Ugly Sweater (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[audio logo]

[slow piano music]

[wind breezing]

[christmas music]

ALICE: Do you believe in ghosts?

Do I believe

individuals can have

a profound impact on the

world long after they're gone?

Yeah.

But do I think they're,

like, walking among us now?

Probably not.

[glass clinking]

[clears throat]

Then heed the words

I bring upon you this noon.

Objects can certainly be

enchanted with history.

Or rather, haunted.

Bravo.

Bravo.

She's a star.

And entirely improvised?

I'm impressed.

Ooh, not too out there

for you, Ms. Ivy League?

Don't call me that.

I haven't even

been accepted yet.

Oh, so you do believe

in superstition.

I just don't want to say,

do, or, think anything that

might jeopardize my chances.

[chuckles] That's--

Whoa.

Whoa there, tiger.

You are one of the most

intelligent and capable

people I've ever met.

And you have perfect grades.

You feel like a shoo-in.

Thanks.

Can we go look at sweaters now?

Like, where are they?

Yeah, this way.

This way.

[eerie sound]

[light piano keys playing]

[magical music]

(MUFFLED) What do

you think of this one?

Ruby?

Huh?

It's pretty.

Isn't it supposed to be ugly?

You really want to look

ugly at our first Jessica

Jacobs party?

It's an ugly

sweater party, right?

Right.

But I'm single, so

I want to look hot.

You always look hot, Alice.

What'd you find?

Cute.

[cash register chiming]

Happy belated birthday,

my lovely Sagittarius.

Thanks, Alice.

Thank your sister

for the invite.

Blake's going, too, right?

Yeah, he's still

working on his look.

[chuckles]

So, what's going to happen

after you two graduate?

I don't know.

I mean, I already told

him, in the beginning,

I just want something temporary.

Everything is temporary, dear.

[soft piano]

[pencil scribbling]

[clock ticking]

[table utensils clinking]

So, Ruby, you submit

your applications yet?

Yes, 12 total.

[chuckles]

You're gonna love college.

I think I will.

[chuckles]

(SINGING) Find happiness

like a handful--

[soft piano music]

[phone buzzing]

BLAKE (VOICEOVER): Hey, cutie.

Watcha up to?

[phone keys clicking]

RUBY (VOICEOVER):

Still studying.

Wanna do well tomorrow.

Well, OK.

[knock on door]

PAM: Ruby?

Yeah?

Blake's outside for you.

Oh.

[chuckles] OK.

Are you going

somewhere with him?

No, Mom.

PAM: Doesn't seem like

the best timing to me.

RUBY: It's fine.

I have been studying

all weekend.

[chuckles]

[soft piano music]

Hey.

Ruby.

To what do I

owe this surprise?

Oh, I just thought

that even mad

geniuses deserve a hot chocolate

break every now and then.

Helps fuel the, uh, star power.

Mm, my genius, huh?

Mm-hmm.

[soft chuckle]

Mm.

Thanks, Blake.

This is sweet.

Hello, Mr. Snowy.

[chuckles] Here

comes Mr. Snowy.

Don't stay out here too long.

It's cold tonight.

[soft chuckle]

So, what have you

been up to tonight?

Oh, you know, just

watching this new show

about the deep sea.

Oh, of course you were.

[chuckles]

Did you know that the ocean

water has diluted gold in it?

I didn't.

That's pretty incredible.

It's so diluted, though,

that humans haven't even

found a way to extract it yet.

I hope they never do.

Thanks for coming by tonight.

[light flicks and buzzes]

Your dad did a good job.

He has his moments,

his projects.

[chuckles]

Sounds like

someone else I know.

All right, time

to go and let you

get back to showing

those stars who's boss.

[chuckles] Blake, you

might be one of the most

dorkiest people I know.

[laughs]

That's a good thing, right?

Definitely.

[gentle music]

Sweet dreams, Ruby.

[huffing]

MARK (VOICEOVER): Don't

stay out here too long.

It's cold tonight.

[huffs]

PAM (VOICEOVER): You're

gonna love college.

Doesn't seem like the

best timing to me.

[soft piano music, eerie sound]

[continues huffing]

[wind blowing]

[christmas bell chiming]

[sighs amusingly]

[magical sound]

Wow.

[dark sound]

[gasps] What's happening?

[thunder rolling]

MAN: Ruby.

Hello?

I'm right here.

[thunder rumbling]

Where are you?

MAN: Ruby?

Help me.

Please!

