Opening scene - Ryan & Marissa are outside of the Cohen house, they have just gotten out of Marissa's car

Marissa: alright so maybe next time we go see a movie it won't be a three hour period piece about boats

Ryan: there called ships and I liked it

Marissa: I don't know Russell Crowe he just doesn't do anything for me, I mean people say he's good looking...but I don't see it

Ryan: I've never really thought about it

Marissa: hey, only one more day left in 2003 (smiles)

Ryan: (smiling) its ben a good year

Marissa: yes my parents got divorced my dad went bankrupt...and I OD'ed

Ryan: I meant...for me

Marissa: (smiles) I know, I can't wait to celebrate the New Year...with you (kisses him) so what'd you wanna do I heard about some party that's over-

Ryan: (concerned) maybe you should take it easy (sighs) after what happened at Christmas

Marissa: what happened at Christmas?...it's all kind of a blur actually (Ryan looks at her worried) kidding!(laughs)

Ryan: funny, I thought we could hang here y'know maybe rent a couple Russell Crowe movies (they both laugh then kiss) stay in...so I know you'll be safe

(Marissa smiles and kisses him, then hugs him)

Marissa: (sighs)...I love you (Ryan is stunned) (stops hugging him and clears throat) I mean

Ryan: uh

Marissa: I-I-I didn't mean I (sighs)

Ryan: ...thankyou

Marissa: (suprised) uh your welcome...I um... midnight curfew (gets into her car, Ryan leans in to give her a kiss on the cheek and hits his head on the car. he rubs his head, and she reverses out looking like she cant believe what just happened)

(Ryan is now in the pool house by himself)

Ryan: (sighs and leans again the wall) (softly) I love you I love you how hard is that to say

(Hailey comes out of his bathroom in a singlet & underwear, brushing her teeth)

Hailey: saying it's easy, meaning it, that's the hard part (throws toothbrush on the bench) who the hell are you?

Ryan: (shocked) i-ts a long story, who the hell are you

Hailey: it doesn't work that way dude, it's my pool house

Ryan: actually dude it's my pool house

Hailey: (pulling at the singlet) so this is yours (folds arms) you want it back

Ryan: I got plenty thanks (they both stare at each other) your Kirsten's sister Hailey right

Hailey: so you've heard of me, I guess Kirsten remembers I actually do exist

Ryan: well she didn't say you were coming

Hailey: she doesn't know I'm here...look we'll get it all sorted out over breakfast (throws him his pillow) the living room couch is pretty comfortable

(Ryan gives in and goes to leave)

Hailey: oh and love you too (makes a cutesy face at him)

(Ryan leaves and slams the door)

Theme Song - California by Phantom Planet

Cohen house - Seth comes down stairs and discovers Ryan on the couch

Seth: hey, what's up man what happen to you, lady kick you to the curb

Ryan: (waking up) pool house was occupied, your aunt

Seth: Hailey's here?

Ryan: yeah sh-

Seth: awesome (walks off)

CUT TO: Cohen kitchen - Sandy & Kirsten are doing a cross word puzzle together & Seth comes in

Sandy: alright nine across seven letter word for

Seth: whoa seperate seats you guys come on there's no sex in the champagne room

Kirsten: good morning to you to

Seth: morning, where's Hailey?

Kirsten: (clueless) I don't know Thailand, Morocco

Sandy: I think she's planting trees in Tacoma

Kirsten: ah Costa Rica building churches

Sandy: I think that was (?) and they were hospitals

Seth: she's in the pool house (they both look at him)

Kirsten: what're you talking about?

Seth: did you not notice Ryan sleeping on the couch

(Ryan comes in)

Ryan: (yawning) your sisters here

Kirsten: (stands) w-w-w wait wait wait you-you saw her you were talking to her or uh... did she say why she was here

Sandy: I have two guesses, either she's run outta or she's run outta money

Seth: three letter word for hillarious dad (points at him) write that down, she is probably outta money though

Kirsten: (touching her forehead) Hailey's here (laughs)

(Hailey comes to the door wearing the exact thing she was last night. singlet & underwear)

Hailey: hey guys, guess whose back

Sandy: h-hello Hailey

Seth: (laughing) aunt Hailey later when you're dressed we'll hug

Kirsten: Seth robe - her - now

Seth: (giving his robe to Hailey) there you are

Hailey: (putting it on) happy New Year everyone

Seth: happy New Year to you

Kirsten: hi

(Sandy waves with 2 fingers. Seth & Hailey hug)

Kirsten: we would of come and picked you up (hugs her) at the airport or the train station

Sandy: or the border

Hailey: yeah well it was late an my cell phone got shut off

Sandy: when you ran outta money (Hailey laughs)

Kirsten: so your gonna stay with us...for some time

Hailey: (shrugs) hmm

Kirsten: I'm gonna make up the guest bedroom (to Sandy) bedding sheets now hmm

Sandy: (getting up) married seventeen years the first things that go are the full sentences, welcome back (hugs Hailey)

Hailey: thanks (to Seth) looking good (?) Seth

Seth: thankyou, puberty happened

Hailey: pff its ben that long?

