All language subtitles for The Perfect Mother (1997)

So afraid, I couldn't speak.

The day before we docked, they ran out
of water for us.

But when I finally walked down those

steel stairs, there was Uncle Dimitri

and Aunt Maya.

With their arms open.

They're gone now.

But that moment is when I understood
what family means.

I think about Catherine a lot.

But things change.

As nature's way.

Look at those beautiful children.

And that young woman is exquisite.

I've noticed her around church.

That's my daughter.

Oh, you must be very proud.

I am.

She's wonderful.

I'm Melanie Podaris.

Have I seen you before?

Jean and the two.

I'm afraid I hardly even come on
holidays.

Nice to meet you. Which of those is your
granddaughter? Oh, I wish.

I'm afraid my daughter's very picky.

I have a picky son, too.

Johnny. Here's Johnny.

See? Isn't he handsome?

Oh, a movie star.

These two. They would make beautiful
grandchildren.

Catherine doesn't like me butting in.

I know neither does John.

Can't you just meet her for coffee?

She's so... for the kids.

She's a bow -wow, right, Mom? Johnny, do
this for your mother. Just one more

time.

No more blind dates.

They end up talking about themselves in
a restaurant that I hate, making me feel

too close to the movie I didn't want to
see.

Well, this time it might be different,
okay?

Besides, it's just for coffee.

Hi, can I help you?

Um, actually, I'm meeting someone.

I don't know what he looks like.

Uh, excuse me.

You said you were meeting someone.

Are you John?

You're Catherine.

Hi.

What can I get you guys?

Um, I'll have a cappuccino.

Oh, very good coffee, thanks.

I don't think I've ever had regular
coffee in one of these places.

I mean, not that you can't get whatever
you want. I mean, I'm sure the coffee's

terrific here.

It's just like, you know, when you go to
a fancy restaurant and you order

scrambled eggs, and they're like the
best scrambled eggs you've ever had.

I'm talking too much. No, no, no, not at
all.

My mom says you're a music teacher.

For kids.

I mean, I would have liked to have
played for a living, but... I mean, I'm

but, you know, you have to be really
good to do that.

I bet you were good.

I can tell by your hand.

Because, you know, that's what they say
about, you know, the piano players,

you're going to get long fingers.

And I have no idea what I'm talking
about.

Wow. What do you do?

I work in my family's auto barrage.

So what kind of music do you like to
play?

Well, I mean, the kids, they love, you
know, that bubblegum pop stuff. But I

like, you know, classical jazz.

Oh,

I like it.

No, no, no, thanks. I like my wedding.

Hi.

Oh, I hate to say it, but I love you so.

Yeah, someday I hope to have my own
boat.

38 -foot pantheon trawler, all in your
nav and tracking.

So I don't get lost.

Oh, you won't get lost.

You think I'm crazy?

No. I think you'd be crazy not to do it
if you love it.

Once I pulled salmon for 48 hours
straight.

You know, and it's freezing cold and
your knuckles are bleeding.

There's that charge to it, you know,
that kick.

I have to go back to the garage after my
dad died, which is all right. It's

okay.

I miss that.

I don't miss being out there. I miss
that freedom.

You'll get back to this. I know you
will.

Hey, Joe.

Hey, Johnny.

You know what?

You make me feel like I can do anything.

It's kind of like when I'm playing the
piano and everything else just drops

and it's just the music and it's kind of
silence and peace.

I like

it here.

Come on, please.

Tell the story. Dad and I want a
honeymoon.

Right? Cruise ship, music, moonlight on
the water.

And then we look into each other's eyes.

And what comes out of his mouth?

If you ever weigh more than 140 pounds,
I'm going to drop you like a dirty

shirt.

You got to lay down the law.

Right, honey?

Right. But if she was pregnant, that
would be an exception.

Wouldn't it?

I got to warn you, Catherine.

Eleni's obsessed with her grandson.

Well, so is my mother.

And whose isn't?

That's a smart girl.

Oh, sorry.

Oh, no, no. Come on in. We'll talk.

I first met Dan when I was working at
the coffee shop next door to their

He and John used to come in all the
time.

I loved Dan, but I should have gone for
John.

He did good.

Oh, wait.

What? What happened?

I know it sounds corny, but I want to
wait.

Would you?

Of course. Of course.

How long?

I didn't mean that. I know. It won't be
long, I don't think.

Neither do I.

What do you mean?

Well, what did you mean?

I asked you first. First one takes last
one's place.

Where'd you hear that? When I was a kid,
you know. I was one of those kids. I

was always last.

Well, not anymore.

set me a thank you note.

She's such a well -mannered girl.

You're a sunlight on a wave rolling into
my heart.

The beginning and the end, whatever I
did before is nothing.