MAN: Ruby?

[christmas bells eerie sound]

Blake.

Hey Jordan.

Where were you?

I was looking

everywhere for you.

Oh, my God.

[huffing]

Let me show you something.

[soft piano music]

[film rolling]

MAN (ON SCREEN) : Now, we go to

our meteorologist for the night,

Pamela Atwood.

Pam.

Thank you, Jeff.

We will continue to see

record-breaking heat

all throughout New

England this weekend.

Dad, we fixed it!

Good job, girls.

Here in Massachusetts, the

western side of the state

will be getting the worst of it.

But closer to the

coast, the wind

will be a welcome addition

to the weather forecast.

[film rolling]

What are you doing, Ruby?

YOUNG RUBY: Let's just pick one

orange and one pink in there.

Let's do a little

bit of next step.

Silver, silver, silver.

Where-- where did you come from?

I'm a famous dancer.

And I performed in the

Nutcracker in New York City!

Oh, I remember this game.

Oh, my gosh, Leah looks so free.

It's your turn, Ruby.

Who are you, and where

did you come from?

I'm the world's

finest astronaut.

I came all the way

from outer space.

Woo!

Next stop, Mars!

Woo!

[gasps] This must be the

new image from Curiosity.

Wow.

Oh, there's Crab Nebula

and the Saturn rings!

You're so adorable

when you nerd out.

Why do you like space

so much anyways?

Well, there's so

much to explore.

It's endless.

[magical sound]

[screen flickers out]

Blake?

[screen turned on, film rolling]

[blake sobbing]

Blake, what's wrong?

It's just really

hard for me, OK?

What is?

I think you should go.

[soft piano music]

I never meant to hurt you.

Coming through.

Got some Christmas

cheering to do.

How about some light for

our star of the season?

As if she couldn't get any

brighter already, huh, our girl.

That's right.

[christmas bells chiming]

Ooh.

Is there anything she can't do?

[crowd applause]

Don't ruin it for us.

[fire crackling]

[eerie sound]

[rumbling sound]

Mom?

Dad?

Leah!

[eerie sound]

Mom!

[huffing]

[clock ticking]

[children's noise in distance]

PAM (VOICEOVER):

Don't ruin it for us.

MARK (VOICEOVER): I thought

you studied for this.

PAM (VOICEOVER): All

that effort for nothing.

For nothing.

[voices whispering]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Ooh,

not too out there for you,

Ms. Ivy League?

BLAKE (VOICEOVER): Does

it even matter that much.

[CLOCK TICKING, VOICES

WHISPERING]

CASHIER (VOICEOVER):

Everything is temporary, dear.

MARK (VOICEOVER): There

goes your Ivy League dreams.

PAM (VOICEOVER): Ruby,

this is not good.

[school bell ringing]

[sighs]

Does it even matter that much?

Of course, it matters.

But you've already applied.

Yeah, and I still have to

turn in my midterm grades.

OK.

I don't see any universe where

a single test defines you.

Yeah, maybe you're right.

Probably got, like,

an A on it anyways.

[phone buzzes]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): I

don't think I can do this.

Oh, no.

Damn, someone looks

good for their age.

We thought you could

use these a bit early.

Oh, what a lovely surprise.

Thanks, you guys.

Happy closing night.

Blake, I hate to

break it to you,

but they might kick

you out of here.

OK, heard and understood.

[girls chuckles]

All right, I'll meet you

in the back of the theater?

Sounds good.

All right.

BLAKE: Break all the legs.

In case it wasn't obvious,

you two are my favorite couple.

Yeah, he's pretty great.

[chuckles] How are you doing?

Are you OK?

[sighs] It's my dad.

He's here.

Oh, sh*t.

Yeah, he flew back from

LA yesterday to surprise me.

Aw, that's so sweet.

It's the last thing

I need the night

before my final performance.

OK.

I'm sorry, I'm just stressed.

It's OK, girl.

Me, too.

Well, I'm here for you.

And I'm here for you.

So, what can I do to help?

Oh, Ruby.

I'll be fine.

I probably just need

to stay distracted.

What's going on with you?

Well, I had this really

intense dream the other night.

Ooh, subconscious troubles.

Lay it on me.

Oh, it's blurry, but Blake

was sobbing at one point,

and it was really hard to watch.

And then I was opening

letters from college,

and they caught on fire.

Trippy.

What did the letters say?

They were rejection letters.

All of them.

OK, this is what we

call an anxiety dream.

