♪ Earth stood hard as iron ♪
♪ Water like a stone ♪
♪ Snow had fallen Snow on snow ♪
- ♪ Snow on snow ♪ - (whispers) Stand up straight.
- ♪ In the bleak midwinter ♪ - Meant to be quiet.
- Liam? Liam? - ♪ Long ago ♪
- Hi. - (shushes) What are you doing?
♪ Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him ♪
♪ Nor earth sustain... ♪
(snow crunching)
(birds cawing)
(kicks door)
woman: Okay, everyone into your position.
I'm missing a sheep and an angel. Has anyone...?
There you are. Liam, Lacey, do you want to come join us?
Lacey Burns-Beeby: (whispering) Not really.
woman: We need ya.
(whispers) What?
Do you know how we come to church once a year?
Do you want to come every Sunday?
- (loudly) No! - No!
(shushes) Okay. We have to make tonight count.
- Go make me proud. - Liam Burns-Beeby: (softly) Okay.
(dog barks)
(girls sing) ♪ The holly and the ivy ♪
♪ When they're both full grown ♪
- Liam: Quiet! - ♪ Of all the trees that are in... ♪
- Liam: Mommy! Quiet! - Holly Burns: Come on,
Where's your Christmas spirit, Liam?
♪ O the rising of the sun ♪
- ♪ And the running of the deer ♪ - Liam: Quiet!
- Lacey: That's mine. - Liam: No it's not.
Holly: You guys?
Good kids... get better gifts.
(kids gasp, laugh)
Wait, you did not just do that.
I did. You noticed that, didn't you?
- I did it because it works. - That's not fair.
- You didn't do it to me. - Worked on you for years. Always.
- Look we're home. - kids: Yay!
- Liam: What? - Ivy Burns: What the...?
(softly) Oh my God.
Mom? Mom? No, don't!
Oh my God, I can't believe it!
Hi Mom.
Oh, let me see you? Is it you?
(Ben Burns laughs)
Lacey: Is that Ben?
Come on, look!
- Lacey: It's Ben. - Liam: Yeah, it is Ben.
Lacey: Let go of my waist. Ben, hooray!
Oh my God. I was just,
I was truly just wondering, just wondering what if.
Lacey: Ben!
Don't let go.
(kids hollering)
(line trilling)
So my roommate Timmy has two years, and is like a recovery rock star.
And he offers me a free ride. And I was like, "Yeah, I'm down."
But I'm thinking that there's,
there's no way my sponsor's gonna go for this.
- But he did. - He did,
because that's how good I'm doing.
Wow, honey.
So Timmy's mom and dad and little brother pick us up.
I'm squeezed in the middle.
They're very Christian.
They're all super healthy. They don't even drink caffeine.
- (dog barks) - Holly: Oh, how great.
Mom, Ben is feeding Ponce.
Oh, yeah, guilty.
Ivy: Bread is bad for his teeth.
I think a little bit is okay, honey.
- Holly: Okay, go on. - Okay.
So we're like ten minutes into the ride.
And suddenly there's this smell. It just hangs there. (laughs)
And just when it starts to clear, another cloud of stink is unleashed.
- Wait, it's human. Oh my God. - Ben: Mm-hmm.
- It was the silent but deadly kind. - Oh my God. That's the worst kind.
This is great. This is so great, you know.
Ponce, all of us in the kitchen.
You happy.
Zip me, please.
Holly: Oh, you got one on. Good job. Okay.
- Leave these on, okay? All right. - Liam: Bye.
- Be smart. - Lacey: Bye.
All right, then what happened?
Okay, so we're trapped in back, and the farts just keep on coming.
And so I'm thinking,
surely someone is going to say "Sorry" or "Excuse me."
- Holly: "Excuse me," yes. - Or like maybe crack a window.
But no, they act like nothing is wrong.
Oh, God.
So I just said, "You know you can let me out here."
Mom, it's not that funny.
But it is.
So I just hiked the rest of the way home.
You didn't?
- (loud thud) - (Holly cries out)
Oh, they did it again.
All right. (shouting) You're gonna regret this!
Oh, go get 'em.
The big brother.
(Ben yelling)
(kids laughing in distance)
(Ben yells loudly)
Liam: Yeah!
- Ivy: Mom? Mom? - Did you see?
He's gained some weight
and he's got the sparkle back in his eyes.
He's clearly doing better.
- Then why are you hiding everything? - You know why.
Ivy: It's sad, having to hide.
Well, I would do the same for you.
But you'll never have to.
Sweetie, I've got a very good feeling about this.
Well, I don't.
Listen, this time will be different. You'll see, it will.
Mom?
Why is he here anyway?
Weren't we supposed to go visit him tomorrow?
(kids coming inside the house)
- Okay, you need to go watch him. - No.
No, he'll think I'm spying.
No, then just film him on your phone then, hmm?
Are you serious?
Yes Ivy, now.
Lacey: I want hot chocolate.
(yelling)
(Ponce barks)
Lacey: Go! Go!
- (kids laughing) - What are you doing?
I'm making a video of holiday highlights.
(kids yelling, laughing)
(pills rattling)
- (kids yelling, laughing) - (Ponce barks)
Liam: Come here, boy. Come on, pup!
Lacey: No!
I was using it. Don't do that. No!
(toy squeaks)
(Ben hums a song)
♪ When Ben was ten ♪
- ♪ Lacey was a baby ♪ (laughs) - (Lacey laughs)
♪ When Ben was ten ♪
- ♪ Liam was a maybe ♪ - (Liam joins in)
- Ben: ♪ And now we're all here ♪ - (Ponce barks)
- ♪ So let's go crazy ♪ - (both kids sing along excitedly)
(all, loudly) ♪ Let's go crazy ♪
♪ Who's going to go crazy? ♪
Holly: Neal?
♪ Are going crazy ♪
I've got it under control.
