TV Channel 50 Fox Family, Fri May 26, 2000, "Because it's There."
Written by Bruce Miller, Directed by Peter DeLuise.

Peter! Oh, my god! Well, look at you, mountain man. Where were you? I took the fire road up past hope falls. In this rain? That's 15 miles. I know. It was great. You should come with me next time. Sorry about that. You haven't been on your bike in a couple weeks, huh? Getting soft? No. Just taking a break.

Maybe you should think about doing the same. What are you talking about? I feel great. Peter, ever since you came back from your father's funeral, you've been moving like a tornado through texas. You barely sit still long enough to eat. That's not true. You're exaggerating. Besides, working out just makes me feel good. What's wrong with that? You are not just working out, you're obsessing. Can't you see what you're doing? You're drowning your emotions in adrenaline. I know you. When you get stressed, you need something. It used to be drugs, now it's exercise. Sophie-- it's just another addiction. I appreciate your concern, really i do, but you don't have to analyze everything. Working out just makes me feel better.

I miss her too. She'll be okay, right? She's tough. She'll be okay.

Shelby laid a real big hurt on him when she left, huh? Wish we could do something. What? You. You're a nice guy.

Sophie's banging the drum out there. Lights out in 15.

It's so weird. Shelby's really gone. Yeah. You ever think what's gonna to happen to all of us when we get out of here? I don't like to think about it. It's coming soon. When I graduate, back to the real world. It's not gonna be easy. Yeah, well, shelby's out there right now, back in her real world. You guys are forgetting one thing. Shelby's tough as nails. Nothing's gonna bother her out there, and besides, she's home. Isn't that where we all want to be anyhow? Maybe she's the lucky one. Ever think of that? Maybe you're right, jules.

[letter from Shelby] Dear daisy, they say things change. They say time heals all wounds. They say life goes on, but they're wrong. I'm home. I'm back in the nightmare, and I don't know how I'm gonna get through it again. Nights are the worst. It's like it's happening again. I'm going crazy. Whatever I am, he made me this way,



he made me crazy, and now I'm supposed to keep him alive. [end of reading]

Shelby? Shelby, get down here now.

You can't come down here one time without me having to scream for you?

I could take a shower first in the morning if that's faster. She'd still find some excuse to be late.

[Shelby's letter cont'd] Jess is fine. She's in the eighth grade now. She has friends, gets good grades, everything I could never do. She'll be okay. He never touched her. It was just me he wanted. Just me. [end of reading]

Look, I know this is hard, honey. I just need you to get the dishes done, and there's a list for the market. Could you not make that face? Walt worked very hard to provide for you, and now he needs some help. Can you be charitable for once? Can you do that?

I can take jess. I have to go register at school anyhow. No. I told you I talked to mr. Dobson. When they get your papers from horizon, then you can go in for a placement. Until then, try and make yourself useful.

Come on, jess. Let's go. Bye. Bye.

[Shelby's letter cont'd] Mornings. Quiet, but I can feel it coming, that fear. Sometimes it's like all I have is that fear. Who am I anyway? Am I that totally scared girl, waiting in her bed? Am I that runaway, the junkie, that whore? Am I that girl that climbs mountains? Maybe I'm nothing. Maybe I'm nothing but fear. [end of reading]

Shelby? Shelby, I need you.

[Shelby's letter cont'd) I never had anything in my life that was good enough to miss. When I ran away, I didn't miss home, and I never missed the streets, but I miss the mountains. I miss that smell of the trees And the wet ground. I miss everyone. I miss you. It's better to forget, maybe, because all it does is hurt. [end of reading]

From her? Is it bad? [Daisy nods] I can't believe peter let her go home I don't think he had a choice. Yeah. He could have done something.

Hey, have you seen those financials? Nah. I can't sit around in my office anymore. Let's go for a run. Peter, I can't. I have too much work to do. I am your boss. I hereby give you the day off.

Look, I found a suspicious character wandering around campus. When are you going to do something about the weather up here? When are you going to stop complaining, huh? It's great to see you, Peter. It's good to see you too.

Hey, everybody, I'd like you to meet an old Cliffhanger. This is Spencer. He was just a student when I first came here to Horizon. A million years ago. Yeah. This is what a lot of hard work will get you-- clean, sober, a college degree, with a master's in geology. You sound like my mother. Yeah.

