Kyle XY S03 E23
Graduation
Part 1 – Yearbook
AN: This is a little shorter than previous chapters mostly because I had so much happening that I'm going to break it into 3 parts, enjoy!
Tuesday morning and everyone's at school doing a final exam, including Kyle, when an announcement comes on.
ANNOUNCER [over intercom]: Hey all, this is your student body person speaking. A surprise is waiting for you in the gym at noon today. The yearbooks have finally arrived! [Several students in the classroom break out cheering]. Okay, so maybe we weren't on strike like the teachers were but, our production schedule got out of whack. So, sorry for the delay everyone. Now, break out your pens, 'cause it's signing time! [More cheers from students].
Kyle runs into Josh in the hallway on his way to the gym. Josh is looking anxiously around.
KYLE: Who are you looking for?
JOSH: Andy, she's been avoiding me.
KYLE: Maybe she'll be by to pick up a yearbook.
JOSH [his expression perks up]: Yeah, maybe she will. [Now that he may have a chance at seeing her, he turns his attention on Kyle]. So, I'm glad your numbers are back to normal.
KYLE: Me, too.
Just then Josh sees Andy walking down the hall towards them.
JOSH: Ha! You were right. [His face lights up when he sees her but just as quickly his face falls in disappointment when, upon seeing him, she takes off in the other direction].
A couple of girls who sees Andy take off whisper to each other, point after Andy and giggle. Josh frowns in anger at them and turns to Kyle.
JOSH: They're talking about my girl. Did you hear what they said?
KYLE: Yes, but I don't understand the reference. What's a Juno?
JOSH [looks even more upset]: They called her Juno? [Kyle nods]. It's a name of a movie about a teenage girl, Andy's age, who gets pregnant and has to give her baby up for adoption.
KYLE: So, why would they compare Andy to Juno? She's not pregnant. [He studies Josh]. Is she?
JOSH: Of course not. [But he doesn't sound convincing].
KYLE: Josh?
JOSH: No worries. [Kyle raises his eyebrow and Josh can't help but express his worry]. She said she was, [he quickly glances around and leans in closer to whisper], late.
KYLE: Late? [This time Josh raises his eyebrow expectantly]. Oh! That kind of late.
JOSH: That could mean anything. Right?
KYLE: Right. [But neither looks convinced].
JOSH I'm going to try and find her, I gotta know.
Kyle watches him walk off, feeling for him, then heads inside to pick up his yearbook. He sees and joins Declan in the lineup.
KYLE: Hey.
DECLAN: Hey. [He looks around the gym]. I'll be glad to leave this place.
KYLE: You would? I'm going to miss it.
DECLAN: Not me.
Kyle picks up Amanda's heartbeat as she enters the gym and waves her over. She joins him in the line-up. When they pick up their yearbooks, she and Declan are the first to sign his book and he theirs. Soon though, Kyle suddenly finds himself flocked by a host of students wanting to sign his book and they wanting him to sign theirs.
DECLAN [sees the crowd surrounding them]: It looks like they're all going to miss you.
Declan is soon juggled aside as students clamor to sign his book as well, he didn't realize he was that popular.
L. K. [Lawrence Kenneth] DEICHMAN [comes up to him]: Hey, Kyle. Would you sign mine?
KYLE: Hey, Lawrence. Yeah, if you sign mine. [They sign each other's books]. So, have you entered any more drawing contests?
DEICHMAN: Several, and won them all.
KYLE: That's great. Congratulations.
DEICHMAN: Thanks to your encouragement, I never would have entered otherwise. I also applied to this one college specializing in animation and media design.
KYLE [eyes him sensing his rising excitement as they hand each others books back]: You got in!
DEICHMAN: Yes! The best thing is that a rep from Walt Disney will be teaching one of the courses.
EVAN [slides up to them and overhears Deichman]: Sounds like you got it made, Deichman. Congrats.
DEICHMAN: Thanks. How about you? What are your plans?
EVAN: I won a scholarship thanks to capturing that bumbling thief on camera. [He and Deichman exchange yearbooks to sign].
DEICHMAN: You don't have your camera on you.
EVAN: No, I'm taking a break. If it were up to Hillary though she'd have me filming the whole signing spree going on here.
DEICHMAN: She's very pretty. It must be great working with her.
EVAN: Oh, she's pretty all right but to work with? Talk about demanding.
Just then Hillary comes up to them, eyes focused on Kyle.
HILLARY: There you are muffin. You're not getting away without signing my yearbook.
