Original subtitles

♪ Building cage I can only study the blame ♪

♪ I can think of a word for myself but no name ♪

♪ Question darts throw me to the dogs of progress ♪

♪ But they run from what really matters ♪

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ To the furnace for shade to the dust for a drink ♪

♪ Logic's mad and shame doesn't care what you think ♪

♪ The ocean's dry it's only a phantom that you fathom ♪

♪ But the flood comes from the desert ♪

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Land of the known

♪ Free of the brave

♪ They sell us ourselves

♪ The center has moved and water bleeds from broken faces ♪

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

♪ Raised on promises

I'd love to hire you, honey. But you've come out of step with the season.

We just cut 3 girls.

The last one goes back to school tomorrow.

- Tried anyplace else? - Yes'm. They's all half shut-down,

or they're not hirin'.

Well, like I say, your timing is way off.

It's now or never.

Mrs. Chambers, I've done retail before

and I work real cheap.

What is your name?

Gissing.

Ruby Lee Gissing.

Ricky is slime.

He'll come onto you sooner or later.

He came after me, once. And he ain't even a liberal.

You know, even Mrs. Chambers knows her son is a true bastard,

but, see, admittin' it would be a confession of her own, now wouldn't it?

All bosses are scumbags.

Is that why you left... wherever?

Manning.

Tennessee.

My Mom passed and things kinda went bad all-around.

There's more to life than workin'

at Uncle Jack's store and takin' crap from men.

You are a dreamer, ain't you?

Right here, moving up in the world, and all?

I got out of Manning without getting pregnant or beat up.

That's sayin' somethin'.

Well. Speak of the devil.

Ain't he a mess.

Works his mama's books upstairs and God-knows-what on the side.

- Must be a drug dealer. - Hardly.

Real estate, stocks, that kinda stuff.

He's one can make money when all the news is bad.

- It's a good trick. - Yeah, for him, maybe.

I was here once when I was 10 years old.

Only vacation I can remember.

Yeah. Summer's fine.

On the other hand, this time of year's kinda bleak.

Seems fine to me.

If you like ghosts, maybe.

It'll be like this pretty much 'til Spring Break.

This year they're expecting thousands, hundreds of thousands.

Sounds impossible.

Well, just the same, that's what they're sayin'.

You know, most of the locals try to stay clear, but sometimes it's fun.

The clubs have great music and everybody just goes a little bit crazy.

Last spring, Billy, my boyfriend, he just about got himself killed.

What?

Well, he didn't get hurt, I mean, we were leaving this club, see?

When these four rednecks pull up and start

shouting they don't want us niggers on their beach.

And they were drunk, you know, wild and up on us before we knew it.

So club security, they got there in a flash.

It was a good thing, too, 'cause see, Billy was, he was kickin' behind.

And the club, they gave us some passes and a round of drinks,

and I got a story to tell.

And Billy?

Billy goes to school in Atlanta, and...

We're supposed to get married, and all that good stuff.

Knock on wood.

- Where's that club at? - Just up a ways.

My God.

Tomorrow, World Geo and Accounting 201.

Yeah.

We agreed that you weren't gonna make these

kind of deals without telling me about it first!

I tried, but I had to act, and I couldn't find you!

And out of my account?

I don't like being told that I can't write a check.

Selling short and all the rest of this stock market crap makes no sense, Ricky.

You're betting on losing money; why don't you just throw it away at the dog track?

I only made 4 Grand in 3 days! What'd the store net last week?

This store has been very, very good to you.

If you spent half the time here that you do on your deals,

it could be even better.

How many times do we have to go through this?!

Yes, this store has been great to me. No, I will not come in,

because there's no future in retailing!

- I don't see us hurting. - Look, I want my own deals.

You know, one day, one of your hunches is gonna backfire.

- I've gotta be able to trust you, Ricky. - I'm not going anywhere, Mother!

And I'm sure as hell not gonna bite the hand that so generously fed me.

- You don't have to get nasty about it. - I don't have to get anything about it!

I'm late.

You and Rochelle get all those T-shirts marked down?

