CHAPTER 6: THE REGISTRATION
Monday morning and Ryan is sitting at the kitchen counter munching on some dry cereal. He is dressed in a pair of light brown jeans, a white wife-beater and a black unbuttoned shirt over. He is sporting his wrist band as usual and black Bronx-like shoes.
Seth comes in, pours himself some corn flakes and throws a bit of milk over it. He takes up a seat next to Ryan at the kitchen counter. He is wearing a green t-shirt with charcoal corduroy pants and blue and white sneakers. Seth picks up the newspaper on the counter and turns straight to the comic section.
Kirsten comes in to the kitchen.
"Morning boys." She greets and pours herself a cup of coffee.
Both Seth and Ryan reply "Morning" jointly.
Sandy walks in, greets everyone and walks straight to the refrigerator and pours himself some juice. He drinks some of the juice and puts the glass down on the counter. Kirsten is standing staring out the window. Sandy, sensing she is a little tense, comes up behind her, places his hands on her shoulders and asks, "You ready for your big meeting today, honey?"
Kirsten turns around holding her cup in both hands and replies, "About as ready as I can be."
"You'll do great." Sandy encourages her. "I have complete confidence in your negotiating skills.
"And so do I." Caleb says as he and Julie walk in.
The front door is open.
"Kiki, morning." Caleb says as he enters the kitchen and gives Kirsten a kiss on the cheek. "Ready to make me a rich man?"
"Ah Cal." Sandy says, "Never miss an opportunity to focus all the attention on yourself."
Caleb just gives him a look.
"Kirsten, I thought we could go in together, since we are going to be running this meeting." Julie says.
"Well, I'll take the guys to school." Sandy offers. "We better get going." Sandy says and turns to the guys. "Ready?"
They get up and leave for school. Shortly afterwards Kirsten and Julie leave together.
AT HARBOR SCHOOL, REGISTRATION WEEK
Ryan and Seth walk up the stairs to the administration offices. Seth pulls a bulletin from his pocket and points Ryan in the direction he must go to his academic advisor's office.
"Meeting you at the cafeteria later." Seth says.
They part ways, Seth heads right and Ryan takes a left. They go off to their respective academic advisors.
As Ryan's walking down the open passage to the office, he spots Marissa walking up the stairs in his direction, except she doesn't see him until she just about bumps in to him.
"Hey." Ryan says.
"Oh.... Hey." Marissa says.
"How are..." Ryan starts asking
"Good." Marissa replies quickly.
"Good." Ryan says awkwardly.
Just then Mark shows up.
"Hey guys." He greets them.
"Hey Mark." Marissa says a little too excitedly. "I didn't know you were going to be coming to Harbor."
"Yeh, me neither. My parents arranged the whole thing. I'm just a guinea pig." Mark says. He turns to Ryan and asks, "So, how you man?"
"Good." Ryan replies.
"Good." Mark says. Things get a little awkward again.
"I'm a little lost here. This place is so big." Mark says.
"Never mind. I'll show you around." Marissa offers and smiles nastily at Ryan.
"Thanks." Mark replies. "Ryan you gonna hang with us?"
"uh... no. I got to get to go see my advisor." Ryan replies and gives Marissa a look back.
"Ok, man. Check you later?" Mark says and holds out his fist in a friendly gesture.
"Sure." Ryan replies and hits his fist on top of Mark's, but not at all in a usual friendly manner.
NEWPORT GROUP OFFICES, RECEPTION AREA OUTSIDE THE BOARDROOM
The reception area has been dollied up with elegant trimmings, a few snacks on tables and some of America's finest wines. All of this thanks to Julie Nichol.
A few of the investors have arrived and are mingling with other board members as they wait for the meeting to start.
"Kiki, I'm so excited!" Julie says very elatedly. "This is my first board meeting!"
Kirsten is not sharing in her eagerness. She knows a lot is riding on this meeting and any hick-up can mean the end of the Newport Group. Her presentation has got to be professional and without inaccuracies.
"Oh, god!" Julie exclaims as she turns and sees her reflection in the tinted glass door of the boardroom. "My eyeliner is smudge." She turns to Kirsten.
"Kiki, is my eyeliner smudged?" Julie asks.
"Oh, Julie..." Kirsten says exasperated and looks closely. "No, no, it's not. It's great."
"It's not great." Julie says. "I'm going to go fix it."
"But Julie, we're about to start!" Kirsten exclaims.
"Don't worry... I'll only be a minute." And with that Julie heads off towards the bathrooms.
