Casey Makes a Mixtape (2025)

[bunniefuu]

- The zoom gives you rock...

-The zoom...

-...for the senses.

-For the senses, for the senses,

for the senses...

The lows that evolve

into highs that pierce.

Feel the rock

on 98 KCEW,

Dallas-Fort Worth.

KCEW.

Yeah. Hi, can I request a song?

In case you're wondering,

this top ten list

is not in order.

Just my favorites right now,

which I've been trying

to record forever.

- And if there are liner notes

on this tape, it would tell you

that it doesn't have

a theme or tell a story.

It's not a concept album,

it's not a mixtape,

other than they're just

-my favorite songs

for the summer.

-I'm a Pepper

-He's a Pepper

-She's a Pepper

We're a Pepper

Wouldn't you like

To be a Pepper too?

Everyone rejects me

Livin' in my best dreams

And I've come to realize

I can see it in your eyes

You're out to get me

- Yeah, I know

You're out to get me

Everyone rejects me

You know I don't like

you messing with my music.

I know.

What are you looking for anyway?

You obviously don't have it.

...know you're out to get me

Only need one more

to finish my mixtape.

Into thinking

Ya needed me too

And I see I lost the bet

Hey, kiddo, you ready?

-What is wrong with you?

-Do I have to go?

-Yeah, I said

What is wrong with you?

-Come on.

Mm, hmm, hmm, hmm

Everything

That's part of you

Is part of me, babe

Ooh, every little thing

You do

Is like a dream, babe

Ooh, every little thing

You do

You're number one, babe

...not only love, yes

Mm, mm

When you whisper that

I'm everything you need

I put your sweet lips

Next to mine

-I must confess...

-We're almost there.

You're gonna have

a great time, I know it.

...the sweetness

I feel inside

-When are you coming back?

-Three weeks.

And I'm not going to let you

ruin this trip for me.

I think he's gonna

pop the question.

Oh! I hope he does it

while we're in Paris.

And don't worry, he's not trying

to replace your father.

Come on.

Well, we know it's not

what you're used to, Casey,

but we hope you like it.

It's perfect.

Uh, just make yourself at home,

move stuff around,

whatever you wanna do, just, uh,

- just don't touch my medals.

- Well--

Don't, don't move

too much stuff around.

Thank you, Mimi and Poppy.

Y'all are going to have

so much fun!

Be good.

Okay, well, I will see y'all

in three weeks!

Thank you!

- Well-- -See you later.

- Mm, be careful.

Bye.

"Shane!

Come back!

Shane!

Come back, Shane!"

You've never seen Shane?

1953?

Alan Ladd. It-- it's a classic!

You're missing out.

Would you like something to eat?

Oh, uh, no, thanks.

Okay.

Oh! Uh, well,

like your grandfather said,

why don't you

just make yourself

right at home?

And we can play UNO later

if you like. Hmm?

Just remember,

your grandfather hates to lose.

We're not the best

At what we do

Not even number two

You could walk a mile

In our shoes

But what good would that do?

Because we do what we do

Yeah, we're a lot like you

Sometimes our course is true

- Other times it's askew

We're well aware

Of you standing there

Looking like you've heard this

All before

We're well aware of you

Standing there looking like

You've heard this all before

I brought my own phone.

- Right tool for the job,

you know?

I mean, you wouldn't catch

Eddie Van Halen

using keyboards on stage,

so I'm not using

a rotary dial phone.

Being a broke teenager,

I can't afford to buy records.

Vinyl is much better,

of course, so it's...

- ...cassette tapes

and the radio...

...and a lot of waiting around.

The Police, old man,

never seemed to get

that one recorded.

Oh, good morning!

Uh, morning.

Sorry about the TV.

The tube went out on our Zenith,

so we're using

that one right now.

Hmm. Well,

I'll have your grandfather

take a look at it

after he gets done

cleaning out the camper.

You know, you really should have

a look at that, by the way.

It's a 1980 Bigfoot

and he's very proud of it.

Why don't I make you

some breakfast

and then you go on out and play?

I'm 13, Mimi.

I don't really play anymore.

You know what I mean.

Just go outside,

find some kids and do something.

It's summertime!

I might just hang out

in my room, if that's okay.

Yeah. Suit yourself.

...when you're walking

Or talking...

...the 1981 Toyota Celica G- isn't a sporty car.

It's two sporty cars--

Turn it up, turn it up

So loud that

You can't take it

Turn it up

You that new girl?

Hey!

Where are you going?

Home.

Back to California?

No.

I live here now. Texas.

I've never seen a girl

on a skateboard before.

That's dumb.

Try and do some tricks

like Rodney Mullen.

-Who's that?

-Pro skateboarder.

-California's cool.

-He's from Florida.

I'd like to be

a professional skateboarder

when I grow up.

-Or maybe a wrestler.

-You can do anything

when you put your mind to it.

It's what my dad

always said, anyway.

Did your dad die?

-Who told you that?

-My mom is friends

with your grandma.

Great.

Let's go ride.

Or are you chicken?

Chicken!

Dude, what? Not a chicken.

What that even mean?

Ew, gross! Don't touch

the fountain part

with your mouth,

you'll get the flu!

How old are you?

Thirteen.

I'm almost 13.

So you're 12?

Yeah.

Do you like the Von Erichs?

Is that heavy metal?

No, the wrestlers on TV.

-I don't watch wrestling.

-You're missing out!

I mean, "the Iron Claw!"

Who's your favorite band?

Uh, mine is Rush.

-I like Journey.

-Yeah, Neal Schon!

- He's an underrated guitarist,

I'll give you that.

But I really think he did

some of his best work

for Santana.

He was only 17 then,

but not really a fan of Santana.

I'm into Queen,

and The Police are super cool.

Did you know that

Stewart Copeland had

his own punk band

called Klark Kent?

"Klark" with a "K."

Yeah, I'm actually making

a mixtape right now.

I need one more song

to finish it.

What song?

