Parenthood (2010–2015): Season 4, Episode 14 - One Step Forward, Two Steps Back - full transcript
- My mom lost her job.
- We cannot have her living here.
She's gonna take control
of everything.
Where's the vending machine?
They took it away last June.
If elected as president,
I will bring back
the vending machines
that used to be in our school.
It was hard for me
to see you with Hank.
I feel like I gave up
too easily
and I should have
fought for you.
Get out of my room!
I hate you!
Hey, don't talk
to your mom like that.
She's not my mom!
Is not going through
with the adoption
something
that you're considering?
I don't know
if I can do it anymore.
Hello?
Wait.
Yeah?
Are you--are you home?
Okay--yeah.
Why don't you meet me at that
place around the corner there?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'll be--
I'll be right there.
Who was that?
- Uh...
- What time is it?
Yeah, don't worry, Millie.
Everything's okay.
It's just, uh--
you go back to sleep, honey.
What's going on, Ryan?
I can't sleep.
I never sleep, you know?
Just stare at the ceiling and
then if I do sleep, I wake up.
I'm--my heart's pounding,
I'm sweating like an idiot,
I'm--I'm freaking out
like I got something
I'm supposed to be doing.
I don't know.
It's not working, man.
You know, I'm waiting
for everything to get better
and it's not.
I'm just stuck.
So that's it?
You're stuck?
Well, what are you
gonna do about it?
You start with a little thing.
I mean,
however inconsequential it is.
I mean--
Like what?
I don't know.
Something small.
Something that you
can take care of.
Something that you can control.
Beginning, middle, end.
Task completed.
Jabbar,
let's get your shoes on.
We have to be out the door
in five minutes.
The boy's gotta eat
his breakfast.
Yeah, buddy, you know what?
Why don't you eat your eggs
while you're doing
your cards, okay?
I don't want eggs.
What do you mean
you don't want eggs?
It's got cheese and mushrooms
and zucchini--
I don't want mushrooms.
I want a breakfast bar.
Jabbar, your father
just made you some healthy...
- Just eat.
- Breakfast.
But I like
breakfast bars better.
Look, as long as he gets
some calories in his body,
I guess it's okay with me.
Yeah, we--you know,
we're just pressed for time.
He doesn't eat
like this all the time.
Yeah, I do.
- No, you don't.
- What?
That's--he does not
eat like that all the time.
I just know
that an hour from now
someone's in
for a major sugar crash.
Bye.
Come on, put your shoes on.
Here.
Don't waste 'em.
Sarah.
Hi.
I was dropping off drew's term
paper--um, history paper.
He left it at home.
It's due today.
And you're a good mom.
You had no choice.
Do you know where to--
Yeah.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
All right.
Um, I should probably get to--
- I don't wanna keep you.
It's okay. Yeah.
I, um--
- it's okay.
No, I-I just--
it's so--it's so awkward.
I'm sorry, I-I--
It's gonna be awkward.
Would--okay, would you--
would you want to maybe
just get together at some point
and just talk all this through?
Or just--I don't know.
Yeah.
I mean, I thought
you didn't wanna...
- No, I-I do.
- Talk to me.
And I--and I know
that you're moving on
and I am too, but I-I still
really care about you...
And, um--
- are you late?
II am now technically late.
But I don't know.
Just something to get some--
- yeah.
I think
that would be really nice.
All right.
Now I really am late.
Okay. Thanks.
See you.
♪ Nora, I adore ya
♪ I adore ya, Nora
- that's awful.
- What do you think?
That's a good little song.
Your v-it's the tone.
♪ I adore ya, Nora
go higher.
♪ I adore ya
I can't go to cedar knoll
middle school anymore.
It is a fascist state!
- Whoa, hey, Max, take it easy.
- Buddy, what is happening?
Mr. Mason said
that we can't bring back
the vending machine anymore,
that I have to give up.
Wait, what?
I'm sure that's
very disappointing--
- it's not fair, okay?
- Calm down.
I won--I won the election.
That means the kids
voted for me to do this.
They absolutely 100% did.
So this is what we're gonna do.
Listen, we're gonna
talk to the school
and see if we can change
some of the rules, right?
No, it has nothing
to do with the rules.
- That's what's fair.
- It's the pta.
It's the parent totalitarian
association.
I did everything
I was supposed to do!
- Yes, you did.
- Okay.
I wrote a letter,
I got the signatures, I--
- calm down for a second.
- Max.
I can't go
to that school anymore.
You guys have to find me
a new school to go to.
He's not wrong.
How long you been up?
I think all night.
Oh, honey.
Oh.
Your brain is like
a hamster in a wheel.
You just don't
even need coffee.
You start thinking and...
You're up.
Hey.
I just keep trying to tell
myself that it's gonna be okay,
but I don't know that.
I don't know.
I don't know
if it's gonna work.
Ever.
- We should finalize it.
- What?
I think we should finalize it.
You know,
just talk to the lawyers,
file the paperwork,
dot the "I"s, cross the "t"s.
You know, if there's anything
that's gonna tell our boy
that he's a part of this family,
that's it.
I just think we need to,
you know, just take the leap.
You do, huh?
Yeah.
I really do.
I just--
I'm sure of it.
I wish I were.
♪ May God bless
and keep you always ♪
♪ and may your wishes
all come true ♪
♪ may you always do
for others ♪
♪ and let others do for you
♪ may you build a ladder
to the stars ♪
♪ and climb on every rung
♪ and may you stay
♪ forever young
♪ may you grow up
to be righteous ♪
♪ may you grow up to be true ♪
♪ may you always know
the truth ♪
♪ and see the lights
surrounding you ♪
♪ may you always be
courageous ♪
♪ stand upright and be strong ♪
♪ and may you stay
♪ forever young
♪ may you stay
♪ forever young
that energy, like, all that--
And I'd just be like--you just
do whatever I said, you know?
Because you're the only girl
and they wanna please you.
Hi.
Hi!
- How are you?
- Hi. Good.
- So good to see you.
- Good to see you.
- Good to see you too.
- You're Max's mom, right?
Yes, we met
at your jewelry party.
- Oh.
- You make jewelry.
I'm Kristina.
How is your son doing?
And how are you feeling?
He's great.
We're all great.
Great.
You know, I actually wanted to
talk to you guys about something
because I think
that you're the ladies
that headed the initiative
for the vending machines
to be taken out of the school.
Am I right?
Ooh.
That was such a battle.
But it was so worth it.
I mean, it took two weeks
of phone trees,
but we finally got it done.
Right, so, I know this might
sound so crazy to you guys
because you fought so hard to
get them out of the school,
but my son Max ran
for student council president
and he won...
Congratulations.
And he promised the student
body--thank you very much--
that he would bring back
the vending machines.
It was sort of his platform.
He's--for the kids.
And I would just want you guys
to reconsider maybe just--
Kristina, I appreciate
all the issues
you might be facing
with your son.
But you cannot
possibly be advocating
to put back into our schools
more sugar
and high calorie junk.
Well, I'm sorry, Kristina,
but you have no idea
how hard we worked to get
that vending machine out.
Really hard.
We're going to
have to agree to disagree.
I have these, um,
proofs I went through,
but I'm sure you wanna go...
- Is that mortenson?
- Through them yourself--mm-hmm.
That's today, right?
They weren't--they didn't--
The messenger's coming
at 4:00 to pick 'em up, yes.
4:00?
Uhhuh.
I can move it.
No, leave it.
I like a--I like a deadline.
Hey, so, um, also tomorrow,
I'm gonna have coffee with mark.
Really?
It's no big deal,
it's just coffee,
but I wanted to tell you.
All right.
How did that come about?
He asked and just wanted
to clear the air and...
- Yeah, all right, I mean--
- Have closure.
Hmm.
- Is that funny?
- No, it's a little--
I mean--the whole thing's
a little weird,
but, um, that's,
you know, it's your--
Of cour--
it's weird for me too,
but I thought
I should tell you.
I guess--
I guess to each his own.
- What?
- I just don't, uh--
You wouldn't do it?
Look, do what
you gotta do, I guess.
All right?
15 guys waiting on us.
So--but if you can't
get me lumber by Monday,
tell me now, because
I'm gonna find someone who can.
Okay, well, f-figure it out
and call me back.
Hey.
Sorry if this isn't
a good time, I just--
No, it's okay.
What can I do for you?
Uh, I'd like to have
my job back, please.
Uh...
Look, uh, Ryan,
I'm sure you're a great guy,
but under the circumstances,
I say we just chalk it up
to a situation
that didn't work out, you know?
But if you need references,
I'll be happy to give you one.
No, I don't need--
I don't need a reference,
like your sympathy or whatever.
I know that I messed
something up.
I shouldn't have walked off,
and I know that I cost you
a lot of money.
I'm coming back to you to say...
That's okay.
To take responsibility
for what I did.
Look, these things
happen on sites.
It's not a big deal.
So let me fix it.
You can dock my pay.
I'll work for free
until it's paid off.
