04x07 - Big Shoes, Little Feet

[bunniefuu]

Hold on.

- Dad.

- No, no, no.

Not now, Nicholas.

But it has to be now.

I'm holding the phone.

[sighs]

Oh, alright.

What is it, Nicholas?

Can I have a friend

stay overnight?

Not if it's Kenny P. Landers.

It's not, it's Harriet Kalusky.

- But she's a girl.

- You noticed?

I'm sorry, but Harriet Kalusky

cannot spend the night.

Whatever gave you such an idea?

- Harriet did.

- Oh.

Well, you tell Harriet

that young ladies

and gentlemen your age

do not get overnight

visitation rights.

No way, never. Is that clear?

Oh!

Hello, Harriet?

Yeah, I think we'll have

to wait a week or so.

My dad is thinkin' it over.

[theme song]

♪ There's a magic

in the early morning ♪

♪ We've found ♪

♪ When the sunrise smiles

on everything around ♪

♪ It's a portrait

of the happiness ♪

♪ That we feel

and always will ♪

♪ Oh eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives with love ♪

♪ Oh we spend our days ♪

♪ Like bright

and shiny new dimes ♪

♪ If we're ever puzzled ♪

♪ By the changing times ♪

♪ There's a plate

of homemade wishes ♪

♪ On the kitchen window sill ♪

♪ And eight is enough ♪

♪ To fill our lives with love ♪♪

[instrumental music]

Hey.

Hey, did you hear the news?

Just stop pokin' me and tell me.

Mrs. Shaffer went

to have her baby.

And we got her substitute.

A substitute? That's great.

Should be a cinchy day.

Don't count on that, young man.

- What is your name?

- Nicholas.

Nicholas what?

Bradford.

Nicholas Bradford?

Any relation to David and Mary,

Joannie, Elizabeth?

Yes, ma'am.

They're my brother and sisters.

I'm very glad to hear that,

Nicholas.

Before I retired,

I taught all your family.

You did?

(Ms. Krutch)

'Some of them

got into trouble occasionally'

but they never let it interfere

with their classwork.

So, I know exactly what

to expect from you, don't I?

Yes, ma'am. What?

The hardest work

and the highest grades.

From Nicholas?

He's a Bradford, isn't he?

Are-are you sure, David?

I mean the Bradford honor

is at stake.

Well, so is the Bradford

Construction company.

If I don't hustle up

some work pretty soon

you're going to wish

you never co-signed that loan.

Look, look at it this way.

The golf course

is a wonderful way

to make business contacts.

Yeah, you said

that the last time we played

the father-son tournament.

The only business contact

we made

wanted to sell me

a slightly used forklift.

But what am I gonna do?

My boss' son

is flying in from Harvard

just to make up our foursome.

Well, tell him

your son's name is Tommy.

- Tommy?

- Sure.

Oh, but Tommy isn't

half the golfer you are.

Ask for a bigger handicap.

We're already getting

the maximum handicap

because of my playing.

Terrific,

then all Tommy has to do

is live up to your reputation.

Touche.

Now that you've all had a chance

to work the problems.

Who can tell me

the answer to number one?

As I remember all the Bradford's

were very good at math.

'Why don't you tell us

the answer, Tommy?'

Wrong Bradford, Ms. Krutch.

- 'I beg your pardon.'

- Tommy's his brother.

Oh, of course, I remember.

Now, he's the one

who's so musical.

How is Tommy these days?

Still musical.

Oh, that's wonderful, uh, uh..

Nicholas.

Oh, yes, Nicholas.

From now on,

I'll remember that.

Alright, Nicholas,

what's the answer?

Well...it could be..

...one hundred

forty four thousand..

...seven hundred five?

But it isn't.

No, Nicholas.

You'd better recheck your work.

And maybe you should get

one of your brothers and sisters

to coach you a bit.

[sighs]

(Nancy)

'The rating is a triple A plus.'

(Miss Chovick)

'Yes, a blue chip.'

But probably

out of your price range.

Well, that depends.

I think he might be worth

burrowing for.

'Who is he, Miss Chovick?'

(Miss Chovick)

'Kirk Ashley.'

He has a very impressive

stock portfolio

and owns his own company.

Oh, no wonder

the account executives

have been so nice to him.

They've been reading

his done on Brad Street.

'He's probably

one of their wealthiest'

'young bachelors in Sacramento.'

Hmm, wealthy,

young and a bachelor?

Three out of three is not bad.

I hope you don't want me

to introduce you?

You don't have to.

I think he thinks

I know him already.

Why would he think that?

Because I told him yes

when he asked me out.

[giggles]

(Mary)

'He's picking you up

in a cream colored what?'

(Nancy)

'Rolls Royce.'

Well, is it chauffeur driven?

No, I don't think so.

When he left the stock brokers

this afternoon

he was drivin' it himself.

