Maya and Her Lover (2021) - full transcript

I left my-

- Your phone.

Thanks sweetness.

I had fun tonight,

you?

Well, maybe dinner next week?

Talk soon.

You've got to come
with me next time.

I know.

Whatever, you always say that.

No, for real this time.



Okay, tell me about the men.

Girl.

I tell you they
never left me alone.

They loved my blackness,
my afro, my lips.

Yeah?

I don't know if we're
exotic to them or what,

but they seem to
love my naturalness.

You know I think natural
comes off as sexiness

outside the US.

Men seem to be
attracted to that.

Whatever it is they
sure love giving head.

Wait.

What does one thing have
to do with the other?

Okay.



Oh, damn.

Is there more?

Nope.

Well, I'ma light up.

Is that cool?

Yeah.

Wanna hit it?

I can't believe in 2018
you're still a weed virgin.

The little old lady
next door smokes.

Nope, not once.

You wear that "Taylor
Swift" like a badge of honor.

Huh?

You know, "Pollyanna."
I'm so sweet and pure.

There are a lot
of things I've never tried

but I'm no Pollyanna.

I mean I've done my dirt.

You forget I've known
your ass since high school.

I know all your dirt.

It's more like dust.

It does smell good though.

Here.

Nah.

What are you afraid of?

Nothing, it's
just not my thing.

But the Naked Project is?

The Nu Project,

and I didn't say
I was gonna do it.

I just said that those
women were very courageous.

Scars and cellulite and all.

That does take courage.

To be that comfortable
with your body.

I love my body, but yeah,
I'm not sure I could do it.

I mean the thought of anybody
anywhere all over the world

being able to look at my flaws.

I just can't imagine.

Young girls do it just
for fun on the Gram.

I know right?

Where's the modesty?

Oh, we sound like
two old ass women.

'Cause we are.

Speak for yourself.

Oh!

Who is this?

Oh, that's Gerard.

He's a travel contact from
the site that sent me.

He's cute.

Mm-hm, and pretty good in bed.

You slept with this young boy?

He looks like a kid.

I know, but he's no kid.

He's 30.

Really?

Have you noticed that since
hitting 35 all the young men,

with their pants
hanging off their asses,

wanna push up on you?

Girl, you couldn't pay
me to date a younger guy.

I mean, what can they do for me?

And I especially hate
the term "cougar."

Young men can be
pretty fun though.

Great for sex.

Yeah but, I'm too old
for, "Just for fun".

I want the real deal.

Marriage?

Yeah, why not?

Marriage is dead.

No, I don't believe that.

That's just what people say.

2018 is about
living without labels.

He.

She.

- Dead.
- No.

It's "They" now.

I just think that
marriage is the next step.

If that's what you want,

then why are you
hibernating in this house

and dressing like an old lady?

And wasting time on
old man booty call.

I do not dress
like an old lady.

Okay, maybe sometimes.

But I'm kicking booty
call to the curb,

he just doesn't satisfy me.

What a surprise.

You know I even
tried getting drunk,

and that didn't even help.

Ain't that the worst.

These crackers are stale.

Yeah, I meant
to throw them out.

Then why'd you
let me eat them?

You seem to be enjoying them.

All right dad, it's your turn.

Okay, okay, okay. Let's do it.

No!

I hope these clues are
better than the last time.

Yeah, well, just guess
it right this time please.

Yeah aunt Juanita 'cause
we're beating you guys.

Time is running out.

Hello.

Hey, sis.

Philip, baby brother.

Really? Still?

Like how old do I have to be

before you stop calling
me baby brother?

Uh, you'll always
be younger than me.

How crazy you called I was
just thinking about you.

See, and I was
thinking about you.

How much do you need?

Ha, ha, ha, very funny.

You know today is the
anniversary right?

Yeah.

I was just looking at pictures.

Depressed or nostalgic?

Not depressed.

Happy memories.

I was just laughing, thinking
about one of those stories

that he used to tell us.

Oh don't get me
started on those stories.

You talking about the neighbors,

or when he took down a gang
of five all by himself right?

Any of them, they
were all hilarious.

The old man was crazy.

He wouldn't like
you calling him old.

I guess not, right?

I don't know I've just been
thinking a lot about him lately.

Yeah.

That time of the year.

Yeah, maybe, I don't know.

I miss him.

Me too.

I miss you too, big sis.

When you gonna come
down and visit?

To Texas?

No way you're not
getting me to Texas.

It's too damn hot.

And too Republican.

And you're actually
right about both, yeah.

But you know, I gotta go
where the government sends me,

which reminds me,
I'm actually running.

I just wanted to say hello.

- Hey, Maya.
- Yeah?

Love you, sis.

You too.

I'm coming!

I'm coming!

Yo I was just
calling you, man.

I rang the buzzer
like eight times.

Yeah man, I said "I'm
coming" like eight times.

Oh.

My bad, I had these
headphones on.

Okay cool.

Exact change.

Tip?

Ah, it's cool Mama, next time.

Get that fixed too

I wanted to take real women

of any shape and size,

treat them like models
photographing their real bodies,

without the sexual
under or overtones.

Shit.

Hi, how are you?

Hi.

Um, can I please have a large
soy caramel latte and a-

- Blueberry scone.

You know me so well.

Hey, how are you?

What's going on?

Oh, you know.

I haven't seen you in a while.

So, is this to stay or to go?

Oh I can't stay today.

I got some things that I'm
working on back at the house.

Okay, wait a minute.

Did you change your hair?

No, it's the same.

You sure you can't stay?

What'chu been working
on these days?

Oh, you know I've been-

- Hold on, wait,
you lost weight.

Definitely not.

All right look,
what about tomorrow?

I wanna sit down with
you and catch up.

Oh, oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Oh shit!

What's wrong?

I left my wallet at home.

You don't have
apple pay or cash app?

No. It's okay, I can just...

I can run home and grab it.

No, no, no. It's on the house.

No, no, you don't
have to do that.

