Isabel's Garden (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(wind whooshing)

(dreamy music)

(gentle piano music)

- [Diego] Are you ready?

- Yes.

- It's gonna be great.

(Maya chuckling softly)

Let's go!

(seatbelts clicking)

- [Maya] Okay.

(crickets chirping)

- This thing is never working.

There we go.

(door squeaking)

- [Christina] In her room.

And we need to talk about

that phone that you got her

because she's becoming a little demon.

- [Diego] I'm sure it's not that bad.

(upbeat guitar music)

- I'm so sorry!

How rude of us.

You do not speak Spanish, right, Maya?

- No.

- [Diego] She's learning.

- She should.

- Papa!

(Diego chuckling)

- [Diego] No, no, no.

- Honey, you did not even brush your hair?

- Mom!

- Hi, Maya.

- Hi, Isabel.

Merry Christmas.

- [Isabel] Same to you.

(Maya chuckling)

- Did you bring the ball?

- Mm-hm, of course.

- I'll go put my shoes on.

- Honey, you cannot wear that

dress playing basketball.

(Isabel scoffing)

- Make up your mind!

- Hey!

- Be nice.

- How many more years

before she graduates?

- [Diego] Don't worry.

I'll talk to her.

- Okay, so dinner's gonna

be ready in 20 minutes,

so, make it quick.

- What's for dinner?

- Really?

I make the same dinner every Christmas

for the past 16 years, and he always asks,

"What's for dinner?"

(Maya chuckling)

- Wait until you try her sweet potatoes.

- Oh, and I have to make

a separate batch for him

because he does not like

marshmallows.

- [Maya] Marshmallows, yes.

Yes, I know.

- You know, I'm gonna go play ball.

You two gonna be okay?

- Yes.

- Of course.

Why wouldn't we be okay?

- Go on.

Our daughter's waiting.

- [Diego] All right.

(Christina chuckling)

- Would you'd like some wine?

- That would be great.

(upbeat guitar music)

- [Isabel] Yay!

- It smells incredible in here.

Can I help you with anything?

I'm not much of a cook, but...

- Yeah.

Diego mentioned that.

Oh, not as a slam or anything.

We all have our own unique talents.

- [Isabel] No!

- Our first Christmas together.

- To Christmas.

(glasses clinking)

(gentle guitar music)

So, are you, uh, still dating that guy?

- Actually, I have something you can do.

Would you mind just mixing

those potatoes up for me?

It's a simple job.

It's hard to screw it up.

(Maya chuckling)

- Sure.

- [Christina] I'm gonna go

tell them to come inside.

- Okay.

(upbeat guitar music)

(Isabel chuckling)

- [Christina] Yay.

(light guitar music)

(phone ringing)

(dreamy music)

- [Diego] I was really

looking forward to this.

- Me too.

But if I don't do this...

- I know.

- Mom!

- Thank you.

- [Diego] I know.

- Merry Christmas.

- Merry Christmas.

Go get 'em!

(door squeaking)

(sirens blaring)

- Hey, Wyatt.

- [Wyatt] Hey, Maya.

- Are we good?

- [Wyatt] Good to go.

Live in five.

In three, two, one.

- Thank you, Preston.

'Tis the season to be burglarized.

Tonight, at around 7:30 p.m...

(dreamy music)

- Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to wake you.

- I was waiting for you.

- Aw.

(Maya softly chuckling)

(Maya chuckling)

So, how was dinner?

- It was good.

You were missed.

I really wish you could've stayed.

- Please don't give me

a hard time about this.

You know how long I've been

fighting for that anchor spot.

Anything I can do

to get on good.

- I know, I know.

I just wanted it to be our

first Christmas together.

- I know, I know.

You want us to spend time together

and be this picture-perfect

blended family.

- I do.

And I also want you to

spend some time with Isa.

She really looks up to you.

- [Maya] Of course.

- She's here, by the way.

- I know.

Thanks for the head's up.

She's awake, by the way.

On her phone.

- No.

(Maya chuckling)

(Diego sighing)

- I'm just saying.

You shouldn't have given it to her.

(phone chiming)

- Oh, I have to take her

dress shopping for New Year's.

I have a faculty meeting now.

I can't, so, would you take her?

- Seriously?

- Mm-hm.

- I'd love to.

But wait, shouldn't we be asking her mom?

- I'm asking you.

- Is that allowed?

- Stop.

- Christina just gives me hives.

(Diego sighing)

- Christina's trying.

Just give her time.

- How long does she need?

- As long as it takes.

(couple sighing)

(phones ringing)

- [Bill] Okay.

Morning.

What do we got?

- We have a feel-good story

about a dog rescue mission

and two of the dogs are in love,

won't leave each other's side.

- Okay, no.

Anyone else?

- Oh!

- Rebecca?

- The mayor's meeting

with the governor today

over homeless shelter reform.

- I like that.

See how that's less stupid?

Good.

Here's what I like about it.

- I would love to keep going

with these serial burglaries.

Forget Christmas.

New Year's Eve sees a

22% uptick in burglaries

than on an average given day.

- Okay.

Anything else?

Great.

Get out there, keep digging.

Maya, I can't help

notice you're still here.

- Yeah.

Sorry, Bill.

Do you mind if I talk to

you for a few minutes?

- Okay.

- As you know,

I've been here at the

station for a long time.

And there have been a few times where

I've been considered for anchor.

With Preston now retiring soon...

- Yeah, Maya, we talked about this.

You're being considered.

- And I'm so thankful.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is

just how much I'm being considered?

- Um... yeah, your work is strong.

Your work ethic is stronger.

- So, you're saying...

- What am I saying?

Uh... I'm saying it looks good.

Relax.

Just keep doing what you're

doing cause we notice.

- Great!

- Now go.

- Yes!

Yes.

Oops.

Good talk.

(Maya giggling)

Thanks.

(phones ringing)

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

- [Diego] How are the costumes coming?

- Good.

We finished making them.

- What do they look like?

- It's a surprise.

- Are they age appropriate?

- Yes!

- Here we go.

Pick.

- Okay.

- Oye.

Language.

- [Diego] You mom tells me

you've been abusing the phone.

- I haven't.

She doesn't know what she's talking about.

- Hey, be nice.

She's your mom.

