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!'' he shouted.
Michael could be heard from upstairs saying,'' Coming!''
D.W. ran over to her dad. " Can I come too?" She bumps into Michael. "Can I?"
Michael grumbles. ''No! This outing is for dad and I!''
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 Ooof. as he tries to reach the door. )
Jane sighs. " Would you take D.W. today? Kate and Arthur have been taken ill. 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. Please, 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. fake 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 be your imagination, that's 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 annoyed. 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!''
Michael sighs.
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 dad. I got it.''
(The fish pulls him away and he waterskies 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.
(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.,
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?'' ''Kate is out of Diaper for tonight, we were in a rush yesterday!"
D.W. frowns. " Is that bad Mum?
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 nodded 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 Baby 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 nodded. ''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 nodded. ''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 will get it.''
Michael wonders. ''Arthur i thought you were swimming near the camp ground?''
Arthur nodded. ''We were going to but mom sent me to find you two, she didn't bring enough of Kate's Diaper 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!''
as Michel climbs on the rock.
Arthur I am not kidding Michael! Watch out! Those rocks are slippery!''
Michel stumbles. " Whoa!" He disappears in the water. After a moment he comes up again.
David walked to Michel as fast as he can. ''This fishing session will have to be cut short Michael. We will have to head back.''
Michael noded annoyed. ''Great just great if it's not D.W. It is Arthur! Thanks a lot Arthur!''
''Okay, I just saved your life,'' Arthur said annoyed.
(Back at camp that night, D.W. toasts a marshmallow while Mrs. Read puts a bandage on Michel s leg.)
David handed Jane a box of Diapers. ''Good news everyone! The camp guard had what Kate needed.''
Michael sighed in relief. ''That is great! so we can stay!''
D.W. stood up. ''Safety first - that's what Mary Moo Cow always says!''
''Well, I did warn him,'' Arthur said with a smirk.
Jane rolled her eyes. '' Arthur, D.W.! Don´t be so sassy!
Arthur looks over. ''We are just trying to help! You can't catch fish if you aren't safe.''
David examines Michael ´s leg. ''It's just a minor sprain. We have all day tomorrow to try again.''
Michael nodded. ''Yeah, D.W., there's always tomorrow. if I rest tonight. and don't follower us.''
8;15 am Michael tries to walk.)
Michael stumbles. ''Ow!''
David left the tent. ''I think, maybe you should just rest that ankle today.''
Michael shook his head. " No, it's okay, Dad. I know I can... Ah!" He sits down. " Okay. walking is out!"
D.W. jumps and Arthur beside them. Does that mean I can go?'' Arthur asked excitedly.
Michael gets angry. ''No! I mean...''
David looks over. ''Maybe it'll help You rest if I just take Arthur and D.W. 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, Michael lies in a hammock while Mrs. Read reads a book.)
Michael 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
Arthur enters the tent. ''Mom! I got fish! I got fish! He runs back to camp.)
''You mean Dad got fish,'' Michael said annoyed.
(Mr. Read holds up three fish.)
David smiles. ''Arthur caught 'em.''
Michel opens his eyes. ''What! Arthur.?
D.W. dances around in front of the tent. " Dad says Arthur a natural! Look!" (She shows photographs of Arthur 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 tiny toon name game song.''
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 and Arthur freaked out when we caught just one fish!''
Arthur shook his head. That was before I discovered my gift!''
Jane smiles lovely. ''Oh, Arthur, these'll be delicious.''
(Michael looks unhappy.)
David pats his shoulder. ''Don't worry, Michael If you ankle feels better tomorrow, I was thinking, you and I could squeeze in a little more fishing before going home.''
Michael looks up. Really?
(The next morning it rains. Michael and his dad look out of the tent.)
Michel tests his foot. ''Um, my ankle feels better.''
Arthur sneeze
David sighs. ''I think we're just gonna have to call it quits this time. and head home. Arthur is starting to sneeze.''
Michael held a hand out into the rain. ''We could wear ponchos... Please. Dad.''
Arthur said , I m fine Dad really you and Michel Go on please.''
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! Achoo,''
''Are you ok, Arthur?'' Dw asked with a concerned look.
''I am fine, Dw,'' Arthur replied trying to reassure her. But kept sneezing.
D.W. looks worried. ''Mom Arthur...''
Arthur shook his head. ''D.W. quiet, it is uh nothing. Mom, I am fine really, Dw and I 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 son is a fish magnet.''
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 feeling guilty. ''Maybe we shouldn't have came along.'' He said sniffing.
Jane smiles mildly. ''Arthur don't worry, Michael is just a little upset! David go talk to Michael, i will get Arthur and D.W. calm down.''
David nodded. ''Alright honey.''
D.W. puts a finger on her chin. ''That is your third sneeze ?''
Arthur sniffs. ''No it isn't.''
D.W. shook her head. '' Arthur you are lying, you were making sniffing sounds during the whole time we were walking back! ''
Arthur sighs. ''Alright so it just a little sniffing I just say that I was fine so Michael and dad could fishing, I didn't want to ruin their moment.''
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 lied 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 want. And now he even fishes better than me.''
David shook his head and smiles. ''He 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 older brothers 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 and jealousy, just your support as his older 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 nodded. ''I know you didn´t Michael.''
Michael turns around. ''I will go and talk to him.''
Davide said,'' That's my 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! Thank you for saving me. I am really sorry for being ungrateful.''
Arthur smiles. ''You mean it Michael?''
Michael pats his shoulder. ''Yeah Arthur I do.''
(Michel 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...?''
Michel yelled,'' No, Dad, wait! Dad, Arthur ...it's... the whale. Arthur Look! please!''
David (gasps)
Arthur widen his eyes. ''No way!''
(They return to the car.)
David laughs. ''We saw the whale! I mean Michel 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 Michel spotted it!''
He hugs Michel .
Michael smiles. ''This trip wasn't so bad after all Arthur .caught fish then I 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!''