Strawberry Princess (2022) - full transcript
LAYLA JOHNSON:
When I was in the fifth grade,
the teacher had all the students
choose the boy to go out
on a date with.
At that time, I was shy.
I didn't want the boy to know
that I really liked him.
So, I didn't pick him,
to throw him off.
I'll pick the ugliest dude
in the classroom:
Melvin Taylor.
Why did I do that shit?
Maybe because I didn't
feel I deserved the best?
Sometimes I think I have
Borderline Personality Disorder.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Hello, class.
My name is Miss Johnson,
and I'll be teaching
you guys, science.
LAYLA: I want to try to encourage
more of you guys to become scientists.
[PAPER BALL THUDDING]
[STUDENTS START CHUCKLING]
LAYLA:
Who threw that?
Listen, I'm just
here because I'm trying to
help you guys learn something.
MALE STUDENT:
Dressing like that?
[CHUCKLING SOFTLY]
LAYLA: Young man. Please
try to be more respectful.
MALE STUDENT: Don't
talk to me like that, lady.
STUDENTS IN CLASS:
[SOFTLY] Mmm. Ooh.
LAYLA: I am your teacher,
Mr. Noble.
Want me to give Miss Noble
a phone call?
She got no phone.
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
MALE STUDENT: She ain't gonna
get through anyway.
[STUDENTS CHUCKLING]
[FEMALE STUDENT CHUCKLING]
Anyways, moving on.
LAYLA:
Can anyone tell me,
what are the similarities
between animal and plant cell?
FEMALE STUDENT:
Well, they're... both
animal and the plants cells, er,
both have a mitochondria.
Very good.
That's correct, Britney.
BRITNEY: Well, thank you.
LAYLA:
Do humans have chloroplasts?
Anyone?
BRITNEY: Can a giraffe swim?
The answer is no.
LAYLA:
Yes, that's correct.
Only plant cells have
chloroplasts.
Because plants don't get sugars
from eating foods,
they have to make sugar
in sunlight.
Now this process
is called photosynthesis.
When the...
This process is called
photosynthesis
when the sugar is made
in the cell.
Because animals don't get...
because...
Because animals get sugar
from the foods they eat,
they don't need chloroplasts.
Just mitochondria.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
[SIGHS IN RELIEF]
Okay.
Class dismissed.
LAYLA: Please make
sure you do your homework.
CHILD: Thank you!
- FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
- [WOMAN SCOFFS] Boo-hoo!
WOMAN: Hello!
- LAYLA: Don't worry, I wasn't in a hurry.
- FEMALE CLERK: Hello.
FEMALE CLERK:
What can I help you with?
WOMAN: Um, can I get some
of the Newports over here?
Okay. Thank you.
Hi. Can I get
five of those Daily Runs?
FEMALE CLERK:
That will be $15.75.
FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
Oh, it says
your card's declined.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
Thank you.
[CAR APPROACHING]
MECHANIC: Hey. How
you doing, miss lady?
How can I help you?
My car wouldn't start earlier.
- It's been tripping.
- MECHANIC: Tripping?
Oh, we can't have it tripping
now. So,
why don't you pop
the hood, and, er...
I'll check on it,
see what's wrong.
It's probably something minor.
Get you in. Get you out.
That would be great.
[SOFTLY] Ooh, yeah.
Let's see. Let's see
what's going on.
MECHANIC: Hmm.
MECHANIC: Mmm-hmm.
Yeah.
Have a few more problems
than what you thought.
You're going to need
a new fuel injection.
A fuel injection?
MECHANIC: Yeah.
LAYLA: Okay. Well, whatever
that is. That sounds expensive.
This is about $750.
No, really. I got to order
parts, get parts back,
in here, and get you out of here
few days or so.
You can't do it for cheaper?
MECHANIC: No, come on now,
miss lady.
[CHUCKLING]
Four hundred and fifty dollars.
That's for the part. I still got to
charge for the labor.
LAYLA: Damn. Okay.
All right. Well, let me
get this paperwork for you.
Go ahead and sign this.
Get it right for you.
Mmm-hmm.
All right.
Got anything else in there
that you need to get out?
Yeah. Let me grab my bag.
Um, so you will give me
a call tomorrow?
- MECHANIC: I'll give you a call.
- All right.
- Have a good day.
- All right. You too.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yeah, you too.
Mm-hmm.
- Aw, she's pretty though.
- Mmm. She is.
[SIGHS] When I get my
stuff together, I'm gonna get
Brianna back.
LAYLA:
You're gonna get her back.
And I promise to look out
for her no matter what.
I'm gonna protect her
with my heart.
TINA BLACK: I know you will.
We're both about to be 18 soon,
so we're going to be on our own.
And it's not going to be easy.
Well,
we're gonna stick together.
I got your back no matter what.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
LAYLA: [GIGGLES]
No, but for real.
Thank you for coming to get me.
TINA:
Girl, it's the least I can do.
You know you're the
sweetest person I know.
I don't know about all that.
How is your son, his
daddy, Joseph, been
holding on since he
got custody of Anthony?
I can barely pay
the support bill
with my teacher's salary.
Sometimes it's just hard
to maintain.
Hang in there.
And you know,
if you need anything,
I got you.
Tina, you mind
if I crash here tonight?
LAYLA: I should be moving
into my apartment soon,
- and I'm...
- Yes, girl.
Of course.
I'll go get you some blankets,
something to sleep in.
[GLASS BREAKING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[KEYS THUDDING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
Come on. What are you doing?
MAN: Just let it happen.
- LAYLA: Get off me! No!
- MAN: Shh!
You're gonna wake my wife.
[SOFTLY]
Suck my dick.
LAYLA: [SHOUTING]
Are you high?
What the hell is wrong with you!
MAN: Don't fight it.
Don't fight it.
[KISSING]
Walking around with you.
LAYLA: [MUFFLED SCREAM]
Stop!
- LAYLA: Tina's my best friend!
- MAN: You ain't gonna say shit.
Come on.
I know you want it.
[KISSING]
LAYLA: Get off me!
LAYLA: [SHOUTING]
Move!
[PANTING]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING
FROM CAR]
MAN: Hey, lady.
Hey, lady!
Hey!
Can I get a cigarette?
LAYLA: Yeah.
MAN: You got a light?
LAYLA: Yeah, sure.
Thank you, lady.
What are you doing out here
so late at night?
LAYLA: What?
MAN: I hate to do this to you.
You're such a nice lady.
[LAYLA SCREAMS]
[SHRIEKING]
Hey! Like, come on, man!
[SHOUTING]
Why would you do that?
[SOBBING]
[INHALING AND SIGHING]
[SIGHING IN DESPAIR]
[SOFTLY] Oh, shit.
How are you doing
today, Miss Johnson?
I'm doing fine.
Thanks, Ben.
Are you sure?
Because I'm a street
nigger. I got a feel for the
streets. I know all
about the streets.
I know about pain.
You can't fool me.
I seen all kind of pain.
Did you do your homework?
You can't fool me, Miss Johnson.
You can't fool me.
LAYLA: Hello, class.
Everyone get to their seats.
So, today is extra credit day,
where I'm going to be giving
five points,
to whoever can come up here and
give their presentation to the class.
Who's first?
I need them credits.
LAYLA: Okay, Cheryl.
CHERYL: My product is
a cold drink that you drink.
And when you drink it,
your depression goes away.
No more depression for the day.
It's called
"Glow up for the flow up".
Yeah, until you throw up.
[ALL LAUGHING]
CHERYL: Fuck you, nigga, and
the boat your parents came here on.
It don't work
for dumb niggas anyways.
Sit down.
LAYLA: Okay. Cheryl
gets her five points.
Thank you, Cheryl.
Sit down. Who's next?
I'll go.
LAYLA: Okay, Sweetie.
My company as a service
is basically
for really wealthy people
who need their B12 shots.
We drive to those patients
and give them a shot,
then they're better.
Bam! That's it, that's all.
Take that to the bank
and we are in the house.
My company is called,
"Who shot you, B?"
[STUDENTS APPLAUDING]
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Oh, okay. Class dismissed,
you guys. Thank you so much.
See you tomorrow.
WOMAN 1: Look,
it's either I do this,
or my kids don't eat.
And now, you choose.
WOMAN 2:
I don't know another place
I can make 100 bucks
for five minutes.
WOMAN 1: I know. That's right.
Yeah.
[ALL CHUCKLING]
WOMAN 3: Yeah, why you
owe that guy only 300 dollars.
HAIRDRESSER: I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.
So what can I do today?
LAYLA: Well, I guess I can get
a shampoo and a rinse.
HAIRDRESSER:
Mmm-hmm. Okay.
HAIRDRESSER: Oh, girl. You
don't want no parts of that lifestyle.
That fast money
is not always good money.
Now that lifestyle comes
with a lot of problems.
Trust me, I've been there.
You know,
you have really beautiful hair.
You really do.
Thank you. I try to maintain it,
but it's very difficult
when you working six days
per week.
HAIRDRESSER: Hmm.
No, I understand.
So who used to do your hair?
Um, Ebony over on Hoover Street.
She used to do my hair.
HAIRDRESSER: [SOFTLY]
Okay. Uh...
Are you in college?
[LAYLA TITTERING]
LAYLA: Oh, God, no.
Do I look that young?
HAIRDRESSER: Well,
actually, you do.
LAYLA: Well, I was in
college for years, but,
girl, that was back in the day.
Mmm.
Well...
I don't know about
that. I mean...
HAIRDRESSER:
You know, I tried college.
But if "college is not
for everyone" was a person,
I am that person.
That... I mean, I'm not
complaining or anything,
because I'm so cool
with making $400 a day.
And that's without booth rental.
LAYLA: Shh... girl,
you're doing real good.
Make a lot more than I do.
HAIRDRESSER:
If you don't mind me asking,
what do you do for a living?
Uh, I'm a school teacher
over at East Crenshaw.
I teach science.
HAIRDRESSER:
Oh, hell no!
[TITTERING] I mean, I'll
support our educators and all, but
[SIGHS]
having to deal with all them
badass kids all day.
Mmm-mmm. [SIGHS]
Not the one.
Are you okay?
Yeah, um, I'm fine.
Oh, okay.
Let me know
if you need anything.
MECHANIC: Hey,
miss lady, your car is ready.
It's $750.
I only have $250.
[SOFTLY] See, right there,
that's a problem.
Now look, you got...
you got 30 days to
pay for it, or...
or, it's going to be my car,
because I'm gonna put a lien on.
And you ain't gonna have no car.
MECHANIC:
I'm gonna need the full $750.
Come on, man.
Cut me a break.
- No, no, no. Mmm-mmm.
- Let me make some payments.
No, no, no, no. You see?
You see...
You see right there on the door?
It's clear as day.
We don't accept payments.
No, we don't do cheques.
We don't do no IOUs.
It's cash, or credit.
Okay. Come on, mister. I need
my car to go back and forth to work.
Look, I understand you need
the entire
payment,
but I just don't have it.
MECHANIC: Again.
I don't do payments.
All right?
This is a business.
This ain't no charity.
Okay? You know, I come to
work every day. I work hard,
I pay my bills.
I do what I can
with all these cars,
getting all this damn
grease under my nails.
I mean, what's in it for me?
