Original subtitles

[theme song playing]

[theme song continues]

[theme song ends]

[soft music playing]

[girl] I weighed 70 pounds when my parents checked me in.

And the doctor said that he would discharge me

when I got up to 85,

and I went nuts.

It's like 85 pounds?

You'll ruin me.

When you hit 85, were you ruined?

I thought I was.

When I went home, someone said that I was looking better,

so I stayed in my room for three days.

What made you finally come out?

I had to get away from my mother.

[scattered laughter]

[girl] I'm not kidding.

Kelly Taylor.

Would you like to tell us something about yourself?

[Kelly] Mom, I am begging you.

Please don't make me go back to that place.

The girls there are crazy.

- [Jackie] They're not crazy. - Yes, they are.

One of the girls got so thin, the doctors at the hospital

had to force-feed her through a tube.

You know what she did?

She pinched off the tube because she still wanted

to lose a couple of pounds.

Maybe we should try to find you another group.

I don't want to be in any group.

[sighs] Come on, Kelly.

You're a beautiful girl,

but you have got to start taking care of yourself.

Do you know how many models I knew in New York

who ruined their health and their careers

because of not eating properly?

The last thing I want is for you to end up back in the hospital.

Me either.

If this was supposed to be like Scared Straight, it's working.

I even stopped on the way home and got a mega burger.

It's even got mayonnaise.

This is serious, Kelly.

Are your friends giving you a hard time

about being in this group?

No. Probably because none of them know I'm in therapy.

David knows.

Dylan doesn't.

Dylan is in AA.

If anybody would understand, he would.

Yeah. An eating disorder group. That's very attractive.

Kelly.

I made a mistake. I didn't follow directions.

I wasn't trying to kill myself like those other girls.

Please?

[soft music playing]

Okay, if that's what you want,

but only as long as you keep eating.

I will. I am. See?

- [Kelly] Mmm... so good. - [sighs]

[overlapping chatter]

All you seniors who haven't cast your votes yet

for the senior poll, you have until third period

to scar your fellow classmates for life.

Ugh. Like this school needs another popularity contest.

Don't worry, Bren,

I'm sure you'll win Done Most For Class.

- [Bren] Right. - I'm serious.

You organized the Pigskin Prom,

the Christmas trip to Alvarado Street,

the orientation program for the Freshman Buddies.

Brandon, it doesn't matter.

Like last year, all the winners

will know each other since second grade.

I just can't believe that you care.

You mean you don't think ten years from now,

you'll get a kick looking back at the final issue of The Blaze

and remembering that your friends and classmates

thought that you were one of the best?

Truthfully, Bren, I haven't given it much thought.

You mean you haven't voted?

Well, yeah, I... I voted.

And you didn't vote for yourself?

In any category?

I rest my case.

[upbeat music playing on speakers]

Hey, Steve.

Look at my books, man!

One of those subhumans in detention

wrote graffiti all over them.

"Thumper"?

Maybe I can guilt-trip Mrs. Teasley into admitting

I shouldn't be incarcerated with any of those lunatics.

8:00 a. m., it's already turning into a red-letter day.

Man... did you get my message about Celeste?

Yeah, yeah. How come she and her friend

don't want to go to the Lakers game with us?

She had other plans.

First time I asked her out since our TV dream date,

and she passes... not a good sign.

To tell you the truth, I'm feeling a little iffy

about going to a basketball game.

Don't worry. I got tickets in the no-gambling section.

If you even think about betting,

the ushers come and smack you.

Good.

Think "dateage."

We need two live ones Friday,

and bring condoms because I feel lucky.

[R&B tune playing over PA system]

[Teasley] Right. No, I understand.

Yes. Believe me, I don't want

your camp program to fall apart either,

but my first responsibility has to be to the students

of West Beverly High, not Alvarado Street Elementary.

Yeah. Maybe next year.

Uh... Mrs. Teasley?

[sighs] Yes, Steven?

I couldn't help hearing that about Alvarado St.

Are they having financial difficulties?

To put it mildly.

Actually, our budget is the one being cut back.

And, apparently, after 14 years, there are not enough funds

to support a summer camp on our campus anymore.

