Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story (2019) - full transcript

Morning, brothers and sisters.

Thank you for such
a beautiful start to the day.

I've been thinking
a lot about this life.

Last night, one of my
former mission companions

passed away.

He had been
struggling with demons,

not attending church.

The last time
I spoke with him,

I reminded him that
our Heavenly Father loves us

and He wants us to
spend eternity with Him

and our families.



But, that is a privilege,
one we must earn

by living the way
He wants us to.

By making
the right choices.

My heart aches for him,

and the regret
he must feel right now,

knowing that he might
be alone forever.

I ache even more
for his wife and children,

they'll never see him again.

I share this
to remind each of us,

that every day
we have breath in our lungs,

we have an opportunity to look
inward and ask ourselves,

"Are the choices we're making

bringing us closer
to the Celestial Kingdom,

or further away?"



There's nothing in this life,
no matter how tempting,

is worth losing
eternity in the next.

We in the Bishop Brick
are here if you need us.

We love you.

In the name
of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Amen.

You promised you'd help me.

They're garbage bins,
what's to decorate?

If they don't say
recycling on them,

people will think
they're trash.

Plus, they
should like nice.

Like hey, use me,
save the planet.

It's 90 degrees outside,

can't we save
the planet another day?

I told Mr. Puma I'd have
them ready for Earth Week.

The mall's air conditioned
and we can get fro-yo,

chocolate drizzle and chocolate
chips in a waffle cone.

Earth to Alex?

Since when do you
like them?

What, who?

Oh my gosh, you're as subtle
as a fart in a bathtub.

The meatheads,
you were drooling.

They're cute, so what?

I wasn't drooling.

Recycling bins this week,
I buy froyo next week.

Fine, but we're
going to my house.

Someone should invent
a portable cloud machine.

Something to block
my face from the sun.

Or, you could try
a baseball cap.

Hey, what are
you guys working on?

Alex is doing her recycling
drive for Earth Week.

Cool, you guys
remember Collette?

Yep.

Okay.

That's Hannah's
girlfriend.

Like, girlfriend
girlfriend.

I mean, can you imagine
if our parents found out?

I'm sorry.

Guys, this is Frankie.

Frankie this is my sister
Daniella and her friend Alex.

- Hi.
- Hi, yourself.

Hannah, are your friends
staying for dinner?

Yeah, is that okay?

The more the merrier.
Alex, what about you?

Sure, great. Sure.

- Hi again.
- Hi.

I'm Alex Cooper.

Alex Cooper,
in case you didn't... um...

I've never seen you
at school before.

Are you over at Silverado?

I was, yeah.
I graduated last year.

Oh, cool, yeah.
I'm graduating soon, too.

I mean, I'm a sophomore,

so soon is relative.

But, given the age of universe,
it's practically like tomorrow.

Future scientist?

- Lawyer.
- Ah.

I want to live in
New York in one of those

Sex In The City penthouses

and have a driver
take me to work every day.

That sounded totally lame.

No, I was gonna say fancy.

What about you?

I dunno,
I haven't figured it out.

I can't think of anything
that I'd actually want to do

for the rest
of my life.

Travel maybe?

Backpack or first class?

Backpack. You?

Both, I guess.

No, you have to pick one.

Okay, first class.

Snow or tropical?

- Snow.
- Tropical.

Hotel or home?

- Home.
- Home.

But not in Victorville.

Definitely not, no.

So, how do you know
Hannah and Collette?

I met them
at a rave in LA.

Same night they met
each other, actually.

I hear Colette's gay.

Does that bother you?

No, not at all.

It's fine, whatever.

Good, cause I am too

and I was kind of hoping
we could be friends.

♪ I see your face
in my dreams at night, ♪

♪ yeah I hear your
voice in my head ♪

♪ I feel your touch
and I don't wanna fight it ♪

♪ I want you now instead. ♪

♪ It's time now that
I make my move yeah, ♪

♪ the only thing
that I know. ♪

♪ I found out I've got
nothing to lose, no. ♪

♪ Without you, I'm alone. ♪

♪ I'm coming home,
my bags are packed. ♪

Goodnight!

