No Place in This World (2017) - full transcript
- Lucas, you shot and
killed three students,
and wounded eight
others in your class.
What do you have
to say about that?
- They deserved it.
Hey, Tyler.
- Hey has a gun.
- Jesus, no.
- Parents send
their kids to school
trusting that they will be safe,
but in one of those schools,
a high school in
Palm Beach county,
today, the worst happened.
Police say a student opened fire
on classmates,
leaving four dead,
and 11 others injured.
Two of them are in
critical condition.
The alleged shooter
is a teenage boy,
who is said to be
in custody tonight.
We have late word from our
law enforcement sources
that the young
shooter told police
he was bullied and
teased in school
and that the shooting was
in retaliation to that.
What about the
families of the children
that you murdered?
You don't have any
remorse for them?
- What about me?
They raised those
monsters everyday
who tormented me.
Laughed at me,
made fun of me.
- In Washington,
an 11 year old boy
appeared in court today,
charged with
bringing two knives,
a gun, and 400 rounds
of ammunition to school.
- Good evening.
I'm sitting in the home
of Brenley Tompkins.
Many of you may remember her
from the incident at
Twin Lakes Middle School.
- New details are
beginning to emerge
as we learn more about the
Kennedy Cross Middle School
shooting that left
four kids dead,
seven wounded, and of those,
two are in critical condition.
- I feel scared
and uncomfortable.
I just don't feel
safe here anymore.
- We were all running
for our lives.
I could hear kids
screaming behind me,
as the shots were being fired,
so I just ran into
one of the rooms,
hid under the desk and prayed.
- It was a day
like any other day
at Crystal Creek High School.
Classes were beginning to start,
and children were
clearing the halls
as the sound of the
school bell rang.
- This incident comes after
a week of gun violence
at schools across the country,
as the city of Melrose
Park mourns the loss
of 11 students who attended
Philmore Middle School.
- Everybody wants to know why.
That's the real question.
The answer is we
don't know right now.
- I told them that
I was gonna do this
if they didn't stop.
Do you want someone to blame?
Blame them.
Don't give me this
crap about remorse.
I'd do it again because they
had what was coming to them.
God, what are we becoming?
What is happening
to the world today?
It's senseless.
It's so senseless.
Can you please
send the police out here?
There's a kid with
a gun in school.
Two units to clear
for a 911 in progress.
- We're gonna be late for
school, gonna get going.
Do you have all
your school books?
- I think so.
- I think so is not the
answer I wanna hear, Lauren.
- Yes, I have all
my school books.
- I got you an apple,
and here, take this.
- But this is your birthday
money from Aunt Clair?
- Okay, Lauren, you
have to eat something.
Okay, Addie.
- Hey, Addie, get your Mom up.
She can't be late
for work again.
- Should get going else you're
gonna miss the school bus.
- All right, Addie.
- Have a good day in school.
- You, too.
Mom, it's
time to get up.
Did you hear me?
It's time to get up.
- Great.
What time is it?
It's going on 7:30.
You're gonna be late
if you don't get going.
Okay, just a minute.
- You need to go
grocery shopping.
There's nothing to
eat in this house.
- Addison, don't start
with me this morning.
I already told you,
your daddy hasn't
gotten paid yet.
- How is it that he can
afford to bring home
a case of beer and cigarettes
every single night,
yet he can't afford
to bring home food?
Does that make any sense to you?
- How dare you disrespect
your daddy like that?
I mean, who do
you think you are?
You don't know the first clue
about raising kids, Addison.
Look, your daddy
works every day...
- Stop calling him my daddy.
- You listen here, young lady.
I will not allow
you to disrespect
your father in this house.
- Wayne isn't our father.
Okay, our father
died four years ago.
If Wayne gave a crap about us,
he would make sure that we have
food on the table every day,
instead, Lauren and I go to
school hungry every morning.
Do you even care anymore, Mom?
I mean, ever since you
hooked up with Wayne,
everything has changed.
You have changed so
much since Dad died.
Do you even know what's
going on with us anymore?
Do you even know that Lauren
is getting picked on every day
by kids in her school?
- Addie, they're just
kids playing around.
That's what
you think this is?
- We all did that
when we were young.
Lauren needs to lighten
up and play along.
- Kids playing around.
They are hurting
her emotionally.
They are completely
demoralizing her
in front of everyone.
- Addison, what?
- Why don't you just act
like our mother for once?
- How dare you?
- Middle Fair isn't
working for us.
We wanna go back
with Aunt Clair.
- No, we've been
over this before.
My sister will not
be raising my kids.
We are gonna be a family again.
- A family, do you
even hear yourself?
We can never be a family
if you would wait,
all you do is just
drink and then pass out
on the couch every night.
We should have never
left Aunt Clair's house.
Addison,
that's enough.
- Whatever, I can't...
- Addison.
I am still your
mother and you have,
you don't have the right
to talk to me that way.
Addison, I'm still your mother
whether you like it or not.
Don't come back here until
you're ready to apologize.
I mean it.
I don't have to put up
with this crap from you.
- Yeah, it's the new issue.
My mom got it for me yesterday.
My gosh, I
wouldn't be caught dead
wearing something like that.
Who would even buy that outfit?
- I don't know.
Look at this one,
where would you even
wear something like that?
- I know, right?
I mean, it's just ridiculous.
- Look who's coming.
Well, well, well.
If it isn't Lauren the loser.
- Wasn't she wearing those
same clothes yesterday?
- Yeah.
I think you're right.
She was.
What's wrong, Lauren?
Are you too good
to say hello to us?
- I don't want any
trouble, Casey.
- Why would there be
any trouble, Lauren?
- Yeah, Lauren, are you
looking for trouble?
- It would appear that you wore
the same clothes yesterday.
- Are you some kind
of slob or something?
- Ooh, Amber, that's
a little harsh.
Girls, you're gonna
make her cry again.
Poor, Lauren, it's really
not your fault, is it?
She can't help it.
Can you, Lauren?
White trash will
always be just that.
White trash.
- Do us all a favor and
clean yourself up, Lauren.
You're making me sick.
- Yeah.
This place stinks.
- The bus is coming.
- Pathetic.
What are you looking at?
- Good morning, Madeline.
- Good morning, Janet.
- This is the folder
that Principal Reeves
needs for his board meeting.
- All right, I'll make
sure that he gets it.
- Great, thank you, and also,
I'm expecting an appoint
with Mr. Perkins today.
- Okay, absolutely,
and I'll let you
know when he arrives.
- Great, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Good morning, Ms. Clark.
I'm Principal Reeves.
- Please, call me Christina.
- Christina, nice to meet you.
How may I help you today?
- With this seemingly
epidemic rise of bullying
in our schools
across the nation,
I would like to run a news story
on how your school is
dealing with the situation.
- Well, Christina, people
must stop defending
bullying behavior as
a part of growing up
with the attitude
kids will be kids.
Parents have to start
taking more responsibility
for their children's behavior.
- This is the kind of
approach I'm looking
to run my news story with.
I wanna focus on
how this school,
in particular, has
taken a strong stance
against bullying.
What are some of
the core elements
that you've implemented here
to make this a
success in the fight
against that kind of behavior?
- It all starts with a
positive school climate,
easily understood
rules of conduct,
smaller classroom sizes,
and a fair discipline practice,
among all the students.
I expect my faculty
to be visible,
vigilant, common areas
such as hallways,
cafeterias, locker
rooms, and playgrounds.
The children can trust
that we will help them
if they are being bullied.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning, Lauren, how
wonderful to see you today.
Go ahead and take your seat.
Class is gonna start soon, okay?
Okay.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
Such a good student.
What are you looking at, Bexley?
- Good morning, boys.
- Hi, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Signed up for this...
- Good morning.
Good morning.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning.
Amber, you know the rules,
no cell phones in class.
- Yes, Ms. Carson.
- Amber, put it away
or I'll take it away.
- Sorry, Ms. Carson.
Hey, Lauren.
- Wow, she really is ugly.
- Pathetic.
Okay,
class, let's settle down.
Let's get started.
- Did you run your facts
on what the numbers are
for school violence that's
been related to bullying?
- Not nationally,
only for the schools
of this county.
- It's a staggering number.
Bullying is the most
common form of violence
in our society,
between 15 and 30% of students
are either bullies or victims.
The pattern of bullying
can begin as early
as age two, children that
are spanked too harshly
or too often learn that
physical aggression is okay.
Consistent alternatives such as
the removal of privileges
or additional chores,
serves as a much more
effective consequence
to inappropriate behavior,
but there are a lot
of other factors
to take into consideration.
- What are some of
those other factors
you're referring to?
- Those other factors have to
do with political correctness
in our society and how it's
slowly affecting our nation.
Unfortunately, I will
not be able to express
my opinion on that
without losing my job.
These are some
nationwide statistics,
3.7 million youths engage in
more than 3.2 million,
are victims of moderate
to serious bullying
each year in the school system.
Virtually every school
shooting bullying
has played a significant factor,
the level of
severity of bullying
is directly related to the
amount of adult supervision,
that children receive.
- I think what is so
inspiring about this school
is what you've implemented here,
not only for the children,
but your faculty
and staff as well.
- School should be a
safe place for children
to learn and play,
however, I'd be naive to think
that some sort of
bullying isn't happening
in the school right now.
A few weeks ago, I was
cleaning out my desk,
and I came across this letter.
It was written by
one of our students
here at the school,
the author of the
letter is unknown.
I've shared the letter
with all the staff
and faculty in the hopes
that we can identify
the student and offer
our help and assistance.
This what bothers me the most.
We can't be everywhere
to prevent it.
Go, pick it up, pick
it up, let's go, let's go,
finish strong, let's go.
- Hey, Lauren.
Hi, Timothy.
- What you working on?
- Nothing.
Nothing really that important.
- Well, I want to
thank you for helping
me out in Mr. Sprig's
class this morning.
Science isn't really
my favorite subject.
- It's fine, it's
really no big deal.
- Yeah, it was.
You helped me from
failing another pop quiz.
So...
Do you have a partner for
the science project yet?
- What?
- The science project
for Mr. Sprig's class.
Do you have a partner yet?
- No, Timothy, is this
some sort of joke?
Please just stop.
- No, Lauren.
I really wanna work on the
science project with you.
- You wanna work with me?
On the science project?
- Yeah, it'll be fun.
I have no idea what
we'll do but it'll be fun
to work with you on it.
My gosh, we could
actually do several
different projects.
- That is definitely Timothy.
Why would he be talking to her?
Lauren's testing you, Casey.
She knows you like Timothy,
and she's sitting there talking
to him right in front of us.
- We'll see about that.
- Let's go girls, you
got two laps to go.
We're not socializing,
we're jogging out here.
