Wrong Valentine, The (2021)

[bunniefuu]

You weren't even born yet.

I went to go see it

with my friend Jen,

first time I saw it.

Mm-hmm.

That's it for today.

Really great discussion.

Emily, I really appreciate

your thoughts on capitalism

and consumerism in the '80s.

Some very insightful

stuff there,

Thanks, Miss Connelly.

I like being here.

You know, it's such a shame

that more people at this school

don't realize how smart

and sweet you are.

Maybe we should work on that?

Sure, whatever you say.

I should get going.

Okay. See you tomorrow.

Is this history club?

Oh, didn't hear you come in.

Sorry. I didn't mean

to startle you.

Oh, that's okay.

And this was the history club.

And you are?

I'm David Olson.

I'm new here.

Oh. I'm Miss Connelly.

It's nice to meet you,

David Olson.

Same to you too.

So you say you're new here.

How are things going

for you so far?

Lots of changes?

I'm getting used to it.

I just moved in with my grandma,

from upstate.

Now, let me guess.

You're a history buff, right?

Yeah, yeah,

you could say that, for sure.

Seems the older I get,

the more fascinated I become

with the past.

Well, then, David,

this club is perfect for you.

I'm sure you're right.

Now, everyone

that was here today,

will they be here tomorrow?

Yes.

Terrific.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow.

Yes, you will.

What you got there?

Oh, hey.

I found this old photo album

in Dad's closet.

Oh, I forgot those

were in there.

Oh, yeah.

I think some of these

are from before we even met.

I miss him too.

Em.

- Yeah, Mom?

- Breakfast.

I'm not hungry.

Hmm.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, okay.

Sweetheart, are you behind

on your schoolwork?

No. These are just some

extra-credit assignments.

Oh, okay. Well, then you can

take a break for five minutes

and eat.

Sure.

What?

Nothing. I just...

I want you to know we're good.

As far as money, I mean.

Mom...

Your father, God rest his soul,

he made sure that both of us

are very well taken care of.

And I know that you like

to worry about things.

It's just the way you're built.

And I worry too.

Trust me, I do.

I worry about keeping you safe

and protecting you

without him and...

Well, you're doing

a really good job so far.

Thanks, sweetheart.

Anyway, at the very least,

I don't want you

to stress yourself out

about having to nail

some scholarship, okay?

Your education's paid for,

so give yourself a break.

Go out, meet some friends,

have a little fun.

Em, you've always been

a shy girl.

Don't get me wrong.

It's part of your beauty.

But since your father died...

Your point being?

That I would like to see you

try a little harder

with your peers,

not just with the books.

We can't all be

high school cheerleaders, Mom.

Come on, I'm not saying

that you have to be like I was.

You mean popular?

Em, these years are gone and

behind you before you know it,

and they don't come back around,

and there's nothing

quite like them, believe me.

I just want you

to enjoy this time.

I'll try, all right?

Ooh! I heard a rumor

that someone has a birthday

this week.

17 million people celebrate

their birthday on any given day.

800,000 in the U.S. alone,

so you can probably

believe that rumor.

Anyway, I was thinking,

how about we have

a little party for it here?

Small, intimate.

You can invite your friends

from school.

Intimate would be right

'cause I have like one friend.

And I adore Michelle,

so have her come over.

I'm just gonna get a protein bar

on my way to school.

Bye, Mom.

Hey.

So I guess my birthday's

coming up in a couple of days.

You guess?

Happy early birthday.

My mom wants me to ask you over

for cake and stuff.

Your mom does?

Is this another guess?

Michelle, do you want

to come or not?

I guess I could eat

some cake and stuff.

Good.

Who is that?

I don't know.

He must be new.

He must be. I would not

forget a face like that.

Oh, yeah.

How could I forget?

Your birthday

is Valentine's Day.

Yeah. I try to forget that too.

- What do you mean?

- It means...

I've never had

an actual valentine before,

so I guess it's always been

sort of a non-issue.

Hmm.

Anyways, I gotta get

to history club.

I'll see you later.

Okay.

Good morning, club.

Come on in and have a seat,

and let's get things started.

Ah, there he is.

Everyone, we have a new member

to our history club.

His name is David Olson.

- Hey.

- Hi, guys.

All right, now, we all

were new to something

- at some point, right?

- Yeah.

So let's do our best

to make David comfortable.

Have a seat.

Oh.

Perfect seat for you,

right next to Emily.

She's super smart, and you both

have a love for history.

Who knows what else

you might have in common?

Okay.

Hey.

Hi.

I'm David.

I remember.

Can you help me out

with something?

I could use some help.

Um...

I don't know.

- What do you need?

- The 411 on this place.

Yeah, I don't know

if I'm the best person to ask.

I don't know about that.

I find it's usually the quiet

ones that pick up on everything.

Um, I need to get to a meeting

with my guidance counselor now.

Oh, okay.

Hey, would you just hang out

with me for a little bit?

Uh...

Yeah, sure.

Thanks...

for being so nice to me.

Sucks being the new kid.

You know, it's like...

Have you ever showed up

to a party late?

You're stone cold sober,

but everyone around you's

already trashed?

You just feel like

you missed everything.

I could see that.

Miss Connelly, she's cool.

She's, uh...

She's awesome.

Remember when she said that

me and you might have

some things in common?

Yeah, 'cause it was like

45 minutes ago.

Well, let's test her theory.

What are you into?

Well, I clearly like

to study history.

History?

