[Alarm beeping]
[turns alarm off]
andie, sweetheart,
time to rise
and shine
and face the day!
Good morning.
Is andie all packed up?
Almost.
She doesn't leave for spain
till thanksgiving.
Kids grow up
so fast.
Let's try to buy more gifts
for the teenagers
and older people.
There are always
so many donations
for the younger ones.
Oh, I got the hotel
to pay the parking
this year.
People pay $200 a couple
for a rubber-chicken dinner,
and then they b*tch
about the five dollars
for parking.
Oh, I don't have time
to take these clothes
to the shelter.
I'll take them.
Make sure you lock
your car doors
when you go
down there.
Linda, are you
getting rid
of that red dress?
I love that dress on you!
Oh, me too.
I'm sick of it.
I'd take it
if I were two sizes smaller.
[Woman]:
thanks for coming
around the back
of the shelter
to unload.
I'm amazed at how many
homeless women
were waiting
to get in out front.
She's new...
And too full of pride
to tell her family
what happened to her.
I can't even imagine.
[Water boiling]
[telephone ringing]
hello?
Hi, honey.
[Groans]
again?
[Sighing]:
I made you lamb.
All right.
Okay.
I'll try to wait up.
Okay.
[Door opens]
[door closes]
hey.
Hey.
I thought you had
a business dinner.
I did, but we went
for sushi.
I had some rice,
but you know
I hate that raw stuff.
[Chuckles]
it's 1:00 a.m.
I know.
After-dinner drinks
turned into cigars.
I have to do
whatever I can.
Business has been
so slow.
Still?
Yeah.
I'm sorry, honey.
I'm exhausted.
Oh, you go on up.
I'll take care
of this.
Thanks, honey.
We're still
going to be able
to send andie to spain
a semester?
We'll see.
George, we've been
saving for that
for two years.
I know.
We'll see.
Good night.
Good night.
I'll be right up.
[Sighs]
[yawns]
[]
[Door opens]
what is it?
What's wrong?
Last night I found a note
in george's pocket.
A note that ended
in "I love you."
A note I didn't write.
Now I wish
I'd told you.
What?
I'm sorry, julie.
I just... I...
I don't know what to say.
Say about what?
People are saying
that george and donna...
Donna?
George doesn't even know
a donna.
I don't know
a donna,
except for the one at the gym.
She's, like...
Gena, you're crazy.
What is she, like, 25?
Look, maybe everyone's wrong.
Everyone?
Why didn't you tell me?
[Sniffling]
I didn't...
I didn't want it to be my faul
if you got divorced.
Divorced?
I am not getting divorced.
So, guys, this friday meeting
is the most important one
of your lives, all right?
When you show up,
you have to be on your game.
We can't afford
to lose this one,
and I'm telling you,
if we make it...
I need to talk to you.
Sure, honey.
Excuse us,
will you, guys?
Is everything okay?
How's andie? What--
is it true?
Is what true?
Just tell me.
Is it true?
How much do you know?
[Sighs]
how much is there to know?
Look...
You know how much
you and andie mean to me.
It's just that...
Oh, my god, julie,
we've been together 20 years--
21 years.
Is that your excuse?
Is that what makes it okay
to have an affair?
And embarrass me
in front of,
from what I understand,
everybody in town?
I suppose bob and dave know.
Look--
god, where was i?
Why didn't I see it?
Please--
oh, I guess I thought
we were married.
Let's try and be rational
about this, okay?
Andie's older now.
You have your whole world
set up for you
with your charity stuff
and your book club...
I am not supposed to care
that you had an affair
because I belong
to a book club?
I'm supposed to just forgive you
and everything
goes back to normal?
Julie...
You're not understanding
what I'm saying.
This isn't about me being mad
that you slept
with a 25-year-old
exercise instructor.
It's about you telling me
you're leaving me
for a 25-year-old exercise
instructor.
Actually, she's 27.
Julie, I'm sorry. I just...
We can work this out.
You're not going to split up
this family because--
come on, julie.
This hasn't been working
for a long time...
And you know it.
I do?
So, um...
Mom and I decided
it would be best
if, um, you know,
for all of us,
if, um...
We separated.
We love you.
We love you,
and that
will never change.
Exactly.
We messed up,
but it has nothing
to do with you,
sweetheart.
My team has a practice.
I got to go.
[Door slams]
"we" messed up?
What it comes down to
is he's offering you $20,000
for your half of the present
equity in the house.
That includes furnishings.
And what about our daughter?
$500 In child support.
George has also agreed
to use the savings account
for andie's trip to spain.
The car's in your name,
but it's not paid off.
How much is left?
12,000.
You can sign this
if you want,
but I strongly
recommend
you do not give up this house.
This house is a lie.
Our life together
was a lie.
[Sighing]: george
can have the house,
but I want $25,000.
He pays for andie's
private track and field coach,
and medical and dental
till she's 21
and college
for as long as she wants to go.
I want it over. Now.
George wants the house?
He can have it.
I'm going to start looking
for a new place to live.
Well, you're going to have to
look outside of westfield.
And julie...
You should think
about getting a job.
$25,000 Is not a lo
to survive on.
[Sighs]
[coffee pouring]
are you okay, miss?
Oh, I'm fine.
Just a bad...
Day for allergies.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Allergies can be
a pain in the a*s.
I have arthritis, bursitis,
and every other old-person-itis,
but no allergies.
Go figure.
Good coffee.
