How You See Me

I

It was late winter in Genoa City when Kyle and Summer returned. Feeling the jet lag of the long plane ride, and the heaviness of a restless 3 year old, they opt to stop by Nick's to get the keys to their final resting place.

    "Hi dad," Summer said with a grim smile. She still hadn't fully forgiven him for things that transpired with Sally Spectra. "Hi supergirl", he said hopefully. He leaned in for a hug, which she rebuffed. You can see the hurt on his face, but Summer didn't care, her main focus was getting home. She was tired and wasn't in the mood for small talk, especially if Sally could walk in at any moment. "We just came to pick up the keys for the house, we want to get settled in", Kyle was ready to cut the tension and leave hastily. Nick, still in shock from his daughter's bluntness, quickly agreed with Kyle. He turned to exit the room, to bring them the keys. "I know what you're thinking, I'm being too hard on him", Summer looked at Kyle. A grinning Kyle exclaimed, "Although I do get a kick out of you torturing your dad, he is trying". Summer stared at Kyle with a blank face. Nick had returned with the keys and handed them to Kyle. "Take care of my little girl", he looked at Summer. She gave a slight grin before motioning for Harrison to come along.
       
Summer plopped down on her suede khaki colored couch and Harrison took off running to the hallway, toys in hand. Kyle locked the door and slid on the couch beside Summer. He lifted her legs up and placed them gently on his thighs. "You hungry", he asked. Summer, who was resting her eyes, said just a little. She honestly did not feel like moving. But if it meant spending some quiet time with her husband she would oblige. They ordered take out, because neither one of them was cooking and sat in quiet, taking everything in. The house was beautiful and fully furnished but most importantly it was theirs. Before finishing up, Summer had gotten a call. She looked at her phone quizzically and decided not to answer. It had been about a week since she had been getting these calls from an unknown number. She never gave her phone number out to anyone who wasn't family and if it was from anyone in Italy they would either come through Angelina or she would already have their number saved. She didn't think much of it though, and just ignored it. Her only thoughts at the moment were ending the night cozied up to Kyle.
       
  "The snowflake has returned", a sneering Mariah announced. Summer rolled her eyes, the one thing she didn't miss about Genoa City. Kyle gave Mariah a look before sitting down at the table. She refrained. At the table was Tessa, Noah, Eden and Fen. They were having lunch before the party at the Top of the Tower later. Eden flashed Kyle a smile before Summer cut her eyes at her. She backed down. "So are you guys ready for tonight?"Fen, who had been sitting across from Kyle, gave his rival a smirk, before turning his attention to the blonde who owned his heart. "Should be fun,'' Summer said. The Restless Style relaunch was happening tonight and she couldn't be more thrilled for her mom. Phyllis ended up selling the Grand Phoenix for profit and flipping it to rebrand Restless Style. She hired Lily and Chloe for design and social work. And if she needed a model from time to time, Summer was her girl. Tessa asked if anyone would like a refill and Summer decided to help out. They walked over to the counter when Summer's phone started buzzing. She knew who it was, or wasn't. She wasn't sure if why but her instincts told her it was the unknown caller. "Is everything ok," Tessa asked. Summer must've froze. She normally wouldn't freak out about something like this because why should she? People get prank calls all the time. Still it was a bit unsettling. This unknown person called day in and day out, at specific moments throughout the day. Should she tell Kyle and worry him? Should she continue to block all their numbers? Summer had no idea but she didn't want to be afraid. She made a hand gesture to her phone and hit the button to answer. "Hello".
           
