The third scene begins in the apartment again where Seth is sitting on the counter eating an apple while Marissa works at cleaning up the mess they made. She is almost done and is just finishing up the dishes. While she works and Seth eats, they continue talking. The music has been turned off due to the more serious nature of their conversation.
Seth: So, I've noticed that we've pretty much exhausted just about any topic you could ever think of about me and I know more about your job than I ever wanted to, but there is still one topic you seem to be avoiding like the plague.
Marissa: (She avoids his eyes as she talks.) I don't know what you're talking about Seth.
Seth: Oh so you're not purposely dodging any topic that could lead to either talk of Vegas or your relationship with Ryan.
Marissa: Ryan and I are fine.
Seth: You know, you sound more like him everyday.
Marissa: (She drops what she's doing and turns to Seth, shock written all over her face as well as curiosity.) You've talked to Ryan about this?
Seth: No, but obviously something happened. Ryan doesn't talk to me about anything unless I force him into it.
Marissa: Have you ever considered the fact that maybe he doesn't open up to you willingly because you push him too hard. Ryan will talk to you when he's ready; you just have to wait for that.
Seth: Yeah, no thanks, I'm not that patient. (She rolls her eyes at this but does not say anything.) So, if your relationship is off limits, tell me about Vegas. (His voice becomes excited and loud.) Was it awesome!
Marissa: (Snorting back a laugh, he turns off the faucet and faces Seth for a moment so he can see her sarcastic expression before going to wipe off the counters, motioning for him to get up in the process.) Let's put it this way: I have absolutely NO desire to ever go back to that city EVER!
Seth: It took you to the cleaners then I take it?
Marissa: Never even played one slot machine. (Seth looks at her confused.)
Seth: But that's the point of Vegas, to get drunk, gamble away all your money, and do outrageous things.
Marissa: Oh, there were fireworks.
Seth: (He claps his hands together.) Now, we're talking! Let me guess, you and Ryan never left the hotel room because you were practicing making me a little niece or nephew.
Marissa: (Her tone is annoyed.) Seth!
Seth: (He feigns innocence.) What?
Marissa: That was definitely boundary crossing and you know it!
Seth: Well if you would just tell me what happened, I wouldn't have to jump to incorrect conclusions.
Marissa: (She looks at him wryly.) You're not going to drop this or leave until you get something, are you?
Seth: Absolutely not. (Smirking at her, he crossing his arms and leans against the counter waiting for her to start talking.)
Marissa: The abbreviated version is that I got into a fight with Ryan's boss's wife and then Ryan and I had a misunderstanding. I got emotional; he was clueless, and I spent the night crying while he tried, in vain, to comfort me. Then we came home and had a fight only to finally talk and reach an understanding.
Seth: What did you fight about?
Marissa: Nice try, but you don't get that privileged information. It's just between Ryan and I; it's none of your business, Summer's, or anyone else's for that matter.
Seth: I have one more question. (Sighing she concedes and just motions for him to ask away.) Are you two okay now?
Marissa: (Smiling, she answers, her voice full warmth and sincerity.) Like I told you before, we're fine.
Seth: Well then, now that we covered that, let's go back to me.
Marissa: (Moving towards him, she shakes her head no and pushes him towards the door.) Oh no, I don't think so. I need to get my stuff gathered up to head over to Branning's. Why we're getting ready there, I don't know, but I'll go with the flow.
Seth: What am I supposed to do?
Marissa: Take a walk, listen to some music in your car, I don't care. Just give me twenty minutes of alone time and then you can come back up an start getting ready.
Seth: I can't even go to my room?
Marissa: (Opening the door, she sees Ryan there just going to unlock it. She smiles at him before pushing Seth out.) You'll never stay in there. See you soon, Seth. (Grabbing Ryan, she pulls him into the apartment before shutting the door in Seth's face when he goes to contradict her, chain locking it so he can't get in. Leaning in, she kisses Ryan briefly.) Hey you.
Ryan: (He kisses her again, this time slightly longer.) Hey to you, too. Sorry I'm later than I thought.
