Original subtitles

[ Joe Cooker's "With a Little Help From My Friends" plays ]

♪ Baby ♪

♪ High with a little help from my friends ♪

♪ Said I'm gonna make it with my friends ♪

♪ Try with a little help from my friends ♪

♪ Oh, oh, I'm gonna keep on tryin' ♪

♪ Get by with a little help from my friends ♪

♪ I'm gonna keep on tryin', now, babe ♪

♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪

Those parts were supposed to be here today.

Today is today! Tomorrow is not today!

My father worked at Norcom over half his life.

Uhhuh. Uh-huh.

Well, Ferguson's gonna blow his top over this.

And eventually, he rose to the ranks of middle management...

Yeah, fine. Fine.

Where every day was filled

With crises, challenges, and Rolaids.

Yep, through the years,

My father had given a lot to Norcom,

And now he had given them...

That's it. That's great.

You guys are doing good. ...Wayne.

That goes over to "c," right?

My brother had been employed in the mail room

For about six months.

Don't ask me how.

Nice shades, man.

And if his work ethic didn't exactly match Dad's,

At least he was trying to find a niche for himself,

Make new acquaintances.

You know, you look really hot today.

If you don't stop bugging me, I'm gonna have to report you.

I'm sorry. I-I'm really sorry.

Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?

Just don't be late tonight.

I'll pick you up at 7:00?

7:00 is good.

Bonnie Douglas.

She was 23, funny, smart, and... oh, yeah - divorced.

Very good.

It was no wonder Wayne felt the way he did.

Whatever Dad felt about all this,

He was keeping it to himself.

After all, like all the Arnold men,

He had a lot of things on his mind.

[ whistle blows, indistinct shouting ]

Winnie!

Winnie!

I guess she didn't see me.

I think she saw you.

And that was the problem.

Winnie Cooper was treating me like I didn't exist.

I don't get it.

I mean, what did I do, anyway?

Well, let's see.

Offhand, I'd say you embarrassed her,

Ruined her reputation, and lied about your relationship.

But other than that,

I'd say you were a perfect gentleman.

Never mind the details. It was true.

Winnie and I were on the outs. Winnie!

[ Whistle blows ] Winnie!

What I had to do now

Was figure out a way to get her back.

Hi.

How you doing?

Okay.

So, uh...

Looks like you're playing field hockey.

Winnie!

[ Whistle blows ]

I got to go.

Sure.

And there you had it.

After 16 years of sharing everything together,

Overnight we'd become like... Strangers.

So, how'd it go?

Just perfect.

Yeah, it looked like wedding bells to me.

[ Whistle blows ]

Yeah. It's a great movie.

I mean, it's funny, it's romantic.

For Wayne, however, things were different.

I didn't think he was gonna go.

I mean, it was a French movie and everything.

No. Hey, I love French movies.

I mean, they're so... French.

[ Chuckles ]

You obviously had to share in his happiness.

After all, it wasn't every day that your brother brought home

His previously married,

Five-years-older-than-him girlfriend.

Would you like some more meatloaf?

Oh, thank you.

This is really great.

I'm so glad we finally got a chance to meet you.

Well, me too.

I'm sorry I was late.

I just moved into a new apartment,

And I haven't really unpacked everything yet.

Oh, you should see it. It's a mess.

I'll help you unpack tonight. Okay.

Something told us that this was a deeper relationship

Than Wayne had ever been involved in.

You know, Dad, I was thinking.

We can lend Bonnie that portable dishwasher in the garage.

Hmm?

Sure.

No problem.

Still, chitchat aside...

So...

How long have you been divorced?

Seemed there were greater issues at stake here.

Since last Christmas.

You probably don't want to talk about it?

Oh, no, no. I don't mind.

We were naive, right out of high school, and...

We didn't realize how serious and important

A commitment marriage is.

I'm not sure if Bonnie realized

The significance of her statement,

But she came through with flying colors.

