Original subtitles

♪♪

Jody!

[doorbell ringing]

[Nancy] Open the door, Jody.

I've got a right to him!

If you don't hand him over, I'll call the police.

All right, you give me no choice.

That child is mine.

She can't do that, can she? It's okay, Jody.

She can't take him away from me.

[fireworks booming]

["The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa playing]

♪♪

[phone ringing]

[muffled fireworks booming in distance]

Yeah, she's right here. Hang on.

Nan, honey? Huh?

She's at the hospital.

Already? Yeah.

Hello?

[Nancy screaming]

Oh, I'm right over! I'll come right over!

Right away.

[both giggling]

Oh, God!

Come on, Harlan.All right, all right, all right.

Get your camera. All right.

All day.

God.

♪♪

That's better.

[fireworks popping and whistling]

[kids chattering]

♪♪

[fireworks booming][Nancy] Come on!

[Harlan] All right, dear.

Oh, don't forget the camera!

All right.

[fireworks continue booming and whistling]

Hurry! Hurry! Come on!

[Harlan] All right. Whoo!

[fireworks continue booming in distance]

[siren wailing]

Ahh! Hi.

Robert Lee, how long's she been in?

I don't know, Mama. I just got here myself.

Look who's here.She's been in a couple hours.

Hey. I'm good.Jan, how you doing?

Oh, it's probably just a false alarm, Nancy.

Hello, Pat. What are you doing here?

Nancy, her water broke.Mom.

Where do we go?This way.

She's in there with Keith.

[Jody panting and whimpering]

They said it was the second door--

Yeah, Mama, here it is, right here.

Hey.

There she is.Oh, there she is.

Jody Ann. Aww, darlin'.

Mama's here.Oh, Mama.

Mama's here.

There, sweetheart.

[Jody panting]

Hi, Keith.

Haven't seen you in the last seven months.

Well, I'm here now, ain't I?

[Nancy] Why don't you join your mother in the waiting room?

[Keith] I got a right to be here.

[Nancy] There.

Mama, I don't like Harlan in here.

Harlan... why don't you wait outside with Keith?

You think I'm leaving? I'm not goin' anywhere.

Jody isn't comfortable with so many people around.

[Harlan] Do you need me at all?

'Cause I'd just as soon head back home.

It's not like I'm doin' anything here.

Here's your camera.Fine, go on.

I'll phone you when we get some news.

These your toes? Is that your nose?

'Cause the baby won't come out if you're wearing pantyhose.

[laughter][Harlan] Bobby Lee?

[Robert Lee] I'm coming.

[Jody] Oh, no.

Oh! Oh! Ow! Oh!

Oh, man!

[device beeping]

[Jody straining][male doctor] Push down.

One, two, three, four...That's good.

Take a deep breath. Now, push hard.

[Smoot] ...five, six, seven...Really push.

...eight, nine, ten.Attagirl.

Okay. That's good.

Keith, don't act like you could give a damn!

It's a little late!Trust me!

We can settle whatever's between us.Oh, really?

How do you plan to do that?

Well, you're the one that told me not to call or come around.

Again. Ready, and...What? Okay.

...one, two, three...Okay, I admit I wasn't perfect,

but neither were you. Don't forget that.

[Jody straining] I never claimed to be perfect!

...nine, ten!I told you I'll talk anytime,

but yellin' ain't talkin'.Oh, grow up, Keith!

Well, like you're a real example of maturity.

[Smoot] Again. Ready, and...I don't know how many times

I came home to an empty bed because you were out running around,

partyin', doing whatever else.Oh, man! Mama warned me!

[Smoot] ...six, seven, eight...Right.

Take Nancy's word. Suddenly you and her are getting along.

Don't you dare say anything bad about her!

She's been there for me! She's the one that's paid all the bills!

The head's coming.Really?

Now, push. Push for the head.

Okay, don't panic, don't panic.

This ain't right, baby doll. Ow! Push hard.

Really? Okay!We're having a baby!

And I already got divorce papers!

Just sign 'em and get it over with!

[Jody straining]

Good, good, good, good! Okay, good, good...

Oh, God!

[Jody screaming]

Oh! Ah! Oh, my God!

[baby crying]Good girl.

That's fine.Oh, my God!

All right. Great baby.

[chuckling] Stop it!

[Jody and baby crying]

He's perfect!

[Jody chuckling][Keith] I got a son!

Look at him, Keith! Count all his fingers and toes!

He's okay, isn't he?Listen to that set of lungs!

He's crying. He's crying!

That's a good sign, right? That's a good sign?

[Smoot] It's a good sign.

It just means he's a fighter, just like his mama.

[baby crying]Hi, sweetheart.

Hi!

Oh, my goodness! He's perfect!

You're perfect. You're perfect.

Hey. Hey!

[woman over P.A.] Dr. Davis, telephone, please.

♪♪

[Nancy mouthing words silently]

[whispering] Grandma.

[mouthing words silently]

♪♪

[Nancy] Hi, darling.

Darlin'.

Oh... darlin'.

[indistinct background chatter]

[both gasp]

[door closes]

Okay, come on. Okay?

Ahh. Let's go.

Come on. I'm comin'.

Hurry up! Oh, God, I'm trying!

Ow!

Ooh!

[both laughing]

Don't laugh! I've been good!

[coughing] Right, right.

As long as being good

don't interfere with having a good time.

Lucky for you, I made an early career out of misbehaving.

Oh, right. So those late nights

and wild parties, that was for me?

Aww. [laughing]

I don't know what I would've done

if you hadn't been there.

I'm naming him Zachary Lee.

Hmm? I want him to have your name.

At least part of it.Jody, you don't have to do that.

I want to be the mother he deserves.

Jody... he's gonna love you no matter what.

Okay? Okay.

[indistinct announcement on P.A.]

You call if you have any questions.

Okay. Thank you.

Oh, could I? Okay.

Why don't I take him to the car and get him strapped in?

I-I'll take him.

Pat, I'll-- Jody, help.

Oh, Mama, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I...

Oh, please don't hate me.

[Smoot] And this is for you and the baby.

Bye-bye. Bye.

Very obliged.

How could you let Keith's mother hold him first?

I'm hurt. I'm really, really hurt.

I think I deserve better.

I don't know why it matters so much who held Zachary first.

And Keith didn't belong in the delivery room.

That uppity creature, that nurse

with all her official dos and don'ts.

[Pat] He's already snug as a bug.

She never even-- Oh, thank you, Pat.

She never even considered

that you might have wanted me in there.

[doors closing and engine turning over]

[Harlan] Let's go. Everybody in?

[Robert Lee] Hold on! I'm coming.

Hey! Coochie-coochie-coochie-coo!

[Harlan] We all set?

I want you to come home, Jody Ann.

Just for a few weeks. Until you get a job.

[Jody] Bye!

[Nancy] It's not just for the baby's sake.

It'll be best for you too.

We've had our problems, I admit,

but they're behind us now.

Everything changes when you're a mother.

♪♪

Hey, Jody.

You want a brewski or you still on the wagon?

[Jody chuckles] I'll tell you what.

