Original subtitles

usic playing]

[alarm rings]

Hi, Mom.

Hi, sweetie.

Come on, let's go.

Mom.

Good Morning.

MICHAEL: So fax me the loan.

I got to see the number before the meeting tomorrow.

Right.

No, change the Madison lunch until next month.

OK, Jerry, I got to go.

Yeah, I'll catch up to you in San Francisco.

Yeah, remember your raincoat.

It's pouring up there.

OK, bye.

Going to San Francisco?

Yeah, we're real close on this one.

I got to be there in person.

Just overnight, I'll be back in the morning.

That's the third time this week.

I was hoping we'd spend a nice, quiet evening together.

I guess it'll be quieter than I planned.

MICHAEL: Oh honey, I'm sorry.

I'll make it up to you.

You working today?

Today, yes.

What does that mean?

It means I don't know how much longer I'll

be able to represent the average American woman.

Excuse me.

CAROLYN: Apparently, the average American woman

is 17, cellulite-free, and can't remember life before MTV.

You've got nothing to worry about.

You're the most beautiful woman who ever smiled for the camera.

And then what?

What do you mean?

What do I do when my days smiling for the camera

are over?

Smile for me?

I don't know.

You can do whatever you want.

Perfect Fit Jeans is replacing me with a 17-year-old actress.

Is that what this is about?

You'll get another account.

How about we go up to Santa Barbara next weekend.

Stay at that little bed and breakfast.

Avoid sunlight and other people for as long as possible.

We got the girls next weekend.

No, we have the girls this weekend.

You're kidding me.

I'm supposed to go hang gliding.

Did I screw up again?

I'll call Tessa and trade weekends.

Do you have to go?

When we were dating hang gliding seemed so sexy.

Now it just seems dangerous.

Come on, I'm safer in the sky than I am on the freeway.

Maybe you could take the girls without me some night.

I'd love to, but my armor is still at the cleaners.

Being around them more may help.

No thanks.

Every other weekend suits me just fine.

It gives me time to recover and plan

my strategy for the next week.

Don't be so dramatic.

If I could be dramatic, I'd have my job back.

[music playing]

Kate, wipe that stuff off your face.

All the girls wear it.

I don't care what all the girls do.

I'm not their mother.

It's so unfair.

Mom, can we go back to the zoo this weekend?

It's your dad and Carolyn's weekend, Lara.

I'm not going.

We just end up doing whatever Carolyn wants to do.

I'm sure you'll all find something to agree on.

I hate her.

You just hate her 'cause Mom does.

No, actually, I hate her 'cause I hate her.

TESSA: I don't hate anybody.

Why do you say that?

KATE: It's OK, Mom.

You're right to hate her.

She's a total airhead.

I don't hate her.

Stop the car.

TESSA: What would happen if someone

actually saw you getting out of your mother's car?

KATE: I'd die of embarrassment.

Hey, how about a kiss?

I'm just going to school, not joining the army.

Don't worry, Mom.

She's just going through a stage.

I promise I'll skip it.

Mm, I won't hold you to it.

Bye.

Bye, Mom.

SALLY: Tessa, what a surprise.

Nice to see you, Sally.

How are the kids?

Fine, thank you.

Are you here to see Michael?

Is he in?

Sure, let me buzz him.

Your wi-- I mean, Mrs Bryan's here.

Oh, Tessa, I thought you were, uh--

Michael, can I come in?

Yeah, sure.

How are you doing?

You look good.

Thanks.

How's business?

Business?

Business is great.

What's up?

I wanted to talk to you about, uh, the girls.

I wanted to make sure that you're aware of what

they're going through.

Lara is very clingy these days.

She won't even let me out of her sight.

She won't go to Kelly's birthday party because it's a sleepover.

Kate, well, 14 is tough for any girl,

but she's going to high school next year, and--

Wait a minute, they're kids.

They've got a few problems.

So what's the point?

Some therapist tell you it's all my fault, or what?

I'm not here to talk about fault.

It's just that you're their father,

and I think it's important--

Oh, you think?

Because you're the expert on father-daughter relationships,

right?

I'm sorry, I didn't mean that.

This was a bad idea.

[intercom beeps]

SALLY (OVER INTERCOM): Michael, your wife's here.

Uh, Tell her I'll be out in a minute.

This was a really bad idea.

Listen, Tessa, if you're really concerned

about the girls, you might think about your attitude

with Carolyn.

My attitude.

Yeah, you treat her like she's some homewrecker,

and the girls take all their cues from you.

You forget that I didn't meet her till after you

and I were separated.

Two weeks.

It was a trial separation, and it had been two weeks.

Do you really think I'm that stupid?

To let my whole marriage go over one affair.

To give someone like Carolyn that much power.

That's what I'm talking about.

Do you really think I didn't know about all the others?

Forget it.

Doesn't matter anymore.

Wait, Tessa.

Wait a second.

CAROLYN: Tessa.

Hi.

Hello.

I was just bringing Michael his raincoat.

He left it at the house this morning.

You don't have to explain.

I wasn't explaining.

I was just making pleasant conversation.

There's really no need.

I'll remember that for next time.

Good to see you.

What are you doing here?

If you don't mind my asking.

I came to talk to Michael about our children,

if that's all right with you.

It's a free country.

Then you won't mind if I leave.

TESSA: Remember when Grandma died?

She said she'd come and sit on my shoulder

and protect me for the rest of my life.

Are you OK, Mom?

Do you see Grandma?

I think you're losing it, Mom.

No, I don't see Grandma.

I was just remembering what she said.

Um, the invitation said 11 o'clock,

but I think we should get there early to get good seats.

Look, whatever you do, don't yell too loud, or clap, or--

or cry, or anything embarrassing, OK?

I'll try to control myself.

Is Dad coming?

I'm sure he wouldn't miss it.

He's not bringing her, is he?

I'm sure Carolyn will be there.

