Party of Five s03e08 Episode Script
Not So Fast
You cheated on her? Yeah.
You cheated on Sarah? Keep it down.
Yeah.
Wow.
With-- With who? That is not the question.
Well, it's sort of the question.
No.
The question iswhy.
Why would I do something like that? I mean, cheating? That's like-- That's the absolute lowest form of Of I thought you guys were doing pretty well.
I mean, it kind of seems like you love her.
Well, yeah.
I mean, look at her.
She's beautiful and And incredibly smart and unbelievably together.
But she's 16 and in high school.
Everything is high school, high school.
And all the stuff we do, it's the same stuff we've always done.
And some stuff we don't do at all.
You know? You don't do it? Okay, so technically you're not cheating.
Give me a break.
I'm just trying to help.
Man, you are really sweating this.
Yeah.
No, I mean, literally.
Look at you.
You're drenched.
Yeah.
It's making me feel sick.
[SIGHS.]
I know what I have to do.
No.
You-- You can't tell her.
Bailey, promise me you're not gonna tell her, 'cause that never works.
Of course I'm not gonna tell her.
Good.
I'm gonna break up with her.
[THE BODEANS' "CLOSER TO FIVE" PLAYING.]
* Everybody wants to live * * Like they wanna live * * And everybody wants to love * * Like they wanna love * * Everybody wants to be * * Closer to free-ee-ee-ee * * Closer to free * [***.]
Thanks.
Hi.
Hi.
Anybody special you-- It's for me.
Um, Julia.
You were incredible.
Yeah, the, uh, coughing fit at the end really gave the story that extra oomph, don't you think? [GIGGLES.]
Thanks.
What? I've seen you before.
But were you, uh--? You were at my reading at Green Apple last Thursday.
Yeah.
And I also saw you at City Lights.
Your stuff, it-- It just gets in.
You know, I mean, I read it, or I hear you reading it, and-- And I just have to sit back and let it kick around in my head.
If I could ever write anything even close to Dog With a Bone.
A writer, huh? Uh Oh, kind of.
Since, I don't know, second grade.
Ha.
Actually, I have a meeting at Stanford this week with somebody from Admissions.
I'm hoping to beg my way into the creative writing program.
No kidding.
Well, I teach in that department.
You knew that, right? Ah.
That's kind of the reason I [CHUCKLES.]
Look, why don't you come to one of my classes? Then you can see what you'd be getting yourself into.
Seriously? Yeah, I've got a 4:00 fiction seminar.
And they're way over me.
You know, maybe you could come and tell them that somebody still thinks of me as hot stuff.
[LAUGHS.]
In a heartbeat.
[GIGGLES.]
CHARLIE: What is taking them so long? They counted the votes for the president faster than this.
I've got a good feeling about this, Claud.
I think you could take it.
I do.
Really? You think? 'Cause, well, I don't know about that last movement.
The-- The thing with the, uh-- With the-- The thingy? With the-- The bouncing on the things? Yeah.
See, that-- That's just where I choked.
I overdid the staccato.
She's right.
You were off just a bit.
But that first movement, that was outstanding.
Spontaneous, flowing.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'm sorry.
And you are? Avery Baltus.
Avery Baltus.
Of course.
I'm Ross Werkmen.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
AVERY: Nice to meet you.
How do I know that name? I played with your mother.
Right.
In the scrapbook, I remember.
They played, uh, quartets in Central Park.
Well, actually, they were duets in the Battery.
[CHARLIE LAUGHS.]
I know.
I mean, I've heard the recordings.
Julia's told me a lot about you.
WOMAN: Ladies and gentlemen.
Terrific.
Shh.
We have our winner.
Starting in the young adults category Paula Barksdale.
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
Not to worry.
No one here has got your talent.
[GIRLS CHATTERING, LAUGHING.]
Hi.
I didn't wanna interrupt.
Hm.
Oh.
Heh.
Senior-class homecoming float.
We're making flowers.
Aha.
But I wouldn't wanna bore you with that.
I know how you hate anything that smacks of high school.
Ahem.
Anyway, it was something to do.
It's not like I had a very busy week.
You're still mad about the dance.
Really? [SIGHS.]
Look, can we--? Can we go someplace and-- And what? Talk? Or fight? Hey, how about we go someplace, and you can turn on me and then claim that I forced you there, then get really nasty and walk out on me? Yeah, let's do that.
Sarah, come on, I-- I feel really lousy.
Well, you should.
No, I mean, I really feel lousy.
Oh, my God.
I must be Bailey? Well, give me-- Give me-- [VOMITS.]
[SIGHS.]
I promised myself I was gonna stay mad at you.
I really hate you for this.
What? Get in the car and I'll take you to the doctor.
The dirty secret about my classes is they're not really about teaching writing.
It's like, uh Hm.
It's like helping someone give birth.
You tell them when to push, you can tell them maybe turn the shoulders.
But at the end of the day, it's their baby.
Hm.
That's a good analogy.
I might steal it and use it in something.
[CHUCKLES.]
See, now that is the danger of being friends with another writer.
So how did you start? Oh, um.
Wow, I haven't thought of this in-- In forever.
Uh, my brother Bailey and I, when we were little he and his friend Will would always go off being cowboys and astronauts all the time and they would never let a girl play.
Oh, God forbid.
Except that I started writing these adventures.
You know, with aliens and-- And monsters and these great heroic rescues and-- Anyway, uh, one day my-- My mom found them.
And she got all excited, and-- And I know they weren't really good cause I was, like, 8.
But she said they were good.
And-- And so I kept it up.
And after that, she pretty much would read anything I ever wrote.
Heh.
That is really important.
See, every writer needs someone like that.
It's too lonely a business without it.
Yeah.
You know, I could show you something.
I have a short story that I was gonna submit with with my application.
I mean, I know you're swamped with your teaching and the book, and-- No.
I really would like to read something you wrote.
Just think of it as a professional courtesy.
Okay.
Heh.
Wait a second.
Dad had sawdust on this floor? And to advertise, Nick actually walked the streets in one of those sandwich-board thingies.
Uh, what did it say? "Salinger's: for a fresh food treat complete with meat.
" I painted the sign.
[ALL LAUGHING.]
Oh.
I hope you don't mind me saying this, but, uh, if your mom and dad could see all this.
I mean, Charlie, this place with all these customers smiling and paying.
[ALL LAUGH.]
And, Claudia.
What? Oh, you know what.
You are a wonderful musician.
Mm, not today.
Well, at the Troutman competition? And the Hutchinson Prize? I wish your mom could have heard you any one of those days.
Yeah.
Wait.
Wait, I don't get it.
Were you actually following her around? Yeah.
I've been watching her for a long time.
First, just because of who you are.
But after that because of how good you are.
So why didn't you say anything? I was giving her time to grow up a bit.
As a musician.
Waiting until I could help.
Help? Help you be as good as you can be.
And how good is that? If you put your mind to it, you could be as good as your mom.
I mean, probably better.
[CHUCKLES.]
No kidding? Man, I hate this.