Hmm?
I can pay you $250 right now,
and $250 for each month
- until the bill is settled.
- MECHANIC: Mmm-mmm.
Mmm-mmm.
Mmm-mmm. No.
You need to read
that sign again, baby girl.
Look, I tell you what.
How about you go
down there to that
cheque cash-in-advance
place on 48th Street.
Get you a cash advance.
Come on down here.
Give me my money.
And everything else
will be fine,
It'll be taken care of.
Okay. I guess I'll try that.
I'll be back tomorrow.
And I'll be here.
MISS JONG:
Complete the back.
MISS JONG:
I need two forms of ID.
Do that part.
In case of emergency.
Tina Black.
My foster sister.
MISS JONG: Put
it there. Right there.
You feeling okay?
You good job.
You schoolteacher.
Make good money.
LAYLA: I'm sorry. I'm
just feeling a little tired.
Here's your keys.
Just you.
Yes. Just me.
Thank you.
FEMALE REPORTER ON RADIO: There
were clashes between LAPD officers and
protesters last night after people came
out to mark the one year anniversary
of the death of Breonna Taylor
in Kentucky.
It initially started peacefully,
then scenes like this played
out near Hollywood & Vine.
FEMALE REPORTER 2 ON RADIO: Today, family
of a man who was shot and killed, as well as
their legal representation.
[FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
And authorities say
that this man was shot.
He assaulted a deputy,
they alleged, and also was in
possession of a firearm. They say
they are investigating.
Ew.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER ON RADIO:
We are live this evening in front of the
77th community police station
that is investigating that shooting
involving
that six-year-old girl.
They say two men drove up
in a car.
One got out and opened fire
on that crowd.
Tonight, neighbors want answers.
You, open up this door,
Miss Johnson!
You open up this door!
LAYLA: Hold on! I'm coming!
MISS JONG: You take this!
What is this?
Three day notice.
Wait, what?
MISS JONG:
You know what this is.
Stop playing with me.
You schoolteacher.
You make money, you pay rent!
I pay more than just rent.
I pay my student loans.
I pay child support and a lot
more other stuff, Mrs. Jong.
Me, no care.
You pay rent.
[SHOUTING] You pay
rent right now or you go.
I'll have it.
I get paid today.
Don't be banging
on my door like that.
Me no run a charity here.
You pay rent.
Everybody needs to pay rent.
Hey.
Hey.
So...
you know today is your last day.
Tomorrow I'm gonna put
a lien on your car.
It'll be mine.
So I hope you brought me
some money.
Sugar,
it's only $335.
LAYLA: That's all I got.
I need my car.
You really pretty.
Would you let me get a taste?
You can have your car for free.
Hmm?
Is that what you want?
MECHANIC: [WHISPERING]
You want the car, don't you?
You promise?
[SOFTLY] Yeah.
You know, I ain't never
did nothing like this before,
but you're so pretty.
Look at your fine self.
I'll make this my first time.
MECHANIC: Come on.
[WHISPERING]
Come on.
[WHISPERING]
Come on. There you go.
[SOFTLY] I take my time.
Come on.
[MOANING IN PLEASURE]
Oh, shit.
Damn.
[MOANING IN PLEASURE]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Damn.
Should have thought
about this shit earlier.
[GRUNTING]
[EXHALING]
You promise not to tell anybody?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yeah.
Nah, we're good.
So I never asked to be here.
They all told me everything
was going to be all right
after overcoming living in
foster homes and being molested.
I got a surprise for y'all.
You'll never guess.
That grease monkey laying
on top of me
wasn't the worst thing
I've ever experienced.
I'm starting to believe
I'm a lesbian.
And I only want the soft touch
of another woman.
SOCIAL WORKER: Supervised
visitation is when the child is under the
supervision
of another individual.
That'll be you.
SOCIAL WORKER: You both
chose the spot that we're at today,
and we have to make
the best of it.
It's for the best interests
of the child.
MR. JOHNSON So what have
you been doing all this time?
I mean, don't you want to say
hi to your son?
LAYLA: I said hi and gave him
a hug before we came in.
I don't know where you were. Were
you in the bathroom or something?
MR. JOHNSON:
I was sitting right here.
I don't even see why we have
to be here in the first place.
SOCIAL WORKER: Mr. Johnson,
it's a court order, so you know
the reason that we're here.
Again, it's for the best
interests of the child.
MR. JOHNSON: And you are behind
your child support payments, again,
Layla.
LAYLA: I work every day, Joseph.
Now get off my back!
I came here
for these visitations and...
I've been having
a hard time, okay?
You don't know
what I've been going through.
LAYLA: And I know
you don't care.
It's not about care.
JOSEPH: It's not about
if I care for you or not.
It's about our child.
And I'm a single father now.
Okay?
It is... [SIGHS IN FRUSTRATION]
JOSEPH: It's all because you
couldn't get your stuff together.
Hey, son.
I'm working everyday, okay?
I'm in the process
of getting everything together.
And it won't be long now.
You'll see.
Because the last thing
we need is empty promises.
I mean, come on.
More empty promises
from his mother?
That's the last thing we need.
I... I have to chime in here,
Ms. Johnson.
You're supposed to be talking to
and interacting with your son.
There's a time and a place
for everything,
and now is not the time or place
for y'all to be arguing.
All I want is
for us to be a family.
LAYLA: I want my son to grow
strong,
smart,
and confident.
I'm on his side,
if you ever can understand.
And I'm going to show you.
Hey, son.
I brought you these books.
I want you to read them and email me,
and let me know what you think about them.
Promise me you'll never let
anybody say bad things about me.
All I need for you
is to trust me.
I have your back.
I'm looking out for you.
And you're the reason
I'm working every day
on this planet.
So that one day,
you'll be back with Mommy.
JOSEPH: You know,
you need to stop
being so nice to people.
Come on, son.
Grab your book.
Let's go.
It's not a good look.
LAYLA: I was next. You need
to get in the back of the line.
LAYLA: Let me get a pack
of cigarettes.
FEMALE CLERK: All right.
Anything else I can help you with?
- That's it. Just a pack of cigarettes.
- All right.
All right, $7.95.
FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
Anything else? Would you like a lighter?
Nope.
Have a good one.
[GULPING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHS]
[SIGHING]
[GULPING]
[EXHALING]
[EXHALES QUICKLY]
[SLURPING]
[GULPING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHING]
[EXHALES]
MAN IN CAR: Hola.
MAN IN CAR: Como estas?
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
No.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
Just trying to give you
this chocha.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
Because I took Spanish, asshole.
LAYLA: That's why.
[CAR ENGINE STARTING]
LAYLA: I'll admit,
I was a little drunk.
Maybe I shouldn't be out there
at all.
There is no reason for it.
Look at you.
You're beautiful.
You're educated.
You're funny.
Why don't you just find
a husband?
Already did that.
It didn't work out.
I'm used to taking care
of myself, and,
never really want to depend
on a man for anything.
It's, uh, it's oddly refreshing.
Well, "China", I really
hope you figure it out.
And that's what I'm doing,
is figuring it out.
I'm in this place,
with a stranger.
I think it sort of fits
the bill of figuring it out.
So,
what do you want to do?
Since I don't think you're
a police officer anymore.
What's this?
I'm paying you for your time.
There, take it.
It's yours.
Hey.
I can't do that.
Um, oh! And...
If you ever need anything,
call me.
No. It's okay.
[SIGHS]
All right. Would it make you
feel any better if I said, um...
I don't like to have sex with
women who are intoxicated.
Mmm. I guess that makes sense.
Then,
take the money.
LAYLA: Okay, but,
don't try to think that you can
come back later
and get freebies.
It don't work like that.
I wouldn't dare.
Make sure you call me.
You need something,
you reach out.
Let me tell you something,
Mr. attorney.
You don't want to get involved
with me.
You may think you like me.
It'll fade away.
You don't want to get involved
with a girl like me.
You just don't.
Thank you for everything.
Well, uh, I will definitely try
not to push myself on you.
If you need something,
just call me.
Okay. I'll call you if I get
into a car accident.
Um...
Actually, I'm a
criminal attorney.
So...
Take care of yourself, "China".
MAN: Mmm-hmm.
Mmm-hmm.
I knew it.
WOMAN: What?
[IMPERCEPTIBLE]
Check your cellphone.
Check it.
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
Why are you calling me this
early in the morning, Joseph?
Are you calling to shake me down
this early in the morning?
[LOUDLY] I told you I'd have
your money soon.
[ANGRILY] Damn!
Can you get off my back?
[SHOUTING]
No, I don't want to go to jail!
Who would want to go to jail?
What kind of question is that?
[SHOUTING] It's too early
in the morning for this shit.
[CELL PHONE THUDDING]
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
[SIGHS IN FRUSTRATION]
LANDLORD: Miss Johnson!
Rent?
Here you go.
MISS JONG: Hold on.
Wait a minute, Miss Johnson.
This is not enough money!
You owe me more money than this.
This is not enough!
You know what?
Just take that money.
I'll have your money by the end
of the week.
Okay?
Okay.
Just this one time.
Just this one time.
All right.
Have a nice day.
You too.
[SARCASTICALLY]
Have a nice day.
Ben.
Your work is in front of you.
LAYLA: Mind your business,
stop staring at me
and do your schoolwork.
Schoolwork, Ben.
LAYLA: Put that book away.
Stop writing raps in my class,
and stop reading books
that have nothing to do
with my class.
Do that on your own time.
BEN: No problem,
Miss Johnson.
I'll put these pimp books away.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Okay, class. Make
sure you turn in your papers.
LAYLA: Thank you.
STUDENT: Here you go,
Miss Johnson.
[STUDENT MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY]
LAYLA: Goodbye, Fred.
I "seenk" you.
It's "I saw you."
LAYLA: And what are
you talking about, Ben?
Class is dismissed.
You're excused.
Don't you have somewhere else
you need to be?
BEN: I saw you with that trick
the other night
in the diner.
I saw you too. And?
I knew you was a whore.
[SNICKERING SOFTLY] Yo,
I would never have guessed it.
I can't believe it!
My teacher is a whore.
LAYLA: Come on, Ben.
Just because you see me at a diner
late at night doesn't make me a whore.
There's 14 million people
in this city.
And men and women date
all the time.
What you need to stop doing is
reading those outdated
Donald Goines books
that got your
imagination running wild.
By the way,
what I do in my personal life,
and outside of this classroom
is none of your damn business.
And whatever involvement that
you've got with these young girls,
needs to stop,
because you don't know
whose baby you got out there.
BEN: What you're saying?
What I'm saying is,
grow up, Ben.
Don't forget
to turn in your paper.
[PERSON KNOCKING ON CAR DOOR]
- [KNOCKING ON CAR DOOR]
- WOMAN: Hey.
Hey!
WOMAN: You know it's not safe
to be out here like this, right?
Why are you sleeping out here?
You work over here?
I ain't never seen you
here before.
WOMAN: Hold on.
I know you from somewhere.
- [CLICKS TONGUE]
- Ah.
You're the girl who was staring at me
down at the beauty shop from Crenshaw.
Yeah, I remember you.
I've seen you too.
By the way,
- you're super pretty.
- Oh!
Thank you!
You're pretty too.
Whatcha doing over here?
