Finding Grace (2020)

[bunniefuu]

(PROJECTOR WHIRRING)
(DRAMATIC MUSIC)

(PEACEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

WOMAN: The fine imposed is
$750.

How long do you need to pay?

Seven...

I don't ha...

I don't have a job.

You have 90 days.

You will also take an approved
anger management course

in the next 30 days.

See the clerk on the way out.

Hm, uh, Alaska Rose?

Do you understand the
instructions given

at the beginning of this
hearing?

That would be either a yes or a
no.

Yeah.

Possession of alcohol in
public.

I didn't do anything.

What was that?

I didn't even do anything
wrong.

You pled no contest at the
start of these proceedings.

Are you now changing your plea?

It wasn't even my drink.

I was just holding it for
somebody else.

And I suppose the fake
ID found on your person

bearing your picture belongs
to someone else as well?

Miss Rose, you just turned 18.

That means, now more than ever,

the decisions you make
carry lifelong consequences.

Now this being your first
recorded offense as an adult,

I will suspend the 60 days
detention in county jail

in lieu of 100 hours of
community service.

100 hours?

That's like my entire life.

Let's make that 150.

Would you prefer 200?

If you get into any
trouble during this time,

and I mean so much as a speeding
ticket,

you will serve your time in
full.

You get this right, and you
walk away with a clean slate.

You mess up again, and you
will go to jail for real,

and you will carry with you
an adult criminal record

for the rest of your life.

So ordered.

(GAVEL CLACKS)

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

And might I suggest you leave my
courtroom

while I'm still in a good mood?

Just...

Wait a minute.

I gotta say somethin'.

And what was wrong
with the last 40 minutes?

Alaska.

Hey, get back here!

(DOOR SLAMS)

(DOOR SLAMS)

Do you think I'm gonna allow

you to continue this disrespect?

- The hell did I do now?
- Watch the mouth.

Sorry, did I say a swear word?

You're out of control.

You...

Are you enjoying this?

What are you doing?

Grounding you.

Grounding me?

You're not taking my keys!

Don't tell me what I can't do.

You will drive to school
and you will drive home

and that is it.

I'm 18 years old!

I don't care if you're 35!

Everything in this house belongs
to me.

I need my keys.

My house.

My rules.

My keys.

I'm supposed to be somewhere
tonight and I need my keys!

Stop it, Allie.

Just...

Just stop it.

You are not going anywhere
tonight.

You are not going
anywhere for a long time.

- This isn't happening.
(CHUCKLES)

This is not happening.

Do you grasp what is
happening?

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

You were just arrested, Allie.

Arrested!

You could be in jail right
now which is way different

than some little overnight
holding cell.

You are not going
who-knows-where, anymore.

Since when do you care where I
go?

Excuse me?

Mom would never do this.

Mom would never try and trap me
here

and freak out like this!

Okay, okay.

Well, why don't we just give her
a call?

Oh, that's right, she didn't
leave us a phone number.

Father of the Year.

I'm the bad guy.

You get arrested and it
all comes back to me!

(DOOR SLAMS)

Never fails.

Lookin' for an idea for
that science project?

Think you've only got about a
week

till you have to turn somethin'
in, right?

I told you already, the Solar
System.

Oh.

Maybe you did.

Look, maybe we can work
on it this weekend.

Can I have some more noodles?

I don't think Allie's had any.

She's not eating, she never
eats here.

Oh, yeah?

Let me go check on her first.

Is she going away, like to
prison?

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

No, Allie's not going to
prison.

Your sister's not a criminal.

Allie?

(KNOCKS)

Allie?

ALASKA: Yeah.

Are you hungry?

Got dinner for you.

ALASKA: No, thanks.

(CRICKETS CHIRP)

What frigging took you so
long?

Don't even get me started.

Is Derek there?

Everyone's there and it's
really late.

I really didn't want to leave.

Buckle up! (LAUGHS)

(MOODY ELECTRONIC MUSIC)
(BACKGROUND CHATTER)

Alaska girl.

There's my favorite Eskimo.

Still never lived there.

No, you're too hot to live
there.

Try and melt the whole
place down or somethin'.

Are you trying to be a dork?

So what's this I hear
about you getting arrested?

It's nothing, I just
got caught with a fake ID

when I was getting a ride
home with some college girls.

Oh, those college girls.

They're a bad influence, aren't
they?

Maybe.

You wanna go upstairs?

It's all cool, we'll
go in one of the rooms.

I kinda just got here.

Do you wanna take a walk
instead?

Sure.

(BIRDS CHIRP)

Yes?

Oh, it'll be a few minutes,
I need to call Miss Wheeler.

Is this our new help?

Alaska, is it?

They call me Allie.

Well, I'm Amanda Wheeler, I
kind of oversee things here.

And you've already met Ben.

He pretty much does everything
we need.

Helps us a lot.

Okay, you wanna come with

me, and I'll give you the brief
tour?

Can I have my paper back?

Ben can make a copy of it for
you

and give it back to you when
you're done.

Come on.

So, this is one of our dining
halls.

Pretty empty right now,

but at dinner time in a couple
of hours, it'll be very busy.

Of course, some of our
residents eat in their rooms,

but it is a good time to
socialize.

A lot of them love getting
together around dinner.

We have games, too, even
dancing.

The festivities can get a bit
out of hand some evenings.

This way.

Through that door is our medical
wing,

limited on-site emergency
services

and some outpatient stuff.

Oh, physical therapy, of course,
too.

And through here.

This is our terrace.

Quite popular with the
residents.

They can enjoy the view, listen
to music.

Or they can just move
around, get some fresh air.

Out there, we have our deck
area, probably the favorite.

Residents can go out
there if they're mobile

but they're usually accompanied
by family.

They even have fishing
off the deck, once a week.

Have any questions so far?

Yeah.

What am I supposed to be doing
everyday?

That's our final stop.

Here we are.

