05x22 - Father Knows Best?

[bunniefuu]

Oh, well, um,

sure, just a minute.

'Abby, it's Jeremy's father.'

His father?

He's in town.

He wants to see Jeremy.

The most important thing is that

you and I get to know

each other.

Everything else will

work out later. Trust me.

Maybe it's just possible that

he really does care for Jeremy.

What concerns me is how much

more he cares about himself.

I want you both to know

I really appreciate

what you've done with Jeremy.

You know, he's like

one of our family now.

He needs something a little

more permanent right now.

What are you getting at?

I want my son back.

[theme music]

♪ There's a magic ♪

♪ In the early morning

we've found ♪

♪ When the sunrise smiles ♪

♪ On everything around ♪

♪ It's a portrait

of the happiness ♪

♪ That we feel and always will ♪

♪ Oh eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives with love ♪

♪ Oh we spend our days ♪

♪ Like bright and shiny

new dimes ♪

♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪

♪ By the changing times ♪

♪ There's a plate

of home made wishes ♪

♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪

♪ And eight is enough

to fill our lives with love ♪

[instrumental music]

[typewriter clacking]

(Tom)

'Friend or foe?'

Hungry friend.

Oh, why? Did the school

run out of food?

No, the counselor

ran out of money.

I have an hour off.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Hi, Ann.

Really?

This afternoon, huh?

Well, yeah, okay.

No, it's-it's fine.

Hey, thanks for calling, okay.

Bye-bye.

So, what was that all about?

Jeremy. It seems

that he turned in

a less than

adequate term paper.

- That was Ann Cavalusi.

- And?

Well, she wants one of us

to come by this afternoon.

I guess I can cancel my

afternoon appointment, but..

Why? I can do it for you.

I have to bring my column

over to the office.

You could? That would be great.

Besides, I haven't had

a good battle with a teacher

since Tommy was

in tenth grade geometry.

Well, you sure have had

lots of experience.

Oh, yes.

Too bad he flunked.

[instrumental music]

[bike revving]

[tires screeching]

What do you think you're doing?

I got half a mind to wrap that

cycle around your neck!

Do you realize how clo..

Ozzie!

You never were too good

in a crisis, were you?

Ozzie! You big guy!

Oh, hey, you got fat.

Water retention.

- When did you get in?

- Couple of hours ago.

Phoned your old man.

Heard you got married.

Yeah.

- Divorced?

- Yeah.

Happens to the best of us, pal.

- You're kidding?

- Almost a year.

Well, listen, we're gonna

have a great time.

Oh, the reunion? Uh, you know,

I really didn't plan on going.

Are you kidding?

It's our -year reunion.

Well, Ralph, Johnski, Bobo.

- 'They're all coming.'

- You're kidding.

It's gonna be just like

it used to be.

The starting five,

back together again.

Boy, we were some

basketball team.

We lost every game.

Yeah, that was our

only weakness.

[chuckles]

[school bell ringing]

Pretty dismal, wouldn't you say,

Mr. Bradford?

Uh, well, at least

it's not too wordy.

Mr. Bradford, Jeremy had

three weeks

to complete this assignment.

I see.

And it's not the first time.

He has been warned before.

Is this true, Jeremy?

'I expect more than this

from my students.'

Especially when I think

they're capable.

Of course.

Now, Jeremy tells me that he has

a lot of problems at home.

'Problems that are keeping him'

'from concentrating

on his school work.'

'This is what I wanted

to talk to you about.'

He says they're

too personal to discuss.

'I was gonna fail Jeremy,

Mr. Bradford.'

He would have to make up

this class in summer school.

Unless, of course, there's some

truth to what he's saying.

Well, uh, if it means failing

and going to summer school..

...I guess it's not..

'...so personal

that we can't discuss it.'

Okay. Now, I'll just

be a minute.

I just have to bring in

this column.

- How come you did it?

- Did what?

You know. Cover for me

with old lady Cavalusi.

It's not like

I didn't screw up.

Oh, we all screw up.

