Secret Life of a Sorority Girl (2024) Movie Script

[soft, tense music playing]
..

-[girl #1] Whoa.
-[girl #2] Hi.
-[girl #1] A big date tonight?
-[girl #2] No, why?
[girl #1]
You're wearing so much makeup.
Okay, and?
Tell me you're not still--
What? I have to pay
my sorority dues somehow.
Oh, ooh.
Sorry I'm late.
[girl #1]
Ashley, this is so dangerous.
When are you gonna
stop doing this?
[Ashley]
Once I save up enough money.
Night.
[soft, tense music playing]

[jewelry clatters]

[humming]

[clanging, glass shatters]
Karla?

Is that you?

Hello?

Karla?


[door clatters open,
Ashley shrieks]

[birds chirping]

[teacher]
Okay, final lightning rounds.
Who knows the square root
of 121?
-[student] 11.
-[teacher] Nice!
Okay, now the square root of...
[bell rings]
Don't forget, quiz on Monday.
And remember, we live in
a mathematical universe
that statistically
has to give you want you want
if you go for it enough.
[she chuckles]
Have a great day, guys.
[man #1] Let's all congratulate
Cheryl Collins
for being named Buchanan High's
Teacher of the Year
for the fourth year in a row.
[applause]
[group chanting "Cheryl!"]
[Cheryl]
Oh, stop, stop.
[laughs]
You know I don't like being
the center of attention.
[man #2]
Speech! Speech!
Give us a speech,
O wise one.
What's the secret
to your success?
[Cheryl]
A lot of coffee.
[laughter]
No, seriously, um,
I just--
I try to lead by example
in everything that I do.
[man #1]
All right, everybody, dig in.
[Cheryl]
Thank you.
-[Cheryl] I appreciate that.
-[man #1] Hey, you deserve it.
So, how 'bout
we personally celebrate
tonight over dinner?
Uh, Randall, I...
I don't think we should pick
things back up again.
[Randall]
Why?
We had so much fun last summer.
We did.
But, um, that's when you were
Randy the history professor.
Now you're the principal,
my boss.
Fine, then you're fired.
Problem solved.
I'm kidding.
Uh, I have, uh, plans with
my daughter tonight anyway.
So if you're looking for
a teacher to praise,
-[Cheryl] take out Ben.
-[Ben] Mm.
Sounds good.
Where we going?
[Cheryl chuckles]
Have fun, guys.
[Ben]
Doughnut?

[Ashley]
You're pinning me?
Isn't this
a little old-fashioned.
[young man] Maybe. I'm an
old-fashioned kind of guy.
[Ashley] Okay, says
the keg king of Alpha Pi.
[young man]
And that is why I need someone
who is as smart and respectful
as you in my life.
Maybe I'm not as tame
as you think.
Oh yeah? Prove it.
[Ashley]
No, no, no! Okay, okay, okay.
I have to go study,
but I'll see you this weekend?
If you're lucky.
[clears throat]
[Ashley]
Mom!
-[Cheryl] Hi.
-[Ashley] Hi.
Hi. What are you doing here?
I came to take you to dinner.
Gotta make sure
you're eating enough.
[Ashley laughs nervously]
Mom, I'm sorry,
-[Ashley] I totally forgot.
-[Cheryl] Oh, it's okay.
Uh, Beckett can come.
[Ashley]
Oh, no, I have to work tonight.
[Beckett] Uh, work?
I thought you had to study?
[Ashley] Well, I study
and work at the same time.
It's the perk
of having a library job.
[Beckett]
You said you quit that job.
[Ashley]
Well, I-I took it back.
I can't enjoy the sorority
if I can't afford it.
[Cheryl]
Well, now you're worrying me.
Is everything okay
with your scholarship?
[Ashley] Yeah, I just need
some extra cash.
Um, can we have dinner
next week?
-[Cheryl] Sure.
-[Ashley] Okay.
I have to go change.
Bye. I love you.
-[Ashley] Bye.
-[Cheryl] Bye.
[soft, tense music playing]
Why does she have to change
to work at the library?
[Beckett]
I don't know.

[ice clatters, Ben sighs]
[Cheryl]
Morning.
Oof.
Did someone have
a little too much fun
at their bachelor party
last night?
[Ben]
I am so embarrassed.
I-I didn't mean to--
If I would have known
it was Ashley...
[Cheryl]
Ashley? My daughter Ashley?
[Ben] I swear,
I only put tips in her garter.
I'm--absolutely no VIP stuff.
[Cheryl] Ben, what are you
talking about?
Uh, you know
where she works, right?
The college library.
Uh, yeah, I-I gotta
get going for class.
Wait. Was-was-was Ashley
at your bachelor party?

Um...she was the entertainment.
We went to Diamond Pegasus,
the club by the river.
My daughter doesn't work there.
She's on track
to become a lawyer.
Uh, right, yeah.
No, I--my mistake.
I, uh, never mind.
Ben.
It was her, wasn't it?

Okay, look, um...
I promise
I will delete these,
but, uh, I didn't
recognize her at first.

I didn't mean to upset ya.
[Cheryl sighs]
[knocking]

Ms. Collins,
what are you doing here?
Is Ashley here?
She's upstairs in her
room studying, but--

Uh, you know, parents
aren't really allowed
on that floor
on normal school days.
[Cheryl] Well, then call 9-1-1
and have me arrested.

[Karla]
Ms. Collins.

[Ashley]
Beckett, why are you yelling?
[Beckett] Would you rather
have me hit you?
-[Ashley] Beckett, stop, please!
-[Cheryl] Get your hands
-off of her!
-[Ashley] Mom!
[Cheryl]
What's going on in here?
[Ashley]
Mom, this doesn't concern you.
[Beckett] No, Ashley, tell
your mom what's going on.
In fact, show her.
I can't believe this.
-[Beckett] Girlfriend's a slut.
-[Cheryl] Hey.
I'm sorry I lost
my temper, but--
-[Ashley] We're over.
-[Beckett] What?
[Ashley]
I'm not a slut.
I'm your girlfriend.
Or at least I was.
-[Beckett] I'm sorry--
-[Karla] You heard her, Beckett.
[Cheryl] Please, uh, close
the door on your way out.
I need to be alone
with my daughter.
Why didn't you tell me?
[Ashley]
Because I was ashamed.
[Cheryl]
Why?
Because I lost my scholarship.
-[soft music plays]
-[Cheryl sighs]
How? You make nothing but A's.
I did until last semester.
Pre-law's a lot harder
than you may think.
Okay, why didn't you
talk to me about it?
[Ashley]
And you would have done what?
Make me feel bad because
I'm not as smart as you?
That's not fair.
I can't help you
if you won't let me.
I don't need your help.
I have it under control.
I make enough money
at the club.
[Cheryl, scoffing]
Really?
This? This is under control?
[Ashley] You're blowing it
out of proportion, Mom!
It's a very sophisticated place.
The men are nice and-and I
actually have a lot of fun.
Fun, huh?
Okay, what happens
when you need more money?
What's next, huh?
Porn movies?
Prostitution?
[Ashley] Is that how little
you think of me, Mom?
Just come home with me.
[Ashley] The last place
I want to be is home with you.
-[Cheryl] Ashley!
-No, look. I'm serious.
I'm done with being
talked down to by Beckett,
and I certainly will not
put up with it from you.
[Cheryl]
Ashley, stop. You're my girl.
-[Cheryl] My good girl.
-[Ashley] Not anymore, Mom.

