TV Channel 50 Fox Family, Fri Jun 09, 2000, "Mended Fences."
Written by John Mandel, Directed by Matthew Hastings.

Thank you.

There's, um... There's no good way to say this except just to say it. Over the past few weeks, I've been fighting with the relapse of my addiction to barbiturates, and though I am clean at the moment, and I have been for over a week, and I plan to stay clean, I can only guarantee today, and, as you all know, I've always tried to lead horizon by example, and I feel that I no longer can do that, so I am stepping down.

My intention is to at least take a sabbatical, decide if ultimately I should be involved in horizon at all. In the meantime, I'll make a desion as to who the interim director will be.

Any questions? Anybody?

Any answers? Anybody?

your mom and sister are coming? Uh, yeah. I missed you. I know. Why? What do you mean, why? I missed you. Why'd you miss me? You didn't even say goodbye. How do you think that made me feel? I don't know. How? What is this, group? Stop asking me all of this. Yeah, I wouldn't want to make you talk about how you feel. You couldn't even say goodbye, talk about how you feel. How I feel is I'm done. I'm done with feeling bad and hating myself, being a victim, being abused, and I'm done with wanting things I know I can't have. You can have me. I want you. You don't want all of me. You just want the good parts. What's it gonna take for you to believe that I can deal with your past? What it's gonna to take? Having lived it yourself. Okay. Forget it. I can't do the impossible. You know, so... Goodbye. See how easy that is?

Welcome back, david. Thank you. I'm glad to be back here at horizon. You've all been so wonderful, and please remember, don't drink and drive. Sophie said your intake went fine. You're clean? Yes. You?

Chill out, man. It's just a joke, all right?

Peter...

Okay, so what happened? Last time you were here, everything looked like it was going great. You'd buried the hatchet with your father, you were going to go live with your mother, she was going to home-school you... So what happened? Well, I guess it didn't work out. Yeah. Duh.

I'll tell you what happened. Your mother decided it would be better ou attend a public high school, where you proceeded to beat a kid within an inch of his life. So do you have any idea how lucky you are to be here and not juvie? Because if you were In juvie, you wouldn't be facing good ole peter right now, my friend. So why don't you just cut the crap with me.

[ knocking ] Come in. You wanted to see me? Yeah, I want you to meet a new student. Dwight david ruxton. David, this is ezra friedkin. He's going to be your first-week buddy. He'll get you settled in, show you the ropes. Yeah, I know the ropes. ,p> "Ezzzzra," buddy. What it is. Sorry I missed you on your first rotation here. I'm sure it'll be much better this time. Let's go. Yes, let's.

What is wrong with me, sophie? I remember when hannah quit. She said it was because she felt too much, that she would absorb the kids' pain, make it her own, and here I am -- I'm wanting to feel something, and I can'T. Well, you've had a lot of pain of your own, peter. I mean, you're full up, maybe a little burned out. I just wish... I wish I knew how to get the feeling back. How do you do that? I wish i could just have some kind of sign that just said, "keep trying," you know? Keep trying.

"Welcome!! Horizon 'parnets.'" There's a good advertisement for our school. So are your guys' parents coming? Well, mom's dead, and dad's in rehab, so i think they'll be skipping it this week. I'm sorry, i just... It's okay. Could be worse. At least he's trying. Kat? Nope. Coming up later for graduation. Jules? My mom and hal. Hal rowe, daddy number five. At least, she said they were.

Here's to "parnets."

[ Door opening ] Oh, look who's back-- the general's son. Mr. Personality. Fresh kill. What? Hey, ezzo, did you, uh, break up with daisy yet? No. Um, we're just taking a break. Yeah, nice try. How do you know? I can smell heart sweat a mile away, and it's all over you. Why should you care? Well, maybe there are a few things that i could care about... Maybe because I've been there, a lot. So did you get anything off of her? Step off. Excellent.

You know, I didn't know it was going to be this much fun. Tracker and Ridgerunner parents are swarming all over the campus like red ants. Oh, George Hass' mom definitely wants to talk to you, and a half a dozen other parents, they asked for a few minutes of your time, too.

Peter, did you hear what I said? Yeah, yeah, something about George Hass' mom. She wants to see you this morning. Are you okay? Yes, sure. Fine, fine. Well, you could have fooled me. Timing's pretty lousy, huh? We should have postponed parents' week, you know, until you were-- Until I'm completely sober, is that what you're saying? No, I wasn't going to say that. And please don't snap at me. Come on, you've got parents waiting for you all over campus. I suggest you go meet and greet them. Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. Okay. Show time.

