The fourth scene opens up with Sandy and Kirsten as they finish getting ready and say goodbye to Zoe for the night. They are all in Sandy and Kirsten's bedroom. Kirsten is putting the finishing touches on her make up while Sandy is organizing his things, wallet, keys, etc. and putting on his traditional black socks with his dress shoes. Kirsten's marine blue dress is a satin halter one with a twisted halter strap, a ruched empire waist, and a deep keyhole. Zoe is sitting in the middle of their large bed playing with dolls as they three lazily and comfortably talk with each other, discuss the night to come, and then finally, say goodnight to their daughter right before the babysitter gets there as they know it will be a late night.

Zoe: (She looks over at her mother with a curious expression on her face and an angelic smile gracing her lips.) Mommy, (She waits for Kirsten to look up at her before she continues. Kirsten does so and peers at her daughter through the mirror.) when will I be able to wear makeup.

Sandy: (He laughs softly to himself which elicits an angry glare from Zoe before she turns back to her Mom.) If Ryan and I have anything to say about it, the only makeup you'll be wearing will be costume makeup to make you look like you have green skin and warts.

Kirsten: Sandy! (Her tone is reprimanding, but she smiles at him without Zoe seeing to show him that she knows he's teasing and that she understands his motivations.) Sweetheart, I'm sorry, but it will be a while before you're allowed to wear makeup.

Zoe: But you wear it and so does Summer and Marissa.

Kirsten: But they are older than you.

Zoe: I'm a big girl.

Sandy: (He goes over and picks her up and sets her on his lap as she drops her dolls to the side, no longer interested in playing because she has her parents' full attention.) Yes, you are a big girl, but do you know why women wear makeup?

Zoe: No.

Sandy: It's to make them more beautiful, but you don't need that Zoe; you're perfect just the way you are. (He gives her an Eskimo kiss which makes her giggle.)

Zoe: But Mommy is beautiful?

Sandy: Yes, she is, and she doesn't need to wear the makeup either, but you know Mommy, (He rolls his eyes which makes her laugh.) she's stubborn and does not listen to Daddy and all his brilliant ideas.

Kirsten: (She snorts a laugh at the part of his comment about his brilliant ideas.) I could name a few of your ideas that were not so brilliant!

Sandy: (Ignoring his wife.) Did you hear anything Zoe, (He winks at her.) because I didn't!

Zoe: (She laughs.) Me either! (Kirsten stands up from her vanity and walks to her closet where she puts on her shoes before joining the snickering father and daughter pair.)

Kirsten: You two think you're so funny, don't you, but I'll remember this moment when someone (She looks pointedly at Zoe and glares at her in a mockingly menacing way.) wants two bedtime stories and not just one, and (She turns her joking gaze upon her husband.) when someone else does not want a bedtime story! Have your fun, you two, because I will get the last laugh. (She walks to the bed and picks up her purse before walking out of the door into the hallway. Sandy and Zoe laugh and follow her. The three make their way to the kitchen where Kirsten gets a bottle of water out of the fridge and then sets an emergency list of numbers on the counter. Sandy places Zoe on the counter but holds onto her despite the silent reproach from Kirsten that he should not encourage her to sit there.)

Sandy: Now, honey, do you promise to be good for the babysitter?

Zoe: Yes, Daddy.

Sandy: That means no talking back, no rude comments, no arguing, and no politics! (Kirsten laughs at his last comment.) Oh, and when she tells you to go to bed, you go, and I don't want her to tell me later that you were giving her excuses like you had to find your pet boa that got loose or your sheets had been washed with the wrong laundry detergent and that if she didn't rewash them, you'd have an allergic reaction.

Zoe: But Daddy….

Sandy: No buts, and I still don't know where you learned those excuses….. (Zoe looks away, biting her lip and trying to avoid his glare, when Sandy laughs all of a sudden and rolls his eyes.) I should have known….Seth!

