Girl In Progress (2012) Movie Script
WOMAN: Okay, class.
Class,
it's time for the presentations
on personal heroes.
(CLASS HOOTS)
So, you're up, George.
- (CLASS HOOTS)
- GEORGE: Uh...
- WOMAN: Shh... class, quiet.
- My inspiration is basketball.
I went to a basketball
camp and they made us
practice for six hours a day.
This is a picture of Kobe
'cause I want to be like him.
Hmm. Thank you, George.
BOY: Whoo-hoo.
Okay.
- Ansiedad Gutierrez?
- (LAUGHTER)
Everyone,
please reach under your seats
and locate your 3-d glasses.
TEACHER: Jenna, lights.
ANSIEDAD: And now, a few words
about someone
truly inspirational...
My mother.
- Aww.
- My mother's Christian name
- is altagracia.
- (WOLF WHISTLING)
The white man can't pronounce that,
so she goes by grace...
- (LAUGHTER)
- ...Which her parents can't pronounce.
This is the menu
at her second job,
she met her last
boyfriend there.
Grace has dated firemen,
auto mechanics,
bakers, barbers,
professional chess players,
and the kind of astronauts
who never go into space.
Eventually they break up,
and when they do,
we move to another town.
- You know, I think that's enough.
- (LAUGHTER)
Here's some of the
iconic places we didn't visit
while living in these
respective cities.
We've been in Seattle almost a year
and I still haven't seen this place.
- BOY: It's overrated.
- ANSIEDAD: Why?
Because she's now
dating a gynecologist...
- Turn this off right now.
- Who, by the way, is married.
- STUDENTS: Ooh!
- The bottom line?
She inspires me to
be nothing like her.
Oh, yeah,
and this question Mark right here,
represents my father.
- TEACHER: Jenna, lights!
- Thank you all for coming.
WOMAN ON P.A.:
Reminder to all students...
MAN: It's not the first time
she's been in here.
I'm thinking about putting
her on suspension...
- Suspension?
- Which could put
your daughter's
scholarship at risk.
No, no, no, no,
no. I will talk to her.
I got this, Mr. Principal.
Gua... guat...
- Guatiharia.
- Gualtiery.
- Gualetary.
- Gual-ti-ery.
- (SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
- (SPEAKING SPANISH)
- She's threatening to beat me.
- Is that true?
- She likes to embellish.
- She swore on her mother.
(LAUGHS) See? Embellish.
She just learned
that word on TV.
So help me,
I will set you on fire, girl.
- ANSIEDAD: Please do.
- Why?
- Why now?
- Why now, what?
Why now are you
being so impossible?
I'm a teen named "anxiety."
How many times do we
have to go through this?
That was my grandmother's
name. That's a beautiful name.
That woman was a Saint.
- Whose car is this, anyways?
- Becky's. And listen,
I'm not going to take any
more crap from you, okay?
Just so we're clear,
for the next two days
you bus tables at "the shack."
- Don't give me that face.
- Why?
Why? Because I'm an
adult and you're a kid!
And you do as I say, that's why!
Can we give tavita a ride?
Hello. How's my
daughter's only friend?
- Mom?
- I'm good.
- (LIGHTER FLICKS)
- I loved our presentation.
Can you not smoke?
It's cancerous.
I'm sorry your child has no father,
Mrs. Gutierrez.
And I'm sorry that you have to
work two jobs to support her.
I'm sure if you would
have married that chef,
you guys would have had
wonderful dinners every night.
- Thanks for the ride.
- This is your house?
It's like a coliseum.
ANSIEDAD: Go,
tavita. Enjoy your nuclear family.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You know, she's adorable,
but she needs to work on her fashion sense.
Maybe you can help her with that,
'cause that hairband thing...
- Please don't make fun of her.
- Mm-hm.
Thank you.
(DOG BARKING)
(LATIN MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING ALONG IN SPANISH)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SINGING CONTINUES)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BANGS)
Lower that, please!
Some of us are trying
not to be such immigrants.
Are some of us trying
to do our chores?
Some of us have homework.
Eh, excuses, excuses.
This side, or this side?
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(WHIRRS)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(MUSIC STOPS)
ANSIEDAD: I got suspended, Brad.
- How do you feel about that?
- I think that's terrible.
I think it's weird that
you're a boy gynecologist.
You can think that.
- How's the wife?
- How's your father?
(SPRAY HISSES)
- Hmm?