Seth: it sure has, be glad you missed it! oh check this out though (pulls his shirt down to show a bit of his chest)

Hailey: (looks) oooh chest hair (Seth winks and makes a 'yeah' motion with his fist) and a new friend

Seth: yeah that's Ryan he's um...he's kind of a long story

Hailey: uh-huh so now that your a man what are the New Years Eve plans, got any girls to kiss

Seth: well I had two an uh now I have...none but its cool cause I uh I swore off women

Hailey: right

Seth: I took myself off the market I'm gonna do whatever Ryan & Marissa do (Ryan looks up)

Hailey: Marissa, is that the short chick next door

Seth: no puberty happened (makes a tall motion with his hand) she's a laker

Hailey: well it sounds to me like Ryan & Marissa won't be doing much (teasing) cause'a three little words Ryan couldn't say...where's the frosted flakes?

Seth: that's four

Hailey: I - love - you

Seth: shut up (to Ryan) Ryan Marissa said that to you (Ryan nods) ok what'd you say

Ryan: (softly) thankyou

Hailey: (cringes) oh

Seth: well guess we'll be stayin in tonight, Carson Daly an a ball dropping...there is two images that should never be said in the same sentence

CUT TO: Marissa coming out of the psychiatrist office into the waiting room. Oliver is there

Oliver: nice of the doctors to keep the offices open today, with all our resolutions that need to be analysed before their broken

Marissa: yeah it was nice of them

Oliver: so...what are they...your resolutions that your never gonna keep, give me one at least one

Marissa: I'm gonna eat more vegetables

Oliver: wow you an the doc really went deep, and what about dairy, grains

Marissa: actually we feel good about the grains

Oliver: and tonight, New Year's Eve your social chair I'm sure you've organised several events, ferris wheels balloon animals

Marissa: mmm done that

Oliver: so, what's the deal?

Marissa: you ask alot of questions

Oliver: one of us has to

Marissa: (smiles) uh what're you doing?

Oliver: well now that you've asked um (hands her invitation) I'm having a party at my place

Marissa: (reading) you live in the four seasons

Oliver: come by an ill explain everything

Marissa: yeah maybe we will

Oliver: we as in uh you an your friend

Marissa: uh my boyfriend Ryan, he wants to stay in he's not a social

Oliver: (nods) mm my girlfriends the same way Natalie, but uh she'll be there y'know I could meet him, you could meet her, it's a party

Marissa: (smiles) yeah hopefully ill see you there

Oliver: there'll be veggies no pain killers but crudités some celery, dip

Marissa: hmm well as long as there's dip (leaves)

CUT TO: Cohen house - Kirsten & Hailey are in Kirsten's bedroom. Hailey is going through Kirsten's clothes and Kirsten is sitting on the bed

Kirsten: Hailey can we...focus for a moment

Hailey: on the fact this ones got matronly in the last year (referring to sweater)

Kirsten: two years is the part that I wanna focus on

Hailey: (ignoring her) what am I gonna wear tonight, a little Anne Taylor, a little Ralph Lauren...oh my god is this from Talbot's

Kirsten: it was a gift (takes it from her) haven't you ben living in hostiles out of a backpack wearing clothes made from hemp

Hailey: that was last year Kiki

Kirsten: (snaps) don't call me Kiki! only dad calls me Kiki and only because he wont - not, you do remember dad don't you?

Hailey: I have a vague recollection

Kirsten: well just wait till he hears your back

Hailey: yeah y'know I was gonna tell him...in due time

Kirsten: well you have two weeks before he gets back from Paris...with Julie Cooper

Hailey: (suprised) dad and Julie Cooper

Kirsten: well at least he's dating somebody my age instead of yours

Hailey: how does Jimmy Cooper feel about this?

Kirsten: pretty good...now that they're getting a divorce

Hailey: things have really picked up around here, y'know I should come back more often

Kirsten: Hailey! what are your plans...exactly

(Sandy comes in)

Sandy: ladies so I'm gonna go uh-

Kirsten: surfing, fun where?

Sandy: you know the spot you know by the place

Kirsten: four footers I heard that to (Sandy is looking for something) sunglasses

Sandy: yeah I was jus gonna ask ya

Kirsten: kitchen, so tonight

Sandy: yeah what time should I make the reservations?

Kirsten: uhh

Sandy & Kirsten: eight

Sandy: perfect, table?

Kirsten: usual

Sandy: (kisses her) I love you

Kirsten: you too (Hailey is looking at them both, frowning) what?

Hailey: you guys are like...married

Kirsten: well that was the idea, when we had our wedding

Hailey: no I mean like...deeply deeply married (Kirsten looks at her) forget it, anyway so tonight you guys...

