Original subtitles

Oh, Nicholas, good.

Abby, did you warn me?

That's right.

I thought that it was about time we got rid of some of this junk. It's amazing

how it piles up over the years, huh?

What do you want me to do?

Well, first put the ball down.

Then I want you to go through all these boxes and see if there's anything worth

keeping.

Oh, my gosh, wait a minute.

That's my first suit.

Do you know that?

Listen, I think I'll set this aside.

Oh, that's the tie I was wearing the day I met your mother.

Gotta keep that.

You know that hat? That's the hat that I bought the day David was born.

Isn't it amazing the way all this stuff is still here?

Let's put this aside.

Dad, why are you saving all this stuff?

Oh, I don't know.

Nostalgia, I guess.

Nostalgia?

That's remembering how things were once upon a time.

Someday you'll know what I mean.

I think I already do.

You do?

Yeah. Nostalgia's remembering when I had the day off to play football.

There's a magic in the early morning we found.

When the sunrise smiles on everything around.

It's a portrait of the happiness that we feel and

always will.

We spend our days like bright and shiny new dimes

If we're ever puzzled by the changing times

There's a plate of homemade wishes

On the kitchen window sill And it

is enough to fill our

Abby, you're home.

I've been home.

Who do you think you've been stealing the covers from?

Oh, no.

Not in my dream.

You were gone.

Gone where?

I don't know. It was either Caltech or Oxford University.

That's a very impressive dream.

No, it was a bad dream.

You were living in a dormitory, co -ed, and I couldn't find which room you were

in. It was awful.

Living in this house is kind of like living in a co -ed dormitory.

You always find my room.

True. But you know dreams.

Must have been that banana pudding I ate.

Are you sure it isn't my new schedule that's bothering you?

No.

No, it was the banana pudding.

I want you to get your Ph .D. as soon as possible.

But, Tom, I really will have to be away a lot, you know.

We've been all through that now.

It would take years for you to get a Ph .D. part -time.

You deserve to focus in on your goal full -time, and I'm all for it.

Are you sure?

Yes, I said so tonight.

The doorbell.

At 5 .30 in the morning?

I should have known.

You see, it's not just the pudding. This whole house has gone bananas.

Well, what are you doing out so late?

Oh, I don't know. The improv group I'm at. You know, we really got going

tonight. I lost track of time. Wait a minute. I want to talk to you about what

time it was and is.

Oh, no. Listen, I'm really beat, Dad. Can we talk tomorrow? But I don't get to

see you anymore.

Oh, I know. Now, wait. Let's talk about it at dinner tonight and catch up on

things. Oh, I can't, Dad. I'll be at rehearsal then. Oh, well, then how about

breakfast tomorrow morning? Oh, I'd love to, Dad, really. But see, the improv

group I'm working with, we're going to work late again tomorrow night. And I'll

be pooped. I'll be sleeping at breakfast.

Well. I'm glad somebody sleeps.

My, you're up early.

I wanted a shot at the bathroom before rush hour.

You know, I know my eyes aren't focusing yet, but how come I don't recognize

you? Well, maybe it's because I'm dressing for another job interview.

For what? A head librarian?

No. A receptionist at a stock brokerage.

What do you think, Dad?

Do you think it's too plain?

Plain? Nothing. It's downright grim.

Oh, good.

That's just what I wanted. I'm tired of being hired as just a pretty face. I'm

changing my image.

Why does everything in this house have to change?

Abby,

you're not sleeping.

No.

I'm, uh, well, I'm too jittery. And I figured since I was awake anyway, I'd

start organizing my first full -time school day.

Oh, yes, that's a good idea.

Item one, more sleep.

Well, actually, Tom, item one on my list was groceries.

You're going shopping at 5 .30 in the morning? No, I was wondering if you

mind going after work. See, my class has run too late.

Oh, sure, no problem.

Oh, thanks. And could you take care of the cleaning?

Oh, yeah, that's right. I have to get my suit cleaned for the dinner party

Thursday night.

Oh, Tom, about the dinner party, I'm not going to be able to go because my

discussion section meets for the first time that night.

