1
( music playing )
Woman:
The story you are
about to see is true.
As far as I know.
( people chattering )
( emergency brake ratchets )
Okay.
Woman:
I'm sorry the people
just turn and look at you
as if you are from the zoo.
Don't worry.
I am from the zoo.
Somehow I don't feel
it's going to be safe for you.
Look, don't get out of the car
until I tell you to, okay?
- You're getting out?
- Yeah.
- Woman in car:
It's okay, I'll be fine.
- ( speaking Indian dialect )
( popping )
( crowd chanting
in Indian dialect )
( chanting continues )
It's so joyful.
Just had
the first victory.
And there are lots
of other people too,
and you'll see them there.
( car horns honking )
Woman:
Jennifer, sweetheart,
it's me again.
Would you call me back,
please?
You're not gonna believe
what I found.
This story that you wrote
in English class.
I'm worried about you.
Jennifer, I really need
to talk to you.
I don't know where you are.
I mean, you could be anywhere.
I'm going to send this to you.
I'm going to send it
express mail,
and I want you to read it.
Call me, please.
Man:
Hey, babe.
I guess you're already
on the plane.
Have a good trip back.
I'll see you when you get home.
Love you.
I think that's why
my partner's special,
because he's probably
the only man
I've really
and consistently loved
for 10 years.
Jennifer:
Do you want to have children?
Yeah. Oh, I get
the motherly urge.
I want children.
( rewinding video )
Then I think, no,
on Monday,
I have a meeting,
on Tuesday, I have
a demonstration,
on Thursday,
my bank meeting,
on Friday...
( panting )
Man:
Babe. I come bearing gifts.
You got me something?
Yeah.
( soft panting and moaning )
( panting faster )
( birds chirping )
Where are you?
Nowhere.
I'm just...
Sorry, I was just
thinking about my mom.
She's been calling,
and, um...
she, uh, read this story
I wrote when I was a kid
about my first boyfriend.
And...
I hadn't told her about it,
because he was older.
So she's beside herself,
trying to reach me.
Babe.
You know, I never shot
in Atlanta before.
You got everything?
Yeah.
I'm kinda excited.
It's gonna go great.
Yeah.
( sighs )
So that came for you.
Oh, yeah?
- It's from your mom.
- Yeah.
I'm gonna miss you.
- Love you.
- Love you.
- I'll be back Tuesday.
- Okay.
Girl:
Mom! Mother!
( family chatter )
Woman:
You're getting it all over me.
I just need you
to eat a little.
Can you get the milk for the--
I need milk for Lucy's.
( overlapping chatter )
Sit down! Now!
Excuse me. Come here.
Go and sit!
Go! Sit!
Man:
And does it abut
on protected land?
Yes.
Well, I'm going to need
to have it assessed.
I can have my guy out there
by the end of the week.
Yes, of course.
Young Jennifer:
I'd like to begin this story
by telling you something
so beautiful.
( cell phone vibrates )
( cell phone vibrating )
Yeah, hey.
Mother:
I've been so worried about you.
- Did you read it yet?
- No. Where'd you find it?
It was in a box
in the storage room.
What does it matter
where I found it?
What matters is
what it says.
What happened?
What-- what are you
talking about?
You lied to me
all these years.
Mom, this is why
I didn't tell you,
because I knew
you'd react this way.
Oh, what is that
supposed to mean?
That I'm too stupid
to understand?
No, I never said that.
I found Bill
on the Internet.
What?
There he is,
for all the world to see.
Famous as ever.
Hold on, I'm gonna go
in the office.
Just a minute.
Mom, what are you
talking about?
Did you ever try
looking him up?
No, I thought he was,
I don't know, dead or...
Well, all you have to do
is type in his name.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
He looks so much older.
Mother:
I couldn't find
anything on her, though.
However, I do know somebody
who'd put me in touch
with Becky Davis.
Yeah, Becky was there
that summer.
Yeah, and she lives right over
on Fairview.
What are you talking about?
You know, you haven't come down
for, like, two months.
I could use a little help.
- Mom, what are you doing?
- Well, maybe she knows
how we could get in touch
with Mrs. G.
I can't do this
this weekend, okay?
I've got papers to grade,
and Martin wants me
to look at venues on Saturday.
You're 48 years old.
You've been engaged
for three years.
He's not going anywhere.
( groans )
I'll talk to you
tomorrow, okay?
Okay. Love you.
Love you. Bye.
Jennifer:
I'd like to begin this story
by telling you something
so beautiful.
Young Jennifer: I've met two
very special people
whom I've come
to love dearly.
Imagine a woman
who's married
and a man who is divorced
sharing their lives
in close friendship.
Loving each other
with all their souls...
yet not being close
with their bodies.
Get this--
I'm part of them both.
I'm lucky enough
to be able to share
in their love.
Both:
When I'm away from them,
the earth seems
to shake and tremble...
Adult Jennifer:
...and often I'm afraid
I'll fall off of it.
( phone ringing )
Well, that was fast.
Did you come
to your senses?
Mom, you are so wrong.
What am I wrong about now?
Mrs. G was an incredible woman.
Did you read what your teacher
said on the back page?
Read it. Now.
"If what you talk about here
were accurate,
"I would say you had been taken
advantage of by older people.
"But clearly you have a fine,
full set of emotions blossoming
into womanhood."
You see? Even your English
teacher knew without telling me.
Can you just let me sit
with my own memories?
No, I want you to nail them.
Mom, please.
It makes me want
to see her again.
Who are you?
Jennifer.
- Who?
- Jenny.
The girl over there
arriving at your house.
Mrs. G:
Oh. Jenny.
You're coming to spend
the summer here.
Jennifer:
So you remember me?
Of course I remember you.
You've had a few lessons.
Jennifer:
Am I talented?
Am I a good rider?
Mrs. G:
No, I wouldn't say so.
Not a natural.
Your family's rich, though.
- Jews.
- Jews?
I'd never met a Jew
until I came to America.
Jews don't ride horses.
Ever seen a Jew
competing at Brighton?
I suppose I should
get on with it.
- ( horse whinnying )
- Hi, there.
- Man: You must be Jane.
- I am.
I'm Aaron,
it's nice to meet you.
- So nice to meet you finally.
- Finally face-to-face.
- Many phone calls later.
- It's a pleasure.
- Jenny, how are you?
- Good, how are you?
I'm well, I'm well.
Let's take him
to the stalls.
Okay.
Hey, Mom, what did you say
Becky's address was?
Can you text it to me?
Jennifer:
Why are you telling
this story, Jenny?
I always wanted to have
a story to tell,
but nothing ever happened
to me before.
- This is a beautiful
piece of property.
- Oh, thank you.
Young Jennifer:
She was the most beautiful
woman I had ever met.
Oh, it's so nice
to have her...
I knew my father
would fall for her.
Everyone did.
I did.
And there are
two other girls
who are joining Jenny
this afternoon.
- I see.
- Which is lovely.
Good number, I think.
Not too many to keep
an eyeball on.
Aaron:
When Jenny first started
with this horse business
I didn't understand it.
- Really?
- Her mother still doesn't.
( laughs )
I see now how good
it is for her, though.
Do you know,
in Russia, Jews were
not allowed to ride horses?
- Dad!
- What?
Because no Jew could be higher
than a Russian.
But Jenny's great-great-uncle,
he was very tall.
- And he rode a horse.
- Dad, please.
- What?
- You ready to work hard
for the next
few weeks, missus?
Yes.
Right, off we go.
( music playing faintly
on radio )
( chuckles )
( humming music )
Take the salad, Franny.
You take the rest.
Thank you, Becky.
And you, Mrs. Cat.
It's hot. Use your gloves,
please.
Never, ever, ever put
a pie crust on the bottom.
It only gets soggy.
That and the raisins
are the secret to
the perfect apple pie.
But don't you
tell anyone.
Off you go.
Dr. G and I
are so pleased
to welcome you to our home
for what we're sure will be
a fine summer season.
Franny, would you lead us
in grace, please?
- Yes, ma'am.
