Party of Five s05e21 Episode Script
Get Back
1 Kinda strange, huh, you here? yeah, well, I never thought I'd be waking up at Stanford, that's for sure.
you know what I mean.
good strange.
yeah, right.
you know what I miss the most? your breathing.
that sleepy sort of in and out, in and out thing you do when you're just lying there.
yeah.
It means I'm hungry.
no, it doesn't.
it means you're happy.
oh, is that what time it is? oh, I'm gonna be late for work.
Griffin-- I told you I gotta go to work.
I know.
I know.
I guess I just sort of had this crazy idea you could take the day off, you know, call in sick.
or say that you had important personal business, which happens to be true.
really, I can't.
(zips pants) Julia I can't, ok? ok.
well, plan "b.
" we'll just-- I'll call you tonight, which happens to be Casablanca night at the rialto.
ah, you know, you won't be able to see me tonight 'cause, uh, I got this thing with the guys from the shop.
well, it plays more than one night, right? yeah, it does.
how about tomorrow night, then? 8:00? ok, you've got it.
ok.
Hey, Griffin, if this were a dumb idea if it were, we'd know it, right? jule, i-- I know, I know.
Sorry.
you're late for work.
yeah.
(door closes) Everybody wants to live like they wanna live and everybody wants to love like they wanna love and everybody wants to be closer to free closer to free Morning, Bailey.
Lauren you're here early.
I stopped by the flower mart on my way in.
I'm an early riser.
it's a curse.
ok.
Well, I'll be in the wine cellar.
I got--i got inventory.
uh, Bailey? ahem.
god, how do I say this? I thought--i mean, I hoped that I was imagining this, but all week long, if I come into the kitchen, you go into the dining room.
if I come into the dining room, you go into the kitchen or the wine cellar or somewhere, and I can't help thinking that you're avoiding me.
avoiding you? I'm really happy in this job, Bailey.
that's why I had to bring this up.
well, I'm not.
why would I avoid you? because of the other night? what other night? the blackout? right before the lights came on, you were wiping a spill off my collar-- ok, Lauren, Lauren listen to me.
I don't know what you're talking about.
ok.
good.
that's very good.
ok.
if nothing happened, that's good, because I could have sworn we were, like, this close-- Lauren, Lauren, you're not listening to me.
I'm not avoiding you, because there is no reason.
great.
good.
then you want to help me with these flowers? well I actually-- really, I ought to-- you already inventoried the wine, Bailey, yesterday.
twice.
Claud, can you, uh, sit for Diana tomorrow night? oh, good morning, Charlie.
yes, I slept well.
thanks for asking.
no.
I've got Ross' concert.
oh, man, she's gonna kill me.
I canceled twice already.
who's gonna kill you? Valerie.
she's been asking me out.
Valerie you mean Ms.
Walsh? you can't date Ms.
Walsh.
why not? because she's your boss, and if you're gonna date anybody, date Kirsten.
Kirsten.
why is everybody on my case about Kirsten? who? who's on your case? forget it.
what? ok.
Paul.
Paul said something the night of the blackout.
what did Paul say? nothing.
Nothing I could believe, anyway.
how Kirsten was just headed right back to me, which is where she wanted to be all along.
what? You don't expect me to believe any of that, do you? no.
Not from the way you're acting, I guess.
and how you completely didn't pick up on any of her signs.
signs? like moving right back here after she and Paul broke up? that was--she needed a place to stay.
and how she moved right out when you went to get Daphne.
she went back to see her parents.
and she went out and got her own apartment.
she likes you, Charlie, but she thinks that you don't like her back.
now, who's gonna stick around for that? ok.
If that's how she felt-- which I'm sure that it's not-- why would she keep it a secret? I don't know.
but if you felt that way about her why would you keep that a secret? Owen drew this? what do you think of it? I think-- I think the extra work's really kicking in.
I mean, Pythagoras couldn't draw better triangles than this.
look at those triangles.
what do you think? Owen's processing skills have really improved, but it's supposed to be his family.
this is? other kids, their drawings aren't perfect or anything, but at least their family members are touching or close to each other or something.
hi.
I'm Kyle's mom.
when you get a sec.
sure.
wait.
I'm sorry.
should I be worried about this? one minute.
I don't know.
it may be he's just a little sad.
it's not uncommon with children of divorce.
divorce? one minute Charlie's his parent, then you are.
he's living in a strange new place without his brother and sister-- miss lo-- he needs to know who his family is.
You're picking me up? yup.
when I'm in a good mood, I want to do something nice for my sister.
uh, no.
No way.
ha ha.
Come on, why can't it be that? 'cause it isn't.
'cause you're no.
no, no, no.
it's too soon.
yeah, even for you, Julia.
too soon for what? you met a guy.
you met a new guy already? not new, exactly.
so what am I supposed to do now, guess who it is? it's Griffin, claud.
Griffin.
look, I know how it seems, especially with all the stuff that happened, but, you know, if we want to be together and we make sense together, then I don't know.
what kind of answer is that? well, just 'cause you guys made sense in the past, that doesn't-- I don't get it.
get what? get you.
what's wrong with you? you're always behind me, claud, especially with stuff like this.
you're, like, the one person I can count on, and besides, you love Griffin, don't you? you know what? you know what, you're right.
you're right.
that's-- that's really great, jule.
it's great.
it's a housewarming gift, although this place is looking pretty warm already.
yeah, blame it on Martha Stewart.
must have been pretty busy fixing the place up.
I haven't even seen you.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I want you to do what you're doing-- this whole starting over thing, but, uh I just miss you.
(laughs) well, I miss you, too.
but it is a lot of work-- you know, figuring out what car to get, what job to take, what city to live in.
which--sorry, which--which city? well, there's nothing tying me down, and it feels like a good time to try stuff out, you know? there are things that I've always wanted to do, like teaching and traveling and faraway places.
you just rented this place.
yeah, but the manager says I can always sublet.
