EPISODE 3 Grandpa's Trunk

Act 1

Ellen: Marilyn, you want coffee or tea?

Marilyn: Coffee, please.

Ellen: I am so excited! At this time tomorrow morning, Grandpa will be sitting in the kitchen with us.

Marilyn: When does he arrive?

Ellen: At six o'clock this evening.

Marilyn: By plane?

Ellen: No, by train.

Marilyn: Are we picking him up at the station?

Ellen: Not Grandpa. He doesn't want anybody picking him up. He likes to be independent.

Marilyn: Huh.

Ellen: Oh, let's go upstairs and prepare Grandpa's room.

Marilyn: Great! Let's do it!

Richard: Good morning, Mom.

Robbie: Morning.

Ellen: Well, hi, fellas.

Richard: Hello.

Marilyn: Hi, honey.

Richard: Hi, honey.

Robbie: Morning, Marilyn.

Marilyn: We're going upstairs to set up Grandpa's room. There's coffee ready.

Robbie: I'm really excited about seeing Grandpa.

Richard: Me, too. Milk, please.

Robbie: He's so funny. He always makes me laugh. I hope Grandpa's going to like living with us.

Richard: I think he will. It just takes time to feel comfortable in a new place.

Robbie: Won't he miss being in Florida?

Richard: Well, he will. But I think he'll like being here with the family.

Robbie: Are you sure about that? It's crazy here most of the time.

Richard: But it's fun.

Robbie: That's for sure.

Richard: You know, maybe I'll put together some photos of Grandpa as a "welcome" present.

Robbie: That's a neat idea. What can I do? I've got it! I have a picture of Grandpa, Dad, and me in my wallet. It's from the Fathers and Sons' Breakfast at my junior high school graduation.

Richard: Oh, I remember this picture.

Robbie: I'd really like to pick up Grandpa at the railroad station.

Richard: Railroad stations or airports—Grandpa always tells us he'll get here by himself.

Robbie: He's something!

Marilyn: Is this all Grandpa's stuff?

Ellen: That's it. But I'm sure he has a few bags with him on the train.

Marilyn: What's inside?

Ellen: I don't know. It's locked.

Philip: Hi.

Ellen: Oh, hi, darling.

Marilyn: Morning, Philip.

Philip: I want to put some of my good hangers in Grandpa's closet. You know I'm very excited about his arrival.

Ellen: We are, too. Susan called early this morning. She's unhappy because she's had to go to Chicago on a business and can't leave till tonight. She wants to be here for Grandpa.

Philip: Well, Grandpa will be disappointed, too. He loves Susan. She always reminds him of Grandma. Well, how's everything here?

Marilyn: Fine. We were just wondering about this trunk.

Ellen: It's locked.

Philip: Oh. I have the key. Grandpa sent it to me.

Act 2

Elsa: Excuse me. Is this seat taken?

Grandpa: No, it's not taken.

Elsa: Oh, thank you.

Grandpa: Oh, let me help you with this.

Elsa: Oh, thank you.

Grandpa: Do you want to sit by the window?

Elsa: No, no, no. I like the aisle seat better. Please, you sit by the window.

Grandpa: My name is Stewart... Malcolm Stewart. Pleased to meet you.

Elsa: I'm Elsa Tobin. How do you do?

Grandpa: Do you live in New York?

Elsa: No, no. I'm from Florida.

Grandpa: I am, too. But didn't you just get on?

Elsa: No, no. I just changed my seat. A man next to me was smoking, and smoke really bothers me. Where are you from in Florida?

Grandpa: Titusville. It's near Orlando.

Elsa: Small world. I'm from Titusville, too.

Grandpa: Really? What part?

Elsa: My husband and I live near Spaceport.

Grandpa: I know that area. My house is only a few miles from Spaceport. Do you still live there?

Elsa: Oh yes, yes. My husband's there now. He couldn't take time off to come to New York with me. Do you still live there?

