Dear Santa (2011)

[bunniefuu]

Oh.



Oh excuse me, I think

you dropped this.

Gorgeous, isn't it?

Oh.

Yeah.

It's the last one.

And it's your size.





Crystal's mom:

crystal, is that you?

Hi, mom.

Where have

you been, shopping?

Just a little.

Hmmm, really?

By the size of

my last credit card bill,

I'd assume

you've been dressing

all of the

upper east side.

There are so many

christmas parties,

like, I needed

new dresses.

Crystal, you're

30 years old now.

Your father and I

assumed that by this time

you would find

yourself something to do.

Which is why

we've decided,

we have no choice

but to cut you off.

No!

You don'have to do that.

I- I mean,

I'm figuring things out.

Really.

I'm, I'm gonna get a job,

so you have

nothing to worry about.

From here on out, things are

gonna be different, I swear.

We just wish you would do

something with yourself,

find a good man,

anything.

I'm on it,

I promise.

Fine, you have until

christmas to sort it out.

Oh, and dear,

that sweater was far too

tangerine for your complexion.

Tsk.

Huh, really?



I had to

tell her something.

The only other option,

she said, was to find a man.

And since I've been diligently

looking for mr. Righfor the

past 30 years,

I'm thinking he's nogonna show up before christmas.

Oh, I need a job.

And I need a latte.

Cool.

Great,

I'll meet you in an hour.



Olivia:

dear santa, sorry I

forgot to write last year,

but thank you for

the easy cook oven.

If I had made a list, it

for sure would've been on it.

This year, I don't

have a list either,

that's because I'm wishing

for just one thing,

a new wife

for my dad.

This year will be the second

christmas since my mom d*ed,

and even though

my dad tries,

christmas hasn't

been the same since.

I know I can't

wish for my mom back,

but maybe you could

send us someone as nice,

and pretty, and who can make

my dad smile the way she did.

That way,

maybe this year,

we could have a

real christmas again.

Merry christmas.

Love, olivia.



I think

it's a sign.

I mean,

what are the chances

that I would find this

letter on the exact day

I'm supposed

to change my life?

It's perfect.

I'm not getting it.

I could be this little

girl's wish from santa.

Oh no.

What?

Crystal, these people

could be like hillbillies

living in a trailer,

or worse, the suburbs.

They live in

the west end.

I googled their

return address.

Criss, I think you should

put this letter back

in its envelope, and

drop it off in a mailbox.

And break this

little girl's hearwhen her wish from santa

doesn't come true.

Hey, we've all gotta have

our dreams crushed sometime.

It's christmas, I don'want to be the one to do it.



Elevator, oooh,

that's my girl.



Derek:

maybe you left

it in the truck.



Or on the porch.

Ooh.



Hey, I shouldn'be too long alright.

Hey, ok,

baby girl.

[Kisses olivia]



Hey.

Hi.

Are you new here?

Yeah, I know volunteering

for the first time

can be a bit overwhelming,

but you'll get used to it.

Where do you

want to be tonight,

in the kitchen, or ouon the floor serving?

The-

well, I'll be serving,

so why don't you help me

and that way I can

ease you into it.

- Ok.

- Great.

Aprons are

over there.

Um, yeah, we're gonna have to

do something about that hair.

Uh, yeah,

here's a hairnet.

And we'll

see you out there.



Hey, bread duty.

[Gasps]

hi, hi.

Oh, oh, wait, um,

you forgot your bread.

I- I mean, unless

you don't eat carbs,

which I don't,

especially whole wheait makes me

so bloated.

But you don't have to

worry about that, do you?

- Here, some extra.

- Ok, ok, ok.

Enjoy your meal,

grizz, thank you.

[Sigh]

don't worry,

you'll get used to it.

Just remember thaunderneath it all,

they're juslike you and me.

Except, not as

fussy about the carbs.

I'm derek,

by the way.

Crystal.

Well thank you very much for

helping us out tonight, crystal,

it's appreciated.

Hello agnes.

There you go,

sweetheart.

Ok, and bread.



Some bread?

With the tongs.



There you go.

Enjoy.



Pete:

honey, you better

soak that pot,

or else you're gonna

be scrubbing away that manicure.

[Gasp]

is that nars

lip gloss in orgasm?

Of course.

I wear that.

Pete kennedy,

chef extraordinaire.

Crystal carruthers.

Oh, and sweetie,

ditch the hairnet.

Just make sure your

hair is up and away.

You have goto try this.

Um...

Hi there ben.

Here's another

one for you.

Yeah, it's--

oh, trust me.

Kay.

Mmm.

That's good,

really good.

Four years of culinary school,

I should hope so.

[Laughing]



Edible

isn't he?

And he's

a real doll.

Poor dear

works double time,

between his job and

taking care of his kid.

Yet, he still finds

time for this place.



How often does

he volunteer?

Volunteer?

Uh-uh sweetheart,

he runs this place.

It was his wife's

project before she d*ed.

He promised her he

would keep it going.

And knowing

that doll,

he'll do whatever he

can to keep that promise.



There you go.

Oh, wait.



Perfect,

so jude law.



