Original subtitles

♪

People say ordinary miracles happen every day.

But I know better.

Miracles are never ordinary.

They're carefully planned as my boss sees fit.

Every now and then

some of us need just a little extra care.

That's where I come in.

[school bell rings]

So, Miss Stewart.

Oh, please, call me Angela.

Angela.

Well, your training's impressive.

We don't, we don't see a lot of master's degrees here.

And from Del Rey University. Go Kings!

Wait, you went to Del Rey?

Well, my baseball team did a summer exchange there

sophomore year.

Huh, no kidding. Baseball.

You ever catch any games when you were in LA?

Oh, as many as I could. Go blue!

Wait a minute, that's my team.

Oh man, I miss seeing them in person.

Nothing like that live organ.

Except maybe for the best hot dogs on earth.

Oh, you know.

[laughs]

You certainly have a bounty of experience.

You know we only need

a temporary guidance counselor, right?

Well, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

I just want to be clear

that there's no long-term job potential.

Well, Principal Banks...

No, Bruce is fine.

Bruce...

I believe my calling is to help as many people as possible.

A few weeks in one place

can be enough to change a life.

If you've been here for a long time, daily, 20 years?

Twenty-one in June.

Well, you're clearly meant to be here,

and so am I for the next six weeks.

I can start today.

[anxiously] Bruce!

Bruce!

[whispers] Must be 9:07.

9:10 actually. We're making progress.

[breathing anxiously]

I'm done with this kid, Bruce.

Hi.

Welcome to the daily team.

-Oh, I'm hired? -You're hired.

We'll celebrate later, come on.

The inmates are running the asylum, Bruce!

Okay.

Cody Grier, that better be a quadratic equation.

It's true.

Mr. Delvecchio's mustache really is geometry's worst nightmare.

[students laughing]

I see nothing funny about incomplete for everyone!

You having fun in Mr. D's class? You want to do it again?

Because that's what you're looking at if you fail math.

Repeating eighth grade all over again.

You're a better student than this, Cody.

How can we fix this?

We can count my drawing as extra credit.

Okay.

Wrong class, wrong attitude, and honestly that chin is way off.

Unless you want to be the only kid in junior high

old enough to grow his own mustache

I'd listen to Mr. Banks.

He is trying to help you, and it looks like you need it.

Cody, say hello to our new guidance counselor,

Angela Stewart.

I can't wait to hear what fun facts you discover

when you meet with Angela.

No way!

You see her or detention. Again.

[sighs]

This is a sad little garden.

Does anybody ever show it some love?

Okay, we will cut the small talk.

[sighs]

Tell me about your mom.

Bravo, you read my file.

Cody, losing a parent at any age is hard.

But at 13?

Great. So, feel sorry for me.

I don't believe it's about people feeling sorry for you,

but more about them feeling uncomfortable.

Your loss is a reminder of how fragile life is.

I bet you heard all the clichés, that she's in a better place,

that you need to move forward.

It's all a part of the circle of life.

How'd you know about that?

That song, "Circle of Life."

My mom used to sing it when I was a kid.

Get all sentimental and choked up.

We'd laugh about it.

Whatever.

It was stupid.

Oh Cody, she sounds like a cool mom.

You don't know anything about her.

You're right, I don't.

But I do know that you have no idea what to do without her.

But you can "fix me", right?

I don't believe people need fixing.

But there's some stuff that you need to deal with.

Cody, you used to be a straight A student.

I was a nerd.

So, you don't mind failing eighth grade?

Ninth won't be any different. We done?

Not quite. I need to talk to your dad.

What time does he pick you up?

I walk home.

Oh, well look at that.

I've got on my walking shoes.

[school bell rings]

Lead the way.

♪

-Let's do it. -Okay.

Hey Code. How was school?

Same as always.

Hi. Mr. Grier, I'm Angela.

I'm Cody's new guidance counselor.

-Uh please, call me Jeff. -Hi.

What did he do this time?

Must be bad for you to come to our house.

Well, there was an incident in math today.

-Math again. -Yeah.

What is it with that class?

I don't know,

but he's failing and he may end up being left back.

Principal Banks asked me to see him, to help out.

[sighs]

We had a session today and it was a good start.

Uh, can I, can I get you something to drink?

Um, water would be great.

-You got it. -Thanks.

Oh wow, you're a chef?

I was.

And you're opening your own restaurant?

Yeah. Well, that was the plan.

But uh, what is it they say? Man plans and God laughs?

Definitely has a sense of humor.

[small laugh]

Um...

You seem great.

And I appreciate you coming here.

But there have been a lot of counselors in Cody's life

over the last year and well, you see where we are.

He doesn't open up to them

and he certainly won't open up to me.

Do you have any support systems?

Do you have any extended family?

My family's all over the place. Florida, London, Peru.

No. No one in driving distance.

Well what about your wife's family?

We were Melissa's only family.

Really?

[pipes creaking]

Dad, it's happening again.

Relax Cody. The water pressure's still set too high.

I'll take care of it.

You said that last week!

Cody, enough. I said I'd deal with it.

May I use your bathroom?

Um, right at the end of the hall.

Thanks.

So? What happened at school?

Why can't you just fix the bathroom?

This is not the time. We have a guest.

♪

[water hissing]

What was that?

Oh, jeez.

I told you! You never listen to me!

Cody, I'm doing my best.

We need some, some plumber's tape or something like that.

Do we even have that?

Yeah, maybe. Check in there.

Ahhh!

All we have is masking tape.

Yeah, that's good enough.

Oh, no! The water's all the way out here!

The closet!

It's going to ruin mom's stuff!

How do you know about that?

I'm not an idiot, Dad.

Make a barricade or something. Keep it out.