Get a move on.
- Then the potential
energy is released
into kinetic energy,
which causes the colored
sticks to fly into the air.
- That's so cool.
- Yeah, it is,
you should see it.
Addie, Addie, something
amazing happened
at school today.
Yeah, what happened?
- Our science
teacher, Mr. Sprig,
gave us a science project,
and we have to work on it
with another classmate,
and Timothy Dutsin asked
me to be his partner on it.
- That's great, Lauren.
- And he's letting me
what we're going to do.
I have so many ideas in my head.
We need to do something amazing.
- Well, I'm sure
you'll figure it out.
- Do you think I
can ask Mom for $10?
I wanna make
something really cool.
- I don't know, Lauren.
Everything's kind
of tight right now.
But you can ask her
and see what she says.
- Okay.
- Speaking of Mom,
she's gonna bring home
some chicken strips.
Why don't you put
your backpack away?
We'll be eating soon.
- All right.
- And Lauren.
- Yeah?
- I'm really happy for you
about the science project.
- Thanks, Addie.
- So I'm getting ready to
pull out the drive way,
she comes running out
the house screaming about
why is the grout line so big.
What are you talking about?
It's a quarter inch grout line.
She said you wanted
a quarter inch.
Like, well, that's
not what I meant.
I'm like, I don't
know what you meant,
I know what you said.
Now how is it my
fault, she has no idea
what a quarter inch is?
- Of course not.
Of course it's not your fault.
- Whatever, that's a new
job if she wants it done.
Not my fault.
So right.
- So Mom.
- How's the chicken?
- Mom.
Mom.
- Little dry.
- Mom.
Lauren came home with
some good news today.
Didn't you, Lauren?
- I did.
- What is it?
- Mom.
- What?
Well, spit it out,
what's the good news?
- We have to do a science
project for class,
and Timothy Denson asked
me to be his partner.
- That's the good news?
- That is good news, Mom.
It's great news.
Now Lauren gets to do
something she likes,
and she has a partner
to do it with.
- I have several ideas
on the project but,
I was just wondering if
you could help me with it.
- Help you with it?
I don't know the first
thing about science
or school stuff for that matter.
- Mom, she needs
money for the project,
not your help.
- I see.
I thought you needed my
help to do the project.
Great.
- Imagine that.
That'd be some project.
Well,
it certainly would.
- You know, what, let's
all work on the project,
we'll make it a
family fun night.
- That's a good one.
That'd be really funny.
Gosh.
Well, how much do you need?
- I think I can get
the whole project done
for around $10.
- $10?
That's a lot of money.
How'd you think we
were gonna get it.
- Come on, it's ridiculous.
When's it gonna end
with these damn schools?
Last month, you needed $25.
- That was for a field trip
that her whole class went on.
This is part of her
project that counts
for her final grade.
There's a difference.
I don't
care what it was for,
and I'm sorry, was
I talking to you?
- I swear.
- You didn't get it last time.
You're not gonna
get it this time.
You go to school to learn,
not to ride around play all day.
Lauren, you
have to understand,
we just don't have the money
for these things right now.
- Why?
Why are you just so mean?
Can I please be excused?
- Absolutely.
And don't come
begging us for money
for any of these
ridiculous projects again.
- Lauren.
- No, let her go.
- These damn schools.
- Honey...
- They are always
trying to get money out
of us for something,
you know, and I am
sick and tired of it.
I pay my taxes.
- I know.
It really is ridiculous.
I think the chicken's
pretty good.
- Whatever.
What?
- It's ridiculous, seriously.
- Pass me her chicken.
She's not gonna eat it.
- Sure, hon.
Eat up.
- Don't let it go to waste.
You had a hard day.
- Hey, kiddo.
Thought you could
use a little company.
- I hate it here.
I hate my school.
I just, I hate living
with Mom and Wayne.
I just, I can't find
my place here, Addie.
I feel like I don't belong here.
- I know.
Moving back in with
mom hasn't been easy
on either of us.
- I just wanna move
back with Aunt Clair.
She actually cared about us.
- You know we can't do that.
Mom won't let us.
It's not like Aunt
Clair hasn't tried.
- I mean, why can't Mom
just understand for once?
- I don't know.
I don't think we'll ever
really understand Mom.
- It's like she doesn't
even care anymore.
- I don't think Mom really
ever got over losing Dad.
She's here but she doesn't
really hear anymore.
- Yeah.
- But that doesn't matter.
We have each other.
I have something for you.
- What is it?
- Open it up.
- Where did you get
all these Addie?
- Every time Wayne
and Mom come home
and leave change lying around,
I pick it up and put it away.
They don't even know
that it's missing.
- Wow, how much is in here?
- Last time I checked, over $18.
I was gonna give it
to you last month
for your field trip but
it wasn't enough money.
- This is awesome.
And brilliant.
But I can't take the money
that you've been saving.
- You can and you will.
It's for your science project.
- I don't know
what to say, Addie.
- Say nothing, Lauren.
You're gonna create an
amazing science project,
I just know it.
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome, Lauren.
I love you.
- I love you too.
- Ms. Carson, many
children in today's society
come to school dealing
with stressful,
sometimes traumatic issues,
whether it be from home
or societal pressure,
and it undoubtedly affects
their performance at school.
What have you done
to understand that,
and to address each
students individual needs?
- I think it's important
to really get to know
the students in my class,
children who deal
with traumatic issues,
their minds just
aren't on school work,
and unfortunately, the
conventional methods
of dealing with them are
often not applicable.
As educators, we need to
address the emotional,
the social, the physical
and the intellectual parts
of children.
- It would appear that teachers
have had to adapt to
being not only teachers,
but also counselors to the
children in their classrooms.
- It was never our
intent to turn teachers
into counselors or
into social workers,
but we did have to
create a climate
and a culture here in the school
that benefited the
children's ability to learn.
The safety of our children is
everybody's responsibility.
These children are our legacy
and they need to be taken
care of and understood.
- My gosh, there she is.
- It is her, it's
Lauren the loser.
- Quick, somebody call security.
Tell 'em to remove
this trash from school.
You should watch where
you're going, Bexley.
Serves her right.
- Just leave them,
I can do it myself.
- It's fine, Bexley.
I don't mind helping you.
- Just leave them.
What are you,
stupid or something?
Just leave me alone.
You're only gonna
make things worse.
- Dude, I just didn't
expect the whole thing
just blow up like that.
- But that was the best part.
Yeah, now I have
to wait until next season
to find out who's even
in the helicopter.
- Yeah.
But I had a feeling it
was Captain Smithmore
and Hunter.
- Well, I know one
thing for sure,
I hate cliffhangers.
- Yeah.
- Hey, Timothy.
- Hey, Casey.
Hey, Lauren.
- Hi, Timothy.
- So what time do you
want to start working
on the science project tomorrow?
- Well, I guess it
would have to be
sometime in the afternoon.
My sister and I, we're
going to the craft store
in the morning to
get what we need.
- Would it be okay
if I went with you
and your sister?
- You wanna go with us?
I mean, that would be great.
I'm just still not sure
what project to do yet.
We could go over them and
you could help me choose you.
- I want you to pick the
one that you wanna do.
I'm sure whatever you
decide will be perfect.
- What does he see in her?
and my mom gave me
$5 to pitch in for supplies.
- That's great.
- So what time are you guys
heading to the craft store?
- I would say around 10.
- Awesome, I'll be
at your house at 10.
- Mr. Denson, did you forget
where your assigned seat is?
- No, Ms. Carson.
- Okay, class,
we're gonna pick up
where we left off with
yesterday's discussion
on the revolutionary war.
Turn to page 42
in your textbook.
- Text you later.
Make sure you find out
if Noah has anymore...
- Casey, is there
something you'd like
to share with the class?
- No, Ms. Carson.
- Then I suggest
that you remain quiet
and pay attention
to today's lesson.
- Okay, Timothy,
what's going on?
- Whoa, Casey.
What do you mean?
- Don't play dumb
with me, Timothy.
Lauren, that stupid, ugly girl.
- Casey.
What about her?
- You two are doing the
science project together?
- What is your
infatuation with her?
- What?
Lauren's actually a cool girl.
- A cool girl?
Wow, Timothy, that's
really lame, even for you.
- Whatever, Casey.
- Timothy, you
have to get going.
Ms. Roberts is waiting
in the car for us.
- I still have to get my
skateboard from Ms. Claremont's.
Come on, Timothy.
We don't have time for this.
- Really?
You're just gonna walk
away from me like that?
- I'm sorry, Casey, I can't
deal with this right now.
- You guys sure didn't make
an easy science project.
- Don't blame me.
It's Lauren's fault.
- What?
It's not my fault.
It's easy.
It just takes time.
Well, I best, I bet I get going.
- Okay.
- I'll be at your
house after I finish
helping my mom clean
out the garage.
- All right.
- So that'll be
like a few hours.
- All right.
- Bye, Timothy.
- Bye, girls.
- Bye.
- He seems like a nice boy.
- Yeah.
But he's my only
friend that I have
at my new school.
- I'm sure you'll make more.
Starting a new
school's always hard.
- Yeah.
The
cupcake shop is open.
- Can we get a cupcake, Addie?
- I don't know.
- Please.
We haven't done it in so long.
- Sure, why not?
- Thank you.
- Hey, there, welcome to
Nicole's House of Cakes.
How can I help you girls?
- Hi.
Whoa, these cupcakes
look amazing.
- Do you know which
one you're gonna get?
- I don't know.
They all look so good.
They even have your favorite
one here, Addie, red velvet.
Well, I'll go with the
chocolate vanilla one.
- One chocolate
vanilla coming up.
- Are you getting one, Addie?
- I don't know yet.
- Here you go, sweetie.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
- How 'bout you go take a seat?
I'll be right there.
- All right.
- How much are the cupcakes?
- They're 4.75 each.
- Okay.
That's...
That's $2.
4.75.
- Okay, and what can
I get you, sweetie?
- I'm not gonna be
getting one today.
Thank you.
- Where's your cupcake, Addie?
- Here it is, one red velvet
cupcake, just for you.
I hope you enjoy it, honey,
and if you need anything else,
just let me know, okay.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- I knew you were
gonna get that one.
- It sure is my favorite.
It tastes good.
- I'm sure it does.
Do you remember when
we did this with Dad
when he was alive?
- Yeah, he was one to
always make time for us.
- Yeah.
- Hey, do you
remember that one time
that Aunt Marie and
Uncle Bob came down
for Aunt Linda's wedding?
Yeah, that's right.
- And how Aunt Marie had to
go to the fast food place
before the wedding so
she could have her...
Milkshake.
- Yeah.
- And then Uncle Bob
got a chocolate one,
and he spills it on her seat,
and then she sat in it.
