The fourth scene begins with Julie driving in one of Caleb's cars. It is a beautiful morning, Wednesday, and she is on her way to her final divorce hearing. As she drives along, she rummages through her purse until she finds her cell phone and pulls it out. Dialing quickly, she drives with one hand as she holds her phone to her ear with the other. As she talks, her voice and the person's voice she is speaking with can heard, but the other person is not shown until the end of their conversation.
Julie: (She sounds slightly surprised that the person answered the phone.) Caitlyn? Why aren't you in school?
Caitlyn: Why aren't you on the corner?
Julie: Caitlyn!
Caitlyn: Julie!
Julie: Look, I didn't call you to fight back and forth.
Caitlyn: Then what are you calling for?
Julie: Like I said in my message, I have news.
Caitlyn: And as I thought you'd realize after I didn't call you back, I don't care.
Julie: I really don't care whether you want to know or not, I'm going to tell you…
Caitlyn: Fine. What is it; what's your big news?
Julie: Well, first of all, I assume you know that your…Jimmy and I are finalizing our divorce today.
Caitlyn: Um, nope I didn't, because I really don't talk to him either. What does this have to do with me?
Julie: I'm also getting married on Friday.
Caitlyn: (She laughs.) What is it, a shotgun wedding, baby came before you were a bride? Really Julie, you should be ashamed of yourself, premarital sex. You'd think you would have learned your lesson the first time.
Julie: As a matter of fact, I am pregnant, but it's nothing like that.
Caitlyn: (She laughs.) Oh my god, this is rich! You've got to be kidding me. You still haven't learned to use birth control! Amazing! All I have to say is that I feel sorry for the poor kid.
Julie: Trust me when I say the child will be anything but poor!
Caitlyn: How can you be so sure?
Julie: Caleb is the father.
Caitlyn: Again, how can you be so sure? You've always been one to be known for her wandering eye and promiscuous behavior.
Julie: Ugh, Caitlyn, do you and your sister always have to use such big words. Don't you realize that boys don't like smart girls?
Caitlyn: And what, they like girls like you, sluts?
Julie: Speaking of sluts, still hooking up with that thing I saw you with on Valentine's Day?
Caitlyn: Not that it's any of your business, but why do you think I'm not in school? (Julie laughs.)
Julie: Judge me all you want, Caitlyn, but it sounds as if you're more like your mother than you care to admit.
Caitlyn: Hm, that's interesting, because I don't have a mother. Is this pointless conversation over yet?
Julie: Should I expect to see you at the wedding?
Caitlyn: Nah, I really don't want the place to collapse upon me and then burn me to a crisp after you swear to be faithful. Risking my life to please you is not that high on my to do list, sorry!
Julie: Oh, it's just as well. You probably wouldn't fit in very well, you know, with the moneyed class.
Caitlyn: (Her voice is dripping with sarcasm.) And I'm sure you do! Let me just imagine what you talk about. I bet you compare trailers, eat pork rinds, and drink cheap beer? Classy!
Julie: Ah ha, so funny Caitlyn. And here I was going to invite you to live with me so that you could escape from your insanely protective grandparents and your hopelessly clueless father, of course on some stipulations,…
Caitlyn: Like what, act like we get along in public in front of all the other plastic, socialite wives and stay out of your way any other time. Thanks but no thanks. You can just find someway to explain my conspicuous absence to your snobby, fake friends, and leave me out of it! Look, I've got to go. It's been nice chatting with you. Try not to make this a habit! (With that, she hangs up on Julie who just laughs to herself and tosses the phone back in her bag before placing her second hand back on the steering wheel while she drives along with a pleased smirk on her face. The camera shifts back to Caitlyn who is laying in Trey's bed. He is still asleep. She tosses her phone back down onto her jeans and pulls the covers back up over her obviously naked body. As she closes her eyes, the camera leaves her and goes to the hospital parking lot. Sandy is leaning against his car as Ryan and Marissa pull in and park beside him. When they get out they walk over to Sandy. He hugs them both hello before they even say a word.)
Ryan: Sorry we're late.
Sandy: Actually, you're early, and I just got here. Now, come on, we'll talk as we walk. (Ryan and Marissa walk together, holding hands, and Sandy accompanies them, walking on the opposite side of Marissa.)
