One Christmas Eve (2014)

[bunniefuu]

* *

[whistling]

Come on, you know my
offer still stands.

And I appreciate it, hijo.

Nobody should be alone
on Christmas Eve.

How do you know
I'm going to be alone?

I don't. I'm
just saying that

your daughter's not
home, and if you want...

I'm good. Mm-hmm.

Okay.

I got tamales,
three days of no work.

I can't wait to get off my feet
and just relax.

[laughs]

[buzzer sounding]

Oh, come on,
don't answer it.

We're not taking
any more deliveries.

[buzzer sounds]

[sighs]

Ooh, check that out.

What kind of
delivery is that?

[dog whimpering]

[whining]

Hey, little guy. Come on.

[whining]

Hmm?

[whining]

Man.

MAN 2:
"Happy holidays"?

"Please find me a good home"?

You got to be kidding me.
[dog whines]

What kind of person dumps a dog
on Christmas Eve?

[scoffs]
A desperate person.

You got that right.

Here.

What?

I can't take him.

Well, don't look at me.
You found him.

Whoa, but he's got to go
to an animal shelter.

On Christmas Eve?
Uh, there's no dogs allowed
in my apartment, Jose.

Well, I say
you drive him out of the city,

find a house with a yard,
ring the doorbell,

and he's someone else's problem.

I can't do that.
Hey, the radio said

the snowstorm's going
to hit hard.

[whining]
We're not
solving anything

wasting time here arguing.

Tell you what.

We flip for it.
Uh-huh.

Loser comes up
with his own plan.

Okay.
[dog whimpers]

[dog whimpering]

It's you and me, doggie, hmm?

¿Hacia dónde vamos, amigo, huh?

[barks]
Dime tú.

[laughs]

[crowd chatter]

[video game character groaning]

[rapid g*nf*re on video game]

[girl singing loudly
and off-key]

BOY:
Mom, Emma's singing
is k*lling me!

All right, all right.
Alden, be nice.

[explosions on video game
and singing continue]

Oh, hey, honey.

You excited?

It feels like
you just asked me a question.

I did. I said, are you excited?

I'm excited...
that you're excited.

You want to sing
a Christmas song together?

Not unless
you can help me practice

Lauretta's "O Mio Babbino Caro"

from Gianni
Schicchi.
Right.

[singing continues]

[g*nf*re on video game]
ALDEN:
How long is

she going to keep singing?

Let's be nice. 'Tis the season.

[groaning]

It is the most wonderful time
of the year, after all.

Right, but can she
please not sing?

Hey, she doesn't get upset
with you because you hog the TV.

I think Dad would want me
to be using the new system.

Great. Well, Dad isn't here,
so he can't be a part

of the conversation.

Besides, we're supposed
to be supportive

of each other right now.

You got to admit,
it's irritating.

Even her voice teacher says
that she has potential.

[with Italian accent]:
"You know, even a flower
can bloom in a desert."

Could you talk like
that more often?

I think I'd be a
better listener.
I doubt that.

[doorbell rings]

Oh.
It's Santa!

It's Phoebe...

coming to
borrow a baster.

DEEJAY [over radio]:
This just in, folks.

We have received
satellite images

of Santa's sleigh
in the northern sky.

We've also got a giant snowstorm
on its way, so,

please, stay safe indoors,
and we'll continue

the festivities here
with this holiday favorite.

* It's the most wonderful
time of the year... *

[dog whimpering]

It's okay, puppy. It's okay.

We'll find you a home.

[barks]

WOMAN:
Wow, you've done such
a great job with this place.

I don't know how you do this
on your own now.

I am totally jealous.

I thought the kids
were supposed to do that.

Oh, no. That
wasn't our ritual.

Kevin always put out the
cookies and milk for Santa.

Well, I guess this is about
starting new traditions.

Mm. First time's
always the hardest.

Agreed.

You know, maybe it's better that
Kevin is on that stupid cruise.

At least the kids won't have
two competing Christmases.

Agreed.

Yeah.

I just want it
to be special, you know.

Want the kids
to have great memories.

I mean, who's to say

that this can't be
the best Christmas ever?
Mm.

Agreed.

You know, you would be
a lot more convincing

if you changed up
your responses.

[laughter]

I have Ron's family
arriving in an hour

and a to-do list a mile long.

Oh. Well, go.

You don't need the company?

No, I'm good.

You positive?

Yeah, honey, I got
everything under control.
Oh.

You always have
such a good attitude.

Thanks.

Oh, your baster!
Oh.

[children shouting]

Hey!

Merry Christmas!

[laughter]

[laughter]

Come here. Hmm?

[laughter, indistinct shouting]

Huh?

[laughter]

Merry Christmas, Phoebe.

Merry Christmas, Nell.

Talk to you later.

Alden, your sled!

You little stinker.

[dog whimpering]
She could throw you a ball, hmm?

She's got a good arm.

She puts a lot of effort
into Christmas.

[dog whimpering]

Your new home.

[whimpering]

[whimpering]

[doorbell rings]

Aah! Ooh! Aah!

[groaning]
[gasps]

Oh, my gosh.

[groaning]

Oh.

[screams, groans]

[man groans]
[whimpers]

[Nell groans]

[whining]

Oh, my gosh. Alden!

Get out here!
We got a puppy!

[whimpering]

Hey.

Alden, get out here!

Aah!
[man groans]

Oh. Oh, no.

My gosh, mister. Oh.
[barking]

I'm so sorry.

Hey, it snowed!

Aah! Ooh.
Oh, my gosh. Okay.

I'd better call 911.
No, no, no.
Lady, don't do that.

Why? You're hurt.
No. I just...

EMMA: His little bow.
I got the wind knocked
out of me. It's okay.

We got a puppy?

What did I tell you

about leaving your sled
on the walkway?

I think
the puppy's from Daddy.

No. No, the puppy is not
from Daddy.

You don't know that. He said
he's sending us a surprise.

Well, the surprise is not a dog!

He knows we've been asking.

Would you knock it off
with the dog?!

This man is in pain.

Do you want
I.B. Probin?

What can I do?

How can I help you?
Yeah, can you just

loosen my shoe, please?
Yeah, sure.

[barking]

Oh, no.

Oh, mister, this is not good.

Your-your ankle is, like...
It's really swelling.

I'm fine.
No. Uh...

Oh!Ow.
You are... you
are not fine.

Okay, I'm not fine.
Um...

[barking]

Think. Okay, I'm gonna take you
to the hospital.

Should I call somebody,

have 'em meet
us there?
No.

I'll stay home. I'm in
the middle of a game.

No, you won't!
Now, go put on your shoes!

[barking]

Can somebody shut up that dog?!

I'll be right back,
okay?
Okay.

[sighs]

MAN:
Move it, lady!
[honking]

Learn how to drive!

NELL:
Hang in there, mister.
We're almost there.

[horn honking]
MAN:
Thank you.

Mom, we could walk
faster than this.

Hey, I'm not a
snow driver, okay?

She grew up in Los Angeles.

The only time
she drove fast in the snow

was when my brother tripped
when he was playing his new game

and got a lollipop stick
stuck in his throat.

It was an accident.

And, as you can see,
obviously,

he's learned his lesson.
She's saying I'm a gamer.

Yeah, he has
a real setup at home.

Okay, Emma, just
keep it quiet.

The poor man

is in a lot of pain.

You're not helping.

Maybe I could sing.
NELL AND ALDEN:
No!

Please. Please, no.

Maybe later, okay?

I'm studying opera.

It's music where, when a guy
gets stabbed in the back,

he doesn't bleed. He sings.

