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Why would you turn your back on me while I'm talking to you?
The same reason you turned your back on me when we were married.
You see, things like that... That is exactly why things didn't work out.
No, they didn't work out because you didn't try, Jay.
No, things didn't work out because we were young and needed to mature,
which I see you're still having a challenge with right now.
I'm done talking to you.
Well, that's just great. Then it's settled. Zoe moves in with me.
No, she doesn't have to move in with you! She has a place.
Can you guys explain to me why in the world you two can't just...
I don't know, what? Get along?
Look, it's this simple.
Mom, I love you,
-but I'm moving in with dad. -All right.
And dad, I love you, too, but, you know,
I'm 16, and you can't treat me like a child anymore.
I'm a teenager. I have a boyfriend.
His name is Stonehenge, and you're probably not gonna like him, so there.
-Stonehenge? -Mmm-hmm.
So, that means your boyfriend's named after a landmark?
(LAUGHING) No...
More like... More like a wonder of the world,
because he is simply wonderful.
-Just... -(CHUCKLING)
Oh, yeah. Yeah, right. Thank you for sharing that.
You see, this is why she's moving in with me.
You let her get away with way too much.
You know what? If you think you can do a better job, have at it.
-Please! -Okay, okay, Dad... Dad, dad, dad,
can you just let me talk to mom for a second, please?
Please?
-All right. I'm going to get a refill. -Okay.
Mom, come here. Come here.
Okay, so, you know I love you, right?
Mmm-hmm.
Well, if you love me so much, then how come you're taking his side?
I'm not taking anybody's side. I just think it's time I live with him for a while.
You did just get remarried, and you need time with your new husband.
You know, not to mention, experts do say that the newlywed phase
is very important for a successful marriage, so...
-What experts have you been listening to? -(CHUCKLES)
The ones on reality TV that the housewives never listen to.
Zoe, I told you about watching that mess on TV.
Mom, I have learned a lot of valuable lessons from reality TV.
Really? Like what?
I don't know. Like, you know, like, gossiping is bad.
-Uh-huh. -And not everyone who says they're your friend really is.
Wait a minute. I, your mama, taught you that stuff, remember?
Yes, yes. But I'm your kid, so you don't really, like,
expect me to believe anything you say, do you?
-(LAUGHS) -I'm serious.
(CHUCKLING) I'm serious.
-Your father can be such a stubborn jerk sometimes. -Come on, mom.
You know I don't like it when you talk about dad like that.
Well, I'm sorry if you don't want to hear the truth.
Well, then, how could you fall for such a stubborn jerk?
It happens.
Then how am I supposed to know it won't happen to me?
Zoe, now, look. You don't need to worry about that right now, okay?
-You're too young. -Okay.
You know, mom, I really don't think dad is that bad,
and he has always been great to me.
Well, he has. He has been. I'll admit that.
So, I mean, if he is any of the things you say he is,
let me just find out for myself.
All right.
If you really want to stay here, I will allow it,
but it's only gonna be for a year, and then we're gonna re-evaluate
next year based on what those grades look like.
Mom, you are just acting like dad is gonna let me run wild.
-(SIGHS) -You know, if you think he is so bad,
why did you marry him in the first place?
Oh...
'Cause he was in a band.
-But that's before I exercised good judgment. -Okay.
Stonehenge is in a band. He's actually the drummer, so...
And that's exactly why you're not gonna date him.
-(GROANS) Mom, can you... -Oh, no!
This is who you want to live with.
Listen, baby girl. Guys in bands are bad news.
Okay, but you were in a band, weren't you?
No, I was more in, like, a rap group.
-Wh... -What?
-Okay, so, that's worse. You know that, right? -What?
No, we were a clean, wholesome rap group.
Your name was, MC Pesticide!
-(BOTH CHUCKLING) -That's because I was, you know,
-killing all the unwanted pests in the streets. -Okay.
That's right. Don't act like...
-Oh, so now you gonna act like you don't know? -(LAUGHS)
Yeah, it was a metaphor.
Okay, so, did "metaphor" mean, I don't know, "corny" back in the '80s?
It was the '90s, and I was the bomb.
Okay. The bomb? Okay. Okay, Dad, you are really gonna need some sort of...
Dictionary to help you translate all of your old-man "metaphors."
Old... Old man?
Okay. I'm just kidding. You know, I'm just... I'm gonna go unpack.
Oh, hey. Hey. Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Wait. Aren't you forgetting something?
Yes, yes, yes.
Thank you, daddy.
Thanks, mom.
All right.
Stonehenge.
(GROANS)
Listen.
I appreciate you letting her move in with us.
-I'm only agreeing to do this... -And... And...
Let's kind of agree to not argue like this, all right?
She begged me to stay here, which is the only reason why I'm agreeing to do this.
But what I can't figure out is what the sudden change is all about in her.
I don't know. Maybe she just misses her father.
No, that ain't it.
I mean, why now?
Jasmine, you did just get married, right?
Maybe she really does want to give you some space.
Jay, you've been involved, but I have raised Zoe for the last 10 years,
-and I know my daughter. -Our... Daughter.
-Our teenager. -Hmm.
Oh, yeah. Just wait.
-It's not as easy as what you think. -Hmm.
She has a curfew, and I don't want you buying her a car.
Whoa. What?
(STUTTERING) Who said anything about buying her a car?
-She did. -What?
(CHUCKLING) You have no idea what you're getting into.
I love it.
(BEAT BOXING)
-(LAUGHS) -Don't stop.
-(CHUCKLING) Don't... -Bye, Jay!
Try to front on me.
(BEAT BOXING)
Yep. So, I'll be going to north side next year.
Yeah, I know it'll be weird not seeing everyone, but hey,
life is supposed to be about change, isn't it?
Yeah.
-What's up? -Uh, excuse you.
-(SIGHS) -Can I call you back?
Okay.
Can I help you with something?
I believe it's, "May I help you with something?" And yes, you may.
Okay. What do you want, Wesley?
Look, I know we're gonna be housemates now, so let me start by laying
-some ground rules, okay? -Oh, ground rules.
You know what? I think that will be a great idea.
First things first.
Do not enter my room without knocking.
Well, if you want some privacy, then close your door.
Open door is an invitation, all right?
Rule number one.
My friends... They're my friends, okay?
You cannot date or hang out with any of them.
Okay. Why would I date any of your loser friends?
See, I have a boyfriend.
Cool. Good. Perfect. Even better.
Okay, and you can't talk to any of my friends,
not that they would date you anyway, so...
I'm good. Now, look.
Pay attention. Rule number two.
School is like Vegas. What happens in Vegas, it stays there, okay?
I've got a really good system working here. I don't want to ruin it.
Well, neither do I.
Look, I know how baby sisters can be.
Wesley, I am one year younger than you,
and since boys mature at half the rate of girls,
then technically, that would make me five years older.
-You got any studs over there? -Why?
-I lost my nose ring. -Oh, no.
You are not putting my earring in your crusty nose. Buy your own studs.
Come on. I need one tonight for the lockup.
Oh, you're going to the lockup tonight?
Well, isn't collision playing?
What you know about collision?
I know plenty about them.
You happen to be looking at the drummer's girlfriend.
-Whatever. -I'm serious.
So? You're not into the music.
I know plenty about the music.
Oh, name a song.
-Uh... -Yeah, exactly.
Okay, look, I am going with you tonight, okay?
-No, you're not! -Yes. If dad thinks I'm going with you,
then he won't say anything, see?
Oh, I see.
You need me. Yeah.
(SIGHS) Fine, Wesley. I need you.
-Now, let me get that stud, right there. -Uh-uh. No. No.
Well, then, hey, Zoe, I guess it's just me solo.
I've got to just go alone.
Fine! No, wait, here. Just take them.
Now, final rule. You go out tonight,
no one is to know you're my sister, okay?
You're just some sad, unpopular girl...
-(CHUCKLING) Okay. -That just got into the club.
Okay. You know what? Whatever you say. Here.
Hold up. I only need one of these.
Oh, but I need two, and I'm not putting that one back into my ear
after your nose fungus has been on it, so bye.
-Welcome to the house. -Get out.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
I got it!
-Hey, sweetie! -Oh, hey, Mom.
Listen, I just wanted to drop off the rest of your things
before I went out of town.
-Where are you going? -Dwayne and I are going away for the weekend.
-Oh, really? -Mmm-hmm.
You see how nice it is not to have to worry about me?
Zoe, you are my child, and I will always worry about you.
-Okay. -But it is kind of nice.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
So, how you doing?
Fine.
Yeah? You adjusting okay?
Ma, it has only been like four days, and yes, everything has been fine.
Oh, you know that summer program
-that's supposed to be started next week? -Uh-huh.
Aliyah just signed me up for it, so we're good.
-Aliyah? -Mmm-hmm.
Well, why didn't your dad do it?
I guess he was working.
Listen, Zoe.
Listen, Zoe.
Now, I know that you and Aliyah haven't always gotten along.
Okay? But if she does anything that's out of order,
you let me know, okay? 'Cause I don't want her putting hands on you.
Okay, mom. Look, I was 10 then. I'm 16 now,
and I do not get spankings anymore, so it's fine.
Well, don't forget who your mother is.
