Waiting for Butterflies (2015) Movie Script

[Soft music]

- [John] My grandmother was

always clear about one thing,

at the end of our days

the truly meaningful

parts of our lives

have absolutely nothing

to do with luck.

Life is about being aware of

the promises made to US by god.

Understanding that

god never promised

a life without

pain and heartache.

He never promised that the

storms wouldn't be many

and that those many storms

wouldn't be the

harshest of harsh.

The promises we do have

is the strength to fight

through the pain

and the heartache.

And an internal force to

withstand even the worst storms.

Once we have this clarity

we know that the weather

of our situations

is not determined

by simple luck.

That the weather itself

is not even a value.

[Crickets chirping]

It's our reaction

to life's weather

as we face it with

the strong arm of god

that will ultimately

determine our destiny.

[Birds chirping]

♪ Chase you up the mountain side

♪ brought me down

- [Rachel] Ash?

Ashley.

♪ Chase you through

- please don't

miss the bus again.

- [Ashley] I'm not

gonna miss the bus.

- [Rachel] How many

times have I told you

to keep this pigsty picked up.

- [Ashley] You know, most of

my friends have a housekeeper.

- We do too, me.

- You don't count.

Real housekeepers

don't complain.

Rude.

- [Rachel] Keep your

things picked up.

But I still love you.

- [Ashley] Love you.

- [Rachel] Don't miss the bus.

[Rattling pipes]

[Grunting]

- That thing has broke

every day this week.

- [Noah] And I fixed

it every day this week.

- What?

- You said it broke

every day this week

and I fixed it

every day this week.

So it could be worse for ya.

- Yeah, if it's at all possible

to make things worse for me

I'm sure we'll figure it

out and make it happen!

- [Noah] Good morning.

Hey!

- [Laney] Where's mama going?

- Away from me baby

girl, away from me.

[Solemn music]

Have a good day.

- It's okay mama.

[Sniffling]

- Knock knock.

- Hey.

- [Vicky] You busy?

Of course you are.

- Come on in, what's up?

- I have a few folks

you may want to see.

- What happened?

- Nothing really.

- [Rachel] Nothing?

- It seems Bobby denton had a

few not so nice things to say

about Lila and Nate thought

he would ask him about it.

- Bobby denton is

a big fat jerk.

- [Rachel] Lila!

- Sorry.

- No matter what Bobby denton

says I think Nathaniel knows

that he's not supposed

to be fighting.

- He asked him to say sorry.

But he didn't.

- Vicky, would you please

take Lila back to class?

- [Vicky] Sure thing.

- Can I say one more thing?

- Make it quick.

- Bobby denton

has two ice packs.

[Laughing]

- Let me get her back to class.

- Have a seat.

Are you okay?

- I'm fine it doesn't even hurt.

- Look, I know you were just--

- I know, I know I

shouldn't have hit him.

- As much as it seems like

fighting can fix the situation

I can promise you it doesn't.

- There's never

times where it's okay

to fight for something?

- What did he say

to your sister?

- He called her ugly, stupid

and she looked like a fish.

- [Rachel] What did Lila do?

- Well, she told him

he smelt like a fish.

He needed to be

punched in the face.

- You're a good big brother

to take up for

your little sister

but promise me next time

you'll do everything you can

not to hit someone.

There are other ways to fight.

- Okay.

- [Rachel] Promise me.

- I promise.

- All right, get back to class.

♪ La la la la

♪ la la la la

♪ there ain't no

life like candy land

♪ there was no

fakes be your hands

♪ life is just a candy cane

♪ caught up dancing

in the rain, rain

♪ rain

♪ there ain't no

life like candy land

♪ there was no

fakes in your hands

♪ life is just a candy cane

♪ caught up dancing

in the rain, rain

♪ rain

♪ So come over right now

♪ so we can settle

all the differences

♪ come see somehow

♪ you were just the one for me

♪ and go see your eyes

♪ when they're not

so glued to mine

- [John] I know that's

not army man Antwan greer.

- Oh-wah.

- [John] What's up brother?

How you doing?

- Good man, being all I can be.

- [John] I can see that,

it's good to see you man.

- It's good being seen.

- So when'd you get home?

I didn't think you were due

back until after Christmas.

- Coming in on a

bus this morning.

Had the opportunity to come

home early so I took it.

- I'm glad you did.

- Yeah me too.

- [John] I bet your mom

and sister were freaked out

when you walked in

through the door?

- Yeah, I think my

mom's still crying.

- Yeah, I bet.

- [Antwan] Had to ask the

whole town how to find you.

- Here I am.

- Yeah.

- A few birdies told

me you've been spending

your evenings out here working.

Didn't believe them.

I had to see it for myself.

John Archer working.

- Yeah I stay busy.

I mean we can't all be soldiers.

- Yeah, some of US are too busy

making priceless works of art.

- Yeah I wish.

- Come on.

We both know you're a genius.

Stop being modest.

- You know I do have an

art show opening next week.

Yeah it's my first

one, I'm excited.

- You should be.

- Yeah it'll be good.

- It looks like she

ain't even been used

since I've been gone.

- Yeah.

Well she's about the

only thing of value

I have in this world

so gotta keep her

that way you know.

- You know the whole time

on the bus this morning,

I just kept thinking about

what I was gonna do back

on my first night in aiken.

First night a free man.

- Yeah?

- Yeah.

- [John] So what

are we gonna do?

- I don't know about you,

but I'm gonna get

me some dinner,

get a little bit of shut eye.

I'm tired, bro.

- We ain't kids anymore, twan.

Heck I get tired

just shoveling dirt.

Can't imagine what a day

of war would do to me.

- Yeah well you

speak for yourself.

I'm still a kid.

Tomorrow I act like one.

Go celebrate me back

in town in style.

- Okay.

- So you with me?

- Do I really have

to answer that?

- Okay then.

- Okay.

- So tomorrow.

- Tomorrow.

- [James] Is the little lady

still coming over this evening?

- [Carolyn] As far as I know.

I thought maybe we could

take her over to the pond

and let her feed

the ducks tomorrow.

- [James] Oh she'd like that.

- [Carolyn] If there were

any ducks there to feed.

Seems like they're less

and less every time

we come over here.

- [James] Anytime it seems

there's less of a good thing,

we're probably just not

looking hard enough.

