Right after he dosed off, Seth thought he saw his phone light up on the nightstand next to his bed. Not thinking anything of it and because it didn't actually ring, he rolled over and tried to go to sleep again. Toss after turn, and many stares at the ceiling later, he finally went back to sleep, all while dreaming…

As he held the tiny brunette close to his chest, Seth drew his hands to the small of her back and held on. Summer's arms were under his as she laid her head on his chest, taking in a wonderful new aroma that she was bound to be addicted to, Seth. As Wonderwall slowly filled the room with dark blue walls, Seth swayed both of them back and forth and couldn't think of when he had been this content. Summer too, was in a state of welcomed ease she had not experienced before. It had taken a lot of courage for her to display the truth about her previous experiences, or lack there of. It's not like she really planned for Cohen to come over and for him to suddenly vocalize that he wanted to be with her. She hadn't planned on sleeping with him. And she certainly didn't plan on dancing in the middle of his floor either. But she accepted the spontaneity. She didn't hold back, which surprised even herself. Actually, she hadn't been doing a whole lot of holding back at anything in the last few months, well, at least not when it came to Seth anyways. She couldn't even explain it to even herself, not yet. Maybe she didn't need rationalization, at least not at this moment.

She continued to cling onto him, while she felt his flow of air sweep across her scalp. She pulled back when she noticed he was smelling her hair.

"Cohen, are you smelling my hair," she asked smiling.

Seth looked a little embarrassed. "Maybe."

She giggled a little until he started giggling too, "What?" he asked.

She continued to smile as she went back to hug him. "You can smell all you like Cohen," she said into his chest.

"Hmm," he mumbled and she felt his nose go right back to its spot on the top of her gel-stricken hair. Summer felt her heart melt for what was probably the forth or fifth time since she had been with Seth. It took her a while to realize that he wasn't just another guy looking to get in her pants. He really had watched her and loved her for so many years, without Summer really taking notice. And when she hadn't loved herself, Seth did that for her, even without her knowing. It was as though he gave her little clues everyday and Summer slowly put the puzzle together to see this might be something, something rather than the nothings she felt like she had wasted her time with all of those years.

She pulled away again after she figured he had shared his inhalation quota for the night. Both looking and feeling happily stable in the other's arms, they looked at one another before Sumer opened her mouth.

"Cohen," she began. "I know you said we should take things slow, but I was wondering if you wanted to come over." She didn't want the night to end.

"Sum—,"

"We don't have to do anything, and you don't even have to stay over, but—,"before she could finish explaining herself, Seth put a finger to her lips.

"Shh," he said calming her down. "Of course I'll come over."

Summer sighed out her worry. "Good," she said as she completely pulled away from Seth and grabbed her purse off her bed.

"You know, we could just stay here. Besides, we've spent A LOT of time in your bedroom already," he said sort of laughing.

Summer's worry came back and Seth could notice it on her face. "I know, but—," she tried explaining, "It's just, your parents are home, and they're probably doing stuff, and I'm sure they don't want me to stay over," she verbalized to Seth as he looked at her curiously.

She didn't really want to tell him why she didn't want to stay over. Yeah, she was sure that the Cohen's wouldn't really want it, but she wasn't sure if she was comfortable with it. They had spent all of their alone time at her house. Her insecurity was rising to something Seth had never seen before.

"Summer. My parents don't have to know, and besides it really doesn't matter."

"I know, but," she started again. There was something about her home that she was attached to. Of course, it was just a house, but it was her safe place. She didn't really have another place to feel that way, or someone to make her feel that way. Since her mom left, she had always been somewhat distant, but it never really showed until times like these.

Seth saw the concern on her face and figured not to push it any more. "Okay, let me get my stuff," he said with a small smile trying to make her feel better.

Summer didn't know everything about Seth. And Seth certainly didn't know everything about Summer, no matter how much he liked to think he did. Realizations about each other's past were more pieces of the puzzle that would slowly be filled in, or Seth hoped it did. He knew it wasn't an overnight process and he wished that they both stuck around long enough to figure things out.

When they got to Summer's, neither of them could decide on what to do, so Seth suggested they go in the hot tube. It was a cold night and he thought it might feel good. He wasn't sure that his pact to stay away from the bedroom would help any by sitting next to Summer in a swim suit. But hey, all he could do is try. But before they even made it outside to the backyard, Seth picked her up and scampered towards the pool.

"Cohen! Put me down. I swear to God, if you get me wet—". Summer was slung over Seth's shoulder as he held her thrashing feet down with one hand. Before she could threaten Seth any further, they both went flying into the pool. They felt the cool air hit their wet heads as they came up.

Summer screamed the instant her head shot up and hit the cold air. She continued to shriek as Seth began to tickle her sides. He tried so hard to make her laugh because he loved hearing it so much. She fought back my poking at his sides, making him gasp for air. Figuring out that he was very ticklish also, she kept going. If they kept this up, they would both end up drowning from the lack of oxygen.