You might be living here now, but that doesn't mean that she can boss you around.
-Okay. -Okay.
-Living here? -Oh, hey, Aliyah.
Jasmine.
Zoe, could you excuse us for a minute, please?
-Oh, yeah. -Thanks.
Uh, hello?
Sorry. Sorry.
Girl, you're out of your mind.
-All right, mom. Love you. Have a good trip. -Okay.
Yeah, Aliyah, can you make this quick? 'Cause I'm kind of in a rush.
Oh, sure. I just heard what you said and wanted to assure you
that I have never mistreated Zoe.
Well, I have never put my hands on my daughter,
so I don't really appreciate the way you discipline.
Well, as long as she's living here,
she has to abide by our rules. Plain and simple.
Well, just remember that she's not your daughter.
Well, not biologically, but I treat her as though she's my own,
and therefore, I will discipline as though she's my own.
Put your hands on my daughter,
and I'm gonna put hands on you.
You are not gonna come in here disrespecting me.
What's wrong, Aliyah? You can't talk woman-to-woman?
-Well, maybe if I were talking to a woman... -Oh, really?
(BOTH SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
What is all this noise going on out here?
If y'all make my souffle fall, I'm gonna sit you both down.
Aliyah.
Nothing, Mom.
Nothing?
-Jasmine? -Nothing, Miss Turner.
(SCOFFS) Nothing.
But yet you both stand out here with your lips all puckered out
like you've been sucking on lemons.
What's going on?
Jasmine doesn't feel that Zoe should listen to me because I'm not her mother,
which is asinine.
I don't agree with her parenting style.
And you know what? You can throw around them $20 words if you want to,
but if you call me out of my name again, it's gonna be a problem.
I didn't call you asinine. I said that your mama was asinine.
-My mama's asinine? -Stop it right now! Stop it right now!
This is crazy.
Ain't no shame in my game.
Well, there should be. You two are acting like children. Sit down.
I said sit down.
(GROANS)
Aliyah.
You go first.
What kind of example are you setting for Zoe,
seeing her mama and her stepmom argue
like housewives of the mob bachelorette?
You know what I'm talking about?
This is just ridiculous.
Now, you've been with Jay for six years.
It's about time that you all stop arguing and learn how to get along.
-I can't talk to her. -I can't talk to her.
Well, if y'all listened, talking would be easier.
Now, I normally don't get in grown folks' business,
but since you're acting like kids,
I'm gonna treat you like kids.
-Now, look at each other. -(SIGHS)
Don't make me repeat myself.
-Aliyah, you go first. -She doesn't respect me.
It's not that. I don't like your parenting style.
How many times do I have to tell you that?
-Let her talk. Let her talk. -All right.
She's still upset because I spanked Zoe when she was 10
and I didn't ask for permission.
-Is that true? -I don't even spank my daughter.
Hmm, well, that might be your problem.
-(EXCLAIMS) -Hush.
She should have asked or at least had her dad handle it.
Zoe's 16, so you're mad about something that happened six years ago?
Mmm-mmm. There's got to be more to it than that.
She thinks she's better than me!
Zoe said that she heard her say, that Jay upgraded when he married her.
You shouldn't have said that in front of my daughter, even if that is how you felt.
Is that true?
(CHUCKLES) It sure is.
See? See, that's what I'm talking about.
It's that smug look on her face,
and I don't want my daughter thinking that kind of attitude is okay!
-You have every right to be mad, baby. -Thank you.
But you've also got to realize
that you cannot let Aliyah drag you down to that level of childishness.
If you do that, baby, you'll only prove her point.
Aliyah, when you met Jay, you didn't have a job or a place to live.
-Now, is that an upgrade? -Ma!
-Whose side are you on? -Zoe's.
Together, you two could be a shining example of what womanhood is all about,
but like this, you're killing her perception,
and it's got to stop right now, and I mean right now.
I shouldn't have said what I did in front of Zoe.
You shouldn't have said it at all.
And you need to respect my marriage
and stop asking Jay what he sees in me.
-Oh, you know about that? -Yeah, I know about that.
(CHUCKLING) I wonder what he saw in either one of you.
Mom!
I'm not saying you're not wonderful women.
What I'm saying, is get it together.
Aliyah, when you married Jay,
you married everything that came along with him,
including Zoe and Jasmine.
That's right.
-And Jasmine. -Hmm?
Who you are has nothing to do with my daughter's opinion of you.
Baby, just be a role model for Zoe, not Aliyah.
And talk to Jay about your issues, and let him deal with the things
that's going on in his house.
Now, I don't want to hear another peep out of either one of you. Deal?
-Yes, ma'am. -Yes, ma'am.
-(BELL DINGS) -Y'all hear that?
That means that this therapy session is over.
Now go check on my souffle.
I'm tired. Y'all ain't gonna worry me.
Well...
I'm gonna go, and I'll call about Zoe later.
-Bye, Miss Turner. -Call anytime, Jasmine.
-Bye. -Ma.
-Souffle. -But Ma.
-Souffle. -(GROANS)
-I love you, Ma. -Child, did my souffle fall?
-No, ma'am. -(CHUCKLES)
All right, then. I love you, too.
-Well, I guess you told them, huh? -(CHUCKLES)
-How long you been eavesdropping? -I don't know.
Long enough to know that you still got it, though.
(LAUGHS)
I'll tell you what, you keep being nosy, I'm gonna give you some of what I still got.
Oh, come on. You don't mean that.
See, me and you, we've always been pretty cool.
-Think so? -Yeah.
You are the only one who ever really listens to me, so...
Baby, sometimes, parents get so caught up in their own issues,
they forget who they're actually doing it all for.
Yeah, well, I mean, I guess we were all born selfish, right?
And we have to learn benevolence and compassion,
and some people just have a very slow learning curve, so...
Hmm. Where'd you get that from?
-You, nana. -(LAUGHS)
-Well, I guess we are cool. -The cool ones.
-Give me some. -(CHUCKLES)
I don't think so. Nana, come on.
I'm just playing.
-Oh, there you are. Hey. -Hey, baby.
How you doing? You okay? I'm good. How was your day?
-Great. Great. You? -Fine.
I still don't understand why a 16-year-old isn't folding her own clothes.
Hold on one second. I'll make this change.
Zoe! Zoe!
Jay, she and Wesley went to the mall.
Oh, okay. Well, baby, just leave it.
You know I can't stand for fresh, clean clothes to just lie around.
-All right. -Look, I got it.
Okay, no, no, no. I will help you out.
-Oh, she's pretty long now. -So...
When were you planning on telling me that Zoe
was gonna be here for the school year and not just the summer?
Oh, I was, uh... I was planning to tell you tonight.
No, I'm serious. This is just the first time that me and you
have been able to get together since
-I've been working the long hours. -Mmm-hmm.
Well, don't you think maybe you should have talked to me
before you told her she could move in?
Well, baby, she asked.
And you still should have talked to me first.
Would you have said "no?"
Jay, that's not the point.
Look, you didn't even consider what I might have said.
On our first date, I told you that I had custody of my son,
and I asked you whether or not that was going to be a problem.
Mmm-hmm, and I told you that I had a daughter
that sometimes stays with me during the summers and weekends.
Exactly.
So, if that agreement had changed, you should have informed me.
Why didn't you inform me first?
Because we're married.
So what? Does that mean that you no longer have to consider
my opinion because we're married?
No. No. No.
It just means that my daughter is now your daughter.
You still should have asked, Jay.
Okay.
Okay. I'm sorry.
Baby, I really would like Zoe
to come stay with us until she graduates high school.
Is that all right with you?
-Is it? -It's not like I can say "no" now.
Why would you say "no"?
Jay, I wouldn't.
But if I did, are you really gonna tell her she has to go back home?
Exactly.
You're right.
You're absolutely right.
You know what?
Now that you mention it, I read something,
an article in the paper today.
It said that Steve was coming here to take a new sports-anchor job.
That true?
-Yeah, he called and told me. -Hmm.
So, that means that he's gonna be living here.
-Yep. -Hmm.
So, when were you planning on telling me?
My plan was to tell you tonight.
(CHUCKLES) Hmm.
So, does Wesley know that his father is here?
No.
I was gonna talk to Steve first
and see if he's really gonna be here full-time
-and see how involved he planned to be. -Hmm.
Well, he hasn't been involved since you two got split up.
-Yes. -So, why would they change now?
Well, that's because he was living across the country.
But now that he lives here, I don't know. Who knows?
Hmm.
-He and Wesley talk. He sends him money. -(CHUCKLES)
Look, Jay, he wasn't able to have him during summers because of training camp,
but now that he's not playing anymore, who knows?
I don't know what Steve intends on doing.
Yeah. You always make excuses for him.
No, I don't.
I don't make any excuses for Steve.
But Wesley idolizes his father, despite everything that's happened.
So I'm gonna talk to Steve first
and make sure he doesn't get hurt.
Hmm. Sounds great.
But I think we should both talk to him.
Because I want to know him.
-Right? -Hey, mom.
-Hey, what's up, Jay? -What's going on, bro?
You wouldn't believe who I saw at the mall today.
Dad. He just moved here.
Guess those plans are not working out as planned, huh?