She squeezes past Evan and Deichman and hands her yearbook to Kyle. Kyle signs it while she signs his. Deichman looks at Hillary with adoration. Evan just rolls his eyes, used to her shunning and pushing him aside. Until she turns right around and holds out her yearbook to him.
HILLARY [smiles brightly at them both]: Your turn, dumplings.
Evan and Deichman both stare at her stupefied for a second.
HILLARY [frowns at them, her mouth forming into a pout]: Unless you don't want to sign.
EVAN [finds his voice]: No, I want to.
DEICHMAN [voice breaking since the first time it deepened]: Me, too. [He coughs, becoming all nervous around her and even more tongue-tied when she smiles at them again].
Kyle looks on smiling but is interrupted by another student wanting to sign his yearbook. He sees more students gathering around him, eager to have him sign and begins to feel a little uncomfortable with all the attention.
Jessi is standing off on one side and, aside from a few students, no one is approaching her or seems to want to sign her book. She's trying not to care or let on that she cares when Amanda comes up to her.
AMANDA: I've lost track of Kyle. Have you seen him?
JESSI [nods over to a large group of people]: He's in that crowd over there.
Amanda tries to see through the crowd but just then a student comes up to her.
STUDENT: Can you sign my yearbook, Amanda?
AMANDA: Sure, if you sign mine.
They exchange smiles and signatures. But when the student looks ready to leave, Amanda glances from her to Jessi and she can't help notice the student avoiding looking Jessi's way.
AMANDA: Jessi, did you want to sign hers, too? [She looks pointedly at the student who suddenly puts on a fake smile].
STUDENT: Yes, would you?
Jessi signs and the student signs hers as well, then hurriedly seeks out someone else.
JESSI: Do you know her?
AMANDA: She was on the prom committee I belonged to. [She looks over at Jessi's yearbook and sees she hardly has any signatures]. You know, the best way to have people sign your book is to go right up to them and ask them to sign.
JESSI: Why? I can tell who wants to sign and who doesn't.
AMANDA: Trust me, they'll sign. They'll be too polite to refuse, especially if I'm with you.
JESSI [can't help feel suspicious]: Why?
AMANDA: High school happens only once. Why not make the most of it? [She can't help look over at the crowd surrounding Kyle]. Kyle sure is. [She glances back at Jessi and smiles]. Besides, I thought you liked competing with him? [She said the one thing she knew Jessi would respond to].
JESSI: All right.
Sure enough, Jessi finds, the students are too polite to refuse, especially with Amanda beside her, working her way through the crowd, making sure Jessi followed her. After a while, Jessi began to bask in the attention, almost like the attention she once had when the students first thought she could jump off a roof. Until everything went sour on her when they learned how she was the one who beat up Lori. All of that was forgotten as the signing continued. She even found herself smiling and the more she smiled, the more students seemed willing to approach her.
Scene cuts to late in the afternoon when Josh rushes home and hurries up to his room to get ready for work. But he has to make one very important call.
JOSH: Andy? What's going on? Why were you avoiding me at school today? [A second later his voice changes into an urgent frantic whisper]. What do you mean you still haven't got it yet?
ANDY's voice [sounds tearful and afraid]: I mean I've never been this late. "It" still hasn't come. [She sniffs]. We have to face the fact I could be pregnant, Josh.
JOSH [feels stunned]: No, this can't happen. Not now. I'm not ready to be a dad. [He turns around and suddenly sees his parents standing there at the doorway, looking at him in shock. He barely hears Andy].
ANDY's voice [sounds angry and hurt]: Oh, and like I'm ready to be a mother?
JOSH [speaking over her voice]: Da-Dad! Hey, there! Ah, almost ready. [He waves his jacket].
STEVEN: Andy's pregnant? [Shock is quickly replaced with anger]. I can't believe you.
NICOLE: Josh, weren't you…careful?
STEVEN [waves a hand toward Josh]: Forget careful, he shouldn't have been doing anything to…to have this happen.
NICOLE [anger temporarily misplaced]: I know that, Steven.
JOSH: Ah, Andy, I gotta go.
ANDY's voice: What? Now?
JOSH: Ah, parents…walked in…over…heard. [He clicks off on hearing her gasp a few last fearful words].
ANDY's voice: Oh, God. We're dead. They'll tell my moms. I'm dead.
Josh stares fearfully at his parents and they stare back, angry, sad and very disappointed in him. It's the disappointed look that makes his eyes suddenly tear up.
Scene cuts to Jessi at Latnok. She enters her office. Nate did a very good job at cleaning it up, like nothing had been damaged. She senses Nate come up behind her and turns to him.
JESSI: Thanks again. [She indicates with a nod towards the spotless room].
