A/N: Hey all… well thanks for the reviews. After a lot of thinking I know now that this story will continue for a little longer. As I said I have a twist up my sleeve!
DISCLAIMER: I only own the plot!
Chapter Ten: Acceptance and Prom
Months past and Christmas came and went. Summer did manage to enjoy that day with the Cohen's and Ryan, who gave her a heart shaped locket necklace. But the school year was slowly coming to an end and the University acceptance letters would be arriving any day now. Summer walked in the door from another day at school first, Ryan and Seth were going to Marissa's to help Julie carry in a new television she had brought, along with a dishwasher.
"Hey Kirsten," greeted Summer.
The months had been hard on Summer, but her vow to never feel happy again was wearing away as she come to accept the fact that Anna was gone. But she still needed to get away, that she knew. She may feel happy, but was never fully happy and she just wanted to have a fresh start on life and was hoping New York would offer her that at least.
"Hi Summer. This came today," said Kirsten handing her a crisp white envelope sitting on the kitchen counter with two other envelopes.
Summer looked at it, her mouth hanging open, "I-it's from NYU."
"Well open it!" encouraged Kirsten smiling.
Summer shakily turned the envelope over and opened it. Her heart was pounding a mile a minute and her breathing had slowed to deep, almost calming breaths. She pulled the neatly folded letter out and looked at Kirsten nervously.
"Do I read it?" she asked in a whispered tone.
Kirsten nodded and watched Summer unfold the letter with shaking hands that she couldn't control.
"Dear Miss Roberts," read Summer out loud, "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to New York University to study Journalism…"
Summer let out a happy cry and hugged Kirsten, who was laughing and congratulating her at the same time. Summer had got what she wanted; she had got into NYU and would be studying journalism. But then there was a downside to it that meant she would be leaving Ryan behind. She let go of Kirsten, no longer looking or feeling elated with joy.
"H-how do I tell Ryan?" she asked quietly looking from the acceptance letter to Kirsten, "I love him… but I have to go. I need to… to really find myself."
Kirsten looked at Summer sympathetically and placed a hand on her shoulder, "When the time comes, you will know what to say."
Summer just nodded and left the kitchen to head up stairs to her room. Inside, she shut the door and sat on her bed, looking at the letter and biting her lower lip. With a sigh she looked over at her open window letting in the cool breeze.
"Wish you were here Anna," sighed Summer, "Least you could tell me what to say or do."
OC
"Hey Mum, have they come yet?" called Seth jogging into the kitchen to find two envelopes, "Mr Atwood… and Mr Cohen."
Ryan took his from Seth and opened it. He unfolded it and began reading, a grin forming on his face. He looked at Seth who was smiling happily also.
"Get in?" asked Ryan.
"Yes, you?" asked Seth.
"Yes."
The two high fived each other as Kirsten walked in from out the back. When she saw the boys happy faces, she ran over to them and hugged them both happily.
"What about Marissa, did she get into Providence?" asked Kirsten.
"Yes. Julie is over the moon," said Seth smiling with a nod.
"What about Summer?" asked Ryan, "Where is she?"
Kirsten gestured up stairs as she looked at Seth's letter. Ryan walked out to the kitchen and ran upstairs holding his letter. He knocked on Summer's door who told the person to come in. Upon opening the door he saw Summer laying on her bed with her shoes kicked off onto the floor and a white letter folded on her flat stomach.
"Hey," he said shutting the door behind him, "How are you?"
"Alright, you?" replied Summer as Ryan sat down beside her.
"Brilliant. I got into Berkeley. Marissa got into Providence and Seth got into Brown. What about you?"
Summer sighed and looked Ryan in the eyes, "I got into NYU."
Ryan nodded, letting the news sink in, "Congratulations. It' what you wanted."
Summer sat up and took hold of Ryan's hands, "You too… you are going to be a famous architect. Ryan… there was nothing saying we were going to be together forever, you know that."
Ryan nodded. But he loved her, he was more in love with her then he was when he was with Marissa and now she was leaving him to go find her life in New York.
"Summer," said Ryan softly, his blue eyes staring right into her dark brown ones, "Summer… I love you."