Marissa: So, what's my game plan?
Sandy: It's actually quite simple. Sherry, that's the nurse's name, or at least, that's what her friends and family call her, so you will, too, was a drug addict, which means, you're going to be her sponsor from NA. (Ryan turns to look at Sandy wide eyed and obviously not thrilled with the plan, but Marissa just nods her head in agreement with him.)
Marissa: It's good, believable. I like it.
Ryan: (Now Ryan turns to her with a shocked look on his face.) You do!
Marissa: Yeah, if they were friends with her, then they'd know that she was in recovery, but I doubt she would share too many details with them, which means they won't know anything about her sponsor, who she is, what she looks like. That's just not something you bring to work with you.
Ryan: But this isn't full proof, I mean, what if they do know things about her, what if they have met her sponsor? What if it's really a guy and when you say you're this woman's sponsor, they'll know you're lying. No, I don't like it. Sandy, come up with something else!
Sandy: (He turns to Ryan with a sympathetic yet am.used look on his face, finding it humorous just how much Ryan worries and cares for Marissa.) Look, she just can't go in there and claim to be a random friend, because if this nurse requested that they not say anything about her leaving, a friend is not a good enough reason to break a promise, but a sponsor who's worried about her, that will get them talking.
Ryan: Well, why can't I go along? I could be the protective boyfriend who doesn't leave her side. (He glances sideways at Marissa and smiles crookedly.) It's not too far from the truth for me to act it out convincingly. (Sandy laughs and puts his hand on his shoulder to try to get him to take his eyes off Marissa, but he doesn't. She meets Sandy's eyes and communicates with him that she will handle the situation. He lets his hand fall from Ryan's form and walks off, signaling that he'd just be a few paces away waiting for them to finish. Once he is gone, Marissa turns to Ryan and pulls him closely to her, kissing him softly on the lips before taking his hands in hers. While holding his hands reassuringly, she speaks to him.)
Marissa: Ryan, I know you want to come in with me and you're worried that something will happen, but nothing will. We're in a hospital. The worst thing that can happen is that someone will find out I'm lying and they'll yell at me to leave. It's not like charges will be brought against me; I'm doing this for the ADA of Los Angles County. Besides, you're number one on my speed dial. If I need anything, anything, I promise, I'll call you right away. (He gives her a half grin and she smiles back as he pulls her into his arms and hugs her tenderly.) Are you always going to be this protective? (She laughs as she asks the question and they both pull back to look at each other with smiles on their faces.)
Ryan: Oh trust me, you haven't seen anything yet! Just you wait until you're pregnant for the first time. I've already decided that you're going to be locked up in a protected tower where no one can get to you and I'm never going to leave your side for the whole nine months. (She rolls her eyes at him laughing at his attempt for a joke.)
Marissa: Uh huh, and that will be our last child, too, because after spending that much time with me, you'll never want to be in the same room with me again, hence, we would never be able t conceive another child.
Ryan: Never (He leans in and kisses her.) will (He kisses her again.) happen. (The last kiss is longer and deeper, as he pulls his body towards her again and pries her mouth open so that he can deepen the kiss and interplay his tongue with hers. Breathless she pulls away from him and blushes.)
Marissa: Ryan, we're in a hospital parking lot and your Dad is just a few steps away.
Ryan: (He laughs.) Yeah, I really don't care. (He reaches out for her again, but she slaps his advancing hands away, laughing.)
Marissa: Would you please stop it!
Ryan: (He laughs at her as he puts his arms around her and they start to walk over to Sandy.) So, what happened to the adventurous Marissa from a couple of days ago?
Marissa: She's on vacation, but even when she comes back, she's never going to be that adventurous! (They reach Sandy who is smiling at them the entire time, but Ryan does not stop this line of questioning.)
Ryan: When will she be back from vacation?
Marissa: (Marissa's face becomes a deep shade of red and she glares at Ryan who just waits patiently for her response.) It was going to be this weekend, but I've heard that she recently changed her mind and is never coming back, something to do with an un-appreciative boyfriend! (Sandy, confused, looks between them, while Ryan just chuckles at Marissa who is still glaring at him.)
Sandy: Who's on vacation?
