Okay, so I just want to let everyone who is reading this know that I am so grateful! I love hearing what you think, too, so to anyone who replies...thank you so much! I look forward to your comments, daily!

As the next scene begins, it is now afternoon. Because the shades are pulled in the poolhouse, it still appears to be semi-dark, but the clock reveals that it is past one. Ryan and Marissa have been sleeping for four hours, something both of them needed desperately. Unbeknownst to them, Sandy, Kirsten, Seth and Summer, although still interested, gave up hours before and had quit waiting for Ryan and Marissa to come in for breakfast and had gone on with their day. Ryan has just awakened but is still lying there just watching Marissa sleep, slowly stroking her hair, her cheek, her neck, her arm, but gently enough so that it won't wake her. He is content, in fact the lazy smile that had been present while he slept, is still on his face. Almost as if she sensed that he was awake, Marissa begins to stir as the scene begins. Once she opens her eyes, she sees Ryan watching her intently.

Marissa: Morning, again.

Ryan: Afternoon.

Marissa: What? What time is it?

Ryan: It's after one, but it doesn't matter. We needed the sleep, and, besides, it's Sunday. We have nothing pressing to do; we can talk to Sandy, Kirsten, Seth and Summer any time.

Marissa: How long have you been awake? You didn't have to stay in bed. You could have gotten something to eat, I'm sure you're hungry, (She smiles remembering their morning.) especially after the morning we had. (He smiles back at her.)

Ryan: Food is the last thing from my mind right now.

Marissa: And what are you thinking about?

Ryan: Playstation.

Marissa: (She realizes that he is playing, so she decides to join in.) Oh good, because I really wanted to go shopping with Summer this afternoon. You and Seth can hang out here, and we'll just go to South Coast Plaza. Actually, we might be awhile, so maybe the two of you should head back home and we'll drive separately and meet you there later.

Ryan: I don't think so.

Marissa: What, do you want to come along to the mall?

Ryan: Nice try, but you're not leaving my sight today. After we talk to the family, we're coming right back her and spending the rest of the afternoon together…in bed… before we head home, together.

Marissa: But I thought you wanted to hang with Seth?

Ryan: I wasn't serious. (She laughs.)

Marissa: Really? I couldn't tell. Neither was I. (He leans in and kisses her.)

Ryan: Aw, funny, real cute. That's it; you've been spending too much time with Seth. I'm going to have to limit the time you spend together. You're just becoming too hilarious. (This is said very sarcastically.)

Marissa: I'm not being the sarcastic one, you are. Perhaps you're the one becoming a little too much like Seth.

Ryan: Oh really, and would Seth do this. (He leans in and kisses her neck. While his kisses travel around her body from her neck to her chest to her ears to her face to her lips, Marissa talks.)

Marissa: I hope not. First of all, Summer would not be very happy and I really don't want to lose her as a friend. Secondly, I'm not attracted to Seth. Third, I'm kind of seeing someone and I don't think he would appreciate it if Seth was kissing me. (He stops kissing her and pulls back to speak.)

Ryan: Kind of seeing someone?

Marissa: Fine, I'm dating someone, is that explicit enough?

Ryan: You just make sure you say that if someone asks you if you're single.

Marissa: Like I would talk to another guy long enough for that topic to come up in conversation. I have the man I need, the man I want right here with me now.

Ryan: You do?

Marissa: Yeah. (She scoots closer to him, and he puts his hands around her waist over the sheet she's wearing. He is also wearing a sheet around his waist. As he begins to kiss her again, he pulls that sheet up and over both of them, Marissa giggles, and they kiss under the sheet for a few moments until Ryan pulls he sheet back over their heads and sits up. Marissa is lying down underneath his legs which are straddling her.)

Ryan: You know, the quicker we talk to them, the quicker we can come back out here.

Marissa: You read my mind. If you would just let me up, so I can get dressed…

Ryan: I don't like that idea.

Marissa: Well unless you want me to speak to your parents, brother, and his fiancée with a only a sheet on, you better let me put some clothes on.

