A Holiday to Remember (1995)

[bunniefuu]

-Okay. See you later.
-Yeah, right.

-Okay.
Let's go, boys.

-Here we go, guys.

Merry Christmas!

-Oh!

-h*, h*, h*, h*, h*!
-Merry Christmas!

-Oh, merry Christmas, folks.
Have a happy holiday.

-Hi, Santa.
-h*, h*!

Look at these young men her.
Are you being good boys?

I'll see you Christmas Eve.
Bye-bye.

h*, h*, h*, h*.
-Bye.

-High five for you, my man.
Hey, hey.

h*, h*, h*, h*, h*!

-That guy, he has some nerve...

-h*, h*, h*, h*,
Merry Christmas.

What do you want from Santa
this year, young man?

-Tell Santa what you want.
-Hmm?

-Bike!
-A bike?

Oh, you be good,
and we'll hope you get it.

Okay?
h*, h*, h*, h*.

And what do you want
for Christmas, young lady?

-A divorce.

Oh.

h*, h*, h*, h*, h*,
h*, h*, h*, h*.

-Jordy?

Jordy?

Jordy!

-You don't have to yell.
I can hear you.

-I got an extra suitcase.
-Whoopie.

-Are you all packed?

-For what it's worth.

-Try to show a little
more enthusiasm, will you?

-Mother, they don't even have
a mall in Mayberry.

-Mayville, and I didn't say
there wasn'tany mall there.

I said there's a possibility
there wasn't any.

-Don't you realize

how frightening that is
to a teenager?

-There's lots of other
interesting things to do

in Mayville, Jordy.

-Well, at least I'll have cable.

-Cable?

-They don't have cable?

-I'm not sure.

-We're moving to a place where
there's no mall and no cable?

-Who is it?

-It's your favorite lawyer.

-Hi.
-Merry Christmas.

You're officially divorced.

-I guess Santa
took me seriously.

-Carolyn, are you sure you're
doing the right thing here?

I mean,
isn't this a little extreme,

moving 3,000 miles away
from your practice,

leaving the people you depend onfor support,

taking your kid away
from all her friends?

-Jordy's friends
are all criminals,

and I need to get away
from here.

Can't stand the thought

of everybody I know
feeling sorry for me.

I want to put this whole divorcething behind me, start over.

I'm gonna give it a try.

If it doesn't work,
we'll come back.

-It just sounds to me
like you're running away

from the people
you need the most.

You're running away
from your problems.

-Mnh-mnh. I'm running away
from everybody else's.

-But what are you going to do
at night in...

What do you call it?
-Mayville.

And there's plenty to do.

The house I inherited
from my grandmother

has been closed up
since she died.

I'm sure it's gonna need
a little work.

-Who are you gonna talk to?
Are there any men there?

-None under the age of 80.

It's perfect.

Gonna write my book,
get to know my kid again.

Jordy's never
even seen the place.

It'll be good to get back there.

-You mean you're really
going back to Mayberry

because you like it?

-Mayville.
Mayville.

Yes. I do.

It's beautiful there and quiet.

Life is simple.
Everybody knows everybody.

Everything there has meaning.

-If you weren't
the best psychologist in L.A.,

I'd recommend that
you go to yourself for therapy.

Why don't you come visit us
and see for yourself?

-I'm afraid of snakes.

Aren't there snakes
in South Carolina?

-Nothing like L.A.

-Goodbye, palm trees.

Goodbye, ocean.

-Goodbye, traffic.

Goodbye, smog.

Goodbye, earthquakes.

-I'm getting carsick.

-Open a window.

-I can't.
It's too windy.

- Jordy,
you are projecting your fears

onto my driving.

-I'm not your patient, Mother.

I'm your kid,
and I'm very upset about

the way you've handled
this divorce stuff.

And how would youhave
handled it if you were me?

-I would've talked to me
about it more,

I mean, on your process.

-I see.

-In return, I would've told you

I'm afraid to go somewhere weirdwithout Daddy.

-He left me,Jordy.
What did you want me to do?

-Why didn't he want us?

-It's very complicated, honey,

but I don't want you
for a minute

to think any of it
was your fault.

Okay. I should have
let you in on it more.

But I-I was just trying
to protect you.

-Which is why we're running away

to a place where they don't evenhave cable.

-We are not running away.

We're going back --
very different.

-I sure hope so.

I have to go to junior high now.

I just can't take care of you
anymore.

Grandma's house has
indoor plumbing, right?

-Absolutely.

-How about a microwave?

You have to remember, Jordy,
Grandma's old house is...

It's old.

-What about neighbors?

-Just one family.

-Who?

-Not now, Jordy. I'm driving.
-Mom?

-The Traynors.

They had a son.

His name is Clay.

We were...engaged once.

-Engaged?

You were engaged to somebody
other than Daddy?

-Only briefly.

-And you never told me
about this?

-Well, it never came up.

-So were you in love with him?

-Yes. Of course I was.
-Then why didn't you marry him?

-It's a long story, Jordy.

-Tell me.

-We just weren't right
for each other.

I was adventurous.

He was provincial.

I didn't realize it
till it was almost too late.

On our wedding day, I...

kind of...didn't show up.

-What?

You mean you left him
at the altar?

I'm not proud of it.

-I can't believe this.

Do people really do that?

-I guess so.

-Wow, Mom.

I mean, wow.

So do you ever think
you made a mistake?

-Not for one second.

If I hadn't left Mayville
and married your father...

I wouldn't have had you.

This is it.
We're here.

-It's worse than my nightmares.

-Oh, come on.

There's someone
I want you to meet.

Come on.

Mr. Dave.

It's Carolyn Giblin.

-Well, I'll be.

-And who's this?

-This is my daughter, Jordy.

Jordy, this is Mr. Dave.

He's been looking after
Grandma's house for me.

-I had to hire somebody
to help me this year

on account of my arthritis.

-Aw.
I'm sorry to hear that.

-Your mother broke a number of
hearts when she left Mayville.

Did you know that?

-Did you know
the guy she was engaged to?

-Uh, we don't have time
to talk about that now.

We just came by
to pick up the key.

-Well, now, uh,

the place ain't exactly
what you might call ready.

-Oh, that's all right.
We'll be fine.

I'm real anxious
to get up there and see it.

-Well, if you want to,
there's your key.

-Thank you.

-Good to have you back,
Miss Carolyn.

-It's good to be back.

Let's go.

-Where's the house?

-This is it.

-Mom, all it's missing is a signsaying "Condemned."

-It'll be great, Jordy.

Oh.

-Ugh.

-Jordy, come on!

You haven't even seen
all of it yet!

Come on!
Aah!

I'll fix it.

Ah.
Now, look.

This isn't so bad.
You got a view of the woods.