EMMA:
What?
Well, that's not true.

[tires squeak]

Aah! Whoops! Sorry.
Everybody okay?
[groaning]

Moments away. Moments away
from seeing the doctor.

Uh, Mom, you can't park here.

Well, uh, it's just
while I'm unloading.

But, Mom, it says no parking.

Thank you, Emma.

Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh.

My mom is stressed out.
It's because

this is our first Christmas
since our parents got divorced.

Ah.

"Yo abro.

"Nosotros abrimos.

"Tú abres.

Ella abre. Ellos abren."

[sighs]

Not gonna do it.
Not gonna do it.

My dad's on a cruise
with his new girlfriend,

which is very expensive
and maybe even dangerous.

Ah.
Emma, I think
that's private.

Her name's Tiffany, but...
she wasn't named

after a store. And my dad moved
to Pittsburgh because of her.

Have you ever been
to Pittsburgh?

Uh, no.

Oh.

Okay.

You've been there a while.
You'd better be loading.

[sighs]

[muttering]
I just... I don't care.

I want to hear what she'll say.

CASSANDRA [recorded]:
You know what to do.

Hey.

Um... merry Christmas.

I know that we aren't, um,
supposed to be talking,

but there's a holiday
happening here

and I think
that that bends the rules.

Or-or-or-or,
or changes the rules.

Breaks the rules?

Okay, so, um,

I was just calling
to, uh, tell you...

to tell your family
merry Christmas.

And tell your mom that
I'll be thinking about her pie.

Because she's a good cook
and all.

Uh, uh, I-I...

A-And so are you,
in your own way.

I mean...

not really.

B-But you're good
at ordering takeout.

I mean, that's something, right?

WOMAN:
You have exceeded the time
allotted for the message.

NELL:
His leg's
hurt and, uh...

Okay. Oh. Um,
I'll go in with you.

You guys stay here.
Do not move.

Mom, it's
my turn

to hold the puppy.
No, it isn't.

It's not time to start fighting,
you guys.

But, Mom, you know
it isn't his turn.

If she gets to hold him,
then I get to name him.

No, you don't.

We're not naming the dog.
We're not

keeping the dog
under any circumstances.

You are not getting attached.

But...
No dog.

His name is Gordon!

Pavarotti!

Gordon!
Pavarotti!

His name is Gordon!

It's Pavarotti.

CASSANDRA:
You know what to do.

I don't have anything
to do for Christmas.

I mean, it's cool.

You know, no worries,
as they say.

I just, uh,

want to hang out.
You know, it's a regular day.

It's not that special.

Uh, I mean, it can be special,

but it don't have to be.
Special.

Okay, so that was it.

I think we've had
a good exchange.

I just wanted to, um, say hi.

It's probably good
you didn't pick up the phone.

I don't expect to hear from you.

But you could send me a text
that says, "Merry Christmas."

No.

Don't do that, 'cause I'm okay.

I'm covered. I'm good.
You don't have to s...

I'm good, okay? Yeah.

I'm signing off,
and, um, we can...

You have exceeded the time
allotted for the message.

[sighs]

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Now where'd you go?

[indistinct chatter]

Okay. Have a seat.
We'll be with you shortly.

Excuse me.

Okay. Here you go.

Yeah, I need all
of this paperwork complete,

and then I'll need a copy of
Mr. Cortez's insurance cards.

Um...
Yeah... no cell
phones in the E.R.

Okay, I'm just gonna call my
kids, tell 'em what's going on.

If you have reason to
believe that they need you,

by all means, go check on them.
Otherwise, please assist

in the admitting process so that
we can evaluate Mr. Cortez.

Okay, well, why don't you, um...
He won't be admitted until
that paperwork is done.

You're-you're awesome.

I don't make the rules.

ALDEN: Come on.
You've had the puppy forever.
EMMA: He's happy where he is.

It's my turn!
Don't be grabby.

Pavarotti doesn't like grabby.
His name

isn't Pavarotti. It will
never be Pavarotti. He hates

opera.
Well, his name
is never

gonna be Gordon. And you only
hate opera because I love opera.

That's not why
I hate opera.

I hate opera because everyone
with half a brain hates opera.

[groans]
That's not true.

[both shouting]

Now Mom's never gonna
let us keep him!

You said you wanted a turn,
so, yeah, have your turn.

Here. Take him. Take him.
You said you wanted him.

You take
the scarf.
What were you doing?!

This is Mom's fancy scarf!

You dry the scarf. I'll take
the puppy out for a walk.

Maybe he has to do
more than just pee.

It's gross!

Nosotros... abrimos?

Oh, "we open." I got that.

Tú abres.

Vosotros...

abrís?

Voso...Oh, vosotros abrís.
Hmm.

[sniffing]

If you have
to do something,

then this is your chance.

[whimpering]

This is...

Man, you got five minutes
to move that van

or the hammer's coming down.
Holiday or no holiday.

Put this right here.

Muy bien, gracias.

¿Y tú?

Uh, so, hey, any blood disease?
No.

Uh, any respiratory tract
infection?
No.

Uh, urinary
tract infection?

Hold on one second.

I'll be right back.
Okay.

This is pretty.
[chuckles]

Getting some ideas.

[groans]
[phone ringing]

Hey.

Honey, it's Mom. How are you?

I'm fine.

[whispering]:
How's your brother?
He's fine.

Why are you whispering?

Oh, never mind that.

Listen, uh,

I got to finish up
some paperwork over here,

and I'll be out
as soon as I can, okay?

Just sit tight.
Call me if you need anything.

Okay, bye.

Okay.

[chuckles]

I'll just finish it up.

Ma'am.
Yeah.

Tree?

Sorry.

[whimpering]

Okay, that's it.
We're going back to the car.

[barking]

No, stop!

Gordon! Come back!

[grunting]

Stop, Gordon! Come back!

No!

No, come back, Gordon! Stop!

[groans]

Stop, stop!

Stop!

No, come back! Come back!

No!

[beeping]

[siren wailing]

Oh, no.

It's hammer time.

[moaning]
One more page.
Okay. Um...

Excuse me.
I'm almost finished,

but he is really
in a lot of pain.

Isn't there anything
you can do for him?

[sighs]

Jill, can you please elevate
his leg

and take him to get some ice?

Oh, thank you.

Right behind you.

Anyone here got a blue minivan
parked in the red zone?

Out front?

It's gonna get towed.

It's your last chance.

All right.

Hammer time.

Right now! Come back!

Stop, Gordon!

Come back!

No, come back, Gordon!

[grunting]

No!

No!

Gordon!

No, Gordon!

[groans]

[barking in distance]

Gordon, where are you?

Gordon?

[Rossini's "William Tell
Overture" plays]

[shouts]

[grunting]

[shouting]

[barking in distance]

Gordon!

[grunting]

[barking]
Aah!

[grunts]
Oh!

[shouting]

[Alden coughing]
[dog whimpering]

Oh, my arm!

Help. [coughs]
Help me!

I'm hurt. Emma, Mom.

Help.

[indistinct conversations]

NELL:
Okay,

and no allergies to medications?

Uh, no. My insurance card
is somewhere in there.

Oh, okay.
I think you need

to sign there
at the bottom.

Thank you.

Oh, you have to stop
thanking me.

I'm the one responsible
for you being here.

No... [scoffs]
Oh, my goodness.

Is that your daughter?

[chuckles]
She's,

uh, stationed in Afghanistan.

She's beautiful.

Thank you.

Mr. Cortez,
this is Dr. Chen.

Hi. I'm just gonna
take a quick look.