It's like having a million mosquito bites.
I'm on fire.
Look, you don't have to do this.
Thanks.
Do what? Stop scratching.
This.
You know, help me and be here.
Don't worry.
Don't worry.
I talked to my folks and I already had the chicken pox when I was 6.
[SIGHS.]
Look, we have to talk.
No, you need to be quiet and rest.
God, don't you guys ever buy food? You know, like edible food? I'm gonna have to run to the store but I'll get you all set up when I get back.
Please, don't.
Look, I'm-- I'm fine.
Ow.
Ow! Sarah-- It's not like I'm forgetting this whole dance thing.
I'm not, I'm not.
I'm just-- I'm putting it aside for a while 'cause, well, you know, that's what you do when your boyfriend gets sick.
I'll be mad at you next week.
I promise.
Here, let's check you again.
Sarah, please.
I don't-- This is a bad idea.
I don't need it.
I don't deserve it, and it's only gonna make things worse.
So, please, please, please, stop helping me.
I just-- I'll be back as soon as I can.
Stay in bed and don't scratch.
You're gonna scar.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[***.]
[VIOLIN PLAYING SCALES.]
Oh, sorry.
Did-- Did I wake you? A little.
I was just-- I must have forgotten the time.
You're gonna go to bed eventually, right? 'Cause you gotta be at school in, like, a matter of minutes.
Avery said we have the same chin attitude when we play.
Mom and me.
Like we're trying to hold the music down or it-- It might fly away with us.
You think I got that from just watching her, or you don't think it's something that just came down from her genes? I don't know, Claud.
It's just so cool to think that when I'm playing she's, like, right here playing with me.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
[PANTING.]
[CALLIE SIGHS.]
So, uh, you're sick, huh? Ugh, who's playing that? I love this song.
Oh, wait.
You didn't slobber your germs on this, did you? It's the chicken pox.
So I doubt-- Chicken pox? Ha.
Are you kidding? Thank you.
Thank you very much.
That's very supportive.
Hey, you know, it sucks you feel bad, but, uh Just so you know, I don't-- I don't do sick.
You know, it's just, uh-- It's not my bag.
What's all this? I think Sarah left it during one of my-- My fever-soaked deliriums.
Oh, chicken soup, medicinal supplies.
We have a big old sweatshirt for if you get cold.
I've a compilation tape of songs about feeling better.
God, this stuff is so sweet.
She must really love you.
Whatever's in there, I don't want it.
I would have told her myself if I had been coherent.
So if you want anything just-- Just take it.
Ooh, Bailey's got the chicken pox.
Ooh.
Morning, Avery.
Hi, Charlie.
I don't know.
I don't remember.
I don't think so.
Did you ever have the chicken pox? Nope.
I think you're the first.
I don't know.
Maybe we ought to stay away for a couple of days till you start getting better.
Who's taking care of him? Who's taking care of you? Really? Sarah's taking care of him.
Oh.
Sarah's taking care of you? Okay, okay.
I'm butting out.
We'll, um-- We'll call you.
Yup.
Ohh.
Ohh, scratchy.
Mm-hm.
So, Avery? Yeah? Oh, Avery and I are just going over my repertoire and stuff.
No kidding.
It's kind of early.
So Mom played all of these? Heavy into the Romantics.
Cool.
Hm.
This is-- This is great.
Look, I promise I'll be really dedicated.
I mean, I'll, like, double my practice time.
Well, it's more than just practice time.
Claudia, you're gonna be late.
I have a few minutes.
Oh, I know, I know.
I mean, it's much more than that-- AVERY: It's listening to music every chance you get.
It's making sure you eat right, that you get enough sleep, that you exercise.
It's discipline.
Whatever.
I mean, I don't care.
If Mom could do it, I can do it.
Okay.
All right, but now it's time for you to go to school.
CLAUDIA: Got it.
[CHUCKLING.]
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
It's called Moral Dilemma.
Ha-ha.
What? It's got all those ethical-type questions in it.
Like, would you return a missing wallet? Would you sleep with your boss? Uh Yeah, I really don't-- I saw it advertised on TV.
Uh, I think it's a really bad idea.
How could a fun game be a really bad idea? Sarah, wait.
Look, I know you're trying really hard here.
And it's, like, no one else is even trying at all.
And I really need that, which is why I'm kind of being a coward here.
Bailey, you're not making any sense.
It must be the fever kicking in.
Sarah-- Oh, I thought I heard you two.
Oh, my God, are you guys playing Moral Dilemma? No.
I saw this advertised on TV.
No, no.
Hey, you wanna play? It might be better with three people.
No! No! No! What is your problem? Yeah, what is your problem? You don't do sick, remember? Uh-huh.
Who goes first? [PLAYING LIVELY MELODY.]
Claudia, you got a minute? We need to talk.
Can't it wait until dinner? I'm barely up to, like, two and a half hours yet.
Claudia, please.
Claudia! [SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Avery said to keep a practice journal.
"Xminutes lost.
Miscellaneous brother interruption.
" That's what I wanted to talk about.
Did you know--? Well, Avery told me that the conservatory sometimes takes students as young as me.
Well, that's great, Claud, but-- Avery's good friends with the people on the board.
Uh-huh.
Oh, and, Charlie, oh, if you saw this place, you'd die.
'Cause, you know, like, this really old building where it's, like, if you squinted, you could almost see the ghosts of orchestras past.
If I--? Wait a minute.
When were you at this place? Today.
Oh, and guess what? Avery said-- Today? Avery took you there today? What'd--? What'd you do, cut school without permission? We went during lunch, okay? And, anyway, since when do you care? Hey, you know what? That is out of line.
Okay, so I should have gotten permission.
Anyway, Avery said-- I don't care what Avery says.
You know what? If all you're gonna do is rag on me I have to practice.
Give me that.
Wait, what is your problem? Starting right now there are some rules around here.
And rule number one is you're not going anywhere without me knowing first.
Fine.
Avery does not make the decisions for you.
I do.
You got that? You just wanna be the boss, is that it? I don't wanna be the boss.
I am the boss.
Well, Bailey? [LAUGHING.]
Five in a row.
Do I have your number or what? It's just 'cause you're getting the lamest questions.
Oh, really? Try me again.
Okay.
"Your best friend is quite the ladies man "and he's setting up "a casual acquaintance of yours for a fall.
Do you tell her the truth?" SARAH: He'll say no, because he wouldn't wanna betray a friend.
But it's actually yes.
He'd want the friend to do the telling himself.
You know what? You can't do that.
Do what? Analyze me like that.
That's not part of the game.
Bailey, face it, I know you better than anyone.
I just do.
Oh, come on, don't sulk.
Pick a card.
"Your neighbors with the pool are out of town.
"It's the hottest night of the year.
Do you go for a naked midnight swim?" Mm, definitely, yes.
[LAUGHING.]
What? You are so not telling the truth, Sarah.
There is no way you would do that.
No way at all.
Um, newsflash, Bailey.
Yes, I would.
BAILEY: Right.