Charlie, what? you think I shouldn't? you think I'm, like, running away from my problems or whatever? no.
I don't know.
(laughs) you think I should stay? Do you think I should stay here? I think that you should do what you want to do, Kirsten.
I mean, it's-- it's your life.
it's up to you.
I'm trying to show you some pictures here.
could you settle down? come here.
when's claud getting home from school? I don't know.
I don't know.
Here.
look at these.
here, look at this one.
this is your first birthday party.
see? There's mom lighting the candles, and that's dad holding you, and that's me, and that's Julia, and that's Charlie.
let's go play a game, ok? wait.
In a minute.
in a minute.
can we play football, Bailey, out in the yard? come on.
I never get to throw stuff at your house.
my house? hey, that's your house, too.
remember? the swing is the touchdown.
bet you can't tackle me before I score.
give me those keys.
give me those keys! hey.
Hey! no fair tickling! flag on the play! aha! too bad, buddy.
Bailey takes possession.
ok, it's fourth and goal for San Francisco.
hut, hut, hut! Bailey, I'm open! I'm open! hey, you guys.
what's up? Charlie, go deep! Owen, you play defense! ho! yes! lateral, Bailey, lateral! hey, that's against the rules.
you're down! dog pile! (all laughing) (woof) Good show.
all right.
hey, Claudia.
thanks for coming.
I wouldn't have missed it.
oh, you look so beautiful.
oh, thanks.
I'm glad you're back, Ross.
oh, me, too.
8 months on the road is 8 months too many.
so what'd you think of the concert? well, it doesn't sound like I'm about to get a rave review.
oh, no, it's not you.
you were-- you were great.
it's just all that Russian melancholy.
everything's so tearful and painful, it just I don't know, it kind of felt over the top.
ok, what's wrong? nothing.
oh, come on.
Claudia salinger not in the mood for tchaikovsky? I really don't want to talk about it, ok? ok.
fine.
let me introduce you to the rest of the ensemble.
I told them all about my favorite student.
Ross.
I do want to talk about it.
you're living in a dream world, jule.
why, because I'm an optimist? because I believe in second chances? no.
Because you just you just don't get it.
I mean yesterday this was easy for me.
I mean, Kirsten was just a friend.
I could call her, I could see her.
it was no big deal.
but now, every time her name comes up, I feel like this-- this twinge or pang, or whatever.
it's almost like we're breaking up again.
Charlie, I get it, believe me.
ok.
So why would I want to do this? why would I want to put myself through that again? because maybe it'll work this time.
you know? it's 2 years later.
maybe you guys are different.
maybe you're ready for stuff that you weren't ready for the first time.
Julia, it's not that simple.
I mean, we've got this whole entire history.
but you said it yourself-- you're friends now.
you're past all that.
you know what? I wish you were right.
well, then why won't you at least-- because she's made herself very clear.
I mean, she hasn't been around here in weeks.
she's thinking about leaving the country.
I mean, she doesn't want this, Julia.
so I'm not gonna push it.
You should have seen it, Sarah.
Bailey threw this pass, and his keys fell right in front of thurber, and when he finally got them back, they were totally covered in dog mouth slime.
ha ha! I'm sorry I missed that.
can I have some more rocky road, please? no.
I think 2 scoops will do you, buddy.
why don't you go brush my teeth.
Ok.
wow.
I don't think I've seen him that excited since-- I don't even know when.
I know.
he didn't want to leave today.
I had to drag him out of there.
yeah, I heard.
he told you? no.
He told Claudia during phone time.
phone time? yeah.
That's what he likes to call the hour that he spends on the phone with her every day.
he tells her everything.
yeah, I think he really misses her.
it's hard not seeing her all the time.
(sighs) it's not you, Bailey.
he's not unhappy being with you.
oh, I know.
I know that.
I mean, maybe his teacher's right.
she thinks Owen's basically been through a divorce.
well, there is a solution.
it's kind of nuts.
no one's gonna want to do it.
what? you're not thinking we could move back in with Charlie.
Sarah, no way.
no way! I don't want it either, Bailey, but think about it.
you'd still have Owen, but he'd get to live at home.
all of us would live together in the house? I didn't say it would be ideal.
we have our lives here, Sarah.
we've worked very hard to make this place what we want.
I know.
Forget it.
and Owen's barely lived here a month.
I mean, let's give it some time, for god's sake.
just forget I said anything.
ok? I guess Griffin, he he does so much for her.
you know? and it's like she doesn't even really appreciate it.
I mean, she appreciates it.
it's just I know how hard it was for him the first time when they were together.
how hard it was for him.
have you ever been in love with someone you're not supposed to? you're in love with Griffin.
he cares about me.
I mean, he came halfway across country just to rescue me.
he asked me to be in his band.
Claudia I know you're gonna say that it's impossible.
I mean, believe me, I know that better than anyone.
it's just sweetie, I've been there.
I know about loving someone who can't love you back the same way.
so what do you do with those feelings? 'cause I've tried putting them away.
I really have, Ross, and they hurt.
yeah.
yes, and they're going to.
and you can't help that.
so what do I do? you and I are lucky.
we have this thing we do.
we have our music.
we can take what hurts, and we can play.
for me, for a broken heart-- tchaikovsky.
Tonga? But-- this is for Tonga? yeah.
for a summer.
there's a, uh, guidance counselor at school who runs this foreign study program, and, uh, they're looking for teachers.
but Tonga? how far away is that? you said you wanted to travel, and maybe teach.
well, this is both.
i--i--said I was thinking about it.
(both laugh) ok.
But let's just look at this thing.
I mean, it's 3 months in this amazing place.
paid.
With kids.
I mean you love kids.
I'm just, um I'm surprised that--that you would come up with this, I mean, after what you said about me not being around enough.
well, but I mean, this is what you wanted, right? well what about what you want, Charlie? what do I want? (laughs) this is for you, not for me.
I mean, I'm just, uh I'm just trying to be a friend.
a friend.
ok.
what? Are-- are you saying you don't want this? no.
no.
