Okay, so somehow this episode ended up with eight scenes- someone, obviously me, must not have planned this very well. But, oh well, this post will just be extra long for you. Enjoy! And thank you for the wonderful reviews and comments. They are greatly appreciated.
This scene opens up at the hospital. Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer are all gathered in the family room waiting for news about Zoe, while Kirsten and Sandy are off with the doctors awaiting news.
Summer: Okay, so go through this one more time. What happened exactly?
Seth: My Mom said that the babysitter called and told my Dad that she had left the room to go answer the door because the pizza had arrived. When she got back to the family room, Zoe was unconscious. She had no idea what had happened, but she dialed 911, and while she waited for the ambulance to arrive, she called my parents. Other than that, no one knows anything yet.
Summer: Well, how much longer are we going to have to wait to find out if she's okay? That dmn babysitter should never have left her alone; I don't care if it was for just a minute, and when I get my hands on her….
Marissa: She couldn't have known anything like that would happen. I'm sure Zoe is fine. Maybe her blood sugar got too low or maybe she's dehydrated. Simple things like that can cause you to loose consciousness.
Summer: Did anyone say how long she was out?
Ryan: Kirsten said that she had woke up while they were waiting for the ambulance to arrive, but she was weak afterwards and didn't say much.
Marissa: And don't forget that she hadn't felt well today.
Summer: That's right. This afternoon when we got home, she was asleep, voluntarily, and you know that Zoe never goes down for a nap easily.
Marissa: Exactly, and Mr. Cohen…
Ryan: Why don't you call him Sandy?
Marissa: Really? (Ryan shakes his head.)
Ryan: Yeah, it sounds strange to hear you still refer to his as Mr. Cohen.
Marissa: Okay. Anyway, Sandy had said that she had slept off and on all day long. He had thought it was because of all the recent excitement over the holidays, but maybe she was sick.
Ryan: The flu?
Seth: Or something else like a sinus infection or just a bad cold.
Summer: Yeah, she's probably going to be okay, but just in case, what can we do to help your parents, help Zoe?
Seth: Ryan and I will go get everyone some coffee. Summer would you mind calling my Grandpa to let him know we're here?
Summer: No problem. I'm excellent on the phone.
Marissa: Is there anything you want me to do, some dinner perhaps? I know no one has eaten because we were supposed to eat at the party, but if Zoe is alright, everyone will be hungry later. We could go pick up some take out after Summer calls Mr. Nichol.
Seth: Oh, that's a great idea, because I'm sure that Zoe will be fine, and afterwards she'll want us here, so we'll have to celebrate the New Year as good as possible in her room. Hmm, what is Seth in the mood for?
Ryan: You're doing it again.
Seth: What?
Ryan: Talking about yourself in the third person.
Seth: Well, I'm good at it, and you should always stick with what you know and what you do well. Now, what does Seth want to eat, a little pizza, a little Thai, a little Chinese? No, I know, Japanese, sushi sounds really good right now.
Ryan: You can't be serious, sushi?
Seth: Of course, nothing says New Year's Eve like a little raw fish and rice.
Summer: I don't think so Cohen, there is no way I'm eating Sushi tonight. We just had that yesterday. I want pizza.
Marissa: Hm, pizza sounds delicious. I could eat pizza everyday.
Ryan: Same here.
Summer: Good, it's settled. We'll pick up some pizza, some champagne, some pop for Zoe, and some other munchies.
Seth: But Summer! Sushi, Sushi, Sushi, pleeeeaaassseee!
Summer: Fine, Cohen, I'll get you some Sushi, now can it.
Seth: Oh, and pudding, too, please.
Summer: Don't you already have some stuffed in your back pocket or something. I thought you never left home without it.
Seth: Ha-ha, very funny. Actually, no, I have no pudding on me, because I had no where to store it. Unlike you, it is not cool for me to carry a purse.
Marissa: Oh, but I think a man purse would be just your style. (Ryan and Summer laugh.)
Ryan: Or maybe one of those belt purse things that hook around your waist….
Seth: A fanny belt, Ryan, please. Those things went out years ago. I couldn't be caught dead wearing one of those now.
Summer: (Everyone laughs.) Now, does that mean that if we rummage around we could unearth some pictures of a little Cohen and his fanny pack? This I have to see.
Seth: Ryan, coffee, now. (Seth leaves the room. Ryan starts to leave but hesitates and goes back over towards Marissa. Summer has already gone into a corner to call Caleb.)
Ryan: (He holds Marissa's hands in his and looks into her eyes.) I'm sorry about tonight. This is definitely not what I had planned for us. First Seth changes our plans, and now Zoe is sick. I just want to….
Marissa: Hey, no apologies. Seth is your brother, and Zoe is your baby sister. This is exactly where you should be, so it's exactly where I want to be. If you weren't here supporting your family, you wouldn't be the guy I think you are. There are other dates, and there is always next year's New Year's Eve party if you still want me around. Now, go help your parents. Summer and I will handle dinner, and if you get any news, call us immediately, okay? (Ryan nods his head in accordance with what she asked, and Marissa leans in and kisses his cheek.)
