"So..." "What do you think of my latest masterpiece, Eliot?" "I know it isn't one of my best." "But it does remind me of how pretty it was back here." "Oh, things are fine." "But I do miss you, Eliot." "Good morning." "Mr. Eason, you're late." "Here's your mail." "Any calls?" "Your mother..." "Twice." "Uh, Mr. Weller again." "He wasn't too thrilled" "About the fact that you never called him back." "Anything else?" "And Mr. Backis is waiting for you." "Richard, I know that our bank" "Has been doing business with your father" "And his company for 50 years." "But we're, um..." "Concerned about the scope of this project." "Everything is going according to plan so far." "Well, Richard, the board approved the project" "With your father at the helm." "Since his passing," "There has been the question of..." "Whether I'm up to the task." "Your father had decades of experience," "And that experience is what got this project off the ground." "Since my father died, we're on schedule" "To break ground in three weeks with no delays." "Mr. Eason?" "It's your mother, Richard." "Well, have her call me back." "Honey, this is the third time she's called." "She says that it's important." "I think you should take the call." "Ok, put her through." "This will just take a second." "Mom, I'm really busy." "I need a favor." "This new easel isn't working for me," "And my old one's up in the garage attic." "I can't right now." "I'm in the middle of a very important meeting." "Ok, I'll just go get it myself." "But if I fall..." "If I break my hip" "Mom, I'm gonna have to call you back." "Fine." "And don't climb up that ladder." "Bye." "%% Find that someone special %%" "%% give him love, make him your own %%" "Hmm." "Hello?" "Ella bear?" "It's grandma." "Hi, grandma, how are you?" "You won't believe what your father did." "My guess is it's more of what he didn't do." "I can't paint with this new easel," "The one your father bought me." "And my old one is way up in the garage attic," "And he says he's too busy to come get it" "For his own mother." "Yeah, grandma, I don't know what you want me to do." "It'd take me a couple of hours to get there." "Damn easel!" "I never expected to be a struggling artist" "At my age." "That was a joke." "What's the matter?" "Are you sure everything's ok?" "Yeah." "How are your classes?" "They're ok." "You're doing well?" "Yeah, my grades are fine." "Are you still writing songs down" "In that book of yours?" "Sort of." "You sound so sad, Ella bear." "Grandma" "Look, Ella, there's no one keeping you there." "You can do whatever you want." "The world is open to all of your dreams." "Whatever that means." "Thanks." "Bye." "Mom?" "Mom?" "Mom, I told you not" "Not to climb the ladder." "Your father isn't around anymore," "And you're too busy," "So how was I supposed to get my easel?" "Plus I found this painting of Annie's point." "That's great." "Now, get off the ladder before you hurt yourself." "I still have to get my easel." "Get off." "Step off." "I'll get it." "Come on." "Be careful." "Mom, why are you limping?" "I'm fine." "You could've fallen off the ladder" "And killed yourself." "I didn't fall, and I'm still on the earth." "Now, will you please just go up and get my easel?" "I always meant to finish this one." "I know this is a very difficult time for you." "But I can't be with you 24 hours a day." "I was asking for five minutes." "Can't an old woman get any help around the house?" "How would you feel about getting an apartment?" "Or one of those condos down by the lake?" "This place appraised for much higher than you expected." "Your father would never hear of it." "Mom, this house is too big for you." "It's my home." "Well, the yard's a mess." "And you left the stove on twice last week." "Don't speak to me that way!" "I'm your mother." "I'm trying to be helpful." "No, you're not." "Your father and I built this house," "And I want to stay here." "This just isn't practical." "But I feel comfortable here." "Mom-- that's enough, Richard!" "I'm fine, and I'm not going anywhere." "Now, if you have a problem with that," "You should take it up with your father." "So, what do you think, mom?" "Nursing school or a songwriting career?" "Everybody else seems to have an opinion." "Here you are." "Thank you." "Oh, Louise!" "You won't believe" "What I found in the attic." "My unfinished painting of Annie's point." "Annie's point?" "Oh!" "That's the place where you and Eliot wanted to build a house." "Oh, not just a house." "Our dream house." "Come on, sweetheart." "We never got to it." "No." "I sat in that hospital room with Eliot for months." "And then, just a few minutes before he passed," "He told me his one wish" "To be set free at Annie's point" "On our 50th anniversary." "You have an anniversary coming up, don't you?" "In nine days." "What's holding you back?" "You're thinking of dropping out of college?" "Do you have some sort of plan that I don't know about?" "I want to pursue a songwriting career." "Ella, you're gonna have lots and lots of time" "For hobbies and stuff like that after you graduate." "Right now you've got to have your degree." "Where did this songwriting idea come from, anyway?" "I never heard you sing a note." "Mom did." "Oh." "I see." "Well, trust me" "Even if your mother was still alive," "You would not be doing this." "You don't know that." "I've already paid the tuition," "So please finish out this year." "Dad, I can't." "Do you have any idea how much it costs" "For me to send you to this place?" "Yeah, I do." "But you don't know what it's like for me." "Come on, Ella!" "It's school!" "It's not prison!" "Dad!" "I know you're going through some sort of teenage crisis," "But I am not gonna let you throw away your future" "To follow some stupid fantasy!" "I knew you wouldn't understand." "You don't care about my feelings." "All you care about is this stupid company." "You don't