All language subtitles for eight_is_enough_s04e04_ten_ships_in_the_night

Oh, Nicholas, good.

Abby, did you warn me?

That's right.

I thought that it was about time we got
rid of some of this junk. It's amazing

how it piles up over the years, huh?

What do you want me to do?

Well, first put the ball down.

Then I want you to go through all these
boxes and see if there's anything worth

keeping.

Oh, my gosh, wait a minute.

That's my first suit.

Do you know that?

Listen, I think I'll set this aside.

Oh, that's the tie I was wearing the day
I met your mother.

Gotta keep that.

You know that hat? That's the hat that I
bought the day David was born.

Isn't it amazing the way all this stuff
is still here?

Let's put this aside.

Dad, why are you saving all this stuff?

Oh, I don't know.

Nostalgia, I guess.

Nostalgia?

That's remembering how things were once
upon a time.

Someday you'll know what I mean.

I think I already do.

You do?

Yeah. Nostalgia's remembering when I had
the day off to play football.

There's a magic in the early morning we
found.

When the sunrise smiles on everything
around.

It's a portrait of the happiness that we
feel and

always will.

We spend our days like bright and shiny
new dimes

If we're ever puzzled by the changing
times

There's a plate of homemade wishes

On the kitchen window sill And it

is enough to fill our

Abby, you're home.

I've been home.

Who do you think you've been stealing
the covers from?

Oh, no.

Not in my dream.

You were gone.

Gone where?

I don't know. It was either Caltech or
Oxford University.

That's a very impressive dream.

No, it was a bad dream.

You were living in a dormitory, co -ed,
and I couldn't find which room you were

in. It was awful.

Living in this house is kind of like
living in a co -ed dormitory.

You always find my room.

True. But you know dreams.

Must have been that banana pudding I
ate.

Are you sure it isn't my new schedule
that's bothering you?

No.

No, it was the banana pudding.

I want you to get your Ph .D. as soon as
possible.

But, Tom, I really will have to be away
a lot, you know.

We've been all through that now.

It would take years for you to get a Ph
.D. part -time.

You deserve to focus in on your goal
full -time, and I'm all for it.

Are you sure?

Yes, I said so tonight.

The doorbell.

At 5 .30 in the morning?

I should have known.

You see, it's not just the pudding. This
whole house has gone bananas.

Well, what are you doing out so late?

Oh, I don't know. The improv group I'm
at. You know, we really got going

tonight. I lost track of time. Wait a
minute. I want to talk to you about what

time it was and is.

Oh, no. Listen, I'm really beat, Dad.
Can we talk tomorrow? But I don't get to

see you anymore.

Oh, I know. Now, wait. Let's talk about
it at dinner tonight and catch up on

things. Oh, I can't, Dad. I'll be at
rehearsal then. Oh, well, then how about

breakfast tomorrow morning? Oh, I'd love
to, Dad, really. But see, the improv

group I'm working with, we're going to
work late again tomorrow night. And I'll

be pooped. I'll be sleeping at
breakfast.

Well. I'm glad somebody sleeps.

My, you're up early.

I wanted a shot at the bathroom before
rush hour.

You know, I know my eyes aren't focusing
yet, but how come I don't recognize

you? Well, maybe it's because I'm
dressing for another job interview.

For what? A head librarian?

No. A receptionist at a stock brokerage.

What do you think, Dad?

Do you think it's too plain?

Plain? Nothing. It's downright grim.

Oh, good.

That's just what I wanted. I'm tired of
being hired as just a pretty face. I'm

changing my image.

Why does everything in this house have
to change?

Abby,

you're not sleeping.

No.

I'm, uh, well, I'm too jittery. And I
figured since I was awake anyway, I'd

start organizing my first full -time
school day.

Oh, yes, that's a good idea.

Item one, more sleep.

Well, actually, Tom, item one on my list
was groceries.

You're going shopping at 5 .30 in the
morning? No, I was wondering if you

mind going after work. See, my class has
run too late.

Oh, sure, no problem.

Oh, thanks. And could you take care of
the cleaning?

Oh, yeah, that's right. I have to get my
suit cleaned for the dinner party

Thursday night.

Oh, Tom, about the dinner party, I'm not
going to be able to go because my

discussion section meets for the first
time that night.

Do you mind?

No, I guess not.

That's all right. Don't worry about it.
You just take care of your studies. I'll

manage. Oh, thanks. You're being so
understanding.

I'm so excited. I'm finally going after
what I wanted.

I'm going down for some coffee. Do you
want some? No, thanks.

Okay.

I'm finally going after what I want.

I was first. I was your first. Forget
it! What do you mean? Tommy! I have got

hospital rounds in exactly one hour,
okay? I don't care. I've got to gas up

van before I go to school and those
lines are murders.

Well, while you guys are arguing, how
about if I use the bathroom? No!

Hold it!

What's going on out here? I'm trying to
get some sleep. Mary's trying to pull

rank again.

Dad, I have hospital rounds in an hour.

Well, then draw straws, pitch pennies,
throw darts. I don't care how you settle

it, but do it quietly.

I'm trying to get some sleep.

Nicholas, what are you doing up so
early?

Who can sleep when his father is
yelling?

Is Miss Chovik in? I'm here for a job
interview.

Darn. And I was hoping you were going to
buy a few million shares of something

from me.

Well, maybe next time. Yeah. That is, if
I get the job from Miss Chovik.

I hope you do, Miss... Nancy.

Nancy Bradford. Fletcher Patterson. Hi.
Hi.

Well, I guess I'd better find Miss
Chovik. Her office is around to the

Thank you.

Be seeing you later.

Okay. I hope.

Come in.

Miss Chobert? Yes?

Hi, I'm Nancy Bradford.

I'm here for the receptionist job.

Oh, yeah.

Please have a seat.

Thank you.

I've already looked over your
application.

Everything seems pretty good.

The one thing I'm curious about is the
number of jobs you've had.

You seem to have done everything from
pumping gas to singing telegrams. Well,

you know how it is.

I didn't want to get into a rut.

Clearly.

But you do understand that if we hired
you, we'd want you to stay around.

At least until lunch.

Oh, I will. I promise.

Believe me, I'm through changing jobs.

Good. We'd hate to see a lot of training
go to waste.

What I'd really like to do is work my
way up into something more responsible

soon as I can.

Nancy.

Yes?

Being a receptionist, is a responsible
job.

You represent the company, and you're
the first person our clients see.

So you have to make a good impression.

I will.

It's just that I wanted to let you know
that I can do other things if I get the

chance.

Okay. We'll give you a try.

Thank you.

Can you report tomorrow at 5 .30?

5 .30 in the morning?

That's right.

We have to be at our desks when the
market opens in New York.

Yes, of course.

Fine.

Now, before I go over your duties, I
have a suggestion to make.

You're a lovely girl.

Don't hide it.

Why don't you try some eye makeup and
some lipstick, and you might do

different with your hair.

I think you're going to be surprised how
attractive you'll look.

Sir? Donna, how many times do I have to
tell you to keep the drawer full of

paper?

I just filled it up. Oh, really? Well,
then we have paper -eating termites.

Mr. Bradford, don't you remember you
asked me to move the paper drawer down

Oh, yes, of course I remember. It's just
that from now on, when you carry out my

orders, please tell me about it first.

Oh, of course. How could I be so
efficient?

Listen, uh, you want to talk about it?
Talk about it? Yeah, about why you're so

cranky this morning. I'm not cranky!

And if I am cranky, well, you'd be
cranky too if you were aroused from a

sleep repeatedly by ringing doorbells
and bathroom arguments and Abby making

her lists.

Oh, yeah, I know that Abby.

She always made out noisy lists.

What lists?

Chores. My chores.

Today is the first day that she's going
to start studying for her Ph .D. full

time. Oh, that's why you're so upset.

Who said I'm upset?

Nobody, nobody.

I mean, I'm sure you always drink three
cups of coffee at once.

You know, if there's one thing I hate,
it's insight, especially in a secretary.

Sorry, it's a burden I have to live
with.

Anyway, I'm not upset.

I am concerned.

Well, maybe I am upset.

For the next two years, Abby is going to
be totally involved in her studies.

What is this going to do to our family
life? What's it going to do to our...

never mind.

Well, wish her luck.

Also, wish me luck.

It's going to be a long semester,
especially around this office.

Oh, I got a job.

What's wrong with that?

Everything. Oh, I know what you mean.
The money and the independence. It's

a bummer. No, it's not that.

It's just that I'm back on the same old
merry -go -round. All they want to hire

is a pretty face.

Well, you're sure the one to give it to
them.

What kind of job is it, Nance? It's a
receptionist. Yeah? Yeah, I was hoping I

could work my way up into a managerial
position.

Now all I can work my way up to is... An
old receptionist. Oh, no, I bet that's

not true.

Yeah?

Yeah, well... Why don't you learn
something about their business, you

impress them?

And the more you know, the more likely
they are to promote you to something

responsible. Do you really think so?
Sure.

Okay, it's just, uh... How can I learn
about the stock market?

Stock business, huh?

I suppose you could start at the
library.

Yeah, the library.

Remember the library?

Come on, I'll drop you by.

Okay.

You proved to them you're a go -getter.
Johnny, I am a go -getter. Of course.

You need some help? Oh, thank you.

You said Chivalry was dead.

Well, how was your first day as a full
-time scholar?

Oh, it was exhausting.

My only goal right now is a nice long
soak in a hot tub. Hey, what is this?

Well, it's not blood, is it?

That's exactly what it is.

Anybody home?

Oh, Tom, there's more blood going up the
stairs.

Nicholas, what happened?

Well, I kind of got in a fight. A fight?

Well, how bad is it?

It's just a bloody nose. Oh, no, look at
the eye.

Well, it doesn't seem to be too bad.
Does it hurt very much?

Yeah, but I didn't cry or nothing.

Well, that was brave of you.

Yeah, I guess so. But it wouldn't do any
good anyways.

I need more ice.

What do you think he meant by that? It
wouldn't do any good anyway.

I think he means that there was no one
home to cry to.

Look, Elizabeth, this isn't just any old
game. It's the eliminations for the

round robins. Now the winner goes to the
sudden death playoff. Could you give me

a break? I've been waiting to see this
movie all week.

Wait, wait. I have the TV in exactly one
minute and 16 seconds.

For what? A fashion parade?

No. Wall Street ups and downs.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me. What
are you watching that for?

Because. I'm trying to learn all I can
about the stock market. It's for my new

job. But you're just a receptionist.

So?

I have a brain, too, you know.

And I'm trying to work my way up the
ladder.

Well, I hope it's a short ladder.

That way she can climb it before she
gets fired.

Laugh if you want, but I'll have you
know Bernard Baruch started on the park

bench. Who's Bernard Baruch?

Why don't you go to the library and find
out?

And now today's stock market.

Trading was heavy this week. The Dow
Jones remained firm and trades averaged

slightly.

You're acting like I'm responsible for
Nicholas's bloody nose. Don't be

ridiculous. All I'm saying is that
somebody should have been home.

Poor little Nicholas, he was trying so
hard to be brave.

Come on, it was just a bloody nose. I
mean, nine times out of ten, that's not

fatal. But suppose he had come home and
he was really hurt. What then?

The point is, he didn't.

I'm really shocked.

This isn't like you.

Look, I just refused to feel guilty over
something that I had no control over.

Now, what are we really arguing about?

I don't know.

All I know is I don't want anything like
this to ever happen again.

Well, then I suggest that you talk to
the kids and find out who's available to

be home in the afternoons to stay with
Nicholas.

With everyone running around doing their
own thing, I wouldn't know where to

find them. That's easy. You just stick
out the bathroom.

Oh, Mary, good. Can I talk to you for a
minute? Could you make it a quick

minute, Dad? I've got to get to the
hospital. Yes, yes, yes.

It's about Nicholas.

I don't want him home alone in the
afternoon, so I was wondering if you

your studying here instead of at the
library.

Dad, I'd love to, you know that, but I'm
attending a series of pathology

demonstrations every afternoon.

Every afternoon?

Uh -huh. See, it's a series, and if I
miss out on one of the demonstrations,

well, it's my priority and...

I'm going to miss out on all the popular
organs.

Popular organs?

Right. Well, see, instead of a brain or
a heart, I'll end up with a gallbladder,

a spleen or something.

Oh.

Dad, the series is optional, but little
Dr.

Miyashiro, she's the best in her field,
and I just, I would hate to miss out.

Yes, well, your education comes first.
I'll try to get somebody else.

Oh, thank you, thank you.

Love you. Goodbye.

Mary, would you do me a favor?

Don't bring home any of your popular
organs, okay?

Oh, Tommy, I'm glad I caught you before
you emptied the refrigerator.

Well, I'm just making a snack for the
band, Dad. We've got to eat, you know.

Yes, of course. But what are we, the
Bradford Catering Service?

Well, go ahead, since we've already
started with no point in talking.

What was it that you wanted to talk to
me about, Dad? Oh, yes, that.

It's about Nicholas. Now, he needs
someone to look after him in the

Oh, I'm sorry, Dad. I can't. I've got
band practice every day.

I mean, we're practicing for a big
dance. We can't let the guys down.

You know how it is. Yes, of course. You
can't let the guys down.

Oh, hi, Elizabeth.

Hi, Dad.

Listen, Elizabeth, I was wondering...
Oh, look, Dad, I've got classes every

afternoon. But how did you know what I
was going to say?

Bad news travels fast around here. Catch
you later.

You're eating apples.

How'd it go?

Oh, it didn't.

Nobody's got any time to spare for
Nicholas or anybody else.

You mean everybody's busy?

What about Nancy?

She has that new job for a week anyway,
at least.

And Joanie's doing that play, it's
called Fruit Salad. She plays a tragic

orange. Oh, that's a naval idea.

I didn't hear that.

I'm sorry.

And Susan's at the daycare center.

What about Susan?

I mean, the daycare center. Nicholas
could spend his afternoons with Susan at

the daycare center.

Oh, I don't know. I don't think she'd
want to do that.

Why not? I mean, Merle's on the road.
Maybe she would like the company, huh?

I don't know.

Well, we've run out of resident
Bradfords. It has to be Susan.

Uh -huh.

Yeah.

Well, sure, Dad, I understand.

I'd love to help.

You mean you'll take Nicholas?

Well, yeah. Why so surprised?

Oh, well, it's just that it's been so
long since I've heard a yes. I forgot

it sounded like. Well, that's wonderful.

Hmm. Well, now that that's settled, how
about coming over for dinner tomorrow

night? Oh, Dad, I'd love to, but I'm
sorry, I just can't. Maybe some other

Oh, yeah, sure.

Or any time. I mean, just come over. You
don't even have to call first.

Well, goodbye.

These days, this house is full of empty
chairs.

Oh, hi, Miss Chobot.

Hello, Nancy.

Would you like some coffee?

Oh, yes, I would.

How's it going?

Oh, fine, I guess.

I've been getting good reports about you
from the brokers.

Oh, really?

Yes, I guess I do pour a mean cup of
coffee.

No, seriously.

They really like you. They say that
you're the prettiest receptionist we've

had.

Is there something wrong about that?

No, I guess not.

It's just that I've been trying to learn
all I can about the stock market.

And I ask questions and everything, but
nobody takes me seriously.

They think I'm just the pretty
receptionist.

Want some friendly advice?

Sure. Buy some stock.

Real stock? Sure. Let them know that you
mean business.

Yes, but that takes lots of money.

Not really. You could open an account
for as little as, say, $300.

$300?

Save it up out of your salary.

That could take months.

Don't worry. The stock market will still
be here.

But the question is, will I?

have to stay here. I can take care of
myself.

Dad wants you here.

Yeah, but they're all just kids.

Nicholas, you're a kid too, you know.

I know, but they're all so young.

Well, Hotshot, this is your big chance
to be the oldest for a change then. Set

good example.

Show them how a grown -up kid of 10
acts.

Right, and I can catch them in between
now.

Oh, come on. I'll introduce you to one
of the guys.

Hi, Joey.

Hi. Come on down. I want you to meet my
brother, Nicholas.

I'll leave you two alone to get
acquainted. Have fun.

Are you really Susan's brother?

Yeah, but I'm not going here or
anything. I'm just here to set a good

for you kids.

Well, what do you know that we don't?

I don't know. I'm just older.

How many fights have you been in?

One too many.

You got a girlfriend?

Are you kidding?

Do you smoke yet?

Of course. Why do you think I'm so
short?

Okay, follow me.

I found these under the seat of my mom's
car this morning.

Want to show me how to smoke them?

I don't know.

They aren't my usual brand.

I don't believe it.

Nicholas kicked out of the center, but
what for?

I'm really sorry, Mr. Bradford, but he
was caught red -handed showing the other

boy how to smoke.

When Joey's mother picked him up... He
was very thick, and she was pretty

No, wait a minute. There must be a
mistake. Nicholas knows better than to

Yes, and how do you know it was Nicholas
showing the other boy and not the other

way around?

Well, he is the oldest, and we've never
had this kind of problem before.

I'm sorry, Mr. Bradford, but I just
can't take the chance.

All right, Nicholas.

What have you got to say for yourself?

Oh, I'll never smoke again as long as I
live.

Oh, if I live that long.

Nicholas has never gotten into so much
trouble before.

Maybe we should hire a sitter.

Oh, no, it's gone beyond that. The real
problem is Nicholas feels neglected.

He's crying out for attention.

Oh, Tom, you're blowing all of this out
of proportion.

Oh, I am, am I?

I'll tell you what I think. I think that
you've been too busy to notice what's

going on in this family. We don't talk
to each other. We don't eat with each

other. Everybody is wrapped up in their
own thing. Well, now Nicholas is

becoming a juvenile delinquent. The
whole family's falling apart.

Tom, the family is not falling apart. We
are simply going through a transition.

Oh, we are?

Well, to what? I mean, we've lost
something. There's no more home life.

Nothing to remind us that we are a
family.

Why don't you just say it? What's
missing is the mother, right? All right,

I don't think you should go to school
full time.

Well, Tom, that's just not fair. We both
agree that getting my Ph .D. was a

priority. What do you want me to do, go
back to school part -time? Frankly, I

don't think there's an alternative. This
is not a home anymore. It's a hotel.

Well, you can't blame that on me.

No, maybe I can't, but I think that you
have a certain responsibility to this

family. I mean, if you were around here
more often, maybe things would get back

to normal, especially Nicholas's
behavior.

Well, that's just great. By the time I
finally get my degree, it'll be time for

me to retire.

Oh, come on. It's not going to take you
that long, and you know it.

Oh, Tom, please. I've worked so hard, I
don't want to go backwards.

I think you have a certain duty to this
family.

Well, doing my duty means postponing my
degree, and you know it. Oh, all I know

is that Nicholas needs a mother, and
you're the only one he's got.

Oh, hiya, Nicholas. How are you feeling?

Better. Can I tell you what happened?

Hmm. I think I already know.

Well, you mean you're not mad at me
anymore?

No, no. I'm not mad at you.

You're doing the best you can under the
circumstances.

I am?

But we gotta figure out something. I
mean, you can't be just left alone to

up here by yourself. Somebody has got to
look after you.

Well, what about Tommy?

Tommy?

He's never home.

Well, maybe I could just hang around
with him.

Oh.

You mean instead of Tommy staying home
with you, you could go places with him.

That's not a bad idea.

Tommy should be old enough for a little
responsibility.

Dad, I'm not ready for that kind of
responsibility.

But why not?

I'm busy.

I've got band practice, errands to run,
people to talk to.

And what about poor Nicholas?

He can take care of himself.

Oh, yeah, like you did when you were his
age? What would you have done if David

wasn't around?

I used to drive him crazy. I'm surprised
he still talks to me. You know

something, Tommy? I'm getting a little
fed up with your me, me, me attitude.

Now, somebody has to take care of
Nicholas. You have the most flexible

and the fewest commitments.

But, Dad... No, no, no more buts. I'm
not asking you. I'm issuing an order.

Now, you're going to be responsible for
Nicholas.

He's your brother, and you're his
keeper.

See, now this squiggly line proves it.
You put your money in the stock market,

and then while you go about your
business, it works day and night making

money for you. Actually, what it is is
capitalism in action.

Nancy, I don't know anything about the
stock market. Yes, but I do.

I've been practicing investments on
paper.

Oh, you mean you tell us what stocks to
buy and when to sell them and

everything? Yeah.

Oh, come on, you guys.

Trust me. Really, you can't afford to
say no.

I can, unless they take pennies.

Well, actually, I need about $300.

Oh, you just lost me. I need all my
money for college, Dad.

Me too. Merle and I are on a very tight
budget. Sorry.

I'm tapped until next semester.

Well, hey, why don't you ask Dad?

I already did.

He said he can't invest in the stock
market either.

And Joanie's in hock.

And all Tommy's money goes into fixing
the van.

Well, you guys, you were my only hope.

Oh, well, sorry, Nan. It's got to run.
Yeah, me too. Bye -bye.

Mary, I know what it is.

They just don't think I can do it.

They just don't want to see me prove
myself.

Oh, Nancy, you don't have to prove
yourself.

We're your family. We love you for what
you are.

Yeah, right.

Miss dumb blonde of the family.

Mary, I'm just tired of everybody
putting me in a neat little box,

can't hold a job, can't add two and two,
can't do this, can't do that. You know,

Mary, I'm just getting really tired of
it.

Nancy, you know it's not... Forget it.

What happened?

Oh, Nancy's upset because nobody's
interested in playing the stock market.

She thinks the only reason is because we
don't trust her.

Do you trust her?

With most things.

But with our money?

You gotta admit, it's a little hard to
think of Nancy as the Wizard of Wall

Street.

So it's true that you don't think she
can do it?

No. I guess we don't.

Another Bradford bites the dust.

Abby, Abby, she wants $300 to play the
stock market. Now, what would you say?

Oh, I'd say, um, for a dream, it's a
bargain.

Nicholas, what are you so happy about?

First time I've ever been cruising.

We're not cruising. We're just going to
the music store.

Aren't we going to hit on some girls?

Hit on some girls? Where'd you hear
that?

I heard you and Danny talking about it
over the phone.

Watch my language.

I tell you what, Nicholas, why don't you
just leave the hitting on girls to me,

okay?

Okay.

Boy, that's what you need.

How's the Dow Jones today?

You don't have to humor me.

I know how everybody feels.

Big joke, huh?

Nancy, I didn't mean it that way.

I heard about what happened and, uh...
Well, will this help?

Abby, that's for the whole $300. I know.
I wrote it.

Yeah, but when I asked Dad, he said he
couldn't afford to invest in the stock

market. Well, that's true, but I have
this little personal account for

emergencies, remember?

Are you sure you want to do this?

I mean, no matter how careful you are,
the stock market's an awful gamble.

I'm not investing in the stock market.
I'm investing in the new Nancy Bradford.

And that's a sure thing.

Thanks,

Abby.

You don't know how much this means to
me.

Maybe I do.

Where do you think you're going?

Wherever you go.

Look, let's get something straight.

These past few days, we eat together, we
sleep together, and we drive together.

Do you suppose that just this one time,
we could walk in separate doors?

Sure, whatever you say.

Okay. Tommy.

What?

I just didn't want you to be known to
me.

Thanks, pal.

Oh, hiya, Marissa. Dad or Abby home yet?

Uh, no. Let's see, Dad has a late
business dinner, and I think Abby's at

class. They probably won't be home till
late.

Oh, how would you like to look after
Nicholas for me tonight?

I can't, Tommy. I'm going to see a film.
A film? Is that all?

What do you mean, is that all? It
happens to be a new film on the

treatment of pyloric stenosis.

Ah, you don't want to see that one. The
critics panned it.

Good try, but no luck. Bye now.

Oh, good, you're home. I'm safe. Oh, no,
not for long. I hope I'm late.

But who's going to look after Nicholas
for me tonight? Tommy, I've got to go to

work, then I've got to go to rehearsal.
Ask Elizabeth.

Don't tell me you're going someplace,
too. Well, yeah, shopping with Sandy,

what? Well, who's going to look after
Nicholas tonight?

I don't know. I thought you were.

Yeah, but I've got a date, a very heavy
date. That is, if I don't have to look

after him.

Well, look, I can't take him with me.
They don't allow little brothers in the

dressing room. Ah, but now that's your
problem. I hereby pass you the hot

potato. Tommy. I'd love to discuss it
further, but I've got to get ready for

Cindy. Goodbye. No, come back here.
Tommy!

Well, we all got to make sacrifices,
pal, and I've made my quota for the day.

And don't forget to get your books out
of the back of the van.

Okay.

Tommy? Yeah, Cindy.

Tommy, are you sure?

Would I lie to you?

Cindy, I would go study with you like
that.

It's just that my religion doesn't
permit it.

Can't we just be friends?

Friends?

Well... Close friends.

Hey! Are you guys gonna watch the movie
or just kiss?

Nicholas, what are you doing here?

Trying to watch the movie. What do you
think? Who's he?

He's my little brother. Look, I'll tell
you what.

Here's some money. Go to the snack bar
and get yourself some popcorn and take

your time.

Tommy! No!

Why not?

I've got a little brother his age.

It's dangerous for him to wander around
this place alone.

Oh, this is great.

Come on, Nicholas, you can sit here.
Tommy will go get the popcorn.

Oh, and Tommy, turn up the sound, will
you?

No luck, Dad.

I checked every high school hangout I
could remember and there's no sign of

Tommy's van.

Thanks, David. I really appreciate it.

You know, Dad, maybe Tommy had some good
reason for keeping Nicholas out this

late. Well, he better.

I just hope Nicholas is with Tommy.

Elizabeth wasn't even sure.

Take it easy, Tommy. You're getting
upset.

Of course I'm upset. It was a big
mistake to give Tommy this much

responsibility.

Maybe that's them.

This better be a good one. Do you know
what time it is? Dad, I was out on a

date. Nicholas stowed away in the back
of my van, and before I knew it, it was

too late.

Well, why didn't you bring him home as
soon as you found out?

Because I have a life, too.

Dad, since I got stuck with Nicholas, my
social life has disappeared.

He totally disrupted band practice. He
made me the laughingstock of Freddy's

Hamburger Drive -In, and then he broke
up my date.

She actually kissed him goodnight
instead of me.

Cindy kissed Nicholas?

I can't take it anymore.

Dad, I may be his brother, but I resign
as his keeper. All right, that's enough.

You're off the hook.

Well, let's get him to bed. Yeah, let me
help you.

Hello, honey. No, it's David. What is it
for?

Send a kiss upon the night.

Boy, this has been the worst week I ever
had.

I mean, I got beat up.

And I flunked daycare center.

And now Tommy hates me because I
wouldn't go shopping with Elizabeth.

It's been pretty rough on you, hasn't
it?

Yeah. And why is everybody acting so
weird?

What do you mean?

Well, everybody's been acting mean to
each other.

And, well,

nobody wants me around.

What's going on?

Oh, Nicholas, this family's just going
through some growing pains, that's all.

But if that's growing up, it'll keep it.

Don't you worry.

Tomorrow, everything's going to be
better, I promise.

Better get them to sleep, huh?

We'll talk about it in the morning,
okay?

Okay.

Abby?

Yeah?

Good night.

Good night.

So, what are we going to do now?

Guess there's only one answer left. You
win.

Well, don't worry.

Going back to school part -time won't be
so bad.

No, I'm not going back part -time.

I'm quitting.

Here's the quote you asked me for.

Oh, no.

It's gone down two points. And still
dropping.

I'm not going to worry about it. The
profit report is coming out tomorrow.

It'll go up again. How can you be so
sure the profits will be up?

Because Sun Goddess Apparel was a
terrific line. I mean, it sold like

You mean you based your investment on
that?

Of course.

When the profits are up, the stock goes
up.

Doesn't it?

Sweetheart, it doesn't always work that
way.

It doesn't? You mean it could keep on
dropping?

It could go right off the board.

No.

It can't. Why not?

Because I can't lose that money.

It belongs to my stepmother.

Well, then you just learned your first
lesson about the market.

Don't invest money you can't lose.

Sorry.

Dad, why is Abby so upset?

Oh, well, you know, she's quitting
school.

She's quitting school? Why?

Well, we had to do something about
Nicholas.

She's quitting over that?

Yes, but it was her decision. She just
felt like being a mother again.

Oh, she felt that way. I mean, you
didn't influence her at all, right?

Well, no, I admit that I only wanted her
to go to school.

Part -time, because, I mean, Nicholas is
being neglected. There's a lot of work

around this house that's not being done.
So you came along and casually laid a

big fat guilt trip on her, right? Now,
wait a minute. I had Nicholas to think

about. Come on, Dad, admit it. You were
thinking about yourself.