Neal Beeby: Ivy called, texted, why didn't you?
♪ Let's go crazy ♪
♪ Let's go... crazy ♪
Hey, Neal.
Hey, Ben.
How about 15 extra minutes of screen time starting right now.
Yay!
Liam: Come on, hurry up!
I'm confused.
I thought we had an understanding.
The therapists, the doctors, everyone.
Even you agreed that it's in your best interest
not to be home yet.
I know.
There's too many triggers for you here.
That was months ago.
And your sponsor said.
Please, let Ben tell me, please, honey.
Ben: Okay, I know...
I know I really fucked up last Christmas.
Ivy: And the one before that.
It's true.
Ben: Yeah, I know I've made a lot of mistakes.
But...
now since I'm doing so good and with all the support I'm getting,
and with my sponsor...
I honestly didn't think I'd ever... feel this good again.
What, you don't believe me?
Sweetie, we do.
Which is why she hid all the meds and the jewelry.
I was just removing the temptation.
Wow, fuck, you're all still scared of me.
Which is the last thing I want to make any of you feel.
You should just... you should take me back.
Mom, take me back.
- (security alarm) Front door. - (door slams)
- Ivy: Mom. - Neal: He should have known better.
Don't blame him. It's my fault.
When he called and asked what I wanted for Christmas
I shouldn't have said "him home".
That's what you said?
I wanted him to know I missed him.
I didn't... I never dreamed he would just show up.
Is he in the car?
Yep.
It's not like he came home to stay.
Obviously, that can't happen right now.
It wouldn't be good for him.
He needs to go back.
Holly: I agree.
If it weren't Christmas.
- It's the right thing, honey. - It is, mom.
We hope. We don't know.
I mean, I'm so God damn angry at the two of you right now.
- I am. - What did I do?
You gave up on him. You both have.
This is not giving up.
- It is. - It's no, it's giving a shit.
Which we do about what's best for him and for you.
- You have a problem with him, Neal. - No.
I'm routing for him. But I'm frustrated.
He's lucky. We're playing loose with him.
Holly: Okay, Neal...
If he were black, he would be in jail by now.
Maybe this isn't the time.
We said we weren't going to do this again.
Remember?
I remember.
(scribbling)
Neal: Holly.
Here's the list. I don't care who gets what, just get it done.
(slams hand on the table) Yeah?
(sighs)
- (keys drop) - God damnit.
God damnit!
We're all set.
It's okay, Mom. It's for the best.
Seatbelt, please.
Mom. (yelling) Mom!
- (breaks slam) - God.
What?
I'm thinking.
Holly: It's cold. You don't have a coat on.
Just let me get this over with, okay?
(indistinct chatter)
All right, come on. (rubs palms together for warmth)
Okay.
Here's the deal, and it is not negotiable.
You get a day.
Are you sure?
So long as you pass the drug test I'm about to administer,
stay clean while you're here,
and that this time tomorrow, you are back in Sober Living.
- Yeah, okay. - Now, I'm not done.
These are our terms and I don't give a shit if you hate these rules.
You do not leave my sight, ever.
You do not close the door to your room,
where, by the way, I'll be sleeping on the floor
and if you try to sneak off,
if your bed so much as makes a squeak,
I will be all over you,
because for the next 24 hours you are mine, all mine, got it?
I got it.
Good. Let's get you tested.
(foot snags on door)
Mom.
Relax I'm not gonna be looking at your privates.
Okay then.
I will be keeping my eyes on you, just like I said.
This is so not cool.
Nothing about this is cool, Ben.
- Come on, pee pee time. - Shut up.
Want me to turn the faucet on?
Stop.
- Shh. - All right.
- Sometimes it helps. - Mm-hmm.
- Liam: What are you doing? - Ben: Okay.
There's a surprise coming.
Liam: What surprise?
Do you trust me?
- Yes. - Yes, I do.
Awesome, that's awesome.
Good to hear.
Ben: All right. You close your eyes.
- Yeah. - Can you see anything?
- Lacey: No. - Okay, no peeking.
- (chips crackle) - (Ponce barks)
Liam: I hear something.
When I was your age this was my favorite.
- Ivy: It's gross. - Ivy, chill out.
Liam doesn't like crust.
There's a crustless option in the works.
Oh, really?
Ben: Are you two ready?
Liam: Yes.
- (alarm beeps) Back door. - Ben: Okay.
Open your eyes and feast.
(Ponce barks)
- Yum. - Yum.
- Right? - Lacey: It's really good.
- What have you done? - I know. And there's no going back.
Lacey: More, please.
Lacey: But Ashley's wings have glitter.
Holly: Well, we are going to bedazzle these things like crazy.
Mom, seriously they're so good.
I don't want to brag.
Well, yeah, I do. These are gonna be good.
(timer dings)
Ben?
(Ponce whining)
- (Holly gasps) - (Ponce whines)
Ponce, hey, bud.
(Ben laughs)
- Hi, momma. - I knew it.
You came back for Ponce.
(whispers) Busted.
Actually, no.
(whispers) Okay, let's party.
(line trills)
(Ben, outside) You know, I really would appreciate it if you didn't...
- Neal: Holly? - Hi.
- How did the test go? - Negative.
- That's great. - Yeah.
Holly: And he's helping out with chores.
Neal: Really?
Okay, well, I left word with Sober Living.
Okay.
It hurts... to think about the shit I've done.
And what I'm learning in recovery is I can't undo what I've done
but I can do it differently now.
- I think we're good here. - One, just one second, Ivy.
What I mean is I have to be present.
- It's about this log. - Okay.
- This log. - That's enough.
It's about taking care of this log and placing it here.
And I have to take it one log at a time.
- No. Stop. - Otherwise it's not gonna...
Ben, stop!
(Ben sighs)
(Ivy cries out) Oh, my god!
