"And It stretches way up and way down the whole square." "They've all got their eyes up on top of this big building here..." "What I was thinking,  as like a New Year's resolution..." "Is to stop getting so caught up In my own thoughts...  because I'm like way too Introspective, I think." "I resolve to never again have sex with Kyle, or anyone, again...  unless I really love and respect them." "... To spend more time with the dog, and Sharon." "... To give up coffee." "There, that's an easy one." "I resolve to stop obsessing over Angela Chase." "... To badger Mom Into letting me wear make-up." "... To find some place where I really belong." "But what If not thinking turns me Into this really shallow person?" "I better rethink this becoming less Introspective thing." "... To stop drinking,  but this time really stop." "I resolve to be less judgmental,  less critical, to lighten up." "And above all, to be more supportive and less suspicious...  no matter how much it sometimes seems like he's hiding something." "... To tell Hallle Lowenthal once and for all...  that I'm not going into the restaurant business with her...  and to stop all those long talks with her after class." "Wait a second,  Isn't tonight New Year's Eve?" "Llsten to that crowd." "Not much time left as you can see by the digital clock..." "Okay, so I'll stay Introspective...  but I do resolve to stop doing Jordan Catalano's homework." "Here It comes In ten seconds." "... Nine, eight, seven, six, five...  four, three, two, one." " Happy New Year's rocking Eve." " Happy New Year!" " Happy New Year." " Happy New Year." "Happy New Year." " Great pancakes!" " Thanks..." "I just did what it said on the package." "Damn, I wrote ninety-four." "I'm going to be late." "My green sweater disappeared." "No, it's under the coffee table next to the stack of magazines." "There's a stack of magazines?" "There is now." "Listen, I'm going to try and get home early tonight after my class?" " No, you don't have to rush home." " I don't?" "No, you take all the time you need, it's whatever makes you happy." " It is?" " Yes." "You're doing the dishes again?" "Okay, I'm out of here, you guys have a great first day back at school." "Well, you have a good day at work." "Tonight's Hollandaise, right?" " Right!" " Well, good luck." "Come on, we're going to be late for the bus." "I forgot my other glove." "It's freezing out there!" "If only he had come into our lives when the girls were still..." " Young and impressionable." " Rickie?" "He's incredible." "Now that he reorganized the linen closet... you can't use a dish without washing it." "And he's like my mother, only mature." " We should adopt." " If only it were that easy." "God, he is such a great kid, I mean, what is going on?" "Why haven't we heard from his aunt and uncle?" "He's been here a week!" "I forgot my Odyssey." " I've tried to ask him about it." " I know." "He just changes the subject." "I mean, don't they care?" "Do they even know where he is?" "Do you think I should talk to him again?" "Well, we have to try to contact his family, or he has to..." "I mean, he can't just stay here forever." "Okay." "Let's just get down to basics." "Did anyone start the book?" "Anyone read the book jacket?" "Okay..." "I haven't had a cup of coffee in almost twelve hours..." "I need a little help here!" "What does Odysseus want?" "Enrique?" "Any thoughts?" " To..." " To what?" "Hold it!" "I want everyone to write two pages, due tomorrow... on what does Odysseus want." "No excuses!" "The thing about resolutions Is,  It's hard to remember them around...  somebody like Jordan Catalano." "This is wrong." "What?" "You doing my homework, it's wrong." "I was just trying to help." "It's like I'm taking advantage of you or something." "You're not taking advantage of me." "Yes, I am." "It would be different if we were... but now you're just... you know, a friend or whatever." "I can't do this anymore." "I couldn't believe It,  for the first time In my life..." "I actually stuck to a resolution." " Hey, Cherski!" " Hi!" "Hey, it's Sharon!" "Excuse me, we're here." "Sharon, are you avoiding me?" "What?" "Kyle, isn't that a little self-centered on your part... to think that people are spending their day avoiding you?" "Can you open the door please?" "Later, Graff, this place is too crowded." " Hey, Phil." " Hey, Vinnovich." " I know why you've been avoiding me." " You do?" "Yes, because