Married to a Balla (2024) Movie Script
1
I don't know
[indistinct chattering]
[laughter]
Ladies, ladies. My boy
Dre here just came home
from doing two years in prison.
Now, who's gonna do
the honors and show him
-the night of his life?
-[laughter]
Hey.
Okay. All right, all right.
Mm. Oh, but, Dino. Dino, man.
-I appreciate the love.
-Absolutely.
I'm gonna need a little income
along with it. You feel me?
-Bruh, don't worry. I got you.
-Yeah?
-Come on. I got you, man.
-[laughs] Okay.
-We'll straighten it out.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Don't worry about it.
Hey, Sandino.
The party's dope.
You look great.
Thanks. Wasn't expecting
to see you here.
Whatever. Where's your wife?
Right in there.
Why don't you go join her
and bring me back a
plate in the process?
[chuckles] -That was good.
Why don't you go home
and find a better outfit?
Oh. Ooh.
Damn. Made me spill my yac.
Hey, Skye.
[laughs] Hey, what's
up, Asia girl?
You were supposed to come
by the bank this morning.
What happened?
Well, you're looking
at what happened.
I got caught up with helping
with the decorations.
Oh. All that money y'all
paid that event planner?
Shit, I wouldn't fold
a damn napkin in here.
What's that saying about
good help? [laughs]
Mm. I don't even know
why y'all are the ones
even throwing the party.
Well, I mean, it's
not every year
that your husband's
team makes it
to the AFC Championships
games, girl. [laughs]
Girl, he ain't played
in two seasons, though.
Well, his leg is almost back
to being new. He'll be back.
Besides, being put on the
injured reserves list,
it hasn't really been
good for Sandino's ego.
Mm. We need a lot
more than a party
and some good food to
help that fool, okay?
[laughs] -I mean,
a lot. [scoffs]
- Hello, ladies.
- What do you think about the...
Mind if I join you?
-It all depends. -Yeah? On what?
If you can straight
shoot tequila
with two girls that are
half your size combined
and still make it home.
Ooh! [laughs] -Okay. Okay.
-I'm up for the challenge.
-Oh. Game on.
[glass clinks]
I feel like I'm back
in college. [laughs]
-Thank you. -Oh, my pleasure.
I know you said a little bit,
but think you can handle this.
-Thank you. -[man] My pleasure.
- [whispers] Wow.
- And what are we cheersing to?
To making it home.
-Hey. Cheers. -[laughs]
[man] Ooh. Smooth.
-That's good. -That's good.
[indistinct
conversations, laughter]
Question.
What are you doing
letting all these... thugs
in this beautiful home?
I mean, I'm not
telling you what to do,
but if it was up to me, I
wouldn't let 'em in here.
I don't know. I think...
things are about to change.
I think we're getting too
old for these parties.
Every time I've experienced
changed, it was forced on me.
[Skye] Mm.
But in hindsight, it wasn't
happening to me. Hmm.
It was happening for me.
Hmm. Hmm. Change is good,
especially in the form of paper.
-[laughs] Okay? -Hey, hey, hey.
-Cheers to that.
-[glasses clink]
-Getting the money. -[laughs]
[indistinct conversations]
It's funny how jokers
always wanna play Big
when the liquor free.
Oh, what's gon' be funny is
watching him pull my foot
-out his ass with a broken arm.
-[chuckles]
[indistinct
conversations continue]
[glass clatters] -Mm.
Mmm. Mmm.
-[Sandino chuckles] What? What?
-Baby.
Wait. Am I interrupting
something special?
[chuckles] No, sir.
Not unless you can't
handle your liquor, player.
I think you got me
fucked up, bruh.
Oh, okay. Yeah. How so?
Because you in my house
talking to my wife.
-Mm. Mm. -Baby.
Nobody was doing anything,
okay? We were just talking...
What are you, this nigga's
attorney or somethin'?
And what's with all the
eye contact going on?
Babe, listen, nobody was
giving him eye contact, okay?
What did I tell you about
getting out of pocket?
Hey, hey, hey, man. You...
You gotta relax, baby.
It's a vibe, all right?
I mean, this is your house
and all that, and it's cool.
But you play me like
I'm some type of sucker,
and that ain't it.
I'm not no play toy,
so listen, for me,
from where I'm
standing, it seems like
you seem intimidated. Yeah.
Yeah, so I'm gonna make
it easy on everybody, huh?
All right, I'm-a step. Yeah.
I'm gonna get my ass on.
Hey, ladies, thank
you for the drink.
Hmm? Mm.
[chuckles] -[glass clinks]
Superstar, good
luck on your career.
-Hope it works out for you.
-[gasps]
Yeah! I hit hard, don't I?
[stomping] -Oh! Oh!
[thud] -Oh!
Damn, my leg never felt so good.
[stomps] -Aah!
[stomping continues] -Aah!
No! Stop! Stop.
Skye, what the fuck
was all that about?
You need to lower
your voice, Sandino.
Oh, seriously? Huh? Huh?
-You fucking him or something?
-No.
Stop fucking playing me.
- I'm not playing with you.
- You gon' disrespect me?
- No, I'm not disrespecting...
- You gon' disrespect me, huh?
[Skye screams]
[laughs]
Get the fuck out!
[crying]
[sighs]
[telephone ringing in distance]
[elevator bell dings]
-Hey, girl. -Hey.
You missed the gym this morning.
Yeah. I didn't have
the strength to wake up
when that 5 a.m.
alarm clock went off.
-[Asia] Okay, take 'em off.
-Mm-mm.
How bad is the damage this time?
[Skye] I'd rather not.
Fine.
Girl, this is too
much. Sandino is crazy.
[Skye] He's not crazy, Asia.
It's the meds and the
other drugs that's got him.
I'm not making excuses for him.
But he wasn't this bad
before he got injured.
[Asia scoffs]
You're kidding me, right?
You sure you don't have
Stockholm Syndrome?
What's that?
It's when you start
to feel bad for
and protective of the person
who's treating you wrong.
But hey, whatever you
decide to do, I support you.
Thank you.
Come on. Let's just
get this deposit done.
[Asia] Okay.
[Skye] Here.
[pen clicks]
-How much is this? -$7,000.
Make sure it goes into my
safe deposit box, okay?
-Not my account. -Okay.
How much is in there, anyway?
-Including this? -Yeah.
Let's go see.
Okay.
So, it's, uh...
Hmm. Mm.
$243,000.
Damn. I still don't know
why you stashing this cash.
If I tell you something,
you promise to
keep it between us?
Of course.
I'm thinking about
taking my boys and moving
and leaving Sandino.
I mean, the only reason why
I haven't left is because
I never wanted my boys
to grow up fatherless
like I did.
But it just
doesn't really feel like
they have one as it is.
Skye, you do know
you can get the house
and half of his money
in a divorce, right?
-He's worth millions.
-[whispers] Yeah.
And you know the league don't
play about domestic violence.
He'll be blackballed
in the sports industry.
Girl, that's not even
where I am right now.
I mean, he can have it all.
I just wanna...
I just wanna have a
new life and be happy.
Hmm.
One thing I've learned,
life will let you be happy.
But first, it has
to make you strong.
Shit. You've been with
him since high school.
-Yeah. -Couldn't be me.
And I just need time.
I mean, me and my boys are
accustomed to being comfortable.
Yeah, but listen, don't let your
comfort zone get you killed.
Either way, I'll call you
whenever I do need
my cash, okay?
Yeah. Just let me know.
[bills riffling]
Here.
Skye, you don't have to do that.
And neither do you.
Okay? Take it.
Here, I have something for you.
My girl in Atlanta works
for this outreach center
that helps women get
their lives back.
She gets some housing, finds
them jobs and everything.
She was actually a client before
she started working there.
They're extremely private.
You even need a
referral and a password.
They're there to assist.
Thanks.
I'll call you later.
When they go low...
We go higher.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, wow
Let it go
Sometimes you gotta
free your mind
Sometimes you gotta
free your mind
[chuckles]
Sometimes you
gotta free your...
- [laughs] What are you doing?
- Bro, why would you take...
What? [laughs]
-What do you mean,
what am I doing? I'm
using my own phone.
-Give me my phone back.
-No, bro.
You're so annoying.
Give me my phone.
-No. -Get off of me!
- Say I'm your master.
- No. Why would I say that?
- Get off me, bro!
- Get your hands off him, Kareem!
[Jordan] God!
[sighs]
What's your problem?
What are you doing?
Mom, he's trying to make me
wrestle, and I don't want to.
- Yeah, 'cause you're soft.
- I'm soft? All right, let's see.
Hey, hey, hey. Stop it.
-[Jordan] God.
-Both of you, over here now.
Sit.
I really don't have the patience
to deal with this right now.
Where's your father?
I think he said he
went to the mall.
Look... I think you
two are old enough
to understand what's going on,
so I'm gonna just give
it to you straight.
But you have to promise me
that this stays
between us. Okay?
[Kareem] What is it?
Promise me.
I promise.
I promise.
[Skye] Okay.
I'm leaving your father,
which means that we're moving.
-What? -Why?
Really, Kareem?
If anybody knows
the answer to that,
I would think it would be you.
Look, if I don't leave...
then I'm afraid that I won't
live to see my boys grow up.
So, where are we moving
to? What about school?
[Skye] I don't
know. I don't know.
I haven't figured
all that out yet.
But I do know that
I didn't want this
to come to you as a surprise.
Well, I don't wanna move.
-I wanna live here. -I know.
All my friends are here.
My football team is here.
Okay, and when... when we move,
I can put you in a new school,
and you can get new friends.
Or would you like
to live here alone
with your father?
Hmm?
I don't.
Kareem?
No.
Because you have to
remember that we're
all the family in the
world we have left.
And anything that we do,
we have to stick together.
Do you love him still?
Baby, it's not even
about love at this point.
I think that your father
really needs to get some help.
I mean, he's dealing with some
really deep issues and demons.
The drugs?
Amongst other things.
Kareem. Kareem,
where are you going?
I don't wanna talk no more.
[door closes in distance]
[Sandino] Hey. Hey.
Hey. Hey.
[Sandino] I called you earlier.
I was in the bathtub.
[Sandino] Okay.
So, the other night, I think
things got a little out of hand.
[chuckles]
[Sandino] I might have
had the wrong impression
about what was going on.
[exhales deeply]
You know, I didn't
even know him.
I mean, your people were the
ones who did the invites.
I was just being
hospitable to our guests.
[Sandino] You're right,
and I'm so sorry.
So, I've been thinking about
how I can make it up to you.
I figure we can go on vacation.
Just us. No kids. No
friends, you know?
I don't know.
[Sandino] It'd be a
good time to reconnect.
I think that you should...
take that time to go out to
rehab like we talked about.
[Sandino] I wanna give
you something that
I've been meaning to
give you for months.
[chuckles] What's this?
[laughs] Stop.
Stop what?
[Skye] I'm not in the mood.
[Sandino] What? What, you
don't miss Fat Albert?
I mean, come on now. We
ain't did it in months.
[Skye] And we haven't really
talked about our problem
in months either, Sandino.
Look, I really think that
you should go to rehab,
like you promised.
[Sandino] That's you.
-[Skye] Come on. Stop!
-[Sandino] Stop what?
Sandino, what are you doing?
-Making love to my wife.
-Sandino!
Oh!
Stop!
[inhales sharply,
exhales shakily]
[Sandino snores]
[snores]
[snoring] -[whispers] Kareem?
- Kareem, wake up. Wake up, okay?
- What? What's wrong?
Nothing. Get dressed.
-We're taking a ride. -Why?
Shh. Get dressed.
-Baby? Hey. -[groans] What's up?
Nothing. Come on.
- Get your things together, okay?
- Where's Dad?
What?
Here.
Take these bags.
Jordan, put on
your shorts, okay?
Mom, I don't think we
should be doing this.
Shh! Here.
Grab the bags, get dressed,
and meet me downstairs.
- [whispers] Okay.
- But you have to be quiet, okay?
-This is stupid. -Shh!
[whispers] Don't say anything.
[snores]
[door opens] -[whispers] Hurry!
If you don't get your
feet off this bed
like you paid for
something in this house.
Get up! Here.
Let's go, let's go.
Hurry up. Let's go.
Come on!
Y'all really gonna move
this slow right now?
[pad beeping]
[whispers] Come on. We gotta go.
No, Mom, I forgot the keys.
Damn it! [groans]
-Hey, I'll go get it.
-So, don't.
[snores]
-Okay, let's go. Come on.
-I'm coming!
Hurry! Hurry! [panting]
[screams] -[yelling]
We gotta go, we gotta go.
[engine starts]
-Unlock this damn door.
-Unlock this door!
-[Skye] Stop it!
Do not unlock that door.
Do not unlock that door.
-Kareem, unlock it! -[screams]
Bitch, I'm-a kill you! I'm
gonna fucking kill you!
[Jordan] Go! Go!
[engine revs, tires peal]
Fuck!
[pop music playing on speakers]
I got this feeling
I got this feeling
[brakes squeal]
Kareem. Jordan.
Come on. Let's get
out and stretch.
We can get some
food, too. Come on.
Can I get pancakes?
Yeah, that sounds good.
That's a real nice vehicle
you got there, ma'am.
[Skye] Thanks.
Yeah, see, I hope I can
get one like that someday.
I've been saving the
money I made working.
What's a car like
that cost anyway?
Quite a bit. Tell me something.
- How's the food in this place?
- [man] Oh, yeah, it's delicious.
Ain't rightly fair to ask
me, though, on account
-of my ma and pa's place.
-[Skye] Hmm.
See, I was born on the...
on the biscuits and gravy.
You know, fresh-squeezed
orange juice.
You get it right up in here...
Oh, that's... that's...
that's really nice.
Yeah. Yeah, it's good. Go on in.
[tool clacking]
Thank you.
[bell rings]
[Jordan] So, I wanna join
the math club this year.
I couldn't last year because
you had to at least
be in ninth grade.
But now that I'm in ninth
grade, I can finally join.
But I'm probably not gonna
be there this year, am I?
Mom?
Mom?
[gasps]
-Hmm? -You okay?
Yeah, I'm okay. Uh...
Were you saying something, baby?
I wanna go back home.
I'm not going through
this with you again.
So, what are we gonna do now?
And when are we gonna take a
bath and change our clothes?
I'll get a hotel for us,
okay? For the next few days,
until I can make the
best decision for us.
I'll get one with the pool
and... and restaurants.
It'll be like a
little vacation, okay?
It'll be fun.
I'll be right back.
[whispers] Damn.
$120?
Shit.
Okay.
[line ringing]
[exhales deeply]
Come on, pick up.
[line rings, beep]
Asia? Hey, it's Skye calling
you from my new number.
Girl, please call me back ASAP.
Something is wrong
with my account.
I can't get any money
out the ATM machine.
Girl, I left Sandino last night.
And I'm out here in the middle
of the boonies or somewhere
with my kids.
Just call me back.
Seems a little crazy, man.
Hey, the waiter
brought over the check.
Oh. But, yeah, I don't know
what we're gonna do about...
-Last night was crazy.
-Yeah, I agree.
It was... well, he...
why is she crying?
-Kareem, Jordan, duck.