I'm sorry.
The answer is no.
I don't even
get a chance to--
don't you see
that I'm trying to fix it here?
You had a chance.
You had a chance, Ryan.
I don't have the time...
Wow, okay.
To train somebody.
All right.
Amber?
I think that dough
is flat enough.
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm okay.
I'm just, like,
thinking about some things.
Yeah.
Ryan?
Yeah.
What, has he been calling you
at 3:00 A.M. too?
No.
Why?
Did he call you guys?
Well, you know, zeek's been...
Working with him.
You know, looking out for him.
And that sounds bad.
Is it--is he okay?
Oh, no, no, no.
He's--no, he's fine.
He's moving
in the right direction.
He just still has an awful lot
of stuff to work out,
that's all.
I wish there was anything
I could do to help him.
Well, try not to make it
your burden.
It's not.
You know?
Take it off those shoulders.
And, uh, come on, let's get
these pies in the oven.
Come on.
Okay. All right.
I'm ready.
Okay, there you go.
Good night.
I love you.
It's exactly what I said,
Marlene.
- All these kids are going to...
- Hey. What? Uh-
The convenience store to buy a
bunch of junk, which our kids--
What's going on?
- You drumming?
- Yeah-on their way to school
or coming back from school,
they're buying a bunch of junk.
And they're spending money
at the convenience store
anyway.
So why not just put it
into our school
and have
healthier snack--exactly.
Thanks so much, Eileen.
I will call you tomorrow,
and tell Gladys the war is on.
- Wow.
- Oh, yeah.
- The war room.
- It's go time.
Is this, uh, is this
what I think it's about?
I'm just trying to gather
some information...
- Yeah? Vending-gate?
- For the pta meeting.
Oh, I see, you're gonna go
into this pta meeting
as a lobbyist
for candy and chocolate.
- Uh-huh. I am.
- Uh-huh.
You say it
like it's a bad thing.
I'm going in to--
There's nothing wrong
with a little bit
of candy and chocolate.
- Right?
- I'm just trying
to wrap my head around what
you're thinking here,
because Max will be okay
if he doesn't get
the vending machine back.
Yeah, I know
he'll be okay, Adam.
This is the one thing
that I can have control over
and help with, and I'm not
letting this die for him.
So there you go.
Okay.
- Hey.
- Oh, hey.
You reading comic books?
Yeah, I'm trying to stay
relevant in Jabbar's life
by keeping up
with the cool stuff.
Where is everybody?
Uh, he's at a playdate
with Miles.
And your mother--
you're gonna love this--
is grocery shopping for healthy
and nutritious food for him
because she didn't feel
there was any in the house.
You're kidding.
- No, I'm not kidding.
- Oh, God.
I'm surprised you didn't
bump into her there
unless she went
to some crazy organic joint.
Baby, I'm sorry.
I know being criticized
is not fun
and my mother
is a master at it, so--
Look, if she wants
to criticize us
about the religious thing,
I get it.
That's very important to her.
But her micromanaging
what we're feeding our son?
I'm not cool with it.
I know.
Look, we're the parents.
If we wanna feed him motor oil
for breakfast, we can do that.
That's our right.
She had, you know,
her chance with you.
We need to talk to her.
Iyou know, I really
don't wanna argue with her
about this stuff, you know?
It's not--
Okay, I'm not suggesting
that we argue with her,
but what I'm saying is
as two adults
we need to sit down
with her and go,
"hey, here are our boundaries
as parents.
We don't want to be criticized
every morning when we wake up."
That's fair.
No fighting, just, hey,
here are our--you know.
No fighting?
Absolutely no fighting.
- You promise?
- I promise.
II had about a full minute
of thinking at first
that this kiis,
like, a secret genius.
Like, he just--he hasn't had
anything to offer in class.
Suddenly. Maybe
it's because of your teaching.
Yeah, I've--I've--
I've opened him up.
He just really--yeah, yeah.
And then the further
I got into his essay,
I started to recognize
some of the ideas.
It's the essay that Harold bloom
wrote in the back of the book.
I can't believe they think they
can just get away with that.
I wonder if that happens
in photography.
If, you know, if--I don't know,
people find some old print
and try to pretend
it's theirs or something.
- I'm sure...
- Yeah.
If you have the negatives,
I guess you could
prove it that way.
Nobody uses negatives anymore.
Oh, yeah, that's true.
Digital.
It's almost a different art,
you know, to do.
- It is. Yeah.
- Have to learn both of them.
Been learning a lot about it.
How's that--
how's that all been going?
- Good.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- Good.
Is--how's Hank?
Good.
You guys are still
seeing each other, right?
- Um--
- You don't have to--
No, but I--uh, we're seeing
each other, I guess.
Um, it's definitely not
the timing
I would have chosen and...
- Mm-hmm.
- It's...
When I--when I heard
about it, I was a little...
- Of course.
- Surprised and I got--
But everything I told you,
you know,
I wasn't--
there was no overlap.
There was no sneaking around.
It's--I just--
and it didn't have--
- it's not the reason that...
- Yeah.
- You know, we--
- Well, that's--that's...
That's nice to hear.
I believed you,
I just, you know--
- Yeah.
- By myself, afterwards,
I started to question
everything, but no.
Thank you for telling me that.
There was this thing in the
dark room that was months ago.
But he kissed me--
we were developing a photograph.
I barely knew him and--he--
it was n--it was quick
and this odd thing and I didn't
say anything because--
Wh--this is while
we were together?
Yeah, but now when I look back,
I think, oh,
I should have told you.
And I-I should have known
there was something
at least on his end, you know?
- Yeah, on his end.
- That I should have told you...
That part.
Yeah.
Well, as we get into
this completion process
and move towards finalizing
Victor's adoption,
I need answers
to a few questions
so we can set a hearing date.
Once the date's been set,
you'll appear in court
with Victor
for a finalization hearing,
and you will be granted
the order of adoption.
Wow. Amazing.
All right.
And Victor's doing well?
He is.
He really is, yeah.
Oh, that's great.
I'm waiting for he and Sydney
to find their relationship.
You know, find that--
that kind of sibling rhythm.
Well, they're getting there.
They're not there yet, yeah.
- Well--
- But--yeah.
He's into baseball.
He's a shortstop.
Um, he, uh, has made a lot of
really great friends at school.
- Fantastic.
- He's a grade behind in math.
Yeah, but he used to be
two grades behind,
so that's not as big a deal
as it was.
- Right.
- Yeah.
Well, how would you describe.
Victor's adjustment
to your home?
- It's been great--
- Oh, well...
Yeah, it's--it's--it's good.
It's--there have been
some bumps in the road.
Well, that's normal.
- That's what I keep saying.
- Right.
It's absolutely normal.
Uh, you know, he's a great kid.
He's, uh, really funny
and he's a little shy at first,
but he's not withdrawn.
He's just--
He doesn't love me.
Julia.
It's a relevant statement
that I wanna make,
and it's a concern that I have
and it's been ongoing.
- It's a--
- You know this.
It's a feeling you have.
You don't know that.
It's not a feeling that I have.
He never says anything
to the effect of having
any affection for me.
He's not going to say
anything--he's a boy.
Well, any kind
of affection whatsoever.
And I know we keep saying
he needs more time,
but just how much more time--
You know what,
I think the two of you
need to take a little more time
to talk about this.
- I don't think--no, no.
- That might be a good idea.
I don't think
we need to do that.
Uh, from where I sit,
it never hurts
to take the time,
because adoption
is a very big deal.
And just to say, you wouldn't
be the first people
in the world
to change your minds.
- Hey, mom.
- Oh.
Oh, it's unusual that you both
are home so early.
Yeah, I even got to
pick her up from school.
- Yeah.
- Oh, nice.
Mom, we'd like to talk to you
about something
if now's a good time.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Go ahead.
Um, yeah, we were thinking--
you know, both of us
have been thinking that, um--
you know what,
before we even get into that,
I just wanna say that we love
having you here.
It's--it's--it's been
really fun.
Yes. We do.
We love it, mom.
Thank you.
I love being here.
Great.
Yeah, we really like it.
Um, which is not to say that
it's not without its challenges.
Um...
Is this about the bathroom?
No, it's not.
No, it's, um, it's about
Jabbar specifically.
Yes.
There have been times
where we felt criticized.
Um, the other morning
at breakfast.
So you're upset
because I pointed out
that Jabbar shouldn't be
subsisting on sugar and starch?
- Well--
- Not--
- We feed him other things.
- We do.
Okay. All right.
So you do know that I just have
my grandson's best interests
at heart, right?
Of course, of course, mom.
We know that.
Nobody's questioning
your love for Jabbar
or your dedication to him.
What we're saying is
it doesn't feel very nice
to be judged every time
we make a decision.
It's not a nice feeling.
Okay.
- All right.
- Well, I--well, I'm sorry.
Okay?
I'm sorry.
Is that okay?
Yeah.
But I gotta tell you
that from over here,
sometimes it appears like the
inmates are running the asylum.