Ah, this place
was my wife lola's idea.
She likes to bake,
and she wanted a place
to sit and kibitz
while I worked.
Oy!
But it turns out
the coffee business does better
than the furniture business.
Go figure.
[Sniffles]
[rummaging through purse
oh, no, no, no.
That's okay.
It's on the house.
You know, I saw
a couple of pieces
of furniture over there.
I was wondering how much
you wanted for them.
Oh, so you're
a customer.
Well, why don't you
go take a look?
I'll be back
in a minute.
Can I help you?
I'm sorry. I...
I used to have an outfit
just like that.
Well, how deja vu for you.
[Door closes]
well?
I don't see why
I have to be punished
just because you and dad
screwed up.
You are not being punished.
My parents divorce,
and I'm forced to go
to a new school
with no track team,
and live here?
It's a nice place.
It's just temporary
until I can find
a good job.
I can't believe
you're doing this to me.
Trust me, honey,
this was not my idea.
I don't get it.
It only has one bedroom.
Yes, and I fixed it up for you.
I'll sleep here.
The couch folds out into a bed.
Daddy told me
he gave you a ton of money.
Why do we have to
live like this?
How am I supposed to
invite friends over?
"Daddy"...
It is just temporary, honey,
and I am doing the best
that I can.
I will get us
a new house
in our old neighborhood,
but it's going to take
a little time.
I cannot believe
this is happening to me.
I hate daddy!
He is a stupid idiot!
Oh, do not talk about
your father like--
[door slams]
[hip-hop thumping]
no way, mom.
Well, let's give I
a chance.
I'll go and talk
to the gym teacher
and see if--
they don't even
have a team.
You're just going to
have to be patient.
Can't I live with dad
until you get it
figured out?
No.
Go and live with daddy?
How could you
even suggest--
fine.
[School bell ringing]
andie...
I have to get to class.
If I don't
get there on time,
I don't get a desk.
I have to sit on the floor.
I have to say,
you're very brave
to be out in the world
on your own.
I can't imagine starting over.
At least you have money.
George may have been a snake,
but I'm sure
he left you comfortable.
Oh, yes.
Now, why are we here?
Do you have a new house
you want me to transform?
No, actually,
I'm looking for a job.
I thought
maybe I could help you out
in the store
or with clients
in their houses.
You know,
you always said
I had a flair for color
and design.
Remember?
Absolutely. Um...
I wish I could help,
but I don't make enough
right now
to pay
an extra person.
Um...
I'm sorry.
Oh... Ha!
It is late.
The wine made me forget
my schedule.
Look,
I've got to run.
Uh, do you have this?
Oh, sure.
You're a doll.
Good to see you.
[Sighs]
[door opens]
mom!
I need new gym clothes
and a new backpack.
This backpack is red,
and red apparently
is a g*ng color.
Red's not allowed in school.
Yeah!
They banned an actual color!
What if you're born
with red hair?
Can they make you
shave your hair off?
Oh, yeah...
And a kid got arrested
in my class today
because he brought a knife
to school.
You're kidding.
No, I just thought
you should know
what I'm dealing with.
I'm sorry, honey.
I am doing the best I can.
Mom, I have no friends.
The girls think I'm a snob
and the boys think I'm a prude.
[Door slams]
okay, there has got to be a job
somewhere.
Merry christmas.
Which package
would you like to buy?
Oh, they're all
so beautiful.
So how's the furniture
working out?
It's wonderful.
Thanks.
You know, these are
the best muffins.
There's something
special in here
but I don't know
what it is.
My wife's recipe.
You know, she wouldn't
give me the recipe
till I promised
to take it to the grave.
[Laughing]
I never see her
in here.
Oh, she died
10 years ago.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You talk about her,
so I just...
To me,
she's still here.
Go figure.
[Door bell jingles]
oh.
She smells rich.
Does she look
like a shopper?
I think she looks
like a shopper.
Hi.
I'm julie.
Hi.
I see you here almost every day.
Do you work nearby?
I'm the bank manager
at calicom bank.
I handle
most of their real estate
transactions--
mortgages, loans,
that sort of thing.
Oh, I bank there.
Or used to,
at the westfield branch.
Christmas job?
Oh, my daughter's
in high school.
I just thought
I'd keep myself busy.
Ah. Well, good for you.
Do you have this dress
in your closet?
[Laughing]
no.
[Telephone ringing]
merry christmas.
Mountain gate photo.
What kind of an emergency?
Is she okay?
[Brakes screech]
what's going on?
Are you all right?
Julie, please,
sit down.
I know
how awkward this is...
But andie came in
to see me yesterday
and asked my help
in putting together
this meeting.
It seems she's
really unhappy
at her new school,
and...
Yes, but...
She knows
it's only temporary.
She wants to
come back here,
to mountain gate.
She misses
her friends
and she wants to
continue to compete
on the track team.
Yes, I know that,
but...
Excuse me.
Why is she here?
Julie, I thought
it would be best
to deal with this
right from the beginning,
now that donna and I
are living together.
If andie comes
to live with me,
donna will be
part of her life,
and I thought
it would be best
for all of us
to deal with this,
you know, right
from the beginning.
Andie is not going to come
live with you.
Of course
it's your choice, julie,
but I've spent
some time
talking with andie,
and she's
very uncomfortable
with her
new surroundings.
I thought maybe there
could be some way
we could work it out.
Maybe she could
spend weekdays
with her dad...
And...
Only till
thanksgiving.
