A/N: Well I think I have left you all on the edge of your seats for a while, so here is the next chapter! Oh and thanks for the reviews.
DISCLAIMER: I only own the plot.
Chapter Nine: The Funeral
Screaming filled her ears as she jumped wide-awake with a gasp. Her breathing was quick and shallow, making her close her eyes in a desperate attempt to calm down.
"Summer, calm down… it's okay."
Summer opened her eyes and looked slightly to her left to see Ryan looking at her in concern, gripping her hand tightly, "R-Ryan… w-where am I? What are these tubes for?"
Summer tugged at the IV drip in her right hand, after releasing her hand from Ryan.
"Summer, leave that in," said Kirsten walking over to her, after waking up from the seat she was sitting in beside Sandy, "You were in a car crash. Do you remember?"
Summer looked at Kirsten in confusion, but as the horrific memory flooded back, her breathing became quick panic filled breaths. The squealing of tires, the sound of impact mingled in with Anna's and hers screams… then nothing, "Anna… what happened to Anna?"
But as Kirsten answered her Summer saw Anna's mother in the corridor through the open verticals. She drowned the voice of Kirsten out as she saw a doctor speak to her. Summer just nodded at whatever Kirsten was saying still watching Anna's Mum listen to the Doctor. But when Anna's mother's hand flew to her mouth and tears filled her eyes, Summer scrambled out of the bed, ripped the IV out, and walked quickly for the door, limping as she did so.
"Summer!" cried Ryan running out after her, waking Sandy as he did so, and pushing past Seth who was carrying four hot coffees.
"What's going on?" cried Summer to the Doctor and Anna's mum, "Is Anna okay? Where is Anna?"
"Summer," said Ryan gently touching her shoulder, "Come back to your bed. You need to rest."
"No," said Summer shoving Ryan's hand off her shoulder, "I want to see Anna!"
"Miss Roberts," said the Doctor as Anna's mum walked away in tears, her sobs growing louder by the second, "You were in a severe car crash. The mess was shocking; you were lucky to only sustain minor injuries. Miss Stern however was unlucky. Sh-"
"Is Anna dead?" asked Summer in disbelief.
"I'm afraid so… we did the best we could. We were lucky to keep her alive for six hours."
Summer turned away from the Doctor her mouth open and tears brimming in her eyes. A sob escaped her, followed by another as the tears began to fall down her cheeks.
"N-no," said Summer looking at Ryan, her face pale white, "S-she can't be…"
Summer finally broke down, sobbing loudly as Ryan pulled her into his arms. Her tears continued even as Ryan lifted her up into his arms and carried her back into his ward. Kirsten beckoned Sandy and Seth out of the room and shut the door behind her.
Ryan sat Summer on the bed and sat beside her, allowing her to lean against him. She wasn't crying now, just staring at the window vacantly. Ryan didn't know what to do or how to react to Summer's quietness.
"The car hit her right on," said Summer quietly, "She had no choice but to die."
"Sum… I'm sure Anna would have wanted to live," said Ryan, hoping it was the right thing to say.
Summer didn't say anything but slid away from Ryan. She crossed her legs and pulled the blankets over her lap, then finally spoke, "If Anna wanted to live she wouldn't be dead, Ryan."
Ryan just nodded, "I'll let you have some time alone." He stood and left the room, leaving Summer sitting up and staring blankly at the wall.
OC
Two days passed, with the Cohen's and Ryan visiting Summer all the time. But each day Summer was silent. The Doctor told them she had been through a terrible trauma and was simply in a long-term case of shock. He also said all they could do was be supportive and give her time.
"Summer, Anna's funeral is today," said Ryan walking in on the third day, "The hospital has released you."
"Okay," said Summer glancing at Ryan, "Let me get ready."
Ryan nodded and shut the verticals and left the room. Summer pulled on a black skirt that came too her knees in layers. She then found a forest green turtle neck top and pulled it on before brushing her hair. She grabbed her mid thigh high boots without the heel but a flat sole. Collecting her other things she left her room.