[Gasping]

What's wrong?

- [Carolyn] Nothing.

- [James] Should we

go back to the car?

- [Carolyn] No, let's just

sit down for a minute.

- How bad is it?

- It's already better.

It leaves as

quickly as it comes.

[Sighing]

I guess when it comes to

aging, I'm not like fine wine.

- Is there anything I can do?

- No, no, I'm fine, really.

- Well if you're

fine, then I'm fine.

- [Rachel] Are you brushing

your teeth, young lady?

- Yes.

- You better be.

Five more minutes.

- At least your fictional

time is less than

the last one you gave them.

- Funny.

- Hey do you remember

Sharon dirks?

- Should I?

- I think you met

her at the food

shelter function last summer.

She's a redhead.

- [Rachel] I think

so, what about her?

- It's her and her

husband I keep having

to show the place on diller to.

- What?

No, I know that look.

That's the I have

something to tell you look.

Spill it.

- I was just gonna tell you

how amazing you look tonight.

- I don't buy that

but I'll take it.

- I didn't hear you knock.

- Under the mat.

- Lila, your uncle John's here.

Why aren't you at mom's?

- [John] She ran out of chips.

- Uncle John!

- Hey, there she is.

I swear you get bigger

every time I see you.

- [Lila] That's how

it works, right?

- I guess so.

So em...

What are you all

dolled up for anyway?

- She has a daddy date.

- [Rachel] Something like that.

- Well whatever the

reason, you clean up well.

- Is that a compliment?

- Back handed.

But a compliment nonetheless.

- [Rachel] That's

what I was thinking.

- Are you ready?

We still have to drop Lila off.

- Can uncle John take me?

- Can uncle John take you where?

- [Lila] I'm staying

with grandma.

- I'm sure uncle

John's too busy.

- You know I do have

more chips to eat.

But I guess I could

give her a lift.

- I don't think--

- John that'd be great.

We're running late already.

- [John] Yeah it's no problem.

- Have you had a

single drop to drink?

- I'm not answering that.

- Straight from here to there?

- That either.

- John.

- Okay, no alcohol, no stops.

Got it.

- Love you.

- John thanks.

- Yeah, no problem.

- Please be careful.

- Rachel, let's go.

- Have fun you two.

So where are your

brother and sister?

- Nate's at Harrison's

and ash is anywhere

away from this house.

- She seems to spend a

lot of time there huh?

- [Lila] Yep.

- I've got an idea.

- Okay.

- What do you say

we stop for a cone

on the way to grandma's.

- I say yes.

- Done.

[Phone ringing]

I gotta take this.

Tell you what, grab that,

order whatever you want

and tell them to make two.

- Okay.

- Okay?

[Phone ringing]

- Ron, what's up, man?

Yeah what are you thinking?

[Gun firing]

[Tense music]

[Solemn music]

- You know I can't

remember the last time

we took a walk for

the soul enjoyment

of each other's company.

- We can maybe

start doing it again

if I can get you to get

home before nine o'clock

in the evening.

[Laughing]

- Fair enough.

Of course you know after

we start with the walks,

then after that you're

going to have to start

taking me dancing

every once in a while.

- Dancing?

- Yes dancing.

You know I love to go dancing.

What are you doing?

- Dancing.

- Here?

- Right here.

- There's no music.

- Who cares?

- You're right.

Let's dance.

[Gentle music]

Thank you.

- For what?

- For nothing.

For everything.

[Phone ringing]

- I thought we'd at

least get through dinner.

Answer it.

- Not tonight.

- Rachel, it's fine.

- Let me see who it is.

Hello?

[Sirens wailing]

[Chattering]

- [Man] Yeah, they're

trying to get her stable now

and that's what we're doing.

Trying to get her stable

before they move her on out.

Okay 'cause I have

another test to do.

- I was getting ready to

close and then all of a sudden

the door burst wide open

and this guy walks in,

and he comes at me with

a gun and he demands

all the money and

then there's a kid.

- [Officer] Take your

time, it's alright.

- [Shop keeper] There's a shot.

[Chattering]

[Solemn music]

- [Rachel] Where is she?

Where is she?

Tell me she's okay.

- Lila?

- Okay.

- [Man] They're working

on her right way.

- That's not my baby!

Oh no!

That's not her.

[Chattering]

Oh god, what did you do?

What did you do to my baby?

[Shouting]

[Siren wailing]

- [Vicky] Rach.

- [Rachel] What am I gonna do?

- What are they saying?

- They told US nothing.

- [Vicky] It's gonna be alright.

[Solemn music]

- [John] Nathaniel

and ash, do they know?

- Do you wanna tell them?

- Where is she?

- Inside.

I wouldn't do that

if I were you.

- [John] I'm sorry.

- I know you're sorry, John boy.

You've always been sorry

and you've always been

a sorry selfish person.

You spent your whole life

worrying about John,

worrying about all

the little things

you thought would

make you happy.

And everybody always just

looked the other way.

Let you do what

you wanted to do.

There were never any

repercussions until now.

Your selfishness has

ripped my world to shreds.

- I am sorry.

- Stop saying that.

The only thing you should

be doing is getting

on your knees and begging

god to bring my baby back.

- God, you honestly

want me to pray to god?

- That's exactly what

I want you to do.

- Forget it, okay, if god

cared at all about me,

if he cared about any of US,

none of this would

have happened.

- [Rachel] Don't

you dare say that.

God didn't have anything

to do with this.

This wasn't his fault.

It's your fault.

No one else's.

He didn't do this.

You did!

- Keep lying to yourself.

- Let me make one

thing perfectly clear.

I never want to see you again.

Do you understand?

This will not be forgiven.

I don't ever wanna

see you again.

- You don't mean that.

- [Rachel] Oh I do.

I couldn't mean it more.

- I know she's not my daughter

but I cannot imagine loving

anyone more than I loved her.

You have to know that.

- The only thing that I

know is that I hate you.

- Not anymore than

I hate myself.

- You sent her in

there by herself.

Why?

- I had a phone call.

- My baby is dead because

you had a phone call.

Please.

Never ever forget that.

Get out.

Get out!

[Mellow music]

- [Man] Would you

get the next round?

- Hey, could I get another?

- You don't think you've

had another, friend?

- Pour the drink.

- You got it.

- Alright, this one's

going in the corner.

- Yeah right.