Kyle and Summer returned home from Crimson Lights. In their bedroom, Kyle said he was going to shower and expected her there in five minutes. She lustfully looked at the naked man and her gaze followed him to the door frame. Once alone she flashed back to the coffee house. After saying hello to the stranger. There was nothing. She felt their silence on the other end. Unsure if they were even breathing. She asked them who they were but again, nothing. She hit the block on the phone number used and hung up. All she could do was stare at her phone until Kyle walked over asking her who left her that speechless. The irony of that statement. She looked around and noticed that a few of her peers had all but disappeared, had it been that long, was she that out of it. Coming back to reality she remembered her husband's words and quickly undressed to meet him under the shower head. She didn't want this person, whoever they were, to ruin her life or at least this night. This was special for her mom and it was a night out without their son, for the first time in months.
              
They arrived. The place was set so beautifully. The music was light and joyful, you could hear laughter in every corner. Summer decided to be smoldering for her mom's big night. A cerulean blue mermaid style dress that hugged every curve. Kyle was in awe. He went with an all black tux and white collar. They looked ravishing. Summer was delighted to be in his presence tonight, away from the toy dinosaurs and leggos. Don't get her wrong, she loved having Harrison in her life, but at the same time she missed her alone time with Kyle. It was basically nonexistent with Harrison needing them all the time. Tara was still locked away in prison and although Summer could care less if Harrison remembered her she knew it was the right thing to do to remind him of her presence daily. She did the best she could. She wasn't a mom yet but she has been given this experience. "You look beautiful baby", her mom exclaimed. Phyllis was radiant in bright red of course. "Thanks mom, you look great, this place looks amazing"! While Kyle and Phyllis engaged in small talk, Summer felt a chill down her spine. She looked around the crowd but everyone was in their own world. Lily gave a small wave in her direction and she waved back. In the corner of her eye, she knew someone was peeping on her so she looked. But it was just Chance. He gave a sly grin and turned back to Abby. Odd. Although she didn't know him very well she knew how much Abby loved him and their son. He had to be a good guy, right? Summer shook the thoughts away. She hated feeling paranoid but she was on a slight edge. The eyes were pouring into her. Kyle grabbed her from behind and she gave a startled jump. He kissed her neck and asked her to dance. Who was she to turn him down. He pulled her out onto the dance floor and they melted in each other's arms. He smelled like wood oak and husk. It soothed her senses. He placed his hand on the back of her neck and pulled her face into a kiss. They held the position for a bit before breaking away. She loved looking into his beautiful blue eyes. This was what she wanted, craved and missed. It was them, in their own little world. Summer's euphoria was soon collapsed when she heard a familiar voice call her name. It was Fen. He came over to say hello but something was different about him, but Summer couldn't quite place it. Was he unnerved, standoffish, his aura was crooked. It made Summer coil. She looked around again and saw Noah chatting with Ana. They had gotten close recently and Summer was happy her brother wasn't in a funk because of Ana's influence. Ana would come have coffee with her sometimes and they would chat about the new artist that came out, some good, some not so good. She was always friendly, something Summer wasn't used to. They gave a small wave at Kyle and Summer before rushing to the food table. Eden walked up to her and Kyle. She was wearing a gold sparkly dress and her dark raven hair hung loose. She greeted them and led Fen away, but not before turning and giving Kyle one last look. They were ex's yes, but could she be more obvious. Summer shook her head. Kyle in turn took Summer's hands and kissed them multiple times before offering to get them drinks. He knew she would never turn down a drink. As he walked off, to Summer's dismay, her phone chimed. She was almost scared to look but figured it could be anyone. Even her dad who was off busy with her siblings or worse Sally. Summer closed her eyes and opened them. Saying a small prayer that it wasn't from the creeper who wouldn't leave her vices. She looked and it was a voicemail. She looked around the room one last time before listening to the message. Her breath caught. She couldn't understand why she felt afraid or why this bothered her so much. She didn't have enemies or at least she thought she didn't. Luca was locked away and she hadn't heard from Pax in years so he must have stopped looking for her, right. On the voicemail, no words were said, just muffled breathing, heavy breathes, that lasted a little too long. What did this person want and why? Were they playing a prank or was this a warning? She hung up. Two firm hands grabbed both her arms from behind, making her clamp up. "Sweetheart". A sweet hearty voice whispered. Summer unclenched, it was just grandpa.
            
