A/N – You guys are the bestest!! Thanks for reading and/or continuing to review!! I totally appreciate your thoughts!!

Lies 34

Seth heard the door close softly, and opened his eyes to see his dad standing in front of him. He scrambled to his feet from his position seated on the floor across the hall from Summer's room. "So? How is she?" His father didn't speak, just looked at him with sadness, then looked away. "Oh, God. It's bad. I knew it was bad. I want to see her, Dad. C'mon, I NEED to see her."

Sandy shook his head and walked Seth away from the room. "I really think it's best if you wait, son. I'm not going to lie to you; she's not doing very well."

"What did he do to her? I mean, he didn't really… she hit him before…"

"He didn't. She whacked him with the cast on her arm before he…." They rounded the corner to the waiting area, where Ryan and Anna were talking quietly. They both jumped up when they saw Sandy.

"Hey, guys. Thanks for coming, Anna. Summer will appreciate it." He turned to Seth. "Does Anna know?"

"Yeah, she does. She'll keep it to herself."

"That's fine." Sandy sighed. "So listen. She's pretty beat up. I guess he knocked her down twice when she tried to get away and punched her in the face a bunch of times. She's – I barely recognized her."

Seth shoved his hands deep into his pockets so no one could see them shake. He stared at the floor.

"She hasn't spoken, except for what the police needed for her statement, and she won't look at anyone. She's pretty traumatized."

Anna shook her head, near tears. "I can't even imagine what she went through. What can we do to help?"

Sandy was touched. "Aw, that's nice of you, but there's really nothing anyone can do right now. She thinks I don't know, but Kirsten went into total mother-bear protecting-her-cub mode as soon as Paul left."

"That's exactly what Summer needs. " Anna blushed as the guys all looked at her. "Well, that's what I'd want, anyway. Especially in her situation; there's nothing better than a mom to take care of you, and she's never had that, from what I've heard."

Sandy smiled a little. "I think you're right. Summer's in the best hands she can be in right now. So you guys should head on home, there's nothing you can do here. I'll call if anything changes."

"Anna, can you give Ryan a ride? I'm staying for a little while." Seth could not leave. Not yet.

"Sure. Will you be ok?" Anna watched him anxiously.

Seth hugged her. "I'll be fine. Thanks for coming."

Ryan put a hand on Seth's back. "Call if you need anything, ok?"

"You know I will, amigo, thanks." He turned to his dad as Ryan and Anna walked away. "So what's really going on, Dad?"

"What are you talking about?"

"There's more to this than you're telling me. There was a helicopter flying over the canyon her house sits above, and crime scene tape all over the place. Stop lying and tell me what the son of Satan did to her."

Sandy sighed heavily. "Sit down, son." They took seats in the waiting room, Seth staring at him nervously the whole time. "I didn't lie, I just … withheld. What I didn't tell you is that he was planning to kill her after he raped her. And from their conversation, Summer believes he killed her mother."

Seth raised his hands palms up in mock shock. "Well, sure! Why doesn't that surprise me?" He shook his head in disbelief. "I REALLY wish I'd just gone ahead and hit the freak." He began to pace across the room. "That's just perfect. Now she's been molested, beaten, almost raped, and almost killed by the person you're supposed to trust no matter what. Your dad, who, oh by the way, just happened to kill your mom and let you believe she left because she didn't want you ... She was doing so well, and now this happens. How is she not in the loony bin yet? How can she deal with all this? I feel like my head's imploding and it didn't even happen to me! It's not fair, Dad! Why is all this happening to her?!"

"I don't know why. But I know she was dealing with the child abuse because she had you to help her. She told me today that knowing you love her helped her face her past."

Seth snorted. "Yeah, until I barfed up the alien."

"The wha- ? Oh. You're just going to have to talk to her about that."

"How can I do anything when I can't even see her?!" Frustrated, Seth's voice rose.

"Calm down, Seth. You have a very high IQ - I'm sure you can think of something. I have faith in you." Sandy put his arm around his son.

"Great. So did Summer and I blew that………Hey, tell mom thanks. I'm really glad she's staying. It makes me a tiny bit less crazy knowing she's not in a hospital room all by herself." He looked quickly at his father. "You, too. Thanks, I mean."

