Nightmare School Moms (2023) - full transcript

- ♪ happy birthday to you

♪ happy birthday to you

♪ happy birthday dear dad

♪ happy birthday to you

Make a wish, dad.

I wish,

I wish for you to
go to whittendale.

I hope I can make that wish
come true for you, granddad.

Stop with this hope crap.

You're going to do it.

We have a legacy.



My father went there.

I went there.

Your mother...

Almost went there.

Here,

Let me cut you a piece.

If it was so
important to you, dad,

Why don't you just
make a phone call?

Well that would be cheating.

In this family, we earn our way.

Nicole is doing great.

Her scores are in
the 90th percentile

And she's tied for
the highest gpa.

Tied, with whom?



Parker williams.

Williams?

Her daughter?

She wants to go to
whittendale too.

If it's close,

They'll look at
extracurriculars,

Charities, clubs,

Things like that.

I'm running for a
student body president

And so is parker williams.

You have to beat her.

You have to win.

Don't make the same mistakes

Your mother did.

Can't we just enjoy
your cake, dad?

You leaving already?

I gotta get to school
to set up my campaign table.

It's election day.

I wanna get there early.

Have you eaten?

Yes, mom.

Coffee for the road?

I'm gonna stop by joe's.

Can I help you to the car?

I got it.

Thanks.

Good luck.

Thank you, love you.

I love you too.

hi, vote for nicole.

- Parker for president.
- Thank you.

- Oh, vote for nicole.
- Uh huh.

Parker for the people.

Hey nicole. Um...

I just really wanna let you know

That you are running
a great campaign

And if the early votes are
any indication, you're a lock.

Thanks, but there's still a
lot of votes to be counted,

Especially from our class.

Well, best of luck.

Thanks.

morning girls.

Good morning, mrs. Settle.

Hi.

Yeah, this won't work.

Why did you bring
so many donuts?

Everybody likes donuts

And they don't get one

Unless they take a
button or a sticker.

I don't think that
that's allowed mom.

It's a violation of the
school's election policy.

Thank you for your input, mandy.

But just because you
worked in national politics

Doesn't make you an expert
on high school elections.

They could be
considered a bribe.

They're not bribes.

They're donuts.

You know how mr. Harrison
is about the rules.

And we'd hate to win
on a technicality.

Wouldn't be democratic.

Fine.

But what are you
doing here then?

Bringing parker her
campaign speech.

Oh, so you can write her speech,

But I can't give the
kids a sugar rush.

Seems unfair.

I didn't write it.

I just made some edits.

Wait.

Mom.

It was on the kitchen counter.

I thought you left it for me.

No, I left it for dad.

He said he wanted to
look at it this morning.

Oh.

Keep it.

Look it over.

Use any changes or not.

It's your speech.

I wouldn't use those changes.

Could be considered cheating.

would you like a hand?

It's okay.

I got it.

Oh.

Oh, let me help you with that.

no, thank you.

I don't need any help.

You know,

I remember 20 years ago

We were going to
this school together.

Whole lives ahead of us.

We were friends.

Still could be.

Why did you come back?

Because I love this place.

You only feel that way

Because you didn't
get stuck here

Going to some junior college.

You didn't have some
a-hole disappear on you

To avoid child support

And you didn't have a
father remind you every day

What a disappointment
you are to him.

You took my spot.

You took whittendale from me.

You didn't have to.

You just did.

Here.

I got it, thanks.

I wonder where she is.

We should have heard
something by now.

I thought she would've texted
or called with the results.

Sometimes I think you want
this more than she does.

Why do you say that?

Just an observation.

If she's gonna do
it, do anything,

I just think she
should give it her all,

Like me.

And that's the attitude that
almost took you away from us.

Quit being dramatic.

We came here so that you
could heal, remember?

And I have.

I've been following
the doctor's orders,

Exercising regularly.

Only consulting
from time to time.

What else do you want me to do?

I just want you to take it easy.

Don't fall back into that
all or nothing mindset.

I won't.

Good,

Because parker and I need you.

Come here.

Love you.

Oh, honey.

You won?

I won!

Yeah.

Yeah you did.

now she
has the advantage.

I know, mom.

Are you gonna be the one
to tell your grandfather?

I mean, maybe both
of us will get in.

Whittendale has never
taken two applicants

From your school in
the same year ever.

It's either one of
you or neither of you.

Stop that right now.

Tears won't help.

This isn't over.

I really thought I
was gonna win, mom.

Even parker thought that.

She told me that this morning.

That's interesting.

I wonder why she
would think that.

Mr. Harrison conducts exit
polls for his ap classes.

And they had me leading

The entire time.

And all the early
voting tallies,

They were lining
up with the polls.

My whole class voted for her.

What was mandy really doing
at the school this morning?

She brought parker's speech.

Flimsy excuse.

She was involved in that
crooked voting scheme

Back in wisconsin a couple
years ago, wasn't she?

She was.

It was all over the news.

I don't think she was
directly involved in that.

Not directly.

She's too smart for that, but...

I bet you she knows
all the dirty tricks.

Hmm.

Have you conceded
the election yet?

In one of the closest
elections ever

In the history of our school,

These two young ladies

Campaigned diligently and I
could not be more proud of them.

I'm just sorry that we
have to declare one of them

The winner.

But before we call up
your next president-elect,

I would like to invite nicole
settle up to say a few words.

Nicole.

Good morning.

First, I want to thank
all of you for voting,

Whether it was for me

Or my opponent.

Voting is a right that should
be taken very seriously

And always be done
with integrity.

