Sweet Magnolias (2020) s02e09 Episode Script

1 You don't owe me One more minute of your wasted time You act like it's all fine It isn't hard to leave Knowing that I'll be getting life On track I wanted to believe I've gotta make a destination Find where I belong This time I've got no hesitation And I'll be movin' on To where I belong I'll be movin' on Over the line I've drawn I'm already gone [music fades.]
[bluegrass music playing.]
[all.]
To Frances! What a remarkable soul.
The warmth and strength she gave to Serenity will stay with us.
I wanna go the way Frances went.
At the bar, surrounded by friends.
- [Dana Sue.]
Mmm.
- [Maddie chuckles.]
Oh, and Dana Sue, I hope you'll forgive us if it takes us a couple of minutes before we come back to Sullivan's to drink.
I understand.
I'm just glad we got to praise Miss Frances while she was alive to hear it.
And now that she's graduated to glory, we are gonna throw her a celebration of life that will bring joy to everybody.
As dictated by the guest of honor herself.
- [Helen.]
Mmm.
- She laid out every detail.
- [Paula.]
Of course she did.
- [all laugh.]
Grace and I reviewed the notebook, and we made copies of all the duties that she assigned to each of us.
She asked that I coordinate plans for her celebration and funeral, and I'm handling flowers for church, graveside, and the celebration.
[Dana Sue.]
Mmm.
Frances wants magnolias, of course [all chuckle.]
and Sweet Frances roses.
- [Maddie.]
Oh.
- There's a rose called Sweet Frances? Oh yeah, it's a beautiful apricot rose, prized for its ability to bloom in drought.
Well, I should create a cocktail called the Sweet Frances.
- [Helen.]
Yes.
- Apricots and, uh, bourbon.
- [Helen.]
Mmm.
- And no bitters.
No bitters! Amen.
- Never.
- [all laugh.]
Okay, so I get to create gifting tables at the celebration filled with books from her personal collection.
[Paula.]
Mmm.
Those books were her most prized possessions.
[Maddie.]
Yeah.
And think of how many people in Serenity got their love of reading from her.
So we're puttin' all those books out at the celebration? "Each guest will get to select whatever calls to them.
" "I trust that each tome will find its way to its proper new home.
" [Paula.]
Mmm.
"Leftovers will go to [sighs.]
to Little Free Libraries around town.
" And there's a list of suggested locations, and the spa is one of them.
- Aw! - [all giggle.]
Gettin' someone to build those is on my list.
Imagine Miss Frances thinking that you just might know a bighearted carpenter who can help us with all of that.
- Are we talking Jesus or Skeeter? - Neither.
[all laughing.]
[chuckles.]
I will ask Ronnie.
And, uh, I would like to take care of the food.
[Maddie.]
Ah.
Oh, I talked to Peggy about writing a an appreciation for The Sentinel instead of just a perfunctory obituary for the newspaper.
- Nice.
- Mm-hmm.
I contacted Frances's out-of-town family and friends.
Not everyone's sure they can make the trip, but we'll hope for the best.
And, finally, I will coordinate with Miss Frances's estate lawyer, so Why do you suppose that she gave us detailed instructions for all this but nothing about the will? [Grace.]
Because she knew that the most important things she left us weren't things.
Her fire lives on in our most ambitious pursuits.
Like the recall petition.
Which is why we will file it when Town Hall opens tomorrow morning.
- Oh yes! - [Helen.]
Yes.
The perfect exclamation point to Miss Frances's extraordinary legacy.
[Helen chuckles.]
[Maddie.]
Cheers! [Mary Vaughn.]
Oh! What a blessing! I was just about to seek out the three of you.
Well, what can we do for you? What I can do for you is deter you from making a horrible mistake.
My husband is a good man and doesn't deserve what you're doing to him.
Well, in that case, the recall won't be successful.
No, no, no! It shouldn't even begin! Ladies, let's be honest.
This isn't about Trent.
It's the same ridiculous vendetta you have against me.
[Dana Sue groans.]
We're not in high school anymore, Mary Vaughn.
You and your husband have misappropriated funds and property to enrich yourselves.
You both need to be held accountable.
Follow through with this misguided plan, and there will be consequences.