"Do you have everything?" asked Sandy who was waiting with Ryan.
Summer nodded and followed Sandy out of the hospital. They walked over to a silver BMW M5 that Kirsten had rented for the time in Pittsburgh.
Sandy loaded Summer's gear in the boot with everybody else's. After Anna's funeral they all were heading back to Orange County. Summer climbed into the car beside Seth with Ryan on her otherside. Sandy slid into the front seat.
"How are you, Summer?" asked Kirsten.
Summer shrugged, gripping her hand together tightly as Sandy started the car. Breathing deeply, Summer controlled her new fear of cars until they got to the cemetery. Upon arrival, Summer scrambled out of the car as soon as Ryan was out. The Cohen's and Ryan all looked at each other in worry. But followed Summer over to Anna's grave. Anna's mother greeted Summer with a long hug.
"You were a good friend to Anna, Summer. Her bestfriend," she said.
"She shouldn't be the one being buried… that driver shouldn't of been behind the wheel," said Summer, speaking of the drunk driver who had crashed into the car on that rainy day. The driver of that car had lived with no injuries at all. Only the memory of the fact he killed a daughter, sister and bestfriend.
Anna's mother smiled and everyone got ready for the service. Throughout it many people cried, but Summer just stared at the closed coffin with white lily's on top of the coffin. She didn't listen to the droning words of the priest. She drowned everything out, except Anna's screams.
The sound impacted on Summer so hard that she gasped out loud, startling those around her. Shaking her head and blinking back tears, Summer stood and left the service, walking quickly down the road. Ryan went to go after her, but Sandy held him back.
"She needs to do this alone," said Sandy calmly, "She has only just fully registered what has happened."
Ryan sighed and looked at Summer, wanting to be with her more then ever.
OC
Summer stood on the edge of the road, hearing the buzz of cars coming from Perrysville Avenue. But all she could think was it was her fault. If she hadn't of froze in that spilt second, she could have grabbed Anna and pulled her over to her side and perhaps, just perhaps Anna would be alive and walking around flashing everyone her brilliant smile. But instead Anna was in a coffin. No smile on her face, no life in her brown eyes… nothing going on that would show she was a normally happy person.
Tears filled Summer's eyes but she wiped them away. She shouldn't be crying, it was her fault Anna was dead, she could've saved her but instead she screamed… just screamed.
From this day onwards, Summer vowed too never cry over Anna again, she had killed Anna and she would pay for it by living every day.
"Summer?"
Summer looked up and saw Kirsten, "Is it over?"
Kirsten nodded, "Do you want to say one last goodbye before we head home?"
Summer shook her head no and took a deep breath to remain calm as they walked over to the car. Kirsten noticed but didn't say anything, she knew it was natural that Summer would be scared for a while.
OC
"She died," said Marissa to Casey as she asked what happened to Anna upon her arrival with Chilli, "The Cohen's and Ryan are coming home today after the funeral… I feel so sorry for Summer. I mean she was there… she must feel so awful."
"Yeah… do you know how she is holding up?" asked Casey as they walked into Marissa's room.
"Seth said she is really quiet. Not the loud, fun filled Summer we all know."
"It happens," sighed Casey, "My uncle was in a car crash and for two years… he… wasn't the same and then something happened and he just… returned to the old uncle I knew and loved."
"She won't change," said Marissa determinedly. "Summer is strong."
Casey just shrugged, "So what are today's plans?"
"Do you think she will change?" said Marissa.
Casey shrugged, "I don't know Summer that well. But I did know she was a bright and chirpy person. And her father beat her so that alone made her strong… maybe this just made her crack."
