Hello, Ruben.
Hi, Lydia. Thanks for coming. Everyone's in the back.
Then let's go.
I had a feeling you would call me today.
Oh, right, because you're psychic.
Well, actually, yes.
I'm glad you came. We have some big questions for you.
My word. What happened in here?
We're in the middle of...
renovations.
So, you had some questions for me?
Yes. When you spoke to Ruben's grandma about the bookstore being haunted,
-did she ever say who the ghost might be? -No, I'm afraid not.
Well, can you help us try to figure it out?
Maybe talk to it?
I could listen.
If a spirit chooses to speak to me, I could attempt a conversation.
You might wanna open your eyes 'cause our ghost usually writes.
Okay.
Yeah, I can feel its presence.
But it doesn't wanna speak to me. It chooses to speak through you.
What do we do?
It was cool when I thought we were being haunted by my grandma...
but this ghost is basically a stranger.
Well, unfortunately, I can't help you.
If your ghost has unfinished business, it won't rest until it's finished.
Nine more books, the next one's free.
I may take you up on that. I love your bookstore.
Make that eight more books.
-Enjoy the folktales. -I will.
Thank you. Have a nice day.
Come in.
Hey.
You should clean your room.
Did you come all the way up here just to tell me that?
Your grandpa and I have been talking,
and since we've got our hands full with the renovation,
we thought it might be a good idea for you to start helping out at the store.
I help.
Well, more like how I did as a kid.
Maybe you could learn to work the register.
That might be a pretty cool experience.
But you told me you hated it as a kid.
Yeah, but now as an adult, I'm better for it.
Seriously, it taught me work ethic,
time management, accounting, how to talk to people--
Mom, stop. I'll do it.
It'll be cool to hang out with Grandpa.
Plus, I'm guessing you can't afford someone who makes more than my allowance.
Kid...
I can't even afford your allowance.
Hey, Chevon, you home?
Hi, Mom.
Everything okay, sweetie? We tried texting.
Sorry. I was working on my history paper.
I was thinking we could all go out to sushi tonight.
Can we do takeout?
Sorry, it's just, I have this paper, and I have to prep for debate.
Plus, I need to practice my Schubert for the piano recital.
And I need to e-mail Principal Fong about Model UN.
Is that all?
Maybe you should drop an activity.
-No, I'll figure it out. -Look, hon,
we're very proud of how hard you're working,
but you've got too much on your plate. You're only one person.
I can handle it. Trust me.
Okay, but I hope you're right.
And can we have something else for dinner? Take-out sushi just isn't the same.
Curtis, close the window. It's freezing!
No. It's too hot!
At least turn your game down.
I need it this loud to cover your snoring.
I don't snore!
How would you know if you're asleep?
That's it. I'm closing the window.
No, you better not--
Hey!
What's all the racket?
Donna's snoring and it's too hot with the window closed!
Look, I'm sorry that you don't have your own rooms like at your mom's house,
but this can't keep happening.
One of you take the couch. Figure it out.
I can't sleep on the couch. I have basketball tomorrow.
I'm already going to tutoring and putting in all this extra time on homework.
Your brother's right. You okay to take the couch?
It's cool.
Now I can watch TV.
No, you can't. It's bedtime.
This is so unfair!
Turn off the game.
-Any word from Ghost Writer? -Nope, no sign of her.
Or him. Or, you know, whomever.
The stranger ghost.
How is this not fixed? It's been leaking for a month.
Someone's gonna trip over that bucket.
If you don't like it, you should run for student council president.
I'd love to. But no way, not with my schedule.
My parents already think I'm doing too much.
Plus, they don't even know--
Ghost Writer's back.
Really?
Whoa. Wonder what book she's from.
Hey, little dragon. What's your name?
Maybe we should leave it alone.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Can I pet you?
It tickles.
Gross.
What? She's cute.
She's a dragon.
I'm not sure I want her licking my face.
I don't know what's wrong with me. I keep missing.
You're just a little rusty. Try again.
It's cool. You'll find your groove.
Don't sweat it.
It's because I lost my lucky shooting sleeve
in the laundry at my dad's place.
Just shoot.
This new one's junk. I need my old one.
You're getting in your head. It's not the sleeve.
But I wore it every game for the last three seasons.
Yeah, and it was kinda gross.
Hey, Jake. We'll take over from here.
Curtis, elbow in.
She's right.
I wasn't in position yet.
Don't let him stay too late.
I'll see you tomorrow. Stoked to have you back.
From the look on your faces,
I'm pretty sure our ghost writer released another character.
Hope this one's from a short book.
Hey, Dad, what do you think of this?
What is it?
It's an espresso machine for when we renovate the back room.
There is a doughnut shop across the street that sells coffee.
Yeah, and that money goes to the doughnut shop instead of to our bookstore.
We can't afford it.
I've been working on that. Come see.
I want you to take a look at...
our new website.
Why do we need a website?
Because no one uses the phone book anymore.