That's my favorite subject too.

What I love is

that there's literally

so many things to study

that it's overwhelming.

I know.

It's amazing.

If you really think about

all the things

that go on around us,

how they all connect

because of our past.

Yeah, I know.

I've always been a firm believer

that if you don't know

your history,

you'll be doomed to repeat it.

Well, I should go.

Yeah, yeah.

I'll see you soon, Emily.

So you're sure now.

You definitely want

to major in history.

I'm all in, Mrs. Stein.

Okay, well, you may be in luck.

There's a gentleman named

Frank Phillips.

He's the head of admissions

at USC.

Also happens to be

an old college friend of mine.

Oh, that's cool.

Well, would you like

to meet him?

It would certainly

give you a head start

in getting into

the history program.

Yeah, sure.

That'd be awesome.

Okay.

Okay, what's going on with you?

You're a little bit more absent

than usual today, Emily.

Sorry. No, I'm here,

and I would love

to meet your friend.

Okay. I'll set it up.

Thanks again, Mrs. Stein.

You're the best.

Well, I'm very fond

of you too, Emily.

Now go on. Get back

to whatever is distracting you.

I have no idea

what you're talking about.

Okay, what is up with you?

What do you mean?

You're smiling

way more than usual.

What do you mean?

See?

Sorry. If it bothers you,

I'll stop.

Or you could just tell me

what happened.

Hey, Emily.

Oh. Never mind.

Told you I'd see you again.

Looks like you were right.

So are you heading home now

or what?

I'm heading home.

Yeah.

Do you drive?

I drive.

No, but I live pretty close,

so I usually just walk.

Well, I live pretty close too.

You guys go ahead.

I'm too busy talking to myself.

Your, um, your friend Michelle,

you guys like besties or what?

Pretty much. She's basically

the only friend I have here.

Well, as of now,

you're basically mine.

We should grab coffee

after school tomorrow.

What do you say?

You mean like as friends?

As whatever.

Just get all jacked up

on caffeine

and get to know each other

a little better.

It'll be fun, I promise.

Be an historic event.

Could be a scone in it for you,

if you play your cards right.

I know that look.

Mom, jeez.

I haven't seen you smile like

that in quite some time.

You're the second person today

to tell me that.

Oh, then it must be a thing.

So what's got your corners up?

Or should I say who?

Oh, my God. Nosy much?

Fine, have it your way.

Look. Mm-mm!

Mm! But come on,

'cause dinner's almost ready.

- So is he cute?

- Mom...

- Is he tall?

- Mom!

Is he...

Mom...

All right.

Oh, that reminds me.

Did you invite Michelle over

to celebrate your birthday?

Em? Asked you a question.

Sorry. What?

Did you invite Michelle over

to celebrate your birthday?

Oh. Yeah, I did.

She said yes.

Ah, that's wonderful.

Come on, what is the deal?

What is his name?

David.

David.

Okay.

David.

And is, uh, David coming over

to celebrate your birthday too?

Jeez! Can I get a mocha latte

with the guy first?

I don't know. As long as

that's not teenage code for...

Mom!

Fine. I hope you're hungry.

Wow. So you actually live

all by yourself?

In my grandma's old house.

We just never got around

to selling it

after she passed away.

And where are your parents

in all of this?

Silver Park Cemetery upstate.

They died, too,

about six months ago now.

Uh, I-I'm so sorry.

How did it happen?

It's strange, Emily.

You have a better chance

of being elected

the President

of the United States

and dying in a plane crash,

but...

Guess I'd be on the

wrong side of that calculation.

How are you doing with it?

I mean, everybody

just keeps telling me

that "it's a process,

it's a process."

But I sure do miss 'em though.

That's for sure.

You know, my dad was definitely

one of those...

hands-on type of dads, you know?

He's more like...

He was more like my best friend.

And your mom?

She was just the sweetest woman

in the world.

You know, I'm grateful

for every minute

that I got to spend with them.

Even though it's hard

not thinking about

all the times that I won't.

I get it.

But you know what's funny?

When I really think back to it,

what I miss the most,

it's all of us just sitting

around the dinner table.

You know, eating and laughing

and talking about our day.

Are you okay, Emily?

My father passed away too.

Cancer.

A year ago.

I can't tell you

how sorry I am to hear that.

What was your dad's name?

Dylan.

It's the process, right?

That's what they tell me.

I'm glad we did this.

The oldest record of a valentine

being sent

goes all the way back

to the year 1415.

It was a poem written by

a French medieval duke

by the name of Charles

to his wife.

He wrote this sweet note

while he was in prison

in the Tower of London,

and he was just 21 years old.

Excuse me! Valentines!

Speaking of valentines...

Sorry to disturb, Miss Connelly.

I have love to give out.

- Do you think, Cupid?

- For those fortunate enough

to have an admirer this year,

secret or otherwise.

Whoo!

Really?

Thank you, Cupid.

Emily Marshall,

will you accept this rose?

I will.

What are you doing tonight?

- Hi.

- Hey.

- Happy birthday.

- Thank you.

Oh, hi, Michelle!

Hi, Mrs. Marshall.

Oh, sweetie,

thank you for joining us.

Of course.

I'm glad to be here.

Fantastic. I have a few things

to finish in the kitchen,

so I will be right back,

okay, girls?

Okay.

What's up?

You look nervous.

Oh, my gosh!

Is that Mr. Valentine?

David?

I should get the door.

Hey.

- Hi.

