CLAUDIA’S ROOM. The camera is focused on a close-up of Claudia’s “to do” list. Some of the items have checkmarks next to them, but most of them don’t. The camera pulls back to show Claudia sitting on her bed with TODD next to her.

CLAUDIA: (The camera begins pulling back from her “to do” list.) Can you think of anything else I’ve forgotten, Todd? (Looking over the list) Not that I won’t have a hard enough time getting all of this done. (Todd and Claudia are now both in the camera shot.)
TODD: (A bit disgruntled) Well, actually…yeah. Come to think of it…
CLAUDIA: (Interrupting) Oh – thanks for reminding me! (As she writes) “Bring a change of sheets.” (Todd shakes his head, while Claudia continues in a low voice.) You never know what people do in those college dorms. (In regular tone) Anything else? (Todd is just about to speak as Claudia interrupts again.) Ah – I should get some groceries for Kirsten before I go. (Claudia begins writing this on her list.)
TODD: (Exasperated) How about me!
CLAUDIA: (Stops writing and looks up with a quizzical look) What?
TODD: You asked if you forgot about anything. Yes – you forgot about me!
CLAUDIA: You? (Jokingly) Well, as much as I’d like to take you with me, I don’t think you would fit in my suitcase. (She puts her pencil to her chin and looks up, as if thinking.) Maybe I’ll just stick a stamp on you and send you airmail! (She looks back at Todd and smiles.)
TODD: It’s nice to know you find this funny.
CLAUDIA: (She takes his hand, realizing that he is serious) I’m sorry, Todd. It’s just that I’ve been so busy! Griffin won’t be moved into the guest house for another day or two, so I’ve been helping out with Owen. Now there’s this whole thing with Bailey, and I still need to finish packing, verify my flight…
TODD: I know you’ve been busy. But I got off work early today so we could spend some time together. (Claudia gives him a sympathetic look.) And I don’t mean planning your move or practicing the violin! (Todd looks at her squarely.) Claudia, I want to spend time with you, not with you and your “to do” list.
CLAUDIA: (Apologetically) I know…I know. It’s just been so hectic around here. (She lets go of Todd’s hand and looks down.)
TODD: Look, we promised to spend as much time as possible together before we leave. (He looks down.) It’s just…it feels like you don’t care anymore.
CLAUDIA: (Reassuringly) Don’t be silly, Todd. We don’t have to spend every moment together to know we love each other. I mean, we’ll be spending a lot less time together when we’re both away. We’ll have to get used to that.
TODD: Yeah, but…its just that I’ve seen it happen before. College splits people up. They try the phone call thing, but it just doesn’t work…and suddenly their high school sweetheart becomes their “high school sweetheart”. That’s why I want us to be together as much as possible before we leave.
CLAUDIA: Is that what you think? That I’ll forget about you? I could never forget about you, Todd. College isn’t going to change that. (She pauses.) I’ll miss you so much…(her face lights up) but think how great it will be when we get to see each other again! And when things get really bad…well, at least you’re only half a continent away. (She smiles.) I’ll tell you what – why don’t we spend all day tomorrow together?
TODD: (Starting to smile) You’ve got yourself a date. (Teasingly) That is…if you have time for me.
CLAUDIA: Well…(teasingly pretends to write on her note pad) Let me just pencil you in…(Todd tickles Claudia.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

GRIFFIN & TRAVIS’ APARTMENT. There are boxes everywhere and the place is quite a mess. Amidst the mess the camera focuses on Griffin packing. There is a soft knock at the door, then a beautiful woman pushes the door open and enters. The camera focuses on her high-heeled shoes and then slowly pans up her long, slender legs. It continues panning up to show the sexy, black business suit she is wearing. As the camera continues moving up, it shows her elegantly tossing her hair out of her face as she removes her sun glasses and places them on top of her head. She looks about 35 years old, with shoulder-length blonde hair that highlights her face and big blue eyes. She begins stepping over boxes to get to the couch. She struggles in her high-heels as GRIFFIN turns around and sees her.

