Original subtitles

["Winter Wonderland"plays]

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-Okay. See you later. -Yeah, right.

-Okay. Let's go, boys.

-Here we go, guys.

Merry Christmas!

-Oh!

-Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho! -Merry Christmas!

♪♪

♪♪

-Oh, merry Christmas, folks. Have a happy holiday.

-Hi, Santa. -Ho, ho!

Look at these young men her. Are you being good boys?

I'll see you Christmas Eve. Bye-bye.

Ho, ho, ho, ho. -Bye.

-High five for you, my man. Hey, hey.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!

-That guy, he has some nerve...

-Ho, ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas.

What do you want from Santa this year, young man?

-Tell Santa what you want. -Hmm?

-Bike! -A bike?

Oh, you be good, and we'll hope you get it.

Okay? Ho, ho, ho, ho.

And what do you want for Christmas, young lady?

-A divorce.

-[Laughs] Oh.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho.

♪♪

♪♪

-Jordy?

Jordy?

♪♪

Jordy!

-You don't have to yell. I can hear you.

-I got an extra suitcase. -Whoopie.

-Are you all packed?

-For what it's worth.

-Try to show a little more enthusiasm, will you?

-Mother, they don't even have a mall in Mayberry.

-Mayville, and I didn't say there wasn'tany mall there.

I said there's a possibility there wasn't any.

-Don't you realize

how frightening that is to a teenager?

-There's lots of other interesting things to do

in Mayville, Jordy.

-Well, at least I'll have cable.

-Cable?

-They don't have cable?

-I'm not sure.

-We're moving to a place where there's no mall and no cable?

[Doorbell rings]

-Who is it?

-It's your favorite lawyer.

-Hi. -Merry Christmas.

You're officially divorced.

-I guess Santa took me seriously.

-Carolyn, are you sure you're doing the right thing here?

I mean, isn't this a little extreme,

moving 3,000 miles away from your practice,

leaving the people you depend onfor support,

taking your kid away from all her friends?

-Jordy's friends are all criminals,

and I need to get away from here.

Can't stand the thought

of everybody I know feeling sorry for me.

I want to put this whole divorcething behind me, start over.

I'm gonna give it a try.

If it doesn't work, we'll come back.

-It just sounds to me like you're running away

from the people you need the most.

You're running away from your problems.

-Mnh-mnh. I'm running away from everybody else's.

-But what are you going to do at night in...

What do you call it? -Mayville.

And there's plenty to do.

The house I inherited from my grandmother

has been closed up since she died.

I'm sure it's gonna need a little work.

-Who are you gonna talk to? Are there any men there?

-None under the age of 80.

It's perfect.

Gonna write my book, get to know my kid again.

[Sighs] Jordy's never even seen the place.

It'll be good to get back there.

-You mean you're really going back to Mayberry

because you like it?

-Mayville. Mayville.

Yes. I do.

It's beautiful there and quiet.

Life is simple. Everybody knows everybody.

Everything there has meaning.

-If you weren't the best psychologist in L.A.,

I'd recommend that you go to yourself for therapy.

-[Laughs]

Why don't you come visit us and see for yourself?

-I'm afraid of snakes.

Aren't there snakes in South Carolina?

-Nothing like L.A.

♪♪

-Goodbye, palm trees.

Goodbye, ocean.

-Goodbye, traffic.

Goodbye, smog.

Goodbye, earthquakes.

♪♪

-I'm getting carsick.

-Open a window.

-I can't. It's too windy.

-[Sighs] Jordy, you are projecting your fears

onto my driving.

-I'm not your patient, Mother.

I'm your kid, and I'm very upset about

the way you've handled this divorce stuff.

And how would youhave handled it if you were me?

-I would've talked to me about it more,

I mean, on your process.

-I see.

-In return, I would've told you

I'm afraid to go somewhere weirdwithout Daddy.

-He left me,Jordy. What did you want me to do?

-Why didn't he want us?

-It's very complicated, honey,

but I don't want you for a minute

to think any of it was your fault.

Okay. I should have let you in on it more.

But I-I was just trying to protect you.

-Which is why we're running away

to a place where they don't evenhave cable.

-We are not running away.

We're going back -- very different.

-I sure hope so.

I have to go to junior high now.

I just can't take care of you anymore.

Grandma's house has indoor plumbing, right?

-Absolutely.

-How about a microwave? -[Sighs]

You have to remember, Jordy, Grandma's old house is...

It's old.

-What about neighbors?

-Just one family.

-Who?

-Not now, Jordy. I'm driving. -Mom?

-The Traynors.

They had a son.

His name is Clay.

We were...engaged once.

-Engaged?

You were engaged to somebody other than Daddy?

-Only briefly.

-And you never told me about this?

-Well, it never came up.

-So were you in love with him?

-Yes. Of course I was. -Then why didn't you marry him?

-It's a long story, Jordy.

-Tell me.

-We just weren't right for each other.

I was adventurous.

He was provincial.

I didn't realize it till it was almost too late.

On our wedding day, I...

kind of...didn't show up.

-What?

You mean you left him at the altar?

-[Sighs] I'm not proud of it.

-I can't believe this.

Do people really do that?

-I guess so.

-Wow, Mom.

I mean, wow.

So do you ever think you made a mistake?

-Not for one second.

If I hadn't left Mayville and married your father...

I wouldn't have had you.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

This is it. We're here.

-It's worse than my nightmares.

-Oh, come on.

There's someone I want you to meet.

♪♪

[Birds chirping]

Come on.

♪♪

Mr. Dave. [Door closes]

It's Carolyn Giblin.

-Well, I'll be. -[Chuckles]

-And who's this?

-This is my daughter, Jordy.

Jordy, this is Mr. Dave.

He's been looking after Grandma's house for me.

-I had to hire somebody to help me this year

on account of my arthritis.

-Aw. I'm sorry to hear that.

-Your mother broke a number of hearts when she left Mayville.

Did you know that?

-Did you know the guy she was engaged to?

-Uh, we don't have time to talk about that now.

We just came by to pick up the key.

-Well, now, uh,

the place ain't exactly what you might call ready.

-Oh, that's all right. We'll be fine.

I'm real anxious to get up there and see it.

-Well, if you want to, there's your key.

-Thank you.

-Good to have you back, Miss Carolyn.

-It's good to be back.

♪♪

Let's go.

[Bell jingles]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

-Where's the house?

-This is it.

-Mom, all it's missing is a signsaying "Condemned."

-It'll be great, Jordy.

♪♪

♪♪

Oh.

-Ugh.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Horn blaring]

[Blaring continues]

-Jordy, come on!

You haven't even seen all of it yet!

Come on! Aah!

I'll fix it.

[Hinges squeaking]

Ah. Now, look.

This isn't so bad. You got a view of the woods.

-And all the weirdos who live there.

-Jordy, this isn't anything like L.A.

That out there is not a park. It's called a forest.

It's wilderness.

The only thing that livesout there are animals and trees.

-Then where do they put all the weirdos?

-The mall.

-There isno mall. -[Sighs]

-When can we leave? -We can't.

Come on! Help me!

