Original subtitles

Find out from Wendell what's holding up the Nettleson contract. I thought we had

a deal.

Morning. You're early.

Somebody told me there are 25 hours in a day if you can figure it out.

How are you feeling?

Like a whale. Yeah, I remember.

Vaguely.

I'll get back to you tomorrow, Richard. But I really don't think sleeping on it

is going to turn the tide here.

No, I can't live with that number.

Yes.

Ciao. Hi, you've reached James and Donald. You can leave a message for

one of us. We have no secrets from each other.

Well, one or two, maybe.

Here comes the beep.

James, it's me.

Do you recognize my voice? Does it ring a bell?

It should, hon. This is the third time you've heard it in the past two weeks.

The problem is I haven't heard yours.

What's going on? You know how bonkers it makes me when my call don't return.

I hope you're not ticked off about that ridiculous quarrel. I don't even

remember what it was about.

Bygones, kiddo, okay?

If you don't return this call, I'm probably going to start worrying.

Have a heart.

It's, um...

Monday the 23rd and counting.

So do I.

I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.

Hello?

It's me.

Well, at last.

What is it? Are you still mad at me or what?

Can we get together?

Are you still mad? You sound mad.

No, Mother, I'm not mad. I don't remember what it was about either.

Good. I forgive you for all the rotten things you said, whatever they were.

Can we get together?

Say when? Lunch?

How about now?

Now? You mean tonight?

Mm -hmm. It's pretty late.

Yeah, I know what time it is, Mother.

Would it be all right if I came by?

Absolutely.

Sorry about the hour.

It's okay.

Should I ask or should I wait?

Donald has AIDS.

He's going to die soon, so it would mean a great deal to me if you don't get a

serocon.

How long have you known?

He tested positive two years ago.

And you're telling me now?

I had to hospitalize him this morning.

The KS has become very severe.

The what?

Kaposi's sarcoma. It's a kind of cancer.

He wanted to be at home, but I couldn't.

It'll be better for him in the hospital.

He hasn't even looked ill lately.

Lately? You haven't seen him in at least six months and maybe, what, two or

three times in the year before that at most?

It's going to be very fast for him now.

A week, maybe two.

Is it alright to visit him?

If you like.

For God's sake, of course I'd like. Why do you say something like that? That's

terrible. Let's be friends, all right?

It's a good time to be friends.

I haven't had to deal with it since your father.

With what?

With what?

Dying.

Donald and I have been to 14 funerals in the past 18 months.

Look right there.

Everybody comes to Rick.

Hi, Donald.

The long one has to be flowers. It's no quick.

secret is out and it's not on the menu.

See? Things are already taking an ugly turn.

You're dying for a cigarette.

Have one.

He gave it up.

Me too, three months ago.

It's hell, isn't it?

Oh, I can't be held responsible for my actions.

I gave up smoking for my health.

The insurance company should come up with a whole new concept.

Irony insurance.

I'd say it was a fortune to be made.

Remember when we smoked?

Does he have any family?

His mother.

His father's been lost in the mist of time.

I assume she knew before I did.

Knew what?

About. Donald, what's happening?

Donald and his mother haven't spoken for years.

Why not?

Her response to his sexual orientation was less than enlightened.

I gather you're understating it.

Considerably. Well, she should be told about Donald, what's happening.

Mother, Christ, I'm saying now, would you, about Donald, what's happening?

Donald has AIDS. He's dying. May we please stop tap dancing, finally? What's

going on? Why are you so angry? What tap dancing?

Sorry.

stressed. Haven't slept in days.

If I have a sudden compulsion to pick off my tabs, I shouldn't hit you in the

head with them, should I? I'm not following this, James.

You were wondering about his mother.

I gather we're changing the subject. Not very subtly. May we? Please.

I think his mother should know whether they're on speaking terms or not. He's

her son.

Where does she live?

Arkansas.

Donald was born there.

Are you going to get in touch with him?

No.

What about Donald? Isn't he wanting another?

I'm not sure.

Well, ask him.

I did.

We discussed it at length.

He went so far as to locate her. It was in the book. A place called

Fayetteville. And?

He'd rather not tell her than risk her not caring.

Dr. Shadle, please call the page operator.

Why didn't I know all that?

Well, what?

About Donald and his mother and where he's from and what happened between

All that.

We know what we want to know.

I'll be in touch.

Hello, Audrey Grant. Is he in? They're promising a 14 % return.

If you believe that, they'll tell us another one just as hysterical.

What we need... Hello.

Oh.

Hi. I need a friend.

You need a husband.

I'm still available, but it's only fair to tell you I'm considering other

offers.

I need a friend.

Let's see if we can find you one.

Then he drops this bit about we know what we want to know and leaves me

with that.

Well, what's that supposed to mean?

I mean, I know what it's supposed to mean, more or less, but what does it

to do with me?

Why do you still have that?

Do you have a pack of butts tucked away in your bag, too?