"Coooohen," she whined.

Seth finally stopped touching her and swam to the wall, Summer trailing behind him. Catching his breath, he hoped in the hot-tube and then took Summer's hand to help her in. Taking one side, across from her, Seth laid his head back against the cement and sighed. He was right, the hot water felt so good. He shut his eyes before looking across at Summer, who mirrored his actions. There was no need for talking at this moment; the comfortable silence was felt by both of them. And a silenced Seth was always a rarity.

He looked again at Summer, whose distinguishably dark hair ran over the side of the pool. Her soft eyelashes lay on her cheeks, while her pink lips curled up a little. Seth wanted to touch her so much, but he didn't want to disturb her obvious blissful state. He would have to settle for staring, which he realized was all right.

She opened her eyes after a while and saw him looking intently at her. She smiled at him and scooted over to his side.

"Hi," she said.

"Hi."

"I'm turning into a prune," she said holding up her fingers for him to look at.

"Hmm. Me too." He brought his hand to hers and weaved his fingers in with hers and then kissed the inside of her hand.

"Well then we can be prunes together."

"Sick. Have you ever tasted those things? They're gross."

She laughed, "I don't want to eat them Cohen. Mm, but you know what I do want to eat? Ice cream."

"Good idea. Do you have any?"

"Yep."

"Let's go," he said taking her hand and leading her out into the crisp air. He grabbed a towel for her and wrapped it around her tiny frame, rubbing her arms up and down. She smiled at his protective impulse. After throwing on some clothes over her suit, she went back to the kitchen.

"Okay, there's vanilla or chocolate."

He gave a disgusted look, "That's it?"

She glared at him. "What would you like me to do, go buy a cow and milk it?"

"No, it's just vanilla and chocolate? How boring can you get?"

"Excuse me Mr. Ice Cream Expert, but I happen to like vanilla.

"Well, who would have thought."

"Pshh, obviously not you," she said smartly.

Getting out two dishes, Summer began to scoop. "Which one do you want?"

"Ah, chocolate I guess," he said lamely. When she was done, she got two spoons and went to the living room, with Seth following behind her.

She sat down and began licking the white substance off of her spoon. Seth looked at her curiously to see what she enjoyed so much about vanilla. He could obviously tell she was enjoying it though.

"Mmmmmm," she let out. "Cohen, this is so good."

He smiled, "Yeah, it seems like you enjoy it."

"Here try some," she said holding out her spoon to him.

"Um, I'm not really much of a vanilla fan. So—," he could tell she was annoyed. "Okay, fine." She brought the spoon to his mouth, feeding him like a toddler.

"I can feed myself Summer," he said laughing while taking the spoon from her.

She laughed back as he pulled the spoon away. "See, isn't it good?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"God, your so unenthusiastic."

He actually did like it. Which was strange because he never really did before right now. Maybe it was the fact that she loved it, he wanted to love it too. That was the only logical reason he could think of at the moment.

When they finished eating, Seth ran to the foyer to grab his bag.

"What are you doing Cohen?"

"Nothing, just grabbing something I brought over to do," he yelled from the other room.

He came back holding what appeared to be some sort of video game thing, as Summer saw it. She immediately rolled her eyes, "Cohen, we are NOT playing that."

"Aw, come on Summer. You've never even given it a chance," he argued. "Please." Showing his best sad puppy dog face.

Why did she give in so easily? "Fine. But only one game."

Seth rejoiced with a little, "Yes."

"Okay, Summer. Press the' X' button when I say 'X' and the 'O' button when I say 'O'," he said slowly.

"I'm not in first grade Cohen, you can talk to me normally."

"Sorry. Okay, ready?"

Three hours later, Summer let out a yawn. She actually did have fun. She at least wanted to try it because this was something Seth loved so much. But, she ended up liking it also. Seth noticed her tired eyes and turned off the Playstation. He grabbed a blanket from the end of the couch and laid down next to Summer, wrapping them both in the warmth.

"Thanks for playing with me Sum."

"Hmm," she mumbled. "I had fun."

He wrapped his arms around her and she snuggled into his chest. He kissed the top of her head and then her nose. He saw her eyes close as he began to stroke her chlorinated, but still soft hair. He was tired too, but he could think of nothing better to do at this moment then to watch Summer sleep soundly in his arms.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After Summer's several efforts to contact Seth, she heard a loud slam, sounding near by. The slam was followed by footsteps. The footsteps turned into a frightening reality, as the man came bursting through the small wooden doorframe that sat between Summer and her only chance at freedom.

She had no idea what time it was, or even what time of day it was. Morning? Afternoon? Her vision was impaired due to several factors that involved beating of different sorts. Under her left eye sat a massive bruise the size of a gold ball. The corners of her lips were with smeared scarlet red and the freckles on her perfect button nose were now invisible. Huddled in the corner she had been in for some time with her knees to her chest, a large shadow slowly came towards her.

