1.11 - The Living Years

[Therapist Office]

(Therapist, Dan, Deb and Mark in the room)

DOCTOR: Truth is hard. But Hostility stays outside. Who would like to start

DAN: Well you're the one with all the answers Doc why don't you tell us

DOCTOR: Hostility stays outside Dan

DEB: Things have just gotten out of hand, so, we thought we could use some…

DAN: No, YOU thought

DEB: …objectivity

DOCTOR: Define "gotten out of hand". Mark

MARK: Pass

DEB: We reached the breaking point two weeks ago when my son…

DAN: You hear that? "My son"

DOCTOR: Deb is speaking now Dan

DEB: When our son collapsed on the basketball court after taking drugs to boost his performance.

DAN: The kid made a mistake he knows that

DEB: His father has been bullying him about the sport since he was old enough to hold a ball

DOCTOR: Is that true Mark

DAN: His mother is so quick to put the blame on me, but up until recently, job always came first.

DEB: Yes but I changed my behavior Dan, and you haven't. You can't seem to lose this unhealthy obsession you have with basketball, and how Mark plays it

DAN: (interrupts) She blames me for her shortcomings as a mother

DOCTOR: Ok, I think we got some things out in the open. Mark, do you think that basketball is part of your families problem

MARK: Part of

DOCTOR: But you still like playing

MARK: I don't know anymore.

DAN: Great, Nice break through Mark. Thanks Doc. (Gets up to leave)

DEB: Dan

DAN: Hustle up! No way this is helping

[outside the office at the cars)

DEB: You're right Dan, we don't need a shrink to identify this families problem, you just made it obvious

DAN: I'm not his only parent Deb. Hey why don't you ride with your old man, Mark.

DEB: Stop it Dan. Come on Mark lets go

DAN: Let the kid make up his own mind. What do you say son

DEB: Mark

(Mark looks at both of them then walks away)

DAN: Mark!

[Library)

(Addison and Derek)

DEREK: Here we go. This is the writer I was talking about

ADDISON: Somerset Maugham? (pronounces it wrong

DEREK: Well it, "Maugham" (corrects her. Reads the back) Human Bondage

ADDISON: Bondage!

DEREK: Yeah it's not like that

ADDISON: So, you're good. Are we done here!

DEREK: Well I just thought that this was a better opportunity for us to spend some time, you know, hang out with each other

ADDISON: And it is, but can we maybe do it someplace that smells a little less funky

DEREK: Haha, (smells the book) it's the smell of old books.

ADDISON: Like I said! Come on, it's my turn. Please!

DEREK: (Sighs) Just keep it legal

(Addison nods)

[Outside a house a night)

(Addison taking her clothes off. Then Derek and Addison are seen in a Jacuzzi; Derek has no shirt and Addison takes off her bra; They kiss)

DEREK: Wait, you sure your parents won't come home

ADDISON: They could. But, this isn't their Jacuzzi

DEREK: Addison…whose house is this

ADDISON: (giggles) I don't know! Does it matter

(Pans away as they make out)

[Carolyn's Café)

(Deb and Keith at the counter; Deb puts a plate of pancakes and eggs in front of Keith)

DEB: Here you go

KEITH: Wow, for the diet special that looks pretty damn tasty

DEB: Oh! Sorry

(Takes the plate to another person)

KEITH: Things have worked out pretty well huh? Carolyn's café gets to stay open, and I get to see a little more of my sister-in-law

DEB: Aw.

KEITH: So how are you doing with things!

DEB: Uh, we had our first counseling session yesterday

KEITH: Dan and counseling. It's kind of like Hannibal Lector at a salad bar. Well if you think it would help I'd be happy to talk to Mark.

DEB: I think he'd like that

(Enter Dan)

DAN: I know you like my women, Keith, but come on! Deb's still my wife

KEITH: Won't be for long if you keep this up

DAN: I'm taking Mark to dinner tonight. Do you have a problem with that

DEB: Yeah. He needs a break from you

DAN: You can't stop me from seeing my own son.