- Very tacky.

- Elizabeth.

- You're jealousy is showing.

- Are you kidding?

Why would I wanna go out

with a handsome

young tycoon,

who has nothing to offer

but, uh, charisma, sex appeal

and economic security.

Too bad David can't meet

your Mr. Ashley.

Come on, Mary,

if he's gonna meet anybody

let him meet me.

You, I am not worried about.

Dad told me David's business

is in a real slump.

- Oh, no.

- Yeah.

Right now, David could use

a few high powered contacts.

Uh, Nancy,

I think that's a hint.

I'm way ahead of you, Mare.

You know,

I read a similar problem

in the "Wall Street Journal."

What David obviously needs

is a good solid project

that will generate substantial

cash flow, high profit

and demonstrate

his technical expertise

throughout the industry.

Ooh! You know, Nancy

you're beginning to sound

like the financial pages.

She is not.

She's beginning to sound

like a loyal sister.

'Go for it, Nancy.

Put in a good word for David.'

I met somebody today.

They said they know you.

Yeah? Well, my reputation

gets around, sport.

- Hope she's gorgeous.

- It's Ms. Krutch.

Ms. Krutch?

Where'd you meet her? Cemetery?

Nope, school.

She's my substitute.

I thought she'd be long gone

and hauntin' people by now.

Well, she is haunting people.

Hmm, that's tough luck, kid.

Just don't let her

push you around.

- She's already pushed.

- Yeah, I'll bet.

She was one of the toughest

teachers I ever had.

- She seemed to like you.

- Yeah, she did.

And it was bad enough

when she liked you.

When she hated you,

it was t*rture.

t*rture?

[doorbell ringing]

I heard you the first time.

Sorry, he doesn't trust

my doorbell pushing.

Did you ever consider

speaking to Marvin about that?

Actually we just met

a few minutes ago

when he ran his bicycle

into my fender.

It's not my fault, Ms. Bradford.

I'm not used to having

such big cars

in front of your house.

Oh, you're-you're not together.

I'm sorry about that.

What can I do for you?

You can tell Nicholas I'm here.

I haven't asked you yet,

Marvin.

Uh, Thank you. You can tell

Nancy, Kirk Ashley is here.

- We have a date.

- Oh, come in, Mr. Ashley.

I-I apologize

for all the confusion.

That's what they always say

around here.

You'll get used to it.

Hey, Nicholas.

'Nicholas!'

And truly, Mr. Ashley,

you never get used to it.

So, I figured

you'd need cheerin' up.

(Nicholas)

'Thanks.'

Yeah, if I got the hassle

you got, I'd need cheerin' up.

Well, at least we won't have

Ms. Krutch for very long.

Come on, Nicholas,

Ms. Shaffer's havin' a baby.

So?

You don't know

how long that takes?

How should I know?

I'm the last baby

this family ever had.

And I'm too old to remember

how long it took.

And too young to ask.

Well, you just

don't do it overnight.

- More like a weekend?

- Longer, maybe a month.

A whole month of Ms. Krutch?

That's how long my mom stayed

off work to have my sister.

I don't think

I can last that long.

[instrumental music]

Oh, and I was

just getting started.

[chuckles]

Hey, I know a great spot

in Oaktown, uh..

...where they never,

never have intermissions.

You wanna try it?

Well, hey,

I've got to be at work

in exactly, uh, five hours.

Do you think we could

just have a nightcap?

Uh...sure.

Why don't we just have

a nightcap.

And let me do

a better selling job

on that great,

old night spot in Oaktown.

Truth is, I promised my partner

I'd drop by tonight.

Your partner?

I own the building

where the club is located.

- You own the building?

- That's right.

Tell me, Kirk.

Did you just buy

the club buildin'

or did you have it built?

Why?

Well, you might say

I'm very interested

in the construction business.

- You?

- Yeah.

I think the construction

business is very fascinating.

And what's fascinating

about it?

Well, uh, every bit. All of it.

As a matter of fact,

I've felt that way

since my brilliant brother

David started his own

very successful

construction company.

Your brother has

a construction business?

Isn't that funny you asked?

[chuckles]

I'll tell you what, Kirk,

why don't we go

to that all night place

after all?

And I'll tell you all about it.

- Well, good morning.

- Oh, daddy, I'm sorry.

I, I tried not to wake you up.

I know, stock brokers hours.

You know, Nancy, I really admire

the discipline that you display.

Getting up this early

to go to work and all.

Well, actually, dad.

Today I get to sleep

a whole half hour

before my alarm wakes me up.

You mean, you're just

getting home? Nancy!

Relax, daddy,

it was strictly business.

- Business?

- Business.

I was tryin' to put in a good

word for David with Kirk Ashley.

Until sunrise?

(Nancy)

'Well, I wanted to do it sooner'

'but Kirk kept wanting

to disco.'