know what you're talking about." "This stupid company is" "Grandma said there was nothing keeping me there," "And you know what?" "She was right." "Got good news and bad news." "Your echocardiogram showed significant blockage on two of your arteries." "I certainly hope that's the bad news." "It is." "The good news is," "With a fairly routine bypass," "You'll be as good as new." "But" "I've never been sick a day in my life." "But, to be honest," "After watching Eliot in that hospital all those months," "I never want to set foot in one again." "I understand." "But this is a serious situation." "Without the operation" "I could die?" "Yes." "You could die." "We need to get you into the hospital as soon as possible." "Can I have a day or two" "Before I commit to a surgery date?" "Sure." "In the meantime, we need to get you going" "On a new blood pressure medication." "It could make you feel a little lightheaded at first," "So try to take it easy." "Can I drive?" "I wouldn't recommend it." "At least not for a while." "Sorry about that, everybody." "What did I miss?" "I was just telling your mother" "I'll fill him in later." "Come on, dear." "Annie..." "Remember." "With this new medication," "No driving if you feel lightheaded." "Thank you, doctor." "Let's hear it again for Kim Bobletta!" "And now please welcome..." "Ella." "Sorry." "Whoops." "Are you sure Dr. Meldon didn't say anything else?" "It's just blood pressure medication?" "That's all." "But, now that I can't go alone," "I need you to make that trip with me." "Mom, that's 2,000 Miles away." "I've got a great car." "I can't do this right now, mom." "I told you, there's too much going on at work." "As soon as the project is over," "I'll take you there myself." "That might be too late." "Too late for what?" "Mom, what are you not telling me?" "Nothing." "But with the wedding anniversary coming up" "I'll take you to a nice dinner to celebrate your wedding anniversary." "Why don't--oh!" "Oh, my!" "Mom!" "What if I hadn't been here?" "What would you have done?" "Ok, that's it." "You can't stay here anymore." "This is not just for my peace of mind." "It's for your safety." "What if you got someone to stay with me?" "For how long?" "That's really expensive." "Your father and I built this house" "With our bare hands." "It's all I've got left." "He was my best friend." "We did everything together." "We were supposed to leave this earth together." "If I move to that place, will you make me a promise?" "Anything." "You have to take me to Annie's point." "Please." "I already told you, as soon as" "I need a promise." "I promise." "And it has to be all of us-- you and me and Ella." "Ok." "And we have to drive." "It'll force you to spend time with Ella," "Get to know each other again," "Get to be friends again." "Mom..." "Whatever you want." "I've got to go back to work, ok?" "Just call me if you need anything." "And no stoves, all right?" "I'll see you." "Dad?" "Oh!" "I'm sorry." "Oh, you should not sneak up on me." "Dad, I said I was sorry." "Yeah, but what I'm telling you-- dad!" "It's all right." "What do you need, honey?" "Do you like construction?" "Uh..." "Sure." "Did grandpa make you work with him?" "No." "No, I think he just always wanted me to..." "Do whatever made me happy." "He did say his door would always be open," "And then one day I just walked in." "Why?" "Just asking, I guess." "Mom would've been 46 tomorrow." "I know." "Remember the 40th birthday party we threw for her?" "The surprise party?" "Oh, some surprise." "She knew." "Yeah, but she pretended that she didn't." "Out of all the places we could've gone," "She wanted to go..." "Roller skating." "My knees have never been the same." "Dad?" "I really don't think that I'm making a mistake." "To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure what you're doing." "I know I have some talent with music." "I just don't know" "Sorry." "Hello?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Backis." "No, no." "We've avoided that with Mr. Nucci." "Tomorrow?" "Um..." "I'm supposed to bring my mother" "To a retirement community tomorrow." "Mr. Backis, can I call you back?" "Thank you." "Ok, bye." "Do you want me to go with grandma" "To her new place?" "It's not just the work, Ella." "It's..." "I understand." "I'll go with her." "I don't know if Richard's gonna keep his promise." "Maybe I should just pack the car up" "And head out to Annie's point." "It's ridiculous, isn't it?" "I know I made that promise to you." "I'm just not sure how I'm going to pull it off." "Well, we'll talk more about this in the morning." "Good night, my love." "You have all your pills?" "Yes, Richard." "I wish I could drive you to the orientation." "That's ok." "It's just that I canceled on these guys yesterday." "I said it's ok." "I know this is all happening really fast," "But you're gonna like the place, I know you will." "And just think-- you're gonna be" "Practically neighbors with Louise." "I'm gonna be fine." "Are you gonna be ok to drive?" "Ella's here." "I'll be fine." "All right." "So, I'll, uh..." "I'll stop in later tonight to get you settled." "Thank you." "You're a good son." "Thanks, mom." "Hey." "Make a right here, grandma." "Gramm, you were supposed to turn right there." "I probably should've told your father." "I'm not moving in there today." "What are you talking about?" "I thought about it." "I did." "But I truly can't remember" "What Annie's point looked like." "And I need to be there for my anniversary." "I'm going to California." "And I need you to go with me." "What?" "We're going to California." "I can't." "Give me one good reason why not." "My father." "Oh, I can handle him." "What are you gonna do, stay here, pay rent," "Mope around?" "You want to be a songwriter." "You have to have something to write about." "It's not that easy." "You wouldn't want me to drive there by myself, would you?" "That's