Original subtitles

Bottom line. It means that for the duration of their visit, Grandma and

Wells will be staying in Mary's room. I'm going to have to get dressed for my

meeting. Would you excuse me? Of course.

Does Abby go away at night a lot? Yeah. Her job keeps her busy.

It's no wonder they call her Abby.

She's a long way from being their mother. Since his mother died, you

been around. And then you come into this house and you start to give me advice.

There's no family here anymore.

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

When the sunrise smiles on everything around.

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

always will.

Oh, it is enough to fill our...

Oh, we spend our days like bright and shiny new dyes.

If we're ever puzzled by the changing time.

There's a plate of homemade wishes on the kitchen window

sill.

And it is enough to fill our...

Where could Susan be? You know.

Well, I mean, the hospital is only ten minutes from here. How could it take her

two hours to get here?

Well, maybe she had some extra paperwork to fill out or something.

Oh, I didn't know you'd be this excited.

I'm not excited. Who's excited? I mean, Susan is bringing a baby home. Babies

have been brought home to the Bradford house before, you know.

Look at your feet.

Oh.

Where's my other sock?

It's on your other foot.

No, I mean my other sock. I mean your other sock. Look.

Oh, no, look what I did. This is so stupid, for Pete's sake. It's a good

you caught this before Paul saw it. I mean, a man hates to have his father -in

-law see him wearing two socks or one foot.

Do you mean to tell me after all these years and all the grandchildren you've

given this guy, he still makes you nervous?

Oh, no, no, he doesn't make me nervous.

Intimidated. You see, Paul was never really too pleased when I married Joan.

In fact, he was even less pleased than your father was when I married you.

Well, why... and she asked him to come at another time or something. I mean, it

is a little awkward, I mean, with the baby coming home and everything.

I didn't have the heart to do that.

Sandra Sue is their very first great -grandchild, and the kids and I haven't

seen them since Joan's funeral.

So relax. I'll protect you.

You're right.

I'm not going to get excited.

This is too wonderful a day.

Right.

I'm afraid there isn't going to be any work for you at Bradford Construction.

Haven't you heard?

We're in a recession.

Yeah, and so is my social life. I thought the band had a gig this weekend.

Oh, it did, but it fell through, and it couldn't have happened at a worse time

either. Have you thought about getting a loan from Dad?

Oh, yeah, and for my encore, I'm going to change water into wine.

Well, then I have only one other suggestion for you.

What's that?

Get a cute monkey and a tin cup.

You're a big hell.

Oh, there you are. Come on, you guys, Dad's giving instructions.

All right, what's the bottom line?

It means that for the duration of their visit, Grandma and Grandpa Wells will be

staying in Mary's room.

But, Dad, that's not fair. Mary's not here to vote.

No, no, no. Mary's on the night shift at the hospital, so she'll be sleeping

there. Why didn't I think of that?

Okay.

Dad, does that mean Susan and the baby are staying in my room? Let me put it

this way. Susan and the baby are staying in your ex -room. You're sleeping out

on the porch. Oh, dear.

Wait, I'll take the sun porch. Nicholas snores.

I do not.

Jeremy, you just stay where you are. Let me point something out. If conditions

in this house become claustrophobic, just remember, there are four

living under one roof. How many families can say that? How many want to? Tom,

it's for you, it's your boss.

Jeremy, you were just saved by the bell.

He really flips on that family stuff, doesn't he? So why don't you just try to

enjoy it?

Oh, sure, babies and old people, my favorites.

Yes, Elliot, or what?

Oh, you're putting me on.

Right here in Sacramento? That's outrageous.

I'll get on to it right away. Thanks for the... Hey, everybody, the baby's here.

Guys, look what's all this.

Oh, hi.

Hey,

not too close, Nicholas. The doctor said that children carry a lot of germs that

can infect the baby. Sorry.

You don't have to stop breathing.

Oh, thanks.

You know, she really does look like Bradford. You think so? I see a lot of

in her. I don't know. I think she looks more like you.