(KNOCKS)

Mrs. Foster?

It's Amanda.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

I brought a friend.

Her name's Alaska, isn't that
cute?

Only two kinds of girls
chew gum in public like that.

And both of them don't belong

in a wholesome place like this.

Now that's not very
welcoming, Mrs. Foster.

She likes to go by Allie.

She's the one I told you about.

The one who's gonna be
spending some time with you?

She's very nice.

I'll be back in a bit.

Wait.

I'm the one who's

signing off on your community
service papers.

Would you rather that time be in
jail?

You two have fun.
(MRS. FOSTER LAUGHS)

What are you laughing at?

We're both in jail.

Hilarious.

(MRS. FOSTER CHUCKLES)

"Alaska."

What kind of name is that
anyway?

Sounds like a name from a hippy
commune.

You grow up on a commune?

I don't know what that is.

(CHUCKLES) Oh, Lord.

And you're supposed to
be here for conversation?

No, actually, I'm not
here for conversation.

I don't even know why I'm here.

Don't know why you're here?

You're here because you messed
up.

You've gotta be smart enough
to know that, at least.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Who said you could touch
anything?

Excuse me.

You come in here and put your
grimy hands all over things.

You tried to lift my stuff.

I was just looking at it.

What'd you steal to
get stuck in here, huh?

I didn't steal anything,
you're crazy!

AMANDA: Is everything all
right?

MRS. FOSTER: Get out this
room!

Send me to jail.

And stay out!

What kinda place are you running
here?

AMANDA: It's okay, it's done.

Letting hoodlums in our rooms.

What's next, you gonna let the
gangs in?

It's okay, Mrs. Foster, it's
my fault.

I thought it would help.

MRS FOSTER: I'm not crazy.

AMANDA: I know you're not.

But you know it's not
good for you to get upset.

You need to calm down.

MRS. FOSTER: I know.

It's gonna be okay.

You've already had a long day.

Maybe you just need some rest.

You tell her...

I'm not crazy.

Wasn't the best idea, I guess.

We'll get you started in the
kitchen.

What's, um, wrong with her?

Nothing more than some
of our other residents.

Through here.

(SEAGULLS SQUAWK)

I was really supposed to be
out of here like an hour ago.

Where's Allie?

Dude.

Do you know how many times
you've asked me that?

I have no idea.

That's it for our two PM?

It was a, like, a spazzy guy
with them.

I don't know, they booked three.

MR. ROSE: They booked?

(CHUCKLES) Yeah, when
they called this morning,

and I jotted it down.

MR. ROSE: I told you
if

it's less than four, you gotta
move them to the next tour

or cancel if it's early enough.

Can I show you something?

All right, boom, boom, boom.

What next one, man?

Hey, you care if I take off?

I'm fine, thanks, Ron.

And I get the extra hour?

- (CHUCKLES) Yes.
- All right.

See ya tomorrow.

(PHONE RINGS)

Yeah, Dad?

MR. ROSE: Where are you?

Driving.

MR. ROSE: Why aren't you at
work?

I'm going to that place.

MR. ROSE: What place?

The nursing home?

Whatever it is.

Okay well did you forget that
you were scheduled for noon?

ALASKA: I have to
pay my debt to society.

I have like months to go in that
place.

That's all well and good,

but who said that was gonna
interfere with our livelihood?

Dad, please.

What, do you have like two
people there?

No.

No!

And what does that have to
do with your schedule anyway?

What do you want me to do?

Be responsible.

(SIGHS)

Okay, just...

Be careful.

- See you tonight.
- Bye.

- Hey.
- Hey, uh, Conner?

- Yeah.
- It's Bryan, Shaw.

Of church.

Sorry to drop in on you guys
like this.

That's okay.

BRYAN: Is it a bad time?

No, but uh, we just got
back from the sitter's,

and now we're sittin' down
for dinner and homework.

I understand, I should've
called.

I could've called.

Have we met?

Well, not directly, but my
wife visited a couple times,

when the kids were younger?

Okay, what can I do for you,
man?

Well, it's gonna sound
crazy, and it is kinda crazy,

'cause I don't normally
do stuff like this.

I was at church this weekend,

we haven't seen you guys
for like the longest time.

I just got this feeling.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(SIGHS) Anything we can do for
you?

No, but um...

Thanks for coming out, really.

Sure.

Well, maybe we'll see you
Sunday.

Maybe.

Awesome, well, you
guys have a good night.

(CONNER SIGHS)

Dad, what's wrong?

Nothin' at all.

(BELL RINGS)

(HORN HONKS)

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

What's your problem?

You didn't answer your phone.

I didn't have my phone on in
class.

What're you doing later?

I have to go that place.

Wanna get all my hours in before
summer.

Not cool.

Also not forever.

True.

Maybe I gotta come there.

I mean, I'm sure you get breaks,
right?

Maybe.

(HORN HONKS)

See you later, babe.

Call me.

You're late.

Again.

I do have school, you know.

This isn't like a real job or
anything.

Well...

It is, for us.

All right, I'm making the
rounds.

You know, Mrs. Foster
was asking about you.

That's great.

Yeah, you wanna bring
hers, maybe say hi?

She never leaves her room.

I'll pass, she's probably
just wondering if I'm gone yet.

Oh, well, I'll let her
know that you're not,

and that you're busy down here.

- Hi, Jimmy.
- Hey, there.

So, Allie, I thought of
something you could help us with.

Did I do something wrong?

No, no no no, you're fine.

So, the semi-annual
talent show is coming up,

and I'd like for you to be
involved.

I mean, I was gonna ask you.

Talent show?

Mm-hm.

You're serious?

Yes, I am, actually.

I started it four years
ago when I first got here.

Okay?

Anyway, so the last
couple of times have been,

I would say not as successful
as they could have been.

I was hoping that with
somebody new and trendy,

that it would be good for the
program.

"Trendy?"

You know what I mean.

So I was hoping you could start
tomorrow?

