03x02 - Meet Me Where I Am

[bunniefuu]

- ["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing]


- You don't owe me ♪

One more minute of your wasted time ♪

You act like it's all fine ♪

It isn't hard to leave ♪

Knowing that I'll be getting life

On track ♪

I wanted to believe ♪

I've gotta make a destination ♪

Find where I belong ♪

This time I've got no hesitation ♪

I'll be movin' on ♪

To where I belong ♪

I'll be movin' on ♪

Over the line I've drawn ♪

I'm already gone ♪

[music fades]

[solemn music playing]

[stammers] All you need

to know about what?

Where things stand.

Where I stand.

I I I know this is painful


- And yet you want him.


- I don't know what I want!

You want him,

or you wouldn't have to think twice

about wanting to tell him

to pack himself back off

to whatever struggling little hot zone

he thinks needs saving.

[sighs]

I love you, Helen.


- I love you.


- No, don't, don't.

Don't stand there

weighing me against another man

and tell me you love me.


- But I do.


- I respected you.

I supported you.


- I I gave you space.


- And I thank you for that.


- But I was a fool.


- No.


- [Erik] Yes.


- No.

Because what slipped

into that space I made?

[scoffs]

A ghost.

And I will not wrestle with that ghost.

I have enough of my own.

[softly] Don't do this.

[solemn music continues]

[crying] I don't wanna lose

our friendship.

You already have.

[door opens]

[crying softly]

[door opens]

Ooh! Honey, leave those right there.


- I can take them upstairs.


- No, no, no.

I I don't want you to be late for PT.

Have fun.

Yeah, PT and the dentist,

both flat
-out parties.

I know it's tough,

but you're almost there.

I'm proud of how hard you've been working.

Thanks.

Be productive ♪

Be
-e productive ♪

B
-E P
-R
-O ♪

Okay, that doesn't really work,

but you know what I mean.

Hey, Ty.

Hey, Lily.


- [Lily] Your mom is so


- Enthusiastic.

I was going to say luminous.


- Yeah, that too.


- [Lily chuckles]

She's a truly remarkable woman.

I really admire how she doesn't let

anything get her down.

I understand you're all

going through so much,

but she must carry

the weight of it, right?

Moms always do.

Yeah, which really isn't fair.

My mom would agree.

Is it true

Coach Cal rampaged at Sullivan's?


- Where'd you hear that?


- I'm sorry. Is it not true?

I wouldn't normally believe

something like that.


- So many people are talking


- It's just a misunderstanding.


- Blown way out of proportion.


- Still, your poor mother.

Hey, Ty! You, uh, mind if I steal Lily?

It's time for our morning Vinyasa session.

Uh, just know I'm here

any time you need a friend.

[pensive music playing]

Am I late, or are you early?

I have my schedule. You have yours.


- How can I help?


- Usual prep will be just fine.

Jeremy drop off

any surprises this morning?

Oh.

Lots of good stuff in here.

Asparagus and shallots.

This is just asking

for asparagus in beurre blanc

paired with grilled salmon.

Ooh, or roast chicken.

What do you think?

About what?

Are you okay?

Helen.

It's over.

I'm I'm so sorry.


- What can I do for you?


- Make the beurre blanc.

Not kitchen
-wise. Friend
-wise.

I need kitchen
-wise right now.

Okay, absolutely.

Maybe after work, we can grab a pizza?

Thank you,

but I'm gonna ask you kindly to stop.

[somber music playing]

Beurre blanc it is.


- Miss Paula.


- Hmm?


- Ryan!


- I hope you don't mind.


- Maddie told me where I'd find you.


- [chuckles] I chase the light.

Can't imagine how much you miss her.

We all do.

But I've now reached the point

where grief gives way to the certainty

that she's sitting next to

our Lord the Father himself

and looking down and saying,

"Watch out for her!" [chuckling]

"She's up to something!"

[both chuckle]

What's this?

There are a number of boxes


- Uh
-huh.