Kirsten: are going to dinner at the arches we do it every year home in time to watch Dick Clark an the ball drop, two images that should not be used in the same sentence

Hailey: y'know it's to bad that you're busy tonight cause I know this really great party where you guys would have like actual fun, but I understand, you're boring now!

Kirsten: I am not boring!

(Sandy comes in again)

Sandy: hey baby I-I I can't find-

Kirsten: keys check you're-

Sandy: pants ah you're good

Hailey: (holding a dress) Gucci now we're talkin

Kirsten: (takes it from her) yes and I will be wearing this

Sandy: to the arches uh it's kinda fancy

Kirsten: hey Sandy after our annual dinner how do you feel about a party

CUT TO: the pool house - Ryan & Marissa are discussing the party

Ryan: we're not goin to a party, we made plans

Marissa: to do nothing

Ryan: who's Oliver

Marissa: (shrugs) a guy from therapy...hey there'll be crudité an dip (Ryan looks at her) sorry I guess it's more of an inside joke

Ryan: between you an Oliver you guys have inside jokes

Marissa: it'll be fun there'll be people

Ryan: as opposed to here which'll jus be you an me, I thought you wanted to do nothing

Marissa: yeah well that was before-

Ryan: right before I...it

Marissa: (playing dumb) what

Ryan: because I didn't say...

Marissa: what?

Ryan: when you said...

Marissa: what?

Ryan: never mind

Marissa: so (picks up the invite) are you going

Ryan: I'm stayin here watchin movies like we agreed

Marissa: (gives him the invite) ok well if you change your mind

Ryan: so you're going

Marissa: like I said, yep (kisses him on the cheek) happy New Year (leaves)

Ryan: happy New Year ( he doesn't look happy)

CUT TO: Ryan & Seth playing video games in the living room

Seth: you know what you did...you know what you did, you blew it buddy...almost as bad as I did but you know what, we're both single now its a new year I think we should join friends fair meet new people

Ryan: we didn't break up we're just not spending New Years Eve together

Seth: only the most important chick holiday of the year besides Valentines Day, why don't you jus go to this party I don't understand

Ryan: because we had plans an...because I mean who's Oliver

Seth: ok, as long as you're clear on your motivation

(Sandy & Kirsten walk in, they are all dressed up)

Sandy: ok so we're gonna go

Kirsten: ah do you guys need anything

Seth: yes Ryan needs a tear in the space time continuum so he can go back an say I love you to Marissa (Ryan looks at him)

Kirsten: she said I love you (Seth nods)

Sandy: so what'd you say back?

Seth: thankyou

Ryan: (to Seth) thankyou

Sandy: well that was polite

Seth: (nods & smiles) that's what I said

Kirsten: you guys have fun

Sandy: see ya

Seth: love you guys

Sandy: thankyou

(Sandy & Kirsten walk out and run into Hailey coming down the stairs)

Hailey: you guys look hot

Sandy: hey don't sound so suprised

Hailey: (pushing Kirsten) come on let's go move it out, I don't wanna see you crazy kids back here before two

Kirsten: thanks, for this and when we get back we'll talk about your plan an how long your here (Hailey rolls her eyes) an why...your ok about tonight

Hailey: I'm just gonna catch up with some friends, don't worry about me, you guys deserve to have some fun

Sandy: I couldn't agree more...lets go (to Hailey) happy New Year

Hailey: thanks (shuts the door)

(Hailey walks into the living room, suprised to see Ryan & Seth)

Hailey: what're you guys doing here, your not even dressed?

Seth: I know I told you we're not goin out Carson Daly balls

Hailey: I thought you were being sarcastic

Seth: that's usually a safe assumption

Hailey: (to Ryan) w-where's your lady friend

Ryan: out at a party

Hailey: your girlfriends at a New Years Eve party, alone (sits down)

Seth: she's not alone she's with some guy named Oliver

Ryan: you've gotten really glib

Seth: hmm

Hailey: you guys broke up

Ryan: (defensive) we didn't break up we're just not spending New Years Eve together

Hailey: you know what they say, the way you spend new years eve is the same way you'll spend the rest of the year (Ryan frowns) so at the count down to midnight when she's looking for someone to kiss an your here playing video games about pirates

Seth: (correcting) ninjas

Hailey: (dramatic) and its like 10, 9, 8 (Ryan looks at her) an she's all alone when she sees this guy Oliver 7, 6, 5, fire works start, music swells 4, 3 people are pairing off (Ryan looks worried) who's she gonna kiss 2, 1 (Ryan & Seth both look at each other)

CUT TO: Ryan & Seth dressed to go out

Hailey: you guys look hot

Seth: to hot? cause I'm tryin'a keep a low profile these days

Ryan: thanks for y'know gettin me outta the house

Hailey: (puts her arm around his shoulders) hey your part of the family an we look out for our own now, lets go (pushes Ryan) come on out

Seth: you wanna come?