And if we turned a blind eye to your malfeasance, there'll be dire consequences for this entire town.
Well, now if you'll excuse us, we have a petition to file.
[pensive music playing.]
You can only progress once you've gathered all five seals.
[Willow.]
How does the enchanter fit into that quest? And does the halfling summon the guardian? - [both.]
Tournament! - [chuckles.]
The gates can only be opened once the grand champion is defeated.
Even then, we need another obstacle to the kingdom.
Right.
Maybe the water hag can summon an elemental companion! [exhales.]
Water hags don't exist in this region.
[splutters.]
Oh.
Right.
Yeah.
But if it's a cave hag who summons the elemental - Then it's sand and stone, and we're good! - Wicked idea, Kyle.
Super cool.
It's Nellie's idea.
I just built on it.
[Willow.]
Can we have a fake-out before the second stage of the cave hag fight? - You know what? Listen, Peter Pan.
- [Ronnie.]
Don't! You don't get credit for leaving Neverland at 40 years old.
My God You didn't want me to change! Oh wow! That's ridiculous! Uh, it's true.
You liked the power imbalance.
Oh, there you go again, laying your shortcomings at my doorstep.
- Oh.
- Again, let's focus on a way forward.
- [Ronnie sighs.]
- [June.]
Not what's behind us.
Both of you, take a breath.
Now, you came to me in faith with the singular goal of saving your marriage.
Focus on that unity of purpose and your good intent.
Now, did you complete my first request? Couldn't be bothered to bring your vows like Pastor June asked, huh? [scoffing softly.]
My darling Dana Sue.
You're kind, smart, funny [emotional music playing.]
and beautiful.
You know your way around a kitchen, a classic car, and my heart.
You can cure any ill with great food and a killer smile.
I'll build our house.
Be your rock.
I cherish everything you are, and I promise to treasure everything that you'll become.
And I vow before God and our favorite folks to love you forever.
[June.]
Thank you, Ronnie.
Do you wanna share your vows, Dana Sue? [emotional music continues.]
[exhales.]
[Ronnie exhales.]
Well, until next time, I would like for you both to consider the sacred promises that you made to each other and to God.
And do your vows still mean the same thing to you today [emotional music continues.]
All right, well, we harvested four eggs.
[inhales.]
I ate well.
I, uh I did yoga.
I avoided chemicals.
I took all of my medication.
Even those supplements.
You were remarkably diligent, as I expected you would be.
- Did I do this wrong? - You did everything within Not just this.
I mean all of it.
Every decision that brought me here.
Waiting until now, ig ignoring the urges to be a mother.
[inhales.]
Did I lose my chance? [sobs.]
Did I did I waste my moment? It it's been my experience that focusing on the road not taken keeps you from getting anywhere.
But for the sake of this moment's conversation, are there aspects of your current life you would forfeit for a hypothetical child? - [softly.]
No.
- Remember that.
Also, think of this process as a an experience with unexpected gifts.
[laughs.]
They may surprise you by revealing strengths you didn't even know you had.
Yeah, such as? Embracing the inability to control everything.
[scoffs, chuckles.]
Sometimes anything.
[sighs.]
Dr.
Ringle, that gift has never had my name on it.
Stay hopeful.
You have four eggs, and you only need one for your ultimate success.
[inhales.]
- It only takes one.
- Mmm.
- Good evening, Miss Sullivan.
- Jackson.
Hi, Annie.
- Hey.
- Wow! [Annie chuckles.]
Thanks, Jackson.
They're beautiful.
You're welcome.
I'll put 'em in water for you.
I'll make sure to have her back by curfew, ma'am.
You have a wonderful evening.
[emotional music playing.]
Y'all do the same.
[Maddie sighs.]
- [Cal sighs.]
- Mmm.
- [Maddie chuckles.]
- Well, that gives happy hour new meaning.
[Maddie chuckles.]
[Maddie.]
Mmm.
[Maddie chuckles.]
- Hmm.
- [Maddie giggles.]
Actually, uh, could you grab me a T-shirt? Mmm.
After that, I'll do anything you ask.
[Cal.]
Mmm.
[Maddie.]
Oh! You have a memory drawer too? [Cal.]
Oh gosh, no! You know, sometimes I forget that you had a life before you came to Serenity.