Sean's tab, could I

do a Jack and coke?

- Sure.

- Thanks.

Thank you.

- Where do you think

you're going so fast?

- [Woman] Excuse me?

- You wanna come home

with me tonight or what?

- [Woman] Get off of me.

- What do you

think you're doing?

Did you wanna die tonight?

- [Man] You need to

get out of here, kid.

- And you need to listen to him.

- Hey I'll go, I'll go,

but I believe I

ordered one last drink.

- You know what, I'll

get his last drink.

- Thank you, nice guy.

You think that hurts me?

- No, but it's

pretty funny though.

- Oh yeah, that's real funny.

- [Man] Hey just leave,

kid, before you do get hurt.

- Leave?

I haven't even paid my tab yet.

- Consider it on the house.

- What, do I look like

I need a hand out?

- Come on, man.

- Hey, how about we, move.

How about we barter?

Okay you give me liquor and...

I'll help you

clean the place up.

- Hello.

- Good morning, doc.

- [Doctor] Carolyn,

how are you doing?

- [Carolyn] Well I've

been better of course.

- As much as I don't

want to say this,

I don't want to

drag it out either.

With everything inside of

me I wanted to come in here

and give you better news today.

- Has it gotten worse

or just not any better?

- The chemo had no effect.

Not only that, it's

spreading much faster

than we expected.

- What exactly does that mean?

- It means we do

not have much hope

for a positive

turn at this point.

- How long do I have?

Please just tell US how long.

- A few days, the

very most a few weeks.

- Um, can you go ask somebody

for a glass of water?

- Certainly.

- Even with this,

we can continue to

administer the chemo.

- Well you just said it's

not gonna turn around.

- Doctors are

wrong all the time.

But I will say,

we're hoping for a miracle here.

- No.

No more chemo.

What's gonna happen

is gonna happen

and I don't wanna be any

sicker than I have to be.

Besides god creates miracles,

chemotherapy certainly does not.

Thank you.

- Okay.

I'll give you two a few moments.

- Tell me what I can do?

If I could make it

go away I would.

- I need them here.

Please James get my family here.

I don't care what you

have to tell them.

I need them here with US.

- I promise you,

they will be here.

[Phone ringing]

- Hello?

Hey papa.

I'm good, how are you?

It's papa.

- [Rachel] I'm not here.

- Actually she just walked in.

Here she is.

I love you, bye.

- Thanks.

- Hi daddy.

Daddy I would but

I'm super busy today.

What?

What's wrong?

[Tapping on door]

- Who is it?

What time is it?

[Knocking]

- Open the door.

- [John] Go ahead.

- Well you don't look good.

So you got a lot of

painting done last night?

- Why are you here?

- Why am I here?

I've been asking that myself

more and more everyday.

John what's your problem?

- Being woken up this

early is one of them.

- What did you do last night?

[Phone ringing]

John.

John your phone.

Hello?

Hi, sir, how are you?

Yeah, one second.

Hey, it's for you.

- [John] Tell them

I'll call them back.

- It's your grandfather.

- [John] Tell my grandfather

I'll call him back.

- You tell him.

- Hey grandpa.

[Solemn music]

What?

Okay, how is she?

Yeah.

Of course, course, I can come.

Alright.

Okay I love you.

- [Price] Hey, is

everything okay?

- I don't know.

- What's wrong?

- My grandma, she's sick.

- [Price] What kind of sick?

- Like cancer sick.

- I'm sorry.

- It's fine.

- What are you gonna do?

- I don't know.

Toss some stuff in a bag.

Go to aiken.

- How are you gonna get there?

- I'll figure it out.

- Do you want me

to come with you?

- No.

- Why not?

- 'Cause it doesn't make

sense for both of US to go.

She's my grandma.

- Okay.

- You should, you

should take off.

I'm gonna hit the road.

- Alright.

I love you.

- Yeah.

[Somber music]

- Have you heard anything

about your appeal?

- Not yet.

I'm supposed to see

the lawyer today

but I don't expect much

in the way of good news.

How are you, young lady?

- Okay.

- Tell your father what you

made on your report card.

- I know how smart you are

so I can probably guess.

- Tell him, Laney.

- All as, one b.

- Wow.

- It would've been all

as but Mr. Pascer lost

one of my papers.

- That's still really good.

- She works really hard.

We should probably get going.

- Okay when can I expect

to see you two again?

- We'll be back, okay?

Tell your father

good bye, Laney.

- Laney, will you touch my hand?

Daddy loves you,

never forget that.

- Let's go, baby.

- Love you.

[Solemn music]

- Now don't waste those

tears on me, I'm okay.

- I don't understand,

you're fine.

We were over here just last week

and you seemed fine.

- I don't spend my time

asking those questions.

And my advice to you is

you don't ask them either.

The more questions you

ask the better chance

you have of getting

answers you don't like.

- What can I do?

What do you need?

- Same thing we

all need, prayers.

- Oh mom.

I can't sit here

and see you like this

and close my eyes

and ask for a miracle.

I'm not gonna sit

here waiting for that.

- Honey you're forgetting

something you once knew.

We don't wait for

miracles to happen

the miracle's waiting for US.

- How can you be so strong?

I can't be that strong after

every thing that's happened.

Especially not after this.

- Being strong takes the

same effort as being weak.

It's just the road

you decide to take.

- You say these things,

and I really wanna

believe them I really do.

But at the end of the day,

mama, you're still gonna

be laying here dying.

- Well that's the road

you're choosing to take.

Luckily it's not a dead end.

I'll handle your

prayers for you.

Baby I know you're hurtin'.

After all you've been through.

Nobody would blame you

if you never recovered.

- What am I supposed to do?

- Build around pain.

Build happiness around

all of your heartaches.

When you do that,

you'll see the dawn.

- [Rachel] Oh mom [weeps].

- It's okay.

[Easygoing music]

♪ I'm a long, long way from home

♪ in a golden

grassy old tran zone

♪ where the sky sings

of purple and blue

♪ does this road

bring me to straight

♪ to you

♪ And she's gotta get going

♪ she don't know

where she's going to

♪ and he's gotta get flying

♪ but he don't know

where he's flying to

♪ you can't stop the

clock to look at what time

♪ I've got yours

and you've got mine

♪ no you can't stop the clock

- [sissy] John Archer?

Don't even act like you

don't know who I am.