Good for you, Nance.

Do you think Ashley

will help David?

Oh, Mare, I'm too sleepy

to remember anything.

Well, goodnight, everybody.

Well, whatever time it is.

Goodnight.

- I can't believe it.

- Oh, it's true.

The father-son tournament always

starts promptly at o'clock.

It's the tradition.

No, dad, I can't believe

that you're asking me

to be your partner

and not David.

Oh, well, actually,

I did ask David.

- And?

- And he can't spare the time.

Now, tell me,

I don't want you to think

that you're my second choice.

It's just that I feel

that you have come--

Dad, hold it, hold it, hold it.

'You don't have to give me

your next-in-line speech.'

I understand.

It's just that, I can't play

with you on Saturday.

You can't?

No, my band and I are playing

at a super market opening

in Roseville.

It's a paid gig,

I've gotta be there.

Just like what you always say

in your responsibility speech.

I.. No, I can't believe it.

I never knew you even

listened to my speeches.

It's no big deal,

you can ask Nicholas.

- Ask me what?

- Nothing--

Dad needs a partner for

the father-son golf tournament.

David's his partner.

Well, actually,

David can't do it and I'm busy

so you're the only one

that's left.

Well, grandpa Harry

did teach me how to play.

Tommy, I didn't wanna

get into this right now.

Look, Nicholas,

some day you and I

'will enter the father-son

golf tournament.'

We'll probably come home

with all the trophies.

It's just that,

right now I don't think

that you are prepared

to accept the responsibilities

that David has been accepting

these past few years.

You mean, he'd make you lose?

No, I didn't say that, Nicholas.

Oh, I get it.

You mean I won't be

as good as David

or Tommy.

Well, you can just

forget the whole thing

'cause golf's

a dumb game anyways.

[instrumental music]

- Nicholas, what's wrong?

- Everything and everybody.

[instrumental music]

- Are you alright, son?

- No.

What's the matter?

Well, I feel sick.

Every time I stand up,

I feel like lying down.

Does it hurt any place?

Everywhere.

'I don't think

I should go to school today.'

'I think I should stay home'

'and everybody

should leave me alone.'

Do you think

we should call Dr. Maxwell?

Ah, no, don't bother him.

Should we take your temperature?

Oh, it's not that kinda sick.

I think I should just

stay home for a month

and rest up and I'll be great.

(Tom)

'Tell me something, Nicholas'

do you by any chance have a test

scheduled in school today?

Oh, no, it has nothin'

to do with tests.

I see.

Well, I tell you what.

I'm going to take you

to Dr. Maxwell

or you go to school

this morning.

- Is that my choice?

- 'That's your choice.'

I'll go to school.

Wise choice, son.

That's exactly what

your older brothers

and sisters used to say.

[instrumental music]

I don't know, Tom.

I think I would've

kept him home.

Oh, well, then it's fortunate

it it wasn't up to you.

No, really, Tom, I-I think

something's troubling him.

Oh, yes, I know what it is.

He's suffering from a severe

case of, Aunt Bessy.

- "Aunt Bessy?"

- Yes, Aunt Bessy.

That's a disease inherited

by all of my children.

Now you've heard of it.

No, actually,

I can't say that I have.

Oh, well, come to think of it,

that's probably

because Aunt Bessy was Joan's

grandmother's middle sister.

Hmm.

But I thought you said

Aunt Bessy was a disease.

Well, it's the same thing.

She spent the last years

of her life in her bed

refusing to leave

because of the earthquake.

No, wait, Tom,

you're confusing me.

What earthquake?

The same one that she thought

was going to happen

for years but never did.

- Never?

- No.

She d*ed peacefully

in her sleep at the age of .

'And Joan used to say'

'that her genes reappear

in the children'

'from time to time

at certain intervals'

during the school year.

And thus, you have the case

of little Nicholas sacking out

to avoid some

classroom earthquake

that of course

will never happen.

Well, that's an interesting

family tradition

but I'm not sure

it's true in this case.

Oh, it's true alright.

I've seen this symptoms

a times

from David on down.

Pretty soon, you will be able

to diagnose an Aunt Bessy

quicker than I can.

Really, do you think so?

I don't know,

I'm having a pretty hard time

catching up to the, um,

to the legends on your side

of the family,

let alone their mothers.

Oh, now, nobody is giving you

a family history test.

Then, what's this?

(Ms. Krutch)

'Nicholas?'

'Nicholas Bradford.'

Yes?

I don't find your homework here.

Did you hand it in?

Oh, I forgot to bring it.

You forgot to bring it?

Yeah, I had other things

on my mind this morning.

Are you saying

you left it at home

or that you forgot to do it?

No, I did it, alright?

Well, it's hard to believe a boy

of your background would lie.

So, I'll accept that, Nicholas.

'But I think you better

stay in after school'

'and we'll have a talk.'