♪ No there's no turning back,
I'm coming home, ♪

♪ cause it's been too long. ♪

♪ I'm coming home,
back where I belong ♪

♪ I'm coming home. ♪

♪ ♪

If you guys
are all about love,

why does Daniella care
if her sister's happy?

It's complicated.

Have you ever
been religious?

Oh my God, you're not going
to try to convert me are you?

No, I was just curious.

I like churches,
like the ones in Europe

that are centuries old.

I see pictures them
and I feel, I dunno, quiet.

I think if I ever visited one,
I'd probably pitch a tent

in the back
and never leave.

Why don't you go
visit those churches?

You're done with school.

My mom needs me. Someday.

Hey, I really can't stomach
the pizza in this place.

Are you guys up for the buffet
or the burger joint?

- We can do tacos again?
- Let's go to LA.

What?

Like, right now, why not?

Because it's two
and a half hours away

and I have a history
test on Monday.

Plus, you'd be grounded
for like five years.

Collette?

I have work tonight, sorry.

I'll go.

- Hey.
- Hi.

- So.
- So.

Can I hold your hand?

Yeah, sure.

♪ ♪

♪ Things are not
what they seem. ♪

♪ You tried but I
won't let you in ♪

♪ Can we go to
the start again? ♪

♪ In the night
my mind runs wild ♪

♪ All I want is
for you to be here. ♪

♪ In the night
my mind runs wild ♪

♪ all I want
is so crystal clear ♪

♪ ♪

♪ 19 and I can't sleep ♪

♪ All I want is to go
back inside your head ♪

♪ Hey Hey ♪

♪ Hey ♪

I wish this were
the real world.

It is.

You know what I mean.

Let's pretend we're
on a deserted island.

Just you, me
and some coconut trees.

We can't live
entirely on coconuts.

Okay, you and me,
some coconut trees

and a personal chef
to cook us whatever we want.

But he stays on the other
side of the island, right?

We don't want
him hovering.

Yeah, of course not,
that would just be weird.

We can have this, Alex.

All you have to do
is say yes.

Yes.

What's going on?

I'll assume this is her, then?

I'll leave you to it.

Thank you for
your help, officer.

No problem.

I didn't mean to
worry you guys.

I left a note.

Don't disrespect us
by lying any more

than you already have.

Your mother called
Sister Lopez.

Daniella said you
went into the city.

Were you at a party?

No.

Was there any
alcohol there?

Were there boys?

I'm not a kid, Mom.

So, that's a yes.

I'm not doing
anything stupid.

I can take care of myself.

Is ditching school
taking care of yourself?

And last year
with the pot smoking?

I said I was sorry.

If you were sorry, you wouldn't
keep putting yourself in danger.

We were up all night.

To school and back
until further notice.

I heard you were
grounded for life.

Daniella won't
even talk to me.

She said she
was really worried.

She doesn't like Frankie,
or Colette by the way.

I know.

Are you gay?

No, no, Colette's
just one time.

I'll meet a return missionary
and get married in the temple

and have kids
like everyone else.

Why? Are you?

No. No way, no.

I should go,
Daniella's waiting.

What if your mom
needs something?

Once she's asleep,
she's out until dawn at least.

I'm always up
before she is, anyway.

I'm really glad
you're here.

Me too.

Just so you know,
I've never done this before.

I don't need this
to like you, Alex.

You're smart
and funny

and you bowl
for, but...

I do not.

You set a world record
for most gutter balls.

Which is still an achievement,
thank you very much.

All I'm saying is,
we can just hang out.

I like being with you.

I don't want to
just hang out.

What happens on Sunday?

I don't want you
sitting in church

feeling horrible
because of me.

I won't.

If I do,
I'll get over it.

Alex.

I know I'm not

supposed to feel this way

but it feels right.

You feel right.

I don't know
what that means, but...

I have to believe
I met you for a reason.

It's noon, get dressed.

Where were you last night?

Was it that boy again?

The one you snuck
out with before?

No.

I assume he's
a non-member.

Can we please
just drop it?

Your mother asked
you a question.

I don't want to
talk about it.

Are you having sex, Alex?

- What?
- Your neck.

Does he know what this
behaviour could cost you?

Does he have any idea
all that you have to lose?