Five minutes later, the clock ticks over to 9 o'clock. The investors start getting a little agitated. Kirsten picks up on this and addresses them.
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Kirsten gets everyone's attention. "Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning. We will begin momentarily. We are just waiting for one more guest."
That guest is the main investor, upon whom the future of the Newport Group rests. He is clearly late.
A she finishes, the elevator doors open. In walks Mr Arthur Rutherford, of Rutherford and Forbes Construction Group.
"And not a moment too soon." Kirsten thinks thankfully to herself.
"Everyone!" Kirsten raises her voice slightly to get the visitors' attention one more time. "Can we make our way in to the boardroom... we are ready to begin." Kirsten ushers the investors and board members in.
Julie has still not come back yet, but Kirsten cannot wait any longer. They all enter the board room and take their seats. The lights are dimmed and Kirsten begins a very impressive slide-show presentation.
HARBOR SCHOOL, HALLWAY
Seth heads off towards his locker. He opens it, puts a few books and things inside. As he closes it he sees Summer walking in his direction.
"Hey Summer." Seth greets and kind of half-waves at her.
Summer is dressed in a very sexy pink number and a short, white mini-skirt.
Summer pretends not to see Seth and walks over to her locker which happens to be next to Seth's. She opens it and also fiddles inside with some books and other belongings.
Seth fidgets around for a while and then eventually decides to say something. "So, got any plans for after school?" Seth asks tentatively.
"Yeh, and they do not involve you!" Summer says and gives him a haughty / mocking look that could make hell freeze over.
"Okay, Summer, this angstiness between us... it's a little over-the-top. Can we just clear the air about what happened in the pool house the other day?" Seth says, now plucking up the courage to face up to Summer, but she cuts him off.
"I have nothing to say to you." Summer replies and slams her locker shut. She turns and heads off in the other direction.
Seth quickly, but gently grasps her by the arm and she turns around.
"Cohen!" Summer yells and yanks her arm out of his grasp. "That is like... physical abuse. People have been arrested for that!" Summer says loudly enough for people around to here.
"Well, you may have to do that, because that's the only way you will get rid of me." Seth says unwaveringly.
Just then some jocks come walking past. With them are few of the guys that Luke used to hang out with.
"Is this geek bugging you, Summer?" One of the water polo team guys comes up behind Summer and looks directly at Seth.
"No, I was just leaving." Summer replies, looks at Seth, and walks off.
The water polo guys also walk off, but look back at Seth who looks utterly downhearted. He stands there for a moment and then heads out towards the cafeteria.
HARBOR SCHOOL, ADVISOR'S OFFICE
Ryan sits down in a comfortable chair in his advisor's office, a Ms Debbie Julian. Ms Julian walks in and takes her place on the other side of the desk.
She is tall, slim, with dazzling green eyes and long blonde hair, which she has let down. She is wearing a mini skirt, high sling-back heals and a blouse that brings out the best in her assets. She has golden-brown complexion, clearly someone who spends most of their free time soaking up the rays. She is wearing silver-framed glasses, which she removes as she looks at Ryan, and then puts them back on as she looks at his paper work. Ryan is staggered by her beauty.
"Mr. Ryan Atwood." Ms Julian says sternly. "My name's Debbie Julian. You can address me as Ma'am or Ms Julian only. Not Mrs. Julian and never call me just 'miss'. I hate that."
Ryan shuffles in his seat uneasily.
"Can I call you Ryan?" Ms Julian asks.
"Sure... I mean, yes Ma'am. Ryan's good." Ryan says. Ms Julian just looks at him. She hands him an A5 size page.
"These are your subjects for this semester. I have based them on how well you did last year and made a few adjustments, as you will see." Ms Julian says.
She hands him another two pages, this time they're A4 size and printed on both sides.
"This is a vocational survey. As the name suggests, it assists us, and you, in determining what your interests are and thus enables us to best advise you on a college career. In addition to this I'd like you to write me a three page essay about your hobbies and likes and dislikes. The completed survey and essay I'd like by Wednesday." Ms Julian says. "You have shown a lot of promise in the last year, Ryan, more so than most students who have been here their entire school careers. It is my job to make sure you do something good with yourself and turn that promise in to purpose." Ms Julian continues. "I take my job very seriously. You will however find that I am very reasonable. Help yourself, and I'll give you all the assistance you need."
She puts her glasses back on and begins writing on a desk pad.
Ryan just sits there, speechless.
Ms Julian stops writing and looks up at him. "That'll be all."
Ryan gets up and leaves the office.