Ryan: No one you've met…and, trust me, if I have anything to say about it, you never will! (Marissa can't help but silently laugh at this, but decides to change the subject as she sees Sandy about to ask another question.)
Marissa: So, I've convinced Ryan that we're going to do this your way, and he's okay with it. I have him on my speed dial, and I promised that if anything goes wrong at all or if I need anything, I will call him immediately.
Sandy: I wouldn't have it any other way. So, we'll just wait out here until you're done, right? (He turns and looks at Ryan who is still clearly not thrilled about the idea but no longer fighting it.)
Ryan: Right. (He steps away from Sandy for a moment and pulls Marissa with him.) Nothing crazy, promise me.
Marissa: Nothing crazy. Trust me; I know that my Mom is not worth risking my own neck, whether it's to bring her down or not. Promise me that you'll remain calm and not give Sandy too hard of a time when I'm gone.
Ryan: (He laughs softly.) I promise. And you'll call if you need me?
Marissa: Yes, Ryan, I'll call if I need you. Calm down; this is nothing, a piece of cake. I'll be back before you even miss me.
Ryan: I doubt that.
Marissa: Now come on; let's get this started so that we can go home. (She gives him a soft kiss on the lips.)
Ryan: Be careful.
Marissa: (She's teasing him.) As careful as you would be?
Ryan: Definitely a little more than that!
Marissa: (She laughs.) Okay. (She starts to walk away, but he brings her back to him and kisses her once again, slightly longer than when she kissed him. When she pulls away, she speaks.) Ryan?
Ryan: I know, I know. Fine, go. (She laughs, squeezes his hand to reassure him, waves at Sandy, and walks into the hospital, leaving a concerned Ryan to be watched by a laughing Sandy. He walks up to Ryan and puts his arm around his shoulders, leading him to a bench outside of the hospital and the two sit down.)
Sandy: Well kid, I don't know what to say, but are you in trouble when you two do have kids!
Ryan: I know. (He laughs sarcastically at himself.)
Sandy: At least she seems to handle it well, and obviously she can get you to do just about anything. (Ryan starts to protest, but Sandy just looks at him, asking him to even try to deny Marissa's power over him. He can't. Sandy laughs.) Yep, thought so. (The camera pans away from them and goes to the courthouse after the final hearing for Jimmy and Julie's divorce has ended. Jimmy is standing with his attorney shaking his hand while Julie is off in the distance standing with her attorney and a glaringly angry Caleb.)
Jimmy's Lawyer: So, how does it feel to be a free man?
Jimmy: Pretty dmn good, I must say. I've been looking forward to this day for a long time!
Lawyer: So, big plans?
Jimmy: Well, I was supposed to be going out with a friend tonight… (His eyes travel over to Caleb and turn slightly cooler as he looks at him briefly.) but those plans fell through. Looks like I will be celebrating my first night single, solo. What about you?
Lawyer: (He seems confused.) What, you want me to go out celebrating your divorce with you?
Jimmy: No! (He realizes the lawyer could take this rudely.) I meant…not if you don't want to. (The lawyer laughs as he knows that Jimmy feels obliged to say this and that he really didn't want to celebrate with him, which is no skin off the attorney's back.)
Lawyer: It's okay, Jimmy, I understand, and no offense, but I didn't want to. My plan is to go to the office, fill out your bill, and go home early and spend it with my wife. Even after attending so many of these, I'm still a happily married man at the end of the day….or hearing.
Jimmy: (He laughs.) Good for you. Well, thanks.
Lawyer: No problem.
Jimmy: And I'll be expecting your bill. (The two share a congenial laugh and both walk off, separately, leaving the courthouse and its occupants to their own advices. The camera scans back across the courtroom and zooms in on Julie who is talking to her lawyer while Caleb waits, ever so-not-patiently.)
Julie: And that's Caleb Nichol, C-A-L-E-B, N-I-C-H-O-L, that you're supposed to send the bill to. He'll take care of everything. (The lawyer smirks at her while Caleb grimaces. Julie notices both but ignores them.)
Caleb: Julie, I'm sure he knows who I am.
