The Way Home

Previously, on The Way Home.

Screen tests. My ancestor tried to put Port Haven

on the map back then by brining Hollywood to make a movie.

Mom, you're going to travel to 1925.

To meet Fern, just like she said.

My favorite poet, T.S...

Eliot. I think I met your mom.

Tessa Cooper.

This is the first photo I've ever seen of me and her.

This is why I go back, is to find your mom.

I want to jump.

- What happened to Mom? The pond just took her.

Alice!

I want to find my mom.

Please, just think,

who could have jumped with Tessa?

When exactly are you from, deary?

When exactly are you from, deary?

Elliot, I'm sorry the pond refused you.

I know you want answers about your mom.

I wish I had something real to offer you, but...

Please, Del.

You've been here for me for as long as I can remember.

You don't owe me anything.

Least of all answers for the mistakes

my own family has made.

Now I have to talk to Vic.

He's the one who owes me the truth.

Maybe Kat and Alice will find out something.

Wherever they are,

guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I know how you're feeling.

Didn't think we'd be back in this situation so soon.

Who are we kidding?

I should go. See ya later. - Mm-hmm.

Homework's don.

Thank you so much for letting me stay a little later.

It's always way better to study here. Quieter, I mean.

You know you're always welcome, Elliot. Anytime.

Thanks. I should get going.

I wish he didn't

have to go home.

Well, he's too proud to stay over here,

even if we asked.

Cole, why didn't we keep him when we had the chance?

That's what Tessa wanted. She left him

right on the front step. - We couldn't have, Delly.

Remember the pact we made that day when we found him,

that we would be there for him in our own way?

We both know there's more to Tessa leaving

than not loving Vic.

We don't know for sure.

And even if we did, the truth is not

our story to tell, and Vic had been quiet

all this time, then we have to, too.

Okay, we'll just keep doing what we're doing.

Loving him, protecting him.

It's the promise we made.

We have to keep it.

Oh.

Well, Daddy always said the pond was magic.

I thought it was just a bunch of bunk. But here you are.

And, and here is?

You found yourself

smack dab in the summer of 1925, missy.

And I do know that I've just asked you when you're from,

but if I'm being a good, rule-following girl,

I should take that back.

Can't know too much about the future now, can I?

Huh.

But I can ask you

what you're doing here.

The pond always has its reasons.

Um, I guess I'm here looking for someone.

A woman, 65, brown hair. Her name is Tessa.

- Tessa... - Tessa Augustine.

Hmm. Do know a few of the Augustines all right,

and they're all a bunch of rats! - Rats?

The rattiest of rats.

I've never heard of a Tessa.

Then again, I've never of you either.

Oh, Jiminy Crickets! Where are my manners?

I'm Fern Landry. And you are?

Kat. My name's Kat.

And here you are, looking like something

the cat did, indeed, drag in.

Why don't I call you...

Kitty Cat?

- You're Fern, aren't you? - Charmed, dear.

I shouldn't have asked when you're form just now.

I know the rules: no future talk.

But why are you here? There's always a reason.

I'm looking for a woman,

older, 40-ish, brown hair.

- Oh, heavens. I'm having such déjà vu.

But I'm sorry to say, you're the only soul

I've met at the pond today.

No, don't go. You'll find your reason soon enough.

- Right. There's always a reason.

Actually, when am I... here, I mean?

Summer of 1976, missy.

So lovely to have a bit of company.

My Cole and Delilah are away.

They're visiting the in-laws, you see.

For better or for worse.

And all the young people have set sail for better shores,

but here I remain...

bored to tears!

Well, it's time for my nap.

So, why am I here?

I have no idea, child.

I have never met a time traveler with less sense of direction!

Before you seemed surprised that the pond actually worked.

So, does that mean that you've never...

What, travelled? Heavens, no!

That filthy sinkhole is not my cup of tea.

Never had an interest in going backwards, you see.

What would I need the past for? The past means old,

the past means boring, the past means corsets.

Kitty Cat, this is the twenties

and I'm a modern gal.

The future is all I care about.

I don't think you're the one, though.

You're a girl, after all.

- Sorry? - Hmm? Oh, nothing. Shall we?

Wait, Fern, aren't you going home?

No, I don't live in that country bumpkin

farmhouse anymore. I just moved out.

I'm a city girl now.

Well, town girl, I suppose. Just wait. You'll see.

So, the house is just...

Over. Finished.

I put the neighbor in charge of renting it.

It's nice to have a little extra pocket change.

Helps me keep up my blonde.

Oh, I'm tickled pink with your company, Kitty Cat.

My first time traveler. It's very exciting.

No way!

- This is too far-out. Alice, it's been two years!

Evelyn? Oh, my God!

What? You're in town?

You should have come straight to Lingermore.

I thought you'd still be on your big, world tour?

I was, but I just got back a few days ago.

Where're ya headed? - Coyle's.

I was hoping to find a familiar face?

Well, you found me.

I'm going to town too. I can give you a lift?

Wait, is this what I think it is?

Yes.

I have so many things to tell you.

It's absolute fate that you're here.

Woo-hoo!

My apologies, it's a bit of a hike.

A ride is much preferred.

Got it.

Oh, we're gettin' nowhere with that, silly.

Well, like it or lump it, this is our ride.

Still, it beats walking. - Huh.

Meet the Augie boys.

This one here is Percival Augustine.

- Percy. - And the one behind the wheel

is his younger brother, Little Mo.

Quit it with the nickname, Fern.

Ain't nothin' little about me.

I tell you, these guys are trouble with a capital T.

Aren't you, boys?

What's with the duds, little lady?

Hey, you fellas related to any Tessas?

I got no idea what you're talking about, Fern.

Do you want a ride or what? - Hmm.

Our chariot, m'lady.

Woo!

- Make yourself at home. I have an errand to run,

but I'll be back in a jiff.

Alice! Wow, a blast from the past. It's been too long.

It has. How've you been?

- Oh, still living the dream. But I must admit,

it's not the same as the good old days

when all you folks hung out.

How 'bout a welcome back milkshake, on the house?

- I'd love that. Thank you. - Vanilla, right?

Mm-hmm.

Actually, Jasper,

last time I was here, in 1974, early fall,

I met this girl, a customer,

her name was Tessa.

Is there any chance you might remember her?

No. No bells ringing.

She was a fan of T.S. Eliot, the poet?

She even carried around one of his books, quoting from it.

No one's coming to mind.

Maybe she was just passing through.

Bet she was summer folk. - Right.

Sorry, I, I can't expect you to remember all your customers.

But I remember you. We all do.

Colton was pretty down when you left and didn't come back.

- I hear he's away? With Delilah?

Tricky times with Del's parents.

I wish those kids the best. They deserve it.