And then
she goes to spain,
and by the time
she gets back,
maybe you'll be
more settled.
We can have dinner
every night, mom,
and on weekends,
we can do whatever you want.
I want you to know,
I'm very dedicated to andie,
and I want
what's bes
for her--
please...
Don't speak to me.
Please, mom.
I really
want to go home.
[Sobbing]
mom!
Mom!
Mom, I'm sorry.
Look, I know I've been horrible.
I never realized
how hard this was on you.
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
It's hard for me to think of you
as a real person
and not just my mom,
but I know this has been
really hard on you, too.
I just love you.
I love you, princess.
I just love you,
that's all.
I love you, too.
I'll see you friday?
Yep.
I will pick you up
right here.
Okay.
Want to get chinese
and go for a movie?
Of course.
Yep.
Okay.
Okay. Love you.
I love you, too.
Bye.
Bye.
Okay, bye.
Slow day?
I sold a chair
this morning.
I got so excited,
I almost had a heart attack.
You know, you have
great stuff.
Beautiful pieces.
Maybe it's not
displayed properly.
I'll tell you what--
why don't you hang up
that "closed" sign,
and we will fix up the place.
I don't have money to pay you.
Okay, I'll make you
a deal.
I get free coffee
and muffins
for a week.
Make it a month,
and you're in business.
Done.
Okay.
[]
[Clattering]
oh, I'm sorry.
We're closed right now.
Is max all right?
He never closes.
He doesn't
believe in it.
Uh, we're doing
inventory.
But I just put two quarters
in the parking
meter.
There, that ought to
cover your losses.
You know,
I was going to have a coffee
and a muffin, too.
There you go.
Is this decaf?
Is the free coffee decaf?
Yeah.
If you knew max,
you would know that max
does not believe in decaf.
Can I ask you,
um...
Who you are?
I'm max's girlfriend.
Well, good for him.
Is this really
my store?
[Laughing]:
display is everything.
Everything okay, max?
My son
was supposed to come by
and give me
a lift home.
My car's in the shop.
Uh...
I'll give you
a lift. Um...
Oh. Thanks.
Any chance your son
doesn't drive a convertible?
Huh?
[]
Oh, I really miss
your cooking, mom.
Donna cannot cook
at all.
She's a vegan,
so we all
have to be vegans.
I mean,
give me a break.
What the hell
is "tofurky"?
[Chuckling]:
well, save room for dessert.
I made pumpkin pie.
What?
Well, I sort of promised
donna and dad
that I would have dinner here
and dessert with them.
Oh, okay.
Well, I'll just take you over
when we're finished
and pick you up in the morning.
Well, dad's driving me
to the airport in the morning.
Oh.
I bought you
a few new things to pack.
Thanks, mom.
Christmas,
you'll be in spain...
I guess
we'll just have to look forward
to the summer together.
[Turns engine off]
[sighing]
I'll miss you.
I love you.
I'm going to miss you.
I love you, too.
Love you.
I love you, too.
I'll see you when I get back.
Yes.
Okay.
Bye.
Bye.
[]
[Train whistle blows]
[siren wailing in distance]
[]
No!
No! It has everything in it!
[Woman]:
leave her alone!
[Siren wailing]
[]
Good news!
The doctor says
you might be able to
get out of here tomorrow.
Oh, good.
Was there someone
here to see me?
I sort of remember
a woman...
A woman brought your purse in.
She said she found it
in the alley,
near where you were attacked.
It had your i.d.
And your car keys in it.
All my christmas money
was in there.
Checks, credit cards...
You're lucky to be alive.
Merry christmas
for that, huh?
Thank you.
I didn't realize
I don't have
health insurance.
I was recently divorced,
and my husband handled
all those sorts of things.
Well, you were brought in
as a jane doe without any i.d.,
So the first day,
you were here
as an indigent.
The hospital can
look the other way
on those charges,
but you still owe $6,000
in hospital fees.
Six...
Thousand...
Well, I can't give it to you
all at once.
Could I just write a check
for $500,
and pay it off?
Oh.
My checkbooks were stolen...
The bank says
there's no money
in your account.
Wh-- that's not possible.
I have at least $15,000
in that account.
You'd better talk to the bank.
They're saying
you cleaned that account out
a couple of days ago.
That's impossible.
I was here
a couple of days ago.
Oh, my god.
He must have gone to the bank
before I canceled my cards.
We'll make up a bill
and mail it to you
together with a payment plan.
[Car alarm wailing]
[sighs]
[rattles door handle]
this was on my door,
and my key doesn't work.
When the rent's
over a week late,
that's what happens.
I was two days late,
and then I was in the hospital.
I was mugged.
Can you pay it now?
Well, no--
no rent money, no apartment.
I have nowhere to go.
Sorry, lady.
That's not my problem.
Please don't do this.
I'm sorry, lady.
Hi. George?
Listen, I was--
i-- i--
well, no...
No, I didn't get a message.
I've been...
I have a terrible--
married?
Well...
[Sighs]
well, congratulations.
Uh...
Did you tell andie yet?
[Sobs]
well, that's...
Probably a good idea.
No... I'm fine. I...
[Phone clatters]
[siren wails]
[]
That's my skirt.
Hi there.
Hi.
Hi.
Oh. Hi.
You sell real estate?
I thought
you worked in a bank.
And I thought you were married
and lived in westfield.
It turns out
you sleep in your car.
[Inhales sharply]
no, I don't.
