Original subtitles

What do you think? Got the papers in the car.

Well, is the seller firm on a price?

After 20 years of selling real estate, I have learned nothing is firm except a

weightlifter's thighs.

Make an offer. We'll see.

You think the owner would take back a second mortgage? I mean, it needs a lot

work. Don't we all?

The house is owned by the previous owner's kids.

They want to sell quickly, divide the money.

I don't think they'll take a second.

Should we take a second look inside?

I've seen it three times already.

I don't know what's going to change.

Not the price.

Trust me.

Take a second job.

Look, um... This is your first house.

Got a baby, another one on the way. Am I right, or have I just insulted you

beyond all reason?

Four months.

I'm going to be as big as a house with this one.

Well, not as big as this house.

This house is too much for you at this point in your lives.

Don't get yourself crazy. Don't get in over your heads.

Are you telling us not to buy this, huh?

After the new baby comes, look for a starter house.

After the kids are in school, you're back at work, you socked away some

then you can buy this house.

Or another one just like it.

She's right.

You've been up for three nights trying to make these numbers work.

Thanks. Really.

We're on our own here.

And when I hear you, it's like my mother's here.

If my mother were here, I would be heading for the hills.

Look, just go home.

You must be hungry.

Thank you.

Give me a call.

Another dead soldier.

That was nice of you.

You okay?

I'm fine.

Thank you.

Where did you come from? I thought everyone was gone.

I slipped by you.

You were involved with a young couple.

You saved their family.

Hardly. Just lost a sale is all.

Not true.

They would have sacrificed everything to buy this house.

Grown apart, chasing after the almighty dollar.

Then stressed over money would have created spite.

Soon they realized they're slaves to a house they now hate living in.

All ultimately leading to divorce.

A family destroyed.

Over one bad decision.

Pal, half of my business is resales on houses from divorces.

Figure over the next five to ten year period, I have lost four sales from this

one couple alone.

I rest my case.

We've got a winner.

Cha -ching.

You've earned your place in heaven.

I was just taking off. Is there anything I can show you?

I think I've seen all I need to see, Miss Strong. Thank you.

You'll be hearing from me.

I'm sure you need to get home.

Yeah, it's my son's birthday. How did you know my name?

It's on the open house sign outside.

Of course.

Do you mind if I get your name and...

Telephone number. I always like to keep prospective clients aware of what's

going on in the market. Are you from around here?

More uptown.

Way up.

See, old houses always fascinate me.

All those lives lived out within four walls.

So much emotion.

Excuse me.

Coming.

Tom. You on your way?

You haven't forgotten Josh's birthday.

No, I haven't forgotten his birthday.

Picked up a cake.

Car's in the garage.

He's gonna freak when he sees it.

Yeah, well, he'd have to come out of his room first.

Any calls?

Hey, your mother.

What'd you tell her?

What I always tell her.

You're not home.

Works for me.

I'm on my way.

Your son's birthday.

How old is he?

30.

What am I saying?

It's a good name.

Would you... Would you care for a drink?

No, thank you.

I hate to drink alone.

Look at that.

He had a friend.

You're drunk.

Pete, please.

I'm tired.

I'm upset.

You know what today is.

It's your son's birthday.

And you missed it.

Because you're drunk.

That is not why I missed it and you know it.

You want to talk about this, Madeline?

Are you ready to do that?

No.

I hate that music!

Every year, you pull some stunt like this. You know why, Peter. You knew it

you married me. I'm sorry. Josh had the gall to be born in the same day. Stop

it!

Stop it!

You know how this makes me feel.

And you promised me you would never throw it up to me. Can we forget about

and your pain just for a minute?

Josh turned 16 today.

Do you know how it made him feel for his own mother to be a no -show?

We can celebrate on the weekend.

It was too late. You missed it.

You pretty much missed the firelight. Well, that is because I have been

Peter.

Why don't you take a look around you?

We have.

Everything that a family could want. And how did we get it all?

I mean, no offense, but your teacher's salary wouldn't keep Josh in CDs.

You think I want all that stuff?

Happy birthday, darling.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm really sorry. I got caught with a client.

Take it.

Take all of it.

What are you doing? You're giving them all back.

When you do this, I worked hard for all of this. How come you act like you just

don't care?

Maybe I learned from an expert.

Josh.

There's your car, Josh.

Car you wanted.

I don't know how to make you happy.

You don't even know me.

