Lies - Chapter 44

"Summer, I can't let you do this. It's a terrible idea at this point! I doubt if they can come up with enough to actually bring charges against Seth, anyway. Just tell them what happened -"

She angrily shoved the morning newspaper across the table at him, interrupting him. "They've already done enough damage with this! I will NOT let this go any further!"

Sandy glanced at the front page again, shaking his head. "I know it looks bad, but we already knew this would happen. I explained it last night to you both. Look, kid, think of the consequences if you do this. Your -"

Summer grabbed his hand across the table, her voice softening. "I know you have my best interests in mind, Sandy, and I appreciate it so much, but you're not going to talk me out of this. You're just not. Let me explain something to you. You and Kirsten have NO idea what it's been like for Seth at school, or anywhere else he goes, for that matter. He's been outcast, to put it WAY mildly, because he's a decent human being with offbeat interests instead of a snobby, spoiled Orange County typecast. Life got a little better for him when Ryan came, but the bullshit continues wherever he goes. After this?" She pointed to the newspaper. "You're going to have to home-school him, because the irresponsible, lying media just gave the water-polo, football, baseball, and soccer teams at Harbor a good excuse to try to kill him."

"C'mon, Summer. It can't be that bad at school. He's got friends. The Comic Book –"

"Oh, please. The members of the Club will have to vote him out in order to keep themselves alive after this." She shook her head. "I won't let the psycho that happens to be my father drag him down any further. Seth's done nothing to deserve any of this – the only thing he's done is care about me, and look what that's gotten him." Her tone was bitter. "A life of infamy in the scandal rags."

"I'm sure he doesn't see it like that. And where is he, anyway?"

"I don't know. He was gone when I got up." In spite of her outrage at the truth-impaired article in the newspaper, she smiled at the memory. She'd opened her eyes this morning to two long-stemmed red roses lying next to her on the pillow, and the CD they'd danced and made love to last night playing softly. She'd found his clothes on the floor in his room, his bed still made from the day before, but Seth was nowhere to be found. She'd headed to the bathroom for a shower, discovering a huge "Seth loves Summer" written inside a heart with soap on the mirror. While admittedly childish, it had delighted her, sending her into a rare fit of giggles. She'd still been smiling when she came downstairs later and seen the front page of the paper, instantly deflating her happy mood.

Her cell phone rang, bringing her out of her reverie. Seth's picture popped up on the phone, so she answered it quickly. "Hey."

"Bonnie? It's Clyde."

"Cohen, where are you? Where've you been?"

"Hmmm. Judging from your tone of voice, I'm either in big trouble or you are seriously missing my charismatic, charming self. Maybe you could give me just a little hint about which way you're leaning."

"Did you see the paper?" Summer was becoming impatient.

"See, Summer, that doesn't help me very much. But, since I haven't been accused of any nefarious misbehavior, I'm going to venture a guess that waking up without your lover by your side has put you in a less than stellar mood. Which translates to you missing me, in which case I might tell you where I am."

In spite of her worry, she smiled and turned away from Sandy, lowering her voice. "There's a slight possibility that someone here in the house may have randomly wondered where you were this morning."

Sandy rolled his eyes and got up from the table, heading to his office.

Seth was determined to hear her say the words. "Aha! And could this person wondering randomly have been the same person that was, upon waking, further assured of my devotion even in my absence?"

Her smile grew bigger. "The roses were beautiful and the mirror was so very cute, Seth."

"… and she caves in already. You obviously missed me ALOT. Admit it, and I'll tell you where I am."

"You win. This time." She added quickly, sighing. "I missed you, and I was worried about you after I saw the paper. Now tell me where you are, damn it."

"I'm down on the beach behind the house, and I think you should join me."

"At the beach? What are you doing there? Never mind - it sounds wonderful. Are we swimming? Soaking up some rays? What should I wear?"

"Summer, it goes without saying that I enjoy seeing you in as little as public decency allows, but clothing options are completely up to you. I'm not coordinating a social event, I just want to hang out with you for a while."

"Coincidentally enough? I have the perfect outfit for that. I'll be down in a few minutes."

Summer dropped down onto the blanket next to him. "Hey."

Seth looked her over appraisingly. "As usual, you look – wow." She had on a bikini, but, self-conscious about all the scrapes and bruises on her body, she'd worn a long, semi-sheer caftan over it, simple and floaty. His hand went to her cheek, gently touching it. "Your face is healing really well."

She threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Surprised, he set down his soda and hugged her back.

