Chapter 7
"I knew I could count on you, Marissa." Seth announced proudly.
"Ryan," Marissa said in a hushed voice. "You don't mind if me and Seth go brainstorm, do you?"
"No, not at all, Marissa. If you're going to help him, feel free." Ryan smiled, grabbing another video game controller. "Besides, I've got my second baby here." Marissa smiled, and went up to Seth's room. She pushed Seth on the bed, while she remained standing- almost imitating a student-teacher lesson.
"Seth Cohen," Marissa pronounced mysteriously. "You're now in my world. Anything you say, and do can and will be used against you." Seth interrupted, shaking his head.
"Mmm… none of that." He wrinkled his nose.
"Fine," Marissa tensened. "I thought it was a fun touch. But whatever. You want to learn about Summer Roberts- one of the most popular, opiniated and gorgeous girls in school," Seth nodded, quite interested. "Well then, you're going to get first person training, from the sole person who knows her best- Me." Marissa prodded Seth in the side, as she sat down beside him. "You've got a lot of things to learn, Cohen.
"Lesson number 1- If you know Summer as well as I do, she loves attention. If a boyfriend showers her with ice, she'll be the happiest person alive. But of course, she too, knows her limits. Basically, what she looks for in a guy, is a best friend." Marissa carefully waited so that Seth could process the information, and when he nodded still driven in thought Marissa continued. "If you can be a friend to her, without wanting a make-out session first, she'll fall in love with you. If you give her a sympathetic ear to hear her through, and a sturdy shoulder to cry on, then you'll be the man of her dreams. Oh but of course, my dear Summer isn't so straightforward to decipher. Are you ready for, lesson number 2, Cohen?" Marissa looked at him slyly, seeing that her student was gulping down the information letter by letter, hoping he could conjure up a plan.
"Uh, yeah." Seth murmured cooly.
"Well then in that case," Marissa paused, and stood up, her eyes stirring with excitement. "Lesson number 2- She's a silly romantic. She'll fall for a guy with witty, and clever plans- candlelight dinner, rose pedals, blah blah blah." Marissa obviously showed no interest in the fancy crap, making it obvious to Seth after the 'blah, blah, blahs'. "If you can think of something smart, then it'll whip her off her feat. She's like that- if a guy makes an effort for her, through her tough and whiny self, she'll acknowledge it." Seth nodded, finding that one of the hardest rules to follow. He pondered the issue for seconds, before Marissa cleared her throat, seemingly ready for the third lesson.
"Now I'll shower you with do's and do not's about Summer Roberts. Which would you like to start with?" Marissa asked, pleasure simmering her skin.
"Umm… do not's. I'd rather get the warnings before I get too excited with the do's." Seth stated sullenly, his eyes deep with curiosity.
"Okay," Marissa grinned, knowing that helping Seth win Summer was going to be hard, but extremely easy from her part- telling Seth about her best friend since forever wasn't any limb chase. Marissa knew in her mind, that 'Seth & Summer' is just once couple, that won't ever break up, kind of like she hoped she and Ryan wouldn't. "Don't call Summer in the morning- she's a real grump. Don't interrupt Summer while she's shopping- ESPECIALLY shoes. Don't talk comic books- Summer can't stand that gibberish, it's all so foreign to her. Don't talk about history- it makes her feel slightly stupid, since she can't join the conversation. Don't mention your ex's, or her ex's for that matter- come on, that's a total and complete givin, it makes things awkward. I think that's the bulk of it- what kind of friend would I be, if I didn't let you discover some things on your own?" Marissa asked. Seth merely groaned, and waited for the do's.
"Do get a gift for a date. Do be prompt when picking her up, anywhere- she's going to be late, needless to say, obviously. Do comment on how beautiful she always looks. Do get on the good side of her father,"
"Wha-wha-what! Elaborate, missy. Your lesson plan isn't quite sinking in…" Seth answered in shock, as he interrupted Marissa.
"Oh right, You haven't been fortunate enough to meet the Mr. Roberts," Marissa made a sour face, and shrugged. "What can you do? Be smart, be poised and make sure he knows that you think it's a huge honour to be with him. Gifts and such, wouldn't hurt on such a 'date'." Marissa's suggestions, although encouraging, frightened Seth to the bone.
"Go on." He moaned. "No more Papa… I'm already freaked out enough."
"Okay. Well do give her attention. Do love her with all your heart. As complex as Summer is, she's this sweet girl too." Marissa said understandingly. "Oh right. Here's a little, erm… secret." Marissa wrinkled her face in worry, wondering if she should reveal Summer's secret to, Seth. "Well Summer's known to be a huge player. She's not. She hasn't well yet… need I say more?" Marissa added nervously. Seth 'aaahed' and nodded. "Respect it- don't pressure her. She's not going to be ready; showing her you understand completely will make her feel reassured.
"Is that more-or-less all I have to know?" Seth looked at Marissa.
"Well, almost." Marissa turned away from the heat of Seth's fragile stare. "Do NOT talk to her when she's mad," Marissa stopped slightly. "At you."
Seth inhaled a huge breath, and ceased to exhale for a little bit. After thinking, he finally said. "Mmm… the claws do come out- I've already witnessed that today." Marissa laughed at Seth's experience.
"Don't worry. She's not that bad." Marissa encouraged. Now, this is session number 1, with more to come. You've got much to learn, young grasshopper." Marissa laughed, and to her surprise so did Seth. But she knew that Seth was looking for any excuse to laugh, due to his petrified expression- he needed to let out some butterflies.
"You want to go downstairs?" Seth offered, remembering reluctantly about Ryan and Luke who were left alone in the gameroom. Marissa nodded, and followed Seth. Seth, practising his new skills, held the door, and allowed Marissa to go through first. Marissa laughed, at Seth's attempt to practise his wisdom, and they both scrammed down to the gameroom. When Ryan noticed the two, he spoke up, in his mellow voice.
"So, is Marissa any good? As a teacher I mean?" Ryan asked trivially, looking into Marissa's big eyes. She cracked at smile, and waited for Seth to respond.
"Oh, amazing, Ryan. She could teach you, a think or too as well." Seth suggested cunningly.
"Why thank you, Seth." Marissa thanked, and plopped down on the couch. "You guys are still playing this video game?" Marissa's jaw dropped, as she was overwhelmed with shock.
Ryan merely nodded, then replied. "Mmhmmm…" He answered seemingly uninterested, as his concentration flew beyond just the television screen. Marissa laughed, then announced.
"Well, I'm gunna jet. I have some homework to do," She paused, then looked at Seth. "You better not forget Session One." She pointed out to Seth, then she leaned over to Ryan and blessed him with a slow, and passionate kiss. Once Marissa leaned back- like Cinderella she left- leaving Ryan with his eyes still closed with surprised.
"Ooh La la," Seth said, after Marissa was gone. "Seems like you enjoyed that, Ryan." Ryan glared at Seth, and Luke who was now starting to grin. Ryan, despising being mocked, punched Seth in the shoulder teasingly but still with good force, as a consecutive warning to lay off the 'Marissa & Ryan'.