"She's family, Seth. You're welcome."

"You're sure I can't just peek through the door? Maybe whisper to her?"

Sandy shook his head. "Talk to her telepathically for now. I'm not going against the doctor's orders."

"Yeah, all right. I guess I'll go home and search for my lost IQ. I'll see you later." Seth waved and took off.

Sandy watched his son, hands shoved deep into his pockets, walk all the way down the hall.

Seth covered his eyes with one hand and opened the door to the pool house. "Ok! Sorry, but this is make-outus interruptus! Do you need time to rearrange clothing? Or find clothing, per chance?"

Ryan was unamused. "We're just talking."

Seth took his hand away, and sure enough, they were just sitting on the bed, fully clothed. "Losers. You had the entire house to yourselves."

"It's called 'getting to know each other', Seth." Anna smiled.

"Did you or did you not meet, like forever ago, at Cotillion?"

"Well, yes, but there were always, um –."

Ryan interrupted Anna. "Seth. It's none of your business."

"Hey, I'm not lookin' for the Paris-Hilton- style videotape. There was no one home to barge in and I just assumed you'd take advantage of that. It's one of those unwritten rules for high school couples."

Ryan gave him a look. "You barged in."

"Yes. Yes I did. But I'm different, see, because I won't cause an excruciatingly awkward moment where everyone stares at each other, then you two sit up trying to act like you weren't just making out, then all parties involved look away in embarrassment and stutter something ridiculous because no one knows the appropriate thing to say. BecauseI already know what you're doing. Or should be doing."

Ryan sighed, trying to be patient. "Why are we talking about this, again?"

"I don't remember, so let's talk about me and my problem. How do I tell Summer that I don't find her nauseating because of her past, and that I want to help her however I can - when they won't even let me in her room? It is absolutely KILLING me; not being able to see her or talk to her, and I know she thinks I don't want to be with her anymore, which is so far from the case it's in like, Antarctica."

"Good question … Hmmm … How about sending flowers, and write it in the card?"

Anna suggested.

"I thought of that, but for some reason it just seems very wrong to send flowers to someone that's been beaten up and almost raped. It's not like 'Get well soon, it sucks about your surgery, or sorry the car hit you.' This is so horrendous that flowers can't even begin to cover it, and they just seem too … perky. Light hearted. Besides, she's already got six bouquets at home."

Ryan shrugged and Anna shook her head. "Sorry. Can't think of anything else."

"Well, I'm still glad I barged in. Even if you are absolutely no help; at least I can thank you again, Ryan - for holding me up, literally and figuratively, and Anna - for coming to the hospital and general support. I'll be in my room, staring at the ceiling and dealing with the occasional fit of rage followed by bouts of unmanly whimpering. Good night."

"Night, Seth. We're here if you need us."

"Goodnight, Seth. It's all going to work out. Have faith."

"Right. Faith. I think I'm fresh out."

"Ryan, I feel so bad! This is just so unbelievable. I wish I could help somehow."

Ryan grabbed her hand. "You are helping. I think Seth is really glad you came to the hospital, especially after everything that happened between you and Summer and him."

"That seems so childish now, with all this going on, and it's obvious they should be together." She lowered her head and looked shyly at him. "Besides, it's possible that I may have found someone more compatible for myself, anyway."

Ryan smiled. "Really? Anyone I know?"

"Probably not. He's not from around here."

"You're not from around here." Ryan pointed out.

"That's true. Well, this guy? He lives in a pool house, kind of like his own apartment."

"I think I've heard of him, yeah. That guy that likes the brainy blonde chick that's scared of reformed bad boys?" He winked at her.

"I am NOT scared of you!" She suddenly wasn't playing anymore.

"So it's ME you're talking about? The new guy you found?"

Now she was all wound up. "You know it is! But I'm not scared of you!"

"You were the other night," he replied evenly.

"Oh yeah? Well that was the other night." She moved closer to him, and began unbuttoning his shirt. "You look a little warm. I think you should take off a layer or two." Somewhere inside, she was appalled by her own actions. He made her crazy, and she really had no control over herself at this point. Were sparks really a good thing?

Ryan grabbed her hands to stop her progress and kissed her. "You can stop. I believe you now."

"What? You were testing me?"