As the night went on and the speeches and hugs continued. Summer's mind wandered into pure bliss, and anxiety. At every turn and every shadow, her curiosity peaked. Kyle had no idea how Summer was feeling and she wanted to keep it that way. The duo returned home to silence. Harrison was spending the night with aunt Traci, so they didn't have to worry about him. Kyle took a tipsy Summer by the hand and led her to the bedroom. "Are you ok", he asked quizzically. She had thought she had kept her emotions in check but she guessed wrong. If anyone could tell Summer was off kilt it was Kyle. Summer shook her head, but was unsure of how convincing that was. He kept his gaze. Summer sighed, "I'm just a little on edge lately, but I'm sure it will pass". He massaged her shoulders and kissed her cheek. He then whispered, "Let me put your mind at ease". Summer smiled a cheeky grin, he is smooth, she thought. He slowly started to unzip the back of her dress, while holding her waist, she watched his every move. Foreheads touching, Summer began unbuttoning his dress shirt and undid his belt buckle. Her dress fell to the floor, she stepped over it and led him to the bed. She pushed him backwards and slowly climbed on top of him. Kyle was mesmerized, naturally. He slid his hands up her back and undid her bra strap like a pro and used his mouth to pull it off from the front. He was used to seeing her naked breast but his face was always in awe, like it was the first time. Summer found that endearing. She slid her hands from his neck, to his face and kissed him softly. They fell back into the bed. The moon shining through the window curtain.
             
The morning wind was brisk. Summer was headed to meet with Lauren about a collaboration between JCV and Restless Style. Lauren happily gave Summer her job back once she returned. She had made big changes to the company including hiring Chelsea as the head designer of the label. Summer had no issues with working with Chelsea, sure they had a shaky past when it came to her dad, but she had since gotten over it. It was an added bonus that neither of them were fond of Sally, who so happened to be huge competition for them. To Summer's dismay, Sally had been trying to make amends with her since she returned but it was off putting . She couldn't tell if it was genuine niceness or because she was dating her dad now. Summer shook the thought away as she entered the athletic club. She hadn't seen Lauren yet, and wondered if she was early. That usually never happens on a good day but she was grateful for the small feat. She looked at her phone and noticed a message from Kyle, he had left super early this morning to meet with Jack and Billy at Jabot. In the message, Kyle wrote [Thanks for last night, I'm still sore], to which Summer let out the biggest chuckle. She looked around to make sure no one had heard her. She needed that this morning. As time went on, still no sign of Lauren. Maybe she mixed up the dates or even the time. She decided to text her to make sure. When Summer looked up from her phone, there was a man, tall with a broader build, sitting at the bar. He looked over at her but didn't smile. He turned back to his drink. Why was he drinking so early? Nevermind, it was none of her business. He looked over again from the corner of his eye. Summer watching back, she felt sort of uncomfortable, but she didn't want it to show. She was hoping the man didn't have the need to come over, but if he did she would flash him her ring just in case. The man made a move to get up, Summer jumped. She cut him off and hopped up herself but before she could leave, Lauren came rushing through the door. When she looked back over to the bar area, the man was gone.
               