Ryan: Fine, but once we're back out here, the clothes come off and sheet becomes optional. (Marissa laughs.)

Marissa: We'll see. Now (She sits up and gathers the sheet around herself tightly, crawls out from under him, stands up and starts walking to the bathroom.) if you'll excuse me, I have to make myself presentable for your family. (After she disappears into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her, Ryan gets up out of the bed and puts clothes on behind the kitchen counter so that he is covered from any poolhouse intruders. He only takes a moment, as does Marissa, as both of them just throw on jeans and a t-shirt, and she exits the bathroom. Without saying anything, they take each other hands, open the poolhouse doors, and walk towards the house. As they walk in, expecting to be immediately ambushed with questions, especially by Seth, they are surprised to see that no one is waiting.)

Ryan: I wonder where every one is.

Marissa: I thought for sure they'd be lying in wait for us, but they must have gotten sick of waiting. Where do you want to look first?

Ryan: I have a better idea. Why don't we grab something to eat; they'll figure out soon enough that we're here.

Marissa: What do you have in mind?

Ryan: There might be some left over Thai from Friday night in the fridge.

Marissa: Um, that sounds delicious. (Ryan heads to the fridge while Marissa sits down on a stool at the kitchen counter. As Ryan pulls out some food, he speaks.)

Ryan: Found it. (He places the Thai on the counter in front of Marissa and heads back to the fridge.) Want a water?

Marissa: Yeah, thanks. (He gets two waters out, shuts the fridge, and sits down beside Marissa. They barely get the food containers open before Summer walks into the kitchen.)

Summer: So you two are alive? We were starting to wonder if someone crept into the poolhouse last and murdered you.

Marissa: Sorry, we didn't get much sleep last night, but we did finally fell asleep this morning. (She turns to look at Ryan and they share a knowing smile while she giggles slightly.)

Summer: What, do I have something on my face? (She thinks they are laughing at her, so she becomes paranoid, which just makes Marissa laugh harder.)

Marissa: No, your face is fine. It's nothing, really.

Ryan: Nothing?

Marissa: (She playfully hits him and leans in and whispers.) Okay, so it is definitely something. (She kisses him lightly on the lips just as Seth walks in.)

Seth: Hey, how many times do I have to say it, not in front of the pudding! (Marissa and Ryan pull away from each other and Marissa laughs at Seth.) Glad to see someone is in better spirits. (Marissa and Ryan go back to eating.) So then, are you okay?

Marissa: Yeah, I'm great. (Again she looks at Ryan and they smile at each other.) I, we've decided to not let my family ruin this, the life I am building. I'm just going to avoid them and forget that they're here.

Seth: I've always been a fan of running away.

Ryan: She's not running away, Seth. She's staying here; she's just not going to let her family get to her anymore.

Summer: What did they do in the first place? (Sandy and Kirsten enter the kitchen as Summer says this.)

Sandy: I have to admit that we've been wondering about that ourselves.

Marissa: Well, that story could take a while.

Kirsten: We have the time.

Marissa: Okay, but why don't you guys grab some Thai, and we'll all eat and talk. (She gets up and carries her food and water over to the table and sits down so that they can all sit down together. Ryan follows her and sits down as well. Seth is the first one to listen to her suggestion. He grabs food and runs over and sits down. Everyone else then does so as well.)

Seth: I never turn down food.

Summer: We know. (Everyone laughs quietly, not sure as to what the mood should be or how Marissa will handle the situation, but as she laughs freely, they realize that she is comfortable discussing the topic and calm down as well.)

Marissa: So where do you want me to begin?

Seth: The beginning is always a good choice... (Sandy gives his son a look that tells him to shut up and eat.) or anywhere you feel comfortable would work, too.

Marissa: The beginning is fine. I don't know what you already know…

Kirsten: It doesn't matter. Tell us what you know, what matters to you.

