GLENN What did you get Elliot? What did you get? ELLIOT I got a bike!!! GLENN You like it? JANEY Ok, are you ready honey? PHOEBE Yes! Yes! JANEY Ok, I think that you get this big one. GLENN No, no she can’t have that...What is it Phoebes? What is it? PHOEBE A microscope! GLENN Excellent. Did you want that? Yes? PHOEBE Yes JANEY How does he know what you want? You must have been such a good girl. GLENN Did Santa get it right?....Elliot, anything for you buddy? JANEY I think we might have one more. Maybe it might be this one. GLENN This is what Santa gives you. JANEY I love you, thank you. GLENN It’s not me it’s Santa. JANEY No....really? GLENN Is that the one we saw? ELLIOT Come on dad, you promised we’d go to the festival. PHOEBE Yah, you promised. GLENN Ok, Ok we’ll go to the festival PHOEBE Yay! GLENN Yay! PHOEBE Which one can I get for three bucks? KATE How about? If you can get your parents to take one home today, I’ll give you three bucks to buy it’s first bag of puppy food. ELLIOT OS Phoebe, forget it. Dad will never go for it. PHOEBE Don’t listen to him. We’ll take one puppy in a to go box, please. My dad won’t mind it’s a surprise. ELLIOT Phoebe, no!! We’re about to order and dad’s already mad you came out here without permission. PHOEBE Come on...not even for the crazyeyed spaz in the back corner? Looks like I’d be doing you the favor. DANI There they are!! And what would my two most favorite customers like today? PHOEBE How about a break from the bologna ELLIOT Fruit tarts for both of us, please. GLENN Now Phoebe, what did we all talk about last night? PHOEBE How we should respect Daniella cause she’s your new girlfriend. GLENN Yes...no, she’s not my girlfriend PHOEBE Yet. GLENN We’ve only gone out a couple times. Look she’s trying real hard with you guys. So I’d appreciate it if you’d try being nice. Both of you. OK? DANI Alrighty… here we have two tarts for the two of you, and one yummy chocolate croissant for the handsome man. I baked these fresh just for you and you. GLENN Well thank you, we appreciate it. KIMMY OS And one piping hot pumpkin spice latte to go ! GLENN Thank you. Kids, what do we say? ELLIOT Thank you. PHOEBE Thanks. DANI So are we still on for tomorrow night? GLENN I don’t know, I forgot to ask their grandma if she can stay DANI Oh. Well why don’t I just come over and cook dinner for everybody? How about that? GLENN Oh, um okay. That sounds wonderful. DANI Great! I’ll see you at seven!! GLENN OK DANI Bye KIMMY Ugh. You Lucky Loo. What a hunky slab of pumpkin bread that is. DANI I know. And you should see the house they live in. It’s beautiful. KIMMY Sounds almost perfect. Too bad his kids are such snarky little tarts. DANI Pfft. They don’t phase me. Nothing a little discipline can’t fix... ELLIOT Oh! KATE Oh, it’s you again? Did your parents change their mind? GLENN OS Did your parents change their mind about what?? Elliot...did you did not tell this nice lady we were looking to adopt a dog, did you? ELLIOT No, dad! I didn’t, I just earlier Phoebe was over here and DOREEN Oh! I don’t know what’s gotten into her! KATE It looks like she likes you. GLENN Ok she is very very very cute, but the Barrows family household has a very strict no puppy policy. KATE You allergic, Mr. Barrows? GLENN No KATE So may I ask why the policy? GLENN Ok, fine. Here’s this scenario unfolds. Adopt lovely canine for the kids, after a couple of weeks, kids lose interest, and pops ends up taking care of pup for the next ten to twelve. KATE Hmm...is this the scenario what you would imagine happening, kids? I suppose you guys are known to skip out on your chores and leave ‘em to poor ol’ pops here? PHOEBE Maybe sometimes when I say I dusted the mantle I really mean I just blew the surface but typically no. KATE Because this is a shepherd mix. She’ll eat a lot, poop a lot, shed a lot, and basically drive you crazy for the first year or two you have her. She will also crack you up every day, and she’s going to cuddle you like crazy. And basically love you unconditionally for as long as she’s on Earth. I promise you you won’t regret it. GLENN Look, that’s a nice pitch. But not this year, we can’t not this year, come on, kids. GLENN OS One of you kids wanna get the door! PHOEBE Grandma!! ELLIOT Grandma! MARNIE Ah! My merry lil’ Mischief Makers! MARNIE What’s wrong, Elliot? You not happy to see your wrinkly old granny?? PHOEBE He’s crying because you called us a mischief maker. Mom called us that sometimes, too. ELLIOT Nuh uh! I wasn’t crying, Phoebe!! Grandma’s perfume burned my eyes! MARNIE Well did your momma ever tell you kids where that nickname came from? She got it from herself! When she and your Uncle Ted were your age, they used to sneak downstairs every Christmas Eve and try to open all the gifts under the tree without tearing any of the wrapping paper. Your mom even got a roll of tape one year to re tape the tears they accidentally caused but grandma was hiding and waiting for ‘em that year, and I caught ‘em red handed!! PHOEBE Geez, mom sure was naughty! That must be where I get it from! ELLIOT But why call us that? We never did anything to earn mom’s nickname. MARNIE Never say never, Elliot who knows what mischief the holidays will bring? ELLIOT I don’t want mom’s nickname. GLENN Marnie thanks for coming, I didn’t even think about needing a sitter, this being the first time since MARNIE Don’t mention it. You know I love being here. Should I feed them dinner, too? GLENN No, but thank you. I should be done and back around six or so MARNIE Well I’m here already, I might as well cook you guys a proper meal? Bet they’re tired of rotisserie chickens from the grocery store! GLENN You know me too well, Marnie. But that, um lady friend of mine I mentioned? Was actually planning to come over and cook this evening so MARNIE Oh! Of course...that’s...very nice. GLENN Maybe you could stay? And meet her? I’m sorry, that’s probably weird huh? MARNIE Glenn as I said a thousand times my Janey loved you, and would want you to find someone to make you and the kids happy and you are like a son to me, so of course I am more than happy to meet her. Now go on get outta here before you’re late! MARNIE Uh oh. Is that what you think of this new gal your dad’s seeing? PHOEBE If I said out loud what I thought of her, grandma? Santa would surely skip bringing me presents this year MARNIE That’s really bad! GLENN You don’t want to see if Malcolm wants to ride bikes with you? Look, Elliot I don’t want to do anything you or your sister would feel uncomfortable with alright? So if you guys think it’s too soon for all of this, I