DEB: Oh, actually I can. By telling you nicely, or calling a lawyer. Your choice

DAN: Tell him I'll pick him up at 7

(Dan leaves)

KEITH: Tell Mark to come see me. I'll do what I can

[Meredith's house)

(Door is cracked open and Derek hears noise inside)

DEREK: Meredith? (Grabs a rake and goes inside) Meredith! (A man is standing in the kitchen; Derek knocks on the table with the rake) Where's Meredith

MR. GREY: Dressing for school is my guess

DEREK: Who are you!

MR. GREY: I'm the guy who's about to take that rake from you and beat your scrawny ass. I'm her dad. Who are you

DEREK: Oh. Sorry. The front door was open and I thought…I'm Derek

(They shake hands)

MR. GREY: Thatcher Grey.

(Meredith walks in)

MEREDITH: Hey dad do you know where my…(sees Derek) What are you doing here

MR. GREY: Oh he's trying to rake me to death

MEREDITH: What?

DEREK: I thought you were…nothing crucial. I'm gonna go put this back

[outside school)

ADDISON: So, who's the guy

MEREDITH: What guy

ADDISON: The one that's got you smiling

MEREDITH: That'd be my dad

ADDISON: Oh I'd be smiling too but for entirely different reasons

MEREDITH: Dude that's my dad! Don't go all horndog on me. There's a line

ADDISON: Speaking of which, I really don't wanna cross any so tell me if this is totally inappropriate to ask.

MEREDITH: When has that every stopped you

ADDISON: I need to connect more with Derek

MEREDITH: I thought you guys were already doing that

ADDISON: I mean, the making out thing is great and all but it only goes so far. Can you help a girl out

MEREDITH: Yeah. (Reaches into her bag for a CD) You know what? Give him this

ADDISON: Travis

MEREDITH: Yeah, Tell him that tracks 8 and 11 make you think of him

ADDISON: Great. Wait, make me think of him or make you think of him

MEREDITH: Just friends

ADDISON: I know, sorry. You're a goddess. (hugs her and leaves)

[Tutoring Center)

IZZIE: Did you finish 'The Little Prince'

MARK: No, I just rented the movie. This book is stupid

IZZIE: Mark, you're not going to pass French if you keep renting movies

MARK: Well, it's not like I have a lot of time to just sit around and read

IZZIE: So, are you ever going to tell me how it went

MARK: The therapist asked me if I really want to play basketball or not

IZZIE: Wow, what did you say

MARK: I didn't know what to say. Nobody's ever asked me that question

IZZIE: Wow, that's really big

MARK: This last couple of weeks without it, I mean if I didn't play I might actually have a life

IZZIE: What would you do

MARK: I don't know. At least I'd have some time to figure it out though. Besides, I'm sure we could find a lot better things to do with our time right

IZZIE: You think? (they kiss) I think you're really brave. To consider rebuilding who you are. I don't know if I could do that.

MARK: You could. Well, I gotta go

IZZIE: (looks at her watch) Oh yeah. Hey, um, practice starts back up again today right

MARK: Yeah, I'm just not sure if I do. I'll see ya

[Outside school)

(Derek is sitting down working, Addison comes up to him)

ADDISON: All work and no Addison make Derek a boring boy

DEREK: Hey

ADDISON: I got you something

DEREK: But I don't have anything for you

ADDISON: And yet you do. (Hands him the cd) A couple of songs on there that made me think of you. Of course most things do

DEREK: I didn't know you were into Travis

ADDISON: Are you kidding I love Travis. He's the best.

DEREK: Who

ADDISON: Travis guy. Are we not in the same conversation? (Derek looks confused. Bell Rings) Check out tracks 8 and 13. You'll love them. (kisses him) Bye.