you think that what happened... the other night didn't mean as much to me as it did to you." "It did." "I love you, Sharon." " Sorry." " That's right." "She's a witness, I love you and I don't care who knows it." "So, that's all I want to say." "So, Brad is completely putuzed... about whether my gown should be ivory or bisque." "And I'm like, can't we just elope to Monte Carlo?" "Listen, I need to clarify something." " You're not going to do the restaurant." " No, I'm not." "I'm a sane person, I have no desire to squander my family's savings." "So, we really should stop talking about it because..." "What?" "Nothing!" "It's fine." "What, you wanted an argument?" "Well, no, no, I just..." " No, great!" "I'm glad we discussed it." " Me, too... because I found this absolutely fantastic space that you can get... for a song." "No, it's perfect, now that you're not involved... you can give me an objective opinion." "It's got this truly amazing bronze fountain with mermaids!" "It's a storefront down by the train station!" "Hallie." "So, does the fountain work?" "So I can't even wear lipstick?" "For fun?" "Around the house?" "Yes." "To school?" "No." "How about if I wear it for fun, and then we go out for pizza?" "How about just to take a walk?" "How about in our driveway?" "Danielle!" " Daddy!" "Daddy, hi!" " Hi." "Hi!" "So I guess you stayed late after all." " Yes." "Sorry." " No, that's okay, really!" "I got stuck talking to Hallie Lowenthal." "Did you?" "That's great, how is Hallie?" "She's fine, I told her I wasn't doing this restaurant thing." "Good." "I mean, that's what you wanted to tell her, right?" "I mean, isn't that what you wanted me to tell her?" "Only if that's what you really want?" " Rickie!" "What's up?" " Nothing!" "I'm just going home." "What?" "When?" "I guess now." "I talked to Angela, Tino's going to pick me up." " So, how did Hollandaise go?" " It was fine." "Listen, Rickie..." "Rickie, are you sure that this is what you want?" "Yes, yes, I talked to them, my aunt and uncle, and... you know, really talked to them, straightened it all out... and I think things are really going to work out." "So, look, I really thank you guys, but, you know..." " They're like my family, so..." " Wait a second." "Rickie, we want to talk to your aunt and uncle." "No, no, no, I know!" "And she's been meaning to call and thank you... or whatever, but I think she's a little embarrassed." "So, thank you... for everything." "And..." " Bye." " Bye." "Everybody, I want those Odysseus essays before you leave." "And, you should all be on page 50 by Friday." "Yes, thank you." " You gave up caffeine, too?" " Oh, my God..." "I was just staying at a friend's house." "Angela Chase, she's in your other sophomore English... the girl with the red hair that's kind of growing out." "Where is your essay?" "See, her little sister had this really, really bad headache and..." "I had to go with her to the emergency room." "So I actually didn't get a chance to actually do the assignment." "Rickie?" "Hi." "How's your sister feeling?" "Fine." "Oh, my God, I better get to Soc." "Wait, Rickie!" "Rayanne is all concerned." "You have to tell her everything is okay..." " I mean, everything is okay, right?" " Of course, of course." "Well, tell Rayanne, okay?" "She thinks my mom kicked you out or something, she's driving me crazy." "Okay, I'll talk to her." "Later." "Wait." "Yes." "Angela." "So Rickie stayed at your house last night?" "No." "I must be confused, I thought..." "No, he was, now he's back with his family." "I mean, everything is calmed down over there now I guess." "I mean, I hope so, because..." "Well, good." "Yes, I hope so, too." "Can I just ask you something?" "Say there's someone who's really smart in a lot of ways... but isn't doing real well in school, especially in English." "Say no more." "The sign-up sheet for the peer tutoring program... you can start right after school today." "Come on, Cherski, work those abs!" " Why are you even here?" "Quit it!" " Come on, it makes it easier." "I keep reliving that moment with you and Kyle." "Shut up." "I still can't believe the fact of it." "How he declared his love for you." "So this is it for you now, you know, because you're totally fulfilled, right?" "Right?" "See, Kyle and I had broken up officially." "But then, New Year's Eve..." "I was watching that River Runs Through It movie... and he called, and..." "Oh, gosh, what is