Empathy No. 123
01/11/03, Roderick bedrm. 2:00 PM (approx)
ELEANOR: Afternoon, sweetheart. Do you have any time?
RODERICK: Sure. Come in.
ELEANOR: I'm surprised to see you around here. You've been spending so much time out of the house.
RODERICK: I'm sorry.
ELEANOR: No, you misunderstand, I think it's great! It's great that you're finding something that makes you happy...it does, right?
RODERICK: Yeah, sure. I guess they're giving me the day off today, because no one's called me over. Maybe Gary wanted to do something with Allie today, I don't know.
ELEANOR: Well, it's good to rest the vocal chords every now and then.
RODERICK: Yeah, I needed that. Um...did you want anything?
ELEANOR: As a matter of fact, I heard through the grapevine that you and the band were doing a show this coming Friday. Any chance I might come along?
RODERICK: Mom, it's just a little thing in this old building. Maybe twenty people are gonna show up, Gary's friends.
ELEANOR: So I guess I won't fit in?
RODERICK: Maybe you wouldn't blend in so well.
ELEANOR: I understand. But I am coming next month for the big show at the pep rally. Lloyd's coming too, he's especially excited for it.
RODERICK: Why is everyone so sure that we're making that show? We haven't even auditioned yet.
ELEANOR: Maybe people just believe in you.
RODERICK: Well, they shouldn't.
ELEANOR: What do you mean by that? You need to have more confidence in yourself. I know that you're always convinced that you're not good enough, but-
RODERICK: It's not that. It's...I don't want to let anyone down.
ELEANOR: You're worried about being in front of everyone?
RODERICK: Everyone expects me to do so well all the time. And this is something I haven't really done. I guess that's it.
ELEANOR: You know what I think? I think when the day comes, and you get up to that microphone, you'll find the strength to do it.
RODERICK: Maybe.
ELEANOR: And you won't be alone. You've got the band behind you, and your family to cheer you on.
RODERICK: That's true.
ELEANOR: Hey, this picture is new. Is this Carlie?
RODERICK: Sure, you know what she looks like.
ELEANOR: Yes, but she's always just racing through here. I still wish I could meet her.
RODERICK: You've met her.
ELEANOR: You know what I mean, Roderick. Do you think I can borrow this for a while?
RODERICK: The picture?
ELEANOR: Just to use it as a model.
RODERICK: You want to do a sketch of Carlie?
ELEANOR: Yes, if that's okay with you. You could give it to her as a gift, or keep it in here.
RODERICK: Yeah, that would be great, Mom.
ELEANOR: Don't be so sure, I'm out of practice.
RODERICK: Maybe you need more confidence, too.
ELEANOR: I guess so. All right, I'll leave you be.
RODERICK: I can't wait to see it!