- And then Dad said that
she pooped her pants again.
That was funny.
- Those were good times.
- How's your cupcake.
Good, how's yours?
It's amazing.
- The trick is to line
up a bunch of them
to make one clean cut.
- Like this?
- Yeah, that's perfect.
- Thanks.
- I think I shall let you
girls do the road cutting.
- Well, it's
definitely different.
- You should probably
use the ruler
so it's a little
bit more straight.
- But not a road.
- Yeah.
If you squint it
kind of does, but...
- Addie, Aunt Clair's here.
Aunt Clair.
My gosh, I missed
you girls so much.
- I've missed you, too.
- Hey, Addie.
- Hi, Aunt Clair, did
you get our messages?
- Yes, I did, that's
actually one of the reasons
why I'm here.
- When will we be able to
spend a weekend with you?
We hardly see you anymore.
- That's something I'm
trying to work on, sweetie.
Hopefully soon.
- Right, okay.
- You should probably go
help Timothy with the roads.
- Okay.
- Go help your friend.
- All right.
- Addie, what's
really going on here?
- It's Mom.
She's living in this
delusional world
where we're all gonna
be a happy family again,
yet, every night she
comes home and drinks
and smokes until she passes
out on the couch with Wayne.
She's completely
neglecting our needs.
I don't care about
me, but it's Lauren
that I'm worried about.
She's having such a
hard time adjusting
and the kids at school
are being so mean.
I don't know what to do.
It's having a really
big effect on her.
- Has your mother talked
to anyone about this?
- No, she doesn't care.
Gosh.
I don't know what's
wrong with her, Addie.
I'll go to Lauren's
school sometime this week
and talk to the principal.
- No, no, if Mom finds
out you're involved,
she'll only make things worse.
I'll figure it out.
- I'm so sorry you
girls are having
to go through all this.
I love you so much.
- You out here trying to
brainwash my kids again, Clair?
- Why don't you let your mother
and I talk for a few
minutes, okay, sweetheart?
- Yeah, Addie, let
us grown up discuss
how I'm not gonna let my sister
take my kids away from me.
Mom, don't
fight with her.
- Fine, Addie.
I won't fight with my sister.
So, what is it now, Clair?
What do you want?
- Julie, why do we have
to fight over this?
We both want what's best
for Addie and Lauren.
I just wanna spend
more time with them.
Why can we be civil and
work out on our own?
- Be civil.
You did not just say that to me.
You're the one trying
to steal my kids
and turn them against me,
and you wanna talk
about being civil.
Grief.
You know, you always
thought that you were
so much better than me
with your high paying jobs
and fancy clothes and nice cars,
you can buy whatever
you want, Clair,
but you cannot buy my kids.
- Julie, it's never
been about any of that.
It's about what's best
for the kids right now.
Why can't you understand that?
I'm not trying to hurt you,
I'm trying to help you.
I understand all too well.
- Once we get all the roads cut,
we can finally glue them down.
- Mom will never let us go back.
- What?
- I said Mom will never let
us go back with Aunt Clair.
We're stuck here, Addie.
- You don't know that, Lauren.
They just have to
get past their anger
and find some common ground.
- All I know is that we're
the ones being punished
for Mom being mad at Aunt Clair.
- I know all too well
about your health.
Get off my property
before I call the cops.
You okay, Aunt Clair?
- I'm fine.
Addie.
I just, I want you to take this.
- What for?
- Anything you need it for.
I want you to have it in
case of an emergency, okay?
Just put it somewhere safe
so your mom and Wayne
don't take it from you.
Okay.
- Addie, you have to promise me
you'll keep me better informed
about what's going
on around here?
- I just don't
want you to worry.
- I always worry
about you and Lauren.
Promise me, you'll call
me on a regular basis?
Promise.
- I love you so much, Addie.
I love you, too.
- Are you leaving
already, Aunt Clair?
- Yes, sweetie,
I have to go now.
I know this is hard,
but we have to be strong
for each other, okay.
- Okay.
- It's gonna be okay.
I promise.
I love you girls so much.
I love
you, too, Aunt Clair.
- I know.
- And the road is complete.
- That's good.
- You're gonna have
to be really careful
bringing this to school.
- I know, I will.
I can't wait to see
what everybody else
in class has done.
- You and Timothy did a
great job on this, Lauren.
I'm really proud of you.
- Thank you, Addie,
for helping us.
- Of course.
You should probably get the rest
of your stuff ready so
you're not running late.
I'm gonna go make your lunch.
- All right, I'm ready to go.
I think I'm gonna see if
Aunt Clair emailed me back.
I sent her a picture
of the science project.
- Yeah, I'm sure
she's gonna love it.
- I hope so.
What a complete loser.
I don't even know how
you can look at yourself
in the mirror every morning.
If I looked like that,
I would just kill myself.
You're not wanted here.
You should just go back
to your old school.
You make me sick, Lauren.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself
so we don't have to waste
a good bucket of water.
- Lauren, are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Lauren, hold up a second,
you forgot your lunch.
You okay?
- I'm fine.
- You don't look fine.
- I'll be fine.
- Do you wanna talk about it?
- I'm fine.
- I'm here.
- Fine.
- Did something happen?
I'm gonna be late for
school if I don't get going.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Addie.
- Have a good day at school.
Okay.
- What a complete loser.
I don't even know how you
could look at yourself
in the mirror every morning.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself.
You make me sick, Lauren.
- Amber, look, it's Lauren,
and she has her science project.
Lauren, hold up.
- What do you have
there, Lauren?
- If I'm not mistaken,
I think it's her
science project.
Come on, we
just wanna see what you...
- Stop pulling on it.
You're going to break it.
- Fine, that's why you don't
have any friends, Lauren.
You don't know how
to be nice to people.
- Do you want me to
hold that for you?
It looks extremely fragile.
I wouldn't want you
to trip or anything.
- Wow, you really
are pathetic, Lauren.
- She's such a klutz.
I hope she
didn't break it.
- Lauren, what happened?
- I'm sorry.
- What do you think, Timothy?
She's a clumsy fool and you
know what clumsy fools do?
They fall.
- Lauren.
- Is she gonna cry?
She's running home to mommy.
Looks like you picked
the wrong person
to do your science project with.
- No, Casey, I picked
the right person.
- Addie, look, I
know you're upset
but you can't just
go barging in there
yelling and screaming.
- Victoria, this
is my baby sister
you're talking about.
I'm the only one she has
protecting her right now.
- I know that,
but the school administers
probably don't even
know this is going on,
and you have to explain to them
rationally or else they
won't even hear you out.
I think you should
let me do the talking,
at least at first.
Just until you can cool down.
- I got this, Vic.
Okay, it just, some of
the things they said
about her, it's so mean.
- Okay.
Lauren.
- Mom.
What, why
aren't you at school?
- I ruined it, Mom.
- Ruined what, what is ruined?
- My science project.
Casey and her friends ruined it.
God.
Why didn't you just tell
your teachers what happened?
- You don't understand.
That would just make
everything worse.
That would give them
something else to come
after me with.
- No, I understand...
- It never ends.
I understand
exactly what's going on.
- No, you don't.
Please, just let me go
back to my old school
and live with Aunt Clair.
- No, Lauren.
God, I'm so sick of this.
I just can't take this any more.
- Please, Mom.
This isn't my fault.
I've tried to fit in,
I've tried to avoid them.
But it's just the
same every day.
They find a way to taunt me,
make fun of me.
It's humiliating.
- You are allowing
this to happen.
- I'm not.
- Lauren, yes, you are.
Why can't you understand this?
I'm not
allowing this to happen.
- Yes, you are.
This is so embarrassing for me.
Lauren, I can't
take this anymore.
I'm so sick of this
childish behavior.
Why can't you just be more
like your older sister?
She doesn't bring home
this crap to me every day.
She doesn't cause me
all these problems.
You're going to have to grow up.
I'm gonna be late
for work, Lauren.
You're gonna have to deal
with your own problems.
You know,
I have been stuck
raising you and Addie
on my own since
your father died,
and now I finally met someone
that I can spend my time with
and be happy again.
And I'm not gonna let
you or your sister
ruin what I have with Wayne.
There's gonna be some
big changes around here,
so you might as well
get used to them.
You know, you gotta
lot of issues, Lauren.
If you can't let a
few kids play around
with you at school,
just stop acting
like a stupid crybaby
and go back to school.
So sick of this.
- It's having a really
damaging effect on her,
and I'm extremely
concerned about Lauren.
I just, I think it's important
that no one else knows
that I was here today.
- What Addie is trying to say is
she just wants this whole
matter to be resolved.
- I agree.
I'd just like to get
a better understanding
of what happened from
your sister's perspective.
- Excuse me, Principal Reeves.
- Yes, Ms. Clairmont,
please come in.
- Actually, if you don't mind,
I'd like to speak
with you privately.
- Certainly, very sorry.
Would you excuse
me for a moment?
- John, Lauren Wright
wasn't in class today.
Ms. Carson was talking
about an incident
that involved Lauren and
some of the girls earlier.
- What happened?
- Ms. Carson was
vague on the details.
She's just finding out
about this herself.
John, I think this is bad.
She said that a young
boy came up to her
about this information.
- What's the young man's name?
Timothy Denson.
- Have Timothy come
down to my office.
Ms. Clairmont, do it quietly.
I don't want the
other students to know
what's going on.
- Okay.
Is everything okay?
- Actually, I just learned
there was an incident
this morning
involving your sister.
- What kind of incident?
- Is Lauren okay?
- Lauren's not on the
school campus right now.
We're looking into the
details of what happened?
- I just can't
take this any more.
This is so embarrassing for me.
You are allowing this to happen.
- I'm not, I'm not.
- Yes, you are.
Why can't you understand this?
Why can't you just be more
like your older sister?
What a complete loser.
I don't even know
how you can look
at yourself in the
mirror every morning.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself.
You're not wanted here.
- I am nothing but a loser.
There is no place for me here.
I just want it to stop.
I'm so sorry.
So sorry.
- You're not in
trouble, Timothy.
We're just trying to
find out what happened
earlier today.
We'll get you back to...
- Timothy.
What happened to Lauren?
- Young lady.
- Ms. Clairmont, please.
I have a very bad
feeling about this.
What happened, Timothy?
- Addie, she was so upset.
I didn't see the whole thing
but I heard that Casey Abrams,
she already pushed
Lauren in the hallway
on the science project.
Everything was ruined.
I felt bad, Addie.
When I saw the science
project under Lauren,
I was...
- Timothy, no it's
okay, Timothy.
You didn't mean to hurt Lauren.
I know that.
- Hurt Lauren, that's the last
thing I ever wanted to do.
