It is now Saturday evening. Although Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer had driven up to Newport Saturday night, they have not seen Sandy and Kirsten yet. They offered to watch Zoe for the evening and had picked her up from her sitters, while Sandy and Kirsten had gone to a bed and breakfast to have a romantic evening away. They all planned to meet back at the party. Unbeknownst to anyone, Caleb is bringing a date to the party, Julie, something Marissa will find surprising and frightening at the same time. Not only will she be confronted with seeing her mother again, but her father and sister will also be there, accompanying the grandparents she has never met, after Kirsten invited them, not knowing that Marissa was related. As the party rolls on, secrets will be revealed, making this one party no one will forget for quite a while.The first portion of this scene involves the group of four meeting up with Sandy and Kirsten at the party. It is being held outside at the country club, but the doors are open so that people can go inside where there is dancing. People flow back and forth. The six characters meet up outside, as Sandy and Kirsten stand by the entrance welcoming their guests. Everyone is dressed in typical, fancy Newport attire, but the dresses are not as formal as they were for New Year's Eve. Instead they are shorter, cocktail dresses. When they walk up to speak to Sandy and Kirsten, Seth and Summer are first, followed by Ryan and Marissa.
Seth: Congratulations, parents, on making it through another year with each other.
Sandy: Son, your sentimental streak is heartwarming. (Seth gives his father a hug.)
Summer: Unlike, Cohen, I can appreciate how rare it is for your parents to stay married. You two are my marriage role models. I just hope that Seth and I can survive each other long enough to be married as long as you have.
Kirsten: Thank you, Summer. And you will. (She gives her future daughter in law a hug. Then Seth and Summer switch parents and give the other one a hug.)
Sandy: We'll talk later, why don't you two go in, have some dinner, and enjoy yourselves. There's a dance floor.
Seth: Father, this is a Newport Beach party, and one thrown by you to boot, did you actually expect me to doubt the presence of a dance floor. Hell, there's probably a stage set up for you to serenade Mom later, too.
Sandy: Am I really that predictable?
Kirsten: Yes, and you better not change. I like you just the way you are, predictable or not. (She kisses him.)
Seth: And that is my cue to leave. Come and find me when you two come up for air.
Summer: Trouser it, Cohen. It's their anniversary. They can make out as much as they want, and you better not say anything. Capiche?
Seth: (Said quietly.) Whatever you say, Summer. (She takes his arm and puts it through hers and walks him into the party. As they walk off to a table to put their things down, the camera leaves them and goes back to Sandy and Kirsten who are now talking to Ryan and Marissa.)
Kirsten: We're so glad you could make it. When Ryan said that you wouldn't be able to come because you had to find a job, we were both disappointed.
Sandy: And not because you wouldn't be cooking Sunday dinner, although we would have missed your cooking.
Kirsten: Sandy! I'm sorry, Marissa, but your cooking is all that he's been talking about all week long. Is there any way we could talk you into making dinner tomorrow night.
Marissa: It's your anniversary weekend. It's the least I could do, especially since you let me stay with you during winter break and invited me to return.
Sandy: That is the best anniversary present anyone could give us, a home cooked dinner with the family all there. I'm feeling so generous; I'll even suggest that Kirsten invite her father, although I might end up with indigestion after the meal and not because of your cooking.
Kirsten: Very funny, Sandy, but you better behave. My father is bound to be here any minute now, and he's bringing a date. Supposedly, he just met this woman this week, but he sounds very smitten.
Sandy: Honey, did you just say smitten?
Kirsten: (She ignores his making fun of her vocabulary.) So, Marissa, what kind of job did you get?
Marissa: I'm going to be working for a television studio as a paid intern, working with the writers and producers. I still can't believe that I got this job, and if it wasn't for Seth and Summer submitting my resume for me, I would have never even heard of the job let alone have gotten it.
Ryan: (While Marissa was talking, Ryan's face was beaming with pride as he watched her with his feelings for her written all over his face.) It's perfect. Not only is she going to make a decent salary, but her schedule is flexible and she's off weekends, so we'll be able to come home as often as you want us.
Kirsten: Which is every weekend, but you guys won't come home that much. No matter what we try to persuade you with, there is always something more interesting in Los Angeles to do than visiting the parents.
Sandy: So, speaking of LA, how was the first week back to classes? Are you enjoying Stanford so far Marissa?
Marissa: It is completely different than my previous school, and our first day, let's just say you could call it very interesting. (Ryan and Marissa both laugh softly.)