I found the shutoff valve.

-We have a shutoff valve? -Mmmhmm.

-Help with these towels. -Hurry!

♪

Hmm.

Be the light that guides the way to someone's miracle.

[school bell rings]

-Angela. Morning. -Hey.

How are things with Cody?

I'm pretty sure he drove Miss Delgado into early labor.

The walls are up pretty thick. His dad has 'em too.

You met Jeff?

Yesterday. I walked Cody home.

And here I thought I was the only faculty

who made house calls.

Yeah, I've visited a few times since Melissa passed.

She was lovely.

You know, so involved with the school.

Sick for years,

but always seemed like she was going to beat it.

Hmm.

I, I was wondering about your garden.

That's a very generous word.

[chuckles]

Yeah, I was all aboard the veggie train

when Michelle Obama was growing tomatoes with sixth graders.

I got knee deep in the dirt with the kids,

but that soil's a dense clay that won't give.

I have faith.

Okay.

Your dad is a really nice guy and he's a chef.

You two must eat so well.

Hey! This is not phone staring time.

This is talking time. Your talking time.

So, talk.

Dad hasn't cooked since Mom died.

All we eat now is takeout and pizza.

Okay. And you're tired of pepperoni.

And you're tired of plumbing issues.

You were so determined

to keep water out of that laundry room closet.

-Something special in there? -I don't know.

Cody.

I think it's my mom's stuff. Pictures of her.

The blankets she made me when I was a baby.

But it's all part of operation "pretend Mom never existed."

So, no pictures, no talking about her.

No visiting her grave.

For some people the memories of loved ones lost is,

is too painful.

So, he gets to decide? What about me?

I always slept with that blanket.

It... smelled like her.

Why don't you try that closet again today?

Because it's always locked.

Well, just humor me.

Okay?

♪

♪

Hey Mom.

Dad and I could sure use your help right now.

♪

Christmas presents?

For me?

The teddy bear looks like it would be for what,

a five-year-old?

And there were eight all together.

Well, there's actually nine, which brings us up to right now.

Age 14.

There's a return address.

Broomfield? That's only one town over.

You have any friends in Broomfield?

No.

Well, you do now.

What's wrong?

My mom's favorite city was Tokyo.

Who would know all this about what my mom liked?

I don't know.

Why don't... why don't you ask your dad?

No way.

One, he doesn't want to talk about anything

that has to do with my mom.

And two, he's the one that hid all this from me.

How do you know that? Maybe your mom hid them.

Why would my mom hide Christmas gifts from me?

It doesn't make any sense.

What's this address again?

7110 Mayburn Street, Broomfield.

Must have brought up a lot of feelings last night,

seeing your mom's things again.

What was that like?

Weird.

And sad.

And good.

The blanket still smelled like her.

Oh, I found something!

Math marvels? What's that?

It's an online math tutor.

[laughs]

Specifically, for junior high school students.

So?

So, you are in junior high and you're failing math.

Look at this slogan.

We'll turn you into a math superhero.

[laughs]

That's embarrassing.

It is less embarrassing than failing.

I'm signing you up.

We're way off our target for Toys for Tots.

We need to kick it into high gear,

starting with Saturday's PTA luncheon.

Unless we want to be the embarrassment

of the Boulder County School District.

I don't believe that for a second Sandra.

Not only have you raised

more money for the school than anyone,

you also care deeply for the less fortunate children

of our community.

That's true.

I know you're going to make this work.

I'll do my best but I'll need some manpower.

Maybe you could help out?

I, I will do everything my very busy schedule allows.

In the meantime, Gloria will start the ball rolling.

We could recruit some sixth graders.

Mm-hmm. And their fathers.

[sighs]

Wow. That was...

A homerun.

[laughs]

Sandra feels valued and she's motivated to collect toys.

Hmm. And you got her out of this office.

I inspired her.

That's one way to put it.

She's onto me.

In only two days.

[laughs]

Look, jokes aside

I hate these trivial ego-driven competitions between parents.

I came here to raise up our next generation of world changers,

but my job's less about kids, more about slideshows.

Uh.

You obviously didn't come here for a soapbox speech.

What's up?

Oh no, I have the receipts for the garden supplies.

Next generation of world changers, huh?

Where, where did I hear that?

It's the, the slogan for HOPE.

Helping Open Possibilities Through Education.

It's a nonprofit that provides resources to at-risk kids.

There was a chapter at Del Rey.

Seems like you always knew that you were meant to help kids.

Yeah, I had a flashier path at first.

One that involved playing first base,

hitting over 350 and leading our team

to their first back-to-back world series wins.

Ohh.

Okay, so that explains all the hardware on the shelves.

Is that one of your homerun balls?

Not exactly. Take a closer look.

Oh.

Oh, my goodness. Is this signed by...

Number 42 himself.

Oh!

The man who broke the color barrier in baseball.

Jackie is a lifelong hero of mine for all kinds of reasons.

Same. Oh, I love this.

Yeah.

Yeah, half the kids I knew growing up,

dreamed of playing pro sports.

None of 'em made it, but I got closer than most

and ended up where I was meant to be for the most part.

How about we revisit this subject at the batting field?

Me, you, this Saturday?

The batting field?

Yeah, it'll be fun and I haven't hit in years.

Yeah, well Saturday's the PTA luncheon.

Oh, you should let Gloria run it.

She'd love it.

Well, that's true.

Give her a chance.

♪

-Oh, hey Mr. Grier. -Hi Angela.

Cody has mentioned you a couple of times,

which, well, he doesn't really talk so.

That's a big deal.

That's interesting, he said the same thing about you.

Really?

Um, I'm just making space for him to open up.

You really don't like talking about her, do you?