Aah!

Let's get Mr. Cortez
down for X rays.

We'll have your husband
back up here

shortly.
Oh, uh, oh, thanks,

he's not my husband,
no, he's a man that had

an unfortunate accident
with a sled in my walkway.
Maybe it's just

a high sprain. I'll be out in
a few minutes with the results.

Okay. Hey.

Here we go.

Oh, my gosh.

Alden?

Alden.

You have what we call
a lateral malleolus fracture.

A stable fracture,
and because

the bones are still
in alignment,

it won't require surgery.

Oh. Will he need a cast?

An orthopedic boot
below the knee.

Oh.
Mr. Cortez

will be on crutches ten days.

[exhales]
Try not to weight-bear
on that foot.

Keep it elevated.
Very important.
[groans]

We'll give you some meds
for the pain. They may

make you drowsy
or a little loopy.
Ooh, why... How are you

gonna make your deliveries
if you're on crutches?

Huh?
Your deliveries?

Oh, I'm not so
worried about that

as much as my third
floor apartment.

Oh, no. Do you have
an elevator?
Uh-uh.

A wife?
No.

Are you divorced?
Not divorced.

No. Okay.

Doctor, the woman with
the stitches is being released.

A nurse will be in to get you
started, Mr. Cortez.

Oh, no, I feel so awful.

[sighs]
Is there anything I can do?

Nothing.
Anything at all? It'd make
me feel so much better.

It's okay.
I'll feel so much better...

All right,
coffee! Hmm?

[elevator bell dings]

[whimpering]

[warbling a tune]

Going up?

Yeah. Cafeteria.

Mm. Second floor.

* Wonderful time
of the year. *

[whimpers]

Are you okay?

Oh, yeah. I'm just

dealing with
a medical emergency.

Yours?

Oh, no.

Thank God,
somebody else's.

That-that-that didn't
come out right.

Yo y...
[computer whooshes]

Ha!
[laughs]

Hola, muchacho y muchachas.

EMMA [in distance]:
Alden!

Yo comprendo.

[chuckles]

Alden.

Bienvenidos...

Bienvenidos,
muchachos y muchachas.

[chuckles]

Muchachas.
[laughs]

[fabric tears]

[grunting]

No. Alden.

[grunts]

Oh.

They'll figure out we're gone

and they'll send out
a search party.

They'll find us.

And they'll come get us
before we freeze to death.

[whimpering]

Alden. If you think
this is funny, you're wrong.

You're in a lot of trouble.

Okay.

I'm gonna sing opera.

How do you like that,
Alden Blakemore?

* O mio babbino car... *

[deep rumbling]

* Mi piace, è bello *

[whimpering]
[in distance]: * Bello *

* Vo'andare... *
[dog whimpering in distance]

[barking]

What?

Pavarotti?

Alden?

[dog barking]

What is it, boy?

Here, Gordon.

[dog whimpering]

[short gasp]

Alden.

What are you
doing down there?

I fell. And I hurt my arm.

Where's Mom? Get me

out of here.
It's okay, I'm here.

And I'm calling Mom.

[line ringing]

Hi, this is Nell.
You've reached my

voice mail.
Leave a message...

It went straight to voice mail.
She's got it turned off.

Call Dad.

He's on the cruise
with his new girlfriend.

You know that.

Call Nana.

She lives in Denver.
Go get someone.

Go into the hospital.
This is an emergency.

I came through the fence.
I got stuck before

and my coat's out there
and it's too cold.

I guess we're both
trapped in here.

Call 911.

Really?


Do it now.

Okay, okay.

I mean, there's a big sign.

It says, "No Parking:
Emergency Vehicles Only."

Does this look like
an emergency vehicle?

This ain't
an emergency vehicle.

You're in the red zone.
I go inside, I tell you...

What is that?
Is there a fire?

What is...?

Hold on one second. Let me
find out what's happening.

I got it.
Hey, what's going on?

Two kids are trapped in
that construction site.

Wha-What are you talking about?


No way.
You got a key for
that lock? Otherwise

it's being cut off.
I-I got a key.

[dog whimpering]

Don't worry, son.

EMMA:
His name is Alden.

Alden Addison Blakemore.

And I'm his older sister, so
I can speak for the both of us.

Thank you. We're putting
a ladder down, Alden.

I can't move my arm.

Yeah, don't worry,
we'll have you out in no time.

We'll take
the puppy first.

What's the
dog's name?

We just got him.

He doesn't have a name yet.

But I was thinking of Pavarotti.

I guess "Lucky" is
out of the question.

[indistinct announcement
over P.A.]

Out of the way--
incoming.
Gosh.

It was an accident.
Oh, no, what
happened?

Alden fell down a hole.

A hole? I told you to
stay in the car, honey.

It was a really
deep hole.

But the puppy had
to go to the bathroom.

The puppy did?
Don't worry. He's okay.

No dogs

in the E.R.
What's going on?

My kids just got
into an accident.
Kids?

My-my brother--
he fell down a hole

while we were waiting
for my mom, but I've been

outside for a really
long time without a coat.

I think the boy has
a distal radius fracture

and the girl has
some cold exposure.

Let's get heat blankets
and take vitals. And the boy'll

need an X ray.
Okay.

You've got paperwork to do.

Paperwork?
Ah...

Take care of my kids.

They'll be fine.

So I walked out the front door,
and all of a sudden there was

this really cute, adorable
puppy. And he was in this box,

so I picked him up and we've
never really had a puppy,

but I wanted a puppy so much
and I want to name it Pavarotti,

which is such a great name,
right? But my brother wants

to name him Gordon.
I don't like

that name. Anyway, so, my mom
works for an educational

non-profit,
but they closed down

and now she
organizes people's closets.

What does your wife do?

My ex-wife's a teacher.

Oh. Are you divorced?

My parents are divorced.
It was messy.

I am divorced.
But not very messy.

Kids?
One.

In high school now.
Boy or girl?

Boy.
Boys are idiots.

My brother's a perfect
example for that one.

Anyway, do you
like opera?

It's unfairly maligned.
Unfairly maligned, huh?

Well, you'll be happy to hear
that I get opera tickets

every year at the arts center.

Really? That's so cool.
Yeah.

Oh, you look better.

CHEN:
The cold chilled her a bit.
She's doing better now.

Dr. Chen is divorced.

He has a son
in high school

andhe likes opera.

Oh, well, thank you, Emma.

I'm sorry about that.

The emergency room brings out
people's dramatic instincts.

Oh, no, she's
always like that.

Always has been.

She's gonna be fine.

They both are.

Thank you.
For what?

Not making me feel like
a terrible mother.

I never should have
left them in the car.

You didn't know
they were gonna get out.

Well, I should have
seen it coming.

I know better.

You were focused
on helping somebody else.

Gee, you're nice. I
tend to overanalyze

my responsibility in
stressful situations.

You've been told that?

You can tell?

Oh, yeah.

By medical professionals.

Oh, okay. More than one?

Four.
But who's counting?

Not me.

Come on, let's
be honest.

This is not exactly
the Christmas Eve

I had hoped for
my children.

It will certainly
be memorable.

But I guess that's
not the same thing.

No.
What's the saying?

Expect the best.

Plan for the worst.

Prepare to be surprised.

Not the surprise
I was hoping for?

Your son's got a
radial distal break.

Left arm.

[sighs]

[indistinct chatter]

I just started working here
a couple days ago.

[softly whimpering]

They're gonna take
my job away now.

Ooh, ooh. Ooh.

[laughs]

[humming]

[beep]

I could have
broken my neck.

