04x04 - Come Drive with Me

[bunniefuu]

Mmm.

You might want to notify the meal-on-wheels van's next-of-kin, because it is officially dead.

But you'll have it running again before the afternoon meals have to go out?

I already called another church volunteer who's going to stop by and borrow our minivan so nobody's going to go hungry. we got two kids at home, four in school, three drivers and only one car.

What's going to happen when I go back to work?

Look, we're just going to have to buy a car, which we can do even without your raise, because we have that insurance money from the station wagon.

Everything will be fine.

The insurance money for the station wagon is enough to get us another old, b*at-up station wagon.

Plus, a new car, even a new used car, is going to raise our insurance premiums, and they've already gone up since the wreck.

What if the deacons don't give me a raise?

You know, if you're really this worried about your raise, you should just go down to the church and talk to them.

I hate having to go to the church with my hat in my hand.

What hat?

Oh, nothing, we were just talking about getting a new car.

Cool.

You know, I have a great idea.

Why don't you and Ruthie go out and find us a new car together.

Really? Just me and Daddy?

We don't have to bring Sam and David?

Not that I don't dearly love them.

No, just you.

But, honey, you're the one who knows cars.

But it would give you an opportunity to spend some time with Ruthie.

I can't hear you.

I said, that for the last 20 years, I've picked out every car we ever had.

And you, in turn, always feel like you never really get what you want.

That's not true. The minivan is great.

So, you do like green?

Hey, Ruthie, what do you say you and I go buy us a new car after school today?

Yes! Yes!

How much money can we afford to spend?

Wow, that's like a bazillion dollars.

Yeah.

I have to get that raise.

I'm going to go check out Simon's car magazines and get up to speed.

Yeah, good for you.

But first you have to finish getting ready for school.

How's my favorite roommate and food service employee?

Sweaty. What are you doing here?

I just came by to thank you.

I got hired by the hospital's Department of Environmental Services.

I'm in charge of programming the music for the whole hospital from the cafeteria to OR.

Hey, good for you.

In charge of music for the whole hospital.

Yeah, man, I can't believe it.

I can't believe it either.

Camden, there's a Jell-O spill in the back calling your name. Let's go. Let's go.

Duty calls.

Duty sucks, too.

We were really smart to commandeer the attic after Matt moved out.

We have a lot more space and the attic has a lot of possibilities.

I'm not moving the bed again.

You know, the only thing really wrong with this room is that it is so far away from the downstairs bathroom.

Moving the bed again won't make it any closer.

Of course not. I'm not stupid.

So, what I'm thinking, is that the bathroom is right below us, so we drill a big hole, put a fireman's pole through the floor, and voilà, bathroom access.

I mean, wouldn't that be fun?

And with all your Habitat for Humanity work, you could probably build it all by yourself.

The better thing would just be to tap into the plumbing that's already there, box off the area with some drywall and make our own bathroom.

Even better. You're a genius.

I know. Me brains, you brawn.

Right. So you get to figure out how to ask Mom and Dad.

Ugh.

So how big is this?

I mean, couldn't you just have waited to tell me at school?

No way, this is so good, I got up an hour early just so I could be the one to break it to you.

Well, okay, you got my attention.

What's the big deal?

Do you know whose book this is? it's Beth Bagley's!

Beth Bagley? Are you sure? Yes.

I saw her leave it on the bus yesterday.

You know, if word of this gets out, I might have to leave school.

I know, man. What are you going to do?

I'm gonna return the notebook back to its rightful owner, and that'll be that.

I think.

I hope.

Okay, I pray.

A bathroom?

I think that's a great idea. Yes.

A new bathroom?

How much, how much is that gonna cost?

Well, with me and the girls doing all the work, practically nothing.

But what about, uh... toilets, sinks, walls?

Those things cost money.

A toilet only cost, what, $40.

And we can take it out of the girls' allowance.

And drywall is cheap, and I even know a place where we can get some scrap.

And it's so easy to work with.

Practically all you need is a scoring Kn*fe.