- Hey.

I didn't think

you would show up.

Are you kidding?

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

More flowers?

Oh, yeah.

My mom always said

that you can't be too gifted

or gift too many flowers.

They're beautiful.

Oh...

So are we blowing the candles

out here or...

Yes.

Uh, no.

Come in.

Mom, this is David.

David, this is my mother.

And you've already met Michelle.

Of course.

Hi.

Hi, I'm Ashley.

It's great to meet you,

Mrs. Marshall.

It's nice to meet you too.

Wow. This is a very lovely home.

Oh, thank you.

Oh.

Wait, these are for me?

Of course.

Oh, God.

I don't think

that I've gotten flowers

from anyone since...

Uh, let's just say

it has been a minute.

Well, the minute's up.

Come on in and grab a slice.

It's double cheese.

It's like you knew I was coming.

You didn't tell me

he was coming.

So are you two like...

Well, he hasn't tried

to kiss me yet,

but I think he's interested.

Mm-hmm, well, are you?

So how are your classes?

It must have been hard to move

in the middle of the year.

Yeah, it's going pretty good

so far.

I can tell calculus is gonna

kick my butt though.

But Emily told me that you're

like a math whiz or something.

Oh, well I do know

my times tables.

Nine times seven, quick.

Wow, you're good.

Thanks.

Maybe you can help me out

sometime.

Maybe.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Emily

Who's still

just my little baby

Happy birthday to you

You guys are the best.

Good job.

You really do have yourself

a cool little family here.

Yeah. I'm pretty lucky.

Yeah, you could say that.

Sorry your dad's not here.

I'd have loved to have met him.

I think he would've

really liked you.

I'm sure it'd be mutual.

So...

did you get everything

you wanted today?

Almost.

Oh, my God.

I am so sorry.

No, I'm sorry, I'm sorry,

I'm sorry, okay?

Look, I really like you, okay?

But...

My mom told me to

take these things really slow.

She was always very demure

about these kind of things.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

It seems like I would have had

a lot in common with her too.

My dad too. Trust me.

Here.

I should probably

get going, okay?

Happy birthday, my valentine.

So?

Very cute, very sweet.

And those flowers? Oh!

Tell me about it.

See what happens when you

put yourself out there?

Your very first valentine.

Mmm!

- What can I help with?

- Uh, the chairs.

You put the chairs back.

I'll take care of the rest.

Happy birthday

Okay.

The cake was so good.

Oh, sweetie,

I'm so glad you liked it.

I know you love strawberries.

You think I can maybe have

another slice before bed?

- Or should I wait?

- Let's have it for breakfast.

- Okay.

- You got everything?

All right.

Is everything all right, baby?

Yeah, I'm great.

Okay. Good night, sweetie.

Good night.

What the hell?

Hey.

David, it's 7:00 in the morning.

What are you doing here?

I thought we could get

some breakfast before school.

Being spontaneous. I thought

you'd think it was cute.

I do. It's just...

I'm a little surprised

you'd show up out of the blue.

Oh, well, I sent you a text.

You did?

Yeah.

Oh. I-I just didn't see it.

I'd never lie to you, Emily.

Well, what about last night?

What about it?

I thought we had a good time.

We did, and then I caught you

standing outside my house

after we said good night.

You caught me?

What? You weren't?

I sent out an email

like right before I left.

I mean, I'm not good

at walking and texting.

You probably saw me

right after I sent it,

and then I walked home.

That's it.

So... eggs, bacon,

side of toast.

What do you say?

I say...

I'll see you at school, David.

Okay?

Okay.

And when I looked out

the window,

he was just standing

on the sidewalk,

staring at my house.

Same as the night before?

Yep.

Yep, that's weird.

What did he say?

That he wanted to take me

to breakfast before school.

And he did send me a text.

I just didn't see it.

What about last night?

Something about an email that

he remembered he had to get out

and that I saw him

after he sent it.

Well, that kinda

makes sense, right?

Yeah, it does, I guess.

Come on. A super cute guy

wants to take you to breakfast,

and you're finding reasons

to complain.

You're right.

I should just be happy

that he wants to see me so much.

- Mm-hmm!

- Right.

Hey.

Hey.

Okay, so listen.

I feel bad about

what happened this morning,

but I've been having a lot

of fun getting to know you,

and I don't want to push it.

If I don't feel bad about it,

then you shouldn't either.

Okay, okay.

- Okay, who is that?

- What?

Texting right now.

Who is it?

No one, David.

- Okay, fine. Let me see.

- Hey!

See? Why are you being

so weird?

You're the one being weird.

Okay, fine,

then show me the text.

It's Michelle.

My God.

What's the matter with you?

Sorry. I'm sorry, okay?

Yeah, okay.

Hey, don't walk away from me

like that.

You're embarrassing me.

Emily, David,

is everything okay over there?

Yeah, Miss Connelly.

I was just leaving.

Okay.

Hey! Hey, it's Emily, right?

Mm-hmm.

I'm Pete. We're in

the same chemistry class.

Okay.

Think I can get a copy

of your notes from yesterday?

I was at home sick,

and it's like the last class

I want to fall behind in.

If you can just scan them

and email them to me,

that'd be epic.

Why not? What's your email?

There you go.

Got it.

Thanks.

I really appreciate it.

- David!

- We get into one argument,

and you're already talking

to another guy.

You can go now.

So can you.

- Emily, Emily, Emily.

- What?

I know I was wrong with

the texting thing, okay?