Ryan: What was that for?
Marissa: I thought you could use a little encouragement. Plus, midnight is not going to serve as the perfect moment now, so we'll just have to edit our plans.
Ryan: We will still have that perfect moment. It may not be at midnight tonight, but we will have it. (Marissa leans in and whispers to him.)
Marissa: After we find out Zoe is alright, I hope this perfect moment will come quickly, because I don't think I can wait much longer.
Ryan: Me either. I guess that leaves us two things to look forward to.
Seth: (He barges back into the room.) Ryan, man, come on. This coffee is not going to pour itself.
Ryan: Coming Seth. (He gives Marissa hands a quick squeeze and then follows Seth out the door.)
Summer: Okay, so I couldn't get a hold of Caleb, but I left him a voice mail. I know that's not the best way to receive bad news, but it's the best I could do.
Marissa: So, are you ready to go?
Summer: Yep. I have my purse, my keys, are you all set?
Marissa: Right behind you. (The two girls walk out of the room together. As the camera leaves them, it goes back to Seth and Ryan getting coffee from a vending machine. After they have finished getting coffee, they walk to the elevators, go upstairs, and walk together to Zoe's room where Sandy and Kirsten are inside with the doctors. After they finish talking to them and the doctors leave, they come out to speak with Ryan and Seth, get their coffee and go back in.)
Ryan: So I guess you'll have to put off your plans to propose to Summer. Hey, by the way, how were you going to do it?
Seth: Well, I may as well tell you because I won't be able to do it now. I snuck Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats into the car. At the party I was going to have Marissa keep Summer occupied so I could go back out and get them. Then I was going to get up on stage and announce that as a special New Year's Eve treat I had written a short play. I'd worked out the dialogue and practiced it, and the play was going to briefly describe our relationship, with Captain Oats playing me and Princess Sparkle portraying Summer. Then at the end of the play, I was going to have Captain Oats propose to Princess Sparkle and then turn, face Summer, and say, 'So, how about, my princess, will you make me the happiest stallion in the stable and marry me, Summer Roberts.' I even had a saddle bag made for Captain Oats to hold the ring. (Once Seth starts describing his plan, Ryan's jaw drops, and he just stares at Seth in shock.)
Ryan: Are you serious?
Seth: Yeah, why?
Ryan: I can't believe you would have the nerve to do that in front of all of those snobby Newport Beach socialites.
Seth: Like I care what they think of me. All I wanted to do was show Summer how much she means to me, and, you know, those two toy horses have played very important roles in our relationship. (Ryan is still giving him the shocked look.) What, you don't like it man, too corny?
Ryan: It's a little corny, but hey, so are you and Summer, no offense. I just can't believe you came up with that. What made you even think of half of those things?
Seth: I don't know where my genius comes from, but I've been thinking about doing this since the first time Summer kissed me, so I've had quite a long time to plan this out.
Ryan: I wouldn't tell Summer that.
Seth: Why?
Ryan: Dude, that's a little creepy not to mention obsessive. She kissed you for the first time over five years ago.
Seth: I thought it was romantic. And, can you seriously tell me that since you met Marissa you haven't even thought about what it would be like to be married to her, to have children with her, to spend the rest of your life with her? (Ryan hesitates before he answers for a slight moment.)
Ryan: Of course not.
Seth: Ryan?
Ryan: Okay, fine, maybe a little, but I'm not planning a proposal already. I mean, we haven't even….
Seth: I know, I know, you haven't even done the deed yet. (Ryan glares at him.) Made love? (He still gets the glare.) Right, none of my business…. (He looks around and notices their surroundings.) and definitely not the appropriate place to discuss this.
Ryan: Thank you. So, what are your plans now?
Seth: Uh, I thought we'd take this coffee to the parents, check in on Zoe, call the girls, I don't know, what'd you have in mind? Man, I really don't think this is the best situation to have Seth/Ryan time.
Ryan: (He shakes his head in disbelief at Seth.) No, I meant, what are your plans now for proposing?
Seth: Oh, yeah, right. Well, I don't know. It only took me five years to come up with the last plan, so why don't you ask me in a few years. Maybe by then I'll have come up with something just as brilliant.
Ryan: Why don't you just ask her?
Seth: Just ask her? What, is that how they do it in Chino? I'm sorry, but Ryan, do you really think that Summer would be happy with just a regular old proposal?
Ryan: I think she would, but I think you need the whole production, the drama, the plotting, the ridiculous plays.
Seth: I resent that statement, (Ryan looks at him with the look that says I'm right and you know it.) but maybe you're right. Maybe simplicity would be the key to the perfect proposal, just Summer and I in a very private moment.
Ryan: Hey, what about after one of your practice sessions?
Seth: Only if my time improves, because there is no way I could propose after a lack luster performance. (Seth looks around and sees Ryan smirking at him.) I just said that out loud didn't I?
Ryan: Every word.
Seth: I was afraid of that.
Ryan: You could always do the classic fancy dinner and proposal routine.