- Sissy?

Get over here.

Wow.

You grew up.

- Not a little girl anymore.

- I guess not,

how's your brother?

- [Sissy] Boy you really

did get out of here, huh?

- [John] I don't understand.

- John, Antwan died last fall.

He was killed in Iraq.

I can't believe you didn't know.

- No.

No that can't be true.

Someone would've told me that.

- He's dead.

I guess when you left

aiken, aiken left you, huh?

- Sissy, I'm sorry,

I didn't know.

- [Sissy] Don't apologize,

he's an angel now.

He's doing fine.

- Yeah.

Yeah well if angels exist.

I've no doubt Antwan

has his wings.

Look I should really get going.

Tell your mother I said hello.

- [Sissy] I will.

- It's good to see you.

- [Sissy] It's good

to see you too John.

- This isn't about US, okay?

Can we do this?

- We can do it if

we don't speak.

That's something we

should be used to.

- Are you gonna at

least let me know

what I'm about to walk into?

- What's in there is

what brought you here.

Answer your own question.

- [John] I'm back.

Good to see you grandpa.

How are you doing?

- Okay, okay.

- Yeah, how is she?

- Depends upon who you ask.

- I'm asking you.

- It's in god's hands.

- [John] Is that your

way of not answering me?

- Is that your way

of not hearing me?

- Can I ask you something?

- What's that?

- How come nobody

told me about Antwan?

- What difference

would it have made?

- He was my best friend.

- Would you have

come to his services?

Your grandmother

wanted to tell you.

I told her not to.

Figure you had enough

on your plate as it is.

- Well it still would've

been nice to know.

Could've saved me some

embarrassment today.

- Sorry.

We should've told you.

- So what's the plan?

- The plan John boy is

for US to keep doing

what we've been doing

for what two years now?

Being here for mama.

- I can't change the fact

that I haven't been here.

Alright but let's

figure something out

because I'm here now.

- John?

- Yeah?

- [Carolyn] Is that you?

- Yeah, grandma, it's me.

- God knows I've watched

that woman upstairs

cry herself to sleep, praying

for you two to fix this.

I've watched it too many times.

I'm not gonna do it now.

- I don't know what

you want from me daddy.

- It's not a matter of knowing,

it's a matter of doing.

- So now it's my fault.

- Fault and taking

responsibility don't always go

hand in hand.

You can have one

without the other.

- Tell me what I can do.

- Well, I've been

waiting a long time

to hear you ask

me that [laughs].

- What's this?

- What it is isn't important

but what it will be,

will truly amaze you.

- Okay.

Okay are you...

At least gonna tell me

what I need to do with it?

- When it feels right, open it.

Page one will start

you on a journey.

- I'm not so sure I'm ready

for a journey right now.

- Do it for me.

Promise, promise

you'll do it for me.

- Okay, promise.

- You have something so

special inside of you John.

But it's up to

you to let it out.

When you do, oh my.

God's artwork will

be on full display.

- Why do I feel like

you're telling me good bye?

- No good byes.

Just an introduction

to the potential

that I know god has given you.

- I've missed you.

- Daddy I can't just sit around

here and see her like this.

I can't sit around here and

pretend like everything's okay.

What?

- What do you want me to say?

Clearly everything I've said

so far hasn't helped, so...

I'm here to do

whatever I need to do.

- Get some rest, you're tried.

We're all tired.

Rest could go a long way.

- No, I'm fine.

If you don't need

me here for awhile,

I'm gonna take a

walk, clear my head.

♪ 'Cause you know

my heart's desire

♪ so help me be a man

♪ what is your plan for me

♪ to open my eyes and see

♪ you are worthy

♪ you are worthy of all praise

♪ 'cause you fill the

void over the ocean

[chattering]

- Hey, hey!

Is that aiken's own Picasso?

Oh man.

Man, it's like seeing a ghost.

Heck the whole town thought

you'd done curled up and died.

- Nope, I'm alive.

- Man now folks if you

y'all don't know here,

well John boy is one of

aiken's few claims to fame.

[Whispering]

Now hang on, hang on this

will just take a second.

What was I saying?

Oh yeah aiken's fame to claim.

Listen if you guys need

a picture or a painting

or anything, he's your man.

On the other hand, if you

wanna keep your kid alive.

John Archer may not

be the way to go.

- Just stop it.

[Chattering]

- It's fine, I know the sound

of alcohol when I hear it.

- I'm sorry, everyone

calm down, calm down,

we're just playing, having

fun, right John boy?

- Yeah, whatever

you wanna call it.

- Hey wait, wait, wait.

Before you go, let's just say

I wanted to have someone offed.

Do I have to call you or set

up some kind of appointment?

How's that work?

What?

What, you all booked up?

- [Man] Hey, hey, hey.

- Do not pretend like

you know me, okay?

- [Jake] Get off me, John.

- Laugh all you want, Jake.

I don't feel a thing.

I don't doubt you're up there.

I doubt your motives.

I need to know why you

are doing this to me.

I was always told that you

wouldn't give US anything

more than we can handle

and yet here I am.

I'm clearly broken

and yet you insist

on giving me more pain

so either break me,

I don't care, break

me or let me be

because I hate where I am.

I'm sick of this.

- [Carolyn] And through him

to reconcile upon himself

all things whether on

earth or in heaven,

making peace by the

blood of his cross,

you who once were alienated

and hostile in mind

doing evil deeds,

he is now reconciled

in his body of

flesh by his death.

In order to present

you holy and blameless

in the above

reproach before him.

It's not the paths in life

that make US who we are,

it's the obstacles we forged

through along those paths.

Although this

journey is specific,

it's a journey that

can be taken by anyone.

Obstacle one.

[Gentle music]

[Ominous music]

[Door buzzing]

- [Noah] If I'm honest, i'm

shocked to see you, John.

- They didn't tell

you who was here?

- Common courtesy is

sparse inside these walls.

I'm not sure i'd

believe them anyhow

seeing our history and all.

- Look I'm just gonna

cut to the chase,

my grandmother's dying.

Doctor said it's day to day.

Now can you tell me,

whether that be of any

importance to you.

- But that can't be true.

I saw her no more

than a few days ago.

She acted like she was fine.

- That might be the

case but apparently

she hasn't been

fine in awhile now.

She was diagnosed with

stage three stomach cancer

over a year ago.