Marissa: (She smirks at him.) You left later this morning than you'd initially planned, too, so I assumed you'd be late. (He playfully mocks her.) But, because you were late, we don't get to fool around before I leave.
Ryan: You could be a little late to meet Summer at Branning's. (Marissa shakes her head no.) Tell me again, why are you getting ready there?
Marissa: I have no idea.
Ryan: So that means it will just be me and Seth here? Do you know how cruel that is? (Marissa laughs at him.)
Marissa: I think he might be tame. He already hit me up for the Vegas information. (Ryan starts to say something, but she stops him.) Don't worry, I just told him the bare minimums. (She starts to walk off, and when he doesn't follow her, she turns back around and takes his hand to pull him after her.) I have to gather everything up to take with me, though Summer is bringing me another of her old dresses to wear, so you can keep me company.
Ryan: I'll never turn down an offer like that. (As they walk into their room, still hand in hand, he shuts the door behind them and the camera fades away and goes to the Cohens' house where Sandy, Kirsten, Caleb, Hayley, and Zoe are all returning from the hospital. Sandy is carrying Zoe who is almost asleep while Kirsten fusses over Hayley and insists that she help her walk in. Caleb just stands back slightly and holds the bag Hayley brought home with her unsure of what to do.)
Sandy: I'm going to go and put her down for her nap, why don't you all go and sit down in the living room and I'll be back in a second.
Hayley: And then you'll finally tell me the decisions you all made together, without me, about my life?
Kirsten: Hayley, it's not like that…. (Before she finish what she is about to say, Hayley shrugs off her arm and walks quickly to couch, flopping down on it lazily and annoyed. Kirsten looks at Caleb who shrugs his shoulders, hands her the bag and walks into the living room as well. Moving to her side, Sandy kisses Kirsten's cheek before walking up the stairs.)
Sandy: It'll be okay; relax, honey. (Kirsten joins the other two silent people in the living room, briefly sitting down before standing back up and wringing her hands together.)
Kirsten: Can I get anyone anything to drink or eat?
Caleb: I'm fine, thanks, Kiki. Just sit down.
Hayley: I'll take a dirty martini….no, make that two, please. (Caleb laughs at her while Kirsten glares, first at her sister and then at her father after she hears his response.)
Kirsten: It's not funny!
Caleb: Oh, lighten up Kirsten! It's good that she's making jokes; she'd not dead yet!
Hayley: Thank you!
Kirsten: I don't think we should be talking like this. (Sandy walks down the stairs and picks up on the tension in the room.)
Sandy: What's going on?
Hayley: I'm the one dying, but Kirsten is the one having a panic attack. She needs to chill out and just let me be. There's nothing we can do at this point; there's no cure, so I just want to enjoy the time I have left and that's impossible when she's driving me insane!
Sandy: Honey why don't you go and lay down. Your Dad and I will talk to Hayley. (At first Kirsten looks hesitant, but then goes without a word to argue. Once she's gone, he sits down in the couch opposite of her and exchanges a worried, stressed glance with Caleb before sighing and rubbing his face in a tired manner.) You're going to have to compromise with her a little, give a little and so will she. This is hard on her, accepting that you're sick. You're not just her baby sister; you're like a daughter to her.
Hayley: (Smiling to show that she is teasing, she softens her eyes and nods at Sandy.) Well that's a little creepy in an incestuous kind of way but still sweet, and I know that I overreact to her protectiveness, but you guys need to dial it down a little bit. Give me room to breathe and I'll start taking it easy, and you really need to stop making decisions for me. My body might be failing, but my mind is still quite capable of making decisions for itself.
Sandy: Point taken.
Hayley: Well, let's get this over with. What did you decide for me?
Caleb: You'll be living here. I'd have to hire a nurse if you stayed at my place, and we guessed that you'd prefer family helping you instead of a stranger.
Hayley: Yeah, the idea of a stranger helping me go the bathroom when this gets really bad is not appealing on any level….even if he was hot, though I will reconsider it for the sponge baths.
Sandy: (He laughs.) Count me out of that; anything involving the bathroom will be your sister's expertise.
Caleb: (He smirks at Sandy's comment.) I'd hope so!