This is this is the perfect job for me.
I mean, it is.
great.
you can, uh, you can use me as a reference, then.
that's really you're a wonderful friend.
I know how you love the fish, and I think we have a really wonderful fish special.
actually, let me check with the waitress and see if we have it.
I'll check the kitchen and see if we have any more of the Halibut.
I got it.
I got it.
Bailey, you ok? Julia.
Hey.
you seem a little-- I didn't know you were coming.
Bailey.
table 7 needs their check a little early.
they're trying to catch a movie.
oh, me, too.
I wonder if it's the same.
you look familiar.
she looks familiar.
yeah.
This is my sister Julia.
Julia, this is Lauren, mythe new manager.
hi.
hi.
Nice to meet you.
nice to meet you.
your picture's in the office, that's why.
oh, right.
well, I guess I'd better go manage something.
nice to meet you.
you, too.
she seems nice.
uh-huh.
Um, so what brings you here, jule? I'm meeting Griffin.
is he here yet? Griffin? No.
I haven't seen him.
huh.
That's weird.
I'm late.
he was supposed to be here at 8:00.
whoa, wait a minute.
you and Griffin? if you have anything to say other than, "wow, jule, that's great," I don't want to hear it.
wow, jule, that's great.
movie starts in 15 minutes.
I'd better call him.
Nice to see you again.
want to try the steak tonight? it's really delicious.
Griffin, are you there? it's almost 8:30.
I'm at the restaurant.
where are you? you were supposed to meet me at 8:00.
are you ok? ohhmm maybe you're stuck in traffic.
all right.
ok.
Hey.
Come on in.
here's that stuff that you wanted.
his, uh, his spiderman and the books.
is Sarah studying? oh, no, no.
she's at the library.
Owen's been sleeping kind of light lately, so sorry to come by so late, but no, it's ok.
Charlie.
that you? sorry.
hey, buddy.
hey.
It's past your bedtime.
come on.
Let's get you tucked back in.
but I'm not sleepy now.
sure you are.
come on, you just need to get back under.
no, I'm not.
I need a story.
please? just a page or 2.
that's ok.
I got it covered.
ok.
Charlie has to read it, too.
Owen, how am I supposed to do that? easy.
just squeeze in and take turns.
All right.
scrunch over.
I'm scrunched.
ok.
(sighs) "so when he reached the stream, "he met an old man with a long beard, "who said to him "give me your water and I will give you shade.
"the boy said, I'm not hot.
I don't need shade.
so the boy walked on some more" I think he's finally down for the count.
sorry again about waking him.
forget it.
if it wasn't you, it would have been the sirens.
he, uh he liked having us together tonight.
yeah, he did.
and today, too.
playing football.
you know, uh he wants us together.
look, I'm not saying that that's what we should do.
you're saying that's what he would like best? and would be best.
Where are we going with this? well in case we're nuts enough to even think about this think about us moving back into the house? I want you to know that there's room.
it's not anybody's first choice, I know.
noit's not.
butdon't rule it out because of me.
ok? We need to talk.
I know.
what happened last night, Griffin? I waited at the restaurant.
I called you.
yeah, I know.
we had a date.
did you forget that? no, I didn't.
you know what? do better than that.
tell me you got stuck at work or--or you lost track of time.
tell me you got a flat and spent the night on the side of the road where there weren't any phones.
tell me something.
make up a lie.
'cause I don't want to hear that you just couldn't deal.
I'm sorry.
that's what happened.
I was at home last night when you called.
I just I didn't pick up.
why? because what is there to say, you know? any way that I look at it, I just keep seeing the same thing.
mistake.
we made a mistake.
(laughs) how do you know that? we've--we've been back together a--a week.
a week, a year, what come on, it's-- it's still us, jule.
no.
You can't just say that it went wrong once and that's the only way it can go.
why not? because there's two of us here.
you can't decide for both of us.
I'm not.
I'm deciding for me.
it's over, jule.
it's, uh I can't be with you anymore.
I mean, I just--i-- I don't want to.
that's all there is.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
Hey.
hey.
decaf.
I know you didn't sleep last night.
thank you.
I saw you pacing.
yeah.
I was thinking.
about what we talked about? yeah.
and? and and it all comes down to one thing.
I've put so much on the line for that kid, you know, because I should.
so why would I draw a line here? what sense would that make? none at all.
so we're moving.
yeah.
wow.
but listen to me.
if we have to-- if we have to refinish the attic or refinish the shed or whatever we have to do, whatever it takes, we're going to have a life there.
we're going to give ourselves space there, ok? Charlie, I just got your friend's application.
she is perfect.
on paper, at least.
well, you'll like her even better in person.
she put you down as a reference, so just let me check a few things.
a b.
A.
In child psych, single, no kids, that's perfect.
the last thing we want is our staff getting homesick.
yeah, there's no problem there.
I think she's, um really ready for a summer away.
summer? well, that'll get her started.
started? yes.
the first 3 months are just a tryout.
teachers we like stay on for another 20 months.
that's the program.
wait.
You're saying that she'd be gone for for what, 2 years? yeah.
is that a problem? uh what? uh, it's just that she said that she, um that she wanted to finish school.
well, her resume says she's already finished her degree.
yeah.
Undergrad.
but, you know, her graduate degree won't be done until she wraps up her thesis.
huh well, she's been out of school 2 years, and she still hasn't finished her thesis? I'm sure she will, as soon as, uh, you know what, Charlie? What? as soon as she she sorts out her divorce.
divorce.
I see.
Bailey, are you in there? what? oh, joy saw you headed back here.
I got the quarterly payroll taxes done.
they're due today, but I can't messenger them without your signature.
ok.
Come in.
come on in.
I'm sorry.
