Sought After Serenity

The shiny Range Rover pulled up outside the large house, Summer had clenched her fists and was biting her bottom lip nervously.

"I really don't want to do this Cohen," she said, staring up at the front door.

"All you have to do is go up there and grab some clothes, just in and out as soon as possible. And I'll be right outside here, waiting, okay?" Seth took her hand and stroked it comfortingly. She smiled and nodded, kissing him quickly before climbing out of the car.

She hurried up to the door and quietly opened the door and softly closing it behind her. She couldn't hear any noise so she figured that Gloria must have gone out. Summer ran up the stairs to her room, her long dress over her arm. She hurriedly changed, touched up her make up and brushed her hair.

She turned to leave but froze as she saw the figure of her step-mom blocking the doorway.

"Going somewhere?" Gloria asked, her hand on her hip.

"What's it to you?" Summer shrugged, tossing her cell and some cash in her purse.

"Don't talk to me like that," Gloria said sternly.

"Why? I can talk to you how I feel like, you ruined my graduation!" Summer cried. Gloria glared and drank from the glass in her other hand.

"Guessing that's not water," Summer glowered.

"Listen to me Summer, I can drink what I like. This is my house!"

"No, its my Dad's house!" Summer yelled, "Now if you excuse me, I have to go meet my boyfriend." Summer picked up her bag and pushed past Gloria.

"Oh, really? I thought Summer Roberts didn't have boyfriends. I always seemed to recall that you either used guys or played with them like toys," Gloria laughed. Summer slowly turned around.

"I always knew you were a heartless bitch," Gloria smiled nastily.

"You have no right to talk to me like that!"

"Why, you gonna tell daddy?"

"Yeah, so he can throw your sleazy drunken ass out of my house. Now I'm leaving!" Summer glared at the woman and stormed out of the house angrily, slamming the door on her way out. Gloria simply smiled and drained her glass.

Summer angrily ran to the car and tossed her purse in the bag only saying one word to an expectant Seth.

"Drive."

"Okay, this is way too depressing. We are free from forced education. We need to celebrate!" Seth said. His three friends sat in the booth at the diner beside him and just shrugged, Summer staring out at the pier.

"What do you have in mind Seth?" Marissa asked.

"I don't know but I think our little motivational speaker can think of something…" Seth smiled, looking over at Summer who just continued to stare out the window.

"Summer?"

"Oh, sorry, I, I just drifted off…" Summer said quietly.

"Don't worry Sum, we'll figure everything out," Marissa smiled reassuringly. Summer nodded and flinched as her purse began to buzz. She whipped out her cell and swallowed hard as she glanced at the caller ID. It was her dad.

"One sec you guys," she said, flipping open the phone, "Hi Dad."

"Hey sweetheart, how are you?"

"Not great, but I guess you know why…" Summer said coldly.

"I feel terrible. But I'm not apologising over the phone, I need to see you. We should talk. Lunch at the club in an hour, I booked our table, okay?"

"Sure, see you then." Summer hung up, looking depressed.

"You okay Sum?" Marissa asked.

"Not really but could I borrow some clothes? I have to go to the club in an hour and I can't exactly go in cut off shorts. I just don't want to go home…"

"Sure, come on, we'll go now." Marissa got up and hugged Ryan, Summer kissing Seth lightly on the cheek and the girls departed the diner, the two guys watching them sadly.

Summer smoothed out the creases in her skirt as she entered the club. She wanted to be anywhere but here right now, anywhere. Facing her dad was going to be hard when she felt so little sympathy for him. Her heart pounded as she walked through the large mahogany doors into the spacious restaurant. She spotted her Dad sat at their usual corner table. He rose, seeing her approach, and pulled out her chair. Summer mumbled a thanks, avoiding his eager gaze.

"You look beautiful Sum," he said softly.

"Thanks," she muttered, staring at the menu.

"You don't know how bad I feel…" he began

"I don't care. I feel a million times worse. I was humiliated at the two most important events of my school life. And by people I thought would know better…" She exclaimed, her voice filled with despair and disgust.

"I know… If I could turn back time…"

"But you can't. I'm sick of your excuses, they're worn out on me," Summer replied nonchalantly.

"I have something for you," Neil said, breaking the thick silence surrounding the pair. He reached inside his jacket.