Hayley: What else? (The men stare at her confused.) What else did you decide for me?
Sandy: Not much.
Caleb: We're basically taking this as it comes, one step at a time.
Sandy: I still need to figure out what I'm doing for a job.
Hayley: Whoa, wait a second there. (She becomes annoyed again.) Do not tell me you're quitting your job to take care of me.
Sandy: Well, someone has to be here during the day to watch out for you, but….
Hayley: (She interrupts him.) I can take care of myself for a few hours a day!
Caleb: No you can't, and if you insist upon this foolish behavior, I'll have you declared incompetent and get legal control over you. (Hayley goes to yell at him, but he continues to push on.) Remember what Sanford here said, (Sandy rolls his eyes at the now playfully mocking nickname.) compromise with us. Besides, do you actually think this tree-hugging hippie was happy working for the man? He's been looking for an excuse to leave the DA's office, and you so happen to fit the bill.
Sandy: I wouldn't quite put it like that, Cal, but (He turns to Hayley.) he has the general idea right This is more to this than just you and the need for someone to watch over you during the day. Besides, it'll be fun, you and me, bonding, making fun of your father, plotting tricks against Seth, bickering over the sesame bagels, you'll love it.
Hayley: (She shakes her head and laughs at him despite herself.) I'll hate it, but it could be worse. (Standing up, she motions towards the kitchen.) I'm going to go and order dinner; I feel as if I've earned the right to pick what we eat tonight after a week of mystery meat, glue for gravy, and jello, (They both go to protest.) and when I'm done, calm down, don't get your panties in a bunch, I'm going to take over the Tivo, (She smirks at Sandy.) and veg out on the couch. There has to be an episode of the Golden Girls on one of your 500 channels. (She disappears into the kitchen leaving the two men alone. They stare after her for a moment before turning and settling back into the couch and sighing a breath of relief.)
Sandy: Same old Hayley. (He laughs.)
Caleb: Still up to no good…..just as I'd expect. (They share a smile before both laying down on their couches and relaxing. The camera leaves them and goes to Marissa, Summer, and Branning while they're getting ready for the party. Summer is already dressed in a Kay Unger silk cocktail dress with deep v-necks in both the front and back, an empire waist with a tie sash, and a floral print. Hair parted on the right side and swept back into a loose bun at the nape of her neck, she looks elegant and tasteful, soft and cool for the August evening party. Her jewelry is light and delicate and her heals are fierce stilettos which wrap around her ankles. Completely ready, she stands, purse in hand waiting for Marissa to appear from the bathroom where she was getting ready. Branning is also ready dressed in a basic pair of slacks with a dress shirt, his ensemble less formal than previous parties. After a few moments, the door from the bathroom opens and Marissa walks out.)
Marissa: I hope you have another dress, because I am so not wearing this! (She looks down at herself unsure and hesitant while Branning and Summer look on impressed. Wearing a Betsy Johnson shirt dress which accentuates her long, graceful, slender legs, she looks playful, flirty, and innocent all at once. The dress is white with allover floral embroidery and eyelets, has tiered, scalloped lace trim, a spread collar and button front, three-quarter length sleeves, and a thin black tie with pompoms at the waist. Her shoes were black stilettos to accent the tie and made her legs look even longer while her hair was thrown up in a messy twist, sexy tendrils escaping and framing her face, making it appear as if she just got out of bed.)
Branning: I told you we picked the right dress from your closet, Summer. (Marissa totally concerned with how she looked misses his wink in Summer's direction.)
Marissa: Yeah, maybe for Summer, but I'm too tall to wear this dress. (She looks up at them.) This is too inappropriate to wear to a work party.
Summer: Please, this is a causal premiere. You're supposed to have fun, and that dress screams fun.
Branning: And Ryan will like it. He won't be able to take his hands of you in it.
Marissa: (She smirks at them.) Trust me, we don't have a problem in that department. He does not need even more encouragement, and this dress screams sex.
Branning: Yeah in a school-girl, innocent type of way. (Summer laughs and Marissa glares at both of them.)