Where did you two get all that stuff?
Dad. He gave us his credit card.
Okay, how come you never give me your credit card?
Baby, because I don't have to do things to ease my guilty conscience.
Uh-huh. Point taken.
Uh, you two, don't get too excited about this stuff,
because it'll probably have to go back.
Mom, look, don't make me take these back.
Please. You know how much allowance
I had to save up just to get these?
Wesley, why didn't you just come to us and ask us for the money for the sneakers?
They cost over $100.
Brother, I'm so glad that you didn't involve us in that.
Baby, there's a lot of wisdom in this one.
-I don't have to take my stuff back. -Whoa, wait a minute.
And why is Steve buying you anything?
Uh, well, he said he didn't want me to feel bad,
leaving empty-handed, so he told me to shop, too.
Oh, you see?
That's exactly why I need to talk to Steve first.
He always gets him excited about stuff and then lets him down.
Uh, dad, I even got you something.
Listen, I don't need you to buy me anything.
Oh! Whoa! This is exactly what...
Baby, can you believe how good this looks on me?
And can you believe how quickly it has to go back?
But I got it for you.
It's going back. Put it in the bag.
Matter of fact, don't take anything out of the boxes or bags
until me and your mother have had a chance to discuss it.
-Come on. -Zoe, fold up your clothes.
Wesley, go clean up your room.
Go ahead, do whatever it is you're doing.
-Wesley, the bag stays with me. -That's right.
And I'll take care of this. Okay? Yeah.
(CHUCKLES) Jay, you are not keeping that hat.
-Oh, baby, I was just making sure that it was in the bag. -In the bag?
-That's right. -In the bag?
-Keep it in there. -Mmm-hmm.
(SIGHS)
And you... You know, I had to fold up all these...
Oh, oh, that hat was off the chain!
-Yeah! Yeah! Where did you get that? -MC Pesticide.
Oh, well, look at you.
No, no, no, no, no, no.
I actually did consider the whole, you know, recruiting job,
and to be honest with you, I got a better offer.
-(KNOCK ON DOOR) -No, I thought...
Hold... Hold... You know what?
I'll give you a call back.
No. No. I'll call you back. Peace.
Coming!
Hey.
-Oh. -Why did you let my kids buy all of that junk?
Steve, you are not gonna move here and start wreaking havoc on my life!
Hello, Aliyah! How are you? Like a drink, huh?
Don't you "hello, Aliyah" me, and no, I don't want a thing to drink.
Come on, now. I don't even know what I did wrong this time.
Well, that's your problem, Steve. You never do.
(SIGHS)
The best thing you can do for Wesley, is spend time with him.
Stop buying him a whole bunch of stuff he doesn't need.
Look, come on, baby. Ain't nothing wrong with me
spoiling my boy every once in a while.
I got the means to do it. Your means have never been your issue, have they?
The question is what are your intentions?
You know what my intentions are?
I intend to be a father like I've always been.
Oh, honey, well, you have been a provider but certainly not his father.
Oh, okay.
Well, I'm very sorry that queen Aliyah feels that way,
but news flash, baby,
I'm a much better father to him than my daddy has ever been to me.
Oh, wow. Well, that ain't saying too much, now, is it?
Aliyah, come on, baby. What do you want from me?
Well, if you don't know right now, we need to sit down
-and lay down some ground rules. -(SIGHS)
And first things first.
If you want to see Wesley, you have to talk to me first.
-What? -No calling him up and making plans.
Oh, come on. The boy's 17 years old.
Yes, he is a boy, and I am his mother.
Look, Steve. I am serious.
He's doing well in school this year, and I need him to stay focused.
Okay. Okay.
I won't call him. I'll call you.
-Thank you. -Good?
All right, now, hold on. I want to... I want to ask you something, now.
Why isn't Wesley playing football?
-Are you serious? -Why doesn't he play ball? Come on!
-Are you even listening to me? -Yes, I am listening!
It only seems like the natural thing to do!
I mean, his dad actually only has
the Heisman trophy and two super bowl rings.
Come on!
That's about you, Steve. Wesley likes skateboarding.
He likes what?
Did... Did you say he likes to skateboard?
No, no, no, no, no. "Hey, hey, hey, Steve. Your son play football?"
No, man! He likes to skateboard.
Oh, god! I knew I should have taken him this summer.
-So you could teach him how to play football? -Exactly.
What about teaching him how to be a man?
Hey, hey. We talk about man stuff all the time, okay?
What's your husband talk to him about? Skateboarding?
I'm gonna tell you one more time.
Don't mess with my son.
Either you're all the way in, or you're out.
(DOOR SLAMS)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
-Hey, baby. -Hey, nana.
Hmm.
Help your mama get this house clean.
Men's Fitness magazine. Nobody's gonna get fit around here, at least not me.
(CHUCKLES)
They're nice, right?
Gonna be nice and broke if you don't get them off that table.
Check them out. Brand-new.
Just got them. Fresh.
-Ah! -Check out my kicks.
What's in your shoes? Bricks? That hurt.
No. Air.
Just like that big old head of yours.
I heard you went on a shopping spree.
Oh, yeah. With my dad. That's where I got these.
Mmm-hmm.
-Your dad sure know how to give good gifts. -He does.
He even got Zoe some stuff.
When's the last time you seen your dad since you saw him the other day?
A little over a year ago, maybe. I don't know.
Hmm.
That doesn't bother you?
Well, not really. I mean, he's always working, you know?
When he's not playing, he's training, and when he quit,
he went overseas for a while, you know?
I don't understand it.
You seem to think that your father is so perfect, yet you complain about your mother
all the time, but she's the one that's right here, doing all the work.
Mom didn't buy me a car.
(LAUGHING) Oh! So, that's it.
New stuff... New cars and kicks, huh?
That's not what it's all about.
I mean, it is nice to get new cars and new kicks every once in a while.
Mmm-hmm.
I wish somebody would buy me some new stuff.
Nana, what do you want me to buy you?
Let me see. You know,
I could use me a nice, new Sunday hat.
A big, old pretty one.
Okay, okay. *** it to the side. Swag it out a little big.
-Come on, now. You know I'd do it. -Nana, I got you.
Just ask for it, and it's yours.
Baby, your mother does everything she can for you.
She sacrificed her whole life for you.
And Jay...
He loves you unconditionally.
You are so blessed, baby.
I know, nana.
Well, act like it sometimes.
Not when you're getting new clothes, but when you got food on the table
or you get some gas to put in that new car of yours.
(CHUCKLES)
-I get an "amen." -Amen.
(SIGHS)
I love you, mom.
I appreciate you, mom. Is there anything I can do for you?
Well, that's not very sincere, is it?
I am being sincere, mom. I love you. Come on. Bring it here.
Bring it? Boy, get off of me.
-(LAUGHS) -Nana, are those cookies ready?
Yeah, they're on top of the stove. Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.
I got something for you.
I need you to do something for me.
Just read them. Call you later, okay?
-Hey, baby. -Mom, what a day.
-(CHUCKLING) -Are you tired? Come on. Park it right there.
I just want to sit down here and take a nap.
-(CHUCKLES) -Oh...
You didn't happen to cook some dinner to go along with those cookies, did you?
Child, I done cooked enough dinner to last me two lifetimes.
Why do you think I'm always trying to eat dinner with you?
Oh...
Hey. May I?
-Yeah, come on. -All right.
Oh, wow. Look at how clean it is in here.
I know. Mmm-hmm.
You got your little afro... Big old puff on the top.
Oh, wow.
When... When did you start wearing those?
-Dad, are you serious? -Very.
Come on, man. Mom lets me wear them all the time.
-Really? -Yeah.
Okay. I want to do something. Be right back.
Uh, uh, Aliyah.
-Dad, you don't have to... -I want a woman's opinion.
-Hey, hey, hey. What's going on? -Hey, baby. Listen.
You like those shoes?
-I like them. -Would you wear those shoes?
-Yeah. -See?
-Thank you. Take them off. -But no. What
Listen. If Aliyah would wear those shoes,
then you obviously should not be wearing them.
-Dad, come on. Are you serious? -I'm really serious.
Your mother lets you get away with too much, but not in this house, not on my watch.
Take them off. Aliyah, can you please tell him they're fine?
-Jay, I don't see anything wrong with the shoes. -Thank you.
I mean, this is how girls her age are dressing these days.
-Really? -Yeah.
Oh.
-Zoe. -(CHUCKLES)
Zoe, could you let me talk to your dad, please?
-Yes. -I got you.
(CHUCKLES)
-(CLEARS THROAT) -Yeah?
-Jay. -Yes?
Come on, honey. It's a pair of shoes, okay?
Just let her wear them.
When are you gonna talk to Steve?
I already talked to him.
You what?
I saw him today.
Hmm. I thought, you know, we were gonna talk to him together.
-I thought it was best I went alone. -Why?
-Well, because I didn't want him to get defensive. -Hmm.
And I wasn't sure what you were going to say.
Well, baby, when we, uh, decide to do things together,
I would love to know when the plans change.
Well, the problem is, we didn't decide. It was a suggestion.
Okay.
-Suggestion. -Yeah.
You just suggested it.
Okay. All right.
What?
Dad, I really got to start closing this door.
Look, dad, don't go through my things, okay?
Hmm.
(SIGHS)
Okay, so, I can keep the shoes?
-What? -The shoes.
Oh, yeah, against my better judgment.
You know, this is... This is a really good picture of you and your mom.
Do you ever wish you'd stayed with her?
I don't even know how to answer that.
Just tell me the truth.
(SIGHING) Well...
I wish we could have stayed together for your sake,
but I have no regrets on marrying Aliyah.
We make a better couple.
So, are you two gonna have a baby?
Uh, that's not in the plans, but, you know, I don't know. Maybe.
I think you guys should.
-Thanks for letting me keep the shoes, by the way. -Hmm.
And where are you going again?
-To the movies. -Right.
-Movies. -Yeah. It's dark in the movies.
Okay, dad. Look, I already know where you're going with that,
and just so you know, the movie-theater lobby is kind of like a catwalk,
and while I'm waiting in line for my popcorn, I just want to give them "bam."
-Oh. -See, one wrong fashion choice, and you might as well,
-(CHUCKLING) -I don't know, transfer to another school.
-It's that serious, huh? -Yes, Dad.
Like, you don't understand. I set the standard for a lot of girls.
You would be very proud of me.
I am proud of you.
But I want your reputation to be built on good grades and respect,
not just your fashion choices, young lady.
It is, dad. It is.
(CHUCKLES) So...
You know, I've never heard your mix tape.
(CHUCKLING) Oh, my mix tape.
-You want my... My mix tape? -Yeah.
What do you want?
-Nothing. -No, it's something.
-No. -How can I be of service? Spit it out.
Okay.
-Um, well, okay. It's nothing big. -Right.
But, okay, okay. Here it is. Yeah.
I don't really like having to ride around with Wesley
everywhere, so how come I can't just have my own car?
Because you don't need a car.
-Well, I do. -Really?
Yes. Look, okay.
See, I don't think you really understand my schedule, but it's very hectic.
-Enlighten me. -Okay, so, I have swim team practice 8:00am.
Every morning, which will then switch to 4:00pm. In the afternoons
once school starts, and then this summer, I have gymnastics
on Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
and then pre-college courses on Mondays and Fridays.
So, you work all the time, and Aliyah is gonna get tired of taking me everywhere.
Did she say that?
-Okay, not exactly, but, I mean, I can tell. -Hmm.
And if you get me a car, then I can help you out by running errands.
I don't need you to do that.
-Wesley has a car. -His father bought him a car.
We don't want him to out do you, now, do we?
(CHUCKLING) I'm not in the competition.
Listen, is there a job somewhere in this hectic schedule?
-Um, no. -I can't hear you.
No, but I don't have time for a job, dad.
Well, I think the movies is calling you.
Look, dad, the car. Come on.
-What if we just talk about it... -Later.
Later. We'll discuss it later.
-Okay. -All right?
Okay, well, you know my birthday is next month, so don't forget.
I'm not gonna miss your birthday.
No, I'm not talking about my birthday.
I'm actually talking about this conversation about the car.
Goodbye, Zoe.
Bye, Daddy.
Oh, thank you.
-(CHUCKLING) I love you. See you later. -Yeah, okay. Whatever.
It's about time, Zoe. You're gonna make me late.
Come on. Chill, okay?
The movie doesn't start for another hour, so it's okay.
Zoe, I'm not going to the movies, okay?
I'm dropping you off, then I'm meeting my dad at the station.
He's gonna give me a behind-the-scenes tour,
and then we're going to a party.
Okay, well, you know that sounds like way more fun than the movies, so...
-No, you can't come. -Please, please, please?
No. Look, look, I have to talk to my dad about some important stuff.
I don't want your big mouth talking about it before it's even decided.
Before what's decided?
Nothing, Zoe. Come on.
Wes, what is it?
We're going to see if I can live with my dad.
-Hey, I just got here. -All the more reason.
No, Zoe, look, I'm serious.
We've never got any time to get to know each other
because he's always lived on the west coast.
-Okay. -Now is the perfect time.
-And plus, in a year, I... -So, are you gonna take me with you or what?
'Cause this whole...
Did you just interrupt me?
No, no, no. Actually, I just interjected in between your words,
which isn't really the same thing, so...
Yeah, I'm dropping you off at the movies.
No, Wes! Please! Please!
Mom, we're about to leave!
Hey.
So, what time will you two be back?
Around like 12:00.
I thought the movie started at 7:00.
-We'll probably get something to eat afterwards. -Yeah.
-A little snack. -Okay.
Well, by midnight, you two better be walking through that door.
-Okay. All right. Got you, Mom. -Mmm-hmm.
-All right. Love you. -All right. Love you guys.
ZOE: Bye. Love you, too.
Have fun.
WESLEY: We will. ZOE: Will do.
-Midnight. -WESLEY: Okay.
ZOE: Okay. Okay.
Jay, could you get down here for a minute?
(JAY SCATTING)
-You busy? -No, baby.
-Just taking care of some work. -Mm-hmm.
Well, mom just left.
The kids are gone until midnight.
So, I was thinking you and I could go out for dinner instead of cooking.
-Oh, yeah, that's what I'm talking about. -Hmm.
-Oh, wait. Oh... -What?
Midnight?
Yeah. That's Wesley's curfew in the summertime. You know that.
Yeah, but Zoe's curfew is 10:00.
Uh-huh. But she's riding with Wesley.
All right, but come on, baby. You can't just change a curfew time
because she's riding with Wesley. She's younger.
-By one year. -Mm-hmm.
Jay, you're not calling her.
Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna just, uh...
-Honey, listen. -Hello?
It's too late to change things now, all right?
They'll be back by midnight.
(SIGHING)
Why wouldn't you call me before you let them leave?
For the same reason you didn't talk to me first
before you told her she could move in here.
Okay. All right.
So, now I see what this is about.
That's what's been bothering you?
Come on. Let's talk about it.
Come on, baby. Let's talk about it. Don't shut down.
Jay, you should have asked me first.
Asked you what? She's my daughter.
And I'm your wife.
And we should have had a conversation before you told her
she could move in here.
She's normally here on the weekends, so I don't understand...
Yeah, the weekends, Jay.
Not every day a week for the next two years or until she goes to college.
But you're always talking about how you want, uh,
Wesley and her to spend more time together.
(EXHALING) That is not the point.
I'm trying to tell you that we should have had a conversation
before you told her she could move in here.
Jay, you're always making these decisions without talking to me first.
-Okay. -You changed the bank without telling me.
-Uh-huh. -You changed this paint color. I mean...
Okay, so, you're saying
that you have a challenge with Zoe moving in here.
Yes.
Yes, Jay, I do.
Look, raising another child is more of a responsibility
-than I really want right now. -Hmm.
I'm going back to school, and with work, there's just not enough time.
Baby, they're teenagers. They practically raise themselves.
No, they don't, Jay.
You're gone most of the week, so you have no idea.
I have to clean up behind them. I have to cook. I have to...
Let them cook and clean for themselves.
Wesley's 17.
I mean, you shouldn't be washing his clothes anyway.
You're 38, and I still wash yours.
-But I'm your husband. -And he's my son.
Who needs to learn some responsibility.
You need to stop babying him.
-I don't baby him. -Yes, you do.
And when I give him rules, you don't back me up on it.
That's because sometimes, you're just too *** him.
He's a man who's about to enter this world, and he needs to be prepared.
If not, he's gonna end up right back here with us.
To tell you the truth, I'm ready for both of them to be away at college
so I can have more time to spend with my wife.
Now, look at me.
Look at me.
Why do you have a problem with Zoe moving in, hmm?
Baby, I've talked to Jasmine, and everything is okay.
So, what is it?
You're gonna be really upset when I say this.
Well, say it anyway.
Jay, I don't want to share you with anyone else.
What?
Look, I know it's selfish, but I'm just being honest.
I already find myself just waiting around here
to try to spend some quality time with you as is.
You work so much, and now, with another person in this house who needs you,
I mean, it's...
(SIGHS)
She's my daughter.
-I know. -Hmm?
I know.
And for the six years we have been married,
I have enjoyed spending quality time with her
and watching her grow into a beautiful young woman.
Yeah, as long as it's not on weekends and holidays.
Don't say it like that, Jay.
Well, baby, how else am I supposed to say it?
I mean, what if it was the same way when we were...
What if I felt the same way when we met, hmm?
I mean, I've been raising Wesley since he was 11 years old.
I know, Jay. And you know how much I appreciate that.
So, you're saying that you wouldn't have married me if I had custody of Zoe?
Of course I would have married you.
It's just that I would have known from the beginning
what I was signing up for.
You signed up to love and cherish me.
My daughter is part of me.
You knew this when we got married,
so whether it's two days a week or seven,
it's what you signed up for.
I shouldn't have said anything.
No. No, I'm glad you did,
because at least now, I know what the attitude is about.
-Jay, are you mad at me? -No.
Just disappointed.
-(DOOR CLOSES) -God.
(CELLPHONE DINGING)
(SIGHING)
Are you s...
(SIGHING)
Ow.
So, I, umm...
I thought we'd go out and play some basketball a little later.
-Is that all right? -Yeah, yeah, that's cool, Dad.
What time do you want to go?
You know, I have a conference call in about an hour, so right after that.
Okay. Cool. Seems cool.
CROWD ON TV: Defense! Defense!
You good?
Yeah, I'm good. You good?
I'm great.
-All right. -Great.
So, umm...
Mom says that you, umm... You're good in school.
Yeah. Yeah. I might get a scholarship.
Man! That's awesome.
I'm telling you, those academic scholarships, that's where it's at
'cause sports... You know, it's risky.
You can always get hurt or something.
Yeah, I know, and plus they don't make skateboard scholarships yet.
Yeah, that's right.
Your mama told me that you play the
(LISPING) skateboard.
(CHUCKLING) Dad, come on.
No, I'm just saying that you play the
(LISPING) skateboard.
(LAUGHING)
I'm just kidding, Son.
Listen, umm...
I want to ask you something.
Get those big old feet off my chair, boy.
-Son, my boy... -(CHUCKLES)
Listen, have you ever thought about playing football?
Yeah, I did when I was younger, but, dad, I wasn't really that good.
(STAMMERING) Shut up!
Did you practice?
Yeah, of course I practiced. I just...
I didn't like the sport.
I like individual sports.
I'm not really that big on teams.
I'm gonna ask your mama for a DNA test.
I think she fooled around with Tiger Woods or somebody.
(LAUGHING)
You know what? I wish...
I wish that I had spent more time with you, man.
I mean, I begged your mom, "Please, move down west."
"Oh, no, I got to stay down here with my mama.
"That's where my help come from."
Yeah, she told me that. It's good.
-Did she? -She told me.
All right. Well, one thing I'm gonna promise you, boy.
Now that I'm back here,
we're gonna spend a lot more time together, Son.
I'm gonna see you at least twice a month.
Hey, Dad, I was kind of thinking that...
-(DOORBELL RINGING) -Oh, oh, oh, hold that thought.
It's the door. Hold on. Let me
(LISPING) skateboard. Can I borrow your skateboard?
(LAUGHING)
I want to skate...
(GROANING)
Son, it's the boogeyman.
Hey.
-You are so pathetic. -Mmm.
I came to get Wesley.
No, no, we about to play some hoop. Wes is good.
No, he's not good.
Mom, what are you doing here?
I came to pick you up.
-Dad is gonna drop me off later. -No, he's not.
Aliyah, what is wrong with you?
Wesley was supposed to come home last night,
not send his sister home with the car
and text me at 11:30, saying he was gonna stay here with you.
How come you didn't just text me back last night?
Aliyah: Text you?
Why didn't you bring you're behind home last night the way you were supposed to?
Okay, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
It's my fault.
Really, I take full responsibility.
I told him that he'd spend the night, send his sister home, okay?
But it's good. It's all right
'cause we had a late breakfast after the party.
-The p... The party? -WESLEY: He...
What party?
Yeah, yeah, about that, the party...
No, it's okay. It's all right.
Hey, it's all right. I just, um...
I took him to the pre-draft party with me.
(CHUCKLING) We had a good time.
Bam. Yeah.
Are you talking about the same pre-draft party
that has all the desperate women trying to hook themselves an athlete?
-Uh... -Dad, there was some bad girls.
-There wasn't no girls. -You know what?
You get in the car.
-Mom, come on... -Now!
Come on, Aliyah.
-Hey, I'll see you a little later, all right? -All right, Dad.
-Love you, man. -Love you, too.
All right. Hey!
Don't talk about the girls.
(DOOR CLOSES)
-Are you kidding me? -What?
What are you doing bringing a 17-year-old to a party like that?
Aliyah, I was watching him.
Steve, you know what happens at those parties.
Of course I do.
That's where I met you. Remember?
I'm gonna tell you one more time.
You are not to see him until you talk to me first.
And I'm gonna tell you he's my son, too.
Well, stop treating him like he's your homeboy.
-I'm not treating him like he's my homeboy! -Yes, you are!
Why do you have to control everything?
Wesley, I said get in the car!
Let the boy talk. Go ahead.
I want to move in with dad.
-Oh! Shut up. -Absolutely not.
(SCOFFING) Oh, no, no, no.
Why not? Mom, you're always saying that you wish we were closer.
Like, he's finally here.
This is my last year in high school.
I made good grades.
Like, this is the perfect time. Wha...
(MURMURING INDISTINCTLY)
-So, what's up, Steve? -Hmm?
Why don't you have anything to say?
-(STAMMERING) -Ah.
Come on, Dad. Don't you think it's a good idea?
Huh? Uh, yeah, man.
I think it's an excellent idea.
But I also think that you ought to listen to your mother.
See, that's the best thing for you to do.
The bible say you ought to listen to your parents, which is pleasing to Jehovah.
-Doesn't it say that, baby? -Ooh, honey, you are quoting bible verses?
Jalapeno.
Wow.
You know what?
(SCOFFING) It's funny because you have never cared
about Wesley listening to me before.
No, that's... that's... That's not true. She lies.
(LAUGHING)
No, I always told you I appreciate the way you raise my son.
Didn't I tell you that, huh? Didn't I?
-That's what I thought. -You know what, Wesley?
Mama is tired.
So, if you want to go ahead and move in with your daddy, you go right ahead, baby.
Cool. Dad, I guess I'm moving in tomorrow.
No, no, no, no.
I mean, tomorrow kind of soon, right?
Say, I got to check my work schedule, man.
I got these crazy hours, you know?
Come on, dad. I can stay home by myself.
-It's cool. -Mm-hmm.
Oh, you know, we're gonna have to pack up
all that dirty clothes I haven't washed yet,
but we can get you right. We'll get you here.
-Cool? -WESLEY: Thank you, mom.
All right, baby, no problem.
-Mm. -Guess I'll see you tomorrow.
-All right! We'll see you tomorrow, baby. -All right, see you then.
-Love you, son. -Love you, too.
Mm, how great is that?
You know what, Steve?
He's gonna need a little help with all that packing he has to do,
so, uh, what time you gonna come by tomorrow?
(STAMMERING) I'll call you.
Please do.
No, wait. Wait. Let me talk to you for a second.
Li... No, no, Li... Aliyah...
Aliyah!
(EXHALES SHARPLY)
-Hey, what's up, Jay? -Hey. What's going on?
Not much.
When your mother tells you to do something, you do it.
All right?
Good to see you.
I'm about to move in with my pops, so...
Aliyah?
Look, he asked, so I said, why not?
But while we're at it, why don't you tell Jay where you were last night?
I just went out with my dad.
Hmm? Hmm?
-JAY: Okay. -Where?
To a party?
-A party. -JAY: Okay.
-An NFL pre-draft party. -Oh.
WESLEY: Dad was with us the whole night.
It's not like he wasn't watching us.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
-With "us"? -ALIYAH: Mm-hmm.
"Us" who?
So... So, you took...
Zoe?
Zoe?
Baby, get down here.
-Hey, hey, hey, baby girl. -Hey.
Hey, umm, listen, I was just talking to Wesley.
Uh, tell me about the movie.
Uh, do you have your ticket stub from last night?
-Can you show it to me? Tick! Look me. -(STAMMERING)
-Ticket stub. -Umm...
Where'd you go last night?
Okay, well, you should just get me my own car.
Then I won't have to ride around
-with Wesley everywhere. -Wow.
-Hold on. Hold on. You begged to go with me. -That's an interesting tone.
Uh, listen, you, no swimming, uh, no gymnastics, uh, no cellphone.
As a matter of fact, next week you're getting yourself a part-time job.
I don't want to hear it.
What? Well, is Wesley getting grounded, too?
I'm moving in with my dad.
Well, how about both of you move on upstairs?
WESLEY: Yeah. Let's go.
Snitch.
Yeah, I hope you enjoyed the party.
I can't believe that you're allowing him to do this.
And we didn't talk about this again why?
-Okay, Jay, not now, please. -All right.
I'm just saying that we have to be on the same page
if we're going to defeat the enemy.
-The enemy? -Yeah.
Teenagers.
(LAUGHING)
(INHALES SHARPLY)
So, you really gonna let him do this?
(SIGHING) Jay, if he wants to live with his dad, so be it.
That's gonna be the quickest lesson
that he has ever learned in appreciation.
Hmm.
All right.
Baby, are you still mad at me?
Yes, I am.
(CLEARS THROAT)
Jay, listen, I want to be able to be honest with you,
-even if it shows a bad side of me. -Right. Right.
Mm. Mm.
Look, I'm not saying that Zoe can't stay here,
but I am gonna say that she plays you.
Whoa. Wait a minute.
Are you saying that my daughter plays me?
Yes. She plays on your guilt.
No, she doesn't.
Yes, she does.
(CHUCKLES SARCASTICALLY)
-Exhibit "A." -What... What is that?
Is this a car magazine?
Oh, yeah, that... Yeah, that... That is.
-Really? -Yeah.
-Yeah. Uh-huh. -Uh-huh.
Wow. You want something to drink?
Get, uh, something to drink.
Okay, so, you're planning on buying her a car?
Oh! No, no.
Oh, I know what you're...
See, no, that was...
That was just so, you know, you wouldn't have to drive her around all the time.
-That's what that was. -Oh!
-Yeah. -And this is all about me.
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Because I love you. That's what a husband does for a wife.
(INHALES SHARPLY)
-Okay, Jay... -Okay.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
Okay, listen.
I just want to get her the things that she wants
because she did not grow up in the house with me.
Baby, look, I know, and I appreciate that.
And I know you do the same exact thing for Wesley.
-I love you for that. -Yeah, well, he's my son, too.
Look, I really do feel bad for what I said.
It's just that I really, really miss spending time with you,
and Zoe doesn't always listen to what I say,
so it's gonna make things a lot harder.
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
But I'm sorry.
Hmm. Really?
-Mm-hmm. -Yeah, well...
(CHUCKLES)
I'm sorry, too.
Shut up and kiss me.
I think I can do that.
-You can do that? -Yeah.
-You can do that? -Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm. Mmm.
Ooh!
♪ As We Lay ♪
(LAUGHING) That's what I'm talking about, baby.
All this love going on, honey,
I might get me a new grandbaby in the mix!
(LAUGHS)
-ALIYAH: Hi, Ma. -Hey, baby.
I didn't know you were here, Ma.
Oh, honey, I just stopped by.
You know, I had to make my famous peach cobbler.
JAY: Mmm.
Okay, Ma, I got a question, and not that we mind at all,
but why do you always come over here to make your desserts?
'Cause I'm on a diet,
and I need to leave all those extra calories
-right here and not in my house. -JAY: Mm.
-(LAUGHS) -JAY: Give thanks.
Give thanks and praise.
Yeah, but don't think you're gonna get anymore grandkids out of us
because the two we have are aging us as we speak.
Well, I don't know, baby. One more might not be so bad...
I mean, a little baby that looks like the both of us.
-Cute little baby. -Cute.
Cute. Cute baby.
-ALIYAH: Okay, are you two kidding? -Beautiful baby.
-Take after me. -Are you kidding?
-(LAUGHS) -No. No.
-Seriously? -We'll see.
-(GASPS) "We'll see"? -Yeah.
-Well, we'll practice. -Jay!
Ooh!
-JAY: Mama, you didn't hear that. -(CHANTING) Namanama...
I don't want to hear that part.
Look, on that note, let me go check on Zoe. I'll be right back.
Okay, baby, listen, the two that we have...
No, no, no, no, no, there is no way.
We might be home free in two years.
Think about that.
Yeah, I'll think about that.
-Let me go check on Zoe. -(CHUCKLES)
Okay, I'll be up in a minute
'cause I have some new info on that Stonehenge situation.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
Aww, Ma, I have such a good husband.
Baby, you just now realizing that?
Mm. I don't know. Some days I, uh,
I know it more than others.
(EXHALES HEAVILY)
(GROANS)
So, how am I supposed to trust you if you lie to me?
Dad, I really was gonna go to the movies
until I found out about the party.
Mm.
Why didn't you just ask me?
Well, you would have said "No."
Absolutely.
Well, then I would have been in direct defiance.
See, not asking you was like indirect defiance,
based on the assumption that you might not agree.
You really are the enemy.
(STAMMERING) Enemy? What?
You're wrong, okay,
plain and simple, and you are on punishment.
And you see, I was down there thinking about getting you a car,
but now I see you're not responsible enough...
No, dad, please, please, I need my own car.
Oh, so, you only wanted to move here for a car.
No, no, no, I wanted to move here
'cause I want to go to Northside.
What's at Northside?
Mm, more like "Who's at Northside?"
-Mm-hmm. -What does that mean?
-Oh, I did a little research on Stonehenge. -Oh.
Why would you do that, Aliyah?
Oh, honey, because that's what mothers do.
-So, Stonehenge goes to Northside high. -Mm-hmm.
-Oh, so now it's all starting to make sense. -Mm-hmm.
You came to go to this school so you can be with that boy.
No, not just some boy, but the hottest drummer in the city.
Look, dad, they're gonna blow up and just be famous.
And what happens after this explosion?
Explosion?
When they blow up, the explosion.
What happens?
After he becomes famous,
do you think he's still gonna want to be with you?
I mean, I am his girlfriend.
I know I'm gonna have to, like, put up with a few groupies, but...
-Oh, god. -At the end of the day,
they always go back to the one who was with them before it all exploded.
-ALIYAH: Hm. -So, she played me.
Oh, honey, did she play you.
(CHUCKLES)
And by the way, his social status says "single."
So, if he's not claiming you now as a nobody,
do you really think he's gonna claim you as a famous drummer?
Oh, you don't know that.
Whoa, hold on, social status?
ALIYAH: Oh. Jay.
-Okay, babe, look... -Yeah?
I think it's time that Zoe and I had a little girl talk.
Okay, I want to talk more about Stonehenge.
-Stonehenge? -Yeah.
-Really? -Yeah.
Go pull out an encyclopedia.
-What happened? -(LAUGHS)
Look, go help Wesley with his packing, and I got this, okay?
What happened to my baby?
She got taken over by the teenage body snatchers.
-(SIGHS) -I got it.
We're gonna talk and have a little chitchat, okay?
-See what you can do. -All right, babe. Thanks.
Okay, look, save it.
I already know what you're gonna say.
-Really? -Yep.
You're a mom, so you're not gonna listen.
You're just gonna tell me
that I'm too young to like him and that I need to focus on my future.
Okay, well, first of all, I'm not gonna tell you you're too young.
I met Steve when I was 16, at a party I had no business attending.
He was 18, and I fell for him hard.
See?
Well, honey, that's why I can understand what you're going through.
So, you don't think I'm being ridiculous?
Well, you're being a girl.
And girls are ridiculous
and irrational and romantic
and sometimes just plain foolish.
-Hey. -Hey, look, I am including myself in that statement.
Women are just girls with wrinkles and stretch marks.
Ew. You have stretch marks?
Okay, focus, Zoe.
Okay.
Um, Look, I know what happened between you and Steve,
so, what, you think that's just gonna happen to me, right?
Oh, honey, it better not.
I got pregnant two years afterwards trying to hold on to him.
Oh, wait. Look, I'm not getting pregnant.
I'm going to law school.
Zoe, that's exactly what I'm saying, honey.
Just go out there and live out your dreams.
And if those dreams are supposed to include "Mr. Henge,"
well, they will when it's time.
And he...
I don't know. If he becomes rich and famous,
well, girl, let him do his thing
'cause your stock only goes up as you mature.
-Eh? -Okay, and by "stock," you mean value, right?
Yes, value.
Zoe, I made a lot of mistakes in my life.
And I have become stronger because of them.
And I know you're gonna make your share, too,
but if there's any way that I can help you avoid the big ones,
I'd like to help you do that.
-(LAUGHING) -Okay.
Look,
I promise you,
when you get to college and you see all those cute little frat boys
getting degrees in medicine,
Mr. Stonehenge won't seem like the wonder of the world that he is today.
Okay. Okay.
But, I mean, for now you have to admit he is pretty hot.
(CHUCKLES) Yeah, if you like that grungy, "I haven't washed my hair in two weeks,
"two months, ew, two years" look.
Girl, that boy is a mess.
(LAUGHS)
Hey, do you smell that peach cobbler?
(SIGHS)
Fresh out of the oven.
Well, suggestion.
Since Wesley's moving out, how about Nana just move in?
Oh, honey, who needs two know-it-all mothers in one house?
You know what? (CLICKS TONGUE)
Yeah, I think you're kind of right.
ALIYAH: One is plenty. Trust me.
So, you're really leaving, huh?
WESLEY: Yeah.
Don't you think you're hurting your mom's feelings by leaving?
Did you hurt your mom's feelings when you left?
I don't know.
Well, at least I'm leaving for a good reason.
Not like I'm leaving for some stupid guy.
That's not entirely true, okay?
I mean, I've always wanted to live with my dad,
and I wonder if I'd be different
had he raised me instead of my mom.
-So... -Yeah.
Yeah.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
You ready?
Mom, am I hurting your feelings?
A little.
Mom, I don't mean to. It's just...
Baby, look, I know.
Look, don't worry. I'll be fine.
In fact, I've got, um,
Miss Zoe here to work on that one good nerve I got left.
You can count on me.
-I know. -(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
That's him.
-Hey. -What's up, Dad?
Hey. How you feel, baby?
I'm good. I'm already packed.
Good, good, good.
Actually, I want to talk to you about this whole, you know, living situation.
Zoe, could you give us a minute?
Oh, yeah.
-Hey, Wes, come see me before you leave, okay? -All right.
-Hi. -Hey.
-You good, champ? -Yeah.
Good, good. Have a seat, man. I want to talk to you about something.
Listen, Wes, I know...
I know you're excited, right?
And I'm excited, too, about this moving thing, but I really think that...
I think you should stay here with your mom, okay?
Look, why would you transfer schools in your senior year?
Dad, most of my friends have already graduated. It's not really a big...
Still, still, son, I just think it's best, man.
Let me tell you, man, my...
My working hours are crazy, dude. I work long...
It's not like I need a babysitter, Dad.
I know.
Aliyah, come on. You gonna help me out here or what?
You know what, Steve? Why don't you just enlighten us?
'Cause I honestly can't think of a good reason why he shouldn't go with you.
Okay, son.
How do I say this? Umm...
My life right?
My life just ain't set up to be no full-time parent, son.
What does that mean?
It means you're just gonna have to come on the weekends, all right?
It means that we're gonna still go out,
you know, we're gonna play ball,
go all the fun places we go when you come and visit,
but, Wes, I'm not made for this, man.
(STAMMERING) Going out to help you find your colleges and doing homework...
Dude, I ain't ready for that, dawg.
Dad, you're gonna have to get ready.
You've had 17 years. How long do you need?
-You need to watch your tone. -No.
No? Aliyah, tell him.
(SIGHS)
Wait. Wait. Where you going? You need to talk to this...
Stop waiting on my mom to smooth things over.
Just say it... You don't want me to live with you.
No, son, you got it all wrong.
No, no, say I'll be an inconvenience.
Say I'll get in the way. Just be honest with me.
Okay.
Okay, Wes, you want me to be honest with you?
I will be honest with you.
I have given you everything I have to give, son!
I don't have no more!
I don't... I don't know anything else, okay?
But what I do know is I want what's best for you.
-Yeah, that's an excuse. -No.
Okay, call it whatever... Whatever you want to call it.
All right?
All I know how to do is win, Wes.
That's it.
-Man, I'm out. -Hold on. Hold on. Come on. Come on.
Hear me out, all right?
Let's just say you move in with me.
What if I'm not the father that you need me to be, man?
That makes me a failure, right?
My father was a failure!
He was a loser, man!
I ain't gonna be no loser, Wes.
The losing stops here.
Look, Dad, I'm not a football game.
-I'm your son, okay? -I know who you are.
You are my son, and I love you dearly, man,
but that's exactly why you need to be here with your mother.
Listen, having Aliyah raise you was the best thing I've ever done.
And there it is.
There it is, son.
All right? Now, you just gonna have to man up about this whole thing.
Oh, that's funny.
You expect me to be a man, but you never been there to teach me how.
Tell you something, son.
You upset, and I got that.
You have every right to be upset,
but I will not stand here and be disrespected by my son.
Well, then leave.
What?
There's the door. Leave.
Now, Wesley,
I didn't want it to end on these terms, son.
All I wanted from you was to really see that you being here
was your best chance of winning.
Yeah, I see that fact clear as day now.
Why would I go somewhere I'm not wanted?
Don't say that, man.
You are wanted, Wesley. You're wanted, son.
No, I'm not.
You just want it to look that way.
(STAMMERING) Okay, Wesley... Come on.
Wesley...
(DOOR CLOSES)
-Leaving so soon? -(DOOR CLOSES)
That boy acts just like you. You know that?
Oh, good.
(CHUCKLES) 'Cause the last thing the world needs
is another jerk.
Aliyah, come on. That's not fair.
You... I have provided well for Wesley.
And, Steve, I thank you.
For every check you wrote,
every deposit you made, every gift you've given.
And now,
I understand more than ever that you gave him
the only thing that you had to give.
(STAMMERING) What the hell is that supposed to mean?
All I'm good for is some money?
You're actions said what you could never say with words.
You know this is your fault, don't you?
(STAMMERING) You could have avoided all of this.
All you had to do was tell the boy "No."
Everything all right?
Wesley's upset.
Wesley will be staying with us.
STEVE: Um, yeah.
Bro, he gonna be staying with y'all.
You know, I got, umm...
I got this crazy job.
You know, my schedule...
I got to put in a lot of time, you know?
You work a lot. You know exactly what I'm saying.
-You understand? -Mm.
Tell Wes I'll be by to pick him up this weekend, take him to a baseball game.
ALIYAH: Oh, no, no, no, no, Steve.
Wesley will call you if and when he wants to see you.
Oh, no, no, no.
(STAMMERING) You won't keep me from my son.
But I will.
If that's what it would take to keep you from continuously hurting him.
And if I remember correctly, you haven't paid child support in over a year,
and I know you don't want to go to court.
Look, I pay for that car he's driving, all right? That's child support.
Well, you tell that to the judge.
If Wesley wants to talk to you, he'll call.
If not, lay back.
I mean, come on, bro. With your...
With your hectic work schedule,
you won't have that much time on your hands anyway, huh?
Right?
ALIYAH: Goodbye, Steve.
(STEVE SIGHING)
(SIGHS)
(EXHALING) So, you knew he wasn't moving in, didn't you?
(SIGHS)
The moment Wesley mentioned it,
Steve broke out into a cold sweat.
Hmm. Mm.
(SIGHS) You know, I'm just so sorry he had to find out that way.
Yeah, don't worry about him. He'll be all right.
-You know, maybe I just should have said "No." -Mm.
You know, been the mean old mom, as always,
-and then Steve would still be his hero. -Hey, stop.
Look at me.
You did the right thing, okay?
You helped your son take his first steps into manhood.
-You think? -Absolutely.
You let him know that
everything that glitters is not always gold.
And that sometimes,
the best gifts
are right up under your nose.
-Really? -Yeah.
-Under your nose? -Under your...
Yeah, under your nose.
For real?
(STAMMERING) What are you doing?
(CHUCKLING)
I'm moving under your nose.
-No, no, see, I already know that, you know? -Mmm-hmm.
I'm blessed.
-You know, what you need to do... -Ah-huh.
Or should I say, I need to do
is to get up under your nose...
-Get up under my nose? -Oh, yeah...
-Mmm-hmm. -And let you see my shine.
-Your shine? -My shine.
-That baby shine? -(KNOCKING DOOR)
-(LAUGHING) -Why is it...
-Every time? -Okay, you hold that thought, okay?
Oh, wait a minute. You know what?
That might be Jasmine.
Oh! Okay, in that case, you get it.
-No, no, no, no, no. -No, no, no, no, no.
See, you... You are on a roll.
-You hear me? -Baby, please?
No, no, no. Keep it going.
I will go upstairs and let Zoe know her mother's here, okay?
-You know what I'm saying? -Okay.
Can we finish that later?
-Yes. -You're all right. Do your job.
(LAUGHING)
Okay.
Jasmine.
Aliyah. Is Zoe ready?
Jay went upstairs to get her.
Would you like to have something to drink?
No.
Okay, well, would you at least have a seat?
Okay, Jasmine, I'll just get right to it.
I wanted to apologize to you
for anything I have ever said or done
that made you feel uncomfortable.
You have done an excellent job of raising Zoe.
Okay, could you not look at me like that?
(CHUCKLING) I'm trying to be serious.
Wow. Okay, um...
I accept your apology.
-(CLEARING THROAT) -And?
What?
(SIGHS)
I mean, aren't you gonna apologize for disrespecting my marriage?
No.
I mean, 'cause I always did wonder why Jay, you know, married you.
Yeah, but then Zoe told me that you were a good cook,
so I was just assuming that was it.
I mean, what else could it be?
-(CHUCKLING) -You...
Girl, I'm kidding.
I'm kidding.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
I was about to say, "Girl, you better step..."
I know. I saw it in your eyes.
(LAUGHING)
Can I be honest with you?
Please do.
(EXHALING) All right.
This is really hard for me to admit, but, um...
I can never really understand
why Jay left me and Zoe and took
you and your son in.
I mean, it's like he traded one for the other.
But, Jasmine, we met over two years after you two divorced.
No, I know, but it doesn't matter,
'cause when he refers to you,
it's like you're his fresh start,
and like we were so awful,
like he had to have something new.
And that...
That really hurt.
And so I blamed you for it.
Words are powerful.
Yes, they are.
So, I'm hoping that these next two are just as powerful.
I'm sorry.
Your mother's right. We...
We can't keep doing this to the kids.
Oh, god, I'm so happy we did this.
I'm just so sorry.
-Mm. -So overdue.
Yes. Believe it.
(BOTH LAUGHING)
JASMINE: Speaking of grown, you are not wearing those shoes.
Oh, well, Aliyah said I could wear them.
Zoe only moved here so she can go to school with Stonehenge.
Oh, you started it.
Stonehenge, huh?
-That's not entirely true. -Uh-huh.
-I mean, come on, Mom. -Let's go, young lady.
Let's be very logical about this.
JASMINE: Yeah, well, we gonna be logical.
-ZOE: I'm saying to be logical about all of this. -Okay.
Mm.
JAY: I told you those shoes were too grown.
Well, I can always take them back
-and exchange them for my size. -Mm.
-(Chuckles) -See, that was your plan all along, wasn't it?
Of course not.
I thought we were talking about, you know, brutal honesty.
-Brutal honesty? -Brutal honesty.
-Okay. Well, then someone... -Where are you going?
needs to explain this.
-Oh. Wow. That old thing? -Mmm.
I'd forgotten all about that.
-That old thing? -Mm-hmm.
Don't you mean the new hat that Zoe bought you?
No, baby, that's not new.
(STAMMERING) That's my old hat.
That's... You know what I mean?
-Mm-hmm. -You know, I don't change my style.
You don't change your style?
-No, mm-hmm, mmm-hmm. -Mmm-hmm.
(CHUCKLES)
WESLEY: Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.
(STAMMERING) Let's not do this right now.
Wow, wow.
(STAMMERING) Well, how can I help you?
And you want another one?
Baby, by the time we get some alone time,
-we'll be too old to appreciate it. -JAY: Mmm.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Okay, mom, look, look, look...
-I'm reconsidering. -All right, listen, listen.
(JAY LAUGHS)
Mom, look, I just want to say I'm sorry.
ALIYAH: Why are you apologizing?
Just for all of the years of just giving you a hard time.
Oh, Wesley, you have been a very good son,
and I don't have any complaints.
Unless you consider the tattoo you snuck off and got,
the nose piercing,
the broken bones after you fell off the skateboard,
and then you got... Oh!
You know, now that I think about it,
you owe me a few more apologies.
-Yeah. -Yeah.
Well, how about I start by cooking dinner tonight?
(SQUEALING) Cook... Cooking what?
Let's see. I can do a little croque monsieur , some soupe du jour .
Croque ...
-What's that? -(JAY LAUGHING)
-Ham and cheese sandwiches with the soup of the day. -Oh! And what's that?
What we got in the cabinet?
We don't have any soup, Wesley.
Then it's just croque monsieur .
-Okay, Monsieur. - Croque monsieur .
Okay.
All right, let me go and try to make some real dinner.
-JAY: I'm gonna come and help you out. -Uh-huh.
Yeah? What? What? What's going on?
-Hey, uh... -Hmm?
Look, Jay...
Yeah?
Pops...
I appreciate you.
Wes, I love you.
All right?
All right.
I love you, too.
Come here.
All right, let's go in there and help her out before she burns something up.
And let's get your French together, too.
Wait. Wait. Hold on. What's wrong with my...
Voulez vous coucher a ce soir...
Yo, you gonna learn about that.
That's the French you need learn.
-How much? -Aliyah?
-Wesley? -Oh, wow.
Zoe?
Come on down here.
(JAY HUMMING)
-Babe, baby, you come over here, too. -JAY: Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
-Okay. -Look at that cake!
JAY: Look at that there!
-Hey, hey, hey. -M.I.A. just like his common sense.
Yeah, we don't know where your hand's been.
-What's going on with you? -WESLEY: Come on, now.
(CHUCKLING)
Well, everybody, umm...
Wesley, baby, did you do what I asked you to with those cards?
-Yes, Ma'am. -I need them right now.
-All right. -All right.
JAY: Andale! Andale!
Ma, what's going on?
Well, I asked Wesley to have you all write down
some promises for our family on the cards.
Oh, yeah, that's right. I did that.
Yeah, me too.
I didn't.
Thank you, baby.
Great.
Mm-hmm.
Zoe.
Okay. For you.
And Jay.
Oh. Oh. Thank you.
Wow.
-Everybody... -JAY: Mm-hmm?
These are your new vows.
Ma, what are you talking about?
(CHUCKLES)
The regular wedding vows work for those simple marriages,
you know, where there's just a husband and a wife, but...
(CHUCKLES) This situation...
This is not regular.
-To say the least, right? -Yeah, amen.
So, um, I think it would be wonderful
if we would all just, uh,
say our vows so that we can all be involved.
So, Zoe, baby, since you're the youngest, I want you to start us off
and start off by saying, "I, Zoe..."
ZOE: Okay.
(CLEARS THROAT)
"I, Zoe, promise not to lie,
"cheat, or steal from my family.
"I will always tell you when I'm not doing okay,
"and I will ask if I can help if I see someone else is not okay.
-"Daddy..." -Hmm? Yeah?
"I promise to make you proud
"so that you never have to look away
"when someone mentions my name, like Adrianne's dad."
-Aww, baby. -Uh, pick me. Who's Adrianne?
-Yeah. -Her stripper friend.
She's not a stripper. She's a go-go dancer.
Oh, well, that's good news. Thank you.
Lord, I hope somebody promised to stay on one subject at a time.
-Would you please continue? -Yeah.
Um, "Mom, I promise to listen to you and always take your advice.
"Wesley..."
Well, that's all I got.
Aww. Aww.
All right, baby, you're next.
(CLEARS THROAT) All right.
"I, Wesley, promise to be the strong, confident leader
"that my pops has always encouraged me to be.
"I promise to stay focused in school,
"and I promise to always put my family first
"and appreciate every little thing
"like it were a pair of brand-new kicks."
That's it.
Aliyah?
I don't have a card.
(CHUCKLES)
Wow.
Magic.
Bam.
"I, Aliyah,
"promise to always love my family unconditionally.
"I promise to be there whenever I'm needed, even when I'm not.
-"And, Jay..." -Hmm?
"I will never let anything come between our love,
"and that includes our alien monster teenagers."
Did she just call us aliens?
She wasn't talking about me. Now, you, on the other hand, probably.
(LAUGHS)
-Jay? -Yeah? Yeah?
-Would you, please? -Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
(CLEARS THROAT)
"I, Jay, promise to be the protector and the provider for this family.
"I will be there for you individually,
"whenever you need,
"and never look at anyone as an inconvenience or bother.
"I will always communicate my feelings and not keep them bottled up."
(SQUEALS) "Communicate." I need to add that to mine.
"I will also make sure that I don't interrupt my wife while she's speaking."
-(CHUCKLES) -Sorry.
It's okay, baby.
"Aliyah, I promise to put you first,
"right behind God.
"I will respect your voice,
"your opinions,
"and your suggestions.
"I will respect it all
"because I love you."
I love you.
I love all of you, okay?
Dad, that was so sweet.
-Thank you, baby. -(CHUCKLES)
Nana, what about your vows?
Oh, yes, can you please promise
that you will make us dessert every week,
even when we go off to school?
(CLEARS THROAT)
I promise that I will go off on anybody that doesn't keep their vows.
Come on, Nana. Give us some real vows.
Well, I promise to remind this family...
♪ God Can Do Anything
♪ Anything
♪ Oh, oh, ooh
♪ But
♪ Fail
♪ God Can Do Anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ He Can Do Anything
♪ Whoa, oh, oh
♪ Anything But Fail
♪ God Can Do Anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ There is nothing too hard for God ♪
-Listen. -Come on, Mama.
-Come on. -(LAUGHS)
♪ Just Ask Old Daniel
♪ When he was in the lion's den
♪ It looked mighty bad
♪ The situation he was in
♪ But he wasn't worried
♪ Because he knew that God was there
♪ When that mean old lion
♪ Turned into a teddy bear
♪ God Can Do Anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ He Can Do Anything
♪ Whoa, oh, oh
♪ Anything but fail
♪ God can do anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ There is nothing too hard for god
♪ Just ask the women
♪ With the issue of blood
♪ Went from doctor to doctor
♪ But they could not stop the flood
♪ Stop the flood
♪ She reached out to Jesus
♪ Because she knew that she must
♪ Touch the hem of his garment
♪ Because one touch would be enough
♪ God can do anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ He can do anything
♪ Oh, oh, oh
♪ Anything but fail
♪ God can do anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ There is nothing too hard for God ♪
Listen.
♪ Well, if you got a problem
♪ That you cannot seem to bear
♪ Just call on Jesus
♪ I guarantee he'll be there
♪ He'll be right there
♪ It is no secret
♪ What the lord can do
♪ Like he did It for them
♪ He'll do the same for you
♪ God can do anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ He can do anything
♪ Whoa, oh, oh
♪ Anything but fail
♪ God can do anything
♪ Anything ♪ Anything
♪ Anything, anything but fail
♪ There is nothing too hard for God ♪
Y'all ready? Come on.
♪ He can do
♪ He can do it
♪ Yes, he can
♪ Anything but fail
♪ I know
♪ Yes, he can, can, can
♪ Anything but fail
♪ He can open doors that were closed in your face
♪ I, I know
♪ That god can do anything
♪ I know
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ Anything but fail
♪ If you believe that god can do anything
♪ If y'all believe that god can do anything
♪ Wave your hands ♪
Come on, y'all.
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ Anything but fail
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ Whatever you need
♪ My, my, my, my, my God can
♪ I know
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ Anything but fail
♪ I've tried him
♪ I've tried him
♪ Whoo
♪ I know that I know that I know
♪ That I know he can
♪ I know
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ Anything but fail
♪ Said I tried
♪ He can do it
♪ And I found out for myself
♪ That I know that I know that I know that he can
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ 'Cause there's nothing too hard for God
♪ He can do it
♪ Whatever you need, god's got it
♪ I know
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ He can do it
♪ Yeah, ooh
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
(ALL CHEERING)
-(LAUGHS) -Give some love. Come on.
-(ALL CHEERING) -(KNOCKING DOOR)
Hold on.
Sorry.
NANA: Phew!
Oh, y'all trying to kill me.
Okay, um, everyone,
I have a surprise.
This is Stonehenge.
Well, hello, Stonehenge.
ALIYAH: Hi, Stonehenge.
(CHUCKLES)
♪ He can do
♪ He can do
♪ He can do it
♪ Don't even worry 'bout it
♪ He can do it
♪ There's nothing too hard for God
♪ He can do it
♪ All you got to do is call him
♪ He can do it
♪ And, son, he'll answer
♪ He can do it
♪ He'll give you strength yes, he will
♪ I know
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey
♪ He can do it
♪ He can do it
♪ Yeah-ah-ah ♪