-What's wrong?
-What? -Duck, duck. I said duck.
[chuckles]
What the hell are you doing
in my wife's truck, white boy?
Oh, this is my car. I traded
my truck for this baby.
A deal's a deal.
In order for you to drive,
you gonna need the ass to sit
on and the hands to steer.
You see what I'm getting at?
Maybe it wasn't
such a good deal.
Maybe not.
Now, what kind of
truck do you drive?
-Good evening. -Hi.
How much is a room
with double beds in it?
That'll be $55 a night.
You don't have any rooms
that are cheaper than that?
Um, not for three people,
ma'am. No, I don't.
[telephone ringing
in background]
Okay, um...
[bills rustling]
I'll take one for one night.
All right. $55.
Okay.
[clerk] So, that'll be room 229,
and it's upstairs to your right.
[sighs] Thanks.
[clerk] You're welcome.
[crickets chirping]
[sighs]
[sighs] -[bag thuds]
Come on. Let's just...
It's only for one
night, guys. Come on.
[sighs]
Hey, uh, can we get
something to eat?
Yeah, there was a McDonald's
across the street.
Here.
-$10? -[people whooping]
Make it work. [laughs]
Oh, hey, Mom, you
want something?
No, baby, I'm fine.
Okay.
[dance music playing
in background]
[indistinct
conversations, laughter]
Hey, hey.
And come right back!
- [Kareem] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [Jordan] We will.
[indistinct
conversations continue]
[line ringing]
Asia, I need you
to call me back.
I need my money.
I'm in a bad spot right now.
I got about $10 to my name.
I got the boys all the way
out here in Georgia with me,
and I have no money.
Call me back, please.
It doesn't matter, the time.
[people whooping, horn
honks in distance]
Looks like you
could use a drink.
Oh, uh, thanks, but... I
don't drink on Sundays.
[woman] So, what kind
of trouble you in?
-Excuse me? -I'm just saying,
nobody stays at this motel
because they want to.
You know what I'm talkin' 'bout?
I'm just here for one night,
and then I go home tomorrow.
Oh, okay. Well, I'm Ivy.
It's nice to meet
you, Ivy. I'm S...
Krystle.
Well, either way, be careful,
'cause it's kind of
crazy around here.
I'm used to crazy.
That's my kind of
girl. [chuckles]
Oh, not like that.
Well, if you need
me, just holler.
I'll be around till 10.
Me and my girls...
we dance at Babes.
-Babes?
-[can clatters in background]
Is that some type of
strip club or something?
Oh, I'm not... I'm not saying
that you look like a stripper.
I'm just saying that...
you look kinda young.
Well, tuition ain't cheap,
girl, and the money is easy.
And you know what they say. You
gotta do what you have to do
until you can do
what you wanna do.
[scoffs] I know that's right.
[laughs]
Shit. You ever danced before?
You would be a real treat.
Yeah, I dance every Sunday
at my church praise dance.
[giggles] -Hallelujah. [laughs]
On that note, Krystle, I'm
gonna talk to you later.
-Okay. -But like I said,
if you need
anything, I'm around.
Okay. Well, it's nice
to meet you, Ivy.
[laughter and whooping continue]
What I don't understand is
how did you used to
talk to her every day?
Shit, hell, even twice a day.
Now you don't know
where she's at?
[Asia] Yeah.
I'm surprised she hasn't
called me not one time yet.
Not once, huh?
Nope.
Mmm, hurt me.
-Don't play with me.
-[clicks teeth]
Since when have we ever just
played with each other? Hmm?
Either way, I'm gonna find her.
I don't know why.
I'm all you need.
Stop overreaching and
play your part, bitch.
[grunts] Oh. My part, huh?
-Your part. -Mm.
[cellphone speed-dialing]
[beeps]
[line ringing]
[line connects]
-Yes, good morning.
May I speak to Ms.
Asia Childs, please?
Yeah. Excuse me?
Okay. Well, then do you
know when she'll be back in?
Okay, because I... Oh.
Okay. No, no, that's
fine. Thank you.
[line disconnects]
[beep]
[sighs]
[dialing]
[line connects] -Asia,
I need my fucking money.
-All $243,000 of it.
-[knock on door]
[beep] -[knocking continues]
[knocking continues]
-Hey. -Hi.
Checkout was at 10 a.m.
This room should be empty.
Uh, yes. 10 a.m. is
so early for checkout.
Yeah, well, rules are rules,
and it says so on
the desk down here.
Okay, well, um, my boys
are still sleeping,
and I need a little
bit more time to pack.
Do you think that I could
have more time, please?
You have one hour.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
I actually wanted waffles.
[sighs]
Kareem, give me a break.
So, what's the big plan now?
I'm working on something.
This is crazy, right?
We should just move back.
I miss Miami. I miss my friends.
I miss my life.
If I can place my
vote, I vote not to.
We're not placing a vote.
[knock on door]
This is a dictatorship,
not a democracy.
Eat.
Hey.
Can I ask you your name?
Tired.
Look, our maids are
on a tight timeline.
We are short staffed,
so I don't have time for long,
unnecessary conversations.
Baby, we need to
get in that room.
-Do you have children?
-Yes, yes.
I have two girls and a son...
humans that I need to
get home to, by the way.
That's beautiful.
So you understand
when I say there's
nothing in the world
that you wouldn't
do for them, huh?
- Yes, that... that's correct.
- Well, then me and you have
something very
special in common,
because I just left my entire
world behind me to escape
an abusive marriage.
And I'm here with my two sons,
and I barely have enough money
to buy a candy bar, let
alone to spend money
for another night
here in this motel.
You have the fate to grant
us another night of comfort
while I at least figure
out the situation.
- Yeah, but I... I have...
- And I understand that
you don't have to
worry about management
or anybody who works here
because they don't
see your report.
So, I'm asking you,
with every ounce of
gratitude in my soul,
could you please grant us
another night of mercy?
[exhales deeply] Okay.
-Here. -No, no, no, no. Keep...
Keep your earring.
Keep the jewelry.
Here. Here. Take this.
[voice breaking] I can't
listen to another word.
Just get your sons some lunch
and, um, just handle
your situation, okay?
And don't you worry
about tonight.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome, baby.
[cries] -Oh.
Take care.
Hello.
So sweet. [giggles]
Hey, Ivy.
Oh, what's up, Krystle?
Nothing. Last night, you told me
to holler if I needed anything.
Well... [laughs] I
hate to be that girl,
but... I need a favor.
[siren wailing in distance]
Okay.
Come on. You can do
this. You can do this.
You can do this.
You can do this.
[laughs] Yeah, you can do this.
You got this, girl.
[hip hop music playing]
[chuckles]
[gasps]
[sighs]
[siren wailing in distance]
[bell rings]
-No, get... -Oh. Oh, yeah.
[Skye laughs] -[mouth
full] Mmm. That's good.
-Here, baby. A waffle.
-Thank you.
-Waffle, baby?
-Mm, can I have bacon?
-Let me get this. -Bacon.
No, I want bacon.
Give me that. Yeah.
[crunches] -[Skye laughs]
-Thanks. -You're welcome, baby.
[indistinct chatter
in background]
How long you gonna wear
your hair like that?
I don't know. Why?
You don't like my new look?
-[Kareem] No. -[laughs]
Well, I think it's cool.
-Thank you. -[laughs]
Listen, I'm just glad
your money came in.
Where were you last night?
You didn't get home till,
like, 2:30 in the morning.
Eat your food, Jordan.
We have to hurry up because I
need to run to the pharmacy,
and I have a bunch of other
places that we need to go.
Where are we gonna stay at now?
I'm gonna talk to
you two like adults,
because I don't have the luxury
of being able to sugarcoat it.
My money still
hasn't come in yet.
We have about $700 to our names,
which means...
we're gonna have to
make it work somehow.
[Kareem] I called Dad.
You did what?
He called him last
night after you left.
Kareem, why would you do that?
What? I... I can call my
father when I want to.
-Did you tell him where we were?
-No.
He told him that we
didn't have any money.
-Yo, shut up.
-Don't hit me again.
Stop that. Don't do
that to him, Kareem.
Are you out of your damn mind?
Me? You're the
one who brought us
all the way out
here with no money.
-Give me your phone. -What?
Do I look like I'm
playing with you?
Give me your phone.
[pounds table] -Give
me your damn phone!
You know, you may enjoy
getting your ass beat
for every and
anything, but I don't.
I'd rather go sleep
in a garbage dumpster
and eat what I find in there
than go back there and die.
I don't mind eating
out of a dumpster.
Come on. What?
[Jordan laughs]
[groans]
We gotta go. Come on.
We gotta go change locations
tomorrow for what you did.
Hurry up. Eat.
[Sandino] Hey, beautiful.
Did I scare you?
Yes. What are you doing here?
I think the real questions are,
one, what are you doing here?
They told me you quit.
Two, why would you quit such
a good job out the blue?
Oh, I just had to get
some of my belongings.
-Some of your belongings, huh?
-Mm-hmm.
I got a feeling those
belongings has the answer
to both of those questions.
Oh, yeah? How so?
Your voicemails
from Skye told me.
Technology. I have
people everywhere.
Dre, put this
bitch in the trunk.
-Sandino, no! Dre. -Hey.
Dre, no, you can't
do... No. Sandino, no!
Help! Help me!
[sobbing] Help me! No.
[muffled voice]
Help me! Let me out!
[pounding on trunk]
-[Asia] Help me!
Help me! No! No!
Please! Somebody help me!
Your brother still
live in Atlanta?
Yeah.
Good. I think it's time for
a little family reunion.
You still need some extra cash?
Yeah, man. Yeah, absolutely.
Well, I got some money
for you to go to Atlanta
and find Skye for me. All right?
Yeah.
Yeah. Say no more, bro.
Okay. And get my bag
of money off the floor.
[Dre] All right.
[indistinct conversations]
-Bro, look at that pool.
-It's fire.
Honestly, I think we
should go in there.
-Mom, wanna go swimming? -Yes.
Yeah. That can be fun. [laughs]
Hold on.
Hey, wait. She
just said to wait.
Shit!
Oh, my God.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Was it Dad?
No. This ain't his style.
They took everything.
No. They just took our money.
I can't believe your ass
got us up in here like this.
Don't you ever disrespect
me like that again!
Do you understand me?
Do you understand me?
Yes. Yes, ma'am.
[sighs]
Damn it, Kareem.
And don't call your father
again without my permission
unless you're ready to go
live with him without me.
Get your things.
Jordan, here.
Come on. We have to go.
[sighs]
This sucks, right?
I just bought those retro
Jordans last week, too.
You talking about Jordans,
and you don't even have
clean drawers to wear.
Yeah.
Mom, we've been
driving for hours.
Where are we going?
Atlanta.
-What's in Atlanta?
-Hopefully Jesus.
[laughs]
That was good.
Honestly, I would just be happy
with some TV and a good shower.
Okay, here's the deal.
We're officially
going incognito.
-Incognito?
-Our last name is Coleman now.
I'm still a Washington.
Cut it, Kareem.
[sighs]
Look, no more talking
about where you're from
or who your father is.
We can't have people
all in our business.
If we're going to start
fresh, we have to start fresh.
Once I get with Asia,
I'll get my money.
That I'll be able to
afford us some new IDs
with our name on it.
[blows air]
-I like the color on you.
-[chuckles]
-Put your seatbelt on.
-[Jordan] All right.
[birds chirping]
How long do you think
we'll be here for?
As soon as I get my money,
we'll get us a place.
- What's taking so long?
- It's only been four days.
Yeah, well, it
feels like a month.
Listen...
We're the Colemans now, okay?
-Put this in here.
-[keys jangle]
-Yes, can I help you? -Hi.
Um, I was told that we could
find some assistance here?
Mm-hmm. Uh, do you have
something you need to tell me?
Oh. Yes.
-Uh... -[unzips purse]
-Hmm. -[zips purse]
Oh! Um...
[gasps]
Break The Cycle, and Asia
Childs is my referral.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
Welcome to BTC.
Well, my name is Mercedes.
Hi. I'm Krystle.
-Oh, nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
What exactly can
I do for you guys?
Um, we were told
that you guys help
-with lodging and relocating.
-Mm-hmm.
Are you all hungry or anything?
-Yes. -No.
-Hello. -[laughs]
Well, either way, our
house is your house.
-Hi. -What's going on?
She's looking for
some assistance.
Okay. I'm Justice Freedman,
the founder of BTC.
-Hi. -Welcome.
Nice. Thank you.
Um, I'm Krystle Coleman,
and these are my sons.
And we're fleeing an
abusive situation,
and we could just really use a
little bit of help right now.
- Well, the pleasure's all mine.
- [telephone ringing in distance]
Mercedes, the phone?
-[Justice] The phone.
-[ringing continues]
Right. Yeah, I'll go get that.
[ringing continues] -Great.
You guys like board games?
Yeah? Well, we have plenty
here in the family center.
You're more than welcome to play
while I speak with your
mother in my office.
-Okay. -All right.
-You can follow me. -Sure.
Along with providing shelter,
we also offer a
variety of programs...
um, self-defense, credit repair,
psychological counseling.
Yeah, I need all of that.
Okay. Do you have
any family members
that you can reach out to?
No.
I mean, my dad
died when I was 5.
And my mom... she had cancer
a couple years ago, so...
You've met all the
family that I have.
I see.
[typing on keyboard]
Can I ask you a question?
Is Krystle Coleman
your real name?
Why would you even ask me that?
Well, the women who
come here are...
They want privacy, and they
don't want to be found.
I've been in this business
for quite some time now.
I'd just like to start
off on honest terms.
Yes, it is.
Good.
Anyone ever say you
look like, uh...
Don't say it.
What's her name?
-LisaRaye. -Yes! It's amazing.
I mean, besides the hair,
you look just like her.
What's the point to all of this?
Oh, I'm sorry. It's just...
You don't have to hide here.
You can be yourself. I
understand what you said
about your husband and
trying to relocate.
Well, that's necessary
until I feel comfortable.
Okay.
Have you filed your
restraining order yet?
Mm-mm.
You should take
care of the ASAP.
Here at BTC, our
programs are designed
to help rebuild your life
and confidence as well.
And I can guarantee
I would do just that.
So, what's the catch?
I mean, what do I have to
do to qualify for all this?
[Justice] No catch. It's easy.
We're a government-funded
institution.
So, as long as I
confirm your application
and your identification
checks out,
you qualify for
everything we offer...
room and board, the whole
nine yards, all free.
Can I see your ID?
[sighs]
Can we start over?
Sure.
Hi.
Hi.
My name is Skye Washington,
and I've been mentally...
and physically...
abused for years
from my husband.
And I could really,
really use some help.
[Justice] And I intend
to help you, Krystle.
Your real identification
will be safe with me.
My employees and I keep
everything locked up
and confidential.
You're safe here. Okay?
Black, tell me this.
Why do women think they're
so much smarter than us?
What you talking
about now, Dino?
Either Skye or
Asia's lying to me.
On the phone taps, Skye
said Asia had her $243,000.
Well, there's only $140K here.
So, who's lying?
And where's the rest?
I want my woman and my money.
[Skye] Dinner was
good tonight, huh?