"Hey, what's up? Not that I don't like the attention, but …"

"I was scared! I didn't know where you were, and I knew everyone would figure out who we were in the paper and I was afraid something bad happened to you!"

"Whoa! Chill, Summer, I'm fine! I just had to go out and I didn't want to wake you up is all. I didn't mean to scare you. I'll leave a note next time, ok?" Seth pulled out of their hug to look at her, bewildered at her worry. And secretly pleased.

"Look, Cohen, our life is all weird and totally abnormal, just like ME these days. Could you try to be more psychic about how I'll react to stuff? I DON'T think it's too much to ask! Geez!" She smiled, realizing she'd over-reacted.

He squelched a laugh, and answered her mock seriously, slapping his forehead. "You're right. Forgive my thoughtlessness. I should have known you'd lose your tenuous grasp on sanity after a morning without me!"

She gave him a kiss. "You're forgiven. But don't let it happen again." She looked over his shoulder at the cooler next to him. "Whatcha got in there?"

"Why, cold refreshing beverages for us, and of course - snacks." He opened the lid to show her.

"Of course! Grapes, Little Debbie cakes, and Doritos - the lunch of champions!" Her sarcasm was obvious.

"Listen, Miss Hater, there are sandwiches UNDER the snacks."

"Why, again, are the Doritos in the cooler, Cohen?"

"Because they're Cool Ranch." He gave her a scathing, you're-so-stupid look.

Pursing her lips, she nodded thoughtfully. "Yep. That explains it." She rolled her eyes and reached across him for a soda. "Seriously, Seth, this is nice."

"Yeah. It is. It's good to have a change of scenery. I didn't realize how much I missed the ocean until I went sailing. It's so peaceful and, and calming. Just sitting here looking at it, even." He dropped onto his side, head propped up by his hand. "Remember when we were dating the first time?"

"You mean when we went fun places together and laughed all the time and there weren't any hospitals or childhood incest or perverted dads trying to pin their heinous crimes on you? Hmm. Vaguely. Why do you ask?"

Seth blinked. "Yeah… well. About that, first. Has dad said when today's round of festivities begins?"

"Yes. There's a preliminary hearing at 3:00, which I will be attending, in case the judge would like to hear why my attacker should learn to enjoy his ratty gray blanket and lumpy, uncomfortable cot for the rest of his stupid, miserable life." She ignored Seth's look of dismay. "He shouldn't even be given a hearing, as far as I'm concerned. It should work something like, you know, three separate charges and you're out regarding bail. It works great for baseball, why not court?"

"Are you sure you want to - ?"

"Stop right there. I'm going."

"Okay, I – I respect your decision, and it's yours to make obviously, but you couldn't even – "

"You're right. I couldn't face him the other day, but I'm past that now. Oh, trust me. Waaaay past it. I'm going." She cocked her head slightly, smiling a little. "That's kind of funny. Your dad spilled his coffee when we had this conversation earlier."

"Huh?"

She pointed beside him on the blanket, where he'd spilled his can of soda while sitting up in alarm.

"Crap. Now you see where I got my graceful gene. And just for the record, I think if he was getting out on bond it would have happened before this. Do you have to talk to the police again, too?"

"I already did."

"What! When? Why didn't you tell me? Why wasn't I there?"

"Um, you were gone. It wasn't a big deal. I told the cops, the attorneys, and the DA what happened from the minute that man came into the guest suite to the time I woke up in the hospital."

"Summer! It wasn't a big deal? Talking about all that again?"

"Well, your dad was there. They tried to twist my words all around to fit the asshat's lies, but your dad helped and I managed not to budge on the story or even have a rage blackout."

"Fun times."

"Not really. It pretty much sucked."

He made a face and she nodded in agreement.

"So. Back to dating." After checking his watch, he got to his feet, extending a hand down to her. "For the next four hours, we're not going to talk about any of this garbage. I would like for us to be on a date, like the old days. I mean, just being good company for each other while making a serious attempt to forget all this other suck-assed shit."

Summer raised an eyebrow. "You're asking me on a date."

"Correct. A date at the beach - just you and me and a cooler full of snacks."

She smiled up at him, taking his hand. "That's all I need in the world. I'd love to go on a date with you."

He helped her up and they began walking down the sand toward the water, still holding hands. "Awesome. We can talk about, um, music. Actually, I don't really know if you're just a Top 40 girl or into other things, too. This is important information, and I can't believe I don't already know."