- Oh, is that what it...
- Mom, that's not fair.
Appears like to you?
- Well, I know--
- That's not fair.
From your lofty perch of--
Jabbar should be in bed
at 8:00 during weeknights,
period, right?
- He--what--he is in bed...
- He is, he is.
Every night at 8:00
on weeknights.
Yes, unless he asks
to see a movie with you.
Okay, there have been a couple
of times when that's happened,
but that's not the norm.
You're trying to make
the exception the norm,
and this is exactly
what I'm talking about.
I don't need to be in
a shouting match with you
about Jabbar's bed time.
No one's shouting.
That's our decision.
Are you aware
that for five years
before you came into
Jabbar's life,
there was a system of discipline
because kids need discipline.
Discipline will be
administered the way we see fit,
not the way you see fit.
That's how it's gonna go down,
okay?
Just everyone--
We don't need to be fighting
about this.
This isn't--
you don't have a right--
So let's stop fighting.
Listen--okay.
- Hold on.
- No, no, no.
- I'm not fighting.
- I know, I know.
No, no, you're right.
You're judging.
You're busy judging
with your little comments...
No, she's not, Crosby.
Crosby!
In a very subdued,
calculated manner,
I would say.
Please. Enough.
In a subdued,
calculated manner?
- No.
- See? Even slower. Great.
Just stop, okay?
Look, you're right.
We should be
more consistent with Jabbar.
Especially when it comes
to his bedtime. Okay?
She's right?
- It's really not a big deal.
- Oh.
So can we not make it?
Just.
Okay.
I'm the one that's crazy.
- No, it's just...
- Yeah. Nope.
- This really isn't a--
- You're both right.
- It's not really a big deal.
- I'm gonna let you guys
make all future decisions.
Invite me to his graduation.
Crosby.
So why did you call
the adoption lawyer without me?
I've already told this to you.
She called me.
I returned her call.
All right,
what did you talk about?
What was the conversation?
Nothing.
She--I basically said
that the last time we met,
you just had a momentary lapse,
you know, you got cold feet.
That's all.
I just had cold feet.
That's all.
Yep.
- Yes, honey, it's--
- That's just--
can you stop trying
to shame me into this?
- Shame you?
- Yes!
You are because...
Are you kidding me?
It's just me.
Because it's me
that he's not bonding with.
- It's not just you.
- It's just me
that has
any kind of doubts about it.
- I don--
- It's just me.
It's all me.
Are you kidding me?
You know, I have doubts too.
- No, you don't!
- Yes.
Don't just--don't try to make
me feel better that way.
That's stupid.
It doesn't work.
Okay.
Well, you know what?
I have to be this way because
there's not a lot of room
for doubts on this side.
You seem to be doubting
enough for both of us.
Youthe--it's on that street.
I know where it is.
Who's eaten here?
What's good?
Uh-
- The, uh, short rib...
- Yeah.
Is insane.
Are you enrolling Sydney
in karate?
'Cause Jabbar would love
to have her in his class.
If you do that, you should
have Victor also enroll.
- Yeah.
- Wouldn't that be fun?
If all three of 'em?
And at Christmas we could do
a ufc kind of bracket.
- Yeah.
- Oh, God.
Not everything's
a competition, Crosby.
- Teach 'em karate.
- Well, no.
Everything is a competition
in the braverman household.
Right, Julia?
We love to compete, right?
Julia?
Everything's
a competition, right?
Yes, everything is a
competition with the bravermans.
Yes, that is true.
Ooh, they have burrata.
I'm getting burrata for sure
to kick things off.
- Mmm.
- Yeah.
Oh, my gosh.
You remember when I said,
"oh, I can't wait
to get the burrata."
And her mom said,
"what's burrata?"
I'm like, "oh, it's just
really tender...
Very soft."
I said, "well, if you--"
Um...
Can you order me
just--whatever?
- Yeah.
- Pardon me. I'm so sorry.
- You mean to drink or--
- And eat.
Whatever.
Is everything okay?
What's, um--
what's that about?
Uh...
We had a really great day.
Yeah.
Hey.
Oh.
Hi.
Buddy, what's going on?
You're upset we're ordering
the short ribs?
Is that what's going on?
- I'm just jealous.
- You're jealous?
What's happening?
No.
Oh, God, cros.
Um, it's just hard
with Victor, so...
Like, what, um, specifically?
Like, you know, we've had
all this time together
and it just doesn't seem like
we're progressing, you know?
He just--I'm not
being over-dramatic.
He just doesn't like me
at--at this point,
and it's so hard to see
that that's gonna change.
And I-I don't--I don't know.
Joel is fine.
They're great.
They have no problems.
But, you know, if I don't see
something that tells me
that some day, maybe, we can
have a loving relationship,
then, you know...
Then I shouldn't be his mom,
because he should be able
to have that with someone.
Listen, do you want my 2¢?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Yeah.
When Jasmine came
and dropped Jabbar off,
I didn't have a single clue
on how to be a parent.
I mean, it just happened
in one second,
yet she was expecting me
to be a dad
and I didn't know what to do,
and you know who I watched?
Who I studied,
who I looked up to?
You.
Me?
You are such a good parent.
You are so patient.
You're so calm,
and you're so involved.
And I watched you,
and I could only aspire
to be as good as you.
And Victor hates you.
Okay.
You know who I hated
when I was nine years old?
Mom.
Remember, she was
on her crazy health food kick
and only put wheat germ cookies
in our lunch box?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
She was deplorable,
and I hated her.
I loved her,
but I also hated her.
But I didn't tell her
that I loved her.
I only said I hated her.
And that little guy needs you.
And he loves you,
and I know he loves you
because it's impossible
not to love you.
For real.
Listen to me.
What are you trying
to do to me?
- Hey.
- Hey.
Aren't you gonna be late?
No.
My mom took Jabbar.
Oh.
I wanted to talk to you
about what happened with her.
I feel really bad.
You don't have to say that.
But I appreciate it.
Thank you.
Appreciate what?
- That was an apology, right?
- No, it wasn't.
Why would I be apologizing?
Why would you--
I didn't do anything.
Well, maybe you'd apologize
because we were
supposed to go in
as a unified front
and confront your mother
and then right
in the middle of it,
you just pulled the ripcord
and the chute deployed
and you were gone.
Yeah, but--
I think maybe I would deserve
an apology because of that.
No, I didn't know you were
gonna come at her like that.
I didn't come at her.
Yes, you did.
You confronted her.
We had a conversation,
and then I look over and
my partner is taking a nap,
or even worse, joined her side.
- I didn't join her side, okay?
- Oh, really? Okay.
Look, just apologize.
It'll make it all right.
No, I can't.
- Yes.
- I'm not gonna apologize.
Just be the bigger man
and apologize.
- I can't--
- Okay? Please?
Sweetie, I'm--
I cannot do that.
I'm not gonna do that.
What has to happen
is you have to learn
to confront your mother.
That's what's really going on.
What?
- That is not--that's--
- That's--
that's the big issue.
- No, it's not.
When's the last time you did?
Eh?
That's the--oh, that's crazy?
That's crazy talk?
When's the last time
you confronted your mom?
You're on the right side
of this argument.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
How are you?
I'm good.
How are you?
- I'm good.
- Come in.
- Oh.
- My place is wrecked 'cause--
I know, I know, I know.
That's okay.
We could, uh--we could
just talk about it out here.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You look great.
- Thanks.
- Beautiful.
- Um...
- And why'd you swing by?
- It's a surprise.
- Right. Yes.
Because I just wanted to...
Check up on you.
- Oh.
- See how you were doing.
Say hi.
I know you've been
hanging out with zeek.
That's probably fun.
Having some playdates.
- He's a good hang.
- Yeah, he's a great hang.
That's cool.
He told me you, um,
talked to Joel.
You went back and apologized.
And I just thought
that was, like, very--
No, I-I went back.
I wasn't trying
to work my way--
- I know.
- No, really.
- No, I-I get it.
- Okay.
I get it, I was just
actually gonna say
that I was proud of you.
Yeah, I went back
and asked him for my job back.
Wow.
It didn't--
it didn't work out.
Sounds like
the attitude of a quitter.
- Me?
- Yeah!
If you want the job,
you should go back there.
And, I mean, did you
passionately tell him--
Yes! I mean,
I didn't, like...
Get on my knees and kiss
his hand or any--
I'm just saying, I think
if you wanted the job,
you could get it back.
I made it very clear.
Mm, take it from somebody
who has experience
bribing Joel.
It's--it's doable.
You just gotta get
a very honest look on your face
and bring some treats.
I think it could work
and, you know,
what's the worst
that could happen?
It's so cold.
Do you wanna--
- I can't.
- Okay.
Well, I...
I should go.
Yeah, it's really good
to see you.
You too.
Well...
See you soon.
I hope so.
Bye.
Can I wear slippers to school?
No, you can't wear
your slippers to school.
Well, they're warm.