That is why I am not
conceding the election.

I am demanding a recount,

Which is clearly my right to do

By the election rules,
section four, clause three.

By all measures,

The polls, early voting,

I should be your
president-elect.

This has to be done right.

And I'm not claiming
anything nefarious happened.

I'm simply asking questions.

Thank you.

A little heads up
would've been nice.

Well, nicole wasn't sure if
she wanted to make waves,

But at the last minute,

I guess she decided

Election integrity
was more important.

We're just following the rules.

Are you doing this
because of the donuts?

Donuts?

Principle ward,

Nicole is doing this because
we have reason to believe

That the election was stolen.

Stolen?

What are you talking about?

You worked in politics.

Where do you think the
last 20 votes came from?

The students.

Politics is such
a dirty business.

Some people will do
anything to win an election.

What are you implying?

I'm not implying anything.

You see what she's
doing, don't you?

This is pathetic.

Oh, please.

Ladies, ladies, please.

Look, a recount would
clear all this up.

Fine.

Okay.

If that's what you ladies want,

We'll do a recount
in the morning.

Good.

I trust the ballots
are in a secure place.

Mr. Harrison keeps them in a
locked case in his classroom.

Good.

I'd like to be there
when he does the recount.

Me too.

fine.

hi.

What are you doing here?

Principal ward has given me okay

For myself and mrs. Williams

To attend as parental monitors
for tomorrow's recounts.

I just wanted to know
the rules of engagement.

Well, the rules of engagement

Are to just sit and watch.

Anything else 'cause I have
another class to prep for?

I just, no, I got
everything I need.

Thanks.

Come on.

mom?

Hey, what are you doing?

I was just catching
up on some emails.

So, I know we're doing the
recount in the morning, but

I don't know.

I'm kind of having
second thoughts about it.

I mean, it's not too late for us

To just concede, call it off.

Why would we do that now?

Because I'm asking to.

I'm not gonna tell
your grandfather

That we had this chance
and we didn't take it.

Everything on your
resume is perfect.

We just need this one thing
to move you to the top.

I know, but everyone at school

Is saying that I'm a sore loser.

But you're not.

You're the winner.

Don't forget that.

Trust me.

If parker would've
come in second,

Mandy would've done
the same thing.

How do you know that?

Because I know.

Okay.

- Hey, what are you doing?
- Oh hey.

I just got here early like you.

Hmm.

I see you brought
your mug o' joe's.

Parker loves it.

Has to have it every morning.

Good morning, mr. Harrison.

morning, mr. Harrison.

Good morning ladies.

Excuse me.

We'll set up in the library.

Right this way.

Huh.

Well, what do you know?

There were mistakes
with the final vote.

Instead of 684
valid votes counted,

There were 724.

That's more than enough to win.

So with the recount,

Parker received 383 votes

And nicole received 341.

you told
me I could do it.

Oh my god, I'm so excited.

I can't believe I doubted it.

Wow, this is amazing.

Good job, congratulations.

Thank you.

Nicole.

Nicole, can you just wait.

More, mom?

I lost by more.

I don't know what happened.

I mean, maybe mandy
stuffed the ballots.

This isn't about them.

It's about you.

Watch your tone.

Mom, this is humiliating.

Everyone hates me more
than they did before.

And I told you I didn't
wanna do this stupid recount.

I'll make this up to you.

Just stop.

I'm gonna fix this!

You have to know

It's not easy for me to
come here and ask you this,

But this isn't for me.

Nicole has

Sacrificed and worked

Hard for this,

Extremely hard.

So I'm begging you

To show her

The compassion

That you never showed me.

I need your help to get
her into whittendale.

Please.

I won't ask for
anything ever again.

Let me get this straight.

Nicole loses the election

And runs the risk of
following in her mother's

Disappointing footsteps.

And you expect me to bribe...

- A donation is not...
- Don't interrupt me.

You want me to buy

Her way in when she
hasn't earned it?

But she has.

She's earned it
more than parker.

If that were the case,

You wouldn't be here asking.

Idiot nurse.

She forgot to change the tank.

Can you

Get me

A new one?

It's in the

Bedroom.

Lacy?

So let me get this straight.

Your nurse makes a mistake

And you expect me to fix it?

What have you ever done for me?

For nicole?

okay,

I'll do it.

no you won't.

As soon as you get
your breath back,

You're just gonna call
me some miserable loser.

Right?

Don't worry.

I'm gonna take care of nicole.

I'm gonna get her
into whittendale.

And it makes me happy
that you won't be here

To see it.

Lacy.

Help.

It's my,

It's my dad, he's collapsed.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

911, what
is your emergency?

Hi, 911.

I, my, he's help.

I, my dad just
just keeled over I,

I don't know if he's dead.

ma'am, are you okay?

Yeah,

Please, please get here.

I
loved him so much.

Me too, sweetie.

I have to do it now.

Do what?

I have to get into whittendale.

Like I don't care,

I don't care what it takes.

I don't care what I have to do.

I have to.

That was the last promise
that I made to him.

I know.

And you will.

After we take care of granddad,

I'm gonna get us some
professional help.

I love you.

I love you too.

well, I'll
get your money. I swear.

Okay.

and most people just
overpromise and underdeliver.

That's right.

Yes.

I just deliver for my clients.

Okay, hey, my next
appointment just came in.

I gotta go.

Okay, bye-bye.

hello.

You must be mrs. Settle?

- Hi.
- Hi.

- Come on in.
- Thank you.

First thing I like to ask
all of my potential clients

Is what is the goal

That I can help make
happen for you and your...?