- Doing great.

- Thanks.

Hey, listen, we have a

delivery happening tomorrow

at around 9:00.

We could always

use an extra hand.

I'll be there.

Awesome, thanks.

- Daddy.

- Ahhh, hey sweetie.

How was chloe's?

Did you thank her mom

for giving you a ride?

Yeah, and for lunch.

Even though I didn'really like it.

[Derek chuckles]

that's my girl.

Hey listen, I got a few things

I gotta wrap up out here, so,

why don't you go

to the back and practice.

Hi, mister lockhart.

She's sweet.

Yeah, that she is.



Hey, do you mind uh,

holding down the fort?

You bet.



Hey frank,

how you doing?

[Olivia practicing her flute]

I hate this thing.

I had to play the

cello for three years,

I hated it too.

My grandmother

told my dad

I should starplaying an instrument.

Well at least you

can keep your nails.

Me, I couldn't even

have a french manicure.

And don't even get me

started on the clothes,

have you ever tried to play

the cello in a pencil skirt?

[Olivia chuckles softly]

well, have you told your dad,

you know, that you hate it?

I don't want to

hurt his feelings.

Well maybe there's

something else you could do.

I love skating.

My dad takes me to

brier rink every wednesday.

I used to take figure

skating lessons there,

for like,

ten years.

Wow,

you must be good.

- Well i--

- crystal.

Can you give me a

hand please sweetie?

Oh, that's me.

I gotta run.

Good luck.

Yes sir?

Pete:

can you grab that pot?

We're gonna go into the diner.

Ok.

Here.

Ok.

Here you go.

[Sigh]

who's that?

Pete:

that? Oh, that's

old frank mccourt,

the most stubborn

man on the streets.

Old guy refuses

to come inside

so every time

derek sees him

he takes a

bowl out to him.

Says he's lived on the

streets for 25 years,

and he'll never put a

roof over his head again.

- Why is that?

- Oh, who knows sweetie.

But derek's been trying

to get him to come inside

for over a year now.

Frank just

won't budge.



Oh, sorry.

There you go.



Oh my goodness,

I'm so sorry.

I don't know what happened,

I swear I set my alarm,

but I guess

I set pm instead of-

uh, you got a little

something on your...

Other side.

Yeah, lis-

listen, don't worry about it,

we're almost done

here anyways, so,

uh, you can go

ahead and go home.

Jilian:

well I have an open

house this afternoon,

so anything else

I can help with?

Oh yes, actually,

can you take the

donations to the

shelter on your way?

Of course.

Oh.

So I'll see

you later tonight?

Yeah, you bet.



Thanks anyway.



I can't believe you didn'tell me he was seeing someone.

Sweetie, I didn't realize

you were on the serious prowl.

I mean, obviously

derek is drool worthy

in a blue

collar kind of way.

But he's a long way

from park avenue.

So I'm dying

to know,

what led you all the

way to the east side?

Barista:

what can

I get for you?

Could I get a

triple sh*t, non-fat,

half sweet mocha,

extra hot, please.

Oh, two.

Where did

you get this?

I found it. I-

I was looking at this

dress in a store window

and it just floated

in front of me.

Oh my god.

It's fate.

Why else would

it have come to you?

That's exactly

what I thought.

Oh doll, we have

to make this happen.

[Sigh]

well, it was

a lot easier

before wendy wal-marwas in the picture.

Plus, I kind of

blew it this morning.

Oh, listen, the only thing

that two-faced hyena's

got going for

her is history.

She and derek dated for like

a millisecond back in college

before he

fell for laura.

But honey,

you've got it all,

looks, style, that thingy

you do with your hair,

it's fabulous.

The only thing lefis for you to show

that you've

got what it takes.

To what?

Be a mom

of course.

Oh.

And that'll

be $10.50.



Oh, um, can you

break a $100?



Sorry.

Thanks.



I don't wanto that anymore.

Yeah, I have to admit,

it's not bad.

Oh, look at her,

she's pretty good.



- Look at her go.

- Whoa.

Derek:

that's crystal.

- She's good.

- She's good, right?



- Uggh!

- Oh!

Crystal!

- You ok?

- Yeah.

- Here.

- Thanks.

Meant to

do that.

That was amazing.

Can you teach me how

to do that twirly thing?

Oh, olivia, I'm sure

crystal has her own friends

that she wants

to hang out with.

It's fine, I'm actually

not here with anyone.

Dad, please?

Well, if we're

not keeping you.

No.

Oh, sorry.

Oh, sweetie,

I gotta take this, so.

She could

stay with me.

I'll be here.

[Cell phone rings]

are you sure?

Yeah,

we'll have fun.

[Cell phone rings]

ok, I'll jusbe a minute.

Ok.

- Alright, you ready?

- Yeah.

So doing a turn is really

not as hard as it looks.

Put your feeapart like that, good.

Now put your

arms out to the side,

turn your

body and spin.

Oh.

Almost.

You'll get inext time.

[Sarcastically]

nice twirl olivia.

Maybe your pigtails

set you off balance.

By the way, I love

the purple helmet.