It just it's been a hard day.
are you ok? you ever feel like you just can't get a grip on things? uh-huh.
because it's really starting to seem like every sentence that I hear starts with "you should," or, "you better," or, "you have to," andi it doesn't make sense for me to complain about it because everything that I have, I've asked for.
but but if I could just find 5 seconds where nobody needed anything from me you know what? why don't we do this later? we have till midnight.
wait, Lauren, wait, wait.
you're the only one.
you know that? you're the only person who just makes it easier.
uh-huh.
nonothing.
nothing.
I'm sorry.
yeah.
Nothing.
so I'm not mistaken? that was another nothing, like what happened the other night.
god, what's wrong with me? I better get back.
why don't you sign these, get them to me when they're done.
ok? (door closes) Charlie? oh.
explain this to me, Charlie.
explain why you-- you--you push.
i--i didn't even ask, ok? I mean, you practically insist that I apply for this job and then you shoot the whole thing down! Kirsten, I know.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have done that.
I mean, why did you offer to be my reference in the first place if that's what you were going to say? I mean, I don't have my degree yet? I'm some flaky divorcee? it was unfair.
I was totally wrong.
what is going on with you, Charlie? what are you doing? I don't know.
I just I heard about the program and how long you were going to be gone.
but, uhYou're the one who said that I should go in the first place.
to make you happy, yeah.
what, so 3 months would make me happy, but 2 years, no? it was selfish, ok? I said I was sorry! but what does that mean, "selfish"? you want me to stay? of course I do! well, then why don't you just say it? why can't you just say it if that's what you want? I want you to stay! ok? I want you to stay.
ok! Look, you know what? let's just forget about this.
no.
Why? forget it? Why? because, Kirsten this is just getting way too weird.
I mean you're my friend.
you'reyou're a really, really good friend, and I'm not going to lose that.
how would you lose that? just if I started looking for things, for for stuff that isn't there.
really? Like what? like I don't know.
stuff, you know, between you and me.
stuff that we that we moved on from.
Charlie-- Kirsten please change the subject.
please.
Just you mean stuff like this? Is that what you mean? yeah.
Because what I want-- I'm feeling what I want is I want to lose control.
I want to give in to the--the craving, the--the urge, the itch.
because I know it's bad for me, but, man, I I'll feel good for a while.
I'll be free for once.
for a while.
andthe scary thing is, is that I actually thought thatthat once I had enough chips, that that I would lose that itch.
buti guess that never goes away.
I guess there's always something for you to crave.
even if it's not a drink.
This was no surprise, you know.
everyone warned me.
one way or another.
Charlie did.
you did.
even Griffin, the way he was acting.
but I wouldn't listen.
isn't it better this way, maybe? you know, instead of waiting months and months just to find this out.
I don't know.
Julia even when I was alone or even with someone else he was always there.
you know? just always there, like the air or something.
and now that I know that he's really gone it's like it sounds so dumb, but it's actually harder to breathe.
How did we how did we miss this? how did we go so long without knowing this? I don't know.
I mean there we both were, like la-di-da-di-da, living our lives and here was this secret waiting, this whole other future for us to-- Kirsten, stop.
right there.
I'm sorry.
what? when you talk like that, I it scares me.
about the future, right? 'Cause who knows? no.
That that's not what I mean at all.
I know.
I just I don't want anything going wrong.
Charlie, relax.
nothing can-- Kirsten, I blew it once before.
ok, but-- I'm just saying that now, for me, can we just not say anything and just take it really, really slow and easy? ok.
not a word.
Can you just explain one thing to me? if you love her and she loves you, then what? what's wrong with that? claud, what are you doing here? Julia's wrecked right now because of what you did, and I would really like to know why, Griffin.
why did you do this when you love her? I know you know that.
ah, so what? so what? you think that's something that just happens every day? no, I don't.
well, ok, then.
but that doesn't mean that we belong together.
right.
I just really don't understand you, Griffin.
you know, ever since I first met her, I always thought, "man, I hope I don't mess this up.
" because that's what I do, I I mess stuff up.
but you know what I never thought? I never thought that, "I hope this doesn't mess me up.
" it's just you know, these last couple of months, I've-- I've been on my own, and I'm starting to feel ok, likewhatever I do is fine.
like I don't have to keep looking behind me, wondering whose life am I holding up, or whose dream am I wrecking? that's just the thing, claud.
I think I'd rather just live my life.
and be ok.
Hey.
Good morning.
hey.
Good morning.
you're not wasting any time there, huh? well, this is just the preliminary stuff.
the movers come tomorrow.
um, where do you want us to store this stuff? how about the shed? you guys will sleep in the attic, right? hi! hi.
Kirsten, what brings you here so early? oh.
Uh um, I crashed on the couch.
the couch? I didn't see you.
uhthen I, um, I moved into the bed in Diana's room, 'cause, well, my keys, I, um, I lost them last night and I couldn't get into my house, so oh! Uh, which reminds me, um the locksmith.
I should get the locksmith, right? right.
I'll, um, I'll walk you to your car.
ok, great.
bye.
bye.
how is she going to start her car without her keys? I'll get the rest of the stuff.
ok.
and then I figure maybe we could go up and, uh scope out the attic.
unpack a little, try on each other's clothes maybe try and figure out where to put the couch and the--the dining room table.
that's a joke, the last part.
'cause we don't have room for a dining room table.
yeah, I get it.
ok, Sarah, look, I know that it's-- it's a bummer that we had to to leave the loft, but we had good reasons to do it, you know that.
you're the person who helped me figure that out.
yeah.
and I told you at the time that it wasn't something I wanted a whole lot.
but this is my life now.
Sarah, I have Owen now, and that means making some sacrifices.
I know that, Bailey.
then I don't know.
Do we have to be so tragic about it? no.
Bailey, we don't have to be tragic.
but I don't feel like being a cheerleader either, ok? (Playing tchaikovsky) (Music continues) (Music continues) I was just in the neighborhood, and I saw this incredible pie in the window.
Hey.
what are you doing here? I was just finishing up some work.
Why? nothing.
it's just so late.
I wouldn't be here myself if I hadn't spaced my wallet.
hey.
oh.
you found it.
thank you.
