The Carrie Diaries (2013–2014): Season 2, Episode 3 - Strings Attached - full transcript

Before there was sex...

before there was the city,
there was just me,

Carrie... Carrie Bradshaw
from Castlebury, Connecticut.

Walt was never gonna love you
in any real way.

- I don't understand.
- I don't think Walt likes girls.

I wanna be with you.
I wanna see what this is.

I can't believe I ever
loved you. You make me sick.

I'm Sam Jones.
And P.S.... I prefer "Samantha."

My friend's out of town.
I'm just crashing here.

Well, your friend sure has
a lot of crap. So pretentious.

It's from Larissa.



"Konnichiwa. Returning early.
See you in a week."

She's coming home early.

- What came between you and that boy?
- Maggie.

- Bet you regret kissing me.
- Yes, I do.

Whatever you have to say,
I deserve it.

Fine. You broke my heart,

and I hate you because
I still love you.

♪ Looking from a window above

♪ it's like a story of love

it's easy to become attached
to something you love.

And I love this city.

♪ Only yesterday

♪ moving farther away

It's even harder to let go
of that something



when you've held it so close
for so long.

♪ All I needed was
the love you gave ♪

But as fun as my summer
in Manhattan had been,

I had to accept it was coming
to an end.

♪ And all I ever knew

♪ Only you

I'm telling you, I love New York...

But it is one giant crime scene
out there.

What happened to your bike?
It looks so... sad.

Someone stole the wheel,
the chain,

and my favorite horn.

I think I've spent more money
on bike parts this summer

than I actually made
as a bike messenger.

I feel your pain.

Every single necklace
I wore on the subway

got ripped right off.

Eventually, I just started
wearing candy necklaces instead.

I gotta hand it to us.

We made it an entire summer

in one of the most dangerous
places there is.

Well, that's all
coming to an end

now that we're heading back
Castlebury.

Where I will
walk down the halls,

wondering if everyone can feel
that I'm gay.

And I will walk down the halls
and get to see Sebastian,

every single day,
in close proximity.

I know what you mean.

I'm more afraid of Maggie
than common criminals.

I just have no idea how
she's gonna act around me

or if she'll expose me.

So it's decided.
We'll just stay here.

It's safer in the crime capital
of the world.

Yeah. I don't know Larissa
feels about roomies.

Konnichiwa!

And no,
I don't do roommates.

Yes, I was listening
at the door.

Or maybe I just fell asleep
out there for a minute.

- Larissa, welcome home.
- Oh, mwah. Thank you, darling.

I have horrible jet lag,
so forgive me if I black out.

That flight was an eternity.

What is it? Like, 17 hours?

I have no idea.
I took two muscle relaxants.

Now, boys and girls,
sit down so I can regale you

with tales of the far east,
Japanese style.

Mmm!

With... sake!

Ooh.

Apparently, I drank most of
this one on the plane.

But not worry. I have more.

Looks like Larissa's back.

You're gonna love me.

Why? Did you land me a date
with Emilio Estevez?

These are
your college applications.

It's time to start planning
your future.

Thanks. I think I'll just keep
the life I have now.

It's... so awesome.

Stop that.

Now I've already done a lot
of the work.

I researched all the colleges
in the area

that would accept your G.P.A.
and test scores,

plus all of these schools offer
financial aid.

Could someone just give me
financial aid

without me having to go
to college?

Now the eight schools I picked
each have a $25 application fee.

So altogether, you're looking at
$200 to apply.

200 bucks?
Mouse, that's a lot.

I know,

but I also know you have
your babysitting job

and you've been saving up.

Yeah, so I can buy
lots of cute clothes.

Stop shopping. Start saving.

$200 is a small price to pay

to start you on the road
to higher education.

All you have to do is
fill out these forms

and write a personal essay.

You're welcome.

Wait. For making me spend $500
of my own hard-earned money

on some charity gala,
just to make you look good?

There will be hot babes.

I'm taking Deb.
Really?

That ballroom is gonna be
crawling with hot blondes,

all of them scrambling around
to find their sugar daddy.

Yeah. Well, I'm not really
the, uh...

sugar daddy type.