- Aunt Frances left for me to distribute.

This one was at the very top,

marked urgent.

How very Frances.


- Thank you.


- My pleasure.

Well, here.

I admire you, uh, taking care of

Frances' final farewells, as it were.

But what else do you, uh, plan to do

while you're here?

If Frances was here, she'd be asking

about your plans with Helen.

I'm asking in her stead.

I wanna stay a bit.

Make up for lost time.

That time existed

and was lived here in Serenity

while you were gallivanting

around the world.

I do hope that you're being gentle

and respectful

and considering that.

[gentle music playing]

It's my prayer

that we can make up for that lost time.

And, perhaps, be even more grateful

for what we have,

knowing it almost slipped away.

I do wish the two of you

all the happiness in the world.

But you'd better hope

that you're both dreaming the same dream.

'Cause if you make that girl

unhappy again,

I will summon your aunt back down here

to claim you, drag you,

and drop you with the devil.

[dramatic music playing]

Coach.

Hey, Coach.

Hey, thought you had physical therapy

Thursday mornings.

Do you know what you've done?

Do you have any idea?

Everybody knows. Everyone is talking,

and my mom has to deal

with the fallout all over again.

And this time because of you.

She trusted you.

I trusted you.


- And I let you down.


- Let me down all you want. I don't care.

This is my mom we're talking about here,

and I thought you were different!


- I thought you were worthy of her.


- I hoped I was.


- Hey, I'm sorry.


- [Ty grunts]

I'm sorry for embarrassing her.

And you. For hurting you both.

Is that it?


- You're sorry?


- Sorry in the fullest sense.

Meaning I regret what I did,

and I'm going to change.

It might take me some time

but I wanna get this right.

What are we supposed to do in the meantime

while the stupid vultures of this town

feast on her humiliation?

Your mom and I work something out.

The two of us.

You and I do the same.


- Why?


- 'Cause I care about you.

And her and Katie and Kyle.

I can't care right now.

I get that, truly.

Just, please

don't let your anger propel you to

this.

I was just trying to defend her.

So was I.

[dramatic music continues]

I can get you a plate.

You sound like your mother.

Don't tell her.

That you think I sound like her

or that you were violating

one of her kitchen rules?


- Both.


- [Annie chuckles]

Say, remember my talking

about my sister Kathy?

As in, "Let's not talk

about your sister Kathy?"

Yeah.


- Did something bad happen?


- [Ronnie inhales]

Yeah.


- She came to town.


- So, am I finally going to meet her?


- I hope not.


- Oh.

I don't wanna get into all of it,

but there's a reason we don't see her.

She's difficult.

She and I don't have a great relationship.

She and your mother

have no relationship, and

Whenever Kathy's around, there are

fights and tears

and lies and accusations.

And absolutely nothing stands to be gained

from exposing yourself

to that level of self
-serving

[tense music playing]

[exhales sharply]


- Sorry.


- I had no idea.

Yeah.

Well

if you cross paths with her,

don't engage.

Okay. So, why is she here?

I'm working on that. Just steer clear.

Is she a blonde?

This visit, yes. Why?

This bizarre woman came up to me

on the walking path

after Miss Frances's celebration.

What were you doing on the walking path?

Taking the pretty way home.

Anyway, this lady came up to me

and started saying

these bizarre things about Mom.

I mean, I knew

something about her was off, but

That was probably your your aunt.

[door opens]

Sorry! Sorry, sorry, sorry. Ronnie,

you didn't start without me, did you?


- [Ronnie stammers] Of course not.


- Okay. [vocalizing]

Okay, we have very exciting news.

Your father and I [laughing]

Okay. Wanna go?


- You go, please.


- No? Me? [laughing]

Your father and I are gonna throw you

the fanciest party ever

for your sweet sixteen.


- [Ronnie] Sky's the limit.


- And we were thinking a carnival theme.

'Cause you always used to complain

that your birthday wasn't on Halloween,

which I always thought

was about the candy, but [laughs]

Listen, I found a company

that rents those sh**t
-'em games

and all the prizes

that go along with them.