Tears fought to fall down Summer's cheeks but she held them back as she answered him, "I love you too, Ryan."
She wrapped her arms around him, as he did the same to her. She was afraid to let go, but knew when the time came she would have too and so would he. Both would be fine, that she had faith in.
OC
The day dawned to be a bright and sunny one. Summer rolled onto her back and let out a long breath. Today was the day. Today she would graduate from High School and spend one last summer break in California before jetting off to her new life in New York. Money wasn't going to be a hassle for Summer. Sandy found out from her jailed father that her mother had set up a rather large trust fund before she died. It would help her through her years at University and after in life. Summer would depend on it throughout her study but planned on getting a good job in journalism. She didn't know which magazine she wanted to work with after graduating but was hoping it would be with a popular magazine…maybe Vogue.
She climbed out of bed and left her bedroom. Seth was in the shower, from the running water sounds in the bathroom and she could hear Sandy and Kirsten talking to Ryan, but when she entered the kitchen they stopped instantly and all smiled at her.
"Good morning, Summer," said Sandy, "Bagel?"
"No thanks. I don't think my stomach could handle anything," said Summer smiling, "I'm really nervous."
Ryan walked over to Summer and slipped an arm around her waist in a reassuring manner. Kirsten smiled at them before sipping her coffee.
"And to think," she said looking at Ryan, "Three years ago your never saw your self graduating and going to University."
Ryan nodded, "A lot has happened in three years."
"I know," agreed Summer leaning her head on Ryan's chest, "Oh good, your out."
Seth stepped into the kitchen dressed in his day's clothes. Summer left and headed for the shower. After having a long hot shower and washing her hair Summer dressed in a orange, not too bright, knee length crinkled skirt and a white tank top. She fitted a white braided belt on her hips and slipped on a white pair of round toe ballet flats. She curled her hair loosely and clipped the front back with orange hair clips. Satisfied with her look, Summer turned to leave, but her eyes landed on her bottom desk draw. Tentively, she walked over to the draw and slowly pulled it open with her eyes closed. She reached in and felt the smooth surface of the picture. She pulled it out and opened her eyes, looking at Anna's bright cheery face. Summer smiled at the photo and sighed.
"You should be right here beside me today. We should be graduating together and going to the prom tonight together… I'm sorry Anna," said Summer, "It is my fault and I'll always blame myself for what happened."
Summer shut the draw and opened the top one, pulling out the empty frame. She slipped the photo back in it and set it on her bedside table. With a smile at her passed bestfriend, Summer turned and left her room.
Down stairs, Ryan was dressed also, in his usual look but the top was buttoned up over his singlet. Kirsten hurried over to the hall cupboard and pulled out three covered graduation outfits with the hats sitting on top of them.
"Let's go," said Sandy holding the car keys.
As a family, the five left the house together.
OC
"Ryan Atwood!"
With a smile Ryan walked on stage and collected his graduation certificate, smiling at Sandy and Kirsten, Kirsten was snapping pictures whenever she could. Ryan walked across the stage and down the steps to his seat. Other names were called and as it reached the C's it could be seen that Seth was looking rather nervous.
"Seth Cohen!"
Seth walked up on stage, glad the principal didn't attempt to pronounce his full name. He got his certificate and smiled at his parents and Marissa, who's graduation was the day before along with her prom, which he went too as her date. Like Ryan did, he walked across the stage and sat down in his seat. The names carried on before they finally reached the R's.
"Jessica Rabin," called the Principal handing a curvy girl her certificate, "Mitchell Rebern."
A jock student strutted on with his beach blonde hair slicked back, he was the one who had grabbed Summer by the face to check out her bruise earlier in the year.
"Summer Roberts!"
Summer walked on stage smiling happily. She shook the Principals hand and smiled at Kirsten to let her take the picture, as well as smiling happily at Ryan. She walked across the stage and took her seat to watch the remainder of the large year to graduate.
OC
"I can't believe it," said Summer hugging Ryan happily, "We've done it! We have finished!"
Ryan laughed and spun Summer around happily, "We have and tonight it all ends with the Prom."
