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Christmas With Holly (2012)
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MAN: Oh, it's ridiculous... (people murmuring) WOMAN: Where is he? (murmuring) (panting) WOMAN: Is that him? (all gasping expectantly) (organist plays jubilant melody) MAN: That's not him. (all groaning) MAN 2: That's ridiculous! - Sorry. (organ music continues) He's not coming. What if he's stuck in traffic? No, Katie. I guess it's time to come up with a Plan B. (sighs) WOMAN (over P.A.): As a reminder for all third graders attending the field trip to the Seattle Zoo tomorrow, please bring your signed permission slips with you. Hey, don't worry. I made many a trip to the principal's office in my day. I know how to handle these guys. (door opens) We're ready for you. I'm going in. (school bell rings) TEACHER: Holly's homework assignments are still coming back incomplete. I'm working on it. We got most of it done this week. I'm afraid you completed her assignments. No, she colored the sunflower. Mr. Nagle... this is what we expect to see. And this... ...is your niece's. (groans) Come on, this is first grade, and her mother died only three months ago. Ms. Ames has taken Holly's situation into consideration. AMES: I have my teacher's aide working exclusively with her, but in all fairness to my other 26 students... What are you saying? Mr. Nagle, Holly still isn't speaking. Well, the doctor said that this isn't unusual. She's always been a shy and anxious kid, and with the shock of losing her mom... (clears throat) She is gonna speak again. But she's not talking now. Now, we feel she would be more comfortable if we... put her back in kindergarten for another year, hm? What?! Holly's a really smart kid. Please, just cut her some slack. AMES: We all want what's best for Holly. PRINCIPAL: Perhaps you should make another appointment to see her pediatrician. She's not sick. Well, her pediatrician might suggest a prescription for an antidepressant. SSRIs have been used for selected mutism. SECRETARY: Peabody Elementary, Principal Stewart's office. Hi, uh, this is Mark Nagle. Is there any chance I could speak to Principal Stewart? Please hold, sir. MRS. STEWART: Hi, Mark. How's Seattle? How's your niece? Well, that's why I'm calling. I need to get back to Friday Harbor. Would it be possible for me to enroll Holly at Peabody to start right after Thanksgiving? She's a really hard worker and... you won't even know she's in the room. Well, then she must take after your sister because I remember the three of you Nagle boys. (laughing): Well, she certainly doesn't take after any of us. I... I really need to get back. Hey, don't worry. Everything's gonna be okay. (sighs) You want me to save your sandwich for later? You didn't eat very much. You should probably eat a little bit more. What about Duffy, hm? You think he'll want it later? (doorbell rings) Shelby, hey. How's the packing going? I've got most of it done. Just Holly's bed to break down. You know there are other schools in Seattle. Baby, I know this was sudden. Yeah, I'll say. Like six hours. It's been on my mind for a while. Wow, really? I know this doesn't seem fair to you, but this could be a good thing having my brothers around. It might even free up more time for you and me. Great, except you'll be on the island and I'll be here. (sighs) You know, it... it'll be... We will make it work. Yeah. Hey, do you want to go up and say hi to Holly? No, I just wanted to stop by and see you for a moment before you left. Oh, come on, at least let me cook you some dinner. I've had your cooking. Ooh. But I'll take a rain check. Maybe I'll come see you in a few days. Deal. Time is ever on the road The ride is what we make I walked a year to hear A howl in this give and take But hear it this way Ahhh Hear it this way All right... Hey. You excited? Terrified. Aw... But I'm ready. Good, since you quit that lame-o job. And I helped you pack up your whole life. You better not tell me I did that for nothing. Oh, right. 'Cause the fallout from that would be far worse than complete and abject business failure. Hey, Olive, isn't Maggie nice? She's buying us hot chocolate. Oh... Do you want hot chocolate? Let's go. (groaning with effort, Olive grunting) You're gaining weight, I swear. Oh! Hey, wild bear on the loose. Here. No bruises or anything. (laughs) Whoa, what do you know? Cool sneakers. Great minds think alike, huh? Thank you for saving Duffy. (sighs) So cute. He is. I was talking about his daughter. Oh, come on. (Olive whimpering) Two hot chocolates, please. Sure. All right, so I've chosen ecru for the walls at the store. Looks like white. In this light... yes, but, uh, it's ecru. So... um, and then for the walls of the apartment... Ecru? French linen. Here you are, ladies. That'll be $2.50, please. Oh, thank you. Thanks. (Olive belches) (Maggie sighs) Olive'll eat anything. I know. What do you want me to do? My roommate pawned her off so she could move to Peru. Until I find her a new home, I'm stuck with her. Oh, you'd like living on this island, wouldn't you, girlfriend? Oh, no, no. Nope. Nope. Eh... Mm-mm. No. MARK: Holly... you see out there? Your mom helped teach me to swim right over there. She bought me the biggest goggles so I could see all the way down to the bottom. Now, how about that? And tonight I'm in love with everybody on the city bus I feel the push and pull Keep saying that it doesn't mean much Oh, wait till you see Ahh What do you see? And everybody on the street singing like it's Sunday But we keep inside and our looks stay at bay Ahh... ahh-ah Ahh... ahh-ah And we don't know what left But we feel it's coming back soon There's my store. Island's number-one coffee house and distributor. You remember how good it tastes? Don't tell anyone I let you try it. Where'd that sign come from? Um, the other lady told me to hang it. Take it down, please. Yes, ma'am. Oh... Hey, you! Hey. I saw the guys working on the sign outside. Don't you just love it? I redesigned it just a little. The walls are wrong. Well, I