Well, with no teeth, no hair, and squinty eyes, how can you tell who she

like? The kid's right, you know. I think if you want to be diplomatic, Susan,

you ought to say she looks like Grandpa Wells.

Hey, you know something? She does. Like, right around the bald spot.

Get out of here.

Oh, that's right. When are they coming? They'll be here any minute.

Well, I'm afraid they're just going to have to wait a couple hours to see

Sue. It's already two minutes past her nap time.

Tell her they can see her when she wakes up. Guys, here they come.

Ready?

Hi!

Larry. Well, nice to see you folks, too.

Hi, come on in. We thought you were my grandparents.

Everybody makes that mistake.

She's cute, little booger.

Daddy, could you do me a favor? Sure. Would you tell everybody to keep the

down while Sandra Sue takes her nap? All right, but a baby doesn't really need

quiet to sleep.

That doesn't make sense.

Oh, yes, it does.

I mean, if you give a baby complete silence, then you're training it to

through silence.

But if you just let things be normal, then you're training the baby to sleep

through noise.

I don't believe that.

It worked on you, kiddo.

Well, Daddy, I hate to hurt your feelings, but I have read a lot of

I've learned how to do everything.

And I want to do it my way.

Okay? Okay.

I sure hope Sandra Sue has read the same books.

There must be something, Tommy.

Hey, Larry, do you know where Tommy can get a job?

Not off the top of my head.

Can you think a little harder? Because this is really important to him.

Are you really in trouble?

Yeah, major trouble.

Well, I might know something.

Yeah? But I don't think you'd like it.

Sure I'd like it.

This friend of mine opened up a nightclub and he needs a guitar player.

that's perfect. Not so fast. The place is really a dump and the pay is peanuts.

Hey, peanuts is better than poverty.

Oh, okay. I'll give you the address and you can check it out.

Great. Larry, I really appreciate this. I'll get a pencil. Don't appreciate it

too fast until you see it.

Hey.

Thanks. That was nice.

Grandma and Grandpa here yet?

Not yet.

Nicholas, what are you doing? You look like you're going to rob a bank.

I don't want to give Sandra Sue any germs.

Is she through with her nap yet?

Yeah, come on in.

You can take that thing off.

Don't cough or sneeze, though.

All right.

What's this?

This is Sandra Sue's schedule. Look, I have got everything organized here. I've

got bathing, diapering, feeding.

Oh, it's so good to see you. What's with Paul?

Discussion with the cab driver. Here he is.

Hey, Tom, how are you? It's good to see you. Why, you're looking great. Really?

Nicholas!

Well, look at that.

Nicholas, honey, I'm glad to see you. Say, I thought I gave you strict orders

not to grow up until I got back here. I guess you just waited too long to visit.

I guess I did.

Well, where's everybody?

Oh, well, I guess they found things to do while they were waiting. Don't worry,

they'll all be here for dinner. I can't wait to see them.

Here's a new face.

Oh, yes, that's Jeremy, Abby's nephew. I wrote you about him. Of course you did.

I'm glad to meet you, Jeremy. Welcome to the family. Hi, Jeremy. Nice.

Jeremy's not into talking.

What is Jeremy into?

Unfortunately, just about everything.

Oh, a troublemaker. No, no, Jeremy's not a troublemaker. He's just going through

a rough time right now. No.

I'm Abby. Mrs. Wells.

Mr. Wells.

Please, it's Gertie and Paul. We're family.

Gertie, Paul, thank you.

So you're Abby, huh?

Mm -hmm.

I didn't realize from your wedding pictures that you were so young.

Oh, thank you. That's very nice of you.

Grandma, Grandpa.

Oh, it's the baby.

Hi. Here she is. It's Sandra Sue Sutton. Oh, Susan, honey.

Look at that.

She is beautiful.

That's the most beautiful baby I've seen since the last time I saw a Bradford

baby.

Hey, can I hold her?

Sure.

Hi there, cutie. Do you know who I am?

