A/N: Well I am going to try and make this chapter an emotional one. If it doesn't come out that way… sorry! Thanks for the reviews!
DISCLAIMER: Only the plot.
Chapter Eleven: Leaving Newport
"May your futures all be bright and happy one's," finished Sandy on the last night that Summer, Seth and Marissa would be in Newport for a long time, "Now, let's all enjoy this wonderful meal Kirsten slaved over all day."
It was the last meal that all would eat together. Sandy and Kirsten had organised it, inviting Julie, Caitlin and Marissa over. Summer glanced at Ryan, knowing what tomorrow, midday would bring. He didn't look her direction focusing on the meal in front of him. Summer swallowed a lump in her throat and looked down at her salad and forked a bit of lettuce.
"All packed, Summer?" asked Julie kindly as she cut into her fish.
"Yeah. Everything is in boxes and bags," replied Summer, hoping her voice didn't quiver."
"Will you be staying on campus?"
"No. I've found an apartment near it though. It's small but that will suit me fine."
"Wow. You really have everything planned. What about furniture?"
"Pre ordered. It will be delivered an hour or so after I arrive. Hopefully there are no delays."
Julie nodded, "Oh… well this place will not be the same without your four all together. Caitlin is going to have big shoes to fill in."
Caitlin shrugged, "I'll fill them in my own way."
Everyone smiled knowing Caitlin would do just that. After that everyone chatted, but Summer and Ryan both avoided speaking to each other. Once the meal was complete they all sat around talking to each other, bringing up stories from the summer just ending.
"Wait here, all of you," said Sandy, standing and leaving the outside area and heading inside.
"What's Dad doing?" asked Seth looking at Kirsten curiously.
"Just wait and see," replied Kirsten smiling at her son, "So Julie, how is work going?"
"Great," said Julie smiling, "Much better then I thought it would. I'm having the house painted. The lounge room is being painted a crème like colour with dark brown skirting's, so is the hallway and Caitlin is having hers painted a goose egg colour. Like a purple it is. And Marissa wants her painted white with a feature wall coloured maroon."
"Wow. Everything is looking up Julie. That's great."
Julie nodded, "I know and I didn't need Jimmy to get where I am. If that slime ball ever showed his face again…"
Julie didn't finish her sentence but everyone got the gist. Marissa and Caitlin swapped uncomfortable looks as Sandy walked out carrying four boxes all wrapped in shiny blue wrapping paper.
"Seth," said Sandy handing him one, "Marissa, Summer and Ryan."
The four looked at the boxes before opening them Inside was a brand new mobile phone. Colour screen, it flipped shut, took pictures, could download music videos and ring tones and they could have video conversations.
"They have been programmed to send pictures, everything and I have put in the important numbers. Mine, Kirsten's, Julies, Caitlin's, home phone numbers and all of yours. Now you have no excuse but to keep in contact," said Sandy.
Summer smiled at Sandy as she pulled her silver phone out of the box and turned it on. The screen wallpaper was of her, Ryan, Seth and Marissa at the prom. She looked at Marissa who was smiling also with tears in her eyes.
"Thanks Sandy," said Summer quietly, "This is great… perfect."
"We expect a phone call once a week. From all of you," said Kirsten with a nod from Julie, "And emails, letters, photos."
"What point will that be from me?" asked Ryan, "I'll only be down the road living on campus."
"It doesn't matter. You will be busy and not find time to come visit all the time," said Sandy seriously, "Beside's you still need to keep in contact as a group. As couples."
Summer looked at Ryan, who glanced at her before looking away. It wasn't long after that, that everyone either went home or to bed.
OC
Summer couldn't sleep. She rolled over and glanced at her clock. It was nearing two AM in the morning making it roughly five AM in New York. Summer stood up and left her room heading to the kitchen. She flicked the light on and walked to the fridge. She knew there was a slice of chocolate mud cake left in there from dinner. But it wasn't there.
