TV Channel 50 FoxFamily, Fri Jun 16, 2000, "Because I Love You."
Written by Michael Braverman & Jennifer Furlong, Directed by Alan Simmonds

Why is my dad talking to peter for so long? What if he's here to take you back home? Right. Knowing my dad, I'll never get out of here. But what if he is? He's not. Don't worry. I'm still way too dysfunctional. Come on. Yeah, I know.

It's time to, uh, put my life and scott's life back together so we both can heal. That's why i've decided to take him out of horizon and bring him back home with me, where he belongs. Oh, I see. Um...How soon? Saturday. I've got some business to clean up out of town and I plan to pick him up on my way back.

Mr. Barringer, I can't tell you what to do, obviously. I can only advise you, and my advice is that scott is... He's not ready to go home. He is still wandering around with a tremendous amount of anger. He only really just started opening up in group a few weeks ago. Now, we're nearing the end of the academic school year. Why not just leave him here at least until then, and maybe if we see that he's making some-- no, that won't work. No, I want him to return to his own school before break. There's still a very good chance he could make his last year of varsity. So the coach offered to let him back on the team? If he can make his practices, the coach said he'd consider letting him back on the team his senior year. Now, scott's a natural athlete. If he stays clean and focused -- But the temptations are all still the same at home, Mr. Barringer, the friends, the drugs... When scott is focused on football, that stuff's not a problem. It could mean a full scholarship to a pac 10 school. The scouts have been looking at him since he was a freshman.

Mr. Barringer, I realize that football's been a major commitment for both of you, but scott's wounds are deep. He has made a little progress, but he is not better, not even close. I'm not saying that he is, but now he can heal at home, I mean, you know, now that his stepmother is out of our lives. Look, I've already lined up a good therapist for him, so -- So what you're saying is that you've already made your decision.

I'm not going anywhere. I just got you back.

Scott? Ready? Should I wait? Uh, sure, if you want. Yeah, I want. Okay.

Your father has something he wants to tell you. I finally realized that your...Well, your stepmother's gone, you were telling the truth, and, uh... I'd like you to come home... If you want to. Are you serious? You guys are for real? Yeah, I want to... Yeah, absolutely. You're not kidding me? Come on. Really? Oh, that's awesome.

From what I can tell, the ole stepmom ran off with a lawyer, the same one my dad hired for her. A match made in heaven. Yeah. So, elayne's gone, and your dad comes here and gives you a "get out of jail free" card, huh? That's right. What he figures is that there's still time for me to get back on the team, get my scholarship. Great. Uh, pac 10 school, right? Yeah, or maybe like a southeast conference. They've got some smokin' schools down there. I can't believe i'm finally getting out of this place. Well, we all do one way or another. You just paroled early. Isn't it great? Yeah, really terrific. Wait. This is, uh, kind of weird, don't you think? I mean, you just got back, and now I'm leaving. Story of my life.

How could you just let him go like that? Scott is nowhere near ready. It's between scott and his father. I can't stop him. All I can do is offer my opinion. Well, maybe you should have offered it a little more strenuously. You know, I'm really surprised. I would think that after what happened in that house, he'd never want to go home. Soph, when are you going to face it? Every kid here wants to go home... Maybe not to their house and to their family, but they want to go back home to their friends and their school and their old neighborhood, and their old lifestyles. They don't want to be here with our rules and our discipline and our emotional confrontations. Trust me, except for a handful, every one of them wants out, even scott. I just wonder what it's gonna do to shelby. I mean, she's been on such an emotional roller coaster these past few weeks. This one's really going to throw her. It's going to throw all of them.

You'd better buckle up, soph. You're in for a hell of a week. Trust me, every year about this time, right before graduation and summer break, they start acting up. You won't even recognize some of them... Where's that astronomy book that you had in here? Teachers and counselors, too. It's the miklovsky meteor shower this weekend. It only comes once every 1500 years, and, this far north, we'll be able to see everything. It's going to be spectacular.

You can't keep doing this,sophie. Doing what? You're avoiding talking to me. Who's avoiding? We're talking. No, Uh-uh, I mean about us. Peter, I have a class in five minutes -- Good, then we can talk for four. It's not every day that I ask somebody to marry me. It's not every day I get asked. So, look-- peter, please, no. Don't-- soph, listen. I open up my heart to you, tell you that I want to spend the rest of my life with you and only you. I want to raise a big family together, grow old together... Peter, you'll always be my rock... My touchstone. Always. So why won't you marry me? Because... Because why? Because I love you.

