03x05 - Truant

[bunniefuu]

(pensive music)

- [Recording] You've reached

Vice Principal Moreau's voicemail.

Leave a message.

(dogs bark) (horn toots)

- [Computer] Hi, this is Jim Lowe.

I'm calling to stay that Caitlin Seeger

won't be in class today because she's sick.

Have a nice day.

- Have a nice day?

- Hey, you should be saying thank you.

This is a very sophisticated scam.

- Thank you.

- Hey, and by the way, I need my biology essay.

It's already a day overdue.

- Right.

Here you go.

It took me a little bit longer than I thought it would.

But now, we're even.

- Yup, we're even.

So you've been cutting classes for like what, three weeks?

- Something like that.

- And where do you go when you're doing all this skipping?

- Somewhere where you aren't.

- Okay.

But if you keep cutting classes, you're gonna get burned.

- Whatever.

(laid back music)

Sometimes, when you've got a secret, it gets so bad,

you feel like you're gonna burst if you don't tell.

But I can't.

It's hard to believe, but all the school I'm skipping

is actually helping my future.

No, Steve, you promise me the cover.

No, it's not, I...

(Griffen chuckles)

I'll have to call you back.

- (chuckles) I can't believe you're back.

Ugh, I love that spread you did for Rolling Stone.

It was fantastic.

- [Caitlin] Oh, thanks.

- Can I have your autograph?

Yeah, uh,

two Fs.

- Dreams can come true,

and I'm gonna make sure that mine do.

♪ There's a devil standing on my tail ♪

♪ But I don't have to beat him ♪

♪ And there's an angel tempting me to fail ♪

♪ But I don't really need him ♪

♪ And the waves just keep rolling along ♪

♪ We can drift if the current prevails ♪

♪ Here we are in this slow boat ♪

♪ Wishing for a sail ♪

♪ Wishing for a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ For a sail ♪

(upbeat music) (bell rings)

- Coach Lawrence gave me your biology essay.

- He did?

- Yeah, it's quite impressive.

(Griffen chuckles)

- Thanks.

I've been doing a little extra work.

- So what do you think.

Is vitamin D a friend or a foe?

- Well, that's just the thing.

You see, it can be a friend and a foe. (chuckles)

(Ross chuckles)

(Griffen chuckles)

- You think you're smart, don't you?

- No.

- This is a college level essay.

Where'd you get this from?

- The same person who always gets me in trouble.

This is so cool.

The original was molded to fit the actor's hand.

- You should take it.

- Yeah, right.

- Come on, they owe you.

They're not hiring you.

Besides, it's a victimless crime.

- There's no such thing.

- He didn't see you.

Come on, I've lifted lots of stuff.

Five finger discount.

Nobody saw me take 'em.

Nobody missed 'em,

just like nobody's going to miss the lizard man's hand.

Come on.

- I can't believe I did that.

- Come on, let's see it.

- This feels really weird.

- Why?

- I took it.

It's not mine.

- Come on, it's not anybody's.

It's just some old Halloween costume.

- Yeah.

You have made the lizard man very angry.

- Griffen.

- Oh, huh.

- Griffen, you dork!

Get away from me!

(Griffen laughs) (fingers snap)

- Would you like to share the joke?

- No.

No, no joke.

- Since you're not gonna tell me where you got that essay,

I'm suspending you for three days.

Suspending you for three days.

Three days.

Suspending, suspending you for three days,

for three days.

Suspending you for three days.

- You're a straight A student, Griff.

Why would you risk your school record to do this?

- I was redesigning my website

and I just didn't have time to do the essay.

- Your schoolwork comes first.

You know that!

- I learn a lot from Griffen Cam.

- Vitamin D is our friend, but it can be a foe?

I wrote this paper in college!

- It's your paper?

- You know it's my paper!

You took something that I wrote

and you passed it off as your own.

That makes me a part of your lie.

I'm on the school board, Griff.

This reflects very badly on me.

- Look, I'm really, really sorry!

- Okay.

Give me your car keys.

- What?

Dad, no, come on.

I'll give up TV.

- You are in no position to negotiate.

Besides losing your car privileges,

you're cut off from the internet.

- Keys.

- Mom's essay?

You got me suspended.

- I didn't know!

- No, no, you didn't care.

I should have known he weren't smart enough

to write an essay for me anyway.

- Hey, you know what?

I am just as smart as you are.

I am too.

- [Teacher] Anyone know the answer?

Caitlin?

- I don't know.

- Genius.

- I knew the answer.

I was just covering for you so you wouldn't look stupid.

I guess I was too late.

- So I wouldn't look stupid?

If I needed anybody to cover for me, and I don't,

it certainly, definitely, absolutely would not be you.

- Why?

Because then you'd have to admit that we were equals,

that now, I'm not your poor little messed up cousin?

- You'll always be messed up.

- You hope I will be

so that you can feel good about yourself,

teaching me your little brain games.

Well, I got news for you.

I know 'em now.

- So what?

You're a total slacker.

- I am not.

