Chapter Twenty Four

Seth knew he was a little drunk, after taking a few drinks with Summer that night. Nevertheless, being drunk meant that he unintentionally spilled a few dark secrets to the completely sober Summer. Seth looked Summer in the eyes, as she stroked his hair.

"Summer," Seth started, and wished he could find more words to continue his thought, "I love you so much." Seth paused for a second, but the look on his face told Summer not to say anything, "You, out of all the people I know, you, are the one I love." Seth smiled carefully, but his train of thought was not yet complete, "You are my Goddess. And you will forever be, Summer Roberts. I love you!" Seth announced proudly, and happily. Summer smiled, flattered.

"Seth," She paused suspensefully, grinning from ear to ear as she spoke softly, "I love you, too." Seth looked into Summer's glowing eyes. Happiness was drifting in her chocolate brown eyes, which made Seth glow as well. "Never let me go, okay?" Summer pleaded gently.

"You know I never will." Seth said, before cuddling with Summer on his bed. Slowly, but gradually, Summer started to close her eyes, and fall asleep in Seth's warm and comfy arms. With Seth cradling her, it was not hard to fall asleep, and dream about unicorns and sunsets. Seth, from the warmth exerted from Summer's body, soon fell asleep too. The late hours soon left the couple alone, until morning came bouncing in, and just had to interrupt this perfect night.

"Wake up, Seth!" Kirsten called and walked into his room, "And Summer.." Her voice trailed off in confusion, but she tried to be cool about Summer staying the night. She inspected the situation thoroughly- her son, and this girl still had their close around. Phewf no sex, Kirsten thought and smiled.

Summer lifted her head, and started to rub her tired eyes, "It's morning already?" Summer asked, clueless.

"Yes, sweetie," Kirsten said nicely, as she opened Seth's blinds to let the warm rays of sunlight into the room. "You better call your parents, Summer. They'll probably be waiting for you- let alone worrying for you." Kirsten assured. Once Summer nodded, and left the room hastily to grab a phone, Kirsten sat down beside Seth and started to eye him instinctively.

"Nothing happened, mom." Seth assured her, his face calm and bored.

"Are you sure? Why did she stay the night if 'nothing happened'?" Kirsten asked.

"Nothing happened, mom." Seth repeated, slightly annoyed this time.

"Sheesh, my boys are on a role today!" Kirsten remarked as she got up.

"What? Did dad have a gorgeous lady in his bed tonight, too?" Seth joked.

"He does everyday!" Kirsten said, also jokingly referring to herself, "But I'm talking about Ryan. He had a nightly visitor, too."

"Ryan and Marissa, sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love! Then comes marriage! Then comes baby in a baby carriage!" Seth chanted in a singsong, little girl's voice. He couldn't wait to be hypocritical and mock Ryan about this.

"Now Seth, be nice. Or I'll kindly bring up Summer." Kirsten answered to this little song of his.

"Ah, but this is different," Seth then interrupted.

"Yes, yes I know. 'Nothing happened.'"

"Ah, you got it mother dearest. Kindly evacuate the room now, so Summer and I can continue our 'nothing hapendness'." Seth directed his mother out, and welcomed Summer back in to his bedroom. Summer touched his hand, and kissed the tips of his fingers.

"Good morning, superstar…" Summer let her voice trail off, into a distant silence.

"Good morning, angel…" Seth repeated in that same mysterious, yet oddly soft voice.

"You do know my parents are going to butcher me, once I get home?" Summer whispered, still clutching his hands tightly, in the warm sanctuary of her own.

"So don't go." Seth replied dismissively, barely considering the thought himself.

"You know it's not as easy as that. There are consequences I have to face for spending such a miraculous night with you." Summer poked his nose, and smiled as she leaned in for a quick good morning kiss.

"Wow." Seth stood awe-stricken, as Summer slipped through the door. Her eyes were laughing as she saw Seth's surprised look on his face. She quickly waved and left. Kirsten let herself inside the room, and sat down beside Seth- who had carefully accommodated himself on his bed.

"She's a keeper, eh?" Kirsten smiled at Seth. She recognized that look he had on his face- the look Summer identified as surprised. Kirsten's heart twisted for him in joy- Kirsten identified that very look as love.