Holly Hobbie

‐ My mom and dad met at the fair when they weren't much older than me.

The Ferris wheel jammed.

Dad was terrified of heights, so my mom had to talk him down.

Literally.

But what would have happened

if Aunt Jo hadn't convinced my mom to go to the fair that day?

Or the ride hadn't malfunctioned?

Would I even exist?

I'm starting to realize that the decisions I make today

could have a lasting impact on my life.

I know, it's a lot.

And so many amazing things have happened since we last hung out.

I opened for an actual rock star,

I have a friend who's a boy,

who might be more than a friend.

But how can I make sure that the choices I make are the right ones?

How can I make sure that I get stuck on the right Ferris wheel

with the right people?

Metaphorically speaking, of course,

because I, like my dad, am terrified of heights.

Thank you, Cedar Rapids!

Oscar, what are you doing here?

‐ I'm a huge fan of Gwen Taylor,

I was hoping you could introduce us.

‐ You already met.

‐ Right. ‐ Mm‐hmm.

‐ I guess I should go, then.

‐ Are those yellow lilies?

‐ Someone told me they were Gwen's favourite.

‐ Oh, mine too.

‐ Really? ‐ Really.

Thank you.

‐ So this is it, huh?

Last night performing with a big rock star?

‐ Maybe. They're looking for someone to open the second leg of the tour.

‐ Don't forget me when you're famous.

‐ Never. And to be honest,

even if they do ask, I'm not sure if I'm up for it.

I mean, I really miss Collinsville, and my friends,

and my family, and my...

‐ Boyfriend?

If you want.

‐ I know we didn't really get a chance to have the whole...

relationship talk before I left, but...

I do want that.

If that's what you want too.

‐ Hmm... Let me think it through.

‐ My parents are here!

They've been so busy on the farm,

I made them promise to come to my last show.

Have you seen them?

‐ No, but... your grandma's right there.

‐ Okay, just give me one second.

‐ Well, why did they tell you that?

We'll start driving right away, thanks.

‐ Is everything okay?

‐ I don't want you to worry.

‐ People only say that when there's something to worry about.

‐ Holly, there's been an accident.

‐ Robbie, Heather.

‐ Need... air now.

‐ Any news?

‐ Their car swerved off the highway.

Mom is mostly fine, but Dad hurt his back,

so they took him to Madison for surgery.

‐ Okay, so we need to go to Madison.

‐ Madison is two hours away,

and no kids are allowed in the ICU.

‐ Listen, Holly. Mom said she would call as soon as there was news.

‐ Okay.

‐ Okay.

‐ Robbie said "back injury" like it was nothing.

I mean, what if my dad never walks again?

‐ Are you searching? Close the browser!

Okay, Doctor Internet is not your friend right now.

Based on what I've heard about your dad's injury,

a minor fracture to his L5,

he should be out of that wheelchair in no time.

‐ Wheelchair?

‐ Yeah, and after months of rehab,

he'll be walking like normal. ‐ Months?

‐ Okay, in like a year or two, no one will remember the accident.

‐ I think you need to work on your bedside manner, Ames.

: Or he could have a speedy recovery

and be home by the end of the week.

‐ You think that's possible? ‐ Anything's possible.

‐ But for now, how can we help?

Doughnut delivery?

Emergency Saved by the Bell binge watch?

I've been using this mindfulness app if you're interested.

‐ (sighing) Well, do you happen to have any leads on buried treasure?

Apparently my dad's recovery is going to be expensive.

‐ We can organize a fundraiser.

Like a bake sale, or a raffle.

‐ Or a special open mic?

‐ Yes! And people could donate at the door! ‐ I love it.

‐ You sure you're up for this?

‐ I can't just sit here worrying.

Okay? Robbie and Heather are helping out.

I have to do something too.

: Is that your mom?

‐ Oscar.

He's just being a good boyfriend and checking in.

‐ I'm sorry, did you just say boyfriend?

You guys had the talk?

‐ Right before my grandma told me about the accident.

It was a really weird 60 seconds.

: I want to hear all of the details.

What were you wearing? What was he wearing?

‐ Look, I promise I will tell you everything after

we host the best open mic ever.

Okay?

‐ Looks pretty deserted.

‐ Yeah, Farmers Market is every Sunday from seven to three,

it says so on the website.

Maybe everyone else has the wrong day?

‐ Or maybe they're all at Scooter Morgenson's retirement brunch.

‐ That's a strangely specific guess.

‐ Robbie, it says right here on the sign!

‐ Okay, well if we don't sell these berries today,

they'll go bad, which means we're out 200 bucks.

‐ Scooter quit?!

‐ Yeah. He's moving to Florida to spend more time with his grandkids.

Kinda sweet.

‐ Except he forgot to tell his customers

and I need 50 jars of jam ASAP.

‐ There's a grocery store off Highway 5.

‐ The customers at my farm‐to‐table gourmet grocer

do not accept grocery store jam.

They want the best.

‐ Then they should try Hobbie Jam.

: What's Hobbie Jam?

‐ It isn't fair to tell you about it.

Not sure if we can handle another customer.

Besides, we only deal with people in the city.

‐ Madison? ‐ New York.

‐ I want Hobbie Jam.

‐ How much were you paying for Scooter's?

‐ Five dollars a jar. ‐ Ours is ten.

‐ How do I know this isn't a scam?

You're just kids.

‐ Do you know who else was just a kid when she risked her life

fighting for a girl's right to go to school?

Malala.

‐ I need it by tomorrow afternoon.

‐ No problem.

‐ Excuse us for just a minute.

Yes. Problem.

‐ What's your deal, bro?

‐ We don't make Hobbie Jam.

‐ How hard could it be?

Do you know why Scooter charges five dollars?

Because he can't count to ten.

Do you want to help our family or not?

‐ Alright, let's go.

‐ We'll have it to you by tomorrow afternoon.

‐ Since when do you know how to make jam?

‐ Oh, I never said that. Come on. Lots to learn!

‐ Alright, the sign's looking good.

Now we just gotta centre those lights.

‐ Hey. ‐ Oh good, you're here.

‐ I got your text. What's the emergency?

‐ How are you with a broom?

The Calico's been closed for two weeks

while my Grandma and I were on tour.

I need to get it cleaned up for the open mic.

‐ You're hosting an open mic? ‐ Tomorrow.

And it needs to be perfect in case my dad shows up.

‐ He's getting out that soon? When did you get the news?

‐ I didn't yet.

At least, not officially.

But I called my mom like an hour ago,

and she said that his surgery went really well.

Okay, Amy, how are these lights looking?

‐ So, you haven't talked to your dad yet?

‐ No, but that's because he was in recovery when I called,

and I've been so busy whipping this place into shape.

You wouldn't believe how much dust accumulates over two weeks.

‐ Holly, I don't want to be Mr. Glass Half‐Empty,

but I don't think he's gonna be out by tomorrow.

And if he is, he won't be up for an open mic.

When my grandpa had his knee replacement,

he was in the hospital for five days

and stuck on the couch for a few weeks.

‐ Okay, but grandpas are old, and my dad is...

less old.

‐ Uh, that's...