"I know," smiled Summer, waving to someone who was leaving with her parents, "It's all over… after three extremely long years."
"Hey guys, we are graduates now!" said Seth walking over to them with Marissa in tow, "No longer seniors… graduates!"
"We get it Seth," said Ryan smiling, "Come on, I think Sandy and Kirsten want something."
The four walked over to a waiting Sandy and Kirsten, who were grinning. They gave Ryan, Summer and Seth a hug in turn as well as Marissa, congratulating her for graduating as the valedictorian.
"How about a bite to eat?" asked Sandy with a smile, "The Prom is six hours away."
"Six hours?" repeated Summer and Kirsten.
"Come on," said Marissa, "I have Mum's car. Us girls can go do our thing and you men can go eat."
Without waiting for a word, Marissa, Kirsten and Summer took off to go get the nails done, then the hair and make up before heading home to get dressed.
Sandy, Seth and Ryan just watched the three women hurry off, wondering why they would need six hours to get ready.
"I only need an hour… not even that," commented Seth, "What could take six hours?"
"I have no idea," said Ryan, "But I do know I am hungry."
OC
It was twenty minutes before it was time to head too the Prom. Summer stared at her reflection and smiled. Her halter neck, emerald green gown hugged her body nicely with a crimpled style all over. The neckline plunged to just in between her breasts. The gown flowed loosely from her hips, allowing her to be able to walk properly. The hemline brushed the ground slightly hiding her black, kitten heel shoes, that had a strap across her toes, and did up around her ankle. Her hair had been pulled up into a curly bun, with trendils of curls stylishly hanging out. Her long fringe had been brushed to the side and curled at the end.
Kirsten walked in and looked at Summer with a small smile, "You look absolutely beautiful."
"I chose the colour for Anna," admitted Summer, "She would've been wearing this colour tonight. I know it."
"Oh, Sum, that dress is gorgeous!" cried Marissa walking in, dressed in a black strapless gown that flowed down her slim body and brushed along the gown. She had styled her hair into rippling waves that framed her face nicely.
"Here," said Kirsten slipping a white diamond bracelet onto Summer's wrist, "It's a gift from me and Sandy for you. We are really proud of you Summer. You are daughter to us and are welcome home whenever you want to stay here."
Summer smiled and hugged Kirsten tightly, "Thank you so much."
Kirsten smiled and taking hold of Summer's hand they walked down stairs following Marissa. Standing in the foyer were the three men. Seth was dressed in a black tux with a white shirt and bow tie. In his hand he held a white rose corsage. Beside him was Ryan in a black suit with a black shirt but a emerald green silk tie. He was holding a pink lily corsage.
"Wow," gasped Seth seeing Marissa heading down the stairs towards him, a awed smile on his face, "Marissa… you look… you look… beautiful."
Marissa smiled and allowed Seth to slip the corsage on her wrist, "You look great yourself."
Seth smiled and kissed Marissa on the cheek.
Ryan however was looking at Summer with his mouth wide open. Kirsten walked over to Ryan with Summer before stepping over to Seth and hugging him.
"Sum… you look like an angel," said Ryan slipping the corsage on and then kissing her tenderly on the lips, "Shall we go?"
Summer nodded, "I like your outfit."
Ryan smiled and linked arms with Summer before following Seth and Marissa out to the limousine.
OC
The limousine pulled up outside the fanciest restaurant in all of Newport. The window's glowed with light from inside and prom students were milling around outside talking to students all commenting on how they looked and asking where they got their outfit from.
Marissa climbed out after Seth and it wasn't long before a group of girls ran over to Marissa exclaiming about the dress. Ryan then got out and helped Summer out. They avoided the girls and were soon lining up for photo's.
"So… what are we doing after the Prom?" asked Summer looking up at Ryan.
"I have something planned," said Ryan smiling, "Just you and me."
Summer smiled and pecked Ryan on the cheek before they had their photo's taken together and in single ones.
Once inside they mingled with other people they knew, talking and reliving past memories, the good and bad. As Summer walked over to get a drink, Taylor walked over to her, dressed in a dark red gown with one strap.
"Hey Taylor," smiled Summer, "How are you?"