Seth: You know I don't do well with food. I always get it all over me, so that idea's out.
Ryan: On the beach?
Seth: Too sandy. What if I drop the ring and can't find it?
Ryan: A weekend getaway at a spa?
Seth: Too obvious.
Ryan: Her birthday? Valentines Day?
Seth: Please, valentines day, you've been hanging out with the Kirsten too much there Ryan.
Ryan: I'm out of ideas. I've got nothing left.
Seth: And that's why I am the brain of this partnership. If I need someone to beat an answer out of Summer, I'll come to you, but I'll leave the brainstorming to myself, thank you very much. (Sandy and Kirsten come out of the room after the doctors who leave.)
Sandy: Where are the girls?
Seth: They went to get food. We figured that since no one ate and that we'd be here all night with Zoe, we better get something to eat. Besides, we wanted to have the proper tools to celebrate after getting good news. We are going to get good news right?
Kirsten: Zoe is fine. We can take her home tomorrow morning.
Ryan: So what was wrong?
Sandy: It turns out she was just dehydrated, and that combined with her ear infection which threw off her equilibrium, she passed out.
Seth: Ear infection?
Kirsten: It turns out she hasn't been feeling well this week, but she didn't say anything. The doctors said that many kids do it.
Ryan: Do what?
Kirsten: Ignore symptoms when they're sick instead of telling their parents. She's probably been running a slight fever all week, and although we've noticed she's been tired the last few days, we just supposed that she was exhausted from all of Seth's Chrismukkah events.
Seth: Do not blame Chrismukkah! (Sandy, Kirsten, and Ryan all give him the look.) Sorry, I was just trying to lighten the mood around her a little bit. Sorry.
Sandy: How soon will the girls be back, I'm starving?
Ryan: They left a few minutes ago. We'll go call them, see where they're at. Is there anything you want us to ask them to pick up?
Kirsten: What are they getting?
Ryan: Pizza, champagne, we were hoping to celebrate Zoe being okay, and other snacks.
Seth: And don't forget the sushi.
Sandy: Sushi, again, we just had that last night.
Seth: You can never get enough raw fish. Plus, they're also bringing the most important food staple.
Kirsten: Let me guess, pudding?
Seth: (He has a shocked expression on his face.) What else would it be?
Ryan: So, anyway, is there anything else you want?
Sandy: Pizza sounds good to me.
Kirsten: Same here.
Ryan: Alright, so we'll go call them and check in. We'll probably just wait outside until they get back, so we'll see you in a little while. Tell Zoe we love her.
Seth: And that we're bringing pudding.
Kirsten: I'm sure she'll be excited, Seth.
Sandy: Alright, well, we better get back in there. See you guys in a little bit. (Sandy and Kirsten walk back into the room, while Seth and Ryan head to the elevators to go back downstairs. The next portion of this scene begins with Summer and Marissa pulling into the driveway at the hospital after they've gotten the food. The boys are waiting by the doors, but see them and walk over to help them carry everything in.)
Summer: I still can't believe she's okay.
Marissa: I told you she would be.
Summer: How can you remain so sane in an emergency?
Marissa: I have a little sister, I've been through these situations before, not only with her but with little kids I babysat myself.
Summer: You were a babysitter?
Marissa: For many years. It was a good way to earn money while I was in high school.
Summer: I love kids, well I love Zoe, she's really the only one I've ever known, but I couldn't imagine babysitting other people's kids. They would drive me nuts!
Marissa: It's not that bad. In fact, after a while, you really start to care about the kids….well at least some of them.
Summer: I don't care what you say; I say no thank you to babysitting. So, do we have everything?
Marissa: Yeah. You grab the sushi and champagne, I'll grab the pizza and snacks. (Summer turns around in the car and rummages through the bags grabbing what she's to carry, but then she spies Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats.)
Summer: Hey, what are they doing in here?
Marissa: What?
Summer: Captain Oats and Princess Sparkle. I bet Seth brought them with him to play with while we were driving over tonight and forget he had them. Maybe Zoe would want to play with them. I'll just put them in my bag and take them with us.
Marissa: I still can't believe you two have them.
Summer: I can't imagine not having Princess Sparkle, and trust me, she can't imagine her life without this hunk of glue either, (Summer holds up Captain Oats before she puts him in her bag.) although I don't know why. She could do so much better, but I guess his quirks and insecurities just keep her interested.
Marissa: Are you sure we're still talking about the toys here and not you and Seth?
Summer: Of course I'm talking about Seth and I, but Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats represent us. When we aren't getting along, neither are they.
Marissa: Oh, I see, you made it perfectly clear now for me, thanks. (Marissa laughs quietly and the girls grab their things and get out of the Range Rover and walk toward the entrance to the hospital.)
Summer: You'll see what I mean after you and Ryan have been dating a while. You'll find something to represent your relationship. Perhaps there's a favorite toy from your past?
Marissa: My characters tend to represent my life at any particular moment. If I'm happy, then so are they and vice versa.
Summer: Your characters?