Do you know? I forgot to put out the salad.

It was Norma Arnold's

Carrot-and-raisin-salad seal of approval.

I also don't think he was ready to handle David.

David?

Who's David?

He's my... my son.

Ii didn't mention him?

[ Chuckles ]

No.

Unhunh.

Oh.

Well!

How old is he?

Six months.

What about that salad, mom?

What salad?

- Watch it, will ya? - [ Sighs ] I got it!

Do you think she's all right in there?

Yeah. I guess so. Come on. Let's go.

How you guys doin'?

Fine.

- How'd it go? - Okay, I guess.

I don't know. I had a nice talk with your mom.

That's good.

[ Sighs ] I don't know. [ chuckles ]

Your folks look at me like I'm corrupting you or something.

No, no. Hey, they always look that way.

You know, you really should have told them.

Why?

Well, because they're concerned.

I mean, th-there's David, and I'm five years older than you...

Hey some months, it's only four years,

Which is... Just about three years.

So we're almost the same age.

Yeah...

That's so sweet.

Of course, it was a touching moment.

Honest. [ Clears throat ] Wayne?

The dishwasher.

- Oh, yeah. - Yeah. We better go.

The sitter expects me at 10:00.

Oh, yeah. Well, let me get the attachments,

And we'll get out of here.

It was weird. Crazy, really.

My brother had somehow managed to set up camp in Shangri-La.

While I was stuck with...

Gilson's gift barn.

Where the brokenhearted went to shop.

Hey, what about this electronic football game?

Why would Winnie want that?

I don't know. Maybe you guys could play it together.

May I help you?

Uh, yeah.

We're looking for something for my girlfriend.

Yeah, they had a fight.

Oh. A little lovers' quarrel, hmm?

No, it was nothing like that.

Yeah, it was much more despicable.

We're just looking around, okay?

But something told me this wasn't gonna be easy.

After all, I was on a mission here...

A quest to recapture love.

And nothing but the perfect gift was gonna do.

I needed something that made a statement...

Something that said it all.

Something with bulk. ♪ My mama told me ♪

♪ You better shop around ♪

Something with fur.

♪ You better shop around ♪

So, what do you think?

I can't speak for Winnie,

But I know that I would love a gift like this.

Maybe so. Maybe not.

All I really knew was...

[ cash register dings ]

That night it was my only hope.

Kevin, will you slow down?

Sorry, mom.

By dinnertime, the Arnold household

Was practically buzzing with plans.

Hi. Bye.

Where are you going?

Well, Bonnie couldn't find a sitter,

So we're gonna hang out at her place and take care of David.

Just don't forget. The diaper goes on the bottom.

[ laughs ]

[ laughs mockingly ] shut up, scrote.

I'll see you guys later.

But if Wayne thought he was getting away that easily...

You know, Wayne...

He hadn't counted on mom.

We'd love to see the baby someday.

Huh?

Jack, isn't the Norcom picnic coming up this Sunday?

Huh?

We could all go together.

That would be fun, wouldn't it?

I'll talk to Bonnie.

Still, whatever Norma Arnold was cooking up,

She was obviously on her own.

[ doorbell rings ]

As for me, well...

I had a date...

With destiny.

Oh. Hi.

Hey. How's it going?

Call it "triumphant return, with bear."

I'm fine.

I could tell by the look in her eyes

That she was impressed.

Hi.

Oh, Kevin. You know Phil, don't you?

Uh, yeah.

Hi.

We're studying for the SATs.

We're on the vocabulary section now.

Yeah, well, uh...

Vocabulary's hard.

Yeah, it is.

It was funny.

All of us knew that I was holding a stuffed bear.

But none of us even mentioned it.

Well, uh...

I better get going.

Bye, Kevin.

Bye.

[ Squeak! ]

Bye.

What do you mean the parts are in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is there, and here is here.