Marissa: Okay, here it is. My Mom got pregnant with me and had me when she was eighteen. I don't think she ever really wanted children, but I do know she should have never had them. They never really talked about what they were like when they were dating or when I was little, so I'm not sure, but I don't think they ever really loved each other. By the time I have memories of them, they were constantly fighting, my Mom would be drunk, and my Dad would just lock himself away in his office afterwards. She would throw things sometimes, but they never knew that I saw them fighting like that. I was four when Caitlyn was born, and I still can't believe that my parents ever conceived her together. My mom never took care of her, my Dad was always off at work, and that left me, a four year old little girl, to watch a baby. I learned to feed her, change her, and when it was time for her naps, I would make her a bed on the floor because I couldn't reach her crib. When I went to school, I really don't know who took care of Caity. I learned to cook in elementary school so that we could have real dinner not frozen, microwavable meals. My neighbor taught me. I remember in fourth grade having to write a story about what our average day was like. Mine consisted of getting up in the morning, on my own, getting dressed, getting Caitlyn dressed, packing our lunches, and making us breakfast. After school, I went home and made dinner. While it was cooking, I would do the laundry and clean the house. My Dad would get home at six; we would have dinner. Then it was time for homework, I would do mine while helping Caitlyn if she had any. Mom would be drunk up in her room and Dad would go in and watch TV, saying he had to relax. When our homework was finished, I would give Caitlyn her bath, play with her for a little while, and then put her to sleep. I repeated this ritual for myself. Day after day, this was my life. By the time I got to high school, I also worked every day after school. My Dad needed help supporting us, because my, I guess, Mom drank away all his money, so I worked, too. That just made my life harder. Instead of cooking at night, I prepared a meal in the morning and either put it in the crock pot or left instructions for Caitlyn to cook it after school. I would work till nine, come home, help Caitlyn with her homework, make sure she went to bed, and then start the cleaning and my own homework. Normally, I never got to bed before two and was back up by five to get everything done that I had to. I don't know how I survived physically, but I did. College didn't make things any easier. I applied to schools in New York, got accepted, because through it all I was able to keep a 4.0 average and graduated valedictorian, but when it came time to leave, my family begged me not to go, saying they needed me to help them. Who would make the second income? If I left then Caity would have to work, and I wanted at least one of us to have a semi-normal childhood if I could help it. Who would take care of my Dad, make sure he had clean clothes and ate daily? So I stayed. I gave up my dream to make their lives easier. Then, no matter what I did, I couldn't run away from my feelings any longer. I couldn't breath, I never smiled, I only wanted to be by myself, locked away from the rest of the world. Caitlyn was seventeen, a junior, and she didn't need me anymore. My Dad would always need me; I couldn't help that, but I could not take care of anyone any longer, and that's when I left. I quit my job, packed everything that mattered to me, and drove west, to California, to the only place I had ever really wanted to live. It had warm weather, the television industry, the ocean, the liberal ideals, and it was far, far away from the life I had lived before. So you see, you probably think I'm over reacting. My family never abused me, mentally or physically, but I can't see them right now. Seeing them just takes me back to that world, takes me back to when I was miserable, and no matter what they say, if I see them, I know they will try to pull me back into their lives. My Dad has never been able to take care of himself, he could never be alone. I think that's why he stayed married to my Mom, even Julie was better than having no one. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dad and my sister, and there were moments when we were happy, but I don't want to be the person they think they know any more, that girl is not me. I tried to explain this to them in my letter, and I told them that someday I hoped that we would be able to see each other again, but, obviously, they didn't listen, and now here they are looking for me. (Once Marissa started sharing her tale, everyone became more and more interested in what she had to say. By the end, Kirsten is teary eyed, Sandy looks furious, Ryan is attempting to look on at Marissa reassuringly, Summer is also angry, and Seth is shocked. His mouth is open, he has a hurt look in his eyes, and, for once, he is speechless, as is everyone else. After she finishes speaking, she expects someone to say something, but everyone remains silent and just looks at her which makes her self-conscious.) Someone, please, anyone, Seth, say something.

Kirsten: I can't believe Jimmy would let you live like that. What happened to him? The Jimmy Cooper I knew would not have treated his own daughter that way or have taken everything Julie dished out.