I know, because I saw you there
last night.
I also live in my car.
Going on a year now.
It was you.
You found my purse
and came to see me
at the hospital.
Mm-hmm.
I'm glad
you're okay.
Thank you.
He took all my money
and cleaned out my bank account.
That's why I was sleeping
in my car.
Just for the one night,
until I get the bank
to work out--
the bank has
a responsibility
to look into the matter
immediately.
They gave me
some papers to fill out.
[Scoffing]:
of course they did.
Did you follow me here?
Mm-hmm.
I was curious, and...
That's my skirt
you're wearing.
Oh, well...
Fits nice.
Best purchase
I ever made.
Two dollars
at the thrift shop.
What?
Mm-hmm.
I paid $150
for that skirt.
You paid $150
for this skirt,
and you sleep in your car?
Good lord,
what is this world coming to?
No, I told you,
that was for one night.
I fully intend to work out
my financial situation and...
Yeah, well,
good luck with that.
But you might be
entitled
to some unemployment benefits
or welfare.
You know, there all sorts
of services
out there.
No.
[Laughs]
it'll never
come to that...
But thank you.
Right.
Well...
If you need my help,
you know
where to find me.
You should eat
before you leave.
[]
[Woman]: number 112?
You didn't work
at your recent employment
long enough to qualify
for unemployment
benefits.
You may qualify for welfare.
Fill these out
and mail them
to the address on the back,
and you'll be called in
for an evaluation.
Tax returns
for the past three years?
My ex-husband
has all of these,
and I can't let him know that...
Look, all I need
is a little help
for a short while.
I'll pay it all back
with interest.
I'm sorry.
It doesn't work
that way.
Number 113?
I've been waiting
for two and a half hours.
It's a slow day.
Julie?
Julie?
Hi. How are you?
Great.
Wonderful.
Best day ever.
Look,
I just thought
I'd see if
everything was okay.
How nice.
Look, if things
didn't go so well
for you in there--
julie,
it's all good.
Look, you have been
really nice,
but you cannot
help me.
I want...
A hot shower...
And a nap.
Mm-hmm.
And I really need
to get my hair done.
Have a seat right here,
darling.
I'll be right back.
How am I going to
afford this?
Look, every tuesday
and thursday
between 3:00 and 6:30
the salon needs to
have people volunteer.
One time, I got
a cut, a color,
and a style
for free.
Okay.
What happened
to your hair, darling?
There's no life.
[Carolers]:
the lord is come
let earth receive her king
let every heart...
A couple of nights,
I stay at the shelter
downtown.
The other nights,
I sleep in my car.
Of course, you've got to know
where to park
to keep the cops
off your tail.
I will make you
a list
of some of the best
parking spots in town.
Oh, I won't need that.
I'll be fine.
This is not who I am.
I've shopped
in all these stores.
I've eaten
in these restaurants.
Oh, okay.
All right,
so this is me?
You think that maybe I make
a better homeless person?
Oh, no--
I went to u.c.l.a.
No.
That's not
what I meant--
julie,
I don't think you realize
just how many women
are in our shoes.
It came upon
a midnight clear
that glorious song of old...
I met george
in my sophomore year
in college.
We were both taking
the same classes.
We were married
by the time
we were seniors.
He went to law school,
I supported us.
He loved to say
he'd be taking
care of me
for the next
60 years.
Oh, my god.
So let me
get this straight.
You put this guy
through law school,
bore and raised
his daughter,
gave him the best years
of your life,
and he up
and he leaves you
for some
skinny-a*s bimbo?
Mm-hmm.
My god, what a pig.
What happened?
I mean, if you don'
mind me asking.
No. No, not at all.
Oh, girl, I got fired
when the stock market
took a nosedive.
So...
Every couple of months,
I apply
at all the banks,
and I wait to see what happens.
But thanks to you
and all your girls
for donating your clothes,
I'm looking fine.
Yes, you are.
And I got to tell you
something--
I love these,
but my god, are they fattening.
You've got a great figure.
I worked out three times a week.
I never looked
that tight.
Well, I got to
tell you,
it's the stairs.
It's a free workout,
but it is brutal.
It will kick
your butt,
and it will hand I
to you on a platter.
The stairs?
Don't ask unless
you're serious.
Forget the thighmaster
and the butt buster.
This works better.
You ready?
Yeah.
[]
[Wheezing]:
leave me to die.
Save yourself.
Girl, it took me
three weeks
to get up to the top
without taking a break.
Keep going,
and I will meet you
at the bottom.
[Groaning]:
oh, I hate george bedford.
I hate...
George bedford.
Oh, my god!
George bedford?
George...
George bedford,
commercial plus?
I just put it together.
You were married
to george bedford?
I used to do
all of his long-term
tenant deals.
Girl, he has tons of money.
Why are you broke?
Well, if he has it,
he hid it.
I signed an agreement.
He sent me $500 last month,
before andie left.
It's probably
in my mail box.
Except I don't have a mail box
or an address
anymore.
Yes, you do.
I'll just add your name
to the p.o. Box,
and all your mail
from the apartment
will be
forwarded here.
Great.
Julie!
Where have you been?
Do you see what you did?
I am so glad.
Good for you!
[Julie laughing]
what can I get you?
Excuse me?
Sorry, too busy to talk.
Help yourself.
[Laughing]
I am so sorry.
I did not know who you were.
What you've done
for this place,
it's amazing.
My dad looks better
than I've seen him in years.