can just tell Dani ELLIOT No, dad, it’s fine. If you like her, I want you to be happy. I’m sure deep down Phoebe does, too. GLENN I want us all to be happy buddy. Be careful out here will you? Alright I love you. ELLIOT Love you too. Elliot nods as Glenn waves and heads off. Elliot watches... MALCOLM OS Boom! Blindsided by the blonde. ELLIOT What? MALCOLM When my dad left my mom she said it was because he had been blindsided by a big booty. But your dad? Same thing, only a big headed blonde. ELLIOT I thought you were going to a Christmas play at your church with your mom today... Got out of it. Said I had leftover kidney beans for a late snack and that if she took me she’d be sorry cause I’d be pooting on the pews. MALCOLM You ever heard a poot on a wooden pew? Sounds like a loud choir of one praising hallelujah! ELLIOT So why didn’t you want to go? MALCOLM It’s not like I could leave you alone, you’ve been such a sad Santa sack since school let out. ELLIOT How many times do I have to tell you? I’m fine. MALCOLM What are you doing all by yourself out here today, anyway? ELLIOT I was trying to be alone MALCOLM Or maybe you wanted to drive back and forth past the Kane residence again, wait and see if a certain third grader happened to be selling hot chocolate again like last year? ELLIOT I already told you, Malcolm. I don’t like Riley Kane, okay?! MALCOLM Not even when she’s looking all fine like that in her winter’s best? MALCOLM I don’t know about you, but I’m thirsty! PENNY You’re not getting free cocoa again this year Malcolm so you can forget it. If you really have low blood sugar go and see your pediatrician. MALCOLM I wasn’t asking for a handout! A man with a job gladly pays for his cocoa. Now with extra marshmallows, please. PENNY And what’s this alleged job of yours, anyways, Malcolm? MALCOLM I scoop doggy doo for the greater citizens on the west block. ELLIOT So what’s the cause? RILEY All proceeds go to Hands on Paws, our local dog rescue. ELLIOT Hey, they were set up in front of the Bakery had a really cute pup I loved. RILEY You like dogs, too, Elliot? ELLIOT Sure I do! My dad won’t let us get one, but I really wish he would... RILEY Ugh. My parents won’t let me have one, either! ELLIOT It’s nice you’re trying to help all the dogs with a fundraiser, though. PENNY Pfft. The things a boy will say to get a girl to believe him. ELLIOT What are you talking about? PENNY I bet he never even heard of Hands on Paws before you mentioned it... Sides, you’re hardly mature enough to handle a dog responsibly, Elliot MALCOLM And you’re hardly mature enough to handle a gentleman like my fine friend here. So quit gawking at him like you’re jealous he didn’t talk to you first...Penney Whiner! PENNY Well?! You had your cocoa! So leave already! NO LOITERING! DANI Sorry, if I’d known there was going to be a guest I would’ve brought another cranberry cornish hen... PHOEBE But you are the guest so how’d you not know you’d be here, silly? ELLIOT It’s fine, Phoebe and I will share DANI Oh good. Glenn smiles softly at Elliot, thankful he is being friendly. MARNIE So Daniella what kind of work do you do? DANI I, um actually work at the bakery down on Main Street. GLENN Explains why she’s such a good cook, doesn’t it guys?? MARNIE Well that’s a nice little place. So have you always lived in Tennessee? DANI Well I moved to la for some time for modeling and acting but it just didn’t really pan out, so I’m back here and starting anew! MARNIE And I’m sorry what did you say your last name was again? DANI Oh, it’s Downy. Marnie suddenly remembers the last name. Hides her surprise. GLENN Yeah, Dani actually said she even knew of Janey back in school... MARNIE Yes, Daniella I believe I remember you now. You were in a bunch of local pageants growing up as I recall? DANI Yes I was, actually! Fancy that, someone who went to my pageants! MARNIE Oh I didn’t, I just I read about them in the papers is all. GLENN Still that’s a good memory, Marn. ELLIOT Wait so you knew my mom and you think it’s okay to like my dad?? DANI Elliot, I barely knew your mom I mean, I’ve been making your dad’s coffee for over a year and never even knew he was the man Janey married!I just wanted to cook y’all a nice dinner! It’s just really weird. PHOEBE No wonder she did bad in LA. That was a terrible performance. GLENN I think you owe Dani an apology. DANI Oh my......you know, those ungrateful little heathens, those cornish hens were a huge pain in my Just a minute! .....ok GLENN Hey are you alright? DANI Yeah, I’ll be fine. GLENN I’m so sorry, this whole situation is just so new for everybody DANI I completely understand. I know, I lost my mom around the holidays, so I know exactly what they’re going through. GLENN Sorry, I had no idea. I’m sorry. MARNIE Elliot, are you okay? Hey if it’s any consolation? Your mother didn’t care for Dani either. But that information is strictly between us big kids. Pinky swear? And I only say this because your dad needs to figure this out for himself. Right now he probably thinks he’s doing what’s best for you kids, but he’s a smart man just give him a little time, okay? ELLIOT I thought she said she didn’t know mom that well mom didn’t like her? MARNIE Honey your mom liked everyone! It was Dani who was jealous of your mom ELLIOT Why? MARNIE Because when they were seniors, your mom was voted most popular. Dani claimed your mother had somehow rigged the ballots, but when they did a re count, Janey still won by a landslide. Can you imagine? Daniella Downy must have fake cried the whole way home! GLENN Guys, is there something you’d like to say to Dani? ELLIOT I’m sorry. PHOEBE Sorry GLENN Anything else you want to say to Dani? ELLIOT Thanks for the food. PHOEBE Thanks for the food. MARNIE Yes, thank you Dani. DANI You’re welcome. I actually made these same meal for the homeless down at the shelter. It was quite a treat. GLENN Well that was nice of you. Now, guys since Dani doesn’t have a family to go home to for the holidays, I told her she could spend the holidays with us? Ok? DANI Thanks, you have no idea how much this means to me! I was expecting another Christmas in my dreary home all alone. But now we can all make pies, play games and have the best holiday ever together!! DANI Good morning, guys! GLENN Morning. How’d you sleep? DANI Your guest bed is more comfortable than the one I sleep on every night at home! DANI So what are we making? PHOEBE We are making French toast. DANI French toast! I make the best French toast! Here, let me handle this. I got to get some milk. ELLIOT Hey! You brought the puppy. KATE Hi, I didn’t