thought "rose blush." It's a little more inviting. Ecru is what we discussed. Well, trust me, this is what you need. And this carpet... Oh, it's all indoor-outdoor. Very cost-efficient. Liz, I want to use alternating carpet squares. Maggie, we open in less than a week. We have a wonderful store here. Let's not start trying to change things now. I went ahead and I ordered a supply of toys from ToyCo. Uh, six months to five years old. I was a little surprised you missed that. I was in toy marketing for six years. If I'd wanted these toys, I would have ordered them. I have other ideas for my store. Where's the book-reading area? Oh, that area is far better served... Liz, no. It's not what I want. Listen, I think I understand. This is your first foray into owning a business. But fortunately, you have me to show you the ropes. I've managed this store for over ten years, through three different owners, so believe me, I know what I'm doing. You can just stand back, relax, let me handle things. Oh, come on! We have our grand opening. Let's put on our happy face. We can smile and still be serious. Oh, I'm serious. Bye, now. (Olive grunts) (whimpers) Olive! (whines) Olive... (door opens, bell jingles) Where's your store manager going? Probably to the bank to cash her final check. I fired her. You're kidding, right? I thought the plan was to hit the ground running. How are you going to find someone now? Please? Please, just get me through Black Friday weekend. Maggie, I doubt Black Friday has quite the same punch here on the island. And you're asking me to give up Mom's Thanksgiving, the only meal she actually cooks. Katie, I need you. I love you and I need you. I mean, look at the benefits, okay? Hanging out on the island, which you love. Spending time with your favorite person-- me-- whom we know you love. You can say that you're doing research for your marketing class. You need that for your master's, right? That was last semester. I'll feed you. Which we know you love. (sighs) I'll take Olive. You'll keep Olive? (Olive whines) "Keep" is a strong word. Temporarily house, yes. But you have to actively search to find her a new home. Promise? Okay. Go back to the coffee house where you found these drinks, and find me a couple teenagers who want to work Black Friday weekend. No... Get out of here, go. Surprise, surprise. Come on, Holly, let's go say hi to Uncle Scott. Glad you're home. Ah, people are thinking about the holidays, not putting additions on their house. Hey, Munchkin. Remember our secret handshake, huh? (buzzing noise) Boom! That doesn't look like an overnighter. How's the renovation coming along? Check it out. MARK: Well! Well, you got walls. Mm-hmm. Insulated walls. And there's Uncle Alex. Hey, stranger. How's it going? It'd go a lot better if you'd put on some clothes. Hey, Holly. Hey, we've got some cereal, if you want. Trust me, you don't. It's high-fiber, healthy junk, and it tastes like sand. The benefits far outweigh the taste. Really? I'll be right back. So... how long is he here for this time? I think he said a month, until his next grant comes through. His latest obsession is his dissertation on some fish fungus. At least he stopped talking about the Ebola virus. Sweet Pea... I need to speak with Uncle Mark. We'll be right outside. Look, I wouldn't be here if I didn't need a place for Holly. Wait a sec-- I am not the one Vicky put in charge. No! Hey! I'm not asking that. I just... I need two rooms. Or we can share. No. No sharing. Been there, done that. What happened? I had to pull her out of that school. So she's still not talking. No. But the doctor said that it could happen at any time. Yeah, you been saying that for months. I can pay you rent. Just like Alex. For the two of us. How long? Say, two months? Or at least until I can get the renters out of my place. Besides, you could use an extra hand on the remodel. Okay, fine. But Holly better be good with a hammer, 'cause, uh... I've seen you with tools. That's funny. (laughs) That's funny. Give me a hand. You know, I had a bear, growing up. His name was Frankie Bear. He was the coolest bear. But Scott poured chocolate syrup on his head... ...and the cat ate him. The cat was never the same after that. Say hello to your new housemates. Oh... Welcome. Don't go in my room. Okay. Looks good, right? I told Uncle Scott that you like to take your bath at night, and to keep the hall light on for you. Wow... That's a lot of pink. Yeah. Yeah. So, I, uh... got the air mattress for you, put it down by the exercise equipment. Great. Yeah. Wow. Pink. Yeah. Kind of reminds me of your room as a kid. Funny. (chuckling) There's a bioenergetics lecture at the library-- any takers? How long did you say he was here for, again? How long you say he was here for again? Hey, guys... Just till my grant comes through. Holly, stay away from that one. He'll get you in trouble. (Olive groans) This paint is not working as well as I thought it would. KATE: The ecru is losing the battle to "rose blush?" (laughs) I told you you should have primed. Oh, we're well past priming. Hey, what are you doing? Telling Mom and Dad I'm staying here over Thanksgiving. Besides, I thought you hired me for moral support. Will you grab a roller, please? Ugh, these walls just keep getting bigger and bigger. (sighs) You know... I'm really feeling the rose blush. Me, too. (laughs) See? This isn't so bad. In fact, I think that this is bigger than your old room. We can add a little pink to the walls, This will be a great place to invite some friends to come over. Okay... so, where did we leave off on our bedtime story? Hmm? Oh, yeah... You and Duffy are riding on Matilda the alligator's back through the zoo's lagoon. You hear the crickets? (imitates cricket chirping) Matilda's jaws flap open, smacks down! Drat! Missed another one. Now she's getting pretty hungry, and so far, she's kept her promise not to eat you. (giggles) "Preoccupy my hunger. Make me laugh! Otherwise, I will have to eat you!" (playful squeaking) (laughing) (groaning): Oh... That is disgusting. Those