LAYLA: Came to audition.
WOMAN: Do you want to work here?
Good as any other place.
I don't know.
I don't really know
no new girls making no money.
Especially after you pay your fees
and stuff, you're left with so little,
especially on a slow night
like this.
Yeah, only the OGs and
regulars are making money, so...
I just want to make
some extra money.
Damn, girl!
What's all that you got
in there? Let me get
some of that.
Why you got this
just sitting on your lap?
I could've robbed you.
What's your name?
LAYLA: "China."
That's not your name.
Are you going to tell me
your real name?
- Layla.
- Layla?
[SNIFFING]
- Why are you sleeping in your car?
- [WOMAN SNIFFING]
Stressed and nervous.
I wanted to come
to the audition and...
I don't know. I guess I did
a little too much tonight.
You need to be nervous
about this coke.
That's some bad coke.
WOMAN: Okay.
This, er...
LAYLA: Yeah.
Okay.
You look nervous.
You ready?
- As ready as I'll ever be.
- You're going to do fine.
All right. I'm going to
be right out front. Okay?
Remember what I told you?
Let's go.
You've got it, little booty.
MALE ANNOUNCER:
Shine! Come, guys.
It's her first time here
on the stage.
Let's show her some love.
WOMAN: We got this.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING]
There you go.
There you go.
Yes!
Come on.
You're welcome.
Fuck this!
Layla, wait!
Hey, what the fuck
are you doing?
You know you can't work here
now, right?
I don't care.
You know what?
This is some bullshit.
You're the only one who
tipped me tonight.
I'm sorry, but we still cool?
Yeah, we still cool.
LAYLA: Yeah.
It's all right.
As long as you're good.
Let me worry about it.
You can make some money.
You know what?
We can go to the play tonight,
make some real money.
- I...
- Don't worry about it.
It's easy. I'll teach
you. I'll show you the ropes.
Uh. You got somewhere to
go change?
Yeah, We can go to my apartment.
I'm gonna text you the address
and meet me over there.
WOMAN: Okay.
LAYLA: All right. See you
in a minute.
- LAYLA: Okay.
- WOMAN: You good?
- LAYLA: I'm good.
- WOMAN: You sure?
- LAYLA: Yes.
- WOMAN: All right. I'll get some Henny.
LAYLA: Okay. I'm texting you
right now.
All right.
I don't think you need the belt.
- LAYLA: No.
- WOMAN: Just make the... Damn!
WOMAN: You got some
amazing titties.
Did you get them done?
LAYLA: No, girl.
They're natural.
- WOMAN: For real? No bullshit.
- LAYLA: No bullshit.
- WOMAN: Lying.
- LAYLA: You don't believe me?
LAYLA: Mmm-mmm.
LAYLA: They drug test
at school.
WOMAN: What school you go to?
LAYLA: [GIGGLES] I'm a teacher
at East Crenshaw.
Like a real teacher?
[GIGGLING] Yes.
Damn bitch.
Why you ain't tell me?
I don't know. I didn't think it
was that important right off.
Ah. See, I knew it was
the reason I really liked you.
How was I?
[WOMAN SIGHS]
WOMAN: Never been with a girl
before have you?
[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
LAYLA: Dang. You can tell.
I, yeah, no.
But it's fine, Layla.
You'll learn.
Just look... Did good.
You did good.
You did great, all right.
What do you think, though?
At least.
I think I'm in love.
What's that song?
Don't lie. [GIGGLES]
All right. So I'm gonna
teach you a few things.
So, you'll be out here looking
like a pro and won't attract no
pimps. So, tonight
I am the teacher,
you the student.
- WOMAN: Okay?
- LAYLA: I'm all ears.
Right. So, you gonna
want to always use condoms.
And you want to open it with
your mouth
and put it on yourself.
You're going to take it
with your mouth
and hold it with this thing
and slide it on down.
Okay?
That way you ensure that
he doesn't touch the condom.
And you control all the germs.
You know how to suck
dick, right?
Yeah, but not that good.
Okay.
[LAYLA LAUGHS]
Okay. Just use
a lot of spit
and just control both your hands
like you're jacking them off.
And he's gonna be so into your
pretty ass
that he's gonna come quick.
We also need to choose some
KY jelly
to put in your pussy, so
your pussy won't wear out.
And always act like you're
on the phone with your pimp
if a questionable nigga pull up.
Any questions?
What's the pimp's name?
A big black nigga with
a big ass gun.
Because everybody is scared of
big black ass nigga
with a big ass gun.
Oh, God.
You got it.
Let's walk.
WOMAN: Women pay the most.
LAYLA: If she's daddy, mommy.
LAYLA: I call everybody a daddy.
WOMAN: Yeah, she is a daddy.
Your turn.
Wanna play?
Sure, why not?
You look a little nervous.
First time.
I like virgins.
There you go. Don't be scared.
I don't bite.
All right.
I'm Coco.
[MAN 1 MOANS]
Don't touch my ass!
[CLIENT 1 MOANS]
Fuck, yeah.
COCO: Did you come yet?
Hurry up.
[MAN 1 MOANS]
COCO: 500 up front.
LAYLA: All right. Some simple
rules, I don't do GFE.
I'm not fucking
without a condom.
You can't lick my ass or
my pussy.
And if you haven't taken
a shower or a bath,
you will not be having sex.
And don't fuck with me
because my big black pimp
is around the corner with his
big ass gun.
MAN 2: Let's get to it.
WALTER: Oh!
WALTER: Woah!
WALTER: I got some company, huh?
WALTER: Whoo-wee!
WALTER: Now you didn't tell me
that your friend was this fine.
Good God. God is good, but his
father is rock.
LAYLA: Where is the money?
WALTER: Hold on now.
I mean, I got money now.
I mean, let's be patient,
you know?
Y'all gonna drink? We about
to party now.
BOTH: No.
Hold on. I got you.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Yeah, money...
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
To go down low on you!
[LAUGHS]
Whoo!
Here you go.
You sure you want it?
Huh?
There you go.
Little grease riding.
It's real, baby, just like you.
Let me sit down in your
favorite chair.
Like I said, I wasn't
gonna say nothing, I promise.
COCO: What's he talking about?
Look, don't worry about it.
But let's just get this
over with.
[WALTER MOANS]
I want to to smell your ass.
You want to, what?
You heard me.
I want to smell it.
Come on over here. Turn around.
WALTER: Mmm.
Turn around.
Around, girl.
WALTER: Ooh!
WALTER: Yeah.
Okay, nigga, back the fuck
up! You doing too much now.
Hold on, I paid you bitches
good money.
You don't pay me enough
for that, nigga, no.
You bitches better take
off your damn clothes.
Or what?
LAYLA: We ain't taking off shit.
Oh, so it's like that?
COCO: Layla, let's go.
WALTER: Go my ass.
Don't you ever fucking put
your hands on me!
[GUN FIRES]
LAYLA: Oh, my God.
Girl, I think he's dead.
What the fuck are we gonna do?
COCO: Keep the money...
BEN: How you get me out of bed
at three in the morning?
LAYLA: We needed help.
- BEN: Help with what?
- LAYLA: With that.
BEN: Who's that?
LAYLA: That was an accident.
BEN: Who's she?
LAYLA: That's my friend.
How the fuck you calling
me, lady?
Because I know you're from
the streets and we needed help.
I thought you hated me.
Why would I hate you?
How do you know I won't go
to the police
and rat both of you out?
Send you both to prison.
Because it's a street code.
We got this.
How much is here?
LAYLA: 80... 100,000 in cash.
I don't know.
We didn't count it.
I won't do it until you
admit that you are a whore.
Tell me you are a hoe.
Can you just tell him, please?
Why is that so important to you?
Little something I picked up
in the books I've been reading.
LAYLA: Mmm-hmm.
I can't hear you.
LAYLA: I'm a hoe!
I'm a hoe, too.
Okay? All right.
Who the fuck is that?
That's Walter.
Got shot in the head.
- BEN: You shot him?
- COCO: No, I shot him.
Damn. Let me see...
We're going to need you to help
us pick up his body,
put it in the trunk, so we
can take him to the woods.
He was too heavy for us
to carry.
That's it?
That's it and all this is yours.
Wait. Wait a minute before we do
all that.
Get the gloves.
Why I need those? I was going to
pick his ass
up and put him in the trunk.
Because I'm a science teacher.
Forensics.
You don't want to get your
DNA on that.
Good thinking, teach.
Wait.
I want to see who you two
hoes killed.
Okay,
Oh, hell no!
Cover his ass back up.
We're going to jail.
What?
You already know what.
Just stick to the plan.
Everything will be all right.
I cannot believe Walter was drug
dealing out the mechanic shop.
Are going to be all right?
Yeah, I just...
I never killed nobody before.
LAYLA: Hold on.
Don't ever say that again.
Just stick to the plan and keep
doing what you do every day.
Okay.
SYLVIA: Hi, Layla.
How are you, Miss Johnson?
It's been a while
since we talked.
Would you like a sip
for old times?
Okay.
So, what's happening?
Child, these students like to
talk a lot.
And they are spreading rumors
all around school.
About me?
Yes, girl.
What's going on?
Is there any truth to these
ridiculous allegations?
Sylvia,
what allegations are we
talking about?
They are saying you are
a prostitute
down on Figueroa street
at night.
[LAYLA GIGGLES]
Oh silly. I'm not a prostitute,
but I do work for an organization,
a non-profit where I sometimes
go help
young girls who are in need.
You understand?
Goddamn, girl. You scared me
for a minute. [LAUGHS]
SYLVIA: Mmm...
SYLVIA: It's fine.
- LAYLA: Okay.
- SYLVIA: Yeah.
I'm actually out helping
one young lady right now,
helping her get off the streets,
get her some housing
and things like that.
SYLVIA: Mmm.
Well, at least that is
out of the way.
[LAYLA EXHALES]
These kids have an
unbelievable wild imagination,
especially at this age,
so it's no surprise.
[SIGHS]
I have my own issues
with my husband lately.
It was our anniversary two weeks
ago and I was reading the paper
and I saw his name in the paper
with another woman.
And when you look at the topic,
it was new parents.
Damn near killed me.
Sylvia that's terrible,
and I hate to hear that.
LAYLA: Gosh.
He seemed like such a nice man.
Mmm. He was nice as long
as he was getting
that hot young thing
across town.
I got old.
Aging.
It's a cruel thing.
Getting older seems like
some sort of punishment.
An older woman like me,
it's going to be
harder for me
to start all over again.
I mean, look at you, Layla.
You're young and beautiful
and I'm glad you're out here
doing the right thing,
helping the sisters
and keep up the good work.
But your class test scores
are not bad, but they could
be better.
I need you to work on that.
This is East Crenshaw
and a lot of these kids don't
come here to learn.
You know, it's not their fault,
but they got problems at home.
And they just see so much.
But you're right.
I could do better.
[SYLVIA EXHALES]
SYLVIA: Okay.
Well,
I got a meeting with the
superintendent,
so I will circle back around
to you. [EXHALES]
And we'll do a check to make
sure that
the kids in your class's
test scores
don't suffer.
LAYLA: Okay, great.
Well, it was nice seeing
you again.
And Sylvia, take care
of yourself.
