Previously on The O.C.:
What do I have to do to get you to stay?
I think you're doing it.
Julie, you know this engagement is a trial?
What?
Griffin will not move forward unless you are gone.
He's been taking kickbacks from vendors.
Totally and completely untrue.
You give me your word,
I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.
What happened?
SUMMER: I know about Volchok.
What has gotten into you?
You're being so lame. Not as lame as you.
I'm hoping that you both will apply to Berkeley.
SETH: That guy from Brown-- he didn't say
they couldn't take more than one student from Harbor.
SUMMER: Hey, well, this might be the year.
Cohen, come out. I want to see.
All right.
I feel like Pa Kettle.
Not bad.
Try this on. Oh, wow, you got us matching parkas.
Mm-hmm, and matching hats, and matching scarves.
We're going to be the warmest,
most coordinated couple at Brown.
Yeah, you think you're jumping the gun a little bit?
We don't get our acceptance letters until tomorrow.
Oh, please, with your dorked-out grades
and my NASA-level SATs, we are so getting in.
It's Brown. Everyone's got good grades and SATs.
It's very possible that neither of us could get in,
or that one of us could.
Uh-huh. And which one of us would that be, Cohen?
It's just as likely you'll get in and I won't.
And you really believe that?
Yeah. And then where would you be?
You'd be stuck in Providence
with one half of a his-and-hers parka set.
Yeah, like I'd go if you didn't.
What? Cohen?
Duh? I applied to Brown so we could be together.
I'm not going without you.
Summer, Brown is one of the top universities in the world.
People dream about going there.
No, you dream about going there.
I dream about being with the one I love.
Aww, even all padded up, you still look so scrawny.
I'm going to get some water.
I'm sweating so much I'm getting dehydrated.
I thought you were making me dinner.
And I did. Yeah?
Mm-hmm.
You didn't let me eat it.
No one's stopping you.
Really?
Okay, in that case...
No.
Oh, no, no.
What?
So with a 90-day escrow,
that means you'll be in town for...
90 more days, Einstein.
Right.
That makes sense.
Until you get accepted
to whatever college you applied to.
Yeah.
Okay.
Should I not have mentioned it?
No, no, it's fine. You're right.
Your letter should be arriving, like, tomorrow, right?
Yeah.
I'm sorry, but I found ignoring the future
never makes it go away.
Whatever happens, we'll make it work.
Um, we should eat before the burgers get cold, though.
I'll grab some water.
Hi.
You want a water?
Sure.
I was just cooling myself off.
All this time I thought getting into college
would make everything so much easier.
Yeah.
Not going to happen.
There's a cold front coming through.
( piano and acoustic guitar strumming gentle melody )
* California, here we come
* Right back where we started from *
* California... California... *
Pass the milk.
That's cream. I said "milk."
Eating breakfast, are we?
Does this mean we're actually going to school today?
Or do you just need the extra strength
for all the small children you and Volchok plan to mug?
Ha, ha, ha.
Big day, girls. College letters arriving.
Are you excited?
Yeah, delirious.
Don't be nervous, Marissa.
You're getting into Berkeley. I feel it in my bones.
I've got to get to school.
Oh, Marissa, your friend who dropped you off last night,
his motorcycle kind of woke up Neil.
You might want to apologize.
Why? In case Dr. Roberts changes his mind
about marrying into our trailer park family?
It's not really my problem.
Marissa...
Well, she's really outdone herself again.
Listen, Summer,
how worried do I need to be about her?
I don't know.
She's not exactly confiding in me right now.
Morning, everybody. Hi, Dad.
Hey, sweetheart. Feeling lucky?
Um, yes, my aura is green.
Oh, that has to be good.
Where's Marissa?
She... Went
to school early 'cause she's nervous
with all the college letters and stuff.
Berkeley would be lucky to have her.
And just think,
it's just a short motorcycle ride away.
Well, that's a hell of a forehand.
Imagine that connecting with somebody's head.
Hey, Sandy, I didn't know you were coming by.
Yeah, the gate was unlocked.
You should be more conscious of security.
I'm assuming these are somewhat subtle references
to what happened to Matt? I hope he's okay.
Listen, let's just skip to the part
where you tell me you had nothing to do with it.
