seth smirked at her with an 'I told you so' face while gestured toward Anna and Ryan. "Dad said the same thing. NOW will you go? Please?"
She heaved a long sigh, irritated. "I suppose." She glared at Seth. "Don't think that just because you're right this time, it means anything."
He glanced at her wryly. "It would never cross my mind, princess."
"Princess?! Jackass."
Seth pressed his lips together and nodded knowingly. "Oh yeah. I see where this is going. You're trying to start a fight so you can pout and I won't make you go to the hospital. Not gonna fly, chickie. Come here." He bent to kiss her as she scowled. Finally she brought a hand up to his cheek, kissing him back.
Anna looked away uncomfortably for a second, not noticing Ryan watching her. Turning back to them, she saw Summer's ring and commented on it, hoping to break the kiss. "Oh wow, is that a new ring, Summer? It's amazing! Where did you get it?"
Summer held out her hand and admired it, too. "Isn't it just too gorgeous? I absolutely love it. It's – it's a gift. From Seth." She looked quickly to him, worried that the admission would hurt Anna.
Anna 's eyes widened, but she continued to smile. "It's an.........engagement ring?"
"Oh no. Nothing like that. " Summer quickly corrected her. "It's a friendship ring."
"Oh wow. Nice sized diamond for a friendship ring."
Seth dropped his head back and looked to the ceiling in resignation for a moment. "Holy jewelry etiquette. Not you too. I'm a GUY. I wasn't aware that the diamond in a ring crosses over a specific and predetermined line of significance, progressing from 'friendship' to 'engagement' when it reaches a certain carat weight." He glanced at Ryan. "Did you know about this mysterious rule?"
Ryan looked bewildered and shook his head. "You bought Summer a diamond ring?"
"Dude, I know you're on drugs, but try to keep up here. So ladies - I did not consider the size of the diamond. I bought this particular ring because I liked it and thought Summer would like it and enjoy wearing it. I wanted to – uh - it just means, well – what she said. Friendship." Seth didn't know how to explain and he really didn't feel the need to. The ring was something special to just the two of them, representing things that no one else needed to know or understand.
"Ladies? Plural?" Anna stared at Summer. "Is he saying that YOU told him it was too big?"
Summer looked down at the ring sparkling on her finger. "Don't sound so surprised - of course I did. I told him I didn't feel right about it. But I'm totally over it. It's mine, mine, mine now." She raised her eyes to Seth's and they shared a warm gaze.
"Huh. A non-materialistic Summer. Who would have guessed?" Anna muttered under her breath. She raised her voice. "That's really sweet Seth. The ring is beautiful. "
"Let's get you up the stairs to the bathroom, then we're leaving. Look on the bright side. You get to be Queen of the hospital again."
"I can't wait." Summer replied sarcastically. She lowered her voice and muttered to herself. "Beheadings all around."
Anna turned back to Ryan as they headed for the bathroom. "So what happened, if you don't mind my asking? Did you forget you were in a real car instead of a Playstation car? A little "Grand Theft Auto" action gone wrong?"
Ryan smiled ruefully. "Not so much. Marissa was driving, she ran a red light, and two cars hit us. Summer's car rolled and caught fire."
"I know! I saw it on TV, and I thought Summer and Marissa were in it! When none of you guys came to school, I didn't know what to think."
"It was just a really.........bad day. All around. It bothers you seeing them together, doesn't it?"
Anna looked up quickly at him. "No! It's fine." Ryan raised his eyebrows and cocked his head to one side, disbelieving. "All right." She sighed. "What I said before was true. I was surprised, but I understand it, I guess. I know he's been crazy about her since the second I met him. But yeah, it hurts."
"I'm sorry." He spoke softly. "I know how it feels. Marissa and Luke, you know. Before the Ferris wheel incident."
"I'll live." She stood. "Well, I should be going. I just wanted to make sure everyone was ok. I'm so sorry about Marissa; I hope she's all right. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."
Ryan stood up, grabbing a crutch. "Where are you headed?"