- Daughter.
- Daughter.

She has to get accepted
into whittendale.

Woo.

You can make that
happen, can't you?

Oh yeah, of course.

Yeah, I've had
plenty of candidates

Get into prestigious colleges
all across the country.

So looking at her profile,

She seems to be an
excellent candidate.

I don't want her to be
an excellent candidate.

I want her to be the applicant
that they can't pass on.

And I want her to get
in early admission.

Ah, well

The only option
that jumps out at me

Is a higher cte score.

So if she retakes the test

And increases her score by
10%, she should be unbeatable.

Let's make that happen.

Uh, okay.

Well it's $499 for the dvds or
access to the online course.

And if she does not increase
her score by 200 points,

There is a money back guarantee.

I'll take it.

Great.

You know, I'm just
throwing this out there.

A lot of parents that
don't necessarily have kids

As gifted as yours,

They sometimes
need other options.

Other options?

The kind that costs money.

Oh, like how much money?

Like thousands?

Like tens of thousands.

For whittendale,

Probably a hundreds
of thousands.

Oh.

Wow, well,

Yeah, I can't do that.

Yeah.

You know, most people can't.

So you should be very
happy and super proud

That you've raised such
an exceptional young lady.

Yeah,

Thanks.

Rumor has it,

Lacy hired a private
tutor for nicole

In an attempt to
increase her cte score.

It was actually an
admissions counselor.

And it is weird.

She already scored in
the 90th percentile.

Do they know something we don't?

You need to take it again.

You said I didn't.

I just hate for you to miss
out on another opportunity

To boost your chances
for whittendale.

Well, it was good enough

For the other colleges
I applied to, so.

Just think about it, okay.

Sure, mom.

I'll think about it.

what is wrong with you?

Why is your score so low?

How could you do worse?

I, I thought I did well.

I'm not paying all this money

And spending all this time
so your score can drop.

I don't know what happened.

I'm sorry.

You're not ready.

And with this test right on
us, I don't know what to do.

I'll do my best.

Your best isn't good
enough right now.

We need more time.

This is a pretty fancy
place you invited me to.

I haven't been to a joint
like this in a long time.

Well, I wanted to
do something special

To show my appreciation
for all your help.

Cheers.

Cheers.

This is, as they say,
above and beyond.

It's my pleasure.

So, you know,

Nicole has been following
your program religiously.

I'm glad to hear that.

But she's not scoring as high
as I'd like on the prep tests.

I'd love if we could
move her test date

And give her more time.

We'll just push it
back till summer.

That won't work.

It has to be early admission.

But, I was thinking,

A man of your stature could...

Work his magic and
get her in somewhere?

Oh, that's a big ask.

At this point,

Especially with all the
test centers fully booked,

And I mean, you do
have a limited budget.

Is there, um,

Something else I could
do to motivate you

To pull every string you have?

Well, what'd you have your mind?

Ooh.

So, you'll do it?

There's an administrator
that owes me a big favor.

Good.

Plus, I just so happened

To be free the rest
of the evening.

The deal is

Pay or play.

You get nicole in, we play.

Why can't we go after dinner?

I mean, I know a place, it's.

I have plans,

But I promise you

I will owe you big time.

Yeah.

- Great news.
- make sure she's ready.

Yes, yes, of course.

Okay, good luck.

Thanks for the call.

What's going on?

Bill was able to move your test.

It's now Saturday the fifth.

Mom, that's the day after

The big junior senior party
at the foster's lake house.

You knew that.

Well, I guess you're
gonna have to miss it.

You need to be well rested.

But mom, please, I...

You have no idea how hard it
was for me to move this date.

So you're not going
to some stupid party.

That's final.

You should be grateful

That you have more
time to study.

Thanks.

god.

Yes.

yes.

Yes.

You think I'm keeping that
date, think again sleaze bag.

this party at the
foster's lake house is the bomb.

woo!

Yeah?

You've done the work, and
now it's time to perform.

Wish I had as much
faith as you do.

Cut out that loser mentality.

You're gonna do great.

I'm gonna do great.

Repeat it until you believe it.

I'm gonna do great.

I'm gonna do great.

Great, that's it.

All right, well, don't
stay up too late, okay?

You gotta be ready
to tackle tomorrow.

Okay.

I love you.

Love you.

Nic, I'm surprised
to see you here.

I didn't think you'd come.

I snuck out.

Look at you with the
rebellious streak.

I know.

But now, like literally

All I can hear is my
mom screaming at me

Being like, "get home now."

Well, here, have a drink.

It'll shut her up.

God, I'm just so ready
for this all to be over.

Did I tell you my mom

Like pulled some favor with
our college counselors?

Ah, stop.

We are not doing that.

We're not gonna talk about
tests or colleges tonight.

Let's just have
some fun together.

I wanted to ask you,

Why did you guys move
back from dc anyways?

We sort of had to.

My mom, she has
this heart thing.

She doesn't really
like to talk about it

Or tell people about it, but

She's had to reduce
the stress in her life.

Why isn't she avoiding
my mom better?

- I know.
- No, seriously.

It's like what even
is their problem.

Each other.

- Cheers.
- Cheers.

Bottoms up.

Good morning.

Here, my mom said you need
to take these pills asap.

Thanks.

do you
remember last night?

Uh uh.

You were pretty drunk.

I offered to take you home,
but you made me swear not to.

So I brought you back here and
you just kind of passed out.

It's like a blur.

You ready to go?

Oh my god.

The test.

That's today!?

maybe I should drive her.

