Midnight Clear (2006) - full transcript

[wind blows]

You alive in there?

Yeah.

You're 15 minutes late, Lefty.

Dale's lookin' for you,

and he's more pissed than usual.

You hear what I said? Yeah. I'm comin'.

Hey.
What?

Thanks for making me late.

Gee, I'm sorry.
My boss, who pays me,

wanted me to do something.



Next time I'll tell him
I work for Lefty.

[water running]

[door opens]

Hey, princess.

When you're done
puttin' your makeup on,

get your royal behind
in my office.

Say, Dale, I'm gonna need
an extended lunch today,

seein' as I got a meeting
with my wife's lawyers.

You must be joking.

No, Dale, I'm not.

Now, I know that you're...

Come on, Lefty.
What's wrong with you?

Am I nuts,
or did we have a conversation yesterday?

What wasn't clear about what I said,
Lefty?



Didn't I warn you
that was the last time?

We talked about it.

What else can I do for you?

I got you the promotion.

Nobody else thought it was a good idea,
but I pushed it,

and you thank me by
being late every day since.

Every day.
How is that possible?

You think this is funny?

I can't believe I
wasted my time on you.

Look, Dale...

I appreciate the promotion.

I do.

But you gotta understand.

Now that I'm makin' more money,

I'll admit I've been
partyin' a little bit more.

But that will not...

affect my work.

Please tell me
you're not that stupid.

I gave you a promotion.
You didn't get a raise.

Assistant Production Line
Supervisor?

It doesn't mean a thing.

It's just a name.

I did it for your custody case

because I knew it'd look good
for the judge and your kids.

But you... you take that...
that... that charity,

and you blow it up in my face.

I'm not blind. I know
you're drinkin' again.

You're hopeless, Lefty.

Sucks to hear it, I know,
but somebody needs to tell you.

I'm sorry, man.

I gotta do it.

Now, Dale, before you go

and do somethin' stupid,
you really ought to think about it.

I mean, this place would
shut down without me.

Who else is gonna go out there

and change all those belts
on the line?

Anyone with opposable thumbs.

Playtime's over. Clear out
your locker and go home.

You're fired.

An escort will
walk you to your car.

Now, Dale...

Go home, Lefty.

Hi, Jacob.
How you doin', buddy?

Hi, Mary.

You doin' okay?
Fine, thanks.

You?
Seriously.

You doin' all right?

As good as can be expected.

Seriously.
[chuckles]

I love you, Jacob.
You be good.

Love you.

His juice box
is in his backpack.

He'll try to tell you
I forgot to give him one...

Got it.

Hey, you know
these seats are adjustable.

Oh, yeah.

This is the way Rick liked it,
though,

so... I just, um...

you know.

Yeah.

Okay.

See you at 3.I'll see you at 3.
Bye.

[starts engine]

[doorbell chimes]

Pump one.

[bell chimes]

[keypad beeping]

[register whirring]

[doorbell chimes]

This plus 20 bucks on 2.

21.05.

[keypad beeps]

[keypad beeping]

[register whirrs]

Problem?

No, it's really good, actually.

[bell chimes]

[drawer closes]

[Lefty]
Where's Security?

The least they could do
is have Security take me out.

Security's got
sensitivity training today.

Yeah, well,
this isn't very sensitive.

Yes.

Go home, Lefty.

It's kinda hard when you're standin'
in the middle of my livin' room.

Yes.
Good luck, buddy.

[starts engine]

Hey!

Got a fiver?

Just till payday?

I'll show you playtime, Dale.

[Male voice] ...to consider
the feelings of the violator,

at least on par with those of the violated.

We mustn't forget,
before they were perpetrators,

they were victims themselves.

So they are hurting individuals,

deserving of our empathy, concern,

and, yes, our love and compassion.

Perhaps you can ask, them, brother...

or sister...

if... if they're comfortable with that,

"Why is it that you felt compelled

to take what did not belong to you?"

[tires screeching]

[car horn honking]

It's prepay only.

I don't care what day it is.

I guess that would
explain the sign

right in front of my eyes

that says "Prepay only," huh?

It kind of sucks
working today, huh?

Christmas Eve and all?

Huh?

Working Christmas Eve.
No fun.

Oh. Yeah. I guess.

Boss gave you the raw deal.

You're looking at him.

Oh.

Then why the heck
are you working today?

Kid didn't show up today.
Called in sick this morning.

What else am I going to do?

Kids aren't the most
dependable creatures.

20 bucks on 2.

So you even have
to be open today?

Chug-a-Lug and Neighbor Mart
are closed.

It would be stupid to pass up
the Christmas Eve rush.

Oh. Yeah.

27.01.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

Yep.

Hello?

Uh, is, uh... I was...

Is this the walk-in clinic?

Oh, good.

I was afraid I had the
wrong number for a minute.

Um, um, I... I saw
Dr. Lyndel yesterday,

and I'm... I'm a little confused

about some of the
medications he gave me.

I think I need a little help w...

Uh, yeah, I can wait, okay.

Uh, hi.
This is Eva Boyle.

Yeah, I saw Dr. Lyndel
last week,

and I was wanting to...

Oh.

I wasn't expecting
you, Dr. Lyndel.

Oh.

What...

No. Uh...

I know it was yesterday.

I told that woman that.

Anyway, I know you told me

to take some medications
in the morning

and some in the afternoon...

I did?

I did. I wrote it down
right here.

Oh. Now I do feel silly.

Well, uh, which...

Uh-huh.

Yeah, the... Oh.

The red with the red

and the yellow with the yellow.

[sigh]

Thank you so much.

I... I know I wasted your time,

but I just remember
your telling me

that I need to be careful

which ones I took
with which and when.

Oh.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas
to you, too, Doctor.

Thank you.