[Classroom)

(Meredith drawing in school; Derek puts the cd in front of her)

DEREK: Thought you might want that back

MEREDITH: I already have it

DEREK: So do I. Tracks 8 and 11? Totally you. So what are you doing? Some sort of Serrano thing for Addison

MEREDITH: Why would I do that

DEREK: Well I asked you first

MEREDITH: Look, don't underestimate Addison. She's full of surprises. It's just part of her charm

DEREK: She told me to listen to track 13. There are only 12 songs

MEREDITH: Honest mistake

DEREK: Yeah, I guess. Anyway, sorry about this morning with your dad. (both laugh) I had no idea he was there.

MEREDITH: It's cause he usually isn't.

DEREK: I thought you were happy with your setup

MEREDITH: That's what I tell him. I make up stuff in the emails I send him about how happy I am being on my own, and how responsible I'm being even when I'm not. He loves his job, you know? And after my mom died, it's just not fair to ask him to give that up. But I miss him when he's away.

DEREK: You tell him that

MEREDITH: He worries. It's just better not to.

DEREK: So listen, I don't have a lot of quiet time these days. You mind if I just sit and read while you draw!

MEREDITH: As long as you don't act out the parts.

DEREK: (laughs) Alright

(Meredith watches him read then looks down. Derek looks up at her and smiles)

[Sloan Body Shop)

(Keith lowers a car and Mark is standing on the other side)

MARK: My mom said you wanted to see me

KEITH: Yeah. Hand me that ratchet would you? So how are you holding up

MARK: Why? Are you going to report it back to my mom

KEITH: It's not like that Mark. Look I know you and I haven't talked very much. And I'm sorry about that. But that's just fall out from your dad and me. I know you're going through some tough times so, if you need anything.

MARK: Well, let me ask you something. You played basketball in high school right

KEITH: Only for a little while.

MARK: You didn't enjoy it

KEITH: What are you kidding me? I loved it! But there was no pressure then. And then I didn't love it so much anymore. Your dad came up and just made everything a competition.

MARK: So then you just walked away

KEITH: Only looked back at the cheerleaders. It's just a game Mark. Not a life.

[Outside school)

(Izzie meets up with Meredith)

IZZIE: Hey spirit girl. That cheerleading thing always throws me off

MEREDITH: What

IZZIE: Just the more I get to know you the harder it is to wrap my head around it

MEREDITH: My mom used to cheer and Addison and I have been cheering together forever so it's just kind of our thing.

IZZIE: Oh cool.

MEREDITH: What's up

IZZIE: So, um, I need some advice. About Mark. I don't know if its crossing a line. (Meredith starts to laugh) Okay funny wasn't what I was going for but.

MEREDITH: I was the queen of boyfriend-dysfunction and now I guess I'm everybody's go-to on relationship advice it's just kind of bizarre right!

IZZIE: If it's too weird then…

MEREDITH: No it's cool. What's going on

IZZIE: Well, um, Mark's talking about quitting the team. And I just, I don't know what to say

MEREDITH: Yeah, look I could never find the words to get through that big wall that he puts up so I really can't help you out much. But you're so much better with him than I ever was. He's lucky to have you

IZZIE: Thanks. I don't want to keep you from your practice.

MEREDITH: Hmm. Go Ravens.

IZZIE: Hey, um, I didn't mean anything, about your mom.

MEREDITH: It's cool

IZZIE: Ok

[Inside gym)

(Cheerleaders are warming up)

ADDISON: You could have told me Travis was a group

MEREDITH: It's not like it's some big secret

ADDISON: Derek gave me the weirdest look when I said that. I felt so stupid

MEREDITH: You're not stupid. You guys just don't like the same things.