Are you ok? We shouldn't have done that.
I know.
you know what I mean.
good strange.
yeah, right.
you know what I miss the most? your breathing.
that sleepy sort of in and out, in and out thing you do when you're just lying there.
yeah.
It means I'm hungry.
no, it doesn't.
it means you're happy.
oh, is that what time it is? oh, I'm gonna be late for work.
Griffin-- I told you I gotta go to work.
I know.
I know.
I guess I just sort of had this crazy idea you could take the day off, you know, call in sick.
or say that you had important personal business, which happens to be true.
really, I can't.
(zips pants) Julia I can't, ok? ok.
well, plan "b.
" we'll just-- I'll call you tonight, which happens to be Casablanca night at the rialto.
ah, you know, you won't be able to see me tonight 'cause, uh, I got this thing with the guys from the shop.
well, it plays more than one night, right? yeah, it does.
how about tomorrow night, then? 8:00? ok, you've got it.
ok.
Hey, Griffin, if this were a dumb idea if it were, we'd know it, right? jule, i-- I know, I know.
Sorry.
you're late for work.
yeah.
(door closes) Everybody wants to live like they wanna live and everybody wants to love like they wanna love and everybody wants to be closer to free closer to free Morning, Bailey.
Lauren you're here early.
I stopped by the flower mart on my way in.
I'm an early riser.
it's a curse.
ok.
Well, I'll be in the wine cellar.
I got--i got inventory.
uh, Bailey? ahem.
god, how do I say this? I thought--i mean, I hoped that I was imagining this, but all week long, if I come into the kitchen, you go into the dining room.
if I come into the dining room, you go into the kitchen or the wine cellar or somewhere, and I can't help thinking that you're avoiding me.
avoiding you? I'm really happy in this job, Bailey.
that's why I had to bring this up.
well, I'm not.
why would I avoid you? because of the other night? what other night? the blackout? right before the lights came on, you were wiping a spill off my collar-- ok, Lauren, Lauren listen to me.
I don't know what you're talking about.
ok.
good.
that's very good.
ok.
if nothing happened, that's good, because I could have sworn we were, like, this close-- Lauren, Lauren, you're not listening to me.
I'm not avoiding you, because there is no reason.
great.
good.
then you want to help me with these flowers? well I actually-- really, I ought to-- you already inventoried the wine, Bailey, yesterday.
twice.
Claud, can you, uh, sit for Diana tomorrow night? oh, good morning, Charlie.
yes, I slept well.
thanks for asking.
no.
I've got Ross' concert.
oh, man, she's gonna kill me.
I canceled twice already.
who's gonna kill you? Valerie.
she's been asking me out.
Valerie you mean Ms.
Walsh? you can't date Ms.
Walsh.
why not? because she's your boss, and if you're gonna date anybody, date Kirsten.
Kirsten.
why is everybody on my case about Kirsten? who? who's on your case? forget it.
what? ok.
Paul.
Paul said something the night of the blackout.
what did Paul say? nothing.
Nothing I could believe, anyway.
how Kirsten was just headed right back to me, which is where she wanted to be all along.
what? You don't expect me to believe any of that, do you? no.
Not from the way you're acting, I guess.
and how you completely didn't pick up on any of her signs.
signs? like moving right back here after she and Paul broke up? that was--she needed a place to stay.
and how she moved right out when you went to get Daphne.
she went back to see her parents.
and she went out and got her own apartment.
she likes you, Charlie, but she thinks that you don't like her back.
now, who's gonna stick around for that? ok.
If that's how she felt-- which I'm sure that it's not-- why would she keep it a secret? I don't know.
but if you felt that way about her why would you keep that a secret? Owen drew this? what do you think of it? I think-- I think the extra work's really kicking in.
I mean, Pythagoras couldn't draw better triangles than this.
look at those triangles.
what do you think? Owen's processing skills have really improved, but it's supposed to be his family.
this is? other kids, their drawings aren't perfect or anything, but at least their family members are touching or close to each other or something.
hi.
I'm Kyle's mom.
when you get a sec.
sure.
wait.
I'm sorry.
should I be worried about this? one minute.
I don't know.
it may be he's just a little sad.
it's not uncommon with children of divorce.
divorce? one minute Charlie's his parent, then you are.
he's living in a strange new place without his brother and sister-- miss lo-- he needs to know who his family is.
You're picking me up? yup.
when I'm in a good mood, I want to do something nice for my sister.
uh, no.
No way.
ha ha.
Come on, why can't it be that? 'cause it isn't.
'cause you're no.
no, no, no.
it's too soon.
yeah, even for you, Julia.
too soon for what? you met a guy.
you met a new guy already? not new, exactly.
so what am I supposed to do now, guess who it is? it's Griffin, claud.
Griffin.
look, I know how it seems, especially with all the stuff that happened, but, you know, if we want to be together and we make sense together, then I don't know.
what kind of answer is that? well, just 'cause you guys made sense in the past, that doesn't-- I don't get it.
get what? get you.
what's wrong with you? you're always behind me, claud, especially with stuff like this.
you're, like, the one person I can count on, and besides, you love Griffin, don't you? you know what? you know what, you're right.
you're right.
that's-- that's really great, jule.
it's great.
it's a housewarming gift, although this place is looking pretty warm already.
yeah, blame it on Martha Stewart.
must have been pretty busy fixing the place up.
I haven't even seen you.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I want you to do what you're doing-- this whole starting over thing, but, uh I just miss you.
(laughs) well, I miss you, too.
but it is a lot of work-- you know, figuring out what car to get, what job to take, what city to live in.
which--sorry, which--which city? well, there's nothing tying me down, and it feels like a good time to try stuff out, you know? there are things that I've always wanted to do, like teaching and traveling and faraway places.
you just rented this place.
yeah, but the manager says I can always sublet.
Charlie, what? you think I shouldn't? you think I'm, like, running away from my problems or whatever? no.
I don't know.