No, no, no, hold on. Hold on, I have to
memorize this so I wouldn't have a heart

attack, okay?

I love you so much.

And I want to spend the rest of our
lives...

Together.

Manny?

I can't wait to get this dress out.

There are 50 buttons.

Huh?

No.

Mustard fish is denser, weighs more,
that's it.

Okay, well then which is heavier?

A ton of lead or a ton of feather?

Thanks, thanks, I gotta remember that.
Tons and tons, it's the same thing, get

clue.

Here's a toast to you.

Nina Mitchell, I am so happy that my son
found a wonderful, refined

girl like your daughter who was brought
up the right way.

Okay,

that's it.

Excuse us.

Excuse us, please.

How about that?

Testing, testing, here we went.

Not Dan, just a cousin.

I did live in their house for 19 years.
I never cleaned the upstairs bathroom

once. But I did learn that in the
Padaris family, we believe in the old

traditions. And when a son gets married,
he gets a little help to start his new

life.

So would this seagull and dork if he'd
get off the cargo ship and come home.

But anyway, little gay man, you bad boy.

Sweet, sweet Catherine.

I guess we're going to be neighbors soon
because...

Anyway, we got something for you to sign
up here.

It's a deal of trust for your new home!

A house?

We can't accept that.

No, honey, look, you really need to do
this for us. Catherine?

to my new family.

I've been looking forward to this day my
whole life. Thank you for making it

seem like a fairy tale.

A new house. I love you all so much.

Thank you, Frank and Dan.

How about a drink, guys?

Thank you all very, very much.

You've all taught me the true meaning of
family.

I love you all.

You okay with this?

It's too much. They already paid for
most of the wedding.

I know.

I wish I could have contributed more.

Oh, Mom, it's all right. I mean, this is
for John and his mother, not me. I

mean, I would have been happy getting
married in Vegas just for Delvin.

So proud of you.

Your father would have been so proud of
you today.

Miss him.

Too loud.

But he's here, you know.

Can I steal your lovely daughter?

Well, remember, Jesse, she's married
right now.

Oh, yes, yes.

Married a boy when she could have had a
man.

You're kidding, Catherine.

You know, the only reason I went out
with her was to get next to you.

Baby, you've got to know my love, baby.

If you're unsure, unquestion me.

I'll give you all my love, and that's
how it's gonna be. Who's that guy?

Jesse J.

An old friend.

Nice guy.

Just give me the time, I'll make you
mine.

Well, it's as good as it's gonna get
without lipo and six months of tofu.

See you later.

Wait a second, what is that?

What is that?

How many times do I have to tell you?

The doctor said if we're going to have a
baby, you've got to quit smoking, or

the baby's going to be deformed.

Huh?

Look, she's a chimney!

Look, I'm down to one cigarette a day,
Dan.

What about you and your lifting
vitamins?

You're deformed.

Come on.

Come on.

Charlie, what happened?

Great party, huh?

Welcome to the family from hell.

You know what you get yourself into.

No, no, no, no, no. Wait, wait.

I got to do this.

Did you get all the food from the trunk?
This is

it.

I got the bags.

Johnny. You know, this kitchen was nice
50 years ago.

Thanks, Mom.

You're right. It needs new everything.

You got enough food, darling?

Catherine Podaris.

When you take our name, you take our
blood.

It goes back 700 years.

And I am more than just the head of the
family.

I am your friend forever.

I remember after my father died when I
was a little kid.

I dreamed of belonging to a strong, warm
family.

I named them. I used to talk to them.
You know, like a make -believe family.

But now it's real.

Fantastic.

Are you going to get that?

I think so.

What's it all for, if not for family?

I wish Frank was here more often.

Charlene, dear, bring the cake out.

And don't eat it all on the way.

I made your favorite, Johnny.

You've got to try this. I love this.

Lady, you should give Catherine the
recipe.

This girl is too beautiful to slave over
a hot stove.

Oh, are these peanuts?

Fresh roasted. I crushed them myself.

I'm allergic to peanuts. My throat
closes and I can't breathe.

Oh, uh, just take the frosting off.
There's no nuts inside. Okay. Give me

plate. Let me do it for you, dear.

I didn't know. I made this cake for 35
years. Nobody ever had a bad reaction.

So I'm sorry if I spooked you at the
wedding.

Dan and I were having troubles all day.

Why?

I danced with some old geezer. He got
jealous.

Then he caught me with the dreaded sig
word.

Then he got drunk and he popped me.

But the next day, he went out and he
bought me these.

Oh, those are nice. Yeah.

He spent his whole allowance.

I wish he'd give him a real paycheck.

Yeah, why does she pay them in cash like
that, like a handout?

Is it for taxes or something?

I don't know. It's so she can control
all the money.

Oh, and you better like Eleni's choice
of food.