One of the counselors suggested it.

Cody was talking about her all the time.

He was visiting her grave and watching videos and...

Well, he was just trying to reconnect with his mom.

But it was becoming obsessive.

So that's why I put Melissa's stuff away.

But obviously that didn't work, not at all.

Jeff, you really have to let yourself off the hook.

You and Cody are grieving the person you loved most.

It's not an easy process.

You know what? Take these.

I don't know who I was trying to kid.

It's not like I can call myself a chef anymore,

the restaurant is just sitting there collecting dust.

What about if you take them?

Dust off your skills and make something delicious out of them.

I think Cody would really love that and I would too.

Did, did you just invite yourself for dinner?

[laughs]

I like that.

Yeah, sure. Friday night?

Okay. I'll see you then.

Hi. I'm Kaia, your tutor.

What can I do for you CodeMathMakesMeBlue14?

What? Wait. You're my math tutor?

You're a kid. This is ridiculous.

Cody, do it for me, please.

[sighs]

Why don't we start by looking over

the assessment test you uploaded?

Uh... That's wrong, that's wrong, that's definitely wrong.

You didn't square the root of X, you didn't add your fractions,

and you improperly inverted your integers.

How did you do that so fast?

I'm not going to bore you with a list of all my awards

and certifications, yada, yada.

But know this.

I just passed 10 million in my Minecraft score.

So, shall we get started?

[sighs]

Angela Stewart.

Okay, Miss Stewart from Del Rey University.

Where are you, Angela?

Do you even exist?

♪

This beats math, but why bother with this mess?

Well, take it as a lesson in faith and TLC.

Azaleas were my mom's favorite.

I'd garden for her when she wasn't feeling well,

we'd always end up covered in dirt, laughing.

Even on her worst days gardening made her smile.

It's pretty cool, isn't it?

Such beautiful flowers growing out of something

people consider dirty and hopeless.

Well, nothing like gardening to work up an appetite.

♪

Mmm! Mmm!

This is delicious, Jeff.

You have given peas a new purpose.

[laughs]

Mm, and the beurre blanc sauce goes perfectly with the halibut.

-Mm. -You think?

Yeah. It's really good.

Well, I guess I haven't lost my touch with the uh,

French stuff as Cody says.

French food is meh. Except the fries.

That's why our restaurant is going to be

a French Asian fusion.

-There? Right there? -Mm-hmm.

Yep. It's Mom and Dad's big dream.

Dad's the head chef,

I'm in charge of the advertising and the art, of course.

And Mom was going to basically run the place.

That's amazing. A total team effort.

Yeah. We were getting really close to making it happen

before Mom died.

We had to put it on hold, obviously.

But maybe we could check in on it this weekend,

see what there is left to do.

There's a ton.

There's painting and construction and design,

not to mention all of the other things

that I can't even think about right now.

It's not like we have to open next week.

Maybe it's time that we just start prepping.

I don't know if...

It's been almost a year and all we've done is sit around

and be miserable.

This is something we could actually do.

The thing is Cody...

I don't think I can do this on my own.

What do you mean?

Your mom and me, this was our big dream.

I can't imagine doing this without her.

I've been thinking.

Maybe it's time we let the place go.

Cody.

♪

[knocking at door]

Batter up.

Hey, you playing ball or you buying the team?

Angela, what are you doing here?

You forgot? Batting field?

I didn't think you were serious.

I have the PTA thing. I have to go.

[phone rings]

[sighs]

Angela, are you coming to the luncheon?

I've got all the tables set up with flowers.

They're so cute.

I, sadly, can't make it, and neither can Bruce.

Can you cover for him?

Oh, my gosh. Of course, I can.

Thank goodness I got here two hours early.

Bruce has no doubt you'll make him proud.

Go get changed.

♪

I remembered your favorite French dish.

Look Code...

We both know that your mom was the one in charge around here.

I mostly just followed her lead.

Without her... I'm kind of lost.

Well, that's pretty obvious.

Gee, thanks!

I didn't mean it like that.

[laughs]

It's okay. No, I deserve that.

Look...the whole not talking about her thing,

I thought that was going to help you.

I realize now how messed up that was.

So... do over?

I promise we can talk about anything that you want.

I want to see the restaurant.

I forgot about the name.

Are you really just gonna give up on it?

I just can't see doing this without your mom.

I'll help you.

I know.

You know, maybe, maybe we can look at it again in a few years

after we've had some time to...

Cody's. I mean, don't get me wrong.

It was a great name but Dad, this sign...

It's so bad.

[laughs]

♪

Woo-hoo-hoo!

[laughs]

Look at you, slugger.

Going for MVP if you couldn't tell.

Obviously.

[laughs]

You know, being here takes me right back to LA

and my favorite hot dog

smothered in relish and mustard and a ton of onions.

No ketchup.

Never ketchup.

Hey!

Your turn.

[exhales]

Wow! Nice swing Madam Freud.

I think you might have missed your calling.

Trust me, academia is my happy place.

It's funny you say that, you know,

all our talks about Del Rey got me reminiscing

about the good old days

and, you know, so I went looking through the alumni page

but I, I couldn't find you.

Oh.

What, do you want to see my transcripts now?

No, your library card should suffice.

Okay. I missed one ball.

You beat that, I'll show you my graduation photo.

All right.

Hey batter, batter.

Woo!

Thanks.

Again, that was... that was a blast.

I had so much fun.

Do you mind if I come in for a sec?

The thing is, I really have to use the bathroom.

I can't be coy anymore.

Oh.

♪

Alrighty then.

Um, this is a weird thing to ask.

But you don't have a toothbrush?

Oh, I... I haven't really unpacked.

Okay. But no suitcase either?