And I'm gonna limit the phone from now on.

- But, Papa!

- I know.

It's frustrating to mess up

and have to suffer the consequences,

but you'll survive.

(birds chirping)

(gentle music)

- Come on, Papa, it's too easy.

The English rose, low maintenance.

Do their best in full sun or partial sun

in warmer climates.

Well?

Come on!

- A minus.

- Minus?

- You know what I always say.

If I give you a perfect score,

then there's no room for-

- No room for improvement.

(Diego chuckling)

- Is that really what I sound like?

- Yeah.

(Diego chuckling)

- [Diego] Hey, wanna do one more?

- No.

- One more.

- Dutch iris.

(Diego chuckling)

- Mic drop.

(gentle piano music)

(crickets chirping)

(car horn beeping)

(lively music)

(Isabel roaring)

(Diego chuckling)

(lively music)

- [Maya] I just made it.

What did I miss?

- Don't worry.

You're here now.

- [Maya] Okay.

(Isabel roaring)

(lively music)

(Isabel roaring)

(lively music)

(audience chattering)

- That was the end.

(audience clapping)

(parents squealing)

- [Christina] Wasn't that incredible?

- [Diego] Incredible!

- The way Isabel commanded

that stage, she's a natural.

- Definitely natural.

- [Christina] That was incredible!

- Really?

- Yes!

Honey, it just spoke to me,

especially that upside-down triangle.

- Maya?

- Yes!

Yes, you were so, so, so...

Tell me, what was your

motivation behind that piece?

- Who wants pizza?

- How about Marcello's?

- Oh, good idea.

- Oh, sorry.

- I'm still on the clock.

- It's okay.

Don't worry.

We know you're busy.

- You sure you can't come, Maya?

- [Christina] Isa, she said she's working.

Let's respect that.

- I'm sorry.

I promise I will make it up to you.

(Maya chuckling)

(car horns beeping)

(phones ringing)

(Rebecca laughing)

(distant chattering)

- You're so funny!

(coworkers laughing)

(thud)

- [Maya] I'm okay!

Ooh, she is so conniving!

I mean, what she wears,

and her body language!

She knows exactly what she's doing!

- Last time I checked,

my wife was pretty good looking herself.

- You know, I want this anchor job

because I have worked hard

for it, and I deserve it!

Not like f*cking legs-for-days Rebecca!

- Oh, you got this.

I wouldn't worry.

- I have to worry.

Worry is all I've got right now.

Do you think I'm gonna get it?

- I know it.

- [Maya] How?

- Because she's not you.

And you're the best.

But...

- But, what?

- Tell me more about those legs.

(playful music)

(Maya scoffing)

(Diego chuckling)

(bright music)

- Are you sure this was the right choice?

- Yes!

Don't you?

It's New Year's Eve, your first big party.

You wanna make a statement.

- A statement.

- First impressions are everything.

How you dress is your business card.

It tells us who you are, how you are.

Okay, take a look at me, for example.

What does my outfit say to you?

- I don't know.

- Go ahead.

Say whatever comes to mind.

- Maybe that you're trying

really hard to be accepted?

(Maya chuckling)

- It's a new year.

You wanna start if off with a bang.

And this, this is it!

What are we doing here, again?

- [Isabel] I need a book

for school, remember?

- Ah, okay.

Yes, yes, yes, yes.

(bell ringing)

- "When Olive took her new

rainbow backpack to school,

all the girls she didn't play with,

all the girls who wouldn't play with her

because they thought she

was weird, made fun of it."

(door creaking)

"Made fun of its colors,

made fun of its size.

Made fun of her name.

Made fun of her.

"Again, they were so mean.

So she did with her backpack

what she did with herself.

She hid it.

When she got home, she went to the shed,

her private place where she could be sad

without asking anyone questions

and opened the backpack to

take out her books and papers.

But when the backpack was empty,

something strange happened.

It got bigger, and bigger.

Big enough for her to step into it.

Olive was slightly frightened.

Did her grandfather know about this?

What did this mean?

She put her papers into the backpack,

and it returned to its normal size.

But when she took them

out again, it grew!"

(children giggling)

(bright music)

(birds chirping)

(children laughing)

- "So now you know you can be brave.

And you're smart."

- "And you can make a friend."

- You ready?

- [Reader] "That is in another

life, not in this one."

Same thing, reach out.

What about the new girl, Sarah?"

(bells ringing)

I think she could use a friend."

- [Group] 10, nine, eight, seven, six,

five, four, three, two, one!

Happy New Year!

(group screaming)

(romantic music)

- Happy New Year.

- To another year.

(couple chuckling)

- Is there anything you want this year?

- Just more.

More of this.

(solemn music)

- Do you have to go now?

- I'm sorry.

I gotta pick up Isa.

- Okay.

(solemn music)

(bright piano music)

- Hey, Isa, I'm on my way.

I'll be there in five minutes.

(car horn honking)

(crash)

(sirens blaring)

(horn blaring)

(ominous piano music)

(heart beating)

(wind blowing)

(sad violin music)

(birds chirping)

(sad violin music)

(birds chirping)

- [Isabel Voiceover] Do you think we'll

ever finish the garden?

- No such thing.

That's what I love about it.

It's ever-evolving, ever-changing.

Never done.

(sad violin music)

(Maya laughing)

- Open.

Every time I see a lilac, I think of you.

You like it?

- Si.

- Oh, look at you speaking Spanish.

(couple chuckling)

Tell me something.

How did I get you?

(sad piano music)

(Maya sighing)

- Can I offer you any refreshments?

Water, coffee, whiskey?

- [Christina] I'm fine, thank you.

- Me too.

(Maya clearing throat)

- All right, let me see here.

You are his wife, Maya.

- No, that's me.

I'm his wife.

- And Christina?

Okay.

Diego, as fate would have it,

had only updated his will a few months ago

to include you, Maya.

The beneficiaries of

this will are you, Maya,

and Christina, and Isabel.

Christina, as you know, Diego had set up

a life insurance policy

to help you continue

to get support for Isabel.

Maya, you get the house

and all assets in the home.

In matters of custody of Isabel,

Christina, being the only

remaining biological parent,

obtains full custody of Isabel.

However, he did write

a codicil to the will.

Signed and dated last August 16th.

