Camden's House
T-Bone: Hi.
Ruthie: hi.
T-Bone: I looked for you at school today. How'd it go?
Ruthie: I hate it. I can't believe I'm back there right in the middle of the year.
T-Bone: Yeah. I guess it's a little tough starting out after everyone else. But hey... at least you got started on a half day. Teacher work day.
Ruthie: What a crock. All I did was register. The bureaucracy of the American school system is absurd. What a waste of my time. In Scotland we actually learned geography and sociology by meeting people and actually traveling. You learn history by going to castles and hanging out in pubs. We learned accounting by living on our own and managing our own money. And philosophy... I had a philosophy class. They don't even offer philosophy at our stupid school.
T-Bone: I'm into philosophy myself. I mean I just read on my own. A little Nietzsche a little Kierkegaard.
Ruthie: Yeah. I'm sure you understand reading both those guys on your own.
T-Bone: I do... okay.
Ruthie: Don't kid yourself. You can't get an education at our high school.
T-Bone: Ah... yes you can... if you want to.
Ruthie: No you can't.
T-Bone: Well then why don't you join the twins and do the home schooling program?
Ruthie: Yeah, like my mom and dad know anything.
T-Bone: Oh, I think they know plenty.
Ruthie: They've had very limited life experiences. They've hardly traveled out of the country at all.
T-Bone: But you! I mean you... you were away an entire six months.
Ruthie: Well yeah. It was a real eye opener.
T-Bone: You know... your parents are both really smart people. And they read a lot. And... they have friends from all kinds of walks of life.
Ruthie: What does that have to do with anything?
T-Bone: What difference does it make? If you meet people all over the world in Scotland or... right here in the little hamlet of Glenoak?
Ruthie: Are you kidding me? There's no culture here.
T-Bone: There's plenty of culture if you... get outside your own head.
Ruthie: Excuse me?
T-Bone: You came back from six months in Scotland quite the... self-centered... um... better than everyone else... and smarter than everyone else pain in the neck... didn't you?
Ruthie: You can't talk to me like that?
T-Bone: Oh I sure can. I actually just did. And... I'm not finished. You better wise-up. Your dad... is seriously ill.
Ruthie: Yeah. My dad, not your dad. It's my dad. And it's not your family... and it's none of your business!
T-Bone: What was that... a threat?
Ruthie: Well maybe it was. What are you going to do about it?
T-Bone: I'll tell you what I'm going to do about it.
Sam/David: (Singing) Ruthie and T-Bone sittin' in a tree K-I-S-S-S-I-N-G.
Glenoak Community Church
Betsy: I don't know. It's just that I'm the only one that isn't married... and doesn't have children. And I know Aunt Pearl is going to ask me in front of everyone: "where is your boyfriend"? Why aren't you married? And don't you want to have children?
Eric: Okay... look. Let me just stop you right there.
Betsy: I'm sorry. I'm sure my problems seem really trivial to you right now when you're... I mean I know...
Eric: Well you know the clock's ticking for everyone Betsy. So this year... why don't you just sit down next to Aunt Pearl... and tell her the truth? Tell her you care more about your job right now than being in a relationship. And... and that you just don't feel like making any effort to meet a guy.
Betsy: I make an effort.
Eric: No, you don't. So maybe you'll meet a guy maybe you won't. But if it depends on making an effort then... you won't. It's like every time you sense a guy is interested... you're so afraid of him you run the other way. Are... are you scared or just... lazy?
Eric: Then stop eating so much and exercise more. No kidding Phil I mean that's all there is to it. That... and you might consider why you eat so much. You eat so much because your wife humiliates you. And that makes you feel powerless. And then she nags you to diet and you get back at her with eating. So break the cycle! Get up tomorrow morning and start walking you know. Or get into any diet program. Or just... keep a food journal. Count your calories. Set a limit. Eat less move more. It's not that complicated.
Phil: My wife doesn't humiliate me.
Eric: I think she does.
Eric: Lindsay your father hasn't spoken to you for three years because in his words "you are a jerk". And I'm sure he thinks you're still a jerk... 'cause all the man wants is an apology. So just apologize to him. You know you were wrong. And even if you weren't... it's better to apologize than never see your brother again. 'Cause I know you. You love your brother or you wouldn't have been talking about this for three years.
