To Love and to Cherish (2012) - full transcript

Why would you turnyour back on me whilei'm talking to you?

The same reason youturned your back on mewhen we were married.

You see, things like that... That is exactly why thingsdidn't work out.

No, they didn't work outbecause you didn't try, Jay.

No, things didn't work outbecause we were youngand needed to mature,

which I see you'restill having a challengewith right now.

I'm done talking to you.

Well, that's just great.Then it's settled.Zoe moves in with me.

No, she doesn't have to movein with you! She has a place.

Can you guys explain to mewhy in the world you twocan't just...

I don't know, what? Get along?



Look, it's this simple.

Mom, I love you,

- but I'm movingin with dad.-All right.

And dad, I love you, too, but, you know,

I'm 16, and you can'ttreat me likea child anymore.

I'm a teenager.I have a boyfriend.

His name is stonehenge,
and you're probably notgonna like him, so there.

- Stonehenge?-mmm-hmm.

So, that meansyour boyfriend's namedafter a landmark?

(Laughing) no...

More like... More like a wonderof the world,

because he issimply wonderful.

- Just...- (chuckling)

Oh, yeah. Yeah, right.Thank you for sharing that.



You see, this is whyshe's moving in with me.

You let her get awaywith way too much.

You know what? If you think you can doa better job, have at it.

- Please!-okay, okay, dad... Dad, dad, dad,

can you just let me talkto mom for a second, please?

Please?

- All right.I'm going to get a refill.-Okay.

Mom, come here. Come here.

Okay, so, you knowi love you, right?

Mmm-hmm.

Well, if you love me so much, then how come you're takinghis side?

I'm not taking anybody's side.I just
think it's timei live with him for a while.

You did just get remarried, and you need time withyour new husband.

You know, not to mention, experts do say thatthe newlywed phase

is very important fora successful marriage, so...

- What experts have youbeen listening to?- (Chuckles)

The ones on reality tvthat the housewivesnever listen to.

Zoe, I told you aboutwatching that mess on TV.

Mom, I have learneda lot of valuable lessonsfrom reality TV.

Really? Like what?

I don't know.Like, you know, like, gossiping is bad.

- Uh-huh.-and not everyone who saysthey're your friend really is.

Wait a minute.I, your mama, taught youthat stuff, remember?

Yes, yes.But I'm your kid, so you don't really, like,

expect me to believeanything you say, do you?

- (Laughs)-I'm serious.

(Chuckling) i'm serious.

- Your father can be sucha stubborn jerk sometimes.-Come on, mom.

You know I don't like itwhen you talk about dadlike that.

Well, I'm sorry if you don'twant to hear the truth.

Well, then, how could youfall for such a stubborn jerk?

It happens.

Then how am I supposedto know it won't happen to me?

Zoe, now, look.You don't need to worryabout that right now, okay?

- You're too young.-Okay.

You know, mom, i really don't think dadis that bad,

and he has alwaysbeen great to me.

Well, he has. He has been.I'll admit that.

So, I mean, if he isany of the thingsyou say he is,

let me just find outfor myself.

All right.

If you really wantto stay here, i will allow it,

but it's only gonna befor a year, and thenwe're gonna re-evaluate

next year based onwhat those gradeslook like.

Mom, you are just actinglike dad is gonna let merun wild.

- (Sighs)-you know, if you thinkhe is so bad,

why did you marry himin the first place?

Oh...

'Cause he was in a band.

- But that's beforei exercised good judgment.-Okay.

Stonehenge is in a band.He's actually the drummer, so...

And that's exactly whyyou're not gonna date him.

- (Groans) mom, can you...-Oh, no!

This is who you wantto live with.

Listen, baby girl.Guys in bands are bad news.

Okay, but you werein a band, weren't you?

No, I was more in, like, a rap group.

- Wh...-what?

- Okay, so, that's worse.You know that, right?-What?

No, we were a clean, wholesome rap group.

Your name was, mc pesticide!

- (Both chuckling)-That's because I was, you know,

- killing all the unwantedpests in the streets.-Okay.

That's right.Don't act like...

- Oh, so now yougonna act like you don't know?- (Laughs)

Yeah, it was a metaphor.

Okay, so, did "metaphor"mean, I don't know,"corny" back in the '80s?

It was the '90s, and I was the bomb.

Okay. The bomb? Okay.Okay, dad,
you are reallygonna need some sort of...

Dictionary to helpyou translate all ofyour old-man "metaphors."

Old... old man?

Okay. I'm just kidding.You know, I'm just... I'm gonna go unpack.

Oh, hey. Hey.Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Wait. Aren't youforgetting something?

Yes, yes, yes.

Thank you, daddy.

Thanks, mom.

All right.

Stonehenge.

(Groans)

Listen.

I appreciate you letting hermove in with us.

- I'm only agreeingto do this...-And... and...

Let's kind of agree tonot argue like this, all right?

She begged me to stay here,
which is the only reasonwhy I'm agreeing to do this.

But what I can't figure out iswhat the sudden changeis all about in her.

I don't know.Maybe she just missesher father.

No, that ain't it.

I mean, why now?

Jasmine, you didjust get married, right?

Maybe she really does wantto give you some space.

Jay, you've been involved, but I have raised zoefor the last 10 years,

- and I know my daughter.-Our... daughter.

- Our teenager.-Hmm.

Oh, yeah. Just wait.

- It's not as easy aswhat you think.-Hmm.

She has a curfew, and I don't want youbuying her a car.

Whoa. What?

(Stuttering) who said anything aboutbuying her a car?

- She did.-What?

(Chuckling) you have no idea whatyou're getting into.

I love it.

(Beat boxing)

- (Laughs)-don't stop.

- (Chuckling) don't...-Bye, Jay!

Try to front on me.

(Beat boxing)

Yep. So, I'll be goingto north side next year.

Yeah, I knowit'll be weird not seeingeveryone, but hey,

life is supposed to beabout change, isn't it?

Yeah.

- What's up?-Uh, excuse you.

- (Sighs)-can I call you back?

Okay.

Can I help you with something?

I believe it's, "may I helpyou with something?"And yes, you may.

Okay.what do you want, Wesley?

Look, I know we're gonna behousemates now, so let mestart by laying

- some ground rules, okay?-Oh, ground rules.

You know what? I think that will bea great idea.

First things first.

Do not enter my roomwithout knocking.

Well, if youwant some privacy, then close your door.

Open door is an invitation, all right?

Rule number one.

My friends... They're my friends, okay?

You cannot dateor hang out withany of them.

Okay. Why would I dateany of your loser friends?

See, I have a boyfriend.

Cool. Good. Perfect.Even better.

Okay, and you can't talkto any of my friends,

not that they woulddate you anyway, so...

I'm good. Now, look.

School is like Vegas.What happens in Vegas, it stays there, okay?

I've got a really good systemworking here.I don't want to ruin it.

Well, neither do I.

Look, I know howbaby sisters can be.

Wesley, I am one year youngerthan you,

and since boys matureat half the rate of girls,

then technically, that wouldmake me five years older.

- You got any studs over there?-Why?

- I lost my nose ring.-Oh, no.

You are not putting my earringin your crusty nose.Buy your own studs.

Come on.I need one tonightfor the lockup.

Oh, you're going tothe lockup tonight?

Well, isn't collision playing?

What you knowabout collision?

I know plenty about them.

You happen to be lookingat the drummer's girlfriend.

- Whatever.-I'm serious.

So? You're not into the music.

I know plenty aboutthe music.

Oh, name a song.

- Uh...-yeah, exactly.

Okay, look, I am goingwith you tonight, okay?

- No, you're not!-Yes. If dad thinksi'm going with you,

then he won't say anything, see?

Oh, I see.

You need me. Yeah.

(Sighs) fine, Wesley.I need you.

- Now, let me get that stud, right there.-Uh-uh. No. No.

Well, then, hey, Zoe, i guess it's just me solo.

I've got to just go alone.

Fine! No, wait, here.Just take them.

Now, final rule.You go out tonight,

no one is to knowyou're my sister, okay?

You're just some sad, unpopular girl...

- (Chuckling) okay.-That just gotinto the club.

Okay. You know what? Whatever you say. Here.

Hold up.I only need one of these.

Oh, but I need two, and I'm not putting that oneback into my ear

after your nose fungushas been on it, so bye.

- Welcome to the house.-Get out.

(Knock on door)

I got it!

- Hey, sweetie!-Oh, hey, mom.

Listen, I just wantedto drop off the restof your things

before I went out of town.

- Where are you going?-Dwayne and I are going awayfor the weekend.

- Oh, really?-Mmm-hmm.

You see how nice it isnot to have to worry about me?

Zoe, you are my child, and I will alwaysworry about you.

- Okay.-but it is kind of nice.

(Both laughing)

So, how you doing?

Fine.

Yeah? You adjusting okay?

Ma, it has only beenlike four days, and yes, everything has been fine.

Oh, you knowthat summer program

- that's supposed to bestarted next week?-Uh-huh.

Aliyah just signed me upfor it, so we're good.

- Aliyah?-mmm-hmm.

Well, why didn't your daddo it?

I guess he was working.

Listen, Zoe.

Listen, Zoe.

Now, I know that youand Aliyah haven't alwaysgotten along.

