TIA:

Hey … how’re ya doing?

ALESS:

P-pretty good. Syrrah said I'm g-going to be fine.

TIA:

That’s good. Let me get a look at you.

It's not so bad. Does it hurt?

ALESS:

N-n-not too much. Syrrah p-put something on it

to st-stop the swelling and stuff.

TIA:

Ya know, I wasn’t aiming at you. God Aless, why didn’t you just duck?

ALESS:

I tried. The ball just m-moved faster than m-m-me, that's all.

TIA:

Obviously. Anyway, I'm sorry you got hurt. I know you didn’t want to play in the first place. Thanks for coming along and trying.

ALESS:

Tia, would it b-be OK with you if I didn’t play t-tennis again, ever?

TIA:

I think that's a good idea. But I hope you’ll still come to watch me.

ALESS:

I’d like that. I’m m-much better at watching than pl-playing.

TIA:

It’s a lot easier on you face too.  Listen Aless, I called daddy 

and …well,  I’m moving  back home to Los Angeles.

ALESS:

B-because of Jesse?

TIA:

That idiot! Don’t even mention his name to me. And no, he’s not the 

reason. I miss my friends and my horse and… I was just happier there. The only downside is - I’ll miss you. You want to come with me?

ALESS:

N-not really. I like b-being with Racolo and I have friends here.

You’re leaving r-right away, aren’t you?

TIA:

A cab’s on its way to take me to the airport. If you change your mind, you could come anytime. I’m really going to miss you.

ALESS:

You are?

TIA:

Of course ya little nerd. Now give me a hug.

TIA:

... Promise to keep in touch?

ALESS:

I p-promise. Say hello to d-daddy for me.

TIA:

I will. And tell Racolo … well, tell him anything you want. You take care of yourself and try to go outside once in a while OK? Love you.

ALESS:

Love you too.

Later in the study ...

NEVE:

Tic-Tac-Toe! I win! Ha ha - I beat you! I beat you!

JESSE:

Yeah ya did. You’re the champion Tic-Tac-Toe player of the world.

NEVE:

Yeah. Champion Neve. Play again?

JESSE:

Again? I don’t know, I don’t think I can take another defeat.

You're just too good for me.

NEVE:

What if I let you win this time?

JESSE:

You’d throw the game for me?

 NEVE:

Yes Jesse. Play again?

JESSE:

OK one more game. Then you hafta get ready for bed.

NEVE:
OK.

 NEVE:

Hi Daprima. We playing Tic-Tac-Toe.

DAPRIMA:

Yes I see. You’re having fun?

NEVE:

Oh yes. I gonna let Jesse win this time so he no feel bad.

JESSE:

Hey - you weren’t supposed to tell her that.

NEVE:

Oops.

JESSE:

Not since she took a swing at me this morning.

NEVE:

Why Tia do that?

JESSE:

It’s a long story and I don’t come off lookin' too good.

Just forget it. It's your turn.

DAPRIMA:

You haven’t seen her since then?

JESSE:

You see any bruises on me?

DAPRIMA:

I was hoping she talked to you before she …

NEVE:

Look, I have Tic-Tac-Toe! I win again.

JESSE:

Neve, what happened to letting me win?

NEVE:

Ooh, I made mistake. You feel bad?

JESSE:

I’m crushed.

NEVE:

We can call a do-over. 

JESSE:

No do-overs in Tic-Tac-Toe. It’s late. You better get ready for bed.

NEVE:
OK.

NEVE:

Jesse, next time I to let you win, I promise.

JESSE:

Quit stalling and get going.

NEVE:

Bye Daprima.

DAPRIMA:

'Night Neve.

JESSE:

I guess you and Tia had a talk today. Well I know all about it.

DAPRIMA:

You do?

JESSE:

Look, I know it’s been tough on everyone since Tia and me broke up. 

And I’ve been looking for somewhere else to live, but Neve just got 

here and ... just give me a little more time before you throw us out. OK?

DAPRIMA:

No one’s throwing you out.

JESSE:

Yeah right. That's what Tia wants, isn't it? 

DAPRIMA:

Jesse, Tia left earlier this evening. She spoke to her father

and decided to move back to LA to be with him.

JESSE:

She … what?

DAPRIMA:

I was hoping she told you before she left. Are you OK?

JESSE:

Yeah. Sure. Just fine.

DAPRIMA:

Jesse, you’re not some charity case. You're here 

because we want you here. 

DAPRIMA:

… And don't blame yourself for Tia's decision. I think she really missed her old life. If you want to talk about it, we're all here for you. Well, it’s getting late. I better make sure Grace is ready for bed. Good night.

JESSE:

Yeah, goodnight.

JESSE:

Can’t believe she didn’t say good bye.