What, you find that funny?

- No, no, it's not

funny, not in the least.

It just figures.

Mrs. Archer thought so

much of other people,

she wouldn't even

let on she had cancer

for fear of putting

the slightest bit

of attention on herself.

Was there something I

can help you with, John?

- I'm not here for myself.

I am certainly not here for you.

She asked me to come see you.

I felt like I owed

it to her to do so.

Here I am.

Now I would like to

know what you have to do

with my grandmother.

- I'd apologize again if I

thought it meant anything.

- It wouldn't,

answer the question.

- May I be allowed to

explain the unexplainable.

- She has me here

for some reason.

Explain it so it

makes sense to me,

and try doing it

without being so casual.

- Well let me start by

saying my casual spirit

as you call it is not

meant to be disrespectful,

not in the slightest.

Brother, spirit's all

we have in this place.

- Oh forgive me if I don't

have sympathy for you.

- I don't expect it.

I expect sympathy from no one.

I know what I've done.

I know what I'm guilty of.

But I ask you to

understand that I am not

the same man you were

staring at two years ago.

- Correct me if I'm wrong,

isn't that what everybody

says in this place?

- [Noah] Of course

they do and most

of them sincerely mean it.

- Just tell me what you have

to do with my grandmother.

[Sighing]

- My guess.

She changed my life.

Maybe she wants me

to change yours too.

- What could you

possibly do for me?

You're the one stuck

inside these walls.

- Please don't assume

these walls take my freedom

and don't assume being

outside of them keeps yours.

Besides who better to learn from

than the man who's

been to hell and back.

- [John] Tell me what

I'm here to know.

[Buzzing]

- Time's up, John.

You know where to find me.

[Solemn music]

- [Carolyn] And are justified

by his grace as a gift

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus

whom god put forward as a

propitiation by his blood

to be received by faith.

This was to show

god's righteousness

because in his

divine forbearance

he had passed over former sins.

It was to show his righteousness

at the present times

so that he might be

just and the justifier

of the one who

has faith in Jesus

obstacle two.

[Crickets chirping]

- [Man] How was the pool?

- It was fun.

- [Rachel] Daddy, you gotta eat.

- Not that hungry

for some reason.

- What have you eaten today?

- I reckon I haven't.

- Nothing all day?

Well you gotta eat something.

- [Carolyn] James.

- You're eating something

when you get back.

- [Robert] You need to sit

down and eat something.

- Hey.

Sorry I didn't

mean to interrupt.

- Don't be silly,

grab something to eat.

- Are you sure?

- Of course I'm sure.

- Alright.

What's up.

Hey, stranger.

- Hey uncle John.

- How are ya.

Robert.

- Welcome home.

- Thank you.

So where's grandpa?

- Your mother's

upstairs resting.

Your father went to be with her.

- [John] How's she been feeling?

- Her spirits seem to be high.

- That's good.

- Where have you been all day?

- Trying to fulfill a promise.

One that looks

like I can't keep.

- What?

- She said she knew it was time.

Closed her eyes

and drifted away.

[Solemn music]

- Why didn't she ask for me?

- She said her

peace to everyone.

Revisited a peaceful moment

makes the peace at risk.

She wanted to be remembered

by nothing but a smile.

- [John] Excuse me.

- [Rachel] It's okay.

- [Carolyn] If a man

vows a vow to the lord

or swears an oath to

bind himself by a pledge,

he shall not break his word.

He shall do according to all

the proceeds out of his mouth

and whenever you stand praying,

forgive, if you have

anything against anyone

so that your father

also who is in heaven

may forgive you your trespasses.

Obstacle three.

- Hey there.

- Hey.

How are things?

- [Gabby] Good as always.

- Hey baby.

- Hey.

[Knocking on door]

- [Holly] Can I help you?

- You may not remember

me, but I'm John--

- Archer.

- Right.

- [Holly] How can I help you?

- Do you have a minute to talk?

- What do we have to talk about?

- I'm not sure exactly.

- Gabby, can you give

me just a minute?

- Of course.

- Okay.

What did you need

to talk to me about?

- Well I guess I

should start by saying

I met with your

husband yesterday.

- And why would you do that?

- [John] I'm not

sure of that either.

It comes down to a promise

I made to my grandmother,

the rest I'm trying

to figure out.

- I really hate to

ask this John, but...

I'm a very busy girl,

what exactly do you need?

- [John] When was the last

time you saw your husband?

- Why?

- I'm just trying to

complete a puzzle here

and I don't even think

I have the right pieces.

- I take my daughter in

once a month to see him.

We stay for a few

minutes and then leave.

Then I spend the next

month trying to forget

I sat in front of him.

- Have you noticed

a change in him?

- Of course, look

at what he did.

When you're at rock bottom,

there's only one way to go.

- I don't know why,

but for some reason,

he had a relationship

with my grandmother.

A profound

relationship it seems.

- Noah's a lot of things

but there's nothing

profound about him.

- I think that's

where my grandmother

saw things differently.

It may even be why I'm here.

- If that's the case then

you're wasting your time.

- Look I'm not trying

to change your thinking.

I can't even get mine to change.

The next time you see him,

be open to the fact

that he's a changed man.

- I can't even

comprehend the pain

that he's caused your family.

My daughter, she's still

sittin' in that house alive.

If you're open to the fact

that he's not a monster,

then maybe I can try it too.

Yeah.

I need to get back inside.

- This may sound really strange,

but is there any way I

can meet your daughter.

- Yeah, sure.

Laney.

Someone here i'd

like you to meet.

This is John.

- Hi Laney.

It's nice to meet you.

- Nice to meet you, John Archer.

- It was good to meet you too.

- [Holly] Me too.

- I should get going,

but thanks again.

- [Holly] You're welcome.

- Price?

What are you doing here?

How'd you know where to find me?

- There's this little diner

like right when

I got into aiken,

gave me this address.

Said I might find you here.

- Well you should've called.

Would've saved you the

trouble of hunting me down.

- It's no trouble, I kinda

wanted to surprise ya.

- Yeah, well you did.

Thanks for coming.

- How's your grandma doing?

- She passed away last night.

- John no, I'm so sorry.

- [John] It's okay, it's okay.

- You're a terrible liar,

you know that right?

- How would you like

to meet my family?

- I would really like that.