He walks over to the cafeteria where he finds Seth sitting alone by a table that overlooks the valley. He grabs some lunch and takes up a seat opposite Seth. They exchange subject schedules and read through what each other has.
"Ah, man. You got Spanish. How'd you get Spanish? And with Mr Tallis... Didn't you negotiate?" Seth asks.
"I didn't get a chance. MS Julian did all the talking; couldn't get a word in edgeways." He says emphasizing the Ms. They hand schedules back to each other.
Just then Marissa and Mark enter the cafeteria together.
Seth sees them together and asks no one in particular, but since Ryan's the only other person there...
"Who's that?" Seth asks
Ryan looks over and sees what Seth sees. "His name's Mark; moved here the other day. He lives next door to Marissa."
"The new boyfriend?" Seth asks
"I dunno." Ryan responds.
Mark and Marissa sit down at an empty table about three tables over from Seth and Ryan's. They apparently do not see Ryan and Seth.
Just then Summer enters and sees both Ryan and Seth, and Mark and Marissa. She decides to go sit with Mark and Marissa, ignoring Seth.
"Looks like we're alone again, Ryan." Seth says.
"At least we've got each other, right?" Ryan says trying to encourage himself as much as Seth.
"You know buddy, on the optimistic side, think about all the stuff we can now do as bachelors!" Seth says. "Two young stallions such as ourselves... available and free. I can now finish off my comic book novel and you... you can... uhmm."
Ryan looks at him with one raised eyebrow. Seth sips timidly on his soft drink.
"Yip, this is going to be a great year." Seth says sarcastically.
AT THE NEWPORT GROUP OFFICES, BOARD ROOM
The presentation is going well, and it seems like Kirsten has seized the attention of the investors. A delegate of about fifteen high-powered men and women grace the board room's oval table. Each has received a portfolio file containing various financial statements and ideals of the Newport Group.
After the slideshow has completed, Kirsten stands up and begins her speech.
"The Newport Group has for a number of years been the leader in both residential and commercial development in Orange County." Kirsten continues her sales pitch.
She showed graphs of how the company's financial growth has increased by almost 300 in less than 5 years.
"To quote from the Financial Times Magazine: 'The Newport Group is one of the most successful estate companies in Orange County. They can expect a very bright future.'" Kirsten reads from an article.
"Part of what we value is not only looking after our clientele, but also our employees, which is what makes this company so admired by those looking for employment. Our remuneration packages are of high value, as we believe content employees mean a successful business." Kirsten continues.
Just then Julie enters and takes a seat at the top of the table next to where Kirsten would be sitting. She tries to be as discreet as possible, but the guests notice.
"Sorry I'm late everyone... had a bit of an urgent situation to take care of." Julie says as she sits down.
Before anyone can ask the most obvious of questions, Kirsten obliges. "This is Julie Cooper Nichol. She has just been appointed as second in charge here at Newport Group."
Julie half stands, takes a quick bow and sits down again. Kirsten quickly attempts to continue, but Mr Arthur Rutherford challenges her.
"Nichol, you say?" Arthur Rutherford asks. "Not perhaps related to Caleb Nichol at all?"
"Actually, yes. He's my husband." Julie replies, rather cheerfully, but this cheer will be short-lived.
"Then, Mrs. Nichol, I for one and I'm sure many of the other investors here would like to hear from you how your husband managed to take this very successful business we've been hearing about and almost run it straight to the ground." Arthur Rutherford asks, and other investors nod their heads.
Julie looks very uncomfortable and Kirsten tries to refocus the meeting. "I'm not sure how relevant that is to our meeting today. Besides, Julie has not been in the business to long, so..."
"Oh come on. You are married to the most influential man in Newport Beach, you are number two here, and you expect me and these other fine gentlemen and ladies to believe you have no idea what is going on in this corporation?" Arthur Rutherford continues to harass Julie.
Julie stands up despite Kirsten's prompting her to remain seated and attempts to explain her way out of a very tight and difficult situation. She spends five minutes trying to look like she knows what she is talking about, but everyone in the room, including Kirsten and even Julie herself know she has no idea what she is saying. The investors are getting very restless and agitated, and Kirsten picks up on this, which in turn makes her feel very uneasy. The meeting has taken a turn for the worst.
Arthur Rutherford takes his seat again as he begins to enjoy this circus that he has begun.
Kirsten jumps in to try and selvedge the meeting. "My father has only ever had the best interests of this company and its staff at heart." Kirsten starts to explain, "Sure he's made a few bad investments, but that is the nature of the industry as you all will be able to testify to. The Newport Group is more than just Caleb Nichol, it is about productivity and delivery of services, and of course customer satisfaction. You can see from the testimonials in the folders in front of you that more than three fourths of our clients are satisfied with the work done by us on their behalf."