Ryan: More like a nightmare. Someone hadn't changed their alarm clock yet, so it was set to east coast time. By the time we got up, Marissa had missed all of her classes, and I had missed two out of three of mine. Most of the professors thought it was funny, but Marissa had one who was not too amused by our story. (Sandy and Kirsten are now laughing along softly with them.)
Marissa: I thought, after that, that changing colleges would be a disaster, but after the first day, things have definitely improved, especially since I got my new job.
Sandy: Well, congratulations. If anyone deserves this job, it's you.
Marissa: Thank you. And speaking of congratulations, I hope this weekend so far as been enjoyable for the two of you.
Kirsten: Last night was wonderful. We really appreciate the four of you watching Zoe for us. Whose idea was it by the way to send us away for the night?
Ryan: That would be Marissa.
Sandy: Is there anything you can't do?
Marissa: Plenty, trust me.
Kirsten: Well, give us both a hug you two. (Hugs are passed around.) Thank you again for last night.
Ryan: You're welcome, and congratulations on your anniversary. We better go though, if Seth keeps waving like he is, he might accidentally injure himself or take out a bunch of your unsuspecting guests. (The camera pans over and Seth is flapping his arms in the arm like a air traffic control employee trying to get Ryan and Marissa's attention and to get them to come over to where he is sitting with Summer.)
Sandy: We'll see you guys later, but for now, duty calls. (Kirsten playfully hits his arm.) Kirsten: Don't let Sandy fool you, he just loves welcoming all of his favorite Newpsies to the party. (Sandy feigns ignorance to what she's saying, while Ryan and Marissa laugh with Kirsten. They then walk towards Seth and Summer. The camera stays with them.)
Seth: And what were the four of you discussing for so long?
Ryan: We were just talking about you, Seth, what else?
Summer: I could think of a few things. (She gives a quick laugh.)
Marissa: They were just asking me about my new job. Good news sure travels fast around here.
Seth: You should she how fast bad news travels in Newport, quicker than me running away from the water polo team, and trust me, that is fast! So, what do you want to do? We're going to be here a while, and I imagine later we'll be introduced and forced to make nice with Newport's elite, but for now we can do what we want. We could always hit the buffet table, but I was hoping for a little dance competition. What do you say Ryan, do you want to enter the ring and try to beat me with some smooth moves on the dance floor?
Ryan: Nice try.
Summer: Oh come on, it would be fun.
Ryan: I had to dance last weekend, and I really don't want to this weekend. Why don't you two go off and dance, I thought, (He turns to Marissa.) if you don't mind, that we'd go and take a walk. It's a beautiful night, one to not be wasted inside embarrassing myself in front of the entire town.
Marissa: I'd love to take a walk, but you are going to dance with me at least once tonight, but later, when it's cooler out. That way, when we dance, you can keep me warm.
Seth: Aw, you guys, we're in public. No flirting in front of all of Newport, please, that's always been our mantra.
Ryan: (He raises his eyebrow in confusion and questions Seth's statement.) It has?
Seth: Of course, where you're concerned. Now Summer and I, everyone expects us to publicly display our affection for each other, but you Ryan, you're too stoic, too standoffish. If you started acting like Casanova, we'd have Newpsies passing out left and right. Stick with what you know, man, brooding and fighting. Speaking of fighting, while you're off for a walk, why don't you find someone to hit. This party really needs some entertainment. Dad won't hit the stage for a while, and I don't want to hog the spotlight, so you better do something to liven this celebration up.
Summer: We'll be leaving now. (She pulls Seth after her towards the dance floor.) You two have fun; just don't do anything we wouldn't. (Ryan and Marissa start to walk away, but they can hear Summer chastising Seth.) Are you ever going to learn to keep your mouth shut? Seriously, Cohen, the way you bait Chino, you're lucky to even be standing. If I were him, I would have let you have it years ago, put you in your place, teach you a lesson.
Seth: Would you like to take me into a dark corner and teach me a lesson right now? You know, I've been a bad boy, and I really should be punished.
Summer: It's no time for your lame attempts of foreplay, Cohen, and when did you become so kinky? Where have you been playing and who have you been playing with? (Seth feigns innocence, but before he can speak and defend himself, Summer cuts him off.) Whatever, now shut up and dance with me. (He pulls her close to him and squeezes their bodies together as they dance. Summer pulls back.)
Summer: (Whispering.) Ow, Cohen, watch it!
Seth: What?
Summer: You can't hold me too tight.
Seth: Why?
