Original subtitles

- Be right with you. - Okay, thank you.

I'm gonna go find a payphone and check in with your dad. Okay?

Okay. We'll be right here.

- Those two should be locked up. - But not together.

Just drop it. The whole subject is making me queasy.

Besides, I gotta figure out what I'm gonna do

if the test guy asks me to parallel park.

Well, I'm no expert, but I would do whatever he asks.

That's inspired. Thank you.

And if I had a prayer of actually being able to parallel park, then I would.

How could you not know how to parallel park?

You just had Driver's Ed.

Because my Driver's Ed teacher is a moron,

and he doesn't know how to explain it well enough for me to do it, okay?

Then why are we here? If you can't park, you can't pass.

That's not true. They don't always make you parallel park.

So I figured I'd just take my chances.

This is crazy. What are you gonna do if he does ask?

I said I didn't know. What would you do?

- Really, you're asking me? - Yeah, I'm asking you.

- I'd cry. - That's what you would do.

- What would you do if you were me? - Cry buckets.

Okay, it doesn't matter, because he's not gonna ask me.

Let's go.

Okay, how about this? I set all the clocks ahead one hour,

and then we trick them into being in bed by 8?

You know, that's funny. I don't remember you feeling so amorous

at this stage of your other pregnancies.

I know. Isn't it great?

Suddenly I feel like a bride on a honeymoon.

And you're sure this is okay?

Of course it is.

I just saw Mary pulling out. I better see how she's doing.

You didn't tell her we know she can't parallel park?

No. I figured if we told her

we don't think she's ready to get her licence,

she'd hate us. But if the test examiner tells her,

- she can hate him. - Brilliant.

We could be home by 4. Feel like meeting me for a nap?

I'm afraid I'm too tired to nap with you.

Besides, I've got a date at the pool hall.

I hope it's not a pretty girl. I'd be jealous.

Well, it is a pretty girl, but it's a pretty girl with a serious problem.

That's too bad.

On the other hand, maybe I can cheer you up when you get home.

Pull over next to those cones.

How am I doing?

You're doing very well. You're an excellent driver.

Now, let's see how you are at parallel parking.

- I'm sorry! It's just that-- - It's just that what?

You don't know how to parallel park.

There's just so much pressure all the time,

I mean, with varsity basketball, my grades.

I can't be good at everything.

Can I?

Hey, no-- No, thanks. I don't have any money.

Sorry.

Aunt Julie?

Hey! Over here! Julie!

I feel really bad.

I was mean to Simon today.

- For any particular reason? - It's that horrible time of year already.

That's right. I forgot. So how are you doing this time around?

Pretty much just like every year. I'm scared to death.

- Yeah. - And I'm also scared that if I tell Simon

why I've been so freaked out lately, he'll get scared.

And I don't think that's fair to him.

Well, maybe. You know, on the other hand, he's your best friend,

and he might not think it's fair that you didn't tell him.

He might want to know.

He might want a chance to be there for you

when you're going through a tough time.

- But he's only 12. - You're only 12.

I'm an old 12.

Yeah, you've... You've been through a lot.

It's just so hard to know when to tell the truth and who to tell it to.

Oh, a lot of people have that problem these days.

Most of them are in Washington.

Your shot.

Okay. Just...

How'd you do?

I got it.

You got your licence?

Yeah. Why are you so surprised?

I'm not surprised. Congratulations.

Yeah, thanks.

I'm a lot surprised.

You want to talk to me about something?

- No. No. You need anything? - No.

- You did it, didn't you? - Did what?

You took my advice.

So what if I did?

You cried?

I only did it because you told me to.

I'm a disgrace to women drivers everywhere.

Yeah, but not because you cried. Because you can't parallel park.

Don't say another word to me.

Hey!

And actually, crying to get your way

isn't a disgrace to all women drivers.

It's a disgrace to all women, period.

You told me to!

Why wait for tomorrow when you can have the answers of tomorrow today?

Call now, and speak with your very own psychic counsellor,

your personal source for infor--

She's cold. Distant.

She didn't even save me a seat at lunch.

Are we talking here, or what?