James used to teeth on that when he was a baby.

See? There are his teeth marks.

If you don't mind, I'm not going to get sentimental about something that was

lighting the way to your grave.

Yeah.

Hello?

When the heavy breathing starts, you're canceled. You got three seconds.

Hello, uh, am I speaking to Mrs. Barnes?

Luann Barnes?

That's who you're speaking to. Who's speaking to me?

I wonder if I've given you the wrong impression tonight.

I hope you don't think this is the first time I've ever thought about it.

I mean, what's happened to Donald?

How could I not think about it? For years now, ever since we all first heard

about it, I wanted to say something to James.

But I never did. I couldn't.

I was too scared to get the words out.

Is that why you're not telling me about James?

Telling you what?

Is he all right, Audrey?

Does he have it, too?

Of course he's all right.

I'm sure he is. He must be.

You don't know.

Harry, if he wasn't all right, he would have told me, wouldn't he?

Yes, he would have.

You didn't ask.

You hung up? Why did you hang up?

Because I realized the instant I heard a voice, there'd be no point in it.

When I told her who I was and why I was calling.

This is a woman for whom homosexuality is an offense against God, man, and

nature. Well, write her a letter.

Send her a wire. She should be told.

Let her make up her own mind what she wants to do about it.

It would be hurtful for Donald if she doesn't come, but I think it's a chance

you have to take.

Well, I'm not telling Donald.

If she comes, he'll know. If she doesn't come, he won't know I asked her and he

won't be hurt.

I don't want him to be hurt. I hadn't thought of that.

So, how are you going to do it?

I, uh, thought of a way.

Hear me out.

Why wouldn't I?

You could do it.

You want me to phone her? No problem. No.

You don't want me to phone her? No.

I give up.

you could go there and speak to her face to face and bring her back.

I know. I know how this sounds from first hearing. You don't have to say

anything now.

I'd rather you didn't. I'd rather you thought about it.

But not for too long, that's all.

I think I have this right.

You want me to go to... Where do you say you live?

Arkansas. Arkansas.

And I go up and I knock on this door and a perfect stranger answers it and I

presume I introduce myself and then what?

You tell her that her son is going to die, and that she'll want to see him

before he does.

Oh, James, I think there might be a better way. Tell me what it is.

You know I don't even know what Arkansas is.

Well, locate Arkansas. I know it's there.

Oh, Martha isn't going to win my heart, James. She lives near Little Rock.

You'd probably have to stay overnight, but she'd be there and back in less than

24 hours max.

With or without her. Well, even if it's without her, it wouldn't have been a

wasted trip, Mother. Do you understand what I mean?

Oh.

Okay, well, you don't have to decide now.

Just sweep on it. Would you at least do that?

I think I was about 10 years old the last time I asked you for a favor.

If you do this for me, it'll be 20 more before I ask you for another, I promise.

This is her name and address and telephone number and the name of a hotel

Fayetteville.

If she'd listen to anyone, she might listen to you, the mother of a

son. Do you understand what I mean?

Will you please stop asking me if I understand?

Yes, I understand.

There's one thing I don't understand, though.

I was talking to Harry last night.

Was that on again?

No.

He said he knows me a lot and you a little bit, but you and me together, he

doesn't know at all.

I'm beginning to wonder if I know you and me together.

Are you?

Seems to me like something's getting very complicated all of a sudden.

Well, not getting. It always was.

What do you mean?

And more so since Donald.

Since Donald and I have been together.

I think there was a certain degree of composure in it for you when I was a

carefree bachelor.

The dashing, unattached young man about town.

But enter Donald Barnes to share my home in Hearth.

Well, that made things a little bit awkward.

What could you do but distance yourself from so perversely domestic an

arrangement?

Distance yourself from the fact that it was Donald, which was to distance

yourself from me.

And what could I do but respond in kind?

Audrey said, take three giant steps backward, and I did.

How did I do that? I really don't understand this, James. Well, by almost

asking when we spoke, how is Donald?

By forgetting two of the three birthdays he's had since we've been together.

By, on more occasions than I can recall, inviting me out to dinner. Me, not

Donald. By never... Well, we need spiked boots, Mother,

you and I, to get over what's been swept under the rug since I was 18 years old.

Mountains, Mother.

Would you explain that to me? This isn't the time for it. Why not?

Because this is the time for Donald.

And there isn't much of it.

How much is there for you?

Sorry?

I should have asked you the other night. I don't know why I didn't.

Do you have it, too?

I don't know. I haven't been tested.

I don't want to discuss it.

James. I don't want to discuss it. Do you?

Can you?

Sally.

Yo.

See what the schedule of flights is to Little Rock tomorrow, would you, hon?

Little Rock?

Arkansas.

You're going to Arkansas?

What's in Arkansas?

Okay, we're going to be on our way now.

What did you say your name was?

Charlie. You all settled in?

Yes. How's your accommodation?

