Episode #2: Commitments

As the scene opens up, Summer is lying in the bed starring at the alarm clock and Seth is lying beside her sound asleep. When the clock changes to 6:00, Summer jumps out of bed and immediately attacks Seth trying to wake him up.

Summer: Cohen, come on, wake up, now! (She yells at him while pushing his arm, rocking him in his fetal position, attempting to wake him, but he just keeps sleeping.) Cohen, I mean it. It's New Year's Eve, I need to go shopping, Marissa and I have a whole day of pampering ahead of us, true she doesn't know about it yet, but I wanted to surprise her, and you have to leave the house. We're going to be getting ready here, and I don't want you to see me before I'm ready. Cohen, are you listening to me at all? Cohen?

Seth: What! Dmn, woman, I heard you, but I was trying to ignore your whiny little voice. We're supposed to be on break, and here you are waking me up at six in the morning.

Summer: Oh, do not even start with me. Every day of Chrismukkah you were up by 5:30 insisting that everyone else get up, too, just so that you could open up your presents, and now, for just one day, I want you to get up for me early, because it's my favorite holiday, and you complain! I don't think so! If you are not out of that bed by the time I count to three, I will find a different date for tonight, you will have to stay at home by yourself, and I will find all your comic books and burn them! Capishe? One, two…. (Seth gets out of bed. His hair is completely disheveled, and his pajamas are all twisted. When he gets up, he rubs his eyes like he is still half asleep but heads out the door and goes downstairs. Summer follows him.)

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Seth: So, your highness, what am I supposed to do today since you are kicking me out of my own house?

Summer: First of all, I need you to go wake up Ryan and Marissa.

Seth: What now?

Summer: Yeah.

Seth: It won't matter what you threaten me with, if I go out there and wake them up right now, Ryan will kill me and you'll have to find yourself another date for tonight, and could you deal with that Summer, could you really, my blood on your hands all because of your selfish desires to groom yourself.

Summer: Oh do not get me started on who is selfish in this room, and besides, I'm not doing this for me. Haven't you heard how Marissa has been talking about tonight? I think those two have some big plans, and I want her to be looking her best. I'm not quite sure what they're going to be doing, and, quite frankly, I really do not want to know, but I do know that I want to help her, and besides, it would be a great opportunity for me to find out what's going on between the two of them.

Seth: You don't think Ryan's going to propose do you?

Summer: What? Are you on crack? Cohen, where the hell did you get that idea?

Seth: Well, obviously, they're already dating, so it's not like this is their first date or that they haven't spent the night together before. What else could there be?

Summer: Ryan is not going to propose, god Cohen, do you not know anything about relationships?

Seth: I haven't heard you complaining.

Summer: Like it would do any good. (Seth gives her a look.) Anyway, I'm not quite sure that Ryan and Marissa have been dating as long as you think. I've been checking around, asking questions….

Seth: Without me?

Summer: We've already covered this Cohen! You are not subtle at all, and as soon as you get involved, something always goes wrong.

Seth: Not always!

Summer: (She gives him the look now that says, oh really!) Anyway, from what I can tell, Marissa is just starting at Stanford.

Seth: What?

Summer: One of my friends back at school works in the records department, and when I mentioned that Ryan had Marissa here with us, she said that they had just had someone by that name transfer in from some school out east.

Seth: Well then, how does Ryan know her?

Summer: I don't know, but that's what makes me think that they've just met.

Seth: No way! So, you think that Ryan randomly met her that night, brought her home, and since then she's been a staple in the poolhouse? That's ridiculous and completely something Ryan would never do! Hell, he doesn't even bring home girls he's known for months!

Summer: I know, that's what makes this so romantic. Imagine Chino being so swept off his feet that he invites Marissa home with him the first night he met her. I mean, did you ever think he would fall in love at first sight?