are my molds. Can't you keep them in your closet? No. You can't arbitrarily change their environment. Ah-ah! Plus, this is the perfect spot for them. You sound like my ex-girlfriend. (wry laugh) And you wonder why she dumped you? Okay, we need to come up with some ground rules. First of all, clothes need to be worn in common areas at all times, and second, knock before entering each other's rooms. Yep. Agreed. Cursing, burping, scratching, no longer a sport. We don't do that. (belches) Look, can I count on you or not? Yeah, sure. Great. And when she's with you... Whoa. What do you mean, when she's with me? If. If I have to leave her with you, your attention has to be on her at all times, okay? Okay. Yeah. Anything you're unsure of, just call me. Fine. Okay! I've got to finish Holly's school registration and get caught up at work, so I was wondering if one you guys could watch her. Just for the morning. Three hours? I just need a little backup today. Uh... I'm kinda busy. Yeah, can't do it today. Fine. Can you at least pick up some groceries while you're out? Okay, I guess Holly and I'll do it. Come on, Holly, we don't want to be late. Watch your step. Cara, look who's here! Oh, hey, Holly. You remember my friend Cara, right? Of course she does. Oh, one of us needs to check out that new Ethiopian blend. Do you want to do it? I really don't have the time. Oh, shoot, I forgot my bag. It's in the truck. Uh, can you make sure she gets a bite to eat? All they have at the house is fiber. Holly, I'll be right back. Sure thing. Hi. Uh, Kay, can we get a breakfast sandwich for our friend Holly? KAY: Sure thing. Comin' right up. I know-- strawberry jelly on toast. Right? The ferry, right? Right. Yesterday. Yeah, you saved Duffy the bear. Hi. Hi. (phone ringing) Oh... ah... Hey, you. I'm just walking into the coffee shop. Oh, you don't have to do that. Okay. Six sounds right. So, what's her name? Oh... (laughs) Olive. "Olive." That's cute. She's my sister's dog. I'm just fostering her for a while-- huh. Ah, and that's how it begins. What begins? How you find yourself with an Olive. Oh, no, no, no, no. It's just until we find a better home for her. I mean, I like animals, pets are good but... right now I'm in a pet-free zone. Yeah, taking not-your-dog for a walk. Next thing you know, she's gonna be crawling into your bed at night. And I'm guessing she's already made it there. (phone ringing) Oh. Hey, Mrs. Stewart, thank you for calling me back. Yeah, I was hoping that I could come down to the school in a bit and sign that paperwork. Wow, looks like somebody was hungry. I told her to slow down. You have been feeding her, right? Kids kind of need to eat, so... Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. So, how is it at Scott's? You know my brother. I do. Just like old times with you guys? Not yet. Thankfully, Holly's there to buffer. Well, if you need any girl time, you find me, okay? MARK (chuckles): Thanks. She might just take you up on that offer. So what are you gonna do with everything in Seattle? Well, right now, I'm gonna leave everything as it is until we get settled. Well, I'm gonna head to the roasting facility. Can you manage? Yeah. Okay. Talk to you later. And Holly, you have a great Thanksgiving, okay? You, too. Bye! (keypad beeping) (phone ringing) What? MARK: Hey, can we do Thanksgiving dinner for Holly? What do you think? Uh, I'm not opposed to it. Who's gonna organize? Alex-- he's good like that. Great. Can you call him? Yeah, whatever. (squawking ringtone plays) What? "What?" Is that how you answer? What do you want? Be nice. You're living in my house. I'm sorry-- how may I be of service, O Mighty One? We're doing Thanksgiving. Why? Because that's what families do. Not ours, but we're doing it for Holly. I bet I could figure out how to make a turkey. Good. Study up. But perhaps we should have a backup plan. Scott? Hello? Hello? (phone beeps off, Alex sighs) (sighs heavily) Done. Oh, what a difference. (laughs) That Astroturf was nutty. It's looking perfect. Oh, you're welcome. Yes, it's all thanks to you. Well, I expect to be compensated. Part ownership should do just fine. Help me with the house, and we'll talk. What kind of weird hermit doll lives here? It's not a dollhouse. It's a fairy house. Oh, if you say so. It's weird. I could have been in Colorado right now. Yeah, with Tim and your new in-laws? Yeah, but at least his parents are nice. Mm. Too bad you couldn't marry them. (wry laugh) Don't give her those. Oh, look, she's happy. That's not happy, that's gassy. (Olive grunts, whimpers) (hammer banging) Hey, rise and shine, sleeping beauty. Where's Holly? At breakfast with Alex. (groaning) MALE ANNOUNCER: ...that is one of the biggest turkeys you're gonna see today. It's just a beautiful, beautiful float. Now look at these kids-- they're probably having the time of the their life, aren't they? FEMALE ANNOUNCER: That's right, Brian. (Mark yawning) (TV broadcast continues, indistinctly) Please tell me the bread Holly's eating came from my cabinet and not yours. You're finishing the stuffing. Scott will do the sweet potatoes with marshmallow and green beans, and I will deep-fry the... Where's the turkey? You put the fresh turkey in the freezer? Yep. 350 degrees. Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first five times. ALEX: Whoa, cold... Easy. Steady. Steady, steady. I got it! All right, come around. Whoa! Hey, whoa! Temperature check. 350, 350. Let's wait till 400. It's gonna make the skin nice and golden brown. Five minutes. Really? Five minutes. Come on. You look ridiculous. MALE ANNOUNCER: ...please, Kathy, it just puts you in the Christmas spirit, right? FEMALE ANNOUNCER: It really does, yes. MALE ANNOUNCER: It is a beautiful day here in New York City, everyone. FEMALE ANNOUNCER: We got lucky with the weather! MALE ANNOUNCER: Didn't we, though! Two years in a row. FEMALE ANNOUNCER: Mm-hmm. MALE ANNOUNCER: This tradition, of course, folks, is-- (crackling) MALE ANNOUNCER: ...this year, they're going to make their way down to 34th Street and Herald Square. The bleachers have been set up and-- (crackling, flame whooshes) Turkey time. Finally. 