Look at her in there, flipping those
cans like a 12 -year -old bag boy.

Well, I better go help her.

Not me.

I can't bite the hand that feeds us, but
I don't have to lick it.

There it is.

Is that going to deliver on surgery?

Mama, you just, you just, you hold that
thought.

Pop's great.

We go every Sunday.

It's all right, Johnny. We'll go later.

I thought I'd surprise you with
breakfast.

Isn't this nice?

Did you clean up your park?

I was thinking of planting a rose bush.

Nikos loved roses.

We could go and get them. Catherine and
I had kind of plans.

How's things between you two? Good.

You know, they're really, really good.

You're working on a grandson for me,
aren't you?

You know, I want one.

Catherine thinks we should get to know
each other a little better.

I think love and marriage would sort of
count, wouldn't you?

It's like Charlene.

Dan is trying, but nothing's happening.

I told him he should have her looked at.

Is Catherine taking birth control?

What? What kind of question is that?
This is embarrassing.

Yeah, she is.

Oh, come on. I can't force her. We got
to talk about this.

No, we don't. Good.

If you want the family's line to die
with you.

That sounds so good to me.

takes the time to come over and have
breakfast with his mother every morning.

Excuse me?

I was just trying to help her. She's
lonely.

John, I love your mother, but we're
married now. It doesn't seem right that

you're still going over there and she's
cooking you breakfast every morning.

I mean, how can you eat two breakfasts?
You're going to end up looking like a

blimp.

I know.

I just didn't... Me and her, we've been
through so much together.

Hey, you remember when I was around 10,
I told you I was really sick?

Yeah. You never tell me what was wrong.

Well, I had childhood arthritis, and the
kids, you know, were pretty mean.

My mother was there for me, you know, 24
-7. She sat Dan down and told him, you

look after him.

I just can't bail out on him.

No, I wouldn't want that.

I'm not saying not to see her. You see
that? You get it. You get it.

You're right. You're right. I'll, um,
I'll talk to her. You know, no more

breakfast, and we need at least one day
to ourselves.

Sundays?

Yeah.

So can we, uh, can we remodel the
kitchen?

But not on a Sunday. Wait, it is my
kitchen, isn't it?

It's gonna be the best kitchen in the
whole city. Guess what?

Ma surprised me with the big cash pump.
The garage is doing great.

John, we can't take it. She's done too
much for us already. It's not going to

cost much. Me and Dad are going to do
most of the work.

Look, it makes Ma feel good to know that
she's helping us out, you know, like

Pop did.

This is really important to her.

Okay, please, please.

All right.

I was thinking, you know, with Sundays
and a new kitchen where, you know, you

teach me how to cook, we'd be together
more.

Maybe we could make a baby.

In the kitchen?

John will like the blue.

I don't know. We were thinking of
something paler.

Oh, no, I know my Johnny. He'll like the
blue.

John? Yeah?

Catherine is looking at tile samples.

Show him, Catherine.

Alan, I like the blue one.

Anything else I can get my two favorite
ladies?

No, I'm sure that'll do it, Johnny.

Thanks. Thanks, Mom.

Sam, we got lunch.

What is this doing here?

What is this doing here?

What? You know how bad this is for the
baby?

Look, that is not mine. I quit.

Look, there's no lipstick on it. It's
one of the guys.

John, I want to know who's smoking in
this house.

I thought that once I got pregnant, I
should get off my case, but no break.

At least she's not in your house day in
and day out.

I'm actually thinking of getting her
upholstered.

Tuck and roll.

Well, don't envy me.

You've got the favorite one.

Dan wishes he was as close to her like
John is.

You know, I knew her husband near the
end.

He was a really sweet man, but I don't
know, there was something, something in

his eyes.

She's got it, too.

It's a weird family.

Have you seen their basement?

No. It's always locked. What about it?

I don't want to spoil the surprise.

Just go and take a look sometime.

What's in it?

Just go and take a look.

Nice.

How are you?

Fine, darling. Where's Johnny?

He's down looking at the fishing boats.

Oh, what an ambition.

To be a fisherman.

No, this is different.

I mean, you should hear his voice when
he talks about it. He's on to something.

Catherine, darling, I'm not going to
lose another son to the ocean.

We need him here.

Yes. So, I brought canned goods for your
pantry.

Helene, now that the kitchen is finished
and we're going to be able to eat at

home... I'd like to start doing the
grocery shopping myself.

But this is part of the way that I'm
able to pay the boys. I got a raise at

school. I can afford it.

And I'd really like to keep my own
kitchen.

Well, I'll have to talk to John. I
already have.

I'm sorry if I haven't given you what
you wanted.

No, Eleni, honestly, I'm grateful for
all you've done.

I really think John and I need to be
more independent.