Marissa looked over at her dresser where a picture of her and Summer sat with a worried look on her face. Had this horrible thing made Summer change for good? Marissa couldn't imagine Summer any other way…
OC
Summer trudged up the stairs too her bedroom with her suitcase. She wanted nothing more than to shower and go to bed. But sleeping brought nightmares and with it images of Anna's face with milk white eyes and pale ghostly skin. That was the dream she had been having on the flight home. Ryan had to shake her awake as she was starting to scream and scare the other passengers in the business section.
"Summer, would you like something to eat?" called Kirsten from the kitchen.
"No thankyou," replied Summer before walking into her room and shutting the door behind her. She sat on her bed and looked around the room. A picture from on top of her television jumped out at her. Her and Anna, at the dance. Summer stood and walked over, grabbing the photo frame. She slid the back off the photo frame and pulled the photo out before stuffing it into her bottom, rarely touched desk draw.
"It's my fault," she whispered with tears in her eyes as the bedroom door opened with Ryan walking in, "Hi."
"Hey… you okay?" he asked noticing the photo frame in her hand.
Summer nodded and shook her hair out of her eyes, "I just need a shower and sleep. I should be okay… but um… c-can you stay with me? Until I fall asleep?"
Ryan nodded and Summer walked over to him and held him tight, holding back her tears. Ryan kissed her on her head and then let her go to have her shower.
Ryan ran down stairs and smiled at Sandy and Kirsten, Seth was on the phone to Marissa.
"How is she?" asked Sandy quietly.
"I don't know," sighed Ryan, "She nodded when I asked if she was okay. But I don't believe her. She was near tears but… she wants me to stay with her until she falls asleep. Is that okay with you both?"
"It's fine," nodded Kirsten, "Summer needs you, we understand… don't we Sandy?"
Sandy nodded but looked at Ryan firmly, "You know the rules."
Ryan nodded, "I'm just going to have a quick shower. If Summer comes down tell her I won't be long."
Sandy and Kirsten nod and Ryan leaves for the pool house. As soon as the door shuts behind him Sandy looks at Kirsten.
"Sandy they are old enough, but I trust them. You know Ryan won't disobey us."
"I know, but they are… well we don't know what they have done," said Sandy.
"They haven't done that, Sandy. It's only been a month."
"Seth and Summer hadn't been going out for a month when they went the whole way!"
"They were younger back then, Sandy. We were young once too. You have to trust them and I don't think Summer or Ryan will do anything. Summer needs time to well, heal mentally at the moment."
Sandy sighed and buttered a bagel before kissing Kirsten on the cheek, "You're right. I'm just being a over protective parent."
"I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
OC
Summer pulled the bed blankets back as a knock came from her bedroom door, "Come in."
The door opened to Ryan dressed in his boxers and a singlet top. Summer gave him a small smile, it was all she could manage seeing as she saw no reason for her to have the right to smile happily.
"Where do I sit?" asked Ryan as he shut the door and Summer slid under the covers.
"C-can," Summer paused, "Can you lay beside me? Please?"
Ryan nodded and walked around to the otherside of the bed as Summer pulled the blankets back for him. Ryan slid in beside her and Summer turned the light off before turning and snuggling up beside him.
"Thankyou," said Summer quietly in the dark.
"It's okay," said Ryan kissing her on the forehead, "I'll always be here Summer. No matter what."
OC
It was a week before Marissa saw Summer in person. She had heard off many people from Harbour that she was different – quiet, keeping to herself and only hanging around Ryan and Seth… and Taylor for some unknown reason. Seth had invited Marissa over for the Saturday to talk about University options. Marissa rang the doorbell and seconds later it was opened by Summer, without her hair curled, make up on or bright clothes. Her hair was in a ponytail, and she was dressed in jeans and a ¾ sleeve brown top.
"Hi," said Marissa, "Um… how are you?"
"Good, come on in," said Summer with a slight smile, "Seth is in the kitchen looking at some Uni."
"Where are you applying at?" asked Marissa following her in.
"New York University," said Summer, "Ryan doesn't know… he's applying at Berkeley."
