Mrs Cohen and Kursk; thank you for reviewing.
Chapter nine
"Yeah, I like the long cloth on the back. But no broodier; it would too much for this dress." Summer examined a sketch of a dress that would be in the fashion show. It was one of the few that she didn't make herself. As her company had developed she could no longer do everything herself; the time was just not enough. Summer loved her job; everything about it was perfect to her. She could be professional, meet great people and be creative. It was flexible and well paid.
"Summer, what about the model's? Is it okay to have it next week?" Summer's secretary Olivia asked; she'd been in the business since day one along with Summer and Derek.
"Sure, just make it a presentable time, Liv." Summer went to her desk and sat down, feeling her stomach urge for something to eat.
"I think I'll take lunch now, a long one. I thought of going to Seth's if he's available. Can you take my calls?" Olivia, with a bunch of papers in her hands and a neat costume nodded.
"Sure Summer, I'll just leave this on your desk or ask Donna to check on them. Have a great lunch!"
"You be sure to eat something yourself sweetie; you've worked hard the last month. I want you to do something relaxing. And you have to come to the party on Friday; we're having a welcome home party for Marissa or something like that and I know she's dying to see you Liv." A huge smile spread on the tall blondes face; Summer was a great friend. Olivia had had some troubles in life and had a disease which made it hard for her to do all jobs but no matter how good the company went Summer kept Olivia. She was capable to do her work, to be a secretary and because she loved fashion this was fun for her too. Summer had even let her help her make dresses a couple of times.
"Thank you, I'd love to come. What time?"
"Seven, be there. I'm gonna go now, why don't you ask Richard to join you on Friday? I want to meet him." Olivia wasn't retarded or anything, she was normal in every state but her ability to do complicated things. And Richard was her new love, or Summer didn't really know but she guessed he was. Olivia was very sneaky in that area but she'd let a few things slip and Summer could only put one and two together.
"I'll ask him." Olivia said with a smile and they both went out of Summer's office, heading out for lunch.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
"Guess who?" A voice said as Seth felt two small hands cover his eyes from behind. He could feel that perfume, and smell that known shampoo.
"I know it's you baby." He said and Summer took her hands away from his face.
"How'd you know?" she said trying to sound disappointed as she sat down in his lap, taking her legs up. She sat in his lap like a little child, resting her head beneath his chin.
"You're so cute Summer." Seth kissed her hair and felt her snuggle closer to his chest.
"I know." She said and smiled at his words. He always made her feel good and very youthful. No one else in the world could take her mind of work and hard thing like he always could.
"So, Summer, not because I don't like the surprise because I love it, but why are you here?"
"No reason; I just missed you and kept thinking of last night." She paused. "And I'm sorry for yelling at you this morning." Seth knew this was coming. Even though Summer could be very stubborn she quickly felt bad if she hurt someone she didn't want to hurt or someone who didn't deserve it; she felt bad every time she did something wrong and didn't apologize.
"Don't worry about it baby." He said and kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek.
"Cohen, I'm sorry; and it does matter. I knew you wouldn't do something like that by meaning I just…" she rapidly stopped.
"You just what, Sum?"
"Nothing." She shortly replied but knew he could see through her.
"Sum…" he waited for her to continue and finally she did.
"Ava's been a little unstable lately just, and she's yelled at me several times. I guess she's just a little oversensitive. Maybe it's because she got…you know." Seth knew what she meant; her period. And he agreed with Summer; Ava had been different the past weeks. Her mood was constantly changing.
"I know what you mean but I didn't know she yelled at you. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't think it was important and I guess I didn't want to think about it. She's just different now; she doesn't talk to me like she used to."
"Maybe she's just growing up. You don't think it's anything serious do you?" he said with worry. Seth felt his legs begin to numb so he carefully moved Summer into another position; she was now only sitting on his lap with her legs dangling down the side of him.
"I hope not. We'll just have to wait and see what happens and if doesn't change or gets worse we have to think of something to do to help her." The discussion was quite depressing and made them both think about unhappy teenagers who got sick and unhappier. Then they shot everything out and killed themselves. The thought made Summer shivered and cuddle closer to Seth; she would do anything in her power to help Ava and never let her be depressed. Teenaged depression was just depressing to even think about. How many suicides were there in a year? And how many of them were young people?
"You hungry?" Seth suddenly asked and fumbled with her ear. She nodded against his chest and then got up, taking his hand in hers. Seth placed his arm round her and they went out of his office stopping by the reception to tell that he went out.
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"So, what do you think about this one? It's cute, isn't it?" Marissa held up a fancy dress for Isabelle to see. She had never thought that a six year old could be so good at shopping. Because Isabelle was good; a little too good. She'd tried on what seemed like million of dresses but still found something wrong with each and every one of them. Either they were too blue, too long, too silky or something else none perfect.
"No, I want another shape of colour. Maybe this one; what do you think? Should I try it on?" The little girl examined every detail of the dress, looking for something. The dress was probably not the one she wanted either.
"I think you should try this one Isabelle. It's so perfect; you would look so cute in it." Marissa showed the small brunette a beautiful dress. There were no unnecessary details such as flowers or embroidered parts; nothing that you could possible be disliked. It was simple yet it looked very elegant and it was just perfect.
"I love that dress; it's perfect. Mom's gonna love it." Isabelle said with enthusiasm as she touched the cloth.
"So, you wanna try it on?" Marissa suggested. Isabelle nodded and they both headed for the changing rooms.
On the way home, after had bought the dress and a few more things, both Marissa and Isabelle were pleased. Isabelle sat in the backseat and hummedto a song as Marissa drove.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" a voice said from the backseat. Marissa was taken back; she wasn't used to these honest questions, but yet again; she'd been gone for a long time and children was one thing that she'd been without the last couples of years.
"Uh, no I don't." she answered politely, hoping that the conversation would end by that. She was wrong though.
"How come? You're mommy's best friend right? And mommy's been married with daddy for fifteen years a month after my birthday." It was true; Summer and Seth had been together as a married couple for fifteen years soon. They were one of those couples that would stick together forever.
"Yeah, I know. But not all people find a person like your mom and dad. Sometimes things just don't work out." Marissa sadly said, trying to explain it to the six year old.
"But haven't you been in love?"
"Yes, but not the right person I guess. Hey, what do you think your mom will think of the dress? Do you think we'll pass?" Marissa quickly said, changing the subject.
"Absolutely, it's gorgeous. Thanks for helping me picking it out. Mom was right, you're a great shopper. But why didn't you buy something for yourself?"
"I can't afford to buy things all the time like I used to. But believe me, if I could I would." Marissa fumbled with her necklace; it was an expensive one, one she'd gotten when she used to live in Newport. All her fancy things were from Newport. Marissa thought back on the days where she could buy whatever she wanted, whatever she felt like having. Her parents had never said no to her; money had never been an issue. But even then, the world seemed to be against her.
Her dad lost his job, Luke cheating on her, her mother sleeping with her ex boyfriend, her mother marrying Caleb, her father moving, her sister moving, Oliver, the overdose, Trey and the shooting…
A scream from the backseat interrupted Marissa's thoughts. Screams from a little girl echoed in Marissa's head until the world became black.
To be continued...
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