The letter specified if Isabel

is still a minor when he passed,

Maya would continue his

custody schedule with Isabel.

- What?

- Excuse me?

- Well, he specified that

Maya could get Saturdays and

Sunday mornings to start,

if that worked.

And then expand-

- Show me this letter.

- Expand to the regular custody

schedule already in place.

- This isn't legally

binding, though, right?

I mean, this is just his wish.

- Correct.

And...

- And what?

- Christina's right to deny

or honor Diego's request.

- So basically, I would

be denying his dying wish.

You know, I consider myself

to be a very open person,

but this, like, why would he?

I don't understand!

I cannot believe that he...

You know, I'm sorry.

Can I have some time to read

this over, look this through?

And I gotta talk to my daughter.

- You have the right to do what you want.

This never has to be

discussed with me ever again.

Only amongst yourselves.

And nothing is set in stone either.

It would be in good faith.

Shall we continue?

(keys jangling)

(gentle guitar music)

- Maya was doing me a favor.

- By making her look like the town sl*t?

- It's not that bad.

- Would you please just

back me up for once?

- That's not fair.

- We're leaving!

- Hey!

We agreed that we would never leave angry.

- No Diego, I'm not angry!

- I'll return the dress.

- Mom, it's really not that bad.

Mom!

- What?

- You seem really upset.

- No, I'm not upset.

- You wanted to do that with me.

I'm sorry.

I won't go shopping with her anymore.

(Diego sighing)

- Look, I'm sorry.

I don't like seeing you like this.

Can we have a little perspective?

- Perspective?

I have perspective.

I always have perspective.

- [Diego] You know what I mean.

- Yeah, Mom.

Dad and I are both really sorry.

- All right.

All right.

- Please.

Maya's trying.

Please give her a chance.

For me.

- So, what did the lawyer say?

(gentle guitar music)

(birds chirping)

(lively music)

- Good morning!

I'm Rebecca Robinson.

It's January 23rd here at "Info Insider."

A man is now in custody in connection

to the serial robberies.

(Maya growling)

The police officials

have arrest 18-year-old Dustin Persley.

(Maya chuckling)

- Well, congrats to you, Steven,

on winning the Northern

California Hot Dog Eating Contest.

That's quite a feat, or shall I say feast?

(Maya laughing)

Well, I appreciate you

and your time so much.

And good luck at the regionals,

and thank you, thank you.

Cut!

(Maya growling)

This is incredible.

I mean, do people even

care about this crap?

Hot dogs!

Hot dog?

(Maya growling)

God!

You know, Bill, he just

needed to be straight me.

He should've just said,

"Oh, I'm sorry, Maya.

I know that I told you're up for this job,

and clearing the most-qualified,

but Rebecca Robinson (laughing)

is easier on the eyes.

And I know that you have

been working your a*s off!

Oh, but (giggling) what matters is

the short skirt's on and

low plunging V-neckline."

- [Cameraman] Maya!

- "Booby titty thingies

so your t*ts can hang out

because that's what gets the ratings!"

- Maya!

- What?

(Maya gasping)

- Okay, remember, if at any

point, I mean, at any time,

if you wanna-

- It's just one night.

- I'm just saying that if

something doesn't feel right

or you don't feel comfortable-

- Mom, it's gonna be fine.

We've already talked about this.

(phone ringing)

- Come on.

Come on, Bill.

Pick up, pick up!

- [Bill Voicemail] It's Bill.

I can't come to the

phone right now.

- Damn it!

- [Bill Voicemail] Leave a message.

- What the hell!

(tires screeching)

- Come on!

- Oh my God!

- What are you doing?

- I'm so sorry!

I'm sorry!

(phone ringing)

What?

(Maya gasping)

Oh my God!

(Maya yelling)

- [Maya Voiceover] So

your t*ts can hang out!

- [Maya] Why?

(phone chiming)

- [Christina] Maybe she forgot.

- [Isabel] Mom, I don't need a babysitter.

- [Maya Voiceover] That you've

been working your a*s off!

And you know it.

What matters is...

- Hi.

What time is it?

- 11:00 AM, the time we discussed.

- Right.

Of course.

- [Christina] Are you okay?

- Yeah.

Yeah, fine.

Why?

- You have to be at the park by 12.

You made the cookies, right?

- Yes.

- [Christina] Like we discussed?

- Yep.

- Hey!

(phone chiming)

- Bye, Mom.

See you tomorrow.

(birds chirping)

(sad violin music)

- Happy New Year.

- Happy New Year.

- It's gonna be a good one.

I can feel it!

(Isabel chuckling)

(sad violin music)

(birds chirping)

(sad violin music)

(dog barking)

- [Isabel] Five, six, seven, eight.

- Fresh out of the oven.

Cookies.

$2.

Fresh out of the oven.

(dog panting)

- What kind of cookies you have?

You have chocolate chip?

- Do I know you?

- No.

- No, no, I don't forget a face.

- You work for the FBI or something?

- Something like that.

- I don't know you.

- We got homemade chocolate

chip and peanut butter.

- Okay.

One chocolate chip, one peanut butter.

What's their dance about?

- Oh, I stopped asking.

- Huh.

(dog panting)

We'll see.

One, two, three.

There you go.

- It's you.

- Homemade, huh?

Geez.

Let's go, Bear.

Keep up the good work, divas!

- No.

Still don't get it.

(birds chirping)

(phone chiming)

(birds chirping)

- [Maya Voiceover] a*s off.

But what matters.

(Maya laughing)

- Isabel.

Are you ready?

(birds chirping)

(Maya laughing)

- [Maya] Oh no.

- What?

(Maya sighing)

(gentle guitar music)

- Hey.

You hungry?

- Not really.

- Okay.

You sure?

Do you wanna play a game or something?

- I'm really tired.

- Okay.

(light guitar music)

- Did you get fired?

- Oh.

You know about that.

Look, it wasn't one of my finest moments.

There's a lot more to it

than you probably saw.

I don't know, but they've

asked me to stay at home

for awhile while they figure it out.

So, I guess we have more time to hang.

(light guitar music)

- [Isabel] Do you ever garden with Maya?

- No.

This is our thing.

What's going on in that head of yours?

- Nothing.

Do you think she likes this?