- No matter how much you learn,

you're never gonna do anything with it.

You're gonna be getting Ds your whole life.

- Yeah?

Well, you write loser music,

and you're the only one who thinks it's any good.

- Here's why I'm smarter than you.

I'm gonna get you punished too.

If you don't tell mom and dad what you did, I will.

- You're kidding.

- No.

Do it right now.

I'm counting to 10.

One.

Two.

Nine.

10.

♪ Now I'm growing close to gold ♪

♪ Sunny sky, your love unfolds ♪

(Griffen screams)

- Caitlin!

- [Caitlin] Griffen!

Here comes the rope!

- Okay.

♪ Where I found a heart to hold ♪

- Griffen, did you get the line?

- Yeah!

Yes, I did it!

- Are you okay?

- Yeah.

Until you came, I didn't realize how lonely I was.

- Yeah.

- You are so lucky!

(bell rings)

- Okay.

Right, English first.

- [Announcer] Caitlin Seeger to the Vice Principal's office.

Caitlin Seeger.

- [Computer] Hi, this is Jim Lowe.

I am calling to say that Caitlin Seeger

won't be in class today because she's sick.

Have a nice day.

- [Ross] Your tape seems to have a glitch in it.

- I don't know what you're talking about.

- We're not fools, Caitlin.

We know you've been skipping school.

Do you have anything to say for yourself?

(sighs) Caitlin, you're smart.

You've got a lot going for you.

I've been turning a blind eye to your behavior, but

I can't do it anymore.

- What does that mean?

- I'm expelling you.

- What?

Okay, yes, I've been skipping school, but I have a--

- [Ross] I don't wanna hear it!

- That is not fair.

- I've been more than fair with you.

You're way past three strikes here, Caitlin.

- Fine.

I'll do community service.

I'll mow the school lawn or something.

I don't know.

- [Man] You're expelled.

Caitlin, you know the school's policy.

Three strikes and you're out.

- But I only have two.

- [Man] Look, I tried to get this Martin guy

to let you work off your debt to him,

but he wasn't having it,

so I got to charge you for the theft.

- I'm expelled?

- [Man] You're outta here.

- You kicked them both out in two days.

It looks like you have it in for them.

- Caitlin's clearly not interested

in attending High River High.

She set an all-time record for missed classes.

- Well, people are always cutting out on her,

throwing her away when the going gets rough.

- Dori, it's the same pattern over and over.

Maybe we just haven't been tough enough on her.

- [Caitlin] You can't tell me what to do.

Don't you dare tell me how to be!

You have no idea what I've been through, how I've lived.

Some nights, I didn't even know where home is.

I'm not changing my style.

It's not gonna happen like that, all right?

I'll try and stay out of your way

and you try and stay out of mine.

- I'm on Highway 451 north of the Anderson ranch.

- [Griffen] Tell them, Catlin.

- I am not kidding around.

- The bear,

it tried to attack Griffen.

- [Dori] Do you have to charge her?

(expl*si*n blasts)

I mean, we are the owners of the Jeep.

- [Jim] She broke the law.

- [Dori] Jim, one of the conditions of her being here

is that she stay out of trouble.

If you charge her,

they're just gonna send her back to another foster home!

- If I don't charge her,

if I don't charge her, it'll look like I'm protecting her.

Maybe Caitlin just doesn't wanna change.

- [Dori] But she's had so many fresh starts.

- I know you've had bad experiences.

I was hoping this could be different,

hoping we could even have some fun together.

- Getting ordered around isn't any fun.

Face it, Jim.

Outside of liking donuts, you and I have nothing in common!

- [Jim] I don't want her to go any more than you do.

We've given her all the love and understanding we can,

but we can't control her!

She's damaged!

- Jim, I said that I was gonna give her a home

and I am not going back on that promise.

- I think you should enroll Caitlin

at Sweet Ridge High in Logan county.

Now, it's a fine school with a zero tolerance policy.

A fresh start would do her good.

- But she's had so many fresh starts.

I don't think that enrolling her in a new school

is gonna help!

- Dori, maybe Caitlin just doesn't wanna change.

It seems every time she takes two steps forward,

she takes three steps back.

- I've got to follow school procedure on this one.

- I think you're wrong on this one, Ross.

- Sorry.

(soft guitar music)

- Get out.

- Here.

I won't be needing it anymore.

- Okay.

Now get out.

- Fine.

- [Griffen] Why'd you do it anyway?

- Because

I thought that you deserved an A,

and I couldn't write an A paper.

- I know.

I, I just can't believe I've been suspended.

- It's three days, Griff.

I've been expelled!

- I know.

It's the worst.

But my whole life, all my friends, everything is school.

- I have to go to Sweet Ridge High now.

I guess it's no big deal.

I mean, it's not like I haven't started over before, right?

- Please welcome your new classmate, Caitlin Seeger.

- What a freak show!

(class chuckles)

- Thank you, Eric.

I'd like a five-page report on George Orwell tomorrow

on my desk.

- Mr. Watson, look at her.