It's like your worst fear is

manifesting in a performance

made just for you.

[chuckles]

Excellent.

I'm sorry you had

to experience that.

For starters, Mercury

is in retrograde,

so there's a lot of crazy

energy in the air right now.

[giggling] Seriously,

this can heighten

the different challenges

for the signs.

For example, Sagittariuses tend

not to like feeling stifled

or controlled, and they fear

they may not reach their goals

if something gets in their way.

Hmm.

OK.

So what does that

mean for Geminis?

Oh, look at you

showing interest.

Well, we might not be as

good at communicating,

but it's a good time to

rekindle relationships.

So Dad had good timing?

Maybe.

But your dream or

nightmare may be

an opportunity to address

what's bothering you

and deal with it accordingly.

Mm-mm.

Seriously, nightmares

can be a great way

to release emotion and

then feel a sense of relief

knowing it's over.

Well, I don't

feel relief at all.

Maybe try focusing on Blake?

I'm so happy you have a water

sign boyfriend to keep you calm.

He can probably help you

feel better if you let him.

Yeah, maybe.

[sighs]

Ruby, you will make

it through this year.

[bell chimes]

Oh, 15 minutes till show time.

Whew, my nerves disappeared

there for a sec.

Thank you for that.

I should be thanking you.

You are the best.

Mm.

You are the best!

Oh, my gosh, you are

going to steal the show,

and your dad is

going to be so proud.

Uh, you really do look old.

[laughs]

I know, it's scary, huh?

All right, grandma,

go make me some cookies.

ALICE: Oh, I'll let you crack

the eggs if you're lucky.

[laughter]

RUBY: Not crack eggs.

Can I lick the spoon?

ALICE: Yes.

Oh, wait, no.

(GRANDMA'S VOICE) Yes.

RUBY: [laughs] I

love you, Alice.

ALICE: I love you.

RUBY: You see that cluster

of stars over there?

Oh, and the bright

one right above it?

Yeah, I do.

It's Mars.

[chuckles] Wow.

It's so bright.

Right?

And we're about to learn

so much more about it.

[chuckles]

Yeah.

Because of the robot thing?

"Rover."

But, yeah.

BLAKE: Yeah.

RUBY: Thanks for coming tonight.

BLAKE: Of course.

I think Alice did a great job.

Yeah.

I just wish they would pick

plays with better female leads.

DISC JOCKEY (ON RADIO):

I'm Tommy, the Trustworthy.

You're listening

to 98.7 Tidal Wave.

This spot is so cool.

You come here a lot?

Yeah, I try to, especially

in the winter when it's

all, like, empty and stuff.

Usually, it's just me

and my thoughts and, um--

well, it's pretty

peaceful sometimes.

DISC JOCKEY (ON RADIO):

Here's Kishi Bashi

with "Wonder Woman, Wonder Me."

[gasps] I love this song.

[KISHI BASHI, "WONDER WOMAN,

WONDER ME"]

(SINGING) Kin kon

kan kon kaneganaru

Kin kon kan kon kaneganaru

(SINGING) When

Pluto was demoted

I felt the sigh of

relief, I never knew why

Knew why

(SINGING) Like all

things in The Quickening

We share the fallen

few and the one

No way.

Way.

[laughter]

(SINGING) The only one

(SPEAKING) Only one.

One.

(SINGING) Memories

overtaken by--

(SINGING) To throw them

away and into the sky This sky

[laughs]

BLAKE: Yuh.

And zoom.

[laughs] [humming]

(SINGING) Must always come down

Must always come down

(SINGING) Come down

[vocalizing]

[humming]

I love you.

What?

I-- I love you.

Um, you don't--

there's no pressure.

I-- I've almost said it in a far

more dumb and awkward moments.

And I was just holding

back because you

really mean a lot to me.

And I-- I was just like--

I love you, too.

[huffs]

You're shaking.

Are you OK?

Yeah, I'm--

I'm great.

I'm swell.

I was just-- I was just

thinking that, like, we--

[soft chuckle]

Is it OK if I like--

Yeah.

Yeah?

Can I?

The jacket?

Yeah, yeah.

[rattling]

Ow!

sh*t.

Oh, my god.

Um, are you OK?

I just got excited there.

[chuckles]

Hey.

You're-- you're beautiful.

Hey, I love you.

[chuckles]

[chuckles] I love you, too.

Should we keep going?

Yeah, I think we

could figure it out.