Do you mind?

No, I guess not.

That's all right. Don't worry about it. You just take care of your studies. I'll

manage. Oh, thanks. You're being so understanding.

I'm so excited. I'm finally going after what I wanted.

I'm going down for some coffee. Do you want some? No, thanks.

Okay.

I'm finally going after what I want.

I was first. I was your first. Forget it! What do you mean? Tommy! I have got

hospital rounds in exactly one hour, okay? I don't care. I've got to gas up

van before I go to school and those lines are murders.

Well, while you guys are arguing, how about if I use the bathroom? No!

Hold it!

What's going on out here? I'm trying to get some sleep. Mary's trying to pull

rank again.

Dad, I have hospital rounds in an hour.

Well, then draw straws, pitch pennies, throw darts. I don't care how you settle

it, but do it quietly.

I'm trying to get some sleep.

Nicholas, what are you doing up so early?

Who can sleep when his father is yelling?

Is Miss Chovik in? I'm here for a job interview.

Darn. And I was hoping you were going to buy a few million shares of something

from me.

Well, maybe next time. Yeah. That is, if I get the job from Miss Chovik.

I hope you do, Miss... Nancy.

Nancy Bradford. Fletcher Patterson. Hi. Hi.

Well, I guess I'd better find Miss Chovik. Her office is around to the

Thank you.

Be seeing you later.

Okay. I hope.

Come in.

Miss Chobert? Yes?

Hi, I'm Nancy Bradford.

I'm here for the receptionist job.

Oh, yeah.

Please have a seat.

Thank you.

I've already looked over your application.

Everything seems pretty good.

The one thing I'm curious about is the number of jobs you've had.

You seem to have done everything from pumping gas to singing telegrams. Well,

you know how it is.

I didn't want to get into a rut.

Clearly.

But you do understand that if we hired you, we'd want you to stay around.

At least until lunch.

Oh, I will. I promise.

Believe me, I'm through changing jobs.

Good. We'd hate to see a lot of training go to waste.

What I'd really like to do is work my way up into something more responsible

soon as I can.

Nancy.

Yes?

Being a receptionist, is a responsible job.

You represent the company, and you're the first person our clients see.

So you have to make a good impression.

I will.

It's just that I wanted to let you know that I can do other things if I get the

chance.

Okay. We'll give you a try.

Thank you.

Can you report tomorrow at 5 .30?

5 .30 in the morning?

That's right.

We have to be at our desks when the market opens in New York.

Yes, of course.

Fine.

Now, before I go over your duties, I have a suggestion to make.

You're a lovely girl.

Don't hide it.

Why don't you try some eye makeup and some lipstick, and you might do

different with your hair.

I think you're going to be surprised how attractive you'll look.

Sir? Donna, how many times do I have to tell you to keep the drawer full of

paper?

I just filled it up. Oh, really? Well, then we have paper -eating termites.

Mr. Bradford, don't you remember you asked me to move the paper drawer down

Oh, yes, of course I remember. It's just that from now on, when you carry out my

orders, please tell me about it first.

Oh, of course. How could I be so efficient?

Listen, uh, you want to talk about it? Talk about it? Yeah, about why you're so

cranky this morning. I'm not cranky!

And if I am cranky, well, you'd be cranky too if you were aroused from a

sleep repeatedly by ringing doorbells and bathroom arguments and Abby making

her lists.

Oh, yeah, I know that Abby.

She always made out noisy lists.

What lists?

Chores. My chores.

Today is the first day that she's going to start studying for her Ph .D. full

time. Oh, that's why you're so upset.

Who said I'm upset?

Nobody, nobody.

I mean, I'm sure you always drink three cups of coffee at once.

You know, if there's one thing I hate, it's insight, especially in a secretary.

Sorry, it's a burden I have to live with.

Anyway, I'm not upset.

I am concerned.

Well, maybe I am upset.

For the next two years, Abby is going to be totally involved in her studies.

What is this going to do to our family life? What's it going to do to our...

never mind.

Well, wish her luck.

Also, wish me luck.

It's going to be a long semester, especially around this office.

Oh, I got a job.