"Where'd it go?" she muttered.
"I'm eating it."
Summer's heart froze in fright and she spun around to see Ryan sitting at the counter with a partly eaten slice of cake in front of him.
"Oh," said Summer, "Well then."
"You can eat it with me if you want."
Summer nodded, got a spoon from the draw and sat beside Ryan and began to eat the cake with him.
"Couldn't sleep?" asked Ryan curiously.
"Yeah. I have a lot on my mind really," sighed Summer, "You?"
"Same as you."
Summer nodded, "What are we going to do?"
"I thought you would have the answer to that one already."
"I do… but… but I don't know."
"Summer we both have known all along how it was going to end as soon as you applied for NYU. We both just have to come to terms with it now," said Ryan reasonably.
"It's not that easy. How was I supposed to know what was going to happen this year?" said Summer irritably about everything, "Life really knows how to suck sometimes."
"Tell me about it."
They both fell silent and finished eating the cake. Summer stood and placed the plate and spoons in the dishwasher. Ryan walked over to Summer and pulled her towards him.
"Right now we still have time to enjoy what is left. Let's not deal with it until the time comes," whispered Ryan, "I love you Summer and I want to enjoy that now, not dread tomorrow, midday when you leave me."
Summer nodded with tears in her eyes, "Me too."
Ryan smiled and used his thumb to wipe her tears away before kissing her softly on the lips. Summer held onto his hand and followed him into the pool house where they laid on the bed and fell asleep together for one last time.
OC
Summer yawned and stretched, brushing Ryan along the face with her arm gently. She rolled to her side and looked at the time. Nine am. She had to leave for the airport at ten thirty. Quickly she sat up and got out of bed, running into the house. Kirsten greeted her with a smile.
"Sleep well?" she asked.
"W-we didn't do anything. Just slept," said Summer taking an offered bagel.
"It's okay if you did or didn't," said Kirsten stirring her coffee.
Summer smiled and ate her bagel before running upstairs to have a shower and dress. She pulled on some dark blue jeans and purple singlet. She brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail. After applying some make up of lip-gloss and pale purple eye shadow she began carting the seven boxes down stairs along with the four bags of clothes and shoes. She was only taking the things she would need and if need be Kirsten and Sandy would have other things sent to her.
"I'll help you take them to the car."
Summer looked up and saw Ryan showered and dressed. Summer nodded and together they packed the gear into the back of Sandy's car. Seth and Marissa weren't flying out till that night.
"Alright!" said Sandy walking out with his keys as Seth arrived with Marissa, "Everyone in!"
"Hang on," said Summer, "I need my bag for on the plane."
Summer ran back in and up to her practically empty room. She collected her bag and took a deep breath to calm down. She ran back down stairs where Marissa and Seth were waiting in the foyer to say goodbye.
"You take care, okay?" said Marissa seriously hugging Summer tight, "Don't do something silly or change who you are."
Summer hugged back with tears in her eyes, "You do the same. And keep Cohen in line at all times."
"I will," said Marissa her voice shaking, "I'm going to miss you so much Sum."
Summer pulled away her eyes glistening with tears, "We knew it would happen one day Coop. Don't cry! We'll keep in touch always."
Marissa nodded and wiped her tears away as Summer turned to a quiet Seth.
"Oh, Cohen," said Summer sighing, "Are you going to cry?"
"I do not do crying," said Seth pointing his finger at Summer, "I'm trying to work out what to say."
Summer smiled and hugged Seth, "You take care and keep safe. Treat Coop right okay?"
"I will. Don't loose contact with us," said Seth, "New York is a big place."
Summer pulled away smiling and with a final wave she left the Cohen place for one last time. As she shut the door a wave of sadness cascaded over her body like a bucket of water being tipped over her. Kirsten ran up the steps and led her down the stairs.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Summer nodded and got into the car beside Ryan, who was sitting silently, looking out the window with complete determination.