Anyway, I'd really like you to come over
for dinner soon.

I can hardly wait.

Yes.

These scheduled get -togethers are very
important to me.

But like the other morning, I would
appreciate it if you called before you

over.

But none for me. This is too rich for
me.

I'll just have the asparagus.

Oh, give me hers.

This is wonderful, Kat.

Eleni, I'd like to thank you for all
you've done.

Yes.

Now you can relax and enjoy your new
home.

Isn't that pretty?

Can I see that?

It's very expensive.

You'll have to help me.

Well, love from Jessie J.

Darling, isn't that the good -looking
man that your daughter was dancing with

the wedding?

Beautiful.

I can't believe your mother said that.
Why are you blaming her? How much did

that thing cost?

I don't care about the watch. Oh, is
that right? You wear it a lot. You dated

him, and there's an inscription.

What? What happened? You sleep with this
guy?

John, you know the answer to that.

What is this really about? I'll sell the
watch if it makes you happy.

I'll sell the watch. I'm sorry.

In my mind, it goes nuts sometimes. I
don't know what's wrong.

Listen.

I love you so much. I don't want any of
this stuff to get between us.

I know you don't.

I don't either.

Especially now.

Well, don't get too excited, but I was
looking at my calendar.

It's not definite yet, but... It's a
miracle.

It's a miracle.

find me the way he's been acting.

He must have shagged away to more than
me anyway.

Don't you want him around for support?

Support?

He blows up the drop of a pin.

But he always makes up for it by
bringing me little gifts like this.

So, you, um, ever wonder where it all
comes from?

Their money?

Yeah.

I mean, can the car business be that
great?

She bought our house, your house.

They're never short.

It's like a bottomless pit.

I don't know how much longer I can
handle it.

You know, I tell you, Ben.

What is that?

Dan caught me sneaking a smoke, and he
put it out there.

On your neck?

Yeah.

Catherine, do you know anything about
steroids?

Oh, I think I'm going into labor.

Okay, okay.

We. We.

We. We.

We. We.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

Where could Charlene have gone? It's
been two weeks.

Honey, honey, she has the baby, so we'll
find her. You know, she calls Dan.

From where?

She won't tell him. You know, right now
he doesn't even want to talk about it.

You know how he gets. He's, like, weird.

I don't know.

I don't know.

Something's wrong. If Charlene could
have called me, she would have.

Honey, honey, she's all right.

Okay, look, they just both need to cool
off. That's all.

Can you believe how precious he is?

Look, the Podoris chin. He looks just
like my Nicos.

A son.

I thought you were going to name him
after your father.

I thought so too, but Matthew's good and
strong in the Bible.

Did you tell John about Charlene?

Do you have any idea where she went?

She doesn't say much.

Maybe she's fine, but I don't know
where.

We'll find her parents, then we'll find
her.

This has gone on too long.

You never should have let her take the
baby in the first place.

It's a disgrace.

What kind of woman would run off like
that?

Okay, I just said it. I'll take care of
it.

Happy birthday, my son.

Where's my grandson?

Oh, Gina's looking after him. It's her
first night alone in months. Oh, I

to see that baby.

Come on in.

Sit down.

Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you.

Can you put on some music?

Something soft, not like those things
that you play.

I can do it.

She's going back to work?

Yeah, teaching.

She's in the morning, though.

Will this be good for the baby?

I can't talk about it.

I know she's independent like they all
are these days, but she has a child now.

You should be thinking of the family
first.

She is. She is. Come on. Please.

I'm so glad you could find the time to
come over tonight.

Don't you look beautiful?

Try these. They're hot.

John. Johnny.

John.

John.

Oh. I can't. God in heaven.

John.

What do I do? What do I do, John?

Your mother did that on purpose.

That's a big mistake.

No, she couldn't stand that we were
going to be together on your birthday.

Come on, that's crazy.

Calm down, okay? She's downstairs.

Everything will be fine. It's fine.

It's a mistake.

I would never forget her allergies.

I made very sure nothing had been left.

Will she believe me? Of course she will.

She'll be fine.

It's not your fault.

Look at you, poor thing. Where's your
mommy?

Oh, he needs to have his diaper changed.

Well, I'll do it. Oh, no, please.

You know I enjoy changing him.

She knows the number.

Come on, precious.

Yes.

I think your daddy needs to be alone.

He's a friend.

Part of his business is repossessions. I
wanted to talk to him about a boat for

you. Yeah, right.

all you get. Yeah, you do. It's for my
mother. You do.

John, what is going on here? You should
see your face.

Well, what is it, Catherine, huh?

I mean, that guy got more money than me?
Marriage too boring for you?

I swear to God, you know, you and
Charlene.

What's with Johnny?

He seemed angry with you.

I see what you're doing.