Yeah, but it's kind

of a hobby with me.

Let's call it

a calculated risk.

I gambled that you'd rather

do a term paper

than go to summer school.

You don't wanna go

to summer school, do you?

No way, but I don't wanna do

that paper, either.

I know it's a pain, Jeremy,

but it's not that bad.

Think about it.

I have to get this in

before the deadline.

Here, they don't send us

to summer school.

Listen, you've never seen

a newspaper, have you?

No, but that's okay.

You might enjoy it.

- How?

- Come on.

Alright.

[instrumental music]

[inaudible]

[music continues]

[music continues]

- Well, what did you think?

- That was okay.

Wanna walk home?

It was okay in the sense that

it was a very educational

and personally rewarding

experience.

- Well put, Jeremy.

- Thank you, Tom.

I think it's about time

we put our relationship

on a first name basis,

don't you?

I don't know. I may need

a little more time.

Okay, okay. So Tom's

a little bit much.

It's just that "Mr. Bradford"

sounds so formal.

Yeah, you are right, Jeremy.

I should have thought

of that myself.

Nah, that's okay.

Hey, what about your initials?

I could call you T.B.

I don't like being

referred to as a disease.

- Right.

- I know.

Abby is your aunt.

Call me uncle

Oh, yeah. Uncle Tom.

Maybe we should keep

working on it.

Right.

(Ralph)

'Anywhere he wants to.

Heh heh heh.'

(David)

'You haven't changed

a bit, Ralph.'

[knock on door]

Mm, that's them.

The whole g*ng together again.

I can't believe it.

I can't wait to see Bobo.

I heard he turned into

a real freak in college.

- Bobo.

- Obviously just a stage.

- Johnski!

- Hey, David!

- Johnski!

- Hey, Ralph!

Johnski, your hair d*ed.

It's just thinning a little.

[all laughing]

The g*ng together again.

Can you believe this?

Alright. Calls for another beer.

So, uh, Johnski,

what are you doing?

- I'm in industrial lighting.

- Uh-huh?

'Fluorescent fixtures,

spot lights.'

That sort of thing. Primarily

supplied to the North West.

Sounds really boring, Johnski.

Alright. Okay. Well, we got

three whole days

until the reunion.

What do you wanna do?

Same thing we used to do.

Raise hell!

[all cheering]

- Hi, Abby.

- Hi.

Hi. You look b*at.

It was a long day.

Is Tom upstairs?

No, he's not home yet.

I think he was picking up

Jeremy at school.

Yeah, he had a meeting

with Jeremy's teacher.

But that was hours ago.

Well, that explains it, Abby.

He's just giving him

a little advice.

[all laugh]

[phone ringing]

Hello.

Uh, sure.

Oh, well, um,

sure, just a minute.

'Abby, it's Jeremy's father.'

His father?

He is in town.

He wants to see Jeremy.

And what if I don't

wanna see him?

That's up to you.

Yeah, well, what does

he want, anyway?

I don't know. He just said

he wanted to talk to you.

Uh-huh.

He was up North

sh**ting some film

and Sacramento's on his

way back to L.A., so..

Yeah, it figures,

it's convenient.

Listen, Jeremy,

I know how you feel

and nobody is gonna blame you

if you don't wanna see him.

Yeah, I don't know,

I'll think about it.

Okay.

How's your paper coming?

Well, summer school's startin'

to look better by the minute.

[both chuckling]

[instrumental music]

[whistle blowing]

(Ozzie)

Zowey!

How comes girls

never looked like that

when we were in high school?

Everything looks

so much smaller, you know.

What are we gonna do now?

I don't know.

Hey, we could look up

an old teacher.

Yeah. How about Phelps?

Remember the guy

who taught Driver's Ed?

He d*ed last year.

- No kidding?

- Traffic accident.

How about Alison?

Retired.

Sweeney.

Transferred.

- McDonald.

- Leave of absence.

[whistle blowing]

You guys know Canasta?

This is our reunion?

It's a fun game.

[doorbell rings]

Hello, Mr. Andretti.

