It is now Friday evening. Sandy, Kirsten, and Zoe are getting ready to go out to dinner.
Sandy: (Yelling up the stairs.) Kirsten, Zoe, if you two don't hurry up, I'm going to leave without you. (Zoe is heard giggling upstairs.) I'm serious; by the time we get there, the restaurant is going to be out of food. (Kirsten and Zoe appear walking down the steps, both are dressed and ready to go out. Kirsten is holding Zoe's hand.)
Zoe: Really Daddy?
Sandy: No honey, Daddy was just teasing.
Zoe: Well, that was not very nice, because you scared me.
Sandy: I did; I'm sorry.
Zoe: You should be, because I'm starving! (She says this very dramatically.)
Kirsten: You get more and more like your brother, Seth, every day, Zoe.
Zoe: I look like Seth?
Kirsten: No, you act like him.
Zoe: I do? Do I talk as much as he does? (Both Sandy and Kirsten laugh.)
Sandy: Definitely not. (Kirsten and Zoe are now only three steps from the bottom it took them a while because of Zoe's short legs. and she lets go of her Mom's hand and jumps into Sandy's arms. When he catches her, she laughs. Kirsten finishes walking down the three steps quickly, takes Sandy's left arm, as he holds Zoe in his right arm, and they walk out the door and go to the car. Kirsten goes to the passenger side as Sandy puts Zoe in her car seat. He then gets in, too.)
Zoe: Mommy?
Kirsten: What, baby?
Zoe: Are Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer coming home this weekend?
Kirsten: No.
Zoe: Why?
Kirsten: They had plans.
Zoe: But I wanted them to.
Sandy: So did we, Zoe, but maybe we could get them to come home next weekend.
Zoe: Yes, I like that idea. It's too quiet when they're not here.
Kirsten: You're too smart for your own good, do you know that Zoe?
Zoe: I don't know what you mean, but thank you. (Kirsten and Sandy laugh.)
Sandy: And polite, too? (Kirsten laughs, but Zoe ignores them.)
Zoe: We should call them.
Kirsten: Tomorrow, okay?
Sandy: Because right now, we have a restaurant to go to where we are going to eat all their food.
Zoe: (She laughs.) Except for the pudding. We'll bring that home for Seth. (Kirsten and Sandy laugh again.)
Kirsten: I think he would like that, Zoe.
Zoe: Oh, and we have to bring all the apples home, too, for Captain Oats and Princess Sparkle.
Sandy: Of course. (They both laugh again, and the camera leaves them as the family continues to drive and make small talk. It now goes to Ryan and Marissa who are lying on the couch together, Marissa in his arms, in the apartment, alone.)
Ryan: Finally, I thought they would never leave.
Marissa: How long did Summer get ready this afternoon?
Ryan: I don't know. I got home at three and she was already in the bathroom. I don't think she went to class today.
Marissa: I don't think she'll be going back.
Ryan: What, what do you mean?
Marissa: I know why she was so excited, but I didn't say anything because she didn't want Seth to find out until it was a done deal.
Ryan: What?
Marissa: Well, on Monday, at work, they mentioned this character they were casting, and I thought Summer would be perfect for the role, so I set up an audition for her. Well, it turns out they loved her, and instead of the role just being for one episode, they've extended it and are going to make her a regular cast member and give her a full time contract. She found out yesterday afternoon, and I'm pretty sure that she's going to quit school, and I think she's going to tell Seth about it tonight.
Ryan: So that's why she made the special dinner reservations and was going to such a fuss over this date.
Marissa: Yep.
Ryan: Good for her, but mainly I'm happy because we finally get some alone time. It feels like forever since we've been by ourselves…. (He looks into her eyes.) I mean, other than when we're in bed.
Marissa: And it's a good thing that Seth and Summer aren't in there with us.
Ryan: I couldn't have said it better myself. (She laughs.) So what do you want to do tonight? It's only us, and we have the whole apartment to ourselves.
Marissa: I don't know. This is the first weekend since I've gotten to California that you didn't have some Newport Beach party or event for me to go to. What else do you do around her to have fun?
Ryan: I could think of a few things. (He leans in and kisses her.)
Marissa: I'm sure you could. (He pulls away.)
