In the beginning of the third scene, Summer, Seth, Marissa, and Branning are all in an LA bridal boutique looking through rack after rack of designer dresses and books trying to catalogue all of their likes and dislikes. Branning and Summer are in their element, enjoying themselves tremendously while slowly Seth and Marissa begin to dodge them separately and avoid looking through any more dresses. As the scene begins, Marissa and Seth are both sneaking behind a row of dresses but not watching behind them. They bump into each other, but they both whirl around and express by holding fingers to their lips to be quiet so they are not caught. The two silently laugh and sit down. Whenever they want to see what Summer and Branning are doing, they pull the dresses slightly apart and peer in between them. As they talk, they must whisper.

Marissa: So I take it you're not as excited about this preliminary dress shopping excursion as Summer and Branning are? (Seth gives her a look trying to imitate Ryan, but fails miserably. Marissa laughs quietly at his expression, so he gives in and talks.)

Seth: What do you think? I don't know what they're talking about, and when they ask me a question, I'm supposed to know what I'm talking about and not just say I like this one or I don't like that one. When I don't say what she wants to hear, Summer gets mad and complains that I really don't care about this wedding and that if it were up to me, she'd being wearing a feed sack, whatever that is! (Marissa laughs.) What's so funny?

Marissa: Summer wearing a feed sack to your wedding, you could probably charge people to see that! This could be a good business venture for you guys. One fashion sacrifice on Summer's part could pay for the whole wedding. (Seth laughs.)

Seth: Yeah, I don't think the cost of the wedding is even on Summer's radar right now. I believe her Dad's exact words were, 'you're my only daughter and I love you, spend whatever you want.'

Marissa: You're in trouble.

Seth: I know.

Marissa: This is going to be the most lavish event Newport has ever seen with Summer at the helm with an unlimited budget. By the time she's done, your wedding will probably be a week long instead of just a few hours.

Seth: What about you? When you and Ryan get married…

Marissa: Seth, we're not even engaged yet, don't you think you're jumping the gun there by assuming that we'll get married?

Seth: Don't you want to?

Marissa: That's not what I said.

Seth: Answer my question and then I'll let you in on a little secret, one you will have to swear not to tell Ryan because otherwise I will die a slow and painful death, but a secret I will tell you anyway.

Marissa: Fine, yes I do want to marry him. Now, what's this secret?

Seth: He wants to marry you and wants you to be the mother of his children.

Marissa: That's not a secret Seth.

Seth: Yeah, but did you know he already knew this back during New Year's Eve?

Marissa: Seriously?

Seth: Yep, and I know you guys hadn't kissed yet…

Marissa: Hey, how do you know that?

Seth: Seth/Ryan time is very revealing. If you harp on him long enough, Ryan will let some details slip, not the very important ones, but enough to satisfy my gossip quota.

Marissa: Great!

Seth: Yeah, it is; someday the fantastic four will be all be related. Anyway, back to what I wanted to ask you in the first place, when you and Ryan get married, what kind of wedding do you want?

Marissa: A private one, with just the two of us, on the beach, in simple attire, no reception but I still want to share a dance, a ceremony where nothing religious is stated, and, of course, a honeymoon where no one can find us, Seth!

Seth: Who me, you really think I'd interrupt your honeymoon?

Marissa: Yes, you would, and probably for something stupid like you couldn't find your toothbrush or you needed help deciding what kind of cereal to eat for breakfast.

Seth: Okay, first of all, loosing your toothbrush is very traumatic, trust me, and secondly, choosing the right cereal is extremely important, because if you chose the wrong one, it messes up your whole day.

Marissa: See, and that's why you will not know where we are staying for our honeymoon when we get married.

Seth: I'd be surprised if you even told us you were getting married.

Marissa: Time will tell; I guess you'll just have to wait and see what happens.

Seth: You know Summer will kill you if you get married like that; she expects to be your matron of honor.

Marissa: I do have a sister that would be very offended if I didn't ask her to stand up with me, so even if I did have a formal wedding, I'm not sure what happen, but that doesn't matter, because I'm not going to. Summer will just have to deal with it.