[Cheryl sighs]
[Ashley, voicemail]: Hey, it's
Ashley. You know what to do.
The silent treatment's
killing me, Ashley.
You made your point.
I was wrong.
You were right.
Just-just call me
so we can talk.
And please let me help you out.
[doorbell rings]
[soft, tense music playing]

[Karla] Hi, Ms. Collins,
is Ashley here?
No. Isn't she at the sorority?
I haven't seen or heard
from her in the last two days.
And you're just now telling me?
[Karla] She's ditched college
like this before,
especially when she works
late at that nightclub.
[Cheryl] I was afraid
that job would do this.
Do you know where she goes?
She has another secret
life at that club.
Different friends,
maybe even boyfriends.
She says they're really nice,
but I'm not sure
she's telling me
the complete truth.

I found this in her bedroom.

Who gave this to her?
I have my suspicions.

[birds chirping]
[Beckett]
So I was right. She is a slut.
-[Karla] Excuse me?
-[Cheryl] Watch your mouth.
[Beckett] This letter's proof
that she was
sleeping around
with a bunch of a guys
and one of them fell for her.
Just tell us, when's the last
time you spoke with her?
At the sorority house
with you two, why?
No one has seen her
since Thursday.
She probably went
and moved in with some guy
she met at that bar
she dances at.
No. My Ashley isn't
that kind of girl.
You don't know what kind of
girl "your Ashley" is.
I didn't either.
Who knows what else she's doing
that no one else knows about?
And when you do find Ashley,
tell her I want
my fraternity pin back.
[soft music playing]

[knocking]

Hi, um--
Can I help you?
Is-is Ashley working today?
What, are you her probation
officer or something?
No, I'm her mother.
[he laughs]
What can I do for you, "Mom"?
I just wanted to know
if she still works here.
Why don't you call
her up and ask?

I did.
She's not returning my calls.
See, we had a bit
of a fight and...

Is she here?
Lady, go home.
Look, I'm not Dr. Phil.
I don't do family reunions.
Get out of here.
[soft music playing]

[door squeaking open]

[running footsteps]
[Cheryl grunts]

[soft, tense music playing]
[door opens]

[trash thuds]

[Cheryl whimpers]

[doors squeaking]


[woman #1] Just admit it.
You used my lip liner.
[woman #2]
And catch herpes from you?
Oh, please.
[woman #1] You know, if you want
to borrow my makeup, Candy,
just ask.
[Candy]
You think I'm stealing?
[woman #1]
Oh, I know you are.
-[Cheryl gasps]
-[bouncer] Who let you in here?
[Cheryl] I told you, I'm just
looking for my daughter.
[bouncer] I don't care
who you're looking for,
-you're trespassing.
-[Cheryl] I just need to
-make sure she's okay.
-[bouncer] I don't care.
You getting out of here. I told
you not to come in anyway.
[tense music playing]
And if I catch you
trespassing again,
you will get arrested.
-Get out of here.
-[Cheryl sighs]
[soft music playing]


[phone ringing]
[officer] Well, we wouldn't be
in this position
if you'd hire more officers.
I can't cover the streets
without more available bodies
to do it.
[clears throat]
Sorry about that.
Our recruitment numbers
are in the crapper.
So, any officer that comes in,
they get rewarded by, uh,
doing everyone else's work.
So, Officer, um,
my-my daughter?
Right. Hang on.
[papers rustling]
That wasn't blood on her purse.
It was nail polish.
Is there anything else
I might do for ya?
Yes, I need to know
where she is.
[officer] You had an argument
with your daughter
a couple days ago,
and, uh,
she won't call ya. So what?
She hasn't been
to her sorority
or her classes
in almost a week.
I don't even know
if she's been working.
[officer]
She's working.
We called, we checked.
Ashley's on the current roster
at Diamond Pegasus.
They also said
if they find her mother
on their property again,
they'll file
a restraining order.
Are we clear?
What about--
what about the note?
[paper rustling]
This note was found in her
room at the sorority house.
Look at this.
No, no.
Until you can show me
real evidence of foul play
or illegal activity--
The evidence is the fact
that I haven't seen
or spoken to my daughter,
and I know something's wrong.
Come on, please,
I need your help.
[phone ringing]
I...
Jacques here.
[soft music playing]
What do you mean he doesn't
want to come to work?

[birds chirping]

[phone clatters softly]

-[Cheryl sighs]
-[knocking]

-[Cheryl] Hi.
-[Karla] Hey.
-[Cheryl] Well?
-[Karla] Good news.
I got into the club.
But when I asked about Ashley,
they figured out I had been
sent by the meddling mom
and kicked me out.
Why are they being
so secretive?
Maybe because Ashley really
does want to be left alone.
I thought
she was my best friend,
but if she won't even call me...
Or maybe she can't call you.
You think she's in there
against her will or something?
I don't know.
But something's going
on in that club.
[Karla]
Well, whatever is going on,
they sure do a good job
of hiding it.
It looks like a real fancy
country club to me.
Well, I need to get in there.
I need to get in there
and make sure
Ashley's really okay.
[Karla]
How?
They won't let either one
of us back in there.
They won't let
the mom back in, but...

...what if I become
their new dancer?

[Karla laughs nervously]

I hope the neighbors
can't see us.
Just tell them
you're exercising.
That's what we use the pole
for at the sorority.
Anyway, you know, I was thinking
I could audition instead.
[Cheryl] No, um, if something
bad's going on at that club,
which I fear, I'm not
gonna put you in danger.
Okay.
-Hop on.
-[Cheryl] Okay.
How was that?
You look like you're holding
on to the Titanic.
[Cheryl laughs]
Loosen up.
[Cheryl]
Show me.
I have zero experience.
["Rochelle" by The Pass plays]

-Wow.
-[Karla] You know?

-[Cheryl] This leg in front?
-[Karla] Yeah!

-[Cheryl] Whee!
-[Karla] Yeah, Ms. Collins!
[laughing]
[vocalist]
Rochelle
[Karla]
We'll get this.
Walk it in.
Yeah.
You've got it.
[vocalist]
And the shaping is a fact
[Karla]
No.

[vocalist]
Rochelle

[Cheryl]
Oh, this is terrifying.

[vocalist] When the sun
is in your eyes
And the clouds
are all a guise
You can stand it

[vocalizing]

-[Cheryl] Are we done?
-[Karla] Okay, how's that?