And you know just how to do it.

What do you mean?

You're trying to poison my husband's
mind.

Get out.

Catherine, please.

What's going on? If you don't leave us
alone, I'm going to call the IRS.

They might want to take a look at your
basement.

What's wrong?

He has to go.

I'm looking for John. He didn't come
home last night.

No. No. I'm just talking about you.

Ginger's here.

There's the baby.

At my mother's.

I'm glad you came.

The boys and I have a little financial
problem.

We need you to sign something.

For what?

Where's John?

We have to get a loan. Something
important.

Just sign here.

You want my name off the mortgage of the
house?

We're using it as collateral.

For what?

Does it matter, dear?

As you know, I wasn't comfortable with
you giving us the house, but we're in it

now. All three of us.

And signing back the mortgage can put
two of us on the street.

You won't sign it?

No.

She wants my name off the mortgage. She
wants it in your name only.

What's going on?

About the house, Catherine.

She's pressuring you.

She wants me out of the family.

I make my own decisions.

Really? When are you going to start?

She controls your life. You're 28 years
old. They treat you like a baby.

That's it. You just don't get it, do
you?

You don't understand what a real family
is like. We take care of each other.

Take care of me.

If you want to be my husband, for one,
stick up for me.

Don't make me choose between you and my
family.

Matthew and I are your family.

Give me that shirt.

I still love her, Mom.

Johnny, if she loved you, she wouldn't
care about a house she'd sign.

And she wouldn't be seeing somebody
else.

I don't know.

Maybe it's not what it looks like.

Sweetheart, I asked around.

There was a lot of men in her life
before you.

She was a virgin when she met me.

Oh, Johnny.

You don't believe that.

That Jeffy Hoosie, he's a man.

He's rich. He has a lot of women.

You don't really believe that he gave
her an engraved diamond watch for a kiss

on the cheek.

And he's not the only one, either.

I didn't want to do this, but we have to
shake some sense into you.

Dan has something to say.

Danny, tell him.

Tell him.

He came on to me.

John wants a divorce.

John? No, Charlene, it wasn't because of
you. She caught you making passes at

Dan. She thought you two were having an
affair. That's why, Catherine.

That's why he lost his wife and child.

That's crazy.

You don't believe that?

John's house.

You're out.

You can leave Matthew with me.

My grandchild is not going to live with
a single woman.

He needs a family.

and Charlene's life and her baby. Go
inside the house.

I want you to touch your own son.

John.

John, listen to me.

John.

Please let me in.

John, open the door.

Short and sweet, honey.

He wants the house.

Financially, he wants to cut you off
completely.

And he wants full custody of Matthew.

No.

Can he get it?

Might. Bound to get shared.

No, I can't live with that woman's
influence on my son.

It's bad enough what she did to John.
There is some good news.

The appraisal has come back.

The value of the house has increased
over $100 ,000.

You're entitled to have it.

You're going to need it for Matthew.

This isn't going to be a slam dunk.

I'm a pro bono lawyer.

I will give it all I can, but we've got
limited resources here.

They've hired some big gun lawyers.

We'll get through it.

Now... For the settlement.

What's fair?

Fair? They're going after everything, so
gut him.

No, that's how the Padarases would do
it. Not me.

What's fair?

Occupancy of the house until the divorce
is final. Half of the profits of the

sale of the house.

Custody of your son. Child support.

Maybe some alimony.

No alimony.

I can teach again.

Have him served.

talk to you without my lawyer.

Did I have a lawyer when I took you into
my family?

I gave you everything, Catherine. Now
you want to take what isn't yours.

Give me my keys, please.

I want to be nice to Moses.

But my family is all I have.

Let's settle this now.

I just want what's right.

No, this is war for you.

What you want is my head on a pole.

My boy is in pain.

Like when he was young.

I can't let you hurt him like this. He's
not your boy. He's a grown man. Let him

fight for himself for once. This is
America. These are the 90s.

You'll forgive me if I pass on your
lecture.

I'm more American than anybody you know,
little girl.

Nobody gave it to me. My family fought
for it. And I'm not about to let it go

for some fatherless music teacher with
big plans. And my grandson!

You have no idea what kind of friends I
have.

And what they would do for me.

Security!

This woman is threatening me!

Sorry I'm late.

Something happened to my car. I had to
take a taxi.

I got the paperwork.

The Paderas has claimed that John only
makes $700 a month.

That leaves nothing left over for child
support.

He gets a lot more than that. She pays
him in cash and food and clothes.

Dan's wife, Charlene, can tell you that.

But you don't know where she is.

I'll find her.

There's more.

Dan has filed a builder's lien against
her house.

He said that you and John owe them $65
,000 for renovations, which would eat up

all of the profit.

That's not true.

He's got the receipts from the
lumberyard to prove it.

