Bully's Parents Adopt the Student He Bullied and His World Turns Upside Down

You got to be kidding me. I mean, I actually can't believe this. I have to give up my gaming room because of some random foster kid I don't even know. He's coming here with one bag. Don't act like he's taking over your life. Okay. And we expect you to treat him like family. Family? He's not No, he's not family, okay? He's some random kid that the state's dropping off. Chase. What? Everybody already acts like I'm invisible. Now I have to give up my room, too?

Look. No one's replacing you. Then why does it feel like every time I turn around, someone else is taking my place? You know, everybody used to worry about me after the fire. And now, the second some random kid shows up, I'm I'm just the selfish son who has to make room for a stranger. have to be related to someone to show up for them. Easy for you to say no one's taking your room. Chase, you still have to sign the card. Hmm. Sorry. Here he is. Help me get the door. Welcome home. You've got to be kidding me.

You two know each other? Got him. Yo, Chase. Huh? 9:00. What are you waiting for? Class is starting now. Yeah? Chase, I got to have a word with you. Can it wait till class? Not if you plan on being on the court. I spoke with your coach. Your grades are slipping. You don't ace this project, you're going to be on academic probation. Hey, Bo. You okay? Uh Oh, thanks. Oh, this is going to be sticking to everything the rest of the semester. Here, you know what? Actually, you can have mine.

It's like Oliver Twist is making moves on Rose. Thanks. Yeah. I can see that. Check this. My bad, didn't see you there. Liam Williams to the front office. Liam Williams, please report I think that's you. Liam, I got a call this morning from your current foster placement, and unfortunately, Mr. Granger had to go in for surgery. Now, we made a special arrangement and found a family. Luckily, they are approved to foster, and they live close, so you will not have to transfer out of Bookside. So, I don't have to change schools again? No. Ms. Sparks, look, I really just need a placement long enough for me to finish this semester.

I understand. Chase? Yeah, I know him. It's the kid I tripped at lunch. This one is Benjamin. We had no idea they knew each other, let alone about the incident at school. I'm not saying this can't work, but tonight has to be handled carefully. The goal is simple. Liam needs a safe place to sleep, Chase needs to understand the expectations, and you two need to step in if there are any issues. And I have to be honest. Liam has had three placements in less than a year. If this falls through, there is a real chance he's going to have to transfer out of Bookside. And I know he's trying hard not to show it. But it matters to him to stay at that

school. He needs stability, not all this change. Sure you understand. Liam? I'll be by tomorrow to see how you're doing, okay? Liam? Would you like to see your new room? Yeah, um, sure. You can be angry all you want, son. But you don't get to make him feel unwanted here. Now, we're his best option as a foster, and the only way for him to continue at Bookside. Family just isn't about who's related to you. Family is who shows up when someone needs them.

Yeah, well, I didn't sign up to show up for him. In my house, parents and guest are treated with the utmost respect. It's not optional. Hi. My mom wanted me to bring you these snacks. Hey Maya, you know, this is a great card. You're super talented. Thanks. Oh, hey. Don't touch that. Hey, hey, come on. I'm sorry. Dude, I wasn't trying to steal or anything. It was just in the desk. this was my gaming room.

You stole more than you realize, huh? Look, by the way, not that it's any of my business, but you know, I'm pretty sure Rose likes you, man. You know, we have English together. I think she's just waiting on you to ask her out. None of your business. All right, man, look. I know you don't like me, and I'm just going to tell you now, I'm not trying to take your room or your family. I just need this placement to work long enough for me to finish this semester. And if there's anything I can do to make it easier, then look, I'll I'll do it. You want to make it easier? Don't get comfortable. Bro, there's no way. First he's playing your wrist, now he's taking over your gaming room?

Yep. Let's trade him. Hey, tell me about it, bro. I wish my parents would just foster a dog instead. Seriously. All right, class. What do we call it when one action causes a series of effects that spreads farther than expected? Chase, what do you think? cause and effect? Close, but I'm looking for the one you get after you open your textbook. Ripple effect? That is absolutely correct. Good job.

Uh Chase, you might want to take some notes from Liam for the upcoming project. As a matter of fact, I'm going to do you a favor. You two are partners. I don't want you to be a leech though. Remember, you don't ace this project, you're on academic probation. You good living with that know-it-all? Oh, he won't be around for long, trust me. I'll make sure. Ow. What the Put this here. That's it. I got to make him realize he doesn't belong.