Is he implying that I did?
Matt hasn't said anything.
This is me talking.
I want this hospital built more than anything.
But if you haven't resigned within 48 hours,
I'm going to do everything in my power
to take you down.
And I was lying.
Your forehand sucks.
I-I don't know about that.
That just doesn't look right to me.
Oh, you guys.
I'm so glad to see you.
Hey, what's up?
Have you spoken to Marissa lately?
Well, if you count "pass the milk,"
and "don't be so skanky."
Well, I need to talk to her
about the college sweatshirt bonfire.
Oh, you guys are coming, right?
Is that the thing where all the seniors
wear the sweatshirts of the colleges they're going to?
'Cause that always struck me as incredibly lame.
Oh, and I need your help
passing out these fliers. I've got to get to class.
I've got to, too.
Wha... I know you guys are just making an excuse
to get away from me.
It's okay. It's cute.
Anyway, about Marissa.
Yeah. I wouldn't count on her.
Well, that's great.
She's supposed to get the food for the party.
This is so typical.
You know, people join Social Committee,
they think it's all fun and games,
then who ends up doing the work
when someone decides to go all last-exit-to-Brooklyn, hmm?
Taylor, that's who.
I think she's just going through something right now.
Sung Ho? It's Taylor.
Hi, listen, how much kimchee
can you get me by tomorrow night?
You are saving my ass, Sung Ho.
You are really saving my ass.
( cell phone ringing )
Hey, I'm glad you called.
That's the first time anyone's ever said that.
What's up?
Nothing.
Well, college letters are arriving today,
and my mom's been pressuring me about it.
And Summer and I are fighting.
So I guess maybe everything.
Well, um, some of the guys are going to party
on the beach tonight.
Maybe you should come, you know?
Take the edge off.
Can you pick me up?
I'll be there in a half hour.
( knocking )
( door opens )
Hey, you. Hey.
Thought I'd stop by.
Well, I'm flattered.
Taking time out of your busy day to come see me
when you have a very important letter
waiting for you at home.
What can I say? I couldn't help myself.
Uh-huh.
You know, I could probably tell you if you got in.
Yeah? I could.
I never mentioned I can read palms?
No, it must have slipped your mind.
Must have.
Here.
Wow.
You're going to be rich.
Well, that's nice to know.
Oh, whoops, sorry.
I read it upside down, so flip that.
Well, easy come...
This is important.
It's a warning against dark-haired beauties
who walk into your life.
Really?
Well, what does it say?
It says if you're not very, very careful,
they'll steal your heart.
Mm-hmm.
And in all that, there's...
there's nothing about college?
Yeah, yeah, you got in.
Hmm. Mmm.
All right, I just need to grab a jacket.
Um, any chance you can get some beer money?
I'm a little short.
Sure. I'll be right back.
( door closes )
Oh, my God!
Oh, my God.
( mouthing )
Oh, my God.
Hello?
Summer...?
Hey.
I got in.
What? Yeah! All right!
Congratulations! That's amazing. Thanks! Did you?
Yeah.
Really? Yeah.
Oh, congratulations! Where's Cohen?
Uh, I...
Hey.
So, you guys both got in?
Yeah. Are you...?
Oh, my God.
Pack your muffler. We're going to Brown.
Oh!
Yeah...
Oh, man...
Yeah, yeah.
That's awesome, dude.
I'm proud of you, too. I'm so happy.
Hey, hey, hey...
SETH: Hello? Hi.
I've been on hold since 5:00 in the morning,
so here's my question:
Is there some sort of possibility
that a mistake was made?
'Cause, I mean, mistakes can happen, right? Even at Brown.
No, no, I'm not trying to be sarcastic at all.
Let me ask you this:
Is there some sort of appeals process or, um...
Next year?!
Lady, my girlfriend is, is, is...
Hello?
Yah!
( groans )
Sandy?
Oh, hey.
Good morning.
Whatever problems you're thinking about right now,
let them go.
Our kids got into college. It's a big day.
You're right. We did it.
We did it.
I see the self-congratulation has begun.
Ah!
We are so proud of you.
A Cohen in the Ivy Leagues.
You did the work, but I think our genes
deserve some of the credit. Thanks.
We knew you could do it.