"Home, I suppose. I left school early." She made finger quotes in the air. "I'm very 'sick', you know."
He took a deep breath. "You could stay a while and hang out with me and Sandy. Wait with us. I mean, if you wanted." He and Anna had always gotten along, ever since that first dance lesson at Cotillion practice. She'd accepted him, the car thief from Chino, immediately, and he'd always felt comfortable around her. They were friends, he guessed, and it would be nice to have someone to talk to that wasn't involved in the whole mess.
She thought it over. "I don't want to intrude. I'm not family or anything."
"You're a friend, Anna. All the Cohen's care about you."
Her anxious expression softened into a smile. "All right."
Seth and Summer limped back into the main room. "I'm taking 'Her Royal Stubbornness' to the ER now. Anyone want to come? Share the thrill of hard plastic chairs in the waiting room and feel your soul cleansed by the overpowering antiseptic smell?"
"Well, when you put it like that – no. I've had enough hospital time." Ryan gestured to Anna. "We're going to wait for word on Marissa. Are you guys coming back here?"
Summer nodded firmly. "Yes."
Seth rolled his eyes. "If they don't keep her, then yes."
Ryan smiled a little. "Let us know, ok? And I'll call your cell if we hear anything new."
Seth went to Ryan and they did the man-hug thing. Summer hugged Ryan, the two of them not letting go for a long minute. Summer was tearing up when she pulled away finally. "We'll be back in a little while."
Summer turned to Anna, appearing unsure, then hugged her awkwardly and whispered in her ear. "I know this can't be easy for you and I'm sorry. Like Seth said, it just kind of happened and we didn't intend to hurt your feelings."
Anna looked surprised and hugged her back shyly. "I appreciate you saying that." They pulled away from each other. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt worse. I hope you're ok."
"Thanks. I'm sure it's fine and everyone will feel all kinds of silly for making me go. Take care of Ryan, ok? I could barely move yesterday, so we couldn't come over, and he's been by himself all this time. I feel so guilty."
Ryan shook his head. "Sandy's been hanging out with me. All I did was sleep anyway; you didn't miss much."
"Yeah, but still." She looked to Seth.
He nodded solemnly in agreement. "We have extreme guilt issues, Ryan."
Ryan pointed to the door. "Go. Get her checked over and come back."
"All right, man. We'll call." Seth turned to Summer. "Come on. I'll race you."
"Hilarious, Cohen."
* * * *
Seth broke into Summer's thoughts as she watched Newport speed by through the window of the truck.
"You're awfully quiet. Is everything ok?"
Without turning, she answered him. "I'm fine, Seth."
"Look, I'm not trying to tell you how you feel, but I can tell by your voice that you're not. Fine, that is. What's up? Are you still mad about going to the hospital?"
She sighed. "It's just, like, a bunch of things are going through my head, and I'm not sure how I should feel about anything."
"You should feel however you want to feel. Pick one and tell me about it, maybe I can help."
She watched as the houses sped past and there was only beach and ocean to be seen. "I'm not mad, I'm scared about the hospital, is all."
"I'll be there with you. We'll deal with whatever happens."
She was silent for a moment. "I wonder what would have happened if Anna had been hit by a car and you'd taken care of her in the hospital?"
"Ok. Summer. Uh - What? Completely lost over here."
She closed her eyes, ending the view of water and blue sky like she'd erased it. "I felt so bad for her in the pool house. I know how much she liked you, and I just kept thinking it would have killed me to see you with her, kissing her like that. So it makes me wonder if SHE'D been hurt somehow, would you have ended up with her? Like we are, now?"
Seth's jaw tightened. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're accusing me of being with you out of sympathy. Like any female that got hurt in my presence would immediately have me feeling so much pity I would tell them I'm in love with them and buy them a ring. I thought you understood, but I guess I over-estimated our relationship."
She cringed at his harsh tone and finally turned to look at him. "Seth, that's not how I meant it! I know you care about her, that's all. I just wondered if spending that much time with her would end up, like, with the caring turning into love."