Ah, Mitch. Putting
the music together.

Hey, Pastor Mark.
Yeah, I'm almost done.

I put these packets together

for you to give out.

There's a card, a Christmas CD,

and 20 bucks in each one.

Isn't this kind of insulting?

No. I don't think so.

I want to give them
something they need

rather than some kind
of tree ornament

or a candy cane or something.

I'm just not sure
how they're going to take it.

I... I gather you're not,
uh, excited about tonight?

Not tremendously, no.

I mean, we're talking about
high school students here.

The last thing they want to do

is go caroling for old people.

I mean, it's not 1948 anymore.

Fair enough, Mitch,

but maybe I'm not too concerned

about what they
and you want to do.

Not every act of service
is a joyride.

Is this about, uh,
what day it is?

I know the accident
was a year ago tonight.

Maybe, I guess.

Uh...

You know, this can
be good for you.

Most of the people
you're visiting tonight

are shut-ins.

You're the only person

they're going to see
over the holidays.

Others, they haven't
been here for a while.

They're not sure if the
church still cares about them.

Yeah.
We've been through this.

Well, let me put it
in another way.

Not everything with the kids

has to be cool or hip.

It's good for them to just do

some ministry
once in a while, hmm?

I don't... I don't know.
Man, I'm just feeling...

[sigh]

I feel like
I'm up against a wall

with some of these kids.

I mean, they're all great.
It's just...

They haven't decided
if I'm worth listening to,

and I'm afraid
this sort of thing

is gonna push them
over the line,

and... and once they're
on the other side,

just bury me and hire
a new seminary grad.

At least you're overly dramatic.

I'm sure they can
identify with that.

Okay.

You want them to decide
you're worth listening to?

Be worth listening to.

Show them a faith

that makes you want
to do stuff like this.

Ah.

See you at the services later.

All right. Later.

Oh, and, Mitch...

technically, old people
are still people.

I'm not sure that's true,

but I'll look it up
on the Internet later.

Yeah, do that.

Lucio Boyle?

Don't get up.
I'm Gordon Macintosh.

I'll be working with Samantha

representing your ex-wife
from here on out.

I know you two have met,

and this is Greg,
our file clerk.

Lefty.

Excuse me?

Lefty.

His nickname.
Cute as it is,

we won't be using it today.

I'm sure you'll understand.

I'll call you back.

Everyone calls me Lefty.

Lefty.

Of course they do.

If my parents had named me Lu...

I'm a lefty, too.
Born that way.

Oh, in my case,
it's a little weird

'cause I'm not even left-handed.

Uh, where is your
representation?

My lawyer and I,

we don't see eye to eye
on a few things, so...

You don't have a lawyer.

Right.

Anyways, when I was
growing up as a kid,

we didn't have
a whole lot of money,

so every time
I wanted to play ball,

I had to borrow my brother's
left-handed baseball glove,

and because of that
I really wasn't any good,

and all the kids
that I played with,

they didn't know
I was right-handed,

so they just thought that, uh...

well, they just thought
that I wasn't any good.

All rightie.

Greg, we need mochas.

Mr. Boyle,

you realize you have a right

to have representation with you,

and since you've chosen

not to have counsel
at this hearing,

you waive all rights
to such protection

as would be provided
by state statutes

regarding said representation.

You're okay with not
having a lawyer here.

Right.

Good.

Then I'll speak my mind.

I advised the court
against this.

I think you're
a terrible father,

and I don't think...

I think what Miss Lewis
is getting at

is that this agreement
is tenuous at best.

We know this,
your ex-wife knows this.

It's important
that you know it, too.

So I strongly suggest you
do everything in your power

to retain your newly-acquired
visitation privileges.

I just got a promotion.

I'm going to be getting
a much nicer place very soon.

I still think...

Maybe we should just
fill out this paperwork

and be done.

We just need
to verify a few things

and get some signatures.

Are you still
at 4742 Alcott Avenue?

Um...

No.

What's your current address?

It's a little complicated.

Um, see, while I'm waiting
on the promotion money,

which is going to take a minute,

I got a landlord... he's like...

Like a real Nazi landlord.

He, uh, he's just not willing

to let me slide
for a couple of weeks, so...

Are you saying you don't
have an apartment

or a home

or any sort of shelter,
Mr. Boyle?

No, I got shelter.

I just don't have
an address at the moment.

What are you,
living in your car?

I don't believe this.

Mr. Boyle, no court
in the world

is going to grant
visitation privileges

to someone who's homeless.

We... We can't go through
with this today.

Uh, the court says
that I can have visitation.

I mean, that's a done deal.

Greg, call civils courtroom

and ask for a new hearing,
whatever it takes.

Unbelievable.

Please.

My kids should see me.

I'm going to get a new place

as soon as I get a new job.

A new job?

I thought you said
you just got a raise.

It's complicated.

I did get a promotion,

and I got fired
right after that, so...

I'm sorry, Mr. Boyle,

but we're going
to have to report

the information
you gave us to the court.

We'll be in touch with you

as soon as a new
hearing date is set.

But I'll get to see
my kids up until then?

I'm afraid that can't happen.

I'm sorry.

Try to have a good day.

This will make things easier.

Oh, you are getting so big.

I can barely hold you.

Hey, guy.

Hey.

How'd it go?

Good.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Hey, we're going
to go visit Daddy.

I know.

So you ready?

Yeah.

Okay.

[dialing]

[sigh]

Hello. This is Eva Boyle.

Uh, I've got my
checking account there,

and I'd like
to close it, please.

Uh-huh.

My mother's name...
Maiden name is, uh...

Slade.
That's what it is.

Slade.

How much?

$9.52?

No, no. Don't send it
back to me.

Uh, just, uh... uh...

Send it to the Salvation Army.