[chuckles]

[sunroof whirring]

[soft piano music]

[school bell whirring]

[eerie music]

[clock ticking]

[piano music continues]

[clock ticking]

[birds chirping]

So I had an idea.

Do you want to help me pick out

my ugly sweater for the party?

Sure.

Awesome.

My dad has, like,

dozens lying around.

And, well, I know you got

a great eye, so I know

you'll choose the perfect one.

Or we could do it

another day this week?

No, no, no.

I'm game.

I just need a minute.

Yeah.

No, of course.

[birds chirping]

You're shaking.

Are you OK?

Did something happen?

Yeah, I'm fi-- yeah, I'm fine.

Um-- I'm--

I'm not.

I'm-- I'm not OK.

I-- I'm not OK.

[sobs] I'm not OK.

sh*t.

Shh.

[sobbing]

Everything's wrong.

What-- what if I don't--

what if I don't make it?

I-- I love you, Ruby.

Um-- everything's going

to be OK, all right?

- [sniffles]

- Shh.

Just breathe.

Just breathe.

[grunts]

You're going to be OK.

Just breathe.

Just breathe.

Come on.

Take a deep breath.

Slowly, all right?

Shh.

There you go.

[puffs]

All right.

I'm sorry.

Hey.

I'm so sorry.

It's OK.

Um, do you feel better now?

[birds chirping]

I don't know.

Have you ever had a

panic attack before?

What?

Panic attack.

You just had a panic attack.

Um-- OK, um, do you

wanna talk about it?

OK.

Um, do you wanna go home?

[soft piano music]

[thunder rolling]

[rattling]

[phone buzzes]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): My dad is

taking me to NYC this weekend!

Eeh!

[phone keys clicking]

RUBY (VOICEOVER): Amazing!

Say hi to the Big Apple for me.

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Yeah, I'm

pissed, though, because Aunt

Flo just showed up.

Ugh!

[thunder rolling]

RUBY: Oh.

[giggling]

Mm-mm, too plain.

[music playing on radio]

Uh, too weird.

[snorts] Uh, what

about this one?

Well, it's definitely ugly.

I think it's cute.

Winner, winner?

Sure.

Thanks, Dad.

[giggling]

OK, I better get going.

You pick me up tomorrow at 8:00?

You can count on me.

All right.

See you lovebirds later.

[soft chuckle]

ALICE: Bye.

[door closes]

BLAKE: You know, I

can't believe I haven't

taken you to the aquarium yet.

My dad and I used to

go, like, all the time.

And well, why I

book us some tickets

and we can, like,

make a day out of it?

That's nice.

[chuckles]

I promise you will never look

at penguins the same again.

[sighs painfully]

Hey, Blake.

Yeah?

My stomach still hurts.

Really?

It's been, like, three days.

I know.

There is something else

I need to tell you.

I'm, like, four days late,

which isn't a big deal.

But my cycle is

usually on point.

And my stomach hurts a lot.

Oh.

I-- I really don't think--

but it's possible, right?

What do you wanna do?

I think I should

take a test, so I know.

So we know.

Yeah.

Yeah, no, um--

[soft piano music]

[sniffles]

[huffing]

[sighs in relief] I

f*cking read it wrong.

What?

It's negative.

I read it wrong.

Oh.

[huffs]

Wow.

You know, I'll never forget

that look on your face.

Like, ever.

That was, uh, quite the look.

Yeah, that was pretty intense.

It's crazy how

fast I fell in love

with whatever was inside of me.

My mind just moved so fast.

I fell in love, too.

You're going to be

a great mom one day.

Thanks.

[puffs] Not today.

Yeah.

Not today.

[piano music]

Hey, Mom.

Hey.

Can you wash this sweater?

Where'd you get this?

Alice got it for

me for my birthday.

It's for the Christmas thing

we're going to this weekend.

I think it's wool.

It looks familiar.

Well, it is vintage.

[chuckles]

Yes, I can take care of it.

Thanks, Mom.

(SINGING) Give me everything

Something Jesus

told you not to wait

[piano music]

[chuckles]

[magical sound]

Whoa.

[chuckles]

[party music buzzing]

[upbeat music]

[crowd noise]

[people cheering]

[party music beating]

[people cheering]

[burbling]

[coughs]

[burbling]

[coughs]

Yeah, that's

definitely cashed.

[burbling]

Cashed?

Yeah.

That's what you

say when it's out.

[chuckles]

Mm, you learn

something new every day.

ALICE: I think I'm

starting to feel it.

RUBY: Mm.