What's wrong with that?

Everything. Oh, I know what you mean. The money and the independence. It's

a bummer. No, it's not that.

It's just that I'm back on the same old merry -go -round. All they want to hire

is a pretty face.

Well, you're sure the one to give it to them.

What kind of job is it, Nance? It's a receptionist. Yeah? Yeah, I was hoping I

could work my way up into a managerial position.

Now all I can work my way up to is... An old receptionist. Oh, no, I bet that's

not true.

Yeah?

Yeah, well... Why don't you learn something about their business, you

impress them?

And the more you know, the more likely they are to promote you to something

responsible. Do you really think so? Sure.

Okay, it's just, uh... How can I learn about the stock market?

Stock business, huh?

I suppose you could start at the library.

Yeah, the library.

Remember the library?

Come on, I'll drop you by.

Okay.

You proved to them you're a go -getter. Johnny, I am a go -getter. Of course.

You need some help? Oh, thank you.

You said Chivalry was dead.

Well, how was your first day as a full -time scholar?

Oh, it was exhausting.

My only goal right now is a nice long soak in a hot tub. Hey, what is this?

Well, it's not blood, is it?

That's exactly what it is.

Anybody home?

Oh, Tom, there's more blood going up the stairs.

Nicholas, what happened?

Well, I kind of got in a fight. A fight?

Well, how bad is it?

It's just a bloody nose. Oh, no, look at the eye.

Well, it doesn't seem to be too bad. Does it hurt very much?

Yeah, but I didn't cry or nothing.

Well, that was brave of you.

Yeah, I guess so. But it wouldn't do any good anyways.

I need more ice.

What do you think he meant by that? It wouldn't do any good anyway.

I think he means that there was no one home to cry to.

Look, Elizabeth, this isn't just any old game. It's the eliminations for the

round robins. Now the winner goes to the sudden death playoff. Could you give me

a break? I've been waiting to see this movie all week.

Wait, wait. I have the TV in exactly one minute and 16 seconds.

For what? A fashion parade?

No. Wall Street ups and downs.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me. What are you watching that for?

Because. I'm trying to learn all I can about the stock market. It's for my new

job. But you're just a receptionist.

So?

I have a brain, too, you know.

And I'm trying to work my way up the ladder.

Well, I hope it's a short ladder.

That way she can climb it before she gets fired.

Laugh if you want, but I'll have you know Bernard Baruch started on the park

bench. Who's Bernard Baruch?

Why don't you go to the library and find out?

And now today's stock market.

Trading was heavy this week. The Dow Jones remained firm and trades averaged

slightly.

You're acting like I'm responsible for Nicholas's bloody nose. Don't be

ridiculous. All I'm saying is that somebody should have been home.

Poor little Nicholas, he was trying so hard to be brave.

Come on, it was just a bloody nose. I mean, nine times out of ten, that's not

fatal. But suppose he had come home and he was really hurt. What then?

The point is, he didn't.

I'm really shocked.

This isn't like you.

Look, I just refused to feel guilty over something that I had no control over.

Now, what are we really arguing about?

I don't know.

All I know is I don't want anything like this to ever happen again.

Well, then I suggest that you talk to the kids and find out who's available to

be home in the afternoons to stay with Nicholas.

With everyone running around doing their own thing, I wouldn't know where to

find them. That's easy. You just stick out the bathroom.

Oh, Mary, good. Can I talk to you for a minute? Could you make it a quick

minute, Dad? I've got to get to the hospital. Yes, yes, yes.

It's about Nicholas.

I don't want him home alone in the afternoon, so I was wondering if you

your studying here instead of at the library.

Dad, I'd love to, you know that, but I'm attending a series of pathology

demonstrations every afternoon.

Every afternoon?

Uh -huh. See, it's a series, and if I miss out on one of the demonstrations,

well, it's my priority and...

I'm going to miss out on all the popular organs.

Popular organs?

Right. Well, see, instead of a brain or a heart, I'll end up with a gallbladder,

a spleen or something.

Oh.

Dad, the series is optional, but little Dr.