- Ben: Come on, you got this. - (Ivy laughs)
- Come on. - Fine, just leave it.
We don't need any more, Ben. Cleaning up your mess.
Ben: You can do it, we're gonna do it.
- Ben: Ivy. - Ivy: It is so heavy.
- Ben: Here you go. - Ivy: Ponce?
Ivy: Nice.
("Frosty the Snowman" plays on the radio)
We're in no danger of it burning out.
What the fuck is this? Where did our ornaments go?
They don't share the current aesthetic.
Is there a problem?
Ben was just asking where our old ornaments are.
Did you throw them away?
Come with me.
Be quick and be careful, yeah?
- Mommy? - Yes, yes.
(box rattles)
Ivy: Do you see 'em?
It should be right there.
(Ben sighs)
Ben?
- (thumping) - Ben: Fuck!
Ben?
Can you come up?
That's it.
(whispers) I hate it up here.
Okay, then let's go already.
Wait.
I need you to check.
I'm...
I used to stash my...
Okay.
Back there?
If there's something there then you have to make it go away.
Nothing.
We're good.
I'll help you down.
Come on, let's go.
- Ivy: Oh, wow. - Liam: Yeah!
Ivy: Ben.
Ben: Nice.
(kids chatter)
This is better.
- Yeah. - Ivy: Yeah, cotton balls.
Ben, Ivy, can you two come with me, please?
Holly: I know, I went a little overboard this year.
- Mom? - Holly: Keep wrapping.
Come on. Hello.
- Neal: Hey honey. - Yeah.
- They only have regular. - No.
Organic cranberries.
Mom, we don't have to be 100%.
It's important.
- Neal: Got it. - Okay.
Thank you. (sighs)
- Gotta love that Neal. - Mom?
Running all my last-minute errands so we can just stay here till church.
Mom, I wanna do some shopping of my own.
Why?
I want to get them something from me.
Well, sweetie, you are the present.
Something that they can unwrap.
Well, okay. Let's just say these are from you then.
But they're not really from me. I didn't pick them out.
- They'll never know. - But I'll know.
All right, well, honestly,
they have everything they need, they really don't need anything more.
So true.
Okay, but if I didn't pick them out then they're not really from me,
which makes me a liar.
And the whole point of this is to be honest.
It's no good if I'm not honest.
(Christmas music plays)
(loud clamoring)
This is nice, getting to spend a little quality alone time together.
What do you think you'll wear tonight?
This is all I brought.
Well, no worries, we can pick you up a sweater
or maybe even a whole new ensemble.
Ensemble?
That way you'll, I want you to be comfortable.
Well, I'm okay with just...
No, come on.
It's Christmas Eve. We're gonna be in a front pew.
man: Hey, Burns.
What's going on?
Hey, man.
Wow. It's been a long time.
I thought you were dead.
What's new?
- I'm good. - Yeah?
Dude, it's really good to see you.
- Yeah. - And you look good.
Oh, thank you, okay.
Holly: He's a little full of himself, don't you think?
He's all right.
And what's his drug of choice? You know he has one.
Speed? Weekend cocaine?
- Highly caffeinated energy drinks? - Mom.
All I'm saying is you forget how special you are.
- Just don't. - Well, people look up to you.
And they love you. You're a natural leader
and you are so, so smart.
No, mom, Ivy is smart.
Well, nobody wants to be that smart.
It's not like she's having a tremendous amount of fun, hmm?
- What was my point? - You don't have a point.
I do have a point.
My point is, look, you nick this and who knows how far you can go
and what you can do.
There's so much to look forward to.
- (Christmas music plays in mall) - (people laughing, talking)
woman: Okay, honey, you barely touched your breakfast.
You've got to eat this. Come on now.
Mrs. Crane, Dr. Crane.
Hello.
Do I know you?
Holly Burns.
Yes.
Oh, yes.
Doesn't always remember.
Holly is the mother of Ivy, whose singing we love.
She was your patient.
I remember.
Mrs. Crane: You must be so proud of her.
I am proud of all of my children, yes.
Oh, fuck.
Oh, I need to get a napkin.
I'll sit with him.
You're a dear.
Be right back.
So if you remember Ivy,
then you must remember my son Ben, right over there.
Who?
I don't remember him.
I understand. You had so many patients.
But when Ben was 14 he had a small snowboarding injury.
And you prescribed pain killers.
And when I asked, you told me they weren't addictive.
And kept upping his dose.
And he got hooked and it fucked up his life.
So you can pretend you don't remember,
but I won't forget it.
I hope you die a horrible death.
Merry Christmas.
I'm just here for a day.
Okay, yeah.
I will.
Okay. Yes. I gotta go.
Who was that?
My sponsor.
I'm feeling shaky.
So I, that's why I called him. He told me to go to a meeting.
They all say that, whenever you feel shaky get to a meeting.
Okay, well let's just get your clothes and...
I gotta find a meeting, now.
- Did you hear me? - Okay.
Holly: I'm so proud of you, knowing what you need.
I just, I think it's so great.
Like they say, it's working when you...
What do they say?
- It works if you work it. - Works if you work it.
Well, you are working it. Oh, let's go in.
- You're not coming in. - No, what? Of course I am.
No mom, I'm good. It's a meeting.
I'm gonna come right out afterwards.
I may just tag along.
- Hi. - Mom.
- man: Yo, what's up, babe? - Hello, how are you?
Stop.
It never hurts to be friendly.
Dial it down.
Okay, I will just... Hi.
- woman: guys - Hello.
Everybody seems so nice.
The minute I think I have it, the minute I think I've got this,
it's waiting, you know?
It's out there doing pushups right now
while we sit in these folding chairs.
So I'm really grateful to be here with all of you.
And I thank you for keeping me clean. Thank you for letting me share.
So...
Thank you.
Go on to a show of hands.
I have a deep fear of using.