How embarrassing.

How do I explain my family?

I look like a freak or something.

No, you won't.

There are plenty of families like ours.

Come and try this on.

[music playing]

I can't believe my baby girl's graduating

from junior high school.

That's exactly what I mean, Mom.

Come here.

Don't forget to iron my name on all my camp clothes.

I already did.

LARA: Thanks.

Here.

Look, I'm done with dinner.

Do you think we could go out and get some ice cream?

You haven't even touched y--

yes, why not?

Shotgun.

Hey, you've been in the front all day.

ANNOUNCER: Tally James Anderson.

[applause]

Katherine Lara Bryan.

[applause]

Thanks.

ANNOUNCER: Stacey Ray Crawford.

There she is.

Oh my god.

You look beautiful.

I'm so proud of you, honey.

Thanks, Daddy.

Why don't we get a picture of the graduation girl

with your Mom and Dad?

Good idea.

Say diploma.

Lara, get in here.

MARIE: Smile.

All right, let me get one with my two favorite girls here.

MARIE: Bulbs.

Carolyn, come on over here.

Let me get one with Carolyn.

Sure.

Behave yourself.

Very pretty.

MICHAEL: Good.

Um, Mom, I'm gonna go hang with my friends for a while.

Can I meet you at home later?

I made lunch reservations.

Kathy Firenze.

Please, Mom.

Come on, Tessa.

I'd rather hang with my friends on graduation day.

I guess.

Thanks

CAROLYN: Before you go.

This is from your Dad and me.

They're real diamonds.

Thanks, Daddy.

You're welcome, honey.

I love them.

Carolyn picked them out.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Hmm, Mom.

Have fun.

Thanks, bye.

I need to switch weekends if that's OK.

I'm gonna be out of town on Friday.

It's fine.

Would you take them tonight?

I have an appointment first thing in the morning.

Yeah, that's great.

Well, I guess we'll go.

Lara, where's your sweater?

Uh-oh.

I lost it.

Come on.

I'll help you look for it.

Daddy, can you help me find it?

Yeah, sure, baby.

We'll be right back.

[music playing]

The earrings are sweet, but I think

she's too young for diamonds.

I would have loved to have diamonds when I was her age.

If you give a girl diamonds at 14,

what does she have to look forward to?

Bigger diamonds.

My children are not a joke.

I'm trying to raise them with values.

If they're given everything they want when they're young,

they won't feel a need to work hard.

Life doesn't come easy to everybody.

Are you saying my life is easy?

Earning huge sums of money smiling for a camera

doesn't seem particularly difficult to me.

Don't underestimate what I do, sometimes I

actually have to walk and smile at the same time.

A sense of humor, you might try it sometime.

I'll put these away for her.

I'm sure she'll appreciate them more when she's older.

Fine.

I guess it's a mother thing.

I didn't know.

How could you?

[music playing]

MICHAEL: So what have you girls got planned for the summer.

LARA: I'm going to summer camp, and Kate's gonna

stare at loverboy all day.

KATE: I hate you.

Kate, don't talk to your sister like that.

You girls have barely touched your dinner.

I don't eat cow.

Do you have any idea how long red meat stays in your stomach?

Since when don't you eat red meat?

Mark's a vegetarian.

MICHAEL: I see.

Well girls, Carolyn spent a long time preparing this meal.

I like Mom's meatloaf better.

I made it with turkey.

I agree with you about red meat.

Actually, I don't eat anything with a face.

Maybe you could just eat the potatoes and peas like me.

You're wearing makeup tonight.

I-- I like it.

Does Mom know?

Mom doesn't allow her to, but she wears it anyways.

If you like, I could show you some tricks.

You won't even look like you're wearing makeup.

That's all right.

Look, girls, just eat a couple more bites,

and we'll go get some ice cream, all right?

Stop looking so worried.

I know everything is gonna be OK.

How do you know?

Because I'm your best friend, and I would never let anything

happen to you.

There are a lot of tests.

I could be here all day.

Why don't you go back to the gallery

and I'll call you when I--

I'm not going anywhere.

I'm here because I want to be.

[music playing]

DR ANGELA CRANE: Tessa, I'm so sorry.

The biopsy was as your doctor suspected.

It's pancreatic cancer.

What does this mean?

We won't know fully until we do an MRI.

The tumor could be confined to the pancreas,

or it may have metastasized, or spread to the liver.

Assuming that it's contained, we'll

put you on an intensive round of chemotherapy right away.

We may be able to stop the spread,

and possibly reduce the size of the tumor.

Does that work?

Would that cure me?

DR ANGELA CRANE: I'm going to be honest with you.

There are few cases of pancreatic cancer

where the patient is put into full remission.

How long do I have?

I have two daughters.

I have to know what we're talking about here.

DR ANGELA CRANE: There's no way to be sure.

Possibly two years.

Maybe less.

Tessa, I know this is a lot for you to absorb right now,

but we do need to do some more tests.

I'd like to schedule the MRI for tomorrow.

I can't believe this is happening.

Is Michael in?

No, he left.

He's gone, actually, for a week.

Oh.

Damn.

Why do you need to talk to Michael at 7:15 in the morning?

Actually, I wanted to talk to both of you.

It's difficult. It's complicated.

I'll come back when Michael's home.

Oh, the whole thing would probably go over my head right.

You know, I have no intention of judging you.

It's just that you spend a lot of time with my children.

If I disagree with you sometimes,

it's because you have an influence on their lives.

Well, we both know that's not the case.

Excuse me.

They detest me.

I'm sure that comes as no surprise to you.

Oh, right, it's my fault.

Children listen to their mothers.

I don't suppose it's possible that they're hard on you

because they see you as the reason

their family was destroyed.

Tessa, you know that's not true.

Look, I spend time with your kids.

I try, but they don't listen to me,

or talk to me for that matter.