- Mom, can I say it?
Raymond!
Of course you can.
Bless us...
- Lord.
- ...Lord,
and these gifts that
we're about to eat.
And thank you for
the friends and family
that are gathered here
with us,
and keep us safe...
Adult Jennifer:
How do people change?
When I was a child,
I was obsessed
with changing myself.
Now I don't even remember
how I got here.
Or who I used to be.
( liquid pouring )
Jennifer:
Wow, look at you.
Woman:
You know, it's funny.
I don't remember anything
of what I learned,
riding-wise, from Mrs. G.
But I remember
learning discipline.
Yeah, me too.
Her idea that
you enduring pain
makes you better.
You know I, um,
I kept my horse there
after that summer.
Oh, you were lucky.
You got more time with her.
Yeah.
My parents, they never
would have let me stay.
I was an only child,
so they watched me like a hawk.
Well, I was one of five,
so they barely noticed
- if I wasn't there.
- ( both laugh )
You know, I found some
photos from that summer.
- Oh, great.
- Thought you might
like to see them.
Do you ever see Mrs. G
at riding events or...?
Oh, I saw Franny
a few years back. I--
- You did?
- Yeah.
She said something
about Mrs. G.
Oh, look how beautiful.
There's some great ones
of Franny, too.
But I couldn't seem
to find any of you.
You were such a tiny
little thing,
so much smaller
than Franny and I.
- Was I?
- You almost looked
like a little boy.
- What?
- So afraid
that you barely said
two words.
( vehicle approaches,
engine turns off )
( brake ratchets,
car doors open and close )
Huh.
Mother:
I didn't know you were here.
"Hello, Mother."
"Hello, Jennifer."
Looking for pictures
from '73.
Not in that book. Here.
Oh. Yeah.
Look at me.
No, no, no, that's later.
That's '75.
You were already 15
here in this picture.
Let me show you 13.
There.
That's 13.
I was so little.
Yeah.
( both panting )
Adult Jennifer:
Why are you telling
this story, Jenny?
I always wanted
to have a story to tell,
but nothing ever happened
to me before.
Ah-- It's hot.
Be careful.
Don't tell anyone.
It's our secret.
- Mom, can I say it?
- Raymond!
Raymond:
Bless us, Lord,
and these gifts
that we're about to eat.
Thank you for friends...
Young Jennifer:
I'd like to begin this story
by telling you something
so beautiful.
( knock on door,
door opens )
Wakey-wakey!
Time to run.
Meet outside
in 10 minutes.
No stragglers.
( door closes )
Young Jennifer:
She was the most beautiful
woman I had ever met.
Every girl wanted
to be just like her.
Becky and Franny did.
I did.
Mrs. G.
Good morning.
We'll be running every morning
before our first ride,
with Bill.
You're very lucky.
Bill is an excellent coach.
He will teach you to go beyond
the complaints of your bodies.
Running gives us stamina.
Makes us into
excellent riders.
( horse whinnying )
Mrs. G:
Good morning.
Bill:
Good morning, girls.
- This is Franny...
- Hi. Bill.
- Becky...
- Hi.
and Jenny.
I'm so happy
to meet you.
Jane has already told me
a lot about you.
So, here we go.
Jane, why don't you run scout,
I'll run gunner.
We'll see how everyone does,
and then we'll switch it up
in the middle.
- Mrs. G: Come along, girls!
- Bill: All right.
Bill:
I am Nouga and you are Neets!
When I say Nouga,
you say Neets!
- Nouga!
- All: Neets!
- Nouga!
- Neets!
- Nouga! Nouga!
- Neets! Neets!
- Nouga!
- Neets!
Okay, Franny,
you're doing great.
- Just walk for a few minutes.
- Okay.
Jane?
Mrs. G:
Good girl, Jenny.
I'll walk with them.
Meet you at the top.
- Nouga!
- Neets!
- Nouga! Nouga!
- Neets! Neets!
- Nouga!
- Neets!
- Nouga! Nouga!
- Neets! Neets!
Martin?
Franny?
( tapping keyboard )
Jennifer:
Funny how you live with people
in your mind.
Inside of you,
they're always the same.
And you live
with them happily.
Never wanting
anything to change.
Jennifer:
As documentarians,
you all have been developing
your own unique skills,
unconsciously,
since you were born.
I'll speak from my experience.
I was a super-shy kid.
I felt invisible.
At home, at school.
So I learned to adapt.
I taught myself the skill
of being a chameleon
so that I could fit
into people's worlds,
their environment...
and have some friends.
( laughter )
Let's try something.
Joe, how would you like
to be a guinea pig today?
Sure.
Everybody say hi to Joe.
All:
Hey, Joe.
( applause )
So, we learn about the truth
by reading people, right?
It's how we get
to know them.
So, what about Joe?
His body language--
it's defensive.
- Well, you're--
- ( students laugh )
Let's change it up, Joe.
All right, so there's a point.
We learn a lot
from people's bodies.
They tell us a lot.
So let's keep investigating.
What else?
Are you depressed, Joe?
No.
Do we believe Joe?
Do you believe yourself?
A little bit.
So, good point.
So that means he didn't
tell you the truth.
Right?
So how do we get to know?
How do we go beyond
what the person is telling us?
- Yeah?
- How do we know when
- we've crossed the boundary?
- ( cell phone vibrates )
Excuse me.
One second, guys. Sorry.
Keep talking to Joe.
( cell phone vibrating )
Hey, Franny?
Franny:
Jenny Fox, is that you?
Hi! How good
to hear from you.
So surprised
to get your message.
Yeah!
What happened to your
outside leg?
- Hello?
- Yeah.
You know, the other left one?
Are you talking to me?
Sorry, I'm in the middle
of work.
- Where are you?
- Oh, you don't know?
I manage Mrs. G's farm.
Have for years.
Oh, wow, I didn't--
No, I didn't know.
- Oh.
- It would just--
it would be so amazing
to come visit
and maybe see you
and Mrs. G.
Do you still ride?
Jenny?
Um, not as much
as I used to.
Jennifer:
They invited me to lunch.
Mother:
Are you wearing a wire?
- What? No.
- Oh, you should have a wire.
I thought Martin was gonna
to help you, no?
You have to record
everything.
Mom, no.
Martin's not gonna
help me,
and I'd be way too nervous
to wear a wire.
Just tell me you're gonna
ask about Bill.
I don't know.
I'm gonna play it by ear.
Okay, but don't forget--
tempus fugit.
Jennifer:
What does that even mean?
Mother:
You took Latin, look it up.
No, Ma, that was one
of your other kids.
Oh, who could keep track?
Okay, bye.
Mrs. G:
Right, girls. Here we go now.
- Now you missed a spot.
- Becky: Sorry, Mrs. G.
Mrs. G:
You can do better than that.
See here.
- Finish.
- Mm-hm.
Good girl.
What's going on here?
Sorry, Mrs. G.
No excuses.
Come on.
( horse hooves clopping )
Jennifer:
Mrs. G, Franny.
So good to see you.
That coat.
I feel like I remember
from years past.
It's ancient.
Fran:
Ah, here are our drinks.
What are we having, Fran?
Uh, yeah.
Okay, Mary, Mother will
have the onion soup...
You know, I have
a lot of regrets.
You do?
I would change so many things
if I could go back in time.
What would you change?
Jenny, you gonna eat?
Uh...
sorry, yeah, I'll just have
a mixed green salad.
Thanks.
Let's slow down, eh?
I don't think I know
where you're from,
or maybe I never knew.
- But you're from London?
- No, West Country.
I grew up on a farm.
But my mum preferred
the dogs over me.
I was taken away and put in
a children's home quite young.
Right out of Dickens.
I've been wanting
to ask you...
Better just
get it over with.
No need to wallow.
Ray passed away
two years ago.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
Dr. G has cancer. He's lived
with it for a long time.
No one thought he would
live this long.
So there.
You know everything.
Now we can change
the subject.
It's funny, I didn't even think
about asking about Dr. G.
I feel bad. I just--
I assumed
they were divorced.