Like the time you wouldn't take your top off at that topless beach.
Because you said no because Will and Gina were there.
Hey, I'm not the prude here.
You are.
Interesting.
Hey, you know what? All right, let's change the subject, okay? Um, okay "Your girlfriend's gone out of town for the weekend and lent her apartment to this sexy--" That's it, that's it.
We're done.
What's with you? It's just a game, remember? Yeah, I know.
It's just a game.
So, what's your problem? Nothing.
What's the matter with you guys? Ain't you ever seen a dead man? Let's get this body out of here.
We ain't got all night.
Hey.
It's special delivery.
It's, uh, Gary Prescott.
That's that writer you like.
By messenger, wow! That's got to have set him back God, he read it so fast.
I, uh, gave him a story.
He said he'd read it and tell me what he thought.
That's great.
Yeah.
I don't know.
Maybe he'll put in a good word in with the Admissions people.
He's the kind of guy who would.
He'd-- He'd do that.
Well, hey, I hope he liked it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Charlie, wait.
Um, you look.
I-I-I can't.
Heh.
[GIGGLES.]
And-- And don't rip it.
Mm, don't smudge it.
I wanna keep the envelope.
Just read the good parts.
[CHUCKLES.]
Charlie? Well God.
I'm sorry, Jule.
Yeah, uh Well, just read it out loud or hand it over.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
"Dear Julia," "I took a look at your work and-- "And here are my thoughts.
"It won't help you if I sugarcoat this "so I'm not going to.
"And it's not to say that you won't improve over time.
"But, for now, I think you should hold off "on submitting this piece with your application.
"There is an awkwardness to the language "and an unfocused quality in the storytelling "that makes the piece feel, for lack of a better word, very young.
" Even your choice of subject matter--" That's enough.
You look nice.
Whatever.
Your bummed, huh? Well, you kind of left the letter sitting out last night, and I kind of read it.
[SCOFFS.]
Wow.
Why don't you start a website? JuliaSucks.
com.
So one person didn't like your stuff, Jule.
I mean, so what? I didn't win that competition the other day.
This is different.
No, it's not.
He's just wrong.
What if he's not wrong, Claud? Okay? I mean, what if he's not? Come on.
I mean, you make straight-A's every term in English.
I mean, that's incredible.
It's nothing.
I mean, so what? So I'm good compared to 20 other kids in my class.
Big deal.
I mean, anyone who has a pen can call themselves a writer.
I can call myself that.
Who-- Who cares? It doesn't mean one thing in the actual world.
What if in the actual world it turns out I'm nothing special as a writer? What if it turns out I'm not special at anything? Well, I'm just surprised, Claud.
I thought Charlie was onboard with all this.
Yeah, well, he kind of weirded out.
I-- I mean, that's why you have to talk to him, Ross.
'Cause Avery is right.
You know, I have to move on.
I mean, change all my habits and practice much harder and probably, you know, get-- Get a new teacher and play different music.
Wait a-- Wait a minute.
You said get a new teacher? Just last year you were saying that I needed to move on and find someone new.
I mean, you said that.
Ross, you're the only one who understands just how important this is.
To be, like, great at something and doing it at the highest level you can.
You taught me that.
So will you talk to him? Please, Ross.
Please talk to Charlie? I don't know, Claud.
I-- I don't know how I feel about this.
What? Well, this is a big deal.
And it's happening really fast.
And we don't know that much about Avery as a person.
He played with Mom.
I mean, how much more do you need to know? A lot of things, Claudia.
Your class is starting.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
Hey, there.
[GROANS.]
God, has anyone ever told you you make a lousy sick person? Look, I know why you don't want me here taking care of you.
'Cause you don't like taking help from people.
You're great at taking care of others, taking care of me.
But when it's time for that to come back around-- Sarah, that's not it.
Yes, it is.
It's exactly it.
I really do know you, Bailey.
God, I hate that stupid song so much! Tried pounding on their stupid door before but they must have left it on and gone away or something.
For God sakes, Bailey.
Sarah.
Sarah, what are you doing? Sarah.
Come on, Sarah, we're three stories up.
What are you doing? Hey! SARAH: Hey, Bailey, see this thing underneath my feet? It's called a fire escape.
BAILEY: Oh, you-- I can't believe you're-- You're not gonna-- That's like-- Sarah, that's like breaking and entering.
[WINDOW OPENS UPSTAIRS.]
[MUSIC STOPS.]
Sarah? There.
You happy now? Um, Bailey, I can't get back in unless you move.
Oh.
I can't believe you did that.
Right.
Like there's not anything in the whole world I wouldn't do for you.
Moron.
What? [DOOR OPENS.]
I'm such a-- Hey, guys.
Hey, Cal.
Is that my sweatshirt? Oh, yeah, chicken-soup stain will come right off.
Sarah.
Sarah.
Sarah, wait.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
MAN: Number 11 in your class.
That's impressive.
Excellent grades.
Good recommendations.
Your mother's an alum.
All right.
Now tell me why we should accept you.
Well, uh, those reasons? There are a lot of smart kids out there, Julia, and a lot of them want to come to Stanford.
I wanna know what makes you stand out, what makes you special.
I don't know how to answer that.
You know, you are allowed to sell yourself some.
That's kind of the idea here.
Well, I-- I didn't know that that was what I was gonna have to-- Uh Let me, uh Let me, uh You know what? Let's just-- Let's just have a conversation.
Now, why don't you tell me what you did this past summer.
Uh, I worked at a publishing company.
Is that something you're interested in? Writing? Publishing? Uh Maybe.
I'll tell you what.
When you send your application why don't you include a writing sample? A short story, some poetry, and I'll take a look.
I really don't like showing my stuff.
Oh, it might make it a tricky field for you then.
I probably won't.
I mean, why narrow it down right now? I mean, there's a lot of things that I might want to do or be.
There's a lot of, uh-- Uh, for instance? Um A-- A lawyer, maybe? So, what interests you about law? Well, it's-- It's interesting.
Uh I'm sorry.
This is really bad.
Can we stop? * And the moon * * Oo-ooh * * Is the only Light we'll see * Sarah, wait! Ow! Sarah, come on, will you please just-- Go inside, Bailey, just go.
Sarah, come on, at least let me just-- You really don't get it, do you? I spent all night putting together just the right stuff to make you feel better.
I spent 3 hours deboning slimy chicken breasts for your stupid soup.
And do you have any idea--? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find And you-- You gave it all to her.
Sarah, I'm sorry.
God, what is my problem? You-- You're whiny, you're insensitive, and you're miserable to be around, and-- [ENGINE STARTS.]
MAN: * Stand by me * * Whenever you're in trouble * * Won't you stand by me? * * Oh, ohh * AVERY: Charlie, I'm glad you're here.
I've got some news.
It's good, Charlie.
It is.
I've talked to the board at my conservatory.
And if Claudia meets a couple of basic requirements-- Just the interview and transcripts and, well, the application and stuff.
And She could start as soon as December.
I don't know, Claud.