"Don't Stand So Close to Me"

by The Police.

Hold on.

You don't like Rush? I mean,

Neil Part on the drums.

I mean, odd meters

are impressive and all,

but you can't dance to it.

And it's Peart, by the way.

But no, I'm not a fan

of Neil Peart or Rush.

Give me Bonzo any day.

John Bonham?

Zeppelin?

Hammer of the Gods!

Isn't he dead?

Yeah, but his music lives on.

Same with your dad.

What about him?

Isn't that why you're here?

Because... he died.

No.

Oh!

Sorry, Poppy.

Ah! My doctor says

I'm not supposed

to drink these anymore.

Oh, okay.

You in Vietnam or something?

I wish.

I was too old for that one.

World w*r II.

I was stationed in,

uh, northern France.

Uh, saw your medals.

You like my RV?

I guess.

I tell you what. Uh--

I'll make you a deal.

Y-- you just keep

this little beer thing

between you and me and, uh,

I'll let you come in here

any time you want,

play your music

or whatever you wanna do.

Just keep this between us.

So, you're saying,

"Don't tell Mimi."

That's exactly what I'm saying.

-Deal.

-Sun never really goes down

- Earth turns around

And around it

Stars are so far out

And Venus and Mars

Make it hard

To remain on the ground

- The Moon doesn't shine

On its own...

- Casey, honey?

-Shows up at night Your reflection...

Yeah?

Dinner's almost ready.

-Thanks, Mimi.

-Um... honey,

the next time you go someplace,

please let me know.

I mean, I-- I didn't have

any idea where you were.

Oh, sorry about that, Mimi,

I was just riding my skateboard.

Oh, that's great! Just,

just let me know

next time, okay?

Oh! Fun!

I know I'm only 13,

but I'm pretty mature

for my age.

Or at least, that's

what my therapist told me

after my parents got a divorce.

When I was seven,

my soccer coach told me

to kick the ankles

of the other team

or even elbow them

in the ribs to get the ball.

But I didn't.

I mean, we were seven.

When I was nine,

my best friend's dad

took us to a dinner

and had a roadie

in the car with him.

Not the kind of roadie

that sets up guitars

and the amps at concerts.

The kind who drink.

Just scotch and water.

Or at least,

that's what he told the cops

when he got pulled over

for weaving through traffic.

Or the time a few years ago

when my mom got pulled over

for speeding,

and not sure why,

but the cop searched her car.

And what did he find

in the glove box?

A loaded p*stol.

It was only a .22,

but the cop called it

a Saturday night special,

whatever that is,

and took the g*n

and my mom to jail.

This is the first time

I'm spending any time

at my grandparents' house,

so admittedly,

- I don't know the rules.

- Casey, dinner's ready.

Be right there.

But when you think about it,

neither do most parents

or grandparents.

Well, I hope you're getting

all settled in

to the room and all, I mean.

I assume you like pot roast.

- I, uh--

- Well, of course

she likes pot roast.

What's not to like

about pot roast?

Would you let her answer?

Tell her, Casey,

you like pot roast.

Your mother

always loved pot roast,

so I'm sure you do too.

Yeah. Pot roast is okay.

See, I know my granddaughter.

And how about green beans?

Well, of course

she likes green beans.

Her mother always liked

those too.

Or was it her dad?

You know, when they first

got married, they used

to eat over here a lot,

and I remember

your dad or your mom

used to like green beans,

- I can't remember which one, I--

- Oh,

thanks for the dinner,

but I'm not really that hungry.

May I be excused?

Mm-hmm.

I forgot.

- What--

- Quit talking

about her parents.

Oh, hey, Mimi,

I'm going out to ride.

Okay, sweetie, have fun!

You okay?

Yeah, I'm fine.

Hey, uh, you wanna go swimming?

-You have a pool?

-It's at a friend's house.

I don't know.

I have to ask my grandmother.

You can swim, right?

I can swim. Took lessons

from these g*y ladies

when I was like five or six.

They lived in this nice house

and had a pool.

Why were they g*y?

I don't know.

It was just something

my mom told me later

when I was older.

You see them kiss?

No, I saw them swim.

-You like it?

-Are there some little kids

coming over or something?

Well, maybe

your grandmother will like it.

Well, I do like it!

You're never too old

to be a swinger.

Oh, well, it's just

a silly old joke,

and I do like the swing.

I'm going swimming

and forgot my swimsuit.

-Whose pool?

-Some friend of Craig's.

Oh, I met this neighbor kid

named Craig.

Says his mom knows you.

He also said you told her

about my dad.

Oh-- yes, Craig.

Well, he-- h-- he's a nice kid,

and his mom shouldn't

have told him that.

I'm sorry, I-- I was just in a--

Can you just take me

to the store?

Well, why don't you just borrow

one of my old swimsuits?

They used to be about your size.

Cannonball!

Ooh, ooh

Ooh

Ooh, ooh, ooh

Today's Tom Sawyer

He gets high on you

Da-da, da-da

I don't really know the song!

Da, da, da-da

He gets by on you

Da-da, da, da-da, da-da

- Ooh, ooh, ooh

Ooh...

Ew, are you peeing?

What? No!

You know that if you pee

in a pool, there's a chemical

that will make a red ring

float around you?

You don't like to swim?

Don't have a swimsuit.

I'm Carrie, friends with Craig.

Casey.

Isn't that a boy's name?

Hey, what the hell?

What are you kids doing?

This is private property.

Get out of here!

Craig told me that was

a friend of his house.

It was,

but they just moved.

I'm gonna k*ll 'him.

Oh--

He likes you, you know.

"Likes me," likes me?

Yeah, that's what he told me.

He sent you?

No, he didn't send me!

I've known him

since we were little kids.

We should hang out sometime.

Making mixtapes may look easy,

but let me assure you, it isn't.

Not only do you have

to call the radio station,

- make a request that has to be

in their song rotation...

...then wait

for that song to play,

which requires

a ton of patience,

and often doesn't even happen.