Summer: Because…. (Seth looks at her confused.) because my (She starts to give him the eye and then looks down trying to convey her meaning without saying anything, but Seth doesn't understand what she's doing.) boobs….they're really sore.
Seth: Really, how come?
Summer: If I knew, don't you think I'd fix it?
Seth: I really don't know much about this stuff.
Summer: I'm probably just getting my period. It's my month to have it. (Seth starts to make faces.)
Seth: Summer! Please, we're at a fancy, Newport party here, no talk involving bodily activities. (Summer laughs and then begins to dance with him again. Seth holds unto her like she has an infectious disease.)
Summer: It's not contagious, Cohen. You can hold me a little closer than this; just don't squeeze me, okay? (He smiles and laughs sheepishly, pulling her towards him so that they are closer.)
Seth: I won't argue with that. (By this time Marissa and Ryan are out of sight, and the camera pans back, leaves the party, and goes to the Coopers who are all getting into the car at their house. As they talk, James Sr. drives them to the party.)
Jimmy: I still can't believe that I've been back in Newport for less than a week, and I'm already off to Kirsten Nichol's, I mean Kirsten…Cohen's, anniversary party. Do you really think I should go, I mean, I could use this time to make some more phone calls about Marissa.
James Sr.: It's Saturday night, who are you going to be able to get a hold of? Besides, if there is anyone in Newport who has the resources to help you find your daughter, Kirsten is it. She runs her father's company now with the help of her husband, and he's an excellent attorney. In fact, he was in the public defender's office for years. We were all shocked when he left to go work for a private firm, and then when he defended Caleb, it went totally against character, but I hear that he enjoys working with his wife. Plus, he now is in charge of all the Newport Group's charity projects, so he is still championing the poor and downtrodden.
Jimmy: Are you telling me, Kirsten married someone outside of this Newport bubble?
Jane: About as outside as you can get. Sandy and Caleb did not get along for years. You see, Sandy is a very liberal, self-righteous do-gooder from the Bronx. Caleb couldn't stand him, and to top it all off, he's Jewish, which just annoyed Cal even more. Over the years, their relationship has stabilized, but the first few years of the marriage, Caleb wouldn't even go into their home.
Jimmy: And they have three kids, two boys and a girl.
Jane: Now there's a story for you. For a long time, it was just Seth. He was an only child for almost sixteen years, but then Ryan came into their lives.
Jimmy: What, I thought Ryan was in college, too?
Jane: He is. Kirsten and Sandy adopted him. He was a client of Sandy's actually, and when Sandy brought him home for the weekend because his mother had kicked him out of the house, he just never left. Ryan and Seth became best friends, and Sandy and Kirsten fell hard for the kid. He's their second son, and has been with the Cohen's since he was sixteen.
Jimmy: And what about the daughter?
James Sr.: She was a surprise package that came to them, what was it two, three years ago?
Jane: Two and half, and oh, she is so adorable. Those boys just dote on her, and Summer, that's Seth's fiancée, she's practically a daughter to Sandy and Kirsten as well. I've heard that Ryan has a girlfriend now, and that the family adores her. I guess she stayed with them over the holiday break, and she was at the New Year's Eve party, but we didn't go to that, so we didn't meet her.
Caitlyn: Sounds like your old girlfriend did pretty well for herself after you left with Mom, Dad.
Jimmy: Guess so. It seems as if she has the perfect family. And then there's us Caity.
Caitlyn: What do you mean?
Jimmy: First, your sister just left us with only a note explaining herself, and then your Mom ran out, too.
Caitlyn: Thankfully, I've been waiting for her to leave or for you to kick her out for years. I was beginning to lose hope.
Jimmy: Caitlyn!
Caitlyn: Don't even start Dad, you know as well as I do that that woman was never a mother to Marissa or I, and I'm glad she left no matter what you say. Let's just hope we never see her again.
Jane: I'm sorry, Jimmy, but I agree with Caitlyn.
James Sr.: As do I.
Caitlyn: Majority rules Dad, just admit, you're glad, too, that Mom is gone.
Jimmy: Alright fine, I will admit that it's much more peaceful since she left, I've actually been able to sleep at night and enjoy myself a little, and although my pocket has never been lighter, I still can't believe that she stole all that money from me, I am glad she's gone.
Jane: We are not going to ruin this evening by talking about Julie Cooper…
Caitlyn: The dragon lady.
Jimmy: Excuse me?
Caitlyn: That's what Marissa and I had secretly called her for years.
James Sr.: That name suits her.