-And all the weirdos
who live there.

-Jordy, this isn't anything
like L.A.

That out there is not a park.
It's called a forest.

It's wilderness.

The only thing that livesout there are animals and trees.

-Then where do they put
all the weirdos?

-The mall.

-There isno mall.

-When can we leave?
-We can't.

Come on!
Help me!

Jordy?

Got more wood.

Ah. There.

That's nice.

-Maybe you better push
that thingy open there.

-This thingy?

Ah.
- Right.

-There.

-That's good.

-Mom.

Mommy.

Mom.

-What?
-I heard noise.

Can I sleep with you?

Come here.

Okay?

-Mm-hmm.

-Comfy?

Night-night.

-So...you stiffed him
at the altar, huh?

-Well, it wasn't as bad
as you're making it sound.

-I bet he was really sad.

-I don't know.
I never saw him again.

-You didn't even
write him a letter?

-No.

-I would've at least got him
a funny card or something.

Geez.

Mom, please take a look
in the basement.

All right, Jordy.

Nothing.
Satisfied?

-I know I heard it.

-It was probably an animal.
But I've got to get to work.

-Work?
-Yes.

I promised myself
a chapter a week.

-No. Don't work now.
We just got here.

Can't we do something?

-Okay.
Let's go for a walk.

-Walk?
-Yes.

We can bond.
-We're bonded.

-We can bond some more.

-Well, if I can't go to a mall,

at least I'll try
to have some fun.

-Exactly.
Come on.

-Ugh.

-This is great.

Isn't nature wonderful?

-It's too quiet.
Gives me the creeps.

-Oh, Jordy, you promised.

What's that?

-That's the Traynor place.

I really ought to get back
and work.

-What? You mean that guy
you told me about?

This is where he lived?

-Yes.
Now, come on.

-No.
-Chill!

-I want to see it.

-No! No!
Jordy, I don't want to --

Ow!

Jordy!

Jordy!

Jordy!

-Hi!
-Jordy!

-I'm Jordy.
That's my mom.

She was engaged to some guy
who used to live here.

-Oh.
-Miz Leona,

It's Carolyn Giblin from down
the road.

-Carolyn?!

Oh, forevermore!

Well, Carolyn!
-How are you?

-I'm fine.
Well, what happened to you?

-Oh, I-I tripped on a log.
-Oh, for heav--

Well, why don't you come
in the house and clean up?

-Oh, no, no, no, no.
-Oh, come on!

Of course you will.
Get in here.

-You have a real house.
-Well, yes.

It'd be kind of hard
to live in a fake one.

-Do you have cable?
-Jordy...

-Yes. Uh, there's a big piee
of cable out in the barn,

and I've got some rope
in the storeroom.

How big of a piece did you --
-Uh...

-Now, listen.
Don't look at this house.

It's a mess.
-Oh.

-I didn't have a chance
to do a thing.

-It looks beautiful.
-No.

I'm in a big hurry today.
I'll be late.

Now, this here is called
a scone.

It's, uh, like a second cousin
to a biscuit,

so I made a batch of these

and took them down to the churchthis morning.

Now, you just let me know
what you think.

Oh, dear.

-Well...

-Where have the rest
of your family gone?

-Oh, they're just scattered
thither and yon.

Honey, you know that bunch.They're just all over the place.

-Well, I thought Clay
would never leave Mayville.

-Oh, well, Clay...

-He said this was
the perfect place.

Anyone who left here
was an idiot.

-Yeah.
That iswhat he always said.

-So he got out
just like everybody else.

-Well, speaking of the devil.

Look who's here, Clay.
It's Carolyn.

-You okay?

Mom?
-Yeah.

-Mom?

-Well, you know,
it's been a long time

since they've seen each other.

I guess it's probably
something of a shock.

-Did my mom really leave you
at the altar?

-Oh, yeah.
That she did.

-She said you weren't right
for each other

because you're provincial.

What's provincial?

-Provincial?

That means set in your ways,

you know,
not willing to take risks.

Carolyn, you never did tell me
why y'all came back here.

-We got divorced.

-Oh, did you really?

-Mom quit being a therapist
so she could write a book,

and we moved into
Grandma's old house.

It's kind of a dump.

-Oh, yes. That it is.

She likes it.

-Uh-huh.

-There were some weird souns

coming from the basement
last night.

-Oh, from the basement?

Well, now, Clay, don't you think

you'd better get over there
and have a look?

I think these two ladies
need your help.

-Oh, that's all right,
Miz Leona.

We can handle it.
Time to go, Jordy.

-Oh, no.
Do you have to?

-We need help bad.

The whole place
is falling apart.

-It was nice to see you again,
Miz Leona.

-And it's haunted.
-Thanks for the scones.

They were great.
-Oh.

-Clay, nice to see you again.

-Now, you -- you -- you comeback and see us again real soon.

I don't want you
to be strangers.

-No.
-All right?

Uh...cat got your tongue?

-He's sure cute.
-He is?

I didn't notice.

-When are you gonna start
cooking real food?

-Just as soon as I can figure
out how to get a stove working.

-Did you hear that?
Call 911!

That's ridiculous.

I'll just go down
and see what it was.

-Oh, no, no, no, no.

It might be dangerous.
Call the police.

-Oh, I'm not gonna
call the police.

-Please, Mom.
Please.

- All right.
Okay.

If it'll make you feel better,
we'll call the police.

Thank you very much
for coming, Clay,

but actually,
we don't need your help.

I called the police.

-I amthe police.

There's nothing down here.

-Guess it was just
our imaginations.

Thanks for coming.

-So you told Jordy you left me
standing at the altar...

-Well, it was just --
-...because I was provincial?

-It was the first thing
that popped into my head.

-Me?
Provincial?

-You weresort of set
in your ways.

-Don't sh**t!

I-I'm a kid.

-Are you gonna put me in jail?

-You were trespassing.

-I thought this place
was condemned.

-Nobody's gonna put you
in jail, William.

You can spend the night here
if you want.

-If you didn't want me
to handle this,

then why'd you call the police?

-'Cause I didn't know
you werethe police.

-You don't know anything
about this boy.

-Neither do you.

-I'm a cop.
I'm trained in these matters.

-I'm a psychologist.
So am I.

-Because you have
some fancy degree

from some fancy university

doesn't mean you know anything
about kids like this.

-I know that his dog loves him.

-She's right there.

-So he's got to be okay,and I know that he needs a bath.

-Bath?

-Jordy, why don't you take him
upstairs and give him a hand?

-I don't need no bath.

-You smell worse than that dog.

-Are you calling Traveler
smelly?

-Come on.
Come on.

-I hate baths!

I don't need some dumb bath!

-That kid's a runaway, you know.

-Duh.
-And he could be a criminal.

-Oh, he's 10 years old.