- Vic, check out back
for the swing set.
- Okay.
- Lauren.
Lauren, are you here?
- Lauren, Lauren, Lauren.
I was over
10 minutes late to work
today because of Lauren.
- Mom, I don't care
if you were late.
Do you know where Lauren is?
I don't know.
I guess she went back to school.
- No, she's not at school.
I just came from there, okay.
You know,
I'm getting really
sick and tired of this.
There's gonna be some
big changes around here.
- Nevermind.
- Addie.
- Did you find her?
- She's not there.
She must be at the
bridge, come on.
- This morning, we
will talk about joy.
Jesus wants you
to have true joy.
The presence of Christ
from the very beginning
of his birth till now
was meant to bring joy.
The truth is
the church and the world suffer
from a saddening
lack of old fashioned
simple hearted,
overflowing Christian joy.
Paul said to the church...
- Lauren!
Rejoice
in the lord always.
- Vic, she's in the water.
She's in the water.
She's in the water.
- Can you say that with me?
Rejoice in the lord always.
- Lauren, no.
- There's someone in the water.
My god.
- Look at me, look at me.
You have to get out the water.
Help.
- It is a pity that joy
is not as easy to find
as trouble.
Some people look for trouble,
like it is a buried treasure,
so glad that they have found it.
The joy of Jesus
Christ is real joy.
It's lasting joy.
It is joy that is unspeakable
and full of glory.
It is joy that is unshakeable
because it is not fragile.
- Lauren.
Help!
Please!
- It is a joy.
- Help us!
That will
endure the storms of life.
- Help, help.
It is real
joy that will heal
the sobbing soul and
turn it into a new psalm.
It is joy that heals
a broken heart,
and gives it new life.
- Do something.
- CPR, please, anything.
- Do...
- I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, she's gone.
It is a joy
that turns a bitter frown
into a radiant smile.
- Please.
- It is a joy...
- Why?
Turns
the deepest despair
into the greatest delight.
- Why?
- It is the joy
that is found in Jesus Christ,
for he alone is
the source of joy.
- Addie, she's not here.
- No, no.
- Addie, I'm so sorry.
- No, no.
Somebody call 911.
Please.
Lauren.
- She's unconscious,
send help, please, now,
Vincent Park.
- I want to tell you something.
Jesus Christ is greater
than any problem
you may have.
And Jesus is the
answer for any problem
you may possess.
If we will cling to him,
he will deliver you
and give you the answer.
Have you ever noticed the
people searching for joy
are those who most
desperately need it?
The joy of Jesus is within us.
But it doesn't get
there by itself.
It comes the day you acknowledge
Jesus Christ as lord.
Father, in the
precious name of Jesus,
I ask that you
speak to the hearts
of those who need you
more now than ever before.
Help guide them to the
answers that they seek.
Provide them with the
warmth of the holy spirit,
in the name of
Jesus we pray, amen.
- If God is so good and
holy then why would he
allow my sister
to suffer and die?
Can you even answer that?
Why would he take her from me?
She was good, she
didn't deserve to die.
- Young lady, I am so
very sorry for your loss.
- That doesn't
answer my question.
Why would God allow my
sister to suffer and die?
What kind of loving God
would do such a thing?
- God does not cause
the painful experiences
in our lives.
However,
he allows them.
I believe he does this
to test our faith,
to mature us and bring us into
a closer relationship with him.
- A relationship.
Why would I want a relationship
with a god who does
nothing to protect
those who need him the most,
and leaves them
suffering in pain?
- Young lady, please.
There are times in life
when all hope seems lost.
Times when no amount
of religious activity,
of Bible reading,
prayer, self examination
provides any consolation.
Times when it is
impossible to look
at the brighter side
because no brighter
side seems to exist.
The lord saves those
who are broken hearted.
When you think your
faith has failed you,
all your hopes and
dreams are gone,
listen for the angel's voice.
She will come to you.
Talk to Him.
Talk to God.
He will listen to you.
God, please help that
broken hearted soul.
- Were there signs of
any unusual behavior
that you were aware of?
- No, there weren't any
unusual signs of behavior.
She was a good girl.
- This is the number we can
reach you at at the house.
- Yep, that's the house number.
- Okay, well, I have all
the information I need.
We'll have someone call
you in the morning.
- Okay.
Addie, god.
Are you okay?
- I'm fine.
- Where have you been,
I've been worried sick?
- Just went for a walk.
I had to clear my head.
I can't believe Lauren's gone.
- I know, Addie.
I know.
It'll be okay.
- I'm gonna go inside.
- Addie, are you okay?
- No.
No, I'm not okay.
Going to lay down.
- Addison.
Just let her go.
- I would like to
open by speaking
to the students of
Cambridge Middle School.
We're living in some hard times.
Perhaps harder than
they've ever been.
With all the pressure you face,
it may sometimes seem
that life is bleak
and not worth living,
especially if you're having
trouble at home or at school
or if you feel that no
one understands you.
If this is how you feel,
talk to someone.
If that someone
you choose will not
or cannot listen,
talk to someone else.
Your parents,
teachers, and friends,
may think they know
what's going on,
but they can't really
know unless you tell them.
Now, I'd like to
introduce Ms. Carson.
- Cambridge faculty,
staff, and students.
I'm Ms. Carson,
and Lauren Wright
was my student.
The death of a loved
one can shake us
to our very foundation,
when the person is so young,
so full of hope,
and so full of potential,
the feelings of grief and loss
can be even more overwhelming.
During times such as this,
we turn to our friends,
our family,
for support,
for a shoulder to cry on,
and for someone to walk the road
of pain and anguish with us.
I'd like to share
the words of a hymn
written by a dying grandmother
to her grandchildren,
I believe these words
speak of Lauren Wright
and to us.
As hard as I
try, I just didn't fit in.
I was never good enough.
There is no place in
this world for me.
I'm so sorry, Addie.
I couldn't take
the pain anymore.
- An hour ends as our beginning,
an our time, infinity,
an our doubt,
there is believing,
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection,
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season.
Something God alone can see.
- Hi, Mr. Anderson,
I'm Dr. Conrad.
Hi.
- I reviewed Casey's file.
I'd like to talk
about your daughter.
- She has been up most
of the nights crying,
she's not eating at all.
How am I supposed to
send her back to school?
I'm afraid for her
safety and well being.
- I understand you're
frustration, Mr. Anderson,
but you really need
to remain calm.
Your daughter is sensing
all of this negative energy.
- How am I supposed
to remain calm?
We have the news media
following us around
everywhere we go.
They're camped out
on our front lawn
for the past three days.
How am I supposed
to remain calm?
I don't know what to do anymore.
- I understand
under the situation,
maybe you and your family
can temporarily relocate
somewhere, your
daughter really needs
time to get away
and reflect and heal
from what's happened.
Do you have any family,
someone you can stay with,
just to get away from this
and all the media attention.
- I don't know.
Not really, maybe my sister
can take us in for a while?
I just don't know.
- Mr. Anderson, in
order to understand
the complexity of what your
daughter is going through,
I'm going to ask what may be
some very difficult questions.
Where is Mrs. Anderson
during all this?
- She...
She's been absent from our
lives for a long time now.
It's been really hard on us.
I've been doing the best I can
to make up for her mother
walking out on her.
- Can I ask how often
she sees her mother?
- She hasn't heard
from her mother
in more than two years.
She just one day
packed up her stuff
and walked out, no explanation.
It's been really, really
hard on my daughter.
She misses her mother.
- I understand.
I think it's best that I
talk to your daughter alone.
I think she'd be more
inclined to open up
if you're not in
the room with her.
- Okay.
I'll just stay here.
God, please help us.
- Hi, I'm Dr. Conrad.
It's nice to meet you.
I know that this is going
to be extremely difficult
for you to talk about,
but one of the ways
that we begin to heal
is by opening a line
of communication.
You think you can do that?
- Heal?
There will never be
any healing from this.
The damage is done.
I am going to have to
live the rest of my life
knowing what I have
done to Lauren.
I am so sorry, Lauren,
for what I have done.
I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me,
I didn't mean it.
Please, Lauren, forgive me.
I'm so, I'm so sorry.
- Why?
God.
Why?
Why would you take my
baby sister from me?
I miss her so much.
I love you so much, Lauren.
I just don't know what
I'm gonna do without you.
God, please.
I beg of you when my
sister comes to your door,
let her.
Let her in.
Let my baby sister in.
And give her the love
that she deserves.
- It sure is a beautiful
sunrise this morning.
- Excuse me?
- The sunrise.
It's so beautiful.
- I'm sorry, I didn't
know you were there.
- Tears are how our heart speaks
when our lips just
can't describe how
much we've been hurt.
It's okay, honey.
It's okay to cry.
- I'm sorry.
I just lost my baby sister.
I don't know what
I'm gonna do now.
- The one thing
I've learned in life
is the most beautiful people
are the ones that
have known despair,
known struggle and
known suffering,
and have known the
loss of a loved one,
and found their way out
of the depths of despair.
It's this kind of person
that has an appreciation,
a sensitivity,
and an understanding of life.
It fills them with
compassion, gentleness,
and a deep, loving concern.
Beautiful people
don't just happen.
It's something you
grow into, Addie.
This.
This is the beauty that
this life has to offer.
Just close your eyes.
Make today a day
worth remembering.
You're gonna be okay, Addie,
because you have the
strength to overcome
with each step that
you take in life.
Know that Lauren is
taking them with you.
She will always be with you,
because you will carry
her in your heart forever.
- I will always love you, Addie,
you know that, right?
- I'm just gonna
miss you so much.
- You're gonna be
okay, I promise.
- Addie.
Addie.
Where
did that woman go?
- What woman?
- The old woman I
was just talking to,
where did she go?
- Addie, I've been standing here
for a couple minutes
and I didn't see anyone.
- A couple of minutes?
- I didn't want to interrupt
you while you were praying.
- Praying.
Listen for
the angel's voice.
She will come to you.
- Addie are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine, just a
little confused, that's all.
- Well, I brought some
flowers for Lauren.
- They're beautiful, Timothy.
Why don't we go with
them to her now?
Many of you didn't
know my sister, Lauren.
She was new at school
and really didn't have
time to make any friends.
Lauren had a loving soul,
and cared for others,
and she tried very
hard to cope with
a bad situation at home
and here at school.
- When we talk to our
children about bullying,
we need to make sure
that they know that their
actions do have consequences.
- I wish she could be here today
so I could hold her in my arms
and let her know that everything
is gonna be all right,
but I can't.
She's not here,
and the reality of the
situation is overwhelming.
killed three students,
and wounded eight
others in your class.
What do you have
to say about that?
- They deserved it.
Hey, Tyler.