Summer's teeth started chattering together and she tried sobbing another cry for help. The shadow turned into a person as he bent over to pick her up by her hair and dragged her to the bed. Summer sobbed again. This was physically more than she could take, and she had no idea how much more there was going to be. Although the mattress was soft, it still made a thud that echoed through the room when she hit it.

"Please—," she strained. "Please, you're hurting me. That hurts." Trying anyway possible to reach to him on an emotional level, wondering how a human being could possibly hurt another human being in such a way.

'Oh my God. This cannot be happening to me. What did I do?' more thoughts raced thorough Summer's mind as she suffered through his cold hands roaming her body. She cringed and bit her already cut lip as her stretch pants were being forcefully invaded on her lower half. Panic suddenly kicked in, paralyzing her body, which went limp. The faucets from her eyes were turned on again, but this time her face stilled and she made no sound. Tears rolled down her bruised face ever so slowly, while the wetness in her eyes never desiccated. She was numb and might as well have been dead. Her mind forced her body to shut down and now her brain was shutting down with it.

After not many pulls and tugs, her pants were gone. The only parts of her that reacted were the muscles that produced her goosebumps. The room was chilly enough with clothes on, but now stripped of those, she had no shield to protect her. It was gone. And so was Summer.

Her eyes relaxed closed as the grip on her arm tightened, feeling as though Indian Burns had seduced her all over. When he began reaching for the top of her panties, a release of chemicals entered her body. It was like something woke her up. She shot her eyes open to look at the large mass hovering over her body. Out of nowhere came a rage not of fear, but of anger.

"Get off of me!" she yelled as loud as her voice would let her. Kicking her legs madly in the air, she forced herself to fight back because she had no choice. If she was going down, she wasn't going down without a fight. It was weird how panic reactions were composed of so many layers and it seemed as though Summer was experiencing some of them.

"Uhhh! Mmm! Go! Away!" she yelled madly trying to remember to breath in between her protests. He let go of one of her hands and grabbed her waist so she would stop moving. Full of determination, Summer jerked up her lower body to possibly free herself.

Unsurprisingly unsuccessful that she was, he held her down while she finally waited the inevitable. There were no more tears to cry. He had sucked her dry of every petrified, anxious, or raw emotion that was in her. She was dead for a second time.

As he forced himself into her, the warm chestnut color in her eyes glazed over to a cold gray color. Her body tightened and her face stiffened into a revolted and hurt position.

The more unbearable it became, the louder she screamed. Her voice cracked as she felt it leave her vocal cords and evaporate into the air. Summer felt like evaporating with her voice. She tried transporting herself to another place, anyplace but where she was and what was happening. The room started spinning, or maybe it was her head. The ceiling felt like it was going to cave in on her if she didn't push up on it. She was being crushed, in several ways. Her body was lost.

When the man was finished, he pulled his pants up and left the room, leaving the lifeless girl spread out on the mattress.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seth got up at eight that morning. He was surprised he even slept that long. As soon as he realized his aunt had coffee and cereal, he was content, or as content as he could be for the moment. Sitting at the table, trying to read any part of the paper that he could, he remembered telling his dad that he would speak at the funeral.

'Summer can help me.' He remembered reading one of her college application essays. She wrote about her cousin who died of cancer when she was twelve. At first, he thought she made the whole thing up, but after analyzing the emotion and realism she put into it, he knew it was nothing less than the truth. She had a gentle, yet powerful voice when she wrote, differing from when she spoke. And he knew that she was being in her helpful mode because of everything that had happened.

He packed up his stuff and grabbed the keys off of the table.

"Okay dad! I'm leaving!" he yelled through the house, hoping someone would hear.

"You have enough gas?"

"Yes."

"What time are you coming back?"

"I don't know. Whenever Summer's done with her test."

"Okay, drive safely."

Once he was on the road, Seth tried calling Summer. She didn't answer, so he tried again.

Summer faintly heard the sounds of a familiar ring tone. She couldn't move. She didn't want to. She was sure she was dead. She then realized that she actually had her phone. She tried sitting up, but couldn't muster enough strength. She was able to roll over on her stomach. The aches and pains in her body made her eyes tear up while she shifted her arm from under her and reached down on the ground to touch her phone. 'Please keep ringing, please keep ringing…' With her shaking, fragile fingers, she desperately tried to open it, praying that he would hear her. There it was.

"Summer?"

"Seth," she whispered.

"Hello? Are you there?"

She broke down, hoping Seth would hear her. "Seth, I need—,"

"Summer, are you okay." Hearing her cries.

She cleared her throat, "I need help. I don't know where I am."

"What do you mean?" he asked concerned.

"Someone took me. I don't know. I don't know." She was losing control.

"Oh God," he said, realizing one of the worst things that could ever come true. "Okay, stay on the phone with me. Don't hang up Summer."

"Okay. Hurry Seth. I'm so scared," she cried. She wasn't sure if he could save her. For the first time, he wasn't enough.