What? Wait, did you and Ross talk and, like, make some decision? No, Claud.
It's nothing like that.
He's my brother.
I can tell when "I don't know" means "no.
" I can't believe this would be your decision.
I mean, that you honestly believe this is what's best for her.
How do you know what's best for her? How long have you known her, 4 days? I know your family.
I knew your mother.
That's not the same thing.
Did you know last year Claudia quit playing completely? That was so long ago, Ross.
She didn't want anything to do with the violin.
She just wanted to be like a normal kid.
Doesn't that say something? Look at her now.
She's changed her mind.
Someone changed her mind.
I'm not sure it's her.
So I'm pushing her into this? CHARLIE: I think so, yes.
For what possible reason? I don't know.
For our mother? This is so crazy, Charlie.
You did all these great things with her.
Now you're trying to recreate that with Claudia.
I can't believe you would say that.
There's nothing wrong with what Avery's doing.
You're the ones who have the problem.
And you're angry at me 'cause I wanna change teachers.
Claudia, come on, that's not it.
Then I don't know what your problem is.
But maybe you're still mad at me about Kirsten.
All you care about is making the rules.
No, you're wrong, Claudia.
Is she? I know that this is what Diana would have wanted for Claudia.
You have to know that.
And I can give it to her, unless you choose to take it away.
[***.]
[SIGHS.]
Uh, excuse me? Can you--? Can you tell me where parking structure B is? I'm, uh-- I'm lost.
Sure.
Just turn this corner, go straight ahead then make a left at the next building.
Don't go here, huh? No, I don't.
Callie? Yeah? Could you Would you maybe make me a sandwich or something? Actually, I was just on my way out.
Sorry.
You know It would have been nice if even once during all of this you had said, just maybe, uh, "How you feeling, Bailey?" Or, "Hey, can I get you a cup of this tea that I'm already making?" Look, you know, if you're expecting an apology-- Okay, all right.
I'm sorry.
Okay? I'm sorry that I disappointed you.
But I warned you, remember? I mean, sick people, me.
It's just It's a bad mix, okay? Yeah.
Yeah, okay, whatever.
Um Here.
Um, a few of these, uh, deliver.
I think I remember the Chinese place is pretty good.
I gotta go.
Okay? But, uh-- Hey, you, uh-- You feel better.
Okay? See you later.
See you later.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
[***.]
So, what do you think? It's decent.
I don't know.
There's some interesting shadows in the-- Whoa.
Jule, this guy in the fountain's naked.
Oh, look at that.
He is.
Ha.
So, um, these are good, right? Yeah.
But what's the big--? Guess who took them.
Beats me.
Look, I gotta-- Mom.
Charlie, Mom took these.
Really? Yeah.
Where'd you find these? With her stuff from Stanford.
This is what she majored in.
Visual arts, not music.
Huh, it's I didn't know that.
Me either.
I kept thinking about her all day yesterday.
You know, after I messed up that interview.
I kept thinking there was Mom and she went to Stanford and she knew exactly what she was gonna be when she was my age, and-- And I kind of didn't anymore.
I kept-- I kept apologizing to her in my mind like I'd let her down.
And then I found these in a box of her stuff.
It's kind of like she's telling me it's okay.
You know, that I don't have to be a hundred percent sure today, this minute, of who I'm gonna be 'cause she was searching too.
What happened to you? Oh.
I fell asleep standing in line.
Kinda hit my head.
I wanted to get there early to make sure it didn't sell out.
Make sure what didn't sell out? Those-- What do you call it? Those "Hey Macarena" guys.
A lot of people let me ahead of them probably because of the whole fear of infectious disease thing.
Anyway.
Here.
Tenth row.
We'll have fun.
If I live.
I don't want these.
You don't want these? No.
Why would I wanna go with you to something that's only gonna remind me of Here, just take them.
No.
Look, if you don't wanna go to the concert, then-- Then just use them as a bookmark, or use them to get stuff out from between your teeth or something.
But just hang on to them.
'Cause that's not right away.
And maybe after a little time goes by you'll remember how much you love me.
Them.
How much you love them.
The singer guys.
Does passing out on the street count as littering? Sidewalk? Yeah.
Gutter, no.
Thanks.
Bailey? Yeah? You take me for granted sometimes.
You know that, right? Don't do it anymore, okay? Okay.
Don't think you can just buy me things and make it better.
Okay.
I could get you to agree to pretty much anything right now, couldn't I? Yeah.
[***.]
Could you drive me home? Yeah.
Come on.
[SIGHS.]
I'm listening to a new violin piece I'm gonna learn.
Oh, yeah? Yeah.
And I don't care if it makes you upset but I'm gonna change schools and I'm gonna go to the conservatory.
Claudia-- I don't care-- Claudia, stop.
I'm having a real hard time here.
I'm trying to take care of you and set some reasonable rules, but it's like there's this other parent in the house all of a sudden.
You mean Avery? No.
No, I mean Mom.
It's like, "Mom would want this," and "Mom would never allow that.
" And "Mom would never do what you're doing.
" I can't compete with that.
I can't fight with someone who's not here.
And I've been really afraid of taking something away from you, of making the wrong decision about all this stuff.
So don't.
Did you know that Mom didn't decide to be a musician until after she left college? She was gonna be a photographer.
So what? So it-- It takes time to figure out who you're gonna be.
It's too fast, Claud.
You're changing your whole life in three days.
Three days ago you cared about a hundred different things, and now you only care about one.
I figured stuff out.
No.
It's something else.
It's something about Mom and missing her, and wanting to be just like her, and wanting everything decided for your whole life.
And-- And you're 13, Claud.
I know what I want.
I'm not gonna let you do it.
What? We can take it slow if you want, add a few more hours of lessons of lessons, work with Avery-- That won't be enough, Charlie.
Mom would hate you for this.
I don't think so, Claud.
I really don't think so.
I'm sorry.
[VIOLIN PLAYING SCALES.]
He said no.
Yeah, I heard.
Maybe he'll change his mind.
I don't think so.
We'll see.
I brought you a present.
Remember how we talked about finding someone you could share the music with? Someone who understood completely and how it was worth it for all that? You know the Mendelssohn? Yeah.
[VIOLIN PLAYING SOFT MUSIC ON TAPE RECORDER.]
It's your mom.
Why don't you play it with her? Play with her.
JULIA: Dear Gary, Thank you for reading my story story and for your criticisms.
You definitely gave me a lot to think about.
I have this habit.
I've always done this.
Whenever I get a new book, I turn to the last page first because I need to know how things are gonna turn out.
I've decided I'm not gonna do that anymore.
And maybe I wouldn't have figured that out if I hadn't met you.
I don't know if that's gonna make sense to you or not, but I think that's really what I'm thanking you for.
As for what you said about my work, maybe you're right.
But maybe you aren't.
A-And maybe I will become a writer and maybe I won't.
I don't know.
Hm.
I haven't read the last page yet.
[***.]
[***.]
You cheated on Sarah? Keep it down.
Yeah.
Wow.