Seth: Well, I'm not breaking the news to her; I leave that job to you. I want to survive to my wedding day! (Marissa laughs.)

Marissa: So do you think they're done yet?

Seth: Even if they're done here, I heard them mention a few other boutiques that they just have to go and check out! (Marissa giggles.)

Marissa: That had to be Branning who said that.

Seth: How did you guess?

Marissa: You imitate him well, Seth.

Seth: What's up with him anyway, I mean, he's nice and all, but seriously what guy likes to shop that much. I mean, he might even like shopping more than Summer, and I thought that was impossible!

Marissa: Seth's Branning's gay.

Seth: Oh. OH! (He laughs loudly for a brief moment before Marissa slaps her hand over his mouth.)

Marissa: What the hell are you doing? Do you want her to hear you and find us?

Seth: No, I'm sorry, but it's hilarious. Think about it. Ryan thought that Branning was interested in you and flipped out, causing this major fight between the two of you, and it turned out there was a better likelihood of Branning hitting on him than of him hitting on you! Does he know yet?

Marissa: No, I thought it might be a blow to his ego. Don't you dare tell him, Seth, he'll figure it out sooner or later for himself, probably sooner, because Branning is very vocal that he finds Ryan attractive. (Seth silently laughs so hard that he falls over on the floor and holds him stomach. Marissa can't help it either and she ends up laughing right along with him.)

Seth: I cannot wait to see Ryan's face when Branning hits on him! We better start carrying cameras around. Hey, I forgot to ask, why are you hiding back here? Don't you like shopping?

Marissa: Ugh, it's okay once in a while, but Summer and Branning could go everyday and when they do, they're obsessive. Can't they just shop for an hour or two and then leave? You don't have to go into every store and try on every piece of clothing in your size that you like. It wears me out, and frankly, I get bored really quickly.

Ryan: Lucky Ryan! Why does he get all the luck? First you cook, second you don't want a big wedding, and now I find out that you really don't like shopping either. Boy did he hit the jackpot when he met you.

Marissa: Thanks Seth, but you better not say anything along those lines to your fiancée. She might murder you and then blame it on me to get rid of both of us, but make sure you tell Ryan.

Seth: Why?

Marissa: Keep him on his toes and remind him what a great catch he has. (She laughs.)

Seth: Wow, aren't we modest?

Marissa: No, but in all seriousness, I'm the lucky one.

Seth: Oh no, you can stop right there. I've enjoyed this little bonding session, but I have to drop the line at this. I do not need to hear you brag about how good my brother is in the sack! It will ruin my dinner, and we all know how much dinner means to me! (Marissa hits him lightly in the arm.)

Marissa: Seth! I was not going to tell you about our sex life! That would be complete border crossing and frankly, disgustingly creepy.

Seth: Wouldn't be the first time someone said that about me. (He looks over and notices that Marissa is looking pale and is leaning back against the dresses like she is dizzy.) Hey, are you okay?

Marissa: Yeah, this will pass. I haven't been feeling well this week, I've been nauseous and dizzy, but it only lasts for a few minutes here and there and I hardly ever throw up.

Seth: Oh good, that's comforting. (He slides away from her.)

Marissa; What are you doing? If you get too far away, we won't be able to talk to each other and we both know you don't do well in silence.

Seth: And I also don't do well when I'm sick and I don't want to catch whatever you have, which is what by the way? Let's see, you're dizzy, sick to your stomach, occasionally you let your food defy gravity and come back out…

Marissa: That was disgusting Seth.

Seth: Oh my god, are you pregnant?

Marissa: Why does everyone keep asking me that! No, I'm not pregnant, and if you want to know what's wrong, I'll tell you. I get sick when I'm on my period! Satisfied?

Seth: (He makes a disgusted face and fake gagging sounds.) Never say those words to me again, please. I'd rather think you were pregnant than to hear that come out of your mouth ever!

Marissa: You've got to be kidding me, Seth, grow up. Doesn't Summer tell you when she has it?