It's not what
you guys think.

Then what is it, Alex?

Because frankly,
we have no idea.

It was a girl, okay?

I like girls.

No, you don't.

I do.

I'm sorry, but I do.

Mom?

Get out of this house.

Go!

I told them I like girls
and they kicked me out.

, Alex I'm so sorry.

You can stay with me.

No, they know you're 18.

They want to
know who you are.

Oh my God,
they want to arrest me?

They just need time to adjust,
they're scared.

Alex.

I haven't told them
anything and I won't.

I promise.

Everything's
gonna be okay.

It'll all blow over,
trust me.

Frankie!

, I have to
get back in to work.

I'll talk to you soon.

I'm...

I don't really think
I have a home anymore, so...

We thank thee for the food

we are about to eat

and the blessings we
share as a family.

In the name
of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Amen.

Alex, I spoke with
your parents last night.

They asked about me?

They did.

They didn't want us
to tell you,

but we thought we should.

They're coming to
pick you up this morning.

They're taking you to Utah

to stay with your
grandparents for a while.

Oh, okay.

Well, on the upside
you guys get your couch back.

They're early.

- Hello.
- Hi.

We're just having
breakfast here.

Okay.

Time to go, Alex.

Is anyone
going to talk to me?

You'll be staying
with your grandparents

for a couple of weeks, honey.

I need to use
the restroom.

Okay.

Hey.

Hey, why are you whispering?

I don't have much time,
I'm on my way to Utah.

What?

They're having me spend
a few weeks at my grandparents.

They're that traumatized?

Frankie.

I know, I'm sorry. Utah?

It'll be fine.

I used to spend my
summers out there.

I'm their favourite
grandkid.

I'm not sure how much
I'll be able to call,

given that you are
the devil that dragged me

out of the celestial
kingdom by my vagina.

And listen,
you don't have to...

I mean, if you
meet someone cool.

Uh, I did already,
so shut up about it.

See you in
a few weeks then?

Yeah, I'll see you
in a few weeks.

Where are we?

Why are grandma
and grandpa here?

Dad, who's house is this?

Mom, what's happening?

Mom?

Dad, are you gonna let me
know what's going on?

Why are you
taking my stuff?

Dad?

Come on, come on, come on.

Don't make this harder
than it needs to be.

Alex, I'm Tiana Simms,

this is my husband, Johnny.

What am I doing here?

We've been
thinking and um...

We're just so worried
about you, sweetheart.

You're at an age where
you think you know things

that you don't, and...

And there are
consequences.

You need to
change course, Alex.

So you're going to be staying
with the Simms for a while.

What?

They've helped
people like you before.

You mean,
people who like girls?

You can be here
three months

or you can be here three years,
it's up to you.

Three years?

Like Johnny said,
it is up to you.

Work the program,
get better,

you'll be home
before you know it.

No, no way,
I'm not doing this.

It's not your choice to make.

So you know, Tiana
and I have both served

in the juvenile system
here in town.

Which means we
know everybody.

Police, schools, courts,
they all know us and trust us.

And they know we take in
troubled kids like you.

So, you won't get away with
any of your usual nonsense here.

Mom, please don't do this.

Dad.

You can't let them
leave me here.

We can't let you just
fall away, honey.

If you were drowning.

I'm not, I'm not drowning. Mom!

- Do you have the papers?
- What papers?

What are those?
Are those about me?

You're our
responsibility now.

What?

No, these people
are complete strangers.

You're not seriously
leaving me here with them.

No, Dad, you can't leave.
You don't know them!

Mom, mom, mom.

Please don't leave.

No, mom please!

Please don't leave me,
please no!

Let's go.

Immodest.

This is just
asking for trouble.

None of these.

No wonder
you're here with us.

No phones, either.

These are the clothes you'll
wear while you stay with us.

Okay.

The boy should be
done reading by now.

I'll have Henry get
snacks for the kids.

Change clothes.

House rules.

One, don't talk
to the kids.

Two, don't take anything
that's not yours.

Three, do what we say
and you'll be fine.

Four, don't forget we know
everyone in this town

and everyone trusts us,

so it's your word
against ours.

Five, the more
uncomfortable you are,

the more you'll grow.