get your name the other day. ELLIOT It’s Elliot. KATE Is your dad home, Elliot? PHOEBE Puppy!! GLENN Elliot, did you ? KATE No, no, it wasn’t him. It was me. I can’t really explain it, but what happened the other day between Elliot and this dog. Connections like that don’t happen every day. I mean, this dog is crazy about your son, she’s been crying for him since you left yesterday morning KATE Now I’m not trying to tell you how to parent or anything I mean, the only thing I’ve ever had to parent are the hundreds of dogs I foster each year, but I will say that in order for someone to learn how to be responsible, they must be given responsibility. And that would include your children here. ELLIOT Please, dad? I swear I’ll take good care of her... PHOEBE Pretty, pretty, pretty please!! You can even take our I mean, Elliot’s other presents back if we can have just this one puppy, please!! GLENN I mean, you show up here at my doorstep with that cute bow around her neck, it’s not like you were ever really giving me any choice...Ok PHOEBE YAY!!!!! ELLIOT Thank you, thank you, thank you, dad! GLENN Now give me the papers so I can sign on the dotted line before I change my mind?? KATE Now you’ve just gotta name her. PHOEBE Yeah, Elliot! What’cha gonna name her?! ELLIOT Belle. Her name is Belle. DANI And just what do we have going on here?? DANI You must be the neighbor? I see you adopted a dog, now isn’t that nice? PHOEBE Nope! She’s ours for the keeping and you’re allergic, ain’t ya?! DANI I, um Glenn, you didn’t really just adopt a random dog from some complete stranger, did you? No offense, you seem lovely... ELLIOT She’s not a stranger. And Belle isn’t a random dog, are you Belle? She’s part of our family now... GLENN Umm, Dani this is the director of the local dog rescue here in town, we actually met her outside the bakery where you work KATE Kate Rivers...hi, nice to meet you. GLENN Dani here is, um PHOEBE Our homeless holiday guest. KATE Wow, you are allergic to dogs, aren’t you? DANI To their drool, fur, their feces just about all of it. GLENN Sorry, I uh I had no idea... KATE You know they have shots you can take now? It’s really pretty simple. DANI Oh really? KATE Well um, I gotta run along. Um, here’s my card with my cell, feel free to call me if anything comes up? If you need anything at all and um, here’s her papers she’s up to date on her shots, and it’s got all the numbers to the vet and the emergency after hours okay? GLENN Great. Thank you, thank you so much ELLIOT Yes! Thank you so much, Kate!! KATE Of course. It’s my pleasure! Merry Christmas, guys! PHOEBE Merry Christmas, Kate! ELLIOT Let’s get you something to eat, girl! I bet you’re starving. GLENN Now Elliot, don’t give her just anything, dogs can’t have chocolate onions or grapes Hey bud... ELLIOT Everything okay with Dani? GLENN Well at least she’s stopped crying GLENN You’re pretty crazy about her, huh? I haven’t seen you consistently in this good of a mood in a long time. ELLIOT Belle is so happy all the time I’ve gotta work hard to keep up ya know? ELLIOT And I’ve been telling Belle all about mom, how she was the most amazing architect ever, and how I used to lay on the floor of her study and draw pictures while she would work on blueprints at her desk. ELLIOT You think it’s okay if mom is watching down on us and sees how happy Belle makes me? You don’t think she’ll start thinking that I forgot about her, do you? GLENN Of course not, son. Your mother is watching down on you, and I assure you every time she sees you or your sister smile? She smiles, too. And hey, speaking of drawing you haven’t drawn anything in a really long time you used to draw all the time! Ever thought about taking it up again? I mean, I can think of at least one pretty girl up the street who I bet would love to have a sketch of Belle for Christmas since she doesn’t have a dog of her own. ELLIOT I don’t know... GLENN No pressure, I’m just saying a creative mind can get you far. I mean, your mother’s knack for design was just one of the many things that made me fall in love with her, so just think about it. GLENN Dear Janey, Merry Christmas to you and yours! I know we haven’t spoken for some time now but I just wanted you to know that your presence.... GLENN Marnie, hey do you know if Janey ever did any home plans down anywhere around Wimberley? Yeah no, I didn’t recall she had either, I was just curious yeah. Yeah, I will okay, see you tomorrow, then. DANI Good morning... GLENN Morning you working Christmas Eve? DANI Tonight is our annual Honey Brook Baking Contest, and I have a fourtiered red velvet Christmas cake to make by five for the attendees think you can come? GLENN Yeah, um I’m sure the kids would probably enjoy that. Might be nice for you to get out of here, too, give your allergies a break, huh? DANI Well how about I pop back by around six and me and you and the kids can all ride together? GLENN Sounds great. DANI Okay. Have a good day, dear! GLENN Hey kids?! Put on something decent and get down here, we’re taking a little road trip! ELLIOT I still don’t see why we couldn’t bring Belle. GLENN Because, Elliot what do you think will happen when school starts again after the New Year? Belle is gonna have to start getting used to being on her own sooner or later. KIMMY Looks delish. KIMMY What’s wrong? I thought you were all ecstatic to be cozying up with your big shot lawyer and his rugbrats for the holidays. You said it was your champagne dream come true. DANI It was. Until that Belle showed up. KIMMY Bell? Like a sleigh bell? DANI No. Like a mangy little eight pound wad of fur that cries constantly, drools incessantly and whose breath smells like a cheesy bacon fart. KIMMY Ooh, they got a puppy?! How cute!! I mean eew, how gross! I hope you set out rat traps for that vermin! So what are you gonna do about it? DANI What can I do? That dog managed to win the affections of the entire household before I could even get my favorite crocodile skin boots through the door, Glenn included! These kids, they can’t stand me. Uh, and ever since that dog...Oh my gosh, I can’t even be in that house without sneezing my head off. I guess it’s back to the old drawing board for my future. What am I supposed to do? KIMMY Well maybe you could date that Skip Jeffries that comes in here all the time, he’s pretty cute. DANI Kimmy Skip is our plumber. He comes in to unclog the toilets and every time he bends over, I feel like I just visited the Grand Canyon. I don’t think so. DANI Ugh! You got me all upset and now look what you made me do! KIMMY Oh I’m sorry but you still