Hey look, it's my way of
getting you back here tomorrow.

Sure, tomorrow.

- Okay.
- Thank you.

- You're welcome.
- Thank you.

Hey, there, Maya.

Hey, Mr. Ross.

How you doing today?

I can't do everything
like I use to do,

but I still can do it.

That one again.

Fred?
Was there mail?

All right, see you later.

Honey could you
help me with that.

Sure.

You know, if I
weren't married,

I could give you a
run for your money.

Fred! Fred!

Isn't that your wife Mr. Ross?

Don't let this cane fool you.

Goodbye, Mr. Ross I gotta go.

Mr. Ross!

Welcome
to the

I'm your host Trevite
Willis

One day when I was picking
up a bottle of wine

family has
been able to survive

Harlem changes.

Hey Mr. Sorry for the delay.

Sorry, we haven't had much
time. It's crazy busy today.

That's a good thing.

I'm not complaining.

Anyway, where were we?

Oh you know what, you ever
finish that photo book, exhibit?

No, I'm still working on it.

What's that, design
workshop? More school?

Not sure, just
checking it out.

You and school. You
got more education

than anybody I know.

You can never have
too much education.

True. But at some point you
gotta do something with it.

Yeah, I'm also thinking about.

Babatunde!

Oh, hell naw, my brother.

Man you look good.

Thanks man, you too.

So you back in Brooklyn now?

Yeah, you know I can't
stay away too long.

Right, right.
Hey, have a seat.

Oh shit, number two lady.

Excuse me.

You always order the number 2.

I don't cook much.

Oh Kaseem, this is...

I'm Kaseem, nice to meet you.

I'm Maya.

Have a sit, let's talk.

Babatunde man, I wish I could

but I got things to
do, places to be man.

As long as you promise
to come back through.

Oh no doubt.

You seem excited to see him.

That's my man right there.

More like a boy.

I mean he may be
young, but up here,

he's twice as smart
as most men his age.

Hello, Sweetness,
this is Henry.

Call me, I have
tickets for Hamilton,

thought you might wanna go.

Hello, Mrs. Trudeau,
this is Jim from the IRS,

first I just want to say
you are not in trouble

but it does seem there was
a mistake on your taxes

all we need is your credit card

and its urgent that
you call us back...

Sure.

Seriously.

It's raining outside,
no shit Sherlock.

Who is this?

Ah, the young delivery fella,

I know he aint flirting with me.

Girl, that key is
for emergencies,

not for you to let
yourself in whenever

What if I was in here
butt naked with a man?

Girl, scones.

Blueberry?

Of course.

You will never believe what
happened to me last night.

Wait, let me get
coffee for this.

Okay.

SO, a deaf man asked me out.

Wait, what?

I shit you not.

I'm organizing.

Again?

Seriously, okay, a deaf guy.

So, I was waiting
for the train,

and this gorgeous man
kept staring at me.

At first I was flattered,
but he kept staring

and kept staring,
and I got annoyed,

so I gave him the
"don't even" look.

Like, keep it moving buddy.

Exactly, then he
gave me a thumbs up.

A thumbs up?

Cheezy, yes. But then he
smiles, a really sexy smile.

Oh, yeah. A sexy smile
will do it every time.

He comes over, still smiling
and holds up his cell phone.

He had typed out, "I think
you're beautiful, I'm David,

I'm deaf and I'd
like to take you out.

Can I call you?"

But how's he gonna...

I said, "How?" And then
realized he couldn't hear me.

So, of course I said
it again, only louder.

So...

Oh you need help.

But, he reads lips
so he understood.

But, of course.

So he typed back, "I
have a machine that..."

and then the train
pulls into the station.

So what did you do?

I gave him my number.

I don't want to discriminate.

Plus I was curious.

You meet the most random,
outlandish and interesting men

I swear.

I do. Maybe it's the hair.

What?

But, wait, it gets better.

Okay wait, coffee
is not gonna cut it,

I gonna get wine for
the rest of this story.

So, I'm home last night
giving myself a pedicure,

Oh nice.

And I get a call,
a woman's voice.

She's like, "We met the
other day, this is David.

You mean like a
robot, like Siri?

No, it was a real live person.

I said, "OK, hello."

He/she said, "Is it weird
hearing me like this?"

Duh!

He said, "I type into a machine

and the operator
repeats what I type,

then types to me what you say."

Kinky.

So, in this woman's voice,

he starts telling
me how hot I am

and asks if he can
come over my house.

And he wasn't taking
no for an answer.

He called three times.

I had to tell him
to stop calling.

He was way too aggressive.

It was creepy.

It's him. Let me tell
this mutha something.

Hello!

Hola.

Yeah, hey, what's up?

Hey, who is this?

We back to that
again? It's Kaseem.

Hi Kaseem, I wasn't
expecting you to call me.

You Dominican?

What?

You answered the phone "hola."

Just being silly.

I really don't wanna have
to call the cops, but I will.

Is this a bad time?

No, what's up?

Just wanted some advice.

And you thought to call me?

You're funny.

I know you can't hear
me, but you DO understand.

Babatunde told me
you was a college girl.

Aha, what about it?

Look tryna' soak up
all the knowledge I can

from someone such as yourself..

I'm sure Babatunde
can put you in touch

with somebody who can help you.

Who's that?

I just need a couple
minutes of your time.

Come on, help a brother out.

Okay sure, okay.

How about later on at Nola's?

Ok, fine. Bye.

Damn, he's making
you nervous like that?

He doesn't make me nervous.

What did he say?

He said he wants to get together
and talk about business,

but I think he was
mostly flirting.

Clearly.

But he's just a
baby, I think he is 22.

You remember How Stella
Got Her Groove Back?

You remember how it ended.

You don't have to marry
him, just have some fun.

Oh, I hate that term cougar.

I'm not taking somebody's baby.

You are the only one
who keeps using that word.

Besides, you can
do what you want -

he's not your child
plus he's legal.

Yeah, barely...

I bet you glad we came
here 'stead of Nola's -

they don't serve wine.