Heavenly Father never
gives us burdens

that are too great to bear.

Remember that
on the hard days.

Questions?

When can I talk
to my parents?

Once a week,
if you act right.

And when can I see
my grandparents?

Not for a while.

Once you prove we can trust you,

we might take you
to church with us,

but even then we don't
want them talking to you.

Change is hard,
you need to focus.

Three months,
or until you're 18.

It's all up to you.

Boys homework, girls play.

I have a joke.

Don't listen to him.

Everyone, everyone settle.

This is Alex.

Alex, that's Damon and Henry,
we're helping them, too.

And these are our kids.

Can I get you
anything to eat?

No, I'm fine, thank you.

Get back, play.

Can I go back to the room?

Goodnight,
I love you Emma.

Johnny, it's time to go!

We have an appointment
at the alternative high school.

You'll do lessons here with us
while you rehabilitate.

Kept me up all night,

I'd only just gone
to sleep when you came in.

Maybe it's time
to try the chiropractor

Sister Franklin
recommended.

The consultation's free.

Consultation's
free and then what?

I've gotta get my
prescription, babe.

I know, I'll figure it out.

How far did you say you were
from my grandparents again?

We didn't.

I work in youth
treatment, sweetie.

I've met 10 year old's
sneakier than you.

We're open eight to four,
Monday to Friday.

Make sure you bring the records
from his previous school

and any paperwork
from the judge.

You're so very welcome.

Good to see you Tiana,
and you must be Alex.

From California,
is that right?

Yeah.

She's all mine for now.

Let me just
enter this in the system,

we'll get her packets
and you can be on your way.

What do you want?

Are you eating yet?

I'm not hungry.

But I do need to
go to the bathroom.

Make it fast.

I need help, please.

No habla Ingles.

Phone, por favor?

Phone, phone.

Hello?

Frankie, it's me!

Alex, where are you?

My parents sent me to this
place in Utah with these people

I don't even know.

They're making me live with them
and they took away everything.

- My clothes, my phone...
- Alex!

No please,
I want to come home!

We said no phone.

Someone help.
Please help me!

These people aren't my parents,
I don't even know them.

Please,
no you have to help me!

Help, no!
Someone!

Please help!

Get in the car!

You think
you're smarter than us?

You think we haven't dealt
with kids like you before?

You're wrong.

Stand up.

This is what happens when
you try things like that.

We warned you.

Before we get started,

we have a new member
of the household.

Does anyone know
why Alex is here?

Because she was bad?

Was she arrested?

Did she steal something?

No, but those are
all very good guesses.

She's here because she
made some bad choices

and she got confused

and now she
thinks she's gay.

It's a choice
that some people make,

but that's not how
Heavenly Father created us.

Now, I know you were
taught the plan of salvation,

but do you really
understand it?

I do.

Then you understand how
choosing that lifestyle

makes it impossible
for Heavenly Father

to let you into
the Celestial Kingdom.

Frankly, I don't see how
he can love you like that

but he is forgiving.

He doesn't want you
to be all alone,

away from your family forever.

Damon, name a time
when you felt like

you had to wait
forever for something.

My court date.

Waiting to hear if
I get probation or jail.

Henry?

Senior year of high school,

I just wanted to
get out of there.

Alex?

The drive here.

A few weeks,
a few months,

a few hours.

What if you were
still waiting, right now?

Feeling that pit
in your stomach,

all those nerves.

Imagine you had to feel
that until everyone

in this room was dead.

Until everyone
on Earth was dead.

Until the sun was dead,
the planet itself.

Imagine,
all that time.

And that is nothing
compared to eternity,

nothing.

And that's why
you're here, Alex.

Tiana and I,
we want to help you

so you don't ever
have to suffer like that.

Hi, you'll probably
never read this

but I'll write it anyway,

because why
the hell not?

Look, I'm even
cursing now.

Well, privately anyway.

These people say they'll keep me
until I'm 18 or cured,

whatever
that means.

I think my parents
would actually let them.

I'm mad and sad.

I'm scared.

I never get to
leave the house.

People come over
and I'm invisible.

I talk to Mom once a week,

Dad sometimes.

But they're not
real conversations.