GRIFFIN: Oh, here…let me get those out of your way. (He walks over towards the boxes in her path, but she has already made her way to the couch and sits down.)
STEPHANIE: (Tosses her head to remove the hair from her face) Quite a mess you have here.
GRIFFIN: (Looking around, he smiles) Yeah, things have gotten a bit out of control. (He stumbles over a few boxes walking over to her. He leans over and kisses her.) But they’re getting better…(Stephanie pulls him close and kisses him passionately. After a few moments he pulls away.) Keep that up and I’ll never get outta here. (He walks over to the stack of clothes he had been packing when she arrived. She follows him.)
STEPHANIE: (Seductively) Maybe that’s my point. (She grabs his butt.)
GRIFFIN: Stephanie! (She smiles innocently at him.) I need to finish packing.
STEPHANIE: (Sitting back down she lets out a deep sigh as she dramatically crosses her legs) I don’t see why you’re working so hard. My butlers could have you packed and moved in…
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting) Not again, Steph. We’ve been over this a hundred…
STEPHANIE: (Sitting up) I just don’t see what the problem is…hell, we’ve been together for almost…
GRIFFIN: (Interrupting) Look, I’m just…I’m just not ready to live with someone again…not yet, that’s all.
STEPHANIE: (She stands up and tosses her hair out of her face with her hands. Her tone is somewhat loud and perturbed) Not ready? But you lived with your ex-wife for…for how long after the divorce? And now you want to move back in with that family…(Turning toward Griffin she sees an upset expression on his face and her expression softens, to an almost forced compassion) I’m sorry, darling. (She begins running her hand through his hair as she bats her eyes.) I don’t mean to get so upset. I told you I’d be patient and if you’re not ready…well, then…(slightly sighing) I’ll just wait.
GRIFFIN: (Still a little agitated) You say that…yet you keep bringing it up. (Looking deeply into her eyes) Stephanie, I lo…(looks down before looking back in her eyes) you know how I feel about you, and…well, I don’t need to live with you to show you that.
STEPHANIE: (As if talking to a child) I know that darling, it’s just…
GRIFFIN: And you keep bringing up Julia…why? Is it because I was married and you weren’t? (Getting more agitated) And I didn’t “live with her” after the divorce, you know that. Charlie let me stay there…he let me stay there when I had nowhere to go. (He looks at her with a strange look on his face.) You don’t have any idea what it’s like to not have any place to go, do you?
STEPHANIE: (With the same mocking tone she tries placing a hand on his shoulder but he backs away) Darling…
GRIFFIN: (Getting louder, he begins pacing) No, how could you know? Or…or what it’s like to have your father beat the crap out of you.
STEPHANIE: Darling…
GRIFFIN: (Louder still) Or what it’s like to be a complete failure at anything you’ve ever tried…
STEPHANIE: (Protesting) You are not…
GRIFFIN: (Almost to himself) To call your own mother for help and have her turn her back on you…(Griffin pauses then looks at Stephanie and tries to regain his composure.) Sorry. (Looking down he smiles shyly) I guess I lost it there.
STEPHANIE: (Threading her way through the boxes, she puts her arms around him and speaks in a motherly tone) No…if this is gonna work between you and me, I need you to tell me things like that. (Looking deeply into his eyes) I appreciate your honesty…(Griffin looks at the floor, unable to return her gaze. After a few uncomfortable moments he pulls away from her and goes into the bedroom. He shuts the door.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

KIRSTEN and DAPHNE are shopping at a huge BABY STORE. Daphne is holding two outfits and Kirsten is holding a light blue sleeper and a car-seat head-rest.

DAPHNE: (Looking at the price tag of a baby outfit) My goodness…boys clothes are so much cheaper than girls!
KIRSTEN: (Looking at the tag) You’re right. What’s the difference? A sleeper is a sleeper. The only difference is the color.
DAPHNE: I guess that’s the corporate way of getting us used to paying more for our clothes than men – start early! (They both smile.) I’m just glad I’m having a boy this time. (She looks at a tiny pair of Nikes.)
KIRSTEN: So have you and Luke definitely decided on the name “Matthew”?
DAPHNE: (Putting the shoes back on the shelf) I think so. (Looking at Kirsten) I wanted to name the baby after Luke, but he wouldn’t hear of it. (Thinking) Guess he doesn’t want a “junior”. (She smiles as they begin walking toward the “baby books” section.) I think it’s just “first-time father” jitters. When I was pregnant with Diana I said the meanest things to Charlie! (They both giggle.)
KIRSTEN: (Smiling) I remember.
DAPHNE: Of course I didn’t mean them. I was just scared…and it was frustrating to see Charlie taking things so…(trying to think of the right word) calmly. Luke is acting like I was. He’s probably wondering how I can be so calm about all this. (Picking up a book, in a high voice) Oh, Goodnight, Moon!