Zoe: Daddy, don't yell at him, because he told me that if he got in trouble he wouldn't teach me any more of his old tricks. If I'm good, then he said he'd teach me the story about the I-Max shark movie.

Kirsten: Zoe, don't listen to your brother. We didn't believe his terrible excuses when he was a kid, and we're definitely not going to fall for them the second time…. (She goes over and kisses her cheek.) no matter how adorable you are. (She speaks under her breath but Sandy can hear.) Or no matter how much better of a liar you are than your brother.

Sandy: She must get that from her Grandpa. (Zoe looks at the two adults with a confused expression on her face as they laugh softly with each other. The doorbell interrupts their close family moment though.)

Kirsten: Sandy, you keep telling her about the rules and I'll go and get the door. (As she walks out of the room, Sandy and Zoe return to their lecture, which is more in fact like a conversation because Zoe interjects her own ideas and opinions in so much, and Kirsten goes and answers the door. Sherry is standing in front of it when she opens it. Kirsten shows her in as Sherry takes off her coat and holds it in her arms with her purse and bag.)

Sherry: Hey Kirsten.

Kirsten: Hi Sherry, and thank you for doing this. I know it's weird, but, truth be told, the last time we left Zoe with a teenage babysitter, she ended up in the hospital, granted it wasn't the girl's fault, but we just feel a lot better with an adult here with her. You have no idea how much trouble my little precocious daughter can get herself into.

Sherry: I had older brothers, trust me, I've seen it all.

Kirsten: Did they talk to plastic horses?

Sherry: (She looks at her with a slightly confused look on her face.) No,….but they used to talk to their cars.

Kirsten: Oh, I think that's a guy thing. (After a second of silence, she speaks up again.) Are you sure you're okay with this?

Sherry: Please, I appreciate it. After everything that's been going on in my life lately, I can use a night where I can just be a kid again.

Kirsten: (She smiles at her and begins to lead her to the kitchen where her charge is waiting for her.) Well then, follow me. (The two women walk off together and the camera leaves them and goes to Seth and Summer's bedroom. Summer is standing in front of her full length mirror in their room looking at herself and examining what she sees, turning in every direction to make sure that nothing is out of place or sticking to her dress. She is wearing a chili red hammered silk warp dress with a high/low hemline, a high back, and beaded straps. As she contemplates how she looks, she does not notice Seth watching her from their bathroom doorway with an interested and loving eye. He is already dressed in his suit, with a red tie to match, and is holding something behind his back.)

Summer: Cohen! (She yells thinking that he is still getting ready in the bathroom.) I need you to come out for a minute. (Her tone looses its aggressive manner as she continues to ponder what she is wearing.) I don't know if this looks alright or if it's appropriate for a launch party. What are you supposed to wear to a launch party? I've never been to one before, and what if they don't dress the same way here for big events that we do back home in Newport? (Frustrated that he hasn't said anything to her yet or that he is not in the room, she whirls around and starts stomping towards the bathroom before she sees him.) Cohen! (She notices him smiling at her and smiles back.) Oh, you're here. (She twirls around.) What do you think? Do I look alright? Should I wear a different dress?

Seth: I thought you bought this one especially for the party?

Summer: (Looking down at herself still questioning her appearance.) Yeah, I did, but then I wasn't sure about it, so I went out and bought a couple more, so I could always change, but then I'd have to redo my hair, because this style wouldn't work with the other dresses, and my makeup would have to be redone as well….

Seth: Summer. (His voice is calm and somewhat low in tone as he is in a strange mood.)

Summer: (She looks up at him.) Hm?