- Well, it's been an adjustment,

but yeah, she likes it.

- She likes you.

- Us, hija, us.

To love me means to love you.

We're family.

Forever!

(Isabel chuckling)

(birds chirping)

(car horn honking)

- Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

Where you running off to so fast?

- Gotta go.

Mom's waiting.

- See you...

(door slamming)

Next weekend.

- Hi!

I missed you.

- Mom, it was only one night.

- I know, but it felt like a lifetime.

Hey, what do you say we

go get some mocha lattes

and maybe get our nails done?

- Okay.

- Just okay?

Since when is that your

reaction to a mocha latte?

(car beeping)

(Christina chuckling)

So, how was it?

- It was good.

- Really?

- Yeah.

Isa, you know you can tell me anything.

The truth.

Remember, this is just a trial

period for a few weeks and-

- Mom, it was really nice.

- It was?

- Yes.

- Okay.

Well, then, what did you do?

- We baked cookies together.

At night, we sat around the

table and played board games.

It was fun.

- Well, that's good then.

I'm glad you're figuring this out.

- Yeah, we are.

Dad would've really loved it.

(car starting)

(bright music)

(birds chirping)

- Where are we?

(bright music)

(birds chirping)

(Maya chuckling)

(bright music)

(birds chirping)

(Maya knocking)

- [Grace] Who is it?

- It's Maya!

The woman who gave you some cookies

at the park the other day.

- [Grace] Who?

Come on, Bear, bark.

Oh.

You.

What are you doing here?

How do you know where I live?

(birds chirping)

Huh, did I lose that?

- [Maya] You hadn't noticed?

(Bear panting)

- [Grace] What's your name?

- Maya.

Maya Carlile.

- From the FBI.

(Maya chuckling)

I'm Grace.

- Yes, Grace.

Grace Stackley.

I saw it on your license.

- Well, I guess I should say thank you.

I was just making a martini.

(playful music)

- It's 11:00 AM.

- You got somewhere to be?

Come on.

- No, actually.

(door squeaking)

Hey.

(gentle piano music)

(Bear panting)

- [Grace] Hi, Maya.

- Thank you.

This you?

(Grace scoffing)

- A lifetime ago.

- Paris.

I always wanted to go.

My husband and I always

talked about going.

- Oh, you should tell him to get on it.

You wait long enough, and

life will just pass you by.

- So do you live here by yourself?

- [Grace] Hush!

Bear's a very sensitive soul.

- I had a tough time finding this place.

Well, maybe because I'm a newcomer.

A bit newish around here.

- I see.

- Does your daughter like it here?

Saran wrap.

- Oh (chuckling), right.

She's actually my step-daughter.

- Ah.

- Yeah.

We don't have a lot in common.

Not that much.

She's kind of an odd kid.

Doesn't say much, but

you can hear her reciting

entire monologues inside her head.

Teenagers, eh, these days.

Always a guessing game.

Yeah, but her father understood her well.

So, what do you do here?

Do you still work?

- I'm retired.

- From what?

- From everything.

- You always ask this many questions?

I feel like I'm on trial.

- Is it okay if I use your bathroom?

I got lost on the drive here and...

- Go ahead.

Down the hall, second door to the left.

(Bear panting)

(uplifting music)

- Oh, and if there's no TP, let me know.

Bear likes to take it off

the wall and use it as a toy.

- Thanks.

I'm fine!

(uplifting music)

(Bear panting)

I couldn't help but notice

there's drawings on your desk.

They're so reminiscent of this book

I was obsessed with as a child.

- What?

- You know, the funny thing is,

the other day I was

walking by a bookstore-

- What were you doing?

You always snoop around

other people's homes?

- Oh no, no.

God, no.

- [Grace] Are you done with your drink?

(door slamming)

(birds chirping)

- What just happened?

(birds chirping)

(water trickling)

- That's a beautiful

picture in the hallway

of your wedding.

Is that Bali?

- Yes.

- Is your husband gonna join us?

- How soon do you think you can

get the house on the market?

- Well, I do have a few

recommendations here and there,

but we can discuss that later.

If I'm being honest,

it's not really a seller's market.

Maybe we wait a few months.

- What are your recommendations?

- Just a few minor things.

Lighten the paint, stuff like that.

(reflective music)

I don't know why we can't

get this on the market

as soon as possible.

It's a cute garden.

You know, if you really

want to increase the value

of this house by a decent margin,

you could put a small

plunge pool right there.

It's a smallish investment

for a large return.

- Great.

(bright music)

(bell ringing)

(reflective music)

- "You rescued me.

Friendship is the most

powerful force in the world.

Powerful enough to save me."

(reflective music)

(birds chirping)

(Isabel knocking)

- Maya?

- [Maya] I'll be right out!

(solemn music)

(birds chirping)

- What is this?

What's going on?

- I was just doing some

work in the backyard.

- Why?

- Well, I was-

- These aren't supposed to be there!

- Okay, okay.

I can take them out.

- It's not a big deal.

- It is a big deal!

- This is our garden!

What is wrong with you?

(phone ringing)

- [Maya] Hey.

- [Associate] Hey.

- [Maya] I really appreciate

you helping me considering...

- [Associate] That you're the pariah

of the industry right now?

- Well, I wouldn't put it that way, but-

- [Associate] Listen, I don't care.

It makes my job more interesting.

- [Maya] Did you find anything?

- [Associate] Not much.

Oliver Durand has never done

any appearances or interviews.

He's kept a super low profile.

The only thing I could

find was one mention

in an article from the

'70s about where he's from.

- Oh, yeah?

Where's that?

- [Associate] Paris.

(Maya knocking)

- [Maya] Isabel?

Isabel, I wasn't thinking.

- [Isabel] Why were you

doing work on the backyard?

- I don't know.

- You don't know?

- Can you open the door?

Please?

All right.

All right, I just have to go

and grab something real quick,

but I'll be right back, okay?

(footsteps tapping)

(sad guitar music)

- Us, hija, us.

To love me means to love you.

We're family.

(reflective music)

(birds chirping)

- You again?

- Hi.

I would've called you, but

I didn't have your number.

- For good reason.

Why are you here?

Did I lose my wallet again?

- Peace offering.

(Bear panting)

- She's got some moxie, huh?

Huh.