And if you ever need anything,
please give me a call.
Thank you.
That was very nice.
Child, I might
take you up on that.
PAUL: Go, baby.
Come on. Ah!
That excites.
Come on.
[UPBEAT DANCE MUSIC PLAYING]
Okay, sweetheart.
Thank you very much.
Once again.
You got my money?
As a matter of fact, I do.
Here you are.
Thank you.
- PAUL: Ben.
- BEN: Yeah, what's up?
I got something to show you.
Follow me.
BEN: What's that?
It's my collection.
My coin collection.
Damn, you're making bank, huh?
Well, I do all right.
Something that I've been
saving for a while now.
Can I touch it?
Yeah, sure.
Uh. That's probably lunch.
You ordered fried chicken?
PAUL: Yeah.
Why you do that?
I like fried chicken.
Don't you?
I do.
PAUL: Great.
PAUL: Dig in.
So Paul, tell me about
those coins.
What are they?
This is one of a set of four.
We're talking 2006 gold eagles.
Certified first strike, P F700.
BEN: Oh, yeah.
Sounds good.
BEN: What do all that mean?
Is it worth anything?
PAUL: Uh...
A little under 30,000 on a good
day, you know, the value varies.
BEN: Amazing.
Gold eagles.
I always thought gold eagles
were worth 50.
In essence they are, but
these are collectibles
in perfect mint condition.
BEN'S MOTHER: Ben!
Yeah, Mom?
BEN'S MOTHER: Make sure you get
your clothes ready for school tomorrow.
Okay.
Look at this. Wait to see me on
Instagram with this bitch, home boy.
That shit's fire.
That price tag though.
Yeah, I've been saving.
Planning on paying
straight cash.
Well, I told you, I'm down.
So, just make sure that
money there.
The money is there, homeboy.
Got no reason to lie to you.
All right. Well, you say
you know this guy?
Yes, I know the guy. We eat
dinner with him all the time.
He take pictures of my girl,
and pay us a lot of money.
He's loaded.
Well, if he's loaded,
why he still living in the hood?
Not the hood. They gentrifying
all that shit over there.
He live on slots land.
Train by the train tracks.
Warehouse, studio.
Hey. You mean to tell me he got
hundreds of thousands of dollars
in this studio?
BEN: Yeah. That is why
I need you.
I need someone to come
and put the safe
one's with the dollar,
load it onto the truck.
That's it.
We take the safe somewhere
and crack it open.
Split the money.
You go your way. I go mine.
All right, then we're gonna
need a truck.
I think my uncle got a U-Haul.
I can probably get that.
All right, I'm in.
BEN: Bet.
FRED: This might work.
Layla, I really don't
have shit to say to you.
I don't even know why
I came here.
You mentioned Brianna, so I had
to come see what's going on.
Brianna's out there
with one of my students.
Any he has her on the streets
doing all kinds of stuff.
She doesn't even know who I am.
But I wanted to tell you what
was going on because we
made a vow
that I would help
take care of her.
So, I'm keeping my promise.
She's doing what, Layla?
The same shit
you out there doing?
Yeah, I know what you're doing.
Being a teacher is just a
cover, huh?
That's why you tried
to fuck my husband for money.
He told me.
I really don't have shit
to say to you.
You're a little bitch,
Layla Johnson.
And I don't want anything
to do with you.
LAYLA: I know you truly
don't believe
that deep down in your heart.
We go back since foster care
together.
We've been together through
thick and thin,
and I know you truly
don't believe that.
I believe my husband.
Why are you so busy worried
about my kid,
when you don't even have yours?
Call somewhere with
that bullshit.
What is it that you really want?
You know what, Tina?
You've changed.
I am still the same person.
Yeah, I got sidetracked.
I just want what's best
for Brianna.
I can't see her out there
on the streets.
I don't want her out there like
me, that's for sure.
I just wanted her to have
a better childhood than we did.
I was so proud of you when
you got your bachelor's degree
and became a teacher.
I thought you were going to
be so
incredible,
so important.
Lately. I don't know who
you are.
You're not that bashful,
timid girl you were before.
I don't have shit to say to you.
But if it means anything,
thank you for telling me
about my child.
But she's considered an adult
in the State of California.
She's 18.
LAYLA: You really are
cold blooded.
You know that?
I really wish you would just
see the truth.
DETECTIVE: Let me stop
fucking around.
Give me your side of the story.
It'll be better for you
in court.
BEN: What if I get a lawyer?
You asking for a lawyer?
Because if you're asking for
a lawyer,
that means we have to
stop talking.
Which means I can't help you.
What do you mean,
you ain't gonna help me?
You watch enough television to
know exactly what I'm talking about.
So stop fucking around.
Tell me what you want to do.
BEN: I know I'm in some serious
trouble. I already know that.
DETECTIVE: And I'm not gonna bullshit
you. Ben, you are in some serious trouble.
I just got a call from
the hospital.
It seems your friend Fred, the
person who you committed this
crime with has passed away.
BEN: What do all that mean?
What that have to do with me?
It has everything to do with you
because you decided
to do a murder.
Excuse me,
a robbery.
You committed
a robbery with Fred.
You went to Paul's house, you
stole the man's safe, put it on the truck.
Paul comes out protecting
himself and his property.
You just heard shots and
floored it. You don't know if
he's dead but you rolled right
over Fred's head
and the poor man is dead now.
And you did his murder.
So sorry.
That's just California law.
Hi, Ben.
I'm Marcy Washington.
I'm the district attorney.
My badge number is 45764.
Nice to meet you.
Okay, so then tell me
what you told Detective
Denwood earlier today.
How you doing?
Are they treating you okay?
I'm doing all right.
Okay, so tell me about the
school teacher and the murder.
All due respect Miss Washington,
I need for sure that
you can give me a deal
on the situation I'm in now.
I'm 20 years old.
I'm not trying to be a
old-head getting out of prison.
Well you're currently being
charged with murder
for your classmate Fred.
How much time do that carry?
MARCY: Life.
See, I'm not trying to do life.
What deal can you give me,
Miss Washington?
If everything you say is
accurate and you tell the truth
and we don't find any lies
in your testimony here today,
I could possibly talk to my boss
and get it down to 25 years.
It depends on your truthfulness.
My teacher Miss Johnson.
At East Crenshaw High,
text me one night.
I still have the text message.
She said,
"Come through
and get rid of this body."
I'm like, okay.
It was at this mechanic shop.
164 on Cooper Avenue.
MARCY: Okay. So tell me more.
Can I call my mother first?
I'll let you call your
mother after.
MARCY: Okay?
BEN: He was already dead
when I got there.
And the other girl, Coco,
she was there.
All my job was to do, get the
body, drag it, put it in the trunk.
We'll take it to the hills
and dump it. No bullshit.
Are you sure you didn't
kill him?
- I didn't kill nobody.
- Well, where's the money?
What money?
The money that you stole
from Walter.
The guy that you guys killed.
Look, lady, I didn't kill
that motherfucker.
He was already a corpse.
I'm innocent.
Okay, so finish telling
your story and relax.
Go arrest that teacher.
We can't go in there
and arrest her.
She's the pillar of our society.
She's a murderer and a hoe.
Okay.
So what we need you to do
is put a wire on and go in there
and have her say
something incriminating.
- Okay.
- Okay, but wait, first,
I want you to show us
where that money is,
and I want you to turn it in.
Okay, I'll show you.
I was saving for my BMW.
That's my dream car.
You were teaching about science.
What about teaching
about murder?
What are you talking about?
Everything okay with you, Ben?
You know exactly what I'm
talking about, Miss Johnson.
Hmm. No idea.
The murder.
A damn mechanic?
The body you made me
take to the truck.
You have a wild imagination.
What do you mean?
- LAYLA: Come over here.
- For what?
Just come here.
What's up, Miss Johnson?
I have no interest in
you like that.
What's going on?
What's that?
I knew you were weak.
All that hard core of
pimping young girls
and gang banging
was just all a facade.
You know what you are?
You're nothing but a coward.
What was I supposed to do?
You don't give a fuck about me.
I got called up.
It was gonna be you or me.
What you think?
You know who you're pimping?
One of my close friend's
daughters, Brianna.
That's where you fucked up!
You know her?
You damn right.
And you gonna pay
because you set me up.
I knew you were
a straight bitch.
Get the fuck out of my face.
Johnson. This is Detective
Denwood,
Robbery Homicide Division.
Would you be so kind as to
come down
to the 77 Police Precinct
here in Los Angeles?
We're following up on
an investigation,
and we have some questions
we'd like to ask you.
Thank you.
[DETECTIVE SIGHS]
Hmm.
BEN: What the hell is going on?
What do you mean, Ben?
That's the dead guy in the
room with my teacher.
Who?
I asked Miss Johnson down here
to corroborate your story.
That's her attorney
in the other room.
Nope, that's the dead guy.
What kind of games you guys
playing on me down here?
That's the dead guy.
That's the dead guy
the girl shot.
That's the dead guy.
That's the dead guy
I put into the truck.
Hold up, hold up.
You trying to tell me the guy sitting
in the other room is the dead guy?
No, way. Buddy, let me
show you something.
That's not the dead guy.
That's not him.
SAM: There is nothing
he said to you detectives
that makes any sense at all.
And my client is a law
abiding schoolteacher.
She's been working at East
Crenshaw for
three and a half years now.
And these allegations have
no merit
whatsoever.
DETECTIVE: I have her student
Ben, in the other room.
And he says that Miss Johnson
is involved in
the death of Walter.
But seeing as his story
is starting to fall apart
because now he is saying,
you are the dead person.
Do I look dead to you, Eric?
No, Sam, you don't.
Something stinks here.
Yeah, so is my client
free to go?
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
But something's not right
about her.
I just can't prove it now.
Miss Johnson don't leave town.
[EXHALES] Well, if you have
that young man in custody,
I suggest you have him
checked out by a psychiatrist.
DETECTIVE: Sure thing.
SAM: Thank you, Eric.
Since you accepted me
as a client,
the attorney client privilege
kicks in,
right?
[EXHALES] Yes, it does.
[CLEARS THROAT]
So how much is this?
That's 25,000.
And there's another 25,000 when
you do a little something for me.
Okay. [CLEARS THROAT]
- LAYLA: Be good.
- SWEETIE: Okay.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
[LAYLA CLEARS THROAT]
Hey, you.
TINA: Hey.
I came to say goodbye.
Are you leaving town?
Yeah. Me, my girlfriend
and my son.
You got your son back?
- Yep.
- That's what's up.
And I'm sorry that
I didn't believe you before.
But I got somebody back also.
Really?
I know you had a lot
to do with it.
Hey, Layla.
Hey, sweetheart.
She told me everything.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
I'll stay in touch.
All right. Bye, guys.
-TINA: We'll come visit
-LAYLA: You better.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
WOMAN ON RADIO: Vehicle suspect
540 South Commonwealth Avenue.
Male oriental white clothing.
Male Hispanic as per
the description.
Cream color Mercedes.
[POLICE CHATTER
CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY]
When I was in the fifth grade,
the teacher had all the students
choose the boy to go out
on a date with.
At that time, I was shy.
I didn't want the boy to know
that I really liked him.
So, I didn't pick him,
to throw him off.