Let me see those.

You have to find Charlene.

Do you need a private detective?

How can I afford one?

I'll do it myself.

Marion, my family is in trouble and I
need your help.

Come in, I'll make tea.

I don't want tea.

When's the court date? A month from now.

You've got time.

What's next?

I go to the lumber yard.

But get this, I have to go to my doctor
and get a note proving that I'm not

suffering from postpartum depression.

That I actually wanted my child. Are you
serious?

They're claiming I'm mentally unstable.

I thought it was a requirement for this
family.

John?

This little piggy went to market.

And this little piggy stayed home.

I've been getting letters from the
neighbors.

A couple of them saw Catherine mistreat
Matthew when you weren't around.

Also, she's been returning some of your
wedding gifts for the cash.

Duplicates, Ma.

I don't want to attack her. I just
wanted it to be over.

This is protecting. This is not
attacking.

She hasn't paid a penny for this house.

She's a bad mother. She's probably
cheating on you, and still she wants

everything.

The Fedaris is before you were fighters.

If you can't fight for yourself, at
least fight for your son.

What's the problem?

This man did some remodeling for me, and
I think he overcharged. In fact, I'm

sure he did. Would you mind looking
these bills over?

Sure. I'd be happy to check them out for
you.

Thanks. I need to speak to Charlene.
Tell her it's Catherine.

I'm not calling because Dan asked me to.

I'm divorcing John.

I'm no longer in that family.

You're her mother. She must have called
you. I'm sorry. I have no idea where she

is. Please don't call here again.

my number if she calls tell her to call
me i'm going to court in a week and i

might lose my child

Since I live across the street, I talked
to Catherine.

She told me she married John Poderis
because then she'd never have to work

the rest of her life.

I live in the neighborhood.

I can see her son's house, and I've
noticed the girls' comings and goings.

I made a list.

On September 15, she left at 10 p .m.
and returned at 8 .30 the next morning.

On the 16th, she left at 6 .45 p .m. and
returned at 10 a .m. the next

day.

One of the contributing factors in the
breakdown of my marriage was Catherine

asking me to meet her in private.

She said that she admired my body.

I work out.

But anyway, I said no.

But she wouldn't stop.

She never wanted the baby.

She told me it would interfere with her
independence.

And she talked to me about abortion.

Mr. Bedaris, you submitted a number of
invoices from this lumberyard, invoices

totaling $65 ,000 worth of materials
purchased for the home bought for your

brother and his wife?

That is correct.

Mr. Bedaris, are these invoices in fact
real?

Yeah, of course they are.

Please remember, Mr. Bedaris, you are
under oath. Did you in fact purchase the

items on these invoices?

Yeah.

Thank you very much. That will be all.

The young lady wanted to know if there
was anything wrong with the receipts.

And was there anything wrong?

Oh, yes, ma 'am, the dates. I noticed
the first receipt was dated March two

years ago.

And why would that indicate a problem?

Well, we got stores all over the state,
but this branch here wasn't open until

February this year.

So if the store wasn't open, where did
the receipts come from?

Blanks must have been stolen off the
cashier's desk.

Somebody predated him, not realizing we
weren't even open back then.

We had to do it. You wouldn't fight for
yourself. You bailed on us like you

always do.

She didn't take what she didn't deserve.

You lied, Dan. What the hell do you
think she's doing?

This is a legal battle. You do
everything you have to to win.

You lied on the stand. What the hell is
that?

Stop it. Stop it, John.

You're a poor Doris. You do what you
have to.

It's called survival.

You testify tomorrow. You need to be
strong.

Our child is at stake.

Your mother has stated that Catherine
did not want this child.

Is that true?

I'm sorry I couldn't hear you. Let me
ask again.

Do you really believe that Catherine did
not want this child?

Yes or no. Do you really believe that
Catherine did not want this child?

She wanted it.

She wanted the baby.

Gina, Catherine, you won.

You got occupancy of the house until the
divorce is won.

Half of the profits of the sale of the
house, sole custody of Matthew.

And we got a break on child support. The
judge ordered him to pay $650 a month.

When will the divorce be final? Six
months.

Congratulations, honey.

We'll appeal.

Can't go through that again, Mom.

The hell you can't. You're in shock.

Now give it time.

We're here for you.

Remember, nobody loves you like your
family.

Losing my mind.

I can't live like this anymore,
Catherine. I can't.

I'd rather be dead.

John, don't say that. No, look.

I mean it, you know. I'm just... I miss
you so much.

And I'm really sorry that I didn't
listen, you know. But I want to be your

husband. I want to be your husband. And
I want to start being a father again.

Maybe.

What's wrong?

Listen, look, look. I don't do anything.

I quit my job. I stopped seeing my
mother. You just tell me. I don't do

anything.