With-- With who? That is not the question.
Well, it's sort of the question.
No.
The question iswhy.
Why would I do something like that? I mean, cheating? That's like-- That's the absolute lowest form of Of I thought you guys were doing pretty well.
I mean, it kind of seems like you love her.
Well, yeah.
I mean, look at her.
She's beautiful and And incredibly smart and unbelievably together.
But she's 16 and in high school.
Everything is high school, high school.
And all the stuff we do, it's the same stuff we've always done.
And some stuff we don't do at all.
You know? You don't do it? Okay, so technically you're not cheating.
Give me a break.
I'm just trying to help.
Man, you are really sweating this.
Yeah.
No, I mean, literally.
Look at you.
You're drenched.
Yeah.
It's making me feel sick.
[SIGHS.]
I know what I have to do.
No.
You-- You can't tell her.
Bailey, promise me you're not gonna tell her, 'cause that never works.
Of course I'm not gonna tell her.
Good.
I'm gonna break up with her.
[THE BODEANS' "CLOSER TO FIVE" PLAYING.]
* Everybody wants to live * * Like they wanna live * * And everybody wants to love * * Like they wanna love * * Everybody wants to be * * Closer to free-ee-ee-ee * * Closer to free * [***.]
Thanks.
Hi.
Hi.
Anybody special you-- It's for me.
Um, Julia.
You were incredible.
Yeah, the, uh, coughing fit at the end really gave the story that extra oomph, don't you think? [GIGGLES.]
Thanks.
What? I've seen you before.
But were you, uh--? You were at my reading at Green Apple last Thursday.
Yeah.
And I also saw you at City Lights.
Your stuff, it-- It just gets in.
You know, I mean, I read it, or I hear you reading it, and-- And I just have to sit back and let it kick around in my head.
If I could ever write anything even close to Dog With a Bone.
A writer, huh? Uh Oh, kind of.
Since, I don't know, second grade.
Ha.
Actually, I have a meeting at Stanford this week with somebody from Admissions.
I'm hoping to beg my way into the creative writing program.
No kidding.
Well, I teach in that department.
You knew that, right? Ah.
That's kind of the reason I [CHUCKLES.]
Look, why don't you come to one of my classes? Then you can see what you'd be getting yourself into.
Seriously? Yeah, I've got a 4:00 fiction seminar.
And they're way over me.
You know, maybe you could come and tell them that somebody still thinks of me as hot stuff.
[LAUGHS.]
In a heartbeat.
[GIGGLES.]
CHARLIE: What is taking them so long? They counted the votes for the president faster than this.
I've got a good feeling about this, Claud.
I think you could take it.
I do.
Really? You think? 'Cause, well, I don't know about that last movement.
The-- The thing with the, uh-- With the-- The thingy? With the-- The bouncing on the things? Yeah.
See, that-- That's just where I choked.
I overdid the staccato.
She's right.
You were off just a bit.
But that first movement, that was outstanding.
Spontaneous, flowing.
[CHUCKLES.]
I'm sorry.
And you are? Avery Baltus.
Avery Baltus.
Of course.
I'm Ross Werkmen.
It's a pleasure to meet you.
AVERY: Nice to meet you.
How do I know that name? I played with your mother.
Right.
In the scrapbook, I remember.
They played, uh, quartets in Central Park.
Well, actually, they were duets in the Battery.
[CHARLIE LAUGHS.]
I know.
I mean, I've heard the recordings.
Julia's told me a lot about you.
WOMAN: Ladies and gentlemen.
Terrific.
Shh.
We have our winner.
Starting in the young adults category Paula Barksdale.
[CROWD APPLAUDING.]
Not to worry.
No one here has got your talent.
[GIRLS CHATTERING, LAUGHING.]
Hi.
I didn't wanna interrupt.
Hm.
Oh.
Heh.
Senior-class homecoming float.
We're making flowers.
Aha.
But I wouldn't wanna bore you with that.
I know how you hate anything that smacks of high school.
Ahem.
Anyway, it was something to do.
It's not like I had a very busy week.
You're still mad about the dance.
Really? [SIGHS.]
Look, can we--? Can we go someplace and-- And what? Talk? Or fight? Hey, how about we go someplace, and you can turn on me and then claim that I forced you there, then get really nasty and walk out on me? Yeah, let's do that.
Sarah, come on, I-- I feel really lousy.
Well, you should.
No, I mean, I really feel lousy.
Oh, my God.
I must be Bailey? Well, give me-- Give me-- [VOMITS.]
[SIGHS.]
I promised myself I was gonna stay mad at you.
I really hate you for this.
What? Get in the car and I'll take you to the doctor.
The dirty secret about my classes is they're not really about teaching writing.
It's like, uh Hm.
It's like helping someone give birth.
You tell them when to push, you can tell them maybe turn the shoulders.
But at the end of the day, it's their baby.
Hm.
That's a good analogy.
I might steal it and use it in something.
[CHUCKLES.]
See, now that is the danger of being friends with another writer.
So how did you start? Oh, um.
Wow, I haven't thought of this in-- In forever.
Uh, my brother Bailey and I, when we were little he and his friend Will would always go off being cowboys and astronauts all the time and they would never let a girl play.
Oh, God forbid.
Except that I started writing these adventures.
You know, with aliens and-- And monsters and these great heroic rescues and-- Anyway, uh, one day my-- My mom found them.
And she got all excited, and-- And I know they weren't really good cause I was, like, 8.
But she said they were good.
And-- And so I kept it up.
And after that, she pretty much would read anything I ever wrote.
Heh.
That is really important.
See, every writer needs someone like that.
It's too lonely a business without it.
Yeah.
You know, I could show you something.
I have a short story that I was gonna submit with with my application.
I mean, I know you're swamped with your teaching and the book, and-- No.
I really would like to read something you wrote.
Just think of it as a professional courtesy.
Okay.
Heh.
Wait a second.
Dad had sawdust on this floor? And to advertise, Nick actually walked the streets in one of those sandwich-board thingies.
Uh, what did it say? "Salinger's: for a fresh food treat complete with meat.
" I painted the sign.
[ALL LAUGHING.]
Oh.
I hope you don't mind me saying this, but, uh, if your mom and dad could see all this.
I mean, Charlie, this place with all these customers smiling and paying.
[ALL LAUGH.]
And, Claudia.
What? Oh, you know what.
You are a wonderful musician.
Mm, not today.
Well, at the Troutman competition? And the Hutchinson Prize? I wish your mom could have heard you any one of those days.
Yeah.
Wait.
Wait, I don't get it.
Were you actually following her around? Yeah.
I've been watching her for a long time.
First, just because of who you are.
But after that because of how good you are.
So why didn't you say anything? I was giving her time to grow up a bit.
As a musician.
Waiting until I could help.
Help? Help you be as good as you can be.
And how good is that? If you put your mind to it, you could be as good as your mom.
I mean, probably better.
[CHUCKLES.]
No kidding? Man, I hate this.
It's like having a million mosquito bites.
I'm on fire.
