Bright California sunlight streamed in the window, surprisingly the brunette wrapped in the duvet was not awake. Summer was lying sprawled across the bed with Princess Sparkle and Care Bear even though it was past 11am. It had been another restless night. She had roamed the beach until midnight then the house until 2am. Day had turned into night. Her father wanted to medicate her. Summer said no. Too many unpleasant memories of stepmonster and Tijuana lingered.
Kaitlin strides in confidently heading straight for the closet throwing a cursory glance in Summer's direction and letting out a loud sigh. The younger girl began scrabbling about.
Summer stirred. It took a few minutes for her to register that Kaitlin was pilfering the closet.
"What are you looking for?" Summer asked wearily.
The younger girl replied, "You know those pirate boots Marissa had. They are perfect for my outfit."
"Do you really think its right to be raiding your sister's closet?" inquired Summer.
"Well I did try yours already but I didn't find anything I liked, though there were a few tops," Kaitlin said
"You were in my closet with my permission?" Summer sounded shocked
Kaitlin retorted, "It's a sister thing."
"Hence why you are stealing Marissa's clothes. Don't you have any respect?" said Summer in a terse voice
Kaitlin replied coolly, "The way I see it Marissa would want her clothes to be going on a hot date with and extremely hot guy, not wallowing."
Summer tutted
Kaitlin continued, "I mean did you ask Marissa before crashing in her bed. That's way more personal than boots," seeing Summer's shocked expression Kaitlin pushed her further, "You might pick up Volchok germs from in there."
Summer unwrapped the duvet and clambered out of the bed.
"All you ever do is stay inside and sleep or walk on the beach with Ryan. You and him could bond over your grief" taunted Kaitlin.
Summer hissed, "Go back to hell its where you came from."
Unknown to them Taylor had watched the whole exchange from the doorway.
She noticed the bruises on Summer's face, her painfully thin body, the eye bags and greasy hair. Summer looked terrible. Taylor knew how much Summer prided herself on her appearance. She knew that in Newport you could judge by appearances and this was not good.
Summer turned on her heel and bumped into Taylor.
"Oh so you are lurking now. Poor Summer lost a best friend so oh so desperate to be popular Taylor steps in," said Kaitlin nastily.
"You know what Kaitlin, Summer doesn't have to listen to this," said Taylor in a calm voice. She took Summer by the hand and led her out the room.
Summer's roomThe room was dark except a narrow stream of light which managed to sneak in between the curtains. Summer headed straight for the bed.
"Nnnno, not the bed," cautioned Taylor. Summer was left standing in the middle of the room looking lost. Taylor walked over the window and briskly opened the curtains, she then started to strip the sheets off the bed.
In a confused voice Summer said, "What do you think you doing?"
Taylor replied, "You may not believe me at the moment but I am doing you a favour by dragging you out of exile."
Taylor scurried into the adjoining bathroom. The noise of running water can be heard.
"Summer you lost your best friend. A month ago she was here now she isn't but you still are. As much as it hurts you need to face the world preferably looking remotely human after all this is Newport."
Summer's face contorted. Taylor walked towards her and gave her a warm hug.
"There is a bath ready for you and I will go get some food," Taylor said quietly.
"But,"
"No buts Summer. You aren't taking care of yourself and no one else seems to have bothered. Your dad is being a typical man and can't deal with you and Julie, Kaitlin is being the spawn of the devil, Ryan is most likely punching things and brooding and Seth.."
Summer headed towards the bathroom. Taylor continues to move around the room tidying up. Summer emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel.
"Those bruises look sore. Do you have any arnica? It will really take the pain out them," Taylor asked.
Summer replied "In the kitchen."
Taylor walked out. Summer peered in the mirror examining her face. She gets a shock when she sees Seth's reflection in the mirror.
"Hey… we need to talk. About last night, about us," he muttered.
"About Anna?" Summer implored.
Seth sighed.
Summer turned to face him. Upon seeing his expression her face softened. Taylor walks in wielding a tube of cream.
"Hey Seth. Am I interrupting?" she enquired.
Summer answered for Seth, "No he was just leaving. I will come see you tomorrow."
Seth nodded and walked out.
Summer turned to face the mirror. She picked up a hairdryer.
Taylor asked, "Do you want me to?"
Looking steadily into the mirror Summer replied, "No."
Taylor motioned she was leaving. Summer looked straight at her. Her features still sad but now determined.
Montage of images: Summer drying her hair, putting on makeup and getting dressed until she finally looks like normal Summer.