look really pretty...even covered in batter. DANI It’s all over my sleeves, I can’t wear this to the baking contest now! Here, will you just take over for me and bake all of these?? I have to go home and change and I’ll be back in thirty?! KIMMY Ok GLENN We’re here guys. DANI Amazingly, hope survives in this neighborhood in the forms of trees in windows and twinkling Christmas lights on houses. GLENN Elliot, ring the doorbell please. ARETHA Yes, can I help you? GLENN Hi, my name is Glenn Barrows Janey Barrows’ husband? ARETHA Oh my, what a wonderful surprise! And this must be Elliot and Phoebe? GLENN Yes maam. ARETHA I’ve heard Janey speak of them many times...Where’s Janey. GLENN Actually that’s what we came here to talk to you about. ARETHA Please do come in. GLENN Thank you DANI Alright let’s just see if there’s anything left on Mr. Barrows’ Christmas wish list after he’s had a slice of this red velvet cake. Where are you? You, have been waiting under the wrong Christmas tree. MRS. CLINTON Malcolm! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?! What did I tell you about firecrackers in the front yard before New Year’s?! Get your butt in here boy! MRS. DUPONT Kimmy, Kimmy phone call for you. Would you please take on the kitchen line? KIMMY Hello? DANI Kimmy, it’s me! I need you to whip me up a big bowl of frosting from the recipe in my purse now too, I’m gonna be a bit later than I thought KIMMY Copy that. I’ll be licking the beaters ‘til you’re back everything okay? DANI Oh everything’s powdered sugar now! In fact, I’m off to displace this little flea bag in her new home right now. KIMMY Ok, see you when you get back. ARETHA OS Please, have a seat! GLENN This is beautiful. ARETHA Thank you ADELAIDE Grandma? ARETHA Come on baby. This here is my granddaughter, Miss Adelaide. Her momma and daddy went out to get us a nice smoked ham for dinner, didn’t they? ADELAIDE Hi! you can call me Addie! PHOEBE Hi, Addie. I’m Phoebe, and this is my little brother Elliot he’s shy. ADELAIDE My daddy made me a Santa’s sleigh, you guys wanna see? ELLIOT Sure. ARETHA Wait, wait! Take your cookies. GLENN Just one each, just one. ELLIOT Ok. ARETHA You’re lucky I was just making my afternoon tea! GLENN Perfect...that’s going to hit the spot. Thank you ARETHA You’re welcome. When the flood came through, this tea set was one of the few things I was able to salvage. GLENN Yeah, I remember that just awful. ARETHA I bet you do! Lord, they look an awful lot like her, don’t they? It’s a shame Janey couldn’t come with you all today... GLENN Umm, actually, that’s why we came, to tell you Janey she passed away earlier this year, car accident ARETHA I am so sorry for your loss, Glenn. I can’t tell you how this breaks my heart. She was a good peach, that girl one of the best in a bundle. GLENN Thank you, she was only Aretha, I’m curious how exactly did you know Janey? I mean, I received your Christmas card, but I didn’t know she’d ever done any work here ARETHA Oh my heavens. She never told you. GLENN Seriously... ARETHA Serious as Santa in a snowstorm!! GLENN You mean to tell me Janey blueprinted the remodeling of every single house in this entire neighborhood? ARETHA Over the year after the flood came through. Most of us didn’t have insurance, since we weren’t in a floodplain, we never thought it could happen and Janey didn’t charge a one of us a dime. Even helped us find cheap contractors to do the labor, too. I mean come on, you must have noticed how busy she was? I thought she said she had her other job, too GLENN Well she always very busy but she always made time for me and her and the kids. ARETHA Pfft. I’m not surprised. Seemed like the kinda girl who’d somehow always find enough hours in a day. GLENN But how did she I mean, why would did Janey ever say anything to you, ya know, that might indicate a reason as to why she never told me? ARETHA I can’t say for sure. But I will say this I have seen people who go through life always preaching about the things others should be doing, keeping a spreadsheet of every nice thing they ever did for you, always expecting every good deed to come with some big reward heck, most of the time a kind gesture comes with a price while there are others still I’ve known to do things good, kind, loving things who do them quietly in the privacy of their hearts and minds simply cause they believe it’s the right thing to do. GLENN Elliot, Phoebes, come here. Take a look at every single one of these houses. See them? Your mother is responsible for every one of these. Pretty cool, huh? PHOEBE Wow. Yeah... ELLIOT Our mom was the coolest. GLENN Yes she was. You guys are pretty cool too. DANI Hello, bird. RALPH Hello there! For heaven sakes, Alberta. RALPH Sorry Miss, don’t mind her, we just weren’t expecting anyone on a count of it being Christmas Eve and all. DANI Well. Special occasions call for special deliveries. RALPH And what kinda delivery do we have here? DANI This, umm this little beast well, she, um she needs to be put down. RALPH Now why would you wanna have a little looker like that one there euthanized? I bet she’d have no trouble finding a good home! DANI Well, you see I was supposed to be her forever home, right? That’s why I adopted her! But um, you know, it wasn’t until I got her home that I I realized she’s a lost cause. RALPH A lost cause? How so? DANI Well, she, she she killed my cat. RALPH She killed your cat? She’s barely the size of a cat. DANI It was, um a little cat. A kitten. RALPH Are you sure we’re talking about the same dog here? The one right here? DANI Do not be deceived by her charms. This dog is a killer. She even she even killed some baby birds out on my back lawn! She even killed some parrot sparrow looking things!! RALPH A bird killer, huh?? Well, then I might just have to move this one to the top of the list. DANI Wonderful. How soon can it be done? RALPH Sunday morning? On account of we’re closed for Christmas. DANI You said humanely, though right? I mean I don’t want her to suffer... RALPH Um hm ELLIOT Belle! Belle! Belle?! CHRISTY Where do you think you’re going? RILEY Shut up! CHRISTY I’m not covering for you this time and you will be totally....busted! Why am I the only sane person in my family? GLENN Belle! ELLIOT Belle!!! PHOEBE Beeelle!!!!!!! RILEY Hey, guys! No luck yet?? ELLIOT No, come on, let’s you and I go this way, you guys go that way ! GLENN Okay kids. But stay off the street unless you see Belle, and do not leave our subdivision? ELLIOT Ok, Belle?! KIMMY Oh thank God you’re back, I don’t know how to ice this thing! DANI Don’t worry, I’ve got it all