ADDISON: See that's the problem. He brings up art and books and I've got nothing. (Whistle blows; Guys run out into the gym. Derek runs past Addison and Meredith) Hey you

DEREK: Hey you. (to Meredith) And you

(Webber blows whistle again)

WEBBER: Welcome back gentlemen. Let's see how soft you all got after that little hiatus. Suicides. Now (Jake jogs in with Jenny) Better be a basketball in that thing Jagielski

JAKE: Come on Coach. It's either this or I miss practice

WEBBER: Alright well find her a spot with a good view so that she can watch her daddy throw up

MEREDITH: I'll take her Jake.

JAKE: Yeah? Thanks Meredith

MEREDITH: Glad to

WEBBER: (Whistle) Alright, gather around. Where's Mark? Tim, you're his girlfriend, where is he

TIM: I don't know coach. He was at school today

WEBBER: Alright. I've got some offensive sets worked out here. Line up at the low stacks.

[Derek house)

(Typing a letter to his mom when Addison walks in)

ADDISON: So I had an idea.

DEREK: Okay

ADDISON: Remember when I read that Steinberg book!

DEREK: Steinbeck

ADDISON: Yeah, that guy. And then you did something that I wanted

DEREK: Oh yeah, yeah. Getting drunk, tattooed and grounded!

ADDISON: But in a fun way. I'm thinking we should try that again

DEREK: Okay, you might want to run that by Keith first.

ADDISON: Not exactly that, I just, I want to know everything about you. And I want you to know…almost everything about me

DEREK: What's going on Addison

ADDISON: Nothing. I just. I want to know you better Derek. So how about, the next time you do something you love, you bring me along, and then we trade. Are you busy after practice tomorrow

DEREK: Yeah, I have a date with you

[restaurant)

(Dan and Mark; Girl brings pizza to the table)

TARA: Half with olives. We aim to please

DAN: (flirting) Well, you hit the bulls eye Tara

(Mark gives him a look)

DAN: What? You know how I like to kid around.

MARK: Yeah, you're famous for it. Dad, you really think that's gonna help what's going on

DAN: Look, you know I think this counseling thing is ridiculous but I promised your mom I'd try again. We'll be okay

MARK: Right

DAN: You just focus on your game. Webber kick your ass today

MARK: I didn't go to practice

DAN: What's going on with you Mark

MARK: Nothing, I just need some time. Okay

DAN: No its not okay. It's career suicide

MARK: Dad, Keith said…

DAN: Keith said! You talked to Keith? You take advice from Keith you'll end up spending the rest of your life running a second rate auto garage. Is that what you want

MARK: I told you. I don't know what I want

[Sloan Body Shop)

(Keith lowers a car and Dan is standing on the other side)

KEITH: That's just freaky

DAN: Where do you get off telling Mark he can quit the team

KEITH: I didn't tell him he could quit. He wanted to talk, we talked. Maybe you ought to try it something

DAN: So you neglect him most of his life, I'm out of the house a week, and there you are

KEITH: He surprised me, Dan. You know Mark's a good kid. You got him so screwed up he doesn't know what he wants

DAN: Deb got her hand up your back, Keith

KEITH: Deb's the best thing Mark's got going for him right now. She's trying to save him

DAN: What the hell do you think I'm trying to do

KEITH: I've been trying to figure that out all these years, Danny

DAN: I don't mind you playing Daddy to one of my offspring, but leave the good one alone, would you

[outside school]

(Jake walks with Meredith)

JAKE: Hey Meredith. Missing these!

MEREDITH: Those are the keys to the squads equipment cabinet. I gave them to Jenny yesterday to play with. She was shaking them like a pom pom.

JAKE: Maybe she'll be a cheerleader

MEREDITH: Or President. You gotta think big

JAKE: Alright, you never know. Whatever makes her happy.

MEREDITH: You know I think it's really amazing how committed to her you are

JAKE: Well, it's really not that hard. I mean, from the moment I saw her I was totally hooked. She's just so cute. And I think about watching her grow up. I couldn't imagine not being there.

MEREDITH: You know I bet you're a really great dad.