Ryan: We could always go out.
Marissa: Are you kidding me? After the week I just had, the last thing I want to do is go out. Besides, I really don't want to share you tonight and we should take advantage of this privacy. (Ryan decides to play with her, so he continues to give bad ideas.)
Ryan: We could rent some movies, make some popcorn, and have a night on the couch.
Marissa: I don't think so. Besides, I'm not really hungry, at least not for food. (It is now her turn to lean in and kiss him. When they stop, he suggests another idea.)
Ryan: Do you want to play a game, I'm sure we could borrow Seth's Jenga or we could play cards?
Marissa: Jenga, I don't think so, but cards….well, I guess we could play strip poker.
Ryan: Only if you lose every round.
Marissa: Now how would that be any fun for me?
Ryan: Oh, I wasn't thinking about you, I was thinking about me.
Marissa: That was obvious. (She pulls away from his arms and turns around to face him. Once she does this, she reaches over and pulls his shirt off of him.)
Ryan: Aren't we forward? (She shakes her head in agreement and beings to kiss his chest.)
Marissa: So, do you still want to watch a movie or play cards?
Ryan: Now that you mention it, I'm feeling tired. Perhaps we should go to bed?
Marissa: What, at 8:00; I thought you'd never ask. (She laughs. He stands up and puts his hand out to help her off the couch. Once she is standing though, he picks her up, throws her over his shoulder, and carries her into the bedroom. She laughs the entire time.) Put me down. (She slaps his butt.) Ryan, I mean it, put me down. (She tries to act serious, but she begins to laugh again.)
Ryan: Patience. I'll put you down in a minute; you just have to wait until we get to the bed. (As they walk into the bedroom, Ryan kicks the door shut with his foot. The camera does not follow them in, but Marissa can be heard laughing and yelling in fun as the camera fades away from them and goes to Seth and Summer who are having dinner in a very fancy restaurant.)
Seth: Okay now Summer will you please tell me what is up? You called this special dinner because you had news, but you won't tell me what it is. First you said you would tell me when we got here, then you said you'd tell me after we ordered, well, Summer, we're here, we've ordered, we're eating, and still you haven't said a word.
Summer: I know, Cohen, it's just really big news and I want to make sure that when I tell you, it's perfect.
Seth: Well, if you don't get to it soon, the night will be over and I still won't know what the hell is going on.
Summer: Okay, but you'll have to bear with me, let me tell you the story exactly how it happened without interrupting me too much, and then, once everything is out there, then you can tell me what you think.
Seth: You sure are being mysterious Summer, but okay, I will try to limit my interruptions, so now will you please tell me.
Summer: Well, do you know how you and Ryan went out on Monday evening before dinner while Marissa and I were cooking, well, actually, while Marissa was cooking and I was handing her things, to have Seth/Ryan bonding time? (She begins to wince her face and rub he shoulder out of pain.)
Seth: Yeah. (Brief pause as he watches Summer.) Summer, what are you doing?
Summer: I'm sorry. My shoulder is just really hurts, but I have no idea what I did to it. (She stops rubbing it and tries to look comfortable for Seth but she can't.)
Seth: Do you want to go home?
Summer: No. We're here to celebrate and that's exactly what we're going to do. Anyway, Marissa gave me some good news, unexpected news, but awesome none the less that night.
Seth: So, what was it? Does Ryan know about it?
Summer: He didn't, but because I was going to tell you tonight, I imagine Marissa has told him by now.
Seth: Okay.
Summer: I guess when she went to work that day they had a meeting, and in that meeting they were talking about this new role they were going to cast. She thought that I would be perfect for it, so she set up an audition for me. I went Tuesday; it went well. At first the role was supposed to be just for the first episode, but I guess they really liked me, and, after they cast me, they decided to give me a contract role.
Seth: Wait, wait, this is the show that Marissa works on, right?
Summer: Yeah, so that means that we'll be working together. I start working next week, and although we don't know if the show will be picked up, I guess there is some really good buzz and that the network is really, really excited about the show. (By this time Summer is just dancing in her chair and she is smiling from ear to ear.) So, what do you think?
Seth: I…I don't know what to say. You got a job. (He is rather nonplussed.)