And, of course, all the vendors.

Popcorn, hot dogs, churros

Cotton candy, of course.

But now, here's where

your father and I got stuck. [chuckles]

Clowns

or magicians?

[chuckling]

And the dessert.

Funnel cakes or a sundae bar?

What happened to dinner in Charleston

and the aquarium? Just the three of us.

Well

Well, I I mean,

we we can do so much more now.

Because of Miss Frances's money.

Um

We thought you'd be excited.

[Annie] I am. I

I mean, I appreciate how excited you are,

and I'm excited too.

But this is just weird.

[solemn music playing]

Come sit.

Come walk.

I didn't mean for that

to sound like a formal declaration

just because I asked to come by.

Just a nice night for a walk.

It's good to hear from you.


- [Cal breathes deeply]


- It's been a day or two.

Yeah, I wanted to take some time.

I I kind of had an extra credit project.

Quiet some thoughts.

Then today, it all snapped into place.

Sounds promising.

Yeah.

Remember when we first met, and I said

I didn't wanna be just friends with you?

[chuckles softly]

It was a romantic gesture at the time.

Yeah, kind of was.

Except I realized

I didn't wanna be friends with you

because I've never actually been friends

with a woman.

You and Jodie seem very close.

Jodie's wonderful,

but we know each other through work.

And it grew into something,

but it was never intentional.

Vicky and I were only intentional

about hurting each other.

I want us to be intentional

about everything.

So do I.

Cool.

So, do you have any pointers

for a former hothead

who would like to be

your close and personal friend?

[chuckles]

Oh

Hey, no. Stop distracting me.

I've been doing my homework too.

Okay.

And I realized how much I valued

open and honest communication.

Not trying to be perfect,

expecting the other person to be perfect.

Just

the freedom to say,

"I've had a crappy day,"

and to know that it's heard,

not judged or diminished.

I do hear you.

And I know all about crappy days,

so I have no problem discussing those.

Hmm.

Wanna give it a trial run?

sh**t.

Ty doesn't wanna play baseball this year.

Maybe ever.

Well, uh, when did he decide that?

Some conversation he had with Bill

at Miss Frances's celebration.

[gentle music playing]

That's a that's a shame.

And I hope you'll let me know

if there's anything I can do to help him.

Or you.

This helps.

So much.

Oh! Hey! [stammers]

I don't think

that's a very, uh, friendly gesture.

Oh!

So, we're going full
-on

We're just friends.

There's just there's

no friends with benefits?

[stammers] I think it might help.

[chuckles]

Okay.

Um, I can do that.

What are you thinking? A day or two?

Weeks. Two.


- Two weeks.


- What?

[giggles]


- [chuckles]


- I mean, if we can't get through that, I

I don't know if that sounds like a thr*at

or a challenge, but you are on, my friend.

All right.

Oh! No, no.

[playful music playing]

[Cal] Hmm.

Seriously, you don't have

a perfect birthday party in mind?

You do?

Dinner for two and a romantic walk.

Through Madrid.

[chuckles]

So it might not be next year,

but we'll get there one day, you and I.

I mean, I'm used to only having control

over the flavor and shape of my cake.

And that, my creature of habit, would be?

White and round,

and don't you dare wrinkle your nose.

[gasps softly]

Not even a sprinkle interior?

Ew! No, too sweet.

Mm. You know,

you're pretty sweet yourself.

Okay. If you don't have an idea,

let's brainstorm.

What is the best birthday party

you've ever been to?

Oh! Michelle Sandoval's

roller skating party in first grade.

For those of you

who didn't fall and chip a tooth.

Ouch, I forgot. Sorry.

I'll take you roller skating.


- Hmm?


- Just you and me.

And maybe a mouth guard.


- [chuckling] Yeah.


- But for your birthday, think huge.

[calm music playing]

In fifth grade,

Izzie Bradford had ponies at her party.

And the next year, I begged my parents

for the same exact thing.