I know my parents think
they're doing the right thing,

but I wish they could
love me the way I am.

Parents must be watchful,

ever vigilant,

to ensure that wickedness
such as homosexuality

does not infect
their family circle.

There are those that say
such unnatural tendencies

are inborn
and cannot be overcome,

not so.

Our Heavenly Father
loves his children.

Why would he
do that to anyone?

The only thing
that keeps me going sometimes

is knowing you're
looking for me

and I might get
to see you again.

But of course,
I also worry.

What if they
find you first?

I hope you're looking
at the moon right now,

I like the idea of us
seeing the same thing.

It makes the world
feel smaller

and this place
not so far way.

Good night.

You're going to
church today.

Every soul
confined in a prison of sin

has a key to that gate

and that key
is called repentance.

What a blessing that is.

The opportunity
to start each day anew

in the name
of Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Amen.

♪ ♪

♪ Come, come ye saints, ♪

♪ no toil
or labour fear. ♪

♪ What a joy
wend your way. ♪

♪ Though hard to you ♪

♪ this journey may appear, ♪

♪ Grace shall be
as your day. ♪

♪ 'Tis better far ♪

♪ for us to strive ♪

♪ Our useless cares ♪

♪ from us to drive; ♪

♪ Do this, and joy ♪

♪ your hearts will swell ♪

♪ All is well! ♪

♪ All is
well! ♪

Green beans?

Get six.

What else did she say?

More chicken broth.

Hey, do you see
a smile on my face

like I just won the lottery?

Um, no.

Get the two for ones.

Sorry.

Trust me,
if we were made of money,

we'd be living with
our kids, that's it.

- Chicken broth you said?
Yeah.

Oh, I had a question
about chicken broth.

Last time I was here...

I'm sorry about this.

I've told her it's not funny
to play pranks on people.

Stop, ow stop, please!

I want to pick up on
Bishop Carver's talk

from last Sunday
about prisons of sin.

I want to hear about
the things that got you here.

And we want you to be honest.

Henry?

I was ditching school,
getting bad grades.

I kissed a boy
in my music class

and that was all wrong.

So, thank you for
showing me the way

Heavenly Father
wants me to live.

Damon?

I was hanging out
with the wrong crowd.

Started stealing,
got caught.

I'm grateful the judge offered
that you guys could show me

a better path,
so I don't throw my life away.

Good.

Alex?

I fell in love.

How should we refer
to her anyway?

The dyke?

The lesbo?
The homo?

Her name is Frankie.

Frankie.

What's Frankie's
last name?

She's older
than you, isn't she?

She saw a troubled girl
and she took advantage.

You weren't gay before.

Yes, I was.

You can't change if you
keep protecting her, Alex.

Like we've said,

you can stick with
the problems that got you here,

or you can choose
obedience and happiness.

It's up to you.

If it were up to me,
I wouldn't be here at all.

No one talks,
no one moves.

Where are you gonna go?

Your continued defiance
is a problem, Alex.

You're so determined
to hold onto

this false belief
about yourself,

that you're ignoring
who you truly are.

Since you can't feel
the spiritual burden

of homosexuality,

we're giving you

something physical
to serve as a reminder.

You'll wear this from
morning through evening

until you get it.

Now.

Are you ready to give us
Frankie's last name?

Henry, go get
another rock.

Make it a good sized one,
or you'll wear a backpack, too.

I'd have taken
the jail time.

If you want to
screw yourself, fine,

but do not
mess this up for me.

Johnny.

It's okay.

Don't talk to anyone,
not even me.

I have a job here to do today,
you're just here to observe

and see how good
you've got it.

What are they here for?

Drinking, drugs,
arrested for this or that,

all headed down
the wrong path in some way.

Being a parent, you'll do
anything, give anything.

But a place like this
costs an arm and two legs

and some families
just don't have it.

That's why we do what we do,
me and Johnny.

If you don't make this work,
this is your next stop.

And you will come here knowing
that it cost your parents

every penny they worked
their whole lives for.

I know it's a lot at first,
but it really does help.

This is what your parents want.

We told them we're not sure
if you're ready for a visit,

but since
it's Thanksgiving.