Hailey: nah I'm gonna...hang out, take it easy, lay low

(Ryan opens the door to leave and there is a group of people outside. one guy screams and sprays champagne all over Ryan & Seth. lots of people enter the house)

Ryan: (shouts) take it easy?

Seth: (shouts) lay low?

Hailey: just a couple of friends

(you see a guy in the living room, he smashes a table lamp. more people come through the door and they spray Ryan & Seth with silly string. neither are happy about it)

CUT TO: Marissa & Summer arriving at Oliver's party. they get out of the elevator and head to the door

Summer: (excited) we are at the penthouse of the four seasons

Marissa: I know its jus...y'know

Summer: Coop, the way you spend your new years eve is the way your gonna spend the rest of the year

Marissa: it is?

Summer: yeah (links arms with her) an you are not gonna think of Ryan an I am so not thinking of Seth Cohen an how pathetic it is that he's staying home on New Years Eve probably playing like a stupid video game about like pirates or like ninjas or something

Marissa: uh-hm

Summer: alright four season's penthouse...it's undeniable

(Marissa laughs and they walk in)

Anna: hey! people I know

Summer: huh where? (Anna fake laughs)

Marissa: hey Anna what're you doing here

Anna: oh my parents are friends with the parents of the guy who's throwing this party

Marissa: wait you know Oliver

Anna: who

Oliver: (walking up) hey you made it

Marissa: hey

Oliver: c'mon I'll show you around

Marissa: ok (walks off with him)

Anna: so where's Seth?

Summer: um I don't know, why don't you tell me

Anna: I don't know an I don't care

Summer: me either, Seth Cohen is like so 2003 and in like 74 minutes I'll never have to think about him again

Anna: 73

Summer: even better

Anna: mmhmm

CUT TO: the Cohen's back yard. guys run to the pool taking their shirts off and scream 'skinny dipping'

Ryan: oh god dudes

Seth: ok that's alotta genitalia in my pool

Ryan: we should go

Seth: we can't go

Ryan: what about the whole Marissa kissing Oliver count down?

Seth: yeah I know, that was before I took a face full a don man, I can't leave Hailey here the place'll get trashed c'mon she's insane

Ryan: you said she was awesome

Seth: insanely awesome

Ryan: so tell her, the party's over

Seth: right right except I don't wanna be the dad ok listen telling my aunt she can't have a party that's embarrassing. you do it

Ryan: it's your house

Seth: right an it's your girlfriend with some dude named Oliver (Ryan glares at him) (shrugs) I'm just tryin'a help you track some motivation

Ryan: she's apart of your family

Seth: right and the Cohen's are notorious for conflict avoidance but the Atwood's, they thrive on it you are the man for this

Ryan: I'm...not gonna win this argument

Seth: (shakes his head) no

Ryan: ok (walks off)

Seth: hey no ball dropping till midnight ok (catches a beach ball) thanks that's what I was talkin about

CUT TO: Kirsten & Sandy in the car

GPS: in one quarter of a mile turn left

Sandy: what's goin on?

Kirsten: nothin...are we in a rut?

Sandy: (laughs) that's nothin huh, no we're not in a rut, we're in a marriage

Kirsten: its jus that (sighs) we finish each others sentences we always know what the other is thinking

Sandy: oh that's my favourite part

Kirsten: I own a sweater set from Talbot's

Sandy: that was a gift...I don't think anybody would think we're boring

Kirsten: but do we need to take more chances

GPS: in 400 feet turn left

Sandy: yes we do need to take more chances (Kirsten looks at him) GPS lady says turn left...I'm goin right

Kirsten: Sandy don't

Sandy: nah n-n-no you can't stop me no one can hang on here we go

GPS: when possible please make a U turn

Sandy: (to GPS) no no I wont! I will not!

Kirsten: Sandy please

Sandy: oh baby we're livin on the edge honey we're livin on the edge woohoo

Kirsten: we're not living on the edge we're getting lost would you just listen to the GPS lady

GPS: when possible please make a U turn

Sandy: oh thank god cause y'know I...I hate to defy the GPS lady cause she...she gets so cross

Kirsten: (laughs) do you think we're fun

Sandy: yeah I do, come on your sister is so up inside your head its nuts no ones as fun as Hailey I mean that's her calling in life she's 10 pounds of fun in a 5 pound bag

Kirsten: what'does that mean

Sandy: it means she's fun y'know she's a Nichol she's a pot stirrer a ball buster a-a button pusher, she is pushin your buttons

Kirsten: that she is

Sandy: well we're goin to a party where we don't know anyone where anything could happen

Kirsten: that's true

Sandy: that's fun

Kirsten: (thinks) why don't...we skip dinner an jus go to that party

GPS: when possible please make a U turn

Sandy: oooooh you are dangerous

CUT TO: Oliver's party. Oliver & Marissa are talking in the kitchen

Marissa: (sitting on the bench) hey so this is a pretty cool place to have a party

Oliver: yeah well my parents own a bunch of em

Marissa: (sucking a lime) mm hotel rooms?