wrong with me?" " Look, take me and Bobby..." " Who's Bobby?" "That guy I was with when you and Kyle interrupted us?" "That guy's name is Phil." "Whatever, it's not like Bill and I are in love or anything." "Phil!" "Whatever!" "I mean, you don't have to be in love to have a good time." "Yes, but let's say he loved you while you were just using him... for, you know... because you were watching this movie." " What movie?" " This Brad Pitt movie." "Say no more." "Yes." "And then say you call Phil over, or Bill." " Say I call both of them." " No, wait, wait." "Let's say though, that you had a better time then you used to... when you were technically supposed to love him... like a much better time." "Is this that really dull movie with all the fishing?" "I'm going to Kyle, I'm going to tell him the truth... and then I'm going to never have sex again with anyone... until I know it's absolutely the exact right person... and I am in complete and total love." "I just hope Brad Pitt is available and in the tri-state area." " Sorry!" " No, I was just..." "It's freezing out there." "My car didn't almost start." "It's freezing in here... but isn't it great?" " Personally, I see a dance floor." " Another roller rink." "You know, Brad has this theory about you." "You look so alarmed." "I'm always alarmed when anyone's actually talked about me." "He thinks you secretly and passionately yearn to do this... and if you don't you'll kill yourself or somebody else, or something." "Brad said this about me?" "Brad is surprisingly perceptive!" "So?" "What do you think?" "Well, it needs a little work." "No, seriously, I need to know what you think, I mean..." "I am going to do this and I understand of course that you aren't." "But I just need to know what you think." "I think it's wonderful." "That's Great!" "Then you'll do it!" "No!" "This is why I almost didn't come!" "Get me out of here!" "I will see you in class." "You know Brad has another theory about you." "He says you'll cave in at the last minute." "Bye." "Yes!" "What?" "Let's just say that Graham has a little input, output confusion." " I'm almost done." " Thanks, Neil, that's great." "Want me to explain to you what the problem is?" "No." "So, I guess Graham told you that he decided not to open the restaurant." "I'm actually kind of sorry about it, I mean, that I wasn't more supportive." "What restaurant?" "You mean he didn't tell you about this restaurant... that he was thinking about opening?" "My brother was thinking about opening a restaurant?" "By himself?" "Well, no, as a matter of fact his partner was supposed to be..." " You know, that woman?" " Which woman is this?" "You know, that Hallie Lowenthal woman." " Hallie?" " Lowenthal." "He didn't tell you about Hallie Lowenthal from his cooking class?" "Wait, wait, what's her name again?" "Holly?" "Hallie Lowenthal." "Right, yes." "Yes!" "Yes!" "Of course!" "Hallie." "I really should wear a watch, is what I should do." " Hey!" " Hey." "I just was a..." "What are you doing here?" "Fixed the stereo." "Want to know what the problem was?" "No." "So great!" "Hi." "I have to go upstairs." " What did you say to her?" " Nothing." "Why, what did you do?" "Nothing, Shut up!" "Nothing." "Wait, you actually signed me up?" "I know, in a way it was wrong, but I just have a feeling... that this is going to be really good." "I don't know..." "Whoever is going to tutor you, their name is next to yours." ""Brain Krakow?"" "Wait, maybe this is a bad idea." "No, I mean, if I'm already signed up." " Are you, "Brain"?" " Brian." "We are drama club!" "Come on, give me some drama!" "Okay, all right." "But if you move, don't you leave a forwarding number?" "I mean, is there a number?" "Because they wouldn't just move without telling me." "Because that would be crazy... that would be impossible... because people just don't do that... do they?" "Enrique?" "Enrique?" " Enrique." " Mr. Katimski?" "Gee whiz, you're here early." "Could I speak to you before class about the Odyssey?" "Of course!" "Come on." "If you want to take that doughnut off my hands, be my guest..." "I gave up coffee for New Year's... it's kind of taken the point out of doughnuts." "What's up?" "Okay, well, you know that essay that I never handed in... about what Odysseus wants?" " Can I get an extension on that?" " Okay." "Because I read it, it's about this lonely guy... that wanders the world for many years, right?" "Right." "And