Marissa: I don't know when, and I don't know how, but something made him break a long time ago, and he's never been the same since. It is as if he isn't complete, like he's a shell of his former self sleep walking his way through life. I only know he wasn't the way he is now his whole life because of old photos I've seen and letters I've read.

Sandy: Why didn't your teachers ever step in, intervene?

Marissa: They never knew what my life was like; I never told anyone, not even the few friends I had, if you could call them that. They were more like acquaintances that I just talked to at school. I had no social life, so there was no way to form any real friendships.

Summer: It makes sense now, why you said that you were always lonely at home but feel completely surrounded by friend here. (She is talking to herself, but she does it out loud and everyone hears what she says.)

Sandy: I want you to know, Marissa, we will do anything you want us to to help. We, Kirsten and I, could try talking to your father. Maybe another voice, two voices, both parental who can understand what he's feeling, would be able to finally show him why you left, convince him that it was the best decision for you, and try to encourage him to leave you alone until you're ready to be a family again.

Marissa: Thanks, Sandy, Kirsten, but I couldn't ask that of you.

Kirsten: You didn't, we offered, but I think the conversation should wait a little while, until your Dad has relaxed and calmed down some. The last time Sandy and I talked to him we tried to convince him you were someone named Amanda from Ryan's past. He didn't believe us, and let's just say we're not his favorite people right now. (Marissa turns to Ryan curious and a little worried.)

Marissa: Who's Amanda? (Ryan looks back at her incredulous and slightly confused. Sandy laughs quietly.)

Sandy: We made her up; I don't even know anyone named Amanda. (Marissa laughs.)

Marissa: You did what? I can't believe you did that for me.

Kirsten: Hey, you're a part of the family now, and we protect our own. (Marissa is speechless when Kirsten says this, but her face says it all. She is beaming from ear to ear, relishing what she has just been told. Ryan puts his arm around her and hugs her, showing that he is just as pleased. Seth is still speechless, because Marissa's story upset him severely.)

Summer: Way to go Sandy! That was pretty cool of you.

Sandy: Thank you, Summer. (Sandy smiles, and looks pretty full of himself.)

Summer: At least you won't have to worry about your Mom wanting a relationship, so no one will have to speak to her. From her reaction when she saw you, I don't think you'll have to worry about her searching for you.

Marissa: That's because she's not my Mom, I mean she is by blood but not by actions. She never wanted me, and I, now, don't want her. I really don't have a mother and never have.

Kirsten: Not true, at least not any longer. (She reaches across the table and takes the hand that Ryan is not holding and squeezes it.) You have me now. (Marissa's eyes cloud over with tears of joy, and as she looks at Kirsten, a few fall from her eyes.)

Marissa: I, I really don't know what to say, but…. thank you.

Kirsten: For what?

Marissa: For what you said; for what you've all done for me (She looks around the table at each person.) When I'm with you, with your family, I feel safe, wanted, loved, like I finally belong somewhere.

Sandy: That's because you do. Something had been missing for us before you arrived, and now we're complete, too, as a family.

Kirsten: I think we need to celebrate. How does champagne and ice cream sound?

Summer: Delicious…and we should have some pickles, too!

Marissa: Pickles? Summer…is there something you're not telling us? (Summer is clueless.)

Summer: What are you talking about? (Sandy and Kirsten look interested, and Kirsten laughs.)

Kirsten: Summer, they always say that pregnant women have cravings for weird food, and a famous example is pickles and ice cream. Maybe you shouldn't be drinking champagne.

Summer: Pregnant! Are you serious? How? (Everyone gives her a look saying that they know that she has sex with Seth.) No…I didn't mean it that way; it's just, it's not possible. (Everyone still looks at her questioningly.) Seriously, read my lips, impossible! Now, about this champagne issue, I am so having some. I love champagne, besides; we should totally make a toast, a toast to formally welcome Coop here into the family.

Sandy: Well, if I do say so myself, I've been known to make a pretty good speech every now and again.