"I can't say it wouldn't. I DO care about her. But the di-"
Summer interrupted him, having heard exactly what she'd feared he would say. "Just stop. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." She turned back to the window, miserable, with silent tears sliding down her cheeks.
"Damn it Summer!" He pulled the truck to the side of the road and killed the engine. "Look at me." She turned to him reluctantly. "I wasn't done talking. You just assumed the worst and gave up on me." He reached across and grabbed her hand; fingering the ring he'd given her. "Remember what's written in here? I was trying to give you an honest answer, but you didn't let me finish. I wasn't lying when I said I was in love with you. You have to trust me."
She looked at the floorboards. "But you said you would have ended up with her." Her voice was small.
He sighed with frustration, and managed to keep his voice even. "No, Summer, I didn't. I said I care about Anna, and it might have turned into love, if we'd been in the hospital together instead of you and I. Now. This is the part you interrupted. The difference between you and Anna would be that I'm IN LOVE with you. Anna I might love. As a friend. Like Ryan or, well, Ryan, since he's my only friend. Even if I was stupid enough to confuse the two, because I am after all - a guy - that has no experience in this sort of thing? I would realize at some point that you were the one I'm supposed to be with. Because you are."
"Oh." She lifted her eyes to his. "Sorry. I just – I'm just -"
"Insecure and scared. I get it. I'm sure the trust issues aren't just going to disappear like they were never there. But here's a news flash for you, Summer: you're going to have to find someone else to have your trust issues with, cuz I don't care how many times you doubt me or question me, the argument is always going to end like this." He held her face in his hands. "I love you. Deal with it however you have to, but you're stuck with me now. There is no one else I want; there is no one else I would even consider being with. All I see is you. Any other questions?"
She melted inside. "Oh-h-h. Baby you're SO sweet. But how do you do that? You say the most amazing things, but if I read them somewhere, I'd think they were cheesy."
He kissed her quickly. "It's another one of my many gifts. Love is cheesy, girlfriend. Like Cheetos – it's the Cheesiest. " He started the truck and pulled back onto the road.
"I thought that was Kraft Macaroni." She stared at him thoughtfully. "I really wish we were at home together, in bed."
"Amen, Sister Summer – uh, that sounds um – never mind. Blasphemous - would be a good word. Among others. Just forget I said that. So, you're feeling amorous because of my charming yet romance novel-esque affirmations of love?"
"Uh huh."
"Then be assured that I will spend my time in the waiting room crafting more cheesy dialogue for you."
She smiled at him. "Cohen?"
"Yes, my ambulatory challenged pet?"
"I love you."
He smiled back at her, then returned his eyes to the road. "I know."
****
"Oh Ryan, that's horrible. You have to know it's not your fault, though! There's no way you could have known she'd react like that."
He dropped his eyes to the floor. "Everyone keeps telling me that, but it still feels like my fault. I should have waited to break up with her."
"Who's to say it wouldn't have turned out worse if you'd waited for a 'so- called' better time?"
He raised his eyes to her, unconvinced. "I don't see how it could turn out worse."
"Someone could have died. You, Summer, or Seth. Who knows what she might have done at a different time or in a different place?"
He spoke quietly. "She might die."
Anna crossed the room quickly to sit next to him. "And she might not. You have to think positively, Ryan. And remember that this was all a horrible accident."
He nodded absently.
"Hey. Do you want to go in and talk to Sandy?"
He shook his head.
Looking around the room, Anna noticed the sodas Seth had brought out earlier. She got up and grabbed two, opening Ryan's and handing it to him. She saw the pain and tension in his face. "So how do you feel? Are you in pain?" She pushed a few pillows against the headboard. "Here, lie back. I'll bet you're not supposed to be up, are you?"
He shook his head again, and slowly pulled himself around to lie on the bed. She tucked another pillow under his broken ankle. "Do you have pain medication?"
He closed his eyes. "You don't have to do this, Anna."
"We're friends and I have strict orders to take care of you. Now answer the question."
"They make me feel weird."