I think I saw a kindergartner

wearing the same one.

In case you

didn't know,

pigtails are all

the rage right now,

vanessa hudgens.

I guess that's why

zack broke up with her.

B.t.w, the hat,

so last year.

[Girls pop their lips]

don't worry,

I like your hat.



Who are

those girls?

They're just a couple

girls from my school.

Are they

always so mean?

I guess,

but they're right,

I have had this purple

helmet since kindergarten.

Well let me tell

you something,

everything old always

becomes new again.

I mean, take leg warmers,

or padded shoulders,

although I'm pretty sure

those shouldn't have come back.

[Both chuckle]

besides, bet they're

not all that anyway.

Do they have

boyfriends?

No, they both like

andrew lick though,

but he won'even talk to them.

He and I sometimes

play dodge ball.

I bet thadrives them crazy.

It does.

Let me guess,

are they all like,

[imitating girls]

"hi andrew, like,

what are you up to?"

"Oh my gosh, this cherry

chapstick's like the best."

What's going on?

Oh, we were just um,

practicing olivia's spin.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- Show him.

- Yoo-hoo!



Whoa.

Oh.

Sorry I'm late, just wrapped

up another house sale.

No, not a problem.

Um, oh, uh, yeah...

Jilian, crystal.

Crystal, jilian.

Hi.

Pleasure.

Ok, so

thank you, crystal.

Shall we- I got ya,

I got ya, shall we go?

- Bye.

- Bye.



Let's-

oh, I got ya.



Crystal:

do you ever think

you might want,

I don't know,

like, a normal life?

Family?

Is this about thafamily you're stalking?

I just want derek to

see there's more to me

than just my fabulous

sense of style.

I mean, there's more to us

than just shopping and lattes.

Right?

Yeah.

Yeah, of course

there is.

Of course

there is.



Male radio announcer:

seeing record

cold temperatures

and snowfall

throughout the region.

The forecast is calling for

the cold weather to continue,

throughout christmas

and the new year.

[Wind blowing]

yoo-hoo.

[High pitched laughing]

now I finally gethe hyena reference.

[Mocking jilian's laugh]

- pete?

- Hmm?

Um, are you

good to close up?

You bet doll.

[Heavy coughing]

norman?

[Heavy coughing]

you ok, bud?

Something just wendown the wrong...

[Heavy coughing]

can I get a napkin?

[Coughing continues]

derek:

it's ok man.

[Coughing continues]

- thank you.

- You good?

You got it?

You good?

Alright,

thank you.

Oh, no,

she got it.

Ugh, ew!

Good night.

Oh, nice stella m.

Knock off?

No.

And, actually it's burberry.

Oh, my purse

is burberry.

Huh? I don't think

burberry uses vinyl, sorry.

Derek:

see you tomorrow, pete.

Do you have a ride?

Oh, yeah, I'm jusparked down the street.

Ok, great,

see you tomorrow.

That one's frostier

than the damn air tonight.

Oh, it's

still open

if you wanna just step

inside and get warmed up.

Oh no, no darling,

25 years ago

I made a decision

to just step inside.

That decision

changed my life.

So if you

don't mind,

I think I'll take

my chances out here.

[Wind whistles and blows]

frank.

It looks great.

Men were totally

wearing animal prinon the runway

this season.

Thanks.



Merry christmas.



Merry christmas.



It matches

your hat.

I know you

love purple.

Oh, it's beautiful.

Alright,

who wants new gloves?

There you go.

Agnes, oh, that purple

with your eyes,

I never knew they

were so stunning.

Ok, let's see

[crystal gasps]

oh my god.

You are totally

fred astaire.



Mr. Lockhart, I think

this is your color.

Would you care to

dance mademoiselle?

I'd love to.



- Aw, look at that.

- Aw.



[Cheering]



Thank you.

One more for ya, ben.

Pete:

derek!

Mail call.

Is everything ok?

Yeah, uh,

yeah just the uh,

money sharks

circling.

Nothing

I can't handle.

Crystal!

Guess what,

I've been practicing

and now I can

totally do a spin.

That's amazing.

Now all you need is

the proper skating skirt,

you know, for

the full effect.

Did you

hear that dad?

Hmmm, uh yeah, uh...

I'm sorry sweetie,

I can't do game night tonight,

I got a truck

down on the highway.

I'll text jennifer and

see if she can watch you.

What about crystal?

Oh no i-

ow!

Sure, I'd love to.

That's very nice,

but I'm,

I'm sure you've

got better plans.

Actually I don't.

Please dad?

Are you sure?

'Cause-

well, I'll justext the guys

and let 'em know

I'm on my way, thanks.

Great. I'm jusgoing to get some...

- What are you doing?!

- Helping.

I've never babysaanything in my life.

Seriously, I thought all of

us pre-teen girls babysat.

Not me, the only

thing I ever watched

was a school hamster,

and it d*ed a slow death

somewhere in the walls

of my parents' condo.

Ready?

You bet.

So, what's for dinner?



I think you're supposed

to open it with this.

I can do that.



That was easy.



Do you have

any eights?

- Yup.

- Yay.