Kirsten: And that's why we love you, Mr. modest. (Ryan, Summer, and Marissa laugh. Everyone stands up except Seth and walks over to the kitchen. Ryan and Summer begin to get the ice cream out, Sandy gets the champagne, and Kirsten gets the glasses. Marissa just stands and watches, until she realizes that Seth is not with them. She looks back at he table and sees him sitting there still and goes over and sits down with him. Everyone sees what is happening, but they ignore it, letting them talk and continue what they're doing making small talk so as not to overhear.)

Marissa: Seth, did I say something wrong? Did I offend you somehow? Talk to me, what's the matter?

Seth: I'm sorry. (He is extremely solemn and apologetic.)

Marissa: For what?

Seth: For what you went through. I can't imagine living a life like that, growing up like that. Hell, I still haven't grown up, and I hope I never fully have to. I can't believe you're so normal…

Marissa: Normal is a very subjective word, Seth. I wouldn't exactly call myself normal.

Seth: Fine, but you're well adjusted, you're not bitter or angry, and you're happy.

Marissa: Now, finally. You don't have to worry about me. That part of my life is over; I'm moving past it. I don't want you to get caught up in my family drama. Trust me, it only encumbrances you and makes you miserable. Come on, cheer up. We're celebrating! There's ice cream, champagne, and I'm sure we could find you some pudding if you join us. Seth, you know it's not a party without you.

Seth: Actually, I'm known for shutting parties down, clearing them out, not making them, but, hey, things change. (He smiles.) Do you know what this party needs? (This is said louder so that everyone looks at him.)

Summer: What, Cohen?

Seth: Me! (He jumps up and saunters into the kitchen.) Now, no one let mom touch the ice cream right? Knowing her, one touch and it will become freezer burnt, the whipped cream will spoil, the hot chocolate will burn, and the cherries will be poisonous. (Kirsten glares at him.)

Kirsten: I may not be able to cook, but I'm not that bad, Seth. (After she finishes speaking, she turns around and instantly knocks a carton of ice cream off the counter, spilling it all over the floor.)

Seth: Mother, look what you've done. I told you guys; do not let her near the refreshments. Now what are we going to eat?

Summer: There's more ice cream, Cohen, calm down.

Seth: Just to be on the safe side, (Seth goes over to Kirsten, grabs gently onto her arm, and begins to pull her to the table.) Mom, why don't you come with me? We'll sit, watch, and anticipate. (Once they reach the table, he makes her sit down in her chair. Everyone laughs.)

Kirsten: Are you ever going to let me help with food?

Seth: Not as long as I have breath in my body.

Kirsten: You know, I could arrange for that to be taken care of.

Seth: No, that can't be right, I couldn't have just heard my own mother, the woman who gave birth to me, the woman who worships the ground I walk on, threaten to put a hit on my life? I knew Grandpa was shady, but I never knew he passed down the names of his hit men to you, Mother.

Summer: Yeah, like your Mom would need a hit man to take you on, Cohen. You're so weak; she could take your ss in one round.

Seth: No, Summer, I don't think so. She could not beat me in one round, no matter what the game, and for that matter, she wouldn't be able to beat me no matter how many rounds you gave her. (Everyone laughs at Seth not with him, because they realize that he's thinking video game and Summer is thinking on a boxing ring.)

Summer: You're such a dandy, Cohen. I wasn't talking about a stupid Playstation game, I meant she could take you in a fight, gloves or bare knuckles.

Seth: Fine, but what do rounds have to do with fighting? (Everyone looks at him like he's an idiot.)

Ryan: Yeah, I think dandy is definitely too masculine for him. (Everyone laughs except Seth who is slightly pouting.)

Seth: Oh, and since obviously everybody else knows something I don't, why doesn't someone fill me in.

Marissa: We know a lot of things you don't Seth, not just one. (Again, they all laugh at Seth.)

Seth: Hahahahahah, oh so funny. I'm laughing on the inside.

Ryan: Who's ready for ice cream?

Marissa: Ooh, me. (Marissa runs over and grabs hers, and Ryan and Summer pick theirs up and the three walk over to the table. They also take Sandy's and Kirsten's for them. Meanwhile, Sandy carries over six champagne classes and begins to fill them.)