Thank you.
He's a great guy.
He must have been
a great dad.
He was.
Is.
So, do you work around here?
My dad says...
Oh, I used to.
I'm taking a break.
A vacation of sorts.
But you live around here?
Sort of.
[Max]: michael!
Come help me
schlep this armoire.
I got to schlep.
Wait here.
I want to talk to you some more.
I figure if I ask you
enough questions,
I'll figure out
if you're married
or have a boyfriend
or are secretly dating my dad,
like you said,
which leaves me out
altogether.
You're very sweet.
I'm not married,
but yes,
I do hold a secret torch
for your dad.
I knew it.
He gets all the good women.
Go figure.
Um, you'll wait, right?
[]
[Julie]: and things
are going to get even better.
[]
Why is this house
still for sale?
Oh, this house is what we call
a "white elephant."
The owners
live overseas.
They want 1.5 for the house.
It's only worth 800,000.
They won't budge.
Meanwhile, I have to sit here
sunday after sunday
showing the place.
I'm missing
my son's soccer games
and I have no time
to do my christmas shopping.
I'm selma james.
Hi.
And this is
julie bedford.
We have
our own company,
home sweet home.
We would be happy
to sit on it sundays
for you.
If we get
the asking price,
we'll split
the commission with you.
If we get less,
you take
the commission.
Really?
Mm-hmm.
That would be so great.
Home sweet home?
I've never
heard of you.
Well, we're
a new company.
We are always
on the move.
We practically
live in our cars.
[Chuckling]
well, great.
The lock box is in the garage,
and, uh,
I'll let my boss,
rita jones, know.
That is the combination.
And here's my number,
if you need anything.
Our business cards
are being printed up.
Okay.
Thank you.
Oh, excuse me.
Hi.
What?
Why did you do that?
Well, because now you have
a place to stay
on saturday nights.
Look, you sleep here,
and on sunday
you can hang ou
and show the place.
But I'm not a licensed agent.
Oh, so get your license.
Look, you study
a couple of books,
you take a test.
It's not like
you got to go to school.
All the books you need
are in the library.
It's not like you ain'
got nothing to do.
Good advice.
Thank you.
I'm always full
of good advice.
Well, you might want
to keep some of that advice
for yourself.
Huh?
You are smart, educated...
You have held down
an important job.
Why are you
sitting around,
waiting for some bank
to rehire you?
There are so many other things
that you could do.
Really?
Yes.
Well, then, maybe I will.
We could start
home sweet home.
I'll sell the houses.
You handle the loans
and financing.
Look at you,
with all your fancy advice.
Hi.
Yes, I was wondering
if you have the books
one studies
to get ready for
the real estate license exam.
[]
Women are the ones that do
the home buying.
In all my years
of running this business,
that is one thing
that I have learned.
That,
and that buying a house
is an emotional experience.
I mean, a woman
might buy a house
because she likes
the wallpaper
in the kitchen
or she likes the curtains
in the bathroom...
Or sometimes she just
likes the way it feels
when she walks
through the door.
You know, that's
why some agents
bake an apple pie
or chocolate chip cookies
when they're
showing a house.
[Inhaling deeply]
ah. Comfort.
Comfort sells.
Yeah.
I knew this one agent
who used to
bring her kids
and let them swing
on the swing sets
in the back yard
of the house
that she was showing.
She would have them
whistling something.
[Laughing]
[max]: where have you been?
It's been so long.
I've been really busy.
Julie, what did you do
to my son? Hmm?
He's been asking
about you every day.
"Did she come in today?"
"Did she ask about me?"
Tell me you'll have dinner
with the boy
and put him out of his misery.
Oh...
[Laughs uncomfortably]
I am not really dating
right now.
Julie, do an old man a favor.
Please have dinner
with the boy.
If he chews
with his mouth open,
I'll beat him with a stick.
I suppose
I could have one dinner.
Give me your address,
and he'll pick you up at 8:00.
Oh. Um...
Tell you what--
tell him to meet me at luigi's
at 8:00.
[Baby crying]
grace?
The boxes of clothes
that I brought in
a couple of months ago...
Are they gone?
Well, we send
them out
to shelters
all over the town,
but there are still
some boxes left.
Yes!
Yes!
I think there were shoes.
I was thinking
maybe a french braid?
Something really--
no, no, no,
no, no, no, no.
French braid, no.
I hate that.
I'm going to give you something
kick-a*s.
Wow.
You look beautiful.
I didn't think you'd come.
Well, you're here.
I'm thinking about leaving.
I'm not sure I'm ready for this.
Okay, I'll
make you a deal.
We sit.
I buy you dinner.
We don't say a word.
When dinner's over,
we go our separate ways.
What are you doing?
Are you balancing
your checkbook?
Well, I figured,
since we're not
going to speak...
[Sighing]
I'm sorry. It's just...
I have absolutely nothing
to say.
It's okay.
I'm recently divorced
from a man
I believed I would spend
the rest
of my life with.
I have a daughter,
who is away at school in spain,
and the holidays are coming,
and I felt lonely
and vulnerable,
and you seemed
like a nice man.
I'm sorry.
I probably shouldn't have
told you all that.
It's just that I haven't
been on a date in 23 years.
Which is, incidentally,
close to the age of the woman
my husband left me for
and just recently
became engaged to.
And now I have ruined
your dinner.
[Sighing]
i-- I should leave.
No, no, no.
Don't leave.