Oh, that's too bad. You know, I had such a blast

playing Santa for those kids last Christmas.

I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.

Did you need something?

I guess now is not a good time, huh?

Sometimes your power of observation is truly remarkable.

Guess who.

It has to be the most beautiful girl at West Beverly.

Oh, and, if that's the way you feel,

how come you didn't call me back last night?

Well, when I'm writing, I lose all sense of time.

- So you say. - Think I was playing around?

I was kidding.

I know. It's just that, well,

I've been grappling with some pretty heavy things, you know?

I've been writing about my dad and...

I know. How's it going?

I don't know. I mean, I'm too close to it.

I got to make some last-minute revisions.

So you're almost done?

- [Dylan] Almost. - When do I get to read it?

When it's finished, just like everybody else.

I understand.

I knew you would.

Where are you going?

- You won't wait for the results? - No.

You'll make me go through this all by myself?

Kel, you're a big girl, okay? I think you can handle it.

You are a coward!

[distant chatter]

Is this what I think it is?

Well, it's a rough draft.

Can't believe you're done.

It's only the first chapter. It's mostly...

Well, it's stuff about my father.

It'll require editing if you want to publish part of it .

Probably.

If you don't have time to read it now...

I'll make time to read it.

I'm honored that you're letting me see this.

Thanks.

Hi, Kel.

When will they announce the results of the poll?

I think Donna and David will do it at lunch.

- Why? You nervous? - [Kelly] A little.

I don't want to be remembered

as the girl who OD'd on her 18th birthday.

Did I tell you it's good to have you back?

Well, I never really left, but thanks.

[Steve] Well, if it isn't our Most Likely to Succeed

and our Most Beautiful.

- [Kelly] Very funny. - I call 'em like I see 'em.

Well, you don't have to humor me.

You haven't looked in the mirror lately. Brando.

What's the deal with the senior poll?

I really don't know any more than you guys do.

Yeah, yeah.

Come on, The Blaze runs the poll.

That's right. The Blaze runs the senior poll,

but the juniors keep the ballots under lock and key

so that certain people won't be tempted

to have their friends stuff the ballots.

Hey, I resemble that remark.

Well, you are a definite for Most Likely to Succeed.

And Biggest Flirt has your name written all over it.

You think so?

I've seen it firsthand.

If all else fails, there's always Best Dressed.

I really think you're blowing this way out of proportion.

I mean, it's not like the Nobel Peace Prize.

Gee, I didn't know they gave a Nobel Prize for Biggest Flirt.

[chuckles]

[David] Now, for Most Athletic.

And the winner is...

Tony Miller,

all-league linebacker and heck of a guy.

And he will share the honor with...

Well, well, we had a successful write-in campaign

for Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi.

Did I miss much?

Brandon and Andrea won for Most Likely to Succeed,

David got Most Talented, and Donna won for Best Dressed.

What about Steve?

Don't even say a word.

- Steve, it's meaningless. - [shushes]

I didn't hear you say that when you won.

Biggest Flirt will be no surprise to anyone in a skirt.

At least there's some justice in this world.

It's Tim James.

And, for Flirtette,

- Claudette Fletcher. - Steve.

It's a stupid poll, man. Your life is not over.

No, your life is not over, okay?

I can't even get a date to the game.

Okay, Done Most for the Class is next.

[David] And the winners are...

Adam Collins and Leah Mulder.

Leah Mulder?

Well, she convinced Fashion Emporium

to give a 10% discount to every dues-paying senior.

[Donna] Leah, we all thank you from the bottom of our closets.

Didn't you and Leah go to, like, elementary school together?

Yeah. I've known her since, like, second grade.

Okay, Most Handsome is next.

And, first, I would like to emphasize

that I personally voted for my most talented boyfriend,

David, here.

You're welcome.

But the winner is Dylan McKay!

Where is Dylan?

Well, you know him.

Anything to avoid a class activity.

And now, West Beverly's choice for Most Beautiful.

And the winner is

the one and the only--

there she is-- Kelly Taylor.

[cheering]

Congratulations. Go.

There she is, our queen.