I don't know.

I'm not sure this facility
would keep running,

if I wasn't here to pass out
green jello.

I'll see you tomorrow.

(VIDEO GAME MUSIC)

Dad's not here?

He said he couldn't wait
anymore.

It's only five minutes after.

Does Dad know you're on the
game?

I don't know.

Do you have any homework?

I don't know.

How about we play one game,

and then look at what
you have for homework?

Even when you always get
totally owned?

Co-op, Kyle.

Same team, please.

Okay, deal.

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

(DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)
(g*ns FIRE)

What, Allie, don't
stop, what're you doing?

I'm not stopping.

I don't know what's
happening, I

- got stuck.
- Turn it, hurry!

Get 'em off me, get them
off...

What do you think I'm doing?

sh**t 'em, sh**t!

Go, go, go, go!

You got it!

I win!

We did it.

Awesome.

All right.

Oh, my gosh, that is not the
right time.

Kyle, it was supposed
to be one game, come on.

I don't have any homework
tonight!

I will straight up m*rder you.

I don't!

My science project was due,
but I'm gonna take the zero.

What do you mean?

You've been talking about
that project forever.

Yeah, we talked about it
but we never started it.

And now it's due tomorrow?

I won't fail.

What's it on?

Let me see it.

I wanted to do the Solar
System.

We never got anything for it.

Come on.

(WARM MUSIC)

Come on!

Allie.

Did Mom ever help you with
homework and stuff, like tonight?

Yeah, yeah, she, she was
always there

to help with that kind of
stuff when I was little.

I mean, when I was in
middle-school,

I never really asked for
it, even though I wanted it.

And Dad helped too, I
mean, he just worked a lot.

She used to always use this
thing, though, where she'd

make me try everything alone
first, before she'd help.

And it was so frustrating.

But looking back,
it was probably the biggest help of all.

Why did she leave?

(MELANCHOLY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

You know, bud...

That's something you're gonna
have to ask her. (CHUCKLES)

If you ever get the chance one
day.

I try not to worry about it
anymore.

Maybe you should try that too.

Thanks for helping me.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(UPBEAT MUSIC)

FRIEND: Oh, you got gummies?

I didn't even see the gummies.

Here. (CHUCKLES)

You sure?

Yeah, I got too much of
everything.

Thanks.

Aren't you grounded?

Yeah.

I just needed a break.

You're not finished
with those hours yet?

I just barely started 'em.

Peace.

I know it's a sensitive subject.

It's messed up.

I mean, I constantly feel
like I'm at a funeral home.

That judge must really hate me.

I bet she doesn't have any kids.

Oh, I missed the chocolate
chunks too?

And the boss lady?

Worse than my dad.

It's like I'm the only
person working there,

and I'm not even getting paid.

Dude.

And to top it all

off, she has me doing this
stupid talent show.

(FRIEND CHUCKLES)

Are you serious?

That's what I said, and
then she was

all like, "Oh yeah, I'm a genius
and I started the whole thing,"

and I was like, "Okay?"

(FRIEND GIGGLES)

Sounds like fun, though.

Maybe you'll find the next
American Idol. (GIGGLES)

Exactly.

So?

Are you gonna be able
to get out Friday night?

Probably, I'm working on it.

Derek really wants to see you.

(CHUCKLES) He thinks
you've been avoiding him.

I haven't been avoiding
him, I have work.

You know that, I mean, he knows
that.

I'm just telling you what he
says.

And why can't he talk to me?

He probably doesn't wanna make
you mad.

Probably?

Yeah, I mean, you know
as well as I do that it's

easier to talk to friends
about these things than...

Than what?

Than whatever you two are.

"Whatever we are."

What is he saying we are?

He doesn't say anything!

Then what're you talking
about?

(CHUCKLES) Look, I'm just
saying that,

and I'm telling you this
as your friend, okay?

As your best friend, that,

if you don't give your guy
attention, somebody else will.

Are you trying to tell me
something?

No, Alaska, (CHUCKLES) of
course not.

That's not what I'm saying.

That's not what I'm
saying, oh, my goodness.

Okay, look, he loves you, okay?

Okay?

And I love you.

Look, I just want you to be
happy.

So, come out with us,
Friday night. (LAUGHS)

Thad found this really
cool place in the city

that's got music.

Just tell Derek that you'll be
there.

Okay.

(SIGHS)

How's it coming along?

Oh, it looks great.

Nice job.

But the time, it's at six.

I kinda thought that
sounded a little late.

Don't old people go to bed
early?

Allie, the event has to be
after dinner.

The soonest is six.

Believe me, they have
no trouble staying up,

if they're having fun.

And I have to be there?

Oh, of course, silly,
you're the new host.

Just add your name in there.

Great.

(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(MRS. FOSTER YELPS)

Watch it!

(PHONE RINGS)

- Hello?
- I'm sorry, I'm so...

Paying resident here!

Are you okay?

Resident, not inrament.

Are you even supposed
to be up like this?

Hello?

What are you, a doctor now?

(SIGHS)

Uh, no. (CHUCKLES)

You're doin' that,
uh, talent show, right?

Yeah?

Do you have to audition
for it or something?

Audition?

I don't think so, no.

Oh.

Okay.

Did you wanna be in the talent
show?

Well, if you're insisting.

You could put my name down.

Okay. (CHUCKLES)

Okay.

And...

Keep your face out of that
phone while you're walkin'.

You could k*ll somebody, next
time.

Oh, boy.

You want me to slap
that smile off your face?

You think I won't?

You think he's gonna stop me

from poundin' you into that
wall?

I don't give a (BLEEP).

I'm gonna be in here till I'm an
old lady.

What're they gonna do to me,
huh?

Give me some more years?

I will b*at that smile off your
face,

till you don't know how to smile
anymore.

That's what it's like in here.

Nobody cares whether you
live or whether you die,

and what's yours ain't yours,

it belongs to the biggest and
the baddest.