Just remember,
seeing them is a privilege

that can be taken away.

Come in Alex, come in.

So, we have good news.

We're working on moving here
to Utah to be closer to you.

What?

No.

No, you have to
take me home.

Honey,
we've talked about this.

I can't stay here with them.

Come on, don't make this
harder for your mother

than this already is.

They can't change
how I feel, Dad.

I know you think that God
wants me to be different.

You think?

Please, I don't even know
where I am on a map.

They hit me, Mom.

They make me wear
a backpack full of rocks.

You have to believe me.

Like we believed you
when you said

you were spending
the night at Daniella's?

Look at this.

Mom.

We're trying so hard.

So hard to do
the right thing here.

Look.

We're not spending
eternity without you.

Dammit, look at me!

Please.

I love you so much Alex.

Alex.

Your parents told us that
you tried to convince them

to take you home
last night,

and you also asked them
to not tell us you did that.

They want you home with them,

but everything that's happening
right now is your choice.

You're the one running from
the girl God created you to be.

Today you stop running.

Give us Frankie's
last name and address,

right now.

I have nothing
to say about her.

Jonathan.

Jesus was tempted,
we all are.

But until you're willing
to do what's right,

not only will you wear
that backpack all day,

you will wear it
facing the wall

from breakfast to bedtime.

Starting now.

Here.

No more running.

One,

two,

three,

four,

five,

six,

seven.

Time to go to bed, Alex.

Dear Heavenly Father,

please help me find
a way out of here.

1,972...

Please help me.

Help me.

Help me.

Please.

Elder Sanders,
Thompson, come in.

I hope you like pasta.

We love anything we don't
have to cook ourselves,

thank you for having us.

Thanks so much,
Brother Simms.

Hey, Elder.

At this rate,
I'll never get back to work.

We'll see what the PT
has to say on Monday.

He's useless, T!

Bend this,
stretch that,

how is any of that
supposed to help?

Kids, go play
in your room.

Damon, Henry,
shovel the walk.

Alex, go check the pantry,

see how much ramen
we have left.

We could kick you out, you know.

Then what would you do?

Dear Mom and Dad.

I want you to know
how much I love you.

I know you love me, too.

I know you do.

I wish I could be who
you want me to be,

or that I was good enough
just the way I am.

I know you thought
this would help,

but I can't do it anymore.

Fight them,
fight you,

fight something in me
that can't be fixed.

Thanks for calling earlier
to wish me happy birthday.

16, so weird.

I wish I'd gotten to hear
your voices one last time.

I love you.

I'm really sorry.

Get up.

Wake up, come on Alex.

Wake up, get up!

How could you
do that in our home?

In our daughter's bedroom?

Dry off, get breakfast

and don't think
this changes anything.

This, what you did today
is just another way

of running
and we won't have it.

Sister Simms, good to see you.

- You too, Bishop.
- Alex, come on in.

So, how are you?

I want to go home.

I miss my friends,
my school,

the way it used to be
with my parents.

Have you spoken to them
since your overdose?

It wasn't an overdose.

I tried to kill myself.

Have you spoken to them?

They came to visit me
at Christmas.

I was hoping they were
going to take me home.

But, they're so worried

about the next life

they can't see what's
happening to me in this one.

Please, Bishop,
you have to help me.

No one else is.

Your parents I know
are good people.

They want what's best
for you, we all do.

I wear a backpack full of rocks.

Johnny and Tianna make me
stand at a wall all day.

I've known them
a long time.

My shoulder and back
hurt so much.

People come
to visit the house

and I'm standing
right there.

You used to do drugs,
didn't you?

Just pot
and not in forever,

and it's not about that.

I know.

There's a difference between
feelings and actions, Alex.

You can't always
choose the former,

but you can
choose the latter.

You can choose a path
that takes you closer

to our Heavenly Father

or you can choose one
that tears you from him

and we're all trying to
help you understand that.

I've tried
so hard to protect you,

to protect myself,

but I'm tired,
sad, lonely.

I'm in constant pain,
I can't sleep,

I can't stay awake.

709 more days
until I'm 18

and I just can't
do this anymore.

I'm so sorry.

I just need this to stop.

I made you some breakfast.