Great. That's where we're going. Do you know where it is? You bet.

Is it far?

30, 40 minutes.

Your first time in Fayetteville, ma 'am? Mm -hmm.

Well, let's hope it won't be your last.

You want me to wait here for you, ma 'am, or should I drive on in?

What's this?

Ma 'am?

What is this?

Well, this here's the address you gave me.

This is it?

Well, this is the trailer park.

Yes, ma 'am.

But it says Unit 16. I assumed it was a condo.

No, ma 'am, if Unit 16, that'd be one of the Homets.

Homets? Yes, ma 'am.

Okay, let's find it.

Ma 'am?

Stop and ask directions, would you?

Where's 16?

Take a right, first one.

Who you got in there, H .R.? Don't you wish.

Keep back Excuse me

Mrs. Barnes?

My name is Audrey Grant.

Yeah? I wonder if I could have a word with you.

What's going on? You sure you got the right party here?

Yes. Could I come in?

Hey, Lou, what'd you do, win a contest or something? That'll be the day.

Don't forget that 20 you owe me, Lou.

May I come in, please?

If neither that or start selling tickets.

May I sit down? I need to sit down. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Pull up a sofa. What

you say your name was?

Audrey Grant.

Yeah? I'm from San Diego, California.

I know where San Diego is.

Yes, well, I came to talk to you about... I'm here about your son.

What son?

Donald, your son.

I came to talk to you. Where the hell are you in here?

That's your name. I got your name.

Who are you?

I'm a friend of Donald's. Oh, yeah?

Oh, through my son.

Donald is a very close friend of my son. Uh -huh.

He's extremely ill, Mrs. Brown.

Your son's sick? No, not my son. What are you hollering about?

I'm hollering because I don't know what the hell I'm doing here. That's why I'm

hollering. Well, if you don't know, lady, I sure don't.

Look, it's...

Your son, who's very ill, Mrs. Barnes, he hasn't long to live.

I'm sorry, there's no easier way to say it.

He's 28 years old. What's the matter with him?

He has a very serious illness.

Well, generally the kind you die from, the serious ones.

He has AIDS.

Yeah.

Yeah, well, I...

You figured?

Oh, he's 28 years old and he's one of them. What else could it be?

I mean, I watch TV.

Two and Two's been coming out four for a long time now.

Want a drink?

I'd kill for one. You can get one easier than that.

A little water, no ice.

God, boy, you know.

thing they get.

You do know that, don't you?

I know some people believe that.

You're not one of them, huh?

Now, you didn't come all this way just to tell me Donnie's gonna die, did you?

came to ask you if you would come back with me and see him. It would mean the

world to him.

A phone call would have been a lot cheaper.

Well, we decided this would be the best way.

We? You and Donnie?

Donald knows nothing about this. It was my son's idea.

Donald is a very...

close friend of james my son i just wanted to help uh yeah you said that

close friend how close they only have one kind of very close friend look it

doesn't matter what kind of close sounds one of them too oh my son has nothing

to do with it i get the picture here yeah yeah your son my son yeah i bet

they're real close what's always beating around the bush i don't normally beat

around bushes You sure come a long way to go a long way back for nothing.

Couldn't you at least think about it? I got nothing to think about. Oh, for the

love of God, he's your child. He's dying. What does it matter what he's

for? The only problem I have is what I'm going to tell these people here about

you. You and your big car.

You and your big box clothes. Oh, look, I'm sorry about that. It was a mistake.

Nobody here knows I got a son who's one of them.

I wouldn't be able to show my face.

He's going to die, you stupid bitch.

Well, if he won what he is, he wouldn't be going to die.

Get me out of here.

Just get me out of here quick.

How did mom cope?

Your mother, Audrey, how did she survive her face -to -face confront with the

Grim Reaper the other day?

She saw right through your flimsy tissue of wit.

I admire her adamant.

I thought she made that moment really well for her.

She seemed quite fearless.

Jen. What?

No mercy even now?

See you later, Donald.

Your hair is like a field of silver daisies.

I'd like to run barefoot through your hair.

They don't write movies like that anymore.

Mother for mother, I'd say mine has the better bargain of the two.

One more hand, but only if I can cheat.

What better bargain?

I spared all this dreck, the bliss of ignorance and all that.

How can you be so certain she'd want to be?

James, don't be a dunce.

She wouldn't want to be. Would you choose this if you had a choice with

I'm sorry.

It's becoming time for another controlled substance.

Something by way of a mood elevator wouldn't be a nurse.

Here.

You want me to get the nurse?

I'll be brave if you will.

Brave. Wrong word, of course.

Sensible.

When are you going to be sensible?

I thought you promised not to bring that up again.

I lied.

Please, James.

It just isn't rational not to be tested.

If I promised to do it, would you leave it alone? Yeah.

It could be negative, James.