(laughs) you think I should stay? Do you think I should stay here? I think that you should do what you want to do, Kirsten.
I mean, it's-- it's your life.
it's up to you.
I'm trying to show you some pictures here.
could you settle down? come here.
when's claud getting home from school? I don't know.
I don't know.
Here.
look at these.
here, look at this one.
this is your first birthday party.
see? There's mom lighting the candles, and that's dad holding you, and that's me, and that's Julia, and that's Charlie.
let's go play a game, ok? wait.
In a minute.
in a minute.
can we play football, Bailey, out in the yard? come on.
I never get to throw stuff at your house.
my house? hey, that's your house, too.
remember? the swing is the touchdown.
bet you can't tackle me before I score.
give me those keys.
give me those keys! hey.
Hey! no fair tickling! flag on the play! aha! too bad, buddy.
Bailey takes possession.
ok, it's fourth and goal for San Francisco.
hut, hut, hut! Bailey, I'm open! I'm open! hey, you guys.
what's up? Charlie, go deep! Owen, you play defense! ho! yes! lateral, Bailey, lateral! hey, that's against the rules.
you're down! dog pile! (all laughing) (woof) Good show.
all right.
hey, Claudia.
thanks for coming.
I wouldn't have missed it.
oh, you look so beautiful.
oh, thanks.
I'm glad you're back, Ross.
oh, me, too.
8 months on the road is 8 months too many.
so what'd you think of the concert? well, it doesn't sound like I'm about to get a rave review.
oh, no, it's not you.
you were-- you were great.
it's just all that Russian melancholy.
everything's so tearful and painful, it just I don't know, it kind of felt over the top.
ok, what's wrong? nothing.
oh, come on.
Claudia salinger not in the mood for tchaikovsky? I really don't want to talk about it, ok? ok.
fine.
let me introduce you to the rest of the ensemble.
I told them all about my favorite student.
Ross.
I do want to talk about it.
you're living in a dream world, jule.
why, because I'm an optimist? because I believe in second chances? no.
Because you just you just don't get it.
I mean yesterday this was easy for me.
I mean, Kirsten was just a friend.
I could call her, I could see her.
it was no big deal.
but now, every time her name comes up, I feel like this-- this twinge or pang, or whatever.
it's almost like we're breaking up again.
Charlie, I get it, believe me.
ok.
So why would I want to do this? why would I want to put myself through that again? because maybe it'll work this time.
you know? it's 2 years later.
maybe you guys are different.
maybe you're ready for stuff that you weren't ready for the first time.
Julia, it's not that simple.
I mean, we've got this whole entire history.
but you said it yourself-- you're friends now.
you're past all that.
you know what? I wish you were right.
well, then why won't you at least-- because she's made herself very clear.
I mean, she hasn't been around here in weeks.
she's thinking about leaving the country.
I mean, she doesn't want this, Julia.
so I'm not gonna push it.
You should have seen it, Sarah.
Bailey threw this pass, and his keys fell right in front of thurber, and when he finally got them back, they were totally covered in dog mouth slime.
ha ha! I'm sorry I missed that.
can I have some more rocky road, please? no.
I think 2 scoops will do you, buddy.
why don't you go brush my teeth.
Ok.
wow.
I don't think I've seen him that excited since-- I don't even know when.
I know.
he didn't want to leave today.
I had to drag him out of there.
yeah, I heard.
he told you? no.
He told Claudia during phone time.
phone time? yeah.
That's what he likes to call the hour that he spends on the phone with her every day.
he tells her everything.
yeah, I think he really misses her.
it's hard not seeing her all the time.
(sighs) it's not you, Bailey.
he's not unhappy being with you.
oh, I know.
I know that.
I mean, maybe his teacher's right.
she thinks Owen's basically been through a divorce.
well, there is a solution.
it's kind of nuts.
no one's gonna want to do it.
what? you're not thinking we could move back in with Charlie.
Sarah, no way.
no way! I don't want it either, Bailey, but think about it.
you'd still have Owen, but he'd get to live at home.
all of us would live together in the house? I didn't say it would be ideal.
we have our lives here, Sarah.
we've worked very hard to make this place what we want.
I know.
Forget it.
and Owen's barely lived here a month.
I mean, let's give it some time, for god's sake.
just forget I said anything.
ok? I guess Griffin, he he does so much for her.
you know? and it's like she doesn't even really appreciate it.
I mean, she appreciates it.
it's just I know how hard it was for him the first time when they were together.
how hard it was for him.
have you ever been in love with someone you're not supposed to? you're in love with Griffin.
he cares about me.
I mean, he came halfway across country just to rescue me.
he asked me to be in his band.
Claudia I know you're gonna say that it's impossible.
I mean, believe me, I know that better than anyone.
it's just sweetie, I've been there.
I know about loving someone who can't love you back the same way.
so what do you do with those feelings? 'cause I've tried putting them away.
I really have, Ross, and they hurt.
yeah.
yes, and they're going to.
and you can't help that.
so what do I do? you and I are lucky.
we have this thing we do.
we have our music.
we can take what hurts, and we can play.
for me, for a broken heart-- tchaikovsky.
Tonga? But-- this is for Tonga? yeah.
for a summer.
there's a, uh, guidance counselor at school who runs this foreign study program, and, uh, they're looking for teachers.
but Tonga? how far away is that? you said you wanted to travel, and maybe teach.
well, this is both.
i--i--said I was thinking about it.
(both laugh) ok.
But let's just look at this thing.
I mean, it's 3 months in this amazing place.
paid.
With kids.
I mean you love kids.
I'm just, um I'm surprised that--that you would come up with this, I mean, after what you said about me not being around enough.
well, but I mean, this is what you wanted, right? well what about what you want, Charlie? what do I want? (laughs) this is for you, not for me.
I mean, I'm just, uh I'm just trying to be a friend.
a friend.
ok.
what? Are-- are you saying you don't want this? no.
no.
This is this is the perfect job for me.