Sorry. I thought you were talking to Happy.

No, I was talking to you.

I know what you said. Deena's breaking up with you.

You think it's that serious?

Maybe we should call a sidekick.

They can tell you anything.

- Psychic. Not sidekick, psychic. - What's a psychic?

Someone who tells you what's going to happen in the future.

Hello, that's the same thing as a sidekick.

- Let's call it. - No. And you're not calling one either.

Call one what?

No one.

How's the homework coming?

I didn't start it yet.

I can't concentrate.

- Something's up with Deena. - Are you two breaking up?

Why does everyone think that?

- Do you need anything? - No, not a thing.

Are you thinking that I need something?

- What? - You just asked me if I

needed anything two minutes ago in the kitchen,

so I'm just wondering if there's something wrong with me or you.

No.

Would it be okay if I had dinner with a friend?

Sure. Anybody I know?

No. I'll be back in a little while.

555-0111.

- Hello. - Hello?

- Is this the psychic? - The who?

- The psychic. - The what?

Can you predict the future?

Well, I don't know. Is there some kind of prize involved?

No, but do you wanna try anyway?

Is this some kind of prank call?

I'm not sure what a prank is.

What's your name, sweetie?

- Ruthie. And you are...? - Mabel.

Nice to meet you, Mabel, honey.

So here's the question:

Is my brother's girlfriend breaking up with him?

- How old is he? - You tell me.

- Eleven? - Twelve.

I was close, wasn't I, sweetheart?

Yeah. So why not take a shot at the breakup thing?

I don't know. I don't want to put any ideas into anyone's head.

He needs an idea in his head.

He doesn't have anything else in there. That's why I called.

Well, in that case, I say no,

they will not break up.

They will be together for the next 50 years.

That's great news, Mabel. Thanks.

That's all right. Anytime.

You have a nice day, sweetie.

You too, honey.

Good news. You and Deena are gonna be together for the next 50 years.

- Where did you hear that? - From Mabel.

- Who's Mabel? - She's a sidekick.

Psychic. And I told you not to call. It costs money.

You told me not to call, but you never told me it costs money.

Besides, why should I have to pay for it?

I got the information for you.

Okay. Fine. You know, I'm so relieved about the Deena thing,

I'll cough up the cash when the phone bill comes.

But you have to tell Mom and Dad that you made the call.

Why? There are five kids in this house,

and I am way down on the suspect list.

Maybe, but you're the one who's guilty.

And you're the one who's happy.

We'll talk about this later. I have to go call Deena.

Whatever.

Hey, what are you doing? Let me get that.

Thanks.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just

sit by the fire with a pizza?

Sitting and a pizza would be great.

How was pool?

Interesting. I'd love to tell you more, but...

No, I know. Don't worry about it.

Almost forgot. How did--? How did Mary's driving test go?

- She passed. - How did she do that?

- I don't know. - Well, did she have to parallel park?

That's the first thing I asked her, and she said yes.

But that's impossible. Her Driver's Ed teacher told me

that she's incapable of doing it.

In fact, he said we should keep Happy and the kids inside the house

if she even wanted to practice.

So as of today, Mary is a licensed driver.

She can drive our car without us.

You realise this is the end of the world as we know it.

I thought I wasn't ready for it either,

but then I thought about it, and, well,

watch this. Watch.

Mary! Lucy! Simon! Ruthie!

What?

Your maiden trip in the station wagon

should be a pizza trip!

- All right! - Yes!

Congratulations on getting your licence.

Thanks, but I don't know,

maybe I'm not ready to drive anywhere.

Oh, don't be silly. That's what licences are.

A licence to drive. Somewhere. And it's what?

Only two, three miles at the most.

You've been there a thousand times.

- And they have a huge parking lot. - And what's that supposed to mean?

- Nothing. - Nothing.

When you're done, you can bring us back

a medium cheese, mushroom, onion, pepper pizza.

And if Deena calls, I'll tell her where you are.

I already left a message with her mom.

She's not home, but that's okay. I'm not worried.

- So everything's fine with you two? - For the next 50 years, I guess.