My brain's growing wings,

and it's ready to fly.

Go, Alice.

Go fly.

[chuckles] Thanks, you guys.

Yeah, no problem.

Hey, you're Ruby, right?

Yeah.

There's something

about her sweater.

Yeah, it's got

a nice aura to it.

RUBY: [chuckles]

[party music beating]

[crowd cheering]

Where's Alice?

[retching, coughing]

[knocking on door]

Hey, Alice.

[retching]

Hey, girl.

It's me.

How are you doing?

Mm.

[sniffles, coughs]

Here, have some water.

No, I don't want any.

That's not going

to work with me.

You will thank me

in the morning.

[slurps] Mm.

Why does this sh*t

always happen to me?

[sighs]

'Cause you're the

life of the party.

No, I'm just f*cking dumb.

Hey, this happens to everyone.

Huh.

I'm a f*cking mess.

But tonight, you're my mess.

No, I'm embarrassed.

I'm not.

If anything, I feel

like I'm pretty lucky.

You're just saying sweet

sh*t to make me feel better.

Mm, OK.

Yes, it's working.

[chuckles] OK, keep drinking.

[slurps] Mm.

Girl.

I love you.

[chuckles] I

love you too, babe.

She'll be OK here, right?

For sure.

She'll be fine.

I'll make sure she

stays on her side.

Thanks for letting

her crash here.

Of course.

You're a good friend.

I just feel bad for what

the poor girl is going

to have to endure tomorrow.

[gentle music]

[door closes]

[wind blows]

[birds chirping]

I love you, Ruby.

[birds chirping]

[gasps] Wow, they're

wonderful, Ruby.

She could be a gardener.

I'm still learning.

My rare Ruby Rose.

You're so beautiful, Alice.

Is it OK if I kiss you?

Blake?

Yeah, of course.

You wanna go away, don't you?

I don't know.

Maybe.

Well, check your wings

carefully before you go.

What if I crash?

Space princess,

you've always got us.

[chuckles]

That suits you.

I knew it would.

[gentle music]

But she could lose everything.

Just another reckless dreamer

flying too close to the sun.

What's happening?

I thought you guys

were excited for me.

Couldn't keep up, huh?

Stop it.

It will never be enough.

Why are you saying that?

I should go.

[eerie music]

Ruby, can I show

you something?

Yeah, sure.

Girls, it's time to go.

Leah, you look

like you're ready.

Ruby, where do you

think you're going?

[sighs annoyingly]

You're a f*cking mess.

You're moving way too fast.

[overlapping critical voices]

You've got a lot to

learn, little girl.

Are you sure you're

ready for the real world?

WOMAN: You'll never

be good enough.

They will always make you pay.

[overlapping critical voices]

You've got to learn.

What on Earth are you

doing with your life?

They will always

choose me first.

You're moving way too fast.

Is this really--

[overlapping critical voices]

What are you going

to do without me?

WOMAN: Are you sure?

This nightmare is permanent.

[overlapping critical voices]

WOMAN: Do you think

you're good enough?

You've got a lot to learn.

Are you sure?

[overlapping taunts]

You've got a lot to learn.

Are you sure?

You're wrong!

College will be perfect.

[rocket whoosh]

[gentle music]

[ticking]

PAM (VOICEOVER): Ruby,

you have some mail.

MARK (VOICEOVER):

It's a big envelope.

That's a good sign.

PAM (VOICEOVER): Go

ahead, Ruby, open it.

[heartbeat beating]

[magical sound]

[phone ringing]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Hey, Ruby.

What's up?

RUBY (VOICEOVER): Alice?

ALICE (VOICEOVER): What?

What happened?

RUBY (VOICEOVER): I got in.

ALICE (VOICEOVER): To Pillars?

RUBY (VOICEOVER): Yes!

And three others.

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Wow!

Congratulations!

When do we get to celebrate?

RUBY (VOICEOVER):

Soon, I promise.

[ticking]

[phone buzzes]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Why

aren't you going to prom?

RUBY (VOICEOVER):

Blake and I broke up.

[phone buzzes]

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Oh, no.

[ticking]

RUBY (VOICEOVER):

Happy birthday, Alice.

ALICE (VOICEOVER): Thank you.

Can I see you this weekend?

[firecrackers popping]

BLAKE (VOICEOVER): Hey, Ruby.

I hope it's OK to text you.

I was just wondering what

day you're leaving town.

[car engine starting]

RUBY (VOICEOVER): I'm

already on the road.