[ bell rings ] I can't believe this is happening. So sad. Everyone's leaving all at once. First kate's graduating, now scott's going. Oh, yes, out with the old and in with the new. The circle of life continues. Can you drop the lion king blather? I don't see why we can't do something special for them, like have a dance or something? No... Like a prom. What? What? A prom. I mean, I'm proud of graduating from horizon, but I feel like I'm missing out. Every school has a senior prom. Why not us? Kat, there are a lot of things about proms that are very hurtful and stressful-- people not getting dates, people not getting asked to dance... I doubt peter will go for it. But we can ask, can't we? I mean, there's a whole bunch of us graduating. Why can't we have a prom like everybody else? We're too screwed up and backwards to have a prom. What?

Then that's what we'll have. Morp. Morp? What's a morp? Yo, a prom? We havin' a prom? Yo, man, you lookin' to bleed? Okay, so what's a morp, anyway? It's the opposite of prom. That's the way we'll propose it to peter. It's backwards, like us. So instead of music, dancing, and drinking stale punch, we...What? Sit and stare at each other with our clothes on backwards? No, there's dancing, but everybody dances at the same time, so nobody feels left out. Sounds cool. Too bad i'm not going to be here.

Seriously? You're serious, peter? You're gonna let us have a morp? Yep. Under three conditions. Here they come-- no music, no decorations, no refreshments. Not even close. One, if we're going to do this, we're going do it right-- ladies have gowns, gentlemen wear tuxedos. Tuxes? Mm-hmm. Gowns? Where are we supposed to... Don't you worry about it, I've got it covered. It's going to be a good opportunity for us to work on our social skills. What social skills? My point exactly. Wait. What about makeup and getting our hair and nails done? Specialists are being flown in as we speak. I'm serious. Jules, don't push. We'll work it out. Condition number two? Number two is that juliette finishes her dinner. You're way behind on your calorie count. I was depressed. I was noticing. We'll get her to eat.

Ooh...He didn't say anything about no dates. Daisy... Be my date to the morp. Hey, number three-- no dates.

Let's eat alone tonight. Look... So i was thinking you should come to some of my games. Oh...Uh, yeah, maybe. And then, next year, you and I can go to my prom together. You think that's stupid. No. I...I just think you live a thousand miles away. Well, what's funny? Nothing. Everything. Life. It's just funny how it keeps on giving.

The kids are really excited about the prom. Excuse me--morp. It's given them something really fun to look forward to. You know, takes their minds off all the negative stuff. We all need something good to look forward to. It's why there's hope. It's the payoff. It's what keeps these kids going... Us, too, I guess, huh? What are you looking forward to, soph? Is this conversation going where I think it's going? Yes.

I'm not big on guilt trips, so i'm just trying to make this as easy as i can. I need a simple explanation, because the person that I truly love and want to be with is slipping away from me. I just want to know the reason why. You're right. That's only fair. I'm just so afraid i'm going to lose you. Lose me? How? I just asked you to marry me. And the last time I checked, that's the opposite of losing. No, I mean as a friend. Friends. You want to be friends? No, I mean... Well, then, what? Peter, do you want a family? Of course I do. Don't you? What could possibly be better than a bunch of little sophies and peters running around our big backyard, huh? Think about it. That's practically all I do, is think about it. The thing is, peter... I can't have children. Why can't you? I can't. I'm damaged. You want the medical details? You want kids, and I am incapable of giving them to you...Or me. There. Now you know.

Soph, the only thing i want more in this world than kids is you, sophie becker. You say that now, but later, when the reality sets in -- well, this is later. This is the reality. that -- it doesn't make a difference to me. But it does to me. Soph, it's okay. It doesn't matter.

Hey, can i get in here? Ever hear of waiting your turn? I know, but I'm really tired and I just want to go to bed. Oh, and the rest of us are standing here waiting for a bus. You can share my sink. Thanks. Oh, that's right, I forgot. It's all about what queenie wants, when she wants it.. Forget it. I'll wait.