But you also have to have

great coordination and timing.

Let me explain.

Hit the record button too soon,

you get the DJ blabbing

over the song,

but hit it too late

and you've missed

the first part of the song.

Then it's not worth

recording at all.

I've been working

on my technique

for several years

and I'm pretty close

to perfecting it.

Casey, telephone.

I got it!

Mimi, hang up, I got it!

- Sorry.

- Hello?

Hey, Casey, kiddo! How are you?

Uh, Mom,

is everything all right?

Everything's good.

Um, but listen, hey,

this call is costing

your grandmother a fortune,

so I'll be quick.

Hey. Looks like someone

had a change of heart.

I think she likes it.

Mm.

You wanna talk?

- I can't believe

she called collect.

That's your mother.

She told me

she's staying longer.

-Until mid-July.

-Oh, don't worry, you'll be back

in time for school.

Yeah, we'll see about that.

Mother's always been unreliable.

Yeah,

we prefer to say she's...

-...unpredictable.

-Oh, I'd say

she's very predictable.

Mm-hmm, she's

always been that way,

ever since she was

about your age.

Listen, Casey, I-- I know

you don't really

wanna be here...

...but we're glad you are.

You play?

So close!

- Yes!

- It's match point.

Borg verses McEnroe.

Tension fills the air.

Borg readies his serve.

McEnroe waits.

Borg wipes his brow...

...tosses the ball...

...and serves!

Whoo! Yeah!

Going for a kind of

plectic, antique chic look?

Something like that.

It's cool.

Not actually, but thanks.

Well, I think it is.

And anyway, according to Craig,

it's only for a few weeks.

You and Craig talk a lot.

Yeah, I guess we do.

You make all these?

Yep.

You a tomboy?

Never really thought about it.

You listen to hard rock,

make mixtapes,

ride skateboards--

- I've got a boy's name.

- I mean,

yeah, no offense.

Your parents divorced?

Yeah.

Mine too.

It sucks.

I try to look at it as positive.

And I get

twice the Christmas gifts.

You know,

two sides of the family.

I'm staying for at least

half the summer now.

What happened to a few weeks?

My mom decided to extend

her European stay

with her boyfriend,

soon-to-be fianc, that is.

He's in the military

and got additional leave time,

so they're taking

a longer vacation.

-Your mom doesn't work?

-She's in between jobs

at the moment.

That's the real reason

she went on this trip.

Let me guess,

you don't like him.

Nope.

Can't you go stay with your dad?

I assume that's him

in the photo.

That's...

...not possible.

Hey, got an idea.

- Baby don't get off

The phone

Baby don't leave me alone

Baby, I'm stuck in a cone

I'm begging you, you, you

- Baby, you should win an award

Baby, you should get on aboard

I've never seen

so many records in my life.

Pretty cool, huh?

Uh, can I tell you a secret?

I've actually never been

inside a record store.

I mean, I've looked

through the window of one,

but never actually been in one.

What? Why?

Never had any money.

You like Journey?

Yeah, why?

- What are y--

what are you doing?

- If you don't like Journey,

-I'll take something else.

-Put it back!

I don't want to steal anything.

You're not

stealing anything, I am.

- Dude, put it back!

- -You're not fun enough.

Put it back!

-Put it back.

-Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Careful there.

You break it, you buy it.

- Yeah, sorry.

I'm kind of clumsy.

-Oh, you work here?

-Yeah, system manager.

Uh, part-time, anyways.

I'm in a band.

Do you wanna buy that?

No. No, no, no,

we're just looking.

For anything in particular?

What do you play in your band?

I'm a singer,

I don't play any instruments.

Uh, kind of like,

um, David Lee Roth.

Oh, that's cool.

Although, you know,

he did play acoustic

in "Ice Cream Man,"

side two,

their self-titled first album.

-I didn't know that.

-Yeah, and I think

he also played acoustic

on Women and Children First,

but I can't remember for sure.

Oh, so you're looking

for some Van Halen?

No. Actually, I'm looking

for Zenyatta Mondatta.

- That's from The Police.

- Yeah, yeah,

I know who they are.

All right, follow me.

Yeah, I really dig The Police.

You know, I wish they'd make

a concept album, you know?

They've got such a unique sound.

Here, this one was a return.

Here we go. Be careful with it.

All due respect,

I love The Police,

but when it comes

to concept albums,

Pink Floyd wins.

I mean, you can't really

beat Animals,

although The Wall comes close.

-Agreed.

-I have no idea

what you guys are talking about.

I can't afford it.

You know a lot about music

and you have really good taste,

especially for a little kid.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Uh, do you have the single

"Don't Stand So Close to Me?"

That's really what I need.

Nah, can't keep it

on the shelves.

Oh, have you tried recording it

off the radio?

What?

-Hey, when's your birthday?

-August, which is always sad.

-Birthdays aren't sad.

-Yeah, but summer ending is

and school starting is.

You should ask

for The Police album

for your birthday.

Or, I don't know,

maybe you want these?

I can't believe you.

What? It's no big deal.

They've got more.

-You should put 'em back.

-And get arrested?

No, but, uh, I don't want 'em.

I mean, I dig Foghat.

Did you know that

they got their name

- from playing Scrabble?

- No.

Yeah, or at least I think so,

but I'm not into Loverboy.

Hey, I like Loverboy.

I'll give 'em to Craig then.

He'll appreciate

my kindness and bravery

in the face of danger.

You gonna eat your meatloaf?

I thought you said

you like meatloaf.

Sorry, I thought

you were talking

about the singer.

What singer?

Meat Loaf.

He's an actor and a singer.

He's in that movie

called Roadie.

"The band makes it rock,

but the roadies make it roll."

Hmm. Well, um,

if you're not gonna eat it,

then just give it to me.

I'll eat it.

It's all yours.

I gotta work

on my mixtape anyway.

Oh. I wanted to ask.