It's not an atom bomb. What are you way over there for? Daisy with an ax? Never know when you could freak out and go chop shop on us. Better safe than sorry. Well, I'm touched. Thanks, all of you. I didn't need that toe anyway. Well, you've still got 11 toes left. oh, you're just jealous. I don't see why we're chopping wood anyways. I hate chopping wood. It's boys' work. Boys' work? What are you, living in the dark ages? Whose turn is it? Shelby? The scott barringer look. Everyone knows that look. You should have seen him while you were away-- like a lost little puppy. You didn't say goodbye. Anyway, sometimes hello's even harder. Maybe it's easiest just not to care anymore.

So what's this fence doing out here? Oh, sophie says it's been here since before the school. Used to be part of the old rafferty ranch. We're in no ranch no more. It's got no reason for being here. It's for us, to haul out here and fix it all the time. You know what I think? I think this fence falls apart way too much to be natural. I think we fix it, and they sneak out here at night and kick it down again. Ah, it's good for us. Teaches us cooperation in the face of hardship.

Yo, your dad coming up? Yeah. 'Bout your stepmoma? I don't know. Just leave it.

What about you, E.Z.? Uh, no. My last visit put me in the E.R., Remember? Decided not to do that this time. You? Me and my papa. [spanish] Yo, man, you down for some real mexicano food, meat? Scott?

[ringing] Good afternoon. Horizon. Hi, mrs. Blaine. Are you calling for shelby? Oh. I'm sorry. Yes, of course. We'll let her know immediately. Stay in touch, please? Yeah, you too. Goodbye.

We'd better get peter. What's up? Shelby's little sister is missing from home. Man. Thanks.

Your mother just called. Your sister's been missing for a couple days. Police think she's a runaway, at least for now, so your mother won't be coming up here until jess is located. She asked that you just stay put. What did I do? You didn't do anything, shel. It's not your fault. I'm sure it'll be fine. Peter... What did I do?

Look at 'em. You ever seen a bunch of happier kids? Really. You okay? No. What's wrong? Everything. Scott? No... But I think it's over. Then what? My sister. She's gone, and no one knows where she is. I keep thinking it's my fault.

I brought you lots of real food, augusto -- chile relleno, tamale -- all your favorites. Yeah, mama, that's great, that's great. We can have it at tomorrow night's dinner. Is it fancy? The dinner. Latina? Who? No, mama, no. I don't know. Maybe wasp.

No est latina, ma. Oh, well, next year, you'll be home, and there will be many girls after you, many nice girls. You'll see.

Hello, Scott. Yeah...She come, too? No. Why not? Did you want her to come? No. Okay, then. Why don't we just make this about you and me, about us? Really, dad? Last time I checked, there was no us. Scott....

Why do you always say things like that? Why do you make me feel this way? Hey, man, chill out. Stop it! That's enough. We use words here, not hands. Do you understand? Now, cool it.

Oh, it's you. You could, uh, feel me? Yes. And, uh, what did it feel like? Like something creeping up my spine. So what are you doing back at horizon? Oh...Wasn't easy. I studied hard, I behaved honorably, I treated my parents and fellow man with love and respect, and this is my grand award.

Actually, when my mother said that she was going to give up on home schooling and send me to public school, I believe I overreacted. I kicked the living lights out of a kid at school. I got wasted, like, every day. I was failing all my classes 'cause I ditched all the time. The Judge said it was either this or juvie, and you were here. Me? Is that so hard to believe? You are so full of it. Yeah, I know, but what does that have to do with anything?

So where's ezra? Thought he was your buddy. Out there in the hubbub, but he's probably going to find me any minute now, so... Listen, I am really sorry about what happened between you two. I mean, it seemed like you had something good. We--

Yo, davey boy. Look, man, how often do I have to say you don't stick with me, my cat's in the microwave. Got it?

Hey. Hey. Hey, hey!

Well, thank you guys for coming. Sounds like you're doing great. Um, have a safe drive home. 'Night.

That's all the trackers and ridgerunners. Just the cliffhangers left. Thank God Now all I have to do is get through tomorrow night's dinner at Rusty's and another parents' weekend is history. Peter, are you listening to yourself? Do you have any idea how you sound? I know how I feel, soph. And how's that? Defeated, helpless... Then I've got three words for you-- get over it. Look, you're not the first addict in the world to slip, and believe me, you're not going to be the last, but it's over, peter. Do you hear me? It's past. History. Done.

If i could just get over it, don't you think i would just get over it? Don't you think I would? Okay, yes, fine, but you are not alone here. You've got a bunch of kids out there depending on you, and if you just bail on them... And bail on me, then what hope is there for any of them? They need you, peter. I need you. Don't give up on it. I haven't given up on it. It's given up on me.