And so that we can announce events, like the pet adoption that we did.
I really think it'll help bring people into the store.
You need to start seeing this place differently.
You're a good artist.
Thanks.
Can I help you find something?
Nah, just browsing. Sweet place you got here.
It's my grandpa's.
I like your sneakers.
Thanks. They're Fei Shen.
-What's that? -It's a brand.
It means "Flying God."
Cool.
Maybe I'll see you around.
Ruben, your grandma--
I mean, stranger ghost, released another character.
All right, people. We know what to do.
Let's figure out what book she's from.
How about Dragons Love Tacos? Remember that one?
I doubt Ghost Writer's unfinished business is taco-related.
You never know.
Ruben, you okay?
This is gonna sound weird,
but that dragon looks a lot like the dragon I painted last night.
I knew it.
Last night, I painted the dragon on here, and now she's right there.
Ghost Writer must've released her from the painting.
But up until now, Ghost Writer's only released characters from books.
Up until now, we thought Ruben's grandma was Ghost Writer.
At this point, anything's possible.
Did you paint anything else?
Yeah.
-Oh, no. -What was it?
Chevon, listen, I'm supposed to do a painting a day for art class.
Like a journal. It's not for anyone to see but me.
Why are you telling me this?
Well, remember that day where you kept correcting
how I was saying that word, "mis-cheev-i-ous."
It's "mischievous."
She's a clone of Chevon.
They're identical.
Not quite. I'm the know-it-all version.
Because that's what Ruben thinks of you.
Hence, the "I know everything" shirt.
You think I'm a know-it-all?
No, I'm sorry. I was just blowing off steam.
Do you think Ghost Writer will bring anything we paint to life?
Only one way to find out.
Just paint a star or something.
It was very hurtful. You should've known better.
She wasn't supposed to see it.
Whatever. I'm fine.
There, I'm done, but it's still here.
Here, let me try.
So, you'd rather just go on pronouncing "mischievous" incorrectly?
Maybe.
Nothing's happening. Maybe it's only Ruben's paintings.
Ruben,
we need you to paint something.
Dude, you're really good. I'm practically drooling over here.
Thanks.
You think it'll work?
It worked!
Ruben, did you leave a sandwich in the kitchen?
Yeah. Sorry.
Wait. If she can see the sandwich...
She can see everything.
Quick, take the dragon and get in the closet.
Hello. Here's your sandwich, Ruben.
That's mine. Thanks.
Did you see that Chevon came over?
Yeah. I did.
-Interesting shirt. -Thanks. Ruben made it.
How about you and your friends hang out downstairs,
while you work the register?
Right. Sorry, I got distracted. We'll be right down.
Thanks.
This is amazing.
Ghost Writer is bringing Ruben's paintings to life.
But why can my mom see the clone and sandwich?
Maybe because they're from paintings instead of books.
Ghost Writer must want us to paint something. But what?
Looks like we're about to find out.
Apparently G.W. got bored with English.
I told you. Anything's possible now.
Chevon, get your phone out. We have that translation app.
Right. Smart.
Duh. I'm you.
It's Chinese. "Golden Dragon."
I think we already painted what Ghost Writer wanted.
It is a golden-ish dragon.
What are we supposed to do with it?
I'll figure it out.
What about...
She can come with me. I actually think I could use her.
Like my parents said, I'm only one person.
Almost perfect. You're rushing the A section a little.
Right. Thanks.
I'll get it next time. How's the history paper going?
Do you even need to ask?
Chevon?
Quick, hide.
No. You hide. I got this.
Come in.
-I thought you were playing piano. -I was.
I'm working on my history paper now.
Well, it sounded great. Keep it up.
Thanks. Love you, Dad.
You know, this is great.
Together, we can do anything.
Maybe I could even run for student president.
Okay. Let's start with the basics. Sit.
Can you sit?
Who's a good girl?
I can't make a shot. I need my lucky sleeve.
Curtis, I told you to stop.
I have a game tomorrow and I can't make a shot to save my life.
I have to practice.
No, drop it. Bad dragon!
-Donna, tell her to drop it. -Drop it.
-You're sleeping on the couch tonight. -No way. Dad said.
Fine. You want to sleep with the dragon? Because she needs to be in here.
Rocco, I'm sorry, but I don't think you wanna be in here.
Okay, but I warned you.
Now, be nice and smell each other.
You can be friends.
Curtis!
I need to find my lucky sleeve. It's my only hope.
You need to move to the living room.
Ruben! He could paint the sleeve for me. Why didn't I think of this before?
Pick up your clothes!
You see how its fraying there?
On the edge?
Yeah. That's important. It's gotta be exactly the same.
Donna won't stop texting.
-Maybe you should respond. -What else?
There's a stain on the elbow.
And I wrote my name on it in yellow marker.
I don't know, Curtis. I'm not sure we should be doing this.
Please. I'm desperate. The team is counting on me.
-We have a big game tomorrow-- -Okay, okay.