not fair." "I'm an old lady." "I'd be all alone for 2,000 Miles." "And all I have is an old map." "Grandma!" "I'm also on this new medication." "I'm not even sure I can drive on my own." "I don't have my guitar or any of my clothes." "Oh, we can get those." "I have plenty of cash." "And there are always credit cards." "Thank you, Ella bear." "Come on, Ella." "Let's live a little." "I thought you said you couldn't drive." "It's just a little further up this way." "Put that book down for a second," "And grab that small painting behind your seat." "We weren't much older than you" "When grandpa moved us from California" "For a job he just couldn't pass up." "We didn't have a penny to our name." "But we had the world in front of us." "And those trees." "They were like a row of soldiers welcoming us home." "What did you leave back in California?" "Everything." "My parents, my baby brother, you name it." "What happened with your little brother?" "We'll have plenty of time for that." "If I'm not mistaken, this should be it." "What happened to the trees?" "This is it." "Grandma, this is stupid." "We can just barge in on some strangers." "It'll be fine." "People are nicer than you think." "I'll do the talking." "Good, 'cause I don't want to be here." "Gotcha!" "Uh..." "Who are you?" "Is your mother or father home?" "Mom?" "!" "Two strange ladies are here!" "That's a good start." "I'm leaving." "Uh" "Can I help you?" "Hi." "My name is Annie Eason," "And this is my granddaughter Ella." "Can I help you?" "I know this is gonna sound unusual, but..." "My husband and I built this house years ago," "And I was wondering if it would be possible..." "For me to have a look inside." "We should be going." "Sorry to bother you." "You see, we left something" "Behind the nook in the kitchen, for luck." "Would it be all right for me to see" "If it's still there?" "I don't know." "Mrs. Hogan..." "My granddaughter and I" "Are on a Journey across the country," "And I have a heart problem." "So I figured we could use all the luck we could get." "We built the house in 1960." "How long have you been living here?" "Um, five years this July." "I hope you don't mind my asking" "What happened to those beautiful trees out front?" "This is how the house came to us." "Are--are you sure you know what you're looking for?" "I'm sure." "Oh, my goodness." "What is that?" "A 1919 gold Liberty coin..." "Given to your grandfather by his father." "When we left California, he said," ""hide it someplace in your first home," "And it'll bring you a lifetime of happiness."" "We call it lucky 19." "Just before he passed, your grandfather said" "He realized this coin needed to come back to the family." "Houses don't need luck." "People do." "Margaret, I cannot thank you enough" "For allowing us in your home." "It's my pleasure." "Hold on a second." "I want you to have this." "This isn't this house, is it?" "It sure is." "There used to be trees here." "It was so beautiful." "I can't accept this." "Oh, it would mean a great deal to me" "If you could use some of that money to plant some new trees." "I can't." "I insist." "Thank you again." "No." "Thank you." "Oh..." "There he is again." "I'm so sorry." "Have a great trip." "Sam!" "I can't believe you just gave her all that money." "Oh, your grandfather would want the house" "To look like it did when we were younger." "Besides, it makes you feel good" "To do things for other people." "Whatever." "And what did you mean when you said" "You had a heart problem?" "Didn't I tell you?" "Um..." "I need bypass surgery." "What?" "!" "Why wouldn't you tell me that?" "You wouldn't have agreed to come with me if I had." "Besides, I feel great." "Do you have a boyfriend?" "No." "Had many dates lately?" "No." "In my day..." "A man would take you to the movies," "Or for a soda," "And if he interested you," "You'd spend some time together." "But after a few months," "If he wasn't serious about marriage," "You'd move on to a man who was." "Kind of sounds like an arranged marriage." "In lots of ways, it was." "Your grandpa asked me to marry him" "On our fifth date." "Women didn't have the freedom that you have." "Some freedom." "I've never been on a second date," "Let alone a fifth." "You are a beautiful, talented young woman." "Why not?" "I'd rather not discuss my love life" "With my grandma." "Doesn't sound like there is a love life." "Even more reason to end the discussion." "So, to answer your question, no." "No one is "courting me" at the moment." "%% ..." "The earth was nowhere to be found %%" "%% and the view from-- %%" "Why do you think you don't have a boyfriend?" "Grandma, please!" "It's like with my music." "I'm in my room, and I'm fine." "But you get me in front of a crowd, and I freeze." "Same thing with guys." "I get totally terrified when I talk to them." "You're just not flirting enough." "I don't know how to flirt." "Nonsense." "Everyone knows how to flirt." "Not me." "Whatever." "Mom?" "Hello?" "Good evening." "This is Dr. Meldon's office." "Is Annie Eason available?" "No, I'm sorry, she's not." "This is her son Richard." "Is there anything I can do?" "Dr. Meldon wanted to make sure" "That she scheduled her surgery as soon as possible." "Surgery?" "What surgery?" "Oh, I'm sorry." "I thought Dr. Meldon told you" "That Annie needs heart surgery as soon as possible." "%% Wished upon a star %%" "%% for a mansion or a Learjet %%" "%% or some fancy car %%" "%% so I never quite believed %%" "%% that miracles came true %%" "%% then there was you... %%" "%% 'cause I believe in miracles tonight %%" "%% I think you're an Angel %%" "%% fit to hold me tight %%" "%% it seems my life's a fairy tale %%" "%% 'cause it always comes out right %%" "%% and I believe in miracles %%" "%% tonight %%" "There are people here, grandma!" "Oh, come on, girl." "Live it up." "Oh, this is so embarrassing." "Please sit down." "Put