(birds chirping)

(bright music)

- What are you doing?

- Ooh!

- Gosh.

Hi, Isabel.

I'm just cleaning up the mess I made.

I got you some tools.

Hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

(birds chirping)

Thank you.

(birds chirping)

(bright piano music)

I was thinking about selling the house,

but I'm not gonna do that, okay?

(bright piano music)

(birds chirping)

What do I do with that?

It looks like a fork.

- [Grace] More?

Thatta, girl!

(Grace chuckling)

All right, money bags.

Bringing me expensive wine and meals.

So, tell me, what is it you do?

- For work?

- No, for workouts.

I've been looking to lift my butt.

Yes, for work!

- Well, I was in TV production.

But then they gave me

some time off for awhile.

- For what?

(Maya laughing)

- You haven't been on Twitter.

- Oh, honey, I'm off the grid.

(Maya sighing)

What is it with you and that photo?

- You two look very in love here.

- Or stupid.

Take your pick.

"Avec amour."

That's a very refined name.

Claude.

- Claude Brisbois.

- [Maya] Oh, fancy.

(Grace chuckling)

- Yeah, fancy and fake.

- What do you mean?

- He made it up.

He was American.

He had an assortment of pen names.

- Was he running away from the law?

- No!

He was an artiste.

He believed being anonymous was the key

to mastering his artistry.

Pen to paper was only between him and God.

- A writer.

- A writer and artist.

Here you go again with the interrogation.

Can't a girl eat her pizza in peace?

- I was just being curious.

You're the one with the

photo out and about.

- I found it recently along with

some of his other stuff.

I hadn't seen that photo,

or him, for 10 years.

- So, are you dating?

- Oh honey, shush!

(Maya chuckling)

I have no desire to let a

man see me naked ever again.

(Maya laughing)

(Grace chuckling)

And I can't imagine your

sex life is any better

hanging out with me all the time.

Tell me about him.

- About who?

- Your husband.

(solemn music)

- [Maya] Damn it, I completely forgot.

I'm late.

- For what?

- I have an appointment.

- Right now?

- Who would've thought that

waxing was in high demand?

It's impossible to get an appointment.

Thanks for the pizza.

I'll see you soon.

(door closing)

(birds chirping)

(solemn music)

(Maya breathing heavily)

So it gets to this bit

where we're doing food tasting, right?

- [Isabel] Yeah.

- And like all of a sudden,

a random man just comes

right in and helps himself

to the plate and we're all like,

"What is happening right now?"

- He thought it was free food?

- Did you not see the camera

and that we're filming?

And he's like, "No."

Just eating away.

- Oh my gosh.

- Someone was hungry.

- So embarrassing.

(Maya laughing)

(phone ringing)

- Oh.

I gotta take this.

Bill?

Thank you for calling me.

- Yeah, uh, look, the

story sounds interesting.

It's a bit unusual for

what we do, but I like it.

One of the greatest young adult writers

finally discovered after

decades of anonymity.

I mean, I used to read his stuff.

Where'd you find him?

- He's in Paris.

I believe Oliver Durand

is one of his pen names.

He also goes by Claude Brisbois.

But after doing some research,

his real name is Alex Miller.

- And what makes you so sure

he'd be willing to do an interview?

- Never sure.

Just determined.

- I think if you can make the story work,

then we might be willing to look at it.

- Thank you.

- No promises.

- Thank you so much, Bill.

Truly.

- Please take care of yourself, Maya.

We're all so sorry about Diego.

- Yes, thank you.

- [Bill] We're rooting for you.

(distant phones ringing)

- It's a go!

- Yay!

I knew it would happen.

- All right.

So, what are these?

- [Isabel] These are impatiens.

- Sounds appropriate.

(Maya chuckling)

- [Isabel] Next, we'll do the marigolds.

- You really have made

good progress around here.

- We are.

(birds chirping)

- So, what's the dealio

with your birthday, huh?

- You're gonna come?

- Are you kidding me?

I wouldn't miss it.

Anything you want?

As a gift?

(birds chirping)

I remember my favorite gift as a child.

It was library card.

- A library card?

Seriously?

That's kind of sad.

- We didn't have much money back then.

It was just me and my dad.

- Where was your mom?

- She died.

In childbirth with me.

- I've never heard you talk about her.

- Well, there's not much to say.

Her family considered me illegitimate

and my dad was never around,

which is why the library

card was so wonderful.

Inside those books, I could be transported

to any place I wanted to go to.

Or I could study Spanish.

- You don't speak Spanish.

- I know, I know.

I could of.

(Maya chuckling)

Maybe you could teach me.

(gentle piano music)

(birds chirping)

(phone ringing)

Hello?

- [Alex] Hi, this is Alex Miller.

I got your message.

- Alex, hi, hi.

Thank you so much for returning my call.

You're a hard one to find.

I'm Maya Carlile from "Info

Insider" here in the U.S.

- Oh?

You didn't mention that in your message.

- [Maya] Is now a good time to talk?

- [Alex] It depends.

- Well, you see, I'm doing a

story on childhood nostalgia,

and I was wondering

if you might be willing to be interviewed.

- And why would you wanna interview me?

- Because you're Oliver Durand.

It's time to reveal the

man behind the pages.

And look, I know that in the past,

you've refused to do

interviews and coverage,

but with the 50th

commemoration coming up, I was-

(phone line beeping)

Hello?

Hello?

Well that went well.

(Bear panting)

Hey!

(Grace chuckling)

- [Grace] Well, it's a nice surprise.

- Yeah.

I thought you could use some company.

- Or that you could use some company.

"The earth laughs in flowers."

- Who said that?

- Emerson.

I'm almost done here.

Will you do me a favor and go feed Bear?

- Uh, yeah.

Yeah, sure.

(suspicious guitar music)

(Bear panting)

No, no, no, no.

Where is it?

(suspicious guitar music)

(door squeaking)

(suspicious guitar music)

(door squeaking)

(suspicious guitar music)

(Maya gasping)

- [Maya] It's Grace.

"Dear Grace Stackley,

we are pleased to inform you

that due to popular demand,

we will be releasing a special

50th anniversary collectors edition

of 'Olive and the Universe.'"

(Maya gasping)

Damn it.

(door squeaking)

- Hey, where's Isabel?