Seth: You look perfect, and besides, (He pulls the box out that he was hiding behind his back.) I'm not sure that this would look as good with another outfit. (Her face lights up as she practically runs across the room and grabs the box from his hands, tearing it open and smiling giddily as she looks into the jewelry container. Inside, there is a necklace, a thin, almost invisible white gold chain with a floating, round diamond hanging from it. Wordlessly, Seth takes it from her grasp, pulls the necklace out of the box, and tosses the box aside. After he puts it on her neck, he turns her around and teasingly plays with it between his fingers as he talks to her in a hushed tone. It falls just into the dip in her throat between her clavicle bones.) I know that I haven't always seemed that supportive of your job, and this is my way to say that I'm sorry for that and that I am proud of you. Right now there is only one diamond, but this diamond represents your first season, and I promise here and now that for every season the show remains on the air, for every season you prove me wrong and make oodles of money as a talented, famous actress, I will get you a new diamond to add to it before every new season begins. (When he finishes talking, he smiles at her before speaking again.) So, what do you think? Am I forgiven for being a male chauvinistic ass? (Summer laughs and takes his face in between her hands gently, pulling his lips towards hers. Gently, she kisses him lightly, barely grazing her lips over his before pulling back and smiling up at him with eyes shining with love, adoration, and desire.)

Summer: You are so passed forgiven right now Cohen, it's not even funny! In fact, I'm pretty sure that someone is going to be getting lucky tonight, and I'm not talking about Chino, even though he gets lucky every night….but that is beside the point. You, Cohen, later, are going to have your world rocked, and I will only be wearing…. (Her hand floats up and touches the new necklace around her neck.) this. (His smile is intense as he tries to envelope her in an even tighter embrace and kiss her again, but she pushes him away.) Ew, Cohen, not right now! Do you even know how long it took me to do this makeup? I love you, but not that much to let you ruin my hard work, and trust me, you wouldn't want to sleep with me now, because I'm so excited I wouldn't be able to concentrate, but tonight, when we're all alone and the party is over, you will be my only priority, the only thing on my mind.

Seth: (He smiles at her and laughs softly.) I can handle that my little saucy minx, who just happens to be the most beautiful and best dressed woman at this Hollywood party!

Summer: (She smiles gratefully at him as she turns back to her mirror to do her final inspections.) I like the way you think Cohen.

Seth: And I like the way you think Summer! Tonight is going to be awesome! (He doesn't think that she is still paying attention to him so he starts to do a little dance around the room out of anticipation, spinning around and pumping his fist up and down. When he hears Summer's uncontrollable giggling coming from behind them he stops abruptly and without turning around to face her speaks in a slightly panicked voice.) I had an itch…on my back that I was trying to reach, but it was hard. So I thought that if I spun around like a dog, I might be able to reach it.

Summer: Really Cohen? (An evil smirk crosses her face and she pretends to be angry.) I swear to Malono Blahnik, Cohen, that if you are lying to me we won't have sex for a year!

Seth: (He hangs his head in shame and whispers softly.) I was doing a victory dance. (She starts giggling again.) I know…. (Her voice switches yet again much to the dismay of a very bewildered Seth.) and don't you dare dance like that at the party and embarrass me! Capiche?

Seth: Crystal clear, Summer, but we are still going to….you are still going to….

Summer: Rock your world tonight, hell yeah!

Seth: (He walks back into the bathroom talking to her while he does so.) Whew, good! I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear you say that! (Summer laughs as the camera leaves them and goes to Neil's house where he and Caleb are standing in his den having drinks with each other and talking before they leave for LA. Both men are in dress suits and in good moods.)

Caleb: Well, I guess congratulations are in order. Neil you must me really proud of your daughter.

Neil: I am very proud of her. Of course I would have loved to have seen her finish school, but she can always go back.

Caleb: Trust me, Summer will be fine. She is dedicated, talented, and committed…nothing like Hayley was at her age.

Neil: Hayley, now that is a name I haven't heard in a while, how is she?

Caleb: Surprisingly, good now, but I won't lie to you. There was a time a few years ago when we weren't sure if she'd make it to the end of the year. She was a mess, on drugs again, working as a stripper, miserable. Kiki was so worried, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and if it wasn't for Ryan bringing her home after he, Seth, and Summer found her in LA, I'm not sure what would have happened.