[Cal.]
Ah Wait, you went to the ESPYs? I watch this every year with Ty.
I always cry at the Jimmy V Award.
As do I.
But heads up, the T-shirts are one drawer down.
Yeah, but this is way more fun.
[Cal.]
Hmm.
[pensive music playing.]
There's a story.
An explanation.
Wanna share? Well, I keep that as a reminder that it takes two people to screw up a relationship.
Victoria and I were both all-stars in that sport.
A wise man once told me that true forgiveness only happens when the pain of past relationships isn't the first thing that you think of when you wake up in the morning.
I hope that you get that one day soon.
That morning, my love, has already come.
What I'm looking forward to is the morning I can wake up with you in my arms.
[sentimental music playing.]
I never thought a stack of paper could make me so happy.
[both laugh.]
Well, enjoy it.
We spoke to neighbors, we researched the law, we gathered signatures, we nailed down every requirement so that the petition couldn't be bounced out on a technicality, and now now that it's all filed, it it just it just feels like minutes.
Yeah.
The good times always go so fast.
As Miss Frances said in her notebook, "The speed of life will surprise you, and so will your ability to remember the sweetest moments.
" - We should put that in her program.
- She thought of that.
And we are.
[all laughing.]
All of her final wishes are falling into place nicely.
Well, part of me still can't believe she's gone.
I know.
- I'm gonna miss her something fierce.
- Yeah, we all will.
But she'll continue to walk with us and motivate us.
Standing up to Mary Vaughn is proof of what we've learned.
- Would she cower in front of a bully? - Only while pigs are flying.
- Neither will we.
- Mm-hmm.
Let's go.
[laughs.]
Mmm.
- Let's go sit down, ladies.
- Mmm.
- Ooh, that's good tonight.
- Yeah.
Maddie, how is Cal handling being in love with an activist? - [Maddie.]
Oh! - [laughs.]
If I'm being honest, it's kinda thrilling to be with a man that, I don't know, supports me.
My passion, my vision.
[Dana Sue.]
Hmm! [Dana Sue, Maddie laugh.]
So that's where that little rosy glow and the big smile come from.
Intellectual rapport.
- [Maddie.]
Mmm.
- [Dana Sue, Helen laugh.]
Ugh.
When I was sitting there, watching Bill walk out [Helen.]
Mmm.
if you asked me, "Maddie, where are you gonna be next summer?" I I could not have imagined that this was possible.
And all of the peaks and valleys in between.
I'm living proof that sorrow can turn to joy.
Hmm.
You give me hope.
How's counseling? It's it's going.
I mean, June is wonderful.
You and Ronnie? Pushing ourselves to the brink to try and get it right.
But you you both still want this? Oh yeah, I can't tell you how much.
[splutters.]
It's just it's just a whole lot harder than I thought it was gonna be.
[Helen scoffs.]
Come on over here and preach to the choir, Dana Sue.
- Not you and Erik? - No.
Me and my doctor.
Oh.
That's right.
How was your appointment? If you were to ask me where I wanna be next summer, I'd say sitting in Town Square, soaking up the sun, holding my baby.
[inhales sharply.]
What if I'm the next Miss Frances, hmm? Devoted to the community but alone.
Okay.
Hold on one hot second.
You have never nor will you ever be alone.
Hey, listen.
We know you want a baby, and we support you however you choose to have that child, but in the meantime, remember all the lives you have changed.
As a lawyer, a town leader, a godmother.
A friend.
Uh, we have a reputation to uphold, missy.
- Yes, we do.
- [all laugh.]
We are the sweet girls whose dreams blossom.
- Oh yes.
- Yeah.
[inhales.]
- To Miss Frances.
- Yeah.
And that lemonade stand.
And all of the good things that have been poured out since.
[sentimental music playing.]
[all chuckle.]
Don't feel bad.
I have been family Putt-Putt champion three years running.
You didn't think that was key info to share when I invited you out for miniature golf? Surprise? I demand a rematch.
I won't be foiled by the windmill again.
Okay, I'll put my crown on the line.
[emotional music playing.]
Thanks for a great night.
You're the reason it was so much fun.
I'm glad I gave you a second chance.
And got to know you better.
I gotta ask.