You know, I used to stare at myself in the mirror and try to figure out what it

was you hated about me.

Don't hate you, Chuck. You don't even look at me.

Why did you even have me?

Was I some freak accident?

I was, wasn't I?

Why didn't you just have an abortion?

And just don't talk like that. Why? Because you're Catholic?

Where does it say don't have an abortion but then pretend like you did after the

kid's been born?

I don't exist for you.

I wish I'd never been born. Honey!

And then what, Madeline?

You gonna love him then?

Madeline?

It's time, Madeline.

Don't be afraid, Madeline.

Almost there, Madeline.

It's gonna be cool.

No looking back, Madeline.

Not yet.

But my father... I saw him.

He called me an angel.

And my Uncle Gordon and my Aunt Lois.

But they... They're all... Dead?

Yes.

So I'm not... Me.

Good. Then it's over.

This is heaven?

Almost.

I want to go with them, please.

Let me go with them.

We have one stop to make first.

Follow me.

Wow.

What do you think, Madeline?

Have you ever seen such an open floor plan?

Endless square footage.

And talk about your central air.

And a prime location.

I never expected to be here, at least not yet, but I want to stay with my

family. If it's up to me, Madeline, you'll be back in that kitchen lighting

birthday candles very soon. No, not that family. My family here.

Come on, Jones.

You're late.

Joan? Your name is Joan?

Yeah. It wasn't my idea.

Let's get this show on the road.

Who was that?

Othniel.

Old Testament, Book of Judges.

Othniel. Hey, don't worry. Worrying shows a lack of faith.

This is strong.

Are you related to... Never mind.

Wrong century.

So, what is your story, young woman?

Well, I died. You mean to say, killed yourself?

Isn't that true?

Not true.

And not fair, Your Honor. There are extenuating circumstances.

So it's not true that she has been setting herself up for her own

demise for over half of her life?

No, Your Honor. There are no facts to back up that allegation.

Jones.

You know that the rules of divine law are different than those of corporal

Mrs. Strong.

Come.

We deal in feelings here.

Feelings are weighted as much, no, perhaps more, in fact,

because feelings carry with them the weight.

Of emotional truth.

And that's what we're interested in here.

The truth, Your Honor, is that she has a husband and a son.

A son that desperately needs a mother.

And that is just what she has not been.

Isn't that right, Mrs. Strong?

Careful, Madeline.

What you answer could decide your fate forever.

What does it matter?

It's not like I can go back. I can't change anything I've done.

But you can.

You can go back and change anything you want.

Right any wrong.

Joseph.

Do you know what I like about you young souls?

Your never -ending faith that people deserve a second chance.

You mean I can really go back and undo any mistake I've made?

Tell him, Madeline.

Tell him your biggest regret.

That I gave away my son.

Where?

A little late to try and win back Joshua now, isn't it? Not Joshua.

Paul. Paul, your first son.

You know about Paul?

Please, God.

Please let me keep my son.

Oh, that's me.

How? Every prayer is heard and saved.

Madeline Flynn, you're not dressed. We have to be at the adoption agency in 20

minutes and it's rush hour.

I'm not feeling well.

Are you having pains?

Look at me.

So scared.

So is she.

I am so glad your father isn't alive to see this.

You're his angel.

Look at my mother.

Horrified that a 16 -year -old is having a baby.

All she wants is this over and done with so she can pretend to herself and the

rest of the world that it never happened. The lady at the adoption

she has found the perfect family.

Good people will care for your baby.

Come on.

Get dressed.

No, no, don't do it. Don't sign those papers to fire.

Careful now, Mrs. Strong.

Honor thy father and mother. One of the Big Ten, you know.

Then it's really true.

I can really go back?

Yes, Mrs. Strong.

You can.

Then my prayers will finally be answered.

Are you sure

this is what you want, Madeline?

Because, you know, once you go back, nothing will ever be the same again.

Don't you see?

This was meant to be.

Otherwise, why were my sons born on the same day, 14 years apart?

It was so I would never forget him.

Because I should never have given up my son.

If it please the court, which is me.

And him.

And it seems to please him to allow you a life sentence.

I don't understand. A life sentence, Madeline.

That's what you're asking for.

It means you get a second chance at life.

A chance to go back in your life and change anything you want.

You will have three days, and three days only.

You will go back with all of your memories intact.

No one will recognize you. You are a free agent in the universe with the

blessing of God Almighty and His court.

Your 4 .30 is here.

My 4 .30?

