01x01 - V.C. Andrews' Ruby

[bunniefuu]

I was born in the bayou in

the low country in Louisiana,

and raised by my Grand-mère, Catherine.

Grand-mère was a spiritual healer.

Someone unafraid to do battle with evil.

When Grand-mère was summoned at night

it meant someone was

very sick or in pain

or it meant death.

Something evil took my baby.

I-I felt it.

I felt the spirit enter the room

when the baby died.

When a baby dies before it is

baptized a dark spirit lingers.

It's trapped the baby's soul

and we must release it.

Ruby?

Holy water.

Quick.

The spirit hides itself

in standing water.

We must find it and wash it away.

Grand-mère?

Over here.

Water.

Je vous ai chassé, diaboliques.

Je vous ai chassé, diaboliques.

Je vous ai chassé, diaboliques!

Be gone, demon!

[WIND STOPS]

Bury the child.

The evil is gone.

Is that for tourists or for you?

It's to sell.

Oh, is that Grand-père Jack?

- Where's his whiskey bottle?

- [LAUGHS]

It isn't Jack.

It's my father.

He's watching over me.

Oh, I don't think he's that type.

If you only met him that once

how do you know what he's really like?

You know I have the sight.

That doesn't mean you see everything.

No, I don't.

But I do know that Landry women

don't pick good men.

You'd do well to remember

that with the boys.

Finish up.

You'll be late for school.

Landry!

Were you avoiding me at school?

So I heard Skeeter Fitch asked

you to the fais dodo dance.

He most certainly did.

And I'm told you said

you'd think about it.

Did I tell him that?

I suppose I might have.

Ruby, why would you say that?

Because, Paul, so far he's

the only boy who's asked me.

We've been going together

for more than a month.

I didn't think I would have

to officially ask you.

Well, I guess you just learned

something about girls.

And besides, how do I know?

Maybe you didn't wanna be seen in public

with a lowly Cajun girl.

What would your vague, rich father say?

Hey, hey, hey.

Well, Miss Ruby Landry,

would you do me the honour

of being my for real date?

Fine, I'll go with you.

Wish me luck.

I'm gonna help Grand-mère

at her craft stand.

I'm putting up some of my paintings.

Maybe I'll sell one.

Good luck.

I just love your preserves, Catherine.

Best in the bayou.

There you go. Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm going to the dance with Paul.

Why are you being so difficult,

Grand-mère?

- I'm looking forward to this.

- Ruby, don't argue with me.

I cannot have you running

around with Paul Tate.

I'm not running around with him,

I'm going to the dance with him.

He's a Tate, you're a Landry.

Nothing good can come of this.

My goodness, Grand-mère,

what are we now,

the Hatfields and the McCoys?

You are headed straight

for a heart break.

This is ridiculous.

He's a perfectly nice boy.

Don't argue with me.

[COUGHS]

Are you alright, Grand-mère?

Welcome.

What can I help you with today?

These are remarkable.

But none of them are signed.

Who did this?

She did.

You?

- You painted these?

- Mmm-hmm.

They're $5 a piece.

I want 'em all.

What's your name?

Um Ruby Landry, sir.

You-you really want to buy

every one of my paintings?

This is what I'm gonna do for you.

This is $50.

Now, that's just a down payment.

My name is Dominique LeGrand.

I run an art gallery down

in the French Quarter

and I don't believe that your paintings

are gonna be on the wall for very long.

Thank you, sir.

May I?

Yes, yes.

Of course.

♪♪

Almost there.

♪♪

Where the azalea grow,

my baby gonna go ♪

Where the azalea grow,

my baby gonna go ♪

My Louisiana baby,

my Louisiana girl. ♪

She's a Louisiana ♪

He bought every single painting

- and said it was only the start.

-

It's unreal!

So what's next?

Move to the city, forget all about me?

No.

You can come with me.

I'll need a chauffeur after all.

Let's go in and celebrate?

Get outta here, ya damn rummy!

Don't come back!

Oh, no.

I don't know what the heck

you're doing, I paid my bill.

Hey, hey, come on, leave him be!

- Take your boy home!

- What do you want?

He's asking for it!

Grand-père!

Jack.

Ruby?

Come on, loan me-loan me a dollar.

Come on, Jack.

Worthless rummy.

We're taking you home, Grand-père.

I'm fine. I can walk on my own.

Alright, almost there.

Just a few more steps.

There we go.

Okay, Jack.

You sleep it off.

Ruby, forget it.

Nothing's gonna get

this place clean, anyway.

Thank you for helping me get him back.

I'm sorry you had to get

all caught up in it.

- Well, don't worry about it.

- I am worried about it, Paul.

Word's probably all over town.

Your parents are going to hear

that you muddied your hands

in Landry business.

- Hey.

- Those dirt poor swamp folks.

Listen.

I don't care.

They can't tell me not to see you.

Ruby I love you.

Are you serious?

Am I serious?

Is that really your response?

I-I mean, I-I don't know

what I was expecting

dropping it on you out of nowhere

but I know what I was hoping to hear

Paul

I love you, too.

That's better.

[LAUGHS]

[POTS AND PANS CLATTER]

What's going on out there?

This is exactly how I imagined it.

[GIGGLES]

[DOOR CLOSES]

I know what you're going

to say so don't bother.

You have got to stop

seeing this boy now.

Grand-mère, I

I'm in love with him.

Oh lord.

Ruby, you are not

your mother's first born.

Paul was.

Oh, come on.

It's true.

Paul's father was already married

when he seduced your mother.

I don't know what he told his wife,

- how they explained things away

- Stop it!

- It's true, Ruby.