Okay? But if she does anythingthat's out of order,

you let me know, okay?'Cause I don't want herputting hands on you.

Okay, mom.Look, I was 10 then.I'm 16 now,

and I do not get spankingsanymore, so it's fine.

Well, don't forgetwho your mother is.

You might be living here now,
but that doesn't meanthat she can boss you around.

- Okay.-okay.

- Living here?-Oh, hey, Aliyah.

Jasmine.

Zoe, could you excuse usfor a minute, please?

- Oh, yeah.-Thanks.

Uh, hello?

Sorry. Sorry.

Girl, you're out of your mind.

- All right, mom. Love you.Have a good trip.-Okay.

Yeah, Aliyah, can you make this quick?'Cause I'm kind of in a rush.

Oh, sure.I just heard what you saidand wanted to assure you

that I have nevermistreated Zoe.

Well, I have never putmy hands on my daughter,

so I don't really appreciatethe way you discipline.

Well, as long asshe's living here,

she has to abideby our rules.Plain and simple.

Well, just remember thatshe's not your daughter.

Well, not biologically, but I treat her as thoughshe's my own,

and therefore, I willdiscipline as thoughshe's my own.

Put your handson my daughter,

and I'm gonna puthands on you.

You are not gonna come inhere disrespecting me.

What's wrong, Aliyah? You can't talkwoman-to-woman?

- Well, maybe if I weretalking to a woman...-Oh, really?

(Both shouting indistinctly)

What is all this noisegoing on out here?

If y'all make my souffle fall,i'm gonna sit you both down.

Aliyah.

Nothing, mom.

Nothing?

- Jasmine?-nothing, miss Turner.

(Scoffs) nothing.

But yet you both standout here with your lipsall puckered out

like you've been suckingon lemons.

What's going on?

Jasmine doesn't feel that zoeshould
listen to me becausei'm not her mother,

which is asinine.

I don't agree with herparenting style.

And you know what?
You can throw aroundthem $20 words if you want to,

but if you call me outof my name again, it's gonna be a problem.

I didn't call you asinine.I said that your mamawas asinine.

- My mama's asinine?-Stop it right now! Stop it right now!

This is crazy.

Ain't no shame in my game.

Well, there should be.You two are actinglike children. Sit down.

I said sit down.

(Groans)

Aliyah.

You go first.

What kind of exampleare you setting for Zoe,

seeing her mamaand her stepmom argue

like housewivesof the mob bachelorette?

You know whati'm talking about?

This is just ridiculous.

Now, you've been with jayfor six years.

It's about time that you allstop arguing and learnhow to get along.

- I can't talk to her.-I can't talk to her.

Well, if y'all listened, talking would be easier.

Now, I normally don't get ingrown folks' business,

but since you'reacting like kids,

I'm gonna treat you like kids.

- Now, look at each other.- (Sighs)

Don't make me repeat myself.

- Aliyah, you go first.-She doesn't respect me.

It's not that.I don't like yourparenting style.

How many timesdo I have to tell you that?

- Let her talk. Let her talk.-All right.

She's still upsetbecause I spanked zoewhen she was 10

and I didn't askfor permission.

- Is that true?-I don't even spankmy daughter.

Hmm, well, that mightbe your problem.

- (Exclaims)-hush.

She should have askedor at least had her dadhandle it.

Zoe's 16, so you're madabout something that happenedsix years ago?

Mmm-mmm.there's got to be moreto it than that.

She thinks she's betterthan me!

Zoe said that she heardher say, that Jay upgradedwhen he married her.

You shouldn't have said thatin front of my daughter,
even if that is how you felt.

Is that true?

(Chuckles) it sure is.

See? See, that's whati'm talking about.

It's that smug lookon her face,

and I don't want my daughterthinking that kind of attitudeis okay!

- You have every rightto be mad, baby.-Thank you.

But you've alsogot to realize

that you cannot let aliyahdrag you down tothat level of childishness.

If you do that, baby, you'll only prove her point.

Aliyah, when you met Jay, you didn't have a jobor a place to live.

- Now, is that an upgrade?-Ma!

- Whose side are you on?-Zoe's.

Together, you two could bea shining
example of whatwomanhood is all about,

but like this, you're killing her perception,

and it's got to stopright now, and I meanright now.

I shouldn't have saidwhat I did in front of Zoe.

You shouldn't havesaid it at all.

And you need to respectmy marriage

and stop asking jaywhat he sees in me.

- Oh, you know about that?-Yeah, I know about that.

(Chuckling) i wonder what he sawin either one of you.

Mom!

I'm not saying you're notwonderful women.

What I'm saying, is get it together.

Aliyah, when you married Jay,

you married everythingthat came along with him,

including zoeand Jasmine.

That's right.

- And Jasmine.-Hmm?

Who you are has nothingto do with my daughter'sopinion of you.

Baby, just be a role modelfor Zoe, not Aliyah.

And talk to Jay aboutyour issues, and let himdeal with the things

that's going onin his house.

Now, I don't want to hearanother peep out ofeither one of you. Deal?

- Yes, ma'am.-Yes, ma'am.

- (Bell dings)-Y'all hear that?

That means that this therapysession is over.

Now go check on my souffle.

I'm tired.Y'all ain't gonna worry me.

Well...

I'm gonna go, and I'll call about Zoe later.

- Bye, miss Turner.-Call anytime, Jasmine.

- Bye.-ma.

- Souffle.-but ma.

- Souffle.- (groans)

- I love you, ma.-Child, did my souffle fall?

- No, ma'am.- (Chuckles)

All right, then.I love you, too.

- Well, I guess you told them, huh?- (Chuckles)

- How long you beeneavesdropping?-I don't know.

Long enough to knowthat you still got it, though.

(Laughs)

I'll tell you what, you keepbeing nosy,
I'm gonna give yousome of what I still got.

Oh, come on.You don't mean that.

See, me and you, we've alwaysbeen pretty cool.

- Think so?-Yeah.

You are the only one whoever really listens to me, so...

Baby, sometimes, parents get so caught upin their own issues,

they forget who they'reactually doing it all for.

Yeah, well, I mean, i guess we were allborn selfish, right?

And we have to learnbenevolence and compassion,

and some peoplejust have a very slowlearning curve, so...

Hmm.where'd you get that from?

- You, Nana.- (Laughs)

- Well, I guess we are cool.-The cool ones.

- Give me some.- (Chuckles)

I don't think so.Nana, come on.

I'm just playing.

- Oh, there you are. Hey.-Hey, baby.

How you doing? You okay?I'm good.How was your day?

- Great. Great. You?-Fine.

I still don't understand why a16-year-old isn't foldingher own clothes.

Hold on one second.I'll make this change.

Zoe! Zoe!

Jay, she and wesleywent to the mall.

Oh, okay.Well, baby, just leave it.

You know I can't standfor fresh, clean clothesto just lie around.

- All right.-Look, I got it.

Okay, no, no, no.I will help you out.

- Oh, she's pretty long now.-So...

When were you planningon telling me that Zoe

was gonna be herefor the school year and notjust the summer?

Oh, I was, uh... I was planningto tell you tonight.

No, I'm serious.This is just the first timethat me and you

have been able toget together since

- I've been workingthe long hours.-Mmm-hmm.

Well, don't you think maybeyou should have talked to me

before you told hershe could move in?

Well, baby, she asked.

And you still shouldhave talked to me first.

Would you have said "no?"

Jay, that's not the point.

Look, you didn't even considerwhat I might have said.

On our first date, I told youthat I had custody of my son,

and I asked you whetheror not that was goingto be a problem.

Mmm-hmm, and I told youthat I had a daughter

that sometimes stays with meduring the summersand weekends.

Exactly.

So, if that agreementhad changed, you shouldhave informed me.

Why didn't youinform me first?

Because we're married.

So what? Does that mean that youno longer have to consider

my opinionbecause we're married?

No. No. No.

It just means that my daughteris now your daughter.

You still shouldhave asked, Jay.

Okay.

Okay. I'm sorry.

Baby, I reallywould like Zoe

to come stay with usuntil she graduateshigh school.

Is that all right with you?

- Is it?-It's not like I cansay "no" now.

Why would you say "no"?

Jay, I wouldn't.

But if I did, are youreally gonna tell her shehas to go back home?

Exactly.

You're right.

You're absolutely right.

You know what?

Now that you mention it, i read something,

an article in the paper today.

It said that stevewas coming here to takea new sports-anchor job.

That true?

- Yeah, he called and told me.-Hmm.

So, that means that he's gonnabe living here.

- Yep.-hmm.

So, when were you planningon telling me?

My plan was to tell youtonight.

(Chuckles) hmm.

So, does Wesley know thathis father is here?

No.

I was gonna talkto Steve first

and see if he's reallygonna be here full-time

- and see how involvedhe planned to be.-Hmm.

Well, he hasn't been involvedsince you two got split up.

- Yes.-so, why would theychange now?

Well, that's because he wasliving across the country.

But now that he lives here, i don't know.Who knows?

Hmm.

- He and Wesley talk.He sends him money.- (Chuckles)

Look, Jay,
he wasn't able tohave him during summersbecause of training camp,

but now that he's notplaying anymore, who knows?

I don't know what steveintends on doing.