Sandy: Now everyone grab their glass. To…. (Seth finally has joined them with his ice cream, but he interrupts Sandy.)

Seth: Dad, let me. (Sandy looks at him quizzically.) I think it's time to pass the touching speech torch onto your very well versed and quick witted son, and I think we all know how well I can talk.

Summer: You might not do it well, but you definitely do it often. (Seth leans in and kisses her on the nose.)

Seth: I think you were making fun of me, but I'm going to take it as a compliment anyway.

Ryan: Yeah, we know, you only hear what you want to. (Seth leans in to Ryan, who bats his face away and covers his face.) Hey, hey, watch it. Dude, you weren't going to kiss my nose, too, were you? (Everyone laughs. As the talking continues Ryan and Marissa start eating their ice cream.)

Seth: There is nothing wrong with brotherly affection, but, for your information, no, I was not going to kiss your nose. Ew! I was going to spit in your face.

Kirsten: What a well mannered and polite son we raised, aren't your proud Sandy? (Seth mockingly smiles and shakes his head in agreement.)

Sandy: All I can say is that he must take after his grandfather. (This makes everyone laugh even more, and although Seth tries not to, he laughs as well.)

Summer: Hurry this speech up, Cohen. I want to drink this champagne before it goes flat.

Seth: Do not rush the master, my little guzzling glutton. Perfection takes time, a good toast is like a good wine, it takes time to age and ripen to its fullest capacity.

Summer: Wow, Cohen, that's really interesting, but I don't care. Make the toast, now, or I will.

Seth: (He glares at Summer playfully before clearing his throat and raising his class. Everyone follows suit.) To Marissa, someone who has…. (He is interrupted by the front door opening and Zoe's voice yelling hello.)

Zoe: Mommy, Daddy, Ryan, Marissa, Summer, I'm home! (She runs into the kitchen and flies into Ryan's arms who twirls her around and she giggles. The babysitter walks in after her.)

Babysitter: I hope you don't mind that we walked in.

Kirsten: It's no problem at all. Thanks for bringing her home.

Babysitter: Oh, it was on my way.

Sandy: Here, come with me, and I'll get your money. (He leaves the room with the teenager and goes into his office.)

Seth: I can't believe this!

Summer: What? (Confused as to what he's annoyed about.)

Seth: First, Zoe runs in here and interrupts my toast, and then she forgets to even say my name when she announces that she's home. What am I, everyone's doormat, walk all over me, wipe your dirty shoes on me, but heaven forbid if Seth is shown any love or attention. (Ryan and Marissa are playing with Zoe as they eat so they don't hear Seth and Summer, and Kirsten is picking up Zoe's bags and putting them in the foyer by the stairs to take up to her room later, so she doesn't hear them either.)

Summer: Ah, Cohen, does someone feel neglected. (He shakes his head up and down like a puppy as he walks towards her pouting.) Come here and I'll show you just how much you are appreciated. (His expression instantly changes and he gets a ridiculously happy look on his face which makes Summer laugh before she kisses him. As she kisses him, she puts her hands on his face to hold him close and Seth's arms work their way around Summer's back. Sandy and Kirsten walk back into the room together but stop and watch their kids.)

Sandy: Will you look there? Seth and Summer engaged and so much in love. Doesn't it remind you of us at their age?

Kirsten: A little. And look at Ryan and Marissa, how good they are with Zoe. Watching them, I can just imagine them with their own little girl someday. Do you think they'll end up together?

Sandy: Oh honey, it's way too soon to tell, but if that (He indicates their playing with Zoe.) is any indication, I'd say we at least have a good sign they might. (Sandy and Kirsten continue to stand together watching their kids. Sandy puts his arm around her, but Ryan notices them standing there, so he speaks up.)

Ryan: Oh, good, you're back. What are you guys doing just standing there?

Kirsten: Just thinking… about the future, you know. (Seth and Summer pull apart.)

Seth: It's about time you two showed up. I thought you'd ditched us.

Sandy: Yeah, we could see how concerned you were. (He laughs.)