And I doubt
most of those women

would be knocking
each other over

for a date with
a small-town lawyer.

But they would be interested
in a powerhouse M & A lawyer

at Long & Whitney.

Which would be you.

Or you,

if you come back
to the firm.

Ha ha.

Come on, Harlan. You know
I'm happy with my practice.

Listen to me, Tom.

The M & A business...
it is booming.

Investment banks are
taking over the world.

I need good lawyers,
tough lawyers.

I remember you
back in the day.

You were
a relentless barracuda.

You're really offering me
a job?

Well, I figured your situation
might've changed

since your girls are
growing up.

I mean, I thought you might
be ready to re-up,

get back in with the big boys.
You don't miss it?

I don't know.
I mean...

I'm not sure
I'm that guy anymore.

You know, things at home are
very manageable.

I-I keep my own hours.
I see my girls.

I might lose those things
if I worked here.

Just imagine what you'd gain...
bigger cases, big money,

that incredible
adrenaline rush.

Not to mention the abundance
of hot blondes.

Duly noted.
You like hot blondes.

- I do.
- All right.

Well, look,
I-I appreciate the offer,

but I'm just not sure that this
world is a fit for me anymore.

Well, I'm sorry
to hear that.

You know where I am
if you change your mind.

Think about my offer.

So, yeah, the geisha thing
didn't work out.

Those women are
way too subservient

for my taste.

I need to be the boss,
even when I'm doing the boss.

I had a mad affair

with the C.E.O. of
a major Japanese corporation.

Here's a hint...
they make electronics.

Oh!

A tiny man
but... very powerful.

He taught me so much.

I don't really wanna hear about
your sexcapades.

Don't be such a deviant.
He taught me to be Zen.

Zen?

I-is that an adjective
or a verb?

It's a way of life.

This is gonna be hard
to explain,

especially after
three muscle relaxers.

I thought you took two.

I'm a nervous flier,

but less so after being Zen.

- And tranquilized.
- Mm-hmm.

Zen is all about
being in the moment,

remaining calm and detached
from expectations.

Sake, waketake,
sock-it-to-me.

Sake, waketake,
sock-it-to-me.

- Sake...
- I'm sorry. Are you speaking in tongues?

No. It's my mantra.

It's a little combination
of words I came up with

to help me feel calm
and centered.

"We are but a steady rock
in a stream,

all of life's rough waters
rushing around us."

I wanna be Zen.

That sounds so lovely.

Mm.

If I could detach myself
from Sebastian

once I get back to school,
he won't be able to affect me.

He'll be like the rough waters
rushing around my steady rock.

Still pining after
the hair God?

I feel like I've said that
before.

That's because
I'm a broken record.

But I don't want to do that
anymore.

My pattern of falling into
Sebastian's charming aura

is... is over.

If he comes up to me with that
delicious smelling scent of his,

I...

He doesn't even wear cologne.

It won't faze me

because I'll be Zen.

Wonderful.

Plus, I'm sure all the beautiful
men you met in New York

will make that all easier.

I didn't really meet any guys,

but I did make
a fun new girlfriend.

Is it a lesbian lover?
Exciting.

Uh, no. Sorry.

But don't be disappointed.

There is one gay relationship

that seems to be going
pretty well.

It's true.

Bennet and I have been having
a lot of fun together.

And is the sex spectacular?

I always imagined Bennet to be
positively ravenous in bed.

Actually, we...

well, haven't done it yet.

In fact,
I'm not completely sure

I know what "doing it"
would even mean.

I'm so new to this.

Sweetie, it could mean
a number of things.

Let me explain in detail.

- No.
- No! It...

Really, I'll find out
on my own.

Bennet and I are just
hanging out. Nothing official.

Just keeping it easy breezy.

Well, I hope you have a little
bit more room for excitement

before heading off to that
tiny little town of yours.

Mm, I think we can make time
in our busy schedules.

Terrific.

Then next week, we'll have
one last blowout at Youshiki.

Youshi-what?
Is that a new club?

No. It's a fantastic
Japanese Festival

here in the city.
East meets West.

Everyone who is everyone
is gonna be there.