Without her king.

[soft dramatic music playing]

[Andrea] You're a terrific writer.

Well, I'm glad you like it. Should I send it to Doubleday?

Well, actually, I have a few minor notes,

if you don't mind feedback.

Absolutely. That's why I gave it to you.

But, Zuckerman, don't be too brutal.

Wouldn't think of it.

Oh, by the way,

congrats on winning Most Handsome.

Yeah. Now my life is complete, huh?

[doorbell rings]

There's someone at the door. I gotta bail.

- I'll call you. - Bye.

Did somebody here order takeout?

Anybody here order takeout?

Nope. Sorry. You got the wrong house.

You're in a strange mood.

You always do that to me.

Oh, do I?

Ever since kindergarten.

Remember? You gave me half your cookie?

I cannot believe you remember that stuff.

Oh, yeah. I remember all kinds of things.

I've been flashing back a lot lately.

You know, I did a pilgrimage down to the old playground.

You should do it sometime.

It gets you back to your roots.

Oh, yeah. That's just what I need.

The prettiest girl in Beverly Hills?

That's just what I need.

Dylan, they're taking the pictures

for the senior poll tomorrow,

and want us to dress appropriate for the category.

So I was thinking it'd be really fun

if you wore, like, a tux,

and I wore a really elegant evening gown.

How about you wear whatever you want,

and I'll wear a bag over my head?

Seriously.

I am serious.

- Dylan... - Kelly...

It's bad enough you wouldn't go with me

when they announced it,

now you wanna wear a bag over your head?

What are you saying?

That the senior poll thing is a big joke.

That's it. Over and out. It has nothing to do with you.

I'm standing next to you in the picture,

it has everything to do with me.

Winning Most Beautiful isn't the most important thing either.

All right. I know.

Let's just... just forget I said anything.

I'll wear the Fred Astaire suit, top hat...

We'll have a great time.

Don't do me any favors.

Come here.

[mellow music playing]

You should have won the Sexiest Best Lover.

Is that all I am to you?

Are you kidding?

You're a goddess.

Have I ever shown you my favorite room?

Every chance you get.

Well, it's different this time.

[chuckles] Is it?

[Kelly] Mm-mm-mm.

Better safe than sorry.

[sighs] Yeah.

♪ Every now and then ♪

♪ The planets are aligned... ♪

♪ For a little while... ♪

Bren, you got the school phone directory?

Yeah, it's on my desk.

Who are you calling?

Patty Crawford.

Why?

I promised Steve I'd try to round up

dates for us for Friday night.

But she's such a snob.

Well, she did win Best Dancer.

Rub it in, why don't you?

[chuckles] Come on, Bren,

would you rather have won Most Naive like Donna?

Donna also won Friendliest and Funniest Laugh.

Why is there a University of Minnesota application here?

I thought we decided we'd both go to California.

Brandon, I'm just keeping my options open.

Just 'cause you didn't win anything.

Excuse me, but I filled out that application

more than a week ago, okay?

Well, Bren, you've been in California so long,

you may be forgetting what a Midwestern winter is like.

You've forgotten how many friends we had.

Come on, Bren, when do you think the last time

Darla Hansen even gave you a passing thought?

Oh, about a half hour ago when she and I were discussing

rooming together in the same dorm.

Sounds like more than keeping your options open.

Have you told Mom and Dad about moving back?

Not yet.

And I'd appreciate it if you'd let me

break it to them my own way.

It says your application deadline...

Don't you have a call to make?

I don't even like Patty Crawford.

Patty, you don't have to explain. It's okay.

I didn't realize there was bad blood

between you and Steve.

Yeah, sure, maybe some other time.

[chuckles]

Yeah, bye now.

[sighs] So much for Most Likely To Succeed.

[door opens]

Hey, Dad.

How's it going?

[groans]

You look fantastic.

Thanks.

One scoop or two?

Make mine a double.

Tax time gets more ridiculous every year.

What's your excuse?

Well, it's kind of embarrassing.

Steve has tickets to the Laker game tomorrow,

and we can't find anyone to go with us.

So, if you and Mom aren't busy...