Yes, Mrs. Chambers, they're all priced on the shelf.

Well, next time, make more noise when you come in.

I'm gonna be away for a week starting Monday.

Ricky will be in to open up and cover the upstairs.

There's one rule I have for all my employees:

They don't date my son. You understand that?

Yes'm.

It's so great being out of high school.

When I saw all the other kids going back last month,

I felt like I was out of prison.

It's amazing how much you grow in a couple of months.

Drive wild, Jimmy!

Jimmy's an artist.

Does airbrush. Shirts and stuff.

It's a glory to watch.

He's gonna teach me so that I can do it next summer.

- Did you know Jimmy in school? - I knew Ed.

It's his night to cook, but I always help.

We all get along just fine, you know?

We're very liberated.

That's a neat old rocker.

Thanks. It was my Granny's.

- You knew your Granny? - Both of 'em. Grand-daddys, too.

Wow.

I barely knew my Ma.

Where the hell you been?

- Did you run out of gas? - No, not this time. Come on.

Debrah Ann?

Guess what I got?

Nothing fancy here.

Just try to put down my thinking over time.

Maybe figure out the why's of running off, of coming here.

"Back home". Seems strange to say that.

"Back home". Seems strange to write that.

It was "Do this, do that."

Now it's up to me, to what I want to be.

I got some idea about inside,

feelings and stuff.

But about the outside,

the acts and looks of things,

of me,

I am not so clear.

Wonder if I'll ever feel just what I am.

No...

No, you're right, you're right, it may never be the same.

Those little bastards love nothing more than to make trouble for business.

Uh-huh. Leeches is what they are, worthless.

No! No, no. It shouldn't affect the deal.

Thirty dollars and seventy-three cents, please.

No. Not at this time, at least.

Hey, I'll keep you informed, okay?

- Here you go. Your receipt. - Listen, JB,

if I'm gonna meet Justine in a half-hour, I gotta go.

JB...

Five bucks says I take you by 3.

Oh. Okay, buddy. You're on.

- See you later. - Are you leaving?

- Huh. It's dead. - But I--

- The store needs two people. - No, no you don't.

Trust me.

- So how about tonight? - Excuse me?

Dinner, dancing?

This is a resort town you moved to. You need to resort.

What do you say, Ruby?

For one thing, I say you're about as appealing as day-old roadkill.

Roadkill?

And for another, your mama says that the help stays clear of the boss' son.

My mama tries to protect me from opportunists, but uh...

I can take care of myself.

Can you?

Come on, we might as well get this out of the way.

Who knows?

I dare you.

- 8:00, where do you live? - I'll meet you here.

Okay.

So far, fun has been nothing but work.

Ricky was right: get it over with.

Morning. Sorry I'm late.

Here.

It's for those lonely nights when we can't be together.

I really enjoyed our evening.

We'll do it again sometime.

I'll get the cash drawer.

Another day, another dollar. I hope.

Do something with that towel display when you get a chance.

And the sidewalk needs sweeping.

Glad you could come. Had to know how you were doing with Freddy Krueger?

- Who? - Slick Rick, the hunk in the trunk?

Alright, I guess. Mrs. Chambers has been on vacation.

So you've been alone with the masher? He come onto you yet?

I keep him at arm's length.

Besides, half the time he's not even there.

That's good, see, cause he's the kind you give an inch and he owns your butt.

He could care less about the store.

How's school?

Mmm. I'm on what they call a pre-business track.

Just junk, mostly, buying and selling, like Mrs. Chambers.

Mama wanted me to be a teacher, but I said forget that no-money crap.

A blue Volvo and job security will make me a happy camper.

My worst nightmare is I turn into another Ricky.

Oh, well. Tchk. As one of my professors says,

"Necessity has always been our easiest excuse."

What would you teach? I mean, children.

How to survive.

With your soul intact.

Yeah. I guess that's it.

Today, lunch with Rochelle.

I don't know what I'm doing here.

Call it an experiment.

Folks do this crap and a whole lot worse without battin' an eye.