Look, you don't have to do this.
Thanks.
Do what? Stop scratching.
This.
You know, help me and be here.
Don't worry.
Don't worry.
I talked to my folks and I already had the chicken pox when I was 6.
[SIGHS.]
Look, we have to talk.
No, you need to be quiet and rest.
God, don't you guys ever buy food? You know, like edible food? I'm gonna have to run to the store but I'll get you all set up when I get back.
Please, don't.
Look, I'm-- I'm fine.
Ow.
Ow! Sarah-- It's not like I'm forgetting this whole dance thing.
I'm not, I'm not.
I'm just-- I'm putting it aside for a while 'cause, well, you know, that's what you do when your boyfriend gets sick.
I'll be mad at you next week.
I promise.
Here, let's check you again.
Sarah, please.
I don't-- This is a bad idea.
I don't need it.
I don't deserve it, and it's only gonna make things worse.
So, please, please, please, stop helping me.
I just-- I'll be back as soon as I can.
Stay in bed and don't scratch.
You're gonna scar.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[***.]
[VIOLIN PLAYING SCALES.]
Oh, sorry.
Did-- Did I wake you? A little.
I was just-- I must have forgotten the time.
You're gonna go to bed eventually, right? 'Cause you gotta be at school in, like, a matter of minutes.
Avery said we have the same chin attitude when we play.
Mom and me.
Like we're trying to hold the music down or it-- It might fly away with us.
You think I got that from just watching her, or you don't think it's something that just came down from her genes? I don't know, Claud.
It's just so cool to think that when I'm playing she's, like, right here playing with me.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
[PANTING.]
[CALLIE SIGHS.]
So, uh, you're sick, huh? Ugh, who's playing that? I love this song.
Oh, wait.
You didn't slobber your germs on this, did you? It's the chicken pox.
So I doubt-- Chicken pox? Ha.
Are you kidding? Thank you.
Thank you very much.
That's very supportive.
Hey, you know, it sucks you feel bad, but, uh Just so you know, I don't-- I don't do sick.
You know, it's just, uh-- It's not my bag.
What's all this? I think Sarah left it during one of my-- My fever-soaked deliriums.
Oh, chicken soup, medicinal supplies.
We have a big old sweatshirt for if you get cold.
I've a compilation tape of songs about feeling better.
God, this stuff is so sweet.
She must really love you.
Whatever's in there, I don't want it.
I would have told her myself if I had been coherent.
So if you want anything just-- Just take it.
Ooh, Bailey's got the chicken pox.
Ooh.
Morning, Avery.
Hi, Charlie.
I don't know.
I don't remember.
I don't think so.
Did you ever have the chicken pox? Nope.
I think you're the first.
I don't know.
Maybe we ought to stay away for a couple of days till you start getting better.
Who's taking care of him? Who's taking care of you? Really? Sarah's taking care of him.
Oh.
Sarah's taking care of you? Okay, okay.
I'm butting out.
We'll, um-- We'll call you.
Yup.
Ohh.
Ohh, scratchy.
Mm-hm.
So, Avery? Yeah? Oh, Avery and I are just going over my repertoire and stuff.
No kidding.
It's kind of early.
So Mom played all of these? Heavy into the Romantics.
Cool.
Hm.
This is-- This is great.
Look, I promise I'll be really dedicated.
I mean, I'll, like, double my practice time.
Well, it's more than just practice time.
Claudia, you're gonna be late.
I have a few minutes.
Oh, I know, I know.
I mean, it's much more than that-- AVERY: It's listening to music every chance you get.
It's making sure you eat right, that you get enough sleep, that you exercise.
It's discipline.
Whatever.
I mean, I don't care.
If Mom could do it, I can do it.
Okay.
All right, but now it's time for you to go to school.
CLAUDIA: Got it.
[CHUCKLING.]
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
It's called Moral Dilemma.
Ha-ha.
What? It's got all those ethical-type questions in it.
Like, would you return a missing wallet? Would you sleep with your boss? Uh Yeah, I really don't-- I saw it advertised on TV.
Uh, I think it's a really bad idea.
How could a fun game be a really bad idea? Sarah, wait.
Look, I know you're trying really hard here.
And it's, like, no one else is even trying at all.
And I really need that, which is why I'm kind of being a coward here.
Bailey, you're not making any sense.
It must be the fever kicking in.
Sarah-- Oh, I thought I heard you two.
Oh, my God, are you guys playing Moral Dilemma? No.
I saw this advertised on TV.
No, no.
Hey, you wanna play? It might be better with three people.
No! No! No! What is your problem? Yeah, what is your problem? You don't do sick, remember? Uh-huh.
Who goes first? [PLAYING LIVELY MELODY.]
Claudia, you got a minute? We need to talk.
Can't it wait until dinner? I'm barely up to, like, two and a half hours yet.
Claudia, please.
Claudia! [SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Avery said to keep a practice journal.
"Xminutes lost.
Miscellaneous brother interruption.
" That's what I wanted to talk about.
Did you know--? Well, Avery told me that the conservatory sometimes takes students as young as me.
Well, that's great, Claud, but-- Avery's good friends with the people on the board.
Uh-huh.
Oh, and, Charlie, oh, if you saw this place, you'd die.
'Cause, you know, like, this really old building where it's, like, if you squinted, you could almost see the ghosts of orchestras past.
If I--? Wait a minute.
When were you at this place? Today.
Oh, and guess what? Avery said-- Today? Avery took you there today? What'd--? What'd you do, cut school without permission? We went during lunch, okay? And, anyway, since when do you care? Hey, you know what? That is out of line.
Okay, so I should have gotten permission.
Anyway, Avery said-- I don't care what Avery says.
You know what? If all you're gonna do is rag on me I have to practice.
Give me that.
Wait, what is your problem? Starting right now there are some rules around here.
And rule number one is you're not going anywhere without me knowing first.
Fine.
Avery does not make the decisions for you.
I do.
You got that? You just wanna be the boss, is that it? I don't wanna be the boss.
I am the boss.
Well, Bailey? [LAUGHING.]
Five in a row.
Do I have your number or what? It's just 'cause you're getting the lamest questions.
Oh, really? Try me again.
Okay.
"Your best friend is quite the ladies man "and he's setting up "a casual acquaintance of yours for a fall.
Do you tell her the truth?" SARAH: He'll say no, because he wouldn't wanna betray a friend.
But it's actually yes.
He'd want the friend to do the telling himself.
You know what? You can't do that.
Do what? Analyze me like that.
That's not part of the game.
Bailey, face it, I know you better than anyone.
I just do.
Oh, come on, don't sulk.
Pick a card.
"Your neighbors with the pool are out of town.
"It's the hottest night of the year.
Do you go for a naked midnight swim?" Mm, definitely, yes.
[LAUGHING.]
What? You are so not telling the truth, Sarah.
There is no way you would do that.
No way at all.
Um, newsflash, Bailey.
Yes, I would.
BAILEY: Right.
Like the time you wouldn't take your top off at that topless beach.