Oh, hey, there's Ryan.
He got into college, too. Give him some hugs.
Oh, congratulations.
Our next-generation Berkeley man.
Congratulations.
RYAN: Thank you.
KIRSTEN: We are so proud of you.
And you know what? We should have a celebration dinner tonight.
Please invite your ladies.
Yeah. I don't know.
You think we're making too big a deal though?
Your father's right. 7:30.
Sure, sure, thanks.
No more hugging, though. Physical contact freaks me out.
Feeling better?
Yeah.
Marissa, I don't know where you were last night
or what you think you're doing,
but you call me as soon as you get this.
I've had it, young lady.
Oh, Neil, you're up.
Can I get you some coffee?
Yeah.
Summer just left.
She's so excited about Brown.
She wanted to stop by REI on the way to school.
Something about a subzero sleeping bag.
Marissa must have left super early this morning.
I'm worried she didn't get in
and maybe is embarrassed to tell me.
She got in.
Excuse me?
I found this in the trash
when I got home last night.
Oh, my God.
Julie, we both know she didn't spend the night here.
I don't know what's going on,
but we have to stop pretending that it's not happening.
You've got to talk to her.
You late for something?
Figured I would make an appearance at school.
It's already fourth period.
Well, what are you doing tomorrow?
My school's having this party thing
I have to go to.
All the seniors wear the sweatshirt
to the college they got into.
It's...
The gayest thing I've ever heard.
So you're really thinking about going to college?
Why? You don't see it?
So, uh, me and some of the guys
are going to Baja for the weekend.
You know, surf,
smoke some Mexican green.
Want to come?
Or can't you miss your gay sweatshirt party?
SUMMER: Hey.
Atwood, have you seen Skeletor?
No, why?
Well, I bought us thermal face masks for Providence,
and I want him to try his on.
Oh, why don't you just bring them to dinner tonight?
Sandy, Kirsten, the, uh, celebration thingy.
I'm sure he meant to tell you.
Oh, well, yeah, probably.
Probably.
Um, when you see him, will you give him this?
Hey, man.
Um, Summer was looking for you.
I invited her for tonight.
Cool, good.
Everything okay?
Yeah, no.
Just, uh, if she sees me,
she'll dress me like a Timberland Barbie.
Did you invite Sadie?
Uh, I'm going over to her place after school.
Did you tell her you got into Berkeley? No, no.
That's kind of difficult, you know?
I mean, we haven't really been going out that long,
but what do you do when only one of you
is going to college?
Oh, man, I wish I knew.
Hi. SADIE: Hey.
Perfect timing.
I just finished working.
So?
Congratulations.
Psychic, remember?
And when you didn't call last night...
Yeah, well, uh...
Yeah.
I'm happy for you.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
So you want to mention the elephant in the room
or should I?
So I've been thinking, I don't have to go up till August.
Could have the summer.
Hmm, yeah, not so into relationships
with an egg timer on them.
Sadie, the last few months...
Okay, Ryan, pet peeve:
Having a guy tell me how amazing I am while dumping me.
Rings kind of false, you know?
I was gonna say that I've been happier than I've ever been
with anyone I've dated.
I'm still in Newport because of you.
Making jewelry, very portable business.
You see where I'm going with this?
You would move to Berkeley?
Yeah, I would...
if you want me to.
Yeah, I do.
Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen.
Well, hello, Summer.
Hi, Summer.
My dad just dropped me off.
Hey, is dinner ready?
Oh, my God.
Get used to it, Cohen,
'cause this is what you're gonna be looking at
for the next four years. Mm-hmm.
Hey, we're not late, are we?
Not at all. We're glad you're here.
SANDY: Now, everybody, outside. Dinner is served.
RYAN: All right.
So Ryan told me that you guys
actually went to Berkeley. Yes.
Please don't have them tell the Halloween story again.
SANDY: Let's just say we met
under unusual circumstances.
It's a beautiful place, you should try and visit.
Uh, well, actually, Sadie's going to be
coming up to Berkeley with me.
When you go up to look at the school?
No, to live.
SETH: What?
KIRSTEN: I don't understand.
Did you apply to Berkeley?
No, no.
It's just my business can kind of go anywhere,
and Ryan's going to be up there, so we figured, why not?
