(A large octopus is seen. It turns out to be a picture on an advertisement for the "Creatures of the Deep" exhibition at the Museum of Natural History which Michael is reading. His dad calls.)
David stood at the bottom of the stairs Michael hurry up! We only have a few hours before the museum closes.
Michael could be heard from upstairs. Coming!
D.W. ran over to her dad. " Can I come too?" She bumps into Michael. "Can I?"
Michael grumbles. No! This is for me and Dad!
David shock his head. You're spending the day with Mom, and Arthur, D.W. alright?
D.W. pouts. But I wanna go to the museum too!
(Jane carries Kate who is crying.)
D.W.+Kate: (cry)
(Michael holds his ears shut and bumps into his mother Oof. as he tries to reach the door. )
Jane sighs. " Would you take D.W. today? Kate's sick and Arthur napping I've gotta get this account finished by tonight.
(Michael D.W. and Mr. Read walk up to the museum. There is a poster advertising a unicorns exhibition.)
D.W. was exited. Unicorns! Can we...?
Michael yells. No!
(Michael D.W. and Mr. Read stand in front of the Creatures of the Deep exhibition.)
D.W. shivers of the picture of a shark with its mouth wide open. Daddy, this is scary! Can't we see the uni...?
Michael turns around. No!
D.W. gasps while looking at pictures of lobsters and crabs on a board. Can't we see the uni...?
Michael clenches his teeth. No!
A museum guide came over. Sir, this might not be the right exhibition for your daughter.
Michael glares at D.W. and raises his voice. I said no!
D.W. cries)
David sighs and looks at his kids. Michael , she's right. Why don't I take D.W. to see the unicorn dolls and meet you back here in an hour.
(Michael gives the museum staff his ticket and walks into the exhibition.)
Michael looks at the model of a whale. " I used to wonder what little sisters and twin brothers were for, and I finally figured it out. They're there just to wreck things for us guys and our dads." He sees a scary fish. " Whoa!"
Francine Cast away : Arthur Swims
(That evening, the Read family sits around the dinner table. D.W. shows pictures of unicorns while Michel looks depressed.)
D.W. said Then there was this pretty ballerina unicorn. She did pirouettes. And I didn't like the Super Unicorn Man one. That was dumb. And then there was a Japanese unicorn in a kimono. And then, oh yeah, there was a Russian dancing one. And look, ha, doesn't this clown unicorn look just like Arthur? or Michael?
Arthur giggle D.W. that could be just you imagination is all
Michael said Can I be excused? I wanna do my homework.
(He goes out. The parents exchange looks.)
D.W. said Oh, and look how they put glitter all over this ice skating one. And they shine lights on her and you can...
(Michael does his homework looking angry. D.W.'s voice can still be heard from downstairs. His dad comes in.)
David looks worried. " Michael ? Are you okay? Listen, I'm sorry, I know you were hoping it would be just the two of us at the museum today.
Michael nodes while writing down some math calculations. Yeah.
David scratches his head. Which is why I was thinking, next weekend, we could go fly-fishing at Whale Lake!
(He holds a fishing rod. D.W. appears beside him.)
Michael looks up. Why? Are there unicorns there?
David shook his head. No, just you and me. And it's such a great place, Michael. My dad used to take me there when I was a kid. The fish practically leap into your lap.
(Michael smiles.)
D.W. interrupts. Dad! It's time for my bedtime story!
David looks down at her. In a minute, D.W. my little angel. (She leaves.)
Michael can´t believe it. Really? Just you and me? No D.W.? or Arthur?
David noded with a grin. That's right. No D.W. or Arthur.
(In Michael's imagination, he and his dad stand in a river.)
David points on the water. It's okay if you don't catch anything on your first day. Fly-fishing isn't easy. Proper casting takes years of experience and...
(His cell phone rings. He takes it out of his bag.)
D.W. (on phone): Daddy! It's D.W.! Can you come home right now because I'm just a little girl.
David smiles amused. " Oh, poor D.W.! Your mommy is around you, that´s enough!" Michael casts his line and a fish immediately bites. " Whoa!"
(He drops the phone which sinks to the bottom.)
D.W. (on phone): Daddy? You're still listening to me?
David jumps to his son. Whoa, let me help you.
Michael laughs. It's okay. I got it.
(The fish pulls him away and he waterskis on his boots.)
