DSICLAIMER: Only own the plot and Isabel.
Chapter Sixteen: Teresa Returns
"You look gorgeous," smiled Summer as she turned Isabel too look in the bedroom mirror.
She was dressed in a pale pink knee length skirt and a pale yellow singlet top, with a pale pink cardigan on that did up with a little clip. Her sandy blonde hair was brushed and shining clean, with natural, little curls at the tops. She smiled at herself and gingerly touched the fabric of her top. She then slipped on her pink ballet style shoes and smiled at Summer.
"So," said Summer making sure her navy blue dress was smooth, "How about we go get this night over with?"
"Okay," said Isabel walking down the stairs with Summer. Summer led Isabel into the kitchen where Kirsten was on the phone making sure everything was organized for tonight. She smiled at the two and said goodbye to the person on the phone.
"Isabel, you look pretty," complimented Kirsten.
"Dad picked out my shoes," said Isabel, "But Summer chose the rest."
Kirsten smiled at Isabel and Summer, who was looking at Isabel happily. Kirsten could then finally see the three as a family, she excused herself from the kitchen as Ryan arrived and headed upstairs to hurry Sandy up.
"All dressed I see," said Ryan at Isabel, "Do the shoes fit okay?"
"Yep," nodded Isabel, "So are we going soon?"
"I think we can go. Sandy and Kirsten won't be long behind us," said Summer collecting Ryan's keys off the bench and tossing them to Ryan and collecting her black purse from the bench as well, "Let's go then."
The three headed out to the car, with Isabel sitting in the back, looking out the window excitedly as they drove to the location, which was a country club with views of the ocean. The wedding was being held there tomorrow, starting at 11am and the reception beginning at 1pm and finishing at 8pm.
"She likes you," said Ryan quietly as they drove.
"And you too," replied Summer, "Poor thing… I didn't think Teresa could be that way."
"People change, Summer. Some a little and some quite a lot."
Summer nodded and gazed out the window, pointing out fun places to Isabel, like the mall, a park for dogs, the elementary school and other places. Isabel murmurs things in delight then looks at the back of Ryan's head.
"Will I live with you, Dad?" she asks, "Do you think Mum will let me?"
"I don't really know. Do you like living with your Mum?" he replied glancing back at her before pulling into the country club's drive way.
"Sometimes. I love Mum when she is happy. That's when she has the drugs but I don't like her having them. If she doesn't have them she is angry and sends me to Nan's place."
Ryan was silent before asking quietly, "Do you want to go back home?"
Isabel went silent herself as she thought about the question. Summer glanced back at her to make sure she was okay then looked at Ryan with a little shrug.
"No," said Isabel firmly, "I love my Mummy, but I don't like her on those drugs. She is always changing from mean to nice."
"Where would you like to stay?"
They all climbed out of the car and Ryan walked around to Summer and Isabel's side.
"With you and Summer," said Isabel firmly with a nod, "Is that okay?"
"We would love that," said Summer, "But your mother has legal rights over you and Ryan is your father."
"And as your father, I would love to have you living with me. But we will see how things go for now," said Ryan taking hold of Isabel by the hand, "Come on, we have a dinner to attend."
OC
"Calm down will you?" cried Summer laughing as Marissa stared at herself in the mirror, looking at her curled and pinned up hair critically, "Everything is perfect Marissa. I swear."
Marissa turned to Summer, who was dressed in her gown with her hair swept up into a French twist. Her makeup was subtle but there.
"What if he says I don't?" asked Marissa nervously.
Summer placed her hands on Marissa's shoulder's and looked her fair in the eyes, "Listen to me Cooper, Seth is head over heels for you. He wouldn't dream of saying I don't. Quit worrying and get prepared to become Mrs Marissa Cohen."
Marissa smiled nervously and nodded as Julie walked in to check on Marissa. Summer hurried away to get her flowers and touchup her makeup. Then ten minutes later they woman made their way to the large white tent. A crème coloured carpet was rolled out to the outside of the tent. Standing tall on each side of the closed archway entrance were vases full of long stemmed pale pink lilies. The bridesmaid lined up, going Joan, Caitlin and then Summer. Marissa stood beside her mother, their arms linked. Inside soft music was playing, then it changed. The curtains pulled back showing the white seats all lined up on to sides of the carpet. Around the room were other vases full of the lilies. Standing at the front stood Seth, Ryan, Luke and Joan's husband, Billy. Joan began walking gracefully down the isle, followed by Caitlin. A few seconds later Summer began her walk. She smiled at everyone like the perfect Newport raised person she was. At the end of the isle, she looked at Ryan who smiled at her softly. Once she took her position the wedding march began and everyone stood. Seth looked down at Marissa with a lovey dovey face, watching her slowly step close, the long veil covering her face. Julie walked along side her smiling proudly. The guests all watched on with smiles on their faces.