Grandpa: No. I sold the house and the furniture, put a few personal things in an old trunk, and shipped it to my children in New York. That's my destination.

Elsa: Are you married?

Grandpa: My wife died four years ago. She was a wonderful woman. A real friend.

Elsa: I'm sorry. Really, I'm sorry.

Grandpa: Lots of wonderful memories. We were married almost fifty years. Well, forty-seven, to be exact.

Elsa: John and I celebrate our fortieth anniversary next month.

Grandpa: Oh, congratulations! That's nice. What does John do?

Elsa: He's an aerospace engineer and works for Orlando Aircraft Corporation. He started with them almost forty years ago. What do you do?

Grandpa: I just retired. Had my own company. A construction company. Roads, bridges, big stuff. But I just sold it and retired.

Conductor: Excuse me, ma'am. Ticket, please.

Elsa: Would you kindly hold these keys, please? I have a ticket, I know. I was in the smoking section.

Conductor: It's OK, lady. Take your time.

Grandpa: I'm sure it's in your purse, Mrs. Tobin.

Elsa: Oh, here it is.

Grandpa: And here are your keys.

Elsa: Thank you.

Grandpa: Do you have family in New York?

Elsa: No, no. But I have very close friends in New York City. We like to go to the theater together. You said you have family in New York.

Grandpa: Yes, indeed. A son, his wife, and their three children—my grandchildren.

Elsa: You must be excited.

Grandpa: I can't wait to see them!

Elsa: Are you going to live with them?

Grandpa: Yes.

Elsa: Permanently?

Grandpa: Well... they want me to, but it's too early to know for sure. I'm pretty independent. I tried to teach my kids the importance of independence, but I'm not sure I want to be alone. Some people don't mind being alone. I do.

Elsa: I understand. But tell me. Why did you stop working?

Grandpa: I retired because... I wanted to be with my family. I didn't want to be alone anymore!

Act 3

Voice: Ladies and gentlemen, Amtrak is happy to announce our arrival in New York City. The train will be stopping in five minutes. Please check to be sure you have your belongings. And have a good stay in the Big Apple. Thank you.

Elsa: Well, here we are. It was so nice meeting you, Mr. Stewart.

Grandpa: And nice meeting you, too, Mrs. Tobin. Please look us up. We're in the phone book. Dr. Philip Stewart, in Riverdale.

Elsa: Your son?

Grandpa: That's right. And have a good time in New York.

Elsa: And don't be so independent. You're very lucky to have a caring family.

Robbie: When can we go fishing?

Grandpa: Robbie, we'll go fishing soon, and we'll take your dad with us.

Philip: I'm ready, Grandpa. You name the day.

Ellen: That's a great idea, Grandpa! Philip needs a day off.

Robbie: Good idea.

Grandpa: Presents—for me?

Richard: From me and Marilyn.

Robbie: And this one's from me. I looked all over the house to find it.

Grandpa: Richard, these are terrific pictures. This one really brings back memories. You remember that day, Robbie?

Robbie: I sure do. It was fun.

Grandpa: Oh, I'm sorry Susan isn't here. I miss her very much.

Ellen: She feels bad, too, Grandpa. She called to say the plane was delayed. You know airports.

Grandpa: I can't wait to see her. She looks just like Grandma at that age. I'd better unpack. I started traveling twenty-four hours ago. I'm not so young anymore.

Ellen: Don't you want something to eat?

Grandpa: No, thanks. After a good night's sleep, I'll enjoy breakfast even more.

Philip: Well, come on, Dad. Ellen and I'll take you to your room.

Robbie: I'm sure glad you're here, Grandpa.

Richard: Good night, Grandpa.

Marilyn: Pleasant dreams.

Grandpa: Philip, do you have the key to the trunk?

Philip: I have the key, but it doesn't work.

Grandpa: I sent the wrong key. I have something for you. I made it myself. I think you'll enjoy it. I researched it for over a year. It's our family tree.

Ellen: Oh, Grandpa! How exciting!

Philip: Fabulous! Why, I didn't know that your grandfather was born in Germany.