I'm not completely sure
you didn't plan it that way.

Naw, seriously,
they just closed early.

Why don't you just
fill up the glass,

that way you don't have to
refill it so many times?

It's part of the experience,

you need room in the glass
for the wine to, breathe.

Whatever, man. You
can keep that alcohol.

I told you I'm a Muslim,
I don't smoke or drink.

So you have no vices?

Vices?

Addictions?
Cigarettes, weed, molly?

Hold up so what you like
a pill head or a junkie?

Excuse me. I don't do drugs.

Occasionally, I..drink wine.

Alright, you threw
me off for a second.

Talking all that molly shit.

Kids your age are
into all kind of drugs.

Kids, huh. Well, I'm not like
most men my age or any age.

Really, how are you different?

Any dessert?

You want dessert?

None for me.

Come on man,
you girls kill me.

You know you want dessert -
why don't you just get it.

Don't tell me you're on a diet?

No. But I do like
to watch what I eat.

So you buy into that
hype? A sister like you?

Like me?

Sexy, successful.

You're thick too but
black men like that,

we like a woman that
look like a woman.

You should know
that at your age.

My age?

Oh what you thought
I was gonna let that,

kids your age thing slide?

Touche.

No but seriously, why
do you feel the need

to look like Europeans?

I'm not interested in
looking like Europeans.

You straighten your hair,
you're trying to be skinny.

This is just a hairstyle.

I could stand to
lose a few pounds,

but I love my curves

and I not interested in
looking skinny, just healthy.

See, that's the problem
with us black people,

we don't have any self-respect,

we aspire to be like them
when we need to aspire

to be the best version
of us that we can be.

Natural hair, pure temples.

You certainly do sound
like the Nation of Islam.

This is serious we
have to help our people.

Look, like no other race
we are self destructing,

and it's up to my
generation, yeah I said it,

my generation to do
something about it.

Would you like anything else?

Nothing for me.

Kaseem?

Naw, I'm good.

Oh, don't worry. I got
it. Dinner was on me today.

Naw, I got mine.

Really, don't worry, my treat.

Oh, OK. My pocket is a
little tight this week, too.

You know, you
really didn't have

to walk me all the way home,

it's just a couple blocks.

No it's cool, I wanted
you to see my chivalry -

show off my grown
man, you feel me.

Look, I'm really flattered
that somebody your age...

A man.

A man your age would
be interested in me,

but really I'm old
enough to be your... aunt.

I've dated older women
before, you're not the first.

We're not dating.

You wouldn't be the first.

- Besides girls my age...
- Women?

No, girls. They
play too many games.

I don't have time for that shit,

I'm looking for somebody I
can build something with.

Maya! Are you okay?

I'm OK, Mr. Ross, thanks.

Just checking.

Yeah I'm okay too Mr. Ross.

- Keep your voice down
- what?

My neighbors.

Like I said...

What are you doing?

Damn, you thick. You
know you're sexy right?

What?

I said you're thick as hell.

Please stop using
the word thick.

You know you're sexy right?

Yes, I heard you.

Yes, oh yes.

Don't stop don't
stop, don't stop.

Thick.

Come on down for dinner.

Okay.

Turn around.

Huh?

Turn around.

Oh so that's what we're
doing now? Since when?

Dad I'm 14 every girl
my age wears makeup.

Listen girls wear makeup
to enhance their looks.

Most of the time because
they're not very pretty.

You are beautiful just
the way you are you

don't need to wear makeup.

Clean your face and
come down for dinner.

Only fast girls
wear red lipstick.

Hey.

Yeah, hey, what's up?

You want something to drink?

Nah.

So, show me what you got.

My business plan
and LLC papers.

Were you expecting
something a little more grand?

No, not at all, it's nice.

You really need a lawyer.

I know.

And your business plan
needs a lot of work.

I know.

Then...

I mean I was hoping that
maybe you can help me with that?

You read this?

Of course. I've
read all those books.

Naw but this one is great.

Oh! You've...

Oh! You've read it?

Don't sound so
surprised, I can read.

It's just that people don't
read as much as they used to,

except for maybe
college students.

I read all the time.

You don't have to be
in college to read.

Damn, you got a lot
of books though.

But do you have Baratunde
Thurston's "How to be Black"

or Kevin Powell-"The
Black Male Handbook?"

You've read all those?

I've read all of them.

What you don't believe me?

"My Soul on Ice", "Manchild
in the Promised Land",

"By Any Means
Necessary." Quiz me.

I'm not gonna quiz you,

I can tell that you
know more than hip hop.

Don't sleep on hip hop,

Tupac was one of the greatest
writers/lyricists period.

I'll give you that -
that's my generation.

You saying that your generation
wasn't Eldridge Cleaver?

old lady?

And don't forget
about Kendrick Lamar,

pulitzer Prize winner.

Hip Hop has come a long
way from 2-Live Crew.

You are so sexy.

What?

I'm saying sex was
good the other night.

Let's just deal with
the business plan.

You can't take a compliment?

Is it 'cause you
think that you're fat?

I don't think I'm fat, and,
yes, I can take a compliment.

I forgot your generation
is kind of sensitive.

My generation?

You said it first.

Why are you still single?
And how old are you?

You all up in my business.

Seriously. And what do you do?

I was a photographer,
an interior designer.

I've done a lot things.

I had a real estate
company but I sold that,

and now I'm just trying to
figure out what to do next.

How old are you? And
why are you single?

I'm 39 and I guess I
haven't met the right man yet.

Thirty-nine, you look good
for your age. Really good.

Thanks.

And the pussy still good too.

Have you tried online dating?

I'm sure you could
find a man on there.

What the hell is that?

"King of Kings you have a call."

My phone, hold on.

Hello, yeah, hey what's up?

Alright, I'll be over
in a little while,

alright, peace.

Sorry, I gotta bounce.

Okay.

I wasn't trying to
fix you up with anybody,

I just wanted to see
where your head was at.

You are young.

Besides, this isn't happening.