Yeah, all you need is a scoring Kn*fe.

Whatever that is.

You know, as long as you know what you're doing.

Oh, we do.

We do. We do.

Well, they do.

Thanks, Mom. Mm.

Thanks, Mom. Mm.

This is gonna be so much fun.

Do you know how long it's been since I have sawed into a good piece of wood?

You know, sometimes I forget how little it takes to make you happy.

It's not gonna cost that much, really.

Oh, I know, it's just that, you know, everything that has anything to do with money, which is everything...

You know, if this raise thing is bothering you so much, why don't you talk to the church deacons?

It's supposed to be a done deal.

It's a built-in annual raise.

I shouldn't have to confront the deacons directly.

Then just quit worrying and count on the raise.

I'll try. Okay.

Five more minutes, and I'm out of here.

I hate this job. I hate this job. I hate this job!

So, let me ask you something: do you hate this job?

Who's that?

My name's Adam.

Sorry.

I didn't know you were there.

Gee, I wish I could say I've never heard that one before.

Relax, I don't take that kind of thing personally.

So, uh... what are you in for?

You seem like a nice guy, so I'll give you the short version.

I have what's known as MPS disorder.

It's something you're born with which prevents your bones from growing up, and that puts you in the hospital from time to time.

Is there anything I can do for you?

No.

But maybe there's something I can do for you.

What's the problem with your job?

I know everyone at the hospital.

Maybe I can help you out. Basically... the job sucks.

You know, it's food.

You know, food in the kitchen, food in the cafeteria, food in the rooms, food on the floor-- I'm sick of food.

And today, you know, I find out that my roommate got a job at the same hospital, only he's got a great job.

He's in charge of the whole sound system, while I, who've been here longer, am in charge of nothing.

Did your job suck before your roommate started working here?

Yeah, but I didn't know how much until he showed up.

Ah... so the real problem is you're jealous that your roommate has a better job than you do.

Basically, yeah.

So go climb a tree.

It'll give you a whole new perspective on things.

Right...

Please don't worry about insulting me by looking at your watch like my idea is crazy and you just can't wait to get out of here.

I-I'm sorry, I...

Go on, go.

But come back later if you have time.

I'm a people person.

I love people.

Especially people with problems.

Go, man. Go. Go.

Um... someone said you left this on the bus yesterday.

I didn't read it.

I have no idea what's in there.

Well, okay... have a nice day, bye-bye.

What are you so nervous about?

I'm not nervous. Why should I be nervous?

You're acting weird.

Look, don't worry.

No one has to know anything about the notebook.

Why would you say that?

Well, I don't know.

Uh, I still don't know what's in there, but let's just say, someone found a notebook like the one you're holding, with some guy's name scribbled all over it, it could be embarrassing for, um, the-the owner of the notebook.

You must have the biggest ego in the world.

Or at least in this school.

So, you were looking through my private, personal notebook, and I know you must have seen that I wrote the name "Simon," but did you notice anywhere on any of the pages the name "Camden"?

I thought so.

But you nevertheless assume that you were the Simon I was writing about?

Look, don't worry.

No one has to know about this.

If you hate your job so much, you should just go in and demand a job that's better suited for your abilities.

It's not that simple; things don't work like that.

Besides, being assertive has never been my strong suit.

I'm not really a "go in and demand stuff" kind of guy.

Well, if you're resigned to working in a crummy job, you should at least figure out where this so-called crummy job is gonna get you.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What's your goal?

That's a good question.

Thank you.

What's your goal?

Well, I didn't say I had a good answer.

You like what you're doing now?

No.

If I were you, I'd start thinking about it.

What do you like to do?

I like to help people.

I like to help people, too.

Hey, why don't we team up and call ourselves Batman and Robin?

Uh...

How about a fisherman?

No, I don't think so.

Furniture salesman?

No.

Ah.

How about a job on the b*mb squad?

No.

Okay, we can scratch those off the list.

I'm in trouble, aren't I?

Yep. Yeah.