I have a deep fear of going back into those dark places.
This fellowship,
this group of people, is what keeps me alive.
Now I have two new baby nieces
and they're going to meet me for the first time.
I'm just so grateful that they'll never know me high.
They'll just know me as me.
Hi, I'm Ben, and I'm an addict.
all: Hi Ben.
I got 77 days.
And that's my most ever.
So I just want to get to 78 right now.
So I called my sponsor,
and the thing about my sponsor is that he's a loud talker.
And so I say, "Hey."
And he goes, (loudly) "What's up?"
And I was like, "Well, I've got big news.
I just bought presents that I actually picked out for someone."
And he was like, "Oh, well, you're feeling pretty good, huh?"
I was like, "Yeah, you know,
I actually feel like I'm being honest."
woman: Yeah.
And, well, he said, "If you were honest, Ben,
you'd look in the mirror
and say, 'I'm a great big phony.'"
So I was like, "Okay."
"Cause, Ben you're a fucking addict.
You're the last person who should believe his own bullshit,
so get to a meeting."
So here I am,
seventy-seven days clean.
Some things are better now.
Like I can actually take a shit.
(laughter)
Yeah.
Even better than that,
I'm waking up more often than not with an erection.
Sorry, mom. Yeah, my mom's here.
(loud laughter)
Ben: Um...
I've put her through a lot.
This summer she found me upside down on the stairs
with a needle in my arm.
And...
with my dog trying to keep me awake.
So...
the doctor said that if it weren't for my dog I would be dead.
And my mom.
Without her, I wouldn't be here right now in this room.
(voice shaking) The things that I've done to myself and others...
(Ben sniffles)
So I don't, why am I still...
here?
There's gotta be a reason.
Maybe it's to come back and make this Christmas right,
or maybe this is the biggest fucking mistake of my life.
Um...
Anyways, here I am, still here.
So thank you. Thank you for having...
all: Grant us the serenity
to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Keep coming back.
It works if you work it.
Ben?
- Ben, good job, sweetie. - Thanks.
And you coming back is not a mistake.
Someone wiser than me, your sponsor, said you can do this.
Okay. Yeah, that's right.
I think some people want to talk to you. I'll just wait over here.
Okay.
Say man, thanks for your share. It's been a long time, you know.
- Ben: Yeah. - man: That really hit home.
- Thanks, man. - Thank you.
(people chatting)
woman: Hey.
I loved what you said. You were very funny.
There's not enough funny around here.
Thanks.
- You're the mom? - Yes, I am.
It's great you came with him.
- Oh, I hope so. - No,
my mom died before I ever got clean.
I would have given anything for her to see me get my shit together.
I'm sure.
- woman: The hard on thing. - Oh, awkward.
No, It was honest.
And it was amusing that someone young and hot...
woman: Oh, shit.
- Oh, that's okay. - I'm blushing now.
That makes me nervous.
Is this your first meeting?
- Yeah. I'm, you know, new to it all. - Yeah?
Well, you should get a sponsor. It should be a woman.
It should be someone really tough who will, you know,
call you on your bullshit
and it's what it's all about, you know,
rigorous honesty.
Oh, they're just talking program. That's how we help each other.
Okay. So, nothing to worry about then.
No, I didn't say that.
You don't remember, do you?
No.
You were my dealer.
Oh fuck. Oh, I'm sorry.
No, it's fine. I'm...
I'm going to rehab the day after Christmas.
So that's why, you know, I related to so much to what you were saying.
It was very inspiring.
So...
I just want to get high just one last time.
- That's normal. - I'm not going to though.
Good. Don't.
Unless I could do it with you.
(sighs)
- woman: Have a good one. - Merry Christmas.
I think this one will work.
Or this.
And they have it in light blue. Everybody looks good in light blue.
- Ben? - What?
Which?
Yes. Good.
Okay, light blue.
Looks like she's gonna have you try on the whole store. (laughs)
Right.
- Holly: Thank you so much. - woman: Sure.
These will both complement your complexion,
which is a gift from your mother, you're welcome.
- Coat, please. - Okay, nice. I'm good.
Come on.
Pockets.
- This is humiliating. - Shh.
No.
This is love.
All right, free to go.
You didn't check my shoes.
(knocks) That's not funny.
It was a joke, Mom.
- Ben, it's not funny. - Mom, it was a joke.
Excuse me.
Can I get a key to this door, please?
Unlock the door, Ben, right now. Ben?
(Holly knocks loudly) Open the door.
- (whispers) Fuck! - Holly: This is not funny.
(yelling) Open this fucking door right now.
Ben, God damnit, open this fucking door.
What is going on?
What's going on?
What?
Fuck, you stupid...
- Hey! - Where did you get this?
- I've been with you the whole time! - Excuse me.
The girl at the meeting.
- The one that you're helping? - She was going to use...
- So I took it from her. - I have to ask you to leave.
She was going to use. Now she can't.
Mom, the last time I didn't help someone they died.
Ma'am?
- You think I'm an idiot. - Can you please just exit the store.
- Yes. - Oh, fuck. Maybe she's a dealer.
- What? - Maybe she played me.
- You can't trust addicts. - All we do is fucking lie.
- What do I do with that? - I don't know.
Mind your own fucking business!
(brakes squeal)
Mom. What...?
Get out of the car.
What is this?
- What are we doing here? - Get out of the car!
- Now! - Why are you...?
Because I was too angry to do it at the time.
Huh? So where?
Where do you want to be? Don't say next to grandpa.
That's prime placement, and you don't get that when you OD.
- I'm not gonna OD. - So where?
The new section is nice. Or do you want to be near a tree?
- I don't know. - Well, you better figure it out.
Okay, why don't you cremate me and sprinkle me over Mrs. Blank,
my second-grade teacher, she was pretty hot.
You don't get to be the smart ass about this.