Jane: Anyway, we're not going to ruin this night by talking about the dragon lady. This is a night to celebrate. Although Marissa is not here with us, Jimmy you're home, where you belong, and you've brought my Granddaughter here with you, and we're off to show the entire population of Newport Beach that the Cooper family is about to make a come back.
James Sr.: Now that is a reason to party. (Jane, Jimmy, and Caitlyn quietly laugh. The camera pans away from the happy scene and goes to Julie and Caleb arriving at the party and walking up to Sandy and Kirsten.)
Caleb: Kiki, you're looking wonderful tonight. Sanford, sorry I can't say the same about you.
Sandy: It's always a pleasure to see you, too, Cal.
Kirsten: Thanks Dad, and your date, (She turns to Julie.) you look lovely as well.
Sandy: (Somewhat under his breath but loud enough that Kirsten can hear him.) Young, too. (Kirsten elbows him slightly trying to get him to shut his mouth.)
Julie: Thank you, and congratulations, Caleb here tells me that you two have been married for 24 years. That is quite an accomplishment, especially in today's world.
Kirsten: Thank you.
Caleb: Where are my manners? Julie this is my daughter, Kirsten, and her husband, Sandy. (Kirsten shakes Julie's hand, as does Sandy.)
Julie: It is lovely to meet you.
Kirsten: Like wise.
Julie: I have heard so much about you. Caleb here is a very proud father and grandfather. You have two kids, a son, Seth, and a little girl, Zoe, that's wonderful.
Sandy: Actually, we have three children. Cal, here, always forgets our son, Ryan.
Caleb: Unfortunately, I could never forget that criminal you've brought into this family; I just try to by not mentioning him.
Kirsten: Ryan is our adopted son. He and Seth are the same age.
Julie: How nice, adoption. I always respected people so much for doing that.
Kirsten: Do you have children?
Julie: Two daughters, but I am afraid to say that after their father and I separated, we have not been on the best of terms.
Caleb: Julie just actually relocated here to Newport. She's trying a fresh, new start.
Sandy: And you just happened to meet Cal here, already. Talk about quick work. (Julie smiles but there is venom in her smile, Cal ignore Sandy and keeps talking to Kirsten, who is slightly suspicious of Julie herself.)
Caleb: You'll have to ignore my son-in-law, he's constantly suspicious. Actually, Julie and I met the day you two ate deli takeout for lunch. I, instead of joining you, went to lunch at The Arches, and Julie was dining alone. I joined her, and since then, I've been showing her Newport Beach, introducing her to the best restaurants, golf courses, and shopping venues.
Sandy: Those you know, Cal, hell, you built half of them.
Julie: You never told me that, Caleb.
Sandy: Oh, Cal is too modest to brag, aren't you?
Caleb: Lovely to see you as always, Sanford, but Julie and I are famished. If you two will excuse us, we're going to go eat dinner. I'll talk to you later, Kiki, hopefully without your annoying husband present.
Kirsten: Thanks for coming, Dad, and it was nice to meet you Julie. (Julie and Caleb walk away practically ignoring Kirsten and what she said.)
Sandy: Well that was interesting. (He chuckles softly.)
Kirsten: You could say that again.
Sandy: That woman is definitely hiding something, and I wouldn't be surprised if she was also up to something as well.
Kirsten: I'd hate to admit it, but I think you're right. This evening may not go as smoothly as we hoped. I can't believe that my Dad met her earlier this week and that he's already bringing her to family events.
Sandy: This isn't really a small family affair, honey. Look around; there is over a hundred people here. Besides, at least now we know what he's been up to lately.
Kirsten: Looks like Newport just got itself one more Newpsie. If that woman wasn't born to criticize and gossip, I've never met one. Oh, and speaking of new arrivals, I forget to tell you who I ran into earlier this week. (Sandy looks at her quizzically, urging her to tell him.) Jimmy Cooper.
Sandy: Your ex is back in town, and you forget tell me.
Kirsten: I really didn't talk to him much, it was really weird actually, but I invited him here tonight, and I told him to bring his daughter. At least now I now his daughter isn't Marissa.
Sandy: You were still worrying about that.
Kirsten: A little, but it doesn't matter now, because he said his daughter's name is Caitlyn.
Sandy: Well, what's he doing back in town? Where did you see him?
Kirsten: You know how we found that stack of invitations that had not gotten mailed; well one of them belonged to his parents. That night when I delivered theirs, he answered the door. I explained why I was there, and I really couldn't tell him I was inviting his parents to our anniversary party and not invite him, especially since he was staying there.
Sandy: What about his wife?