Mom did an amazing unicorn theme,

which was great.


- But


- It wasn't ponies.

I'd get you ponies.

Sixteen ponies

on roller skates,

ridden by 16 baton twirlers,

and parade you through town

to reach 16 hot air balloons

to tour 16 wonders of the world.


- Stop.


- [chuckles]

All I want, all I need is

to spend my birthday

with the people I care about most.

Mm, well, you'll at least need

16 of your favorite flowers,

which I'm ashamed to say I do not know.

White roses.


- Hmm.


- What's yours?


- White roses.


- Since when?


- Right now.


- [laughs] Yeah?

Mm
-hmm.

[chuckles]

Click. This moment is all you need

to give me for my birthday.

[jazz music playing]

O
-7

You would do well, son,

to keep your eyes on your own cards

and not covet the cards of your neighbor.

O
-75.

O, as in "Ozymandias," 75.

Having trouble keeping track of my cards,

and she's making me nervous.

Lift your head, Maddie.

Take in all your options in front of you,

and it's easier to keep track.


- [Maddie] Thank you.


- [June] Mm
-hmm.

Is that life advice or bingo advice?

Um, my friend is new to the game,

so I'm trying to help her.

My question stands.

You worried I'm gonna give her an edge,

and she's gonna b*at you?

[announcer] I
-20.

I, as in impertinent, 20.

Might be.

Well, don't worry.

If anyone here is gonna b*at you,

it'll be me.

Will you tell me your name before you do?

June.


- David.


- [announcer] B
-9.


- B, as in benevolence, 9.


- Um, and this is Maddie.


- Hi, David.


- Hi.

Nice to have a friend

looking out for you on so many levels.

You have no idea.

[announcer] N
-45.

N, as in Nazareth, 45.

My cards are dismal,

so I am gonna hit the beverage table.

Can I bring either of you something?

No, thank you.

[jazz music continues]

[indistinct chattering]

Were you flirting with him?

Honey, you need to get out more

if you're not sure

you can identify flirting anymore.


- But you're a


- Single adult woman.


- And you're good at it.


- Mm
-hmm. Want lessons?

[chuckling] Maybe.

[announcer] G
-54.

G, as in gratitude, 54.

Bingo!

[crowd exclaiming]

[announcer] Not so fast.

Let me see that card.

[crowd applauding]

[TV turns off]

[Ty exhales]

So?

Hey. What did you think?

[Ty] Fine, you're right.

I like it.

Yes! I knew it! If anyone

was gonna get you to like Shakespeare,

it was gonna be Baz Luhrmann.

Wait. So so, what sold you?

Was it the the the costumes, the music?

I know. It was the muscle cars, right?

Mercutio, actually.

Especially that bit

about a plague on both your houses.

I always thought Romeo and Juliet

was boring, avoidable drama.

But look at it from Mercutio's side, and

you're watching your best friend

throw it away for someone they just met.

And then you get k*lled for it.

You're so gonna flunk English.

[pensive music playing]

[doorbell rings]

[doorbell rings]

[pensive music continues]


- [Isaac hesitates]


- [Erik sighs]

Please don't make me

talk about the weather.

I keep hoping it'll get better.

You know, mourning

turning into dancing and all that.

[Isaac] It's never fast enough.

But doesn't going through it alone

make it worse?

We don't have to talk.

We can just

sit.

[mellow music playing]

[Bill] Maddie.

What brings you by, Bill?

Checking up on Tyler.

Checking up?

Dr. Ahmed did me the favor of calling me

to let me know

he didn't make it to PT yesterday.

Is he sick?

No. No, but I'll I'll talk to him,

and I'll book another appointment.

Oh, no need. I was able

to get him an appointment for today.


- They could see him in 30 minutes.


- Oh.

Um, okay.

I better get him in the car. Thank you.

Why don't I take him?

It's more or less on my way,

and while we're at it,

I can have a talk with him in the car

about appointment protocol

and good manners.

I'll get him.