I wasn't gonna use. I'm not gonna use.
- You just... - Mom...
You just told me I should never believe you.
Don't say another fucking word.
Just tell me, son...
where you want me to bury you.
I'll wait all day.
I'm not going to die.
This rate you will, and soon.
Mommy's here.
They didn't like my spaghetti special for some reason.
Go figure.
Ben they only wanted your sandwich. What did you put in it?
- Drugs. - Holly: It's not funny.
Ivy: It was a joke.
It's still not funny.
- Holly: The kids are watching TV? - Yeah, they're watching TV.
- You okay? - Holly: You come with me.
- Hi, sweethearts. - Hi, Mommy.
Ben is gonna watch some TV with you.
Liam: Yay!
Mom, can I talk to you for a second.
Sit down.
(on TV) ...and now I can't find her anywhere.
Liam: Come on.
Right in the middle.
Stay.
(on TV) Everyone grab onto me, and I'll swing on this tree branch
into the pond!
Wow! Did you see that?
You fucking monster.
(knocking)
Neal: Honey, you okay in there?
Yes. Just getting changed.
How'd it go? How's he, how's he doing?
Great. He's doing great.
How are you doing?
I am doing...
(softly) great.
Well, I better get ready.
Of course. You get ready. I will take care of the children.
Thank you.
(Ivy singing scales, accompanied by a piano)
(Ponce barks)
Holly: Could you just...?
No, not those slacks. The ones from when you were skinny.
Skinnier.
- Ivy? - (annoyed) What?
I need more big safety pins, there's some in the kitchen.
Liam: Come on.
You sounded great by the way. Thank you.
I'm feeding Ponce.
- Oh, so glad. Thanks, honey. - Mom?
- Yes, sweetie. - It itches.
- Where? - Everywhere.
I wish I'd known that earlier. Mommy can't do anything about it now.
But it's everywhere.
Well, it's just part of being a sheep.
Hey, buddy, the thing about an itch is just don't scratch.
- I'm sorry... - Ivy!
Thank you. I beg your pardon.
- I'm gonna need a sweater. - Okay. Coming right up.
All right, everybody, let's get going.
We don't want to be late.
I'm so sorry.
(slams pants on Ben) Don't.
(kids chattering)
(sighs)
(indistinct chatter)
(organ playing)
Stay put.
(softly) I'm so sorry, Beth.
This has gotta hurt.
Maggie was an angel.
We think about her.
(voice breaking) Hold on tight.
I am.
(organ plays "O Come, All Ye Faithful")
What'd she say?
No one blames you.
woman: "There were shepherds out in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them."
Hi, Ben.
"The glory of the Lord shone around them.
And they were filled with fear.
And the angel said to them, 'Be not afraid.
I bring you good news of a great joy, which will come to all the people.
For to you is born this day in the City of David
a savior who is Christ the Lord.
You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.'"
♪ O holy night ♪
♪ The stars are brightly shining ♪
♪ It is the night of Our dear Savior's birth ♪
♪ Long lay the world ♪
♪ In sin and error pining ♪
♪ Till He appeared And the soul felt its worth ♪
- ♪ A thrill of hope ♪ - ♪ A thrill of hope ♪
♪ The weary world rejoices ♪
- ♪ For yonder breaks ♪ - ♪ A new and... ♪
- ♪ A new glorious morn ♪ - ♪ Glorious morn ♪
♪ Fall on your knees ♪
♪ And hear the angels' voices ♪
♪ O night divine ♪
♪ O night when Christ was born ♪
♪ O night ♪
♪ Divine O night ♪
♪ O night divine ♪
Hey!
May I say, Ivy, by the way, this was your best singing ever.
I think the two of you were great.
Yeah, they're completely right. You were amazing.
- Yeah, you were awesome. - You were really amazing.
- And you, little buddy... - You think so?
...for a second there I literally thought that you were a sheep.
And you didn't even have to pretend, because you're an angel.
(indistinct, happy chatter)
Holly: All right kiddos,
jammies and teeth brushed right now, please.
All right, come on, no...
- Lacey: What happened? - Holly: Oh my God.
- Okay kids, sit down. - Stay right here.
- Don't move. - Holly: Sit down right here.
- Liam: Mom... - Sit down. It's okay, honey.
- Neal: There's broken glass. - Holly: Don't be scared, honey.
Neal: Ben!
Holly: Daddy is just checking and...
Holly: Be careful.
(breathing heavily)
(panting) Come on, come on, come on.
- This can't be happening. Not again. - Neal: Stay right here.
- It's okay. I know. - Don't move.
- I'm scared. - It's okay, honey.
(whispering) Come on, mother fucker. Okay.
What?
I was at church.
Coast is clear.
We still got the TV, and we got the computers,
and most importantly, we got the presents.
- See. - (Ben exhales with relief)
It was probably just neighborhood kids, just a practical joke.
Neal?
- No real damage. - That's a relief.
- Where's Ponce? - Ben: I don't know.
I'm sure he's here somewhere.
- Mom, where's Ponce? - You just checked the whole house.
- He's probably just hiding. - You didn't see him?
- I want to find Ponce. - No.
- It's way past your bedtime. - Ponce?
- Go upstairs. - Liam: But mom...
Ivy: Ponce?
- Liam: I want to find Ponce. - Holly: Come on. Upstairs.
Fuck.
Ponce?
Come on Poncie! (high pitched) Come on Poncie!
I bet he just, you know, went out exploring.
No he didn't.
Sweetie, he is just having a Christmas adventure, all right?
Ivy: Come on, Ponce!
Ponce?
Holly: Okay, snuggle down.
- (ornaments breaking) - (alarm) Front door.
Ivy: I can't find him anywhere.
And he would never run off.
Someone took him.
Neal: Who would steal our dog?
You come back, and then this happens.
This is on you.
