The last scene begins back at the apartment. Ryan and Marissa have been home for a little while but are sitting together and waiting for Seth and Summer to arrive home in the dark living room. Ryan is cradling Marissa in his arms and she is wearing his suit jacket over her dress to keep warm. No longer crying, she is pretty calm considering the situation. For a moment, neither of them talk. Instead, he sits and gently caresses her arm, trying to reassure her that she is safe if only through his presence and she absently plays with her fingers on his chest just trying to separate the night at the party with the evening they are sharing now. Finally, needing to talk, Marissa speaks up and disrupts the silence.
Marissa: Ryan?
Ryan: Hm?
Marissa: Do you think that Caitlyn will be okay?
Ryan: Caitlyn?
Marissa: Yeah.
Ryan: Honey, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but I'm more concerned about you right now, not your sister. Besides, what could Caitlyn have to do with this? I mean, all she saw was that her sister beat the crap out of a stranger.
Marissa: Yeah, that's the thing. I don't think he was a stranger to her.
Ryan: What do you mean?
Marissa: Trey said something…
Ryan: You can't listen to what he said to you. He probably would have said anything to hurt and upset you.
Marissa: I know, and I agree, except this makes sense. And you didn't see his eyes when he said it, so full of hate yet he did nothing to make me think that he was lying.
Ryan: He's an expert liar.
Marissa: Maybe so, but I believed him when he said it and I still do.
Ryan: What did he say?
Marissa: Before I tell you, nothing happened, and you have to promise me that you will not freak out this time and shut me out, okay?
Ryan: (He pulls her away from him so that he can look in her eyes.) You're starting to scare me here Marissa.
Marissa: Well, I'm afraid, for Caitlyn, but I will not tell you anything unless you promise…
Ryan: Alright, fine, I'll stay calm, and as for pushing you away, never again. We're stronger together than we are apart. Besides, (He smirks at her trying to lighten the heavy mood some.) I might need you to protect me someday.
Marissa: Haha, very funny, but I wouldn't count on it. It might hurt less than getting beat up yourself, but kicking someone else's ass just about knocks you out. I'm exhausted and my foot really hurts. That brother of yours sure has a thick skull.
Ryan: (He rolls his eyes.) Trust me, I know….about both things, what it feels like to beat someone up and how thick of a skull Trey has, but that still doesn't answer my question. What did Trey say?
Marissa: I couldn't sidetrack you could I?
Ryan: Marissa.
Marissa: Fine. He said "I've already had the sister voluntarily; maybe it's time to have you now whether you like or not." (As she finishes repeating what Trey said to her, she can tell that Ryan is upset, so she places her hands on his chest and makes him lean back into the couch.) Remember your promise? (She quirks her eyebrow at him.) And like I said, he didn't do anything. I never gave him a chance.
Ryan: But if he would have…
Marissa: (She takes his head in her hands and kisses him gently while staring into his eyes the entire time.) Hey, don't think like that; I can't think like that. I mean, if he had….well, I'd be completely broken and without you, because you would be in jail right now for murder.
Ryan: Yes, I would, and I'd still like to get my hands on him….
Marissa: Ryan, stop it! (Her tone is harsh which startles him at first but it succeeds in calming him down.) For the rest of the night, I just want to forget about Trey and everything that has to do with him.
Ryan: Even Caitlyn?
Marissa: Even Caitlyn. I can't do anything for her right now, especially since we don't know the whole story. Seth and Summer said that they'd make sure Caitlyn would be taken care of which means your parents have her, so I know she's safe. (She buries her head in his neck and kisses it tenderly before speaking again.) Tonight I just want you to hold me….and not let go.
Ryan: Every night. (He kisses her back on her shoulder softly and they just hold each other for a moment until they hear the door opening. It is Seth and Summer who are being extremely quiet, because they are not sure what state Ryan and Marissa are in, where they are at, or how they should behave around them. Before they reach the living room, Ryan calls out so as not to startle them when they came into the room and saw them sitting in the dark.)
Ryan: We're in here. (Seth and Summer walk into the room.)
Summer: Just let us go and put our stuff in our room real quick and we'll be right back. (They leave again.)
Ryan: I know we said we would tell them today, but after everything that's happened, do you still want to?
Marissa: We can't keep it from them any longer. They deserve to know, especially since we already told your parents. Hey, look at it this way, they might take it better after what happened this evening if we play the sympathy card.
Ryan: (He laughs.) That's not really funny.
Marissa: Then why are you laughing? (Seth and Summer walk back into the room, still dressed for their evening out, but his jacket and her purse, shoes, and shawl are all in the bedroom now. They sit down together on the overstuffed chair.)
Seth: Laughing about what?
Ryan: Uh…nothing.
Seth: Dude, you're a terrible liar. What's up?