The famous spencer carrier, Horizon success story. Hi. I'm sophie. Ah, the famous sophie becker. This is a pleasure. So what brings you back up here? My team is training for a climb-- shishapangma peak in tibet-- 13th highest in the world. Really? I've seen it from the ground. That's a tough climb. Yeah. We're doing some alpine training up on jenkins snowfield, so I thought I would stop by, look around the old place. It hasn't changed much.

Want to go get something to eat? No, thanks. The food I remember. It's really not that bad. Hey, do you think you'll have a chance to talk to some of the kids? I'd love to. Fantastic. Let's go.

And, well, I'm not gonna lie to you. It's hard when you get out of here. You go back to all of your old bad habits. So how do you keep from making all the same mistakes? You try to remember what you learned here, respect yourself, and be responsible for yourself, and you try to relax. Life isn't that complicated, really. Okay. Thank you. Thanks.

Thanks. I mean for what you said. I'm graduating and it's totally terrifying. Yeah. I remember that. I was scared, too. I was wondering if you needed any help with your training? I'm very organized. That's a nice offer. I'm sure we could use some help.

What was that kid's name, the one that ran like 50 times that first month? Raymond? Raymond the runner. Raymond the run... Oh, that was a good group, it really was. They're doing well, because of you.

So, sophie, what's it like working for a control freak? Is he letting you do anything around here? Oh, he lets me sweep up. I'm learning to delegate. Good, because I have an idea. What's that? Peter, how would you like to spend three weeks in tibet? Come on the climb. We have a spot, all expenses paid. A climber dropped out. I know you have the skills. You can train with the team for the next two weeks, then hop on a plane with us. Tibet, huh? I bet Sophie could handle things for three weeks. Will you think about it? Sure. Great. Look, I've got to get back to the motel. I've got it. Okay. We'll talk in the morning? Sure. Good night. Good night.

You want to go, don't you? What do you think? I don't know, peter. God, it is so beautiful there. You would love it, but... But it's just feeding another addiction. You can't hide from your problems, even in tibet. Believe me, I tried. Sophie, this mountain, this good a team, this is my dream. Then you should go. Just don't forget that your problems will still be here when you get back. And I will miss that bright, optimistic outlook and I will miss those eyes.

What do you say we go back home, throw a log on the fire, turn off our beepers... No, I...I don't think so. I'm sorry. I'm just kind of beat. You need some sugar. How about some dessert? Annie? Annie, how about some dessert? No, no, no. I'm just gonna head home, but I will see you in the morning.

[a letter from Shelby] He's my whole life now. I do his laundry and cook his food. I think about him all night and I do things for him all day, but I guess he's always been my life. When I was younger, he was the monster. When I ran, I was running from him. And now when he calls me, I go. When he wets himself I clean up after him. When he's hungry, I feed him. Who am I? I guess I'm just the one who takes care of him. [end of reading]

Stay and talk a while. Please, kitten? I'm so glad to have my girls back together, like a real family. Always so quiet. You were always so good at keeping secrets, special secrets. You're still my sweet one... Aren't you?

How do you get through airport metal detectors? It's always a challenge. So this training you've been doing -- Yeah. -- you're pushing what's left of this knee too hard. This muscle is putting pressure on the joint. I know, but it just hurts worse than usual. Well, it's going to continue to deteriorate. Is the pain keeping you awake at night? Most nights, yeah. So if I tell you to take a few weeks off, you're just going to ignore me, right? Yeah. Right. Okay, tough guy. Here. Take this for the pain. I'm sorry. I can't take those. Allergies? No, quite the opposite. Drugs and I get along a little too well. I've been clean for eight years and I'd like to keep it that way. Oh. All right. I will... I will make it through.

Peter... What? I understand your addiction, and I really appreciate you telling me, but now what i'm telling you is that the pain, it's only going to get worse, and if you want to try to tough it out, you can certainly try, but it's just going to get more intense. So what am i supposed to do? Rest it. Stay off that knee for at least two weeks. I...I can't do that. Well, then the pain i just gonna get worse.

How about this? What? You take these only when the pain becomes intolerable. Now, since i'm aware of your addiction, we'll deal with the pain first, and I'll monitor your drug intake. I'm not giving you a prescription for that very reason, and if you even suspect the slightest dependency on this medication, you'll let me know immediately and we'll deal with it, aggressively. Well, it's up to you. Sounds reasonable. (Grunting)

[knocking] Come in. I was heading back. Unless you were interested in a cup of coffee? I'll meet you in the kitchen.

Did I ever tell you that you saved my life? You did that yourself. Nope. Truth is I'd be dead if I hadn't come here. You're doing something amazing in these woods, but you're doing so much giving, sometimes I wonder who's around to take care of you.