- Mr. Bradford.

- Please, come in.

Thank you.

Jeremy should be home

from school any minute now.

Well, good, good.

Can I get you something

to drink or something?

Oh, no, no, thank you,

I'm-I'm fine.

How is he?

Oh, except for a little

trouble with English

he's not bad.

English. It wasn't

my favorite subject, either.

[door latch clicking]

Hi, Jeremy.

Hi.

How's school?

Okay, I guess.

Yeah. Well..

Can we talk?

I guess so.

I know I was wrong before,

Jeremy, about leaving

without saying anything.

And I figured

you wouldn't understand.

It was my easy way out.

Yeah.

But it was on my mind.

I mean, you were on my mind.

I just finally realized that..

Well, you deserve better.

So, why'd you leave?

Because I was

afraid of you.

Afraid of me?

Sit down, son.

I know that sounds ridiculous.

See, Jeremy when your mom d*ed

I got the call to come get you.

That you were here

at the Bradfords'.

I didn't know what to think.

I didn't even know you.

As soon as I got to Sacramento,

it began to sink in.

[laughing]

I was gonna be a father.

And then, you know, you..

Your excitement about L.A.

and making plans together..

Maybe it was just a bit

too much too soon.

You see, Jeremy, I've been

alone for so long..

...maybe it was just

a little too sudden.

[birds chirping]

Son, I've never been close..

...really close to anyone

in my entire life.

I just never thought

I had it in me.

That's what I was

afraid of, Jeremy.

I was afraid

that maybe I didn't.

Sure brings back

the memories, doesn't it?

Boy, it sure does.

The five of us out there

battling it out.

The band playing.

The fans booing.

And they never

understood us, Johnski.

They never appreciated

our brand of catch up ball.

That's because we never

caught up.

Well, at least we had

Coach Dooley.

He understood us,

he knew what we could do.

I know, I think that's why

he always left

after the first half.

(Ozzie)

'No, you guys aren't

being fair to us.'

We weren't that bad.

As a matter of fact,

we're pretty darn good.

You really think so, Ozzie?

Just a couple of bad breaks,

that's all.

You know, Coach Dooley really

wasn't that good

when you think about it.

Yeah, maybe with some better

coaching, we might--

Hey, look.

[instrumental music]

Hey.

[indistinct chatter]

[grunting]

Over here, come on, that's it.

[music continues]

- 'Hey, quick.'

- Right..

[Bobo screaming]

[music continues]

Come one. Over here.

Come one.

[Bobo screaming]

(Abby)

'He should be home by now.'

I'm sure he's okay.

How do you know that?

Abby..

[sighs]

I'm sorry.

That's okay.

This man just disappears

for nine months.

We don't even hear from him.

He practically deserts

his own son

and then he just...shows up.

Well, he is Jeremy's father,

whether we like it or not.

That doesn't give him

carte blanche

just to waltz in

and out of Jeremy's life

whenever he needs to.

I didn't say that it did.

He really did hurt Jeremy.

He hurt him when

he really needed somebody.

I'm not gonna let that

happen again.

Maybe he's changed.

Maybe he hasn't.

Anyway, he can't

just undo the damage.

Abby, you are the one

who's always reminding me

of people frailties.

Of the basic good in everyone.

Well, then,

maybe it's just possible

that he really does care

for Jeremy.

Maybe.

But what concerns me is how much

more he cares about himself.

Look at us,

this is ridiculous.

We should be having fun.

We know, that's the problem.

Half our teachers are either

buried, retired or transferred.

Yeah, and the freshmen

basketball team

laughed us off the court.

The security cop kicked us off

the campus for loitering.

And the yam tree that

our senior class planted

as a living reminder

of our eternal loyalty..

...d*ed of root rot.

Okay. So, things aren't

going exactly perfect.

Big deal!

We still got each other,

don't we?

Don't we?

What about the good times

we had?

The crazy things we did.

The sense of adventure

we shared.

They can't take

that away from us.

It's in here.

No, sir.

We gotta stop feeling sorry

for ourselves.

