The Grandparents

Lucy, a precocious 18-year-old skater, sits between her father and a suitcase. They are sitting in the living room of an elderly woman, who introduces herself as Grandma Jean. She is sitting next to the woman's husband, an elderly man with gray hair whom she calls Grandpa. The father and mother look at the teenager, thanking him warmly for welcoming his daughter so quickly. Since her mother left, she has been out of control. She drank, was promiscuous and disobeyed all the rules. Her pastor suggested their unique, family-style rehabilitation center. Grandma Jean assures her that they will take good care of her, as if she were their granddaughter. That's their style. She offers to get Lucy some cookies, which she scoffs at! She yells at her father, who tries to make fun of her. But Grandpa politely and sternly suggests that she leave. He will have monthly visits and regular phone calls, as they explained on the phone. He does as he is told and leaves Lucy, who has been surprised by Grandpa again.
There is a long, awkward silence ... before Grandma John returns with the cookies. Lucy feels very anxious and starts eating while Grandma explains the rules. She takes off Lucy's tomboy baseball cap and explains that all the special needs girls in their care must follow their "personal" approach to behavior control. Since she comes from a broken home, she is expected to be an active member of their happy blended family. She must call them grandma or grandpa, she must be polite and respectful, and she must stay home unless she is allowed to go out. She must also be kind and discreet with the other guests. And the most important rule... no fooling around! Grandpa listens to his wife talk, while he sits still. The room is opened by a discreet young woman. She is dressed in a feminine babydoll dress. When Grandma Jean sees her, she smiles and introduces her as Amy, one of their other guests at the establishment. Grandma Jean asks Amy if she can help Lucy get settled. Observing Amy's short dress and thinking she might have some fun around here, Lucy eagerly follows her up the stairs.

Lucy tries to convince Amy to come out of her room. She looks around the nicely appointed room in amazement... this is a much nicer facility than she had imagined when her father dragged her here... but these old people are really weird! Amy responds gently to her grandmother's kindness. She has transformed into a mature 18 year old woman in the short time she has been in their home. Grandma Jean is there to take care of her, and she always gives her the most wonderful goodnight kisses. Lucy finds this strange and tries to convince her to "break down" and tell her the truth. What did she do to end up here? What about Grandpa? Amy changes her expression and tells Amy that Grandpa was a complicated man. As she says this,

Grandma John enters with a beautifully wrapped box - a gift for Lucy. Surprised, Lucy opens it to find the same babydoll dress that Amy had. The skater pretends to be grateful and Grandma Jean tells her to put it on and then join them downstairs to play cards, their evening ritual. Lucy is shocked that she has to wear girls' clothes, but Amy helps her undress and compliments her beautiful body. Lucy is charmed by her innocence and they begin to have fun, even though Grandpa yells at them to go downstairs.

CUTTING on a game table in the living room. The girls, dressed in matching clothes, play cards with Grandma.