"True. O-o-or – we could talk about comic books. I know you're like, an addict, but I don't know which ones are your faves. Or why you like them so much." She looked honestly confused.

Seth broke into a grin. "YOU want to talk about COMICS? Now I'm one hundred percent positive that you love me." He lifted their joined hands and kissed hers.

"Well, I won't commit to becoming a fangirl, but I'm interested." They stopped at the water's edge and let the waves rolling in cool their feet.

He looked at her intently. "Speaking of you loving me, incidentally? Last night was - well, I know how hard it must have been for you, and the fact that you – that you uh, trusted me with something so – personal, and difficult? I just want you to know – see, I realize I can be dense about relationship stuff and how you feel and sometimes things you say go right over my head, but Summer, in this case I know exactly what a - a huge thing you gave me and what it really meant." He looked away, lowering his voice. "I just thought you should know that. Just in case."

Summer wasn't sure what to say. Overwhelmed, she blinked back tears and smiled softly. "I never doubted you, Seth. But it means so much that you made sure to tell me. Thank you."

He nodded and finally looked back to her, hooking an arm around her neck. They resumed walking slowly along the shoreline. "You know, I really like my ring. I've never been one for jewelry, but this just kind of … feels right."

"Well, good. I'm glad you don't hate wearing it." Summer held up her left hand, admiring her own ring. "I love mine."

Seth studied it thoughtfully for a minute. "I think it would look better on your right hand."

"Why!" She was instantly confused and more than a little hurt, quickly shrugging out from under his arm. "You said I could wear it wherever I wanted!"

"I know I did, but it just doesn't feel right to me there. It doesn't seem appropriate that you're wearing a friendship ring with an upgrade on that hand. I really think it would be better on your right one."

Bewildered, she took it off and moved it to the other hand. "Ok … I guess … if it bothers you." She stared at him with a furrowed brow. "Does that mean you're having second thoughts about us – about our upgrade? I thought - "

He kissed her, further confusing her. "It means …" He fished in his pocket, finally dredging up something that sparkled brilliantly in the sun. He held it out for her to see as she gasped.

"CohenOhmyGod! You got me another ring!"

He nodded. "I feel very strongly that you deserve better than one piece of upgraded jewelry. This?… Is your pre-engagement ring. That – " He pointed to the other diamond. " - is your friendship ring. Besides, you don't have one on the right hand and, and I thought it might be jealous of your left hand. So this way they both get one. It's only fair."

She continued staring at the new ring in his hand, then looked up at him, still dumbstruck. "You got me another ring?"

He nodded again, wondering if he was going to have to explain it all over to her.

She began jumping up and down in excitement, splashing water all over them both. "You got me another ring! You got me another ring! Cohen! It's so pretty!" This one was 'vintage' style, with a flowered pattern cut into the wide shank all the way around, a large center radiant cut diamond, with small sapphires and beading framing it. Summer was blown away. "But you have to stop –"

He quickly put his hand over her mouth. "Don't say it. I'll spend as much as I want to on you, and while it's none of your business, I got a very good deal from the lady I bought the other one from. She seems to understand that I'm going to be an excellent client. So. Do you like it?"

"Are you crazy! It's beautiful and so - different, like perfect and elegant – it's – it's stunning and gorgeous and ohmyGod, Cohen, I can't. BELIEVE. You got me another RING!" She couldn't take her eyes off it. "What's it say inside? Did you have it engraved, Seth? What does it say?"

"'Disaster-proof'. Not terribly romantic, I know, but it seemed rather appropriate." He slid the ring on her finger and kissed her, fully knowing that she was kissing him with her eyes open, left hand held up behind his back.

She broke the kiss and hugged him tightly. "Wow, Cohen, you sure know how to show a girl a good time on a date."

Seth started laughing. "I just wish I'd had a camera. You were jumpin' up and down and squealing like you'd been tasered! It was freakin' hilarious! I never would have guessed you were the jumping up and down and squealing type."

"Shut up. I was excited. I AM excited. Seriously, baby, thank you! I was completely fine with just the other one, but this? Makes me feel really special. And by the way? It's scary how well you pick out jewelry for me."

He shrugged. "It just looked like a "Summer" ring. The saleslady brought me like, three to look at that were pretty nice, but when I saw this, I was done shopping. And by the way? You are special."

"No, YOU are."

"Nuh uh, YOU are."

"No, really, YOU are. Cohen, right now I feel like going back to the blanket and giving you a nice long back rub. Then we could have a sandwich, and after that you could lie with your head in my lap while I feed you grapes and Doritos. And then we could sneak back into the house, slip quietly into my room and give that sex thing another whirl."

