LAURIE:

I can't believe it's already time for the Winter Festival. I'm still thawing out from last year.

NAT:

What's the Winter Festival.

JO:

Oh, it's a big party that the town puts on every year to celebrate the joys of winter.

LAURIE:

It's a diversion to keep people's minds off how cold they are.

JO:

Don't listen to him. It's fun. There's food and games…

EMIL:

And sledding.

TOMMY:

And snowball fights.

JO:

And at the end of the festival there's hot cider and an evening sleigh ride.

DAN:

What's the Father and Son Cross Country Ski Challenge?

EMIL:

It's a race.

TOMMY:

Fathers team up with their sons and race around town.

DAN:

Sounds like fun.

CADE:

[Stepping up to the group.] It is, especially when you've won three years in a row.

EMIL:

Not this year, Cade. Maybe your streak will come to an end.

CADE:

Sure, Emil. You said that last year and what happened? You ended up face down in the snow bank. [Cade leaves.]

DAN:

Who's that?

EMIL:

Cade Mulroney, Peterskill Academy. A bunch of spoiled rich kids, they think they're better than us.

TOMMY:

Yeah, they're way too smart. They beat us at everything.

JO:

Now, boys, this race is not about winning. It's about having fun and being with your loved ones. If you happen to beat the boys at Peterskill in the meantime, that's just icing on the cake.

DAN:

I wish I could join the race, but it's only for fathers and sons, right?

LAURIE:

I could be your father, Dan.

DAN:

Really? Is that legal?

JO:

Sure, it is. Laurie is your sponsor at Plumfield, I don't see why he can't be your father for the day.

DAN:

That's great. Thanks.

NAT:

Nick? Do you think you could be my father in the Father and Son Race?

NICK:

Father and Son Race?

NAT:

Yeah, it's a cross country ski race at the Winter Festival.

NICK:

[Beat.] Sure.

NAT:

Thanks, Nick. With you and me on a team, there's no way we could lose.

DAN:

Except for me and Laurie.

TOMMY:

And me and my dad.

JO:

All right, boys. That's enough bragging. Head inside and start unpacking. [Boys take groceries inside. To Nick.] That's nice of you.

NICK:

Yeah, I just don't wanna let him down is all.

JO:

Don't worry about that. It's just for fun. You don't have to win the race.

NICK:

I'm sure we won't. I've never put on a pair of skis in my life. I'll be lucky if I'm even standing at the end of it.

JO:

We'll have to do something about that then, won't we?

NICK:

Not a word of this to the kids.

JO:

Don't worry, it'll be our little secret. You ready?

NICK:

Suppose I'd better be.

JO:

Now, you push off with your right foot and at the same time, you use your left hand and push off with your left pole. Opposites, okay? And then you do the same thing with the opposite side. Ready? [Nick starts off.] Right foot, left pole. There you go! That's it! There you go… Good! [Nick falls.] Okay, everybody falls when they're just beginning. Some people even fall when they're not beginning. [She gives Nick a hand.] Ready? One, two, three… Ah! [Jo falls on top of Nick.]

NICK:

Sorry… You know, put me on a ship with forty foot waves and I can walk a straight line. But skis… that's something I just ain't been around much.

JO:

If you can get your balance at sea, I'm sure you can manage it. [Nick and Jo stand up again.]

NICK:

The race in in two weeks.

JO:

No problem.

NICK:

[Starting off again.] Hey, I think I'm getting the hang of this.

JO:

Good! Good! [Nick falls again. Jo runs to his rescue.] Hold on!

NAT:

The race starts here in town, then out to the woods and back. It's two laps. The father does the first and the son does the second.

NAN:

And the trick is not to go too fast on the final turn into town. It's really icy.

NICK:

I'll remember that. Listen, you kids stay here. I'll go in and pick up that material Mrs. Jo ordered for the quilting contest. [Nick goes into the store.]

NAT:

Okay.