The ride to the airport was silent with the radio on playing some Shania Twain song that Kirsten liked. At the airport, Sandy found a trolley and they stacked the boxes and bags onto it before getting it organised to be put on the flight.
"GATE 11 FOR NEW YORK IS NOW BOARDING!" came a female voice over the loud speaker.
"That's me," said Summer nervously as the four moved towards the gate.
"We'll say goodbye to you here," said Sandy glancing at Ryan, "You take care Summer. And remember to ring. If you ever want to come back home, just catch the next flight and we will welcome you back with open arms."
Summer nodded and hugged Sandy the way she never hugged her father, "Thank you for everything Sandy. Nothing I say or do will make up to what you and Kirsten have done for me."
Sandy smiled and Summer turned to a teary eyed Kirsten.
"Oh Summer," she said softly before embracing Summer, "Take care of yourself okay?"
"I will," promised Summer hugging Kirsten back with the tears starting to fall.
She pulled away and her and Ryan walked closer to the gate. They came to a stop just a few feet away from the line.
"So… so this is where we end it," said Summer softly.
Ryan nodded and handed her a box, before pecking her on the cheek, "Take care Summer."
Without another word he turned and headed back over to Kirsten and Sandy. Summer just looked at the box before nodding and walking over to the gate. Once she showed her ticket she walked down the corridor leading to the plane.
That's how it ended. A kiss on the cheek and a 'take care', nothing more. Tears filled Summer's eyes but she brushed them away as she reached the plane. The stewardess directed her to her seat in first class. When she sat down, Summer opened the box. Inside was a silver necklace with a locket the shape of a heart. She lifted it out of the box and opened it to find her face on one side and Ryan on the other. Underneath lay a note. She unfolded it and was met to a letter written by Ryan.
Summer,
So, now you are on the plane heading away to New York. We have just ended things and I'm probably heading back to the car with Sandy and Kirsten thinking about you. My goodbye to you was planned so that we didn't say goodbye because I never want to say goodbye to you Summer. As corny as this sounds coming from me of all people, you have shown me the true meaning of love.
When Anna died, you didn't close yourself away from the world. You let me in, you let me comfort you. When you applied for NYU and I confronted you about and we fought, you didn't back away you came to me. That's what I love about you Summer. You stick to your ways and do what's good for you. I guess you see New York as being good for you. I'm not going to criticise you about it. I'm glad you are doing it.
I am hoping that maybe later in life we will find each other again and still fit with each other. I am giving you this locket so you can remember what we have. I love you Summer Roberts and will never forget you or the love I have for you.
Take care and show New York who Summer Roberts is.
Love Ryan.
Summer let out a sob and folded the letter. She stuck it in the box, but put the necklace on. She turned to the window doing the seatbelt up and looked out it, tears rolling down her cheeks and her heart beat hard and fast as memories of her and Ryan played throughout her mind.
OC
Summer slipped the key into the door and walked into her new home, her own small place. She flicked the light on and lit up the averaged sized lounge room. With help from the landlord, a nice man about Sandy's age, helped her cart her boxes in. The carpet was a nice sea green, which would match her blue lounges and dark oak wood furniture nicely. She thanked the landlord and headed over to the first closed door. She opened to a bedroom and walked around it. White carpet and walls. She walked out of it and into the second closed door. Another bedroom, only bigger – her room. She exited and directly across was the archway into the kitchen and dining area. She walked down to the other closed door and opened it to a bathroom with sea green tiles and half tiled walls with the ceiling and rest of the wall painted white. It was a nice place that would suit her fine. She pulled her phone out and dialled in the Cohen's number. It was morning, so Summer knew they would be up.
On the second ring Kirsten answered, "Hello, Kirsten Cohen."
"Hey Kirsten, it's Summer," she said eagerly, glad to hear a familiar voice, "I'm safe here in New York."