- Hey has a gun.
- Jesus, no.
- Parents send
their kids to school
trusting that they will be safe,
but in one of those schools,
a high school in
Palm Beach county,
today, the worst happened.
Police say a student opened fire
on classmates,
leaving four dead,
and 11 others injured.
Two of them are in
critical condition.
The alleged shooter
is a teenage boy,
who is said to be
in custody tonight.
We have late word from our
law enforcement sources
that the young
shooter told police
he was bullied and
teased in school
and that the shooting was
in retaliation to that.
What about the
families of the children
that you murdered?
You don't have any
remorse for them?
- What about me?
They raised those
monsters everyday
who tormented me.
Laughed at me,
made fun of me.
- In Washington,
an 11 year old boy
appeared in court today,
charged with
bringing two knives,
a gun, and 400 rounds
of ammunition to school.
- Good evening.
I'm sitting in the home
of Brenley Tompkins.
Many of you may remember her
from the incident at
Twin Lakes Middle School.
- New details are
beginning to emerge
as we learn more about the
Kennedy Cross Middle School
shooting that left
four kids dead,
seven wounded, and of those,
two are in critical condition.
- I feel scared
and uncomfortable.
I just don't feel
safe here anymore.
- We were all running
for our lives.
I could hear kids
screaming behind me,
as the shots were being fired,
so I just ran into
one of the rooms,
hid under the desk and prayed.
- It was a day
like any other day
at Crystal Creek High School.
Classes were beginning to start,
and children were
clearing the halls
as the sound of the
school bell rang.
- This incident comes after
a week of gun violence
at schools across the country,
as the city of Melrose
Park mourns the loss
of 11 students who attended
Philmore Middle School.
- Everybody wants to know why.
That's the real question.
The answer is we
don't know right now.
- I told them that
I was gonna do this
if they didn't stop.
Do you want someone to blame?
Blame them.
Don't give me this
crap about remorse.
I'd do it again because they
had what was coming to them.
God, what are we becoming?
What is happening
to the world today?
It's senseless.
It's so senseless.
Can you please
send the police out here?
There's a kid with
a gun in school.
Two units to clear
for a 911 in progress.
- We're gonna be late for
school, gonna get going.
Do you have all
your school books?
- I think so.
- I think so is not the
answer I wanna hear, Lauren.
- Yes, I have all
my school books.
- I got you an apple,
and here, take this.
- But this is your birthday
money from Aunt Clair?
- Okay, Lauren, you
have to eat something.
Okay, Addie.
- Hey, Addie, get your Mom up.
She can't be late
for work again.
- Should get going else you're
gonna miss the school bus.
- All right, Addie.
- Have a good day in school.
- You, too.
Mom, it's
time to get up.
Did you hear me?
It's time to get up.
- Great.
What time is it?
It's going on 7:30.
You're gonna be late
if you don't get going.
Okay, just a minute.
- You need to go
grocery shopping.
There's nothing to
eat in this house.
- Addison, don't start
with me this morning.
I already told you,
your daddy hasn't
gotten paid yet.
- How is it that he can
afford to bring home
a case of beer and cigarettes
every single night,
yet he can't afford
to bring home food?
Does that make any sense to you?
- How dare you disrespect
your daddy like that?
I mean, who do
you think you are?
You don't know the first clue
about raising kids, Addison.
Look, your daddy
works every day...
- Stop calling him my daddy.
- You listen here, young lady.
I will not allow
you to disrespect
your father in this house.
- Wayne isn't our father.
Okay, our father
died four years ago.
If Wayne gave a crap about us,
he would make sure that we have
food on the table every day,
instead, Lauren and I go to
school hungry every morning.
Do you even care anymore, Mom?
I mean, ever since you
hooked up with Wayne,
everything has changed.
You have changed so
much since Dad died.
Do you even know what's
going on with us anymore?
Do you even know that Lauren
is getting picked on every day
by kids in her school?
- Addie, they're just
kids playing around.
That's what
you think this is?
- We all did that
when we were young.
Lauren needs to lighten
up and play along.
- Kids playing around.
They are hurting
her emotionally.
They are completely
demoralizing her
in front of everyone.
- Addison, what?
- Why don't you just act
like our mother for once?
- How dare you?
- Middle Fair isn't
working for us.
We wanna go back
with Aunt Clair.
- No, we've been
over this before.
My sister will not
be raising my kids.
We are gonna be a family again.
- A family, do you
even hear yourself?
We can never be a family
if you would wait,
all you do is just
drink and then pass out
on the couch every night.
We should have never
left Aunt Clair's house.
Addison,
that's enough.
- Whatever, I can't...
- Addison.
I am still your
mother and you have,
you don't have the right
to talk to me that way.
Addison, I'm still your mother
whether you like it or not.
Don't come back here until
you're ready to apologize.
I mean it.
I don't have to put up
with this crap from you.
- Yeah, it's the new issue.
My mom got it for me yesterday.
My gosh, I
wouldn't be caught dead
wearing something like that.
Who would even buy that outfit?
- I don't know.
Look at this one,
where would you even
wear something like that?
- I know, right?
I mean, it's just ridiculous.
- Look who's coming.
Well, well, well.
If it isn't Lauren the loser.
- Wasn't she wearing those
same clothes yesterday?
- Yeah.
I think you're right.
She was.
What's wrong, Lauren?
Are you too good
to say hello to us?
- I don't want any
trouble, Casey.
- Why would there be
any trouble, Lauren?
- Yeah, Lauren, are you
looking for trouble?
- It would appear that you wore
the same clothes yesterday.
- Are you some kind
of slob or something?
- Ooh, Amber, that's
a little harsh.
Girls, you're gonna
make her cry again.
Poor, Lauren, it's really
not your fault, is it?
She can't help it.
Can you, Lauren?
White trash will
always be just that.
White trash.
- Do us all a favor and
clean yourself up, Lauren.
You're making me sick.
- Yeah.
This place stinks.
- The bus is coming.
- Pathetic.
What are you looking at?
- Good morning, Madeline.
- Good morning, Janet.
- This is the folder
that Principal Reeves
needs for his board meeting.
- All right, I'll make
sure that he gets it.
- Great, thank you, and also,
I'm expecting an appoint
with Mr. Perkins today.
- Okay, absolutely,
and I'll let you
know when he arrives.
- Great, thank you.
- You're welcome.
- Good morning, Ms. Clark.
I'm Principal Reeves.
- Please, call me Christina.
- Christina, nice to meet you.
How may I help you today?
- With this seemingly
epidemic rise of bullying
in our schools
across the nation,
I would like to run a news story
on how your school is
dealing with the situation.
- Well, Christina, people
must stop defending
bullying behavior as
a part of growing up
with the attitude
kids will be kids.
Parents have to start
taking more responsibility
for their children's behavior.
- This is the kind of
approach I'm looking
to run my news story with.
I wanna focus on
how this school,
in particular, has
taken a strong stance
against bullying.
What are some of
the core elements
that you've implemented here
to make this a
success in the fight
against that kind of behavior?
- It all starts with a
positive school climate,
easily understood
rules of conduct,
smaller classroom sizes,
and a fair discipline practice,
among all the students.
I expect my faculty
to be visible,
vigilant, common areas
such as hallways,
cafeterias, locker
rooms, and playgrounds.
The children can trust
that we will help them
if they are being bullied.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning, Lauren, how
wonderful to see you today.
Go ahead and take your seat.
Class is gonna start soon, okay?
Okay.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
Such a good student.
What are you looking at, Bexley?
- Good morning, boys.
- Hi, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Signed up for this...
- Good morning.
Good morning.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning.
- Good morning, Ms. Carson.
- Good morning.
Amber, you know the rules,
no cell phones in class.
- Yes, Ms. Carson.
- Amber, put it away
or I'll take it away.
- Sorry, Ms. Carson.
Hey, Lauren.
- Wow, she really is ugly.
- Pathetic.
Okay,
class, let's settle down.
Let's get started.
- Did you run your facts
on what the numbers are
for school violence that's
been related to bullying?
- Not nationally,
only for the schools
of this county.
- It's a staggering number.
Bullying is the most
common form of violence
in our society,
between 15 and 30% of students
are either bullies or victims.
The pattern of bullying
can begin as early
as age two, children that
are spanked too harshly
or too often learn that
physical aggression is okay.
Consistent alternatives such as
the removal of privileges
or additional chores,
serves as a much more
effective consequence
to inappropriate behavior,
but there are a lot
of other factors
to take into consideration.
- What are some of
those other factors
you're referring to?
- Those other factors have to
do with political correctness
in our society and how it's
slowly affecting our nation.
Unfortunately, I will
not be able to express
my opinion on that
without losing my job.
These are some
nationwide statistics,
3.7 million youths engage in
more than 3.2 million,
are victims of moderate
to serious bullying
each year in the school system.
Virtually every school
shooting bullying
has played a significant factor,
the level of
severity of bullying
is directly related to the
amount of adult supervision,
that children receive.
- I think what is so
inspiring about this school
is what you've implemented here,
not only for the children,
but your faculty
and staff as well.
- School should be a
safe place for children
to learn and play,
however, I'd be naive to think
that some sort of
bullying isn't happening
in the school right now.
A few weeks ago, I was
cleaning out my desk,
and I came across this letter.
It was written by
one of our students
here at the school,
the author of the
letter is unknown.
I've shared the letter
with all the staff
and faculty in the hopes
that we can identify
the student and offer
our help and assistance.
This what bothers me the most.
We can't be everywhere
to prevent it.
Go, pick it up, pick
it up, let's go, let's go,
finish strong, let's go.
- Hey, Lauren.
Hi, Timothy.
- What you working on?
- Nothing.
Nothing really that important.
- Well, I want to
thank you for helping
me out in Mr. Sprig's
class this morning.
Science isn't really
my favorite subject.
- It's fine, it's
really no big deal.
- Yeah, it was.
You helped me from
failing another pop quiz.
So...
Do you have a partner for
the science project yet?
- What?
- The science project
for Mr. Sprig's class.
Do you have a partner yet?
- No, Timothy, is this
some sort of joke?
Please just stop.
- No, Lauren.
I really wanna work on the
science project with you.
- You wanna work with me?
On the science project?
- Yeah, it'll be fun.
I have no idea what
we'll do but it'll be fun
to work with you on it.
My gosh, we could
actually do several
different projects.
- That is definitely Timothy.
Why would he be talking to her?
Lauren's testing you, Casey.
She knows you like Timothy,
and she's sitting there talking
to him right in front of us.
- We'll see about that.
- Let's go girls, you
got two laps to go.
We're not socializing,
we're jogging out here.
Get a move on.
- Then the potential
energy is released
into kinetic energy,
which causes the colored
sticks to fly into the air.