[Cheryl laughs]
[vocalist]
Rochelle

We never planned a thing

[Karla]
Yeah.
[Cheryl]
Yeah, this kind of works.
[vocalist]
'Cause it felt fine

What a spell

She had

Through the darkness
of the night
-[Cheryl] Yes.
-[Karla] Yeah.
[soft, tense music playing]

[ice shaking in cocktail shaker]

[man]
Hi there, Teach.
What did you call me?
[man] Well, that's what
you're going for, right?
Hot for teacher?
[Dolly] I'm Dolly,
and I manage this club
for the discerning gentlemen
of our little hamlet.
Now, there's no time
for dilly-dallying.
You each have 30 seconds
with that pole
to show me that you're worth
my clients' membership dues.
You, step right up.
Hit it.
[rock music playing]
[vocalist] The lights come on
to the start of the show

Life in the front row,
face to face with myself
It's time
to shatter my pride
Time to get up and go

My future is shining
I can't wait for it all

Livin' in a new,
a new state of mind
Leaving the old
Hey, hey, where are you going?
[vocalist]
The old me behind
[Cheryl]
I'm not like those other girls.
Exactly.
We need girls like you
to class this place up.

I'm Jake, by the way.
-And you are?
-[Cheryl] Cher--
Cherry.
[laughs nervously]
Who am I kidding?
I can't dance in front
of a crowd like this.
Yeah, sure you can.
Look, if you get nervous,
just look at me.
[Dolly]
Hey, Miss Bookworm, you're up.
-Let's see what you got.
-[Cheryl sighs]
[vocalist] There's not
a minute to lose
[vocalizing]
[Dolly]
Whenever you're ready.
["Speed of Sound"
by Rags and Riches plays]

[vocalist]
I've spent and I've taken
Can't slow down, no waiting
Stronger,
I'm not gonna break
Trying to make the most
of this, take what I get
Aiming higher and higher,
relive it again
The most of this,
take what I get
Aiming higher and higher,
relive it again
I rise, I fall
as days fly by
Wind at my back,
I see the light
[Dolly]
Okay, line it up.
I know my picks.
[soft, tense music playing]

You stay.
You're gone, you're gone.
You're...
[suspenseful music playing]
Oh, heck, why not?
You can stay.
I got the job?
[Dolly] Well, it's a trial
tomorrow night.
If you earn $200 in tips,
you got the job.
Otherwise...
[Cheryl]
Thanks, Jake.
[soft music playing]
[birds chirping]
[Randall]
All department heads
have been doing
a phenomenal job.
Test scores are up.
That forensics competition...
we did so good.
Athletics, great job.
The teams are doing good.
Um, I do have one last thing.
We need a volunteer tonight
for the homecoming game.
Earth to Cheryl.
Come in, please.
[Cheryl]
Uh, yes. Yes, absolutely.
[Randall]
Oh, great, I'll put you down.
So you're free
for the game tonight?
[Cheryl]
Tonight?
Uh, no, I'm so sorry,
no, I, um,
I have an appointment.
[Randall]
Too bad. Um, okay, well...
Meeting dismissed.
[soft music playing]
[Dolly] Absolutely no alcohol
during work hours.
And if I catch you snorting
anything up your nose, hm.
Always wear a robe or a dress
when you're in the common
areas of the club.
There's no need to advertise
what you've got for free.
Make these men pay
to see the goods.
Oh, they've got the cash
to spend, trust me.
And when you're downstairs
putting on a show,
you gotta wear at least
a G on the dancefloor.
And anything goes
in the VIP room,
as long as I get my 20%.
Welcome to the lioness den.
[Cheryl]
Sorry.
[soft, tense music playing]

Where should I hang this?

Hi.
-[Cheryl] I'm Cherry.
-[Candy] Hi.
I'm Candy.
And this is my table.
Oh, sorry.
Where should I put my stuff?
[Candy]
I don't know, probably...
In there.
[woman] Hey, don't let Candy
intimidate you.
Oh, I'm Sunny, by the way.
Hi.
You just look really familiar.
I don't think we ever met.
No, I know what it is.
Yeah, you just look like
one of the other dancers here.
Do you mean Ashley?
You know her too?
Is she gonna be here tonight?
Yeah, I don't think so.
Do you know if she's okay?
Why wouldn't she be okay?
Showtime, ladies!
Out, out, out, out! Come on.
You look good, beautiful.
Lovely.
Perfect. You look great.
Remember,
$200 in tips by midnight
or your first night
is your last.
[dance music playing]
[indistinct lyrics]

[Jake]
Dance wherever you want.

[indistinct lyrics]

[applause]
[sultry music playing]


[techno music playing]

You got some candy for Candy?

[man] Hey.
[he laughs]
You did a really
great job up there.
[Cheryl]
Wow, thanks.

142, 143, 144.
[sighs]
Does this place have an ATM?
Oh, that trick won't work.
Dolly always finds out.
-How much you short?
-[Cheryl] A lot.
Well, maybe you miscounted.
You're gonna tell a math teacher
she doesn't know how to count?
Oh, so you are a teacher.
In another life.
Yeah, I used to have
another life too.
I used to be an auto mechanic.
I was good too.
May I?
[Cheryl] What happened
to your auto shop?
[Jake] Ah, drank too much
of this stuff.

Screwed up my life
and then, uh, I lost it.
Isn't this bar
an awful temptation?
Oddly no, I've been
sober 10 years.
Ah, congratulations.
No, congratulate my brother.
He's the one
who helped me get sober.
If it wasn't for him,
I'd be dead.
You almost died from alcohol?
Well, that and a few
other things.
My brother helped me get sober
and taught me that sometimes
people need a little help.

Here, just like I thought,
you miscounted.

Why would you do this?
Oh, you know,
I want you to stick around.
You don't even know me.
So let's fix that.

[Candy]
Hey, trash can lady,
the customers are out there,
not behind the bar.
-[Jake] Candy, shut up.
-[Candy] No, you shut up.
[Dolly] Why doesn't everybody
shut up and get back to work?

Well, aren't you
Miss Helen of Troy,
getting everybody
to fight over you.
Let's see how you did.

$204. Very nice.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, rethink the eye makeup.
-[Cheryl] Oh, is it too much?
-[Dolly] Hardly. You need more.

Ah-ah, hold up.
You need to make up
for that little ruckus
you started between Jake
and my top dancer.
But Candy started that.
Next time, end it
before it begins.
How?
Why don't you think it over
while you're cleaning up
after your shift.
[scoffs]
[soft music playing]

[pole squeaking]
[sighs]

[lights click off]

Hello?

[footsteps]

Can I help you?

[whimpering]

[smoke machine hissing]

[whimpering]

Is anybody there?
[crowbar clanging]
[grunting]
Is anybody there?