"Oh, Sum, I was beginning to worry," said Kirsten sounding relieved, "How is the apartment?"
"Great. The pictures didn't lie. The landlord is nice. He was telling me his wife is a lawyer as well. She works in the city and does speeches at NYU."
"That's great."
"Yeah. Did Seth and Marissa leave okay?"
"Yes. They were a bundle of emotions though. Was the flight good?"
"Yeah. I slept most of it though. I-is Ryan fine?"
"He is. Sandy has just taken him to Berkeley. So the house is really empty… really empty."
At that moment a knock came from the door with the announcement of the landlord.
"I have to go, Kirsten. But I will call tomorrow," said Summer, "I miss you. Bye."
"Bye, Summer. Take care."
Summer flipped her phone shut and ran over to the door. She opened it and the landlord told her the delivery men were here with her furniture.
Within an hour the men had her furniture and set in the places where she wanted it. Summer tipped them each fifty dollars and thanked them as she shut the door and snapped the lock shut. She looked around her now furnished apartment and began to unpack the things she had brought with her from California.
OC
"Luke man! I didn't know you were going to Berkeley!" cried Ryan slapping his old friend on the back, "How are you, man?"
"I'm great. You?" smiled the blue eyed ex of Marissa.
"Doing alright. What are you studying?"
"Law. You?"
"Architecture. You living on campus?"
"Yeah. They have put me in room 204 in the C block."
Ryan looked at his sheet and nodded, "Same room as me. Who would've guess that?"
Luke laughed and together they lugged their boxes and bags up to room 204. They chatted as they began unpacking, ignoring the loud noises coming from the hall.
"So how are things with you and Marissa?" asked Luke as he placed some clothes in his dresser.
"Actually Marissa and I broke up months ago. For the past year was dating Summer Roberts," replied Ryan, "Seth and Marissa are going out now."
"Are you serious, man? I never saw that one coming," said Luke in surprise, "Hang on… what do you mean by you 'was' dating Summer?"
"Well she has gone to New York University… and I'm here. She has left Newport for good I think. She just needs too… discover the true her."
"Oh… yeah I heard about her father."
"Plus Anna Stern died."
"Point being?"
"Her and Anna became bestfriend's and Summer was in the same car accident and I guess blames herself for Anna's death."
"Oh… man that's a lot."
Ryan nodded, "Hows your Dad?"
"Oh he's good. The shop is going great and he's dating some banker guy."
"That's great," nodded Ryan, "I'm starved man. You want to go grab a bite to eat… or find out where to get food from."
"Sounds like a plan."
OC
Two months passed and Summer was enjoying her subject and the life at University. She had made a couple of friends who she went shopping with, to the movies or they hung out at her apartment watching movies of study group. But Summer never forgot Ryan. She had sent him a few text messages, asking how he was, how she was going, to which he replied too. But they never rang each other. Summer also kept in contact with Seth and Marissa, Sandy and Kirsten and sent emails to Julie and Caitlin.
It was a Friday night and Summer was popping the popcorn for her friends coming over to watch the latest Johnny Depp movie. As she set the three bowls of popcorn on the coffee table the doorbell rang. Summer ran over and pulled it open to be greeted by her four friends; Evie Baxter, Savannah Tessaro, Jessica Windale and Katinka Grassum.
Katinka hugged Summer her blue eyes smiling along with the rest of her face. Summer laughed and stumbled backwards, hugging her friend. She then hugged the blonde haired Jessica, black haired Savannah and red haired Evie.
"I have been dying to see this movie," said Katinka pulling her light brown hair into a messy pony tail.
"So you have said all week," joked Summer shutting and locking her door, "Well put it in Kat, don't stand there gawking at it!"
A/N: There you go… I dunno how emotional you all found it. But hey, the plot line is lengthening… and yeah. Well review!
Bye for now!
Love yas!
Love Coz!