Jordy?

[Fire crackling]

Got more wood.

Ah. There.

That's nice.

-Maybe you better push that thingy open there.

-This thingy?

Ah. -[Coughs] Right.

-There.

-[Coughing]

-That's good.

-Mom.

Mommy.

Mom.

-What? -I heard noise.

Can I sleep with you?

-[Sighs]

Come here.

Okay?

-Mm-hmm.

-Comfy?

Night-night.

-So...you stiffed him at the altar, huh?

-Well, it wasn't as bad as you're making it sound.

-I bet he was really sad.

-I don't know. I never saw him again.

-You didn't even write him a letter?

-No.

-I would've at least got him a funny card or something.

Geez.

♪♪

Mom, please take a look in the basement.

-[Exhales sharply] All right, Jordy.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Footsteps approaching]

Nothing. Satisfied?

-I know I heard it.

-It was probably an animal. But I've got to get to work.

-Work? -Yes.

I promised myself a chapter a week.

-No. Don't work now. We just got here.

Can't we do something?

-Okay. Let's go for a walk.

-Walk? -Yes.

We can bond. -We're bonded.

-We can bond some more.

-Well, if I can't go to a mall,

at least I'll try to have some fun.

-Exactly. Come on.

-Ugh.

-This is great.

Isn't nature wonderful?

-It's too quiet. Gives me the creeps.

-Oh, Jordy, you promised.

-[Groans]

What's that?

-That's the Traynor place.

I really ought to get back and work.

-What? You mean that guy you told me about?

This is where he lived?

-Yes. Now, come on.

-No. -Chill!

-I want to see it.

-No! No! Jordy, I don't want to --

Ow!

Jordy!

♪♪

Jordy!

Jordy!

-Hi! -Jordy!

-I'm Jordy. That's my mom.

She was engaged to some guy who used to live here.

-Oh. -Miz Leona,

It's Carolyn Giblin from down the road.

-Carolyn?!

Oh, forevermore!

Well, Carolyn! -How are you?

-I'm fine. Well, what happened to you?

-Oh, I-I tripped on a log. -Oh, for heav--

Well, why don't you come in the house and clean up?

-Oh, no, no, no, no. -Oh, come on!

Of course you will. Get in here.

-You have a real house. -Well, yes.

It'd be kind of hard to live in a fake one.

-Do you have cable? -Jordy...

-Yes. Uh, there's a big piee of cable out in the barn,

and I've got some rope in the storeroom.

How big of a piece did you -- -Uh...

-Now, listen. Don't look at this house.

It's a mess. -Oh.

-I didn't have a chance to do a thing.

-It looks beautiful. -No.

I'm in a big hurry today. I'll be late.

Now, this here is called a scone.

It's, uh, like a second cousin to a biscuit,

so I made a batch of these

and took them down to the churchthis morning.

Now, you just let me know what you think.

Oh, dear.

-[Chuckles] -Well...

-Where have the rest of your family gone?

-Oh, they're just scattered thither and yon.

Honey, you know that bunch.They're just all over the place.

-Well, I thought Clay would never leave Mayville.

-Oh, well, Clay...

-He said this was the perfect place.

Anyone who left here was an idiot.

-Yeah. That iswhat he always said.

-So he got out just like everybody else.

-Well, speaking of the devil.

Look who's here, Clay. It's Carolyn.

♪♪

-You okay?

Mom? -Yeah.

-Mom?

-Well, you know, it's been a long time

since they've seen each other.

I guess it's probably something of a shock.

-Did my mom really leave you at the altar?

-Oh, yeah. That she did.

-She said you weren't right for each other

because you're provincial.

What's provincial?

-Provincial?

That means set in your ways,

you know, not willing to take risks.

[Sighs]

Carolyn, you never did tell me why y'all came back here.

-We got divorced.

-Oh, did you really?

-Mom quit being a therapist so she could write a book,

and we moved into Grandma's old house.

It's kind of a dump.

-Oh, yes. That it is. [Chuckles]

-[Chuckles] She likes it.

-Uh-huh.

-There were some weird souns

coming from the basement last night.

-Oh, from the basement?

Well, now, Clay, don't you think

you'd better get over there and have a look?

I think these two ladies need your help.

-Oh, that's all right, Miz Leona.

We can handle it. Time to go, Jordy.

-Oh, no. Do you have to?

-We need help bad.

The whole place is falling apart.

-It was nice to see you again, Miz Leona.

-And it's haunted. -Thanks for the scones.

They were great. -Oh.

-Clay, nice to see you again.

-Now, you -- you -- you comeback and see us again real soon.

I don't want you to be strangers.

-No. -All right?

Uh...cat got your tongue?

[Exhales sharply]

-He's sure cute. -He is?

I didn't notice.

-When are you gonna start cooking real food?

-Just as soon as I can figure out how to get a stove working.

[Clattering]

-Did you hear that? Call 911!

-[Sighs] That's ridiculous.

I'll just go down and see what it was.

-Oh, no, no, no, no.

It might be dangerous. Call the police.

-Oh, I'm not gonna call the police.

-Please, Mom. Please.

-[Sighs] All right. Okay.

If it'll make you feel better, we'll call the police.

[Engine shuts off]

[Door closes]

Thank you very much for coming, Clay,

but actually, we don't need your help.

I called the police.

-I amthe police.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

There's nothing down here.

-Guess it was just our imaginations.

Thanks for coming.

-So you told Jordy you left me standing at the altar...

-Well, it was just -- -...because I was provincial?

-It was the first thing that popped into my head.

-Me? Provincial?

-You weresort of set in your ways.

[Clatter]

-Don't shoot!

I-I'm a kid. [Dog growls]

♪♪

-Are you gonna put me in jail?

-You were trespassing.

-I thought this place was condemned.

-[Chuckles]

-Nobody's gonna put you in jail, William.

You can spend the night here if you want.

-If you didn't want me to handle this,

then why'd you call the police?

-'Cause I didn't know you werethe police.

-You don't know anything about this boy.

-Neither do you.

-I'm a cop. I'm trained in these matters.

-I'm a psychologist. So am I.

-Because you have some fancy degree

from some fancy university

doesn't mean you know anything about kids like this.

-I know that his dog loves him.

-She's right there.

-So he's got to be okay,and I know that he needs a bath.

-Bath?

-Jordy, why don't you take him upstairs and give him a hand?

-I don't need no bath.

-You smell worse than that dog.

-Are you calling Traveler smelly?

-Come on. Come on.

-I hate baths!

I don't need some dumb bath!

-That kid's a runaway, you know.

-Duh. -And he could be a criminal.

-Oh, he's 10 years old.

-Well, that doesn't mean much these days.

Look, I have to take him down to the social services.

That's the law. -Aw, but that's ridiculous.

He could just stay right here.

-I have to do what's right.

-You are. You're leaving him with me.

-I can't do that. -Oh, come on, Clay.

He's just a little boy, and I have a feeling about him.

-I didn't know you hadfeelings.

-What's that supposed to mean?

-You took off on our wedding day, no explanation.

I didn't think I'd ever see you again.

-I thought we were talking about William.

-I rented a tuxedo to marry you.

-Well, I hope you got your money back.

[Sighs] Clay, let's not get into this now.

-I have to bring him down to the station

so we can find out who his parents are,

and that's all there is to it.

-Why don't we just let him calm down a little,

sleep tonight in a real bed?

Maybe in the morning, he'll want to talk to us.

-That's not the way we do things.

-Oh, take a risk, Clay Traynor.

For once in your life, take a risk.

-Hold on, now. Wait a second.

She gets a fancy degree,

and she moves back here from the big city.

Now she thinks she's smarter than I am.

-Oh, I think you're just mad because...

her showing up here again brings up all that old hurt.

-I'm right about this, Aunt Leona.

The kid needs to be with social services

until we find his folks.

-You know, back in the old days,

we didn't have such a thing as social services.

A body had to take a thing likethis into their own hands, Clay.

They had to show a little compassion.

You know just as well as I do

nobody is out looking for that boy,

or we'd have heard about it by now.

-So you're on her side?

-Oh, Clay, it's Christmastime.

Will you let up a little?

Yes. I like her.

I like Carolyn. Always did. She's got guts.

-She left me standing in the church

looking like an idiot in a rented tuxedo.

-Well...

[Laughing] you got your money back.

[Silverware clatters]

Where you going?

-Down to the station,

get on the computer and see if I can find something

about somebody filing a missing-persons report.

-Would you just not stomp too hard on the porch, please?

I have got a pie cooling out there.

Clay! [Groans]

Clay.

[Door closes, engine starts]

♪♪

Well, where did my pie go?

-Mom? -Down here.

-William's gone.

He didn't even sleep in his bed,and he stole my coat.

[Door opens]

-Hey.

[Door closes]

-William.

Where have you been?

-Out.

-Where'd you get that? -Jordy...

-Out.

-You stole it, didn't you? -Jordy.

-I didn't steal nothing. -Oh, yeah? Whose coat is that?!

-I borrowed it.

-We have plenty of food here, William.

You're welcome to anything you want.

-I wantthis chocolate pie.

-Where'd you sleep last night?

-In the cellar.

-The cellar? Why?

-You get used to nice things and you get soft.

Then when you have to give them up,

you don't know what to do anymore.

-Oh, I see.

That makes sense.

-I still like it here, though.

I think I'll stay awhile.

-Oh. Well, sure, but don't you miss your family?

-Nope. -What about Christmas?

-I hate Christmas.

-That's dumb. -Christmas is dumb.

Everybody's walking around with dumb looks on their faces

buying dumb presents for people who don't need them

and singing dumb songs

about snowmen and reindeer and chestnuts!

What is a chestnut anyways?

I don't need no Christmas,

and I can get along just fine without it.

Anybody want some pie?

♪♪

♪♪

[Computer beeps]

[Keyboard clicking]

[Computer beeps]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

-Uh-oh.

-Traveler! Traveler, come back here!

[Traveler barks]

Come back here, dog!

If I have to take a bath, then you do, too!

-Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! -That's my tape player!

You stole it. -I foundit.

-Mom, make him give it back! -All right.

I'm sure William didn't mean to take anything that wasn't his.

-Are you kidding? This tape is cool!

-See? He even admits it! -All right. Stop it.

Stop it. Come on.

Oh!

William!

Oh!

Ugh.

-What are you doing here so late?

-Got a runaway at the Giblins' place.

I'm trying to find something on him.

-Any luck? -Not so far.

-Well, that's my department anyway.

I-I'll handle it, though it's gonna be hard

to find anybody to take him for the holidays.

He'll have to go to the shelter for now.

I, uh...I heard Carolyn Giblin was back.

[Chuckles] How do you feel about that?

-Free country. She can do whatever she wants.

-I just wondered if that's the reason

you didn't call me after the other night.

-I, uh... I'm sorry about that.

I've had a lot on my mind.

I had a great time with you the other night, really.

-I had a great time with you, too.

-I'm just not sure I'm ready for what you're ready for.

-What are you waiting for, Clay?

Hmm?

You're not getting any younger.

-I don't know.

-You're afraid of commitment. That's your problem.

You'd rather dream about the perfect woman

than be with somebody real.

Well, I got news for you, Clay.

Your dream woman isn't gonna show up.

She doesn't exist.

Take my advice.

Take a risk.

Try somebody that's warm and smart and...here.

-Got you.

-I'll go by the Giblin place tomorrow and pick up that kid.

What's his name?

-William. But, uh, I better do that.

He's -- He's kind of sensitive.

-I can handle a child, Clay.

It's youI have trouble with.

[Door closes]

[Keyboard clicking]

-Where are we going?

-We are going to buy a Christmas tree.

We are going to have some fun.

-You got lots of trees here, lady.

-Carolyn -- my name is Carolyn.

-Why can't we just cut one of them down?

-Well, I'm not exactly handy with a saw.

-I am.

-So is the Texas chain-saw murderer.

-That's enough. Enough.

All right. Okay.

Let's cut down a tree.

-Good.

-Isn't this bad for the environment?

-Well... -More like a mercy killing.

-Did you learn how to cut downtrees from your father, William?

-Nah. He left when I was young.

I learned off a TV. -Hold it. Hold it.

Why don't y'all leave the poor woods alone?

You got a whole yard full of trees.

You can decorate one of them.

I got to talk to you.

Hey, let's go back to my place.

I got more Christmas decorationsthan Santa Claus,

and Miz Leona just baked a pie.

-I'm there! Traveler, come on!

[Traveler barks]

-What?

-I got social services to take William off your hands.

-Well, he wants to stay with me.

-You can't keep him, Carolyn.

-Oh, come on, Clay.

What are you gonna do, arrest me?

[Laughs]

Wait for me!

-Here, honey.

Why don't you have this last piece of pie

before I get off to church?

-How come you didn't give it to me?

-'Cause you're fat. -I am not!

-Are too. -All right.

There'll be no fighting in my kitchen.

-You don't even know him,

and you're just giving him everything.

-Well, it's my pie. I can give it to who I want to.

-This one's even better than that chocolate one.

-What chocolate one?

Oh. You're the little thief that stole my pie off my porch!

-I thought you put it out for the birds!

-The birds?! Get that coat on right now.

You are going with me, young man.

Come on, Miss California. You too. Let's go to church.

-Church? -Church?

-That's right. -You can't be serious.

-Oh, but I am.

I don't want to be visiting you

down in the jailhouse in the next five years.

Will you hurry up?

You two need religion.

Get in the car.

-Mom! Help me!

-Ms. Carolyn!

-Mom, please help me! -Help!

-In the car.

-I know you're trying to o what's right here, Carolyn,

but you just can't keep that kid.

-Why not?

-'Cause he has to go to foster care.

That's the law.

-Oh, we can get around that, can't we?

-Why do you always have to make things difficult?

Why can't you just go along with the way things are?

-Why can't you just let him staywith me through the holidays?

Why can't you talk social services into that?

-It's too late. -It's not too late.

You just won't fight for what you want.

-I don't like fighting.

-Well, fighting can be very beneficial.

-Not to me. That's why I became a cop.

-Golly.

♪♪

-Now, where'd they go?

Aunt Leona?

-Jordy?

♪♪

[Indistinct conversations]

-Mr. Paul...good morning.

I have these two juvenile delinquents that need saving.

Do you have any ideas?

-Well, we could sure use two more actors

for the Christmas pageant. -No way!

-That is perfect. -I hate Christmas!

-I demand to be taken home.

-We are especially looking for someone to play the third king.

-Don't look at me. -He's just shy.

I know he is just busting with undiscovered talent.

You go with Mr. Paul, now.

-Come on, now. That's it. Just that way.

Up -- Up -- Up the stairs there.

That's it.

All right, children.

We'll start with "The First Noel."

Everybody ready?

One, two, three.

-♪ The first Noel

♪ The angels did say

-Thank you.

-Mm-hmm.

Is this William's?

-Yes, it is.

Well, don't look in there.

It's his.

"World's best mom."

-Recognize these?

-That's my grandmother's wedding silver.

The tapes are Jordy's.

-I told you you couldn't trust him.

-[Sighs] How sad.

All he has to his name is a button, a rock collection --

-And a police record.

-Well, that's a little extreme, isn't it?

-He's a thief.

-He's a hurt little boy.

If I can do something for him now,

he may not grow up to be the kind of damaged adult

I spend my life trying to help.

Now, put this back where it was.

-You're giving him back the stuff he stole?

-Well, he has reasons we don't know for taking it.

-No wonder you left me. You're a nut.

-I'm sorry I did that. I really am.

I've always regretted it.

But if I stayed here, I'd have always felt like a coward.

-You werea coward.

You left me standing in front of the altar

looking like an idiot

in front of my entire family and this whole town

in a rented tuxedo with a pickup truck

dragging a bunch of pop cans and streamers behind it.

Everybody here felt so sorry for me,

they wouldn't even look me in the eye for a month.

-When we got engaged, you said you'd leave here with me.

You knew I wanted to get out.

You knew I wanted to try to make something of myself.

And what'd you go and do?

Decide to take over the family farm, and you did it

only because you never intended to keep your promise.

-My dad asked me to take care of the farm,

so what was I supposed to do, huh?

You knew how I felt about this place,

and you knewI'd have a hard time leaving it.

-And what was I supposed to do,

marry you and stay stuck heein Melville the rest of my life?

-Mayville. -[Sighs]

You don't understand.

You never did. You never will.

♪♪

-You only get one chance in lifeat true love.

♪♪

Just one chance.

-L-Look.

There's a star.

P-P...

What's this word?

-"Pointing." -Oh. Yeah. Right.

Yonder.

There on the land.

-Good, William.

-How come I'm saying that?

-Well, because you've just noticed the star.

-Then I must be stupid or blind,

'cause I been standing here three minutes,

and that is the biggest star I've ever seen.

-Then maybe it's because you have hope

and this is your way of expressing it.

-I thought I was a king here.

-You are.

-Kings are supposed to be able to talk to the people,

supposed to be real smart.

-Good point. [Chuckles]

Try this.

Imagine you've heard these rumors, see,

about a miraculous birth, and you're not real sure it's true.

But just in case,

you loaded up with presents for the child

and took off on your camel, so when you see the star,

it's like -- like everything you wished for

might just be coming true.

-I still don't know why I'm saying this.

-B-Because it's in the script.

[Clears throat]

Now, uh, shall we try it again?

-Look yonder.

There's a star pointing on the land.

-He's terrible.

-Horrendous.

-Let us go there right away to yonder barn.

-I could do a much better job. -Oh, absolutely.

-Then how come he gets to be the king?

-These pages are all wrinkly and stuff.

-Because that's not the point.

You understand what I mean?

-I guess. -The whole world

will be a better place now that he has come.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

-[Chuckles]

♪♪

I'll do that.

-No, thank you. I don't need any help.

Mr. Dave is sending his man overany minute now.

-That would be me.

-I don't believe this.

-I moonlight for Mr. Dave on my days off.

-I suppose you're the mayor, too.

-Yep.

-[Sighs]

-I guess that master's degree

doesn't do you a lot of good out here.

-I have a PhD.

-Does that meanI ought to be calling you "Doc"?

-"Doc" would be fine.

"Your Highness" would be better.[Grunts]

-Well, look here, Your Highness.

There's something I want to clear up.

I apologize for the way I spoke to you last night.

I got over your leaving me a long time ago.

-Well, I'm sorry, too. Friends?

-Oh, I, uh, brought those Christmas decorations.

You forgot them. -Don't youneed them?

-I don't care for Christmas, if you want to know the truth.

-That's dumb.

-Christmas is for kids.

-Why don't you have any?

-I never met Miss Right.

-It's Ms.Right, and that's an illusion.

-Did the city do this to you?

-Do what?

-Dry up all the romance you used to have.

-Romance is an illusion we create

in order to fight off the boredom of fidelity.

-No wonder you got divorced. -[Sighs]

Freud said that love is a physiological phenomenon

that causes us to form attachments

so that the human race will go on.

And that's not why I got divorced.

-Why did you, then?

-Because my marriage was politically incorrect.

-You mean you married the wrong guy.

-Right.

[Ax thuds, wood clatters]

[Hinges squeaking]

-This play is stupid. -Then quit.

-I'm the only king material they got.

It wouldn't be right to quit.

-I could play the king just fine.

-You're a girl. -So what?

-Fine. Be king.

It's a stupid play, and I don't want to be here.

-Shh. Shh. Shh. Stop that.

Stop that. Look here.

They've set up the nativity scene.

Howdy, Mr. Decker. -Miz Leona.

-What on earth have you got there?

-Oh, this?

This here is a llama --close to a camel as I could get.

-Who takes care of them?

-I do, and I, uh, I usually hire an assistant.

You don't want a job, do you?

-How much you pay?

-Oh, well, all you get

is the appreciation of a couple of goats, llama,

donkey, some chickens, a cow, and some sheep.

-That's a rip.

-Oh, somebody always seems to come along who wants to do it.

-They must be chumps, then.

♪♪

-That's it. That's the way.

♪♪

-How can you stand that smell?

-What smell?

-I think that calf is in love, William.

♪♪

[Chuckles]

-[Chuckles]

-So., why aren't you seeing anyone?

-Who said I wasn't? -Are you?

-Sort of. -What's sort of?

-It's not going so great.

-Maybe I can help you. Tell me about it.

-She's moving a little fast for me.

-Did you tell her?

-Sort of. -What'd she say?

-She said, "What are you waiting for?"

-Ah. Sounds like a smart woman.

-She is.

-So why do you want to leave her?

-I don't want to talk about it.

-Helps to talk about things.

-It won't change things.

-Freud said, "What is buried is preserved."

-Then let Freud ask her out.

-You have to examine the past, Clay, so you don't repeat it.

-All right.

I admit I may still compae every woman I meet to you.

-Well, that's good. That's a start.

-Don't tell me you don't have any problems.

-I have difficulty sustaining relationships.

I call that a problem.

-I call that life.

-You do, huh? Whoo!

-Hey. -Whoo!

Whoo-hoo!

-I'll get you for that.

-Aah!

♪♪

Aah! [Laughs]

Aah!

No! [Laughs]

No!

Aah!

[Laughing]

[Sighs]

-Whew. Oh.

-[Laughs]

-You know, sometimes I think

you did the right thing by leaving me.

-Oh. We were so young.

-And immature.

-You said it. [Chuckles]

-And part of me can't help but admire the fact

that you had the guts to do what you did.

-Oh.

-Then part of me just...

-Oh.

I bought a bus ticket and cried all the way to L.A.

[Chuckles, sighs]

-You know, and the feeling that just keeps gnawing at me is,

even though we were too young, we had something

that most people never get their entire lives.

-Yeah.

Well, it all worked out for the best.

-I guess it did.

Can you tell me one thing?

-Sure.

-Why didn't you come and say goodbye?

-'Cause if I had...

I wouldn't have been able to leave.

-Mom?

-Hi, kids.

How was rehearsal?

[Stapler clicks] There.

Well, William? What do you think?

-It's okay.

-Oh. That's right.

You hate Christmas.

-Right.

-Does your mom hate it, too?

-Nah. She likes it.

-Miss her? -Yeah.

-How about some hot chocolate?

-Sure.

If you decorate that thing any more,

it's not gonna make it.

-[Chuckles]

[Door closes]

-So are you and my mom gonna get back together?

-We're just friends.

-Too bad.

-Couldn't hurtjust to take her out somewheres,

like to a movie or something, long as she pays her half.

-I'll try to remember that.

Oh, no.Come on in the house, everybody.

-Hey! Let go!

-Let's go for a walk out the back way.

-What's going on? -We've been out all afternoon.

-I'm cold. -Walk fast. You'll warm up.

-What about the hot chocolate?

-We'll reheat it. I need to talk to you.

-That is not necessary.

It was a perfectly natural response on both our parts.

I think nothing of it. I trust you won't either.

[Knock on door]

I wonder who thatcould be.

-Carolyn, I need to talk to you.

-Ms. Giblin?

-Yes.

-I'm Eve Stevens from social services.

Clay, what are you doing here?

-I'm trying to fix things.

-You fixed them, all right.

-I understand you have a runawaystaying with you.

I've come to pick him up.

-The least you could've done was tell me she was coming.

-Look, I --

-You didn't tell her about me, Clay?

-Oh. So this is the woman you wouldn't talk about?

-Clay, why wouldn't you talk about me?

-Now, look here.

If the two of you will just listen to me,

we can straighten all this out.

-Do you have to take William, Ms. Stevens?

-Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm sorry.

-Where will you put him?

-We have a very nice shelter.

He'll stay there until I can find him a foster home.

-But it's Christmas.

-He'll be fine. There's nothing to worry about.

-Well, then you don't know anything about Christmas.

People have high expectations of what it all means,

especially children.

-It's not fair to William

to let him get attached to anyone at this moment,

particularly since we don't knowwhere he belongs.

-There is nothing wrong with forming attachments,

Ms. Stevens.

What's wrong is forcing childrento break them all the time.

-Look, there's nothing I can do about it. It's the law.

-Well, then you'll have to take his dog, too.

They're never without each other.

-We'll find a nice kennel for the dog.

-And he has a part in the Christmas pageant

at Miz Leona's church,

and he has a job you'll have to take him to every day.

-Well, we'll see about all that.

♪♪

-She's not your type.

♪♪

-She's not your type, you know. [Chuckles]

♪♪

[Vehicle departing]

♪♪

♪♪

-You knew she was coming all along.

-I tried to tell you. -You did not.

-I did, too. You wouldn't listen.

-[Exhales sharply] I'm a professional listener.

I even listen when nothing is being said.

You had no intention of telling me anything.

You knew she was coming. You chose to say nothing.

-She works for the government.You know how efficient theyare.

I had no idea she'd be here for days.

She caught me by surprise, too.

-Oh, I'm supposed to believe that.

-Well, it really doesn't matter what I say.

You're gonna believe whatever you want

no matter what the truth is.

-The truth is you didn't want to tellme the truth.

You just made this decision on your own.

Oh, you're just like you always were -- provincial.

-I am not provincial.

I am notprovincial!

[Engine starts]

-What are you doing out there?

-Are you okay? -Yes. I'm fine.

[Sighs] I'm thinking of coming home, Didi.

I don't know what I expected.

I just thought things would be easier here, you know?

I -- Maybe I thought if I could change where I lived,

then I'd be able to change, too.

[Chuckles] Right.

I will.

Yeah. Merry Christmas to you, too.

Bye.

-We're leaving?

-I thought that's what you wanted.

-But we just got here.

-Yeah. Well, things aren'tworking out, Jordy.

-What are you afraid of, Mom?

-Afraid?

Me?

[Chuckles]

What makes you think I'm afraid of anything?

[Knock on door]

-Where is he?

-I imagine he's out walking his beat

or whatever else it is he does for work.

-I meant William.

-Oh. Well, he's with you.

-No, he's not. He ran away.

-Oh.

Yes. He does that when he's unhappy.

-Where is he?

-I have no idea. -Look.

Ms. Giblin,if I find out you're hiding him,

you could be in big trouble.

I could have you charged with kidnapping.

-You are welcome to take a look around if you'd like.

-No, thank you.

-If he shows up...

I'll give you a call.

-You'd better.

-No, Carolyn, honey, I'm sorry,

but William has not shown up here.

Clay?

Oh, he got home from work about half-hour ago.

I agree it's all his fault.

Stubborn? Oh, definitely.

Lyin' scum, I'd say.

Oh, you think that's a little too harsh?

I will.

I will call you just the minute I hear anything.

Goodbye, honey.

-I appreciate your support.

-Any time.

♪♪

Oh, it's ready. It's ready.

Oh, it's beautiful.

[Humming "The First Noel"]

♪♪

[Dog barks]

-Shh.

-Oh, my.

I would hate to be sleeping out in this coldnight

when I know I have a nice, warm bed waiting for me.

Well, I guess we'll just have tofind another king

for the pageant.

[Sniffs] Oh, this pie smells good.

♪♪

♪♪

[Dog barks]

[Indistinct conversations, organ playing]

[Laughter]

-Jordy, where's William?

-He ran away. -What?

-Last night. -I don't believe this.

Who am I gonna get to play the king?

-I'll do it. -You know all the lines?

-Better than he does.

-His costume's over there. Put it on fast.

-Okay.

-Children, please, let's calm down.

Get ready, hmm?

-Rats. -Get off of there.

[Indistinct conversations]

[Organ playing "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"]

♪♪

♪♪

-Miss Carolyn.

♪♪

♪♪

-Hi.

Hi.

Hi. -Hi.

[Music ends]

Can I sit here?

I didn't think I was gonna make it.

-As if anybody cares. -As if.

-This isa church, isn't it?

Aren't you supposed to forgive in a church?

-God forgives.

Me, I'm human.

[Organ playing "Joy to the World"]

♪♪

♪♪

-Hi. Is there room for me?

♪♪

♪♪

-Wise men coming from the east went to Jerusalem.

-Give me that crown. -I'm the king. You ran away.

-I moved, got sick and taken back.

Now, give me that crown. -You lost your chance.

-I'm a better king than you are.

-No way! Get out of here!

-What -- What -- What in the world is goin' on here?

-I'm king! Tell her to give me my crown!

-I'm sorry, William, but, uh, I thought you were gone.

The part went to Jordy.

We're gonna be starting any minute.

Shepherds, to the front, please.

Shepherds to the front.

Trees, stars, and other inanimate objects, get ready.

-Star, I have stage fright.

-Yeah. Me too.

-William. W-William, come back.

[Hinges squeaking]

William.

William, come on! [Doorknob rattling]

Please!

-I sure hope William's all right.

-It sure is cold out there.

[Organ playing "The First Noel"]

-Come on. Go.

This way. Okay. Hurry.

♪♪

-♪ The first Noel

♪ The angels did say

♪ Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay ♪

♪ In fields where they lay

♪ While keeping their sheep

♪ On a cold winter's night that was so deep ♪

♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Born is the king of Israel

♪ They looked up and saw a star ♪

♪ Shining in the east beyond them far ♪

♪ And to the earth, it gave great light ♪

♪ And so it continued both day and night ♪

♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Noel, Noel

♪ Born is the king of Israel

-It is the time of King Herod.

Wise men coming from the east went into Jerusalem asking,

"Where is the child who has been born king?

We observed his star at its rising."

When King Herod heard this, he became frightened,

and he called his own wise men to him,

saying, "Go and search for the child,

and when you have found him, bring me word."

So with gifts for the child,

the wise men set out to follow the star.

It led them to a stable,

and inside, in a manger, lay the baby Jesus.

-We followed a star to get here.

-That there great big star

been hangin' in the sky all night long,

which everybody else, except us,must have seen,

otherwise, we'd have been here a lot sooner.

[Light laughter]

-I have brought frankincense for the child.

-I got myrrh.

[Traveler barks]

[Laughter]

-Uh...uh...uh...

-So, where is this baby we've heard all about?

-That's myline. -Then say it.

-So, where's this child we heard all about?

-I see him!

-Where?

-Yonder, in the manger.

-Uh, the manger?

-Yeah. Yonder.

-Uh...

Oh, Mom!

[Laughter]

-Don't you see him squirming in his cradle there?

He sure is cute.

Look at those little bitty hands.

I bet he'll be good at little league.

[Laughter]

Yep. He's the real thing, all right.

He's the savior, all right.

He's gonna make the whole world better

if we just listen to him.

No more adults lyin' to kids.

No more dads runnin' off,

leavin' their families all alone.

No more animals gettin' hit by cars.

No more murdering

and nobody being poor and...and no more school.

A kid can stay home and play all day.

No more math

and writin' essays about how was your stupid vacation.

[Laughter]

-So we all come from Jerusalem.

-Yeah. It was a long ride, especially on a camel.

-King Herod sent us to find the child.

-But wait. I'm having a dream.

-What is it, my Lord?

-Herod is no good.

He'll hurt the kid if we show him where he is!

-Uh-oh.

-I say we follow them.

They're gonna need protection.

-Then that is what we shall do.

[Laughter, applause]

[Indistinct conversations]

-Mom. Mom.

-Oh, excuse me.

Oh, Jordy, you were wonderful.

-Honey, the whole show was so good.

-I'm proud of you.

-Just made me wish I was a sheep.

[Laughs] -Thanks, Mom.

Thanks, Miz Leona.

-Jordy, where's William?

-I don't know.

[Train horn blowing in distance]

-You running away again?

-So? -Just checking.

-Me and Traveler got to be going.

-Want a lift?

-No. That's okay.

-Hey, I don't mind. What direction you going?

-Northerly-southerly, but we don't need a ride.

-Want to wait till after Christmas?

-I hate Christmas.

-Yeah. I know what you mean.

It -- It -- It's tough, you know,

when everybody else has a family to be with

and you're all by yourself.

-Sure is.

-Well, good luck, wherever you're going.

-I was a good king, wasn't I?

-Best I ever saw.

-Well, see ya.

-Oh, William.

-William. -Well, where have you been?

-We've been worried sick about you!

-You little stink. -Are you all right?

-Well, you're coming home with us.

-Now, wait just a minute. -Oh, you're not gonna start

this whole thing all over again,are you?

-Hello, everyone. Merry Christmas.

Nice to see you again, William.

-Is this a setup?

-I realize you didn't like the shelter,

but you have to stay there

until we can place you with a foster family.

I'm sorry,but that's the way it has to be.

Come on, William. Let's go. Come on.

Now, it's gonna be fine.

-Do something. She's taking William.

-I can't.

-Why can't you ever stand up for what you want?

-I do. -[Sighs] You're letting him go!

-There's nothing I can do about it.

-Oh!

-You have really blown it this time.

♪♪

-Now, William, sooner or later,

I'm gonna find out where you come from,

so you might as well tell me now.

-Give me my dog, and then I'll talk.

-Tell me what I need to know, then you can see him.

-New York City.

-Really? All the way up there?

-Mm-hmm.

-Can you tell me your father's name?

-Babe Ruth.

-Babe Ruth?

-He plays for the Yankees.

-Yes. I've heard of him.

I believe that was quite a long time ago.

-He's retired now.

-Boy, he's been dead longer than you've been alive.

-I was a miracle.

-You're a miracle, all righ.

Look, son,I know you don't want to tell us

because you're afraid we're gonna send you back,

but we have to know where your father is.

-Search me.

-What about your mother?

-They took her away.

-Who did?

-Don't know.

-I've had about enough of this, young man.

-Me too.

Can I get my dog back and go back to Ms. Carolyn's now?

-I'm sorry, but we can't do that.

-Aw, why not, Evey?

-Because it's not how we do things.

-I know it, but can't we get around that this time?

-No, we can't. What's got into you, Clay?

-Christmas.

-I'll consider it.

In the meantime,you can take him to see his dog.

♪♪

-Good.

♪♪

♪♪

-I thought we were going Christmas shopping.

-We are. I've had a wonderful idea.

-Uh-oh.

-Remember how you said you wanted something different

this year for Christmas instead of the same old junk?

-I was delirious from understimulation.

-How about a brother?

-What?! -No, no.

I want to be a foster parent.

I want William to come live with us.

-Mom, how are you gonna take care of both of us?

You can't even cook.

And besides, I thought we were leaving.

-Well, maybe we should reconsider that.

-Will you make up your mind?

-I know I seem a little indecisive. I --

-Seem?

I was just getting used to t here, and you want to leave.

And when I get used to thatidea, you want to stay.

-What do you think about William?

-It's a lot of responsibility, Mom.

-He needs us, Jordy.

-All right.

As long as you remember to feed him every day.

-From 9 to 5 Monday through Fridays.

That's right. [Typewriters clicking]

No, I don't. You're welcome.

[Receiver rattles]

Can I help you?

-Yes.

I want to apply to be a foster parent.

It's an emergency.

-Everybody has to go through the same procedures, ma'am.

-Well, how long will that take? -Couple of months, usually.

-Months? I don't have months.

Ms. Stevens, I need to talk to you.

Please.

[Telephone rings]

-All right. Come with me.

-Jordy, wait here. I'll be right back.

-Now, what do you want, Ms. Giblin?

-I want to apply to be a foster parent.

-I have to say, Ms. Giblin,

the way you handled thingswith William did not impress me.

-I was just trying to do what was best for him.

-Which is why you're here now.

-Yes.

-All right.

How much do you make?

-Right now, we're living off my savings.

-No income.

Now, I've been to your home, if you can call it that.

Is that place winterized?

-Not exactly, but we --

-I've noticed the porch is rotting.

-That's part of the ambiance.

-It's dangerous, especially for a child.

-I'll fix it.

-Marital status?

-Divorced.

-So you have a problem sustaining relationships.

-Only with adulterous men.

-Are you involved with anyone right now?

-No.

-What about Clay Traynor?

-That was a long time ago.

I've changed a great deal since then.

Thank God.

-Is that your natural hair color?

-Is that really on the questionnaire?

-I have to say, Ms. Giblin, this doesn't look good.

-Look, Ms. Stevens, I know I don't have the resources

other people might have,but I really care about William,

which is a lot morethan anybody else at this point.

Now, if I can't qualify to be a foster parent,

can I at least keep him until you find

an acceptable foster parent or his mother?

He wants to stay with us.

-I'll make a deal with you, Ms. Giblin.

I can't get anywhere with William.

Maybe you can.

He can go with you until we can place him with a family.

In the meantime, maybe you can find out who he is.

-I'll try.

-You really don't care for Clay anymore?

-I got over him a long time ago.

-Wonderful.

Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

-Eat! Traveler, eat!

Ms. Carolyn, I think thatsocial-worker lady poisoned him.

He's acting really funny.

-Oh, just give him some time.

He's probably a little confused by all the moving around.

-He's not the only one.

-Mom applied to be your foster parent.

-[Chuckles] She'll never make it.

-Why not?

-This place is kind of a dump, in case you haven't noticed.

-Yeah. Well, after we decorate it, it'll be transformed.

You'll see.

This is gonna be one fantastic Christmas this year.

-Does that mean Mr. Clay is coming over?

-No, William, it doesn't.

-Why not? I thought you liked him.

-I do.

I thought you liked him, too.

Why wouldn't you tell him about your mother?

-'Cause of that Ms. Stevens lady.

I don't like her much.

-You're gonna have to tell somebodywhere you came from,

or they're just gonna keep shuffling you around some more.

-So I'll run away again.

-Well, you can't run away

every time you have a problem with something.

-Why not?-'Cause it won't solve anything.

You're just gonna have to keep running

all the rest of your life.

You deserve to have whatother little boys your age have,

like a home and people who care about you.

-I can live without that. -I didn't say you couldn't.

I said you deservethose things.

♪♪

Why'd you run away?

-They wouldn't let me see my mom.

-Who wouldn't?

-These people I had to stay with.

-What about your dad?

-He ran away long before I did.

It's in our blood.

-Oh.

Do you want to find your mother?

-Oh, yeah.

-I'll help you.

-You will?

Good.

[ "Deck the Halls"playing]

-Did you have a nice day, Scrooge?

♪♪

-You talking to me now?

-I don't know. I haven't decided yet.

I heard from Carolyn.

She finally got the truth out of William.

-You're kidding.

-His mother is named Alma Wright.

Carolyn thinks maybe you'll try to find her

on that fancy computer of yours.

-Thenwill she talk to me?

-[Exhales sharply] I can't think why she would.

You're no fun.

-Cut me down every way you can.

-I'll drink to that.

♪♪

-♪ Joy to the world

♪ The Lord is come

[Computer beeping]

♪♪

♪♪

[Knock on door]

-I found William's mother.

-What'd she say?

-I need to talk to William.

-He's upstairs in his room.

♪♪

[Knock on door]

-Don't come in!

-William, it's me -- Clay.

-Is anybody with you?

-No. Just me.

♪♪

I found your mom.

-You did?

-Yeah.

-Where is she?

♪♪

-This is gonna be hard, but...

son, she died a couple of months ago.

♪♪

You knew she was dying, didn't you?

-That's what they said, but I didn't want to believe them.

-Why not?

-Ms. Carolyn says if you visualize something real hard,

you can make it come true.

-Some things you might.

-I didn't want to take a chancein believing on the wrong thing.

-Yeah. I know what you mean.

But sometimes it's worse not admitting the truth.

-Why?

-Because if you keep believing in something

that's never gonna happen, you just get stuck,

and then you can't go on with your life.

♪♪

♪♪

-It's all right, William.

It wasn't your fault.

-Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas. -I have good news.

I found William a foster home.

♪♪

[Traveler whimpers]

♪♪

-Bad things always happen to me.

-If you think like that, they will.

Try to think about happy things.

-Like what?

-Well, doesn't anything make you happy, William?

-Traveler.

-Well, then you think about him.

-I'll try, but I still ain't saying it'll work.

Big people have dumb rules.

-They're totally out of it.

-Bye, tinselhead.

-Bye, dweeb.

-William, we have to go now.

Come on.

Come on. It's time to go.

I know it's hard, but we have no other choice.

Come on. -I'm sorry, Carolyn.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Engine starts]

-William, you're really gonna like this place.

It's a nice, big family, andthey've got a room just for you.

-Well, yougot a big house. Why can't I just live with you?

-Because you can't.

It's just me there and Miz Leona,

and you need a mother, William.

-Miz Leona needs a job.

-She's retired, son.

-What about Ms. Carolyn?

Maybe you could just go marry her.

♪♪

-Oh, look. We're here.

♪♪

[Brakes squeak, engine shuts off]

♪♪

-Hi.

-Good evening, Mrs. Simms. Merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

And this must be William.

-Say hello, William.

-Hello.

-Merry Christmas, Willy. Woofy, woofy.

We're gonna have a real good time here.

[Chuckles]

-Well, good night. -Night.

-Bye, William.

♪♪

♪♪

-Don't worry. He'll be all right.

-I'm gonna have to trust you on that one, I guess.

-Clay, what did William mean

by all that about you marrying Carolyn?

-Nothing. He's just a kid.

He doesn't know what he's talking about.

-You're still hung up on her, aren't you?

-No, not anymore.

No. That's over.

I mean real over.

-I care about you a great deal.

You know that, don't you?

-Yes, I do.

-I want this to be more than just a friendship.

-Yeah. I know that.

-Maybe you'd like to come over to my place

for Christmas dinner.

I'm having some friends ove.

I'd love it if you could join us.

-That'd be great.

-Say around 6:00?

-Yeah. 6:00 is good.

-Good. Good.

[Engine starts]

[Hinges squeaking]

-All tucked in?

-I guess so.

-If you hear footsteps on the roof tonight,

it'll be me and Santa Claus.

-I can't wait.