I bet they'd be able to use it,
don't you think?

Uh-huh.
I understand.

It's... yeah.
Same address.

Merry Christmas to you, too.

Thank you.

Yes, sir. We got that
on back order.

We'll get it right out to you.

Abso... Hello?

Dang it! Stupid cell phone.

Excuse me, sir? Buddy?

I just lost a very important
phone call.

Could I borrow a cell phone
just for one minute?

Thanks.

Absolutely, sir.

We'll get it right out to you.

We have it on back order
right now.

Hello? Stupid...

Sir, I just lost a very
important business call.

You don't have a cell phone I can borrow,
for just a minute, do you?

Well, what happened
to your phone?

It just hasn't been the same

since I dropped it on my boat.

Your boat?

What is this thing?

You were just on this?

Right.
Just now?

Yes, sir.

It's a very important
business call.

All right.
Well, just for a minute.

I have a 2:00.

Great. Me, too. Thanks.

Heather?
It's me, Lefty.

I know it's you, Lefty.

What's this number? A friend.

Whatever.

How'd the meeting go today?

Oh, you ought to know.

Everything was fine
until those stupid

pit bull attack dogs
lawyers of yours

screwed me over again.

I knew this was going to happen.

What are you
talking about, Lefty?

All you had to do
was sign the papers.

Yeah, I know.
That's what the court said.

And then your freaking
lawyer said

I've got to come back
into the court

and have another meeting
with the judge.

I'm getting sick and tired, Heather.

Lefty, I honestly have no idea

what you're talking about.

Why wouldn't they let
you sign the papers?

Because you
and your new boyfriend

don't want me to see my kids.

You know that's not true.

As long as you're sober.
We've been through this.

Besides, it doesn't
matter what I want.

The judge said you can see them,

so you can see them.

Tell that
to your freaking lawyers!

Lefty, would you
please calm down

and tell me what happened?

Look, all's I know is they told me

if I don't have an apartment,
I can't see the kids.

Listen, I really need
my cell phone...

Just give me
one more second, buddy.

This is very important.
I'll be there in one minute.

Hello? What happened
to your apartment?

I don't want to talk
about it right now, okay?

So why don't we lay off it!

Whatever.

What else did they say?

They said I couldn't
see the kids.

How many freaking times
do I have to tell you that?

Listen, I really, I got to...

Buddy, just back off, fella!

Please.

I told you this is

a very important
business... call.

I'm telling you
right now, Heather,

this whole thing ain't right.

And if it don't get fixed,
I'm going off on somebody.

Where are you, Lefty?

All I know is I'm in the office
with your pit bulls.

One minute I slip
and tell them I got fired,

and they're out of
there like bats out of hell

with their cappuccinos
spilling all over themselves.

You got fired.

Hey!

Is that this gentleman's phone?

One second, please.
I got to go.

Buddy, you got to go.

What's the matter with
you? Get out of here.

What's the matter with you?

Are you across the street again?

Knock it off. Okay?

You... You got problems.

[engine starts]

All right, guys.
Listen up. Here's the deal.

Are you listening?

Now, there's a rumor
going around

that caroling
is a dorky thing to do.

I just want you all to know

that unfortunately
it's not a rumor.

Caroling is a dorky thing to do.

So don't sweat it.

We're in this thing together,

so let's make this fun.

Got it? Yeah.

You with me?

Yeah.
Yes.

I said are you with me?

Yes.Yes.

You're all very hip.

Come on. Let's go.

[engine running]

Hi, Mary.
Hi.

I'm glad
you came in today.[chuckles]

Hey, little man.
How's it going?

Merry Christmas.

We've been working on that one.

Can we go see him?

Of course you can, honey.

I'll call down and make sure
he's in the TV room.

Oh. And, Mary, he had kind of
an angry spell this morning.

He had to be chemically
restrained again.

He's not going to be
very lucid tonight.

Okay.

[Man on radio] ♪ O Christmas Tree

♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ O Christmas Tree

♪ O Christmas Tree

♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

♪ Not only green when summer's here ♪

♪ But also when 'tis cold and drear ♪

♪ O Christmas Tree

♪ O Christmas Tree

♪ Thy leaves are so unchanging ♪

Hi, baby.

How are you?

It's Christmas Eve.

I don't know if...

Jacob is here with me.

I knew that would
mean a lot to you.

Say hi to Daddy, honey.

Hi, Daddy.

Why does he have a beard?

Well, I don't know.
You like it?

Yeah. I like it.

Merry Christmas.

Honey, you don't
have to get that close.

Daddy can hear you.
He just...

He can't show you right now
because of the medicine.

Oh.

Hey, why don't you
give Daddy a kiss,

you tell him that you love him,

and then you can go over there

and play with those toys
for a few minutes.

I love you, Daddy.

His beard's tickly.

[chuckling]

I'll come get you
in a couple minutes, okay?

Okay.

He's doing really well, Rick.

He's still quiet,
holds it all in.

But he is so polite

and courteous and thoughtful.

So much like you,
it freaks me out sometimes.

Oh, he advanced another round
in the spelling bee this week.

He and Sammy Jarvis
both get to go

to the district competition
right after New Year's.

I'm going to take work off
and go see it.

It's hard, Rick.

So hard.

There is no one I can
really talk to about this.

No one knows quite what to say,

and then I feel weird

because I know
they're uncomfortable.

For the first time
in my life, I feel alone.

I need help, Rick.

I wish they wouldn't
dope you up so much.

This just isn't you.

Oh, we've got to get going.

Making the drive
to my parents' house tonight,

but we'll be back
tomorrow night, okay?

Please come back.

I love you so much.

Merry Christmas.

Two more minutes.

Mary.

Hey. I thought
I might see you here.

Yeah, well, he needs me
here, I think.