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

CLAUDIA and TODD are in TODD’S CAR. Todd is driving, and Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” is playing on Todd’s CD player.

CLAUDIA: (Looking at the CD jewel box) “Love Songs of the Super 70’s,” Todd? (She looks at Todd questioningly) When did you get this?
TODD: (Looking at the road as he speaks) This morning. I wanted today to be perfect, so…(smiling shyly) I got some mood music.
CLAUDIA: Wouldn’t Paula Cole suffice?
TODD: (Disappointedly) You don’t like it.
CLAUDIA: (With a high pitched voice) No…no, Todd. I think it’s sweet of you. But why are you going through so much trouble for me? New CDs…reservations at Il Fornaio…you don’t have to do all that.
TODD: But I want this day to be special. (Todd pulls into Il Fornaio’s valet parking section.)
CLAUDIA: Todd, it is a special day…because I’m spending it with you. Not because of Pat Boone or…
TODD: (Interrupting) Debby Boone.
CLAUDIA: (Shaking her head) Whatever. I’m just saying you don’t have to try to impress me; I’m already impressed with you…because you’re you. (They pull up behind another car in the valet parking section. The doors are opened for the people ahead of them and four men get out. They watch four business men, in their fifties, get out of the car and enter the restaurant. The men are laughing and smoking cigars. Claudia and Todd watch the men enter the restaurant as they hear carnival music. Then Claudia’s eyes catch a large Ferris wheel a few blocks away. Todd’s eyes follow Claudia’s gaze and he nods at Claudia. He pulls out of the valet parking section.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

THE KITCHEN at Charlie’s house. JULIA is sitting on one of the stools talking on the phone.

JULIA: (Upset) Do you know how upset she was when you didn’t come home on Sunday. This would really mean a lot…(Interrupted by the other person talking) So, what…you just want to let Claudia wander the streets of New York alone? (She gets even more upset after hearing his response) Bailey, this is your sister for crying out loud. Don’t you know what kind of freaks are out there? (She pauses as she listens to the response.) Yes…I understand you have tests but can’t you move them or something? (Griffin enters the kitchen through the back door.) No, Bailey, don’t go, we aren’t fin…(She holds the phone in front of her face and stares at it inquisitively.) He hung up on me. I can’t believe it. (As Griffin walks towards the living room Julia sees him.) Can you believe it?
GRIFFIN: (Caught off guard as he was just about to enter the living room) You talking to me?
JULIA: That was Bailey. I called to tell him he has to be in New York for Claudia and he just…like…hangs up on me.
GRIFFIN: (Walking towards her, still confused) Why does he have to be in New York for Claud?
JULIA: (Frustrated) Griffin, she can’t just wander around New York by herself!
GRIFFIN: (Smiling) Jul, she is eighteen, you know. Anyway, Claud’s a tough kid, she can take care of herself.
JULIA: Yeah, well I’m twenty-two and…(stumbling over her words, she looks at her bruised arm) and, well…
GRIFFIN: And, well what? (He looks at her inquisitively as he leans on the counter resting his head on his hand.)
JULIA: (Still fumbling with her words) And, well…age as nothing to do with her being safe, that’s all.
GRIFFIN: Jul, you have to realize that she’s not your little baby-sister anymore. She’s a woman.
JULIA: (Earnestly) I just don’t want her going to New York alone.
GRIFFIN: (Standing up straight, he responds matter-of-factly) So go with her.
JULIA: (Surprised) By myself?
GRIFFIN: You’re a big girl, too, you know. (Julia is silent for a few moments, considering what Griffin said.)
JULIA: (Struggling with her thoughts) I…I just can’t, Griffin.
GRIFFIN: Well you’re the one who said she “can’t go alone.”
JULIA: (Biting her lip) I know. But I can’t go to New York alone.
GRIFFIN: You won’t be alone…(He sees the conflict on her face and pauses a moment.) It really worries you that much? (Julia is still biting her lip as she nods her head.) Well can’t Charlie take a day off and go with her? Even though I don’t officially start until Tuesday, I’ll be around…
JULIA: There’s no way Charlie can do it…he’s just got too much to worry about right now. (Thinks for a moment and then continues with a strained tone) Anyway, I…would like to go with her. (She pauses for several moments then speaks in with an unsure tone.) Hey Grif, (he looks up at her) since you don’t start until Tuesday, would you…mind coming with us…(convincing) I mean you’ve always been like a brother to…
GRIFFIN: (His face has an expression of protest until he sees the earnest look on Julia’s face.) Well…if it really means that much to you…
JULIA: (Smiling sincerely) It does. (They continue smiling at each other for a few moments before hearing the front door open.)
GRIFFIN: (Hearing Charlie and Owen enter, Griffin points towards the living room) Well, that’s my cue. I’m gonna…watch Owen while Charlie and Kirsten go out to dinner. (Chuckles to himself as he shakes his head.) My first night as a nanny. (Smiles at Julia) Wish me luck. (She returns his smile as he walks into the living room.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