All my stuff is in, is in the closet.

Right. Of course.

[stammers] You know, it's just um.

You showed up out of nowhere with stellar credentials

for a job that only lasts six weeks.

[laughs]

You made incredible progress

with a student everyone gave up on.

Okay, come on Bruce.

You're questioning me because I do a good job?

I know how ridiculous this sounds, but...

I... I think you've been great for this school, Angela.

But things just aren't adding up.

I mean you have to admit, you kind of are too good to be true.

I mean, your teeth are perfectly white even without a toothbrush.

There's just something, I don't know.

Otherworldly about you.

Uh...

I don't have a toothbrush because I don't need one.

Because...

Bruce, I'm an angel.

You, you, you, mean like, like figuratively.

Like you bring good things into our lives.

No, I mean that I am actually, literally, really, a real angel.

I'm an angel.

[laughs heartily]

Well, come on, don't say stuff like that.

I'll have to report you to the school psychologist

except you are the school psychologist.

It's not something I go around advertising.

Most people wouldn't even believe it.

My boss, he gives me liberties,

when, you know, when it's necessary.

I'm your boss.

When someone is open enough or they, they ask me outright.

So, I'm... I'm... I'm telling you.

Angela, stop.

I can't have you tending to the mental health needs

of our students if you yourself are delusional.

I'm not delusional. Bruce, I promise.

I, I travel light.

I go where I'm needed. I, I move around a lot.

I just try to be the light in someone's darkness.

It's my calling.

I've got to go. I'm sorry.

Goodnight Bruce.

♪

[school bell rings]

Where's Kaia? She's never late.

Oh, sorry. She sent an email. She has to cancel today.

What? Why?

Uh, she didn't say.

But if I'm not mistaken, um, you seem disappointed.

[laughs sarcastically]

I have a test tomorrow and I was hoping to like, pass.

Well Mr. Delvecchio did say you have a C- in his class now.

-A C-? -Mm-hmm.

What's the point of tutoring?

After a semester of failing tests and ignoring homework?

Honey, this is progress.

But I might have a fast track to something better.

Voila.

JuniorBotics?

It's a STEM competition.

You use your math skills to code a robot.

You give it stuff to do.

That sounds so nerdy.

Eh, get your pocket protector ready.

What's a pocket protector?

Mr. Delvecchio has agreed to count the competition

as half of your grade.

I don't know anything about coding.

But you have Kaia.

The guidelines say students can work in pairs.

We just need to set up in-person tutoring sessions.

I guess I could give it a shot.

Have your dad sign this,

I'll get everything together and then we'll get you a robot.

Both: Yay.

Hey Angela?

Hey. Uh, hi Bruce.

Could I uh, borrow you for a, a moment?

Sure.

[laughs weakly]

If this is about what happened...

I thought we should touch base about Saturday.

Yeah, I really... I don't want this to be awkward.

Awkward? What? Never even crossed my mind.

I had a great time with you at the batting field.

Mm-hmm.

You know, but then, in your room...

Uh.

[stammering] I... I... I'm still not sure what that was about.

I was exhausted and rambling.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

I've, I've, I've made my share of bad jokes over the years.

[stammering] Look, I... I... I, believe in the idea

of what you were saying, you know,

you know, the right person coming

into someone's life at the right time.

I've seen it. I have.

And I, I love, I love the idea that you want to be that person.

I've also been betrayed by people I trusted,

you know, people with good intentions.

And I, I just want to make sure you're not going

to get caught up in grandiose ideas about saving the world

and... and hurt Cody and Jeff

and any of my students in the process.

I just want to finish my job.

Great. Great.

So, you know, no more angel-talk.

My lips are sealed.

Huh.

♪

Oh, this is pretty.

-Are you ready Freddie? -No.

[doorbell rings]

Oh, somebody is coming.

-Hi. -Hi.

We're here for our first in-person tutoring session.

With Kaia? Yeah, of course.

I'm her mom, Vanessa.

You must be CodeMathMakesMeBlue14.

Cody. That's my real name.

Oh, I love that name. Come on in, please.

-Thank you. -Welcome.

-Lovely home. -Thank you.

Cody, hi! It's so cool to meet you in person.

-You bring your robot? -Yeah.

Uh, I think the first task is to get it to pick up a pencil,

but I can't even get mine to move in a straight line.

It might be an error with the control panel.

Let's test it out.

Can I offer you a coffee or a tea or?

Oh, I'd love that.

-Okay. -Thank you.

It's been a real season of transition.

My husband owns a contracting firm

so, he's working projects after projects,

and he just wants something stable.

Hmm.

I do PR and it's just-

everything's been so cutthroat lately.

We're both looking to start a new chapter.

Mm.

She got it to move!

All the way across the room all by itself!

[applause]

You recoded it.

Now we have to teach it to pick up that pencil.

Okay, how about a snack first?

-I could eat. -Okay.

Hey come here.

That's me at the Math Marvelous games.

That's me at the National Scholars of Merit

and the Genius Jamboree.

-So, you're like a celebrity. -Nah, more like a geeky one.

That's me and my mom.

You okay?

I wanna go. Now.

[sighs]

I, I'm, I'm so sorry.

Is everything okay?

Is there something we could do?

Um, I think we need to go.

Okay.

Cody. Say something.

Jeff: Hey guys. What's going on?

[sighs]

I don't, I don't know.

We were at Kaia's prepping for the JuniorBotics tournament

and all of a sudden, he just...

What? Who's Kaia? What's JuniorBotics?

Wait?

The thing he was supposed to get your approval for.

You didn't sign the permission slip?

I definitely did not.

Cody, you lied to me?

Are those? Are those your mother's things?

How did you get them?