That's the nicest invitation I've had all year.

What's the nicest invitation you've had all year?

Your son just invited us to the Laker game

with him and Steve.

Sounds like a lot of fun.

The problem is I've got a million returns due

by the 15th.

If you guys can't,

that's okay, I understand. No problem.

Jim, come on.

Oh, you're right.

The hell. I haven't been all season.

It really means a lot to me that you, uh,

still want to spend a Friday with your old man.

[Cindy] Oh, and thank Steve for us.

I sure will.

[chuckles]

[mellow music playing]

Well, if I didn't talk to David,

I wouldn't know anything that's going on with you.

Congratulations, Most Beautiful.

I wanted to surprise you.

So I raided your closet.

Well, what do you think?

Perfect.

Yeah. I just feel like something is a little off.

Well, if you're going to wear a dress like that,

you've got to upgrade those eyes.

Like mother, like daughter.

Invisible eyelashes and pale as a ghost.

That's better.

See, I do come in handy every once in a while.

I could give you a few tips if you want.

No, I've got to go. It's just a school picture.

Well, that is what I thought about my high school picture,

until it got picked up

in a "Girls of Ohio" spread in Esquire,

and the next thing I knew I was modeling in New York.

Oh, I don't want to be a model.

Of course not.

I wouldn't wish that on anybody.

But there's nothing wrong with looking like one,

is there?

Now,

what do you think?

That's nice.

I used to love to put your hair up when you were little.

Yeah, maybe I should wear it up then.

It would show off your neck.

Highlight your angle.

My angle?

Kelly, every woman needs to know

how to hold her head so she looks her absolute best.

For a model that's the difference

between $10,000 a day and nothing.

Don't worry. We'll make you look unforgettable.

[David over PA] Senior poll winners,

last call for photos in the quad.

Be there or be square.

[Steve laughing]

So is this how you dress for success?

That's what they tell me.

The Blaze should've had a category

for Most Time Spent in Detention.

- Steve... - No, it's cool. It's old news.

I'd like to know who's going to the game with us?

I kind of wanted to talk to you about that. Come here.

Oh, don't even tell me you struck out?

No, no, no, I didn't strike out.

I somehow managed to invite my parents.

You're kidding?

No, I'm not kidding,

it just slipped out.

Look, you don't mind, do you?

Yeah, I kind of do mind!

You shouldn't have put me in charge

- of organizing your social life. - Obviously.

How could you do this to me?

Don't I have enough trouble as it is?

Steve, I hate to inform you of this,

but some jerk defacing your school books

and not winning the poll are not the major issues of our time.

[sighs]

- Listen, I... - No, it's okay.

We'll go with your folks on one condition...

you sit next to your mother.

What's wrong with my mother?

[soft playful music playing]

I thought I was gonna be able to sneak in by myself

and put on some mascara before the photo session.

Oh, well, take a number.

You think I look too naive?

I think you look adorable.

And I loved your outfit as Best Dressed.

It was great.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

I don't think you need mascara. You have great eyes.

You have great everything.

Only if I work at it.

Oh, yeah, Kelly Taylor a total car chaser.

You have to admit my eyelashes are invisible.

I'm as pale as a ghost.

I have no cheekbones,

and my nose is never gonna be quite right.

Will you can the self-pity?

Like every girl wouldn't trade places with you.

I'll trade.

Let them spend their lives

trying to look unforgettable

just to never be taken seriously.

- You're being ridiculous. - Am I?

I just said nobody takes me seriously

and you didn't, did you?

Well, from what Dylan has been writing,

I would say he takes you very seriously.

You've read Dylan's manuscript?

Mm-hmm. Oh, it's terrific.

[sad music playing]

Thank you.

Uh, clowns, please.

I don't know, McKay.

I think you should have won Best Dressed.

Come on, this is Kelly's idea.

She wanted a fashion statement,

so this is my homage to Fred Astaire.

Except he could dance.

- You can't... - Dylan.

Hey, good looking.

- Is this what you had in mind? - No. Can we talk?

Hey, Dylan, don't go too far away.

You're on deck.

What's the matter?

When do I get to read your manuscript?