CLAUDIA and TODD exit the “HORROR HOUSE” ride at the traveling carnival. Claudia is holding a huge Alien doll.

CLAUDIA: (Laughing) That was so not scary!
TODD: (Smiling) Yeah, was that the fun house or the horror house?
CLAUDIA: More like the cheesy house.
TODD: You know…I'm glad we didn't go to that restaurant. I’m having a lot more fun here.
CLAUDIA: Yeah, we’ve got that dinner with my family tomorrow at Salingers’ anyway.
TODD: Maybe I should have canceled our reservations? (They pause and then laugh.) So where to next?
CLAUDIA: Well, we could ride the Ferris wheel again…do more ring toss - maybe you can win me another alien. (She smiles sheepishly, then stops as she notices the sun lowering behind the Ferris Wheel. She lowers her eyes) The sun’s going down, I didn’t want today to end…it’s been so…(Looking up into Todd’s eyes) perfect.
TODD: (Smiles at Claudia and gently pokes her in the side.) Hey, I know a place we could go…

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

CHARLIE’S HOUSE. JULIA is in the living room attempting to read a book over the clatter of Griffin and Owen playing. She just turned a page as the phone rings. She gets up and walks into the kitchen. It’s JUSTIN.

JUSTIN: (Apologetic) I know you didn’t want me calling, but I had to make sure you got there okay.
JULIA: (Nonchalant, she wraps her free arm around shoulder and plays with her hair a little) I didn’t mean you couldn’t call…just that I needed some time, that’s all.
JUSTIN: (Concerned) Well, how are you?
JULIA: (Trying to sound convincing, she bites her lip) I’m okay…really…I’m a lot better now that I’m home…well…not home, home – but…home.
JUSTIN: (Doubtful) Julia, you don’t have to pretend with me…(Pauses momentarily) Hey, what’s all that racket?
JULIA: (Covers the receiver as she stands in the doorway) Hey Grif, think you guys could hold it down a bit?
GRIFFIN: (Owen has Griffin pinned on the floor. Griffin looks at Julia) Uh…sorry. (To Owen) Hey bud, let me up. (Owen reluctantly gets up and Griffin taps his arm.) Now you’re it! (Griffin runs up the stairs and Owen follows. Julia shakes her head and smiles.)
JUSTIN: (Surprised) What’s Griffin doing there?
JULIA: Huh…(pushing hair out of her face) what…oh, (placing her hand on her forehead as she chuckles a little) Griffin’s Owen and Diana’s new nanny.
JUSTIN: Nanny? When’s that guy gonna break the apron strings and get his own place? (Julia is silent.) I’m sorry. What I really want to know is how you are. You were so shook up when you left…
JULIA: (Defensive) Do you blame me?
JUSTIN: (Calming) No, not at all. I…I just want to be sure you’re okay. (Pauses) I mean, I can be on the next plane to San Francisco…if you want me to. (Pausing for emphasis) It’s just…so hard being this far away from you…knowing how bad you’re hurting.
JULIA: (Sternly) I told you, I’m fine.
JUSTIN: (Extremely concerned) Jules, I found you, remember. Don’t tell me you’re fine.
JULIA: (Quickly) Oh, hey, you know I just remembered I have to drive Claudia to Todd’s. I gotta go.
JUSTIN: (Protesting) Claud’s eight…(Julia hangs up) teen. (Justin stares at the receiver for a moment with a concerned look on his face before slowly replacing it.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Against the ocean surf, the sound of laughter is heard. CLAUDIA and TODD are on a bench on the cliffs of PACIFICA, a beach town just south of San Francisco. Claudia is leaning against Todd, her head on his shoulder. As their laughter settles down, Claudia gazes into the sunset as she speaks to Todd…