-Well, that doesn't mean much
these days.

Look, I have to take him down
to the social services.

That's the law.
-Aw, but that's ridiculous.

He could just stay right here.

-I have to do what's right.

-You are.
You're leaving him with me.

-I can't do that.
-Oh, come on, Clay.

He's just a little boy,
and I have a feeling about him.

-I didn't know you hadfeelings.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-You took off on our
wedding day, no explanation.

I didn't think
I'd ever see you again.

-I thought
we were talking about William.

-I rented a tuxedo to marry you.

-Well, I hope you got
your money back.

Clay,
let's not get into this now.

-I have to bring him
down to the station

so we can find out
who his parents are,

and that's all there is to it.

-Why don't we just let him
calm down a little,

sleep tonight in a real bed?

Maybe in the morning,
he'll want to talk to us.

-That's not the way
we do things.

-Oh, take a risk, Clay Traynor.

For once in your life,
take a risk.

-Hold on, now.
Wait a second.

She gets a fancy degree,

and she moves back here
from the big city.

Now she thinks
she's smarter than I am.

-Oh, I think
you're just mad because...

her showing up here again
brings up all that old hurt.

-I'm right about this,
Aunt Leona.

The kid needs to be
with social services

until we find his folks.

-You know, back in the old days,

we didn't have such a thing
as social services.

A body had to take a thing likethis into their own hands, Clay.

They had to show
a little compassion.

You know just as well as I do

nobody is out looking
for that boy,

or we'd have heard about it
by now.

-So you're on her side?

-Oh, Clay, it's Christmastime.

Will you let up a little?

Yes.
I like her.

I like Carolyn. Always did.
She's got guts.

-She left me standing
in the church

looking like an idiot
in a rented tuxedo.

-Well...

you got your money back.

Where you going?

-Down to the station,

get on the computer
and see if I can find something

about somebody filing
a missing-persons report.

-Would you just not stomp
too hard on the porch, please?

I have got a pie cooling
out there.

Clay!

Clay.

Well, where did my pie go?

-Mom?
-Down here.

-William's gone.

He didn't even sleep in his bed,and he stole my coat.

-Hey.

-William.

Where have you been?

-Out.

-Where'd you get that?
-Jordy...

-Out.

-You stole it, didn't you?
-Jordy.

-I didn't steal nothing.
-Oh, yeah? Whose coat is that?!

-I borrowed it.

-We have plenty of food here,
William.

You're welcome
to anything you want.

-I wantthis chocolate pie.

-Where'd you sleep last night?

-In the cellar.

-The cellar?
Why?

-You get used to nice things
and you get soft.

Then when you have to
give them up,

you don't know
what to do anymore.

-Oh, I see.

That makes sense.

-I still like it here, though.

I think I'll stay awhile.

-Oh. Well, sure,
but don't you miss your family?

-Nope.
-What about Christmas?

-I hate Christmas.

-That's dumb.
-Christmas is dumb.

Everybody's walking around
with dumb looks on their faces

buying dumb presents
for people who don't need them

and singing dumb songs

about snowmen and reindeer
and chestnuts!

What is a chestnut anyways?

I don't need no Christmas,

and I can get along just fine
without it.

Anybody want some pie?

-Uh-oh.

-Traveler!
Traveler, come back here!

Come back here, dog!

If I have to take a bath,
then you do, too!

-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!
-That's my tape player!

You stole it.
-I foundit.

-Mom, make him give it back!
-All right.

I'm sure William didn't mean to
take anything that wasn't his.

-Are you kidding?
This tape is cool!

-See? He even admits it!
-All right. Stop it.

Stop it.
Come on.

Oh!

William!

Oh!

Ugh.

-What are you doing here
so late?

-Got a runaway
at the Giblins' place.

I'm trying to find something
on him.

-Any luck?
-Not so far.

-Well, that's my department
anyway.

I-I'll handle it,
though it's gonna be hard

to find anybody to take him
for the holidays.

He'll have to go to the shelter
for now.

I, uh...I heard Carolyn Giblin was back.

How do you feel about that?

-Free country.
She can do whatever she wants.

-I just wondered
if that's the reason

you didn't call me
after the other night.

-I, uh...
I'm sorry about that.

I've had a lot on my mind.

I had a great time with you
the other night, really.

-I had a great time
with you, too.

-I'm just not sure I'm ready
for what you're ready for.

-What are you waiting for, Clay?

Hmm?

You're not getting any younger.

-I don't know.

-You're afraid of commitment.
That's your problem.

You'd rather dream
about the perfect woman

than be with somebody real.

Well, I got news for you, Clay.

Your dream woman
isn't gonna show up.

She doesn't exist.

Take my advice.

Take a risk.

Try somebody that's warm
and smart and...here.

-Got you.

-I'll go by the Giblin place
tomorrow and pick up that kid.

What's his name?

-William.
But, uh, I better do that.

He's -- He's kind of sensitive.

-I can handle a child, Clay.

It's youI have trouble with.

-Where are we going?

-We are going to buy
a Christmas tree.

We are going to have some fun.

-You got lots of trees here,
lady.

-Carolyn -- my name is Carolyn.

-Why can't we just
cut one of them down?

-Well, I'm not exactly handy
with a saw.

-I am.

-So is the Texas chain-saw
m*rder*r.

-That's enough.
Enough.

All right.
Okay.

Let's cut down a tree.

-Good.

-Isn't this bad
for the environment?

-Well...
-More like a mercy k*lling.

-Did you learn how to cut downtrees from your father, William?

-Nah.
He left when I was young.

I learned off a TV.
-Hold it. Hold it.

Why don't y'all leave
the poor woods alone?

You got a whole yard
full of trees.

You can decorate one of them.

I got to talk to you.

Hey, let's go back to my place.

I got more Christmas decorationsthan Santa Claus,

and Miz Leona just baked a pie.

-I'm there!
Traveler, come on!

-What?

-I got social services
to take William off your hands.

-Well, he wants to stay with me.

-You can't keep him, Carolyn.

-Oh, come on, Clay.

What are you gonna do,
arrest me?

Wait for me!

-Here, honey.

Why don't you have
this last piece of pie

before I get off to church?

-How come you didn't give it
to me?

-'Cause you're fat.
-I am not!

-Are too.
-All right.

There'll be no fighting
in my kitchen.

-You don't even know him,

and you're just giving him
everything.

-Well, it's my pie.
I can give it to who I want to.

-This one's even better
than that chocolate one.

-What chocolate one?

Oh. You're the little thief
that stole my pie off my porch!

-I thought you put it out
for the birds!

-The birds?!
Get that coat on right now.

You are going with me,
young man.

Come on, Miss California.
You too. Let's go to church.

-Church?
-Church?

-That's right.
-You can't be serious.