Have you ever heard the theory that the people who are most alike have the most conflict? Me and juliette? What are you, demented? No, not more than usual. She and I are nothing alike. Then why are you taking everything out on her? She has nothing to do with scott leaving. He's acting like nothing's going to change, like everything's going to be fine. He even talked about us going to his prom together. Boys. What do you expect? David asked me to be his date for the morp. How sad for you. Come on, he's not that bad. Not if you like complete morons. Look, I know you're hurting, but I'm not juliette, so don't take it out on me either, okay?

That's 30 of 'em... All addressed, stamped, and everything. All you've got to do is stick the letter in and mail it. You stayed up to do this? I couldn't sleep anyway. Beats counting sheep, I guess. It's not like that, shel. Do you think this is easy for me? You're the one leaving, not me.

So why are you guys making decorations for the morp, anyway? Wouldn't the opposite be, like, no decorations? Seems backward enough to me. What? All I'm saying is let's make these next days nice. Our final moments? No, not our final moments. Just 'cause, you know, I'm going home doesn't mean that you and i are over. You sure about that? How about a reality check here, okay? We're gonna be a thousand miles apart. It's not like either of us have private jets or anything. You're home, i'm here. End of story. That's it? End of story? You're looking for a happy ending? There are no happy endings, okay? Just endings and this is one of them.

Cheese! I'm making a yearbook for kate. You're recorded for posterity. You want to get that camera out of my face? What's wrong? What's going on? Oh, did you two have a little lovers' spat? Another word, you'regonna eat that camera. That should get your calorie count up.

Want to toss me a few? Football really ain't my game, meat. No kidding. Man, i thought i sucked at football. You're pathetic. Watch the mouth, man. I told him it wasn't my game. Nobody here can throw a ball? Yeah, sure, I can try. Give me the ball, sparky nice arm. I'm impressed. Yeah, well, I've got other nice stuff, too, you know. But personality's not one of them, right? No. Only where it counts. Not bad. Want to toss me a couple more? Yeah, sure. Go long. Come on, ezra. We have decorations to finish. Eat your heart out...Sparky. What are you, a statue? Oh, oh, I'm sorry. That got away from me for a second. My bad -- my fault. Sorry.

Hey... She thinks she's pretty clever, huh? We both know better. We do, huh? What are you talking about? Daisy. The way she's always flirting with me in front of you just to get a reaction, to see if you care. I hate it when chicks play guys off each other like that. You have no idea how wrong you are. Oh, really? Oh, really. You're so naive, man. I guarantee it-- she digs you. Well, you can believe whatever you want, all right? I just... I don't want any part in this. Fine by me. Oh, good. We agree on something. That's progress.

So, listen, uh... Some of the guys around here have been saying that you're, like, uh, the resident pharmacist. I was just curious if, uh... Maybe...You could stash these for me? I could make it worth your while. I could give you, like, half the stash? No...No way. It's my sorry butt if i get caught, and you're teflon. That's all right, man. I just thought i'd ask. Yeah, you're probably right, anyway. I mean, it's probably better to play it safe.

Well, figures. The guys get fitted for tuxes in town, and the girls get second-hand thrift-store dresses with crusty sweat stains. Nice to know that sexism is alive and well at horizon. Not so, ms. Lipenowski. Their tuxes go back the next day. These duds are keepers. And the question is, then, why? Ooh. What do you think?





Try it on. This lace is so gorgeous. But if i take it off here and put it around this neckline? How martha stewart. Come on, shelby. At least look. I'm sure one of these is perfect for you.

You're kidding, right? I thought we were going to be allowed to go shopping for dresses. Oh, we are. Here. Shop away.





Oh, I'm sure there's a rag in here just perfect for your so-called body. Eww. These dresses are all pre-worn and used... Like you. Hey, this is my pile. Get your own. Says who? Let go. I was looking at this one. Stop it. No, you weren't. Why do you even care what you look like? He not even going to be there. Oh...Did little queenie fall down and go boom? You're so mean! You're so pathetic. Jerk.

[ Shrieking ] hey, you guys... Juliette. Shelby. Stop it! Stop it, both of you. Okay. Tennis shoes and sweats on, right now. Do it! And you two, clear out.

She started it. Did not. She started it. Okay, you girls want to run another two miles?