- I don't believe you.

I wish I hadn't had to tell you, cherie.

Of all the boys in the world

you had to pick Paul Tate

to fall in love with,

and he just happens to be

your half-brother.

It's not true.

It's not true.

[SOBBING]

You're going to have

to tell him goodbye.

[SOBBING]

Okay, but since when do you

care that I'm from money

and you're not?

I just think we need to admit

we're from two different worlds.

We should stop it now

before it goes too far.

I I really think I need to focus

on being an artist right now

and to do that I need to live more.

I can't stay in Houma forever.

I need to be open to more experiences.

Oh.

Okay.

Now I get it.

More experiences.

In other words more boyfriends, right?

Paul, I'm not saying that.

No. No, look. Everything's clear now.

You're a Landry. That's what

I would expect from you.

I know you don't mean

what you're implying.

I know you're just trying

to hit me back

No, no. Everything I heard is true.

I didn't wanna believe it

but look, here we are.

Hey, and best of luck to you

and your new experiences.

Paul.

Paul!

Grand-mère! Look!

Special delivery from

the Chevalet Gallery.

This just arrived.

Someone in New Orleans has one

of my paintings on their wall.

Can you believe it?

[COUGHING]

Grand-mère, I don't think

you're getting any better.

Let me get a doctor.

No doctors.

Just-just listen to me.

I think we should take this money

and hide it in my private chest,

'cause if grandpère Jack

gets wind of this

he'll come looking.

You'll find my bible under

my small jewellery box

on the bottom.

[COUGHING]

[COUGHING]

Listen to me, Ruby.

Now that you know about

your mother and the Tates

I think that you should know all of it.

You'll find a photo in

the Book of Revelation.

That's me.

That's me when I was a little girl.

But who is this man?

His name is Pierre Dumas.

Ruby, he's your father.

So I knew him once?

No, that's not you in the picture.

That's your twin sister.

You're old enough now, you

should know the whole story.

Your grandpère would

sell anything he could

to get himself some whiskey,

including a newborn child.

[CRYING OUT IN LABOUR]

Your father came to the

bayou on a hunting trip.

Even though he was already married

he met your mother, Gabrielle,

and fell hopelessly in love.

She got pregnant.

Pierre's wife couldn't have children

but his father wanted

his son to have an heir.

Pierre paid your Grandpa Jack $1,000

to provide him with one.

What none of us knew that

you were still yet to come.

[CRYING OUT]

You were born an unexpected twin, Ruby.

It was like my Gabrielle

was determined to give me

a granddaughter no matter

what your Grand-père's

devilish plans may be.

You were an angel sent straight

from heaven to me, Ruby.

When Jack tried to snatch you too,

I took that pitcher and tried

to cave his head in with it.

I told him if he ever set

another step into this house

he'd never take another.

My beautiful daughter, Gabrielle, died

before the sun rose.

[COUGHS]

I have a father.

I have a sister.

[COUGHING]

Ruby, get me my powders.

The brown-the brown one.

This one, grand ?

[SOBS]

She was an angel if ever one

walked this earth.

A dear, dear friend.

I'll miss her terribly.

Thank you, Mrs. Thibodeau.

You know I'm just down the street

if you ever need anything.

She's really gone.

She was just too good for this world.

I don't need no comfort from you, woman!

Oh, are you gonna speak to me

like that on a day like today?!

Let me make you a plate,

Mrs. Thibodeau.

Yes. Thank you, sweet girl.

I can handle myself.

What happened?

Her heart just gave out.

[SOBBING]

Why don't you come to the table?

I'll fix you a plate.

Come on.

I swear, I'm gonna dry out.

Alright, grandpère.

You believe what I'm saying,

don't you, Ruby?

Yes.

Come on.

[COMMOTION COMING FROM LIVING ROOM]

[KNOCKING]

Can I come in?

Yeah.

I saw Jack and his buddies

in the front window.

I didn't know if he'd let me see you.

What are you doing here?

Ruby, I feel really rotten

about how I talked to you the other day.

I didn't mean any of it.

I know you didn't.

Look, if you don't wanna see me anymore

I guess I can deal with it.

But it would really help me

to understand why.

Ruby, you said you loved me.

I do.

And I don't wanna see other boys.

I didn't wanna break

things off with you, Paul.

Okay.

Okay, well, then don't do it.

I have to.

But why?

If you love me?

Paul

you're my brother.

- No, it can't.

- It's true.

Your father and my mother

were together

Ruby, for god sakes.

If I was going to lie to you,

this is what I'd come up with?

No, Ruby, this-this has to be a joke.

Don't you know I wish it was?

Oh, my god.

Everybody kept this secret for so long.

We were never supposed to know about it.

No one was.

Well, that's it.

That's the answer.

Ruby, no one has to know about this.

Even if that is true, I don't care.

I love you, and I will never

want anyone else.

Tell me you don't feel the same way.

Ruby, I have to have you.

[KNOCKING]

Who you got in here?!

Go. Quick! Go!

I shoulda known you had

loose knees just like your ma.

You're gonna get yourself knocked up

one of these days, girl.

Yeah, you'd like that, wouldn't you?

Another baby to sell?

Now, I don't know what

you think you heard,

rumours maybe.

Now, you get to sleep and I best

not hear no more noise in here,

or I swear to god

[SLAMS DOOR]

[SOBBING]

[POT LID CLATTERS]

Where'd everybody go?

It's the middle of the

afternoon, grandpère.

Guess I must have fell asleep.

Damn, if that don't smell good.

I'm cooking extra

so there should be plenty

you can take home with you.

You know who'd like some of that?