Carrie, maybe you invite
your new friend?

Oh, that would be great.

I-I think you're really gonna
like Samantha.

It's the end of summer event

with sake tastings
and fabulous clothes on display

from fabulous
Japanese designers.

Alcohol and fashion.
My favorite combination.

Well, it sounds divine.

I feel centered
just thinking about it.

To a new calm and detached
way of life.

Yes.

And anything that is
thrown at me in Castlebury

will just wash past me.

What are you doing here?
She's not home.

I'm actually here
to see you.

I need your help
with Carrie.

Welcome to Youshiki, everyone.

Ohh. Have you ever seen anything
so beautiful in all your life?

Who knew a simple gardenia
could teach us so much?

Just makes you want to
detach from the clutter

and embrace the calm.

I was transfixed.

It was so simple,

so effortlessly beautiful
and tranquil,

just like I wanted my life
to be.

She's finding her Zen.

I'm gonna find some sake.

I can't believe
it's my last day here.

I'm gonna miss you.

I'm gonna mi you, too.

And New York.

But mostly me, right?

Yes.

It's been a really fun summer
hanging out.

It's gonna be hard to go back
to Castlebury.

You mean to being
back in the closet?

How am I gonna do this?

I mean,
I can't come out yet.

I'm not ready
to tell my parents.

I definitely hear ya.

And in school
it's way too risky.

Yeah. Tell me about it.

There was this kid named
Jim Hansen... wasn't even gay.

He just liked theater
and was always singing "Pippin"

they beat the crap out
of him.

Okay, I'm not so sure
that kid wasn't gay.

But, yes,
you must be careful.

Whoa. Is that a Ninja?

It is.

Yeah, I always wanted to be
a Ninja when I was a kid.

Why? So you could
be really quiet

and throw daggers at people
when they aren't looking?

Mostly so I could
slip in and out of places

without being seen.

Amen.

Maybe that's
every closeted kid's dream.

It's certainly mine.

Then do it.

Get in and out of that school
without getting punched.

Yeah.
I like that goal.

And if you're ever feeling alone
or scared about any of it,

I want you to call me.

Anytime.

Thanks.

I'll be fine as long as I fly
under the radar,

with no hoopla.

What in the hell
is this place?!

Ugh. The bridge and tunnel crowd
are infesting everywhere.

What is that loud banshee
doing here?

Carrie!

Carrie!

I invited her.
That's my friend Samantha.

We'll come... we'll come
over there, okay?!

Stay there!
We'll come over there!

Okay?

Oh, look who it is.

It's been too long.

Yeah, or not long enough.

Just keep driving, Simon.

This little move of yours

doesn't usually
work out so good for me.

What are you talking about?

Why don't you just go home
to your fiancée?

Don't be that way.

I just miss us hanging out.
I wanna catch up.

Sorry. I'm headed somewhere.

Where's somewhere?
I'll give you a lift.

The library's just around
the corner.

The library?

What do you need
with a library?

I'm working on
my college applications.

Ugh.

That sounds like
a lot of work.

Besides, what do you need
college for?

So I can get out of
this sorry little town, Simon.

Come on. Some things
in this town aren't so bad.

We both know you don't want to
work on those applications.

Fine, but it has nothing to do
with you.

I'm just procrastinating.

So what do I wear to one of
these charity balls thingies?

Is it dressy?

Um...

Yes. Yeah, you should wear
a dress.

Long one? Short one?

I don't know.

You gotta find out.
I-I can't wear the wrong thing.

That I know.

Okay, okay.

I will call
Harlan's secretary Barbara

and, uh, find out.

I don't want to
talk to him directly.

You afraid he's gonna ask
for more money?

I'm afraid he's gonna hassle me
about the offer.

What offer?

Did he offer to take us
in his limo?

He wants me to come back to work
at the firm.

Hey, that's great.

- Are you considering it?
- No.

- No.
- Why not?

Because I'm just not sure that
that's my world anymore,

and I like the practice
that I've built here,

and my girls need me, so...

Is that why
you're always complaining

about how boring
your caseload is?

I do not do that.