I mean, it is.
great.
you can, uh, you can use me as a reference, then.
that's really you're a wonderful friend.
I know how you love the fish, and I think we have a really wonderful fish special.
actually, let me check with the waitress and see if we have it.
I'll check the kitchen and see if we have any more of the Halibut.
I got it.
I got it.
Bailey, you ok? Julia.
Hey.
you seem a little-- I didn't know you were coming.
Bailey.
table 7 needs their check a little early.
they're trying to catch a movie.
oh, me, too.
I wonder if it's the same.
you look familiar.
she looks familiar.
yeah.
This is my sister Julia.
Julia, this is Lauren, mythe new manager.
hi.
hi.
Nice to meet you.
nice to meet you.
your picture's in the office, that's why.
oh, right.
well, I guess I'd better go manage something.
nice to meet you.
you, too.
she seems nice.
uh-huh.
Um, so what brings you here, jule? I'm meeting Griffin.
is he here yet? Griffin? No.
I haven't seen him.
huh.
That's weird.
I'm late.
he was supposed to be here at 8:00.
whoa, wait a minute.
you and Griffin? if you have anything to say other than, "wow, jule, that's great," I don't want to hear it.
wow, jule, that's great.
movie starts in 15 minutes.
I'd better call him.
Nice to see you again.
want to try the steak tonight? it's really delicious.
Griffin, are you there? it's almost 8:30.
I'm at the restaurant.
where are you? you were supposed to meet me at 8:00.
are you ok? ohhmm maybe you're stuck in traffic.
all right.
ok.
Hey.
Come on in.
here's that stuff that you wanted.
his, uh, his spiderman and the books.
is Sarah studying? oh, no, no.
she's at the library.
Owen's been sleeping kind of light lately, so sorry to come by so late, but no, it's ok.
Charlie.
that you? sorry.
hey, buddy.
hey.
It's past your bedtime.
come on.
Let's get you tucked back in.
but I'm not sleepy now.
sure you are.
come on, you just need to get back under.
no, I'm not.
I need a story.
please? just a page or 2.
that's ok.
I got it covered.
ok.
Charlie has to read it, too.
Owen, how am I supposed to do that? easy.
just squeeze in and take turns.
All right.
scrunch over.
I'm scrunched.
ok.
(sighs) "so when he reached the stream, "he met an old man with a long beard, "who said to him "give me your water and I will give you shade.
"the boy said, I'm not hot.
I don't need shade.
so the boy walked on some more" I think he's finally down for the count.
sorry again about waking him.
forget it.
if it wasn't you, it would have been the sirens.
he, uh he liked having us together tonight.
yeah, he did.
and today, too.
playing football.
you know, uh he wants us together.
look, I'm not saying that that's what we should do.
you're saying that's what he would like best? and would be best.
Where are we going with this? well in case we're nuts enough to even think about this think about us moving back into the house? I want you to know that there's room.
it's not anybody's first choice, I know.
noit's not.
butdon't rule it out because of me.
ok? We need to talk.
I know.
what happened last night, Griffin? I waited at the restaurant.
I called you.
yeah, I know.
we had a date.
did you forget that? no, I didn't.
you know what? do better than that.
tell me you got stuck at work or--or you lost track of time.
tell me you got a flat and spent the night on the side of the road where there weren't any phones.
tell me something.
make up a lie.
'cause I don't want to hear that you just couldn't deal.
I'm sorry.
that's what happened.
I was at home last night when you called.
I just I didn't pick up.
why? because what is there to say, you know? any way that I look at it, I just keep seeing the same thing.
mistake.
we made a mistake.
(laughs) how do you know that? we've--we've been back together a--a week.
a week, a year, what come on, it's-- it's still us, jule.
no.
You can't just say that it went wrong once and that's the only way it can go.
why not? because there's two of us here.
you can't decide for both of us.
I'm not.
I'm deciding for me.
it's over, jule.
it's, uh I can't be with you anymore.
I mean, I just--i-- I don't want to.
that's all there is.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
Hey.
hey.
decaf.
I know you didn't sleep last night.
thank you.
I saw you pacing.
yeah.
I was thinking.
about what we talked about? yeah.
and? and and it all comes down to one thing.
I've put so much on the line for that kid, you know, because I should.
so why would I draw a line here? what sense would that make? none at all.
so we're moving.
yeah.
wow.
but listen to me.
if we have to-- if we have to refinish the attic or refinish the shed or whatever we have to do, whatever it takes, we're going to have a life there.
we're going to give ourselves space there, ok? Charlie, I just got your friend's application.
she is perfect.
on paper, at least.
well, you'll like her even better in person.
she put you down as a reference, so just let me check a few things.
a b.
A.
In child psych, single, no kids, that's perfect.
the last thing we want is our staff getting homesick.
yeah, there's no problem there.
I think she's, um really ready for a summer away.
summer? well, that'll get her started.
started? yes.
the first 3 months are just a tryout.
teachers we like stay on for another 20 months.
that's the program.
wait.
You're saying that she'd be gone for for what, 2 years? yeah.
is that a problem? uh what? uh, it's just that she said that she, um that she wanted to finish school.
well, her resume says she's already finished her degree.
yeah.
Undergrad.
but, you know, her graduate degree won't be done until she wraps up her thesis.
huh well, she's been out of school 2 years, and she still hasn't finished her thesis? I'm sure she will, as soon as, uh, you know what, Charlie? What? as soon as she she sorts out her divorce.
divorce.
I see.
Bailey, are you in there? what? oh, joy saw you headed back here.
I got the quarterly payroll taxes done.
they're due today, but I can't messenger them without your signature.
ok.
Come in.
come on in.
I'm sorry.
It just it's been a hard day.
are you ok? you ever feel like you just can't get a grip on things? uh-huh.
because it's really starting to seem like every sentence that I hear starts with "you should," or, "you better," or, "you have to," andi it doesn't make sense for me to complain about it because everything that I have, I've asked for.
but but if I could just find 5 seconds where nobody needed anything from me you know what? why don't we do this later? we have till midnight.
wait, Lauren, wait, wait.
you're the only one.
you know that? you're the only person who just makes it easier.
uh-huh.
nonothing.
nothing.