400. Very slowly. Okay. (coughing) Hey, guys! Oh, no... Holly! MARK: Holly! Yeah, I got her! I got her! Just like old times, huh? I just wanted Thanksgiving. Hey, don't look at me. I'm not the one who pushed the self-cleaning button on the oven. Hey, the entire meal was a failure. Success is born out of failure. Spoken like a loser. I will cook again, and it will be the... Probably give us all food poisoning. At least I'm trying. I'm not just standing around acting like a jerk. Hey, hey, hey, guys... Not in front of Holly. Don't tell me what to do in my own house. Wow. Really? Yes, really, little brother. Oh, shut up. You shut up. You should both shut up. BOTH: You shut up. ALEX: We gotta help, Scott. SCOTT: I'll do what I can. He's in over his head. ALEX: Just give him a chance, all right? SCOTT: He has no idea how to raise a little girl, let alone deal with her psychological issues, and he's deluding himself if he thinks he does. ALEX: Oh, and who's gonna do it, you? SCOTT: No, I'm not saying that. Holly has not spoken a word since Vicky died. I don't think any of us are equipped for this problem. (panting) Oh, now you're just making the rest of us look lazy. (chuckles) No judgment on my part, I promise. You burning off your Thanksgiving dinner? More like working through it. I'm the, I'm the one opening the toy store in town. Congratulations. Thanks. Wow, this is a pretty spot. Yeah, it's nice. I guess. Meal that bad? (chuckles) You have no idea. Ah, too much of my brothers can be hazardous to my health. Really? Thanksgiving hasn't been much of a celebration in my family since I was 15, and my dad didn't make it back from a business trip. Mom said that was it. Since then, Thanksgiving has just been another Thursday until today. Sorry, I'm dumping all my baggage on you. I once told my whole life story to a complete stranger on a four-hour plane ride, so... Oh, well, guess we better stop, 'cause we'll probably keep running into each other. Yeah, especially since you have a little girl and I have a toy store. Yeah. Except she's really not that into toys. Yeah, okay. All right. See you. Bye. MAGGIE: Ever since I was a little girl, I had this dream to own not just a toy store, but to own a place where the toys live and the children come to visit and they never want to leave. Around every corner or nook, there is... there's another surprising toy or a place to read books. I designed the whole shop so it feels like we're all getting sprinkled with fairy dust. It's-it's a place where children can come to dream. Uh, Maggie? They're toys. (sighs) Right. Okay. Right, of course. Um, be friendly, make suggestions but don't push, okay? All right, positions, everyone. (doorbell jangles) It is Black Friday weekend, right? Yeah. (sighs) (door opening) Ooh. Hi. Welcome, hi. I'm Maggie. Welcome to my store. What can I help you find today? Do you have a restroom? Yeah, yes, of course we do. Of course, it's just through the blush door. That looks so good, Holly. I just wish I hadn't already eaten on the ferry. Here you go. Oh, you're a godsend. Just wait till you see some of the things I've picked out. Some of the cutest outfits. MARK: I, for one, am thrilled that Shelby took the time to buy you some new clothes. We got a real pro here. It could've been pretty ugly if you were just relying on me. Yeah, but I would've paid to see that. Holly, you're in good hands. How about... this? Look at how well the top goes with the leggings. It's adorable. Maybe we should let Holly pick out some of her own stuff. No, don't be silly. She's gonna be gorgeous. But maybe you're right. I think we're getting a little tired. Well, all the outfits are really nice, right, Holly? She's gonna make so many friends. Is it time for her nap or something? Maybe you could get someone to watch her so that you and I can do a little shopping? I really liked meeting your brothers today. Now I've got the whole picture. I hope I was okay. Are you kidding me? You were a total trouper all day. Cute. Maybe next time, we'll have time to check it out. (door bell jangles) (quiet grunt) MAGGIE: Don't forget the fairy wings, okay? Okay. Olive... (laughing): Yuck. No licking. Sorry, sweetie. Oh, she's fine. Hey. Hey. Hi. Hey. I'm Shelby. MARK: I... I don't even know your name. Oh, um, Maggie. Maggie. We met on the ferry. Great. Mm-hmm. Um, I'm gonna take a look around. Okay. Let me know if you have any questions. (Olive whines) Olive must think that you taste pretty sweet. MARK: Wow, look at that, huh? Holly likes her. Well, Holly can come in and visit Olive whenever she wants. Well, now that sounds like an offer, right? She's not speaking much right now. It's okay. She doesn't have to talk. He's cute, huh? I'm for sure gonna come back and find some things for my friends' kids when I have more time. MAGGIE: Please do. Uh, sweetie, we should go if we're gonna get a bite to eat before I have to get on the ferry. Okay, um, we will come again. Well, we'll be here. Maybe next time, you'll get them to buy something instead of just gawking at him. I wasn't gawking. He's married. You were so gawking. And that's not his wife, unless they're both in the habit of not wearing rings. (stammering) Fun day. Yeah. Thank you so much for helping us out today. My pleasure. MAN (over P.A.): Now boarding-- the 5:00 ferry to Bellingham. Now boarding-- the 5:00 ferry to Bellingham. We're becoming a textbook case, you know? We just completed step three. What are you talking about? Step three towards a committed relationship. Number three already? Did we skip over one and two? SHELBY (chuckling): No. We fulfilled those our first month. So what's number three? Meeting your family. Oh, then what's next? Is this like a 12-Step thing? No. There's only five, and I'm not telling you what they are 'cause you might not do them. Well, you let me know if we do, because I would hate to miss anything. Okay, so you've got your pencils, you got your markers. Alex made you a sandwich