Oliver: hotels

Marissa: mm I've never had one of these before (referring to the drink Oliver is making)

Oliver: oh they are excellent of course these are virgins they won't take the edge off, they wont numb the pain, but hey there fun to-to say mohito

Marissa: mohito (laughs)

Oliver: mohito!

Marissa: (laughing) mohito (getting down) hey y'know jus cause I'm not drinking doesn't mean you can't

Oliver: yes but then my sponsor would be so disappointed in me (smiles) clean and sober eleven months

Marissa: wow

Oliver: you did meet me in therapy (Marissa smiles) so where's Ryan?

Marissa: he's...not here

Oliver: I can see that

Marissa: so when do I get to meet Natalie

Oliver: yeah uh...she's not here (laughs)

Marissa: what happened?

Oliver: long story long distance relationship y'know those are always so fraught with peril, anyway she's a freshman at Arizona

Marissa: (impressed) an older woman

Oliver: not really she uh had the benefit of not getting kicked out of three schools in three years, makes it a whole lot easier to graduate on time (Marissa smiles) but as for me now I'm doing senior year...again an she's doin her freshman thing y'know havin fun partying (shrugs) an I don't think she wants to be in a serious relationship anymore

Marissa: an you...love her (Oliver nods) have you told her?

Oliver: course all the time...(holds up drink) to Ryan

Marissa: to Natalie

Oliver: we can have fun without em right

Marissa: I hope so

Oliver: not the inspiring answer I was lookin for but, ill take it

(they laugh and clink drinks)

CUT TO: Cohen house - Ryan is looking for Hailey. he goes upstairs and over hears Hailey & a friend arguing

Hailey: look I get it, I get that you're upset ok

(Ryan knocks on the door)

Hailey: one minute

Ryan: (impatient) I needa talk to you

Hailey: I said one minute! (to the girl) just hear me out

Girl: I don't even know what your doin back here Hale you still owe me three grand

Hailey: I know an ill get it back to you

Girl: that's what you said two years ago before you bolted

Hailey: oh what happened, your trust fund run out?

Girl: I was gonna ask you the same thing, so you're back to make a withdrawal from your dad...and then what you'll split again

Hailey: I don't need this from you your suppose to be my friend

Girl: you don't have any friends left hun you burned all those bridges

Hailey: gee doesn't look like it from the showing we got tonight

Girl: or everybody knows no one throws a rager like Hailey Nichol, your lookin for some good blow some clean speed

Hailey: look this conversation is over you wanna go, then go

Girl: not without my three grand and you better hope that Cameo doesn't show up here tonight after what you did to Alex

Hailey: goodbye (walks out the door)

Ryan: (yells) hey! you think maybe its time we end this thing

Hailey: no, I don't

Ryan: well maybe the cops will

Hailey: so what, you're like a nark now (Ryan looks at her) fine lets jus talk about this (Ryan follows Hailey)

CUT TO: Sandy & Kirsten arriving at the party

Sandy: this place isn't so rockin, I mean we're way more fun then these people

Kirsten: I can't believe this is Hailey's big party

Sandy: oh I just hope there's somethin (?) devilled egg I'm starvin

Taryn: (suprised) Kirsten! oh my god I can't believe your here, I had no idea you were...so much fun

Kirsten: yeah uh hi Taryn you-you know my husband Sandy

Sandy: hey (waves)

Taryn: well if I don't now I might at midnight (laughs) go ahead Sandy put your watch in the bowl (to Kirsten) whoever ends up with him is gonna be one lucky lady

Sandy: (in shock) oh my god

Kirsten: I think we're at a swinger's party, I'm gonna kill Hailey, we can still make our dinner reservations cant we

Sandy: oh yeah, yeah yeah we're leavin

Kirsten: we can't stay here...can we?

Sandy: (laughs) we're not in this big a rut

Kirsten: you think we're in a rut, you jus said it!

Sandy: where's that deviled egg

Kirsten: we-we don't have enough nerve to-to stick this out

Sandy: no we don't so let's go

Kirsten: we couldn't possibly stay, could we?

Sandy: hey we can stay

Kirsten: I dare you

Sandy: don't dare me unless you mean it

Kirsten: I dare ya

Sandy: I will

Kirsten: double dare

Sandy: ok

Kirsten: go ahead

Sandy: you got three seconds to stop me (begins to take off his watch) uno (walks to the bowl) dose (Kirsten looks at him) trese (Kirsten shrugs not stopping him) (he looks at her then puts the watch in)

CUT TO: Cohen's backyard - Ryan, Hailey & Seth are walking to the pool house

Seth: we'll be chlorinating for weeks!

Hailey: lets jus go somewhere private, talk without getting the cops involved...I know your moms gonna kill me (opens the door & Seth & Ryan walk in) and I'm really sorry but its New Years Eve (shuts the door on them) and we're having a party (key locks the door & walks off)

Seth: (banging) (yells) hey! (Ryan & Seth look at each other)

CUT TO: Inside the pool house

Ryan: great this is just great

Seth: (shakes the door) oh god this isn't good

Ryan: you think?