Miyashiro, she's the best in her field, and I just, I would hate to miss out.

Yes, well, your education comes first. I'll try to get somebody else.

Oh, thank you, thank you.

Love you. Goodbye.

Mary, would you do me a favor?

Don't bring home any of your popular organs, okay?

Oh, Tommy, I'm glad I caught you before you emptied the refrigerator.

Well, I'm just making a snack for the band, Dad. We've got to eat, you know.

Yes, of course. But what are we, the Bradford Catering Service?

Well, go ahead, since we've already started with no point in talking.

What was it that you wanted to talk to me about, Dad? Oh, yes, that.

It's about Nicholas. Now, he needs someone to look after him in the

Oh, I'm sorry, Dad. I can't. I've got band practice every day.

I mean, we're practicing for a big dance. We can't let the guys down.

You know how it is. Yes, of course. You can't let the guys down.

Oh, hi, Elizabeth.

Hi, Dad.

Listen, Elizabeth, I was wondering... Oh, look, Dad, I've got classes every

afternoon. But how did you know what I was going to say?

Bad news travels fast around here. Catch you later.

You're eating apples.

How'd it go?

Oh, it didn't.

Nobody's got any time to spare for Nicholas or anybody else.

You mean everybody's busy?

What about Nancy?

She has that new job for a week anyway, at least.

And Joanie's doing that play, it's called Fruit Salad. She plays a tragic

orange. Oh, that's a naval idea.

I didn't hear that.

I'm sorry.

And Susan's at the daycare center.

What about Susan?

I mean, the daycare center. Nicholas could spend his afternoons with Susan at

the daycare center.

Oh, I don't know. I don't think she'd want to do that.

Why not? I mean, Merle's on the road. Maybe she would like the company, huh?

I don't know.

Well, we've run out of resident Bradfords. It has to be Susan.

Uh -huh.

Yeah.

Well, sure, Dad, I understand.

I'd love to help.

You mean you'll take Nicholas?

Well, yeah. Why so surprised?

Oh, well, it's just that it's been so long since I've heard a yes. I forgot

it sounded like. Well, that's wonderful.

Hmm. Well, now that that's settled, how about coming over for dinner tomorrow

night? Oh, Dad, I'd love to, but I'm sorry, I just can't. Maybe some other

Oh, yeah, sure.

Or any time. I mean, just come over. You don't even have to call first.

Well, goodbye.

These days, this house is full of empty chairs.

Oh, hi, Miss Chobot.

Hello, Nancy.

Would you like some coffee?

Oh, yes, I would.

How's it going?

Oh, fine, I guess.

I've been getting good reports about you from the brokers.

Oh, really?

Yes, I guess I do pour a mean cup of coffee.

No, seriously.

They really like you. They say that you're the prettiest receptionist we've

had.

Is there something wrong about that?

No, I guess not.

It's just that I've been trying to learn all I can about the stock market.

And I ask questions and everything, but nobody takes me seriously.

They think I'm just the pretty receptionist.

Want some friendly advice?

Sure. Buy some stock.

Real stock? Sure. Let them know that you mean business.

Yes, but that takes lots of money.

Not really. You could open an account for as little as, say, $300.

$300?

Save it up out of your salary.

That could take months.

Don't worry. The stock market will still be here.

But the question is, will I?

have to stay here. I can take care of myself.

Dad wants you here.

Yeah, but they're all just kids.

Nicholas, you're a kid too, you know.

I know, but they're all so young.

Well, Hotshot, this is your big chance to be the oldest for a change then. Set

good example.

Show them how a grown -up kid of 10 acts.

Right, and I can catch them in between now.

Oh, come on. I'll introduce you to one of the guys.

Hi, Joey.

Hi. Come on down. I want you to meet my brother, Nicholas.

I'll leave you two alone to get acquainted. Have fun.

Are you really Susan's brother?

Yeah, but I'm not going here or anything. I'm just here to set a good

for you kids.

Well, what do you know that we don't?

I don't know. I'm just older.

How many fights have you been in?

One too many.

You got a girlfriend?

Are you kidding?

Do you smoke yet?