Seth: Anyway, everyone back to the table and back to the champagne, my toast still awaits. (They listen and everyone gathers around the table and picks up their glasses.) Anyway, like I was saying before I was rudely interrupted….by Zoe…(He makes a funny face at her which makes her laugh.) To Marissa, someone who in one dinner changed our lives forever. From the moment you sat down with us to eat a delicious Thai supper, we knew that our lives would never be the same. Ryan was happy, which made us happy, and you fit right in becoming a perfect part of the family. Hell, hellos were just practically out of everyone's mouths and you were already abusing me, but I'm used it. In fact, I wouldn't know what to do without the ridicule and teasing, but I digress. Welcome to the family Marissa, and may you never leave. Cheers! (Everyone says cheers together after Seth does and they click the glasses together and drink.)

Summer: Not too bad, Cohen, a little predictable because you mentioned food…

Seth: I think with my stomach, as we already established, I can't help it.

Summer: But, you got the sentiments right. (She goes over and hugs Marissa.) Now I have two sisters, (She leans down to Zoe.) don't I?

Zoe: Right! (Kirsten and Sandy both approach her as well. They, in turn give her hugs, too.)

Sandy: And we have a third daughter.

Kirsten: Which I think is the perfect amount. (Now it is Seth's turn to come over and hug Marissa.)

Seth: And I finally have someone to take Ryan off my hands. (Everyone laughs.) Nah, seriously, welcome to the Cohen family, Marissa. Unfortunately, you're not Jewish, that would have helped my balance during Chrismukkah, but I'll take you anyway. (Laughter, again.)

Marissa: (As Ryan puts his arm around her waist and pulls her closer to him.) And I finally belong somewhere, with all of you. I have friends, family, and a boyfriend. What more could a girl ask for? Seriously, though, thank you, all of you, you don't know how much this means to me.

Kirsten: Oh, I think we know. (She winks at Marissa.)

Sandy: I say we eat. There is no way I'm about to let my ice cream melt.

Seth: I couldn't have said it better myself, Father, well, actually, I could, but what couldn't I do better than any of yooouuss? (He points around the room, indicating everyone.)

Summer: Watch it, Cohen, or you'll be licking your ice cream off the floor.

Seth: Okay, okay, fine, I'll behave, just don't threaten the food. (Everyone sits back down at the table and begins to eat their ice cream except Ryan, Marissa, and Zoe.)

Marissa: Do you want some ice cream, too, Zoe?

Zoe: Please. (Marissa takes her hand, and Zoe takes Ryan's and they walk into the kitchen together.)

Kirsten: Oh, Marissa, Ryan, eat your ice cream. I'll get Zoe's for her.

Marissa: That's okay; we ate ours while everyone was talking earlier. (Kirsten sits back down and Ryan and Marissa get Zoe her ice cream.)

Summer: Chino, Coop, what time did you guys want to head back to school?

Ryan: We thought that we'd stay here until this evening. (He looks at Marissa who look back at him.) We didn't get much sleep last night, so we wanted to rest a little before heading out on the road. Plus, we also still have to pack up our stuff.

Kirsten: What about dinner?

Sandy: Kirsten could order in, Marissa's choice.

Ryan: (Still looking at Marissa.) What do you say, an early dinner here before we go back to the grind of school?

Marissa: Sounds perfect.

Seth: (With food in his mouth.) Do I not get a say in this?

Everyone: NO!

Seth: Oh, okay. (He goes back to eating not really caring.)

Sandy: Since you're staying, what poison is your pleasure Marissa?

Marissa: Ummm, is there anything we haven't tried yet? I'm feeling adventurous.

Kirsten: There is a great Cajun take-out restaurant. Oh, Sandy, we haven't ordered from them in a long time.

Seth: Hot, damn, I can finally try Jambalaya, but Marissa you still have to make it, you promised.

Marissa: What if you don't like it?

Summer: Seth, not like food, won't happen.

Sandy: So it's settled. We're going spicy tonight. (He looks at Kirsten.) I guess we should just order a little bit of everything.

Seth: Try a lot of everything.