Summer sat in silence. Her meeting with Lauren ended early because she was meeting Michael, Devon and Amanda for dinner. Everything went smoothly but Summer couldn't get that man out of her mind. Sure it could have just been a chance encounter. Was it even considered an encounter? He didn't do anything wrong. He was minding his business and she did not know him from anywhere. Summer thought she was going insane. But nothing alarming had happened so why not just let it go, she thought. Before she could leave the athletic club, she noticed Sharon and Faith walk in. Should she talk to Sharon about this, she wondered, but what would she say, 'Hey I think I'm being stalked' crazy right, Summer decided against it. She looked at her phone again and noticed it was almost time to pick Harrison up from school. Sharon and Faith began walking towards her. "Hey sis", Faith exclaimed. "Hi, hi Sharon, what brings you guys by?", Summer said quietly. "Oh we were just going to have a mother and daughter spa date, what about you", the blonde asked. "I had a meeting with Lauren, but I have to pick up Harrison soon", Summer started packing up her things. Faith's phone started ringing so she went off to answer it, coyly walking away as to not show her eagerness. It was more than likely Moses. Sharon sat down. "So I've been meaning to catch up with you, see how things have been going with Harrison since his mom has been away and with Ashland no longer with us...". "Everything has been going fine, sure he misses him but Kyle has done more than enough to make up for his absence, but of course we still try to keep his presence alive". "I didn't mean to pry", Sharon said hesitantly. "It's fine, we can't dance around the subject." Ashland had died not long before they made it back to town. He was already on a slow decline but things were getting much worse from what they had heard. Victoria was by his side the whole step of the way and Billy, although he didn't care for the man, made sure the kids were well taken care of. On his last day he got to say goodbye to Harrison via video call and Kyle and Summer promised to keep his spirit alive. "Is there something bothering you", Sharon asked. Yes. "No, just you bringing up Ashland made me a bit misty on how precious and unexpected life is, I'm just glad I have Kyle with me, I love him so much and being married to him is the best thing in my life currently". Sharon smiled. Faith came running back, wondering if her mom was ready to go to the spa room. Sharon got up from the table and they both waved a quick goodbye before heading off. Summer picked up her phone and looked at a picture of her, Kyle and Harrison.
                
"Where's daddy", Harrison plopped down on the couch. Summer cringed. Maybe it was a mom thing. She was used to kids not being careful because of her younger siblings but when it's your own child it feels different. "He will be home soon, then we can make homemade pizza, and watch your favorite movie before bed. You have a big day tomorrow, picture day!", she went to tickle the little boy, before sitting down herself. "Can I wear green?". "Sure, why not", she rubbed Harrison's head before he ran off to play. Summer looked towards the window by the door, the tree shadows danced along the window. She hugged her knees to her chest. [outside: A figure, stood looking in from the window]. The bright car lights from the window let them know daddy was home. Kyle opened the door with a huge force. He had a look of annoyance on his face. Summer knew it could only be one thing that made him look like that, Billy. She told Harrison to go clean up and get ready to eat. She mosied over to the disgruntled man and rubbed his chest. "What's wrong", she looked him in his face. He tried not to look at her but ultimately caved. "It's nothing". Summer held her position. "Billy is trying to undermine me again, he has been going behind my back to my dad about things I already shut him down on". "Okay what is it now, what does he want to do?"Summer asked. She almost didn't want to know the answer given Billy's outlandish history for things that involved Jabot. Jaboat disaster anyone. "He wants to make a copycat version of our men's line to offset Newman, he's still trying to one up Adam, and after I told him no, he went to my dad, my dad said he would think about it", Kyle rolled his eyes and pushed past Summer. "Now I have to focus my attention on making sure he doesn't do anything stupid like he always does all the while jeopardizing our company", he took a handful of shredded mozzarella and put it in his mouth. "Billy will Billy, you just have to continue to do what you're supposed to and let him fall like he always does". "I can't let him ruin the company, we have bounced back tremendously since our last quarter, we don't need him collapsing us, again." He stalked off to the room. Summer sighed. She wasn't in the mood for any of this but she understood where he was coming from. Billy and her had made amends a while back but he was a gambler at heart. When he gets on something, a high, it's hard for him to pull back before he goes overboard. Harrison came sprinting into the kitchen, with an out of breath Kyle not far behind. They pulled out the stools and plopped a pizza dough on the circular pan. Her boys. Summer looked behind her at the window again, she swore she saw someone, but maybe it was just her eyes playing tricks on her. With one last glance she joined her family at the table.
            