What finally won you over? The origami camera? [laughs.]
No.
You were willing to show me who you really are.
[emotional music continues.]
[sobs.]
Mary Vaughn? I am hard-pressed to describe the depths of my disappointment.
You and your Not-So-Sweet Magnolias stupidly went through with your ambush.
An ambush is secret.
We told you exactly what we were doing and why.
The people have spoken.
After they were confused by your exaggerations and lies.
And how many of those signatures have real people, actual registered voters, attached? We'll leave that for the town clerk to verify.
The town charter gives her 48 hours to do so.
Which means you still have time to withdraw your petition.
You would be wise to do so.
Let me give that proposal the same consideration that you and your husband have given the citizens of Serenity.
No.
Shortsighted and foolhardy.
[scoffs softly.]
Don't forget, I hold Cal's fate in my hands.
[pensive music playing.]
[door closes.]
[Helen.]
I'm sorry, I'm running late.
And if your boss can't be a little flexible with your lunch break, I'd be happy to talk to her, Erik.
[laughs.]
[knocking at door.]
Just just let me deal with whoever's at the door, and I'll be on my way.
Hold on.
Come in! - [chuckles.]
- [door opens.]
Yeah.
- Okay.
I'll be right there.
Okay, bye.
- [door closes.]
Right.
Helen.
Ryan.
I'm sorry I didn't call first.
I can feel Aunt Frances wagging a finger from heaven.
I'm I'm so sorry for your loss.
For Serenity's loss.
- Do you have a moment? - [Helen.]
Uh, only a moment.
- I'm on my way out.
- I went by your office.
I made some changes.
- I hope you've been well.
- Ryan.
- I mean it.
- What can I do for you? I came to talk through the service and celebration.
Of course.
Of course.
Um Wh when? Well, you tell me.
You Magnolias are doing such a wonderful job with the planning, I feel like I don't have much to do except talk to Peggy.
Peg Peggy's not helping with the arrangements.
Why does she need to talk to you? Well, um I'll I'll call you.
Yes, I should, um, check in to the B and B and get some sleep.
Getting back came at the cost of two cramped bus rides and a brutal red-eye.
- [Helen chuckles.]
- [Ryan exhales.]
It's good to see you.
[emotional music playing.]
[door opens.]
- [door closes.]
- [exhales.]
[breathes shakily.]
[breathes deeply.]
So the boys are bringing Miss Frances's books over from her place, and Dana Sue successfully enlisted Ronnie to make the Little Free Libraries.
Oh, well, I'm glad those two are talking again.
Oh, they're doing more than just talking.
- [chuckles.]
Even better.
- Mm-hmm.
Okay, so I've arranged the organist for the funeral, the vocalist for the interment, and the bluegrass band for the party.
Oh, and I made sure that they know "Angel From Montgomery," because Frances had a crush on John Prine that bordered on the indecent, and [cries.]
Oh Mama.
[exhales.]
How are you doing? Hmm.
Oh, darling, I I miss my friend.
But she is in a glorious place.
- [Maddie.]
Mm-hmm.
- Mmm.
And I have a a certain peace in the wonderful memories we created.
[laughs.]
Whenever we saw Whenever we saw each other, we'd say, "Do you remember when" Even though, of course, we always did.
When you've been friends over the decades, those stories become a, um a connection to your truth.
A reminder of who you were and how you became who you are.
[sighs.]
Revising my own final plans to replace Frances is hard.
[chuckles.]
I always thought she'd outlive us all.
Wait.
You have a notebook? No, no, I have a strongbox.
You should have your affairs in order too.
I mean, certainly, Helen told you to revise your will when you got divorced? That is different.
You know, I have to make sure the kids are taken care of.
[chuckles.]
I have people to take care of too.
So, my strongbox is on the third shelf of the linen closet, and the combination is your birthday.
And I told Helen all of this, so you don't have to fret about remembering.
I just want everything to be as worry-free as possible for you.
I can't.
I won't think about your not being with us.
Which is why I discussed everything with Helen.
It's not just that you're my mama, and I love you more than I can say.
I talk to you every day.
You are my living example of dreaming big and thinking creatively and [sniffles.]
disregarding all the dirt in Serenity's rumor mill.