Seth: (He sticks him fingers in his ears and speaks gibberish so he won't hear her. After trying to quietly get his attention, she kicks his leg hard getting his attention, but he yelps out in pain, and before they can crawl away and find a new hiding spot, Summer corners them on one end of the row and Branning on the other.)

Summer: Cohen, what the hell are you doing back here! I've been looking for you everywhere! There are a pile of dresses I need you to go through and tell me exactly what you like and dislike about each one, and I don't want to hear any of this, 'oh Summer I like this one, but that one I don't.' Tell me why dumbass!

Branning: And you Miss Marissa, I've been looking for you everywhere. Summer and I found some dazzling maid of honor dresses that you just have to look at and let us know what you think of them. What are you two doing back here? You're not cheating on Mr. Peckalicious with his brother are you?

Seth: Whoa, Mr. Peckalicious! You seriously call Ryan that?

Branning: Whoops. He's not very comfortable with discussing his brother's sexuality is he? Sorry. (He grins sheepishly. Marissa looks embarrassed, Seth is flabbergasted, and Summer is playing with her nails bored by the sudden turn in conversation.)

Summer: Okay, that's enough about Chino; you two still haven't answered our question, why are you back here?

Seth: Well, you see, I…um….we were, well….

Marissa: I don't feel so good and I almost got sick, and Seth was helping me, but we didn't want to say anything and ruin your guys preliminary shopping trip, so we thought we'd hide until you were finished and hope you didn't notice our absence. (Seth flashes her a grateful look which Marissa notices but Summer and Branning don't because they're too concerned with what is bothering Marissa.)

Branning: What's wrong Miss Marissa?

Seth: Female issues. (Now it is Marissa's turn to flash Seth a look of thanks because his answer helped her avoid being questioned about being pregnant.)

Branning: Aw, that time of the month, I understand.

Seth: You do? (Marissa laughs, but Summer just rolls her eyes.)

Summer: Figure of speech, Cohen, but I am proud of you. You were able to discuss a woman's period (Seth cringes when she says this word but this time does not cover his ears and babble incoherently.) without passing out. Maybe you are finally maturing? Hey, you never know, by the time you reach our wedding, the inner Seth might have actually reached puberty.

Seth: Oh no, inner Seth is skipping over that stage in real Seth's life, because as anyone who knew me then can attest, it was not pretty.

Summer: Yeah I can imagine.

Seth: Summer, you knew me then.

Summer: Ah, no I didn't. I'd heard of you, but I'd always thought your name was Stanly or Stuart or something along those lines. I never even looked at you until I noticed you with Chino, and let me tell you, the eyes didn't wander long over you when I had your best friend to look at!

Seth: Wow, that's always great to hear from your fiancée. Now if you all would excuse me, I think I have to go play in traffic. It's been nice knowing you all; hope you enjoy the funeral. Gramps is sure to spurge for a good one, so I'd recommend going. (With that he gets up to walk away, but Summer stops him.)

Summer: Ah ha, Cohen, you made your point, but where exactly do you think you're going?

Seth: Well, Summer, I thought I'd be a nice friend and take Marissa home since she's not feeling well. Besides, it really doesn't matter what I think of your dress, because you're the one who has to love it. Anything that you love, I'll love, and you know that I will think you're gorgeous in anything, even if it is a feed sack. So, why don't you and Branning continue your preliminary shopping excursion, and I'll take Marissa home and we'll work on dinner. Maybe she can teach me a thing or two about cooking, that way one of us will be able to cook once we're married. (Marissa stands up and goes to walk away with Seth, but Summer's arms stop her as she wraps her up in a hug.)

Summer: Hope you feel better Coop, and if Cohen gets out of hand, just take a spatula to him and beat his scrawny ss! (Marissa laughs at Summer's comment while Seth looks petrified in the background. Finally, Marissa is able to pull herself out of Summer's tight grasp only to be embraced by Branning.)

Branning: See you tomorrow Miss Marissa. Do you want Summer and I to pick you up some Midol before we get back?

Marissa: No thanks, I'm good. (She finally gets away from his grasp and leaves the store with Seth. After Branning and Summer are the only ones left, they both shrug their shoulders and leave Seth and Marissa's hiding place.)