- Oh, okay.
- Okay, I'm sorry,

but I don't care if
Mr. Etheridge's property line

may extend by 5 feet
at the side.

- I...
- Exactly.

- But the girls...
- Are doing great,

and probably don't want
you hanging around all the time,

checking up on them.

Did you like the work?

It was exciting.

I loved closing a deal.
I mean, the rush...

So maybe you should
think about it.

I'm sure you can find that guy
in you again.

Maybe.

I'm trying to imagine you as
some hotshot killer lawyer.

I was a badass.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

That'll be $5.75.

Sebastian.
What a nice surprise.

I love surprises,
don't you?

Yeah, sure, Mrs. Donovan.

Please, it's Vicky.

And I wish you'd give me
those golf lessons

I've been asking you for.

I've told you, Mrs. Donovan,
I'm not much of a golfer.

But I'm sure they have a pro
at the club.

But you seem like
such a natural.

I've seen you on the green.
You got great hands.

Thank you,
but my answer's still no.

I'm just looking
for something fun,

light,

no strings attached
'cause I'm already attached.

That's just not really
my thing.

Well, if you change your mind,
you know where to find me.

Have a good afternoon,
Mrs. Donovan.

It's Vicky.

These designs are
the chicest of the chic.

Stylish, innovative,

every one a work of art.

Oh.

And now
for our dear Carrie...

What a sight to behold.

The simple lines,

the calming texture.

Issey Miyake plus
Carrie Bradshaw equals Zen,

if ever I saw it.

You think so?

You would rock the halls
of Castlebury in that, Carrie.

As in, "This is a Miyake,
so don't try and stop me."

You want her to wear pajamas
to school?

Excuse me?

I think my mother wore
something like that

when she burnt our trailer down
with her cigarette.

It's avant-garde couture.

It's ridiculous.

No man wants to see a woman
in that.

Oh, no self-respecting woman
dresses for men.

Women dress
for other women.

Or gay men. Case in point...
You boys like it, right?

No wonder
none of you get laid.

In an outfit like that, no one
would wanna have sex with you.

Oh, you're so wrong.

The right type of man would
absolutely wanna have sex

with a woman in this.

Well, if by the "Right man"
you mean a gay man,

he would only wanna make love
to the outfit, not you.

How much is this?

Why did I ever
think these two would get along?

- This is going...
- Exactly as I expected.

- They hate each other.
- $800?!

I could buy a house
for that.

Mm, one of those trailers
you like so much?

Well, at least I'm being me
and not some pretentious poseur.

Ugh, you have no room
to speak,

especially considering you look
like a tired old slag.

This is a beautiful creation,
and it is perfect for Carrie.

Sake, waketake,
sock-it-to-me.

Sake, waketake,
sock-it-to-me.

I'm sorry. Are you threatening
to sock me?

Because you don't
wanna mess with me.

- No. No, I don't wanna mess with you.
- This is not good.

- I want you...
- Here's what's going to happen.

Larissa's head is going
to pop off.

Samantha is going to break
something incredibly expensive.

We're all gonna get
kicked out of here,

and my job at "Interview"
will be over.

I need to get in there
and defuse this now.

Well, hold on a minute.
What about being Zen?

You actually have to
stay detached.

Okay. Yeah, yeah,
you're right.

- Um, I just need to stay calm.
- Right.

- Stay calm.
- Yeah.

Yeah.
Think of that gardenia.

Yeah.

Why is it so quiet?

Did they kill each other?

Who's behind
that sexy mask?

Whoa!

He looks acrobatic.

Carrie, dear, look.

This Yamamoto is even more
sublime than the Miyake.

That was beautiful.

See?
The problem fixed itself.

Wow.

Maybe this Zen thing
really does work.

Totally.

And if you were able to detach
and let go of that,

imagine what you're gonna
be able to do

once you're faced
with Sebastian.

I think I'm gonna need
my own mantra.

It was the first day of school,

and my goal was to remain Zen,

calm, detached.

That was the key.

Dorrit! You've been in there
for 20 minutes.

Some of us have to get ready
for school, too.

Dorrit, I'm serious!

This is incredibly selfish
of you.

Easy breezy. Easy peasy.