Seth: (panics) (grabs Ryan) I can't breathe

Ryan: what?

Seth: (freaking out) I'm claustrophobic

Ryan: Seth this place is huge it has a kitchen an a bathroom

Seth: shhh Ryan do not use up all the oxygen

Ryan: you want a sandwich a shower we got all that here

Seth: (scoffs) we're gonna die an I'm the glib one

Ryan: I sleep here every night three'a the walls are made'a windows

Seth: yes which currently look out on naked dudes man, we're trapped like rats!

Ryan: rats in an enourmous pool house! by the way your aunts really cool

Seth: yeah I know she's a little unpredictable sometimes (freaks out more) my shirts strangling me ugh (grabs at the collar) oh

Ryan: (closes his eyes) oh great my girlfriends kissing some guy an I'm stuck here with a lunatic

CUT TO: Sandy & Kirsten at the swinger's party. Sandy is talking to some woman & Kirsten is sitting by herself. Taryn sits next to her)

Taryn: I know the first one of these can be a little...challenging, the key...drink alot (smiles)

Kirsten: I'm jus easing into it

Taryn: it's worth it...New Years Eve 1998 this party saved my marriage

Kirsten: my marriage doesn't need saving where not in trouble

Taryn: oh sure not trouble nah jus...a rut, I know I was there

Kirsten: we're not in a rut

Taryn: so many of us just sleep walk through our own lives an we don't even know we're asleep, till somebody wakes us up

Kirsten: I'm up

Taryn: take a chance, I mean what's the worst that could happen, you have one evening of crazy sex with a total stranger, in college that was a Thursday night

Kirsten: for you maybe (Kirsten watches Sandy)

Taryn: you ask me your husbands havin alotta fun for someone who's not in a rut (walks off)

CUT TO: Oliver's party. Summer & Anna are sitting together

Summer: feel like drinking?

Anna: um no not really, you?

Summer: no

(they both look over at the same guy, the guy smiles towards them and they both smile back. they both realise and stop)

Anna: I'm sorry he was probably smiling at you

Summer: oh no your eye lines totally matched you should go

Anna: no n-n-no he's clearly interested in you

Summer: you think?

(he nods his head in their direction, they both do it back to him)

Anna: that was all you

Summer: no to close to call, we are not ringing in 04 the same way we spent 03, I'm on the case come on (stands up & grabs Anna's arm)

Anna: wait n-n-no Summer you can't jus go up to him

Summer: (to the guy) hi uh we were wondering who were you smiling at me or her

Allan: uh you're both cute

Summer: n-n-no not happening ok, one or the other you have to choose between us, someone has to choose between us!

Anna: you know what Summer its ok, you can have him

Summer: Anna look Seth Cohen just wants to be our friend I don't know anything about this guy but I know

Allan: I'm Allan (holds out hand) from Tulsa Oklahoma

Summer: (puts hand up) yeah don't care (to Anna) all I know is that this guy doesn't just wanna be my friend

Anna: he's really not my type, go for it

Summer: oh what's your type Seth Cohen (Summer realises what she said, Anna looks hurt)

Anna: (softly) I'm gonna go (walks off)

Summer: great

CUT TO: Marissa & Oliver near where Summer & Anna were

Oliver: and we have crudité, as promised

Marissa: (smiling) oh so now I have to eat them

Oliver: uh not until midnight (Marissa laughs) so question when you asked me if I ever told Natalie I loved her, it struck me as an interesting question, revealing

Marissa: wow you should be a therapist

Oliver: so what you said it to him an he didn't say it back

Marissa: uh he said...thankyou

Oliver: well at least he's polite...I'm gonna get another mohito, you want one?

Marissa: yeah...maybe I just over reacted y'know I mean maybe he didn't say it because he just wasn't ready

Oliver: yeah or because you know

Marissa: (concerned) because he doesn't love me

Oliver: oh hey no no I mean what'do I know I don't even know the guy...don't listen'a me (Marissa looks worried)

CUT TO: Kirsten & Sandy at the swinger's party. Kirsten is now with a guy & Sandy is alone

Bob: I traveled to see the Alaskan blue hare

Kirsten: I-I had no idea that that involved that much travel, an (?) that's fascinating

Sandy: excuse me I'm sorry to interrupt (to Kirsten) hey I'm ready to go, was this fun or what (to the guy) Sandy Cohen pleasure swingin with ya

Kirsten: we're leaving I-I'm just starting to have fun, did you know that Bob studies birds

Sandy: birds! Bob that's great (to Kirsten) listen if we hurry I think we can still get our table

Kirsten: I wanna stay (Bob walks away) bye Bob

Bob: maybe ill see you later

Sandy: what're you doin

Kirsten: I'm havin fun

Sandy: what discussing the pigeon with Bob...Hailey has so gotten under your skin