She looks a lot like your mother did at her age.

I wish Joan could have seen her first grandchild.

Well, you two must be tired.

Why don't you sit down? You've got a lot of Bradford's to catch up with. Come on

in here.

This place is too much.

Male strippers?

Definitely way too much.

What can I do for you, kid?

Oh, well, I heard you were looking for a new guitar player, and I was supposed

to see the manager.

That's me, Lance Merlo.

Site recharts?

Yeah.

You belong to the union?

Not yet.

You got the job.

You'll be here tomorrow at 4 o 'clock. You can start tomorrow night.

Oh, Mr. Merlo, see, what I'm trying to say is... Yeah, yeah, I know. You're

worried about the money, right?

Time's a hard kid.

Now, if I charge people too much to come in here, they can stay at home and take

their own clothes off.

You follow me?

Now, the way I see it, you got two choices.

You can work here and make a little bit of money, or stay unemployed and make no

money. Now, what do you say? It's up to you.

I guess you got yourself a new guitar player.

Terrific. Welcome aboard.

Uh, what did you say your name was?

Uh, Tommy. Okay, Tommy, see you here tomorrow at four.

Mr. Merlo, just one more thing.

What does the band wear?

What difference does it make?

What do you mean?

Well, I mean, what makes you comfortable?

Clothes. Lots of clothes.

Suit yourself.

You get it?

Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow, kid.

Well, it's been a long time since we've had so many Bradfords sitting around the

table at one time.

Well, they didn't sit very long, did they?

Well, you have to remember, Paul, the kids are getting older now. They have

their own schedules. They don't have as much time.

Speaking of schedules... I'm going to have to get dressed for my meeting.

you excuse me?

Of course.

What'll happen to the old -fashioned family dinner?

Paul says that American civilization started to decline when they invented

-thru restaurants.

You think about that, Tom.

Oh, I do, Paul, I do.

Might make a good idea for a column.

Yes.

Column. Oh, my gosh.

Oh, please excuse me. I have to make a phone call. I don't mean to be rude. I

really don't. Nicholas, clear up the table. Bye.

I got, I got.

You clear up the table all the time, Nicholas?

Practically every time I turn around.

What about your doctor?

And Abby?

They all got their jobs and stuff.

Does Abby go away at night a lot?

Yeah, her job keeps her busy.

She can't even stay home nights.

Tom says she's had this obligation for weeks.

She just couldn't get out of it.

Freights us around like one of the daughters.

Please, Paul, we just got here. We can't know what's going on. Well, maybe you

can't. But I see, I see exactly what's going on.

Poor Nicholas.

Now, what do you mean?

Well, it's no wonder they call her Abby.

She's a long way from being their mother.

Seriously, how about a nice, cool drink?

That club over there will just have to wait its turn.

What's that all about, Nicholas?

Well, I was just giving my plants a drink. My teacher says they need water,

like we do.

Sure.

Listen, how about stopping all that and helping me do something very important?

What? Spend the whole day with my favorite grandson.

Wow, you really...

Don't wake anyone else. We'll have to take him with us.

Oh, yeah, right.

Just me and you, Grandpa.

Just me and you.

Looks like you're going to have to get along without me today.

Nicola.

I thought I heard sneaking going on around here.

Well, Abby, Grandpa's gonna take me to the Penny Arcade into Miniature Golf,

we? Of course, it'll be okay.

We'll see you later.

Bye, Abby.

Okay, well, be sure and be home in time for dinner, and don't eat a lot of junk

food and ruin your appetite, okay?

See ya.

Morning. Hi, dear.

Grandma, you shouldn't let anyone around here know you can cook. You'll be on

the staff full time.

That's why God made grandmothers.

Hey, you guys, Dad's soapbox is getting another workout.

His soapbox? Yeah. Yeah, it's his column. It's required reading around

I'd love to read it. I'll bet it's about drive -thru restaurants.

No, it's about male strippers.

Male strippers?