Marissa: Not helping here Branning. (Looking at herself once more, she moves towards the bathroom.) Okay, that's it, I'm not wearing this. What else did you bring me?
Summer: Nothing, and we're running behind. The boys will be here any minute, so there's no time to go out and get you something else. You're just going to have to suck it up and flaunt it. (Mumbling under her breath, she walks towards the purse Summer is holding out for her and takes it before walking towards the door and ignoring them. Branning turns to Summer and smiles at her before whispering.)
Branning: You're the devil child! You just lied to her right to her face. What happened to that BCBG silk champagne bubble dress you also picked up for her tonight?
Summer: I'll let her wear that some other time, but there was no way I was letting her pass up that dress; it was made for her body.
Branning: (He looks Marissa up and down objectively before turning back to Summer.) She looks hot!
Summer: (Giggling, she whispers back to him, earning herself a playful poke in the ribs.) And, for once, I look elegant and she looks fun and flirty. It's a complete role reversal. (Startling them out of their secret discussion, Summer's phone rings. Picking it up, she exhales loudly.) What do you mean you're running late, Cohen? Marissa left there over an hour ago, plenty of time for you two to shower….separately (Branning laughs softly to himself while she continues to talk.) and get dressed and be here on time. (Pause while Seth responds.) I don't care if it's fashionable to be late in this town; this is a party for me and I don't want to be late! (Pause) Cohen, put that damn controller down this minute and get your skinny ass dressed and here before my dress wrinkles or Atwood will be taking you to the ER and not taking his girlfriend to her premiere. I heard that video game in the background, ass! (With that, she snaps her phone shut and turns to Marissa.) The boys are running late, but that still doesn't mean we have time to get you a different dress. (Marissa's face falls, but Summer keeps talking.) Come on, come in here. We need to have a little chat. We haven't had any good girl time for the three of us lately. (Branning smirks at her and gives her the bird but moves to sit by her anyway. Marissa giggles despite herself and comes back into the room and sits down in a chair slightly uncomfortably.) So, Marissa, Branning and I are dying here. You, Atwood, a plush hotel, and a weekend without family to interrupt you, how hot was your trip to Vegas? (Rolling her eyes, Marissa sighs and sits back in her chair annoyed as the camera pulls away from the two girls and Branning and goes back to their apartment where Seth and Ryan are finishing getting ready. Ryan is silent, cleaning up the living room already dressed while Seth messes with his hair in the mirror in the entry way.)
Seth: Dude, what is with you? You seem even quieter than normal. This can't still be about your fight with Marissa…..whatever that may be, I'm not going to ask, but if you want to tell me, I'll never turn down some gossip. (Ryan glares at him in response before turning back to the game system and his cleaning.) Alright, fine, no Sin City talk, but something is wrong, and this is an important night for Marissa. You don't want to ruin it for her by brooding all night. (He can see that Ryan is weakening so he continues to try to convince him to open up.) Besides, talking about it with someone relatively unbiased will help you sort through whatever it is that is bothering you.
Ryan: Fine. (Just as he goes to talk, Seth interrupts him.)
Seth: Great, but let's talk on the way. Summer threatened bodily injury….again….and she's been tame lately, so you know when her normal, vicious side reappears, she'll have to reassert her dominance which will not bode well for my body. (He grabs a jacket and heads out the door with Ryan following a step behind, keys in hand. As they make their way to the elevator, they talk.) So, where were you again. I believe you'd gotten as far as fine before I interrupted you. Proceed.
Ryan: I went to the police station today.
Seth: (He nods his head to show that he is listening while responding.) Voluntarily or protesting in cuffs?
Ryan: Seth! (His voice is annoyed, but Seth looks at him as if he is innocent.)
Seth: What? It wouldn't be he first time you've been arrested.
Ryan: Anyway, I went to find out some information about the trials….(Seth looks at him confused.) for Dan and Trey.
Seth: Okay, so what about them?
Ryan: It could be as late as next summer before they get underway.
Seth: The court systems are notoriously slow. I don't get why this is bothering you so much. (They step into the elevator and Ryan presses the ground floor button.)
Ryan: It bothers us….especially Marissa that they're not put away yet. It's….unnerving.