NATE: You're welcome. How about a thank-you kiss? [An employee walks by and snickers].
She shakes her head at Nate and enters her office. He follows her and shuts the door. She turns to frown at him.
JESSI: That employee will think you're kissing me.
NATE [grins]: So? Let him. [Then he turns serious]. We didn't get a chance yesterday to really talk. Tell me, what went wrong? You can trust me.
JESSI [glances away, taking deep meditative breaths to keep her emotions in check]: My dad called me. He said things that upset me.
NATE [heaves a sigh and nods]: I know how dads can be, mine was…not so good.
JESSI: I remember you said your uncle took you in.
NATE: Yeah, he did. Great guy. So, what kind of things did your dad say to you?
JESSI: When I lived with him after I found out he was my father, I learned he was only using me to try to get back into Latnok. Now that I'm actually working here and head of Latnok, he wants in.
NATE: And because you're his daughter he expects you to let him in.
JESSI: Yes.
Nate comes up to her, raises his hand and cups her face then gently strokes his thumb over her cheek.
NATE [voice gruff]: You're worth ten of him. [He removes his hand and, just as quickly, his demeanor switches back to his cocky annoying self as he crosses his arms]. So, boss. What's on the agenda today?
She raises a hand to her cheek and sees a slight tilt to his lips. He's about to grin one of his self-satisfied smirks so she drops her hand and scowls at him. He's the only person she knows who can rattle and irritate her one moment then cause her to feel all warm and special the next. She never knows where she stands with him. Well, she'll show him she can be as cool as he.
JESSI [turns all business-like]: I have a few new project ideas.
NATE: Good. Let's hear 'em.
JESSI [as she warms to her ideas her voice becomes more animated, science is where she feels the most comfortable, where she's less likely to make mistakes or feel like she's a mistake, as if science is what she is born for]: Well, one idea is a peripheral-free desktop computer, or a slider-type computer, or a holographic wearable computer.
NATE [raises an eyebrow]: You really like computers.
JESSI: Yes. I got another idea when I was thinking about you…
NATE: You think of me? [He winks at her].
JESSI [scowls at him again]: Well, the project you're working on, your alternate fuel system for cars? This can be an extension of that: An electric bus that can purify the air by cleaning the fine particles emitted by cars, or even a bio-hydrogen airship. [Nate watches her as she rambles on, enjoying her enthusiasm]. My third idea is an alternative energy to run portable electronic products…[her voice fades away as scene cuts back to the Trager house].
In the kitchen, Steven talks to Nicole. She's putting away clean dishes from out of the dishwasher while Steven makes them a pot of coffee.
STEVEN: Noticed how fast our son took off for work?
NICOLE: I had scramble out of his way or be trampled. He really should have been more careful.
STEVEN: He should not have done it all.
NICOLE: I know, I know.
STEVEN: I thought the speech I gave him months ago on prom night was a clear indicator not to go ahead and make a life-altering decision.
NICOLE [sighs heavily]: We're going to be grandparents?
STEVEN: You had to mention the "g" word? I can't even begin to think of being one. I figured it was still a long ways away.
NICOLE: You and me both.
Scene cuts to Andy's house. Hillary pulls up in her SUV. Lori and Amanda are in the car with her. Amanda opens her back door.
AMANDA: I'll get Andy. [She hops out of the car and heads to the front door].
Amanda comes back with Andy and they both hop in the back seat. Andy looks like she's been crying.
HILLARY: You okay, sweetie?
ANDY: If it wasn't for my mom's making sure it was really Amanda at the door and not Josh, I wouldn't be here right now. They banned me from ever seeing Josh.
LORI [turns in her seat to glance back at her]: Oh, no.
HILLARY: Ever?
AMANDA: I'm sorry, Andy.
ANDY: I have no idea if your parents banned him from seeing me, either, Lori.
LORI: They weren't happy to hear, well, that you could be, you know…
ANDY: Pregnant. [She shakes her head]. Just call me, Juno. That's what everyone at school is calling me. Some graduation.
HILLARY: Well, that's why we're going to the clinic, to make sure, one way or the other.
She starts the car and drives off.
ANDY: Someone please say something that isn't about me and my impending problem.
LORI: Um…
HILLARY [cuts in]: I went on my first news job with Ms. Woods the other day.
ANDY: Cool. How was it?
HILLARY: The best. I learned how they set up the shots and the kind of questions a reporter needs to ask. Ms. Woods said Barbara Walters is her idol. She loved how she did interviews, put the interviewee at ease before gently zapping them with pointed questions that really gets to the heart of the matter.