NAN:

Boys get to race and girls get to enter the Mother/Daughter Quilting Contest.

NAT:

What are you so made about? I mean, Mrs. Jo said she'd enter with you.

NAN:

I don't want to make a quilt, Nat. I wanna race like you.

NAT:

Be glad you're not. It'll save you the embarrassment of losing to me.

CADE:

[Overhearing and coming up to the wagon.] You're entering the race?

NAT:

That's right.

CADE:

Why bother? She has a better chance of winning than you.

NAN:

[To Cade.] Well, anyone would have a better chance of winning than you.

CADE:

I'll have you know that I've won this race for the past three years.

NAN:

That's just 'cause I wasn't in it.

CADE:

And you won't be in it again this year seeing as girls aren't allowed. [To Nat.] If I were you, I'd steer clear of the race as well. I'm not good at avoiding little kids when they fall. I wouldn't want to see anyone get hurt. [Pushes Nat.]

NAT:

Hey! I'm not gonna fall.

CADE:

I don't know. It can get pretty rough out there. Think you're tough enough, huh? Come on. Show me how tough you are. [Continues pushing Nat.] Come on!

NAN:

Leave him alone.

CADE:

Enjoy making your quilt. [To Nat.] Both of you. [Cade exits.]

NAN:

I'll make a really big quilt so I can bury you in it! [To Nat.] What's wrong with you?

NAT:

What?

NAN:

You're just gonna let him push you around like that.

NICK:

[Coming back from the store and handing Nan a bolt of fabric.] Here you go, Nan. It'll make a nice quilt.

NAN:

Oh, yes. Lovely.

NICK:

You all right, Nat?

NAT:

Yeah, sure.

NICK:

You ain't said a word since we got back from town. Somethin' on your mind.

NAT:

Nick, did you always know how to fight, or did you have to learn?

NICK:

Some of it I learned. Most of it I just picked up along the way.

NAT:

Did you get in many fights when you were a kid?

NICK:

Some. No more than most boys.

NAT:

You see? Now that's my problem. I've never been in a fight.

NICK:

Never?

NAT:

No, never. Back in Boston, Dan and Jasper used to do the fightin' for us, and when they weren't around, I usually just stayed out of trouble.

NICK:

Nothin' wrong with stayin' out of trouble, Nat.

NAT:

You're right. But what about when someone tries to pick a fight with you: they push you, they call you names. What do you do? You fight back. That's what you do. You stand up for yourself, but you never do. Guys like Cade start makin' fun of me and I don't do anything. You know, it's bad enough when Dan stands up for me, but now I've got Nan trying to stand up for me, too.

NICK:

How 'bout I teach you how to fight?

NAT:

Really? You'd do that? But Mrs. Jo doesn't allow fighting at Plumfield.

NICK:

Well, we wouldn't be fightin'. I'd just be showin' you how to defend yourself.

NAT:

Yeah, sure.

NICK:

Still, it's probably better if she doesn't find out about it. All right?

NAT:

Okay. It'll be our little secret.

NICK:

All right.

FRANZ:

Hello, Nan.

NAN:

Hey, Franz, can I ask you a question?

FRANZ:

Sure.

NAN:

You know when you first started teaching at the school and everybody thought you were too young and inexperienced? How did that make you feel?

FRANZ:

Well, I was nervous at first -

NAN:

But you wanted to teach, right?

FRANZ:

Yeah.

NAN:

Well, of course you did. You wanted to teach real bad, but people didn't let you, like there was some stupid rule saying that you couldn't do it. It made you mad 'cause people didn't wanna give you the chance to show that you could do it.

FRANZ:

What's going on, Nan?

NAN:

Well, I want you to be my father.

FRANZ:

Excuse me?

NAN:

In the father/son skiing race in the Winter Festival. My father can't make it, and I was kind of hoping that you'd take his place.

FRANZ:

I don't think that's possible, Nan.