Who is this in the photo?

This exact picture was at Kaia's house.

Why would she have one?

Did she know Mom? Who is this?

That's Vanessa.

She's your aunt.

Mom had a sister? Why didn't you tell me?

Wait.

That means Kaia's my cousin.

Look Cody, it's, it's complicated.

Your mom was the big sister who looked after Vanessa.

When your mom got sick it was,

it was too much for Vanessa to handle and she ran.

Your mom and I just thought it was best to let it be.

No.

Mom wouldn't hide her family from me!

I think we should let things cool off for a minute.

Let me walk you out, Angela.

I'm so sorry.

I thought you knew about Kaia.

I mean, that's how we found her, through the presents.

They were in the closet too.

We thought we were doing the right thing,

not telling Cody.

Vanessa caused our family a lot of pain.

Melissa and I planned on sharing the story with Cody

when he was older but...

Cody's going to get through this.

You have my number. Call me at any time.

And for what it's worth,

Cody really loves spending time with Kaia.

They've got a special connection.

Makes sense, huh?

Hmm.

Ah, I'm not being unreasonable.

I know there are things that are beyond me.

Things I'll never understand.

[grunts]

Some people fare better than others.

Some people really do seem to have soulmates.

Others can't even get the love of their lives

to return a simple email.

[grunts]

But an angel who loves baseball?

That is wholly outside the realm of the plausible, right?

Could I get a sign or something?

How do you set this thing?

Oh, careful. I forgot to-

Turn it off.

[exhales]

Where's my backpack?

It has my robot in that. I need it.

[sighs]

I left it at Kaia's.

Well, I guess I'm going to flunk math,

because there's no way I'm going back there.

[doorbell rings]

Jeff, what are you doing here?

Oh, my god.

Kaia's student. That was your Cody.

He has turned into such a nice young man.

I just came for his backpack.

Okay.

Is this your daughter, Kaia?

Yeah. She'll be 13 in a month.

I can't believe I'm going to have a teenager.

So, she's only a couple years younger than Cody.

Which means that you must have had her shortly after...

Wherever you disappeared to.

Luke and I met in Amsterdam.

We fell in love and it changed my life.

Meanwhile your sister was in the worst pain of her life.

Did you do this?

Bring the kids together behind my back?

Of course not.

But I always wished that a miracle could bring our family

back together again, and besides...

Cody met Kaia through her tutoring service.

I have no idea how he found her.

It was the gifts you sent. He found them.

I meant them as a peace offering.

Melissa didn't need gifts for Cody.

She needed an apology!

You know she wouldn't admit it,

but I saw how much Melissa missed you.

Every single day.

[sobbing]

♪

[phone chimes]

Kaia. Hi.

I can't believe Cody's my cousin.

Is he okay?

He won't answer my messages.

It's been a rough few days.

I know you can't betray his privacy.

My mom sees a therapist.

I'm going to go with her so we can talk about what happened.

Sounds like your mom is really trying

to work through all of this.

There's only a week till JuniorBotics tournament

and we still have so much further to get with the robot.

If I email you some codes to help Cody

will you make sure he gets them?

Yeah, of course I will.

And please tell him I'm sorry about all this

and that I know it's hard

but I've always wanted more family

and I'm so happy that Cody's part of mine.

Thank you, Kaia.

Mm-mm-mm.

[sighs]

You are one of a kind...

[knocking]

Hey Jeff, come on in.

What is he doing here?

This is my time.

And you've been using it so well.

Look.

We're going to sit in this room for as long as it takes

for you to start talking to each other

and actually listening to each other.

Well, like I said before...

When you were six months old

your mom was diagnosed with cancer.

The same kind that her mother died of.

Your mom was so scared.

[tearfully] It was like history was repeating itself.

I didn't have any family nearby, so we needed Vanessa's help

to help us through the surgery

and the treatments and the hospital.

And your mom also needed her love and support.

But on the day of your mother's surgery,

Vanessa just disappeared.

I think that's what hurt us the most,

especially your mom.

She and your mom had a huge fight.

They stopped speaking.

It was, it was really awful.

So why did she send those presents?

It sounds like your mom and, and Vanessa

had very different personalities.

Your mom took care of Vanessa.

She sheltered her from the hard things

that happened when they were young.

She looked out for her.

Vanessa probably had no idea what to do

when her protector got sick.

She...

But that's, that's no excuse.

No. But when she sent those gifts,

it might have been Vanessa trying her best.

People give and receive love in different ways.

And when there's no communication,

there's, there's really no way to understand the intentions.

[sighs]

I think Vanessa knows she made a big mistake.

The question is, can she admit it

and can you accept...

And forgive?

[knocking at door]

-Hey. -Hey!

So, this is the restaurant, huh?

This place is awesome.

It's a disaster.

The walls need painting, the convection oven is busted,

the ventilation is not up to code.

I know it's going to devastate Cody but I'm a chef.

Melissa was the entrepreneur.

How's he doing?

Honestly? I have no idea.

I mean, we were making such great progress

but now he is so angry at me.

He says he blames Vanessa, but somehow, I'm the bad guy too.

Cody's confused and overwhelmed, Jeff.

And he doesn't have Melissa to help him through it.

I heard from Kaia.

She wanted to check on Cody

and see if he was progressing with the robot.

She sounds like a great kid.

Yeah, she is.

One that Vanessa raised.

Vanessa's taking Kaia to therapy and,

and being honest with her about her faults.

Impressive.

Vanessa's setting an example for me?

Hmm.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

What if, what if we got you guys together?

And you talked things out?

You know, shared your perspectives?

I'd be open to having her back in our family.

Meeting her husband and Kaia, starting over.

But Cody's not ready.