Why's that?

So there isn't an incident
between you and lacy.

That's ridiculous.

She'll just be
happy nicole is okay

And parker did the
responsible thing.

Did the anti-nausea pill work?

Ooh.

Poor girl.

A lesson learned, right?

How does she have anything left?

Inside, shower.

Teenagers, am I right?

We did some stupid things
when we were her age too.

Just glad parker was there.

Hey, I never got a chance to
pass along my condolences.

Losing a parent is never easy.

Save it.

This is so typical of you.

Riding in here,
all heroic and nice

When you're gonna get
exactly what you want.

I was just trying to
talk to you, as a friend.

You're so manipulative.

Why are you getting so angry?

Parker got nicole
drunk on purpose.

You guys didn't want
her taking the test.

We didn't even know she
was taking the test today.

And my daughter would never
do anything like that.

Spare me.

You haven't changed one
bit since high school.

You have to get to the test.

I can't.

Like, there's no way mom.

Like even if I make it
to the testing center...

Like, my head...

Nicole.

I'm so sorry, mommy.

You've destroyed your future.

And for what?

Some party to get drunk?

I know.

I said I'm sorry.

Like I wish I
could take it back.

But it's not like I can like

Press reset or clone myself.

I let you down.

I let granddad down.

It's okay.

We'll figure this out
like we always do.

You're obviously in no
shape to take a test today.

Go lie down in the living room.

you go
through the lobby,

Down the hall,

First door on the left.

Gimme one second and
I'll get you signed in.

- Thanks.
- Thanks.

Hi, I'm nicole settle.

Oh.

You're the daughter
bill's friend.

Yeah.

Could you

Remove your glasses please?

Well, sign and

Find a seat.

We'll be starting in a few.

Thank you.

Honey, I'm about to
put the steaks on.

okay, I'll
be out in a minute.

What are we having for dinner?

What are you doing here?

You need to leave.

I just wanted to come by
and see how the test went.

You could have called.

I like to keep things personal.

Don't touch me.

And we had a deal.

Pay or play, remember?

Yeah, well, I lied.

So get the hell outta here
before my daughter comes out.

You know what, speaking
of your daughter,

She's a pretty sharp dresser.

Looks real good in red.

I was at the test center
today and I saw her.

Something was off though.

I mean, she looked
a little older.

Not in a bad way.

Just older,

Sexier.

I don't know what
you're talking about.

Oh, you know,

You know, you know exactly
where this is leading.

I could ruin you and
your daughter's chances

Of ever getting into whittendale
with a single phone call.

Of course that would
be jail time for you.

Fraud.

And you'd be guaranteeing nicole
never gets into any college

Anywhere in the country.

That would be terrible.

What do you want?

Just what you promised me.

And to keep quiet about
the test, 9,900 cash.

You know, you gotta
keep it under 10 k

Otherwise the bank
reports it to the irs.

Money, you want money now?

You put my enterprise at risk?

Enterprise,

All you do is profit off
of parents' desperation

To do right by their kids.

So don't talk to me
about your enterprise.

You're the one
causing all the risk.

Hey.

Oh yeah.

I just need some time.

It's not like I have extra money

Sitting around in some account.

I did my research.

Okay, I know who your daddy is.

Was.

If you knew anything about him,

You'd know that he
left me with nothing.

I don't really care.

Get the money.

I need a week.

I'll give you three days, okay?

Meet me at the sands motel,

Tuesday night, 10 o'clock.

Bring that little hoodie,
okay, the little red one.

Yes.

Yes!

Mom.

What's wrong?

Nothing, I'm happy.

What happened?

Why are you so happy?

You aced your cte,

98th percentile.

How?

I, I didn't even take the test.

Mom, did you buy those scores?

Of course I didn't buy them.

They're real scores
taken by real people.

I don't understand.

You had to clone
after all, it was me.

I took the test.

What?

Well, you were in
no shape to take it.

I had to do something.

Mom, those aren't my scores.

Of course they are.

Your name is at the top.

And the reason I scored so well

Is because I was working so
hard with you hand in hand.

You would've scored the same.

No, you can't know that.

Do you know what this means?

It means you cheated mom.

No.

It means that you
are the student

That whittendale's
gonna look at first.

You're in the lead.

We should be celebrating.

I don't,

I don't want it this way.

I want to earn this.

Because of granddad?

Yes.

Do you know how
he made his money?

Real estate.

By foreclosing on poor people

Who couldn't afford
their mortgages.

So spare me the sermon

About earning it the right way.

I have been putting my
neck out there for you

Because you decided
to get drunk.

You should be thanking me

For single-handedly
saving your future.

So,

Where's my thank you?

Thank you.

Yes.

Yeah.

I hope you don't mind
the interruption.

We were just taking a test.

I hope everything's okay.

Yes, yes, in fact,

I have very good news.

And this will only take
a couple of minutes.

I wanna take this
opportunity to recognize

One of your students.

This morning,

We were notified of her
incredible achievement

On her cte test.

Nicole settle,

Congratulations
on your cte score.

98th percentile.

Outstanding.

Well, get up here.

Now, we know this semester

Hasn't been the easiest on you

With the passing of
your grandfather,

But that's what makes
this achievement

So much more remarkable.

Congratulations.

- Thank you.
- Come on class.

Let's give her a hand.

Hey nicole.

So I don't get it,
you were so sick.

How did you do so
well on that exam?

I, I got a second wind I guess.

I don't know.

But you could barely
even walk, like...

Okay, parker, like what are
you saying that I'm lying?

No, no.