David was surprised. " Michael!" He takes out his camera and takes pictures. On the last picture, Michael is below the surface. " Oh, no, Michael , I'll save you! Whoa!"
(The fish jumps past him and he falls into the river.)
(The fish lies on the bank and Michael stands on top of it, still holding the rod. It spits out several smaller fish. The cell phone rings again.)
D.W. (on phone): Daddy, you hung up on me! Daddy, it's me! D.W.!
David wonders. D.W. who?
(The fantasy ends.)
Next Saturday morning...
(Michael and Mr. Read pack the car wearing outdoor clothes.)
D.W. stood in the door, her arms crossed and makes a disappointed face. I still don't get why I can't come.
David took as breath. Because it's my weekend with Michael! Next weekend will be Arthur weekend. then you Weekend is after Arthur."
(Jane stood in the door.) She held up the phone. David, you've got a call.
David came over. Okay, thanks.
(He leaves.)
D.W. sticks a finger in her nose. Well, the follower weekend is gonna be so much more fun than this weekend. Dad and I are going to... um... Unicorn Lake... And I won't have to fish for unicorns, because they'll want to come play with me. And you won't be able to come with us, no matter how much you beg.
Michael laughs. I won't be begging, because this is my weekend! M-I-N...
David came back. Er, kids, bad news. Looks like I have to work next weekend.
D.W. looks up to him. What?! (cries)
Michael frowns. Oh, that's okay with me, Dad.
D.W. stamps with her foot on the ground. No, it's not okay! What about my weekend! I'm supposed to get follower weekend! It's not fair if Michael gets another weekend and I don't!
Arthur came out of the house. " But Dad next weekend is my weekend you promised. Why does Michael get to have his Weekend with you? It's not fair! It's not fair! As he stomps his foot too.
(Michael looks at his dad and sadly nods.)
David sighs. Alright your two how about we all spend this weekend together? Jane, what about a family camping trip?
His wife came over, Kate in her arms. " Well, sure! I have no plans this weekend and we spend not much time as a family together!
David points on his kids. " Well, then we go! All five together, get our clothes, toothbrushes and whatever you need for camping! Lets go!
Arthur blinks confused. You mean it?
David laughs. " Yes, how quick can you two and Mom get ready?"
Arthur ran into the house. Come on D.W. lets go!
Michael was not sure about this. Dad you sure this will work?
David noded. It should Michael, otherwise Mom will get a lot of foot stomping from Arthur and Dw. waterfall crying.
(Some time later, the whole Read family sits in the car which drives out of the city.)
D.W.: (singsong:) "I'm gonna go fishing. I'm gonna go fishing. I'm gonna go..."
David shook his head. No, D.W., you're gonna stay at camp and go swimming with Mom Arthur and Kate while Michael and I go fishing.
D.W. holds up a cassette. Hey, can we play my...?
Michael gasps. No! No Mary Moo Cow! That's all I ask! Please, Dad!
David sighs. Sure. Er, what'll we listen to? Radio?
Michael puts out an cassette. This is the audiobook to the adventures of Razor Rocket and his friends!
Arthur smiles at his sister. Don't worry D.W. it won't last too much long trust me' i brought the wrong cassette from mom´s office, you know that one that was broken! I got another one.
D.W. smiles.
Jane puts the cassette into the player.
Audiobook: "Henry Skreever Book 6: Henry Skreever and the Cauliflower Queen. Chapter 7..." (There is a squeaking noise and loose tape comes out of the cassette recorder.)
David frowns. Uh oh, I think we have a problem.
D,W. giggles. That is alright Dad, Arthur have a better tape then Mary moo cow he was play it last night and it was fun to listen to.
(They drive on, now listening to tiny toon Name game tape.)
Elmyra:
Then you say the name again with an M this time.
Everybody:
Mony!
Elmyra:
And there isn't any name that you can't rhyme
Everybody say Tony
Everybody:
Tony, Tony bo Bony, Banana fanna fo Fony,
Fee fy mo Mony, Tony!
Elmyra:
Eh, pretty good let's do Buster
Everybody:
Buster, Buster bo Buster, Banana fanna fo Fuster,
Fee fy mo Muster, Buster
Elmyra:
Very good, let's do Ralph
Everybody:
Ralph? Who's Ralph?