Sophie Becker. Right on time. Exuse me? Right on time to say good night. I'll see you in the morning. Good night, spence. Good night.

All the kids in bed? All safe and sound. All except shelby. We gave her a safe place, for a while. It wasn't enough.

You know, it's just a mountain. Beating it won't change how you feel about shelby or your dad. You don't beat a mountain, soph. You climb them to challenge yourself, see who you are. Yeah, well, you don't need a mountain to tell you that. Maybe I do...

But what that mountain is telling me right now is that I am one sore boy. yeah, please....grrrrrrrrrrrr.... Hint, hint. Yeah. Oh-- Don't stop. Oh-- sorry. That's a good one.

Come here. What? Hello. Hello. I'm sorry. What's wrong? I just... I don't think we should. okay. Fine. I don't get it, but... Look, I just need some time... To think about things. Okay, time, sure. You take all the time you need. You know where I am.

Uh, there's some money here for pizza if you guys want it. I'll be home after my shift. Shelby? I heard you. Would it be so hard to smile, just for him? He's stuck in this house all day. Wo it be so hard to be cheerful? Fine.

In bed by 10:00. 10:00. Promise.

You want a sandwich? I could make you one. No. Is it weird being home? I mean, you don't even seem like you missed us or anything. I missed you. Why'd you run away all the time? I...I wasn't running away from you. I was just... I had to get out. I mean, don't you ever feel like that? Shelby? Could you come here a second, kitten?

I hate when he calls me that.

The guidebook says that this road right here isn't always open during winter. Is there another way around? Maybe you could take this road.

Hey, handsome. Here, grab a carrot. Thank you. So helpful.

It's hard to think a guy like spencer was ever in here, huh? I guess you act differently when you get out into theorld. I guess you have to.

Is it for real, Jules, I mean, you and me? Yep. No, I'm serious. You know, if I was a new kid in your high school, would you even speak to me? Of course I would. Okay, maybe not. Yeah. I didn't think so.

You're at it early. Just trying to keep up with you guys. It'll be tough today. 80-pound packs and nasty hills. You up for it?

You okay? Keep going.

Don't say a word, soph. I know what you're thinking.

You are not going on this trip. I'll be okay. I'll be fine. I'm surprised you can even walk. You'll put the whole team in danger. Please don't tell me what I already know.

She's not writing to me. I guess... I guess i understand that, and I know it's private between you two. Tell me she's okay.

You're sure? I've got kitchens. \

Hey. Hey. It's so beautiful. I bet when you're standing on top of a mountain you just don't worry about anything, all your stupid little problems. It's just a mountain, katherine. You're the same person at the top that you were at the bottom.

Peter, come on. You can't be serious. Think about it. You've been dreaming about this forever. You're sure? I'm slowing you down here. I'd slow you down on the mountain.

I'm sorry. Accept your limitations. Isn't that what we tell the kids? It's hard to do, but sometimes our bodies won't take us where we want to go. Now I guess there's no escaping my problems. No mountain to run away to.

You have to do something. You have to... You can't just let her stay there. Scott, there isn't anything I can do. Shelby is in hell. She wouldn't talk to child protective services. That's it legally-- Legally, they should execute that guy, and you know it. Scott, I want to help, but I can't. She needs you. I know. I know, but there's nothing that I can do.

Hey. He doesn't care. He doesn't even care. You know that's not true. Then we should do something. What? I don't know. You read the letters. Pray. Pray.

[letter from Shelby] Dear daisy, well, here I am, home sweet home. Yeah, right. Just walking into my room the first night really creeped me out. So many ugly memories are in that room. The only good thing about being back was seeing my little sister, jess. She seems okay, but I can tell

she's a little mad at me. [end of reading]

Come here a second, Kitten.

We're going to do that internet broadcast live from the mountain when we get to the top. I wouldn't miss it. It'll be okay, you know, when you get out of here, and if you're ever not okay, just call peter, or call me.

Good luck. Don't break a leg or anything. It won't be the same without you. It just wasn't my time, I guess. I wouldn't be going if it wasn't for you. You're the one who'll get me to the top of that mountain. Hey, good luck. Thanks.

Gives you hope for our kids, doesn't it? That it does. So am I allowed to cook dinner for you? Peter... I'm just not sure about these new rules, that's all. Can I think about dinner? About dinner, sure.