[chuckles softly.]
I would not have gotten through my divorce without you.
Oh And Ty and Kyle and Katie, they adore you.
[sniffles.]
Mama, you're at the center of this family.
Sweet girl.
Just because I have a plan doesn't mean I'm in a hurry to leave.
[chuckles.]
And when I do go, I will be your biggest fan for eternity.
I will always be a voice in your ear and a beat in your heart.
[sniffles.]
[exhales.]
[sniffles.]
[Howie.]
I I knew you'd be a great parent by the patience and compassion you showed our patients.
Well, I just wanted them to get back to their best selves.
Here.
Which is why I stopped by.
I have a favor to ask, and I know, with Rebecca, it's a big one.
I didn't wanna put you on the spot in front of Bill yesterday at the checkup.
[sighs.]
I appreciate that, Howie.
And I appreciate how kind and gracious you've always been to me.
Even after the mess Bill and I made at the practice.
Life's messy, Noreen, but you can always count on me as a friend.
Likewise.
So ask away.
Well, Collins Littlefield just had hernia surgery.
He's laid up at his house and needs someone to look after him for a couple days.
Frankly, it's less about nursing and more about making sure he behaves while he heals.
I can imagine.
He and Miss Frances were in a senior circle.
They all check in on each other.
Miss Frances would call or swing by every morning.
That's beautiful.
He's taking her loss hard.
Collins wouldn't say so, but the daily company might do him some good.
And I think he'd be more open to an arrangement if it's someone that he likes - [Rebecca coos.]
- and her sweet baby.
- [both chuckle.]
- [Rebecca coos.]
No need for flattery, Howie.
Serenity's my home now.
Neighbors look out for each other.
[Peggy.]
I'm sorry this is what brought you home, but it is good to have you back.
[laughs.]
I'm not clear why you asked me to stop by.
Well, I wanted to discuss your, uh your level of comfort in having The Sentinel report on the events surrounding your aunt's funeral.
I'm writing an appreciation, but it doesn't seem enough.
Everyone loved her so much.
Aunt Frances always said she wanted to be remembered by the people she helped.
- Not by the people who were watching.
- [laughing.]
I'm sure your appreciation will be lovely and sufficient.
I appreciate that.
Is there a favorite picture that you would like for us to run with the piece? The one that was in the yearbook the last few years she taught.
- I'm fairly sure I have a digital copy.
- Well, here.
You can email or text it to me.
I don't mean to drag you back over here when you have so much to do.
Not a problem.
- It's good to see you.
- You too.
Hey, Ry.
Um, will you be staying a bit? It'd be nice to talk to you again.
Maybe do an article on everything you've been up to.
[exhales.]
Depends on whether there's something worth staying for.
I will let you know.
[pensive music playing.]
Okay.
I've got the vases.
I'm gonna head out.
Thank you, sweetheart.
Before I go, um, I just got the most amazing invite.
Next weekend, I don't have a shift at the restaurant.
I'll have finished one of my summer books, I got my highest grades yet last quarter, and I'll stream Sunday service online instead of being there in person.
And this allows you to Go with Lily to her parents' lake house for the weekend.
Please? Who else is gonna be there? Lily's mom.
The whole time? Most of it.
Thank you for explaining.
- It sounds really exciting.
- Is that a yes? But I don't know Lily that well, and I don't know her mother at all.
So this has to be a no.
Okay.
Just thought I'd ask.
I'll be back soon.
[acoustic guitar strumming.]
When your world's crashing down Keep your head up It's just a small town Sometimes I think there's more to me But if I'm all I'll ever be But I'll keep my head up Oh, hey.
That was beautiful.
Did you write that? Uh, yeah.
If only you didn't sound so surprised.
I didn't mean to.
I remember when you used to play guitar all the time, and it's great you're playing again.
Uh, yeah, I'm a little rusty, but it's coming back to me.
Uh, these are from my mom.
Bud vases for your mom and grandma for the celebration for Miss Frances.
- Well, thanks for bringing them by.
- Happy to.
I might not have gotten a chance to hear the song otherwise.
I would've found another way to inflict it on you.
[laughs.]
[door opens.]
[whimsical music playing.]
[Annie exhales.]
Whoa, that's awesome? Ridiculous.
