Chapter Thirty Four

Seth gazed around his room, feeling secluded from the outside world. He knew his mother expected an answer, and he knew that she was suspicious beyond words. However, it wasn't his call to sell out what happened that night between Ryan, Marissa and Tray. As saddening as it was, it was just completely out of Seth's reach. As he looked around his room, he saw heights he never saw before- little things that he wouldn't have noticed through the rush of the day. He smiled- something changed in his life.

He soon felt his cell phone ringing, as he anticipatedly picked it up. He answered the phone with the same giddy energy he used every day.

"Seth, hey." Seth heard Summer's warm voice on the other line, "We haven't talked in a real long time. I was kind of wondering what was going on. I felt so ditched for the passed few days. Is everything okay? I barely see any of you at school- you, Coop, Ryan?" Summer asked empathetically.

"At least rumours haven't started," Seth sighed gratefully. Then, Seth had an unexpected light bulb moment, where a light bulb shone vividly above his head, "You know, Sum, you're just going to have to come by so I can tell you everything." Seth said eagerly realising that he would get a chance to spend a magical evening with his girl. Summer smiled on the other line when she understood Seth's cunning plan.

"Well I don't know Seth, I mean, isn't it a little late?" She played along.

"Summer, if your bedtime is like at seven o'clock, then yes- it is late. Otherwise, come on… please?" Seth asked, as he grinned elatedly.

"Okay. I'll come." Summer said, as if it were a huge burden- it was far from that.

"See you soon, sugar." Seth said, as his heart raced. Seth wanted this night to be perfect- he searched frantically around his room wanting to notice any informalities, defects… He decided candles would be an excellent feature…

Summer finally came knocking on the door. Seth nervously opened it, with a quivery smile. The two went up the Seth's room. When he opened the door for Summer, she almost collapsed. She was amazed by the romantic room Seth had put together.

"What's this?" Summer turned around quickly, as she smiled endearingly. Seth couldn't conjure up the words to reply- he was too awed by Summer's candlelit beauty. Seth opened his mouth to speak, and as much as he willed for himself to talk, his lungs felt like they were to explode. "Seth?" Summer said quietly, as she eyed Seth.

"It's for you." Seth said simply, regaining his confidence by every word he said. He wished he could study the dictionary for one, beautiful word to tell Summer who amazing she looked that night. Seth touched her immaculate cheek, as she smiled gently. Seth was so nervous that he was really going to tell Summer that he loved her- and mean it. He hoped that she felt the same, because as much as he had said it before, as special as it seemed, he never got this feeling. Seth took Summer in his strong arms, as he inhaled her distinct fragrance. Her sweet aroma filled the room, and Seth yearned to take it all in.

"Me?" Summer asked Seth. She wanted to know with all her might what was going on.

"Summer, I've told you this before, but I don't think I ever meant it as much as I mean it now. Words are spilling out of me beyond control, but one thing I really want you to know, is so hard to say," Seth paused as he saw Summer's face embrace the moment. "Summer, I've waited for you, for my whole life. I have had such a maniacal infatuation with you since I was four feet tall, and until now it has developed into something not even words can describe. I love you. I love you so God-damned much, that I can't breathe without you, see without you, live without you." By this point, Summer was grinning fiercely.

"Seth, I love you so much." Summer said shortly, but above all sweetly. She wrapped her hands around Seth's neck as she plunged for a kiss. Seth, already used to Summer's violent kisses, was warped in once more. He could not resist her gentle mouth against his.

Meanwhile, in the love hut of the pool house, Ryan and Marissa were cuddled underneath a blanket watching television. Such innocent love got them watching cartoons late into the evening. Occasionally they whispered a few passionate words to each other, but the television occupied most of their time. Ryan gazed a Marissa from the corner of his eye, trying not to make it completely obvious that he was staring at his girlfriend.

"What are you looking at?" Marissa said in a voice filled with spunky attitude. She laughed out loud, after her impression. Ryan blushed, but quickly rebounded.

"I spy, with my little eye; something that is perfect." Ryan said as he hugged her tighter. He willed for her never to move- he wished all their afflictions would dissolve and they would love each other for the rest of their lives.

"If it's me, well then damn I have to think of something witty too!" Marissa replied. She glanced at her watch, and she looked at Ryan immediately with a guilty gaze. "Ryan, I can't,"

"Shh…" Ryan said before he swooped in to kiss her- shut her up. He didn't want her to leave, and he would kiss her all night if it made her stay. Marissa smiled, but she pulled away, resting her hands on his chest so he could not lean in once more until she finished.

"Ryan, my mother won't tolerate another night where I'm not home. It's either I leave now, or I'll be forbidden to see you." Marissa said worriedly. Ryan pondered for a second.

"Forbidden love – I like it." Ryan raised his eyebrow as he went to kiss her again. This time, she was well below him as she lay on the couch with Ryan's protective body relaxing above her.

"Ryan," Ryan only kissed harder, before Marissa could beg anymore, "Ryan, stop. Don't ruin this. Please don't ruin this. It was nice, but I can't neglect my responsibilities to be with you. I'm sorry. I really have to go." Marissa stared at Ryan with a pout, that tempted Ryan to kiss her further, "Ryan don't look at me like that. I want to be here, it's just I can't. My mother- you've met Julie- will not like it. Knowing her, she's going to call me in like five seconds." Marissa gulped as she stared at Ryan, who was returning the blank stare, "Ryan, be reasonable. Please? I really have to go." Without further a due, Julie Cooper was incessantly calling Marissa, "I have to pick it up." Marissa breathed as she broke the stare, "Hello?" Marissa asked into the phone.

"Honey," Julie said in her annoying tone, "You know the deal…"

"I know, I know, okay. Be home soon. Bye." Marissa clicked off her phone so she would not have to listen to her mother's consuming voice.