Okay, this is how we're going to do it. You'll each get a chance to present one side. Juliette, you're first, and you're going to tell me shelby's side of it. What? Mm-hmm. You've got to be kidding me. She's so totally random and hormonal. How am I supposed to know her side? I've got a feeling that deep down you do. Now, you get one shot each, and if either of you messes up, you're both on shuns for a month. That means no prom, no talking with anyone, you eat alone, the whole thing.

Shelby, what's your side? "I'm mad at juliette because..." This is so unfair. Take your best shot. I'm mad at juliette because... Why? Because sometimes juliette can be so self-centered and insensitive that she doesn't realize how much it hurts other people, but it does.

Is that right? Okay.

Juliette, it's your turn. I'm mad at shelby because i'm really jealous of her. No. This isn't fair. She's not taking this seriously. Shelby, do you intentionally want to go on shuns for a month? Do you want to miss the prom and everything? You're asking as if I care. But I do. If you do this on purpose, then I get punished too and that's not fair. Maybe I just want you to have something to be really mad about. So what you're saying is you want to punish juliette for your own pain.

I'm mad at shelby because... I'm mad at shelby because I know she's sad and depressed, but all she really knows how to do is be mean to everyone instead of owning it. Yeah.

High-priced shrinks have a nice word for it. They call it spoiling. Spoiling? Yeah. When a situation isn't going the way somebody wants it to go, when they know they're going to be really disappointed, they do everything they can to spoil it, you know, ruin it. That way, when it doesn't work out, they can just tell themselves it wasn't any good to begin with. Mind games, that's all it is. Thing is, though, you can fool your mind, but you can't fool your heart. [Sophie pauses with self-realization ] What? Oh, nothing. I just... You can't fool your heart.

Shelby, I have to go. I can't stay here if i've got any chance at all of being recruited to the right school. I can't stay here. I know. It's okay. You have a life. I mean, who says you shouldn't go live it? We...We can write letters and we'll talk on the phone, and you can come and stay at my house. We've got lots of room, and I'll come and visit you here. It doesn't have to be that bad.

It is that bad... But that's the way it is, so let's not make promises we know we won't keep. Let's not hope for things we know will never happen. In my whole life, no one has ever looked at me the way you do. No one has... has ever touched my face... Or brushed my hair out of my eyes like you do... And then maybe this is really selfish, but it's not just you i'm gonna miss. It's the way i feel when i'm with you that i'm gonna miss even more. Shel, it doesn't have to be over. It doesn't have to be the end. Yeah...Yeah, it does. So, um... Just say goodbye, okay? Please...Just say it.

Glad I don't have to wake up to your face no more. Hey, I'm doing it just for you, muchacho. Take it easy, meat.

Vios con dios. You take care, too, E.Z. And I'll see what I can do about getting you those magazines. Thanks, I appreciate it, but a little more discretion wouldn't hurt. Right. It's actually not been that bad knowing you. You stay out of trouble, okay? Okay. Aw, isn't this touching? Can I join in? Hey, step off, man, all right, before i shove you off. Trust me, david, that's not somebody you want to mess with. Yeah. Later, huh? Easy. Later.

Shelby...

Shel?

Good luck out there in the real world, man. You too. A couple more days and you'll be out of here too, huh? Yeah. Tell me. Bye. See you later.

She's not coming. She said she said goodbye last night. Yeah, I guess so. Give me a hug. You were a pain, but I'm gonna miss you anyhow.

You're a miracle worker, mr. Scarbrow. Less than a year ago, I brought him here in handcuffs, high on drugs, defiant, oppositional. Now look at him -- happy, healthy, eager to get back home, back to his life... Looks can be deceiving, mr. Barringer. There's still a lot of damage beneath the surface. I'm not naive, Mr. Scarbrow, but I do know my son. Whatever you've done, you've certainly put him back on the road to recovery. I'm looking for the words, but it's impossible to say just how much we appreciate what you've done. Scott did it. We just kind of showed him the way.

All set? You've got some tools now, scott. Don't be afraid to use 'em. I will. Peter, I, uh... Thank you. Welcome. So, we're on the road, right? Right. Let's do it. Thank you. Bye.

How can a person be happy and sad at the same time? It's easy, jules. happens to me every time.