We gotta get out there

and kick the world in the can.

'We gotta find something that'll

bring us back to life again.'

Now what we need

is an event to remind us

of the kind of guys

we used to be.

It's coming back to me now.

We use to be delinquents.

Shh.

Johnski might

be right, Ozzie.

Kicking the world in the can

might not be the same anymore.

It's gonna be great.

I'm telling you, there's nothing

like a good paper job

to get your heart started.

Let's go.

[martial music]

- What if we get caught.

- Will you relax?

Coach Trevor never did more than

give anyone a boring lecture.

He's totally harmless.

Now, come on.

[music continues]

[alarm ringing]

- Oh, great.

- Oh, no.

- What?

- 'They'll eat us alive.'

[dogs barking]

We-we're surrounded!

Great idea.

(man over PA)

'Attention!'

'You are trespassing..'

Let's go!

(man over PA)

'Failure to vacate these

premises will result'

'in charges being

brought against you.'

[tires screech]

'You are trespassing.'

It's about time.

- 'Hi.'

- 'Hello.'

Did you forget

how to use a telephone?

No, sorry, I guess I kinda

lost track of time.

I think it's my fault.

We got talking and..

Well, I'll get my jacket,

we're going to a movie.

What about your term paper?

I'll get it done.

I don't think the movies

is a good idea.

- I said I'll get it done!

- 'Hey.'

Uh, maybe we oughta go to

a movie some other night, huh?

You better get your homework

done tonight.

- I'll see you later.

- Yeah.

I want you both to know

I really appreciate

what you've done with Jeremy.

It's our pleasure, Mr. Andretti.

We really enjoy having him.

He's like one of our family now.

Yes, uh, that's just the thing.

He needs something a little

more permanent right now.

'Don't you think?'

What are you getting at?

Well, uh, things are different

with me right now.

My career is really going well.

And I have this big house and..

'...I have a lot more time

to be with him.'

'And believe me, I've given it

a lot of thought.'

'And I think the decision

is right for both of us.'

I want my son back.

[dramatic music]

- Hi.

- Hi.

You waiting for your dad?

Yeah.

I thought you liked him now.

Oh, I do. It's just that..

Ah, you wouldn't understand.

You can't decide if you wanna

live with us or with him.

I don't know, it's, this

whole thing's all screwed up.

I mean, I like it here now.

I really do.

Well, especially

when you stay out of my hair.

On the other hand, I'd like to

have a family of my own.

You know?

Well, you have us

and I want you to stay.

Well, that's one vote.

- What do you mean?

- Nah, nothing.

It's just so confusing,

that's all.

I mean you guys aren't my real

family but in a way, you are.

My dad, he's my real family

and in a way, he isn't.

See what I mean?

Screwed up.

[whispering]

Yeah.

(Ozzie)

'"To a real cool guy

with a real cool car.'

"Good luck in college and have

a real cool summer ha-ha.

P.S. Don't sell the car.

Love and stuff. Laura Segara."

Laura Segara, I wonder

whatever became of her.

Well, if she didn't become

an English teacher

let's hope she married

a guy with a Ford dealership.

Hey you guys. There's Wheezer.

Remember good old Wheezer?

How could you forget a guy

who wore a box of tissue

on his belt?

[chuckles]

You all remember the noise

he made when he breathed?

It was so loud.

The poor guy had allergies.

Remember the time when

Miss Pasqual ask him the library

because no one

could concentrate?

That's right,

so he held his breath.

And when he passed out

nobody would give him

mouth to mouth.

No even Miss Pasqual.

Give the guy a break,

it wasn't his fault.

Listen to mister

humanitarian here.

Who's the one who nicknamed

him Wheezer anyhow, huh?

It was cruel.

And I was wrong.

We were all wrong.

[laughing]

You know you guys,

Johnski is right.

We were pretty mean to him.

Probably wasn't

such a bad guy.

I mean, we never

gave him a chance.

You know, he went

through high school

without ever having a date?

Too bad we can't make it up

to him somehow.