Of course. Why do you think I'm so short?

Okay, follow me.

I found these under the seat of my mom's car this morning.

Want to show me how to smoke them?

I don't know.

They aren't my usual brand.

I don't believe it.

Nicholas kicked out of the center, but what for?

I'm really sorry, Mr. Bradford, but he was caught red -handed showing the other

boy how to smoke.

When Joey's mother picked him up... He was very thick, and she was pretty

No, wait a minute. There must be a mistake. Nicholas knows better than to

Yes, and how do you know it was Nicholas showing the other boy and not the other

way around?

Well, he is the oldest, and we've never had this kind of problem before.

I'm sorry, Mr. Bradford, but I just can't take the chance.

All right, Nicholas.

What have you got to say for yourself?

Oh, I'll never smoke again as long as I live.

Oh, if I live that long.

Nicholas has never gotten into so much trouble before.

Maybe we should hire a sitter.

Oh, no, it's gone beyond that. The real problem is Nicholas feels neglected.

He's crying out for attention.

Oh, Tom, you're blowing all of this out of proportion.

Oh, I am, am I?

I'll tell you what I think. I think that you've been too busy to notice what's

going on in this family. We don't talk to each other. We don't eat with each

other. Everybody is wrapped up in their own thing. Well, now Nicholas is

becoming a juvenile delinquent. The whole family's falling apart.

Tom, the family is not falling apart. We are simply going through a transition.

Oh, we are?

Well, to what? I mean, we've lost something. There's no more home life.

Nothing to remind us that we are a family.

Why don't you just say it? What's missing is the mother, right? All right,

I don't think you should go to school full time.

Well, Tom, that's just not fair. We both agree that getting my Ph .D. was a

priority. What do you want me to do, go back to school part -time? Frankly, I

don't think there's an alternative. This is not a home anymore. It's a hotel.

Well, you can't blame that on me.

No, maybe I can't, but I think that you have a certain responsibility to this

family. I mean, if you were around here more often, maybe things would get back

to normal, especially Nicholas's behavior.

Well, that's just great. By the time I finally get my degree, it'll be time for

me to retire.

Oh, come on. It's not going to take you that long, and you know it.

Oh, Tom, please. I've worked so hard, I don't want to go backwards.

I think you have a certain duty to this family.

Well, doing my duty means postponing my degree, and you know it. Oh, all I know

is that Nicholas needs a mother, and you're the only one he's got.

Oh, hiya, Nicholas. How are you feeling?

Better. Can I tell you what happened?

Hmm. I think I already know.

Well, you mean you're not mad at me anymore?

No, no. I'm not mad at you.

You're doing the best you can under the circumstances.

I am?

But we gotta figure out something. I mean, you can't be just left alone to

up here by yourself. Somebody has got to look after you.

Well, what about Tommy?

Tommy?

He's never home.

Well, maybe I could just hang around with him.

Oh.

You mean instead of Tommy staying home with you, you could go places with him.

That's not a bad idea.

Tommy should be old enough for a little responsibility.

Dad, I'm not ready for that kind of responsibility.

But why not?

I'm busy.

I've got band practice, errands to run, people to talk to.

And what about poor Nicholas?

He can take care of himself.

Oh, yeah, like you did when you were his age? What would you have done if David

wasn't around?

I used to drive him crazy. I'm surprised he still talks to me. You know

something, Tommy? I'm getting a little fed up with your me, me, me attitude.

Now, somebody has to take care of Nicholas. You have the most flexible

and the fewest commitments.

But, Dad... No, no, no more buts. I'm not asking you. I'm issuing an order.

Now, you're going to be responsible for Nicholas.

He's your brother, and you're his keeper.

See, now this squiggly line proves it. You put your money in the stock market,

and then while you go about your business, it works day and night making

money for you. Actually, what it is is capitalism in action.

Nancy, I don't know anything about the stock market. Yes, but I do.

I've been practicing investments on paper.

Oh, you mean you tell us what stocks to buy and when to sell them and

everything? Yeah.

Oh, come on, you guys.

Trust me. Really, you can't afford to say no.

I can, unless they take pennies.