under control... KIMMY And the little dog, too? DANI I told you everything? KIMMY So you like killed it? DANI No, I didn’t kill it! What kind of horrible monster do you take me for? I took it to be euthanized. Now I’ve got exactly one hour to tier this cake into confection perfection, then I’ve gotta run, pick up Glenn and the kids, hold them for about five minutes while they cry over that mutt’s untimely disappearance, then get them back here in time for the contest! Where they can have a nice big piece of my red velvet cake? Thank you. RILEY Elliot we should turn back maybe we passed her, or maybe your dad and Phoebe found her by now... Hey, look we’re gonna find her, okay? I will help you look every day until we do. I pinky promise. ELLIOT Ok come on, let’s get back to the house. Belle?! Beeeeelle!!!! RILEY Belle!! GLENN Kate, hi, this is Glenn Barrows,. I’m calling about Belle she’s gone missing and we’re trying to locate her. Please call me back as soon as you get this?? Elliot did you call Malcolm to make sure he didn’t see any sign of Belle earlier today? ELLIOT His mom said he had to call me back after they finish Christmas dinner. PHOEBE Dad! We have to find her! GLENN I know, Phoebs I’m just not sure what else we can do right now. I mean, I don’t even know how the heck she got the front door open, I really thought we shut it DANI Hey! We all ready to go try a bunch of delicious holiday treats?! Why the long faces? GLENN It’s Belle. She went missing this afternoon and now we can’t find her anywhere DANI Oh no! That’s awful! And you don’t have any idea where she could be?? GLENN We’ve already asked up and down the block twice, but no one’s seen her DANI Weeell maybe you guys can ask around the baking contest at the square? See if anyone there in town has seen her running around?? GLENN It’s not a bad idea ELLIOT But I don’t want to go to the square, dad!! What if Belle comes back, I have to be here? DANI Listen I’m sure she’s just fine and I am sure we will find her. Let’s just go up to the square and see. Maybe she’s been running around up there? PHOEBE You’re wasting your breath, lady. We ain’t moving ‘til Belle’s back. DANI Glenn, dear why don’t we just let the kids stay while we go, then? Maybe you could call Marnie to come watch them for a little while? This is my thing, I really can’t miss it GLENN Yeah, but that won’t work. Marnie’s going to midnight mass with some of the ladies. I’m sorry. PHOEBE Guys! See what she’s wearing? She wasn’t wearing that this morning! She’s obviously been back to change since we left! I bet she’s the one who left the door open on purpose! GLENN Hey guys listen. Maybe we could put up some MISSING puppy fliers around the square?? And then I promise we can all look for Belle again first thing in the morning ELLIOT But Dad, no!! If Belle comes back, I have to be here! DANI Elliot, sweetie that is just not going to happen. Belle is a puppy, they’re not that smart. I mean, who knows where she could be... PHOEBE I bet you know exactly where she is! DANI I’m sorry?? PHOEBE You took Belle! We know it was you! GLENN Phoebe! It’s pretty obvious Belle got out the open front door. PHOEBE Probably because she left it open! I mean, you gotta admit it would be a lot easier for her to reach the front door handle than it would be for Belle to, that’s for darn sure! DANI But Phoebe, I I haven’t even been here today! I left the house before you guys did this morning... PHOEBE Yeah? Well you weren’t wearing that tacky dress the first time you left! DANI I went back to my house to change this afternoon, thank you... PHOEBE That’s a lie! I saw that ugly dress the first night you got here when I was checking your suitcase for narcotics and firearms!! DANI You went through my suitcase?! GLENN Phoebe! We do not go through someone else’s private belongings! You know better than that young lady. PHOEBE Dad, she doesn’t care about us! She just wants you because you’re a hot catch and have lots of money! GLENN Phoebe, that is enough!! Now Apologize to Dani right now ELLIOT No, dad. Phoebe’s right. Dani did something to Belle! Just look at her, it’s written all over her face GLENN Elliot, you are not helping ELLIOT And neither are you! You’re being blind sided by that big headed blonde! GLENN Guys, what is wrong with you? Knock it off!! Did either of you have any idea Dani lost her mother at Christmas, too? And did you ever stop to think the holidays might be just as tough on others?! ELLIOT But dad, she GLENN But nothing, Elliot! Right now Belle is gone and there is nothing we can do about it. But you do not accuse a person of doing something without evidence, okay? Now as I said, tomorrow we will look for Belle. But right now you guys are seriously making me question whether or not you were ever responsible enough for us to adopt that dog in the first place. GLENN Dani whoa, whoa, whoa, Dani hey hey...I am so sorry. I’m sure the kids didn’t mean it...I think they’re just taking this thing with the dog really hard because they miss their mom so much. And look I’m sorry about your baking contest, too. Sounds like it would’ve been fun DANI No, I get it, it’s fine. I mean, I had already told my co workers that they’d be meeting this great new guy I was seeing it’s okay, I’m used to doing things alone. GLENN Aww I feel terrible, I just don’t know what else to do. The kids don’t want to go anywhere without Belle and I can’t just leave them DANI Well if you wouldn’t mind coming with me even for just a bit? You could put up those signs, and I know someone who could watch them KIMMY Alright, listen up! You do exactly as I say, or I will call the evil little elves to come and take you away where you’ll be fed nothing but clear colored snowcones without sugar and placed year round on an assembly line making fun toys for everyone but yourselves got it? KIMMY Okay, then. You guys got any caramel glaze in your kitchen? ELLIOT Guys, we can’t just sit here! Belle is out there somewhere right now and she might really need our help! RILEY Well what do you expect us to do? Cheesecake Monster over there sure isn’t about to let us out of her sights any time soon... ELLIOT I know, we just we have to come up with a way out of here. KIMMY Hello?? It’s for you. But make it quick. PHOEBE Is it dad? Did they find Belle?! ELLIOT Not now! MALCOLM Sorry hambone I was having turkey. My mom said you called earlier? ELLIOT It’s Belle we can’t find her. MALCOLM What do you mean you can’t find her? ELLIOT She was gone tonight when we got home, and the front door was open. You didn’t see her outside did you? MALCOLM