- I told you, when it's ready. - Why is it done for Andrea?

Because she's my editor.

And she's the one that got me into writing.

Why don't you go to bed with her?

What are you saying?

I resent being good enough to sleep with,

- not to show your writing to. - I'll show it to you.

Not 'cause you value my opinion, only for me to shut up.

- Where are you going? - I'll be right back.

I don't know what's going on with you,

but I value your opinion.

You value the way I look, the way I dress,

and that I have sex with you.

You don't listen to what I say.

I don't listen to you? Who was I listening to

when I picked up this ridiculous hat and cane?

- I don't want the picture taken. - Fine, then we won't take it.

I want to take it.

Well, don't forget to smile for the camera.

[soft music playing]

[Jackie] Dylan called, honey.

Who cares?

[door slams]

So, I'm dying to know, how'd the session go?

I didn't get the stupid picture taken, okay?

After all that work we went through?

You went through.

I sat there, hating every minute of it.

Then you should've said something.

I couldn't, you were too busy putting my hair up

and criticizing my makeup.

I did nothing of the kind. I said you looked perfect.

But you didn't mean it. You never do.

- Kelly?! - When I was 12, it was,

"Of course you're pretty, honey,

but let's see if Weight Watchers does the trick."

- That again? - When I turned 15,

you didn't get me a cake like a normal mom,

- but a nose job. - You begged me!

After you told me I needed it.

Not true! Since you were old enough to read,

all you'd talk about was beauty and fashion.

That's all you talked about

when you weren't passed out or with one-nighters.

I'm terrible, I ruined your life.

- Is that what you want to hear? - No.

- That makes two of us. - Fine, I'll shut up.

But thank you for teaching me to be shallow and insincere.

Why are you trying to hurt me?

Oh, God, I am so sick of everything,

- I could scream. - You are screaming.

Yeah, and it's about time.

Get back here. Where are you going?

Brandon, hi. How are you?

Fine. Late. Crazed. How are you?

This is going to sound a little weird,

I need to borrow $50.

- Not likely. [Cindy] Brandon! Steve's here.

I'll be right down, Mom.

Brandon, can't you help me out?

Brenda, all I have in the world is ten dollars.

Thanks, but I need $50.

- Why? - Minnesota requires $50

to process an out-of-state application.

Why don't you hit Mom and Dad up for a check?

You haven't told them you're applying there yet?

I didn't want to get into a big family powwow over this...

Eventually, they'll find out.

When are you telling them? After being accepted?

I haven't found a good time.

Now is definitely not a good time, okay?

Dad is not even home yet, and we're already late.

The application has to be postmarked tonight.

You're killing me, Bren.

Do you think Steve would lend me $50?

- He just pulled in. - Good.

- Sorry, I'm late. I got waylaid. - It's okay, honey. No rush.

Yeah, who wants see the opening tip-off?

Hey, hey, hey, I know a great shortcut, okay?

- Hey, Dad, let's go. - I'll be down in two seconds.

[groans] Fine.

Want something to eat before we go?

Yeah. Your Mom made fresh fruit cups.

No, thanks, Mom. We'll just get a couple dogs at the game.

- If we ever get to the game. - He'll be down in two seconds.

[upbeat music playing]

[knocking]

Dad?

Hi, honey.

Can I talk to you for two seconds?

I'd like to apply to the University of Minnesota.

[Jim] Cindy, can you please come up here for two seconds?

I'll just be two seconds.

Two seconds, two seconds,

what is two seconds, Walsh-speak for an eternity?

Steve, it only takes 20 minutes to get to the Forum.

- We've got plenty of time. - Man...

[car horns honking]

Come on, damn it!

Jim, relax.

Hell of a shortcut.

Shut up. We're in a family crisis, okay?

I'm just so fed up with her.

How could she spring this on us at the last minute?

Are we that unapproachable?

We're her parents.

She's just keeping her options open.

An option that's 2,000 miles away from us.

Honey, don't take it so personally.

All she heard growing up

was what a fabulous school Minnesota was.

[car horn blaring]

Every lousy driver in L.A. is on the road tonight.