So I wouldn't worry about what kind of influence

I have on them.

They have a mother.

They don't really need me for anything.

Do they?

I'm going back to bed.

Us bimbos need our beauty sleep.

Maybe another time.

Fine.

DR ANGELA CRANE: Tessa, we can try a round of chemotherapy,

but most doctors would agree that it's not going to change

the course of the cancer.

What can I expect?

The pain and cramps may be worse at night,

but we can control that with pain medication.

You'll be pretty much the same as you

are right now for a while.

How long is a while?

It's hard for me to predict.

How long?

Tessa, I know how you must be feeling.

I know how strong you are, but it's natural to be angry.

How long?

A few months.

[music playing]

Can I still drive?

Sure.

You can do anything you want.

Unless you're on morphine.

Until then just carry on as normally as possible.

Normal?

Nothing will ever be normal again.

There's so much to--

I have to tell Michael.

I have to call my father.

What am I gonna tell the girls?

What's going to happen to my girls?

Honey, the girls are not gonna be alone.

They'll have Michael.

You take them, Marie.

They love you so much.

You take them.

And I love them, but they'll have to be

with their father and Carolyn.

You know that.

Don't say that to me.

That woman is not capable of taking care of my children.

She's everything I despise.

You have to put that aside.

The girls are going to need your help and so will Carolyn.

She broke up my marriage.

This isn't about Carolyn and Michael anymore.

This is about Kate and Lara, and they're

going to need someone, honey.

And I know it's horrible, but that someone is Carolyn.

You want me to hand her my babies with a smile?

I can't do that.

Oh, God.

I wish it was different, but you have no choice.

[phone ringing]

Yes, hello.

Dad, hi.

It's me, Tessa.

I know it's late.

I was, uh, I was thinking the kids

and I would come up for a visit.

Ah, this is so like you, Tessa.

For years now, I've been begging you to bring

the girls up here to the ranch.

Now, all of a sudden, out of the blue, you decided to come.

I know.

It's just, uh, well, the kids are out of school,

and, you know, they've never really seen the ranch.

I-- I-- I thought this would be a good time.

JACOB (OVER PHONE): But not for me.

June is my busiest month.

You know that.

How about August just before they go back to school.

No, Dad.

August is too far away.

Too far away?

For what?

Will the world come to an end if you wait until August?

Please, Dad.

I just-- I-- I want to come home.

[music playing]

Please knock next time.

Sorry.

There's something I want to talk to you girls about.

Exactly what you said last time.

Just before you told us you and Daddy were getting a divorce.

Is this bad news?

KATE: They already got a divorce.

There is no more bad news.

I was thinking that I would take you guys on a road trip

to visit Grandpa at the ranch.

Maybe we could--

Grandpa was just here.

Well, that was months ago.

Anyway, this isn't just about visiting Grandpa.

This is about seeing the ranch, smelling the grass,

seeing the beautiful country.

You guys haven't been there since you were babies.

Anyway, I want you two all to myself for a few days.

When are we going?

Maybe Friday.

In two days?

No way, Mom.

You know, I have plans.

It's not fair.

I'm not going.

Camp starts Monday.

I thought we could call camp.

Maybe you can start next week.

KATE: I know what this is about.

This is about keeping me and Mark apart.

It's not fair, and I'm not going.

You know what, Katherine?

I'm getting really fed up with this new attitude of yours.

I understand that you're angry and plans have changed,

but you are going.

I don't want to hear any more about it.

I can't believe this family.

You're so unfair.

You're just gonna ruin my whole life.

Kate.

MUSIC: (SINGING) I'm dying through the window

and I've all--

TESSA: I'll need you to come by the house, and feed the fish,

and take in the mail.

We're only going to be gone for a couple of days,

but I don't like to leave the mail.

Tess.

I went by the bank and had the gallery

transferred to your name.

You'll have to go in and sign some papers,

but everything else should be taken care of.

I don't give a damn about the stupid gallery

and screw your lists.

Can't we just talk?

Not right now.

You have a right to grieve, to get angry, or to cry.

No.

No, if I break now, I'm not going to be

able to hold myself together.

No, please Marie, I need your help.

There's a lot to do.

Please.

When are you gonna tell Kate and Lara.

When we get to the ranch.

I want three days with them, before I tell them,

before everything changes.

Three days to just look at them and memorize their faces.

I know I've talked to you about this before,

but you have got to make peace with Carolyn.

She's going to be their--

Their what?

Tess, she's going to be raising them.

The girls need to know that you're OK with that.

I am not OK with that.

Oh, honey.

[music playing]

DIRECTOR: Action.

I put it on in the morning, and my lipstick stays fresh

all the day, even on the water.

DIRECTOR: OK, cut.

All right, take five everybody, OK.

Tessa, what are you doing here?

Just a minute, OK?

Is everything OK, or did you just come to ruin my day again?

You were right about the girls,

about their feelings toward you, some of that is my fault.

I was hurt.

I said some things that I shouldn't have.

You came all the way down here to tell me that?

I wanted you to know that--

DIRECTOR: Carolyn.

You know what, it's OK.

I might have done the same thing in your shoes.

Um, I really have to get back to work.

Can we talk about this later?

TESSA: I don't have time to say this any better.

I just found out that I have cancer.

I'm dying.

Tessa.

I know it's short notice, but I'm

taking the girls on a trip tomorrow

morning to visit my father in Wyoming.

I thought maybe you could come with us.

Maybe if you and I got to know each other better--

if the girls spent some time with us together--

there are some things that I could help you with.

DIRECTOR: Carolyn.

Carolyn, honey, we need you on the set, OK?

OK, just a second.

I know how important your work is to you,

but it would mean a lot to me if you'd come on this trip.

Don't decide right now.

Think about it.

We're leaving at 6:00.

If you can't come, we'll talk about it when I get back.

We need you on the set, OK.

Anytime.

Yeah I'm coming.