Should we calculate the astronomical odds against that? Let's find the

computer. Michael Roby died two years ago, and Peter is still testing

Peter wants to know, Donald. Yes, and if God forbid he does go positive, at

least he'll have the earliest treatment possible, won't he?

As I might have had when I was still in the denial mode of me. It can't happen

to me. It's my choice, Donald.

Fine.

I haven't started cheating yet.

I gave it my best, hon. Really, I did.

Mission impossible.

Oh, she's one of those God's curse people.

Oh, yeah.

Thank you for trying, Mother. I mean that.

You're welcome.

I hate her guts.

It's a new chapter for your memoirs.

Come home.

You know what's going to happen, don't you?

On the plane tomorrow, I'll think of exactly the magic words I could have

that would have had her with me.

No, you won't.

There aren't any.

Come on, Lou. Give us a break. Who was she?

None of your business.

Well, she's not going to come out sooner or later.

I'm guessing some old rich uncle you didn't know you had bought the farm and

left you a fortune.

Be real.

Wish I'd been there.

The way I heard it, we're talking lifestyles of the rich and disgusting

Come on, Lou.

Spill it.

Okay, okay.

I want a contest, all right?

No kidding.

No kidding. Well, now we're getting somewhere.

What contest?

Mother of the Year.

Yes. Hello.

Hello.

Is he really gonna die?

I admire you a lot for this.

I'm not doing this to be admired.

I know that.

I'd also get to show why I'm doing it.

Well, maybe you'll find out.

I'd generally like to have the finding out part of things before.

It leaves you with less of the why did I do it's after.

Too many why did I do it's tend to get you down, you know what I mean?

How soon can you leave?

Well, got a boss to tell I won't be in for a couple of days. Throw some stuff

together.

Aside from that, anytime, I guess.

Well, there's plenty of time. The plane doesn't leave until 6 .30.

What plane?

To Little Rock. There's a short layover there to change planes for San Diego.

Change what planes?

Well, we have to fly from here to Little Rock on this little commuter airline.

You mean it didn't come direct?

From San Diego? Yeah.

No. There are no direct flights from San Diego to Fayetteville.

But it's a quick trip from here to Little Rock.

Well, I took a quick trip.

Won their airplanes once.

Lasted about half a minute.

What do you mean?

The propeller stopped turning.

What happened?

What happened is the plane crashed.

The wings don't flap, you know.

My God, were you badly hurt?

I thought my knee...

Two people killed, though.

I'll be driving.

I beg your pardon?

It's a little rough.

Meet you there.

Driving?

Yeah.

You won't fly.

I won't have no thanks.

No way.

Do you know what the odds are against your ever being in an accident like that

again if you live to be 200? Odds ain't what it's about, lady.

Being laid up in bed, scared, cross -eyed for about a week after is what

about. Waking up in sweat three or four times a year to the present day, that's

what it's about.

I'm not flying in nothing that has less than three or four humongous jet motors.

Get one of them to make a little detour to Federal Airport?

No problem.

I don't think I could arrange that.

Meet you in Little Rock.

How long is the drive to Little Rock?

About four hours.

I'd really rather we went together.

Why, afraid I might change my mind?

Can you honestly tell me I don't have to be concerned about that?

Look, I don't know you, you don't know me, but I do know how hard this is for

you to do. And I know that part of you still doesn't want to do it.

You sure know a hell of a lot for somebody who don't know me, don't you?

Oh, for God's sake, how could I have sat with you yesterday in that trailer and

listened to you and not know that?

Maybe you could use some help to do what I think you most want to do.

Four hours could be an awfully long time to go without help.

I'm not flying to Little Rock. Case closed.

No, you're not. We're driving to Little Rock. Together.

It's pretty dry. You might like it.

Just tell me where you want me to pick you up.

Does this have air conditioning?

Nobody has windows that you roll down.

I have a suggestion.

I can't guarantee anything, James. It's strictly one step at a time.

She's a tough hombre. I feel like I'm walking on eggs.

How's Donald?

A bit of an upswing this morning.

Is that good?

What goes up?

Well, okay.

Look, as of this moment, we're on our way. We'll be in San Diego tonight.

I almost had to drive with her in her car all the way to Little Rock. Looks

a discard from Rent -A -Rex.

Not a pretty picture. I assume you made other arrangements.

Okay, we're out of here.

Thank you.

No, thanks.

Doesn't that ruin the air conditioning? Put that down.

It's just while you're smoking. I used to do that.

I don't want to get rebooked. It's a daily threat of death.

Is it going to be a problem?

No, go right ahead. No problem.

I've never been in a car like this before.

I guess you figured that out.

I'd really love to hear that radio. I can just find it.

Let's take it.

It's on.

I'll have to find a place to stay when we get there.

It's all taken care of. Booked for the hotel room.

Hope it's in my budget.

You don't have to think about that. It's all taken care of.

I don't need it to be all taken care of.

Okay.

How'd it go with your boss, getting some time off?

