(Seth and Ryan sit down at the table across from Kirsten)
Seth: What's this all about? Is everything okay?
Kirsten: No. No, it's…it's not okay. I… There's something I have to tell you.
Seth: What is it? Is it Dad? Is he hurt?
Kirsten: No, he's fine, it's… You… You know that when I was in high school, I dated Jimmy Cooper?
Seth: (Looking confused) Yeah… what's that got to do with anything?
Kirsten: Well, I… there's no easy way to say this… (She sighs heavily) I… I had… Jimmy and I… We… I got pregnant. When I was with him. I never told anyone; if my father had found out, he would have made me marry Jimmy or abort the baby. I wasn't ready for marriage and I couldn't kill an innocent child because of my own mistake. I… I adopted it out. (She says this last part in a rush. Seth and Ryan looked shocked. They had not been expecting this)
Seth: How… How did you keep it a secret for nine months? It must have been obvious after a while…
Kirsten: I told my father I was going to college in the west like I had planned. I actually went to a place for young mothers; after the baby was born I came back and told them I was transferring to Berkley. My father was so happy I was back; he didn't bother to ask questions.
(Seth and Ryan stare at her. She puts her head in her hands and continues)
Kirsten: The… the reason I'm telling you this… She… the baby… well, not a baby anymore… she's here. Looking for me… Your sister, Seth. You have a sister.
(The look on Seth's face changes from one of confusion to anger)
Seth: You mean I've had a sister all these years I've never known about? Why didn't you tell me?
Kirsten: I didn't tell anyone Seth! It's not something I… I didn't know how to… It wasn't something you'd expect…
Seth: (Cutting her off) Well you'd think, seeing as I'm your son, you'd tell me! I have a sister I've never known! I can't believe you'd keep something like this from your own family!
Kirsten: Seth, I… It wasn't like that…
Seth: Just forget it. I'm going to bed.
(He gets up and leaves. Tears drip down Kirsten's face. She quickly wipes them away, wanting to look strong in front of Ryan. Ryan sits there, unsure of what to do. He hesitates, then gets up and does something Kirsten doesn't expect. He hugs her. She looks surprised, and then hugs him back.)
Kirsten: He hates me, doesn't he? I'm sorry, I… It's… I really didn't mean…
Ryan: It's okay. This is just… a lot for him to take in right now. Give him time and I'm sure he'll come around. He doesn't hate you. He – We – still love you.
(She looks up at him in surprise; she's never heard Ryan say something like that before. He smiles at her, then leaves the kitchen and goes into the poolhouse. Kirsten sits at the table, staring after him. Then she gets up and leaves).
(Next morning. Kirsten is lying in bed. Sandy comes in from the shower, drying his hair with a towel. He sits on the side of the bed. Kirsten looks at him. He turns around to look at her)
Sandy: So you and Jimmy just kept this little – or not so little – secret between you for twenty five years? I'm assuming Julie Cooper doesn't know, or so would all of Newport.
Kirsten: (Hesitates, then...) Jimmy doesn't know.
Sandy: (Looks at her, as if he doesn't know what to do with her) Oh, Kirsten. (She closes her eyes, knowing what he's gonna say next) You're gonna have to tell him.
Kirsten: (Whispered) I know.
(Camera switches to Rachel sitting at the kitchen table eating cereal. Ryan enters. Rachel looks up at him).
Ryan: You must be Rachel.
Rachel: Ryan, right?
Ryan: Yeah. Have you seen Seth? (As he says this, Seth walks into the kitchen. Ryan and Rachel watch him as he walks over to the cupboard and gets out the cereal. He pours himself a bowl and walks back out with it, completely ignoring both Ryan and Rachel).
Ryan: (Looks at Rachel) I better go talk to him. (Walks out, leaving Rachel on her own again. Rachel sighs. Kirsten walks downstairs and sees Rachel).
Kirsten: Oh, hi, Rachel. I'm, uh, I'm just going out for a bit, if you… if you need anything, ask… (She looks kind of lost) ask Ryan. (She stands there for a second, looking unsure of what to do, then leaves).
(Switch to upstairs. Ryan knocks on Seth's closed bedroom door)
Ryan: Seth? (He pushes the door open slowly. He sees Seth lying on the bed looking at the ceiling, his bowl of cereal lying abandoned on the desk. Ryan sits on the edge of the bed beside Seth)
Ryan: Well, you did say you always wanted a sister.
Seth: I've told you before, leave the comedy to me. (He says this in a monotone, nowhere near his usual bright self).
Ryan: Look, Seth, I know this is hard for you. But it's hard for your mom too. Imagine what she's going through.
Seth: You know what Ryan, I can see where you're coming from, but I really don't care right now. (He turns over so his back is to Ryan) I just want to be left alone.
(Ryan looks at him, then sighs and gets up to leave, pausing once more to look at Seth before pulling the door shut).
(Meanwhile, Kirsten is standing outside the Cooper's door. She braces herself, then knocks. Julie answers the door).
Julie: Kirsten! Just the person I was hoping to see. If this is about the charity event for the hospital, I have a few ideas…
Kirsten: (Cuts her off) Actually, I'm here to see Jimmy.
Julie: Jimmy? (Looks taken aback) What for?
(Jimmy walks up behind Julie)
Jimmy: Kirsten! Hey! You here to organize the charity event for the hospital? I know Julie has a few ideas…
Kirsten: Actually, I'm here to see you.
Jimmy: Me? What for?
Julie: (Eyes narrowed) Yes Kirsten, what for? What's going on?
Kirsten: (Takes a deep breath) Can I come in?