I am too old to date you.

I mean, can I get a hug then?

Since I'm about to leave.

I thought you said
that you had to go?

Don't be scared.

I've already seen what you got.

You checking out my six pack?

No, I was just
straightening the covers.

Good morning?

You just woke up?

Yeah.

What time is it?

Almost eleven.

Damn, you put it on me
last night. I'm starving.

I could make you
something to eat.

You got any cereal? Like
Captain Crunch Frosted Flakes?

No, but I can
make you an omelet.

You know how to make those?

I do. Do you eat Omelets?

I'm from the ghetto,
I'll eat anything.

Hello?

Who's that?

My girlfriend.

Your girlfriend, you're gay?

No, my best friend.
She has keys...

- Oops.
- that I'll be taking away.

Sorry, girl, you weren't
answering your phone

and I was worried.

Hello.

The ringer is off.
You remember Kaseem?

You brought breakfast?

Scones.

I'm not a cougar.

I don't know what happened.

How was it?

Good.

Not great?

Better than the first time.

First time?

Shhh.

And his...

Nice and big.

Big?

Oh, yeah, all the steroids
in those happy meals

went to the right place.

Six pack?

No fat.

Alright, I gotta go,
I'll call you later.

Have fun.

See, this is how
it is in the ghetto.

Sleeping on the floor.

Yeah, but I have a bed.

What?

Stop.

You are so rough. I'm a girl.

What the...

- Shit.
- That's crazy.

He is dead?

No he is a...

He's dead.

He just killed him.

He is gonna take
his...

You wanna do something?

Like what?

I thought you didn't smoke?

I'm a work in progress.

You never smoked before?

I told you I didn't.

Not even in college?

I was always so afraid
of getting caught.

Ain't that what you college
girls do, smoke and lesbianism?

Well, live a little, yo.

All you gotta do is Inhale,

hold it for a few,

And then,

Blow it out

All right try

alright take it
easy, hold on, slow

hold on.

Alright you good, you good.

What made you get this one?

I got it when my brother died.

And this one? It feels bumpy.

That's where I was stabbed.

Stabbed? How did that happen?

This dude my mother
used to mess with,

used to beat her
up all the time.

One day I got tired of it.

I told him to get the fuck out.

He stabbed me.

How old were you?

Ten, eleven.

That's terrible.

There was so much
blood everywhere.

They thought I was gonna die
'cause of the blood I lost.

What was going
through your mind?

Honestly, I was mad cause
I knew I'd miss school.

Back then I used to
love going to school,

I got all A's and I played ball.

Basketball?

Yeah, we had a game
against PS-88 the next day.

After that, we moved
in with my grandmother,

switched schools, and
I started skipping.

At ten.

Yeah, I was a muthafucka.

You got anymore pizza though?

What's with the cat food?

Awww, my poor cat.

She got out through
the fire escape,

and I'm hoping she comes back.

So I leave the bowl
of just in case.

Old women and their cats.

This is the video
I was talking about.

Wait, hold up, isn't
that the dude from

"Think Like A Man." He
used to be a rapper?

I think he just that one hit.

♪ Oh, it doesn't seem that
I'll be going nowhere ♪

♪ I'm just a victim
of the ghetto, oooh, ♪

♪ it doesn't seem that
I'll be getting too far ♪

♪ too far too far ♪

I love this song.

What you know about
the ghetto, college girl?

You do know that
people from the ghetto

can go to college, right?

Victim of the ghetto.

So many black
people are victims.

It's a shame.

I refuse to be a victim.

Are you okay?

Yeah, I'm okay.

I just get so upset
every time I think about

what's happening to our people.

All this police brutality.

Every other race seem to work
past their history, not us.

You know there's
more to it than that.

Tell me something
personal about you?

Come on man, I don't
like answering questions.

Come on, I answer
all of your questions.

Is Kaseem your real name?

I heard Tunde call
you something else.

Yes. That was just a nickname.

What year did you
graduate high school?

Or did you?

I got a GED.

And where were you?

What'cha mean?

When I first met you,
Tunde said you're back.

Wow, you don't
forget nothing do you?

I was out in New Jersey
trying to stay out of trouble.

You been in trouble a
lot? You been to prison?

No.

Any children?

Nope.

Not one?

I just said no.
What about you?

You get in trouble a
lot? You have any kids?

You wanna pass by the cafe?

No, the little fella
is coming this way now,

I don't wanna run into
him on the street.

Why?

How would that look?

Like two adults talking.

If he kissed me,
I'd be mortified.

It's been months - no one
has seen you two together yet?

We don't leave the apartment.

What kind of
relationship is that?

It's not, he's 22,

I can't even bring myself
to call him daddy in bed.

Then why are you with him?

He's full of ideas and
passionate about his future,

I like that.

And the sex is good?

We've come a long way.

And really sometimes
he can be distant,

almost cold sometimes.

That's a good thing?

And all the young girls
on his Facebook page.

Facebook?

First, never be Instagram or
Facebook friends with a lover,

at any age, it'll
drive you insane,

and, second, is that
why you're dressed

like somebody out of
"Love and Hip Hop?"

What's wrong with my outfit?

It is a little
young don't you think?

You're always talking about
my clothes, I jazzed it up.

Hold up, I wanna run in here
and grab something for dinner.

Damn, look at
shorty. She got an ass.

Man, I'm telling you
she's a grown woman.

But is she fine, you gotta
admit that, she is fine.

You know what I am saying

Hey, what's your name?

Maya.

You in college?

I'm 39.

Really?

Damn son, she mad old.

I'm too old for you,
but I'm not mad old.

Sorry, ma'am.

Shut up. You ain't that
much younger than me.

They said nothing to me.

Hey.

What took you so long?

I had to get meat for dinner.

I have been out
here for like an hour,

mosquitoes biting
me up and shit.

Well let me get up
here and cook this food.

But that's not
the point though,

mosquitoes are messing me
outside, it's inconsiderate.

Matter of fact, what
are you wearing?