ANDY: Sounds like you learned a lot.
LORI: What kind of interview?
HILLARY: It was with a senator. She allowed me to sit on the sidelines and take notes and under no circumstances to say a word until after she finished interviewing him.
AMANDA: That must have been exciting!
HILLARY: Oh, it was!
LORI: That's wonderful, Hills! I'm happy for you. And I did watch how you and Evan were interviewed on TV last night. I taped it.
HILLARY [beams]: So, how'd I look?
LORI: Spectacular, as always.
AMANDA: Lori told me you were on. I watched it too. You were really good.
Hillary smiles at them all. It's silent for a while.
ANDY [looks around]: Anyone else?
AMANDA: My mom gave me the best graduation gift since she won't be able to here tomorrow.
ANDY: What's that?
AMANDA: Money to buy a car.
LORI: What? Really? You lucky girl.
AMANDA: Well, not brand new. A really good second hand one. I was going to ask Kyle to help me look but, later, when he's not so…busy.
ANDY [to Lori]: How's he doing? I saw him in school today.
LORI: Yeah, he's feeling much better.
ANDY: I wonder if I'll get morning sickness?
LORI: Andy…
ANDY [changes the subject]: Is he still interested in Search and Rescue?
AMANDA: Yes.
ANDY: Being with someone who plans to risk their lives for others must be hard on the ones who love 'em.
AMANDA [smiles at her]: It is, [she's appalled at her own slip and tries to cover it up], or rather it probably will be.
ANDY: When Josh becomes a doctor, I'll be the one sitting at home while he's on call, saving lives, too. Oh, God, if my moms will even let me marry him ten years from now.
LORI [glances back, noticing Hillary caught Amanda's slip and decides it best to ignore the slip as well]: Ten?
ANDY: Oh, God, do you think it could be sooner, especially if the results turn out positive? [She can't help voicing her fears].
LORI: I think you're still way too young to marry; you'd need special parental consent.
ANDY: Yeah, like that will ever happen.
HILLARY [pulls up to the clinic]: We're here!
ANDY: And the death bell tolls…
LORI: No one here is going to die.
ANDY: Don't be too sure.
HILLARY: Think positive.
Andy looks at her horrified.
HILLARY: I meant positive thoughts, not positive results. Okay, then think negative. Results, that it.
They all alight from Hillary's car and walk toward the clinic.
LORI: Does this feel a little weird walking in all at once?
AMANDA: There's strength in numbers.
LORI: Ah, so speaks the lady with defensive skills.
HILLARY: Isn't tonight your workout night?
AMANDA: It is, in an hour, just down the block. [She points]. Care to watch me when we're done here?
LORI: I already have. It was scary.
AMANDA: Except I didn't do much back then. I'm doing a lot more moves now.
HILLARY: This I've got to see.
Andy walks into the clinic and the first thing she sees are girls her age, scared and very pregnant.
ANDY: I so don't want to be here. [She turns to leave but Hillary takes her arm].
HILLARY: You need to know for sure, sweetie. We're here for you.
Andy takes a deep breath and turns back, swallowing hard.
It's a good hour and a half later before Andy gets called in. During the long wait, Amanda leaves for her class. Then, another thirty minutes later, Andy comes back out, all smiles.
LORI [stands up]: Well?
ANDY: It's negative.
Lori gives her a hug. Andy is so excited she turns to hug Hillary as well.
HILLARY: Oof! What a relief for you!
ANDY: Is it ever. The doctor asked a few questions and I guess my cancer and chemo history and change in diet all contributed to irregularity.
Lori smiles in relief with her.
ANDY: I'm getting additional blood work done and the doctor suggested that if I'm going to be sexually active I should be on the pill. [She tries to hold back a sudden sob of sadness]. But now that my moms have banned me from seeing Josh, [she takes a deep steady breath], I mean not that I don't appreciate you guys being with me but could I see him, just to let him know about the results?
LORI: Come on. We may be able to swing by the Rack. Let's see if Amanda can cut out early.
ANDY: You guys rock. Thanks for being here.
Scene cuts to Brian's hotel room as he stares intently at the TV, rewinding the newscast of the masked crusaders as they phased through a wall. He hears a knock on his door and walks over to it but pauses before he answers it.
BRIAN: Who is it?
MUFFLED voice [behind door]: Room service.
BRIAN: I didn't order anything.
The door suddenly bursts open sending Brian reeling back, stumbling.
FOSS [comes in, looking fierce and menacing]: But I did, for you not to come back.