Julie: We can never be sure Cal, and even if he knows who you are, I have to make sure that he knows that you're handling the costs for me. (She turns to the lawyer and faux-whispers to him.) We're getting married on Friday, so it's the least he could do. (This catches the lawyer's attention as he files the marriage away in his mind knowing that if it in deed occurs, he'll have another case on his hands. Raising his eyebrows and smiling, he speaks to both of them with just a hit of sarcasm in his voice. Julie doesn't recognize it but Caleb does.)
Lawyer: Congratulations! I'm sure it will be a long and happy marriage. (Caleb rolls his eyes.)
Julie: Thank you. Your well wishes mean so much to me, (She smiles at him.) Cal, and the baby. (The eyebrows rise once again as he has to hold in a laugh. Caleb notices, and just walks away.)
Caleb: Julie, when you're done embarrassing me in front of all of Newport, come and find me, I'll be out in the car.
Julie: Will you excuse us, I'm sorry. He's just a little overwhelmed with everything. You know, a father, again, at his age, but we're really very happy. Oh, and don't forget to send him the bill. Thanks. (She walks away smirking at herself and catches up with Caleb, forcing him to give her his arm. They walk out together and continue to talk.)
Caleb: Must we really walk out together like this? I really need to be getting back to the office.
Julie: We're getting married Cal, and all of Newport, whether or not you like it, is going to think that we're in love and happy about this child.
Caleb: Why? Do you actually think I care what this town thinks of me?
Julie: No, I know you don't, but I do, and I'm going to run this town when I'm through with it, so I cannot misstep now and blow my whole plan. Everyone is going to think that I'm a loving and devoted wife and mother no matter what you have to say about it. Now, smile please, you never know who might see us.
Caleb: Ugh, I cannot wait to get you to your car so that I can leave on my own.
Julie: Oh, you're not going anywhere. We're going to get a marriage license, then we're having lunch at the club, and then you're going to drop me off here so I can get my car and go shopping for Friday while you do whatever the hell you want. Go to the office, go home, go play golf, I don't care, just don't do anything to embarrass me.
Caleb: (He snorts a laugh in response.) Me, embarrass you, that's really rich Julie. I'm not the one with a porn scandal in my past.
Julie: You're right, I do have one of those, but as soon as we're married, you're taking care of that, (She peers at him with a determined glint in her eyes.) right?
Caleb: (He speaks through gritted teeth.) Right. (The camera leaves him and goes back to the hospital where Marissa is approaching the nurses' station. There are a few standing around talking, but they stop when they see her approaching. She places a gentle smile on her face and appears to be a concerned yet kind young woman. One nurse speaks for the rest when she reaches them.)
Nurse 1: Can I help you?
Marissa: (Her voice sounds slightly desperate.) I'm looking for a friend of mine and I'm hoping that you'll be able to help me find her. Her name is Sherry… (Another nurse interrupts her.)
Nurse 2: Why are you looking for Sherry?
Marissa: Well at least you're acknowledging that you know her. I'm her sponsor. (All three nurses look at her inquisitively.) You do know that she is a recovering drug addict don't you? (The three nurses exchange glances.)
Nurse 3: Please, why don't you come with me? This is not something we should talk about out in the open because she is a nurse and information that you just revealed here is not something they look upon favorably. Sherry worked hard to keep that off her record. If someone found out that…well, you know, she'd most likely never get another nursing job again. (Marissa smiles at her gratefully and they walk away. Without talking, they continue down a hallway and exit the corridor through a private door that led into a nurses' lounge. There, the nurse motions for Marissa to sit down. She goes over to the coffee pot and pours herself a cup. Once she finishes, she turns towards Marissa.) Do you want some?
Marissa: No thank you. I only drink water.
Nurse: That's healthy of you. No offense, but it's hard to believe that a former addict doesn't even drink caffeine.
Marissa: Oh, I used to, but I figured, if I was going to do this right, I wasn't going to be addicted to anything, not even legal drugs.
Nurse: Must be healthier for you. I'd love to quit, but, you know…
Marissa: (She laughs.) It's hard. (The nurse smiles at her and goes over and sits down beside her, slowly sipping on her bitter concoction.)
Nurse 3: So, you're looking for Sherry?
Marissa: Yes. She's missed our last few meeting, and I'm worried about her. I've tried to reach her, but all of her old numbers have been disconnected, and from the way you're acting, she's not working here anymore and you're not surprised. Did something happen; is she alright?
