EPISODE #12
S/L And Lily's Family Pictures
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EPISODE # 12
MARCH 24, 2000 (F)

Scene 1:

LILY WALSH SNYDER AND SIMON FRASIER

[Simon clearing throat.]
>> Simon: Sorry, I didn't mean to lurk, I just didn't want to go interrupting that.
>> Lily: That's okay. I was about to come up and see you, anyway. Has the electrician arrived?
>> Simon: No, I'm afraid he got called out on an emergency and won't be back in tonight.
>> Lily: Oh, you're kidding. Well, can you do anything else without him? Or hire another electrician?
>> Simon: Well -- no, this guy comes highly recommended. And it doesn't make much sense moving forward at this point till the wiring's done.
>> Lily: Holden's really anxious to get the family room completed.
>> Simon: I know, I know, I know. I'll see what I can do.
>> Lily: Great.

Scene: The living room.

>> Simon: I don't know, so perhaps we could get some work done on the portrait tonight.
>> Lily: Oh, I can't. I was kind of looking forward to having the house to myself, without the kids, so I could organize all this stuff.
>> Simon: Wow, what have you got here?
>> Lily: Family albums -- old, old albums. Some of these pictures are, like, 100 years old. Most of these I haven't seen yet.
>> Simon: Could you use some help?
>> Lily: I don't want to bore you.
>> Simon: Who are you talking to here? I'm in constant search of inspiration.
>> Lily: I doubt you'll find it here.
>> Simon: For the portrait? What, are you kidding? See, who knows what ideas any of these photos might trigger. And it's definitely worth a look.
>> Lily: Are you looking for something in particular?
>> Simon: I'll know when I find it.

Scene 2:
Scene: Unfinished family room.