Shower's all yours. Thanks. Aren't you going to go shower and get dressed? Are my feet moving? You're not going to the fabulous once-in-a-lifetime morp? What for? Oh, the music, the laughter, the fine cuisine... Not to mention the rancid punch. For me, shel. Who knows, you know, this could be the last time we're all together. Please? Do it for me? Look, if she doesn't want to go, then -- jules... You'd like that, wouldn't you? Nothing would bring me more pleasure. I'm sure. Why don't you make us all happy and just stay here and mope? As if I'd give you the satisfaction. Thanks, jules. You're welcome.

I ordered for you. Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, chocolate cherry shake. Haha Just like mom. We ate here a couple of weeks ago. Yeah, I know. She called.

So...How long are we not going to talk about it? Well, I don't think this is the right time or place, son. Is there ever going to be a right time or place, dad? To tell you the truth, it's not something I'm ready to talk about. Well, then maybe you should be going to horizon, 'cause all we do there is talk. We talk about drugs, we talk about depression, we talk about stepmoms seducing and molesting their stepsons. Scott, I told you, I don't want to talk about it right now. Well, I do, dad. Not here. Yeah, here. Now! Would you --

Why didn't you believe me? It wasn't something i wanted to believe. That's great, dad... So make me carry all the water, make me do all the heavy lifting. If that's how you want to look at it. How else should I look at it, dad? Look at it from my point of view. You're my son. And she was your wife. Yes, she was my wife, and you didn't say no, not once Not once did you have the guts to say no. Is that what you're saying, it was my fault? Yes. If you couldn't control yourself, who's fault do you think it was? Hers, dad. Don't you get it? Hers. Not mine, hers.

[ Music ] Yo, check it out! Well, not bad for a morp. This is great! Jules, you look so...Mm, mm... So hot. Thanks, augusto. Let's dance.

And I have a few very choice thoughts about you. Well, you going to stand there talking all night, or are you gonna dance with me?

[scream] Hank! Hey, kat. Look at you. Gosh, you look fantastic. Who... I...How... Peter. He gave me a call, said you wouldn't mind a date to your senior prom. I guess he's got a heart in there after all, huh? Thank you. Oh, thank you so much for everything. You earned it. You deserve it. Go on. Come on. Let's dance...

Well, sometimes you win a few. Shall we?

You know, there are a lot of other girls here you can dance with. You? No, no, I'm not much of a dancer. Me neither.

Isn't this the most fun you've ever had? Shel, what say we go tear it up? I'm not a dancer, aug, thanks. Hey, um, could you guys watch the refreshments for a bit, I've just got to get some stuff.

Ezra? Ezra. I guess I missed the party favors. You want to go for a ride? Man, do I ever... But I don't. Yeah. I could have been buzzing mars by now. I don't know what stopped me. Self-control is not one of my strong points. Daisy? She already told me nothing is gonna happen with us. Just friends. They tell me it's good to have a friend. So how come I feel that the only thing she sees in him is that he isn't me? I don't think that's true. When scott's mother was here, she told him something that he told me. Some ancient greek guy said it a long time ago -- "friends are two people sharing one soul." It's not that often you find a good friend. And goodbye to my extraterrestrial travel arrangements. Life sucks, doesn't it? Only during the waking hours.

[singing] Come to me now. Lay your hands over me [end of singing]

How'd you know i needed that? Come on guys, hurry up. You'll miss it. Miss what?

[singing] Say it will be all right and i shall believe. broken in two and i know you're on to me that I only come home when I'm oh, so alone, but i do believe that not everything is gonna be the way you think it ought to be. seems like every time i try to make it right, it all comes down on me. please say honestly you won't give up on me, I shall believe. [end of singing]

I've got a question for you, mountain man. What? I was thinking, if you've got nothing better to do... Will you marry me? I thought you'd never ask.

whoo!

[singing] Show me your face tonight, and I know it's true. No one hears me like you, you hold the key. Never again would i turn away from you. I'm so happy tonight but your love is all right and i do believe [end of singing]

why did you come back? Because... Because I love you.

[singing] Then not everything is gonna be the way you think it ought to be. seems like every time i try to make it right it all comes down on me. please say honestly you won't give up on me, i shall believe, i shall believe, i shall believe, i shall believe, i shall believe.

please say honestly you won't give up on me

and i shall believe.

[fade to black]

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