Lindsay: But I think we were both wrong. And he owes me an apology too.
Eric: (Buzzer sound) Wrong answer... again. You told his fiancée that he was still in love with... his ex-wife and his fiancée left him.
Lindsay: Well he was in love with his ex-wife.
Eric: Just apologize.
Eric: I don't care how much your children want a... whatever it is. Children have to understand that they can't have everything. Even if Santa can figure out a way to pay for it over the next twelve months. Now if after paying for food, clothing and shelter... and putting a set amount of money into savings to reach your financial goals. If you can then pay cash for it... buy it. Enjoy it with your children. Simple as that. But... if you don't' buy it... the children will still love you. Maybe even more. I swear. And I don't do that very often.
Eric: Now... if nobody ever buys you anything you want... buy yourself something you want. Or... this is harder... share more of your life with those you love... so that they get to know you better and they know something you might really want. Or bonus... the feelings that you share with each other will take the place of any present. And relieve your need to receive the perfect gift. 'Cause you know love... love is the perfect gift. But you have to give love to get love.
Iris: You know if you weren't... never mind. Ah... thank you.
Eric: I... uh...
Eric: How long are you going to complain about not getting the doll for Christmas? About not getting as much as your brothers got when you were all children? Because God know your mother only sent the boys to the country during the depression so they could eat. She wasn't favoring them. She was just doing what she had to do. She... was probably afraid to send you because she probably thought they were tougher. I don't know. What I do know is... you've already missed enjoying what... seventy Christmas's at this point?
Eric: The Dean's not ready! That's all I'm saying. Dean's not ready.
Eric: Hey good to see you. Oh, I love you, Lucy.
Lucy: Oh, that's so nice, Dad. I love you too.
Eric: What are you doing here? Your mom's cooking dinner for everyone. She's going to be putting it on the table in fifteen minutes.
Lucy: I know. Kevin and I are going out of town for a couple of days.
Eric: Oh? Second honeymoon?
Lucy: Yeah, we're going up to San Francisco. Just for today.
Eric: Is Savannah staying with us?
Lucy: Yeah. But Jane and Margaret are available to help. She likes them and they like her. Especially Margaret. So I... I just wanted to stop by and say goodbye before I leave. Kevin is waiting for me in the parking lot.
Eric: Get any phone calls lately?
Lucy: Phone calls?
Eric: Yeah. Any complaints?
Lucy: Oh... you mean about your counseling sessions? I got a few... phone calls. Not so much complaints more just concerned phone calls.
Eric: What are they so concerned about?
Lucy: Well it's just that...
Eric: I think people don't really want me to tell them what's wrong with them. I think they just want me to fix them without really doing any of the hard work themselves. I'm focusing in on seven people. I've got seven chronic complainers who what fixing bad.
Lucy: Isn't that what everybody always wants? For you to fix them without having to do any of the work themselves?
Eric: Pretty much, yeah.
Lucy: Well you don't have to be in a hurry to fix them right now do you? I mean nobody has to be fixed right this second do they?
Eric: It's just kind of a gut feeling I have that... the time is now. So you came by here before leaving on your trip in case anything happens to me? I'm fine. Luce... I'm fine. So you should just go have a wonderful time in San Francisco with your husband.
Lucy: Okay. But if you need me you better call me.
Eric: Promise.
Camden's House
T-Bone: Your dad looked a little tired tonight didn't he?
Ruthie: He's fine. He looks fine. He's just old. Everyone should just leave him alone and quit talking about him and to him. I don't know why everybody has to talk to him.
T-Bone: He's not that old.
Ruthie: Most of my friends in Scotland had parents who were in their thirties. He's in his fifties.
T-Bone: Only in his fifties. Do you have any idea how lucky you are to have two parents?
Ruthie: Yes. And I don't need you to tell me. Where's your mother by the way?
T-Bone: Vegas. She... practically abandoned me so... I'm declaring myself an adult.
Ruthie: You're what?
T-Bone: It's called emancipation.
Ruthie: Does my dad know?
T-Bone: He knows. He's helping me.
Ruthie: You think he's helping you. He's probably got your mother in some kind of program... where she'll show up at Christmas and take you home.
T-Bone: I don't think so.
Ruthie: Yeah. Well I think I know him a little bit better than you do.