It usually takes
six dates
and 12 bottles of wine
before a woman will be
that honest with me.
Please.
Okay.
So, yes, I followed
my dad's advice
and I went to medical school.
And you never got married?
Oh, I was engaged once.
Uh, she died
in a car accident.
Oh...
I'm sorry.
Um...
I buried myself in my work.
Now everybody I know
wants to set me up on a date,
and I know by the first course
I'm not interested.
So we must be doing okay?
[Laughing]: yes.
I want to
see you again.
Give me your number.
Um...
I'll give you mine.
This is my
business card.
And this...
Is my home number.
I thought doctors
didn't give out
their home
phone numbers.
We don't...
Unless it's
an absolute emergency.
That's
the sweetest thing
anyone's ever
said to me.
Um, my father asked me
to be a gentleman
and not to kiss you
on our first date.
More good advice.
[Laughs]
I don't want to
go home right now.
Where do we go?
Actually,
there is someplace
that I'm supposed
to be.
A christmas dance with you
I can't remember...
Oh, my god!
You look so beautiful!
Where have you been?
We have been trying
to get in touch with you
for months!
You dropped
out of sight.
You look
so great!
I heard you went
to hawaii
with the pool boy.
Oh, no, I've been here, but...
I brought a friend.
Is that all right?
Are you kidding?
She put this whole thing
together.
It's your party.
I used to
have a dress
just like that.
Really?
How deja vu for you.
[Chuckling]
this is dr. Michael stern.
This is gena.
Nice to meet you.
Linda.
Nice to meet you.
George is here.
With donna.
Oh, I didn't think he'd come
with...
My ex-husband is here.
Let's dance.
Excuse us, ladies.
Of course.
Wow.
I can't remember
a feeling like this
such heavenly bliss
intoxicated by your kiss...
My mother tried to
teach me how to dance.
She thought I'd be
the president
of the united states,
she wanted me
to be able to dance
at the inaugural ball.
Unfortunately, I just
wanted to join the circus.
Oh, smart woman,
your mother.
[Chuckling]
and the glistening snow
has fallen
sleigh bells keep
a perfect rhythm for
a christmas dance...
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Julie?
Hi.
Hi, george.
[Laughing]
how are you?
Wow, you look really great.
Thank you.
This is my friend,
dr. Michael stern.
You did me.
I'm sorry?
Uh, you set my foot
after I broke it
skiing last year.
I was your patient.
So many patients
come through my office.
I don't remember.
It's okay.
[Laughing]
uh... Excuse us.
That's our song.
They have a song?
Why don't we
have a song?
"You did me"?
We have a song?
[Singing along with song]:
life can be so sweet
love can be so fine
I know I'm complete
when I hold your hand
in mine
try to picture this
you and I embrace
share a tender kiss
as we stand there
face to face
I believe in fate
I believe in chance
I believe
there's music playing
so let's dance
I love our song.
Sweeter than a dream...
I feel like cinderella.
Sorry if it seems
that I care a bit too much
thank you for tonight.
This was the best date
I've been on.
Ever.
Yeah, as dates go,
this was...
This was right up there
with emily rogers.
Trust me, I was 13,
and emily
was very friendly.
[Chuckles]
oh, look.
That's the north star.
That's the star
santa uses
to navigate
through the world
on christmas eve.
Aw, you still
believe in santa?
I believe in
the magic of santa.
Okay.
When I was a little,
there was always
a special
christmas present
under the tree...
Something that no one
could account for.
My mom and dad said
they hadn't bought it.
And it was always
something I wanted
more than anything
else in the world.
Something
I hadn't even
told my parents
I wanted.
One year, I opened up
this little box,
and there was
a gold locket inside,
just like the one
my mom wore.
I think I was eight,
and it was a grown-up,
big girl's necklace,
and on the back,
it said,
"for sweet julie".
It meant
so much to me
that I put it on
and I never
took it off.
Ah...
That's nice.
I better go.
Thanks.
Call me.
Oh, yeah.
[Engine turns over]
[car pulls away]
ooh.
[Shivering]
[sighs]
my coach just turned back
into a pumpkin.
[]
[Groans]
yes!
[Screaming and laughing]: yes!
[Laughing]
so, what did you tell him?
Nothing.
I obviously can't ever
see him again.
What? Why not?
He sounds great.
Yeah, and one of
the things he said
he liked about me
was that
I was so honest.
What am I supposed
to say?
"Oops, I forget to mention
that I'm homeless
"and I sleep
in my car at night
and eat free mall food
during the day."
Well, you don'
have to tell him
everything.
Save a little.
I don't have time
for a relationship anyway.
I finally got a plan.
I take the real estate
licensing exam
on tuesday...
Mm-hmm.
And then I can get
a great job
and crawl out of
this hole I've been in,
and by the time andie
comes home for summer,
I'll have my life back,
and she'll never know
about this sad chapter.
Did you hear
from the bank?
Mm-hmm.
They're still working on it.
[Groans]
it's from andie.
[Letter rustling]
[gasps]
what? What?
What is it?
[Sighing]
she's decided to come home
and stay with me for christmas.
I cannot tell her
I am homeless.
I don't want to
burden her.
Oh, come on,
now, girl.
She loves you.
She'll be fine.
I think I should
just call her
and tell her
not to come home.
I don't know
what else to do.
Well, I'll tell you what--
why don't you come with me
to church?
I always feel better
after church.
I haven't been to church
in months.
You know what?
You'll fit
right on in.