CLAUDIA: This is a perfect place, Todd. I always loved the sunset around here.
TODD: (Looking at Claudia) Me, too…I’m glad we came.
CLAUDIA: It’s always so breath taking. You know, I used to come out here with my family (she pauses)…with my parents. (Not wanting to spoil the mood, she jokes.) Soon I’ll be watching the sunset over a bunch of buildings in New York. (They both laugh.)
TODD: What about me? I won’t have you to share moments like this in Chicago…looking out over the bay...
CLAUDIA: I know…(Claudia shifts her head so her eyes meet Todd’s) But I’m glad were here now…together. (She puts her head back on Todd’s shoulder.) You know…this isn’t the first time I’ll be away from home, but it’s so different now. “Stewie” will be here in December, and Charlie and Kirsten already have Owen and Diana to take care of. (She pauses.) Will everything be all right here without me? (Todd gently runs his fingers through her hair.)
TODD: Well, everyone will miss you, but I’m sure your family can handle things. It had to happen, Claudia. Things can’t stay the same forever.
CLAUDIA: I know they can’t stay the same. But do they have to change so drastically? Take Bailey, for instance. I used to feel so close to him, but since he left for school I’ve hardly heard from him…and he like never returns my calls. (Todd looks at her sympathetically.) And then him not coming home this week…for his break. (Hurtfully) You should have heard his message, Todd. It was so matter-of-fact – “I’m not coming home, period.” It’s almost like we’re not important enough for him.
TODD: (Comforting) You know that’s not the case, Claudia. I ’m sure he’d love nothing more than to see you guys. (Claudia looks at Todd and sighs.) Maybe this will cheer you up…(Todd reaches into his jacket pocket) I’ve got something for you. (He opens up a small blue booklet. Inside, Todd has made a small scrapbook. There are pictures of Todd and Claudia together, old ticket stubs to movies they’ve seen, and letters Todd has written to Claudia. Claudia opens up the scrap book and smiles.) Its kind of a going away present…so you won’t forget me.
CLAUDIA: (Reassuringly) Of course I won’t forget you, Todd.
TODD: I had hoped it would ease the pain of being so far away from each other. I hope you’ll think of me…like I’ll be thinking of you. (Looking down) I’m really going to miss you.
CLAUDIA: (A tear forms in Claudia’s eye) Thank you…for always being there for me. I love you… and I’m going to miss you, too. (She looks at the book. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out her Carnival ticket and stares at it for a moment. Todd pulls his out, also. Together they put the tickets into the book. They kiss as the sun finally sets.)

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

THE FACTORY. CHARLIE and LUKE are in the office. Luke is sitting at Bailey’s old desk, which is neatly organized despite his bins overflowing with paper. Charlie’s desk is quite cluttered.

CHARLIE: (Disgruntled, looking at a fax) I still can’t believe the Biltmore Hotel cancelled their order.
LUKE: (Looking up from the paperwork he is holding) You didn’t have to let them out of the deal, Charlie. We received their materials Friday. We could have held them to their contract.
CHARLIE: Yeah, but we haven’t started their order yet. They’ve been one of Gus’s best customers for years. I don’t want them to think they’ll be treated differently because I took over.
LUKE: (Smiling) That’s a good call. I don’t see that kind of hospitality much outside of home. (Charlie smiles.) It’s not like we’re short on work, anyway. And we can always use that wood for the Park Plaza order.
CHARLIE: (Smiling slightly) Yeah, you’re right. (Charlie notices Luke starting to enter an order into the system) Is that the Park Plaza order you’re entering?
LUKE: (Not looking up from the screen) It is.
CHARLIE: (Smiling, but shaking his head) Luke, I appreciate your dedication…really. But that order isn’t due until November. Why don’t you go home and enter that tomorrow?
LUKE: (Uneasy) Well…I guess I could. I just don’t like leaving anything for the next day, that’s all.
CHARLIE: (Jokingly) Well, you’d better get used to it. Once Daphne has the baby, there’s no way she’ll let you work the kind of hours you’re putting in now. (Luke stops typing and looks at his desk, listening.) Believe me – I know. I mean, Kirsten has made it clear that once our baby comes…
LUKE: (Interrupting, looking at Charlie) Charlie, I don’t want you to think that I’ll be working less after Daphne has her baby. You’ve given me a great chance here, and I’m not going to let you down.
CHARLIE: (Amused) Luke, are you kidding? You’re doing a great job! All the guys like you…you’ve learned the line as quickly as anyone…we’ve got more business than we can handle. (Smiling) Give yourself a break…okay? (Charlie pauses, waiting for Luke’s response, but Luke again starts typing on his keyboard. Charlie walks over and turns off Luke’s monitor.) (In a nice but stern manner) Luke, go home.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The family is having a “farewell” dinner for Claudia at SALINGERS’ RESTAURANT. JULIA, CLAUDIA, OWEN, TODD, and VICTOR are sitting at the family’s regular table, but they’ve had to pull up a second table to make room for everyone. DIANA is sitting in a high-chair next to Julia. Joe can be seen in the background, tending bar. The restaurant is only half full. KIRSTEN is walking back to the table as the scene begins.