Well, Paul says whenever civilization lets down its guard, anything can

You know, they just opened up a place not too far from here called the Club

Sacramento. They specialize in exotic dances by male persons.

No wonder Dad's on a soapbox.

Kind of tacky, don't you think?

Hey, Tommy, weren't you looking for a job? Maybe you should take it out.

Oh, I already have a job. You got a job?

Well, just in this little nightclub where the guy still pays his band

minimum wage.

Well, according to Dad's column, these guys make a lot of money, and they

probably have very interesting fringe benefits.

No, thank you, Elizabeth. I'll just stick to my dull, low -paying...

Mediocre job.

You mean you ran away clear to San Diego?

Yeah. Because of something Abby did?

No, because of something the whole family did.

You mean they all picked on you?

Yeah, but I was just a little kid then.

Oh, that kind of behavior shouldn't be allowed, Nicola.

That's what I tried to tell them.

You hungry?

Want something to eat?

I just ate lunch. Besides, Abby said... Never mind, Abby.

This is our day. Come on.

Hey, look again. Good shot.

Can I get you something else to eat?

A pizza or some ice cream?

No, thanks. Well, you just let me know. You having a good time?

Yeah. Yeah.

You know, when your mother was your age, she and I used to run around a lot

together. Just the two of us, you know, like me and you.

We'd get out and romp around all day.

Forget all about dinner and come home looking like something the cat drugged

At Gertie's, she'd be mad enough to skin us both.

Did you miss your mother a lot, Nicholas?

I try not to think about it much.

Oh, you don't want to do that.

You might forget and block it out.

You always want to remember her because she was a very special person.

Most important of all, she was your real mother.

Ah. You better quit talking like a silly old man.

Or you'll begin to think you can beat me.

Here. Go on and shoot.

Thanks a lot, you guys. I'll catch you later, huh?

Oh, hi.

Oh, hi.

You look different with your clothes on.

Chris Walker.

Hi, I'm Tommy Bradford. I was listening to you earlier.

You're good.

Oh, thanks.

I play a little bit myself. As a matter of fact, I started out in your job.

Yeah, well, everybody's got to start someplace, right?

I know it must seem a little strange to you.

This hasn't exactly been my life's ambition either, but money can be very

persuasive.

Oh, you guys make pretty good money. Are you kidding?

I've worked my way up through every job in this place.

I went from yours to life, then bartending, and now I've hit the

I make more money than Merlo.

I haven't been hurting for dates, either.

Boy, that sounds nice.

Well, look, I gotta run, but I'll catch you later.

Yeah, well, I guess I'll be seeing a lot more of you.

Good luck.

All right.

Take it easy.

Tom, what are you doing here on your day off?

Oh, hi. Well, you know, there's a new baby in the house and visiting in -laws.

needed some peace.

Shouldn't have told me, Tom. I was going to compliment you on your diligence.

The compliment is accepted.

As a matter of fact, I'm putting the finishing touches on my next column.

Oh, uh, one on the Club Sacramento?

Yes, that's right. Great, Tom. You cannot believe the response I've had.

really touched a nerve.

Well, it touched mine, too.

I mean, what kind of a society is this when a place like that can open up in

Sacramento?

I mean, not only is it downright indecent, but it's... It's... What do

it when something gets worse and worse?

Progress.

Oh.

Honey, I'm sorry. One of these days I'll get you and your diapers dry at the

same time. I promise.

Need any help?

No, just three more arms.

Oh, let me hold her.

You sure?

Yeah, come on.

I haven't held a baby since Mom used to let us hold Nicholas.

Do you remember?

Yeah, I remember.

In those days, I was so sure I could be a great mother.

David, it's so much more complicated than it says in the book.

Well, you'll get the hang of it.

Can I count on that?

Sure. I mean, it's guaranteed they say it gets easier every week.

Could you take it back?

You're so cute.

Just relax. You're doing fine.

Okay, honey.

Okay, sweetie.

It's all right.

Edward, what's the matter?