Summer: (When she sees his reaction, her enthusiasm starts to wane.) Yeah, but it's not just any normal job, I'm going to be acting on a real TV show, making an awesomely big salary, and actually making a name for myself.
Seth: But you weren't even sure if acting was what you wanted to do. You only majored in that because you thought it would be fun and because you loved The Valley.
Summer: So, I'm excited about it now, and speaking of school, that's something else I have to tell you.
Seth: What, did you get a role in the spring play?
Summer: (She laughs nervously.) No, and I will never get a role, because I'm quitting.
Seth: You're quitting what, school? You're dropping out?
Summer: Well, I'll be working full time, I'm going to be making more than enough money, and since I already got a job, what's the point in staying in school?
Seth: Ugh, how about what if this show doesn't work out? What if it doesn't get picked up or what if it does and then it gets cancelled?
Summer: Then I'll start auditioning for other roles, other shows. I don't know, and I don't care. This is amazing, Cohen. I'm not going to sit here and second guess this wonderful gift that just fell into my lap; I'm going to ride this rollercoaster for as long as I can and take advantage of every opportunity it brings to me.
Seth: And what is your father going to say about this?
Summer: You're thinking of my Dad right now? Cohen, please, listen to me. I'm happy, I'm excited, I'm trying to share this with you. Can't you support my decision and show at least a little enthusiasm?
Seth: I'm trying Summer; I just can't believe you're doing this. I mean, we're engaged.
Summer: I know, and I thought that as my fiancée you'd want this for me.
Seth: Well, sure, I want you to become successful someday, but what's going to happen to us, now. I mean, you're going to become this big TV star, and I'm going to be stuck at Stanford attending classes. We were supposed to be starting to plan our wedding, but now you'll be too busy with your new job and your new friends. And then, if we do make it to the wedding, what's going to happen afterwards. I thought we wanted kids, but you won't be able to have them now. You'll be too busy maintaining your figure and hobnobbing with the rich and famous. Are you going to keep living with us, or are you going to move out and get your own swanky, hip house in Beverly Hills?
Summer: Cohen, what are you talking about? Come on, be serious!
Seth: I am being serious! You cannot just go and make a decision like this and not first talk to me about it. This is not just your life now, Summer, it's our life.
Summer: What is there to talk about? Are you actually saying you don't want me to take this job?
Seth: I don't know.
Summer: Oh, I think you do! Spill it, Cohen, what the hell do you mean by all this? (She is now yelling in the restaurant and people are beginning to stare at them. Seth stands up and yells back at her.)
Seth: Like I said, I don't know! I don't know what to think. I don't know what to do. I don't know what to say. I thought you were going to tell me that you found your wedding dress or that you scheduled our honeymoon; I was not expecting news that would completely change our lives forever. I can't be here right now; I can't talk to you about this. I need to go and think by myself. (He starts to walk away. Summer gets up from her chair, but before she can run after him, she almost loses her balance and has to hold onto the table to regain her balance. It should appear as if she almost fainted. Once she regains her composure, she runs after Seth.)
Summer: Cohen, wait, you just can't leave. We need to talk about this. Cohen, please, wait. (He turns and looks at her over his shoulder, but he can't face her so he turns back around and leaves. She stops as she sees him walk away and begins to cry.) I thought you'd be happy for me, I thought we'd celebrate and spend a magical night together, one that we'd never forget and could cherish all our lives. I thought…. I just… (She cannot control her emotions any longer. Instead of just crying, she begins to sob and begins to run out of the restaurant. Then she turns back around and goes back to the table. Although they have not gotten their bill yet, she just takes out a wad of cash and throws it on the table knowing that it would be plenty to cover the meals cost and a tip. She then leaves the restaurant with tears still streaming down her cheeks. As the camera leaves her, it goes back to Sandy, Kirsten, and Zoe at the restaurant. They are having an enjoyable evening, but it is interrupted by Jimmy.)
Sandy: So, Zoe, do you think there is any food left in this restaurant or did we eat it all?
Zoe: Daddy, we haven't had dessert yet, so there has to be some more food.
Sandy: Of course, dessert. And what do you want?
Zoe: Um, I don't know; let me think. Mommy, what do you want?