Because you said no because Will and Gina were there.
Hey, I'm not the prude here.
You are.
Interesting.
Hey, you know what? All right, let's change the subject, okay? Um, okay "Your girlfriend's gone out of town for the weekend and lent her apartment to this sexy--" That's it, that's it.
We're done.
What's with you? It's just a game, remember? Yeah, I know.
It's just a game.
So, what's your problem? Nothing.
What's the matter with you guys? Ain't you ever seen a dead man? Let's get this body out of here.
We ain't got all night.
Hey.
It's special delivery.
It's, uh, Gary Prescott.
That's that writer you like.
By messenger, wow! That's got to have set him back God, he read it so fast.
I, uh, gave him a story.
He said he'd read it and tell me what he thought.
That's great.
Yeah.
I don't know.
Maybe he'll put in a good word in with the Admissions people.
He's the kind of guy who would.
He'd-- He'd do that.
Well, hey, I hope he liked it.
[CHUCKLES.]
Charlie, wait.
Um, you look.
I-I-I can't.
Heh.
[GIGGLES.]
And-- And don't rip it.
Mm, don't smudge it.
I wanna keep the envelope.
Just read the good parts.
[CHUCKLES.]
Charlie? Well God.
I'm sorry, Jule.
Yeah, uh Well, just read it out loud or hand it over.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
"Dear Julia," "I took a look at your work and-- "And here are my thoughts.
"It won't help you if I sugarcoat this "so I'm not going to.
"And it's not to say that you won't improve over time.
"But, for now, I think you should hold off "on submitting this piece with your application.
"There is an awkwardness to the language "and an unfocused quality in the storytelling "that makes the piece feel, for lack of a better word, very young.
" Even your choice of subject matter--" That's enough.
You look nice.
Whatever.
Your bummed, huh? Well, you kind of left the letter sitting out last night, and I kind of read it.
[SCOFFS.]
Wow.
Why don't you start a website? JuliaSucks.
com.
So one person didn't like your stuff, Jule.
I mean, so what? I didn't win that competition the other day.
This is different.
No, it's not.
He's just wrong.
What if he's not wrong, Claud? Okay? I mean, what if he's not? Come on.
I mean, you make straight-A's every term in English.
I mean, that's incredible.
It's nothing.
I mean, so what? So I'm good compared to 20 other kids in my class.
Big deal.
I mean, anyone who has a pen can call themselves a writer.
I can call myself that.
Who-- Who cares? It doesn't mean one thing in the actual world.
What if in the actual world it turns out I'm nothing special as a writer? What if it turns out I'm not special at anything? Well, I'm just surprised, Claud.
I thought Charlie was onboard with all this.
Yeah, well, he kind of weirded out.
I-- I mean, that's why you have to talk to him, Ross.
'Cause Avery is right.
You know, I have to move on.
I mean, change all my habits and practice much harder and probably, you know, get-- Get a new teacher and play different music.
Wait a-- Wait a minute.
You said get a new teacher? Just last year you were saying that I needed to move on and find someone new.
I mean, you said that.
Ross, you're the only one who understands just how important this is.
To be, like, great at something and doing it at the highest level you can.
You taught me that.
So will you talk to him? Please, Ross.
Please talk to Charlie? I don't know, Claud.
I-- I don't know how I feel about this.
What? Well, this is a big deal.
And it's happening really fast.
And we don't know that much about Avery as a person.
He played with Mom.
I mean, how much more do you need to know? A lot of things, Claudia.
Your class is starting.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING ON STEREO IN DISTANCE.]
Hey, there.
[GROANS.]
God, has anyone ever told you you make a lousy sick person? Look, I know why you don't want me here taking care of you.
'Cause you don't like taking help from people.
You're great at taking care of others, taking care of me.
But when it's time for that to come back around-- Sarah, that's not it.
Yes, it is.
It's exactly it.
I really do know you, Bailey.
God, I hate that stupid song so much! Tried pounding on their stupid door before but they must have left it on and gone away or something.
For God sakes, Bailey.
Sarah.
Sarah, what are you doing? Sarah.
Come on, Sarah, we're three stories up.
What are you doing? Hey! SARAH: Hey, Bailey, see this thing underneath my feet? It's called a fire escape.
BAILEY: Oh, you-- I can't believe you're-- You're not gonna-- That's like-- Sarah, that's like breaking and entering.
[WINDOW OPENS UPSTAIRS.]
[MUSIC STOPS.]
Sarah? There.
You happy now? Um, Bailey, I can't get back in unless you move.
Oh.
I can't believe you did that.
Right.
Like there's not anything in the whole world I wouldn't do for you.
Moron.
What? [DOOR OPENS.]
I'm such a-- Hey, guys.
Hey, Cal.
Is that my sweatshirt? Oh, yeah, chicken-soup stain will come right off.
Sarah.
Sarah.
Sarah, wait.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
MAN: Number 11 in your class.
That's impressive.
Excellent grades.
Good recommendations.
Your mother's an alum.
All right.
Now tell me why we should accept you.
Well, uh, those reasons? There are a lot of smart kids out there, Julia, and a lot of them want to come to Stanford.
I wanna know what makes you stand out, what makes you special.
I don't know how to answer that.
You know, you are allowed to sell yourself some.
That's kind of the idea here.
Well, I-- I didn't know that that was what I was gonna have to-- Uh Let me, uh Let me, uh You know what? Let's just-- Let's just have a conversation.
Now, why don't you tell me what you did this past summer.
Uh, I worked at a publishing company.
Is that something you're interested in? Writing? Publishing? Uh Maybe.
I'll tell you what.
When you send your application why don't you include a writing sample? A short story, some poetry, and I'll take a look.
I really don't like showing my stuff.
Oh, it might make it a tricky field for you then.
I probably won't.
I mean, why narrow it down right now? I mean, there's a lot of things that I might want to do or be.
There's a lot of, uh-- Uh, for instance? Um A-- A lawyer, maybe? So, what interests you about law? Well, it's-- It's interesting.
Uh I'm sorry.
This is really bad.
Can we stop? * And the moon * * Oo-ooh * * Is the only Light we'll see * Sarah, wait! Ow! Sarah, come on, will you please just-- Go inside, Bailey, just go.
Sarah, come on, at least let me just-- You really don't get it, do you? I spent all night putting together just the right stuff to make you feel better.
I spent 3 hours deboning slimy chicken breasts for your stupid soup.
And do you have any idea--? Do you have any idea how hard it is to find And you-- You gave it all to her.
Sarah, I'm sorry.
God, what is my problem? You-- You're whiny, you're insensitive, and you're miserable to be around, and-- [ENGINE STARTS.]
MAN: * Stand by me * * Whenever you're in trouble * * Won't you stand by me? * * Oh, ohh * AVERY: Charlie, I'm glad you're here.
I've got some news.
It's good, Charlie.
It is.
I've talked to the board at my conservatory.
And if Claudia meets a couple of basic requirements-- Just the interview and transcripts and, well, the application and stuff.
And She could start as soon as December.
