The last scene opens with a knock on Professor Frasier's door. He is sitting at his desk working, and tells the person to come in. When he sees that it is Marissa who is there, he instantly smiles a self-congratulatory smile and slides his feet up on his desk and he motions for her to sit in a chair before his desk. His hands he places behind his head and he leans back in his chair as he relaxes for what he presumes will be news he wants to hear. Marissa is dressed very conservatively in jeans, a mock-neck sweater, knee-length coat, and sneakers. As she approaches his desk, she is severely timid, and he immediately picks up upon her nervousness which just adds to his smug demeanor.
Dr. Frasier: I did not expect you this soon Marissa, but I must admit that it's good to see you. I just wish I could see more of you. Chilly, are we?
Marissa: Um, yeah, something like that.
Dr. Frasier: So, I take it you're here to give me an answer to my offer.
Marissa: Offer! Is that what you call it?
Dr. Frasier: (He laughs.) What would you call it?
Marissa: Blackmail, sexual harassment, take you pick.
Dr. Frasier: And I was hoping we could be friends, that this could be pleasant for both of us, but I guess I was wrong, but since you're here, I presume that your answer is yes.
Marissa: I'm not sure yet.
Dr. Frasier: I'm not sure exactly what you had to think about. I made it quite simple for you, Marissa, either your sleep with me whenever and wherever I want you to or I will have both you and your boyfriend, Mr. Atwood, kicked out of this school permanently, and if that happens, good luck ever getting accepted anywhere else credible. Your futures would be ruined forever.
Marissa: Maybe, maybe not.
Dr. Frasier: What do you mean?
Marissa: You should have done some more research before you picked me as your target, Dr. Frasier. You see, Ryan's mom is Kirsten Cohen, daughter of Caleb Nichol, CEO and owner of the Newport Group. I've sure you've heard of it.
Dr. Frasier: (He is a little surprised by this but does not back down.) From what I know of Mr. Atwood, he would not accept charity from his Mom, which means he would not work for her father's company if he did not earn his position.
Marissa: Hm, I guess time will tell.
Dr. Frasier: And what about you? You need my recommendation, and if you turn me down, I'll not only have you thrown out of this university, but I'll blackball you to every television studio in town.
Marissa: Even Fox?
Dr. Frasier: What's so special about Fox?
Marissa: Oh, didn't you know, I already work for them, and let me tell you, they love me. In fact, they're already talking about hiring me on full time as a writer after I graduate next year.
Dr. Frasier: They won't when I'm done running your name through the mud.
Marissa: I'll fight you; I have a great lawyer, Ryan's Dad, Sandy Cohen. I'm sure you've read about him, too.
Dr. Frasier: So, your boyfriend has connections, very powerful connections, but he might not be your boyfriend forever. What if I let it slip that you came on to me, that we had an affair, and then that you tried to blackmail me into getting you a job; I wonder what he'd think about that? I bet he would dump you before you could even squeeze out a single tear. You put up a good fight, Marissa, but face it, I have you backed into a corner, and realistically, you only have one option. So, let me see, when do I want to have our first meeting. How about right now? (He stands up and starts to walk around his desk.) I wasn't planning on starting our relationship this early, but you're here, I want you, and I think you need this to happen so that you know how real this situation is and that there's no one you can run to that can help you out of this one. Now, take off your clothes, slowly, I don't want to rush this, and let's begin. (He attempts to take off her coat, but she slaps his hand away, begins to cry, and runs out the door. Before she leaves though, she yells over her shoulder.)
Marissa: I don't care what you do to me, I can't do this. Ruin me; at least I'll still have my self-respect. (With that, she runs out of the door and slams it behind her.)
Dr. Frasier: Keep your sanctity then you little b!tch, but that won't keep you warm at night when you have no job, no future, and no boyfriend! (He swipes his hand across his desk knocking off all of his paper work and books before angrily sitting back down in his chair.) Now what…or, to be more precise, whom am I going to do now? (The scene leaves him and goes to Marissa who has just run into the room down the hall where Sandy is set up with the police and Summer. When she enters the room, he goes over to her and hugs her.)
Sandy: Are you okay?
Marissa: I'm great! (She reaches up and wipes her tears away and laughs.) He said even more than I thought he would the smug bastard!
Summer: And the tears were a nice touch, Coop, real authentic, but you better not keep this up, I don't need you stealing my job!