Okay. Go, go, go.

- So we'll be back in a half-hour? - Oh, make it a whole hour.

I thought I saw you when I took

a shortcut home from school this afternoon.

And I thought I heard someone call my name.

What are you doing here?

Come on in.

Your change, your keys, your pizza. See you.

Hang on a second.

Aren't you even a little bit excited about getting to drive?

Not really. What's the big deal?

You've been looking forward to it for six months. Why isn't it a big deal?

It just isn't, okay?

Okay.

- Was she...? - Crying.

- Fake crying. - Oh, yeah.

- Dig in. Not you. - Happy, look.

Well, the colonel would've helped me get back on my feet,

but I just wanted to do it on my own.

Do they know you're trying to get back on your feet in this neighbourhood?

No.

But this was the only area

that had a midyear opening for a teacher.

Why didn't you get a teaching job back in New York?

Because anybody who could've given me a reference

would've also known that I had been fired.

As well as why I was fired.

This school system needs me.

I'm hoping to have a chance to work up to principal again.

I could do some good here.

Dad probably could've got you a job, probably in a better neighbourhood.

You're not getting it, Matt.

I want...

I need to do this on my own.

I nearly destroyed my life drinking.

And now that I am sober,

I want to be the one who puts it back together.

My life, my responsibility.

How long has it been?

Twenty-five months, three weeks, three days.

Congratulations.

Thank you. I need a favour, though.

- Name it. - I need you to give me some time.

I love you, and I am always glad to see you,

but let me be the one to call when I'm ready to have visitors. Okay?

You got it.

Could I just make one teeny tiny suggestion?

Learn how to parallel park and retake the test.

When I said cry, I meant just that. Cry.

Faking it is just like a lie,

and like lying, you have to break the habit now before it controls you.

I'm gonna break something, but it's not my crying habit.

Does someone want to tell me what's going on?

I'm just not myself. I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me.

Do you want to talk about it?

I guess it's just all the excitement of the whole day.

You know, it's scary getting my licence.

Driving is a major responsibility.

Yes, it is. And it's a lot to deal with in one day.

You must be exhausted. Why don't you go to bed?

- It's 8:30. - I know. But sleep heals.

Don't say a word.

Hey, I was just looking for you.

I think I'm gonna go down to the church.

The kids are going to bed.

But we just... The fire...

- Wasn't that tonight? - So?

Hey. Nice wheels.

Good night.

So why are we in my back yard at night in our pyjamas?

Because I've been a major freak lately.

I was really mean to you today, so I want to explain.

No, that's okay.

Thanks. But I really want to tell you.

You see, about seven years ago,

when I was like 5, I went to the doctor.

I needed a physical for my first dance camp.

And that's when I found out.

Found out?

That I had leukaemia.

I had to have a whole bunch of tests and stuff,

but that's when the whole thing started.

My family just kind of lost it.

So my doctor introduced us to your dad.

My doctor plays pool with him.

Well, so you knew my dad before you knew me?

Yeah. For a few years now.

He helped us a lot.

He pulled us all back together and got us through it.

I've been in remission for five years.

The thing is, every year I have to go for a physical...

...and every year I get really scared.

But it comes out as mean. Sorry.

Do you get scared because it could come back?

Yeah. And I have to go to the doctor tomorrow to find out.

I-- I'm sure you'll be okay.

I-- I better go now.

Me too. I just wanted you to know.

Okay.

Hey.

What's going on?

Deena came over to tell me something.

- Are you okay? - No, I'm not okay.

And you knew all along, and you didn't even warn me!

Simon! I--

Oh, get away from me. No offence.

Oh, I-- I tried talking to Simon, but he's just overwhelmed, poor guy.

Well, I'm sure Deena's fine.

I am, too, but we both know that's not enough.

- Is everything okay with you? - Yes, couldn't be better.

Go talk to Simon.

There's nothing to talk about.

Simon, I couldn't tell you about Deena's situation.

Not telling what people tell me

is part of my job.

But I'm your kid. And you've known about Deena the whole time.

Even when you knew I liked her,

- you still didn't get her to tell me. - I know.