Do you think anybody
gives a (BLEEP) in here,

you had a bad childhood, or
somebody treated you wrong,

or nobody listened to you?

You better wake up.
(TENSE MUSIC)

(ALASKA GASPS)

What's your problem?

What's your problem?

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

(ALASKA SIGHS)

(SUSPENSEFUL WESTERN MUSIC)

(JAUNTY WESTERN MUSIC)

(ALASKA SCREAMS)

Uh, hi.

Welcome to the seventh
semi-annual variety show.

We hope you enjoy the
performances,

and the showcase of talent so
prevalent here at Sunnyvale.

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS)

I bet I can guess what card
you picked.

All right, let's see if you
can guess.

All right, what is it?

- Nine of spades.
- You're perfectly right, yay!

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS)

But you know, Miss Wheeler,

she keeps us movin'
out, doesn't she, yeah?

I mean, those double dose
of beans every week, I mean,

new meaning to the word
passing on the left,

you walk down the hall.
(AUDIENCE LAUGHS)

But what about us?

We'll always have Panama City.

I said I'd never leave you.

Well, our problems don't
amount to a hill of beans,

in this crazy world.

Someday, you'll understand that.

Now, now.

Here's lookin' at you, kid.

(AUDIENCE APPLAUDS)

(RIGID PIANO MUSIC)

(PHONE VIBRATES)

Y'all remember the
Serenity Prayer, right?

There's another one called
the Senility Prayer,

and it basically says,
"God, grant me the grace

"to forget the people I
never really liked anyway."

- Miss Wheeler?
- Yeah?

I'm sorry, but is it gonna be
a problem

if I leave a little early?

My friends just have plans.

Friends?

Or a friend?

I mean, it's up to you.

But...

(MRS. FOSTER SIGHS)

♪ At last ♪

♪ My love has come along ♪

♪ My lonely days are over ♪

♪ And life is like a song ♪

♪ Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

♪ At last ♪

♪ The skies above are blue ♪

♪ My lonely heart was
wrapped up in clover ♪

♪ The night I looked at you ♪

♪ I found a dream ♪

♪ That I could speak to ♪

♪ A dream that I ♪

♪ Could call my own ♪

♪ I found a thrill ♪

♪ To press my cheek to ♪

♪ A thrill I've never ever known ♪

♪ Oh, you, you smile, you smile ♪

♪ And then the spell was cast ♪

♪ And now, here we are, in
heaven ♪

♪ For you are mine at last ♪

♪ You are ♪
(TENSE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

♪ You, you ♪

♪ You smiled ♪

♪ You ♪

♪ You ♪
(AUDIENCE GASPS)

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

AMANDA: Call 911.

(MACHINE BLEEPS RHYTHMICALLY)

Hi. (CHUCKLES)

I don't feel well.

Where am I?

You're in the hospital.

You fainted.

What're you doin' here?

Gotta get my service
hours in somehow, right?

Here, let me, um, yeah.

I can call the nurse,
that's what they get paid for.

Right.

Right, I'm sorry.

I should probably be getting
home anyway, it's really late.

What time is it?

It's about two in the morning.

- What's got you up late, Mrs.
Foster?

What can I get you?

This cursed bed, it's like
something from a cheap motel.

Was your family not able to
help you?

Who?

That girl?

She's not my family.

Oh.

I'm sorry, I just thought she
was a relative or something.

She hasn't left your side
since you were brought in.

(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(PHONE CHIMES)

Dad.

Don't even say anything.

And I don't even wanna
know where you've been.

I texted you.

I'm not stupid, Alaska.

I know there's some guy.

What?

No, I... (CHUCKLES)

We're going to church, Sunday.

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

We're going to church,
or I am selling your car.

Fine.

We can be just as fake there

as we are everywhere else,
right?

Why now, though?

You have some sort of
revelation or something?

We need God, Allie.

(SOMBER MUSIC)
(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

"We need God."

Right, just like we
needed him four years ago?

What happened, did she take him
with

her? 'Cause he hasn't been
around since.

You can't blame God, he's
always there.

And I know that I haven't
been, I know that.

So if you've gotta blame
somebody, blame me.

I do.

I'd like to read to
you this morning from

Colossians 3, verse 13.

"Bear with each other,
and forgive one another,

"if any of you has a
grievance against someone.

"Forgive, as the Lord forgave
you."

You know, in the Old
Testament, when the Israelites,

God's covenant people,
would displease him,

he would send punishments.

Famine, plague, hordes of
locusts,

to drive his people back to
living

like he wanted them to live.

But it wouldn't last.

Sooner or later, they'd give
into temptation and sin again.

Of course, God could've forced
his will on the Israelites.

Forced them to live on
the path of righteousness.

But from the beginning,

God has always wanted loving
disciples,

serving of their own free
will, not mindless slaves.

So, he sent a savior for them.

For all of us.

He sent his son, Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, Christ
teaches us,

through his example and his
words,

compassion, acceptance,
forgiveness.

We learn that we are
forgiven through God's love.

And we are expected to forgive
others,

through our love for our fellow
man.

Sometimes that's tough.

It's easy to love those
that are good to us, right?

But the folks that are not
so good to us, not so much.

Loving your enemies enough to
forgive them brings us closer

to living our lives the way
God wants us to live them,

the way Jesus lived his life,

and any other thing
that Christians can do.

Let us pray today,

for the strength, the grace
and the love to forgive.

AMANDA: Allie, good morning,
hi.

Morning.

You're here early.

Teacher work day.

Allie, that was really
sweet, what you did.

Friday.

You didn't have to stay
all night with Mrs. Foster.

How is she?

(SIGHS) Well, she's back and
resting.

Doctors think it may
have been a mini stroke.

She's had them before, but with
each one,

it seems to take a little more
from her.

What about her family, her
kids?

From what she's told me,

I don't think she could ever
have kids.

Like many of our other
residents,

we're pretty much all she has.