"They also make you feel better." She laughed. "People pay drug dealers big money to feel that kind of weird, dummy."
He pointed to the bedside table and she got some out for him. After swallowing them, he laid back. "Thanks." She curled up on the foot of the bed and they thought their own thoughts in companionable silence.
****
Ryan looked from Anna to Summer and figured that Seth and Anna might need to talk. "So Summer, maybe we should go to the house and get some chips and more soda."
Summer looked at him like he'd lost his mind. "Ryan, I can't walk by myself and also? Apparently I 'list to the starboard side' sometimes." She shot Seth a glare, and Ryan and Anna laughed. She turned her attention back to Ryan. "And you're on crutches. We'll both end up in the ER again." She smiled at him to soften her sarcastic tone. "Clearly Seth and Anna should go."
Ryan gave her one slow nod. "Uh yeah. That might work better. "He looked confused and mildly embarrassed.
Summer looked at him with sympathy. "Sweetie, it's the meds you're on, that's all."
Seth jumped in. "Oh, that is so true, bro. You wouldn't believe some of the things she's done and said while 'chemically impaired' these last few days. She was so funny! This one time -"
"Shut it, Cohen. Take Anna and go get some chips and soda, will you?"
"Please, you guys, I know what you're doing, but really, no one needs to leave. Unless you actually do want food." Anna looked over at Summer. "I was surprised to see you two, um – together now, but it's ok. Since the minute I met Seth, it's always been about you." She laughed. "I think the next guy I date should have very little in common with me."
Seth had been oblivious that Ryan and Summer were trying to give him time alone to talk to Anna. It finally dawned on him. "Are you sure you don't want to talk? I don't want this to hurt your feelings, not that I think I'm all that, or anything, and we didn't plan this beforehand, it just sort of.........happened. I'd hate it if things were weird for anyone. For you. "
She waved a small hand in dismissal. "I'm fine. Let's get to the important stuff. How is everyone? I'm assuming from the condition Ryan and Summer are in, they were in the car wreck. So where's Marissa?"
Everyone looked at the floor, then Ryan spoke softly. "She's in LA, in the hospital. She just had surgery again, and we're waiting for her to wake up."
Anna's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry. Will she be ok?"
Summer spoke. "We're not sure yet. Coop was hurt pretty badly." Seth reached up for her hand, hearing the hitch in her voice.
"Oh, you guys. This is so awful! So Summer and Marissa were in the wreck?"
"Actually, Marissa and Ryan were in the car when it crashed. The Corvette accidentally hit Summer when it took off." Seth squeezed his eyes shut as the video in his head replayed those last moments again. He'd let Ryan tell her how it all really happened if he wanted to. It wasn't his call.
"Seth, would you mind helping me?" Summer gestured to the bathroom. "I don't think I can get up the steps."
He rolled his eyes. "You can't get TO the steps by yourself." He turned to Ryan. "She fell getting out of the hot tub, right on her already bruised hip."
Ryan grimaced. "Ouch."
"Exactly. But she won't go to the emergency room to see if it's broken."
"Oh, great. I SO wanted you to tell everyone, Cohen. God." Summer looked away in embarrassment.
"Well, Summer, if everyone agrees with me, maybe you'll realize you should go. "
"It doesn't hurt that bad!"
Seth rolled his eyes and took a sarcastic tone. "Hmmm, and can we think of a reason WHY it doesn't hurt that bad? Oh, I KNOW! Maybe because you're already ON pain medication? Try to walk. Go ahead." He made a sweeping motion with his arm, urging her on.
She took a step and hissed at the sting in her hip, quickly moving back onto the other foot.
"You should really go, Summer. Just to be safe." Anna watched her sympathetically. Ryan nodded in agreement.
Seth smirked at her with an 'I told you so' face while gestured toward Anna and Ryan. "Dad said the same thing. NOW will you go? Please?"
She heaved a long sigh, irritated. "I suppose." She glared at Seth. "Don't think that just because you're right this time, it means anything."
He glanced at her wryly. "It would never cross my mind, princess."