Thank you.

I'll get it, you sit.

Everyone's still asleep?

Yep.

Tianna.

I'm ready to quit.

Take your backpack off,
come sit.

You understand,
we just want you to be honest.

We want you
to focus on getting better,

on living the values
we teach in our home

and your parents
teach in theirs.

Her last name is Jackson.

For 52 days,
I followed every single rule.

Whenever they asked,

I told them
I was straight, cured.

52 days,
and then I finally got out.

It was just to a museum,

but it was
a whole afternoon.

That was 25 days ago.

77 days since I've
had to wear a backpack

or stand at a wall.

They're letting me
go back to school now.

They trust I'd do anything
to stay away from that wall,

and they're right.

I'm so sorry
I let you down,

I still think about you
all the time.

I hope you're safe and that
you can forgive me someday.

Tell people you moved
here to help your grandparents.

And remember,
we know all the teachers

and everyone who
works in the office.

Alright, class.

Grab our mixing bowls
and muffin tins, Rhys, Molly

if you could preheat
the ovens please.

Jason Miles Macy, 17,
obsessed with Sleigh Bells

and St Vincent,
I once jumped out

of a perfectly good airplane

and I bake extraordinary
honey oatmeal muffins.

You?

I'm Alex.

Okay Chatty Cathy,
let's start with the basics.

How old are you?

16.

Where are you from?

California, but I moved here
to help my grandparents.

In the middle of the school
year? That sucks.

At least I get to
go to school.

If you say so.

Favourite band?

I like 80s stuff,

but new stuff is cool too.

Sleigh Bells,
Tegan and Sara.

You're sitting with me
at lunch, by the way.

It's okay, I'm actually
kind of allergic to sunlight.

I guess we're
sitting inside then.

This is Carol Lynn's room,
you'll love her.

Cookie cutter relief
society president,

she is not.

Carol Lynn's Mormon?

Uh, yeah.

Carol Lynn, Alex.

Alex, Carol Lynn Nielson,
English teacher extraordinaire

and maintainer
of my sanity

amidst the madness
of this world.

Lovely to meet you, Alex.

You too,
Mrs. Nielsen.

Please call me Carol Lynn
or you'll make me feel old.

Did you just move here?

From California.

I'm here to help
my grandparents.

I'm sure they
appreciate that.

So, what did you do at your
school back home, any clubs?

Carol Lynn coaches
the debate club,

the environmental club
and the gay straight alliance.

Alex did a recycling drive
before coming out here,

maybe she should join
the environmental club?

I forgot my lunch in my locker,
nice to meet you.

I spoke to Mr. Ballard
this afternoon,

he said you were a nice
addition to his math class.

Good, I'm glad
to hear that.

And Jennine said
you passed by the office

before fifth period,

got lost on your way
to biology, huh?

Yeah, I got turned
around in the quad.

I made it before
the bell, though.

I know.

What did you do at lunch?

I met the teacher who chairs
the school environmental club.

My parents probably told you
I did a recycling drive

at my school back home.

I was thinking of maybe
doing one here, too.

That sounds
like a nice idea.

Boys!

Hands to yourselves.

I think your feet are melting.

Oh my God!

They are melting
and so are yours!

What? No!

How can you be gay?

I mean, out.

Here of all places.

Well, it wasn't exactly
a stroll down the runway.

I spend more time getting
stuffed into my locker

or having trash
dumped on my head

than sitting in class.

Most of the teachers don't do
anything about it, obviously.

One, who shall
remain nameless

was literally
five feet away

when this meathead
gut punched me

and he just kept walking
into the teacher's lounge

like nothing happened.

I'm so sorry.

Yeah, I was like...

This close to done,
you know.

Why didn't you?

I couldn't do
that to my mom.

Not without telling
her why at least.

We were in the mall,
I don't even really remember

what we were shopping for

and I wrote her this note.

I'm gay.

I was like totally shaking,
mentally preparing myself

for how I'd do it if she...

But she just hugged me
and told me that

she loved me
no matter what.

Anyhow,

it made
everything easier.

So did finding Carol Lynn.

Having a place to go.

Sounds amazing.

You think you know anything?

Let his be a lesson
to you, Henry!