-Oh, but I am.

I don't want to be visiting you

down in the jailhouse
in the next five years.

Will you hurry up?

You two need religion.

Get in the car.

-Mom!
Help me!

-Ms. Carolyn!

-Mom, please help me!
-Help!

-In the car.

-I know you're trying to o
what's right here, Carolyn,

but you just can't keep
that kid.

-Why not?

-'Cause he has to go
to foster care.

That's the law.

-Oh, we can get around that,
can't we?

-Why do you always have to
make things difficult?

Why can't you just go along
with the way things are?

-Why can't you just let him staywith me through the holidays?

Why can't you talk
social services into that?

-It's too late.
-It's not too late.

You just won't fight
for what you want.

-I don't like fighting.

-Well, fighting can be
very beneficial.

-Not to me.
That's why I became a cop.

-Golly.

-Now, where'd they go?

Aunt Leona?

-Jordy?

-Mr. Paul...good morning.

I have these two juvenile
delinquents that need saving.

Do you have any ideas?

-Well, we could sure use
two more actors

for the Christmas pageant.
-No way!

-That is perfect.
-I hate Christmas!

-I demand to be taken home.

-We are especially looking for
someone to play the third king.

-Don't look at me.
-He's just shy.

I know he is just busting
with undiscovered talent.

You go with Mr. Paul, now.

-Come on, now.
That's it. Just that way.

Up -- Up -- Up the stairs there.

That's it.

All right, children.

We'll start
with "The First Noel."

Everybody ready?

One, two, three.

-Thank you.

-Mm-hmm.

Is this William's?

-Yes, it is.

Well, don't look in there.

It's his.

"World's best mom."

-Recognize these?

-That's my grandmother's
wedding silver.

The tapes are Jordy's.

-I told you
you couldn't trust him.

How sad.

All he has to his name is
a button, a rock collection --

-And a police record.

-Well, that's a little extreme,
isn't it?

-He's a thief.

-He's a hurt little boy.

If I can do something
for him now,

he may not grow up
to be the kind of damaged adult

I spend my life trying to help.

Now, put this back where it was.

-You're giving him back
the stuff he stole?

-Well, he has reasons
we don't know for taking it.

-No wonder you left me.
You're a nut.

-I'm sorry I did that.
I really am.

I've always regretted it.

But if I stayed here, I'd have
always felt like a coward.

-You werea coward.

You left me standing
in front of the altar

looking like an idiot

in front of my entire family
and this whole town

in a rented tuxedo
with a pickup truck

dragging a bunch of pop cans
and streamers behind it.

Everybody here
felt so sorry for me,

they wouldn't even look me
in the eye for a month.

-When we got engaged, you said
you'd leave here with me.

You knew I wanted to get out.

You knew I wanted to try
to make something of myself.

And what'd you go and do?

Decide to take over
the family farm, and you did it

only because you never intended
to keep your promise.

-My dad asked me
to take care of the farm,

so what was I supposed to do,
huh?

You knew how I felt
about this place,

and you knewI'd have a hard time leaving it.

-And what was I supposed to do,

marry you and stay stuck heein Melville the rest of my life?

-Mayville.

You don't understand.

You never did.
You never will.

-You only get one chance in lifeat true love.

Just one chance.

-L-Look.

There's a star.

P-P...

What's this word?

-"Pointing."
-Oh. Yeah. Right.

Yonder.

There on the land.

-Good, William.

-How come I'm saying that?

-Well, because you've just
noticed the star.

-Then I must be stupid or blind,

'cause I been standing here
three minutes,

and that is the biggest star
I've ever seen.

-Then maybe it's because
you have hope

and this is your way
of expressing it.

-I thought I was a king here.

-You are.

-Kings are supposed to be able
to talk to the people,

supposed to be real smart.

-Good point.

Try this.

Imagine you've heard
these rumors, see,

about a miraculous birth, and
you're not real sure it's true.

But just in case,

you loaded up
with presents for the child

and took off on your camel,
so when you see the star,

it's like --
like everything you wished for

might just be coming true.

-I still don't know
why I'm saying this.

-B-Because it's in the script.

Now, uh, shall we try it again?

-Look yonder.

There's a star
pointing on the land.

-He's terrible.

-Horrendous.

-Let us go there right away
to yonder barn.

-I could do a much better job.
-Oh, absolutely.

-Then how come
he gets to be the king?

-These pages are all wrinkly
and stuff.

-Because that's not the point.

You understand what I mean?

-I guess.
-The whole world

will be a better place
now that he has come.

I'll do that.

-No, thank you.
I don't need any help.

Mr. Dave is sending his man overany minute now.

-That would be me.

-I don't believe this.

-I moonlight for Mr. Dave
on my days off.

-I suppose you're the mayor,
too.

-Yep.

-I guess that master's degree

doesn't do you a lot of good
out here.

-I have a PhD.

-Does that meanI ought to be calling you "Doc"?

-"Doc" would be fine.

"Your Highness" would be better.

-Well, look here, Your Highness.

There's something
I want to clear up.

I apologize for the way
I spoke to you last night.

I got over your leaving me
a long time ago.

-Well, I'm sorry, too.
Friends?

-Oh, I, uh, brought
those Christmas decorations.

You forgot them.
-Don't youneed them?

-I don't care for Christmas,
if you want to know the truth.

-That's dumb.

-Christmas is for kids.

-Why don't you have any?

-I never met Miss Right.

-It's Ms.Right,
and that's an illusion.

-Did the city do this to you?

-Do what?

-Dry up all the romance
you used to have.

-Romance is an illusion
we create

in order to fight off
the boredom of fidelity.

-No wonder you got divorced.

Freud said that love
is a physiological phenomenon

that causes us
to form attachments

so that the human race
will go on.

And that's not
why I got divorced.

-Why did you, then?

-Because my marriage
was politically incorrect.

-You mean you married
the wrong guy.

-Right.

-This play is stupid.
-Then quit.

-I'm the only king material
they got.

It wouldn't be right to quit.

-I could play the king
just fine.

-You're a girl.
-So what?

-Fine.
Be king.

It's a stupid play,
and I don't want to be here.

-Shh. Shh. Shh. Stop that.

Stop that. Look here.

They've set up
the nativity scene.

Howdy, Mr. Decker.
-Miz Leona.

-What on earth
have you got there?

-Oh, this?

This here is a llama --close to a camel as I could get.

-Who takes care of them?

-I do, and I, uh,
I usually hire an assistant.

You don't want a job, do you?

-How much you pay?

-Oh, well, all you get

is the appreciation
of a couple of goats, llama,

donkey, some chickens,
a cow, and some sheep.

-That's a rip.

-Oh, somebody always seems to
come along who wants to do it.

-They must be chumps, then.