Kirsten: Don't worry, I may not be able to cook, but I am still a pro at ordering. Your stomach will be happy, Seth.

Seth: That's all I ask. (He gets up and goes to get more ice cream. Ryan and Marissa bring Zoe back to the table and sit her down with her ice cream before heading towards the door.)

Summer: Coop, where are you two going?

Marissa: I'm sorry to leave the party early, but like Ryan said, we got hardly any sleep last night, so we're going to go out and take a nap. Wake us up before dinner, though, okay?

Summer: No problem. (She says this with a hint of suspicion in her voice as if she understands just what Ryan and Marissa have planned during their nap time. Everyone else remains clueless. Ryan and Marissa exit, but she walks back in briefly.)

Marissa: Oh, and thanks again…. for everything. (She turns and heads back out, catches up with Ryan, places her hand in his and they walk to the poolhouse. The camera fades away from them as they enter and close the doors behind them. The lock can be heard being turned and Marissa giggles before the camera goes back to the kitchen.)

Summer: Hm. (She is thinking about Ryan and Marissa conspicuous exit.)

Seth: And what are you hming my little Sherlock Holmes? (He comes back to the table and sits down with his ice cream. Summer had been eating hers, but all of a sudden, she pushes the food away.)

Summer: What? (Seth looks at her confused.)

Seth: Have you not heard a word I've said?

Summer: What….no. I'm sorry, but I'm not feeling well all of a sudden, maybe I ate too much ice cream. Seth, would you help me upstairs?

Kirsten: Are you okay, honey?

Summer: Yeah, I just want to rest a little. (Seth gets up and helps her out of her chair. Sandy and Kirsten start to rise, but Summer stops them.) Don't get up; I'll be fine. A little Pepto-Bismol and a little relaxing and I'll be as good as new. (Seth and Summer start to walk out of the kitchen.)

Kirsten: Fine, but it you need anything….just let me know.

Summer: (She turns around and looks at her briefly while she speaks.) Thanks. I'll see you guys in at dinner, if I eat. (She turns back around and continues out of the room with Seth. When they reach the stairs, they start talking. The camera follows them up.) Wow!

Seth: What?

Summer: I've just never felt like this before.

Seth: Seriously?

Summer: I never knew cramps could be so bad.

Seth: Cramps?

Summer: Yeah, the ice cream was fine, and I'm not full, but the pain got so bad, I couldn't stay down there any longer and I really didn't want to tell your parents that I had cramps.

Seth: Well, that would have cleared up the baby issue for sure. (Summer laughs lightly.)

Summer: True. (They reach the top of the stairs.) Cohen, will you stay with me, keep me company?

Seth: Where else would I go? (He puts his arm around her shoulder and helps her into his room as she puts her arm around his lower back and holds onto him for support. The camera goes back to the kitchen where Zoe is eating her ice cream and Sandy and Kirsten are cleaning up in the kitchen.)

Sandy: What'd we say?

Kirsten: Hm?

Sandy: Something had to happen to chase those kids away so fast.

Kirsten: They did all seem to be in a hurry to leave, but we didn't say anything. I mean, if Summer didn't leave when we were teasing her about being pregnant, then I don't know what would make her run out.

Sandy: And Ryan and Marissa.

Kirsten: Sandy, don't you remember what it's like to be young and in love? (He walks towards her and puts his arms around her waist.)

Sandy: I think you better remind me. (He leans in and begins to nibble on her neck, but Zoe interrupts the moment. When she speaks, they pull apart.)

Zoe: Can I have more ice cream, please?

Kirsten: Nope, that's enough. You have to save room for dinner later. Now, how about we take your bags up stairs to your room? (Kirsten picks her up out of her chair and they begin to walk upstairs. As they enter the hallway, Zoe calls out.)

Zoe: Daddy, aren't you coming? (He laughs softly.)

Sandy: (Under his breath.) These Cohen women can't do anything without me. (Louder so that Kirsten and Zoe can hear him.) Coming. (He walks out of the kitchen and the scene comes to a close.)

Commercial Break