And this is how you

make up for it?

By pushing some poor kid that's

asking for my chemistry notes?

But how was I supposed

to know that?

- Try asking me.

- I said I was sorry!

Hey!

Hey, what is going on here?

Emily?

I'm all right, Mrs. Stein.

I don't know you.

Hi, I'm David Olson.

David.

You must be new here.

Because around here,

we don't really take kindly

to students

hassling other students.

I wasn't hassling her.

We're in the same history class,

and I had a question.

Is that true, Emily?

I said I was fine.

See?

Go to class, David.

Okay.

Whatever you say, Mrs. Stein.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Sure there's nothing else you

wanna tell me about this guy?

Not really.

Next year at this time,

you're going to be

in college, right?

That's the plan.

Well, part of that plan

should be focusing

on getting into the school

that you deserve.

You're right.

You know, we all have

a time in our life

when we have to step up

and take control.

This may be your time.

Well, I have good news.

I heard from my friend at USC,

and he said he'd be

delighted to meet with you.

Really? That'd be great.

Well, I'll let you know

when it's all set up,

but until that time, focus.

Janet? Oh, Janet.

Hey! What's going on?

I just wanted to have

a quick chat with you

about one of your history club

students, David Olson.

What about David?

I don't like him.

Okay.

You do?

Yes, I do.

I think he's a nice young man.

Well, I just got in the middle

of a heated argument

between that nice young man

and Emily Marshall.

And?

Come on! You know

these kids these days.

One day they're together.

Next day, they're not.

Yeah, you're right about that.

And honestly, I'm happy to see

Emily opening up a little bit.

Yeah. No, I want that

for her too.

So what's the problem?

I don't know, like he just

gives me the creeps.

Hey.

Hey, Jane, how's it going?

Good, good.

You have a visitor.

- I do?

- He's in your office.

I didn't think that I had

any appointments today.

David?

What are you doing here?

Hey, Ashley,

I was just in the area,

and I thought that I'd pop in.

Pop in?

Uh, how did you even know

where I worked?

Oh, Emily told me

that you were an estate planner.

It wasn't too hard

to find you at all.

Shouldn't you be

in school right now?

What are you doing here?

I just wanted to say thank you

for accepting me in your home

the other day.

Really meant the world to me.

Oh, um, you're welcome.

It's been really great getting

to know you and your daughter.

How are you doing, Ashley?

Fine.

See, Emily also told me

about Dylan.

And if I'm being honest,

it really hit me hard

when I heard about it.

Why is that?

I don't know.

You know, it's just

the thought of Emily

having to grow up

without her father,

and you having to grow older

without your husband.

It's all really sad.

You're right, it is sad.

I'm sure it gets

pretty lonely too.

Anyways, I have some things

I gotta get to,

so I'll get out of your hair.

I'll see you later, Ashley.

Hey there, Ashley.

Hi, Miss Connelly.

Thank you for taking my call.

You're welcome.

What can I do for you?

I wanted to talk to you

about a friend of Emily's.

Let me guess. David Olson?

Yes.

Hmm. Someone else was

just asking me about him.

Why are you?

He just stopped by my office

out of nowhere and, um...

Oh? Why'd he do that?

He said he wanted to thank me

for having him over for Emily's

birthday the other night.

Well, maybe he shouldn't have

just dropped in like that,

but that doesn't sound

too sketchy.

Uh, I-I guess not.

I just, um...

He just seems like

a bit too much for me,

and, um, and maybe for Emily.

And you're her favorite teacher,

so I thought that I would just

get your thoughts on it.

Well, honestly,

David seems like a nice guy.

You should have seen

the look on Emily's face

when he gave her

a valentine rose.

It was pure bliss.

Yeah, um...

No, trust me, I am so happy

that Emily is opening up more.

I'm just, um...

Being a good mother?

Listen,

I'll keep my good eye on it,

and if something should happen,

I promise I'll let you know.

That would be great,

Miss Connelly, thank you.

Call me Janet.

And you're welcome.

Janet.

You raised a very special

young lady, Mrs. Marshall,

and clearly, David agrees.

I can't tell you

how excited I was

when I heard that you agreed

to come out with me tonight.

Look, I know it's been weird,

considering everything

that's been going on lately,

but hey, you know,

it's been weird for me too.

But you know what?

There's something here.

I can feel it.

I can feel it,

and I know you can feel it.

I don't know, but if you ask me,

I think it's time

we did something about it.

I feel like crap.

That's gotta be the worst review

I've ever gotten.

You know what I mean.

Why don't we

just try again, okay?

David, Emily is my best friend.

Hey, she's my friend too.

But is that really what you

wanna think about right now?

Why are you smiling?

Because I had

a good time. I...

That's your idea of a good time,

hooking up with the guy

that your best friend

has been talking to?

- But you just...

- , Emily!

You gotta be the dumbest person

I've ever met.

I'm a guy,

and we'll do anything we want,

if it gets us closer

to what we want.

I wouldn't have done it

if I'd known you'd be...

You're not gonna tell Emily

about this, are you?

Screw you.

Not quite.

We had fun, didn't we?

Hey.

Hey.

Did you, uh,

did you get my gift today?

I sure did.

I've been reading it all night.

Awesome.

Yeah, I thought

I knew everything

about the fall of the Romans,

but this?

I guess I never really

thought of it that way.

Yeah, that's like my favorite

thing about it too.

So...

where are you right now?

Um, just at home,

thinking about you.