But not as much trouble as those guys on the b*mb squad.

Look, why don't you just start thinking about it?

Thanks. I will.

You know... every time I come in here, I feel as if I'm visiting a Zen master or something.

How do you know you're not?

Go climb a tree. Then you'll know.

Then it'll all make sense.

Right.

Go climb a tree.

Don't question the Zen master.

It makes him mad.

Got you.

I'll be done in a second, and then we can go out and look for cars.

Can I help you with anything?

Oh, no, I'm fine.

Aren't you gonna ask about your raise?

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Yeah, I... I mentioned to Ruthie that I was wondering about that.

Yeah, I'm just curious, because we've had some, you know, big expenses this year.

You know, hospitals and babies.

No, of course.

I don't think it'll be a problem, especially since we usually budget against interest income from subsidiary church property.

I'm gonna have to take your word on that, Lou.

But thanks in advance. That sounds great.

All right.

Well, I'll contact you after the board meeting tomorrow when it's official.

Bye, Ruthie.

See? You almost forgot.

Now, what would you do without me?

You don't know the first thing about women.

Of course you're the Simon in Beth's notebook.

Of course she likes you.

What other Simon could it be?

There are a lot of Simons in the world.

All I can think of is you, the Simon in the Bible, and Alvin, the Chipmunks' brother.

Look, Beth was horribly embarrassed, so she lied and said she wasn't doodling your name.

You're wrong about Beth.

You weren't there.

You didn't see how un-embarrassed she was.

You have to let her down gently.

I don't understand why I have to let her down when I never let her up to begin with.

She probably just hoped you could be her boyfriend.

If you make her your friend, then that'll make her feel good.

Why do I have to do anything?

I didn't ask for any of this.

And why do you care so much about Beth?

I know what it feels like to write a boy's name in a notebook and know you have no chance of him ever talking to you.

But I can only imagine having that boy know I wrote his name all over my notebook.

She's got to be humiliated.

And if you invite her over tomorrow after school, it'll help take the sting out of the whole situation.

There's nothing wrong with your having friends who are girls.

Well, maybe in theory, but it seems like a bad idea.

Because you know nothing about women.

Fine. I'll call her.

Quarter-inch long-stem Phillips?

Quarter-inch long-stem Phillips.

Quarter-inch long-stem regular?

Quarter-inch long-stem regular.

I'm not sure I see the point of this.

The most important step before you begin any project is to make sure you have all the correct tools.

Okay, adjustable crescent wrench.

Got it. Adjustable crescent.

Would you let me get the next one, please?

T-square for the drywall.

It's shaped more like a "T."

I know.

Okay, T-square.

Okay, that's great. Come on.

Let's get all this stuff upstairs.

Wait for me.

I've-I've done some thinking.

I've decided that working in the cafeteria isn't the right job for me.

I-I saw an ad about a lab assistant.

So you'd like to become a lab assistant?

Yeah, a lab assistant.

Are you sure you're clear on what a lab assistant does?

Well, not exactly, but it doesn't involve food, does it?

No.

May I be frank with you, Matt?

Yeah.

Although you may be overqualified for your current job, and there might be an opening in lab assistant work that I could consider you for, I'm a little troubled by something.

This is a letter written by a patient, pleading that you be given another job in the hospital because you're so unhappy with the one you have.

Have you been telling patients you're unhappy working here?

No.

Who wrote the note?

Someone calls himself "Tree Boy."

Complaining to the patients is not exactly gonna help get you out of the cafeteria.

Well, do you see anything you like?

Not yet, but I'll let you know.

Whoa.

Service, pick up line one.

Service, line one.

She's beautiful, isn't she?

Oh. She certainly is.

We need a car with a roof.

Take her out for a spin.

Oh.

I'd love to, but I'm really looking for something a little more practical.

Ah, take a drive. Live a little.

You know, I'm not gonna buy this car.

Of course not.

No one expects you to, Reverend.

Take a drive.

Have some fun.

Yeah.

We're doing great here.

How's it coming with the PVC?