Hypothetically speaking,

if someone stole something

and you knew about it,

-would you turn 'em in?

-Who stole something?

Uh, n-- no one.

It's hypothetical.

Nobody likes a snitch.

Don't listen to him.

It would depend

on who did the stealing

and what they stole.

Like I said before,

nobody likes a snitch.

Got it, Poppy.

Thanks.

You like meatloaf?

I'm a fan.

The only real way

to listen to music

is with headphones.

Although these aren't the best,

but you still obviously get

much better sound

than from the jam box speakers.

I've actually always wanted

a home stereo system

with tower speakers,

but that's not happening

anytime soon,

so headphones are

the next best thing.

Not only does the music

sound great,

but it drowns out

all other noises in your house.

I especially like to wear them

when my mom yells at me.

Can't hear her at all,

which is actually better

than the best sounding music,

when I think about it.

Just one more song.

KCEW.

-Hi, can I request a song?

-Sure, what'd you wanna hear?

-Uh, "Don't Stand

So Close to Me" by the--

-The Police. Yeah, got it.

-What's your name?

-Casey.

I'll try to get that on for you.

Do you know when-- Uh--

Hello? Are you still there?

What are you doing here?

It's the middle of the night!

It's actually only midnight.

Isn't that

the "middle of the night"?

Do you wanna

sneak out or what?

I don't wanna get in trouble.

Your grandparents

are asleep, right?

Yeah, they go to bed at,

like, 9:00.

Uh, but I'm recording this song.

Oh, yeah. The Police song.

Actually, I'm sure

I missed it by now.

I fell asleep.

Well, get your shoes on then!

Let's go!

Carrie and I played tennis

here the other day.

She told me.

Wow, you guys really are,

like, best friends, huh?

What? No! I'm, I'm not

best friends with a girl.

Oh, sorry to disappoint.

No, that's not what I mean.

I'm kidding.

Did you like the singles

she gave you?

Which singles?

Two 45s she gave you as a gift.

Uh, Foghat and Loverboy.

Oh, yeah.

But... those weren't a gift.

I paid for those.

Paid for them?

Well, my mom did, so yeah.

-Why?

-No reason.

Are we meeting someone?

No, it's midnight.

I don't know anyone out here.

My dad always says

nothing good happens

after midnight.

We should probably hide.

Ugh. I hate smokers.

My mom smokes.

Used to flush her cigarettes

down the toilet.

-Really?

-Yeah, until one day

she caught me

and I got whipped

like I've never

been whipped before.

Your mom spanks you?

Uh, not anymore,

but yeah, she used to.

My mom will say, "Wait until

your father gets home for work"

and then belt city happens.

You actually call it belt city?

My dad does.

In my mom's defense,

I didn't realize

how much cigarettes cost.

Darn things are expensive.

You know, I don't think

that guy is smoking a cigarette.

It smells of skunk.

Yeah, skunk weed.

How the hell do you know

what weed smells like?

My older brother, he smokes them

when he goes to concerts.

You've been to concerts?

One, ZZ Top at Reunion Arena.

My dream is to go to a concert.

There's someone else coming.

Hey, man, where you been?

What are they doing?

Did they see us?

I don't think so.

-Oh, crap!

-What?

I'm pretty sure

-we're witnessing a drug deal.

-No way.

Yes way!

Let's get out of here.

Hey!

-That was fun.

-Fun?

Yeah!

Mimi, what--

What are you doing up?

Well, I had

the same question for you.

I-- I... uh, was--

I don't know

how you kids do these things.

Got me crazy.

I got up to go the bathroom,

it happens, you know, a lot,

when you get older.

And I saw you light on

under your door

and I thought, naturally,

I'd come check on you.

Naturally.

Now it's your turn.

I was recording a song,

fell asleep,

then Craig knocked

on the window.

It was only midnight.

You remind me

so much of your mother.

It's astonishing.

Honestly,

you look just like her.

You act just like her.

You know, she used to sneak out

a bunch when she was a teenager.

Hmm. Oh, yeah,

she thought she was so smart.

Didn't think we knew.

And first, uh, we didn't.

But then, later on,

we definitely did.

We told her not to do it, but...

but ultimately,

we decided not to punish her,

uh, uh, maybe that was wrong,

I don't know.

But I'm not

gonna punish you either. Mm-mm.

I'm your grandmother.

I have done

the parent thing once already.

Besides... you're a good kid.

I told you you reminded me

of your mother,

and that's true.

You do.

But between you and me,

and Craig, if he's

still standing outside

that window, listening...

...you are so much better

than your mom.

Now get to bed

before I change my mind.

And don't you go out

this late again,

you understand?

Hi, is Casey home?

Casey, honey,

you got company.

- Hey.

- Hey, yourself.

Did you record the song?

Oh... I fell asleep.

Ah, bummer.

It's almost noon.

Best to get moving.

I had a late night.

I've snuck out three times.

Once, my older sister got

our mom's car keys

and just drove us around.

- Does she have

a driver's license?

- No!

And the car was

a stick shift too.

- I bet we stole it

half a dozen times.

I'm not allowed in anyone's car

without an adult.

Me either.

So, uh, I got an idea

of how you could get

The Police album.

Is it legal?

Yeah, it's totally legal.

Okay. What?

Have you gone to a pawn shop?

I'm not pawning anything.

- Where the sun beats down

Like a cattle brand

No sign of water

But you quench my thirst

You're the only one living

And still you burn

You're a sight

To see, so fierce...

Sorry if I made you mad,

I didn't--

I shouldn't

have acted like that.

No way of knowing.

Knowing what?

My mom once pawned

pretty much everything we own,

including this jam box.

I know a guy

who pawned his guitar.

He said it was a great way

to get a loan,

then you can buy back later.

Yeah, it was her idea,

but not how it works in reality.

Well, you obviously got

your jam box back.

Yeah. My dad bought it

back for me.

...just flowers...

So, what's up with your dad?

Is he dead or what?

Craig thinks he is.

He's not dead.