>> Simon: So, did luke have any aftereffects from his little snooze under the sheetrock?
>> Lily:No, no. He didn't remember even doing it. Thank you so much for helping me find him. I was terrified.
>> Simon: Hey, my pleasure. And I put a padlock on the door so it doesn't happen again.
>> Lily: Great! Are you sure that I won't be in the way?
>> Simon: No, not at all -- not for the next couple of days, anyway.
>> Lily: This was such a great idea, to bring all the pictures in here, because the kids can't get to them. Thank you so much for suggesting that. And I called australia about your references.
>> Simon: All okay then?
>> Lily: Just waiting to hear from the renfrews.
>> Simon: Oh, well, modesty aside, but mac renfrew will rave about my work.
>> Lily: Oh, okay.
>> Simon: Who's this?
>> Lily: That's my paternal grandmother, elizabeth.
>> Simon: She looks very stable, conservative.
>> Lily: Not quite conservative. She never married my grandfather. Oh. Oh, wow. Gloria walters.
>> Simon: She seems a rather poor relation -- no offense.
>> Lily: No, none taken. She's lucinda's mother. Even Lucinda doesn't talk about her very much, doesn't like to.
>> Simon: Then why does she still keep her picture?
>> Lily: As I've said, my mother is a study in contradiction. And you know, good memories, bad memories -- you never want to get rid of old photographs, right?
>> Simon: Is that why you started this whole project?
>> Lily: Well, I've just been thinking a lot, and I've been talking to you about my family, and the portrait, and your great-grandfather's letters --
>> Simon: Why the letters?
>> Lily: He left you a legacy of words. You knew where he was, you knew what he was thinking. That part of his life is tangible to you. This is my legacy right here -- these pictures.
>> Simon: Well, it's as if you have two families.
>> Lily: With Iva being adopted, I have, I think -- I guess, 12 grandparents. It's a lot to sort out.
>> Simon: It sure is a big job.
>> Lily: All of these pictures -- they're a part of me. Now they're a part of my children's lives, and I want to leave them a legacy, like your great-grandfather did for you.
>> Simon: Wow. Who's this lovely lady with the exquisite jewels?
>> Lily: Oh. That's iva's mother, caroline carpenter.
>> Simon: Oh, yeah, you mentioned her to me. You know, you have her eyes. You know, what amazes me are the things that families pass down from one generation to the next -- apart from physical traits, I mean. Does your family have a tradition like that?
>> Lily: Oh, absolutely. Oh, look at that flapper outfit. Oh! Wow.
>> Simon: So, what was valued by your ancestors? What did they leave for future generations?
>> Lily: You know, the usual stuff -- paintings, a family bible, jewelry. [ Lily gasps ] look at this picture. Look at this picture of Iva. She's gotta be 5 years old on that horse. Oh. I wonder if faith is going to look like her.
>> Simon: So, what did you inherit?
>> Lily: Hmm?
>> Simon: What something special was left for you by your family?
>> Lily: Something of incredible value.
>>Simon: Where is it?
>> Lily: Where's what?
>> Simon: Oh, the instructions I left for the electrician. I must've dropped it in one of these boxes.
>> Lily: Oh, I'm sure I'll come across it. I just want to get some of these things organized before I have to start dinner. It's amazing to me that emma had all these things up in her attic. And my mom -- some of these pictures are from the turn of the century.
>> Simon: You know, I have to admit -- you've really got my curiosity up.
>> Lily: I did?
>> Simon: Yeah, that inheritance you mentioned -- the item of great value.
>> Lily: Oh, I was just being poetic. I was talking about the strong character traits that I've inherited from some incredible women in my family.
>> Simon: Well, that's a true gift, isn't it?
>> Lily: Mm-hmm.
>> Simon: And by the looks of it, most of the women in your family have been very successful.
>> Lily: In one way or another. I mean, take caroline carpenter, for instance. I mean, you look at her and you -- you think she comes from old money.
>> Simon: Well, doesn't she?
>> Lily: No, no, no. When she and jared first started out, they were dirt poor. That's why they had -- [ Phone ringing ] I'll let the machine get it.
>> Simon: You were saying, about them starting out poor?
>> Lily: That's why they had to give Iva up for adoption.
[ Answering machine ]
>> Lily: You've reached the Snyders. Please leave a message and we'll get back to you soon.
>> Sheila: So, Simon's calling himself an architect now and Wants a reference? rhat's rich! The only thing I'd swear to is that he's a liar and a cheat, and shame on any fool that trusts him!
>> Simon: Go on.
>> Lily: No, I've already bent your ear enough, talking about my relatives.
>> Simon: No. You haven't told me about this one yet.
>> Lily: Well, that's me. I was, I think, 15 years old.
>> Simon: Oh, very cute.
>> Lily: Thank you.
>> Simon: Tell me, do you mirror anyone in your family?
>> Lily: Mirror?
>> Simon: Yeah, closely resemble someone. Sometimes it skips a generation.
>> Lily: No one's ever mentioned that. But I have Iva sending me some more photographs. I know why you asked me that.
>> Simon: You do?
>> Lily: Mm-hmm. Because you look exactly like your great-grandfather.
>> Simon: Oh, no, no, no. He was a handsome devil. No.
>> Lily: I'm really glad that you showed up, Simon.
>> Simon: You are?
>> Lily: Thanks to you, I have this amazing family room, and I'm going to get an amazing gift for my husband, and you've encouraged me to put this crew together. Feel like I'm meeting my family for the first time.
>> Simon: Well, it is a remarkable group, I have to say.
>> Lily: I hope I measure up.
>> Simon: Yeah, of course you do. You know, you were right about inheriting something of great value. You -- you are a combination of all the best assets of the women you've mentioned.
>> Lily: I am?
>> Simon: Yeah. Yeah, you're -- you're warm and loving, like emma, strong and a true survivor like Iva, and free-spirited and unconventional, like Lucinda.
>> Lily: No one's ever thought of me that way.
>> Simon: That's why I keep pushing you about this portrait. I wanted to capture all the things you really are.
>> Lily: I should go check that message. It might be important.
>> Simon: Idiot! Don't send her running. Don't blow this.

Scene 3:
Scene: Living room.

>> Simon: Lily? Look, I just want to apologize for what happened back there. I -- look, I admire you, certainly, but if I overstepped and said anything to make you feel uncomfortable --
>> Lily: It's okay. Anyway, I've just told you the good stories about my family.
>> Simon: You mean they're not all perfect?
>> Lily: Sorry, no.
>> Simon: And you, Lily, don't tell me you're not perfect, 'cause I just couldn't handle it.
>> Lily: Oh, well, okay, I'll shatter your illusions gradually. I didn't mention my aunt samantha -- con artist.
>> Simon: What side of the family is she from?
>> Lily: Lucinda's sister. Very good con artist, I understand.
>> Simon: Really?
>> Lily: Yes, face of an angel, and she can sell you swamp land in florida and take your life savings -- before you even know it.
>> Simon: Well, I must stay clear -- way clear of her. Well, that's all about I could do here. Maybe I should just go and get my sketch book.

[Lily plays answering machine. Simon is at the doorway to the foyer now.]

>> Sheila: So, simon's
calling himself an architect now and wants a reference? That's rich! The only thing I'd swear to is that he's a liar And a cheat, And shame on any fool that trusts him!

[Lily to Simon, who turns to face her.]

>> Lily: You lied to me.

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