Why would you say that?
She and Dr. G are absolutely
devoted to one another.
Right.
But what about Bill?
What happened to him?
I don't know what
happened to him.
I don't have any idea.
Jennifer:
Why am I doing this?
Mother:
Don't question yourself now.
You're doing everything right.
I said I wanted
a riding lesson.
Oh, that's smart.
Build a rapport.
Connect at her level.
I don't know, what if she
finds out I'm lying?
I mean, I haven't ridden
since I was a kid.
It's just like riding a bike,
honey.
You'll be fine.
Don't worry about it.
She's an old woman.
She's broken, you know?
She's different
than you,
and she's had a hard life.
We've all had a hard life.
She looks nothing
like I remember, you know?
Like, she looked like
such a giant to me then.
You must push yourselves
beyond all boundaries.
No limits!
My mom said Ray isn't even
Dr. G's kid. She's divorced.
You don't know what
you're talking about.
Her first husband
killed himself.
( sighs )
Young Jennifer:
The day before the final
competition,
Mrs. G gave us a break
from training.
Five...
- ( giggles )
- Mrs. G: Jenny, come join us.
Becky:
Yeah, come on in, Jenny.
( laughing )
Becky:
Nouga, over here!
( playful shouting )
Young Jennifer:
Nouga promised to come
watch me ride.
Jennifer:
Why did we call him Nouga?
What does that mean?
Nothing. I don't know.
I never asked him.
Don't you think
it's a little cult-like?
No?
What?
I mean, I didn't think it
at the time.
But now, in retrospect...
you know, the whole
group thing.
Worshipping pain.
Endurance.
It's a bit religious,
don't you think?
Really?
Really, Jenny?
I expected
so much more of you.
- Hey, Jenny.
- Oh!
- Hey.
- Find it okay?
Franny, whoa.
She's out back.
Okay.
( horse nickers )
Mrs. G:
Yes, you're a beauty.
( continues nickering )
Come on.
Hello, Mrs. G.
Let's get you up in the saddle
and see what you can do.
Hope you don't
end up in the dirt
like last time we saw you.
Whoa, hold up.
Hold up there.
I don't know. He is huge.
Mrs. G:
This one's a shark.
Oh, what a shark.
But how the shark can move.
It's been a while.
Mrs. G:
Oh, nonsense.
You ready?
Okay.
There we go.
Mr. Shark's got
perfect conformation,
but he was too small
for breeding,
so they cut him
and put him up for sale.
He's a giant.
Let's see if I can do this.
( clicks tongue )
Okay...
He needs contact
with your hands to feel you.
I haven't ridden in a while,
so maybe a calmer horse?
Nonsense.
Now, remember the position.
Heels down,
head up like a queen.
Arms down, Jenny.
You know, quiet hands,
quiet horse.
Hands down, Jenny.
Quiet hands, quiet horse.
You know this.
Yes, Mrs. G.
I'd love to be in that daydream.
It looks lovely in there.
- Is it nice?
- Yes!
Mrs. G:
Yes. Okay, well that horse
needs you to be present.
- Let's go.
- Okay, Mrs. G.
Mrs. G:
Okay, Mrs. G.
He can't feel you, Jenny,
he can't know what
you're asking for.
You are a beauty.
You look beautiful.
You are a beauty.
Good girl. Better.
Canter now.
No excuses.
Canter now.
Canter now.
The body remembers everything.
It really does.
Good girl, Jenny!
Let's go!
Take that jump again.
Come on.
( whinnies )
( grunts )
I-- I'm sorry, I don't know
what happened.
Mrs. G:
No fretting. No, it's fine.
Get right back on that horse.
Here we go.
Good girl.
Up.
There we go.
Take a breath.
Okay.
Want you to use this.
We don't want that horse getting
any bad habits, do we?
Remember: no bad horses,
only bad riders.
There are no bad horses,
only bad riders. Right?
- Yes, Mrs. G.
- Okay, let's take it again.
Back on the rein-in, girls.
Let's canter, please.
Want you to take
that jump again.
Thank you so much
for joining us today
for our final demonstration of
the girls' summer intensive.
Today, they will be
mock competing
in three very
demanding events.
So let's wish them all
good luck.
( applause )
( whispers )
Jenny. Jenny, your mother
just called me.
Your sister's
broken her arm.
Okay. I'm fine.
Mrs. G:
They won't be able to pick you
up till tomorrow.
( horse whinnies )
( applause )
( ringing bell )
( applause )
Go, Jenny!
( cheers and applause )
Bill and I want
to take you out for dinner.
Now?
Yeah.
- Are you serious?
- Yeah, you hungry?
- Yeah!
- Come on. I'm starving.
The guy from Geralyn Hall
left a message
saying they're booked
all of July.
But I think you
should call him.
You know, you talk people
into anything.
Oh, yeah?
Do I talk you into everything?
Look at what I'm doing.
Cooking.
Chili powder, maybe?
- For a little...
- Yes.
Yes, that would be great.
- ...pinch.
- I'll work the chili powder.
So how was--
how was the hall you
went to see this weekend?
It's supposed
to be a good one.
I'm excited about it.
If I could read
your mind, love
( singing along )
What a tale
your thoughts could tell
Just like a paperback novel
The kind that
drugstores sell
When you reach the part
Where the heartaches come
The hero would be me
There you go.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
Bill:
I have been very impressed
with your running
this summer, Jenny.
Really.
But I want you to consider
joining my inner-city
running team
when you come back
from vacation.
You serious?
I am serious.
You have talent.
And, more importantly,
you have guts.
Without guts,
talent is wasted.
Yeah.
Strong body, strong mind.
- Yeah.
- Say it.
- Strong body, strong mind.
- There you go.
( chuckles )
It's just--
it's just so hard to leave.
You'll be all right.
You'll be fine.
Jane tells me that
you're quite a storyteller.
Do you know I write, too?
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Poetry.
( laughs )
Can I write you
when I'm on vacation?
- I'd love that.
- We would love that.
Bill:
You can write us
and you can tell us
anything you want.
Anything.
There are no secrets
at this table.
And we don't want to keep
any secrets from you, either.
Jane and I have talked,
and we've decided that
we want us all to be equals.
And we respect you
too much to lie.
So we want you to know
that Jane and I are lovers.
How do you feel?
Well, I'm happy for you.
I'm happy you have each other.
I don't want you to be miserable
like my parents.
- You see?
- Dear girl.
Told you she has
a deep soul.
Young Jennifer:
How did they know they could
trust me with their secret?
Both:
That I would never
break their confidence?
The other girls would have
told on them.
Adult Jennifer:
I would never tell my parents,
or the other adults.
It was like an unspoken oath.
And I felt proud of it.
What are you doing now?
Hey.
They sent me
a bunch of letters.
Where's the rest
of the stuff from my room?
Letters are in this box.
Mom, how long did you know
these were here?
How come you didn't
give me these before?
I found them when
I found your story.
And I didn't give them
to you because...
( clears throat )
Because I was ashamed.
"My Dear Jenny,
"I was so sad reading
your special letters..."
Young Jennifer:
I hate being home.
Even in this beautiful place,
my brothers and sisters
never stop fighting.
My mom and grandmother
yell at them constantly.
Bill:
"It's easier to be unhappy
in this world.
"It has been burned
into my brain
"that it is I
that is selfish.
I take, they give."
Mrs. G:
"My dear Jenny,
"Nouga and I shared
our cards from you,
"your poems of pathos.
I hope you don't mind.
"You have some very special
kind of beauty, Jenny,
and it's natural
to want to share..."
Young Jennifer:
I'm so confused.
But at the same time,
I feel free.
It's getting to where one
can't walk in broad daylight.
And that one goes running
around at all hours.
A woman was raped last year
over on Spencer.
Aaron:
What are you going on about?
Jenny, can you go
get your brother?
It's time for dinner.
We talked about this.
I will not have your mother
instilling fear in my children.
Can you just keep
your voice down?
She gave up her summer
to help me.
This is still my house.
I-I know...