Kirsten finishes, as Mr Arthur Rutherford stands up. He buttons up his jacket, and while gathering his papers together he says, "Well, this has certainly been most entertaining, however this company or any other business associated with Caleb Nichol will not see one cent of my money."
He heads towards the door and the other investors follow suit. Kirsten tries to stop them and get them to reconsider, but they are not interested. "What kind of a fool do you two take me for?" One of the investors say as they all exit the board room and the Newport offices.
Kirsten sits back down in her chair looking totally defeated. Julie flops down next to her.
"That was a supreme cataclysm." Julie says. "I don't know what I'm going to do now!"
"Well, I guess it's time we get our résumé sorted out, Julie. We are going to have to apply for new jobs... and it looks like my dad is on his way to jail for a very long time." Kirsten says very gloomily as she realizes the gig is up.
MONDAY EVENING AT THE COHEN'S
Sandy and Kirsten are lying on their bed pondering on the events of the day. They still need to eat supper, but Kirsten just does not feel like staying in.
"How about we go out to eat? The Lighthouse has reopened under another name. We can take Seth and Ryan... we haven't eaten out as a family for months." Sandy suggests. Kirsten likes the idea and arises from the bed to quickly freshen up. Sandy goes downstairs to inform the guys.
Ryan and Seth are in the TV room playing PS2 games.
"Oh, oh... OH!" Seth explains in triumph. He turns to Ryan. "Buddy I just beat you in record-breaking time. That was like an Olympic record! Looks like someone hasn't had any practice over the holidays!"
Ryan looks sideways at Seth and gives him an affable punch on the arm, but hard enough for him to feel it and have to rub vigorously.
An hour later Sandy, Kirsten, Seth and Ryan head down towards the Lighthouse. They walk along the walk way, Sandy and Kirsten a few steps in front of Seth and Ryan who are taking up the rear.
As they're all about to enter, Ryan spots Summer, her dad, and another guy he recognizes, Kyle, sitting at one of the window tables. Kyle is one of the guys from the water polo team. Summer and Kyle are sitting next to each other opposite Mr. Roberts, Summer's dad. They seem to all be having a good time and even Summer's dad looks like he's enjoying himself. Kyle and him are getting on really well.
Ryan quickly rushes in front of Sandy and Kirsten, but also stands at an angle so as to block Seth's view. Quickly he improvises: "Uhmm... let's not eat here." Ryan says.
"Why?" Sandy asks a little puzzled.
"Uhmm... it's just..." Ryan's struggling to find a good excuse at short notice. "It's just that it brings back too many memories..."
Sandy and Kirsten look at each other a little bemused. "What memories?" Kirsten enquires.
"Yeh, buddy, what memories?" Seth says and steps closer, almost in eye shot of Summer's table. "You're sounding a little gay."
Ryan moves a little to the side to block Seth again.
"Uhmm, you know... with your father and Julie... their proposal... The same night Luke got in that accident." He says as he looks at Kirsten. "And you not getting the liquor license... not able to open." He says as he then turns to Sandy. "And it just makes me feel so sad... and angry when you I think about it all... what could have been had you got the restaurant and how Julie and Luke..."
"What about Julie and Luke?" Kirsten asks and Ryan realizes they didn't know.
"Uhmm, yeh Ryan. What about Luke and Julie?" Seth says pretending to have no idea what he's say, but also giving him a shrewd look that also says 'you really don't want to be going there'.
"No, nothing... you know just the whole thing with Luke leaving the same night Julie and Caleb got engaged...... too much emotion." Ryan says feeling like he's really sinking now.
"Ok, but you and Seth are spending way too much time. We can go some place else." Sandy says and takes Kirsten's hand.
They turn around and Ryan releases a huge sigh. However, Summer spots them leaving. More importantly, she sees Seth, but he has his back towards her. She quickly turns her head the other way, and covers her face with her hand, hoping they don't turn back and see her. They don't.
"But I think there's more to the Julie/Luke story than that." Kirsten says and looks at Ryan. "I want to hear about it later."
"Okay." Ryan agrees just happy they've avoided one train-smash so far.
As they head back to the car to find another restaurant, Seth turns to Ryan. "Okay Ryan, what's up? That whole show was really a little bit minty. I've got to teach you to lie better."
"Tell you later?" Ryan asks and squints his eyes a little.
"Sure." Seth replies as they get in the car.