Have you seen him lately?

Uh, no, no, no, not exactly.

Uh, my schedule's
pretty full now

with the high-schoolers and all.

I do need to find time...

He needs to see people, Mitch,

people who love him.

I know that sometimes
it's awkward,

but it's so good for him.

I know, Mary.
You're right.

Hey. Tough guy.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Hey, you know what?

I'm going to stop by your
house sometime soon, okay?

And go to the swings park?

Yeah. Yeah, that's right.

We love the swings,
don't we? Yeah.

I'm sorry I haven't
been a good friend,

to Rick or to you.

I still don't know
what to do with all this.

It's not an excuse.

I'm just saying
I'm really sorry.

Not that I should
feel sorry for myself.

I was back on my feet
a month after the accident.

You're the one
who got the bad deal.

You got a bad deal, too, Mitch.

I know how close you were.

Yeah, but I'm not...

You know what? I'm
going to stop talking now.

It's okay. You're right.

I really did get screwed
on this deal, huh?

[laughter]

Hey, why don't you
come to church tonight?

We haven't seen you there
since it happened.

Tonight might be
the right night for it.

I can't, Mitch.

Come on.
I'll make sure no one...

I can't. Okay?
I just can't.

Well, we all love you
there, Mary, right?

Yeah.

Right?

Mary.

Yeah. Right. I know.

Does everybody still love Rick?

I'm sorry, Mitch.

Um...

I really am glad I saw you.

Let's keep in touch, okay?

And I know that tonight
might be too tough,

but please see him.

I know.

Okay.

Merry Christmas.

Come on, honey.

Oh, and Rick has a beard now,

so if you kiss him,

his beard might be tickly.

Got it.[laughs]

[beep]

[beep]

[buzz]
[sigh]

You shouldn't be here, Lefty.

Oh, hey, Gary.
It's me, Lefty.

I know it's you.

Why do you think I just
called you Lefty?

You got to get out of here.

Can I just get the rest
of my stuff, please...

Gary?

You mean the rest
of those paint cans?

Well, all right, then.

I'm going now...

Gary.

Lefty?

Lefty!

Hey! Lefty, get back here!

Lefty!

What do you want to do?

Fix the thing, I guess.

Want me to call the cops?

No. Forget it.

I just want to be rid of him.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[honking]

What?

What do you mean, what?

I got the stuff.

Get out here and give me a hand.

Just stop that honking.

It's Christmas Eve.

There's neighbors all around.

Back that piece of junk in here.

I'm coming out.

Come on, hurry up!

The whole neighborhood's
watching.

Come on!
Let's do this quickly.

Just open it up.
We'll do it out here.

Move it, Lefty!

What you got?

Stuff.

Let's see it.

Okay. Fine.

Get it into the garage.

Come on.

All right. That'll work.

This sucker is hot, Lefty.

That right?

Scorching.

I'm surprised
you ain't blistering

just touching it.

What's with all the dramatics?

What, are we on TV?

The folks it belongs to

won't be happy
they see you with it.

Those folks, they wear badges.

You know what I'm saying?

Where the heck did you get this?

Well, why don't you tell me
about these tools?

Then I'll see if I can remember

where I got the gun.

Well, this is just a little more

than what I was looking for.

What are you looking for?

It's a gun.
It goes bang-bang.

You want to be picky,
just get out of here.

I could care less.

Got any bullets?

Yeah.

Now get out of here.

One more thing.

What's that?

I'm real thirsty.

Geez.

Now go on!

Merry Christmas.

Yeah.

I seen that!

Merry Christmas.

Yep.

Son of a...

Can I help you find something?

I'm hungry.

You've come
to the right place, then.

You like cranberries?

Cranberries?

It's Christmas Eve.

They taste different
on Christmas Eve?

I guess not.

You like turkey?

Yeah, sure, if it's not made up

to look like bacon and stuff.

Yeah. That'll do fine.

How much?

2.99.

Got a bag?

Merry Christmas.

Yep.

[doorbell chimes]

Genius.

Excuse me. Do you know
anything about cars?

Uh, I know a bit, yes.

Well, it keeps
stalling out on me.

I got to drive another
three hours

to my parents' tonight.

I don't think I'm gonna make it.

This isn't really a garage.

Do you know of any
that are open around here?

I mean,
it's Christmas Eve. I know.

And that's a problem.
Everything's closed.

Nothing?

I really doubt it.

Right.

Hi, Mom.

No, we're still here.

No, not home, just...

It doesn't look
like we'll be there tonight.

Well, the car's shot,

and I can't get anybody
to look at it right now.

Yeah, it's... I know.
It's lousy.

I know.

What am I supposed
to do about it?

Mom, everything is closed.

I can't just rent a car tonight.

I'm going to have to see
if anybody can drive

in the middle of nowhere
on Christmas Eve

and give us a ride back home.

Honey,
come here. Stay by me right now, okay?

Mommy's on the phone
with Grandma.

[sigh]

Okay. You know what?

I'm going to call you later.

Mom...

[sigh]

Yeah, I wish Rick was here, too.

Thanks for sharing.

Right. Bye.

I guess I could look at it,
but I... I...

What?

Uh, I was just saying

that I could take a look
at it, I guess.

I mean, I don't know
a whole lot, but...

Really?
That would be great.

Anything you could
do would be great.

All right.

[exhales]

♪ And a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas!

Thank you.
Thank you so much.

Can we offer you a ride
to church tonight?

That's very nice,

but we need to get our sleep.

Understood completely.

Oh, uh, can we offer you
this small gift

from the youth group?

Two gifts:
one for each of you.

Well, we really don't need...

We'd like for you to have them.

Just a reminder you, uh,
haven't been, uh, forgotten.

Thank you again.
Merry Christmas.

Moving right along.