Mrs. G:
Jenny, I feel for you.
Growth always means change.
But then Nouga says
change is almost
always painful,
and thus pain is joy.
So we smile again.
Bill:
Dear Jenny,
try to continue
with your running.
Before long, the pleasure
of doing it will appear again.
Each day, the well-done piece
will build your confidence.
Young Jennifer:
Is your horse
a boy or a girl?
Boy:
It's a boy.
- It's a beautiful horse.
- Thanks.
Mrs. G:
So glad you've made a new
friend, my dear Jenny.
Bill:
This wonderful experience
will only open new worlds
for you to come.
But do not rush.
You have plenty of time
to enjoy everything.
- Mom? Dad? Are you in there?
- ( knocking )
Would you keep it down,
please?
Your father and I are trying
to take a nap.
Sorry, Mom,
but it's very important.
My friend, well,
he invited me to the fair.
We'll be back by 9:00.
Wait, who invited you?
A new friend from the stable.
Lucas Mendelssohn.
- His family's from Texas.
- Of course not, Jenny.
We don't know his family,
and you know the rule.
Aaron:
You know we have dinner
reservations with the Wheelers.
Now go get dressed.
He's flying home
with his family tomorrow.
Please? We'll be back
right at 9:00.
I don't want
to repeat myself.
And you heard your father.
This is an important dinner.
Your dad's gonna close
the financing
on the new development,
so go get dressed.
They said I can't go.
Well, maybe my mom
can call your mom.
But it won't matter.
It's just one of
their stupid rules.
I hate them.
Mother:
Young lady.
What did we just discuss?
( sobbing softly )
( sniffles )
( mouse button clicks )
( sighs )
( tap water running )
( knock at door )
Babes. Babe?
Come on, let's go.
We're all waiting in the car.
I don't want to go.
Honey, what was the name
of your friend?
That boy, his family?
What was his name?
- Mendelssohn.
- Mendelssohn.
That's right.
I knew I knew the name.
I played golf
with his father
two weeks ago.
Joel Stern brought him
to the club.
- ( car horn blares )
- Anyway, come on. Move it.
Let's go.
( door closes )
Young Jennifer:
I have made a decision.
I'm taking my life
into my own hands.
That fall, every Friday,
my dad picked me up from school
and dropped me off
at Mrs. G's.
Hi, my love.
Let me look at you.
Someone's kept up
with her training.
Adult Jennifer:
I have made a decision.
I'm taking my life
in my own hands.
That fall, every Friday,
Mrs. G picked me up from school
and took me to her farm.
Young Jennifer:
It was pure bliss.
It was heaven.
I was finally home.
Adult Jennifer:
I was finally home.
We tell ourselves stories
in order to live.
So, what's your story?
What story are you
gonna tell?
( typing )
Thank you.
( spits )
Mrs. G:
I think we should
tell your parents
about visiting Bill
at his house.
What do you think?
I don't think
they'd understand.
Ha! They don't
understand anything.
( moaning )
Young Jennifer:
It's like if I was invisible.
Like if I didn't
even exist.
Well, your parents are just
afraid of the world.
They're just afraid of living,
of being free.
They cannot accept that
you are becoming a woman.
They can't see you
the way that we can.
They're such hypocrites.
I hate them.
Mrs. G:
You shouldn't hate them, Jenny.
You should pity them.
They're just not brave
like you are.
You're not
afraid of life.
Right Jenny?
You're not afraid of living.
How about this?
We will form our own family
based on complete honesty
and love.
Hiding nothing,
revealing everything.
Just the truth.
And we'll never lie
to each other.
Bill:
Never.
Like the rest
of the world does.
Bill:
That's exactly right.
I have to go. We have to go.
Come on, missus.
I haven't even
made dinner.
Young Jennifer:
When it came time to leave,
we had to hurry.
Mrs. G:
You know how he gets
when he hasn't got his dinner.
Young Jennifer:
Dr. G always got mad
if we came home late.
It's always you two
going off.
Jane, why doesn't Jenny
have dinner with me tonight?
And that way we get
a little bit more time
to talk about
all this stuff?
Then if it gets too late, you
can sleep in my son's old room
and I'll bring her over
first thing tomorrow morning.
( laughs )
How does that sound?
It's not up to me.
Jenny can make her own mind up.
Can't you?
Bill:
Good.
Then it's decided.
Adult Jennifer:
What did I say?
I have to go either way.
I don't remember.
I must have said something.
I only remember them.
Why can't I remember myself?
Did I say yes?
Why would you do that?
Well...
( tap water turns off )
...it's my life.
I can make my own decisions.
Adult Jennifer:
Really? You think so?
Yeah.
So, what did you say?
Well, I said yes,
because I want to prove to Bill
and Mrs. G that I'm mature.
But that's not what you wrote.
You wrote that you don't
want to be here.
That you want to go back
with Mrs. G to her house.
Look in your notebook.
It's right there.
That's just a fiction story.
What do you mean fiction?
We wrote this as--
It's a version
of what happened.
What does that mean?
A lot of it's true.
My teacher says that all stories
are based on the writer's life.
You don't know what's
about to happen.
I know Mrs. G
much better than Bill,
but Bill is not
gonna hurt me.
- What if you're wrong?
- Stop!
You've become just like
all of them.
You just want to tell me
what to do.
It's my life. Mine.
Not yours.
Let me live!
What if you're wrong?
I never saw
a gold medal before.
( laughs )
- Pretty cool, huh?
- Yeah.
Watch out!
( laughs )
I picked out a book of poetry
that I wanted to show you.
It's Rumi.
( exhales )
I have wanted
to show you this
since the first time
I read your writing,
because it reminded me
of you.
- Really?
- ( chuckles )
You'll see.
Okay...
here we go.
Start there,
and just read it
out loud.
But I'm not a very good reader.
Oh, I am sure you read
beautifully.
Okay.
"Make yourself free from self
at one stroke.
"Like a sword without
a trace of soft iron.
"Like a steel mirror,
scours off all rust
with contrition."
All rust with contrition.
"That you may see
your own pure, bright essence."
Nouga, it's so beautiful.
Bill: Yes.
I just knew you would like it.
I just knew it.
Jenny, are you cold?
Your hands are trembling.
Um, they always shake.
( fire crackling
in fireplace )
I meant to light the fire,
but now it's too late.
You shouldn't freeze.
Are you feeling okay?
Yeah.
Maybe I should
just call Mrs. G--
No, no, I'm okay.
I-- I feel fine.
I don't want to go home.
Look.
Okay, well, then why don't you
read the other poem
that's in there
with the page turned down.
Yes! That's my favorite.
"Call of Love."
And I'll be right back.
I'm going to get you a blanket.
Um, okay.
"At every instant
"and from every side
resounds the call of love."
Bill:
I can't hear you!
"We are going to heaven.
"Who wants to come with us?
"We have been the friends
of the angels.
"We will go back there,
for there is our country."
Okay, now move back.
( chuckles )
All right, you'll feel
a lot warmer in a second.
How's that?
Is that better?
Yeah.
"We are higher than heaven."
Okay, now scoot over.
I'm cold now.
Don't stop.
You're doing great.
"More noble than the angels.
"Why not go beyond them?
- Our goal--"
- Jenny, you are so special.
Did you know that?
You're so deep.
"Our goal is
the supreme majesty.
What has the fine pearl--"
I want to save you
from all of those...
stupid young boys out there.
I think you are...
perfect.
"Why-- Why have--"
Jenny...
would you do something for me?
Would you let me see you?
Will you just show me
what you look like without...?
Okay.
- ( laughs )
- Are you shy?
Do you think I want you
to have big breasts like Mrs. G?
I don't.
Do you want to take
your shirt off?
Yeah?
O-- Okay.
Okay.
Bill:
You've been preparing
for this moment.
I don't think we should tell
Mrs. G about us.
I don't think
she's quite ready.
Do you want to keep reading?
Hey.
Hey, what are you doing?
What are you doing?
What are you doing,
reading my childhood things?
Who are they from?
Who wrote them?