Hey,

Matthew.

Matthew. Hey.

Come on up here.

See that?

You got a stick?

We need to see a marriage counselor.

Yeah, that's fine.

You said you were willing to make a
break from your family, and I need you

that.

I mean, it just tears apart again.

You know, I quit the garage.

I'm not tired of working in cars and
everything, so I was thinking maybe I

get a job on a fishing boat.

I swear, I'll do anything to help you.

Where's my buddy?

Come here. Come here, you.

Got my family back, huh?

Does little Matthew remember me?

Of course he does.

Do you ever ask for his grandma?

All the time.

Listen, Ma, um... I'm trying to put my
life back together with Kat.

So, um... We can't make this a habit. I
understand.

Hey, how's Dad?

There's not much comfort.

Rosa, are you okay?

Yes.

It's hard.

I can't hold either of my grandchildren.

And I feel... I feel that I lost you
forever.

So you think your mother -in -law sent
this?

She hates me because her son is back in
our marriage.

This woman has threatened me before.

Has anyone heard these threats?

No, but I've seen her watching the
house, driving by at night.

She's obsessed with her son.

You'll find her fingerprints on this. I
guarantee it.

You told them you thought she sent it?

John, she did.

Well, you just said they didn't find any
fingerprints. I mean, couldn't you have

talked to me first?

I didn't think you'd believe me.

Do you?

Oh, see, look, let the past go, all
right? I'm here. I'm with you. That's

you wanted.

I mean, I barely see her anymore. You
know, I don't understand what this thing

is you have against my mother.

You still see her?

Honey, this is just tearing me apart,
all right? Matthew, he's grown up so

He's already missed so much.

I mean, can you just give her another
chance?

John, we have to move away from here.
It's too hard with them living so close.

I'm sorry.

Where am I going to go? I can't find a
job. I'm sponging off. You look at me.

I'm like a total failure as a husband.

You're nuts.

John, let's go away to the country this
weekend.

We can find work.

I mean, maybe the boat and fishing is a
dream right now, but you've got skills.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

I'm a grease monkey.

John. I love you. I don't want to lose
you.

We'll go away this weekend.

Just the three of us. Start fresh.

Okay?

John. You forgot Matthew's hat.

Don't you look at me like that.

I had something to tell him, all right?

I've got something to tell you.

Haven't you and Eleni caused us enough
pain in our lives? Don't you think that

John should be with his wife and his
son?

Just leave us alone!

Last night, Maya had a heart attack.

Thank you for coming, John.

The doctor says it was just angina.

You're home now.

You know where you belong.

There's something wrong with that girl,
Johnny.

Her Aunt Charlene.

It ain't right what they did to the
family.

We've got to get our kids back, Johnny.

It would be better for her to come over
there full time and not running back and

forth.

She'll be with her boys.

I don't want to be for a while.

No, I won't.

Come on, don't talk like that.

What do you mean?

Bye sweet boy.

How was your visit?

He was asking a lot of questions.

How's your mother?

She's good.

You know, she's hopping around.

Yeah, I know. She's been calling me in
the middle of the night and hanging up.

You really need to talk to someone
because you're starting to really lose

huh?

Tom, this is too hard for me. I can't do
this anymore.

Next time you want Matthew...

We'll arrange it so we don't have to see
each other.

I just want you to know, you are for me.

I'll never be anybody else.

Listen, you're going to have to stop
harassing Nanny Podaris.

What?

She just broke into my house. I came
here to file a complaint. Well, she beat

you to it. She said you threatened her
with a baseball bat.

That's crazy.

She just broke into my house. She's
threatened me. She's harassed me with

calls in the middle of the night.

What's it going to take to get you to do
something?

Prude. Look, you're in the middle of a
domestic dispute. A lot of people are

going to do things to make the other
party look bad in a divorce.

I'm telling the truth.

These are the complaints Mrs. Bedard has
filed against you. How am I to tell

who's telling the truth here?

Please don't hang up on me again.

I need to talk to Charlene. I'm in
trouble.

Damn it.

This isn't going to stop.

Until something happens to me.

Nothing's going to happen to you.

I know.

But if it does, Eleni would get to raise
Matthew.

Promise me you'll never let that happen.

713 -OSG. 713 -OSG.

713 -OSG.

Listen,

I'm not giving in. Do you hear me?
Catherine, it's me, Charlene.

Charlene? Yes.

Oh, thank God.

Charlene. Oh, hey.

Hi.

So,

you asked for nobody to follow you?

Yes. Great.

We already had to move once.

My parents were really scared.

Dan's out of control.

Look, I'm sorry I didn't call you. I
know I should have, but I was afraid.

I'm not even using my real name.

Charlene, what happened to you?

Oh, Dan tried to strangle me.