Is that bad?

Yeah. I think
it's pretty bad.

Can you fix it?

If I had an air filter,

but I don't carry
that sort of thing here.

It's a convenience store.

Well, that's not very
convenient, now is it?

I've heard that one a few times.

Sorry.

Oh, wow.

This is another problem.

When was the last time
you had a tune-up?

A what?

Oh, uh, that would be
last Christmas.

Probably the fall before...
Before that, actually.

Rick, my husband,

thought that a fall tune-up

would be just fine
for Christmas travel.

You're lucky
it's running at all.

The points are trashed.

The filter's disgusting.

I can't imagine what
the oil must look like.

Last fall?

Why didn't you bring it in
after that?

Rick always handled
things like that.

Why did he let it go so long?

Well, that's a loaded question.

Rick was in a car
accident last year.

He lives in a home now.

Sorry.

No, it's okay.

But it... it left him
brain damaged,

and they're not sure what
kind of recovery he could have,

if at all, so...

Anyway, he hasn't
been in the mood

to take the car in
for a tune-up this year.

I can tell you that.

S...

I suppose you'd like to make it

to your folks' place
tonight, huh?

You know what? I appreciate
you even trying. I do.

If you help me,
we could jerry-rig the points and plugs,

clean up the cap a bit.

Um, we could change the oil.

I do have oil here.
How convenient is that?

Take the air hose.
I'll blow out this filter.

Maybe we can get by
without a new one.

If all goes well,
and that's a huge if,

we'll have you on the road
in a couple of hours.

I don't have to have a clue
what you said, right?

Not if I don't.

I'll show you what to do.

Oh, uh, Kirk?

Yeah.

I'm Mary, and this is Jacob.

Jacob. Hey, Jacob.

Why don't you go in
and read your book?

[knock on door]

Yes.

Mrs. Boyle?

I'm Mrs. Boyle.
And you are?

My name is Margaret,

and I'm with Meals On Wheels.

Oh, I can't afford
to give anything this year.

Oh, no. We're not here
to collect money.

We're here with
your Christmas dinner.

Merry Christmas.

Oh, well, why would you do that?

Well, because
it's Christmas Eve.

Well, I understand,

but I didn't ask for anything.

Oh, no. Um, someone
gave us your name,

and we bring meals to people

who may need a little extra...

assistance.

There must be some mistake

because I don't need a meal,

and I don't need assistance.

So please, just give it to
somebody who really needs it.

Are you saying that you
already prepared a meal?

No. I'm saying
that I don't need a meal.

How'd you get my name?

Well, we're not
supposed to say, but...

I think
it was from Dr. Lyndel

at the Jefferson County
Walk-in Clinic.

He's your sponsor.

Uh, my notes say
that you told him

you had a family of six
coming for Christmas dinner.

Is that true? Oh...

I did talk to Dr. Lyndel
about my family.

Yes, I did.

So they are coming
over for dinner?

Huh?

Uh, yes, they are.

Oh, well, I guess Dr. Lyndel
was just trying to help out.

I mean, six people.

Uh, well, uh, come on in

and bring it into the kitchen.

Here.

I was starting to think

we'd have to take
Dr. Lyndel in

for a checkup.

Oh, I don't think he needs that.

Okay.
Now, this turkey is warm,

so it'll be good for the
next couple of hours,

you know,
if the dinner's tonight.

Otherwise, in the morning,
you can heat it up

for an hour on 275.

Thank you so much.

Oh, and when you're done,
just toss the containers.

Oh, that's fine.

Thank you so much
for all this lovely food.

My family's
going to be delighted.

They'll think
I'm a wonderful cook.

Well, I hope so.

Oh, and, Mrs. Boyle,

you have nothing
to be ashamed of.

What do you mean?

You have cooked enough
meals in your life.

You can take a break now.

Oh.

Well, I think I will
take a break tonight.

Well, I'm glad.

Merry Christmas.

Oh. Merry Christmas.

[knocking]

You all right in there, buddy?

You alone in there?

Just me.

What are you,
some kind of pervert?

What?

You get your thrills doing this?

What do you mean, thrills?

I'm going to have to ask
you to get out of here.

Is there a problem, Officer?

You got about ten seconds,

or we go for a ride in my car.

It's up to you.

Yes, sir.

I didn't do anything.

Mom?

Ouch!
Kirk, are you okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

I have to go to the bathroom.

It's, uh, not exactly homey.

I don't think Jacob
would mind, if you don't.

Uh... okay.

It's inside in the back.

You can use it,
but it's really not...

Uh, okay.

What do you say?

Merry Christmas.

[laughs]

That, too, but what else?

Oh. Thank you.

Sure.

[doorbell chimes]

[doorbell chimes]

[exhales]

[engine starts]

♪ Hark, the herald
angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn king

Merry Christmas!

Oh, Merry Christmas to you.

Thank you kids so much.

Can we offer you a ride
to the service tonight?

No, thank you. It's...

I'm feeling
a little sick tonight.

We'd like to offer you
this small gift

from the youth group.

Thank you.

I wish I had
something to give you.

Nice to see you.

You have yourself a good night.

And Merry Christmas, you hear?

Okay, then. Bye-bye.

Can I help you find something?

Some gas.

How much?

Whatever.

20 bucks.

[beeping]

[beeping]

[beeping]

Merry Christmas.

I said "Merry
Christmas" to the man.

You did? Well,
that was nice.

Hello.

[beeping]

Hey. Look what
I got for you.

Merry Christmas.

[Mary chuckles]

Thank you.

You're welcome.

[beeping]Sir, do you have another...

Anyway.
We've got more work to do.

Yes. We do.
Come on.

[sighs]

Any of you boys hungry?

[snickers]

[indistinct TV chatter]

You're a godsend.