Marissa: Oh no, these are real tears, not from fear or pain but from frustration and anger. All I wanted to do was hit him in his arrogant face, but I knew I couldn't and eventually my emotions came pouring out through these waterworks, but it seemed to make me more convincing.
Police Officer: Ms. Roberts, you're up next. Are you ready?
Summer: I've never been more ready for anything in my entire life. How does my costume look, Coop?
Marissa: Great, Violet. (Summer and Marissa laugh and embrace each other.) Be careful, okay?
Summer: Violet Careful Thompson will be my name, promise.
Sandy: (He goes over and hugs Summer, too.) Good luck kid.
Summer: Thanks Mr. C. (She goes to the door, opens it, but turns around briefly to smile and reassure them.) Be back in few. (She laughs, walks out of the room, and shuts the door behind her. The camera follows her as it moves towards Dr. Frasier's door. She knocks on it softly and waits for his response. A gruff, angry come in is sounded and she opens the door. When she walks in, the pushed aside books and papers are still strewn over the floor, and Dr. Frasier is sitting with his head in his hands contemplating what to do next.)
Summer: Oh, I'm so sorry, am I interrupting you?
Dr. Frasier: (He looks up form his desk and smiles when he sees Summer.) Not at all, and I apologize for the mess. I had an angry student in here earlier, and he went a little crazy. I haven't had a chance to straighten it up yet.
Summer: I could come back later, sometime when you're having a better day.
Dr. Frasier: Please, stay; you're just the thing, woman who could make this day perfect again. (Summer flashes him a sugary sweet smile and then sits across from his desk.)
Summer: You're just too sweet, you know that?
Dr. Frasier: Oh, I don't know if I would say that. Now, what's your name and what can I do for you?
Summer: My name is Violet….Violet Thompson.
Dr. Frasier: That's a beautiful name, Violet, (Summer smiles again and he smiles back at her.) and you have an enchanting smile.
Summer: Are you this nice to all your students?
Dr. Frasier: Are you my student?
Summer: No, unfortunately, but actually, that's what I'm here to talk to you about. You see, I'm an education major. I want to be a kindergarten teacher, but I love poetry, and I've always wanted to learn how to write it, and someone said that you were the person for me to talk to. You see, I was wondering if there was anyway possible, and feel free to say no, I'll understand, but I was wondering if you would give me private lessons. I wanted to take your creative writing course this semester, but it wouldn't fit in my schedule, and I'll be graduating this year, so it's now or never. I could pay you for private lessons, tutorials, however much you want; I just really want to become a good poet.
Dr. Frasier: (He is intrigued by her offer and it is obvious that he is attracted to her.) I think we could work something out, but I couldn't take your money. Do you know how gorgeous you are Violet? (Summer pretends to be flustered and looks down at her feet.) No, I mean it, you are stunning, and I would love to help you, but there would have to be something in it for me, something to make this worth my while.
Summer: Yes, anything you want, please! I just feel like if I don't do this now, I'll never get a chance.
Dr. Frasier: What would you say to a little arrangement between you and I?
Summer: What kind of arrangement?
Dr. Frasier: An arrangement where I help you and you help me.
Summer: What could I do that would help you?
Dr. Frasier: I'm sure we could think of something. (He moves his eyes up and down her body, insinuating what he wants from her.)
Summer: Are you saying that you want to have an intimate relationship with me, Dr. Frasier?
Dr. Frasier: Would that be so bad?
Summer: Well, I…um….well….I don't know.
Dr. Frasier: Think about it; that's my offer. I'll give you private lessons on the art of poetry if you give me private lessons on the art of making love. (Summer just stares at him pretending to be confused and taken aback but still interested.) I'll tell you what, if this is what you want, you need to decide today. I don't have time to sit around and wait for another girl to decide whether or not she'll sleep with me, so if this is what you want, meet me this afternoon at 3:00 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. If you don't show up, I'll know that we don't have a deal. Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to clean up this mess and get some work done. I hope to see you later, Violet. (Summer stands up to leave. She approaches the door, opens it, but before she can leave, he speaks once more.) Remember Violet, 3:00 Beverly Hills Hotel. You can go now. (She shakes her head to show that she heard him and she closes the door. The camera stays with her as she runs into the room down the hall. After rushing in, she closes the door quickly and throws off her wig.)
Summer: Ugh! Coop, how did you not claw his eyes out! What a creep! I'm soooo glad I got to be apart of bringing him down! I wonder how many others he's tried to pull this on.