"Oh please," Summer scoffed, "You might have been able to buy my forgiveness when I was 13 but not anymore…"

"Here." Neil placed a long envelope in front of Summer. She looked at it warily and decided to open it, almost cautiously.

"Plane tickets?" she said, as four fell out into her hands.

"Four tickets, to Hawaii. For you and your friends, a weeks vacation, on me."

"You can't buy my forgiveness, I don't want them." Summer pushed them back to her Dad. He glanced at them sadly and moved closer to Summer, trying to take her hand but she pulled away.

"I'm not buying your forgiveness. I want you to go so Gloria and I can work out our issues. I don't want you here to see that." Summer looked at her Dad. He looked tired and his eyes were filled with sadness.

"Please honey."

"Okay," she agreed, "but I don't forgive you."

"You don't have to. Just go and have a good time." Summer nodded, taking the tickets and placing them in her purse carefully.

"Thank you sweetheart."

An hour later, Seth, Marissa and Ryan all received at text message.

'Meet me at the pier. Urgent. Thnx Sum x'

None knew the meaning of the message, all just focused on the word 'urgent' and hurried to the pier.

So all met there a short while after, neither knowing the emergency. Then Summer walked over, still dressed in her high heels and pencil skirt.

"Summer? What's going on?" Seth asked as she stopped and looked at her friends. She opened her bag and pulled out the tickets silently.

"Hawaii."

"Excuse me?"

"My dad, he's bought us tickets for a week in Hawaii. Leaving in two days."

"Why?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now… But, will you come? With me?" Summer looked at the three sadly, her hair swaying in the breeze.

"Of course we will."

The next day was a major rush. After clearing the trip with their parents, the four set about preparing for their impromptu vacation. Seth was ecstatic.

"A free vacation, to Hawaii. What more do you want?" he kept saying. Even Summer brightened up. The fact that she could say goodbye to Newport for a whole week was a godsend. Her next wish was just for Gloria to be gone when she returned. Then her life could resume some kind of normality.

Summer had cleared it to stay at Marissa's until they left, she really didn't want to go home. But she had arranged secretly with her dad for her to go home and pack whilst Gloria was at yoga-lattes. She took Marissa with her for support and they hurriedly tossed Summer's clothes and shoes into the numerous cases that she had. An hour and a half later, they'd finished and attempted to carry the four large cases down the long staircase. The mission was a doomed one and the girls ended up in a heap on the floor, giggling furiously.

"Okay, okay. I know what to do," Marissa said, composing herself and standing up, pulling Summer up with her. She whipped out her cell phone from her jeans pocket and dialled a number quickly.

"Take that!" Seth pushed the button on his controller and let out a cry of delight as Ryan groaned. They continued to furiously push the buttons, locked in a serious fight, their gazes fixed intently on the plasma screen in front of them. Then a shrill ring filled the pool-house and neither guy moved.

"Get the phone Ryan," Seth said through gritted teeth.

"You get it, I'm busy."

"I am too, its your pool-house."

"No, you get it." They continued to argue until Ryan had enough and balanced the controller in one hand and used the other to punch Seth's arm. He grimaced in pain and dropped his controller. Ryan cried in joy as 'Player 1 Wins' flashed up on the screen. Seth glared and walked over to the phone, rubbing his arm.

"Not cool man," he glared, picking up the phone, "Hello?"

"Hey Seth, its Marissa. What are you guys doing?"

"Uh, nothing much. Ryan's giving me a manicure and he's just getting ready to apply polish."

"Sure," Marissa laughed. Ryan reset the Playstation and Marissa heard the noise in the background.

"Wait, you're on the Playstation aren't you? Oh my god, you guys are supposed to be packing!" Marissa cried.

"Uh, yeah about that… we're taking a break…" Seth said.

"Seth! Wait until I catch you both, we are leaving tomorrow!"

"Yeah okay, here Ryan," Seth tossed the phone at Ryan and ran out of the pool-house. Ryan glared after him and held the phone to his ear.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"We need your help…"

"You're taking how many cases?" Ryan stared at the four large cases lying on Summer's bed and the two small holdalls.

"Ryan you couldn't possibly understand," Marissa laughed, patting him on the shoulder. Seth stood in the doorway, his mouth wide open.

"I can't believe you volunteered me for heavy lifting, Ryan I feel betrayed," Seth whined.