And it has been a long time since I have had his back,

and I need to change that.

Give him some time to come around.

-Yeah, time can be healing. -Yeah.

The JuniorBotics tournament is coming up real soon.

Cody's going to need some help.

I got it. It's okay.

The two of us working on that robot together is the perfect

opportunity for the two of us to reconnect.

Don't worry, it is going to be great.

My dad is terrible at this.

This is a level two coding challenge.

Neither one of us can do it,

and the competition goes up to level four!

The tournament's going to be a bloodbath!

Well, at least you're spending time together, Cody.

Fighting!

One of us slammed the door and stormed off.

And it wasn't me!

Did you try the codes Kaia sent you?

Cody, none of this is Kaia's fault.

She got a brand-new cousin and a family she never knew about.

Couldn't figure out the code she sent.

I'm going to fail miserably for the whole world to see.

Oh Cody, you're catastrophizing.

It won't be that bad.

[sighs] Maybe you're right.

Mr. D sent tournament tickets for friends and family.

But since I don't have any of those,

at least no one I know will be there to witness my humiliation.

Well, Kaia and Vanessa have both reached out to me again,

and they'd love to come.

No way. My mom didn't want them in my life, neither do I.

End of story.

[school bell rings]

♪

Suit yourself.

-Hi Mr. B. -Hey.

What was that?

I don't know how you did that,

but tampering with student email is inexcusable!

Bruce, I can explain.

My Boss...

No, no, Angela! No, no. You are not an angel!

And with this kind of behavior I can't allow you around students!

You need to leave.

I'm calling the school board.

[no dial done]

What is going on here?

Why is the phone dead? Okay, I'll find another phone.

What is happening?

What are you doing?

I am an angel. And I am here to help,

not just Cody and his family but you too, Bruce.

I know all about you and Leila.

You aren't the only one who believed

in raising a generation of world changers, she did too.

And when you joined HOPE

she came to California with you that summer

and you fell in the most beautiful love.

You were going to change the world together

in between baseball games.

You went to every one.

You would have contests to see who could eat the most hot dogs

and she always beat you.

[tearfully] Angela, Angela, please, please stop.

Bruce the moose.

Oh, you shared something so deep with her.

You shared something deep with Leila.

She's the reason why you became a teacher.

And when you made principal, you threw a party to celebrate.

But she didn't show up. And you never saw her again.

[tearfully] Why, why, why are you doing this?

You've been walking around hurting for years,

all because you don't know what happened

and you don't know why.

I... I went to the police.

But there was no need,

she, she just didn't want to talk to me.

Not everything is about you.

[sighs]

Is she um.

[teary] Is she all right?

♪

She's doing better now.

She moved around but settled in California

where you two had the happiest days of your lives.

Why didn't she tell me?

That's all I can say.

Leila's not a part of my mission,

but she can be a part of yours.

Oh Bruce, my Boss has such big plans for you.

But you gotta let go and learn to trust,

and that begins with believing in me.

Angels are real.

We come to those who are actively searching for a miracle

and just need a little light on their path.

Will you please give me two weeks with Cody and Jeff?

Can you do that for them?

[exhales]

Cody: My robot's a failure!

It's supposed to organize the markers by color,

not scribble all over the place.

I'm going to fail eighth grade!

Hey, hey.

You have just been through the hardest year of your life.

Of course, you got behind in school,

but you worked really hard on this and you didn't give up.

Your mother would be so absolutely proud of you,

just like I am.

I say we present this robot with our heads held high.

And then I'll go talk to Mr. Delvecchio

and beg him for mercy.

[chuckles]

Do you want to go sit with your mom's stuff before we leave?

That might help.

Really?

Yeah, I'll pack up. I'll see you at the front door.

♪

♪ You've had a tough time ♪

♪ It seems like nothing is going your way ♪

♪

♪ It's been a rough time ♪

♪ I know you are praying for the end of the day ♪

♪ But you know ♪

♪ Whenever you're down ♪

♪ Just know, you know, I'll be right there ♪

[laughs] This is great!

We have students from half a dozen schools participating.

I'm hoping we can sponsor

a group to go to the state competition.

Bruce is considering it.

Speak of the devil.

Oh!

Who are the suits?

School board members. I didn't know they were coming.

Joan, Larry, Carson, wonderful to see you.

You all remember Gloria Sanchez, my VP.

She put together this event.

And this is Angela Stewart, our temporary guidance counselor.

We spoke about her earlier.

I'm sure whatever Bruce said is just an exaggeration.

No. I've known Bruce for years and I trust him implicitly.

He says you've managed to work miracles

with some of the students here.

I, I'm, I'm, I'm just doing my job.

Oh, Angela's being modest.

One of our students was on the verge of flunking out.

Today he's representing the eighth-grade class

in the competition.

Where is this wonderful student?

Jeff: Cody!

Cody? Come on, we're going to be late.

What happened? You're okay?

What are these?

This is Mom's handwriting.

Where did you get them?

In the jewelry box.

There's one for you, me, and Vanessa.

Your mom never kept anything in here so I didn't bother looking.

Do you think... maybe she wrote these letters

right before she died?

Hey Kaia, Vanessa.

Hi Angela. This is my husband, Luke.

-Hi. Nice to meet you. -Hi.

I can't believe Cody invited us, but I'm so glad he did.

Where is he?

I don't know. Cody and Jeff are not here

and they're not answering their phones.

I think I need to go check on them.

Well, I want to come.

I walked away once and I lost my family.

I am not losing them again.

Well, let's go.

I'll see you in a bit, I'll call you, okay?

[tearfully] "We fought so hard together.

"I don't want to leave you and Cody,

"but I... I don't think I have a choice this time.

