Chapter Thirteen

Kirsten leaned against the wall, as she let a subtle giggle out, at the sight of her son, and Summer. Realising they were being watched, Seth carefully put Summer down, not yet looking at the source of the noise. Summer too, pulled away slowly. Once she was planted on the ground, she turned toward Kirsten and beamed in embarrassment.

"Hey Kids." Kirsten laughed, as she walked over to Seth, and kissed him on the cheeks hard, followed by a motherly welcome-back kiss. "It's great that you're back home." Kirsten smiled, as she went in turn, to hug Summer- her future daughter in law.

"Hey mom." Seth said, through a thick grin. He laced his arms around Summer, as he pulled her close.

"Hi, Mrs. Cohen," Summer said politely. Kirsten turned to give her a stern look, as she shook her head.

"Mom, to you." Kirsten corrected quickly. Summer couldn't quite capture the idea of calling Kirsten her mom- she promised she would try, nevertheless.

"Sorry, Mrs. Co-," Summer stopped herself, "Sorry, Mom." Kirsten and Summer smiled at each other, and Kirsten went to give her a hug.

"It shouldn't be so hard." Kirsten said empathetically, "Can I fix you guys something to eat? A week at the hospital has made you guys at least ten pounds thinner." Kirsten offered, and to her surprise Seth and Summer were practically tramping towards the kitchen – of course they were hungry. Hospital food was definitely not all the hype. "What should I make? Sandwiches, salad, um, what else? Soup?" Kirsten kept thinking of foods, not realising that absolutely anything homemade would do.

"I think I speak for Seth too, when I say, I think we'd like absolutely anything homemade. If I have to stay in a hospital any other time, I think I'm going to order in some pizza or something. The food there, is absolutely atrocious." Summer commented.

"Really? Anything?" Kirsten looked at them, "I have some leftover spaghetti, if you want?" Kirsten suggested, and Seth and Summer nearly plunged for the suggestion.

"YES!" Seth called out impatiently, "Bring it on!" He hollered.

"You want it cold?" Kirsten asked, bewildered.

"I'll eat, anything." Seth said quickly. "Anything!" Summer nodded,

"Me too." She squeaked politely, compared to Seth's yelling. Kirsten nodded, as she opened the refrigerator. She snatched a bowl of cold spaghetti – and she refused to serve it cold. She quickly shoved it into the microwave, as she prepared plates, cutlery and drinks. "You know what?" Kirsten's eyes flared, "We haven't had a moment, really, to celebrate your engagement. Once Marissa and Ryan come back from their walk, we'll have some Champagne. You're getting married – this is huge. Wait – I should call Sandy. He really missed you kids." Kirsten nodded to herself, as she swam through the entrance of the kitchen, to call her husband's name, " Sandy! The kids are home!" Sandy soon came darting down the stairs, grinning.

"Seth, and Summer?" Sandy asked coolly. Kirsten nodded, as Sandy flung toward the kitchen. Seth and Summer got up to hug Sandy. "Oh, you guys, I'm so glad you're finally back. It's been so quiet around here, without you." Sandy said as he patted his son on the back. He embraced Summer in a gentle hug, "How wonderful – my daughter-in-law came to visit." Sandy was amused, Summer laughed.

"Yup! Couldn't wait to see you – Dad." Summer had a little play on words. Sandy, although he had given her consent to call him that, wasn't ready, as his smile turned into faint shock. Dad. Dad? Dad. He convinced himself, to put on a brighter smile than before. Dad was OKAY. Besides, he had heard it for around eighteen years already – it shouldn't be anything new.

"'Dad.' Still getting used to it, sorry, Summer." Sandy apologized earnestly, "I'm glad you remembered though. That's really- cool – of you." Sandy said, and Summer smiled, "Where's Ryan and Marissa?" He quickly changed the subject to avoid awkwardness.

"Out on a walk- they'll be home soon," Kirsten said, and she was interrupted by the door opening, and two particularly young people walking in, and laughing giddy laughs. Of course it was Ryan and Marissa almost toppling over each other laughing. They walked passed the kitchen, and with ultimately shocked stares, they saw Seth and Summer. Marissa shrieked as she ran to hug Summer tightly. Ryan quickly shuffled towards Seth, to give him a handshake and a more manly pat on the back. Then Marissa went to hug Seth, as a 'welcome back' hug, and Ryan did the same with Summer.

"You're back!" Marissa said excitedly.

"Well you're quite observant," Seth couldn't help but say- sarcastically. "I'm kidding," He responded to Marissa's expression, "My mom said something about some celebration champagne?" Seth reminded Kirsten impatiently. Kirsten gave a quick 'Oh yeah' as she rushed to the alcohol cabinet, and pulled out a large bottle of Champagne, that seemed to be stored for the most special occasions. Later, she pulled out a few Champagne bottles, with a golden trim on the top. Kirsten steadily filled every cup halfway, with plenty leftover for seconds. She handed out the Champagne skilfully, and soon, she was ready to propose a toast.

"To Seth and Summer, who will soon be bonded by matrimony. May they lead happy, successful lives together, and may their love never wear out. To Seth and Summer!" Kirsten said happily, and then everybody echoed in a giddy chime. They all started to sip some Champagne, as they took their seats around the table, to talk.

"Seth, Summer," Sandy started a little more seriously, "When do you plan to have the wedding?"

This question sort of stumped the couple, as they did not know what to reply.

"April." Seth said, but Summer, at the exact same time, said, "July." They looked at each other worriedly. Houston, we have a problem.