JAKE: I don't know. Some days I wonder

(They walk off screen. Derek stops Mark outside the gym)

DEREK: Hey Mark

MARK: Hey

DEREK: Missed you at practice

MARK: Look man you don't have to be nice to me cause I'm going out with Izzie, okay

DEREK: I'm not. Team sucks on a day without you man. Ask Webber.

MARK: I'm trying to avoid him.

DEREK: That's cool. Do what you got to do

MARK: Usually do

(Derek leaves. Izzie comes up to Mark)

IZZIE: Am I hallucinating? Did I just see you talking to Derek

MARK: No, he was trying to talk to me. The whole nice guy thing's wearing kind of thin

IZZIE: You want to walk to English

MARK: Actually I think I'm gonna cut out of here a little bit early. Wanna join me

IZZIE: Are you serious

MARK: Yeah, why not? You up for it

IZZIE: I can't, Mark.

MARK: Alright. Well, look, I gotta get out of here so I'll catch you later.

IZZIE: Okay (Starts to walk away. Izzie thinks about it and catches up to him) You know what? Catch me now)

[Outside Dan's Motors)

(Izzie's excited as Mark pulls up in a convertible)

IZZIE: (getting in) Oh My God!

MARK: Nice huh

[the Beach)

(Mark and Izzie are drinking)

IZZIE: So, are we trying to get killed

MARK: I told you, my dad's in Charlotte, it's okay. I've never seen you like this

IZZIE: Now you have

(kisses him)

MARK: Let's go inside

IZZIE: Okay (Izzie starts to get on his back) Okay, 1...3...5 (Jumps on) Okay

MARK: Got it

IZZIE: Yeah I'm good. Oh, stop moving the pier.

(They look up to see Dan in front of them)

MARK: Nice knowing you

(Dan is somewhat pulling Izzie to the car; Mark is going to the car)

DAN: You've got Mason Bowl next week and this is how you're training

MARK: Can we do this later

DAN: There may not be a later for you

IZZIE: Oh, oh Mr. Sloan

DAN: Was I talking to you? (Slams her door) Get in the car. I'm driving you both home. You're mother's going to love this. You getting drunk on her watch…

(Izzie throws up in his lap)

IZZIE: Oh! Eh.

[Carolyn's Café)

(Meredith eating with her dad)

MR. GREY: There's some kind of interesting news that I need to talk to you about.

MEREDITH: Why does interesting scare me

MR. GREY: No, no. Listen, the company's been hired to do some flood control. They want me to supervise.

MEREDITH: How long is it going to be this time

MR. GREY: Well, seeing that it is in New Zealand, um, 3 maybe 4 months

MEREDITH: So, what's the upside

MR. GREY: It's a lot of money, sweetie. Way more than I make now. We could be good to go for a while. Maybe even afford that art school you talk about.

MEREDITH: Is this something that you want

MR. GREY: I only want to do this if it's right for us

MEREDITH: (Nods, trying to hide her disappointment) You should do it dad.

(Derek enters the cafe and comes to the counter and sees Izzie who looks hung over

DEREK: What happened to you

IZZIE: Nice to see you too

DEREK: Yeah I missed you in sixth period

IZZIE: Yeah, I kind of skipped. You can get your jaw off the floor now

DEREK: He's got you skipping school

IZZIE: Derek, talk to me when you get your tattoo removed

(She walks to the back)

DEREK: alright

MR. GREY: Derek

MEREDITH: What are you doing!

MR. GREY: I'm taking care of my little girl

MEREDITH: You are such a trouble maker. Daddy stop it, come on. Don't. Stop.

MR. GREY: Hey, sit down, Rake Boy

DEREK: Hey. I'm never gonna live that one down

MR. GREY: Probably not.