Yes, Ms. Krutch.

[telephone ringing]

Thank you.

That must be

your fourth cup of coffee.

Oh.

You sure you don't

wanna go home?

Oh, no,

I'm just a little sleepy.

Must have been quite an evening.

It was a terrific evening.

It was a wonderful midnight

and an exhausting dawn.

Think you can last until lunch?

Oh, yeah.

I'll just nap instead of eat.

[telephone ringing]

- That's your extension.

- Oh, thank you, excuse me.

Hello? Oh, hi, Kirk.

What?

Time for what?

Oh, of course I remember

our lunch at the Hunt Club.

Yes. Yes, of course

I asked my brother to join us.

Thank you, Kirk.

We'll see you there, bye.

Oh, no.

Something wrong?

There is, if I can't find

my brothers phone number

and if he isn't free for lunch.

Lunch? I thought

you weren't eating.

Oh, I have to.

It's David's future

and I almost yawned it away.

Oh, no.

What do you mean

that David can't make the game?

Well, he feels he's too busy

starting his company.

It'll just take

a few hours, Tom.

Now I've invested

in a year's lessons

for Randy III

with the best pro in Boston.

'And it isn't cheap

to fly him back here.'

I know, I appreciate that.

'His game is down,

eight strokes.'

This could be our year.

We could set the club record.

Okay, okay.

I'll ask him to re-consider.

The truth is, Eliot,

I would love to have him play.

Oh, h-hi, i-it's me, Tom.

Uh, can I speak to David?

Oh! Oh, no, no, no,

it's alright.

Tell him I called.

Right. Bye, dear.

We just missed him.

He went to some

surprise luncheon'.

Talk to him again, Tom.

If he has time for surprises,

he has time for his father.

And his father's boss.

[instrumental music]

(David)

'Condominium conversions?'

Do you know that block of

apartments in Grand and Willow?

Yeah, as a matter of fact,

I help build those apartments

couple of years ago

when I was with

Man Construction.

Terrific, then maybe

you can, uh, tell me

if they structurally justify

a renovation plan.

Yeah, if you can solve

the eating problem.

You know, I never did think

that furnace system would last.

Nobody else has brought that up.

I told you David was a genius.

Please, Nancy,

let's not oversell.

Frankly, Kirk, uh, I'd like

to give you my suggestions.

'But what I'd really like is'

a chance to bid

on the whole conversion.

I obviously know the buildings.

I could do the job and,

uh, I could save you money.

What do you think, Nancy?

Well, I've known David

for over years

and I can recommend him as

'totally honest

and totally wonderful.'

(Kirk)

'Well, that's good enough

for me.'

I'll get those specs

for you, David.

'Think you can have a

bid by Monday?'

Su-sure, sure and thanks.

- Well, thanks, Kirk.

- My pleasure.

Now that we've finished

the business part of lunch

let's handle my social calendar.

'What time do

I pick you up tonight?'

- Tonight?

- How about eight?

'I thought we'd get

an early start.'

'I have about four great spots

I wanna show you.'

Eight o'clock? Tonight?

I'd love it.

Has Mrs. Shaffer

ever asked your father

to come in

and talk to her, Nicholas?

No, but Miss Walker did,

last year.

My dad didn't like it.

I see.

A continuing problem.

Well, I've been reviewing

your progress so far this year

and it is definitely not

up to Bradford standards.

Yes, ma'am.

That being the case

I want you to take

this note home

and give it to your father.

- Do I have to?

- Yes, Nicholas.

I'm sure he'd want to hear about

your surprising lack of effort.

And your father is a fine man.

When he isn't yelling.

And I'm sure

he'd want to know about

one of his children not living

up to the example he has set.

Here.

- Do I have to take this?

- Yes, Nicholas.

And you must bring it back to me

signed by your father,

tomorrow.

If you want to avoid

the consequences.

Wow, consequences.

Yeah, and to top everything off

she's going to give me

consequences.

- What're you gonna do?

- I don't know.

Be sick.

No, I thought that already.

It may work in your family

but my dad had

too much experience.

Run away.

No, I tried that already, too.

It ain't as much as fun

as you think it is.

Nicholas, you got troubles.

Yeah.

And consequences.

Isn't it wonderful, dad?

And all because of Nancy.

Oh, yes. It is wonderful.

Of course, David will have

to work night and day

in order to get

the bid in by Monday.

Night and day?

Yes, and people

will have to stop babbling

so I can concentrate.

(Janet)

'Don't be rude, David.'

Your father hasn't even

had a chance

to tell us why he came by.

Oh, well, i-it's nothing

that takes priority.

- I'm proud of you, son.

- Shh!

He's terrible.

No, no, no,

he's just on his way..

...and so am I.

[alarm buzzing]

Nancy! Nancy! Nancy, wake up.

Oh, Miss Chovick!

- No, it's me.

