Abduction of Innocence1996

Robert Steves:
[on the phone, at dinner]... I really can't believe this, Al. When I left, the Canadian said all outstanding issues had been resolved. All of a sudden, they get cold feet? [He scoffs; Clare comes in] I know it's a lot of money... [Clare greets him with a kiss]... but it's a good deal for everyone! Yeah - you tell McKenzie to call me at home tonight. Right - any time up till midnight. If I can't do this by phone, I'll have to come back tomorrow. [He rings off and turns to his wife]... I don't know what happened. When I left, everything was done. Now the whole deal's falling apart. I may have to go back to Seattle in the morning. [He turns to their daughter]... Hi, honey. How are you? Anything exciting happen while I was gone?

Helen Steves:
Clare got an "A" in math.

Robert Steves:
That's fantastic! See, didn't I say you could do it?

Clare Steves:
It was a cakewalk, really... I also got offered the role of "Emily" in OUR TOWN. I didn't even audition; the director just came up to me during lunch and...

Robert Steves:
[sighs, cutting her off] I thought we talked about this.

Helen Steves:
[half-joking] Or at least *you* did.

Robert Steves:
[nods, serious] That's what I mean.

Clare Steves:
I just felt so lucky to receive this role. It'd be awkward if I had to...

Robert Steves:
[cutting her off again] I thought we all agreed - no extracurricular activities this semester. S.A.T.s are coming up. *That* should be your focus.

Clare Steves:
Is that what we all agreed on? Or did you agree on it for all of us? Two different things.

Robert Steves:
Not around here, young lady. Not as far as you're concerned.

Clare Steves:
Well, YOU haven't needed to explain that *repeatedly* for my classmates. Heck, most of THEM find time for extracurricular stuff... and even jobs. If they can juggle that kind of load, so can I.

Helen Steves:
[to her husband] Honey, the play only lasts a couple of weeks.

Robert Steves:
I'm sure there'll be rehearsals every night - no. Next semester, we'll see; but right now, your top priority should be making a good college.

Clare Steves:
[deflated] Meaning you think I don't care about that at all, just because it isn't all I *do* care about! [She excuses herself from the table and storms out of the dining room]

Robert Steves:
[his voice dripping sarcasm] Well... I'm glad I rushed home to be with my family. [He excuses himself from the table as well. Helen sighs]