Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with The O.C. I do own a few individual characters as well as the plot, but there's really no point in suing me because I don't own anything of value.

Chapter Six

Marissa's car pulled up in front of a modest two-story house. Summer exited the car, still laughing at a story Marissa had just told her. They had arrived at the Atwood household. Summer smiled.

A modest house, it looked exactly as she had imagined the house Ryan lived in would be. It was overlooking the ocean, similar to most houses in Newport, and there were a few children's toys sitting next to the front door.

Before they had even reached the front door, Natalie swung the door open with a wide grin on her face. After greeting her, Summer spotted Ryan standing in the kitchen. She made a beeline for him, wrapping her arms around him in a big hug.

He looked very similar. His hair was still cut reasonably short though he now had a neatly trimmed goatee. He was wearing suit pants with a dress shirt and, Summer was surprised to see, his favourite black cuff.

"It's so good to see you," he said, grinning widely at her.

Before Summer could reply, the front door opened and in stepped Seth. Still dressed in his work clothes, he smiled at Marissa and Natalie before his eyes found Summer's. She swallowed hard. She had forgotten how the mere sight of Seth Cohen could take her breath away and was surprised it still did so.

"Lets all move outside, shall we?"

Natalie broke the ice with her cheerful voice, leading the group out onto the patio. Ryan and Seth immediately headed toward the barbeque to begin preparing dinner, while the three women sat down to chat.

Much to Summer's surprise, the evening went very smoothly. Summer filled the group in on her life of the past ten years, being sure to leave out Noah. While she and Seth didn't actually speak directly to each other, they were both in good sprits.

After dessert, Summer excused herself to the bathroom. Touching up her makeup, she washed her hands and exited the room, almost running into Seth.

"Oh, hey."

"Hey."

The two stood in silence, both looking at their feet.

"Listen," he said, clearing his throat. "Do you want to go for a walk on the beach?"

Summer swallowed and nodded, too afraid to open her mouth.

After telling the other three where they were going, Summer followed Seth through the Atwood's yard, through the back gate and onto the beach. They walked in silence for a little while, neither knowing exactly what to say.

"So, you're a designer."

"I'm not a designer per say, I just sort of help out you know. But it's great, I love it. And who know, maybe I'll make it big someday."

Seth smiled and nodded. Again, they were enveloped with silence.

"Are you seeing anyone?"

His question took her by surprise and she stopped. As his head was down, he continued walking a few steps before he realised she was no longer beside him. He stopped and looked back at her.

Summer's eyes welled with tears as she saw her son's features etched in Seth's face. She knew now was the time.

"Seth, I didn't just come here as a social call."

"What do you mean?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Sit down," she said, taking a seat on the sand. "I have to tell you something."

Seth took a seat next to her. As he did, his shoulder brushed hers and Summer had to hold in a gasp from the sheer electricity that passed through them.

"What's up?"

"I left Newport because of you, but I had every intention of coming back."

"Okay," Seth said slowly, still sounding confused. "Then why didn't you?"

"About halfway through the summer, I found out something. Something big, and then, I decided I couldn't bear to come back."

"What did you find out?"

"I found out I was pregnant. Seth, you have a ten year old son."