Episode Report Card Niki: B+ | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT Losing You
By Niki | Season 3 | Episode 18 | Aired on 04.07.2002
When we return from the break, Judy and Lily are on the phone. Since they're both in their pajamas, it's clearly the next morning. "She's losing it," Judy frets. Lily hisses at her not to say that. Judy asks if she thinks it's Alzheimer's. "No, and neither do you," Lily says. Judy asks her what she wants to call it, then. "A senior moment," Lily says. She adds that she can't even find her own phone, which is why she's calling on her cell. Judy starts to say something about their issues with Bea, but Lily cuts her off with a loud and pointed "Hi, Mom!" as Bea strolls into the kitchen. Judy straightens up and looks guilty, even though Bea has no way of hearing her. "She's up already?" she asks. "Of course we are," Lily answers with extra brightness. "Did she say anything about me working today instead of being there?" Judy asks. "That's fine," Lily sings through clenched teeth. Judy says she's so sorry she won't be there to help Lily with Bea. "Me, too!" Lily enthuses before hanging up. Bea complains to Lily that she couldn't sleep a wink, and asks whether it's the "same mattress [Lily's] always had there." Lily thinks so. Bea says Lily might want to flip it. I think there are a few things Lily'd rather flip first. Lily mildly agrees and asks whether Bea would like coffee. Insulted, Bea nearly chokes on her orange juice. Indignant, she snips, "I don't drink coffee. You know that!" It's obvious that Lily did not. Lily pulls a strainer of tomatoes and cucumbers from the fridge, and sets them on the counter. "So much food!" Bea exclaims, faintly disgusted. Lily reminds her that she has a really big family now. "Well, I'll say!" Bea sniffs. "And I love it!" Lily says. Bea warns her not to forget her own children. "Why would I do that?" Lily asks, an edge settling into her voice. Has Grace been writing her grammy letters? "Resentments can build up, believe me," Bea says knowingly. Lily looks off, focusing every ounce of her will on holding the knife against the cutting board.
"I know. Trust. Me," Soliloquy Lily grits.
Zoe breezes into the kitchen, trailing a ray of sunshine. "Morning, Grandma," she chirps, snatching a bagel off the counter. "Bea will do just fine, dear," Bea answers. Zoe takes a big bite of her bagel and heads for the table. "Aren't you going to toast that?" Bea asks. Zoe says no. "Bagels taste better toasted," Bea informs her, matter-of-factly. Oh my god, she is so my grandmother.
"You ever want to know how you were raised? Just watch your mother with your own children," Soliloquy Lily says, smiling sweetly.