MEREDITH: It's okay, he can be way worse

MR. GREY: What have you got there? (taking his books) You're reading Faulkner in school now

DEREK: No, I just love his stuff

(Addison walking towards the café. Looks at herself in a car mirror. She notices Meredith, Mr. Grey and Derek in the café laughing and looks hurt)

[School Hall)

(Addison walks up to Derek' locker)

ADDISON: So what did you do last night? I saw you with Meredith

DEREK: What are you talking about

ADDISON: You two just looked pretty friendly

DEREK: Well that's because we're friends

ADDISON: And what are we

DEREK: Well, I thought that we were dating

ADDISON: Well it looked more like you were dating Meredith. How messed up is that? (Walks away)

DEREK: Addison!

(Meredith comes to his locker)

MEREDITH: What was that about

DEREK: She's mad. She saw us together last night

MEREDITH: I'll talk to her. Explain to her how bored out of my skull I was listening to you and my dad talk about dead writers all night

DEREK: Hey! You okay? You just seemed kind of weird when your dad called me over

MEREDITH: He had just told me about this horrid job he's taken in New Zealand, so he's gonna be gone for like ever now

DEREK: Well did you tell him not to

MEREDITH: It's important to him

DEREK: Yeah but he doesn't know it's important to you. You've got to stop pretending everything's okay…he might surprise you

[Tutoring center)

(Izzie sighs and checks watch. She starts to pack her things when Mark walks in late)

IZZIE: Oh hey. I almost gave up on you

MARK: Lost track sorry. You still hung over

IZZIE: I'm not as bad as your dad's pants

MARK: How great was that

IZZIE: Horrible. Let's just tackle some geometry okay

MARK: Or, Bottle Rocket is playing at this theater downtown. We could take the train

IZZIE: Are you serious

MARK: I promise I won't get your drunk okay

IZZIE: We are doing equations on the train

MARK: Alright, it's not exactly risky business, but there's always the ride back. (A quiz with an 'F' is on the table) Is this one mine

IZZIE: No. I…This girl I know missed a pop quiz in English Lit yesterday

MARK: Izzie, you got an F

IZZIE: Mr. Kelly said I could make it up. It's no big deal. (stands up. Takes paper) It's shocking, I'm human I know. Let's go. (kisses him and leaves)

[Meredith's house)

(Mr. Grey opens a box (iSight by Apple) when Meredith walks in)

MR. GREY: Hey, check this out. New web cam with 2 way voice capability. Sweet huh? No more hunt and peck.

MEREDITH: That's great. Daddy, I just…

MR. GREY: Hey, and since I missed your last birthday. I got a little surprise for you. (Opens a box with oil paints) You've been yammering about working with oils.

MEREDITH: Wow, um, These are way too expensive.

MR. GREY: Not anymore, thanks to Global Dredging

MEREDITH: So, you already took the job

MR. GREY: Yep, Made the call this morning.

MEREDITH: Well congratulations

MR. GREY: Yeah, yeah, well you and I are going to go out and celebrate, what do you say

MEREDITH: Okay

MR. GREY: Let me go change. I'll be quick.

(He leaves Meredith looking upset; Doctor's voice is over a shot of Meredith after her dad leaves the room)

DOCTOR: You know, sometimes we hold back to spare each other's feelings, and our own.

[therapist's office)

(Doctor continues)

DOCTOR: So maybe it's good that we have a session without Mark

DEB: Holding back hasn't been our problem

DOCTOR: How is he doing?

DAN: He's out of control.

DEB: He's skipping school

DAN: Basketball practice

DEB: Yesterday we caught him drinking

DOCTOR: Sounds like he wants your attention

DAN: He was a good kid before. Worked hard. Kept busy with sports

DEB: He needs to find himself outside of sports

DAN: Right, take away the one sure thing the kids got

DOCTOR: Tell me about basketball, Dan

DAN: Uh, you put a ball through a hoop

DOCTOR: What do you think Mark gets out of it

DAN: He gets structure and discipline. And he gets to know that he's the best at something

DEB: And also, you can relive your past and feel good about yourself

DOCTOR: Okay, time out. Um, let's talk about the two of you for a minute. I mean outside of Mark, let's explore what makes you work as a couple. I mean who are Deb and Dan Sloan!