Is he in a coma?

...I wanna hold you

-I wanna hold you close...

-He's in prison.

Oh!

Wow. Okay.

How long?

Until I'm 25.

-So, pretty much forever?

-Yeah, a long time.

What'd he do?

He didn't k*ll anyone,

if that's what you're wondering.

Yeah, I kind of was.

One of my favorite places

in the whole world

is an arcade.

You don't have to think

about anything

other than blowing stuff up.

You don't have to think about

what your dad did or didn't do.

He's innocent, by the way.

Takes a lot of quarters

to play games.

I actually have a jar

in my dresser back home,

and every time

my mom buys something,

I ask her for the change.

-You should use that money

to buy the album.

-I don't have it with me.

And that's my arcade money

anyway, not my savings.

-Priorities.

-Exactly.

I got some change

from my grandparents' couch

for this outing.

And Mimi gave me some quarters

-from her purse.

-Your grandma's great.

Yeah, she is.

-No!

-Ooh!

There's no going back.

Now you run on home

to your mother and tell her...

...tell her

everything's all right...

...and there aren't

any more g*ns in the valley.

Shane.

Hey kid, you got a postcard

from your mom.

...you're hurt!

I'm all right, Joey.

You go home to your mother

and your father...

...strong and straight.

And, Joey... take care of them.

You get in trouble

the other night?

I heard you talking

to your grandma.

No, she was cool.

She's not gonna tell

my mom... right?

-Doubt it.

-Why didn't you invite me

to sneak out?

I don't know.

I do.

Casey and Craig,

sitting in a tree.

K-I-S-S-I-N-G--

Ew, please!

I-- I was just bored.

I am pretty boring.

No, that's not what I mean.

Craig's got a crush!

Shut up! That's not true.

-Yeah, it is.

-I heard that.

I got a postcard from my mom.

Now she's saying

she won't be here until

right before my birthday.

That's right before Labor Day

and school starting back.

At this rate,

I may never go home.

-Maybe you should

just stay here.

-Who knows? I might.

Let's take her to the garden.

I'm not sure she's ready.

She's ready.

Lift my shoulders back up

Like I never lost

And pretend it's right

- I made amends

But I can't see light

It's bending through me

Into the night

I made ya holy

It wasn't right

You told me

I don't have to decide

You hold my hand

Like it's the last time

-I hold it tightly

And never mind

-Mind...

-Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

-What are we waiting for?

-Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

-What are we waiting for?

Oh, oh

Oh, oh

- I used to go fishing

with my dad a lot

when I was younger.

He actually once hired us

a fishing guide.

Talk about a weird job.

This guy would take you

out on his boat

and show you

the best places to fish.

Well, if you've ever

been fishing,

you know that that's hard to do,

so you end up

sitting around all day,

maybe getting

a few bites here and there,

but rarely actually

reel in a fish.

But... when you do,

it's a joyous feeling.

It can't really be

expressed in words,

you've waited all day,

and then bam, you get that bite.

So, you cast the lure

into the water

and your heart starts pumping

as you yank it back

and set the hook.

You reel and reel,

slowly at first,

then faster

as you feel it fight.

Then, you bring that prize

towards the boat

and your dad readies the net

as you pull the fish

out of the water.

Sometimes, after all that,

it's just a tree branch,

not a fish at all.

Then you have

to start over again or...

...try something different.

Sometimes I wanna know

If everything is real

It could all be in my head

It's the thing

That makes you feel

Hey, there.

Back for that Police album?

Oh, hey. No, just browsing.

Cool.

Oh, hey, that friend of yours,

she isn't here with you, is she?

-No, why?

-Just remembered

she was looking for that, uh,

five-finger discount.

What?

The record she put

under her shirt.

Oh, that.

She was just joking around.

I know, I'm just kidding.

She ended up buying

some other ones anyway.

Sh-- she bought some records?

Yeah, I can't remember,

a couple 45s.

Loverboy and Foghat.

Let me know if you need

any help, alright?

Do you need something else?

Do you need any help

around here?

-Like a job?

-Yeah.

How old are you?

How old do you need to be?

Well, 14 is the minimum

working age in Texas,

or at least I think

that's right.

But I know kids

younger than that

can throw papers.

-Paper route?

-Yeah.

I'm only here for the summer.

I'm looking

for something temporary

and cooler than throwing papers.

Oh, "cool," like, um,

sweeping the floors,

cleaning the toilets,

taking out the trash?

I just need some money

to buy some music.

Oh, "Don't Stand

So Close to Me"?

That's the one.

So, are you 14?

Yes.

Okay. Come back tomorrow.

I'll ask my boss.

- Hello?

-You'll never guess what I just did.

-The suspense is k*lling me.

-I'll tell you

when you get here.

But you're not 14.

- He doesn't know that.

-And I thought I was the rebel.

I don't have any ID or obviously

a driver's license to show them,

- so they can't

easily check my age.

Hmm.

I like this. Almost like

your own private clubhouse.

Yeah, kind of.

What happened to recording

the song off the radio?

I guess I'm giving up.

By the way... I know you paid

for those records the other day.

You didn't steal 'em.

-Craig told you?

-If in so many words,

but... really, it was Stewart,

the record store guy.

He told me

you bought them today,

I guess, while I was

in the bathroom.

Yeah.

I just wanted you

to think I was...

...I don't know, cool, you know?

I already think that.

-You do?

-Of course, and...

...my dad's in jail,

so being a thief...

...isn't really that cool to me.

-I'm sorry.

-No need to apologize.

Now that I'm getting my own job,

I'll be able to buy

all the records I want.

-Have you ever had a job?

-No, I'm only 13.

-You mean 14?

-Right.

How's the burger?

It's great, Poppy, thanks.

What a surprise,

a kid who likes a burger!

Next thing you know,

you'll be telling me

you like pizza too.

Yeah, I like pizza.

Oh, uh...

...I got a job.

Not yet, officially,

but I applied.

At a record store.