Mrs.

Strong, I'm sorry, we're a bit late. Manny wasn't feeling well.

Are we too late?

No, no, please have a seat.

Mr. Jones, if I may.

Well, uh...

I'm

sorry to be taking so long. I seem to have misplaced Madeline's paperwork.

Oh, I know that you have to get to your job. Your law stocks are paid when

you're late.

Someone has been talking out of school.

I didn't say anything.

But it could mean a snake if you're a minute late.

I'm sure Mrs. Strong has more important things to do than to worry about my job.

I'm just concerned about Maddie.

Well, Madeline's not going to have her baby for another couple of weeks, so we

have plenty of time.

But I thought today was the deadline.

What's the family's name?

The family that wants my baby.

You know the rules of a closed adoption, Mrs. Strong.

Can't tell you their names.

It really bothers you, not knowing where he's going, doesn't it?

We don't know if it's a boy or a girl, and we don't worry about that, do we,

Maddie? I'll never know.

I'll just take him away when he's born, and I'll never see him.

It's barbaric, isn't it?

But I know he's a boy.

And I want to name him Paul, after my daddy.

Maddie, what foolishness.

The parents will name the baby.

But I'm the mother.

You can tell them his name is Paul, couldn't you, Mrs. Strong? And they

listen to you, wouldn't they? You can't promise that. Stop being selfish.

You just want this over and done with so you can forget about it.

I can't.

And it's happening to me, Mother.

It's not only happening to you.

It's happened to all of us.

Why don't I drive Maddie home, Mrs. Flynn?

I'll find her papers, and you can go to work.

Thank you.

I bet you're hungry.

Mustard, ketchup, sauerkraut, chili, no onions. How did you know?

I'm a mind reader.

Oh, all 16 -year -old Cleveland girls eat their hot dogs that way. It's

mandatory.

Like unprotected sex and unremitting guilt.

Man, can you believe it?

It's the sexual revolution. I get pregnant the first time I have sex.

practically, the first time.

And you never talk about it.

Talk about it?

Are you out of your gourd? We're too busy pretending it's not even happening,

that we're all still good little girls and boys.

Every girl I know is a virgin.

Every boy she's slept with still believes it.

It wasn't like that with me and Ryan, though.

I mean, he was... You okay? Yeah.

He was... I'd never done it, you know, with anybody

else.

I thought we'd be together forever.

Get the little jerk dropped, yeah.

I told you.

Forget about it.

You're the loudest lover.

You'll do better.

Believe me.

But it wasn't his fault. I mean, he...

Well, I need a girlfriend, not a family. I can't say I blame him.

Well, you will.

You think I'd talk to him face -to -face about this since it all happened?

The nuns kicked me out before I could infect all the other girls and get them

pregnant, too.

And his parents yanked him out of his school and transferred him to Jesuit

school, and... I haven't seen him since. And he...

Hasn't returned my calls or answered any of my letters, so... I forgot how hard

it hurt.

Betty.

Have you ever wondered whether Ryan even knows that you tried to call or write?

All the time.

Well... I always regretted not talking to Ryan face to face.

What do you think would have happened?

We'll find out now, won't we?

Oh, no, no, no.

You didn't.

You bet I did.

Taxi!

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry about everything, okay?

I wish that I'd never... Met me?

Hurt you.

Think I'd be here right now if I didn't care about you?

Folks would kill me.

You all right?

Okay.

I'm just upset.

That's all.

I was hoping that... I know. I know.

When Mrs. Strong called...

My mom, she thought it was about the adoption, but it's weird.

First thing I thought about that.

What do you think?

Just trying to help. That's all at least somebody is.

I know, but... I mean, she's the adoption lady. She's supposed to be

find a... Find a placement for the... The baby.

Say it.

We're having a baby.

It's going to be all right, okay?

No, it won't.

Look, I wasn't really asking you to marry me or anything, okay? I just want

and your parents to help.

They're going to help. They're going to pay all the hospital fees, all the

bills, everything.

Yeah, well, they're going to have to cop up the money a lot sooner than you

think. Are you in labor right now?

Uh, okay. What do I do, Willie?

Maddie, Maddie, honey, I'm here.

It's okay. You'll be fine.

I'm sorry, Maddie. You are such a wimp. You should be ashamed of yourself. Now

just leave us alone and get out of here.

Go! Go!

She's having the baby.

The baby? No, honey, no. You are not having the baby. No, no, no, no, no.

not having the baby. She is.