Once at the front the priest asked who was giving the bride away. Julie answered happily that she was and Seth took Marissa's hand.
For the next twenty minutes the vows were read, repeated and the marriage certificate was signed.
Finally the final words were spoken to make it official, "I now pronounce you Husband and Wife! Seth, you may now kiss the Bride."
Marissa handed Summer the bouquet and Seth lifted the veil back before kissing Marissa Cohen for the very first time.
OC
"Have fun," cried Summer waving out to Marissa and Seth as they walked down to the limousine that would be taking them to the airport.
"Wait!" cried Marissa, "I have to throw the bouquet!"
All the unmarried women ran to the middle, Summer one of them. Marissa turned and threw the bouquet over her head, with the lucky lady being Caitlin. Caitlin laughed and waved goodbye to her sister, with everyone else. It was 8:30pm by the time everyone began leaving to either go home or go party somewhere else. Summer weaved her way back inside where she spotted Ryan on his phone. Isabel standing beside Kirsten and Sandy, who were talking to Julie.
"Did you have fun?" asked Summer walking over to Isabel.
"Yeah," she nodded, "The talking part was really boring but."
Summer laughed but when she saw Ryan pacing over in the corner, she told Isabel to stay with Sandy and Kirsten and walked over to him, looking worried. She placed a hand on his arm and he turned to face, a mixture of fury and worry on his face.
"Ryan? What's wrong?" asked Summer softly so no one could hear.
"I just got a call from the Children's Welfare," he said, "They can't do a case against Teresa."
"What? Why?"
"She's run off. They say there is a letter for me but they will be bringing it around tomorrow. It's addressed to me and Isabel."
Summer looked over at his daughter and sighed, "You really are all she's got."
"Just me?"
Summer nodded, "Well yeah. I mean you are her father."
"Summer," said Ryan taking her hand, "She has you too."
Summer frowned at Ryan a little surprised. Sure she had been nice to Isabel, she liked Isabel, but Ryan was getting at something.
"You are becoming a mother to her. She is obviously smitten with you in a mother daughter manner."
"So you are saying you want me to… take over the mother role?"
Ryan shrugged with a little nod.
"Ryan, I'm not Teresa. Regardless of how Teresa treated Isabel, I can't step in and take that spot."
"I'm not asking you to be Teresa, I want you to be you too… help Isabel. Be her female guide in life."
Summer smiled a little, "Serious?"
"Serious."
With a grin Summer threw her arms around Ryan and hugged him before she pulled back and kissed him. She pulled away a little surprised at her actions, but Ryan slid a finger under her chin and tilted her head up to him, drawing her in for another kiss. Summer deepened the kiss brushing her tongue along his lip, which Ryan welcomed. After a few more seconds they pulled apart, a little breathless.
"Well," said Summer looking away, "That was…"
"Worth waiting for," finished Ryan, "We should get home."
OC
Six months later…Summer watched as Marissa curved the letter a little better with skill, making the U lean into the rest of the word.
"Excellent," smiled Summer before leaving her office. She had brought a business building near the pier the month after the wedding and had it transformed into a magazine company. Together, her and Marissa planned everything, hired writers, photographers, everything possibly needed to run a successful magazine. Next week would be the launch of their nation wide magazine, called: Ultra. It was called Ultra meaning, ultra read, ultra news, everything ultra in one magazine.
Summer being the writer was in charge of picking out articles for the month's magazine. This month had Ashlee Simpson on the cover with her sister Jessica. They talked about their careers, life in general, romances and many other things. Other articles were a life story about a girl who had been raped, tried to commit suicide but though family help had managed to pull through and is now completing her final year in high school. Plus Summer has put her life story, to inspire girls who are going through it that there is a way out and they can become successful in life.
As Summer entered her office her phone rang. She picked up an article on her table and answered her phone.
"Hello, Summer Roberts," she said professionally.
"Summer," it was Ryan, "Guess what I just saw on television during my lunch break?"
"What?"
"The add for your magazine. The one Ashlee and Jessica Simpson did."
"Oh my gosh! Really?" cried Summer excitedly, "What channel?"
"I don't know… the one they show Oprah on."
"Oh… yeah. That one," nodded Summer with a smile as she sat down, "How is work going?"
"Great. Finished designing one house today. The magazine still getting along?"
"Of course. Marissa is designing the label and front cover now, I am confirming articles and correcting them. I still can't believe the Simpson sisters agreed to be our first big article."