Maybe we can. There was

something in the newspaper

about him being associated

with that new hotel downtown.

Wheezer lives here?

Yeah, I guess,

he is the manager.

Hey, you guys, there he is.

Remember, it's Steve,

not Wheezer.

- Fellas.

- Hey, Steve.

When you called,

I couldn't believe it.

I mean, we weren't exactly

close in high school.

Yeah, that's kinda

why we are here.

Steve, uh, we know how rotten

we were and, well, we, uh..

We wanted to tell you

what jerks we were

and, uh, see if we could set

the record straight.

Gee, I don't know what to say.

Say you'll let us

buy you lunch.

'It's the least we could do.'

Nonsense, lunch is on me.

Now, what happened between us

was a long time ago.

We were just kids.

The fact that you came, well..

It took a lot of guts.

Come on, I'll show you

around first.

Sure is some place, Steve.

Well, I'm proud of it.

We got three gourmet

restaurants, all kinds of shops.

A beauty salon, barber shop,

a complete health spa..

Yeah, it's, it's quite a hotel.

You sound like

you own the place, Steve.

I do.

Hi, how is it going?

Just swell, I think I'm gonna

have it published.

Listen, can I help you

with anything?

Yeah, as a matter

of fact, you can.

You could count.

Count what?

Well, I need to have

at least , words

and I have to know

where I'm at.

Jeremy, think about

the content.

I mean, if you're worry about

how many words you've written

you'll lose track

of what you're trying to say.

I'm not gonna worry

about how many words

I've written, you are.

Well, you said

you wanted to help.

Okay.

One, two, three, four--

Silently.

What if I don't wanna go

with my dad, Mr. Bradford?

Do you?

Well, I don't know.

He is my father.

Yes, he is.

Well, what do you think?

This is a decision

that you'll have to make.

I wish I could help you.

I really do.

It will work out.

Whatever happens..

Yeah.

- Whoo.

- Whoo!

What a work out.

I feel great.

I got news for you, Johnski.

A sauna and a massage doesn't

qualify for a workout.

You know, I still can't

get over Wheezer.

I mean, after all the rotten

stunts we pulled on him

he buys us lunch, he gives us

free passes to the health spa.

Now, don't remind me, you know.

I feel guilty enough already.

Especially about the time

we de-pantsed him after school.

That was the worst of all.

The poor guy had to run

all the way home naked.

Didn't I have locker ?

Yeah, it's right next to mine.

Hey..

Does this means

what I think it does?

[elevator door ringing]

(woman # )

No!

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

So, I guess you, uh,

have a pretty good idea

of what I wanted

to talk to you about.

Well, I think I know

how you feel.

I guess you have grown

quite attached to Jeremy.

Yes, we have.

Well, I want you to know

when he leaves, you are welcome

to come and visit him

at any time.

That goes for your

whole family, too.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

Mr. Andretti..

...I hope that you've given

this a lot of thought.

Oh, well, I know it's not

gonna be easy. I know that.

I also know I have a lot

to learn about being a father.

I know that, too.

I wasn't talking about you,

I was referring to Jeremy.

'I mean, he's been uprooted

once in his life already.'

Well, he'll adjust.

Kids usually do.

Maybe.

The point is, he's doing

so well now.

I mean, he has a lot of friends,

he likes his school.

And...even though it's not

the one that he was born with

he...has a family

who loves him very much.

He's my boy.

He belongs with me.

In my opinion, the two

don't go hand in hand.

The important thing is,

what's best for Jeremy.

Like you said,

that's your opinion.

Now look, I realize it's

difficult for you and your wife.

I appreciate that.

But I think what Jeremy needs

is a family of his own.

He needs his own father.

Does he?

Or do you need a son?

I intend to take Jeremy

back to Los Angeles

right after the school term.

'I suggest you get used

to that idea, Mr. Bradford.'

Thanks for the coffee.

My wife told me

I shouldn't have come.

She said I was makin'

a big mistake.

Stop whining, will you?

If it hadn't been for you

feeling sorry for Wheezer

we wouldn't be

in this predicament.