Please help me!
Cheryl, what are you
still doing here?
[Cheryl]
There's this guy--
-[Jake] What guy?
-[lights snap on]
[Cheryl]
He was right there.
[Cheryl panting]
I swear someone was chasing me.
[Jake]
It was probably just a bum.
They're always trying
to break into this place.
[Cheryl] You don't call the cops
about that?
[Jake] Nah, cops and clubs
don't mix that well.
[Cheryl]
What the heck?
[dark music playing]

[Jake]
I wouldn't touch it.

[Cheryl] Who would do something
like this?

[Jake]
I don't know.

Tell you what...
I'll take you home and we'll
figure out what to do.

[Cheryl]
Okay.

[Jake] I'm just parked
right around here.

[engine starting]

[melancholic music playing]
[indistinct chatter]
[Cheryl] Yeah, I know trig isn't
your son's favorite subject,
but I think if Reggie
took advantage
of our after-school
tutoring program...

[unintelligible]

I'm sorry, if you'll excuse me.

[Randall]
Cheryl, where are you going?

I want to introduce you.
This is Dolly. Dolly Grimsley.
Grandmother to Paul Grimsley,
our star quarterback.
He's in your Algebra II class.
[Dolly]
Nice to meet you, Ms. Collins.
Your grandson
is a good student.
Well, it's not easy
raising a young man
and running a business
at my age.
What kind of business?
Public relations,
with a very personal touch.
Well, I will leave
you two to it.
Oh, let your grandson know
we're counting on him
for that trophy this weekend.
He won't be winning anything
if he doesn't get
his academics together.
Now, my rule is
no grades, no games.
I like that.
Oh, Cheryl, is everything
okay with your car?
I heard you took a bus in.
[Cheryl] Um, yeah,
it's just the windshield.
No biggie.
It'll be ready tomorrow.
Well, I mean, if you need a ride
or something, I can--
[Cheryl]
No, I can manage. Thank you.
Ms. Grimsley,
shall we get started?
Thanks for not saying anything.
[Dolly]
I've got your back, honey.
Now...
You just need to tell me
what I need to do
to kick Paul's butt
so he starts earning As.
[Cheryl]
You got it.
[moody music playing]

[sighing]
[Candy] If you think I'm
gonna apologize, forget it.

[Cheryl]
So you did vandalize my car.
[Candy] I was talking about
giving you a hard time
last night.
I know you did it.
You wrote "quit or die"
on my car.
First of all, I didn't do that.
And second of all, granny,
if I wanted you to quit,
I wouldn't have to resort
to crap like that.

Why would you assume
it was me anyway?

Because you haven't liked me
since the minute
I started working here.

[Candy] Actually, I could care
less about you.
But if it's a war
you want, let's go.
[table rattling]
[laughing]
Oh, I am gonna have
fun with you.

What are you looking at?

Look, Candy's not the one
who messed up your car.
Vandalism is not
exactly her M.O.
How do you know that?
I dated her for like
a month a year ago.
Big mistake.
She's your type?
No, like I said,
it was a big mistake.

[Cheryl] So, if she didn't
do it, then who did?
[Jake] Tell you what,
instead of focusing
on who doesn't want you here,
let's focus on who does.
Like me.
Can I--can I ask you
something important?
Yes, I'm single.

No, uh, there's a girl
who works here.
I don't know where she is
and I need to find her.
-[Jack] Who are you looking for?
-[Dolly] Hey, Ms. Teacher,
I pay you to flirt
on the floor, not here.
And your place is at the bar.
Unless you plan
on dancing, too.
[sighs]
[Jake]
Okay, we'll talk more later.
Good luck out there tonight.
The crowd is extra rowdy.
Why is that?
It's college night.
[electronic music playing]


[Beckett]
VIP.
I said, "VIP."
You wanna go?

[Beckett]
Come on, I can pay you.
-[Sunny] What's wrong?
-[Cheryl] Can you do a VIP
-for this guy?
-[Sunny] No, the frat boys--
-[Cheryl] Please.
-[Sunny] I'm not doing it.
No, Cherry. Cherry!
[Dolly]
Come on, let's go.

Never turn down a VIP request
without coming to me first.
Now, you may run the show
at that high school
where you teach at,
but when you're here,
I'm in charge, understand?
What was the matter
with that guy?
I mean, college boys
are easy money.
I know him.
Ah.
Used to be a student of yours?
Something like that.
[Dolly]
Please.
You have to come to me.
I can't help you
if you don't talk to me.
[moody music playing]
Can you help me find someone?
It's Ashley.
Does she still work here?
[Dolly]
How do you know Ashley?
She's how I heard
about this place,
why I got a job here
to begin with.
Well, if your work ethic
is the same as Ashley's,
we've got a problem.
She hasn't shown up
in about a week.

Do you know where she might be?
[Dolly]
Who knows? And who cares?
Girls drop off all the time
in this business.
It's tough work.

Sorry, are we done?

What happens to your students
when they misbehave?

They get detention.
Exactly.
I'm on clean-up duty
again tonight?

This time,
do the bathrooms, too.

[crickets chirring]

[dark music playing]

[lights slam off]

Somebody here?



[tense music playing]
[yelping]
Jake, you-you scared me.
Why are you asking
about Ashley?
Uh, what do you know about her?
I asked you first.
Do you know where she might be?
Tell me why
you're asking about her.
[moody music playing]
I-I just am, okay?
That's not good enough. Tell me.
Why are you
so bothered by this?
[Jake] Because I think
you're lying to me
and I don't like it.
Well, I don't like
your attitude.
Just leave me alone.
-Ow!
[Jake] You're not going anywhere
until you tell me
who you really are
and what you're doing here.
You're hurting me.

I'm sorry.
It's just there's been
some other girls missing
and I'm worried
about Ashley too.
[bouncer]
What's going on here?
Uh...
The lights just went out.
Jake was helping me.
We need to finish
this conversation.

Tomorrow at 4:00?
The coffee shop on 6th?
I'll be there.

[Cheryl]
Jake.

Yes, this is what
I really look like.
[Jake]
Wow, you look classy.
[Cheryl]
Enough flattery.
Thank you for coming.
I need answers.
Well, I'll do the best
I can to help you.
Last night, you said
you were also worried
about Ashley.
-Why?
-[Jake] I can ask
the same thing to you.
I'm her mother.
You're kidding.
I mean, you barely look
old enough to be her sister.
Do you know if she's okay?
Uh...
Honestly, I don't know.
She hasn't been at the club
in quite some time.
But that's not uncommon.
New girls usually drop out,
then show up weeks later.
So, you think maybe she could
just return to the club
at any time?
Yeah, I mean, I hope so.
I like her.
I tried to protect her from
the jealous girls like Candy.
Mm. Candy doesn't
like her either?
Candy doesn't like anyone
who's not herself.
[soft music playing]
Candy is a mean
high school dropout
that calls people names,
steals their things.
Steals their things,
like purses?
Yeah, I'm sure
she could do that.
[Cheryl] I found Ashley's purse
in the dumpster.
Maybe Candy did more to her
than just scare her.
Cheryl, I wouldn't go there.
[Candy]
She's been a total pain to me
from the minute I got there.
I can only imagine the hell
she put Ashley through.
If I find out that
she did something...
[Randall]
Cheryl?