Marissa: I write. Well, I want to be a writer, so I practice now.
Summer: What? What do you write?
Marissa: TV scripts.
Summer: Well, when you get your own show, you let me know, and I'll play the b!tch for you.
Marissa: You want to be an actress?
Summer: I guess, I mean, that's what I'm studying, but basically I just want to be rich, famous, and successful.
Marissa: Oh, is that all? (Both girls laugh.)
Summer: That's not asking for too much is it? (Again, they both laugh.)
Marissa: No, of course not, and I'll keep you in mind….for the role of the b!tch.
Summer: Thanks, Coop. (The boys reach them. They meet half way between the doors. Ryan grabs what Marissa is carrying from her, while Seth just walks beside Summer.)
Seth: Coop?
Summer: It's Marissa's new nickname.
Seth: Well then, thanks for picking up the food, Coop.
Summer: Uh-uh, I don't think so Cohen. That's my nickname for her, and if you use it, too, it's ruined. You have to just call her Marissa.
Seth: But, Summer, I want to …..
Summer: No buts, Cohen, Coop is my nickname for Marissa, and if you ever try to use it, I'll stab your eyes out with these keys here. Capishe?
Seth: You didn't have to get so violent.
Ryan: Seth, are you just going to stand there and let Summer carry everything? Why don't you help her a little bit?
Summer: Thanks Ryan!
Seth: She's going a good job, besides, we all know that Summer is stronger than me, (Ryan gives him a look.) but I'm a gentleman and Summer is my lady, so give me the bags Summer. Your white knight is here. (She unloads the bags but keeps her own.)
Summer: White Knight my ss, more like my b!tch! (Everyone laughs except Seth.)
Seth: I really don't know why I take this abuse.
Summer: Because you love it.
Seth: Yeah, and Superman loves kryptonite. (Everyone just looks at him confused.) Seriously, people, you need to read comics if you're going to hang around with me.
Ryan: I guess we'll just have to stop hanging around you then.
Marissa: Yeah, because there is no way you're going to get me to read comics.
Summer: Same here, but I've told Cohen that for years, but he still tries to convert me over to the dark side.
Seth: What dark side?
Summer: The dark side of being a dork.
Seth: Oooh Snap! Someone ate their comedic wheaties this morning! (They approach the doors, which open automatically and everyone walks in. As the door closes, the scene ends.)
Commercial Break
As the scene opens, everyone is gathered in Zoe's hospital room eating and laughing. Zoe, of course, is lying in her bed, while Sandy and Kirsten are sitting on the end of it with her. Seth and Summer are sitting on the floor, leaning against a wall, while Ryan and Marissa are sitting at a table provided in the room. They have just finished eating, so boxes and food are lying everywhere. Everyone is enjoying themselves, but it is obvious that Seth is a bit preoccupied and that Ryan and Marissa are anxious to leave, but no one else seems to notice.
Sandy: Excellent meal. Summer, Marissa, you two really out did yourselves. I see you've learned a thing or two from Kirsten. Takeout is a great recipe. (Everyone laughs softly and Kirsten gives Sandy a playful reproach. Zoe yawns.)
Kirsten: It's getting late though, so maybe we should all let Zoe go to bed. If you guys leave right away, you might make it back to the party before midnight.
Ryan: I think Marissa and I are going to do something else. What about you two?
Seth: I don't know. I'm really beat. Summer?
Summer: My feet are killing me. Cohen, will you carry me to the car please?
Seth: Yeah, like that will ever happen, but I may be able to round you up a wheel chair.
Sandy: I think, Summer, it's more likely we'll see you carry Seth one day than Seth carrying you. I hate to admit it, but my son, he's a weak one.
Seth: Perhaps physically Father, but mentally, I'm sharp enough to go a few rounds with anyone.
Kirsten: Okay, honey, whatever you say.
Seth: (Seth stands up with his hands on his hips.) That's it; I cannot handle this harassment any longer. Summer, let's go home. (He puts his hand out and helps her get off the ground.) Awww, I think I just jarred my back out of place. Summer, can you get me a wheel chair please. We could race out the door. (Seth goes over to Zoe and gives her a hug.) Glad to see you're okay kiddo, and hey, since you'll be laid up for a few days when you get home, we'll have a marathon Playstation competition, just you and me.
Zoe: And Ryan, and Summer, and Marissa. (Seth leans down to whisper to her but everyone hears.)
Seth: Are you sure, because they're not nearly as good as we are and we don't want to embarrass them, especially Ryan in front of his lady friend.
Zoe: Lady friend? Seth, what do you mean?
Kirsten: Ignore everything he says, sweetie. Ryan, Marissa, and Summer can play, too. Right, Seth?
Seth: Whatever, but they're going to get creamed. (He sidesteps to avoid Ryan punching him.) Summer, you coming?
Summer: Yeah, just a minute though. I have something for Zoe.
Seth: You do?
Summer: Yeah, I found your secret toy stash in the car when Marissa and I went for the food, and I thought Zoe might want some company tonight.