Nurse 3: She wasn't alright, but I think she is now. At least, the last time I talked to her, she was okay.
Marissa: She didn't relapse did she?
Nurse 3: No, nothing like that, and, in fact, I'd say if she did anything, she made it harder for herself to ever relapse. (Marissa just stares at her with a confused expression on her face.) She was being blackmailed by someone who knew her old dealer, because the dealer suddenly called her mark and wanted paid immediately. If she didn't pay, he'd make her any way he could, and she needed the money.
Marissa: What did she do?
Nurse 3: We're not sure, but something bad enough that she felt she had to leave town. She wouldn't tell us, said she didn't want to make us accessories.
Marissa: Why didn't she come to me?
Nurse 3: I'm not sure; she never mentioned you, but I'd just assume that she didn't say anything for the same reason.
Marissa: Do you know where she went?
Nurse 3: Why?
Marissa: I need to make sure she's okay, that she's healthy and secure. I'm her sponsor and her friend, and that's what I am supposed to do; it's what I need to do. Until I know she's alright, I won't be able to rest comfortably.
Nurse 3: (She watches her for a moment.) You look young.
Marissa: (She laughs.) That's what everyone says, but I am young, I guess, but I've been in NA for a few years now. (The nurse looks at her incredulously.) This is Newport Beach we're talking about here. I was a spoiled, pampered princess who got whatever she wanted and had an unlimited bank account. That led me to party, which led me to drugs, and from there I never looked back. I've been clean and sober though for three years. I'm 21.
Nurse 3: And your parents?
Marissa: Still as clueless. If it wasn't for a friend of mine who realized I needed help, I'd probably still be using. When I went to rehab I told my parents I was going on an extended vacation and would look them up when I got back. I did, but I was clean and sober for the first time in two and half years. Now, I still have the money, but I use it for other things, and, with your help, some of it is going to go to Sherry if she'll let me. At least I'll be able to fly out to see her and check in with her where ever she is…if you help me. Please, I have to do this. (The nurse smiles at her.)
Nurse 3: Come with me. I have her new address in my purse. She's staying with a friend of mine. (They walk out of the room and the camera goes back to Ryan and Sandy. Sandy is still sitting on the bench, but Ryan is pacing in front of it, hands wedged deeply in his pockets, brows furrowed.)
Sandy: Ryan, calm down, she's only been gone a few minutes. She's fine. If she wasn't, she would have called.
Ryan: (His eyes flash up to Sandy as he keeps pacing.) How do you know!
Sandy: Because she told us she would. Ryan, trust me, if I wasn't sure about asking for her help, then I was after I saw her little performance Sunday evening. Marissa knows what she's doing; she knows how to act.
Ryan: But this isn't just lying to Julie.
Sandy: I know, it's lying to a stranger, and granted, Julie doesn't know her well, but she has to know her better than some random nurse who's busy, trying to work, and just wanting to get rid of the person who's asking questions.
Ryan: I still want to see her walk out of those doors soon.
Sandy: I know you do, kid, I know you do. (Ryan goes back to pacing, occasionally looking up at the doors that Marissa went in. Sandy leans back and laughs softly to himself. Neither of them notice Marissa walk out the doors on the opposite end of the hospital and head towards them. When she approaches them, Ryan's back is to her and she signals for Sandy to be quiet. She slips in and wraps her arms around Ryan's torso, but he pulls out of the embrace and whirls around to find a giggling Marissa while he berates the person.)
Ryan: What the hell do you think…(He finally sees who it is and his face erupts in a smile as he pulls her to him and hugs her tightly, kissing her first. Marissa just keeps laughing and hands Sandy a piece of paper before she returns Ryan's embrace.)
Marissa: There's the address of where she's staying. (Sandy smiles at her and places it in his pocket.)
Sandy: Thanks for your help and thanks for letting me borrow her Ryan, even though I think you were about to have a panic attack if she didn't return soon. (He laughs once again.) Well, I have to get going to work. Will I be seeing you two this weekend?
Ryan: (He lets go of Marissa but takes her hand in his.) No, we're actually going away for the weekend….just the two of us.
Sandy: Does Seth know about this yet? (Ryan and Marissa both laugh.)