Nope. But I did see that Big Headed Blonde over there earlier this afternoon when I was giving Penny Reiner a Christmas Eve scare with my stampede string of Black Cats! ELLIOT She was here this afternoon?! ELLIOT Umm I mean, you saw Belle where?? MALCOLM I said I saw the Big Headed Blonde. ELLIOT Yeah, I heard what you said. But we actually can’t go looking for Belle right now unfortunately, because my dad’s not here and we have a sitter MALCOLM You have a sitter?? ELLIOT Yeah. A friend of my dad’s new girlfriend? She’s real nice, too. MALCOLM Dude, you’re freaking me out. Are you in trouble or something? ELLIOT Yeah, we’re pretty bummed about Belle, too. But sure!! An early Christmas gift from you actually would lift my spirits, I think. MALCOLM Name the gift? And Santa will deliver. KIMMY No visitors tonight, okay? ELLIOT Oh, wait. The babysitter says you can’t bring it tonight MALCOLM Santa don’t wait for no sitter!! ELLIOT Wait, what’s that?! You got me the same thing you got Penny Reiner? I love that awesome collection of, um cat stamps. Wow! Thanks, Malcolm! MALCOLM Operation Jingle Belle Jailbreak in t minus ten minutes and counting!! ELLIOT So Malcolm said he thought he saw Belle in the Polinski’s backyard! PHOEBE Really?? You can see their backyard from your room upstairs!! ELLIOT I know. Let’s go!! PHOEBE Belle?! Belle, if you can hear me, wave one paw in the light! KIMMY Sorry, kids but your dog’s not down in that yard. ELLIOT Well guess it’s a good thing. I was just worried about what Mr. Polinski swore he would do if he ever caught our dog in his backyard KIMMY What did he swear he would do?? ELLIOT Well he said he would take his twenty two rifle and open fire on our front lawn. PHOEBE But Elliot, I always thought Mister Polinski was so nice KIMMY Pfft. The craziest ones usually are PHOEBE Mal ! KIMMY Your neighbor sounds like a real Looney Bin. If I were you, I’d move to another neighborhood immediately before he decides to blow this entire neighborhood KIMMY Kids, get down! That’s not Santa! That’s Mr. Polinski’s gone postal!! MALCOLM Elliot, I’ll meet you outside. KIMMY Rug brats?? Any of you still alive? PHOEBE Wow. Good job, Elliot... KIMMY OS What! You kids tricked me?! ELLIOT And if you make even so much as one peep while we’re gone, I’ll call Santa and you’ll be forced to shovel reindeer poop for an eternity! RILEY So what’s next? PHOEBE Elliot’s calling us a ride. RILEY But where are we going? ELLIOT We’re going to save Belle. Come on. PHOEBE Ugh, what’s taking grandma so long? MARNIE So I hear my merry mischief makers need a lift into town?? FRIEND OF MARNIE It’s like a fallen ice skater’s frostbit bottom out there! Are you kids getting in or what?! PHOEBE So what now, Elliot? ELLIOT We’ve gotta get inside the bakery and find Dani’s purse. RILEY What do we want from her purse? ELLIOT Her keys and the address to her apartment. If she took Belle, that’s where she’ll be. RILEY Wait what if we run into Dani or your dad moving through all these people? We’ll be totally busted! ELLIOT Good point. Phoebe, let’s get eyes on Dani and dad will ya? PHOEBE Yeah, alright. DANI Welcome everyone. So glad you could join us. PHOEBE Excuse, me, Mister. I’m having a hard time locating my father. Can I trouble you for an elevator ride up to your top floor? TALL MAN Sure, kid. Maybe you can tell me if they have any danishes. I’m afraid they’ll run out before I get there. DANI What a nice little turnout we have here tonight! And welcome everyone, to Honey Brook’s annual Holiday Baking Contest!! And just so you know, for every slice of cake you take, a nickel to a local charity I will make!! PHOEBE Yep, there’s a big plate of ‘em. DANI Yah! Now the line will start right here right by Santa. PHOEBE Man down, man down!!! ELLIOT Did she see you?! PHOEBE I don’t think so. And we’re clear if we go through the back. Dad and Dani are both up there by the front MALCOLM Phoebe, wait! Where are you going?! PHOEBE Don’t worry about it! Just get the keys and the address and I’ll meet you guys out back in ten minutes! Phoebe disappears as Elliot and the others watch her go... GLENN This cheesecake is amazing. DANI I made the red velvet. GLENN Oh. Sorry that’s not bad, either. DANI Awww! Thank you. GLENN Uh, you have a little right there DANI I’m sorry! I’ll be right back GLENN That’s alright. RILEY Bingo! MALCOLM Bingo. RILEY Think I have it! RILEY Fifty two seventeen Spicewood Road. ELLIOT Got ‘em! MALCOLM Someone’s coming! Hide!! GLENN Kate, hey, thanks for calling back KATE Sorry, I’ve been doing Christmas have you guys found Belle?? GLENN Yeah, no, we haven’t found her yet unfortunately... KATE Well I’ll come right over, to help you look for her...? GLENN Umm yeah, uh, I’d like that... KATE Great. I’ll be over at your house in fifteen, we can drive the kids around to find her. ELLIOT Run!!!!! DANI You mischievous little mongrels!! I don’t know what you think you’re up to, but I can promise you, you won’t get away with it!! GLENN Hey, is everything alright?? DANI Oh, it’s all just powdered sugar! GLENN I can see that... DANI What....ummm I’ll be right back? GLENN Umm, I’ve really gotta get back to the kids now so we can keep looking for Belle ? You want to come back to clean up? Or if you need to stay? DANI No. Why don’t you just go on home? I’ll be a bit and I’m sure the kids are waiting for you with bells on! GLENN Just call me when you’re ready for me to swing by for you? RILEY That was a close call! ELLIOT That was awesome! ELLIOT Phoebe! Where have you been?! PHOEBE Found dad’s car down on the street corner and swiped his GPS. How else were we gonna figure out how to get to Dani’s? ELLIOT Your a genius. RILEY Okay it’s only four blocks from here. We need to go that way MALCOLM But wait how’d you get into a locked car? PHOEBE Where there’s a woman? There’s a way. ELLIOT Hey mom...bet you’re wondering why I’m out here all alone at night without dad, huh? Well, don’t worry too much, I’m not in too much trouble well yet, anyway... See, dad let us adopt this dog, an I named her Belle and she’s this adorable cream colored shepherd and you would just love her But I guess if you’re looking down on me you probably already know all of this, huh? I guess I just wanted you to know that no matter where I go or what I do...every time you see me smile? I’m thinking of you, too. PHOEBE OS Merry Christmas, mom. We love you. GLENN Kate, hi. KATE Hey GLENN Sorry it took me so long. Did you knock on the door? KATE Yeah, they didn’t answer. GLENN Really? GLENN Phoebe...Elliot...Kimmy...hello KATE God, what happened here? Looks like