I'll pick the ugliest dude
in the classroom:
Melvin Taylor.
Why did I do that shit?
Maybe because I didn't
feel I deserved the best?
Sometimes I think I have
Borderline Personality Disorder.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Hello, class.
My name is Miss Johnson,
and I'll be teaching
you guys, science.
LAYLA: I want to try to encourage
more of you guys to become scientists.
[PAPER BALL THUDDING]
[STUDENTS START CHUCKLING]
LAYLA:
Who threw that?
Listen, I'm just
here because I'm trying to
help you guys learn something.
MALE STUDENT:
Dressing like that?
[CHUCKLING SOFTLY]
LAYLA: Young man. Please
try to be more respectful.
MALE STUDENT: Don't
talk to me like that, lady.
STUDENTS IN CLASS:
[SOFTLY] Mmm. Ooh.
LAYLA: I am your teacher,
Mr. Noble.
Want me to give Miss Noble
a phone call?
She got no phone.
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
MALE STUDENT: She ain't gonna
get through anyway.
[STUDENTS CHUCKLING]
[FEMALE STUDENT CHUCKLING]
Anyways, moving on.
LAYLA:
Can anyone tell me,
what are the similarities
between animal and plant cell?
FEMALE STUDENT:
Well, they're... both
animal and the plants cells, er,
both have a mitochondria.
Very good.
That's correct, Britney.
BRITNEY: Well, thank you.
LAYLA:
Do humans have chloroplasts?
Anyone?
BRITNEY: Can a giraffe swim?
The answer is no.
LAYLA:
Yes, that's correct.
Only plant cells have
chloroplasts.
Because plants don't get sugars
from eating foods,
they have to make sugar
in sunlight.
Now this process
is called photosynthesis.
When the...
This process is called
photosynthesis
when the sugar is made
in the cell.
Because animals don't get...
because...
Because animals get sugar
from the foods they eat,
they don't need chloroplasts.
Just mitochondria.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
[SIGHS IN RELIEF]
Okay.
Class dismissed.
LAYLA: Please make
sure you do your homework.
CHILD: Thank you!
- FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
- [WOMAN SCOFFS] Boo-hoo!
WOMAN: Hello!
- LAYLA: Don't worry, I wasn't in a hurry.
- FEMALE CLERK: Hello.
FEMALE CLERK:
What can I help you with?
WOMAN: Um, can I get some
of the Newports over here?
Okay. Thank you.
Hi. Can I get
five of those Daily Runs?
FEMALE CLERK:
That will be $15.75.
FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
Oh, it says
your card's declined.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
Thank you.
[CAR APPROACHING]
MECHANIC: Hey. How
you doing, miss lady?
How can I help you?
My car wouldn't start earlier.
- It's been tripping.
- MECHANIC: Tripping?
Oh, we can't have it tripping
now. So,
why don't you pop
the hood, and, er...
I'll check on it,
see what's wrong.
It's probably something minor.
Get you in. Get you out.
That would be great.
[SOFTLY] Ooh, yeah.
Let's see. Let's see
what's going on.
MECHANIC: Hmm.
MECHANIC: Mmm-hmm.
Yeah.
Have a few more problems
than what you thought.
You're going to need
a new fuel injection.
A fuel injection?
MECHANIC: Yeah.
LAYLA: Okay. Well, whatever
that is. That sounds expensive.
This is about $750.
No, really. I got to order
parts, get parts back,
in here, and get you out of here
few days or so.
You can't do it for cheaper?
MECHANIC: No, come on now,
miss lady.
[CHUCKLING]
Four hundred and fifty dollars.
That's for the part. I still got to
charge for the labor.
LAYLA: Damn. Okay.
All right. Well, let me
get this paperwork for you.
Go ahead and sign this.
Get it right for you.
Mmm-hmm.
All right.
Got anything else in there
that you need to get out?
Yeah. Let me grab my bag.
Um, so you will give me
a call tomorrow?
- MECHANIC: I'll give you a call.
- All right.
- Have a good day.
- All right. You too.
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yeah, you too.
Mm-hmm.
- Aw, she's pretty though.
- Mmm. She is.
[SIGHS] When I get my
stuff together, I'm gonna get
Brianna back.
LAYLA:
You're gonna get her back.
And I promise to look out
for her no matter what.
I'm gonna protect her
with my heart.
TINA BLACK: I know you will.
We're both about to be 18 soon,
so we're going to be on our own.
And it's not going to be easy.
Well,
we're gonna stick together.
I got your back no matter what.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
LAYLA: [GIGGLES]
No, but for real.
Thank you for coming to get me.
TINA:
Girl, it's the least I can do.
You know you're the
sweetest person I know.
I don't know about all that.
How is your son, his
daddy, Joseph, been
holding on since he
got custody of Anthony?
I can barely pay
the support bill
with my teacher's salary.
Sometimes it's just hard
to maintain.
Hang in there.
And you know,
if you need anything,
I got you.
Tina, you mind
if I crash here tonight?
LAYLA: I should be moving
into my apartment soon,
- and I'm...
- Yes, girl.
Of course.
I'll go get you some blankets,
something to sleep in.
[GLASS BREAKING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[KEYS THUDDING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC INTENSIFIES]
Come on. What are you doing?
MAN: Just let it happen.
- LAYLA: Get off me! No!
- MAN: Shh!
You're gonna wake my wife.
[SOFTLY]
Suck my dick.
LAYLA: [SHOUTING]
Are you high?
What the hell is wrong with you!
MAN: Don't fight it.
Don't fight it.
[KISSING]
Walking around with you.
LAYLA: [MUFFLED SCREAM]
Stop!
- LAYLA: Tina's my best friend!
- MAN: You ain't gonna say shit.
Come on.
I know you want it.
[KISSING]
LAYLA: Get off me!
LAYLA: [SHOUTING]
Move!
[PANTING]
[HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYING
FROM CAR]
MAN: Hey, lady.
Hey, lady!
Hey!
Can I get a cigarette?
LAYLA: Yeah.
MAN: You got a light?
LAYLA: Yeah, sure.
Thank you, lady.
What are you doing out here
so late at night?
LAYLA: What?
MAN: I hate to do this to you.
You're such a nice lady.
[LAYLA SCREAMS]
[SHRIEKING]
Hey! Like, come on, man!
[SHOUTING]
Why would you do that?
[SOBBING]
[INHALING AND SIGHING]
[SIGHING IN DESPAIR]
[SOFTLY] Oh, shit.
How are you doing
today, Miss Johnson?
I'm doing fine.
Thanks, Ben.
Are you sure?
Because I'm a street
nigger. I got a feel for the
streets. I know all
about the streets.
I know about pain.
You can't fool me.
I seen all kind of pain.
Did you do your homework?
You can't fool me, Miss Johnson.
You can't fool me.
LAYLA: Hello, class.
Everyone get to their seats.
So, today is extra credit day,
where I'm going to be giving
five points,
to whoever can come up here and
give their presentation to the class.
Who's first?
I need them credits.
LAYLA: Okay, Cheryl.
CHERYL: My product is
a cold drink that you drink.
And when you drink it,
your depression goes away.
No more depression for the day.
It's called
"Glow up for the flow up".
Yeah, until you throw up.
[ALL LAUGHING]
CHERYL: Fuck you, nigga, and
the boat your parents came here on.
It don't work
for dumb niggas anyways.
Sit down.
LAYLA: Okay. Cheryl
gets her five points.
Thank you, Cheryl.
Sit down. Who's next?
I'll go.
LAYLA: Okay, Sweetie.
My company as a service
is basically
for really wealthy people
who need their B12 shots.
We drive to those patients
and give them a shot,
then they're better.
Bam! That's it, that's all.
Take that to the bank
and we are in the house.
My company is called,
"Who shot you, B?"
[STUDENTS APPLAUDING]
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Oh, okay. Class dismissed,
you guys. Thank you so much.
See you tomorrow.
WOMAN 1: Look,
it's either I do this,
or my kids don't eat.
And now, you choose.
WOMAN 2:
I don't know another place
I can make 100 bucks
for five minutes.
WOMAN 1: I know. That's right.
Yeah.
[ALL CHUCKLING]
WOMAN 3: Yeah, why you
owe that guy only 300 dollars.
HAIRDRESSER: I'm so sorry
to keep you waiting.
So what can I do today?
LAYLA: Well, I guess I can get
a shampoo and a rinse.
HAIRDRESSER:
Mmm-hmm. Okay.
HAIRDRESSER: Oh, girl. You
don't want no parts of that lifestyle.
That fast money
is not always good money.
Now that lifestyle comes
with a lot of problems.
Trust me, I've been there.
You know,
you have really beautiful hair.
You really do.
Thank you. I try to maintain it,
but it's very difficult
when you working six days
per week.
HAIRDRESSER: Hmm.
No, I understand.
So who used to do your hair?
Um, Ebony over on Hoover Street.
She used to do my hair.
HAIRDRESSER: [SOFTLY]
Okay. Uh...
Are you in college?
[LAYLA TITTERING]
LAYLA: Oh, God, no.
Do I look that young?
HAIRDRESSER: Well,
actually, you do.
LAYLA: Well, I was in
college for years, but,
girl, that was back in the day.
Mmm.
Well...
I don't know about
that. I mean...
HAIRDRESSER:
You know, I tried college.
But if "college is not
for everyone" was a person,
I am that person.
That... I mean, I'm not
complaining or anything,
because I'm so cool
with making $400 a day.
And that's without booth rental.
LAYLA: Shh... girl,
you're doing real good.
Make a lot more than I do.
HAIRDRESSER:
If you don't mind me asking,
what do you do for a living?
Uh, I'm a school teacher
over at East Crenshaw.
I teach science.
HAIRDRESSER:
Oh, hell no!
[TITTERING] I mean, I'll
support our educators and all, but
[SIGHS]
having to deal with all them
badass kids all day.
Mmm-mmm. [SIGHS]
Not the one.
Are you okay?
Yeah, um, I'm fine.
Oh, okay.
Let me know
if you need anything.
MECHANIC: Hey,
miss lady, your car is ready.
It's $750.
I only have $250.
[SOFTLY] See, right there,
that's a problem.
Now look, you got...
you got 30 days to
pay for it, or...
or, it's going to be my car,
because I'm gonna put a lien on.
And you ain't gonna have no car.
MECHANIC:
I'm gonna need the full $750.
Come on, man.
Cut me a break.
- No, no, no. Mmm-mmm.
- Let me make some payments.
No, no, no, no. You see?
You see...
You see right there on the door?
It's clear as day.
We don't accept payments.
No, we don't do cheques.
We don't do no IOUs.
It's cash, or credit.
Okay. Come on, mister. I need
my car to go back and forth to work.
Look, I understand you need
the entire
payment,
but I just don't have it.
MECHANIC: Again.
I don't do payments.
All right?
This is a business.
This ain't no charity.
Okay? You know, I come to
work every day. I work hard,
I pay my bills.
I do what I can
with all these cars,
getting all this damn
grease under my nails.
I mean, what's in it for me?
Hmm?
I can pay you $250 right now,
and $250 for each month
- until the bill is settled.
- MECHANIC: Mmm-mmm.
Mmm-mmm.
Mmm-mmm. No.
You need to read
that sign again, baby girl.