Kirsten: no

Sandy: what

Kirsten: this is not about Hailey

Sandy: oh no

Kirsten: no, maybe we needed to do this, maybe we need'a do something dangerous, maybe we are in a rut an we didn't even know it

Sandy: so you wanna swing

Kirsten: I'm swinging

Sandy: (walking away) Heidi you have got to finish telling me that story about the Galapagos Islands

CUT TO: The pool house - Ryan is lying on his bed & Seth is lying on the floor breathing in a brown paper bag

Ryan: 45 minutes its midnight, we ever get outta here your aunt is dead

Seth: hey Ryan

Ryan: yeah

Seth: (sits up) I have to ask you (sighs) why didn't you jus say it

Ryan: (sits up on his elbow) I don't know...cause I never have

Seth: but you do right

Ryan: I guess, I don't know...how do ya know

Seth: I jus think you know (barely heard) I don't know

Ryan: yeah I do...why didn't you choose I mean you had to like one more then the other right

Seth: (breathes in the bag) but now I don't deserve either cause I blew it (lays back down)

Ryan: me too (lays down)

Seth: I'm optimistic about this friends (?) thing though

Ryan: 43 minutes (sighs)

CUT TO: Hailey walking around inside

Hailey: hey

Guy: Hailey man good party once again

Hailey: happy New Year (smiling)

(pan to the front door, a group of rough looking girls come in)

Cameo: (to girl from earlier) where is that bitch? I can't believe she would even show her face in Newport

Girl: look Cammy I don't know (walks off)

(Hailey sees that Cameo is there and runs to the pool house. she unlocks the door)

Hailey: I need help

(Seth sees the door is open)

Seth: (gasps) fresh oxygen

(Seth dives towards the door but Hailey shuts it on him and his face hits the glass)

Ryan: so you locked us in the pool house an now you want our help

Hailey: pretty much, yes

Ryan: no I'm leavin

Hailey: w-w-w-wait, there's a girl out there that wants to kill me

Ryan: just one...look there's a girl who's gonna wanna kill me if I don't get to her in 39 minutes

Hailey: ok, but please help me shut this down

Ryan: I'm not helpin you

Hailey: fine but she's gonna tear this house apart (Ryan shakes his head) do it for Sandy & Kirsten

Ryan: let's go we gotta clear this party out

Seth: (down near their feet) it's what I do best (breathes in the paper bag) (they walk out)

CUT TO: Seth & Ryan standing at the front door with a flash light, people are walking out

Seth: have a good night

Ryan: thanks for comin

Hailey: what'd you do?

Seth: shut off the power

Ryan: told em the cops were coming (looks at his watch) oh I gotta go

Seth: Ryan go man, ill clean up

Ryan: you sure?

Seth: yes, go!

Ryan: 31 minutes (Seth pushes him) I jus hope I can get to her on time (bolts to the door)

Seth: me too

(Seth looks at Hailey, then they both survey the mess. the couch is on its side and there are things all over the floor)

CUT TO: Sandy & Kirsten at the watch party

Taryn: come on everybody its 11:30 we need to make our selections so we have someone new to ring in the new year with (clapping) since this is Evelyn's house we will let her pick first, Evy

(Evelyn picks up a watch, it belongs to Bob)

Sandy: (clapping) way to go Bob

(another woman picks another watch, more clapping)

(close up of Kirsten's eyes, then Sandy's eyes - shot of different hands in the bowl, its getting lower and lower - close ups of their eyes again)

Taryn: ok (takes a watch & holds it up) (disappointed with the guy) (to Kirsten) I hope you have some better luck

( 2 more people choose and now it's only Kirsten, Sandy, 1 guy & 1 girl left. woman takes the only watch left and it belongs to the guy. Kirsten looks at Sandy & smiles)

Sandy: (laughs) I don't get it, everyone else got picked, what happened to my watch

Kirsten: (smiling) it better be in your pants

(Sandy holds it up)

Kirsten: mm (kisses him)

Sandy: come on swinger, let's go home

CUT TO: Ryan in the car stuck in traffic

Radio: traffic is looking pretty bad on the 73, New Years Eve is always ugly on the road luckily it's almost over

(Ryan looks frustrated)

CUT TO: Oliver's party - Anna is standing by herself. she doesn't look happy. Summer is sitting with Allan and waves to Anna, Anna smiles and waves back. Anna walks away towards Marissa

Anna: hey, I'm gonna take off

Marissa: you are? so close to midnight

Anna: yeah yeah I don't wanna be here it's to depressing, happy New Year (hugs her)

Marissa: thanks (Anna leaves)

(Oliver comes up behind her)

Oliver: hey how you doin

Marissa: (sad) I know it sounds stupid but I...I keep looking back at the door thinking...maybe he'll show up...in time

Oliver: yeah I keep hopin to see Natalie...sadly I think it's just us tonight (Marissa nods) but hey at least we have each other (Marissa smiles)

CUT TO: Sandy & Kirsten getting home. they both stop suddenly and look at the mess. Kirsten laughs

Sandy: I think we're in the wrong house

Kirsten: I don't

(Seth comes in and waves to them)

Sandy: what the hell happened here?