T-Bone: Right. Because he is your father. And you know him as your father. Whereas I know him as a man a minister and a human being. Therefore I trust him to tell me the truth when he advises me to declare my independence.
Ruthie: Whatever.
T-Bone: You know I can do this by myself.
Ruthie: Yes. But my mom asked both of us to do it.
T-Bone: And since when do you do what your parents tell you to do?
Jane: Told you.
T-Bone: Told her what?
Jane: You two like each other.
Ruthie: We do not like each other.
Jane: I think you do. Seriously like.
Margaret: Seriously.
T-Bone: We don't like each other.
Margaret: They do.
Annie: Who does what? Are you two having a problem?
Jane: I'm not having a problem with Ruthie. Ruthie... are you having a problem with me?
Ruthie: No.
Annie: With Margaret? Are you having a problem with Margaret?
Ruthie: No. no I'm not having a problem with Margaret.
Annie: Well that only leaves T-Bone. And I know you're not having a problem with T-Bone. What's the problem? Okay, whatever it is you two take care of it. Your father is up to here with problems this time of year. He can't take anymore problems. So you two straighten it out right now. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night.
Margaret: Good night.
Jane: What happened?
T-Bone: Nothing. Nothing happened!
Jane: Liar.
T-Bone: No. I'm not lying.
Jane: You kissed her.
T-Bone: How did you know that?
Margaret: She didn't. (Both laugh)
Camden's House - Upstairs
Eric: Hi.
Annie: Hi.
Ruthie: Hi.
Annie: What's going on with you and T-Bone? You two avoided each other all through dinner.
Eric: Yes. So go back down there and straighten things out like your mom asked you to do. And the kid has had a really hard time. He's a really nice guy.
Ruthie: I'm not having a problem with T-Bone. I don't know where you guys would have gotten that from. But I will go talk to him.
Eric: Okay. Hi honey.
Annie: Hi boys.
Eric: You think Ruthie's having a problem with T-Bone? Really?
Annie: Are they fighting?
David: Nope.
Sam: They're not fighting.
David: They're in love.
Eric: Look after Savannah will you boys?
Camden's House - Kitchen
Ruthie: I need to talk to him.
Jane: Oh go ahead.
Margaret: Bye.
Jane: So... is he a good kisser?
Ruthie: Thanks a lot.
T-Bone: They guessed.
Ruthie: Right. Like you don't talk too much. By the way, it was an accident.
T-Bone: It was not an accident.
Ruthie: Yeah it was. I meant to slap you.
T-Bone: Oh! You meant to slap me?! All right, I see.
Ruthie: You're practically like my brother. You're living at my house.
T-Bone: Whoa, I would be like your brother if you had been living in your house. You haven't been living in your house. So... I'm not like your brother.
Ruthie: You're too young for me.
T-Bone: We're the same age.
Ruthie: Seriously. You're too immature for me.
T-Bone: Oh is that right?
Ruthie: Everyone knows that guys are not as mature as girls at this age.
T-Bone: I've... heard that. But... I'm a guy's been living alone and taking care of myself by myself for a very long time. So that has matured me well beyond my years. And... your years as well. So... I may only be seventeen but make no mistake about it... I'm a man.
Ruthie: You are not a man. And I doubt you are even seventeen.
Eric: Shh...
T-Bone: Would I... do this if I weren't a man?
Ruthie: Would I do this if I weren't a woman?
T-Bone: I never said you weren't a woman.
Ruthie: All right. So I guess we're not really having any problems.
T-Bone: No... I'd certainly say we're not having any problems.
Ruthie: Fine.
T-Bone: Fine.
Ruthie: We talked.
Annie: Good. I'm glad you did.
Eric: Yeah, me too.
Ruthie: I'm going to bed now. Goodnight.
Eric: Good night.
Annie: Good night.
Both: Love you Ruthie.
Ruthie: Yeah. Love you too.
Eric: I'm happy you're home.
Ruthie: Yeah, it's okay... for now. Good night.
T-Bone: Well... I guess it's homework time. Ah... good night. Thanks again for daughter. Dinner. Did... I just say daughter?
Eric: I believe you did.
T-Bone: Dinner. Ah... a really good dinner, Mrs. Camden.
Annie: Thank you. And goodnight T-Bone.
T-Bone: Good night.
