The Affair (2014) s03e10 Episode Script
Season 3, Episode 10
1 [Noah.]
Previously on The Affair [Juliette.]
I'm here because the library claims [Juliette.]
to have unearthed certain pages from [Juliette.]
a rare manuscript that [Juliette.]
I happen to be an expert on.
- And do they? - If I had to wager a guess, - I'd say no.
- [Noah.]
So you have, uh, some kind of arrangement with your husband? My husband suffers from Alzheimer's [both speaking French.]
[Juliette.]
But we don't have an arrangement, as you say.
[Juliette.]
Half the time, he doesn't even remember [Juliette.]
he has a wife, or he thinks I'm his first wife, [Juliette.]
whom he loved better.
[Helen.]
This has to end right now.
- He's using you.
- You have no fucking idea - what you're talking about.
- Yes, I do! How many assistants do you think he's gone through? What are you, 50? Maybe she does have some daddy issues.
You know, tends to happen when your father's a scumbag.
[Furkat.]
She tells me everything, Solloway.
[Furkat.]
I know it all the fucking hot tub.
- Dad, what the fuck? - Shit.
What the fuck is wrong with you? - Dad? - Whitney [grunts.]
- I know you.
- You don't know me.
- [grunting.]
- [echoing.]
Ahhah, no, Noah! Aahhh.
[sniffles.]
[ dramatic music .]
[.]
[sobbing softly.]
[echoed sobbing.]
I was screaming into the canyon At the moment of my death The echo I created Outlasted my last breath My voice it made an avalanche And buried a man I never knew And when he died his widowed bride Met your daddy and they made you I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the o Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the o Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the ocean [.]
[ soft music .]
[.]
Oh, my God.
[clears throat.]
[inhales deeply.]
What? It's morning already.
Shit.
We didn't sleep.
[moans.]
Ah, I have to go.
- Why? - Ah, I have to get some sleep.
- Well, sleep with me.
- [scoffs.]
Come on, I'm exhausted, too.
We'll just sleep, nothing more.
[siren wailing in the distance.]
Mm-mm.
So when am I gonna see you dinner? Sabine is coming home tonight from university.
I have to be there.
Well, afterwards? She'll be suspicious.
She's already annoyed at me for having stayed in America for so long.
Why don't you just tell her the truth? She's 22.
She worships her father.
She wouldn't understand.
Well, can I at least get you a coffee before you go? Oh, yes, please.
Hello.
Yeah, um, uh deux cafes, s'il vous plait.
Oui.
Merci.
- [Noah.]
You hear that? - Mm, I did.
- Almost fluent.
- [chuckles.]
You're getting there.
Oh, merde.
I can't wear this.
- I have a big meeting today.
- With who? With the head of my department.
About what? About Etienne, actually.
I have to tell her that he's not coming back.
She doesn't know? Mm-mm.
A few years ago when Etienne first started showing significant signs of dementia, I applied for a sabbatical in his name.
We didn't know what it was, and I wanted to buy him some time, so I wrote his letter, I forged his signatures, and now it's over, and they're going to want to know when he plans to return to teaching.
Are you nervous? [sighs.]
It's going to be fine.
What are you going to do today? I don't know.
Write, walk around, pretend I'm Hemingway.
I'm jealous.
Stay with me.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
Stay with me.
- [chuckles.]
- Come on.
Come on, you stay here, play hooky for the day.
What does "hooky" mean? Hooky is a very complicated expression.
[chuckles.]
This is fascinating.
You know who built this canal? - No.
- Napoleon.
In 1802 he built it to bring clean water to the city 'cause they had an outbreak of cholera.
I didn't know they knew what caused cholera in 1802.
- What? - I'm trying to kiss you.
- Here? - Yeah.
The guidebook says that we have to kiss here.
[scoffs.]
Paris is a tiny town.
[woman.]
Juliette? [speaking French.]
Ah, Catherine.
[Catherine.]
Bonjour.
Hi.
Bonjour, hi.
- Bonjour.
- Hi, hello.
Ah, excuse me.
- You're American? - Yeah.
- [Isabelle.]
Just visiting? - Yeah, just for a little while.
- [Isabelle.]
Welcome.
- Thank you.
[Noah.]
Merci.
How is Etienne? We haven't seen him for months.
The rumors are that he's unwell.
No, he's fine.
He's just getting older, and Uh-huh.
- Uh, my what? - Oh, don't worry.
I won't tell him.
In fact, I'm happy for you.
You deserve a little fun.
You've always been so diligent.
I'm late.
I should get going.
Uh, I have a meeting with Celia.
Well, of course.
It was lovely to see you again.
We're so glad you're home - Bye.
- Good-bye.
- Bye.
- Nice to see you.
- Nice to see you.
- Bye.
- Ugh.
- You all right? I've always hated her.
I should get going.
I'll see you later.
Okay.
[speaking French.]
- Huh? - [Sabine.]
Mm-hmm.
[chuckles.]