Maybe we should go back.

[Jim] No, no, no.

We're almost there.

Don't they have a big show at half-time?

Uh, that's football, Mrs. Walsh.

You're definitely sitting next to her.

[upbeat music playing]

[cheering]

- Steve, great seats! - Oh, thanks a lot.

Man, the game's already in the refrigerator.

[Brandon] Where I'll put you if you don't chill.

Who sits where?

Why don't you just sit there?

Steve likes the aisle.

Don't you want to sit next to dad?

No, no, that's okay. I'd much rather sit next to you.

Excuse me, is this your seat?

[laughing] No. This is his seat.

This is my seat.

Okay.

Congratulations.

Before the game, seat GG 35

was picked at random

to try to make a half-court shot at half-time for $10,000.

[laughter, whooping]

- Go for it, son! - I need to see your ticket stub.

Yeah, sure.

There it is...

I'm sorry. I need GG 35.

- [Jim] We've got it. - [man] He has the wrong ticket.

G... GG 35! Buddy, buddy!

I've been waiting all my life for this shot!

This way. Go get 'em brother.

[cheerleaders] Go... go... Lakers!

Hey.

[laughs] Man, I'm glad to see you.

- Are you psyched? - Psyched?

A little freaked out.

- You got to relax, man. - I'm trying.

I've never been good under pressure.

Don't worry. Nobody expect you to hit a basket from half-court.

Are you kidding? These people are brutal!

You make one air ball, and they boo you.

Okay, you're up in about four minutes.

Why don't we go out and loosen up.

The worse part of this is seeing Jack Nicholson going...

[laughs]

Come on, you're not going to choke.

Listen, if I die of embarrassment,

tell my mother I love her.

Come back with a check for ten grand,

you can tell her yourself, okay?

[laughter]

All right, go for it!

Ten grand! Ten grand!

Think he'll hit it?

Eight-to-one he throws up a brick.

I thought we'd quit gambling.

We did.

Brandon, wait a minute.

Did your sister tell you she was applying?

Yeah, but she didn't exactly confide in me.

Hmm. If she hadn't needed a check,

I don't know when we would have heard.

She just didn't want you to read too much into it.

I know, but that doesn't mean she has to shut us out.

You know, you and your sister are going to be 18 this summer.

You're going to make a lot of decisions

that your mother and I might not necessarily agree with,

but that doesn't mean we're going to turn on you.

Let's go watch Steve.

Uh, Dad...

I don't quite know how to tell you this...

but, uh, the whole sports betting thing...

I really didn't quit when I was ahead.

I actually got into a little trouble with a bookie.

A little trouble?

Actually, it was a lot of trouble.

Nat had to bail me out.

[sighs]

Great, you can't talk to me either?

No, I can. I just...

I just didn't want you to know I was screwing up.

Brandon, no matter how bad you screw up,

you're still my only son,

and don't you ever forget that,

or I'll have to whip your butt in a game of one-on-one.

Okay, I'm sorry.

We'll talk about it later.

Right now, we'd better not miss Steve's shot.

He'd never forgive either of us.

[over speaker] Good evening, this is Chick Hearn,

and it's time now for our half-court shot.

This evening, we have Steve Sanders at mid court,

and if Steve can make this shot,

he'll walk away with a suitcase full of money... $10,000.

- Yeah! - Yay, Steve!

Yes! Go for it!

Go for it!

Oh great, Dyan Cannon. Come on...

[intriguing music playing]

[ball dribbles]

[man] Air ball!

[epic music playing]

Yahoo!

No way!

[Hearn] What a shot!

Ladies and gentlemen,

Steve Sanders has just won $10,000!

When you decide to turn pro, you let us know.

Yes! Go!

I can't believe it!

[David] I've lived with Kelly for awhile now,

and she can get moody,

but I've never heard her get that upset.

Jackie hasn't come out of her room since Kelly took off.

I feel bad for Jackie,

it's not her that Kelly's mad at, it's me.

But she's down on Jackie, too.

She had a few things on her mind lately.

It's nice to feel you can take care of everything yourself,

but I feel Kelly was better off

staying in that eating disorder group.