Ralph:
(laughing)
Michael sighed annoyed. Oh brother, this is more worst then Mary moo cow.
Arthur and D.W. laughed, Jane put the cassette out of the recorder. Kids, enough making fun of each other! I guess the radio is better.
(They drive through a forest.)
David looks back at the kids. Okay, now, Michael get ready. The road to this camp is very hard to find, so keep your eyes peeled for a tree with a white arrow.
Michael looks out of the car, totally exited. Wait, Dad! Is that it?
(There is a tree with a black arrow.)
David frowns. No, I don't think so. It's gotta...
D.W. nearly jumped up, only held by her safety belt. Wait, Dad! Is that it?
(There is a parking lot with big signs. One of them says "Whale Lake".)
David was surprised. Thanks, D.W. Hm. I guess things have changed.
D.W. giggles. You just have to keep your eyes peeled. thanks Arthur for helping me.
Arthur shrugs. No problem D.W., you sure you don´t 't want Mary Cow Cow anymore?
D.W. shook her head. No thanks Arthur! i m in Kindgaten" now
Michael sighs)
(The campground is busy. Kids cycle by and a man lights a barbeque causing a large flame.)
D.W. jumps out of the car. You're right, Dad! Nature's great!
(She runs to a carousel with unicorns.)
David starts pulling out the bags out of the car. Don't worry, Michael . The secret fishing spot is up that hill away from all this. You'll see. It'll be great!
(A little girl looking like Maryann touches a car. The alarm goes off.)
Maryann-look-alike: Aah!
(The next morning at sunrise Michael and his dad stand outside the camp.)
David gets his fishing rod on the shoulder. It's about an hour's hike, but wait till you see it! Excited?
(D.W. comes out of the tent with a cassette recorder.)
She rubs her eyes. Wait! Wait! I'm coming too!
Michael sighs annoyed. Dad!
David kneels down and pats his daughter´s head. I told you, D.W. The fishing is just for Michael and me. I'll be back tonight and we'll toast marshmallows, all right?
(He leaves with Michael, D.W. turns on the recorder.)
Jane searched inside her bag and went to Arthur. Arthur can you catch your Dad really quick? You are out of Pill for tonight, we were in a rush yesterday!"
D.W. frowns. " Is that bad Mom?
Arthur stood up and went outside the tent. D.W. which way did Dad and Michael go?
D.W. points to the woods. Straight towered the Hill you can just catch up to them i think!
Arthur noded and walked through the hill. Thank you D.W.!
(Michael and his dad reach a cliff overlooking the lake. No one else is around.)
David smiles. Look at that, Michael! What did I tell you?
Michael was exited. Yeah, Dad. It's great.
(Mr. Read puts an arm around Michael 's shoulder.)
David points toward a walkway. Okay, let's go.
Arthur came back to the tent. Sorry mom, they were too fast!
Jan could be heard. " No worries, Arthur, i ask the camp guide if he got medical supplies. D.W., breakfast!
(Michael and David stand in the shallow water. Mr. Read demonstrates casting the fishing rod.)
David points at the rod Michael got. Now, the idea is to get the fly out there without letting it splash. Then pull it back so it just skims the water, otherwise the fish will know it's not really a fly. And do it again... like this...
Michael looks around. Hey, Dad, why is this called Whale Lake? Is it shaped like a whale?
David smiles. No. Iroquois legend has it that a whale once swam up the Squaw River and still lives in this lake. I always used to look for it, but, well, it's just a legend, really. Okay... You're ready to go.
(He steps back. Michael swings the rod.)
Michael was unsure. Like this?
David noded. That's right. Now remember, don't take it too far back.
Michael repeats the words. Not too far back. Not too far back. Not too far...
(He casts the rod and sees that Mr. Read's hat is attached to the hook.)
David laughs. Well, that's okay. Stuff to get the hang of it. Just reel it in and try again.
(Michael tries again and gets the hook stuck on a tree.)
David was amused. One more time.
(Michael tries two more times with the same result.)
Michael gets disappointed. Sorry, Dad.
(Mr. Read cuts the line. The tree behind him is full of fishing lines.)
David shook his head. It's okay. We have plenty of flies left.
(Mr. Read holds the rod so Michael cannot swing it too far back.)
David noded. Good! Perfect! Now cast...
(This time, the fly lands in the water.)