(SOMBER MUSIC)

You wanna see her?

Sorry, did I wake you?

You didn't.

I'm glad you're feelin'
better.

I didn't get the chance to tell
you, but,

you have a really good singing
voice.

Like...

Amazing.

I haven't used my voice like
that in...

Forever.

So, what were you, like
a real singer or something?

Well...

I had a couple of gigs.

ALASKA: That's you?

That's me.

Your cute looks are gonna fade
too.

That's not what I mean,
I mean, that's really cool.

You were like famous.

Who's that?

That's the one. (CHUCKLES)

"The one?"

My Tommy.

The one I married.

Like your soulmate?

Love at first sight type stuff?

There's no such thing.

He had to work at it.

He was the best looking man
around,

but that didn't make him
forever-material.

I didn't acknowledge him for a
long time.

(CHUCKLES) I wasn't
gonna marry just anybody.

We were together,

over 50 years.

Wow.

(KNOCKS)

Sorry, I was just coming
to check in on you two.

What you lookin' at?

Did you know that Mrs. Foster

used to be a professional
singer?

Well, I had my suspicions.

I came to see if you wanted any
lunch?

I can have Jimmy bring it in.

Okay.

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

Wait, what?

You're my two o'clock?

That's us.

- How you doin', Conner?
- Great, get onboard.

(PEACEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Boat keeping you busy?

Not as busy as I'd like, but,

picked up a part-time recently.

Yeah?

A couple of late nights,
but it really helps.

That's good.

Real good.

I know it's been kind of tough.

Real seasonal around here.

Got that right.

Good to see you at church.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's uh, (CHUCKLES)
it's been a while.

Oh, you know, the only
reason I bring it up is 'cause

just got back myself, last year.

I don't even know how
long it had really been.

And Annette was the
best, you know, she uh,

she had real patience,
let's just say that.

It wasn't anything like
phenomenal or like

divine intervention or anything
like that.

I just knew that,

I needed to make a decision.

You know, all-in, or all-out.

And once I realized that God is
all-in,

(CHUCKLES) always was?

The choice was easy.

Come on, get one!

Your kids doing all right?

Just enjoy them when they're
young.

Your girl, Alaska, right?

She's gotta be about
college age, that right?

Yeah, she's 18, but she
thinks that she's older.

She's got a lot of growin' up to
do.

I don't know about you, but,

I still got a lot of
growing up to do, too.

(BOTH CHUCKLE)

You like gotta get back anytime?

Only if you want to.

(CHUCKLES) That's
what I'm talkin' about.

That's good.

(UPBEAT MUSIC)
(LAUGHTER)

It is my favorite color, come
on.

AMY: It's true.

(GROUP LAUGHS)

You know, it's good

to have you back among
the living, Als?

(CHUCKLES)

I was thinking I

might have to check myself
into a hotel soon.

You guys.

I'm touched.

I don't know what's going on.

Yeah, you wouldn't,
'cause you've only been

in the picture for about five
minutes.

(CHUCKLES) That's harsh!

- It's all good.
(AMY LAUGHS)

You guys ready to get outta
here?

Yeah.

- Yeah.
- Yeah?

Yeah, let's go.

All right, so Alaska, why
don't you ride with Derek?

Derek's going with Thad, I
don't want you to be alone.

I can take Thad.

No, Amy, we came together.

I don't see what the big deal
is.

Derek hasn't seen you, I just
thought...

No, you don't think!

- Alaska, come on!
(SOMBER MUSIC)

You're dead.

I'm perfectly capable
of walking outside.

I thought you wanted to enjoy
the view?

I'm just checking something.

Mm-hm.

Sorry.

What's so important?

Or should I say, who's so
important?

Hm?

You're right.

It's nothing.

It's no one.

Not important.

(SIGHS)

Dad?

You didn't see him outside?

He just left.

I'll be back.

Thanks for warning.

(MELANCHOLY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

(HAMMERING CLACKS)

Hey!

Hey!

Saturday?

Pretty sure the whole
street's still sleeping!

Was sleeping.

(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Those hours really crept on me.

Didn't realize they were gonna
be so fast.

Guess I was here a lot.

You did your time, yeah.

Didn't really feel
all that much like jail.

Well, maybe at first, but...

You need to get back to
your school, your life.

Doesn't mean I can't visit
every once in a while, right?

(MELANCHOLY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

- Mrs. Foster?
- Tommy?

Tommy?

What's going on, are you okay?

Where is this?

Okay, okay.

It's okay, we're gonna get you
home.

We're gonna get you back.

Okay.

I know you, I know you.

I know you.

I'm bringing Mrs. Foster back
in.

Something's happening.

Nothing much we can do for
her during these episodes,

except make her comfortable.

Not a good last day, I know,
but she'll be okay, really.

You can always come back and
visit.

I'll sign off on your
paperwork before you leave.

Mrs. Foster?

I'd like to see you
spend more time outside.

Moving around, visiting with
people.

Being energetic.

Now, we've talked about this
before.

Hm.

If you say so!

Yeah, well...

It'll come back to you.

When will it come back to me?

I'll tell you what.

Next time you can't remember
something,

whether it's an event, a date or
a name,

I'd like to see you take a
deep breath, close your eyes,

and connect with the feeling
of what you can't remember.

Do you think you can do that for
us?

If you say so.

ALASKA: Sorry, am I
interrupting something?

No.

We're done here.

All right, so,

I'm Dr. Nelson.

What's your name?

Alaska Rose.

Oh!

You're Alaska, I heard much
about you.

You're doing a fine job for us,
thank you.

Thank you.

Mrs. Foster?

We'll be talking, and oh,
(CHUCKLES)

remember to take your meds.

All right, see ya.

You're not here to sell
me something, are you?

It's me, Alaska.

You remember me, right?

You remember.

I remember.

I remember you used to
like to touch my things.

You just have such cool
things.