[car engine roars]

BLAKE (VOICEOVER): Well, OK.

Safe travels.

I hope you have a great time.

[school bell ringing]

ALICE (VOICEOVER):

Hey, Ms. Ivy League.

How is it?

[background chatter]

[phone ringing and buzzing]

RUBY (VOICEOVER):

Hey, it's Ruby.

Leave a message, and I'll give

you a call as soon as I can.

[beep]

ALICE (VOICEOVER):

Hey, Ruby, it's Alice.

I know you're probably super

busy with all your smart girl

stuff, but I'd love

to hear your voice.

How is everything?

How are the students,

classes, clubs, everything?

OK.

Don't be a stranger.

Love ya!

[christmas bell chiming]

PAM (VOICEOVER): Happy

birthday, sweetie.

ALICE (VOICEOVER):

Happy birthday, Ruby.

BLAKE (VOICEOVER):

Happy birthday, Ruby.

[phone ringing and buzzing]

RUBY: Hello?

PAM (ON PHONE): Hey, honey.

How are you?

RUBY: I'm good.

I'm just studying for finals.

PAM (ON PHONE): I never

heard how your birthday went.

RUBY: Oh, yeah, it was great.

Just hung out with some friends.

PAM (ON PHONE): Oh, yeah?

That's great.

What are their names?

RUBY: Oh, uh, Mom,

I'm kind of busy.

Can I tell you later?

PAM (ON PHONE): OK, no problem.

I won't keep you too long.

I just have some news for you.

What?

PAM (ON PHONE): OK, so your

dad and I are on speakerphone.

MARK (ON PHONE): Hi, Ruby.

Um, so we wanted to let you

know, with both you and Leah out

of the house most of the

year now, it's tough for us

to have so many empty rooms.

PAM (ON PHONE): We've been

looking at the market here,

and there's some really great

newer homes that are just

a bit smaller than this one.

Ruby?

When is this happening?

MARK (ON PHONE): Early in

the new year, probably.

What?

PAM (ON PHONE): We already

have three interested buyers

off the market.

So we have to pack up our

rooms during winter break?

PAM (ON PHONE): Yes,

that would be ideal.

MARK (ON PHONE): We

can help you, though.

And really, you don't have

to get rid of anything

if you don't want to.

Just-- just pack it up.

OK, sounds good.

Love you.

Bye.

[phone closes]

[cd player whirring]

[KISHI BASHI, "WONDER WOMAN,

WONDER ME"]

(SINGING) When

candy was a remedy

We'd make it up

We'd destroy

ourselves in the yard

The yard

I held you in a wooden place

I was hungry then

It was hours before it went down

When down

[vocalizing]

Oh, wonder woman, wonder me

You bewitched me with your

gold and blue from the start

The start

[vocalizing]

When Pluto was demoted

I felt a sigh of

relief, I never knew why

Knew why

[music stops]

[car door closes]

So great having us

all together again.

[chuckles]

So, are you guys gonna

see any of your friends

while you're in town?

Yeah, I'm going to Jessica's

ugly sweater party this weekend.

Oh, sh**t, that's

gonna be fun.

Yeah.

[laughter]

What about you, Ruby?

Um.

What's Alice doing?

Oh, she's probably in,

like, rehearsal or something.

Um, why don't you come

with me to the party?

Mm.

Mm, I have to pack.

You said I have--

- Well, I can help you pack.

It'd be fun.

I think, um, I can drive you.

Phew.

It's settled.

OK.

Yeah.

Yeah.

[gentle piano music]

[puffs]

[magical sound]

[clock ticking]

[knocking on door]

LEAH: Hey.

You ready?

Yeah, come on in.

[door opens]

Mm.

And the sweater makes a return.

You look great.

Come on, let's go.

[chuckles]

[party music plays]

[music buzzing]

[chatter]

Hey, mind if I get by you?

Oh, my bad.

I didn't mean to startle you.

Is it the sweater?

Yeah, you definitely

didn't hold off on the party

scene, that's for sure.

I take pride in my affinity

for dressing stupid on purpose.

But, hey, at least you'll

be hard to forget, right?

[chuckles] Yeah, right.

Oh, by the way, those cookies

are definitely special cookies.

Good to know.

Hey, wait.

Do you go to school in

Boston, by any chance?

I thought I might

have seen you around.

I have to go talk to someone.

But have a good night.

Hey, Blake.

[coughs] Hey, Ruby.