Yeah, if you like
public cafeteria food.
[chuckles]
Dude, it was like
Sunday school food.
-[Skye] Hey.
-Literally. [laughs]
-Hey. -Exactly.
[laughs] -Right?
That's enough of that.
All right, well, I'm gonna get
a doughnut. You guys want one?
No, the kitchen is closed.
[Jordan] Why not? Just one.
It closes at 9, and it
reopens back up at 7.
Fine.
[chuckles]
-So, Mom. -Hmm?
What if that wig came
off in public one day?
[Skye] It won't, Jordan.
How do you know that?
Because it's too tight.
Really? [makes whooshing sound]
Oh, my God.
Bro. Is it coming
from the ceiling?
- [Jordan] How did that happen?
- You think that was funny?
[Jordan] How'd that happen? I
don't know. Did you see that?
You think that's...
You think that funny?
Oh, my God! [laughs]
Aah!
Yeah. There we go. There we go.
There we go. Wait. Wait.
-Oh! -[laughs]
-I got... I got the...
-You think it's funny?
-Oh! Oh! -Give me my wig!
-Ooh, ooh! -[laughs]
-Hey, hey, hey. -Hey.
-Oh, and he scores!
-Oh! You got my wig...
[Kareem laughs]
-I'm-a beat your ass.
Give me my wig! Don't let
my wig touch the ground.
Here, here, here, here.
[Jordan] That was close, though.
[cellphone ringing] -[laughs]
Keep him out. Keep him
out. Keep him away.
[sighs] Asia?
Hey, girl.
Tell me what?
Tell me what, Asia?
I can't believe you're just
now returning my calls.
Skye, I don't know where to
begin or how to tell you this.
Tell me what? Tell
me what, Asia?
For starters,
Sandino has been arrested
for trying to kidnap me.
He's been charged
with attempted murder.
[Skye] Attempted murder?
What? Sandino?
[sighs]
Why do I get the feeling that
you're not telling
me everything, Asia?
I need you to tell me
what's really going on.
Look, Skye, I'm not
proud of what I've done,
but I attempted to correct it.
Stop speaking in riddles.
[Asia] Look, I tried to
get your money to you,
but Sandino took it.
You'll never forgive me,
but I'm so, so sorry.
I truly am.
So, you're telling me that
Sandino kidnapped you?
And now he has all my money?
I'm sorry. I really am.
That's all the money I have for
me and my boys to live off of.
I failed at being a
good friend to you.
And for that, I'll
never forgive myself.
[Skye] You know, after my kids,
you were the only other person
that I can trust in my life.
And now this.
I gotta go, Skye. Be safe.
[cellphone thuds]
[Skye] Damn, Asia.
[Jordan] Kareem.
[clicks teeth] Shit.
You okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Do you think it's
true about Dad?
I don't know, baby.
[whispers] I hate him.
Jordan, don't say that.
[cellphone clatters]
[sobbing]
[inhales sharply]
[sniffles]
[whispers] Dear Lord,
I understand that everything
in life is a test.
But I pray that
you protect my boys
and that you give them
strength to get through this.
And with me, God,
I know that
everything is a test.
After You finish testing me
and having it be Your will...
I ask that you
grant me serenity,
peace, and happiness in my life.
Hey. You wanted to see me?
There you are. Yes.
Please, have a seat.
Is everything okay?
Well, that all depends on you.
Okay.
You know, everything
worth having in life
takes hard work and
sacrifice, right?
[Skye] Yeah.
One of the things
I'm most proud of
is our ability here at BTC
to find homes for
people and/or families
who otherwise may not have
the resources to do so.
That's great.
But your job is to
find a stable job
so that, at least on paper,
you can prove that you
can maintain the rent.
[Skye] Is that so?
Yeah.
But I wouldn't worry.
Another one of our
services is job placement.
Can I ask you, what's
the highest level
of schooling you've completed?
I finished high school.
I mean, I did go a
few years to college,
but I never graduated.
I ended up getting married
and, you know, having kids
and... [laughs] well, you
know the rest of the story.
Tell me something.
If you could choose to
be anything you wanted
at the snap of your
finger, what would it be?
I don't know.
My circumstances never
gave me a choice.
You are no longer a product
of your circumstances.
From here on out, you're a
product of your decisions.
So?
Hmm. I don't know.
Maybe a dentist.
-As in teeth? -[laughs] Yeah.
Okay.
What? Is that not
grand enough for you?
-No. Yeah. I mean... -Which one?
"No. Yeah." Which
one is it? [laughs]
No, I just can't believe
you're so modest.
Most women as...
beautiful as you are
have vast delusions of grandeur.
Well, that's because
I'm not most women.
Indeed you're not.
So, why a dentist?
You really wanna know?
I really wanna know.
My uncle was a dentist.
He was the only man in my life
that was a real family man.
[chuckles]
The only real role model
that I ever had in my life.
Mm.
And before he passed,
he used to take me to
work with him every day
when I was younger. [chuckles]
And he would tell me
that it's a real honor
to make others feel special.
[Mercedes] Here's the
papers you asked for.
[Justice] Just in time...
-Ms. Diaz... -Anything else?
- Is everything okay?
- Oh, it's "Ms. Diaz" now.
[scoffs] Mm-hmm.
[telephone ringing in distance]
Um... yeah.
Don't worry about Mercedes.
Let's just say she is, uh...
very envious of beautiful women,
even if they are
struggling with life.
-Um... -Okay.
But I'm most certainly gonna
help you with your goals.
I'm gonna get some
referrals started.
Okay. Thank you.
Oh, and, Justice?
[Justice] Yeah?
I wasn't worried.
[door opens and closes]
[under breath] "I
wasn't worried."
-Thank you. -Thank you.
I'm very excited.
[laughs]
You want to extend it first.
Now we're gonna make fists.
Yeah.
[speaks indistinctly]
Can I help you?
I doubt it.
So, why are you in my room?
I'm just checking things out.
You know, I gotta
keep an eye out.
No, but this is my room.
This isn't a common area,
so there's no reason for
you to be keeping an eye out
or checking anything.
Oh, see, that's
where you're wrong.
See, I'm trying to catch a liar.
Why is what's going on with
me so important to you?
Because I unofficially
run things around here,
and I like to keep
the trash out.
Besides, I've seen
your kind before.
You think you're better
than me. [scoffs]
But the real reason you're
here will come out soon.
What's your problem?
Aren't you the hired
help to be here?
-Am I correct? -[chuckles]
-If that's what you think, Mama.
-Trust me.
I'm well overqualified to
recognize what you are.
But I'm gonna need you to
leave me and my boys alone.
[scoffs] -Do you understand?
-Mm-hmm.
-Look, we've only been here
for two weeks, and my boys
have been through enough.
And I'll be damned if
I let some jealous-ass,
basic-ass employee get me thrown
out of the only home
that we have right now.
- Do you understand?
- Don't come up all in my face
-like that. -Listen to me.
Don't fucking
touch me like that.
Hey, hey! Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa! Stop, stop.
- What your fucking problem...
- Hey, hey, stop!
I don't know what's going on
here, but let's end this now.
-She tried to attack me. -What?
-She's lying. -You heard me!
Somehow I seriously doubt that.
I was standing here talking to
her, and she tried to attack me!
Oh, and mama's boys been
sneaking out past curfew,
-breaking all the rules.
-Fuck you!
-[Mercedes] Oh, yeah? -Enough.
What were you even doing in
her room in the first place?
-I was... -I was...
-Okay, show's over.
-I didn't think so.
Mercedes, out. Now!
-She was the one... -Uh-huh!
With them tight-ass jeans on.
Don't catch a yeast
infection now.
Oh, you wish you had an
ass like this, bitch!
Mm-hmm. I can't see it.
Krystle...
Get it together.
Now that you have a stable job,
I put in a request to
expedite your housing.
It shouldn't take long, but
you gotta control your temper.
She came in my room, Justice.
For now... I gotta
figure out another plan.
-My temper? -[Jordan] It's okay.
Hey.
Hey.
I'm surprised you asked
for me to come back today.
You didn't seem too
interested in rebooking
at the end of our last session.
-Yeah.
-What made you change your mind?
Because I know
that I needed this.
Okay, let me rephrase
the question.
Why did you leave?
I'm too weak for this, Monica.
How am I ever gonna
have the strength
to fight him off me?
Do you remember what I
told you the other day?
Self-defense isn't
about strength.
It's about understanding
your attacker's psyche
and managing your own fear.
Fear that I'm gonna
help you get rid of.
Okay. I'm gonna teach
you to be confident
so you can get into
your assailant's head.
If you stay on schedule and
keep coming to me twice a week,
you'll be ready for him or
anybody else in no time.
So, when somebody
takes you down...
[gasping]
you'll know how to manage it.
This is typically what
an attacker will do
when there's a
personal relationship.
Do you have any idea how
you're gonna get out of this?
Not at all.
First thing, you're gonna
trap his leg with your leg.
Okay? Take your left leg
and trap it right
here like this.
Now, his leg is
not going anywhere.
[Skye] Okay.
Next, you're gonna trap his arm.
Take your left arm
around front of his.
Right around there. Just
like that. Yes. Nice.
Hold it nice and tight.
Once you've got him trapped
with his leg and his arm,
you're gonna throw
him off of you.
So, you're gonna
thrust your hips high,
throwing him down to your left.
[grunting] -Higher and
push all the way up.
Really drive your
heels into the ground.
Okay, lift and throw.
[exhales deeply]
[grunting]
Now stand up. Just like that.
Way to go.
That's what I'm talking about.
Damn.
It's the first step
in understanding
you're no longer a victim. Okay?
- Good job. Excellent job.
- Let's try it again.
[knock on door]
Hello.
Hi.
Come on in.
Welcome.
So, I know it's not ideal,
but... at least
you'll be safe here.
Yeah.
I mean...
[whispers] it's a little
weird living with you.
And Kareem isn't feeling
too good about the decision.
It is just temporary until
your housing comes through.
Yeah, but I'm... I'm
still not sure if this is
the best decision for us.
Well, it's only for
a few weeks, um,
while we wait on your
permanent housing.
I'm also gonna reach
out to a friend of mine
that has temporary
housing as well.
But... just know that I got you.
[laughs]
[squeals] Come here! I
can't thank you enough.
You're welcome.
[chuckles]
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Are you sure?
Yeah.
It's nothing.
It's just...
I'm not ready for
anything like this.
It's this...
Anything like what?
I know this may sound stupid.
I'm still married, Justice.
Doesn't sound stupid at all. I
actually have an unspoken rule
about not getting involved
with someone from the job.
So, you're telling
me that you've never
dealt with a client
or a worker ever?
Never. So, I apologize
for getting too close.
It's not necessary.
I mean, I'm very
attracted to you.
I wanna stand on my own two feet
before I decide to get
back into a relationship.
That's fair.
And I'm sure when you
do get back to dating,
you'll find the perfect guy.
You know, when I
first married Sandino,
he was young and... loving.
[laughs] He was so respectful.
And don't get me wrong.
I mean, he always had a temper,
but that only happened, like,
a few years after he'd
been in the league.
And the drugs, well,
that did make it worse.
But...
I'm deciding... for me,
I'm no longer listening
to what a man tells me.
Only what he shows me.
Well... wanna see the
rest of the place?
Uh, yeah!
-Yeah? -[laughs] Yeah.
But first,
show me our separate
sleeping quarters.
-Oh, my God. I have the couch.
-[laughs]
You won't even know I'm here.
Unh-unh!
No! Ju...
Ju-Ju! Man! Ain't no way, boy.
Ain't no way!
What?! What?!
Ha!
Oh! I see all that charity work
allows you to keep that new car.
-Little somethin'. -What?!
-What's going on, bro?
-You look good!
- Likewise. When you get out?
- Not too long ago, feel me?
You got rehabilitated?
Bruh. [scoffs] -[chuckles]
Come on, man. You know
me better than that.
-Yeah. -Hey, man, I'm out here
on a little business, then
it's back on the beach for me.
-Okay. -And, you know, I saw Ma.
-That was cool.
-Yeah, Ma's great.
-Yeah. -Yeah.
Hey, man, you know, I still
feel bad about what happened.
Fuck.
I never intended to do that.
Come on, bruh.
Look, man, I ain't trying
to relive all that.
Can't fault you for it.
Takes two to tango, bro,
and I knew the kind of chick
Mercedes was off the rip.
Just got caught in the hype.
-[scoffs] Same here. -Yeah.
We gotta do better
going forward.
[laughs] Yeah, well,
boy, we need to.
You know, spend
some time together.
I couldn't come to the
A without seeing you.
-Man, I hope not.
-Yeah, boy, I couldn't.
I'd never. I would
never do that.
Look, maybe we can grab
a drink or something
before you head out.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
That's what's up, bruh.
Hey, you know what
Ma always say.
[both] Family over everything!
[laughs] -Big head ass boy.
Big head?!
I can hook you up
with my barber.
Boy, you look like Simpsons.
I look... big head?
Hey, look, I'm-a give you
my barber number to
fix that hairline.
-Oh, you got all the jokes!
-[laughs]
[door closes in distance]
[chuckles] -[groans]
-Hi. -Hey.
What are you still
doing up? Hmm?
Just waiting for you.
You don't have to wait
on me, baby. I'm grown.
Of course I do.
No, I was training with
the lead hygienist.
So, you're gonna be a
real dentist one day?
Yeah, one day for sure.
I mean, it's gonna
take some time,
but until then,
I'm a dental assistant hygienist
in training. [chuckles]
-Come on, Mom. -I know.
I'm also taking
courses at school, too.
School?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
[sighs]
What's this?
I don't know.
Come on!
Okay.
[laughs] -Mom.
-It's my sneakers. -I know.
When I seen them at the
mall, I bought them for you.
Mom, they're, like,
$200. I can't keep...
Uh, $220 to be exact,
but who's counting?
You deserve it, Jordan.
You're a dope mom.
You know that?
[chuckles]
-Thanks, baby. -Thank you.
-I love you. -I love you, too.
[sighs] -[chuckles]
Here. Give me. Here.
-I'll put 'em back in the bag.
-Okay.
Where's your brother?
I don't know.
He's been acting weird ever
since we moved in with Justice.
He's just been
different, you know?
Yeah.
No.
Let's watch a
movie or something.
Okay.
[glass clatters]
[typing on keyboard]
[sighs]
[scoffs]
[continues typing]
I will eventually
get you, Krystle,
or whatever your name is.
-[Dre] Hey, baby. -Mm-hmm?
You gonna stay out
there all night?
Or you gon' get your
ass back in this bed?
Hmm. I'm sorry.
I thought I put your ass
to bed the first round.
[chuckles] Unh-unh.
See, I'm trying to win my
championship belt back.
Ooh.
That's more than I can say
about your punk-ass brother.
Enough about that.
-Mmm. -[chuckles]
[bed springs creak]
-[Mercedes chuckles]
Wake up, nigga.
You either got
one of two things.
You got my bitch or my money.
And I sure as hell hope
you don't say my money.
[Dre over phone] Oh, shit.
When'd you get out, big homie?
Yesterday. I'm on house
arrest till trial.
In the meantime, I got this
little jewelry on my leg.
You in Atlanta?