Livingston - Papa? - Mm-hmm? Merci.
Eh? Hmm? [chuckles.]
[both chuckle.]
[chuckles.]
Ah - [Sabine chuckles.]
- Papa - Hmm? - Mm.
[groans softly.]
Shh.
[Etienne.]
Hmm.
[softly speaking French.]
- Hmm.
- [Juliette speaking French.]
[ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
[.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[Celia speaking French.]
Oui.
Oui, bon.
[chuckles.]
[sighs.]
[sighs.]
[exhales sharply.]
[speaking French.]
[scoffs.]
[papers shuffling.]
Hmm.
[sighs.]
[ somber music .]
[.]
[girls laughing.]
[.]
[cell phone beeping.]
Hello? It's me.
Etienne is sleeping.
Are you still free for an early dinner? [soft upbeat music playing over stereo.]
Hi.
[woman singing in French over stereo.]
[.]
How was your day? Fine.
And yours? Oh, I just I wrote all day.
I got so much done.
- I love it here.
- Oh.
The bookstores are incredible.
Look, I, uh Oh.
What is it? Merry Christmas.
[chuckles.]
Oh.
It's not an original, but it's, uh - It's pretty rare.
- Oh.
Where did you find this? Oh, you know, I know a guy who knows a guy.
[.]
Conybeare Edition, 1868.
Ah [chuckles softly.]
I don't know what to say.
Ah, you've been you've been so good to me.
A few months ago, I was on the brink, and now, thanks to you, I'm I'm okay.
[cell phone ringing, vibrating.]
I'm sorry.
Merde, it's Sabine.
Ah, go.
Oui, Mon amour.
[breathing heavily, sniffles.]
Sabine? [exhales deeply.]
[crying softly.]
- [knock at door.]
- [door opens.]
Sabine [speaking French.]
[sighs.]
[speaking French.]
[sniffles.]
[clattering, both men speaking French.]
[bang.]
- [man exhales.]
- [man speaking French.]
[both speaking French.]
[elevator clatters.]
[elevator creaking.]
[sighs.]
[knock at door.]
What happened? [ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
Wait, wait [exhales sharply.]
- [mouths word.]
- [moans softly.]
Juliette.
[moans.]
Someone will come.
No one is coming.
[both grunting.]
No one is coming.
[moans.]
[grunts.]
[ soft music .]
[.]
[ upbeat French holiday music .]
[.]
God, I love it here.
I could get used to Paris.
[speaking French.]
What's that? This is not the real Paris.
- Oh, no? - No, this is for tourists.
Oh.
So you gonna show me the real Paris? I don't know if you'd be welcome there.
[chuckles.]
Well, fuck the real Paris.
Let's go buy some cheese.
[chuckles.]
Noah, I have to go.
Juliette! Oh.
Isabelle [both speaking French.]
Hi, hi.
Noah.
- Isabelle.
- Hi.
- Bonjour, enchantée.
- Bonjour, enchantée.
- [Catharine speaking French.]
- [speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
- [speaking French.]
- [Juliette.]
No.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
Ah, ouais.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
- Ah, c'est formidable.
- [both laugh.]
- [Catherine speaking French.]
- Ciao.
[speaking French.]
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
What was that about? Current affairs.
Bye.
[bell tolling.]
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
[ soft music .]
[.]
[Noah.]
All children grow up, except one.
- [Alison.]
You know it? - [Noah.]
Of course.
[Noah.]
I read it to my kids.
[inhales deeply.]
[exhales deeply.]
[.]
What the fuck? [ dramatic music .]
[.]
Hey, my brother.
Wh [chuckles.]
What what are you doing here? Oh, I'm just, uh I'm just in Paris for a few weeks.
I saw your poster.
Sorry, I-I thought that was Whitney.
That? Oh, God, no.
That's that's Elfrida.
What, s you and Whitney aren't - Is she not here with you? - Oh, God, yeah.
No, no, no, no, she's just running some errands.
Uh, there's so much to do.
It's a big night tonight, big opening.
Uh, then I'm on to Prague tomorrow.
Mm, you know [inhales sharply.]
I've been selling so many of these prints recently.
[singsongs.]
It's crazy.
I guess I'm having a little bit of a moment at the moment.
I'm just feeling really blessed.
- Where are you guys staying? - Uh, Hotel Les Bains.
- You know it? - Les Bains? - Les Bains? - No, no.
Magical.
Opulent.
The linens, my God.
Hotel Les - Les Bains.
- Les Bains.
Oui.
Okay, well, good luck tonight.
Oh, no, no, look.
[stammers.]
You should totally come.
I'm sure Whitney would love to see you.
Don't worry.
I'll put your name on the list.
[indistinct chatter.]
[door opens.]
[Noah.]
Whitney! What the fuck are you doing here? I'm in Paris for a little while.
I, uh I saw Furkat.
He told me you were here.
So you just happened to be in Paris? No, no, I have a I have a friend here.
Oh.
Of course you do.