"Princess?! Jackass."
Seth pressed his lips together and nodded knowingly. "Oh yeah. I see where this is going. You're trying to start a fight so you can pout and I won't make you go to the hospital. Not gonna fly, chickie. Come here." He bent to kiss her as she scowled. Finally she brought a hand up to his cheek, kissing him back.
Anna looked away uncomfortably for a second, not noticing Ryan watching her. Turning back to them, she saw Summer's ring and commented on it, hoping to break the kiss. "Oh wow, is that a new ring, Summer? It's amazing! Where did you get it?"
Summer held out her hand and admired it, too. "Isn't it just too gorgeous? I absolutely love it. It's – it's a gift. From Seth." She looked quickly to him, worried that the admission would hurt Anna.
Anna 's eyes widened, but she continued to smile. "It's an.........engagement ring?"
"Oh no. Nothing like that. " Summer quickly corrected her. "It's a friendship ring."
"Oh wow. Nice sized diamond for a friendship ring."
Seth dropped his head back and looked to the ceiling in resignation for a moment. "Holy jewelry etiquette. Not you too. I'm a GUY. I wasn't aware that the diamond in a ring crosses over a specific and predetermined line of significance, progressing from 'friendship' to 'engagement' when it reaches a certain carat weight." He glanced at Ryan. "Did you know about this mysterious rule?"
Ryan looked bewildered and shook his head. "You bought Summer a diamond ring?"
"Dude, I know you're on drugs, but try to keep up here. So ladies - I did not consider the size of the diamond. I bought this particular ring because I liked it and thought Summer would like it and enjoy wearing it. I wanted to – uh - it just means, well – what she said. Friendship." Seth didn't know how to explain and he really didn't feel the need to. The ring was something special to just the two of them, representing things that no one else needed to know or understand.
"Ladies? Plural?" Anna stared at Summer. "Is he saying that YOU told him it was too big?"
Summer looked down at the ring sparkling on her finger. "Don't sound so surprised - of course I did. I told him I didn't feel right about it. But I'm totally over it. It's mine, mine, mine now." She raised her eyes to Seth's and they shared a warm gaze.
"Huh. A non-materialistic Summer. Who would have guessed?" Anna muttered under her breath. She raised her voice. "That's really sweet Seth. The ring is beautiful. "
"Let's get you up the stairs to the bathroom, then we're leaving. Look on the bright side. You get to be Queen of the hospital again."
"I can't wait." Summer replied sarcastically. She lowered her voice and muttered to herself. "Beheadings all around."
Anna turned back to Ryan as they headed for the bathroom. "So what happened, if you don't mind my asking? Did you forget you were in a real car instead of a Playstation car? A little "Grand Theft Auto" action gone wrong?"
Ryan smiled ruefully. "Not so much. Marissa was driving, she ran a red light, and two cars hit us. Summer's car rolled and caught fire."
"I know! I saw it on TV, and I thought Summer and Marissa were in it! When none of you guys came to school, I didn't know what to think."
"It was just a really.........bad day. All around. It bothers you seeing them together, doesn't it?"
Anna looked up quickly at him. "No! It's fine." Ryan raised his eyebrows and cocked his head to one side, disbelieving. "All right." She sighed. "What I said before was true. I was surprised, but I understand it, I guess. I know he's been crazy about her since the second I met him. But yeah, it hurts."
"I'm sorry." He spoke softly. "I know how it feels. Marissa and Luke, you know. Before the Ferris wheel incident."
"I'll live." She stood. "Well, I should be going. I just wanted to make sure everyone was ok. I'm so sorry about Marissa; I hope she's all right. If there's anything I can do, please let me know."
Ryan stood up, grabbing a crutch. "Where are you headed?"
"Home, I suppose. I left school early." She made finger quotes in the air. "I'm very 'sick', you know."
He took a deep breath. "You could stay a while and hang out with me and Sandy. Wait with us. I mean, if you wanted." He and Anna had always gotten along, ever since that first dance lesson at Cotillion practice. She'd accepted him, the car thief from Chino, immediately, and he'd always felt comfortable around her. They were friends, he guessed, and it would be nice to have someone to talk to that wasn't involved in the whole mess.