"I need you to know that you are the strongest person I know.

"You can do this.

"You are an amazing father and an awesome chef.

"You're going to open our restaurant

"and you'll find joy there every day.

"I'll be with you when you're making your famous beurre blanc

"and when you kiss our son goodnight.

"And one day, far in the future I'll see you on the other side.

"You have all of my love, Melissa."

Jeff?

Vanessa?

What was that?

We were worried when you didn't show up.

You guys came to the JuniorBotics thing?

Of course. Kaia's there now with her dad.

Did Melissa, did she write that?

Yeah. She wrote one for you too.

"Dear Sis.

"I can't believe I'm not going to see you again.

"I would have done anything for you,

"and the idea that you wouldn't do the same for me

"broke my heart.

"When the gifts for Cody started showing up,

"I know that you meant them for me as an apology,

"but I wanted more.

"I wanted you to say you knew how scary it was

"that I was sick like Mom.

"But I could've reached out too.

"I was just as scared as you.

"I hope one day you'll find your way home to Cody and Jeff.

"I love you little sis."

I messed up.

We've all made mistakes.

I should have called.

It's okay.

I didn't get to say goodbye to her.

She knew you loved her. And we know.

I'm not the person I was 10 years ago,

and I really, really want to show you how much I've changed

if you'll let me, okay?

Melissa would've loved that, for us to be a family again.

And uh, well we're game, right Cody?

Do you want to read your letter?

You can do it now or on your own, if you like.

No. I want to do it now.

It's blank.

She didn't have one word for me.

It's weird, suddenly having family.

I'm still failing math, though.

God, Mr. D's going to kill me for missing the tournament.

And?

You didn't get a letter from your mom.

Should we talk about that?

There's literally nothing to talk about.

It was a blank piece of paper.

Yeah, but I'm guessing it led to a lot of feelings.

Big feelings.

Cody, I can think of a dozen reasons

why your mom wasn't able to finish that letter to you.

Or, you know, start.

Did you bring your robot?

Why?

This better not have anything to do

with me apologizing to Mr. Delvecchio.

It was not my fault I missed the tournament.

Trust me, Cody. Trust me.

♪

Well, he sure has character.

Woo! Yes! Well done!

[laughs]

Look at that go.

-Oh. -Oh, oh, oh!

JuniorBotics tournament Day 2 and you didn't invite me?

I figured your schedule was full,

what with you entertaining half the school board.

Did you bring those people here to scare me?

Do angels get scared?

That doesn't seem like a particularly celestial emotion.

Okay, so now you're an angel expert?

I guess not.

Because I always thought

angels were supposed to be perfect, you know?

Otherwise what makes you different than the rest of us?

Bruce, there are many types of flowers in my boss's garden,

and my boss's idea of perfection is different than yours.

[chuckles]

You know, that thing you said

about Leila being part of my mission.

What did that mean?

It means what it means. Have faith, Bruce.

Cody looks, dare I say, happy-ish?

[laughs] Yeah.

He actually likes math and he's not going to flunk.

It would've changed his course.

Sorry for being a jerk.

But he's still got some hills to climb, you know?

Those hills have anything to do with why he missed

JuniorBotics tournament Day 1?

Yeah.

He got derailed when he found a stack of letters from his mom.

One to his dad and one to an aunt

that his parents hid from him.

Wow that's, that's tough.

Then there's also his family's restaurant.

It was their dream, all of them,

when Melissa was alive.

Jeff just doesn't think that he can handle it by himself.

Does he have to?

This hidden aunt,

I mean, is she glad to be back in the picture?

Oh, very much so.

She wants to make up for lost time.

What does she do for a living?

Uh, I think she's in, uh, PR?

And the husband is a contractor.

[laughs]

And they're looking for something new.

Well, I can think of one good suggestion.

-Oh man. -Yeah.

[knocking at door]

Hey. You ready to go?

Angela and Principal Banks are going to be here any minute.

Almost. I just need my shoes.

Are you sure that you don't know what this is about?

If you're in trouble I'd rather hear it from you first.

Not in trouble.

Besides, didn't Angela sound excited when she called?

Yeah, she did.

And she also said that Mr. Delvecchio

was very impressed by your robot.

-He seemed cool with it. -Good.

-Are you okay? -Yeah. Totally.

Okay.

Are you sure you don't want me to drive?

No driving required. Just a short walk.

Where are we going?

Right here. This is your restaurant.

This is just a preview.

Call it an appetizer.

Did you know about this?

No.

Aw, come on.

[laughs]

Okay, you ready?

♪

Hello Mr. Grier. So nice of you to join us.

We have a table ready for you.

Welcome to our grand opening.

Our space is newly renovated

with work from my favorite contractor, Luke Hudson.

And we hope to commission our favorite local artist

Cody Grier, to do some more artwork for our walls

and also to design our menus.

And all of our food is available in dine in.

So, we cannot wait to open the doors

to the new hippest restaurant in town.

Oh.

I know you don't want to run it on your own,

but it might be a different story if...

With us.

We really want to do it.

You'd be helping me out.

And I want to do this more than I can express.

Bringing Melissa's vision to life

and being there with you and Cody, it's what I'm meant to do.

I don't know what to say.

Melissa and I have had this dream since we first met.

And any time I'm in here, I see her.

And now I, I can feel her.

You know, Cody.

I thought I was putting your mom's stuff away to protect you.

But truthfully, remembering her

also meant thinking about all the moments in the future

that we'd be missing out on.

It was just too painful.

But it is a lot easier not walking it alone.

[laughs]

I mean, Mom would love this, wouldn't she Code?

-This is too much. -Cody!

♪

Hey Cody.

I thought you might be here.

The azaleas are looking good.