Michael laughs. Ha! I did it! I did it! I...
He realizes he is no longer holding the rod.
David smiled mildly. Great cast! Just hang on to the pole next time.
(The rod floats in the lake.)
Arthur came around a rock in the water. I'll get it.
Michael wonders. Arthur i thought you were swimming near the camp ground?
Arthur noded. We were going to but mom send me to fine you two, she didn't bring enough of my pills for the weekend. Maybe the camp guide got some, but otherwise we must get some of at pharmacies.
Michael sighs. Tell me you are kidding Arthur!
Arthur climbs on the rock. I am not kidding Michael!
David looks at the rock. Careful! Those rocks are slip...
Arthur stumbles. " Whoa!" He disappears in the water. After a moment he comes up again.
David walked to Arthur as fast as he can. This fishing session will have to be cut short Michael. We must get your brother out of the water, this side of the lake is not so safe for swimming with all the rocks.
Michael noded annoyed. Great just great if not D.W. It is Arthur!
(Back at camp that night, D.W. toasts a marshmallow while Mrs. Read puts a bandage on Arthur's leg.)
David handed Jane a pill box. Good news everyone! The camp guard had the pills Arthur needed.
Michael sighed in relief. That is great! so we can stayed
D.W. stood up. Safety first - that's what Mary Moo Cow used to always says!
Jane rolled her eyes. D.W.! Don´t be so sassy!
D.W. looks over. I'm just trying to help! You can't catch fish if you aren't safe.
David examines Arthur´s leg. It's just a minor sprain. We have all day tomorrow to try again.
Michael noded. Yeah, D.W., there's always tomorrow. if Arthur rests tonight. and don't follower us
8;15 am Arthur tries to walk.)
Arthur stumbles. Ow!
David left the tent. I think, maybe you should just rest that ankle today.
Arthur shook his head. " No, it's okay, Dad. I know I can... Ah!" He sits down. " Okay. walking is out!"
D.W. jumps beside them. Does that mean I can go?
Michael gets angry. No! I mean...
David looks over. Maybe it'll help Arthur rest if we just take her away for a while.
D.W. laughs. " Yay!" She holds a Mary Moo Cow doll, a Mary Moo Cow camera and a cassette recorder.
Michael sighs. Oh brother!
(That afternoon, Arthur lies in a hammock while Mrs. Read reads a book.)
Arthur smiles. You know, Mom, this was a good idea. It's nice just to be by the lake in peace and quiet...
Jane turns her head and saw him closing his eyes, she smiles. good he is asleep
D.W. enters the tent. Mom! I got fish! I got fish! (She runs back to camp.)
Michael came in sight. You mean Dad and I got fish?
(Mr. Read holds up three fish.)
David smiles. No Michael, no, D.W. caught 'em.
Arthur opens his eyes. What! D.W.?
D.W. dances around in front of the tent. " Dad says I'm a natural! Look!" (She shows photographs of herself pulling fish out of the water. The fish are jumping right in front of the cassette recorder.)
David noded confused. It was strange. The fish just seemed to love that that tiny toon name game song.
Arthur shows thumbs up. Way to go D.W.!
D.W. smiles. Thank to you Arthur!
Michael stutters. But...but...
D.W. pumps her fist into the air. It's fish-fry time! (She lifts a bag of coals.)
Michael frowns. Wait a minute. Last time we went camping, you freaked out when we caught just one fish!
D.W. shook her head. That was before I discovered my gift!
Jane smiles lovely. Oh, D.W., these'll be delicious.
(Michael looks unhappy.)
David pats his shoulder. Don't worry, Michael If Arthur ankle feels better tomorrow, I was thinking, you and I could squeeze in a little more fishing before going home.
Michael looks up. Really?
(D.W. shows her mom how she can cast the rod.)
(The next morning it rains. Michael and his dad look out of the tent.)
Arthur tests his foot. Um, my ankle feels better.
David sighs. I think we're just gonna have to call it quits this time. and head home.
Michael held a hand out into the rain. We could wear ponchos... Please. Dad'
D.W. frowns. I have a bad feeling about this.
Arthur thinks for a moment. I have an idea D.W. follow my lead, come on! Ow!
D.W. looks worried. Mom Arthur...
Arthur shook his head. D.W. quiet, it is uh nothing Mom. really Me and D.W. will be right back come on!