So uh, when did you decide this?
This afternoon.
It was my suggestion.
Uh, no, actually, I think I asked you.
Well, I think it's great.
I mean, finding the right person,
and then deciding to be with them no matter what.
That's what life's about, right?
You know, I'm actually kind of tired.
Sadie. I'm gonna go home.
No, no, no.
Thank you both very much for dinner.
Oh, wait... I'll walk you out.
SUMMER: You've been, like,
so quiet tonight. Is anything wrong?
No, I'm fine.
I still can't believe that Ryan and Sadie
are moving to Berkeley together.
I think that is so romantic.
I don't know what Ryan's thinking.
What are you talking about?
He's 18. I just think college should come first.
Not if you're with the one you think you should be with,
like, forever be with.
Yeah, who really knows that at 18?
I do.
Oh, my God.
You don't.
Summer, it's not...
No, you know what?
I have to go.
If you're here about the sweatshirt party,
I'm not going, so if you want to yell, yell.
Actually, I was hoping that we could just talk.
Marissa, I don't know what's going on with you,
or what I did wrong, although I'm sure
we could come up with a few things,
but I just can't bear to see you
doing this to yourself.
Mom, this isn't about you.
I just keep trying to picture myself at Berkeley, and I can't.
That, that just means you're scared, honey, and that's fine.
Look, Marissa, I've been in that place before
where you lose faith in yourself.
But honey, I believe in you and you deserve this.
I don't know, Mom.
Marissa, please don't give up on yourself.
You have no idea how much I want this for you.
I-I'll think about it.
That's all I want.
( knocking )
Hey. ( sighs )
Thanks, man. Sure.
Did you talk to the parents yet?
You know what?
In hindsight, breaking the Sadie news to them that way?
Probably not a very good plan.
Well, at least my dad didn't have
an actual heart attack at the table, so that's a plus.
That's true. Anything happen after I left?
Summer and I got into a soul-crushing fight about Brown.
Hmm, I'm sorry. Have you talked to her?
No. But even if I did, man, and she forgave me,
it's like then what? You know?
I don't know. It's complicated.
Seth, um, I got to ask.
Did you really get into Brown?
Did I get in...?
Ryan, now who's smoking pot? Listen to me.
The only class I've ever gotten less than an "A" in
was gym.
My essay
on "The Loneliness of Being Superman"
made Mrs. Rushfield cry, so you know, of course...
Oh, God, how did I not get in?
Why are you lying about it?
For Summer.
Well, don't you think she's going to notice
when you're not there first semester?
She said if I didn't get in and she did
she wouldn't go to Brown.
I'm not going to let her do that.
It's the opportunity of a lifetime.
Well, I think that's up to her.
Sorry, man, I think you got to tell her the truth.
Hey, sorry I'm late.
No, it's fine.
I just got here myself.
So, uh, Harbor's having this party tonight.
Everyone wears their college sweatshirt if you want to go.
Sure. Yeah, that'd be fun.
Yeah?
Yeah.
And I'm sorry about last night.
Uh, that was not the way it should have happened.
Or maybe it was.
What do you mean?
Come on, Ryan. In the heat of the moment we decide to go to Berkeley together?
Maybe we need to think about it.
You saying you don't want to anymore?
We should just make sure that we're doing this
for the right reasons.
Well, we are
because we want to stay together.
Right?
I guess I just feel like a lot of people go to college
to find themselves,
and maybe you're one of those people.
You know, I wouldn't want to get in the way of that.
I feel more myself with you than anyone.
Those are some pretty big words, mister.
Well, I am going to Berkeley.
( speaking Korean )
Sung Ho, you dog.
Oh, let me give you my Mastercard.
( chuckling )
Summer, Hmm?
come on, cheer up.
It's going to be fine. You and Seth will work it out.
I know, I just don't get it. We had a dream.
The dream comes true, and then suddenly, he's like,
"God, what a crappy dream." I mean, who does that?
Summer, getting a man is like capturing
a wily silverback gorilla in the Ugandan Highlands.
You see, nature is telling that gorilla
to stay in the wild.
But both you and I know that that gorilla would be
much happier back in the zoo on a normal feeding schedule.
But sometimes he's just got to roar and beat his chest
before he'll let you shoot him with a tranq dart.