Hey, Emily,

about earlier today,

are we good?

We're good.

Well, good night then, Emily.

Good night, David.

What happened?

Are you okay?

It's all right.

Whatever it is,

you can just say it.

Please don't hate me.

Michelle,

I would never hate you.

Just tell me what's going on.

I hooked up with David

last night.

What?

I hooked up with David

last night.

What?

Emily, listen, please.

How how could you do this to me?

I swear, I...

I finally get attention

from a guy,

my first valentine

in my whole life.

I know, I know.

You're supposed to be

my best friend.

- I am.

- So why take this away from me?

I mean, I was jealous.

I made a mistake.

You sure did.

Emily, I'll make it up to you.

What can I do?

You can get out of my house.

What?

I mean it. Get out.

Hey, what's going on

with all the yelling in here?

Michelle!

What happened?

My ex-best friend hooked up

with David last night.

- What? I thought that...

- So did I.

Oh, honey.

Oh, sweetie, I'm sorry.

How did you get in here?

Emily. Hey, why don't we go

get that breakfast now?

How about you never

talk to me again?

What's wrong?

I thought we were all good.

And I thought you were out

clearing your head last night.

Well, I was.

Michelle just dropped by.

Oh.

So you won't even kiss me,

but you'll make out with

my best friend all night?

Emily, why don't you

just let me explain?

Hey!

- Good morning, Ashley.

- You need to go now, David.

Look at that. You're starting to

sound like the man of the house.

You kids,

you better get off my lawn!

But there is no man

in the house, is there?

- What did you just say to me?

- Nothing.

I'm sure you miss having all

that alpha energy around you.

All right, David, you know what?

It's boundary time.

No more coming by here

uninvited,

no more popping in at my office.

As a matter of fact,

if you're not off my property

in exactly one minute,

I'm calling the police.

You know what?

It really is a nice house.

Go now.

Okay.

I'll leave.

Oh, Emily,

I'm glad to run into you.

I was about to come find you

this morning.

Oh, really? Is it about

your friend from USC?

It is. He can meet you

after school for coffee,

if you're available.

I'll be there.

Thanks again

for your recommendation.

Of course. Who knows?

Maybe you'll be

teaching there someday.

I'd love that.

Hey, aren't you supposed to be

in history club right now?

I'm...

Uh, I'm avoiding someone.

That boy I saw you arguing with.

David.

What's going on with that?

He's a mess.

He showed up at my house.

He's getting jealous

out of nowhere,

even though we just started

hanging out and...

other stuff I don't feel like

talking about.

Okay. It's okay, Emily.

Just focus, okay?

And don't forget about

that appointment this afternoon.

Mm-hmm.

Hey, David, David.

How's it going, Mrs. Stein?

- Oh, me? I'm great.

- Glad to hear.

One of my students

has a problem though,

and that problem is you.

You're not talking about Emily,

are you?

You know that I am.

Okay, look.

It's just some hallway drama.

You were young once.

I'm sure you understand.

Wait, you don't have a little

crush on Emily, do you?

She told me about

this little meeting

you and your buddy

are setting up at USC.

What's with all the extra help

with Emily going to college?

That's exactly my job.

And intimidating the man in

her life, is that your job too?

Listen, Emily has

much bigger things to focus on

than fights with some stupid

high school jerk, all right?

You need to leave her alone.

You can't tell me what to do.

I'm 18. I have rights.

Okay, if by rights

you mean the right

to be tried as an adult

for harassing a minor,

then yes, you're correct.

You need to stop messing

with her and her family or...

Or what?

Or I will call the authorities.

I'm getting pretty sick

of no one being able

to handle their own

problems anymore.

Do not try me, David.

You got me. I'm not looking

to cause any trouble.

I care about Emily, okay?

And if you think that it's best

for her that I leave her alone,

well, I will.

You really mean it?

Of course.

Okay, okay, well, then

I am glad we had this chat.

Me too.

So tell me why you like history.

Well, Mr. Phillips,

I guess I'd say...

I mean, there's so much to learn

about so many things,

it's a little overwhelming,

but that's kind of

the fun of it all, isn't it?

Agreed.

The truth is,

it's amazing how little

we actually know

about the things

going on around us

and how it all connects us

to the past.

That sounds familiar.

Hey.

Uh...

What are you doing here?

Well, I was just in the area,

and I saw that you were

having coffee with...

Who's this fella now?

Mr. Phillips.

He is the admissions interviewer

from USC.

Oh, awesome!

How you doing?

My name is David.

Frank.

So how's our girl here doing?

Uh, she was doing just fine.

Can you please just go?

Yeah, sure, I can go.

First, can you just consider

one little thing for me?

And what's that?

I don't know if Emily here

mentioned it,

but I, too, would like to

major in history next year.

Uh, she actually hadn't

mentioned you at all.

Well, she's a bit shy, this one,

so I'll just ask myself.

Since we're both planning

on attending the same college,

would you be open

to accepting both of us

into your highly esteemed

institution?

Look...

I have no idea what this is,

but I'm gonna

give you two a minute.

And hopefully when I return,

we can get back to our meeting.

Thank you, Frank.

And hey!

Don't forget to wash your hands.

I like him.

How did you know where I was?

Because I followed you. Duh.

I asked you nicely this morning

to leave me alone.

A... It wasn't that nice.

And second...

Not until we talk about

what happened with Michelle.

Now, I know what she told you.

Just go!

Jeez.