-Yeah, yeah, I'm here.
-[Mercedes sighs]
Hey, um, I'm-a need a
little more time with this
and a little more money.
More money? Nigga, didn't
I already give you 25 G's?!
[Dre] Bro, I had to pick...
Right, and what did you give me?
- [Dre] Nothing yet, but...
- Exactly! Case closed.
Look, you about to
owe me a lot of money.
'Cause in a minute, I'm
about to come out there
like a robot in a
fucking time machine,
like I'm looking
for Sarah Connor
and do it myself! You feel me?!
All right. I'm on it.
[Sandino] Dre...
you got 48 hours.
Then I'm coming out there to
get my woman and my money.
[line disconnects,
cellphone slams down]
[exhales deeply]
[birds chirping in distance]
[keys jangling]
I think I'm on to you.
Let's expose you.
[scoffs]
Got you now... Skye Washington.
-[Justice] Huh?
-[Jordan] All right.
- [Justice] Yeah. Where you at?
- [Jordan] I'm on the way.
-[Justice] Where you at?
-[Jordan] Oh, okay.
- Here we go. Come on, come on.
- You can't do that.
-Yes, I can. I...
-You can't do that!
-Aah! -[laughs]
Yes! [laughs] -Okay.
-Okay. All right.
-Come on. [laughs]
-[Justice] Uh... -[Jordan] Stop.
[Justice] That was
good. That was good.
[Jordan] Oh, my gosh.
[Justice] So, Jordan, I
got a new game for us.
-Wanna check it out?
-Yeah. What is it?
[click] -[gunfire
on game playing]
Yo, that's fire. [laughs]
Ah. [chuckles] -Nice.
Kareem, you wanna play next?
No, I'm not in the
mood. I'll be outside.
-Whatever.
-[game continues playing]
Justice, come on.
Let's do another one.
-Let's do it.
-All right, let's do this one.
- Yeah. Should be tough.
- All right, you ready?
-Yeah. -[chuckles]
Oh, yeah. It's different
this time, baby.
[Jordan] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Justice] It's
different this time!
- [Jordan laughs] -[Justice]
- You gotta keep up.
[Jordan] Yo, since when?
-[chuckles] You gotta keep up.
-Bro!
[video game continues
playing in distance]
[Jordan] No, no, no, no!
[Justice yells]
[laughs] Ohh!
Yeah!
[Jordan] All right, one
for one. One for one.
[Justice] Let me
beat you like that.
[Jordan laughs]
[indistinct chattering,
video game continues playing]
[gunfire on video game sounding]
-[Jordan] Ooh!
-[Justice] Mm-hmm.
-[Jordan] Ooh!
-[Justice] Let me do it again.
-Yeah.
-One for one. One for one.
- You gonna break the tie?
- Yes, sir. Let's do it.
-All right. From the top?
-[Jordan] Yeah.
- [Justice] Same board?
- [Jordan] Okay, that's fine.
All right.
-Perfect. -Good.
[chuckles] -Bro. Why? Okay.
[laughs]
[groans]
Right there.
-You got it. -Okay.
[exhales deeply]
Hey.
Hmm?
It'll be okay, Skye. This
is all very hard for him.
[gunfire on video game sounding]
He thinks we're in a
relationship, Justice.
That's why he's so upset.
- [video game sounds stop]
- I mean, y'all are, right?
No, we are not.
-Okay, if you say so. -Um...
[video game sounds resume]
I'll go get dinner started
while you go for your run.
-Run? -Yeah.
Yep.
[Justice] All right.
That's my cue to go
and grab my sneakers.
[chuckles]
[inhales deeply] All right.
[dog barking in distance]
[Justice] So, you sure
you're okay with me
sleeping here on
the floor tonight?
'Cause that couch is
not comfortable at all.
It's your house.
Okay. So, how was your job?
It's good.
I'm finally starting to feel
like I'm getting stronger.
And I mean, especially
after that meal.
Mm. You like it, huh?
I'm feeling good
[chuckles]
[laughs] -See?
I told you I got skills.
I didn't know you
could cook like that.
I just wish Kareem
would have gotten back
to the house to try it.
You know, give a brother a shot.
He's young...
and confused.
Just give him some time, okay?
[Justice] Okay.
Can I ask you a question?
[Justice] What's up?
Why don't you have
a lady in your life?
Well, that question
has two answers.
I can't hear you. Come up here.
You sure?
[Skye laughs] Yeah, silly.
[laughs] -Okay. Good?
You good.
Okay. Um...
So, I guess...
my job is demanding, so...
time is a major reason. Um...
I feel like I help
so many people out
that my time isn't my own.
Yeah.
I can attest to that.
I have to admit
something. What's that?
These last couple of months...
I never thought that I
could handle in life.
Now the next question is,
what's next, you know?
I know that Sandino is never
gonna stop looking for me.
You ever heard of the
term "fight or flight"?
No. What's that?
So, it's a term that refers
to the human instinct
to respond to... like,
threatening situations.
And it forces someone to
either run away from danger
or stay and fight.
Oh.
I get it.
I think it's time
for you to stay
and fight for your new life.
Okay.
You said that you
had two reasons
you didn't have a
lady in your life.
You only gave me one.
Yeah, I know.
Because I...
never really,
um... I don't know.
I never found anyone that
I had a real connection to.
[chuckles] Yeah.
[whispers] I gotta
go check on the kids.
That's fine.
[Skye whispering] Jordan!
-Jordan. -What?
-Where's your brother?
-I don't know.
He never came back home.
[sighs] -[dials]
[under breath] Come on.
[line ringing] -Come on, Kareem.
Come on!
[indistinct conversation]
[dialing]
[cellphone ringing]
Son.
[Kareem] Dad?
[whispers] God, please
let him be okay.
[sighs]
[cellphone rings]
[whispers] Hello?
[exhales deeply]
Okay.
[siren wailing in distance]
Kareem, this is too much!
I can't believe you ended
up at the police station.
Mom, you acting... oh...
Do you realize this could
have been really, really bad?
Mom, you act like I was
charged with a felony.
I was picked up
for being underage
- and roaming the streets.
- Do you realize everything that
you do can put us all at
risk at this point, Kareem?!
[sighs] You gotta grow up.
- What if your father would've...
- Yeah, I called him.
That's it. I'm done. Let
your father come pick you up
from now, here at the
police station or wherever!
Mom, Mom, Mom, I miss him!
I know what he's done
to you isn't right,
but I'm just confused. He's
the only father I have.
Why is he like this?
And what about us?
I just don't wanna live
on the run anymore,
and I don't know who to trust,
and I just want
my old life back.
I called him, and I told him,
and he said he will change.
He won't change, Kareem.
[sighs] Because he can't.
I love you, okay?
Just gotta start
listening to me.
Get in the car.
[sniffles]
[Sky cries, pounds
steering wheel]
[engine starts]
Goddamn, this asshole Dre!
He ain't worth a shit!
The fuck is you so scared for?
What the hell is taking so long?
This is real delicate.
You gotta be still.
[Sandino] Get the truck
ready for the road.
The road? For what?
[Sandino] We're
going to Atlanta.
I clearly sent a boy
to do a man's job.
[sighs] -But it's cool, though.
My son came through for me.
And what is your
probation officer
gonna say when she realize
that you no longer home?
-You think I give a fuck?
-[Black chuckles]
No, wild boy. I'm just
saying it's a lot,
you know, going
after Skye like this.
[Sandino] Get the
fucking truck ready.
All right.
-Wow.
-Mm-hmm. It could use some...
Yo, Mr. Justice, what's
for dinner? [grunts]
You know, I was just thinking
the exact same thing... Skye.
What?
I mean, I'm cool with whatever.
I just want you
to be happy, so...
-Well, this ain't my house.
-[knock on door]
-I'm gonna go find something.
-Mm-hmm.
[Justice] Who just knocked?
-[Justice] Hey.
-[Mercedes] Hey, you.
-Mercedes. Come, come, come.
-Stop. Oh.
What's going on? What's up?
Um, yeah, we need to talk.
What, are you busy or something?
Actually, yeah.
Oh. Um, should I come
back another time?
Yeah. I mean, no. What's
up? Why? Why are you here?
Well, I just wanna know
what it is between us.
[Justice] Us?
Yes. You've been acting
really weird lately.
You've been giving
me the brush-off.
Wait, are you serious?
Mercedes, you're my
brother's ex girl.
There is no us.
Come on. You're telling me that
what we did was just for play?
First off, that was,
like, two years ago.
Secondly, we both agreed
that was a mistake.
[scoffs]
I'm not even sure why you
bringing this up right now.
If you didn't feel the same way,
then why did you hire me to work
- for you for so long?
- Because you needed the job!
Are you serious?!
[scoffs]
You know, I would
respect you more
if you just told me that
you found somebody else.
[sighs] Justice, I've been
loyal to you for so long,
and the first time a pretty
piece of ass comes around,
you wanna act new?
What's up with that?
Are you crazy? Are you?
Am I crazy?
-Are you crazy? -[scoffs]
You don't know crazy. Okay?
Next time I see that
fucking bitch Skye
or whatever the
fuck her name is,
she's gonna have more problems
than just what happened
the other night.
-Wait, what'd you say?
-Man, fuck you!
Talking to me like
this. This is bullshit.
Oh!
Oh, look who it is!
[scoffs] Don't think I
don't know who you are.
Puta.
Bitch!
[Mercedes grunts]
Come on! Get the fuck off
me, you fucking crazy bitch!
Let me go! Let me go, Justice!
I'm fucking done
with you, Justice!
Let me go, Justice!
Get off of me!
Get that crazy fucking bitch
away from me! I'm done!
Leave, Mercedes, leave!
I'm done working at the shelter!
Bitch, I will fucking hit you
in the face with this shoe!
Leave, Mercedes, fast,
before I call the cops.
[Skye] I said I'm good, Justice.
- I'm done with you, period.
- [Skye] I said I'm good!
I'm done working at the shelter!
I'm done with all that shit.
What's wrong with you, Justice?
[Justice] There'll never
be anything between us!
-[Mercedes] Fuck you!
-[Justice] Period!
Fuck!
[Justice] What was that? Huh?!
What are you doing? That's
not even your character.
And what about your
character, huh?
You lied to me, Justice,
about not getting involved
- with the women at your shelter.
- No, I didn't!
No, I didn't. I told you, I
never dealt with anyone there.
Mercedes threw herself at me
one time, and I fell for it.
And I regretted it.
You know, you men
are liars by nature.
Can we just take a second to
breathe and figure this out?
Yeah. [sniffles]
-I'm leaving. -What?
No, no. Please.
No, no. No, no, no.
Let me help you. I'll
leave. I'll leave, okay?
- I'll leave. I'm sorry.
- Don't touch me, Justice.
Really?
Okay. I'm leaving. I'm leaving.
The house is yours until your
new housing comes through.
I'll be by tomorrow to
grab some of my stuff.
[sighs]
[Skye] They say after
the darkest nights
comes the brightest days.
They seem to say
a lot of things.
I guess they'll have
to tell us something.
[knock on door]
[birds chirping]
-Hey. -Hey.
Thank you for agreeing to this.
You don't have to keep
thanking me, Justice.
I mean, this is your place.
I should be out soon. Okay?
Why do you keep staring?
No reason. Just...
admiring what I see.
Just go and get what
you to pack for, okay?
Okay. Um... I was wondering
if you didn't mind
if I washed a few things first.
Well, that's fine,
if you don't mind being
out in the next few hours.
The boys... they just
got back from the movies,
and they're in the room.
I don't wanna give
them any mixed signals.
I'm still trying to
protect Kareem's psyche.
-Okay? -Okay.
I'll be in the back.
[knock on door]
[Kareem] Don't
worry, Ma. I got it.
- I was heading out anyways.
- Kareem, where are you going?
-Huh? -[door closes]
I was just thinking about
making dinner, baby.
Where are you going?
-[whispers] How did you...
-You tell me.
What, you not happy to see me?
Now, come on, now, Skye.
I know you didn't think I
wasn't gon' find your ass.
Did you?
[grunts]
Sandino, it's over between us.
I'm not coming back.
So, leave.
Look at you, calling
shots and shit now.
You know, I should
have listened to Asia
during those long, late nights.
She told me what you was up to.
You're slipping, Skye.
You need to be more careful
about who you put your trust in.
Now... where's Jordan? The
boys are coming with me.
[Skye] Kareem, go get Jordan.
[grunting]
[whispers] Jordan. Jordan.
Jordan.
-What's up? What?
-Dad's here. Dad's here.
-What? -Dad's here. Dad's here.
- What do you mean, Dad's here?
- Dad's here, all right?
So... I need you. I
need you to stay here.
-No! -Bring your ass here.
I said no! [grunts]
No, Sandino.
Oh, so you wanna
fight back, huh?
[grunts] -[Skye] No!
[grunts]
-Let me go! -You a man now?
Aah!
[choking and sobbing]
If I can't have you, nobody can.
What the fuck? Shit.
[grunting]
[grunting continues]
Don't want you to forget this.
[gun cocks]
[Justice chokes and coughs]
Skye.
Give me the gun, Skye.
Come on, baby. Stop playing.
Come on, baby.
Give me the fucking gun, Skye!
[gunshot, shell casing clatters]
[thud]
[birds chirping]
-Whoa, whoa, whoa. -[grunts]
-Ooh! -Oh!
[Kareem laughs] -[Jordan] Oh!
-[Jordan] Ooh! -[Kareem] Yeah!
Right here, right
here. There you go.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Break.
-Oh! -Oh, oh, oh. Nice.
[Skye] Stop throwing
at him so hard.
Yeah. [grunts] -[Kareem] Ready?
[grunting]
[laughs]
-All right. -[Skye] Hey.
Now you know how it feel.
Say I'm your master.
-Go ahead, say it.
-Hey, that's enough.
Go ahead. Say I'm your master.
Mom, Mom, Mom, we're
okay. We're okay.
- Go ahead. Say it.
- [Skye] Jordan, let him go.
-I'm your master.
-[Kareem] You win.
-I'm... -I'm...
- your master.
- ...your master. Okay.
Master! [laughs] -You... suck.
It's okay, Mom. I
trained him good.
[laughter] -Like you said,
I'm man of the house now, right?
-That's right, baby. -[laughs]
-All right, Mom, you wanna play?
-Sure.
[Jordan] Let's do it. [laughs]
Ooh!
[cheering]
Hey.
[laughter]
I love you.
I love you, too.
...on this side
You know I provide
priority flies for you
All right.
You don't even
gotta pack no bags
Pick out what you want,
and I'll buy it for you
Nobody worried about no tax
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Let them be nosy if
they want to know
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to?
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Yeah
In your place
While we on dates
You take pictures,
I don't care
If they don't know
that I'm with you
'Cause you're mine
If they try, they gon' find
a real one on your side
You know I provide
priority flies for you
You ain't even
gotta pack no bags
Pick out what you want,
and I'll buy it for you
Nobody worried about no tax
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Let them be nosy if
they want to know
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to?
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Yeah, yeah
I don't know
[indistinct chattering]
[laughter]
Ladies, ladies. My boy
Dre here just came home
from doing two years in prison.