Excuse me.
Wait.
Whitney How are you? You okay? - I'm fine.
- You don't seem fine.
- Thank you.
- Wait.
Why don't we get a cup of coffee? Because I'm busy.
Well, I'm sure Furkat can wait 30 minutes.
Okay, well, that's because you don't know what my job is, you don't know what I'm doing here, and you've never had any respect for me anyway, so Okay, w-why don't we have a conversation about that? Enjoy Paris.
[cell phone ringing.]
Hey.
Uh, yeah.
I'm fine.
Le Vrai Paris, okay.
Yeah, I'll meet you there.
Bye.
[soft upbeat music playing over stereo.]
- Hi.
- Oh, hello.
Sorry I'm late.
I got lost.
The real Paris is hard to find.
Yeah, it is.
[groans softly.]
What are you reading? Is it good? Mm-mm, not really.
Who wrote it? Oh, my God.
That's my first book.
Where'd you get this? I have my ways.
[sighs.]
Why are you reading it? I wanted to know more of your work.
You must have been very young when you wrote it.
Yeah, not that young.
Can I get a drink? Here.
- Thanks.
- How was your day? Uh, it was fine.
Did you get good work done? - Yeah.
- Good.
I had a truly crazy day.
Why? What happened? Etienne woke up.
H-he woke up? Uh-huh.
What does that mean? He was his old self again, actually.
It was incredible.
What, is he is he still like that? I don't know.
I assume so.
W-what are you doing here, then? I wanted to be with you.
You should go home.
You should be with him.
I don't want to.
It makes me sad.
Oh, uh, excusez-moi.
[speaking French.]
- [woman speaking French.]
- [Juliette speaking French.]
[woman.]
Oui.
Please don't look at me like that, Noah.
- Like what? - With all that judgment.
No, I'm not judging you.
I just I just I don't want you to wind up doing something you regret.
Okay.
Listen Juliette, I-I've been here before.
You haven't.
This these things can turn quickly.
Do you think you're some kind of expert on affairs? Why? Because you wrote a book? Let me tell you something about my marriage that you don't know.
Etienne made you look like an amateur.
Meaning what? He didn't want to be constrained.
He felt life was short and monogamy was a bourgeois conspiracy.
A bourgeois conspiracy? And I went along with it.
He had his affairs, and I asked no questions.
I had Sabine, I did my work, and I told myself that was enough.
So I hope you'll forgive me if on the only day of his life that he's ever wanted to stay with me and have a coffee [chuckles.]
I choose to go out.
[cell phone vibrating.]
It's your daughter.
You're not gonna answer it? [cell phone continues vibrating.]
[sighs, sniffs.]
[speaking French.]
[coughs.]
[speaking French.]
Everything okay? It's fine.
[soft music playing faintly over stereo.]
[.]
Here, I, uh bought you this.
What is it? Open it and see.
[paper tears, rustling.]
Oh.
Where did you get this? Ah, some bookstore I stumbled across.
Thank you.
I have to go.
[.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[chatter continues.]
[ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
Fuck you.
[chatter grows louder.]
What did you say to me? Are you kidding me? This is not the time to be talking about this right now.
I know, but I've been trying to talk to you about this since we got here, and you're never free.
And why do you think that is? 'Cause this has been an enormous fucking week for me.
Okay, Whitney, if you can imagine a universe that doesn't revolve around your little derriere Don't do that! I'm not doing that! I set this whole thing up! [Furkat.]
Look, I gave you I gave you everything you wanted exposure to international artists, an experience you could parlay into an assistantship with anyone.
I don't want to be an assistant.
I love you.
- Oh, come on.
- I do! And I think you love me.
- I said that when I was - You said that! When we were fucking, yes, because I like fucking you.
Look, I have people inside, guests, that I need to speak to, so if you'll please excuse me.
- Don't walk away from me.
- Don't fucking touch me! - Don't - [slap.]
- [Furkat.]
Learn your place! - Whitney! [ dramatic music .]
You okay? Now wait here.
Just wait there.
Wait.
No.
What are you doing? - Fucking kill him! - Don't make a scene! Please, Dad, don't do that.
Don't make a scene! Make a scene? He fucking hit you.
Please don't make a scene.
I know.
I don't care.
I don't care.
Please, let's go.
I want to leave.
I want to leave.
[breathing heavily.]
[.]
Whitney! Whitney! So who's this friend you're here with? Uh, she's a she's a professor, and she lives here.
How long have you been seeing her? Um, a few months maybe three.
Are you in love with her? Well, I'm very fond of her.
Yes, but do you love her? Let's just say I'm trying to be a little more careful with that word right now, Whitney.
[sighs.]
Do you want to talk about what just happened back there? No.
Whitney that was not okay, right? Whitney? You wouldn't understand.
Try me.
He's an artist.
Okay.
He can't just turn his passion on and off.
You know, he brings the same intensity to his life that he does to his work, and I understand that about him.
I respect that about him.