All you had to do was ask.

Enjoy the rest of your meeting

with Frank.

I'm so excited to get

my acceptance letter.

Hey, Frank, how did it go today?

Didn't I tell you that Emily's...

What?

Oh, you've gotta be kidding me.

What kind of things

was he saying?

Okay, all right, that's it.

I have had it.

Clearly, I didn't

get through to this kid.

I promise you,

I'm gonna take care of it.

Okay, all right.

Listen, thank you, Frank.

I'll talk to you soon.

David!

Hi, Mrs. Stein.

What, are you following me?

No. I just wanted to see how

USC was looking for next year.

Was that him on the phone

right now?

Tell me, how'd I come off?

Like someone trying to ruin

somebody else's opportunity.

That's not what I'm trying...

Okay, listen, all right?

You just shut up...

No, you listen to me!

Emily has been getting

the breaks her whole life,

and I'm getting

pretty sick of it.

I don't know

what you're talking about.

I'm talking about

the perfect house,

the perfect parents,

the perfect life!

Okay, all right!

Enough, David!

This stops right here.

And tomorrow

I'm gonna go to the principal,

and we're gonna discuss

your future around here.

- Hi.

- Hi.

How are you?

You know, pathetic,

embarrassed, self-loathing.

Pick one.

Just one?

It's okay, Michelle.

I'm not mad at you anymore.

You're not?

I know it's not your fault.

It's him. It's David.

Ah, facts!

This guy is crazy.

What is with him?

I have no idea,

but for some reason,

he's made it his mission in life

to make mine miserable.

And he used me

to help him do it,

and I let him.

He's a charmer.

Emily, I am so, so sorry.

It will never happen again.

I know.

Oh, my God. Did you guys

hear what happened?

- Hear what?

- Mrs. Stein.

- What about her?

- She's dead.

I-I can't believe she's dead.

I just heard.

Why is it that such bad things

happen to such good people?

My parents.

Your father.

I'm so sorry, Emily.

I know that you and Mrs. Stein

were very close.

Just another victim

of random violence.

Do you need a hug?

Move, please.

I can't.

Oh, my God, honey,

what happened now?

- You look like someone died.

- Someone did.

Wait, what are you

talking about? Who died?

Mrs. Stein.

What? Are you kidding?

Someone robbed her in a parking

lot outside her car last night,

and then they stabbed her, Mom.

Oh, my God, that's...

She really believed in me.

I-I know.

And now she's dead.

Oh, sweetie, come here.

I'm so sorry.

Did you, um...

Did you see David today?

Besides class, I mean?

Yes.

So he's not leaving you alone?

No.

Okay, look, honey, I think that

we should talk to the police

and see what they have to say.

I don't want to talk

to some police officer, Mom.

- I just want him to go away.

- Shh, okay.

It's gonna be okay.

How long have you been

out here spying on us?

Hi, Ashley.

I would tell you to call me

"Mrs. Marshall,"

but I want this to be the last

conversation that we ever have.

No, what's the matter?

Is this about Mrs. Stein?

I know.

I've been thinking about it

all day.

It's such a tragedy.

I want to talk to your parents.

- That's gonna be difficult.

- Why?

'Cause they're dead.

I didn't know that.

Yeah, you know, it's actually...

It's actually

not an easy subject matter.

I'm sure you understand.

Look, David, I am sorry

about your parents.

- Yeah, me too.

- But you need to listen to me.

I don't know

what kind of ridiculous game

you think you're playing

with my daughter,

but it comes to an end

right now.

You know, it's times like this

I bet you wish

Dylan was still alive.

I am perfectly capable of

handling someone like you.

- Someone like me?

- Yeah.

A little boy.

Oh, you're overflowing

with hidden anger

and artificial confidence,

and you're trying to control

or hurt someone else

to make up for your own

pathetic life.

But yeah, at the end of the day,

you are just a little boy.

You know, Ashley, I already

told your daughter this.

Told her what?

That it's amazing

how little we actually know

about the things

that are going on around us.

What's that supposed to mean?

It means I can promise...

this won't be

our last conversation.

Leave my daughter alone.

Goodbye, Ash.

You know, Emily,

I just don't get it.

Why are you being like this?

Why are you pretending like

the last week didn't happen?

Like I imagined the cake we ate,

the laughs we shared.

I'm your first valentine,

for... sake, Emily!

And I know it can't be about

that blowhard Stein.

I mean, I get it.

The death was tragic.

But these things happen

all the time.

You gotta get over it!

And I know it can't be about

her friend from USC

'cause it sounds like you were

using my words to get in,

so I mean,

I just don't get it, Emily!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

You know, the thing is, Emily,

we're connected.

We'll always be connected,

so why don't you stop being

a b*tch and call me back?

So why don't you stop being

a b*tch and call me back?

Emily, this guy is

a total freak!

How are you not like

freaking out right now?

Because he's just

screwing with me, Michelle,

and I wanna know the reason why.

What are you gonna do?

I need to figure out everything

I can about David Olson.

I mean, there has to be some

explanation why he's doing this,

why he thinks we have

this deep connection.

What do you think it could be?

Who knows?

Maybe I remind him of

someone who broke his heart?

Something like that.

But if I can figure this out,

then maybe this all

will finally stop.

Are you sure you just shouldn't

let your mom handle it?

Mrs. Stein told me

that at some point in our lives,

we have to make the decision to

step up and take control of it.

I think this might be

my time to do that.

What happened to shy Emily?