You wanna go to jail, Damon?
Is that it?

One call to your
parole officer.

One phone call and I
will make it happen.

Alex, will you
pass me the butter?

Thanks.

I have a girlfriend.

I'm not helping
my grandparents.

My parents sent me
to live with these people

who are trying to
cure me form being gay.

, Dammit.

I shouldn't have said
or dammit or any of that.

I'm sorry.

It's okay Alex,
everything's okay.

No, please.
Do not tell anyone.

We won't, but you can't go back,
you're not safe there.

I'm fine,
it's not a big deal.

Alex, let me help you.

They know everyone
Carol Lynn.

Cops, teachers,
my teachers,

Jennine in the front office
is in their ward.

You can stay with me,
my mom will totally let you.

My parents gave
them custody.

The cops will just
take me right back.

I should call Paul.

You think that's
a good idea?

Who's Paul?

Paul Berg,
he's an attorney I know

in Salt Lake
who can help.

I can't be late for class,
I'll call him tomorrow okay?

I promise.

You'll be alright tonight?

I've lasted this long.

I made this for you.

It looks like a sun.

- It's beautiful, Emma.
- Thank you.

Alex, make a snack for the kids.

Paul, it's Jason,
I'm here with Alex.

The girl
I told you about.

I'll keep this safe.

Thank you.

Hello?

Alex, this is Paul Berg,
how can I help you?

Um, well...

I came out to my parents
and they sent me

to live with these people

who said they can
make me straight.

They hit me sometimes.

I had to wear
a backpack of rocks

and stand at a wall
all day.

I tried to kill myself.

Failed, obviously.

I also like dark
chocolate,

cheesy music
and long walks on the beach.

How about you?

It sounds like you've
been through the ringer.

If you want an attorney,
I'd be happy to work with you

pro bono,
for free.

I'd like to get
you out of there.

Would you be able to
help my girlfriend, too?

I mean,
she's not my, I don't know.

My parents
want her arrested.

I'll do everything I can.

Thank you,

thank you so much.

Ideally, I'd like to call a few
other people who can help us,

but if you're in imminent danger
I will not leave you there.

I'm okay, I promise.

If anything changes,
you have Jason call me,

otherwise
we'll talk tomorrow.

Sound good?

Sounds good.

Okay, bye.

He's gonna help me.

Oh no!

You're late.

Let your brother play, okay?

You be good.

Henry, have a seat.

Does anyone have anything
they'd like to say?

You can't keep anything from us,
you all know that, right?

Alex?

We got a call
from school today.

You were late to class.

What were you
doing at lunch?

You're an impressive liar,
you know that.

We actually believed
you were on the right path.

Since we can't trust you,

we're pulling you
out of school immediately.

And you'll go back
to the wall

with the backpack.

Now.

- Morning.
- Hey.

Would you like me to call
the police, sweetie?

No, please don't.

I just need to get to school,
can you please help me?

Hop on.

Alex?

They put me on
the wall again.

I can't!

Everything's
going to be okay.

I'll call the police
and child services.

No, they know them!

Everyone knows
what they do.

I will not let anyone
take you back,

neither will Paul.

Please, Alex?

Trust me.

This girl is in danger.

If any of you notify
the Simms that she's here,

you will go to jail.

Any questions?

Jennine?

Thank you.

Hey Sandra.

Thank you for
bringing her in.

You must be Alex.

You're in good hands.

How long were you there?

You don't have to tell me
any details you don't want to.

I just want you to know
that whatever happened,

it's not your fault.

243 days.

Eight months.

What if they come here?

They won't be allowed on
the premises, you're safe.

If my parents
want to send me back,

can they do that?

You've got a lot
of people helping you,

including an attorney,
which most kids don't have.

And I've got the feeling
he's not the quitting type.

We're not all
like that, you know.

Mormons, I mean.

We're not all like the Simms
and those people

who thought it was okay,
the things they did.

How they tried
to change you.

I know.

For what it's worth,
gay, bi, straight,

love is love.

And you're perfect, Alex,
just the way you are.

That's what I think anyway,
and I'm pretty sure

God does too.

Is there anyone you want
me to call for you?

Anyone you want to
know that you're here?