Speak (2004)

[bunniefuu]

I don't want to know.

There's chicken pot pie defrosting on the counter. Dad is not home and I'm going to therapy.

First stop of the day. Just you and me, kid.

Just... pick a seat...

Any seat.

It's my first day of high school.

I have seven new notebooks, a skirt I hate and a stomachache.

Hi I'm Heather. I'm new here.

Are you? We moved in here Saturday.

-Cool shoes. -Oh, thanks. I got them at a back to school sale.

I mean, I wanted them in black but I wear an 8 1/2.

And they were a bit small, so I had to find 9s. They only had a 9 in pink.

But they look good.

Name.

Name, freshman. It's for the yearbook.

Melinda Sordino.

The school board decided that Trojans didn't send a strong message of abstinence.

So now we've become the Merryweather Hornets.

What are we supposed to cheer? 'We are the Hornets, the horny horny Hornets!'?

Got a hall pass, young lady? Come here.

Hustle, young lady!

Seven minutes past grace period.

Name.

Don't make this difficult. Name!

Melinda Sordino.

-Grade? -Ninth.

That's one demerit, Sordino. Get to class.

Biology ... is the study of ...

Is the study of ... good ...

Good Oh hello, dear. Do you have a late pass?

It is the first day. Just don't make it a habit of it.

-And your name is? -Melinda Sordino.

Ok, your lab partner must be ... uh, let's see ...

Oh, excellent! And your name is?

Dave Petrakis.

My English teacher has no face.

I call her "Hair Woman".

Grada Walkancros... from Belgium.

We're so pleased to have you here in America.

She doesn't speak English.

-Heather Billings. -Here.

Rachel Bruin.

-Rochelle. Ah, Rochelle. Rochelle.

Rachel Bruin. My ex-best friend.

Oh, and class? Please tell me if I pronounce your surname wrong or if you have a preferred nickname.

911, what is the nature of your emergency?

Hello? Hold the line, we'll try to find your location.

-Rachel, wait ... -Are you nuts?

Where's Melinda? I don't care!

Hi everybody. Uh, welcome to Art.

The only class that will teach you how to survive.

This is where you can find your soul.

If you dare.

Don't ask me to show you how to draw a face.

Ask me to help you find the wind.

Good! Right, that's good! Can you tell me what you're feeling?

Right now.

Ok, can anybody tell me what they're actually feeling right now?

Does Algebra move you to tears?

Are numbers and words more important than images?

Can anybody tell me what this is?

A-globe? A-globe.

What are you guys 13, 14? You've already let them b*at the creativity out of you?

It's ok.

I used to let my daughters kick this around my studio when it was too wet to play outside.

And one day, Jennie put her foot right through Texas and the entire United States, crumbled into the sea. See?

I mean, you could, you could, ahem, paint a wet muzzled dog chewing Alaska, right?

I mean, the possibilities are endless.

It's almost too much, but uh, you all are important enough to give it to. So.

Alright, so um, here you go. In here is a piece of paper.

Great. And on that piece of paper is a word.

You're gonna spend the rest of the year turning that object into art.

-Mr Freeman. -Mm-hmm?

When I was little, I was really scared of clowns and I don't want to relapse and have to go back into therapy.

Oh, yeah well fear is a great place to begin art.

Hey! Whoa! You just chose your destiny. You can't change that.

I learned how to draw a tree in like the second grade.

Oh, really?

Well, you gonna show me? It's ok, I won't grade you.

No commentary, please.

That's a pretty good start.

Let's see what it looks like at the end of the year, huh?

It's Melinda Sordino.

Called the cops. You know, and busted everyone...

You know, my buddy? You know Jeff, his brother?

See you tomorrow!

Are you sick?

How was your first day?

-Fine. -Look what I got at the store.

You don't like it, we can always get store credit.

Where's the sweater?

I thought you said it was returnable.

No, I got it on sale. Don't wear it, don't wear it. It's fine.

Well then why'd you say that it...

All that crap you hear on tv about communication and expressing feelings is a lie.

No one really cares what you have to say.

So here's the plan. We join 5 clubs, one for every day of the week.

But not like Latin club. Cool stuff.

What do you want to join? Hey, maybe we can tutor kids at the elementary school.

What about your friends from last year? Don't you know Nicole?

I wonder how long it would take for anyone to notice if I just stopped talking.