Do you have

any threes?

Oh.

So how are the

cherry chapsticks?

The same.

They're always making fun

of my clothes and stuff.

I mean,

my stuff is kind of old.

Like, this skirt's from

christmas two years ago.

I guess shopping jusisn't really a dad thing.

Well, I may not be

a very good cook,

but I am a

darn good shopper.

Maybe you and I

could go sometime.

Really?

That'd be great.

Yeah.

[Smoke alarm]

what's that?

Huh!

- Huh!

- Oh!

- Oh!

- Ok.

[Smoke alarm]

- ow!

- Here, ok.

[Smoke alarm]

[sizzling]

- do you like pizza?

- Kay.

Good.



You know,

my mom and I

we used to have

one night a week,

we'd call iour date night.

Sometimes we'd stay in like

this and watch a movie.

And before

christmas,

we'd have a

special date night.

We gohot chocolates.

We walked through roselawn park

to the big christmas tree,

that's where we'd make

our christmas wishes.

What abouthis year?

Did you

make a wish?

I didn't have to,

I sent a letter

to santa instead.

He's probably

got it by now.



I'd tell you

what I wished for,

but my mom always

said if you tell,

it mighnot come true.



Sounds like your mom

was really special.



She was the best.



What about you?

You and your mom

do anything special?

Hmmm, you know, my mom

was always pretty busy,

on business

trips with my dad.

- Well that's too bad.

- Yeah.

My nannies were

really nice though.

You know, maybe you and

I could hang out sometime,

like at the skating

rink or something?

That would be great.



[Phone rings]



[Sigh]

oh brother, it's jilian.

[Phone rings]

- you don't like her?

- Are you kidding?

All she ever talks

about with my dad is,

remember when

we did this?

Remember whahappened when?

But what she doesn'seem to remember

is my dad dumped

her to be with my mom.

Oh, I know what will

drive her crazy.

Hello.

Oh, hi jilian.

No, he's not here.

I think he went ouon a date with crystal,

but I'll tell

him you called.

Good night.

[Laughing]

we're gonna

get in trouble.

Hallelujah

hallelujah



Hallelujah

hallelujah



Crystal:

sorry, I fell asleep.

No, no, it's ok.

Sorry I'm so late.

We just- we couldn't get the

plow to hitch to the tow truck.

And it was a-

anyway,

how was she?

She b*at me three

times at go fish.

She wins every time.

Kid's got incredible luck,

I should take her to vegas.

[Crystal laughs]

she's a great girl.

Yeah, she is,

isn't she?



Sometimes I think she takes

care of me more than I do her.

But then she does

something that reminds me

she's jusa little girl,

who needs a mom.



Yeah.

I know I could

never replace laura,

I mean laura was...

She was, special.



And jilian,

I mean she's...

I don't expecto feel the same way

that laura made

me feel, but uh...

Doesn't matter because I owe

it to her to find her a mom

and, this time

it's not about me.



I'm sorry it, heh-

it's late.

Um, look you were sleeping,

why don't you just crash?

Oh no, that-

that's ok.

I don't have

any of my stuff.

We've got an

extra toothbrush.

Guess that's

all I need.

Yeah.

Hey, you really

helped me out tonight.

And besides,

olivia will be upseif she never got a

chance to say goodbye, so.



Alright.

Cool.

I'll uh, take olivia

up to her room and,

I'll geyou set up.

Ok.



Mornin'.



Come on, hun.

Morning.



How does this-?

I swear I put these away

every year, untangled.

Here we go,

the battle of

the lights begins.

[Crystal chuckles]



Come on,

you do the top,

and I'll decorate

the bottom.

Great.

Oh, it smells

so good.

My family always had one

of those pre-lit trees.

Oh, no, no,

no, no, no.

None of those pre-fab

artificial trees in my house.

Besides, that takes

all the fun out of it.

Seriously?

C'mon.

[Laughing]

let's decorate

your dad.

Oh, come on.

- There.

- You look funny.

Derek:

just what I wanted,

a tinsel bow.

[Laughing]

morning!

I'm sorry, I completely

forgot we had a brunch date.

No worries, I brougheverything we need.

So, did crystal

spend the night, or?

Yeah, she was watching

olivia and it got late, so.

Oh, so she was jusbabysitting was she?

[Jilian gasps]

oh my lord,

what happened here?!

Oh, I um, I kind

of burnt dinner.

[Laughing]

not much of

a cook are we?

I can manage.

Crystal, can you

stay for brunch?

Oh, I'm sure that crystal has

things to do, like shopping.

Crystal:

actually,

I'd love to stay,

thank you.

- Daddy.

- Yes baby.

Crystal said she'd

take me shopping sometime.

Oh, thasounds like fun.

Uh, sweetheart, do you really

think that's such a good idea?

I mean, we don't know

much about crystal, do we?

So can we go?

Um, yeah, sure, as long as

you don't mind if I tag along.

Crystal:

no,

that would be great.

Are you ok,

for a minute?

'Cause I'm gonna go

check the garage

and see if we have

extra tree lights.

You go ahead,

us girls have

everything under control.