Well, why do you need a job?

Wanna buy stuff.

Well, what does

the 13-year-old need to buy?

Records, mainly.

Thought you'd be excited for me.

Oh, we are! We are!

We're-- it's very exciting!

It's not a real job,

it's just sweeping floors,

cleaning toilets,

stuff like that.

Well, sounds like

a real job to me.

Sounds like

a real bad job to me.

Are you old enough to get a job?

I thought you had

to be, like, 16.

Actually, it's 14,

so technically no,

but I kind of lied.

Well, now you really are

reminding me of your mother.

Hi, is Stewart in yet?

Uh, no, Stewart's not in.

Can I help you with something?

No, sir. I was just supposed

to meet him here today.

-Casey?

-Yes, sir, that's me.

I got something for you,

from Stewart. Hold on a sec.

Are you his boss?

I own the place.

You must love music.

Not really.

Tell Stewart thanks.

Yeah.

Casey.

Stewart was right about 14

being able to legally work,

but, uh, we only hire

15 and older.

That's cool. It's really cool.

Why don't you come back

next summer when you're older?

I don't think I'm gonna be here

next summer.

I'm actually only 13, anyway.

He just gave it to you?

Yeah. He wrote me

a note explaining.

"We got a shipment of records

in last night,

including one copy

of The Police single

'Don't Stand So Close to Me'."

He put all caps

for the word "one."

"That single is still

really hard to get,

but I grabbed it for you.

Enjoy it.

And sorry

about the job. Stewart."

Wow, it's so cool.

Yeah, I guess he felt bad.

So, how's it sound?

Do you see a record player?

I don't have a record player.

What about your grandparents?

Whoa, this thing is great!

Vintage, but unfortunately...

...it doesn't work.

First thing I tried.

- Do you have a record player?

- -No, my dad took ours in the divorce.

but I know who does.

It's called a turntable,

not a record player.

Whatever, can we use it?

-It's not mine,

it's my brother's.

-Can't you borrow it?

No! I-- even if I could,

how are you gonna get

that turntable audio

into your jam box?

I don't know.

You have to have it

wired properly.

It's not magic.

You can't play it,

and it just goes

through the air.

You have to buy cables

from RadioShack.

Yeah, she knows that.

This is great. Just great.

Nice going.

What? I can't help her.

I can't!

Oh, my God!

Casey, honey, you in there?

Hey, Mimi, what's up?

There's a phone call for you.

- Casey?

- Okay, Mimi, I got it.

Did you pick up yet?

Yeah, Mimi, you can hang up.

I'll hang up.

Oh, sorry.

-It's okay.

-I dropped the phone!

Mom?

I'm not your mom, and wow,

do you need your own line.

Sorry about that.

I figured she was calling to say

she's never coming back.

Can you meet me later tonight?

Maybe. What time?

You'll probably have

to sneak out.

- You got it?

- Yep.

His house is up on the right.

- Nice house.

- His dad's a plumber.

He evidently makes

a lot of money.

You ready?

I guess.

He didn't even try to help

with that record player.

He so deserves this.

Oh, hey there, Craig!

-Is Casey home?

-Well, she sure is!

Let me go get her.

I am so glad you kids

have become friends!

I'm sorry, Craig.

She just informed me

that she's not feeling well.

-She got the flu?

-No.

No, I don't think

it's anything like that.

I think she probably

just stayed up too late.

Can you tell her I wanted

to invite her to a party?

It's a TV watch party, actually,

for this new cable channel.

Well, tha-- that sounds

interesting. When is it?

Tomorrow night, at my house.

And I assume your parents

are gonna both be there.

Unfortunately, yes.

That's so weird.

I know. He didn't mention it

at all to my grandmother.

He talked to my mom.

I was avoiding him too.

No mention of it.

-I don't get it.

-Me either.

You should bring

that Police single

and your jam box anyway.

Maybe we can hijack

his brother's record player

and finish your tape.

What's going on?

What'd you do?

I broke it.

- No!

- Accidentally.

Oh!

-Wow.

-Yep.

Casey, we need to talk.

- What's up, Mimi?

You sound all serious.

- Oh, well...

we got this letter

in the mail from an attorney.

From Craig's parents?

No, from your father,

his attorney.

Why would Craig's parents

be sending us a legal notice?

No reason. Never mind.

What's it about?

Well...

...as you may or may not know,

your mother is

your father's legal contact,

even though they're divorced.

-I... didn't know that.

-No.

And, because she doesn't have

a permanent address,

which you well know...

...we told her she could use

our address

for important correspondence,

but I never expected

to get anything like this!

Is my dad okay?

Oh, he's fine.

According to this,

they have been...

...working on getting him

an early release.

Apparently,

the main case against him

might get thrown out on appeal

on a technicality,

which is the only thing

that makes sense,

because you and I

and everybody in the world

-knows he stole that money!

-I don't know that.

I know, honey.

I-- I know. That's fine.

You're his daughter,

but he did it.

Does Mom know?

I doubt it.

She's living it up

5000 miles away in Paris.

I always wanted to go to France.

This street looks totally

different during the day.

Yeah, it does.

Says it's right up here.

Must've cleaned it up.

Are you sure

this is the right house?

I'm sure.

Hey, what's up?

Just admiring the neighborhood.

You see,

our neighbors got rolled!

-The neighbors?

-Yeah, the other night.

They don't even have any kids!

You should've seen the old man

out there trying to clean it up.

He was not happy.

I thought it was funny.

Wow, that's a mess.

I thought you said

we were having a party.

-Where is everyone?

-It's just us.

I mean, it's not a keg party.

You have a pool?

Yeah.

This is cute.

My mom's idea.

Uh, does she think we're seven?

Parents didn't want us

in the house.

Actually, my brother,

but same difference.

Where are your parents?

In their bedroom, like always.

They let my brother's friends

hang out all the time,

and they go hide.

Hmm! Hi there!

You must be Casey.