Zoe: Oh, oh, what did you bring me?
Seth: Wait, Summer, no!
Summer: Cohen, I think you're a little too old to not share. I brought you Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats. I'm not quite sure why Seth had them in the car, but they sure came in handy. Now, you take good care of them, okay?
Ryan: Maybe it isn't such a good idea Summer, you know, she really needs to rest.
Summer: It's not like they'll keep her up all night. She can just hold onto them while she sleeps. What is with you two?
Seth: Please, Summer, give them to me.
Summer: (She goes over to her bag and gets the two toys out.) Cohen, can it. (She looks down and notices Captain Oat's saddlebag.) Hey, when did you get this? Did you go accessory shopping without me?
Seth: It's nothing. Summer, give me the horses. (Sandy and Kirsten are shocked by Ryan's and especially Seth's reactions and just watch the events unfold, Ryan is trying to help the best he can, Marissa is clueless, and Zoe finds the entire situation funny so she continues to giggle.)
Summer: No. Zoe is sick, she's in the hospital. I would think you would want to give her anything to make her feel better. I can't believe you're acting like this. (She takes the horses and starts to move towards Zoe's bed. Seth tries to grab them and they struggle over the horses, pulling them back and forth. Finally, the struggle is resolved when Summer retains possession of Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats falls to the floor. When he lands, his saddlebag opens and the ring pops out.) Now look what you did, Cohen. You better hope he's un-injured. (She reaches down to pick him up and sees the ring. She leaves Captain Oats on the floor and picks up the ring instead. When she sees what it is, she immediately begins to cry softly and is not mad at Seth any longer.) What is this? (Seth takes the ring from her hand and holds it in his fingers. He gets down on one knee and everyone in the room, besides Ryan, is shocked at what they are witnessing.) Summer Roberts, obviously this is not how I had planned to do this, but I guess right now is as good of a time as ever, so will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? (Summer is speechless.) An answer would be nice, Summer, you know I have trouble with my back and I'm on my knees here on concrete.
Summer: Can it, Cohen, I'm trying to fully appreciate this moment, and I don't need your incessant complaining ruining it for me.
Seth: So, is that a yes?
Summer: What do you think? (She puts her hands out and helps him to his feet.) Now put that rock on my finger and give me a kiss. (Seth does this and he has the goofiest look on his face as he smiles from ear to ear.)
Sandy: Well this is a surprise, a pleasant one, but definitely unexpected. I can't believe you were able to keep this a secret, Seth.
Seth: Well, Ryan and Marissa knew, but I had to tell them. They were planning on skipping out of the party, and the original plan was to propose there, and I wanted them there when I popped the question.
Kirsten: Can I see the ring?
Marissa: Oh, me, too!
Summer: Gladly. (Kirsten and Marissa go over to Summer who has her hand extended so that they can see the ring. Ryan and Sandy both approach Seth to give him congratulatory hugs. Sandy goes first then Ryan.)
Sandy: (While he hugs Seth.) Congratulations, Son. I had a feeling this would come some day. You and Summer….well, what can I say. I think it was destiny.
Seth: Destiny, I like the sound of that.
Ryan: (He hugs Seth after Sandy pulls away.) Congratulations, man, but I have one question for you. What happened to the idea of a big production?
Seth: Well someone ruined that when they found the ring.
Marissa: What were you going to do?
Seth: Well, since you asked….
Kirsten: Sorry to interrupt, Seth, but Zoe has had a very eventful day, and I really think she needs her rest. Why don't you save that story for dinner tomorrow night? We could invite my Dad over; make it a family affair, a celebratory dinner.
Seth: As long as you don't cook.
Kirsten: (She gives Seth the evil eye.) I won't cook.
Marissa: Ryan and I could cook. (Everyone turns around and looks at them.)
Sandy: You cook?
Marissa: Yeah. I used to cook dinner every night at home. My Mom, well even if she could, which I'm not sure about, she wouldn't, so I had to learn how to early. My next door neighbor taught me, because we didn't have any family who lived close. You could pretty much name anything and I could cook it. Ryan could be my assistant, hand me things, keep me company, right?
Ryan: Yeah, sure, I'd love to.
Sandy: And we would love you to. Do you know how long it has been since we had a homemade meal? The last time we tried to cook, it was Thanksgiving five years ago. It was Ryan's first with us, and Kirsten here wanted to have a real family dinner. We burnt the turkey, I got into a fight with Cal, and we all ended up eating Chinese. After that experience, we all decided, unanimously, to leave the cooking to the professionals.
Marissa: Well then, it's settled. Let me know what you want tomorrow morning, and by dinner, everything will be hot and ready to eat.
Kirsten: Are you sure? I mean, you don't have to do this.
Marissa: I'm sure. I haven't cooked in a few weeks, so I need to keep my skills fresh.
Seth: Well, if you ever need someone to cook for, you know for practice, look no further than me. I'll even be your guinea pig for new dishes.
Sandy: I think this one's a keeper, Ryan. (Ryan puts his hand in Marissa's.)
Ryan: Yeah, so do I.