Easy breezy. Easy...

Can't you wait your turn?

Oh, does my turn come
at midnight?

No. Calm.

Calm.

Easy breezy.
Easy peasy.

- Easy breezy. Easy peasy.
- What in the world are you mumbling?

Actually, I'm chanting.

This is my mantra.

It keeps me in a calm
and detached state.

Well, maybe you
and your detached state

can stop screaming
at the bathroom door.

You know what?
You're absolutely right.

You just take your time
in there.

I was way too attached
to the clock and the time.

Well, you should be.

You're gonna be late
for school.

Really, no hurry.

You go ahead.

I'm just gonna be here
in the moment.

Okay, freak, where exactly
is this coming from?

I've turned a new leaf.

I'm Zen.

Everything just washes
past me,

including people
calling me "Freak"

Super freak.

Again, totally calm.

All is well
with the world.

In fact,
I'm really excited

we're finally going to
the same school together.

Ugh, please.

What? It's a big deal.

The Bradshaw girls in the same
hallowed high school halls.

Whatever.
It's just school.

No, it's more than that
for us.

It's important.

And if you ever need
anything,

you know, maybe some
sisterly advice

or any help
with anything at all,

I'm happy to help.

Oh, that actually
sounds good.

So you'd help me out with
anything I needed at school?

Without question?
Like if something came up?

Yeah.

I'm here for you, Dorrit.

Good.

And as I was preparing to be
Zen for my first day of school

and becoming surprisingly
closer to my sister,

Samantha was waking up to
a surprise of her own.

Hey. Where are you going?

I guess I fell asleep
after we had sex last night.

Certainly didn't mean to be here
in the morning.

What's wrong with that?
I wanted to wake up with you.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no,
no, no, no, no, no, no.

Well, I know you liked me
in the mask,

but I gotta take it off.
It's too hot.

No, no, no! It's so much hotter
with it on! Don't do that!

Now you've ruined everything.
Where's the mystery?

There's no mystery.

Name's Paul Cunningham.
Iowa state gymnastics team.

Came to New York
to be an actor.

It's getting worse.
Stop talking.

- Just stop talking.
- Wait, wait. Why are you leaving?

Don't you wanna get to know me?
Maybe let me take you out?

No. Don't.

Really. I gotta get out
of here.

No!

Shoo, Ninja!

Shoo!

Hey.

To what do I owe
the surprise visit?

Did you dump Deb? You looking
for a bimbo for the ball?

'Cause I've got some options.

That's still a big "No."
No.

I wanted to talk to you
about your offer.

Ohh! Tom, that is great news!
I knew you'd come around.

All right, now before you get
too excited,

I should warn you...
this won't come cheap.

Like I said, I have a job that
I find extremely rewarding.

My girls are constantly around
and need my attention.

So you're gonna have to
swing hard

if you really want me
to work here.

I hear you
loud and clear, Tommy.

You are a tough negotiator,
Tom Bradshaw.

And that is exactly why
I want you here.

Congratulations.

Mm.

You know, you could've asked
for about 10% more.

Oh, I know.

No, I, uh, am agreeing
to work for less

because I have a few deal points
that are non-negotiable.

Oh. And what if
I say no to them?

Well, then I'll walk away,
no problem.

Okay, what do you got?

I wanna make my own hours.

I don't want one word

if I ever have to drop
everything to be with the kids,

and I wanna be home for dinner
at least three nights a week,

no questions asked.

Oh, and, uh, I also want
season tickets to the Rangers.

Box seats.

Done.

Good.

I hope you're not ruining
those girls.

What, by focusing on them?

Exactly.

They'll be totally screwed up

with crazy expectations
about men.

Ruined for life.

Hey, guys.

Hi.
Hey.

What are you
in a sports Jersey?

Oh, it's like my straight armor.
It's my way to be a Ninja.

Oh. That's a good idea.

It was mine.

So you ready for our first day
of senior year?

Sure.

You don't sound too happy
about it.

No. I'm... I'm good.

- I'm practicing remaining calm, detached.
- Oh.

Ahh.
How am I doing?

Totally Zen.

Carrie, can we talk?