Well, it's either the chocolate banana, the caramel corn, or the pickle.

What did I tell you about eating too much?

Well, I didn't think it was too much until it was already in my stomach.

You feel pretty rotten, huh?

Oh, come on. I'll see what I can do.

Baking soda.

I beg your pardon?

Why, just give him a little baking soda. He'll be fine.

Well, I see you don't understand what I'm talking about, do you?

I'll take care of him. Come on, Nicholas.

Nicholas, why don't you just go on up to him and talk to your grandmother, okay?

I'll do that with him.

Well, I'll see you later, Nicholas.

Maybe I should let you take care of him since you're the one that fed him all

that junk.

Well, that's wonderful.

You let the boy fend for himself, and suddenly I get blamed for giving him one

small day of the kind of attention that he needs.

What would you know about the kind of attention that he needs?

Since his mother died, you haven't been around.

I mean, all you've done is send him presents.

And then you come into this house and you start to give me advice.

Hey, Mr. Wells, I don't think you have any right.

I have every right. He's my own flesh and blood.

I was wrong to stay away.

Very wrong.

There's no family here anymore.

If Joan could see this, she'd be crying.

Did

he

actually say that? Yeah, he did. That this wasn't a family anymore and that I

don't give Nicholas enough attention.

Oh, that's a terrible thing to say.

He certainly owes you an apology.

Listen, Tom, I don't want to start a feud or anything, so maybe I should just

away for a few days and they can just visit with you and the kids. That's

ridiculous. This is your home.

I'll have a talk with them.

Maybe just a quiet discussion.

I'll take care of it.

And here's $12 from Joanie and me.

That's not going to buy much of a baby gift. I know.

A baby gift? I almost forgot.

Here's 10 bucks, okay? I thought you were broke.

Yeah, well, I sort of got a raise and an advance from work.

What's a sort of raise?

It's when I can afford to throw 10 bucks into a collection. Anybody complaining?

What kind of promotion did you get?

Well, let's just say that my future is getting brighter.

How's your stomach doing?

It's okay.

Glad to hear it. There's one thing I can't stand. It's people throwing up on

I won't. I hope.

How's it going today?

You like it here? What'd you say?

I was just talking to this plant.

You're talking to plants?

I have to. It's a school project.

That's weird.

Well, I don't talk to both of them. Just this one.

Boris.

Boris? Yeah. See, I'm not allowed to talk to this one.

Horace.

This is Horace.

Shh. You're not supposed to talk to him.

You know something?

The sickness in your stomach has now gone to your brain.

Are you sure this is where Tommy works?

This is the address he gave me.

Club Sacramento. Nancy, this is the place Dad was trying to shut down.

What? Yeah, remember?

No, no, no, no way. Tommy wouldn't be working in a place like this.

There's only one way to find out.

I'm not going in there.

Oh, come on, Nancy. Where's your sense of adventure? Elizabeth, a grown man

no clothes on is not my idea of entertainment.

Well, Nancy, it's better than popcorn in a movie.

Well, Nancy, that might help you now.

Elizabeth, I do not want to be here.

Oh, come on. Just sit down.

You know, that's not Tommy on the guitar.

Maybe he's resting.

I did say he got a promotion.

Elizabeth, that is ridiculous.

Isn't it?

a special treat in store for you.

He is our newest attraction and I just know you're going to want to see much

more of him.

You don't think?

Nancy, it's possible. He has the same bills.

Elizabeth, that's ridiculous.

There's no way in the world Tommy would do a thing like that.

You're right. There's no way.

Are you the manager?

I'm sure not the good human man.

What can I do for you ladies? That guy in the bag.

Now, weren't you listening?

He's the unknown stripper.

Yes, but who is the unknown stripper?

What's on, sir? Look, ladies, why don't you just take a seat and enjoy the show?

Can I get you a drink? No, look, you don't understand.

I just want to know that guy's name.

Oh, well, you see, honey, if I told you the name of the unknown stripper, he

wouldn't be unknown anymore. It's kind of tricky the way it works that way.

