This is just a little Kirsten and Ryan conversation that I've got running through my head that could have taken place after the end of The Game Plan .
Later that night, after Marissa and Summer had gone home, and Sandy had finally gotten tired of bending Ryan's ear about the wonderfulness that was Berkeley, Ryan was finally able to retire to the pool house to wind down. It had been a bit of a stressful day, what with Johnny's accident, and the ups and downs with Marissa, and the dinner with that college buddy of Sandy and Kirsten's.
Ryan was lying on his back staring at the ceiling trying to process everything when there was a knock at the pool house door. Ryan lifted his head to look and called out, "Come in."
To Ryan's surprise, it was Kirsten. He sat up in bed, wondering what she wanted. She looked a little nervous as she sat down on the side of the bed. Ryan waited patiently for a moment as she wrung her hands and gathered her thoughts. Then she took a deep breath and looked at Ryan.
"Sandy told me what you said after I left, about not wanting to leave us." Kirsten reached out and took Ryan's hand. "You know we're not going to force you to go, if you're not ready."
Ryan looked down at their joined hands and blinked his eyes a few times. "What about college?" He looked back up at Kirsten. "I know you want me to go."
Kirsten nodded. "I do, but plenty of kids live at home while they go to college. You could apply locally, like to USC or UCLA. You could live here and commute, or even live at the dorms and come home every weekend. Whatever you want."
Ryan nodded thoughtfully and looked away, considering the idea. "Yeah, I guess."
"Sandy and I would love to have you here or close by. We've been dreading the quiet, empty house we're going to have with both of you gone. And with Seth wanting to go across the country, you're our only hope."
Ryan looked at her to find her grinning at him. He returned her smile.
Kirsten stood up. "Well, you think about it."
"I will. And thanks, Kirsten."
Kirsten smiled at him again. "You're welcome. And good night."
"'Night."
After Kirsten left, Ryan lay back down on the bed and stared at the ceiling again. He had a lot to think about.