-That's it.
That's the way.

-How can you stand that smell?

-What smell?

-I think that calf is in love,
William.

-So., why aren't you
seeing anyone?

-Who said I wasn't?
-Are you?

-Sort of.
-What's sort of?

-It's not going so great.

-Maybe I can help you.
Tell me about it.

-She's moving a little fast
for me.

-Did you tell her?

-Sort of.
-What'd she say?

-She said,
"What are you waiting for?"

-Ah.
Sounds like a smart woman.

-She is.

-So why do you want
to leave her?

-I don't want to talk about it.

-Helps to talk about things.

-It won't change things.

-Freud said,
"What is buried is preserved."

-Then let Freud ask her out.

-You have to examine the past,
Clay, so you don't repeat it.

-All right.

I admit I may still compae
every woman I meet to you.

-Well, that's good.
That's a start.

-Don't tell me
you don't have any problems.

-I have difficulty
sustaining relationships.

I call that a problem.

-I call that life.

-You do, huh?
Whoo!

-Hey.
-Whoo!

Whoo-hoo!

-I'll get you for that.

-Aah!

Aah!

Aah!

No!

No!

Aah!

-Whew.
Oh.

-You know, sometimes I think

you did the right thing
by leaving me.

-Oh. We were so young.

-And immature.

-You said it.

-And part of me can't help
but admire the fact

that you had the guts
to do what you did.

-Oh.

-Then part of me just...

-Oh.

I bought a bus ticket
and cried all the way to L.A.

-You know, and the feeling that
just keeps gnawing at me is,

even though we were too young,
we had something

that most people never get
their entire lives.

-Yeah.

Well, it all worked out
for the best.

-I guess it did.

Can you tell me one thing?

-Sure.

-Why didn't you come
and say goodbye?

-'Cause if I had...

I wouldn't have been able
to leave.

-Mom?

-Hi, kids.

How was rehearsal?

There.

Well, William?
What do you think?

-It's okay.

-Oh.
That's right.

You hate Christmas.

-Right.

-Does your mom hate it, too?

-Nah.
She likes it.

-Miss her?
-Yeah.

-How about some hot chocolate?

-Sure.

If you decorate that thing
any more,

it's not gonna make it.

-So are you and my mom
gonna get back together?

-We're just friends.

-Too bad.

-Couldn't hurtjust to take her out somewheres,

like to a movie or something,
long as she pays her half.

-I'll try to remember that.

-Hey!
Let go!

-Let's go for a walk
out the back way.

-What's going on?
-We've been out all afternoon.

-I'm cold.
-Walk fast. You'll warm up.

-What about the hot chocolate?

-We'll reheat it.
I need to talk to you.

-That is not necessary.

It was a perfectly natural
response on both our parts.

I think nothing of it.
I trust you won't either.

I wonder who thatcould be.

-Carolyn, I need to talk to you.

-Ms. Giblin?

-Yes.

-I'm Eve Stevens
from social services.

Clay, what are you doing here?

-I'm trying to fix things.

-You fixed them, all right.

-I understand you have a runawaystaying with you.

I've come to pick him up.

-The least you could've done
was tell me she was coming.

-Look, I --

-You didn't tell her about me,
Clay?

-Oh. So this is the woman
you wouldn't talk about?

-Clay, why wouldn't you
talk about me?

-Now, look here.

If the two of you
will just listen to me,

we can straighten all this out.

-Do you have to take William,
Ms. Stevens?

-Yes, I'm afraid so.
I'm sorry.

-Where will you put him?

-We have a very nice shelter.

He'll stay there until
I can find him a foster home.

-But it's Christmas.

-He'll be fine.
There's nothing to worry about.

-Well, then you don't know
anything about Christmas.

People have high expectations
of what it all means,

especially children.

-It's not fair to William

to let him get attached
to anyone at this moment,

particularly since we don't knowwhere he belongs.

-There is nothing wrong
with forming attachments,

Ms. Stevens.

What's wrong is forcing childrento break them all the time.

-Look, there's nothing I can do
about it. It's the law.

-Well, then you'll have to take
his dog, too.

They're never
without each other.

-We'll find a nice kennel
for the dog.

-And he has a part
in the Christmas pageant

at Miz Leona's church,

and he has a job you'll have to
take him to every day.

-Well, we'll see about all that.

-She's not your type.

-She's not your type, you know.

-You knew she was coming
all along.

-I tried to tell you.
-You did not.

-I did, too.
You wouldn't listen.

I'm a professional listener.

I even listen
when nothing is being said.

You had no intention
of telling me anything.

You knew she was coming.
You chose to say nothing.

-She works for the government.You know how efficient
theyare.

I had no idea
she'd be here for days.

She caught me by surprise, too.

-Oh, I'm supposed to believe
that.

-Well, it really doesn't matter
what I say.

You're gonna believe
whatever you want

no matter what the truth is.

-The truth is you didn't want
to tellme the truth.

You just made this decision
on your own.

Oh, you're just like
you always were -- provincial.

-I am not provincial.

I am notprovincial!

-What are you doing out there?

-Are you okay?
-Yes. I'm fine.

I'm thinking
of coming home, Didi.

I don't know what I expected.

I just thought things
would be easier here, you know?

I -- Maybe I thought if I could
change where I lived,

then I'd be able to change, too.

Right.

I will.

Yeah.
Merry Christmas to you, too.

Bye.

-We're leaving?

-I thought
that's what you wanted.

-But we just got here.

-Yeah. Well, things aren'tworking out, Jordy.

-What are you afraid of, Mom?

-Afraid?

Me?

What makes you think
I'm afraid of anything?

-Where is he?

-I imagine
he's out walking his beat

or whatever else it is
he does for work.

-I meant William.

-Oh.
Well, he's with you.

-No, he's not.
He ran away.

-Oh.

Yes. He does that
when he's unhappy.

-Where is he?

-I have no idea.
-Look.

Ms. Giblin,if I find out you're hiding him,

you could be in big trouble.

I could have you charged
with kidnapping.

-You are welcome to take
a look around if you'd like.

-No, thank you.

-If he shows up...

I'll give you a call.

-You'd better.

-No, Carolyn, honey, I'm sorry,

but William
has not shown up here.

Clay?

Oh, he got home from work
about half-hour ago.

I agree it's all his fault.

Stubborn?
Oh, definitely.

Lyin' scum, I'd say.

Oh, you think
that's a little too harsh?

I will.

I will call you just the minute
I hear anything.

Goodbye, honey.

-I appreciate your support.

-Any time.

Oh, it's ready.
It's ready.

Oh, it's beautiful.

-Shh.

-Oh, my.

I would hate to be sleeping out
in this coldnight

when I know I have a nice,
warm bed waiting for me.