- [John] Grandpa, i'd

like you to meet price.

- [James] Hello.

- I just heard, I'm so

sorry for your loss.

- Thank you.

- I know she was a great woman.

It's good to finally

meet you though, sir.

I've heard lots of

wonderful things.

- [James] Sir. [Laughs]

How old do you think I am?

- [Price] I'm thinking late 20s.

- Smart girl.

[Laughs]

- Price, this is Rachel.

- It's nice to meet you.

- You too.

- Where are Robert and the kids?

- He took the kids home.

- Hey grandpa is it alright

if price takes

the guest bedroom?

- Of course.

- Thank you, I'm gonna

stay out of y'all's hair,

I just really wanted to come by

and meet you guys and

let you know my family's

been praying for you all.

- Thank you.

- I'm gonna go grab

my bag out of the car.

- I can get it.

- No it's fine, stay.

I'll be right back.

- Alright.

- She's great, John.

- Yeah, yeah, she is.

- Daddy, do you need me

to stay here tonight?

- [James] I don't,

I'll be just fine.

- Yeah, you should go

home, get some rest.

I'll be here.

- Okay.

- Come on, I'll take

you to your room.

- [Price] It was good

to meet you both.

- [James] Nice meeting you.

- [Price] This room's so roomy.

- My grandmother

loved her house.

- I can tell.

You know...

You're kind of like a

book I've had for awhile.

Just never really opened it.

I keep reading the

front and back cover

but I never look

at the whole story.

- What do you wanna know?

- Everything.

- Well you have to

start somewhere.

- Is Rachel your sister?

- I have a long book.

- What else do we have to do?

- Okay.

You know that my mom died

when I was real little,

I told you that.

Grandfather and

grandmother aren't really

the only parents I've known.

So aunt Rachel became

my sister Rachel.

We just never felt like

siblings because of the age gap.

We still had that same hatred

that some siblings have

just none of the closeness.

That gap became a

canyon after that night.

- Your sister blames you.

- Yeah.

Yeah, she should.

I would blame me.

I've tried everything to

get it out of my head.

You look tired.

- I am.

- Chapter two soon?

- [James] How did I know

I would find you in here?

- Probably because this

is where I always come

when I have words to say

and no idea how to say them.

What are you still doing up?

- Probably the same

reason you are.

Nowadays it seems

we get so focused

on the minutia of the

possible reactions

to our words that we end

up not saying the things

that so badly need to be heard.

- Yeah well based

on my track record,

whatever I have to say

really needs to be heard.

- So says the man saying them.

Have you ever asked

the folks hearing it?

I hate to hear about people

talking about failures.

Failure is not easy.

Failure takes effort.

Where do we get off

complaining about not getting

the results we want or need

when we didn't even try to

get them in the first place?

This family has had

to endure a tragedy

of a kind I wouldn't

wish upon a worst enemy.

But for the first time

since it happened,

it seems we're making strides

to be a family once again.

There's nothing in the

world your grandmother

wanted more than to

have that happen.

Don't let your fear of words

prevent US from taking

another step closer.

You'll figure it out.

I have something for you.

Come with me.

- She still is beautiful.

No.

No, grandpa, I

don't deserve this.

- Don't be silly, it's your car.

- No, seriously grandpa.

I can't take this.

- Cars have more

forgiveness than we do.

- Thank you.

- [James] Good night.

- Grandpa?

Look, I want to say

the right things.

I just don't think I can.

- I think you can.

More importantly

god knows you can.

You just gotta have faith.

- I've heard that word a

lot in the past few days.

I don't think I have

any faith right now.

Honestly I'm not

sure I ever did.

- You may not have faith

but one thing I can promise,

faith has you, kid.

[Door creaking]

- What?

- Can we please stop this?

- [Rachel] Stop what?

- Stop this.

This thing that we do everyday.

Rachel I don't know if

I can take it anymore.

I don't know what that means.

I just can't do it.

[Soft piano music]

- Do you have some

magical way to fix it?

You think I like living

a life like this?

I'm trying.

Everything I know how

to take away the pain.

As bad as it sounds,

I feel better now

that mama's died.

At least now I can make

myself believe that

Lila's back with family.

I am drowning in anger.

My daughter thinks I hate her.

My son hasn't spoken

to me in days.

And I don't...

And I don't even wanna know

what you feel about me.

There's nothing about a

life like this that I enjoy.

- Rachel, when's the last time

you got down on your knees

and practiced what you preached?

You've always told

everyone else,

to pray to god in

their darkest hour.

You are in a pitch black.

You want to go at it all alone.

- I guess I've grown

up and realized that

faith is easier to

preach than to practice.

- If you say faith was easy,

it was easy it

wouldn't be the key

to so many amazing things.

- I could have all

the faith in the world

and it wouldn't matter.

No amount of faith is

gonna bring Lila back.

- You're right it wont.

She's looking down

at US from heaven

and she'll be happy

to know that faith

brought her family back.

I picture her smiling

down on US every day.

Rachel, magic

doesn't make faith,

faith makes magic.

- I could use a little

bit of both right now.

- We've lost so much.

I can't lose you too.

[Easygoing music]

- Sheriff Baxter.

- John Archer?

- Yes sir, this is

my girlfriend price.

- It's nice to meet you, price.

This is my grandson, Matt.

- Good to meet you both.

- Hey Matt.

Thank you for meeting with me.

- It's no trouble.

I'd do anything as a

favor to your grandfather.

What can I do for you?

- I'm gonna let you guys talk.

- Alright.

Well, there's this prisoner

that's in the county

that I'm looking for some

one on one time with.

Noah--

- Noah wilcox.

- Yeah, yeah, how'd you know?

- That only makes sense.

What do you need from me?

- [John] How can I get

some more time with him?

- [Baxter] I don't know

why you'd want more time.

- Honestly sir I don't

even know myself.

I just know it's time my

grandmother wanted me to spend.

- I'll tell you what,

give me a couple of hours

and head on over,

I'll get you set up.

- Really?

Just like that.

- Just like that.

- Thank you, sir,

I appreciate it.

- No problem, tell your

grandfather I said hello.

- I will, thank you, sir.

- [Robert] Morning.

- Morning.

[Gentle music]

- You guys make a habit

out of watching US sleep?

- At least not usually

in the same room.

- I forget they're

not babies anymore.