The baby isn't due for another two weeks. I know. The date, it is seared on

heart. It's the same as Josh's.

Who are you talking to?

What's going on?

It's okay, Andy. It's okay. It's a different lifetime, Madeline.

In a different world, Josh doesn't exist.

I'm going to be okay.

There's no hippie commune or birthing station in communist Russia, and no one

except hospital personnel is permitted in the delivery room, and that means

But she is only 16 years old. She is scared out of her mind.

Oh.

All this is going to change, you know. Not tonight, it's not.

Now sit over there and cool your heels, Mama, until we get this baby out.

Madeline Flynn, I'm her mother. How is she doing?

She's doing fine.

Not much help, so I think the doctor may put her out and take the baby.

I had natural childbirth.

Wooly bully for you.

Well, what I mean is she is a perfectly healthy young girl.

Sometimes it's a blessing in situations like this. The girls are put out of

their misery. And when they wake up, it's all over like a bad dream.

The baby's with the new parents and everybody's better off.

I think that's better.

No, it's not. She wants to see her baby.

Not a chance. It's a closed adoption.

Everyone's signed off already.

Who authorized that?

You did.

Your agency requested it.

Well, you're her mother. How could you agree to do that?

Because I love her.

Then fight for her. I am.

Joan, where are you? I could use a lane to find an intervention here.

Sounds like we've got a baby.

crying that's my baby in there and my grandchild the grandchild i will never

grow up i'll never get to hold it i'll never get to love do you think that i'm

made of stone

I never knew that she saw him.

There is this great federal assistance program that I can apply for, and I've

already picked up the application to file for welfare assistance.

My mother's going to hate that. But, you know, there's always federal housing.

Oh, and Head Start, Head Start for the baby.

Has Head Start started yet? Slow down. You're getting way ahead of yourself.

But I only have one more day to convince my mother to keep that baby. And you

saw her. She is this close to changing her mind. Is there anything I've

forgotten?

Yes.

You're sure this is all right?

It's more than nice.

I got him.

Hey.

I've waited my whole life to see you.

Yeah.

Is he mine?

All yours, if you want him to be.

Here you go.

There.

There.

Isn't he beautiful?

Isn't he everything you always dreamed he would be?

No.

He was just like Ryan.

I've left some papers by your bed.

They're everything you need to get assistance to raise Paul.

Walter? Just till you get on your feet.

But I don't know anything about babies. I mean, what if I did something wrong?

It'll be okay.

It'll be okay.

I think he's probably just hungry.

Why don't we feed him?

I was doing the breastfeeding my baby, though. I can't normally do that.

Well, let me help you. No, no, no. Just take him, okay? Just take him. Okay,

okay, okay. I can't.

I was right.

I was right.

I can't handle this.

Just go.

I can't.

She's just a little nervous. She'll calm down.

She's barely 16.

She's a baby herself.

Got no business having babies.

These teenagers have no respect anymore.

Free love?

Nothing in life is free. It'll cost you, baby.

Oh, shut up.

You think that girl in there wanted this to happen?

Cost?

First she lost her father, and then she lost her childhood. She could have had

an abortion, but she didn't. She paid the price with her innocence and with

dignity.

Don't you dare judge my daughter.

Tell it to the preacher, lady. Tell it to the preacher.

Mary, and you.

You think you know all the answers. You don't.

Mary, your grandson.

So Maddie's seen him?

What did she say?

That he looks just like Ryan.

The same.

Why?

Because Maddie's so beautiful.

That's the first time you've ever said that.

I say it to my friends all the time.

Never to me.

I meant to.

It's not too late.

It's never too late.

Madeline, you are beautiful.

The most beautiful girl in the world. I love you.

I want everything that life has to offer for you. And for me, that meant an

education and a career and freedom to have a family when you're really ready.

But we're family, you and me.

And now Paul.

If that's what you want.

I'm sorry, Mom.

I didn't mean to make such a mess.

You didn't make a mess.

You made a baby.

That gives them God.

You were.

I never knew you felt this way.

For heaven's sake, you don't know me at all.

Now, if you'll excuse us, my daughter and I have a lot to talk about.

And frankly, you've said enough.

I think you've done it, Madeline.

I think you've shown them the way to keep Paul.

So how does it feel?

You mean, was it worth dying for?

I just keep remembering Josh telling me how he wished he'd never been born.

Did he pray for me?