I hope Chase isn't scaring you off. He's a good kid. Promise. You know, I'd like to think I don't scare too easily. I'm sure he's just stressed about basketball and school. So, what do you actually like doing with your time? Fixing things, I guess. You know, helping people. But, mostly I just want to stay at Book Side long enough to finish the semester. Tired of being the new kid who disappears before anyone gets to know his name. That happens a lot? You know, my mom would say family isn't about who you're related to. It's who shows up for you when you need them most.

Hey, but you know, this is really nice, too. I've I really haven't had a dad to catch with. Mind if I join? Really? Haven't played catch with me in years. Woah, woah, hey. Yo, Dad, you taking it easy on him? Remember when we used to play catch? Yeah. Used to beg me to throw heaters till my arm fell off. Exactly. All right. Woah. Nice catch. All right, man. Come on, what do you always play catch with? You mad at the lawn? Jace.

What? Easy. It's about the family now, right? It's how the Greer boys play. Come on, let's go. Oh. Hey. Slipped. Hey, no, no, no. I'm okay. I'm fine. Ah, well. Let's go inside to get you cleaned up. Time for plan B. Hey, that's a nice watch, Mr. Greer. Thanks. It's my grandfather's watch. It's been in my family for three generations. Had a big presentation today, so I figured I'd wear it for luck.

Need three of those clothes when you get a chance. Yeah. You guys are making Nana's pasta without me? Without you? You hate helping me cook. Well, it is a family recipe. Yeah, you know what? Hey, I can help set up the table. What can you do, Liam? Hey man, I think that's supposed to be on the weak. I know what I'm doing. I'll go check the alarm. Chase. Hey Chase. Chase, look at me. Hey. You're safe. You're in the kitchen. There's no fire.

Hey Chase, look at me. Breathe. One more. You're safe. Shut up, Chase. Thank you again for having me for dinner. It seems like things are going a lot better. Oh, so far so good. He's getting along with everyone really well. Yeah, Liam's actually reading Maya a bedtime story. Aw. And the little dragon said, "You don't have to beat for my kingdom to sit by my fire." Then, the random troll moved into the castle and everybody acted like he belonged there. That's not how the story goes. That's not my fault. I didn't have a good view of the book.

No. I want Liam to read to me. He does funny voices. You know, he doesn't like doing story time. Hey man, why don't we just read the book with his family? Come on. Liam, get out of my sister's room and clear it out. Come on man, you got to knock it off. Stop what YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT. HEY. MAN, this plan isn't working. I've been taking L after L. Meanwhile, Liam looks like the freaking angel. See, that's your problem, bro. You keep doing things that make you look like the bad guy and him look like the good

[clears throat] guy. See, you got to make him look like the bad guy. So, what kind of food do you like? You got to be kidding me. Dang, 3 days in and he's already added to the family group chat? He sticks around any longer, my parents are going to put him in the Christmas cards. I'm not sticking around.

What are you two working on? Oh, a project for history. We need to give a local presentation on history and its impact on us today. You know, you two should do a project on the community center. Yeah, sure. I didn't even think of that, actually. That's a good idea. We're about to head there to help set up for the anniversary benefit. If you want to come, I'm sure there'll be additional resources Mr. Harris can offer.

Oh, yeah, sure. I'd love to. Yeah. That settles it. Will you boys give us a hand with these boxes? We need to take them to the car. Honey, why don't you leave that at home? Remember the last time you tried to decorate with it all. Here you go. Liam, are you okay? Ziggy, are you okay? Yeah, hold on. I'm fine, I think. Yeah, I think I just stood up too quick. That happened yesterday, too. Yeah, no, no, I'm fine. I promise. I probably didn't eat enough today.

Good to see you, man. You know, man, the fire almost took us out. Almost closed us down for good. But look, thankfully, this has always been the place you can go when people show up for you. You know about that, right, Chase? Hey, hey look, you know if you need some more um articles for your report, I got some other stuff in the office I can show you. Yeah, sure, come on. Hey, come Yeah. Yeah, come on. Oh, Chase. Hey man, you were there during the fire? He almost didn't make it out. We got separated, but um this woman managed to pull him out of the fire.

Saved his life. But local news wanted to interview her, but she didn't want the recognition for it. To this day, we still don't know her name. She saved his life and no one even knows who she is. And always gets me. She didn't wait for the credit. She just showed up. Bro, how's operation eliminate the orphan going? Don't call it that. Hey, has anybody seen my watch? Could have sworn I left it here.