down that notebook for five minutes" "And live a little." "This notebook is my life." "What are you writing?" "A song." "What else would I be writing?" "How am I supposed to know?" "You never let anyone look at that thing." "What's the song about?" "Nothing." "Sounds like a hit." "May I see it?" "I'd rather not." "Oh, please, come on." "These are great." "None of them are done yet." "How does this one go?" "I'm not gonna sing for you." "Then I will." "%% When you find that special someone-- %%" "Ok, ok, if-- if I sing," "Will you stop embarrassing me?" "You know I can't promise you that." "You sing, I'll stop." "Ok?" "I can't believe I'm gonna do this." "%% Find that someone special %%" "%% give him love, make him your own %%" "%% stop your search %%" "%% and you will find %%" "%% that your heart has found its home %%" "Hey." "You some kind of singer or something?" "No." "Yes, she is." "And someday you're gonna want her autograph." "If you ever record that little song of yours..." "I'll tell you what-- I'd buy it." "You ladies have a lovely evening." "Now, those were real men." "And they really liked your style." "Heh!" "And it's good to see you smile." "It's my dad." "He had to call sometime." "I don't know how to use these things!" "Press the green button." "Hello?" "Mom?" "Where are you?" "I'm not telling." "Mom, I talked to Dr. Meldon." "I know about the surgery." "This is serious." "You cannot just pick up and leave." "I can, and I did." "Is Ella with you?" "She sure is." "When are you coming home?" "We're not." "Be reasonable." "You're sick." "I feel fine." "I cannot go chasing all over the country for you." "Then don't." "I'm sorry I lied to you," "But I--I didn't know any other way." "Please don't do this." "We love you, and we'll call you tomorrow." "And don't sell my house!" "'Cause I'm not moving." "He's gonna be mad." "He already is." "Hello?" "Yes." "Yes, good evening." "Um..." "I need a bit of assistance." "I'm getting a little tired." "I think I'll let you drive." "Let's find an ATM machine." "What's your pin?" "Take a guess." "19?" "1919." "You got it." "You don't have any money." "Try it again." "Same thing." "Well, it must be the machine." "What happened?" "My credit card was declined, too." "I just gave him our last $25 for gas." "You're kidding, right?" "No, Ella, I'm not." "Great." "We have no money to get across country..." "But that poor family has $500 to buy trees" "That they're never gonna plant!" "Stop it, Ella." "We're in a bit of a pickle, that's all." "That's it." "I'm calling my dad." "Save your breath." "I'll call him." "Mom?" "Just because you don't agree with me," "You don't have to sabotage our trip." "Tell me where you are," "And I'll reactivate your credit cards." "You can't reactive it." "I have to reactivate it." "In person." "You know that." "What was I supposed to do?" "Honor the dying wish of your father." "Mom, I want you to turn around and come back home." "To what home?" "I'm in good company." "I'm not coming back." "Are you at least taking your medication?" "If you're so concerned about me," "How come you're leaving me penniless?" "Tell me where you are, and I'll wire you some money." "Oh, nice try." "Ok, may I please speak with Ella?" "She's not here." "Where is she?" "She's out getting a gigantic tattoo" "Of a dragon on her back." "Ella wouldn't do that." "Yes, she would." "And I'm getting a skull and crossbones on my butt." "Mom, are you coming home or not?" "Not." "It's lucky for you we're flesh and blood..." "Because what you've done is almost unforgivable." "Why did you do that?" "!" "Because I'm a grown woman" "Who can take care of herself." "Now, get driving, Ella bear." "We have to make some money." "No, my dad is right." "You need surgery," "And we don't have any money." "We have to go back." "Eliot, I made you a promise." "And nothing is going to stand in the way of my keeping it." "You can count on me." "Ella, I'm making it to Annie's point, with or without you." "If you want to come with me," "You're gonna have to play by my rules." "Could you please pick up?" "This is important." "Pick up for one sec." "Brenda, something's come up." "I have to leave town." "I'm gonna have both cell phones with me." "But don't use the personal number" "Unless you absolutely have to," "And transfer all my business calls" "To the business number." "Got it?" "Honey, I've been here for eight years." "I think I've got it." "Where are you going?" "I'm not quite sure." "But I need you to do me another favor." "Could you find out where the last place" "That credit card number was used?" "And you've got to call Backis and Weller" "And tell them I can't make today's appointment." "You can tell them yourself." "I was trying to tell you-- they're here early." "I've been here a lot longer than I planned," "But I want those contracts on my desk by 4:00." "Mr. Backis." "Mr. Weller, I am terribly sorry." "But we're gonna have to postpone today's meeting." "Something's come up, and I have to leave town." "Richard, let me level with you." "Eason's line of credit" "Is what we call in the banking industry "guarded"." "Well, I'll take that into consideration." "Now, if you'd like to make a new appointment," "You can do that with my assistant." "And, again, my apologies for the inconvenience." "Uh, Mr. Eason?" "Are you still going out of town?" "Absolutely." "You gonna stay mad at me the entire trip?" "I can go longer than you can without talking." "We'll start right now." "No one is talking." "Over 1,000 Miles to go," "And no one is talking." "Oh, we're smiling now." "But no one is talking." "You couldn't go five minutes without talking." "And you can't stay mad at me." "I'm sorry I raised my voice back there, but..." "This trip is more important to me" "Than I can truly put into words." "Do you understand?" "I'm getting hungry." "Park the car." "I have an idea." "Ok, what's