Look, I tell you what.
How about you go
down there to that
cheque cash-in-advance
place on 48th Street.
Get you a cash advance.
Come on down here.
Give me my money.
And everything else
will be fine,
It'll be taken care of.
Okay. I guess I'll try that.
I'll be back tomorrow.
And I'll be here.
MISS JONG:
Complete the back.
MISS JONG:
I need two forms of ID.
Do that part.
In case of emergency.
Tina Black.
My foster sister.
MISS JONG: Put
it there. Right there.
You feeling okay?
You good job.
You schoolteacher.
Make good money.
LAYLA: I'm sorry. I'm
just feeling a little tired.
Here's your keys.
Just you.
Yes. Just me.
Thank you.
FEMALE REPORTER ON RADIO: There
were clashes between LAPD officers and
protesters last night after people came
out to mark the one year anniversary
of the death of Breonna Taylor
in Kentucky.
It initially started peacefully,
then scenes like this played
out near Hollywood & Vine.
FEMALE REPORTER 2 ON RADIO: Today, family
of a man who was shot and killed, as well as
their legal representation.
[FEMALE NEWS REPORTER
SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
And authorities say
that this man was shot.
He assaulted a deputy,
they alleged, and also was in
possession of a firearm. They say
they are investigating.
Ew.
FEMALE NEWS REPORTER ON RADIO:
We are live this evening in front of the
77th community police station
that is investigating that shooting
involving
that six-year-old girl.
They say two men drove up
in a car.
One got out and opened fire
on that crowd.
Tonight, neighbors want answers.
You, open up this door,
Miss Johnson!
You open up this door!
LAYLA: Hold on! I'm coming!
MISS JONG: You take this!
What is this?
Three day notice.
Wait, what?
MISS JONG:
You know what this is.
Stop playing with me.
You schoolteacher.
You make money, you pay rent!
I pay more than just rent.
I pay my student loans.
I pay child support and a lot
more other stuff, Mrs. Jong.
Me, no care.
You pay rent.
[SHOUTING] You pay
rent right now or you go.
I'll have it.
I get paid today.
Don't be banging
on my door like that.
Me no run a charity here.
You pay rent.
Everybody needs to pay rent.
Hey.
Hey.
So...
you know today is your last day.
Tomorrow I'm gonna put
a lien on your car.
It'll be mine.
So I hope you brought me
some money.
Sugar,
it's only $335.
LAYLA: That's all I got.
I need my car.
You really pretty.
Would you let me get a taste?
You can have your car for free.
Hmm?
Is that what you want?
MECHANIC: [WHISPERING]
You want the car, don't you?
You promise?
[SOFTLY] Yeah.
You know, I ain't never
did nothing like this before,
but you're so pretty.
Look at your fine self.
I'll make this my first time.
MECHANIC: Come on.
[WHISPERING]
Come on.
[WHISPERING]
Come on. There you go.
[SOFTLY] I take my time.
Come on.
[MOANING IN PLEASURE]
Oh, shit.
Damn.
[MOANING IN PLEASURE]
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Damn.
Should have thought
about this shit earlier.
[GRUNTING]
[EXHALING]
You promise not to tell anybody?
[BREATHING HEAVILY]
Yeah.
Nah, we're good.
So I never asked to be here.
They all told me everything
was going to be all right
after overcoming living in
foster homes and being molested.
I got a surprise for y'all.
You'll never guess.
That grease monkey laying
on top of me
wasn't the worst thing
I've ever experienced.
I'm starting to believe
I'm a lesbian.
And I only want the soft touch
of another woman.
SOCIAL WORKER: Supervised
visitation is when the child is under the
supervision
of another individual.
That'll be you.
SOCIAL WORKER: You both
chose the spot that we're at today,
and we have to make
the best of it.
It's for the best interests
of the child.
MR. JOHNSON So what have
you been doing all this time?
I mean, don't you want to say
hi to your son?
LAYLA: I said hi and gave him
a hug before we came in.
I don't know where you were. Were
you in the bathroom or something?
MR. JOHNSON:
I was sitting right here.
I don't even see why we have
to be here in the first place.
SOCIAL WORKER: Mr. Johnson,
it's a court order, so you know
the reason that we're here.
Again, it's for the best
interests of the child.
MR. JOHNSON: And you are behind
your child support payments, again,
Layla.
LAYLA: I work every day, Joseph.
Now get off my back!
I came here
for these visitations and...
I've been having
a hard time, okay?
You don't know
what I've been going through.
LAYLA: And I know
you don't care.
It's not about care.
JOSEPH: It's not about
if I care for you or not.
It's about our child.
And I'm a single father now.
Okay?
It is... [SIGHS IN FRUSTRATION]
JOSEPH: It's all because you
couldn't get your stuff together.
Hey, son.
I'm working everyday, okay?
I'm in the process
of getting everything together.
And it won't be long now.
You'll see.
Because the last thing
we need is empty promises.
I mean, come on.
More empty promises
from his mother?
That's the last thing we need.
I... I have to chime in here,
Ms. Johnson.
You're supposed to be talking to
and interacting with your son.
There's a time and a place
for everything,
and now is not the time or place
for y'all to be arguing.
All I want is
for us to be a family.
LAYLA: I want my son to grow
strong,
smart,
and confident.
I'm on his side,
if you ever can understand.
And I'm going to show you.
Hey, son.
I brought you these books.
I want you to read them and email me,
and let me know what you think about them.
Promise me you'll never let
anybody say bad things about me.
All I need for you
is to trust me.
I have your back.
I'm looking out for you.
And you're the reason
I'm working every day
on this planet.
So that one day,
you'll be back with Mommy.
JOSEPH: You know,
you need to stop
being so nice to people.
Come on, son.
Grab your book.
Let's go.
It's not a good look.
LAYLA: I was next. You need
to get in the back of the line.
LAYLA: Let me get a pack
of cigarettes.
FEMALE CLERK: All right.
Anything else I can help you with?
- That's it. Just a pack of cigarettes.
- All right.
All right, $7.95.
FEMALE CLERK: Thank you.
Anything else? Would you like a lighter?
Nope.
Have a good one.
[GULPING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHS]
[SIGHING]
[GULPING]
[EXHALING]
[EXHALES QUICKLY]
[SLURPING]
[GULPING]
[COUGHING]
[COUGHING]
[EXHALES]
MAN IN CAR: Hola.
MAN IN CAR: Como estas?
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
No.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
Just trying to give you
this chocha.
[SPEAKING SPANISH]
Because I took Spanish, asshole.
LAYLA: That's why.
[CAR ENGINE STARTING]
LAYLA: I'll admit,
I was a little drunk.
Maybe I shouldn't be out there
at all.
There is no reason for it.
Look at you.
You're beautiful.
You're educated.
You're funny.
Why don't you just find
a husband?
Already did that.
It didn't work out.
I'm used to taking care
of myself, and,
never really want to depend
on a man for anything.
It's, uh, it's oddly refreshing.
Well, "China", I really
hope you figure it out.
And that's what I'm doing,
is figuring it out.
I'm in this place,
with a stranger.
I think it sort of fits
the bill of figuring it out.
So,
what do you want to do?
Since I don't think you're
a police officer anymore.
What's this?
I'm paying you for your time.
There, take it.
It's yours.
Hey.
I can't do that.
Um, oh! And...
If you ever need anything,
call me.
No. It's okay.
[SIGHS]
All right. Would it make you
feel any better if I said, um...
I don't like to have sex with
women who are intoxicated.
Mmm. I guess that makes sense.
Then,
take the money.
LAYLA: Okay, but,
don't try to think that you can
come back later
and get freebies.
It don't work like that.
I wouldn't dare.
Make sure you call me.
You need something,
you reach out.
Let me tell you something,
Mr. attorney.
You don't want to get involved
with me.
You may think you like me.
It'll fade away.
You don't want to get involved
with a girl like me.
You just don't.
Thank you for everything.
Well, uh, I will definitely try
not to push myself on you.
If you need something,
just call me.
Okay. I'll call you if I get
into a car accident.
Um...
Actually, I'm a
criminal attorney.
So...
Take care of yourself, "China".
MAN: Mmm-hmm.
Mmm-hmm.
I knew it.
WOMAN: What?
[IMPERCEPTIBLE]
Check your cellphone.
Check it.
[CELL PHONE RINGING]
Why are you calling me this
early in the morning, Joseph?
Are you calling to shake me down
this early in the morning?
[LOUDLY] I told you I'd have
your money soon.
[ANGRILY] Damn!
Can you get off my back?
[SHOUTING]
No, I don't want to go to jail!
Who would want to go to jail?
What kind of question is that?
[SHOUTING] It's too early
in the morning for this shit.
[CELL PHONE THUDDING]
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
[SIGHS IN FRUSTRATION]
LANDLORD: Miss Johnson!
Rent?
Here you go.
MISS JONG: Hold on.
Wait a minute, Miss Johnson.
This is not enough money!
You owe me more money than this.
This is not enough!
You know what?
Just take that money.
I'll have your money by the end
of the week.
Okay?
Okay.
Just this one time.
Just this one time.
All right.
Have a nice day.
You too.
[SARCASTICALLY]
Have a nice day.
Ben.
Your work is in front of you.
LAYLA: Mind your business,
stop staring at me
and do your schoolwork.
Schoolwork, Ben.
LAYLA: Put that book away.
Stop writing raps in my class,
and stop reading books
that have nothing to do
with my class.
Do that on your own time.
BEN: No problem,
Miss Johnson.
I'll put these pimp books away.
[SCHOOL BELL RINGING]
LAYLA: Okay, class. Make
sure you turn in your papers.
LAYLA: Thank you.
STUDENT: Here you go,
Miss Johnson.
[STUDENT MUTTERING INDISTINCTLY]
LAYLA: Goodbye, Fred.
I "seenk" you.
It's "I saw you."
LAYLA: And what are
you talking about, Ben?
Class is dismissed.
You're excused.
Don't you have somewhere else
you need to be?
BEN: I saw you with that trick
the other night
in the diner.
I saw you too. And?
I knew you was a whore.
[SNICKERING SOFTLY] Yo,
I would never have guessed it.
I can't believe it!
My teacher is a whore.
LAYLA: Come on, Ben.
Just because you see me at a diner
late at night doesn't make me a whore.
There's 14 million people
in this city.
And men and women date
all the time.
What you need to stop doing is
reading those outdated
Donald Goines books
that got your
imagination running wild.
By the way,
what I do in my personal life,
and outside of this classroom
is none of your damn business.
And whatever involvement that
you've got with these young girls,
needs to stop,
because you don't know
whose baby you got out there.
BEN: What you're saying?
What I'm saying is,
grow up, Ben.
Don't forget
to turn in your paper.
[PERSON KNOCKING ON CAR DOOR]
- [KNOCKING ON CAR DOOR]
- WOMAN: Hey.
Hey!
WOMAN: You know it's not safe
to be out here like this, right?
Why are you sleeping out here?
You work over here?
I ain't never seen you
here before.
WOMAN: Hold on.
I know you from somewhere.
- [CLICKS TONGUE]
- Ah.
You're the girl who was staring at me
down at the beauty shop from Crenshaw.
Yeah, I remember you.
I've seen you too.
By the way,
- you're super pretty.