"Just shows that they know the magazine will be a hit. I keep telling you it will be."
"I know… so are you still at work?"
"On my way home. It is 5:30 after all. Isabel will be home from ballet lessons. When will you be home?"
"I might leave now. I can do all the article checking tomorrow. Beside's I have to start looking for a place of my own."
"Oh… yeah."
"Are you okay? Ryan, I was going to ask you if you wanted to move in with me. You and Isabel… as a family."
"That… that would be great."
"Great. We can begin looking tonight. See you at home."
"Bye."
OC
"Really?" cried Isabel as Summer and Ryan told her their family plans, "You would be my Mum?"
"Well… in a way I would be," replied Summer, "But your real Mum is still your Mum."
Isabel nodded. After reading the letter Teresa had left her, Isabel had never felt the same love for her. Teresa had said she would come back for her in the future when she was 'better from her illness'. In the mean time she was to live with her father and his family.
"So," said Ryan pulling the conversation away from Teresa, "How about we go house hunting? Online?"
Isabel nodded eagerly and led the way to Summer's room where her laptop was connected to the internet. Summer logged onto a real estate and the three began searching through houses.
"Five bedroom's, one with it's own bathroom, another toilet down stairs, pool, double garage… hey it is ten minutes away from here. Near Harbor Middle School," said Ryan, "That'll be good for when you start their Isabel."
"Let's look at the pictures," was her reply as Summer clicked on them.
The kitchen was big and modern with a island in the middle. The living room was wooden floored with pale blue walls. The master bedroom had crème coloured carpet with off white walls. One of the other bedroom's was pink, pleasing Isabel. The other pictures showed beautiful pictures, that it wasn't long before Summer, Ryan and Isabel had their heart set on it.
"This one… please Dad!" begged Isabel looking at Ryan with her dark eyes.
He turned to Summer who was giving her same look. He laughed and nodded and the two females cheered.
"It is 1.5 million dollars," said Summer, "Hey. It's one of Kirsten's old designer homes. No wonder its beautiful."
"I'll give the agent a ring and organize a walk through," said Ryan walking out.
Isabel walked around to Summer and sat beside her, fiddling with Summer's skirt, "Summer?"
"Yeah?" asked Summer logging into her hotmail account to see she had an email from Katinka.
"Can… can I call you Mum?"
Summer stopped reading her email and looked at Isabel in surprise, "Pardon?"
"Well… you are like my Mum. You buy me clothes, pack my school lunch and drop me off when Dad can't. And you and Dad love each other and said we are going to be a family. I love you Summer like a Mum."
Summer smiled and gave Isabel and hug, "I love you too Sweetie. I would be honored to be called Mum by you."
Isabel smiled and hugged Summer again, "Can I go tell Kristen? She is in her office."
Summer nodded and Isabel ran off. Summer read her email from Katinka, who told her she had heard from her boss Tessa got fired by the big boss of Vogue for letting Allure know what they were putting into their edition. Summer replied with her news about her magazine, moving into a place with Ryan and fully gaining a daughter. The thought of Isabel calling her Mum made her heart swell with pride. She did want kids. Another little girl and then a boy.
As she sent the email off Ryan walked in smiling.
"Bel just told me she could call you Mum. Is that okay with you?"
Summer nodded smiling, "More then okay really. I… she is an amazing girl, Ryan."
Ryan sat down beside Summer and kissed her on the cheek, "Just like you, Mum."
Summer laughed and kissed him on the cheek.
Suddenly Ryan's phone buzzed and he pulled it out. He just stared at the number before answering it.
"Where are you?" he asked in a demanding tone.
"Ryan… who is it?" whispered Summer.
"No you can't… you ran off on her. She is more then happy here. Least she has people who really care for her."
Summer knew who it was and left the room, shutting the door behind her as Isabel skipped up the hall. Summer caught her in a hug and carried her down stairs with Isabel laughing.
"How is school?" asked Summer setting her on the bench and pulling two strawberry custards out of the fridge.
"Good. Cecilia is my bestfriend and we spend lunchtime walking around the playground. She wants to be a cheerleader when we get to Middle School. I told her I don't want too because they become real mean to everyone. I'm going to be a dancer."
Summer smiled, "Good. Just make sure you and Cecilia remain good friends. Bestfriend's are important and anything can come between you."
Isabel looked at Summer for a few moments before saying, "Your bestfriend died didn't she?"
Summer nodded, "In a car crash after her father's funeral. I was in it as well. Only Anna died. Her brother's and I lived."
"Was she pretty?"
Summer nodded and swallowed a lump, "Anna was very pretty. She had long blonde hair, brown eyes and a wonderful smile. She always, always knew what to say about any situation. She shouldn't of died."
Isabel looked at Summer for a bit, "I bet if she was here she would be happy for you."
Summer smiled at Isabel and opened her custard.
"Isabel," said Ryan walking into the kitchen holding his phone, "Your Mum is on the phone. She wants to talk to you."
Isabel looked at the phone and shook her head, "She didn't turn up on my tenth birthday like the letter said."
"She doesn't want to talk to you," said Ryan into the phone.
"Summer is my Mum now!" yelled Isabel, "Not her!"
Isabel jumped down from the counter and ran past Ryan and up the stairs to her room.
"Teresa… she is angry with you, didn't you hear her voice?" cried Ryan, "You want to see her, you turn up here tonight. Talking on the phone isn't going to fix anything."
Ryan hung up and looked at Summer. She placed her custard on the counter and walked over to Ryan and hugged him.
"You did the right thing," she said softly, "I'll go speak to Bel."
"Maybe I should," said Ryan holding Summer gently by the arm, "I am her father after all."
Summer nodded, kissed Ryan on the cheek and let him go console his only daughter. Summer sighed and picked up her custard and sat at the bench chair to eat it.
OC
Ryan knocked softly on his daughter's door before entering. Inside he sound Bel laying face down on what was once Seth's bed. He walked over and sat beside her small body. She turned her face and looked at him with tears in her eyes.
"I don't want to go back with her, Dad," she mumbled, "I like it here with you and Mum. I have real friends."
"I know sweetie," soothed Ryan rubbing her back, "But I don't have legal custody over you."
"Then get the legal thing. Sandy is a lawyer. He can do it."
"It's not that simple. The Welfare people have to prove this place is better for you and then there is a long lawsuit."
Isabel sat up and looked at her dad with a serious face, "If I go back Dad I will run away. I don't want to go back to Chino. Newport is my home."
Ryan sighed and nodded, "Your Mum might be coming here tonight. I want you to be nice to her, okay?"
Isabel sighed and nodded, "I'll try. But I am not hugging her at all."
"I'm not telling you too. "
Isabel nodded and hugged Ryan tightly with a smile on her face.
"Love ya Dad."
"Love you to Bel."
OC
The doorbell rang just as they all sat down to dinner with Summer telling Sandy and Kirsten they may have found a new home. Ryan excused himself and went to answer the door. He opened it expectantly and sure enough, there was Teresa, leaning against the pole beside her. Her eyes had bags underneath them and her hair looked mattered.
"I thought you said you were clean?" snapped Ryan stepping out and shutting the door behind him.
"Of drugs I am… well almost," replied Teresa, her breath reeking of alcohol and lack of teeth brushing.
"Almost? And you are drinking now? I am not letting you anywhere near Isabel like this!"
"She is my daughter!"
"She wants nothing to do with you!"
"We'll see about that," growled Teresa stumbling past Ryan and into the Cohen place, "Isabel! Mummy is home!"
Ryan ran in after her and blocked Teresa from walking further in.
"I can have you charged you know. I did not welcome you inside my home," said Ryan threateningly, "Leave now and come back when you are more capable of looking after Isabel."
"Izzy!" cried Teresa, her eyes widening as she saw her more well nourished daughter, dressed in faded jeans and a red shirt, with her hair in a braid done by Summer.
Standing beside Isabel was Summer, her hand on her shoulder.
Teresa looked up at Summer, her eyes narrowed, "What do you think you are? Her mother?"
"She is," mumbled Isabel quietly, "I call her Mum because I want too."
Teresa turned to Ryan, "You can't keep her. Your name isn't even on the birth certificate!"
"She's right Ryan," sighed Sandy walking in, "I'm sorry… but Isabel is legally Teresa's. But we can go to court with this."
Teresa stumbled forward and reached out to Isabel, but Isabel clung onto Summer, who held her too her.
"Give me my daughter!" snapped Teresa glaring at Summer.
Sandy and Kirsten stepped forward and pulled Summer away, who broke down into tears. Ryan tried to stop Teresa but Sandy grabbed him.
"Don't. She could use whatever you do against you in court," he said.
"Daddy!" screamed Isabel struggling against Teresa's hold as she dragged her out of the house, "DADDY I DON"T WANNA GO! MUM!"
Summer sobbed into Kirsten's chest as Isabel was taken from her and Ryan. Finally the door snapped shut, blocking out Isabel's screams of protest.
"I have to get her back," said Ryan too Sandy as he began pacing, "Where do I start?"
"Her mother," replied Sandy, "We need her to make a complaint to Child Welfare. Surely she would want Isabel in a place where she is cared for."