Fine. I'm just going slow so I don't make a mistake.

Well, I'm ready for it anytime.

Just give me another minute.

Yeah, I need another minute, too.

Another minute, and I'm gonna fall asleep watching you two.

Let's all take our time.

We're trying to do a really good job here.

Um, maybe I'll just go downstairs and see if the drywall is here yet.

I can't hear you. Wait a second.

What'd you say?

I said that I think I'll just go downstairs for a while.

Sure, fine.

Why are you calling?

Can't a classmate call just to say hi?

I can see right through your ploy to try to be nice to me.

You're afraid I'll tell people how you made a fool of yourself over that notebook.

No, I'm not.

And what's wrong with my trying to be nice to you?

I thought maybe we can hang out sometime.

Sometime when?

I don't know.

After school tomorrow?

I'll think about it.

Well, no one's forcing you, you know.

Because, frankly, you don't sound too thrilled about it.

Okay, I'll come.

Great.

Bye.

Good-bye.

Why am I doing this again?

Woo-hoo!

Woo-hoo!

Hey, Dad, do we own this car now?

No, Ruthie, this is just a test drive.

Well, does it pass the test?

Oh, yeah.

About the only thing wrong with this car is that it's about... a hundred times more than we can afford to spend.

Don't worry. I'll find us the right car.

I'm sure you will.

But until you do, isn't if fun to ride around in the wrong one?

Woo-hoo!

Woo-hoo!

Woo-hoo!

That was a very productive meeting.

Yeah, well, I-I just hope the board is able to agree on a new budget tomorrow.

There's still some difficult decisions to be made.

Well, we can certainly can be very proud of ourselves for the amount of fiscal restraint and financial responsibility that we've shown.

Does, uh... does Reverend Camden own a fancy convertible?

I don't think so. Why?

Well, I-I just saw him driving one.

Oh, you must have made a mistake.

Very nice car, Eric.

I still haven't found one that speaks to me.

Well, what do you want the car to say?

"I'm economical; I'm good-looking; and I want to take you everywhere in style."

Are you sure you're not looking for a husband?

I'm really worried.

I don't want to disappoint Mom and the whole family.

Hey, Mom probably never expected you and Dad to be able to do this.

She's just letting you try because you can learn something.

Like what? Well, that you really don't know much about cars, and you can't always get what you want for the money you have.

So this is just one of those tricks to make me learn something?

Probably. And Mom probably wanted Dad out of the house while she was building stuff.

Lou. Uh, what brings you by? Come in.

This will only take a second.

I, uh... I thought it might be best if we discuss things privately.

It's a rather delicate matter... about the board meeting today.

Oh, yeah, the board meeting. The board meeting.

Well, before the board discusses the matter of your raise, we need to talk about what you're driving.

It's awkward, I-I know.

I know, I mean, we've had it all summer.

I beg your pardon?

But it's-it's only because our station wagon was totaled.

Well, even so, the insurance from the station wagon would never pay for a new car.

No, of course not.

And, you know, I haven't mentioned the new car because I felt uncomfortable pleading poverty in front of my own church members.

I can certainly see why.

I should be going.

Uh, Eric, as your friend, I'm going to do everything I can to smooth things over with the board.

What's to smooth over?

You wreck your car, you replace it.

Right.

Uh... can I get you a soda or something?

Gotta go.

Right. I'll talk to you later.

Is this the, uh, the Camden residence? Mm-hmm.

What's this you've got?

The, uh, the fixtures for the remodeling.

A new car... and remodeling.

I am not giving up.

Well, that's the spirit.

What exactly are you not giving up?

I'm gonna figure out all this car stuff if it's the last thing I do.

Good for you. Thank you.

I could use some support around here.

Yeah, well, you're not the only one.

What do you mean?

Nothing.

I've got to get this iced tea up to Mom and Lucy.

I hope they're surprised.

How's that bathroom going?

Good. I think I'm finding a way to contribute.

Didn't you have any normal boyfriends in high school?