Come on.
Amen
amen
amen
amen, amen
hallelujah!
Amen
whoo!
Amen
whoo!
Amen
amen, amen
amen
amen
amen
amen, amen...
[Speaking quietly]
[julie]:
oh, that was
the most
beautiful music
I have ever heard
in my life.
Well, now you know
why I feel better
after church.
We run on
the community communism
theory.
Communism theory?
[Selma]:
they can't do that.
You turn around
and you tell them
you're going to
take them
to small claims court
if they even
think abou
trying to cut off
your heat.
I made a deposit on a friday
and didn't write my rent check
until monday,
and still it bounced.
As long as you made
your deposit
before 4:00 on friday,
the bank has
a responsibility
to cover any checks
you wrote after monday.
Oh, and you tell them
not only are you no
going to pay
the overdraft fee,
but you want a letter
sent to your landlord
explaining
that it was
the bank's mistake.
You're right
about church.
I do feel better.
Well, that's what church
is all about.
[]
[Door opens]
hi.
Hey.
[Door closes]
hmm.
[Chuckles]
I saw the sign out front.
You're here.
You are dedicated.
It's sunday.
It's also three days
before christmas.
No one is looking for a house
right now.
Close it up.
We'll show it again
after the first of the year.
Okay.
Well, I'm leaving
in the morning
to have christmas in washington
with my parents.
What are you going to do?
My daughter's
coming in
to see me,
to stay with me.
Well, that sounds like fun.
I'll see you when I get back.
Merry christmas.
Merry christmas, madeline.
[Door opens and closes]
"large, warm house..."
"Wonderful yard."
"Perfect for the family."
A family of ghosts, maybe.
[]
[]
h*, h*, h*, h*!
[Mouths words]
h*, h*, h*!
Max...
I need a favor.
You broke my son's heart.
You know that,
right?
He mopes around
like a lost puppy.
I'm sorry,
and I will make it up to him
one day.
I promise.
Listen, I need to borrow
a couple of things
for just a couple of days.
Whatever you want.
Oh.
I just moved into a new house
and the furniture won't arrive
for two weeks.
My daughter's coming
for the holidays,
so I need two beds
and a table and chairs
and a couch...
If it's not too much trouble.
And the other thing is
I need it tomorrow.
Ah...
Give me the address.
Thank you, max.
[Chuckling]
is that for me?
If it isn't,
it's not polite
to flaunt it.
[]
Oh, julie...
Thank you for this.
[]
[Whirring]
[toots]
[doorbell chimes]
[julie]:
I'm coming, max!
Michael.
Uh, I told max
I'd drop this
stuff off to you.
Well...
I was just on my way
to the airport
to pick up my daughter.
Well, I won't keep you.
You never called.
I meant to.
I guess I just got so busy
with the holidays...
Right.
My daughter's coming
for christmas.
So I have to run some errands
and spend most of the day
at the airport.
I understand.
Okay, well, I'll just bring
that stuff in, then.
Okay.
All right.
I-i really appreciate it.
Let's make this quick, guys.
Well, that's it.
Thank you.
Thank max for me.
I will.
Merry christmas.
Merry christmas.
I like you.
I like you.
I think
you're a wonderful man,
so I'm going to tell you
the truth.
I am a liar!
My husband left me
with very little money,
and I was so determined
to make a good life
for my daughter and myself,
but the school didn't have
a track team,
and the kids were smoking,
and there were g*nshots,
and then I got mugged,
and I couldn't pay
the hospital bill
because the muggers
had two forms of i.d.
The manager locked me
out of my apartment
and I lost my job,
so I ended up
living in my car
and eating free cheese
at the mall.
And I was making it work,
but then my daughter told me
she was coming home
for christmas,
and this house is an elephant
that nobody
was going to buy
over the holidays,
and so I just thought
I would live here for a few days
and pretend that my life
was working.
I pawned all my jewelry
at the pawn shop,
and I bought christmas presents,
and I made a special dinner.
And I don't blame you
if you hate me right now,
but if you don't,
I would like to invite you
to christmas dinner
and I would like you
to bring your dad,
and if you don't,
I completely understand.
I have to leave now
and go to the airport.
Wow.
[Gasps]
hi!
I've never been
so happy
to see anyone
in my life!
Oh, mom,
I love your hair!
Oh, you do?
Oh, no.
I love it.
Okay, okay,
tell me everything!
Okay, well,
forget tv,
because everything
is in spanish,
except reruns
of gilligan's island,
which are in french.
I don't even care
if we live
in that apartment.
I'm just so happy
to see you!
Oh, baby, I moved
into a new house.
I mean, I don't have
much furniture
in it yet,
I'm just in
the beginning stages
of putting it together.
Okay.
Let's go, let's go!
[]
Mom, it's beautiful!
We live here?
Yes.
[Quietly]: michael.
What?
Nothing.
[Julie laughs]
wow!
Mom, this is beautiful.
I like it way more
than our old house.
You must be doing
so great.
I'm doing okay.
Oh! I want to see
upstairs!
Me too.
Remember
that christmas
when I stayed up
all night long
waiting for santa,
and then
I was too tired
to open my presents
until the next day?
Of course I do.
I was the one
trying to get you
to go to sleep
all night.
Oh, and remember that christmas
when dad dressed up as santa
and he got caught
in the chimney?
Yes.
I'm sorry.
Oh. Honey...
[Sighing]
our futures
are what we make of them,
but our past, our memories
are set in stone.