You sure are a lot braver

than I would be.

Thanks.

But I could still use your help

for one thing.

What?

- Miss Harrison!

- What?

Come quick.

There are two kids fighting.

- What? Where?

- Outside. Hurry!

Okay. Just breathe.

There you are.

I don't understand,

Miss Harrison.

They were just here.

Okay, sure.

Thanks, Miss Harrison.

Yes! Let's go.

Not much here.

"Awaiting medical records."

Hmm.

Washington High School.

Good morning.

Hi. I, um, I was hoping

to get some information

on one of your former students.

I was hoping you could help me.

Who is this?

My name is Emily.

I am a friend of his.

I was just wondering...

I'm sorry, Emily. We can't

give out any information

regarding our students,

past or present.

I understand that, I do,

but this is super important.

And that's all

well and good, miss, but...

His name is David Olson.

What?

Why did you get quiet?

I-I really can't.

Please.

There's nothing I can tell you

about David Olson

or any other student who went

to Washington High School.

Good day, miss.

! What...

The good news is

the damage is mostly cosmetic.

Bad news is it looks like

someone really wanted

to get under your skin.

I called the police.

- Good.

- Should be someone here soon.

Thank you.

That is the right thing to do.

No problem, boss.

You know, Jane, uh,

why don't you

take the rest of the day off,

and I will handle this.

You got it.

So, Miss Marshall,

do you have any idea

who could have done this?

Maybe someone

you had a beef with?

Angry ex-client or friend?

Anything like that?

There is this one kid

at my daughter's school.

His name is David Olson.

And he and my daughter

have been going out, sort of.

I don't really know

what that is, but...

You honestly would be surprised

at what people are capable of.

That includes teenagers.

But why in the world would he

trash a room like this?

We had a little, um,

confrontation yesterday,

and, uh, I know that

he knows where my office is.

Do you have any evidence?

Nothing concrete, but I...

- Miss Marshall...

- But I...

Unfortunately, I can't

question him without any proof.

But I will look into it a bit,

see what I find.

Thanks.

I would appreciate that.

You're welcome.

Oh, and if anything changes,

he cause any more problems,

here's my card.

Give me a call.

I'll be in touch.

Your mom's pretty,

but where is your father?

How long have you been

watching us?

No way.

"David's time with us

is almost done."

He's come a long way

in a short time.

His breakdown

from his mother's suicide

"is quite understandable."

Suicide?

"Despite her extensive abuse,

she was the only parent

he's ever known."

That's...

That's impossible.

That's what he was talking about

all along.

We have the same father.

No, no, no.

I see you.

Now you see me.

Emily.

Mom, where are you?

I just got home.

Where are you?

- I'll be there soon.

- Good, okay.

I left you a message.

I've gotta tell you something.

Same.

Excuse me, Miss Connelly?

Yes, I'm Miss Connelly.

Sorry to bother you.

I'm Detective Rick.

I was in the office inquiring

about a student who goes here.

And who is that?

Emily Marshall.

They say the two of you

are pretty close.

Yes, we are.

I gave her ride home last year

when she was sick.

- Is she all right?

- As far as I know.

But her mother's office

was trashed today.

- I'm so sorry to hear that.

- Yeah.

But how can I help?

Well, you see, the thing is,

Mrs. Marshall seems to think

another student had

something to do with it.

Let me guess.

Do you mean David Olson?

I do.

You know, I have been

hearing his name

from too many people lately.

And you know when they say

there's smoke...

It leads to fire.

Indeed, it does.

Let's go discuss this

in my office.

Okay.

Mom?

- Where are you?

- Emily!

A mental institution, Emily?

Is that true?

He had a breakdown

after his mother died.

When was this?

He basically just got out.

- I'm calling the police.

- Wait, hold on.

There's more.

What more?

His mom didn't just die.

She k*lled herself.

And there's more.

Emily, just tell me, please.

His mother was

Dad's ex-girlfriend.

What... What are you

talking about?

At his house, I found

this old picture on his laptop

of her and Dad.

It was the same one I found in

Dad's photo album the other day.

- They were definitely together.

- No, that can't be.

And I found a copy of Dad's

obituary on his computer.

- That can't be.

- Mom, look at them.

There's definitely

a resemblance.

I'm calling the police.

Mom!

Emily! Ashley!

Let me in!

It's okay, Em.

It's gonna be okay.

Hi, this is Ashley Marshall,

the one... Yes!

I need someone

at my house right now.

Emily!

We need to talk, ladies.

I know you know that!

David, you need to go.

I've called the police.

How could you do that to me?

We're family.

I'm the blood of your blood,

for crying out loud!

Leave us alone!

Emily, what did I tell you

the first day we met?

If you don't know

your history...

You're doomed to repeat it.

Exactly. Now here we are.

Now let me in!

- They're coming.

- Thank God.

You two disappoint me

so damn much!

I can't believe that

David is my stepson.

I mean, if your father...

- If we had known...

- I know.

I swear, if we had known,

we would've tried to help him.

Of course you would've.

But I just don't understand

why Carla wouldn't tell Dylan

about his own son.

Did Dad hurt her?

Yeah.

I suppose he did.

Please tell me

that you guys never...

Mom.

He never even tried to kiss me.

At first,

I didn't understand why,

but I do now.

So what now?

Well, the police have

reached out

to the doctor from

the mental health facility,

and he should be coming to town

tomorrow to collect his patient.

So like what happens to him?