Over the next few days, things remained about the same.

Dad drank Maalox...

[ exhales sharply ] well, Ferguson's gonna kill me.

And yelled...

Oh, yeah? Well, then I'm gonna kill you!

Uh-huh.

While my brother continued his crazy courtship.

Wait. Can you...

[ laughs ]

[ laughing ] Wayne.

Okay. Thanks a lot.

Um, is there anything else I have... okay.

Ohhh!

Right away. All right.

- Hello. It's me again. - What?

- You love me, don't you? - Wayne. Stop.

He was charming and dopey and crazy in love

- All at once... - Don't.

As opposed to, say, some of the rest of us.

You look terrible.

[ Scoffs ] what are you talking about?

Well, you're slumped over. You got crumbs all over you.

You know, there's a dress code here.

Yeah, well...

Maybe you need a bow tie or something.

People always look happy wearing a bow tie.

Winnie!

[ laughter ]

But what I needed...

I couldn't have.

Uh, I'm gonna get another drink.

You want a root beer or something?

Yeah. Sure. Thanks.

The thing was,

Seeing Winnie over there didn't make me angry or mad.

I just felt very, very, lonely.

Excuse me?

Can I borrow your ketchup?

Uh, sure.

Oh, and do you have any napkins I can borrow?

Sure.

Want my fries, too?

[ Giggles ] just a couple.

[ Giggles ]

I can't believe I said that.

No.

No, it's fine. Really. Want some? Here.

Thanks, uh...

My name's Kevin.

Hi, I'm Cindy.

I haven't seen you around school.

Oh, we just moved into town.

Well, how do you like it so far?

Well, it's kind of lonely.

Lonely.

That was certainly something I could understand.

Well...

Maybe it'll get better.

Really?

Thanks for saying that.

The funny thing was, this was

The first pleasant conversation I'd had with a girl in weeks.

Guys, come on.

And somehow, sitting there,

This whole situation became unbearable.

I just knew I needed someone to talk to.

Excuse me.

- Would you like to... - Great!

Go out on Sunday afternoon?

Great.

The annual Norcom family picnic.

One Sunday every year, polyester suits were traded in

For Bermuda shorts and polo shirts.

Beer and conversation were flowing everywhere.

Almost everywhere.

- [ crying ] - Yes, David. Hello.

How are you?

You just have to rock him a little bit, Wayne.

Aw, come on.

Okay, David. Here you go.

I think he likes me.

Oh, maybe your mom would like to try?

- Yeah. - Good luck.

Come here, angel.

Oh, no. Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

Aww, look at this beautiful baby. Ooh.

Remember when Kevin and Wayne were this small, honey?

It was a long time ago, Norma.

Wayne had the cutest little behind.

Mom!

He still does.

Kevin, if you were an animal,

What animal would you like to be?

And you can be any animal you want.

What animal?

I bet you'd make a good bird.

I can see you flying around and looking at everything.

Yeah, I guess a bird sounds okay.

Look, there are some swings over there.

You want to try 'em out? Let's go try 'em out?

Uh, why don't you go ahead? I'll be right over.

Okay, neat. See you soon, Mr. Bird. Bye!

Somehow in the cold light of Sunday,

Cindy's chirpiness was becoming too chirpy.

Worst of all, I missed Winnie more than ever.

I needed some grown-up conversation.

Come on, you little peanut. Come on.

Well, as close as I could get.

Hey.

Hi.

You know, you're doing really well.

Well, I'll get the hang of it.

But I couldn't help getting the feeling

That Wayne was a little overwhelmed.

You sure this is okay?

You know, you taking care of the baby and everything?

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing. It doesn't mean anything.

Of course, I was just trying to say that I'd hoped David

Wouldn't spit up on him or something, but...

I'll do a lot better once Bonnie and I move in together.

What?

You're gonna live together?

Yeah. It'll be great, huh?

I want to take David to football games, to baseball games.