Oh, that one was the worst.

Did you ever tell Dad about this guy?

Uh, well, there's nothing that I'm ashamed of.

There are some things that are better left under the category "Ancient History," you know.

Topics to be kept just between a mother and a daughter.

I can't believe it's starting to look like a bathroom.

Yeah, it'll really look like a bathroom once we get all the fixtures installed.

Should I get Mary up here?

Maybe she can help us get the door plumb.

No, that's okay. We don't need her.

You're right.

We're doing just fine on our own.

Remodeling is clearly something that Mary doesn't enjoy, so why t*rture her by making her do something she hates?

We'll just surprise her with the finished product.

Yep.

Is it working?

Yeah. Whoo!

Hey, I'll catch up with you later.

Take it easy, John. See ya.

Hey, what's wrong, man?

I should have never listened to Adam.

Who's Adam? He's a patient, a kid.

Never mind.

No, I'm not leaving until you tell me why you're so upset.

I went to the assistant director of Human Resources about a lab assistant job, and she shows me this letter from this kid, Adam, about my complaining to him that I hate my job.

And then she says I can forget about the lab assistant job because I shouldn't be complaining to the patients about the job I have now, and I don't, except I did, to Adam.

But like you keep saying to me, he's just a kid, right?

How seriously can they take a letter written in crayon?

Seriously enough, evidently.

I mean, I know he was just trying to help, but he really messed things up for me.

As much as I'm mad about the letter he wrote, the real person I'm mad at is me.

I mean, I'm spending all this energy complaining about the, the job I hate.

But at the same time, I don't know what I wanna do with my life.

Okay, you don't like any of our carbonated beverage selections.

How about some milk then?

No.

Orange juice?

No.

Grapefruit juice?

No.

Then how about a delightfully frothy cappuccino?

Well, I thought it was funny.

Hi.

Lucy! Mary!

You want to meet my sisters? They're great.

Mary! Lucy!

Lucy, you home yet?

Mary, where are you?

Happy! Wanna meet my dog?

Happy!

I'm going home.

It's clear we're not meant to be friends.

We have nothing to say to each other.

You don't even like me.

That's not true. I do like you.

Really?

Really. I like you.

You like me?

You really, really like me?

I have to go home and tell my mother.

What's wrong?

Lou stopped by.

He acted kind of odd, but, uh... then he said that he understood about the new car, and it sounded as though everything was fine, then a few minutes ago, he called me from the church, said that the board wants to look at all of our expenses for the last year.

I'm being audited by my own deacons.

But that's good.

When they see how little we're getting by with, they can't help but approve the raise.

In fact, they may be even thinking of giving you a bigger raise because you have to buy the car, so... stop worrying.

I'll try.

You know what will get your mind off it?

What? Watching the boys.

I gotta get back upstairs.

The toilet awaits me.

Yeah, how's that going?

Uh, I'm not sure you want to ask that question.

It's like a surgeon in the middle of an operation.

Things are kind of in a mess at the moment, but the prognosis is good.

Hi, Mom.

Can I ask you something? Sure.

Are you sending Dad out to buy a car to get him out of the house?

No, I thought your father should pick out the new car and that you could help.

Plus it's a nice way for you two to spend some time together.

What are you doing?

I'm adding up our receipts for the year, so the church board can see how much Daddy really needs his raise, then we can settle on a new car.

Well, it's Daddy's raise. Why doesn't he do the receipts?

Well, it's the least I can do for him when you think of all the nice stuff he does for me, and our family and all the parishioners.

Well, what does he do for them besides giving sermons?

Lots of things.

He, um, marries people, counsels people, prays for people.

He helps boys and girls who are in trouble, and moms and dads without jobs.

He raises money to help in emergencies when somebody needs a place to stay or clothes to wear, or food to eat.

And when something really terrible happens to somebody, he's just there.

He really cares about everybody and I care about him.

Well, I care about him, too.

That's why I'm really, sincerely gonna help him buy the right car.

Come in.

I figured a hardworking woman like yourself would still be in her office.