So what you're saying is
he's trying to exert his gorilla independence?
Yes, that is exactly what I'm saying, Summer.
Now come help me set up the bonfire.
Uh, Sung Ho...
( speaking Korean )
Yeah, what she said.
Oh, bye, guys.
Hey. Hey.
Got a sec?
Uh, yeah, I was just about to head over to the bonfire.
I found this in the closet.
It's a little worn, but...
Wow. Wow, that's great. Thanks.
Kirsten was wondering
if maybe Sadie could use this.
Yeah.
Sorry about last night.
You know, we both think she's a great girl.
She is. She is.
And, uh, I know it seems kind of fast,
but I really care about her.
I'm sure you do. You know, it's funny,
just before you sprung your news I was about to tell you
that I'd spoken to my friend Paul Glass up at Berkeley,
and he told me he could probably get you into my old dorm.
Of course if you're living with Sadie,
you're going to have to find some off-campus housing.
She's not going to be part of the meal plan.
So between food and rent,
I think you're both going to have to have jobs.
Kirsten and I were going to cover your costs,
but now with Sadie in the mix...
No, no, I would never ask that.
I guess we just haven't had time to really figure everything out.
No, of course not, of course not.
How could you?
It all happened so fast.
Did I ever tell you how I almost didn't make it to Berkeley?
I was driving across the country that first summer.
I spent the night in this little town
a thousand miles from home
and I was terrified.
Sandy, I'm not doing this with Sadie because I'm scared.
Okay.
MARISSA: Hey.
Where are you?
I'm ready to go.
I can't go to Baja tonight.
All right.
But call me when you get back.
Yeah, sure, whatever.
( sighs )
Sadie?
Ryan, I'm so glad you're here.
I have something huge to tell you.
Yeah, so do I.
Oh, okay. You want to go first?
No, no, no, that's fine. Go ahead.
Okay, so I called the guy who sells my jewelry in the Bay area
and it turns out he runs an artist's co-op in Berkeley.
So I could live there.
Or we could live there, together.
Isn't that awesome?
Yeah, yeah, that's amazing.
See? I told you I was psychic.
Hmm.
Okay, what was your news?
Uh, I talked to Sandy.
He and Kirsten are fine about us.
That's awesome.
Mm-hmm.
Mm.
Okay. We've got to leave for your party, right?
Yeah.
Hey, do you think it's going to be weird
that I'm not wearing a sweatshirt?
No, no, you'll be fine.
Okay.
Let me go grab my purse.
All right.
Summer?
( sighs )
Hey.
Hey. Where have you been?
Oh, I had to help Taylor set up for the bonfire.
That girl can handle a chainsaw.
Hey, Seth hasn't called, has he?
No, I don't think so.
Is everything okay with you guys?
Don't worry about it.
Look, Summer, I'm sorry
about the way I've been acting.
Just give me a chance.
Remember when the boys made us watch that movie
about the gay guys on the mountain?
Lord of the Rings?
Yeah. And remember that Gollum guy--
how he got evil and more evil
the closer he got to that fiery thing?
That's kind of how Seth is about Brown.
Hey, you guys will work it out.
You love each other.
Thanks.
So no offense, but what has been going on with you?
I don't know.
I keep trying to get back to the life I remember,
but I just... I can't.
It never seems to work.
And you couldn't talk to me about this?
I've been your best friend since the first grade.
I know.
I'm sorry.
I forgive you.
But you have to come with me to the sweatshirt party as penance.
Oh, I would, but I don't have a sweatshirt.
Oh, yeah, what are we going to do about that?
I bought this
a few months ago.
It looks like somebody believed in you.
Hey.
You okay?
Please, I just... I can't do this right now.
Do what?
Sit here and be tested as wife-mother material
while I'm worried about my daughter's future.
I get it, okay?
It's not what you expected. I failed. Fine.
But right now, I need to think about Marissa.
Julie, I'm sorry if I...
If I made you feel like you were being tested. I'm...
I was wrong. And you've hardly failed.
I think Marissa's very lucky to have you for a mom.
Hey, guys, we're going to the party.
Bye, Mom.
Bye, Dr. Roberts.
What did I tell you?
Hey. Hey, guys.