You're too old
for that shit man.

What's your problem? And why
don't you answer the phone?

Some girl blowing my phone up.

Who is she?

I don't know, some chick
that I don't fuck with no more.

You don't know? Or some chick
you don't fuck with no more?

Yeah, girls your
age are like that.

Hold up, what that mean?

You're young, they're young,
you play games like that

at that age.

You and this age thing.

I don't see nobody your age
trying to get up in here.

Let me tell you something,

you're more than
welcome to leave,

because I was just fine
before your young ass

came up in here.

Cool. I'm out. Peace.

So you just gonna let
me leave like that?

I don't play games. You
didn't know? I'm mad old.

hey yo, I got a
lot on my mind right now.

My hustle ain't really going
the way I want it to go.

But I really don't wanna leave.

Then you need to
work on your attitude.

I'm sorry. You
forgive me baby?

Whatever.

Cool.

Hey, Grandma, what's up?

Uncle Jimmy said that?

Forget him. Look I
don't never have to come

back again. Period.

End of story. Peace.

Is everything all right?

I'm good man com'on,

you know I don't like
that touchy feely shit.

Who was that on the
phone? Your grandmother?

Yeah.

I thought you
said she was dead.

No, that was my
other grandmother.

I don't wanna talk
about that. Watch out.

Okay.

You talking to me?

Hello, what did you say?

I said I gotta stay focused...
you gotta stay focused.

And this is you focused?

You can't get defensive
with everything I say.

Just let that sink in.

That's why you're holed
up in this brownstone

instead of balling
out of control.

Everything isn't about money.

That's exactly what a
poor person would say.

That's exactly how the
white man wants you think.

That's why they
keep getting richer,

and we keep getting poorer.

I'm not poor.

All right, you've
got a lil money,

but it's not Mark
Zuckerberg money.

You know your rhetoric
is skewed and capricious.

What is capricious?

And you say that
you're for your people,

but really everything
you say is a put down.

It sounds more like
self-hatred than self-esteem.

Look, you don't know what
you're talking about all right.

I love me. I believe
in me and my abilities.

I don't need you
to believe in me,

but if you're ride or die...

Oh here we go.

What about you and your
lack of follow-through?

School, your business plan...

Fuck school. Mark Zuckerberg
didn't go to school.

Mark Zuckerberg
was a Harvard dropout

whose million dollar business
was about to take off.

Not a high school drop out.

So you're saying that Mark
Zuckerberg is better than me?

You saying that I'm worthless
because I got a GED?

you think Mark Zuckerberg
is better than me?

Where are you going?

I'm going to the mosque,
everything is stressing me out

my family, bitches,
and your bullshit.

I need to pray.

Shit, not in a million years
did I expect I was pregnant.

Honestly, I thought I was
going through the change early,

like early, early.

At least you're in a
good position financially.

It takes more than
finances to be a mother,

and I'm sure I don't
want to be one.

Then why are you
taking this so hard?

'Cause who wants to
be in this position?

I'm not a teenager.

I can't believe this happened.

Maybe it's a blessing.

Seriously?

OK, maybe it's not.

I like my life
just the way it is.

What?

Don't you ever feel lonely?

I'm used to being alone.

The result of being
an only child.

Which I swore I'd
never do to a kid.

Besides, is loneliness
reason enough to have a baby?

I like my freedom. I like
traveling. I like being able to

pick up and go
whenever I choose want.

And I shouldn't have
to apologize for that.

Okay, I feel you.

But don't you think
its kinda of selfish

women our age choosing
career over family?

And? Isn't that our right.

Isn't that what
feminism is about -

our right to choose?

What percentage of men
our age are childless?

You don't know right? Cause
no one ever talks about that.

This might be your last
chance to have a baby.

I am okay with that.

Ice cold water

Ice cold water

how you doing miss, would
you like ice cold water? No?

I got the small ones
too for the baby.

How much?

It's just a dollar.

Ice cold water.

Hello

Aye, yeah, hey, what's up?

What's up?

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Why you so quiet?

What, I am supposed to be
excited cause you called.

Come on, man. That
was three weeks ago.

I needed time to clear my head.

What're you up to?

Making my dinner.

Can I come by later?

For what?

Just to check you out.

Not a good idea.

Come on, man, I miss you. I
know I was being capricious,

I've been working on myself.

I'm in a better place right now.

I just need a chance to explain.
Please just hear me out.

So check it Maya Angelou is
your favorite author, right?

Yeah.

Why?

What do you mean why?

What is about her
writing over anybody else?

It's truthful, poetic. And
it makes me feel... happy,

melancholy.

For me, Manchild
in the Promised Land.

In the book the writer
goes to visit his boy

and his boys sisters are
there arguing over an egg.

It was the only food
they had to eat.

They started fighting and shit
and the egg drops and breaks

and the sisters started crying.

And how fucked up and
hopeless they felt,

I get it.

I'm really glad I took
the time to clear my mind

and get focused.

That's good.

I wasn't focusing
on my goals before.

I was letting petty
bullshit distract me.

From now on everything I
do, every person I deal with

it will be goal oriented.

And what's the goal?

Success.

Success at what?

You know now I can
actually answer that question

I'm a start like a artist
management company.

But I gotta learn to
manage myself first.

Good.

That's why I decided
to be celibate.

Excuse me.

We just had sex.

I know, but I wanted
this to be the last time.

You're very special,

and Allah brought us
together for a reason,

and I want to build
something with you.

Look, you're 22 and
I'm flattered you think

that you love me.

Wait, hold up, I never
said that I loved you,

and please quit
bringing up my age.

That blinds you from
what I have to offer you.

Okay, what did
you mean by build?

I like you, and I like
spending time with you.

I think we can help
each other out.

Your experience can
help me get started,

my energy can help you
get out of your slump.

Slump?

Don't take offense
to what I am saying,

I am just telling it like it is

because we as black
people need to...

Not another speech.

Just hear me out.

When I say build something,

it doesn't necessarily
mean romance.