After all,

why slave your life out when you can just take?

Are there any real reasons for livin' right, anyway?

Mama always thought so, and they held to her like a moth to light.

With the hopes of earning everlasting peace and glory.

"This life and the next" she used to say.

It was all a bloody mean trick. I don't want none of it.

Get away from Ricky.

Ruby? Come on back here a sec, would you?

- Welcome back, Mrs. Chambers. - Well, thank you, Ruby.

- How's everything been? - Fine. Real nice.

Yeah, the store looks good.

You know, usually I'm afraid to come back after a trip,

but you did a good job.

I'll ask you to do the cash drawer, if you don't mind.

Surprise!

How about tonight, we could meet at the Driftwood?

- I don't think so, Ricky. - Last time was wonderful.

It was fantastic, I don't wanna lose that momentum.

It was real nice, Ricky,

but your Mom's back, and I just think it's too risky.

Don't worry about that.

And I didn't come all this way to be your chippy.

Ricky? Ricky! It's for you.

There in a second, Ma.

I'll give you a few days, and we'll work it out.

It was fantastic. Fantastic.

That's right, Tom. Now might be a good time to cover your plants and bring in the cat

because we're expecting the first severely cold weather of the season.

As you can see, there is quite an extensive Canadian front

draping into the Southeast this hour.

Behind it, some parts of the Tennessee Valley are already reporting

record low temperatures, they're experiencing

blizzard conditions in some areas.

Here in Northwest Florida, we'll be feeling the effects of that cold front

by early tomorrow morning.

There's also a small craft advisory in effect tonight.

If you have to be out on the gulf, do exercise extreme caution.

We'll have a look at current conditions and the extended forecast

right after this message.

"Do exercise extreme caution."

"We'll have a look at current conditions and the extended forecast

right after this message."

It's snowing back home.

They don't need snow here.

Here, you could get washed out to sea, and nobody'd ever even know where to look.

- How's the jade? - Excuse me?

You came in here a while back, bought a little jade plant.

Part of a set of cuttings I did myself.

Fine. Plant's fine. That's why I'm back.

Right.

You know, uh...

Most of the nurseries around here, they-they buy their stuff,

but we grow almost everything ourselves.

Huh.

Now in, uh, California, jade there

grows as big as garbage cans. Bigger.

But out here, outside, it wouldn't make it to Thanksgiving.

- Thanks, I'll remember that. - But now, uh,

you need to know about your new companion here.

I get off in 10 minutes. 5.

I'm a good guy. You've seen where I work...

Okay, you tell me where you work and I'll come by and visit you there.

Chambers' Beach Emporium, but I'm not allowed to have visitors.

Is that a fact? That's too bad.

Well, I was just thinking, you know, everybody's gotta eat sometime.

Would you promise not to say another word about plants?

What's a plant?

They'd come from all around but I was old enough to figure out

she had something special going on.

I'd spend all day in the kitchen.

I didn't know people from Tennessee liked oysters.

Everyone I know.

Thank you.

It's so funny to me. My aunts didn't care about how great she cooked,

they never tried to learn.

I met a new guy, Mike McCaslin. He can talk your ear off about anything.

But he's a good listener, too.

I guess I've been needin' that.

We've seen each other a few times now.

His great-great-granddaddy helped settle Panama City.

and Mike says he knows everything about this place.

Like how the Indians lived,

and where the Spanish first landed.

And how things started going wrong almost from the start.

Mike was real involved once, in trying to make things better.

But now he says he sees there's no point.

My granddaddy and I, we used to fish off this bridge here.

Ain't nobody gonna be fishing off this bridge.

Always seems like people have to tear

something down to make themselves feel alive.

Then we run around scared to death of whatever's gonna take us out in turn.

Like cockroaches or big-mouth bass.

Right.

Anyway, this whole place'll be under water in 100 years or so

that oughta slow us down some.

Why wait? Why not just end it all now?

It's pretty, isn't it?

It's kinda dirty.

You know what these are for?

Neither do I.

Mike can get morose, that is no lie.

But most often he just seems glad to be here.

Like a tree, he says.

That's his job.

That and keeping the record straight.

Looks like you live next to a junkyard.

That's Jimmy, Ed, and Debrah Ann. They're alright.

You want to come in?

Next time. I'll fix you something.

It's been a long time since one kiss made my lips hum.

I can still feel it.

Must be all that bike riding.

Gotta watch it with Mike.

Be careful, now.

There. Beautiful!

- So what's this all about? - Our second season. You'll see.

Y'all got enough stuff now?

So I like selling stuff, okay? Is that good?

Five days of one thing for two of something else. Fair enough.

Anyway, the weeks are moving faster now.

Sometimes I see Rochelle.

...some course you could take. Finance, marketing, management...

so you can run the business one day. Or general education...

She says I should set my sights higher, go back to school.

It's the only way to get ahead.

But Mike doesn't see much point to it.

You just need a guide, to aim you in the right direction.

- And here you are. - At your service.

Mike says there's a whole new way to see the world.

Low-impact living, he calls it.

Getting unburdened, giving nature a chance.

Sounds fine.

What I can make of it.

And yes, we've gotten it on. All tender and romantic.

I'd been here almost three months and hadn't gone swimming.

Mike said that was long enough.

Canadians go all the time, but God it was miserable cold.

We sure had fun.

That gulf water can wake you up.

Good morning.

I've never seen so many books in a house.

That's 'cause only fools read anymore.

You can have anything you like. Whatever looks good.

For somebody who doesn't see a point of school, how do you figure all these...

It's something else.

More like a... vain addiction, really.

I only read I had to, like the Bible.

Lot of good it did me.

I guess you think I've missed something.

Now that...

That may be a little bit tame for you, but it's a great choice.

"No one who had ever seen Catherine Moreland in her infancy

"would have supposed her born to be a heroine.

"Her situation in life, the character of her father and mother

"her own person and disposition, were all equally against her."

Those are my odds.

"Her father was a clergyman

without being neglected or poor, and a very respectable man..."

- Go on. - I don't think so.

Well, take it, then.

You can join my fools' reading society.

Meetings nightly, after lovemaking.

Lot of good it's done you.

Saved me from evil, restored my soul,

brought peace to my troubled mind,

and joy to my broken heart.

I'm not sure what Mike's gettin' at,

but I liked this one.

All that fuss over finding a man isn't all that different now.

Who's it gonna be, and when.

And why.

Never got around to it.

You don't want to let mother catch you.

She, uh... She might wonder what you're doing on the job.

Take care.

Ricky is 100% of something I would like to forget.

Isn't it wonderful the way Austen seems to dwell on the superficial

and the comic and yet, all the while,

revealing the contradictions and value systems

of an entire society?

I don't think there's been anyone so subtle and elusive.

- What do you think? - It was a neat story.

And Mike, I always feel good around him.

He's like that red and blue sweater I had when I was 13.

So perfect.

I wanted to wear it all the time, even when it got hot.

But sometimes...

Not always a pleasant feeling.

- This is crap, let's go. - This is a good part.

It's braindead, come on.

Hey, Mike, I don't see why we have to leave.

This is garbage.

- What good does that do? Can you tell me? - It's just a movie.

It's bullshit. It takes over your brain with

stupid fantasies that have nothing to do with being alive.

Next thing you know, they're just gonna wire you up and set you spinnin'.

- No screen, no popcorn, no nothing. - Maybe sometimes that's okay.

- What gives you the right to know? - Because it's so clear.

Well, to you, maybe. It's not to other people.

They have to make up their own minds.

- Perhaps it's all they need. - Do you really believe that?

I don't know, and I'm not deciding right now, so don't press it.

You wanna go back inside?

And sit next to you when I know you're miserable?

Morning.

So how's our #1 and only salesperson today?

Fine, Ricky. And yourself?

I'm in the mood for a night to remember.

I think we oughta give it another go.

Not a good idea. Least not right now.

Most people are only 2 paychecks from the streets, did you know that?

I'll keep that in mind.

I didn't mean that, Ruby.

It's just, I can't get you out of my mind.

I'm going to Bimini for a few days. I'd like you to come with me.

- Why won't you just give me a chance? - Ricky, that hurts!

Now's just not a good time. Maybe after the holidays.

Yeah.

Yeah, we'll work it out.

Sorry.

I don't know why I just didn't tell him right there I was seeing someone else.

Maybe I didn't want that to mark me, to be what I was.

"Hands off, I'm some other man's lady."

Get out! Get out.

You never stay around long enough to ask.

Oh, really? I'm here now! What do you say about it now?

No! No!

Eddie, can't you stop him?

Eddie? Eddie's my friend, darling. His old lady can't do a thing about that.

I'm sorry to ask this. But is it alright if I stay the night?

No problem.

Thanks.

Thanks, Ruby.

I'll be alright tomorrow.

I've grown so much in the last two weeks.

You'll see.

Messes. I've sure been there.

And if I'm not careful...

Everybody's fantasy...

Tender unions, precious ties...

I wonder how many folks get anywhere near.

Mike's boss at the nursery has a family.

Everything is perfect.

But from what I've seen, it's the woman who pays most for the dream of...

security and belonging.

Still, for some, there must not be any charge at all.

Like it comes without effort. Like breathing.

Lord help us if we don't fit that mold.

Especially when we're all so willing to buy in every chance we get.

Suckers for the tender, cozy life.

You all done?

No.

I put up with your garbage. Now it's time for some inspiration.

And move away from the selfish claims of our wills and desires.

Oh, I know. Our pride objects.

Our petty spirits rebel.

But he knows we seek limits to our lives.

That we are happy only when we yield...

Don't you love it? Just enough truth to keep the sheep in line.

No. I don't love it.

You go ape over a dumb movie, and then you put up with this, this kind of crap.

It's how most folks make do.

Is it how you make do?

I guess.

Way back, somewhere. I figure there's a God out there.

But gentler, without the harsh threats and the misery.

You can't have that kind of comfort without the hell threat coming somewhere.

What?

So clear and bright,

like a crystal beacon lit 2000 years ago and still shining.

Obey and be saved in love.

Turn away and be damned for all eternity.

My family bought it all.

Hook, line, and sinker.

I grew up with the security and certainty of living in the law.

I also know the guilt and shame it can bring.

Nothing is ever gonna get that kind of hold on me again.

My poor, tormented rebel from the law.

I'm not your poor anything.

I didn't mean any harm, Ruby.

Honest.

- Merry Christmas. - Same to you.

- Can you get the light? - Yeah.

Emily. Mike's Emily.

Strange words.

Too many thoughts, but I thumbed through the pages.

"To ache is human, not polite.

"The film upon the eye,

"Mortality's old custom,

"Just locking up

"to die."

- Wish I had a set of these. - Let's see the price.

Woody, I'll take a dozen of each of the trays.

You keep all of this in your head?

Well, most of it doesn't change, just the numbers,

and what you think you can sell this year.

Ms. Chambers, I need to know something.

Am I doing a good job?

Well, you still have a lot to learn.

But you're earning your money, if that's what you mean.

I see.

Are you all packed?

- I'm all set. - Good.

I'm glad we did that. It's always good to go

back to the floor a second time on some things.

Especially, with this new stuff.

But two days of it is enough for any human being.

I've been coming to these things for 20 years,

I'm still afraid I'm gonna forget something.

I'm gonna let you start driving. I gotta take a nap.

Ruby!

Ricky. You scared the damn hell outta me.

I'm sorry. Can I come in?

It's really late. I'm mighty tired.

Here.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Aren't you a little early?

Yeah. That's right.

Come in.

You want some coffee?

No, thanks, Ruby. I'll be alright.

I've missed you so much, Ruby.

More than I ever thought possible.

Your mom and I just got back from Tampa. I guess you've been to a lot of trade shows.

Not since I could say "no".

Your mom spent $6,000 in four hours on the floor.

Then we went to a big meeting about tourism, and ate in a fancy restaurant,

and got some sleep before hitting the floor again

this morning, then drove straight back through

so you can see how I'm real worn out.

Ruby!

I ain't seen anybody since you. I got feelings, don't you understand?

I just need you to set them free.

And everything'll be all right.

Back, or I scream!

Get out of here, Ricky.

Ruby...

Ruby, Ruby, Ruby...

A man offers you his heart, and look at you.

What's in this for you, Miss Gissing?

If you're not careful, you're gonna end up one lonely, cock-teasing bitch!

I should've known.

I don't wanna see you around.

In fact, don't even bother coming in to work, 'cause you're fired. Terminated.

I'll send your last check here.

I think it's for the best, don't you?

I don't ever want to see you again. I mean it.

Driving along the road once, I swerved trying not to hit a rabbit,

and ran smack over a skunk.

I'm sorry, Ricky.

Guess nothing good can come from being a fool.

Goddamn Ricky and his line about folks being 2 paychecks from the streets.

Just make this right, here, and you'll get back on that main road.

I met a family from near back home.

Either that, or you want to take this...

Everything they owned was in their car.

Out of work and on their way to Mobile to stay with a cousin.

I don't think the mom was countin' on much.

I gave them $10 for gas.

Can't meet up with any more. Not for a while, at least.

Not until I'm settled again and unbeholden.

- Hey. - Hi.

- How about a movie? - I'm not feeling so good.

I think I've got the flu.

Really? I'll come in and make you some soup, then.

I think I should just sleep.

All right. You call me, alright?

Yeah.

Like a ghost, I'm gonna haunt you.

No.

Well, I can do just about anything, right there, I bet.

No, I don't know.

Are you sure? 'Cause there are plenty of people in here.

I'm sure that you can add me right in, and I can do something just fine for you!

Good afternoon, may I help you?

No, um...

I was supposed to meet someone. I guess he's not here.

No problem.

Did you know you're not supposed to be here alone?

I sure didn't.

We'll be seeing you around.

Impressive stuff.

To flaunt it in front of paying customers.

The ultimate merchandise.

Maybe that's all there is. We're all selling.

Forget what's inside. It's all in our skin...

and in what touches it, what covers it, what hides it.

And what it can do.

Too close to feeling gone.

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

It was my problem, I wanted to work it out myself.

Didn't you just tell me Old Lady Chambers said you were doing a great job?

Why-- Why'd she fire you?

There was no traffic in the store. She had to.

Typical. Money's tight, forget the worker, save your own ass.

Not even a week's notice.

You'll get another job. And if you need some money to see you through...

- It's all right. - Ruby, you could always move in here.

Stay as long as you like. I'll take real good care of you.

It'd be wonderful.

Every girl's dream.

Right.

Well, you think about it.

For now, I'll just settle for what you got in that pan.

Saved it.

Okay. Welcome.

You take the top part of the sheet, with the longest piece of hem...

you put it all in one hand, you draw it out

and you set it in that basket.

The first day is always the toughest, but you'll make it.

Though, none of us plan to be here long, do we Wanda?

But sometimes... What you been doing?

Sales. I've been in sales.

Much better choice.

The talkative one is Wanda. I'm Persephina.

Ruby.

Well, Ruby, don't forget to eat your Wheaties.

Don't worry. Pretty soon, you won't feel a thing.

Why'd you wait so long to tell me?

Didn't I warn you about that man? Didn't I warn you?

Are you really mad or sad, Rochelle?

I could always join the Navy.

Sure. Or marry a preacher and have 15 babies.

It's not your style, I'm afraid.

- I've got 50, 60 dollars maybe... - No...

Yes. 50 would help. Thanks.

You'll get it back.

On the edge of the edge, a dream.

Everyone I'd ever known was there.

living on a beautiful mountain.

We all did our share. We all felt joy in being alive.

Wild and free, without harm, without sorrow.

Beyond reality.

Beyond fantasy.

Only there.

Only there.

Ruby...

Are you awake?

Yeah, come on in.

You okay?

Yeah, I've just been keeping some late hours, is all.

I brought you some chest pie. It's the only thing my ma ever taught me.

Debrah Ann! You coming back today sometime?

Coming, Jimmy.

I'll see you later.

"What's that thing between Daddy's legs?"

She says "Well, she's old enough to mind", so she says, "That's how you get babies."

"You put Daddy's thing together with Mommy's thing, that's how you get babies.

The girl, she's a little confused, she says:

"Mom, I was looking through the keyhole

and I saw Daddy's thing in your mouth."

And she says "Girl, that's how you get jewelry."

I heard that.

Looks like you're getting the hang of it.

- I don't think so. - Well, that's good.

Don't lose your mind.

Hello, Ruby.

Is it alright if I come in?

Thank you.

- Can I get you some tea? - Oh, no thanks.

I paid for that.

I would never have thought otherwise.

Ricky told me that you came by the store with the car loaded and left for home.

Some emergency, he said.

I was furious and hurt that you hadn't even said goodbye.

It wasn't until Rochelle called, that I found out what really happened.

My son is a lot like his long-forgotten ass of a father.

But I still have some hope for Ricky. I know that must sound crazy.

But you've got more pressing concerns at the moment.

I like mysteries.

Ones with women detectives.

I'd like to try one.

You know, when you first came in the store,

I didn't really need anybody.

But I had a feeling about you.

You reminded me of something, you were hungry.

There was a rage, and a...

fury that I recognized from a long time ago.

A lot of good it's done me.

Most of us learn to lay low.

Sounds like dying.

Come on back to the store, Ruby.

You're doing fine, and I need an Assistant Manager with energy and good ideas.

Besides, I'm thinking of opening a second store, up the beach a ways.

Lord knows, the way this country's going,

maybe nobody's ever gonna buy anything again, but...

Still, memories and dreams are important.

And, so are beach towels, swimsuits, and suntan lotion. We gotta be ready.

We'll have fun.

And Ricky will leave you alone.

All right, Mrs. Chambers.

Mildred.

- Mildred. - Great.

And now I think I would like that tea.

You going to wash in your dress clothes?

No.

I just came by to turn this in. I got my old job back.

Just when you were getting the knack of it.

Chambers Beach Emporium. Come by, I'll give you a real good deal.

- Wanda? - Yeah.

I dream about that room.

And Wanda, and Persephina.

Am I up to remembering that we're all in the same world?

I don't know. I hope so.

I know it won't be easy.

Well, keep it up, girls. After this, we're gonna tackle the upstairs.

At this rate, it's gonna take us 10 years to get the store restocked.

Y'all got enough stuff now?

I'll get the door for you. Y'all come back now, y'hear?

Thanks a lot. Tell your friends about us.

Thank God for spring.

And the "Best Buns on the Beach" contest continues!

Ladies in the house, can you make some noise for contestant number 6, Jeff.

Is that you? Go do your duty, man.

Ladies, make some noise! Get this guy movin' for ya.

Wiggle it. Not just a little bit.

Ladies, are you at Party Spring Break? Make some noise!

Where's the party at? Give it up!

Let's rock the house! Shock the house!

It's Spring Break, y'all, time to cut loose, on Panama City Beach.

How many people need sex on the beach while you're here this weekend?

Safe sex, safe sex.

I'm gonna send out two girls right here with some more t-shirts, guys.

Safe Spring Break party. Don't drive while you're drunk.

Put your sunscreen on and be sure...

to be safe with sex on Panama City Beach.

The 3 big S's of Spring Break. Who needs a t-shirt? My ladies have'em for ya.

You gotta make some noise, guys! Where they goin'?

Spring Break capital of the United States, Panama City Beach.

If you guys are feeling good, make some noise!

- Not the most gorgeous shade of blue. - Yeah, but one size fits all.

You got the other side?

- Okay. - Let's go to work.

These knobs set your price, look through the little window and make sure it's right.

Give it a good, hard squeeze,

and then just roll it... on like that.

On someplace flat. Alright? You wanna try?

Ruby... Never mind.

- Rochelle... - Yes, Mrs. Chambers?