So, seeing as

you're staying,

perhaps you could manage

to whip the cream.

You do know how,

don't you?

Of course.



We're in luck!



[Both ladies screaming]



[Olivia laughs]

[screaming continues]



Ladies!



[Deep sigh]



Nice ring, isn't it?

Yes, it is.

And I guarantee it will be

on my finger by christmas.

Hmmm, hope you can hang

onto him this time.



I'll have you know that derek

and I would still be together

if it weren't for

the angelic laura

who stole him

away from me.



But trust me, I won'let that happen again.



See you

downstairs.



Derek:

that one there.

- Oh!

- Oh my god, remember that?

Professor kubrick and the

dean got caught, you know?

No wonder we all goa's in that class.

Where did you go

to school, crystal?

Oh, um, nyu.

- Really?

- Mmm.

My friend

bev went there.

What year

did you graduate?

Um, 2003.

Oh, sh**t.

I- I just remembered

I have to go um,

and do this

thing, so.

I'll see

you later.

- Bye.

- Bye.

Honey.

A ring?

Not for that knock off

queen you told me about?

That's whashe seems to think.

Guess she's goher fake press-ons

in deeper

than I thought.

[Crystal sighs]

what am I doing?

Maybe I should

just give up.

Criss, if you

really believe

you found thaletter for a reason,

then all you gotta do

is make him see why.

Yeah.



Crystal:

and now, introducing

miss olivia gowen.



As you can see,

miss gowen is sporting

the latesin winter chic.

Her navy trench and

floral scarf are the

perfect blend of style

and sophistication.



You look

beautiful and...

Older.

Thank you.

We're just getting

started, honey.



- I like it.

- He's right.



Can we?

Yeah.



So tell me, other than

helping out at the kitchen,

what do you do?

Um, I'm kind of in the

middle of things, you know,

just, just trying to figure ouexactly what it is I want to do.

Yeah, I get that.

What did

you major in?

Um, des-

designer stuff.

Well, listen, I really

appreciate all the time

you've been putting

in at the kitchen.

Not many people give

their time so selflessly.

You really have a way

with people, you know that?

I do?

Yeah, totally,

I mean,

you should think

about that when you're,

you know,

figuring stuff out.

We're here!

Where?

This is it, the tree

I was telling you about.

So, it's only a week

'till christmas,

you gonna

make a wish?

I don't need to, santa

already knows my wish, in fact,

I'm pretty sure he's

working on it right now.



Here we are.

You know, I enrolled olivia

in figure skating lessons.



You really

inspired her.

And she's got her

first lesson on tuesday.



I'm sure she would love

it if you could come.



I'll be there.

Great.



Thank you,

for today.



I had fun.



Oh I should get this

little one to bed.



Sweet dreams.



Wait.



Today ireally felt like,

like I had

a mom again.



- Oh, hey.

- How's she doing?

She's amazing.

Thank you.

Crystal:

wow, I can't believe they're

getting to turns already.

I know right, just watch

her little face though

when she does

her little hop.

Get's so proud.

- Yay!

- Yay olivia!

[Both laughing]

- good job!

- Way to go olivia!

Derek:

yay olivia!

Good job, babe!



[Computer ringing]

hi dear,

is that you?

[Steel drum music playing]

oh, I see you've

put the tree up.

Oh, yeah.

I don't know,

I was thinking aboumaybe getting a

real one this year.

Oh, well it's

up to you dear,

because your dad and I won'be making it back for christmas.

- There's a surprise.

- What was that?

Sounds like a party!

Lord, every day these

boys play the drums,

drives me crazy.

But listen,

don't worry,

santa sent you a little

something in the mail.

[Boat horn blows]

oh, we're jusabout to set sail.

Hope you're busy

turning things around.

Kisses.

[Computer goes silent]

merry christmas.

[Phone rings]

hello.

He's going out with

that witch again.

- When?

- He's leaving right now.

What's he wearing?

A suit.

He never wears a suit.

I mean,

what's he gonna go do?

Crystal:

oh no.

Ok, ok,

I've got a plan.

Teatro, you must have

had to make a reservation

for this

place weeks ago.

Uh-huh, yeah,

three to be exact.



Any special

occasion?

Can I get a glass

of water, please?



So, where's

olivia tonight?

Not with crystal,

I hope.

Oh, jennifer's

watching her, why?

What's wrong

with crystal?

Nothing.

Just, I asked

my friend bev,

you know, the one

that went to nyu,

if she knew

crystal back then.

Turns out she

didn't even graduate.

Got kicked out for

missing too many classes

is whai was told.

Well, you know that I never

graduated either, right?

But you didn'lie about it.

I mean, why on

earth would she lie

about something

like graduating.

It just makes me wonder whaelse she might be hiding.

[Cell phone rings]

sorry.

[Cell phone rings]

excuse me.

[Cell phone rings]

hey.



Uh, wh--

no- ok, alright,

I'll be right there.



Bye.



[Sigh]

we gotta go.



Thank you.



[Olivia coughing]



Thanks for

coming home.

Hey, you know you're the

most important thing to me.

I feel cold.

Do I have a fever?