I'm gonna have to buy him a glove.

It was unbelievable.

I was standing there, watching my brother make a decision

That would affect his entire life.

Well, did you tell mom and Dad?

No. Not yet.

Don't you think you should?

No. Why?

What, are they my parents or something?

Come on, you little peanut.

You want to go see mommy?

Yes, you do.

Here we go.

[ David crying ]

I think he did something.

Kevin... I have an idea.

Let's see who can eat our hot dogs the fastest.

I think I like the hamburgers a little bit more

Than the hot dogs, but I'm not sure.

I could have liked the hot dogs more.

By the end of the picnic, I couldn't wait to get home...

Make my escape.

Face it... this whole thing had been a disaster.

Wayne, you can't do this.

I guess it was a disaster for everybody.

Mom, we already decided.

But you're only 18 years old.

Don't you understand? We're in love.

- How can you be so sure? - What are you talking about?

Look, I know that Bonnie needs you,

And that makes you feel very good.

But need isn't love.

I don't believe this. You don't know anything!

I just don't want you to get hurt.

You just don't want to see me grow up!

I want you to stay out of this,

And I want you to butt out of my life!

You got it?

Oh, look!

A stuffed bear!

How adorable!

He's so cute and cuddly.

Cindy, it's just a bear. Will you forget about it?

You don't have to be such a grouch.

You sound just like my brother.

He's in high school, too.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute.

Where do you go to school?

Kennedy.

What grade are you in?

7th.

Does it matter?

[ Exhales sharply ] well, yeah, it does.

[ Sighs ]

I was afraid you'd say that.

Why don't you take the bear?

I don't want it.

Thanks!

I'm gonna name him Kevin.

And there you had it.

The perfect end to a perfect day.

Hi.

How you doing?

[ Sighs ]

Lousy.

Join the club.

[ Door opens ]

So, where's mom?

She, uh... Went to bed.

I'm getting out of here.

Wayne, um...

Can we talk for a minute?

Dad, there's nothing to talk about.

I'm doing this, and that's it.

Fine.

If that's what you have to do.

Guess it wasn't exactly the answer Wayne had expected.

Look, I, uh...

Just got one thing to say, so bear with me, okay?

[ Sighs ]

You know... [clears throat]

I, uh...

Started working at Norcom right after the marines.

I was 24,

And I thought I was gonna be out of there in no time.

I was gonna try some different things...

Take some chances.

I figured I had my whole life ahead of me.

But before I knew it, there was a family...

A home...

A mortgage.

And...

In a way,

I knew it was the hardest thing Dad had ever done.

He was speaking from the heart.

He was speaking out of love.

All I'm saying is...

Dad...

That's your life.

Not mine.

I got to get going.

See ya.

And then he was gone.

And we were left.

And that house seemed a little emptier.

Hi.

You got a sec?

That night I went back to Winnie's.

I'm not sure why.

All I knew was what I said had to be perfect.

Nice night, huh?

Kevin, we've been through this.

I know.

And I know that I shouldn't even be here.

And I know you don't even want to talk to me.

Winnie...

I know I did something terrible,

Something horrible.

And if I could take it back, I would.

You know I just wish you'd do something awful to me,

And then we could be even. [ chuckles awkwardly ]

But, uh...

You would never do that.

Anyway...

Never mind.

It's just all this stuff is happening.

My brother... he left home. He's gone.

And I just need someone to talk about it with.

You're the only one I could think of.

You've always been the only one, Winnie.

And I just... Wanted you to know that.

What happened to the bear?

It's kind of a long story.

Maybe you'd like to tell me about it.

You want to come in for a while?

Yeah.

I would.

It was that simple.

And it was that complex.

Love can kill you.

It can tear you apart.

But if you're very lucky, it can bring you back together.

Sometimes love is unexpected and unpredictable.

And sometimes you just have to go with your heart...

And hope for the best.