No one's ever accused me
of thatbefore.

But let's see if I can
fix your car first.

[laughs]

So, what about you?

Why are you open today

instead of being
with your family?

Pretty pitiful, huh?

The short answer is I've
got nothin' better to do.

Oh, come on.
A nice, good-looking...

Sorry.

It's fine.

Look, um... I'm not
implying anything here,

but I do want to be
upfront with you.

I have a husband.

Yeah.

You told me that already.

Remember?
Yeah.

That was awkward, wasn't it?

I'm sorry.

No. Of course not.
I understand.

I haven't been hitting
on you, by the way.

Oh, I know.

Of course.

And I'm sorry.

Don't sweat it. I just
wanted you to know

that I'm not hitting
on you. Mm-hmm.

[sighs]

[Carolers knocking on door]♪ Silent night

♪ Holy night

[sighs]♪ All is calm

♪ All is bright [knocking]

I'll be there in a minute!

♪ Round yon Virgin

♪ Mother and Child

♪ Holy Infant

♪ So tender and mild

♪ Sleep
in heavenly peace ♪

♪ Sleep
in heavenly peace ♪

[Carolers]
Merry Christmas!

Oh... thank you all so much.

I... I would have
some cookies for you,

but my grandchildren
ate them all.

Oh,
stop it. We just wanted to stop by,

tell you we've
missed you at church.

I've been travelin'.

Uh, my family's all spread out.

Really?

Well...

Will we see you
at the service tonight?

10:45 sharp.
Well, give or take.

Service will last till
midnight. We can stop by,

pick you up. I'm afraid not.

Um, I have, um,

my family's all comin' tomorrow.

Maybe next week, then.

Well... you take care
of yourself.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[sighs]

"O" for seven.

But the singing
is getting better.

Really?

No.

But... they probably
can't hear it anyway,

so...

The packet.

You forgot to give
her the packet.

Packet.

You know what? I really
don't think that she...

Oh, come on.
Wants to...

She might need it.
It's what it's for.

[sighs]
Crap. Hold on.

[knocking]

[sighs]

I nearly forgot.

A gift...
from the youth group.

I... I don't need anything.

Just a small something.

[sighs]

Uh...

let you know
how much you're loved...

and missed at the church.

Oh, thank you very much.

You okay?

I'm fine.

You sure?

Is there anything
I can do to... No.

Please. I'm fine.

All right.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[sighs]

[coughs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[chuckles]

[weeps]

[weeping]

[sniffles]

Are you okay, Mitch?

Huh?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Hey, guys.

I think we're gonna
call it a night.

So... tell me more about
your husband. What's he do?

Well, nothing.

Yeah.
[chuckles]

Right. What
didhe do?

Oh, wow. What
didn't Rick do?

When we were first married,
he was an engineer.

He always joked he'd never stop

until he'd built
the perfect mousetrap.

Then one day,
he comes home and tells me he's quitting.

Just like that?

Yeah, just like that.
And he did!

The next thing I know,
he's workin' at a ranch for at-risk kids.

Wow.

Talk about a pay cut.

He also volunteered
at our church.

Mostly with the youth group.

He'd help anybody who needed it.

He sounds like a real jerk.

Uh... um,
that was supposed to be a joke. I'm sorry.

Uh, it... it's okay.

It's just that he can't
help anyone now.

It's like his purpose
has been...

taken away.

You know,
my mom had a stroke towards the end

of her life.

What's that?

My mom.

She had a stroke.

She couldn't take care
of herself anymore.

I'm sorry.

So you know.

Well, it's not the same

as you and
your husband... but,

uh, my sister and I did
have to take care of her.

My dad... he just couldn't deal with it,
I guess.

Yeah. A lot of people can't.

It's funny, though.

It...

I'm grateful for that time.

I mean... it's easy
to take care of someone

who gives back
or says "Thank you."

But taking care of someone

who doesn't even know
what you're doing...

it... it makes you figure out

what kind of a person
you really are.

You know?

Yeah.

I mean... uh...

I'm not saying that's
why... why this happens.

It's... just that's what Igot out of it,
anyway.

Huh. I wish other people
saw it that way.

Other than the pastor
of my old church,

no one visits him regularly.

They... They all just
feel too awkward.

They don't know
how to talk to him.

I'm embarrassed for him.

[Man on radio] You'll be giving those out

all the way to the new year.

It is 9:32 on the night before Christmas.

Not a lot of traffic out there,

but we do want you to
drive careful and be safe.

Please don't stay out too late tonight.

Well, this was unexpected.

How's that?

Nothing. I just
wasn't planning on...

Didn't think you'd have a
meaningful conversation

with the gas station
guy, huh? No. Not that.

I... It's okay.

I understand.

I know what this place is.

I'm not proud of it.

So, then what are
you doin' here?

When I bought it,
I was a genius.

It's... out in the middle
of nowhere,

but the city limits
were headed this way.

I was... I was gonna sell it.

Reinvest.

Make a fortune.

But the city just never made it,
and I got stuck here.

Uh, so I... I figured, uh,

maybe I'd have a chance
if I made it

a different kind
of a gas station...

A destination-type
place, you know?

Uh, gourmet coffee?

Good food?
Great service?

Clean as I could get it?

Problem was I did all that,
and no one gave a rip.

So it's never gonna be
a destination for anyone.

It's just a stop along the way.

I don't know.

You know...

you think about that one thing

that you can contribute.

What's my thing? That I
make a good pot of coffee?

Most of my customers don't
care about gourmet coffee anyway.

They want gas

and a Styrofoam cup of pennies

by the register.

That's about it.

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[crickets chirp peacefully]

Tonight's the anniversary.

Of the accident?

Yeah.

Oh, wow.

Yeah.

He was a good man.

He is...

a good man,

but he wasa good man.

