DATE: FEB. 3 (FRIDAY)
TIME: 05:21 PM
THE MARSH RESIDENCE
IMPRESSING THE MOTHER
COUNTDOWN: 11 DAYS

Charlie stands in front of the window in the living room of the Marsh house, pressing her face and hands against the glass. She is dressed in the same clothes as usual, but with a small clip in her hair instead of her hat. Stan walks down the stairs, sees her at the window, and rolls his eyes.

Stan: Dude, you still have ten minutes. Chill out.

Charlie: [She looks away from the glass. She acts jittery and excited.] I know. I just want to be ready as soon as he gets here is all.

Stan (again rolling his eyes): Great. Have fun.

Charlie: You're not mad about this or anything, are you?

Stan: No, I'm not mad. I think it's really weird and awkward, yes, but what the hell; nobody cares about my opinion anyway.

Sighing dramatically, he walks out of the room toward the kitchen. Charlie stares after him with an expression of faint annoyance. Then she turns back to the window, cupping her hands around her eyes to improve her view. After a few seconds, she begins to bounce up and down with excitement.

Outside, Kyle approaches the Marsh house, wearing a suit and a nervous expression. He carries a small bouquet of flowers. He hesitates on the sidewalk before he starts up the walk.

Charlie (squealing/yelling): He's here! He's here, he's here, he's here!

Sharon steps in from another room.

Sharon: Already? [She peeks out the window.] Oh, isn't that just the cutest—Wait just a sec; I have to get the camera!

Sharon dashes out of the room, and Charlie continues bouncing at the window. The doorbell rings. Charlie takes a deep breath, composes herself, and answers the door.

Charlie (seriously): Hello, Kyle.

Kyle: Hello.

They smile at each other nervously.

Kyle: I got these for you.

He holds out the flowers. As Charlie opens her mouth to thank him, Sharon rushes up, absolutely gushing.

Sharon: Well, don't you look handsome, Kyle! [Kyle lets out a huff of air, apparently resenting this comment.] Oh, and look! You got flowers! If that isn't just the sweetest thing…

She takes the flowers from Kyle and hurries away. Kyle, his hand still extended, stares after her. Both kids wear expressions of surprised disappointment.

Charlie: …My fl—

Sharon (bustling back): There, I got a vase for them! [She displays the flowers in a vase of water.] Isn't that nice, Charlie? [Charlie stares up at Sharon, her mouth hanging open slightly.] Charlie? Did you say thank you for the flowers, Charlie?

Charlie (lowly): …Thanks, Kyle.

Kyle: …You're welcome…

Sharon peeks outside behind Kyle.

Sharon: Isn't your mother here?

Kyle: Uh, no.

Sharon: No? Isn't she driving you?

Kyle: Uh, no, I, uh, thought we'd, uh, walk.

Sharon: Oh, that's too bad. I wish she could see how adorable you two looked. [Charlie and Kyle stare at her blankly as she fumbles to take the lens-cap off of her camera.] Well, at least I'll be able to send her some pictures.

Kyle: Uh… no, that's okay.

Sharon (surprised): Are you sure? I think she'd love—

Kyle: Yeah, I'm sure.

Charlie looks at him quizzically.

Sharon: …Well, all right. Smile big for the camera, kids!

Charlie and Kyle stare blankly at Sharon as she snaps a picture.