and then some apple slices for lunch, okay? Oh, you see, everything's gonna be okay. Just try to keep the chatter down. All right, here we go. I'm gonna stay out here and watch out for punks. What, like you were, when you were six? Exactly. You need me to come in and help? No, you can go home. Everybody... this is our new classmate, Holly Nagle. KIDS: Hi, Holly. Holly just moved here from Seattle. I know you'll all make her feel very, very welcome. Okay. These are words with the hard "I" sound. TEACHER & KIDS (reciting): "Sky, "fly, "try, "shy, "cry, dry." TEACHER: Excellent. Are you sure you don't want me to drop out of college and mooch off you full-time? Let me think about it. No. But I've grown to love this island. Well, then you can come visit us here whenever you want. You're gonna be so happy here, aren't you, Olive? I think she's found her home. Kate, no, we had a deal. KATE: Oh, but look at her. She wants to set down some doggy roots. (chuckles) A deal's a deal. All right. Olive, hug? (grunts) All right, I feel your love. Maggie? Sorry. I'm gonna miss you so much. Oh, you're gonna be good. You're gonna be great. (whines) (groans) You're in charge! Excuse me, sir. Sir! Oh, I'm just bringing my niece her lunch. You need a pass. You'll have to come with me. Pass? Oh. It's official. I swear. Make it quick. Hey, there. Thought I'd join you for lunch. I'm Holly's Uncle Mark. So what are your names? Chloe. And what's your major? You're weird. Later. (phone ringing) I've got numbers, 21, 16, 17, 19 and 20. Sixteen. I called in 21. Hey, again. Hey. I told you we'd keep meeting. You know, I still don't know your name. Oh. Mark. WOMAN: I'm sorry, I ordered a turkey... - So what'd you get? - Tuna on seven-grain. - You don't have mine, do you? - Hey, Don, I didn't order egg salad. - Did you say egg salad? - Yes, I did. Okay, who kidnapped the tuna on seven-grain? You match the ticket with the order. I can't make it any easier for you, Nathan. Please. Sorry. So, you hear anything about Holly? She's fine. Why? She's the new kid. Yeah, so? So she's concentrating. On...? You don't get it, do you? Ah, no, but of course, you, always Mr. Popular, you and Mark. Me? I wasn't. I was the new kid every day of every week, all year long. So I had to concentrate on my schoolwork so I wasn't thinking about the other kids making fun of me. Wait... You think she's being made fun of? Maybe. Mark texted saying she was fine. What does he know? MARK: So how was she? Oh, Holly had a decent first day. She's a lovely girl. She is. There may be a bit of an adjustment period for her, though. So you let me know if you'd like me to put together a list of local doctors, therapists who can help her get through this. Okay. MARK: Yeah, we just got back from school. She had a great day. And the clothes were a big hit. I'm glad. Yeah, she's fitting in really well here. I think that, uh, it was the right choice coming here. I'm happy for you guys. So Ally and Bill have asked if we can do dinner with them next weekend, before they go out of town for the holidays. Do you think you can swing it? I can check what's happening here and see if I can make it out. I'd love it if you could. We are talking about an adult night out. Well, a girl can dare to dream, can't she? CARA: It's a new blend; I think you'll enjoy it. Holly? Holly...? Holly! What's going on? - Have you seen Holly? - No. Shelby, I gotta go. Well, no-- hey, wait a second. - I'll check the bathroom? - Yeah. Did you guys see a little girl walk out of here? - Uh, no. - Mm-mm. Mark, she's not in there. Holly! Holly! Have you seen a little girl?! Hey, you seen a little girl?! Holly! (car tires screech) There you are. I was wondering about you. Honey, you can't ever, ever do that to me. I'm sorry. I didn't know where she was. Kids can wander off. You could have been hurt. Anything could have happened to you. Right, but it didn't, right? Here, let me show you something-- come here. This is a very special little house. Did you know that? 'Cause there's a fairy that lives inside of it. Now, I've only seen a glimpse of her wings. I don't know her name yet, but I do know that she's watching over my shop when I put my store to bed at night. And sometimes, if I sit very quietly, I can feel that she's here. She's very special to me. But I might be persuaded to share her with you, you know, if you'd like. What do you think? Wow. What an offer. I think Holly would love that. Let me show you something else. Come here. Do you see that? Wow... I never thought I'd see this wall color in my house. (chuckles) Kind of reminds me of Vicky. Remember that pink room of hers? Hey, I-I really appreciate you letting us crash here. We could put cubbies right here, for her stuff. Look at us-- we should be out having a good time. Oh, that-that reminds me. Uh, Shelby wants me to come see her next weekend in Seattle. Great. Go. You sure? Yeah. Alex and I are here. What are we talking, 20 hours max? Nine of them she'll be asleep? That makes me feel real secure. Come on. What are you gonna do, be a monk until she's 18? Give me a break. You ever think that maybe this arrangement isn't good for you - or Holly? - Scott, just stop. No, I'm just saying that maybe you should reconsider, for her sake. And give her to who? I mean, let's face it, you're still a kid. Why you want to take on this burden is beyond me. You know, maybe that's why Vicky chose me. What do you mean? 'Cause I don't see Holly as a burden. Oh, come on, that is not what I meant. What'd you mean, Scott?! (computer beeping) Hello. (chuckling): Katie... I'm fine. It's only been a few days. I know. I'm just checking in, that's all. Mm-hmm. Who put you up to it-- Mom? No. Well, yes. And Dad. (chuckles) But they mean well. What do they want to know? I'm eating, I'm sleeping, I'm doing fine. The customers are coming in. Yeah. Have you met any new people? Friends? Come on, Katie, I have a lot riding on this business. You still need to meet people. It's time. Beyond time, actually. 