From the relationship
I told you about.
They're from an adult man.
Yeah. I told you he was older.
Just please don't
go through my things.
I mean, how old was he?
He's 40, I don't know.
That's rape.
That's illegal.
Babe...
How old were you?
Like 13, 14?
It was the '70s,
and people didn't
talk about it like that.
But babe the '70s, '80s,
it doesn't matter.
I don't want you
to justify this.
I'm not trying
to justify it, okay?
It was my childhood,
and these things happened to me
and it's just, you know,
I'm just saying,
it was complicated.
You talked about
the relationship,
but this is a grown man.
He was my coach.
But what does that have
to do with it?
He was 40 years old.
He was my age.
Taking advantage
of a child.
Babe...
this was important to me.
And I'm trying
to figure out why, okay?
These people were
important to me.
People?
Who are these people?
I saw a letter from a woman.
Who was that?
That was my riding teacher.
She introduced him to me,
you know?
And she was there that summer.
- That's why I went to see her.
- But, you--
I am trying to figure it out.
Why do you want to find them
when you're the victim?
I'm not saying that to--
Okay, I am not a victim.
I don't need you or anybody,
to call me a victim, okay?
Because you don't have
a fucking clue about my life.
So we need
to stop this now.
Let me just figure
this out for myself.
Jennifer, I don't
know your life?
After six years?
Have you ever thought
about seeing a therapist?
If you knew me,
you'd know I ain't going
to see a therapist.
I'm gonna figure
this out myself.
Did you ever even look
at the ring I brought you?
Do you think I give a shit
about a ring?
That's you again,
not knowing me.
- ( door buzzer )
- Your car is here.
I'm not going to leave
with us like this.
I'm not going to.
Look, Jennifer, let's--
let's talk.
- I want to be here for you--
- Please! Please! Please go.
I'm not leaving like this.
Good! Then I'll leave.
- So you stay.
- So-- No, no, no.
- You stay. No, you stay.
- All right, look,
- you don't have to leave.
- And I'll get my shit together.
I want you the fuck
out of here!
Go, or I go.
Go, or I go.
And when I come back,
we're going to have
to talk about this.
Why did you pick me?
I'm a skinny, flat-chested,
introverted kid.
You can't see yourself.
I keep working
on your self-image,
but you're so stubborn,
so attached to your drama.
Adult Jennifer:
Becky was so much prettier.
Becky was closed off already.
You're an adult now, Jenny.
You tell me.
How do you find freshness
in the world of adults?
Look at yourself.
Look at me.
Doubtful, jaded.
Unable to be surprised.
I'm dying in my own skin.
I wish you could see yourself
the way I see you.
That earnestness,
the devotion, the love.
An adult cannot love like that.
Only children can.
It's so pure.
You still believe
in possibilities.
As I do.
As I do. See?
Adult Jennifer:
Two peas in a pod?
Yes, exactly.
I hoped you would save me
from my family.
Didn't I?
( sighs )
God, I feel crazy.
Maybe I'll get into a crash
and the...
car'll catch on fire.
The whole thing'll
go up in flames.
All my secrets.
History erased in a flash.
Just like that.
( TV blares in background )
- Bill: Hello.
- Hi.
You must be Mrs. Fox.
Yes.
How lovely
to finally meet you.
These are for you.
Oh, thank you.
And, uh, for your--
for your husband.
- Mother: Oh. Um--
- Bill: I'm a big fan.
Been following his progress
in the local papers.
Jane wanted me to tell you
that she is so sorry
that she couldn't
pick Jenny up tonight.
Um, but she asked me to.
This house is right on
my way home from work.
I live across the field
from Mrs. Gramercy?
She's...
- You coach Jenny's running?
- Bill: Yes.
- Please, Mom.
- Bill: Yes I do.
She's a very
talented runner.
She shows a lot of promise.
You should be very proud.
- I am proud.
- Okay...
- Let's go.
- A wonderful, wonderful girl.
All right, please tell
Mrs. Gramercy
I'd like Jenny home Sunday
by 5:00 p.m. sharp,
so she can get
her homework done.
Absolutely.
One of us will have her back
in time Sunday night.
- Okay, let's go.
- Don't have to worry.
- All right.
- ( chuckles )
Uh, bye.
( sighs )
( fire crackling )
Young Jennifer: I find that
I trust him so much,
I never realize
where he's leading me.
( laughs )
Just breathe.
( exhales )
Once we're that far,
I don't know how to say no.
( Bill grunts )
It's okay.
Young Jennifer: I love him.
He loves me.
Not yet.
We have to keep
stretching you open slowly.
No young boy would ever
do this for you.
But I'm not giving up.
I'm ready for you.
( jiggles door handle )
Ohh. Oh!
Hey.
Good morning.
Thanks, Mom.
Oh, my God,
I fell asleep.
Well, that's a good
look for you.
- ( sighs )
- ( laughs )
Trashed.
Oh, my God,
I'm just locked in.
I can't--
I can't turn it off right now.
Do you think Bill
and Mrs. G
paid extra attention to me
because Dad was like
a big developer back then?
( scoffs ) No,
that didn't have anything
to do with it.
It was because you were
an unusual child,
and you knew
how to talk to adults.
I was thinking about the first
time that you met him.
You know when he came here
to pick me up?
Oh, I'll never forget that day.
You kidding?
All my antenna went off.
As soon as you were
out of the house with him,
I ran to your father.
- Flowers.
- Aaron: Yeah.
He gave me flowers.
And look, he gave you
a gift, too.
Here.
Why would anyone do that?
Just like your mother.
You think the world
is full of danger.
Our daughter spends
every weekend in the home
of a divorced woman
on her second marriage.
Nadine, what are you
even talking about?
What do we really
know about her?
And now this Bill?
Jennifer:
Mom, sorry.
I just-- Can we go-- Ow!--
Can we go inside the house?
- Oh, yeah, sure.
- Yeah, sorry. I just--
- Here, I'll take your bag.
- Okay, thanks.
Didn't Bill bring Dad,
like, a paperweight?
Yeah.
He did.
Was it like Christmas
or something?
No, it wasn't Christmas.
It was autumn.
Jennifer: You and Dad
were going somewhere
'cause Grandma was here
babysitting.
Mother:
Was she? I don't remember.
Jennifer:
He wasn't taking me
to Mrs. G's.
I just wanted to say
that I'm glad you guys
are all here.
I wanted to share
my good fortune
with the people
that I love.
My boys, and Jenny.
So, cheers.
( engine starts )
- What was that man
doing to you?
- Nothing!
Grandmother:
What do you mean, nothing?!
- ( lock clicks )
- ( banging on door )
You wait until
I tell your parents!
Adult Jennifer:
Grandma knew, right?
So you knew something.
What are you talking about?
No.
Well, I mean she saw
Bill and I, out front, kiss,
and she said she was
gonna tell you.
My mother saw you?
She didn't tell you something
about seeing us kiss?
- She said she was gonna tell.
- No, absolutely not.
I would've killed him.
( sighs )
Of course, whenever I asked you
about Bill, you did lie.
Yeah, and you lied
to yourself.
Whoa, wait a minute.
I asked you specifically
if Bill and Mrs. G
were having an affair,
and you looked me right
in the eye and you said no.
Why are you
so angry now?
Well, why are you not angry?
That's what I want to know.
How would you--
How would you feel
if it was your daughter?
What would you do? Huh?
Mom, you knew something.
You told Dad,
and he talked you out of it.
That's true.
You were following Dad's rules,
just like Mrs. G
followed Bill's rules.
Are you equating me with Mrs. G
and you father with that--?
No, no. Mom, listen.
I'm saying it's complicated.
I'm saying she was
deeply insecure,
she was probably sexually
abused herself as a kid.
Probably.
Trust me....
I know.
It can damage
your boundaries.
At last, you admit
you were damaged.
( sighs )
Fine, Mom.
There's a question I've been
wanting to ask
since I read your story.
Yeah?
Did you like it?
Mom...
I was a kid.
Why are you
asking me that?
I just don't understand.