I haven't seen it, Dad. You know, I can help you look for it. No, I don't know. You probably misplaced. Has to be around the house somewhere. We'll find it. Yeah, no, we'll we'll find it. Well, look, trust me. I got a plan. Okay, when I'm done, no one's going to think Liam's a good guy anymore. Ah. It happens sometimes. Sometimes? Yeah, probably just stress. Um, I'll be right back. All right. Good? Yeah. Good. Hey Chase.

Can I ask you something? Mom and Dad want you to sit in the living room right now. Sit up, please. Look, kids, I hate having to do this, but I know for a fact that I put my watch in this ring dish. Now if any of you took it just own up to it right now. Not it. I didn't touch it. Chase? I don't want to start anything but I'm I'm just saying we've never had this problem before. Chase, don't point fingers without proof. Wait, no I didn't take his watch. I promise. Hey look hey if I'm wrong, right? But I bet a million dollars that you're hiding in that little box here.

Chase come on I didn't take his watch. Liam no it's fine. Look I'll show you guys I have nothing to hide because I didn't take his watch. Then go get it. Go. I have no idea how that got in there. You just want us to believe that it just magically appeared in there, really? Chase is it you? Did you plant his watch in my box? What? How would I even do that? You always have your key on you. Come on I leave you in my room and then it's gone. Chase just please just admit it, okay?

You're not a part of this family and you don't belong. That's enough. no it's fine. You know what? I'll have Mrs. Parker to find me a new placement. Are you really leaving? It's okay. I'm pretty good at packing. But you just got here. Sometimes people know when you don't belong. I think you belong. You don't want it? Hey no I do. I just think it was meant for somebody else. Don't cry. You showed up for me. That's what counts.

Impressive. You had him packing his bag to Anne him the road the next day. That's like Amazon Prime speeds. Yeah. Hey Chase, Liam told me you set up reservations at Willow Vine. I'm excited for our date this weekend. When did you ask Rose on a date? I didn't. You should just go ahead and ask her out. So, what kind of food do you like? Chase. Would you like to start us out? Oh, uh my partner isn't here. Well, Liam emailed me last night. He said he'll be transferring schools, but he still sent the slides. And a very interesting note.

What note? He said he worked very hard on this project. And that your part made it stronger. I'm sorry to interrupt. Liam said he left this at home. Perfect timing. You're welcome to stay. Um uh so we [clears throat] did our project on the Book Side Community Center. The little boy in the photo is me. And that woman is Hey, are you okay? I can't find my dad. It's okay. Here, cover your mouth. Don't breathe in the smoke, okay? I've got you. You're safe. The woman who saved me from the fire is Liam's mom.

She didn't know me. I'm not her son. I'm not her family, and she saved me anyway. And I repaid her by making her son feel like he didn't belong anywhere. Chase, Liam didn't steal dad's watch. I did. I stole it and I planted it in his box to get him sent away. It's what I did. Liam was helping you the entire time. And you let everyone believe he was a thief? I'll take whatever punishment I deserve.

Suspension, missing the game, losing everyone's respect, all of it. But first, I need to stop Liam from leaving. Then let's go. Wait. I planted the watch. He didn't do anything wrong. Look, man, I'm sorry. Okay, you don't have to forgive me, but I need you to know the truth. I wasn't trying to get rid of you because you did anything wrong. I was scared that you were going to take my place. And I found out that your mom saved my life. And she showed up for me when she didn't even know me. And I spent the past week making her son

feel like he has no Look, you don't have to stay for me. Just please don't leave because of the lie that I told. Okay, I'll I'll I'll tell everyone. I'll I'll tell Ms. Parker. I'll I'll tell my parents. I'll tell the whole school. Everyone just let me take the consequences. I just don't want you to lose another home because of me. Choice is yours, Liam. Liam? The bruising, nosebleeds, fatigue, those weren't random. Liam has severe aplastic anemia. What does that mean?

His bone marrow doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells. He needs treatment quickly. His best chance is with a bone marrow transplant, but we need a donor match. How do you find one? Well, usually we start with the biological family, but since there's no biological family available, uh we'll search the registry and uh check any willing donors. Test me. Chase. Because you're not biologically related, the odds of you being a match are very low. Then it's a long shot. Test me anyway.

You don't have to do this. I know. Your mom didn't owe me anything. I wasn't her family. I wasn't her son. And she saved me anyway. Family isn't who you're related to. It's who shows up. So, Pax again? That's a great thing. He could miss your whole season. Then I'll miss it. Why? Cuz your mom gave me life. We also have another little surprise for you. No pressure, no rush. Promise. We're not going anywhere.

My mom used to say family is who shows up. She was right. Sorry it took me so long to show for you. You're here now.