Well, they're slippers.
Wear your slippers to school.
Really?
- Yes.
- Yay!
Can I wear my slippers
to school?
Do you want to wear
your slippers to school?
- No.
- Good.
Hey, Victor.
Yes?
Um, come here.
I already did my homework.
It's fine.
Good. Um...
That's not what I wanted
to talk to you about, though.
Joel--your dad--and I
are going to choose
a date next week
to finalize your adoption.
You know what that means?
Not really.
Okay...
Uh... That means we're
gonna go to court,
all of us together.
And we're gonna stand
in front of a judge,
and we will promise
to take care of you.
And we'll probably sign
some papers
and then we will be
your mom and dad...
From now on.
Does that sound good to you?
Sure.
I'm gonna go get my backpack.
Okay.
You sure?
Nope. Heh.
But you know...
So next Tuesday, there will be
a parent education seminar
on new approaches
to learning math,
led by Dr. Arroyo,
and anyone interested
can show up at 6:00,
no need to rsvp.
Now, our final order
of business
is a proposal
by Kristina braverman
that we bring back
the vending machine
that was here last year.
I'm confused.
That matter's settled.
We voted on it last year.
I agree.
So why are we
talking about it again?
- I am not sure.
- Sorry, guys.
I just--I don't get
to many of these meetings,
but it thought that--
can I just talk out loud?
Yeah.
Come on up, Kristina.
I'mokay.
I have--
I just wrote some notes
that maybe I could just
share with you guys,
just to give you a better
understanding.
Look, I understand the reasons
why you want them
out of the school.
Okay? I get that.
So why are we having
this conversation?
Well, we're talking about this
for a couple of reasons.
Well, first of all, I found out
that the extra money
from the vending machines
went to support programs
like art and music
and helped fund the p.E.
Right?
- That's right.
- That's right.
And now we don't have that.
Okay?
Last year alone,
we brought in...
$12,400, it generated.
Okay.
So there's a gaping hole
in the budget.
I'm sorry to hear about
a missing art class.
But I don't see why
my daughter's allowance
should be responsible
for taking care of that.
Okay, I understand all
of that, but here's the thing.
Your daughter's allowance
may be going somewhere else.
At least we have
some control in the school.
What's happening is that
our kids are buying junk food.
And they're buying
more junk food
from convenience stores
because it's cheaper there.
And our school is losing funds
because we don't have
that vending machine.
So we really haven't solved
the problem, you guys.
We've just sort of,
like, moved it.
Yep.
And that's not helping anybody.
So this is what I propose.
I propose that we bring back
the vending machines,
and we offer the kids
healthy choices.
We fill those vending machines
with fruits and vegetables
and low-sugar choices
and healthy foods.
- Do they have those?
- Oh, God, yeah.
The have those.
Other schools have those.
I've looked into it.
Do they carry diet Pepsi?
Because I'm gonna be honest,
after fifth period,
I would do anything
for a cold diet Pepsi.
Don't know,
but I will look into it.
Hank.
Hey.
Hey.
Yeah, she's, uh...
She's not in right now.
Oh, I-I came
to talk to you, actually.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
All right.
You wanna--
you wanna go inside?
Oh, no, that's okay.
Um, I just, uh...
You know, the more
I think about...
Everything that happened
with me and Sarah,
the more I realize that...
What you did was--
was calculated
and manipulative
and cowardly--
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
I don't know--
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Well, you--
you kissed her.
You kissed her when you knew
that we were engaged.
Are you gonna deny that?
- All right, look--
- Okay, so no.
You're not gonna deny it,
so you think it's okay
to kiss another man's fiancee?
Listen, listen, listen.
I don't calculate
to kiss anybody. Okay?
So just relax and maybe
walk around the block once--
I don't need to take a walk
around the block.
I-I'm fine.
I just came here to tell you
that I am still in love
with Sarah,
and I'm going to be
the classy guy
that you never were
and tell you to your face
that I'm planning
on taking her back.
Oh, no, there he is.
The guy that cost us all a grand
in a single day.
That's me.
You cost me a grand every day.
- What are you talking about?
- I'm just looking out for you.
- He's dangerous.
- Would you go
make yourself useful
or something?
Sorry.
Uh, listen, I really
struck the wrong note
with you last time.
I'm sorry about that.
Oh, you were fine.
No, I, um...
I'm not asking for my job back.
I just didn't want things
to be weird here.
I appreciate that.
That's--that's not weird.
It's ballsy of you
to come back.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Donuts.
Did Amber tell you
I like donuts?
I have a source.
I can't tell you who it is.
Yeah. Oh, man.
You nailed it.
Thank you.
Thank you. Um...
You're a really good guy,
and--and I'm so glad
that you hired me
in the first place, and then...
You know...
No hard feelings.
Yeah.
None whatsoever.
Thanks.
Hey. Ryan?
You got gloves in your car?
Yes, sir.
Then go get 'em.
I'm gonna teach you how to
sweat some pipe.
- Really? Ohh!
- All right.
Thank you so much!
Okay, I'll be--
I'll be right back.
Yeah.
That's just
a "yabba-dabba-doo"
that you've added a "g" to.
Scrabba-dabba-do!
Yeah, that's not original.
That's stolen.
Scrabba-dabba-do!
You stole that
from Fred flintstone.
He's like, "ooh!"
Got your plate ready for you.
Thank you.
But if you don't mind,
I'm just going to eat my dinner
in my room.
Wait. Why?
You know, it, uh,
it just seems like
it might be better for me
to not interfere with things.
Mom, you're not interfering
with anything.
Please just sit down
and eat with us, please?
I'm gonna have my dinner
in my room.
You're not gonna
eat with us, grandma?
No, but I am going to come in
and say good night
to my baby boy later.
Okay?
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Hmm. Mm-hmm.
Mmhmm.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I got the donu,
even though you told me--
- good!
Listen, I saw mark.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I saw him right outside.
I, uh--
Okay, sorry.
What is he--
He was just waiting for me.
You know, I--
Waiting for you?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Why?
He'd been out there
I don't know how long.
But, uh...
He told me he wanted
to win you back.
Yeah.
Okay.
So I don't know.
You know, I don't know.
I'm just telling you.
I'm just telling you
what happened.
He, uh, basically...
Challenged me to a duel
maybe or something, which--
- I'm sorry, I did--
I had no, uh--
I don't know what to say.
Yeah, you had the coffee
with him, and then...
- Oh, my God.
- He came over.
No, I'm just saying.
I didn't, uh,
do anything magical
in our coffee that would
make him say that.
You told him about the kiss.
Why did you tell him
about the kiss?
I
I don't understand
what's happening here.
I'm just asking why would you
tell him something like that?
No, you're not just asking,
you're--
why would I tell him
something like that?
Because, at the time,
we were engaged.
And he asked if I ever
cheated on him with you,
and I didn't,
so I wanted to tell him
the one thing that did happen.
And I don't know why
that's upsetting to you.
It's upsetting.
I don't want this.
I don't want this.
I don't want to be
the jealous guy.
I don't want to be involved
in this drama.
I didn't want this.
I didn't want anything.
Okay, well, you don't
have to have it.
No, but--but--but--
li--but--
it happened.
I didn't calculate it.
I didn't manipulate it.
It happened.
- Well, no one was accusing--
- And I like it, I like it!
- Oh, you do like it?
- Yeah, yes!
Okay, thanks. I didn't know.
I wasn't sure.
But I don't like...
I don't like where
it's gonna end up.
Howwhere is it gonna end up?
Because I can see,
I can see what's happening.
I know...
I'm screwed, I just--
Why?
- Because.
- Why do you say that?
Because I'm into this.
Okay. I...
Never heard that
from you before.
And--where you going now?
I gotta go.
I gotta go.
I gotta think this--
I gotta--
- don't go!
- Listen.
"I'm into this," and walk away?
That's--
you can't do both.
- You gotta figure it out.
- Why do I have to figure--
- I don't know
what you're doing, but--
- what do I have to figure out?
You gotta figure out
what you want!
Am I not here
doing this with you?
Why are you walking
away from me? Please!
I know what I want.
He knows what he wants.
You gotta figure out
what you want.
- Max! Max!
- What?
- You're loud.
- Max, come with me.
You've gotta see this.
No, I have two books
to return to the library.
- Max, it's back.
- What is?
The vending machine.
It's outside, Max.
♪ I wanna rest in peace,
I wanna dance in joy ♪
- No running!
- Move!
♪ I wanna dance in the
graveyards, the graveyards ♪
♪ and when I'm alive,
I don't wanna be alone ♪
♪ mourning the ones
yes!
Yes!
Oh, my God, I did it.
I did--I really--
I got--
yes! Yes!
Yes!
♪ I wanna live
♪ and we will walk beyond
♪ our daughters and sons
♪ they will carry on
♪ like when we were young
♪ we will stand beside
♪ and breathe in their
new life ♪
- We cannot have her living here.
She's gonna take control
of everything.
Where's the vending machine?