Why did you keep
going back?
I got something else.
What? Tell me.
I want to know.
Love. I...
I wanted somebody
to think I was special.
Well...
you were always
special to me.
Mom, Jesus.
And then after that,
you became so promiscuous.
You slept with
all kinds of men.
Foreign men,
married men...
You didn't care
about the wives.
- Mom...
- You didn't care
about anything.
You sound very
old-fashioned.
That's old-fashioned, huh?
You were with one man
your entire life.
I didn't-- I didn't want
to be stuck like that.
I didn't want to be like you.
Excuse me.
( typing )
Narrator:
Bill Allens has stood on
the podium in 1960 and 1964.
When he moved to teaching
at the university,
his vision extended
far beyond the valley.
- Bill: And lunges.
- Bill became a coaching legend.
- And now butt kicks.
- ( blows whistle )
He would cultivate his
larger-than-life image
at universities
all across the country.
Woman:
Coach Allens picked me out
of a crowd and believed in me.
They called his relay team
the island of the misfit toys.
( laughs )
We were all kids
who no one would have noticed,
but he saw our talent
and he just pushed us to excel.
Bill:
And we all want to win,
but that's secondary.
What's most important
is that we feel
that we've done this
as a team.
And we've learned to persevere
and strive for excellence.
And I hope that you
think of this time fondly,
and that it helped make you
who you are.
- ( mouse button clicks )
- Man: William P. Allens.
Yeah, he coached at
the university from '71 to '82.
You said that
he sexually abused you in '73.
But, um-- we were--
we had a relationship.
Okay, um, I'm very sorry.
I'm-- I'm very sorry.
I hope this helps.
I was able to get
his phone number
from one of my investigators.
Oh.
Thank you.
I assume you're in the process
of building a case against him.
No, I just, um,
I just wanted to know
what's happened to him,
you know,
since me and...
why he left the
university after '82.
( line out ringing )
Answering machine:
Hello, you've reached
William Allens.
Best in Sports.
Leave a message
and I'll return your call--
Well, you probably have
your answer for that.
I mean if he abused--
if you had a relationship,
that usually means
that there were others.
- Others?
- There's never only one.
Adult Jennifer:
Detective Amato said something
about others.
Mother:
Can he find them?
I don't--
Mom, there weren't others.
I would have known.
Oh, for God's sakes.
Honestly, sometimes I find it
hard to believe
you're my own child.
( gasps )
( line out rings )
Bill:
Hello, you've reached
William Allens.
Best in Sports.
Leave a message
and I'll return your call
at my earliest convenience.
( answering machine beeps )
Hey, Bill, uh, this is J--
this is Jenny Fox.
( printer whirring )
Adult Jennifer:
Many, many young athletes.
How many others were there?
Was I the youngest?
Someone else must have known
about me.
There must have been
a witness.
Who are you?
Mrs. G:
The secret to the perfect
apple pie...
- ( whinnies )
- Don't tell anyone, though.
It's our secret.
Aaron:
Jews were not allowed
to ride horses,
because no Jew could be
higher than a Russian.
- Really?
- Yeah.
Bill:
I don't think we should
tell Mrs. G about us.
Use that crop, Jenny.
Bill: I don't think
she's quite ready.
There's always blood
the first time.
( horse galloping )
You remember me,
don't you, silly?
Sure. That's Iris.
She was the college student
that ran Mrs. G's barn.
She was so sweet.
I don't remember.
Was she around all the time?
She was there
the day that Mrs. G
put you on her stallion,
Puff.
Such a cute kid.
A lot of heart, that one.
She's made huge
improvements
this summer--
leaps and bounds.
Woman:
Funny, now that we're
talking about it,
there's something else
I remember.
Isn't he gorgeous?
She is.
( laughs )
Have you lost weight, Becky?
- I've noticed it too.
- Mm.
You're lookin'
really good.
Adult Becky:
I'm sure Bill didn't mean
anything by it,
- but I was so repressed--
- Keep up your training,
you'll be able to compete
with us in the fall.
Love for you to join
my inner-city running team.
Becky:
I couldn't handle him
noticing me, you know,
as a woman.
Do you know how
to get in touch
with Iris?
Oh, not a clue.
I don't think I even
knew her last name.
But Mrs. G would know.
She was so close with her.
Mrs. G:
You've reached
the Gramercy residence.
Please leave a message
for Dr. G or I
- after the beep tone.
- ( beep )
Hel-- Hello, Jane,
it's Jennifer Fox.
Sorry I missed you.
I'm just-- it's funny,
I'm near your house.
I just thought it would be
lovely to come by
and say hello again.
Shit.
( sighs )
I'm ready to make a group
beyond marriage.
Marriage is terrible.
Beyond all formal rules
of commitment.
Jenny, do you trust me?
Yeah.
Do you want
to come with me?
I want us to make
a real group.
You, me, Mrs. G, and Iris.
Adult Jennifer: Iris.
...visiting my mom and...
- Of course not.
- I'm so sorry.
Oh, I brought you
a bottle of wine.
Oh!
But when I was
at my mom's,
I found some treasures
of you competing.
Oh. I wanted
to compete again
this summer,
but with Anthony sick,
I can't plan anything.
I wake up every morning
and don't know if I'll be able
to leave the house.
I understand.
That must be so hard.
Oh, thank you.
So, I found some pictures
you might find amusing
from the summer that
I stayed here with you.
Mm.
Let's see.
Do you recognize that lady?
Oh, my! That is a good
picture of me.
I don't have any good photos
of me at all.
Remember these girls?
Who is this?
Me.
I was trying
to remember, uh...
who was the older girl?
Very pretty brunette
who was there that summer?
Iris Rose.
- Yeah.
- Can you imagine?
Two flowers for a name.
God, she was beautiful.
- Yeah.
- She was in college.
She worked for me all that year.
Yeah, I remember that.
Do you know how
to get a hold of Iris?
What's this?
Oh, I didn't mean to-- uh...
it's Bill.
I-I-I was looking
on the Internet,
and there was a--
a book on American running,
and they--
they had a whole, um...
Yeah, what--
what happened to Bill?
I don't know.
Uh--
Let me get my glasses.
There were two chapters
dedicated to him
and all about his coaching.
I guess they've named a wing
after him at a university.
Last I heard,
his sister called me,
trying to find Bill,
because their...
their mother...
Let's get you that map.
I'll give you directions
to get out of here so--
Franny told me that you had
trained for the World Games,
so I was sure he trained you.
No, he didn't.
She was wrong.
I wasn't in the World Games,
although I have won
several gold medals.
I loved you and Bill
so much.
Here's the turnoff
for the interstate.
( whispers )
I just need to know
what happened.
You just follow
this road out here.
- It isn't hard.
- You must've known.
It's a little dark out
right now.
And then you'll find
the turnoff
and you'll be on
the interstate in no time.
I need to talk about it
with someone who was there.
Please.
You can take the map
if you'd like.
You should go now.
It's very late.
I'm quite tired.
Jane, is somebody here?
- Jennifer: Ah, hello.
- Oh.
- It's-- It's Jenny Fox.
- Jenny! Jenny Fox!
- Yes.
- Ho ho ho!
Oh, good to see you.
- Jennifer: Hello, Dr. G.
- Dr. G: Jenny Fox.
Jenny just said that
she was leaving.
Oh.
Sorry, it's so late.
I know.
( sighs )
Mrs. G:
Oh, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny, Jenny,
with all your questions.
I feel like you want me
to apologize for something.
I'm not sure.
What do you want?
- Jennifer: No.
- No?
Okay.
I just want to know you.
You can't.
Adult Jennifer:
I'm trying to understand.
Mrs. G:
Do you know how lucky you were
to have a teacher like Bill?
He's so special.
I never had anyone like him.
You never win
without perseverance.
Just a little while longer,
and then it will be over,
and it will never hurt again.
You'll see.
( gasps )
( sighs )
Now you are a woman, my love.
( retches and coughs )
Professor Fox, are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Okay, so ordinarily I'd say
you should take the time
to build up trust
with your subject, right?