- With her mom.

So why is it you never wanna talk about

what you used to do for work?

- Who gives a sh*t?

It doesn't matter what I did.

- See, that's where I disagree.

I think what we do for work is everything.

- Oh, yeah?

- Yeah!

We spend half our lives doing it, ideally.

If not more.

The other half is sleeping.

So I would think it's important.

And considering your generation, too.

You were at the forefront

of the modern working woman.

Grace, you paved the way

for women like myself.

- Lord.

What kind of woman is that?

- A strong, career-oriented woman

who can take care of herself.

- Uh-huh.

- Grace, I know we haven't know

each other for a long time,

but you've been incredibly kind to me.

(birds chirping)

(Grace sighing)

- Well, believe it or not,

I've come to like having

you and Isabel around.

And no one's more surprised than me.

(Maya chuckling)

- Would you do something for me?

Let me interview you.

- What?

- I'm a reporter for "Info Insider."

- "Insider?"

Is that what you meant by TV production?

- It's you!

You are Oliver Durand!

Grace, your works are revolutionary.

And what I find so deeply

compelling is how you use

your male pen name, and why

you choose to be anonymous,

and what that means, and

how to unpack all of that.

- Is that why you've been coming around

asking me all sorts of questions?

You're just using me for a story.

- No, I'm not using you.

I just needed to know.

- What do you need to know?

Huh?

What could possibly make

deceiving me worth it?

(birds chirping)

We're done.

We are done.

Just leave.

Leave!

(birds chirping)

(Grace sighing)

- I lost my job.

(birds chirping)

I lost my job.

I know I wasn't honest with

you, and I am so sorry.

They didn't fire me per se,

but they told me to take

as much time as I needed

without any other prospects of going back.

They wouldn't even return any of my calls

until I told them about your story, Grace.

Grace!

Grace, please!

Grace, please!

(door slamming)

Grace, I need this job!

(solemn music)

It's all I got!

(Maya sighing)

(solemn flute music)

(reflective music)

- [Maya] So, what, like that?

- No!

- Come on!

- What?

- We've gone over this so many times.

Try it again.

- Okay.

Big mistake.

Grande, enorme.

(Isabel chuckling)

- [Grace] You should lock the door.

- Grace!

(Grace chuckling)

- This is for the almost birthday girl.

(birds chirping)

- I was 20 and in love.

And we were both starving

artists in Paris.

But I had something, and he knew it.

And he was jealous, and I knew it.

And after I wrote "Olive

and the Universe,"

the publishing house came running

and wanted me to do travel and do press.

But he could stand that I was

getting all the attention.

He was controlling and

I was young and dumb

and would've done anything

to make him love me

and to make him happy.

So, I did what I thought

would make him love me.

I asked to remain anonymous

so that Alex wouldn't feel small.

And the moment I did, I felt

my soul being stripped from me.

And every year after that,

I lost more of myself.

And eventually, he couldn't

find who he fell in love with

in the first place.

And, he left me anyway.

(Grace chuckling)

(somber music)

(birds chirping)

Strong women can make weak choices, Maya.

I have one condition.

(birds chirping)

I get final say.

And it doesn't air until I give approval.

(suspenseful music)

Now you can come.

(Grace sobbing)

- You won't regret this.

- Oh, I doubt that.

(group chuckling)

Oh, Maya!

(bright flute music)

- Okay, scooch over.

All right, so you're

gonna press this button.

- Okay.

- And keep it rolling.

And then you wanna get a closeup of Grace.

That's it.

- Let's not get too close.

(Grace chuckling)

- Okay.

And then from this side,

you wanna get a wide shot.

Yeah?

- [Isabel] Okay.

- So sometimes you're

gonna move in on Grace

and then sometimes

you're gonna move to me.

Got it?

- Yeah, I think so.

- Don't ever stop rolling.

Ever.

And we'll be fine.

You ready?

- Oh, Lord, I guess.

(Grace chuckling)

- Okay.

(Maya breathing deeply)

- The award-winning book

series, "Olive and the Universe"

was written by Oliver Durand in the 1970s.

- Here I am.

(Grace chuckling)

(uplifting piano music)

- So, my final question

for you, Grace, is this.

Why now?

Why after all these years are you ready

and willing to come forward

and tell everyone your story?

- Well, mainly because you

wouldn't leave me alone about it.

(Maya coughing)

Oh, sorry.

That was a good question.

With an answer I'm not

quite sure I have yet.

And I just hope it doesn't come back

to bite me in the a*s.

(Grace chuckling)

- All right, all right.

Well, I guess we're done.

- Oh, good, 'cause I gotta pee.

(Grace chuckling)

(Grace sighing)

You get what you need?

- Oh, more than you know.

Thank you so much, Grace.

That was truly remarkable.

You're such a natural on camera.

(Maya chuckling)

Was it good?

- Yeah, it was amazing.

- Did it land?

You got all the angles?

- Yes, I would tell you.

- Okay, okay, okay, okay, good.

Maybe you can be my

sidekick from now on, huh?

(Maya chuckling)

- Before I go, I have a question.

- Yeah, sh**t.

Anything.

- You never told me why you

were obsessed with my book.

- Why was I obsessed with your book?

Are you kidding me?

I knew every word by heart.

I spent hours in the library as a child

just imagining I was Olive.

And your book, Grace,

your book made me feel

that I was never alone.

That one day, there would

be this whole new world

and this whole new universe

just waiting to be explored

if I was just brave enough.

Brave enough to just be open

to it and to keep going.

I'm pretty sure I'm not

the only kid in the world

that felt that.

(reflective music)

(bright piano music)

(birds chirping)

- Hey!

What are you doing here?

- Maya just dropped me off.

She had something to do.

- 'Cause she's just so busy.

Hey.

Why don't we go shopping for

a few things for your party?

Just some last minute items.

- Would it be okay if we did that later?

- Yes.

Why?

Do you have something going on?

- I'm gonna go back to work on the garden.

- Well, do you need my help?

I can do it with you.

- No, it's okay.

We got it.

Thanks, though.

(playful music)

- [Maya Voiceover] And

as for Grace Stackley,

I think it's high time we

give credit where it's due.

(bright music)

- [Bill Voicemail] It's Bill.