An hour Later
(Michael and his dad fish by the side of the lake. The fish in the lake are holding umbrellas. return to camp where Mrs. Read and D.W. have packed the car.)
Cassette: " Very good, let's do Ralph Everybody: Ralph? Who's Ralph? Ralph: (laughing) Everybody: The Name Game!..."
Jane rubs the raindrops out of her hair. " Did you catch anything?" She turns off the recorder. Michael and David came back.
Michael sniffs. What's that smell?
D.W. laughed. You guys just missed the fish!
Jane smiles. Yes, you should have seen it. It was the weirdest thing! They were practically leaping out of the water!
Arthur shows thumbs up. The name game does it again! (he turns on the recorder.)
Cassette: Very good, let's do Ralph Everybody: Ralph? Who's Ralph? Ralph: (laughing) Everybody: The Name Game!..."
(In front of the next tent, Mr. Davidson is barbequing fish which Alex is eating. Maryann's family waves at the Reads.)
Mr. Davidson said Hey, buddy, thanks! Your little girl's and son are a fish magnet.
Campers: " Very good, let's do Ralph Everybody: Ralph? Who's Ralph? Ralph: (laughing) Everybody: The Name Game!..."
Michael was annoyed. " I can't take it anymore!" He throws down his equipment and his cap and walks off.)
Arthur looks back to his sister. Maybe we shouldn't have came along D.W. .
Jane smiles mildly. Arthur don't cry Michael is just a little upset! David go talk to Michael, i will get Arthur and D.W. calm down.
David noded. Alright honey.
D.W. puts a finger on her chin. Is your ankle still hurt?
Arthur sniffs. No.
D.W. noded. Arthur you are lying, you were making hiss sounds during the whole time we were walking back! you are still in pain. every after resting yestday'
Arthur sighs. Alright so it wasn't all better i just say that so Michael and dad could fishing.
Jane looked up. Arthur why didn't you tell me earlier?
Arthur shrugs. I thought it was best not to tell since we are leaving anyways! so i lie to Dad and Michel just this Once.
(Michael walks to the lake and kicks a stone into it.)
He was disappointed. It's not fair.
David came over. Michael?
Michael grumbles. Either D.W. or Arthur always gets what they wants. And now she even fishes better than me.
David shook his head and smiles. She was pretty lucky this time, but what you did was even rarer.
Michael looks up confused. What was that?
David took a breath. Not many oldest boys would be kind enough to let their little sister and twin brother come on their own private fishing trip. Pause. In my book, that beats catching fish any day. and right now Arthur need you Michael, not your anger, just your support as a brother. Do you think Eugene and me were always going well in our childhood? Not really. but that is for anther time
Michael sighs. I never meant to be mean to Arthur dad.
David noded. I know you didn´t want to Michael.
Michael turns around. I will go and talk to him.
Davied said that is a Boy"
Back at the tent Michael came over to Arthur who sat beside the car. Uhm, Arthur?
Arthur looks up. What is it Michael?
Michael sighed. Arthur, I am sorry i yelled, but this had been the best trip with you all, im glad you and D.W. are around. it Made. funnier!
Arthur smiles. You meant it Michael?
Michael pats his shoulder. Yeah Arthur I do.
(Arthur notices a whale blowing water in the lake.)
D.W. waves from the car. Come on! It's time to go!
David noded. Okay, Arthur, and Michael what do you say we start...?
Arthur yelled No, Dad, wait! Dad, Michael ...it's... Dad! Michael Look! please
David (gasps)
Michael widen his eyes. No way!
(They return to the car.)
David laughs. We saw the whale! I mean Arthur spotted the whale!
D.W. looks around. What whale? Where?
(She comes out of the car holding binoculars.)
David shook his head No, no, it's gone already, but... but we saw it! I waited my whole life to see it and Arthur spotted it!
He hugs Arthur.
Michael smiles. This trip wasn't so bad after all D.W. caught fish then Arthur spotted the whale. we should do this more often Dad!
(David starts the car.)
D.W. stood on the backseat and looked out of the rear window. Wait, Dad! Can't we go back? I wanna see it too! Please!
(As they drive off, Michael Arthur and D.W. look through the rear window and Arthur sees the whale again. D.W. spots it, too.)
D.W.´s jaw dropped. Wow!