Uh, y-- yeah.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Craig's mom.

Oh--

I've heard all about you.

Uh, do you know my grandmother?

Yes, I do. Well, and Craig.

He's such a good gossip.

I'm so sorry about your father.

He's so young. He's

the same age as Craig's dad!

Thanks, but my dad's not dead.

I understand, sweetheart.

It's tough. I get it.

-If there's anything

that we can do--

-No, I think you misunderstood

-my grandmother, 'cause--

-Oh, I know you!

-How are you, Carrie?

-Great! Thanks

for having us over.

Oh, absolutely!

I hope you guys enjoy the show.

It's not a show, Mom.

Well, whatever it is,

I hope you like it.

So, um, your brother

and his friends

are gonna be here in an hour.

You know how he is.

Just-- oh, God,

just stay out of his way.

And be sure to get

something to eat, girls.

We got this, uh, ice cream.

It is so yummy. It's chocolate

with these little bits

and marshmallows and--

oh, I can't remember

what it's called,

but it is good.

Rocky Road!

It's called Rocky Road.

Okay. Enjoy.

What did your grandma

say to my mom?

She said that my dad

was dead to her

because of what he did,

not that he was actually dead.

Yeah, my mom drinks

a lot of wine,

like, all day every day,

so, yeah, not surprising.

I'll be right back.

Do you like Rocky Road?

Never had it.

I hate it.

She'll get mad

if we don't eat it.

You heard about MTV, right?

Music Television?

MTV?

That isn't on TV.

- It was on TV

the other day.

Uh, cable TV. Not here, though.

- We have, uh, cousins

who live in New Jersey...

...and that's the only place

you can see it right now,

so they taped the launch

of the channel

and sent us a copy.

Sent it to my brother,

but my mom is making him

let us watch it.

I, uh,

haven't seen this yet myself.

...T-minus ten,

nine, eight, seven,

six, five, four-- we've gone

for main engine start.

We have main engine start.

Ladies and gentlemen,

rock and roll.

So this is what cable TV is.

Uh, sorry, uh,

the tape must have messed up.

I think I just hit puberty.

Just got word from my mom.

Surprise! Change of plans again.

She's coming back earlier now.

Not sure what's up,

but I'm going home in two days.

But if my dad is really gonna

get out of jail early,

I wanna live with him

back in California.

I like it here in Texas and all,

but it gets really hot

during the summer

riding skateboards.

I've never sweated

so much in my life.

We should have a party

for your birthday.

My birthday isn't

for three weeks,

and I'm leaving

the day after tomorrow.

Let's do an early party, then.

I don't need a party.

No one needs a party.

There's no time.

There's always time

for your party.

You girls have fun?

We did.

Thanks for the ride, Mimi.

Anytime.

Okay, we're here.

Oh.

Here you go.

Well...

...I guess you could start

packing up your room, Casey.

I just can't believe

the summer's almost over.

Be right there.

Do you want some help?

Thanks, but it's

not that much, actually.

Oh.

Okay.

Well, uh, I'll catch up

with you later, then.

Yeah, sure.

Oh, and let's do something

before my mom gets back in town.

Maybe the arcade again?

Definitely.

You know, pizza has all four

of the basic food groups in it.

- You have your protein,

you have your dairy,

you have your grains,

and then, of course,

you have vegetables

if you order it that way.

-This is only pepperoni.

-Well, yeah, I know.

We don't wanna be too healthy.

We haven't heard anything else

back about your father...

...but if and when we do,

you'll be the first to know.

I don't wanna get my hopes up.

I've, uh--

I had a really good time

with you guys this summer.

Oh, well, maybe,

maybe you could

come back next summer.

-Maybe.

-We could have hamburgers

and pizza every day.

Yeah.

Well, you've got one day

left here this summer,

so, what you got planned

for tomorrow?

Nothing.

I have to admit,

I told a very small lie

to my grandparents.

My plan for tomorrow is not

actually to do nothing.

My plan for tomorrow is the same

as it's been all summer,

to record that Police song

off the radio.

Now, but I have to admit,

I got frustrated and distracted

and really lost my focus

when that record got involved,

but my mission is the same

as it was back in June.

I've got ten songs on my list.

I've got one to go.

So, on my last full day here,

I can confidently say

I will record that song.

It's more than a feeling

-More than a feeling

-When I hear that old song

-They used to play

I begin dreaming

-More than a feeling

-More than a feeling

-'Til I see

Marianne walk away

- I see my Marianne

Walkin' away

- Hey, Q102.

- Yeah, hi!

-Uh, can I request a song?

-What you got?

-"Don't Stand So Close to Me."

-Cool, kid.

-What's your name?

-Casey.

Okay, Casey,

we'll get that one on for you.

- Certs is two,

two, two mints in one.

With Retsyn.

Be certain with Certs.

Happy birthday!

I told you there was

always time for a party.

Make a wish.

Okay, um...

Oh, crap.

Do you guys wanna come in?

I got there on the radio.

I thought you gave up on that.

Still can't believe

you got through.

Yeah, I know, right? Finally.

But I'm still waiting

to record it.

Ugh!

This chair sucks!

It's antique.

It's not supposed to be

comfortable.

Q102. Texas' Best Rock.

I know it's not

your birthday yet,

but obviously, we're not

going to be around when it is.

So...

Casey...

...could you come

out here, please?

Yeah, Mimi, hold on a sec.

If that song comes on,

can you hit record for me?

Will do.

I just want you to know...

...that you will always

be welcome here.

What's going on?

No matter what happens.

Dad? What are you doing here?

I can't believe it.

- How are you, kiddo?

- I'm great.

Is this real? Am I dreaming?

Oh, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey,

hey, hey, hey, easy.

You're not dreaming.

What are you doing here?

- I got out.

- When?

Oh, I don't know. About, uh,

24 hours ago.

How?

Your mom snuck a screwdriver

into a loaf of bread

she sent me.

Chiseled my way through two feet

of solid concrete.