Hey, did spencer leave yet? Just missed him. I wanted to say good luck. Those pictures looked amazing. yeah. Maybe we'll go to tibet some day. Look, jules, just don't, okay? I mean, I know what's what, and I don't want it if it's not for real. Neither do I. Well, then, fine. We're done. You know, if you weren't stuck up here, you'd never... You'd never want...to -- You'd never want someone like me.

You're right. Out there in the world, we never would have had a chance. The homeboy and the prom queen, no way, but that's why I'm so glad I came here, because otherwise, I would have missed out on something amazing. I would have missed out on you. You and me? It's real, caree-no. What?

Carino.

caree-no

No, carino.

Carino. Yeah, yeah.

So here we are. After all this time, here we are. You made me dirty. You made me run away from my own home, and now I'm ready to fight. I know how to be strong now, and look at you. It's not even a fair fight.

You took everything away from me, and you go and get sick. You get sick, and now I have no one to fight against. My revenge... You even took that away from me. Can't I just know why? Why me?

I wish he would die.

Jess? Jessie, you have to tell me what happened. What did he do to you?

I've got to get away. We can get away. We can run away. Jess, stop. You can't run away. Talk to me, okay, just me. Did he touch you? Did he make you have sex with him? No. No! Get out. Get out! Get out! Jess Would you get out! Get out! Jess...

I'm sorry. So sorry, I didn't mean to... I'm sorry. Sorry. I didn't mean to... You have nothing to be sorry about. Do you hear me? He did this, not you. He did it to me too. He did it to me.

And you left? You ran away and you left me with him? You left? No. He...he promised. If...if I wouldn't tell, if i never told, he... he wouldn't touch you. He promised me he'd leave you alone. You knew what he was, you knew. You knew and you left. You left...

[singing] I'm hurting in my soul

too late, oh, no

I'm hurting in my soul

too late, oh, no

I'm hurting in my soul.

Our love keeps on chipping way, exposing thoughts that only we can tell. [end of singing]

God... Please help her. Please watch out for her. Let her know that people care about her... And that people... That I miss her... 'Cause she's my friend, and she needs you... So if you could help her be strong, please.

[singing] Too late, oh, no

I'm hurting in my soul

too late... [end of singing]

What? What is it? You knew. Shelby, it's the middle of the night. You had to know. What in the world are you talking about? You knew what he was doing-- to me, to jess. Okay. You know what? I don't have time for the drama queen. He left this bed every night-- every night. He came to my room, to jess's room... And you didn't do anything. Let go of me. You know, I told that guy from child protective services everything you say is a lie. When are you going to grow up, stop blaming everyone else for your mistakes? Shelby, he loves you, both of you. He's a good man. No, he's not. He's a monster.

You're my mother. You're supposed to protect me. You are my mother. Well, I guess I'll just have to protect myself now. I have to protect myself and jess.

Hi, kitten. Could I have some water, please?

No. I could have killed you... So many times, so easily, since I've been home-- so easily. Shelby? What are you talking about? But...But you see, it wouldn't do anything. Killing you wouldn't erase the things you've done to the both of us. What did we do that was so wrong? I just love my girls. Love? You don't know the meaning of the word. You almost made me forget, but I know what it means. I remember. Don't walk away. Where are you going? I've got to open the door for the police.

[ Sirens wailing ] I am so tired of hating you... So this is the end. No more hate, no more anger, just some justice.

What is going on? Ma'am, we got a call. I called.

So sorry about this, officers. She makes all kinds of trouble. Shelby, get back in the house right now. No, mom.

My stepfather's been molesting me. He's also been molesting my little sister. Shelby, don't do this.

He's inside. I want you to arrest him right now. Why don't we just stay out here for a minute and get all the facts. The facts? What, you want to know where he touched me?

Jess, tell these guys what he did to you. Jess... Jess, we can stop him. We can. Jess....

We're here to help. Do you want to tell us something? No. Are you sure? Yes.

Go....Would you just arrest him? Hey, hey, hey. We'll talk to him.

Okay. First we're gonna make sure everyone is safe. We'll find a place for you and your sister to stay tonight. No. This is our house. He's the one that's leaving. Just arrest him.

No. No, don't let them take me, please. No! No! We'll take you some place safe. Don't touch her! Come on.

Okay...Wait.

Relax. Settle down

Wait. Wait!

Relax.

Wait! It's true. It's true. I'll sign a statement. I'll do whatever i have to do. She's telling the truth. Everything is true. Just don't take my girls.

He's inside? [nods]

You said you didn't know. I didn't want to know.

Alice?

Look at him, jess. Look at him. Remember this. Remember everything.

[fade to black]

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