Annie: Well... it's a little early just to go to bed.
Eric: Yeah. If we were just going to bed.
Annie: Oh seriously. You're just too immature for me.
Camden's House
David: Come on Dad.
Sam: Yeah. We can't wait to find out what happened in the story.
Eric: Yeah. But what if we don't start with English. What if there's a pop quiz instead?
Both: Yes!
Eric: I didn't' say what subject.
Sam: We studied last night every subject.
David: Spelling. Please, Dad?
Eric: Is it me or have they always been so enthusiastic about school?
Annie: Ah... let me think. Ah... it's you.
Eric: Where are our two love birds this morning?
Annie: They left early. They took the bus. You know they didn't want to bother us with driving them to school. I know it's not right that Ruthie likes a boy who's living in our house. But...
Eric: I think I saw her smile last night.
Annie: I know. Isn't it great?
Eric: Aren't we missing a wee baby girl?
Annie: Oh... Jane and Margaret took her for a walk along with Samson and Delilah... and Happy.
Eric: Jane and Margaret are up?
Annie: Yeah. Jane has a job interview this morning at eleven. A receptionist for an environmental public relations firm.
Eric: Did you find that for her?
Annie: Well she was doing her usual routine about how much she hates eating meat... when a customer at the Dairy Shack walks up and offered to have her meet with him at his company about a job.
Eric: It's a miraculous time of the year.
Annie: You sent him to the Dairy Shack didn't you? Winston James, he goes to our church.
Street
Margaret: I really hope you get that job.
Jane: I do too. But I hate to leave you at the Shack.
Woman: Hello. Merry Christmas.
Margaret: Uh-oh.
Woman: Hi. Is that Savannah Kinkirk?
Jane: Hey, we didn't steal her okay? We're just helping out the Camdens. Honest.
Woman: Oh, you're the girls living in the garage apartment.
Jane: Maybe. Can we help you with something?
Woman: Reverend Camden said that you were the talkative one. So you must be the one who likes children?
Margaret: I do.
Woman: Would you be interested in mine? No. I mean Reverend Camden suggested that you might make a really good nanny. And I'd be wiling to pay a lot of money. A lot of money. I just don't want to send Georgina back to day care. And I have to go back to work. I have to. We have this family business and... Well... would you?
Margaret: Yes! I mean yes I'd love to. I really would. I'm going to try to go back to school but I can take classes nights. Or on weekends. Or on-line even. And in the meantime... we could be such great friends. I love the park. I love animals. I love to read books and watch the same videos over and over and over. And I can make odd things out of Play-Doh. And I love playing dress-up and braiding hair. And I know how to make cookies from refrigerated cookie dough.
Woman: Hired.
High School
T-Bone: So am I supposed to act as if I know you or not?
Ruthie: Or not.
T-Bone: But everyone knows I live in your house.
Ruthie: Yeah. But you're not my boyfriend, okay? We just know each other from the house.
T-Bone: Okay! As long as that means we can still make-out... I don't really care.
Ruthie: We can't keep making out. My parents already know.
T-Bone: No, they don't.
Ruthie: Sam and David saw us. And if they didn't tell them last night they told them this morning. And believe me those two cannot keep a secret. And neither can your buddies Jane and Margaret. Believe me someone has told them, or will tell them soon. And once the secret is out... your living arrangements could be in jeopardy.
T-Bone: Maybe... someone's already told them, and maybe they don't care.
Ruthie: You think my parents are so much cooler than they really are.
T-Bone: Well maybe they're a little cooler than you think.
Ruthie: Stop acting like you know more about my family than I do.
T-Bone: Maybe I do.
Ruthie: No, you don't.
T-Bone: Well... I know that your father is critically ill.
Ruthie: Yeah. But he's not going not die. He's not.
T-Bone: Okay. I certainly hope not. I don't want anything to happen to him but... he is walking around with a bad heart.
Ruthie: You think I don't know that?
T-Bone: I think you don't act like that.
Ruthie: I don't act like that because it would be a burden on him.
T-Bone: And it's not a burden acting as if you don't care?
Ruthie: I care. He knows I care.
T-Bone: How?
Ruthie: I mean I showed up didn't I?
T-Bone: You had to.
Ruthie: I wanted to.
T-Bone: Well... I think that would be news to everyone.