someone had a serious Christmas party. GLENN Kids?? What the heck? What! Kimmy, are you okay?? KATE Oh my gosh! GLENN What happened to you and where are the kids? Kimmy awakens, squinting her eyes as Glenn helps her up. KIMMY What happened to me are those kids. GLENN What...what do you mean? Where are the kids?! KIMMY The kids did this to me. GLENN Where are the kids. KIMMY I don’t know. Probably looking for that dog they’re all worried about, I guess. GLENN The kids think Dani did something to the dog. You think they might have gone to the bakery? I was just there...! KIMMY I don’t know. But whatever they’re doing? I’ll bet it’s probably illegal. GLENN What? No way, that’s impossible. I mean my kids may be a handful, but they’d never do anything illegal... ELLIOT Okay guys, let’s split up. And look for signs everywhere, anywhere that Belle could possibly be, alright? KATE Okay, I’ll take Mundie Lane to Carlsen Circle... GLENN Greeat. And I’ll take Maple Drive to Sidereal Square. KATE Ok GLENN Thank you! MALCOLM You have got to be kidding me. MALCOLM Jackpot!! MOTHER OF DANI Dani, this is Lucinda, remember me? Your mother?? Your treating your father and me like we’re dead. But we’er not dead, we’re in Florida and we thought we had talked about you coming down for the Holidays. Call me back, love you dear. ELLIOT Belle?! Belle? I thought you’d be here... ELLIOT Where are you, girl? DANI Hi, honey! We are just now cleaning up if you can pick me up in twenty? GLENN Okay, but Dani have you seen the kids? Have they stopped by there?? DANI Umm no, I I haven’t seen them. GLENN Well they’ve left the house and now I’m out looking for them. If you see them, will you please call me? DANI Sure, sure, of course Anything for your kids, Glenn! GLENN Okay. Thanks. ELLIOT Maybe dad was right. Maybe Dani didn’t really take Belle, and maybe we did just imagine all of this in our heads because we don’t like that dad has a new girlfriend... RILEY But Elliot you aren’t imagining that Dani is a terrible person. And just because Belle’s not here doesn’t mean Dani’s not responsible for her disappearance! MALCOLM Yeah. She could’ve left your front door open because she knew Belle would go outside looking for you... ELLIOT But guys, it doesn’t matter. Belle isn’t here! And if she’s not here, then I have NO idea where she could possibly be. And if I can’t find her, then I can’t save her! RILEY So what? So Belle’s not here. So we go home and start over again tomorrow. Recruit more help and start another search. And we keep looking for her until we find her. ELLIOT The world doesn’t work that way, Riley! I keep looking and waiting for my mom all the time, but look around. She’s still not here is she?? And it’s cause she’s never coming back. And sooner or later we need to accept that Belle isn’t, either! RILEY Elliot, you are right. Sometimes rotten things happen to us and there’s nothing we can do about it But that doesn’t mean we should give up on everyone else who still loves us and needs us. I mean, what if Belle is out there right now and she’s hurt or scared and still needs our help? Do you really think Belle would give up on you that easy? Or would your mother have if she were still here? ELLIOT You know what? You’re right, Riley. My mom would never have given up, so neither can we. Christmas is still the season of hope, and Belle has to be out there somewhere still and counting on us to find her. PHOEBE Well let’s go get her! The kids stand... DANI Hello, and welcome! You’ve reached the answering service of Daniella Downy, and although I can’t get to the phone at the moment, please feel free to leave me a pleasantry and I’ll be sure to return it soon! KIMMY Dani, it’s Kimmy! You wouldn’t believe what those snarky little tarts did to me! Anyway, I just wanted to give you heads up their dad is looking for them now, but I think they went to find that dog so you’d better call the pound and make sure they remove that pup from visibility until someone pulls the plug on it! ELLIOT We have to get to the pound before they close... MALCOLM But it’s probably already closed ELLIOT Then we break in. We have to, there might not be much time! Dani’s trying to have her put to sleep! RILEY But we don’t even know where the we’re going! And we can’t put the pound into the GPS because we don’t have their address! ELLIOT Right. We need someone with a phone and a car...who do we know? PHOEBE If you have proof it was her maybe we should call dad, he can help us. ELLIOT No, it’s too late! We can’t call dad he’s already out looking for us which means we are in a ton of trouble is there anyone else?? RILEY Wait. I know someone. CHRISTY We’re not going. RILEY Christy, no! You promised you would take us to the pound!!! CHRISTY Yeah, well, that was to get you in the car. I am now thirty minutes late for my champagne cider party because of you, and Troy already went without me because I had to come get you and your sweaty little friends back there RILEY But Christy! Elliot’s dog’s life is at stake here...! CHRISTY If the dog is there, Elliot’s dad can take him to pick it up Sunday. ELLIOT OS Psst...Riley! RILEY Twenty bucks to prove you’re right. And I know you need it after dad cut off your allowance for failing Algebra MALCOLM It’s locked! ELLIOT Hey, Mister. Sorry to bother you on Christmas Eve, but I think you have our dog in there... RALPH Oh yeah? What makes you think that? PHOEBE We think the lady dating our dad dropped her off here so you guys could kill her! RALPH Well how will I know if the dog’s really yours? Is it micro chipped? ELLIOT Not yet. We’ve only have her for a couple of days.... RALPH What’s she look like?? ELLIOT She’s a cream colored shepherd, small, cute, fluffy ? RALPH Small, cute, fluffy hmm. Nope, I don’t got no cute dogs in here... MALCOLM She would have been dropped off today by a big headed blond lady ! RALPH Oh, yeah! The Bird Killer... ELLIOT Bird Killer?! Belle never killed any bird! RALPH How would you know? You just said you’ve only had her for a few days. ELLIOT Because! I think I know my own dog pretty well, okay? RALPH Alright, fine. That’ll be sixty bucks to buy the little mutt back. RILEY Sixty bucks? We don’t have sixty bucks! ELLIOT Here. This is all we have left. RALPH You don’t got forty more dollars? I don’t got no Bird Killer for you. PHOEBE Ugh!!! Now what?? ELLIOT Come on, I’ve got an idea... CHRISTY No freaking way. Forget it. RILEY Those toes aren’t just gonna pedicure themselves... CHRISTY Hi, my name is Christy Kane you know, like a candy cane?? RALPH Huh, huh, huh hi. CHRISTY I’m sorry to bother you, but