And what can I do for you, Adam?

I'm here to talk about a friend of mine.

I think there's been a mistake.

Beth, I have something important to say. I'm listening.

I might have made a mistake in the way I phrased things yesterday.

Not to mention the hug.

I mean, I already have a girlfriend.

You know, Deena Stewart.

I know that. Do you think I'm stupid?

So you're okay with that, and we can just be friends?

Just because I was bored and doodled your name in a notebook and then left it on the bus hoping that you'd find it, doesn't mean I can't accept reality, does it?

So that was me in your notebook?

No, it was Alvin the Chipmunk's brother.

Well, thank you, I'm flattered.

Wait a minute, who are all these other names?

You realize you're not the only boy in this school?

Well, yeah, of course, but I mean...

It was her idea to invite me over, wasn't it?

Yeah.

She thought we could be friends.

What did you think?

At our age, uh... a friend who's a girl and a girl who's a girlfriend are still a little blurry for me.

Yeah, I've got the same problem with guys.

They want to be friends, but...

I'd really like a boyfriend.

Someone who likes me, only me.

Well, I'm sure the right guy will come along.

Well, I better be going.

Did you tell her the friend/girlfriend thing I told you to tell her?

Yes. And she understood?

Yes. See?

How's the job going?

It's going much better.

Uh, I apologize if I sounded so ungrateful yesterday.

You gave me a job when I needed one and it's a good job.

I just lost my perspective.

So you must have climbed a tree last night.

Adam came by to see me yesterday.

He wanted to make sure his life was in order before he went into surgery.

He explained that his letter about you might have been misinterpreted.

Surgery? Today? Adam's in surgery?

Yes. Oh, I can't believe I forgot.

I mean, there's no chance...

"Affairs in order?" What does he mean, "affairs in order?"

It's surgery and any surgery is life-threatening. but this one was pretty routine, at least for Adam.

"Put his affairs in order" was his way of tugging at my heartstrings.

And it worked. I might reconsider you for another job.

Thanks.

We'll find you the right job when the time comes.

Where are you going?

To see a friend.

A really good friend.

Hey, is Adam okay?

Oh, surgery went fine, but he's sleeping now.

So, if you want to talk to him, you have to come back. But he's okay.

Yes. I mean, he's not okay to climb a tree or anything, but he'll be up and around in a day or two, right?

Right.

He told you that he likes to climb trees?

Yeah.

He can't climb trees.

At least he's not allowed to climb trees.

That would be a little too risky.

I can't believe I'm so gullible.

Oh, it happened to all of us.

See, Adam just imagines climbing a tree so vividly that he's absolutely convincing.

He likes to think about opening the window and sitting in that tree right outside his room.

There's a tree right outside his hospital window.

Right. Right. I got it.

Late afternoon, Matt.

He won't be up till late afternoon.

They just delivered it.

This is so exciting!

I can't wait to see it. This is going to be so cool.

It's perfect.

What's the big deal? It's just a toilet.

I'll be right back.

What is it?

That was Lou on the phone.

The board vetoed the raise.

No. Yes.

Why would they do something like that? I have no idea.

But this is the end of car shopping.

Well, buying a car was never dependent upon your getting a raise.

I just don't feel comfortable getting another car right now.

Okay, we'll get one when you feel comfortable.

Everything's going to be fine.

Okay. We'll talk. Right now, I have to go find Mary.

Yeah, I gotta find Ruthie and give her the news.

When something terrible happens, my dad doesn't have to think about it.

He's just there.

Well, same goes with me.

Oh, there you are.

What'd you think? I'd be upstairs working on the new bathroom by myself?

Look, I'm sorry.

I can't believe how insensitive I've been.

Forget it. It's no big deal.

No, it is a big deal, and I'm definitely the one at fault.

It was so easy for Lucy and me to leave you out because we have this common interest in building things.

But instead of sharing our interest with you, we... we actually formed this little bond and kept it from you.

Now that I think about it, I really made no attempt at all to include you.