Ruthie: Well everyone should just understand that it wasn't easy coming back under these circumstances. It's hard. I love my Dad. But I have to leave every morning knowing I may never see him again.
T-Bone: But you didn't even say goodbye to him this morning. Me? That was my fault.
Ruthie: You said you wanted to take the bus.
T-Bone: Well I didn't know you're feeling the way you're feeling. You never said anything. And I thought we would make out on the bus. Like... you weren't thinking that?
Eric: Hello.
Ruthie: (Phone rings) Hi Dad, it's me. I didn't get to say goodbye to you this morning.
Eric: Oh that's okay. I knew you wanted to get to the bus... you and T-Bone.
Ruthie: Yeah. Well I'll let you go.
Eric: Oh ah... no, no. I'm glad you called. I've got this package here from the mailman... from you. It looks like it was sent... a month ago. I just wondered if it was meant for Christmas or if I could open it now?
Ruthie: Oh you can open it. It's not really a Christmas present. It's stupid. I don't even know if you'll like it. (School Bell) All right then I'll let you go. Bye.
Eric: Bye Ruthie. I love you. And tell T-Bone goodbye too.
Ruthie: He says to tell you goodbye. Not so close.
Camden's House
David: Is that for you?
Eric: It is. It's a kilt. Ruthie sent it from Scotland. Isn't it great?
Sam: Are you going to wear it?
Eric: I most certainly am.
David: You're not afraid people will laugh at you?
Eric: Ah... I don't care if people laugh at me. I love this. I love it. I'm going to go right upstairs and try it on.
David: He's brave.
Sam: And funny.
David: And smart.
David: And kind.
Sam: I just hope he has good legs.
David: I just hope he has a good heart.
Camden's House
Savannah: Pretty.
Annie: I have to admit you look brilliant.
Eric: Well... got to get down to the church.
Annie: Ah... you're gonna... gonna go to the church wearing your skirt, kilt?
Eric: Yeah. I mean I've wanted one of these my whole life.
Annie: Well you never mentioned it.
Eric: Didn't' I?
Annie: No.
Eric: Well you know what? Maybe... I'll wear this from not until Christmas. Maybe I'll have the weeks after Thanksgiving and before Christmas declared kilt wearing weeks. Maybe I'll wear them this time of year every year.
Annie: All right, if that's what you want to do.
Eric: Hey by the way any news on who's coming for Christmas and who's not?
Annie: Everybody's coming.
Eric: Matt and Sarah? Mary and Carlos... and all the multitudes they have begat?
Annie: All of them.
Eric: And Simon is going to show up?
Annie: He is.
Eric: With...?
Annie: Well I have a feeling he has a girlfriend but he's not saying. And Sandy and Aaron are going to stay with us while her dad stays across the street with Martin and his dad. So we will have a full house! Especially with Jane and Margaret and T-Bone.
Eric: T-Bone. How great is it that she has a boyfriend? A boyfriend, a boyfriend for the holiday season. The entire family is going to be here! All of them for Christmas Eve?
Annie: God willing.
Eric: I hope they're not all coming... because I'm...
Annie: Oh... no. Things just worked out that way this year.
Eric: Yeah, I doubt it, but... I don't care. For whatever reason I'll be happy to see them. All of them.
Annie: Me, too.
Eric: Well I'd better be on my way. Bye boys. Goodbye Savannah. Goodbye Annie. See you around seven?
Annie: Yeah. I love you.
Eric: I love you. And all of you. (Rrrff! Like a dog bark) Bye.
David: You think it's safe for dad to go to work in a skirt?
Sam: Some people might not like it.
Annie: Well we don't care if some people like it or not. If daddy wants to wear a skirt then he can wear a skirt. And it's not a skirt it's a kilt.
David: What's the difference?
Annie: Well a skirt is a skirt and a kilt is a... is a kilt.
Glenoak Community Church
Eric: (Whistling) whoa... I really wasn't expecting anyone.
Sarah: Sorry. I just wanted to say thank you so much.
Ken: She settled for an engagement ring.
Sarah: His mother's ring.
Ken: And a date.
Sarah: We're getting married next New Year's Eve. Isn't that perfect? It's only twelve months two weeks and a day away.
Eric: Congratulations.