Well, actually, I need about $300.

Oh, you just lost me. I need all my money for college, Dad.

Me too. Merle and I are on a very tight budget. Sorry.

I'm tapped until next semester.

Well, hey, why don't you ask Dad?

I already did.

He said he can't invest in the stock market either.

And Joanie's in hock.

And all Tommy's money goes into fixing the van.

Well, you guys, you were my only hope.

Oh, well, sorry, Nan. It's got to run. Yeah, me too. Bye -bye.

Mary, I know what it is.

They just don't think I can do it.

They just don't want to see me prove myself.

Oh, Nancy, you don't have to prove yourself.

We're your family. We love you for what you are.

Yeah, right.

Miss dumb blonde of the family.

Mary, I'm just tired of everybody putting me in a neat little box,

can't hold a job, can't add two and two, can't do this, can't do that. You know,

Mary, I'm just getting really tired of it.

Nancy, you know it's not... Forget it.

What happened?

Oh, Nancy's upset because nobody's interested in playing the stock market.

She thinks the only reason is because we don't trust her.

Do you trust her?

With most things.

But with our money?

You gotta admit, it's a little hard to think of Nancy as the Wizard of Wall

Street.

So it's true that you don't think she can do it?

No. I guess we don't.

Another Bradford bites the dust.

Abby, Abby, she wants $300 to play the stock market. Now, what would you say?

Oh, I'd say, um, for a dream, it's a bargain.

Nicholas, what are you so happy about?

First time I've ever been cruising.

We're not cruising. We're just going to the music store.

Aren't we going to hit on some girls?

Hit on some girls? Where'd you hear that?

I heard you and Danny talking about it over the phone.

Watch my language.

I tell you what, Nicholas, why don't you just leave the hitting on girls to me,

okay?

Okay.

Boy, that's what you need.

How's the Dow Jones today?

You don't have to humor me.

I know how everybody feels.

Big joke, huh?

Nancy, I didn't mean it that way.

I heard about what happened and, uh... Well, will this help?

Abby, that's for the whole $300. I know. I wrote it.

Yeah, but when I asked Dad, he said he couldn't afford to invest in the stock

market. Well, that's true, but I have this little personal account for

emergencies, remember?

Are you sure you want to do this?

I mean, no matter how careful you are, the stock market's an awful gamble.

I'm not investing in the stock market. I'm investing in the new Nancy Bradford.

And that's a sure thing.

Thanks,

Abby.

You don't know how much this means to me.

Maybe I do.

Where do you think you're going?

Wherever you go.

Look, let's get something straight.

These past few days, we eat together, we sleep together, and we drive together.

Do you suppose that just this one time, we could walk in separate doors?

Sure, whatever you say.

Okay. Tommy.

What?

I just didn't want you to be known to me.

Thanks, pal.

Oh, hiya, Marissa. Dad or Abby home yet?

Uh, no. Let's see, Dad has a late business dinner, and I think Abby's at

class. They probably won't be home till late.

Oh, how would you like to look after Nicholas for me tonight?

I can't, Tommy. I'm going to see a film. A film? Is that all?

What do you mean, is that all? It happens to be a new film on the

treatment of pyloric stenosis.

Ah, you don't want to see that one. The critics panned it.

Good try, but no luck. Bye now.

Oh, good, you're home. I'm safe. Oh, no, not for long. I hope I'm late.

But who's going to look after Nicholas for me tonight? Tommy, I've got to go to

work, then I've got to go to rehearsal. Ask Elizabeth.

Don't tell me you're going someplace, too. Well, yeah, shopping with Sandy,

what? Well, who's going to look after Nicholas tonight?

I don't know. I thought you were.

Yeah, but I've got a date, a very heavy date. That is, if I don't have to look

after him.

Well, look, I can't take him with me. They don't allow little brothers in the

dressing room. Ah, but now that's your problem. I hereby pass you the hot

potato. Tommy. I'd love to discuss it further, but I've got to get ready for

Cindy. Goodbye. No, come back here. Tommy!

Well, we all got to make sacrifices, pal, and I've made my quota for the day.