Well, I guess we'll just have tofind another king

for the pageant.

Oh, this pie smells good.

-Jordy, where's William?

-He ran away.
-What?

-Last night.
-I don't believe this.

Who am I gonna get
to play the king?

-I'll do it.
-You know all the lines?

-Better than he does.

-His costume's over there.
Put it on fast.

-Okay.

-Children, please,
let's calm down.

Get ready, hmm?

-Rats.
-Get off of there.

-Miss Carolyn.

-Hi.

Hi.

Hi.
-Hi.

Can I sit here?

I didn't think
I was gonna make it.

-As if anybody cares.
-As if.

-This isa church, isn't it?

Aren't you supposed to forgive
in a church?

-God forgives.

Me, I'm human.

-Hi.
Is there room for me?

-Wise men coming from the east
went to Jerusalem.

-Give me that crown.
-I'm the king. You ran away.

-I moved, got sick
and taken back.

Now, give me that crown.
-You lost your chance.

-I'm a better king than you are.

-No way!
Get out of here!

-What -- What -- What in
the world is goin' on here?

-I'm king!
Tell her to give me my crown!

-I'm sorry, William, but, uh,
I thought you were gone.

The part went to Jordy.

We're gonna be starting
any minute.

Shepherds, to the front, please.

Shepherds to the front.

Trees, stars, and other
inanimate objects, get ready.

-Star, I have stage fright.

-Yeah.
Me too.

-William.
W-William, come back.

William.

William, come on!

Please!

-I sure hope William's
all right.

-It sure is cold out there.

-Come on. Go.

This way. Okay. Hurry.

-It is the time of King Herod.

Wise men coming from the east
went into Jerusalem asking,

"Where is the child
who has been born king?

We observed his star
at its rising."

When King Herod heard this,
he became frightened,

and he called his own wise men
to him,

saying, "Go and search
for the child,

and when you have found him,
bring me word."

So with gifts for the child,

the wise men set out
to follow the star.

It led them to a stable,

and inside, in a manger,
lay the baby Jesus.

-We followed a star to get here.

-That there great big star

been hangin' in the sky
all night long,

which everybody else, except us,must have seen,

otherwise, we'd have been here
a lot sooner.

-I have brought frankincense
for the child.

-I got myrrh.

-Uh...uh...uh...

-So, where is this baby
we've heard all about?

-That's myline.
-Then say it.

-So, where's this child
we heard all about?

-I see him!

-Where?

-Yonder, in the manger.

-Uh, the manger?

-Yeah.
Yonder.

-Uh...

Oh, Mom!

-Don't you see him squirming
in his cradle there?

He sure is cute.

Look at those
little bitty hands.

I bet he'll be good
at little league.

Yep.
He's the real thing, all right.

He's the savior, all right.

He's gonna make
the whole world better

if we just listen to him.

No more adults lyin' to kids.

No more dads runnin' off,

leavin' their families
all alone.

No more animals
gettin' hit by cars.

No more murdering

and nobody being poor
and...and no more school.

A kid can stay home
and play all day.

No more math

and writin' essays about
how was your stupid vacation.

-So we all come from Jerusalem.

-Yeah. It was a long ride,
especially on a camel.

-King Herod sent us
to find the child.

-But wait.
I'm having a dream.

-What is it, my Lord?

-Herod is no good.

He'll hurt the kid
if we show him where he is!

-Uh-oh.

-I say we follow them.

They're gonna need protection.

-Then that is what we shall do.

-Mom. Mom.

-Oh, excuse me.

Oh, Jordy, you were wonderful.

-Honey, the whole show
was so good.

-I'm proud of you.

-Just made me wish
I was a sheep.

-Thanks, Mom.

Thanks, Miz Leona.

-Jordy, where's William?

-I don't know.

-You running away again?

-So?
-Just checking.

-Me and Traveler
got to be going.

-Want a lift?

-No.
That's okay.

-Hey, I don't mind.
What direction you going?

-Northerly-southerly,
but we don't need a ride.

-Want to wait
till after Christmas?

-I hate Christmas.

-Yeah.
I know what you mean.

It -- It -- It's tough,
you know,

when everybody else
has a family to be with

and you're all by yourself.

-Sure is.

-Well, good luck,
wherever you're going.

-I was a good king, wasn't I?

-Best I ever saw.

-Well, see ya.

-Oh, William.

-William.
-Well, where have you been?

-We've been worried sick
about you!

-You little stink.
-Are you all right?

-Well, you're coming home
with us.

-Now, wait just a minute.
-Oh, you're not gonna start

this whole thing all over again,are you?

-Hello, everyone.
Merry Christmas.

Nice to see you again, William.

-Is this a setup?

-I realize you didn't like
the shelter,

but you have to stay there

until we can place you
with a foster family.

I'm sorry,but that's the way it has to be.

Come on, William.
Let's go. Come on.

Now, it's gonna be fine.

-Do something.
She's taking William.

-I can't.

-Why can't you ever stand up
for what you want?

-I do.
- You're letting him go!

-There's nothing I can do
about it.

-Oh!

-You have really blown it
this time.

-Now, William, sooner or later,

I'm gonna find out
where you come from,

so you might as well
tell me now.

-Give me my dog,
and then I'll talk.

-Tell me what I need to know,
then you can see him.

-New York City.

-Really?
All the way up there?

-Mm-hmm.

-Can you tell me
your father's name?

-Babe Ruth.

-Babe Ruth?

-He plays for the Yankees.

-Yes.
I've heard of him.

I believe that was
quite a long time ago.

-He's retired now.

-Boy, he's been dead
longer than you've been alive.

-I was a miracle.

-You're a miracle, all righ.

Look, son,I know you don't want to tell us

because you're afraid
we're gonna send you back,

but we have to know
where your father is.

-Search me.

-What about your mother?

-They took her away.

-Who did?

-Don't know.

-I've had about enough of this,
young man.

-Me too.

Can I get my dog back and go
back to Ms. Carolyn's now?

-I'm sorry,
but we can't do that.

-Aw, why not, Evey?

-Because it's not
how we do things.

-I know it, but can't we
get around that this time?

-No, we can't.
What's got into you, Clay?

-Christmas.

-I'll consider it.

In the meantime,you can take him to see his dog.

-Good.

-I thought we were going
Christmas shopping.

-We are.
I've had a wonderful idea.

-Uh-oh.

-Remember how you said
you wanted something different

this year for Christmas
instead of the same old junk?

-I was delirious
from understimulation.

-How about a brother?

-What?!
-No, no.

I want to be a foster parent.

I want William
to come live with us.

-Mom, how are you gonna
take care of both of us?

You can't even cook.

And besides,
I thought we were leaving.

-Well, maybe we should
reconsider that.

-Will you make up your mind?