(breathing uneasily)
- (alarm) Front door. - (door slams)
Tomorrow when you wake up it's gonna be Christmas.
And presents, and Ponce.
Okay?
All right, I love you.
Try to sleep, and I'll be right back, okay? I love you.
- Leave the light on. - Of course I will.
Holly: What are you doing?
You aren't calling the cops, are you?
I am.
No, Neal, no cops.
Not yet. Where is he?
Why wasn't the alarm on?
Because Ben was with us.
He's the reason we got the alarm in the first place. Where is he?
He left.
(mouths) Go.
Holly?
(front door slams)
Holly: Jesus. Ben?
Ben?
Every fucking thing I do turns to shit.
No, honey.
No, no matter how hard I try everything just turns to shit!
Please, just get in the car.
- I didn't do it. - Obviously.
But I'm the reason that somebody did.
I put you in danger. I put my family in danger.
And I should have known. I'm so stupid.
No, you're not. Please get in the car.
Jesus.
Where are you going? Ben?
- Will you stop? - I have to fix it.
I have to fix it. I gotta find Ponce.
Okay, well, just think.
- I am, God damnit. - What?
You don't understand. There are so many people that it could be.
All right, well, we'll just take it one asshole at a time.
Now get in the car.
Seatbelt.
Ben: No, don't turn here, don't turn on Elm.
Not Pleasant.
All right, just tell me where to turn.
- Tell me where. - Fuck.
- What? - I used there.
I robbed someone there. I...
- Holly: This place? - Ben: Yeah.
- Holly: What's here? - You cannot ask.
Mom, if we're... if we're doing this together...
you cannot ask.
Okay. I won't ask.
No, Mom.
But I'm not letting you out of my sight.
You won't have to. Just stay here.
(opera music in background)
Well.
It's about time. Come in.
(indistinct chatter)
Ben: Did you take my dog?
No luck.
Who was that?
Mom, we had a deal.
Let's go.
- I recognize him. - Mom?
I know I know him.
God, he looks so familiar.
Mr. Richmond.
- Your history teacher? - Yeah.
His mother had cancer, hospice.
He had lots of oxi, jars full, an endless supply.
We had an arrangement.
Oh, God. Oh, my God.
(car honks)
Oh, that piece of shit.
(retches)
(vomits)
(coughs, vomits)
Mom, we've gotta keep going.
Ben: I think it's...
What's here?
Maggie's dad lives in one of these.
Why would he take Ponce?
Who hates me more?
Ben: It's one of these.
That's him.
No Ponce.
Heartbreaking, that.
Sometimes it catches.
- Holly: Let me. It can be tricky. - Ben: I got it.
- Just, you're being too herky jerky. - I'm not being herky jerky.
Sweetie, I'm not criticizing you. I'm just saying.
- Mom, I know how to, okay... - I don't...
- I know how to put on a seatbelt. - Apparently not this exact...
- Holy...! - (screaming) Oh my god!
What the fuck you doing here?! Huh?!
(screaming) You fucking junkie piece of shit!
- Get the fuck out! - Holly: What the fuck?!
(tires screeching)
(phone ringing)
Holly: We are going to have to talk about this.
I mean, I get to ask questions.
I get...
I'm gonna have to explain the window to Neal.
He tried to bash in my head, and he should.
Don't say that.
If you were him you'd want me dead for what I did.
All right, well then, you're gonna have to help me here.
What did you do?
(siren wailing)
(indistinct chatter)
Who are we looking for?
We'll know when I know.
Thank you.
I got Maggie hooked.
I told her how great it was.
Did you tie her down and stick a needle in her arm?
No, but...
And at that time didn't you think it was the best thing ever?
Then you told her the truth.
At that time that was your truth.
But it was wrong.
Didn't you just want her to be happy?
This is so twisted.
Well, what did you want her to feel?
(whispers) Do you hear yourself right now?
What did you want her to feel?
Safe.
Loved.
Alive. Whole.
Something that nobody,
not even you, could ever make me feel.
Okay.
You know what you did wrong.
You lived, and she didn't.
And we'll never know why.
It should have been me.
No.
You ready to order?
Yes. I will have your soup of the day, a cup.
Hi, honey. I was about to call you.
Neal: I'm going out of my mind. Where are you?
I'm with Ben.
It took me a while to find him.
But I did, and...
we're just getting a bite.
Lacey: Daddy?
We're supposed to be a united front.
We are, you just have to trust me.
You're making it very hard. You need to come home.
Not without Ponce.
Those kids are waking up with their dog.
And there's no need for cops because we've got this, Ben and I.
- Don't we Ben? - Neal: You got this.
You and the drug addict, you got this.
- Daddy? - Please.
Baby.
Here's an idea, Neal.
Why don't you take care of our kids, and I'll deal with mine.
Neal: I will do that.
Neal.
What?
He's a bit of a dick.
Wow.
- Were you just complaining? - No.
I can think or say about him
whatever I want because he's my husband,
and I love him, but you,
God, you clearly don't get it.
You're here, and without Neal, you wouldn't be.
- Don't be so sure. - How many rehabs is it now?
I couldn't have paid for it. Insurance won't anymore.
The government doesn't give a fuck.
And heaven help you, if you're poor,
which, because of Neal, we aren't anymore.
He took out a second mortgage on the house
to pay for you this time.
Only thing you should say about Neal is "thank you".
woman: No way, Mac.
Go!
- Relax. - No. I'm not relaxing. Go.
- I said get out. - Holly: What is it?
Oh, shit.
(yelling)
(grunting)
Who did you tell?
- About what? - That I'm back.
- Everybody knows you're back. - Because of you.
Where's my dog? Who took my dog?
So you can steal other people's shit all you want?
When someone steals yours you get all holy?
Okay. Was it Tommy?
No.
Is it Baumgartner?
- Jail. - Was it Clayton?