- Oh.

Come on, get up,

you're late for work.

- I'm late?

- Yes, what happened?

Oh, Kirk took me

to four new discos.

He did? That's great.

Yeah, you can say that.

You're still alive.

Look, will you call Miss Chovick

and explain while

I take a quick shower?

- Yeah, but what do I say?

- I don't know.

I'm delegating

that responsibility to you.

You're the phone expert.

- Uh. hi.

- Hi.

Hey, what are you doin'

still here?

What are you doing

just coming home?

I had a late assignment,

I'm b*at.

Oh, tell me about it.

At least you get

to go to bed and sleep all day.

Yeah. Argh!

Lot of people

make so much noise.

[door closes]

- Have a nice day.

- You too.

I hope you solve

your golf problem.

Oh, dad, do you want me

to drop of Nancy?

Oh, thanks but Tommy

already took her in the van

and Nicholas wants to walk

to school with mom.

Well, I guess we're all present

and accounted for.

- See you tonight, dad.

- Bye-bye.

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

(woman on TV)

'I can't tell Arthur

about the children.'

'He'd think that David

is really his son.'

'How can I do that

to a man only one day'

'after open heart surgery.'

Good question.

'Tell me, doctor, how?'

(man on TV)

'Well, at least, make him aware

of the bankruptcy.'

'After all

it wasn't his fault.'

'As ortho psychiatrist'

'I believe we should

be re-establishing'

'his sense of reality.'

(woman on TV)

'Oh, Arthur. Arthur.'

Can a person

get any sleep around here?

I forgot Joannie.

(woman on TV)

'Don't you realize

what I've been going through?'

'Do you think it's my fault?'

(Joannie)

'Hey, come on

I thought we had a deal.'

No television was..

[sighs]

I can't believe this family.

Oh, jeez.

Forgetful slobs.

Hey, it's still cold.

Anybody home?

'Hey, whose home?'

Uh..

Whoever's home.

This isn't funny.

[instrumental music]

Anybody here?

[music continues]

If anybody's in this house..

...I just want to warn you.

I'm well armed

and I can call the police.

[leaves rustling]

I'm sorry, I wont be late again.

I hope

I can count on that, Nancy.

I had to stop my own work

and cover your desk.

I realize that.

Believe me, I-I-I apologize.

You were off

to such a good start here.

Miss Chovick,

I'll make it up to you.

I really,

really wanna keep this job.

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm positive.

Good.

Nancy, I think I know

what's been going on.

Could I ask you a question?

Could you be planning

to exchange this name plate

for one that reads

"Mrs. Kirk Ashley?"

'And then forgetting about us?'

It isn't like that,

Miss Chovick.

I like it here.

Good. And we like you, Nancy.

When you arrive on time.

And stay alert.

[instrumental music]

I hear you prowling out there.

Stay out!

No! No! No, I'm warning you.

- No!

- Joannie, it's me.

Oh, Tommy.

I don't have time for dramatics.

Oh, Tommy. Oh, thank you.

Oh, I'm so relieved.

I thought it was

whoever comin' back.

- 'Whoever?'

- 'Yeah, there..'

There's been a prowler here

while I was sleeping.

- You're kidding.

- 'No.'

Tommy, Tommy, look.

I was not kidding.

Look, feel it for yourself.

It's practically right out

of the refrigerator.

And the TV set was on.

No Bradford watches TV

this time of day.

Joannie, are you saying that

our prowler was a non-Bradford?

Or is..

Is?

Tommy, would you

help me search the house?

(Tommy)

'Joannie, I don't have time'

'I gotta get back to school.'

'I just came here

to pick up my gym stuff.'

(Joannie)

'Well, how can you think

about your gym stuff right now.'

We could have a burglar here.

Or even worse.

Look, if we did

have an even worse.

We'd be crazy

to search the house.

We should call the police.

But since I'm sure

we don't have anybody

and if it'll

make you feel better.

I'll help you search the house.

You take the upstairs,

I'll take the down--

No, no, let's search together.

- After you.

- No, after you.

I think we ought to search

the screen porch first.

It's closest to the evidence.

[instrumental music]

Do you hear something?

Joannie, if we're gonna do this,

you gotta quit spooking me.

There's nobody in here,

let's try the kitchen.

[music continues]

What do you mean

we have a prowler?

Now, now just calm down,

Joannie.

Is anything missing?

Maybe you were just

having a nightmare.

You should think

more about getting

more normal sleeping hours.

We'll discuss the evidence

when I get home tonight.

Right now, I think you should

get some decent rest.

Goodbye, Joannie.

- Problems, Tom?

- Oh, hi.

Oh, no, no, not really.

Good, it just wouldn't be

the same tournament

without David playing.

Uh, yes, well,

David is still not playing.

Tom, I thought

that I'd communicated.

Right, you did communicate.