Now, who's gonna do
the honors and show him
-the night of his life?
-[laughter]
Hey.
Okay. All right, all right.
Mm. Oh, but, Dino. Dino, man.
-I appreciate the love.
-Absolutely.
I'm gonna need a little income
along with it. You feel me?
-Bruh, don't worry. I got you.
-Yeah?
-Come on. I got you, man.
-[laughs] Okay.
-We'll straighten it out.
-Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Don't worry about it.
Hey, Sandino.
The party's dope.
You look great.
Thanks. Wasn't expecting
to see you here.
Whatever. Where's your wife?
Right in there.
Why don't you go join her
and bring me back a
plate in the process?
[chuckles] -That was good.
Why don't you go home
and find a better outfit?
Oh. Ooh.
Damn. Made me spill my yac.
Hey, Skye.
[laughs] Hey, what's
up, Asia girl?
You were supposed to come
by the bank this morning.
What happened?
Well, you're looking
at what happened.
I got caught up with helping
with the decorations.
Oh. All that money y'all
paid that event planner?
Shit, I wouldn't fold
a damn napkin in here.
What's that saying about
good help? [laughs]
Mm. I don't even know
why y'all are the ones
even throwing the party.
Well, I mean, it's
not every year
that your husband's
team makes it
to the AFC Championships
games, girl. [laughs]
Girl, he ain't played
in two seasons, though.
Well, his leg is almost back
to being new. He'll be back.
Besides, being put on the
injured reserves list,
it hasn't really been
good for Sandino's ego.
Mm. We need a lot
more than a party
and some good food to
help that fool, okay?
[laughs] -I mean,
a lot. [scoffs]
- Hello, ladies.
- What do you think about the...
Mind if I join you?
-It all depends. -Yeah? On what?
If you can straight
shoot tequila
with two girls that are
half your size combined
and still make it home.
Ooh! [laughs] -Okay. Okay.
-I'm up for the challenge.
-Oh. Game on.
[glass clinks]
I feel like I'm back
in college. [laughs]
-Thank you. -Oh, my pleasure.
I know you said a little bit,
but think you can handle this.
-Thank you. -[man] My pleasure.
- [whispers] Wow.
- And what are we cheersing to?
To making it home.
-Hey. Cheers. -[laughs]
[man] Ooh. Smooth.
-That's good. -That's good.
[indistinct
conversations, laughter]
Question.
What are you doing
letting all these... thugs
in this beautiful home?
I mean, I'm not
telling you what to do,
but if it was up to me, I
wouldn't let 'em in here.
I don't know. I think...
things are about to change.
I think we're getting too
old for these parties.
Every time I've experienced
changed, it was forced on me.
[Skye] Mm.
But in hindsight, it wasn't
happening to me. Hmm.
It was happening for me.
Hmm. Hmm. Change is good,
especially in the form of paper.
-[laughs] Okay? -Hey, hey, hey.
-Cheers to that.
-[glasses clink]
-Getting the money. -[laughs]
[indistinct conversations]
It's funny how jokers
always wanna play Big
when the liquor free.
Oh, what's gon' be funny is
watching him pull my foot
-out his ass with a broken arm.
-[chuckles]
[indistinct
conversations continue]
[glass clatters] -Mm.
Mmm. Mmm.
-[Sandino chuckles] What? What?
-Baby.
Wait. Am I interrupting
something special?
[chuckles] No, sir.
Not unless you can't
handle your liquor, player.
I think you got me
fucked up, bruh.
Oh, okay. Yeah. How so?
Because you in my house
talking to my wife.
-Mm. Mm. -Baby.
Nobody was doing anything,
okay? We were just talking...
What are you, this nigga's
attorney or somethin'?
And what's with all the
eye contact going on?
Babe, listen, nobody was
giving him eye contact, okay?
What did I tell you about
getting out of pocket?
Hey, hey, hey, man. You...
You gotta relax, baby.
It's a vibe, all right?
I mean, this is your house
and all that, and it's cool.
But you play me like
I'm some type of sucker,
and that ain't it.
I'm not no play toy,
so listen, for me,
from where I'm
standing, it seems like
you seem intimidated. Yeah.
Yeah, so I'm gonna make
it easy on everybody, huh?
All right, I'm-a step. Yeah.
I'm gonna get my ass on.
Hey, ladies, thank
you for the drink.
Hmm? Mm.
[chuckles] -[glass clinks]
Superstar, good
luck on your career.
-Hope it works out for you.
-[gasps]
Yeah! I hit hard, don't I?
[stomping] -Oh! Oh!
[thud] -Oh!
Damn, my leg never felt so good.
[stomps] -Aah!
[stomping continues] -Aah!
No! Stop! Stop.
Skye, what the fuck
was all that about?
You need to lower
your voice, Sandino.
Oh, seriously? Huh? Huh?
-You fucking him or something?
-No.
Stop fucking playing me.
- I'm not playing with you.
- You gon' disrespect me?
- No, I'm not disrespecting...
- You gon' disrespect me, huh?
[Skye screams]
[laughs]
Get the fuck out!
[crying]
[sighs]
[telephone ringing in distance]
[elevator bell dings]
-Hey, girl. -Hey.
You missed the gym this morning.
Yeah. I didn't have
the strength to wake up
when that 5 a.m.
alarm clock went off.
-[Asia] Okay, take 'em off.
-Mm-mm.
How bad is the damage this time?
[Skye] I'd rather not.
Fine.
Girl, this is too
much. Sandino is crazy.
[Skye] He's not crazy, Asia.
It's the meds and the
other drugs that's got him.
I'm not making excuses for him.
But he wasn't this bad
before he got injured.
[Asia scoffs]
You're kidding me, right?
You sure you don't have
Stockholm Syndrome?
What's that?
It's when you start
to feel bad for
and protective of the person
who's treating you wrong.
But hey, whatever you
decide to do, I support you.
Thank you.
Come on. Let's just
get this deposit done.
[Asia] Okay.
[Skye] Here.
[pen clicks]
-How much is this? -$7,000.
Make sure it goes into my
safe deposit box, okay?
-Not my account. -Okay.
How much is in there, anyway?
-Including this? -Yeah.
Let's go see.
Okay.
So, it's, uh...
Hmm. Mm.
$243,000.
Damn. I still don't know
why you stashing this cash.
If I tell you something,
you promise to
keep it between us?
Of course.
I'm thinking about
taking my boys and moving
and leaving Sandino.
I mean, the only reason why
I haven't left is because
I never wanted my boys
to grow up fatherless
like I did.
But it just
doesn't really feel like
they have one as it is.
Skye, you do know
you can get the house
and half of his money
in a divorce, right?
-He's worth millions.
-[whispers] Yeah.
And you know the league don't
play about domestic violence.
He'll be blackballed
in the sports industry.
Girl, that's not even
where I am right now.
I mean, he can have it all.
I just wanna...
I just wanna have a
new life and be happy.
Hmm.
One thing I've learned,
life will let you be happy.
But first, it has
to make you strong.
Shit. You've been with
him since high school.
-Yeah. -Couldn't be me.
And I just need time.
I mean, me and my boys are
accustomed to being comfortable.
Yeah, but listen, don't let your
comfort zone get you killed.
Either way, I'll call you
whenever I do need
my cash, okay?
Yeah. Just let me know.
[bills riffling]
Here.
Skye, you don't have to do that.
And neither do you.
Okay? Take it.
Here, I have something for you.
My girl in Atlanta works
for this outreach center
that helps women get
their lives back.
She gets some housing, finds
them jobs and everything.
She was actually a client before
she started working there.
They're extremely private.
You even need a
referral and a password.
They're there to assist.
Thanks.
I'll call you later.
When they go low...
We go higher.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, wow
Let it go
Sometimes you gotta
free your mind
Sometimes you gotta
free your mind
[chuckles]
Sometimes you
gotta free your...
- [laughs] What are you doing?
- Bro, why would you take...
What? [laughs]
-What do you mean,
what am I doing? I'm
using my own phone.
-Give me my phone back.
-No, bro.
You're so annoying.
Give me my phone.
-No. -Get off of me!
- Say I'm your master.
- No. Why would I say that?
- Get off me, bro!
- Get your hands off him, Kareem!
[Jordan] God!
[sighs]
What's your problem?
What are you doing?
Mom, he's trying to make me
wrestle, and I don't want to.
- Yeah, 'cause you're soft.
- I'm soft? All right, let's see.
Hey, hey, hey. Stop it.
-[Jordan] God.
-Both of you, over here now.
Sit.
I really don't have the patience
to deal with this right now.
Where's your father?
I think he said he
went to the mall.
Look... I think you
two are old enough
to understand what's going on,
so I'm gonna just give
it to you straight.
But you have to promise me
that this stays
between us. Okay?
[Kareem] What is it?
Promise me.
I promise.
I promise.
[Skye] Okay.
I'm leaving your father,
which means that we're moving.
-What? -Why?
Really, Kareem?
If anybody knows
the answer to that,
I would think it would be you.
Look, if I don't leave...
then I'm afraid that I won't
live to see my boys grow up.
So, where are we moving
to? What about school?
[Skye] I don't
know. I don't know.
I haven't figured
all that out yet.
But I do know that
I didn't want this
to come to you as a surprise.
Well, I don't wanna move.
-I wanna live here. -I know.
All my friends are here.
My football team is here.
Okay, and when... when we move,
I can put you in a new school,
and you can get new friends.
Or would you like
to live here alone
with your father?
Hmm?
I don't.
Kareem?
No.
Because you have to
remember that we're
all the family in the
world we have left.
And anything that we do,
we have to stick together.
Do you love him still?
Baby, it's not even
about love at this point.
I think that your father
really needs to get some help.
I mean, he's dealing with some
really deep issues and demons.
The drugs?
Amongst other things.
Kareem. Kareem,
where are you going?
I don't wanna talk no more.
[door closes in distance]
[Sandino] Hey. Hey.
Hey. Hey.
[Sandino] I called you earlier.
I was in the bathtub.
[Sandino] Okay.
So, the other night, I think
things got a little out of hand.
[chuckles]
[Sandino] I might have
had the wrong impression
about what was going on.
[exhales deeply]
You know, I didn't
even know him.
I mean, your people were the
ones who did the invites.
I was just being
hospitable to our guests.
[Sandino] You're right,
and I'm so sorry.
So, I've been thinking about
how I can make it up to you.
I figure we can go on vacation.
Just us. No kids. No
friends, you know?
I don't know.
[Sandino] It'd be a
good time to reconnect.
I think that you should...
take that time to go out to
rehab like we talked about.
[Sandino] I wanna give
you something that
I've been meaning to
give you for months.
[chuckles] What's this?
[laughs] Stop.
Stop what?
[Skye] I'm not in the mood.
[Sandino] What? What, you
don't miss Fat Albert?
I mean, come on now. We
ain't did it in months.
[Skye] And we haven't really
talked about our problem
in months either, Sandino.
Look, I really think that
you should go to rehab,
like you promised.
[Sandino] That's you.
-[Skye] Come on. Stop!
-[Sandino] Stop what?
Sandino, what are you doing?
-Making love to my wife.
-Sandino!
Oh!
Stop!
[inhales sharply,
exhales shakily]
[Sandino snores]
[snores]
[snoring] -[whispers] Kareem?
- Kareem, wake up. Wake up, okay?
- What? What's wrong?
Nothing. Get dressed.
-We're taking a ride. -Why?
Shh. Get dressed.
-Baby? Hey. -[groans] What's up?
Nothing. Come on.
- Get your things together, okay?
- Where's Dad?
What?
Here.
Take these bags.
Jordan, put on
your shorts, okay?
Mom, I don't think we
should be doing this.
Shh! Here.
Grab the bags, get dressed,
and meet me downstairs.
- [whispers] Okay.
- But you have to be quiet, okay?
-This is stupid. -Shh!
[whispers] Don't say anything.
[snores]
[door opens] -[whispers] Hurry!
If you don't get your
feet off this bed
like you paid for
something in this house.
Get up! Here.
Let's go, let's go.
Hurry up. Let's go.
Come on!
Y'all really gonna move
this slow right now?
[pad beeping]
[whispers] Come on. We gotta go.
No, Mom, I forgot the keys.
Damn it! [groans]
-Hey, I'll go get it.
-So, don't.
[snores]
-Okay, let's go. Come on.
-I'm coming!
Hurry! Hurry! [panting]
[screams] -[yelling]
We gotta go, we gotta go.
[engine starts]
-Unlock this damn door.
-Unlock this door!
-[Skye] Stop it!
Do not unlock that door.
Do not unlock that door.
-Kareem, unlock it! -[screams]
Bitch, I'm-a kill you! I'm
gonna fucking kill you!
[Jordan] Go! Go!
[engine revs, tires peal]
Fuck!
[pop music playing on speakers]
I got this feeling
I got this feeling
[brakes squeal]
Kareem. Jordan.
Come on. Let's get
out and stretch.
We can get some
food, too. Come on.
Can I get pancakes?
Yeah, that sounds good.
That's a real nice vehicle
you got there, ma'am.
[Skye] Thanks.
Yeah, see, I hope I can
get one like that someday.
I've been saving the
money I made working.
What's a car like
that cost anyway?
Quite a bit. Tell me something.
- How's the food in this place?
- [man] Oh, yeah, it's delicious.
Ain't rightly fair to ask
me, though, on account
-of my ma and pa's place.
-[Skye] Hmm.
See, I was born on the...
on the biscuits and gravy.
You know, fresh-squeezed
orange juice.
You get it right up in here...
Oh, that's... that's...
that's really nice.
Yeah. Yeah, it's good. Go on in.
[tool clacking]
Thank you.
[bell rings]
[Jordan] So, I wanna join
the math club this year.
I couldn't last year because
you had to at least
be in ninth grade.
But now that I'm in ninth
grade, I can finally join.
But I'm probably not gonna
be there this year, am I?
Mom?
Mom?
[gasps]
-Hmm? -You okay?
Yeah, I'm okay. Uh...
Were you saying something, baby?
I wanna go back home.
I'm not going through
this with you again.
So, what are we gonna do now?
And when are we gonna take a
bath and change our clothes?
I'll get a hotel for us,
okay? For the next few days,
until I can make the
best decision for us.
I'll get one with the pool
and... and restaurants.
It'll be like a
little vacation, okay?
It'll be fun.
I'll be right back.
[whispers] Damn.
$120?
Shit.
Okay.
[line ringing]
[exhales deeply]
Come on, pick up.
[line rings, beep]
Asia? Hey, it's Skye calling
you from my new number.
Girl, please call me back ASAP.
Something is wrong
with my account.
I can't get any money
out the ATM machine.
Girl, I left Sandino last night.
And I'm out here in the middle
of the boonies or somewhere
with my kids.
Just call me back.
Seems a little crazy, man.
Hey, the waiter
brought over the check.
Oh. But, yeah, I don't know
what we're gonna do about...
-Last night was crazy.
-Yeah, I agree.
It was... well, he...
why is she crying?
-Kareem, Jordan, duck.
-What's wrong?
-What? -Duck, duck. I said duck.
[chuckles]
What the hell are you doing
in my wife's truck, white boy?
Oh, this is my car. I traded
my truck for this baby.
A deal's a deal.