Kirsten: I guess that's why he's back. I guess his wife left him, but I don't know any of the details.
Sandy: Well, what reminded you of the run-in?
Kirsten: Julie.
Sandy: What?
Kirsten: Julie. Wasn't Jimmy's wife, well, I guess ex-wife, named Julie?
Sandy: She was.
Kirsten: And Julie's whole story just fit his.
Sandy: Except for the fact that she said that she has two daughters and Jimmy only mentioned one.
Kirsten: I guess you're right, but you don't think….no, it's not possible.
Sandy: That Caleb's Julie is Jimmy's Julie. No, honey, not even in Newport would something that twisted happen. Don't worry; everything is going to be fine. Look around, everyone is enjoying themselves, we're happy, and hell, even your Dad is smiling. I didn't even know he had teeth. (Kirsten laughs despite herself.)
Kirsten: I guess you're right, and even if there is something off about Julie, it isn't going to ruin our evening.
Sandy: Exactly. Now kiss me quickly while no one is watching or waiting to speak with us. (Kirsten laughs and does so. As the camera pans away from them while they are still kissing, it goes to Julie and Caleb who are now sitting down to eat.)
Julie: Well, that could have gone better.
Caleb: Oh ignore Sandy, I always do.
Julie: I don't think he liked me too well, Caleb.
Caleb: Sandy never likes anyone whom I do.
Julie: Except for Kirsten.
Caleb: Well, yes, but she seemed to like you.
Julie: I hope so. I enjoy spending time with you, Caleb, you know that, but a woman always needs some female companionship, and I was hoping that we could be friends, your daughter and I. You know, we could do lunch, go to the spa, talk girl talk. It would be fun.
Caleb: I'll see if I cannot arrange something for you, Juju.
Julie: Thanks, Cal. (She leans over and kisses him on the cheek.) You're too good to me, you know that.
Caleb: Nonsense, you're too good to me. Coming here this evening without knowing a single soul just to keep me company, I really appreciate it.
Julie: Well, I couldn't leave you alone to suffer in boredom. Besides, I have wanted to meet your family since you first spoke of them. So where is this grandson of yours, anyway?
Caleb: That's a good question. He's probably off in some corner with his fiancée.
Julie: And your granddaughter, will she be here?
Caleb: Zoe, no, I doubt if Kirsten and Sandy let her come, but you'll just have to come over for a family dinner one Sunday to meet her.
Julie: Oh, I couldn't impose.
Caleb: Are you kidding me? I am the head of this family, and I want you there, then of course you are welcome. Besides, if that son-in-law of mine can invite a car thief into the family and let him partake in family dinners, then you have just as much right to be there as he does.
Julie: I take it you and…what's his name?
Caleb: Ryan. (He says this with a very distasteful voice.)
Julie: You and Ryan don't get along very well?
Caleb: I guess you could put it that way. First, my daughter adopted him without consulting me, and then he just ingratiated himself into their lives, taking their money, living in their poolhouse, eating their food, and to make things worse, Seth and Zoe, my real grandchildren, consider him their brother. Hell, Zoe adores him, hangs on his every word, but just you wait, that boy will only bring pain and trouble to this family. I'm just waiting for the day when he proves me right, and then Kirsten will realize what a mistake she made by inviting him into her family.
Julie: So where is he?
Caleb: I don't see him around, either. He's probably off stealing a car, getting into a fight, or committing some other crime. But that's enough talk about him, so what do you think of the party.
Julie: Oh, it's wonderful. I've never been to a party as grand as this. (Caleb snorts to disagree with the statement.)
Caleb: This is nothing. I am going to throw you a welcome to Newport party that will make this party seem like the lame one it really is. I love my daughter, but she doesn't have the gift of show that I do. We'll hold the party at my home, and everyone in Newport will get to meet you, the best thing to come to this town in years.
Julie: Cal, I couldn't ask that of you.
Caleb: You didn't, and it's settled. You're going to have your party and eat your cake, too.
Julie: You really are too good to me, do you know that? (She grabs a hold of his hand and pulls it up to her lips and kisses it.) Now if you will excuse me, I have to go to the ladies room. Be right back. (She gets up and walks off going inside of the club. Caleb sits there for a moment before turning to look back at Kirsten and Sandy. After a second, someone walks up to him and speaks with him. They share hellos, but Cal cuts the conversation short when he sees who just arrived. It is Jimmy, Caitlyn, James Sr. and Jane. Caleb excuses himself and heads over to see his daughter's ex. As he gets up and begins to walk over, the camera fades and the scene ends.)
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