NAN:

Of course it is. Mr. Laurence is being Dan's father, and Nick and Nat are pairing up.

FRANZ:

Fine. But that leaves you with one small problem: You're not a boy.

NAN:

You can leave that one up to me.

NICK:

All right, whenever you're ready, give it a shot.

NAT:

[Nat swings and misses Nick's hand.] You moved it, Nick.

NICK:

Of course I did. When you're fightin' somebody, he ain't gonna hold still for you either. When you're windin' up, you're tippin' me when you're gonna throw. Punch fast. Jab and recover. Remember, the other guy's gonna be punchin' right back at ya so keep your guard. Be ready for it. [Nat starts jabbing the air.] Good. Hey, and never, never take your eyes off your opponent. And if he takes his eyes off of you, that's when you do it. [Brings his fist lightly to Nat's cheek.]

NAT:

All right.

NICK:

Give it another shot. [Nat swings and stumbles forward.] Now, see? You lost your balance. Watch your stance. [Nick shows Nat the proper stance and Nat copies him. Their backs are turned to the door.] Get your feet square under ya, bend at the knees. The key to winnin' is keepin' your balance.

JO:

[Enters.] Exactly. Remember, you don't actually have to win the race. It's having fun that's important.

NAT:

Right. Fun.

NICK:

Yeah, we're havin' lots of fun.

NAT:

Lots of fun.

JO:

Good! Nick, it's three o'clock. [Nick stares blankly back.] Remember that thing I was helping you with?

NICK:

Oh, the thing! [To Nat.] Why don't you get goin' and finish up your chores and we'll… talk later.

NAT:

Sure, Nick. See you, Mrs. Jo.

JO:

Bye, Nat.

NICK:

You know, I'm still a little sore from yesterday.

JO:

I know, but don't worry. Every day will get easier. [She takes Nick's arm and leads him outside.]

NICK:

This ain't gonna work.

JO:

Yes, it is.

NICK:

No, it ain't.

JO:

Listen, this isn't going to work unless you approach it with the right attitude. The reason you can't do it is because you don't think you can. Or maybe you don't want to.

NICK:

What?

JO:

Nat is so thrilled that you are participating in this race with him. Whether your finish first or last or fall on your face at the starting line, it doesn't matter to him. You know that. What you're doing for him is wonderful. He's so proud to have you as his father.

NICK:

Father… [Getting up.] All right. Let's try it again.

NICK:

Again! You're tippin' me. I know when you're gonna punch.

NAT:

Nick, I can't do it.

NICK:

Sure you can.

NAT:

No. I'm not getting' it. It's just a waste of time.

NICK:

Nat, the only reason you can't do it is because you don't think you can. The trick is believin' it, knowin' you can do it. Get that confidence in ya, and the rest of it is easy. Now, come on. Try it again. [Nat swings and misses.] Again. [Another miss.] Again. Again! Come on, faster.

NAT:

[Hits Nick's hand.] I did it! I hit your hand!

NICK:

You sure did. Now do it again. Same one.

JO:

Push off with the opposite side. That's it! That's perfect! It's getting easier, isn't it?

NICK:

Yup!

JO:

Okay, now push a little harder. Pick up some speed!

NICK:

I'm still standin'!

JO:

I can see that! [Beat.] Look out for the tree! Go left! [Nick hits the tree head on.] Oh!

NICK:

I'm getting it.

NICK:

All right, Nat. Good. You can stop now. [Nat keeps going.] Nat, take a break. [Nat stops.] You're punchin' real good. My hands are stingin'.

NAT:

Really? You mean I'm hittin' you hard?

NICK:

Real hard. Your form's lookin' good too. You're keepin' your weight balanced. Keep this up, nobody's gonna wanna tangle with ya. That boy Cade's gonna be on the ground before he knows what hit him.

NAT:

I really appreciate your doin' this for me.