Why don't you just pour it in when I lay my head back?

[both chuckling]

Oh, man.

Come on, Jody. You know you hate it over there.

I don't hate it there... that much.

Besides, who else am I gonna get to watch Zach for free?

And you've seen her with him. Sh-She adores him.

Same way she adores Robert Lee.

[children chattering]

[muffled scoff]

[Zach crying]

Shh! It's okay.

Shh. [door closes]

♪ Row, row, row your boat

[sobbing] ♪ Gently down the stream

♪ Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream ♪♪

Shh. It's okay.

It's okay.[Zach continues crying]

[Nancy] Jody, hi.

Are you my precious?

What's wrong with you, honey?

[Jody sobbing] I don't know.

I can't do anything right.

Oh, darlin'.

I just don't feel like I can do anything right.

Oh, come on.

Why don't you phone Jan and go out tonight?

Go on. You've earned it.

[Zach continues crying]

Go on, darlin'.Are you sure?

Yes, I'm sure. Zach's fine.

You'll be fine as soon as you've had a night out.

Get your pretty things on.

Put on a pretty dress.Thanks, Mama.

There, darling. That's good, darling.

Thanks, Mama.

Have a good time.

Oh, now, sweetheart, let's get behind those ears.

[rock music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

♪♪

♪ I like women a little on the trashy side ♪♪

[Jan] You mean!

Come on. Come on!

[both laughing]

All right, you watch yourself tonight, girl.

Uh-huh?'Cause I know you.

When you've had too many beers... Uh-huh?

...and you see some cute cowboy flattering you,

what do you do?

You go and lose your head completely.

♪ Well, I'm looking for a woman with a little bit of kick♪

♪ A little flash city and a little nature hip♪

♪ Not married to Jack Daniels but knows him pretty well...♪

Oh! Oh, no!

Come on! Get it!

Slow down, now. Oh, slow down!

♪ I'm looking for a woman with a little bit of kick...♪

[Jody laughing] Oh, no!

Ah!

[laughter]

Hey, I'm gonna need to take serious advantage of you

after I get you all liquored up.

[Jody laughing] Oh, stop!Hey, loosen up.

You ain't no preacher's daughter, are you?

[Jody laughing]

Hold that thought.

Where you goin'?

Gotta make a phone call.

I'm gon' help her count her change.

Uh-oh.

♪ I love my baby, she's a lady at night♪♪

Bye.

[glass bottles clinking]

Later, baby!

You don't have to say a thing, Mama.

I was worried to death.

It won't happen again.

This time, I swear.

Hey. Hey.

I know, don't say anything. I look like hell.

Oh, you look like I feel.[Jody scoffs]

[Jan sighing] So, did Nancy give you the big deep freeze?

She'll get over it.

Maggie Fergus, meet Jody Shaffell.

Hi.Soon to be divorced,

new mother, and aspiring Valu-Mart employee.

Maggie's working part-time in gardening.

Part-time, but part of a proud team.

At least you get to wear a uniform.

And?

And?

And I look stunning in it.

[Jan] Yeah, right.

Aww.

Yeah, you do. That's right.

Yeah, okay.

[door closes][laughing]

There you go.Hey!

I got the job!

Ohh! Where? At Valu-Mart?

Uh-huh. With Jan?

Uh-huh. Ohh!

I start Monday. Lay-a-way.

Oh! Oh, darling.

Oh, that's marvelous.

Hi, Zachy! Hi.

Look what I got ya.

We're gonna make real money now.

We're no longer dependents

on the State of Virginia anymore.

And it's official now.

Keith signed the papers.

There you are.

Don't suppose you'll ever get a penny of support from him.

Ma, come on.

Keith is always gonna be Zach's daddy.

Keith Kinchloe's never coming into my house.

Mama, don't be like that, okay?

I remember when I was growing up, I really missed my daddy.

I don't want Zach--Don't, don't, don't.

Don't glorify your father to me.

Don't you dare.

He ran off and left me with a mountain of bills

and no job and two kids to raise.

He didn't exactly run off. You chased him off. Huh?

And then you bring Harlan in this house,

and we're supposed to treat him like he's our father. Harlan?

Harlan kept us together as a family.

He took care of us. Yes, he did.

And he paid the bills. [sniffing]

Ooh.

I don't like Harlan.

I never liked Harlan.

You never gave him a chance!

You are so rude and disrespectful!

[Zach crying]

You ran away at the age of 12.

You're wild.

And you're full of it.

You're always tellin' everybody else how to live their life,

showing off in front of the neighbors,

pretending we're this happy family.

What?

You're a hypocrite!

Don't talk to me--

[Jody] At least me and Keith got married!

I was the only kid on the block who had a mama shacking up!

Don't you dare talk to me like that!

[Zach continues crying]

Oh, look at you. Oh, darlin'.

Dressin' dirty, talkin' filthy,

stayin' out all night.

You straighten yourself and your life out,

or so help me, I shall.

[Zach continues crying]

Oh, darlin'. Darlin'.

[woman over P.A.] Jan Barn, please come to the manager's office.

Look, just because Nancy buys him everything

does not mean she owns the pink slip on him or on you either.

Can we just stop talking about it?Fine, fine.

[knocking on window]

But you need to stand up to her.

[knocking continues]

What?

[muffled] Jan, didn't you hear the page?

There's inventory in the stock room

that's gotta be marked down.

Well, what's the big deal?Check the schedule.

You're on late lunch!

Ugh!

This place is like working at a swap meet,

only without the glamour.

Don't eat the rest of my sandwich.

It may not be any of my business,

but, you know, since I'm here,

I kinda think Jan's right.

No, my mama's right. I really do need her help.

I've... I've even been on welfare.

[Maggie scoffs] Attention, Valu-Mart shoppers, mother of a small child

receiving government assistance on aisle 12.

Come on, Maggie, it's embarrassing.

Well, as far as I'm concerned, there's no disgrace to be on the dole

as long as you work to get yourself off of it.

Still, sure would be nice if Sir Lancelot

would ride up on his white stallion and rescue me.

Well, I must be reading a different set of fairy tales

'cause I keep waiting for Lady Guinevere.

I felt like such an idiot!

Why didn't you say something to me?

Well, I figured you knew, okay?

Geez, Jody. I undressed in front of her!

She saw me half naked!No big deal.

Since you had the baby, your figure's not looking that great.

Hey, hey, hey!

[both laughing]

I just realized something.

We made plans.

We're supposed to go on a picnic.

Well, just call her. Tell her you don't wanna go.

Tell her you're busy.I can't do that!

I mean, I... I like her.

She's kinda nice.

You think you're gonna need a chaperone?

Gah! Bye.

[laughing] Oh, God.

[Jody] I'm gonna start. Okay, okay, and this time, we'll get it right.

♪ Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream ♪

[Maggie] ♪ Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream ♪

♪ Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream ♪

♪ Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream ♪

♪ Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream ♪

♪ Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream ♪

[both] ♪ Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream ♪

♪ Row, row, row ♪ Row, row, row your boat

♪ Row your boat ♪ Gently down the stream

♪ Gently down-- Whoa!