Yeah. You alwaysmake excuses for him.

No, I don't.

I don't make any excusesfor Steve.

But Wesley idolizeshis father, despiteeverything that's happened.

So I'm gonnatalk to Steve first

and make surehe doesn't get hurt.

Hmm. Sounds great.

But I think we shouldboth talk to him.

Because I want to know him.

- Right?-hey, mom.

- Hey, what's up, Jay?-What's going on, bro?

You wouldn't believewho I saw at the mall today.

Dad.he just moved here.

Guess those plans are notworking out as planned, huh?

Where did you two get allthat stuff?

Dad.he gave us his credit card.

Okay, how come you never giveme your credit card?

Baby, because I don't haveto do things to easemy guilty conscience.

Uh-huh. Point taken.

Uh, you two, don't get tooexcited about this stuff,

because it'll probablyhave to go back.

Mom, look, don't make me takethese back.

Please. You knowhow much allowance

I had to save upjust to get these?

Wesley, why didn't you justcome to us
and ask us forthe money for the sneakers?

They cost over $100.

Brother, I'm so glad that youdidn't involve us in that.

Baby, there's a lotof wisdom in this one.

- I don't have to takemy stuff back.-Whoa, wait a minute.

And why is stevebuying you anything?

Uh, well, he said he didn'twant me to feel bad,

leaving empty-handed, so he told me to shop, too.

Oh, you see?

That's exactly why I need totalk to Steve first.

He always gets him excitedabout stuff and thenlets him down.

Uh, dad, I evengot you something.

Listen, I don't need youto buy me anything.

Oh! Whoa! This is exactly what...

Baby, can you believehow good this looks on me?

And can you believehow quickly it has to go back?

But I got it for you.

It's going back.Put it in the bag.

Matter of fact, don't takeanything out ofthe boxes or bags

until me and your motherhave had a chanceto discuss it.

- Come on.-Zoe, fold up your clothes.

Wesley, go clean up your room.

Go ahead, do whatever it isyou're doing.

- Wesley, the bag stayswith me.-That's right.

And I'll take care of this.Okay? Yeah.

(Chuckles) jay, you are notkeeping that hat.

- Oh, baby, I was just makingsure that it was in the bag.-In the bag?

- That's right.-In the bag?

- Keep it in there.-Mmm-hmm.

(Sighs)

And you... you know, i had to fold up all these...

Oh, oh, that hatwas off the chain!

- Yeah! Yeah! Where did you get that?-Mc pesticide.

Oh, well, look at you.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I actually did considerthe whole, you know, recruiting job,

and to be honest with you, i got a better offer.

- (Knock on door)-No, I thought...

Hold... hold... You know what?

I'll give you a call back.

No. No.I'll call you back. Peace.

Coming!

Hey.

- Oh.-why did you let my kidsbuy all of that junk?

Steve, you are not gonna movehere and start wreaking havocon my life!

Hello, Aliyah! How are you? Like a drink, huh?

Don't you "hello, Aliyah" me, and no, I don't wanta thing to drink.

Come on, now.I don't even know whati did wrong this time.

Well, that's your problem, steve. You never do.

(Sighs)

The best thing you cando for Wesley, is spend time with him.

Stop buying hima whole bunch of stuffhe doesn't need.

Look, come on, baby.Ain't nothing wrong with me

spoiling my boyevery once in a while.

I got the means to do it.Your means have neverbeen your issue,
have they?

The question iswhat are your intentions?

You knowwhat my intentions are?

I intend to be a father likei've always been.

Oh, honey, well, you havebeen a provider but certainlynot his father.

Oh, okay.

Well, I'm very sorrythat queen aliyahfeels that way,

but news flash, baby,

I'm a much better fatherto him than my daddyhas ever been to me.

Oh, wow.Well, that ain't sayingtoo much, now, is it?

Aliyah, come on, baby.What do you want from me?

Well, if you don't knowright now, we need to sit down

- and lay downsome ground rules.- (Sighs)

And first things first.

If you want to see Wesley, you have to talk to me first.

- What?-no calling him upand making plans.

Oh, come on.The boy's 17 years old.

Yes, he is a boy, and I am his mother.

Look, Steve.I am serious.

He's doing well in schoolthis year, and I need himto stay focused.

Okay. Okay.

I won't call him.I'll call you.

- Thank you.-Good?

All right, now, hold on.I want to... I want toask you something, now.

Why isn't wesleyplaying football?

- Are you serious?-Why doesn't he play ball? Come on!

- Are you even listening to me?-Yes, I am listening!

It only seems likethe natural thing to do!

I mean, his dadactually only has

the heisman trophyand two super bowl rings.

Come on!

That's about you, Steve.Wesley likes skateboarding.

He likes what?

Did... did you say he likesto skateboard?

No, no, no, no, no."Hey, hey, hey, Steve.Your son play football?"

No, man! He likes to skateboard.

Oh, god! I knew I should havetaken him this summer.

- So you could teach himhow to play football?-Exactly.

What about teaching himhow to be a man?

Hey, hey.We talk about man stuffall the time, okay?

What's your husbandtalk to him about? Skateboarding?

I'm gonna tell youone more time.

Don't mess with my son.

Either you're all the way in, or you're out.

(Door slams)

(Birds chirping)

- Hey, baby.-Hey, Nana.

Hmm.

Help your mamaget this house clean.

(Chuckles)

They're nice, right?

Gonna be nice and broke ifyou don't get themoff that table.

Check them out. Brand-new.

Just got them. Fresh.

- Ah!-check out my kicks.

What's in your shoes? Bricks? That hurt.

No. Air.

Just like that bigold head of yours.

I heard you wenton a shopping spree.

Oh, yeah. With my dad.That's where I got these.

Mmm-hmm.

- Your dad sure knowhow to give good gifts.-He does.

He even got Zoe some stuff.

When's the last time youseen your dad since yousaw him the other day?

A little overa year ago, maybe.I don't know.

Hmm.

That doesn't bother you?

Well, not really.I mean, he's always working, you know?

When he's not playing, he's training, and when he quit,

he went overseasfor a while, you know?

I don't understand it.

You seem to think that yourfather is so perfect,
yet youcomplain about your mother

all the time, but she'sthe one that's right here, doing all the work.

Mom didn't buy me a car.

(Laughing) oh! So, that's it.

New stuff... New cars and kicks, huh?

That's not whatit's all about.

I mean, it is nice to getnew cars and new kicksevery once in a while.

Mmm-hmm.

I wish somebody wouldbuy me some new stuff.

Nana, what do you want meto buy you?

Let me see. You know,

I could use me a nice, new Sunday hat.

A big, old pretty one.

- Come on, now.You know I'd do it.-Nana, I got you.

Just ask for it, and it's yours.

Baby, your motherdoes everything she canfor you.

She sacrificedher whole life for you.

And Jay...

He loves you unconditionally.

You are so blessed, baby.

I know, Nana.

Well, act like it sometimes.

Not when you're gettingnew clothes, but whenyou got food on the table

or you get some gasto put in that new carof yours.

(Chuckles)

- I get an "amen."-Amen.

(Sighs)

I love you, mom.

Well, that's notvery Sincere, is it?

Bring it? Boy, get off of me.

- (Laughs)-Nana, are thosecookies ready?

Yeah, they're on topof the stove.Oh, wait, wait, wait, wait.

I got something for you.

I need you to do somethingfor me.

- Hey, baby.-Mom, what a day.

- (Chuckling)-are you tired? Come on. Park it right there.

I just want to sit down hereand take a nap.

- (Chuckles)-oh...

You didn't happen to cooksome dinner to go alongwith those cookies,
did you?

Child, I done cookedenough dinner to last metwo lifetimes.

Why do you think I'm alwaystrying to eat dinner with you?

Oh...

Hey. May I?

- Yeah, come on.-All right.

Oh, wow.Look at how clean it isin here.

I know. Mmm-hmm.

You got your little afro... Big old puff on the top.

Oh, wow.

When... when did youstart wearing those?

- Dad, are you serious?-Very.

Come on, man.Mom lets me wear themall the time.

- Really?-yeah.

Uh, uh, Aliyah.

- Dad, you don't have to...-I want a woman's opinion.

- Hey, hey, hey.What's going on?-Hey, baby. Listen.

You like those shoes?

- I like them.-Would you wear those shoes?

- Yeah.-see?

- Thank you. Take them off.-But no. What

listen. If aliyahwould wear those shoes,

then you obviouslyshould not be wearing them.

- Dad, come on.Are you serious?-I'm really serious.

Your mother lets you get awaywith too much,
but not inthis house, not on my watch.

Take them off.Aliyah, can you pleasetell him they're fine?

- Jay, I don't see anythingwrong with the shoes.-Thank you.

I mean, this is how girlsher age are dressingthese days.

- Really?-yeah.

Oh.

- Zoe.- (chuckles)

Zoe, could you let metalk to your dad, please?

- Yes.-i got you.

(Chuckles)

- (Clears throat)-Yeah?

- Jay.-yes?

Come on, honey.It's a pair of shoes, okay?

Just let her wear them.

When are you gonna talkto Steve?

I already talked to him.

You what?

I saw him today.

Hmm.i thought, you know, we weregonna talk to him together.