your big idea?" "I'll take your arm," "And you tell them I'm a blind caricature artist." "What?" "!" "No way." "That's crazy." "You want to eat tonight?" "Ok, watch your step." "Hi." "Lovely day for a fair, isn't it?" "Oh, it sure is, sir." "Oh." "She doesn't see too well." "Or..." "Really at all." "Excuse me." "Could I..." "Oh." "From the contours of your face," "I'd say you were Irish." "That's right." "How do you do that?" "Ok, grandma." "There's no entrance fee for this," "But we do request a $5 donation, please." "Oh, we're not here to shop." "I'm an artist." "She does caricatures." "But..." "But..." "She can't see." "But that's the beauty of it." "Here you are, son." "Thanks." "That's amazing." "Oh, you don't know the half of it." "Thank you." "How many is that?" "16." "Who's next?" "Ella bear..." "That voice of yours is really something." "That was the first time I sang for anybody" "Besides my mom." "Have you written any songs for her?" "Actually, that's what I'm working on right now." "Does it help?" "With what?" "Does it help you..." "You know..." "When you're feeling down about her?" "I don't know." "You know what I do" "When I'm especially blue about grandpa?" "I talk to him." "Yeah, I" "I heard you in the car." "I'm not embarrassed." "I" "Sometimes I talk about normal stuff" "My day..." "My feelings." "Does it help?" "Sometimes." "It makes me feel like he's still with me." "Yes, I'm aware of the fact" "That they're not technically missing." "I have their itinerary with me." "Sir, they're adults, not kids." "Yes, I'm aware of the fact that they're too old to be runaways." "Well, we don't have the authority" "What do you suggest we do?" "Wait until they break the law or something?" "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." "Ok, thank you." "Thank you very much." "Same to you." "Good-bye." "Hey, Brenda." "What did you find out?" "The card was last used in Missouri." "Missouri?" "!" "Did Mr. Nucci call to harass me, too?" "Would you do me a favor and get him on the line, please?" "Don't forget to eat." "Thank you." "What?" "I said, don't forget to eat." "Yes." "Yes, I'll remember to eat something." "Ok." "Ok." "Ok. 'Cause you know what, sweetheart?" "You are like a toothpick." "I mean, personally," "I like a man with a little more meat on his bones." "Did you know," "After all those years of painting," "Today was the first time I've ever actually sold something?" "Really?" "I think we've done quite a bit of living" "In the last couple of days." "How are you feeling?" "I'm feeling the same as I was" "When you asked me ten minutes ago." "That's why I have these." "How did you know grandpa was the one?" "He touched my hand." "And?" "Ella bear..." "When your grandpa touched my hand for the first time," "I had to actually look down" "To see if it was still there." "I knew right then." "That's it?" "That sounds like something out of a cheesy romance novel." "I know it sounds silly." "Someday you'll know what I mean." "So, tell me about your brother." "How did we get to that?" "I don't know." "I mean..." "These are all the things that I don't know about you." "There isn't much to tell." "Ok, I sang at that truck stop," "And I showed you my notebook." "Now it's time for you to do something that you don't want to do." "Well..." "Doug is almost 20 years younger than I am," "And he lives in California." "Why don't you talk to him?" "It's a long story." "I wanted to teach him a lesson years ago." "I think he got the lesson, but he never forgave me." "Have you ever been skinny-dipping?" "No." "I keep thinking about that pool" "By that big country club when we were driving in here." "Why don't we chalk up another first while we're on the road?" "What do you say?" "No." "Why not?" "Because you're sick, and, no offense," "But the idea of skinny-dipping with my grandma" "Doesn't sound like a whole lot of fun." "It actually sounds kind of creepy." "Well, I'm going skinny-dipping." "Are you sure you want to do this?" "You only live once." "I don't know if I can make it over the fence." "How did you get over there?" "The gate's open." "That works." "How's the temperature?" "Who cares?" "Oh, it's beautiful in here!" "You didn't finish your story." "Tell me about your brother." "Doug was living with us" "After my folks passed." "He didn't deal with their passing all that well." "He was good kid, but for a while there," "He always seemed to find trouble." "One night he got caught shoplifting," "And they arrested him." "I thought he should spend one night in jail" "Before we got him out." "Like I said, to teach him a lesson." "When we finally got him out," "He was awfully mad at me." "We got into a huge fight," "Said things I'm sure we both regretted our whole lives." "Then he packed his bags," "Moved to California," "And I never heard from him again." "What happened to him?" "Like I said, he was a good kid." "He learned his lesson and just..." "Lived his life." "Why don't we stop and see him?" "Doug?" "I wouldn't know what to say." "Oh, poo!" "Yes, officer." "We are always having trespassers." "This is not a public pool, you understand." "I understand, sir." "I'll take care of it." "I thank you." "Mm-hmm." "Uh, well, um..." "That gentleman there-- that's Mr. Langelos." "Does he live at the country club?" "Uh, heh." "Ma'am..." "This isn't a country club." "It's his private residence." "Oh, my." "My partner here will drive your car behind me," "Save you a $100 impound fee." "Thank you." "Sure." "Just, uh, come this way." "Thank you." "Ok." "Turn the other way." "One day we'll look back on this" "As our "night in jail"." "Boy, Doug would find this a real hoot." "His goodie-goodie sister in the can." "Grandma, this isn't funny!" "God, don't you take anything seriously?" "Oh, we'll be out of here in no time." "We don't have money for the fine." "We're gonna have to call dad." "I'm sure he'll be joining