If we only had our wallets,

we could call a cab. Or a bus.

Maybe we should try

hitch-hiking again.

Forget it, no one is gonna

pick up five guys in towels.

Maybe we should lose the towels.

Just an idea.

Well, what are we

gonna do, guys?

We gotta do something.

Okay, men, on the count

of three.

'One,'

'One.'

One, two, three.

[all screaming]

Hey, I'm starved.

do you want something?

Oh, no, thank you.

How is the work coming?

Oh, words.

Oh.

[door bell rings]

I'll get it.

Hi, is Jeremy home?

Ah, yes, he is.

I thought I like to see

if he wants

to take in a movie tonight.

Oh.

Listen, Mr. Andretti.

Would you do

me a favor, please?

Don't tempt Jeremy

with a movie tonight.

He has an important

term paper due.

(Mr. Andretti)

'Now, look Mr. Bradford.'

'I'm only gonna be here

few more days, you know'

'before I have

to go back to L.A.'

'And I'm sure

his teacher won't mind'

'if he misses

one day's homework.'

I don't think so, you see--

You see, I wanna see my son.

Look, the paper

is due tomorrow and if--

(Andretti)

'Look, I'm his father'

'and I have the right to decide'

'what's important for Jeremy

and what isn't.'

I think it's about time

you started

to take your son's

best interests into account.

I think it's about time

you began to realize

who Jeremy's father

really is here.

I know who the legal one is.

'You don't fit the bill in

any other sense of the word.'

(Andretti)

'I don't really care

what you think.'

(Tom)

'That's just it, you don't care

what anybody thinks.'

'Least of all, Jeremy.'

'Have you asked him what he

thinks about all of this?'

'Have you asked him

how he feels?'

[door slamming]

Good morning.

No word, huh?

- Nothing.

- Well, he'll turn up.

Probably just spent the night

at a friend's house

or something.

But with who? We've tried

everybody we know.

You know, we could still

call the police.

No, let's wait

a few more minutes.

[telephone rings]

Hello. Yes it is.

'He's..'

Oh, thank God.

'Well, where was he?'

Okay! Well,

we'll be right there.

Thank you very much.

Jeremy is at the county

shelter home for juveniles.

The police picked him up

for loitering at this

'all night newsstand.'

He's okay?

Yeah, he's just a little wet.

(Ralph)

'Well, this is just great.'

'The big reunion's tonight,

and look at us.'

I just don't know

if I have the strength

to remember people's names.

I know, the thought of matching

all those balding men

with their former hairlines.

Okay, fine.

You guys can stay here

and play Canasta.

Not me.

I'm not gonna let

all those people down.

[Johnski sneezing]

What are you talking about?

Are you forgetting what we meant

to that high school?

How we were looked up to

by the masses?

Now, we may have not been

the best basketball team.

But we were all those

poor slobs had.

I guess we were pretty popular.

(Ozzie)

'Are you kidding?'

We were practically idols.

Now a lot of people have

travelled a long way

'and spent a lot of money

on this reunion.'

How do you think they're gonna

feel when we don't show up, huh?

Think about it?

[blowing nose]

[inhales harshly]

I'm afraid so, we released him

to his father's custody

about ten minutes ago.

Yes, but you called us.

Well, that's the number

that Jeremy gave us.

I guess Mr. Andretti

called the police

and they told him where he was.

Well, you should have waited

until we got here.

Well, ma'am, when a legal parent

shows up to claim his child

we...we don't have any choice.

So, you just turn him over,

just like that, right?

It didn't matter what's best

for the child--

- Abby.

- No, Tom.

You know Andretti is not

capable of raising Jeremy.

But that doesn't matter

to you, does it?

'Just so long as he is legal.'

Mrs. Bradford,

try to understand.

We're not a court.

We're just an overcrowded

facility for kids

who have no place to go.

Believe me, for what they pay us

we wouldn't be here

if we didn't care.

I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean that.

It's just that..

'I know it's frustrating,

Mrs. Bradford.'