Just send me all the photos.
Hey, is Curtis there?
The dragon chewed one of the shirts you left on the floor
and I don't know if I can stop her from chewing the others.
-Why don't you pick them up? -It's not my job to pick up after you.
I hate sharing a room.
Hey, man, thanks for painting the sleeve. You're a lifesaver.
So, how's it going?
Not great. Curtis is so annoying.
Last night, I had to sleep on the couch because of him.
And there's no place to put the dragon.
My dad's apartment is just too small for us.
I get it. I have to share a bathroom with my mom and grandpa.
I just wish I had my own space.
Hey, I gotta get back to work.
Okay. See you later on.
Hey. Watch where you're going.
Hey.
Rocco.
Knock it off, Rocco!
Donna, get up. Ruben did it!
My lucky sleeve is back. It works. I can shoot again!
I'm trying to sleep.
Kids, wake up.
I got something to show you.
This place just came open, and it's in our building.
I got an amazing deal on it. We could move in today!
The wildest part, though,
is that the previous tenant left all this stuff behind.
There's a sewing machine and a vision board for my designs.
It's like this room was made for me.
I didn't get anything.
You got your own room.
Yeah, and that shooting sleeve.
And check it out.
We can even give Rocco his own room.
Actually, I think I might have another use for it.
Well, suit yourself. It's your room.
Okay. While I'm at school, you'll finish our history paper.
Then after school, I'll practice piano while you go to debate.
The topic is super easy,
"Should students be able to grade teachers?"
You wanna write this stuff down?
While you're at school, I'll finish our history paper.
Then after school, you'll practice piano while I go to debate. The topic is--
Okay. Okay. I get it.
-You know everything. -And Ruben thought that was a bad thing.
So let me get this straight. You painted them a new apartment?
Yeah. It's amazing.
It's almost too much.
My closet is practically as big as our old bedroom.
I figured you could put the dragon in there.
Yeah, and my lucky sleeve, it's beyond lucky.
It's basically magic. Look, check it out.
I was going to eat that.
Ruben. What are you doing?
I don't think Ghost Writer's releasing your paintings
just so you can paint whatever we want to.
Maybe, but can't we have a little fun for once?
It's not like I painted a million dollars.
-Okay. -Really?
Despite what you think, I don't know everything.
I shouldn't have called you a know-it-all. I'm sorry.
We good?
We're good.
-You'll never make it from there. -Yeah? Watch this.
The lucky sleeve is back!
We're gonna destroy Oakmont this afternoon.
Do you think I should try a lucky wristband or something?
It's not really my lucky sleeve. It's practice.
You were right. I had to shake off the rust.
Here, pass.
Sorry.
I get it. You're on a roll. Don't mess with it.
-See you at the game. -All right.
What?
Wow. Thing really works.
Yeah, a little too well.
It's odd. I can't help but take a shot.
Watch. Let me try and pass it to you.
See?
What am I gonna do? I can't pass.
Just take the shooting sleeve off.
Oh, yeah.
It won't come off.
It's probably because Ruben painted it on my arm.
Well, it's better than when you couldn't make a basket at all.
-Hi. -Hey, how'd the history paper go?
Done. On your desk.
This is, like, 20 pages. It's supposed to be five.
If you don't like it, then cut it down. But I stand by every word in there.
I don't have time. I have to practice piano.
-Did you prep for debate? -Yeah. It's simple.
I make the highest grades, ergo I'm the most credible speaker.
Ergo, I win the debate.
You can't say that.
Why? Is "ergo" too pretentious? I can say "therefore."
No. This is gonna be a problem.
Maybe we need a new plan.
Chevon, you ready? If you want a ride to debate,
-we gotta go now. -Coming.
Wait.
Look at you, very professional.
I dress like a trustworthy speaker so the judges see me as one.
It's a superficial tactic, but effective.
Okay, if you say so.
Admit it, Dad. The website's working. Look how busy it is.
Settle down. It's, like, ten people.
-Ruben. -Mom, I'm kidding.
You did a great job. Seriously.
I should listen to you more often.
Well, since I have your ear,
you remember how you used to play jazz guitar at the store when I was little?
Maybe we could have a jazz night again. That would bring people in.
I like it.
Hey, Chevon.
Hi, I need to speak to Ruben for a second.
Okay.
You need to stop my clone.
Erase her. Paint her on the moon. I don't care.
Anywhere but debate. Please!
Okay.
Thank you so much for doing this.
Where's my paintbrush?
There are a bunch of brushes in that can.
These are for my oil paints. I was using watercolors for--
Ruben. This is an emergency. Just please use one of the other brushes.
Okay. Okay.
So, what do you think?
It's great. Why isn't it leaving the paper?
Just give it a sec.
Okay, Ghost Writer, do your thing.
Why isn't it working?
I don't know. Everything else I painted before came to life.
The only difference is...
The paintbrush.
Okay, so where's the other brush?
I don't know. It's... gone.