But once she decided to tell you and the rest of us,

I assured her you'd be fine.

I know you weren't prepared for the bomb she dropped on you,

but I know you.

And you'll be okay.

You will.

Do you know if she's going to school today,

or is that confidential too?

- Good morning. - Good morning.

- How was dinner last night? - Good. Thanks.

I had this strange dream last night. Aunt Julie was back in town.

Matt was just telling me about a dream he had last night. Julie was back.

What was the dream about?

She was teaching again.

It seemed like it was somewhere around here.

Well, I better get going.

How long does it take to cure an alcoholic?

Generally speaking, a lifetime.

Our kids are bad liars.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this,

but you're not going to be driving solo to school today.

That's okay. I got my whole life to drive.

Really bad liars, every last one of them.

Can I ask you one more thing?

Is it about your brother and his girlfriend again?

How do you do it? You are good, Mabel, honey.

Okay.

I'm sitting down. Ask away.

Simon's girlfriend, Deena,

was sick a long time ago with something really bad,

and today she has to go to the doctor

to find out if she has it again. Does she?

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,

but I'd rather not answer that kind of a question.

But Deena needs an idea in her head too.

Okay,

tell Simon to tell her

that everything is going to be just fine.

Can do. Thanks, Mabel, sweetie.

I was looking all over for that.

You didn't call Mabel again, did you?

Mabel said to tell you that everything's gonna be just fine with Deena.

Wish I knew for a fact that was true.

She was right about you guys not breaking up.

Well, you got a point.

Yo, troops! Let's roll!

Come on.

Hey! Jules!

- Can I give you a lift? - No!

Thank you.

Didn't I ask you just last night to leave me alone?

Just leave me alone!

I'm-- I'm sorry. I was just worried about you.

Which is exactly why I want to be alone.

I don't want you or anyone else worrying

that I can't go anywhere or do anything

without getting drunk and lying about it.

- I never said that or anything like it. - But you were thinking it, right?

And you're wrong.

- I'm-- I'm sorry. I was just-- - Worried.

Yeah, you said that.

And it's a burden. Okay?

It's a burden to have people constantly worrying about you,

and I can't take it anymore.

So please, don't do it.

Let me live my life my way

and trust me to stay sober.

Hey, sport!

I'm sorry.

But don't call me. I'll call you. Okay?

Oh, I forgot. I wanted to go in,

thank your Driver's Ed teacher for helping you get your licence.

Just park over there.

- I could thank him for you. - No, no.

Just pull in between those two cars, right over here.

But that is the principal's car.

You think the principal minds if someone parks behind her?

I think I'll just get out here.

Stay put. This will only take a minute.

That's what I thought.

When I asked you yesterday if the test examiner

asked you to parallel park, you said yes.

- He did. - And?

And I cried, so he let me out of it.

Why do I think you had something to do with this?

Because I did?

My Driver's Ed teacher told you

that parallel parking wasn't my best thing, didn't he?

No, wait. I got it. He told Dad.

What? You and Dad are both bad liars.

What are you doing here?

I had to talk to you, so I got a bathroom pass and detoured here.

Coach Fischer isn't gonna be happy with either of us if we get caught.

On the other hand, this is one of the coolest rebel things ever.

Thanks.

Listen, I'm sorry I was such a jerk last night.

The stuff you told me made me scared.

I feel bad about being scared because if I'm scared,

you must be really scared.

Anyway, I acted totally weird

when I just wanted to come out and tell you

I'm sorry about what you're going through.

What are you scared about?

That my best friend might be sick.

You know, you can't get it from me. You can't catch leukaemia.

- I know. - The thing that scares me

is that maybe I'm not really well.

Maybe the leukaemia will just keep coming back.

So the bottom line is, I'm afraid of dying.

- Your dad helped me say that out loud. - And that's a good thing?

Yeah, because once I could talk about being afraid to die,

I wasn't so afraid to live.

But you're not gonna die.

Mabel said you're gonna be fine.

- Who is Mabel? - She's a psychic Ruthie called.

Actually, she called her for me.

For us.