'Cause I've got some bad news. Yeah? I saw Tim. He's engaged. But it's fine, really. You've got a business to run. You know, it's been six months. I don't care. Good for him. Exactly. And I know the next guy's gonna be different. I can't think about guys right now. Well, guy or no guy, you need to get out. And stop eating frozen dinners. (gentle melody playing) Where you been hiding? I've been working on the house. He's sounding good. Yeah. CARA: He'll be glad you came to see him. SCOTT: Yeah. I wouldn't miss it. Hey. Could I order some food, please? Sure. Here's a menu. Thanks. You're pretty much out of luck if you want anything not fried or in a bun. Chef's salad? Carl. Burger. You got it. Hold your special sauce. Yeah. Thanks. You're Maggie, right? Yes...? Island living. Gossip here has nowhere to go but in circles. Oh. I'm Cara. Hi. Hey. (laughing): This is Scott, my business partner's brother. Mark and Cara own T.A.N. Coffeehouse. Mark... Does he have a daughter named Holly? Holly's our niece. Mark's her guardian. Oh. He's more than that. Well, she seems very sweet. Doesn't talk much, though, huh? No, she doesn't talk at all. She's been through a lot. CARA: Well, I think Mark bringing her here is a good thing. We'll see. You want to join us? The-the guy on the guitar is my step-brother. I'm here for moral support. Sure. Thanks. Cool. You should come on in. It's a great spot. I think I see a crawfish. You should come on in and look. It looks like a little lobster. No. Good idea. You stay there. Wouldn't want you to lose one of your toes, right? You know, I'm gonna be moving to Maine soon, to study American lobsters' symbiotic relationship with gram negative bacteria. Look at you. Come here... Good boy. Hold out your hand. Oh, wouldn't you like to hold... Stanley the Starfish? He's super spongy. (whispering): Hold out your hand. Here he comes. Here he comes... It's smooth, with notes of chocolate. I like it. I like the tamarind aroma. Yeah, we're really excited about this Ethiopian blend. I brought you a couple pounds. Let me know what the response is from your customers. Will do. Thanks, Mark. Thank you, Don. Hey. Hey. No Olive? Being babysat by one of my employees. Ah... Where's Holly? Being babysat by my brothers. Hey, we're free. (anxious laugh) Uh... I called in an order under "Maggie": six glazed, four sugars, and two cream. They're not all for me. Sure. Really! They're for my staff. They're teenagers. Mm-hmm. Sure. You can have one, though, if you want. No! Never touch 'em. Not since my brothers bet me ten bucks that I couldn't eat a dozen. Oof. Got totally sick. Ugh. That was two days ago. I'm kidding. It was when I was 12. (laughing) Oh. Thanks. I had the same thing happen with caramel corn. Thankfully, it wasn't with donuts... those are my favorite. Here you go. Keep the change. Are you sure those aren't all for you? (laughs) You know, it's only right that you come by my store. And I will. Except I don't like coffee. What?! I gave it up. It's not good for you. It's practically a health tonic. It's loaded with antioxidants and phytochemicals... That's not true, is it? Well, most people drink it for the caffeine, but "it's healthy" sounds better. (laughs) Tell you what. Let me make you a cup of my best before you judge. Maybe. Sometime. But, you know, it's... it's just not my thing. Okay, then. What's your "thing"? I don't have a thing. Oh, come on. Everybody has a thing. A thing? A thing... okay, I, uh, I own a toy store. I make a mean risotto. I can Irish step-dance. Seriously? Yeah. First place, Pacific Northwest Dance Championships, 1996. Wait, you... are you saying like... River Dancing? Yeah. I smoked those other 12-year-olds. Get out of here! Nobody River Dances, except maybe in Ireland. (lively Irish folk music playing) (laughs) Oh! Oh! Ow. (groans, laughs) You okay? Yeah, it's been a few years. Are you okay? Yeah, I gotta go now. Thanks. Bye. Bye. You may want to put some ice on that. Thanks. (squawking ringtone plays) Hey. Dr. Peterson. What? But th-that... that's the subject of the entire dissertation, I-I don't know how... I-I will, um... Okay. Uh, bye. Smells good. Burgers? Holly! Dinner! We're having eggplant parmesan. What do I look like, a short-order cook? The, uh, little one's on her way down. Did I hear we're having burgers? We're having eggplant parmesan. I lost a grant. Eat it. I'm sorry. ALEX: It's years of thesis work... What does... what does that mean, though? You're not giving up, are you? I don't know what I'm gonna do. Maybe I can... expand my topic, or shift my focus, and... apply somewhere else. Well, you're too smart to let something like that stop you. Wow. Wow, that is fantastic. Mm-hmm. No, really, that is really good. You guys want anything to drink? Mmm! MARK: Hey, guys. You gotta see this. "Cookies." "Chocolate milk." "Mac and cheese." ALL: And... carrots. Does this count as verbal communication? I'd say so. (laughs) SHELBY (laughing): Okay, so we're racing down the mountain, and I wasn't about to let her win. I mean, you know me. I swear, I practically rode my snowmobile right off the mountain. (cell phone ringing) (Shelby laughing) I'm so sorry. Please excuse me one second. Hey, Alex, what's up? Is everything okay? No, no, no, no. Don't apologize. You did the right thing calling. Uh, look, can I call you right back? What's wrong? Holly got sick. She's got a fever. Oh... she'll be fine. Don't worry. This is good. This gives her an opportunity to get to know her uncles better, and it gives them some experience. ALLISON: It's always hardest with the first one. You're scared every time they get a fever. Kids are resilient. Like you would know. Well, I think it's sweet that he's so concerned about her. Isn't he gonna be a good father some day? You know, I think I have to go. Tonight? Now? Um, Ally, Bill, would you excuse us? Sure. Mark... Listen, I'm not trying to frame this as a "choose between me or Holly" thing, but she'll be fine without you. And I won't. There's nothing you can do for her that your brothers can't manage. I know, but... I want to be the one doing it for her. And there's no