Dr. Schwartz spoke after everyone entered the room,
"Good afternoon everyone. I'd like to take this opportunity to remind
everyone present that we are here to decide an appropriate punishment for
Ryan Atwood. He's before us today, according to the reports, for breaking
into the file room at night to look at another student's personal file.
Additionally, two days later Ryan is accused of attacking that same student
in the student center. He has been serving after school detention every
day since the first incident. Ryan, do you understand everything I have
said?"
Ryan stood to answer, "Yes."
"Do you further understand that you could be suspended from school for both the break in and the fighting? And that said suspension could be as long as 15 days?" Dr. Schwartz asked.
"Yes." Ryan was unwavering in his answer. Let's just get this over with, he thought.
Dr. Schwartz then continued, "Do you also understand that due to the seriousness of these incidents, that we could vote to expel you from Harbor?"
"Yes." Ryan nodded as he answered.
"Well, then Ryan," asked Dr. Schwartz, "Is there anything you'd like to say on your behalf before the committee meets, and decides what course of action to take."
Ryan wasn't expecting to be allowed to say anything. "Um, yah. I guess. First of all, I'm sorry. I know I say that. a lot, but I am. I'm still new here. I'm still trying to figure it all out. There is no excuse for what I did. I know that now. I wasn't thinking. But to come from where I came from, having nothing or no one. Well, I'm not used to having people who care about me, and I thought I was losing it all, and I was desperate. Desperate to do something about it. To stop it from happening. I know that's no excuse for breaking into the file room or for attacking Oliver Trask, and again, I'm sorry. To the members of this committee, to Dr. Kim and to the students here at Harbor. But most of all, I'm sorry for what this has all done to my. to my parents. I've put them through so much, and I am so sorry. I really want to stay here at Harbor. I don't want to be expelled, but I accept whatever punishment you decide because I know I deserve it. Thank you."
Ryan continued to stand, looking Dr. Schwartz in the eyes, and desperately trying to avoid looking at Sandy and Kirsten.
Dr. Schwartz shuffled the papers in front of him before commenting. "Thank you, Ryan. We'll take your words into consideration, along with Dr. Kim's recommendation, your grades and prior behavior, the recommendations from your teachers and your coach as well as the letters from your friends and family."
Ryan was curious, "Um, letters?"
"Yes. We have letters of support from Marissa Cooper, Luke Ward, Summer Roberts, Anna Stern and your brother" answered Dr. Schwartz. "My brother?" Ryan was confused.
Dr. Schwartz finally caught onto Ryan's confusion. There were actually people out there who really support and loved this kid, but Ryan wasn't able to see it for some reason. "Actually, Ryan, I'd like to read this letter from Seth, if you don't mind" Dr. Schwartz looked at Ryan and then began to read:
Dear Disciplinary Committee,
Hello, my name is Seth Cohen, and I am Ryan's brother. I wish I could say I was also his best friend, but I can't. If I had been his best friend, I would have been there when he needed me. I would have listened to him, supported him and tried to help him when he tried to tell me about Oliver. But I didn't. None of us did, and now Ryan is in a lot of trouble. Maybe what he did wasn't right, but he was right about Oliver. If only we had listened, none of this would have happened.
Please don't expel Ryan from Harbor. He didn't fail us. We failed him.
Very truly yours,
Seth Cohen.
The full weight of it all came crashing down on Ryan at that point, and he just sat with his head in his hands. Slowly and gently Kirsten began to rub his back and tell him every thing would be ok. Dr. Schwartz gave them a few minutes before excusing them, "Ok, Mr. And Mrs. Cohen, Ryan. If you don't mind, we'd like to review all of the information provided to us before reaching our decision. If you could, please wait outside. We will notify you when we are done."
Sandy spoke first when they all got outside, "Well, no matter what their decision is, Ryan, we just want you to know that we're very proud of you and how you handled yourself in there."
Ryan was still clearly upset, "I, uh, thanks."
Kirsten put her arm around Ryan's shoulder, "Are you ok sweetie? I know this is all overwhelming, but I also know that everything will work out."