- What group? - She didn't tell you about it?

No, she didn't.

[sighs] I didn't know it was a secret.

Neither did I, David.

I thought about going after her,

but I felt that if I were that worked up,

I'd want to be left alone.

My guess is she went to the beach.

No, I don't think that's where she went.

Hmm. The old playground.

I knew you'd be here.

I used to push you on this same swing.

So you could look up my dress.

That wasn't me.

Kel, I remember the time you jumped off this thing.

You skinned your knee,

but you didn't want anyone to see you cry,

so you just stood there bleeding, trying to smile.

It's not that easy anymore, Dylan.

So why don't you just do me and everybody else a big favor

and go back to Brenda?

Is that really what you want?

It doesn't matter what I really want.

I'm just a stupid blonde bitch

- who's not really worth it. - I disagree.

Then why don't you talk to my father,

who never bothers to call me anymore?

Or my mom, who probably hates me right now.

[laughs] Or all the guys I put out for

in the tenth grade and never heard from again.

- Kelly. - Or talk to Brenda

and find out how it really feels

to have somebody you trust

go behind your back

and steal your boyfriend from you.

That's not how it happened. That's not even close, Kel.

That's part of what I've been writing about.

[laughing] Yes.

Thank you for reminding me about that.

Kelly, do you have any idea

how difficult it is for me to share that with anybody?

You're not the only one who wants to end up

as more than just Best Looking in the stupid poll.

You are already so much more than that, and you know it.

How do I know it? Who ever tells me I'm smart

or even worth knowing?

We are two little kids who had to walk home

from school by ourselves,

because our parents forgot to pick us up.

I guess we're both basket cases.

No...

we're soulmates.

If you hadn't called me that day at the marina,

I would've fried in that car.

And I miss Jack-- I miss him...

more than I can tell you, but I'm not...

I'm not unhappy to be alive.

And most of my life, I couldn't say that.

I care what you think.

I don't care if you're in an eating disorder group.

If you never wanted to sleep with me again,

I'd live with that.

That morning when I called you on the boat...

[sighs] all I really wanted to do was hear your voice.

Do you still want to?

Yes.

[soft music playing]

Hi, honey.

Hi. Who won?

- Steve did. - [laughs]

He won $10,000 for sinking a basket at halftime.

$10,000? You're kidding.

- The rich get richer. - Where is he?

He and Brandon went down to the Peach Pit to celebrate.

Why don't you join them?

I think I'll just stay here and read.

Listen, honey...

we know this has been a rough time for you,

and... the last thing we want to do is to make it any rougher.

And obviously, you didn't feel comfortable

talking to us about it, and...

frankly, we feel a little left out.

Look, I'm sorry, but it's really no big deal.

I just feel like my real friends are back in Minnesota.

Well, you have real friends here, too.

Mom, I know, but it's different.

Back there, people liked me for who I was,

not what I looked like.

Somehow it's not the same.

Are you sorry we moved here?

No. I'm just beginning to realize

that maybe I'm more Minnesota than Beverly Hills.

[laughs] Well, I think we all feel that way sometimes.

And as far as college goes, I... I think your mom and I agree

it's probably smart that you keep your options open.

While you were at the game, I mailed in my application.

Good for you.

And whether it's California or Minnesota, either state

would be lucky to have you.

[soft music playing]

[door opens]

So, do I still have a mom?

Oh, baby.

Of course,

of course.

[crying] Not that I've been much good to you.

Kelly...

I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through.

Mom, it's not like everything was bad.

I... I just...

wish I could turn back the clock.

You were the one good thing in my life,

and like a selfish idiot,

I just kept getting high and...

running around and...

doing anything but being a loving mom.

Well, you did the best you could.

When I see you beating yourself up...

I feel like it's all my fault.

It can't be all your fault--

it's my life.

And I keep promising things are gonna be different,

and here we are,

me on my umpteenth divorce and...

you passing out from diet pills.

I was thinking,

maybe I should go back to that eating disorder group.

Maybe I could go with you.

Or maybe we could find somebody to talk to about...

all the stuff we should've dealt with years ago.

I'd like to do that with you.