Seth: No, and I don't find it romantic, I find it dangerous. He didn't even know her when he brought her home. She could have been a drug dealer, a gang leader, an ax murderer, and he let her stay in the same house as me! You know, she's never liked me since she got here, I bet she's just here using Ryan and secretly wants to kill me or worse take advantage of my body! I've seen the way she looks at me, she wants me Summer, and now that she's living here, I won't be able to hide from her, I won't be able to fight her off! You're going to have to protect me, you know, channel those rage blackouts whenever she attacks me, protect your boyfriend, and when it's over, let me know how it goes, because I won't be able to stand it! I know I'll pass out. (Throughout this entire diatribe, Summer just stares at Seth with her mouth open, shocked and flabbergasted. When he finally shuts up, she explodes.)

Summer: Cohen, what the hell are you talking about? First you think she's a deranged murderer out to kill you, and then all of a sudden your paranoia switches and instead of wanting to chop you up into little pieces, which I am about to do any second now, she wants to take advantage of your body! Were you sniffing Captain Oat's shoe polish? Have all those products you use on your Jew Fro finally seeped through that thick head of yours and altered your brain makeup? Marissa is no more dangerous than you are, and if you dare say a word to Ryan or anyone else for that matter about what I told you just now, I swear Cohen, you will never be able to have insecure Coheny kids some day, if you get my picture! (She holds up her hand and moves it like they are scissors.)

Seth: No one, not even you Summer, will ever be able to pound that information out of me, I swear!

Summer: And?

Seth: And, no one will be able to trick me into admitting what we've just discussed, bribe me into sharing, or blackmail me into revealing any of our secrets.

Summer: Good, now take this out to Ryan and Marissa. (She hands him two plates with two bagels on them and two cups of coffee. While they were talking, Seth and Summer had been working together making this.)

Seth: At least I'll have breakfast to protect me against Ryan's wrath. You know Summer, he hates being awakened in the mornings.

Summer: You do it to him about every other day, and, unfortunately, you're still breathing.

Seth: That hurts Summer, that really hurts! (He starts to head out the door, but stops and turns around to ask Summer a question.) So, what do you think is so important about tonight for those two slumbering pool house residents?

Summer: I think that tonight is their first official date, and who knows, maybe their first kiss.

Seth: (Seth laughs.) Yeah, right Summer, whatever you say. They've only been sleeping in the same poolhouse now for two weeks together, and you still think Ryan has not got any action? Did you forget about that fateful first morning we found them sleeping out there together, spooning? Plus, I haven't said anything, but every morning when I sneak out there to check on them, they are always curled up around each other, cuddling while they sleep.

Summer: (She slaps him.) Cohen!

Seth: Woman, I'm holding scalding hot coffee here!

Summer: Well, you deserve to get burned! (Seth gives her an injured look and puppy dog eyes.) How could you spy on them, and every morning Cohen, that's just weird! You're not some peeping tom are you? Ew, you weren't actually trying to catch Chino in the act were you?

Seth: Of course not Summer, but he might be able to give me some pointers, now that you mention it. (This last part is said out loud but you can tell that he's just thinking to himself and didn't intend Summer to hear that part.)

Summer: Cohen! You're such a perv! Now get out there, wake them up, no watching from the window before you go in, and you better knock! Plus, don't forget that you have to get Ryan out of here all day long so that Marissa and I can have the poolhouse to get ready in. I don't want to see your scrawny ss before seven when you two meet us out front, got it?

Seth: Yes, Summer, I understand, but what are we supposed to do all day long?

Summer: I don't care! Go shopping…(Seth gives her a look), right you're with Ryan, okay, skip shopping, but maybe you could talk him into getting his hair cut. He's been looking a little shaggy lately, and he needs to look his best for Marissa tonight, because when I'm done with that girl, she's going to be ready for the cover of Vogue.

Seth: Oh yes, and we all know that high end fashion models are just Ryan's type!