But, um...
sometimes you gotta
surprise 'em.
Right? To get beyond
their defenses.
So, Samantha,
why don't you...
tell us all about your
first sexual experience.
( students giggling )
( laughs )
Uh, yeah, okay.
I was...
I was 17.
His name was Rick.
Yeah, he was my age.
So, your childhood
sweetheart or whatever?
Yeah.
And did you enjoy it?
Did I enjoy it?
Um, yeah, I think.
Right, the whole thing
was actually just--
It was kind of sweet,
because we'd been
best friends since...
God, sixth grade?
You know, we had no idea
what we were doing.
We were just
a couple of kids.
Looking back on it, I...
I was younger than I thought
of myself to be, you know?
And yet, I'll never forget
in the moment,
there was just
so much tenderness.
I think I even had a little...
um...
you know.
You know what I'm saying.
No. What?
Uh...
I mean, if you're not going
to be able to talk about sex,
I don't know how you're going
to interview other people
about all kinds of shit, so...
Okay. Uh...
I think I had a little...
orgasm.
I don't know,
I wasn't expecting it.
I didn't know what it was.
It just-- It wasn't the same
as it is now.
You know, because in
the beginning it's like...
it's just like these little...
sparks.
And, I mean, it felt really...
just really natural, I think.
So it's a tough thing,
because what happens is,
especially at that age,
is that it feels good.
I mean, it feels good.
Someone is touching you
in an area that is sexual,
and so you kind of
enjoy it, and so--
- Jennifer: There's guilt.
- There's a sense of like...
well there's a sense of guilt,
of feeling like
you enjoyed this,
and not understanding
that it was--
it's not a good thing
and it's not appropriate.
Woman:
One needn't be ashamed.
I mean, you know...
I mean, otherwise we wouldn't
be able to live with ourselves.
( fast-forwarding audio )
I have friends who just,
like, go on about sex
like it's the most
amazing thing in the world,
and I just--
I can't relate.
Like, what? Why?
- You know?
- ( women laugh )
What's so fantastic
about it?
Because I also never orgasmed.
You know?
Jennifer:
Can you when you're alone?
Yeah. But never with someone.
Jennifer: Right.
Yeah, but I...
I feel like that's normal
for most women.
I wasn't abused,
but for me it took me years
to get comfortable,
to have an orgasm with a man.
I don't think that it has
anything to do with abuse.
( mouse button clicks )
( sighs )
( line out ringing )
Bill:
Hello, you've reached
William Allens.
Best in Sports.
Leave a message,
and I'll return your call
at my earliest convenience.
- ( answering machine beeps )
- Hey, Bill.
This is Jenny Fox
calling again.
I'm just-- I don't want
to keep calling and calling,
but I think we need to talk.
So can you please
call me back?
- ( cell phone vibrates )
- ( gasps )
- Hello?
- Amato: Hey, Jennifer.
It's Detective Amato.
Oh. Hey.
Listen, I thought you might
be interested to know,
there'll be a big event.
William Allens
is receiving an award.
- Oh...
- Also,
I found that woman
you were looking for.
Iris Rose?
She teaches middle school.
Okay, okay.
See how miserable people look
in their little nuclear units?
- Woman: Stop fighting.
- Man: Come on.
It's all those rules.
Monogamy. Marriage.
It's killing people.
Maybe it just depends
on the people.
Two tickets, please.
You really need to start
thinking more clearly, Jenny.
Thank you.
Jenny? Jenny?
Oh! Hey, Iris!
- How are you?
- Good! Good to see you!
- You too.
- I'm so glad you called.
Do you want to, um,
grab a tea or something?
Yeah, there's a little
place right down here
- that we can go.
- Okay, okay.
And you and Bill were, um...
were lovers, right?
Yes, um...
Mrs. G arranged that I would
work for him part-time
and work for her
the other time.
And I would work
in his garden.
And I remember
I was wearing a bikini,
and he invited me in.
Oh, it was the '70s.
Yeah, I remember him...
He said that...
I think you guys had a threesome
with Mrs. G, right?
He told you that?
Yeah.
Yeah, we did.
( laughs )
Yeah, we were lovers too.
You and Bill?
Mm-hmm.
But how old were you?
Thirteen.
So...
Wow. That---
That's the age of the kids
that I teach now.
Yeah, kids, right.
Do you have any
memory of, um...
Mrs. G and Bill
planning a foursome?
Do you remember that?
- With you?
- Yeah.
I think they were
planning a weekend,
like around here somewhere,
to go to a hotel...
I don't remember that at all.
The four of us?
Yeah, Bill and Mrs. G
and you...
bringing me into it.
Oh, damn it.
Wow.
Boy, I haven't thought
about that in a long--
long time.
Yeah.
How'd he
rope her into that?
Rope Mrs. G?
No, it was more like
she was the cat
bringing the mouse to him.
- Wow.
- Yeah.
How-- How--
So she was the one--
Oh, yeah, she was
totally into it.
Young Jennifer:
I've met two very
special people
whom I've come
to love dearly.
Mrs. G:
Jenny, I've got a crazy idea.
What if you kept your horse
with me all fall,
and then you could
visit on the weekends?
Mrs. G has a fantasy
of you sucking on her breast.
My beauties.
Jenny, what we really want to do
is explore our unconscious.
Bring it into consciousness.
Together.
In our family.
You'll have to tell your parents
that you have a track meet
in Delaware.
And then Mrs. G will
pick you up from school,
and Iris and I will meet you
at the hotel at 6:00.
And then we'll have you
back home Sunday night,
like usual.
Mrs. G:
Bill and I have already
spoken to Iris about it,
but we'd like you to bring
something special.
And don't forget
your running shoes.
Mom, did you get me
the juice I wanted?
Mother: Sue, you're getting it
all over--
Oh, here.
Here's your juice.
Hey, Harold, Harold, no.
Harold:
It's my favorite kind.
( overlapping chatter )
( kitchen timer dings )
Grandmother:
Darling, I'm sorry.
Sit. Go. Sit.
Go and sit!
Nana, do you like
my painting?
I love it. Go and sit!
( indistinct chatter )
Hey, Dad.
Hey, babe.
( cell phone vibrating )
Hello?
Martin: Jennifer.
- Hey.
- I've been calling you.
You haven't answered
any of my calls.
I even tried you
at the university.
Hello?
Martin, I gotta go meet him.
What are you--
what are you talking about?
I need to see him.
Look, I don't-- Jennifer--
I need to talk to him.
I need to try to...
He's not gonna
tell you anything.
...figure out who he is.
Listen, promise me,
Jennifer.
Promise me that you won't
do anything until I get there.
- I just want to understand.
- I'm on the next plane back.
- Jennifer, look...
- Babe, please.
...you cannot go there alone,
okay?
- Babe.
- Jennifer, listen to--
( alarm clock rings )
( turns off ringer )
( gags )
( spits and coughs )
( retches )
Oh, honey, sweetie...
I feel sick.
Yeah, you got
a little fever.
I think it's the flu
that's going around.
Come on.
We'll get you in bed.
But I have a track meet
this weekend.
Well, you'll have to cancel.
Please, Mom?
No. Nothing's that important.
I'll just call Mrs. G.
We'll tell her
you can't come.
Okay?
Let's get you in bed.
All right?
All right.
I'll come check on you
in a few minutes.
- ( birds tweeting )
- ( clock ticking )
Young Jennifer:
Just a few hours later,
my stomachache
was completely gone.
My body had told me what
my mind refused to accept.
I'm tired.
So tired.
Tired in ways
that I'm afraid.
The fear is a fear
of a broken dream.
I have made a decision.
Mother:
Go get your father.
It's time for dinner.
- Girl: Okay, Mom.
- Grandmother: Harold?
Mother:
Wait, Harold...
( indistinct chattering )
( line out ringing )
Bill:
Hello?
Hello? Bill?
Jenny!
I'm so happy you called.
I was worried sick.
Jenny? Are you--
are you there?
Yes, I'm here.