Geez, calm down.

I was just wondering.

Look, I'm sorry.

I know that it's been
tough with your mom

Busting your butt every day

And your granddad passing,

So you earned it.

Congrats.

Parker.

I just wanna say thank you

For taking care of me
the night of the party.

You and your mom
didn't have to do that,

But I really appreciate it.

Yeah, no problem.

hey sweetie.

Guess what?

Nicole almost got a perfect
score on her cte exam.

The one she took when
she was hungover?

I don't believe it.

I know.

And by the way she was
acting at school today,

Something's not right.

You can say that again.

You know,

Now I'm thinking about something

That she told me at the party.

She mentioned that
her college counselor

Is doing some sort
of favor for her mom.

Now I'm wondering what
kind of favor that was.

Did she tell you his name?

sorry to
keep you waiting.

It has been a busy
day.

I take it you are
mandy williams.

- Hi there.
- Bill yellen.

Come on in.

I've heard about what
you did for lacy settle

And her daughter nicole.

I was wondering what you

Might be able to
do for my daughter.

You and every other
parent at lincoln grove.

I was thinking

Parker needs to
take her cte again.

Nicole came to you and landed
an almost perfect score.

She did.

It's because she took my
online cte prep class.

I don't know if lacy
mentioned this to you

Because it is kind
of embarrassing,

But nicole was not so good
the morning of her test.

She wasn't?

So for her to be super hungover

And I mean hugging the
toilet all day hungover

Makes it all that
more impressive

What she was able to pull off.

Lacy mentioned some kind of
special favor you did for her.

Really?

She didn't mention
exactly what it was, but

I was just wondering, was
it money under the table?

I mean, I'm sure you're not
suggesting something illegal.

Oh, of course not.

Okay, good.

Because there are things
that can be done legally.

Like what we did
for miss settle.

I know a test
administrator very well.

And I can definitely think
of a couple of things

That we can use to,

To grease the
wheel, so to speak.

Get her in a last
minute session if that,

If that's what you want.

All it would require is just

A little one-on-one time.

Just you and me.

Excuse me?

One-on-one tutoring
time with your daughter?

No, you mean
one-on-one sex with me

And don't even think
about my daughter.

How dare you!

Okay, this is definitely
a misinterpretation.

I think, I think maybe
you better leave.

Yeah, maybe I should.

Creep.

Stay away from me.

Hi.

Well, well.

Come on in.

So where's my red hoodie?

I'm wearing something red.

It's underneath.

Well, I like that.

First thing's first, money.

See, I told you you had it.

Perfect.

You know what else,

You acing that test

Was the best thing that ever
happened to my business.

Glad I could be of service.

Yeah, it seems like
every parent at lincoln

Is either called, emailed

Or stopped by looking
for my services.

I even raised my
price on the course

And not a single
parent even balked,

Well except for one.

But she was just looking
for details on us, so.

Who?

Amanda or mandy,

And her daughter...?

Parker?

Parker.

What did she ask?

Well, she knew that nicole
was wasted that day.

Didn't think she could have
scored as high as she did.

But don't worry,
I got rid of her.

No, you didn't.

Not mandy.

If she doesn't think nicole's
test scores are legit,

She's not gonna stop.

Wait, she's gonna
keep digging on us.

She's gonna dig on me?

I'm afraid I'm gonna
need more money.

Excuse me?

Yeah, if this woman's
gonna be a big pain

And a big headache to me,

Don't you feel like
you owe it to me?

I'm gonna need at least
5k maybe every month.

What are you doing?

Are you crazy?

- Get off of me.
- Are you trying to kill me?

That didn't work
very well, did it?

Let me go.

Why don't we have
a little fun, huh?

Why don't you show
me that red thing

You got on underneath your coat?

you're home.

you scared me.

I thought you were
staying out tonight.

Oh no, the party was a
dud, so I just came home.

Okay, well, night.

Okay, goodnight sweetie.

I love you.

Love you.

What's wrong?

I don't know how to tell you.

You're gonna be so mad at me.

Well you better tell me now

Before I hear it
from someone else.

I bombed the exam in
mr. Harrison's class.

The one that's worth like 50%
of our grade for the semester.

What does this mean?

That now the best I can do
in his class is a b plus.

That'll kill your gpa.

What, you and parker were tied.

What did she get?

She got an a.

How could you let this happen?

Just when you were pulling
ahead with the cte.

I thought I knew it,

But we just spent so much
time studying for the cte,

I didn't have time
to study for this.

How could you do this to us?

I'm sorry.

what's up pretty lady?

Hi.

I'd like to make a purchase

Of whatever you have in there.

try this.

Thanks.

- Hey parker.
- Hey lauren.

What's up?

- What can I get for you?
- You know my regular.

- The usual, I got you.
- Extra foam, please.

Okay, okay. And our
cupcakes are fresh.

So straight outta the oven.

They're still warm.

Actually, can I get just
a little bit more foam?

Sure thing coming up.

Extra foam.

Let's see.

It's perfect, thank you.

Ms. Williams.

Can we see you for
a minute please?

Sure.

we
need to search your bag.

Why?

it's just routine.

It'll only take a minute.

There's nothing in
there but school stuff.

good.

What's this?

That's not mine.

I've never seen that before.

then how
did it get in your bag?

somebody must
have put it there.

We need to go to my office.

no, did you hear me?

I said that that's not mine.

Office now.

Today was insane.

You know they searched
my bag in locker too.

That must have been so scary.

Are you okay?

Yeah, but I just
cannot believe parker.