Mabel is a psychic?

Yeah, a psychic.

Don't ever do that to me!

What if she had said I was going to die?

Would you have told me? Would you have believed her?

No one knows if I'll be okay or not.

So don't do me any favours

by including me in some lame conversation

with a psychic, Simon Camden.

You'd better get back to class, son. She'll be okay.

Maybe she shouldn't even be playing dodge ball. What do you know?

I know a lot. I've been in remission for 20 years.

Sorry, but I overheard the mention of leukaemia,

and I stopped.

Does Deena know?

- No. It's never come up. - Could it?

Could you find a way to tell her?

- Please? - I'll find a way,

but I've gotta get back to class, and so do you.

Hey. No class today?

- Yeah. Yeah, but I'm not attending it. - What?

I have a good reason, a very good reason.

Where'd you see her?

You saw Julie?

So I either betray her on every level or...?

Or save her life.

Hello, stranger.

It's so good to see you.

All three of you.

Oh, here. Sit, please. Quickly.

You better believe it.

I'm so glad you called. I had no idea you were back.

Oh, you would've eventually. Matt knows I'm here,

and I think he thinks I'm drinking again.

- Seven-thirty? - Oh, fine.

Oh, he's an old friend. He's a counsellor here,

and he volunteers at the treatment centre I was in.

I can't tell you how good it is to see you.

You too. You look so happy.

So you're not gonna ask me why I didn't call you?

No. I'm sure you'd tell me if you wanted me to know.

I want you to know.

I'm not ready to see my brother.

I'm not ready for him to see where I'm living

or how I'm living.

I could've gotten help from the colonel and Mom.

And certainly from Eric.

But sooner or later you had to get out there on your own.

Will you talk to him for me,

buy me a little time?

Sure. But don't make it too long.

The kids would love to see you.

Okay.

Speaking of which, I have to pick them up.

- Oh, I better get going too. - Would you like a ride?

Oh, thanks. But, you know, I think I'll walk.

I should've expected this.

So how are you?

I'm fine. You know, fine.

- How are you? - How do you think I am?

I think you might be having a hard time.

I am not drinking.

I-- I didn't say you are.

I mean-- And I'm hoping you're not.

And even if you are, you're not the first person

to fall off the wagon or get back on it again. That happens.

So I've heard.

If I'd known you needed help, I would've been happy to...

...help you find a job or a place to live.

I found those things by myself. I don't need any help.

You should go.

Now.

If that's what you want, that's what you get.

I could go to that treatment centre you were at, see if they have an opening.

You're my sister, and I love you, and I will never give up on you, ever.

You already have given up on me. Please...

...just go.

Please ring, please.

I could give Mabel a call

and find out what time Deena will be home.

You can never call Mabel again. I told you.

It's all gonna come out. Mom and Dad are gonna open the phone bill and--

- He made me do it. - She's lying.

Yes, and she's no better at it than the rest of you.

She called the psychic on her own, that's the truth.

But probably not the whole truth.

Her name is Mabel, and she knows everything.

Just this morning she told me to tell Simon

that everything was gonna be fine with Deena.

What's her number?

555-0111.

Are you sure? There's not something else like 1-900 in front of it?

No. Just 555-0111.

She's always home too.

Her eyes are no good, and she can't drive.

- Hello? - Hello. Is this Mabel?

Yes. Is this Ruthie's mother?

- Yes, I'm Ruthie's mother. - See? She knew just who you are.

She's good.

Have you told my daughter you're a psychic?

No. I told her I wasn't a psychic.

She said she told you she wasn't a psychic.

I think maybe Ruthie got my number

mixed up with one of those 900 numbers.

But she needed some ideas for Simon's head.

I guess he's been pretty worried about his friend Deena.

How is she, by the way? Any word?

Not yet.

I felt so bad that Ruthie thought I could predict the future,

but I felt if I didn't say anything,

she might take it as bad news and be frightened.

Well, I'm sorry Ruthie put you in that position.

It won't happen again.

Well, it was nice to have someone to talk to anyway.

I get sort of lonesome.

Well, in that case, maybe we can all stay in touch.