I think sex complicates things,

right now, I need to focus

on conquer the world
without any distractions.

I think we can really
work with each other,

help each other out

I build you up, you build me up,

really get to know each other.

Sure.

If you want to be celibate,
I can respect that.

What about the rest? I
said more than just celibate.

I appreciate that
you're on this journey,

you're at that age,
and, I'm sorry,

but it's true, you're on a
self-realization journey,

- I'm not on that journey
- been there done that.

So, this is where you wanna
be? And this is all you want?

No, but I'm working on it.

Okay so, let's
work on it together.

I know that I'm young, and
I can't teach you anything,

but let's try, old lady.

But Dad. I won
the competition.

Yeah, third place.

First place, dummy.

They announce the
winners third to first

Yes, you won this time, but
just barely made the deadline,

you're such a procrastinator...

But isn't the fact
that I won enough?

No. I'm not raising lazy kids

who are satisfied
with being average.

You have to go after what
you want in this life,

and then you can have anything.

Dad, I'm not lazy.

Yes, you are.

Procrastination is just
another way of saying lazy,

it's gonna stifle your dreams.

But I'm gonna make you a
success in spite of yourself.

Shut up, dummy.

You shut up, you shut up. No..

Hey, hey, hey, Maya!
you're gonna sit here

and argue right in front of me?

She's a girl, you're a man.
I expect more from you.

I thought you were gonna
bring me the computer?

You've were on the
phone for like two hours.

Yeah, that's 'cause
you were on the computer,

That's why I need my own.

Yeah you do.

I've got an old one back
there you can use if you want.

Naw, man that's too slow.

Would you be willing
to invest in me

in buying my own laptop?

Nope.

That's cold.

Uh, no.

Alright, hear me out.

Look I talked to J.T., he
said that he got one on sale,

and it's cheap,
you can afford it.

I'm not your mother
or your benefactor.

I know, that
you're not my mother.

I got a mother, I don't
need another one. Alright?

So now you want me to
start giving you money.

Is that what you meant
by build something?

You know, I'm not
some lonely old cougar

looking for a young
stud to take care of -

a celibate one at that.

No, I didn't say
that. You're funny.

What I'm saying is that, if
you really care about me,

then you should do that
for me, help me out.

So are you saying what
I do now isn't help?

No, I am not saying that,
I appreciate what you do,

I really do.

I'm just asking
for one more favor.

You have to sign
a promissory note.

Thank you, baby.

Hold up, hold up, not so fast.

I'm still celibate.

What's that?

It's just something
I am looking at.

Tell me about it.

There's nothing to tell.

You realize you
always do that.

Every time I ask you about
something or offer to help you

shut me down, like some young
kid who has nothing to offer.

I'm genius with it.
Like I got mad skills.

It's this website
that I'm obsessed with

called the Nu project.

Photos of just regular women. It tells
so much about these women's struggles

and triumphs, even failures.

I'm sure I'm making
way too much out of it,

but I'm so intrigued.

Oh, OK. Sounds intriguing.

I need to pray.

What are you doing?

My dick is hard, that's
means that's the devil

trying to enter my
body, I gotta pray.

Thanks so much.

You got here so fast.

Yeah, my friend wasn't
home, so I took an uber.

Aww. It's so good to see you.

You, too, Auntie.

Look at you.
You're all grown up.

Hey Auntie, can we go
inside? I really have to pee.

You want something to eat?
I got lots of leftovers.

No thanks Auntie, I'm
good, I already ate.

What are you looking at?

I am looking at our family.

Oh my God,

That was your
father's 12th birthday.

There is your grandma.

Oh my God she is beautiful.

And your grandfather, and
that's me in the stroller.

So cute, chubby cheeks.

Yeah.

My goodness.

I'm gonna show you
all these pictures,

but for now, I wanna know
what's been going on,

I wanna here everything,
how's school?

School is okay.

Just okay?

Yeah, I had to drop a class
to keep from flunking it.

Still haven't told my mom yet.

Why were you flunking?

I don't know. I feel like,
I just like couldn't focus.

FOCUS, focus is overrated.

I had to take the time,

just got wrapped up in
other artistic classes

like painting and writing...

And partying?

And partying of course,
just a little bit of that,

but I love the artistic
stuff and I hate math.

I know it's so cliche, but I do.

Ah yes, you got your
grandfather's creative gene.

Yeah, but I
actually don't think

I'm going to major in the arts.

No?

Yeah, I don't know,
I think I'm gonna go

into political science, I
don't really know yet though.

Like Mama.

What are you talking about,
Grandma was a bookkeeper.

Yeah, but when
she was in college,

she was a political
science major.

And her mother was an
activist in the 60s.

She organized
protests and rallies.

I think she even got
arrested a few times.

How come I didn't
know any of this?

I don't know, I guess it's
just one of those things

we don't talk about.

I guess, what
about you Auntie?

Me? No I didn't
inherit that gene.

The closest that I
ever came to politics

was when I dated a
republican.

What about your social
life? Is there a boyfriend?

Well, Auntie,
I'm actually a lesbian.

What, are you sure?
When did that happen?

I don't know, it
just kind of, happened.

OK, I feel you. No judgment.

Thanks, it's good to
have someone in the family

on my side.

Your father is not
taking it too good?

No, it's not him, it's my mom.

My dad just kind
of brushed it over.

He's more upset
about the tattoos.

What tattoos?

This one, this one.

Zoe!

Isn't it cute though?

These are the years
of finding yourself,

so don't spend all
your time trying

to please everybody else, okay?

Okay.

So, tell me about this
man friend you have?

Man friend?

Yeah, I saw men's
deodorant in the bathroom

and men's shoes in the bedroom.

Oh. Well, He's not really,
I guess he is a friend.

I don't know if I should
be telling you this.

I'm almost twenty-one,
you can tell me.

Yeah he's kind of young too.

Oh, Auntie are you a cougar?

No, no. I hate
that, uh I hate that.

We're just friends, I'm
helping him get into college.