♪ Merrily-- ♪

[laughter]

♪♪

[Jody] This place is just incredible.

How'd you find out about it?

[Maggie] Um, I grew up around here.

My dad said the Indians considered this place sacred.

Wow. That's nice.

Well, I think my dad just said it

so that we'd be quiet while he was fishing.

Well, I don't care if he meant it or not.

I've never had a place that was special or secret.

Till now.

Do you want that?

What's the matter, sweetie? You want it?

Here, let me get that for you. Here, let me get the--

Jody, let him get it himself.

He's almost got it figured out.

Ah!

[both laughing]

He did it!

You're pretty proud of yourself, aren't ya?

Huh?

♪♪

[Jody giggling]

You don't have to be so rough with him.

He's not gonna break, Maggie.

You okay?

Yeah.

[Jody] Don't worry about waking him up.

When he's out, he's out.

And you don't have to be embarrassed about liking babies.

Everybody likes babies.

I mean, I'm kinda partial to mine.

I know all mothers say their baby's special, but I don't know.

Something about Zach. He's extra special, right?

It's not that. I'm not embarrassed.

I just... I just think you're lucky, Jody.

You got a whole lot more than most people.

Do I seem ungrateful?

No, no, no.

I see the way you are and you're a good mother.

Thanks.

What is it?

I got a boy of my own.

You have a baby? You have a baby?!

Well, I don't think he'd like to be called that.

He's almost five.

Where is he?

Um, I gave him up for adoption.

Maggie, I-- No!

They're good parents.

They love him and they've made a good home for him.

So you know where he is?

Yeah.

Wow. How did it happen?

I mean, how-how do you--Oh, wait a minute.

What do you mean?

How did someone like me end up getting pregnant?

Is that what you wanna know?

[mouthing word silently]

Uh...

I was raped.

[crying]

I'm sorry.

I don't do this anymore. I don't cry anymore.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I've never told anybody that before.

A lot of secrets for one day, huh?

[chuckling] Yeah.

Ohh, I want you to be honest with me.

♪♪

Oh! Oh, sorry! Did I squish ya?

[both laughing]

[indistinct program on TV]

[woman on TV] Hey, catch this guy!

Can you believe him?

[Harlan and Robert Lee laughing]

Oh!

Actually, I've seen this one before.

[man on TV] Here he goes. Here he comes.

[Harlan] Uh-oh.

Hi, I'm Maggie.

[Robert Lee and Harlan] Hi.Um, hi.

We haven't been officially introduced.

You must be Nancy.

I've heard so much about you.

Hi, Maggie. Hi.

Maggie, through that door.

You'll see my bedroom and then his.

[both giggling]

I better get going.

I got an early shift in the morning.

Okay. I really had a good time.

Me too. [laughing]

Come here, big guy.There you go.

I know, beddy-bye time.Bye, sweetie.

Mmm. [smooching]

Good night, Nancy.

Huh? Oh, good night.

[door opens and closes]

You were out a long time.

It's awful late.

It's note late. It's still early.

I'll clean the kitchen.

Hey! What's a gal gotta do to get some service around here?

Hey, you want it fast or you want it good?

Here. There you go, big guy.

You didn't spit on this, did ya?

Oh, that's what makes a house special special.

Oh, Jody, someday I'm gonna own a restaurant

where that's considered an outright offense.

What, this? Ketchup on eggs is like a religion for me.

[Zach cooing]

You wanna do something this weekend?

Yeah! Anything.

Um, we can hang out at the apartment

or take Zach to the park after my shift at the store.

Two jobs. I don't know how you do it.

Eh, it keeps me off the streets.

Besides, I was serious about the restaurant.

Hey, hey, hey! Gonna hurt somebody.

Yeah, myself. Here.

Plus, I figure it's my way of paying my dues.

Well, I could see you running a diner.

Hey, what about me? Think maybe I could pour coffee

and flirt with the truckers for tips?

We'd make a good team, but only if you wear

those sexy white orthopedic shoes.

Uh, I hear those truckers go for those.

Sorry, sugar, I need an order.

Okay, Vada.

Bye!

Hi!

[Zach babbling]

[Jan] Geez, Jody, I mean, be friends with her if you want,

but, you know, it starts looking like you're going steady.

Not like you'd add to the rumors, right, Jan?

No, not me. God!

You know what she is. It's not exactly a secret.

You know what? You're friends with her. You introduced us.

How come nobody's gossiping about you?

Because I know where to draw the line.

You know, even Nancy asked me about Mag--

What did you tell her?God!

You don't give me credit for nothing, do you?

God, Jody.

Hey, you think I ought to quit smoking?

I mean, everything that I own now smells like an ashtr--

Jan, what did you tell her?Nothing!

I told her nothin', okay?

[Jody breathes deeply]

I mean, it's the truth, isn't it?

There's nothing between you, right?

Right.

[scoffing]

I mean, I tell everybody you're just friends.

Okay.

Look-- oh!

I stick up for you, Jody.

Jody, can I talk to you?Yes, sir.

Uh, this is just not working out.

I think you ought to start looking for another job.

What'd I do?

[indistinct announcement over P.A.]

Nancy, these are so good.Uh-huh.

I'm glad you like them. I should bake more.

Harlan and Robert Lee like it when I bake.

But between looking after Zach and them, I don't have enough time.

Well, I'd love the recipe.

[Zach] Mama.

What, hon? What?

Mama.

[Nancy chuckling] Oh, my little lamb chop.

What would you like? What can Mama get you, huh?

What would you like? You take one.

Should we take this one too? Come on, darling.

Let's go there. Come along with Mama and we'll sing a song.

Jody says you know how to cook.

Yeah, I do that for a living. Oh, wonderful. Really?

Oh, listen! I've got some eggnog.

Jody, get the eggnog.Okay.

No, no, tea or coffee's fine.

But it's Christmas. No, no. Recovering alcoholic.

You know, 12 small steps for man,

1 giant leap for womankind.

[Zach fussing]

You're so fussy today.Aww! Mama.

I wonder what's the matter with you?

Jody, you know, I was wondering. Maybe he's teething?

He's not teething, Mama. And he's not fussy.

Why you always saying that?

I think he just fakes it sometimes

'cause that's the only way he gets attention.

[Jody] Yeah, that could be it.

[Robert Lee] Hey, Zach.Yeah!

[Robert Lee barking]

Family picture! Where's the camera?

[men groaning]Come on, everybody. Where's the camera?

[Harlan] See, every Christmas, we take the same picture,

and every Christmas, it turns out worse than it did the year before.

Oh, Harlan. Maggie, why don't you take the picture?

Oh, okay.Line up, everybody.

[Robert Lee] We look like we belong on the side of a milk carton.

You, go on.No, you look like you belong

on the top ten list at the post office.

Ready? [Harlan] The sooner we do it, the sooner it's over.

Say "cheese."

[together] Cheese!

[camera shutter clicks]

Now one of me and Jody and Zach.

Get out while we can.Come on, Zach.

Oh, okay, um, all right.[Robert Lee] Big smile now.

Uh, say "cheese" again.

[together] Cheese!

[camera shutter clicks]Again!

Now just me and Zach.

[Robert Lee] Come on.

Um, yeah, okay.

Here we go.[Nancy] Ready, steady.

[breathes in deeply]

Merry Christmas!

[camera shutter clicks]

[both laughing]

Thank you for coming tonight.

I know these family things can get to be pretty boring.

No, I had fun! Your mom's not that bad. Yeah.

[both laughing]

Yeah.

Um...

Merry Christmas.

Oh... what did you do?

Oh, my.

My God! It's beautiful.

Well, I wanted to get you something,

and, you know, it's kind of a friendship necklace.

And when I saw it, it reminded me of you and Zach.

I mean, the amethyst is your birthstone and, uh...

And the rubies are for Zach.

It's beautiful. Thank you.

Can you put it on me?Yeah, sure.

♪♪

[Jody giggling] There.

♪♪

[door opens]

Jody, Zach's hanging his stocking!

You better come in!

Okay!

Jody Ann, you're gonna miss it!

[door closes]All right! I'm--

Thank you.

Bye.

Okay.

Bye.

♪♪

Vada, where do you think Jody wants this?

No, sorry, hon.Um, oh, that's okay.

Um, well, could you just put it in the bedroom?

Or-- I don't know. We'll figure it out later.

Yeah. Okay.

All right, here we go. More stuff.

Where do you want this, Jody?

[Jody] Bedroom, by the window.Okay.

Might as well give him a view with the room.

Jody Ann, tell me, how is this better for my baby? Mama...

Well, you ought to be thinking about Zach first.

You've lost your job. You're back on welfare.

Mama, please.

Honey, where do you want these?

Closet's fine. Thanks, Vada.

It seems like you don't know

what you're doing, moving in with her.

[whispering] You don't know this Maggie person.

Mama, I know Maggie, okay?

Come on, I had to move out sometime.

Why?

I talked with Jan.

She says you don't go out with her anymore.

You don't call her.

Can we talk about this later, please?

Thanks.

You two have always been best friends.

Ever since you took up with this Maggie,

it seems like you've closed everyone out.

Mama, we're just trying to get settled.

We're-We're trying

to get ahead of the bills, save some money for Zach.

Why in the world would Maggie...

[indistinct chatter in background]

[whispering] Why in the world would Maggie

have any interest in saving money for Zach?

Mama...

I want to tell you something.

And I hope...

[breathing heavily]

Maggie and me, we're not just friends.

We're not just roommates.

Oh.

I don't like Maggie like I like Jan.

I-I more than like her.

Yeah.

So, what are you telling me?

That we're partners.

We're a couple.

I love her.

[sighing] Oh, well.

I've been through every other phase with you.

Your promiscuous phase... when you ran around

with any boy who'd show you a minute of attention.

The drugs and alcohol phase. Now, I guess it's this phase.

No, you know what? This isn't a phase.

And I'm not gonna change my mind about Maggie

or... anything else.

Jody Ann...

It's unnatural.

[Zach] Look, Maggie.

Open drawer.

Oh, no! Zach, honey, no.

No, no, no, no. Keep that shut. Okay-- oh, no.

Can you just stand there? Thanks a lot.No, Maggie.

[Jody] Mom, it's not such a big deal.

I mean, since I got fired, I got all the time in the world.

But the weekends are mine. We agreed.

[Jody on phone] I know, I know.

Well, you can come and visit him anytime you want.

[Jody] Just like other grandmas.

Hardly get to see him anymore.

It's like you're keeping him from me.

Sweetheart, please don't play with that, please.

No, I'm not.

Yes, Jody, you are!

[Zach] Zach open drawer.

[Jody] Zach!

[sighing]

[whispering] Maggie! Hey!

Zach, I told you to stay out of that.

I shouldn't have to make appointments to see my baby.

Look, you know what? Come on over now, if you want, okay?

When I do get to see him,

he's fussy, he's bad-tempered.

It's not in his nature. Something's goin' on.

You know what's going on? He's going through the terrible twos.

Hey, Zach, I told you to stay out of that.

You shouldn't take advantage of me

when it suits you.

You shouldn't just use me.

I'm the one he depends on. I'm the one raising him!

And you have been a very big help.

You really have.

Mama, I appreciate it, I really do, but he is my son.

Mag-- Zach!

Zach! Zachary, no!

[dish shattering]

Ah! Zach!

[Zach] No!

Zachary Lee Kinchloe! No!

[Zach crying]

[Jody spanking Zach]

[Jody] No!

[Zach loudly crying]

Jody?

Jody, what's happening to Zach?

No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, sweetie.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.You're bad!

No, I know, I know, I know.

Jody, what's happening to Zach?

[Jody] I didn't mean to scare you.

[Nancy on phone] Jody? Jody? Jody!

[Zach loudly crying]Jody!

Jody? [Jody] I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry! I'm sorry!

Uh, they're fine.

Um, she's fine.

Maggie?

Maggie Fergus, I'm talking to my daughter.

Will you put her on the phone?

Look, Nancy, she'll-- she'll have to call you back.

Jody!

[dial tone]

Jody, honey, calm down.I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

[phone ringing]He's fine.

Mommy's gotta do something about her temper, right?

[phone continues ringing]No. Right?

I won't hurt you.

[Jody muttering indistinctly]

[phone continues ringing]

Hey, guess how many shrinks

it takes to change a light bulb.

How many? None.

The light bulb has to want to change itself.

So?So, what?

So, I'm dying to ask.

Well, I thought I went to therapy to talk about my temper.

Instead, I spent the whole session

talking about something... totally different.

♪♪

[Nancy sighing]

Well, I don't believe anything you say.

Well, Nancy, that is what Jody says is what happened.

Why doesn't she tell me herself?

[Maggie sighing]

Jody?

[whispering] She wants to speak to you.

Mama.

I'm sorry, but I...

I just-- I don't want Zach in that house anymore.

Jody Ann, I don't believe a word.

I don't.

[Nancy sighing]

Jody, this time you've gone too far--

I j-- I just don't want Zach in your house anymore.

[Maggie] Hey, Bobby Lee.

Wanna help us with this stuff?

Huh? Come on.

It's like you're taking away

the only thing she's ever cared about.

Did you know I talked to Mama last night?

No, and it doesn't matter.

Why don't you just go talk to her?

You got no shame.

Look, it's not like I don't feel bad enough already.

And you don't care how much you hurt the rest of us?

Hurt you?

Look, Robert Lee...

all I want is a chance to be with my son.

I told her she can visit anytime.

But I swear, sometimes, he doesn't even know

who his mama is.

Her or me.

You know, maybe Zach ought to be with her.

It's not exactly a normal family around here,

especially for a boy.

And we came from such a normal family, didn't we?

News flash, Robert Lee!

Nothin' about us was ever normal!

What?

You got no shame anymore, Jody.

No shame!

You have no shame, Zachary Kinchloe!

You have no shame, playing in that pool! Hot.

[laughter]

It is hot out, huh?You have no shame.

Hey! Yeah.

You know, it's gonna be complete chaos around here

with him here all the time.

You do understand that, don't you?

Yup! No more beauty sleep.

No more late Saturday night dinners.

Yup.

No more spontaneity, just going to the movies whenever we want.

And nothin' but "The Little Mermaid" in the VCR?

It's gonna be great.

[phone ringing]

Three guesses.

Gotcha! Oh!

Okay, fill it up.

Hello?

[man on phone] Is this Jody Shaffell?

Yeah. Who is this?

This is Mr. Clifton Chalmer.

I represent your mama.

One question for you.

Are you willing to submit the child

to your mother for visitation?

Visitation? For who?

Your mother.

Keeping Zach on the weekends.

No.

Then we'll see you in court.

[dial tone]

[Zach laughing]

They are never gonna take me off hold.

Next number.

How many lawyers have you been through?

Three... or four.Hey, it's not our fault.

They just take one look at us and they figure we're a couple

of low-rent, white trash lesbians who can't pay their fees.

Hey, what are you talking about? We can pay our fees.

Hi! Hi.

Uh, my name is Jody Shaffell, and I have a hearing

this morning, and I need a lawyer.

[Frank] Now, you let me do all the talking, okay?

Is that a yes? You got to say "yes."

The court can't record non-verbal responses.

Now, you got that?Yes.

Now, don't say any more than he asks.

Don't elaborate, okay?Yes.

Now, the law's very clear.

Grandparents do not have visitation rights.

There's a presumption that the child belongs with the parent.

Natural order of things and all that.

Can I ask you something?Hmm?

Is that a yes?

Yes.

She can't get him, can she?

Trust me. She's got no grounds.

How many people in the apartment?

[Jody] Three.

You and the child and who else?

My roommate.

Roommate?

Yes, sir. Maggie Fergus.

We've been rooming together now for--

Just answer the question.

[Rayburn] And do you sleep with Ms. Fergus?

Yes, sir.

[indistinct courtroom chatter]

Before I render my decision,

is there anything you would like to add, Mr. Chalmer?

Yes, Your Honor.

Given what you have just heard,

we would like to recommend full custody,

not merely visitation, to Nancy Shaffell.

What? No way he can do that.

Just don't worry about it.

He can't do it. He cannot.

Don't worry. No, no--

[Rayburn] This child has had prolonged diaper rash.

This child has been hit.

And this mother has admitted

she shows open affection for Ms. Fergus.

Due to these and other considerations,

and given the living arrangement between these two women...

I rule in favor of Nancy Shaffell.

What?! What?!This court grants full custody

of Zachary Lee Kinchloe to his grandmother, Nancy Shaffell.

[judge banging gavel]

[indistinct chatter]

[judge bangs gavel once]

Oh, God, I can't even believe it.

I can't believe it.

Okay, let's go. Listen, hon.

Uh, get some extra blankets and some pillows, okay?

Okay. Sweetie-pie, I'll go get your teddy bear, okay?

Hey, listen. Don't forget some orange juice.

We're not gonna be able to stop for a while, okay?

You're gonna be just fine, sweetie.

♪♪

Dang it, dang it, dang it!

Oh... should I put a blanket over him?

Uh, no, no, just take your sunglasses off.

Why? It'll make us look less suspicious.

Okay.

Oh... he's gonna pull us over.

Well, if you keep turning around, he will!

Okay, okay. He's gonna arrest us.

W-Well, Jody, just sit.

Be calm.

Okay.

He's gonna pull us over and he's gonna arrest us.

Are his lights flashing?

[siren wailing]

Yes!

[Jody exhales]

Just pull over. What?

Maggie, just pull over.

[siren fading in distance]

We don't know what we're doing, where we're going.

Where are we going?

Out of Richmond, out of Virginia,

any place away from Nancy.

Oh, I feel like I'm 12 years old again

and running away.

I just made everything worse.

Well, you cannot let her have him.

What am I gonna do for money? Where are we gonna live?

What, are we gonna live out of this car?

This car's bigger than my first apartment.

That was a joke.

Come on, you know me.

People like me. I've got skills.

I can get a job, I can take care of this family.

I can't.

I'm not gonna pull you into this.

What are you talking about, pulling me into it?

I can make my own decisions.

I'm a dyke-- you try taking a girl to the prom.

This is cake.

[chuckle]

This won't stop her, you know.

Uh-uh. She's gonna be even more determined.

[sighing]

You don't know her like I do.

Well, I will do whatever you want.

Give me the keys.

I'm not gonna spend the rest of my life

looking over my shoulder.

[police siren blaring]

[door closes]

They still won't let me in.

He's not gonna understand.

He's not gonna know what's happening.

I've got a right to him.

I did the right thing, right?

Yes.

That child is mine. I've got papers that say so.

Ms. Shaffell, you wanna open the door, please?

Ms. Shaffell, you wanna open the door, please?

Where is he?

Upstairs.

You certainly didn't waste any time.

She's brainwashed you.

She's sick-- you want Zach to be brought up by a lesbian?

She be pretending to be his daddy.

You should go on your knees

and thank God I'm here to stop it.

Maggie will be a better parent

than you or Harlan could ever be.

At my lawyer's suggestion, Harlan moved out.

See?

I make sacrifices for the child I love.

Nancy!

Nancy.Let me go.

Can't you at least let her say goodbye?

She's keeping me from him. She can't do that.

They're not going anywhere.

[crying] I've got to get him out of this house.

[Zach] Mama.

Mama.

Mama.

Shhh.

Mama... Mama...

Please don't cry.

Please. Mama!

I love you, sweetie.

I love you.

Mama loves you.Mama...

Mama loves you.Mama...

I'm always gonna love you.Mama...

They can't stop me from seeing you.

Mama... Mama...No, they can't.

She can visit him.

Can't you see what she's doing?

She's making me look bad.

Come on.

Come on, Ms. Shaffell.

Okay. [crying] Mama.

No, I can't.Mama!

Mama!

My arms won't let him go.

[whispering] It's okay.

[both crying]

Please don't. Please don't.

Please don't, don't, don't, don't, don't!

My arms won't let go.

No.

Mama! Mama!

No. Mama.

Mama...

Come on, darling.

[sobbing]

Mama...Come on, darling.

Come on, sweetheart.Oh, God.

Come on, come on...

Don't you cry.

I warned you.

You brought it on yourself.

Now you live with it.

[sobbing]

Maggie...

This is as serious as a heart attack.

Now, if your intention is to get your son back,

then you are gonna have to present an apple pie,

"Hello, I'm as hetero as the next gal"

type of mentality.

What are you saying?

That you want us to split up?

No, honey, all he's saying is

that the court just cares about appearances, right?

Either way...

once custody has been reinstated,

then we can re-address how you live your life.

Yeah, but what if somebody finds out the truth?

Then I'm gonna be in more trouble, right?

Look, you can take the high road and lose,

or you can take the other road and win.

But everyone knows about me and Maggie.

I mean, it's been public since the beginning.

You tell them it was just a phase

and that you're over it now.

Look, what is more important, him or her?

Why do I have to choose? Why?

I... I don't...

Other women, other mothers, they don't even...

they don't have to explain what they do in the bedroom.

Other mothers do not have to define their sexual relationship

by the legal standard of the commonwealth of Virginia.

You know, it's a funny thing about homosexuality.

People get real hinky.

I'm going to make this real simple for you.

Bottom line, here?

Maggie, you move out.

You say you love her?

Prove it.

[crying]

[thunder rumbling]

Is everything okay?

Yeah, I said I'd be all right.

Where are you gonna stay?

With Jan? Oh, no, thank you.

I'd rather stay at Vada's.

Jan's not that bad.Yeah, well, all the same,

Vada said I can bunk on her couch for a while,

and it's close to the restaurant.

You know what, Maggie, this is really ridiculous.

It's your apartment.

I'm the one that should be moving out.

Oh, Jody, come on now.

Hey-- what are you and Zach gonna do?

Go back to Nancy's? I know.

I know-- I should have spoke up to the judge.

I should have just stood up to Nancy and to Chalmer.

Oh, really?Yeah.

Come on, Frank was right.

He's hinky, but he's right.

I don't like pretending to be something I'm not.

I know.

But I would never forgive myself

if I thought I was the reason that you lost him.

Yeah, but...

[sighs] I know, I know,

I know we were taking a chance, but this...

I don't know what's wrong with me.

It's like every time I feel threatened,

I just crawl inside myself like a turtle.

And me being here gives them all the ammunition they need.

[thunder rumbling]

You didn't turn me gay, you know.

Wait a minute.

Are you telling me that I wasn't your first?

[laughing]

[gasp] Damn!

[laughter]

[thunder rumbling]

I'll come back tomorrow for the rest of my things.

Maggie.

Jody... don't.

I promised myself that I wouldn't cry.

[door opening, closing]

[glass shatters]

I want you to stay!

Jody... please don't do this.

No-- please, no. Don't do this. Maggie--

Maggie. Listen to me.

I am supposed to set a good example for him, right?

Make the world a better place, all that crap.

What am I teaching him

if I don't stand up for myself--

for what I believe in?

But nobody's gonna blame you.

If I stay a doormat?

If I let Nancy walk right over me like always?

No. Not this time.

If she wants a fight, let's just give it to her.

I love you!

[laughs]

You got a problem with that?

[crying]

Let's go in.

[laughter]

Be direct.

Be very direct.

And see if you can't work in the word "hinky."

I know what I'm doing.

Cripes, I've been let go,

terminated, and out-and-out fired.

I think I can handle this end of it.

Uh, yes, I...

may I please speak to Mr. Martin?

Mr. Martin, hi, yes. This is Maggie Fergus.

You know what? Jody would like to speak to you.

[mouthing words]

Here she comes.

Hi, Mr. Martin.

Yes, I'm calling from the apartment.

And Maggie's still here.

No, it's not like I don't appreciate

everything you've done for us, but I've made up my mind.

I know. I know.

I-- You're right. You're right.

But it all got a little too hinky for us.

[laughs]

[laughing]

Oh, way to go, Jody,

like the yellow pages weren't bad enough.

What are you gonna do, shop for a lawyer

in the classifieds?

Think maybe the newspaper would be interested in our story?

What? Whoa, whoa.

Do you know what you're saying? If we do this, it...

it'll never be the same again.

Oh, Nancy's gonna take this as a declaration of war.

Then let's bring out the big guns.

[indistinct speaking over intercom]

Hey, Jan, where have you been?

Hey, Jody.

Cute picture.

Yeah, you didn't look too bad on the evening news either.

Thanks-- boy, this place hasn't changed.

Hey, wanna grab some lunch?

Um, no, I kind of got other plans.

Anybody I know?

I don't think you'd really like them.

They're not really your type.

[sighing]

[overlapping chatter]

[voice] He did have 36 points, that was two weeks ago.

He had four rebounds.

Yeah, four rebounds.No, he had an assist.

That's what it was, an assist...

there's a big difference.

See you later.

Hey, Dwayne, Eddie.

Hey, Jody. Where's your girlfriend?

[laughter]Hey, can we watch?

Zach's asleep. I'm not going to wake him.

You come back later.But I want to see him.

I'm the legal guardian.

The court made it clear that what I say goes for Zach.

You said I could see him whenever I wanted.

Where are you going to take him, back to Maggie?

Oh, come on, Mama, why are you doing this?

I am doing this because I love Zach.

Because there's true love in my heart.

You call this love?

Jesus-- you're taking me to court.

You're keeping my son from me!

This is not love! Mama, what about me?

I'm still your daughter!

As long as you're with her,

you're not my daughter.

You come back later, when he's awake.

[door closes]

Why should I represent you?

What makes you think you deserve custody?

Because she's a great mom.

Because it's her kid.

I mean all of a sudden she doesn't have rights?

Why, because Zach has a diaper rash

or because Nancy Shaffell says she's not fit?

No, because you chose Maggie over your own son.

She did no such thing.

Look, the State of Virginia

considers homosexual behavior a class six felony.

[laughs]

Well, aren't we the criminals?

Too bad we're not fine upstanding straight citizens

like all those wife beaters

and child molesters and murderers.

Now, they've got custody of their kids, don't they?

Ms. Fergus. Yeah?

It might be best if you wait in the other office.

Why?

[phone ringing]

Why don't you move out?

I can't afford it.

If it's a matter of money--

And it would be a lie.

[sighing] ...I'll set you up with an apartment and a job.

I have a place to live.

You'd get him back.

Dad, when you got remarried,

did you have to choose?

I'm not choosing Maggie over Zach.

Look, all my life, I have...

been in places where I just don't fit.

Places that didn't want me.

But when I met Maggie...

and we made a home...

I fit.

We all fit.

You know, the lesbian community

has made this woman into a hero.

And the real hero in this is the grandmother.

The mother didn't care. She beat the child.

To the extent she had to have counseling.

[doorbell ringing]

There's the babysitter. She's always late.

...his daddy and who is his daddy.

Oh, hi, Kathleen. You're late.

Okay, Zach, Mama will be back soon.

Here's some juice. ...last two or three years.

Very unstable.There's a number here in case...

And she's concerned about what's going to happen

if this relationship continues,

And Jody asserts it's going to continue.

Clearly, this mother is unfit.

Look at this.

The Virginia Supreme Court says

that if you exhibit homosexual or lesbian behavior,

that renders you... Where did all these people come from?

It's a sad commentary

about the moral decline in this country.

The average person in Virginia, especially Richmond,

or any place almost in Virginia,

views D.C. and L.A. as stark raving mad.

The general consensus is

that this country is about...

the same place as the Roman Empire

when the Roman Empire fell

because of lesbianism,

homosexuals, and things such as this.

Why aren't they interested

in heterosexuals?

Because we don't get out there

and advocate oral sex on television.

Now, did your attorney tell you the reasons

the juvenile court took custody away from you?

Because I'm living with Maggie.

Because you're a lesbian living with Maggie.

As a matter of fact, the juvenile court judge

wouldn't let you have visitation

if Maggie was present, is that correct?

Yes.Now, knowing all that,

you still took the chance and went back with Maggie?

Doesn't that indicate in your mind

that you think more of Maggie than you do the child?

Objection. The question is argumentative, Your Honor.

Withdraw it, Your Honor.

Your witness, Counselor.

How frequently did Harlan have sex with you?

Whenever he found convenient times.

What would that end up being

on an average weekly or monthly or yearly basis?

Um... every other day.

When it was occurring...

you didn't tell your mother, right?

Right.

Why not?

I just couldn't tell her.

I-- I couldn't hurt her.

And he-- he made the comment that,

if she ever found out, it would kill her.

Did you tell any legal authority,

such as police officers,

juvenile people, or anyone else?

No.

Did you eventually tell your mother?

Yes.

What was her reaction?

She didn't believe me at first.

[distant coughing]

Tell me about Zach.

[sighing]

He's a bundle of joy.

You have to know him.

He shouldn't be raised by two lesbians.

What have been your observations of the child

since the visitations began with his mother?

One Tuesday night he came home, he stomped his foot

and told himself, "Zach, go to the corner."

And he stood in the corner.

Do you ever make Zach go to the corner?

No.

I would like to offer this picture of Zach

standing in the corner as Exhibit "A," Your Honor.

I don't care how my daughter lives.

Zach is going to be physically and mentally harmed in this.

He's going to go through so much dogging.

Anything else concern you about it?

It's unfit.

Do you think, given the circumstances,

that Zach should have any relationship with his mother?

He should know who she is.

Other than that, do you think he should have

a relationship with his mother?

I would never deny his mother.

She should have her visitation.

And you were not aware that Harlan had been

sexually abusing Jody from the time she was 12

until she was 17?

No, I didn't.

When did you first find out about it?

When Jody called me on the phone to tell me.

And did you confront Harlan with it?

Yes, I did.

Did you ask him to leave the house because of that?

Not that night, no, we talked.

You asked him to leave the house

so that you could gain custody of Zach, is that correct?

No, oh, no.

I thought that's what you testified to?

We figured she might let me seek my visitation rights

if Harlan was out of the home.

And did Jody tell you that she did not want Zach in the home

with Harlan because Harlan had abused her?

Maggie told me that.

Maggie told you that?Yes.

Did you ever talk to Jody about it?

She got on the phone.

Did she tell you?

Yes, she did.

And you didn't believe her, did you?

In a way I did...

and I didn't.

I had no reason to believe her.

In your opinion, Bobby Lee, based upon what you saw,

is Jody a good mother to the child?

No, sir.

Would you tell the court why you think that?

Well, frequently she has admitted

she was never fit to be a mother.

She was not ready to be a mother.

Just the way she put herself towards me,

I don't see where she's fit to be a mother.

Yourmother, Nancy Shaffell.

What relationship does she have with Zach

based upon what you see?

It's very close.

It's very, very close.

Now, the bed wherein the baby slept,

where was that physically located?

Was that in the same bedroom with Jody and Maggie?

Yes, sir.

In your opinion, based upon what you observed,

is Jody Ann a good mother?

Objection! Objection!

Overruled.

I don't know.

Uh, I don't feel it's right what she's doing.

The way her lifestyle is.

She's changed.

It's like I don't even know her anymore.

I mean, I expected this from Robert Lee.

Nothing in the world is gonna make him go against Nancy.

But Jan knows everything.

She knows.Well, she's scared.

She's scared.

All right, but she's supposed to be my friend.

Well, she's afraid everybody's gonna think she's one of us.

Please.

I'm real sorry she's worried about

what people are gonna think.

In the meantime, I'm losing my son.

[sighing]

[courtroom chatter]

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth,

and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Yeah, I do.

State your name.

Keith Kinchloe Jr.

You're the father of Zach Kinchloe?

Yes, sir.

What is your preference as to where Zach should live

and whose custody he should be in

as between Nancy and Jody?

I object to the witness being allowed to answer that question.

What weight would that give me?

His preference?

What evidence would that give me?

You would know what the father feels

is in the best interest of his own son.

Of whom he has given up custody.

He gave up custody to the mother.

Merely by agreeing that the mother would have custody

is not a relinquishment of any rights.

I am going to sustain the objection.

[courtroom reacts]

[bailiff] All rise.

[gavel bangs]

In reaching my decision,

I have had to consider my duty as a judge.

I say simply this,

that I'm bound by the law of the Commonwealth.

The mother, Jody Shaffell,

has openly admitted in this court

that she is living in an active homosexual relationship.

She admits that she is sharing a bedroom

and her bed with another.

Her female lover.

She readily admits the open affection

shown to Maggie Fergus in front of the child.

Examples were kissing, patting.

All of these in the presence of the child.

She further admits

that the child referred to her lover as "da da."

I do recognize there's a presumption in the law

in favor of custody being with the natural parent.

And then I must ask myself,

are Jody Shaffell's circumstances of unfitness

of such an extraordinary nature as to rebut this presumption?

And I find that there is evidence of the child

being affected or afflicted.

The unrebutted evidence of the cursing,

the child standing in the corner.

From all the facts and circumstances I have heard here today,

from all the circumstances of this case...

...it is the order of the court that the custody will be

with the grandmother, Nancy Shaffell,

and that Jody, the mother, will have visitations.

I further order...

that there will be no visitation in the mother's home

and no visitation in the presence of Maggie Fergus.

That is the ruling of the court.

[gavel bangs]

[courtroom murmuring]

[gasping]

Oh, my, I'm so excited.

[female reporter] Jody, what's your reaction to Paxton's decision?

[Lily] My client has no comment at this time.

[male reporter] What's your next step?

Are you gonna keep fighting?

Please, you're talking to a mother

who's just lost custody of her son.

What are you gonna say to Zach?

No comments!

[sighs]

I should have run when I had the chance.

We'll appeal.

There's still the appellate court,

and we've got a good chance.

Change the law-- that's the point, isn't it?

So no one else has to go through this.I don't want to be the lesbian test case anymore.

I don't care about other people's rights.

I just want him back.

[engine sputters]

[distant dog barking]

Bye-bye, baby.

Bye, Mama.

[Nancy] Hey, little man?

How are you?

Mwah.

Go on.

Why don't you just go away forever?

Just disappear and leave us all alone.

You and your stupid appeal.

You like the publicity,

and you and your new friends have turned this thing

into a circus.

You're not a lesbian. I know you.

I've lived with you!

Did we grow up in the same house?

Have you not been paying attention the last 20 years?

You deserve what you get.

You keep being her favorite, Robert Lee.

Just go ahead.

Keep being her good boy.

She loves me.

Really?

Lucky you.

[engine starts]

Mama.What?

I miss my mom.

I know you do, darling.

Hey, that's a good biscuit.

Mmm.

You know that Mama loves Zachary Lee

more than anything in the whole wide world, don't you?

You'll see Mama on Monday.

My little man.

That's a great one.

Pull him out and make another.

I love you, Mama.

[crickets chirping]

[Zach giggling inside]

[Nancy laughs] Yes!