"I'm great and you? I must say, your dress is beautiful! Is it Chanel?"
Summer shook her head, "Lisa Ho… an Australian designer. What's yours?"
"Chanel. My mother and I went and picked it out together."
"It's looks really nice. I love the shade of red. So which Uni did you get into?"
"Berkeley. I'm studying design in fashion. I want to be a famous designer and have all these hot stars wearing my designs… or maybe interior decorating. Who knows really?"
"Wow… sounds great. I'm going to NYU… journalism."
"Really? I never saw you becoming a journalist. Freelance?"
"Ew, no way!" cried Summer, "A professional one for a magazine… or on television."
"Wow… what about you and Ryan? You two are smitten with each other. And I heard he got into Berkeley."
"He did," nodded Summer, "But… when the time comes… maybe we could make it a long distance one… but I don't want to hold him back and I honestly don't plan on coming back here… ever."
Taylor just nodded, slightly shocked from Summer's news, "I-I guess we all have our reasons."
Summer nodded just as the Principal asked them all to sit at their tables for the meal before the night of dancing began.
Summer said goodbye to Taylor and made her way to her table beside Ryan and Marissa. They spent the meal hour talking about stories, as they ate their meal. Followed by the meal was dessert of rich chocolate cake topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
As Summer finished her last bite music began playing, Pussycat Dolls – Beep. Ryan and Seth just sat there as Summer, Marissa and a group of girls took to the dance floor, singing and dancing to the beat, moving their hips at the appropriate bits.
"How's your night going?" asked Seth to Ryan over the music.
"Great," nodded Ryan watching Summer, "Yours?"
"Brilliant. I always imagined myself hating prom."
Ryan patted Seth on the shoulder standing up as a slow song came on, "You have a girl waiting for you."
The two stood and walked over to the girls as a Mandy Moore song played.
If you believe that dreams come true,
There's one that's waiting there for you,
Cos I believed that when I saw you,
That when you want something bad enough,
That it can't escape your love,
There is nothing in the world that cannot be,
If you believe.
Summer and Ryan stepped in small circles not saying a word, just enjoying each other's closeness. Both knew what was coming in the short months and both were terrified of it. Summer looked up at Ryan and smiled at him before kissing him softly. The song ended and a rockier one came on. Seth and Marissa danced over to them and the four were soon in a group dancing away happily, laughing at Seth's awkward moves.
Soon the guy's were sick of dancing and claimed they were thirsty, but Summer and Marissa knew they just wanted to pig out on the food. Summer and Marissa began dancing together spinning each other around at times.
An hour later the guys returned and joined in. It was when a heavy metal style song came on, that got the guys jumping, that Marissa and Summer left the dance floor, a lot of the girls had the same idea.
"Drink?" asked Marissa offering Summer a bottle of water from the snack table.
"Yeah," nodded Summer taking the bottle.
They walked back to their table and sat down, drinking their drink as five heavy metal songs played in a row. Summer and Marissa watched the mosh pit with looks of disbelief. But when a Britney Spears song came on (Toxic) many of the guys left the dance floor, swapped by many girls. Summer and Marissa remained seated and welcomed their man with a bottle of water.
"Have fun?" asked Marissa.
"Yeah," nodded Seth, "Who knew they would play that?"
"What bands were they playing?" asked Summer.
"Slipknot, ummm… Fozzy… I don't know the rest," said Ryan, "Trey listens to a lot of heavy metal."
Summer just nodded and stood up to return to dancing with Marissa as Pink's Stupid Girls started playing.
OC
"You organized this?" cried Summer as they entered the expensive hotel room that had vanilla scented candles lit all around the room, Summer's favorite scent.
The ground had pink lily petals scattered on the ground and soft music was playing.
"It's all for you," said Ryan, his arms wrapped around her waist.
Summer turned in Ryan's arms smiling at him before kissing him gently on the lips. They stepped into the room and Ryan used his foot to shut the door behind him. The kiss became more fiery with passion as Summer pushed Ryan's jacket off and removed his tie…
A/N: There you go, its' obvious what happened after that. Anyway the next chapter will be an emotional one. So yeah. Please review!
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!