Scene cuts to the Rack where it's a half hour until closing time. There's only one customer left. Andy comes in, sees Josh flipping through a magazine on the counter and rushes over to greet him.
ANDY: We are one lucky, cut a break, couple.
JOSH [puts up a victory fist]: Yes!
Lori, Hillary and Amanda come in but move off to the side so the couple can have their moment. Except Lori can't help one little "big sister" dig.
LORI: And to think I was this close, [she holds up a hand with index finger and thumb almost touching], to being an aunt.
JOSH: Stow it, Lori.
He comes around the counter and gives Andy a big almost twirl-like hug. They each turn serious the moment he lets her go and leads her by the hand to a back room table where they can talk privately.
JOSH: What a relief!
ANDY: Yeah. It is. [She nods but then looks away, heaving a big sigh].
JOSH: So, want to celebrate?
She gives him a frown.
ANDY: When? You know we can't. We're banned from seeing each other. If we're caught—
JOSH: Ah, I meant now, with a smoothie?
ANDY: Oh. I'd love to—[she looks behind him and sees Amanda with a "sorry to interrupt" expression and taps the watch on her wrist. Her eyes widen in alarm]. Oh, no. I gotta get home. I'm on curfew.
JOSH: Already?
ANDY: Yeah. I miss you already, too.
He looks totally bummed as he follows her back out to the front. He looks dejectedly after her as she walks out the door. It's the last time he'll see her until school starts again. Andy is looking back at him with the same "I miss you" expression.
The moment Josh comes home he finds his parents waiting for him.
STEVEN: Well?
JOSH: Ah, hasn't Lori told you?
STEVEN: She's not back yet.
JOSH: Oh, well, the news is good. The results were negative.
NICOLE [sighs in relief along with Steven]: Thank God! You know what this means, Josh?
JOSH: Yeah, I'll never be allowed to see Andy again!
STEVEN: No, I mean yes. That's not it. It means, I hope, you've learned a valuable lesson.
JOSH: I would have taken responsibility for it.
STEVEN: While that's commendable that's not what I meant. The responsible thing was not to have it happen in the first place. If you're not ready to have children you're not ready for sex either.
JOSH: I won't risk it again. Especially when I won't be able to see Andy anymore. [He bites his lip so his runaway mouth won't say something he'll regret if his parent's disapproving looks were anything to go by]. Nope, no more risk.
NICOLE: No, there won't be. We're siding with Andy's mom's decision. You won't be allowed to see each other outside of school. Until you both earn back our trust and prove you can be responsible enough to be together on your own without… well, without…
JOSH: I get it.
He rushes off to his room, not knowing which is worse. Not being able to see Andy anymore or knowing his parents don't trust him anymore.
NICOLE [watches as Josh leaves and head upstairs]: When did our children grow up? It's too fast, too soon.
STEVEN: I agree, way too soon for being a grandparent.
NICOLE: And here I was more worried about our other three when they'll be off to university, alone, on their own, free to do whatever they want.
STEVEN: Yeah. Hey, now you have me worried.
Just then they see Jessi walk in the door but she isn't facing them, instead she's waving at someone. After they drive off, she turns around and sees Steven and Nicole standing there in the hallway, watching her.
NICOLE: Who was that?
JESSI: Nate. He drove me home, that's why I'm early.
NICOLE: I'm glad you're home early from work. As for Nate though, [she glances at Steven who nods], I prefer if and when you do accept a ride from him that you call home first to okay it.
JESSI [feels their worry and concern mingled with distrust. She really scared them. She really scared herself]: I will.
NICOLE: And, [she steps closer to her], until college starts, you're to inform us where you are, who you are with and when you are about to leave work, and basically when to expect you home. And if Brian calls, phone us immediately.
JESSI: You don't trust me anymore.
NICOLE: We're worried. And yes, your actions have consequences. One of them is accepting and obeying our rules. You're off to college soon and if you stay on campus—
JESSI: You'll let me live on campus?
NICOLE: That's still up for debate. It depends on the next few weeks and how well you do in following our rules. We need to know you can act responsibly. No matter what happens or who enters your life.
JESSI: I will.
NICOLE: And always remember, Jessi, we're here for you.
At this, she gives Jessi a reassuring hug.
JESSI: I won't let you down anymore. I promise.
NICOLE: Let's take this one step at a time.
Scene cuts back to Foss who is standing over Brian as Brian sits at a desk writing on a pad of lined paper.
FOSS: Now, sign it.
BRIAN: I just want my daughter back.
FOSS: Why, so you can hurt her again?
BRIAN: It wasn't like that. I wanted her to reach her full potential.