[birds chirping]

[engine starts]

A non-parent is granted custody over a parent

only when the parent is unfit.

Or if having custody has proven to be deleterious to the child.

In this case, the evidence fails to prove

that Jody Shaffell abused or neglected her son.

To the contrary, the evidence showed that Jody Shaffell

is and has been a fit and nurturing parent

who had adequately provided and cared for her son.

Although Jody Shaffell resides with Maggie Fergus

in an open lesbian relationship,

no evidence showed that they engaged

in illegal sexual behavior in the child's presence.

No evidence showed that the child has or will suffer

any emotional or psychological distress

as a result of the relationship.

Accordingly, we hold that Jody Shaffell is not

to be deprived of the custody of her son.

We reverse and vacate the circuit court's order

and remand the case with directions

that the circuit court enter an order effectuating

the resumption of custody by the mother of her son.

[cheering and applause, gavel bangs]

Congratulations.

[applause continues, gavel banging]

Your Honor, at this time

I would like to file a notice of appeal

to the Virginia Supreme Court.

We further ask for a stay

until the Supreme Court renders a decision,

therefore maintaining Judge Paxton's original custody order,

which is currently in effect.

So granted.

What? What's that mean?

Until the Virginia Supreme Court hears the case,

Nancy keeps custody.

But I won!

[courtroom murmuring]

[birds chirping]

[vacuum whirring]

[vacuum stops]

[sighs]

...of the governor's ethics commission

and a member of the Family Foundation,

co-founder of the Family Foundation,

who agrees with the decision of the judge. Why?

Well, Larry, I think what we're talking about is

not unfit mothers as much as unfit lifestyles.

This lifestyle, just as much as a mother's love is natural,

this lifestyle is against the laws of nature.

And laws of nature are something that we can't say are antiquated...

I have done nothing to this woman.

And what are you doing to yourself?

Oh, I know. You're making yourself feel better

before you hear the Supreme Court decision tomorrow.

That's a real good idea.

[Larry King] Where are they written?

Uh, well, they're written in the Virginia code, okay--

The laws of nature are written in the Virginia code?

Yes, and it's...

Ain't that the ever-loving truth.

...under the title, crime against nature.

If we, in a society, abandon the laws of nature,

go against what are historical norms in a civilized society,

then we open up that society...Oh, my God.

...for real dysfunction, real moral disorder.

You know, no one has given me this right,

but I want to be able to say, I want you to go home,

start over, be with your mama.

Be with your little boy.

The ACLU has turned you into a poster child.

I hate it. I hate to see what you're going through,

and I hate to see you being exploited."

[Larry] And you would respond how to Anne?

I should have said something to her.

I can't believe I didn't say anything to her.

Okay, Jody, that's it.

Give it to me. Jody, give it to me!

Come...

What are you doing home already?

They've been kind enough to give me a permanent vacation.

I thought they loved you.

Well, they did.

Till all of this happened.

[chuckling] Oh, I know, my fault!

Hey, that's not what I'm talking about.

I can't take it. I can't take it.

No!It's gonna be all right.

No, I gotta get out of here. I gotta get out!

Jody, what are you talking about?

You're just a case of nerves.

Look, why don't you start smoking again

or, I don't know, vacuum a little more?

You're not quitting.

I don't care anymore.

I don't care about Nancy, I don't care about Robert Lee,

I don't even care about you.Or Zach.

You know, did you ever think maybe they're right?

Maybe I don't deserve him?

Hell, he might be better off without me.

Oh, I know, why don't we ask him?

Hey, Zach, we're taking a survey of three-year-olds

to see how many of them think they'd be better off without their mama.

You are not changing my mind!

Oh, hey, I'm only here to help, but look,

if you wanna take off, your car needs gas.

I'm going.Oh, I know.

I really am.

Because I cannot take one more court decision.

I cannot listen one more time about how unfit I am.

How-- How I don't care about my child

because he's got diaper rash.

How she's the one raising him.

She's the one making all the sacrifices!

Hey, hey, Jody, give up. Go ahead.

They're gonna make their decision

whether you're there or not.

Wha-- Oh, baby! You got me.

I want you out of the car.

Okay.Really, I'm serious.

You never take me seriously.

I'm gonna put $5 worth in it.

If that don't mean I'm taking you serious,

I don't know what does.

I hate it when you humor me.

Listen, you got extra change to get me a cherry slushee?

You really should have something healthy.

Something green.

Okay, then make it a lime slushee.

[sighing]Thank you.

You're Jody Shaffell.

The lesbian, right?

They're having that hearing tomorrow.

Well, I'm a grandmother.

I have three children and five grandchildren.

And I want you to know that I think

what you're mother is doing is terrible.

Just terrible.

You keep fighting, honey.

People know what's right.

[softly] Thank you.

[both chuckling]

Let me call you right back.

Ben and Lily aren't here yet.

They're coming back from court.

But when you called, you said the decision had already come in.

Is that it?They haven't had a chance to review it.

"The Court of Appeals failed to give proper deference

"to the trial court's findings and misapplied the law.

"The evidence is plainly sufficient to support findings

"that the mother is an unfit custodian at this time,

"and that the child's best interest would be promoted

by awarding custody to the grandmother."

[flipping pages]

Can you read that? I can't.

[Beth] "We shall not overlook the mother's relationship

"with Fergus and the environment in which the child

"would be raised if custody is awarded the mother.

"Thus, the judgment of the Court of Appeals will be reversed,

"and the case will be remanded,

awarding custody of the child to Nancy Shaffell."

Sorry we're late.

Hey, guys, come on, the decision's coming down today.

Good thoughts, right?

Oh, no.

I thought it would go our way.

[Ben] Four to three.

We only needed one more judge.

Well, we can still go to the U.S. Supreme Court, can't we?

I'm afraid not.

But at least they left the door open

for Jody to regain custody.

What are you talking about? She just lost.

No custody case is ever completely closed.

Change of circumstances...Wait a minute.

What are you talking about? Change of circumstance.

I don't know what that means.

We just have to prove her fitness.

But it'll mean starting all over again.

And in the meantime?

You still have visitation. That hasn't changed.

You can see him.

Once a week.

But not with Maggie present

and not at the apartment.

♪♪

I've got the late shift,

so you've got the run of the place.

What they've done to you and that boy,

it's no wonder he's had such a hard time.

A little child not allowed to play in his own little room,

with his own little things.

Back and forth and back and forth.

They should make the adults change houses.

Zach, don't you overfeed those fish.

Say "night-night, Vada."

Night-night, Vada.[chuckles]

Are you ready for bed?

Mama, can I come home with you?

Not yet, baby.

Why?

Because the judge says "no."

Why?

It'll be soon, okay?

Can I see Maggie?

You want to see Maggie? Yeah, you can see Maggie.

When you come home.

Can I have a kitty?

Yeah, maybe.

[both giggling]

Okay, Mama.Okay.

You sleep tight. Mmm...

Don't let the bedbugs bite.

[laughs]

Hi, there.

Hi, Mama.

Good-bye, Mama.

♪♪

Bye, Mama.

Here you go.

♪♪

♪♪