CLAUDIA: (To Kirsten) Did you get a hold of Charlie?
KIRSTEN: (To Claudia, while sitting down) Luke said he left work half-an-hour ago. Don’t worry…I know he wouldn’t miss your farewell dinner. He should be here anytime now.
OWEN: (Impatiently) I’m hungry. Can we order now?
VICTOR: (Turning toward Owen, who is sitting next to him) That’s rude, Owen. Charlie’ll be here any minute. (Owen looks dejected.)
CLAUDIA: (To Victor, smiling) Always the nanny, huh Victor? Or should I say “always the father”?
JULIA: (To Victor, while feeding Diana a cracker) Yeah…how’s it going with Val and Charlotte?
VICTOR: Fantastic. Val and I were a terrible couple, but we’re a great team when it comes to raising Charlotte.
CLAUDIA: (Teasingly) I still think you and Ross make a great couple.
VICTOR: (To everyone, with fake sternness) This girl never gives up! (To Claudia) We went out a couple of times. He’s a great guy…just not my type.
CLAUDIA: That’s too bad. You two look so cute together.
VICTOR: (Clears his throat dramatically to change the subject) So, where is the “new” nanny tonight?
JULIA: Griffin’s out with Stephanie.
CLAUDIA: (Quietly) I guess she wouldn’t let him get away. (Charlie walks up to the table.)
CHARLIE: (To Claudia) Sorry I’m late. (Leans over to hug Claudia before sitting down) There was an accident on King…I was stuck there for like fifteen minutes.
OWEN: Now can we order?
CHARLIE: (With playful sarcasm, to Owen) I’m glad to see you, too, buddy. (Charlie smiles.)
CLAUDIA: (Happily, to everyone) This is kind of like old times. Only now we’re a party of…what?…eight?
KIRSTEN: You mean nine. Don’t forget about Bailey.
CLAUDIA: (Sarcastically) Why not? He forgot about us.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

PROFESSOR SCHMIDT’S OFFICE at the University of Pennsylvania. PROFESSOR SCHMIDT is a tall man in his late fifties. His grayish eyes are magnified by his large glasses. He has a full, white head of hair and a friendly countenance. His office is small, and the walls are consumed by the high shelves of books. He is sitting at his desk typing on his computer as BAILEY knocks on his already open door.