0% body fat!

I was into bowling back in La Joya. That was fun.

But the bowling club here does seem like it really attracts the right people.

Hanging back is a very common mistake most ninth graders make. I mean you shouldn't be intimidated.

Wait, are you getting darker than me? Hold on.

-Oh man. You need a mouthguard. -Gym should be illegal.

It's humiliating.

Hey, do you know the Martha clan? They do all these cool projects like feeding the homeless and stuff.

Oh and they dress in different color schemes depending on the season. I mean, I'm not good in fall tones.

And I said I can wear beige instead of orange, but you know.

Oh no, Sordino. Front row.

I got my eye on you.

We're studying American history for the ninth time in nine years.

Every year they say we're going to get right up to the present but we always get stuck in the industrial revolution.

My family ... has been in this country ... for over 200 years.

We built this place.

We fought in every w*r. From the first one to the last one.

We paid our taxes. They voted.

So, tell me why my son can't get a job.

Reverse discrimination.

He wanted to be a firefighter.

Went up for the job but he didn't get it.

What I'm suggesting here is maybe if we had closed our borders in 1900, then real Americans would get the jobs they deserve.

Young lady.

Um, I think that we're all foreigners, and should just give the country back to the Native Americans.

Now we have a debate, don't we?

Native Americans.

Maybe your son didn't get the job because he wasn't good enough.

-Or maybe he's lazy... or maybe the guy was just better... -Watch your mouth, mister.

That's my son you're talking about.

You know what? That's enough debate.

Everybody take out your book.

Mr. Petrakis, please take your seat.

If the class is debating, than any student has a right to say what's on his mind.

I decide who talks in here, Mr. Petrakis.

You opened a debate. You can't close it just because it's not going your way.

-Watch me! Take your seat, Mr. Petrakis. -The constitution does not recognize different levels of citizenship based upon the time spent in the country.

As a citizen and a student, I'm protesting the tone of this lesson as r*cist, intolerant, and xenophobic.

Sit your butt in that chair, Mr. Petrakis. And watch your mouth.

I tried to get this debate going and, uh, you people turn it into a race thing.

Sit down, Mr. Petrakis, or you're gonna go down to the principal's office.

Dave Petrakis is my new hero.

Hey, Rach.

How's it going?

Good.

I know.

Look ...

I was wondering if we could ...

Boni va cheri.

"Exchange students are ruining our country. "

-Sordino. -Yo, fresh meat.

-What? -Can't I say hello?

I'm sorry, it's just you can't be standing here.

Alone.

You're just too pretty.

I'm not alone. My friends are inside.

Well... would you like to go dance with me?

Sure.

There is no point talking to my ex-friends.

Our clan "The Plain Janes" has been absorbed by rival groups.

Nicole hangs out with the jocks. Rachel went all "Euro".

Ivy straddles two crowds -- the Goths and "The Marthas".

And then there's me ...

I'm clanless.

Nice, Petrakis. Look live, Missy.

It's impossible to listen to Miss Kane. Her voice sounds like an engine that won't turn over.

-Plus she laughs at her own jokes. -Alright, we're beginning our unit on genetics and reproduction.

In case you thought your genes came from JC Penny...

Ah, oh no, these genes are actually different.

Now you'll want to cut your apples into four... boys, I'm going to take points off your grade...

What are you doing? We need that.

Heather has found a clan: "The Marthas".

Very Connecticut, very prep.

I suspect money changed hands.

I like your costume.

So, what are you guys?

-Ever heard of the 1920s? -We're flappers at a speakeasy.

Andy Evans. 8 o'clock.

Em, I think he's looking for you. Fact, he called her last night.

Fact, he's gorgeous. Hey, could you grab me an iced tea?

-Hello, ladies. -Hey, what's up?

-Did you bring me a taco? -Of course.

Just kidding.

No, take it.

-What is that? -Just kidding.

-Did you bring my barrette? -Ah, you know, I forgot it.

Maybe you should wear it to the house.

-I think that looks really sexy on you. -Thank you.

-What time do your parents come home tonight? Around 6.

-What's with her? -She's a freak who needs chapstick.

-... and a life.

-I don't want her eating with us anymore. -Nice, Siobhan.

What, we're not social workers.

-The girl has problems. -Yeah, who doesn't?

Hey, you're the tree.