And then he told me to pick out the
colored garbage bag he was going to

body in.

Did you press charges?

Are you kidding?

I ran. I'm afraid of that family.

I'm just going to try and take my baby.

I don't know how long I can hold out
even here.

Look, you better be careful, Catherine.

That woman is dangerous.

Money laundering, stolen goods.

Nothing would surprise me about her.

That's why business is always booming.

We have to go to the police. We can back
each other up.

You said you've already tried that.

Besides, I have a new life here now. I
need you.

They'll make you pay.

Not if we stick together.

Charlene, if they found you once,
they'll find you again.

Call the police.

Please.

Okay.

Dan's wife will back me up.

They've been doing the same thing to
her. Her name is Charlene Pedaris.

I need you to find me.

Hello? Yeah, uh, Charlene Bedard,
please.

Sorry. You must have the wrong number.

There's no one here by that name.

They'll never leave us alone.

Go pick up Matthew.

the boy's grandmother to come get him.
But she had a note and an ID.

Wait!

Stop her!

Stop that woman!

She has my son!

Give him to me. It's okay.

He needs to see his father. Stay away
from him.

What's going on here?

I'm trying to see my grandson.

Driving away in a car, there's supposed
to be a restraining order in the school

files. She's not supposed to see him.

I think we should all go talk about this
inside.

If you don't mind.

I mind.

It's okay. I can deal with this.

Stay away from him. From us. You're
insane. If you don't stop all this, I'll

take you back to court. And if it's the
last thing I do, I'll make sure you'll

never see Matthew again. Do you
understand?

Leave us alone.

Catherine.

Matthew is a Podaris.

Got here as soon as I could.

You all right?

No.

No.

Is there anything I can do?

Yes.

I've got to move away from here.

Your mother, she's been trying to break
me down. I don't want her to know it,

but she has.

I can't go on like this.

She's wrecked my life.

I've got to go.

I don't want to take Matthew with me.
Will you let me do that?

Catherine.

Please.

I'm begging you.

Let me go.

I can't.

Please.

Please.

I am serious and I want someone I can
count on.

Because when you were at the end, we
reached out to you.

That's exactly right, my friend.

Exactly right.

Yes, I know.

I understand.

Yes.

Hello?

Do you sleep okay?

Like the dead.

I thought I heard someone walking around
about one o 'clock.

It must have been Dan.

I spoke to the lawyer this morning.

I'm going to take her back to court. Oh,
no. We have to get an injunction to

keep her from selling your house.

No.

Do you get Matthew today?

Good. I adore that boy.

He looks so much like you did.

Yeah.

It's Chopin, not Chopin.

Bye.

I was thinking about what you said.

I want to come with you. Leave town.

I can't.

I finally believe what you told me about
my mother. You know, you were right.

I can do this now.

You've put us through so much. Listen,
this time, she's out of my life. She's

out of my life forever, all right? We'll
go somewhere, okay? We'll go somewhere

where she'll never find us.

I hadn't seen them, Catherine.

I didn't know.

I know now.

That time has passed.

I have to close the door.

Well, um... Maybe someday.

Even if you have to close the door, you
don't have to lock it, do you?

Okay.

I'll get Matthew.

I'll make sure he's home on time.

Pass your message along to Detective
Starr.

You've got to believe me.

Eleni's calling again.

Look, I said I'd pass the message along.
Oh, right then.

Damn it.

Was that the police, Catherine?

Yes. He'll pass the message on. They
don't believe me.

She has them fooled.

Look, I'll leave my car here and I'll
ride with you. You shouldn't be alone.

Thanks, Sarah.

What would I do without you?

The lights.

It's so dark.

I got some fat free cookies in here
somewhere.

What's going on?

Please.

Catherine, you go upstairs with this
nice lady for grandma. I'll be right

Where's Catherine?

She's all right, isn't she?

Mr. Podoras.

kill her, didn't you?

I'm your mother, John.

An old woman.

I was at the garage all day.

You had someone do it?

Was it Dad?

No. Did you use your own family to kill
my wife?

No.

Johnny, Matthew is yours now.

Ours. No.

a rotten hell.

You are no longer my mother.

You tried to tell me time and time
again.

Domestics, you're the worst.

The other girl in the car didn't even
see who did it.

All those other cars are no one did.

We found it inside a car.

Where the hell is he going?

Maroon 5, you're waiting.

I can go.

Step out of the car, please.

I'll give you an ETA on that.

You can find out.

What kind of mother would do this to her
son?

You understand nothing.

I did it for him.

John,

I swear it is.

It's him.

I want my daddy.

I want him as mom.

No, I want my daddy.

They're all gone now.

It's just us.

We're the family.

They don't understand.

I did it for John and I would do it for
you.

I'm your mother.