Seth stared at her. "I, uh … I am really quite special, aren't I?"

"Hah. I win." She grinned in victory.

"It doesn't have to be quietly."

"Excuse me?"

"You said slip quietly into your room. By now no one's home. Nothing has to be done – quietly."

"Do you remember anything else I just said we could do, Cohen?"

His brow wrinkled in concentration. " …………………………… ………………………………………………………………Doritos?"

She rolled her eyes. "You wanna just skip the backrub and lunch and go to my room?"

"Yes." He nodded for emphasis.

Summer grabbed his hand and led him up the beach toward the blanket and cooler, suddenly unsure of his expectations. "Seth? I do feel more relaxed about this since last night, you know? But I can't promise it will – "

Immediately knowing what she was about to say, he interrupted her. "Look, you don't need to warn me. I know it's probably going to be a long road for you, for us, still. But listen, Summer, I hereby vow to do everything in my power to make sex better for you. I'll make it a priority to help you find your way back to where you enjoy it as much as you once did. See, for me? Every time I've had sex – No. Forget that. I definitely mean - every time I've made love with you has been the new highlight of my life, and if you ever feel like you have to stop, or need to freak out, or just can't do it at the last second? I assure you again – I will understand. And it will still be the newest highlight of my life. Not – not because it's sex, I don't mean it like that, but because - Because it's you, Summer. Wanting to be with me."

She stared at him, openmouthed. "God, Seth. You are the sweetest – " She grabbed his face and kissed him soundly. "What did I do to deserve you?"

"I ask myself that same question pretty much every day – about you, I mean. Obviously."

They both smiled, sharing a long look, then packed up the picnic and started for the house.

"Summer? Just out of curiosity, how come we can't go to my room?"

"Because, Cohen, my bed is king sized. Yours isn't."

"That's true. But, um, why does that matter? It's not like we're gonna be taking up a lot of space, if you know what I mean and I think you do. It's like, uh, two people taking up one person's space. Basically."

"Uh huh." Summer laughed. "Oh yeah, I see right through you, Invisible Man. Don't think I've forgotten how you made a huge point to show me your bed that first time I went to your room and met Captain Oats. This isn't about 'space' – it's about fantasy fulfillment, isn't it?"

"Oh, Pshhtt." He threw a hand in the air, dismissing the thought. "Of course not! I'm simply making a statement about … about … yeah. Something other than - that." He glanced away from her, embarrassed.

"Sure you are." She put a hand on his chest, stopping him and got on her tiptoes to kiss him, then whispered in his ear. "Today, Cohen? I want you to make me a list of a-a-all the places you've ever dreamed about. Right after we take care of number one on that list – spending some quality time in your room. In your bed." After kissing his cheek, she walked away humming, leaving him standing there with a startled look on his face.

She looked back several seconds later to check on his progress. There was none. "Coming, sweetie?"

Seth opened his mouth, and after realizing that nothing was forthcoming, promptly closed it again, nodding vigorously. He stumbled, almost losing his footing completely in his haste to catch up with her.

Seth looked around his room contemplatively, hands behind his head. "It looks different – more mature, now that it's a sexually experienced bedroom. It has a manly feel to it."

Summer nodded. "There's sensual subtext everywhere, right down to the folds in the curtains and the knobs on your dresser drawers."

He looked from the windows to the dresser quickly, then back at her anxiously. "Do you think my mom will be able to tell?"

Summer laughed, shaking her head. "I think you're safe, Cohen. Your mom doesn't WANT to know, so she'll never pick up on the new vibe."

He relaxed back into the pillow. "You're very smart about people. I like that about you. Among many other things. Not the least of which is that you look totally smokin' lying there like that. Now I understand why artists try so hard to portray beauty and love in their paintings and songs, yet they very rarely capture it in a way that's equal to what the heart sees." His eyes swept over her as she lay on her side next to him, long dark hair tousled and cheeks still flushed from exertion, gently stroking his chest and stomach. "It would be impossible to duplicate what my heart is seeing, but if I were an artistic person - you, Summer, would inspire me to try."

"You are so adorable!" She shook her head. "But Cohen, the guy is supposed to use smooth lines like that to GET the girl into bed, not AFTER the sex."

"I know." He shrugged. "But this way you know for sure it's not just a line."

"My face is completely messed up and I'm covered with bruises. I'm hardly beautiful, although I appreciate the attempt to compliment me." She looked away from him, suddenly ashamed of her appearance again.