You can eat lunch in here, if you want. It is against school rules, but I'm kind of a rebel, so...

Here you go.

That's not a placemat. Ok, the rule is that if you're gonna be in here, you got to be working. So.

Choose your w*apon. Do something, anything.

Hey, does this inspire you?

No?

So you going trick-or-treating tonight?

No.

Ah, you don't like candy?

-I'm too old. -Oh, right.

Yeah, I got kids, so ...

Guess I never get too old, right?

-Last year we were witches. -Who's "we"?

My ex-best friends.

What are you doing? No.

You gotta give things a chance.

Close your eyes.

Just do it. I'm the teacher.

Can you picture a tree? Any tree.

There it is.

It's b*rned in your retina.

You got it.

Do it.

Dave Petrakis invited me over to do lab homework.

I said no.

No, thanks. I just... I can't.

Oh, my God.

I'm turning into "Hair Woman".

Oh, damn! The turkey.

-Maybe we should just get pizza. -No.

It's Thanksgiving.

It just needs to thaw.

How's she doing?

It's Thanksgiving.

Hey, you wanna go for doughnuts?

How's school?

Fine.

You're boiling it?

It's too big to put in the microwave.

He doesn't think it's gonna thaw.

No! Not you, Ted.

-We can wash it. -Tell Julie to restock the faux bells and to take the sign out of the window, alright?

-No, they're in a green box by the register... -Sorry.

Mel, see if there's any potatoes over there.

Can we just forget it?

You know, I've got a crisis down at the store.

We'll go out to dinner, ok?

My treat.

Hey, Dan, good stuff.

Yes, you are on fire, Melinda! Yes! You are the bird.

Hey, sacrifice yourself to abandon family values and canned yams. This is wonderful!

But keep thinking tree.

You know what I'm thinking?

More glue.

F minus. Just kidding.

Where's the tree?

It's firewood.

Get it?

You can do better than that.

It's scary! Like in a weird way. Not clown-scary.

How do I say this?

It's like you don't want to look at it for too long.

Excellent.

This is excellent.

What does this say to you?

Do you want me to tell you what I see?

Alright.

I see a girl caught in the remains of a holiday gone bad.

Her flesh, picked off, day after day.

The palm tree, might be like a broken dream. I don't know, it definitely has meaning.

A lot of pain.

That's good.

Good job, Mel.

There is no kissing in the hallway.

Hey, come to the pep rally with me. I brought extra pompoms. Come on!

Hey! I know these guys. They're on the newspaper.

This is Melinda Sordino. She was very nice to me when I first got here.

-You're Melinda Sordino? -Yeah.

Aren't you the one who called the cops at Carl Ryder's party?

My brother was arrested at that party. Got fired because of it.

I cannot believe.

What?

-Never mind. -What?

-Never mind. -What? You can't say 'never mind'!

Let's go for a drive.

Come on, let's go.

Maybe I should tell my friends!

Tell your friends you're with me.

-Alright? -Yeah.

You want to?

Wanna what?

Let me out. Let me talk to my friends.

No.

Stop. No.

No.

No, no, no.

No, it's alright. It's alright.

It's alright. It's over now, okay.

Okay.

The bogeyman is gone. He went right out that way. It's okay. You ok now?

No.

Oh, honey.

I know that it's been a rough year for you.

I do.

I really thought you and Rachel were gonna patch things up.

You know, sometimes, people just ... suck.

But now, you have got to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get on with it.

You're not even going to remember any of this in 5 years. I swear.

Come on. I'll make it home early tonight. Can rent a movie.

Yeah?

Today is career day.

Am I: a) A helper b) A doer c) A planner d) A dreamer?

Every word Hawthorne wrote; every comma, every paragraph break, these were done on purpose.

It is our job to try and figure out what he's really trying to say.

Why couldn't he just say what he meant? Would they pin a scarlet letter on his chest?

-As for straightforward... -The house ... with the chunks of glass in its walls...

Is a symbol of what?

It would reflect, sparkle.

Come on, people ...

The house symbolizes?

Yes.

How do you know it's what he meant to say?

I mean, you could just make all that up. It's just a story.

This is Hawthorne.

One of America's greatest novelists. And not that makes any difference... but I wrote my dissertation on Hawthorne.

Fine, but ...