-I know I seem
a little indecisive. I --

-Seem?

I was just getting used to t
here, and you want to leave.

And when I get used to
thatidea, you want to stay.

-What do you think
about William?

-It's a lot of responsibility,
Mom.

-He needs us, Jordy.

-All right.

As long as you remember
to feed him every day.

-From 9 to 5 Monday
through Fridays.

That's right.

No, I don't.
You're welcome.

Can I help you?

-Yes.

I want to apply
to be a foster parent.

It's an emergency.

-Everybody has to go through
the same procedures, ma'am.

-Well, how long will that take?
-Couple of months, usually.

-Months?
I don't have months.

Ms. Stevens,
I need to talk to you.

Please.

-All right.
Come with me.

-Jordy, wait here.
I'll be right back.

-Now, what do you want,
Ms. Giblin?

-I want to apply
to be a foster parent.

-I have to say, Ms. Giblin,

the way you handled thingswith William did not impress me.

-I was just trying to do
what was best for him.

-Which is why you're here now.

-Yes.

-All right.

How much do you make?

-Right now,
we're living off my savings.

-No income.

Now, I've been to your home,
if you can call it that.

Is that place winterized?

-Not exactly, but we --

-I've noticed
the porch is rotting.

-That's part of the ambiance.

-It's dangerous,
especially for a child.

-I'll fix it.

-Marital status?

-Divorced.

-So you have a problem
sustaining relationships.

-Only with adulterous men.

-Are you involved with anyone
right now?

-No.

-What about Clay Traynor?

-That was a long time ago.

I've changed a great deal
since then.

Thank God.

-Is that
your natural hair color?

-Is that really
on the questionnaire?

-I have to say, Ms. Giblin,
this doesn't look good.

-Look, Ms. Stevens, I know
I don't have the resources

other people might have,but I really care about William,

which is a lot morethan anybody else at this point.

Now, if I can't qualify
to be a foster parent,

can I at least keep him
until you find

an acceptable foster parent
or his mother?

He wants to stay with us.

-I'll make a deal with you,
Ms. Giblin.

I can't get anywhere
with William.

Maybe you can.

He can go with you until
we can place him with a family.

In the meantime, maybe you can
find out who he is.

-I'll try.

-You really don't care
for Clay anymore?

-I got over him a long time ago.

-Wonderful.

Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

-Eat!
Traveler, eat!

Ms. Carolyn, I think thatsocial-worker lady poisoned him.

He's acting really funny.

-Oh, just give him some time.

He's probably a little confused
by all the moving around.

-He's not the only one.

-Mom applied to be
your foster parent.

She'll never make it.

-Why not?

-This place is kind of a dump,
in case you haven't noticed.

-Yeah. Well, after we decorate
it, it'll be transformed.

You'll see.

This is gonna be one fantastic
Christmas this year.

-Does that mean Mr. Clay
is coming over?

-No, William, it doesn't.

-Why not?
I thought you liked him.

-I do.

I thought you liked him, too.

Why wouldn't you tell him
about your mother?

-'Cause of that Ms. Stevens
lady.

I don't like her much.

-You're gonna have to tell
somebodywhere you came from,

or they're just gonna keep
shuffling you around some more.

-So I'll run away again.

-Well, you can't run away

every time you have a problem
with something.

-Why not?-'Cause it won't solve anything.

You're just gonna have to
keep running

all the rest of your life.

You deserve to have whatother little boys your age have,

like a home
and people who care about you.

-I can live without that.
-I didn't say you couldn't.

I said you deservethose things.

Why'd you run away?

-They wouldn't let me
see my mom.

-Who wouldn't?

-These people
I had to stay with.

-What about your dad?

-He ran away long before I did.

It's in our blood.

-Oh.

Do you want to find your mother?

-Oh, yeah.

-I'll help you.

-You will?

Good.

-Did you have a nice day,
Scrooge?

-You talking to me now?

-I don't know.
I haven't decided yet.

I heard from Carolyn.

She finally got the truth
out of William.

-You're kidding.

-His mother is named
Alma Wright.

Carolyn thinks maybe
you'll try to find her

on that fancy computer of yours.

-Thenwill she talk to me?

I can't think why she would.

You're no fun.

-Cut me down every way you can.

-I'll drink to that.

-I found William's mother.

-What'd she say?

-I need to talk to William.

-He's upstairs in his room.

-Don't come in!

-William, it's me -- Clay.

-Is anybody with you?

-No.
Just me.

I found your mom.

-You did?

-Yeah.

-Where is she?

-This is gonna be hard, but...

son, she died
a couple of months ago.

You knew she was dying,
didn't you?

-That's what they said, but I
didn't want to believe them.

-Why not?

-Ms. Carolyn says if you
visualize something real hard,

you can make it come true.

-Some things you might.

-I didn't want to take a chancein believing on the wrong thing.

-Yeah.
I know what you mean.

But sometimes it's worse
not admitting the truth.

-Why?

-Because if you keep believing
in something

that's never gonna happen,
you just get stuck,

and then you can't go on
with your life.

-It's all right, William.

It wasn't your fault.

-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.
-I have good news.

I found William a foster home.

-Bad things always happen to me.

-If you think like that,
they will.

Try to think about happy things.

-Like what?

-Well, doesn't anything
make you happy, William?

-Traveler.

-Well, then you think about him.

-I'll try, but I still
ain't saying it'll work.

Big people have dumb rules.

-They're totally out of it.

-Bye, tinselhead.

-Bye, dweeb.

-William, we have to go now.

Come on.

Come on.
It's time to go.

I know it's hard,
but we have no other choice.

Come on.
-I'm sorry, Carolyn.

-William, you're really gonna
like this place.

It's a nice, big family, andthey've got a room just for you.

-Well, yougot a big house.
Why can't I just live with you?

-Because you can't.

It's just me there
and Miz Leona,

and you need a mother, William.

-Miz Leona needs a job.

-She's retired, son.

-What about Ms. Carolyn?

Maybe you could just
go marry her.

-Oh, look.
We're here.

-Hi.

-Good evening, Mrs. Simms.
Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

And this must be William.

-Say hello, William.

-Hello.

-Merry Christmas, Willy.
Woofy, woofy.

We're gonna have
a real good time here.

-Well, good night.
-Night.

-Bye, William.

-Don't worry.
He'll be all right.

-I'm gonna have to trust you on
that one, I guess.

-Clay, what did William mean

by all that about
you marrying Carolyn?

-Nothing.
He's just a kid.

He doesn't know
what he's talking about.

-You're still hung up on her,
aren't you?

-No, not anymore.

No.
That's over.

I mean real over.

-I care about you a great deal.

You know that, don't you?

-Yes, I do.

-I want this to be
more than just a friendship.

-Yeah.
I know that.