Buster Trayhaw.

He's my buddy.

He was over here just last night.

I heard.

Oh, he kept talking about you.

[CHUCKLES]

Ruby this and Ruby that

and Ruby's so pretty,

we couldn't shut him up about you.

Point of fact I told Buster

to come on over tonight.

Maybe we could talk about the

two of yous getting married.

I'm sorry? Are you insane?

Have you ever been out

to his plantation?

He's got more land than

the kingdom of heaven.

He could sure take care of you.

You wouldn't want for nothing

the rest of your life.

I'm not ready to marry anyone.

Do you hear me?

Certainly not Buster Trayhaw.

I'm going to be an artist.

Buster would be fine with that.

All his money may even buy you

- all the paint and crap you'd ever want.

- [SLAM]

You listen to me, you worthless rummy!

You don't have a say in this

and I want you out of here!

This is my house now,

so you go back to your swamp shack

and be retched all by yourself!

[SLAMS DOOR]

I'm gonna show you what happens

when you get lippy with me, girl!

- I've about had it

- Let go!

with the females in this

family telling me what for!

No! No, please!

I got Buster coming over here

and we're gonna cut us a deal.

And that's it!

Unlock me, please!

I'm your granddaughter!

[KNOCKING]

[CHUCKLING]

Buster.

Evening, Jack.

I brought you a little

something for your pain.

Mighty nice of you.

Come on in. Sit down.

Oh, it's hot out

Everything all set?

Talk to her?

I talked to her.

She's no problem.

But you and me, we haven't

fixed on no price yet.

Well, we're both gentlemen,

we'll agree on something

when the time comes.

[LAUGHS]

Buster, the time is now.

And I don't think I can let Ruby

go for anything less than

probably, I'd say, $1,000.

Oh, what the hell,

I'll throw you $500 now

and the balance on her

and my wedding day?

Come on, Buster, don't

get me angry at you, now.

You got the money.

I figure a man's got to know

what he's paying for

if he's putting up this kind

of money all at once.

What're you talking?

You've seen Ruby before.

Seeing is one thing.

I will go you one better, Jack.

This on the table is yours,

plus another $500 if I

can break her in tonight.

[LAUGHS]

Deal.

Said bonus money is to be paid

only after the merchandise

has been thoroughly tested.

[CHUCKLING]

[DOOR OPENS]

I'm comin' in, Ruby.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Jack, you son of a b*tch.

Ugh!

Buster?

[CRIES OUT] Aaargh!!!!!!

[STRUGGLING GRUNTS]

[SCREAMS]

[GASPING]

[GASPING]

Bus to New Orleans, please.

One way.

Ooh, look at that.

Your daddy is a sharp-looking man.

He sure is.

Is he as handsome now

as he was back then?

I couldn't say, I've never met him.

You never met your own daddy?

I didn't even know he existed

until about a week ago.

I have some butterflies about

it, to tell you the truth.

Nonsense.

I'm sure they can't wait.

They don't know I'm coming.

They don't know I exist, either.

Oh, honey.

I'm gonna give you something to

help take the butterflies away.

This here is the neck bone of

a black cat k*lled at midnight.

The gris-gris.

You know voodoo?

Some.

Well, this one's worked on me.

My aunt got me a new job in New Orleans

and now I can finally save up

enough for nursing school.

Annie, that's terrific.

Not so much for the cat though.

Well, you keep this on you

and you'll be just fine.

Oh, I couldn't take

your good luck piece.

It's bad luck for me

to take it back now.

Even worse luck for you to give it.

Thank you, Annie.

My god.

That's amazing.

You look like you should

be selling flowers

on the street corner.

I'm sorry, did I ask for your opinion?

You just surprised me.

All I was expecting

was a Mardi Gras gown.

Not a full-on costume.

Well, you're the one with the mask.

Hey, Gisselle, I'm impressed.

Keep up the attitude

and you're sure to win

first place at the ball.

Could you leave me alone, please?

Come on, let's go inside.

Let go of me!

Wait a minute.

You know the people that live here?

Gisselle, stop.

My name is Ruby!

Oh my god, you must think I'm

my name is Ruby Landry.

I think I know what's going on.

[KNOCKING]

What?

It's me.

Get lost, Beau.

I brought you something.

Something shiny?

I'll see you downstairs.

Alright, Beau.

Where's the big surprise?

Gisselle Dumas, meet Ruby Landry.

She's your sister.

I don't understand this.

Beau, what the hell is going on?

I

[CLEARS THROAT]

This is as big of a shock

to me as it is to you.

- I didn't mean to

- No.

No, no, no. I don't have a sister.

Is this some kind of joke, Beau?

Why did you let this person in here?

Because she's clearly your twin sister.

Look at her.

I don't accept this.

This is just a mean prank

you're pulling, Beau,

- and I'll never forgive you

- Gisselle, it's crazy, I know.

I was shocked to learn

I had a sister, too.

We were separated at birth.

You shut your mouth!

You're just pulling

some kind of a scheme.

She wants money.

Don't you get it?

Look how she's dressed.

Gisselle, for god sakes.

Just get her out of here.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to cause her any

She'll come around.

But I think it's time

you met your father.

Don't you?

Maybe I shouldn't have come.

They're at a party next

door. Just wait here.

Don't leave me here alone.

Ruby, everything's gonna be fine.

It's true.

Hello.

The butler told me there

was another Gisselle.

I'm Ruby.

I'm Nina.

I'm the cook.

You won't be needing that.

I'm not some evil spirit.

So you know what this is?

Five-fingered grass?

My grandmother used to use it

to ward off dark forces.

Like I say, I'm harmless.