She thought it over. "I don't want to intrude. I'm not family or anything."
"You're a friend, Anna. All the Cohen's care about you."
Her anxious expression softened into a smile. "All right."
Seth and Summer limped back into the main room. "I'm taking 'Her Royal Stubbornness' to the ER now. Anyone want to come? Share the thrill of hard plastic chairs in the waiting room and feel your soul cleansed by the overpowering antiseptic smell?"
"Well, when you put it like that – no. I've had enough hospital time." Ryan gestured to Anna. "We're going to wait for word on Marissa. Are you guys coming back here?"
Summer nodded firmly. "Yes."
Seth rolled his eyes. "If they don't keep her, then yes."
Ryan smiled a little. "Let us know, ok? And I'll call your cell if we hear anything new."
Seth went to Ryan and they did the man-hug thing. Summer hugged Ryan, the two of them not letting go for a long minute. Summer was tearing up when she pulled away finally. "We'll be back in a little while."
Summer turned to Anna, appearing unsure, then hugged her awkwardly and whispered in her ear. "I know this can't be easy for you and I'm sorry. Like Seth said, it just kind of happened and we didn't intend to hurt your feelings."
Anna looked surprised and hugged her back shyly. "I appreciate you saying that." They pulled away from each other. "I'm so glad you weren't hurt worse. I hope you're ok."
"Thanks. I'm sure it's fine and everyone will feel all kinds of silly for making me go. Take care of Ryan, ok? I could barely move yesterday, so we couldn't come over, and he's been by himself all this time. I feel so guilty."
Ryan shook his head. "Sandy's been hanging out with me. All I did was sleep anyway; you didn't miss much."
"Yeah, but still." She looked to Seth.
He nodded solemnly in agreement. "We have extreme guilt issues, Ryan."
Ryan pointed to the door. "Go. Get her checked over and come back."
"All right, man. We'll call." Seth turned to Summer. "Come on. I'll race you."
"Hilarious, Cohen."
* * * *
Seth broke into Summer's thoughts as she watched Newport speed by through the window of the truck.
"You're awfully quiet. Is everything ok?"
Without turning, she answered him. "I'm fine, Seth."
"Look, I'm not trying to tell you how you feel, but I can tell by your voice that you're not. Fine, that is. What's up? Are you still mad about going to the hospital?"
She sighed. "It's just, like, a bunch of things are going through my head, and I'm not sure how I should feel about anything."
"You should feel however you want to feel. Pick one and tell me about it, maybe I can help."
She watched as the houses sped past and there was only beach and ocean to be seen. "I'm not mad, I'm scared about the hospital, is all."
"I'll be there with you. We'll deal with whatever happens."
She was silent for a moment. "I wonder what would have happened if Anna had been hit by a car and you'd taken care of her in the hospital?"
"Ok. Summer. Uh - What? Completely lost over here."
She closed her eyes, ending the view of water and blue sky like she'd erased it. "I felt so bad for her in the pool house. I know how much she liked you, and I just kept thinking it would have killed me to see you with her, kissing her like that. So it makes me wonder if SHE'D been hurt somehow, would you have ended up with her? Like we are, now?"
Seth's jaw tightened. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you're accusing me of being with you out of sympathy. Like any female that got hurt in my presence would immediately have me feeling so much pity I would tell them I'm in love with them and buy them a ring. I thought you understood, but I guess I over-estimated our relationship."
She cringed at his harsh tone and finally turned to look at him. "Seth, that's not how I meant it! I know you care about her, that's all. I just wondered if spending that much time with her would end up, like, with the caring turning into love."
"I can't say it wouldn't. I DO care about her. But the di-"
Summer interrupted him, having heard exactly what she'd feared he would say. "Just stop. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything." She turned back to the window, miserable, with silent tears sliding down her cheeks.