(MRS. FOSTER CHUCKLES)

I wanted to thank you.
(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

For what?

For being my friend.

We're friends.

I'll see you, Mrs. Foster.

See you.

Alaska.

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

Alaska, wait up.

I never heard back from
you, freak, what's up?

I've just been busy.

All weekend?

So, what's the deal with you and
Derek?

He hasn't been answering
his phone, either.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC)

(GASPS)

Is that you?

No way.

I don't know what you're
talking about.

(AMY CHUCKLES)

Miss Rose.

It's about time you arrived.

Close the door and have a seat.

What's going on?

Sit down, please.

The officer would like to ask
you

some questions about an
incident.

Your name is Alaska Rose?

Yeah.

I'm Officer Brennan,
you've seen me around, right?

Yes?

I wanna ask you a
question about an incident

that took place a couple nights
ago.

"An incident?"

What is your relationship
with Derek Austin?

Were you with this guy on the
12th?

Can I have my dad here for
this?

You're 18, right?

Yeah.

Were you with the boy or not?

He gave me a ride home.

Is that it?

Yeah, that's it.

Alaska.

This is a very serious matter.

This boy claims you assaulted
him.

I assaulted him?

He claims that you hit
him repeatedly in the face

and the head with a hard object,
until he was unconscious.

He also claims that you
took $100 from his wallet

and fled the scene.

The hard object was my fist.

You admit to the as*ault?

I hit him, yeah.

Yeah, but he deserved it!

What happened?

He was giving me a ride home,

and he told me he wanted to
talk.

And I said I had to go home, but
okay.

Then we went to the beach
and he started acting

like he didn't just wanna talk.

And then he leaned in to
kiss me, and I said no,

and he did it anyway, so I
punched him!

And I went home.

He put his hands on
you, at all, or anything?

No.

But you did strike him?

Did you go into his wallet?

Of course not.

He has a witness to
corroborate his story.

That's impossible, we were
completely alone, what witness?

Look, I'm not going to make an
arrest,

but I have to file this charge.

This is insane, I didn't
even do anything wrong!

Calm down.

He's a liar.

We're gonna have to just
let the courts decide.

No.

I can't get in anymore trouble.

Alaska.

He has injuries.

You just spontaneously
admitted to the as*ault.

Now, you will get a summons,

and you'll just have to
show up at court, okay?

Please, listen to me, I really,
I can't go back to court.

Thank you, Principal.

You, you don't understand,
please, I, Miss Gray?

It's out of my hands, Alaska.

His parents are pushing the
issue.

Mrs. Foster?

Sorry.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

What are you doing?

I thought you were finished
here?

Why'd you come?

No.

No.

It's, it's not all that
tragic.

Look what you're doing!

I...

I started taking these.

I don't remember when.

Sometimes, you have to,

make things better.

For everyone.

No.

It's not better!

It's never better.

You gave me, you gave
me ever-so-good last days.

You can't.

You can't do this to me.

You can't go away, too.

Get a hold of yourself, girl.

I was 13.

I was 13 years old when I found
my mom.

I found her!

I had to be the one!

I was just getting home from
school,

and I wanted to show her
how good I did on my paper.

I thought I'd make her
happy and she was always...

(SOBS)

She was always so sad.

I kept calling,

and calling and calling
and calling for her,

but she wouldn't answer me.

And then I looked in the
bathroom.

And she filled it up with hot
water,

so that she wouldn't make a
mess.

I...

Found her.

And I found her too late.

I couldn't stop her.

I couldn't stop her. (SOBS)

Please, Mrs. Foster,
please, don't do this.

Please, Mrs. Foster, please,
don't make me live that again.

Please. (SOBS)

(SOBS)

Her hair was so soft.

It was like silk.

I always imagined it'd be what
angel hair would feel like.

And she had this laugh.

It was so high-pitched that
it made everybody else laugh.

And then one day, she
just stopped laughing.

I always thought it
was when we moved here.

And I hated this place.

I think I hated it because
I thought it made her sad.

Or maybe she was so sad because
I was sad.

I don't know.

Don't blame yourself.

I don't.

My dad's the one that forced us
here.

He spent all our money
on some stupid boat,

and then he wanted to start a
business,

but when we got here, there were
like

15,000 other businesses just
like it.

We were always behind on bills.

We never had enough to get by,

and my mom was always talking
about it.

And I tried to help, I would
watch my little brother

so she wasn't so overwhelmed all
the time.

But Dad was never there.

Working?

All the time.

Hm.

It's like he couldn't comprehend
what was even happening.

He couldn't see what he'd
caused.

I mean, we left our home, our
life, our friends, everything.

He couldn't even see
how miserable she was.

I'm no expert, but I
suspect there was more

to your mom being sad than just
that.

Have you ever thought about
how it made your father feel?

What it must be like for him,
no?

(ALASKA SIGHS)

Can I, uh...

See that?

Thanks.

Do you wanna come a
drive for some ice cream?

It's the best cure for feeling
like crap.

Okay.

Can I change?

Conner, thank you so much
for agreeing to work with our

youth program, you know, I
think those kids are gonna

benefit from it, but you know
what else?

You are, too.

Win-win blessing.

Thank you.

Thanks, Bishop.

Anything else on your mind?

Something I'd be able to help
with?

Well, I...

(CHUCKLES)

I haven't really talked about it
since.

(SIGHS)

It's okay, buddy.

That's what I'm here for.

(CONNER SIGHS)

How can I, um...

How is there peace after...

One of our favorite hymns is

"Families Can Be Together
Forever."

How do I help my children,

if their parents aren't gonna be
together?

Conner.

I can't even begin to imagine
what you've been through.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

The burden you've had to carry.

Someone you love takes
their own life, just,

just leaves behind so much
pain, so many questions.

But Conner, God loves you.

He feels every bit of your pain.

Everything I've read,

everything I feel, it's m*rder.

Is she lost?

Let me ask you a question.