No, I know you're lying,

Mom would never help you.

Uh, it's a long story,

but, uh...

...uh, basically,

my case got tossed on appeal.

Uh, my attorney sent

a letter to, to your,

to your grandparents.

I know, but...

what does that mean?

It means I'm free, kiddo.

I'm free.

So, you didn't do it?

Uh, didn't do what?

Take that money?

Uh...

All that matters now is I'm out,

and I'm here with you.

What are you doing

here in Texas?

- Your mom brought me.

- Quit doping around.

I'm serious.

- My mom?

- Yeah.

She's gracious enough

to pick me up from the airport.

Uh, I'm thinking

of moving here, actually.

But I thought if you got out,

we could go back to California.

Uh-- oh, I don't know,

kiddo, uh--

Maybe one day.

You kno-- I got, I got a lot

to figure out right now.

Oh. Okay.

I'm just so glad to see you.

-It's been such a long time,

and, and, and I'm--

-Where's my mom?

U-- uh, she's out front.

I just wanted

to come in and say "Hi" first.

Okay.

Everything okay?

My dad's here.

He's out of jail?

Y-- yeah. I-- I don't know how,

but he's here.

My mom's here too.

-I think I might be in shock.

-Maybe you should sit down.

The song hasn't played.

I'm running out of time.

I-- I gotta go talk to my mom.

Maybe you guys should go.

I wanted to give you

a birthday gift first.

Oh, that's sweet,

but you don't need

to give me anything.

Hey, Casey.

Honey, we need to talk.

Oh, hey, Mom.

Yeah, give me a sec.

Didn't think

you were coming till tomorrow.

I've got some friends over.

Yeah, well, plans changed.

That's an understatement.

Hi.

Hey.

How's it--

Sorry. You first.

How's it going?

Okay.

I guess.

I still am really confused

to why my dad's sitting

in the kitchen right now.

Jesus Christ, Casey,

I thought you'd be happy.

I-- I am!

I am.

Just, I'm confused.

-About what?

-Th-- everything. Why he's here?

He's got nowhere else to go.

Are you guys back together?

Oh! God, no.

I can't stand your father,

you know that.

But I was married

to the b*stard for 12 years,

and... he is your dad.

And I don't wanna see him

homeless or anything.

So, we'll help him.

Or you will, I don't know.

We're gonna help?

We can't even take care

of ourselves.

Paris sucked,

in case you were wondering.

- You said it was great

in your postcard.

- Yeah, well...

...it was until that as*h*le

didn't ask me to marry him.

I'm sorry.

Men are like taxis.

Wait a few minutes

and another will come around.

I gotta go talk to my friends.

Yeah, whatever.

Um, just don't take

too long, okay?

I wanna hit the road.

Mom?

Yeah?

Never mind.

So, I have to go.

-Right this second?

-Pretty much.

N-- none of my business,

but your family's

freaking crazy.

Yeah, we're not exactly

The Waltons, that's for sure.

I got you these concert tickets.

What?

You didn't have to do that.

How much did these cost?

Don't you wanna know

who it's for?

Please tell me it's not Rush.

It's not Rush.

But it is another Canadian trio

that I'm sure you've heard of.

Triumph?

Oh, my God!

I love Triumph!

I could only get two.

It's at Reunion Arena,

so I thought

maybe you and Carrie could go.

I, I don't know

any Triumph songs.

I'll go with you.

-You will?

-Yeah, but don't get

too excited.

-It's not a date.

-No!

No, it-- definitely not.

You do realize I live in Dallas,

which is like three hours

away from here.

My brother will take me.

He's going too.

I got the tickets

from his friends, actually.

Some scalpers.

Ladies and gentlemen,

rock and roll.

-Hold on

-Hold on to your dreams

-Hold on

-Even though it seems

Everyone around you

Has their little schemes

Listen to your heart

-Oh, hold on

-Hold on

To your dreams

Can't you feel the magic

Just feel it everywhere

Can't you hear the music...

...three o'clock here with...

I hope you have time

to record the song

-before you have to go.

-...Zeppelin coming up.

That new one from Foreigner

and some Bad Company too.

But let's kick it off with one

of our most requested tunes

this afternoon.

People have been calling about

this one all day.

One from that

general hospital star,

you know the one,

Rick Springfield

and "Jessie's Girl."

Right here on Texas' Best Rock.

What are you doing?

I want you'd have it.

Even though is not

officially finished.

I figured that's what

you wished for

when you blew out

your birthday candle.

I already got my wish.

Thanks for the mixtape.

I'll listen to it all the time.

Sorry I didn't get

that one song.

I really did try.

You do know

what the song's about, right?

Not really.

I just love the drums.

Do you know that Stuart Copeland

had his own punk band?

No.

I don't know a ton

about music like you,

but I did hear

the song is about Sting...

...when he was a teacher.

Oh, yeah, right,

I knew about that.

One of his girl students

had a crush on him,

or it was the other way around.

Not sure.

Oh, really?

- Yeah, I mean,

it's right there in the song.

Young teacher,

schoolgirl fantasy.

I'm more of a music person,

not really a lyrics person.

I guess I never thought

about it like that.

Not sure it's true.

Let's say it's not.

"Shane...

...come back.

Come back, Shane."

See you guys next summer.

Who's Shane?

It's my dad's favorite movie.

-You know that.

-Please don't start fighting.

We're not.

We're not fighting.

It's just he should know that.

Yeah, uh, sorry, I, I, I forgot.

I thought...

maybe he had dementia.

-It's a movie.

-Yep, I got it.

-I remember now.

-Can we go now?

Looks like you had fun

after all.

Yeah.

I did.

...ooh, every

Little thing you do

You're number one, babe

- When you say that I am

Gonna be the one...

...I get the sweetest kind of

Feeling in my heart

That only love gets

Mm, mm

When you whisper

That I'm everything you need

And put your sweet lips

Next to mine

I must confess that

I still really can't believe

The sweetness I feel inside