Seth rolled onto his side and softly kissed her forehead, then each of her bruised cheeks, her healing split lips, and then her black-and-blue jaw. "I don't see anything messed up. As far as I'm concerned, you're perfect."

She hugged him tightly as his cell phone rang, muffled from somewhere on the floor.

They both sat up to look, with Seth finally realizing it was still in the pocket of his jeans. He reached down and snagged his pants, finally maneuvering the phone out and up to his ear. "Hey Dad …… We're, um, close by …… She met me at the beach …… I didn't know you wanted to talk to me, or I would have come home. What's up? …… I'm what! Why? …… All right, if that's what it takes …… We'll be there soon." He hung up the phone with a sigh, speaking patiently. " Summer? Did you know I'd be taking the stand today?"

"Uh huh. I did."

"And you didn't think maybe it would be good to tell me about that?"

"YOU said we weren't talking about that stuff for the next four hours. Four hours isn't up yet." She pouted. "I'm still on my date. Besides, all you have to do is tell the truth and not let the bad attorney trick you into saying something stupid."

"I really like how you put things into perspective." He stood up, staring at his jeans.

"Are you mad at me now?"

He bent to kiss her. "I couldn't be if I tried. Anyway, Dad wants to go over this testimony stuff pronto, so I think, in order to save time of course, and hot water, we should take a quick shower together."

"Yay! That's still date stuff! I didn't want it to be over yet." She smiled happily at him. "You give good date, Cohen."

"I'm very glad you're having a nice time, Summer. Because so am I."

"Good. Go ahead and start the water, I just have to check and make sure I have something to wear that color coordinates with my new ring." She stood up on the bed and hugged him. "I love you. Hey. I'm taller than you like this. It's really – weird."

He looked up at her. "I think I like you in your compact, low to the ground version better. Now that I would, uh, kick you out of bed or anything this way."

"Aren't we supposed to be hurrying? Your hands seem to be a little out of control again."

Seth stepped away from her grudgingly. "I cannot be held responsible for my actions when you are standing naked on a bed in front of me and I'm eye to eye with – those - wonderful things." He walked away, slapping her on the butt. "Hurry up. I'll scrub the back of anyone who joins me in the shower in the next 3 minutes."

Summer leveled a glare at him.

"As long as it's you, my little love muffin."

"That's better. Don't make the water too hot, either– my hair will frizz."

"Yes, ma'am. One tepid shower, coming right up."

Summer smoothed her skirt for the 10th time. "Are you sure this looks ok?"

"It's fine." Seth and Sandy spoke in unison. Ryan chimed in, a little late. "Fine."

Anna gave her a quick hug. "You're gonna be brilliant. Don't worry."

"Thanks." She made a face. "This seemed like, really different in my head. Now that I'm here, I'm kinda nervous."

Kirsten squeezed her hand. "We're all here for you, Summer."

Summer looked around at them, standing by the first row of seats in the courtroom. "I know. Thank you all so much." She squeezed Seth's hand a little tighter and looked up at him. "Are you sure you're ok with everything, Cohen?"

"I'm good. Just tell the truth, right? No big deal."

"Yeah. No big deal," she echoed sadly. The courtroom buzzed with conversation and was filled to capacity with a multitude of her father's business associates, journalists, and most of Orange County's elite. She idly figured there were at least 20 million dollars worth of designer suits and dresses in the room, and suddenly felt like passing out. Sandy had reminded her that probably no one knew her identity as the victim in this case against her father, but she still felt as though everyone in the room were staring at her with contempt, waiting for her to break down and confess that she'd made it all up. No one accused fine O.C. businessmen of these types of sordid things and got away with it. What was she thinking?

"Hey!"

Focusing, she looked at Seth. "What?"

"It's time. You're going to be ok, Summer. Trust me."

She looked over to find Sandy standing up at the prosecution's table, eyeing her worriedly.

"I'm right here behind you. You'll be fine." Seth kissed her quickly and gave her a hug while whispering in her ear. "Stay mad. Don't let him get to you."

She nodded and turned to join Sandy, stopping with a jolt as her eyes met her father's across the aisle. If looks could kill, she and Seth might as well be on a cold slab in the morgue instead of the courthouse; so pure was the rage on his face. His attorney spoke, and just as quickly he morphed back into a normal, everyday businessman, an upstanding pillar of society talking quietly with the man next to him. Summer shivered despite herself and forced her feet to move, hastily joining Sandy.