- That's so cool.
- Yeah, it is,
you should see it.
Addie, Addie, something
amazing happened
at school today.
Yeah, what happened?
- Our science
teacher, Mr. Sprig,
gave us a science project,
and we have to work on it
with another classmate,
and Timothy Dutsin asked
me to be his partner on it.
- That's great, Lauren.
- And he's letting me
what we're going to do.
I have so many ideas in my head.
We need to do something amazing.
- Well, I'm sure
you'll figure it out.
- Do you think I
can ask Mom for $10?
I wanna make
something really cool.
- I don't know, Lauren.
Everything's kind
of tight right now.
But you can ask her
and see what she says.
- Okay.
- Speaking of Mom,
she's gonna bring home
some chicken strips.
Why don't you put
your backpack away?
We'll be eating soon.
- All right.
- And Lauren.
- Yeah?
- I'm really happy for you
about the science project.
- Thanks, Addie.
- So I'm getting ready to
pull out the drive way,
she comes running out
the house screaming about
why is the grout line so big.
What are you talking about?
It's a quarter inch grout line.
She said you wanted
a quarter inch.
Like, well, that's
not what I meant.
I'm like, I don't
know what you meant,
I know what you said.
Now how is it my
fault, she has no idea
what a quarter inch is?
- Of course not.
Of course it's not your fault.
- Whatever, that's a new
job if she wants it done.
Not my fault.
So right.
- So Mom.
- How's the chicken?
- Mom.
Mom.
- Little dry.
- Mom.
Lauren came home with
some good news today.
Didn't you, Lauren?
- I did.
- What is it?
- Mom.
- What?
Well, spit it out,
what's the good news?
- We have to do a science
project for class,
and Timothy Denson asked
me to be his partner.
- That's the good news?
- That is good news, Mom.
It's great news.
Now Lauren gets to do
something she likes,
and she has a partner
to do it with.
- I have several ideas
on the project but,
I was just wondering if
you could help me with it.
- Help you with it?
I don't know the first
thing about science
or school stuff for that matter.
- Mom, she needs
money for the project,
not your help.
- I see.
I thought you needed my
help to do the project.
Great.
- Imagine that.
That'd be some project.
Well,
it certainly would.
- You know, what, let's
all work on the project,
we'll make it a
family fun night.
- That's a good one.
That'd be really funny.
Gosh.
Well, how much do you need?
- I think I can get
the whole project done
for around $10.
- $10?
That's a lot of money.
How'd you think we
were gonna get it.
- Come on, it's ridiculous.
When's it gonna end
with these damn schools?
Last month, you needed $25.
- That was for a field trip
that her whole class went on.
This is part of her
project that counts
for her final grade.
There's a difference.
I don't
care what it was for,
and I'm sorry, was
I talking to you?
- I swear.
- You didn't get it last time.
You're not gonna
get it this time.
You go to school to learn,
not to ride around play all day.
Lauren, you
have to understand,
we just don't have the money
for these things right now.
- Why?
Why are you just so mean?
Can I please be excused?
- Absolutely.
And don't come
begging us for money
for any of these
ridiculous projects again.
- Lauren.
- No, let her go.
- These damn schools.
- Honey...
- They are always
trying to get money out
of us for something,
you know, and I am
sick and tired of it.
I pay my taxes.
- I know.
It really is ridiculous.
I think the chicken's
pretty good.
- Whatever.
What?
- It's ridiculous, seriously.
- Pass me her chicken.
She's not gonna eat it.
- Sure, hon.
Eat up.
- Don't let it go to waste.
You had a hard day.
- Hey, kiddo.
Thought you could
use a little company.
- I hate it here.
I hate my school.
I just, I hate living
with Mom and Wayne.
I just, I can't find
my place here, Addie.
I feel like I don't belong here.
- I know.
Moving back in with
mom hasn't been easy
on either of us.
- I just wanna move
back with Aunt Clair.
She actually cared about us.
- You know we can't do that.
Mom won't let us.
It's not like Aunt
Clair hasn't tried.
- I mean, why can't Mom
just understand for once?
- I don't know.
I don't think we'll ever
really understand Mom.
- It's like she doesn't
even care anymore.
- I don't think Mom really
ever got over losing Dad.
She's here but she doesn't
really hear anymore.
- Yeah.
- But that doesn't matter.
We have each other.
I have something for you.
- What is it?
- Open it up.
- Where did you get
all these Addie?
- Every time Wayne
and Mom come home
and leave change lying around,
I pick it up and put it away.
They don't even know
that it's missing.
- Wow, how much is in here?
- Last time I checked, over $18.
I was gonna give it
to you last month
for your field trip but
it wasn't enough money.
- This is awesome.
And brilliant.
But I can't take the money
that you've been saving.
- You can and you will.
It's for your science project.
- I don't know
what to say, Addie.
- Say nothing, Lauren.
You're gonna create an
amazing science project,
I just know it.
- Thank you so much.
- You're welcome, Lauren.
I love you.
- I love you too.
- Ms. Carson, many
children in today's society
come to school dealing
with stressful,
sometimes traumatic issues,
whether it be from home
or societal pressure,
and it undoubtedly affects
their performance at school.
What have you done
to understand that,
and to address each
students individual needs?
- I think it's important
to really get to know
the students in my class,
children who deal
with traumatic issues,
their minds just
aren't on school work,
and unfortunately, the
conventional methods
of dealing with them are
often not applicable.
As educators, we need to
address the emotional,
the social, the physical
and the intellectual parts
of children.
- It would appear that teachers
have had to adapt to
being not only teachers,
but also counselors to the
children in their classrooms.
- It was never our
intent to turn teachers
into counselors or
into social workers,
but we did have to
create a climate
and a culture here in the school
that benefited the
children's ability to learn.
The safety of our children is
everybody's responsibility.
These children are our legacy
and they need to be taken
care of and understood.
- My gosh, there she is.
- It is her, it's
Lauren the loser.
- Quick, somebody call security.
Tell 'em to remove
this trash from school.
You should watch where
you're going, Bexley.
Serves her right.
- Just leave them,
I can do it myself.
- It's fine, Bexley.
I don't mind helping you.
- Just leave them.
What are you,
stupid or something?
Just leave me alone.
You're only gonna
make things worse.
- Dude, I just didn't
expect the whole thing
just blow up like that.
- But that was the best part.
Yeah, now I have
to wait until next season
to find out who's even
in the helicopter.
- Yeah.
But I had a feeling it
was Captain Smithmore
and Hunter.
- Well, I know one
thing for sure,
I hate cliffhangers.
- Yeah.
- Hey, Timothy.
- Hey, Casey.
Hey, Lauren.
- Hi, Timothy.
- So what time do you
want to start working
on the science project tomorrow?
- Well, I guess it
would have to be
sometime in the afternoon.
My sister and I, we're
going to the craft store
in the morning to
get what we need.
- Would it be okay
if I went with you
and your sister?
- You wanna go with us?
I mean, that would be great.
I'm just still not sure
what project to do yet.
We could go over them and
you could help me choose you.
- I want you to pick the
one that you wanna do.
I'm sure whatever you
decide will be perfect.
- What does he see in her?
and my mom gave me
$5 to pitch in for supplies.
- That's great.
- So what time are you guys
heading to the craft store?
- I would say around 10.
- Awesome, I'll be
at your house at 10.
- Mr. Denson, did you forget
where your assigned seat is?
- No, Ms. Carson.
- Okay, class,
we're gonna pick up
where we left off with
yesterday's discussion
on the revolutionary war.
Turn to page 42
in your textbook.
- Text you later.
Make sure you find out
if Noah has anymore...
- Casey, is there
something you'd like
to share with the class?
- No, Ms. Carson.
- Then I suggest
that you remain quiet
and pay attention
to today's lesson.
- Okay, Timothy,
what's going on?
- Whoa, Casey.
What do you mean?
- Don't play dumb
with me, Timothy.
Lauren, that stupid, ugly girl.
- Casey.
What about her?
- You two are doing the
science project together?
- What is your
infatuation with her?
- What?
Lauren's actually a cool girl.
- A cool girl?
Wow, Timothy, that's
really lame, even for you.
- Whatever, Casey.
- Timothy, you
have to get going.
Ms. Roberts is waiting
in the car for us.
- I still have to get my
skateboard from Ms. Claremont's.
Come on, Timothy.
We don't have time for this.
- Really?
You're just gonna walk
away from me like that?
- I'm sorry, Casey, I can't
deal with this right now.
- You guys sure didn't make
an easy science project.
- Don't blame me.
It's Lauren's fault.
- What?
It's not my fault.
It's easy.
It just takes time.
Well, I best, I bet I get going.
- Okay.
- I'll be at your
house after I finish
helping my mom clean
out the garage.
- All right.
- So that'll be
like a few hours.
- All right.
- Bye, Timothy.
- Bye, girls.
- Bye.
- He seems like a nice boy.
- Yeah.
But he's my only
friend that I have
at my new school.
- I'm sure you'll make more.
Starting a new
school's always hard.
- Yeah.
The
cupcake shop is open.
- Can we get a cupcake, Addie?
- I don't know.
- Please.
We haven't done it in so long.
- Sure, why not?
- Thank you.
- Hey, there, welcome to
Nicole's House of Cakes.
How can I help you girls?
- Hi.
Whoa, these cupcakes
look amazing.
- Do you know which
one you're gonna get?
- I don't know.
They all look so good.
They even have your favorite
one here, Addie, red velvet.
Well, I'll go with the
chocolate vanilla one.
- One chocolate
vanilla coming up.
- Are you getting one, Addie?
- I don't know yet.
- Here you go, sweetie.
- Thank you.
You're welcome.
- How 'bout you go take a seat?
I'll be right there.
- All right.
- How much are the cupcakes?
- They're 4.75 each.
- Okay.
That's...
That's $2.
4.75.
- Okay, and what can
I get you, sweetie?
- I'm not gonna be
getting one today.
Thank you.
- Where's your cupcake, Addie?
- Here it is, one red velvet
cupcake, just for you.
I hope you enjoy it, honey,
and if you need anything else,
just let me know, okay.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
- I knew you were
gonna get that one.
- It sure is my favorite.
It tastes good.
- I'm sure it does.
Do you remember when
we did this with Dad
when he was alive?
- Yeah, he was one to
always make time for us.
- Yeah.
- Hey, do you
remember that one time
that Aunt Marie and
Uncle Bob came down
for Aunt Linda's wedding?
Yeah, that's right.
- And how Aunt Marie had to
go to the fast food place
before the wedding so
she could have her...
Milkshake.
- Yeah.
- And then Uncle Bob
got a chocolate one,
and he spills it on her seat,
and then she sat in it.