- OK. - Coming.

OK.

Come on.

[music playing]

TESSA: It rained the morning you were born, Lara.

And by afternoon, a rainbow covered the entire hospital.

I knew then, you were special.

I wasn't sure how Kate would feel

about having a baby sister, so right then

and there I put you into her arms.

And there you stayed for the next two years.

Daddy and I had to pry you away from her at night.

Kate, when you were a baby, you always

had a pacifier in your mouth.

You called it your bum bum.

And one day, I was slicing a lemon and I cut myself.

I sat on the floor holding my hurt finger.

You crawled over to me, took your bum bum out of your mouth,

and put it into mine.

I love you both so much.

Raising you is the great joy of my life.

Come on, Mom.

It's 6 o'clock.

We're supposed to be dust by now.

You know, I get my learner's permit in December.

So I was thinking, maybe I could practice

driving and let you relax.

I can't think of anything less relaxing.

KATE: Mom, I called Mark and told him we were going away.

He said, have a good time.

Oh, that was nice.

You totally don't understand.

What are we waiting for?

Nothing. Hop in.

Let's fly.

Um, Lara, and I agreed.

I'm in the front for the first two hours,

and then we trade, OK?

TESSA: OK.

You can be the navigator.

OK.

Should I just look at this one? Um.

Western United States.

OK, yeah.

[car horn honks]

Carolyn, hi.

You want to just put it in the driveway?

OK.

What's she doing here?

I asked Carolyn if she'd like to come with us.

KATE AND LARA: What?

Hi guys.

Hi.

Uh, Kate, why don't you hop in the back.

What?

Just do it.

You can put your stuff back there.

You didn't tell them I was coming?

I wasn't sure you would.

Well, I'm here.

Let's hit the road.

[music playing]

So is anybody gonna tell me what's really going on?

Kate, you've been asking the same question

for over three hours.

We just feel that it would be a good idea for all of us

to get to know each other.

Daddy, doesn't know about it.

No, I told you there wasn't any time to tell them

before he left for his trip.

But this is all real normal, and everyone's OK with this.

Exactly.

Can I help you folks?

Yes, I'll have a fruit salad, fries,

and a chocolate shake, please.

Fruit salad, fries, and chocolate shake.

I'll have the same thing as Carolyn.

Um, I'll have a hamburger, fries, and a vanilla shake.

I changed my mind about being a vegetarian.

WAITRESS: Hey, I know you.

You're the girl in the jeans ad.

I used to be.

I'll have the soup.

Mom, road food.

Come on, we always eat fries.

LARA: Kate, you're so stupid.

Mom can't eat that kind of food.

Can't you tell how sick she is?

I have an ulcer.

Oh.

This is a non-smoking section.

Secondhand smoking causes cancer.

I really wish you wouldn't smoke in front of the girls.

I was gonna go outside.

But you're right, and I'm gonna quit soon.

How can you stand it, Mom?

What's she doing here anyways?

Carolyn and I feel that a family should--

She's not our family.

She is in way.

She's your father's wife, your stepmother,

she's helping to raise you.

Michael, it's me.

Um, I know you don't usually check your messages,

but if you do please leave me a number where I can reach you.

I really need to talk to you.

Girls, listen, we're together for the next few days.

So let's try to make the best of it.

Let's try to make Carolyn feel like part of the group.

OK?

Did I miss anything important?

Nothing that's any of your business.

You know, I get a lot of that from you at home,

and you get away with it in front of your father.

But I won't accept it anymore.

You can hate me, or you can ignore me.

But I expect you to treat me with a little respect, OK?

Mom.

She's right.

I don't want you or your sister to be rude to Carolyn,

or anyone else for that matter.

You know, Carolyn said she wants

to teach me to wear makeup even though you said I shouldn't.

You girls go get in the car.

I want to talk to Carolyn.

Why can't we stay?

Just get in the car.

Look, these are my daughters, and I'd appreciate it

if you'd let me make the rules.

I'm sorry.

I didn't think that I was interfering.

I was just defending myself.

They're little girls.

You don't have to defend yourself against them.

Yeah, they're little angels.

Do you have a problem with the way I'm raising my children?

No, it just seems to me they get away with a lot of crap.

The truth is they are good girls.

It's not really their fault.

And what is that supposed to mean?

Kids will always try and get away with as much as they can,

and it's up to the parents to try and rein

them in once in a while.

What makes you such an authority on child-rearing?

I'm not, but I helped raise my little brothers.

And I watch you and Michael let them speak to you like--

Oh, so Michael's a horrible father, too.

No, it's different with Michael.

He's so filled with guilt over the divorce

that he lets them get away with murder.

I beg your pardon, but I don't think babysitting

your little brothers gives you the right to judge

the way we raise our children.

Is everything OK?

TESSA AND CAROLYN: Yes

TESSA: I'm going to take a much needed shower.

Maybe you guys could watch TV.

Might be a good movie on.

Hmm, OK.

So you guys want to watch TV?

Or maybe play charades?

Or just talk?

Great.

Why don't we go to sleep, and you can ignore me

for the next eight hours or so.

Crawl in bed.

See, I knew once we got out on the road

and away from the stresses of the city,

we'd have a lot to gab about.

Hey, can I tell you a secret?

OK.

You don't have to worry about hurting my feelings

when you follow your sister.

Sisters should stick together.

Good.

OK.

Lara, when you were 3-years-old,

you had short hair.

Kate's hair was halfway down her back.

One day you decided you wanted long hair too,

so you asked me to go to the salon

and make an appointment for you to have your hair cut long.

I still have a lock of hair from your very first haircut.

A few curly strands tied with a bow.

What's she doing?

KATE: She so weird.

LARA: She's not weird.

She's just different than us.

I can't believe you'd take her side over Mom's.

What were you doing out there?

It's called Tai chi.