Whoa! You're actually talking
to me?

I figured you'd just ignore me
the whole year.

Normally, I would,
but I need your help.

I'm in Mr. O'Neal's
English class.

Oh, he's the worst.
And his breath...

I know. I really wanted
Mr. London.

I wouldn't normally
put you out like this,

but you're easily one of
Mr. London's favorite students,

and maybe if
you talked to him...

It's true. I am his favorite.

I'm all over this.

Bye, guys.

Maggie! Happy first day!

Oh. Yeah, I guess.

Hey.

So... how are things going
with the college applications?

Oh, they're fine. It's fine.

Hey, what schools
are you applying to?

Don't even try
it, Walt. It's not gonna happen!

God, I hope she doesn't
out me.

She won't.
Don't let her get you down.

Just try and focus on the good stuff...

Like how your Jersey
is working like a charm.

Check out
Reynolds the Jets fan.

What, the Pats aren't
good enough for you, Reynolds?

Uh, I really like the Pats.

I... mean, those are
two great guys.

What?

"Pats" are short
for "Patriots," a team.

I have to stop talking
and get out of here.

And fast.

Bye, guys!

One thing you need to know is
that Mr. London is tough,

but he's fair.
He just wants you to...

I lied. Sorry.

What's happening?

You have some nerve,
standing there

with your sparkly bedroom eyes

and your cute floppy hair.

Do you have a problem
with my eyes?

Yes. They're too...

sparkly and...

inscrutable.

They're just annoying.

Are they bothering you?

I just said they were.

Everything about you
is bothering me.

Oh, is it?

You are not gonna get to me.

I am calm,

detached.

I'm totally Zen.

I feel nothing for you.

Nothing, huh?

Nothing.

Excuse me!

Oh!

What exactly is going on here?

Um... I can explain.

That was a rhetorical question,
Carrie.

You do remember
what "rhetorical" means

from my class, don't you?

Listen, just... this wasn't
her fault.

I'm... you can explain it
all to the principal.

Oh!

I am so sorry, Mr. London.

How are those college
applications going, Maggie?

Um, they're not going.

It's too hard filling out
those forms.

Yes. Using a pen
is challenging.

Look, the stupid forms
are confusing, okay?

There's too many questions.

Like "What is your name?"
and "What's your birth date?"

It's a waste of time.

It's not like I have some
awesome future waiting for me.

Well, you won't havene at all
if you don't try.

I can't believe

I put more effort and work
into this than you.

Wow.

Don't waste your time on me.
Nobody asked you to.

You know what, Maggie?

The reason people get
so fed up with you

is because you won't take
any responsibility for yourself.

What, like how Walt
made a fool of me?

Do you have any idea what
this is like for Walt?

Trying to figure out
who he is

while making sure
no one else here does?

He is wearing a sports jersey,
for God sakes.

Take a look around.

People are
going through stuff.

Hey.

English lady.
What are you doing here?

No takers at
your usual corner today?

Mm. I just came
to see Carrie.

Carrie isn't here.
She's off at that place with

all the lockers and the bells
and the people running about.

A train station?

No. High school.

But I wouldn't put it past you
not to be familiar.

I forgot
Carrie went to school.

Got so used to seeing her
every day.

I actually used to come visit
her here during the summer.

I sat right there,
on your desk.

Why does it not surprise me
that a tawdry wannabe like you

would try and get
in the good graces

of someone who works
at "Interview"?

You've got
to be kidding.

I could give a rat's ass
about your magazine.

I've never even read it.

Besides, everyone here
looks like

they're straight out
of the circus.

Why did you come here?
And why are you still here?

I just wanted to tell Carrie
about my Ninja adventure.

I slept with that guy
from Youshi... whatever,

and now he's wanting
to take me out.

So lame. Can you believe it?

Hmm, that someone would like
to get to know you?

Yes,
that does sound dubious.

Please. You have idea
who I am.

Oh, don't I? Let's see.

You pretend to be above
the idea of commitment,

thinking you are
so much better

than all those men
you sleep with.

But the truth is,
you're just afraid to connect.

You are scared to death
of being left out in the dust

by some guy who realizes

you're just a loud hillbilly
with zero future.

