Original subtitles

I never believed in angels and fairy tales.

No matter how much I wanted it

nothing I ever really wished for came true.

But I never stopped wishing.

Maybe this Christmas would be different.

Alanna?

Coming.

Okay.

Whoo-whoa!

Whoo, oh, whoo.

So sorry. I always hate that...

right when the door's starting to close.

Could you hit three, please?

That's the maternity ward.

My first grandchild.

Hmm. Congratulations.

Oh, isn't that a perfect way to start the day?

A girl... eight pounds, four ounces.

Are you getting out?

No. Not this floor.

Mmm.

Okay.

This is us.

Hi. We're here to see Berry Thompson.

Thank you.

You both keep hold of your mom

while you're visiting, real tight, okay?

She's not our mother.

It's okay.

Here you go.

Come on.

Did you bring me something?

Yeah.

Your mom needs a smoke.

That's a good girl.

Thanks, honey.

Where did you get those?

That's a really great thing to teach her.

Don't you start with me.

I got enough of these cops, doctors...

Aah, don't even get me started.

Oh, they saved your life, so you could be a little nicer.

This is a jail, Emilie, okay?

I'm in jail.

J.T. If you've got something to say

you say it to everybody, remember?

He... he doesn't like it here.

He's a smart kid.

Still carrying around your baseball glove?

So, what do you hear from your lawyer?

Nobody tells me anything.

I mean, do you know

when you're going to get out again or...

What? What? What?

Keep asking me questions! Keep asking me questions!

I don't know, Emilie.

I don't know.

Um...

You know what?

You've got to get this together

because we've gone through this over and over.

I know.

Emilie, I'm going to get it together this time.

So, give me a break.

I'm going to do it for real.

I can't do this anymore.

I don't know how many times I've heard you say that.

I mean, how many times

have I dropped everything

driven all this way to take care of the kids

to bail you out...

All right, fine, if it's a problem, just tell me, okay?

Yeah. And then what?

Who's going to take care of them?

If it's not me, who?

I'm going to go.

I don't feel so hot now.

I'm just going to go.

Berry...

Now, I'm sorry.

Yeah, I'm sorry, too, okay?

We're both sorry.

You guys hang tough.

Eat something, all right?

Yeah.

You look really thin.

Well, yeah.

Hey, Lannie.

Tell Jack I'm here, okay?

Okay?

Don't forget.

Come on.

Who's Jack?

Nobody.

Your boyfriend?

He brings her drugs.

Okay. You two go stand over there

with that nice lady, okay?

What?

When are you going to get it?

You almost O.D.'D this time.

You were dying when they found you.

Your own kids!

Don't you dare lecture me.

I don't need you to save me.

You got a problem with this, go back to Atlanta.

This is my life.

No, this is not your life.

This is their life.

Do you have any idea what this is doing to them?

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah?

We survived, didn't we?

We've been locked out of the apartment.

Did you know that?

You haven't paid the rent in six months.

Times are tough... Or haven't you noticed?

Where do you suggest we stay tonight?

I mean, where should we go to sleep?

You're their mother.

Give me a break.

Okay.

We'll be back tomorrow, sis.

And how old are you now, J.T.?

He's almost six.

Hmm...

Is there something I can do for you?

Oh, miss Thompson.

Emilie Thompson? Yes.

Ruth Doyle. Child services.

She's scaring J.T.

Honey, there's nothing to be scared of.

He's afraid she's going to take us away.

That's not going to happen.

Uh, look, the last 24 hours have really...

Let's talk privately for a moment, shall we?

Miss Russell can watch the children for us.

Miss Russell, would you watch Alanna and J.T. For a minute?

Hey, nobody's going to take you away, okay?

I'm just going to go talk to her.

So you stay with Alanna.

I won't be far, I promise.

Come on.

Foster care is in their best interest

and right now my concern is for the children.

They've missed school, unhealthy living conditions

evictions, abandonment...

There's a history of neglect here

that borders on child abuse.

We feel that a foster home would be a safer environ...

But I'm their aunt

and I'm here to take care of them.

Miss Thompson, I'm sure that you mean well

but you have no job here.

I'm going to get one.

I'm going back to school to be a nurse.

I'm sure that you will

but right now, you have no permanent address

you have no bank account, no savings account.

Look, that's because I've given everything I had

to try to help these kids.

Yeah, and your sister spent it all on boyfriends and drugs.

Are you saying it'd be better

if I didn't try to help?

What I'm saying...

Look, what I'm saying to you is, we're dealing

with a Rhode Island jurisdiction

and you have no history with us.

Well, I have a history with those children.

Isn't that more important?

Miss Doyle... Ruth, you can't give these kids to strangers

when I'm here now, ready to do what needs to be done.

I'd really like to help you.

Then do it.

Well, if you can find a job

open a bank account

establish yourself.

All right. That takes time.

Exactly my point.

Until then, I have superiors I have to report to

and guidelines that I have to work with.

Yeah. I know the system.

Berry and I were raised in it

and that is why I am begging you if...

That little boy...

he doesn't even talk anymore except to his sister.

If you split them up, he does not have a chance.

He needs his family.

We make every attempt to keep siblings together.

But you can't promise.

No. No, I can't.

Miss Doyle, do you have a minute?

I'm afraid it's urgent.

Yes. Just a minute.

Look, for now

this is the best choice for everybody.

If, uh, you'd like to take your time

to explain it to them yourself

maybe the transition would be easier.

I'll be right back.

No! No! No!

No...!

Hey. Take your brother's hand.

Come on. Come with me.

Let's go.

Good.

J.T. Was right about the lady, wasn't he?

Let's keep walking, honey.

Where are we going?

I don't know.

Just get in the car. Come on.

Oh... not now.

Yes.

Whew.

Are we going to Atlanta?

Right now it's anybody's guess.

Why didn't we stay on the highway?

Oh, I thought you two would love to see the countryside.

Isn't it pretty?

Is it because you thought the police might be after us?

You're a little too smart for your own good, you know that?

Are we lost?

No. We are not lost.

Just, uh, don't know where we are.

"Bethlehem."

We couldn't be that lost.

Okay, you guys...

Come on.

Are we there yet?

We're at a diner.

We need to get some directions.