I thought we were all supposed to have opinions here. I mean, it's a good story, especially ... when Hester and that guy fall in love. But I don't really believe in symbolism.

I mean, you can just make all that up.

Alright, class.

I want you all to write a 500 word essay... on symbolism.

And then ...

Poor "Hair Woman". turn it in.

I hope they send her to a conference or something. I'm ready to help pay for a sub.

I guess you all must be bad students.

Because, apparently, I gave away too many A's last trimester.

Has anybody in here learned anything?

They cut my budget in half because art isn't important, see.

And then I get reamed for grade inflation?

Sorry.

Go back to work.

Mr. Freeman.

Ivy.

Will you take her to the nurse, please?

Hold it up.

-You okay? -Yeah, I'm fine.

Ivy's being nice.

Say something.

My throat is dry.

It hurts.

This one is the one I think I'm gonna use. It's like ... Really, just like ...

Heather landed a modeling job at a department store in the mall.

It's paying off in major "Martha" points.

It is so disgusting, I don't know why. And then like that one? It just was like, what was I thinking?

You want to start?

Now remember, we're just taking a peek inside today. Don't remove anything.

It's very hard to put it back.

Are you sure you want to do?

Do you want me to do?

No, um, I got it.

It's one clean line down the middle. Like a zipper.

Melinda.

Hello?

Can you count backwards from 10? Who is the President of the United States?

Come on, open your eyes.

Oh my gosh. Dave, don't hit her!

It's what you're supposed to do. My Dad's a doctor.

Melinda.

Who is the governor of Texas?

It's beautiful.

You can't go wrong with the classic "V".

Wow, this is great! You shouldn't have spent so much money though.

It's ok, I wanted to.

That way you won't bleed all over the bathroom floor, honey.

And these are for you. Open the big one first.

It's for your room. It'll help you fall asleep.

Oh, we noticed you were drawing, so ...

I hope we got the right kind.

You know this thing has a sleep alarm.

-I don't know what quadra surf means? What do you think it is? -I think it means you surf multiple quads.

Headphone jack.

Front and rear a/v jacks.

Is it 19 inches across or high?

It's 19 all the way around.

I hate winter.

I've lived in the Midwest my whole life and I hate winter.

It starts too early and it ends too late.

Why doesn't everyone just move to Florida?

Attention Merry Weather students:

The final tally is in. Bees: 35, Icebergs: 17.

Hilltopers: 6, Wombats: 84.

We will now be the home of: "The Merry Weather Wombats."

What in the world is a Wombat?

For those of you who didn't vote, maybe you've learned a valuable lesson today about democracy.

Oh hey, Melinda.

Can we have a heart to heart at lunch? It's kind of important.

-Yeah, sure. -Okay, great.

This is really awkward.

No matter what ...

Oh, I don't want to say that.

I mean, we kind of paired up at the beginning of school.

When I was new and didn't know anyone.

And that was really, really sweet of you.

But ...

I think it's time that we both admit to each other that we're just very different people.

I mean, I have my modeling and I like to shop.

I like to shop.

You don't like anything. You're the most depressed person I've ever met And excuse me for saying this, but ...

I think you need professional help.

So, you're blowing me off because I'm a little depressed?

Once you get through this 'life sucks' phase, I'm sure lots of people will want to be your friend.

But for right now, I don't think we should have lunch together.

Look, I need to be alone. And I'm glad you're so enthusiastic, but ...

I just need some space.

-Rise and shine, Melinda. -Your report card came this morning.

I'm only going to say this once. You gotta get those grades up.

-Way up. -I'll handle this, alright?

Honey, we just want you to do your best, and we know that your best is a lot better than this, okay?

What happened with social studies? This Mr. Neck gave you a "D".

We want you to ask Neck how you can raise your grade.

This is not gonna look good on your college application, sweetie.

-I had to go to state. -She knows.

You'll go today, won't you, honey?

Excuse me, sir.

I was wondering if ...

I was ... -Come on, Sordino, spit it out.

You have to learn to annunciate, or else no one will listen.

I was wondering if there was any way I could raise my grade?

Parents got the report card, huh?

No, I just wanted to.

Why I should give you that chance?

Everyone deserves a second chance.

I mean, isn't that what Jesus said?

Are you being smart with me?

Ok, I'm feeling generous, just because I don't want to have to see your face in summer school.

Write me a report on a cultural influence at the turn of the century.