NICK:

Ah, I didn't do much of anythin'. You always had it inside of you. I just helped you find it, is all.

NAT:

Can we go again?

NICK:

Sure. I think I'm gonna need to get me some pads for my hands. They're startin' to swell up.

FRANZ:

Nan, what are you doing?

NAN:

You'll see. I told you, it's a surprise.

FRANZ:

I can hardly wait.

NAN:

Is anybody comin'?

FRANZ:

No. Not yet anyway.

NAN:

All right, almost ready. You ready?

FRANZ:

Yes.

NAN:

All right. Her I come. [Nan comes out from behind the screen, dressed as a boy.] Well? What do you think?

FRANZ:

Where'd you get those pants?

NAN:

Oh, they're Nat's. They're a little bit baggy but I've got this belt to hold them up. Do you think I could pass for a boy?

FRANZ:

I'd have to say yes.

NAN:

Well, then you'd better start practicing your skiing because we're gonna win this race.

FRANZ:

Nan, I don't know. I mean, I don't look old enough to be your father.

NAN:

Already thought about that. Here, put this on. [She hands him a fake moustache.]

FRANZ:

What is it?

NAN:

A fake moustache.

FRANZ:

Nan, if we get caught…

NAN:

If we get caught, then we get disqualified, but at least we tried. And besides, we're not gonna get caught 'cause neither me or you are gonna tell anybody, are we? It'll be our little secret.

DAN:

The coast is clear. I'm gonna make a run for the flag.

NAN:

All right. If they start firing, crawl back as fast as you can. We'll cover you.

DAN:

Right. On three: one, two, three.

NAT:

He's making a run for it!

EMIL:

[Children cry out as they launch snowballs at Dan. One hits Dan in the back and he is forced to surrender to the other side.] I got you, Dan. You're out.

NAN:

[Hitting Bess with a snowball during an exchange of fire.] Oops… Sorry! [Looking at the low supply of ammunition.] We're getting low on snowballs.

MYERS:

I'll make some more.

EMIL:

[On the other side.] It's really quiet over there.

NAT:

Maybe too quiet.

EMIL:

Maybe they've run out of snowballs.

NAT:

Maybe.

EMIL:

Or it might be a trick.

NAT:

Well, there's only one way to find out. [Nat runs out to catch the flag.]

EMIL:

Nat, what are you doin'?

NAN:

They're making a run for it. He's making a run for it! [The other kids are cheering on Nat.]

NAT:

[Captures the flag.] I did it!

NAN:

Nat made a run for it?

NICK:

Almost done here, Nat. I'm just makin' some pads.

JO:

Pads?

NICK:

Uh, yeah. For our skiing lesson. Might make it easier for when I fall.

JO:

I don't think you'll be falling anymore, Nick. You've really improved. I think you'll finish the race on your feet. [She sits beside Nick.] Do you want to hear something amazing? Ever since you've agreed to be Nat's father in the race, his confidence has soared. I heard that he captured the flag in a snowball fight today. And just now, Emil tried to take his scarf. Nat demanded that he give it back, and he did. Emil backed down. All these years, Nat's been yearning for a father's influence.

NICK:

Ah, I'm just playin' the part, Jo. I mean, I'm think of myself as a friend to these boys, but I wouldn't go callin' myself much of a father.

JO:

I would.

EMIL:

Over there is the icy part where everyone always slides around.

TOMMY:

Yeah, like you.

EMIL:

This year, I'm gonna get a big lead at the beginning so I won't have to rush later on.

DAN:

You can't get a big lead unless you pass me, Emil, and that ain't gonna happen.

NAN:

Actually, a big lead is a big mistake.

EMIL:

Is that a fact?

NAN:

Yes. It's better to stay back and see what you're up against. Let them work hard so that by the end of the race, while they're huffing and puffing, you're fresh and ready to fly past them.

DAN:

We'll keep that in mind, Nan.