And now I'm communicating to you

that we don't need David.

But you said that Tommy..

We don't need Tommy.

- We've got Merle.

- Merle?

Yes, my son-in-law,

Merle Stockwell.

The Cyclone star pitcher.

He's the greatest all round

athlete in Sacramento.

- Very interesting, Tom.

- I thought so.

Yes, as a matter of fact,

I might say absolutely inspired.

Oh, well, thank you, Eliot.

Yes, what is Merle's,

uh, handicap?

Well, now, I haven't discussed

the details with him yet.

You mean, you haven't asked him?

Well, I just got the idea

a few minutes ago

but don't worry

about it, Eliot.

It's just a formality.

Oh, good.

[sighs]

Just a formality.

Can I give you

a medical opinion, Nancy?

Stay home tonight

and get some sleep.

Oh, Mary, I wish I could.

Hey why don't you tell Kirk

that you fixed him up

with a great substitute,

huh, me?

[laughs]

Sorry, Elizabeth.

But for the first time

in my life

I can do something

really important for David.

And I'm going to.

'Come on inside and I'll get

you two a glass of lemonade.'

(Elizabeth)

'That's a deal.'

[instrumental music]

Tommy would you

tell 'em you heard

the same floor creaks I did.

Well, I must admit it

sounded like someone was here.

That's really weird.

Uh, hold it, everybody,

now here come Nicholas.

We've got to break this

to him delicately.

Hmm, hi, Nicholas.

How was school?

Well, actually, it was

the best day I had all week.

Oh, that's good, Nicholas.

Now, maybe you wont mind

if we tell you something

that might be

a little bit scary.

Uh, don't get upset,

Nicholas, but

we may have had a burglar.

A burglar?

Really?

(Tom)

'Well, what kind

of a burglar would steal'

'one sandwich

and a bottle of orange juice?'

That's just the point, dad.

Maybe it's not just a burglar.

Maybe we're dealing with

a very twisted personality.

Come on, Joannie, there has

to be a logical explanation.

Well, did you rob

the refrigerator

and did you leave

the television set on?

Well, of course not.

Did anybody in this family?

Well, there,

that proves the point.

Dad, I think we oughta

call Officer Bernstein

'and have him watch the house.'

You know, um,

some kind of a, a stake-out.

A stake-out?

Oh, the police would laugh us

right out of Sacramento.

Well, I don't wanna sleep

alone in this house another

morning without

some kind of protection.

Joannie, if you're

really worried about it.

I can stay home tomorrow

and do my studying here.

- I don't mid.

- You'll be the stake-out?

I think that would be

kind of dangerous.

No, even a maniacal

baloney bandit

doesn't att*ck a house

that's obviously occupied.

Relax, Joannie.

'I'm sure there's

nothing to worry about.'

Nancy!

Nancy!

- She's in the shower.

- Are you sure?

Sure I'm sure,

she just had me wake her up

ten minutes ago

and lead her to the bathroom.

Well, good because Kirk's

downstairs to pick her up.

Oh, you want me to go

pound on the door for ya?

No, that's okay,

I'll do it, but, um..

...could you go downstairs

and rescue Kirk?

Rescue him from what?

Well, dad's showin' him

what a great job David did

on remodeling

the livin' room, and, uh..

It's not exactly

helping David's image

as a big time professional.

Yeah, but what can I do?

Well, just get

dad on another subject.

So he doesn't blow

all of Nancy's hard work.

But what do I talk about?

I don't even know

what this guy is like.

I'll tell you what he's like.

Now, if I didn't know how much

Nancy wants to help David

I'd let her stay in the shower

about another six years.

Thanks, Tommy.

'Nancy.'

'You gotta hurry.'

[knock on the door]

Nancy!

Oh, no.

Nancy, would you wake up?

Kirk's here.

- What?

- Come on, Nance, on your feet.

Your prince is here.

My prince is where?

Oh, how can I be asleep

when I took a shower?

You didn't have a shower.

- I didn't?

- Mm-mm.

Elizabeth, I don't think

I can last another night.

You want me to

take over helping David?

Tell Kirk I'm getting dressed.

What are you gonna do?

Well, I can't go to school.

And I cant stay home.

Ms. Krutch was askin'

about you yesterday.

Really? What did you tell her?

- I said you had an allergy.

- An allergy?

Yeah, but I didn't tell her

your allergy was to her.

- Thanks, Marvin.

- Don't mention it.

I'm just glad I don't have

to live up to everybody.

Seven everybody's.

Yeah, seein' what you

have to put up with

I'm beginning not to mind

my little kid sister.

Well, have a good day

at school, Marvin.

You have a good day too.

Wherever you're goin'.

- Where are you going?

- Don't ask.

Old Krutch might try

and t*rture it out of you.

Never!

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Hey, fella.

Shouldn't you be in school?

- Uh, well, it's a holiday.