Grandpa: Lots of interesting information about our family. A gift from me.

Ellen: Thank you so much.

Susan: Grandpa! Grandpa! Oh, Grandpa, I'm so happy to see you!

Grandpa: Oh, you look so beautiful, Susan. My granddaughter. Like I always said, you look just like Grandma.

Philip: I think you're going to be very happy here with us.

Ellen: I know you will.

Grandpa: I don't feel alone anymore.

EPISODE 4 A Piece of Cake

Act 1

Marilyn: I'm exhausted. My new exercise class is so hard.

Richard: Your new exercise class?

Marilyn: Yeah. My new advanced exercise class.

Richard: Why advanced?

Marilyn: My instructor thought that the beginner's class was too easy for me.

Richard: Too easy for you?

Marilyn: Don't laugh. In the beginner's class, they give you a chance to rest between exercises.

Richard: So?

Marilyn: The advanced class is nonstop.

Richard: I lift weights every morning for sixty minutes without stopping. No problem.

Marilyn: Listen, Richard, doing aerobics for an hour is a lot different from lifting weights.

Richard: Yeah. Quite a bit different. I think aerobics is easy. I could work out in your class with no problem.

Marilyn: You think so?

Richard: Oh, without a doubt. When's the next class?

Marilyn: Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock. Try it.

Richard: Tomorrow morning after lifting weights, I'll try aerobics. It's a snap. Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock.

Marilyn: Aren't you going to the aerobics class this morning?

Richard: Of course. Easy. No sweat.

Marilyn: You are not going to be able to move after this and the aerobics class.

Richard: Are you kidding me? It's going to be a piece of cake. You want to bet?

Marilyn: Yeah. What's the bet?

Richard: I bet I can go one hour in your class this morning and not feel a thing!

Marilyn: The bet is—I win, and you cook dinner for the entire family. Or you win, and I cook dinner for the entire family.

Richard: It's a bet.

Marilyn: OK. Call my instructor, Jack Davis, right now. His number is 555-8842. The advanced class starts at ten o'clock.

Richard: Well, it's eight twenty now.

Marilyn: It only takes eight minutes by bicycle to the aerobics class. Give him a call.

Jack: Davis Aerobics Center for Good Health.

Richard: Jack Davis, please.

Jack: This is Jack Davis.

Richard: Hello. This is Richard Stewart. My wife, Marilyn Stewart, is a member of your program. I'd like to come to the ten o'clock advanced class this morning.

Jack: Oh, fine, fine. Be here a few minutes early. You need to complete some forms before the class.

Richard: Thanks. I'm on my way over.

Jack: Good-bye.

Richard: Bye-bye. It's all set. I'm going.

Marilyn: Bye.

Richard: See you later.

Marilyn: Good luck.

Richard: Don't forget about the bet. Dinner for the entire family. And that includes Susan.

Marilyn: Don't you forget.

Act 2

Jack: OK, Richard. That's terrific. Your pressure is 120 over 75, and that's fine. Now stand up, please. Good, it's 122 over 80. You can sit down now. When was your last complete physical?

Richard: Six months ago.

Jack: Good. Do you have any back or knee problems?

Richard: Nope. I am in perfect health.

Jack: What do you do for a living, Mr. Stewart?

Richard: I'm a photographer.

Jack: Interesting. What do you photograph?

Richard: Everything. The American scene. People, places, events.

Jack: Did you ever think of photographing an aerobics class?

Richard: No... I can't remember taking pictures of people exercising.

Jack: But don't you think it'd be a good subject?

Richard: Sure.

Jack: I need some good photos for my advertising, Mr. Stewart. Maybe you can photograph a class, and I can give you and Mrs. Stewart a month of classes—free.

Richard: When can I photograph a class?

Jack: Anytime.

Richard: How about today?

Jack: Terrific!

Jack: Hi.

Instructor: Oh, hi.

Jack: Are we ready to go?