Whitney this isn't love.
Love isn't supposed to be pain.
Love is supposed to make you feel wonderful about yourself, and real love does that.
A real man will make you feel safe and appreciated.
Like you did for Mom? So what are you saying, Dad? You didn't love her? Of course I loved her.
Well, maybe it wasn't real love, because real love is supposed to "make you feel wonderful," and you made Mom feel like dog shit.
And you didn't even have to watch.
I mean, you just left.
The person who had to watch was me.
I never hit your mother.
You may as well have.
At least with Furkat, I know when something's bothering him.
You know, he lets it out.
You think you're better than him because you swallowed your feelings for 20 years and then left us and ruined our lives? I don't think I'm better than him.
- You're not.
- I think you are.
And I'm listening to you defending a man I just watched hit you, and I can tell you you really believe what you're saying, and that [inhales deeply.]
Oh, God, that kills me, Whitney 'cause I can see I failed in the most important job I had, which was to protect you from men like Men like me.
[sighs.]
I have to go.
You you have to what? We're going to Prague tomorrow, and there's a lot to do, and I Sweetheart, don't Don't tell me what to do.
I'm not telling you what to do.
I'm asking you.
I'm begging you, Whitney.
I'm begging you.
I'm not saying leave him.
I'm just saying let me help you take a break.
Just hit pause, get off the merry-go-round, and take stock of where you are and what you want.
I I have nowhere else to stay, and I You can Just stay in my room.
With you? I'll I'll go somewhere else.
You can stay as long as you like a day, a week, whatever.
I just want to go home.
[ dramatic music .]
[.]
Okay, I'll take you home.
[sighs.]
What about Madame Professor? She'll understand.
Just take my room tonight, and I'll get us some tickets home tomorrow.
Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, and you're never gonna get a ticket I'll manage, Whitney.
I'll manage.
Okay? [.]
Okay.
Come on.
[.]
[floorboards creaking.]
I'm gonna go now.
You get some sleep.
I'm so tired.
[sighs.]
[zipper closes.]
Hey, Whit I just want to say one more thing.
Being a parent is hard, and I know we haven't done it perfectly, but I learned from my parents' mistakes, and your mother learned from hers, just as you'll learn from our mistakes and be better with your children until someone, someday, many years from now, finally has a perfect childhood.
[ quiet music .]
[chuckles.]
[.]
Night.
[.]
[sighs.]
[.]
I just never thought he would actually die.
[exhales deeply.]
All those things I said to you in the café I was angry.
I didn't mean them.
I loved him.
He was brilliant.
He was dynamic.
All these years, I felt I was the lady in the tower Guinevere, stuck, trapped in her castle, married to a man who was too old for me, who was off fighting his wars in his libraries, and I felt I had been cheated of passion, of devotion of true love, waiting for some troubadour to rescue me.
But when I was alone in the room with him, with his body it was I-I suddenly realized I I just had it all wrong.
He was the one who was trapped.
He was the lady in the tower, and I was the troubadour.
I am such a fool.
No, you're not.
I abandoned him when he was helpless.
[sniffles.]
I was angry.
I was I was angry, so I left him to die alone.
Juliette, don't do this to yourself, please.
Looking after someone who's dying is is hard.
[ somber music .]
Etienne's nurses got to go home every night to their families, and even Sabine, she would go out with her friends and go back to her own apartment, but for you, this this was your life.
[.]
After someone dies, I think we want a tell ourselves a story of how it was our fault because at least that gives us some control.
[.]
I prayed for him to die, Noah.
[.]
[sighs.]
I'm sure you did but that's not why he's dead.
[.]
[sniffles.]
[sighs.]
[.]
[sighs.]
[sniffles.]
[sighs.]
[car horn honks.]
[buzzer sounds.]
- [Noah.]
Find it okay? - Yeah.
Juliette, this is my daughter Whitney.
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
Sabine, this is Whitney.
This is Sabine.
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
- [speaking French.]
- [Juliette.]
Merci.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
I'm sorry about not being here for you.
Your daughter needs you, and my daughter needs me.
Bye.
[ soft music .]
[.]
Bye.
Bye.
[.]
[Juliette.]
Bonjour.
[.]
[.]
Hey, are you coming in? Uh ah, it's probably not a good idea, but I'll call you tomorrow for Christmas.
[softly.]
Okay.
Hey, Whit I love you.
Thanks, Dad.
[ quiet music .]
[.]
[door closes.]
Hey, Dad Hey, Martin.
Uh, I'm taking Trevor and Stacey tomorrow to Central Park.
We're going sledding.
Do you want to come? Yeah.
Yeah, I'd love to.
Meet us at Poet's Walk at two? Okay, two.
Perfect.
[.]
[door closes.]
[man.]
Where we going, buddy? [.]
[ "Algo Familiar" playing .]
[.]
[woman singing in Spanish.]
[.]
Previously on The Affair [Juliette.]