Nobody knows who he is.

Oh, hi, Tom.

I was looking for Paul.

He took Nicholas out for a walk.

Oh.

Well, I'll come back later.

Tom, could you chat a little with an old lady?

Why? Do you have one outside?

I want to apologize.

I never should have brought Paul here.

Oh, don't be silly. We've all missed you. I mean, we haven't seen you for

long time.

I know.

Apologize for that, too.

I wanted so much to see you and Abby married.

And when we couldn't make Davidson and Susan's weddings, I almost died.

But Paul just hasn't been up to it.

You mean his health? I didn't realize.

Oh, no, no, no. He's healthy enough. He's the kind of man who gives ulcers.

You'll never get them.

Tom,

Joan was his whole life.

You can't believe how much he misses her.

I think I can.

No, no, that's different, too. You've got a whole new life.

I don't know.

Sometimes I think if we'd had other children, if we were younger... I've

afraid how it would affect him to come back here to Joan's house.

So... if Paul isn't quite himself... I understand.

I knew you would.

Thank you, Tom.

You like this place, Nicholas?

Yeah, it's pretty neat.

This used to be your mom's favorite spot.

She used to bring you down there when you were just a little kid.

Dip your toes in the water there, and you used to squeal.

The only time she and her dad have an argument, he knew exactly where to find

her. Right here.

Of course, the best thing was when Grandma and I'd come here for a visit.

And Joan and I'd slip away, come down here for a little father -daughter

lunch together.

Just the two of us, right on this very spot.

Seems strange being back here.

I feel almost as though she's going to come walking in any minute and sit right

down here beside me.

The basket full of fried chicken.

You know, Grandpa, I think we better be getting back.

Abby wants us home before bedtime.

Yeah, but your mother would have wanted you right here with me.

Is she all right? I don't think so.

I've fed her, I've burped her, I've changed her. I don't know what else to

Can I hold her?

Hey, Sandra Sue, my buddy.

Hey.

What'd you do?

I don't know.

Well, you must have done something.

I guess I have hidden talent.

Yeah, I guess you do.

Or else I just don't know how to be a mother.

But I don't understand. What could be so important to make me come down to the

office tonight?

Elliot, can you talk? Is there somebody there?

All right, if you insist. I'll be there in a half hour.

Twenty minutes.

All right, all right.

Fifteen. There you are. It's getting late. I was worried.

Well, Nicholas and I had some important talking to do.

Nicholas, it's your bedtime.

Get upstairs and go to bed.

Your grandfather and I have to have a little talk.

That's just what I had in mind.

I'll be up to tuck you in later, Nicholas.

I don't really have too much time at the moment. Well, that's okay.

I'll get right to the point.

I'm worried about this situation with Abby.

Well, yes. As a matter of fact, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.

I know how hard it's been. I understand your predicament. My predicament?

No, it isn't us that we should worry about.

It's the children.

Of course, the older ones are able to fend for themselves, but Nicholas...

I've been giving this matter some thought, and I feel I can help the

Why don't you let Nicholas come spend some time with Gertie and me?

What? Well, he's missing out on a lot of things here. We can give him the kind

of love and care that Joan did.

Abby gives him love and care.

I know you feel like you should defend her, but I've got eyes.

He isn't getting a proper set of values here. She worries more about her job

than she does about him.

Oh, that's ridiculous.

Abby is one of the best things that ever happened to Nicholas.

Look, I don't want to argue with you.

Why don't you be fair to the boy? Just let him spend a few weeks with us and

you'll notice the difference.

Have you talked to Nicholas about this?

Well, no, not yet, but I will. Oh, no, you won't.

I have to go to the office now and talk to a publisher.

When I get back, I think we should sit down and discuss just how long your

here is going to be.

It could be a lot shorter than either of us planned.

Larry, I don't have time. We're having a family crisis.

You always have a family crisis.

And it's just a quick cup of coffee.