- And then Dad said that
she pooped her pants again.
That was funny.
- Those were good times.
- How's your cupcake.
Good, how's yours?
It's amazing.
- The trick is to line
up a bunch of them
to make one clean cut.
- Like this?
- Yeah, that's perfect.
- Thanks.
- I think I shall let you
girls do the road cutting.
- Well, it's
definitely different.
- You should probably
use the ruler
so it's a little
bit more straight.
- But not a road.
- Yeah.
If you squint it
kind of does, but...
- Addie, Aunt Clair's here.
Aunt Clair.
My gosh, I missed
you girls so much.
- I've missed you, too.
- Hey, Addie.
- Hi, Aunt Clair, did
you get our messages?
- Yes, I did, that's
actually one of the reasons
why I'm here.
- When will we be able to
spend a weekend with you?
We hardly see you anymore.
- That's something I'm
trying to work on, sweetie.
Hopefully soon.
- Right, okay.
- You should probably go
help Timothy with the roads.
- Okay.
- Go help your friend.
- All right.
- Addie, what's
really going on here?
- It's Mom.
She's living in this
delusional world
where we're all gonna
be a happy family again,
yet, every night she
comes home and drinks
and smokes until she passes
out on the couch with Wayne.
She's completely
neglecting our needs.
I don't care about
me, but it's Lauren
that I'm worried about.
She's having such a
hard time adjusting
and the kids at school
are being so mean.
I don't know what to do.
It's having a really
big effect on her.
- Has your mother talked
to anyone about this?
- No, she doesn't care.
Gosh.
I don't know what's
wrong with her, Addie.
I'll go to Lauren's
school sometime this week
and talk to the principal.
- No, no, if Mom finds
out you're involved,
she'll only make things worse.
I'll figure it out.
- I'm so sorry you
girls are having
to go through all this.
I love you so much.
- You out here trying to
brainwash my kids again, Clair?
- Why don't you let your mother
and I talk for a few
minutes, okay, sweetheart?
- Yeah, Addie, let
us grown up discuss
how I'm not gonna let my sister
take my kids away from me.
Mom, don't
fight with her.
- Fine, Addie.
I won't fight with my sister.
So, what is it now, Clair?
What do you want?
- Julie, why do we have
to fight over this?
We both want what's best
for Addie and Lauren.
I just wanna spend
more time with them.
Why can we be civil and
work out on our own?
- Be civil.
You did not just say that to me.
You're the one trying
to steal my kids
and turn them against me,
and you wanna talk
about being civil.
Grief.
You know, you always
thought that you were
so much better than me
with your high paying jobs
and fancy clothes and nice cars,
you can buy whatever
you want, Clair,
but you cannot buy my kids.
- Julie, it's never
been about any of that.
It's about what's best
for the kids right now.
Why can't you understand that?
I'm not trying to hurt you,
I'm trying to help you.
I understand all too well.
- Once we get all the roads cut,
we can finally glue them down.
- Mom will never let us go back.
- What?
- I said Mom will never let
us go back with Aunt Clair.
We're stuck here, Addie.
- You don't know that, Lauren.
They just have to
get past their anger
and find some common ground.
- All I know is that we're
the ones being punished
for Mom being mad at Aunt Clair.
- I know all too well
about your health.
Get off my property
before I call the cops.
You okay, Aunt Clair?
- I'm fine.
Addie.
I just, I want you to take this.
- What for?
- Anything you need it for.
I want you to have it in
case of an emergency, okay?
Just put it somewhere safe
so your mom and Wayne
don't take it from you.
Okay.
- Addie, you have to promise me
you'll keep me better informed
about what's going
on around here?
- I just don't
want you to worry.
- I always worry
about you and Lauren.
Promise me, you'll call
me on a regular basis?
Promise.
- I love you so much, Addie.
I love you, too.
- Are you leaving
already, Aunt Clair?
- Yes, sweetie,
I have to go now.
I know this is hard,
but we have to be strong
for each other, okay.
- Okay.
- It's gonna be okay.
I promise.
I love you girls so much.
I love
you, too, Aunt Clair.
- I know.
- And the road is complete.
- That's good.
- You're gonna have
to be really careful
bringing this to school.
- I know, I will.
I can't wait to see
what everybody else
in class has done.
- You and Timothy did a
great job on this, Lauren.
I'm really proud of you.
- Thank you, Addie,
for helping us.
- Of course.
You should probably get the rest
of your stuff ready so
you're not running late.
I'm gonna go make your lunch.
- All right, I'm ready to go.
I think I'm gonna see if
Aunt Clair emailed me back.
I sent her a picture
of the science project.
- Yeah, I'm sure
she's gonna love it.
- I hope so.
What a complete loser.
I don't even know how
you can look at yourself
in the mirror every morning.
If I looked like that,
I would just kill myself.
You're not wanted here.
You should just go back
to your old school.
You make me sick, Lauren.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself
so we don't have to waste
a good bucket of water.
- Lauren, are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Lauren, hold up a second,
you forgot your lunch.
You okay?
- I'm fine.
- You don't look fine.
- I'll be fine.
- Do you wanna talk about it?
- I'm fine.
- I'm here.
- Fine.
- Did something happen?
I'm gonna be late for
school if I don't get going.
- I love you.
- I love you, too, Addie.
- Have a good day at school.
Okay.
- What a complete loser.
I don't even know how you
could look at yourself
in the mirror every morning.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself.
You make me sick, Lauren.
- Amber, look, it's Lauren,
and she has her science project.
Lauren, hold up.
- What do you have
there, Lauren?
- If I'm not mistaken,
I think it's her
science project.
Come on, we
just wanna see what you...
- Stop pulling on it.
You're going to break it.
- Fine, that's why you don't
have any friends, Lauren.
You don't know how
to be nice to people.
- Do you want me to
hold that for you?
It looks extremely fragile.
I wouldn't want you
to trip or anything.
- Wow, you really
are pathetic, Lauren.
- She's such a klutz.
I hope she
didn't break it.
- Lauren, what happened?
- I'm sorry.
- What do you think, Timothy?
She's a clumsy fool and you
know what clumsy fools do?
They fall.
- Lauren.
- Is she gonna cry?
She's running home to mommy.
Looks like you picked
the wrong person
to do your science project with.
- No, Casey, I picked
the right person.
- Addie, look, I
know you're upset
but you can't just
go barging in there
yelling and screaming.
- Victoria, this
is my baby sister
you're talking about.
I'm the only one she has
protecting her right now.
- I know that,
but the school administers
probably don't even
know this is going on,
and you have to explain to them
rationally or else they
won't even hear you out.
I think you should
let me do the talking,
at least at first.
Just until you can cool down.
- I got this, Vic.
Okay, it just, some of
the things they said
about her, it's so mean.
- Okay.
Lauren.
- Mom.
What, why
aren't you at school?
- I ruined it, Mom.
- Ruined what, what is ruined?
- My science project.
Casey and her friends ruined it.
God.
Why didn't you just tell
your teachers what happened?
- You don't understand.
That would just make
everything worse.
That would give them
something else to come
after me with.
- No, I understand...
- It never ends.
I understand
exactly what's going on.
- No, you don't.
Please, just let me go
back to my old school
and live with Aunt Clair.
- No, Lauren.
God, I'm so sick of this.
I just can't take this any more.
- Please, Mom.
This isn't my fault.
I've tried to fit in,
I've tried to avoid them.
But it's just the
same every day.
They find a way to taunt me,
make fun of me.
It's humiliating.
- You are allowing
this to happen.
- I'm not.
- Lauren, yes, you are.
Why can't you understand this?
I'm not
allowing this to happen.
- Yes, you are.
This is so embarrassing for me.
Lauren, I can't
take this anymore.
I'm so sick of this
childish behavior.
Why can't you just be more
like your older sister?
She doesn't bring home
this crap to me every day.
She doesn't cause me
all these problems.
You're going to have to grow up.
I'm gonna be late
for work, Lauren.
You're gonna have to deal
with your own problems.
You know,
I have been stuck
raising you and Addie
on my own since
your father died,
and now I finally met someone
that I can spend my time with
and be happy again.
And I'm not gonna let
you or your sister
ruin what I have with Wayne.
There's gonna be some
big changes around here,
so you might as well
get used to them.
You know, you gotta
lot of issues, Lauren.
If you can't let a
few kids play around
with you at school,
just stop acting
like a stupid crybaby
and go back to school.
So sick of this.
- It's having a really
damaging effect on her,
and I'm extremely
concerned about Lauren.
I just, I think it's important
that no one else knows
that I was here today.
- What Addie is trying to say is
she just wants this whole
matter to be resolved.
- I agree.
I'd just like to get
a better understanding
of what happened from
your sister's perspective.
- Excuse me, Principal Reeves.
- Yes, Ms. Clairmont,
please come in.
- Actually, if you don't mind,
I'd like to speak
with you privately.
- Certainly, very sorry.
Would you excuse
me for a moment?
- John, Lauren Wright
wasn't in class today.
Ms. Carson was talking
about an incident
that involved Lauren and
some of the girls earlier.
- What happened?
- Ms. Carson was
vague on the details.
She's just finding out
about this herself.
John, I think this is bad.
She said that a young
boy came up to her
about this information.
- What's the young man's name?
Timothy Denson.
- Have Timothy come
down to my office.
Ms. Clairmont, do it quietly.
I don't want the
other students to know
what's going on.
- Okay.
Is everything okay?
- Actually, I just learned
there was an incident
this morning
involving your sister.
- What kind of incident?
- Is Lauren okay?
- Lauren's not on the
school campus right now.
We're looking into the
details of what happened?
- I just can't
take this any more.
This is so embarrassing for me.
You are allowing this to happen.
- I'm not, I'm not.
- Yes, you are.
Why can't you understand this?
Why can't you just be more
like your older sister?
What a complete loser.
I don't even know
how you can look
at yourself in the
mirror every morning.
Hopefully she'll
just kill herself.
You're not wanted here.
- I am nothing but a loser.
There is no place for me here.
I just want it to stop.
I'm so sorry.
So sorry.
- You're not in
trouble, Timothy.
We're just trying to
find out what happened
earlier today.
We'll get you back to...
- Timothy.
What happened to Lauren?
- Young lady.
- Ms. Clairmont, please.
I have a very bad
feeling about this.
What happened, Timothy?
- Addie, she was so upset.
I didn't see the whole thing
but I heard that Casey Abrams,
she already pushed
Lauren in the hallway
on the science project.
Everything was ruined.
I felt bad, Addie.
When I saw the science
project under Lauren,
I was...
- Timothy, no it's
okay, Timothy.
You didn't mean to hurt Lauren.
I know that.
- Hurt Lauren, that's the last
thing I ever wanted to do.