"Cohen, don't be a baby and help us. We are a team," Summer smiled, pulling Seth further into the room.

Minutes later, Ryan and Marissa took two cases, Summer took one and had to help Seth with his but after endless whining from Seth and lots of laughing, the four stood at the bottom of the stairs, proudly looking at the luggage.

"We make a good team," Summer smiled, stroking Seth's hand which was across her shoulders.

"You seem a lot happier Sum," Marissa said happily.

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm going on vacation with my three best friends for a whole week and I'm getting the hell away from this town. And when I come back, Gloria will be gone."

She sighed contentedly and smiled at her friends once more before they proceeded in moving the luggage into the car.

The next day, the four were buzzing with excitement. Their flight left at 12 noon so they got up pretty early to ensure that they had anything. Summer and Marissa dashed around the Cooper house, flinging nearly everything Marissa owned into the cases. Julie, Jimmy and Kaitlin simply stayed out of their way as neither wanted to cross paths with the stressed out girls.

Seth and Ryan were dragged out of bed that morning by Kirsten who was again brimming with emotion.

"My two boys going off on their first vacation alone," she smiled proudly as they ate a hurried breakfast in the kitchen. Sandy stood alongside his wife, also looking very proud but not hesitating in delivering instructions. Both boys had gotten a long winded lecture from Sandy of being careful and looking after themselves.

"Remember to call at least three times every day," Sandy said for the umpteenth time that morning. Seth and Ryan secretly rolled their eyes and loaded their cases into the waiting large car that Kirsten had gotten for them. The car was a very large Range Rover with a trailer on the back due to the amount of luggage that the girls were taking. Half of it was already at the Cohen's, brought by last night.

Moments later, another large black Range Rover rolled up the Cohen's driveway, Jimmy Cooper at the wheel. The split second the car stopped, Summer and Marissa leapt out of the back, jumping towards their boyfriends.

"Whoa, excited much?" Seth laughed as Summer hugged him eagerly. Jimmy got out, followed by Julie and proceeded to the trunk to unload the remaining cases. He glanced at Seth and Ryan expectantly but both shrugged.

"Did our time yesterday," Seth shrugged.

Kirsten hugged both boys at the same time, reminding them to call and telling them how much she'd miss them.

"We are going to college soon Mom," Seth reminded her. Sandy hugged them both next as Marissa said her goodbyes to her parents and soon enough, they were climbing in the car. As it pulled out of the driveway, the parents waved furiously, as if their kids were leaving for Summer Camp. But as it turned the corner, all four teens cheered, Summer the loudest.

"Ryan? Are you okay?" Marissa looked at her boyfriend worriedly. He'd turned a rather pale shade as they sat in the first class departure lounge.

"Uh, yeah, I, I'm fine…" he replied quietly.

"Wait a second, have you ever flown before Ryan?" Seth asked, leaning forward.

"Yeah, once, uh, no, never," he stammered, avoiding his friends' gazes.

"Oh my god! Really?" Marissa asked. He nodded, looking embarrassed and she rubbed his hand comfortingly.

"Well, Ryan Atwood who dislikes heights on his first flight. This is going to be good…" Seth smiled. Summer punched his arm.

"Cohen! Don't listen to him Atwood, he's mentally challenged."

"That doesn't make me feel any better…" Ryan muttered as Marissa rested her head on his shoulder.

"Aloha Airlines flight ALA 387 to Kona, Hawaii. Could all First Class passengers make their way to gate 12. Thank you.' Ryan paled even further and Seth continued to grin as he got up and stretched.

"Don't worry buddy, its only six hours at 5000 miles in the air," he said in a mock comforting voice. Marissa punched Seth's arm, hard, and he winced in pain.

"You've been with him for far too long."

Three hours into the flight and Ryan was looking worse for wear. Upon boarding the plane, Marissa had not left his side and was looking after him like a baby. She'd even bought him a large variety of snacks and drinks, ignoring his protests when she got out her purse. Seth and Summer were sat behind them and had caused a very large fuss as they argued over the window seat. Marisa and Ryan sunk down in their seats in embarrassment as the hostess came to sort out the argument.

"Summer, it says it on my ticket. Its MY seat!" Seth cried.

"Cohen, don't make me!" Summer yelled, looking like she was going to swing at him any moment.