Fine. I was a bit sifty about how long.

What kind of time are we talking about?

Hard to say.

Not long.

A week.

Maybe two.

I haven't seen him in 11 years.

I was 17 when I kicked him out.

Do you have any other children?

Yeah. I've got two daughters from a second marriage.

One lives in Ohio, one's in Florida.

We get together on holidays.

So, you're English, huh?

Yes.

Your son English, too?

No, he was born here.

I never met anybody, even.

How about a pit stop?

How'd you find out what your kid was?

I found out by accident. How'd you find out? He told me.

Wait, he asked him?

By the time he told me, I didn't have to ask.

You already figured it out, huh? Uh -huh.

I found out by accident. Not that I wasn't already wondering.

Long before.

He got to be 15, 16, never any girls in the picture.

Hell, you'd have to be a real dope not to start wondering.

James had a girlfriend in high school. What do you mean?

A real girlfriend?

Yeah.

Why, you know what I mean. I mean, they had relations.

Sure. How do you know?

Well, for one thing, she spent the night with him in our house.

Well, maybe nothing happened. Oh, it happened.

How do you know?

She was a screamer.

Oh, oh, oh.

Yeah, I just can't figure out a kid to jump the fence after he had a taste of

Norman.

I get the feeling that you got no problem about your kid being queer.

I didn't throw him out of his home.

You like what he is. It's not a question of liking or not liking. It's a

question of accepting what he is. And I'd rather you didn't use that word,

especially when we get there. What word?

Queer. Tell me something.

If he had your pick, between your boy being what he is and being normal,

Won't you pick?

Is he your friend?

Yeah.

He's my husband.

Sorry.

I got it, too.

I'll unplug you.

You're like a Christmas guy.

You never done it.

You never done it, big ass.

There are eight million stories in the naked city.

I don't know what I'm going to say to him.

What?

Son, I just don't know what I'm going to say to him.

Don't worry about that.

It's easy for you to say, honey.

Look, why don't you call me Audrey and I'll call you Luanne?

It's so much better than you calling me honey all the time and me calling you

nothing.

You like this music?

I do, yes.

You like jazz by any chance?

I love jazz.

Me too.

What is that?

More music right now. And this is one of my favorites.

What did he do?

I'm sorry?

Donnie. For a living.

What did he end up doing?

He was a... He's an architect.

No fool.

He's designed some beautiful houses. He designed mine.

No fool.

And he owns a small cinema.

He's insane about old movies.

He can quote entire scenes from memory.

But that's just a sideline. He's an architect by profession.

Well, he was always drunk when he was a kid.

Castles. He drew a lot of them.

Castles?

Yeah.

Have you ever been to California?

Hmm. Been to Las Vegas.

Your son don't have it, does he?

The disease.

Your son don't have it. He don't act like he's got it.

I don't know.

You don't know?

He doesn't know.

In the hard times, don't you get a test or something?

He hasn't done that yet.

Well, how come? Seeing as how Donnie's got it.

It doesn't always happen that way. They don't all get it, you know?

Hmm.

I saw the thing on the news where a person can have it and not even know

got it.

Like it don't show up for a long time sometimes.

Let's think about Donald, okay? He's the one we should be thinking about.

You know, it's real hard for me to believe that there's any mother that

be bothered by her son being one of them.

You're as easy about it as you let on.

I wanted to be a grandmother, all right?

Apart from that, what people do in private is nobody's business.

I could tell you some stories about straight couples that'd curl your hair.

Oh, my hair stopped curling a long time ago.

I either heard it or I've been there.

That's different.

Why is it different?

Just is, that's all.

You have to do better than that.

No, I don't.

We have to try.

We? I thought we were talking about me.

I don't believe I'm hearing this. Why didn't you tell me you were doing this,

James?

If she'd refused, I didn't want you to know. But why didn't she? Why is she

coming? To see you, of course. Why else? What, last chance, Luann? Grab it while

you can and make it quick?

Yes, if you like.

You're assuming good intentions.

We have to. You have to.

What if they go bad?

You don't know what she's like, James.

Compared to my mother, yours has been a picnic at the beach.

Has she changed? What does Audrey say?

Evidently not.

I don't think I can handle this.

Tell me you really don't want to see her and we'll put her on a plane back to

Hawkinson tomorrow morning.

Can you tell me that? Yes.

All right.

It's worth the risk. I have no right to say that it's your risk, but I think

it's worth the take.

Mother of mercy, is this the end of Rico?

All right, it rings the same bell, but you have me on that one.

N .G. Robinson, Little Caesar.

Soupine on a dark, ugly street.

Riddle with the bullets of implacable justice.

Gasping his last desperate plea to his spiritual mother.

Of course she dies.

That was a movie.

James, James.

Life is a movie.

How was the trip?

Oh, flying used to be fun.

I'll tell the first stop.

Nope. We're not going to the hotel. We're going right to the house. You bet.

You're going to stay with me, okay?