- I thought it was besti went alone.-Why?

- Well, because I didn'twant him to get defensive.-Hmm.

And I wasn't sure whatyou were going to say.

Well, baby, when we, uh, decide to do things together,

I would love to know whenthe plans change.

Well, the problem is, we didn't decide.It was a suggestion.

Okay.

- Suggestion.-yeah.

You just suggested it.

Okay. All right.

What?

Dad, I really got to startclosing this door.

Look, dad, don't go throughmy things, okay?

Hmm.

(Sighs)

Okay, so, I can keepthe shoes?

- What?-the shoes.

Oh, yeah, againstmy better judgment.

You know, this is... This is a really goodpicture of you and your mom.

Do you ever wishyou'd stayed with her?

I don't even knowhow to answer that.

Just tell me the truth.

(Sighing) well...

I wish we could havestayed together for your sake,

but I have no regrets onmarrying Aliyah.

We make a better couple.

So, are you twogonna have a baby?

Uh, that's not in the plans, but, you know, I don't know.Maybe.

I think you guys should.

- Thanks for letting mekeep the shoes, by the way.-Hmm.

And where are you going again?

- To the movies.-Right.

- Movies.-yeah.it's dark in the movies.

Okay, dad.Look, I already know whereyou're going with that,

and just so you know, the movie-theater lobbyis kind of like a catwalk,

and while I'm waiting in linefor my popcorn,
I just wantto give them "bam."

- Oh.-see, one wrong fashionchoice, and you might as well,

- (chuckling)-i don't know, transferto another school.

- It's that serious, huh?-Yes, dad.

Like, you don't understand.I set the standardfor a lot of girls.

You would be very proud of me.

I am proud of you.

But I want your reputationto be built on good gradesand respect,

not just your fashion choices, young lady.

It is, dad. It is.

(Chuckles) so...

You know,i've never heardyour mix tape.

(Chuckling) oh, my mix tape.

- You want my... my mix tape?-Yeah.

What do you want?

- Nothing.-no, it's something.

- No.-how can I be of service? Spit it out.

Okay.

- Um, well, okay.It's nothing big.-Right.

But, okay, okay.Here it is.Yeah.

I don't really like havingto ride around with Wesley

everywhere, so how come I can'tjust have my own car?

Because you don't need a car.

- Well, I do.-Really?

Yes. Look, okay.

See, I don't think you reallyunderstand my schedule, but it's very hectic.

- Enlighten me.-Okay, so, I haveswim team practice 8:00 a.m.

Every morning, which willthen switch to 4:00 p.m..In the afternoons

once school starts, and then this summer, i have gymnastics

on tuesdaysand wednesdays,

and then pre-college courseson mondays and Fridays.

So, you work all the time,
and Aliyah is gonna get tiredof taking me everywhere.

Did she say that?

- Okay, not exactly, but, I mean, I can tell.-Hmm.

And if you get me a car, then I can help you outby running errands.

I don't need you to do that.

- Wesley has a car.-His father bought him a car.

We don't want him toout do you, now, do we?

(Chuckling) i'm not in the competition.

Listen, is there a jobsomewhere in thishectic schedule?

- Um, no.-I can't hear you.

No, but I don't have timefor a job, dad.

Well, I think the moviesis calling you.

- What if we justtalk about it...-Later.

Later.we'll discuss it later.

- Okay.-all right?

Okay, well, you know mybirthday is next month, so don't forget.

I'm not gonna missyour birthday.

No, I'm not talkingabout my birthday.

I'm actually talking aboutthis conversationabout the car.

Goodbye, Zoe.

Bye, daddy.

Oh, thank you.

It's about time, Zoe.You're gonna make me late.

The movie doesn'tstart for another hour, so it's okay.

Zoe, I'm not goingto the movies, okay?

I'm dropping you off, then I'm meeting my dadat the station.

He's gonna give mea behind-the-scenes tour,

and then we're goingto a party.

Okay, well, you knowthat sounds like way morefun than the movies, so...

- No, you can't come.-Please, please, please?

No. Look, look, I have to talkto my dad aboutsome important stuff.

I don't want your big mouthtalking about it beforeit's even decided.

Before what's decided?

Wes, what is it?

We're going to seeif I can live with my dad.

- Hey, I just got here.-All the more reason.

No, Zoe, look, I'm serious.

We've never got any timeto get to know each other

because he's always livedon the west coast.

- Okay.-now is the perfect time.

- And plus, in a year, I...-So, are you gonna take mewith you or what?

'Cause this whole...

Did you just interrupt me?

No, no, no.Actually, I just interjectedin between your words,

which isn't reallythe same thing, so...

Yeah, I'm dropping you offat the movies.

No, Wes! Please! Please!

Mom, we're about to leave!

Hey.

So, what timewill you two be back?

Around like 12:00.

I thought the movie startedat 7:00.

- We'll probably get somethingto eat afterwards.-Yeah.

- A little snack.-Okay.

Well, by midnight, you two better bewalking through that door.

- Okay. All right.Got you, mom.-Mmm-hmm.

- All right. Love you.-All right. Love you guys.

Zoe: bye. Love you, too.

Have fun.

Wesley: we will.Zoe: Will do.

- Midnight.-Wesley: okay.

Zoe: okay. Okay.

Jay, could you get down herefor a minute?

(Jay scatting)

- You busy?-No, baby.

- Just taking careof some work.-Mm-hmm.

Well, mom just left.

The kids are goneuntil midnight.

So, I was thinkingyou and I could go outfor dinner instead of cooking.

- Oh, yeah, that's whati'm talking about.-Hmm.

- Oh, wait. Oh...-What?

Midnight?

Yeah. That's Wesley's curfewin the summertime.You know that.

Yeah, but Zoe's curfewis 10:00.

Uh-huh.but she's riding with Wesley.

All right, but come on, baby.You can't just changea curfew time

because she's ridingwith Wesley. She's younger.

- By one year.-Mm-hmm.

Jay, you're not calling her.

Yeah, yeah.I'm gonna just, uh...

- Honey, listen.-Hello?

It's too lateto change things now, all right?

They'll be back by midnight.

(Sighing)

Why wouldn't you call mebefore you let them leave?

For the same reasonyou didn't talk to me first

before you told hershe could move in here.

Okay. All right.

So, now I seewhat this is about.

That's what's beenbothering you?

Come on. Let's talk about it.

Come on, baby.Let's talk about it.Don't shut down.

Jay, you should haveasked me first.

Asked you what? She's my daughter.

And I'm your wife.

And we should havehad a conversationbefore you told her

she could move in here.

She's normally hereon the weekends, so I don't understand...

Yeah, the weekends, Jay.

Not every day a weekfor the next two yearsor until she goes to college.

But you're always talkingabout how you want, uh,

Wesley and herto spend more time together.

(Exhaling) that is not the point.

I'm trying to tell youthat we should havehad a conversation

before you told hershe could move in here.

Jay, you're alwaysmaking these decisionswithout talking to me first.

- Okay.-you changed the bankwithout telling me.

- Uh-huh.-you changed this paint color.I mean...

Okay, so, you're saying

that you have a challengewith Zoe moving in here.

Yes.

Yes, Jay, I do.

Look, raising another child ismore of a responsibility

- than I really want right now.-Hmm.

I'm going back to school, andwith work, there's just notenough time.

Baby, they're teenagers.They practically raisethemselves.

No, they don't, Jay.

You're gone most of the week, so you have no idea.

I have to clean upbehind them.I have to cook. I have to...

Let them cook and cleanfor themselves.

Wesley's 17.

I mean, you shouldn't bewashing his clothes anyway.

You're 38, and I still wash yours.

- But I'm your husband.-And he's my son.

Who needs to learnsome responsibility.

You need to stop babying him.

- I don't baby him.-Yes, you do.

And when I give him rules, you don't back me up on it.

That's because sometimes, you're just too hard on him.

He's a man who's aboutto enter this world, and he needs to be prepared.

If not, he's gonna end upright back here with us.

To tell you the truth,i'm ready for both of themto be away at college

so I can have more timeto spend with my wife.

Now, look at me.

Look at me.

Why do you have a problem withzoe moving in, hmm?

Baby, I've talked to Jasmine, and everything is okay.

So, what is it?

You're gonna be really upsetwhen I say this.

Well, say it anyway.

Jay, I don't want to shareyou with anyone else.

What?

Look, I know it's selfish, but I'm just being honest.

I already find myself justwaiting around here

to try to spend somequality time with you as is.

You work so much, and now,
with another personin this house who needs you,

I mean, it's...

(Sighs)

She's my daughter.

- I know.-Hmm?

I know.

And for the six yearswe have been married,

I have enjoyed spendingquality time with her

and watching her grow intoa beautiful young woman.

Yeah, as long as it's noton weekends and holidays.

Don't say it like that, Jay.

Well, baby, how elseam I supposed to say it?

I mean, what if it was the sameway when we were...

What if I felt the same waywhen we met, hmm?

I mean,i've been raising wesleysince he was 11 years old.

I know, Jay.And you know how muchi appreciate that.

So, you're saying that youwouldn't have
married meif I had custody of Zoe?

Of course I would havemarried you.

It's just that I would haveknown from the beginning

what I was signing up for.

You signed up to loveand Cherish me.