Your mom would really love these.

Don't do that.

Don't tell me what she would or wouldn't like.

It's what everyone does.

She would be so proud, or she wouldn't approve of this,

or that would make her happy, but they don't know!

But what about your dad and Vanessa?

I mean, they get to know, don't they?

At least a little bit?

I trusted her.

But she hid so much from me.

I get it. Humans, they make mistakes,

but she didn't have one word for me.

Even her sister, who abandoned her, got something.

[Cody sighs]

She forgot me.

Your mom did not forget about you, Cody.

How do you know?

Let me share a secret with you.

Come on up here.

[sighs]

Cody, I am not like anyone else.

I can see and do things that other people can't do.

I can color outside the lines,

but my boss has to approve everything.

And sometimes when the situation is

very, very challenging, I get to be creative.

What are you talking about?

I have a message for you.

Just trust me.

"My Dear Cody.

"I miss you so much.

"More than you could ever imagine.

"Everyone else in my life,

"I figured out how to say goodbye to.

"But not you.

"Leaving you was unimaginable,

"but there were things I wanted to say,

"and now I see how much you need to hear them.

"So, Cody, know this.

"You were the best thing I ever did in my life.

"You have so much light inside.

"Don't hide it.

"Share it with the world.

"Don't let my death be the thing that stops you from living.

"I love you so much. Mom"

Thank you.

-Hey. -Hey.

What are these, the presents from your aunt?

Figured I'd give them to Toys for Tots.

The PTA's still collecting, right?

They sent me at least 10 emails saying today was the last day.

This is going to set them over their goal.

What a great idea, Cody.

Oh, Madam Freud!

Dishing out some last-minute Christmas cheer no doubt.

And Cody, are those for moi?

Uh nope but check this out.

Wait, hold on. A B+ in math?

A B+?

Oh, wait.

Well, this uh, this calls for more presents.

Special delivery. I found it on my desk.

"Dear Cody, may all of your family's dreams come true.

"From Anonymous."

More mystery presents?

Who else do you know in Broomfield?

[laughs]

[exhales]

Oh, my!

What?

There, there must be like, thousands of dollars in here.

Are you sure this is for me?

What am I supposed to do with it?

Well, it does say family's dreams.

The restaurant!

We need all sorts of licenses and permits and construction.

-This is... -A miracle?

I don't know who Anonymous is, but I owe them big!

I gotta go tell my dad.

-Thank you, Mr. B. -Oh.

-See you after break, Angela. -Ok.

Wait. Cody Grier's a hugger now?

Seems like.

So, um, you didn't tell him your job was over.

Ah, why would I want to ruin the moment?

He'll be off for three weeks and when he gets back,

he'll forget I ever existed.

I don't think anyone could forget you.

Well, Mr. B. or should I call you Anonymous?

Oh, please, on my salary?

But #42 has got some deep pockets.

You sold your Jackie ball?

Ah, you know what, he was, it was getting bored on my,

on my desk, you know.

And with what's left over I have enough to start my next chapter.

-Next chapter? -Mmmhmm.

I am so sad to see you go, Angela.

You really brought life back to this place.

Keep in touch.

Make sure you address any correspondence

to Principal Sanchez.

[squeals]

-You're quitting? -Retiring.

Teachers get good pensions.

Yeah, but I, I thought you were excited about the school

and you had new purpose.

Don't worry, you lit a fire under me.

Just not for this place. I've done all I can do here.

Time to move on,

and maybe even find a new mission as you would say.

I don't know very many people who surprise me,

but you did it.

Congratulations.

It wouldn't have happened without you.

And your boss.

[laughs]

Like you said, he always comes through, so.

Thank you.

Um well, it's been a pleasure.

You know, maybe our paths will cross again one day.

I hope so.

-Bye. -Bye.

Well...

[sighs]

♪

♪ Bells are ringing ♪

♪ There's a magic in the air ♪

♪ Choirs are singing for the joy and happiness ♪

♪ The stars are bright ♪

as we share a winter's night ♪

♪ Here's to Christmas ♪

♪ Kids are smiling ♪

♪ Making snowmen in the street ♪

♪ People driving ♪

♪ To be home with families ♪

♪ The songs they know ♪

♪ playing on the radio ♪

♪ Here's to Christmas ♪

♪ Ooh ♪

♪ In the window evening snow is falling down ♪

♪

♪ All the people who are closer gathering round ♪

♪ Well my darling take my hand ♪

♪ in a winter wonderland ♪

Bruce!

Hey, uh, what are you doing here?

Did I, did I leave something at the school?

Oh, no, no. I just, um...

I wanted to ask you something the other day,

but I, I chickened out.

It's, it's about my next chapter.

Have you ever given any thought to working with a partner?

A partner?

Yeah, it was fun teaming up with you.

I thought maybe we could make it a thing.

Wow, um, I would really love that.

But, um, it doesn't work that way.

-Says who? -My boss.

It's a solo gig.

Uh, but, I think, you've got great things ahead of you.

Just not with me.

Whatever you say, Madam Freud.

Walk you out?

Yeah.

Need a ride somewhere?

I'm good, thanks though.

All right then, safe travels

to wherever it is you are going next.

Thanks again.

[engine struggles]

That's weird. I just had it serviced.

Maybe it's your battery.

Or maybe it's your boss trying to tell us something.

Humor me, get in for a sec. Come on.

[engine starts]

Well, would you look at that.

Seems like the boss is willing to make an exception

to that whole it's a solo gig thing.

I guess so.

So, where to, partner?

Hmm?

How about a baseball game in LA?

More magically appearing hot dogs.

-Un-huh! -This time you are buying.

[chuckles]

♪

♪

♪

♪