"I just don't know how much more of this I can handle." Ryan really felt like he needed to sit down, and sat on the bench outside the doorway.
Sandy sat down next to him, and patted his knee. "Well, we'll all get through this together, as a family. I promise."
As they all sat, waiting for the committee to reach their decision, Dr. Kim approached them, "Well, Ryan, I must say I'm very impressed by your speech. It was well thought out and compassionate."
Ryan really disliked this woman and was tired of trying to hide it. "Yah, not too bad for someone so unstable."
Dr. Kim was taken back, "Now Ryan."
Kirsten looked at Dr. Kim and then at Ryan, "Unstable? Who said you were unstable?"
Ryan never took his eyes off Dr. Kim, "Dr. Kim told Marissa that I was unstable and that Marissa should rethink her relationship with me because of what happened."
Kirsten and Sandy both turned to Dr. Kim before Kirsten went on, "You discussed Ryan's personal business with another student. You had no right."
Dr. Kim interrupted, "I only did what I thought was best.."
By now Kirsten was getting angry, really angry, "For who? For you, for the school? Definitely not for Ryan. Where to do get off calling my son unstable. Ryan was the only sane person in this whole mess. He was the only one who saw through Oliver's mega bucks and slick ways to see a very troubled young man. And you have the nerve to call him unstable and to another student no less. Just because Ryan wasn't born with a silver coke spoon in his mouth the way Oliver was doesn't give you the right to treat him with any less respect. Maybe he wasn't born into a world of wealth and privilege, but he has one now, and I can promise you he has the full backing and support of both of us. My son, unstable. I can't believe this. And to Marissa Cooper, no less. Miss Stability, herself."
Dr. Kim attempted to respond, "Now Kirsten."
But Kirsten wasn't done, not yet. "That's Mrs. Cohen to you. I promise you this Dr. Kim, regardless of how to disciplinary committee votes in the case against Ryan, I will not let this matter drop. I will be bringing this up to the board. Your behavior was unethical, unprofessional and I would harbor a guess, illegal, and I will not let it drop. I do not want you to ever discuss either one of my sons to anyone, ever again. Do I make myself clear?"
Dr. Kim was truly taken back at Kirsten's wrath. She looked at a very angry Kirsten, an equally angered Sandy and a very taken back Ryan. "I apologize for upsetting you. I just did what I thought was best. Just as you will do what you feel is best. However, maybe we could discuss this matter at a later date. And for the record, I voted not to have Ryan expelled from Harbor. Good day."
With that, Dr. Kim made a very hasty retreat. Kirsten was still very mad and turned to Ryan, "Why didn't you tell us that Dr. Kim talked to Marissa about you and called you unstable?"
Ryan, who was still in shock at what Kirsten had said just kind of stammered, "I don't know. I just kind of figured you guys were probably agreeing with her at that point. It didn't seem that important."
Apparently this was not what Kirsten wanted to hear. She pointed her finger at Ryan, and said, " From now on, you are to come to us with stuff like this. I don't want to hear it later one and from someone else. I want it to come from you and when it happens. Do you understand?!?" Ryan just nodded. "I mean it Ryan. I'm tired of hearing about what's going on in your life from everyone but you. Got it?!"
Ryan could see that Kirsten wanted an answer, and she wanted it now. "Um, yah. I mean, yes, ma'am. I got it."
Just then the door to opened and one of the committee members came out announcing that the committee reached their decision. It didn't take them long to decide I wasn't right for Harbor, Ryan thought.
As they all entered, Dr. Schwartz spoke, "Thank you for waiting Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, Ryan, please have a seat. Ok, well, after carefully considering all the evidence, documentation and recommendations, in addition to the extenuating circumstances surrounding Mr. Trask, the committee has concluded that Ryan will be suspended from Harbor for a period of one week. Upon returning to school, Ryan will serve an additional two weeks of detention." Dr. Schwartz paused and then continued, "Ryan, you are getting another chance here at Harbor. Do not blow it. If for any reason, you are brought up before this committee again, expulsion will be a real possibility."