Em, David is

a very disturbed young man,

but he is still

your father's child,

so we are going to do

everything we can

to make sure he gets

the help that he needs.

Okay, ladies, just let you know,

I did another check

of the house.

There's no one in here

or skulking the area

at all, okay?

Appreciate that.

You're welcome.

We do have officers out

looking for David,

but if it's okay

with the two of you,

I'm gonna stay guard outside

for a little while,

just in case.

Just in case sounds good.

Works for me.

I'll be out back

if you guys need me.

Okay, thank you.

You're welcome.

Why didn't you tell me you were

gonna investigate David?

You did tell me to put myself

out there, didn't you?

- Girl!

- Seriously.

I think I just needed to take

some more control of my life.

I'm proud of you.

I love you too.

Are you tired, baby?

Exhausted.

- How about a mocha latte?

- Perfect.

- I'm gonna be in my bedroom.

- Okay.

- Mom?

- Yeah.

I'm glad this week

is finally over.

Oh, me too, baby.

Me too.

The prodigal son returns.

You know, I always wanted

to say that,

but I guess "stepson"

works as well.

I think it's time

that we go inside,

we have ourselves

a little family chat.

And hey, if you even think

about calling for help...

I'll k*ll everyone in this house

and not think twice

about the mess.

Please, please don't hurt

my daughter.

Always trying to be

the consummate mother.

Bravo, Ashley. Let's go.

Now, where is my step-sis?

Mom?

Where are you?

Emily!

You're just in time.

No.

Emily, why don't you

come have a seat?

Are you gonna tie me up too.

No.

I'm not worried about you.

But I am gonna tell you

exactly what I told your mom.

You even think about

trying to escape,

and there will be

three dead bodies here.

Would you look at your face!

Okay. You guys deserve

an explanation.

Both of you.

First thing that I'd like to say

is that I really do wish

that you were my mom.

I imagine how different

my life would be

without the random beatings

and the scent of brandy

wafting off of her breath

as she tells me over

and over and over again

that I will be a disappointment

just like my father.

Our father.

It seems that I just

reminded her too much

of her great romance.

She was hurt badly when he left,

so she hurt me...

badly...

and often.

But despite all of that,

no matter how crazy

that it sounds,

she still loved him.

When she found out that

he passed away, she lost it.

But you know what? She finally

told me my father's name,

where he lived,

and told me all about

the little family that he made

after they broke up.

And after all that,

she k*lled herself.

With this.

You know, I was gonna use this

to k*ll Mrs. Stein.

But I decided to save this

for just this occasion.

So I stabbed her

right in the back of my knife.

It was you.

She should've focused on

staying out of my business.

I can't believe you k*lled her.

Would you let me finish

what I'm saying, please?!

I'm sorry.

To get back

to what I was saying,

after all that,

I experienced what they called

"a nervous breakdown,"

and they sent me

all the way to North Pines,

so they could straighten me out.

Worked like a charm, didn't it?

Because I never told them

that I knew my father's name.

Our father.

Look, David...

I understand you're upset.

You were abused, and I'm sorry,

but why are you

doing this to us?

Can you put yourself in my shoes

for one second?

Look at this house.

Look at your mother.

You got everything,

and I got kicked like a dog.

I deserved better,

damn it!

You know, here's a funny story.

One night, she got so drunk,

she took this thing out.

You know what she did?

She threatened to put a b*llet

in my head!

14 years old.

Isn't that hilarious?

See, once I got out

of those North Pines,

all I could think about

was you two.

So I tracked you down,

and I followed you.

When I saw the love you shared

and the kind of home

that you lived in,

I despised you!

I wanted to be the reason

that you felt bad,

the way that I felt bad!

So I made you fall for me,

care for me,

so that I could leave you empty.

Empty the way that I felt

every day of my life!

So I enjoyed

pushing your buttons

until I let you in

on my little secret.

Because all of this...

is just a foreplay.

'Cause everything

leads to tonight...

because I never got one of those

dinners around the dinner table

that I said I did.

But I'm gonna get one.

Just one.

What does that mean, David?

Wait.

You said they were gonna find

three dead bodies.

I know that it's over.

There's no way that I'm

going back to North Pines,

which is the only possible way

that I can get out of this.

So I've decided to take matters

into my own hands,

and I'm choosing to get off

at this station tonight.

David, please!

Is there something

you'd like to say, Mom?

Yes! Yes!

Let's hear it.

David, I am so sorry

about everything

that happened to you.

Everything.

And I promise you,

if Dylan and I

had known about you,

if we knew where you were,

we would've helped you

your whole life.

It would have been different,

I swear to you.

But you don't have to do this.

You can let her go.

Because it was my fault

Dylan left your mom.

I'm the one you can hate.

Hate me.

Hate?

Mom, I don't hate you.

I love you.

This has been the happiest day

of my life.

Really?

Really.

Emily, run!

Emily, why don't you...

Mom!

You're no better than she is.

Em, baby...

I can't let you

ruin this for me!

You know what? We'll always

have history, right?

Don't move, David.

Or what?

I'll k*ll you.

My funny valentine.

Do it already.

Do it, Emily! sh**t me!

Get behind me.

Oh, good lord.

I just wanted to make sure

that you two were okay.

Is he dead?

I sure hope not.

Emily...

it looks like you picked

the wrong valentine.

Okay.

Hi, Emily.

Honey, it's okay, it's okay.

He's gone. David is gone.

He can't hurt us anymore, okay?