Seth: ok I don't even know enough people to cause this much damage

(Hailey comes in)

Hailey: so, how was the party?

Kirsten: what'did you do

Hailey: nothing that can't be undone, well a little palmolive some elbow grease, Seth an I have it covered

Seth: oooh nobody said anything about elbow grease

Kirsten: Seth - garbage - out - now

Sandy: I look forward to waking up to a clean house tomorrow (Sandy walks off)

Hailey: night Sandy...I'm gonna get back to the dishes

Kirsten: YOU don't walk away from me

Hailey: your not mom...ya can't talk to me that way

Kirsten: (angry) this is my house! my upside down couch! I will talk to you any way that I want (Hailey walks away)

CUT TO: Sandy going into the bedroom

Sandy: (seeing 2 girls & a guy in bed) oh oh I I should really learn to knock (shutting the door) incase there's a threesome going on in my bedroom

CUT TO: The kitchen - Hailey is cleaning & Kirsten is talking to her

Kirsten: you can't keep living your life like this Hailey like you have no responsibility, like your still a child, what use to be cute is now embarrassing

Hailey: I'm sorry...the party got a little out of hand

Kirsten: people your age they have finished college they have jobs their-their married

Hailey: look in the morning, ill take off

Kirsten: (heated) I am not asking you to leave I jus want you to grow up!...(calmer) it's a new year you can make a new start

Hailey: why? so I can grow up to be jus like you working for dad selling Mc-mansions planning charity events with the newpsies

Kirsten: hey! I love my life, my family, my rut...you spend so much time putting energy into having fun, your whole life is dedicated to having fun...are ya even havin any?...I'll help you clean up

Hailey: (teary) I don't want your help...ill finish in the morning, I'm goin'a bed

CUT TO: Seth taking out the garbage bins. Anna is walking up

Seth: Anna, hey

Anna: I didn't want you to be alone on new years...actually (walking closer to him) uh-hm I didn't wanna be alone on new years

Seth: well I'm not alone

Anna: oh

Seth: (shakes head) mm mm I have uh captain oats an Carson Daly so

Anna: oh wow that's an unbeatable combination, ill go (turns around)

Seth: wait-wait uh captain oats had to much champagne an... Carson Daly's kind of a ginormous tool so (Anna laughs) I could use the company (smiles)

(Anna looks as though she's going to kiss him, but takes one of the bins from him instead)

CUT TO: Ryan in the lobby of the four seasons, he is running. stops and runs to the elevator then presses the button several times it takes to long so he runs off and goes into the stairway

CUT TO: Inside the party - Marissa looks disappointed that Ryan's not there

CUT TO: The stair way. Ryan is running up a flight of stairs

CUT TO: The party - Oliver is standing with Marissa

Oliver: twenty seconds (smiles) (Marissa looks to the door, hopeful)

CUT TO: The stair way - Ryan leans against the wall trying to catch his breath. looks at his watch then runs again

CUT TO: The party - the countdown begins

Everyone: 10 - 9 - 8 - 7 (Marissa looks at Summer - it's interesting to note they aren't joining the countdown) 6, 5

CUT TO: (slow motion) Ryan flinging open the door to the floor of the penthouse, he runs out

CUT TO: Inside the party (slow motion) Marissa is standing opposite Oliver and they are about to clink glasses

CUT TO: (slow motion) Ryan is running to the door of the penthouse and opens it, he pushes through the crowd. Marissa sees him enter - Ryan is running - Marissa is watching - Ryan is still running - Marissa has a huge smile on her face and she walks towards him

Everyone: 3 - 2

(Ryan smiles and they kiss just as we hear everyone yell 'happy New Year'. gold glitter is raining down on them) - it looks truly magical)

CUT TO: Cohen house (slow motion) Sandy is changing the sheets on their bed, Kirsten comes in. Kirsten smiles at him & Sandy holds up his watch with a huge smile on his face. Kirsten touches it

CUT TO: (slow motion) Seth & Anna are making out on his bed, Seth is on his side, as is Anna. then Seth rolls on top of Anna and they continue to kiss. they both look over at his TV which shows 'happy'

CUT TO: Summer & Allan kissing. Summer pulls away

Summer: (sad) you're not Seth Cohen

Allan: who's Seth Cohen?

Summer: huh I wasn't-I wasn't talking to you um, I gotta go happy New Year (leaves)

(Oliver is looking around, it then pans to Ryan & Marissa who finish kissing)

Ryan: (mouths) I love you

Marissa: (suprised) what?

Ryan: (whispers) I love you (smiles)

Marissa: (thinks about it for a second)...thankyou

(Marissa smiles at him then they kiss again - awww - Fade out)