**Chapter 9: A Distraction from Distractions**

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of another long day at school, I trudged out of the building, my feet carrying me on autopilot towards home. The warm sun beat down on my skin, but I barely noticed, my mind still reeling from my encounter with Seth. I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt that had been lingering since our conversation. What was I supposed to do now? Pretend like it never happened? As I walked through the front door, I was greeted by the sight of Summer sprawled out on the couch, surrounded by party planning books and laptop tabs. Her eyes lit up as she saw me, and she beckoned me over. "Hey, girl! I'm so glad you're home," she said, pouncing on me with a hug. "I've been planning the most epic party ever, and I need your help." I flopped down beside her on the couch, letting out a sigh of relief as I escaped into the comfort of our living room. "What's the occasion?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me. Summer grinned mischievously. "No occasion, just an excuse to party. But seriously, I was thinking of having it next weekend. We can invite everyone from school, and maybe even some people from the neighborhood." As we dove into the details of party planning, I found myself getting swept up in the excitement. We spent the next hour brainstorming ideas, making lists, and scrolling through playlists. I was grateful for the distraction from my thoughts about Seth. For a little while, at least, I could forget about the awkwardness of our conversation and the guilt that had been gnawing at me. But as we worked on the party plans, I couldn't help but think about how this was exactly what Ryan had wanted - for me to move on and have fun. And wasn't that exactly what I was doing? I pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand. Summer nudged me with her elbow. "Cohen, are you even listening? I just asked you to decide on a DJ or a live band." I blinked, feeling a little guilty for zoning out. "Uh, DJ, I think. We can make a playlist and have it spinning all night." Summer nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, exactly! And we can have a photo booth, and-" As we continued to plan, I felt my mind begin to clear. Maybe this party was just what I needed - a chance to let loose, have fun, and forget about the complications that had been plaguing me. But as I glanced over at Summer, I couldn't help but wonder if I was just using the party as a distraction from my real feelings. And what about Seth? Was I really going to ignore him, or was I going to take a chance and see where things might go?