My daughter is part of me.

You knew thiswhen we got married,

so whether it'stwo days a week or seven,

it's what you signed up for.

I shouldn't havesaid anything.

No. No, I'm glad you did,

because at least now, i know what the attitudeis about.

- Jay, are you mad at me?-No.

Just disappointed.

- (Door closes)-God.

(Cellphone dinging)

(Sighing)

Are you s...

(Sighing)

Ow.

So, I, umm...

I thought we'd go outand play some basketballa little later.

- Is that all right?-Yeah, yeah, that's cool, dad.

What time do you want to go?

You know, I have a conferencecall in about an hour, so right after that.

Okay. Cool. Seems cool.

Crowd on TV: Defense! Defense!

You good?

Yeah, I'm good. You good?

I'm great.

- All right.-Great.

So, umm...

Mom says that you, umm... You're good in school.

Yeah. Yeah.I might get a scholarship.

Man! That's awesome.

I'm telling you, those academic scholarships, that's where it's at

'cause sports... You know, it's risky.

You can always get hurtor something.

Yeah, I know, and plus they don't makeskateboard scholarships yet.

Yeah, that's right.

Your mama told methat you play the

(lisping) skateboard.

(Chuckling) dad, come on.

No, I'm just sayingthat you play the

(lisping) skateboard.

(Laughing)

I'm just kidding, son.

Listen, umm...

I want to ask you something.

Get those big old feetoff my chair, boy.

- Son, my boy...- (Chuckles)

Listen, have you ever thoughtabout playing football?

Yeah, I didwhen I was younger, but, dad, i wasn't really that good.

(Stammering) shut up!

Did you practice?

Yeah, of course I practiced.I just...

I didn't like the sport.

I like individual sports.

I'm not really that bigon teams.

I'm gonna ask your mamafor a DNA test.

I think she fooled aroundwith Tiger Woods or somebody.

(Laughing)

You know what? I wish...

I wish that I had spentmore time with you, man.

I mean, I begged your mom,"please, move down west."

"Oh, no, I got to staydown here with my mama.

"That's where my helpcome from."

Yeah, she told me that.It's good.

- Did she?-She told me.

All right.Well, one thing I'm gonnapromise you, boy.

Now that I'm back here,

we're gonna spenda lot more time together, son.

I'm gonna see youat least twice a month.

Hey, dad, I was kindof thinking that...

- (Doorbell ringing)-Oh, oh, oh, hold that thought.

It's the door. Hold on. Let me

(Laughing)

I want to skate...

(Groaning)

Son, it's the boogeyman.

Hey.

- You are so pathetic.-Mmm.

I came to get Wesley.

No, no, we aboutto play some hoop.Wes is good.

No, he's not good.

Mom, what are you doing here?

I came to pick you up.

- Dad is gonnadrop me off later.-No, he's not.

Aliyah, what is wrongwith you?

Wesley was supposedto come home last night,

not send his sisterhome with the car

and text me at 11:30, saying he was gonnastay here with you.

How come you didn't justtext me back last night?

Aliyah: text you?

Why didn't you bringyou're behind home
last nightthe way you were supposed to?

Okay, I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

It's my fault.

Really, I takefull responsibility.

I told him thathe'd spend the night, send his sister home, okay?

But it's good. It's all right

'cause we had a late breakfastafter the party.

- The p... the party?-Wesley: He...

What party?

Yeah, yeah, about that, the party...

No, it's okay. It's all right.

Hey, it's all right.I just, um...

I took himto the pre-draft partywith me.

(Chuckling) we had a good time.

Bam. Yeah.

Are you talking aboutthe same pre-draft party

that has all the desperatewomen trying to hookthemselves an athlete?

- Uh...-dad, there was somebad girls.

- There wasn't no girls.-You know what?

You get in the car.

- Mom, come on...-Now!

Come on, Aliyah.

- Hey, I'll see youa little later, all right?-All right, dad.

- Love you, man.-Love you, too.

All right. Hey!

Don't talk about the girls.

(Door closes)

- Are you kidding me?-What?

What are you doingbringing a 17-year-oldto a party like that?

Aliyah, I was watching him.

Steve, you knowwhat happens at those parties.

Of course I do.

That's where I met you.Remember?

I'm gonna tell youone more time.

You are not to see himuntil you talk to me first.

And I'm gonna tell youhe's my son, too.

Well, stop treating himlike he's your homeboy.

- I'm not treating himlike he's my homeboy!-Yes, you are!

Why do you haveto control everything?

Wesley, I said get in the car!

Let the boy talk. Go ahead.

I want to move in with dad.

- Oh! Shut up.-Absolutely not.

(Scoffing) oh, no, no, no.

Why not? Mom, you're always sayingthat you wish we were closer.

Like, he's finally here.

This is my last yearin high school.

I made good grades.

Like, this isthe perfect time. Wha...

(Murmuring indistinctly)

- So, what's up, Steve?-Hmm?

Why don't you haveanything to say?

- (Stammering)-ah.

Come on, dad.Don't you thinkit's a good idea?

Huh? Uh, yeah, man.

I thinkit's an excellent idea.

But I also thinkthat you ought to listento your mother.

See, that's the best thingfor you to do.

The Bible say you oughtto listen to your parents,
which is pleasing to jehovah.

- Doesn't it say that, baby?-Ooh, honey, you are quoting Bible verses?

Jalapeno.

Wow.

You know what?

(Scoffing) it's funnybecause you have never cared

about wesleylistening to me before.

No, that's... that's... That's not true. She lies.

(Laughing)

No, I always told youi appreciate the wayyou raise my son.

Didn't I tell you that, huh? Didn't I?

- That's what I thought.-You know what, Wesley?

Mama is tired.

So, if you want to go aheadand move in with your daddy,
you go right ahead, baby.

Cool. Dad, I guessi'm moving in tomorrow.

No, no, no, no.

I mean, tomorrow kind of soon, right?

Say, I got to checkmy work schedule, man.

I got these crazy hours, you know?

Come on, dad.I can stay home by myself.

- It's cool.-Mm-hmm.

Oh, you know, we're gonna have topack up

all that dirty clothesi haven't washed yet,

but we can get you right.We'll get you here.

- Cool?-Wesley: thank you, mom.

All right, baby, no problem.

- Mm.-guess I'll see you tomorrow.

- All right! We'll see you tomorrow, baby.-All right, see you then.

- Love you, son.-Love you, too.

Mm, how great is that?

You know what, Steve?

He's gonna need a little helpwith all that packinghe has to do,

so, uh, what time you gonnacome by tomorrow?

(Stammering) I'll call you.

Please do.

No, wait. Wait.Let me talk to youfor a second.

Li... no, no, li... Aliyah...

Aliyah!

(Exhales sharply)

- Hey, what's up, Jay?-Hey. What's going on?

Not much.

When your mother tells youto do something, you do it.

All right?

Good to see you.

I'm about to move inwith my pops, so...

Aliyah?

Look, he asked, so I said, why not?

But while we're at it, why don't you tell jaywhere you were last night?

I just went out with my dad.

Hmm? Hmm?

- Jay: okay.-Where?

To a party?

- A party.-Jay: Okay.

- An NFL pre-draft party.-Oh.

Wesley: dad was with usthe whole night.

It's not likehe wasn't watching us.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.

- With "us"?-Aliyah: Mm-hmm.

"Us" who?

So... so, you took...

Zoe?

Zoe?

Baby, get down here.

- Hey, hey, hey, baby girl.-Hey.

Hey, umm, listen, i was just talking to Wesley.

Uh, tell me about the movie.

Uh, do you haveyour ticket stubfrom last night?

- Can you show it to me? Tick! Look me.- (Stammering)

- Ticket stub.-Umm...

Where'd you go last night?

Okay, well, you should justget me my own car.

Then I won't haveto ride around

- with Wesley everywhere.-Wow.

- Hold on. Hold on.You begged to go with me.-That's an interesting tone.

Uh, listen, you, no swimming, uh, no gymnastics, uh, no cellphone.

As a matter of fact, next week you're gettingyourself a part-time job.

I don't want to hear it.

What? Well, is Wesley gettinggrounded, too?

I'm moving in with my dad.

Well, how about both of youmove on upstairs?

Wesley: yeah. Let's go.

Snitch.

Yeah, I hopeyou enjoyed the party.

I can't believethat you're allowing himto do this.

And we didn't talkabout this again why?

- Okay, Jay, not now, please.-All right.

I'm just sayingthat we have to beon the same page

if we're goingto defeat the enemy.

- The enemy?-Yeah.

Teenagers.

(Laughing)

(Inhales sharply)

So, you really gonnalet him do this?

(Sighing) jay, if he wants to livewith his dad, so be it.

That's gonna bethe quickest lesson

that he has ever learnedin appreciation.

Hmm.

All right.

Baby, are you still mad at me?

Yes, I am.

(Clears throat)

Jay, listen, I want to be ableto be honest with you,

- even if it showsa bad side of me.-Right. Right.

Mm. Mm.

Look, I'm not sayingthat Zoe can't stay here,

but I am gonna saythat she plays you.

Whoa. Wait a minute.

Are you sayingthat my daughter plays me?

Yes. She plays on your guilt.

No, she doesn't.

Yes, she does.