It's like an exercise, or a dance,

of movements and breathing techniques

to balance the body and mind.

Millions of Chinese people do it every day, including children.

You do Tai chi, but you smoke?

I'm a work in progress.

So it's a beautiful day.

Come on, let's go for a walk.

I'll go.

If that's OK.

Sure.

Let me help you get dressed.

TESSA: We're coming into Sedona, girls.

LARA: I feel so small.

KATE: This place looks like it's been here forever.

TESSA: It has.

These rocks have been here for millions of years.

Really are magnificent.

Think about how many times the sun

has come up over these rocks.

You know, I came here with my mom and dad when I was 10.

Same as you, Lara.

Now you girls are here with me, and one day maybe

you'll bring your children.

And they'll bring their children.

And the rocks will always be here.

Sort of like we're standing in the past, and the present,

and the future all at once.

I like that.

If we go down here about five miles and make a left,

I think we'll get back on the right road.

CAROLYN: OK.

When are you going to tell the girls?

When we get to the ranch.

You're not eating.

You don't sleep through the night.

They know something's wrong.

It's my decision, please.

Do you have anything for the pain?

Morphine, but I can't take it and drive.

TESSA: Kate, can be lazy.

You'll have to push her.

She gives up too easily.

She only likes to do things that don't

present a challenge for her.

She's much smarter than she thinks she is.

She just needs to be encouraged.

Lara is very creative, very sensitive, she never stops--

Wow, wait.

Should I be taking notes?

Only if you think you won't remember.

You know, there's no way you're

going to be able to tell me everything about the girls'

lives on one trip.

I can try.

Lara used to draw for hours when she was little.

I had to buy crayons for her every week.

She needs to be encouraged.

Both girls need to be around the arts-- museums, ballet,

symphonies, opera.

Mom.

Where's your sister?

She said she was going to the bathroom.

But she's not there.

You look in there.

I'll check the restaurant.

I'm sure she's fine.

[music playing]

You stay right here.

Kate.

Kate.

She's not in there.

She's not in there either.

God, where could she have gone?

Don't worry.

She's gotta be around here somewhere.

CAROLYN: Great.

What do you think you're doing?

I was about to call the police.

Look, I'm s--

I'm sorry I just wanted to try.

What is this?

What is this?

Everybody does it, OK?

I don't want to hear about everybody.

You know better than this.

I'm sorry, I--

I'm not always gonna be around to protect you.

It's time for you to grow up, and stop acting like a baby.

It's OK, Tessa.

She knows she was wrong.

I'll handle this.

This is not your business.

She was just curious.

She's learned her lesson.

Go to the car.

You think it's OK to let her smoke?

No, of course not.

I just think that yelling at her won't do any good.

She obviously didn't like it.

And if you tell her not to do it,

it'll just make it more appealing.

Are you saying that my daughter will smoke

just because I told her not to?

What if it were drugs?

Would you have the same piece of wisdom?

Let her try it, and hope she doesn't like it.

No, that's not what I'm saying.

It's just that most teenagers are gonna want to try it.

Kate is not most teenagers.

Kate is my child.

A child that I will not be here to protect.

A child that you couldn't possibly--

this isn't working.

Look, this was your idea.

You were the one who asked me to come.

You were the one who wanted to try this.

I invited you because I thought

I had a responsibility to help you get along with my daughters

better.

I was wrong.

Having you here is only making things worse.

Well, maybe if you'd stop trying

to dictate and lecture to me.

Maybe if you try to talk with me instead of at me.

You know, I'm not an idiot.

You know what the worst part of this whole thing is?

You are gonna be the one to see my babies grow up

and become women.

You are gonna be the one to see them get married

and have children of their own.

You're right.

This whole thing is horrible, and I feel terrible for you.

What you're going through is a nightmare.

But you're not making things any easier for any of us.

Kate and Lara hate me right now, and they

will most certainly resent me for trying

to take their mother's place.

You're just making things worse by reinforcing for them

how much you dislike me.

The truth is you're not gonna be able to make me

into the perfect mother in three days,

but I'm just gonna have to do the best I can.

And you're just gonna have to trust me.

Well, that's a problem because I don't trust you.

Well, then I don't see any point in staying.

Fine.

Go home.

We don't need you.

I'm out of here in the morning.

[coughing]

Tessa, can I do anything?

Ssh, you'll wake the girls.

Please, I'll be fine.

Just go back bed.

Why don't you let me help you?

Please.

This is what happens.

I can handle it.

I can't.

I'm not going anywhere.

CAROLYN: I'll go round up the girls.

Um, yesterday, with Kate, you were right.

I was over the top.

No, you were right.

I wish my mother had caught me smoking

before it became a habit.

I'll quit before the girls come to live with us.

I'm sorry.

Don't be.

TESSA: What about this spot for a picnic?

LARA: Yeah, OK.

TESSA: You know, I absolutely don't get this music.

It all sounds so hostile to me.

KATE: Mom, this is GG Cool Jam.

He's a genius.

Actually, it's a group called Sitting in Your Face

Right, like you'd know.

RADIO HOST (ON RADIO): Good day, Utah,

and thank you for listening to 102.9 on your FM dial.

That was "Really You Are" by Sitting in Your Face.

Those guys are coming to town next month.

I could get us tickets if you want.

KATE: That's OK.

I'd rather go with friends.

Well, it ain't Sinatra.

Definitely not.

Favorite Sinatra tune?

No contest.

"Witchcraft."

Mine's "Fly Me to the Moon."

That music's so lame.

Don't be afraid to try something new, Kate.

You might be surprised.

Look, that lecture didn't work when you tried to get me to eat

peas, and it won't work now.

Oh, Spirit Lake.

I shot a bathing suit ad there once.

It's so beautiful.

She thinks she's so cool.

Maybe we should take a look.

Anything to get out of this car.

TESSA: This is really beautiful.

LARA: I wish we could go swimming.