The fireman said

I was lucky, but I think
the puppy was the lucky thing.

It's impossible

for that dog to be lucky.

This is all my fault.

Every stupid part of it.

In my family, we aren't allowed
to play the blame game.

It's a good rule to live by.

[laughing]
NELL:
Hi, guys.

Hey, honey.
Yeah, Mom?

I'm, uh...

I'm afraid we have
some kind of bad news.

Think I can handle it.
[Nell sighs]

Looks like Santa will be
bringing you a cast

for Christmas,
buddy.
Yeah.

It's broken?

I'm afraid so.

Yes!

Well...
[laughs]

Oh, that's so awesome!
[laughing]

Awesome, huh?
Can I tell everyone at
school I got it snowboarding?

I'd get so much cred.

You got to look out
for those trees!

[laughing]

What you here for?

[barking]

I don't even know
how it happened.

I was so worried about
the van in the red zone.

This isn't my department.

They're gonna fire me.
They're gonna fire me.

Again, not my department.
It's only been three days.

Look, all I know is that
you have to write up a report

if you are party
to a workplace injury.

Now, if you leave
the dog outside,

you can stay in here
to do it.

He's just a puppy!

I'm not gonna leave it alone.

What's wrong with you?

[sighs, dog barks]

[opera playing over headphones]

How are you doing?

[laughs]

Oh.
How are you doing?

I'm okay. Thanks.

Here.

This isn't a bill, right?

No. We're not that aggressive.

You can open it.

The Berlin Opera Company
is coming here?

Merry Christmas.

Wait. Are these tickets for me?

Yes.

Thank you so, so, so much!

You're so, so, so welcome.

The Berlin Opera Company,
all the way

from Berlin, where
people actually

understand and appreciate opera.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

The Berlin Opera.

[whimpering]

Hey, don't you ever

follow a girl across country,
you hear me?

Follow your own dreams.

[dog moaning]

I should be in Atlanta
right now.

Weather is 60 degrees,
not a cloud in the sky.

[dog moaning]

You could leave your family,
start a new school,

have a whole five-year plan for
your life, and then, boom, gone.

You know why?

'Cause your woman...

runs into some dude
she met from high school,

and she get confused
'cause he got a fancy car,

some big, fancy business
selling I don't know what.

[dog snores]

I ought to be hanging
with my family.

[snoring]

Don't let me keep you awake,
buddy.

[yawns]

[dog sighs]

That ought to do it.

Great.

Oh, honey.

You okay?

I can walk.

No, you have to ride.
Hospital policy.

Oh. Whoops.
Oh. Okay.
ALDEN: Mom, look.

Oh, no.
Isn't it cool?

His first cast.
NURSE:
So, you're all good here.

We're short-staffed
tonight, though,

but as soon as I can organize
some orderlies, we'll have you

escorted out.
Oh, okay. Well,

um, I guess you can say
good-bye to the doctor for us?

Yeah. Sure.

Although...

since we're waiting,

do you mind calling him?

Mom,

I want to show
you something.

Oh.
Look.

Dr. Chen, you're wanted
up front in admitting.

EMMA:
There's two.

For real?

He gave those to you?

Yeah.

Do I get to go? Well...

That is really too generous.
Thank you so much.

Thanks again.

You're welcome.
Certainly looks

like you got your hands full.

Little bit.
[laughs]

Who's first?
I'll help you get

Mr. Cortez situated
and we'll be back for the kids.

Okay. That's
a great plan.

I'll watch the kids.
Perfect.

Boy slipped
on hospital property.

Let's just hope they don't sue.

This time, don't move.

I guess that means no wheelchair
races or anything.

Hmm.

[church bells chime]
That's midnight.

It is.
It's officially Christmas.

Oh, thanks
for reminding me.

Over the woodlands
brown and bare,

over the harvest-fields
forsaken...

Silent, and soft, and slow
descends the snow.

What are you guys talking about?

"Snow-flakes,"
a poem by...

Longfellow.
Longfellow.

You learned it
in college.
College.

[laughter]
I also have a poem.

Yeah.
Mm-hmm.

Make a better plan
when you park your van.

Huh?

Aah.

[wind whistling]

Where is my car?

Exactly?
Where'd you put it?

I parked it right here
by the curb.

I can explain.

Oh.
So let's hear it.

Look, I'll take care
of your puppy.

Oh, no. Yeah, I mean,
it's not my puppy.
Excuse me.

There's ownership
issues about that puppy.
Whatever.

Anyway, where's my van?

I was afraid
you was gonna ask that.

Uh, let me guess. It got towed?
Oh, he didn't

just say that. You didn't
just say that, did you?

My keys were in there. Now
I'm locked out of my apartment.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.
He didn't say it was towed.
Great.

It was towed.

Okay, now he said it.

Okay?
Okay.

You got to be kidding me, right?

You were parked in the red zone.

We had emergency vehicles
running through.

I went inside the hospital
to ask if anybody had a minivan.

Wait. Is that it?
He was just doing his job.

Well, he wasn't
doing it very well

because he let a
kid fall in a hole.

Yeah, exactly.
We can call a taxi.

A taxi?

[Nell sighs]
It's midnight.

It's Christmas,
and there's a snowstorm.

You really think
we're going to get a taxi now?

I can give you a ride
to your car.

Least I can do.

My shift's over.
Huh?

I got four-wheel drive.

I think they were sad
to see us go.

I think I'm going
to take the freeway.

My car is that far?

There's only one
lot open tonight.

Increíble.

[Nell scoffs]
I'm hungry.

I'm thirsty.

I'm cold.

[gasps]
Where's my scarf?

I-I got it, Mom.

Oh, great.
Thanks, honey.

Here.

Oh, great.

NELL:
Oh.

[dog whimpering]

Mmm.

[sniffing]

[sniffing]

Oh. Ooh.

[muffled laughter]

[dog growls]

Do you guys mind if
I turn on the radio?

Go ahead.
No, go ahead.

This storm front's coming in
with more snow than expected,

but we'll keep you warm with
all your favorite holiday songs.

We should sing
because it's Christmas.

Oh.

Oh.

* It's the hap, happiest *

* Season of all *

* There'll be parties
for hosting *

* Marshmallows for toasting *

* And carolers
out in the snow *

* There'll be scary
ghost stories *

* And tales of the glories of
Christmases long, long ago... *

[dog whines]

* It's the most
wonderful time *

Are you in pain,

or is it just
the singing?

* Of the year. *

[laughs]
[static]

Come on.
Come on now.

What happened?
I don't know.

What's going on?
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Babe, please don't let me
down. This is a bad time.

This is supposed to
be a brand-new car.
What's happening?

I don't know. Oh.
NELL: Reggie?
What happened?

What is going on?
Oh, oh, no.
Oh, no, what?

What do you mean, "Oh, no"?
No, no, no, no!

EMMA:
Mom, what happened?
What?

Are we out of gas? I don't
get it. What's happening?

Oh. Oh, the lights
just went out.
What's wrong
with the car?

Why are we stopping?
Oh, no. Look,
look, look, look!

What is going on?
No, no, no.
EMMA: What's happening?

What is happening,
and why are you pulling over?

Ay, dios mío.

I'm not pulling
over. Car is dead.

The car is dead?

And merry Christmas.

Sorry, guys.
[sighs]

[wind whistling]

[car stalling]

[Nell scoffs]

Can't blame this on the puppy.

I hate to say you're not
helping, but you're not helping.

All righty. All righty. All
righty, everybody, stay calm.

I'm just gonna call 911.

A third emergency in one night.

[dog whines]
Hey, guys, maybe

third time's
a charm?