Neil: Ah, I think I remember when that happened. Wasn't it the first year Ryan was here and the kids were sophomores….wait, Summer was in a strip club!

Caleb: (He laughs and finishes his drink, putting it back on the bar and sitting down in a chair and lighting a cigar. After puffing on it a few times to get it started, he releases a mouth full of smoke and speaks.) In all fairness to the kids, I don't think they knew it was going to be a strip club. They went to someone's birthday party if I remember the story right from Kiki, someone named Brady Gridges, Brandy Valley, I don't know, some B-list teen idol, and once they got there discovered it was a strip club and that my daughter was the main attraction. (He laughs.) In fact, I think it came out that unwittingly, she hit on Ryan. (Neil joins in on the laughter and sits down as well, lighting a cigar and going through the same process that Caleb did before he speaks.)

Neil: But, she's better now, Hayley?

Caleb: As far as I know. We don't hear from her much. I get the occasional email, Kiki gets letters from her still, it was their ritual in the past, but other than that, nothing. She never really liked to stay close, too much of a free spirit.

Neil: Where's she living now?

Caleb: Japan, working for a friend of hers who owns a fashion design business or something. I don't know much, because, well, to be frank, she doesn't tell me much, but she's happy, successful, and most importantly, clean and sober.

Neil: Good for her.

Caleb: Yeah, we're proud of her. Granted, we miss her, but if it helps her to stay off the drugs if she's not here in Newport with all the familiar pressures, then I'd rather she stay right where she is.

Neil: And the rest of the family? (Both men stand up and walk out of the room, making their way to the foyer and front door, smoking their cigars the entire time.)

Caleb: Good. For the first time in a long time, we're actually feeling like a family.

Neil: I have to tell you, I was surprised when I head that you were going tonight, I mean, you and Ryan….not the best of friends.

Caleb: (He laughs.) We're trying, I think. A while back Kiki kind of blackmailed me into being nice to him, but it seems to be working. And….

Neil: And you're realizing that he might not be as bad as you thought.

Caleb: (Grimacing because he is admitting that was wrong in the past.) Yeah, something like that.

Neil: And Marissa? You two seem to get along well?

Caleb: We do; I like her.

Neil: Which has to help with the Ryan situation?

Caleb: It does, I mean, if she can love him so much, and I trust her judgment, than he's probably not such a bad guy.

Neil: But, of course, you're not going to say anything to him.

Caleb: (He laughs.) Hell no! (Both men exit the house smiling and get into the Caleb's limo which is awaiting them. As the car drives away, the camera leaves the driveway and goes to Ryan and Marissa's bedroom as they finish getting ready as well. Marissa is wearing a long, acetate/nylon/spandex, off white gown which is softly gathered at the neckline with rhinestone trim on the deep, v-neck front and low racer back as it ties at the hip. Unbeknownst to her, this dress that she "borrowed" from Summer was the one that Summer and Branning bought on their shopping excursion earlier in the week. Ryan is dressed in a suit, sans tie as Marissa likes it, and is just relaxing on their bed watching her finishing getting ready. His hands are lazily resting behind his head as a smile dances across his lips. While putting in her earrings, she catches sight of his smoldering eyes upon her and turns around blushing slightly as a smile graces her lips as well.)

Marissa: What?

Ryan: Nothing. (He shakes his head, laughs, and just continues to look at her. She watches him warily before smirking and turning back around and putting the other earring in. When she finishes, she notices that he is still watching her and she stands up and goes over to him, standing there hands on hips and oozing attitude. His eyes travel down her body from her head to her toes and back up again and his smirk just turns into a wide, goofy grin before he speaks.) If you think standing like that looking the way you do is going to get me to stop staring at you, you obviously don't know me as well as you thought you did. (He stands up off of the bed and wraps his arms around her waist but does not do anything else as he just continues to stare at her.)

Marissa: I never told you not to stare; I just wanted to know what you were staring at.

Ryan: You.

Marissa: Elaborate, please, Ryan.