He just smiled.

"Ooooooh, you're such a brat!" She lost her anger, realizing he'd just proved something she needed to know, too. She kissed him. "But a cute brat." Deciding to prove her point, she stood up in front of him and pushed him back onto the bed. Laughing at his bewildered look, she knelt next to him and finished unbuttoning his outer shirt. She slid both hands up under his tee shirt, exploring all the fun places on his chest and stomach while kissing him again, making it last, then sat up. "Take off your shirts. Now."

He just looked at her for a second, still a little shocked.

She finally remembered he'd just gotten out of the hospital. "Oh my God! Do you feel ok? Maybe we should just …later…I'm sorry, I forgot you - "

He sat up quickly, pulling off his clothes at record speed. "Fine. I'm fine." He kissed her while guiding them both back down on the bed. "I suddenly feel much better."

He rolled on top of her and Anna relished the feel of his hard body and warmth, losing herself in the sensations. She pulled away from his kiss, newly concerned. "Ryan? I'm not frightened of you; I'm just …" She stopped, afraid he'd be annoyed with her, but all she saw was patient blue eyes, waiting for her to finish her sentence. "… I get so - I feel so different with you – I'm afraid…"

He slid to one side and gingerly propped his head up on one arm, looking down at her. "You're afraid of…?"

"That I won't be able to…"

Understanding lit his face. "Oh. You're afraid you'll get carried away and do something you'll regret?"

She nodded, feeling uncomfortable.

"You don't have to worry. If it happens, it'll happen when we're both ready for it." He ran his fingers across the smooth skin of her cheek. "I promise. We won't do anything you don't want to."

Anna still didn't trust her herself with the overwhelming feelings he brought to the surface in her. "But how will I know -?"

He smiled gently. "I'll know."

Relief flooded her, and while their extreme differences in sexual experience had once bothered her, she was now thankful to be falling for someone who knew what he was doing. Someone that she trusted not to take advantage of her naïveté. She grinned. "I heard there's an unwritten rule that we should take advantage of Kirsten and Sandy not being home."

"I heard that too!" He kissed her quickly, and got up, hopping on one foot to the door. He locked it, and hopped back to her while she looked at him questioningly. "Seth might forget to cover his eyes next time."

Seth rolled to a stop and cut the H2's engine in front of Summer's house. It was very late now, and all the houses he'd passed were dark. The helicopter was gone, and only one police car sat in her driveway. He hoped it was Fuller's. He got out and the cop met him again before he got to the house. "Hi. I'm Seth Cohen? I was here earlier?"

"Oh yeah. Hey kid, you're you doin?"

"I'm ok, well, that's actually a lie, but I really need to get some things out of the house for my – for Summer. Would that be all right?" He'd had no idea if they'd let him in when he'd decided to drive here, but it was worth a try.

"I suppose. They're done for now and I was just about to leave."

"I'll be quick, I swear. She just got out of the hospital a few days ago, so I know exactly what she needs and where it is."

The cop walked him in, and stood by the door. "I'll wait right here."

Seth thanked him and sped down the halls to the guest suite. He went to her suitcase and found it neatly packed. He looked quickly over at his bag and found the same thing. Everything folded tidily, including the new shirts she'd bought him. He stood up and looked around the place, noticing all the work she'd done. Everything was clean, organized and in order, and she'd brought her flowers in. They made the place seem homey and cheerful. He thought back to how excited she'd been to get them, and how much she'd loved them, smiling as he remembered her practically shoving her face into the first bouquet he'd gotten for her. He suddenly had an idea, and began a search for the one thing that might help him get through to her. He finally found it, by accident, after almost giving up, then looked quickly through her bag to make sure her makeup and personal things were still in there. He grabbed it and left the suite, making a fast trip upstairs to her bedroom, and then ran back down the stairs to the waiting police officer. "Sorry. That took longer than I'd planned. I couldn't find something."

"It's all right. You need anything else?" The officer was in no hurry.

"No, I'm good. Well, actually I'm not good, but I have everything. Thank you. Thanks a lot."

"No big deal. All right then. Take care, son. And take good care of your girl."