Ken: She wanted you to be the first one to know. Once the pressure was off, I don't know, I just... I realized how much she means to me.
Sarah: Happy, happy, happy holidays.
Eric: Merry Christmas.
Martha: Oh ah... I can come back when you're not so busy.
Sarah: Oh no. we were just leaving. Bye Reverend Camden.
Ken: Bye. And hey... nice skirt.
Eric: Yeah. It was a gift... from Ruthie.
Martha: You're getting your gifts early this year.
Eric: I guess I am. Have... had a seat make you comfortable.
Martha: No. I just wanted you to know... how very happy I am that you were so terribly rude to me yesterday.
Eric: Was I? I'm sorry.
Martha: You were. But as it turns out it's exactly what I needed. I went from here straight over to the Post Office and I picked up one of the letters to Santa and this year I'm going to be a Santa myself. I'm taking a very special doll to a little girl who... lives in my neighborhood. Isn't that wonderful?
Eric: It is wonderful.
Martha: Well... it's all because of you.
Eric: I have a feeling it's because of someone greater than me.
Martha: I hope you and your family have the loveliest Christmas you've ever had.
Eric: I wish the same for you.
Debra: (Knock on door) Sorry to interrupt.
Eric: It's not a problem. What's up?
Debra: I need a letter of reference.
Eric: Changing jobs?
Debra: No. I love my job and I love the money it pays. The problem is... I have too much money and too big a house and no family to share it with. I've decided to adopt.
Eric: Really?
Debra: Well... you have to give love to get love. And the gift I want to give myself is a family. I've always wanted a dozen children. And I don't know if or when I'll ever get married. So... I'm going to start a family on my own. I want to start with a sibling group of five from Ethiopia.
Eric: Five?
Debra: Why not? Thank you Reverend Camden for pushing me yesterday.
Eric: My pleasure.
Debra: Nice skirt.
John: (Knock on door) Don't get up. You can show off your skirt some other time. I just want to say I had a long talk with the children and I gave them a choice. They can either have that crazy expensive electronic whatever it is and no allowance for six months. Or they can just have me... without my cell phone or e mail for three days. December 24th, 25th and 26th. And... they took that one. They got so excited I'm giving them December 31st and January 1st electronic free too. Um... you were right and I was wrong. And that's all I came to say. And... thank you. I'm really looking forward to Christmas and the rest of my debt-free year. Merry Christmas.
Eric: (Phone rings) Hello. It's Eric Camden.
Lindsay: I thought you should know that I just got back from apologizing.
Eric: You apologized to your brother?
Lindsay: No. I apologized to his ex-fiancée. And she's still single and still interested. Now all I have to do is apologize to my brother who is still single and still interested. So... there you go. Next time don't wait three years to yell at me.
Eric: I wasn't yelling.
Lindsay: Yes, you were. And what's with the skirt? I heard you're wearing a skirt? I wish I had time to come by and see it. But... I want to change before I go to my brother's house. Merry Christmas.
Eric: Same to you.
Phil: So ah... busy afternoon?
Eric: Yes. It is but a very nice afternoon.
Phil: I just got back from overeaters.
Eric: Good for you, Phil. Good for you. What'd you think?
Phil: Well there's a lot of humiliation going around.
Eric: I agree. Oh no, no. please, I wanted to wear this. This is a gift from... from Ruthie. She's living in Scotland you know, she's part of an exchange program.
Phil: I just came from a meeting... and I've heard enough family stories for one day.
Eric: Okay.
Phil: I don't know how you do it. Listening to one person after another after another complaining, complaining.
Eric: I like people. I do. You... you might say I even love people.
Phil: Hey I'm a married man. But I have to go home and talk to my wife. Really talk to her. We got some stuff to work out.
Eric: Good time of year to start fresh.
Phil: Yeah, it is. Thanks Reverend.
Annie: (Phone rings) Where are you?
Eric: I'm sorry. I'm having the nicest day.
Annie: Well don't be sorry about having the nicest day. What's going on?
Eric: Everybody I yelled at or practically yelled at has come back by here today to give me some bit of good news. Everyone's coming home for Christmas and I'm wearing a kilt. I'm just insanely happy.
Annie: Well me too.
Eric: Five minutes. Be home in five minutes.
Annie: Oh you know it's... it's meat night. So don't be late. It's not going to come around for another week.