You ever wonder why
repentance is taught so often,

so lovingly, especially
in the New Testament?

You know, a part of
repentance is recognizing

that you've sinned in
the first place, right?

Isn't it reasonable to believe
that

somebody who would be
in such a state of mind,

to decide to end their own life,

might not even be able to
recognize that they'd sinned?

I think, ultimately, only
God has the answer, Conner.

But God is a god of
love, not of punishment.

He would never abandon
one of his children,

in her greatest hour of need.

Romans 8 tells us,

"Nothing will separate
us from the love of God."

Nothing.

Nothing will separate you
from the love of the Father.

Dad, I need to talk to you.

I'm almost done with my
community service hours.

Well, it's about time, that's
good.

Now we can get to thinking
about college again.

Yeah.

Is there somethin' else?

Somebody lied about
me and called the cops.

Okay, what happened?

I don't know.

I really don't know, I was
just trying to get a ride home,

and I was with Amy and I ended
up with this guy named Derek.

And who's Derek?

He's my friend.

Or at least, I thought he was my
friend.

And Amy just left me there,

and I was stuck in the car with
him.

And?

I punched him in the
face, and like a lot.

What?

Did he touch you, are you hurt?

No, no, I would've broke his
arm, but...

Now he's lying about me,

and he's saying all this stuff
and he called the police.

I have a court date.
(TENSE MUSIC)

I can't get in anymore trouble
and I'm, I'm really scared.

The judge is gonna send me to
jail and I'm really scared.

Okay, okay, okay.

Sit down.

All right.

If you go into that court room
and you are completely honest

it's all gonna work out.

(ALASKA CHUCKLES)

That's not the point.

That judge hates me.

She's gonna put me away the
minute I walk in that courthouse

and she said it herself.

What do I do?

What'll I do?

Pray?

That's easy for you to say,
you didn't just throw away

two months of your life to
go to jail for how-long.

I'm not the one who made
the choices that you made.

Alaska, decisions have
consequences.

What?

You don't think I know that
decisions have consequences?

You think anyone in this
family doesn't know that?

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, that's not...

I'm sorry.

Allie?

Allie.

Allie.

I know you blame me.

- I can't get it out of my head.
(SOBS)

(SCREAMS)

Why would she do it?

Why would she do that if she
knew

that I was gonna be the one
to come home and find her?

Why would she do that? (SOBS)

Why would she do that,
why would she do that?

She left me.

If she knew this, why would she
do that?

(SOBS)

She still loves us, she still
loves us.

Why would she do that?

I don't hate my mom.

I don't hate my mom, I don't
hate my mom.

I don't hate my mom.

(SOBS)

Oh, honey.

We're gonna get through this,
okay?

Somehow...

We are gonna get through this.

Where's Kyle?

Why can't he hear me?

Oh, he's at a friend's house
tonight.

- Brat.
(CONNER CHUCKLES)

You can exchange
punches with him tomorrow,

when he gets back.

(SIGHS)

You're gonna get through
this court thing, too.

I promise.

If I do...

Will you make sure that
we do more stuff together?

Yeah.

Promise?

Promise, we need to.

(SIGHS) Allie, um...

Oh, nevermind, it's stupid.

What's wrong?

I just, um...

You know, your mom and I,
we had the talk with you

when you were little and I just,
I...

I wish that she would be
here for the follow-up.

"The talk?"

Well, I know, I try
not to think about it.

I don't even like to think about
it,

but you're out all night,
you're with your friends.

Your friends.

Look at me.

(MELANCHOLY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

I wanted so much more for you.

And I remember that
promise that you made to me

when you were little.

Never.

Okay?

I never forget my promises.

(PHONE VIBRATES)

Hello?

AMANDA: Allie, good morning,
I hope it's not too early.

It's always too early.

Gotta get up for school
though anyway, what's up?

AMANDA: I know you're
finished here,

I just thought you should know,

Mrs. Foster was taken to the
hospital again last night.

What's wrong?

AMANDA: She hasn't been
able to breathe very well.

They think she has fluid in her
lungs,

but they need to run some tests.

Where is she?

(SUSPENSEFUL ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

No. (CHUCKLES)

You're not gonna do this.

You're not gonna pull some
passive-aggressive hack,

just to do what you wanted to do
before.

Okay?

You promised me.

I mean, not in so many words,
but,

you promised you'd never
think like that again.

After everything I shared with
you.

Everything we talked about.

You know you promised.

Look, I...

I get it now. (CHUCKLES)

The world doesn't revolve around
me.

But it doesn't revolve around
you, either.

I need you to wanna live.

You're not alone.

None of us are alone.

Look, I know you can hear me.
(CHUCKLES)

I need you to tell me you wanna
live.

Show me somethin', Mrs. Foster.

Even if it's just to get
me out of your business.

I need you to tell me you wanna
live.

Please.

(CHUCKLES)
(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

There it is.

I knew you were in there.

I knew you could hear me.

It's okay.

You're okay, everything's gonna
be okay.

(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)

(PHONE RINGS)

Bay Rose Tours.

AMANDA: Oops, I think
I have the wrong number.

- No, sorry, it's Allie.
(CHUCKLES)

AMANDA: Oh.

I'm just at work, I
picked up the wrong phone.

AMANDA: Okay, you wanted
me to keep you updated.

Yeah, how is Miss Foster, is
she okay?

AMANDA: They're not
sure, Allie, I'm sorry.

The pneumonia's worse,
it could go either way.

"Either way," what is
that supposed to mean?

AMANDA: I'm sorry, we
just have to be ready.

Wait a minute, will ya?

Dad, we talked about this.

It's gonna be okay.

It's not that easy, Allie.

It's just...

I haven't done anything
like this in years.

I don't know if I'm ready, I
don't know if I'm, you know.

I think you're ready.

Isn't that all that matters?

And through your faith,

you may be healed of any
affliction.

Your Heavenly Father knows you
personally.