If you have reason to contest

Mr. Andretti's custody

well, there are channels.

What are they?

'Well, you can file

a petition for adoption.'

'For one thing, it will

get you a hearing.'

'Just make sure

you have a good lawyer.'

Now, if he can prove that, uh,

Jeremy's father is unfit

well, you may have a chance.

A chance?

Courts are very extremely

reluctant to separate a child

from his natural parents,

Mr. Bradford.

'Has he ever been violent

to Jeremy?'

No.

Does he have a criminal record?

I don't-don't think so.

Look, I don't know what

your circumstances are, but

'custody battles

can get pretty messy'

and they can take a long time.

So, just be sure it's worth it.

Because believe me

it'll be harder on Jeremy

than on anyone else.

You know, the Bradfords

have been very good to me.

Oh, Jeremy, I feel terrible

about the way I acted.

Mr. Bradford doesn't

deserve my yelling at him.

No, he doesn't.

And I know, he's just acting

in what he thinks

are your best interests.

I appreciate that.

I just wish I had a chance.

To do what?

Well, to be a father, to have

a family like the Bradfords.

Jeremy, you are my family.

Now, look. I know

I messed up before.

All I'm asking for is the

opportunity to try again.

Just one more cr*ck.

Well, I-I think that

could be arranged.

Say, how would you like

to go with me to L.A. tomorrow?

Tomorrow? What about school?

Well, listen there are plenty

of schools in Los Angeles.

I know, but it's right

in the middle of the term.

I got this big paper.

Jeremy, the most important thing

is that you and I

get to know each other.

Everything else will work out

later. Trust me.

And the sooner we do it,

the better it's gonna be.

I guess it'll be okay.

Oh, of course it will.

(Tom)

'It's for the best, you know.'

(Abby)

'Wish I could be sure.'

(Tom)

'Well, we have to give Andretti

the benefit of the doubt.'

Maybe he'll turn out to be

a very good father to Jeremy.

Why? What makes him

so capable now?

The difference is..

...he wants to be

with Jeremy now.

What about in a year?

I know this is difficult,

but what else can we do?

It isn't fair to put Jeremy

through a long court battle.

It seems like we could do

something. And we might win.

It would be worth it

if Jeremy could stay with us.

Fighting to keep Jeremy

because we want him

would be as selfish as what

we're accusing Andretti of.

We'd be doing it for us,

not for Jeremy.

It's just so hard.

I know it is.

I know it is.

Idols, huh?

Break their hearts, you said.

Some people have short memories,

it's not my fault.

Face it, Ozzie.

It wasn't some.

Almost no one

remembered who we were.

Not even Marsha Feldstein.

Will you stop talking about

Marsha Feldstein?

Who cares about

Marsha Feldstein?

I care. We went steady

for two years.

Yeah, I admit it. It wasn't

the reunion I anticipated.

No, it sure wasn't.

Well, what now?

Home, I guess.

- Yeah, let's go.

- I guess so.

You know,

it's still pretty early

and it is our last evening.

We oughta do something together,

don't you think?

I thought you had a cold.

You think I'm gonna let a few

sniffles ruin our reunion?

'No way.'

Okay, so where to?

Oh, we could see a movie.

(Ozzie)

I got a better idea.

Let's go back to the reunion.

And do what?

Introduce ourselves.

Hey.

[laughing]

Why not?

Okay.

Nice to meet you,

David Bradford..

- 'Hey..'

- 'Hello there.'

Here, I'll get these.

Okay. Have you got everything?

Well, I think so.

(Abby)

'Anything you forgot,

we'll send it to you.'

Okay.

Maybe we'll bring it ourselves.

- Yeah.

- That would be great.

Here.

Wh-what's this for?

Kind of a going away present.

Yeah, but Nicolas

this is your good one.

I know, but you always

borrow it so much

and I kinda got used

to the old one.

Hey, thanks a lot.

Well, I'll, um..

I'll write, I promise.

You ready?

Bye.

Well, um..

Goodbye Mr..

Uncle.