You're troubled.

I've just never seen myself

with a father and mother.

Even though I know that's not me.

No, you're not another Gisselle.

I can see it clear now.

I can't blame her for

the way she reacted.

I probably would, too,

if I was in her shoes.

Don't you worry about

Gisselle and her shoes.

She's got too many

and she'll use every pair

to walk all over you

if you let her.

Yes. Thank you, Nina.

Good evening, Monsieur Dumas.

I'm so sorry to show up

like this without any warning,

I-I had to leave my home, and

I didn't know.

I didn't know.

Your grandfather's name is Jack,

he's a swamp guide.

I have two daughters.

Two.

Daphne, come meet Ruby.

It's my pleasure.

I really didn't come here

to cause any trouble,

I just hoped I could meet you.

Trouble?

My darling, this is a blessing.

I I only mean I didn't come here

with any expectations to stay here.

No, of course not.

Of course not? Of course yes!

This is as much your home as it is ours.

Darling, don't pressure the poor girl.

If she doesn't wanna stay

she must feel very awkward.

I couldn't send my own daughter

away now that I know she exists.

Nina, fetch Edgar, will you?

Have him make up a room for Ruby.

We have so much to talk about.

♪♪

Oh. I forgot all about you.

Good morning.

It was.

Was the ball nice?

Depends on what you call nice.

I hear you're a swamp girl.

Do they have fancy formals down there?

We've been known to throw

a dance or two.

Well, there weren't any

banjos or washboards

so I doubt you would have liked it.

I'm just trying to be nice

to you, Gisselle.

Like it or not we are sisters.

Yes, so everyone keeps telling me.

That doesn't make us friends.

Good morning, Mr. Dumas.

Oh, there she is.

Ruby, come sit with me.

"Mr. Dumas", that won't do.

I'm your father, aren't I?

I'm just getting used to it, that's all.

Oh, well you take all the time you need.

This is your first time

in New Orleans, I take it.

I've never been out of the bayou.

Well, why don't we make

a day of it? You and me.

I'll give you the full tour.

Sound good to you?

Yes, it sure does, Daddy.

♪♪

♪♪

Well, what do you think?

Wow.

You know, I really wish

I could have seen

you and my mother together.

Oh, well, I was only with

Gabrielle, your mother,

for a short time.

But I have to say, it was

the most marvellous time.

Everything was so unexpected

with your mother.

My father had taken me on a hunting trip

down to the bayou and there, suddenly,

was this beautiful spirit.

That was your mother.

I never loved like that before.

What do you think of these?

Well, they're marvellous, aren't they?

Let me see.

Oh, now this is great.

I suppose it reminds you of home.

I know the artist.

Oh, you do?

Will you look at that.

[CLAPS]

Bravo.

So, now that I understand you'll

be staying with us for a while,

I'm hoping in time you'll feel

comfortable addressing me

as "mother".

I hope so, too.

I've come up with a little story

to explain your sudden appearance.

I'd like you to commit it to memory.

People will ask.

I couldn't just tell people the truth?

Oh, no, my dear.

The truth of your origin

would put people off.

As unfair as it sounds, they

would look at you differently.

Less kindly.

As they would the rest of the family.

You see, the Dumas name carries

a power and a responsibility

and it is my duty to protect both.

Yes, of course.

So, the truth is

you were kidnapped, when

you were just a few hours old,

right out of our nursery.

[LAUGHS]

We'll tell people that you

were stolen by Cajuns

who sold you to the people

that you've come to know

as your family in the bayou.

But by the grace of God

you've been returned to us.

We kept our search and our

tragedy private until today.

Understood?

I don't know how comfortable I

am telling people such a story.

Well, you don't have to say anything

other than you'd rather

not talk about it.

But this simply is what

the story will be.

I've spoken to Pierre and he agrees.

I could never say a bad word

about my Grand-mère.

Well.

As I said if you can't

say anything bad

then just don't say anything at all.

In any case, the first thing

we need to do

is make you look like a Dumas.

Thank you so much.

I guess it's Christmas.

Wow.

You're gonna have to let me

borrow this whenever I want.

You can borrow anything here.

Thanks.

Listen, I want to apologize

for being such a snit.

- Oh, no

- You have to understand this whole thing

has been a big shock for me,

you coming out of nowhere,

but Daddy has explained the

whole horrible thing to me.

I would have just k*lled myself

if I had to grow up

in a swamp full of kidnappers

and poor beggars.

It wasn't all bad.

But I think it's gonna be fun

having a twin sister, don't you?

I'm so glad to hear you

say that, Gisselle.

Really.

We missed the chance

to grow up together.

Well, I can help you figure

out what goes with what.

It's not your fault that you don't know

anything about fashion.

The boys are gonna love you in this.

I have something similar and

they just die when I wear it.

I'll bet Beau gets jealous.

Oh, they all get jealous.

I like Beau.

I think he seems very sweet.

Hmm, he's alright, I guess.

He's just one among dozens.

But I'm sure you've been

with tons of guys.

I've read all about you Cajun girls.

I don't know what you've heard.

I've really only ever had

one boyfriend my whole life.

Oh yeah? Who?

Your brother?

[LAUGHS]

Anyway, I'll introduce you around,

make sure you know who is

worth dating and who isn't,

but first we've got a little work to do.

This is it.

This is the one.

I think it'll look better on me, though.

Yeah.

Alright, now blot like I showed you.

Perfect.

You could almost pass for me.

No one would believe I'm that nice.

Har har.

No thanks.

Square.

Oh, my god, I just had a great idea.

Let's trade.

Trade what?

Trade each other when the boys get here.