Look, honey, Audrey, if I change my mind, I can check out of your house as

as I could a hotel. All quicker.

Thanks. You're welcome.

How are you doing?

Good, fine.

Is there anything else you need in your room?

Oh, I couldn't think of anything else if I tried.

Look, I don't want to come across here like a redneck hillbilly or nothing, but

I feel like I'm a dynasty.

I mean, that's the way I feel. I mean, why shouldn't I say it?

I know what you mean.

You know, I wasn't born choking on a silver spoon.

You sort of look like you were.

My father was a bank teller. No kidding.

Mama's a painter.

Houses, not the other kind.

I got a friend, a guy, says the trouble with this country is everybody wants to

be in dynasty, and it isn't near big enough, so there's a lot of angry people

running around.

Could I trouble you for a drink?

Oh, I'll join you.

So, um, Donnie made this house, huh?

You mean, you drew it up?

Yes, that's how he and James met.

Who, me? The house?

You know what just come to me before?

You're the only other person I ever met like me.

Like you?

Yeah.

The only other mother that's got a son like I got.

You've known that since yesterday.

I wasn't thinking about it that way.

Not the way it's just coming to me now.

There's a lot of different ways to think about things, you know.

It's true.

I guess I'm not the first person for you, though. I mean, the way you live,

kind of people you know.

I know one other mother with a homosexual son.

You had somebody to talk to.

The subject never really came up.

How could it never come up?

Well, she...

Brought it up once, but I didn't see any point in pursuing it. How come?

There wasn't any point, that's all.

I didn't care to discuss it. What's the difference?

It would have made a big difference to me.

I never said word one to a living soul about it before now.

Well, I like to think it's been of some help.

What is?

Saying something about it to a living soul.

Is that what it's been to you? Help?

Me?

I get the idea that you're not going to talk about it either.

Is that right?

Well, not for the same reason you haven't been. I don't need any help.

Oh, well, that's right.

You're better than me. Keep forgetting.

I never implied any such thing.

But I don't call my son... I don't call him ugly names.

Words never pass your pretty lips, huh? Never.

Not even before you knew what your son was?

Oh, come on.

Everybody uses ignorant words when they're young and don't know any better.

Some of us grow up and know better.

And some of us grow up and stay ignorant, right?

I'm not trying to insult you. Stop putting words into my mouth. Maybe

some already in it, ladies.

You just cannot believe that I am not like you. You want me to be like you.

Well, I'm not.

Like me?

What do you mean, like me?

I got a son dying from what he is, and so could yours.

I just wanted Donald to be normal.

I would have had a son all these years. That's all I wanted. You had a son all

these years. One I could love.

You could have loved him anyway.

Like you love yours, huh? Yes.

Anyway? You mean in spite of what he is?

Is that how you loved yours? Oh, stop.

Oh, come on.

Get the hell out of here.

Look,

why don't we just say goodnight?

And go to bed and get some sleep.

Let's face it, we're both wrung out. It's been a long week today.

Ain't been my usual Thursday.

Mine either, honey.

Testing, testing.

Mary had a little lamb.

Sally, call Nettleson.

Tell him not to finalize the deal yet. It still doesn't sit right with me.

Call Philip to check on the Sendrick stock. It's making me nervous. If you

reach him... Testing, testing.

Mary had a little lamb.

Audrey?

This is me, Luann.

This is stupid. I can't do it.

It's one of the stupidest things I've ever done in my life.

And I've done some stupid things.

I don't know what ever come into my mind to think I can do it.

After all this time.

What would I say to him?

After all this time.

Call for flight 91 to Little Rock, boarding at gate number two.

I know no one will think too highly of me for chickening out at the last

But no one else is in my shoes, so I can't help that.

I'll pay you back for the expense you went to.

Might take a while.

At least I'm paying my own way back.

But I would have done that anyhow.

I'm sorry you went to so much trouble for nothing.

I don't blame you if you really ticked off.

You really went to a lot of trouble.

You're really a good person.

But I wish I'd never laid eyes on you, if you know what I mean.

I hope your son's going to be okay, health -wise.

I gotta get some shopping. My clothes are flying to Little Rock.

Hi. Luann, this is my son James.

James, Luann Bonds.

Hi.

Hello. Thank you for coming.

Would you care for some coffee or anything? We could go to the cafeteria.

I'm okay.

We have breakfast.

You? I'm fine.

Why don't we go on up then?

Are you awake?

The plane crashed. There were no survivors. I'm terribly sorry about

She's here.

Can we discuss this for a few weeks?

It's gonna be alright.

Don't leave.

Do you want to think about that for a minute?

What's wrong with this picture?

How you been, Donny?

I guess that's starting out stupid.

I've been fine prior to this current nuisance.

I like your outfit.

Tres chic, ma.

You're kidding, it's Audrey.

Long story.

Not that I don't have some nice things myself.

But, uh, it's too tight, though.