She's like the last person
I would ever think to do

That kind of thing.

Well, I'm not surprised, the
way her mother pushes her.

I mean, mom, she's in
like major trouble.

They suspended her and
she's facing expulsion.

She'll be fine.

Her parents are gonna hire the
best lawyers money can buy.

And as far as her
school is concerned,

She'll always be
able to get her ged.

No, I just I I worry
about ms. Williams.

Why on earth would you
be worried about her?

She has a heart condition, mom.

Really?

Apparently that's why her
and parker moved back here.

I don't know, that's
just what she told me.

I just can't imagine how
stressed out she is right now.

Well, stress is
never a good thing

For someone who has
a heart condition.

Where did you go this morning?

I told you I went to the bank.

You're sure you didn't
go to the school?

What?

Mom, just be honest
with me please.

Did you have anything
to do with this?

Nicole.

Please.

Just promise me you didn't
plant those drugs on parker.

I promise.

Swear.

I swear.

You want me to take
a blood oath too?

No.

All right, well go study.

Okay.

we're not gonna
let this destroy your life.

But how?

I've already been suspended.

I'm not gonna be able
to get into any college

That I wanna go to.

We know that honey.

And that's why
we're fighting it.

We're gonna find out who put
those pills in your backpack.

We're not gonna let
them get away with this.

Okay.

I'm gonna have a long
talk with principal ward.

I'm gonna show him
those lab results

And he's gonna apologize to
you in front of everybody.

Apologize?

No, absolutely not.

What do you mean?

This is about my
daughter's reputation.

We took her to a lab.

She passed a drug test.

Maybe they were never
intended for her use.

Have you thought about that?

She's not some dealer.

Mrs. Williams,

I want to think the
best of parker as well.

But we have a policy.

Screw your policy.

Why was parker targeted?

Targeted?

She was never targeted.

She said you picked her out.

Yes, because we were informed

That there has been drug
use and distribution

Among the honor students.

They've been using amphetamines
to help them study.

So we acted.

Someone informed you.

Who was the informer,

Parent or student?

It was an anonymous email.

So you act on every email
that gets sent to you?

Yes.

If it's related to
drugs or weapons, I do.

Are you okay?

Can I get you some
water? Something?

No, I'm fine.

Lacy, what are you doing here?

I'm here to talk
to principal ward

About the illegal search they
conducted on my daughter.

She was on the list?

Uh huh, and quite
traumatized too.

I heard about parker.

I know they weren't
hers, couldn't be.

How you holding up?

I'm fine.

Looking a little piqued.

Just need to eat.

I know that we haven't
been the best of friends,

But if there's anything that
I can do, just let me know.

I appreciate that, lacy.

Mom, what's wrong?

Whittendale is sending a
rep to the college fair.

And they wanna have a
meeting with you, only you.

Just me?

Yes, just you.

You think they wanna
meet with parker?

She's a criminal, a drug addict.

I know, but they only
wanna meet with me

Because of my test score.

We need to do some
practice interviews.

I've requested to
stay local more,

But they still need
me out on the road

Over the next couple of weeks

So I can help transition
some personnel.

Gotta stay overnight
in tampa this weekend.

I'm sorry honey.

It's okay.

I'm just gonna be sitting
around at the house anyway.

So nothing out of the ordinary
happened before school?

It was a normal day
until it wasn't.

I left the house,

Went to get my coffee at joe's

And then met up with
my friends at the quad.

Wait, you went to joe's?

Why didn't you tell me?

I asked you to give me
every single detail.

Should you really be doing this?

You mean trying to help parker?

I mean, should you
be the one doing it?

I just wanna make sure you're
taking care of yourself.

Dad's right.

Have you had any more episodes
with everything going on?

What happened?

I got a little lightheaded

After speaking with
principal ward,

But I took my pills
and everything's fine.

- Mandy.
- I'm okay, sean.

I promise.

I can do this.

So did anything suspicious
happen at joe's?

No.

I, I ordered,

I picked up my coffee

And I did some work

And then met up with
my friends at the quad.

Did you ever leave
your bag alone?

No.

It was with me the whole

Time, except for when I went
to go pick up my coffee.

But I only had my back to
it for like three seconds.

That's it.

That's enough time to do it.

But in a public place like
that, it could be anyone.

In a public place like that,

There's bound to be a
security camera somewhere.

I appreciate you doing this.

Yeah, of course.

We love parker.

Anything to do to help.

There.

Reverse it, please.

And can you slow
it down a little?

Yeah.

One second.

look at that.

yeah.

They definitely put
something in parker's bag.

And can I get a copy of this?

For sure.

And do you have
footage from outside?

Can we follow them to see
what car they're getting into?

We don't cover the whole lot,

But let's see.

That doesn't show us very much.

- Here, let me get that copy.
- Okay.

Mom, the cops are here.

Parker don't say
anything to them.

Not without the attorney.

Mom, they're not
here about my case.

Ma'am, we're
homicide detectives.

We're here about bill yellen.

the admissions council.

He was murdered.

Oh, that's awful.

I'm happy to answer any
questions you may have,

But I don't know how
much good I can be.

Well, we've been working
through his calendar

And a couple witnesses told us

That you and he had
quite the heated argument

The day of his death.

Argument is a stretch.

But I did raise my
voice when he implied

He'd help my daughter
if I had sex with him.

Must have made you angry.

I haven't seen him
since I left his office.

Where were you nights ago?

Here at my house.

Can anyone confirm that?

I can.

And my dad, we stayed in,

Had dinner and watched a movie.

Thank you.

that's all?