And don't forget to get your books out of the back of the van.

Okay.

Tommy? Yeah, Cindy.

Tommy, are you sure?

Would I lie to you?

Cindy, I would go study with you like that.

It's just that my religion doesn't permit it.

Can't we just be friends?

Friends?

Well... Close friends.

Hey! Are you guys gonna watch the movie or just kiss?

Nicholas, what are you doing here?

Trying to watch the movie. What do you think? Who's he?

He's my little brother. Look, I'll tell you what.

Here's some money. Go to the snack bar and get yourself some popcorn and take

your time.

Tommy! No!

Why not?

I've got a little brother his age.

It's dangerous for him to wander around this place alone.

Oh, this is great.

Come on, Nicholas, you can sit here. Tommy will go get the popcorn.

Oh, and Tommy, turn up the sound, will you?

No luck, Dad.

I checked every high school hangout I could remember and there's no sign of

Tommy's van.

Thanks, David. I really appreciate it.

You know, Dad, maybe Tommy had some good reason for keeping Nicholas out this

late. Well, he better.

I just hope Nicholas is with Tommy.

Elizabeth wasn't even sure.

Take it easy, Tommy. You're getting upset.

Of course I'm upset. It was a big mistake to give Tommy this much

responsibility.

Maybe that's them.

This better be a good one. Do you know what time it is? Dad, I was out on a

date. Nicholas stowed away in the back of my van, and before I knew it, it was

too late.

Well, why didn't you bring him home as soon as you found out?

Because I have a life, too.

Dad, since I got stuck with Nicholas, my social life has disappeared.

He totally disrupted band practice. He made me the laughingstock of Freddy's

Hamburger Drive -In, and then he broke up my date.

She actually kissed him goodnight instead of me.

Cindy kissed Nicholas?

I can't take it anymore.

Dad, I may be his brother, but I resign as his keeper. All right, that's enough.

You're off the hook.

Well, let's get him to bed. Yeah, let me help you.

Hello, honey. No, it's David. What is it for?

Send a kiss upon the night.

Boy, this has been the worst week I ever had.

I mean, I got beat up.

And I flunked daycare center.

And now Tommy hates me because I wouldn't go shopping with Elizabeth.

It's been pretty rough on you, hasn't it?

Yeah. And why is everybody acting so weird?

What do you mean?

Well, everybody's been acting mean to each other.

And, well,

nobody wants me around.

What's going on?

Oh, Nicholas, this family's just going through some growing pains, that's all.

But if that's growing up, it'll keep it.

Don't you worry.

Tomorrow, everything's going to be better, I promise.

Better get them to sleep, huh?

We'll talk about it in the morning, okay?

Okay.

Abby?

Yeah?

Good night.

Good night.

So, what are we going to do now?

Guess there's only one answer left. You win.

Well, don't worry.

Going back to school part -time won't be so bad.

No, I'm not going back part -time.

I'm quitting.

Here's the quote you asked me for.

Oh, no.

It's gone down two points. And still dropping.

I'm not going to worry about it. The profit report is coming out tomorrow.

It'll go up again. How can you be so sure the profits will be up?

Because Sun Goddess Apparel was a terrific line. I mean, it sold like

You mean you based your investment on that?

Of course.

When the profits are up, the stock goes up.

Doesn't it?

Sweetheart, it doesn't always work that way.

It doesn't? You mean it could keep on dropping?

It could go right off the board.

No.

It can't. Why not?

Because I can't lose that money.

It belongs to my stepmother.

Well, then you just learned your first lesson about the market.

Don't invest money you can't lose.

Sorry.

Dad, why is Abby so upset?

Oh, well, you know, she's quitting school.

She's quitting school? Why?

Well, we had to do something about Nicholas.

She's quitting over that?

Yes, but it was her decision. She just felt like being a mother again.

Oh, she felt that way. I mean, you didn't influence her at all, right?

Well, no, I admit that I only wanted her to go to school.

Part -time, because, I mean, Nicholas is being neglected. There's a lot of work

around this house that's not being done. So you came along and casually laid a

big fat guilt trip on her, right? Now, wait a minute. I had Nicholas to think

about. Come on, Dad, admit it. You were thinking about yourself.