Summer: That's enough from you, got it, and besides, tonight is a special night, one which Ryan deserves, and I'm going to help make sure it's one he will never forget. Besides, every girl deserves to look like a princess on New Year's Eve.

Seth: You always look like a princess to me Summer.

Summer: Ah Cohen, that was so sweet… (She thinks for a moment.) What do you want?

Seth: Nothing….I just thought that maybe you would help me wake them up, you know, be my back up.

Summer: Sorry, I have to go get ready. Tell Marissa to make sure she wears a button up shirt so that it will be easy to take off when she gets ready tonight and won't mess up her hair and makeup. Now get going, I want you and Ryan showered, dressed, and out of here by 7:00. (She begins to push Seth towards the door, opens it, shoves him out, and then shuts the door behind him. When she's finished, she dusts off her hands like she's just done some hard work. Seth gives her a look, presses his face up against the window for a second, and pouts before heading to the poolhouse and just walking in contrary to Summer's instructions.)

Seth: Have you two seen what a beautiful morning it is today outside? You know you really should not waste the last day of 2005 sleeping. Come on, get up, rise and shine. Summer and I have been up already for a while now. We've made you both a bagel, made the coffee, and also, we already made your guys' plans for the whole day. (Ryan and Marissa slowly start to stir and eventually sit up in the bed. Seth hands them their bagels and coffee, and while he continues to talk, Ryan and Marissa eat.) I'm really not quite sure what all Summer has planned for you today Marissa, but I do know it includes girl talk, trips to the salon for hair, makeup, and nails, probably shopping for new dresses for tonight, and knowing Summer, lunch at the club, but Ryan, my man, my best friend, my amigo, my brother, my…..

Ryan: Get on with it Seth, I get the picture. What do you want me to do today?

Seth: (He gives him a glare which Marissa just laughs at, and that makes him give her a look, too. For this look, both Ryan and Marissa laugh at it and Seth just gives up.) Anyway, before I was so rudely interrupted, I was about to tell you our awesome plans for the day, Ryan! First, we have to go and get that mop on the top of your head which you call hair trimmed. We can't have you looking like a shaggy dog for New Year's Eve, and I thought I might get my hair trimmed as well. Plus, what do you think, I've been thinking about this for a while, but do you think I should get some high and low lights, you know, shake things up a bit, make it so that Summer can't resist me? (Ryan and Marissa laugh again.) Okay, then, a simple no would have worked, but I get your point. No high or low lights. Well, then, back to the plans. After our haircuts, I thought we'd hit the mall. I need to pick something up for tonight, and I know how well you like to shop Ryan. I thought maybe you'd like to pick out a new tie or perhaps a new pair of shoes, something to give your look the right polish for the big night. (Again, Marissa laughs and Ryan, this time, just gives Seth the look.) Fine then, no shopping for you, but I really do need to go to South Coast Plaza. Now Marissa, I know you're just dying to know what I would need to get at the mall, but since you and Summer are about to spend twelve hours bonding, I can't reveal it to you, but rest assured, the surprise is worth it. It's brilliant; it's marvelous, it's perfect, and Ryan, my man, my best friend…. (Ryan gives him a look to shut up.) yeah, I got it, no more titles, anyway, you, Ryan, my brother, sorry, I just had to squeeze in one more, you will get to know, and just as soon as we leave, which, by the way, Summer has mandated will be by 7:00, I will let you know. But, I digress, after we do a little shopping for my lady love, I thought we could swing by our favorite little diner, grab some chili fries, some burgers, some shakes, catch up, have a little Seth/Ryan time, share our secrets, bare our souls. After lunch, do you what we haven't done all break yet and really need to do, so I thought we'd do it today?

Ryan: I don't know, have some peace and quiet.

Seth: That's funny man, really, but please, I'm the funny one, not you. You're the brooder, the loner, although, since Marissa arrived, you haven't been brooding much, so I'm not sure what you're role is anymore. Perhaps you're now the Don Juan, the lady's man. We should really tivo some old episodes of Saturday Night Live so can study Leon Phelps. He would teach you a few things yet!