I was on my way home from this apple cider party? And I just had way too much cider, you see and I really don’t think I can wait until I get home to go, so may I use your lady’s room? RALPH My bird drinks too much cider, too. Come on in. RALPH Bathroom’s right through there. Give holler at me if you, um run out of toilet paper or anything! CHRISTY Thanks. RALPH More toilet paper?? Stupid!!! ELLIOT Belle. MALCOLM So how are we going to get her?? ELLIOT You guys are just gonna stay here, and when he goes back in that office I am just gonna sneak up and spring Belle real fast so we can all run right outta here okay? RILEY But Elliot what about the others? RILEY We can’t just leave the other dogs! This is a pound! They’ll all be doomed unless we save them...! ELLIOT I know, but we can’t fit all of them in your sister’s car, there’s not enough room! There’s a bunch of other dogs in here... MALCOLM They may not all fit in your fine sister’s car, but I bet we could get some of them into that pound van we saw out back. We just need the keys and as it just so happens I happen to know a really good key thief. RALPH All better now?? CHRISTY Yeah, thanks, I really appreciate you letting me use your restroom which translates to I wouldn’t even stand on that wretched toilet in cheapest pair of shoes and very merry Christmas to you! RALPH Merry Christmas to you, Miss Kane! ELLIOT Alright, Malcolm, now you pull the van up so we can load, and Riley, you and I will each take one side we’ll go down one by one until all the dogs are out safely, alright? ELLIOT Come on. Phoebe, let’s go!!! RALPH Hey! What are you kids doing?! ELLIOT Malcolm, let’s move!!! GLENN Malcolm?? ELLIOT You okay, girl? I’ve been worried sick about you it’s good to have you back... MALCOLM You did alright tonight, Elliot. I didn’t know you had it in ya... PHOEBE I did. In back, Riley holds Rufus and looks at all the stray dogs. RILEY But guys, how are we gonna feed all these dogs tomorrow? The pet stores won’t be open on Christmas. ELLIOT We can call Kate from the rescue. She’ll know what to do with them. MALCOLM Who is that following us?! PHOEBE I think it’s that crazy dog catcher! PHOEBE Uh oh. Dad’s on our tail now, too! MALCOLM Oh man, what now? If I get arrested my mom is gonna kill me!! ELLIOT Just pull over before he causes a wreck! Now that we have Belle back my dad will get us outta trouble... ELLIOT Pull over and stop right there! MALCOLM I’m trying! ELLIOT OS Malcolm, look out!!! DANI No! Not my cake!! GLENN Is everyone ok??! PHOEBE We’re great, dad! And look, we even found Belle! So how was your night? GLENN Get out! SKIP OS Need some help up? ELLIOT But dad, we had to take the dogs, otherwise he was gonna kill them ! GLENN But Elliot, that is not your place. And you should know that stealing someone’s vehicle is a serious offense! Especially a vehicle that belongs to the city! GLENN You must be from the pound. Look, I am so sorry for all of this, there’s been a serious mix up. See, this is actually our dog RALPH Yeah? Well if you want her back it’s gonna cost you, Mr. Fancy Pants! GLENN Okay. How much for the dog? And to keep this little Christmas incident between us, hmm? What?! For that amount.....Ok, ok sure, that’s just fine. No plastic, no, of course. Alright RALPH Thanks! you can just return my van after you transport the pups! Enjoy ‘em! GLENN Ok PHOEBE Thanks, dad! You’re our hero!! ELLIOT Yeah. And sorry we left the house without your permission... GLENN That’s ok I’m sorry. I should never have left you kids on Christmas Eve in the first place, but we still have plenty to talk about. Ok And don’t even think about keeping any more of these dogs. We are not going to do that. We will however find homes for each and every one of them. And you guys will have plenty of time to look because you’re both grounded ELLIOT Wait where’s Belle?! GLENN Oh no! ELLIOT Belle, no!!! DANI This is all your fault, you mangy little homewrecking ELLIOT Back off, Big headed Blondy! We know you lied! And we know you left Belle at the pound to be killed! DANI Glenn? Do you hear this, what your kids are trying to accuse me of?? And anyway where’s your proof, huh? MALCOLM It’s all right here on this machine. RILEY Including a recent message from your mom, who must somehow be calling from the grave...or is it Florida? DANI What?! You broke into my house and you stole things?! RILEY It’s not really breaking in when you have the keys. ELLIOT Plus, we did it for the right reasons. Unlike you, who took Belle and stole jewelry that was my mother’s for your own gain, right? GLENN Is that my wife’s necklace? DANI I was just I was just trying it on when I was freshening up. I meant to return it, but I I forgot, I was so busy thinking about the cake and the children’s hospital, and GLENN How do you see yourself, Dani? As the kind of person whose every kind gesture comes with a price tag, expecting every good deed to come with some reward? Or have you ever once done a kind, loving thing for someone because it was the right thing to do? I already have my opinion on that . Can I have my wife’s necklace please? GLENN Let’s go, kids. PHOEBE Your red velvet needs work, too. MRS. DUPONT She’s right about your red velvet, Dani. Oh. And by the way, you’re fired, dear. SANTA Well, if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck well, it just might be a golddigger. Maybe you oughtta go on home, see your folks...it is the holidays, after all. DANI I can’t stand my parents! That’s why I’m like this...!! SANTA Tis the season to forgive, little lady. Sides I wouldn’t wait around for no gifts if I were you. Santa ain’t bringing you any gifts this year. GLENN You alright, Marn?? MARNIE Midnight mass is still talking to me... GLENN That’s probably Kate from the shelter MARNIE Well you kids sure lived up to your merry mischief makers nickname this year? GLENN Elliot, it’s for you ELLIOT Hey. RILEY Guess what? I can keep him! ELLIOT Really?! That’s awesome! RILEY Yeah, they were so terrified that I wasn’t in bed last night when they got home they couldn’t say no...! RILEY Thanks! Rufus will love having this on the days we can’t see Belle... ELLIOT Which hopefully won’t be many. Merry Christmas, Riley. RILEY Merry Christmas to you, Elliot. ELLIOT Hey guys! Get out here!! GLENN Wow, that was amazing. ARETHA Merry Christmas. GLENN Merry Christmas to you. Glenn and Kate approach each other. KATE Hi GLENN Hey, how are the dogs? KATE They’re all safe and sound. GLENN Come on inside....Everybody, please come inside for some eggnog, maybe a hot toddy, some hot chocolate, come on.