Ryan couldn't believe the weight that was immediately lifted off his shoulders. "Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, all. I promise, no more trouble."
Ryan stood to answer, "Yes."
"Do you further understand that you could be suspended from school for both the break in and the fighting? And that said suspension could be as long as 15 days?" Dr. Schwartz asked.
"Yes." Ryan was unwavering in his answer. Let's just get this over with, he thought.
Dr. Schwartz then continued, "Do you also understand that due to the seriousness of these incidents, that we could vote to expel you from Harbor?"
"Yes." Ryan nodded as he answered.
"Well, then Ryan," asked Dr. Schwartz, "Is there anything you'd like to say on your behalf before the committee meets, and decides what course of action to take."
Ryan wasn't expecting to be allowed to say anything. "Um, yah. I guess. First of all, I'm sorry. I know I say that. a lot, but I am. I'm still new here. I'm still trying to figure it all out. There is no excuse for what I did. I know that now. I wasn't thinking. But to come from where I came from, having nothing or no one. Well, I'm not used to having people who care about me, and I thought I was losing it all, and I was desperate. Desperate to do something about it. To stop it from happening. I know that's no excuse for breaking into the file room or for attacking Oliver Trask, and again, I'm sorry. To the members of this committee, to Dr. Kim and to the students here at Harbor. But most of all, I'm sorry for what this has all done to my. to my parents. I've put them through so much, and I am so sorry. I really want to stay here at Harbor. I don't want to be expelled, but I accept whatever punishment you decide because I know I deserve it. Thank you."
Ryan continued to stand, looking Dr. Schwartz in the eyes, and desperately trying to avoid looking at Sandy and Kirsten.
Dr. Schwartz shuffled the papers in front of him before commenting. "Thank you, Ryan. We'll take your words into consideration, along with Dr. Kim's recommendation, your grades and prior behavior, the recommendations from your teachers and your coach as well as the letters from your friends and family."
Ryan was curious, "Um, letters?"
"Yes. We have letters of support from Marissa Cooper, Luke Ward, Summer Roberts, Anna Stern and your brother" answered Dr. Schwartz. "My brother?" Ryan was confused.
Dr. Schwartz finally caught onto Ryan's confusion. There were actually people out there who really support and loved this kid, but Ryan wasn't able to see it for some reason. "Actually, Ryan, I'd like to read this letter from Seth, if you don't mind" Dr. Schwartz looked at Ryan and then began to read:
Dear Disciplinary Committee,
Hello, my name is Seth Cohen, and I am Ryan's brother. I wish I could say I was also his best friend, but I can't. If I had been his best friend, I would have been there when he needed me. I would have listened to him, supported him and tried to help him when he tried to tell me about Oliver. But I didn't. None of us did, and now Ryan is in a lot of trouble. Maybe what he did wasn't right, but he was right about Oliver. If only we had listened, none of this would have happened.
Please don't expel Ryan from Harbor. He didn't fail us. We failed him.
Very truly yours,
Seth Cohen.
The full weight of it all came crashing down on Ryan at that point, and he just sat with his head in his hands. Slowly and gently Kirsten began to rub his back and tell him every thing would be ok. Dr. Schwartz gave them a few minutes before excusing them, "Ok, Mr. And Mrs. Cohen, Ryan. If you don't mind, we'd like to review all of the information provided to us before reaching our decision. If you could, please wait outside. We will notify you when we are done."
Sandy spoke first when they all got outside, "Well, no matter what their decision is, Ryan, we just want you to know that we're very proud of you and how you handled yourself in there."
Ryan was still clearly upset, "I, uh, thanks."
Kirsten put her arm around Ryan's shoulder, "Are you ok sweetie? I know this is all overwhelming, but I also know that everything will work out."
"I just don't know how much more of this I can handle." Ryan really felt like he needed to sit down, and sat on the bench outside the doorway.
Sandy sat down next to him, and patted his knee. "Well, we'll all get through this together, as a family. I promise."