Summer: So, what do you think, should we head up to Wilshire or hit Rodeo Drive first?

Branning: (He puts Summer's arm in his and escorts her towards the store's entrance.) Let's just see where the mood takes us. (Summer laughs and they exit the store together. The camera leaves them and goes to Kirsten as she pulls into Caleb's drive way and parks her car. She walks up the steps, rings the doorbell, and waits a moment before ringing it again. Still, there is no answer. Finally she gives in, and pulls out her key and unlocks the door. When she walks in, she starts looking for Julie and yelling her name.)

Kirsten: Julie! Julie, are you here! (After waiting for a moment, she begins to walk through the house. As she does so, she continually repeats her greeting announcing ahead of herself that she has arrived so as not to startle Julie and in hope that she will appear.) Julie, it's Kirsten. We were supposed to meet her to go over plans for the party. You did say you wanted to meet today, didn't you, because that's what I had written down in my day planner? Julie! Where are you? (By this point she has walked through the foyer and into a hall which led to the family room and kitchen. Now she is at a set of doors which lead to the back patio. From there you can see the quest house.) Oh what the hell, maybe she's down there. (Kirsten opens the door and exits the main house and makes her way towards the guest house. When she speaks next, she is whispering just in case Julie is around because she does not want her to hear.) I swear if she's not here, that's it, I'm through! I'm already doing most of the work anyway. I can't believe my career has come to this, organizing parties and babysitting forty year old women who are currently sleeping with my father! (She is now close to the guest house so her voice raises and she once against announces her presence.) Julie! Hello! It's Kirsten; we were supposed to work on your party today! (She knocks harshly on the door, but there is no answer. Sick of this game, Kirsten just opens it and walks in. The room is dark, so she turns on lights to reveal that the house is a mess. Clothes are strewn all through the main room (Great room with an adjoining kitchen), the blinds are drawn creating the somber atmosphere, and there are magazines, cds, movies, and dirty dishes everywhere.) Julie, are you here! (Still there is no answer. Kirsten takes another look around the disheveled room and closes the door behind her as she walks away.) What the hell are you up to Julie, and, more importantly, where the hell are you? (She looks back at the guest house again as she walks up to the main house.) How can anyone live in a mess like that? (She is silent until she reaches the main house and lets herself back in.) Well, I might as well get some work done while I'm here; besides without having to watch Julie's every move, it will probably be a more productive work session than if she was here. (She goes into the kitchen and opens her briefcase, removing paperwork and organizing it into specific piles according to its purpose. Once she has finished, she gets the cordless phone off its cradle, sits down in a chair, and begins to work. As she makes the first call, leaning back to make herself comfortable in the chair, the camera leaves her and goes to a dark and grungy bar. There inside of it with a bottle of water sitting in front of her is Julie. She is wearing oversized glasses and a large black hat while her clothes are simple but non-revealing as they cover almost every piece of skin on her body from her neck to her ankles. Suddenly, as the noise of a door opening can be heard, she looks up and takes off her glasses, holding them in her hand the whole time. She is angry. The perso, who she watches walk across the room sits down in front of her.)

Julie: Finally! Why the hell are you so late! If you don't want to be apart of this, tell me now and you're welcome to leave. I can find someone else who wants to make a lot of money relatively easy! (Her voice is harsh but she whispers everything she says so that no one else in the wayward looking establishment can hear what she is discussing. Once she finishes speaking, the camera pans across to show the person she is speaking with, Lance.)

Lance: Look Jules, I'm sorry, but I was in the middle of something, something that you and I both know is too much fun to leave right in the middle.

Julie: Oh spare me another of your wild sex stories, Lance! It's too close to dinner time and I really don't want to loose my appetite. (He laughs good naturedly at her little dig.)

Lance: Wow, that's not the Julie I remember, and don't go all high and mighty on me, because if my memory serves me correctly, you were the one who used to make me late all the time years ago before you were married, and once or twice even after you married that waste; what was his name again?

Julie: Jimmy.

Lance: Oh yeah, that's right. Did he ever figure out that the scam artist who tried to sell you a vacuum cleaner was an old flame of yours who just came there to have some fun with his wife?