Get some real food, okay?

You two, you got to wake up for me.

Come on, J.T.

Okay. Here's the thing.

We've got $60 and some change

and it's going to take us

two nights to get to Atlanta from here.

Will we have to sleep in the car?

The car?

How many times have you guys

had to sleep in the car?

Some.

It's okay for me, but J.T. Gets cold.

Oh, there'll be no car-camping tonight, I'll say.

The temperature's dropping like a barrel over Niagara.

High summer?

Isn't a better place in the world to sleep

than a 1950 desoto sportsman

parked high on a bluff.

Windows down.

Sweet breezes blowing in.

Ah!

I used to be an adventurer when I was your age.

What's a desoto?

It's a car, sweetheart.

A honey of a car.

Do you know of a place we might get a room for the night?

There's Holly McBride's inn over on Fielders.

Big rooms, fireplaces, four-poster.

We just need something...

Simple. A motel?

Oh, closest one is way out on the highway

40 or 50 miles of back road

to get there, and even if you do

they'll probably be full-up

but I-If you gonna head

in that direction, you'll go right past the town square.

You might want to check out the old Pierce house.

Oh...

Great victorian thing.

Town's really proud of it.

It's right across from the angel statue.

Is there really an angel?

Of course there's an angel.

Don't you know there are angels everywhere?

This one watches over that house.

It's been empty ever since Miriam Pierce died

oh, seven years ago.

She left the whole thing

to her niece.

Never came to claim it.

Well, I'm sorry, it's getting late.

We got to get on the road.

Keep the change.

Oh, thanks.

Thank you.

Come on, kids.

Let's go, hon.

Now, drive safely

and don't forget to check out the Pierce house.

Excuse me.

Come on.

Maeve!

Maeve!

Maeve, can a guy get a cup of coffee here?

All right. Would you just keep your shirt on?

Fresh coffee on the way.

Unleaded, high octane...?

High octane.

Oh, right.

Please. Please start.

Where are we going to sleep tonight?

I'm not sure, but we'll figure something.

See there? Everything's going to be fine.

We just got to get through the night

'cause things always look better in the morning, right?

It's going to be okay.

It's going to be okay.

I can hardly see the road.

It's the angel, just like she said.

What are you doing?

I want you both to stay here.

I'll be right back.

Look what I found?

The key to our room for the night.

They'll arrest us.

Alanna, look... we can't afford the inn.

We're running on fumes and it's freezing.

Nobody's going to know.

It's just one night.

And things'll look better in the morning?

They just about have to, don't they?

And when your mom and I were little

we'd sleep like that.

Like spoons, and we'd hold hands

so we wouldn't get lost in the dark.

Were you scared?

Sometimes, yeah.

So we'd pretend that all the bad things around us

were just dreams

and then we'd make up stories

about what it was like in our real life.

What kind of stories did mama make up?

Hmm...

One time your mom pretended she was a dogcatcher

who'd round up all the sad dogs

who didn't have anyone

and she'd drive them to this special park

this beautiful green place

where people would go for picnics.

She'd just let them go free

so they could live happily ever after

on leftover ham sandwiches.

I wish there was a park like that for sad people.

Well, we don't need that park, Lannie.

We got each other

and I'm going to work it

so we stay together no matter what.

Good night.

Uh-huh.

They found us.

They're going to send us back.

Just stay calm.

No, they are.

I will take care of it.

I knew it was too early.

We're so sorry to disturb you.

We saw your car and the smoke from the chimney.

After all these years

we'd just about given up hope

you'd ever come back.

It was my worrywart sister who insisted

on seeing you first thing, pumpkin.

She thought you'd appreciate some water and gas.

You turned on the water and gas?

Oh, it was nothing.

Corinna put in our new laundry room

all by herself.

Me, I'm not so handy, but I do bake

and I brought you some breakfast rolls

just out of the oven.

She bakes like this all the time.

It's a wonder I'm not 300 pounds

and in a carnival sideshow.

They're cinnamon.

You used to love 'em.

Of course I did.

And just look how you have grown.

The last time we saw you

you were only six or seven

so it's not surprising.

But pretty as a picture.

Oh.

You haven't even had time to uncover

the furniture yet.

Let us help you.

Uh, don't worry about that.

I-I'll do that later.

You don't even remember us, do you?

Agatha and Corinna

your aunt Miriam's friends

from across the street.

Of, of course I do.

I used to come over for these cinnamon rolls.

That is so sweet of you.

You know, I would ask you to stay for a while

but, actually, I...

Oh, we understand.

You have to get settled.

And you'll need Gerald Foster's say-so

to get the electric on.

Miriam's attorney.

Mr. Foster. Yes.

He's on vacation, but he'll be so excited

to see you again when he gets back.

W-When do you think that might be?

Could be any time, but don't you worry.

We won't let him surprise you the way we did.

As soon as we hear from him, we'll let you know.

Please.

Of course. He came to see you

when dear Miriam died, didn't he?

So he won't be at all surprised

how pretty you are now.

You know, you could call

Jimmy Kilgore over at power and light

as soon as they open.

Jimmy Kilgore.

I taught him third grade and passed him

so he owes me big-time.

Now, you may think we're losing our minds

but we can't remember your name.

We always called you "Pumpkin."

But we guess you're a little grown up

for that now.

It's, uh... Emilie.

Emilie Thompson.

Emilie. I knew that all along.

Well, it's been a long time.

Welcome to Bethlehem, Emilie.

Welcome back

and when you get a breath, you come on over

and we'll catch up over my mince pie.

I will, yes.

Thanks again for the rolls.

Oh, you're welcome, dear.

Watch the ice there, Agatha.

One slip and we're toast.

Well.

Okay, since the water's on

you two can go wash up.

We'll put everything back like it was

and we will get on the road

before someone else comes by, okay?

Come on. Come on.

Grab it and go.

Go, go, go.

Oh, this... one, two, three.

Okay, you guys be really quiet, right?

Just... look forward.

Get down.

Good morning.

Hello.

Car trouble.

How's your antifreeze?

Oh, I think it's more than that.

The engine's been... acting up for a while.

Pop the hood. I'll take a look.

No, really

I couldn't ask you to...

You don't have to ask.