- Oh!
Thank you!
You're pretty too.
Whatcha doing over here?
LAYLA: Came to audition.
WOMAN: Do you want to work here?
Good as any other place.
I don't know.
I don't really know
no new girls making no money.
Especially after you pay your fees
and stuff, you're left with so little,
especially on a slow night
like this.
Yeah, only the OGs and
regulars are making money, so...
I just want to make
some extra money.
Damn, girl!
What's all that you got
in there? Let me get
some of that.
Why you got this
just sitting on your lap?
I could've robbed you.
What's your name?
LAYLA: "China."
That's not your name.
Are you going to tell me
your real name?
- Layla.
- Layla?
[SNIFFING]
- Why are you sleeping in your car?
- [WOMAN SNIFFING]
Stressed and nervous.
I wanted to come
to the audition and...
I don't know. I guess I did
a little too much tonight.
You need to be nervous
about this coke.
That's some bad coke.
WOMAN: Okay.
This, er...
LAYLA: Yeah.
Okay.
You look nervous.
You ready?
- As ready as I'll ever be.
- You're going to do fine.
All right. I'm going to
be right out front. Okay?
Remember what I told you?
Let's go.
You've got it, little booty.
MALE ANNOUNCER:
Shine! Come, guys.
It's her first time here
on the stage.
Let's show her some love.
WOMAN: We got this.
[DANCE MUSIC PLAYING]
There you go.
There you go.
Yes!
Come on.
You're welcome.
Fuck this!
Layla, wait!
Hey, what the fuck
are you doing?
You know you can't work here
now, right?
I don't care.
You know what?
This is some bullshit.
You're the only one who
tipped me tonight.
I'm sorry, but we still cool?
Yeah, we still cool.
LAYLA: Yeah.
It's all right.
As long as you're good.
Let me worry about it.
You can make some money.
You know what?
We can go to the play tonight,
make some real money.
- I...
- Don't worry about it.
It's easy. I'll teach
you. I'll show you the ropes.
Uh. You got somewhere to
go change?
Yeah, We can go to my apartment.
I'm gonna text you the address
and meet me over there.
WOMAN: Okay.
LAYLA: All right. See you
in a minute.
- LAYLA: Okay.
- WOMAN: You good?
- LAYLA: I'm good.
- WOMAN: You sure?
- LAYLA: Yes.
- WOMAN: All right. I'll get some Henny.
LAYLA: Okay. I'm texting you
right now.
All right.
I don't think you need the belt.
- LAYLA: No.
- WOMAN: Just make the... Damn!
WOMAN: You got some
amazing titties.
Did you get them done?
LAYLA: No, girl.
They're natural.
- WOMAN: For real? No bullshit.
- LAYLA: No bullshit.
- WOMAN: Lying.
- LAYLA: You don't believe me?
LAYLA: Mmm-mmm.
LAYLA: They drug test
at school.
WOMAN: What school you go to?
LAYLA: [GIGGLES] I'm a teacher
at East Crenshaw.
Like a real teacher?
[GIGGLING] Yes.
Damn bitch.
Why you ain't tell me?
I don't know. I didn't think it
was that important right off.
Ah. See, I knew it was
the reason I really liked you.
How was I?
[WOMAN SIGHS]
WOMAN: Never been with a girl
before have you?
[WOMAN CHUCKLES]
LAYLA: Dang. You can tell.
I, yeah, no.
But it's fine, Layla.
You'll learn.
Just look... Did good.
You did good.
You did great, all right.
What do you think, though?
At least.
I think I'm in love.
What's that song?
Don't lie. [GIGGLES]
All right. So I'm gonna
teach you a few things.
So, you'll be out here looking
like a pro and won't attract no
pimps. So, tonight
I am the teacher,
you the student.
- WOMAN: Okay?
- LAYLA: I'm all ears.
Right. So, you gonna
want to always use condoms.
And you want to open it with
your mouth
and put it on yourself.
You're going to take it
with your mouth
and hold it with this thing
and slide it on down.
Okay?
That way you ensure that
he doesn't touch the condom.
And you control all the germs.
You know how to suck
dick, right?
Yeah, but not that good.
Okay.
[LAYLA LAUGHS]
Okay. Just use
a lot of spit
and just control both your hands
like you're jacking them off.
And he's gonna be so into your
pretty ass
that he's gonna come quick.
We also need to choose some
KY jelly
to put in your pussy, so
your pussy won't wear out.
And always act like you're
on the phone with your pimp
if a questionable nigga pull up.
Any questions?
What's the pimp's name?
A big black nigga with
a big ass gun.
Because everybody is scared of
big black ass nigga
with a big ass gun.
Oh, God.
You got it.
Let's walk.
WOMAN: Women pay the most.
LAYLA: If she's daddy, mommy.
LAYLA: I call everybody a daddy.
WOMAN: Yeah, she is a daddy.
Your turn.
Wanna play?
Sure, why not?
You look a little nervous.
First time.
I like virgins.
There you go. Don't be scared.
I don't bite.
All right.
I'm Coco.
[MAN 1 MOANS]
Don't touch my ass!
[CLIENT 1 MOANS]
Fuck, yeah.
COCO: Did you come yet?
Hurry up.
[MAN 1 MOANS]
COCO: 500 up front.
LAYLA: All right. Some simple
rules, I don't do GFE.
I'm not fucking
without a condom.
You can't lick my ass or
my pussy.
And if you haven't taken
a shower or a bath,
you will not be having sex.
And don't fuck with me
because my big black pimp
is around the corner with his
big ass gun.
MAN 2: Let's get to it.
WALTER: Oh!
WALTER: Woah!
WALTER: I got some company, huh?
WALTER: Whoo-wee!
WALTER: Now you didn't tell me
that your friend was this fine.
Good God. God is good, but his
father is rock.
LAYLA: Where is the money?
WALTER: Hold on now.
I mean, I got money now.
I mean, let's be patient,
you know?
Y'all gonna drink? We about
to party now.
BOTH: No.
Hold on. I got you.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Yeah, money...
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
To go down low on you!
[LAUGHS]
Whoo!
Here you go.
You sure you want it?
Huh?
There you go.
Little grease riding.
It's real, baby, just like you.
Let me sit down in your
favorite chair.
Like I said, I wasn't
gonna say nothing, I promise.
COCO: What's he talking about?
Look, don't worry about it.
But let's just get this
over with.
[WALTER MOANS]
I want to to smell your ass.
You want to, what?
You heard me.
I want to smell it.
Come on over here. Turn around.
WALTER: Mmm.
Turn around.
Around, girl.
WALTER: Ooh!
WALTER: Yeah.
Okay, nigga, back the fuck
up! You doing too much now.
Hold on, I paid you bitches
good money.
You don't pay me enough
for that, nigga, no.
You bitches better take
off your damn clothes.
Or what?
LAYLA: We ain't taking off shit.
Oh, so it's like that?
COCO: Layla, let's go.
WALTER: Go my ass.
Don't you ever fucking put
your hands on me!
[GUN FIRES]
LAYLA: Oh, my God.
Girl, I think he's dead.
What the fuck are we gonna do?
COCO: Keep the money...
BEN: How you get me out of bed
at three in the morning?
LAYLA: We needed help.
- BEN: Help with what?
- LAYLA: With that.
BEN: Who's that?
LAYLA: That was an accident.
BEN: Who's she?
LAYLA: That's my friend.
How the fuck you calling
me, lady?
Because I know you're from
the streets and we needed help.
I thought you hated me.
Why would I hate you?
How do you know I won't go
to the police
and rat both of you out?
Send you both to prison.
Because it's a street code.
We got this.
How much is here?
LAYLA: 80... 100,000 in cash.
I don't know.
We didn't count it.
I won't do it until you
admit that you are a whore.
Tell me you are a hoe.
Can you just tell him, please?
Why is that so important to you?
Little something I picked up
in the books I've been reading.
LAYLA: Mmm-hmm.
I can't hear you.
LAYLA: I'm a hoe!
I'm a hoe, too.
Okay? All right.
Who the fuck is that?
That's Walter.
Got shot in the head.
- BEN: You shot him?
- COCO: No, I shot him.
Damn. Let me see...
We're going to need you to help
us pick up his body,
put it in the trunk, so we
can take him to the woods.
He was too heavy for us
to carry.
That's it?
That's it and all this is yours.
Wait. Wait a minute before we do
all that.
Get the gloves.
Why I need those? I was going to
pick his ass
up and put him in the trunk.
Because I'm a science teacher.
Forensics.
You don't want to get your
DNA on that.
Good thinking, teach.
Wait.
I want to see who you two
hoes killed.
Okay,
Oh, hell no!
Cover his ass back up.
We're going to jail.
What?
You already know what.
Just stick to the plan.
Everything will be all right.
I cannot believe Walter was drug
dealing out the mechanic shop.
Are going to be all right?
Yeah, I just...
I never killed nobody before.
LAYLA: Hold on.
Don't ever say that again.
Just stick to the plan and keep
doing what you do every day.
Okay.
SYLVIA: Hi, Layla.
How are you, Miss Johnson?
It's been a while
since we talked.
Would you like a sip
for old times?
Okay.
So, what's happening?
Child, these students like to
talk a lot.
And they are spreading rumors
all around school.
About me?
Yes, girl.
What's going on?
Is there any truth to these
ridiculous allegations?
Sylvia,
what allegations are we
talking about?
They are saying you are
a prostitute
down on Figueroa street
at night.
[LAYLA GIGGLES]
Oh silly. I'm not a prostitute,
but I do work for an organization,
a non-profit where I sometimes
go help
young girls who are in need.
You understand?
Goddamn, girl. You scared me
for a minute. [LAUGHS]
SYLVIA: Mmm...
SYLVIA: It's fine.
- LAYLA: Okay.
- SYLVIA: Yeah.
I'm actually out helping
one young lady right now,
helping her get off the streets,
get her some housing
and things like that.
SYLVIA: Mmm.
Well, at least that is
out of the way.
[LAYLA EXHALES]
These kids have an
unbelievable wild imagination,
especially at this age,
so it's no surprise.
[SIGHS]
I have my own issues
with my husband lately.
It was our anniversary two weeks
ago and I was reading the paper
and I saw his name in the paper
with another woman.
And when you look at the topic,
it was new parents.
Damn near killed me.
Sylvia that's terrible,
and I hate to hear that.
LAYLA: Gosh.
He seemed like such a nice man.
Mmm. He was nice as long
as he was getting
that hot young thing
across town.
I got old.
Aging.
It's a cruel thing.
Getting older seems like
some sort of punishment.
An older woman like me,
it's going to be
harder for me
to start all over again.
I mean, look at you, Layla.
You're young and beautiful
and I'm glad you're out here
doing the right thing,
helping the sisters
and keep up the good work.
But your class test scores
are not bad, but they could
be better.
I need you to work on that.
This is East Crenshaw
and a lot of these kids don't
come here to learn.
You know, it's not their fault,
but they got problems at home.
And they just see so much.
But you're right.
I could do better.
[SYLVIA EXHALES]
SYLVIA: Okay.
Well,
I got a meeting with the
superintendent,
so I will circle back around
to you. [EXHALES]
And we'll do a check to make
sure that
the kids in your class's
test scores
don't suffer.