Marissa: Actually, we do have something to tell you guys, but you're probably not going to think it's funny.
Summer: What? Does it have something to do with tonight? Did that animal, no offense Chino…
Ryan: Absolutely none taken!
Summer: Did he do something to you?
Marissa: No, I never gave him a chance.
Seth: We knew you'd kick the sht out of anyone if they ever attacked you. You were a beast with the heavy bag in class!
Marissa: Thanks….I think.
Ryan: Anyway, so, like Marissa said, we have something to tell you.
Summer: Okay. (She is starting to get nervous thinking that Marissa might be pregnant.)
Seth: Just tell us already, I mean, how bad can it be?
Marissa: We don't think it's bad at all, in fact we're really excited; we just don't think you'll feel the same.
Summer: So then it's true.
Ryan: What?
Summer: Marissa….she's…. (She looks away unable to say the word. Ryan and Marissa look at each other confused until Seth blurts out what Summer couldn't say.)
Seth: You knocked her up, Man!
Ryan: Seth!
Seth: What? (Ryan glares at him.) Yeah, right, sorry Marissa; that wasn't the best way I could have asked.
Marissa: What is with everyone tonight? No, I'm not pregnant, and Seth, if you ever say that about me again, I will knock your lights out!
Seth: Point taken and noted.
Ryan: (He is annoyed and getting angry as the conversation continues as is Marissa so he just blurts it out.) Look, we're not going home to Newport this summer. We both have full time jobs, here, in LA, and we decided to live here….by ourselves while you guys go to Newport.
Marissa: But we'll be up every weekend so we can still hang out all the time. (Seth and Summer stare at them in shock. Finally, Summer stands up and stalks out of the room without saying anything. Seth gets up and goes to follow, but Ryan and Marissa are not so lucky to escape his wrath.)
Seth: You know what, after everything we've been through together these last few months, especially tonight, I expected more of you. I guess it's good to find out where we really rank on your priority lists. (With that, he walks away and goes to his room leaving a stunned Ryan and Marissa.)
Ryan: That went well! (He rolls his eyes as Marissa stands up and puts her hand out to help him up as well.)
Marissa: Come on, let's go to bed. We're not dealing with their selfishness tonight. (As they walk to their room, she is standing in front of him and takes off his jacket and hands it to him. When she turns back around to continue walking to their room, he notices that there is a blood stain on her back. Moving forward as quickly as he can, dropping his coat in the process, he scoops her up and whisks her into their bathroom.)
Marissa: Ryan, what are you doing?
Ryan: Baby, you're bleeding.
Marissa: What? (They reach the bathroom and he puts her down gently and then proceeds to unzip her dress and lets it fall to the floor as she is left standing in just her matching, white lingerie set. His eyes do not even scan her now exposed body as he is too consumed with worry for her. Once the dress is removed, a cut is visible on the small of her back.) It must be from the knife he held to my back, but I never felt anything.
Ryan: (His voice though gentle so as not to scare her is seething with anger.) He held a knife to your back!
Marissa: (She speaks quietly as if to stop from worrying him.) Yeah, but how could I not feel it that he cut me?
Ryan: Adrenaline, but he did cut you. I see it right now, and it's still bleeding.
Marissa: (She bends down and picks up the dress.) Oh no, Summer's dress….I ruined it!
Ryan: (He takes the dress from her and puts it back down.) Marissa, the dress is the least of my worries right now. We need to get this cut cleaned and dressed, and if it's too deep, you have to go to the hospital.
Marissa: Ryan, please, no hospitals. It can't be that bad if I didn't feel it. Will you please just do it for me?
Ryan: (He kisses her back gently.) Of course. (The scene fades away from them and goes to the Cohen's. As Sandy, Kirsten, and Caitlyn come in the door, Sherry jumps up from the couch and meets them there. Sandy signals not to say anything as Kirsten helps Caitlyn up the stairs. As she's walking, Kirsten turns around and speaks softly to Sandy.)
Kirsten: Will you call them please? (He nods his head and watches them walk up the stairs together, Caitlyn barely keeping it together. Once they round the corner, Sandy turns back to Sherry and walks with her the few remaining steps to the door.)
Sherry: What happened to her? I thought you said that it was Marissa who was attacked over the phone?
Sandy: It was Marissa, but somehow Caitlyn is involved in all of this. We don't know how yet, because she still has not said anything other than asking to stay here. Why, I'm not sure, but she said something about he knew where she lived.
Sherry: Have you gotten a hold of Jimmy?
Sandy: Tried. He's not picking up his phone. (He raises his eye brow at her and even though he doesn't verbalize it, there is the hidden question implied in it asking her whether or not they are dating.) I've heard you two have been spending a lot of time together, do you know where he could be?
Sherry: First of all, no, we're not dating. That would just be wrong. I'm way too young for him. Secondly, I have no idea where he would be. I know he hangs out at that arcade down by the pier, but it's closed by this time of night.