us" "Sooner rather than later." "Uh, you sure there isn't anyone you'd like to call?" "Uh, in a moment, son." "Right now..." "Would you mind" "Pointing me to that bathroom over there?" "Uh..." "Well, miss Eason, um" "Oh, call me Annie." "Annie." "That's really just for police personnel only." "Now, you wouldn't want your mother using that, would you?" "Uh, no, ma'am." "Could you find it in your heart to..." "Treat me like your mother?" "Just this time?" "Uh..." "What the heck." "This way." "Where's your partner?" "Oh, he's out on a call." "Would you be a dear..." "And make sure it's clean?" "I have a thing about bathrooms." "Sure." "Yep, looks ok to me, Annie." "Annie?" "Let's go." "Annie?" "No!" "Ella Mildred Eason..." "It's now or never." "Cross another one off life's to-do list." "We're a regular Thelma and Louise." "We're gonna go to jail." "We've already been to jail." "No, I mean, real jail," "Where there's gangs and murderers." "Don't be silly." "We're gonna get caught, grandma." "Relax, Ella bear." "Relax?" "How am I supposed to relax?" "You guilted me into going on this trip with you." "You--you lied and told me" "You need some kind of heart surgery." "And then you broke us out of jail." "You don't need me on this trip with you." "You just need a chauffeur." "That's not true." "Oh, yeah?" "Well, that's how I see it." "You're going through a very hard time," "And it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel." "But trust me." "Trust yourself." "It will be there." "And as far as needing a chauffeur," "I don't need a chauffeur." "I need a best friend." "And she happens to be sitting right here next to me." "Oh, come here." "Now, tell me that didn't feel good." "That didn't feel good." "Ok, it felt kind of good." "Oh..." "Just make that the last thing" "We cross off the list." "Deal." "Ohh." "I drove just about all night." "Sweetheart, where are you?" "Some small town in Kansas, near Colorado." "I'm gonna send you this email right now." "I hope it helps." "Brenda, I know." "I know that the project is in jeopardy." "You're just gonna have to stall them as best you can, all right?" "Ok, I'm gonna send this to you." "Fine." "Ok, bye." "Ok, bye." "Excuse me." "Um..." "Where are we?" "Arizona." "About 40 Miles from Nevada." "Thank you." "You're welcome." "What?" "What you just did-- it's called flirting." "No, it isn't." ""Thank you."" "Stop it." "You should be proud of yourself." "You're a good flirt." "Oh." "Only two left." "Ok, we need to get you some more pills" "And some good rest." "I'll have all the rest I need before long." "You know what?" "I'm gonna call my dad." "The least he can do is wire us some money." "Ella..." "I'm going to call him." "What are you looking for?" "My phone." "Maybe it's in the car." "I left it on that policeman's desk." "Oh, boy." "Hello?" "Who's this?" "Uh, this is the police in rand junction." "Who is this?" "This is Richard Eason." "Is everything all right?" "You wouldn't know Annie and Ella Eason, would you?" "Yes, that's my mother and my daughter." "Are they all ri-- what have they done?" "Why don't I tell you where I'm at," "And we can talk in person?" "You're not from here, are you?" "It's the clothes, isn't it?" "Your car's Illinois license plates." "I saw you drive up." "How long are you and your mom in town for?" "Oh, that's my grandmother." "We're just..." "Passing through." "I'm sorry." "I didn't even introduce myself." "I'm Scott tardy." "Oh, uh..." "Ella Eason." "Very nice to meet you, Ella." "You, too." "If, uh..." "You're staying in town," "And if you and your grandmother want something different to do," "It's open-Mike night tonight." "It's pretty popular." "Ok, I'll ask her." "Ask me what?" "I thought maybe we could come back later" "For some coffee." "Oh, I'm sorry, Scott." "This is my grandmother Annie." "I told Ella it's open-Mike night," "And we get some pretty good singers." "Ella has the voice of an Angel." "Grandma." "You didn't tell me you could sing." "I'm not surprised." "Would you sing for us tonight?" "No-- she'd love to." "Great." "I'll see you tonight." "What did you do that for?" "You have to sing sometime." "He is so cute." "Heh." "And you thought you didn't know how to flirt." "Come on." "Listen, I can't apologize enough for this." "It's all right." "It turns out the charges were dropped." "They were?" "Yeah." "It seems that, uh, Mr. Langelos" "Was a little taken with your mother." "Ah, she was skinny-dipping, you know." "I mean, of course I was, uh" "I was fixing to let them go before the escape." "Now, if this were to get out," "I would be the butt of all the jokes in town." "So, uh..." "I'd just as soon keep this between us." "Well, I'd appreciate that, too." "Thanks very much." "Have a safe trip." "Ok." "She really was?" "Skinny-dipping?" "Buck naked." "Brenda, did you get the email I sent?" "Yes." "And you passed the schedule and figures" "On to Backis, Weller and Nucci?" "Yep." "Ok, then." "I don't know what else I can do for them." "Mm-hmm." "If they call again," "Tell them I've sent everything they need" "To keep the project going forward." "Ok." "Now I have to track down" "My delinquent mother and daughter." "Don't forget to eat." "Talk to you later." "%% Now, it's just so hard to feel %%" "%% to open up again %%" "%% when it all seems so real... %%" "Good evening, ladies." "You both look lovely tonight." "Thank you." "Thank you." "I saved you a table, just in case." "The coffee's on me." "Ella, you go on in 20 minutes." "I can't wait to hear you sing." "Me, either." "Me, either." "Somebody has a crush on you." "Yeah, well, he won't after I vomit all over his stage." "You're gonna be great." "%% Just fade away %%" "%% and begin again %%" "First of all, I'd like to thank you all" "For coming down here tonight." "We have a treat for you." "Do you remember what I told you" "About how I talk to grandpa?" "Now, close