Me too, sweetheart, but we didn't bring our suits.

There's a pond behind the ranch.

We'll go swimming when we get there.

CAROLYN: I don't see anyone around.

Maybe we could go for a quick dip, in the buff.

I don't think so.

Mom, please?

You're so gross, I mean, anyone

could just walk right up.

That's a chance I'm willing to take.

We're too far away to worry about peeping Toms.

Come on, Tessa, have an adventure.

You're missing out on a lot of fun.

Be a little bad, it'll do you a world of good.

She's showing off her body.

She's absolutely beautiful.

Come on.

The water's great.

Are you sure we were supposed to turn

right at the end of the lake?

CAROLYN: I thought so, but I'm not sure.

Tessa, I'm sorry.

It's OK.

We'll be fine.

We just have to get back on 159.

LARA: This road is spooky.

Can't we stop for the night?

I'm sure there'll be a town up here ahead.

There better be.

We're almost empty.

KATE: You know, didn't the radio say something

about there being a convicted killer that escaped

from prison around this area.

Kate, stop being silly.

You're frightening your sister.

No, no, seriously.

Didn't they say that he only kills little girls

under the age of 10.

You know, this area would be a perfect place

for someone like that to hide.

Wait just until--

Stop.

Oh God, you're such a baby.

No, she's not.

She just got scared.

Aren't you ever afraid?

Actually, no.

Come on, everybody's afraid of something, some time.

Like you'd know.

Kate, watch your mouth.

[engine dying]

Oh, no.

Great.

What are we gonna do, Mommy?

Oh, here's somebody.

Everything's gonna be just fine.

Looks like you ladies might need some help.

LARA: Mommy.

No, I think we can handle it ourselves.

Thanks.

Well, now, how are you gonna do that all the way out here?

You know, actually, we could use some help.

Buddy here and I could give you a tow.

Great.

Let's hook up the car and head into town.

Let's go.

All right, but you got to ride up front with us.

Why not?

Can you handle the wheel?

Yeah, but I don't think you should do that.

I'll be fine.

Mom.

Thanks guys, for the tow, we really do appreciate it.

How about a beer?

No thanks.

We're beat.

Hey, that's no way to show your appreciation.

Yeah, the night is young.

Come on, baby, let's you and me go to a little place

and have a little quiet time, and--

Look, it's been a long night, and we're not interested.

So why don't you guys just go home?

Why should we?

It's over, OK?

Get lost.

Why don't you boys get on home now?

Don't make me call the sheriff.

Are you ladies, OK?

We're fine.

Thanks.

That's the first time I've seen the girls turn down a meal.

They're so tired.

They'll be asleep before the first commercial.

Carolyn, thank you.

Most men are just little boys who look like grownups.

You know, that's what first attracted me to Michael.

He's just enough of both.

I'm sorry.

That was stupid.

No, I, uh, I know what you mean.

I was attracted to him for the same reason.

I have a confession to make to you.

Michael and I had been growing apart for a long time.

He would stay at the office longer and longer,

and I would pretend not to notice.

We both let the marriage go.

It wasn't your doing.

Michael needs to be reminded that he's needed at home.

Don't let-- I think I'm giving you advice about Michael.

I think that's good.

You know, we're getting to do stuff that most wives

and ex-wives never get to do.

That's true.

It's weird though, isn't it?

It's very weird.

Can I ask you something?

Why are we really going to Wyoming?

[music playing]

I want the girls to see where I was born, where I grew up.

I'm hoping I'll have the courage to tell them there.

It's funny, the closer we get, the more afraid I become.

It's almost like it's not real as long as they don't know.

Want to be on the same side?

You mean you and me against the girls?

You and me for the girls.

Oh.

I need my pills.

OK.

All right, it's OK.

Let me help you.

We've come a long way, you and I.

835 miles.

Sense of humor, you should try it sometime.

You know, if you're not well enough to continue--

Oh, no.

Come too far for that.

KATE: Come on, Mom.

Let's go.

So this is it.

Where you grew up.

LARA: Looks like "Little House on the Prairie."

TESSA: Most mornings, my father would drive me to school

on our truck, and we would

ALL: Deliver fresh eggs to neighbors on our way to school.

TESSA: I guess I've told you that before.

KATE: Grandpa.

LARA: Grandpa.

Oh my gosh.

Hi, good to see you.

Ducks.

Come on.

Hi, Dad.

I didn't expect you until tomorrow.

Sorry, I guess we made pretty good time.

Well, nothing's ready.

I mean, well, I haven't even aired out your room yet.

I haven't been to the market yet.

We can go to the market.

And we'll stay in town one night if it's inconvenient.

No, no, no, no, that's not it at all.

It's just that I figured you'd be here tomorrow.

That's what you told me on the phone.

Dad, this is my friend Carolyn.

Actually, she's Michael's new wife.

Uh, I know I'm a little out of touch with city life,

but is that considered normal if a new wife and the ex-wife

vacation together.

Well, actually--

Yes, it's the new craze.

All the new and old wives are doing it.

Grandpa is all this yours?

Sure is, honey.

I'm glad you and your sister finally get to see it.

I was afraid you wouldn't.

Your mother's been so busy all the time, you see.

Well, we're here.

So come on.

Give us a tour. - You bet ya.

Super.

Come on.

So he was perfectly--

Everyone always says that.

This is my bedroom.

My mom wallpapered this by herself

for my seventh birthday, and then she

made the bedspread to match.

And my dad built this dresser.

He worked on it every night for months.

And then I would sit here at night before I went to sleep,

and my mom would brush my hair.

Tessa, can I tell you something?

Yeah.

I'm really frightened.

You'll be fine.

[music playing]

You have a good heart and good instincts.

And you're a whole lot smarter than I gave you credit for.

The girls are gonna learn a lot of things

from you that I couldn't have given them.

I'm very controlled.