I still love him so much.

I meant what I said.

You know, in my vows...
"For better or for worse."

All of it.

Yeah.

[sighs heavily]

Are...

you okay?

Yeah.

I just... I haven't had a chance

to breathe about this
for a while...

between fighting for him and...

dealing with his friends
and staying strong for Jacob.

I just...

I haven't even cried
in months, so...

[weeping]

Hey, guys.
Welcome back.

Brett. Gretchen.

Hey, good to see you.
How'd it go.

Not bad.

Yeah? It was cool.

Hey, everybody, head upstairs.

Bathroom break,
and then free time until the service.

So?

What's to say?

We did our duty.

We sang for some folks,
invited them to church.

But they shut their doors and
went back to their lonely lives.

You... handed out
the packets?

We did.

That's good.

You know...

I'm still not sure
what value all this had.

Maybe you never will.

So, what's the point, then?

None of them are gonna be coming

to church tonight
because of our visit.

They... They didn't care.

And the kids sure aren't
gonna get anything out of it.

I mean... I just... You know somethin',
Mitch?

You go out and serve God
with that attitude,

there's a good chance
that nothing will come of it.

Maybe this is a test
for you. I don't know.

Sometimes you do the right thing

because it's
the right thing, hmm?

Geez, you sound like
a pastor or something.

And, look, you don't know
what's gonna come of tonight.

I got it. I got it.

[tearfully]
It's just tonight...

of all nights.

You know?

I mean...

before, a year ago,
when Rick was here,

he mattered.

He was important.

He had good ideas. The
kids thought he was exciting.

And now it's a year later,
and we've got him

tooling around,
singing on porches.

Badly, I might add.

I hear you, Mitch.

I do.

I want to talk to you
about this, okay?

Can we talk after the service?

Yeah.

Great. Thank you.

You know...

there was something tonight...

kinda odd.

Um...

Eva Boyle.

Is she a little off?

Something didn't
seem quite right,

and... and I don't
know what it was.

Yeah, Eva Boyle.

I, uh...

She's kept a lot
of our church ladies

on their knees
for a long time now.

Her husband's
been dead ten years.

He was terrible.

Her family's scattered all over.

Some of 'em,
she hasn't seen for years,

and from what I hear,

that isn't necessarily
a bad thing.

Huh. You sure about that?

She said they were all
comin' to see her tomorrow.

No. Not likely.

That's great.
[chuckles]

I'm glad I followed
my instincts.

[chuckles]

Listen.

Why don't you follow up
with her sometime?

I can go with you.

Mitch, I know
you didn't want to,

but you did
the right thing tonight.

It was good for the kids, too.

Yeah.

[Man on radio]
♪ Long lay the world

♪ In sin and error pining

♪ Till he appeared

♪ And the soul
felt its worth ♪

♪ A thrill of hope

♪ The weary world rejoices

[engine stops]

[crickets chirping]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[clock ticking]

[knocking on door]

[knocking]

[hinges creaking]

Hello?

Hello?

What are you doing here?

It's me. I know who it is.

Why didn't you answer the door?

Because I didn't want
to be bothered.

Right. I'll just, uh...

No. What... What
are you doing here?

I came by to, um,
just get somethin'.

Well...

Give me your jacket.

I'll keep it on.
I'm not stayin'.

How's Heather?

She ran out on me
two years ago, Ma.

Well, how would I know that?

Right.

Life doesn't always turn out
as we hoped, does it?

You have no idea.

The hell I don't.

The kids. They okay?

Heather won't let me see 'em.

Now what have you done?

Ma.

All right.

What do you want?

Lucio,
I... You... You scared me half to death.

Lefty, Ma.

Lefty.

Oh, for heaven's sakes.

You're not even left-handed.

All right, Lefty.

You came here...

to this house...

on this night...

for no reason? I got a reason.

Well, what is it?

I came to wish you
a Merry Christmas.

Actually, that ain't right.

I came here...

so you could...

wish me a Merry Christmas.

You... You need me

to wish you a Merry Christmas?

Well, why would you...

Why...

'Cause you're my ma.

That's all.

Well, Merry Christmas.

Okay.

I'll just be goin'.

No. No, no. Wait.

Please. I... I'm sorry.

Um... it's just...

all so unexpected.

Yeah, I know.

Uh, let me make you some tea.

Uh, are you hungry at all?

I... I've got leftovers.

Ma... No, please.

Come on. It'll just take
a minute. [chuckles]

I gotta say...
you're the best thing

that's happened
to me all evening.

That right?

You ever hear
a group of teenagers

sing "Silent Night"?
[laughs]

Not silent enough, huh?

Definitely not.
[chuckles]

Lucio, no! Oh! What? Ma.

Oh, you didn't drink
any of that, did you?

No, Ma.

Oh... I'm sorry.

I've got a cold.

I just don't want you
to get sick.

I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry.

Ma...

you all right?

I'm fine.

It's Christmas Eve.
Are you goin' to church?

Oh, those Christmas carolers
asked me that this evening.

I told 'em I didn't think I was
gonna make it there this year.

How come?

Well... I don't have
a car anymore.

What about the bus?

They changed
the route last year,

and now the closest stop
is all the way

on the other side
of the four-lane.

[sighs]

Oh. Here.
Sit down!

Come on. It's just gonna
be ready in a minute.

Get you a napkin.
Get all ready.

It's just gonna be a minute.

Hey.
Hi.

[sighs]
So, tell me.

What were you gonna do
with your fortune?

[chuckles]

I don't know.

I didn't get that far.

Does it really matter?

That's the second time
you've said that.

I, for one, am glad you didn't
sell this place and move on,

'cause I'd be stuck out here in
the middle of nowhere tonight

trying to get a new AAA account.

Yeah, that's true.