(grunting)
(heavy breathing)
Who's that?
My mom.
Oh, hey, Mrs. B. Long time.
Spencer.
I go by Spider now, Mrs. B. It feels more like me.
You look terrible.
You always say it like it is, Mrs. B.
- (grunts) - Oh, my God!
I'm sorry, Mrs. B.
- Ah, God, that little shit. - It's okay.
- I'm just helping. Okay. - It's not helping.
I know who has Ponce.
- That's great. That's something. - No.
It's the person I hoped it wouldn't be.
It's gonna take more.
That's my daily limit.
I can write a check.
These aren't check people, are they?
No.
Take this.
It's worth a lot.
It's just a thing.
I'm sorry.
I never liked it.
Ben: Turn your lights off.
Holly: All right let's, you know what?
Let's just turn right around.
Because Ponce was a rescue. And we had a good run.
- You did not just say that. - Yes, I did. Ponce is just a dog.
I love five people and Ponce is two of them.
Okay, well, he is a pee in the house, crap on the carpet dog.
And you are so much more.
Fuck, what are we doing? This is madness.
No, this is manageable.
It's Clayton. We go way back.
I'll pay up and maybe we'll have a good laugh.
You don't believe that.
If I don't deal with this then it could be worst next time
for you and the family.
Okay.
You go in, pay the man, get Ponce and get right back out.
You're coming out.
Yeah, I'm coming out.
(rap music coming from house)
Be careful.
(car door closes)
Lock the door.
(doors lock)
(rap music stops)
Holly: (whispers) Just be calm.
(sighs) I can't be calm. Just go in.
(dials two digits)
- (whispering) Mom? - Oh, my God.
- What are you doing? Get over here. - Oh, my God.
What happened? Where's Ponce?
I got in and out. That's the good news.
- (rap music starts back up) - So what's the bad?
I just need you to drive, okay? Let me do the thinking.
Okay.
Holly: Oh, Jesus.
(engine stalls)
Oh, my God.
Easy, Mom.
- You're trying too hard. - Okay.
Of course, I am. It's what I do.
(engine sputtering)
Stop, you're flooding the engine. You got to give it a rest.
Oh. Sorry.
Clayton doesn't deal out of here anymore.
He's gone up the chain and he's not happy with me.
Oh, my God.
But I got a plan, so I need you to listen to me.
I can't help but think if I hadn't left your dad...
- He left us. Please listen to me. - You took it so hard.
- You blamed yourself. - Just stop.
- It was something... It changed you. - Stop. Move over.
A boy needs a dad.
- Mom... - No, that's what you needed.
Not that dad.
(engine starts)
Fuck, we need gas.
Holly: You tried so hard to keep me happy.
And what kid wouldn't crack under the weight of that?
Mom?
What? What is it?
You need to go home.
- Not without you. - You cannot go where I'm going.
- It's not safe. - Then I'm definitely going.
No. Go home.
- I'll be there soon. - No, I don't believe you.
Okay, so now you don't believe me.
No, I don't.
Mom, you don't know what you're doing.
- I do. - You don't know what you're doing.
I'm not worth it.
If you knew me, you'd be done with me.
No, I wouldn't.
- And I know you. - No.
- I know you. - You don't, Mom, you don't know me.
You don't.
My sponsor told me not to come back.
He said it was a shit idea,
that I was not ready.
- That's not true. - Yes, it is, it is true.
And I didn't get the drugs from the girl.
They were in the attic above Liam and Lacey's room.
And within an hour of coming home they were in my pocket.
I told you not to believe me, and you didn't fucking listen!
I mean, I could go on. Do you want me to go on?
There's so much more. I killed Maggie.
- It's not your... - I killed Maggie.
It's not working.
Oh, please go home.
You have to go home, please.
Please, I'm not worth it. Please go home.
I will not leave you.
Ugh.
(Ben exhales slowly)
Get whatever you want.
woman: I know you are not open, so you have a merry Christmas.
man: You too.
Can you get me that blue drink I really like?
Yeah.
Mom?
You're the best.
So just these two and one more.
Honey, which one is it?
Because there is more than one choice.
(engine revs)
Ben?
(voicemail) Hey, it's Ben. You know what to do.
No, I don't, Ben.
I don't know what to do. (screaming) Get fucking back here right now!
(screams)
I'm sorry.
I didn't know where else to go. He took my car.
And he's gone somewhere and I don't know what to do.
Come in.
I can't tell my husband, he'll call the cops.
Someone took our dog, and Ben's just out trying to find our dog.
Come on, Holly.
He's an addict.
And he's out there.
Stay put.
(cabinets opening and closing)
Holly, you'll need to listen closely.
It has a shelf life of 18 to 24 months.
And it's been over two years but it should be strong enough,
if it's the only kit available.
I'm such a smug bitch, never thought I'd need this.
First you pull off the yellow caps.
You screw in the applicator tip.
You take off this cap and insert it here.
Half a dose in each nostril.
I can't... what I'm doing. If you couldn't save Maggie...
We can't save them.
But you'll hate yourself if you don't try.
(zips case)
(keys jangle)
Go find him.
Now it's starting to feel like Christmas.
Here.
This is my mom's.
And it's worth a lot.
I'm good for the rest, and I'll make it right.
Oh, well...
it's not just about the money, Burns.
I mean, I had big plans for you, you were my guy.
- I know. - (dog barks)
Look, just give me my dog back, and leave my family out of this
because they didn't do anything.
I wish it were that easy.
It can be.
Fuck it, it's Christmas, right?
All right, come on, take this.
All I need is for you to do me just one more little favor.
What's that?
woman: Merry Christmas. How can I help you?
So I have this, and it's expired, I need it replaced.
(phone dings)
woman: Excuse me ma'am.
Ma'am, we don't carry this.
What do you mean, you don't carry it?
You need to try another pharmacy.