And I am really sorry.

You know, you know, it's okay with me if you and Lucy wanna do stuff that you like to do together.

It's just, I, I wanted you to admit that, that you had left me out; otherwise I, I just felt crazy, you know for, for feeling left out.

You weren't imagining it. It was true.

It's also true that I don't have a favorite kid. You know that, don't you?

I love you all.

I know.

It's just that I'm human and I make mistakes.

Yeah, I just, I just never figured you for one this big.

Kidding.

Just rubbing it in.

So what do you say this Saturday the two of us go to a movie?

We haven't been to a movie without the rest of the family in ages.

You mean, just the two of us?

Yeah.

Okay.

Is there any more business to be conducted?

I'm Ruthie Camden, daughter of the Reverend Camden.

Hey, Ruthie, good to see you. Hi, Ruthie.

Where's your father, Ruthie?

He's at home, and he doesn't know I'm here.

And I risked being punished to tell all of you that my dad really needs that raise so he can buy a new car.

And I think you should change your minds.

Do you know all the things my father does?

He helps kids who are in trouble and people without jobs or houses.

And when something really bad happens, he's there.

And do you know why?

Because my father cares.

But don't worry, he'll keep caring whether he gets his raise or not.

I'm just hoping you'll change your minds.

That's about all I have to say.

Ruthie, doesn't your daddy have a new red convertible?

A what?

Oh, that.

Annie?

Yeah.

Is, is Ruthie up there? I can't find her.

I'm starting to get worried. Well, earlier, she said that her bike had a flat and she wanted to put some air in the tire.

She's probably in the garage.

Okay, I'll check.

While she's doing that, I'm going down to the church.

I... I have to do something.

Not giving us a raise, it just isn't right.

Okay.

Don't worry, Eric.

You don't need to come to the church.

Ruthie already did that and on the issue of your raise, Ruthie put her foot down.

As a matter of fact, she put both feet down.

I rode my bike to the church.

She rode it right into the board meeting, in fact.

The entire board saw you riding in that new red convertible, Eric.

And the other day when I was here, some guys delivered some fixtures.

We thought if you had the money to get that kind of car and to remodel the house, chances are you didn't need the raise, especially with as well as Annie manages the household budget.

Now, I'm sorry.

Ruthie explained everything.

And of course we will give you your annual raise.

And we're sorry if we gave you an impression other than that we are very grateful for everything you do for us.

And by the way, we think the car that Ruthie picked out for you is a superb idea.

A good example for the entire community.

Yet I'm still going to be punished for riding my bike without telling anyone?

Hi.

Have there been any visitors?

Practically everyone in the entire hospital.

And there's someone waiting outside to see you.

Who is it?

It's your friend.

I'll let the two of you talk.

Hey, how ya doin', pal?

I've been sitting up here all day, and I finally got some perspective on my life.

I finally know what my goal is.

I know what I want to be in life.

I'm sorry. I thought I heard Matt Camden.

You did.

Would you go and get him out of that tree before somebody fires him.

They got it!

That horn sounded too healthy.

That is definitely the new car.

Mom! Simon!

What kind is it?

I don't know, but it looks cool!

Hey, come on.

Okay, we're coming.

All right.

Oh, start her up. Let's take her for a spin.

It is started up.

I don't hear anything.

Uh, do you wanna tell them?

Well, you don't hear anything because there's no engine.

Well, at least not the usual kind.

But there is a motor and a battery.

What, you mean this is an electric car?

Ruthie, you did a spectacular job.

Wait, Ruthie picked out this car?

I knew you'd come through.

No, you didn't.

So, when did you get so smart, huh?

I think it was in the middle of second grade.

Hey, cool car.

Yeah, it is.

Hey, we haven't seen you around.

What, did you finally buy some groceries?

Uh, no, uh, I've been busy deciding what I'm going to be when I grow up.

Picking a major?

Yep. Pre-med. I'm gonna be a doctor.

Don't worry.

We can pay for med school with our fuel savings.

Yeah.