[knocking on door]

Aunt Helen, I brought lunch.

Oh, what a pleasant surprise. Come here!

[chuckles, sighs]

I know I'm not

your regular delivery person,

but I volunteered

because I need to talk to you,

goddaughter to godmother.

Well, you don't have to bring lunch

to do that. What's up?

I have so much to be grateful for.

People who love me,

a beautiful house in a wonderful town.

Giving thanks at all times for all things.

So I don't wanna sound spoiled,

but you know about the check

from Miss Frances?

Huh.

Well, Mom and Dad wanna spend

some of it on my sweet sixteen,

and their plans are so over
-the
-top.

It doesn't feel right.

It doesn't feel like them.


- Did you talk to them about that?


- [sighs] I wasn't sure how.

They were so excited,

and I was so uncomfortable,

and I don't think that they understood.

Hmm.

Aunt Helen,

is this money going to change them?

Everything seems like

it's finally getting back to normal.

Dad is back home. They seem really happy.

I don't want anything to spoil that.

Money changes people

who put it at the center of their lives.

You know what's at the center

of your parents' lives?

Love and faith.

And you.

[gentle music playing]

An extraordinary young woman.

They're looking for ways

to celebrate that.

But if what they're talking about makes

you uncomfortable, they deserve to know.

So you tell them loud and clear,

and I know you can do

the loud and the clear.

[laughing]

I don't wanna hurt their feelings.

I predict they'll be proud.

Thanks, Aunt Helen.

You always have the right answer.

Nah.


- Except to one question.


- What's that?

What would you like me to give you

for your birthday?

[both laughing]

This isn't just about therapy, Tyler.

It's about personal responsibility.

So why didn't you tell anybody

you weren't going?

It won't happen again.

Well, I can appreciate that,

but I'm still wondering why.

Are you bored or impatient?

Talk to Dr. Ahmed and the therapist.

Maybe change up the routine.

Therapy's fine.

I know you wanna give up baseball,

but you're gonna have other options

if you see this through.

You may not have a whole arm yet,

but you got speed, agility.

We'll find you another sport.

I'm not sure that's the answer.

Well, let's find the thing

that's gonna drive you.

That'll define you.

You cannot run away from hard.

Finish what you start.

Really?

[poignant music playing]

I'm trying to learn from my mistakes, son.

It's how a man grows.

Hey.

Hey.

[sighs] Is there something

you're not telling me?

I've learned from my mistake.

I won't miss another appointment.

[diners chattering indistinctly]

[Rebecca coos]

[food sizzles in pan]

Hello, Noreen, and you little sweet pea.

[chuckling] Oh my.

Why do they grow so fast?

So we can eventually sleep.

[chuckles] It's true.

She seems pretty mellow.

Hey, but does she need a walk?


- No, she's settling down just fine.


- [Rebecca cooing]

I'm here because

I wanted to give y'all something.

[gasps] You don't have to do that.


- [Noreen chuckles]


- Ooh.

I know it may seem a little strange

to bring food to chefs,

but my family makes my GG's special recipe

whenever somebody does something nice.

And, boy, have y'all been

the biggest blessing to me.

That is very thoughtful. Thank you.

Dark chocolate, crushed walnuts,

and some special touches.


- Special touches, huh?


- Ooh.

All right, y'all gotta follow the rules,

but we also have to rise to the case

and see if we can suss out the secret.

[chuckles] Yeah.

[Dana Sue chuckles]


- [Rebecca cooing]


- [Erik] Hmm.

Is that almond extract?

Maybe.

Sorry, I didn't mean

to clear out your kitchen.

No eating in the kitchen. It's a rule.

[sniffs]

Now, you're not gonna just stand there

watching us eat, are you?

Yeah, we'll be suspicious if you do.

[Dana Sue, Erik chuckling]

Thank you, Noreen.

[chuckles softly] Thank all of y'all.

[playful music playing]

[both munching]


- [Erik] Mm.


- [Dana Sue] Mm.