Uh, I-- how are you?

I'm good.

It's good to see you.

I'm really happy to see you.

Yeah.

It's good to see you, too.

How was it?

How's what?

Your-- your Ivy League dream?

Is it, like, really awesome?

Oh, yeah.

It's great.

It's just surrounded by

a bunch of smart people.

[laughs awkwardly]

That's great.

Can I-- is it-- can I hug you?

Um, you know,

Ruby, uh, I don't

think that's such a great idea.

Oh.

OK, yeah, no problem.

I understand.

Hey, Ruby.

Um, listen.

I wanted to talk--

ALICE: Woo!

Oh, my god, I love those things.

Finally able to park the car.

It took me, like, three ti--

Ruby.

What's this?

We really didn't expect

to see you here, Ruby.

I didn't even

know you were home.

So you're-- both of you?

Ruby, hold on.

I--

Ruby, wait.

[chatter]

[sniffles]

Hey, Ruby.

Please talk to me.

I have nothing to

say to you, Alice.

OK.

I can talk.

I just need you to listen.

Please.

Don't try to make me have

sympathy for you, Alice.

That's not what I want.

I tried to tell you.

Tell me what?

It's kind of hard to

keep in touch with a ghost.

I gave you space because I

wanted to see you live out

your dreams, but I was

not expecting you to fall

off the face of the planet.

I had to do what was

best for my future.

You know that.

I admire your bravery, Ruby.

I really do.

But it hurt when you left.

So you're sleeping with

my ex to get back at me?

No.

We're not just

sleeping together.

We really care about each other.

We care about you, too.

You never gave me the

chance to talk to you.

[sobs] I wanted

to talk to you.

But I just kept

myself under this idea

that I had to be alone to

be able to make something

of myself, that I had

to focus to be something

or do something that mattered.

[sniffles]

But loving Blake

and you mattered.

And I knew I

couldn't have it all.

And it scared the

hell out of me.

[sobs]

ALICE: You should

have talked to me.

I would've been there for you.

I know.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

[sobbing]

I want you to be happy.

I want both of you to be happy.

I'm happy for you.

I am.

Can I hug you?

Is that OK?

[sobs]

[gentle piano music]

[phone buzzing]

LEAH (ON PHONE):

Hey, where'd you go?

Jessica said she

saw you go outside.

[sobs]

LEAH (ON PHONE): Are you OK?

[sobbing]

Ruby, you gotta take

better care of yourself.

What if I don't know how?

Ask for help.

You know you can leave

Pillars if you want to.

I've thought about quitting

the swim team at Fullington.

But you love swimming.

I love being a part of a team.

I mean, honestly, there's

so much more to life

than sleepless nights and

conditioning your body

until it breaks.

But you're indestructible.

Ruby, life is

hard for everyone.

And I'm definitely changing

my major to education.

What about your

engineering scholarship?

I'll lose it.

But maybe I'll be happier.

You've always seemed

so put together, right?

I had no idea you

were struggling.

[soft chuckle] Well, maybe

my next major should be acting.

And you're welcome.

By the way--

What?

--with my track record, you

could have joined the circus

for all our parents cared.

But you're a dreamer, and I

really admire that about you.

I don't think I

want to leave Pillars.

I love what I'm learning there.

I just-- I--

I don't know why I'm not happy.

It's all about balance.

You know, Mom has

anxiety, right?

Really?

Yeah.

You should probably talk

to her a little bit more.

I mean, now that we're all

adults, they're not as scary.

You can maybe do some of

those grounding techniques

that she does.

I know that they're

really helpful.

Yeah, I've missed you.

[soft chuckle]

I've missed you, too.

You know, we gotta look

out for each other.

[chuckles]

[laughs]

Who are you and where

did you come from?

I'm your sister, and I came

from college to help you.

Thanks.

Another piece of advice,

you should probably

get a plant for your dorm.

It's a powerful

source of energy,

and it feels really good

to take care of something.

What if it dies?

Just get another one.

[laughs] Why are you

so hard on yourself?

[gentle music]

[door closes]

[gentle music]

[wind blowing]

[gentle music]

[long sigh]

I'm ready.

[film rolling]

I'm worried about Ruby.

MARK: Pam.

She feels distant.

MARK: She's got a lot

going on right now.

She just needs some

time to settle.

She doesn't talk

about her friends.

She spends almost all of her

time cooped up in her room,

studying.

I don't want to see her throw

away a life outside the school,

repeat my mistakes.