FOSS: Pushing her past her limits was not the way to do it.
BRIAN: What limits? She has no limits.
FOSS: Everyone has limits.
BRIAN: Not my girl.
FOSS: And that's what almost killed her.
BRIAN: I'm her father and I have a right to see her. [He stands up].
FOSS: You call yourself a father? No father would have let Ballentine manipulate and mess with her mind the way you let him. You made no effort to protect her in your entire life. Not from Ballantine, not from Thatcher, nor from Kern. Your paternal claim is a joke. [He pushes Brian back in the chair]. Sign it, or I'll twist your arm again.
BRIAN [rubs his arm]: This won't hold up in court.
FOSS: You even attempt to call a lawyer and I'll have you thrown in jail. [He narrows his eyes]. Having you in jail is not a bad idea.
Brian signs his name and shoves the pad of paper at Foss.
FOSS: Don't call her again.
Foss takes the pad of paper with him as he leaves the motel room.
Cut back to the Trager house. Lori comes rushing in along with Amanda with a bunch of packages in her arms. Foss hovers behind them.
NICOLE: Lori, don't tell me you went shopping again?
LORI: Just for a couple of outfits. [She pulls out one from her bag. It looks like a uniform]. Oh, Mr. Foss is here. He arrived just as Hillary dropped us off.
NICOLE: Hi, Tom.
He nods to her then glances over at Kyle.
FOSS: Can we talk?
KYLE: Sure.
Steven comes downstairs and sees them all.
STEVEN: Hey, Tom.
FOSS: Steven.
He and Kyle continue down the hall to his room as Steven enters the kitchen. He sees Lori's outfit.
STEVEN: What's that?
LORI: A waitress uniform. I got a job on campus.
STEVEN: That's great. So now you can pay your way.
LORI: Yeah, about that. I'll still be a few hundred short.
STEVEN: Lori, we talked about this, if you can't afford to stay on campus, you'll have to stay home.
LORI: But dad…
STEVEN: I mean it. Unless you can earn yourself a scholarship to cover the majority of your tuition, we can't cover the cost of you living on campus.
LORI: I'll look into getting one, but in the meantime…
NICOLE: Lori—
LORI: Come on, mom. It's the first year as a freshman, the most exciting part of my life.
NICOLE: Yeah, well, how do you expect to pay for this excitement?
Amanda is looking from one to the other.
LORI: Who knew rent and food would take your whole paycheck?
NICOLE: Your father and I did.
LORI: It's so not fair. Is it? [She turns to Amanda].
Amanda gives her a small helpless shrug.
LORI: Oh, rats. I didn't think. You can't live on campus.
AMANDA: No, I wish I could though. I may be able to swing staying over at NU for a few nights every now and then but that's all I can afford.
LORI: Sorry.
AMANDA: Well, I am supposed to be house sitting while my mom's staying in New York.
LORI: I'll just hang these up. [She makes it up one step before turning back]. Oh, mom, dad.
They turn to look at her.
LORI: Jeff Preston is going all out tomorrow night with a big grad party splash. He invited everyone from the graduating class, and I mean everyone. Deichman included. Don't worry, he hired security. Or rather, his parents did. Can I go? Or, can all of us go?
STEVEN [glances at Nicole]: Kyle's still grounded. What do you think? Should we cut him a break?
NICOLE: I think we can, but with certain limitations. [She glances at Amanda, her voice firm]. You two will have to double date with Mark and Lori. Jessi will need to go along with you all as well. [She nods to Lori].
LORI: Mark and I won't mind that a bit.
NICOLE: Yeah, I'm sure. And being so cooperative still won't guarantee us giving you extra funds.
LORI: Aw, mom. [She trudges the rest of the way upstairs].
NICOLE [glances at Steven]: We love her, right?
STEVEN: I know she loves our checkbook.
LORI's voice: I heard that!
NICOLE [calls up]: Good!
Amanda bites her lip to keep from laughing as she follows Lori upstairs.
AMANDA [pauses on her way up]: Thanks for allowing us to go, Mr. & Mrs. Trager.
They nod.
Cut to Kyle in his room.
FOSS: How are you feeling?
KYLE: Much better.
FOSS: Good.
KYLE: Thank you, for all your help.
FOSS: You could have died. You could have been caught! Jessi risked exposing both of you.
KYLE: She'll learn.
FOSS: The hard way. By then…
KYLE [senses his fear]: She'll learn. [He knows she will].
FOSS: You two need to keep a low profile. How many times do I need to emphasize that?