"But always said you want to go somewhere hot… sunny…"
"People change," shrugged Summer heading up the stairs to her room.
Marissa sighed and walked into the kitchen where Seth jumped up from his chair and greeted her with a kiss.
"What a welcoming sight," said Ryan walking in from the pool house, as Marissa and Seth pulled away grinning a little, "Hey I finished the application form."
"Awesome, man," nodded Seth before looking at Marissa, "You?"
"All filled out for Providence. I even told them about… you know with Trey," said Marissa adding the last bit quietly.
Ryan just nodded, "So you'll be near Seth?"
Marissa nodded, "A long way from home."
"I wish Summer would tell me where she is applying at."
Marissa looked at Seth who caught Marissa's eyes and understood she knew where Summer was applying at.
"Let's go look at those brochure's," said Seth pulling Marissa to the table as Ryan walked out to head up to Summer's room.
As soon as he was gone, Seth looked at Marissa expectantly. Marissa took a deep breath.
"She is applying for NYU," said Marissa, "And Summer has always wanted to go to a University where it is sunshine 24/7."
"She's changed," sighed Seth, "It's like she is moving away from everything that has a memory… good or bad."
Marissa nodded and sighed, "Want to go get a bite to eat?"
Seth nodded and as they stood they heard a yell from upstairs, making both freeze in a mid move of pushing in their chairs.
OC
"NYU? Why didn't you say something?" cried Ryan holding the pamphlet, "Summer… that's... that's across the country from me!"
"I know Ryan and I have my reasons," explained Summer, trying to remain calm, "Can I have that back now?"
"NYU," said Ryan quietly, "That's across the country Summer!"
"I know it is Ryan," said Summer forcefully, pulling the pamphlet from his hand, "And I am going to go there."
"But why? What about a university on this coast line… not the opposite."
"It's what I want."
"Why?"
"Do I need a reason?" snapped Summer, "You want Berkeley and I want NYU, big deal."
"It is a big deal," said Ryan before he turned and left the room, running into Sandy who had arrived home from surfing and heard the argument.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Everyone is leaving!" yelled Ryan, "Seth and Marissa are off to Rhode Island and Summer is heading to New York while I'm remaining here in California!"
"Summer is going to New York?"
Ryan nodded, "And I only just found out."
Sandy went to say something but Ryan stormed off down stairs and into his pool house. Summer stepped out of the room, looking guilty.
"NYU?" asked Sandy quietly.
"I have to get away," replied Summer, "How do you tell someone you care about you have to leave everything behind to move on? Even them?"
For once, Sandy didn't have an answer to that and let Summer walk down stairs. At the bottom she passed Seth and Marissa, who didn't say a word. She walked out the back and over to the pool house, where Ryan was laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"Ryan?" said Summer softly walking in, "Please don't be mad."
"You are leaving me, Summer."
"You don't understand," said Summer desperately, "I have to leave."
Ryan sat up and saw tears in Summer's eyes. He couldn't be mad and for all they both knew, she might not even get into NYU. They were together now, in the present and that's all that mattered to him. He held out his hand and Summer took it and sat beside Ryan hugging him, before kissing him gently on the lips.
"Let's not worry about University, okay?" said Ryan lying back on the bed with Summer beside him, her head resting on his shoulder and one arm draped across him.
"Ryan," said Summer softly, "I falling for you…"
"Me too."
OC
"NYU?" said Kirsten to Sandy later that night with wide eyes, "She is going to New York to escape everything here?"
"Anna's death has cracked her hard shell she built throughout her life," said Sandy with a sigh, "Poor kid has been through a lot."
"How did Ryan take it?"
"He was angry with her. Everyone is leaving for the otherside of America. But for now they are all putting it aside and enjoying the time they have left together."
Kirsten sighed, "We should all enjoy the time left."
Sandy nodded and hugged Kirsten, "We all will."
A/N: There you go… you all know what is happening. I have a whole new twist up my arm now and everything! Please review!
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!