-Maybe you'd like to come over
to my place

for Christmas dinner.

I'm having some friends ove.

I'd love it
if you could join us.

-That'd be great.

-Say around 6:00?

-Yeah.
6:00 is good.

-Good. Good.

-All tucked in?

-I guess so.

-If you hear footsteps
on the roof tonight,

it'll be me and Santa Claus.

-I can't wait.

-Nighty-night, Willy.

-My name is William.

Come on, Traveler.
Come on, Traveler.

Come on.

Go on, Traveler.
Go on.

Good dog.

Come on, Trsaveler.
Let's go.

Come on, Traveler.
Let's go.

Come on, Traveler.
Let's go.

Please, Traveler.

I promise never to run awyagain if you'll just get better.

Please, Traveler.

You have to get better.

-Merry Christmas!

If you weren't a therapist, Mom,

someone would have you
committed.

-Here.
Open this one.

-Okay.

-Come on. Come on.
Open it.

-Mom, it's beautiful.

You can't afford this.

-Oh, you only live once.

-Can you take it back?

-You don't like it.

-No. I love it.

I'd rather have a new dad,
though.

-Oh.
That's ridiculous.

-Why don't you just admit it,
Mom?

-You're still in love with Clay.

-Oh. Where in the world did yu
ever get an idea like that?

He isn't even remotely my type.

He's old-fashioned, stubborn,opinionated, honest, dependable.

He'd do anything for anybody.
He listens.

He's smart,
tells a passable joke...

and he's a good person.

There's nobody like him.

What am I gonna do?

I can't take another chance.

What if it doesn't work out
again?

-Merry Christmas.
Can I come in?

-Uh, sure.

How's William?

-He's fine.

They're really nice people,

and I think he's gonna like it
there.

Uh...I brought you a gift.

-You didn't have to do that.

-Well, open it.

It's for writing your book.

-It's beautiful.
Thank you.

-It's kind of a Christmas
and a thank-you gift.

-"Thank you"?

For what?

-For making me examine the past

and making me understand
why you left.

I'm not gonna make
those mistakes again.

-You're not?

-No.

I'm gonna do just what you said
I should -- take a risk.

I'm gonna go out
and get committed...to Eve.

Merry Christmas, Carolyn.

-Merry Christmas.

-Okay.
Hold that up.

-Okay.

-That's good.

-Did it flash?

-Yeah, it flashed.

Oh, look.
Two more presents.

-You're kidding.

-They're from William.

This one's for you.

-Grandma's silver.

-My tapes.

I was wondering
what happened to them.

-Hello?

Yes, Miz Leona.

Oh, no.
Not again.

No, no, he didn't.

I will.

I will.
Thank you for calling.

-What's the matter, Mom?

-William.

He ran away again.

-Looks like Miz Leona was right.

-He's dying.

-What happened?

-I ran away
and pushed him out the window,

and then he couldn't walk.

I promise never to run away
from anything ever again

if you'll just make him better,
please.

-You promise
never to run away again?

-Yes.

-Really?

-Yes.

-It's a deal.

-Okay, Jordy.

I think we are ready
for the water now.

-Okay.

-Cup.

Take out the cup.

-We're cooking dinner here,
Mother, not wearing it.

-I've never made bread before.

-Really?I never would have guessed that.

Would you?
-No.

-Maybe I'm not concentrating.

I'm really worried
about William.

-Why isn't Clay coming over
for dinner, Miz Leona?

-Because he's got a date.

-I guess Mom really blew it,
huh?

-I didn't blow anything.

We weren't meant for each other,okay?

Besides, you and I
don't belong here.

I thought we could come here andstart over, but that's not true.

I made a mistake.

We ought to go back to L.A.

-I don't want to go back to L.A.-Jordy.

-What about William?
And Clay? And Miz Leona?

They need us, Mom.

-Couple of nice puppies, huh?

-You tricked me.

You promised me
you'd never run away again.

-What are you gonna do
with me now?

-Oh, I have a plan.

-Merry Christmas!

-Not you again.

-I'll set them up
in the living room.

You got a box?

-Merry Christmas.
-Merry Christmas.

-Oh, thank you.
Come on in.

I'm so glad you came.
-Thanks.

-Would you like a drink?

-No, no.
I appreciate it.

Uh, where's all
the other guests?

-Oh, uh, I just told you that
so you'd come.

There are no other guests.

-Oh, I see.

-You're, uh, you're not
disappointed, are you?

-No, no.
I'm all right.

I just -- You know, I thought
there'd be kids around, family.

-There's nothing to worry about.

It's just you and me.

Is something the matter, Clay?

Hmm?

-Now, in my family, it was theyoungest that always said grace,

so that'd be you, William.

-God don't listen to me.

-Well, it's worth it
just to keep trying.

-Hurry up.
I'm starving.

-Jordy.

-All right, Lord.
Listen up.

Merry Christmas.

Bless this here dinnerand all the people and Traveler,

and if there are any kids like
me all alone out there today,

get them a dog
so they won't feel so bad.

And while you're at it,

make Mr. Clay propose
to Ms. Carolyn

so as I can finally stay put.

Amen.

-Amen.

William, it's not good to have
unreal expectations.

-Got room for one more?

-Well, what happened
to your date?

-Ended kind of early.

-I'll get another plate.

-I need to talk to you.

I had an idea
of how you can keep William.

You all move over to my place.

I have plenty of room.
-Oh, that'll be fun.

You and William and Jordy
and Miz Leona and me and Eve.

-Look, I told you.
You were right about me.

I don't take risks,

but I've decided to take
the biggest one of all.

I'm gonna marry somebody with
a bad habit of running away.

I'm gonna marry you.

-Are you out of your mind?

-You tell me.
You're the one with a PhD.

-Oh, Clay, this is ridiculous.

It's too late.
We've both changed.

-Yeah, we have.

I know I'm a lot smarter
than I used to be,

but one thing
has stayed the same.

I still love you,
just like I always did.

-I don't believe it.

-She'd better not blow it
this time.

-If anybody blows it,
it'll be him.

-I can't marry you.

I'm going back to L.A.,
where I belong.

-Stop running away
from your life, Carolyn.

You know you love me, too.

-You want me to stay put
in a one-horse town

with nothing but pest control
for something to do?

-Every time you get close
to having something real,

you take off.

Look, you can have
your therapy practice here.

I guarantee you'll have
plenty of customers.

How can you be so sure
it'll work?

-I'm willing to take the risk.

-We can't relive the past, Clay.

-I don't want to relive
the past.

I-I wasn't ready for you then.

-What do you mean,
you weren't ready?

You were standing at the altar.

-If I had been ready,
I would have come after you.

-Ugh.
Come on.

I'm eating here.

-All right, children. Don't
stare, now. That's not polite.

My...