They took it away last June.
If elected as president,
I will bring back
the vending machines
that used to be in our school.
It was hard for me
to see you with Hank.
I feel like I gave up
too easily
and I should have
fought for you.
Get out of my room!
I hate you!
Hey, don't talk
to your mom like that.
She's not my mom!
Is not going through
with the adoption
something
that you're considering?
I don't know
if I can do it anymore.
Hello?
Wait.
Yeah?
Are you--are you home?
Okay--yeah.
Why don't you meet me at that
place around the corner there?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'll be--
I'll be right there.
Who was that?
- Uh...
- What time is it?
Yeah, don't worry, Millie.
Everything's okay.
It's just, uh--
you go back to sleep, honey.
What's going on, Ryan?
I can't sleep.
I never sleep, you know?
Just stare at the ceiling and
then if I do sleep, I wake up.
I'm--my heart's pounding,
I'm sweating like an idiot,
I'm--I'm freaking out
like I got something
I'm supposed to be doing.
I don't know.
It's not working, man.
You know, I'm waiting
for everything to get better
and it's not.
I'm just stuck.
So that's it?
You're stuck?
Well, what are you
gonna do about it?
You start with a little thing.
I mean,
however inconsequential it is.
I mean--
Like what?
I don't know.
Something small.
Something that you
can take care of.
Something that you can control.
Beginning, middle, end.
Task completed.
Jabbar,
let's get your shoes on.
We have to be out the door
in five minutes.
The boy's gotta eat
his breakfast.
Yeah, buddy, you know what?
Why don't you eat your eggs
while you're doing
your cards, okay?
I don't want eggs.
What do you mean
you don't want eggs?
It's got cheese and mushrooms
and zucchini--
I don't want mushrooms.
I want a breakfast bar.
Jabbar, your father
just made you some healthy...
- Just eat.
- Breakfast.
But I like
breakfast bars better.
Look, as long as he gets
some calories in his body,
I guess it's okay with me.
Yeah, we--you know,
we're just pressed for time.
He doesn't eat
like this all the time.
Yeah, I do.
- No, you don't.
- What?
That's--he does not
eat like that all the time.
I just know
that an hour from now
someone's in
for a major sugar crash.
Bye.
Come on, put your shoes on.
Here.
Don't waste 'em.
Sarah.
Hi.
I was dropping off drew's term
paper--um, history paper.
He left it at home.
It's due today.
And you're a good mom.
You had no choice.
Do you know where to--
Yeah.
- Okay.
- Thanks.
All right.
Um, I should probably get to--
- I don't wanna keep you.
It's okay. Yeah.
I, um--
- it's okay.
No, I-I just--
it's so--it's so awkward.
I'm sorry, I-I--
It's gonna be awkward.
Would--okay, would you--
would you want to maybe
just get together at some point
and just talk all this through?
Or just--I don't know.
Yeah.
I mean, I thought
you didn't wanna...
- No, I-I do.
- Talk to me.
And I--and I know
that you're moving on
and I am too, but I-I still
really care about you...
And, um--
- are you late?
II am now technically late.
But I don't know.
Just something to get some--
- yeah.
I think
that would be really nice.
All right.
Now I really am late.
Okay. Thanks.
See you.
♪ Nora, I adore ya
♪ I adore ya, Nora
- that's awful.
- What do you think?
That's a good little song.
Your v-it's the tone.
♪ I adore ya, Nora
go higher.
♪ I adore ya
I can't go to cedar knoll
middle school anymore.
It is a fascist state!
- Whoa, hey, Max, take it easy.
- Buddy, what is happening?
Mr. Mason said
that we can't bring back
the vending machine anymore,
that I have to give up.
Wait, what?
I'm sure that's
very disappointing--
- it's not fair, okay?
- Calm down.
I won--I won the election.
That means the kids
voted for me to do this.
They absolutely 100% did.
So this is what we're gonna do.
Listen, we're gonna
talk to the school
and see if we can change
some of the rules, right?
No, it has nothing
to do with the rules.
- That's what's fair.
- It's the pta.
It's the parent totalitarian
association.
I did everything
I was supposed to do!
- Yes, you did.
- Okay.
I wrote a letter,
I got the signatures, I--
- calm down for a second.
- Max.
I can't go
to that school anymore.
You guys have to find me
a new school to go to.
He's not wrong.
How long you been up?
I think all night.
Oh, honey.
Oh.
Your brain is like
a hamster in a wheel.
You just don't
even need coffee.
You start thinking and...
You're up.
Hey.
I just keep trying to tell
myself that it's gonna be okay,
but I don't know that.
I don't know.
I don't know
if it's gonna work.
Ever.
- We should finalize it.
- What?
I think we should finalize it.
You know,
just talk to the lawyers,
file the paperwork,
dot the "I"s, cross the "t"s.
You know, if there's anything
that's gonna tell our boy
that he's a part of this family,
that's it.
I just think we need to,
you know, just take the leap.
You do, huh?
Yeah.
I really do.
I just--
I'm sure of it.
I wish I were.
♪ May God bless
and keep you always ♪
♪ and may your wishes
all come true ♪
♪ may you always do
for others ♪
♪ and let others do for you
♪ may you build a ladder
to the stars ♪
♪ and climb on every rung
♪ and may you stay
♪ forever young
♪ may you grow up
to be righteous ♪
♪ may you grow up to be true ♪
♪ may you always know
the truth ♪
♪ and see the lights
surrounding you ♪
♪ may you always be
courageous ♪
♪ stand upright and be strong ♪
♪ and may you stay
♪ forever young
♪ may you stay
♪ forever young
that energy, like, all that--
And I'd just be like--you just
do whatever I said, you know?
Because you're the only girl
and they wanna please you.
Hi.
Hi!
- How are you?
- Hi. Good.
- So good to see you.
- Good to see you.
- Good to see you too.
- You're Max's mom, right?
Yes, we met
at your jewelry party.
- Oh.
- You make jewelry.
I'm Kristina.
How is your son doing?
And how are you feeling?
He's great.
We're all great.
Great.
You know, I actually wanted to
talk to you guys about something
because I think
that you're the ladies
that headed the initiative
for the vending machines
to be taken out of the school.
Am I right?
Ooh.
That was such a battle.
But it was so worth it.
I mean, it took two weeks
of phone trees,
but we finally got it done.
Right, so, I know this might
sound so crazy to you guys
because you fought so hard to
get them out of the school,
but my son Max ran
for student council president
and he won...
Congratulations.
And he promised the student
body--thank you very much--
that he would bring back
the vending machines.
It was sort of his platform.
He's--for the kids.
And I would just want you guys
to reconsider maybe just--
Kristina, I appreciate
all the issues
you might be facing
with your son.
But you cannot
possibly be advocating
to put back into our schools
more sugar
and high calorie junk.
Well, I'm sorry, Kristina,
but you have no idea
how hard we worked to get
that vending machine out.
Really hard.
We're going to
have to agree to disagree.
I have these, um,
proofs I went through,
but I'm sure you wanna go...
- Is that mortenson?
- Through them yourself--mm-hmm.
That's today, right?
They weren't--they didn't--
The messenger's coming
at 4:00 to pick 'em up, yes.
4:00?
Uhhuh.
I can move it.
No, leave it.
I like a--I like a deadline.
Hey, so, um, also tomorrow,
I'm gonna have coffee with mark.
Really?
It's no big deal,
it's just coffee,
but I wanted to tell you.
All right.
How did that come about?
He asked and just wanted
to clear the air and...
- Yeah, all right, I mean--
- Have closure.
Hmm.
- Is that funny?
- No, it's a little--
I mean--the whole thing's
a little weird,
but, um, that's,
you know, it's your--
Of cour--
it's weird for me too,
but I thought
I should tell you.
I guess--
I guess to each his own.
- What?
- I just don't, uh--
You wouldn't do it?
Look, do what
you gotta do, I guess.
All right?
15 guys waiting on us.
So--but if you can't
get me lumber by Monday,
tell me now, because
I'm gonna find someone who can.
Okay, well, f-figure it out
and call me back.
Hey.
Sorry if this isn't
a good time, I just--
No, it's okay.
What can I do for you?
Uh, I'd like to have
my job back, please.
Uh...
Look, uh, Ryan,
I'm sure you're a great guy,
but under the circumstances,
I say we just chalk it up
to a situation
that didn't work out, you know?
But if you need references,
I'll be happy to give you one.
No, I don't need--
I don't need a reference,
like your sympathy or whatever.
I know that I messed
something up.
I shouldn't have walked off,
and I know that I cost you
a lot of money.
I'm coming back to you to say...
That's okay.
To take responsibility
for what I did.
Look, these things
happen on sites.
It's not a big deal.
So let me fix it.
You can dock my pay.
I'll work for free
until it's paid off.
I'm sorry.
The answer is no.
I don't even
get a chance to--
don't you see
that I'm trying to fix it here?
You had a chance.
You had a chance, Ryan.
I don't have the time...