Ryan: Yeah, he does.
Sandy: Well, if your suitcase feels a little heavier than normal or you hear some heavy breathing from your closet in your room, you know he didn't take the idea of just the two of you too seriously.
Marissa: We'll check the suitcase, but the hotel room isn't an option. He has no idea where we're going. I don't even know.
Sandy: (Sandy smiles.) I see Ryan's as smart as we give him credit for. No sense in taking any unnecessary risks that Seth will show up where he's not wanted. Have a nice trip, and don't worry, I'll tell Kirsten so she won't be calling you all weekend. Call us when you get home. (He waves as he walks off. Ryan kisses Marissa once again and then they follow Sandy, slowly, back to their car, just enjoying each other's company. The camera leaves them and goes to the apartment. As Summer opens the door and walks in, she finds a trail of poker chips that lead from the front door. She begins to follow them and starts to hear strains of music coming from her bedroom. Sure enough, the chips lead her there, and as she opens the door, the song becomes clear and she can hear what it is. It is Elvis's "Fools Rush In". Laughing, she begins to look around the room. The entire space is filled with balloons and poker chips, giant cards hanging from the ceiling and Seth is wearing an Elvis costume. They walk towards each other, and he takes Summer in his arms and dips her before pulling into the dance. As they make their way around the room, holding each other tightly, she tries to talk.)
Summer: Cohen, I….
Seth: Ssshhh, and the name is Elvis, baby. We'll talk later my little hunka-hunka burnin' love, but for right now, I just want to feel your sweet cheek on mine as we sway tenderly to the music. (She laughs out loud to his statement, but smiles and rests her head against his chest as they continue to dance. Once the song ends, he pulls away from her and leads her to their bed to sit down.)
Summer: Cohen, that costume is a trip!
Seth: Glad you like it, but we can't keep it, so I hope it doesn't turn you on. I have to have it returned by 11:00 tomorrow morning.
Summer: Don't worry, attraction wasn't the reaction it brought out in me, but we are definitely getting some pictures of you in it before it's returned.
Seth: (He rolls his eyes.) There's no way I'm getting out of that is there?
Summer: Nope.
Seth: Yeah, didn't think so, so I'll be mature and just pout and complain the whole time while I let you take a few photos. (She laughs.)
Summer: That's what you call maturity Cohen?
Seth: Hey, what did I say, little lady?
Summer: Sorry, that's what you call maturity Elvis?
Seth: Hey, it's progress; take it where you can get it.
Summer: You're right, and besides, I'm way too interested about what all this means. So spill, Elvis, or I'll rip off those disgusting sideburns with my bare hands!
Seth: One step ahead of you Summer my dear, I didn't glue them on. They're just there by a string. (She laughs, but he continues to talk.) You see, I wanted to show you just how much I love you and that I'm sorry for how I acted Monday night.
Summer: Seth…
Seth: Hey, quit, you don't have to say anything. I was a jerk, I know that, but I'm planning on making it up to you. You and I are going to be spending a fun, romantic weekend in Las Vegas, where all my attention will be focused solely on you and we'll do whatever you wish. I swear we don't even have to go to any magic shows, but if you want to, I definitely won't argue. (She smirks at him and shakes her head no.) Right, as I expected, no on the magic, someday you'll change your mind, but anyway, I digress.
Summer: Really, you digress, I'd never noticed before.
Seth: Hey, who said you could talk yet. (She gives him the eye.) Of course, you did, and you may speak whenever you want.
Summer: Thank you Elvis, now, please continue.
Seth: Actually, there's not much else to say except we leave tomorrow afternoon, so pack your bags, buy anything you may want or need today, and you better call off work!
Summer: I can handle that. (She stands up and walks over to him with a smile on her face. She puts her arms around his neck and pulls him in for kiss. He laces his hands around her back and holds her closely.)
Seth: I figured that if Ryan and Marissa could go off on their secret romantic getaway, we could, too, but we'd just do it better!
Summer: Dmn straight, and now, maestro, if you wouldn't mind, I'd love to hear that song again. (Seth lets go of her briefly and runs over to the CD player and turns it back on, adjusting it so that the same song starts playing again. He runs back to her and they start to dance with each other again as the camera fades off and the scene ends.)
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