Instructor: Yeah. Yeah. Let's get in our lines. We're going to take it slow first. Stretch up... and we're going to go left first... 2, 3, 4... now stretch... OK, hold to the right. Sunrises. Stretch it out. Flat back. Bring it up... and twists... and side... 2, 3... and left... push... push... turn... hit the floor. Take it side again... OK, and switch. Stretch it out. And we're going to warm down with a tango. Left, Right. Enjoy it.

Marilyn: Richard, did you go to the Davis Aerobics class today?

Richard: Yes, I went to the aerobics class today.

Marilyn: What is wrong with you?

Richard: Nothing. I am in excellent health. I have ideal blood pressure. A perfect heart. In other words, I'm in wonderful condition.

Marilyn: Richard, did you go to the aerobics class, really? And don't forget to invite Susan for dinner.

Marilyn: And your legs don't hurt?

Richard: Hurt? What do you mean?

Marilyn: What about your arms? Lift your arms up like this. And they don't hurt—not even a little?

Richard: Nope.

Marilyn: You are in great condition. I can't believe it!

Act 3

Marilyn: Grandpa, Ellen, Philip, Robbie, you and me. That's six steaks.

Richard: Don't forget Susan.

Marilyn: Seven steaks. Cooking dinner for the entire family is not so easy. The shopping: the salad: tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and onions. The main course: steak and potatoes. Richard, how much broccoli do I need for seven people?

Richard: Marilyn, I have to tell you something. At today's exercise class...

Marilyn: Yes, Richard.

Richard: Well, I didn't really exercise.

Marilyn: I knew it!

Richard: I wanted to, but Jack Davis needed a photographer. I'm sorry, Marilyn.

Marilyn: I don't understand. Did you exercise or not?

Richard: No. Instead of exercising, I photographed the class.

Marilyn: And you didn't exercise?

Richard: No.

Marilyn: There's another advanced class today at four o'clock. We'll go together.

Richard: What about the bet?

Marilyn: Oh, the bet is still on, but you shop for the groceries. Remember, you win, and I cook dinner for the entire family.

Richard: You win, and I cook dinner for the entire family.

Marilyn: Including Susan. Four o'clock at the advanced exercise class. With me.

Jack: Don't forget to breathe.

Instructor: Skip, hop, front, twist... again... OK, now... scissors.

Richard: This is fun. It's a piece of cake.

Marilyn: Yeah. Just wait.

Instructor: 5, 6, 7, go right, 1, 2, back, 3, 1, 2, 3, pony, pony... 1, 2, 3, kick... 1, 2, 3, kick... pony. And twist, twist.

Jack: OK. Let's pick up the pace.

Marilyn: How are you doing, Richard?

Richard: I can barely move.

Instructor: 2, 3, 4, front. Now we're going to run it off. Front... knees up, knees up.

Jack: OK, finish off by jogging in place. OK. Keep those knees up. All right. That's it for today. Thank you, everyone. See you next week.

Richard: Thank you, Jack, but no thank you.

Marilyn: The advanced exercise class is not so easy, huh?

Richard:No, no, you were right, i was wrong.

Marilyn：Come on, Richard. Get up. Let's go, you have to cook dinner for the entire family.

Richard: Marilyn, I'm exhausted. I can't move.

Marilyn: Oh, you'll do it. It's a piece of cake.

Jack: Excuse me, Richard, Marilyn.

Richard: You are a terrific instructor, Jack.

Jack: Thanks. But I have a question. Is this your very first advanced aerobics class?

Richard: Yes, it is.

Jack: You are in great shape, Richard. Very few people last in this class for the full hour the very first time.

Marilyn: It's true. You are in great shape.

Richard: Thanks!

Marilyn: I think we'll cook dinner together.

EPISODE 5 The Right Magic

Act 1

Robbie: Hi, Grandpa.

Grandpa: Hi, Robbie.

Robbie: Can I help?

Grandpa: Yes, indeed. Hand me two eggs from the refrigerator, and I'll make you two fried eggs.