Julie: What's the point of this Lance? We have more important things to talk about.

Lance: Since when did you become all business and no fun, Jules?

Julie: Where are you going with this Lance?

Lance: I just wanted to see if we could have a repeat performance like eighteen years ago. It's been way too long Jules since you and I were together.

Julie: Not happening, so get the idea out of your head. We have business to do, that's it!

Lance: Oh come on, you know you want to. I know of Caleb Nichol and I also know what you're like in the sack; you can't tell me that that old guy satisfies you, the Julie Cooper.

Julie: That does not matter, and frankly it's none of your business.

Lance: It could be my business if you'd let it be.

Julie: Lance, that's enough! Now are you in or are you out…of the deal?

Lance: What do you think?

Julie: Fine, so do you have anyone lined up yet?

Lance: I'm still narrowing down the selections, but don't worry any of them will work. They all have secrets they need kept or debts they need paid, and I am very capable of helping all of them, but I just need to make sure that we pick the one who is the most desperate.

Julie: Good. Now I want this done by Monday, everything arranged so that when I'm ready, they will be, too. All the candidates work at Newport Memorial, right, because Cal wouldn't believe it if I went to another hospital?

Lance: What do you take me for, Jules? You act as if this is my first scam.

Julie: Oh trust me, I know it's not your first scam; there is just a lot riding on this one, mainly my entire life, and if you mess this up, well then I'm back to being Julie Nobody living in Riverside in a trailer probably dating you. (He laughs.)

Lance: And would that be so bad? (Julie glares at him.) So the accommodations weren't that good, but the sex was and you know we had a lot of fun, Jules, come on admit it. We were quite the pair.

Julie: And now we're going to be quiet the business partners, right? (She sticks her hand out looking to shake his in a sign of good faith that their partnership will work out. He laughs at her before putting his hand in hers and shaking it.)

Lance: I still can't believe I'm sitting here with Julie Cooper and we're getting ready to pull the oldest trick in the book to catch her the richest guy in Southern California. Feels just like the good old days! (Julie lets go of his hand and stands up while putting her sunglasses back on.)

Julie: Don't call me Lance; I'll call you. It's too dangerous for you to try to reach me. The maid might answer, or worse, Caleb himself. Remember, I want everything arranged by Monday. I'll talk to you then. (With this she walks out of the door leaving a slightly grinning Lance as he watches her walk away. As the camera leaves the bar, he goes over to the bartender and orders a drink. Next, the camera goes back to Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer's apartment. Marissa is sitting on the couch holding a pillow and is crossed legged. Seth walks in carrying a bottle of water for her and a mountain dew and pack of pudding for himself. He sits down beside her. Music is on in the background softly. The song should be Soft's "Higher". The two are talking.)

Seth: Okay, so every time Summer wants to go wedding shopping, you need to get sick. If I get sick, she'll say that I really don't want to get married and that I'm just faking an illness to get out of going with her, but you she'll believe, because the thought that another woman would not like shopping as much as she does would never enter her mind, and, as she did today, she'll gladly let me go to help you.

Marissa: (She laughs and takes a drink of her water.) Seth, I can't lie to Summer. Today I really didn't feel well, but next time I'll probably be fine so then how are we going to get out of shopping?

Seth: We'll just have to brainstorm and think of something. Come on between the Ironist and the Purple Passage Princess…

Marissa: Who's that?

Seth: Oh, that's you; I thought of it on the drive back here. What do you think?

Marissa: I'm impressed that you know what a purple passage is!

Seth: I may be self involved and narrow minded, but I'm not stupid.

Marissa: Always good to know.

Seth: So, do you approve of your new super hero moniker?

Marissa: So far so good, but I better not be wearing some trashy purple piece of lingerie!

Seth: I will allow you the same honor that I did Summer and give you wardrobe approval.

Marissa: Good. So here's to Atomic County, may my presence make it good enough to be published! (She raises her water bottle for a toast and laughs at her audacity. Seth laughs along with her and raises his bottle of mountain dew and they gently knock them together.)