I can't come to the phone right now.

Leave a message.

- Bill.

Hi, it's Maya.

We're sending the footage over

to you, so if you like it,

send the paper work and

the segment to Grace.

Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

(birds chirping)

(phone chiming)

No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no!

(phone ringing)

- [Bill] Hey, Maya.

- Bill?

Bill, what happened?

- [Bill] Grace didn't approve the story.

- What are you talking about?

- [Bill] Our team spoke to

her and she passed on it.

Sorry, Maya.

(Maya knocking)

- Grace?

Grace, it's me!

(door squeaking)

Why did you k*ll the story?

- I didn't like it.

- What are you talking about?

It was a great piece.

- It was missing something important.

- What?

I put in everything you

said, word-for-word.

- I'm sorry.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Okay, okay.

Wait, please.

What can I do?

How can I fix this?

- You can add the part that mattered.

- What the hell are you talking about?

- The part where you talk about

your childhood and my book

and what it meant to you.

- And why would I do that?

- That was important.

- And about me.

No one wants to know about me!

No one cares!

- You asked me why this was the first time

I was willing to be interviewed

after all these years.

That's why, Maya.

That was why.

- I don't understand.

- [Grace] You need to look

at that footage again.

(Maya sighing)

(Maya screaming)

- You know what?

This is so unbelievable.

Thanks for nothing, Grace.

You really screwed me over!

(Maya screaming)

- Wow.

(Grace chuckling)

(solemn music)

- Someone's birthday is coming up.

Thought about what you want?

- I have some ideas.

- Like?

- A tattoo.

(Diego scoffing)

- Nice try.

- Okay, a car.

- Oh my gosh.

What am I gonna do with that?

It's too fast.

(solemn music)

(car revving)

(Maya grunting)

(solemn music)

(Christina singing in foreign language)

- I've got this.

(Christina singing in foreign language)

(solemn music)

- Hey, Isabel, happy birthday!

These are for you.

- [Christina] You're late.

- Yeah, I know.

I got caught up at work.

- Do you think you could come

up with some other excuse?

- Mom.

- No, no, Isabel.

It's okay.

Listen, I know I should've

been here earlier, but-

- But you weren't.

You seem to put work before everything.

Even Diego.

(crickets chirping)

Girls, get in the car.

- What did you just say?

What did you just say?

Oh, you've been waiting

for this, haven't you?

- [Christina] What?

- You've been waiting for me to f*ck up

so you could pull the mom card on me,

to assert your power once and for all.

Admit it.

You've hated me since the day you met me.

And you have never, ever

gotten over your divorce.

And you can't handle that he moved on!

- Girls, get in.

- It drives you crazy that

Isabel wanted me here tonight.

Admit it.

It drives you mad, doesn't it?

- Doesn't it?

- Maya!

- Maya, stop!

- Isabel-

- Go home, Maya.

Just go home.

(car starting)

(reflective music)

(glass shattering)

(phone buzzing)

(Maya groaning)

(Maya sobbing)

(reflective music)

- Hi!

I've been trying to call.

I've texted a bunch.

- I don't think the drip

system is working right.

- Okay.

We'll fix it.

Do you wanna talk about it?

(birds chirping)

- Have you ever wondered

why I agreed to come here?

After the divorce, to

make me feel at home,

my dad and I started this garden.

I can still feel him whenever I'm here.

But you never ask me about him.

You act like he never existed.

I can't pretend anymore.

- I don't want you to pretend.

- Look, we tried, okay?

We tried to be what my

dad thought we could be.

But we're not.

We're just not.

I was stupid to think that maybe-

- Maybe what?

- We're moving to L.A.

To be close to family.

My mom has been planning

it since dad died,

but after last weekend,

she moved up the flights.

(Maya gasping)

We leave tomorrow morning.

- For how long?

- I know you mean well,

but I think we just don't...

I think we just need a little break.

- Oh, Isabel.

(solemn music)

(Maya sighing)

What have I done?

(reflective music)

(Maya knocking)

(Maya sighing)

(birds chirping)

(pencil scraping)

(birds chirping)

- [Grace] You need somethin'?

A shower?

- I wanted you to know that I

went back to the editing room

and I included that part you wanted.

- Good.

- And with your approval,

they're gonna run it next week.

- I approve.

- You didn't deserve to be

treated that way, Grace.

You're putting yourself out there for me.

- It's nothing.

- No.

No, it's not nothing.

And I know that.

Thank you.

- So what's new?

How's Isabel?

- She's out of town.

- Wonderful.

For how long?

- Oh, I don't know.

Indefinitely?

Yeah.

It turns out her mother was making plans

the entire time to move to Los Angeles.

To be closer to family.

- And you're just gonna let that happen?

- There's no letting.

I don't have a say.

I don't have any rights.

The only thing that

bonded us together was...

- Was what, Maya?

You have never mentioned his name once.

Don't think I didn't notice.

You never talk about Diego.

And if you don't start to talk about him,

or acknowledge him-

- I can't.

- Why not?

- Because.

- Because why?

- Because.

- Because why?

- Because it hurts too much!

- It all hurts too much!

And I am trying.

I am trying to hold on.

But I don't have anything left.

- Yes, you do.

You have Isabel.

- I don't!

- Oh, Maya, you need to face this.

- Just like you, right?

Because from where I am standing,

you choose to stay in this

house living by yourself,

refusing to move on with your life.

- You're right.

I have given up.

But I'm telling you, it's bullshit.

I've done it all wrong,

but I'm not dead yet,

and neither are you.

And you have a girl who needs you!

- She doesn't need me.

She has her mom and a

whole family out there!

- You're her family, too.

You've had a hard life, Maya.

There's no question about that.

But don't let that past keep you

from seeing what's right in front of you.

This girl was put in

your life for a reason.

She loves you, I've seen it.

You got to keep on trying.

That's what Diego would've wanted.

- Stop saying...

Stop saying-

- You can't go on like this.

You can't continue to push things down!

- Listen to me

- No!

- Stop.

- You don't have any more

room for your pain, honey.

No, he's gone.

I'm so sorry.

He's gone.

But it's gonna be okay.

It's all right.

It's gonna be okay.

(Maya crying)

Oh no.