Hey, you two, calm down.

Mom, we're calm.
You're not.

[dog whines]
Yeah. And I'm thirsty.

WOMAN:


Could you shut up that dog?!
Excuse me?

No, not you, not you.
I'm-I'm sorry.

Listen, I am
in a broken-down car

on the 205 heading south.

I have two kids,
two passengers--

one with a broken leg,
one with a broken arm.

Oh, were you in an accident?

No, no. No. No.
We weren't in an accident.

The broken limbs
are from before.

Would you like an ambulance?
Um, I-I don't

need an ambulance. We just...
we just need a tow truck.

Can you tell me
what exit you're close to?

Uh... exit.
Oh.

Nearest exit? I don't know.

We got on at Sixth Street.

I think we drove,
like, seven miles.

And our driver thinks...
we drove about seven miles.

So, you need a tow truck?

Yes. Thank you.

I'll also send a patrol car.

Okay. Okay, thanks.
And you have a merry Christmas.

Yeah. Me-Merry Christmas
to you, too.

What'd she say?

Okay, we're gonna get
a patrol car and a tow truck.

Mm.
Okay.

I'm cold.
EMMA:
Alden,

if we talk about being cold,
we'll just be colder.

Thank you,
Grand Master of the Jedi Order.

Okay, guys.

[scoffs]

Hmm.
[sighs]

That was quick.

The thing is,
when plan "A" fails,

it's always important
to remember

that there are 25 other letters
in the alphabet.

I think we're
on plan "E" by now.

Try "M."

Yeah.

They look like bad guys.
Oh, honey.

I don't know. It's a snowstorm.

I think they're dressed
appropriately.

Okay. I'm just saying.

Let me go out.

Okay.

Oh, hey, guys.

Am I happy
to see you.

Not as happy as we
are to see you.

Need a little help?
Nah, I don't
think so.

But, uh, you
can help us.

We want your wallets
and your cell phones.

You got to be kidding me.

Oh, man, this guy
thinks we're joking.

Whoa. Whoa. Whoa, whoa.

[g*nsh*t]

Oh, my God!
What was that?

Oh, my God.
Our car got shot!

They shot the car?
What?
They shot our car?

That look like a joke?

Here. Here, here, here. Just...

What? What's happening?
I need your wallets
and your phones.

What?
Wait, my pur--
I just bought this purse.

Just give me the purse.
Give it to him.

Are we being robbed right now?

Here you go.

Oh, my goodness.

Oh,
my goodness.

It's okay, Nell.
Just relax. Just relax.

NELL:
Please get back in the car.

What are they
gonna do to him?

Nothing, nothing...
Oh, my goodness.

Okay... it's okay.
Is he gonna be okay?

Hey.

You got what you came for.

Just go.
I-I got

two kids in the car, man.
Just go.

You got a cell phone?

Where's your cell
phone? Let's go.

Come on.
Here.

All right.

Who you looking at?

Get in your car.
Okay.

Oh...

Are you okay?

Are you okay?
You all right?

JUM3359.

What's that, honey?

JUM3359.

Gray SUV. Custom rims.

You memorized all that?
Is that the license plate?

What?
Honey, that's amazing.

I couldn't even do that.

[chuckles]

I could see it all
in the mirror.

We need to call 911.
REGGIE:
How?

They just took our cell phones.

I didn't give them mine.

What? Emma.

They didn't
ask me directly.

I'm sorry.
No, no. No, no, no,

honey, I'm not upset. Just hand
over the phone, please.

G-Give-give.

Here you go.

Unbelievable, you.
Good girl.

Great job, son.

Thanks.
MAN:


Uh, hi,
yeah, yeah.

I-I'm
on the shoulder

of I-205. We were just robbed.

Yeah, they-they were
in an SUV.

License plate
JUM...




Gray SUV

with custom rims.
It was a gray SUV
with custom rims.

All right, sir, we'll keep
an eye out for that vehicle.

In the meantime,
we'll send a patrol car

out to you. It's a little rough
out there tonight, so it might

take a while,
but we'll-we'll get to you.

Oh. Oh, you guys.

I think maybe you should try
and get some sleep.

Seriously?
Mom, we were just robbed
at gunpoint. You seriously think

we're capable of falling asleep
when we've just been robbed?

Plus, I'm too cold
to fall asleep.

And I have to go
to the bathroom.

Me, too.
It's really cold.

Oh, I'm so sorry, guys.
Lady,

you don't deserve
this kind of Christmas.

I'm so sorry.
Oh, you have got

to stop apologizing, okay?
It's not your fault.

Well, I'm
not so sure.

I need to tell
you something.

Okay. Wh-What?

I'm not a delivery guy.

What?

Not even close.

This little puppy
was left in a box

outside the building
where I work.

I couldn't take
him home, so I tried

to make him
somebody else's problem.

I found your house, I rang your
doorbell, and running back

to my truck
is when I slipped and fell.

Oh, my.

Oh, wow.
Well,

okay, what can I say?
Thanks for confessing.
[chuckles]

[chuckles]
I guess I do feel a little less
guilty about your leg.

You should. And
I'm-I'm very sorry.

So this means that Dad didn't
send us the puppy?

Yep.

I'm sorry, guys.

I'm so mad,
I would swear right now

if I were allowed.
Well, you're not.

Well, look, since everybody's
admitting stuff, I guess

I should probably
tell you that, uh,

the check engine light...

came on this week.

Oh, no.
And I-I kind
of forgot

about it.
You should
pay attention

to those warning lights.

This from the man
who dumped the dog?

Oh, yeah, well...

Todos somos estudiantes
y todos somos maestros.

What does that mean?

It means "we're all students

and we're all teachers."

Oh, you speak Spanish?

I'm in
a-a bilingual immersion program.

I want to get a teaching degree.

Aw.
Para aprender un idioma,
hay que practicar un idioma.

What's that mean?
"If you want to
learn a language,

practice the language."

Exactly.

You want to be my tutor?

[laughter]

Well, as long as we're
all admitting to stuff, Mom...

Uh-oh. What?

You know your favorite blue
sweater with the pearl buttons?

Yeah.
I accidently put it in the dryer
and it shrunk so bad, I hid it

in the garage
with all the camping stuff.

Oh, so that's where it is.

I'm really sorry.

It's... okay.

Ooh... I broke the big glass
bowl Aunt Amy sent from India.

Wait, w...

I told him not to touch it.
Wasn't my fault.

What are you talking about?
I just put pinecones

in that bowl yesterday.

You'd be
surprised

how many things
you can fix with glue.

[laughter]

Oh,
goodness.

Well, you guys,
if I admitted all the things

that I wish I would've done
differently in my life...

We'd be here
all night, folks.
[laughter]

I know, right?
Hey, kid.

You see that, uh, package
back there?

This?
Yeah, yeah.
Pass it to me.

What is it?
Who's it for?

It was
for my, uh,

girlfriend's mom.

Oh, that's sweet.

Ex-girlfriend.

Ah.

Dig in.

NELL:
Chocolate?

Chocolate!

[indistinct shouting]

The puppy! Secure the dog!

[horn honking]
I got him.

I think I got him.
Now, this is
more like it.

He's here, guys.

Oh, I got him.

Oh.
They're here.

Oh, thank goodness.

[horn honking]

[indistinct radio transmission]

Hi.

Tough night to
break down, huh?

You sure you have gas in there?
Yeah, that's not
the problem.

Straight-up engine failure.
But that's not the worst of it.

We got held up at gunpoint.

On Christmas Eve?

Yeah, yeah!
He put a g*n to his head!