Mmmh, yeah, you do

feel a bit warm.

Crystal:

hello.



I- I called crystal,

just in case I couldn'get a hold of you.

Uh, yeah,

the front door was open.

How is she?

Ah, she's ok.

Just needs

some rest,

so she can gebetter before santa comes.

Daddy, can crystal

tuck me in?

Um, yeah, sure.

Ok.

- Thanks.

- Yeah.

You were great.

[Quiet laughing]



She wenright to sleep.

Sorry abouyour night.

I hope that it wasn'anything important.

Oh, no, no.

To be honest, my hearwasn't really into it.



You know, if you need

any help on christmas

at the kitchen,

I'm free.

Wow, thanks,

but uh, yeah,

I don't think there's gonna

be a christmas dinner this year.

Why not?

We've been falling behind in

rent for a while, and uh,

yeah, I guess the bank

is out of goodwill.

But it's

christmas.

Well the bank doesn'see it that way,

they just see that we owe

ten grand in back rent.



Yeah, I wish there was

more that I could do, but.

I think you

do a lot already.

I mean, you've got your

business and the kitchen,

and everything

you do for olivia.



Oh thareminds me, I should

leave a message

at the music store,

and let them know

that she'll be out sick

for her

lesson tomorrow.

You know, it's really

not my place to say but,

she doesn't really like

the flute all that much.

What?

Like, not at all.

Really?

Yeah.

I thought little girls would

love playing the flute.

No.

See, this is exactly why

olivia needs a mother like you.



I mean,

a person like you.

A woman who

knows girly stuff.

Girl- girl things.

- Um-hmm. Yeah.

- Yeah. Yeah.



- I should-

- well I should go

check on olivia.

I- I should go too.

Oh, hey,

crystal, um,

it's noa big deal but,

why did you lie

about graduating?



I don't know.



I guess I just thoughnot finishing school

sounded kind

of flakey.

Well then I guess thamakes me a flake too.

Yeah.



So, just in case,

are there any more

secrets I should

know about?



Probably.

[Laughing]

fair enough.



Bye.



Here you go.

Oh, thanks.

Have you ever made a decision

you thought would be a good one?

And it ended up changing your

life in ways you never imagined?

Every time you make a

decision you take a gamble,

that's whalife is.

Sometimes you can even

gamble your whole life away,

every lasgoddamn penny.

A casino?

That's where

you stepped into?

Not all decisions

turn out to be bad ones.

Yeah.

I think I should tell

him about the letter.

And spoil

the magic?

Doll,

relationship 101,

what he doesn't know,

won't hurt him.

Ahhh!

Oh my god!

My car was stolen!

Ok, ok, kay,

where did you park?

Just righout front.

In the uh,

tow away zone?

Yeah.

Ok, well I'll uh,

take you to the impound lot.

No, I'll just,

I'll call a cab.

- Don't be silly.

- Ok.

I'll lock the door.

Thank you.

[Derek sighs]

let's go.

Oh, after you.

Thank you.

[Cell phone beeps]

ah, you're kidding me, dude.

Is everything ok?

I got a customer

complaining that he needs

his lot plowed

right away, tonight.

All my

guys are out.

I gotta do it.

- Do you mind?

- No, no.

Um, you're the one

doing me a favour.

I'll just get my

car in the morning.

You sure?

Yeah.

Cool, thanks.



Alright, you ready?

You don't gecarsick do you?

I don't think so,

why?

- Hold on.

-Whoa. Ok.



Crystal:

are you supposed

to drive like this?

Derek:

absolutely.

Plowing snow, baby.



[Both laughing]

you're a little

scared right now

and I think

I like that.

[Derek laughs]

this is your job?

Yeah, here,

you give it a try.

- Take the control.

- No.

Just like a video game,

grab ahold, here we go.

I don't want it.

Ok, thalifts the bucket,

that drops it, that's

right to right, you ready?

How do you know

when to- to lift?

Put the bucket up, put the

bucket up, we're reversing.

- Now? Lift?

- Yeah, right now.

Ok, here we go,

drop the bucket.

- Drop.

- Ok good, here we go.

Good, good, good, good, good,

no, you got it, you got it.

You know you're nosteering with that, right?

I'm steering.

- Ok, drop the bucket, it's ok.

- Ok.

We're plowing,

here you go.

Ok, we're stopping,

plow up.

There you go.

Kay, now we're

going forward.

Hold on,

here we go, here we go.

I got it.

I got it.

Wait, wait, wait.

Put the bucket up.

Perfect, there you got it,

you got it.

Ok, raise the bucket.

Reverse again.

- Ooh.

- Whoo-hoo.

Now we jusdo this another

five hundred,

six hundred times.

What?

We have to do

this whole yard?

Absolutely.

Until it's done.

Here we go.

You were handling

it like a pro.

- Yeah.

- I'm serious.

Oh, I'm telling you,

you were awesome.

I know you're

looking for a job.

- Yeah.

- I mean, I'd hire you.

Oh hey, you know I'm

having a christmas party

at my place tomorrow night,

you know, just a work thing,

for my employees,

nothing fancy,

just beer

and potato chips,

but um, it'd be greaif you could come.