your eyes." "Go sing this for your mama." "Please welcome..." "Ella." "I'm sorry." "This is for my mom..." "Who I haven't seen in a really long time." "%% When you find that someone special %%" "%% give him love, make him your own %%" "%% stop your sense and you will find %%" "%% that your heart has found its home %%" "%% you'll be in my dreams forever... %%" "Could I please borrow your phone?" "Sure thing." "%% And the things you taught me %%" "%% are the gifts %%" "%% that I'll treasure... %%" "Richard?" "Mom?" "Listen." "Hello?" "%% Your memories are my Angel's wings... %%" "Who is this?" "Hello?" "Mom?" "Hello?" "%% You blessed me with the will to be %%" "%% flying on my own %%" "%% your love has led me so beyond %%" "%% where any eagle's flown %%" "%% and until I see you once again %%" "%% I'll be flying on my own %%" "All that time, and" "Well, you just blew me away." "Oh, your mother would be so proud." "That was tremendous." "Oh!" "My purse." "I'll be right back." "Thank you." "Can I ask where you're going?" "A very important place" "On the California coast." "What's it called?" "I don't know the real name, but..." "My grandpa named it Annie's point" "After my grandma." "Is your grandfather gonna be there?" "I guess you could say that." "It was an absolute pleasure" "Meeting you, Ella Eason." "You, too." "I'd wish you luck..." "But, uh, I don't think you're gonna need it." "With what?" "Just promise you'll send me a copy" "Of your first CD." "Heh." "I promise." "That was true beauty in there." "Thank you." "Oh, no." "Thank you." "I couldn't have done it without you." "Oh." "I only wish mom was here." "Well, who knows?" "Maybe she was." "I do know your father was." "What are you talking about?" "I finally figured out how to use a cell phone." "He heard every note." "Ha!" "We've been in Nevada for about an hour." "There's not much to it." "There will be." "What do you mean?" "You'll see." "Wow!" "This is amazing!" "It sure is." "It's changed quite a bit" "Since your grandpa and I were here." "We'll pull in here." "Are you sure?" "Positive." "%% I'm so happy to be here %%" "%% when I look around, it's clear %%" "%% yes, it's perfectly... %%" "Ok, I'll call dad." "Not yet." "I feel lucky." "You want to gamble?" "I'd rather do that than give in to your father." "Gramm, we don't have any money," "And I think we're probably wanted fugitives," "And you're almost out of medication." "What do you suggest we do?" "No." "Grandpa's father gave it to him" "To bring him luck when he needed it most." "But it's your lucky coin." "Exactly." "No, that's crazy." "It's the least crazy thing I can think of." "Here it is, down here." "No more bets." "24." "We have to go again." "Lucky 19." "%% What have you got to lose?" "%%" "%% Take a little Chance, you won't be sorry... %%" "No more bets." "28." "%% Oh, what have you got to lose?" "%%" "%% I'm on fire %%" "%% 'cause you lit my fuse %%" "%% if you want what I got %%" "%% take your best shot %%" "%% what have you got to lose?" "%%" "%% Ohh %%" "13." "Black's on." "%% The moment's now %%" "%% don't make me wait %%" "Oh, 25." "Sorry. 23." "%% And it feels so right %%" "%% it's meant to be %%" "%% it's not about lovin' %%" "%% it's chemistry %% 6." "%% Do I have to spell it out?" "%%" "%% Baby, read my lips %%" "Place your bets." "%% What have you got to lose?" "%%" "Ok, this is it, grandma." "As they say..." "Here goes nothing." "No more bets." "%% Ohh, what have you got to lose?" "%%" "19!" "Aah!" "Ha ha ha!" "Ha ha ha!" "Ohh, gosh!" "Aah!" "Ohh!" "Ohh!" "Ohh!" "Ohh!" "Ohh!" "Ok, I am gonna go get the coin back" "From the pawn shop." "I'm still feeling lucky." "Ok." "Oh, no!" "Are you ok, ma'am?" "Oh, fine." "Just a little excited." "Um, last name Gordon." "First name Douglas." "Hold for that number." "805-555-0083." "Mom?" "Hi, Richard." "Are you all right?" "We're fine." "We may be in a bit of trouble, though." "Don't worry about it." "I've already been to that little police station in Kansas." "It's been taken care of." "Thank you." "Where are you?" "Where are you?" "I'm getting closer." "How are you feeling?" "Oh, I'm fine." "I just got some more of my medication." "You didn't sell my house, did you?" "Nope." "Not yet." "Why don't you tell me where you are" "So I can wire you some money, just in case?" "We don't need money." "We're not far from Annie's point." "I assume you know where that is." "Mom-- see you there." "Mom?" "I know that you have this trip perfectly planned out," "But we're going on a little detour." "The last time that happened," "Your father took me to that retirement village." "Where are we going?" "There's someone that I think you should see." "That's a nice house." "It sure is." "It's your brother's house." "I can't." "I'm sure he'll be happy to see you." "Did you ever think that you might owe it to him?" "Don't be nervous." "Oh, that's easy for you to say." "May I help you?" "Annie?" "Hi, Dougie." "This is my granddaughter." "I guess she'd be your great-niece Ella." "Nice to meet you." "It's really nice to meet you, too." "Ohh." "Uh..." "Who's this, dad?" "Well, this is your aunt Annie," "And this is your cousin Ella." "Annie, Ella..." "This is my daughter Lucy." "Thanks for dinner." "Oh, you're welcome." "It wasn't much." "Lucy's beautiful." "She gets that from her mother." "I'm sorry she's out of town." "She would've loved to meet you." "I'm sorry, too." "Eliot?" "He fought so hard..." "For so long." "He went peacefully." "He was a good man." "Very good man." "Uh, our son Richard" "Took over Eliot's construction company." "Oh, good for him." "That's good." "Annie..." "Heh." "I picked up the phone" "To call you a thousand times." "But, as each year went by," "It just got more and more difficult" "To know what to say." "Don't blame yourself." "I have a phone, too." "I never should've tried to teach you that lesson." "And for that I've