Noreen, I need this recipe.

Oh dear. It's Peanut's nap time.

I gotta scoot, but I'll see y'all later.


- [Rebecca babbling]


- [Dana Sue, Erik chuckle]

I got it. Allspice.

[Ty] Thanks, Dad.

Happy to help, Tyler.

Uh, we had a good talk,

but there's something going on

I could not get to the bottom of.

He's making big decisions. Big changes.

I'll stay on top of it.

I'm not trying to overstep

whatever boundaries

you wanna set, Maddie. I

I just wanna be there for our children

as much as I can be,

understanding that you're here

for them 24/7, which I appreciate.

[solemn music playing]

More than I could say.

Good night, Maddie.

[door closes]

We owe it to Serenity to get

strong candidates on the recall ballot.

You know, people

who can really stand up against Trent.

And shut up Mary Vaughn for good.

[Helen] Mm.


- That will take a force of nature.


- [Helen chuckles]


- [Dana Sue] Who do you think can b*at him?


- [Helen] Hmm.

Zoila? I mean, she's a flea's ear away

from everything happening in Serenity.


- And she's a people person.


- Or Judith.

You know, she put together

the VBS activities so efficiently.

Great planning skills

and interested in community outreach.

[Helen] Mm
-hmm.


- Tom Patterson might be good.


- Bill's lawyer?

Hey. Nasty clients

do not a bad lawyer make.

Tom's quite good,

and he's got great relationships

with a lot of businesses. Mm.

Hmm. Anyone else we should volunteer?


- Not it.


- [Helen] Hmm.

[Ronnie] Not it!

[Helen snickers, laughs]


- Y'all get comfy in the living room.


- Yeah.

Hiding in the hallway.


- Uh
-huh.


- [Helen] Mm
-hmm. [chuckles]


- I actually forgot he was here.


- [Helen] Mm.

Some sort of margarita night alarm

should have gone off to remind us

that there was a man in this house!

I Ladies, I am going out.

I forgot that I have to have a thing

while you have your thing

so that your thing

can be completely your thing.


- Night.


- Night.

[Helen] Night.

[chuckles]

So we're a little rusty on our boundaries.


- Sorry about that.


- No need, Dana Sue.

We hadn't started talking

about the juicy stuff.

Mm! It's taking us a minute

to remember how to live together.

But I'm happy to trip over his shoes

in the hallway. It means he's home.

Also, I'd like to stop tripping.

[all laughing]


- You seem happy.


- You look happy. [chuckles]

Yeah, I am.

And we are back in the groove

in all the important ways.


- [exclaims]


- I never doubted it for a minute.

[all] Pour it out! [laughing]

Okay, but not too much detail, Dana Sue.

I don't wanna get jealous,

because Cal and I have entered

a very special kind of friend zone.

Excuse me!

You need to get into some detail.

Yeah. We're rebuilding our foundation.

Starting off as friends

with benefits suspended for two weeks.


- Oh, you poor thing.


- [chuckles]

[Helen] Starting off slow is one thing,

but going back once you've started,

that must be difficult.

It's actually okay.

It's a new focus.

And hopefully, it will bring us,

the real us, closer.

Amen.

On the other hand,

the other man in my life is far too close.


- Bill came back from Castlewood?


- [groans]

A little unexpected visit.

Yeah. Well, Ty missed his PT appointment,

and Bill took it upon himself

to save the day.

Booked a new appointment,

took Ty there, delivered him back home,

and and then he just hung around

like he was waiting

to get a medal or something.

Co
-parenting with Ronnie has been tough

since he's been back, and I like him.

I can only imagine how hard it is for you.


- Is everything okay with Ty?


- [Maddie] I thought so.

I probably should've talked to him

before I came here, but

I mean, he and Kyle are great.

They cook. They clean.

They even looked after Katie last night

so I'd have a fun night out.


- Without touching Cal?


- No.

I went out with Pastor June.

You went for a fun night out

with our pastor?

Yeah! Yeah, we had a little Mexican food.