Ryan: (He moves in and kisses her left cheek, then her right, then her nose, and finally her lips lightly, stopping to trace them with his tongue and pull away before she can kiss him back.) Um…you used my favorite, raspberry plum is it not?

Marissa: Well, if you're not sure, maybe you need another taste.

Ryan: (He just nods his head as he moves back in for another gentle kiss, this time letting her kiss him back. When he pulls away, they smile at each other.) Definitely raspberry plum and definitely delicious. (She laughs at him.)

Marissa: I'm glad you like it, but that still doesn't get you out of telling me why I continually keep catching you staring at me.

Ryan: How could I not? (She smiles slightly at him, not saying a word, but insinuating that he should continue. He leans into her and holds her tighter to his body as his hot breath whispers into her ear.) There has only been a few times when I've seen you look this beautiful: New Year's Eve, after every time we made love…

Marissa: (She laughs.) Well then it hasn't really been a few times now has it? (He smirks and swats her butt playfully as his arms are wrapped around her causing her to jump slightly in his arms and giggle.)

Ryan: I guess not, but you're ruining the moment. (She feigns an apologetic face and sobers up.)

Marissa: Sorry, continue please.

Ryan: (He laughs at her antics and goes back to whispering in her ear.) And the other time I have seen you look this beautiful was the day on the beach we spent up in Monterey.

Marissa: Want to hear a confession?

Ryan: Always.

Marissa: (She leans in and whispers to him, letting her breath tickle his neck.) That was the best day of my life.

Ryan: (He laughs.) I aim to please! (She pulls away from his and slaps him on the chest laughing.)

Marissa: Hey, that is not what you were supposed to say.

Ryan: Why not?

Marissa: You're supposed to say that it was the best day of your life, too.

Ryan: Can't.

Marissa: Excuse me?

Ryan: I can't say that it was the best day of my life, because each and every day that I spend with you is better than the last.

Marissa: (She considers what he said for a moment before kissing him softly and pulling him close to her again.) Cheesy, but still a good answer. (After kissing him once more, she steps out of his grasp, and walks back towards the vanity and sits down to grab her things and put them in her handbag.)

Ryan: So tonight?

Marissa: Yeah.

Ryan: Are you ready?

Marissa: To tell your parents and then Seth and Summer that we're not spending break with them in Newport, yeah, I am.

Ryan: (He stares at her slightly shocked.) You are?

Marissa: Yes, because although I know telling them will not be fun and dealing with Sandy and Kirsten's disappointment and Seth and Summer's ire will not be fun, I cannot wait to have you all to myself five days out of the week. (She stands up and grabs her packed purse and stands in front of him.)

Ryan: I can't argue with that. Ready to go?

Marissa: Yep. (He puts his arms around her and pulls her to him tightly as they walk out of the room together. The camera leaves them and goes to Trey and Caitlyn. She is ready and waiting for him to finish while she sits on his coach in his apartment and he is nervously fidgeting with his tie in front of the mirror. Caitlyn's dress is a plum v-neck dress with an x back, ruching at the center, front and back, with a full skirt that falls to the mid calf and a bubble hem. Trey, although dressed in respectable clothing, does not look comfortable in what he is wearing. She watches him warily as he becomes angrier and angrier with the tie that he just can't seem to tie. With hesitation, she speaks softly to him.)

Caitlyn: Do you want my help?

Trey: I'll do it myself. (She sits back and closes her eyes as she fights off tears that are threatening to come out. Trey does not pay any attention to her and just struggles once more with the tie before ripping it off of his neck and throwing it as hard as he can across the room. She cowers at his anger and the rage that flows out of him.) You can take that damn tie and take it back to your rich grandma and tell her that your poor, low-class boyfriend does not want it or need it!

Caitlyn: Trey…. (She is coming undone emotionally and whispers.) This is a formal party….you kind of need to wear the tie.

Trey: Do not tell me what to do, and if Ryan doesn't have to wear a tie, then I sure as hell don't either!