- Does this mean you guys

love each other again?

- Buddy we never stopped

loving each other.

- Could've fooled US.

- We were only

fooling ourselves.

But that's a changin'.

We haven't been a

family for awhile now

and it's been my fault

and I'm gonna fix it.

When you lose something

so close to you,

it often blocks the

view of the great things

you still have.

But only if you let it.

I'm done lettin' it.

- I'm happy to have

you back, mama.

- Me too, baby.

Me too.

- Do you wanna come in with me?

- No, I think this is something

you need to do on your own.

- Well at least take

the car, go somewhere.

- Okay.

Maybe I'll spend time

with your grandfather.

- Bet he'd love that.

Hey...

Before we're apart again,

I just wanted to tell you

how I feel,

I love you.

Whatever has stopped

me from saying that

until now is absolutely

nothing to do with you.

It's just stuff that

I've had to work out.

- I love you too.

Good luck in there.

- Thanks.

- You must know someone.

- She's passed.

My grandpa would have

something to say here.

The more we talk,

the quieter it gets,

something like that.

- Sounds like a wise man.

- [John] He is.

- I'm gonna miss her.

You know I don't even

remember life before her,

and I think that may have

been her whole purpose.

- You're a changed man, Noah.

I didn't see it before

but I see it now.

- [Noah] I'm glad to

here you say that.

- Who were you?

I mean...

I think in order to find

forgiveness I need to know

why any of this had to

happen in the first place.

- There's nothing I could say

to earn your forgiveness, John.

- You have my forgiveness.

I'm trying to forgive myself.

- If you wanna hear the story,

I'll tell you the story.

- [John] Please.

- Just tell me where to start.

- Start before it all went down.

- I was a supervisor

at the furniture plant

out in Richmond.

I was wealthy by no means,

but you know we got by okay

and without much stress

to do it.

Then one morning I got up at

5 A.M. like I did everyday,

drove my truck out to the

plant like I did everyday

and I scanned my card

key like I did everyday.

Only this morning, the

door wouldn't open.

Apparently from some

time between that morning

and when I left

work the day before,

the plant had closed.

To this day, I was still

not exactly sure why.

That led to an immediate

lifestyle downgrade.

Cars, house, the food

that we ate every night.

The economy was in

the dumps, I mean...

Jobs were hard to find.

I did every thing I

could to earn a dollar

but it was not enough.

The closer I got to failure

to making ends meet,

the bigger the gap between

Holly and I became.

But at the end of it, she

hated the sight of me.

I don't blame her.

It was my duty to

provide for her and Laney

and I was coming up short.

I clearly remember the morning

on the day it all happened.

I was driving a

wrecker truck then.

Like most mornings, Holly

wasn't really talking to me,

so I kissed Laney and

I went out the door.

Towed a car back into

town and soon after that

my truck broke down.

For that...

I got fired.

And that pushed me

right over the edge.

Something...

Something snapped.

Looked up and I saw it.

Made a decision.

For safety reasons,

I always kept a gun

in the glove compartment.

I took it and I got

out of the truck

and then I stopped

and I turned around

and I emptied the clip, I put

all the bullets on the seat.

I was just desperate for money.

Nothing more than that.

Next thing I know i'm

robbing the place.

I know it was me standing there.

It was almost like I was outside

of my body and looking at it.

And then she walked in.

[Gun firing]

I have seen that smile

of hers every day since.

I mean,

aside from the fact there

were no bullets in the gun,

I don't even remember

pulling the trigger.

But apparently there was

a bullet in the chamber

and apparently I did

pull the trigger.

The rest is the rest.

- Why didn't you say

anything in court?

You stood there and

you said nothing.

It wouldn't have gotten you off,

but man it could've helped.

- How could I do that to Lila?

Huh?

Whose fault was it?

Hers?

It was my fault regardless of

the surrounding circumstances,

it was me standing there,

it was my gun, my bullet.

I killed that little girl.

I didn't deserve

to say anything.

- I think we use the words

blame and regret too much.

What we need is

forgiveness, redemption.

- Starting to sound like

your grandfather now.

- I just pray that god

will give me the sense

to take my own advice.

- [Noah] You'll get it.

- There is one more

question I have.

It's actually the only

question I came in here with.

- You wanna know

how the relationship

between me and

Mrs. Archer began.

Much like it did with you.

Complete shock that she

was sitting in front of me.

- Mr. Wilcox.

- Why are you here?

- [Carolyn] I take

it you know who I am.

- I do, why are you here?

Most people would say

because I've lost my mind.

But I'd like to think I

see hope behind those eyes

and with a little hope,

faith can be turned into peace.

- Why do you want

me to have peace?

- When we're faced

with tragedies,

there are obstacles that

stand in the way of faith,

redemption and forgiveness.

And when these

obstacles are removed,

then we can find our

pathway to peace.

- [Noah] That's when she started

to tell me about something

called the butterfly diaries.

From then on, she would

come to visit me every week.

Sometimes every day.

She would read from

the Bible to me.

She would tell me

stories of faith.

Stories of redemption.

Stories of forgiveness.

I never read what she was

writing in those diaries.

But she kept it

up over the years.

- Faith...

Redemption and forgiveness.

- Yes, she was very clear

it had to be in that order.

Faith starts it all.

- You were right all along.

She changed your life and she

wanted you to change mine.

- She was very intentional.

Mrs. Archer knew when

it comes to some people,

a certain voice

needs to be heard.

- Thank you.

- Those are two words I

never expected to hear again.

I didn't expect it but

I was always hopeful.

- Can I get you to

take a walk with me?

- Sure.

Let me grab my jacket.

- Well you haven't

yelled at me yet.

I think we should

celebrate that at least.

You know I thought I

tried everything I could

to get you to forgive me.

And--

- John.

- [John] No, let

me finish, please.

- Okay.

- Please. Umm...

I went from seeking

your forgiveness

to being angry at you

for not forgiving me

yet here we are and...

For the first time

since that night,

I can honestly say

I forgive myself.

[Gentle music]

And the heartache

that I've caused

this family is unforgettable.

But thanks to some good advice,

I believe that unforgettable

can be forgiven.

Rachel I love you.

But what I need most right

now is for you to forgive me.

- I don't think I've

ever spoken words

that had the potential

to control my happiness

as much as this.

I've never spoken words

this big, John boy.