I'm sorry.
yeah.
Nothing.
so I'm not mistaken? that was another nothing, like what happened the other night.
god, what's wrong with me? I better get back.
why don't you sign these, get them to me when they're done.
ok? (door closes) Charlie? oh.
explain this to me, Charlie.
explain why you-- you--you push.
i--i didn't even ask, ok? I mean, you practically insist that I apply for this job and then you shoot the whole thing down! Kirsten, I know.
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have done that.
I mean, why did you offer to be my reference in the first place if that's what you were going to say? I mean, I don't have my degree yet? I'm some flaky divorcee? it was unfair.
I was totally wrong.
what is going on with you, Charlie? what are you doing? I don't know.
I just I heard about the program and how long you were going to be gone.
but, uhYou're the one who said that I should go in the first place.
to make you happy, yeah.
what, so 3 months would make me happy, but 2 years, no? it was selfish, ok? I said I was sorry! but what does that mean, "selfish"? you want me to stay? of course I do! well, then why don't you just say it? why can't you just say it if that's what you want? I want you to stay! ok? I want you to stay.
ok! Look, you know what? let's just forget about this.
no.
Why? forget it? Why? because, Kirsten this is just getting way too weird.
I mean you're my friend.
you'reyou're a really, really good friend, and I'm not going to lose that.
how would you lose that? just if I started looking for things, for for stuff that isn't there.
really? Like what? like I don't know.
stuff, you know, between you and me.
stuff that we that we moved on from.
Charlie-- Kirsten please change the subject.
please.
Just you mean stuff like this? Is that what you mean? yeah.
Because what I want-- I'm feeling what I want is I want to lose control.
I want to give in to the--the craving, the--the urge, the itch.
because I know it's bad for me, but, man, I I'll feel good for a while.
I'll be free for once.
for a while.
andthe scary thing is, is that I actually thought thatthat once I had enough chips, that that I would lose that itch.
buti guess that never goes away.
I guess there's always something for you to crave.
even if it's not a drink.
This was no surprise, you know.
everyone warned me.
one way or another.
Charlie did.
you did.
even Griffin, the way he was acting.
but I wouldn't listen.
isn't it better this way, maybe? you know, instead of waiting months and months just to find this out.
I don't know.
Julia even when I was alone or even with someone else he was always there.
you know? just always there, like the air or something.
and now that I know that he's really gone it's like it sounds so dumb, but it's actually harder to breathe.
How did we how did we miss this? how did we go so long without knowing this? I don't know.
I mean there we both were, like la-di-da-di-da, living our lives and here was this secret waiting, this whole other future for us to-- Kirsten, stop.
right there.
I'm sorry.
what? when you talk like that, I it scares me.
about the future, right? 'Cause who knows? no.
That that's not what I mean at all.
I know.
I just I don't want anything going wrong.
Charlie, relax.
nothing can-- Kirsten, I blew it once before.
ok, but-- I'm just saying that now, for me, can we just not say anything and just take it really, really slow and easy? ok.
not a word.
Can you just explain one thing to me? if you love her and she loves you, then what? what's wrong with that? claud, what are you doing here? Julia's wrecked right now because of what you did, and I would really like to know why, Griffin.
why did you do this when you love her? I know you know that.
ah, so what? so what? you think that's something that just happens every day? no, I don't.
well, ok, then.
but that doesn't mean that we belong together.
right.
I just really don't understand you, Griffin.
you know, ever since I first met her, I always thought, "man, I hope I don't mess this up.
" because that's what I do, I I mess stuff up.
but you know what I never thought? I never thought that, "I hope this doesn't mess me up.
" it's just you know, these last couple of months, I've-- I've been on my own, and I'm starting to feel ok, likewhatever I do is fine.
like I don't have to keep looking behind me, wondering whose life am I holding up, or whose dream am I wrecking? that's just the thing, claud.
I think I'd rather just live my life.
and be ok.
Hey.
Good morning.
hey.
Good morning.
you're not wasting any time there, huh? well, this is just the preliminary stuff.
the movers come tomorrow.
um, where do you want us to store this stuff? how about the shed? you guys will sleep in the attic, right? hi! hi.
Kirsten, what brings you here so early? oh.
Uh um, I crashed on the couch.
the couch? I didn't see you.
uhthen I, um, I moved into the bed in Diana's room, 'cause, well, my keys, I, um, I lost them last night and I couldn't get into my house, so oh! Uh, which reminds me, um the locksmith.
I should get the locksmith, right? right.
I'll, um, I'll walk you to your car.
ok, great.
bye.
bye.
how is she going to start her car without her keys? I'll get the rest of the stuff.
ok.
and then I figure maybe we could go up and, uh scope out the attic.
unpack a little, try on each other's clothes maybe try and figure out where to put the couch and the--the dining room table.
that's a joke, the last part.
'cause we don't have room for a dining room table.
yeah, I get it.
ok, Sarah, look, I know that it's-- it's a bummer that we had to to leave the loft, but we had good reasons to do it, you know that.
you're the person who helped me figure that out.
yeah.
and I told you at the time that it wasn't something I wanted a whole lot.
but this is my life now.
Sarah, I have Owen now, and that means making some sacrifices.
I know that, Bailey.
then I don't know.
Do we have to be so tragic about it? no.
Bailey, we don't have to be tragic.
but I don't feel like being a cheerleader either, ok? (Playing tchaikovsky) (Music continues) (Music continues) I was just in the neighborhood, and I saw this incredible pie in the window.
Hey.
what are you doing here? I was just finishing up some work.
Why? nothing.
it's just so late.
I wouldn't be here myself if I hadn't spaced my wallet.
hey.
oh.
you found it.
thank you.
Are you ok? We shouldn't have done that.
I know.