Sandy: I'm sure once the word has spread that he's been busted, other women will begin to come forward. Do you two know how proud I am of you? (He pulls Marissa and Summer to him and hugs them. Summer and Marissa respond at the same time.)
Summer: Thanks Mr. C.
Marissa: Thanks Sandy….for everything.
Police Officer: Good Job, everyone, but if you'll excuse us, we'd like to go and have a nice little chat with Dr. Frasier. I think it would be a good idea if you girls left now. Mr. Cohen, you're welcome to stay.
Sandy: Thanks. After what he did to my girls, especially Marissa, I'd really like to see his face when you guys arrest him. Why don't you two go home together? I'll call you tonight when I have some news. (Marissa hugs him once again and then turns to the police officers.)
Marissa: Thank you, for all your help and for believing me.
Police Officer: Thank you Miss. Cooper for bringing this to us. (Marissa smiles at them once before turning to Summer and they walk out together. The scene goes black and opens up again back at the apartment. Marissa and Summer have just gotten back. They both walk into the kitchen where Marissa grabs a water from the fridge and Summer grabs a bagel and juice. As they grab their stuff and walk towards their rooms, they talk.)
Summer: So, do you want to ride together to work?
Marissa: Actually, I'm going to wait here so that I can talk to Ryan before I come in this afternoon. This has been driving him crazy, not knowing what was going on with me, and I really want him to hear it from me and not anyone else, but thanks.
Summer: No problem, just make sure you show up today. We don't need you two going crazy and having wild, passionate sex all day long to comfort each other!
Marissa: Sum!
Summer: What? Are you denying it that you guys have quite the intense love life?
Marissa: Well, no.
Summer: And are you denying it that you two can get carried away and end up spending all day in bed?
Marissa: (She blushes and laughs.) No, but you don't need to know this, and you definitely don't need to mention this in front of Seth, EVER!
Summer: Don't worry, I wouldn't want to make him anymore insecure than he already is, but if you don't show up for work, the deal's off and Cohen will know everything.
Marissa: Duly warned.
Summer: So, I'm going to go change and then throw these clothes in the garbage before I leave for the studio. See you later, Coop. (Summer walks off towards her room, but before she disappears behind her door, Marissa calls out.)
Marissa: Hey, Sum?
Summer: What?
Marissa: Thanks….for all your help today.
Summer: Hey, what are best friends for if they can't help you bring down sleazy professors? (Marissa laughs as Summer enters her room and shuts the door behind her. Marissa does the same, goes into her room and shuts the door as she waits for Ryan to come home. The scene leaves the apartment and goes to Sandy who has just arrived home. He yells for Kirsten when he enters the house.)
Sandy: Honey, are you still here? (Kirsten walks out of their bedroom hallway dressed for work.)
Kirsten: Yeah, I called Julie and postponed our work, lunch date. We're meeting later for dinner instead. So, how did it go today? (They walk into the kitchen together. She sits down at the counter in one of the stools while he gets a bottle of water out of the fridge and leans against the counter as they talk.)
Sandy: Well, the guy is, at this moment, being processed by some of the LAPD's finest.
Kirsten: (She smiles.) Oh, Sandy, that's wonderful, and how are the girls?
Sandy: Marissa is safe and I think, if Summer didn't already have a job, that today would have made her want to be an undercover cop! Oh honey, you should have seen them, they were so good, and Summer was having fun fooling that sick son-of-a-b!tch the entire time! If I ever need anyone in the future to trap a man, I know who to go to. She was unbelievable, but, after seeing her performance today, I know that she's definitely made to be an actress.
Kirsten: I'm just glad that this is over, that he'll be put away where he can't hurt another young woman.
Sandy: Me, too, honey, me, too.
Kirsten: Yeah, but there seems to be something you're leaving out. Sandy, what else happened today?
Sandy: Oh honey, it was so much fun, being involved with the cops, working undercover, and I think they could tell just how much I enjoyed working with them.
Kirsten: Why?
Sandy: Because I got offered a job when we got back to the station.
Kirsten: Excuse me?
Sandy: Well, it will take a lot of commuting, but I think it will be exciting and definitely something new.
Kirsten: What will be?
Sandy: Honey, as long as you approve, you're looking at he new ADA of Los Angeles.
Kirsten: You're not serious?
Sandy: As serious as your Father's heart condition. (He laughs slightly, but she just gives him the glare which stops his amusement immediately.)
Kirsten: But Sandy, you've always been on the other side, first as a public defender and then as a private defense attorney.