the way that it starts in the middle..." "What's that called again?" "I know you told us..." " "En medius res"." " Right." "It's in the middle of things." "Right." "Because see, right now it's sort of like... it's sort of like I don't have a place to live." "Oh, God." "What happened?" "But, I mean, it's okay, it's actually going to be fine." "I was staying at my friend Angela's house for a while... and they're really nice... they're this really great family..." "But in a way that made me feel lonelier..." " And I know that sounds ungrateful..." " No, no, no, I understand." "And see, my uncle..." "I was living with my aunt and uncle because... well, it's sort of a long story And you're certain that your aunt and uncle have relocated?" "I'm certain." "Kathy, obviously he can't, I mean, there has to be some solution here." "Well, actually, I'm thinking of a place for, is it Enrique?" "It's Rickie, but actually I was thinking that..." "I could get a job or maybe even an apartment." "Rickie, I got to say, I'm not sure that's realistic." "The place I'm thinking of for you is called Pride House." "What kind of a place is that?" "Well, a friend of a friend of mine runs it... and it's got a really warm atmosphere, has a super dedicated staff... and it's great, it's almost like a family." " That sounds pretty good, doesn't it?" " Yes, I guess." "Let me make a few calls and I'll pull in a few favors... and we'll see what we can do." "Go to your next class and I'll let you know when we know something." "Good!" "This sounds..." "My goodness, I've got a class myself." "Are you okay?" "You need another doughnut?" "No, I'm fine, thanks." "Welcome." "Richard, I'm on hold here." "Listen, a place like Pride House has a waiting list, you know?" "I mean, assuming he's qualified, even if I pull every string known to man... it's going to take a few weeks to get him in." "No, but, Kathy, that's..." "What is he supposed to do tonight?" "It's not a perfect system." "Yes, I'll hold." "No." "It isn't." " So, Happy New Year." " What?" "Yes, right." "So, how's everything?" "How's Delia Fisher?" " What do you want Krakow?" " Nothing, why?" "Why would I want anything?" "I don't want anything." " I just need like a favor." " Involving Delia Fisher?" "Involving Jordan Catalano." " I was put with him for tutoring." " So?" "So I'd just rather not tutor him, I mean... you have someone you're tutoring, so could you switch with me?" "So you and Kyle are back together now?" "No, no, it's just..." "I can't discuss it, okay?" "So, why can't you tutor Jordan Catalano?" "I can't discuss it either." "Because it just makes me feel like a hypocrite or something, you know?" "Yeah, I do actually." ""I love you beary much"?" "Oh, my God!" "Shut up!" "Wait, wait, Cherski, wait." "I mean, just this whole situation... see it's like I can't even look at him, so..." "I know." "It just really boils down to respect, you know..." "I have zero respect for him, so for me to tutor someone that I don't respect... wouldn't that almost be like using him?" "It is definitely wrong to use people." " So you'll switch with me?" " No." "No, that won't solve it... that's like the cowards' way out." "I can live with that, because, you know, I kind of am a coward, so..." "No." "No, you have to be honest... you have to tell him that it was a mistake... and that you can't pretend anymore and that whole using him thing... and that you know, you didn't want to hurt him!" "I'm supposed to say all that to Jordan Catalano?" "Hey, Cherski!" "Cute bear Krakow!" "What's the name?" "So I basically have no real background in the type of stuff you're weak in... so you should probably just resign up and..." "Where's my pen?" "What's that bear?" "That?" "That's just this thing this girl gave me." "Yes?" "I think I should tell you, even though I signed up to tutor people..." "I may have to drop out of the program or whatever..." "Do you have an eraser I could use for a second?" "My eraser won't erase." " Here you can keep it." " Thanks." " What?" " She would sleep with you." "What?" "!" " She would sleep with you." " Because I gave her my eraser?" "No, because she would." " Go get her number." " What?" "How am I supposed to get her number, I just ask her... just ask some girl I don't even know for her phone number... without warning?" "So, anyway... the Odyssey is this real long book right, and..." "I don't believe this." "I don't." "You