Gotta do some shopping.

Would you like to sit down?

Or do you have to run?

I'm kidding.

Been a while.

You haven't changed a bit.

You're looking very well.

Yeah, well, don't let the hair fool you. It comes off.

It's very becoming.

You've got no accent anymore.

No.

Well, maybe a little smidgen here and there.

Been hard to hear it.

Here you got real successful.

Yes, I've done pretty well.

Would you care for a chocolate?

No, thanks.

From drawing, more or less?

I'm sorry?

I mean, you got successful just from drawing?

More or less.

Yeah.

He was always drawn as a kid.

Some kids drawn come to nothing, but he was always real good at it.

You taped him on the fridge.

Can I talk in here?

He wants to go home.

I thought the two of you agreed.

He's remained.

Are you going to let him?

Yeah.

Is that a good idea?

Just for him.

In his place, I'd want to be allowed to do what I wanted to do.

Why haven't you been tested?

I don't wanna.

Is that wise?

Wisdom beyond my years, I like to think.

James? If I don't have it, it doesn't matter.

I do.

I said to you a few days ago, we know what we want to know.

That was about me.

About me.

Did they tell you you were in no danger?

James and Audrey?

About what?

Me.

This.

Yeah, they told me.

It's true, you know.

Really.

You could have a chocolate.

This ain't easy for me, you know.

I just want to be upfront about it.

Thank you for coming.

You mean it? Mean it.

I wasn't sure.

All I've been thinking about since yesterday is if I wanted to come.

Until this morning, I started wondering what your position was on the situation.

That's my position.

I'm sorry what happened to you, Donnie.

They said soon as men did. But you brought on yourself, didn't you?

Didn't you?

I'm sorry. Didn't mean to shout.

Just come out.

Calm is restored.

These are such trying times.

Is someone smoking in here?

To whose health will it be hazardous?

How do you like Audrey?

Boy, she's something else, isn't she?

You know, she's got me staying at her house.

Do you know that?

That's very nice.

You know, she said that, um... What do you say? You designed it?

It's real nice.

Real nice.

You know what I'd love to do?

I would really love to take a swim in her swimming pool.

Doesn't anybody ever swim in them pools?

You know, in the movies, nobody ever swims in them.

This is there.

Take the plunge, Ma.

Remember this?

Remember when you drew that up?

It was about, I don't know, eight or nine.

And you said you was going to build that for me someday.

For us.

Magic Castle.

And we'd live in it together, you and me.

And it'd be full of magic.

Your son's real good looking.

Yeah, isn't he?

Could have really been something with the ladies, couldn't it?

Father must have been real handsome.

Oh, I mean, I didn't mean it that way. I mean, you're a very good -looking

woman.

Father was a real looker.

You got a boyfriend?

No.

Me neither, lately.

The bitch ain't it.

How did it go with Donald?

I hardly recognize him.

He never was too hardy -bilt -wise.

Took more after me than his old man.

Freddy was a real big fella.

Of course, he didn't believe that he was his old man.

Donald didn't? No, Freddy.

Didn't believe Donnie was his son.

Said there was no way that any son of his could beat one of them.

That's insane.

Yeah. Well, even I knew that was a bit far -fetched.

Still in all, I sure didn't like having to take a rap like that on account of

Donnie. There's one thing nobody can say about me is I fooled around.

I take them as they come, but I take them one at a time. You didn't take a

on account of Donnie. You took it on account of your husband.

Either way.

No, it isn't either way. Don't you understand the difference?

I sure do tend to get you all stressed out, don't I?

Tell me what you want to do.

With regards to what?

Are you going to go right back to Arkansas, or are you going to stay?

How did she seem after?

I suspect a quick impulse.

Such a cardiac tremor, maybe, but she seemed steady on her feet. She didn't

to the ladies for a quick upjump.

She wouldn't touch me, you know.

Of course.

Will she stay, do you think?

Do you know?

I don't know yet.

Do you want to tune?

The prices are very reasonable. They have sales all the time. I don't need a

holder.

I have to go to the office.

I'll see you back at the house around six.

He's really going to die, isn't he?

It's a pretty outfit.

Yeah, real California.

They'll knock them over back in Fedville.

What will you tell them when you get back? Your friends.

About what?

Where you've been, why.

I ain't got to that yet.

Maybe you'll tell them the truth.

I ain't got to that yet, okay?

What's the difference to you what I tell them? Yeah.

I think I owe you something.

What would that be?

A few days ago, when I was first told Donald was ill, I didn't really know

about him.

I've known him for four years, but I didn't know anything about him that

mattered. I didn't know about you. I didn't know you even existed.

I didn't know where he was from.

Truth is, the person my son has been living with for the past four years had

breasts.

I'd have known her entire life history in about one hour.

Because I'd have wanted to know it.

Yeah, well, I kind of figured you were coming from a couple of different

directions.

That's what I owe you.