Wow, okay.
To train somebody.
All right.
Amber?
I think that dough
is flat enough.
Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm okay.
I'm just, like,
thinking about some things.
Yeah.
Ryan?
Yeah.
What, has he been calling you
at 3:00 A.M. too?
No.
Why?
Did he call you guys?
Well, you know, zeek's been...
Working with him.
You know, looking out for him.
And that sounds bad.
Is it--is he okay?
Oh, no, no, no.
He's--no, he's fine.
He's moving
in the right direction.
He just still has an awful lot
of stuff to work out,
that's all.
I wish there was anything
I could do to help him.
Well, try not to make it
your burden.
It's not.
You know?
Take it off those shoulders.
And, uh, come on, let's get
these pies in the oven.
Come on.
Okay. All right.
I'm ready.
Okay, there you go.
Good night.
I love you.
It's exactly what I said,
Marlene.
- All these kids are going to...
- Hey. What? Uh-
The convenience store to buy a
bunch of junk, which our kids--
What's going on?
- You drumming?
- Yeah-on their way to school
or coming back from school,
they're buying a bunch of junk.
And they're spending money
at the convenience store
anyway.
So why not just put it
into our school
and have
healthier snack--exactly.
Thanks so much, Eileen.
I will call you tomorrow,
and tell Gladys the war is on.
- Wow.
- Oh, yeah.
- The war room.
- It's go time.
Is this, uh, is this
what I think it's about?
I'm just trying to gather
some information...
- Yeah? Vending-gate?
- For the pta meeting.
Oh, I see, you're gonna go
into this pta meeting
as a lobbyist
for candy and chocolate.
- Uh-huh. I am.
- Uh-huh.
You say it
like it's a bad thing.
I'm going in to--
There's nothing wrong
with a little bit
of candy and chocolate.
- Right?
- I'm just trying
to wrap my head around what
you're thinking here,
because Max will be okay
if he doesn't get
the vending machine back.
Yeah, I know
he'll be okay, Adam.
This is the one thing
that I can have control over
and help with, and I'm not
letting this die for him.
So there you go.
Okay.
- Hey.
- Oh, hey.
You reading comic books?
Yeah, I'm trying to stay
relevant in Jabbar's life
by keeping up
with the cool stuff.
Where is everybody?
Uh, he's at a playdate
with Miles.
And your mother--
you're gonna love this--
is grocery shopping for healthy
and nutritious food for him
because she didn't feel
there was any in the house.
You're kidding.
- No, I'm not kidding.
- Oh, God.
I'm surprised you didn't
bump into her there
unless she went
to some crazy organic joint.
Baby, I'm sorry.
I know being criticized
is not fun
and my mother
is a master at it, so--
Look, if she wants
to criticize us
about the religious thing,
I get it.
That's very important to her.
But her micromanaging
what we're feeding our son?
I'm not cool with it.
I know.
Look, we're the parents.
If we wanna feed him motor oil
for breakfast, we can do that.
That's our right.
She had, you know,
her chance with you.
We need to talk to her.
Iyou know, I really
don't wanna argue with her
about this stuff, you know?
It's not--
Okay, I'm not suggesting
that we argue with her,
but what I'm saying is
as two adults
we need to sit down
with her and go,
"hey, here are our boundaries
as parents.
We don't want to be criticized
every morning when we wake up."
That's fair.
No fighting, just, hey,
here are our--you know.
No fighting?
Absolutely no fighting.
- You promise?
- I promise.
II had about a full minute
of thinking at first
that this kiis,
like, a secret genius.
Like, he just--he hasn't had
anything to offer in class.
Suddenly. Maybe
it's because of your teaching.
Yeah, I've--I've--
I've opened him up.
He just really--yeah, yeah.
And then the further
I got into his essay,
I started to recognize
some of the ideas.
It's the essay that Harold bloom
wrote in the back of the book.
I can't believe they think they
can just get away with that.
I wonder if that happens
in photography.
If, you know, if--I don't know,
people find some old print
and try to pretend
it's theirs or something.
- I'm sure...
- Yeah.
If you have the negatives,
I guess you could
prove it that way.
Nobody uses negatives anymore.
Oh, yeah, that's true.
Digital.
It's almost a different art,
you know, to do.
- It is. Yeah.
- Have to learn both of them.
Been learning a lot about it.
How's that--
how's that all been going?
- Good.
- Yeah?
- Mm-hmm.
- Good.
Is--how's Hank?
Good.
You guys are still
seeing each other, right?
- Um--
- You don't have to--
No, but I--uh, we're seeing
each other, I guess.
Um, it's definitely not
the timing
I would have chosen and...
- Mm-hmm.
- It's...
When I--when I heard
about it, I was a little...
- Of course.
- Surprised and I got--
But everything I told you,
you know,
I wasn't--
there was no overlap.
There was no sneaking around.
It's--I just--
and it didn't have--
- it's not the reason that...
- Yeah.
- You know, we--
- Well, that's--that's...
That's nice to hear.
I believed you,
I just, you know--
- Yeah.
- By myself, afterwards,
I started to question
everything, but no.
Thank you for telling me that.
There was this thing in the
dark room that was months ago.
But he kissed me--
we were developing a photograph.
I barely knew him and--he--
it was n--it was quick
and this odd thing and I didn't
say anything because--
Wh--this is while
we were together?
Yeah, but now when I look back,
I think, oh,
I should have told you.
And I-I should have known
there was something
at least on his end, you know?
- Yeah, on his end.
- That I should have told you...
That part.
Yeah.
Well, as we get into
this completion process
and move towards finalizing
Victor's adoption,
I need answers
to a few questions
so we can set a hearing date.
Once the date's been set,
you'll appear in court
with Victor
for a finalization hearing,
and you will be granted
the order of adoption.
Wow. Amazing.
All right.
And Victor's doing well?
He is.
He really is, yeah.
Oh, that's great.
I'm waiting for he and Sydney
to find their relationship.
You know, find that--
that kind of sibling rhythm.
Well, they're getting there.
They're not there yet, yeah.
- Well--
- But--yeah.
He's into baseball.
He's a shortstop.
Um, he, uh, has made a lot of
really great friends at school.
- Fantastic.
- He's a grade behind in math.
Yeah, but he used to be
two grades behind,
so that's not as big a deal
as it was.
- Right.
- Yeah.
Well, how would you describe.
Victor's adjustment
to your home?
- It's been great--
- Oh, well...
Yeah, it's--it's--it's good.
It's--there have been
some bumps in the road.
Well, that's normal.
- That's what I keep saying.
- Right.
It's absolutely normal.
Uh, you know, he's a great kid.
He's, uh, really funny
and he's a little shy at first,
but he's not withdrawn.
He's just--
He doesn't love me.
Julia.
It's a relevant statement
that I wanna make,
and it's a concern that I have
and it's been ongoing.
- It's a--
- You know this.
It's a feeling you have.
You don't know that.
It's not a feeling that I have.
He never says anything
to the effect of having
any affection for me.
He's not going to say
anything--he's a boy.
Well, any kind
of affection whatsoever.
And I know we keep saying
he needs more time,
but just how much more time--
You know what,
I think the two of you
need to take a little more time
to talk about this.
- I don't think--no, no.
- That might be a good idea.
I don't think
we need to do that.
Uh, from where I sit,
it never hurts
to take the time,
because adoption
is a very big deal.
And just to say, you wouldn't
be the first people
in the world
to change your minds.
- Hey, mom.
- Oh.
Oh, it's unusual that you both
are home so early.
Yeah, I even got to
pick her up from school.
- Yeah.
- Oh, nice.
Mom, we'd like to talk to you
about something
if now's a good time.
Absolutely.
Yeah.
Go ahead.
Um, yeah, we were thinking--
you know, both of us
have been thinking that, um--
you know what,
before we even get into that,
I just wanna say that we love
having you here.
It's--it's--it's been
really fun.
Yes. We do.
We love it, mom.
Thank you.
I love being here.
Great.
Yeah, we really like it.
Um, which is not to say that
it's not without its challenges.
Um...
Is this about the bathroom?
No, it's not.
No, it's, um, it's about
Jabbar specifically.
Yes.
There have been times
where we felt criticized.
Um, the other morning
at breakfast.
So you're upset
because I pointed out
that Jabbar shouldn't be
subsisting on sugar and starch?
- Well--
- Not--
- We feed him other things.
- We do.
Okay. All right.
So you do know that I just have
my grandson's best interests
at heart, right?
Of course, of course, mom.
We know that.
Nobody's questioning
your love for Jabbar
or your dedication to him.
What we're saying is
it doesn't feel very nice
to be judged every time
we make a decision.
It's not a nice feeling.
Okay.
- All right.
- Well, I--well, I'm sorry.
Okay?
I'm sorry.
Is that okay?
Yeah.
But I gotta tell you
that from over here,
sometimes it appears like the
inmates are running the asylum.
- Oh, is that what it...
- Mom, that's not fair.
Appears like to you?