"LOOK!" The air hostess cried, "Sir, you sit there for now and when we are half way there, I will tell you so you can switch. Now is that okay, ma'am?"

Summer nodded silently and scowled at a very cocky Seth who sat down and pretended to kiss the window.

"As soon as we get there, you're sleeping on the balcony. Then your precious hostess wont be there to save you," she glared.

"Tell it to the window sugar."

It wasn't long before the couple had forgotten their fight and were happily enjoying each other's company, playing stupid games and mocking their fellow passengers quietly with the occasional eruption of laughter. Ryan sat there in his seat, white as a sheet and Marissa was getting jealous of all the fun the Seth and Summer sounded like they were having so she decided to use a previous plan.

"How are you feeling?" she asked Ryan.

"Terrible."

"Well, maybe you need something to take your mind off of it," she shrugged, smiling mischievously.

"5000 feet in the air what could possible work?"

"I have the perfect idea, meet me in the bathroom in five minutes…" she smiled and got out of her seat.

Ryan eased up and smiled to himself, before getting up a couple of minutes later.

"Just going to the bathroom," he told Seth as he passed him.

"Dude, use the sick bag to throw up in!"

Fifteen minutes later and a rather happier looking Ryan returned from the bathroom, followed by an equally happy Marissa.

"You look better man," Seth said as they sat down.

"Yeah, well Marissa helped," he smiled. Summer and Seth looked at each other, confused as to what Marissa could have done then it dawned on them.

"EW!" Seth and Summer cried in unison.

"Seth, you have been with Summer for far too long," Marissa laughed and turned around, leaving the couple staring at each other.

"Ladies and Gentlemen we are beginning our descent into Kona. If you could return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Thank you."

"Yey! Oh my god Cohen we're here! Six whole hours away from Newport!" Summer cried happily. Seth watched her bounce in her seat, glad to see her smile again. As the plane began to dip, Marissa saw Ryan start to look a little ill so she took his hand and squeezed it soothingly. Only ten minutes later and they'd touched down at Kona Airport.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Kona, Hawaii. Local time is 4pm due to the two hour time difference with California. Please adjust your watches accordingly. The temperature is around 29°C/ 85°F. On behalf of all cabin crew and myself, I'd like to thank you for using Aloha Airlines and we hope you have a fantastic vacation. Thank you and good afternoon," the captains voice rang through the cabin and the four gathered their bags, ready to get off the plane.

As they stepped out into the bright sunshine, Summer and Marissa looked at each other, with huge smiles on their faces.

"Aloha!"

Seth stepped out onto the balcony of the amazing room that they'd gotten. Dr Roberts had purchased two suites at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, just a twenty minute drive from the airport. The hotel was unlike Seth had ever seen before. Yeah, he'd been on some pretty amazing vacations but this hotel was beautiful.

Summer and Marissa were less fazed, the two had been to this hotel many times as it was a favourite among their parents. Ryan nearly passed out when Marissa confirmed that this was where they were staying. Seth figured that Ryan would still be in a state of shock, Marissa had taken him on a tour of the hotel, leaving Seth and Summer alone in their room to unpack.

"You know, some help would be nice!" Seth heard Summer's voice drift out of the room and he poked his head around the door.

"Anything heavy?"

"I'm sure you can pick up shoes Cohen."

"Okay, well we wouldn't have this problem if you hadn't brought your whole wardrobe," Seth moaned as he transferred shoes into the bottom of the closet.

"Cohen! You're making the heels touch the flats!" Summer cried. Seth dropped the shoes he was holding and stood back, shrugging. Summer sighed and smiled at her boyfriend.

"Lets leave the unpacking," she said, staring into his chocolate eyes.

"Oh thank god. Come out onto the balcony." Seth took her hand and led her outside.

The air was still warm and washed over them like lukewarm water. They leant against the wall, staring at the horizon and the sound of rippling water drifted up. The serenity of the place was immensely soothing and the environment made them feel incredibly relaxed. Summer pulled Seth's arm around her shoulders and they stood, basked in the orange glow from the early evening sun and not speaking, wanting to preserve the relaxing silence that hung in the warm Hawaiian air.

A/N Thanks for the great reviews guys, they wereawesome.I know the whole Hawaii thing is super cheesy but give it a chance. We all need a bit of cheese sometimes lol So leave me a comment and keep reading. Thanks xox