(Chuckles sarcastically)

- Exhibit "a."-What... what is that?

Is this a car magazine?

Oh, yeah, that... Yeah, that... that is.

- Really?-yeah.

- Yeah. Uh-huh.-Uh-huh.

Wow.you want something to drink?

Get, uh, something to drink.

Okay, so, you're planningon buying her a car?

Oh! No, no.

Oh, I know what you're...

See, no, that was...

That was just so, you know,
you wouldn't have to drive heraround all the time.

- That's what that was.-Oh!

- Yeah.-and this is all about me.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

Because I love you.That's what a husbanddoes for a wife.

(Inhales sharply)

- Okay, Jay...-Okay.

(Both laughing)

Okay, listen.

I just want to get herthe things that she wants

because she did not grow upin the house with me.

Baby, look, I know, and I appreciate that.

And I know you do the sameexact thing for Wesley.

- I love you for that.-Yeah, well, he's my son, too.

Look, I really do feel badfor what I said.

It's just that I really, really miss spending timewith you,

and Zoe doesn't alwayslisten to what I say,

so it's gonna make thingsa lot harder.

Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

But I'm sorry.

Hmm. Really?

- Mm-hmm.-yeah, well...

(Chuckles)

I'm sorry, too.

Shut up and kiss me.

I think I can do that.

- You can do that?-Yeah.

- You can do that?-Mm-hmm.

Mm-hmm. Mmm.

Ooh!

* As we lay *

(laughing) that's whati'm talking about, baby.

All this love going on, honey,

I might get me a new grandbabyin the mix!

(Laughs)

- Aliyah: hi, ma.-Hey, baby.

I didn't knowyou were here, ma.

Oh, honey, I just stopped by.

You know, I had to makemy famous peach cobbler.

Jay: mmm.

Okay, ma, I got a question, and not that we mind at all,

but why do youalways come over hereto make your desserts?

'Cause I'm on a diet,

and I need to leaveall those extra calories

- right hereand not in my house.-Jay: Mm.

- (Laughs)-Jay: give thanks.

Give thanks and praise.

Yeah, but don't thinkyou're gonna get anymoregrandkids out of us

because the two we haveare aging us as we speak.

Well, I don't know, baby.One more mightnot be so bad...

I mean, a little babythat looks likethe both of us.

- Cute little baby.-Cute.

Cute. Cute baby.

- Aliyah: okay, are you two kidding?-Beautiful baby.

- Take after me.-Are you kidding?

- (Laughs)-no. No.

- Seriously?-we'll see.

- (Gasps) "we'll see"?-Yeah.

- Well, we'll practice.-Jay!

Ooh!

- Jay: mama, you didn't hear that.- (Chanting) Namanama...

I don't want to hearthat part.

Look, on that note, let me go check on Zoe.I'll be right back.

Okay, baby, listen, the two that we have...

No, no, no, no, no, there is no way.

We might be homefree in two years.

Think about that.

Yeah, I'll think about that.

- Let me go check on Zoe.- (Chuckles)

Okay, I'll be up in a minute

'cause I have some new infoon that stonehenge situation.

(Exhales heavily)

Aww, ma, i have such a good husband.

Baby, you just nowrealizing that?

Mm. I don't know.Some days I, uh,

I know itmore than others.

(Exhales heavily)

(Groans)

So, how am isupposed to trust youif you lie to me?

Dad, I really was gonnago to the movies

until I found outabout the party.

Mm.

Why didn't you just ask me?

Well, you would havesaid "no."

Absolutely.

Well, then I would have beenin direct defiance.

See, not asking youwas like indirect defiance,

based on the assumptionthat you might not agree.

You really arethe enemy.

(Stammering) enemy? What?

You're wrong, okay,

plain and simple, and you are on punishment.

And you see, i was down there thinkingabout getting you a car,

but now I see you're notresponsible enough...

No, dad, please, please, i need my own car.

Oh, so, you only wantedto move here for a car.

No, no, no, i wanted to move here

'cause I want to goto northside.

What's at northside?

Mm, more like"who's at northside?"

- Mm-hmm.-what does that mean?

- Oh, I did a little researchon stonehenge.-Oh.

Why would you do that, Aliyah?

Oh, honey, because that'swhat mothers do.

- So, stonehenge goesto northside high.-Mm-hmm.

- Oh, so now it's all startingto make sense.-Mm-hmm.

You came to go to this schoolso you can be with that boy.

No, not just some boy, but the hottest drummerin the city.

Look, dad, they're gonna blow upand just be famous.

And what happensafter this explosion?

Explosion?

When they blow up, the explosion.

What happens?

After he becomes famous,

do you think he's still gonnawant to be with you?

I mean, I am his girlfriend.

I know I'm gonna have to, like, put up witha few groupies, but...

- Oh, god.-At the end of the day,

they always go backto the one who was with thembefore it all exploded.

- Aliyah: hm.-So, she played me.

Oh, honey, did she play you.

(Chuckles)

And by the way, his social statussays "single."

So, if he's not claiming younow as a nobody,

do you really thinkhe's gonna claim youas a famous drummer?

Oh, you don't know that.

Whoa, hold on, social status?

Aliyah: oh. Jay.

- Okay, babe, look...-Yeah?

I think it's timethat Zoe and ihad a little girl talk.

Okay, I want to talk moreabout stonehenge.

- Stonehenge?-yeah.

- Really?-yeah.

Go pull out an encyclopedia.

- What happened?- (Laughs)

Look, go help wesleywith his packing, and I got this, okay?

What happened to my baby?

She got taken overby the teenage body snatchers.

- (Sighs)-i got it.

We're gonna talkand have a little chitchat, okay?

- See what you can do.-All right, babe. Thanks.

Okay, look, save it.

I already knowwhat you're gonna say.

- Really?-yep.

You're a mom, so you're not gonna listen.

You're just gonna tell me

that I'm too young to like himand that I need to focuson my future.

Okay, well, first of all,i'm not gonna tell youyou're too young.

I met stevewhen I was 16, at a partyi had no business attending.

He was 18, and I fell for him hard.

See?

Well, honey, that's why I can understandwhat you're going through.

So, you don't thinki'm being ridiculous?

Well, you're being a girl.

And girls are ridiculous

and irrational and romantic

and sometimesjust plain foolish.

- Hey.-hey, look, I am includingmyself in that statement.

Women are justgirls with wrinklesand stretch marks.

Ew. You have stretch marks?

Okay, focus, Zoe.

Okay.

Um, look, I know what happenedbetween you and Steve,

so, what, you thinkthat's just gonna happento me, right?

Oh, honey, it better not.

I got pregnanttwo years afterwardstrying to hold on to him.

Oh, wait. Look,i'm not getting pregnant.

I'm going to law school.

Zoe, that's exactlywhat I'm saying, honey.

Just go out thereand live out your dreams.

And if those dreamsare supposed to include"Mr. Henge,"

well, they willwhen it's time.

And he...

I don't know.If he becomes rich and famous,

well, girl, let him do his thing

'cause your stock only goes upas you mature.

- Eh?-okay, and by "stock,"you mean value, right?

Yes, value.

Zoe, I made a lot of mistakesin my life.

And I have become strongerbecause of them.

And I know you're gonnamake your share, too,

but if there's any waythat I can help youavoid the big ones,

I'd like to help you do that.

- (Laughing)-okay.

Look,

I promise you,

when you get to collegeand you see all thosecute little frat boys

getting degrees in medicine,

Mr. Stonehenge won't seemlike the wonder of the worldthat he is today.

Okay. Okay.

But, I mean, for nowyou have to admithe is pretty hot.

(Chuckles) yeah, if you likethat grungy,
"i haven't washedmy hair in two weeks,

"two months, ew, two years" look.

Girl, that boy is a mess.

(Laughs)

Hey, do you smellthat peach cobbler?

(Sighs)

Fresh out of the oven.

Well, suggestion.

Since Wesley's moving out, how about Nana just move in?

Oh, honey, who needstwo know-it-all mothersin one house?

You know what? (Clicks tongue)

Yeah, I thinkyou're kind of right.

Aliyah: one is plenty.Trust me.

So, you're really leaving, huh?

Wesley: yeah.

Don't you think you're hurtingyour mom's feelingsby leaving?

Did you hurtyour mom's feelingswhen you left?

I don't know.

Well, at least I'm leavingfor a good reason.

Not like I'm leavingfor some stupid guy.

That's not entirely true, okay?

I mean, I've always wantedto live with my dad,

and I wonderif I'd be different

had he raised meinstead of my mom.

- So...-yeah.

Yeah.

(Footsteps approaching)

You ready?

Mom, am I hurtingyour feelings?

A little.

Mom, I don't mean to.It's just...

Baby, look, I know.

Look, don't worry.I'll be fine.

In fact, I've got, um,

miss Zoe here to workon that one good nervei got left.

You can count on me.

- I know.- (Knocking on door)

That's him.

- Hey.-what's up, dad?

Hey. How you feel, baby?

I'm good. I'm already packed.

Good, good, good.

Actually, I want to talkto you about this whole, you know, living situation.

Zoe, could you give usa minute?

Oh, yeah.

- Hey, Wes, come see mebefore you leave, okay?-All right.

- Hi.-hey.