What is this world coming to?
Come on.

REGGIE:
And that's not
the worst of it.

No, we were in the hospital
tonight, too.

Two different
accidents.
Yeah.

You know,
I don't believe in curses,

but if I did, I'd say
you two are cursed.
[siren whoops]

Oh, my goodness.
That would explain a few things.
Yeah.

Hey, don't worry.
Gorik take care of everything.

Thank you.
Thank you.
Okay? Yeah.

Yeah, that's really good 'cause
we have two kids in the car.

And a puppy.
And a puppy.

[siren chirping]

Okay.
Thank goodness.

[sighs]
Oh, thank goodness.

Get the kids
out the car.

Let's go.

Okay. Now we use the hook.

[grunts]

There we go.
Good?

Okay.
Excellent.

[grunting]

That is a very cute puppy.

[whimpering]

Do you want him?

Mom.
Sorry.

What is his name?

We're not allowed
to do that yet.

Without a name,
he has no identity. Come on.

Hey, buddy, are we done?

Okay.

Hey, uh, sorry, guys.
I only got room for three more.

I'll ride in the tow truck.
That work with you?

Fine by me.
Great! Let's go! Thank you!

[starts engine]

[loud bang]

[shouting]

[gasping]

Is it supposed to do that?
No,

it's not supposed
to do that! Oh!

Oh!

[indistinct shouting]

Oh, my gosh! Reggie's car!

That was crazy.
Yeah.

The wheel lift
came apart.

What did I say
about curses?

REGGIE:
Oh.

NELL:
Oh, watch out!

No!

Oh, no!

Oh!

[gasping]

CORTEZ:
¡Ay, dios mío!

My car!
No!

I drove all the way up
from Atlanta in that thing.

[shouting]

This is a big unlucky day
for you people, yeah?

NELL: You think?
[whimpering]
My car.

That's my car.
That was my car.

My car.

* It's the most wonderful time *

* Of the year *

* With the... *

[song playing over speakers]

Oh, there's that song again.
MAN:
Hello, folks.

Come on in. Take a seat.
NELL:
Oh, my goodness.

Police stations
are where you re-spawn

in Alden's game.
I hope no one
re-spawns tonight.

You learn a few things when your
brother's a hard-core gamer.

Well,
merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.

I hear you people
had an eventful night.
NELL: Something like that.

Well, they're kind of
battling a curse, you know?

We just need to get home.
Well, there's

a severe storm advisory
in effect. Only essential travel

on the roads
until that's lifted.
Oh, my goodness.

I have a tow truck.

Well, you look like
you're good to go

as long as we get your
report. Why don't you talk

to Officer Ringle and he'll
take care of you separately.

I fill out the paperwork
and then I can go home.

ALDEN:
Mom, it's not
fair that he

gets to go home.
I know, honey.

Come on, it was
a crazy accident.

Keep it between
the lines, people.

What does that mean?
It means stay in your
own lane in the road.

It's a little late for that.

It's good advice anyway.

Merry Christmas, buddy.

You know,

I'm gonna miss him.

Well, I have some
good news for the rest of you.

Yeah?
Yeah?
I want to hear this.

We have two suspects in custody
from the armed robbery.

You caught 'em?
Really?
Apprehended only


the call came in.
License plate

JUM3359.
NELL: Good job, kiddo.

That's the car.
That's it.
That's the car.

Oh, that's my bag.

There's my phone.
There's the wallets.

EMMA: Cool.
CORTEZ: There it is.

Well, you can claim
your possessions

as soon as the items
are processed as evidence.

I think our luck
is turning around--

I can feel it.
Well, come around here

and I'll help you out.
Oh...

All right, guys...

REGGIE:
Need help?
[yawns]

[sighs]
Look, guys,
I'm sorry,

but we have a no-dog policy.

What? I...
Oh.

But tonight

we'll bend the rules. Shh.

Head down the hall

and wait while Officer Crowley
files the report.

Thank you.
Merry Christmas.

[sighs]
That's something.

At least it's
something.

You come on, here.

You need help?
Yeah, I'm okay.

OFFICER:
Right through here.

It's no turkey dinner,
but we got vending machines

and soda.

Yes!
Yay!

OFFICER: Please make
yourself comfortable.

NELL:
Oh, no, I don't...

I don't have any money,
it's in my purse and my...

I got everything covered.

EMMA: I'm going to
start with chocolate.

No.
Mom, hold the puppy.

Oh.

No, no.

No caffeine
or sugar this late.

What?!

Mom, but we're starving!

Yeah, it's Christmas Eve!

Actually, it's Christmas.

I think we can
bend the rules, no?

Ugh. Why bother?

Have whatever you want.

Oh, yes!

Ooh, I want chocolate,
I really feel like chocolate.

I'm more of a cat person.

[laughs]
I'll take him.

Yeah?

Mm-hmm.

Thanks.

Oh, boy, I don't
know if I'm tired

or just completely
falling apart.

Maybe both.

[laughs]

[chuckles]

It's my first
Christmas divorced,

where do I end up?

In a police station
with my kids.

How am I gonna explain
that one to my ex?

Nah, you don't have
to explain.

No, I guess I don't.

Hmm.

I kind of miss explaining.

I lost my wife.

It was a struggle.

[scoffs]
What am I saying?

It isa struggle.

Yeah.

I'm sorry.

Hmm.

I was a single parent.

It was tough.

But I can tell you
from experience--

I don't know, you find
new ways to celebrate.

They aren't
necessarily better,

but also they're not
necessarily worse.

Okay.

Just different?

Very different.

[laughing]:
Yeah, well...

Mmm, good.

You got great kids.

Thank you.

And you're
a great mother.

[laughs]
Right.

And you love them,
and they know that.

So, do you think
love is enough?

Mm.

You never stop worrying.

Uh-uh.

They could be thousands
of miles away,

doing what you think
is the right thing,

but all you
really want is

to know that they're
safe in the next room.

Yeah.

You need to treasure every day
that they're so young.

And that you have them
so close.

'Cause it doesn't last.

Hmm.

Boy, you must be really
proud of your daughter.

Hmm.

We carry them inside our hearts.

All of them.

The ones we lost.

And the ones we let go.

[indistinct chatter]

[sighs]

CORTEZ:
I haven't eaten
since lunch.

NELL:
Oh. Right.

So, if there's anything
over there

that even looks like food,
I'm taking it.

[both laugh]

NELL:
Oh. Ugh.
[dog whines]

[laughing]:
Oh, my stomach hurts.

[sighs]

I said not
to eat those
donuts.

I think it was
all the chocolate.

No.
[sighs]

So, was this Christmas dinner?

NELL:
Oh, honey.
Hey, guys.

We got a spare room
on the fourth floor.

Sergeant says it's yours.

Oh.
Oh, great.

[yawns]

Here, babe.

All right. Thanks.

[snoring]

Huh?
[dog whining]

Hey, bud. Oh.

[sighs]

So, what about you, buddy?
How you doing?

I'm okay.

I just got sort of sad
knowing Dad missed all of this.

Yeah, well, you can tell him
about all of this

when he gets off the boat
with Tiffany.

Okay? Hmm?

And I was really hoping
he'd sent us the puppy.

Oh, honey, that
was my fault, too.

No, it's not.
No, it was.

I wasn't very supportive of
your dad getting you a pet.

But he did say
there was a surprise.

Yes, and I'm sure
there will be.

Your dad loves
you very much.

Do you know how proud
he's going to be of you

when he hears how you
remembered that license plate?

You think so?

I know so.

Okay, right
under there.