I see the world in terms of black and white.

You'll teach them to see the gray areas.

You know, when I was little, I used to go into that market,

buy a bag of jelly beans, run all the way out to the pond,

take my shoes off, lie on my back,

and make pictures out of the clouds.

That was my favorite thing to do on Saturday afternoon.

I used to get so lost in my cloud pictures,

my mother would have to come looking for me.

How do you make pictures out of the clouds?

Just look up at them, and sort of stare at them for a while.

And eventually they start to look like something.

And then you string the clouds together and invent a story.

Thank God for television.

I hate it that you girls will never

know a Saturday like that.

I'd trade clouds for movies and shopping any day.

Movies, shopping, and Mark.

I couldn't care less about Mark.

Who's Mark?

She called to tell him she was going out of town,

and he said, have a good time.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'll live.

I wish somebody would tell me what's so horrible about that.

Just forget it, Mom.

You don't understand.

Do you really think you could get me tickets to In Your Face?

Sure.

Cool.

TESSA: Aren't those quilts wonderful?

Mm-hmm.

My mother used to get together with a group of women, once

a week, and just talk and sew.

Whole lives would be resolved in the making of a single quilt.

I used to think that sleeping under one

would give me a wealth of wisdom.

It did.

KATE: I can't believe Mom grew up here.

We sat at this same table every single night for dinner.

Well, for a few years anyway, when you were growing up.

This biscuit's good.

Your grandma used to make fried chicken

and biscuits every Sunday.

She taught me a lot about cooking.

So how come you always had so much

frozen food in your freezer.

Sometimes it's hard to find the time.

Keep looking.

Dad, uh, why don't Carolyn and I do the dishes,

and you show the girls how to make popcorn in the fire.

Yeah.

OK.

Hey, come on.

KATE: Come on, Grandpa.

It's the only way to do it.

The old-fashioned way.

Aren't you going to tell him?

I thought I was.

But being here, seeing him, I don't think I can.

Just looking at him makes my chest tighten.

I've disappointed him my whole life.

This isn't about him.

This is about you.

Tell him how you feel for once.

He doesn't care.

Then why hasn't he touched your room in all these years.

[piano playing]

You in the habit of playing in the dark?

I couldn't sleep.

Yeah, too much coffee.

Always right [inaudible].

Dad.

Why is it that I can never do anything right in your eyes?

You think it was right for you to run

away from home the way you did.

I didn't run away from home.

I was 18-years-old.

I left to marry Michael.

And then divorced him.

20 years later.

You were too young to get married.

Mother and I tried to tell you that,

but you just wouldn't listen to us.

You're too headstrong.

Had your mother worried sick about it, you know?

Don't you dare bring mom into this.

She understood me.

She knew I was drowning here.

This is what you finally came back home to tell me.

I just want to understand why I was never good enough.

Oh, so that was my crime, huh?

Loving you so much that I wanted you to be something special?

What was the matter with the way I was?

Oh, nothing I guess, but I always

tried to be the best at whatever I did no matter what it was.

See you in the morning.

[music playing]

MICHAEL: Hey, guys.

How are you doing?

CAROLYN: Hi, honey.

MICHAEL: Hi, sweetie.

CAROLYN: You tired?

LARA: Hi, Daddy.

MICHAEL: Hi, baby. LARA: I missed you.

Were were you?

MICHAEL: Why didn't you tell me, Tess?

TESSA: I tried.

I know it's late, but I'm really sorry.

I know.

For everything, I mean.

The, um, the women and everything.

It was my fault, too.

I stopped paying attention.

I'm gonna be there for the girls.

I know.

But I also know that, before long,

you'll go back to your crazy work schedule.

I'm not a perfect Dad, but I may surprise you.

Carolyn is a wonderful girl, Michael.

I thought-- I wanted to believe that you fell in love

with her youth and her beauty.

But I was wrong.

She's a lot more than that.

Daddy, come here.

You've gotta see this.

Kate's milking a cow.

OK, honey.

Well, we're here.

Michael's here.

Don't you think it's time to tell the girls?

I know it's hard, but Tessa, it's time.

They're so happy right now.

Maybe I should just wait until--

Tessa, you've got to stop running away.

It's time to face it head on.

I can't.

I just can't.

[crying]

Such a hot day, why don't you jump in?

We don't have any swimsuits.

We're too far away to worry about peeping Toms.

Sometimes you have to be a little bad to have fun.

Come on, what are you waiting for?

Jacob, you seen the girls anywhere?

They're down at the park.

She's so sweet.

So here you are.

I've been looking all over for you.

Hi, Dad.

Good thing you didn't come a half hour ago.

Kate, Lara, I have something I need to tell you.

Something I should have told you a while ago.

No, Carolyn, please stay.

I told you I was sick, but I didn't

tell you how sick I really was.

The truth is I have a disease.

I have cancer.

And it can't be cured.

I've had all the best doctors, but there's nothing more

that anybody can do.

Mom.

So what are you saying?

I'm saying, I'm not going to get better.

But I don't want you girls to be afraid.

You're saying you're gonna die.

I'm fighting it, sweetie, but, yes, we

have to be prepared for that.

But you girls aren't gonna be alone.

Daddy and Carolyn will always be with you.

No.

KATE: Why are you doing this?

I don't want to, Katie.

Believe me.

You should have told me.

I'm not a baby.

I can't believe you're letting this happen.

What's the matter with Kate?

Huh?

Well, you mind telling me what's going on?

Michael, Carolyn, will you take Lara into the house?

MICHAEL: Yeah.

I need to talk to my father.

Come on, baby.

Come on.

Come on.

Dad, I have to tell you something.

What?

I have known, I'm sorry.

- Tell me. - It hurts.

Tessa.

I have to.

I-- uh, I have cancer, Dad.

Oh.

It's bad.

Oh, no.

Oh dear God.

Oh, God.

Oh my God.