[Cheryl]
Hi.
Randall, what a--
what a surprise.
Why? You know I always get
a cup of coffee
before our PTA meetings.
You're coming, right?
Yes, I have the night off.
Night off? From what?
You know, from grading papers,
so I can fully focus
on the meeting.

Jake, this is Randall.
He's the principal
at my high school.
So how do you
know Cheryl, Jake?

She was having trouble
with her windshield
and I helped fix it.
We hit it off, so here we are.
[Randall]
I see.
Well, try not to be late today.
I'd like to start
the meeting on time.

Good to meet you, Jake.
I can tell
you're a good mechanic
for a woman in a sticky spot.

[she sighs]
[door opening]
Okay, so what
I don't understand is,
if you're a math
teacher,
why are you working
at Pegasus?

Because it's the only thing
I knew to do
to try to find Ashley.
When the police
wouldn't believe me--
You went to the police?
[Cheryl] Yeah, when no one
had seen or heard from her,
I figured that was enough
to make her a missing person.
They didn't agree.

So why wouldn't they help you?
They think
she's just another girl
who got mad at her mom
and ran away.
Since she's 18,
she can do whatever she wants.

I feel--I know it in
my heart, she's in trouble
and she needs me.
It's okay.
No, it's not gonna be okay
until I see her.

And everything I try
to do isn't working.

Well, see,
that's where you're wrong
'cause it is working.

Because, now, instead of one
person looking for Ashley,
there's two.

Look, we will find her.
I promise you.

[sultry music playing]

[Cheryl] You know, I've seen you
come in here so often,
but I have no idea
what your name is.
[Rick]
I'm-I'm Rick.
I've been coming here
for three years.
[Cheryl]
Three years, huh?
You wouldn't happen to know
a girl named Ashley?
About my height,
young, really nice.
[Rick]
Maybe?
I really don't pay
attention to names.

[Cheryl]
I understand.
Have a good night.
[vocalizing]

[mellow music playing]
[Jake] Hey, if you hear
anything about Ashley,
please let me know.

What's this new interest
in Ashley?
Just curious about where
she went, that's all.
Your curiosity makes it look
like something bad happened.
Don't create problems.
Are we clear?
[vocalizing]

Yeah, I know Ashley.
Nice girl.
When was the last time
you saw her?
[Cheryl]
It's been almost two weeks.
Well, I used to be a cop
before I got into PI work.
I can help you.
Well, hiring a PI
sounds expensive.
For you, I'd do it pro bono.
[Sunny] Cherry, yeah,
I need you real quick.
[Cheryl] No, Jerry and I are in
the middle of something.
[Sunny]
Dolly, it's Dolly.
She's having an attack
of some kind.
I think it's her heart
or I think.
We-we gotta go.

[Cheryl]
Where's Dolly?
[Sunny] She's in her office
getting drunk.
She's fine, but...
Look, you're not.
You know, Jerry,
that guy in VIP,
I mean, he is just...
He's such a liar.
So he never worked as a cop?
I mean, that part
is true, yeah,
but he lost his badge
when he was giving out
speeding tickets
to beautiful women like you
and he offered
to get them out of it
for favors
involving his zipper.
He told me he was
gonna help me.
[Sunny]
Yeah, with Ashley?
No, I've heard the rumors
that you're looking for her.
Do you know her?
We got along, but, you know,
I had to keep Candy
from eating her up.
Do you know
where she could be?
Look, I...
I'm not in
the detective business.
But you know something.
I can tell.
Please.
Please don't keep it a secret.

I just--I have enough
drama in my life
without getting involved
in any of yours.

Ashley owes me some money.
[suspenseful music playing]
A lot, actually.
Look, if I help you find her,
will you give me like half
of what she owes you?
[Cheryl]
Sure.
I'll actually give you
all the tips I make tonight.
Shh, there's way too many eyes
and ears around here.
After work?
Actually, I do have
a date tonight,
but, um, what about tomorrow,
like before work?
Sure, um, McWard's Donuts?
You know the place?
Yeah, it's right
across the street
from the high school
I used to go to.
Dropped out of it, actually.

You know, you look so much
like that math teacher
who made me flunk out.

[Candy]
Miss Cherry, ma'am?
Dolly is looking for you.
[funky music playing]

[Karla]
Excuse me.

Okay, there's more chips
in the kitchen.
And quit hogging all the beer!
[Beckett] Can you believe
I actually fell in love
with that whore?
I am so glad Ashley
is out of my life for good.
[Karla] How can you be
so sure, Beckett?

This place sucks. Let's go.
[Karla] Not till you answer
my question first.
How can you be so sure
that Ashley is
never coming back?
Because sluts like Ashley
deserve what they get.
She was just doing what
she had to to stay in school.
I've managed to stay in school
without shaking my butt
-for cash.
-[Karla] Well, not all of us
-are privileged!
-[Beckett] God, shut up!
Don't worry.
I'd never hit a girl.
I can see
you're a real gentleman.
No wonder Ashley
broke up with you.
You're wrong.
I broke up with her.
Mm, I was there.
That's not how I remember it.
What I don't get is how
you suddenly hate her so much.
She made me look like an idiot.
I gave my pin to some skank
who will do anything to anyone
for a few bucks.
She is nothing like that
and you know it.
Aren't you at least
a little curious
-about where she is?
-[Beckett] Wherever she is,
I hope she gets exactly
what she deserves
for making a fool out of me.
I will never forgive
her for that.
Let's go.

[Sunny] Yeah, I know
I'm two hours late,
but don't I always make
it worth your while?
Yes, we can do that tonight.
Only this once, okay?
Freak.
[squeaking]
[dark music playing]
Hey, Bart?
Jake?
Are you guys still there?

[car alarm beeps]

[engine starting]
What?
[grunting]
[intense music playing]
[grunting]

[grunting]

[melancholic music playing]
Morning.
-Hey, Ben.
-[Ben] Hey.
[Cheryl]
Oh, thank you.
So, how's married life
treating you?
[Ben] Does Ashley still work
at Diamond Pegasus?
[Cheryl]
Why do you ask?
[Ben] Uh, one of the girls
who danced there
was found dead this morning.
I think it may
have been murder.
[moody music playing]
Cheryl, what's wrong?
Did you know her?

What's the matter with you?
[Ben] Uh, a dancer at
the Diamond Pegasus Club,
she was found in
the river this morning.
Dead in her car.
Might be murder.
Hey, mix with trash,
become the trash.
Get dumped like the trash.
How dare you say that?

Geez. Sorry.
Why do you care so much
what happened to her?

I need to go home.
I'm suddenly not
feeling so well.
Well, class starts
in like five minutes.
Then find an emergency sub.
[Randall] With this
teacher shortage, no way.
Then, please, Randall,
just watch my class.
This is serious.
[Randall]
Of course.
Do you need somebody to take
you to the hospital or...
Um, no, it's nothing like that.
Here, my donation
to the teacher's fund.
Gee, Cher--
That's nice of you.

[Candy]
What's wrong with all of y'all?
[Cheryl]
You didn't hear?
Sunny died.
[Candy]
Yeah, and...
[Cheryl]
They think she was murdered.
[Candy] I always knew
a dumb girl like Sunny
would end up in the river.
My favorite.
[Cheryl]
Put that back.
I'm sick of you.
I'm done with your crap!
[Candy]
What are you gonna do? Hm?
[yelping, punch thudding]
[laughing]
[soft, tense music playing]

Good for you.

Look, it's not a trick, okay?
I do have a code of honor.
Friends?

[Cheryl]
Fine.
Sunny drops dead
and, suddenly,
this place turns
into a women's book club?
Look, I'm upset too,
but the show must go on.
All this free publicity
has given us a full house.
So, let's make Sunny proud
and get out there
and earn some money, okay?
-I can't hear you.
-[dancers] Okay!
[Dolly] All right, and, Cherry,
you've already got a VIP.
-[Cheryl] Uh, who is it?
-[Dolly] I don't know.
Bart's been helping me
with the bookings
while I've been dealing
with the press.
[hip-hop music playing]
[vocalizing]

Good evening.

[mellow music playing]
How are you tonight?

Want a little cocktail?

You know, you'd have
a lot more fun
if you took a look
at what you were paying for.

Hey, Cheryl.
I know this looks bad.
No, it actually looks
quite nice.
Better than I remember.
Randy, please.
Oh, I'm Randy again?
Now I see why
you broke up with me,
so you can run around
and do this.
I don't want to do this at all.
Then why are you here?
-Are you broke?
-[Cheryl] No, it's Ashley.
She went missing,
and I need to find her.
So you become an exotic dancer?
This was the last place
she was seen.
I'm trying to find her.
Why didn't you just
call the cops?
[Cheryl]
They won't help me.
Please, you have to believe me.

You know what? You can have
all day to look for Ashley
now that you have more
time on your hands.

You're fired, Cheryl.
No, please.
Please don't do this.
You know the morals clause
at our school.
-You violated it.
-[Cheryl] So did you!
You're here,
you're paying to be here.
No, no, this was research,
not pleasure.
Big difference.
[soft music playing]
Good luck.
[somber music playing]

Hey.

[Cheryl]
I screwed everything up.

I must be the stupidest
woman in the world.

[Jake] No, you're
the bravest woman I know
and a good mom who cares.

Is starting things up with you
just another risk I'm taking?

I think we're both
worth the risk.

[Jake]
Go home.
Take care of yourself.
I'll tell Dolly you got sick.

[Cheryl] I don't want
to be alone tonight.

[Jake] Look, I got to finish
some things up here.

I'll be over after.

[insects chirring]
[car door closing]
[distant barking]
[knocking]
[vocalizing]
["Closure" by Teneia plays]
[vocalist]
By now I know this well

My glazed eyes
in a darkened room

Are you sure
you want to do this?
[vocalist]
Into my new year

I know enough here
to buy and sell
I didn't get closure

[dishes clattering]
I still expect
another smile
[Jake] Hey, are you sure
we're not moving too fast?
[Cheryl] I just want to forget
about everything.
[vocalist]
Closure

I feel it like a night eye
[vocalizing]
[screaming]
[intense music playing]
[Cheryl]
Who is it?

[Jake]
Hey!

What do you think...
Huh? What are you...
Jerry?
What are you doing peeping
in Cheryl's window, huh?
I'm not a peeping Tom, okay?
I just came over
to give Cheryl an update.
An update about what?
About Ashley!
What do you know about Ashley?
[soft music playing]
I...
I just...
Talk!
I just wanted to let you know
I'm still looking for Ashley.
You're lying.
You don't know anything
about her, do you?
Look, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to follow you.
It's just--you're
just so pretty.
I'm calling the cops.

He's not worth it, Cheryl.
[Jerry chuckles]
Sorry I ruined your evening.
[punch thudding, grunting]
[cellphone vibrating]
Karla, I don't have time
to talk right now.
I need to call the police.
[Karla]
I already called them.
How do you know
about my peeping Tom?
[Karla] What? No, I called
them about Ashley.
Why?
What did you find out?
[Karla] I think it's best
if you just come over
to the sorority house and see.
[suspenseful music playing]
-[Cheryl] When did she come by?
-[Karla] It must have been
when we were
at the football rally.
Her jewelry is all gone
along with her laptop,
her books, even her pillows.

[Cheryl groans]

[somber music playing]
So it's true.

She really did run away...

...to get away from me.
Ms. Collins,
you don't know that.
Yeah, I do.

And now I have to deal
with the fact
that I may never
see her again.

[Karla]
Ashley also left this.

"The reason you haven't seen me
is because I got married"?
Keep reading.
[Cheryl] "I didn't want to tell
you or the other sisters
because I knew you would try
to talk me out of it,
but I'm in love
and there's nothing
anyone can do to stop me,
including my mother.

I'm very happy."

[sighing]
The only part that isn't
typed out is her signature.
[Karla]
I don't think she wrote this.
I think someone
wanted us to think she did
and stole all of her stuff.
But who in the world
would do something like that?

[suspenseful music playing]

[Beckett] What are you mad
about now, Karla?
[Karla]
Where were you last night?
Obviously having more fun
than you were.
Now if you'll excuse me, I was
in the middle of a workout.
Answer her question, Beckett.
Ms. Collins.
How are you today?
What did you do to my daughter?
Nothing.
When's the last time
you saw her?
You already know.
At the sorority with you two
when we found out
she was dancing.
[Karla]
That's a lie!
Karla, I may be
a lot of things,
but I take my fraternity
oath very seriously.
I don't lie.
Then why do you have
your fraternity pin back on?

Ashley gave it back to me
when we broke up.
[Cheryl] We didn't see her
give it back to you
when she broke up with you.
[Karla] And you said that was
the last time you saw her!
So I ordered
a new pin, so what?
[Cheryl] Where is she?
I know you've seen her.
Don't lie to me.
I'm telling you the truth.
[Cheryl]
I hope so.
'Cause if you're not,
and I find out you did
something to my girl,
I will make sure
I live a very long life
to guarantee I make yours
a living hell.
Do we understand each other?
Whatever.
[Beckett exhales deeply]

[Karla]
Should we go to the police?
-[Cheryl] Why?
-[Karla] Maybe they can help us.
[Cheryl] All they've done since
the minute she went missing
is criticize
my parenting skills
and tell me
to get over myself.
But this note that we found.
The note has Ashley's signature.
Unless it's
a really great forgery,
that's her penmanship.
But why would she do this?
That's what I'm gonna find out.

[soft, tense music playing]
[club music playing]
-[Rick] Hey, Cheryl.
-[Cheryl] Hey, Rick.
I-I was wondering
if you found that
girl Ashley yet.

Not yet.
If you don't mind,
could I talk to Jake privately?

[Rick]
I just want you to know that...
I'm concerned
about Ashley too.

[Cheryl clears her throat]
[Cheryl]
I got your message.
What do you mean,
the cops just let Jerry go?
Exactly that.
They didn't book him.
He was peeping in my window!
[Jake]
And they gave him a big fine.
What do you want them
to do, execute him?
So he could just
come back anytime?
[Jake]
Look, don't worry.
He'll never bother you again.
I'll see to that.
[Cheryl sighs]
Is that all
that's bothering you?
[vocalist]
For our table

They found a note
in Ashley's bedroom
basically saying she never
wants to see me again,
and most of her stuff
is moved out.
[vocalizing]
[vocalist]
Tonight, tonight
I am so sorry she's gone.
You really think
she would write that?

Kids do stupid,
impulsive things,
especially at 18.
When I was her age,
I ran off to Vegas.
You said you would
help me find her.
So whose side are you on?
[Jake] Cheryl, this isn't
about choosing sides.
It's about facing reality.

[Dolly] Cherry, get that frown
off your face.
Nobody wants to tip a sourpuss.
Mm.
What's bothering you, anyway?
[Cheryl sighs]
I can't lie to you anymore.
I'm just asking you to smile,
not cheat on your taxes.
No, I wasn't completely
honest with you
about why I got a job here.
I came looking for Ashley.
I know.
And it's very annoying.
Because she's my daughter.

I-I thought if I wove
my way into her world,
I could find her somehow.

I got answers today.
And even though I don't agree
with her choices,
chasing her is pointless.
[vocalist]
Tonight, tonight
[Candy]
Is Ashley okay?
[Cheryl] All I know is she
doesn't want to be around me.
She's made that very clear,
and I guess
I have to accept it.
So now that your
secret mission is over,
are you gonna quit?
[Cheryl]
No!
I don't have
a regular job anymore,
so I-I'd like to stay on.
If you'll have me.
Oh, you can stay.
But no more secrets.
[Cheryl]
No more secrets.
In fact...

[Candy and Dolly laugh]
I think I'm ready
to dance as myself.
Good for you!
You'll be front
and center tonight,
my showcase piece.
[chuckling]
[soft music playing]

[door rattling]

[creaking]

[soft, tense music playing]

Ashley?

Is that you?
[tense music playing]


[wind blowing]

[Karla screaming]
[dramatic music playing]

Help! Help!
[Karla screams]

[thud]
[soft, tense music playing]


Five hundred and fifty-two.
Woo! Never should have
worn that wig.
[gas pops on, hisses]
[clattering]
[soft, tense music playing]

[clattering continues]



[gasping]
I didn't mean to scare you.
You can put the knife down.
I'm not armed.
I was just slipping
this under your door
but it got stuck.
I don't have time
to play games.
I'm not playing any, I promise.
[Cheryl]
Well, you're playing something
if you're sneaking notes
under my door
in the middle of the night.
Why not just
talk to me in person?
'Cause I'm scared of you?
[sighs]
Why?
Because I lied.
But I'm ready
to tell the truth now.
[door slams]
Thank you.
Needed that.
[soft, tense music playing]
So what are you lying about?

I know who took Ashley's stuff.

Me.
I also put that letter there.
But I just did
what he asked me to.
"He"?
The guy who paid me
to take Ashley's stuff.
He gave me $1,000 to grab
as much as I could carry
and then drop the note off.

[Cheryl sighs]
Why didn't you
tell me this before?
Because I was scared
that what I did was wrong,
and it was.
It's been tearing me
apart all day.
Who is this man who paid you?
I don't know.
He just texted me,
said he got my number
from Ashley,
and then offered me
a thousand bucks
to grab her stuff.
So, I gave him
everything I could find.
Well, except my fraternity pin.
I wanted that back for myself.
Go on.
And then I met him
in some parking lot on campus
and gave him the stuff.
What did he look like?
I didn't see him.
He just had me load the trunk
and he threw the cash
out the window and drove off.
That's the truth, honest.
Well, did you get
his license plate?
No.
But Ashley's landed a rich guy.
He's got a really nice car.
Wish I had wheels like that.
What kind of car is it?
Blue sports car.

Is it a convertible?
Yeah.
Why? Have you seen it?
[energetic music playing]

[phone camera snaps]

[typing]

[Rick]
See you tomorrow.

[text dings]

[Rick grunts, door slams]

Rick?

She ran away with Rick?

[engines start]

[tense music playing]



[eerie music playing]

Hi. Is Officer Jacques in?
I need to speak
with him right away.
Yes. I'll hold.

He's not?
Is there anyone else
I can talk to?
Yes, this is about my daughter.

She--

I'll have to call you back.

[engine revs]

[tense music playing]




[Cheryl grunts]


[eerie music playing]

Ashley!


Ashley?
Ashley!


Ashley. Is that you?

Ashley?


[faint rattling]
Ashley?


[muffled gasping]
-Ashley?
-[Ashley] Mom!
[Cheryl]
Baby! Oh, baby!
It's gonna be okay.
[Ashley coughs]
It's okay, it's gonna be okay.
[Ashley]
Mom, I'm so sorry!
[Cheryl]
No, no, no.
No, if I hadn't
gotten mad at you...
No, don't talk about
that right now, okay?
I'm gonna get you
outta here, all right?
[Ashley]
Ow, ow, ow! He has the key.
He has the key.
-You have to go.
-[Cheryl] Not without you.
I'm gonna call for help.
-[Ashley] Okay.
-[Cheryl] Okay.
[Ashley]
Okay.
[ringing, beeping]

[Cheryl]
Oh, I don't have any service.
-[Ashley] Mama?
-[Cheryl] Okay.
Be right back.
-[Ashley] Please come back.
-[Cheryl] Of course.
I'm not leaving here
without you.

[suspenseful music playing]

Rick.
Look, I'm sorry.
[clattering]
[Cheryl screams]
[eerie music playing]

[Cheryl's voicemail]
Hi, this is Cheryl.
Leave a message.
Hey, Cheryl. It's me.
Haven't heard from you
in a while,
figured I'd call you
and see what you're up to.
Give me a call when
you get this, okay?
Mom!
Let her go.
Let her go!
Mom!
Mom.
Mom!
[Rick]
Get up.

Get up.
Get...up!
No...no, no, please!
-[Rick] Get up!
-[Cheryl] No!

Let my daughter go.
Don't make me kill you
in front of her.
I love Ashley way too much
to do that to her.
What do you mean, you love her?
I love her and she loves me.
That's why she moved in here.
Why is she tied up?
[Rick]
It's-it's a game.
And you, you want
to take her away from me.
No. No, no, I don't.
I don't.
I just want to make
sure she's okay.
Is she all right?
Is she eating?
She's...she's not
eating my food.
She-she doesn't like it.
She doesn't...
I'll make you dinner.
I'll make you two dinner.
She's not a very good cook,
but I-I can teach her.
If you'll let me.

[Rick]
No tricks.
[Cheryl]
No, I promise, I promise, no.


[Cheryl whimpering]

[Rick exclaims]
You don't cook.
I'm cooking.

You...show me how to make
Ashley's favorite meals,
and then you can go.
-[Cheryl] Go?
-[Rick] To the wood shed.

That's where
the wood chipper is.
I told you I wasn't going
to kill you in front of her.
[Cheryl screams]
[Cheryl]
No! No!

No, no, no!
[Cheryl screams]

[Jack]
Ricky! Stop!
[both panting]
[soft, tense music playing]
[Rick] She...she's trying
to take my Ashley!
Let her go. Right now.

It's gonna be okay.

[Cheryl]
How did you know I was here?

Jake.

[Jake] Why'd you have
to keep looking for her?
-[Cheryl] What?
-[Jake] It's not like she was
in any trouble here
with my brother.
Your brother?

[Jake] I told you, he saved
my life, and I owed him.
So when he fell
in love with Ashley,
I brought her here for him.
You knew she was here
the whole time?
And it's a good thing
I did, too.
'Cause she was so mad at you,
at her boyfriend,
at everyone.
She was so scared.
[Ashley whimpering]
Of being broke all the time.

Just a shame I had to kill
a couple of my friends
along the way
to keep it a secret.

We even tried to bring
Ashley a friend, too.
[Karla screams]

Unfortunately,
that didn't work out.

I just wanted my brother
to be happy.
Why did you have
to keep digging?
[tense music playing]

[Cheryl]
No, no! No, no.
[Jake] Don't worry,
you won't feel a thing.
[Cheryl] No. You don't have
to do this. You don't.
[Jake]
Why is that? Why is that, huh?
[Cheryl] Because I love you,
I love you.
[Jake]
I don't believe you.
I see what you'll do
for your brother.
Just like I'll do
anything for Ashley.

-[Jake] What?
-[Cheryl] Yeah.
We're the same.
We'll do--both of us,
we would do anything.
I love you,
I love you so much, Jake.
[Jake stammers]
[Jake]
How can I trust you, huh?
Why-why wouldn't you
be able to trust me?
[Rick] You tried to take
Ashley from me!
[Cheryl]
No. Did I? Did I?
No, I never did, I never did.
The entire time,
all I wanted to do
was to find Ashley
and make sure she was okay.
And now I found her
and I know she is okay.
Please. Please give me this.
I want--I want her back,
and I want you.
All of us could be
a family together,
right in this house.
Doesn't that sound great?

[Jake]
Ashley'll never go for it.
[Cheryl]
I'm her mother.
I'll convince her.
Yeah. Convince her.
[soft, tense music playing]

What did you do to my mom?
She's...she's okay.
She's gonna cook us dinner.
[soft music playing]

[Ashley whimpers]
Shh.
Put the clothes on.
This is gonna be our first
family dinner together.


Cheryl, if I knew
you could cook this good,
I would have told you about
Ashley a long time ago.

And I didn't...I didn't mean
to hit you so hard.
I'm just glad that nasty
business is behind us,
and we can live peacefully
here together.
Ashley and I can work
nights at Pegasus
and then come home to you two.
Oh, Mom, you're not
actually serious?
Actually, I don't think
you need to do that.
Rick and I have more than enough
to keep you both here.
[soft, tense music playing]

This is what I love about you.

In fact, I think
we should treat our gentlemen
to a little
after-dinner entertainment.
A little mother-daughter duo?
Just to let them know
how much we care
and that they're gonna get
everything they deserve.
Jake, I don't...
I don't wanna do this, Jake.
Quiet, Rick.
It'll be fine.

-[Cheryl] You'll enjoy it.
-[Ashley] Come on.

[Cheryl] Right here,
right here in the middle.
Jake, a little music?
[soft, eerie music playing]


Let's play a little game,
shall we?
Let's see...see if
you can tell us apart.

[Ashley giggles]
Wow. That's kinky.
[Rick] Jake, I don't--
I don't wanna do this, Jake.
-[Jake] Rick, it'll be fine.
-[Rick] Jake...

[Jake]
Okay, come here.
[Cheryl]
A little musical chairs.

Can you tell who's who?

Oh! No touching!
-[Jake] Oh! Feisty!
-[Cheryl] Those are the rules.
Have to make sure
you don't cheat...

[Rick]
No, no--I don't want to, Jake!
-[Jake] Wait, wait, wait.
-[Rick] Jake, I don't want to!
[Cheryl]
Ashley, wait--Ashley, wait!
[vase shatters]
[Jake]
You lied to me!
[intense music playing]
Stay away from my mother!
[Ashley screams]
[Jake grunts, Cheryl coughs]

[Ashley grunts]
[thud]
Mom.
It's over!
[soft music playing]
[soft weeping]

[Randall]
On behalf of the school,
we would like to apologize
for behaving so rashly
and terminating you.
I think that this
compensation and bonus package
could attest to our feelings.
[uplifting music playing]

Wow!
I never thought I'd make
so much as a math teacher.

This way, Ashley can
afford to go to school
without you having to resort--

Cheryl, I...
I am truly sorry.
I-I shouldn't have judged you.
That wasn't fair to you.
All is forgiven.

Cheryl?
Candy? What are you doin' here?
[Candy] Well, I'm actually
going by "Candace" now, but...
[Cheryl]
Ooh, I like it!
[Candace]
I'm not embarrassing you, am I?
I'm sure you don't want
to be seen with me.
[Cheryl]
Don't be silly.
It's good to see you.
[Candace]
I saw your article.
You're a hero.

[Cheryl sighs]
Look, I just wanted
you to know that, um...
well, I think
you're pretty terrific.

And I was also wondering
if you all have
night classes here for adults.

I think it's time
I got my degree.
We have a great adult program.
Great!
Maybe you could tutor me?
I mean, I'd pay, of course.
I don't charge my friends.
Come here.
-[Candace] Thank you.
-[Cheryl] I'm glad you came.
[vocalist]
To feel good
Can't tell me
not to dream, oh
[Cheryl] You told me
those were her favorite.
[Ashley]
Yeah.
[vocalist]
Always dream
[Ashley]
Mom, I just keep thinking
about how that could have
and probably would have
happened to me
if you didn't come and save me.
[Cheryl] Listen. If you don't
want to go back to school
right away--
[Ashley] No, no,
I've lost so much time,
and I don't wanna let them
take any more from me.
But...
But what?
Mom, could I spend
the night with you?
I know it makes me sound
like such a little girl,
but I just...
You'll always be
my little girl.
Never forget that.

I'm excited.
[Ashley]
Okay!
[vocalist]
Sweetest time