Has the new stock been priced yet?

The new girls are putting it on the floor.

Great, thank you.

It's nothing like when I first started.

You wouldn't believe the inventory that we're moving.

We get all this stuff, and the next day, it's gone.

Mildred says it's a buying frenzy. Like it's contagious, or something.

What do you think about all this, Rochelle?

It's what we're gettin' paid for, isn't it? When the fish bite, enjoy.

- Like lemmings to the sea. - What?

Nothing.

Beats not working.

There were other options.

What do you mean?

No matter how much they mess things up, there's always the ocean.

Yeah.

Polluted and dying. There it is.

I'm glad you finally called me. I was

beginning to think I was a leper or something.

I got caught up in gettin' the store ready for spring.

It can't mean anything, going back to the selling game.

It doesn't mean anything It can't be the reason you're here.

It's a game whose rules I understand.

And for a while, at least, that's just gonna have to be enough.

What are you really trying to say, anyway?

It's better than having no game at all.

You and all of your gloom and doom crap, man.

Do something about it or leave it alone.

Just please stop looking down at the rest of us.

You're absolutely right.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

That's when I started seeing less of Mike.

We go to movies and stuff,

but we get uncomfortable if we stay together for too long.

He's working on something. One of his causes again.

But he won't say what.

May be afraid of losing it.

I understand.

I hope we keep in touch.

Somewhere I heard that "Hell is when all your dreams come true.

Maybe it's because you find out, they won't all go together.

Or that there's always sides you can't see when you're dreaming away.

I won't be staying long.

I just wanted to tell you how much I regret what happened.

I'm in counseling now.

"Getting in touch with myself," they call it.

Becoming a new man.

I just wanted to apologize, that's all.

Maybe I'll see you around?

Business is booming.

While we have a free moment...

Thanks, Rochelle. It was a real help.

Oh, yeah. I'd forgotten. Almost.

By rights, Mildred should have made you Assistant.

Nah, after this summer, Mildred won't be able to afford this one here.

Billy finishes school in December. And I'll have my degree, and...

we'll be straight.

I hope.

Hello.

Hello.

Did you used to work over at Porter's Court?

Oh, my uncle's place.

I still do.

He and my father just bought this complex, and we're fixing it up.

- Do you live here? - Yeah, I do.

- Would you like to have some tea? - Sure.

What about that song?

Prayers to Shiva, who is everything.

Everything?

When my family came here, we were skin and bones.

I mean it, we were skin and bones.

But four years later, and look at me now. I'm so healthy, don't you think?

- Don't you miss your home? - This is home now.

- Everyone wants to be here. - It doesn't make it right.

It is, for now, the great dream of the world.

Whether it's right or wrong, that's always much harder.

It really is a beautiful song.

Maybe you'd like to learn it?

- Good morning, Mr. Roberts. - Mornin'.

Suppose it means more.

Making it in some big great city somewhere.

But this is the world I found.

And I guess the questions stay the same.

Mornin', Ruby.

Like, where does caring come from?

Can we ever know our true desires?

And why are we, all of us, so often lonely and afraid?

The answers are probably real simple and real close.

Smiling somewhere, quiet-like.

Waiting, for us.

Mornin', everybody.

♪ If I close my eyes

♪ I'm afraid I won't wake up

♪ If I stop and listen

♪ I'm afraid I'll hear too much ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ I've got a long black Cadillac ♪

♪ Marble hot tub in the back

♪ Champagne waterfall

♪ Solid gold question mark twenty feet tall ♪

♪ Solid gold question mark twenty feet tall ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Holding on for what it's worth ♪

♪ Try to paint a world of shapes ♪

♪ Over the holes as we're falling ♪

♪ The tightened grip is our mistake ♪

♪ As we're trying to hold on hold on hold on ♪

♪ Trying to hold on hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Looking for his name

♪ Wet on brave lips carved on road ♪

♪ Look for flame and mercy

♪ Hope that tired hands can hold ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Holding on for what it's worth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪

♪ Trying to hold on to the earth ♪