It's all part of the job.

You know... kittens in trees.

Flat tires.

It's a full life.

I saw you at the diner last night, didn't I?

Yes. We got into town late.

Well, I think your spark plugs are probably shot.

Spark plugs? You mean, that might be it?

Well, uh, with an engine this, um... old, I don't know.

It could be bad points.

Your timing might be off.

You might have oil in your combustion chamber.

You know, why don't we just get Mitch over at the garage

to take a look at it?

Uh...

You weren't leaving town

were you?

No. Uh, we were just going to the market

because there's nothing in the house, so...

Oh.

Uh...

I'd be more than glad to give you a lift.

I-I'm Nathan.

Oh.

Nathan Blair. I'm sort of the long arm of the law

here in Bethlehem.

Emilie.

Thompson, right?

Uh, your neighbors, the two sisters?

Yes.

They called me, explained the whole thing to me.

They're sort of our local information superhighway

but they didn't get to meet the kids.

Yeah, those are my kids.

Yeah. Yeah, I didn't think they came with the car.

Sorry.

Tell you what.

Why don't you

gather the kids together

and I'll call Mitch

and he'll be over here by noon.

All right.

Thank you, officer.

This is really, really important, okay?

We need to think of this as a game

until I can get the car fixed.

What kind of game?

Um... a game of pretend.

I want you to pretend that I'm your mom.

Okay? So you call me "mom"

and, uh, if anybody asks you anything

you just say, uh...

Your mom doesn't let you talk to strangers. Okay?

Now, look.

I know it's really bad

that I'm asking you to fib

but I don't think we have a choice right now.

It's okay.

Everybody lies.

No, everybody doesn't lie

and as soon as we get through this

we won't either, okay?

What do you say?

Can we play this game and play it really, really well?

Yeah.

You kids are about the quietest kids I've ever met.

Mom says we can't talk to strangers.

I say you got a very smart mom.

You'll find this town's

a little more trusting than most.

Yeah.

Where are you all from, anyway?

We're from Providence.

With the Georgia plates?

Well, I...

We used to live in Atlanta.

Moving back and forth.

It's complicated.

Hey, J.T., what do you got there?

You a baseball fan?

"J.T. Snow"?

He's a great infielder.

Came to the Yankees '92.

That where you got your nickname?

It's his real name.

His dad gave it to him.

Your husband's

a big fan then, huh?

Did anyone ever tell you you ask a lot of questions?

Occupational hazard.

Sorry.

It's okay.

So where does grocery shopping fall

into that job description of yours?

Is that above car repair, below pet rescue?

All right, you think I'm kidding

but this place has been a nice change for me.

Back home I was...

You're not from here?

No. Born in Illinois.

High school, college

eight years on the force in Chicago

but seven years too many.

So when this job opened up

I ran for it.

Can we get a cake, Emilie?

I'm sorry.

Well, um, mom doesn't like it when I call her that

but I do because it makes me feel older.

But she thinks it makes me sound fresh.

You know what?

I tried it with my dad once

and he didn't like it any more than your mom does.

It's okay, Lannie.

Hey, cheer up.

It's okay.

Your eyes are too pretty to look sad.

What do you say we get that cake?

My treat.

Absolutely not.

You've done enough for us already.

Come on.

Next time.

You play any baseball yourself, J.T.?

He only talks to me.

Yeah, I can see that.

He's just shy.

Hey, there's a great little league here.

There's a lot of really nice fields.

When your husband comes into town

I could show it to him.

He isn't, uh...

The kid's father, he isn't going to be coming.

You raising them yourself?

Yeah.

Inside, you two.

Look, I know you don't know me

and I don't know much about kids

but is there anything I can do to help?

I'll... let you know.

Thank you.

Again.

I feel like I'm wearing out those two words.

Happy to help.

So long.

Hey.

It's the cake you wanted.

I didn't buy it.

It was probably him.

Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?

Do-do you not like officer Blair, or...?

Is that true about J.T.'S father?

Did he really name him?

Well, your mom did

but apparently, it was his idea.

She thought it would keep him around.

So that's what she called him.

What about my father?

Did he name me?

Let's not get into this right now.

No, I want to know.

Well, I don't know, Lannie.

I don't think he even, uh...

I don't think he even met you.

But you got your eyes from him...

And they're really pretty...

just like officer Blair said.

You can't believe anything a policeman says anyway.

So how long do you think it'll take to fix it?

That depends on what I find.

Ought to know something by this evening.

Well, it doesn't have to be perfect.

Just has to start and go.

There's a lot that goes into that "start and go" business.

Don't worry.

If it's going to take a while

I got a loaner I can let you have.

Not too stylish, but it gets around.

Thanks.

I'm only asking you for the good of the children.

But you don't know what's good for my kids.

Nobody knows what's good for us.

Oh, they know what they're doing around here.

Oh, really?

Well, I wish I had your faith.

And I wish that you would tell me

what your sister did with Alanna and J.T.

If I knew, which I don't, I wouldn't tell you

because they're better off with her

than anything you people have to offer.

Berry, what about relatives?

We don't have any. We told you, okay?

We're alone. It's me and my sister.

Check your records.

You don't get it.

They're already with the best person for them.

I guess we'll have to alert the police

and have them start a search.

We'll have to pull a photo from the Atlanta d.M.V.

Thompson, t-h-o-m-p-s-o-n, Emilie.

Can't imagine a niece of Miriam Pierce

driving a junk heap like this.

Held together with spit and chewing gum.

Yeah, she sure is anxious to get it running real soon.

Well, it won't be tonight.

I can tell you that much.

Oil thick as tar...

Battery's a doorstop...

Filter's stopped filtering...

And that is just for starters.

No, she's not going anywhere tonight.

I hate to bother you again

but since you don't have a phone as yet

Mitch at the garage called our house.

Yes, yes.

Please come in out of the cold.

The power still isn't on, but the fire helps.

Jimmy hasn't turned that on yet?

I should have flunked him when I had the chance.

Well, hello.

I guess you haven't met...

Your children.

Alanna...

And J.T.

Hello.

You've been talking to officer Blair.

He was right about them.

They're adorable and so handsome.

So, you said Mitch called.

He said you have a crack

in something called an engine block.

Is that bad?

I don't know exactly, but it's not good.

He said it would probably be easier to buy a new car.

"A new car"?

Now, that's not so bad.

A car loan would be a snap.

You've got this house for collateral.

Yeah, I wish it were that simple.

Well, if you're really attached to it

Mitch will fix it.

He said it would cost about $800.

Hmm.

Is that a problem?

Right now it might as well be $8,000.

Good afternoon.

It is as cold as can be.

Yeah, the weather must have affected our fax machine.

We haven't got a fax in two days

and that can't be right.

Anybody seen the instruction book?

Not me.

Uh, Sadie, is there any coffee?

We've had this little talk.

I don't do coffee.

I'm liberated.

I know, I know.

And I wasn't asking you to make it.

I just wanted to know if there was any already made.

Oh.

No.

Well, here's the problem.

There's no paper in the fax, Sadie.

We're out of paper.

I'll need a requisition form for that.

What's this?

License and registration information you asked for.

Emilie Thompson, Atlanta, Georgia.

Not so much as a parking ticket.

That's good.

Is that Miriam's niece?

What?

That wasn't a good enough reference for you?

Well, they can take the cop out of Chicago...

It's just a feeling...

Right. Jeanie over at the market

said she saw that "feeling" firsthand.

The woman is new in town.

I'm just helping out.

Mm-hmm.

When you're ready to talk, you know where to find me.

Couldn't we just take the loaner car?

He could keep ours.

No. As long as the attorney isn't in town

our secret is safe.

And we're not hurting anyone by staying here

but taking someone else's car...

No, we can't do that to someone.

So, what are we going to do?

Well, I'm going to get a job, earn the money

and pay for the repairs.

Well, that could take forever.

We're going to get caught.

The police are probably already looking for us.

Which is why I think it's better that we stay here

rather than out on the road.

No one knows we're here

and we'll be really careful, okay?

Let me get your plates.

Aunt Emilie?

Lights!

And heat.

What happened?

I think Agatha and Corinna happened.

And you know what this means?

We don't need the fire.

It's going to be warm enough to sleep in the bedroom tonight.

Our own bedroom?

Why not?

We got seven to choose from.

Whoo-hoo!

Wait for me!

Please let this last.

Hello?

Hello.

Can I help you?

Oh, I'm... I'm looking for officer Blair.

Oh, he doesn't come in to work

till noon today.

Um...

You must be Emilie.

I know everyone else in town.

Sadie Miller.

Hi.

Fresh coffee in about five minutes

if you'd like a cup.

I only fix it

when the boys aren't here

so now's your chance.

I don't know what they do to it.

Thanks, but I just came by

to see if he might know of a job opening

for a woman who needs to make $800 in a hurry.

Oh, the car.

Oh, I heard.

You know, if it's a job you want

two of Holly McBride's best people

ran off to elope

and this is the inn's busiest season till spring.

That's where I'd start.

I'll check it out.

End of the street

and you just take a left... and you...

Tell Holly that I sent you.

Thank you so much.

Oh.

Your little girl would like that, I bet.

Alanna, isn't it?

Yes, she would.

You know...

We're having an open house

here at the station Christmas Eve.

Everybody just kind of drops by.

Nathan's playing Santa this year.

Well, I'll bet he loves that.

I hope so.

He doesn't know yet.

Can I tell him you stopped by?

Yeah. Sure.

Great.

That thing is going to be the death of me.

I don't know how Santa does it year after year.

I was saying that you're some kind of lucky charm

walking in here today.

That's a first.

I don't think anyone's ever thought of me

as lucky before.

When can you start?

Start? Uh... don't you need references

or an application

or something?

You're a friend of Nathan's

and I'm a desperate woman.

Who elopes these days?

People in love, I guess.

Well, wonderful for them

but I've got a business to run.

So, if you don't mind making beds

and wrestling with that flue from time to time...

No, no. Don't mind at all.

Anything.

So I start first thing tomorrow morning.

You sure don't waste any time.

And why would she?

She comes from hardworking yankee stock

just like her aunt Miriam.

Miriam never worked a day in her life.

Wouldn't know a lug wrench from a Crescent

if her life depended on it.

You will let us watch the children

while you work, won't you?

They're upstairs now coloring away

and they're such a joy.

Oh, I'd really appreciate that, actually.

They're such good company

and they can come here every day after school.

Have you talked to principal blevins

at the elementary yet?

That's my old school.

Uh... no. I...

Actually, I hadn't even thought about it.

Come right on in, dear.

We were just congratulating

the newest member of Bethlehem's workforce.

Hey. Hey, you got a job at Holly's.

That's great.

Sadie said you wanted to see me.

Yeah. We did?

Oh, right, we did.

She said it was urgent.

Yes, yes, we needed to see you

because, um... Well, I guess

my mind's going south for the winter. Agatha?

Uh... because I made extra jars

of that vegetable soup you like so much.

Agatha's soup.

The soup was urgent?

It was hot at the time.

I'll get it.

It'll make a fine dinner.

Of course, there's quite a lot of it.

Enough for two, at least.

Corinna, dear, I'm not sure

I can do this by myself.

Oh. Well, perhaps you could show Emilie

where the school is.

Oh, you're getting the kids set up at school.

You're putting down roots.

I like the sound of that.

Yeah, I don't know.

There's a lot to do before I can...

You just need their birth certificates

and school records.

If I can find them.

This move has been really confusing.

Just have their old school send them here.

Was that Providence or Atlanta?

With the car and the job and...

I don't think I can really deal with that right now.

I'll pick up you and the kids in the morning.

We'll get the whole thing done by noon.

No! thank you.

Thank you.

Hello?

Hank?

Hello, Hank.

It's Nathan.

Is there anybody here?

Can I help you?

Didn't mean

to startle you.

I was in the powder room.

No, I just

saw the light, and Hank's usually got everything

locked up tight by now.

Yes. Well, Mr. Harrison doesn't have my workload.

Yo.

You're new here.

Yes.

Hey, um... Where is Hank?

Um... Mr. Harrison?

At home, I suppose

while I'm here tidying up...

trying to get things organized...

everything in its place.

Can I...

Get you something?

Oh, no. No, thanks.

Yes.

Could you look up an old deed for me?

The Pierce house.

Miriam's place.

That's an easy one.

In fact, I was just about

to put that book in a file.

There it is... "m" through "t."

I hear her niece finally came back.

Here you go... "Miriam Pierce."

It's not good for a house like that

to be empty.

It should be filled

with life... family.

Doesn't mention anything about a niece.

Oh, that would be in the probate amendment

at Gerald Foster's

law office.

He's still on vacation, you know.

Right. Well, I'll drop by his office in the morning.

Maybe they can look it up for me.

Now, we might get lucky.

And there...

Might just be a copy of it

right here.

"Emilie Thompson."

I love that.

It says, "Emilie Thompson."

I love that it says that.

Oh, it doesn't take much to make you happy, does it?

Just a little ink on a page.

Don't work too late tonight.

In fact, I think

you should go home and enjoy yourself.

I just might do that.

Oh, hey, I just wanted to say, um...

Welcome to...

Bethlehem.

Hello?

Hi.

Hi. Did you win the lottery or something?

Better.

Um... here.

For us?

Yeah.

I'm feeling christmassy

all of a sudden.

Come in.

Thanks.

I mean, is it something

in the water here?

I mean, doesn't anyone even get a little cranky?

No. "Cranky's" illegal here in Bethlehem.

It's right up there with jaywalking

and cheating at scrabble.

I... I think, in fact

we have the toughest scrabble laws in the country.

Alanna? J.T.?

Come look.

What's that?

It's a wreath.

You put it on the door.

Didn't you ever see a Christmas wreath before?

I've seen them.

I just never had one before.

Well, you know what?

I have got something else for both of you.

Come here.

J.T., why don't you open this one?

We want you to open it.

Okay.

I... I guess I can do that.

It's an angel.

And if you tell her your wishes

she can help make them come true.

You, uh, you put her on your tree.

Well, we never had a tree either.

Never?

We, uh, moved around a lot, so...

So, I don't know, trees...

Yeah.

Come on, J.T.

Well, maybe that could be your first wish.

A tree.

Come here, J.T.

It's an angel, Lannie.

That was, uh...

Almost impossibly kind.

I wish there was something I could, uh...

Some way to...

No.

You know, I've got a couple more deliveries to make before, um...

Before it gets too late.

Good night.

Yes. Thank you.

But what if they ask for a birth certificate?

No one's going to ask on your first day.

And besides, they're going to ask me, not you.

I thought we weren't going to be here long enough.

No one knows that yet.

It's not going to hurt you

to learn something for a few days.

I know a lot.

Too much...

And not the kind of things you should.

It's different here.

Do you like it?

It's okay.

It's not like Providence.

It's not real anyway.

We don't really belong here.

Ooh!

One box of office supplies.

Pens, pencils, notepads, paper clips...

Paper for the fax.

Now we'll see what we've been missing.

Probably the usual notices.

Garage sales, apartments for rent.

So what's the latest on you and the niece?

There's no latest.

We're just friends.

You forget who you're talking to.

You can fool Howie

and you maybe can even fool yourself

but I know what's going on.

Would you care to tell me what that might be?

Oh, I think you know.

Sadie, I'm not going to play.

I've got work.

And we've got faxes coming through.

Readout says two dozen of them.

Garage sale?

No, lost dog.

Hey, I know this pooch.

Well, Howie, you just know everyone.

I've got a fire hydrant in front of my house.

Well, that explains it.

Bethlehem police department.

Can I help you?

Yeah, that'll be here.

Christmas Eve.

I called the principal

and told him your records were being sent.

He won't ask again till we've left

so you don't have anything to worry about, okay?

Now, I'm not going to be able to pick you guys up

from school today

so, you'll go to the sisters straightaway

and I'll come get you after I'm done with work.

You got that?

Mm-hmm.

Now, if anybody asks you any questions...

Eat up. I'll be right back.

Come on.

Yes?

I think you've been expecting me.

Mr. Foster; Attorney-at-law.

Oh...

Did I call at a bad time?

No, no, no, no, Mr. Foster

i-i-i have been expecting you.

Actually you look a lot younger than I'd imagined.

You imagined?

Well, we did meet

once as children, I think

but, my uncle, Gerald Foster

he took care of all the paperwork and all, so...

And you're?

Sorry. Alexander.

Alexander Foster.

Alexander... not Gerald.

Of course, please come in.

Thank you. Oh...

Thank you. Oh...

And children.

You've got all sorts of surprises for us, don't you?

Alanna, J.T., this is Mr. Foster.

Say hello.

Hello.

Hi.

Oh... that's a beautiful tree.

And this house, it's been empty

for so long.

I'd forgotten what life was like inside it.

Oh, I dropped by

to tell you that uncle Gerald is anxious to see you again.

But I'm afraid it will be another two weeks.

You see, he's found himself

on a warm beach somewhere and can't pry himself away

but he will be back Christmas Eve

just in time for the town's open house.

You see, uncle Gerald...

He thinks they can't do it without him.

You know uncle Gerald?

Oh, yes, I know uncle Gerald.

So, we have two full weeks?

That's... just...

Wonderful, so wonderful...

knowing he'll be back so soon.

Two weeks.

Thank you.

Well, you are eager to see him again, aren't you?

Oh... hmm.

Don't you ever take a break?

Hey.

No, the, uh, sisters wanted the place

looking especially festive this year

to keep up with the addisons down the street.

Oh.

This whole neighborhood decorating competition

has gotten completely out of hand if you ask me.

Could you hold this?

Uh, sure.

But nobody does?

Does Miriam have any lights?

I mean, did she used to decorate the house?

From what I've heard

she must have had a couple of miles of lights

hidden up there somewhere.

Really?

Hey, before I pick up the kids

would you mind helping me look for them?

I, uh, you know, I just don't want to disappoint them.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

That's a lot of lights.

It's about enough to cause a statewide blackout.

You know, I think there are more lights in those boxes.

Could you check those? Yes.

I'm going to try to put some of these in.

What's wrong? Something wrong?

Uh, just doesn't feel right...

snooping through all this stuff.

You act like it isn't yours.

Well, you know, it isn't.

It was Miriam's.

I just inherited it.

Well, it's like the woman never threw anything away.

Oh-oh, I think some of these were yours.

Want to dig through them?

Relive some memories?

No, uh, my past isn't something

I'm particularly proud of, so...

I really don't want to go digging right now.

Sorry, didn't mean to, you know, pry.

I know. It's okay.

Oh... look at that.

Wow, she's a beauty.

I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a kid.

You know, I think that's the first truly personal thing

you've said to me.

Well, uh, took three lessons

and then we moved

and it didn't happen.

Nothing else to tell.

You know, I don't believe it.

I think there is more to tell.

I think there's a lot to tell

and I know for sure there's a lot

I'd like to hear about you.

Kids are probably wondering

what happened to me.

It's just... you're doing it again.

You know, you're pulling away

and I just don't think you want to.

I think you want to be close.

It's like you're afraid.

It's nothing.

Don't say it's nothing.

Say it's none of my business.

But don't say it's nothing 'cause I know better.

You know, you are on my mind

all the time lately.

I find myself smiling just thinking about you.

I mean, you are so beautiful

and you're so real

and you're so good with your kids, too.

Nathan, please.

It's true, really.

I've waited my whole life

to feel this way about somebody.

Yeah, but you don't know...

No, I do know.

I know how I feel

and I know that I trust you.

Do you know that I'm leaving?

What?

In two weeks.

Why?

Because J.T., he needs to go to a special school

and, I mean they both do.

You know, Alanna has reading problems and...

Wait... w-when did you decide to do this?

I... know exactly how you feel.

Because I feel the same way.

But it's not possible.

No, please, please don't make it more difficult

than it already is.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay, you're determined to leave, I hear you

but give me the two weeks.

That's crazy.

Probably, but...

I want you to give us a chance.

Maybe... I don't know, maybe you'll change your mind.

Maybe I'll change it for you.

I don't know.

Anything... Anything can happen.

I just want two weeks with you.

And if that's all it is, at least we had that.

What do you say?

Sorry we're late.

Thank you.

It's gorgeous.

Oh, my.

Oh, wow.

Just gorgeous.

What do you think?

It's like a department store, isn't it, J.T.?

I'm so happy.

It's like the old days when Miriam lived here.

This house has been dark far too long.

Hi.

It's incredible.

Sadie, did you file these faxes

without even looking at them?

You're the fax man, Howie.

I figured you'd get around to the job sooner or later.

I've got a job for you, too.

Oh, what's in the box?

Well, you know Mr. Dearborn moved to California

with his nephew...

Did you know there's a winter carnival in Marshall last week?

Yes, but what does that have to do with this?

Well, remember every Christmas Eve

he used to be our Santa here at the station?

Right.

No, no, no.

Yes, yes, yes.

No, no, no.

Yes, please. No.

Come on, we'll get you some padding

we'll glue on a beard.

No one will ever guess.

Sadie, I... don't you think Santa's more of a Howie thing?

I'm allergic to the fur, big guy.

Sadie, I can't.

Please, pretty please.

Ah, oh, no. Gee...

Ow.

No, not the fax.

I got it. Paper towels.

Forget the coffee

and concentrate on the names of your reindeers.

The kids expect that sort of thing.

Repeat after me.

Dasher. Dasher.

Dancer. Dancer.

Prancer. Prancer.

Comet. Comet.

Cupid. Cupid.

Donner. Donner.

Bethlehem police department.

Oh, Berry, I'm so sorry.

I have five years.

You know the crazy thing?

I don't even blame them.

Man, I have blown it.

I have trashed my life.

And my kids hate me, don't they?

No, they don't.

We talk about you every day.

They're doing good.

J.T. Is talking more.

Not just to Lannie?

No, you should hear him.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean it like that.

Take good care of them, okay?

Yeah, you know I will.

Hey, I love you

and I love them, you know?

I don't doubt that for a minute.

I just keep telling myself

that all of this and missing them...

Is just the price I got to pay for messing up, you know?

One minute.

Hey, I got to go.

Um, listen, you got to be careful

because they've been asking about you

and I told them I have no idea where you are

which is true

so, it's good that I don't

but just be safe, okay?

Okay.

Do me a favor?

Sure.

Will you give them a kiss tonight

and tell them it's from me?

Yeah, of course I will.

Okay.

Bye.

See ya.

You get through okay?

Fine, thanks.

I've got, uh, $200 more for you.

The rest will be coming soon.

I wasn't worried.

Me and the car have sort of bonded through all this.

By the time I'm finished

she'll do more than start and go for you.

She'll purr.

When you need her by?

Oh, well, we're leaving in a week

so, anytime before that.

Sorry to hear it happen.

We were kind of hoping the town would grow on you.

But you got to do

what you got to do, huh?

Yeah.

Library.

May I help you?

Yeah.

I don't know what this is.

This is a book.

Actually, it's a wonderful book.

You haven't read it?

I'll have to answer that.

But you'll find it

right over there

in that third set of shelves.

That section's in alphabetical order, okay?

Okay. Thank you.

You're welcome.

"Any... thing is poss..."

Possible.

Anything is possible.

It's not true.

Why do you say that?

I just know.

Well, this book is about things

that weren't possible

and how they happened after all.

You know, when I was your age

I went to Mars.

Did you know that?

No, you didn't.

Yeah, I took a submarine ride

to the bottom of the sea

and I joined a pirate crew

on a hunt for buried treasure

just like the treasure hunt

you were on that brought you here.

And I did it all in books.

Because in books...

Anything is possible.

"When ma-Mary Lennox was sent to...

"...and looked as many of them had never seen him.

"And by his side with his head

"up in the air

"and his eyes full of la-laughter

"walked as strongly and steadily

"as any boy in Yorkshire...

Master Colin."

That's fantastic.

I'm proud of you.

Just beautiful. Just beautiful.

Agatha, it's only a story.

She cries at supermarket openings.

This is the best book I ever read.

Yep, and there are plenty more

where that came from.

Nathan says Santa might give me

a book of my own

when we see him Christmas Eve.

Well, I'm sure if you want a book for Christmas

you'll get one.

But, you know, we won't be here then.

We're leaving the day after tomorrow, remember?

No.

Alanna, you know we have to go.

No!

You promised her Santa

on Christmas Eve.

How could you give her that hope?

You hadn't said anything more about leaving.

I thought maybe...

We talked about it.

We had a deal.

Emilie...

I'm going to get my daughter.

I'll come with you.

No. Please.

Alanna?

Alanna?

Alanna?

Lannie?

Hey.

Don't make us go.

Don't make us go.

Here.

But that's what you wanted.

It's not what I want anymore.

I want to stay here

where it's nice and people like me...

And we have a bedroom and a house, and...

A house that's not ours.

Mr. Foster's going to come back

and he knows we have no right to it.

Well, maybe we could fool him, too.

But what if we could?

I mean, what kind of life would that be, you know?

Would be better than what we had.

Running all the time and sleeping in shelters.

Nathan's nice.

You could marry him and we could be a family.

Maybe you could adopt us.

It's just...

Not possible.

Anything is possible.

Nathan said so.

Come here.

Sorry it took so long

but I think you'll be happy with the work.

I just hate to think that I'm the one

making it possible for you to leave us.

If it wasn't in this car

it would have to be some other way.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Ah, like a kitten?

Didn't I tell you?

Thank you.

Good-bye.

No.

Christmas without a snowstorm.

I've never seen the likes of it here.

Ten miles out, the snow's deep as a blue ox.

But here in Bethlehem...

Go figure, Maeve.

Go figure is right.

It doesn't make sense, Emilie.

The kids are both doing fine here.

They're doing better.

They're fine, we're fine here.

We agreed it would be two weeks.

I know what we said

but tell me...

Tell me nothing has happened in that time

to make you change your mind.

Oh... a lot has happened.

And I've never felt as loved

as you've made me feel.

And wherever I go

that will go with me.

And, uh...

Thank you.

"Thank you" doesn't even come close.

But, uh, I have to go now

because it's only going to get harder for me.

No, no.

Nathan, this is magic.

But the thing about magic...

Is that it isn't real.

In your experience.

That's all I have to go by.

You're running away.

You're running away to save yourself

from maybe getting hurt.

Now that does not make sense.

Well, to me it does.

I'm sorry to hear

you're leaving in the morning.

I was hoping to introduce you to the local historical society.

And my uncle was really looking forward

to saying hello again.

Yeah, I know we're just missing him

but you know, we really have to...

No, no, no.

You're not just missing him.

Didn't you hear?

The Boston airport was snowed in last night.

So he's not coming home for Christmas?

Not unless it's by dogsled.

This is really good coffee.

Have another cup.

You know what?

Have the whole pot if you like.

Mr. Foster, I think I love you.

So I wanted to tell you that I know two kids

that are going to get to meet Santa tomorrow.

Yo! No.

Here. Yeah?! No.

Here.

Yes! Yes.

You bet you will.

Tomorrow you and he

are going to be the best of friends.

...and a computer game, and a space fighter

and a new basketball, and...

I'll tell you what, young man.

You write out that list, mail it to me at the north pole

and I'll see what I can do.

But Christmas is tomorrow morning.

Yes, and that's why we should always plan ahead.

Merry Christmas.

Yes, ho, ho, yes. Oh...

There's Santa! Santa! Santa!

Oh, I think I know you.

Ho, ho, ho, ho.

You got to wait your turn.

Well, who do we have here?

Uh, a couple kids who've waited

all their lives to see you, Santa

and a woman who's as happy

as the kids are.

Can I go first?

Yes, of course. Get up there.

Oh, ho, ho, ho, ho.

Sit right up here.

I love you.

Excuse me.

The kids are going through these things like they're candy.

What you got there?

It's a book.

It's about a horse.

And the horse wrote it himself.

I guess anything's possible, right?

Merry Christmas, Alanna.

Thank you.

Your turn. Go up there.

Now come up and see me, young lad.

What do you want Santa to bring to you, huh, J.T.?

It's a secret and I can't tell.

Oh, you can tell Santa.

Oh... oh, isn't Nathan adorable?

I have to get a picture of him with the kids.

Oh, I've got a picture for you

but... it's not

the one you want.

Tell me there's been some mistake.

I can explain.

Please, you have to believe me.

Please, please, just tear it up

and I will tell you everything, okay?

I want to see my mama for Christmas.

Well, that's an easy one.

Right over there.

That's not my real mama.

Where are the kids?

Do they know what happened?

The sisters are taking care of them

until the social worker from Providence gets here.

It should be within the hour.

You can't do this to them.

How long did you think you could hide here?

From what I've heard about your aunt Miriam

if she were still alive today to see what you've become...

I made a mistake.

I lied, I misled you, but I did not have a choice.

Everybody has a choice.

No. Not everybody has that luxury.

It killed me to lie, but if it meant keeping those kids safe

I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I never lied about my feelings for you.

Not one word.

Please, you have to believe that.

Gerald Foster is here.

Do you believe me?

Maybe you'll have better luck with your attorney.

Send him in, please.

Mr. Foster?

We're going to need that suit.

Well, it seems I got here just in time.

I hear Miriam's niece has gotten

into some trouble.

Well, ask her yourself.

Well, where is she?

Oh, don't tell me you put her behind bars.

I can explain that, too.

That impostor has been living in Miriam's house all this time?

She said she was the niece

and the name on the probate amendment...

Well, it wasn't Emilie Thompson, I can tell you that.

I saw the name, Mr. Foster, with my own eyes.

A new clerk, the woman over there

showed me the records herself.

What new clerk?

It's just Hank, like it's always been.

Sounds like it's all part of a bigger scam.

They probably stripped the house

of everything of value.

I got to get a move on.

There's a line of kids

stretching halfway to peterman's hardware.

Mr. Foster is here to see you.

You up to it?

Might as well get it over with.

Go on.

Alexander?

I came to help.

To help me?

Yeah. It seems like you need

someone in your corner right about now.

Well, uh, I do, but your uncle is...

My uncle... we go to the same family dinners

but that's where the resemblance ends.

Me? I like to know all the facts

before I take sides.

Hmm. I'm glad.

You won't find anything missing

Gerald.

Where's Miriam's good silver?

In the pantry where it's always been.

Well?

No. No, she lied to us.

She lied to all of us... you, me, the whole town.

Did you ask her why?