I think it'd be good for me.

Me, too, honey.

[laughs softly]

Oh...

[Steve] The basket looked this big.

What was it, uh, 70 feet?

170 feet, I thought he said.

- I heard 70 miles. - You guys, just think about it.

What are the odds of anyone making a shot like that?

Mm, about the same as the odds

of Celeste picking you over me on that game show.

Or the odds of Mrs. Teasley writing you a letter

of recommendation to the California University.

Or the odds of hell freezing over.

You guys are all missing the point.

You see... it was my seat,

it was my ticket stub, it was my half-court shot, okay?

On a night I thought would be the biggest loser of all time.

- No offense. - None taken.

You see, if I can make the shot,

then it's got to be a sign, like a new day or something.

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life"?

Yeah.

What are you gonna do for the rest of your life?

Well, one thing is for sure. With these ten G's

burning a hole in my pocket,

I sure as hell ain't gonna be

slinging burgers this year.

Like you would've anyway.

Unlike myself.

I thought you were gonna be running

that summer camp for Alvarado St.

So did I, but Mrs. Teasley informed me

that the school district has pulled the plug.

- You're kidding. - Mm-mm.

- Tightening the belt. - Mm, that's too bad.

Those little kids made my year

when I was playing Santa Claus for 'em.

'Cause they got him out of detention.

So that was the angle.

What angle?

I did not do it for that.

Relax, Steve, it is just a part of your charm.

It's your basic karma.

[forced chuckle]

All I could say is,

ten years from now, when you've all forgotten

what you won in the poll...

You'll have forgotten what you blew the ten G's on.

Don't be so sure about that.

What are you gonna do with the money?

I'm gonna spend it all in one place.

[laughs]

[bell ringing]

It was the strangest thing-- a messenger dropped off

a certified check for $10,000,

payable to the Alvarado Street Summer Camp.

I can't believe it!

[laughs] So, Counselor, you're back in business.

Oh, Mrs. Teasley, I mean, this is amazing.

- Who is it from? - That's the strange part.

The donor remains anonymous.

You hear about stuff like this,

a pure, unselfish gift.

Aren't you dying to know who did it?

Someone with $10,000.

I guess Santa Claus came early this year, huh?

[laughs]

[stops laughing]

[bells ringing]

- Nah. - Nah.

Your photographer awaits.

- Let's do it. - You sure?

We don't have to.

Zuckerman says we could eliminate the category,

and the world would be a better place.

No, I want to.

- No tuxedos, though, just us. - Okay.

Um, Kelly,

there's something I want you to read.

You don't have to.

I know. I want to, though.

It's a, uh, first draft; it's not finished.

Well, I'll try not to be too critical.

"Dedicated to Kelly Taylor."

So far I like it a lot.

[Steve] The usher calls my seat. Instantly, I was transformed

into a seven-foot-two player.

I walk down on that court,

masquerading in my own aura energy.

There was the basket, no bigger than a pinhead.

Brenda, you haven't heard this.

Yes, I did, Steve, and congratulations.

He means you haven't heard the Sanders play-by-play.

It's interminable.

- [sighs] Do you have a second? - No!

Brenda is my friend, and I will not let you bore her to death.

Donna, actually, I'd like to hear it.

Okay.

Thank you. There I was, I walked out on the court,

the picture of calmness-- I was cool, I was mellow.

It was a Zen thing. Had the ball in my hand.

Wanted to breathe through my eyes...

[Dylan] Before he noticed her, he noticed her boat,

a sleek two-footer she had been given

for her fifth birthday a few days before.

She was sailing it, upside down

in a large pool that had formed during a winter rain.

[mellow music playing]

The rain, again.

In a marina this time.

The boats, like the girl, had grown.

Beautiful, inspirational.

After the explosion that killed his father,

she was the only beauty, the only inspiration,

left in his life.

Dylan, did you mean what you said yesterday?

We said a lot of things, Kel.

The part about how if we never slept together again

you could live with that?

Are you sure I said that?

I mean, it just doesn't sound like me.

[boy] All righty.

Here we go. Smile.

[shutter clicks]

[theme song playing]