Seth: Knowing that you're still not 100 safe, that there's still a chance they can hurt you? (His voice is sympathetic and understanding.)
Ryan: Yeah….and it's more than that. It's affecting Marissa's health, stressing her out, (He mumbles the last part.) making it so that it's not safe for us to…..you know. (He shrugs his shoulders and looks away.)
Seth: (He is shocked.) Wow, seriously, not at all?
Ryan: What? (He looks confused and then he realizes what Seth is implying.) Oh, no….NO! (He visibly looks sick at the idea.) We just can't try…. (Seth still looks bewildered, so he speaks rapidly.) try for a baby.
Seth: Oh…..(Recognition sets in.) OH!
Ryan: Yeah. (The elevator stops and they get off and walk away both silent as they think about what they were just discussing. The camera leaves them and goes back to Branning's apartment. Summer and Branning are sitting on his couch together, her feet on his legs, and Marissa is still in the same chair she was in before, but more relaxed and looking slightly less uncomfortable in the dress she is wearing.)
Summer: If I ever see that woman I am so kicking her ass! (Marissa laughs and Branning just shakes his head to agree with Summer.) Is Ryan's boss a prick, too?
Marissa: No, he's genuinely a nice guy. I have no idea how he ended up with someone who is such a bitch. I felt bad for him!
Branning: No one speaks to you like that and gets away with it, not while I have breath in my body!
Marissa: (She holds up her hands.) Down, boy, I took care of it.
Summer: I'm so telling my Dad to make her next boob job lopsided! (This time both Marissa and Branning laugh.)
Branning: Wouldn't that open your Dad up to a malpractice suit?
Summer: (Her face falls and she becomes discouraged.) Oh, yeah.
Branning: Don't worry about it. My Mom taught me well. I know many things we can do to her to get her back say at a work party or something. (He turns to Marissa.) You just have to insist that Ryan's whole entourage must come with him to the event. (Marissa laughs.)
Summer: Your Mom? You and your Mom are close?
Branning: She's like my best friend. We talk everyday. That's where I learned my fashion sense.
Marissa: What are some of the things your Mom would do? (Although she is animated and Branning is nostalgic for his Mom, Summer is just quiet and thoughtful as she listens on.)
Branning: She loved bathroom torture. One thing she'd tell me to do was to lock her in a bathroom stall and hang a sign on the bathroom door saying out of order so no one would let her out. (Marissa laughs so hard she has tears streaming down her face.)
Marissa: It'd have to be a sound proof bathroom, because that woman's voice carries….and not in a good way!
Branning: Then there's always the fake, embarrassing, emotional public confrontation. I could pretend to be a young lover she used and tossed aside begging her to take me back or claim to be the love child she gave up for adoption in high school.
Marissa: Oh my god, she would kill you, chew you up, and spit you back out if you did something like that, and it would be hilarious. Did your Mom really do things like this?
Branning: (Laughing) What do you mean did; she still does them! (The doorbell rings and he moves Summer's legs aside to stand up and make his way there. Summer just sits for a moment totally oblivious to what is going on while Marissa stands up and puts he shoes back on an grabs her purse making her way behind Branning. As he opens the door, she talks.)
Marissa: We could say you're my bodyguard when we go to this!
Seth: (He looks slightly puzzled.) They already know who Branning is though.
Branning: (He laughs.) Weren't you ever taught not to listen into people's conversations, Seth? We were talking about a hypothetical party for Ryan's work where we could get back at Ryan's boss's wife…..(He notices that both boys are staring at their respective partners.) and with that, I'll leave you to your drooling. I'll be out in the car. Clean up the puddles on the floor before you lock up, thanks. (With that, he disappears. Seth approaches Summer first and attempts to wrap his arms around her to give her a sweet kiss, but she brushes him off and walks past him without a word and leaves the apartment. Ryan and Marissa look on confused. Seth, to hide his slight embarrassment covers badly.)
Seth: You know, Summer, (He laughs nervously.) she's just not really into the PDA like you two. (He follows her the door and leaves Ryan and Marissa alone. After a moment where Ryan just stares at her not saying a thing, Marissa becomes self-conscious again.)