We played bingo. [chuckles]

I even got a good lesson in flirting.


- From June?


- [Maddie] Mm
-hmm.

[laughing]

[chuckles]


- Oh, she's been holding out on us.


- Yes.

Maybe she should hold a class

on the great flirts of scripture.


- You know, there are some.


- There are some.

Well, good for you for getting out there

and trying some new things.


- You deserve it.


- We all deserve a little joy.

[suspiciously] Helen.

You made a decision about Ryan?

Well, enough of one

that I had to tell Erik.

I'm gonna guess,

based on how quiet he's been at work,

that that was not a good conversation.

It was not.

And I don't know

under what heady star I was standing

to think that it could be otherwise.

I wanted to find a way

to keep him in my life, but he refused.

And, of course, he did.

I was being selfish to think

that things could be any different.

I mean, if if

if the roles were reversed,

would I wait around

while while he tried to determine

if he had a future

with with a love from his past?

But if I don't do my best

to see this through with Ryan,

it'll haunt me forever.

And whoever else I might try to be with.

[somber music playing]

What did Erik say?

[breathing shakily]

He said that [crying softly]

He said he doesn't want a place

any place, in my life.

It was a tough choice.

A terrible loss but a necessary step.

You grieve it as you need to.

This

this is the beauty of old friends.

You meet me wherever I need you.

Sometimes before I can even ask.

[Dana Sue] Mm.

Come here.

[Cal] Trotter, your text said

we were playing one
-on
-one.

I understand why you decided

you needed reinforcements, but

We have to talk before we can play.

Looks an awful lot like an intervention.

Whoa, whoa. That's not the intention.

Howie and Isaac offered to be here too,

but that would definitely be

like an intervention.

So

what exactly is this?

Just a discussion about what happens next.

Ah, that's completely up to you guys.

I messed up.

I embarrassed you and embarrassed myself.

Wrong kind of discussion.

We're here for you.

We feel for you.

And it's important you know

you're not alone in any of this.

[Trotter] Tell us what you need.

I can't.

It's hard, but you can.

What would you tell the team?

You gotta warm up before you swing big.

We gonna take this one inning at a time.

[calm music playing]

Together.


- Why would you do that?


- Because you're our friend.

We'll do whatever you need.

Except spot you points.

[all chuckling]


- [door opens]


- [keys jangling]


- [phone clicks off]


- [door closes]

[Ty sighs]

Leftovers were eaten.

Dishes were done.

Katie is in her room reading.

Kyle is dweebing out on FaceTime.

And the house still stands.


- Thank you for the mission report.


- Yes, ma'am.

Hey, can we talk a second

before you turn in?

I'm sorry for missing PT.

Dad lectured me on finishing

things I start. It won't happen again.

I'm not gonna lecture you.

I just wanna know what happened.

Look, I can't force you to tell me,

but if there's anything

I went to see Coach.

I saw Lily at the spa,

and she asked about the fight

and said everyone was talking,

so I had to go see him.

I was so mad. I

I thought I wanted an apology.

When I started yelling at him,

I realized I didn't want him

I realized

I didn't wanna hear him say sorry.

'Cause sorry doesn't fix anything.

Sorry doesn't un
-punch that guy

or un
-scare

or un
-humiliate you or doesn't

Sorry doesn't fix anything by itself.

You're right.

But it can be a step along the way.

Sincere and contrite heart. Right?

A true apology is admitting fault

and promising to work

to be better next time.

Ty, we all have work to do, including Cal.

Including me.

[emotional music playing]

So here's an apology from me.

I am sorry that you felt like

you had to talk to Cal on my behalf.

I appreciate your willingness

to defend my honor,

but people make mistakes.

This town gossips.

You cannot take all that on by yourself.

Especially when it might impede

your own journey.

Or PT.

[chuckles softly]

[Maddie] I'm proud of you

as a warrior and as a young man.

But not every battle is yours to fight.

I have to fight some on my own, okay?


- Okay.