CORTEZ: It's okay.
NELL:
You all right? You okay?

EMMA:
This is the most comfortable
couch ever.

[Nell sighs]

Thank you.

Well, let's just pretend
that we're camping.

[laughter]

Except I don't like camping, and
this is actually really cool.

For once, we agree.

[laughs]
[dog moans]

Okay, well, at least we're safe,
and we're together.

And that we have a new,
adorable little puppy.

We didn't get a new puppy.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Cesar?

Yes, son.

I got a new gaming system
for Christmas from Dad.

You hook it up
to the TV.

It's the real deal.
[chuckles]

Not like this one.
[laughs]

My dad gave me permission
to open it two days early.

A great idea.

[laughter]

I want you to have it.

Really?

[laughs]

That's very generous of you,
hijo,but you need to keep it.

No. You're not going to be
able to walk for a while.

Trust me, a video game
makes the time fly.

No, no, no, no, no.

I'm...
NELL:
I don't think he's gonna

take no for an answer.
Merry Christmas.

Hmm.

Okay, but you have
to show me how to play it.

Totally. I can hook
it up and everything.
Okay.

Sweet boy.

[dog whines]

[sighs]

I've had this pendant for,

well,



Saint Christopher.

He looks after people
in transit.

Hmm.

And Nell,

I would like you
to have it.

Oh, no, no, no.
I couldn't possibly.

Por favor.

It's Christmas.

Gracias.

De nada.

Oh.

[dog whines, Nell sighs]

NELL:
It's beautiful.

All right, well,
if we're doing this...

Reggie... I would like you
to have my watch.

That's so sweet,
but have you seen my wrist?

[laughter]
ALDEN:
Don't worry.

It isn't for girls.
NELL:
No.

It belonged to
our Uncle Pete.
NELL: Who said

that I was too obsessed
with schedules.

I'm over that.

Merry Christmas.

Wow.

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

It's very old-school,
but in a good way.

It's perfect.

Emma, I would like
to give you this keychain

that has been very,
very lucky for me.

Not tonight, obviously.

[laughter]
Well, not tonight.

[laughter]
ALDEN:
Yeah.

But aren't these

the keys to your car?

Oh, yeah,
you can have that, too,

but the gift is
the silver horseshoe.

Thanks, Reggie.

I'm in middle school,

but I'll be driving
before anybody knows it.

ALDEN:
Uh-oh.

Alert the
authorities now.

[laughter]

Alden?

Yeah.

I have a gift for you.

I'm listening.

I'll stop singing
whenever you ask me to

for a whole year starting today.

That's the best gift ever!

Hey, be nice.
[laughter]

Do you sing
a lot, Emma?

Practice is essential in
the mastery of any art form.

Malcolm Gladwell
wrote about that.

Malcolm Gladwell.

I love you both so much.

Do I say that enough?
Yes.
EMMA: Yes.

[Reggie chuckles]
It can never be enough.

REGGIE:
For once,

we agree.
Aah.
Ooh, ooh.

I'm sorry.
NELL:
Oh. Whoops.

It's all right.

ALDEN AND EMMA:
We love you, Mom.

Well, that is
the greatest gift ever.

Everything all right?

All good?
ALL:
Yes.

Good night.
REGGIE, CESAR AND EMMA:
Good night.

Merry Christmas.
ALL:
Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[sighs]
Mmm.

["Jingle Bells" by Frank Sinatra
playing]

* I love
those J-I-N-G-L-E bells*

* Bong*

* Those holiday
J-I-N-G-L-E bells*

[garbled radio transmission]
* Bong*

* Those happy J-I-N-G-L-E*

* B-E-double-L-S*

* I love those
J-I-N-G-L-E bells*

* Bong*

* Jingle bells, jingle bells,
jingle all the way *

* Oh, what fun it is to ride *

* In a one-horse open sleigh *

[whining]
* Jingle bells, jingle bells *

* Jingle all the way *

* Oh, what fun
it is ride to ride *

* In a one-horse open sleigh *

* Dashing through the snow *
* To-doh*

* In a one-horse open sleigh *
* Today*

* O'er the fields we go *
* To-doh*

* Laughing all the way *
* Today*

* Bells on bobtail ring*

* Making our spirits bright*

* What fun it is
to ride and sing *
[barking]

* A sleighing song tonight *

[low growling]
* Jingle bells,
jing-jingle bells *

* Jingle all the way *

[growling]
* Oh, what fun it is to ride *

[barking]
* In a one-horse open sleigh *

[growling]
* I love those
J-I-N-G-L-E bells, bong!*

* Those holiday
J-I-N-G-L-E bells, bong!*
[growling]

[growling]

[whimpering]
* J-I-N-G-L-E *

* B-E-double-L-S *

* I love those jingle bells *

* All the way *

* Jingle all the way. *

[distant honking]

* Chestnuts roasting
on an open fire *

* Jack Frost nipping
at your nose *

* Yuletide carols *

* Being sung by a choir *

* And folks *

* Dressed up like Eskimos *

* Everybody knows *

* A turkey *

* And some mistletoe *

* Help to make
the season bright *

* Tiny tots *

* With their eyes all aglow *

* Will find it hard to sleep *

* Tonight. *

[crackling, shattering]

[whimpering]

[alarm ringing]

[barking]

[coughing]

[barking]

What's going on?
Mom? Mom?

You guys, we've got to get...
Come on, get up.

[coughing]

[overlapping chatter]

[moaning]

[siren wailing in distance]

[indistinct shouting]

Where do I go? Where do I go?

Kids, kids.

Make a right! Make a right here!

[crackling, shattering]

[indistinct shouting]

[siren wailing]

[coughing]

[shouting]

Are you okay?
Mom!

[shouting]

[barking]

[shouting]

[horn honking]

* *

[distorted shouting]

[whimpers]

* *

[whimpering, barking]

* *

[distorted honking]

[distorted shouting]

[distorted honking]

[chuckling]

[others cheering, whooping]

¡Dios mío!
[laughs]

EMMA: [whoops]
Go, Mom!

Yay! Mom saved him!

Whenever someone
saves another's life,
[grunts] Oh!

he's responsible
for him forever.

What? Oh...

You okay?

[exhales]
I don't feel so good.

Mom?

Mom, are you okay? Mom?
Nell.

[siren chirping]

So, we had
a little problem...

You got to be kidding me.
Mom ran out

in front of a fire truck
and saved our puppy.

She's had a stressful night.

Hi, baby. I got the puppy.

Reggie's car got shot
and fell into a pond.

It's sleeping
with the fishes. Literally.

Then he banged his knee,
and I think

it looks broken.

Emma breathed in a ton of smoke.

Now she can hardly even talk.

I think opera may be out
of the question.

[growls]

Cesar's leg
is still broken.

And I think
I might need a new cast.

Maybe we could try something
that looks a little cooler.

Sure.

We have a notebook
that we keep in the E.R.

with crazy admission stories.
It's called The Legend Book.

And it's official,
you guys just made it in.

Really?
Cool!
Yeah.

Usually we take a vote, but
in your case, not necessary.

Were you in the police station
fire on Washington Avenue?

You have to ask?

Well, at least
some of you

already have hospital wristbands
because this is gonna be

a nightmare
for insurance.

Ah, don't take the little guy.

Maybe we could name him
Little Guy.
I'm sorry.

There's no dogs allowed
in the E.R.

I got to keep the little guy.
[whimpers]

New rule:

puppies
are allowed

on Christmas.
Fine.

I'll just consider him
a therapy dog then.

Does that mean we
get to keep him?