do this?" "This is how you live?" "Yes." " Hi." "What's so funny?" " Nothing." "You sort of had to be there." "I have to sharpen my pencil." "Look, if this is weird for you, being tutored..." "I don't mind helping you a little longer." "It's not so weird." "So..." "Good." "You could have sex with me though, if you really want to help." "Oh, God." " Oh, my God." " I guess that's a no." "I'll let you get back to your work." "Have a seat." "Enrique." "They came and got me out of class." "So did she reach them, or..." "No." "I mean..." "Mr. Katimski, I just want to thank you for taking the time out, because... that Pride place Ms. Krazy... whatever her name is..." "It sounded good... and I would have never gone to guidance by myself, so thanks." " Look, Rickie." " Wait, you called me Rickie." "They don't, well, you're on the waiting list." "Which is good, which is very good." "The only thing is the immediate problem." "So, Mrs. Krzynowski has temporarily placed you in a facility." " What do you mean, you mean..." " No, it's not forever." "But what?" "Is it like..." "Look, I don't..." "Rickie..." " No, no, okay." "I know." " I mean..." "She wants to see you in her office." "She needs to fill out some forms." "Sure." "Enrique, wait." "I know this is going to work out." "Yeah, me, too." "Come on, stop it!" "God, you are relentless!" "I'm home!" "I don't care what his theory is." "What?" "Hang on a second." "Hi, it's Hallie Lowenthal." "Tell her hi." "Patty says hi." " Yes, she says hi back." " Great!" "Fabulous." " What?" " Nothing." " No, I was just..." " Sorry." "So sorry." " I should get off the phone." " No, don't get off the phone." "Okay, I will talk to you in class!" " She just wanted to ask me something." " No problem." "So you are considering going into business with Hallie or you aren't?" "I'm not." "I told you that." "Okay, it was just a question, it wasn't a criticism." "You know, you never told me what your New Year's resolution was." "Exercise more." "Mine, too." "Hey, you." "Hey, I'm talking to you, where are you going?" "Will somebody please get the door?" " I need to speak to..." " Danlelle, who Is It?" "I can't tell yet." "Hi, I'm looking for Enrique Vasquez." "My name is Richard..." " Mr. Katimski!" " Katimski." "Why do I know that name?" "Mom, he's my English teacher." "Enrique Vasquez, do you mean, Rickie?" " What happened to Rickie?" " So, Enrique is not here?" "No, he isn't, why?" "He was brought to a shelter last night... but I got a phone call from one of our counselors, this morning..." "Aren't they going to be late, for school?" "Girls, go to school." "Can I get you a cup of coffee, or something?" "No coffee." "Don't you realize this boy was under your roof." "Now, how can you just let him go like that?" " Who are you?" " But Rickie told us..." "I don't care what he told you!" "Now why did you believe..." "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." "Forgive me." "I'm really sorry." "No, you're absolutely right!" " We should have called." " Who are you?" "I'm your daughters' English teacher." "I am very sorry." "I have never..." "This is not how I normally behave." "No, no, it's okay, because I have felt so bad about this." "No, see I gave up coffee for New Year's, and I'm going through some... kind of withdrawal and..." "Forgive me, I had no right to point a finger of blame at you... especially since I've..." "Your daughter Angela, a very delightful person by the way... with a firm grasp of language... but she doesn't work up to her full potential." "Are you sure you don't want a cup of coffee?" "The old temptress." "I have to tell him the complete truth." "I can't become the type of person that would use another person like that... because I could end up like you!" "No offense." "None taken." "Hey, Kyle." "Cherski here has something to tell you." "Shut up!" "Hey!" "You must have lost this?" "I found it hanging from a urinal." "Thanks." "Kyle, we really have to talk." "Listen, I rented this video, and I thought maybe we could... hang at your place tonight and watch it?" "Kyle, there's something that I have to explain." "It's that movie where these two housewives on the run... in this convertible and they're babes, but they're really old babes?" " Kyle, look." " Who else is in it?" " You know that guy..." " Brad Pitt?" "Yeah!" "He's hitchhiking, and they pick him up!" "He's wearing a cowboy hat and no shirt!" "And next thing