In the Stewarts' home. Ellen Stewart is preparing dinner in the kitchen as her son Robbie comes home from school.
Robbie:Hi, Mom.
Ellen:Hi, Robbie. You're home from school early.
Robbie:Yeah, they're getting the assembly hall ready for the graduation ceremony, so we all got to go home early. Too noisy to study.
Ellen:Well, now that you're here, you can help me with dinner. I need those potatoes peeled and sliced.
Robbie:Mom, give me a break. Alexandra's coming over to help me study for my math final.
Ellen:Well, in that case,you can wash the dishes and clean up after dinner.
Robbie:Can I invite Alexandra to stay for dinner?
Ellen:Of course.
Robbie:Thanks, Mom.
Ellen:You and Alexandra have become good friends, haven't you?
Robbie:Yes. I like her. She's a terrific person. I'm going to miss her when she goes back to Greece.
Ellen:Would you like to give her a little farewell party?
Robbie:Mom, that would be terrific! Maybe we could make it a surprise.
Ellen:Oh, I don't know. Surprise parties don't always work out.
Robbie:Well, we could tell her it's a graduation party for me. When Alexandra arrives, we'll surprise her.
Ellen:Well, I suppose that might work.
Robbie:I'd like to give her a nice going-away present.
Ellen:Fine.
Robbie:There's only one problem.
Ellen:What's that?
Robble:I'm broke.I should have saved some money.
Ellen:I'm sure Alexandra would be happy with something simple, Robbie.
Robbie:I know. But , well, I'd like to give her something nice to remember me by. Maybe I could borrow some money from you and Dad.
Ellen:It's all right with me if it's all right with your dad.
Robbie:Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to him. Is he still in his office?
Ellen:I think so.
Robbie:Thanks, Mom. [he starts to leave.]
Ellen:[She kisses him.] Robbie! Good luch!
In Dr. Stewart's office at the hospital. Philip is looking at a patient's chart as the nurse, Molly Baker, enters.
Molly:Here are the X-rays you wanted, Dr. Stewart.
Philip:Oh. Thank you, Molly. Now, let me check them.
Molly:What do you think?
Philip:I don't see any breaks or fractures. Well, well. Thank you, Molly.
Molly:Good. Thank you. [She leaves.]
A little later. There is a knock at Dr. Stewart's door. Robbie enters.
Philip:Come in! Hi, Son.
Robbie:Hi, Dad. Am I interrupting you?
Philip:No, no, no, no. What's up?
Robbie:Can we talk?
Philip:Sure.
Robbie:I need some help.
Philip:Well, that's what fathers are for.
Robbie:Well, before I go to college, I have the whole summer…
Philip:Yes…
Robbie:And I'm planning to get a job for the summer.
Philip:And what sort of job?
Robbie:I applied for a job as a lifeguard at the community pool.
Philip:Sounds pretty good.
Robbie:Yes. I'll be earning pretty good money if I get it. But right now, I'm kind of short of cash.
Philip:[He laughs.] Who isn't?
Robbie:And my friend Alexandra is going back to Greece…
Philip:Nice girl. We'll all miss her.
Robbie:Mom says we can give her a going-away surprise party.
Philip:Good idea.
Robbie:And I'd like to get her a nice gift…
Philip:What'd you have in mind?
Robbie:Well, a wristwatch, so she'll think of me when she looks at the time. Nothing flashy or expensive. Something simple----but a good one.
PhiliP:Sounds fine, Robbie.
Robbie:Well, I saw a nice watch. But I'll need a loan. If you could lend me the money, I could pay you back out of my lifeguard salary.
Philip:Well. I guess your mother and I can manage it. When do you need the money?
Robbie:Would tomorrow be OK?
Philip:You've got it.
Robbie:Thanks, Dad.
Philip:My pleasure, Son. Oh, and, Robbie…
Robbie:Yes?
Philip:You'll probably want the family car so you can drive her home after the party.
Robbie:Could I?
Philip:If you drive carefully.
Robbie:I will. Thanks, Dad.
Philip:My pleasure.
Robbie:You're OK, Dad.
Philip:[He pats him on the shoulder.] You're not so bad yourself,Son.