(Maya sobbing)

(bright music)

(Maya whispering)

(Diego speaking in foreign language)

- [Maya Voiceover] Once

more within thine ears.

(Diego speaking in foreign language)

- [Maya Voiceover] The words

of burning love shall sound.

(Diego speaking in foreign language)

- [Maya Voiceover] And

from it's slumber deep.

(Diego speaking in foreign language)

- [Maya Voiceover] Perchance.

(Diego speaking in foreign language)

- [Maya Voiceover] Thy heart will wake.

(reflective music)

(bright music)

(birds chirping)

- Christina, hi.

Hi, it's me.

Please don't hang up.

Look, I know I'm the last person

you wanna talk to right now,

but I've been doing a lot of thinking

about what happened and...

(train rattling)

(group chattering)

(Maya chuckling)

- Oh!

It's good to see you.

Oh, I missed bugging you.

Come here!

(Maya laughing)

(reporter laughing)

- [Reporter] I missed you.

- I've been watching you every morning.

You're good.

You're really good.

And you deserve this.

- Thank you.

(Rebecca chuckling)

(Maya chuckling)

It's good to see you.

- You, too.

- We bring you a special feature segment

by our very own Maya Carlile.

The award-winning book series

"Olive and the Universe,"

by Oliver Durand has long

been a beloved choice

in millions of homes.

The author had maintained

anonymity until now.

And you won't believe the

story behind the story.

- The award-winning book

series "Olive and the Universe"

was written by Oliver Durand in the 1970s.

It inspired the hearts

and minds of children

from around the world.

But Mr. Durand, like J.D. Salinger,

was famous for his reluctance

to do any promotion

or publicity on his books.

In fact, he refused to do any interviews

for almost five decades.

But the reason why may shock you.

And one day, there would be this...

- Here's your cereal.

- [Maya] This whole new world, and this...

- What are you watching?

- [Maya] This whole new

universe just waiting-

- The segment I did with Maya.

- Oh.

- Brave enough.

- What segment?

- [Maya] Brave enough to just

be open to it and keep going.

I'm pretty sure I'm not

the only kid in the world

that felt that.

(Christina sighing)

(light solemn music)

- She was right.

I was jealous.

- What?

(light solemn music)

- He loved her so much.

And I was just scared.

- Mom, of what?

- That maybe you wouldn't

wanna be around me as much,

that you'd prefer her.

I was afraid that maybe

I would lose you, too.

- How could you ever lose me?

You're my mom.

- I know, honey.

The point is...

(Christina sighing)

I'm sorry.

- [Isabel] For what?

- I never told you that

it was okay to love her.

(reflective music)

(phone buzzing)

- Hi.

Hi, you're up.

- [Isabel] Hey.

- I didn't realize it was so late.

- It's fine.

I'm up.

I never sleep.

(Maya chuckling)

- Yeah, me too.

Look, if you're in the

middle of something,

we can talk another...

- I'm not doing anything.

- How are you?

- [Isabel] I've been okay.

- [Maya] How is it there?

Have you made friends?

- One.

Tori.

She's cool.

Mom has me in therapy now.

- That's good.

I should probably do the same for myself.

- How's the garden?

- I'm doing my best.

Grace has been helping me out a lot.

I'm happy to report that I

haven't k*lled everything.

(Isabel laughing)

- That's good.

(Isabel laughing)

- Did you know that the first time

I was supposed to meet you,

I almost didn't show up?

- Why?

- I was terrified.

I didn't know if you were gonna like me.

- That's funny.

- You're just like him, you know?

Like you, he was this free spirit.

And he loved so deeply,

and so unapologetically.

And he saw right past my hard shell

and he pushed his way in.

And I miss him.

I miss him every second of every day.

- Me too.

- And I'm so sorry.

- It's okay.

I understand.

- You know, I've been thinking.

You and I, we share something so special.

We both had your dad's heart.

And your dad didn't show

his kind of love to me

for me to just keep it all for myself.

And I know I told you that

the best gift I've ever been

given was a library card.

(Maya chuckling)

But the truth is,

the best gift I've ever been given

was this gift of you.

So, if you're open to it,

I'd really like to start

over and be there for you.

- Yeah.

(uplifting music)

(bright piano music)

(Bear panting)

(Grace chuckling)

(Maya chuckling)

- I probably should get going.

This is a good idea, right?

- Yes.

Just trust.

Oh wait!

Before you go...

- You didn't have to get me anything.

I thought we were just

gonna gift each other

with our presence.

- Oh, terrible.

Just get out.

(Grace chuckling)

- Should I open it?

- Oh, hell no.

Do it later.

- Okay.

Okay.

(Grace chuckling)

(Maya chuckling)

You sure you don't wanna come with?

- Oh, stop.

I'm too busy.

Every since that segment aired,

I've got so many book

signings, my agent's up my a*s.

You've ruined my life, you know that.

(Maya laughing)

(Grace chuckling)

- Oh, Grace.

I don't know how to ever thank-

- No, go on.

I'll see you when you get back.

You don't wanna hit traffic.

- Yeah.

(Grace chuckling)

(birds chirping)

(uplifting music)

(Maya gasping)

(Maya chuckling)

(bright music)

(car door shutting)

(bright music)

(Maya chuckling)

(door squeaking)

- [Maya] Knock, knock!

- Surprise!

(bright music)

I tried to hold you

For as long as I could

I hate to go on without you

Never thought I'd have to

And I'm here on my own two feet

But I'm not alone

You're standing next to me

I got lost in a dark so deep

Now I know you're watching over me

The flowers bloom for you

I feel your love in all I do

And through the pain, I grew

I'm moving on

You'd want me to

You were the magic

Every seed we planted grew

You left and broke me

Didn't think I'd make it through

Now I'm here on my own two feet

But I'm not alone

You're standing next to me

I got lost in a dark so deep

Now I know you're watching over me

The flowers bloom for you

I feel your love in all I do

And through the pain, I grew

I'm moving on

You'd want me to

They say life goes on, and on and on

On and on, and on and on

Suddenly I'm not feeling so blue

They say life goes on, and on and on

On and on, and on and on

Even though I'm still missing you

The flowers bloom for you

I feel your love in all I do

And through the pain, I grew

I'm moving on

You'd want me to

I'm moving on

You'd want me to

(gentle string music)