As they all sat, waiting for the committee to reach their decision, Dr. Kim approached them, "Well, Ryan, I must say I'm very impressed by your speech. It was well thought out and compassionate."
Ryan really disliked this woman and was tired of trying to hide it. "Yah, not too bad for someone so unstable."
Dr. Kim was taken back, "Now Ryan."
Kirsten looked at Dr. Kim and then at Ryan, "Unstable? Who said you were unstable?"
Ryan never took his eyes off Dr. Kim, "Dr. Kim told Marissa that I was unstable and that Marissa should rethink her relationship with me because of what happened."
Kirsten and Sandy both turned to Dr. Kim before Kirsten went on, "You discussed Ryan's personal business with another student. You had no right."
Dr. Kim interrupted, "I only did what I thought was best.."
By now Kirsten was getting angry, really angry, "For who? For you, for the school? Definitely not for Ryan. Where to do get off calling my son unstable. Ryan was the only sane person in this whole mess. He was the only one who saw through Oliver's mega bucks and slick ways to see a very troubled young man. And you have the nerve to call him unstable and to another student no less. Just because Ryan wasn't born with a silver coke spoon in his mouth the way Oliver was doesn't give you the right to treat him with any less respect. Maybe he wasn't born into a world of wealth and privilege, but he has one now, and I can promise you he has the full backing and support of both of us. My son, unstable. I can't believe this. And to Marissa Cooper, no less. Miss Stability, herself."
Dr. Kim attempted to respond, "Now Kirsten."
But Kirsten wasn't done, not yet. "That's Mrs. Cohen to you. I promise you this Dr. Kim, regardless of how to disciplinary committee votes in the case against Ryan, I will not let this matter drop. I will be bringing this up to the board. Your behavior was unethical, unprofessional and I would harbor a guess, illegal, and I will not let it drop. I do not want you to ever discuss either one of my sons to anyone, ever again. Do I make myself clear?"
Dr. Kim was truly taken back at Kirsten's wrath. She looked at a very angry Kirsten, an equally angered Sandy and a very taken back Ryan. "I apologize for upsetting you. I just did what I thought was best. Just as you will do what you feel is best. However, maybe we could discuss this matter at a later date. And for the record, I voted not to have Ryan expelled from Harbor. Good day."
With that, Dr. Kim made a very hasty retreat. Kirsten was still very mad and turned to Ryan, "Why didn't you tell us that Dr. Kim talked to Marissa about you and called you unstable?"
Ryan, who was still in shock at what Kirsten had said just kind of stammered, "I don't know. I just kind of figured you guys were probably agreeing with her at that point. It didn't seem that important."
Apparently this was not what Kirsten wanted to hear. She pointed her finger at Ryan, and said, " From now on, you are to come to us with stuff like this. I don't want to hear it later one and from someone else. I want it to come from you and when it happens. Do you understand?!?" Ryan just nodded. "I mean it Ryan. I'm tired of hearing about what's going on in your life from everyone but you. Got it?!"
Ryan could see that Kirsten wanted an answer, and she wanted it now. "Um, yah. I mean, yes, ma'am. I got it."
Just then the door to opened and one of the committee members came out announcing that the committee reached their decision. It didn't take them long to decide I wasn't right for Harbor, Ryan thought.
As they all entered, Dr. Schwartz spoke, "Thank you for waiting Mr. and Mrs. Cohen, Ryan, please have a seat. Ok, well, after carefully considering all the evidence, documentation and recommendations, in addition to the extenuating circumstances surrounding Mr. Trask, the committee has concluded that Ryan will be suspended from Harbor for a period of one week. Upon returning to school, Ryan will serve an additional two weeks of detention." Dr. Schwartz paused and then continued, "Ryan, you are getting another chance here at Harbor. Do not blow it. If for any reason, you are brought up before this committee again, expulsion will be a real possibility."
Ryan couldn't believe the weight that was immediately lifted off his shoulders. "Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you, all. I promise, no more trouble."