Your father and I
had many wonderful years
together,
and I would not trade
one moment
of watching you
grow up.
Okay?
[Doorbell chimes]
oh...
Who's that?
I invited some friends.
What kind of friends?
Just a friend
and his father.
[Door opens]
[julie]:
oh, my god.
[Rita]:
hello, julie.
You got the message
I left for madeline--
I am so glad.
[Door closes]
I'm sorry.
I hate to have to
bother you
on christmas eve,
but the bloomfelds
are only in town
for one day,
and they just had to
see this house.
They're having
their sixth baby.
They need a big house.
[Exhaling sharply]
well, come on in.
Uh-huh.
Come.
This is my daughter, andie,
and this is rita jones
and the bloomfelds.
Hi.
Please, don't, um...
Don't let us disturb you.
Who are they?
And what are they
doing here?
That's what I was
going to tell you.
My new career
is in real estate,
and, uh, i...
Redesign houses
and show them
to prospective buyers.
I found there was
a real market
to, you know, fix up
these empty houses
and make them look homey
in order
for them to sell.
This is one of my...
Model houses.
Yup.
Mom...
I am so proud
of you.
That's brilliant.
You are a genius.
Fruit salad?
[Rita]: julie?
May I speak to you
for a moment?
Yeah...
I can't believe
you did this.
I can explain.
In all the years
that I have been selling houses,
I have never once
seen a real estate agent
go to such lengths
to sell a house.
I mean,
this is so beyond
baking apple pie
and whistling,
swinging children.
They want the house
and all the furniture!
They offered me
the asking price,
plus whatever it cost
for the interiors to do.
Really?
Yeah.
I'm amazed!
Yeah!
So after the 1st,
we'll sit down,
and we'll finalize
contracts.
They're pre-approved.
This should move
very quickly.
Oh! Good.
I'm just...
I'm just
so impressed.
I want you to redecorate
all of our empty houses.
We'll pay you to redo them,
plus...
There's your sales commission
on top of that.
Okay.
And the kid.
What a great touch.
Where'd you get her?
She just...
Flew in.
Well...
Merry christmas, julie.
Merry christmas, rita.
Bye.
Bye.
Bloomfelds!
[Door closes]
[laughing]
well, congratulations.
Thank you.
You like it?
I thought it would go
with your gray cords.
Oh, thank you, mom.
Oh, this is the best christmas.
Spending it
with my beautiful,
grown-up daughter.
Hey, I'm going out
with my friends later.
Want to come with me?
Oh, no, thanks.
I have some friends
that I need to see.
Okay.
And this one.
Well, I'm out of here.
Oh, you look great.
Thank you.
All right, honey.
Okay, I'll
see you later.
All right. Be safe.
All right. Bye.
[Door opens]
[groans]
[door closes]
[train whirring]
[toots]
oh!
[Gasping]
oh!
[]
Yes, I'm trying to reach
a dr. Michael stern.
Yes, yes,
I know it is christmas,
but this is
his emergency number,
and it's an emergency.
His father?
Why? What's wrong?
Which hospital?
Okay. Thank you.
Excuse me.
Do you have
a max stern here?
Let me have a look.
[Keys clacking]
he's in room seven.
That's the second door
down the hall.
[Michael]: you can't
just do something
simply because
you want it.
[Max]: I'm perfectly
capable of walking.
Who's the father here,
who's the son?
You're okay!
Julie...
Oh!
Good to see you.
How did you know
where to find me?
I get indigestion,
and my son,
the brilliant doctor,
thinks I'm having
a heart attack.
Go figure.
It's better to be safe
than sorry.
My dad is a very stubborn man.
Thank you.
Thank you for everything.
How did that all work out?
It was wonderful.
Oh, good.
Where's your daughter?
Oh, she went out
with some friends, so i...
Well, that's perfect.
Come on.
I'll take you out to dinner
with my dad.
Nah, nah.
No, thank you,
dr. Know-it-all.
I'm going home
for some peace and quiet
and a little talk
with your mother.
No, I am no
senile.
I know she's not there,
but I still talk,
and she listens.
Unlike you,
with your thick head.
[Chuckling]
what you did for me
was so special.
How did you find my necklace?
I don't know
what you're talking about.
You're santa.
That is the most
ridiculous thing
I've ever heard.
Come on,
it's christmas.
What are we going to do?
I have a great idea.
When was the last time
you went to church?
[]
Joy to the world
the lord is come
let earth receive her king
let every heart
prepare him room
and heaven and nature sing
and heaven
and nature sing
and heaven, and heaven
and nature sing
[cheering and applause]
hello!
Hi!
Merry christmas!
Merry christmas!
Oh, selma...
This is michael.
Well, hello.
Nice to meet you.
You have your daddy's eyes.
Well, thank you.
I've been
looking for you.
I have some mail
for you.
So, did you enjoy it?
Oh, they're amazing.
Really.
[Julie gasps]
what? What?
I passed the real estate exam!
I did it!
Now we can start
home sweet home.
I think maybe we can help you.
Well, it is christmas eve,
so you should
expect miracles.
All right, let me
just put you through
to our financial advisor,
and we'll see if maybe we can
get you pre-qualified.
Okay, I'm just going to
put you on hold.
Hello?
Merry christmas.
May I help you?
Hey, mom. Ready to go?
Hey, honey.
Just one minute.
Okay.
[Murmuring]
where is she going?
Home...
For the holidays.
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