"I'm trying." Seth went out to the truck, feeling a little better. It had been good to be in "their place" with all the sweet memories they'd made in such a short time. He felt closer to her, somehow, having her things on the seat next to him. He started the truck, changed the CD to one that she loved, and drove to the hospital on nearly deserted streets.

Seth poked only his head around the corner, surveyed the scene, and quickly pulled back around to his hiding place, pressing his back against the wall. Perfect. His father was asleep on the couch in the lounge area. Now he just had to wait until the nurse's station was clear. He checked his watch. 2: 58 am. She should be doing rounds any time now. He took another look, and the nurse was headed the opposite way down the hall. Time to make a move. He tiptoed past his dad and dropped low, moving fast and taking cover behind the desk at the nurses' station. He raised his head far enough to just barely see over the counter and watched as the nurse entered Summer's room at the end of the hallway.This would be a short stake-out now; he couldn't miss her when she came out. In a few minutes the door opened and he ducked, counted to five, and popped up for another peek. She was just entering the room across the hall from Summer's. He waited until the door to that room closed and took off, silently running the length of the hall. He opened Summer's door, slid inside, and carefully shut it quickly behind him. Holding his breath, he let his eyes adjust to the dark room, hoping that the nurse hadn't woke anyone while she was in here. His mother slept like the dead, so he wasn't worried about her, but he definitely didn't want Summer to see him and possibly add to her stress. The room stayed silent, and he congratulated himself on a perfectly executed plan.

He moved to the bed near the window and set down Summer's suitcase. There was dim light filtering through the blinds from the streetlights outside, and he bent to see her better, suddenly dropping to his knees and covering his mouth to hold back the grief inside him as he got a good look at her face. Instantly brimming with rage and hatred toward her father; his eyes began watering at the thought of the pain and horror she must have endured. He sat back against the low windowsill until he calmed down, wiped his face, then got to his feet to gaze at her again. She was sleeping on her side, facing him, and he ached with the need to slide under the covers behind her and hold her tight against his chest, protecting her from all things evil. Reaching out a shaky hand, he gently stroked her hair, unable to stop himself. He tensed as her eyes fluttered open, sure she would be frightened, but she only smiled. Even in this dim light he could tell she was deeply in the grip of a "happy shot", and he relaxed. She wouldn't even remember tomorrow. "Hi, Beautiful," he whispered.

"You came."

"I had to." He sat on the edge of her bed and took her hand. "I'm so sorry."

"About what?" She looked troubled for a second, then her expression cleared. "Not your fault."

"You know I love you, don't you? No matter what?" He hoped she would remember this part tomorrow.

She nodded slowly, and her eyes closed. He bent to kiss her dark hair, then stood and quietly opened the suitcase. Princess Sparkle glinted in the dim light, and he lifted her out, positioning her on the bedside table. Captain Oats was complaining from another compartment about being shoved in a dark box, but he quickly changed his tune when Seth placed him on the table, nose to nose with the Princess as if they were kissing. Seth pulled a card from his back pocket; the same card he'd given her with the flowers after the car had hit her. She'd liked it so much then that she'd done the mysterious female happy and/or moved crying thing, and kept it with her in her pajama pockets until they'd gotten home. He'd looked all over the guest suite for it tonight, finally finding it by chance after he'd flopped onto the bed in frustration. She'd been keeping it under her pillow, and his hand had dislodged it when he fell on the bed. The words he'd written back then still applied, and since she'd made him leave the guest suite after her fight with her father, it seemed like they'd gone back in time, relationship wise, to the same place they'd been on her first hospital stay. He grabbed the pen next to the notepad on the table, turned the card over, and added a few more words. "Trust – Honesty – Love – Commitment". He slid it in between Captain Oats' front hooves, and stood back, surveying his work. Summer would understand what this meant, and he couldn't think of a better, more personal way to say it. "You two work your magic on her, ok?" He whispered. "I'm counting on you."

After closing the suitcase, he took it across the room and left it on the shelf so she'd have everything she needed tomorrow. Turning to take one last long look at her, he silently slipped out the door. The nurse was nowhere to be found, so he ran down the hall and made a swift exit from the hospital.

After driving home, he let himself into the empty house and made his way up to his room. He fell on his bed fully dressed, and unable to sleep, spent the rest of the short night lying on his side staring into space, twisting his ring around on his finger.