You pretend to be me

and I'll pretend to be you.

- Fool them.

- I don't think so, Gisselle.

Hi, y'all, my name's Ruby.

My pet skunk's named Petey.

[LAUGHS]

No one on planet Earth

talks like that, Gisselle.

And this is a dumb idea.

Oh, don't be such a simp.

It'll be a scream.

Gisselle, please.

Nothing but bad can come

from a trick like that.

Well, I guess we're gonna have to see.

♪♪

Why, hello, boys.

Beau, so nice to see you again.

And you, you handsome thing,

you must be Martin.

I'm Gisselle's sister, Ruby.

Nice meeting you.

Wow, you two really do look alike.

It's spooky.

Well, you might not have thought so

when I first showed up

in my raggy swamp clothes.

I was just a little, old,

filthy, dirty sight,

wasn't I, Gisselle?

Well, you're about as far from

that as you can get tonight.

I don't know if this town can

handle this much good-looking.

Oh, he's every bit as charming

as you said he was, Gisselle.

I could just eat him up like

a plate of fried possum.

[LAUGHS]

Just look at the pearly whites on you.

We swamp girls aren't

used to boys having

so many teeth left in their heads.

Well, I've still got all

the parts god gave me,

and then some.

[LAUGHS]

Let's go into the living room

and leave these two love birds alone.

Gisselle, I've never seen

you looking prettier

than you do right now.

Thank you, Beau.

I guess anyone standing next to Ruby

is going to look at least

a little nicer.

Oh, I'm sorry, was that mean?

You know, Gisselle,

I've been just burning to be

alone with you all day.

Oh?

Come here, beautiful.

Alright, Beau.

You know I'm not Gisselle.

Ruby?

Cut it out.

The whole thing was her idea.

How stupid does she think I am?

Martin seems fooled.

She never knows when she's gone too far.

Listen, since you went along with this,

you're gonna help me get back at her.

[LAUGHS]

What I don't think I get the plan.

She can't even see us in here.

That's the plan.

She has no idea what we're doing in here

and Gisselle has a dirty imagination.

[LAUGHS]

Sorry for kissing you like that.

Without asking, I mean.

I pranked you.

I had it coming.

What if I were to try it again?

I suppose I'd have to slap your face.

Slap.

[RUBY AND BEAU LAUGHING]

Wait a sec!

Where are those two?

You get out here right now,

Beau Andreas!

Yes, Ruby Landry from the bayou?

May we help you?

Alright, cut it out.

You know damn well who's who.

You're the only gentleman

I know, Martin.

Uh, what the hell is going on here?

[RETCHING]

Oh god. Oh, my

[RETCHING]

Maybe don't drink the whole

bottle next time, Gisselle?

Just leave me alone.

I'll be alright.

And don't you get any ideas about Beau.

He'll never be interested

in a swamp girl, anyway.

[RETCHING]

[SOBBING]

Hello?

[KNOCKS]

Oh.

Does this stuff really work?

Gisselle is about as hung

over as I've seen,

and I have seen hung over.

It works every time.

I learned this skill from

Mama Dede herself.

Oh, your mother?

Not my mother.

Mama Dede, voodoo queen.

She got a cure for everything.

Hmm. Terrific.

I'll go see her next time

my skin breaks out.

Oh, you do not wanna see Mama Dede

unless you got big troubles.

Even then, the price may be

more than the money you pay.

How's Gisselle been

treating you, cherie?

Better?

Well, no.

Worse, I guess.

Hmm.

Maybe we give her another

half hour to feel the evils

of too much drink, yes?

Might help her make better

choices in the future.

And I know you only want

to help your sweet sister,

even though it might hurt some.

[CHUCKLES]

[KNOCKING]

[MOANS]

What the hell is that?

Nina says it'll take the gongs

out of your head.

Drink it.

Ugh. It tastes like pig snot.

Nina swears it works in seconds.

Huh.

That's crazy.

Here's to voodoo.

Hey, can I ask you something?

Mmm-hmm.

Last night I thought I

heard someone crying

in the bedroom two doors down?

Oh yeah, you'll hear that

every once in a while.

That's Uncle Jean's old room.

Wha Uncle Jean?

Daddy's younger brother.

He was in an accident forever ago

and Daddy sometimes goes in there

and cries his little eyes out.

It's so embarrassing.

So do me a favour

and keep your trap shut

about it to people, huh?

He died?

No, worse.

He got brain damage

so they stuck him in one

of those hospitals for kooks.

Daddy makes me visit him once a year.

It's just awful.

You think Daddy would let me go see him?

Cripes, I guess he would

if you wanted to.

Why would you?

Because he's family, Gisselle.

Does he speak?

No, he's a vegetable.

But he's still quite good-looking

and keeps himself together.

Best dressed loony in the bin.

Anyway, it's Saturday.

I'm calling the boys.

- [UPBEAT JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS]

- ♪♪

Why are we stopping here?

Martin's got a connection.

He's gonna get us some reefer.

Be right back.

Ruby?

It's me, Annie.

- Remember?

- Yes!

- Hi.

- I cannot believe I ran into you.

I thought you said you were

here visiting your aunt?

Yeah, I work with her.

Right over there.

How did everything come up

with your daddy?

Uh, great, thanks.

My gris-gris worked, didn't it?

I gotta go.

Nursing school don't pay for itself.

You come see me again, huh?

Ah, okay.

[LAUGHS]

I only met her that one time on the bus.

I had no idea.

[LAUGHS]

Oh my god.

Ruby's friends with a prost*tute.

Ruby, I think you better

be real nice to me.

It would be a real shame

if this got out.