Ambition shouldn't come at the

cost of peace or happiness.

You know what isolation

can do to these kids

in schools like Pillars.

You raised our daughters to be

able to be and do anything they

wanted to do with their lives.

That's an amazing feat.

PAM: I just feel like

I've made a big mistake,

and it's starting to scare me.

What you're

scared of is seeing

Ruby get hurt chasing after her

dreams the way that you did.

Maybe I'm dreaming, but

nothing took Pam away

from Pam in the end, right?

She's still here?

Nothing will take

Ruby away from Ruby.

She'll find her way,

just like her mother did.

In the meantime, we just need

to provide her encouragement

along the way.

[gentle music]

ALICE: "At Midnight"

by Sara Teasdale.

Now, at last, I have

come to see what life is.

Nothing is ever ended.

Everything only begun.

And the brave victories

that seemed so splendid

are never really won.

Even love that I built

my spirits house for

comes like a brooding

and a baffled guest.

And music and men's

praise and even laughter

are not so good as rest.

[music fades]

PAM: Mind if I come in?

Sure.

May I?

Of course.

[chuckles]

Oh, sunlight is

beautiful in this room.

I was just thinking

the same thing.

I never really

noticed it before.

You are doing a

great job, Ruby.

Thanks, Mom.

Hmm.

[clock ticking]

Hey, Dad.

What's up, Ruby?

Can we at least put

up Mr. Snowy this year?

[chuckles]

Now, that sounds

like a great idea.

Ha.

[laughs]

h*.

Come back, come back.

There we go.

There's the face.

The face.

It's a face.

Yes, yes.

RUBY: I'm coming.

MARK: Woo hoo.

Wait, wait, wait, wait.

OK, OK.

[giggling]

Wow, you guys are amazing.

Yeah, you two.

PROFESSOR: Not all stars become

supernovas when they die.

Smaller ones elegantly expand

into gas without a possibility

of turning into a black hole.

OK, that's it for today.

I have your planetary

test grades here.

[gentle music]

[uplifting music]

Can I help you find something?

No, I'm just looking.

I'm Enzo.

Ruby.

Nice to see you again, Ruby.

This is a nice place to

come to when you need

a smack of color in the winter.

For sure.

So, do you go to school

around here or something?

Yeah, I go to Pillars.

Wow, very nice.

I'm at Roy's.

What's your major?

Astrophysics.

No way, I love space.

- Really?

- Yeah.

I mean, I'm probably

not as smart as you,

but I do keep up with stuff.

I'm so excited the Curiosity

mission was extended.

Can't wait to see what else

we find out about Mars.

Yeah, it's pretty exciting.

Yeah.

So, what's your major?

I'm in film, like old school

film with projectors and stuff.

- Interesting.

- Yeah.

I'd love to show

you some of my work.

But I don't really digitize it,

so you'd have to come on campus

to watch.

Yeah, that could be fun.

Yeah.

So why don't you digitize it?

Uh, I like the idea

of having my work

within a tangible object.

It gives it more

meaning, I suppose,

and makes every

screening special

because it's so temporary.

Mm.

[chuckles] So, are you wanting

to take a plant home with you?

Yeah, that was the plan.

All right, follow me.

If you look up, we've got

some plants you can hang.

Over here, we've

got a lot of color.

Oh.

These specifically are violet,

African violets, actually.

OK, nice.

I like that.

And over here,

these are some mums.

- Mum?

- Yeah.

- Like mummy?

- Yeah.

- I miss my mom.

- Aw.

[laughter]

Perfect.

And these are some low light

options over here as well.

- OK.

- Yeah, follow me.

I got some more

options, all right?

Cool.

More color, more sun.

[gentle music]

[lighthearted, "honey honey"]

(SINGING) I know

things have been hard

And these days, you

forget who you are

As you look up at the stars

You should know

you're not that far

My darling, you're not that far

Honey, honey, we're

flying to the moon

Honey, honey, don't

forget your moon boots

Mmm

Don't you know that

we'll get there

We'll get there soon

Don't you know that

we'll get there

We'll get there soon

My love, don't you know

that we'll get there

Get there soon

Soon

Honey, honey, we're

flying to the moon

Oh, yeah

Honey, honey, don't

forget your moon boots

Honey, honey, 'cause I

fall when I'm with you

Honey, honey, you'll

need your astro suit

Don't you know that we'll

get there, get there soon

Don't you know that we'll

get there, get there soon

Don't you know that we'll

get there, get there soon