CHRISMUKKAH EVE
"You boys ready?" Sandy said, walking in. Suit and tie.
Seth was lying on Ryan's bed, all dressed up while Ryan was in front of the mirror adjusting his tie.
"Yeah, just give me a minute." Ryan said, fixing his tie one more time.
"Here let me help you with that." Sandy offered. Once he finished with Ryan and turned to Seth.
"So you ready for tonight? Talking to Dr. Roberts?"
"GAH NO! STOP! ENOUGH WITH THE QUESTIONS." Sandy looked at Ryan.
"He's been like this for the past hour. He's freaking out."
Sandy nodded. "Look Seth, just tell him what you told me. Tell him how you feel about Summer." Seth didn't respond. Instead, they heard the doorbell ring. "You're gonna be fine... Now c'mon, our guests are here!"
They walked to the front door where Kirsten met them. Sandy opened the door to see the Cooper girls and Summer and her dad standing there.
"Welcome, welcome. Merry Chrismukkah Eve, come in!" Sandy greeted them.
Marissa went over to Ryan and shared a quick peck. Summer went to Seth and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She smiled at him and he gave her a nervous one. Marissa noticed this and looked at Ryan what's with Seth?
Ryan shrugged and pretended he didn't know.
"So how are you?" Kirsten said, giving Julie a hug.
"Well, pretty good. I mean, all my girls are back for the holidays, so soon there'll be trouble." she joked.
"Same goes for me. But I enjoy their company no matter what trouble they bring." Sandy said. All the adults laugh as the kids roll their eyes.
"Anyways, what are we doing standing here? The food's all done, who's hungry?" Kirsten said.
"Starved!" Caitlin said.
"Yeah, so hungry!" Summer added.
They all made their way into the dining room. The food was all set on the table, ready to be eaten. Sandy and Kirsten sat on opposite ends. Julie sat beside Kirsten with Caitlin and Neil to her side. Seth, Summer, Ryan and Marissa were all seated on the opposite end.
"C'mon, dig in!" Sandy invited all them. They all started grabbing for plates and passing them around.
/
"That was really good, Kirsten." Julie said. Finishing off her food.
"I agree, you're becoming a master chef." Neil complimented.
"Thank you. More wine?" She poured into the empty glasses.
"Yeah mom. Ever since the beginning of college, you actually can cook now. I applaud you." Seth started to clap.
"HA HA Seth." Kirsten laughed at her son's sarcasm.
"I'm actually on Kirsten's side here. Her food is pretty amazing." Marissa said as she ate a spoonful of mashed potatoes.
As they were on their last bites, Sandy and Neil started to talk about work, and Julie and Kirsten catching up with Newpsie gossip.
"Well, this is our cue to leave the adults and hang out. Pool house?" the four and Caitlin got up and left them.
"I feel like they think we're just getting boring and old." Julie joked around.
"Aren't we?" They all laughed.
Meanwhile, the kids were in the pool house. Marissa cuddled with Ryan on the bed, Seth and Summer sitting on the floor, and Caitlin on a chair.
"Playstation?" Seth offered.
"Sure," Ryan grabbed a controller.
"Do you guys have anything better than Star Wars games or ninja games?" Caitlin asked.
"Wow, don't insult our games. Let's see you play any better than us." Seth shot back.
"Okay, I will prove it. Give me a controller."
"I'm kind of thirsty. Maybe there's a bottle of champagne for us?" Summer said, standing up.
"Um, no! I'll get it" Seth shot up and ran to the door where Summer was. "It's okay, I'll get it, my sweet Summer." He left the pool house with Ryan and the girls.
"See Coop? See what I mean about weirdness?"
"It's fine, Summer. Maybe he feels like a gentleman and really just wanted to get you that drink?" Marissa shrugged.
"No, something's up."
Ryan knew he had to do his part to force Summer to stay, "Hey Summer, since Seth left and you're freaking out, play some play station with me and Caitlin?"
Summer looked at him, "Chino, you're becoming like Seth. What's going on?" Ryan gave her a blank face. "Whatever, sure. I've always wanted to kick your ass at video games."
"Sure. You both can try." Ryan said, handing her another controller.
/
Seth walked into the house to find his parents, Julie and Neil seated around the table, just how they left them.
He faked a cough, "Dr. Roberts I seem to be having this weird feeling all over my body. Could you take a look?"
Neil looked at him oddly, "Um...sure." He walked over to him. "What was this 'feeling'?"
"It was weird. But could we do it maybe in my dad's office. I hate to get anyone infected."
Sandy held in his laugh. He knew exactly what Seth was up to but he knew didn't want to ruin anything.
"I... guess" Neil couldn't understand Seth's odd behaviour. Well, he never really understood Seth in general.
They walked over to Sandy's office, away from everyone.
"So, Dr. Roberts, I uh...I actually brought you here for something else."
"Okay...?"
"Look, I know you would prefer Summer to be with some smart Doctor-to-be, who's tall and handsome and muscular and –"
"Oh my God." Dr. Roberts let out.
"What?"
"Did you... Is she... Is my daughter pregnant?"
"WHAT!? NO! Summer is NOT pregnant." Seth saw the relief in Dr. Roberts' face, but then he started to look confused. "Okay, I'll keep this short and simple. I was wondering if I could have your blessing?"
"You... you want to ask Summer to marry you?"
"Look, I know we're still on college. But I've loved your daughter since 5th grade. Still do. I love her, with all my heart. I know this is what I want. I mean, in 10 years my feelings for Summer would still be the same. I'm crazy for her and care for her so much. I'd do anything for her. She's –" Seth realized he began to ramble. "Sorry, I just..."
"No need to apologize. You going on about Summer like this just shows how much you love her."
"So..?" Seth began to felt optimistic.
"Seth, you have my blessing." Neil smiled.
Seth attacked him in a big hug. "THANK YOU! I guess I can like, call you dad now right?" he joked. But Dr. Roberts had a serious face. "I was... kidding. Thank you."
"It's my pleasure...son." Neil joked.
They walked back to the dining table. "So Seth, anything infectious?" Sandy said, hiding his laughter.
"Nope, your son is fine and healthy."
"Thank you for everything, Dr. Roberts." Seth grabbed some glasses and a bottle of champagne and made his way back to the pool house.
"Finally." Ryan said, he was getting destroyed by Summer and Caitlin at Ninjas & Assassins, so he was starting to get all embarrassed. He stopped the game and helped Seth with the champagne.
"Summer's beating you?" Seth joked but only received a glare from Ryan.
"Caitlin and I can easily whoop your asses anyday at any video game."
"One day, rematch." Ryan shot back.
"Ah whatever, guys it doesn't matter." Seth butted in. "anyways," He poured some champagne and passed it around, "I just wanted to make a toast. I know that this will be a memorable Chrismukkah ever, so I'm not gonna jinx it with a speech. But... Cheers! To a merry Chrismukkah" Seth held up his glass. Ryan gave him a look and Seth returned it, I got the blessing. I'm going to be an engaged man.
Ryan smiled back and looked at Marissa. Seth was right, it will be memorable and he couldn't wait.
"Cheers."