No, you're the only one open. What do you mean, you don't carry it?
It's our policy not to encourage irresponsible behavior.
All right, well then why don't you discontinue the oxi's,
the Perc 30's and the Benzo Cheerios, or whatever you call them?
If you'd like to file a complaint there is...
I'm fucking filing one!
God, fucking damnit.
(phone rings)
(phone continues ringing)
(engine revs, tires squeal)
(tires squeal)
(train horn blares)
Spare some change.
Mrs. B, I'm not gonna hurt you.
I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm too sick.
Spencer...
get in the car.
Where is he?
I'm sorry, Mrs. B. I'm not... I'm not doing my best thinking.
I need to get well.
You mean get high.
Fuck.
There's no high anymore.
I just don't want, I just don't want to be sick.
Help me.
I just need a little money.
Okay, I will help you, but you have to help me.
Where can I find him?
He used to run for Clayton.
You don't leave Clayton.
That's where Ben went. Shit.
I just snitched.
I need more. Tell me everything you know.
I can't.
You can.
- Where is he? - Okay.
Go to the pawn shop, across the bridge.
It's Yonkers. Ask around.
And that's all I can tell you, Mrs. B.
Anything else and they kill me.
You said you'd help me get well.
Your mother and I were friends when you and Ben were babies.
I changed your diaper. This is so fucked.
Yeah, Mrs. B, it is.
Call your mother, and tell her that you're not dead.
Are you okay? Just tell me you're okay.
Holly: You need to be calm.
- Neal: I'm calm. Are you okay? - Yep.
We are on it.
Just totally safe and closing in.
Is that my mom?
Where are you 'cause I'm coming to get you.
No, Neal.
- Is that my mom? - Okay, yes, it is.
Holly: Can I please talk to her?
Yes you may. Hold on one second.
Mommy?
Holly: You need to be in bed.
Ben and I have this under control, and we will see you in the morning.
Why are you lying?
I'm not.
Mom, I'm the one who set up the phones for everybody.
You're not with Ben. Ben's in a whole other town.
And I've been calling you and texting you,
and you won't pick up.
And I didn't tell Neal because he'll call the cops.
But now I'm freaking out, (whispers) because you lied to me.
We split up to cover more ground.
I don't believe you.
- (knocking) - Neal: Ivy.
(whispers) What am I supposed to do?
All right, sweetheart, you need to be calm
and hang up, deal with Neal.
Call me back as soon as you can from your own phone, all right?
- Yeah? - (knocking)
- Neal: Ivy. - Okay.
(phone rings)
- Holly: Hi, honey. - Ivy: Hi, mom.
Okay, I want you to help me find your brother, yeah.
Keep going, and if you turn left on Millwood...
Keep going straight.
And turn right on 23rd Street.
- Do you see that? - This is 23rd Street, right, okay.
Okay, and...
just keep going straight for a bit.
You're doing great, Ivy.
You're getting really close.
Okay, turn before the intersection.
Mom, turn now.
You're really close. Do you see him?
Mom?
He should be right there.
I'm gonna call his phone.
Okay, good idea.
(phone rings)
Okay, it's ringing.
Do you hear it?
(phone keeps ringing)
I'll call you right back.
Don't hang up. No. Mom?
(phone keeps ringing)
I got him.
Okay. God.
So we're good, sweetie.
Can I just talk to him really quick?
We got to keep moving.
We're gonna be home so soon with Ponce.
Let me talk to Ben.
No, we've got to keep moving, honey.
No. Mom.
Sweetie, listen. I just... I need you to go to sleep.
I can tell there's something wrong.
Everything's gonna be okay. I just... trust me.
(crying) Mom.
Okay, sweetie.
Okay, go to sleep.
(sirens wail in the distance)
Excuse me.
I'm looking for my son.
His name is Ben. I know he was just here.
Over by the river.
That's where they all end up.
(man yelling, grunting)
(train horn blaring)
(coughing)
Ben?
(aluminum foil crackling)
Mmm. You did good.
(laughs) Wayne, he did good right?
You made a lot of people happy today.
- For all your hard work. - Just give me my dog, man.
(train rumbling)
(birds cawing)
(phone rings)
Holly?
- Holly? - Holly: I lost him.
What?
I didn't wanna tell you. I've been... lying to you.
I looked everywhere and I can't find him and...
I tried.
(Holly sniffles, cries)
I know you did.
I lost him a long time ago, I just...
I don't know where to look, and I'm so tired.
I don't know what to do.
Neal: Tell me where you are, I'm coming to get you,
and we'll find him together.
I'm coming home.
I'm just gonna come home.
Hey, boy.
Hey, Ponce.
(Ponce whines softly)
(sighs)
(snickers)
woman: Anything else?
(tires squeal)
(car horn blares)
(whispers) Here, boy.
- Excuse me. I need help, please. - Ma'am, you need to wait your turn.
I can't wait my turn. He's my son, he's not a bad kid.
No, I can't, there's no time for that right now. He stole my car.
- Please, excuse me, sir... - Ma'am, hold on one second.
- Can you find? - Hello, hold on one second.
Ma'am, stand in line. We will be able to help you.
I just need you to please find my son
and arrest him, I'm begging you!
woman: You just want to calm down and have a seat.
- I'll start the paperwork. - Thank you.
(phone rings)
Hello.
(Ponce barks)
Good boy.
Oh, my God.
Honey.
Wake up, Ben.
Wake up, honey.
Come on!
Okay, all right.
We've got this, okay.
All right.
(Ponce barks and whines)
Come on, hang in there. Come back to me.
Come on.
Fuck.
Just stay with me.
God.
Okay. Okay.
Okay. Ready.
Okay. Wake up! Wake up!
Please.
Please come back.
Come back! Please come back!
Oh my boy, please!
Please, I know you can do this!
Ben.
My boy, please.
(Ben takes a breath)