The New Friend/Transcript

Oliver and Company: The Series

The New Friend

Act I

(A shot of Manhattan, late afternoon. A school bus drives through the streets, before making its stop. The passengers get off; Jenny exits, flanked by a boy of about nine or ten with messy brown hair, and sporting an off-white T-shirt, blue jeans and black sneakers.)

Jenny: Josh, you're gonna love my house!

Josh: Are ya sure? This feels kind of unnecessary.

Jenny: (scoffs) Don't be silly!

(The two enter the Foxworth house. Oliver approaches Jenny and rubs himself against her legs. She strokes him.)

Jenny: Hi, Oliver. Did you miss me? This is my friend Josh.

(Josh strokes Oliver's ears. He purrs.)

Jenny: You're really good with animals.

Josh: Thanks. I'd like a dog, but my place doesn't allow pets.

(Winston approaches, smiling.)

Winston: Jennifer! I see you have a friend here. What's your name?

Josh: My name's Josh. Josh Williams.

(They shake hands.)

Winston: Well, Joshua. It's lovely to have you visit. I'm sorry that Mr. and Mrs. Foxworth aren't here to meet you.

Jenny: They're in Chicago on business.

Josh: Cool.

Winston: Well, why don't you two watch a bit of television while I make you something to eat? Hmm?

Jenny: Sure!

(Winston exits. Jenny and Josh sit down on the couch, channel surfing. Out of nowhere, Sancho eyes up Josh from his cage. He reacts surprised.)

Josh: You never told me you had a parrot.

Jenny: This is Sancho. He's really smart. Watch this. Sancho, say hello to Josh.

(Nothing happens. Then, he responds.)

Sancho': (Squawk) Hello, Josh. (squawks)

(The two children laugh.)

Josh: That's so awesome!

Jenny: Yeah. Anyway, why don't we go and see if dinner's ready, shall we?

Josh: I'd like that.

(They get off the couch, and head into the kitchen. Cut to the kitchen, where Jenny and Josh have just finished their meal.)

Jenny: You really finished that off!

Josh: Yeah. You make a wicked lasagna, Winston!

Winston: (flattered) Thank you! Would you like me to give you a ride home, Joshua?

Josh: (taken aback) Uhh, no. (stammers) I, uh, I can make my own way home. It's only a few blocks from here.

Jenny: Are you sure?

Winston: It's no hassle.

Josh: (somewhat defensively) Yeah. (Gets out of his seat and runs for the door.) Bye, Jen. I'll see you on Monday, K? (rushes out)

Jenny: That was odd.

Winston: I only offered him a ride home.

(Jenny shrugs.)

Winston: Well, Jennifer. How about we go over your French homework?

Jenny: Sure!

(They head back into the house. Cut to commercial break.)

Act II

(Caption reads "Monday afternoon". Jenny and Josh are exiting school and getting onto the bus, which departs from the bus stop. Inside the bus, the two are sitting in adjoining seats.)

Jenny: So, I'm excited to come to your house, Josh.

Josh: Hey, no sweat! I thought since you were kind enough to let me come round to your place...

Jenny: Well, thanks for your offer!

(The bus pulls up at a stop, and the passengers depart. Jenny and Josh approach a block of apartments.)

Jenny: You live here?

Josh: Yup.

(Cut to the interior of the apartment block. Jenny and Josh enter one of the apartments; the interior looks modest, with faded wallpaper.)

Josh: I know it's a bit of a downgrade from your place but it's home.

(Josh's mother greets the pair. She appears to be in her mid-to-late thirties, has brown hair and is wearing a faded white tank top, blue and brown, worn shoes.)

Josh's mother: Josh, you didn't tell me you were bringing a friend home.

(She extends her hand. Jenny shakes it.)

Jenny: It's lovely to meet you. I'll put dinner on for you.

(The two kids sit down on the couch in the living room.)

Jenny: Josh.

Josh: Yeah?

Jenny: Is this why you didn't what a ride home?

Josh: I'll be honest, Jen. It's just...it's difficult for me to talk about.

Jenny: What do you mean?

Josh: Well, the fact that I'm not as lucky as you.

Jenny: Josh, there's nothing for you to be ashamed of!

Josh: I know, but---(breathes in) I'd rather not talk about it. Shall we get dinner, OK?

Jenny: Sure.

(They both get off the couch and head off. Cut to the kitchen, where Jenny and Josh are eating pizza. Josh's mother sits down at the table with them.)

Josh's mother: It's not much, but I hope ya like it.

Jenny: (talking with her mouthful) It's really nice!

Josh's mother: Thanks.

Josh: I know it doesn't look like much, but since...

Jenny: Since when?

Josh: Things have been tough for us in the last few years, and after my dad left, well...

Jenny: I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do.

Josh: Look, I know you mean well, but, what can you do?

(Jenny tries to answer, but hesitates. Cut to commercial break.)

Act III

(The next day, Winston is driving Jenny to school. He looks back at her.)

Winston: Are you alright, Jennifer?

Jenny: I'm fine, it's just...you know Josh? Well, I spoke to him yesterday and...

Winston: Yes?

Jenny: Well, it turns out that he and his mom, they don't have much money, and I don't know...

Winston: You want to help but don't know how?

Jenny: Yes.

Winston: (pulls up outside the school) Well, don't worry,I have an idea.

(Jenny exits the car and bids Winston farewell as she enters the school.)

(Cut to later that afternoon; school is dismissed. Students exit the building; Jenny and Josh head down the street, talking.)

Jenny: Josh, why don't you come to my place? I've got a surprise for you.

Josh: What is it?

Jenny: Why tell you when I can show you?

(Josh looks at her perplexed, and shrugs.)

(Cut to the Foxworth house. Jenny and Josh enter; Winston greets them, flanked by Josh's mother.)

Josh: (shakes Winston's hand) Hi, Winston. (to his mother) Mom, what's going on?

Winston: I visited your mother earlier today, and she told me about your situation.

Josh: What?

Jenny: Josh, I'm going to tell you something I've never told anyone before. My dad, believe it or not, was once in your situation. He and his family barely had enough to eat.

Josh: I'd never have guessed!

Jenny: Seeing you and your mom struggle made me think about how lucky I am and that not everybody has a life like mine.

Josh: I mean, Jen, that's really---

Winston: So, I pulled some strings, and I've found a much nicer place for you to stay.

Josh: That's so great!

Josh's mother: Thank you so much!

(The two head out of the door and wave Jenny and Winston farewell.)

Jenny: I'm really glad you helped him out, Winston.

Winston: Why, thank you. I have my ways.

(Jenny giggles.)

Winston: Now, I'm going to put dinner on. Why don't you get started on your homework and I'll call you when it's ready?

Jenny: Sure!

(Jenny heads upstairs. She turns back and stops to wave farewell to Josh, who waves back.)

(End credits.)