- Well, I know--
- That's not fair.
From your lofty perch of--
Jabbar should be in bed
at 8:00 during weeknights,
period, right?
- He--what--he is in bed...
- He is, he is.
Every night at 8:00
on weeknights.
Yes, unless he asks
to see a movie with you.
Okay, there have been a couple
of times when that's happened,
but that's not the norm.
You're trying to make
the exception the norm,
and this is exactly
what I'm talking about.
I don't need to be in
a shouting match with you
about Jabbar's bed time.
No one's shouting.
That's our decision.
Are you aware
that for five years
before you came into
Jabbar's life,
there was a system of discipline
because kids need discipline.
Discipline will be
administered the way we see fit,
not the way you see fit.
That's how it's gonna go down,
okay?
Just everyone--
We don't need to be fighting
about this.
This isn't--
you don't have a right--
So let's stop fighting.
Listen--okay.
- Hold on.
- No, no, no.
- I'm not fighting.
- I know, I know.
No, no, you're right.
You're judging.
You're busy judging
with your little comments...
No, she's not, Crosby.
Crosby!
In a very subdued,
calculated manner,
I would say.
Please. Enough.
In a subdued,
calculated manner?
- No.
- See? Even slower. Great.
Just stop, okay?
Look, you're right.
We should be
more consistent with Jabbar.
Especially when it comes
to his bedtime. Okay?
She's right?
- It's really not a big deal.
- Oh.
So can we not make it?
Just.
Okay.
I'm the one that's crazy.
- No, it's just...
- Yeah. Nope.
- This really isn't a--
- You're both right.
- It's not really a big deal.
- I'm gonna let you guys
make all future decisions.
Invite me to his graduation.
Crosby.
So why did you call
the adoption lawyer without me?
I've already told this to you.
She called me.
I returned her call.
All right,
what did you talk about?
What was the conversation?
Nothing.
She--I basically said
that the last time we met,
you just had a momentary lapse,
you know, you got cold feet.
That's all.
I just had cold feet.
That's all.
Yep.
- Yes, honey, it's--
- That's just--
can you stop trying
to shame me into this?
- Shame you?
- Yes!
You are because...
Are you kidding me?
It's just me.
Because it's me
that he's not bonding with.
- It's not just you.
- It's just me
that has
any kind of doubts about it.
- I don--
- It's just me.
It's all me.
Are you kidding me?
You know, I have doubts too.
- No, you don't!
- Yes.
Don't just--don't try to make
me feel better that way.
That's stupid.
It doesn't work.
Okay.
Well, you know what?
I have to be this way because
there's not a lot of room
for doubts on this side.
You seem to be doubting
enough for both of us.
Youthe--it's on that street.
I know where it is.
Who's eaten here?
What's good?
Uh-
- The, uh, short rib...
- Yeah.
Is insane.
Are you enrolling Sydney
in karate?
'Cause Jabbar would love
to have her in his class.
If you do that, you should
have Victor also enroll.
- Yeah.
- Wouldn't that be fun?
If all three of 'em?
And at Christmas we could do
a ufc kind of bracket.
- Yeah.
- Oh, God.
Not everything's
a competition, Crosby.
- Teach 'em karate.
- Well, no.
Everything is a competition
in the braverman household.
Right, Julia?
We love to compete, right?
Julia?
Everything's
a competition, right?
Yes, everything is a
competition with the bravermans.
Yes, that is true.
Ooh, they have burrata.
I'm getting burrata for sure
to kick things off.
- Mmm.
- Yeah.
Oh, my gosh.
You remember when I said,
"oh, I can't wait
to get the burrata."
And her mom said,
"what's burrata?"
I'm like, "oh, it's just
really tender...
Very soft."
I said, "well, if you--"
Um...
Can you order me
just--whatever?
- Yeah.
- Pardon me. I'm so sorry.
- You mean to drink or--
- And eat.
Whatever.
Is everything okay?
What's, um--
what's that about?
Uh...
We had a really great day.
Yeah.
Hey.
Oh.
Hi.
Buddy, what's going on?
You're upset we're ordering
the short ribs?
Is that what's going on?
- I'm just jealous.
- You're jealous?
What's happening?
No.
Oh, God, cros.
Um, it's just hard
with Victor, so...
Like, what, um, specifically?
Like, you know, we've had
all this time together
and it just doesn't seem like
we're progressing, you know?
He just--I'm not
being over-dramatic.
He just doesn't like me
at--at this point,
and it's so hard to see
that that's gonna change.
And I-I don't--I don't know.
Joel is fine.
They're great.
They have no problems.
But, you know, if I don't see
something that tells me
that some day, maybe, we can
have a loving relationship,
then, you know...
Then I shouldn't be his mom,
because he should be able
to have that with someone.
Listen, do you want my 2¢?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
Yeah.
When Jasmine came
and dropped Jabbar off,
I didn't have a single clue
on how to be a parent.
I mean, it just happened
in one second,
yet she was expecting me
to be a dad
and I didn't know what to do,
and you know who I watched?
Who I studied,
who I looked up to?
You.
Me?
You are such a good parent.
You are so patient.
You're so calm,
and you're so involved.
And I watched you,
and I could only aspire
to be as good as you.
And Victor hates you.
Okay.
You know who I hated
when I was nine years old?
Mom.
Remember, she was
on her crazy health food kick
and only put wheat germ cookies
in our lunch box?
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
She was deplorable,
and I hated her.
I loved her,
but I also hated her.
But I didn't tell her
that I loved her.
I only said I hated her.
And that little guy needs you.
And he loves you,
and I know he loves you
because it's impossible
not to love you.
For real.
Listen to me.
What are you trying
to do to me?
- Hey.
- Hey.
Aren't you gonna be late?
No.
My mom took Jabbar.
Oh.
I wanted to talk to you
about what happened with her.
I feel really bad.
You don't have to say that.
But I appreciate it.
Thank you.
Appreciate what?
- That was an apology, right?
- No, it wasn't.
Why would I be apologizing?
Why would you--
I didn't do anything.
Well, maybe you'd apologize
because we were
supposed to go in
as a unified front
and confront your mother
and then right
in the middle of it,
you just pulled the ripcord
and the chute deployed
and you were gone.
Yeah, but--
I think maybe I would deserve
an apology because of that.
No, I didn't know you were
gonna come at her like that.
I didn't come at her.
Yes, you did.
You confronted her.
We had a conversation,
and then I look over and
my partner is taking a nap,
or even worse, joined her side.
- I didn't join her side, okay?
- Oh, really? Okay.
Look, just apologize.
It'll make it all right.
No, I can't.
- Yes.
- I'm not gonna apologize.
Just be the bigger man
and apologize.
- I can't--
- Okay? Please?
Sweetie, I'm--
I cannot do that.
I'm not gonna do that.
What has to happen
is you have to learn
to confront your mother.
That's what's really going on.
What?
- That is not--that's--
- That's--
that's the big issue.
- No, it's not.
When's the last time you did?
Eh?
That's the--oh, that's crazy?
That's crazy talk?
When's the last time
you confronted your mom?
You're on the right side
of this argument.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
How are you?
I'm good.
How are you?
- I'm good.
- Come in.
- Oh.
- My place is wrecked 'cause--
I know, I know, I know.
That's okay.
We could, uh--we could
just talk about it out here.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
You look great.
- Thanks.
- Beautiful.
- Um...
- And why'd you swing by?
- It's a surprise.
- Right. Yes.
Because I just wanted to...
Check up on you.
- Oh.
- See how you were doing.
Say hi.
I know you've been
hanging out with zeek.
That's probably fun.
Having some playdates.
- He's a good hang.
- Yeah, he's a great hang.
That's cool.
He told me you, um,
talked to Joel.
You went back and apologized.
And I just thought
that was, like, very--
No, I-I went back.
I wasn't trying
to work my way--
- I know.
- No, really.
- No, I-I get it.
- Okay.
I get it, I was just
actually gonna say
that I was proud of you.
Yeah, I went back
and asked him for my job back.
Wow.
It didn't--
it didn't work out.
Sounds like
the attitude of a quitter.
- Me?
- Yeah!
If you want the job,
you should go back there.
And, I mean, did you
passionately tell him--
Yes! I mean,
I didn't, like...
Get on my knees and kiss
his hand or any--
I'm just saying, I think
if you wanted the job,
you could get it back.
I made it very clear.
Mm, take it from somebody
who has experience
bribing Joel.
It's--it's doable.
You just gotta get
a very honest look on your face
and bring some treats.
I think it could work
and, you know,
what's the worst
that could happen?
It's so cold.
Do you wanna--
- I can't.
- Okay.
Well, I...
I should go.
Yeah, it's really good
to see you.
You too.
Well...
See you soon.
I hope so.
Bye.
Can I wear slippers to school?
No, you can't wear
your slippers to school.
Well, they're warm.
Well, they're slippers.
Wear your slippers to school.
Really?
- Yes.
- Yay!