You know how you're always calling Donald one of them?

Something that bugged me about it every time, and I couldn't quite put my finger

on it.

Then I realized what it is.

Those are the words that have caused so much...

Pain and fear for so many, so many ways, always.

One of them.

Those are the words that all the other words are about, ugly words.

Your son isn't one of them. My son isn't one of them.

Our sons are two of us.

It's been an interesting couple of days.

I almost started smoking again.

Well, it's a wonder you didn't resort to controlled substances.

Luanne and you, the mind can't quite grasp it.

She's a smart lady.

In a rather irritating way.

Why irritating?

She doesn't know she's smart.

Smarter than me.

Oh, but you know you're smart.

Behind a desk with a computer.

We're not.

She's terrible about Donald.

There were times I could have strangled him.

The Luann Barneses in our midst are best not taken seriously.

Unless, of course, one encounters them in a lonely place coming at you with a

baseball bat.

Boy, she's nothing like that bad. Give her a break.

I gather you are.

She's right up front. What you see is what you get.

And I'd rather get what I see any time, wouldn't you? It beats deceit. It beats

lying.

It beats tap dancing.

Hands down.

What would you think if I told you I was devastated when I first realized you

were gay?

I think you might be turning in your tap shoes for a sturdier style in footwear.

I never have really been able to get it together since.

That's what you meant the other day, the mountains under the rug.

The woman of the world.

Taking it all in stride and falling flat on my face when no one was looking.

Sometimes when they were.

It showed, huh?

Now and again.

That's very embarrassing.

No, you did the best you could with what you had to do it with.

Centuries of rules and revulsions.

Must have hated me.

Never.

Never hated. I did understand, after all.

How could I not have heard the word you never spoke?

What word?

Disappointment.

Okay, I was.

I was disappointed.

There, it spoke.

Good.

It was a long time before I stopped hoping you'd see the true light.

Marry the girl of my dreams and give me babies to lavish things on and call me

Grandma. Oh, you made me so furious.

How?

By making me feel guilty about hoping that.

But you have to stop feeling guilty. I know.

I've begun to. I think I've begun to.

James, if you knew I wasn't being honest, why didn't you say something?

It's sometimes so unwise to tell people what they don't want to know.

Can I give it another try?

If at first.

When can I start?

Stop pushing.

I want you to be tempted.

Because the sooner I know, you know,

we know. Can I say we?

Let's try it.

The sooner we know, the sooner we'll know how much time we have to try again.

If I said positive, could you tell?

Just try.

I'm sorry.

I know.

I know.

I might need you.

Oh, God, I hope so.

last minute changes of thought.

So did you manage your hot chocolate?

You got somebody to see to him?

A nurse will be coming in twice a day.

A doctor on the call.

I think it's a real nice idea.

Being here, home.

He was born at home, you know.

Wasn't supposed to be. He was supposed to be born in a hospital.

But he ended up being born at home.

It's a long story.

They're real pretty cubs.

Rio, California.

Didn't I give you those?

Yeah, I think you did.

Only four left.

What a finger.

Listen, there's something I want to... Maybe you think I'm coming down with a

severe case of ridiculous here, but you don't have to decide now.

You can take some time, think it over.

Unless you don't have to think it over, and I'll understand that.

It'll be perfectly okay.

Just forget I asked.

Okay.

I'm just going to lay it right on the table.

I'd like it if I could take him back with me.

Well, I'm sorry, but I really don't have to think about that.

Taking him out of here now is out of the question.

Well, not now.

Oh, forget about it. Oh, I'm way out of line here. Just forget I asked.

You awake?

Me.

I got you some cocoa.

How you doing?

Top of the world, Mom.

You know what I should tell him now?

I'll tell him how you were born at home.

You probably forgot that story, huh?

Yeah.

Me tripping at the top of the cellar stairs and busting my leg and screaming

about an hour.

You was halfway here, but by the time Ms. Zarda from next door come running

the stairs, you probably forgot all about that story, huh?

You didn't?

Well, there's something I'm going to tell you that I didn't tell them, okay?

I'm sure as hell never told you.

I knew when you was received.

Some women know that sometimes.

I don't know how. I don't think anybody knows how, but it just happens. You

can't explain it. You just know.

It was in the morning, and after a couple minutes, I just

knew.

It was a beautiful morning with no tomorrow in it.

It was like there'd never be a tomorrow.

Life would always just be right then.

It was a waste, wasn't it, all those years?

Couldn't help it, John.

I know.

Trouble is...

We generally don't know waste, when it's happening.

Sometimes when it's happening, but the worst kind, we don't know till after.

They say sometimes the wonders never.

Now you don't have to wait. No, it's no problem.

I'll see y 'all next week.

Thursday.

That'll be a real simple thing. Just a couple of my friends and you.

Nothing like what you had yesterday.

It was a real night service.

You sure had a lot of friends, didn't you?

What's this?

Something she wanted you to have.