Peter? Look, it's almost lights out, shelby. What are you doing here? I just want to know if there's any news on my sister. No, no. Police are treating it as a runaway. I'm sure they'll find her. Come on. Let's get you back to the dorm.

We'll call your mother first thing in the morning, but if we hear anything about your sister before then, I'll come and let you know. Thank you. So why's peter been acting so weird, anyway? He's not acting weird. He's acting human. It's just that none of us are used to it. Good night, shelby. We'll see.

Okay, get in.

Jess...

Mmmm, this is great, mama.

[ Speaking spanish ] yeah. Si, papi, si.

So, bring you anything more to drink? Oh, no, thank you. It's okay to bring our own food? Oh, yeah, Parents' day, everyone brings their own goodies. I think it's a great idea. Please, help yourself. I will, later. Save me a tamale.

Sophie, do you know what time it is? Ten to eight. She'll be here.

Okay, go bring her here. Go. Thanks, mama.

How long do you think we can keep from talking? If you've got something on your mind, scott, say it. Okay. Yeah, why not? I lied. I lied about elayne. What are you talking about? I lied. I...I wanted -- I wanted to sleep with her that-- scott, don't. I seduced her, i loved her. Stop it. Why? It was all my fault. That's not true.

My mom just called from the road. She said she's gonna be here any minute. No, really. Just come sit down, all right? They'll see you when they come in. I don't... You know, belong. You belong, jules. I want you to belong, okay? Come on. Come on.

Ma, pa, this is juliette, my best friend.

Hola. Sit down.

Hola, hola.

Bienvenida. Sit, sit. Too skinny. Eat. Mama... Uh, juliette, she's not a big eater. Bah. One burrito... Okay, I'm going to give you some beans so you will get some hips. You need some hips. This is very good, and then with these peppers, you will like them. Si

Oh, high shot, ezzo. It was close. Close. That is just the story of your life, isn't it, "ezzzz?" Don't get used to this. After parents' weekend, you're back on newbie restriction. Oh, not me, sparky. I'm checkin' out. Right--in a couple years, with good behavior, unless you plan on running, in which case, I'll be happy to pack your bag. No, actually, I've got a better way out. I don't even have to leave campus. What are you talking about? I brought a little present with me. Besides your sunny disposition? Yes. I've got a ticket to ride, and if you're extra nice to me, I'll even share it with you.

This is the best food i've ever had. How does a girl with your appetite stay so skinny? Must be my metabolism. Excuse me.

Well, if it isn't the princess of porcelain. Shelby? Speaking. How'd you know it was me? sensible shoes. Yeah. Right. What are you doing in here? Advanced calculus. What do you think? Look, if you're going to start barfing, do you mind if i evacuate first? Too late. Great. Well? Give it time.

What's wrong? You tell me. You're the bulimic. I mean with you. My sister's somewhere in the world, and I don't know where. I'm sure she's fine. You are, huh? Yeah. That's the thing about you, princess. You don't know jack... But thanks for trying. You're welcome. So are you gonna to do this or what? Yeah. Give me a minute.

There's juliette's mother. Got it. Thank you. Hi. Welcome. Mrs... Mr. And mrs. Rowe. Yes, of course. Hi. Very nice to meet you. I'm sophie becker. I'm juliette's counselor. Oh, hi. Where's my daughter? Oh, she's-- oh... hello. Nice to meet you. Sit down. Auggie is my best friend in the entire world. That's lovely. Would you pass the refried beans, please? Thank you. May I? Oh, yes, please. Help yourself. Thank you.

Tony actually smiled yesterday. Did you know that? He smiled. I don't know how you did it, but I can't thank you enough, mr. Scarbrow. Sure. You're welcome. Excuse me.

So how'd things go with your dad? He walked out on me. I told him everything he wanted to hear, and he took off. What do you mean, "everything he wanted to hear?" I'm tired of fighting. From now on, I'm whatever anyone wants me to be. Scott, do you even hear yourself? Yeah, and I wanted to tell you something. I don't even begin to understand what it is you went through on the streets. I can talk about it, and tell you that i understand all you want, but I don't get it. You know, I never will. Don't you even want to? You said it yourself. You know, I'm not going to understand without living through it. You're right. Let's be real.

Shelby? Jess?

I didn't know what else to do. I just... I couldn't take being home anymore, being anywhere near home or school or people. Everything reminded me of him. Everything. There was nobody who understood... Not even the social worker. She didn't even understand. I just had to get away, so i ran. I just kept going -- hitchhiking, buses, walking. I just...I just kept going, and the further away i got, the better i felt, but I ran out of money in seattle.