I'm here because the library claims [Juliette.]
to have unearthed certain pages from [Juliette.]
a rare manuscript that [Juliette.]
I happen to be an expert on.
- And do they? - If I had to wager a guess, - I'd say no.
- [Noah.]
So you have, uh, some kind of arrangement with your husband? My husband suffers from Alzheimer's [both speaking French.]
[Juliette.]
But we don't have an arrangement, as you say.
[Juliette.]
Half the time, he doesn't even remember [Juliette.]
he has a wife, or he thinks I'm his first wife, [Juliette.]
whom he loved better.
[Helen.]
This has to end right now.
- He's using you.
- You have no fucking idea - what you're talking about.
- Yes, I do! How many assistants do you think he's gone through? What are you, 50? Maybe she does have some daddy issues.
You know, tends to happen when your father's a scumbag.
[Furkat.]
She tells me everything, Solloway.
[Furkat.]
I know it all the fucking hot tub.
- Dad, what the fuck? - Shit.
What the fuck is wrong with you? - Dad? - Whitney [grunts.]
- I know you.
- You don't know me.
- [grunting.]
- [echoing.]
Ahhah, no, Noah! Aahhh.
[sniffles.]
[ dramatic music .]
[.]
[sobbing softly.]
[echoed sobbing.]
I was screaming into the canyon At the moment of my death The echo I created Outlasted my last breath My voice it made an avalanche And buried a man I never knew And when he died his widowed bride Met your daddy and they made you I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean I have only one thing to do and that's Be the wave that I am and then Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the o Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the o Sink back into the ocean Sink back into the ocean [.]
[ soft music .]
[.]
Oh, my God.
[clears throat.]
[inhales deeply.]
What? It's morning already.
Shit.
We didn't sleep.
[moans.]
Ah, I have to go.
- Why? - Ah, I have to get some sleep.
- Well, sleep with me.
- [scoffs.]
Come on, I'm exhausted, too.
We'll just sleep, nothing more.
[siren wailing in the distance.]
Mm-mm.
So when am I gonna see you dinner? Sabine is coming home tonight from university.
I have to be there.
Well, afterwards? She'll be suspicious.
She's already annoyed at me for having stayed in America for so long.
Why don't you just tell her the truth? She's 22.
She worships her father.
She wouldn't understand.
Well, can I at least get you a coffee before you go? Oh, yes, please.
Hello.
Yeah, um, uh deux cafes, s'il vous plait.
Oui.
Merci.
- [Noah.]
You hear that? - Mm, I did.
- Almost fluent.
- [chuckles.]
You're getting there.
Oh, merde.
I can't wear this.
- I have a big meeting today.
- With who? With the head of my department.
About what? About Etienne, actually.
I have to tell her that he's not coming back.
She doesn't know? Mm-mm.
A few years ago when Etienne first started showing significant signs of dementia, I applied for a sabbatical in his name.
We didn't know what it was, and I wanted to buy him some time, so I wrote his letter, I forged his signatures, and now it's over, and they're going to want to know when he plans to return to teaching.
Are you nervous? [sighs.]
It's going to be fine.
What are you going to do today? I don't know.
Write, walk around, pretend I'm Hemingway.
I'm jealous.
Stay with me.
Come on, come on.
Come on.
Stay with me.
- [chuckles.]
- Come on.
Come on, you stay here, play hooky for the day.
What does "hooky" mean? Hooky is a very complicated expression.
[chuckles.]
This is fascinating.
You know who built this canal? - No.
- Napoleon.
In 1802 he built it to bring clean water to the city 'cause they had an outbreak of cholera.
I didn't know they knew what caused cholera in 1802.
- What? - I'm trying to kiss you.
- Here? - Yeah.
The guidebook says that we have to kiss here.
[scoffs.]
Paris is a tiny town.
[woman.]
Juliette? [speaking French.]
Ah, Catherine.
[Catherine.]
Bonjour.
Hi.
Bonjour, hi.
- Bonjour.
- Hi, hello.
Ah, excuse me.
- You're American? - Yeah.
- [Isabelle.]
Just visiting? - Yeah, just for a little while.
- [Isabelle.]
Welcome.
- Thank you.
[Noah.]
Merci.
How is Etienne? We haven't seen him for months.
The rumors are that he's unwell.
No, he's fine.
He's just getting older, and Uh-huh.
- Uh, my what? - Oh, don't worry.
I won't tell him.
In fact, I'm happy for you.
You deserve a little fun.
You've always been so diligent.
I'm late.
I should get going.
Uh, I have a meeting with Celia.
Well, of course.
It was lovely to see you again.
We're so glad you're home - Bye.
- Good-bye.
- Bye.
- Nice to see you.
- Nice to see you.
- Bye.
- Ugh.
- You all right? I've always hated her.
I should get going.
I'll see you later.
Okay.
[speaking French.]
- Huh? - [Sabine.]
Mm-hmm.
[chuckles.]
Livingston - Papa? - Mm-hmm? Merci.