KYLE: I've tried to over the past few days—
FOSS: Not very well! [He shakes his head, feeling hopeless]. I've arranged a camping trip this weekend and every weekend until you and Jessi start college. You'll learn how NOT to use your abilities. I won't risk you dying on me.
KYLE: I won't. I've healed.
FOSS: For now. What about next time? I don't even know if training you for S&R is a good idea. You'd be too tempted to use your abilities to help rescue someone no matter what. You've already proven that you would.
KYLE: I know I'll be tempted but…I'll learn other ways to help.
FOSS: We'll see. We'll see.
KYLE: I'm sorry. [He hates feeling like he let Foss down].
FOSS: Just…be more careful. [He turns to leave].
KYLE: Will you be coming to my graduation ceremony tomorrow?
FOSS: I'll be there.
KYLE [smiles, feeling pleased]: Thank you.
As Foss leaves Kyle's room he catches sight of Jessi leaving her room.
FOSS: I'd like to talk to you for a moment before I take off.
JESSI: I'll do better.
FOSS [glances behind him then back at her, growing suspicious]: Did you overhear us?
JESSI [glances down in guilt, swallows hard then looks back at him]: Yes.
FOSS: I just want you to be more cautious. [She nods as he pulls out the paper he had Brian sign]. This is for you. It's from Brian. [He watches her closely].
JESSI [looks from the paper to him]: What is it?
He can see her struggle to keep her emotions in check, beginning to automatically breathe in deep then out again. She's getting better at control.
FOSS: I had a talk with Brian. Let's just say I persuaded him to write down his intentions where you're concerned. If he really cares about you, he'll follow through.
She looks again from him to the sheet of paper.
FOSS: Why don't we discuss this further with Steven and Nicole?
She nods and they head into the kitchen. Steven and Nicole are just about to head to the living room with a plateful of snacks.
FOSS: May I talk to you both for a minute?
NICOLE: Sure. [She sets the tray back down].
FOSS [shows them the paper]: I had a talk with Brian.
Steven takes the sheet of paper and holds it so both he and Nicole can read it. They both glance back at Foss.
NICOLE: He seems sincere. It's up to you, Jessi, if you want to meet with him and have us there with you.
Jessi's lip trembles, unsure.
JESSI: What does he say?
STEVEN [reads it aloud]: I, Brian Taylor, do hereby give custody of my daughter, Jessi Emerson Taylor, over to Mr. and Mrs. Steven and Nicole Trager, if she so wishes to remain with them as her legal guardians. I promise not to have any personal contact with my daughter without the expressed permission of either Steven or Nicole Trager or unless my daughter, of her own free will, contacts me directly. It is my hope that my daughter will want to resume a father daughter relationship and at such time, come back to live with me. I only want what's best for her, I always did. To you, Jessi, I hope I can win back your trust. Sincerely, your father, B. Taylor.
Steven hands her the paper. She doesn't know whether to trust what he wrote is true or more emotional manipulation to get her to welcome him back into Latnok. A few appliances start to shake with her churning emotions. Kyle has come into the room behind her and watches, sensing her unease.
FOSS: Easy, Jessi.
She concentrates and the appliances stop shaking.
JESSI [glances over at Foss]: How did you get him to do this?
FOSS: If he was really sincere about being a father like he claimed then I told him that he wouldn't mind putting it in writing.
JESSI [still doesn't look convinced her father means well]: And he just sat down and wrote this?
FOSS: I persuaded him it would be in his best interest.
JESSI: How?
FOSS: Let's just say I twisted his arm.
JESSI [can tell he did literally twist her father's arm]: What if he doesn't follow through?
NICOLE: If he deviates for even a second from what he wrote I can put a restraining order on him to prevent him from contacting you and charge him with abuse, if necessary.
JESSI: You can?
NICOLE: Yes. Basically, Jessi, [tries to reassure her she's in control], his life is in your hands.
FOSS: If needed, I can arrange to ship him out of the country, for good this time.
JESSI: I'd like to think about it. [She looks around at all of them].
NICOLE: Of course.
Jessi heads back to her room, rereading her father's note. They all watch her leave.
FOSS: I better take off.
STEVEN [turns to Foss]: I want to thank you for all your help.
NICOLE: Me as well.
STEVEN: I don't know how to repay you.
FOSS: Don't. Anytime my help is needed, call. I'll be there.
NICOLE: Thank you so much, Tom.
She surprises him with a hug and he stiffens in her embrace. She quickly lets him go.
FOSS: Yeah, well, you're welcome.
Steven puts out his hand.
FOSS [briefly shakes Steven's hand]: Good luck with your sons.
STEVEN: Ah, you heard.