You know what strikes me?

That you're finally reunited with the son you lost.

But your mind keeps going back for the one you left behind.

You have to tell me.

By choosing Paul, am I giving away Josh?

What do you think?

Does it matter?

More than you'll ever know.

All I know is this.

I gave Paul away once.

I give Josh away every day.

Who are you?

I'm Katie Ryan.

Hi, I know you.

Do you?

Yeah, you're the baby lady.

Mommy, the baby lady's here.

Mrs.

Strong, do we have a baby? Is it a boy or a girl?

Is it a store?

You're perfect.

Is everything all right?

Is the baby okay?

Nothing has happened, has it?

More than you can imagine.

May I? Come in. Things have gotten complicated.

Please. Come on, Bud.

Start with you.

Start with you.

Nervous?

It will be what it will be.

For once in my life, I'm going to have faith.

In God?

In her.

Talking to yourself?

I hope you know what you're doing.

Have a little faith.

In who, you?

In her.

I don't know if I can do this.

Keep him or give him up.

We're just going to meet this family. You don't have to do anything you don't

want to do.

She's right, Maddie. This is your choice.

Do you have children, Mrs. Strong?

Yes.

I have two wonderful boys.

Could you imagine ever giving one of them up?

I had my first baby when I was your age.

I wasn't ready.

Not in any way at all.

I know that now.

I didn't know it then.

But my mother did.

So I blamed her for the rest of my life for forcing me to give up my child.

I destroyed my family.

Not because I got pregnant. Not because I had a baby and adopted it out.

But because of what gnawed at me afterwards.

Every day.

That I was somehow less.

That I was somehow wrong.

But it just seems like no matter what decision I make, I'm always missing

someone.

If you were me, what would you do?

I would go in and meet this family and open my heart to the possibilities.

I just don't know if I can make this decision alone.

You're not alone, Maddie, ever.

Can I have a minute?

Of course.

Hi.

My daddy gave me this, and now I'm giving it to you.

I guess I'm ready.

Whatever you decide, Maddie, we'll all live with it.

I just want him to be happy.

I want him to have everything.

That's what makes you a mother.

This is Maddie, and these are the O 'Briens. Come on inside.

Hello, caller number five. You're on the air.

Joshua, is that you?

Yeah, Mom, it's me.

Hey, when are you coming home?

Have you forgotten what today is?

Today, honey, I have no earthly idea.

Very funny. You've never forgotten my birthday woman, so stop the act.

Never? I haven't?

Mom, have you been drinking?

No.

No, I don't think so.

That was a joke, Mom. You never drink.

Anyway, hurry up and come home. Dad and Grandma are waiting to surprise me with

that new stereo you bought me.

Grandma's coming over?

She lives here, Mom.

Of course she does.

You tell Grandma that I love her.

Gross, Mom.

Come home and tell her yourself. Oh, and I hope you sold a house today. I may be

wanting a lot of new CDs for that new stereo.

The one you're surprising me with.

Okay, honey.

Bye.

Jones, did you hear that?

Your happy son?

I would have held off for the car.

I'm not going to see you again, am I?

It's like I said.

No matter what I choose, I'm always missing someone.

No, you won't.

You won't remember me at all.

But I will always remember you.

You made a good choice.

Look at you.

No more frown lines.

Only smile lines.

Will I ever see my son?

Will I ever see Paul?

Only God knows.

I almost forgot them.

Sorry. I could have logged you in.

It's fine with me.

I love this house.

Storks live here.

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

I'm great.

Today is my son's birthday, and as much as I would love to sell you this house,

I have to get home.

You understand?

JP had a birthday a couple weeks ago. Oh, yeah. A big one.

They're gonna stop counting them from now on. Oh, you only stop when you are

age, not your age. You two have your whole lives ahead of you.

We love it.

It is a special house.

I came here once when I was very young.

It was a house filled with love, laughter, great family. Yeah,

yeah, they were.

The, uh, the O 'Briens, right?

You know the O 'Brien?

Well, I guess he does. He's the youngest O 'Brien, John Paul.

Yeah, I lived here until I was about six or seven before we moved.

I got a lot of great memories here. In fact, I got soldiers buried in the

backyard.

My initials are carved into that tree over there.

So when we were suddenly transferred here, it was like coming home.

I just had to try and see this house.

But when it was for sale, I couldn't believe it.

It's like a miracle.

Oh, we have to have it. Do you think that's possible?

I think anything.