But awesome.
Cool.
Can you play paparazzi for a minute? Dude, there's an actual photographer right in front of you.
- Would you mind? - [Annie.]
Not at all.
I just wish I had my camera.
- [Kyle grunts.]
- [camera clicking.]
[Tyler, Annie chuckle.]
[Annie.]
Do I even want to know why you're dressed like this? Kyle and his friends are making this really cool game, but that might not be the reason why he's dressed like that.
- [Annie laughs.]
- Ha-ha.
[laughs.]
No, we're meeting up tomorrow to discuss the villain's arc, and I want them to have this visual.
So you raided your and Katie's costume closet and my sports stash.
Hey, creativity knows no boundaries.
Well, if the game is half as wild as this costume, it'll be a huge hit.
Yeah.
She's right.
A huge hit! [all laugh.]
It's wonderful to see you two on the mend.
It's wonderful to see you.
[Tyler.]
Uh, he's right.
It is.
Agreed.
So see you soon? - When do I get to hear the song? - When do I get to play the game? Ah! Respect to my fellow artiste.
Do you know what this character needs? - Spiked hair.
- Really? Yeah.
I I have some wax left over from that stupid Spirit Week when the whole team did it.
Wanna give it a try? - Sure.
- All right.
What was that? Whoa! Hey, you Look at me, getting to walk the prettiest girl in town home.
You know, if you had schoolbooks, I'd carry them to lighten your load.
Yeah.
Would you put your letterman jacket around my shoulders too? - [chuckles.]
- Complete with captain's pin.
So, how was homeroom today? Funny enough, same bully, then and now, came up to me.
[sighs.]
Mary Vaughn.
[sighs.]
She warned me, again, about not being happy about the petition, and she threatened me, again, about something bad happening to you if we don't stand down.
[Cal sighs.]
This is all about Jackson.
[sighs.]
I mean, if I have to cut that boy's meat into bite-size pieces while I serve him off of a silver platter, that cannot stop you and your friends from the good work you are doing for Serenity.
But I don't want you to be collateral damage.
As Harriet Beecher Stowe said, "Never give up, for that is just the place and time the tide will turn.
" So you don't stop, and I will be by your side the entire way.
Literally side by side? [Maddie chuckles.]
[Cal sighs.]
The entire way.
Okay, your strength makes me feel safe.
Your confidence elevates mine.
Your presence alone [exhales.]
Your presence alone Your presence alone can set my world right when it falls off its axis! - Your presence alone can set - [knocking at door.]
Can s can set my world right Your presence alone can set my world right when it falls - Hi.
- Hi.
Okay, so I have thought about what my vows mean, and I'm ready to talk through them.
You ready? Yeah.
I don't understand why you can so easily remember your vows, and it is so hard for me.
Babe, it's not a competition.
I know that.
What I don't know is why I just can't do it! It's okay.
All right? So let's let's try a a different approach.
All right? Let's just forget about it, huh? And let's start our new chapter.
[scoffs.]
How am I supposed to do that when my heart is still broken? See, I've tried to move on, but I can't stop feeling like I was just worthless.
I mean, why else push me aside for whiskey and some random woman? You know, when Annie asked me why you were gone, I could only tell her about the drinking because I couldn't make myself say that you had been unfaithful because it it killed me to even think it.
You gave that woman something so precious.
So how can you say that she didn't mean anything? And how much can your vows really mean when you trashed 'em? I can recite all the lyrics to "I Love Rock 'n Roll," but that don't mean I'm going on tour, does it?! [exclaims.]
Why?! Why didn't you just tell me that you were unhappy? You know that couple that said all those sweet things to each other? You destroyed them! You did! And they are gone! Just like you need to be.
[melancholy music playing.]
[door closes.]
[Peggy laughing.]
I was more afraid of Miss Frances than I was of my daddy, so I had my life flash before my eyes three or four times during that long walk to his office.
And I think she might have liked to see me sweat a bit.
[laughs.]
Oh yes.
But it was all so that she could surprise me and my dad together with the news that I'd gotten the Chamber of Commerce Scholarship.
She will be missed.
- Thank you, Trent.
That was lovely.
- My pleasure.
If there's nothing else - Oh, there is one more thing.