FOSS: Yeah.
STEVEN: The joys of parenthood.
FOSS: I wouldn't know.
STEVEN [a little taken aback]: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, I just meant—
FOSS: It's in the past. And you didn't. I didn't mean—I better go. [He avoids looking back at Nicole].
He leaves very fast and full of unease. He hadn't meant to say anything but they made him feel so welcome it felt like being part of a family again which in turn brought back too many painful memories.
Nicole bites her lip and glances with worry at Steven. Steven feels like he just put his foot in his mouth. They look to Kyle.
Out in the hall, just as Foss opens the door, he's startled when the doorbell rings at the same time and sees a person standing there.
CAROL [just as startled]: Oh! Who are you?
Back in the kitchen, Steven, Nicole and Kyle hear the doorbell and then Carol's voice. They come into the hall just as Amanda comes down the stairs.
AMANDA: Mom? [She's wonderfully surprised at seeing her mom]. Mom! [She rushes the rest of the way down].
CAROL: Amanda! [She hugs her daughter close to her]. I thought I'd find you here!
Foss is trapped just inside the entrance as the two hug, blocking the front doorway.
CAROL [pulls away]: Let me look at you. It's been ages since I've seen you.
AMANDA: I thought you said you couldn't make it.
CAROL: Well, I didn't want to get your hopes up. Plus, I wanted it to be a surprise.
AMANDA [hugs her mom again]: This is great. I missed you.
CAROL: Oh, I've missed you, too. [She finally notices Foss who looks ready to bolt, like a trapped animal caught between two snares]. Oh, we seem to be blocking the door.
Amanda smiles in apology at Foss and then glances over at Kyle and back at Foss then back at her mother. Catching on to her looks, he steps forward.
KYLE: Mrs. Bloom, it's good to see you. I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine, Tom Foss. Tom, this is Amanda's mom, Mrs. Carol Bloom.
CAROL [holds out her hand]: How do you do?
FOSS [takes her hand and shakes it briefly]: Nice to meet you.
CAROL [glances at Kyle with a raised brow]: A good friend of yours? [She looks back at Foss and studies him]. Haven't I seen you somewhere before? You look familiar. [She sees he's wearing a security guard jacket].
FOSS: I work for a security company. I used to watch the neighborhood. I was transferred to another area.
CAROL: Oh, I see. I think I remember you patrolling around here. So, how long have you known Kyle for?
KYLE [interjects]: A few years. He's going to train me and Jessi in Search and Rescue techniques this weekend.
CAROL: Sounds challenging. [She looks from one to the other]. Were you in service?
FOSS: Yes.
Since he doesn't elaborate any further she steps aside so he can leave.
CAROL: Well, it was nice meeting you.
He just nods and quickly heads out the door.
CAROL [glances back at Amanda]: Ready?
NICOLE: It's nice to have you back, Carol.
CAROL: Thank you, Nicole, for keeping an eye on my daughter. [She puts her arm around Amanda and rubs her shoulder affectionately].
NICOLE: It was no trouble at all.
AMANDA: How long are you staying?
CAROL [in mock outrage]: What? Ready to see me leave already?
AMANDA [too happy to have her mom back]: No, I meant—
CAROL: I know what you meant, sweetie. [She gives her a hug]. Only until Sunday I'm afraid.
AMANDA: Then we'll have to make the most out of your stay.
They start heading out the door.
CAROL: Later, Nicole. [She nods to Steven]. Steven. [Steven nods back and she smiles at Kyle]. Kyle.
Amanda waves to them all and they wave back. Kyle feels happy for Amanda as he stands at the doorway now and hears them talk as they head home.
CAROL: I plan on taking hundreds of pictures of you tomorrow. Then we'll have lunch after…[she's already planning their day]. Then later—
AMANDA: Ah, mom. You did get my email about Preston's party, remember? You said I could go.
CAROL: Oh, yes, that, but that's not until the evening.
AMANDA: Yes, but I was hoping I could go earlier and spend some time with Kyle.
CAROL: Of course you would. Never mind your poor old mom, traveled hundreds and hundreds of miles to see you.
AMANDA: Mom!
CAROL: Fine, go. Leave me all alone.
AMANDA [now she knows her mom is just rubbing it in to tease her with]: It's just a couple of hours earlier. What could happen?
CAROL: What could happen with you and Kyle? I shudder to think.
AMANDA: Mom…
Kyle is smiling as he shuts the door, shutting out the rest of their banter. But the words 'what could happen' are left ringing in his ears by the end of tomorrow.
AN: Thank you for any and all of your reviews, I appreciate them all.