She's a freak!

- Make it 10.

Wanna go for more?

Miss Seeger, welcome to High River.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

- Well,

I never really wanted to come here.

I don't expect any of you to like me,

and I don't expect to like you.

♪ Don't give out ♪

♪ You're on your way ♪

♪ Don't give out ♪

♪ Don't give in ♪

♪ What's your hurry ♪

♪ Don't give in ♪

- So stay out of my face and no one gets hurt.

- Well, I've never heard that one before.

Please take a seat.

- It'll only be for a few months.

I mean, I'll be 16.

I can quit.

Who needs school anyway, right?

I'm gonna be a photographer.

Tremor.

Get your Tremor here!

Sir.

No, okay.

Get your Tremor here.

Anyone?

(horn honks)

Oh.

Thanks, sir.

That'll be a dollar.

Oh.

Hey, Griff.

- Hey, Caitlin.

How are you doing?

- I'm okay.

How's Griff Cam?

- My net worth tripled again last week.

But who's counting?

So what's the deal with you?

- Well, I got some of my photographs

published in this week's issue.

but I'm a little behind in my rent.

- Again?

Caitlin, you really have to learn how to budget.

Here.

- Thanks

- [Griffen] Uh-huh.

- Tremor.

If I leave school and I can't get a good job,

I won't be able to afford you either, boy.

♪ Come on ♪

♪ My Town ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Can you feel me ♪

♪ Get down, get on and make some noise ♪

♪ Gonna get down with the My Town boys ♪

♪ Gonna get you in the mood to party all night ♪

♪ Get down, get on, let down your hair ♪

♪ There's people dancing everywhere ♪

♪ Gonna get you in the mood to party all night ♪

♪ Here comes the weekend once again ♪

♪ Jump in the car and tell your friends ♪

- Dr. Truth.

- [Caller] Hey, doc, I'm flunking math.

What should I do?

- Well, you have a choice, either study or summer school.

I messed around all last year and I had to go.

♪ Friday night is coming, yeah ♪

♪ I think we'll be all right ♪

♪ Get down, get on and make some noise ♪

♪ Gonna get down with the My Town boys ♪

♪ Gonna get you in the mood to party all night ♪

♪ Get down, get on, let down your hair ♪

♪ There's people dancing everywhere ♪

- [Griffen] 89?

Yes, I'm back!

♪ To party all night ♪

♪ Hey DJ, let the record spin. ♪

- [Caitlin] I just scored four points higher than you.

♪ Everybody get up and shake that thing ♪

♪ Let the music take you over ♪

♪ So get down with the town ♪

♪ You know it don't stop when the sun goes down ♪

- [Jim] Caitlin, we're really proud of you.

- [Caitlin] Thanks.

- [Ross] You did really well.

- [Caitlin] Whatever.

- [Ross] You have an excellent mind, Caitlin.

♪ Get down, get on and make some noise ♪

♪ Gonna get down with the My Town boys ♪

♪ Gonna get you in the mood to party all night ♪

♪ Get down, get on, let down your hair ♪

♪ There's people dancing everywhere ♪

♪ Gonna get you in the mood to party all night ♪

- I really like High River High, okay?

It's just I was getting really bored there.

That's why I've been skipping school.

- I hope this gets better.

- I was falling asleep in class.

But then I read this article about this art class

at Spring City College.

It sounded really cool.

So that's where I've been going.

- You've been skipping school to go to school?

- How did you get into college?

- Look, I know it sounds crazy, all right,

but I mean, I got the books from the library,

and I changed my hair to make me look older.

(sighs) And my professor

thinks that I'm one of the best in his class.

- Okay, so great.

You're pretending to go to college.

But if you actually wanna walk through those doors

for real someday, you have to graduate!

- I know that!

But I, I mean, in high school,

it's like I'm sitting at my desk, and the teacher's talking,

and everything that's coming out of his mouth

means absolutely nothing!

You know, in college,

we're studying artists from like 3,000 years ago!

You know, when I study these guys, I feel like I know them.

I know that I need to graduate.

I know that.

But I don't think that I can do it anywhere else

but High River High.

- Caitlin, what you've done is very serious.

- Will you guys help me get back in?

I had to sign a really severe contract with Moreau,

including Saturday detentions,

and Dori and Jim grounded me till summer.

But the great thing is

I still get to go to Spring City for art class.

Hey.

- Hey!

I know you.

I,

where do I know you from?

Oh, man, I know I know your face,

and I know I know you but--

- You're such a jerk.

- Right.

Now I remember.

(sighs) I love the smell of sweat, stale chips,

and teachers' bad cologne.

- Yeah.

I'm glad to be back too.

(bell rings)

A new day at school.

Anything could happen.

I'm gonna try and go a week without detention.

I can do it.

I know I can.

(upbeat music)

♪ Wishing for a sail ♪

♪ Wishing for a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail ♪

♪ Wishing for a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail, a sail ♪

♪ Well, all right ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ I'm wishing ♪

♪ For a sail ♪