Robbie: How about some bacon?

Grandpa: I made enough for an army. You going to the baseball game today? It's a perfect day for it—a little cloudy but nice and warm.

Robbie: Dad and I were planning to go to the game, but he has to work today, and my friends don't want to go. It's not an important game, anyway.

Grandpa: Do you have any other plans for the day?

Robbie: I'll work on my computer. I have a new math program, and I want to learn how to use it.

Grandpa: Maybe you can teach me how to work on a computer someday.

Robbie: Anytime. It's really easy, but, like anything, you need to work at it, Grandpa. This bacon is great. I love crispy bacon.

Grandpa: Oh, what are you doing tomorrow?

Robbie: Nothing much.

Grandpa: Well, maybe your dad and I could take you fishing with us.

Robbie: I'd like that, but...

Grandpa: But what?

Robbie: But Dad is always so busy.

Grandpa: Well, can you come fishing with me tomorrow?

Robbie: Sure, I can.

Grandpa: Robbie says you can't take him to the game today.

Philip: I really feel bad about it, but they need me at the hospital today, in the children's ward.

Grandpa: I understand.

Philip: Maybe we can spend some time together next weekend.

Grandpa: Definitely. We should. You, Robbie, and me. Remember our first fishing trip?

Philip: I sure do... Well, I've got to run, Dad. See you later.

Philip: Going fishing?

Grandpa: I'm thinking about it... So, how's work?

Philip: Oh, the usual problems.

Grandpa: You're working pretty hard these days.

Philip: I guess I am.

Grandpa: When did you last go fishing with Robbie?

Philip: I remember exactly. It was on his birthday, June second, two years ago. We didn't catch anything.

Grandpa: Remember our fishing trips?

Philip: Yes. I loved them.

Grandpa: Remember catching your first fish?

Philip: How can I forget? I fell out of the boat! We had some good times together.

Grandpa: Yes, we did. Maybe we should do it again.

Philip: How about tomorrow?

Grandpa: Don't you have to work?

Philip: My paperwork will wait.

Grandpa: Oh, Robbie will be thrilled. I am, too, Son.

Philip: I want to spend more time with Robbie.

Grandpa: Tomorrow. It'll be like old times for you and me. And Robbie will love it.

Philip: Well, what's the weather going to be like?

Grandpa: Radio says sunny and mild.

Philip: Well, I'll tell Robbie. And thanks, Dad.

Grandpa: Don't thank me. I'm just being a grandfather.

Act 2

Robbie: This is really neat! When do we eat?

Philip: First, we have to catch some fish. In order to catch fish, you have to do this. Here we go. That's it. Then drop it into the water. All of this comes before eating. OK?

Robbie: How do you know so much about fishing?

Philip: Grandpa taught me. We spent a lot of time fishing together. Now, the important thing is to get the hook close to the fish. All right? Like this.

Robbie: I think I see some fish right under us, Dad.

Philip: Oh, not a chance!

Robbie: I just saw a big one!

Grandpa: Hi, there!

Albert: Hi.

Grandpa: What's your name?

Albert: Albert.

Grandpa: Are you all alone?

Albert: Yes, sir.

Grandpa: How old are you, Albert?

Albert: I'm ten.

Philip: Where's your father?

Albert: He's up there at the lodge.

Philip: Does he know you're here?

Albert: Yes, sir.

Philip: OK, Robbie, maybe you should watch him. The water's pretty deep here.

Robbie: I'll watch him, Dad.

Robbie: What time is it?

Grandpa: It's almost lunchtime, and no fish yet.

Robbie: I can go up to the lodge for some hot dogs and drinks.

Philip: No way! We're here to catch our lunch.

Grandpa: To catch fish, you need the right magic.

Philip: That's right. I forgot! The right magic. Do it for Robbie, Dad.

Grandpa: You remember?

Philip: Sure. Come on.

Grandpa: Well, first, you have to turn your hat around like this. Then you close your eyes and say the magic words. Fish, fish, send me a fish.