Did you go on...
with Jane and Iris
without me?
No, no.
None of us wanted to.
We all agreed,
we want to wait for you.
So, don't worry.
We will pick another weekend.
I don't want
to see you anymore.
Wait. It--
Is it your parents?
Because if it is,
I can talk to them.
They don't-- They don't
understand you the way that--
that I do.
And if you don't want
to do a weekend,
we don't have to.
I don't want
to see you anymore.
But Jenny...
( scoffs )
Jenny...
please.
I love you.
( sniffles )
I need you.
We can work everything out.
Please just...
please don't leave me.
I'm gonna hang up now.
Don't hang up, wait, wait--
Mother: Jenny?
Jenny, dinner!
( dialing )
( phone ringing )
Gramercy residence.
Jane speaking.
Hello.
It's Jenny.
I'm coming to pick up
my horse this weekend.
Fine.
( family chattering )
Stupid girl.
Stupid, stupid girl.
Mother:
Where's your father?
Young Jenny:
"We had a dream.
"A beautiful dream.
"We were going to fill the
emptiness in each of our souls
with love from the other."
Adult Jennifer:
What happened
with you and Bill?
Why'd you leave him?
Me leave him?
You don't know?
You were just
the beginning, Jenny.
There were so many others.
I tried to keep up,
but I'm old.
I'm old.
Young Jennifer:
"But as so many dreams,
reality does not hold true."
Adult Jennifer:
I couldn't ask for help.
I was waiting for you
to save me.
Somehow in my mind,
it couldn't be anybody else.
It had to be you.
Why didn't you?
No one saved me.
Young Jennifer:
"The pretty colors and ribbons
"I had decorated
Bill and Mrs. G with
"disintegrated,
"and they were left naked.
"The overwhelming
pain of weakness.
"The sickening fact of someone
"who once seemed
so strong.
Only to find that the strength
is only in their words."
Teacher:
Thank you, Jenny.
That's quite a powerful story.
Do you mind telling us
where you got it from?
Oh...
I made it up.
That's what I thought.
You see, class,
fiction allows us
to live things far outside
our own experiences...
( accordion playing )
Oh.
Mom, don't stop.
Oh, that's one of
my favorite memories.
In the summers,
after the ice cream truck,
all the kids
gathered around.
Listened to you play.
I don't have it
in my fingers anymore.
I failed.
I didn't want it
to be true.
I told myself
it couldn't be true.
I failed at the one thing
a mother is supposed to do.
Protect her child.
I am so sorry.
Adult Jennifer:
You lied to me.
You told me it was a good thing
all these years.
And it was.
I got an A.
An A? You think that matters?
That doesn't make it good.
You want me to be
some pathetic victim.
Well, you know what?
I'm not.
I've got something
no one else does.
I'm the teacher now.
Not just some invisible kid.
You'll never get married.
I don't want
to get married.
Have you not been
listening to me?
You'll never have children.
I hate children.
I don't want to have children.
I'm sure of that.
But I know one thing.
He loved me.
He cried.
He cried,
didn't you see?
And for years...
he's gonna send me cards.
Bill:
Dear Jenny, how was
your graduation?
Please give my best
to your folks.
Dear Jenny, with all
the trouble in Israel...
...I read about you
in the newspaper today...
...I hope you return
to your running.
Dear Jenny, I am so proud
of your growing career.
Dear Jenny, you were always
such a natural.
You see?
I'm not the victim
of this story.
I'm the hero.
He fell apart, not me.
Adult Jennifer:
You couldn't even think
that their lives
might continue without you.
That there would
be others.
You froze them in time,
didn't you?
But you know,
he's still alive,
and I'm gonna go
see him now.
No.
( school bell rings )
Emcee:
For his lifetime dedication
to the youth of Alexandria,
we would like to award
William P. Allens
this plaque of civic
excellence.
( applause )
Bill: Thank you all.
Thank you very much.
- I'm actually deeply touched.
- I'm here for you.
And this could not
have been done, obviously,
without you,
without your support,
the youth of this region,
they've learned
to persevere.
They've learned to strive
to excellence
as a measure of your focus,
your concern, your support.
- ( applause )
- Thank you.
Thank you.
( violin music plays )
( indistinct chatter )
- Hello.
- Hi.
I don't believe we've met.
I'm Jennifer.
Hmm.
How do you know William?
Uh, he was my
running coach.
Of course.
My husband is just
completely flattered
that so many of his
former students
- have come out to honor him.
- Husband?
Yeah. Would... would you
like to meet him?
Uh, say hello, yeah.
It's been a long time, so...
Okay.
Bill:
How are you feeling?
- Really well.
- Ah, good, that's good.
You're the best.
You're the best one we have.
- I'm not kidding.
- Hi, Bill.
Hey. Boy, your hair.
Such curls.
Looks beautiful.
Has anybody ever seen
such beautiful hair, huh?
Miss...?
Do you-- It's Jenny.
- Jen...
- Jenny Fox.
Um...
Jenny.
Well, I never expected
to see you here
in a million years.
Yeah, it's been difficult
getting a hold of you.
Jenny.
Well, I have the pit bull
Marge here.
- Jennifer: Yeah, we met.
- You got one of those?
No, no, I never got married.
You told me that was
selling out, remember?
You got me.
You got me with that one.
Yes, I remember that.
So how long has it been
exactly, what...
Time just flies away,
doesn't it?
Yeah, in a blink.
Blink.
And one wrong blink and you're
headed down the wrong path.
Excuse me, but how do you guys
know each other?
Bill was my coach.
Remember?
Bill:
Sure.
We had a good time--
When I was 13, right?
Yeah.
Natural athlete.
I used to love to watch you tuck
your shoulder into a turn and--
Pretty good in bed too, right?
Pardon me?
You know what I said.
You know what happened,
and so do I.
Bill:
I don't know what you--
what do you mean?
I wanted you to know I hated
every minute of it.
I don't have any idea
what you're talking about.
No? You don't remember me puking
every time we had sex?
And you would tell me maybe
it was because I was pregnant.
But that would be hard, because
I hadn't even got my period yet.
Remember that? Huh?
A 13-year-old kid?
- None of this is true.
- What happened to you
that you would do that to me?
- None of this is true.
- I thought we were lovers.
You didn't call me
your girlfriend?
That's not true.
That's not true.
You couldn't fit
your dick in me?
- You don't remember that?
- Ohh. Okay, Jenny,
it was nice seeing you.
Huh, Bill?
Bill.
What happened to you?
Marge:
Can someone please
go get security?
What happened to you,
that you would do that to me?
Nothing happened.
What do you mean?
It wasn't me.
It wasn't me, it was you!
You didn't believe.
You didn't trust.
Oh, I did believe.
That was the problem.
- I believed you.
- You deceived yourself.
Sweet girl, Jenny.
- "We are higher than heaven."
- It was you.
It was you. You never believed.
You never believed.
- Come on.
- You never trusted me.
I believed your story.
Huh, Bill?
You were the grownup!
( door slams )
( room silent )
What?
Nobody else
was coached by Bill?
( exhales )
- ( door crashes open )
- ( sobbing )
( gasps )
( breathing heavily )
( laughs )
( tap water running )
( turns off water )
Young Jennifer:
I'd like to begin this story
by telling you something
so beautiful.
I've met two
very special people
whom I've come
to love dearly.
Imagine a woman
who's married
and a man
who's divorced.
Get this.
I'm part of them both.
I'm lucky enough to be able
to share in their love.
( sighs )
( music playing )
Way over yonder
Is a place that I know
Where I can find shelter
From a hunger and cold
And the sweet-tasting
good life
Is so easily found
Way over yonder
That's where I'm bound
I know when I get there
The first thing I'll see
Is the sun shining golden
Sun shining golden
Shining right down on me
Then trouble's
gonna lose me
Worry leave me behind
And I'll stand up proudly
In true peace of mind
Talking about
Talking about
Way over yonder
Is a place I have seen
In a garden of wisdom
From some long-ago dream
Oh, oh
Way over yonder
That's where I'm bound