"Damn it Summer!" He pulled the truck to the side of the road and killed the engine. "Look at me." She turned to him reluctantly. "I wasn't done talking. You just assumed the worst and gave up on me." He reached across and grabbed her hand; fingering the ring he'd given her. "Remember what's written in here? I was trying to give you an honest answer, but you didn't let me finish. I wasn't lying when I said I was in love with you. You have to trust me."
She looked at the floorboards. "But you said you would have ended up with her." Her voice was small.
He sighed with frustration, and managed to keep his voice even. "No, Summer, I didn't. I said I care about Anna, and it might have turned into love, if we'd been in the hospital together instead of you and I. Now. This is the part you interrupted. The difference between you and Anna would be that I'm IN LOVE with you. Anna I might love. As a friend. Like Ryan or, well, Ryan, since he's my only friend. Even if I was stupid enough to confuse the two, because I am after all - a guy - that has no experience in this sort of thing? I would realize at some point that you were the one I'm supposed to be with. Because you are."
"Oh." She lifted her eyes to his. "Sorry. I just – I'm just -"
"Insecure and scared. I get it. I'm sure the trust issues aren't just going to disappear like they were never there. But here's a news flash for you, Summer: you're going to have to find someone else to have your trust issues with, cuz I don't care how many times you doubt me or question me, the argument is always going to end like this." He held her face in his hands. "I love you. Deal with it however you have to, but you're stuck with me now. There is no one else I want; there is no one else I would even consider being with. All I see is you. Any other questions?"
She melted inside. "Oh-h-h. Baby you're SO sweet. But how do you do that? You say the most amazing things, but if I read them somewhere, I'd think they were cheesy."
He kissed her quickly. "It's another one of my many gifts. Love is cheesy, girlfriend. Like Cheetos – it's the Cheesiest. " He started the truck and pulled back onto the road.
"I thought that was Kraft Macaroni." She stared at him thoughtfully. "I really wish we were at home together, in bed."
"Amen, Sister Summer – uh, that sounds um – never mind. Blasphemous - would be a good word. Among others. Just forget I said that. So, you're feeling amorous because of my charming yet romance novel-esque affirmations of love?"
"Uh huh."
"Then be assured that I will spend my time in the waiting room crafting more cheesy dialogue for you."
She smiled at him. "Cohen?"
"Yes, my ambulatory challenged pet?"
"I love you."
He smiled back at her, then returned his eyes to the road. "I know."
****
"Oh Ryan, that's horrible. You have to know it's not your fault, though! There's no way you could have known she'd react like that."
He dropped his eyes to the floor. "Everyone keeps telling me that, but it still feels like my fault. I should have waited to break up with her."
"Who's to say it wouldn't have turned out worse if you'd waited for a 'so- called' better time?"
He raised his eyes to her, unconvinced. "I don't see how it could turn out worse."
"Someone could have died. You, Summer, or Seth. Who knows what she might have done at a different time or in a different place?"
He spoke quietly. "She might die."
Anna crossed the room quickly to sit next to him. "And she might not. You have to think positively, Ryan. And remember that this was all a horrible accident."
He nodded absently.
"Hey. Do you want to go in and talk to Sandy?"
He shook his head.
Looking around the room, Anna noticed the sodas Seth had brought out earlier. She got up and grabbed two, opening Ryan's and handing it to him. She saw the pain and tension in his face. "So how do you feel? Are you in pain?" She pushed a few pillows against the headboard. "Here, lie back. I'll bet you're not supposed to be up, are you?"
He shook his head again, and slowly pulled himself around to lie on the bed. She tucked another pillow under his broken ankle. "Do you have pain medication?"
He closed his eyes. "You don't have to do this, Anna."
"We're friends and I have strict orders to take care of you. Now answer the question."
"They make me feel weird."
"They also make you feel better." She laughed. "People pay drug dealers big money to feel that kind of weird, dummy."
He pointed to the bedside table and she got some out for him. After swallowing them, he laid back. "Thanks." She curled up on the foot of the bed and they thought their own thoughts in companionable silence.
****