I was so hungry. At first, I thought it was cool, you know? But then it just started to hurt, like, physical hurt, and I went into a store and I looked at all the food, and I picked it up, but I didn't know how to steal. I couldn't... I couldn't steal it. Then i thought, "well, i'll just beg," you know? But I couldn't. I was just so cold and wet, and... I could have called mom and she could have come and got me, but I was never going back, ever. I was so hungry, shel. You have to believe me. I do, jess. I know.

And then... And then this car pulled up, and there was this guy. He wasn't too old, you know? He wasn't too old, not like walt... And he gave me money right away for...For...You know. It just felt so good to be warm and dry. The car smelled brand-new, that brand-new smell. The guy was gonna take me for something to eat, but I was just so scared... And we were driving, and it was raining and sleeting outside, and I looked out the window and I saw this sign. It was a sign for milk... And it was called Horizon Farms. And the stoplight turned green, and I jumped out of the car. I jumped out of the car. I jumped out. Good for you, jess. You look terrible. Why don't you go in the bathroom and get cleaned up, okay? Okay.

So is that how it happened to you? More or less. But you didn't jump out of the car. No. I didn't have any signs. I had nowhere to go. I understand.

"And I'll make a decision as to who the interim director will be." Well, it's a nice little speech. Got it all typed out, nice and neat, clear and concise... Yep. But all it really says is "I quit." Sophie.... No, I mean That's all it says, right? You're a quitter. I need to go find a way to get myself out of this. You want to run away, just like before. Yeah, I was there, remember? When you got out of that hospital, you headed straight to a bar. I was sick then. And you're sick now, and I'm here now, just like I was there then.

I want you to go with me. What? Yeah. Peter, you brought me here, and you gave me the courage to stay, to stay in one place and do something. You gave me that gift, and I'm not gonna let you take it away now. You can leave, but I am staying. All right, then.

Look, peter, I understand how the feeling gets buried. I do. But it doesn't go away. It comes back. This is where you belong. Sophie, I do not have the strength to deal with these kids any longer. These kids are not just pieces on an assembly line. They have names-- shelby, scott, juliette, david.

Think about this-- they'll probably all outlive you. Yeah, they'll still be living when you're gone, and they'll have kids and grandkids, whole new generations, and they won't know it, but they'll have you to thank. This is where you need to heal, peter, right here, healing these kids. Hannah once said that healing them helped to heal me. Smart woman.

Peter, just... Just think about what I said. Okay? Okay.

So what are you saying, we're friends again or something? No, not yet. Look, last night, scott, you didn't mean what you said. I did. Listen, dad-- no, you listen. You didn't mean what you said because you've told the truth all along... About elayne. What? What's -- so you believe me now? Scott, I am the one who's been dishonest, not you. Elayne's not here because she left me... Weeks ago, actually. The details are... In any case, uh, she has proven herself to be not what I thought, not what i wanted to believe, what I wanted to believe so badly. I almost destroyed my son. I, um-- let me finish, please.

Last night, you were willing to give up your self-respect, just for my forgiveness. Don't ever give that up, scott, for anyone. Look at me. I need to ask your forgiveness. Dad... It's okay if you can't. You know, maybe, uh, you can sooner or later, maybe just a little at a time.

[ Knocking ] come in. Hi. Hey, shelby, what do you need? Um, peter, this is my sister, jess. Here, uh...Come on in. Uh, a lot of people have been looking for you, jess. How'd you get all the way up here? Um, I took a bus. Used some money. And... It's okay, jess. You can talk to him.

Shelby's always talked a lot about you and on what you do and everything that you've done for her, and she's always said, "peter saved my life." She always said that you saved her life... And, um, well, there was something i was wondering. What's that, honey? Could you save my life, too? I can try.

Come on, let's go. Move it. Where are you taking me? Don't ask any questions. I said I brought a surprise, didn't i? In the woods? Yeah, In the woods,by the road. Come on, dais. No. Catch you later.

Just give it a chance. That's all. I'm going to give it a chance. Who knows? No one has ever scared me like you do, peter scarbrow. Is that a good thing, sophie becker? Much as I hate to admit it, yeah, good for me.

Well, I'd better go ship the parents out of here. Hey, soph? Yeah? I've got an idea. You wanna marry me? No.

Hahaha. I don't want you to rush into anything of course, but I think if you really were to digest it... Do you mean no for now, or no forever, or... No for now.

[singing]

[fade to black]

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