- Come here.

I love you.

[ducks quacking]

Dr. Townsend has been trying to reach me.

I don't know

that I'm ready to talk to him.

There's no need to do anything

until you are ready.

Glad to hear you feel that way.

'Cause I don't wanna talk to him.

Or tell anyone else.

You have my support

and my word.

It's nobody's business,

much as half of Serenity thinks

all business is their business.

It means a lot you see it the same way,

so thank you.

You are a part of my fresh start too.

We talked about how to move forward,

and I've been thinking about it.

But I realized

I've been overcomplicating it. [chuckles]

So, Isaac,

will you be my friend?

[gentle music playing]

How do you define "friend"?

No hidden agenda here,

but my friends are people

that I respect and enjoy

and look forward to spending time with.

Well then,

you already qualify as my friend.

So it would only be polite

for me to be your friend.

[both chuckle]

So, how do we do this?

One walk,

one brunch,

one conversation at a time.

Uh, Mrs. Lewis.

We're all set for summer interns,

but I appreciate your interest.

All due respect to your business, ma'am,

I'm here to talk about something else.

Well, have at it, then.

I I'm incredibly fond of your daughter.

She is kind. She's she's fun.

[stammering] And she walks

through the world with grace.

And I know our families

don't see eye to eye,

especially with the recall.

And I fully own my fault

in putting Nellie's life at risk.

But I'm not my mother.

And after a lot of therapy

and introspection,

I'm not the person I was that night.

[stammers] And Nellie isn't you.

So, respectfully, ma'am,

while I understand why

you don't want me seeing Nellie,

I I came here today

to ask what I need to do

in order to be worthy of her.

Well, I appreciate your eloquence.

And I appreciate your sincerity.

[chuckles softly]

And I appreciate your gumption.

[both chuckle]

Now get away from me.

[tense music playing]

[vehicle door opens, closes]

[engine starts]

[somber music playing]

Walking and talking. This isn't so bad.

These two friend weeks

are gonna be a breeze.


- Yes, busy feet make for less busy hands.


- Mm
-hmm.

[Maddie chuckles] Here.


- Got it?


- Yeah.


- Here, I can get it.


- Hey. Hey!


- What?


- Hands.


- I


- I got this.


- Oh!


- Hey.

[Maddie sighs]

You were saying.

It was just a matter of time

before this stupid gate broke.

This is just one more thing

that Trent failed to take care of.

I can bring my tools down here.

It's just a couple of hinges.

Yeah, but why isn't Public Works

taking care of it?

This is why Trent deserves to be recalled.

So many problems, so little attention,

and not enough hours in the day.

Well, we also have

a community filled with talented people

who I'm sure would be

more than willing to help.

Right. We just have to get them motivated.

I'll help you.

With the, uh, fixing,

the motivating, the whatever. [chuckles]

Okay.

Let's start making a list.

The water fountain at the park.

That old oak tree on State Street

that is one storm away from toppling over.

Well, we can fix anything

we put our minds to.

[gentle music playing]

I believe we can.

You make it so hard for me

not to kiss you right now.

Focus.

We've got work to do.

[comical note plays]

[Helen] I thank you for this.

But I can't accept it.


- Helen, please.


- [Helen] Yet.

Can't accept it yet.

We've been circling each other

our whole lives.

We say it's over, but it's not.

We say it's impossible,

but it's not.

Isn't it time to embrace the fact

that we are meant to be together,

to seize the dream we have

of making a difference together?

Wherever we are.

Wherever we're needed.

I make a difference here.

I'm needed here.

This is a side trip for you,

but this is my home.

If we're gonna have a future,

you must root yourself here

in Serenity.

[solemn music playing]

This ring is a symbol of a commitment

you want me to make.

I need you to commit too.

Yes.

I wanna do whatever I can

to be with you. I'll figure it out.

But there's a lot to figure out.

First, I'll have to give up my job.

We're both gonna have to make sacrifices

if this is gonna work.

[closing theme music playing]