Oh, that would be wonderful.

- Thank you. - No. Thank you.

I thought we were finished with your phone problems.

If we were, I didn't know about it.

Let me just say that I'm sorry for whatever part I played in this,

but can we settle it later?

I'm sitting here trying to be patient waiting for Deena to call,

but I could lose it any minute.

We'll talk later.

Sure. Call me.

Just kidding.

When you're trying to be patient, don't sit and wait. It won't help.

Come on. I'll let you try your hand at frying fish.

You know, sometimes you and Dad have funny ways of helping people.

Okay, let's try it again.

But she's tried it a thousand times.

I've seen her do it so much I could do it.

- You want to give it a shot? - Yes, I do.

Okay.

Next.

That's it.

Okay, now halfway back.

Okay, cut in. Turn.

And the other way. The other way! The other way!

What's the problem? It's not like the garbage cans are moving.

Forget it. You can't cry. You can't lie. You can't parallel park.

We're just gonna have to live with it.

A little lemon.

Have you heard from Deena?

No, and I'm sure you're the first one on her call list, not me.

Hi.

- Is Matt around? - No, but he should be back soon.

He's out with Mary and Lucy.

That's probably him now.

- What's wrong? - I paid our friend a visit.

Is this about Julie? Because if it's about Julie,

you may want to include me.

- I went to see her. - When?

- Is she drinking again? - No, she isn't.

I went to see her today at the school where she's teaching.

So she actually does have a job?

Yes, she has a job. She's going to meetings. She's doing just fine.

Honey, I found a half-empty bottle of whiskey sitting on her coffee table.

Yeah. And you should ask her about it, both of you,

whenever she feels like listening to your apology.

- Any idea when that'll be? - No.

Does whatever's going on with Julie

have something to do with your not wanting me

anywhere near you today?

No. Don't be ridiculous.

Sorry, I just-- I couldn't help but notice that

you're a little less friendly than you were yesterday.

Well, there's no reason. Just like there's no reason

that Ruthie keeps getting in trouble with the phone.

There's no reason Lucy cries well and Mary doesn't.

There's no reason one child is sick, the other isn't.

There's no reason that your sister's an alcoholic and you're not.

It's just what is.

I was quoting from one of your sermons.

I love you.

I love you too.

- So congratulate me. - Congratulations.

Congratulations all over the place.

- So you're okay? - One hundred percent.

Never been better.

Me neither.

I'm sorry to have put you through this.

I'm sorry I wasn't so good at it.

But I'll get better.

So will I.

- I'll get it. - Here's the thing.

There was a bottle of whiskey just sitting right there on the table.

- Maybe we're not-- - Don't even say it.

Hey, guys, look who's here.

I'll let you talk.

Sit down, please.

Thank you, but I-- I can only stay a minute.

I knew you guys would be miserable,

and rather than wait for you to come up with a way

to run into each other coincidentally, I thought I'd come to you.

I want to thank you both

for caring enough to invade my privacy,

barge into my life.

I feel like I completely betrayed you.

I know.

And I know I should have trusted you, but--

But...

...you would like to know what this is about.

Well, yes. Yes, I would.

My sponsor at my local meeting back home...

...died of natural causes.

This is what he left me.

This is the bottle he took his last drink from

30 years ago.

And when I started thinking about how long 30 years is...

...I started thinking I couldn't make it.

Especially without him.

And I knew that when I started that kind of thinking...

...oh, I was in trouble.

And I guess everyone around me knew something was up

because they all got concerned about me.

And I hated it.

So much, in fact, that I couldn't take it anymore.

So I moved out here

to be with my friends.

And you.

See, as annoying as you two are,

I knew you'd be there for me if I ever really got into trouble.

And I love you both very much.

Do me a favour.

Hang on to this for me.

But don't let anything happen to it.

It's not the booze.

It's the time.

I'm still taking it minute by minute.

Sometimes hour by hour.

And maybe someday I'll be able to do it...

...one day at a time.

Well, I gotta go. I got a cab waiting.

Can I give you some mon--?

Sorry.

I'll see you soon.

Okay.