Kirsten: I want ice cream.
Zoe: Yum! Daddy, do they have ice cream here?
Sandy: I don't know.
Kirsten: What if we didn't eat dessert here, but instead went to the pier and had Balboa Bars?
Zoe: And we could all sit on bench together….with me in the middle?
Sandy: I think that is a great idea. Just let me try to get the waiter's attention so that I can pay, and then we can get out of here.
Zoe: We can hit the road. (She giggles at herself which makes Sandy and Kirsten laugh. While Sandy is signaling for the waiter, Jimmy walks up angry and looking for a confrontation.)
Jimmy: Well isn't this just a lovely picture? You get to spend time with your daughter, but I can't spend time with mine or even know where she is.
Sandy: Jimmy, this is neither the time nor the place. Why don't you come by the office Monday and we'll talk there, privately.
Jimmy: No, I think this is the perfect time and place. So, this must be Zoe. Hi Zoe, my name is Jimmy. Do you know that I have two daughters myself? I have a daughter named Caitlyn and a daughter named Marissa.
Zoe: I know Marissa; she's Ryan girlfriend. I like her. She plays with me and made me a special dessert when I got back from the hospital.
Jimmy: Really, that was nice of her. Where is Marissa? Is she at your house?
Zoe: No, she's at school with Ryan, Seth, and Summer.
Jimmy: And where's that?
Kirsten: Jimmy, please. This does not concern Zoe; she's only two and a half. Now, why don't you go home, and if you don't want to wait till Monday to talk, Sandy and I will meet you somewhere tomorrow.
Jimmy: Thanks, Kirsten, but no. I want to talk now, well actually, I want you to talk now. (He begins to yell.) I want to know where the hell my daughter is, and you better tell me! (Zoe starts to cry when Jimmy starts to yell. Kirsten picks her up and holds her and they leave the restaurant. Jimmy turns to Sandy who is now standing up and ready for a confrontation.)
Sandy: I'm trying to be nice about this Jimmy, but you're really pushing my limit. We were trying to have a nice, quiet dinner with our daughter and you come in here yelling, scaring Zoe, and demanding to speak with me. Well, here's your chance. What can you possibly say to me to get me to tell you where Marissa is? I've heard about her childhood, I've heard what kind of parent you were, and you still think I'd help you out. In my opinion Marissa is better off without you. Why don't you go back to Pennsylvania, go back to the life you made there, and leave Marissa alone. She's happy without you, she doesn't need you to bring her down anymore.
Jimmy: That's really sweet, how much you care about my daughter, but you're missing something here, Sandy, she's not your daughter, she's mine.
Sandy: And when were you ever her father? While you let her take care of you, while she took care of your house, while she took care of herself and her younger sister? You deprived her of her childhood, but you're not going to take any more time from her.
Jimmy: And how would you like it if I told you that you couldn't see your daughter anymore, if I knew where she was and you didn't and you wanted to know where she was but I wouldn't tell you?
Sandy: There are two differences here, Jimmy. First of all, my daughter is two and half, Marissa is twenty one and old enough to make up her own mind, and she does not want to see or speak with you, and Kirsten and I are going to honor her wishes. Secondly, I would never treat my daughter or your daughter for that matter the way you did. Marissa is now a part of our family, and the Cohens stick together. Go ahead and try what you want to, Jimmy, but we're not going to help you. By the way, how did you know we were here?
Jimmy: I followed you. You may have guards who can keep me out of your fancy, gated community, but I waited for you to leave and followed you here. Then I sat in the parking lot, giving you time to become relaxed while I formulated my plan.
Sandy: What plan?
Jimmy: The plan about what I would do if you wouldn't help me.
Sandy: So I take it then that you're not going to listen to me and leave Marissa alone?
Jimmy: Did you actually think I would?
Sandy: To be honest, no, but I was hoping you'd listen to reason. Why can't you do what she wants?
Jimmy: She's my daughter, she ran away from home, and this decision is not up to her to make.
Sandy: She's an adult, a grown woman, and I beg to differ; this decision is precisely up to her and no one else. If you force this Jimmy, if you won't leave her alone, all you're going to do is make her leave this life she is making for herself here, a life I can first handedly tell you she loves and does not want to leave, but if you pressure her, she'll run again. Tell me, Jimmy, would a father do that to his daughter.