Sandy: Alright, well I'll just keep trying to get a hold of him and I'll call Jane, too.
Sherry: How's Marissa?
Sandy: From what Seth and Summer said, shaken up but fine. Trey, on the other hand, well let's just say he won't ever go near her again. (Sherry looks at him confused.) Marissa took a self defense course after the first attack, and she paid attention. (Sherry and Sandy both laugh softly, not because the situation is humorous but to relieve some of the tension.) How was Zoe?
Sherry: She was great….and fun, definitely took my mind off my troubles for the night. Any time you need someone to watch her, just give me a call.
Sandy: Well, we appreciate it. (He gets his wallet out to pay her for babysitting, but she pushes his hand aside.)
Sherry: Sandy, please, you don't have to pay me.
Sandy: I insist.
Sherry: Fine, but pay me in food, not cash. Invite me over for dinner some time soon so that I can meet your family.
Sandy: (He smiles brightly.) That's a great idea. I'll get back to you on the date, because I have to check with Kirsten, but we'll have a barbeque. I am a whiz on the grill and Marissa can cook anything else. (Sherry laughs.)
Sherry: Sounds great; I can't wait. Night Sandy, I hope everything ends up okay.
Sandy: Thanks, and it will, I'll make sure of it. (She walks down the drive way and he raises his hand and waves goodbye while he says it as well.) Bye. (After closing the door, he goes into his office and spins his rolodex to find the Cooper's number. When he finds it, he dials the number, and sits back in his chair as he waits for someone to pick up. Jane does. Sandy leans forward and rests his head in his hands and elbows on his desk as he talks. The camera switches to Jane who was reading a book but put it down to speak on the phone. As she talks, she fidgets with it.)
Jane: Hello.
Sandy: Jane, Sandy Cohen; I didn't wake you did I?
Jane: No, I'm waiting for Caitlyn to get home from the party. You're calling from home, so does that mean she's on her way?
Sandy: Actually, Caitlyn is staying with us tonight.
Jane: She is? Is Marissa there, too; are they spending some time together?
Sandy: No, Marissa's back in LA. Look, Jane, I don't know how to say this gently. Tonight, Marissa was attacked again and somehow Caitlyn is involved in all of it. She refused to go home, saying he knew where she lived, and asked to stay with us tonight. I hope you don't mind.
Jane: No, it's fine, but is Marissa okay?
Sandy: Oh, yeah, sorry. Actually, she ended up beating him up, but that's a long story in itself and it's late and I'm tired. We'll make sure that she gets home tomorrow, but could you let Jimmy know. We've been trying to get a hold of him for a couple of hours now but haven't been able to.
Jane: Sure, no problem. He's probably upstairs in his room sleeping and I just never heard him come in.
Sandy: Alright, well, thanks.
Jane: Can you tell Caitlyn that I love her and that I'm here for her if she needs me.
Sandy: She knows that, but I'll tell her. Goodnight.
Jane: Goodnight, and thanks for calling me Sandy.
Sandy: Of course. (He hangs up the phone, stands up, turns off his light and walks out of the room into the dark. The camera leaves him and goes to Caleb who walks into his office, turns the light on, and sits down at his desk. He, too, looks up a number in his rolodex. Sitting back and dialing quickly, there is a deep scowl on his face. As he talks, the camera stays with him.)