In order for you to drive,
you gonna need the ass to sit
on and the hands to steer.
You see what I'm getting at?
Maybe it wasn't
such a good deal.
Maybe not.
Now, what kind of
truck do you drive?
-Good evening. -Hi.
How much is a room
with double beds in it?
That'll be $55 a night.
You don't have any rooms
that are cheaper than that?
Um, not for three people,
ma'am. No, I don't.
[telephone ringing
in background]
Okay, um...
[bills rustling]
I'll take one for one night.
All right. $55.
Okay.
[clerk] So, that'll be room 229,
and it's upstairs to your right.
[sighs] Thanks.
[clerk] You're welcome.
[crickets chirping]
[sighs]
[sighs] -[bag thuds]
Come on. Let's just...
It's only for one
night, guys. Come on.
[sighs]
Hey, uh, can we get
something to eat?
Yeah, there was a McDonald's
across the street.
Here.
-$10? -[people whooping]
Make it work. [laughs]
Oh, hey, Mom, you
want something?
No, baby, I'm fine.
Okay.
[dance music playing
in background]
[indistinct
conversations, laughter]
Hey, hey.
And come right back!
- [Kareem] Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- [Jordan] We will.
[indistinct
conversations continue]
[line ringing]
Asia, I need you
to call me back.
I need my money.
I'm in a bad spot right now.
I got about $10 to my name.
I got the boys all the way
out here in Georgia with me,
and I have no money.
Call me back, please.
It doesn't matter, the time.
[people whooping, horn
honks in distance]
Looks like you
could use a drink.
Oh, uh, thanks, but... I
don't drink on Sundays.
[woman] So, what kind
of trouble you in?
-Excuse me? -I'm just saying,
nobody stays at this motel
because they want to.
You know what I'm talkin' 'bout?
I'm just here for one night,
and then I go home tomorrow.
Oh, okay. Well, I'm Ivy.
It's nice to meet
you, Ivy. I'm S...
Krystle.
Well, either way, be careful,
'cause it's kind of
crazy around here.
I'm used to crazy.
That's my kind of
girl. [chuckles]
Oh, not like that.
Well, if you need
me, just holler.
I'll be around till 10.
Me and my girls...
we dance at Babes.
-Babes?
-[can clatters in background]
Is that some type of
strip club or something?
Oh, I'm not... I'm not saying
that you look like a stripper.
I'm just saying that...
you look kinda young.
Well, tuition ain't cheap,
girl, and the money is easy.
And you know what they say. You
gotta do what you have to do
until you can do
what you wanna do.
[scoffs] I know that's right.
[laughs]
Shit. You ever danced before?
You would be a real treat.
Yeah, I dance every Sunday
at my church praise dance.
[giggles] -Hallelujah. [laughs]
On that note, Krystle, I'm
gonna talk to you later.
-Okay. -But like I said,
if you need
anything, I'm around.
Okay. Well, it's nice
to meet you, Ivy.
[laughter and whooping continue]
What I don't understand is
how did you used to
talk to her every day?
Shit, hell, even twice a day.
Now you don't know
where she's at?
[Asia] Yeah.
I'm surprised she hasn't
called me not one time yet.
Not once, huh?
Nope.
Mmm, hurt me.
-Don't play with me.
-[clicks teeth]
Since when have we ever just
played with each other? Hmm?
Either way, I'm gonna find her.
I don't know why.
I'm all you need.
Stop overreaching and
play your part, bitch.
[grunts] Oh. My part, huh?
-Your part. -Mm.
[cellphone speed-dialing]
[beeps]
[line ringing]
[line connects]
-Yes, good morning.
May I speak to Ms.
Asia Childs, please?
Yeah. Excuse me?
Okay. Well, then do you
know when she'll be back in?
Okay, because I... Oh.
Okay. No, no, that's
fine. Thank you.
[line disconnects]
[beep]
[sighs]
[dialing]
[line connects] -Asia,
I need my fucking money.
-All $243,000 of it.
-[knock on door]
[beep] -[knocking continues]
[knocking continues]
-Hey. -Hi.
Checkout was at 10 a.m.
This room should be empty.
Uh, yes. 10 a.m. is
so early for checkout.
Yeah, well, rules are rules,
and it says so on
the desk down here.
Okay, well, um, my boys
are still sleeping,
and I need a little
bit more time to pack.
Do you think that I could
have more time, please?
You have one hour.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
I actually wanted waffles.
[sighs]
Kareem, give me a break.
So, what's the big plan now?
I'm working on something.
This is crazy, right?
We should just move back.
I miss Miami. I miss my friends.
I miss my life.
If I can place my
vote, I vote not to.
We're not placing a vote.
[knock on door]
This is a dictatorship,
not a democracy.
Eat.
Hey.
Can I ask you your name?
Tired.
Look, our maids are
on a tight timeline.
We are short staffed,
so I don't have time for long,
unnecessary conversations.
Baby, we need to
get in that room.
-Do you have children?
-Yes, yes.
I have two girls and a son...
humans that I need to
get home to, by the way.
That's beautiful.
So you understand
when I say there's
nothing in the world
that you wouldn't
do for them, huh?
- Yes, that... that's correct.
- Well, then me and you have
something very
special in common,
because I just left my entire
world behind me to escape
an abusive marriage.
And I'm here with my two sons,
and I barely have enough money
to buy a candy bar, let
alone to spend money
for another night
here in this motel.
You have the fate to grant
us another night of comfort
while I at least figure
out the situation.
- Yeah, but I... I have...
- And I understand that
you don't have to
worry about management
or anybody who works here
because they don't
see your report.
So, I'm asking you,
with every ounce of
gratitude in my soul,
could you please grant us
another night of mercy?
[exhales deeply] Okay.
-Here. -No, no, no, no. Keep...
Keep your earring.
Keep the jewelry.
Here. Here. Take this.
[voice breaking] I can't
listen to another word.
Just get your sons some lunch
and, um, just handle
your situation, okay?
And don't you worry
about tonight.
-Thank you.
-You're welcome, baby.
[cries] -Oh.
Take care.
Hello.
So sweet. [giggles]
Hey, Ivy.
Oh, what's up, Krystle?
Nothing. Last night, you told me
to holler if I needed anything.
Well... [laughs] I
hate to be that girl,
but... I need a favor.
[siren wailing in distance]
Okay.
Come on. You can do
this. You can do this.
You can do this.
You can do this.
[laughs] Yeah, you can do this.
You got this, girl.
[hip hop music playing]
[chuckles]
[gasps]
[sighs]
[siren wailing in distance]
[bell rings]
-No, get... -Oh. Oh, yeah.
[Skye laughs] -[mouth
full] Mmm. That's good.
-Here, baby. A waffle.
-Thank you.
-Waffle, baby?
-Mm, can I have bacon?
-Let me get this. -Bacon.
No, I want bacon.
Give me that. Yeah.
[crunches] -[Skye laughs]
-Thanks. -You're welcome, baby.
[indistinct chatter
in background]
How long you gonna wear
your hair like that?
I don't know. Why?
You don't like my new look?
-[Kareem] No. -[laughs]
Well, I think it's cool.
-Thank you. -[laughs]
Listen, I'm just glad
your money came in.
Where were you last night?
You didn't get home till,
like, 2:30 in the morning.
Eat your food, Jordan.
We have to hurry up because I
need to run to the pharmacy,
and I have a bunch of other
places that we need to go.
Where are we gonna stay at now?
I'm gonna talk to
you two like adults,
because I don't have the luxury
of being able to sugarcoat it.
My money still
hasn't come in yet.
We have about $700 to our names,
which means...
we're gonna have to
make it work somehow.
[Kareem] I called Dad.
You did what?
He called him last
night after you left.
Kareem, why would you do that?
What? I... I can call my
father when I want to.
-Did you tell him where we were?
-No.
He told him that we
didn't have any money.
-Yo, shut up.
-Don't hit me again.
Stop that. Don't do
that to him, Kareem.
Are you out of your damn mind?
Me? You're the
one who brought us
all the way out
here with no money.
-Give me your phone. -What?
Do I look like I'm
playing with you?
Give me your phone.
[pounds table] -Give
me your damn phone!
You know, you may enjoy
getting your ass beat
for every and
anything, but I don't.
I'd rather go sleep
in a garbage dumpster
and eat what I find in there
than go back there and die.
I don't mind eating
out of a dumpster.
Come on. What?
[Jordan laughs]
[groans]
We gotta go. Come on.
We gotta go change locations
tomorrow for what you did.
Hurry up. Eat.
[Sandino] Hey, beautiful.
Did I scare you?
Yes. What are you doing here?
I think the real questions are,
one, what are you doing here?
They told me you quit.
Two, why would you quit such
a good job out the blue?
Oh, I just had to get
some of my belongings.
-Some of your belongings, huh?
-Mm-hmm.
I got a feeling those
belongings has the answer
to both of those questions.
Oh, yeah? How so?
Your voicemails
from Skye told me.
Technology. I have
people everywhere.
Dre, put this
bitch in the trunk.
-Sandino, no! Dre. -Hey.
Dre, no, you can't
do... No. Sandino, no!
Help! Help me!
[sobbing] Help me! No.
[muffled voice]
Help me! Let me out!
[pounding on trunk]
-[Asia] Help me!
Help me! No! No!
Please! Somebody help me!
Your brother still
live in Atlanta?
Yeah.
Good. I think it's time for
a little family reunion.
You still need some extra cash?
Yeah, man. Yeah, absolutely.
Well, I got some money
for you to go to Atlanta
and find Skye for me. All right?
Yeah.
Yeah. Say no more, bro.
Okay. And get my bag
of money off the floor.
[Dre] All right.
[indistinct conversations]
-Bro, look at that pool.
-It's fire.
Honestly, I think we
should go in there.
-Mom, wanna go swimming? -Yes.
Yeah. That can be fun. [laughs]
Hold on.
Hey, wait. She
just said to wait.
Shit!
Oh, my God.
Okay.
Oh, my God.
Was it Dad?
No. This ain't his style.
They took everything.
No. They just took our money.
I can't believe your ass
got us up in here like this.
Don't you ever disrespect
me like that again!
Do you understand me?
Do you understand me?
Yes. Yes, ma'am.
[sighs]
Damn it, Kareem.
And don't call your father
again without my permission
unless you're ready to go
live with him without me.
Get your things.
Jordan, here.
Come on. We have to go.
[sighs]
This sucks, right?
I just bought those retro
Jordans last week, too.
You talking about Jordans,
and you don't even have
clean drawers to wear.
Yeah.
Mom, we've been
driving for hours.
Where are we going?
Atlanta.
-What's in Atlanta?
-Hopefully Jesus.
[laughs]
That was good.
Honestly, I would just be happy
with some TV and a good shower.
Okay, here's the deal.
We're officially
going incognito.
-Incognito?
-Our last name is Coleman now.
I'm still a Washington.
Cut it, Kareem.
[sighs]
Look, no more talking
about where you're from
or who your father is.
We can't have people
all in our business.
If we're going to start
fresh, we have to start fresh.
Once I get with Asia,
I'll get my money.
That I'll be able to
afford us some new IDs
with our name on it.
[blows air]
-I like the color on you.
-[chuckles]
-Put your seatbelt on.
-[Jordan] All right.
[birds chirping]
How long do you think
we'll be here for?
As soon as I get my money,
we'll get us a place.
- What's taking so long?
- It's only been four days.
Yeah, well, it
feels like a month.
Listen...
We're the Colemans now, okay?
-Put this in here.
-[keys jangle]
-Yes, can I help you? -Hi.
Um, I was told that we could
find some assistance here?
Mm-hmm. Uh, do you have
something you need to tell me?
Oh. Yes.
-Uh... -[unzips purse]
-Hmm. -[zips purse]
Oh! Um...
[gasps]
Break The Cycle, and Asia
Childs is my referral.
-Thank you. -You're welcome.
Welcome to BTC.
Well, my name is Mercedes.
Hi. I'm Krystle.
-Oh, nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.
What exactly can
I do for you guys?
Um, we were told
that you guys help
-with lodging and relocating.
-Mm-hmm.
Are you all hungry or anything?
-Yes. -No.
-Hello. -[laughs]
Well, either way, our
house is your house.
-Hi. -What's going on?
She's looking for
some assistance.
Okay. I'm Justice Freedman,
the founder of BTC.
-Hi. -Welcome.
Nice. Thank you.
Um, I'm Krystle Coleman,
and these are my sons.
And we're fleeing an
abusive situation,
and we could just really use a
little bit of help right now.
- Well, the pleasure's all mine.
- [telephone ringing in distance]
Mercedes, the phone?
-[Justice] The phone.
-[ringing continues]
Right. Yeah, I'll go get that.
[ringing continues] -Great.
You guys like board games?
Yeah? Well, we have plenty
here in the family center.
You're more than welcome to play
while I speak with your
mother in my office.
-Okay. -All right.
-You can follow me. -Sure.
Along with providing shelter,
we also offer a
variety of programs...
um, self-defense, credit repair,
psychological counseling.
Yeah, I need all of that.
Okay. Do you have
any family members
that you can reach out to?
No.
I mean, my dad
died when I was 5.
And my mom... she had cancer
a couple years ago, so...
You've met all the
family that I have.
I see.
[typing on keyboard]
Can I ask you a question?
Is Krystle Coleman
your real name?
Why would you even ask me that?
Well, the women who
come here are...
They want privacy, and they
don't want to be found.
I've been in this business
for quite some time now.
I'd just like to start
off on honest terms.
Yes, it is.
Good.
Anyone ever say you
look like, uh...
Don't say it.
What's her name?
-LisaRaye. -Yes! It's amazing.
I mean, besides the hair,
you look just like her.
What's the point to all of this?
Oh, I'm sorry. It's just...
You don't have to hide here.
You can be yourself. I
understand what you said
about your husband and
trying to relocate.
Well, that's necessary
until I feel comfortable.
Okay.
Have you filed your
restraining order yet?
Mm-mm.
You should take
care of the ASAP.
Here at BTC, our
programs are designed
to help rebuild your life
and confidence as well.
And I can guarantee
I would do just that.
So, what's the catch?
I mean, what do I have to
do to qualify for all this?
[Justice] No catch. It's easy.
We're a government-funded
institution.
So, as long as I
confirm your application
and your identification
checks out,
you qualify for
everything we offer...
room and board, the whole
nine yards, all free.
Can I see your ID?
[sighs]
Can we start over?
Sure.
Hi.
Hi.
My name is Skye Washington,
and I've been mentally...
and physically...
abused for years
from my husband.
And I could really,
really use some help.
[Justice] And I intend
to help you, Krystle.
Your real identification
will be safe with me.
My employees and I keep
everything locked up
and confidential.
You're safe here. Okay?
Black, tell me this.
Why do women think they're
so much smarter than us?
What you talking
about now, Dino?
Either Skye or
Asia's lying to me.
On the phone taps, Skye
said Asia had her $243,000.
Well, there's only $140K here.
So, who's lying?
And where's the rest?
I want my woman and my money.
[Skye] Dinner was
good tonight, huh?
Yeah, if you like
public cafeteria food.
[chuckles]
Dude, it was like
Sunday school food.