Oh, Larry, I can't leave now. Look, my grandfather's disappeared and... Well,

we're really worried about Tommy.

Tommy?

Yeah. Larry, can I ask you something?

Is Tommy the unknown stripper?

Tommy?

Well, how would I know?

Well, you sent him to the Club Sacramento.

Yeah, but the unknown stripper's unknown. That's the whole idea.

You think it's Tommy?

I didn't take you away from anything, Tom.

Just an emergency.

Good, I don't feel so badly then. This could be catastrophic.

Yeah.

Tom, this is Lance Merlo. Mr. Merlo, this is Tom Bradford.

Mr. Merlo is the manager of the club Sacramento.

Oh, I see.

Bradford, I'm going to come right to the point.

It seems to me that you have no right launching an attack on my place of

business without ever having been in it. Now, if you could just hold off your

ranting long enough to come and take a look and see for yourself, you'll see

that it's nothing but just clean, harmless, all -American fun.

Oh, really? Listen, Mr. Merlo.

As Elliot has already probably told you, I am a very busy man. I don't have time

to go running around to... Tom, I assured Mr.

Merlo that you'd be very happy to take advantage of his kind offer. Oh, this is

the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.

Tom, let me put it another way.

Mr. Merlo has also mentioned that unless you take advantage of his kind offer,

he is going to consider bringing defamation suit against you and the

Where's my ticket?

Just mention my name at the door.

Tom, you're going where?

Now, isn't that the mail strip place?

Oh.

I see.

No, we haven't heard from him yet.

Right.

Okay, well, call me from the club.

Bye.

Tommy's very worried about Paul.

Do you think we should notify the police yet?

Not yet.

Let's give him time to simmer down.

I'm really awfully sorry about this, Abby.

But you've got to understand that it's not you that Paul is fighting.

I think he's afraid that if he accepts you, he'll have to let go of Joan.

That's why he wanted Nicholas, you know.

A part of her, something alive and growing.

Like it used to be.

But where could he have gone? I mean, he's just out there all alone in the

Don't worry.

He does this all the time. And you know, Joan was the same way.

Every time she and Tom had an argument, she'd run off for hours.

Abby.

I think I know where Grandpa is.

Elizabeth, I'm too old for dancing.

Oh, no. Come on. Let's put it away. Hi, Grandma.

Where are you girls off to?

Well, we don't know. We can't agree on anything.

What are you doing here all by yourself?

Well, Abby has gone to look for your wayward grandfather.

And if I understand correctly, your father has gone to that male strip

What? Dad was going there tonight?

That's what he said.

Oh, it was nice talking to you, Grandma, but we really got to go. Yeah, we're

going to be late. For what?

Shopping. Movies. School.

Mr.

Wells?

What are you doing here?

Well, I thought it might be a good idea if we had a talk.

Look, Mr. Wells, I have no intention of trying to take your daughter's place.

I know how much you love her.

I know how much you miss her.

Look, I've never lost a child, but I've lost a husband.

So I know about loss.

See, I think that's one of the reasons that Tom and I are together is because

both know.

how empty you can feel when the person that you love most just isn't there.

Look, I have to admit that I resisted Tom for a long time because loving him

felt disloyal to Frank.

And I spent a lot of sleepless nights wondering if I could fill Joan's shoes.

Then one day I realized that I never could.

But that that's all right, because the kids need me, see.

They don't need a memory.

No matter how beautiful the memory is.

Mr. Wells, this hasn't been easy, you know.

But we're a family now.

I guess we're not the kind of family that you're used to, but we're the kind

family that we want to be.

Love those kids very much, and I know I know how much they want you to be a part

of us Because I do too

Do

you think you want to come home now?

I am again.

I hope you don't feel as stupid as I do doing this.

Is that coming?

I'm just doing my homework.

You know, Boris, I like you. I hope you had a good day while I was gone.

What kind of homework is that?

It's an experiment.

Mrs. Rogers said that if you talk to plants, they'll grow better. And stuff.