Ryan: Seth! Get on with it, what are we going to do after lunch besides get a headache from all your incessant ramblings?

Seth: I don't ramble. Everything I say has momentous value; you just don't know how to appreciate my insights and thoughts. Anyhoooo… back to the plans! After lunch, I thought we'd take out the Summer Breeze, do some sailing, perhaps a little sun bathing.

Marissa: Did you just say sun bathing? (She laughs and so does Ryan.)

Seth: Well look at the guy! He's really looking a little pasty over there, I was just trying to help you out Marissa, I didn't want him to blind you tonight under the lights while you two were dancing.

Marissa: Dancing?

Seth: Uh, duh, it's New Year's Eve tonight, remember Newpsies, Charity party, you, Ryan, Summer, and I, plus the parents. You didn't forget right?

Ryan: Well, to be honest Seth, we thought we'd just pop in tonight at the party, say a few hellos and skip out early. We kinda made other plans.

Seth: You can't do that! You two have to be there tonight. I want you there, Summer will want you there!

Marissa: Why? Won't you two be off on your own, celebrating together? Why would you want us there, too?

Seth: Well, Ryan's going to be my best man, and I thought if things continue the way they are, you would be Summer's maid of honor, so you should be there tonight.

Marissa: You two are getting married? I didn't even know you were engaged….and she never asked me to be a part of the wedding ceremony.

Seth: No, no, (He snaps his fingers.) Stay with me here, we're not getting married, but I'm going to propose to her tonight at midnight, and I thought you two should be there.

Ryan: Well, you could've said something earlier before we made plans.

Seth: I couldn't man, you know Summer, she has ears like a fox. Oh my gosh, you guys haven't seen her lurking have you? I have to go and find out where she is, but you better be ready by 7:00 buddy, and you, too, Marissa. I'll see you in a little bit. I have to go do damage control, make sure Summer doesn't know anything. Oh, and don't forget, you're going to the Newpsies' party tonight. Alright? Fine, see you in a few! (Seth leaves.)

Ryan: Well, there goes our plans.

Marissa: (Disappointed a little.) Its okay, we just have to edit our plans a little, not cancel them. We'll just have to stay at the party until Seth proposes and then we can head to the lifeguard stand just like we planned.

Ryan: But we were going to already be there when the clock struck midnight so that we could share our first kiss where we met.

Marissa: I guess we'll just have to have our second, our third, our fourth, and who knows how many there instead. The first will have to be at the party, because at Midnight, you are mine and only mine!

Ryan: Oh, don't you worry; I am not waiting any longer than midnight to finally kiss you!

Marissa: I guess we better get going. See you tonight. (She jumps up and runs into the bathroom laughing. Ryan gets up and starts to get dressed.)

Ryan: You do know that tonight will be all about Seth and Summer, and even when we finally get a moment alone, they will find a way to ruin it?

Marissa: Just until he proposes, but then it's just you and me.

Ryan: And something will probably go wrong, they'll probably end up fighting, and then Seth will make it our job to help him with the proposal and to make Summer forgive him long enough to stay at the party. I don't think an event can happen without those two first ending up in a fight and then making up all night afterwards once I fix things for them.

Marissa: Well, I guess you could look at them as an example of what not to do.

Ryan: That's the truth. Well, I guess I better go find Seth. Have fun with Summer today. See you tonight.

Marissa: Bye, and I'd say the same to you, have fun with Seth, but I don't think that possible. He's going to be so wound up over the engagement; he probably won't stop talking once. You might want to take some ear plugs, though.

Ryan: (Ryan laughs.) Aw, no, I don't need ear plugs. After five years with Seth, I can block him out perfectly. (Marissa laughs from the bathroom, and we hear the water start.)

Marissa: Good luck then!

Ryan: Thanks. (He leaves the poolhouse and shuts the door behind him smiling.)

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