- Sure it is.

That's why you're the only

kid in the park.

What's your name

and your phone number?

- Do I have to tell?

- Well, you can tell me.

Or I can call

the truant officer.

I guess I'm busted.

I guess you are, little guy.

Did you have to say that?

[instrumental music]

(Susan)

'Sorry, dad, Merle isn't

even in Sacramento.'

Really?

When will he be back?

Not until Sunday.

Sunday?

The tournament is Saturday.

Isn't there any way

you can reach him?

Oh, sorry, some of his

pals from the Cyclones

took him on a fishing trip

up near Lassen

and there's no phones.

My timing is worse than my golf.

Oh, dad. It was really sweet

of you to think of him.

I'm sure he'll be

very flattered.

Uh, maybe he can play

in the tournament next year.

Next year? I have a feeling

we won't even be invited.

Hello there, Nancy Bradford.

Oh, hi, Kirk.

Uh, look,

I-I cant talk right now

I'm supposed to be working.

Relax. I'm a big customer.

Here. I brought you something.

What's that?

I know you've been

cooling it on the night life.

'So, since I have to buzz down'

to San Francisco this afternoon

I thought you could

come over to my apartment.

'Whip up some dinner?'

I have it waiting.

I think we are about due

for a quiet evening.

[sighs]

You're kidding.

Why should I kid

my favorite girl?

I can't.

I'm sorry, David.

David?

Yeah, David.

[doorbell ringing]

It's unlocked, come in.

David, I've gotta

tell you something.

Hey, Nancy,

thanks for coming by.

If I'd had time I, I,

would have called to thank you.

This job gets better every time

I add up the figures.

I think I can save Kirk

a lot of money

and put Bradford

Construction Company

on its first solid footing.

Oh, David, I'm really sorry.

And I owe it all to you, Nancy.

Wait a minute.

Did you say you were sorry?

For what?

I've blown this for you.

All your work, all your future.

What are you talking about?

Kirk Ashley.

I-I told him to get lost.

- When?

- Just now.

What happened?

Well, he came close

to costing me my job.

Not to mention my self respect.

I just couldn't

meet his terms, David.

'Not even for you.'

Oh, Nancy.

Did I ever ask you to?

No.

But I really wanted to help you.

Hey, you did help me.

Oh, no, I didn't.

Come on, sit down.

I ruined everything, David.

Well, you proved

something to me.

That I can do jobs like this.

I can bid on them.

And I can build 'em

if I get the chance.

Thanks, David, but..

I know how terrible

you must feel.

Wasting all this time and work.

Who says it's wasted?

I'm going to submit this bid.

Kirk Ashley

wont even look at it.

'Well, he will if he's

a good businessman.'

And if he's not

a good businessman

then I don't wanna be

involved with him.

You know something?

I like that.

Good.

'Cause that's the way it is.

Well, at least

I was right about something.

You do deserve

to be recommended.

Me?

No, what about you?

I've known Nancy Bradford

for over years.

She's loyal, hard working

and she makes me very proud.

Oh, David.

Thanks.

[laughs]

You're a nut.

Thank you very much, Mr. Bush.

I really appreciate you calling.

Does he play hookey a lot?

No, actually,

this is the first time.

Hmm.

Boy, usually this park

is just so crowded

you cant even find a seat.

Do you wanna talk about it?

[instrumental music]

Please?

No.

Okay, where would you

like to go?

I don't care.

So boring, we never

go any place, we never talk.

Okay, if that's the way

you want it.

[music continues]

- You know what?

- What?

I can't get away from it.

Not at school,

not at home, not even here.

- "It?"

- Them.

Who?

David, Mary, Joannie, Susan

Nancy, Elizabeth, Tommy.

All the big Bradford's.

What do you mean exactly?

Well...here..

You might as well read it.

Nothing could be worse

than what I've been through.

[music continues]

This is terrible.

I didn't mean to

let the family down.

Not you, I mean this note.

You mean you don't like it?

No, I hate it. What happened

to your regular teacher?

She deserted us to have a baby.

Well, cheer up

'cause I'm not gonna desert ya.

Come on, let's go home.

What's this?

It's a picture of David

when he was your age.

He was a real little squirt.

Not David.

See for yourself.

Not a total squirt.

Pretty puny.

Yeah, pretty puny.

See, are you gonna

believe me now?

Everybody in this family

had to go through being young.

You, you just have to

go through it last.

And that's the hardest.

You can say that again.

Abby, is it ever gonna be over?

Believe me, Nicholas.

Some day you'll wish it weren't.

Someday you'll wish

you were younger.

Not me.

Oh, believe me,

someday it'll happen.

But right now,

you just have to believe

that your doin' terrific.

And don't let anybody

compare you to anybody else.

I wish somebody showed me

all this junk before.

I guess they just

never thought of it.

How come you did?