Eh? Hmm? [chuckles.]
[both chuckle.]
[chuckles.]
Ah - [Sabine chuckles.]
- Papa - Hmm? - Mm.
[groans softly.]
Shh.
[Etienne.]
Hmm.
[softly speaking French.]
- Hmm.
- [Juliette speaking French.]
[ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
[.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[Celia speaking French.]
Oui.
Oui, bon.
[chuckles.]
[sighs.]
[sighs.]
[exhales sharply.]
[speaking French.]
[scoffs.]
[papers shuffling.]
Hmm.
[sighs.]
[ somber music .]
[.]
[girls laughing.]
[.]
[cell phone beeping.]
Hello? It's me.
Etienne is sleeping.
Are you still free for an early dinner? [soft upbeat music playing over stereo.]
Hi.
[woman singing in French over stereo.]
[.]
How was your day? Fine.
And yours? Oh, I just I wrote all day.
I got so much done.
- I love it here.
- Oh.
The bookstores are incredible.
Look, I, uh Oh.
What is it? Merry Christmas.
[chuckles.]
Oh.
It's not an original, but it's, uh - It's pretty rare.
- Oh.
Where did you find this? Oh, you know, I know a guy who knows a guy.
[.]
Conybeare Edition, 1868.
Ah [chuckles softly.]
I don't know what to say.
Ah, you've been you've been so good to me.
A few months ago, I was on the brink, and now, thanks to you, I'm I'm okay.
[cell phone ringing, vibrating.]
I'm sorry.
Merde, it's Sabine.
Ah, go.
Oui, Mon amour.
[breathing heavily, sniffles.]
Sabine? [exhales deeply.]
[crying softly.]
- [knock at door.]
- [door opens.]
Sabine [speaking French.]
[sighs.]
[speaking French.]
[sniffles.]
[clattering, both men speaking French.]
[bang.]
- [man exhales.]
- [man speaking French.]
[both speaking French.]
[elevator clatters.]
[elevator creaking.]
[sighs.]
[knock at door.]
What happened? [ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
Wait, wait [exhales sharply.]
- [mouths word.]
- [moans softly.]
Juliette.
[moans.]
Someone will come.
No one is coming.
[both grunting.]
No one is coming.
[moans.]
[grunts.]
[ soft music .]
[.]
[ upbeat French holiday music .]
[.]
God, I love it here.
I could get used to Paris.
[speaking French.]
What's that? This is not the real Paris.
- Oh, no? - No, this is for tourists.
Oh.
So you gonna show me the real Paris? I don't know if you'd be welcome there.
[chuckles.]
Well, fuck the real Paris.
Let's go buy some cheese.
[chuckles.]
Noah, I have to go.
Juliette! Oh.
Isabelle [both speaking French.]
Hi, hi.
Noah.
- Isabelle.
- Hi.
- Bonjour, enchantée.
- Bonjour, enchantée.
- [Catharine speaking French.]
- [speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
- [speaking French.]
- [Juliette.]
No.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
Ah, ouais.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
- Ah, c'est formidable.
- [both laugh.]
- [Catherine speaking French.]
- Ciao.
[speaking French.]
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
What was that about? Current affairs.
Bye.
[bell tolling.]
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
[ soft music .]
[.]
[Noah.]
All children grow up, except one.
- [Alison.]
You know it? - [Noah.]
Of course.
[Noah.]
I read it to my kids.
[inhales deeply.]
[exhales deeply.]
[.]
What the fuck? [ dramatic music .]
[.]
Hey, my brother.
Wh [chuckles.]
What what are you doing here? Oh, I'm just, uh I'm just in Paris for a few weeks.
I saw your poster.
Sorry, I-I thought that was Whitney.
That? Oh, God, no.
That's that's Elfrida.
What, s you and Whitney aren't - Is she not here with you? - Oh, God, yeah.
No, no, no, no, she's just running some errands.
Uh, there's so much to do.
It's a big night tonight, big opening.
Uh, then I'm on to Prague tomorrow.
Mm, you know [inhales sharply.]
I've been selling so many of these prints recently.
[singsongs.]
It's crazy.
I guess I'm having a little bit of a moment at the moment.
I'm just feeling really blessed.
- Where are you guys staying? - Uh, Hotel Les Bains.
- You know it? - Les Bains? - Les Bains? - No, no.
Magical.
Opulent.
The linens, my God.
Hotel Les - Les Bains.
- Les Bains.
Oui.
Okay, well, good luck tonight.
Oh, no, no, look.
[stammers.]
You should totally come.
I'm sure Whitney would love to see you.
Don't worry.
I'll put your name on the list.
[indistinct chatter.]
[door opens.]
[Noah.]
Whitney! What the fuck are you doing here? I'm in Paris for a little while.
I, uh I saw Furkat.
He told me you were here.
So you just happened to be in Paris? No, no, I have a I have a friend here.
Oh.
Of course you do.
Excuse me.
Wait.
Whitney How are you? You okay? - I'm fine.