- Ah, shoot.
You need to understand, I'm not going to keep your secrets anymore.
[exhales, sniffs.]
- Hey.
- [Maddie.]
Hey.
How was PT? Uh, it was brutal, as usual.
But anything to get back on the field.
What's up? [Cal.]
I got the Division I recruiting schedules.
They don't line up with your timetable for full recovery.
The schools that you were hoping to attend may not be an option anymore.
[melancholy music playing.]
So all those hours in rehab? All those years practicing, competing, and training.
- It's all it's all been for nothing? - No.
Never nothing.
But the bridge you're talking about, Coach, this is it! - Ty, there are other ways forward.
- [Cal.]
I've already reached out.
There are great programs I I don't wanna talk about Team Almost-Good-Enough! There was never a time where DI baseball wasn't my goal! Y'all are gonna have to give me a second to get over the fact that I lost my dream in one stupid night! [blows.]
[whistles.]
You know, it's great to see you in a workshop again.
Kinda like back when you made my dollhouse.
Ah! Yeah, that was a beaut.
Surprised you gave that to Katie.
She basically moved in to my room so she could play with it.
It was either that or make space for her clothes in my closet.
- I can make you another one.
- Appreciate that.
So my friend Lily, uh, her family just came to town.
They go to Prince of Peace, and Lily and I led a group together for Vacation Bible School.
Yeah, you've mentioned her before.
I'm glad you have a new friend.
She's awesome.
She even invited me to go to the family's lake house this weekend.
Is it okay if I go? Well, what did your mother say? No.
Why are you asking me? Because I thought you'd say yes.
[chuckles softly.]
Don't do that.
Come on, the one thing your mother and I have never wavered in is raising you right.
Respect that? Thank you.
[Sophie giggles.]
Our game won't have a stupid cliffhanger like Realms of Tyranny.
[chuckles.]
Or that stupid "you were the villain!" revelation at the end of The Spider's Broken Web.
[laughs.]
You know, Nellie might have some thoughts about that final twist.
You know, we talk nonstop about the game, and I'm all about that, but let's pause and toggle your character tab a bit.
You're super fun and talented and just really great people.
[chuckles.]
[chuckles.]
Thanks? But for someone who's so smart, you're a complete idiot about Nellie.
What? I was hoping you would realize it on your own, but clearly, I have to give you a hint box.
I'm I'm not even close to following what you're talking about.
Kyle.
[scoffs.]
You brought Nellie into our crew, you always stick up for her, and you keep bringing her up when she's not related to the topic.
You're into her.
- No, no.
I don't think of her like that.
- Well, you should.
I read these things well.
And you'd make a great fit.
Accept the true quest.
Go for Nellie.
[Tyler.]
Nana and Mom found a whole bunch of pictures of "The Little Magnolias" with Miss Frances.
[Helen.]
Yeah.
In case you wanna put 'em in a slideshow at church.
Oh, I'm so glad that they found these.
I think that all of mine from that era are with my mama down in Florida.
[Helen chuckles.]
Anything else on your mind? Is, uh, CeCe working today? No, uh, she and her mother drove up to North Carolina to look at colleges.
- She's going to college? - [Helen.]
She's exploring her options.
It's a new idea for her and her parents, but she's really excited.
- She didn't tell you.
- We're not exactly talking anymore.
We broke up.
Oh, Ty.
- I'm so sorry.
- She didn't tell you? I don't ask about her personal life.
And I won't ask about yours.
Unless you want me to.
Mmm, I'm not sure what went wrong.
I mean, I I know why she got angry, but when I wanted to talk it through, she didn't want to, so Love is hard.
And first love is the worst.
Well, I I'm not sure I'm was in love with her.
You let her into your heart to whatever degree.
That leaves a mark.
Forever.
And and [scoffs.]
I'm not judging or or lecturing.
I'm just I'm just sharing.
But the people we love first, maybe even before we fully know what it means to be loved, they're with us from that day forward.
And even if you try not to, you you You measure every person who comes after them against them.
Better or or worse, not as funny, weirder taste in music - Simpler coffee orders.
- Eh.
[inhales.]
So, here's what I try to do about that.
[both chuckle.]
I try to be grateful for what that person taught me about the world and about myself.