See?

It was all worth it.
[chuckles]

Thanks.
That changes everything.

[laughs]
Oh, anyway,

it was... it was good
to talk about it.

So thanks.

Yeah.

Why don't you hang
out with Jacob, okay?

I should be able to knock
the rest out myself, okay?

Your brother just won't have
anything to do with me anymore.

Think he blames me
for your father.

Kevin's too good
for all of us now.

I wouldn't waste my
time waitin' on him.

You hear anything
from your sister?

Nope.

Me, neither.

Three years.

Last I heard,
she was still... dancing.

The kids used to write me,

but now I don't know
what's goin' on.

Is that right?

That girl's had a death
wish since junior high.

I don't know how she
made it as far as she did.

Well, it wasn't really that far.

[sighs]

I'm sorry about you and Heather.

I wasn't exactly
Man of the Year.

Well,
just don't you lose touch with those kids.

It's no fun when your
kids stop talkin' to you.

Okay, Ma.
I get it.

I'm just sayin'.

I get it.

All right.

I get it.

Your cousin Jeff
just had another baby.

What's that, two now?

That makes four.

I don't know how he affords it.

I don't know.

I haven't seen it,
but I hear it's a beautiful baby.

You know, Ma, I got a car.

Okay...

If you wanted to go to church,
I can take you.

You'd do that for me?

Right.

If you needed me to.

Well, that would be wonderful.

I would like it.

I really would.

Would you really do that?

If you needed me to.

Would you go inside with me?

I don't know.

Oh, please.
Go inside with me.

If I walk in there, Ma,

the place might
burst into flames.

I'm gonna go get dressed.

You look great.

Here. Sorry
for the spill.

Thanks.

Your father
called those his... Church shoes.

Thank you for this, Lucio.

You're welcome.

You'll... You'll take

some of this food, won't you?

Oh, I don't have
any room for it right now.

Oh,
it's way too much for me. Please take it.

Maybe you could
bring it to church.

Oh, that's a good idea.

I'm sure they'll know
somebody who needs it.

Well...

we should... we should get going.

Ma, we got a problem.

[sighs]
I don't have any money.

If we're gonna go to church,

we'll need gas money.

Oh.

I don't have any.

[Man on TV] ♪ The snow man

♪ Was a jolly, happy soul ♪

♪ With a corncob pipe and a button... ♪

[starts engine]

[engine running]

[engine stops]

[car door opens]

[car door closes]

[grunts]

Well... that should do it.

I don't know how to
thank you. [chuckles]

How much do I owe you?

Come on.

Kirk, you've gotta let me
give you something.

Are we leaving?

Well, it looks that way, honey.

Why don't you go
turn off the TV.

Just hold on.
Hey.

Look, by law, I can't
give you that card back.

It's okay.
I got cash.

All right.

Oh, you two are back, huh?

Yeah. Car broke down.
[chuckles]

You've been stuck here
this whole time?

Yeah.

But, actually,
Kirk here just fixed it.

No charge.

Free.

On Christmas Eve.

Well, not your regular,
uh, gas station, huh?

[chuckles]

Uh... look, if you're
gonna make it

to your parents' place,
you should...

Oh! My parents.

Oh, we... we were going
up north to my parents'

for a late dinner, but now...

Excuse me.
I have to call them.

I'm hungry. Look, if he's hungry,

there's plenty in the freezer.

No,
it's fine. We need to get outta your way.

Excuse me.

[whispering] Candy. No.

Oh, yeah.
Yeah, of course.

Pump two.

Sorry about before.

Merry Christmas.

Yep.

[beeping]

♪♪ [song intro]

♪ It came upon

♪ The midnight clear

♪ That glorious song
of old ♪

♪ From angels bend...

Thanks, Mom.

You... I'll be all right.

You two talk about it
and call me back, okay?

Yes. I will tell him.
[chuckles]

He loves you both,
too. Okay.

Bye.

We're gonna stay here for
Christmas and be together.

Our little family,
as it should be. [chuckles]

Good. I'm glad. I'm
sure Rick will love that.

Hey, do me a favor, will you?

Close up the store and go home.

It's Christmas Eve.

Will do.

Let's go, honey.

Oh, hey, let...
Let me walk you out.

I need to clean up.
Okay?

Merry Christmas, Kirk.

Ooh.

[dog barks in distance]

Merry Christmas, Mary.

Ready?

"From my mom and me.
It's really good.

Lefty."

[chuckles]

[crowd chattering]

[no audible dialogue]

[mouths words]

♪ It came upon

♪ The midnight clear

♪ That glorious song of old

♪ From angels bending

♪ Near the earth

♪ To touch
their harps of gold ♪

♪ Peace on the earth

♪ Good will to men

♪ From heaven's
all-gracious King ♪

♪ The world

♪ In solemn stillness lay

♪ To hear the angels sing

♪ Yet with the woes

♪ Of sin and strife

♪ The world

♪ Has suffered long

♪ Beneath

♪ The angel-strain
have rolled ♪

♪ Two thousand years
of wrong ♪

♪ And man at war with man

♪ Hears not

♪ The love song

♪ Which they bring

♪ O hush the noise

♪ Ye men of strife

♪ And hear the angels sing

♪♪ [humming]

♪ And ye

♪ Beneath life's
crushing load ♪

♪ Whose forms
are bending low ♪

♪ Who toil along

♪ The climbing way

♪ With painful steps

♪ And slow

♪ Look now

♪ For glad
and golden hours ♪

♪ Come swiftly

♪ On the wing

♪ O rest beside

♪ The weary road

♪ And hear
the angels sing ♪

♪ O rest beside

♪ The weary road

♪ And hear
the angels sing ♪

Closed-Captioned By J.R. Media Services,
Inc. Burbank, CA