I don't know, Claud.
What? Wait, did you and Ross talk and, like, make some decision? No, Claud.
It's nothing like that.
He's my brother.
I can tell when "I don't know" means "no.
" I can't believe this would be your decision.
I mean, that you honestly believe this is what's best for her.
How do you know what's best for her? How long have you known her, 4 days? I know your family.
I knew your mother.
That's not the same thing.
Did you know last year Claudia quit playing completely? That was so long ago, Ross.
She didn't want anything to do with the violin.
She just wanted to be like a normal kid.
Doesn't that say something? Look at her now.
She's changed her mind.
Someone changed her mind.
I'm not sure it's her.
So I'm pushing her into this? CHARLIE: I think so, yes.
For what possible reason? I don't know.
For our mother? This is so crazy, Charlie.
You did all these great things with her.
Now you're trying to recreate that with Claudia.
I can't believe you would say that.
There's nothing wrong with what Avery's doing.
You're the ones who have the problem.
And you're angry at me 'cause I wanna change teachers.
Claudia, come on, that's not it.
Then I don't know what your problem is.
But maybe you're still mad at me about Kirsten.
All you care about is making the rules.
No, you're wrong, Claudia.
Is she? I know that this is what Diana would have wanted for Claudia.
You have to know that.
And I can give it to her, unless you choose to take it away.
[***.]
[SIGHS.]
Uh, excuse me? Can you--? Can you tell me where parking structure B is? I'm, uh-- I'm lost.
Sure.
Just turn this corner, go straight ahead then make a left at the next building.
Don't go here, huh? No, I don't.
Callie? Yeah? Could you Would you maybe make me a sandwich or something? Actually, I was just on my way out.
Sorry.
You know It would have been nice if even once during all of this you had said, just maybe, uh, "How you feeling, Bailey?" Or, "Hey, can I get you a cup of this tea that I'm already making?" Look, you know, if you're expecting an apology-- Okay, all right.
I'm sorry.
Okay? I'm sorry that I disappointed you.
But I warned you, remember? I mean, sick people, me.
It's just It's a bad mix, okay? Yeah.
Yeah, okay, whatever.
Um Here.
Um, a few of these, uh, deliver.
I think I remember the Chinese place is pretty good.
I gotta go.
Okay? But, uh-- Hey, you, uh-- You feel better.
Okay? See you later.
See you later.
[DOOR OPENS, CLOSES.]
[***.]
So, what do you think? It's decent.
I don't know.
There's some interesting shadows in the-- Whoa.
Jule, this guy in the fountain's naked.
Oh, look at that.
He is.
Ha.
So, um, these are good, right? Yeah.
But what's the big--? Guess who took them.
Beats me.
Look, I gotta-- Mom.
Charlie, Mom took these.
Really? Yeah.
Where'd you find these? With her stuff from Stanford.
This is what she majored in.
Visual arts, not music.
Huh, it's I didn't know that.
Me either.
I kept thinking about her all day yesterday.
You know, after I messed up that interview.
I kept thinking there was Mom and she went to Stanford and she knew exactly what she was gonna be when she was my age, and-- And I kind of didn't anymore.
I kept-- I kept apologizing to her in my mind like I'd let her down.
And then I found these in a box of her stuff.
It's kind of like she's telling me it's okay.
You know, that I don't have to be a hundred percent sure today, this minute, of who I'm gonna be 'cause she was searching too.
What happened to you? Oh.
I fell asleep standing in line.
Kinda hit my head.
I wanted to get there early to make sure it didn't sell out.
Make sure what didn't sell out? Those-- What do you call it? Those "Hey Macarena" guys.
A lot of people let me ahead of them probably because of the whole fear of infectious disease thing.
Anyway.
Here.
Tenth row.
We'll have fun.
If I live.
I don't want these.
You don't want these? No.
Why would I wanna go with you to something that's only gonna remind me of Here, just take them.
No.
Look, if you don't wanna go to the concert, then-- Then just use them as a bookmark, or use them to get stuff out from between your teeth or something.
But just hang on to them.
'Cause that's not right away.
And maybe after a little time goes by you'll remember how much you love me.
Them.
How much you love them.
The singer guys.
Does passing out on the street count as littering? Sidewalk? Yeah.
Gutter, no.
Thanks.
Bailey? Yeah? You take me for granted sometimes.
You know that, right? Don't do it anymore, okay? Okay.
Don't think you can just buy me things and make it better.
Okay.
I could get you to agree to pretty much anything right now, couldn't I? Yeah.
[***.]
Could you drive me home? Yeah.
Come on.
[SIGHS.]
I'm listening to a new violin piece I'm gonna learn.
Oh, yeah? Yeah.
And I don't care if it makes you upset but I'm gonna change schools and I'm gonna go to the conservatory.
Claudia-- I don't care-- Claudia, stop.
I'm having a real hard time here.
I'm trying to take care of you and set some reasonable rules, but it's like there's this other parent in the house all of a sudden.
You mean Avery? No.
No, I mean Mom.
It's like, "Mom would want this," and "Mom would never allow that.
" And "Mom would never do what you're doing.
" I can't compete with that.
I can't fight with someone who's not here.
And I've been really afraid of taking something away from you, of making the wrong decision about all this stuff.
So don't.
Did you know that Mom didn't decide to be a musician until after she left college? She was gonna be a photographer.
So what? So it-- It takes time to figure out who you're gonna be.
It's too fast, Claud.
You're changing your whole life in three days.
Three days ago you cared about a hundred different things, and now you only care about one.
I figured stuff out.
No.
It's something else.
It's something about Mom and missing her, and wanting to be just like her, and wanting everything decided for your whole life.
And-- And you're 13, Claud.
I know what I want.
I'm not gonna let you do it.
What? We can take it slow if you want, add a few more hours of lessons of lessons, work with Avery-- That won't be enough, Charlie.
Mom would hate you for this.
I don't think so, Claud.
I really don't think so.
I'm sorry.
[VIOLIN PLAYING SCALES.]
He said no.
Yeah, I heard.
Maybe he'll change his mind.
I don't think so.
We'll see.
I brought you a present.
Remember how we talked about finding someone you could share the music with? Someone who understood completely and how it was worth it for all that? You know the Mendelssohn? Yeah.
[VIOLIN PLAYING SOFT MUSIC ON TAPE RECORDER.]
It's your mom.
Why don't you play it with her? Play with her.
JULIA: Dear Gary, Thank you for reading my story story and for your criticisms.
You definitely gave me a lot to think about.
I have this habit.
I've always done this.
Whenever I get a new book, I turn to the last page first because I need to know how things are gonna turn out.
I've decided I'm not gonna do that anymore.
And maybe I wouldn't have figured that out if I hadn't met you.
I don't know if that's gonna make sense to you or not, but I think that's really what I'm thanking you for.
As for what you said about my work, maybe you're right.
But maybe you aren't.
A-And maybe I will become a writer and maybe I won't.
I don't know.
Hm.
I haven't read the last page yet.
[***.]
[***.]