I'd love to.

Alright, cool.

Around 8:00,

you know where I live.



- I do.

- See you then.

Ok.



- You good?

- Sort of.



Squeeze me.

I'm doing what?

You're gonna cater

derek's party.

Does he know that?

Uh, no.

So I'm part of your

master plan, is that it?

Pete, you're

a fantastic chef,

you can't hide out in

a soup kitchen forever.

Oooh, what about this?

Oh no sweetie,

it's a little too,

breakfasat tiffany's.

This is so stupid.

Why do I even care whai wear to his party

when for all I know he

could be engaged already?

Doll,

you had a moment,

the two of you

plowed snow together.

I mean, that's one step

away from, well, plowing.

Stop it.

Ooh,

what about this one?

Oh, too

desperate housewives.

Hmmm?

Oh my god, I've got it,

it's perfect.

[Pete mutters indiscernibly]

[light rock music playing]



Hey,

you made it.

Yeah.

Wow, you look amazing.

Thanks.

And, you're

not wearing plaid.

[Derek chuckles]

where's olivia?

Ah, she's aher grandparents.

Derek, you didn't tell

me crystal was coming.

Surprise.

Derek, you should have told

her the dress was casual.

Poor thing,

you must feel so silly.

Actually I've always

thought it's better

to be overdressed than

underdressed, I mean,

what's worse, showing up

looking fabulous, or whatever?



Oh, excuse me.



Finally.

Thank god you're here.

Oh, look athis party.

I know.

We have

to do something.



[Music stops]

[dance music starts playing]



Oh, look at this.

Thanks.

Thank you.



- Whoa, whoa.

- You like it?

Yeah,

what is in this?

Secrefamily recipe.

Hey, who wants a drink?



Canape?

Thanks pete.

Crystal:

are you guys having fun?

No thanks.

Mmm, good pete.

It's awesome.



- Wanna dance?

- Sure.



Jeff, bro,

you never dance.



I know man,

I know.



Yeah.

Now I see why she gokicked out of school.

Probably slept off

too many frat parties.

I mean, what exactly does

she think she's doing?



Having fun.

Jeff:

oh, bust a move,

look at that.



I'm gonna go put some

more beer in the fridge.



I'm sorry,

this one's occupied.

You may think

you have something

with this whole fun

little rich girl thing,

but let me

tell you this.

I'm the one who held derek's

hand at laura's funeral.

I'm the one who checked

in on him every day,

made sure he had

food in the fridge,

clean clothes to wear,

and I'm the one who

will be there for him

for the rest of his life.

Whether he

likes it or not?

Just know I'm

onto your lies.

Good.

Now it seems we finally

have something in common.



You've created

a monster.

I don't know how I'll ever

get rid of these guys now.

- Sorry.

- Don't be.

It's the best christmas

party that we ever had.

Well, other than

the time that we

went off roading

in the plows.



So, what are

you doing out here?

I don't know.

I guess I just don'feel like celebrating.



It's official,

by christmas we'll be

locked out of the kitchen.



I'm so sorry.



I wish there was

more I could do.



Believe me,



You've done

more than you know.



You know,

ever since thafirst day that you walked in,

I've been wondering,



Where did this

girl come from?



Derek, there's

something I should tell--



[Laughing]



I guess I

better go and uh,

try to reign

this thing in.

Sure.

Crystal.



Do you

wanna go ouwith me

tomorrow night?



I'd love to.

[Glass breaking inside house]

guys, come on.



Clumsy neanderthals.





[Apartment buzzer]



[Elevator dings]

hi, hey.

So, um, where do

you want to go?

We could get a drink

or some food, or.

Oh, there's this

new place on jane street,

they have live jazz, and--

where did

you get this?

Um...

I found it, but--

so what, you

decided to keep it,

and you know,

you thought to yourself,

oh hey,

I'll just lie and pretend

that I appeared in

these people's lives,

and make them think

it was all real.

It was.

- It is.

- Let me ask you this?

Did you ever really care abouhelping out at the kitchen,

about those people, or was

it all just part of this,

I don't know, game?

No, it wasn't a game, derek,

believe me, things changed.

I- I changed.

You took advantage of a little

girl's wish for your own,

I don't know what,

a- amusement?

No.

Whatever the reason,

it doesn't matter!

Jilian was right.

You're a liar.

You know, for a minute there,

I thought I was wrong.

That maybe

someone could...

Make me feel

the way I once did.

But I was

right too.

Derek, wait.

- Please.

- [Derek scoffs]

it's for olivia.





[Sniffling]



[Computer ringing]



Hi sweetheart.

Just checking in

to see if you've

received our

christmas gift yet.

Your father and I

haven't heard from you,

so we assume you were

unsuccessful in finding a job,

or whatever it is

you were trying to do.

So we feel it's

time you were forced

to make a change

in your life.

Which is why we're going

ahead with our decision

to discontinue

your allowance.



Now, you know how

much we love you,

which is why we're

sending a little extra

for christmas

this year.

It is our way of supporting

you in your advancement.