- You don't seem fine.
- Thank you.
- Wait.
Why don't we get a cup of coffee? Because I'm busy.
Well, I'm sure Furkat can wait 30 minutes.
Okay, well, that's because you don't know what my job is, you don't know what I'm doing here, and you've never had any respect for me anyway, so Okay, w-why don't we have a conversation about that? Enjoy Paris.
[cell phone ringing.]
Hey.
Uh, yeah.
I'm fine.
Le Vrai Paris, okay.
Yeah, I'll meet you there.
Bye.
[soft upbeat music playing over stereo.]
- Hi.
- Oh, hello.
Sorry I'm late.
I got lost.
The real Paris is hard to find.
Yeah, it is.
[groans softly.]
What are you reading? Is it good? Mm-mm, not really.
Who wrote it? Oh, my God.
That's my first book.
Where'd you get this? I have my ways.
[sighs.]
Why are you reading it? I wanted to know more of your work.
You must have been very young when you wrote it.
Yeah, not that young.
Can I get a drink? Here.
- Thanks.
- How was your day? Uh, it was fine.
Did you get good work done? - Yeah.
- Good.
I had a truly crazy day.
Why? What happened? Etienne woke up.
H-he woke up? Uh-huh.
What does that mean? He was his old self again, actually.
It was incredible.
What, is he is he still like that? I don't know.
I assume so.
W-what are you doing here, then? I wanted to be with you.
You should go home.
You should be with him.
I don't want to.
It makes me sad.
Oh, uh, excusez-moi.
[speaking French.]
- [woman speaking French.]
- [Juliette speaking French.]
[woman.]
Oui.
Please don't look at me like that, Noah.
- Like what? - With all that judgment.
No, I'm not judging you.
I just I just I don't want you to wind up doing something you regret.
Okay.
Listen Juliette, I-I've been here before.
You haven't.
This these things can turn quickly.
Do you think you're some kind of expert on affairs? Why? Because you wrote a book? Let me tell you something about my marriage that you don't know.
Etienne made you look like an amateur.
Meaning what? He didn't want to be constrained.
He felt life was short and monogamy was a bourgeois conspiracy.
A bourgeois conspiracy? And I went along with it.
He had his affairs, and I asked no questions.
I had Sabine, I did my work, and I told myself that was enough.
So I hope you'll forgive me if on the only day of his life that he's ever wanted to stay with me and have a coffee [chuckles.]
I choose to go out.
[cell phone vibrating.]
It's your daughter.
You're not gonna answer it? [cell phone continues vibrating.]
[sighs, sniffs.]
[speaking French.]
[coughs.]
[speaking French.]
Everything okay? It's fine.
[soft music playing faintly over stereo.]
[.]
Here, I, uh bought you this.
What is it? Open it and see.
[paper tears, rustling.]
Oh.
Where did you get this? Ah, some bookstore I stumbled across.
Thank you.
I have to go.
[.]
[indistinct chatter.]
[chatter continues.]
[ soft dramatic music .]
[.]
Fuck you.
[chatter grows louder.]
What did you say to me? Are you kidding me? This is not the time to be talking about this right now.
I know, but I've been trying to talk to you about this since we got here, and you're never free.
And why do you think that is? 'Cause this has been an enormous fucking week for me.
Okay, Whitney, if you can imagine a universe that doesn't revolve around your little derriere Don't do that! I'm not doing that! I set this whole thing up! [Furkat.]
Look, I gave you I gave you everything you wanted exposure to international artists, an experience you could parlay into an assistantship with anyone.
I don't want to be an assistant.
I love you.
- Oh, come on.
- I do! And I think you love me.
- I said that when I was - You said that! When we were fucking, yes, because I like fucking you.
Look, I have people inside, guests, that I need to speak to, so if you'll please excuse me.
- Don't walk away from me.
- Don't fucking touch me! - Don't - [slap.]
- [Furkat.]
Learn your place! - Whitney! [ dramatic music .]
You okay? Now wait here.
Just wait there.
Wait.
No.
What are you doing? - Fucking kill him! - Don't make a scene! Please, Dad, don't do that.
Don't make a scene! Make a scene? He fucking hit you.
Please don't make a scene.
I know.
I don't care.
I don't care.
Please, let's go.
I want to leave.
I want to leave.
[breathing heavily.]
[.]
Whitney! Whitney! So who's this friend you're here with? Uh, she's a she's a professor, and she lives here.
How long have you been seeing her? Um, a few months maybe three.
Are you in love with her? Well, I'm very fond of her.
Yes, but do you love her? Let's just say I'm trying to be a little more careful with that word right now, Whitney.
[sighs.]
Do you want to talk about what just happened back there? No.
Whitney that was not okay, right? Whitney? You wouldn't understand.
Try me.
He's an artist.
Okay.
He can't just turn his passion on and off.
You know, he brings the same intensity to his life that he does to his work, and I understand that about him.
I respect that about him.
