>Be Evan, earlier that year

>Entire family is watching Idol.

>Crystal Bowersox is auditioning in Chicago. She's an earthy-looking hippie single mother with blonde dreadlocks.

>She's good, says their mom as Crystal belts Piece of My Heart. The Idol judges light up, instantly impressed with her.

>I like her, says Maddie.

>I think she sucks, says their dad.

>Harold!

>Dad!

>Jason comes into the room, silent. Everyone tenses up. He's clearly in a bad mood.

>Their dad looks at him.

>S'happenin'?

>Jason doesn't say anything.

>How's life in the basement?

>Jason turns and speaks to their parents.

>Can I have a word with you and Mom really quick? On the deck?

>Sure.

>They leave Evan and Maddie as Idol goes to commercial. Evan mutes the TV and they listen.

>They can hear their parents and Jason talking. Jason is upset.

>They might be going farther, he says. They might be pressing charges against me after all.

>Jason, you have to tell us what happened.

>I already did.

>Well, did someone get hurt?

>All you need to know is that I might have to go to court for awhile. I might be... going away, or whatever. Until this gets sorted out. I don't know what they're going to do with me, court marshal me or whatever. I don't think it'll actually go through. The discharge was supposed to make it go away.

>There's quiet for a bit as the two parents digest this information.

>But if I have to pay for a lawyer, I'm in trouble.

>Did you find a job yet?

>I'm looking.

>Where have you applied?

>Places.

>How much money is left in your account?

>None of your business.

>You're living in my house, it is my business.

>Jason snaps. It's alarming.

>Evan can't even hear what he's saying, he's kind of whisper--snarling and babbling at them. >Evan makes out "I'm fucking sick of this shit." And "It's not my fault he was out that night." And "They all look the same!"

>His parents keep their patience.

>Boy, I gotta say, I'm not impressed by your display here, says their dad. Now it looks like you got yourself a problem. You're either gonna be an asset to this family or a liability.

>Their mom says, When you figure out what you want, just let us know.

>Jason doesn't say anything.

>He storms back inside and down to his room, slams the door.

>The commercial break ends as their parents return to the room.

>What's wrong? Maddie asks.

>Your brother's still dealing with some b.s. from the discharge, says their dad. Did that crappy Bowersox girl get through?