Oh, Nicholas, when you showed me

that note from Ms. Krutch..

Well, I-I knew

exactly how you felt.

How could you? You're not

your family's youngest?

No, but I've had

to constantly try

to live up

to the very good example

set by somebody else.

- Who?

- Your mom.

- My mom?

- 'Yeah.'

'It's really hard

trying to, to follow'

'somebody else's footsteps.'

I can never be all the things

that she was to this family.

I can only be myself.

But people..

Well, I-I, I guess

they can't help comparing us.

People? You mean, me too?

Oh, I'm not

blaming anybody, Nicholas.

I mean, she was your mother

and, and I'm Abby and..

And I can only be myself.

And that's the way

it's gotta be.

Just, just like

you've gotta be Nicholas

'and, and you cant be Tommy'

'or-or David

or-or anybody else.'

'Do you understand?'

I guess so.

Well, that's good for starters.

So, the next time

anybody tries to

compare you to anybody else.

You can talk to me.

It's a deal?

- Deal.

- Deal.

- Abby.

- Yeah?

You can talk to me too.

I'll remember that.

[laughs]

How could you

possibly feel better?

If you were here,

Marvin, you'd know.

But you said

you were really busted.

You know, really in for it.

Yeah,

but Abby said not to worry.

What she says

doesn't really count.

This is school stuff.

Oh, yeah,

well, she said she's goin'

over there to talk

to Ms. Krutch.

'When?'

Well, she left

just before you came.

So, they're probably

talkin' right now.

Hope she didn't go alone.

All alone.

She didn't take your dad?

Nope.

She's braver than I thought.

All alone to face Ms. Krutch.

It was never my intention

to intimidate Nicholas.

I'm not questioning

your motive, Ms. Krutch

only the result.

Result?

I've always found it

very inspiring

for the younger children

to have the achievements

of their elders

held up as examples.

We all need heroes to emulate.

Well, heroes

are one thing but..

...but family is another.

Do you have

brothers and sisters?

Yes, I'm the oldest

of three girls.

You're the oldest.

Um, if you ever

ask your younger sister

how it feels

to, to have to emulate you?

Come to think of it,

I have not.

And how do you feel

w-when your students

come to you and tell you that..

Well, that

you just don't do things

the same way that

their real teacher does?

Perhaps you have a point.

Perhaps it isn't Nicholas

who is too young.

It is I who am too old.

No, Ms. Krutch.

I just hope that his family

is as understanding

as you've been.

His family?

His family.

- Dad.

- Yes, Nicholas.

This was Abby's idea, wasn't it?

Oh, well,

remember I always told you

that some day

you and I would play

in a father and son

golf tournament.

Well, this is the day.

Alright, Nicholas,

you were right.

It was Abby's idea.

I thought so,

she's really great, isn't she?

Yeah, she is, Nicholas.

You know, sometimes

you make her feel puny.

- Puny?

- Yeah.

Like sometimes she's not

as terrific as our mom was.

Oh, well, we don't

mean to do that, Nicholas.

I know, but we do it.

Well, yeah,

I guess so. Sometimes.

Well, the truth is,

Abby was the one

that made it good

at school for me.

We're very lucky to have her.

And we shouldn't

make her feel bad.

That's right, Nicholas.

We shouldn't.

Oh, that's terrific.

Thank you.

Nicholas, guess what

Mr. Randolph

wants you to go first.

- First, me?

- Yeah!

That's right, Nicholas.

Randy III and I

have both have agreed

that you're the one

who should lead off

for our little foursome.

Alright!

Thanks, Eliot.

(Eliot)

'Don't mention it, Tom.'

After all this is

the father-son tournament.

That's what it's all about.

Exactly.

Come on then, Nicholas.

Get up there and show us how.

[instrumental music]

Watch this.

Mom.

[music continues]

(Tom)

'Pour me another one, Abby.'

(Nicholas)

'Me too, please.'

'Boy, it sure makes you thirsty,

doesn't it, dad?'

(Tom)

'Oh, golf is like that,

Nicholas.'

'The sun, sand traps.'

(Nicholas)

And losing.

- Better luck next time.

- Next time we'll win a trophy.

Right, next time.

I mean, cheer up, you guys.

A score of one seventeen

is not disgraceful.

It is for six holes.

Hi, everybody.

Uh, where's Nancy?

I think she's upstairs.

Good, I wanna give her the news.

What news?

Kirk Ashley took my bid.

Congratulations.

Well, he took my bid, dad,

he didn't accept it.

I was a few thousand too high.

But he was impressed enough

to put me on his bid list

for future projects.

- That's great.

- Yeah.

At least I've got

another sh*t at it.

- Next time.

- Right, next time.

Well, I'll see you both later.

Nicholas, where are you going?

To rest up for next time.

It's gonna be awful

busy round here.

Cheers.

[theme music]

[music continues]