But I do love you.

And I forgive you.

Are you ready, daddy?

- Reckon I'd better be.

- [Noah] Where's Laney?

- [Holly] Oh she's

out there with Gabby.

- [Noah] What's going on?

- Nothing.

I just wanted to have

a second to talk to you

before I brought her back here.

- Is everything okay?

- Yeah.

John Archer came to the house.

- He did, he must get around.

- [Holly] And I know he's

been here to see you.

- He has.

- Yeah.

He told me I needed to come

in here with an open mind.

That you're a changed man.

That you're not the

same man that you were.

- And?

- It got me to thinking.

Signs that you're a new man

have been right in front of me.

I've just been ignoring them.

- Why?

- 'Cause I couldn't

handle forgiving you.

Seeing you as a monster

trapped behind this glass.

In some odd way, it

makes my day easier.

Because if I have to think

that you're still

the man I married,

how am I supposed to sit at

home everyday without you?

I hesitate to say I love you.

Not because I don't,

but because it would be so

much easier if I didn't.

- The hard truth is

I may never get

out of this place.

I can't expect you to sit

around the rest of your life

out there waiting for me.

I can't even expect

you to want to love me.

But to hear you say that you

fight against the need to,

that's music to my ears.

- I love you.

Hi baby.

- Hi daddy.

- It's good to see you.

- I was wondering if maybe

we could do the hand thing

that you and daddy

did last time.

- Sounds good to me, Laney?

- [Price] Let me help you.

- I got it, I don't need help.

- Sure looks like

you do from here.

Okay enough, let me do it.

Not every southern man your

age knew how to tie a tie.

- Hey, I know how to tie a tie.

- Yeah, yeah, you do, do ya?

- Yeah.

- Well your suit looks good.

- Thank you.

- [Price] The last obstacle

is just getting this thing

around your neck.

- Wait what?

- What?

- You just said

my last obstacle.

- [Price] Yeah, your tie

and done.

- Hey there's

something I need to do.

I'll be right back, okay?

- What's going on?

John we gotta go to

the funeral soon.

- Here.

Take my keys head to the chapel

and let everyone know

I'll be there, okay?

- [Price] You want

me to drive you?

- I've gone two years

without a car, I'll be fine.

See you soon, okay?

[Gentle piano music]

- Good morning.

The family would like

to thank everyone

for their attendance.

I can't stand here

and claim to know

what angels are like.

But I do know this.

And that is if

they're anything less

than Ms. Carolyn Archer, I

gonna be very disappointed

it seems as lately every

time I was around Ms. Archer,

she was singing a song.

If she wasn't singing this song,

she was giving me one lyric.

She was helping me

apply this lyric

to the message that I was to

deliver on sunday mornings.

It seemed like at those

times she was my pastor.

Certainly not the

other way around.

So many times it felt like that.

I used to tell Ms. Archer

how much it hurt my soul

to stand up here in front of

good folks such as yourself

and try to think

of something to say

that could quite

possibly simply stop

one tear from falling.

I remember one time as I

was explaining this to her,

she looked up at me,

spread her hands out,

she said, "pastor!"

We all knew what this

means when she does that.

She said, "pastor,

"you can't have a

funeral without the fun."

Fun, she compared a

funeral to a celebration.

She looked at me and she

said, "now you go out there,

"and you tell those people

"how lucky their

loved ones are."

Lucky.

Lucky because now they're

standing next to the hand

of our maker.

In the presence of

our lord and savior

and how glorious

that it must be.

So let's put a little

fun into this funeral.

Let US enjoy this song

and let US celebrate.

Let US celebrate

Ms. Carolyn Archer.

[Gentle piano music]

♪ Amazing grace

♪ how sweet

♪ the sound

[Rachel weeping]

- I should go.

- No, she wanted you here.

- I'm sorry.

If there was anything I

could do to bring her back,

I would, please believe that.

Mr. Mills.

- [Robert] What am

I supposed to say?

- I know what to say.

Our mother would be

glad that you are here.

And I'm glad that you're here.

- I'm sorry.

- I know.

I forgive you.

And I know...

I know that our baby

forgives you too.

[Emotional music]

- You know Ms.

Archer always said

that she was waiting

for butterflies.

I never told her this but

I had absolutely no idea

what she was talking about

but now I do.

It warms my heart to know

that she's no longer waiting.

[Gentle piano music]

♪ Amazing grace

♪ how sweet

♪ the sound

- [John] Carolyn Mabel Archer's

favorite scripture was this.

Do not be conformed

to this world,

but be transformed by

the renewal of your mind.

That by testing you may discern

what is the will of god,

what is good and

acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2.

It's been said that if

nothing ever changed,

there would be no butterflies.

I pray that we all have

lives full of butterflies,

full of change that is met

with our eyes and faith,

forgiveness and redemption.

With our eyes on the miracles.

Not the miracles we

are so sure we need

or the miracles we are

so sure we deserve,

but the miracles that like

to show themselves as we are.

Waiting for butterflies.

[Easygoing music]

♪ A butterfly on the windowsill

♪ big dreams with

some shoes to fill

♪ old man he's seen history

♪ first dirt and

then the buildings

♪ but they've all been torn down

♪ just as he's torn down

♪ boy in room going crazy

♪ girl outside she's been lazy

♪ but they've all been torn down

♪ just as I'm torn down

♪ 'Cause I can see

the nights unfold

♪ just laying by the waves

♪ of Jade

♪ and I can see your

love for miles between

♪ and I can see your

love for miles between

♪ I can see the nights unfold

♪ just praying by

the waves of Jade

♪ 'cause I can sing of

your love for miles between

♪ The rain's coming

♪ the rain is coming

♪ the rain is coming down

♪ light of the world

♪ make way for me

♪ 'cause I can see

the lights unfold

♪ just laying by

the ways of Jade

♪ 'cause I can see your

love for miles between

♪ you're the Messiah

♪ you're the deliverer

♪ I love your name,

I love your name

♪ I love your name

♪ I love your name,

I love your name

♪ I love your name

♪ you're the Messiah

♪ you're the deliverer

♪ I love your name,

I love your name

♪ I love your name

♪ A butterfly on the windowsill

♪ with big dreams and

some shoes to fill

♪ some day you might find

♪ what you're looking for

Waiting for Butterflies (2015) - full transcript