Caleb: Caleb Nichol. I need your help. (There is a pause while he listens to the person on the other line respond to what he said. Only Caleb's portion of the conversation can be heard.) No, not for me personally, but for my….Kirsten's son's girlfriend, Marissa Cooper. (Pause) She's been attacked twice, and my son-in-law, Sandy Cohen, the ADA of Los Angeles county, told me that the police have basically given up on the case. (Pause) No, one of the attackers has been caught, but only after she beat the living daylights out of him. (Pause) No, self defense course. (Pause) The other one though could be just as dangerous. I've got a bunch of information for you from the police department and some of my own, and I want you to do whatever you have to do to track him down and keep her safe. (Pause) I'm talking 24 hour surveillance, body guards, cameras, whatever is necessary, I want you best PI's on the case, but most importantly, when you find him, I want to know before the cops do. This ends with me! (Pause) I don't care what it cost! (Pause) I'll fax everything over to you as soon we hang up. Oh, and keep this hush-hush. I don't need anyone finding out, and those bodyguards are never in plain sight. Keep them hidden. (Pause) I want an update everyday. (He hangs up the phone and walks to the fax machine as the camera leaves him and goes to a jail where Trey is getting processed. In the background throughout the rest of the scene, this will be a musical montage, the song "Idioteque" by Radiohead plays. The camera first shows him having to enter his personal belongings into record and hand them over. Then he is taken away to change, re-emerging dressed in his jumpsuit. His fingerprints are taken, before he is taken in to have his mug shot taken as well. Finally, after all the proper procedures have been followed, he is led to an interrogation room, where, once he enters he is followed by the detective assigned to the case, the one both Sandy and Ryan and Marissa have met with, the door shuts behind them and they are only visible through the two way mirror as the camera pulls away from the room. The camera leaves the police station and follows Sandy as he walks slowly and dejectedly up the stairs. Quietly, he opens Zoe's door and goes into her bedroom, kneeling down beside her bed and gently stroking her hair out of her face, just watching her sleep. As he does this, along with deep breaths, the tension slowly begins to ease out of him along. Zoe stirs in her sleep slightly, but just rolls back over and doesn't wake up. He stops brushing her hair away, but sits up on the bed with her and gently, so as not to wake her, he pulls her over so that she is sleeping on his lap. When he looks down at her, one solitary tear escapes his eye before the camera leaves him. Next, it goes to Kirsten. She is sitting on the guest room bed with Caitlyn while the younger girl, now changed out of her dress and into warm comfy pajamas that Kirsten gave her to wear for the night, holds onto her tightly, quietly sobbing, and speaking to her, telling her what happened between her and Trey and what she has to do now. The sounds coming out of their mouths can not be heard, as the music dominates the sound, but it is clear that she is confiding in her. As they talk, Kirsten continually rubs her forehead soothingly, brushing her hair back similarly to the way Sandy had been with Zoe. The camera leaves them and goes to Neil. He is sitting in his living room with a glass of scotch in one hand, looking at an old photo album of Summer when she was just a small child with him and her mother. Nostalgically, taking in every detail, he closely examines all of the pictures, tracing Summer's face and smiling at each picture. He slowly sips the drink the entire time. The camera then moves back to Caleb as he is on the phone again. Although his words aren't heard, it is obvious that he is yelling and not too happy, taking out his aggravation and frustration with the situation on whomever is on the other line of the phone. Finally hanging up, he hangs his head in his hands and lets it rest there as the camera pulls away from him and shows Seth and Summer getting ready for bed. The night of passion that had been promised is long forgotten, but they are taking care of each other like those in love do. First, as she takes off her makeup at the vanity, he changes out of his tux, shedding the dress shirt and pants quickly and putting them in the dirty hamper. He pulls a pair of pajama pants on over his boxers and puts a t-shirt on as well. Once Summer is done cleaning her face and taking off her earrings, she stands up and Seth rushes to her side. He unzips her dress for her and gently glides it down her body. Taking her nightgown, he positions it over her head as she raises her arms. It slides down effortlessly and he reaches back and takes off her bra for her, letting it slide out from underneath the pajamas. Taking her hand, they get into bed together. She leans back into him as he wraps his arms around her and holds her tight. The entire time he takes care of her, silent tears work their way down her face. Once they are in bed, snuggled together under the covers, he gently soothes her by running his hand up and down her arm and occasionally kissing her forehead. The closer they get, the more she leans into him. Once her tears subside, he reaches over and turns the light off. The camera leaves their room and goes to Ryan and Marissa in the bathroom. He takes a washcloth and wets it with warm water before gently placing it on her back to clean the wound of the blood. Once he finishes cleaning it, after carefully rubbing the blood away, he rinses out the cloth and places it in the dirty hamper. Next he opens up the medicine cabinet and takes down anti-bacterial gel, gauze, and medical tape. Using the supplies, he gently bandages the cut and then bends down and kisses around it a few times making Marissa smile. When he stands back up he takes his dress shirt, pants, and then wife beater off, leaving him in just his boxer-briefs, and then goes into their closet and brings her back her pajamas. Going to help her put them on, she stops his hands, takes them from him, and puts the pajamas down on the sink counter leaving them there. He watches her carefully, staring deeply into her eyes so as to understand what she wants him to do. Finally, he cautiously picks her up and cradles her to him, kissing her delicately as they walk into their bedroom together. Her arms encircle his neck and she pulls him closer to her and deepens the kiss he started. Silently, he lays her down on their bed and joins her, pulling the covers up to keep them warm and to give her a sense of protection. The camera fades away from them as they shed the rest of their clothing and hold each other close as their bodies join in comfort. Leaving them behind the camera moves to Dan who comes out of hiding from inside a building close to the scene of the crime where he could have watched everything yet remain undetected. Walking in the opposite direction his car was once parked in, he goes and gets in Trey's car, which was not parked by a valet but a few blocks away in a parking garage for this very reason. Getting in, he starts the car and pulls out the garage onto the fairly deserted streets of LA since it is in the middle of the night. Skipping forward, it shows him driving on the freeway as he passes a sign saying 'Welcome to Newport'. The camera fades away from the car as the taillights become further and further away until it is black.)
End of Episode #15