(Both look at each other without talking)

[Gym)

(Webber and Mark)

WEBBER: Well, you're late, practice was over about 5 hours ago

MARK: I drove past and saw your car. Don't you ever go home

WEBBER: (Laughs) Sometimes I think this is my home. (sits down) Well is this a hit and run or a sit down

MARK: Sit down I guess

WEBBER: Good

MARK: I don't know what I'm going to do, Coach

WEBBER: Mark, nobody can make you do anything you don't really want to

MARK: By nobody you mean my dad

WEBBER: Let me ask you a question. Let's take your father out of the picture

MARK: I wish

WEBBER: Let's take out all the pushing, the pressure, the training that you've got to do to be as good as you are. Now ask yourself one simple question. Do you really love this game!

MARK: I do. I just hate what it's doing to my life.

WEBBER: Then you may have found your answer.

[Outside school)

(Meredith sitting on a bench drawing; Addison joins her)

ADDISON: You wanna know what I think!

MEREDITH: I'm sure you'll tell me

ADDISON: I think he's trying to have the best of both worlds

MEREDITH: Who? Derek!

ADDISON: He uses you for some sort of intellectual slash emotional thing, and me he just uses.

MEREDITH: Come on, you know he's not like that

ADDISON: He's a guy, Meredith. I mean follow the nature trail and they're all the same

MEREDITH: Addison, you could have any guy that you want and now you've got Derek, okay so can you please just sit back and enjoy it? He likes you! I like you, okay? So trust him, trust me, maybe try trusting yourself, okay!

(Meredith leaves)

[Meredith's room)

Mr. Grey is on the computer; Puts in a disk and it starts installing. He starts looking around the room at her art. He sees the stop light drawing: Bottom picture green light, middle picture yellow light, top picture all three are red "People always leave" written on top)

(Enter Derek)

MR. GREY: Doorbell broken

DEREK: She never hears it. She always has her music on

MR. GREY: I tell myself I'm doing what's best for my daughter. That she should have whatever she wants.

DEREK: What I think she wants is you. (Hands him the paper) Did you see her comic strip today

MR. GREY: What strip

(4 drawings: Little girl waving goodbye to a ship with the girl getting bigger and the boat getting smaller each time)

DEREK: It's supposed to be anonymous, our secret okay

MR. GREY: Yeah

[Outside school)

MARK: Hey Izzie you got a sec

IZZIE: Hey you planning our next road trip

MARK: Actually, I thought we could just talk

IZZIE: Oh yeah sure what's up

MARK: Well, look. (They sit down) Izzie, I've had a lot of fun with you lately. But, I'm trying to apologize. For dragging you out of class the last couple of days

IZZIE: Oh Mark, I had fun.

MARK: And you got an F on your exam.

IZZIE: Well, so what? You know I make my own choices and I choose to be with you

MARK: That's the thing. Look I like to be with you too, but the real Izzie, the one that I got all crushed out on, you know? I don't want to see you change. I like you. And I like the fact that somebody like you sees something in me.

IZZIE: Somebody like me or me

MARK: You already know the answer to that

(Kisses her)

[Meredith's house)

(Derek is sitting at the table when Meredith walks in)

MEREDITH: You waiting for me

DEREK: Actually I'm just hanging out with your dad

MEREDITH: Oh God, help me. Listen you should probably talk to Addison, she's convinced she's not being a good enough girlfriend.

(Mr. Grey comes down)

MR. GREY: Ops, am I interrupting!

DEREK: Actually, I was just gonna…(leaves)

MEREDITH: (Looking at the bag on her dad's shoulder) Please tell me that's laundry.