And it better be good.

It will be.

I'll write about the Suffragettes.

Before they came along, women were treated like dogs.

To get credit, you have to deliver it orally.

Tomorrow, at the beginning of class.

-Can you help me with something? -Yeah, sure. What's up?

Sordino?

-Mr. Patrucus. -The Suffragettes fought for their right to speak.

They were att*cked, arrested and thrown in jail for daring to do what they wanted to do.

Like them, Melinda is willing to stand up for what she believes.

That no one should be forced to give speeches.

-What is this? -Melinda had to deliver her report ... to the class as part of the assignment. She made copies everyone can read.

Oh no you don't.

When I say oral, I mean oral. Now you, sit down!

And you, read that report. Open your mouth, Sordino.

Open your damn mouth.

I am so sick of your attitude.

I forgot the Suffragettes were hauled off to jail.

Duh.

Well ..

Oh, for the love of God, open your mouth, Melinda.

-This is childish, honey. -I don't know why she's doing this to us.

We're not ganging up on you, we're here to help.

Let's start with grades.

-This isn't what we expect of you, Melissa. -Melinda.

Last year you were a straight B student.

No behavioral problems, a few absences.

What you have to say?

She's mute. She's mute. She's not saying anything.

I think that we need to explore the family dynamics at play.

All I know is, last year I had a sweet, loving little girl, and now she's flushing her grades down the toilet.

What have you folks done to her? I play golf with the school board president.

-Did you know that? Did you know that? -Nobody cares who you play golf with.

Can I just remind everyone that we need to, number one: reassure number two: stay open, and number three: don't judge.

How old are you?

Listen.

The Suffragettes were all about speaking up. You can't speak up for your rights and be silent.

I thought what you did was cool ... but you can't make a difference unless you speak up.

Do you lecture all your friends like this?

Only the ones I like.

Gotta go.

Wow! Melinda, you look pretty.

"Thanks for understanding. You the sweetest! Heather. "

Hi, class. Sorry I'm late. I was... delayed.

There was an accident and I had to catch a ride.

Andy.

Good.

That's nice.

You need to visit the mind of "The Great One".

Picasso.

Picasso.

Who saw the truth.

Who painted the truth.

And ripped it from the earth...

With two angry hands.

Excuse me.

It's "Night in Venice".

This is the color of an accountant's soul.

A love rejected. This... I once ... grew mold on an orange this color when I was living in Boston. and uh ...

These are various memories of the school board.

See uh, if something's eating at you, you gotta find a way to use it.

It's kind of dark in here.

Have you seen Rochelle?

Bruin?

She was supposed to meet me.

Hello?

Anybody home? Are you deaf?

I was just thinking that ...

Andy, I've been looking for you for like half an hour.

-Rochelle. -I've been wandering up and down the halls ...

-I was just asking your friend where you were. -She's not my friend.

-I thought she was your friend, alright? -No, she's not.

-Why were you asking her? -I've been looking for you.

Why didn't you wait ...

Just shut up, alright?

I was looking for you, alright?

-Andy. -It is Valentine's Day. Okay?

It's time for a mental health day. So conjugate this:

I cut class, you cut class, he/she/it cuts class.

I should probably tell someone. Just anyone.

Get it over with.

Blurt it out.

It's hard to sleep at home.

How long would it take for the nurses to figure out I don't belong here?

Would they let me rest for a few days?

It happened.

There's no avoiding it. No forgetting.

Mellie, there's a friend here to see you.

I hate being a "Martha". You were so right not to join.

I mean, all I am was their little sl*ve.

Ok, it was supposed to be me and Megan Shevan decorating the Holiday Inn for prom, and now Megan Shevan can't do it. And I'm totally screwed.

Mel, you have to help me. They have some sales meeting in there until like 3.

But then, they'll let us start. I know we can do it.

You are so great. I owe you big time.

What if I help you re-decorate your room?

I know, a nice sea foam green.

-No. -Okay, or something rich, like ... like, eggplant.

No.

I mean ...

-I won't help you. -But you have to.

-No, I don't. -But ...

Why?

Because I was nice to you in the beginning of school, when I didn't even like you.

And you blew me off.

Because you're a self-centered social-climber.

And you know what? I know what I want to do to my room.

And it doesn't involve eggplant.

I think you should go.

Why should I worry about Rachel?