way I could have a good time tonight, knowing that my kid is home sick. But Holly's not even your own kid. I didn't mean it to sound like that. Shelby... she is mine. And she's my responsibility. So I'm not gonna be number one. Not ever. That's what you're saying. I'm sorry. I think you're right. And you deserve to be number one. I just can't do it. You should go. Yeah. I guess I should. Guys, I'm here! I was helping her with her homework, and she suddenly got sick. Okay. Hey, darlin'. SCOTT: You didn't have to come back, you know. I had it under control. I know. But I wanted to be here. ALEX: Her fever was down, and then it spiked about a half hour ago. Here, let's sit you up a bit. There you go. Could you grab a cold, wet washcloth? Is your tummy upset? Could you grab a bucket? Yeah. Hey... everything's gonna be okay. I'm here now. You're my girl. He saw her standing through the window pane She looked like yesterday He saw her leaving him again She's the one who got away She's the one who got away... Hey. Hey. I just ordered some food. Oh, great. I hope it's something terrible for us. What do you think of the guitar player? He's cute. I don't know if you're seeing anyone, 'cause he's available. No pressure. Oh, that's okay. So... what's your story? I grew up on this island. What's your excuse? I spent my summers here as a kid. Always loved it. I grew up, worked in the city. But secretly, my dream was always to open a store here. I came really close to giving that dream up. But, uh, thankfully, here I am. It's a great town. Great people. Yeah, everyone seems really nice. I'm glad you feel that way, 'cause you're gonna keep running into them. It's already happened. I run into your business partner Mark, all the time. I totally embarrassed myself in front of him the other day. Seriously? Yeah, I did a slip jig off the curb in front of my store. Irish Dance? River Dance? Michael Flatley? Awesome. No, awful. No, amazing, I've always wanted to learn how to do that. You've got to show me. Oh, no, I don't think so. Oh, come on! Mm-mm. You will. You will! (music ends, applause) Hey Jimmy, play something Irish. (applause, lively Irish folk melody begins) Come on, Maggie, let's dance! Five minutes, okay? You've got homework to do, and I've got coffee work. Hurry up. MAGGIE: Giving a fairy a home, it's just the first step. If you name her, she'll fall in love with you, and she'll watch over you forever. So, I was thinking, maybe you can help me come up with a name for her, 'cause I don't want her to leave. And... with a name, I know she'll stay. That... is my wish. It's yours. Thank you, Maggie. Holly, we have to go. I've got to get to the shop. (door opens, bell jangles) (whispering): Victoria. You want to call her that? Victoria. That's perfect. The fairy will love that. Great, I will send you the bid as soon as I crunch the numbers tonight. All right, go put your stuff away and get washed up for dinner. I appreciate you considering me for the job. Thanks. Alex! I'm cooking! Get in here. (sighs) Holly's speaking. Whoa, whoa, whoa, don't make a big deal of it. Just relax. Keep calm. - Hey...! - Come on! - Hey, hey, hey! - Out of my way! So, big news like talking and you don't talk about it? You can talk to me. Guys, give her a break. Come on, Holly, tell us who your favorite uncle is. - What? No. - No, no. It's all right. You can say it. They can take it. Uncle Alex. - Yes! - What? (yelling, whooping) (laughter) (TV playing indistinctly) (turns off TV) (whispering): I love you. (knocking) (bell jangles) For you. For you getting Holly to speak. And because I'm worried about your health. She was ready to speak. It really is great coffee. Modesty not included. Thank you. I know a local spot that keeps its kitchen open really late. I could swing by tomorrow, after we both close, and pick you up. (quiet laugh) Sure. Okay. (clears throat) Tomorrow, then. My sister was cool. She moved away from here as soon as she could. Seattle was so much better for her. The music, the arts. That was really her thing. She dated a few guys. Then, one day, I get this phone call. She says, "I'm pregnant." Where was the dad? I'm not sure she ever told him. When I asked, she said that, you know, it was better if he wasn't involved. That was brave. But she insisted she could do it alone. Looks like she did a good job. She was awesome. And after Holly was born, she asked me if she could list me as Holly's guardian. I didn't know anything about raising a kid. She said you just start by loving her, and the rest will follow. So I agreed. It wasn't like anything was gonna happen. Victoria wasn't ever going to need me for anything like that. Until she did. Victoria? Um... Like Holly's fairy? I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bring the mood down. You're better than what I have at home. I mean, Olive isn't exactly a fine conversationalist. Well, in that case, maybe it's you. (laughs) Yeah. (laughs) Maybe I need to get out more. Oh, that shouldn't be a problem. It's not like you're starting a business from scratch, or anything that takes up all of your time. Seriously. Hey... you've got the commitment and the passion. That's what it takes. Thank you. I mean, when I resigned, my coworkers thought that I'd gone off the deep end, going into retail alone, but... this is where I'm meant to be. Dancing down Spring Street. (laughs) Um, dessert. I whipped up something especially for you. Oh! Your usual order. Thanks for dinner. That was... Fun? Yeah. You make me laugh. And cry and dance... Yeah, there was that. Uh, Mark... I like you, but what's going on here? Um, well... I don't know. I guess I was hoping that... I really like you, too. I'm sorry. I'm just not into stealing other girl's guys. I don't think Holly would mind. Shelby might. Shelby? That's-that's over. Uh, she didn't know how to adjust to my life the way it is right now. I'm a dad. Yeah, I can see how that might put a damper on things. Because it always has to be about Holly. Oh, um... I enjoyed spending time with you tonight, regardless. Thanks for