But, I suggest

you make it last.



I better be off.

Kisses.

Oh, and,

merry christmas.



Uh, excuse me everyone!

Can I uh- can I get your

attention for a moment?

Um, as you may

or may not know,

we've been struggling to

keep things afloat lately.

And as much as I wish

that I had better news,

the hedge fund thanow owns our mortgage

has instructed

management to,

well, shut us down.

What?

We'll be locked ouby midnight tonight.

You're kidding right?

What about

all these people?

I'm sorry.



Ta-da.

Isn't it beautiful?

I can't wait

to try it out.

Maybe you, me

and crystal could

all go skating

after christmas?

Olivia.

I should call her righnow and thank her.

Olivia,

olivia, sweetie.

I don't think we're

gonna see crystal anymore.

She just- she's nowho we thought she was.

But I like her,

I like her a lot.

And I thoughyou did too.

I know this is hard, baby,

but it's complicated.

No, it's not, it's nocomplicated at all.

You just won't give

her a chance.

You won't give

anybody a chance!

Liv.



Taxi!

Olivia.

Come on, let's talk

about this please.

At least come

and have some dinner.

Just so you know,

I hate the flute!

Shame, ain't it.

A lot of folks around here

are gonna miss that place,

specially now, when they

don't have much to celebrate.

Well, you have yourself

a merry christmas.

Frank?



If I can get this place

open before christmas,

will you promise

me something?

Oh, well I don'ever make any promises.

I'm a betting man,

remember.

And unless you're

santa clause,

I doubt that's a beyou'll wanna place.

Oh, I think I'll

take my chances.

And if I win,

you have to share

christmas dinner with derek.

Not out here,

but inside.

Oh.



Do we have a bet?



Male radio announcer:

it is mayhem out

here on center street,

but it is

christmas eve,

where people

are running around,

trying to get all their

last minute shopping done.

In sports,

the latest hockey game--

will you marry me?

Livia,

I'm going out.

You wanna

say good bye?

Leave me alone.

Ok, great.

Well, jennifer's

here if you need her.

All I can say is thank

goodness I found that letter.

I mean, lord knows

what she was planning.

She could have been some kind

of stalker, femme fatale.

And to think you lefher alone with olivia.

I don't think

she'd hurt olivia.

You don't know that.

Sociopaths can seem

very normal on the outside,

and then snap.



I'm gonna

run to the loo.

Be a doll and order

me the crab cakes.

I'll be right back.



Mwah.



Alright guys, come on,

let's organize the supplies.

What's going on?

What does

it look like?

We're back

in business.

How? The rent,

we were locked out.

Someone settled

with the bank.

Who?

Someone who cares about this

place as much as you do.

Someone you

used to care aboubefore you jumped

to conclusions.

Derek, let me

ask you a question,

how did

you meet laura?

We were at a

college football game

she was in line behind me

at the concession stand

and I leher cut in.

Mm-hmm.

So if you hadn'gone to the game,

or if you hadn'gone to get a hot dog,

or whatever it is that you boys

eat at those sort of things,

then you never would

have met her, right?

I guess.

It's the same way you

never would have met crystal,

if she hadn'found the letter.

That, my friend,

is what we call fate.

Olivia.

Livy!

Olivia!



Ok.



I wish...



I wish...



This is crazy.



What do I think,

I'm gonna wake up tomorrow

and there he'll be

with a big red bow?

[Distant crying]



Hello?



Olivia,

is that you?

What are you

doing here?

Where's your dad?

I left.



By yourself?

Dad wouldn'understand.

Oh g-

understand what?

I wrote a letter

to santa this year,

so I didn't think I needed

to come make my wish.

Then you came along,

I was sure he

had got my letter

and made me

wish come true.



Then dad said I

couldn't see you anymore,

so I guess

I was wrong.

So he must nohave gotten my letter.



So you decided to come

and make your wish.

But I think

it's too late.

I'm so sorry.

I should

have told you.

I- I found

your letter.

I was just walking and

it floated into my path.

Which is exactly

how santa planned it.

Daddy!

Olivia.

Oh.

Oh, thank god.



You.



Thanks.

I uh-

I didn't do anything,

I jushappened to be here.

I know.

There's a

word for that,

someone taught ito me again tonight.



My heart hurfor so long that I

stopped listening to it,

and only listened to whamy head was

telling me was right.



I just um,

I hope it's not too late

for me to starlistening again,

to my heart.



It's not too late.



And here you go, a little

roasted chestnut stuffing

with fresh cranberries,

and fresh sage.

Yum, thanks pete.

Is that frank?

Oh, excuse me.

You pulled it off.

Yeah.

Well, a bet's a bet.

You ready?

- Merry christmas frank.

- Merry christmas.



- Hi, derek.

- Merry christmas, frank.



Let's get you

something to eat.

Ok.



- Hi frank, I'm pete.

- Nice to meet you.

Pete:

oh, it's so nice

to meet you too.

I'm so glad

you're here.

Oh look,

I've got this lovely

roasted chestnut cranberry

sauce with fresh sage.

We've got some

turkey here, got potatoes.



Merry christmas.