This'll hurt her.

We were best friends for nine years.

That counts for something.

She's a traitor.

-And a witch. -She doesn't know what happened.

-She'll hate me. -She already hates you.

I hope he breaks her heart.

-Hey. -Hey.

-Homework? -Kind of.

I'm going to France this summer with the International Club.

That's great.

I mean, you always talked about traveling.

Do you remember when we read "Heidi" and then we tried to melt the cheese in the fireplace?

So you're going to prom with him?

Yeah.

He's so great.

So awesome, and gorgeous and yummy.

What are you going to do when he goes to college?

I can't even think about it. It hurts too much.

He said he'd transfer somewhere around here.

I'll wait for him.

But you've only been going out with him for like 2 months.

What do you want, anyway?

I'm just really sorry we couldn't be friends this year.

-Are you still mad about the party? -No.

I mean, it was dumb to call the cops, but we could've just left.

"I was r*ped."

Oh my God, why didn't you tell me?

When police came, everyone started freaking out. I got scared.

I walked home.

After that night, I couldn't tell anyone.

Did you get pregnant? Did you get AIDS?

-Are you okay? -Yeah.

I mean, no, I didn't get pregnant.

I'm fine.

Was it someone from the school?

Who was it?

Melinda, tell me.

It was Andy Evans.

What?

I can't believe you!

Liar! You're jealous! I'm popular ... and I'm going to Prom. And now you tell me this?

That's twisted, Melinda. Seriously. You're sick.

You need help.

Coming?

Hello?

Earth to Rochelle.

Alright. Okay.

What did I do this time?

Tell me.

Remember when you asked me about Melinda Sordino?

The girl in the art room.

Why did you ask me if I was friends with her?

Do you know her?

How do you know her?

I was looking for you.

Bitch.

A revolutionary is only as good as his analysis.

What does that mean?

Melinda. Better late than never.

Why's a revolutionary only as good as his or her analysis?

I think you should know what you stand for, not just what you're against.

We should be able to shout how things could be better.

That's pretty darn good.

Rochelle, so glad you could join us.

-I need to talk with you for one second. -No, let go. Andy get off of me!

-Hey, Dad. -Hey, stranger.

-What's the occasion? -I just came from a job interview.

Really, how'd it go?

Good, I think. -Yeah?

-Yeah. -Dad, that is so great.

Here's what I learned in Bio: If the seed is planted too deep, it doesn't warm up in time.

Once the plant surfaces, it sprouts leaves so it can absorb more sun.

If someone picks the flower, the plant grows another bloom to produce more seeds.

Melinda.

Will you sign my yearbook?

-I'm not in it. -Yeah you are.

Right here.

Doesn't really look like you.

It is me.

Hey, uh, do you want to go out for some Chinese food tonight? A bunch of us are going.

Do you want to come?

Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

So, ah, what are you up to this summer?

I'm going to take an Art class in the city.

That's cool.

I think I'm going to intern at my Uncle's lab. It's good experience for Pre-Med.

I forgot something, but call me about tonight, ok?

Alright.

Definitely check out the ouiji exhibit at the "ICP".

Hey, Melinda!

-Glad you're here. -Thanks for everything Mr. F and I really hope I make enough money so I can afford one of your paintings.

Yeah, alright, go. Alright, go on, have fun.

Make the world a better place.

You leaving?

I like to...

I like to swear, play music.

I hate giving grades.

Have a nice life.

I'm here if you want to talk.

Even if I'm not... here.

Can I show you something?

It's really good.

So, I r*ped you?

I could have any girl in this school, I wanted.

Willingly.

Why would I r*pe you?

You're not even attractive.

You really screwed things up for me, you know that?

Now you are going to go to every single person in this school and tell them that you lied.

You are going to tell them!

My eyes!

Get off me!

What's going on in there? Open this door now!

Come out, Melinda.

It's Melinda Sordino.

-Are you okay? -What the hell is wrong with you?

Answer me!

Everybody knows what you did.

Say something, assh*le!

Please, please.

I can't see!

Please move. I can't see anything!

I can't open my eyes!

What's going on down there?

What happened?

Melinda?

Dad changed his flight.

He's going to be home in a few hours.

Why?

I mean, I'm fine. Really.

I am.

Well you don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to.

No.

I want to tell you about it.

Last year. I went to this party at the end of the year...