MR. GREY: My ride's on the way. I'm headed out tonight.

MEREDITH: You said you were going to be here till Wednesday

MR. GREY: That was before I turned down the job

MEREDITH: What

MR. GREY: They managed to find me a 3 week gig instead. Then after that, I'm only taking locals, so we can be a family again

MEREDITH: Daddy don't joke with me

MR. GREY: It's no joke, hunny. Meredith, I love what I do, but not nearly as much as I love you. You've been alone enough, no more

MEREDITH: I love you, Daddy. (hugs him)

MR. GREY: You better. (horn) Just promise to keep talking to me okay? I want to know what's going on inside that pretty head)

MEREDITH: Okay

(Derek walks back in)

DEREK: Mr. Grey, your ride's here

MR. GREY: Oh, I gotta go.

MEREDITH: Okay

MR. GREY: Derek, you keep an eye on this one for me alright

DEREK: I will.

(Meredith hugs her dad again)

MEREDITH: I'll leave the light on for you

MR. GREY: Oh and by the way. I like your comic strip. (He walks out the door)

(Meredith gives Derek a look, he pretends not to know anything)

[Outside Derek' house)

(Addison is sitting on the steps waiting for him)

DEREK: Hey

ADDISON: Keith said you were at Meredith's, again

DEREK: Actually I was with Meredith's dad, if that makes any difference

ADDISON: Whatever. Derek can we talk!

DEREK: Yeah.

ADDISON: Okay, I'm not sure if we have a problem, or if I have a problem.

DEREK: What's the problem

ADDISON: In a nutshell, You're you and I'm me

DEREK: Yeah but if I was you, you'd be dating yourself.

ADDISON: What I mean is, I do what I do, and I like what I like, and that's just who I am.

DEREK: I know, and that's what I love about you

ADDISON: Okay but the music that you listen to and the books that you read, I'm not into any of that stuff

DEREK: And I never asked you to be. Okay? You know I kind of enjoy the fact that we're different

ADDISON: Okay. I'm sorry. It's just that you're the first really great guy that I've ever dated and that really scares me because I never gave a rat's ass before, okay? But I do now

DEREK: That's good, because I give a rats ass about you too

(Derek kisses her)

[Beach house)

(Dan is on the pier, Mark stands next to him)

DAN: You're mother know you're here

MARK: Yeah, she said it was cool as long as we didn't kill each other. I'm sorry for all the crap I've been pulling lately, dad

DAN: I figured. Everything okay

MARK: Not so good.

DAN: Well, you'll bounce back

MARK: Dad, how did we get so screwed up

DAN: We'll get through this, Mark

MARK: How? Everything's basketball with us, Dad. And now you're yelling at me, and mom. Mom's yelling back at you. I'm starting to wonder, is this all because of me

DAN: Mark…

MARK: I mean, Dad, look, I know you're upset with me missing practice and everything, but I'm just not sure if I'll ever be the player you were. I'm starting to think maybe (sighs) maybe you chose the wrong son.

DAN: Mark, you have to know, whatever you do, whatever you decide. You're my son, and I am proud of you. I love you.

[The Park)

(Mark playing basketball at the park; Derek walks on)

DEREK: Hey

MARK: I was looking for you. I'm done. Just thought you should be the first to know.

DEREK: Me!

MARK: Yeah, you wanted my world man, (bounces the ball to Derek) it's all yours

[Jake's house)

(Jenny is crying. Jake hands her keys to calm her down)

[Mark's House)

(Deb looking in her empty bedroom)

[Meredith's House)

(Meredith turning on the front porch light)

[Derek and Addison making out in the back of a car)

[Dan sitting alone on his porch)

DEREK: (V.O.) "And the little prince said to the man"

[Locker-room)

(Mark pulling his name tag off his locker and shooting it into the trash, Webber watching him leave)

DEREK: (V.O.) "Grownups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always explaining things to them"