Can I wear my slippers
to school?
Do you want to wear
your slippers to school?
- No.
- Good.
Hey, Victor.
Yes?
Um, come here.
I already did my homework.
It's fine.
Good. Um...
That's not what I wanted
to talk to you about, though.
Joel--your dad--and I
are going to choose
a date next week
to finalize your adoption.
You know what that means?
Not really.
Okay...
Uh... That means we're
gonna go to court,
all of us together.
And we're gonna stand
in front of a judge,
and we will promise
to take care of you.
And we'll probably sign
some papers
and then we will be
your mom and dad...
From now on.
Does that sound good to you?
Sure.
I'm gonna go get my backpack.
Okay.
You sure?
Nope. Heh.
But you know...
So next Tuesday, there will be
a parent education seminar
on new approaches
to learning math,
led by Dr. Arroyo,
and anyone interested
can show up at 6:00,
no need to rsvp.
Now, our final order
of business
is a proposal
by Kristina braverman
that we bring back
the vending machine
that was here last year.
I'm confused.
That matter's settled.
We voted on it last year.
I agree.
So why are we
talking about it again?
- I am not sure.
- Sorry, guys.
I just--I don't get
to many of these meetings,
but it thought that--
can I just talk out loud?
Yeah.
Come on up, Kristina.
I'mokay.
I have--
I just wrote some notes
that maybe I could just
share with you guys,
just to give you a better
understanding.
Look, I understand the reasons
why you want them
out of the school.
Okay? I get that.
So why are we having
this conversation?
Well, we're talking about this
for a couple of reasons.
Well, first of all, I found out
that the extra money
from the vending machines
went to support programs
like art and music
and helped fund the p.E.
Right?
- That's right.
- That's right.
And now we don't have that.
Okay?
Last year alone,
we brought in...
$12,400, it generated.
Okay.
So there's a gaping hole
in the budget.
I'm sorry to hear about
a missing art class.
But I don't see why
my daughter's allowance
should be responsible
for taking care of that.
Okay, I understand all
of that, but here's the thing.
Your daughter's allowance
may be going somewhere else.
At least we have
some control in the school.
What's happening is that
our kids are buying junk food.
And they're buying
more junk food
from convenience stores
because it's cheaper there.
And our school is losing funds
because we don't have
that vending machine.
So we really haven't solved
the problem, you guys.
We've just sort of,
like, moved it.
Yep.
And that's not helping anybody.
So this is what I propose.
I propose that we bring back
the vending machines,
and we offer the kids
healthy choices.
We fill those vending machines
with fruits and vegetables
and low-sugar choices
and healthy foods.
- Do they have those?
- Oh, God, yeah.
The have those.
Other schools have those.
I've looked into it.
Do they carry diet Pepsi?
Because I'm gonna be honest,
after fifth period,
I would do anything
for a cold diet Pepsi.
Don't know,
but I will look into it.
Hank.
Hey.
Hey.
Yeah, she's, uh...
She's not in right now.
Oh, I-I came
to talk to you, actually.
- Oh.
- Yeah.
All right.
You wanna--
you wanna go inside?
Oh, no, that's okay.
Um, I just, uh...
You know, the more
I think about...
Everything that happened
with me and Sarah,
the more I realize that...
What you did was--
was calculated
and manipulative
and cowardly--
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
I don't know--
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Well, you--
you kissed her.
You kissed her when you knew
that we were engaged.
Are you gonna deny that?
- All right, look--
- Okay, so no.
You're not gonna deny it,
so you think it's okay
to kiss another man's fiancee?
Listen, listen, listen.
I don't calculate
to kiss anybody. Okay?
So just relax and maybe
walk around the block once--
I don't need to take a walk
around the block.
I-I'm fine.
I just came here to tell you
that I am still in love
with Sarah,
and I'm going to be
the classy guy
that you never were
and tell you to your face
that I'm planning
on taking her back.
Oh, no, there he is.
The guy that cost us all a grand
in a single day.
That's me.
You cost me a grand every day.
- What are you talking about?
- I'm just looking out for you.
- He's dangerous.
- Would you go
make yourself useful
or something?
Sorry.
Uh, listen, I really
struck the wrong note
with you last time.
I'm sorry about that.
Oh, you were fine.
No, I, um...
I'm not asking for my job back.
I just didn't want things
to be weird here.
I appreciate that.
That's--that's not weird.
It's ballsy of you
to come back.
- Thanks.
- Yeah.
Donuts.
Did Amber tell you
I like donuts?
I have a source.
I can't tell you who it is.
Yeah. Oh, man.
You nailed it.
Thank you.
Thank you. Um...
You're a really good guy,
and--and I'm so glad
that you hired me
in the first place, and then...
You know...
No hard feelings.
Yeah.
None whatsoever.
Thanks.
Hey. Ryan?
You got gloves in your car?
Yes, sir.
Then go get 'em.
I'm gonna teach you how to
sweat some pipe.
- Really? Ohh!
- All right.
Thank you so much!
Okay, I'll be--
I'll be right back.
Yeah.
That's just
a "yabba-dabba-doo"
that you've added a "g" to.
Scrabba-dabba-do!
Yeah, that's not original.
That's stolen.
Scrabba-dabba-do!
You stole that
from Fred flintstone.
He's like, "ooh!"
Got your plate ready for you.
Thank you.
But if you don't mind,
I'm just going to eat my dinner
in my room.
Wait. Why?
You know, it, uh,
it just seems like
it might be better for me
to not interfere with things.
Mom, you're not interfering
with anything.
Please just sit down
and eat with us, please?
I'm gonna have my dinner
in my room.
You're not gonna
eat with us, grandma?
No, but I am going to come in
and say good night
to my baby boy later.
Okay?
- Okay.
- Thank you.
Hmm. Mm-hmm.
Mmhmm.
- Hi.
- Hey.
I got the donu,
even though you told me--
- good!
Listen, I saw mark.
- Okay.
- Yeah, I saw him right outside.
I, uh--
Okay, sorry.
What is he--
He was just waiting for me.
You know, I--
Waiting for you?
- Yeah, yeah.
- Why?
He'd been out there
I don't know how long.
But, uh...
He told me he wanted
to win you back.
Yeah.
Okay.
So I don't know.
You know, I don't know.
I'm just telling you.
I'm just telling you
what happened.
He, uh, basically...
Challenged me to a duel
maybe or something, which--
- I'm sorry, I did--
I had no, uh--
I don't know what to say.
Yeah, you had the coffee
with him, and then...
- Oh, my God.
- He came over.
No, I'm just saying.
I didn't, uh,
do anything magical
in our coffee that would
make him say that.
You told him about the kiss.
Why did you tell him
about the kiss?
I
I don't understand
what's happening here.
I'm just asking why would you
tell him something like that?
No, you're not just asking,
you're--
why would I tell him
something like that?
Because, at the time,
we were engaged.
And he asked if I ever
cheated on him with you,
and I didn't,
so I wanted to tell him
the one thing that did happen.
And I don't know why
that's upsetting to you.
It's upsetting.
I don't want this.
I don't want this.
I don't want to be
the jealous guy.
I don't want to be involved
in this drama.
I didn't want this.
I didn't want anything.
Okay, well, you don't
have to have it.
No, but--but--but--
li--but--
it happened.
I didn't calculate it.
I didn't manipulate it.
It happened.
- Well, no one was accusing--
- And I like it, I like it!
- Oh, you do like it?
- Yeah, yes!
Okay, thanks. I didn't know.
I wasn't sure.
But I don't like...
I don't like where
it's gonna end up.
Howwhere is it gonna end up?
Because I can see,
I can see what's happening.
I know...
I'm screwed, I just--
Why?
- Because.
- Why do you say that?
Because I'm into this.
Okay. I...
Never heard that
from you before.
And--where you going now?
I gotta go.
I gotta go.
I gotta think this--
I gotta--
- don't go!
- Listen.
"I'm into this," and walk away?
That's--
you can't do both.
- You gotta figure it out.
- Why do I have to figure--
- I don't know
what you're doing, but--
- what do I have to figure out?
You gotta figure out
what you want!
Am I not here
doing this with you?
Why are you walking
away from me? Please!
I know what I want.
He knows what he wants.
You gotta figure out
what you want.
- Max! Max!
- What?
- You're loud.
- Max, come with me.
You've gotta see this.
No, I have two books
to return to the library.
- Max, it's back.
- What is?
The vending machine.
It's outside, Max.
♪ I wanna rest in peace,
I wanna dance in joy ♪
- No running!
- Move!
♪ I wanna dance in the
graveyards, the graveyards ♪
♪ and when I'm alive,
I don't wanna be alone ♪
♪ mourning the ones
yes!
Yes!
Oh, my God, I did it.
I did--I really--
I got--
yes! Yes!
Yes!
♪ I wanna live
♪ and we will walk beyond
♪ our daughters and sons
♪ they will carry on
♪ like when we were young
♪ we will stand beside
♪ and breathe in their
new life ♪