- You good, champ?-Yeah.

Good, good. Have a seat, man.I want to talk to youabout something.

Listen, Wes, I know...

I know you're excited, right?

And I'm excited, too, about this moving thing, but I really think that...

I think you should stayhere with your mom, okay?

Look, why would youtransfer schoolsin your senior year?

Dad, most of my friendshave already graduated.It's not really a big...

Still, still, son, i just think it's best, man.

Let me tell you, man, my...

My working hoursare crazy, dude.I work long...

It's not likei need a babysitter, dad.

I know.

Aliyah, come on.You gonna help meout here or what?

You know what, Steve? Why don't youjust enlighten us?

'Cause I honestlycan't think of a good
reasonwhy he shouldn't go with you.

Okay, son.

How do I say this? Umm...

My life right?

My life justain't set up to beno full-time parent, son.

What does that mean?

It means you're just gonnahave to come on the weekends, all right?

It means thatwe're gonna still go out,

you know, we're gonna play ball,

go all the fun placeswe go when you come and visit,

but, Wes, I'm not madefor this, man.

(Stammering) going outto help you find
your collegesand doing homework...

Dude, I ain't ready for that, dawg.

Dad, you're gonnahave to get ready.

You've had 17 years.How long do you need?

- You need to watch your tone.-No.

No? Aliyah, tell him.

(Sighs)

Wait. Wait. Where you going? You need to talk to this...

Stop waiting on my momto smooth things over.

Just say it... You don't want meto live with you.

No, son, you got it all wrong.

No, no, say I'll bean inconvenience.

Say I'll get in the way.Just be honest with me.

Okay.

Okay, Wes, you want meto be honest with you?

I will be honest with you.

I have given you everythingi have to give, son!

I don't have no more!

I don't... I don't knowanything else, okay?

But what I do know isi want what's best for you.

- Yeah, that's an excuse.-No.

Okay, call it whatever... Whatever you want to call it.

All right?

All I knowhow to do is win, Wes.

That's it.

Hear me out, all right?

Let's just sayyou move in with me.

What if I'm not the fatherthat you need me to be, man?

That makes mea failure, right?

My father was a failure!

He was a loser, man!

I ain't gonna beno loser, Wes.

The losing stops here.

Look, dad,i'm not a football game.

- I'm your son, okay?-I know who you are.

You are my son, and I love you dearly, man,

but that's exactlywhy you need to behere with your mother.

Listen, having aliyahraise you was the best thingi've ever done.

And there it is.

There it is, son.

All right? Now, you justgonna have to man upabout this whole thing.

Oh, that's funny.

You expect me to be a man, but you never been thereto teach me how.

Tell you something, son.

You upset, and I got that.

You have every rightto be upset,

but I will not stand hereand be disrespected by my son.

Well, then leave.

What?

There's the door. Leave.

Now, Wesley,

I didn't want it to endon these terms, son.

All I wanted from youwas to really seethat you being here

was your best chanceof winning.

Yeah, I see that factclear as day now.

Why would I go somewherei'm not wanted?

Don't say that, man.

You are wanted, Wesley.You're wanted, son.

No, I'm not.

You just want itto look that way.

(Stammering) okay, Wesley... Come on.

Wesley...

(Door closes)

- Leaving so soon?- (Door closes)

That boy acts just like you.You know that?

Oh, good.

(Chuckles)'cause the last thingthe world needs

is another jerk.

Aliyah, come on.That's not fair.

You... I have provided wellfor Wesley.

And, Steve, I thank you.

For every check you wrote,

every deposit you made, every gift you've given.

And now,

I understand more than everthat you gave him

the only thingthat you had to give.

(Stammering) what the hellis that supposed to mean?

All I'm good foris some money?

You're actions saidwhat you could never saywith words.

You know this is your fault, don't you?

(Stammering) you could haveavoided all of this.

All you had to do wastell the boy "no."

Everything all right?

Wesley's upset.

Wesley will be stayingwith us.

Steve: um, yeah.

Bro, he gonna be stayingwith y'all.

You know, I got, umm...

I got this crazy job.

You know, my schedule...

I got to put in a lot of time, you know?

You work a lot.You know exactlywhat I'm saying.

- You understand?-Mm.

Tell Wes I'll be byto pick him up this weekend,
take him to a baseball game.

Aliyah: oh, no, no, no, no, Steve.

Wesley will call youif and when he wantsto see you.

Oh, no, no, no.

(Stammering) you won't keep me from my son.

But I will.

If that's what it would taketo keep you fromcontinuously hurting him.

And if I remember correctly, you haven't paid child supportin over a year,

and I know you don't wantto go to court.

Look, I pay for that carhe's driving, all right? That's child support.

Well, you tell thatto the judge.

If Wesley wantsto talk to you, he'll call.

If not, lay back.

I mean, come on, bro.With your...

With your hecticwork schedule,

you won't have that much timeon your hands anyway, huh?

Right?

Aliyah: goodbye, Steve.

(Steve sighing)

(Sighs)

(Exhaling) so, you knewhe wasn't moving in, didn't you?

(Sighs)

The momentwesley mentioned it,

Steve broke outinto a cold sweat.

Hmm. Mm.

(Sighs) you know, I'm just so sorryhe had to find out that way.

Yeah, don't worry about him.He'll be all right.

- You know, maybe I justshould have said "no."-Mm.

You know, been the mean old mom, as always,

- and then stevewould still be his hero.-Hey, stop.

Look at me.

You did the right thing, okay?

You helped your sontake his first stepsinto manhood.

- You think?-Absolutely.

You let him know that

everything that glittersis not always gold.

And that sometimes,

the best gifts

are right up under your nose.

- Really?-yeah.

- Under your nose?-Under your...

Yeah, under your nose.

For real?

(Stammering) what are you doing?

(Chuckling)

I'm moving under your nose.

- No, no, see, i already know that, you know?-Mmm-hmm.

I'm blessed.

- You know, what you need to do...-Ah-huh.

Or should I say, I need to do

is to get upunder your nose...

- Get up under my nose?-Oh, yeah...

- Mmm-hmm.-and let you see my shine.

- Your shine?-My shine.

- That baby shine?- (Knocking door)

- (Laughing)-why is it...

- Every time?-Okay, you hold that thought, okay?

Oh, wait a minute.You know what?

That might be Jasmine.

Oh! Okay, in that case, you get it.

- No, no, no, no, no.-No, no, no, no, no.

See, you... you are on a roll.

- You hear me?-Baby, please?

No, no, no. Keep it going.

I will go upstairsand let Zoe knowher mother's here, okay?

- You know what I'm saying?-Okay.

Can we finish that later?

(Laughing)

Okay.

Jasmine.

Aliyah. Is Zoe ready?

Jay went upstairs to get her.

Would you liketo have something to drink?

No.

Okay, well, would youat least have a seat?

Okay, Jasmine,i'll just get right to it.

I wanted to apologize to you

for anything I have ever saidor done

that made you feeluncomfortable.

You have done an excellent jobof raising Zoe.

Okay, could you not look at melike that?

(Chuckling) i'm trying to be serious.

Wow. Okay, um...

I accept your apology.

- (Clearing throat)-And?

What?

(Sighs)

I mean, aren't yougonna apologizefor disrespecting my marriage?

No.

I mean, 'cause I always didwonder why Jay, you know, married you.

Yeah, but then Zoe told methat you were a good cook,

so I was just assumingthat was it.

I mean, what else could it be?

- (Chuckling)-you...

Girl, I'm kidding.

I'm kidding.

(Both laughing)

I was about to say,"girl, you better step..."

I know.I saw it in your eyes.

(Laughing)

Can I be honest with you?

Please do.

(Exhaling) all right.

This is really hard for meto admit, but, um...

I can never really understand

why Jay left me and zoeand took

you and your son in.

I mean, it's like he tradedone for the other.

But, Jasmine, we met over two yearsafter you two divorced.

No, I know, but it doesn't matter,

'cause when he refers to you,

it's likeyou're his fresh start,

and like we were so awful,

like he had to havesomething new.

And that...

That really hurt.

And so I blamed you for it.

Words are powerful.

Yes, they are.

So, I'm hopingthat these next twoare just as powerful.

I'm sorry.

Your mother's right. We...

We can't keep doing thisto the kids.

Oh, god,i'm so happy we did this.

I'm just so sorry.

- Mm.-so overdue.

Yes. Believe it.

(Both laughing)

Jasmine: speaking of grown, you are not wearingthose shoes.

Oh, well, Aliyah saidi could wear them.

Zoe only moved hereso she can go to schoolwith stonehenge.

Oh, you started it.

Stonehenge, huh?

- That's not entirely true.-Uh-huh.

- I mean, come on, mom.-Let's go, young lady.

Let's be very logicalabout this.

Jasmine: yeah, well, we gonna be logical.

- Zoe: I'm saying to be logicalabout all of this.-Okay.

Mm.

Jay: I told you those shoeswere too grown.

Well, I can alwaystake them back

- and exchange themfor my size.-Mm.

- (Chuckles)-see, that was your planall along, wasn't it?

Of course not.

I thought we weretalking about, you know, brutal honesty.

- Brutal honesty?-Brutal honesty.

- Okay. Well, then someone...-Where are you going?

