Before the opening credits even roll and the mellow piano music plays, Marissa utters �I love you� to Ryan. He replies by thanking her. Hailey Nichol, Kirsten's sister, appears at the Cohen's house, unannounced to the family. Sandy is not overly pleased, figuring that Hailey is only around to mooch off her sister until she can get more money out of her father. For New Year's Eve, Oliver invites the crew to his penthouse for a party, Kirsten and Sandy attend a party that Hailey recommended and Hailey supposedly stays in to relax.
Ryan chooses not to attend Oliver's party, while Seth also stays home over fear of running onto Anna and Summer. Hailey ends up inviting half of Newport over for a bash and Ryan learns that she owes former friends a lot of money. Meanwhile, Kirsten and Sandy find themselves at a swinger's party, but leave with only each other. Ryan decides to head over to Oliver's, while Anna ditches the shindig for the comfort of Seth. Anna and Seth in the Cohen's driveway. Ryan, in slow motion, just before midnight, just as it seemed as though Oliver might kiss Marissa, dashes through the door, tells Marissa that he loves her and the two embrace.
"The Countdown" File: