Original subtitles

[♪]

[♪]

[♪]

[♪]

...grande battement, tendu and fifth.

Grande battement...

[Alex] Our bodies, ourselves.

This was my legacy.

And for as long as I could remember,

I wanted to be a dancer.

[teacher] Nice.

And my mother wanted it, too.

[teacher] Oui. Oui.

Nice.

Nice.

[woman clears throat]

Alex has true discipline and skill, Mrs. Markov.

I think you have a real future in dance.

We've worked hard for it. Haven't we, babe?

I'm thinking of enrolling Alex in the advanced class.

You'll have to practice five days a week, though.

Are you ready for that?

[chuckles] Born ready.

I was raised in an atmosphere

where our bodies and sex were openly discussed.

My father was a medical doctor,

and we would often hear things from him

that would be important to know later in life.

You know, gonorrhea is

the most common venereal disease.

When I was in the Air Force,

guys would come in for treatment

after shorts arms inspection,

and they'd show me their penises all...

swollen and oozing green pus and-- Ow!

Hurtin'. I mean hurtin'.

I remember one guy, he came in

because he had shoved a key chain up his urethra,

'cause he heard that the body

would absorb the metal in the chain,

and it'd make him better.

Which is didn't.

Of course, I had to pull it out.

That didn't make him happy.

Ah...

Dan, I don't think this is

the best conversation for the dinner table.

The kids are getting nauseous.

Oh, I'm sorry.

No, it's just shop talk for me.

I'm just sayin', I don't want you to ever be,

you know, worried about coming to me

with any medical problem,

'cause, uh-- I mean, take syphilis, for example.

[♪ guitar]

[man] So, I'm, uh--

I'm gonna call my thesis

Expressions and Bull's Eyes on a Soul.

Yeah.

When I was 12, we began taking in live-ins.

They were a great source of entertainment and knowledge.

...in the music of Jimi Hendrix.

That is so cool.

Yeah, really cool. I've--

I've sent the first couple chapters to Playboy.

Eric was our guitar teacher.

And a professor in computer music at UCLA

My parents informed us that he was brilliant.

As if the-- the very drunken poem

of Dionysus himself was...

Jimi's anthemic orgy of our times. You dig?

Yeah. Far out.

So nice to have you here, Ric, to liven things up a bit.

Wanna smoke a joint?

[Eric] So what you're lookin' for

is to get your power structure here.

See? If I'm kinda like that,

the way you're gonna come across...

Eric taught us to play chess as well as guitar.

He smoked clove cigarettes and was very cool.

His girlfriend, Summer, soon came to live with us, too.

She was a modern dancer as well as our babysitter.

[♪]

Summer was my first love.

But I can't say that I was jealous

that first time I saw her with Eric.

[Eric and Summer chanting]

[both] Ohhh. Ohhh!

[humming]

Ohhhh!

[chanting continues]

Oh, my God. Look at this mess.

Summer was a bit of a slob.

And Clarice was a fanatic for a clean house.

[Clarice] I am cleaning up after you all the time,

-and you know what? -You know what?

-Could you leave? -You're giving me a headache.

She kicked Summer out

after she'd been with us for a few months.

I always thought it had something to do with me.

I'm sick and tired of this place anyway.

Eric left shortly afterwards to be with Summer.

[♪]

But it wasn't long before we had other live-ins

to replace the ones we lost.

[♪]

[knocking]

[♪]

My mom had big plans for my dance career.

Whoops. And here's-- Oh, this is Fred.

But I think my dad just liked to watch me perform.

This is-- Here's Mindy. Hiya, Mindy.

Oh... ladies.

This is my little princess. Apple of my eye.

Mom says she's gonna be a prima ballerina some day.

Would you like some chocolate?

No, thank you.

Why don't you do a little dance step for 'em?

Just show 'em how you can move.

Dad, I can't just do a trick. I'm a ballerina.

For me? Just a little one?

Okay.

[♪]

♪ On the wings of an angel ♪

My junior year in high school,

I performed in front of

a large and very important audience.

♪ I wanna fly ♪

♪ Send my love to an angel ♪

♪ Take me, baby ♪

♪ To a higher place ♪

♪ I'm gonna fly ♪

♪ I want to fly ♪

It was a big success

and didn't hurt my reputation, either.

I was definitely one of the cool crowd.

Hi, Alex.

Everyone was sure I'd be accepted to Juilliard,

the best dance school in the country.

After that, who knew? Maybe the American Ballet.

It really seemed like I had it made.

So where did it all go wrong?

[♪]

[Alex] I still think that if you're gonna give a guy a blow job,

you might as well be having sex.

It's just as bad.

No way.

I can give Jason a blow job and I'm still a virgin.

Yeah, but who wants to be a virgin?

I mean, we're not walking around in poodle skirts,

we didn't have the sexual revolution in the '60s for nothing.

So you see, we've earned the right to have sex.

And anyway, when you get to Juilliard,

there'll be only gay guys so...

better get it while you can.

That's true.

Don't listen to them, Alex.

It's not like Patrick doesn't bring it up 24 times a day.

But this blow job thing...

I don't have to lie to my mom about still being a virgin,

and Jason's not complaining.

Yeah, but what's in it for you?

Exactly.

Come on, Jan.

Let's show the children how it's done.

[giggling]

Hi, girls!

Alissa, would you put your top on, please?

-We are not hippies. -[giggling]

I'm taking some Toll House cookies out of the oven.

Anyone interested?

Mom, what does this mean?

What, dear?

According to the L.A. Times,

"wife swapping" is at an all time high.

-Um-- -What's "wife swapping"?

I don't know.

I do. Wife swapping is when

couples or groups of couples get together at a party

or over the weekend and trade partners.

For instance, the husband of couple A

has sex with the wife of couple B.

Why don't they call it "husband swapping"?

Yeah, excellent point.

[Alex] Yeah, I mean, it is the wives

who make the social engagements

with the guests and everything.

So, why don't they call it "husband swapping"?

I don't know, Camelia.

But I do know that it is not normal.

[snickering]

And I may not understand

the new generation all that well,

but I do know that it's not normal.

-[laughter] -[Dan] Oh, no. No, no, no.

-She said that? -Yeah, but I'm sure

as soon as we left the house, she whipped off that apron,

and slipped into a pair of rubber pantyhose.

-[laughter] -[Dan] No, no, no, no, no.

The next time you see Camelia's mom,

ask her where she gets her rubber pantyhose.

Mine have a dreadful run.

Yeah, but one question, one question.

What is a pantyhose? What's a pantyhose?

What's a pantyhose?

[♪]

[♪]

Congratulations.

And remember: you always drive defensively.

Thanks, Dad.

I remember the first time I ever drove by myself.

Did they have cars back then?

It was the most memorable time of my life.

Well, one of 'em, anyway.

That and my first acid trip.

Groovy. I think I'll stick to driving.

[keys jangling]

Wanna take her out for a spin?

♪ Never lose sight of your dreams ♪

♪ I can see you ♪

♪ You're a shooting star ♪

♪ Take me with you ♪

♪ Where we can be so free ♪

♪ On the wings of an angel ♪

♪ Take me baby ♪

♪ To that higher place ♪

♪ I wanna fly... ♪

Hi, Dad.

Hey, honey. How was the ride?

Oh, it was wonderful.

[chuckles] Great.

I'll be with you in a minute.

Just have to finish up this file.

Dad, do you have any gum?

Um... yeah, try my lab coat, the pocket,

it's on the back of the door.

[paper rustling]

[♪]

Okay. Ready?

Hi, Fred.

-How is our little ballerina? -[Dan] Gina.

What's the matter, honey?

Nothing, I'm-- I'm just a little jumpy.

I have my period.

[echoing] Would you like some chocolates?

Dan the man.

No, thanks. It'll ruin my appetite.

[nurse] [echoing] Bye, Dan.

Do you later.

Rawr!

-Dad. -Mm?

Is everything all right between you and Mom?

Yeah.

Why wouldn't it be?

I don't know.

Just doesn't seem like you spend

too much time together anymore.

[sighs] Well...

I think your mom expects too much out of life.

I don't know.

Maybe she wishes she had a career.

Yeah, well...

you can't have everything.

Look, I've got a 1:15 "D and C" diagnostic

and then I'm through.

How about you and I, uh,

go play some miniature golf this afternoon?

I-- I have to work on an idea

for my school's talent show.

Mm...

[♪]

Man, at least come up for air, would ya?

Ho! [grunts]

Lori and Pete have.

-He said? -No, she said.

Then it's a definite.

You know you're gonna give it up any minute.

-Shut up. -Alex, don't give in to pressure.

Why do I get the feeling this is a group decision?

We're all in this together.

You know, I think a person should decide when the time is right.

Last night, my mom and I were talking--

Oh, no, now we're in trouble.

What she says is that sex is sacred.

-All right, Mother Teresa. -[laughing]

It's the ideal expression of love.

Oh, that turns me on.

Okay, Miss Deep Throat.

I prefer Ms.

-Hi. -Hi.

Did you finish that math assignment?

-Almost. -Killer, huh?

-Wanna go over it with me? -Yeah.

Bye.

[Patrick] Ha-ha, young love.

Do we still have a date for tonight?

Can you pick me up at dance?

As long as I don't have to wear a tutu.

Come on.

He is so damn cute. How can she resist?

I don't know.

[♪ piano]

[♪]

[♪]

[clapping]

That was amazing.

-Hi. -Hi.

Wow. Hi.

You are an amazing dancer.

I mean, like, I knew you danced,

I thought you were here, you know, in a class and everything.

I didn't know you were here dancing alone like this.

I came to take you to the party.

Okay, I'm gonna go change.

No. I mean, yeah, but you know,

just 'cause, you know, you look really--

you look really good like this.

You don't think I'm a little sweaty?

No, I-- I love you sweaty.

I'm gonna take a quick shower.

Naked?

-I'll see you later. -Okay, yeah, I'll see you later.

So go shower, naked, by yourself.

-I'll be downstairs. -Bye.

Bye. Okay. I'll wait.

I'll see you, I mean-- Okay, bye.

[piano playing in distance]

How's your audition piece coming?

It's getting there.

I just want to do something different.

I mean, Juilliard sees a million girls.

Trust yourself.

Alex, you keep working as hard as you've been,

and I'll give you a solo at the Spring recital.

-Really? -Mm-hm.

That would be amazing.

Oui.

Thank you.

Oh, Natalie.

I was wondering if, uh, I could use this space?

Off hours, of course.

I-- I need to rehearse a-- a dance

for my school talent show with a few of my friends.

What kind of dance is it?

Uh, something a little risqué, maybe.

I don't know, I-- I have a few ideas swimming around in my head.

Well, I hope you won't take away from

your own practice time.

-Not a problem. -I'll get you a key.

-Thank you. -Mm-hm.

I have to run, my boyfriend's waiting for me outside.

Oh, that hunk in the lobby?

[coin clattering]

[all exclaiming]

The pressure was building up.

[bottles clink]

I knew I had to keep Patrick happy.

[indistinct chatter]

[♪]

[indistinct shouting]

[sighs] This will be one of those nights

we'll have a big fight,

he won't remember anything,

he'll call me up tomorrow and say,

"Did I say something I should be sorry for?"

I'm glad Jack doesn't drink like that.

-He's not Irish. -Right.

-[coin clatters] -[all shouting]

Yeah!

[indistinct shouting]

[all chanting] Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!

Drink! Drink! Drink! Drink!

[♪]

[moaning]

[white noise]

[♪]

[crickets chirping]

Somebody should fix that goddamn record.

Yeah, yeah. Let Tom do it, it's his house.

But Tom and Alissa won't be up before morning.

Yeah. And what do you think they're doing, huh?

Look, um, I want to know when we're gonna do it.

Patrick, soon, I promise.

I just-- I don't want to be

sneaking around in somebody else's house,

and I-- I don't want you to be drunk.

I mean, don't you have football practice tomorrow?

Which is not a problem. Okay?

And I'm not drunk, you know,

I'm like maybe a little bit greased,

but, you know...

What, you don't want to be with me?

I just wish you wouldn't drink so much.

This is bullshit. I don't get drunk all the time.

I have to go to the bathroom. Be right back.

[groans]

So? Did you?

When it happens, I'll make a public announcement. Okay?

You don't have to get all snotty.

I'm just saying, if I had a guy like Patrick,

I wouldn't keep him waiting too long.

Thank you, Ann Landers.

I really don't need your advice right now. I'm, like--

-[record scratches] -[man] Get out of here!

I want everyone out of this house now!

Tom! Where are you? Get down here on the double!

[indistinct chatter]

[man] Get the hell out of this house.

I can't believe this. We gotta get outta here.

-Where's Camelia? -She left a long time ago.

-Here, out this window. -We're on the second floor!

I don't care. I'm not having my dad get a call from Tom's dad.

[Alex] Guys, come on, hurry up.

-Come on, Jan. -[man] Right now!

[Tom] Coming! Sir!

[indistinct chatter]

[sighing]

Look what the cat dragged in.

-Okay. Mom. -Hm?

I need you to tell me

everything you know about sex.

Is there something I should know about here?

Mom, Patrick and I are in love.

I mean, I'm the luckiest girl in the world to have him.

And you think it's time you start sleeping with him?

Everyone's doing it.

It's really not a big deal anymore.

That's not a good enough reason.

Listen to me.

Listen.

This is your year to determine your future.

Uh! If you are accepted at Juilliard,

you're gonna have a great career.

I don't want you to get distracted.

You know, there's plenty of time for sex.

Mom, you know I'm gonna make my own decision about this.

I suppose you will.

You don't want me to get off on the wrong foot, do you?

I suppose not.

Okay.

What do you want to know?

What's they hype all about? I mean,

it really doesn't sound like it's gonna feel good.

Think of it...

like dancing.

It's got a rhythm all its own.

It-- It's a vibration, a hum, that starts deep within you.

No. It-- It's like...

a man and a woman searching for each other,

trying to find the perfect rhythm

to get lost in...

to make the world just melt away.

[♪]

-You're such a goofball. -[laughing]

Oh, my God. I forgot to tell you the best news.

Natalie asked me to do a solo in the Spring dance recital.

Oh, I am so proud of you.

[♪]

No, the beauty of it is

that if the couple can't conceive,

then woman can be--

Well, she can opt to be artificially inseminated

by the sperm of her choice.

I mean, just, uh... [clicks tongue]

Pop goes the weasel. New baby.

[chuckles] It's great.

Say Mira here wanted to have a-- a new little one.

I don't think so.

No, no, I mean, I could-- I could donate my sperm.

I could whip out the old turkey baster, pump you up,

and you got-- you got yourself pregnant.

But that would take the fun out of it, wouldn't it?

Uh, what are you guys up to this weekend?

Any groovy plans?

I was thinkin' about seeing if I could

steal your mom away for a quiet little weekend.

Maybe up in Ojai.

Stir up the old juices. What do you say?

-Could we go to the Old Mill Inn? -Yeah.

I'll call tonight, see if I can get a room with a hot tub.

Oh, don't forget, we have to be back in time for counseling

-on-- on Monday. -Right.

You're in counseling?

Yeah. Well, sooner or later,

everybody should go into counseling, Scott.

I think it's good for 'em.

If you're havin' trouble with your girlfriend,

I'd suggest that you go to counseling.

Dad, I'm 12 years old.

♪ I could live my life today ♪

♪ Just in my own way

[applause, cheering]

Let's have another round of applause

for Brianna Redding and Chelsea Hill.

[applause]

Next, we have a return engagement

from our winner last year, Alex Markov,

directing a dance with Camelia, Alissa and Jan,

and it's entitled... Surprise Package!

Sounds good, huh? And here they are.

[applause]

-♪ Ahh... -♪ Ahh...

-♪ Ahh... -♪ Ahh... ♪

♪ Good morning, Mr. Whatsit, and how are we today? ♪

♪ We hope you're feeling better ♪

♪ And we'll help you on your way ♪

♪ As nurses, we will pamper you ♪

♪ No trouble should arise ♪

♪ And now we'll take your vitals ♪

♪ And watch your pressure rise! ♪

[♪]

[chuckling]

[♪]

[boy whooping]

-[whooping] -[indistinct dialog]

-Here we go. -Here we go.

[♪]

Whoo!

[boys whooping]

[♪]

[all] Bad boy, dirty boy.

Bad boy, dirty boy.

-[girls laughing] -[Alissa] Come here, sexy.

[girls laughing]

[indistinct shouting]

-Ow! Ow! Ow! -Woo!

[♪]

[boys whooping]

[chuckling]

[♪]

[crowd exclaiming]

[♪]

[laughing]

[♪]

[boys whooping]

[crowd exclaiming]

-[zippers unzipping] -[crowd exclaiming]

[♪]

[all] Oh!

[applause]

[cheering]

I wonder where they got the uniforms?

-Hi there, everyone. -Hi, honey.

Alex, Alex. [chuckles]

My wonderful Liza Minelli-esque Alex,

we were just talking about the show.

If I would have known how uptight everyone would get,

we would have sung Carpenter's greatest hits.

You have some very talented kids in your school,

but you, by far, are the shining star that blinds us all.

[Mira] You were wonderful, honey,

unfortunately, we are dealing with

a large proportion of unenlightened individuals in this community.

Excuse me, but I happened to like it.

Now, especially that girl Alissa.

I wanted to do a piece that would grab people's attention, you know?

You certainly did that.

I'll say, it's the big news in the boys' locker room.

Very funny.

I was taught to be proud of the human body.

Of course you were, dear, but--

If we could just have your attention.

You are an artist. I like what your choreography captured.

Yeah, that's all very well and good, but, uh--

Your father has something he wants to say you.

What exactly were you trying to communicate?

Sex. Duh!

So? It was about sex.

-This is not the point. -Exactly, it's not the point

[overlapping dialog]

Mom, this is important.

Will you all shut up!

Your father and I are splitting.

He's moving out after dinner.

So...

say goodbye to him.

[♪]

[crickets chirping]

[♪]

Oh, honey.

This is just so fucked up.

I love you.

Okay. [sniffling]

Now, next Thursday, there will be a special meeting

of all of those interested in learning CPR at the gym

after classes right after school.

[sniffling]

Also, there have been...

-Yeah, well, you know. -...appearing on the walls...

I knew it was coming.

[Camelia] How did they tell you?

They sat us down and made a big announcement,

and then my dad just left.

And I do not need to remind any of you seniors...

I guess he just packed his bags

and found a place to live and all.

The good news is,

I'll get double Hanukkah and birthday presents.

I'm the first one in our group

whose parents are splitting up, aren't I?

-[school bell rings] -...at the guidance office.

So everybody have a good day today.

I'll see you at the end of-- Alex.

I need to talk to you, young lady.

[indistinct chatter]

Now, what on earth is going on with you?

You were rude this entire morning.

You talked during the entire home room.

[sobbing] My parents are splitting up.

It's all my fault.

It was supposed to be a joke.

They had all these boobs and that's how I got the idea.

And I-- I got the nurse's outfits,

and we took off our clothes.

It was supposed to be a joke.

It's all my fault. [sobbing]

[Alex sniffling]

Don't move a muscle.

We all have a tendency to over-idealize

the importance of a nuclear family, Alex.

Sometimes, it's better for the family to be...

"disassembled." [chuckles]

Did you notice they fought much?

That was probably worse for you than them being apart will be.

They never really fought much, um...

but my mom did say that my dad was sleeping around a lot.

I thought it was just a sex thing, though, you know?

-Here, sweetie. -Thanks, Mom.

Camelia, how was school today?

Pretty good.

[Mrs. Jameson] How'd that history project go?

Actually, really great. I got an A.

Thanks for helping me with it, Mom.

Oh...

So, how was work, Dad?

Fantastic. Thanks for askin', young lady.

Boy, since I put that new water cooler in,

those girls are just bubblin' right over.

[laughing]

By the way, it's a heck of a meal you made tonight, hon.

Thanks, dear.

-Dad, can you pass the peas, please? -Oh, you bet.

-Thanks, Daddy. -There you go, pumpkin.

[clock chiming]

I'm sorry about your folks, Alex.

Yeah, that's, uh--

that's a terrible thing to happen to a kid.

I appreciate your being here.

We love you, Alex.

[♪]

Oh, uh-- Okay. Um, I can't believe I'm going on a date.

I never thought I'd be back in this routine again.

Yeah, except this time you're not a virgin.

I can still turn a few heads, my dear, don't you worry.

I don't doubt it.

What do you think about this number?

Oh, my God! Isn't that a little too tight?

Perfect.

Mom, do you think there's any way you and Dad

could settle your differences?

I'll settle our differences...

in court.

That bastard hasn't even seen my bad side yet.

But you two were so happy together.

Let me tell you something.

We had as much in common as vinegar and water.

That's not true.

You have a lot in common.

You're a great couple.

[sighs] Don't wait up for me, honey.

[smooches] I might be late.

Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky.

Bye.

-[crickets chirping] -[train horn blowing]

[train chugging]

What if you just went to her,

said that you were sorry,

and that you wanted to try to make it work?

Princess...

you know I want to be back.

I want to be back home with the family

more than anything else in the whole world.

But she just can't accept me the way I am.

-[sighs] -What does that mean?

That she should tolerate your indiscretions?

What do you mean by that?

Dad, I know you had an affair.

And you can't just blame her for not accepting that.

Yeah, I had an affair.

So did she.

More than one.

Oh, great!

So we're the Markov version of the American dream.

Hey, look...

neither one of us were saints.

But I will tell you,

I am sick and tired of kissing her ass

to try to make everything better.

I mean-- [scoffs] I'm sorry.

I'm sorry that she had to give up her art scholarship

so I could go to medical school and become a doctor.

But you know, she didn't do too badly by all this stuff.

What if you just forgave each other

-and just try to start over? -You tell her I am sick and tired

of her asking for money all the time.

'cause if she keeps doing that, I'm not giving her

-one more cent. -Stop it! I can't take this anymore!

She should have thought about that before she made this mess.

It's not all my fault!

It takes two to tango, you know?

Okay.

We both screwed up, all right?

I'm sorry. I'm really sorry!

But that's not gonna get my family back together again.

Dad...

I'm sorry that you're doing so badly.

I have to go.

-Alex-- -[door opens]

-Alex? -[door squeaks]

[door closes]

[sighs]

-[laughing] -Ready?

Tennis is fun to play.

Alex! I'm so glad you're up.

-Hi, honey. -Alex.

I made my special pancakes. Come join us.

I want you to meet...

my friend Skip.

He's a tennis pro at the club.

Howdy.

Yeah, your mom is quite the student.

-She's got great strokes. -[giggling]

[Skip laughing]

Oh, here, come on, sit.

Have some pancakes.

And yes, I'm very energetic.

I-- I think I've seen you before.

No, I don't think so.

[laughing]

Wait a minute, I know.

Don't you go out with Patrick O'Neill?

Yeah.

What a coincidence.

I hit balls with his brother, Clay.

[laughing]

Oh! Oh...

[moaning]

-[tennis racket whooshing] -[tennis balls thudding]

[crowd applauding]

[♪]

[sighs]

For the first time, I was more worried about my mom

than I was for me.

She was a woman possessed.

[door bangs]

-Can I get a coffee? -Me too.

Thank you.

Alex. Alex. Yoo-hoo! Yoo-hoo!

Alex, come here, come here, come here.

Come here. Come here.

I want you to meet my new friend, Steve.

Hi. How are you?

[Clarice] This is my wonderful daughter.

She's a dancer.

And my best friend.

Don't we look alike?

Spitting image. Couple of babes.

You in school, sweetheart?

Not this second.

You mean you dropped out?

Alex. Oh, she's just being a wise guy. [giggling]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Funny kid.

Nice to meet you. Mom, I gotta catch up with my friend.

Oh, okay, dear. Oh, dear, you don't mind if I don't come home for dinner?

There's lots of leftovers in the fridge.

Steve's insisting on taking me out.

I wanna take her somewhere special.

My class pictures are tomorrow.

You promised you'd cut my hair.

Oh, damn.

Uh, oh, o-okay, uh, I'll-- I'll get--

We'll do it in the morning, okay, honey?

[scoffs] As if vampires get up before noon?

Is that your mom's new boyfriend?

-Can we just get out of here, please? -Sure.

[birds chirping]

Welcome home.

How was the trip?

Good.

What'd you guys do?

You know, camp.

Well, you missed an exciting time around here.

Mom brought home another new boyfriend.

Scott, do you think mom's been a little revved up lately?

Not more than usual.

You don't think she's taking this dating thing too far?

Look, what Mom does is her business.

Fine.

Besides, I'm moving in with Dad.

What are you talking about?

I'm sick of all you women.

Thanks for abandoning me.

Dad wants you to come, too.

Scott...

you know I can't leave Mom.

She needs us.

Well, a boy needs his father.

A family should stick together and you're not helping.

[sighs]

Women.

[Alex] My mom's gone off the deep end

with this separation thing.

She's turning out house into The Love Boat.

Why, 'cause she's gone on a few dates?

Yeah, a few.

Well, you know, she's probably just letting off some steam.

That's not a bad idea for you.

Nice try.

They're not even divorced yet.

It's just a trial separation.

Well, maybe they don't like each other, Al.

They just have to work a few things out, that's all.

God. Who's side are you on, anyway?

Come on, give it a rest, babe, huh?

It's like...

you can't keep runnin' up the middle, you know?

Sometimes you gotta step back and read the defense.

You get what I'm sayin'?

No. What are you saying?

That I should just accept everything as it is

and not try to make it better?

Damn right. It's called destiny.

Like, all right,

take me for example. Okay?

I'm destined for a football scholarship to UCLA,

and a huge career after that.

Which is why you should rope me in.

You know what I'm sayin'?

I wish I could find a way to get them to talk to each other.

[♪]

♪ It's just an ordinary day ♪

♪ A bit of sun, some clouds ♪

♪ And maybe a chance of rain ♪

♪ But then your pretty eyes met mine ♪

♪ And I felt a certain something ♪

♪ That I'll never even try to describe ♪

Wow. All of a sudden you're Suzy Homemaker.

-Oh! -Stop.

Who are the surprise guests?

I thought that...

we should have

a civilized family lunch together, that's all.

-[doorbell rings] -Family. Hm...

♪ Together we can make it happen ♪

♪ Together, together, together, together ♪

♪ Together, together, together... ♪

This is gonna be good.

What are you doing here?

I live here. Remember?

Soup's on, everybody.

So, this is your idea of a civilized lunch?

I brought somebody.

She's out getting something out of the car.

Dad, how could you?

-I didn't realize that-- -Hi...

everyone.

Oh. The, uh, gang's all here.

Alex, I think you remember Gina.

-Oh. -Hi.

[clears throat] I hope I'm not intruding.

-I had no idea-- -Oh, my dear.

This is just par for the course with Dan.

Oh, give me a break, Clarice.

Alex said you were gonna be in San Diego all day.

You wouldn't come otherwise.

And I just wanted to make a nice lunch for all of us.

Well, it's a wonderful lunch.

And I can't wait to eat it.

That's right.

[Dan] Well, I am so impressed.

You're learning how to cook.

That's a great asset for a-- a homemaker.

I'm not being sexist.

Thanks, Dad.

[laughing]

Boy, I remember-- [chuckles]

I remember when we were first married,

your mom used to make

the most horrible lamb stew,

every single weekend. Ooh.

Maybe if you bothered to tell me you didn't like it,

I wouldn't have kept making it.

I didn't want to hurt your feelings, Clarice.

Well, it doesn't matter now.

Does it?

[clears throat] Alex, this is great.

It's fabulous, dear.

It sure is, princess.

Pass the salt, please.

Um, so, Dan...

how are things at the office?

They're wonderful. Thanks for asking

It's the best year ever.

We're gonna buy an X-ray facility

and expand into the suite next door.

Well, that's, uh, great news.

This doesn't mean you're gonna ask for more money, does it?

You insensitive prick.

Can't you at least try to be civilized?

I'm not the one being uncivilized here.

I'm not the one who's ranting and raving.

I am not ranting and raving.

You were upset because I brought another woman.

I didn't know you were gonna be here!

Oh, really? Just like when we were married.

Oh, give me a break, Clarice. You're not the victim here.

You were more of a loose canon than I was.

Get outta my house.

[Alex] Mom.

Oh, God.

Dan, come on, let's go.

Please?

Thanks for lunch, Alex. I guess everyone's just

a little bit sensitive right now.

Gee, thanks for filling me in.

Come on, Dan.

Thank you, Alex...

for the linguine.

[sighs]

I want to thank you all for coming to this audition today.

It was the day I had prepared for all my life.

-And I want you to remember... -The Juilliard audition.

...you gotta tuck your knee under

really gently so that it's very smooth.

Like this.

Okay, let's go.

[♪ piano]

Something broke in me.

My life was no longer simple.

Hey, twinkle toes.

Where you headed?

Home.

I thought you had dance practice all afternoon.

What's the point?

Well, do you want a ride?

No, Patrick. I'll catch up with you later. Okay?

Hey, Alex.

Just remember, all right?

You still have your big, studly boyfriend to take care of you.

I know I do, hot shot.

Thanks.

Hey.

-[chuckling] -What are you doing?

I'm tackling my girlfriend.

I love you, Patrick.

I'm sorry I made you wait so long.

Are you saying what I think you're saying?

[♪]

Whoa. Well, wait a second.

I didn't get to see your outfit.

Don't you want to do like a-- like a--

a strip for me or something?

What are you talking about?

Yeah, you're supposed to do, like, a dance or something,

it's a-- it's a turn on.

I'll be right back.

[sighs]

♪ 'Cause I'm burnin' for you, baby ♪

♪ Come and fill my body up ♪

♪ My body up ♪

♪ I'm burnin' for you... ♪

Sock it to me.

♪ Come and fill my body up ♪

♪ My body up ♪

Come here.

♪ Now it's time ♪

♪ To turn the lights down low ♪

[♪]

Patrick.

-Uh-huh? -Will it hurt?

Well, they do call me Big Ben in the locker room.

But tonight, I'll be Gentle Ben.

[scoffs] God, you're such a jerk.

Relax. It's not like walking the plank.

[light switch clicks]

Be the little train that could.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

[Patrick grunts]

[Alex exhaling]

[Patrick grunts]

[grunting continues]

[light switch clicks]

[grunts] You okay?

I think so.

Was that it?

[Patrick exhales]

Sure was.

-Whoo! -Were you in me?

Yeah.

I mean,

aren't we supposed to be doing it for a long time?

Well...

I don't want to make you too sore.

But next time, we'll take it slower.

I love you, Al.

I love you, too.

[Patrick exhales]

I was so nervous. I was wearing a teddy.

[laughing]

But did you like it?

Well, we're gonna take it slower next time.

Hey, woman. Welcome to the club.

Who told you?

Patrick told Tom and he told me.

What?

What she meant was Patrick told Tom, me,

and then I told her and that's how she knows

you finally lost your cherry.

-[laughing] -[scoffs]

Hey, Alex, I was hoping I'd be your first.

Hey, wait a minute, I'm back up quarterback here,

AKA second in line, AKA vice president.

If Patrick gets assassinated,

I slip right on in.

Shut up!

-[laughing] -Right, right.

So when Patrick goes down, you go in.

Pass her to me, pass her to me. Come on.

[Clarice] Hey, it's no big deal.

Uh-huh.

No, you know, it wouldn't have worked out anyway.

Bye.

That was Steve.

I told him I no longer wanted to go sneaking around

with a married man.

I thought he was a creep, personally.

Well, you were right.

One thing I can say about your daddy.

He was a great lover.

Mom... I don't understand why you and Dad

stayed together for such a long

if you hate him so much.

I mean, you can't tell me it was just for sex.

There are no simple answers, sweetheart.

Scott and me?

Is that why?

Honey, it's more complicated than that. Come here.

Come here, mama Shayna.

When I met your daddy...

he was so handsome.

Oh, and he was funny, too.

And he knew what he wanted.

And when he put his hands on me,

I became his.

And I gave up all my dreams of becoming a dancer.

And I don't know how it happened.

But we grew apart.

Either we stopped caring or we cared too much.

But we stayed together because...

that's what you're supposed to do.

I wanted to be...

a good wife.

Splitting up has been the biggest admission of failure...

that I've ever had to make.

But I'm so glad I have you and Scott.

Lucky you.

I am lucky.

'Cause I love you so much.

Do you know how much I love you?

Do you?

I miss Dad.

We'll get through this, I promise.

I promise, I promise, I promise.

Springtime.

The season of rebirth and renewal.

Only for me, it felt like rotting.

Everything in my life was rotting.

[♪]

[door opens]

Alex. Armand's moving in. Isn't that wonderful?

It's not definite.

I'm three weeks late.

-Shit. -It's gonna be okay.

Did you use any birth control?

A diaphragm but--

But what?

I may have forgotten about the gel thing.

Do your parents know that you're sleeping with Tom?

No.

They'd kill me.

You okay?

Let's just get this over with.

Hi, ladies.

Listen, have you thought about what you're doing today?

You're dealing with the life of an unborn child.

-Mind your own business. -Please think about it.

Is she upsetting you?

That's because she's right.

Abortion really is murder.

-Please don't do this. -Go away now.

God wouldn't like it. It's a bad, bad thing.

Please don't do this to your child.

-Ladies-- -Don't do it, don't go in there.

Open the goddamn door!

It's murder. It's morally wrong.

Please don't do it.

Hello! Somebody!

[woman] You'll burn in hell for an eternity.

Please don't let 'em do it.

God, please forgive me.

[indistinct dialog]

[gate clanking]

[sighs] I've never been so freaked

in all my life.

I was so humiliated.

Yeah, it sounds awful.

It was.

I wish she wasn't so damn stupid about everything.

Alex, I mean, give her a break.

It's not exactly a picnic for her.

And then I find out that

she didn't use any birth control at all.

Well, Alex, we all make mistakes.

I haven't been so perfect, either.

I mean, sometimes in the heat of the moment--

You're kidding me, right?

I mean, enlighten me.

What if you got pregnant?

This is exactly why--

I mean, it just amazes me that you and Alissa

practically bullied me into having sex,

and then you completely

don't take responsibility for yourselves.

At least I had the sense to get my dad to get me on the pill.

-Oh. -How can you be so fucking stupid?

Excuse me, Miss Know-it-all,

but some of us don't have the luxury of having

Dr. Feelgood as a father

and a mother who is so completely--

Leave my family out of this.

-[Camelia] You guys-- -Bitch.

-Alex. -Fuck you.

And I'm sure Alissa will say the same.

Fuck you, and I'm sure you'll go running off

to tell her what I said about her.

Yeah, you bet your ass I will.

You can also tell her that she owes me 200 fucking dollars.

I'm sure you'll remind her, too, girl.

Don't ever speak to me again.

-[door opens] -[bell jingles]

[birds chirping]

-Buenos dias. -Hi.

How's it going?

Oh, you know, shitty, I guess.

Mm-hm.

Where's Mom?

Having a drink with a friend.

Well, I'm gonna go to town.

Buy some food.

You wanna take a walk?

A walk might be nice.

All right. Give me a second.

You ever get to the point where you realize that

your life's just one big zero?

-[dog barking] -Yeah.

I mean, I don't know what I've been

wasting my time on all these years.

Changes, Alex. Changes.

You're moving through a passage.

To what?

Well, you're no longer a kid.

I can tell you that.

But you're not yet an adult.

It's natural.

Just don't live by the book.

Stay open.

What do you mean?

Well...

Herman Hesse said,

"To be born,

you have to destroy a world."

The world you came from.

The one you've been put in.

And that...

is the most important...

and the most beautiful thing to do,

just to build...

your own world.

But how?

Well, start to make your own decisions.

Make your own rules.

Write your own book.

Now, if you make a mistake,

it's gonna be your mistake.

So, you'll never have to apologize.

And you'll never be disappointed.

Like with sex?

Why? What do you mean with sex?

That's the only thing that should never be a disappointment.

Come on, girl.

[♪]

Armand, do you like salsa?

No, no, real paella doesn't call for salsa.

Very funny. Salsa dancing.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

A real man doesn't go for dance.

What kind of Latin guy are you?

A good one.

Come here.

No, no, no, no, I'm cooking here.

-Come here. -No, no, no, I'm--

-Come on. -I'm a horrible dancer.

What the hell.

[♪]

-Right foot back. -Okay.

-Look at me. -All right, I'll look at you.

-And don't sway. -Why not?

It's nice.

And stay stiff and move your hips.

My hips? Like this?

[indistinct dialog]

Hm? Like this?

Whup! Eh? Now what's this? Eh?

Give me a dime and I won't drop you.

Eh?

[water splashing]

Truth or dare?

Truth.

If you were on a desert island...

and your mother would never find out...

would you have sex with Jack?

[sighs] Alex, I love Jack so much

-I'll take that as a yes. -[chuckles]

Aren't you dying to know what it would be like

to be with him?

I do think about it sometimes.

Um, okay. Truth or dare for you.

Dare.

I dare you...

uh, to do something provocative.

Okay.

-[Mr. Jameson] Make a wish. -[blowing]

-That a girl. -Happy birthday, sweetheart.

And may your 16th bring you everything you wish for.

-Thanks, Mom. -Honey, here.

Oh, yeah.

-Oh. -Happy birthday.

-[gasps] Pearls. -[chuckles]

-They were your grandmother's. -I love them.

[Alex] They're so beautiful.

I know. Thank you.

-Can I talk to you for a second? -Sure.

[Mr. Jameson] Give me a hug.

-Thanks. -[Mr. Jameson] I love you.

[Camelia] Love you too. -[Mr. Jameson] Happy birthday.

[Camelia] Thanks, Dad.

[clock chiming]

Let's make this a very special birthday.

[Jack] You don't mess around.

So, is it okay if I go to the party with them tonight?

-Well? -Well, yeah.

Just remember that first thing in the morning

we're supposed to be out at your grandmom's.

Yeah, and I have to be back in time for garden club.

And she wanted me to tell you that

all she needs is a little push.

[clock ticking]

[sobbing]

I don't get it.

I thought this was something that you wanted.

Alex, I didn't want this.

This wasn't supposed to happen like this.

What if I get pregnant?

I mean, I'm Catholic, I'll have to have the baby.

You and Jack should talk it over.

You love each other, right?

He practically raped me.

And you're defending him?

He was drunk too.

That is no excuse.

I mean, we had this very conversation last week,

and he knew I wanted to wait.

You never told me that.

Well, I don't tell you everything that goes on in my life.

Oh, God, Camelia.

Please don't hate me.

-[sniffles] -I don't know if you'll ever forgive me for this, but...

it's my fault.

What are you talking about?

I told Jack that you wanted to make love last night

because you were too shy to say it to him straight out.

I was trying to help you.

Stay away from me.

[♪]

[groans]

[grunting]

[sighs]

You're leaving?

I promised my boyfriend I'd go to the mall with him.

Has he been keeping you away from here?

-I'm sorry, Natalie. -Oh, I'm sorry, too.

Alex,

it's your first time here this week for practice.

And last week, I didn't see you at all.

I can't give you that solo.

You know as well as I do that

I'm the best dancer in the studio besides you.

-and it'll be fine. -I don't care if you dance like Natalia Makarova.

You don't practice, you don't dance.

Look, I said I'm sorry,

I'm just going through a hard time right now, okay?

Sweetheart, all the more reason

to remain focused on your work.

I won't accept anything less, especially from you.

I've told you before.

You have a future in dance.

Don't mess it up. All right?

All right.

Shit.

[♪]

[car doors close]

You want to come over for dinner tonight?

Oh, um, I can't for dinner tonight, hon,

but I can probably slip by later.

Why not dinner?

Well, you know, me and the boys got plans.

You know, guy stuff.

What kind of plans?

Can't really talk about that.

You know, oath of silence and all?

What is it this time, smashing mailboxes again

or just throwing up on each other?

You know, we don't ever, like, plan on it,

but sometimes that stuff just sort of happens.

[scoffs] That's it.

Where you goin'?

We're not on the same planet, Patrick.

It's over.

-Wait a second. -Let's just call it quits.

[♪]

[indistinct chatter]

He does do beautiful work, doesn't he?

I wish he could sell some of these and make some money.

Call me old fashioned, but I--

I just want someone to take care of me.

But he never had any money.

You two were so into each other.

It's just--

He's just not in a good place right now.

And when you don't feel good about yourself,

you can't feel good about someone else.

He doesn't want to make love to me anymore.

Let's get out of here.

Ladies, the two gentlemen at the end of the bar

would like to buy you a round of drinks.

What's your pleasure?

Mom, I feel stupid. Can we please go home?

Oh, oh, just one more quickie?

Don't be a spoil sport.

Um... can I have a red wine,

and a Coke.

That's for me.

Just kidding.

Hi. I'm Clarice.

And this is Alex.

John and Bill.

We're in town from Chicago on business.

Uh, you know, we're lookin' for a little action,

but this place seems kinda dead.

Well, it's not the Windy City, that's for sure.

When I want to blow off some steam,

I drive into Hollywood.

Hey, are you two girls, uh... related? Huh?

I'm her daughter.

-[Bill] Wow. -That's very impressive.

[chuckling] Hey. Sounds like fun.

Look, why don't you come back to our hotel?

-Indoor pool-- -Yeah.

Bar right in the room.

What hotel?

Mom, we're not going with them.

I'm just being polite.

Look, we just made a couple of sales.

We got a lot of cash to blow.

Now, we'd love to spend some of it on you gals.

Look, mister, I'm 16 years old.

Blow it out your ass.

I'm leaving, Mother. Are you coming?

Next life.

Toodles.

What are we, cops?

[phone dialing]

[phone ringing]

Jameson residence.

Hello, Mrs. Jameson, it's Alex.

Yes?

I'd like to speak to Camelia, please.

Camelia can't come to the phone right now.

You mean she's not home?

I mean, she can't come to the phone right now.

Is it because she doesn't want to talk to me?

Alex...

I don't think you and Camelia should be friends anymore.

And I have told her so.

And I think...

that it is obvious that you and your family

have a whole different set of morals than we do,

and I think that you should find some friends

that are more like you.

Do I make myself clear?

I think that this is so unfair.

[sighs]

♪ You're too cool for this world ♪

[indistinct chatter]

♪ You got the prettiest eyes ♪

♪ I thought I'd find... ♪

[school bell rings]

♪ But you've gone back to the place ♪

♪ Where your mother used to hide ♪

♪ Every time you turn away ♪

♪ All the colors of... ♪

-Hi. -Hey.

Alex.

-Hi. -[sighs]

[keys clatter]

Where's my mom?

I guess she's staying over in San Diego tonight.

She left us a note.

-[sighs] Typical. -Yeah.

Que sera.

Hey, I happen to have an exceptional bottle of wine.

Will you join me?

What's the occasion?

I wanted it...

for one last night.

Armand, what's going on with you and my mom?

Let me put it this way.

I-- I gotta leave.

You know, I'm-- I'm a gypsy kind of guy.

Moving around the world and...

your mother and I want different things.

In truth,

the passion is not there anymore so...

Well, let's drink a glass together, come on.

-Let's get plastered. -Yeah, yeah.

Viva el borracho , huh?

What does that mean?

"Long life to drunkards."

Arriba abajo a centro, ya nietro.

[chuckles]

Mm...

Ahh.

I'm so sick of my little world

where everyone knows everybody else's business,

and all the people are so damn boring.

Oh, yeah.

I'm gonna go to a big city...

where I can go and come as I please.

Yeah, and there you'll find peace, sure.

Well...

at least I'll feel like...

different is normal.

Normal? Come on.

Girl, normal is boring.

You're so much more than normal.

-Yeah, right. -Yeah, right.

You're so intelligent and...

you can carry on a conversation with a guy like me.

That's a lot. [chuckles]

You're so strong and...

beautiful.

You think I'm beautiful?

Well...

let me think about that. I think--

What?

Nothing.

You don't want to kiss me?

Yes, I want, but I don't think--

You and my mother are through, right?

Yeah, but, uh...

you're 16, Alex.

So I'm gonna go and call the cops

and get you arrested.

-No, I didn't say that but-- -[sighs]

You have to understand that...

You know, I thought that you were supposed to

help me build my own world.

What a bunch of bullshit.

[♪]

Whew...

[♪]

[rhythmic knocking]

♪ Sweet desire ♪

♪ Take me deep in your realm ♪

Can I come in?

I don't know. Do you have ID?

[chuckles]

That's a good one.

♪ Come now to me ♪

♪ I'll come walk on your waters ♪

♪ Dive deep in your still sea ♪

♪ Call out to me ♪

♪ Help me please ♪

♪ I can't breathe ♪

♪ I wanna be free ♪

♪ Wanna be free ♪

♪ Wanna be free ♪

♪ Free in my own sovereignty ♪

♪ I wanna be free... ♪

[birds chirping]

[drawer closes]

Armand.

Alex.

How are you? How are you feeling?

What are you doing?

Well, I gotta move out.

Clarice and I agreed. I told you that.

Come on. Keep me company while I pack, hm?

Armand, last night...

I've never felt that way before.

I'm glad to hear that.

Now you know what making love can be like.

So it was making love for you?

It meant something?

Yes.

Yes, Alex.

It meant a lot.

It made me so happy.

And I will always remember my sweet special girl. Huh?

So I'm just a girl to you, nothing more.

Don't get stuck on words.

Come on. You should know better than that. Hm?

Listen, I-- I gotta go. You know, I gotta go back.

I'm in a lot of problems now and... you know?

I promise you, we'll keep in touch.

Great. We can be pen pals.

Oh, come on, Alex.

Don't make a big deal out of it, huh?

You have so much to look forward to.

Come on, look at you?

Alex.

Don't ever be afraid to love.

Hm?

Come on.

[Clarice] Hello? Anybody home?

-Armand left. -Oh, good.

I couldn't bear to say goodbye to him.

Well... another one bites the dust.

Did you ever think that maybe he wanted to say goodbye?

You make me sick.

-Alex-- -Everybody leaves.

First Dad, then Scott, Mira, Sebastian,

and now Armand.

You think I'll stay here

so that you can cry on my shoulder?

Well, I'm over it! I'm leaving too.

Alex, this is crazy.

I know you care about Armand but...

we weren't right for each other, it's better that he's gone.

No, it's not!

What are you talking about?

Last night, Armand and I made love.

And it was wonderful.

I've never felt this way before.

You--

I can't believe this.

You don't even care about him!

You're just jealous because he won't touch you anymore.

[slapping]

I am your mother, for God's sake.

Are you? No!

You always wanted to be my friend.

Well, this is what happens between friends, Mom.

You're a disgusting slut.

Get out.

I hate you, you fucking bitch!

You've got the perfect house now, all to yourself.

[♪]

♪ Set all the spirits free ♪

♪ Live my own life ♪

♪ Cutting the cord ♪

♪ I've wrapped around me ♪

♪ I wanna be free ♪

♪ Wanna be free ♪

♪ I wanna be free ♪

♪ Free in my own sovereignty ♪

♪ I wanna be free ♪

♪ Free ♪

♪ Free in my own mystery ♪

[gasping]

-[tires screeching] -[horn honking]

[grunting, sobbing]

Learn how to drive, you crazy psychopath!

[tires squealing]

[sobbing]

[♪]

♪ Cut these lies ♪

♪ I wanna be free ♪

♪ Wanna be free ♪

♪ Wanna be free ♪

♪ Free in my own sovereignty ♪

I had moved in with my father and Gina.

-[knocking] -Hey.

You get some sleep soon, okay, honey?

I sure do love having you here.

I was 17 and school was almost over.

Have you, uh-- have you talked to your mom lately?

[Alex] I don't really feel like it.

Well...

you ought to.

She is your mom.

You know, you're welcome to

move in here permanently if you want to.

Maybe it would help your relationship with her if you...

kept a little distance for a while.

Did distance help your relationship with Mom?

Your mother is an extraordinary woman.

But Gina and I are more suited to each other.

I see.

But if I hadn't met Clarice, I wouldn't have had you two.

And I wouldn't give that up for anything.

So there. Hm.

Listen, you get some sleep, okay?

I want you all rested up for that recital next month.

Dad.

I don't think I want to dance anymore.

[sighs]

You know, princess...

I thought about quitting medical school once.

I was so confused.

[sighs]

I left school early for the holidays, I--

I didn't even know if I was gonna come back.

I was on a train from New Hampshire to New York.

All of sudden, we stopped out in the middle of nowhere.

Seems like there'd been an accident, terrible accident,

another train had hit a car on the tracks.

And a man, a woman and a little girl were all killed.

There was a little boy who was thrown from the car.

He was unconscious but alive.

The conductors were running around all through the train,

saying, "Is there a doctor on board?

Is anybody a doctor?"

Nobody was speaking up, so I finally said,

'Well, I'm not a doctor but I'm a medical student.'

They said, "Okay, well, hey, you're all we got. Come on."

So we ran out there...

[sighs]

Back then, they didn't have ambulances

in all the little towns like now.

They just, uh, had to make do with what they had,

so they were gonna throw him in a hearse,

get him to the hospital that way.

So, uh, when we got there,

I could see by the way he was breathing and...

the frothing of the blood in his mouth that, uh...

he punctured his lung.

So I said, "Stop."

I told 'em, "He'll die if you--

if you load him up that way."

So I showed him the proper way to load him on a stretcher,

like I learned in the Scouts.

We got him to the hospital and he lived.

[sighs] Yeah, they had in the papers

that I saved his life.

So anyway, I-- I went back to school.

A week later...

the dean called me into the office and said, "Markov,

"what were you doing on a train

when you should have been in class?"

And I said, "I--

I left early, sir."

Then he said, "Well..."

[sighs]

"I guess you were meant to be a doctor."

I love you, princess.

I love you too, Dad.

[Alex] Camelia!

Can I please talk to you? Please?

I know that we may never be friends again, but...

I just want you to know that I realize that I blew it.

And I wish I could take it back somehow.

Look, Alex,

I understand.

I just-- I don't want to go into this right now.

I mean, it's still really hard for me.

I don't think I can be around you.

I thought you were confused about what you wanted.

I know what you thought, but I wasn't.

And I think--

I think you're the one who's really confused.

See you around.

[♪]

Have you spoken to your mother?

[dog barking]

She misses you, you know.

[dog barking]

I don't really think that she wants to talk to me.

Listen.

You know, I know Clarice.

She'll forgive you.

This time has been really hard for her.

It's not easy having to start over again in your 40s.

Look at me. [chuckles]

She needs you too, you know.

I'm better off without her.

And she's better off without me.

You don't really believe that.

Come on. Let's walk up here.

There's somebody there who wants to see you.

Go on.

Hi, Alex.

Hi, Mom.

How's school?

Fine.

Natalie phoned me yesterday and said that

you decided to quit dancing.

I blew the Juilliard audition.

I just couldn't tell you.

I wish you had.

Do you remember Daddy and I brought you here

for that chamber concert?

You were six, I think, and...

the musicians started playing and--

and you just had to get up and dance.

I was wearing my new orange dress.

Had a great twirl to it.

You danced and you danced and you danced

and-- and when the music ended,

you had the whole audience clapping.

You just loved to dance.

That was a long time ago.

Alex.

I feel like I've--

I've fallen down the rabbit hole lately.

My life is such a surprise to me and...

I thank God every day that you are so strong.

But I'm not, Mom.

I know. I know sometimes I just couldn't--

I quit dancing months ago.

You didn't even notice, did you?

What?

Forget it. Just forget it.

You don't even care.

Alex.

Nobody loves you more than I do.

Until you started blowing me off

to make room for this parade of men.

Oh, that's not fair.

That is just not fair.

Your problems are not my fault.

Just like my problems are not your fault.

I realize...

that I may have screwed up...

a lot of things.

Okay? A lot.

But I did one thing right.

One thing.

I taught you to think for yourself.

Be honest, straightforward,

and true.

I raised you to be independent, have an open heart,

and lead with your sweetness

so you could follow your dreams.

And stand on your own two feet

and I am proud of that.

So you won't mess up like I did.

[sniffling]

Now, Armand.

[sighs] I understand about Armand.

I do.

And I forgive you.

Not him.

But I forgive you.

And I hope some day that...

you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

You know, one of the most awful things about being a parent

is having your kids realize that you're not perfect.

I can't wave a magic wand and-- and make everything right,

make all your pain and your hurt go away.

But I've to to give you the luxury of

making your own mistakes.

[♪]

♪ Nothing in this world ♪

♪ Can take me up so high ♪

♪ Bring me to my knees ♪

♪ Can make me cry ♪

♪ I wanna trust you now ♪

♪ But I'm so afraid ♪

Oh, God, I can't believe this. I think I forgot--

I saved great seats for you guys.

They're taped off with your names on them.

V.I.P. Boss!

After the show, we're gonna take you to James Beach

for lunch, okay?

Okay, Dad, but it's not a show.

It's a recital.

I'm not a chorus girl.

Well, of course not. Well, technically, I mean,

to be a chorus girl, you'd have to have a chorus.

Uh, Dan, it's okay, I'm a nurse.

I'll remove that foot from your mouth later.

Hey, look. Terry Bradshaw's here.

Um, I gotta go warm up. Thanks for coming.

-I love you guys. -Love you too, princess.

Hey, break a leg, okay?

Is that the right expression for a dancer?

-That's fine. -I mean, it seems a little portentous,

-doesn't it. -Dan, um...

Scott, does Mom know about today?

Mm, no, I thought you'd invite her.

Okay. Right.

I'll see you after.

Good luck.

Hey, babe.

Surprise. [chuckles]

What are you doing here?

Came to suck it up.

Figured I'd eat a little humble pie.

You know, just show up and...

be here.

You look nice.

Thank you. [chuckles]

and you look like, what, I don't know,

Peter Pan or somethin', right? [chuckles]

Look, Alex--

[clears throat]

I love you, okay?

You know, and I'm-- I'm man enough to say it.

Now, I can only stay for, like, an hour.

All right? I gotta meet the guys for this thing but--

I really have to go.

Yeah.

Um...

so I'll call you tonight. All right?

Is that okay? Gonna be a little bit late,

like not before 10?

Better yet, not before 1990.

[♪]

[♪]

[♪]

[♪]

[♪]

[music ends]

[applause]

[applause continues]

As I saw her face smiling into mine,

I realized that the people who loved me

had their own lives to lead,

their own mistakes to make.

I was learning to live for myself,

and not to be afraid of who I might turn out to be.

[Natalie] Alex.

I want you to meet an old friend of mine.

He came all the way down from Santa Barbara

to see this performance.

Actually, Natalie battered me into

leaving off my golf game to come down here.

And believe me, I wasn't very happy about it.

But I am very glad I did.

Alex, do you realize that this extraordinary woman

is really quite dedicated to you?

Relentless is the word that actually comes to mind.

Joseph. You and I both know,

and I think Alex does, too,

that there are a few times in life

when, in the words of Mr. Shakespeare,

"You have to stiffen the sinews, conjure up the blood,

"disguise fair nature with hard-hearted rage,

and go full speed into the breach."

I'm not sure I--

This is Joseph Bloomfield.

Mr. Bloomfield is head of admissions at Juilliard.

and would like to talk to you about your plans.

-Far out. -[Natalie laughs]

Your life's about to change if you want it to.

Far out!

[Joseph chuckles]

[♪]

[♪]

♪ Life goes on ♪

♪ Time does too ♪

♪ What's right for me might not be right for you ♪

♪ I wanna know love ♪

♪ Wanna spread my wings ♪

♪ My heart's on fire to do all kinds of things ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things I have inside me ♪

♪ Every day I wake up ♪

♪ Like a kid who must be happy ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you're revealing ♪

♪ Every day you bless me ♪

♪ With another new beginning ♪

♪ All the things I want ♪

♪ Don't constitute my wealth ♪

♪ You can win the world and lose it all ♪

♪ Like a lie unto yourself ♪

♪ I'm takin' my chances ♪

♪ And I'm bettin' on me ♪

♪ What's gonna come, we'll just have to see ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things I have inside me ♪

♪ Every day I wake up ♪

♪ Like a kid who must be happy ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you're revealing ♪

♪ Every day you bless me ♪

♪ With another new beginning ♪

♪ What is wrong with many turns ♪

♪ And I know I've missed some ♪

♪ But all the lessons learned in life ♪

♪ I'll try to build upon ♪

♪ Mom, I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you've taught me ♪

♪ Daddy, I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you've bought me ♪

♪ Friend, I thank you ♪

♪ For the good times and fun ♪

♪ Lover, I thank you ♪

♪ For making a woman ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things I have inside me ♪

♪ Every day I wake up ♪

♪ Like a kid who must be happy ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you're revealing ♪

♪ Every day you bless me ♪

♪ With another new beginning ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things I have inside me ♪

♪ Every day I wake up ♪

♪ Like a kid who must be happy ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ For the things that you're revealing ♪

♪ Every day you bless me ♪

♪ With another new beginning ♪

♪ Every day I thank you ♪

♪ Another new beginning ♪

♪ Every day I wake up ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ Every day I thank you... ♪