Kirsten: Now that that is settled, everyone say goodnight to Zoe. (Seth and Summer go over to Zoe first to say goodnight. They give her Princess Sparkle and Captain Oats.)
Seth: Since I proposed, I guess you can borrow them for the night, but they better be returned to me tomorrow morning as soon as you get home. Agreed?
Zoe: Yes, Seth. (She says this like she is exasperated, Seth kisses her goodbye, and they leave and hold open the door for the others. Ryan and Marissa say goodnight next.)
Ryan: Glad to see you're okay kiddo. You know you gave us quite a scare.
Zoe: You weren't scared were you, Ryan, because you're never scared?
Ryan: I was scared tonight. (He kisses her on the cheek and moves back slightly so Marissa can say goodnight.)
Marissa: Now, I want you to think really hard tonight about what you want for dessert tomorrow night. It's your pick, okay?
Sandy: Oh my gosh, she bakes, too. I think I might pass out. (Everyone laughs.)
Zoe: Really?
Marissa: You bet, but you have to get better. Deal?
Zoe: Yeah!
Marissa: Alright, goodnight. (She reaches down and gives her a hug. When she stands back up, Ryan takes a hold of her hand, and they join Seth and Summer by the door. Sandy and Kirsten approach Zoe last and Kirsten goes first.)
Kirsten: See you in the morning honey. I love you.
Zoe: Love you, too, Mommy. (Kirsten bends down and kisses her daughter and then hugs her. She then waits for Sandy to say goodnight.)
Sandy: (He kisses her goodnight and hugs her as well.) Love you, baby doll.
Zoe: I love you, too, Daddy. (He takes Kirsten's hand in his; they walk towards the door, turn the lights out, and step outside with Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer.)
Sandy: So what are you guys thinking for the date?
Seth: Dad, I just proposed!
Summer: Can it Cohen. I have been planning my wedding day since I was a little girl. I was thinking October because I look dmn good in fall colors. Plus, the weather is perfect, not too hot, not too cold, but I want to wait until after we graduate, so it will be almost two years from now.
Seth: Well, that's a relief.
Summer: (She turns around and looks at him.) Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?
Seth: I just didn't want to see you rush the plans. I know that you'll want everything to be perfect, and this way you'll have almost two years to work on all the arrangements.
Summer: I will have, sorry Cohen, but you're going to do just as much work as I am. Oh, and Kirsten, I would really love your help, and you, too, Marissa.
Kirsten: I would love to.
Marissa: Same here.
Seth: Right, and Ryan will help me, because he's already agreed to be my best man.
Summer: Oh he has has he? We were awfully sure of ourselves weren't we, and what if I would have said no?
Seth: Like you could resist this. (He indicates himself, walks towards her with his arms open looking to hug her in a bear hug. Summer can't help but laugh, and she lets him hug her. Seth attempts to pick her up, but grunts and gives up.) Damn woman, what have you been eating?
Summer: (She pulls away and slaps him.) Cohen!
Ryan: And that is my cue to leave. We'll see you guys at home later. (He says this to Seth and Summer who are fake fighting off to one side.) Goodnight, see you tomorrow. (This he says to Sandy and Kirsten.)
Sandy and Kirsten: Goodnight.
Kirsten: Oh, and happy New Year.
Marissa: Same to you. Bye. (She waves as she walks off holding Ryan's hand, and Sandy and Kirsten wave goodbye to them as well. Seth and Summer realize that Ryan and Marisa have left, so they quit fighting and go over to say goodbye, too. Kirsten embraces Summer.)
Kirsten: Congratulations, again, I'm so happy for you two.
Summer: Thank you, Kirsten.
Kirsten: (She whispers to Summer.) I think you should call me Mom now if that's alright with you.
Summer: Really?
Kirsten: Really. I've thought of you as my daughter for years now, so we should make it official.
Seth: And what are you two lovely ladies whispering about may I ask?
Kirsten: Just how handsome my son is.
Seth: I am pretty handsome, aren't I?
Kirsten: Well, actually we were talking about Ryan.
Seth: Very funny Mom. Now give me a hug good bye. (She does. Sandy walks over to them and shakes Seth's hand.)
Sandy: Again, congratulations. We couldn't be happier for you.
Seth: Alright, alright, we get the point. Now, if you will excuse us, Summer and I have some private celebrating to do, and if I know the two of you the way I think I do, I bet you want to ring in the New Year properly, too.
Sandy: I couldn't have said it better myself. Now, (He turns to Kirsten and speaks with her.) if you will excuse me for a few minutes, I have to go get something but I'll be right back. Goodnight. (He says this to Seth and Summer, waves goodbye, and heads off towards the nurses' station.)
Seth: Now what is he up to?
Summer: Whatever it is, you're not sticking around to find out. Like you said, we have celebrating to do. (Summer grabs his hand and pulls him towards the elevators.)
Seth: (He yells over his shoulder to his mom.) She just can't get enough of me!
Summer: Cohen!
Kirsten: (She laughs.) Goodnight.