Marissa: Is it that bad? I wanted to change, but Summer said we didn't have time to go back to the apartment and she didn't bring me any other dresses. (She goes to cross her arms across her chest in a self-protective way, but Ryan pulls her arms away and holds them out so that he can look at her again.)
Ryan: Don't you dare take that dress off! (Marissa laughs and then decides to tease him.)
Marissa: Ever?
Ryan: Oh no, it's coming off of you this evening as early as I can get you home, but until then, I want to enjoy this view! (He smirks at her and wraps his arms around her waist and pulls he closer to him, letting his hands dip lowly on her hips.)
Marissa: So you don't think I look a little…..inappropriate.
Ryan: If this is inappropriate, you should have been dressing that way a long time ago. (Marissa can't help but laugh, and her genuine giddiness makes Ryan smile, too. In this moment, they both have forgotten about the stress in their lives. Interrupting them, a horn can be heard coming from the street.)
Marissa: I think we're being paged. (She sighs as they are brought back to reality, but as she goes to leave like their friends want them to, Ryan holds her there in front of him and kisses her softly. At first it starts out gentle and sweet, but soon their attraction takes over and they are in a full embrace. When they finally pull away, both are slightly breathless.)
Ryan: Now we can go! (He takes her hand in his and waits for her to lock up the apartment before they walk out together. The scene fades and picks back up at the party. Everyone has just finished the screening of the first episode, so the guests are scattering to do what they want. Some are eating and talking around the table while others, including Seth, Summer, and Branning, are dancing, horribly, to "The Electric Slide". Ryan and Marissa are doing neither. Sitting closely together on a couch, Marissa is silent and appears shell shocked while Ryan is just watching her concerned. Finally, he speaks up.)
Ryan: Are you okay?
Marissa: That was…..I mean….what was that! (Ryan goes to talk, but she doesn't even notice and continues to think out loud. Although her voice is soft so people can not overhear them, it is full of passion and anger.) That was horrible! I helped write the pilot, to tweak it, and it was nothing like that. All of our edge has been eradicated, all of our pivotal moments have been watered down, and it's just a shell of what it was supposed to be.
Ryan: I'd hate to admit it, because this is your job, but you're right. (She smiles at him wryly to show that she doesn't mind that he said that) The show we watched tonight will never name it a full season.
Marissa: It shouldn't even be allowed to air at all!
Ryan: What's up with Summer's character anyway? Is she supposed to be so one dimensional?
Marissa: No, and it's not Summer's fault. She did everything she could with what they gave her. She was supposed to be a little bitchy but with a heart of gold.
Ryan: She came off as a party skank. (Marissa starts laughing at him.) What?
Marissa: I can't believe you just said skank! If nothing else good came out of that disaster we just suffered through, the fact that it lead you to say skank made everything better.
Ryan: Not everything. You could be out of a job in a few weeks if this is received by the public as bad as I think it will be.
Marissa: Then I better start looking for a new job. There is nothing I can do about it now. (She shrugs her shoulders.) This…..that oh not-so charming premier episode we just watched, was NOT my fault.
Ryan: What do you want to do then? Tonight, even though it didn't turn out like you hoped, is still about you. (She smiles at him and leans in and kisses his lips softly.)
Marissa: I think I should go home and write, try to work on my portfolio, prepare for the inevitable job interviews I'll be going on. (Ryan stare at her blankly, incredulous that she wants to do that. Laughing, she stands up and holds her hand out for him.) You are so gullible! Come on, let's sneak out of here and take a taxi home. I think you promised to take this dress off of me. (Wrapping his arm around her waist, they practically run out of the room together.)
Ryan: (His voice is light and teasing.) You know, if this writing thing doesn't work out for you, you could always try acting, too, because you're not so bad!
Marissa: (She sticks her tongue out and he moves to capture it, but she's too quick for him, but his actions make her laugh anyway.) Yeah, like that will ever happen. (Her laughter can be heard as they run out of the room, watched smugly by Branning who smiles at them before going back to his dancing partners. The scene fades and the comes to a close.)
Commercial Break