NAN:

If you guys wanna lose the race, fine by me. [Nan exits.]

NAT:

[Seeing Cade.] Look.

CADE:

Well, look who it is. Come to watch me ski? You just may learn something.

TOMMY:

That guy talks to much.

EMIL:

We've gotta shut him up.

DAN:

Yeah. [Nat pushes past Dan.] What's he doin'?

NAT:

The only person that's gonna learn something here, Cade, is you.

CADE:

Is that so? Who's gonna teach me? You?

NAT:

That's right. You always wonder how tough I am, I'm ready to show ya!

CADE:

You are, huh? [Nat brings his fists up, ready to fight.] What? You wanna fight?

NAT:

That's right.

DAN:

Nat…

NAT:

Dan, stay out of this! [To Cade.] Come on.

CADE:

[Beat.] Some other time.

NAT:

[Nat hits Cade, throwing the older boy off balance.] Come on! Come on! [Nat punches Cade in the nose.]

DAN:

Nat, are you all right? [To Cade.] That's it. This is enough!

NAT:

[Nat gets up.] Dan, leave me alone! [To Cade.] Come on! Come on!

DAN:

Nat! Let him be, Nat!

TOMMY:

Nat, are you all right?

DAN:

Nat? Come on, Nat. [DAN reaches down to help him and pulls his hand away from NAT's head. It's covered in blood.] Oh, my God! Nat! Go get help! Go get the doctor! Go!

MAN:

What's going on here?

DAN:

He hit his head. Come on, Nat.

DR. P.:

His pulse is weak and rapid. His breathing is shallow. I'm afraid he's lapsed into a coma. I won't be able to accurately assess the amount of damage until he wakes up.

ASIA:

When will that be?

DR. P.:

I don't know. He's sustained a severe blow. We should prepare ourselves for the possibility that he may not wake up.

NICK:

Is there anything we can do?

DR. P.:

Keep his head raised at all times. A cap of ice water and vinegar might further reduce the swelling.

ASIA:

I'll get it. [Asia exits.]

DR. P.:

You can also apply fever blistex to the back of his head. Other than that, I'm afraid all we can do is wait. When you're with him, it might not be a bad idea to speak to him. I have seen in the past how a familiar voice can have a great impact on brining someone back from a coma.

DAN:

How's Nat doing?

JO:

Asia's with him now. I think we should all take turns sitting with him.

DAN:

Yeah, that'd be good, Mrs. Jo.

JO:

[To Nick.] I'd like to go into town tomorrow to speak to the parents of the boy who hit him. Maybe even the Sheriff. We can't let this assault go unpunished.

DAN:

Mrs. Jo, Nat started the fight.

NICK:

What?

DAN:

I know, it's hard to believe. We didn't believe it either. Cade, he didn't wanna fight. He tried to walk away.

EMIL:

Nat threw the first punch. That's why Cade fought back.

JO:

Why would he do such a thing?

DAN:

I don't know.

EMIL:

Cade was pickin' on him a few days ago, but it's not like Nat to pick a fight.

NICK:

Jo… The last few days I been teachin' Nat how to fight.

JO:

What?

NICK:

I know, I should've told you.

JO:

You've been teaching Nat how to fight?

NICK:

That other boy'd been pushin' him around and Nat was upset that he didn't know how to defend himself, so I thought I'd show him.

JO:

You know how I feel about fighting.

NICK:

I know, but Nat came to me and he wanted to learn. And I don't think there's anything wrong with somebody knowin' how to fight to defend themselves.

JO:

No, but did you bother teaching him when not to fight.

NICK:

I didn't think he'd actually go pick a fight with the boy!

JO:

I cannot believe you would do such a thing!

NICK:

I was just tryin' to help him!

JO:

Really? Well, why don't you go upstairs and look at him and you can see how much you've helped him. [Jo turns her back on Nick, returning to her writing. Nick exits.]