LAYLA: Okay, great.
Well, it was nice seeing
you again.
And Sylvia, take care
of yourself.
And if you ever need anything,
please give me a call.
Thank you.
That was very nice.
Child, I might
take you up on that.
PAUL: Go, baby.
Come on. Ah!
That excites.
Come on.
[UPBEAT DANCE MUSIC PLAYING]
Okay, sweetheart.
Thank you very much.
Once again.
You got my money?
As a matter of fact, I do.
Here you are.
Thank you.
- PAUL: Ben.
- BEN: Yeah, what's up?
I got something to show you.
Follow me.
BEN: What's that?
It's my collection.
My coin collection.
Damn, you're making bank, huh?
Well, I do all right.
Something that I've been
saving for a while now.
Can I touch it?
Yeah, sure.
Uh. That's probably lunch.
You ordered fried chicken?
PAUL: Yeah.
Why you do that?
I like fried chicken.
Don't you?
I do.
PAUL: Great.
PAUL: Dig in.
So Paul, tell me about
those coins.
What are they?
This is one of a set of four.
We're talking 2006 gold eagles.
Certified first strike, P F700.
BEN: Oh, yeah.
Sounds good.
BEN: What do all that mean?
Is it worth anything?
PAUL: Uh...
A little under 30,000 on a good
day, you know, the value varies.
BEN: Amazing.
Gold eagles.
I always thought gold eagles
were worth 50.
In essence they are, but
these are collectibles
in perfect mint condition.
BEN'S MOTHER: Ben!
Yeah, Mom?
BEN'S MOTHER: Make sure you get
your clothes ready for school tomorrow.
Okay.
Look at this. Wait to see me on
Instagram with this bitch, home boy.
That shit's fire.
That price tag though.
Yeah, I've been saving.
Planning on paying
straight cash.
Well, I told you, I'm down.
So, just make sure that
money there.
The money is there, homeboy.
Got no reason to lie to you.
All right. Well, you say
you know this guy?
Yes, I know the guy. We eat
dinner with him all the time.
He take pictures of my girl,
and pay us a lot of money.
He's loaded.
Well, if he's loaded,
why he still living in the hood?
Not the hood. They gentrifying
all that shit over there.
He live on slots land.
Train by the train tracks.
Warehouse, studio.
Hey. You mean to tell me he got
hundreds of thousands of dollars
in this studio?
BEN: Yeah. That is why
I need you.
I need someone to come
and put the safe
one's with the dollar,
load it onto the truck.
That's it.
We take the safe somewhere
and crack it open.
Split the money.
You go your way. I go mine.
All right, then we're gonna
need a truck.
I think my uncle got a U-Haul.
I can probably get that.
All right, I'm in.
BEN: Bet.
FRED: This might work.
Layla, I really don't
have shit to say to you.
I don't even know why
I came here.
You mentioned Brianna, so I had
to come see what's going on.
Brianna's out there
with one of my students.
Any he has her on the streets
doing all kinds of stuff.
She doesn't even know who I am.
But I wanted to tell you what
was going on because we
made a vow
that I would help
take care of her.
So, I'm keeping my promise.
She's doing what, Layla?
The same shit
you out there doing?
Yeah, I know what you're doing.
Being a teacher is just a
cover, huh?
That's why you tried
to fuck my husband for money.
He told me.
I really don't have shit
to say to you.
You're a little bitch,
Layla Johnson.
And I don't want anything
to do with you.
LAYLA: I know you truly
don't believe
that deep down in your heart.
We go back since foster care
together.
We've been together through
thick and thin,
and I know you truly
don't believe that.
I believe my husband.
Why are you so busy worried
about my kid,
when you don't even have yours?
Call somewhere with
that bullshit.
What is it that you really want?
You know what, Tina?
You've changed.
I am still the same person.
Yeah, I got sidetracked.
I just want what's best
for Brianna.
I can't see her out there
on the streets.
I don't want her out there like
me, that's for sure.
I just wanted her to have
a better childhood than we did.
I was so proud of you when
you got your bachelor's degree
and became a teacher.
I thought you were going to
be so
incredible,
so important.
Lately. I don't know who
you are.
You're not that bashful,
timid girl you were before.
I don't have shit to say to you.
But if it means anything,
thank you for telling me
about my child.
But she's considered an adult
in the State of California.
She's 18.
LAYLA: You really are
cold blooded.
You know that?
I really wish you would just
see the truth.
DETECTIVE: Let me stop
fucking around.
Give me your side of the story.
It'll be better for you
in court.
BEN: What if I get a lawyer?
You asking for a lawyer?
Because if you're asking for
a lawyer,
that means we have to
stop talking.
Which means I can't help you.
What do you mean,
you ain't gonna help me?
You watch enough television to
know exactly what I'm talking about.
So stop fucking around.
Tell me what you want to do.
BEN: I know I'm in some serious
trouble. I already know that.
DETECTIVE: And I'm not gonna bullshit
you. Ben, you are in some serious trouble.
I just got a call from
the hospital.
It seems your friend Fred, the
person who you committed this
crime with has passed away.
BEN: What do all that mean?
What that have to do with me?
It has everything to do with you
because you decided
to do a murder.
Excuse me,
a robbery.
You committed
a robbery with Fred.
You went to Paul's house, you
stole the man's safe, put it on the truck.
Paul comes out protecting
himself and his property.
You just heard shots and
floored it. You don't know if
he's dead but you rolled right
over Fred's head
and the poor man is dead now.
And you did his murder.
So sorry.
That's just California law.
Hi, Ben.
I'm Marcy Washington.
I'm the district attorney.
My badge number is 45764.
Nice to meet you.
Okay, so then tell me
what you told Detective
Denwood earlier today.
How you doing?
Are they treating you okay?
I'm doing all right.
Okay, so tell me about the
school teacher and the murder.
All due respect Miss Washington,
I need for sure that
you can give me a deal
on the situation I'm in now.
I'm 20 years old.
I'm not trying to be a
old-head getting out of prison.
Well you're currently being
charged with murder
for your classmate Fred.
How much time do that carry?
MARCY: Life.
See, I'm not trying to do life.
What deal can you give me,
Miss Washington?
If everything you say is
accurate and you tell the truth
and we don't find any lies
in your testimony here today,
I could possibly talk to my boss
and get it down to 25 years.
It depends on your truthfulness.
My teacher Miss Johnson.
At East Crenshaw High,
text me one night.
I still have the text message.
She said,
"Come through
and get rid of this body."
I'm like, okay.
It was at this mechanic shop.
164 on Cooper Avenue.
MARCY: Okay. So tell me more.
Can I call my mother first?
I'll let you call your
mother after.
MARCY: Okay?
BEN: He was already dead
when I got there.
And the other girl, Coco,
she was there.
All my job was to do, get the
body, drag it, put it in the trunk.
We'll take it to the hills
and dump it. No bullshit.
Are you sure you didn't
kill him?
- I didn't kill nobody.
- Well, where's the money?
What money?
The money that you stole
from Walter.
The guy that you guys killed.
Look, lady, I didn't kill
that motherfucker.
He was already a corpse.
I'm innocent.
Okay, so finish telling
your story and relax.
Go arrest that teacher.
We can't go in there
and arrest her.
She's the pillar of our society.
She's a murderer and a hoe.
Okay.
So what we need you to do
is put a wire on and go in there
and have her say
something incriminating.
- Okay.
- Okay, but wait, first,
I want you to show us
where that money is,
and I want you to turn it in.
Okay, I'll show you.
I was saving for my BMW.
That's my dream car.
You were teaching about science.
What about teaching
about murder?
What are you talking about?
Everything okay with you, Ben?
You know exactly what I'm
talking about, Miss Johnson.
Hmm. No idea.
The murder.
A damn mechanic?
The body you made me
take to the truck.
You have a wild imagination.
What do you mean?
- LAYLA: Come over here.
- For what?
Just come here.
What's up, Miss Johnson?
I have no interest in
you like that.
What's going on?
What's that?
I knew you were weak.
All that hard core of
pimping young girls
and gang banging
was just all a facade.
You know what you are?
You're nothing but a coward.
What was I supposed to do?
You don't give a fuck about me.
I got called up.
It was gonna be you or me.
What you think?
You know who you're pimping?
One of my close friend's
daughters, Brianna.
That's where you fucked up!
You know her?
You damn right.
And you gonna pay
because you set me up.
I knew you were
a straight bitch.
Get the fuck out of my face.
Johnson. This is Detective
Denwood,
Robbery Homicide Division.
Would you be so kind as to
come down
to the 77 Police Precinct
here in Los Angeles?
We're following up on
an investigation,
and we have some questions
we'd like to ask you.
Thank you.
[DETECTIVE SIGHS]
Hmm.
BEN: What the hell is going on?
What do you mean, Ben?
That's the dead guy in the
room with my teacher.
Who?
I asked Miss Johnson down here
to corroborate your story.
That's her attorney
in the other room.
Nope, that's the dead guy.
What kind of games you guys
playing on me down here?
That's the dead guy.
That's the dead guy
the girl shot.
That's the dead guy.
That's the dead guy
I put into the truck.
Hold up, hold up.
You trying to tell me the guy sitting
in the other room is the dead guy?
No, way. Buddy, let me
show you something.
That's not the dead guy.
That's not him.
SAM: There is nothing
he said to you detectives
that makes any sense at all.
And my client is a law
abiding schoolteacher.
She's been working at East
Crenshaw for
three and a half years now.
And these allegations have
no merit
whatsoever.
DETECTIVE: I have her student
Ben, in the other room.
And he says that Miss Johnson
is involved in
the death of Walter.
But seeing as his story
is starting to fall apart
because now he is saying,
you are the dead person.
Do I look dead to you, Eric?
No, Sam, you don't.
Something stinks here.
Yeah, so is my client
free to go?
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
But something's not right
about her.
I just can't prove it now.
Miss Johnson don't leave town.
[EXHALES] Well, if you have
that young man in custody,
I suggest you have him
checked out by a psychiatrist.
DETECTIVE: Sure thing.
SAM: Thank you, Eric.
Since you accepted me
as a client,
the attorney client privilege
kicks in,
right?
[EXHALES] Yes, it does.
[CLEARS THROAT]
So how much is this?
That's 25,000.
And there's another 25,000 when
you do a little something for me.
Okay. [CLEARS THROAT]
- LAYLA: Be good.
- SWEETIE: Okay.
[KNOCKING ON DOOR]
[LAYLA CLEARS THROAT]
Hey, you.
TINA: Hey.
I came to say goodbye.
Are you leaving town?
Yeah. Me, my girlfriend
and my son.
You got your son back?
- Yep.
- That's what's up.
And I'm sorry that
I didn't believe you before.
But I got somebody back also.
Really?
I know you had a lot
to do with it.
Hey, Layla.
Hey, sweetheart.
She told me everything.
Thank you so much.
You're welcome.
I'll stay in touch.
All right. Bye, guys.
-TINA: We'll come visit
-LAYLA: You better.
[ALL CHUCKLE]
WOMAN ON RADIO: Vehicle suspect
540 South Commonwealth Avenue.
Male oriental white clothing.
Male Hispanic as per
the description.
Cream color Mercedes.
[POLICE CHATTER
CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY]