I didn't assign comedies.
What's so funny?
Get out of my theater.
I do understand, of course.
And I will, I will.
Thank you.
I can't have parents calling me like this.
Oh, thanks for understanding the parents part first.
You have six weeks to take some time and work it out.
Connie can cover for you.
Anita, I'm just irritable because of the broken ankle.
You don't know how frustrating-
Six weeks, then we'll talk.
So I said,
I'm not eating that after you sneezed all over it.
You know what I mean?
I mean, who's gonna eat a hamburger covered in snot?
Seriously nasty.
Is this it? - Huh?
Oh yeah, right.
Give me a sec.
Sure, well hey, thanks for using Ride Now.
Take your time.
You know,
I live just up on Palmero so I might see you again
if you use the app.
Oh, sweet.
Thanks for the tip.
Hey, just for that,
I'll tell you my hot dog story next time.
You need a hand?
No no, I'm fine, I'm fine.
All right.
Well, see ya.
Uh huh, see ya.
Jesus.
I've got a rash under my pits.
Ma?
I hope your day was better than mine.
Anita laid me off for six weeks today,
'cause I think Anita should go fuck herself.
Ma,
I'm doing frozen tonight.
You want anything?
Huh?
All right.
We went through this a year ago, remember?
Oh please, I paid you back.
Well, maybe you shouldn't have done
a whole kitchen renovation if money was this tight.
Yeah, well I made a great tortellini tonight.
You're missing my point.
I get your point.
You, need to hire someone.
You cannot keep going up and down those stairs.
I am totally fine if I just go slow enough.
Okay, I'll send the money.
But if somebody offers help, take the help.
Listen, there's something you could do for me.
What?
I was thinking, maybe we could ship mom's piano here?
Oh no, we can't.
It's not being played.
I said no.
It's mom's piano.
She may not play it anymore,
but it's hers and her piano stays here
besides, you guys have two pianos already.
It would fit so perfectly in Eloise's room.
No, mom's piano stays here and that's all there is to it.
Forget about the money.
Seriously, just forget.
Beth, listen to yourself.
- You know what? - I got to go, bye Judith.
Damn it.
You seem pretty quiet today.
They want me to take six weeks off from school.
Because I'm getting so angry at my students.
Angry?
Yeah.
They don't give a shit.
I give them the classics, but do they care?
They are teenagers, right?
I guess so.
Anyway, I'm stuck at home.
My sister thinks I should get someone to help me,
for the time being.
Maybe that would be a good idea for now.
What do you think?
I don't need any help.
I don't.
But here's the best part.
The hot dog keeps rolling and it stops next to this guy
whose kid has been whining the whole time,
and he picks it up.
It's covered in peanut and beer
and the kid just eats it right there.
I tell you it was the grossest, here,
you know what?
Let me help. - I got it, seriously.
Can I help you?
Well, actually I was about to ask you the same thing.
Okay.
I'll be inside, going in the house.
Shoot.
I got 'em.
And you know, I really don't need any help.
I can take care of it, I'm fine.
Garbanzo beans.
My favorite.
I'm Peeky.
You're what?
Peeky.
- That your name? - Yeah.
That's a weird name.
Really?
Thanks, it's short for Priscilla.
Okay, gotta go.
Wait, I have a great opportunity for you.
You know we're Jewish, but the guy next door.
Why, he could really use some salvation.
Oh my goodness, are you okay?
What, are you Shirley Temple?
No silly, I'm helping you.
That's enough.
That's enough, that's enough.
I said we really don't have any money to pay you,
so why don't you head on out?
Thank you very much.
But it's free.
Free? - Yeah.
Honey, nothing is free.
If public toilets and water and healthcare isn't free,
can anyone tell me what is?
Community service.
- What? - Community service.
I heard what you said.
I just don't know what you're talking about.
I'm doing community service
and I need to find someone to help.
Why, did you just get out of jail?
No silly.
I'm doing this program to get hours
for my college applications next year.
I already did some for a homeless shelter.
Now I need to get someone for an individual in need.
Yeah, well I'm not an individual in need, so you know?
Yes you are.
Excuse me?
You got a broken ankle.
I could help you around the house with staff after school.
Here, it's called the Teen Achievement Award.
Are you from here on the hill?
Yeah, I live over in Nordica.
I go to Blanche High, but we're moving soon,
so I gotta get this done before the end of the summer.
Well, I don't know.
We really don't like people inside the house,
but I'll tell you what,
just give me your cell phone number
and I will call and let you know if I need any help.
I don't have one of those.
My parents don't want me to get sucked in.
Oh, that's evolved.
Okay, your home phone number?
We don't have one of those either.
But my dad has a cell phone number
you could probably reach him at.
He doesn't always answer it though.
Oh, okay.
All right, you know, I got to think about it.
All right?
My mom and I will look it up on the internet,
and come back in a few days and then I'll let you know
if I need some help, okay?
- Okay. - All right?
Bye.
Thanks. - Sure.
Be careful, you could hurt yourself.
Do you hear the music?
What music?
That music.
God dammit, I said be careful.
So?
I don't see anything.
Is that it?
No, I told you before.
It's like a clicking sound.
Well, I've checked the FAU, the attic fan,
the duct fittings, everything's fine.
You know, I think I know what it is.
You do?
Yeah, raccoons.
Raccoons, how do you know?
You know, they're probably
running across your rooftop at night.
They do that around here, you know?
You're a contractor.
What do you know about raccoons?
Oh, trust me, I know about raccoons.
Their claws, they can climb.
They can open doors.
They're like mini bears.
Mini what?
You know what? Just come down.
Okay? Just get out of my attic.
I'm serious.
Fine, I don't care anymore.
It's raccoons, good, great.
Just get out of there.
Okay.
You do realize that you're taking my last cent, don't you?
Well hey, look at this kitchen.
Oh, and a no charge for the stuff I did in the attic today.
Listen, if you hear it again, if it's not too late,
let me know and I'll come by and we'll try to figure it out.
Anyway, bye for now.
See ya.
Oh, looks like we're both doing some climbing today.
Here's looking at you, kid.
God dammit.
What is the matter with you?
Who gave you the right to look through my window like that?
That's why they call me Peeky.
Hey, I got your mail on the way up.
I don't remember asking you to do that.
I know, but the good news is,
you got a letter from someone.
Thanks.
Letters are the best, aren't they?
What?
Yeah I mean, letters are magic.
Think about it.
You take this piece of paper and you write on it,
and you touch it and your energy's all over it.
And then you send it out
and it winds its way through the post system,
and it makes its way into the hands of the recipient.
And then they open it and touch it and feel the energy
and they get emotional.
The feeling of the sender
makes its way into the soul of the recipient.
It's a connection.
Letters make a connection.
Oh dammit my water's boiling.
I'll get it, I'll get it.
Just leave it, leave it.
Okay, good.
Now leave it and I will strain it in a minute.
Oh, I can do that.
Be careful, don't burn yourself.
Thank you, thank you very much.
I think you should leave.
I think I need to sit down.
Thank you.
I appreciate it.
You're welcome.
Hey, I don't know your name.
No you don't, because I never told it to you.
Beth.
You're welcome, Beth.
So have you thought about it?
The Teen Achievement Award?
Yeah well here's the thing.
There's not a lot we have to do around here, so.
I took your trash cans out.
You what?
Your trash cans.
They were really full, and super stinky, too.
So let me get this straight, let me clarify.
I don't have to pay you anything,
and I'm under no obligation, correct?
Correctamundo.
I only need six more weeks and then I get my award.
Run your finger along that.
Dust, you see it, huh?
So from time to time if you could help with that,
that would be great.
I mean, taking care of that is a nightmare.
You got it, chief.
Oh please,
if you're gonna help, please no more that stuff.
- What stuff? - That silly stuff.
It's not silly, it's having a positive attitude.
Yeah, whatever.
Anyway, over here.
Hey, I still gotta meet your mom.
My mother's dead.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Just the other day you said-
I know what I said.
Is this her?
Yeah.
Her name's Ida.
Wow, that's almost as cool as my name.
Is that you?
Oh yeah, I was five.
My mother had just bought me tap shoes.
She was a dance teacher in Chicago.
You're from Chicago?
I've never been there.
So, where are you from?
All over, we move around a lot.
Why, your mother or father in the military?
We move whenever my dad gets work.
We're renting because we don't have a lot of money.
It's gonna be fun paying for that college education.
Which is why I'm doing the Teen Achievement Award.
Whoa, is that you?
Are you an actor?
I was, in Chicago, a little bit in New York.
I'm a theater teacher now.
Okay.
Wow, I wish I knew how to act.
What's stopping you?
I don't know but,
looking at that picture makes me want to.
I like music.
You play an instrument?
Oh, piano.
All right, Let's hear something.
Only a little.
Oh come on, either you play piano, you don't play piano.
Okay, I'll just play something simple.
Thank you, thank you, that's enough.
Thank you very much, that's really great.
Joke.
Very funny.
Very impressive.
Well, you're an actor, that's impressive to me.
Why?
I don't know.
I guess I like dressing up in different outfits
and stuff like that.
It makes me feel like I'm a different person.
That's kind of what acting is.
I mean, it's not the dressing up part, but you know,
really becoming someone else for awhile.
Do you think you could teach me how to do that?
I thought you were here for community service hours.
Nope, I'm on a break.
I do not have to teach anyone for six weeks,
and I do not intend to.
Wait, but I could teach you some piano.
Not interested.
It's all my mother ever wanted me to do when I was a child.
Practice your piano, practice your tap dancing.
Tap campaign also very cool.
I noticed your fondness for it out on the stairs.
Not on the wooden floors.
Sorry.
This is my mom's room.
Wow, these are neat.
Glad you approve.
Hey, that's my mom's stuff.
Put it back where you found it.
Even if you dust,
I want you to put it back
exactly where you found it, got it?
Got it, chief.
Again with the chief.
So just make sure that your parents know
when you're here, okay?
I don't want any problems, all right?
Sure.
Okay, I'll see you tomorrow at 4:30.
Okay.
Hey, you know what you can do for me?
You can grab the mail on the way up.
Yes!
Letters. - Calm down.
Don't make me regret this.
Sorry.
See ya.
You can leave now.
Thank you, Beth.
Uh uh uh uh uh.
Ma, you want any coffee?
You can't just sit, that's not the answer.
The fact is, not moving at all is worse.
So although you need to keep the weight off of it,
you still need to keep active.
I just hired someone to help me so I don't have to move.
Let them help you, just don't let them do it all.
Any pain?
A little, yes.
Perfect.
Perfect?
Perfectly normal.
What about pain meds?
No, you don't need any,
just an occasional over the counter pain med.
Oh yeah?
You don't know how hard it is to get down my front steps.
Oh God, I'm not gonna get anything.
I don't know why I came all the way out here to see you.
Where's Doctor Tso anyway?
She's on maternity leave,
but here's the good news.
You won't need to see me for a while.
I'll see you again in four weeks.
Keep the boot on.
Can I get the Robbins chart?
I bet you think you're funny.
Private Peeky reporting for duty chief.
You see this?
It's a door, you knock on it, I answer, you come in.
What's that?
Oh, it's a mezuzah.
It's a Jewish thing, you kiss it when you come in.
No, not like that.
You, just come in.
You know, why don't you just wait here
for a couple of minutes?
I'm gonna go get a sweater.
Sure.
Ma, the cleaners are here.
I'll be busy for a while.
You okay?
Yeah, it's dusty in here.
Well, that's why you're here.
See any Chekhov up there, Cherry Orchard?
No, not yet.
This is a lot of plays.
You see any Stanislavski?
It's a big book.
No, not yet.
Where are all the flipping Russians?
Your mom's room is fun.
You think so?
Yeah, I do.
How often do you communicate with her?
What?
I heard you talking to her earlier.
I was just talking to myself.
No, I mean, you were talking to her.
I know what you mean.
Germans.
I think you should look for Germans,
maybe some Bertolt Brecht.
Okay.
I don't see it.
All right, just bring the whole stack down.
We'll sort them down here.
Here you go.
Chekhov, Cherry Orchard.
Uncle Vanya, oh The Seagull.
Oh, that's one for the Russians.
Is that a good one?
The Seagull?
You've never read The Seagull?
Only the greatest player ever written.
Really?
Yeah, really.
Wow, I've never even heard of these guys.
Hey.
You know, you asked me to give you some acting lessons.
I tell you what,
you read The Seagull and you get back to me
and tell me why it is a classic play,
and I might be persuaded
to give you a little acting coaching.
Do you mean it?
Yeah, I mean it.
But two weeks, and then you got to bring it back.
Wow.
- Two weeks. - Two weeks.
Okay, let's keep sorting.
That's enough of this stuff.
I don't even know this play.
Benjamin Glaser, who the heck is that?
Marriage of Bette and, oh I love this.
It's so funny.
This one's definitely American.
Oh, hey big guy, what's your name?
His name's Mojo.
Mojo, that's a cool name.
I like your name.
Yeah, he's my sidekick.
Awesome.
How about you, what's your name?
Peeky.
Peeky, nice to meet you, I'm Eddie.
Nice to meet you.
Who are the flowers for?
Oh, they're for Beth.
I'm helping her up the street.
I'm kind of like her sidekick.
Oh, that's cool.
It's nice to have somebody to hang out with, right?
Right, yeah.
Well I better get going, I don't want to be late.
Okay, see you later.
- See you later. - See you later, Peeky.
Nice to meet you.
You too.
Hey Eddie?
Oh wow, thank you.
Thank you very much.
Have a beautiful day.
Okay, you too.
You know, I think these little rocks
are getting knocked into the grass and jammed in the mower.
That's exactly what happens.
And that's exactly why you are doing it and not me.
All right.
I'm going to taste some of your lemonade.
Thank you very much.
You're welcome.
You're gonna love it.
Oh my God.
Pretty good, huh?
What is it?
It's my secret cure for any broken ankle.
What's in it?
My secret ingredients include vinegar,
mustard and chili powder.
Listen, I think the grass is done.
I'm just gonna put the mower away.
Sorry, just I have a very queasy stomach.
Oh, that's okay.
I won't be offended.
I've never had lemonade quite like this.
Well, of course not silly, it's my secret recipe.
Wonderful.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Oh, did you finish it already?
Well yeah, it's not that long.
So, what's it about?
Well, I guess it's about
not getting what you want out of life
and either learning to live with it or not.
Go on.
Well, every character has problems.
Well, not problems, desires, right?
Like they're searching for approval or love and,
well they can't find it.
And why is that important?
Well, I don't know.
I guess it's important because
no matter how hard we try to control things,
we're not really in control of what happens to us.
Right, I mean,
we all have our own destinies or paths to follow,
and wherever that path leads, it's where we're meant to be,
whether it's falling in love or dying sooner than expected.
I mean, after all that is why Constantine is so sad, right?
I mean, I felt so sad for him.
He'll never get his mother's approval or love.
And so he decides that he's not supposed to be here anymore.
He's supposed to be somewhere else.
Don't you think that's what Chekhov was trying to say?
Beautiful.
What is it?
It's just a song I've been working on.
You wrote that yourself?
Wow.
What's your inspiration?
I don't know.
I don't know the words yet.
I think I just,
I heard this piece of music in my head the other day,
when we were sorting through the plays.
In your head, what do you mean?
Yeah, I mean, sometimes I just stop
and listen to my surroundings,
and then the music and the words come.
Wow, really?
Yeah, don't you do that?
Just stop, listen, and get inspired?
No, the only thing I hear
is this annoying sound outside at night.
It sounds like it's up on my roof.
Your roof?
The contractor says it's raccoons.
You mean, raccoon.
Yeah.
No, you said raccoons.
You mean raccoon?
It's not pluralized with an S.
What, are you David Attenborough?
Why does everyone know about raccoons except me?
Who's David Attenborough?
You asked me, I told you.
That's what I hear.
Well, maybe you need to stop and listen more carefully.
Sometimes if you just stop and really listen,
the music just starts.
All right.
Let's, let's really listen right now.
No, that won't work.
Well why not?
Either works or it doesn't work.
You have to get inspired by something.
Sometimes it's just a piece of music.
Hey, how about I play what I just played?
And you tell me how you feel?
All right, I'll tell you how I feel.
So?
Nostalgic.
Good. What else?
Safe, secure.
See, now you just need to do that when you're by yourself.
Stop, listen and trust yourself,
like those exercises you taught me about.
You just have to listen to the natural rhythm of life.
This is getting pretty deep.
What can I say?
I'm pretty deep, man.
You're also kind of a smart ass.
Am not.
Oh my God, you are so a smart ass.
I know it when I hear one,
I grew up with them.
Your mom was a smart ass?
Oh my God.
She was,
my dad too.
He's gone also?
Yeah.
Long time already.
Mom had it pretty hard when he died,
so she came to live with me.
She's been here ever since.
I think that's why I'm having such a hard time
now that she's gone.
Sure, I understand.
Do you?
Have you have lost somebody suddenly?
Well, no.
My mom is not so involved.
What do you mean?
It's okay, I mean,
I listen to her in other ways.
What ways?
Like the birds chirping or
the breeze, or peeking through a window
and seeing someone on the other side.
Really?
What does she say to you?
All sorts of stuff.
She tells me that she loves me,
other times that everything's gonna be okay.
You talk to your mom.
What does she say?
Nothing.
Maybe that's the problem.
Hey, play something else, okay?
Ma, the raccoons are back.
May never glorious sun reflect his beams
upon the country where you make abode,
but darkness and the gloomy shade of death,
environ you till mischief and despair
drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
It's gotta be powerful.
You're not having a chat with one of your friends,
you are Joan of Arc.
You know what she was doing when she was your age?
She was leading the French army.
Think about that.
Okay.
All right, let's, put your shoulders back.
Okay, good.
And this is your sternum,
so lift it a little bit like it's,
like you're leading with it.
Unclench your fists and put your feet apart.
Wider stance, breathe in through your nose,
out through your mouth.
Feel how standing this way makes you feel.
How does it make you feel?
Stronger.
Exactly.
Now look, you're not some young woman.
You're a Saint.
You have been sent by God.
And you have to convince all these men around you,
looking at you with disdain, that they have been wrong,
or they're going to burn you at the stake.
Your life depends on it.
All right, let's do it again.
Okay.
Got it.
First, let me tell you whom you have condemned.
What the hell is he doing?
- Hi. - Hi.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to peer through your window.
That's all right, I'm used to it.
Well, I got your mail by mistake.
Yeah, that happens.
Actually surprised we even use mail anymore.
Can I have my mail?
Oh yeah, sure sure.
So how's the ankle?
It's okay.
It's beginning to heal.
How did you break it again?
I slipped on the roof.
I was the leaves out of the rain gutters.
Wow, it's amazing you didn't break your neck.
All right, gotta go.
Oh wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Look, if you need any help, just give me a holler.
I don't need any help, thanks.
Okay.
I've come to clean your house.
Today, we are not cleaning.
We are eating.
We are?
Shabbat Shalom.
Here, have a piece.
Are you sure about this?
Oh positive, here.
I printed it out.
You can read the exact words yourself.
Priscilla was a woman of Jewish heritage,
and one of the earliest known Christian converts
who lived in Rome.
There you go.
What do you think?
I think it makes me Christian, not Jewish.
No, no, no.
You're looking at this totally in the wrong way.
Priscilla converted to Christianity,
but she was of Jewish heritage.
And who knows why she converted?
I mean, look at that Jesus guy.
He had the long hair and everything.
I mean, the guy was a rock star.
Really, who wouldn't be tempted to follow him, come on.
Listen to this.
Others suggest that Priscilla was the author
of the book of Hebrews,
but that her name was omitted
to suppress its female authorship.
Does that surprise you?
No, not really.
Damn straight.
Oh, have some more chicken.
Oh no, that's okay.
I don't really eat that much.
Well, you're Jewish now.
You're gonna eat a lot.
- I am? - Oh yeah.
And then you're gonna feel guilty for it
for three days afterwards.
That doesn't sound so healthy.
Oh, health has got nothing to do with it.
It's all about tradition.
Okay, I'll try.
Good.
You know, after a couple of times
you won't even have to try anymore.
You know, I don't know how my parents
are gonna feel about me being Jewish.
Why are they Jew haters?
No.
We just, we don't really, we're not religious.
Well, I mean, even if you're not religious,
you can really appreciate certain values
of other religions, and vice versa.
I mean, I can appreciate that some people
don't want to be tied to a certain religion.
As long as we all love each other.
That is exactly right.
Have some beets, eat, come on, come on, come on.
The name Priscilla is derived
from the Latin word, prisca,
derived from the word priscus meaning ancient or primordial.
What's primordial?
It means you're a biblical baby, kid.
It's from the beginning of time.
Live long darlin', live long.
Maybe I'll live forever.
Maybe.
Hey, if I'm Jewish,
does that mean I'm gonna be a really funny comedian?
Now that is what we call a stereotype.
However, in your case,
maybe you will be,
the way you peek in the window with the funny faces.
Well, you know, I only do that to see one's true self.
What do you mean?
When people know that you're looking at them,
they don't act like themselves.
Well, that is true.
Right but, you peek through a window,
you're peeking into their soul.
You see the real them.
You also see right into their private life.
What's private?
What do they have to hide?
A lot.
I wouldn't want someone looking through my window
and seeing me pick my nose or something.
Why not? Everyone picks their nose.
Oh, I see what you're doing.
This is like the nudist camp argument, right?
Like you should be so good with yourself
that you could wander around naked with everybody.
Yeah, kind of.
Maybe you're a little ahead of your time,
but until everyone else catches up,
I'm keeping my clothes on.
Okay.
You know, I would've made more stuff,
but I'm kind of low on groceries.
What are you doing tomorrow?
Oh, it's Saturday.
I'm sure you'll be out with your friends.
No, I don't really have friends.
You don't.
Why?
I don't know, people at my school think I'm weird.
Well, you are weird, but you're a cool weird.
Thanks.
Yeah, no, just the boys and girls in my class are mean.
They are mean.
I know.
I teach it.
Yeah, the other day in class,
this boy, Bobby Barnes,
said a freak like me would never get laid.
What?
He actually said that?
Yeah, in front of everyone.
Did you kick him in the balls?
What?
Did you kick them in the balls?
- No. - Why not?
Because he'd probably just
punch me in the face or something.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Balls need to be kicked.
I mean, they're not just for procreation,
and any way that Bobby Barnes guy,
the world would be a better place
if he didn't procreate,
there'd be one less idiot running around.
And secondly, the kid is 16 like you.
And he knows darn well,
that that is a disgusting and wrong thing to do.
Sooner or later, someone's gonna point it out to him.
And it might as well be you.
Well, sure.
But I just don't think I.
You need to go up to him.
You need to put your finger in his chest,
and you need to say to him, look,
if you ever talk to me like that again,
you will be talking to the police,
or the principal, and you better fucking understand me.
Do you understand me?
And I know he's not gonna hit you,
because he will be spending his university years in prison.
Well, the good news is,
I don't have to go to this school much longer,
'cause we're moving soon.
Oh yeah.
Right.
Well, I just want you to know
that you got to report this stuff.
You can't take any shit.
Joan of Arc, remember?
So, do you think you could go
grocery shopping with me tomorrow?
I mean, you wanna earn some hours don't ya?
We could make a day of it.
I don't know.
I mean, I got to get out anyway.
The doctor's always bugging me
about getting out of the house, and walking around.
I say, Shabbat Shalom.
Shabbat Shalom.
I'm going shopping with my primordial sister, Priscilla.
Hi. - Hi.
I need a sweater.
I'll be right back.
Ma, I'm going out for a while.
Bye, Mom.
My mother's little formal.
You might want to say goodbye, Missus Levine.
Bye, Mrs. Levine.
You know, I'm just not feeling those steps now.
I can't do it.
Oh crap.
Oh no, no, no.
This is far too dangerous.
We're gonna go back and try the stairs.
Will you help me?
Hey wait.
I think it's working.
No, it's not.
God, this is stupid.
Let's stop.
No, no, no.
You're almost there, you're fine.
Come on, keep going.
Well, that looks fuel efficient.
Whoa, la luge.
Hey, I'm stoked to be your chauffer for the day.
Even spruced up a little for the occasion.
How about this one?
Not even soup.
Okay.
How about these blue guys down here?
Yeah, they'll be okay.
Why didn't I make chicken soup out of that carcass I had?
Excuse me.
I'm such an idiot.
I would've made delicious soup,
but I'm gonna give you
some of my real chicken soup some day.
You know, I meant to tell you something.
What?
I'm vegan.
You're what?
Vegan.
Well, why didn't you tell me
when I was force feeding that meal of Moses to ya.
No, it's okay.
I mean, all of the great spiritual leaders
say it's important to acknowledge the gift of the meal,
even if you have to eat the meat.
All the great spiritual leaders say that, huh?
Yeah.
I mean, if people do kind things for us,
we should acknowledge that.
That's what they say.
Oh, you haven't actually met these spiritual leaders?
Very funny.
Well, I thought if anybody met them,
it would be you, you know,
miss magical letter girl dancing down the stairs.
You know what?
I got an idea.
Okay.
You ready?
Push me. - What?
Push me.
You ready? - Yeah.
Let's do it girl.
What's the deal with rocky road?
Nuts are like bumps, or something?
Yes, I think the rocks are rocks in the road.
Rocks in the road.
Everyone has to go through
the rocky road of life sooner or later.
Sounds depressing.
It is.
Was your road like that?
Mine?
More explosive really, lots of anger.
At who?
I don't know, old boyfriends.
I had a lot of jerks.
Why?
I don't know.
But I'll tell you this, my mom was always there.
Ida was there to help me no matter what, always.
You had a good mom to always be there.
That's good.
I had problems with my mom, too.
Everything she did was so successful.
It's hard to compete with someone
who's always making the right choices,
especially when you're making the wrong ones.
What about you?
You were an actor on the stage.
Well, I chose a profession
where people do not want to hire
heavy, double chin blowhards.
They'd rather hire pretty little girls
who eat sunflower seeds for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Really?
I love sunflower seeds.
Hey, you said you were moving soon.
Where are you gonna go?
Colorado.
Colorado?
That's nice.
You don't look too happy about it.
It's fine.
You know, it's construction work for my dad,
two years worth, so that's good I guess.
I'm just tired of moving.
I get that.
It's a shame you gotta move during your senior year.
You know, if you needed to,
and of course this would totally depend
on your parents' approval,
you could stay with us during your senior year.
That way, you wouldn't miss all your friends,
even though you don't have any.
It's nothing, it's just something to think about.
It's not a big deal, just give it some thought, all right?
It's kind of lonely at my house.
I could use the company.
I don't have any friends either.
No I got it.
I have it.
$7 for 20 tops, it's like the deal of the century.
Besides, I don't have any kids, my mom's not around.
I really have no place to spend my money.
And that's $7.
You know, I think I need to take you to the spot.
We'll see you in a half an hour.
Sure.
Whose chairs are those?
Mine, I found them in the dumpster.
Remember when I said I listened to the birds?
Uh huh.
This is where I do it.
Okay, now just sit down for 30 minutes or so,
close your eyes, see what happens.
You mean meditate.
It's not like, I don't know what meditation is.
Just sit down, try it.
It's just like a trust exercise.
All right.
Beth?
This is what I hate about LA.
What?
This driving, all this driving.
Shish kebab.
I'm gonna live in a city where you can walk.
Ladies and gentlemen,
the woman with the broken ankle has spoken.
Really, I want to be able to walk around.
I don't want to drive.
Who wants to drive?
What about him?
Hey, you like your job driving?
Nope, it sucks.
I rest my case.
It sucks.
Okay, well where do you want to live?
Barcelona.
Yeah.
I want a shack up with a sexy little Spaniard
and go to town.
You want to go?
All right, turn, turn left
at the next time you can turn.
We're going to Barcelona.
Yeah, sounds good.
What?
You were peeking.
Oh, I was not.
Mm-hmm.
You are crazy.
Besides, the window was wide open.
Uh huh.
Hey Beth, where do you want this yogurt?
On the shelf or the door?
Beth, are you?
My mother used to,
she used to put her rings in here before she went to bed.
I told her to take them off in the bedroom,
but she never would.
I even took this dish into the bedroom,
but she always would take them off in here.
That's what I miss, you know?
Stuff like that.
How did she die?
She,
she fell on the steps out front and hit her head,
which is why I tell you to be careful.
She always wanted to be independent,
and then take the stairs.
And I just
let her.
It was my fault, really.
I was supposed to take care of her.
It's late, time to go home.
- No, Beth I- - No no, you got to go,
time to go.
But I-
It's time to go home!
All right?
Yeah.
Okay.
Sorry.
Bye.
So you finally learned how to knock?
Oh, hi.
Good morning.
I hope it's not too early.
Oh, no, it's fine.
So I just wanted to talk to you about that, you know,
cardboard slide thing.
Yeah, I'm sort of embarrassed about that.
You know, I could have sworn I heard
the Olympic theme song.
Ha ha ha.
Yeah, I'm sorry.
But listen,
what I want to talk to you about was I don't think I could
handle watching a slide down the driveway like that,
so I was just thinking if you need, if you want,
I can always, you know, pull my car up the driveway,
take you back down.
And when you come back, zoop,
bring you right back up.
I don't think so.
You're gonna scratch your car.
It's gonna hit something on the way down,
especially if you're not used to it, so.
That'll be fine, that'll be fine.
So if you, like that's good.
And if not, I get it.
Okay, thank you.
Great, good.
I'll call ya.
Oh yeah, let me give you my card.
Cell on the top, landline bottom.
- Okay. - Great.
- Thanks. - All right.
Have a good day, all right?
Bye now.
Yeah.
I just want to be alone.
For some reason, people won't leave me alone.
Why is that?
Maybe because they sense something's wrong.
Of course something's wrong, I have a broken ankle,
but for fuck's sake, I don't need care 24/7,
by someone who is in need more than I am.
In need?
That girl that's been helping me, I told you about her.
Peeky, right.
Yeah, Peeky.
That's right.
And I don't think her parents are involved enough,
or maybe they're too involved.
She's a good kid.
I blew up at her last night.
Why did I do that?
You said she's moving, right?
Yeah.
Well, it's hard to let people go, isn't it?
That's why you're here.
What do you mean?
You know she's leaving.
You say you want to be alone, but I don't know.
I don't think you do.
I made that for you.
Real lemonade.
Do you want some?
Yes, thank you.
Listen.
I want to explain something to you,
about last night.
Now when most people.
After my mother died,
I had a very hard time getting over,
well, obviously I have not gotten over it,
but it doesn't mean I should take it out on you,
or anyone.
So-
It's okay, I understand.
No, it really isn't okay.
I'm sorry.
We still friends?
So, how's the lemonade?
So-so.
You are such a nut.
May never glorious sun reflect his beams
upon the country where you make abode,
but darkness and the gloomy shade of death environ you,
till mischief and despair
drive you to break your necks or hang yourselves.
Wow.
You have learned so much in a really short time.
That was great.
Thanks.
I'm thinking about taking drama at my new school.
Oh you should.
You show them that monologue, it'll knock their socks off.
You should do it in college.
- You think? - I'm not kidding.
Well, I had a great teacher.
You know, maybe it's time for you
to get back to acting and not teaching.
Do you think they'd take me back in the theater.
Hey, I have something to show you.
Wow, this is my lucky day.
The Rooftops by Peeky,
dedicated to Beth Levine.
This is your song.
No, it's your song.
Do you want to hear it?
Well, yes.
I hope you don't play chopsticks, if you do I'll kill ya.
I'm still working on it.
It's okay.
♪ I'll be tapping on the rooftops ♪
♪ Sending my love to the floors below ♪
♪ So come and join me ♪
♪ Because there's something you need to know ♪
♪ I'll be dancing on the rooftop ♪
♪ Clicking away my message to you ♪
♪ So come and join me ♪
♪ You'll find your answer to being blue ♪
♪ We'll be dancing with our tap shoes ♪
♪ On the shingles of grief ♪
♪ So come be my dance partner and find some relief ♪
♪ The big band will guide us through our feelings of doubt ♪
♪ And the raccoon in the tutus will throw their way out ♪
♪ I'll be tapping on the rooftop ♪
♪ Sending in my love to the floors below ♪
♪ So come and join me ♪
♪ Because there's something you need to know ♪
♪ That I'll be stepping between the raindrops ♪
♪ Sending my love to the floors below ♪
♪ And from that rooftop ♪
♪ You know, I'll always be watching you ♪
♪ Yes from that rooftop ♪
♪ You know I'll always be watching you ♪
So you liked it?
I loved it.
That part about the raccoons wearing the tutus.
Sorry, raccoon.
I kind of imagined you up on the roof,
tap dancing and watching over me.
Thanks.
How'd you think of all that stuff?
I don't know, the music was already in my head.
I just, I wanted to write lyrics that made you happier,
you know, hopeful.
Oh, they do.
They really do.
And that stuff you said about being an actress.
You know what?
I feel like I just have to start
a whole new chapter in my life.
Yeah? How?
Well, first of all, I'm getting the boot off tomorrow.
Yes.
I made it all the way to the end, thanks to you.
And so did you, your last day.
What?
Last day.
Haven't you been looking at the form
on the table by the door?
Congratulations, your teen achievement award is here.
Oh.
I'd sort of forgotten, I guess.
Yeah. I noticed.
Frankly I'm flattered,
but I have been signing it every day when you leave.
And I think we have enough signatures,
and you can turn this in and get your award.
There's something else for you.
I wrote it.
It's a letter, but if you don't like it,
if you want to make some changes,
you can make some changes, and don't get too excited.
It didn't wind as magical way through the postal system.
To whom it may concern.
Priscilla Johnson,
a kind and generous 16-year-old girl
has recently contributed 300 hours
to assisting me in my life
while I was laid up at home with a broken ankle,
and more importantly,
still grieving over the loss of my mother.
During that time,
she has become a dear friend
and has taught me some amazing lessons about life,
through the perspective of a curious, excited,
and passionate young woman
who most certainly has a very bright future ahead.
She has inspired me in ways that I did not know
I could understand.
I will forever be grateful
for all the kindness she has shown me,
and thus would urge anyone interested
in assisting her in her educational endeavors
to seriously consider this special individual,
who has displayed sincere noble and compassionate character.
I will forever be indebted to her.
Sincerely, Beth Levine.
So?
Hey, you're gonna be great.
You're gonna be fine, you're gonna be great.
You're gonna have a great life.
You're gonna move to Colorado.
You're gonna make a whole lot of new friends.
You're gonna do great things in the arts.
And you know, I have a life to lead to.
I have to, I have to learn how to say goodbye.
You know what you said about Chekhov.
He said, we all have a destiny and we have to follow it.
I don't want to say goodbye.
You know where to find me, don't you?
Of course you do.
Come on.
Here.
This is your mother's.
Yes, it is.
And I want you to have it.
Go ahead, put it on.
It's gonna look great.
Come on.
You look wonderful.
I can't help but feel sad.
You feel sad, Miss Bubbly, I don't believe it.
Listen.
This is the way life goes.
People come in and out of our lives in an instant.
And we just have to learn to say goodbye.
You know, no one teaches us how to say goodbye or when,
but we have to learn it.
I'm not saying goodbye.
Okay.
Don't.
Gosh, I feel like I'm sending
the kid I never had off to college.
Oh, it's gonna be great.
Hey wait.
What about these?
Don't lose them.
Goodbye, Peeky.
Hello, Beth.
So how's that feeling?
It's a little sore.
Excellent.
How come every time I have a little pain,
you say it's a good thing?
Because the body and the brain are constantly assessing
if in fact your ankle's healed.
It's a negotiation.
On another note,
I made a reservation for a flight yesterday.
It's okay if I take a plane now, right?
You've always been able to travel.
So where are we going?
Tahiti.
Hey, going somewhere?
Maybe.
Well, it's good to see you're all healed up.
I wouldn't throw out the cardboard yet.
You never know when you might need it.
I'll take that under advisement.
Hey?
Yup?
Thanks.
You're welcome.
So how's the leg?
Oh, it's good.
It's still a little tender.
Well, now that you're all better,
I guess you won't be needing rides from me anymore, huh?
I'm gonna miss you, little miss broken ankle.
What are you talking about?
Don't you remember what I said the other day about driving?
That it sucks.
That's right, it sucks.
Do you think I want to go back to driving everywhere?
When I need a break, I know who to call.
Hey, right on!
So that girl who was with us the other day,
she's your daughter?
No, Peeky, she's just a friend.
She moved to Colorado.
And I like this combination of the stone.
She's here.
Here you go.
Oh, thanks, Jerry.
It's great to see you, Beth.
Good to see you, too.
Oh, that was just beautiful.
Thanks, I'm still working on it.
Judith,
I've been thinking.
Uh oh, that usually means trouble.
I'm sending mom's piano to you.
I, I don't feel right about that.
No, I think it belongs here.
You were right.
I think you should think about-
Judith, I'm sending it to you, god dammit.
I have been thinking about it,
and Judith, I have to get rid of mom's things, like now.
I'm talking to myself out loud.
I just don't know how to say goodbye,
and I'm hoping that this is it, I really believe it is.
This is how I'm gonna do it.
Do you understand?
And anyway, if you and Eloise
are gonna play mom's favorite songs,
you really should be playing it on mom's piano.
Hey, remember Itsy Bitsy Spider?
That's the first song she ever played for me.
She played everything.
My earliest memory of her playing was that instrumental bit.
You know, I loved it.
Remember it was all chords, just chords.