But not let remembering the first keep me from seeing the next as the completely unique and utterly marvelous even if slightly guarded person that they may be.
- Aunt Helen? - [Helen.]
Hmm? Do you think you can ever go back to the first? [emotional music playing.]
Maybe.
Maybe.
As long as you're not going there because you're running from something else.
Hey.
You know your worth first, and then you find someone who complements it, even if you have to look for a long time.
- Hope you're not too old for auntie hugs.
- [chuckles.]
Never.
- Because I'm coming in hot.
- I'm ready for it.
[both laugh.]
Thank you.
Thank you.
- [sobs.]
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
- [June.]
Why? There's no healing without honesty, and you were just being honest about how you feel.
When I was pointing at him to leave, all I could think of was my mama saying, "You point at someone, three fingers point back at you.
" And then it just it hit me.
Forgiving Ronnie for his mistakes means forgiving myself for the damage that I caused.
And accepting that you are worthy of forgiveness.
- Am I? - Yeah.
That's the beauty of grace.
We're forgiven even as we struggle with the enormity of the gift.
But I broke my vows.
I stood before God and our family and our friends, and I said, "I will support your dreams as passionately as I believe in your ability to achieve them.
" And did you do that to the best of your ability? I did not.
Why not? I doubted and then blamed.
And [sniffles.]
all the mess-ups and [exhales.]
the resentments, they just piled so high that I couldn't even see him behind all his flaws, and I completely ignored my own.
Recognizing where you both went wrong is a crucial step in getting you back on the right track.
I mean, God knows, I still love him, and I I want to trust him again, but I feel like if I let go of all of this hurt and all of this anger [sobs.]
like, I'll fall apart.
Dana Sue, dear heart, until you've fallen apart, we can't put you back together.
[Dana Sue crying.]
Oh, I'm here.
It's okay.
- I'm here.
- [crying.]
I'm here.
[melancholy music playing.]
[Dana Sue crying.]
I assume you're here to deliver good news about the petition? I am.
The clerk completed the signature verification process and ratified the petition.
The recall process has officially begun.
[exhales.]
Well, then I am compelled to call an emergency school board meeting to discuss allegations that may require the termination of Cal's contract with the high school.
What are these allegations? It would be inappropriate of me to speak outside of executive session.
You know how gossip travels in Serenity.
Besides, if you're sleeping with a man, shouldn't you know his secrets? Or don't you learn from your mistakes? This is what I'm willing to do for the man that I love.
How about you? [pensive music playing.]
[Bill.]
I'm sorry I'm late.
I'm still learning to anticipate Castlewood traffic.
- Mind if we walk? - Not at all.
I sure hope you haven't heard all the good Miss Frances stories already.
That's not why I called you.
Oh.
Well, look, I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment on a recall.
- Between me moving - You and I have a child.
What did you say? You heard me.
Oh, don't you walk away from me! Wha Wha what the hell, Peggy? Here? In Town Square? I'm sorry, would you rather a bar at Sullivan's or a booth at Wharton's, perhaps? You know, if anyone asks, you are more than welcome to tell them I wanted to hear a cute story about Miss Frances that I am not going to listen to.
The Model UN Conference in Raleigh? Beginning of junior year? Why didn't you tell me? Our mothers decided it was for the best.
My mama?! Why didn't she tell me? That is a conversation for you to have with yours.
Mine told me they decided enough lives have been ruined and that it was best you didn't know.
Maybe yours should have told you so you could learn from your mistakes.
Oh, and that's why you're telling me now? 'Cause my life isn't fully upside down? Mmm.
[scoffs.]
Peggy, wait! Peggy, please! I just wish you would have told me.
I cannot express how sorry I am that it took me two decades to learn how to say no to my mother.
This will not change anything between us.
I don't want or need anything from you.
The only thing I want from you is something you can't give.
Twenty-two years, Peggy.
Imagine how I felt, knowing that he was out there somewhere, praying that he was loved and cherished.
Was he? [exhales.]
Ask him yourself.
[emotional music playing.]
[exhales.]
Dr.
Townsend.
Isaac.
Thank you.
Now I'm gonna ask you to leave.
[emotional music continues.]
Never again.
[closing theme music playing.]
[music fades.]