-[Skye] Hey.
-Literally. [laughs]
-Hey. -Exactly.
[laughs] -Right?
That's enough of that.
All right, well, I'm gonna get
a doughnut. You guys want one?
No, the kitchen is closed.
[Jordan] Why not? Just one.
It closes at 9, and it
reopens back up at 7.
Fine.
[chuckles]
-So, Mom. -Hmm?
What if that wig came
off in public one day?
[Skye] It won't, Jordan.
How do you know that?
Because it's too tight.
Really? [makes whooshing sound]
Oh, my God.
Bro. Is it coming
from the ceiling?
- [Jordan] How did that happen?
- You think that was funny?
[Jordan] How'd that happen? I
don't know. Did you see that?
You think that's...
You think that funny?
Oh, my God! [laughs]
Aah!
Yeah. There we go. There we go.
There we go. Wait. Wait.
-Oh! -[laughs]
-I got... I got the...
-You think it's funny?
-Oh! Oh! -Give me my wig!
-Ooh, ooh! -[laughs]
-Hey, hey, hey. -Hey.
-Oh, and he scores!
-Oh! You got my wig...
[Kareem laughs]
-I'm-a beat your ass.
Give me my wig! Don't let
my wig touch the ground.
Here, here, here, here.
[Jordan] That was close, though.
[cellphone ringing] -[laughs]
Keep him out. Keep him
out. Keep him away.
[sighs] Asia?
Hey, girl.
Tell me what?
Tell me what, Asia?
I can't believe you're just
now returning my calls.
Skye, I don't know where to
begin or how to tell you this.
Tell me what? Tell
me what, Asia?
For starters,
Sandino has been arrested
for trying to kidnap me.
He's been charged
with attempted murder.
[Skye] Attempted murder?
What? Sandino?
[sighs]
Why do I get the feeling that
you're not telling
me everything, Asia?
I need you to tell me
what's really going on.
Look, Skye, I'm not
proud of what I've done,
but I attempted to correct it.
Stop speaking in riddles.
[Asia] Look, I tried to
get your money to you,
but Sandino took it.
You'll never forgive me,
but I'm so, so sorry.
I truly am.
So, you're telling me that
Sandino kidnapped you?
And now he has all my money?
I'm sorry. I really am.
That's all the money I have for
me and my boys to live off of.
I failed at being a
good friend to you.
And for that, I'll
never forgive myself.
[Skye] You know, after my kids,
you were the only other person
that I can trust in my life.
And now this.
I gotta go, Skye. Be safe.
[cellphone thuds]
[Skye] Damn, Asia.
[Jordan] Kareem.
[clicks teeth] Shit.
You okay?
Yeah, I'm okay.
Do you think it's
true about Dad?
I don't know, baby.
[whispers] I hate him.
Jordan, don't say that.
[cellphone clatters]
[sobbing]
[inhales sharply]
[sniffles]
[whispers] Dear Lord,
I understand that everything
in life is a test.
But I pray that
you protect my boys
and that you give them
strength to get through this.
And with me, God,
I know that
everything is a test.
After You finish testing me
and having it be Your will...
I ask that you
grant me serenity,
peace, and happiness in my life.
Hey. You wanted to see me?
There you are. Yes.
Please, have a seat.
Is everything okay?
Well, that all depends on you.
Okay.
You know, everything
worth having in life
takes hard work and
sacrifice, right?
[Skye] Yeah.
One of the things
I'm most proud of
is our ability here at BTC
to find homes for
people and/or families
who otherwise may not have
the resources to do so.
That's great.
But your job is to
find a stable job
so that, at least on paper,
you can prove that you
can maintain the rent.
[Skye] Is that so?
Yeah.
But I wouldn't worry.
Another one of our
services is job placement.
Can I ask you, what's
the highest level
of schooling you've completed?
I finished high school.
I mean, I did go a
few years to college,
but I never graduated.
I ended up getting married
and, you know, having kids
and... [laughs] well, you
know the rest of the story.
Tell me something.
If you could choose to
be anything you wanted
at the snap of your
finger, what would it be?
I don't know.
My circumstances never
gave me a choice.
You are no longer a product
of your circumstances.
From here on out, you're a
product of your decisions.
So?
Hmm. I don't know.
Maybe a dentist.
-As in teeth? -[laughs] Yeah.
Okay.
What? Is that not
grand enough for you?
-No. Yeah. I mean... -Which one?
"No. Yeah." Which
one is it? [laughs]
No, I just can't believe
you're so modest.
Most women as...
beautiful as you are
have vast delusions of grandeur.
Well, that's because
I'm not most women.
Indeed you're not.
So, why a dentist?
You really wanna know?
I really wanna know.
My uncle was a dentist.
He was the only man in my life
that was a real family man.
[chuckles]
The only real role model
that I ever had in my life.
Mm.
And before he passed,
he used to take me to
work with him every day
when I was younger. [chuckles]
And he would tell me
that it's a real honor
to make others feel special.
[Mercedes] Here's the
papers you asked for.
[Justice] Just in time...
-Ms. Diaz... -Anything else?
- Is everything okay?
- Oh, it's "Ms. Diaz" now.
[scoffs] Mm-hmm.
[telephone ringing in distance]
Um... yeah.
Don't worry about Mercedes.
Let's just say she is, uh...
very envious of beautiful women,
even if they are
struggling with life.
-Um... -Okay.
But I'm most certainly gonna
help you with your goals.
I'm gonna get some
referrals started.
Okay. Thank you.
Oh, and, Justice?
[Justice] Yeah?
I wasn't worried.
[door opens and closes]
[under breath] "I
wasn't worried."
-Thank you. -Thank you.
I'm very excited.
[laughs]
You want to extend it first.
Now we're gonna make fists.
Yeah.
[speaks indistinctly]
Can I help you?
I doubt it.
So, why are you in my room?
I'm just checking things out.
You know, I gotta
keep an eye out.
No, but this is my room.
This isn't a common area,
so there's no reason for
you to be keeping an eye out
or checking anything.
Oh, see, that's
where you're wrong.
See, I'm trying to catch a liar.
Why is what's going on with
me so important to you?
Because I unofficially
run things around here,
and I like to keep
the trash out.
Besides, I've seen
your kind before.
You think you're better
than me. [scoffs]
But the real reason you're
here will come out soon.
What's your problem?
Aren't you the hired
help to be here?
-Am I correct? -[chuckles]
-If that's what you think, Mama.
-Trust me.
I'm well overqualified to
recognize what you are.
But I'm gonna need you to
leave me and my boys alone.
[scoffs] -Do you understand?
-Mm-hmm.
-Look, we've only been here
for two weeks, and my boys
have been through enough.
And I'll be damned if
I let some jealous-ass,
basic-ass employee get me thrown
out of the only home
that we have right now.
- Do you understand?
- Don't come up all in my face
-like that. -Listen to me.
Don't fucking
touch me like that.
Hey, hey! Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa! Stop, stop.
- What your fucking problem...
- Hey, hey, stop!
I don't know what's going on
here, but let's end this now.
-She tried to attack me. -What?
-She's lying. -You heard me!
Somehow I seriously doubt that.
I was standing here talking to
her, and she tried to attack me!
Oh, and mama's boys been
sneaking out past curfew,
-breaking all the rules.
-Fuck you!
-[Mercedes] Oh, yeah? -Enough.
What were you even doing in
her room in the first place?
-I was... -I was...
-Okay, show's over.
-I didn't think so.
Mercedes, out. Now!
-She was the one... -Uh-huh!
With them tight-ass jeans on.
Don't catch a yeast
infection now.
Oh, you wish you had an
ass like this, bitch!
Mm-hmm. I can't see it.
Krystle...
Get it together.
Now that you have a stable job,
I put in a request to
expedite your housing.
It shouldn't take long, but
you gotta control your temper.
She came in my room, Justice.
For now... I gotta
figure out another plan.
-My temper? -[Jordan] It's okay.
Hey.
Hey.
I'm surprised you asked
for me to come back today.
You didn't seem too
interested in rebooking
at the end of our last session.
-Yeah.
-What made you change your mind?
Because I know
that I needed this.
Okay, let me rephrase
the question.
Why did you leave?
I'm too weak for this, Monica.
How am I ever gonna
have the strength
to fight him off me?
Do you remember what I
told you the other day?
Self-defense isn't
about strength.
It's about understanding
your attacker's psyche
and managing your own fear.
Fear that I'm gonna
help you get rid of.
Okay. I'm gonna teach
you to be confident
so you can get into
your assailant's head.
If you stay on schedule and
keep coming to me twice a week,
you'll be ready for him or
anybody else in no time.
So, when somebody
takes you down...
[gasping]
you'll know how to manage it.
This is typically what
an attacker will do
when there's a
personal relationship.
Do you have any idea how
you're gonna get out of this?
Not at all.
First thing, you're gonna
trap his leg with your leg.
Okay? Take your left leg
and trap it right
here like this.
Now, his leg is
not going anywhere.
[Skye] Okay.
Next, you're gonna trap his arm.
Take your left arm
around front of his.
Right around there. Just
like that. Yes. Nice.
Hold it nice and tight.
Once you've got him trapped
with his leg and his arm,
you're gonna throw
him off of you.
So, you're gonna
thrust your hips high,
throwing him down to your left.
[grunting] -Higher and
push all the way up.
Really drive your
heels into the ground.
Okay, lift and throw.
[exhales deeply]
[grunting]
Now stand up. Just like that.
Way to go.
That's what I'm talking about.
Damn.
It's the first step
in understanding
you're no longer a victim. Okay?
- Good job. Excellent job.
- Let's try it again.
[knock on door]
Hello.
Hi.
Come on in.
Welcome.
So, I know it's not ideal,
but... at least
you'll be safe here.
Yeah.
I mean...
[whispers] it's a little
weird living with you.
And Kareem isn't feeling
too good about the decision.
It is just temporary until
your housing comes through.
Yeah, but I'm... I'm
still not sure if this is
the best decision for us.
Well, it's only for
a few weeks, um,
while we wait on your
permanent housing.
I'm also gonna reach
out to a friend of mine
that has temporary
housing as well.
But... just know that I got you.
[laughs]
[squeals] Come here! I
can't thank you enough.
You're welcome.
[chuckles]
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Are you sure?
Yeah.
It's nothing.
It's just...
I'm not ready for
anything like this.
It's this...
Anything like what?
I know this may sound stupid.
I'm still married, Justice.
Doesn't sound stupid at all. I
actually have an unspoken rule
about not getting involved
with someone from the job.
So, you're telling
me that you've never
dealt with a client
or a worker ever?
Never. So, I apologize
for getting too close.
It's not necessary.
I mean, I'm very
attracted to you.
I wanna stand on my own two feet
before I decide to get
back into a relationship.
That's fair.
And I'm sure when you
do get back to dating,
you'll find the perfect guy.
You know, when I
first married Sandino,
he was young and... loving.
[laughs] He was so respectful.
And don't get me wrong.
I mean, he always had a temper,
but that only happened, like,
a few years after he'd
been in the league.
And the drugs, well,
that did make it worse.
But...
I'm deciding... for me,
I'm no longer listening
to what a man tells me.
Only what he shows me.
Well... wanna see the
rest of the place?
Uh, yeah!
-Yeah? -[laughs] Yeah.
But first,
show me our separate
sleeping quarters.
-Oh, my God. I have the couch.
-[laughs]
You won't even know I'm here.
Unh-unh!
No! Ju...
Ju-Ju! Man! Ain't no way, boy.
Ain't no way!
What?! What?!
Ha!
Oh! I see all that charity work
allows you to keep that new car.
-Little somethin'. -What?!
-What's going on, bro?
-You look good!
- Likewise. When you get out?
- Not too long ago, feel me?
You got rehabilitated?
Bruh. [scoffs] -[chuckles]
Come on, man. You know
me better than that.
-Yeah. -Hey, man, I'm out here
on a little business, then
it's back on the beach for me.
-Okay. -And, you know, I saw Ma.
-That was cool.
-Yeah, Ma's great.
-Yeah. -Yeah.
Hey, man, you know, I still
feel bad about what happened.
Fuck.
I never intended to do that.
Come on, bruh.
Look, man, I ain't trying
to relive all that.
Can't fault you for it.
Takes two to tango, bro,
and I knew the kind of chick
Mercedes was off the rip.
Just got caught in the hype.
-[scoffs] Same here. -Yeah.
We gotta do better
going forward.
[laughs] Yeah, well,
boy, we need to.
You know, spend
some time together.
I couldn't come to the
A without seeing you.
-Man, I hope not.
-Yeah, boy, I couldn't.
I'd never. I would
never do that.
Look, maybe we can grab
a drink or something
before you head out.
-Yeah? -Yeah.
That's what's up, bruh.
Hey, you know what
Ma always say.
[both] Family over everything!
[laughs] -Big head ass boy.
Big head?!
I can hook you up
with my barber.
Boy, you look like Simpsons.
I look... big head?
Hey, look, I'm-a give you
my barber number to
fix that hairline.
-Oh, you got all the jokes!
-[laughs]
[door closes in distance]
[chuckles] -[groans]
-Hi. -Hey.
What are you still
doing up? Hmm?
Just waiting for you.
You don't have to wait
on me, baby. I'm grown.
Of course I do.
No, I was training with
the lead hygienist.
So, you're gonna be a
real dentist one day?
Yeah, one day for sure.
I mean, it's gonna
take some time,
but until then,
I'm a dental assistant hygienist
in training. [chuckles]
-Come on, Mom. -I know.
I'm also taking
courses at school, too.
School?
Mm-hmm. Yeah.
[sighs]
What's this?
I don't know.
Come on!
Okay.
[laughs] -Mom.
-It's my sneakers. -I know.
When I seen them at the
mall, I bought them for you.
Mom, they're, like,
$200. I can't keep...
Uh, $220 to be exact,
but who's counting?
You deserve it, Jordan.
You're a dope mom.
You know that?
[chuckles]
-Thanks, baby. -Thank you.
-I love you. -I love you, too.
[sighs] -[chuckles]
Here. Give me. Here.
-I'll put 'em back in the bag.
-Okay.
Where's your brother?
I don't know.
He's been acting weird ever
since we moved in with Justice.
He's just been
different, you know?
Yeah.
No.
Let's watch a
movie or something.
Okay.
[glass clatters]
[typing on keyboard]
[sighs]
[scoffs]
[continues typing]
I will eventually
get you, Krystle,
or whatever your name is.
-[Dre] Hey, baby. -Mm-hmm?
You gonna stay out
there all night?
Or you gon' get your
ass back in this bed?
Hmm. I'm sorry.
I thought I put your ass
to bed the first round.
[chuckles] Unh-unh.
See, I'm trying to win my
championship belt back.
Ooh.
That's more than I can say
about your punk-ass brother.
Enough about that.
-Mmm. -[chuckles]
[bed springs creak]
-[Mercedes chuckles]
Wake up, nigga.
You either got
one of two things.
You got my bitch or my money.
And I sure as hell hope
you don't say my money.
[Dre over phone] Oh, shit.
When'd you get out, big homie?
Yesterday. I'm on house
arrest till trial.
In the meantime, I got this
little jewelry on my leg.
You in Atlanta?