Like a tutor.

Oh my God Auntie,
is he in high school?!

No. He's in his twenties.

Twenties. Nice. So when
I am gonna get to meet him.

No, definitely not.

What, why?

He's, a little uncouth.

If you weren't a lesbian now,
I would not let you date him.

Auntie that is so wrong.
Okay so what's his name?

Kaseem. But I call him
little fella. Not to his face.

yeah I know, I'm staying
at my Auntie's right now.

Yeah, I haven't seen her
in a really long time,

it's nice to see her.

Yeah, shut up.

Zoe, it's ready.

Okay, I'll be
there in a minute.

Yeah I don't know,

she has this like um 22-year-old
friend with benefits.

Yeah, Nah, uh, she's not that
old. She's like almost 40.

No honestly I ain't
even mad at her. Okay

Okay, I will talk to you later.

This smells
really good Auntie,

I thought you couldn't cook.

Who says I can't cook?

My dad, my mom and
everyone else in the family.

Wow okay, well you tell them
I've been practicing. Okay?

Let me know what you think.

Auntie this is so good.

It must be hard in college,
there must be no good food.

Oh my God, it is awful.

Are you gonna get that or
do you want me to get it?

Um. No, I got it.

Yeah, hey, what's
up? I been calling you.

I know. My niece came
into town unexpectedly,

and I spent the day with her.

Oh, cool your niece,
so let me meet her.

No, you can't.

Why not?

She's just really young
and she wouldn't understand.

Understand what? I'm not good
enough to meet your family?

Just watch your language. I
don't curse around my niece.

Come on man, you
so old fashioned.

She probably curses
more than you do.

I really can't with you.

But listen, swiping
left and swiping right,

is another way to
minimize black women,

'cause they never get
chose on those apps.

I can agree to that.

The simple fact that she's
on a predominantly white site

is just another knock
against the black man

'cause she's now she
must choose a white man.

See that's a perspective.

You know I'm right.

I can't tell if you're
crazy or if you're just

full of crap

You can say, shit. Go
ahead, your aunt doesn't mind

Not okay.

She probably does
all types of stuff

when you're not around?

I know she does.

Yeah an she knows
me pretty well.

But you don't
tell her everything.

Because it's a
sign of respect.

Okay I've got a question
for you, serious question,

you got a boyfriend, right?

I'm a lesbian.

Not another one.

Another lesbian?

Another young
woman that is blind.

You just following a
trend down a dark path.

I'm telling you, if poverty
doesn't kill our people,

this homosexual activity will.

OK, that's enough philosophical
conversation for tonight.

And I agreed with that.

I'm going to bed, I have to
leave early in the morning.

I'm right behind you.

Kaseem, it was really
interesting getting to meet you.

You, too, stay up and
finish your education.

If you gonna stay, you'll
have to sleep on the couch.

Word, no problem.

I'd feel more comfortable
if you didn't stay the night.

Then why did you say
I could take the couch?

I don't know.

Well my boy dropped me off,
and there is no more train

running back my way tonight.

Okay but you gotta
use the hall bathroom.

What you think I'ma do
something to your niece

No, it's just a sign
of respect like I said

Yeah, okay, whatever.

Good night.

I take a blanket too, please?

Oh my God, you scared me.

Have a safe trip, okay? And
seriously, stay at school -

education is important.

We need more of our brothers
and sisters to graduate.

Okay, I will.

Hey, Tunde.

Hey Maya, it's funny, I
was just talking about you.

Why?

Well, I heard about the work
you've doing with Marshall,

Kaseem. Tutoring him
or something like that?

He needs that kind of support.

He's a smart kid, he
just needs some guidance.

Especially with a
family like his.

I'm not, we're not, I
don't know his family.

Not surprised he
didn't mention them.

His Mom moved out
of state running

- from child protective services.
- Why?

He was breaking up a fight
between her and her boyfriend

and she cut him.

She cut him? Intentionally?

Yes - that's the kind
of worthless woman she is.

Then he gets bounced around
between his grandmother

and degenerate uncles
then ends up in a shelter.

That's horrible.

Yeah, but you know what he,
he has a really good heart.

I hooked him up with my
boy, Rashaad, down the block

at the mosque to
help him get his GED,

you know that's part of
his parole requirements.

Four years in prison.

It must be tough to away as
a kid and come home an adult.

Especially when you have
no family to speak of.

I hear now he has
a baby on the way,

something like that.

You know what, I think
I left something at home,

it was good to see you though.

Yo what's up, bae.

Where my keys?

It's on my key ring, why?

I'm taking them.

How, will I get in later?

You won't.

What's the problem? You
just gave those to me,

come on man, you too
emotional for me.

Is that what they
taught you in prison?

What?

Yeah, I know you spent
four years in prison.

Who told you that?

Does it matter, you
saying you didn't? Marshall.

I told you I changed
my name to Kaseem.

No, you told me it
was your birth name.

Why didn't you tell
me you went to prison?

I asked you and you lied.

Because I knew this
is how you would react.

You hear a brother was
incarcerated for drugs...

No, not drugs I checked.

Hold up, so you
spying on me now?

See that's the problem,
black women don't know how

to support a black man when
it's absolutely necessary.

Oh, don't give me
that cliche bullshit,

'Cause this it the
same black woman

who bought you a computer,
who feeds your ass

and lets you stay in her house.

But you're kicking me out now.

Because you're a
liar, and I realize

I don't know anything about you.

You don't wanna know,
you're just like my family,

you kicking a me when I'm down.

So you can fuck me, but
you can't support me

Fuck you, we haven't
fucked in forever

because you want to be "celibate"
and wanna build something.

And I was the fool
who agreed to it.

What are those quotes for?

Forget this, I'm not arguing
with you, you have got to go.

You know, I thought you were
good for me, energizing.

But now I realize, it was
just a ball of confusion

and frustration and lies.

No, it's you, you're a loser,

all you wanna do is be
shacked up in this brownstone

living off your savings, you
keep living in the past man.