I told you I was thinking about Nicholas.

Well, it just seems pretty funny that when it comes time to give up things,

well, Abby gives up everything and you give up nothing.

And what about what I gave up so Abby could go to school?

Like home -cooked meals and...

Someone to talk to at night.

Sounds to me like you're the one who's feeling a little bit neglected.

That's ridiculous.

Dad, don't you see you used Nicholas as an excuse?

I'm sorry, but somebody has to tell you. You can go on fooling yourself if you

want, but I think it was awfully selfish of you to hurt Abby like that.

Abby, can we talk about the... What's there to talk about?

I had a decision to make and I made it.

But it's not that simple and you know it.

You know, when we got married, I knew that I was taking on a big

I mean, a whole family all at once.

But I guess I never realized I'd have to make such a total sacrifice of

everything I wanted.

But all I want is a compromise, not a sacrifice.

Tom, a compromise just isn't going to work in this case.

That's been made very clear.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

I mean, it really doesn't matter because Nicholas shouldn't be made to suffer

because of my problem.

He needs a mother and I'm the only one around.

Let's just forget it, okay?

You should get some sleep.

3 .30 in the morning is the only time I can get this whole family together at

home. Now, if you'll just be seated, I'll get on with it.

Now, you know, maybe some of you have been too busy to notice, but

we're having a problem here.

It became clear to me when I tried to get someone to watch Nicholas.

I discovered that everybody is so involved with their own personal life

they forgot that we're all part of a family. Dad, we are not kids anymore.

Yeah, we've got lives of our own, too.

No, no, no. Just because we're independent doesn't mean that we have to

selfish. I know, I know, because I've been the most selfish of all.

What do you mean, Dad?

Well, I've been running around griping that nobody will give up any time for

Nicholas, and actually, I wasn't that anxious to give up any time, either.

I didn't want to give up my time with Abby, so I forced her to make a choice

shouldn't have had to make.

Abby, I wanted you to be home with Nicholas because I thought you could

good care of me, too.

But anyway, this family still has a problem, but as head of the family, I'm

going to solve it.

I want each of you to give up one activity a week to watch over Nicholas

doesn't have to worry about him. But, Dad... I don't want you to give up

anything that I'm not willing to do.

I'm going to give up my tennis every Thursday afternoon.

Well, I guess my pathology class can do without me one day a week. Well, I guess

I can volunteer one day a week.

Yeah.

I guess I can dump one of my play projects. I mean, I wasn't too great as

tragic orange.

There goes Monday afternoon swimming.

Well, I guess we can change band practice one day a week.

Bye.

Well, Nicholas, let me be the first to tell you...

Well, I guess we should get him to bed, huh? Let me give you a hand.

Come on, slugger.

Hey, we won't abandon you, little... Okay, little Nicky. Bye.

I forgot to tell you, I've added one more course to my schedule.

A new class? Oh, no.

Oh, well, but it's a home study course, and it's called Tom Bradford, and the

first session begins tonight.

Oh.

You know?

What?

I think I'm going to like this class.

Paxil, we're all ready. Great.

Nicholas!

Abby, you're just the person I'm looking for.

Here's your $300 and $37 .18 profit.

Thank you so much for believing in me. You mean your stock went up? Sure did.

Guess I had a hidden talent.

I'm really proud of you, Nancy.

Oh, thanks, Dad.

I'd like to also announce I'm getting a new job.

Oh, but you were doing so well. Why change jobs now?

I'm not changing jobs.

I'm moving up.

See, the people at the office were so impressed with my initiative and common

sense approach, they decided to train me as a cashier.

That's wonderful.

Thanks. Well, so I decided I'd celebrate and take Nicholas to a movie.

We got a better idea. Yeah, Dad, he's going to play baseball with us.

Oh, no, he's not. He's going swimming with me.

He doesn't want to spend the day with a bunch of girls.

Wait a minute. Where are you going, Nicholas?

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

Tommy's friend Cindy is taking me and her brother to the zoo. See you.