Whitney this isn't love.
Love isn't supposed to be pain.
Love is supposed to make you feel wonderful about yourself, and real love does that.
A real man will make you feel safe and appreciated.
Like you did for Mom? So what are you saying, Dad? You didn't love her? Of course I loved her.
Well, maybe it wasn't real love, because real love is supposed to "make you feel wonderful," and you made Mom feel like dog shit.
And you didn't even have to watch.
I mean, you just left.
The person who had to watch was me.
I never hit your mother.
You may as well have.
At least with Furkat, I know when something's bothering him.
You know, he lets it out.
You think you're better than him because you swallowed your feelings for 20 years and then left us and ruined our lives? I don't think I'm better than him.
- You're not.
- I think you are.
And I'm listening to you defending a man I just watched hit you, and I can tell you you really believe what you're saying, and that [inhales deeply.]
Oh, God, that kills me, Whitney 'cause I can see I failed in the most important job I had, which was to protect you from men like Men like me.
[sighs.]
I have to go.
You you have to what? We're going to Prague tomorrow, and there's a lot to do, and I Sweetheart, don't Don't tell me what to do.
I'm not telling you what to do.
I'm asking you.
I'm begging you, Whitney.
I'm begging you.
I'm not saying leave him.
I'm just saying let me help you take a break.
Just hit pause, get off the merry-go-round, and take stock of where you are and what you want.
I I have nowhere else to stay, and I You can Just stay in my room.
With you? I'll I'll go somewhere else.
You can stay as long as you like a day, a week, whatever.
I just want to go home.
[ dramatic music .]
[.]
Okay, I'll take you home.
[sighs.]
What about Madame Professor? She'll understand.
Just take my room tonight, and I'll get us some tickets home tomorrow.
Tomorrow's Christmas Eve, and you're never gonna get a ticket I'll manage, Whitney.
I'll manage.
Okay? [.]
Okay.
Come on.
[.]
[floorboards creaking.]
I'm gonna go now.
You get some sleep.
I'm so tired.
[sighs.]
[zipper closes.]
Hey, Whit I just want to say one more thing.
Being a parent is hard, and I know we haven't done it perfectly, but I learned from my parents' mistakes, and your mother learned from hers, just as you'll learn from our mistakes and be better with your children until someone, someday, many years from now, finally has a perfect childhood.
[ quiet music .]
[chuckles.]
[.]
Night.
[.]
[sighs.]
[.]
I just never thought he would actually die.
[exhales deeply.]
All those things I said to you in the café I was angry.
I didn't mean them.
I loved him.
He was brilliant.
He was dynamic.
All these years, I felt I was the lady in the tower Guinevere, stuck, trapped in her castle, married to a man who was too old for me, who was off fighting his wars in his libraries, and I felt I had been cheated of passion, of devotion of true love, waiting for some troubadour to rescue me.
But when I was alone in the room with him, with his body it was I-I suddenly realized I I just had it all wrong.
He was the one who was trapped.
He was the lady in the tower, and I was the troubadour.
I am such a fool.
No, you're not.
I abandoned him when he was helpless.
[sniffles.]
I was angry.
I was I was angry, so I left him to die alone.
Juliette, don't do this to yourself, please.
Looking after someone who's dying is is hard.
[ somber music .]
Etienne's nurses got to go home every night to their families, and even Sabine, she would go out with her friends and go back to her own apartment, but for you, this this was your life.
[.]
After someone dies, I think we want a tell ourselves a story of how it was our fault because at least that gives us some control.
[.]
I prayed for him to die, Noah.
[.]
[sighs.]
I'm sure you did but that's not why he's dead.
[.]
[sniffles.]
[sighs.]
[.]
[sighs.]
[sniffles.]
[sighs.]
[car horn honks.]
[buzzer sounds.]
- [Noah.]
Find it okay? - Yeah.
Juliette, this is my daughter Whitney.
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
Sabine, this is Whitney.
This is Sabine.
- Bonjour.
- Bonjour.
- [speaking French.]
- [Juliette.]
Merci.
[speaking French.]
[speaking French.]
I'm sorry about not being here for you.
Your daughter needs you, and my daughter needs me.
Bye.
[ soft music .]
[.]
Bye.
Bye.
[.]
[Juliette.]
Bonjour.
[.]
[.]
Hey, are you coming in? Uh ah, it's probably not a good idea, but I'll call you tomorrow for Christmas.
[softly.]
Okay.
Hey, Whit I love you.
Thanks, Dad.
[ quiet music .]
[.]
[door closes.]
Hey, Dad Hey, Martin.
Uh, I'm taking Trevor and Stacey tomorrow to Central Park.
We're going sledding.
Do you want to come? Yeah.
Yeah, I'd love to.
Meet us at Poet's Walk at two? Okay, two.
Perfect.
[.]
[door closes.]
[man.]
Where we going, buddy? [.]
[ "Algo Familiar" playing .]
[.]
[woman singing in Spanish.]
[.]