Oh, my god.

It's Ruby, right?

Y'all are gonna have to start

wearing name tags.

I can't tell one from the other.

Did you really get kidnapped

when you were a baby?

You have got to be so brave.

After everything that happened.

I'd really rather not talk about that.

Don't worry about your

starting school late.

I can help you get caught up.

What're you doing after school?

♪♪

♪♪

Hi, I'm looking for Miss Popularity?

She's over there in the mirror.

She used to be.

Not anymore.

Gisselle, you're not really

threatened by me.

I'm just this week's sideshow.

I don't know.

Claudine Simpkins asked me to invite you

to her slumber party on Friday.

Really?

Mmm-hmm.

I've never been to a slumber party.

Oh, they're real fun.

We talk about the boys,

do each other's makeup,

eat lots of bad stuff.

You should come.

Besides, it'd be a fun

thing to do as sisters.

- Okay.

- Great.

I'll tell her.

Claudine's parties are

always a good time

and she always cooks up

some fun surprise.

I cried my heart on ♪

What do you think, ladies?

Will this drive Steve wild with desire?

Maybe if that's all you wear.

[LAUGHS]

Where did you dig those up?

They're my grandmother's old clothes.

In the trunk.

Well, you realize what we have to do.

Old-timey fashion show.

We'll each pick something out,

walk the runway,

and vote. Loser has

to sleep in the garage.

[LAUGHS]

Hmm.

[GASPS] Oh!

Ruby, this is so you.

What do you think, girls?

Mmm-hmm.

You go first.

- Oh.

- Go into the bathroom and change.

Give a knock when you're

ready to come out.

Careful you don't show

too much ankle, now.

[LAUGHING]

[SCREAMING]

[GASPING]

[LAUGHING OUTSIDE]

[LAUGHING]

This was your idea, wasn't it?

Oh, don't be such a spoil sport.

It's just a goof.

If it's so funny why don't

you strip down naked

in front of the boys?

I'm not that stupid.

Oh, Ruby.

What, are you leaving

now because of this?

[LAUGHING]

Hi.

Hi, Beau.

Didn't the butler tell you

Gisselle's off at a slumber party?

Yeah, I had forgotten about that.

He said you were here.

Why didn't you go?

I did.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Just Gisselle.

I got to be the brunt of

one of her mean jokes.

I told you, she doesn't

know what "too far" is.

She knows what it is.

She just doesn't care.

You're right.

Why do you like her?

I guess I don't really like her.

You go out with her.

Look, she's beautiful

and she can be a lot of fun.

But no, she's not nice.

You're nice.

You're nice, too.

So why aren't we going out?

I I don't think that

would be so simple.

Why not?

You have some guy in the bayou?

Well, no.

I- I mean, there was someone,

but we've already

I've put that behind me.

Perfect.

What else?

Well, I am not the type of girl

to steal her sister's boyfriend.

Okay, what if I wasn't her boyfriend?

[LAUGHS]

Look, I'm nothing special to Gisselle.

To her I'm just an adornment.

One among dozens.

Exactly.

And I really like you.

And you really like me.

The only thing stopping us is Gisselle,

who doesn't like anyone.

[LAUGHS]

Hmm.

♪♪

We danced in the moonlight ♪

Held hands in the park, ♪

So the date wasn't a fail, right?

That's gotta be the fanciest

place I've ever been.

Only the best.

So the date so far, how do I rate?

An A? A B plus?

I can't grade you in

the middle of a test.

Alright.

Multiple choice.

Oh.

A: We hold hands in the moonlight.

B: Shadow puppets in the headlights.

[LAUGHS]

Or C: I kiss you.

Maybe you kiss me back.

now look what you've done ♪

I only know I've

never felt so right. ♪

It's a miracle moment of love ♪

Okay, um, I think we should

slow down, huh?

We're just going a little too fast here.

But Ruby, I'm crazy about you.

And you said you liked me.

Now, Beau, what makes you think

that kind of talk's gonna work on me?

- What do you mean?

- I'm not some dumb Cajun girl

who gets on her back just 'cause

she's fed a little sweet talk.

Okay.

So sweet talk's a no.

Is serenading worth a try?

Beau, I'm serious.

I know, I'm sorry.

But the driving me crazy part

wasn't sweet talk.

That part's true.

So B, shadow puppets.

[LAUGHS]

Yeah.

Yeah?

moment of love ♪

Something wrong?

I should say so.

I understand you introduced Gisselle

to some special friend

of yours the other day?

Some prost*tute down in Storyville?

Is that what you told them?

How do you know this wh*re, Ruby?

I don't know her.

Of course not.

She just knew your name

and what brought you to New

Orleans like a total stranger.

A bus brought me to New Orleans

and she was sitting next to me.

That's the entire story and you know it.

So why are you lying?

All I did was say what happened.

Is this because Beau wants

me now and not you?

Because this isn't going to change that.

[LAUGHS]

If Beau wants you

it's clearly because he thinks

swamp girls are easy.

Girls, cut it out.

I think Ruby's story sounds

perfectly believable to me.

I knew you'd take her side!

This is all people are gonna talk about.

How our family now

consorts with prostit*tes.

Oh, darling. It isn't

as bad as all that.

Gisselle's right.

You do always side with Ruby.

Well, I have my limits, Pierre.

We never had any kind of trouble

like this before she arrived.

Another scandal and one of us

is going to have to leave.

I think it would be a good idea

if we picked this up in the morning.

I hope you and Beau had a lovely time.

You guys are great together.

You happy now, Gisselle?

No, not yet. Maybe soon though.

[KNOCKING]

Hey.