He knows of your needs,

and of your righteous desires.

He has sent his son to atone for
us all.

That through him, we might all
be saved.

You are blessed with this pure
knowledge,

and the perfect knowledge
that, through faith,

all things are possible.

Mountains are moved.

And the hardest of hearts,
melted,

and sanctified.

You are blessed.

Even now, this very moment,

to be healed,

and to rise from this bed.

That you may walk by your own
power.

That you may have joy in this
life,

and feel the love of
your father in heaven.

And the love of all of us around
you.

And I leave this blessing upon
your head,

in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Be seated.

Our first case is a violation
of a pre-trial agreement.

Regional charge was illegal
possession of alcohol

and ID fraud.

Alaska Rose, are you here?

Do you remember what I told you

the last time you stood before
me?

Yes, ma'am.

(WARM ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

Well, that's good.

So none of this should come as a
surprise.

You are facing two months
on the original charges,

and up to a year on
this latest allegation.

Ma'am?

Ma'am.

Mrs. Foster?

JUDGE: Miss Rose, who is
this?

I'm your key witness.

(CHUCKLES) Witness for what,
ma'am?

This isn't a trial.

Now, if you'll please be seated.

You mean to tell me
you sentenced this girl

without a trial?

Her sentence is already set.

She violated the terms of
her pre-trial agreement

by being charged with another
crime.

Now, unless you're an attorney
with a license to practice in

this jurisdiction, I would
kindly ask you to take a seat.

(CHUCKLES) No.

I'm not a lawyer.

I'm just a friend.

Now, that might not have
much weight here today,

but I have to believe that
character

means something in this
courtroom.

I agree, it is the sum
total of our choices,

which make up our character.

Which is why Miss Rose is here
today.

Because of some of the
choices that she's made.

Well, what about about the
other ones?

Pardon me?

Well, you said she's here
because of some of her choices.

What about the other ones?

I think I've been very patient
with you.

Oh, you don't know patience,

until you have experienced
constipation, in your late 80s.

What is your name, ma'am?

Julianna Foster.

What is it that you're wanting

to say to this
court, Miss Foster?

I only know this girl,

because she was forced into my
life.

And what put her there?

You?

This court system?

Yeah.

Maybe.

But the real reason that caused
her showin' up in my room,

and gratin' on my nerves,
is because of her choices.

You see, I believe that
everything happens for a reason.

Now, my mind isn't always that
good,

and things get kinda sketchy
sometimes,

but there are some things
that I never forget.

Like the day before Alaska
showed up.

I had made up my mind.

I had decided that life had
given me all it had to give me,

and I was going to end it.

Now, I'm not gonna get
all religious on you,

because I've never really
been a church-goin' woman,

but that night, I surely,

prayed to God.

I talked to God and I asked
him to send me an answer.

If my decision was the right
one,

then send me a sign.

And the next day,

this young woman showed up in my
room!

Now, I didn't have much
information

about this hearing today,

but I knew if I had the
possibility of making a difference,

I needed to be here.

(SOBS)

Your Honor.

Alaska Rose,

saved my life.

Now, if that doesn't count for
something,

what else does?

Thank you, Miss Foster.

I appreciate your testimony, I
truly do.

Now, if you'll have a seat,

I would ask Miss Rose to step
forward.

Miss Rose the purpose of your
community service at Sunnyvale

was to bring you to an
understanding

of the seriousness of your
actions,

and an awareness of those
other than yourself.

Unfortunately,
this last incident with the boy complicates

matters and will have to be
handled in a separate hearing.

However, based on direct
feedback,

I am convinced that the original
goal,

associated with your impending
sentence,

has been fulfilled and I
am dismissing the charges.

So ordered.

(GAVEL CLACKS)

Is everything okay?

Officer?

Have a seat, Mr. Austin.

But, I had...

Sit down.

What's this?

Oh, that's for your statement,
for what really happened

between you and Alaska Rose that
night.

I already gave a statement.

So did he.

(SOMBER ORCHESTRAL MUSIC)

And so did Amy James.

These are the additional
statements.

This story's becoming real
clear.

Now it's your turn.

If you don't wanna do
what's right for Alaska,

then do what's right for
yourself.

Filing a false statement is
a serious crime, Mr. Austin.

Your friends are smart
enough to figure that out.

(WARM PIANO MUSIC)

♪ Can you see me ♪

♪ Over here ♪

♪ Should I just disappear ♪

♪ I try to fit in next to you ♪

♪ Guess I wasn't clear or maybe
I'm just not good enough ♪

♪ Feel so alone here,
can't even be myself ♪

♪ Trying to fit in, left
all I am on the shelf ♪

♪ Do I belong here or
should I just stop trying ♪

♪ To be some other girl ♪

♪ When I find I'm all alone ♪

♪ Gotta tell myself I'm
irreplaceable ♪

♪ Bending backwards trying
to be someone else ♪

♪ I tell myself I'm
irreplaceable ♪

(FIREWORKS BANG)
♪ Somehow I find a way ♪

♪ It's never easy, why is it so
hard ♪

♪ All I've ever wanted
is to be like them ♪

♪ I don't understand why I am
who I am ♪

♪ When I find I'm all alone ♪

♪ I gotta tell myself I'm
irreplaceable ♪

♪ Bending backwards trying
to be someone else ♪

♪ Just tell myself I'm
irreplaceable ♪

(GROUP LAUGHS)

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask a
blessing.

Thank you for this food,

and for my friends,

and for the freedom we have
today,

because of all of those
who've sacrificed for us.

We are especially grateful
for the sacrifice of your son,

and for the atonement
he made for all of us.

Please help us to be
more like him every day,

and please forgive me...

(CHUCKLES)

Please forgive us, of our sins,

and accept our love and
gratitude, today and every day.

Thank you for bringing
us all together tonight,

and thank you for my family.

I say this in the name of our
savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

(WARM PIANO MUSIC)