Summer: Night, Mom. (Seth is about to say something but he's shocked by what Summer says. As they get on the elevators, he speaks.)
Seth: Mom, when did that happen? (The elevator doors closse so the audience can't hear Summer's response. Kirsten stands outside Zoe's window and looks in at her. Zoe has already fallen asleep. She then turns and watches Sandy. After he finishes speaking with the nurses, he walks back towards Kirsten with a little boom box. He plugs it in, turns to Kirsten, and puts his hand out ask her for a dance.)
Sandy: I do believe our New Year's celebration was interrupted earlier, so you owe me a dance.
Kirsten: (She takes the hand he has offered to her.) I thought you'd never ask.
Sandy: I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to, but we finally got rid of the kids and Zoe went to sleep. Now, Mrs. Cohen, dance with me. (He turns the CD player on and he and Kirsten dance in the hospital hallway. As the camera leaves them, it goes to Seth and Summer just getting home and walking into the house.)
Summer: So Cohen, (She grabs a hold of his tie and pulls him into the house after her, walking backwards.) how do you propose that we celebrate our engagement?
Seth: I can think of a few things we could do.
Summer: Only a few. (She kisses him.)
Seth: We could play Jenga, watch a movie, read some comics, but I leave the choice up to you, my beautiful fiancé.
Summer: Is that really all you can think of? What about this? (She kisses him again.)
Seth: That is also a good idea. (He leans in and kisses her back.)
Summer: Follow me. (She grabs a hold of his hand and pulls him after her as she walks up the stairs slowly. As they walk up the stairs, Seth following Summer, they both are smiling and evidently extremely happy. The camera then moves to Ryan and Marissa. They are at the beach. His jacket is off and two of his buttons on his shirt are unbuttoned. Marissa is still in her dress, but she has taken off her shoes to walk along the beach.)
Ryan: What a night.
Marissa: Hey, it's not over yet.
Ryan: So, what do you have in mind, how do you want to finish New Year's Eve?
Marissa: What time is it? Have we missed midnight?
Ryan: No. There are still a few minutes of left of this year.
Marissa: Good. Now, I say that we go to the lifeguard stand, the place where we met. I want you to take me in your arms and hold me while we watch the waves crash into the shore. Then at midnight I do believe that you owe me our first real kiss, a kiss to remember.
Ryan: That I can do. Come on. (He puts his hand in hers and pulls her gently along with him up onto the lifeguard stand. There he pulls her into his arms, and just like she said, he holds her in his arms, and they watch the ocean roll into the beach. After a moment, he speaks…)
Ryan: Hey. (And he moves her face so that he can look into her eyes. Then he slowly moves in to kiss her, at first the kiss is soft and gentle, but as time lapses, it becomes more heated and more aggressive. As the camera pans away and the scene ends, they continue to kiss on the lifeguard stand.)
Commercial Break
The last scene of the episode is a musical montage. As the song progresses, it moves through the three couples, back and forth, and shows them celebrating New Year's in their own unique ways. As explained later, Summer and Seth are dancing (the song is also explained.), Sandy is holding Kirsten at the hospital while they sit on a couch outside Zoe's room and she sleeps, and Ryan and Marissa are at the lifeguard stand at the beach holding each other in their arms and making out. The scene starts with Summer and Seth. They are in Seth's room, and Summer is working with Seth's record player, looking through his record collection, and finally selects one to play.
Summer: Now, Cohen, I want you to think back to the first time we shared a dance together. Picture it in your mind, imagine it again. Now, I want you to hold me like that and dance with me. (The music starts and she turns around and faces him. Then she moves towards him and puts her arms around his neck.)
Seth: I can't believe you remember what song we danced to. (Wonder wall, the same song that played when they originally danced during season one, is playing.)
Summer: How could I ever forget it? That night, when you danced with me, I realized that I was falling in love with you. I didn't want to be, but I was, and with that one simple moment, you swept me off my feet. Now, on New Year's Eve and the night you proposed to me, I want to relive the moment where my life really began. (Seth leans in and kisses her.)
Seth: I think I fell in love with you the day in sixth grade when you read your poem, I wish I was a mermaid.
Summer: Oh, and that night you recited my poem to me at your Grandfather's party, that was sooo cute.
Seth: Cute in an adorable way or cute in a lame, stalker way?
Summer: Adorable, and Cohen….
Seth: What?
Summer: Shut up and dance with me. (He pulls her closer, and they continue to dance. Then the camera goes to Sandy and Kirsten in the hospital and the music continues. As mentioned, Kirsten is asleep and lying in Sandy's lap as he sits there awake. He speaks out loud and as he talks he strokes Kirsten's hair.)
Sandy: Well, it's been a good year, but these last few weeks….wow. First, Ryan finally brought a girl home, someone who gets along with the whole family, someone who can cook, and most importantly, someone who makes Ryan happy. Now Seth and Summer are engaged and Zoe is fine, and for some reason I feel that next year, well, I guess it's this year, it's going to be even better. As long as I have you though, I'll be happy. (He leans down and kisses Kirsten's forehead.) I love you. (The camera fades away from Sandy and Kirsten and goes to the beach where Ryan and Marissa are entangled in each other's arms, kissing. The music continues and after a moment, Ryan pulls away from her lips to talk to her.)