Jimmy: Listen, I don't know who you think you are, telling me what to do and coming between me and my family, but stay out of it; this is none of your business.
Sandy: But, that's where you're wrong. When Ryan brought Marissa home and they started dating, that's when it became my business, and I will do everything in my power to help her.
Jimmy: Fine, you do that, go ahead and try and stop me. I dare you. (With that he stomps his way out of the restaurant. Sandy looks around and notices that everyone is looking at him.)
Sandy: Folks, I'm sorry about this, about interrupting your meals. (Everyone starts to talk again. The room is at first deadly quiet, then whispers start, and then after a moment, the restaurant returns to normal. The waiter approaches Sandy.) I'm sorry about that. We didn't know that would happen, that he would come here.
Waiter: And we're sorry, sir. Our security should have stopped him.
Sandy: Don't worry about it; it's not your fault, but if you don't mind, I'd like to pay now so that my family and I can get out of here before anything else happens.
Waiter: Right away, sir. (Sandy hands him his credit card.)
Sandy: Here. (The waiter takes it.)
Waiter: I'll be right back. (He starts to walk off.)
Sandy: Wait. (The waiter turns back around.) If you don't mind returning that to me in the entrance, I think it would be a good idea if I just let everyone enjoy their meals and get the hell out of here as quickly as I can. (The waiter laughs softly and shakes his head.)
Waiter: Sure, no problem. (Both he and Sandy walk in their respective directions. The camera fades out and returns with Sandy carrying a sleeping Zoe and Kirsten walking into the house. Before Sandy carrying Zoe upstairs, he speaks with Kirsten briefly.)
Sandy: While I carry Zoe upstairs and put her to bed, why don't you go and call Marissa. I really don't want to worry her or ruin her evening, but she deserves to know what her Dad is up to.
Kirsten: Are you sure you don't want me to wait for you? I mean, you were the one who spoke with Jimmy.
Sandy: I'll be down in a minute but go ahead and start without me.
Kirsten: Okay. (He goes upstairs and Kirsten walks into the kitchen. She picks up the phone and dials the apartment. When Ryan answers the phone, it is obvious that the two of them are having fun, because his voice is happy and Marissa can be heard laughing in the background. The camera switches back and forth between the two while they talk. Ryan and Marissa are in their bedroom.)
Ryan: Hello.
Kirsten: Hey Ryan. Sounds like you two are having a nice evening.
Ryan: Yeah. We finally had some peace and quiet around here.
Kirsten: So, I take it Seth and Summer went out.
Ryan: (He laughs.) They had celebrating to do, but I'll let them tell you the news later. It's not my place. So, what's up?
Kirsten: Actually, I was calling to talk to Marissa. (He becomes serious. Marissa, who is no longer laughing, comes up to him and stands beside him while he talks.)
Ryan: Is something wrong?
Kirsten: Well, no, not really, we just had a run in with Jimmy, her Dad. Is she there; can I talk to her?
Ryan: Yeah, sure. (He goes to hand the phone to Marissa, but before he does, he covers the mouthpiece and tells her what is happening.) It's my Mom. I guess my parents had a run in with your Dad. (Marissa's face falls even more.)
Marissa: Kirsten, what happened?
Kirsten: So I take it, Ryan told you what this is about?
Marissa: Yeah. What did he do?
Kirsten: Nothing really. We were eating dinner in a restaurant, and he came in to ask questions. Things got a little out of control, but I left with Zoe while Sandy talked to him. Basically, he just demanded to know where you are. Don't worry, Sandy didn't tell him, but he's not giving up. Sandy tried to convince him to go back home, but he wouldn't listen to reason. He has no idea where you are, so don't worry about that, we just thought that you should know.
Marissa: Thanks, and I'm sorry he did that to you. I shouldn't be putting you or your family in the middle of this.
Kirsten: Hey, stop. You did nothing wrong. There is no way you could have known that your Dad would react this way, and there is no way that you can control his actions. You did what you had to do, and, honestly, we don't mind. In fact, we're just glad we can help. Remember what we said, you're a part of this family now. But that's enough about that; this is the weekend, you and Ryan were having a fun night before I called, and you need to just forget everything I said…at least until Monday.