I want pertinent risk factors
charted on everyone exposed

to the smoke.
Look for carbonaceous sputum

and elevated CO levels.
Start with cardiac monitoring

and supplemental oxygen.
And we'll need to evaluate...

I thought you were going home.

My double shift
is officially over.

[dog barking]

[sighs]

[dog whimpers]

We're gonna need the puppy
off your lungs.

Mmm.
[whimpering]

That's a good puppy.

You had pneumonia
as a child?

Mmm. Yeah.
We're gonna
give you oxygen

for the next few hours.
It'll help with your breathing.

Okay. Where are my kids?
Are they okay?

Your son's getting
his cast checked.

Your daughter's being evaluated.
She may have

some vocal alteration
because of the smoke.

Vocal alterations?
Nothing serious.

I promise.

Okay.

And how about Reggie and Cesar?

We've got 'em covered, too.

Oh, thank you.

["It's the Most Wonderful Time
of the Year" playing]

Oh, no.
What is it?

Oh, no. That song.

I hate that song. It
is not a cheerful time.

[sighs] It's been
a dangerous, terrifying,

freezing, uncomfortable
nightmare!

And that was before the fire!

It is not the most wonderful
time of the year!

[crashing, clattering]
[groaning loudly]

[rapid beeping]

Okay...

Oh...

Oh, I am so sorry.

It's okay.
I understand.
That's so not like me.

I'm usually
a really calm person.

Of course.
Maybe you needed that release.

Am I okay?

Are you
feeling better now?

Yeah.
Good.

Yeah, I really am.

Thanks for listening.

My pleasure.

I'm really glad you were here.

[chuckles]

Me, too.

NURSE:
For the next 48 hours,
close observation

of your physical condition
is very important.

My own
personal wish is

that you don't return.
But call or come in

if you experience any
of the problems I just detailed.

Any questions?

No.
No.
No.
No.

How are we getting home?

I'll take you.

You're gonna take us home?

That's service.

I'm on my way home.

And I have the keys
to the hospital van.

Hospital van.
[chuckling]:
Hospital van.

Hooray.

DEEJAY:
Well, I hope everyone made it
through last night's storm.

Something like that

really makes you appreciate
the cherished loved ones

in your life. So I hope

that makes today
your merriest Christmas of all.

* It's the most wonderful... *
No way!

Turn it off!
Turn it off!

[yelling in Spanish]

[chuckles]

[all sigh]

Oh.

It's you, honey.

Oh, yes.
[chuckles]

You're sure your neighbor
will be here?

Do you want
to call him?
[sighs]

His number's in my cell phone,
and my cell phone... [scoffs]

Right.

I'll help you up the stairs.

What are you gonna do?
I'll help. [chuckles]

Oh, I can manage
on my crutches, gracias.

We don't want
another accident.

What about the kids?

Let's leave 'em here.
Let 'em sleep.

Right...

because what could go wrong?

Seriously?

I'm kidding. They'll be fine.

Honey... come on.

Oh, here, here, here.
Sorry.

That's...

There you go.

[soft grunt]

My apartment.

It's open.

Oh, no.
Let me take
a look.

I'll go with him.
Okay.

Hey, what-what's
happening in there? Huh?

Stop. Shh.
Hey...

Hey.

You got both
my crutches.

I can't
walk... Ow.

[footsteps approaching]

Ha!

Who are you?
Who are you?

You first.

Cesar.
¿Que paso?

Maritza.
Oh.

[chuckles]
Oh, girl.
Oh.

Oh.

It's his daughter.
[chuckling]

Papito,what happened
to your leg?

Why didn't you tell
me you were coming?
Why didn't you call?

I have called.
Many times

when my flight landed.

You didn't answer your phone.

It was stolen.
Yeah.

I thought you weren't
coming home till February.

I wanted to surprise you.

For Christmas.
[laughs]

[speaks Spanish]

What's he saying?
"I'm very surprised

you're here."

Oh.

Maritza...

these are my friends.

Hi there,

I'm Nell. Oh,
this is Little Guy.

I'm Henry.

He works
in the E.R.

I'm Reggie.

We work together.

Very nice to meet
all of you.

I am... so happy.

Oh, Cesar...

this is b-beautiful.

When you cry, we
all cry, Cesar.

Thank you for letting me
off the hook.

Why did you leave
the door open?

Oh. I was trying
to make you cookies

when I arrived, but...

I burned them.

NELL:
Oh, I made so many cookies.

Hey... Why don't you all join
us for Christmas dinner?

It'll be
wonderful.

Unless you have
better plans.

Hey, I got nowhere to go.

And no way to get there.
NELL [laughs]:
That's right.

Is that funny?
It's a little
bit funny.

Okay, okay, I laughed, it's
a good joke. It's a good joke.

[laughing]

[sighs]

* Rockin' around
the Christmas tree *

* Have a happy holiday *

* Everyone dancing merrily *

* In the new old-fashioned way *

* *

* You will get
a sentimental feeling *

Get it, get it.
* When you hear *

Get it, get it.
* Voices singing *

* "Let's be jolly *

* Deck the halls
with boughs of holly" *

* Rockin' around
the Christmas tree *

* Have a happy holiday *

* Everyone dancing merrily *

* In the new *

* Old-fashioned *

* Way. *

Look, puppy.

[Reggie chuckles]

Well, I, um...

I wanted this
to be a memorable Christmas

for my children, and...

I can honestly say
I believe I achieved that.

[all laughing]

Mom,

it's our best
Christmas ever.

Oh.
I'm with her.

I won't
forget it,

that's for sure.
Well, I am very,

very grateful
that fate brought us

all together.
I think
our new puppy

did that.
[all laugh]

You know, I think
you might be right.

So, to, um, to all
of our new friends.

And to my children.

The most precious gifts
of my life.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

ALL:
Merry Christmas.

EMMA:
Merry Christmas.

I'll drink to that.

And feliz Navidad.

Uh, y que se...

cumplan tus sueños

en el...

primo año.

Close enough.
[laughs]

Feliz Navidad.

Feliz Navidad.

I got the first part but

what was the second part?
Uh, "May all your

dreams come true next year."

Alden,

is it okay if I sing?

Come on.
MARITZA: Come on.
Please.

Alden.
Come on,

please.
Keep it short.

[all laugh]

It's not opera.

Nice.

[clears throat]

* It's the most wonderful time *

* Of the year *

[mouthing]

* With the kids jingle belling *

* And everyone telling you *

* "Be of good cheer" *
She's never sounded this good.

The smoke changed
her vocal quality.
* It's the most *

Really? Is is gonna last?
* Wonderful time of the year *

Only time knows.

ALDEN:
You sound better.

You can sing
some more.

* It's the hap... *

* Happiest season of all *

* With those holiday
greetings and *

* g*y happy meetings
when friends come to call *

* It's the hap... *

* Happiest season *

* Of all *

[doorbell ringing]
What?

Excuse me.
I don't know who that is.

I'm coming.

Hello.
Hi.

I have a delivery
for Emma and Alden

Blakemore.
BOTH: That's us.

I tried to bring this
by earlier today,

but no one was home and it
can't be left unattended.

Uh, just
sign here, please.
NELL: Okay.

Who's it from?

Your dad.

It's our surprise.

Is it alive?

Very much so.
Oh.

NELL:
Oh, nuts.

Oh.
[laughs]

Merry Christmas.

Awesome.

[barking]

[everyone chattering
indistinctly]

Oh, that's
so cute.

They like each other.

You're so cute.

[everyone laughing]

[gasps]
One's a girl.

One's a boy.

Mom, just think--
we could have puppies.

* *