What and stuff?

Well, it's pretty weird.

Well, it can't be too weird if it's for Mrs. Rogers.

Well, she says it's not the words.

They might not even know American.

It's just that you're letting them know that you love them. Well, how do you do

that? Well, she says that if you feel it, they feel it.

Hmm. It doesn't make sense.

No, Nicholas, it makes a lot of sense.

Merlo wouldn't let me backstage to find Tommy.

Have you seen Dad?

No.

Oh, I sure hope we get to Tommy before Dad does.

What are we gonna do?

Oh, you guys, what are we gonna do?

I'll give you just 30 seconds to give me an excuse that I'll believe.

Oh, well, Dad, it really is a very good excuse, but you'll live a lot happier

life without knowing it. I don't believe this. I mean, you all know how hard

I've been working to close this place up. I walk in here and find my daughter

sitting at a front row table?

I mean, I would think that if for nothing else but respect to me, you

wouldn't... Dad, you didn't come here to see the show.

Oh! How silly of me to jump to that conclusion.

Well, is someone going to tell me exactly what you are doing here, just

record?

Promise you won't get upset? Please, I already am upset.

We came to see Tommy. Tommy?

This is where he works.

Tommy works here?

Doing what?

The Unknown Stripper!

unknown stripper?

Not for long, he isn't.

Hey, Black, what do you think you're doing, huh? I know you want to put me

of business, but don't you think this is a little unprofessional? Mr. Merlo, I

can explain.

Unfortunately, this boy is not my son. No fool.

Hi, everybody. Nice of you to catch my accent. I thought this boy was my son.

Dad! Tommy!

That's my son.

Well, that's good. Then I'm sure you won't mind supporting him now that he's

of work. Now, would you kindly all get out of here? And you, get that paperback

back on your head. Get back out there before those crazy women wreck the

Whatever happened to free enterprise?

Tommy, where were you?

I was working the lights, my new job.

Oh, you guys didn't think that I was... You did say you

were being promoted.

I said my future was getting brighter.

Oh, honey. Oh,

honey.

I was just so afraid I wouldn't be the perfect mother.

You know, I tried everything that I thought I was supposed to do.

I was so busy worrying about it that I didn't think about what you needed.

I love you.

I doubt if they'll still be there, Tom. Well, the least we can do is try.

Yeah, I'll come with you, Tom. Oh, thanks, Gertie. What's going on? Why is

everybody up? Nicholas will tell you about it in the morning. Now, please,

back to bed. But I don't want to miss everything. Nicholas, back to bed.

Oh.

You realize you had us worried sick?

Oh, Gertie, don't start on me. Just because we've been married a couple of

centuries doesn't mean I gotta ask you for permission every time I go to take a

walk. Grandpa, I don't have to go to bed.

You heard what Abby said.

Go, Nicholas.

Abby, uh... I want you to know that... It's okay.

I know.

Bye -bye.

So long.

So long, Grandpa.

Bye. Bye.

Hey, you'll be a good boy now, Nicholas. Don't give Abby any trouble.

I won't. I hope you come back real soon, Grandpa.

You bet I will.

I know more growing up behind my back, right?

Right.

Fred. 69 cents.

Sorry, Dad, it's $1 .12.

Oh, you're kidding.

My first impulse was 39 cents.

Dad, you're living in the past.

Do you have a better place to live?

Nancy. Huh? Somebody here to see you.

Larry Bishop.

Unknown Larry.

Get rid of him. I can't. He says he's going to sit on the front porch till you

come and talk to him. Never.

He wants to apologize.

I don't care.

You guys, I can't even look at him anymore. Every time I do, I see him

any clothes on.

Nancy. Well, I do.

Oh, great. I'll tell him that. No, no.

Well, I can't just let him sit there, Nancy. He's flackentrapped. Now, what do

you want me to do? Anything. Just get him out of here.

Relax. It's all taken care of.

Well, you're going to handle it, huh? Not me.

The unknown father.