BAILEY: (Timidly entering the office) Professor Schmidt?
PROFESSOR: (Not looking up from his screen) Yes.
BAILEY: (Nervously, with a high pitched voice) Hi, I’m…Bailey Salinger. I’m in your Literature and Personality class. (The professor stops typing and looks up.)
PROFESSOR: (Matter-of-factly) What can I do for you?
BAILEY: (Nervously) Well, I contacted you last week about rescheduling my final. I was supposed to take it…
PROFESSOR: (Interrupting) Ah, yes…the boy in England.
BAILEY: (Less nervously) Yeah…I mean, yes - that’s me. Well, I was wondering…
PROFESSOR: (Interrupting again, with interest) Tell me something. (Leaning back in his chair) Most students go to Miami or New York or – heaven forbid! – stay here and study during their break before finals. I’ve never heard of a student going to England.
BAILEY: (Surprised, and once again nervous) I…I studied while I was there, professor…really. I re-read King Lear and...
PROFESSOR: (Amused) I’m not a priest, son. I’m not looking for a confession. (Bailey smiles slightly.) I’m just an old man who likes being right. (He raises an eyebrow) I have my suspicions about why you were there. (Leaning forward, he pauses a moment, then smiles.) Is she pretty?
BAILEY: (Surprised) Wha…yes. (More confidently) Yes, she’s very pretty. (The professor smiles at being right.)
PROFESSOR: (Leaning back casually) That’s all I wanted to know. (He pauses.) Now, what did you want to talk to me about?
BAILEY: (Temporarily forgetting) Talk to you?…Oh, yeah. Um, well, you gave me permission to take my final on Friday, and I really appreciate that…
PROFESSOR: (Interrupting) I smell a conjunction.
BAILEY: But (the professor smiles at being right again) I need to ask another favor.
PROFESSOR: Young man, were I you, I would feel very fortunate that your professors have agreed to push your finals back one week. Anything more would be…
BAILEY: (Interrupting) No…no. I’m not asking for more time. I’m asking for less.
PROFESSOR: (Peering over his glasses) Hmm?
BAILEY: Yeah, I’m hoping I can take your final tomorrow instead of Friday. My other professor agreed, and I was…uh, hoping…
PROFESSOR: (Interrupting) Another girl?
BAILEY: (Shaking his head) No…no. I mean, yeah – she’s a girl, but she’s my sister. You see, I kinda messed things up and now I have to…
PROFESSOR: (Interrupting) Son, not all professors are cynical old men who like torturing young men. (He smiles.)
BAILEY: (He pauses a moment, unsure) So…
PROFESSOR: (Smiling) So I’ll see you tomorrow (looking at his calendar)…at…11:00 a.m.?
BAILEY: (Smiling, nodding his head) 11:00 a.m.

***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Later at SALINGERS’. A bus boy is clearing the plates from the tables as we hear everyone laughing. JOE has pulled up a chair to join the family.

JOE: (Smiling widely, talking to everyone) I’m tellin’ you, I used to have the hardest time trying to remember the names of all the girls Charlie used to bring in here.
CHARLIE: (With a blushing smile, shaking his head) That is so not true… (Looking at Kirsten) Don’t believe a word of it. (Everyone laughs, including Kirsten.)
CLAUDIA: I remember Charlie used to use the same lines on all the girls. And you know what?…they always fell for it! (Looking down, Charlie continues shaking his head, smiling.)
JULIA: (Smiling) The one I remember Charlie always saying was…
CHARLIE: (Interrupting, playfully) Alright, that’s enough.
KIRSTEN: (Playfully) It’s nice to know I’ve got a “wanted” man.
TODD: (To Charlie, jokingly) Can you teach me some of those lines before I get to Northwestern? (Everyone laughs.)
CLAUDIA: (Smiling) Don’t you dare! (The laughter subsides a bit, and it is quiet for a brief moment.)
CHARLIE: (To Claudia, in a more serious tone) Look, I know it’s not like I’m never going to see you again. But…you are going away, and…well, I want you to know…(nodding his head) I’m really going to miss you.
CLAUDIA: (She tilts her head and speaks softly, touched by Charlie’s words) Charlie, I know that. You don’t have to…
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head, with an embarrassed smile) No…I’ve been thinking about this. Julia and Bailey…they were already almost grown when mom and dad…(he pauses) what I mean is, I didn’t need to be a father to them. Let’s face it - they were more responsible than I was. (Julia begins to speak, but Charlie continues.) But you and Owen (he nods his head and smiles slightly)…you needed me. And until I felt that (trying to find the right words)…until I felt…needed… (shaking his head) I had no direction. (Touched by Charlie’s words, Claudia smiles. There is a moment of silence, then Charlie begins again, with his eyebrows raised.) So, as weird as this sounds, I feel like you’re the first one…the first one of mine…to leave the nest. (Nodding his head, with an embarrassed smile) And I’m really going to miss you. (Kirsten kisses Charlie on the cheek, and the table is silent for a moment before Joe breaks in.)
JOE: (To Charlie, jokingly) Geez, you were more fun when you were a womanizer! (Everyone laughs as the camera begins to pull back slowly. Laughter and conversations begin again as the sound and the picture fades.)