That couldn't be further
from the truth.

I'm not afraid of commitment.

In fact, I came here to get
that address of that Festival

from Carrie, so I could go see
my Ninja boy.

I just couldn't remember
where it was at.

You just...

Here you go.

Thanks, honey.

Sake, waketake,
sock-it-to-me.

Sake, waketake, sock-it-to-me.

Hey, look who it is.
Reynolds the Jets fan.

I'm not really
that big a fan.

You saying
you don't love football?

No, no! I-it's just...

You'll have to
talk shop later, boys.

I'm gonna take Walt now.

How's it going?
Are you doing okay?

I guess.

I've just never been called
"Reynolds" so much in my life.

Please tell me you're not trying
to talk sports with the jocks.

Well... are you trying
to get yourself killed?

I...

Mmm.

What are you doing?

Just stick with me.

I'm the only one equipped
to keep you under the gaydar.

Gaydar?
Yeah, I just made it up.

Mmm!

I'm not so sure
that'll stick.

Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.

See? Now no one will think
you're gay.

But aren't you dating
one of those guys?

- Oops.
- Oops?

Uh... oh! What are you doing
with my girl, Reynolds?

Do you realize I've never been
sent to the principal's office

in all my 12 years of school?

And here I am,

before lunch on my first day
of my senior year.

If I get suspended and lose
my internship over this,

I'm holding you responsible.

You kissed me.
I just wanted to talk.

Oh, so it's my fault?

I'm not taking
all the blame here, buddy.

How you can just sit there
all calm and cool like always

is beyond me.

I'm not calm.

Being without you
is ripping me to shreds.

Oh.

How did we get here?

All I wanted was to be Zen,

like the gardenia.

The flower?

I saw this beautiful gardenia
in the city,

floating in a glass box.

It was so simple and clean,
and it smelled so good.

I just wanted that to be me.

That is you.

No, it's not.

No.

With you, I'm just a jumbled
mess of pain and emotions.

Any time we're together,
it's chaos.

Nothing about us is simple.

I'll never be the gardenia.

Never.

Lucky for you,
I'm not suspended.

Not that afterschool detention
all next week is much better.

I'm not the one who was tearing
off her clothes in a classroom.

You heard?

Dorrit, why did you even
help Sebastian like that?

Because he really likes you.

And it's super annoying
watching you

mope around all the time
because of him.

Well, that wasn't your call
to make.

You know,

for the less screwed-up sister,
you sure are a mess.

I have a lot going on.

In your head.

Get out of it and just go after
what you want.

That's what I do.

The trouble is,
I've been thinking so much,

I don't know what I want
anymore.

Excuse me, Ninja?

Ninja boy.

So here's the thing.

I know I was pretty awful
to you this morning

and pretty much
ran out on you.

And at the time,
I thought that was a good thing.

But I've been doing
some thinking, and...

This isn't the easiest thing
for me to say, but...

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad
if we saw more of each other.

After all,
the sex was fantastic.

And if you'd keep the mask on
from time to time

and maybe
put me up in your place

when I need somewhere
to crash,

I don't see why we couldn't
get to know each other a little.

So... yeah.
What do you say?

I not sure I understand.

Oh.

Not who I was expecting.

Sorry? I not speak English.

Well, then, I think
this conversation went great.

I'm glad everything worked out
so well.

Yeah.

Human resources got you
all squared away?

Oh, it'll be such a relief

to have somebody else
doing the billing for me.

Well, it'll be nice
to have you around.

From one Bradshaw
to another.

You are following in
your daughter's footsteps.

With a corner office

and season tickets
to the Rangers.

Ohh, I'm really looking forward
to those Rangers tickets.

I guess I'm gonna need a few
more Armani power ties, huh?

Yes, you will.
Barracudas only wear Armani.

I'm a barracuda again.

Well, I just, uh, I need
to grab my briefcase,

- and then I'll be on my way.
- Yeah.

I'm so glad
you came back.

Mmm.

Do you want me to talk
dirty Japanese to you?

Oh, yeah! Please talk dirty.
Huh? Do you?

Yeah. Dirty Japanese.
Mmm! Ohh!