Eric: How great is that? Meat night. Completely forgot. What are we having?
Annie: Pork chops, very lean, baked... with just a little bit of barbeque sauce.
Eric: I'm in heaven just hearing about that. Oops... another visitor.
Annie: Yeah. Well make this the last one.
Eric: Promise. Love you.
Annie: Love you too.
Eric: I was kind of expecting you.
Betsy: Didn't sound like it.
Eric: No, no I was. It's been that kind of a day. Sit down.
Betsy: Oh no, that's okay. And I'm sorry for not calling first. I was just driving by and I sort of got pulled in. is that a kilt?
Eric: Yes it is.
Betsy: Okay... whatever.
Eric: Did something happen today... something good?
Betsy: Did he tell you already?
Eric: He?
Betsy: Van.
Eric: Van?
Betsy: Well I ran into him last night at the grocery store.
Eric: I didn't know him?
Betsy: He's asked me out before.
Eric: I think he tries to sit next to you every Sunday at church.. But you always put yourself at the end of the row you know... or next to a family where there's no room.
Betsy: I wasn't aware... or maybe I was.
Eric: And?
Betsy: Oh well, he was buying something for dinner and I was buying something for dinner. I don't know. We just decided to go out for dinner.
Eric: Oh?
Betsy: So I took him to Aunt Pearl's restaurant. She invited him to Christmas dinner.
Eric: Well I'll be darned.
Betsy: Me too. And you know we stayed out so late... I missed a deadline for work.
Eric: And nothing bad happened?
Betsy: No. but anyway I just... thought I should tell you.
Eric: Thank you.
Betsy: No. Thank you Reverend... for everything. For helping me... for helping everyone. I don't know what we'd do without you.
Eric: Well hey with any luck we... we won't have to find that out for a long, long time.
Betsy: So you're doing okay?
Eric: I'm fine. Everything's fine. I don't know, I just have this feeling that... something almost magical is happening to me. Maybe it's the season.
Betsy: Maybe it is. Happy Holidays.
Eric: Merry Christmas. Hmm... all this and pork chops too. Thank you.(Phone) Hello. Oh hey, Lucy. Hi. No I'm fine. How... how are you? How's San Francisco?
Parking Lot
Eric: (Humming: I'll be Home for Christmas) oh! God man! You almost scared the skirt off me! And don't... don't ask. You can't have it.
Stanley: Funny you should say that.
Eric: What?
Stanley: I was just thinking: how come you never ask to live?
Eric: I don't know. I'm grateful to be alive. I had a wonderful day. And I'm heading home for a wonderful meal. Hey you want to join us, Stanley? Come and have some pork chops with us?
Stanley: Oh no thanks. Not tonight. I'm... I'm not a fan of the other white meat. Not enough fat on it. I like a big juicy steak... with the fat on it. That's probably why my heart's so good. When I eat that fat my whole body adapts to the fat.
Stanley: How come you don't ask to live? I mean... anything I ask for... I get. I'm no better than you. What keeps you from asking that?
Eric: Did you come by just to find that out?
Stanley: I did.
Eric: I don't know Stanley.
Stanley: How's the family?
Eric: They're fine. Thank you.
Stanley: Annie?
Eric: Well she's great. Hey we got this new bed... it's one of those ah... electronic things. It was a gift.
Stanley: The twins?
Eric: They're both doing well. They're both so smart. They love home schooling. And I'm enjoying spending the time with them.
Stanley: And Reverend Kinkirk? Where is she?
Eric: Oh she and Kevin took off for a few days in San Francisco. She's very resilient that Lucy.
Stanley: And the little one?
Eric: Ruthie's in love. She doesn't know it yet, I think she's in love. And with a guy I actually like.
Stanley: And the rest of them?
Eric: All the children are well. All of them. And they're all coming home for Christmas.
Stanley: And what about the ones that aren't' your kids?
Eric: They're fine too. Yeah. All's right with the world, Stanley.
Stanley: Well... that's what I like to hear Reverend. But... do me a favor. Just ask about living.
Eric: Okay. I... I will Stanley. Is there anything else?
Stanley: Nothing for right now. And thank you.
Eric: For what?
Stanley: For everything.
Eric: Let me live Lord. Let me live.
Fait par moran50