It doesn't matter.

The ends don't justify the means.

Not in the eyes of the law, perhaps, but still...

She and those kids brought more life to this house

than it's known for years.

She brought life to you, too.

Ha. My life was just fine before she got to Bethlehem.

Oh, yes, of course. You had your work.

And you had us.

And you had your work.

It was enough.

Then you're

too easily satisfied.

Now, don't argue with me, because I know these things.

Now, you need someone to love

who loves you right back

and you can't tell me that's not Emilie.

I'd better check on Corinna and the children.

They're starting to wonder about their mother...

About Emilie.

Did you find the silver?

What about her good jewelry?

In her dresser, bottom drawer, where it's always been.

I don't know about the rest of you

but this is not the way I imagined my Christmas Eve.

I appreciate you making yourself

available to us, judge Jakes.

I'd like to settle this matter and get the children back

to Providence tonight.

And I'd like

an all-expense-paid trip to Bermuda.

That is not likely to happen.

I've looked over these charges.

I've read your report.

Yes, you'll see that I've included

the history of neglect

and the request for state custody.

What part of "I read your report"

did you not understand, Ms. Doyle?

Now, Ms. Thompson, it seems to me

like you've been a very busy woman.

Objection, your honor.

The charges against my client are only alleged.

Overruled.

This isn't a trial, but I like saying that.

Sit down, before I remember

what a pain you were to baby-sit.

May I say something?

Well, I never found a way to stop you.

Go ahead.

Nathan Blair, the arresting officer

can verify each and every charge

against the defendant.

Finally a voice of reason.

Where is he?

Uh, he... he intends to be here, your honor.

And I intend to get back to my dinner before midnight.

So has anyone got

any relevant to say?

I, uh, I do

your honor.

If you have something to say, say it.

Think, before you speak, Alexander.

Well, um, I would like to cite the case

of, uh, sheffield v. Lewis, 1972.

Uh, you see, in this case

i-it's very clear th-that there's this man... woman

named, uh, Mrs. Lewis.

It's not going to drink itself.

Something on your mind tonight?

A woman, I bet.

How'd you guess?

It's a bar... the odds are with me.

Hey, haven't I...

Everybody looks like somebody.

You want to tell me about it?

Not particularly.

You fell in love.

You know, you're very good at this.

Did she love you back?

I thought so.

She was just making a fool out of me.

It's complicated.

That drink will only, uh, complicate it more.

Okay. You're the expert.

What do you think'll help?

She made a mistake.

I'd say... forgive her.

I wish it were that easy.

You never made a mistake?

Not like this one.

Well, I'd hope you'd be more original.

All of us make our own mistakes in our own ways

but in every case, the solution is the same.

"I forgive you."

Oh, there's a lot of power

in those three little words.

They can change the world.

They have.

But it's impossible.

As a wise man once said...

"Anything is possible."

Wha...?

Yes. She told us to lie

and she said it was a game.

And how did you feel

about that, Alanna?

At least we got food to eat and a place to sleep.

Is that how she got you to lie?

Ms. Doyle, if you want to interrupt

may I suggest you get your own courtroom?

Did she let you go hungry, child?

No. I never...

No! Not aunt Emilie, no.

But before, my mom... my real mom...

she'd run out of money

and we'd get so hungry... me and my brother.

She didn't care as long as she had her drugs.

I know she couldn't help it, but...

Your honor, please don't make her go through this.

Do what you want with me

but these kids, they have gone through so much already.

Do you mind going on, sweetheart?

It's important.

Once, my brother, he cried so hard, he started to choke

and... and I didn't know what to do.

And I tried to wake mom up, but she was too...

I-I couldn't wake her up

and... and there was nobody around to help my brother

and I thought he was going to die

and I-I didn't know what to do.

Don't cry, Lannie.

I'm okay.

All we want...

Is just stay together

in one place...

With someone who loves us.

Someone who talks soft to us when we're scared

and says that everything is going to be okay...

Like aunt Emilie does.

She loves us.

Please don't make her go to jail.

She doesn't belong in there.

I know, 'cause my real mom does.

I understand

why you feel like that now.

Your mother needs help and she's getting that.

Things will get better with time.

Someday, you and your brother

will be able to love her again.

I'm sure we all agree

that this child has suffered enough

and I'm sure that miss Thompson

means well, but her actions...

Your honor...

Could I have a few words here?

Hey...

Hey, can you guys go outside with Sadie?

Just for a little bit.

Your honor, Mr. Blair knows more than anyone

how miss Thompson operates...

how she lied repeatedly and how

she impersonated another woman

in order to deceive this whole town.

Nathan?

That's true, your honor.

I'm convinced this woman would do or say just about

anything to get what she wanted.

So, you see, judge...

But what she wanted was to give those children

a chance at a decent life.

Well, she lied

to put a roof over their heads

and-and in a world that wanted to pull that family apart

she lied to keep them together.

Now... I'm not saying that lying's ever right, but...

But in her position

I'd like to think I'd do the same thing.

Emilie Thompson is the most loving woman...

She's the best mother I've ever seen.

And all she needed was a... Was a support system

that worked for her.

Your honor, I have to protest.

But he's your witness, Ms. Doyle.

Now she's got one...

If she'll accept it.

Well, she belongs here

in Bethlehem.

The kids belong with her.

She doesn't even have a place to live.

Yes, she does.

She can live with me...

if she'll forgive me...

If she'll have me...

Because the truth is, I love her.

And I want to marry her.

What's happening?

I don't know. I can't hear them.

I think we should let them handle this alone for now.

Come on.

She took the children without any authorization.

What about the breaking and entering?

She used the house without permission.

Quiet! Could we get a semblance of order here?

Quiet!

I've come to a decision.

Kids!

They've stopped talking?

You know what?

I think we can go in now.

Court is adjourned.

Ah!

Ooh... oh!

Congratulations.

Oh, thank you.

Congratulations.

By the way, I also do weddings.

Look at this!

Boy, look!

It's snowing!

So, this was our miracle.

This is how it happened to us.

It was the most perfect Christmas...

the best holiday ever... and it was just beginning.

Whenever we talked about it later

Emilie always said that

that season was a special season...

a season for miracles.

And hallmark cards