Come on in.

Isn't this great?

Daddy turned this whole room

into an art studio for me.

Very nice.

You ever paint anything

other than the bayou?

Of course. I'm just

I'm just a little homesick, I guess,

and the bayou is beautiful.

Well, I think if you wanna paint

real beauty you gotta paint me.

I don't think I have enough

paint for your big head.

You're a big, famous gallery artist.

Woah, what do you think you're doing?

Haven't you ever painted

a reclining nude?

Beau, no.

Beau, put it back on.

Oh my god, Beau, if you

take those pants off

[LAUGHS]

Don't let perfection frighten you, Ruby.

Now, tell me this isn't art.

[SIGHS]

Okay.

[LOCKS DOOR]

I have packages in the car.

Get them for me, would you?

Drop 'em, nature boy.

[KNOCKING]

Ruby, why is this door locked?

Hurry!

Oh, uh, is it?

I don't abide locked

doors in this house.

Open it immediately.

Just a second, my um

my easel is stuck.

- [KNOCKING]

- Ruby!

Beau.

I didn't know you were here.

Yeah, well, just keeping Ruby busy

while she paints her boring landscapes.

[LAUGHS]

You leave this door open.

I will k*ll you.

[BELL RINGS]

[KIDS LAUGHING]

Is there something I can help you with?

Hey Ruby, you look a little cold.

Your epidermis is showing.

[LAUGHING]

Make sure you tell everyone

it's my sister and not me.

And you think Cajuns are scum?

You animals!

[LAUGHING]

I heard what happened

and I cannot believe it.

Neither can I.

I didn't think it was possible

but somehow you have managed

to disgrace the Dumas family

name even further.

I've disgraced the family name?

Were you drunk when you let them

take those pictures of you?

Yes, that's exactly how it happened.

I-I actually wanted to go further

but thankfully Gisselle was

there to come to my rescue.

I suppose that's the story

you've been told,

or something close to it.

I haven't spoken to Gisselle about this,

but I just got off the phone

with Beau's mother

who is beside herself.

As of now you will not leave this house

for any reason other than

school until further notice.

Understood?

Yes, ma'am.

[KNOCKING]

What is it now?

Sometimes the bad people

get what's coming to 'em.

It's not my experience, Nina.

It can be if you want it bad enough.

But you got to want it bad enough.

Want what?

People like Gisselle to get hers, yeah?

That would be nice but

it doesn't usually seem to work

that way though, does it?

You come with me, child.

I should never have agreed to come.

It's gonna be alright.

Sit.

Ruby, tell Mama Dede your troubles.

I have a sister.

A twin sister.

Ah, lamarasa.

For some reason she

just seems to hate me.

No matter how hard I try to

I just want her to stop hurting me.

You brought me an item

that belongs to your sister.

[CHANTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

[CHANTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

[CHANTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

[CHANTS IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE]

[RATTLING]

[CHANTING CONTINUES]

[RATTLING]

[CHANTING CONTINUES AND INTENSIFIES]

[THUD]

Remove the item.

[GASPS]

I cannot remove it for you.

Trust me, and all your

difficulties will soon end.

[GASPS]

Good.

The spell be very strong now.

Very strong.

[CHUCKLES]

Thank you.

What was done here tonight

was done by you, not me.

If things turn out the way you want,

you deserve the things.

And if they don't

you deserve the blame.

Come now.

My little Tina ♪

Hey.

Careful, Beau.

You're not supposed to have

anything to do with me.

So I heard.

Maybe we should just be smart

and lay low for a while.

Hop in, guys.

We'll give you a ride.

Go to hell.

Ugh, Ruby you're such a bore.

This whole thing will

go away in a few days

and everything goes back to normal.

So come on, get in.

Martin's got some good stuff.

We're going back to his house.

Don't wave that around, Gisselle.

Look, you know I don't smoke that stuff,

and you've gotta be dreaming

if you think I'm gonna trust you again.

You're just trying to lead me

into some other trap.

I give up.

This is what I get for trying

to be a good sister.

Let's go.

[SOBBING]

[SOBBING]

Daddy?

Oh, Ruby.

There's been a horrible accident.

Gisselle was in a car wreck.

What happened?

She and Martin horrible.

He just spun off the road.

Oh, my god!

Gisselle's in very, very bad shape

and Martin he wasn't so lucky.

He uh, he died.

It's all my fault.

Everyone I love suffers for my sins.

Your fault?

- How could this possibly be

- You!

We have had nothing but misery

around here since you showed up!

[SOBBING]

Nina!

Did this happen because

because of what I did?

There's no way to know that for certain.

Could be it was just an accident.

Or something else.

Nina, you have to take

me back to Mama Dede.

I-I never meant for this to happen.

I-I just wanted her

to stop torturing me.

Well, she'll probably do now.

Nina.

I mean it.

Take me back to Mama Dede.

She-she must be able to do something.

There is nothing that you

can do to change things

once they've happened.

Once you throw your anger in the air

it can't be pulled back.

Gisselle?

Come on in.

I guess you were smart

not to get in the car.

Gisselle, I'm so sorry.

Really?

You're not even a little bit

pleased I can't walk?

No.

Of course not.

I only hope that dope Martin's

at least as bad off as I am.

I told him we were going too fast.

Martin?

They didn't

What?

Gisselle, I need to tell you something.

I think the accident

I think it may have been my fault.

What're you talking about?

You weren't even in the car.

I think I may have

put a curse on you.

Hardy har.

What are you, a witch now?

No.

I went to see a voodoo priestess.

I was so furious at you

and I just wanted her to make

you stop tormenting me.