-Nighty-night, Willy.

-My name is William.

[Hinges squeaking]

♪♪

[Wind whistling]

Come on, Traveler. Come on, Traveler.

Come on.

Go on, Traveler. Go on.

Good dog.

[Traveler whimpers]

[Thud]

Come on, Trsaveler. Let's go.

Come on, Traveler. Let's go.

[Grunts]

Come on, Traveler. Let's go.

♪♪

♪♪

Please, Traveler.

I promise never to run awyagain if you'll just get better.

Please, Traveler.

You have to get better.

[Wind whistling]

♪♪

-Merry Christmas!

-[Laughs]

If you weren't a therapist, Mom,

someone would have you committed.

[Both laugh]

-Here. Open this one.

-Okay.

-Come on. Come on. Open it.

♪♪

-Mom, it's beautiful.

♪♪

You can't afford this.

-Oh, you only live once.

-Can you take it back?

-You don't like it.

-No. I love it.

I'd rather have a new dad, though.

-Oh. That's ridiculous.

-Why don't you just admit it, Mom?

-You're still in love with Clay.

-Oh. Where in the world did yu ever get an idea like that?

He isn't even remotely my type.

He's old-fashioned, stubborn,opinionated, honest, dependable.

He'd do anything for anybody. He listens.

He's smart, tells a passable joke...

and he's a good person.

[Sighs] There's nobody like him.

What am I gonna do?

I can't take another chance.

What if it doesn't work out again?

[Knock on door]

[Hinges squeaking]

-Merry Christmas. Can I come in?

-Uh, sure.

How's William?

-He's fine.

They're really nice people,

and I think he's gonna like it there.

Uh...I brought you a gift.

-You didn't have to do that.

-Well, open it.

♪♪

It's for writing your book.

-It's beautiful. Thank you.

-It's kind of a Christmas and a thank-you gift.

-"Thank you"?

For what?

-For making me examine the past

and making me understand why you left.

I'm not gonna make those mistakes again.

-You're not?

-No.

I'm gonna do just what you said I should -- take a risk.

I'm gonna go out and get committed...to Eve.

♪♪

Merry Christmas, Carolyn.

[Door opens] -Merry Christmas.

[Door closes]

[Sighs]

♪♪

-♪ Ding-dong merrily on high♪

♪ In heav'n, the bells are ringing♪

-Okay. Hold that up.

-Okay.

-That's good.

[Camera whirs]

-Did it flash?

-Yeah, it flashed.

[Choir vocalizing]

Oh, look. Two more presents.

-You're kidding.

-♪ Hosanna in excelsis♪

-They're from William.

This one's for you.

♪♪

[Paper ripping]

♪♪

-Grandma's silver.

-My tapes.

I was wondering what happened to them.

[Telephone rings]

-Hello?

Yes, Miz Leona.

Oh, no. Not again.

No, no, he didn't.

I will.

I will. Thank you for calling.

-What's the matter, Mom?

-William.

He ran away again.

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

-Looks like Miz Leona was right.

-He's dying.

-What happened?

-I ran away and pushed him out the window,

and then he couldn't walk.

I promise never to run away from anything ever again

if you'll just make him better, please.

♪♪

-You promise never to run away again?

-Yes.

-Really?

-Yes.

-It's a deal.

♪♪

-Okay, Jordy.

I think we are ready for the water now.

-Okay.

-Cup.

Take out the cup.

-We're cooking dinner here, Mother, not wearing it.

-I've never made bread before.

-Really?I never would have guessed that.

Would you? -No.

-Maybe I'm not concentrating.

I'm really worried about William.

-Why isn't Clay coming over for dinner, Miz Leona?

-Because he's got a date.

-I guess Mom really blew it, huh?

-I didn't blow anything.

We weren't meant for each other,okay?

Besides, you and I don't belong here.

I thought we could come here andstart over, but that's not true.

I made a mistake.

We ought to go back to L.A.

-I don't want to go back to L.A.-Jordy.

-What about William? And Clay? And Miz Leona?

They need us, Mom.

♪♪

-Couple of nice puppies, huh?

-You tricked me.

-[Laughs]

You promised me you'd never run away again.

-What are you gonna do with me now?

-Oh, I have a plan.

♪♪

♪♪

[Traveler barks]

♪♪

♪♪

-Merry Christmas!

-Not you again.

♪♪

-I'll set them up in the living room.

You got a box?

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Knock on door]

-Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

-Oh, thank you. Come on in.

I'm so glad you came. -Thanks.

-Would you like a drink?

-No, no. I appreciate it.

Uh, where's all the other guests?

-Oh, uh, I just told you that so you'd come.

There are no other guests.

-Oh, I see.

-You're, uh, you're not disappointed, are you?

-No, no. I'm all right.

I just -- You know, I thought there'd be kids around, family.

-There's nothing to worry about.

It's just you and me.

♪♪

Is something the matter, Clay?

♪♪

Hmm?

♪♪

-Now, in my family, it was theyoungest that always said grace,

so that'd be you, William.

-God don't listen to me.

-Well, it's worth it just to keep trying.

-Hurry up. I'm starving.

-Jordy.

-All right, Lord. Listen up.

Merry Christmas.

Bless this here dinnerand all the people and Traveler,

and if there are any kids like me all alone out there today,

get them a dog so they won't feel so bad.

And while you're at it,

make Mr. Clay propose to Ms. Carolyn

so as I can finally stay put.

Amen.

-Amen.

-[Sighs]

William, it's not good to have unreal expectations.

[Knock on door]

-Got room for one more?

-Well, what happened to your date?

-Ended kind of early.

♪♪

-I'll get another plate.

-I need to talk to you.

♪♪

I had an idea of how you can keep William.

You all move over to my place.

I have plenty of room. -Oh, that'll be fun.

You and William and Jordy and Miz Leona and me and Eve.

-Look, I told you. You were right about me.

I don't take risks,

but I've decided to take the biggest one of all.

I'm gonna marry somebody with a bad habit of running away.

I'm gonna marry you.

-Are you out of your mind?

-You tell me. You're the one with a PhD.

-Oh, Clay, this is ridiculous.

It's too late. We've both changed.

-Yeah, we have.

I know I'm a lot smarter than I used to be,

but one thing has stayed the same.

I still love you, just like I always did.

-I don't believe it.

-She'd better not blow it this time.

-If anybody blows it, it'll be him.

-I can't marry you.

I'm going back to L.A., where I belong.

-Stop running away from your life, Carolyn.

You know you love me, too.

-You want me to stay put in a one-horse town

with nothing but pest control for something to do?

-Every time you get close to having something real,

you take off.

Look, you can have your therapy practice here.

I guarantee you'll have plenty of customers.

How can you be so sure it'll work?

-I'm willing to take the risk.

-We can't relive the past, Clay.

-I don't want to relive the past.

I-I wasn't ready for you then.

-What do you mean, you weren't ready?

You were standing at the altar.

-If I had been ready, I would have come after you.

♪♪

-Ugh. Come on.

I'm eating here.

♪♪

-All right, children. Don't stare, now. That's not polite.

♪♪

My...

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