That's, unless you
have something.

Bill has another client,

A friend of mine.

Mom.

Based on what he said to me,

I think he might have had

Some kind of romantic
relationship with her.

What's her name?

Why do you wanna
attend whittendale?

Well, I wanna attend whittendale

Because it's part of
my family's legacy.

We have a lot of
legacies applying.

What makes you
different from them?

Well, what makes
me different is...

Stop.

That's the second question
in a row you answered with

"well", and then repeating
back the question.

You told me to do that.

Not on every single one.

You sound like a robot.

Who's that?

Can I help you?

Hi, we're looking
for lacy settle.

That's me.

Hi, I'm detective cox.

This is my partner,
detective fisher.

We just have a few
questions for you.

Sure, come on in.

do
you know bill yellen?

I know bill.

Is something wrong?

He's dead.

What happened?

oh, he was
murdered two nights ago.

That's awful.

He was at the sands
motel off highway 10.

Do you know it?

Only by reputation.

What do you need from us?

The nature of your relationship.

Professional,

Strictly professional.

Well, we heard you
might have had a more

Personal relationship
with mr. Yellen.

I mean, we had dinner together.

That doesn't make me
a suspect, does it?

I mean, it was just dinner.

Not if it was just dinner, no.

I mean, it was a thank you

For all the tremendous work
that he did for nicole.

She wouldn't have a
shot at whittendale

If it wasn't for him.

Did he ever ask to trade sex

For the services
that he provides?

Certainly not.

Have you been talking
to mandy williams?

Is she the one that
gave you my name?

She did, but we would've
got here soon enough.

You were a client.

Okay.

I don't mean to talk
bad about anybody,

But mandy and her
daughter are jealous.

Her daughter just got
busted at school for drugs.

And now she thinks that she
could say or do anything

Like calling me a slut to steal
what my daughter has earned.

But I never thought that she'd
use the cops to get at us

Or that they'd be
willing accomplices.

Hey, easy.

We just wanted to know if
he took advantage of you.

The only thing he did

Was get her into a
different testing site.

He didn't ask me
for anything at all.

Where were you Tuesday night

Between 9:00 pm and midnight?

I was here the whole
time with my daughter.

Yeah, me and mom just
hung out here all night.

Thanks for your time.

goodnight officers.

- Have a good night.
- I will.

You were not here
the other night.

I was only gone
for a little while.

I told you I went
out to the store.

No, you told me you were at
a party with your friends.

Why can't they be your alibi?

Because I don't want everybody
knowing our business.

Too many questions.

Better to keep it clean.

I know, but what if
something we said

Contradicts or something.

You think I could
have killed bill

Or had something
sexual with him?

Is that what you think of me?

Was he the guy that was
here the other night?

The one you were arguing with?

No, that was just the neighbor
complaining about the lawn.

Look, you're just stressed
about this interview.

Let's just calm down.

We don't wanna have
an unhealthy reaction

Like we did before the
cte test, remember?

I know.

- Okay?
- Okay.

Good.

All right.

Why do you wanna
attend whittendale?

How about this one?

Yeah.

That's fine.

I think it needs to
be more professional.

We don't wanna give
him a reason to say no.

Mom, if this doesn't work out,

You would still love me.

What kind of question is that?

Of course, I still love you.

I'm not granddad.

Everything I do,

Past, present and future,
is because I love you.

Now, you just need to
walk with confidence

And carry yourself
like you own this

And that they will
be missing out

If they don't allow
you into their school.

You got me?

Yeah, I got you, mom.

Okay.

Ooh.

Red.

Power color.

There she is.

Don't be nervous.

I'm not.

You're making me nervous.

Okay.

You ready?

Let's do this.

Hello.

Hello.

Mandy, what are you doing here?

Just having a nice
chat about parker

Possibly attending whittendale.

Oh.

No offense, but parker's in
some serious legal trouble.

They found her bringing
drugs into the school.

But I'm sure with
your high standards

That you would never
allow a suspended student

With drug charges
hanging over them.

Planted.

The drugs were
planted in her bag.

Parker's never had
any troubles before.

She passed the drug test.

And I have security
footage from mug o' joe's

Of a girl in a red hoodie

Who walks past her back and
puts drugs in her backpack.

Huh.

I was just showing
devonna here the footage.

Would you like to see it?

No, that's okay.

I'll take your word for it.

But does that mean that
she's out of trouble?

Charges have been dropped

And parker's suspension lifted,

With an apology from
the administration.

Oh my god, that's great.

Isn't that great?

That's great.

I mean, we never
believed any of it.

But this is about nicole.

That's why you're here.

For her and her 1320.

Well any score that puts someone

In the top 5% always
catches my eye.

But we want a
well-rounded applicant

And both parker and nicole
are excellent candidates.

Well, nicole has
quite the resume.

She's on track to
graduate with honors.

She's an officer in american
academic association

And she's volunteered
for the special olympics.

Whittendale is her only choice.

Well, I'd like to
hear from nicole

Why she liked to
attend whittendale.

Attending whittendale would
mean everything to me.

It's almost been this
like unattainable goal

That just pushes me
to do great things

And be successful.

- Yeah.
- The right way.

So if my cte score
is the only reason

You're considering
me over parker,

I don't deserve it.

What are you doing?

I didn't take that test.

She's kidding.

Of course she's kidding.

My mom took the test for me.

That's ridiculous.

How could I even take a test?

They id students
before they go in.

She dressed up like me.

Like in a red hoodie?

What other length

Would you go to to get
what you want, lacy?