  2:30am. It was late and Summer couldn't sleep. She decided that maybe some warm tea would help. She maneuvered herself from Kyle's grip and headed towards the kitchen. It was dark and she hoped she wouldn't step on one of Harrison's toys. She made it to the island, safely and reached for the cupboard doors, in search of a mug. Although she knew no one else was in the house, her body suddenly felt a tense sensation. Things were not how she felt they should be. Did she move the keys to the counter or did Kyle. Maybe it was just her fuzzy memory. The room felt different. Summer set the mug down and headed towards the front door. She had to make sure it was properly locked, just in case. Her hands glided down the door, she stepped back and made sure it looked secure. Both curtains on the side closed. Ok, everything is fine she said to herself. She headed back to the kitchen, filled her mug with water and set it in the microwave. One last study of the room before her, she went to sit on the couch, waiting for her water to get done.
            
Heading into the building of Restless Style, Summer stopped to check herself in the mirror. She looked fabulous, at least she thought. She was instantly greeted by Chloe who was putting on the finishing touches of this mini dress she had been designing for the JCV print ads that would be featured in their magazine. It was stunning. "Hey beautiful, my darling girl, how are you", she knew her mom was in a good mood. "I'm fine mom, how are you", she beamed. "I'm great now that you're here, come sit". They walked over to the purple couch and Phyllis put her hand on Summer's knee. "Any news for me, what's the scoop". Summer rolled her eyes. Nothing like her mom trying to be hip. The blonde filled her in on the latest and naturally her mom wasn't here for any of it. Summer contemplated telling her mom about the calls and the anxiety but she figured that her mom would say what she was already thinking. That it was nothing to worry about. So she refrained. The time flew by rather quickly, Summer modeled a few pieces from the new collection for Lily, who was running late, and Chloe. And the day was done. The atmosphere was the most lively. It was a lot of fun being surrounded by all these women. She loved being in a setting like this. Phyllis pulled Summer aside and told her she would be leaving soon to meet with Amanda but she wanted to get together later for drinks. Summer agreed. She missed spending time with her mom that wasn't work related. Just them. She also wanted to pick her brain about dad, Jack and the new man she knew her mom was secretly seeing. She hadn't met him yet but she knows when her mom is smitten so he must be a keeper, at least to Phyllis's standards. Summer's phone began to buzz and she looked down, forgetting her turmoil for just a bit. Her heart stopped, she became clammy instantly, almost faint. Was it too late to recover before anyone noticed? "Baby what's wrong", a nervous Phyllis asked. "Nnnothing", she stuttered. Summer quickly dropped her phone by her side. "I have to go, but I'll text you about later", she rushed off, leaving her mom in her stance. Summer had never run so fast in her life. She quickly rushed past passers-by, and finally found her car. She didn't have time to react to the people around her when maybe she should have. Her heavy breathing was silencing all the noise around her and she didn't want to think about what she had seen. She slowly lifted the phone again just to make sure she wasn't seeing things. [A candid picture of Summer with her shirt off staring back at her]. Tears sprung in her eyes, who took this, how... Summer didn't understand how this unknown person could have taken such an intimate photo of her in nothing without her permission. The number did not look familiar to the one who had been calling but that didn't matter since she blocked all the others. She marveled if she should respond by asking them what they wanted or should she run straight to the police to see if anything could be done. But did she really want to risk others finding out, what if this person was dangerous. She didn't want to risk her family. Summer observed the photo closely. She realized it was taken the night of the Restless Style party.. or was it, could it have been from another night. Her mind was swimming with thoughts. Before she divulged deeper, Kyle's name came up on the caller ID. She sat up straight and took a deep breath, "Hey babe", she tried her best to sound convincing. "Hey, where are you?". "I'm in the parking lot of Restless Style", Summer looked out the window behind her to make sure no one was watching. "I was just calling to tell you that I have a last minute business trip to New York I have to take, but I'm taking Harrison with me so he can visit with Tara, I wanted to see you, and kiss you before I left". Summer sat in silence. Of all the times Kyle had to leave this was not one she wanted. She wondered if she should tell him to not go.  "Babe you still there". "Yes, I'm here, I'm headed home so I can say goodbye to you both, see you soon". Summer put her phone down and pushed the ignition button. She had to get home, into the dawn she went.
            