Oh.

TESSA: When I was five years old,

I broke one of my mother's favorite dishes.

I threw it in the trash and told her I didn't

know what had happened to it.

She told me she believed me because she trusted me.

And then she taught me one of the most

important lessons of my life.

She said at the end of the day before you close your eyes,

look back, and be content with where you've been,

and proud of who you are.

I've been taking a long look back over my whole life.

I see your father, and all the good years we had together.

I see my friendship with Marie.

I see Carolyn and the bond we've formed.

I see two strong, beautiful girls whom I believe in

and trust.

And so at the end of the day, before I close my eyes,

I want you to know that I'm content with where I've been.

And I'm proud of who I am.

Where is everybody?

Oh, Carolyn took the girls out, uh, early this morning.

They left you a note in the living room.

Michael's going to get gas.

Why don't you sit down, I--

I made some coffee.

Oh, thanks.

You know, I, uh, plan to visit the girls more often.

Get to know them better.

Your mother was the storyteller, but well, there's family

history that they should know.

So they're going to have to settle for me.

Well, I'll do my best.

I, uh, I promise not to tell them

about the time I caught you smoking,

uh, on your ninth birthday.

That's OK, Dad.

I think it's important for the girls

to know their Mom's not perfect.

Actually, I think they know that already.

Oh, sorry.

No cornbread.

Your mom and you, you used to make it all time, remember?

You'd wrap up a piece for me, and we'd-- we'd eat

it on the way as I drove you to school.

You always said it was the best cornbread you ever tasted.

JACOB: Well it was.

You and your mom are great cooks.

You are great at a lot of things.

I should have told you that.

I should have told you how proud I was of you.

I should have told you that--

that you are the most important thing in my life.

Should have told you--

Should have told that I love you.

I love you too, Daddy.

Always have.

Always.

And I always will.

[music playing]

Join us when you get up.

Carolyn.

I'm too sad to see any pictures.

I can't see anything.

I want to go home.

Come on, girls.

Give it a chance.

I see a girl holding an umbrella.

Look way up.

Right there.

Mom said, when the sky was red,

the angels were baking cookies.

I don't believe in angels anymore.

If there was a God, he wouldn't take Mommy away from us.

God doesn't give us his creations.

He only loans them to us.

And eventually he wants us all back.

If he's taking your mom early, she

must be very special to him.

She's more special to us.

I know, sweetheart.

I can't believe you.

My Mom's not even gone yet, and you're

trying to take her place.

Hey, I'll be right back.

Kate, Kate, wait.

I would never try to take your mother's place.

No one ever could.

She's too special.

I just want to be here for you and your sister.

Now, I know you're hurting.

I would give anything to take that away.

Please let me try to help you.

No.

You could never know how I feel.

You're right, Kate.

I could never understand how horrible you feel.

But Kate, you're not alone.

You have your sister, and your dad, and you have me.

And you can fight me all you want.

But I love you and your sister, and I'm not going anywhere.

My feet are planted in front of yours from now on.

Your mother's gonna need all of us

to be strong for her and for each other.

[knock on door]

Can I come in?

Fine.

I know you're angry with me, and I don't blame you.

I'm not angry.

That would be stupid.

I was angry with my mom when she got sick,

and I was a grown woman.

I'm not angry.

OK, I just wanted you to know that, in case you

were, I'd understand.

You don't understand anything.

I understand that beneath that tough exterior

is my little rabbit who wouldn't go to school until I

kissed her shoes goodbye.

I understand this is a tough time for you.

But one day you're going to wake up, and all of a sudden you're

going to feel smart and beautiful.

And you're going to remember that I

told you it would happen.

And you'll smile because you'll know how much I love you.

Let me help you with those eyes.

Here.

CAROLYN: It's so sad, Michael.

I know.

She's so strong.

She always has been.

Thank you for helping the kids.

Thank you for helping Tessa.

I'm really gonna miss her.

I'm calling the doctor, I'm gonna

have the dosage increased.

What?

It's funny.

I used to think of you as my worst enemy.

Now I consider you one of my best friends.

The tapes for the girls are under my bed.

You decide when they should hear them.

I will.

I used to think I had to tell them everything.

I don't think that anymore.

I trust you.

Gonna be a good mother.

I'm so proud of you guys, you know?

You're taking such good care of your mom.

I just want our old life back.

I know.

I wish I could give it back to you.

You all right, sweetie?

You haven't said anything all day.

No.

What's the matter?

I can't tell you.

Oh, come on.

There's nothing you can't tell me.

No.

Lara, Lara.

Come here.

Wait up.

Wait.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

What is it?

When you and Mommy got a divorce,

I was so mad, I wished you both die.

Listen to me, Mommy's getting sick

had nothing to do with anything you thought or said.

Believe me.

It just happened.

Then why do I feel so bad?

Because something terrible has happened, honey.

We all feel bad.

But we've got each other, and we're gonna be all right.

You can count on me, and no more hang gliding.

I'm not going to miss out on any more of you

than I already have.

Do you love Mommy?

You bet I do.

I always will.

[music playing]

TESSA: You guys know how much I love you.

You're gonna be OK.

I'm counting on you to take care of each other.

I'm not afraid, Mom, because you'll be with Grandma.

And you'll have your own mother to take care of you.

That's right, baby.

And you'll have Kate, and Daddy, and Carolyn, and Marie.

And Grandpa's gonna come and visit you all the time.

Will you-- will you come sit on our shoulder?

Always, baby.

Always.

TESSA (VOICEOVER): Kate, Lara, even when I'm gone,

I will still be with you.

I will be in the breeze that moves the trees at Grandpa's

ranch, in the tide that flows near Daddy and Carolyn's house,

and in the beating of your hearts.

So much love surrounds you and always will.

I leave you with Grandpa, Daddy, and Carolyn.

And knowing that, I can finally say goodbye.

[logo music]

.