Caitlyn: What? (She is puzzled at what he said, but then realizes that they have discussed her sister's utter dislike of ties.) Oh, well, I guess you don't have to wear the tie, but could you please calm down?

Trey: I'm calm. (Although he is no longer pacing his eyes are still snapping with anger as he glares at her.) Are we going or are we just going to fight all night?

Caitlyn: (She gets back a little of her spunk as his tone and implications annoy her.) Fighting would require some actual conversation between us, not screaming and yelling from you and cowering in fear from me!

Trey: Are we going or not?

Caitlyn: (She stands up and walks to the door without glancing at him and watching her feet.) Let's go. (Her tone is dejected and listless until she thinks of a sarcastic comment to say to him.) Oh and by the way, thanks for the compliment on my new dress. I really appreciate how much you take notice of me! (She saunters out of the door of the apartment and waits for him to follow her out. He does, locks the door and then they walk to his car silently. When they get in, both still not speaking or looking at each other, they buckle up and pull away. After a moment, he speaks.)

Trey: What is this place like?

Caitlyn: What do you mean?

Trey: The building this is being held in, what's it like?

Caitlyn: I don't know! How the hell would I know that?

Trey: Is it one big room, many smaller ones, a lot of hallways, back entrances?

Caitlyn: (Her tone is suspicious.) What?

Trey: Nothing, forget about it. (They are both silent again for a moment.) Is there security, valet parking?

Caitlyn: I Don't Know Trey! (She pronounces each word harshly, thoroughly annoyed.) Why does that matter?

Trey: It's just….with that issue with my friend….

Caitlyn: (Her tone is bitter.) And your alibi?

Trey: Yeah.

Caitlyn: Don't worry about it. I promised I would help you, and I will, because my word means something.

Trey: And what is that supposed to mean?

Caitlyn: Figure it out for yourself!

Trey: Do you know what? I am sick and tired of the attitude you've been giving me ever since Reno! What the hell did I do to you!

Caitlyn: Maybe the better question is what the hell have you ever done for me!

Trey: You're so lucky little girl that I am even going with you to this party!

Caitlyn: Oh please! What, that you're letting me ride in this piece of sht car or that you're gracing me with your presence. There are tons of guys who'd kill to go out with me, and I'm stuck with you! Why was I ever so stupid to agree to this? (She motions between them signaling that she is talking about their relationship.)

Trey: So the princess gets sick of slumming it; I knew it would happen eventually.

Caitlyn: (Giving up on the fight because she knows it is not worth it, she just sighs and speaks in an annoyed tone.) Just shut up and drive, Trey.

Trey: If only you knew what you just did. (She eyes him with fear in her eyes as he grips the steering wheel so tightly, all the color drains out of his hands. His jaw is clenched and his eyes slits, and she realizes that no matter what Ryan and Marissa think of Trey, so can't do this any longer and has to somehow get herself out of the mess she helped create. Cowering in the corner of her seat, she watches the other cars drive by and lets a silent tear course its way down her rouged cheek. The camera leaves her and goes to Dan who is packing his car and preparing to go somewhere. He is parked in an alley behind an old abandoned building in an undisclosed, non-descript slum of LA. He opens the trunk and tosses in the items he will need for their plan: a roll of duct tape, rope, a blindfold, blankets, and a sheathed knife. After he closes the trunk, he comes back outside carrying a gun and places it in his pants, tucking it down into his waist line and pulling his shirt over it to keep it concealed. He is dressed all in black. Climbing into the car, he sits back in the seat and pulls a bottle of liquor out from underneath the various empty cartons of food and other garbage, unscrews the lid, and takes a long drink directly from the bottle. Removing the glass container from his lips, he wipes his mouth on the back of his hand and sighs contentedly. He takes another long drink of the alcohol before starting the car up after several attempts and pulling out of the ally, taking drinks every so often from the bottle as he drives away from the wasteland he was leaving. The camera fades away from the taillights of his car and goes black.)

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