I told you I was thinking about
Nicholas.

Well, it just seems pretty funny that
when it comes time to give up things,

well, Abby gives up everything and you
give up nothing.

And what about what I gave up so Abby
could go to school?

Like home -cooked meals and...

Someone to talk to at night.

Sounds to me like you're the one who's
feeling a little bit neglected.

That's ridiculous.

Dad, don't you see you used Nicholas as
an excuse?

I'm sorry, but somebody has to tell you.
You can go on fooling yourself if you

want, but I think it was awfully selfish
of you to hurt Abby like that.

Abby, can we talk about the... What's
there to talk about?

I had a decision to make and I made it.

But it's not that simple and you know
it.

You know, when we got married, I knew
that I was taking on a big

I mean, a whole family all at once.

But I guess I never realized I'd have to
make such a total sacrifice of

everything I wanted.

But all I want is a compromise, not a
sacrifice.

Tom, a compromise just isn't going to
work in this case.

That's been made very clear.

But it doesn't matter anymore.

I mean, it really doesn't matter because
Nicholas shouldn't be made to suffer

because of my problem.

He needs a mother and I'm the only one
around.

Let's just forget it, okay?

You should get some sleep.

3 .30 in the morning is the only time I
can get this whole family together at

home. Now, if you'll just be seated,
I'll get on with it.

Now, you know, maybe some of you have
been too busy to notice, but

we're having a problem here.

It became clear to me when I tried to
get someone to watch Nicholas.

I discovered that everybody is so
involved with their own personal life

they forgot that we're all part of a
family. Dad, we are not kids anymore.

Yeah, we've got lives of our own, too.

No, no, no. Just because we're
independent doesn't mean that we have to

selfish. I know, I know, because I've
been the most selfish of all.

What do you mean, Dad?

Well, I've been running around griping
that nobody will give up any time for

Nicholas, and actually, I wasn't that
anxious to give up any time, either.

I didn't want to give up my time with
Abby, so I forced her to make a choice

shouldn't have had to make.

Abby, I wanted you to be home with
Nicholas because I thought you could

good care of me, too.

But anyway, this family still has a
problem, but as head of the family, I'm

going to solve it.

I want each of you to give up one
activity a week to watch over Nicholas

doesn't have to worry about him. But,
Dad... I don't want you to give up

anything that I'm not willing to do.

I'm going to give up my tennis every
Thursday afternoon.

Well, I guess my pathology class can do
without me one day a week. Well, I guess

I can volunteer one day a week.

Yeah.

I guess I can dump one of my play
projects. I mean, I wasn't too great as

tragic orange.

There goes Monday afternoon swimming.

Well, I guess we can change band
practice one day a week.

Bye.

Well, Nicholas, let me be the first to
tell you...

Well, I guess we should get him to bed,
huh? Let me give you a hand.

Come on, slugger.

Hey, we won't abandon you, little...
Okay, little Nicky. Bye.

I forgot to tell you, I've added one
more course to my schedule.

A new class? Oh, no.

Oh, well, but it's a home study course,
and it's called Tom Bradford, and the

first session begins tonight.

Oh.

You know?

What?

I think I'm going to like this class.

Paxil, we're all ready. Great.

Nicholas!

Abby, you're just the person I'm looking
for.

Here's your $300 and $37 .18 profit.

Thank you so much for believing in me.
You mean your stock went up? Sure did.

Guess I had a hidden talent.

I'm really proud of you, Nancy.

Oh, thanks, Dad.

I'd like to also announce I'm getting a
new job.

Oh, but you were doing so well. Why
change jobs now?

I'm not changing jobs.

I'm moving up.

See, the people at the office were so
impressed with my initiative and common

sense approach, they decided to train me
as a cashier.

That's wonderful.

Thanks. Well, so I decided I'd celebrate
and take Nicholas to a movie.

We got a better idea. Yeah, Dad, he's
going to play baseball with us.

Oh, no, he's not. He's going swimming
with me.

He doesn't want to spend the day with a
bunch of girls.

Wait a minute. Where are you going,
Nicholas?

Oh, I forgot to tell you.

Tommy's friend Cindy is taking me and
her brother to the zoo. See you.