- Vic, check out back
for the swing set.
- Okay.
- Lauren.
Lauren, are you here?
- Lauren, Lauren, Lauren.
I was over
10 minutes late to work
today because of Lauren.
- Mom, I don't care
if you were late.
Do you know where Lauren is?
I don't know.
I guess she went back to school.
- No, she's not at school.
I just came from there, okay.
You know,
I'm getting really
sick and tired of this.
There's gonna be some
big changes around here.
- Nevermind.
- Addie.
- Did you find her?
- She's not there.
She must be at the
bridge, come on.
- This morning, we
will talk about joy.
Jesus wants you
to have true joy.
The presence of Christ
from the very beginning
of his birth till now
was meant to bring joy.
The truth is
the church and the world suffer
from a saddening
lack of old fashioned
simple hearted,
overflowing Christian joy.
Paul said to the church...
- Lauren!
Rejoice
in the lord always.
- Vic, she's in the water.
She's in the water.
She's in the water.
- Can you say that with me?
Rejoice in the lord always.
- Lauren, no.
- There's someone in the water.
My god.
- Look at me, look at me.
You have to get out the water.
Help.
- It is a pity that joy
is not as easy to find
as trouble.
Some people look for trouble,
like it is a buried treasure,
so glad that they have found it.
The joy of Jesus
Christ is real joy.
It's lasting joy.
It is joy that is unspeakable
and full of glory.
It is joy that is unshakeable
because it is not fragile.
- Lauren.
Help!
Please!
- It is a joy.
- Help us!
That will
endure the storms of life.
- Help, help.
It is real
joy that will heal
the sobbing soul and
turn it into a new psalm.
It is joy that heals
a broken heart,
and gives it new life.
- Do something.
- CPR, please, anything.
- Do...
- I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, she's gone.
It is a joy
that turns a bitter frown
into a radiant smile.
- Please.
- It is a joy...
- Why?
Turns
the deepest despair
into the greatest delight.
- Why?
- It is the joy
that is found in Jesus Christ,
for he alone is
the source of joy.
- Addie, she's not here.
- No, no.
- Addie, I'm so sorry.
- No, no.
Somebody call 911.
Please.
Lauren.
- She's unconscious,
send help, please, now,
Vincent Park.
- I want to tell you something.
Jesus Christ is greater
than any problem
you may have.
And Jesus is the
answer for any problem
you may possess.
If we will cling to him,
he will deliver you
and give you the answer.
Have you ever noticed the
people searching for joy
are those who most
desperately need it?
The joy of Jesus is within us.
But it doesn't get
there by itself.
It comes the day you acknowledge
Jesus Christ as lord.
Father, in the
precious name of Jesus,
I ask that you
speak to the hearts
of those who need you
more now than ever before.
Help guide them to the
answers that they seek.
Provide them with the
warmth of the holy spirit,
in the name of
Jesus we pray, amen.
- If God is so good and
holy then why would he
allow my sister
to suffer and die?
Can you even answer that?
Why would he take her from me?
She was good, she
didn't deserve to die.
- Young lady, I am so
very sorry for your loss.
- That doesn't
answer my question.
Why would God allow my
sister to suffer and die?
What kind of loving God
would do such a thing?
- God does not cause
the painful experiences
in our lives.
However,
he allows them.
I believe he does this
to test our faith,
to mature us and bring us into
a closer relationship with him.
- A relationship.
Why would I want a relationship
with a god who does
nothing to protect
those who need him the most,
and leaves them
suffering in pain?
- Young lady, please.
There are times in life
when all hope seems lost.
Times when no amount
of religious activity,
of Bible reading,
prayer, self examination
provides any consolation.
Times when it is
impossible to look
at the brighter side
because no brighter
side seems to exist.
The lord saves those
who are broken hearted.
When you think your
faith has failed you,
all your hopes and
dreams are gone,
listen for the angel's voice.
She will come to you.
Talk to Him.
Talk to God.
He will listen to you.
God, please help that
broken hearted soul.
- Were there signs of
any unusual behavior
that you were aware of?
- No, there weren't any
unusual signs of behavior.
She was a good girl.
- This is the number we can
reach you at at the house.
- Yep, that's the house number.
- Okay, well, I have all
the information I need.
We'll have someone call
you in the morning.
- Okay.
Addie, god.
Are you okay?
- I'm fine.
- Where have you been,
I've been worried sick?
- Just went for a walk.
I had to clear my head.
I can't believe Lauren's gone.
- I know, Addie.
I know.
It'll be okay.
- I'm gonna go inside.
- Addie, are you okay?
- No.
No, I'm not okay.
Going to lay down.
- Addison.
Just let her go.
- I would like to
open by speaking
to the students of
Cambridge Middle School.
We're living in some hard times.
Perhaps harder than
they've ever been.
With all the pressure you face,
it may sometimes seem
that life is bleak
and not worth living,
especially if you're having
trouble at home or at school
or if you feel that no
one understands you.
If this is how you feel,
talk to someone.
If that someone
you choose will not
or cannot listen,
talk to someone else.
Your parents,
teachers, and friends,
may think they know
what's going on,
but they can't really
know unless you tell them.
Now, I'd like to
introduce Ms. Carson.
- Cambridge faculty,
staff, and students.
I'm Ms. Carson,
and Lauren Wright
was my student.
The death of a loved
one can shake us
to our very foundation,
when the person is so young,
so full of hope,
and so full of potential,
the feelings of grief and loss
can be even more overwhelming.
During times such as this,
we turn to our friends,
our family,
for support,
for a shoulder to cry on,
and for someone to walk the road
of pain and anguish with us.
I'd like to share
the words of a hymn
written by a dying grandmother
to her grandchildren,
I believe these words
speak of Lauren Wright
and to us.
As hard as I
try, I just didn't fit in.
I was never good enough.
There is no place in
this world for me.
I'm so sorry, Addie.
I couldn't take
the pain anymore.
- An hour ends as our beginning,
an our time, infinity,
an our doubt,
there is believing,
in our life, eternity.
In our death, a resurrection,
at the last, a victory,
unrevealed until its season.
Something God alone can see.
- Hi, Mr. Anderson,
I'm Dr. Conrad.
Hi.
- I reviewed Casey's file.
I'd like to talk
about your daughter.
- She has been up most
of the nights crying,
she's not eating at all.
How am I supposed to
send her back to school?
I'm afraid for her
safety and well being.
- I understand you're
frustration, Mr. Anderson,
but you really need
to remain calm.
Your daughter is sensing
all of this negative energy.
- How am I supposed
to remain calm?
We have the news media
following us around
everywhere we go.
They're camped out
on our front lawn
for the past three days.
How am I supposed
to remain calm?
I don't know what to do anymore.
- I understand
under the situation,
maybe you and your family
can temporarily relocate
somewhere, your
daughter really needs
time to get away
and reflect and heal
from what's happened.
Do you have any family,
someone you can stay with,
just to get away from this
and all the media attention.
- I don't know.
Not really, maybe my sister
can take us in for a while?
I just don't know.
- Mr. Anderson, in
order to understand
the complexity of what your
daughter is going through,
I'm going to ask what may be
some very difficult questions.
Where is Mrs. Anderson
during all this?
- She...
She's been absent from our
lives for a long time now.
It's been really hard on us.
I've been doing the best I can
to make up for her mother
walking out on her.
- Can I ask how often
she sees her mother?
- She hasn't heard
from her mother
in more than two years.
She just one day
packed up her stuff
and walked out, no explanation.
It's been really, really
hard on my daughter.
She misses her mother.
- I understand.
I think it's best that I
talk to your daughter alone.
I think she'd be more
inclined to open up
if you're not in
the room with her.
- Okay.
I'll just stay here.
God, please help us.
- Hi, I'm Dr. Conrad.
It's nice to meet you.
I know that this is going
to be extremely difficult
for you to talk about,
but one of the ways
that we begin to heal
is by opening a line
of communication.
You think you can do that?
- Heal?
There will never be
any healing from this.
The damage is done.
I am going to have to
live the rest of my life
knowing what I have
done to Lauren.
I am so sorry, Lauren,
for what I have done.
I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me,
I didn't mean it.
Please, Lauren, forgive me.
I'm so, I'm so sorry.
- Why?
God.
Why?
Why would you take my
baby sister from me?
I miss her so much.
I love you so much, Lauren.
I just don't know what
I'm gonna do without you.
God, please.
I beg of you when my
sister comes to your door,
let her.
Let her in.
Let my baby sister in.
And give her the love
that she deserves.
- It sure is a beautiful
sunrise this morning.
- Excuse me?
- The sunrise.
It's so beautiful.
- I'm sorry, I didn't
know you were there.
- Tears are how our heart speaks
when our lips just
can't describe how
much we've been hurt.
It's okay, honey.
It's okay to cry.
- I'm sorry.
I just lost my baby sister.
I don't know what
I'm gonna do now.
- The one thing
I've learned in life
is the most beautiful people
are the ones that
have known despair,
known struggle and
known suffering,
and have known the
loss of a loved one,
and found their way out
of the depths of despair.
It's this kind of person
that has an appreciation,
a sensitivity,
and an understanding of life.
It fills them with
compassion, gentleness,
and a deep, loving concern.
Beautiful people
don't just happen.
It's something you
grow into, Addie.
This.
This is the beauty that
this life has to offer.
Just close your eyes.
Make today a day
worth remembering.
You're gonna be okay, Addie,
because you have the
strength to overcome
with each step that
you take in life.
Know that Lauren is
taking them with you.
She will always be with you,
because you will carry
her in your heart forever.
- I will always love you, Addie,
you know that, right?
- I'm just gonna
miss you so much.
- You're gonna be
okay, I promise.
- Addie.
Addie.
Where
did that woman go?
- What woman?
- The old woman I
was just talking to,
where did she go?
- Addie, I've been standing here
for a couple minutes
and I didn't see anyone.
- A couple of minutes?
- I didn't want to interrupt
you while you were praying.
- Praying.
Listen for
the angel's voice.
She will come to you.
- Addie are you okay?
- Yeah, I'm fine, just a
little confused, that's all.
- Well, I brought some
flowers for Lauren.
- They're beautiful, Timothy.
Why don't we go with
them to her now?
Many of you didn't
know my sister, Lauren.
She was new at school
and really didn't have
time to make any friends.
Lauren had a loving soul,
and cared for others,
and she tried very
hard to cope with
a bad situation at home
and here at school.
- When we talk to our
children about bullying,
we need to make sure
that they know that their
actions do have consequences.
- I wish she could be here today
so I could hold her in my arms
and let her know that everything
is gonna be all right,
but I can't.
She's not here,
and the reality of the
situation is overwhelming.