Plant drugs on my daughter?

You don't know what
you're talking about.

Mom, you took the test for
me and that's the truth.

It's not worth
lying about anymore.

How could you do this to me?

You've destroyed everything.

And don't stand there with
that smug little smile

Thinking that you're better
than me because you're not.

Never said I was.

She doesn't mean any of this.

She's just, she's just nervous.

Mom, it's okay.

Look, granddad was awful
to you and I'm sorry.

But he was right about the
fact that attending whittendale

Is something that
needs to be earned.

That's bull.

No one ever gets by
by their own merits.

Everyone games the system.

Everyone uses what they
have to their advantage.

They make friends
just to betray them

When it benefits them the most.

And if you don't, you lose.

I'm so sorry.

It's, don't worry
about it, it's okay.

would you like
us to come in with you?

Oh no, that's okay.

Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

Okay, sweetie.

But our home is a
safe space for you.

Just know that.

Thank you,

And I'm sorry for
her and everything

And just not saying
anything sooner.

- It's okay.
- Yeah.

I know it couldn't
have been easy for you.

Thank you for the ride.

I'll see you at school.

I'll see you.

Mom?

Mom?

That's bull.

No one ever gets by
by their own merits.

Everyone games the system.

Everyone uses what they
have to their advantage.

They make friends
just to betray them

When it benefits them the most.

And if you don't, you lose.

What's that?

It's a viral video

From the community center
at the college fair today.

I'm trying to keep
up with our suspects

In the yellen murder.

Did she confess?

Her daughter did,

Well to the fact that her
mom took the cte for her.

I think that's enough
reason to kill him,

To keep that secret quiet?

That's enough reason for us
to go and ask her about it.

Let's do it.

mom, are you down here?

Parker?

Parker!

Parker, what happened?

What's wrong?

Oh my god, baby, are you okay?

I haven't seen her,

Not since the college fair.

I swear.

Do you think she could be a
danger to herself or others?

I, I don't know.

I mean, I don't think so.

If you say yes,

We have more options
with how to proceed.

I can't say that
she would kill me.

Not, not like kill me,
she would never hurt me.

My mom loves me, I swear.

If there's something you
need to tell us, please.

That's why we're here.

I, I can't.

She's my mom.

Look.

If you're here
from her, call me.

We need to speak with her.

Okay.

have a good night.

hey, it's lacy.

Leave a message.

Hey, mom, please call
me when you get this.

They deserve this.

But... I...

I, I love you so much.

I just can't let
her win this time.

Come on, parker, pick up.

Have you lost your mind?

What do you want?

I'll give you anything.

Just please don't hurt her.

You turned nicole against me.

She's all I have.

lacy, I didn't.

Everything that I've
done was for her

And she betrayed me for you.

For parker.

Now you took nicole from me,

I'm gonna take your
daughter from you.

mom. Mom!

It's me you're mad
at, not parker.

It's not about parker, me.

If you're gonna do
anything, do it to me.

Watch yourself.

I don't want that heart
giving out on you just yet.

I want you to stick around
long enough to watch.

You're gonna be okay.

We're gonna be okay.

I know you must hate
me to do all of this,

But I just don't know why.

You stole whittendale from me,

And a lifetime of
grief from my father.

He hated me because I
wasn't ever good enough.

I'm sorry he was
that awful to you.

But they just said yes
to me and no to you.

That wasn't my call.

I should have gone
to whittendale.

I should have had the dc job.

I should have had
the loving husband.

I should have my
father's respect.

But you wouldn't have nicole.

No, I don't have
her anymore, do I?

You've seen to that.

No.

No, no, no.

I won't go to whittendale.

That's a lie.

I never really wanted to go
there in the first place.

I, I, I just wanna go to state

So I could be closer to home,
be closer to mom and dad.

If, if you let us go right now,

We won't tell anyone about this.

And I promise I won't
attend whittendale.

You,

You do this now?

After all these
years of high school,

You decide now to tell me this?

After I've completely
blown up my life?

After I killed bill?

After I let my dad die?

After I planted those drugs?

You decide now to tell me this?

That none of this had to happen.

That it's all meaningless.

Mom.

Mom, what are you doing?

what are you doing here?

You shouldn't be here.

Mom, let's just go
leave them here, okay?

no, it's
too late, nicole.

mom, please,
we have to leave.

Let's go.

- No, it's too late, nicole.
- mom?

It's too late.

oh my
god, mom! Help her!

Oh, no.

Don't you dare die on me.

- Let go of me.
- No, stop.

She's not gonna do this to me.

- Mom.
- No.

- Get away from me.
- No.

- Let it me go.
- No, mom.

- You can't do this.
- Nicole.

Not worth it.

Don't.

Get off of me.

What are you doing?

- Let go of me.
- don't move!

freeze!

drop the weapons.

Hands in the air, now.

Turn around.

Turn around!

Nicole.

- did you call them?
- I didn't.

Why are they taking me?

Nicole?

Nicole!

no! Oh god, no.

I got in!

I'm so proud of you.

But you're okay that I'm
not going to whittendale?

Stop worrying about what I want.

- Okay.
- Congratulations.

you did it, baby.

Your turn.

I got into state!

You did it.

You did it.

Anything you wanna
say to your mom?

Hi, mom.

I hope you're doing well.

I miss you and I love you.

that's time.

Pencils down.

Why are we even bothering?

Don't get discouraged.

These are all just
practice tests

And your final scores
will be perfect.

None of us have probably
never scored perfect

On nothing at no time.

But luckily

For you,

For all of you,

I have.