We never did get that

straightened out, did we?

[instrumental music]

See you, squirt.

[instrumental music]

I know you think

I'm doing the wrong thing.

But I want you to know

that I love Jeremy.

And I'm gonna do my best

to be a good father to him.

I-I don't doubt

your love for Jeremy.

Or your desire

to be a good father.

Well, I'm glad to

hear you say that.

But, yeah, I-I-I do

think that you're wrong.

'I mean, you're so

anxious to be a father'

that you're breaking

the first rule.

You're putting your

needs ahead Jeremy's.

I'm sorry

you feel that way.

[instrumental music]

Well, I guess this is it, huh?

Yeah, I guess so.

You sure I can't take

you guys to the airport?

Oh, that's okay, David.

We already called a cab.

It should be here in a second.

Hey, I'd save you

a couple of bucks.

Johnski insisted.

He wants to pick up the tab.

Yeah, if I don't spend

the money my wife gave me

I'll just have to give it back.

Well, I don't know what to say.

Sure was good seeing you guys.

Sure was like old times, huh?

Kinda?

[car horn blaring]

- I guess we better go.

- Yeah, right.

Don't forget anything, boys.

Thanks.

And uh, let's all

keep in touch, you hear?

- You got it.

- Okay, and..

Let's not wait another

ten years to do it again.

No way.

- You take good care.

- Take care of yourself.

See you, Johnski.

Bye, Ralph.

[instrumental music]

[typewriter keys clacking]

- I thought you could use this.

- Oh, thanks a lot.

- How do you feel?

- Okay.

I'm, uh, waiting for Nancy.

We thought we'd go shopping.

Just take my mind off Jeremy.

Yeah, that's a good idea.

I do, too.

What?

Miss him already.

I think I'll just

go outside or something.

Maybe a little

fresh air will help.

[door closing]

[typewriter keys clacking]

[instrumental music]

[sighing]

(Jeremy)

'How many words?'

Well, how many?

Oh, gosh, I don't know.

I can't remember.

Some help you are.

[instrumental music]

(Jeremy)

'Hey, squirt.'

Well, all he talked about

in the car was Sacramento.

His school..

His house..

And his family.

I guess I started catching on

when he brought up that

damn term paper again.

(Andretti)

'Now, I just know that

getting a term paper done'

'is not that

important to Jeremy.'

It's where he

gets it done that is.

[instrumental music]

You know that first

rule you talked about

is really a tough

one, you know?

Believe me I-I know.

I'd like to be able

to come back and visit him.

Maybe even have him

come to L.A.

Mr. Andretti, of course.

Thank you very much.

[laughing]

So I guess he's ours

for a while anyway, huh?

(Nicholas)

'I hope you're almost done.'

Why?

Well, because I

wanna go to sleep

and the light bothers me.

Then don't sleep

with your eyes open.

It gets through the cracks.

Well, pull the blanket

over your head.

How do I breathe?

Cut a hole

for your mouth.

I gotta finish

this term paper.

So just shut up, okay?

[sighing]

Hey, wait a minute,

what are you doing?

That's my bed.

- Oh, we switched.

- Since when?

Oh, when you were out,

I made a few changes.

I was only gone

for two hours.

Yeah, well, I didn't

waste any time.

Well, I'm back now.

Yeah, I know, and

you've got the top bunk.

Hey, Nicholas, man,

what's goin' on?

Oh, wait a minute,

wait a minute.

Maybe we can figure

something out to settle this.

'How?'

Maybe we could

trade for something.

Like what?

[humming]

Oh, no way man,

you gave me that mitt.

It was my goin' away present.

But you didn't go away.

I did so, for two whole hours.

It was very traumatic.

Goodnight, Jeremy.

Alright, you can have

your stupid mitt back.

Thanks a lot, honest,

I really appreciate it.

That's okay.

I mean, I didn't realize how

much that mitt meant to you.

Oh, it doesn't.

It just that

I hate the bottom bunk.

[instrumental music]

[laughing]

You little punk!

[theme music]

[music continues]