Ryan: So, the first kiss, was it everything you had hoped it would be?
Marissa: Hm, let me see. First Seth ruined our plans to spend the evening at the beach together. Then while we were at the party enjoying ourselves, we got a call that your baby sister was sick and in the hospital. (As she continues to relate everything bad that had happened that night, his face falls because he thinks she is unhappy and that their first kiss was a disappointment to her.) Plus, besides our evening being interrupted, we barely got to spend any time together, alone, (She kisses him.) and because of everything that happened, it was even better than I imagined.
Ryan: (He is surprised by her answer.) What?
Marissa: After all of our attempts were thwarted to spend the perfect evening together, we had it anyway, unplanned, and that's what makes this night, our first kiss even more than what I anticipated it to be.
Ryan: But I don't understand.
Marissa: First, you showed me just how wonderful you are. When your brother wanted you by his side when he proposed, you agreed despite the fact that being there at the party went against everything we had planned. Then, when your little sister was in the hospital, you rushed to her bedside as quickly as possible without any thought as to how, once again, your plans were being uprooted. As I watched you worry about Zoe and then later spend time with your family as you celebrated the fact that she would be okay, I once again saw how sweet you are. It just made me want to be with you even more. Plus, I enjoy spending time with your family. Everyone wants to be with each other and everyone gets along and enjoys each other's company. We even got to see Seth propose. On top of all that, we eventually found our way to this very beach where we met, and at midnight you kissed me, just as we had wanted. The only thing that could make this moment better is if you would kiss me again.
Ryan: (By the time she finishes talking he is smiling.) With pleasure. (He leans in, pulls her close again, and they begin to kiss again. The scene leaves them and goes back to the hospital. There Kirsten stirs and sits up unsure of her surroundings. When she sees Sandy beside her, she wraps his arms around her, smiles at him, kisses him passionately, and then leans back against him with his arms still around her and settles down to fall back asleep. As she closes her eyes, Sandy kisses her hair, leans his head against hers, and closes his eyes as well. The camera pans away again and goes back to Seth and Summer. They are still dancing. Seth lifts Summer's head from his shoulder and holds her head in his hands. He kisses her and then pulls away again before he speaks.)
Seth: I love you Summer Roberts.
Summer: And I love you Seth Cohen.
Seth: Thank you.
Summer: For what?
Seth: For loving me and for saying yes to my proposal.
Summer: What else could I say? I could never imagine you not in my life.
Seth: Well, that is something you'll never have to worry about, because I am not going anywhere. You're stuck with me, forever.
Summer: I better be. (It is now her turn to pull his face to hers and kiss him. As the camera fades away from them, they continue to kiss and dance in Seth's room. Lastly, before the episode ends, it goes back to Ryan and Marissa again. Just like before, they are kissing on the lifeguard stand. After a moment, Marissa pulls away and just looks at Ryan.)
Ryan: Is something wrong?
Marissa: No.
Ryan: Then what are you doing?
Marissa: Just thinking.
Ryan: About what?
Marissa: Well, it's just that before tonight I have always hated New Year's Eve. In fact, I think it was the holiday I dreaded the most, and that's saying something because I have never been a big fan of the holidays. They were always too depressing and I always felt alone, but with you and your family, I don't feel alone anymore.
Ryan: Before I met the Cohens, I hated the holidays, too, but somehow they make you love them. Just wait until Valentine's Day.
Marissa: Oh really? I can't imagine you as a cupid.
Ryan: Valentine's Day is Kirsten's favorite holiday, and even though we don't get a break from school, we all come home that weekend anyway, no matter what, because we have to go the Valentine's Day dance. I think if we skipped it, Kirsten would disown us. At least this year, I'll have someone to go with.
Marissa: Oh really, and who's the lucky lady?
Ryan: Who do you think? (He leans in and begins to kiss her again, but stops after she shivers.) Do you want to go home?
Marissa: What? Why would I want to do that?
Ryan: Because you're cold.
Marissa: I don't care about that. I'm not ready for this night to end yet. Just put your arms around me and hold me tight and I'll be perfectly content. (He does this. She leans into his body and he holds her in front of him and keeps his arms around her for warmth and holds her close. After a few moments, Marissa pulls away and turns around to face Ryan before she speaks.) Yes.
Ryan: Yes, what?
Marissa: Yes, I would love to move in with you.
Ryan: Really?
Marissa: Yeah. I knew I wanted to when you asked me, but I couldn't tell you right away, I had to let you squirm for a few days.
Ryan: A few days, try two weeks.
Marissa: Do you want to rescind the offer?
Ryan: Nice try, roomy. (He pulls her back to him and kisses her, again. As they remain in each other's arms, the camera pans across the ocean and the eventually fades away as the song reaches its end and the episode comes to a close.)
End of Episode #2