having dinner with me. Of course. The First Noel... (imitates airplane engine) The angels did say... I've got the perfect spot for that. How about up there? Oh! How's the air up there, huh? Good, Uncle Scott. Yeah. Are we going to my home for Christmas? Ooh, that's a question for Uncle Mark. Well, we're gonna stay here for Christmas so we can spend it with your uncles. But my decorations are at my home. Well, I can certainly make sure that they find their way here. Besides, wherever you and I are together... that's home. But what if my mommy comes? That was so deep Noel, Noel... Holly... Noel, Noel... Your mom... she can't be here the way you and I are here. (sighs) But... she's inside of you. And me. And Uncle Scott... Uncle Alex? Yeah. And whenever we think about her... ...she's thinking about us. She must think about me all the time. I know she does. Noel, Noel... (phone rings) Hello? Hey, big sis! I know I'm not supposed to be harassing you, but, um, what's going on? Work. Really? Will you take... thank you. (laughs) After my last pep talk, that's the best you could do? (sighs) Okay. I had a date. Kinda. Really? Who was it? Mark, the dad. I told you he wasn't married. (laughs) Right. But... Oh, no. He was interested... but I basically shut him down. Go ahead. Say it. You shut him down? Pretty much-- I said something that I think he misinterpreted, but... you know what? I think it might be for the best. Maybe it's for the best? Really? Maggie, are you kidding me? You know, maybe I'm not ready yet. Maggie, listen to me. Okay. Tim... is ready. He's moved on. You can't just close up shop forever. Don't let Tim win, especially if you've got Hot Dad hot for you. (sighs) (gulls keening in distance) SCOTT: Ooh, it's really hard coming back to Vicky's house. How's that sand castle looking, Holly? Good. (text alert ooh-gahs) I just got a new grant. I just got a new grant! That-that's-that's sort of like a job. Look, right here in Puget Sound, that's really close by. Are you going to be able to stay in your room? Well, do you think you could put in a good word with Uncle Scott for me? Then, yeah. Maybe. I got a grant! Yeah! (laughs) Oh, yeah! (laughing) (sighs) Wow, I do not recall that. (laughs) Why don't I remember that picture being taken? I don't know. You remember the day she told us she was gonna move here? Yeah, I was 11. Yeah, well, she was what-- 19? She was a kid. And Dad-- total meltdown, right? (laughing): Yeah. (sighs happily) She loved Seattle. I think the only reason she stayed on the island as long as she did was for you. She adored you. I begged her not to go. She promised she'd always come back for me. She'd always... be there for me. She lit up around you. You were the baby, the favorite. Yeah, well... she wouldn't be too happy with me right now. Are you serious? I've taken Holly away from everything she knows. Away from her life here, Vicky would not be happy about that. Vicky knew you would never move away from the island. Your business is there, your friends, your home. (sighs) I'm sure Vicky knew that if anything... ever happened to her... you would take Holly to Friday Harbor. I just don't want to mess this up. You're doing a great job. Vicky made the right choice in picking you. (pats Mark's back) We'll... we'll pick the rest of this stuff up after the holidays, okay? (people cheering, lilting holiday music playing) I believe that there's a toy for every little girl and boy I believe it, I believe it And when Christmas comes around All of the children jump for joy All because of Mr. Santa Claus Hello, Santa, Hello, Santa... (ship's horn blows) (cheering, whooping) When you're hanging up your stocking Make a wish and say a prayer It will happen, It will happen... Can you put me on your shoulders? When you wake up Christmas morning All your wishes will be there All because of... Come here. Woop! ...Mr. Santa Claus! So it's true-- Alex is your favorite. He's my favorite uncle. So is Uncle Scott. And... do you think you could be my dad? Yes. Of course I can, sweetheart. Forever. MAGGIE: Mark. I'll be right back. We just can't seem to stop bumping into each other, can we? This time I was looking for you. Well, you found me. I think maybe you misunderstood me the other night. No, I think I got it. You're a dad. And yes, there are some girls who aren't ready for that, but... Yeah, I got that. No, there are some... well, there's one... who wouldn't mind that at all. Especially if the kid is Holly. I just... I'm really hoping that, maybe sometime, you might want to have some doughnuts with me. Yeah, I-I would like that. Do you think we could make it doughnuts and coffee? (laughing) Yeah... (laughs) Oh. (groans) Holly, check this out. That's your mom and the three of us together when we were kids. See how much you look like her? You still look the same. You act the same. And I need to work on that. (clinking) I've got an announcement. As you know, my grant was rejected, so I won't be going to Maine. But I've just received word that my revised proposal was accepted right here in Washington. So... I was wondering if I might be able to continue to rent a room from you. You, long-term, with those molds? (groans quietly) I couldn't turn you down before. However, I have one rule. (groans) As long as you can put up with me, you've got a home. Thanks. Now you... you... (giggles) ...you can stay here forever. Well, it won't be as long as Alex. For however long you need to hang. (door opens) Ah... MAGGIE: Ho, ho, ho. Merry Christmas. ALL: Merry Christmas. Olive dressed up for Christmas. Yes, she did. And we have a surprise outside for you, Holly. Wait... Hey... Your jacket! Put on a jacket. Hey, come back here, young lady. (Olive barks) MAGGIE: Come on... come on! Do you think she's here? Oh, I know she is. If we look really close we might see her inside, right? That's right. Can I keep her? She's yours. Yay! Uncle Scott! Uncle Alex! I get to keep her! ALEX: That's great. (Olive groans) (Maggie and Mark laugh) (Holly laughs) |
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