-Yeah, yeah, I'm here.
-[Mercedes sighs]
Hey, um, I'm-a need a
little more time with this
and a little more money.
More money? Nigga, didn't
I already give you 25 G's?!
[Dre] Bro, I had to pick...
Right, and what did you give me?
- [Dre] Nothing yet, but...
- Exactly! Case closed.
Look, you about to
owe me a lot of money.
'Cause in a minute, I'm
about to come out there
like a robot in a
fucking time machine,
like I'm looking
for Sarah Connor
and do it myself! You feel me?!
All right. I'm on it.
[Sandino] Dre...
you got 48 hours.
Then I'm coming out there to
get my woman and my money.
[line disconnects,
cellphone slams down]
[exhales deeply]
[birds chirping in distance]
[keys jangling]
I think I'm on to you.
Let's expose you.
[scoffs]
Got you now... Skye Washington.
-[Justice] Huh?
-[Jordan] All right.
- [Justice] Yeah. Where you at?
- [Jordan] I'm on the way.
-[Justice] Where you at?
-[Jordan] Oh, okay.
- Here we go. Come on, come on.
- You can't do that.
-Yes, I can. I...
-You can't do that!
-Aah! -[laughs]
Yes! [laughs] -Okay.
-Okay. All right.
-Come on. [laughs]
-[Justice] Uh... -[Jordan] Stop.
[Justice] That was
good. That was good.
[Jordan] Oh, my gosh.
[Justice] So, Jordan, I
got a new game for us.
-Wanna check it out?
-Yeah. What is it?
[click] -[gunfire
on game playing]
Yo, that's fire. [laughs]
Ah. [chuckles] -Nice.
Kareem, you wanna play next?
No, I'm not in the
mood. I'll be outside.
-Whatever.
-[game continues playing]
Justice, come on.
Let's do another one.
-Let's do it.
-All right, let's do this one.
- Yeah. Should be tough.
- All right, you ready?
-Yeah. -[chuckles]
Oh, yeah. It's different
this time, baby.
[Jordan] Whoa, whoa, whoa!
[Justice] It's
different this time!
- [Jordan laughs] -[Justice]
- You gotta keep up.
[Jordan] Yo, since when?
-[chuckles] You gotta keep up.
-Bro!
[video game continues
playing in distance]
[Jordan] No, no, no, no!
[Justice yells]
[laughs] Ohh!
Yeah!
[Jordan] All right, one
for one. One for one.
[Justice] Let me
beat you like that.
[Jordan laughs]
[indistinct chattering,
video game continues playing]
[gunfire on video game sounding]
-[Jordan] Ooh!
-[Justice] Mm-hmm.
-[Jordan] Ooh!
-[Justice] Let me do it again.
-Yeah.
-One for one. One for one.
- You gonna break the tie?
- Yes, sir. Let's do it.
-All right. From the top?
-[Jordan] Yeah.
- [Justice] Same board?
- [Jordan] Okay, that's fine.
All right.
-Perfect. -Good.
[chuckles] -Bro. Why? Okay.
[laughs]
[groans]
Right there.
-You got it. -Okay.
[exhales deeply]
Hey.
Hmm?
It'll be okay, Skye. This
is all very hard for him.
[gunfire on video game sounding]
He thinks we're in a
relationship, Justice.
That's why he's so upset.
- [video game sounds stop]
- I mean, y'all are, right?
No, we are not.
-Okay, if you say so. -Um...
[video game sounds resume]
I'll go get dinner started
while you go for your run.
-Run? -Yeah.
Yep.
[Justice] All right.
That's my cue to go
and grab my sneakers.
[chuckles]
[inhales deeply] All right.
[dog barking in distance]
[Justice] So, you sure
you're okay with me
sleeping here on
the floor tonight?
'Cause that couch is
not comfortable at all.
It's your house.
Okay. So, how was your job?
It's good.
I'm finally starting to feel
like I'm getting stronger.
And I mean, especially
after that meal.
Mm. You like it, huh?
I'm feeling good
[chuckles]
[laughs] -See?
I told you I got skills.
I didn't know you
could cook like that.
I just wish Kareem
would have gotten back
to the house to try it.
You know, give a brother a shot.
He's young...
and confused.
Just give him some time, okay?
[Justice] Okay.
Can I ask you a question?
[Justice] What's up?
Why don't you have
a lady in your life?
Well, that question
has two answers.
I can't hear you. Come up here.
You sure?
[Skye laughs] Yeah, silly.
[laughs] -Okay. Good?
You good.
Okay. Um...
So, I guess...
my job is demanding, so...
time is a major reason. Um...
I feel like I help
so many people out
that my time isn't my own.
Yeah.
I can attest to that.
I have to admit
something. What's that?
These last couple of months...
I never thought that I
could handle in life.
Now the next question is,
what's next, you know?
I know that Sandino is never
gonna stop looking for me.
You ever heard of the
term "fight or flight"?
No. What's that?
So, it's a term that refers
to the human instinct
to respond to... like,
threatening situations.
And it forces someone to
either run away from danger
or stay and fight.
Oh.
I get it.
I think it's time
for you to stay
and fight for your new life.
Okay.
You said that you
had two reasons
you didn't have a
lady in your life.
You only gave me one.
Yeah, I know.
Because I...
never really,
um... I don't know.
I never found anyone that
I had a real connection to.
[chuckles] Yeah.
[whispers] I gotta
go check on the kids.
That's fine.
[Skye whispering] Jordan!
-Jordan. -What?
-Where's your brother?
-I don't know.
He never came back home.
[sighs] -[dials]
[under breath] Come on.
[line ringing] -Come on, Kareem.
Come on!
[indistinct conversation]
[dialing]
[cellphone ringing]
Son.
[Kareem] Dad?
[whispers] God, please
let him be okay.
[sighs]
[cellphone rings]
[whispers] Hello?
[exhales deeply]
Okay.
[siren wailing in distance]
Kareem, this is too much!
I can't believe you ended
up at the police station.
Mom, you acting... oh...
Do you realize this could
have been really, really bad?
Mom, you act like I was
charged with a felony.
I was picked up
for being underage
- and roaming the streets.
- Do you realize everything that
you do can put us all at
risk at this point, Kareem?!
[sighs] You gotta grow up.
- What if your father would've...
- Yeah, I called him.
That's it. I'm done. Let
your father come pick you up
from now, here at the
police station or wherever!
Mom, Mom, Mom, I miss him!
I know what he's done
to you isn't right,
but I'm just confused. He's
the only father I have.
Why is he like this?
And what about us?
I just don't wanna live
on the run anymore,
and I don't know who to trust,
and I just want
my old life back.
I called him, and I told him,
and he said he will change.
He won't change, Kareem.
[sighs] Because he can't.
I love you, okay?
Just gotta start
listening to me.
Get in the car.
[sniffles]
[Sky cries, pounds
steering wheel]
[engine starts]
Goddamn, this asshole Dre!
He ain't worth a shit!
The fuck is you so scared for?
What the hell is taking so long?
This is real delicate.
You gotta be still.
[Sandino] Get the truck
ready for the road.
The road? For what?
[Sandino] We're
going to Atlanta.
I clearly sent a boy
to do a man's job.
[sighs] -But it's cool, though.
My son came through for me.
And what is your
probation officer
gonna say when she realize
that you no longer home?
-You think I give a fuck?
-[Black chuckles]
No, wild boy. I'm just
saying it's a lot,
you know, going
after Skye like this.
[Sandino] Get the
fucking truck ready.
All right.
-Wow.
-Mm-hmm. It could use some...
Yo, Mr. Justice, what's
for dinner? [grunts]
You know, I was just thinking
the exact same thing... Skye.
What?
I mean, I'm cool with whatever.
I just want you
to be happy, so...
-Well, this ain't my house.
-[knock on door]
-I'm gonna go find something.
-Mm-hmm.
[Justice] Who just knocked?
-[Justice] Hey.
-[Mercedes] Hey, you.
-Mercedes. Come, come, come.
-Stop. Oh.
What's going on? What's up?
Um, yeah, we need to talk.
What, are you busy or something?
Actually, yeah.
Oh. Um, should I come
back another time?
Yeah. I mean, no. What's
up? Why? Why are you here?
Well, I just wanna know
what it is between us.
[Justice] Us?
Yes. You've been acting
really weird lately.
You've been giving
me the brush-off.
Wait, are you serious?
Mercedes, you're my
brother's ex girl.
There is no us.
Come on. You're telling me that
what we did was just for play?
First off, that was,
like, two years ago.
Secondly, we both agreed
that was a mistake.
[scoffs]
I'm not even sure why you
bringing this up right now.
If you didn't feel the same way,
then why did you hire me to work
- for you for so long?
- Because you needed the job!
Are you serious?!
[scoffs]
You know, I would
respect you more
if you just told me that
you found somebody else.
[sighs] Justice, I've been
loyal to you for so long,
and the first time a pretty
piece of ass comes around,
you wanna act new?
What's up with that?
Are you crazy? Are you?
Am I crazy?
-Are you crazy? -[scoffs]
You don't know crazy. Okay?
Next time I see that
fucking bitch Skye
or whatever the
fuck her name is,
she's gonna have more problems
than just what happened
the other night.
-Wait, what'd you say?
-Man, fuck you!
Talking to me like
this. This is bullshit.
Oh!
Oh, look who it is!
[scoffs] Don't think I
don't know who you are.
Puta.
Bitch!
[Mercedes grunts]
Come on! Get the fuck off
me, you fucking crazy bitch!
Let me go! Let me go, Justice!
I'm fucking done
with you, Justice!
Let me go, Justice!
Get off of me!
Get that crazy fucking bitch
away from me! I'm done!
Leave, Mercedes, leave!
I'm done working at the shelter!
Bitch, I will fucking hit you
in the face with this shoe!
Leave, Mercedes, fast,
before I call the cops.
[Skye] I said I'm good, Justice.
- I'm done with you, period.
- [Skye] I said I'm good!
I'm done working at the shelter!
I'm done with all that shit.
What's wrong with you, Justice?
[Justice] There'll never
be anything between us!
-[Mercedes] Fuck you!
-[Justice] Period!
Fuck!
[Justice] What was that? Huh?!
What are you doing? That's
not even your character.
And what about your
character, huh?
You lied to me, Justice,
about not getting involved
- with the women at your shelter.
- No, I didn't!
No, I didn't. I told you, I
never dealt with anyone there.
Mercedes threw herself at me
one time, and I fell for it.
And I regretted it.
You know, you men
are liars by nature.
Can we just take a second to
breathe and figure this out?
Yeah. [sniffles]
-I'm leaving. -What?
No, no. Please.
No, no. No, no, no.
Let me help you. I'll
leave. I'll leave, okay?
- I'll leave. I'm sorry.
- Don't touch me, Justice.
Really?
Okay. I'm leaving. I'm leaving.
The house is yours until your
new housing comes through.
I'll be by tomorrow to
grab some of my stuff.
[sighs]
[Skye] They say after
the darkest nights
comes the brightest days.
They seem to say
a lot of things.
I guess they'll have
to tell us something.
[knock on door]
[birds chirping]
-Hey. -Hey.
Thank you for agreeing to this.
You don't have to keep
thanking me, Justice.
I mean, this is your place.
I should be out soon. Okay?
Why do you keep staring?
No reason. Just...
admiring what I see.
Just go and get what
you to pack for, okay?
Okay. Um... I was wondering
if you didn't mind
if I washed a few things first.
Well, that's fine,
if you don't mind being
out in the next few hours.
The boys... they just
got back from the movies,
and they're in the room.
I don't wanna give
them any mixed signals.
I'm still trying to
protect Kareem's psyche.
-Okay? -Okay.
I'll be in the back.
[knock on door]
[Kareem] Don't
worry, Ma. I got it.
- I was heading out anyways.
- Kareem, where are you going?
-Huh? -[door closes]
I was just thinking about
making dinner, baby.
Where are you going?
-[whispers] How did you...
-You tell me.
What, you not happy to see me?
Now, come on, now, Skye.
I know you didn't think I
wasn't gon' find your ass.
Did you?
[grunts]
Sandino, it's over between us.
I'm not coming back.
So, leave.
Look at you, calling
shots and shit now.
You know, I should
have listened to Asia
during those long, late nights.
She told me what you was up to.
You're slipping, Skye.
You need to be more careful
about who you put your trust in.
Now... where's Jordan? The
boys are coming with me.
[Skye] Kareem, go get Jordan.
[grunting]
[whispers] Jordan. Jordan.
Jordan.
-What's up? What?
-Dad's here. Dad's here.
-What? -Dad's here. Dad's here.
- What do you mean, Dad's here?
- Dad's here, all right?
So... I need you. I
need you to stay here.
-No! -Bring your ass here.
I said no! [grunts]
No, Sandino.
Oh, so you wanna
fight back, huh?
[grunts] -[Skye] No!
[grunts]
-Let me go! -You a man now?
Aah!
[choking and sobbing]
If I can't have you, nobody can.
What the fuck? Shit.
[grunting]
[grunting continues]
Don't want you to forget this.
[gun cocks]
[Justice chokes and coughs]
Skye.
Give me the gun, Skye.
Come on, baby. Stop playing.
Come on, baby.
Give me the fucking gun, Skye!
[gunshot, shell casing clatters]
[thud]
[birds chirping]
-Whoa, whoa, whoa. -[grunts]
-Ooh! -Oh!
[Kareem laughs] -[Jordan] Oh!
-[Jordan] Ooh! -[Kareem] Yeah!
Right here, right
here. There you go.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. Break.
-Oh! -Oh, oh, oh. Nice.
[Skye] Stop throwing
at him so hard.
Yeah. [grunts] -[Kareem] Ready?
[grunting]
[laughs]
-All right. -[Skye] Hey.
Now you know how it feel.
Say I'm your master.
-Go ahead, say it.
-Hey, that's enough.
Go ahead. Say I'm your master.
Mom, Mom, Mom, we're
okay. We're okay.
- Go ahead. Say it.
- [Skye] Jordan, let him go.
-I'm your master.
-[Kareem] You win.
-I'm... -I'm...
- your master.
- ...your master. Okay.
Master! [laughs] -You... suck.
It's okay, Mom. I
trained him good.
[laughter] -Like you said,
I'm man of the house now, right?
-That's right, baby. -[laughs]
-All right, Mom, you wanna play?
-Sure.
[Jordan] Let's do it. [laughs]
Ooh!
[cheering]
Hey.
[laughter]
I love you.
I love you, too.
...on this side
You know I provide
priority flies for you
All right.
You don't even
gotta pack no bags
Pick out what you want,
and I'll buy it for you
Nobody worried about no tax
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Let them be nosy if
they want to know
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to?
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Yeah
In your place
While we on dates
You take pictures,
I don't care
If they don't know
that I'm with you
'Cause you're mine
If they try, they gon' find
a real one on your side
You know I provide
priority flies for you
You ain't even
gotta pack no bags
Pick out what you want,
and I'll buy it for you
Nobody worried about no tax
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Ain't no surprise
that they be on you
Let them be nosy if
they want to know
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to?
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Who do you belong to
Baby, tell them who
Do you go home to?
Who do you belong to?
Yeah, yeah