I love dirty Japanese.

I...

I didn't realize that
they were still...

Dating.

Yeah. They... can't seem
to let go of each other.

- My jacket is still in there.
- Leave it.

I'll... I'll have it
dry cleaned.

Or incinerated.

Um, Walt, c-can we talk?

You've caused enough trouble
for Walt.

Turn around and walk away,
and no one gets hurt.

Uh, not that it's
any of your business,

but I came here to apologize.

Oh.

Oh, then by all means,
take a seat.

Privately.

It's okay.

I'll be fine.

I think I can take her.

All right, well,
I'll be right over there,

talking to
the new wrestling captain,

if you need me.

I don't trust this one.

You've got quite a shiner.

Yeah.

I kinda can't feel
the left side of my face.

I couldn't believe
that guy hit you.

Believe it.

Did he do it
'cause you're, um,

- you know...
- gay?

No. He thought Donna and I
were fooling around,

and he was jealous.

It's funny.

I was so worried about
getting beat up or harassed

for being gay,

and instead I get pounded
for trying to act straight.

You know, I-I'm sorry, Walt,

for everything.

I didn't really think about how
difficult this must be for you.

I felt so bad
that you didn't love me,

and I let it get in the way.

Maggie, I do love you.

I know.
Just not in that way.

But that...

has nothing to do with you.

You have to stop thinking
of yourself as unworthy.

You deserve to have someone
that loves you,

someone really great who
you can have a future with.

Thanks for that.

You're a good friend.
You deserve that, too.

I'm sure this year is not
going to be easy.

But there's only...

271 days to go.

So I'm pretty sure
I can make it.

Well, I'll help where I can.

They say a clear desk creates
a clear mind,

but mine was still a jumble.

What I needed was a sign
telling me what to do.

Oh. Hi.

And there it was... my sign.

I'm really glad
you're here.

Um, there's something
I wanted to tell you.

Um, actually, I'd like to say
something first, if that's okay.

Okay.

I just want to tell you that

I'm sorry for everything.

I'm sorry
I got you in trouble today.

I'm sorry for what happened
with Maggie.

I'm sorry for ruining
your trust.

I'm sorry for everything
I ever put you through.

Thank you.

All I do is make things crazy
for you,

and I want things
to be simpler for you,

like that flower
you were talking about.

The gardenia.

I don't want to stand
in your way anymore, Carrie.

So... I'm gonna let you go.

And I won't keep fighting you.

I know it's over.

Okay.

I'm sure
I'll see you around.

For a brief second, I thought
about fighting for him.

But then,
in a moment of clarity,

I knew he was right.

Maybe our present
did not include each other,

and we had to let go.

Detach.

Hey.

I got a half an hour.

Wanna go for a ride?

Wow. Whole half-hour?

If I remember, you only need
10 minutes.

What's wrong with you?

- You're engaged.
- Never stopped you before.

Yeah, well...

Maybe I've decided
that I deserve better.

Well, so are we go do this
or what?

I don't think so. No.

Are you serious?

Way more serious than
you ever took me, Simon.

I think I would rather
spend my time

with someone who actually thinks
I deserve a future.

Whatever.

It's your loss.

Being Zen can mean many things,

like finding a calm
within yourself.

It can also be about
living in the moment,

not worrying about the future.

So what changed your mind?

Why'd you finally agree
to get together?

Feels like
"No strings attached"

might be just the game
I'm looking for.

Well...

I'm really glad
you decided to play.

We're gonna have
a lot of fun.

♪ How the strong get weak

♪ and the rich get poor

♪ slave to love

♪ oh, yeah

Zen might also mean
having the faith to know

that if you're present,

you can grow and make choices
that are good for you

and your future.

♪ You're running with me

♪ don't touch the ground

♪ we're the restless hearted

Ooh. You have
a secret admirer?

♪ Not the chained and bound

Maybe. I don't know.

♪ The sky is burning

Hope you like your gardenia,
Carrie.

I couldn't resist.

Thank you.

♪ I will be the same

♪ slave to love

It's beautiful.

♪ Slave to love

♪ ooh

♪ slave to love