Hey. Congratulations.
Yeah, you, too. Hi, Sadie.
Hey.
Um, has anyone seen Cohen?
Someone say my name?
Hey.
You're not wearing your sweatshirt.
Uh...
You guys are all here!
The core four!
I need a picture. Go!
Do you want to...
Sorry, do you mind?
No, no, it's fine.
TAYLOR: Everybody say
"higher earning potential."
( chuckles ) So cute.
Can I talk to you for a second? Yeah.
RYAN: I'm sorry about that.
I'm actually kind of hungry. Do you want anything?
No, no. I will show you where the food is.
Hi, I'm Taylor.
I used to be, like, total enemies with those guys,
but I'm pretty much second-circle core now.
( sighs ) I like your sweatshirt.
Thanks. Yours isn't so bad, either.
Right.
You, uh, you doing okay?
( chuckles )
Well, besides this thing choking me...
No, you know, honestly,
I'm beginning to think all of this is a bad idea.
What's that?
The sweatshirt, the party.
You know, even though we're not together, um...
I'm here if you ever want to talk.
Thanks.
It means a lot.
So this is my friend Sung Ho.
And this is Sadie.
( speaking Korean )
You could have told me your answer on the phone.
Well, I wanted us to talk.
So you're not pulling out?
Fine. My friends at the DA's office
are going to find whoever attacked Matt,
and I can promise you they're not gonna keep it quiet.
Look, I had nothing to do with what happened to Matt.
Unfortunately, I can't offer you anything but my word.
Which doesn't carry a lot weight with me.
How about $700 million?
Excuse me?
With the hospital going up,
the city is interested in revitalizing the entire area:
parks, affordable housing, restaurants.
Head of the appropriations committee is a friend of mine.
He's asked about your firm.
Wow.
So now you're trying to bribe me.
The face of this city is changing, Sandy.
You can be a part of that.
Oh, my God.
What... come inside.
No, that's all right.
Is Sandy here? No, no, he's out.
What happened to you?
Some guys broke into my apartment.
Listen, tell him I stepped by with the proposal.
No, no, Matt, wait.
Wait. Wait. Did you call the police?
They have to find out who did this.
I know who did it.
What are you talking about?
Look, I really like Sandy,
but you've just got to... you got to get him to quit this
because pretty soon, it's going to be too late.
( car engine starts )
So are you going to talk or what?
Yeah.
It's just not easy.
Then I'll go.
Look, I get that you're a guy, okay?
And I know you have that whole simian brain thing,
but if we're going to go to college together next year,
you can't keep freaking out on me all the time.
Yeah, Summer, that's just it.
What is?
I'm not sure that I want to go to Brown next year.
What?
I've just been thinking a lot about it,
and I'm not... I'm not exactly sure
that Brown is the right choice for me.
For you, I still, I think it's great.
We applied to Brown so that we could be together.
Yeah, I know.
I guess I changed my mind.
So what, we just suddenly apply somewhere else?
No, I think you should still go to Brown.
You should.
I'll just go somewhere else.
Do you really mean this?
I'm sorry. I think it's for the best.
Okay.
Well, I guess, um, if this is how you feel, fine.
We're over.
Hey, I've been looking for you.
Yeah, Taylor went off with that food guy.
I'm pretty sure they were talking dirty
to each other in Korean.
You want to leave?
I know it's kind of hard on you not knowing anyone.
( sighs )
You're a nice guy, Ryan,
but I'm not coming to Berkeley with you.
Don't you see this is what it'll be like next year?
You'll have this other world,
and I'll constantly be pulling you away from it.
You won't get to experience college the way you should.
I'm not going to do that to you.
Come on.
You know I'm right.
I'm going to go home.
I have to start packing in the morning.
I'll drive you.
I want to walk.
I'd rather say good-bye here.
Keep in touch, Ryan.
I'm going to miss you.
( waves crashing )
Sandy.
What are you doing sitting in the dark?
Matt came by.
What did he say? Because you know...
Just promise me that you're going to quit this thing.
Oh, honey... it's complicated.
No, it's not. Well, it's about more than just the hospital.
Do you forget that I worked at that company for 15 years,
and I saw what happened to my father?
I'm not going to become your father...
but I can't just quit.