Kyle pulled Summer into a kiss when he descended the stairs. When she had got home, he was already half packed up and Harrison was playing with Zippy on the floor. She held his face, if only he weren't leaving. She decided against telling him, at least until she found a way to make sure he wouldn't go on a warpath. She knew her husband, when it came to her he wasn't the most stable. She wanted so badly to just downplay the situation at hand because if he existed she would have to face it. She was terrified of what this meant. She didn't want this to go any further than it had already so when Kyle leaves tonight she had to let it go. "Okay, I will call you when I get to our hotel, please call me if you need anything or if you can't sleep". He kissed her again. "Okay I will, hurry back, I will miss you both", she looked at him solemnly. She bent down to give Harrison a tight squeeze. "Call me if you can't sleep ok, I love you", she smiled at the boy. He smiled back. "I love you too mommy". The first time she had heard those words come from his little mouth her heart sang. It was after a long day at Marchetti, she had just got home and was working on a piece when Harrison came flying into the living room spilling all of his juice onto her paperwork. She yelled at him, while Kyle tried to diffuse the situation as best he could. Harrison ran to his room. Kyle looked at her, and she apologized. "You have nothing to be sorry for, you are allowed to be angry, this is new for all of us". He gave her a reassuring squeeze. "I don't know if I can do this Kyle, be a mom to him". He kissed her forehead and she hugged him. Later that night, she went to apologize to Harrison, who had already accepted her apology. He told her she can play with zippy. After playing, she tucked him into bed when he said goodnight he uttered the words... "I love you mommy". The second best day of her life. Summer watched as both her boys made their way towards the door. With one final wave they were gone.
               
Double checking the locks and alarm system, Summer made her way through the house. She didn't want to leave anything untouched. She had decided to let this nightmare end once and for all. After Kyle and Harrison left, she ended up texting the number that sent the solicilated picture. No response, so she deleted the message and blocked the number from her phone. She didn't want to live in fear. This person was a mentally disturbed individual and there was no way around that. She contemplated all the reasons why they would target her and she came to the fact that she is a Newman by blood. Her grandfather and her uncle have enemies a mile long so there really is no telling. Nevertheless she would not be bullied, not this time. It had already been a long drawn out day so the only thing she could think to do to relax was take a nice long bath. Before she made it to the bathroom her dad was calling. To answer or hit ignore. She had found out about her dad and Sally at Thanksgiving. They had come for a family feast and were treated to that nightmare. She couldn't understand why her dad would date someone who had put her through so much but she definitely wasn't going to let him off the hook for it. The uncomfortable silence and awkward stares persisted throughout the night. He tried to talk to her but it was met with resistance. She said her goodbyes to her other family and never looked back. Their relationship has been strained ever since. "Hi", she said coldly. "I was just about to get in some water, what's up". "I was just checking on you...I haven't seen or heard from you in awhile". "I'm fine", Summer was not here for the small talk, she should have ignored it. "Look, I know...we have a lot to work through but I just want you to know that I'm still here, I'm still the same man who loves you and wants to protect you and most importantly wants the best for you". Summer didn't have a response. She almost felt bad because she could feel how badly her dad wanted an in. She just wasn't ready to give that to him yet. "Thanks. I have your number saved if I should need anything", that's the best she could offer him right now. "Ok, I'm not trying to push, I love you", he waited for her to say the words back. "I love you too", she said reluctantly.