Sandy: I know, but don't you think it's time for me to see how the other side works? It isn't permanent, I can always go back to private law or even to the PD's office, but I had fun today, and I want to feel like I am benefiting others again and not the wealthy and privileged of this Newport bubble.
Kirsten: So, Sandy Cohen is going to be working for the government.
Sandy: I guess so.
Kirsten: I hope they're prepared, I mean, do they really know what they're getting into? You're going to want to let every kid go so that they get a second chance and you're going to want to hang every underhanded, corporate businessman like my Dad in Southern California.
Sandy: And would that be that bad? (She laughs.)
Kirsten: Come here you. (She stands up and he walks towards her and they embrace in a passionate kiss.) You know, I don't have to meet with Julie for a few more hours. Perhaps we should have a private celebration of your new job before Zoe gets home from her play date?
Sandy: I like the way you think. (He picks her up and cradles her in his arms while running out of the kitchen and to their bedroom. While he does this, Kirsten laughs the entire time. The scene leaves them and goes back to Ryan and Marissa at the apartment. She's in their bedroom waiting for him to come home, and when he walks in, he notices that she is there and yells out for her.)
Ryan: Well, this is a surprise. I thought you'd be at work already!
Marissa: I'm in our room. Can you come in?
Ryan: You don't even have to ask. (He puts his bags down and opens the door and shuts it behind him as he enters the room. Marissa is sitting on the edge of their bed when he walks in, so he goes over and sits beside her.) Hey, what's wrong? Is this about what happened last week; can you tell me yet?
Marissa: Yes and yes.
Ryan: Alright, I'm listening. (Marissa moves so that she is facing him and sitting crossed legged on the bed. She takes his hands in hers before she speaks.)
Marissa: Okay, but I want you to promise me that you'll listen to everything I say first before you do anything or say anything, alright?
Ryan: You're making me nervous Marissa, what's wrong?
Marissa: Nothing's wrong, at least, not anymore. Do you promise? (He tentatively shakes his head yes.) Okay, so last week when Dr. Frasier had me stay after class he tried to blackmail me into sleeping with him. (Ryan starts to get upset and to speak, but she puts a finger on his lips to settle him.) You promised. (He remains sitting but the anger is crackling in his eyes.) Anyway, he said that he would help me get a job with a TV studio if I slept with him, and when I declined, he threatened to have both you and I thrown out of UCLA and that basically he'd make sure we never got into another credible school. I didn't want to tell you, because I knew you'd go off to settle this with him on your own, and although I'd love nothing more than to see you beat the living snot out of him, I couldn't risk you getting in trouble to save me, so I went to Sandy. He went to the cops, and with their help and Summer's, we set him up today and got him to admit on tape to blackmailing me and then he did something similar to Summer. (After she says this he relaxes and actually gives her the classic half grin.) Right now, as we speak, he's being processed. Sandy's going to call tonight with more information, more details for us. So, what do you think?
Ryan: Are you okay?
Marissa: Me, I'm great! I stood up to a disgusting man today, and brought him down by sending him to prison after who knows how many years of him doing this to others. You're not mad are you…that I didn't tell you, I mean, you do understand why I didn't, right?
Ryan: (He laughs softly.) Oh come on Marissa, do you really think that I would have gone off on him and beat him up, me?
Marissa: (She laughs.) Oh no, not you, Mr. cool, calm, and collected without a jealous bone in his body! (He joins in and laughs with her, but stops abruptly and looks deeply into her eyes before pulling her into a tight hug.) Hey, what's this for? Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but…
Ryan: I just needed to feel you close to me, that's all, keep you with me….so I know you're safe.
Marissa: Hey, I'll take that any day…always. (As they hug, she moves her face so that she can kiss his cheek. When he notices her actions, he stands up and pulls her with him so that they are standing together in each others' arms. After holding her for a moment, he pulls away and walks towards the stereo, which he turns on and tunes the CD player to a certain track. As the music starts (the song should be Aqualung's "Brighter than Sunshine"), he goes back over and puts his arms around her once again.) I can't believe it! Ryan Atwood is initializing dancing! Are you feeling okay? (She is teasing him and she laughs, but he is serious.)
Ryan: I always want to dance with you. (And with that, he pulls her even closer and she lays her head on his chest and wraps her arms tighter around his body. They sway slowly to the music as the camera pans away from them, he occasionally kisses her hair, and the scene ends and fades to black.)
End of Episode #7