Robbie: Fish, fish, send me a fish... I got one!

Grandpa: See, it works!

Robbie: It's a big one!

Philip: Well, it always worked for me, too.

Robbie: Grandpa, get the net, please!

Robbie: Dad, you got one, too!

Philip: You bet I have!

Grandpa: Easy, Philip, easy.

Robbie: Sorry, Dad.

Philip: Well, one more and I've got a pair of boots.

Robbie: You didn't say the magic words.

Grandpa: Robbie's right.

Philip: Yes, but you did, and we've got our lunch. Let's build a fire and cook it! Come on, Albert, you can help us!

Albert: I want to stay here and fish.

Grandpa: All right, but be careful.

Robbie: Is it finished yet?

Philip: I think so. I hope you like your fish well done.

Grandpa: Burned, you mean.

Philip: Hey, I'm a doctor, not a chef.

Albert: Help! Help! I can't swim!

Robbie: Dad! Grandpa! He fell in!

Philip: Easy does it, Robbie. That a boy. That's it.

Grandpa: He's not breathing, Philip!

Philip: Robbie, run to the car. Bring a blanket and my medical bag.

Robbie: Yes, Dad.

Philip: Now, come on, son. Come on, son.

Grandpa: Breathe, Albert!

Act 3

Robbie: Here's the bag. Will he be OK, Dad?

Philip: I hope so. That's it. That's the way. That's it. There. Oh, it's going to be all right. That's it. Wrap him in the blanket. Dad! That's it. That's it. It's all right, Albert. You're going to be OK.

Albert: I want my daddy!

Philip: We'll take you to him. Easy now. Easy does it. That's it.

Grandpa: Your dad is quite a guy.

Robbie: I know, Grandpa.

Grandpa: How is he, Philip?

Philip: He's asleep. He's going to be fine.

Father: How can I thank all of you?

Philip: Thank my son Robbie. He pulled him out of the water.

Father: I'm very grateful, Robbie.

Robbie: Dad saved him, not me.

Father: I'm so thankful to all of you.

Philip: So long.

Grandpa: He's a lucky boy. Well, what do you say we get back to our fishing?

Philip: That's a great idea. Uh-oh. It's probably the hospital. I have to get to a phone. It probably means we can't stay.

Robbie: That's OK.

Philip: One of my patients has a high fever, and I have to go to the hospital. I'm sorry, Robbie. I guess I ruined your day.

Robbie: You didn't ruin my day, Dad. I understand. I really do.

Ellen: Why are you back so early?

Grandpa: Philip had to go back to the hospital.

Robbie: He had an emergency.

Ellen: Oh, that's too bad, Robbie. Did it spoil your fun?

Robbie: No, Mom. We had a great time.

Ellen: Well, did you do any fishing?

Robbie: Yeah, we caught lots of them. Look! They had a special on frozen fish down at the supermarket.

Ellen: Oh, you really had a bad day.

Grandpa: We had a good day. Robbie pulled a boy out of the water.

Robbie: And Dad saved his life. He's a terrific doctor, Mom.

Ellen: I know.

Philip: Hi, Pop. Hi, Son.

Robbie: Hello, Dad.

Philip: What a day!

Grandpa: How about a cup of coffee, Son?

Philip: I'd love a cup of coffee.

Robbie: How was the patient?

Philip: She'll be fine.

Robbie: Was it serious?

Philip: No.

Robbie: Until today, I was never really interested in medicine.

Philip: Well, it's hard work.

Robbie: Now I know.

Philip: I had a good time today, Robbie.

Robbie: Me, too.

Robbie: Why don't we do it again?

Philip：Can we？When?

Robbie: How about next Saturday?

Philip: Won't you be busy?

Robbie: I'm changing my schedule. Well, do we have a date?

Philip: We sure do, Dad. Grandpa, can you come?

Grandpa: I have other plans, Robbie. But I think you two can have a good time together without me.

Philip: No, Dad, and certainly not without the right magic.