you know, Brad Pitt and that wacky babe... are going at it in this cheap hotel all night long!" "What did you want to explain?" "Nothing!" " How about 7:30?" " That's fantastic!" "God, I cannot believe how intense that was." "I know." "I mean, he seems like a sweet guy." "Absolutely." "I just hope we hear from him." "Rickie." "Well, look, he knows where we are if he needs us." "Listen, Patty... there's something I have to tell you." "It's been kind of weighing on me." "I haven't been completely honest... about something and I just can't..." "Oh, God, just say it." "Just say it." "I want to open this restaurant." "See, I missed Angela's birth because I got stuck in that airport... and I missed college because I did." "And I missed Woodstock twice." "And I don't want to miss this." "I will be totally supportive." "Really?" "But I thought, I mean, you mean that?" "Yes!" "God, yes!" "I will be unbelievably supportive." "Wait, wait a second!" "What did you think I was going to say?" "Never mind!" "That girl who's number you got for me?" "She's junior, so I don't know if you still think I should call her..." "I mean..." "I cannot stop thinking about how you did that... how you just got up and went over there?" "I mean, how did you do that?" " Maybe we better get down to work." " Okay." "You can even start with the basics, you know?" "Okay." "I mean, even if it seems like too basic?" "Start with that." "And then after if you want..." "I can teach you how to get someone's phone number." "Hello?" "Mr. Katimski?" "It's me, Enrique." "I'm sorry to bother you, but..." "Enrique!" "You're not, don't be silly." "Where are you?" "I'm fine!" "I'm really fine!" "How are you?" "Enrique, listen to me." "Do you need a place to stay?" "Because I was at the Chases today,  and they care about you." " You can go back there." " You were at the Chases?" "Why?" "Because I was worried about you!" "I am worried about you!" "But, but it's okay!" "I'm fine, I'm really fine!" "You don't have to worry." "And actually, I found this place to stay." " What place?" "Where?" " Just a place." "I can't stay at that shelter." " I know, Enrique, listen." "Never mind, we can talk about it tomorrow." "You have a safe place?" "To spend the night?" "Yes." "Okay." "Take care?" " Could you please stop doing that?" " No." "So, what's going to happen to him?" "The kid?" "The kid will be just fine, if he lives through the night." "That guidance counselor promised me that she'd pull some strings... to get him in some group home... it should only take five or six weeks, it'll be fine!" "It was question, not a criticism." "But you're thinking, why didn't I tell him that he could stay here tonight..." " You're thinking..." " No, I'm not." "Well, I am!" "We all know what could happen if we did take him in, if it got out... you realize what people could make of it?" " I'd lose my job, be crucified." " I didn't say anything." "What am I supposed to do?" "Just decide like that, that I'm the solution to some kids life?" "How egotistical is that?" "God, I just hate myself, but I can't!" "Don't hate yourself." "Hallie?" "Sorry, I didn't see you." "Did I scare you?" "I do have that affect on people." "You don't scare me." "So, Patty is really behind this now, she's very into it." "That's great!" "So here's the deal." "I did a major schmooze job on the landlord, he said if we sign now... he'll waive the first two months, so, worst case we've thrown away... ten months rent, but at least we'll have a place to show investors." "I hope to God I haven't pressured you into this." "Are you crazy?" "Of course you pressured me into it, no question." "No, be honest..." "I mean, people only do what they want to do, I mean... you wouldn't be here if you didn't really want to be, right?" "You know..." "Brad had this theory about you... actually about me." "He had a theory?" "Then he lost it?" "No, he probably still has it, but... we broke up." "What?" "When did this happen?" "We just decided to not be engaged anymore." "Well, I mean, he decided." "I don't know, it's just, you know, it's the New Year... and you find yourself kind of taking stock or what have you... coming to certain realizations." "I'm really sorry." "So, what was this theory?" "God, if I don't get over to that lawyer we won't even have a lease!" "You won't regret this." "Your address was in the phonebook." "I'm sorry." "It just got so hard to be alone!" "Come on."