I never thought that something

this bad could happen.

Are you serious?

Gisselle, please.

You have to forgive me.

All I've ever wanted since the beginning

was for us to be sisters.

Real twins.

You wanna be twins, Ruby?

Then you go out and

get paralyzed yourself.

Then we'll be twins, Ruby.

[SOBBING]

Daphne?

You wanted me?

Yes, Ruby. Come in.

I would be so grateful if you

could do me a favour.

Of course.

Today's your Uncle Jean's

birthday and normally

your father and Gisselle would

go see him at the facility,

but your father doesn't have

the strength to go

and Gisselle anyway.

I promised your father

that I would go see him.

And I was wondering if you would

consider coming with me.

Of course I'll go with you.

Don't give it a thought.

I really want things to be

different around here, Ruby.

Yes, I do, too.

Madame Dumas.

Please.

So nice to see you again.

Doctor Cheryl, this is

my daughter, Ruby.

Ruby, yes.

Yes. Please, have a seat.

If you'll excuse me, I'm going

to run to the ladies room.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

Just down the hall.

So, what do you think of

our institute, Ruby?

Um, it seems very professional.

Your mother has told me

quite a bit about you.

I understand you've had

a little trouble adjusting.

Everything's still a little new to me,

but I'm getting used to it.

Making friends?

Some.

And the boys?

Tell me about the boys.

I'm sorry, the boys?

Well, I understand there

was an incident.

Something to do with photographs.

Daphne told you about that?

I wonder, Ruby, are you

familiar with the words

"promiscuous" and "nymphomania"?

I don't understand.

I'm just here to see my uncle.

Your mother found this

and she's had some notable concerns

about your behaviour lately.

Okay, what is this?

Where is Daphne?

I don't want you to be scared, Ruby.

The floor we've assigned you

to is for temporaries only.

We expect your stay here to be brief.

Gentlemen?

Daphne!

They're just gonna show

you to your room.

It's alright, Ruby.

No! No!!!

[SCREAMING HYSTERICALLY]

Let go of me! Daphne!

I know what you're thinking.

But you can forget about

escaping from the common room.

If you're serious, though,

there is one way out.

I'd use it myself but I'm

no good on the outside.

I'm sorry, but could you leave me alone?

Best dressed loony in the bin.

Jean Dumas?

Uncle Jean?

It's you, isn't it?

I know I look like Gisselle

but my name is Ruby.

I'm her twin.

I only met the family a short while ago,

but your brother, Pierre, he

cries about you all the time.

I don't know what troubles him so much

but he obviously cares about you.

Jib.

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Jiiiiiiib!

Jib! Jib!

Jib!

Jib! Jib! Jib!

That guy is tough to talk to.

I probably should have said something.

You said there was a way out of here?

I need to use the ladies room.

Thank you, but I think

in the face of tragedy

any one of us would have found

the strength that I have.

I've surprised myself.

Good afternoon, ladies.

What do you think of my new dress?

Daphne picked it out special for me.

Oh, forgive me.

I mean mother.

Ruby!

I'm afraid I got a little muddy.

You see, I had to hitchhike home

from the mental hospital.

It's no easy task.

Ladies, I must apologize.

Mother, darling, say goodbye

to your friends, would you,

and meet me in the study?

Your office.

Now.

I really think we ought to discuss

that little trick you pulled on me.

I did what I did to protect this

family and I would do it again.

You did what you did to get rid of me.

You've hated me since

the day I showed up.

You don't belong here!

And I know why you hate me.

It's because I remind you that my father

was once in love with someone else

much more than he could ever

love someone like you.

I am sorry, I will not tolerate

that tone in this house.

You should hear yourself, Daphne.

And you should know

daddy will be hearing

all about what you tried to do to me.

The other day you said

you hope things could be

different around here.

Well, you're going to get your wish.

Don't you expect any help

from your father.

I have half a mind to commit him, too.

The man is an emotional wreck!

In this house, who isn't?

We are going to stop hiding

behind lies in this family.

The mental institution called.

I told them Ruby won't be returning.

Thank you, Daddy.

They say you saw Jean?

I need you to know that

he's there because of me.

Because of my jealousy.

Jean was the golden child

in my father's eyes and I

I was the disappointment.

I deliberately released

the jib of that sail boat

that struck his head and

jealousy is still the cause

of all our family's troubles

and it stops today.

You have to stop trying to destroy me,

because I promise you,

you will never succeed.

I really hope one day

I can call you "mother"

and I can mean it.

How is she?

Exhausted, but happy to be home.

I wanted to tell you

that I've decided to send

Gisselle to private school.

I think it would be a lot better for her

due to her condition

than in public school.

I think you're probably right.

It's a boarding school for girls and um,

well, I wondered if you might

consider going with her?

I know Gisselle would

do a lot better there

with you at her side.

You're assuming Gisselle wants my help.

Well, she may not want it

but she needs it.

Can I think about it?

Sure.

You take all the time you need.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

Paul!

How did you find me?

I took a bottle of whiskey

over to your grandfather.

I picked his brain.

Once I got the Dumas name out of him

it wasn't hard to piece things together.

Oh, I'm so glad to see you,

I can't even say.

You're still the only girl

I'll ever love, Ruby.

Well, you have to get over that.

I'm so sorry for the way I had to leave,

without saying goodbye.

Listen, uh, Jack uh,

he was talking crazy

about some twin sister.

Oh my god, that's right.

Gisselle doesn't know she's

also got a swamp brother.

Gisselle?

[GIGGLING]

Gisselle?

Guess who's coming to dinner tonight?

Your long lost brother from the bayou.

GISSELLE: What?!