DAN:

[Chapter 28.] "For several days, after leaving Nantucket, nothing above hatches was seen of Captain Ahab." Never thought I'd ever actually be readin' to you, huh? "The mates regularly relieved each other at the watch."

JO:

[Later. Chapter 133.] "There she blows! There she blows! A hump like a snow-hill. It is Moby Dick."

NAN:

[Later. Chapter 134.] "…the White Whale churning himself into furious speed, almost in an instant as it were, rushing among the boats with open jaws, and a lashing tail, offered appalling battle on every side; and heedless of the iron -"

NICK:

[Enters.] Mind if I sit with him?

NAN:

Sure.

NICK:

[Sitting at Nat's bedside.] You know I'm not so good at readin' yet, so I'll just sit here and talk with you for a while, if that's all right with you. [Beat.] I'm not so good at talkin' either. [Beat.] I shouldn't've been teachin' you how to fight. I should've been teachin' you how to avoid fights. But you already knew how to do that, didn't you? You were doin' just fine 'til I came along… I'm sorry, Nat. [Nick cries silently.]

NAT:

[Nat wakes.] Nick… Hey, Nick.

NICK:

Hey, Nat. Welcome back.

DR. P.:

[To Jo and Nick.] Bring him along very gently. Make sure he doesn't over exert himself. He has been through quite a trauma.

NICK:

I'll see you out.

JO:

Thank you, Doctor. [Dr. Pierce and Nick exit. Crosses to Nat's bedside.] Nat, how are you doing?

DAN:

He's doin' better.

NAN:

[Feeding Nat the last bite of his meal.] Finished. Do you want some more?

NAT:

No, thanks.

JO:

All right, then. Why don't we let him rest. The doctor said he shouldn't over exert himself.

DAN:

[To Nat.] Nice to see you back. You had me worried. [Children exit.]

JO:

Are you warm enough?

NAT:

Yes. Mrs. Jo? I'm sorry for fighting.

JO:

I know.

NAT:

How long do I have to stay in bed.

JO:

A week or so.

NAT:

But I'll miss the father and son race.

JO:

Oh, I'm afraid you'll have to sit this one out. You really need plenty of time to heal.

NAT:

Tell Nick I'm sorry.

JO:

I will.

JO:

I know you didn't mean for this to happen. And I do believe you when you say you were trying to help him, but, Nick, he is still a young boy. You don't realize the impact you have on him, on all the children. They look up to you. They hang on your every word, watch you every move, trying to be like you.

NICK:

I never asked them to look at me in that way.

JO:

Well, they do, Nick, and -

NICK:

Well, they shouldn't! Look, maybe I should just step back, do my job and not get involved with 'em so much.

JO:

It's too late for that. You already are involved. Whether you like it or not, you're a father figure to them. There are so many wonderful things about being a father, Nick. You were nervous about skiing, but I could see the pride in your eyes when Nat asked you to be in the race with him. But with being a father comes a great deal of responsibility. And I guess the question you're left with is do you want to accept that responsibility. [Turns to leave.]

NICK:

I don't know if I can.

JO:

Then you're only hurting them more by staying. [Jo exits.]

JO:

Nick? [There is no answer. The barn is empty.] Nick?

NAT:

Bess, don't cover my eyes.

BESS:

Oh, sorry.

NAT:

Why do I have to wear this many scarves?

BESS:

Dr. Pierce said you could only go to the Festival if we keep you warm.

EMIL:

I recommend we put a blanket on him.

BESS:

Good idea.

JO:

[Enters.] Well, the wagon's hitched. You all set? [Seeing Nat.] Nat, is that you?

NAT:

[Pulling the scarves off his face.] Yeah.

JO:

Well, you look warm.

NAT:

Where's Nick?

JO:

Uh, Nick's not going to be coming to the Festival. But we are, and we'll have a wonderful time.

DAN:

Nat, you wanna try it?

NAT:

No.