never forgiven myself." "I'd be lying if I told you" "The price wasn't high in not seeing you" "And Eliot and Richard." "But, you know, it made me who I am today." "I work with kids," "Trying to help them find direction in their lives," "And I never would've been able to do that without you, Annie." "I never doubted you'd make a success of yourself, Doug." "I miss you." "Miss you, too." "So, what happened with the cop?" "Nothing." "My dad met with him," "And he dropped all the charges." "He was so embarrassed" "That an older woman locked him in his own cell." "He's not gonna tell anybody anything." "So, how long have you and aunt Annie been driving?" "About three days." "Who would think it'd be fun to drive across country" "With their grandma?" "I gotta tell you, when she and I first got in the car..." "I would've rather been anywhere else." "I mean, I never thought that my grandma" "Could understand anything" "That was going on in my world." "And?" "She taught me more in a few days" "Than I ever would've learned in school." "You're in college?" "I was." "Well, what happened?" "I left." "So, you just quit?" "Well, my music never would've had a Chance if I didn't." "What do you want to be?" "A writer." "That's awesome." "It would be awesome to actually have a book published." "A wise woman once told me" "That the world is open to all of our dreams." "And what if they're just dreams?" "Well, you won't know until you try." "You gotta do what makes you happy." "Here's some water, Annie." "Oh." "Thank you." "Those are some big pills." "What are those for?" "I'm just getting old." "Are you all right?" "Oh, I'm fine." "It's been a long Journey." "Nothing a good night's sleep" "And comfortable bed won't fix." "Ha ha!" "Oh, it's really good to see you, Doug." "Same here." "Now, you're sure you're all right?" "Oh, I'm fine." "'Cause I'm right next door if you need me." "Fine." "Good night, Annie." "You need anything else?" "Oh, we're fine, thank you." "Well..." "Bye, Annie." "So, let's not let another 30 years go by, ok?" "Ok." "I'll talk to you soon." "Wait, Annie." "I just-- I wish so much" "That I could've talked to Eliot one last time." "I'm so sorry I didn't." "But mostly, I'm sorry that..." "I wasn't there for you." "So, even if we haven't spoken," "You were always there with me." "Thank you." "Hey." "Happy 50th anniversary." "Thank you." "Have a nice trip." "Come back, ok?" "Thank you." "I'm proud of you, Doug." "Eliot would be, too." "Grandma, I think we need to get you out of this car for a while." "No." "But you look really uncomfortable." "Ella bear, in less than two hours," "I'll have more energy than I'll know what to do with." "Trust me." "Hey." "It's more beautiful than I remember." "It hasn't changed one bit." "It's as though we were here yesterday." "Oh, your grandfather looked so handsome." "I'm ready to take grandpa home now." "Brenda?" "Yes?" "You got the three wise men on the phone?" "Uh-huh." "Great." "Put 'em through." "Ok." "Gentlemen." "Hello, Richard." "Are we all together?" "Yes, we're all here." "Good." "Listen, we'd like to talk to you about" "Let me start out by saying that," "While I can certainly appreciate your desire" "To see these projects through to completion," "What I do not appreciate is being talked to" "And treated like an amateur." "My father put all three of you on the map, and your companies," "Without ever letting you down, and I won't, either." "But right now my family needs me," "And I refuse to let them down." "So, I will contact you when I get back to town," "And when that happens," "I will fulfill all of my obligations," "As I expect you to fulfill all of yours." "We understand each other?" "Yes, we do." "Excellent." "Have a nice day." "Are you sure this is it?" "I'm sure." "Heh!" "Is it how you remembered?" "It's beautiful." "Well, now I can see what the fuss was all about." "Hey." "Oh!" "Hi, daddy." "Hi, honey." "Thank you, Richard." "I'm sorry you thought you had to chase me" "Clear across country." "But coming here was very important to me." "When I started this Journey," "I honestly believed I'd soon be joining your father." "I guess what I'm trying to say is..." "I'm sorry I made life so difficult." "You were just looking for support." "No, I was being selfish." "You were the one doing your best to help." "But now that I'm here," "I feel reborn." "And I owe a lot of that to Ella." "Ohh." "She's just like her mother." "Well, and she's also just like her father." "You're a good dad, Richard." "Your father would be proud of you." "Wow." "Yeah." "Dad told me about this." "He wanted you to have it." "Thanks." "I'll only be a minute." "Oh, Eliot, we made it!" "And on time!" "Wasn't able to finish the picture, Eliot." "I was afraid I forgot what the place looks like." "But it's the same, isn't it?" "Ohh!" "Oh, I miss you, my dear." "You could always make me laugh." "I heard you sing." "I know." "You were really, really good." "I wish your mom could've heard you." "I think she did." "I miss her so much." "I've never been able to let her go." "But that's no excuse for me to be as hard on you as I've been." "You're just being a dad." "Yeah." "And, as your dad," "I need to tell you that..." "You don't have to go back to school." "I just need something else right now." "But I promise I won't leave you in the dark anymore." "I'll let you know what I'm feeling..." "Whether you like it or not." "Ok." "Let's go see how your grandma's doing." "Mom?" "You ok?" "Mom?" "Grandma!" "Mom!" "Are you ok?" "Can't an old woman take a nap without a fuss?" "Ohh, for a minute there, I, uh..." "Thought maybe..." "You thought what?" "Well" "That I came all this way to die?" "Are you kidding me?" "Did you take your medication?" "What do I tell you every time you ask?" "Sorry." "You can be a bit of a pest." "But I know you mean well." "Shall we?" "Happy anniversary, my love." "The end"