Needs to explain this.

- Oh. Wow. That old thing?-Mmm.

I'd forgotten all about that.

- That old thing?-Mm-hmm.

Don't you mean the new hatthat Zoe bought you?

No, baby, that's not new.

(Stammering) that's my old hat.

That's... you know what I mean?

- Mm-hmm.-you know, i don't change my style.

You don't change your style?

- No, mm-hmm, mmm-hmm.-Mmm-hmm.

(Chuckles)

Wesley: oh, whoa, whoa, whoa.

(Stammering) let's not do this right now.

Wow, wow.

(Stammering) well, how can I help you?

And you want another one?

Baby, by the timewe get some alone time,

- we'll be too oldto appreciate it.-Jay: Mmm.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.Okay, mom, look, look, look...

- I'm reconsidering.-All right, listen, listen.

(Jay laughs)

Mom, look, I just want to sayi'm sorry.

Aliyah: why are you apologizing?

Just for all of the yearsof just giving youa hard time.

Oh, Wesley, you have been a very good son,

and I don't haveany complaints.

Unless you consider the tattooyou snuck off and got,

the nose piercing,

the broken bonesafter you fell offthe skateboard,

and then you got... oh!

You know, now that I think about it,

you owe mea few more apologies.

- Yeah.-yeah.

Well, how about I startby cooking dinner tonight?

(Squealing) cook... Cooking what?

Let's see. I can doa little croque monsieur, some soupe du jour.

Croque ...

- What's that?- (Jay laughing)

- Ham and cheese sandwicheswith the soup of the day.-Oh!
And what's that?

What we got in the cabinet?

We don't have any soup, wesley.

Then it's just croque monsieur.

- Okay, monsieur. - Croque monsieur.

Okay.

All right, let me goand try to makesome real dinner.

- Jay: I'm gonna comeand help you out.-Uh-huh.

Yeah? What? What? What's going on?

- Hey, uh...-Hmm?

Look, Jay...

Yeah?

Pops...

I appreciate you.

Wes, I love you.

All right?

All right.

I love you, too.

Come here.

All right, let's go in thereand help her out beforeshe burns something up.

And let's get your frenchtogether, too.

Wait. Wait. Hold on.What's wrong with my...

Voulez vous coucher a ce soir...

Yo, you gonnalearn about that.

That's the frenchyou need learn.

- How much?-Aliyah?

- Wesley?-oh, wow.

Zoe?

Come on down here.

(Jay humming)

- Babe, baby, you come over here, too.-Jay: Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.

- Okay.-look at that cake!

Jay: look at that there!

- Hey, hey, hey.-M.I.A. Just likehis common sense.

Yeah, we don't knowwhere your hand's been.

- What's going on with you?-Wesley: Come on, now.

(Chuckling)

Well, everybody, umm...

Wesley, baby, did you do what I asked youto with those cards?

- Yes, ma'am.-I need them right now.

- All right.-All right.

Jay: andale! Andale!

Ma, what's going on?

Well, I asked wesleyto have you all write down

some promises for our familyon the cards.

Oh, yeah, that's right.I did that.

Yeah, me too.

I didn't.

Thank you, baby.

Great.

Mm-hmm.

Zoe.

Okay. For you.

And Jay.

Oh. Oh. Thank you.

Wow.

- Everybody...-Jay: mm-hmm?

These are your new vows.

Ma, what are youtalking about?

(Chuckles)

The regular wedding vowswork for thosesimple marriages,

you know, where there'sjust a husband and a wife, but...

(Chuckles) this situation...

This is not regular.

- To say the least, right?-Yeah, amen.

So, um, I thinkit would be wonderful

if we would all just, uh,

say our vowsso that we can allbe involved.

So, Zoe, baby, since you're the youngest, i want you to start us off

and start off by saying,"i, Zoe..."

Zoe: okay.

(Clears throat)

"I, Zoe, promise not to lie,

"cheat, or stealfrom my family.

"I will always tell youwhen I'm not doing okay,

"and I will ask if I can helpif I see someone elseis not okay.

- "Daddy..."-hmm? Yeah?

"I promise to make you proud

"so that you neverhave to look away

"when someone mentionsmy name, like adrianne's dad."

- Aww, baby.-Uh, pick me. Who's adrianne?

- Yeah.-her stripper friend.

She's not a stripper.She's a go-go dancer.

Oh, well, that's good news.Thank you.

Lord, I hope somebody promisedto stay on one subjectat a time.

- Would you please continue?-Yeah.

Um, "mom, I promiseto listen to youand always take your advice.

"Wesley..."

Well, that's all I got.

Aww. Aww.

All right, baby, you're next.

(Clears throat) All right.

"I, Wesley, promise to bethe strong, confident leader

"that my pops has alwaysencouraged me to be.

"I promise to stayfocused in school,

"and I promise to alwaysput my family first

"and appreciateevery little thing

"like it were a pairof brand-new kicks."

That's it.

Aliyah?

I don't have a card.

(Chuckles)

Wow.

Magic.

Bam.

"I, Aliyah,

"promise to always lovemy family unconditionally.

"I promise to be therewhenever I'm needed, even when I'm not.

- "And, Jay..."-Hmm?

"I will never let anythingcome between our love,

"and that includesour alien monster teenagers."

Did she just call us aliens?

(Laughs)

- Jay?-yeah? Yeah?

- Would you, please?-Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

(Clears throat)

"I, Jay, promise to bethe protector and the providerfor this family.

"I will be therefor you individually,

"whenever you need,

"and never look at anyoneas an inconvenience or bother.

"I will always communicatemy feelings and not keep thembottled up."

(Squeals) "communicate."I need to add that to mine.

"I will also make sure thati don't interrupt my wifewhile she's speaking."

- (Chuckles)-sorry.

It's okay, baby.

"Aliyah, I promiseto put you first,

"right behind god.

"I will respect your voice,

"your opinions,

"and your suggestions.

"I will respect it all

"because I love you."

I love you.

I love all of you, okay?

Dad, that was so sweet.

- Thank you, baby.- (Chuckles)

Nana, what about your vows?

Oh, yes, can youplease promise

that you will make usdessert every week,

even when we go off to school?

(Clears throat)

I promise that I will go offon anybody that doesn'tkeep their vows.

Come on, Nana.Give us some real vows.

Well, I promiseto remind this family...

* god can do anything

* anything

* oh, oh, ooh

* but

* fail

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* he can do anything

* whoa, oh, oh

* anything but fail

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* there is nothing too hard for god *

- listen.-come on, mama.

- Come on.- (Laughs)

* just ask old Daniel

* when he was in the lion's den

* it looked mighty bad

* the situation he was in

* but he wasn't worried

* because he knew that god was there

* when that mean old lion

* turned into a Teddy bear

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* he can do anything

* whoa, oh, oh

* anything but fail

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* there is nothing too hard for god

* just ask the women

* with the issue of blood

* went from doctor to doctor

* but they could not stop the flood

* stop the flood

* she reached out to Jesus

* because she knew that she must

* touch the hem of his garment

* because one touch would be enough

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* he can do anything

* oh, oh, oh

* anything but fail

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* there is nothing too hard for god *

listen.

* Well, if you got a problem

* that you cannot seem to bear

* just call on Jesus

* I guarantee he'll be there

* he'll be right there

* it is no secret

* what the lord can do

* like he did it for them

* he'll do the same for you

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* he can do anything

* whoa, oh, oh

* anything but fail

* god can do anything

* anything * anything

* anything, anything but fail

* there is nothing too hard for god *

y'all ready? Come on.

* He can do

* he can do it

* yes, he can

* anything but fail

* I know

* yes, he can, can, can

* anything but fail

* he can open doors that were closed in your face

* I, I know

* that god can do anything

* I know

* hey, hey, hey, hey

* anything but fail

* if you believe that god can do anything

* if y'all believe that god can do anything

* wave your hands *

come on, y'all.

* Hey, hey, hey, hey

* anything but fail

* he can do it

* he can do it

* whatever you need

* my, my, my, my, my god can

* I know

* hey, hey, hey, hey

* anything but fail

* I've tried him

* I've tried him

* whoo

* I know that I know that I know

* that I know he can

* I know

* hey, hey, hey, hey

* anything but fail

* said I tried

* he can do it

* and I found out for myself

* that I know that I know that I know that he can

* he can do it

* he can do it

* he can do it

* he can do it

* he can do it

* 'cause there's nothing too hard for god

* he can do it

* whatever you need, god's got it

* I know

* hey, hey, hey, hey

* he can do it

* yeah, ooh

* yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah *

(all cheering)

- (Laughs)-give some love. Come on.

- (All cheering)- (Knocking door)

Hold on.

Sorry.

Nana: phew!

Oh, y'all trying to kill me.

Okay, um, everyone,

I have a surprise.

This is stonehenge.

Well, hello, stonehenge.

Aliyah: hi, stonehenge.

(Chuckles)

* he can do

* he can do

* he can do it

* don't even worry 'bout it

* he can do it

* there's nothing too hard for god

* he can do it

* all you got to do is call him

* he can do it

* and, son, he'll answer

* he can do it

* he'll give you strength yes, he will

* I know

* hey, hey, hey, hey

* he can do it

* he can do it

* yeah-ah-ah *