You don't know shit about me.

Look I didn't expect this
to work out 'cause I'm Muslim

so we have no future,

but also, I was afraid
that you'd hold me back.

I know I lied about
the jail thing...

And your name, and school
and the GED and the baby...

I told you I
don't have a baby.

I don't believe you.

I don't have a job,
I don't have money,

and sometimes not
even a place to stay.

But you know what, I'm
out here everyday pushing

and planning, towards
my dreams and my goals.

I don't live in my past and my
time in prison don't matter.

I don't want to be
39 and look back

and all I have is memories.

Enjoy your life
man, 'cause I will.

I hope you get
your shit together.

Yeah, hope you get
your shit together.

So, you weren't fucking
anyway, what good was he?

I swear I would have been
told his ass to get lost.

I don't know, there was
something about his earnestness.

He was hopeful, desperate.

Something about him that
made me feel almost maternal,

like he needed my
encouragement and support.

OK, but what were
you getting out of it?

I don't know. I
liked his company.

So we're back to lonely.

No, it was more than that
we had great conversations,

he was fun.

Well, at least you had fun.

Parts of it. On
second thought, really,

it was a lot of work.

You love him?

Not at all.

I would tell you it if I did.

It's like I was just
reliving my twenties

or maybe he was just
something to do.

I couldn't deal with his
mood swings and his age.

I don't know how other
women deal with it.

Then why does it look
like you've been crying?

Some of the
things that he said.

Breakups.

Have I changed?

What do you mean?

Than when we were younger...
then before my father died?

Am I different?

I don't know.

Really you can tell me.
You won't hurt my feelings.

I think your father dying
caused you to retreat a little.

You were always a daddy's girl.

You wouldn't do anything
without worrying

about what he would think.

But get it, wanting to
please your parents.

Besides how could his
death not affect you?

Yeah

My appointment is tomorrow.

You want me to go with you?

Hell yeah.

Okay.

I'm 200% percent sure.

Okay.

Happy birthday to me.

Happy birthday.

Hello.

Hey, baby bro.

Hey, Maya. What's up?

You know Zoe came to visit me.

Wait, hold on, I
can hardly hear you.

I said, Zoe came to see me.

I know she told me.

She's such a
beautiful young girl.

You guys really
raised her right,

even though you
aren't still together.

Thanks. You alright?

You sound like
you've been drinking.

Yeah, a little bit.

She told me about
your boyfriend.

He's not my boyfriend.

He's young. What's that about?

Listen, that's
not why I'm calling.

I know you're giving Zoe a hard
time about being a lesbian,

but I think you
should give her break.

She needs time to figure out
what her life is going to be.

You hearing me?

I'm here.

She don't need anyone
telling her what to do...

Don't do that, Maya.

Do what? I'm
talking about Zoe.

I don't know what's
going on with you,

but you seem to be drunk...

And...

And? A 22-year-old boy toy.

You really know
how to kill a buzz.

You shouldn't be
so high and mighty,

which one of us had a baby
while still in high school?

Dad would've never let
me get away with that.

Our father, your father
would be so ashamed

of you right now.

Wait, hello, hello.

What happened?

Mr. Ross' wife passed away.

What?

Yeah, she died in her sleep.

We all gotta die sometime.

Going in your sleep
is as good as any.

BOO!

What the hell?

Oh, sorry, excuse me.

I thought you were someone
else. I didn't, I... I'm..

Oh my god, you scared me.

I'm so, so sorry.

It's alright, I'm fine.

Hey guys

heeey, Lola, Lola

Oh, I'm sorry I'm
sorry, oh my God.

She a girl, you are man,
I expect more from you.

It's something Maya is not
gonna have because of her career

Children?

Yeah.

You are beautiful
just the way you are.

See how that works? I knock,
you answer, then I come in

That's 'cause you
don't have a key.

I got pastries.

Ohhh... Sock it to me cake.

Oh, I wanted to try this.

Looking good in here. So,
this is what Harlem looks like.

The new Harlem, yeah.

So how you doing today?

You mean am I
still glad I did it?

That too?

250 percent. Doesn't
mean it was easy,

but I'm sure it was
the right thing for me.

This shit is getting harder.

What?

Life.

When you were young, you
unnecessarily worried

about making life-altering
decisions, but at this age...

It can all be life-altering.

Right, it's now or never.

You can't say I'll worry
about that when I'm older.

You are older.

But 40 is still very young.

I just keep thinking
about Mrs. Ross,

she lived to be 90 years old.

Can you imagine seeing 90?

Yes I can. I want
to live to be 105.

That gives me another
60 plus years.

You're not asking for much.

I am asking for much.
And so should you.

Do you want mediocre
food? Pastries? Wine?

Why accept a short
mediocre life?

Good point.

But it can't just be
longit has to be fulfilling.

What's that Bob Marley quote?

"It's not the length of
life, but the depth of life."

That's Emerson.

Sounds like something
Marley would've said.

This is a heart attack
waiting to happen.

But it's sooo good.

Yeah, hey, what's up?

Yeah, hey, what's up?

Long time.

Yeah, long time.

Spring cleaning?

Something like that.

I got something for you.

Thanks, but I'm off scones.

OK, trying new things. I
like that. No, really, here.

What's this?

It's the money for the laptop.

Really, I'm impressed.

I said I would pay you back,
and I'm a man of my word.

It took me a minute.

Plus, I wanted to apologize
for not telling you

the whole truth.

You don't need to apologize.

I'm trying to find my way.

I don't have it all figured out,

but I didn't lie about the
baby, that was a rumor,

I'd never deny a seed of mine.

Like I said, you
don't have to apologize.

Besides, it wasn't all bad.

It helps with the celibacy.

You still doing that.

I hit a few bumps
but like I said,

I'm a work in progress.

And you're still the
nicest old lady I know.

Yeah, I better
getting back to work.

Right, spring cleaning.

Oh by the way, looking good.

Still thick as hell and
that's a good thing.

Yeah, I know and thank you.

Thick.