Marissa: That's easier said than done.
Kirsten: I know, but (Sandy walks into the kitchen and sits down at the counter.) really, it was nothing. So, tell me about your first week at work?
Marissa: (She gets excited again and smiles.) Oh my gosh, it was amazing.
Sandy: How was it? (Kirsten covers the phone while she tells Sandy.)
Kirsten: Amazing.
Marissa: I can't really say too much though, at least not until you talk to Summer.
Kirsten: Summer?
Marissa: I know it doesn't make much sense, but it will. (Ryan walks up behind her and starts to kiss he neck, trying to get her to hang up the phone. She laughs out loud.) Ryan, stop. (He then starts walking her towards the bed. She laughs again, which makes Kirsten laugh as she realizes what they are up to.) I'm sorry Kirsten.
Kirsten: What? I can't hear you. I think there's a bad connection. I'll talk to you soon, sweetie. Have a nice weekend. (She hangs up the phone and starts to laugh. Sandy is slightly confused.)
Sandy: Bad connection, you were on a land line?
Kirsten: True, but I was interrupting a moment.
Sandy: Oh. So you were just trying to end the conversation as quickly with as little awkwardness as possible.
Kirsten: Right. Besides, the kids aren't the only ones who should be enjoying the weekend. It's a Friday night, Zoe's in bed, and we have the entire evening to do what we want. Whatever will we do with ourselves?
Sandy: I could think of a few ideas. (He goes over to her, puts his arms around her waist, and kisses her. She pulls back and begins to talk.)
Kirsten: I'll grab the wine; you turn on the hot tub. We'll meet outside in five after we change. How does that sound?
Sandy: Perfect. (He quickly kisses her again and then runs to the bedroom. As he leaves, Kirsten laughs, puts the phone back on the cradle, and goes to get the wine. The camera leaves her and goes back to Ryan and Marissa. They are lying on the bed, Ryan on top of Marissa, while they make-out.)
Marissa: I can't believe you just did that!
Ryan: (He pulls away from her and lies down on his side beside her.) What?
Marissa: You know what. I was trying to talk to your Mom and you started kissing me. She knew what we were up to.
Ryan: But I thought she said that there was a bad connection?
Marissa: Yeah, after I heard her laugh. That was a little embarrassing.
Ryan: Why? We're adults, and besides, she interrupted us. Plus, if I know my parents, they're probably about ready to open a bottle of wine and go into the hot tub.
Marissa: Oohh, a hot tub, that sounds nice right now.
Ryan: Better than this? (He lies back on his back and pulls her over so that she is lying on top of him. Once he does this, he softly puts her hair behind her ears, pulls her head towards him, and kisses her.)
Marissa: Okay, so maybe not. (She leans back in and begins to kiss him even more passionately. As they become more heated, Ryan sits up and holds her in his arms while she encircles her legs around his waist. They continue to kiss and they take each other's top off. Ryan then pulls her back to him as they lay back down. After a moment, they roll back over so that Ryan is on top. He moves his lips from her lips to her neck and continues to travel further down her chest until he reaches her abdomen. As he does this, Marissa smiles and laughs to herself while running her hands through his hair. Once she cannot take it any longer, she pulls his head back to hers and begins to kiss him on the lips once again. The kissing continues as Marissa reaches out and unhooks Ryan's belt and unbuttons and unzips his pants. They pull away for Ryan to take his pants off, and before he begins to kiss her again, he unzips her skirt and pulls it off as well, leaving her in her boy shorts and bra and him in his boxers. Instead of kissing her right away, Ryan lies down beside her and traces her body like they did that night a few weeks before when they hadn't kissed yet. She smiles as he does this, and once he works his way to her lips, he puts his fingers under her chin and pulls it up towards him as he sits up with her. When they sit up, she once again straddles him before they begin to kiss each other with the force of passion. As the camera fades away, Marissa's back is to the camera and Ryan takes off her bra. Afterwards, he continues to rub up and down her back and massage it while he kisses her. The scene goes to black and it is obvious what they are about to do.)
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