MAN 2:

Try it. [Nat leaves. Dan follows.]

AMY:

[Showing Jo the quilt she and Bess have made.] So, Jo, what do you think?

BESS:

I like the colours.

JO:

I think it's gorgeous.

MEG:

It's lovely. The colours are lovely, Bess, but the stitching. That's what catches the judges eye. That's why Daisy and I spent so much time on the intricacy of our design.

JO:

Yours is nice, too, Meg.

AMY:

Well, we'll just have to let the judge decide, won't we?

LAURIE:

Where's your quilt, Jo? I thought you and Nan were going to make one.

JO:

Oh, Nan didn't want to participate.

BESS:

Where is Nan anyways?

JO:

I don't know. I haven't seen her since we've been in town.

M.C.:

Folks! Could I have your attention. It's time for the Father/Son Ski Challenge so all participants make your way to the starting line.

LAURIE:

Well, that's my queue.

AMY:

Try not to hurt yourself.

LAURIE:

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

JO:

Good luck!

FRANZ:

They just called us to the race.

NAN:

Franz… your moustache.

ASIA:

[Coming up to Nan.] Well, why don't you just pull this a bit tighter so it doesn't blow off during the race.

NAN:

Thanks, Asia.

ASIA:

[To Franz.] And you might want to fix your moustache. Go on, both of you. Go ahead. Have a good time.

JO:

Just about ready!

M.C.:

Skiers to the starting line.

JO:

[Asia enters.] Asia, sit here. [Finding Nat in the crowd.] Nat!

NAT:

Yeah!

JO:

Come sit by me. Oh, hot cider! Mm! Are you warm enough?

NAT:

Yeah.

EMIL:

[Coming up to Jo.] My uncle couldn't make it. He sent his butler in his place.

JO:

[Looking at the unprepared elderly man.] I'm sure he'll do fine. Go on now. Good luck! [Emil goes to join the other boys.]

TOMMY:

Hey, Emil! I saw your… father. He'll be lucky if he even finishes the race.

NICK:

Mind if I join you?

NAT:

Nick! [Nick sits next to Nat.] You're here.

NICK:

[Looking over Nat at Jo.] I wouldn't've missed it for the world.

M.C.:

Skiers take your mark!

DAN:

All right! Go, Mr. Laurie!

M.C.:

Set!… Go!

DAN:

[From his position in line.] Go, Mr. Laurie! Come on!

JO:

Is that Franz?

ASIA:

You got me…

NAN:

[Waiting with the boys.] Come on, Franz

MEG:

Here they come!

NAN:

[As Franz comes up behind her.] Well, it's about time!

FRANZ:

Just go!

EMIL:

I'm not waiting any longer. [He joins the race.]

DAN:

Hey! No fair! He pushed me.

NAN:

I did it! [Show throws up her hands in victory, tossing back her hat in the process.] Uh, oh…

JO:

It's Nan! All right, Nan. Good job!

NAT:

Good job, Nan.

CADE:

She can't win. She's a girl. Disqualify her.

NAN:

Fine. Disqualify me. Give him the ribbon, but you know I beat you and you'll remember that every time you look at that ribbon.

CADE:

Give it to her.

DAN:

All right, Nan!

NAN:

Here, Nat. [She hands him the ribbon.]

NAT:

Nan? I can't take it.

NAN:

Yes, you can. You would've beat me anyway. Well, no you wouldn't've, but I want you to have it.

NAT:

Thanks.

NICK:

It's three o'clock. [Jo looks at Nick curiously.] Three o'clock. Our skiing lesson. I figure I got a whole year to practice up for next year's race. Me and Nat are gonna win it. Just you watch.

JO:

Are you sure you're ready for this?

NICK:

I'll probably slip up again, hit the snow a few more times, but I'm gonna keep at it. Keep tryin' 'til I learn to find my balance. Will you help me?

JO:

Of course. [Nick and Jo exit, arm in arm.]