Seth: Now who's being self-absorbed, but I'll take it because it puts positive vibes into the universe about my comic, and those I need! (They each take a drink and then put the bottles down on the coffee table.) What now?

Marissa: What would you and Ryan do now if you two were here alone without Summer and I?

Seth: That's easy; we'd Playstation it.

Marissa: Well then, what are you waiting for?

Seth: You play Playstation?

Marissa: Not well, so you'll probably win unless you're terrible.

Seth: I'm not, and I'll take the easy victory.

Marissa: I figured. So, what type of games do you have….or, on second thought, why don't you just surprise me. I doubt there's anything that will sound appealing. (Seth jumps up and grabs a game out of the stack beside the TV and puts it in while turning on the proper equipment. He sits back down and hands Marissa a controller. When the game comes on, it's the ninja game.) Are those ninjas?

Seth: What else?

Marissa: I am so not surprised by this sudden turn of events. You probably have a game with pirates, too, am I right?

Seth: Oh, that's a good one too, a bit old school but still one of my favorites.

Marissa: Don't you play anything normal like Grand Theft Auto? (Seth laughs.) What?

Seth: Well, Marissa, that game brings up some fond memories and a story which will help explain why I don't own that game any longer.

Marissa: Shoot. (As they continue to talk, they play the game. Occasionally, they will yell out at the TV as their player either does something good or bad depending upon the situation.)

Seth: Okay, so I'm sure Ryan told you how he came to live with us?

Marissa: Stole a car, Sandy was his lawyer, and he took him in after his drunk Mom kicked him out when her louse of a boyfriend beat him up, yet again.

Seth: Wow, the single biggest event in my life was just summed up in less than thirty seconds; you've been hanging out with Ryan way too much! (Marissa laughs. The song changes to Neko Case's "Star Witness".)

Marissa: There's no sense in complicating an uncomplicated story, Seth, and besides, I need to concentrate if I want to beat you.

Seth: Oh please, you're a first timer; I've been playing this game, in one form or another, since I was practically in diapers.

Marissa: Oh so that means you started playing this a few years ago. (She laughs and Seth fake laughs.)

Seth: Wow, that was a good one, Marissa! Not only has your vocabulary been limited since you started dating Ryan, but now you're starting to tell his lame jokes as well.

Marissa: What, his jokes aren't lame; you just don't like them because they're normally sent in your direction.

Seth: True, true, but they're still not very funny.

Marissa: I think it's funny when he makes fun of you, Summer thinks it's hilarious, and the joke I just said, now that was funny.

Seth: Whatever. Anyway, the first morning he was there, I asked him if he wanted to play Grand Theft Auto and got myself into a sticky conversation about the merits of stealing cars. Ryan never said anything, and I think he found the whole situation funny, but I was mortified and destroyed the game in secret later and still refuse to buy a new one to this day. It's just too awkward. (He shudders at the thought of the game.)

Marissa: That's really lame Seth.

Seth: (He starts laughing.) Yeah, I know it. (There is a slight pause as they both concentrate on the game.) Now that, my Playstation student, is for insulting your teacher! Oh, I don't see it, where did it go? Marissa, what happened to your guy's arm? (He turns to look at her, but she starts laughing.)

Marissa: I don't know Seth. Maybe if your guy still had his head, you'd be able to see where my arm was! (He looks back to the screen with a shocked look on his face.)

Seth: I turn around for two second and you kill me!

Marissa: Now what's this about you teaching me how to play; I think it should be the other way around!

Seth: I can't believe this! What's happening to me? Are my skills regressing? First Ryan learned how to beat me, then Zoe started to, and now you beat me on your very first attempt. If you will excuse me, there is a toilet that I need to go drown myself in. (He goes to stand up and walks dejectedly out of he room. Marissa laughs the entire time. After a few moments, Seth jogs back into the room and sits back down smiling.)

Marissa: So, how was the self imposed swirly?

Seth: Uh, changed my mind. I figured that your win was just beginners luck. Rematch?

Marissa: I thought you'd never ask! (They pick the controllers up again and start to play as the scene fades away and goes to black.)

Commercial Break