- Water the plants, go to bed
at some point,
and don't call me.
If I'm running late,
I will call you.
- They're beautiful.
- ANSIEDAD: You hate tulips.
Water. Vase.
(WHISPERS)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Tick-tock. (MUTTERS)
- BRAD: Don't wait up.
- (GRACE LAUGHS)
(DOG BARKING)
(CAR HORN HONKING)
(DISTANT SIREN WAILS)
GRACE: Andele.
- (MUSIC PLAYING)
- WOMAN: Oh, taste this.
Okay, here we go.
Okay. Now, the crab vindaloo
will be another, like,
15 minutes, but it's so worth it.
Okay? Okay.
Oh, more mussels,
I'm sorry. I'll get right on that.
Two crab balls, one beaver tail,
three Fanny bays, all oysters.
- Where's your little girl?
- Hmm?
Oh, I don't know.
"Welcome to Emile's crab
shack. Something to drink?"
Okay, good.
But you have to be a
little bit more energetic.
You want people to have
to come into this restaurant
and request for
you to be their waiter.
- So... so just be more, upbeat.
- Okay.
(BRIGHTLY) "Hi and welcome
to Emile's crab shack.
Something to drink?"
- Very good.
- Okay.
- Okay, good. Okay.
- Okay.
Now,
let's move on to the items on the menu.
- Start right here.
- Soft sell...
- Soft shell.
- Soft shell crabs.
- Yes, good.
- Soft... like your mother.
Like your mother's kiss.
I remember.
- Ansiedad?
- Legs like...
Tables don't clear themselves.
I'm teaching "mission
impossible" to read.
- Hey, I'll do it.
- No. No, no, no, no, no.
She will do it. She needs
to learn. (SPEAKING SPANISH)
- I'll teach you when I get back.
- Okay.
Stop calling him that,
it's gonna stick.
Hey, "mission impossible,"
we got a delivery for ya,
and clean up before
you get there.
Grace,
I need to talk to you in the office.
MAN: Can you guess
what I'm about to say?
Mm... no.
Crab masters.
I've been invited to crab fest.
Do you know what that
is? It is the oscars of crabs.
It is the wimbledon. It is the
heavyweight championship.
And they've invited me.
They have no idea what they're
in for. My king crab masala's
gonna make the
judges crap their pants.
But it occurs to me,
out of the three of you,
I don't have a prime candidate
to run my restaurant.
- Olga, you're too old.
- Screw you.
- Becky, your husband beats you.
- What?
Grace, you're my secret weapon,
but you can be a
big flake sometimes.
So here's what
we're going to do.
A contest?
Yeah,
to see who's more responsible.
That's inhumane. How do
you even measure that?
Oh, ansiedad, it doesn't matter.
What matters is, I'm gonna win it.
You know how Emile's always talking
about if he had somebody to run it,
he'd open up a second place?
Well, that somebody,
could be me.
Okay, but,
what about night school?
What about night school?
Remember how you told me
you were going back to school?
Web design? Working
for Bill Gates?
I mean,
isn't that why we moved here?
(SIGHS)
Don't you see how this
is an opportunity for me
to show some
real responsibility?
Actually, I do.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Would the ladies like a ride?
- Yeah. Yes we would.
- Yeah? Okay.
- Where you... okay.
- Hey, come on.
- Okay.
- (CAR HORN HONKS)
- GRACE: Really?
- MISSION: Hold on. Yeah.
- Hang on, hang on, hang on.
- MISSION: Meep, meep.
- (SCREAMS)
- (LAUGHS)
- Oh, my goodness.
- What are we doin' tonight?
Ansiedad,
get in the car. Right now.
- (DOGS BARKING)
- (SIGHS)
Can anyone tell me what
a "coming-of-age story" is?
Are any of you
familiar with that term?
Hmm?
All right, a coming-of-age story
is the story of a young
person's inner change
from child to adult,
and the transformative journey
that brings about that change.
In other words,
think of it as a template
for leaving your
childhood behind.
Think of these stories
as a haunted house...
One full of stuff so horrifying,
that a kid goes in one end,
innocent and naive,
and comes out the other
side profoundly changed
from the experience itself.
How?
How do the characters
leave their childhood behind?
Like, if they hate it? Like,
if it sucks?
By taking on the traditional
challenges of adolescence.
Those challenges are
called "rites of passage."
They're like unwanted,
but necessary stops on the highway
to adulthood and independence.
I want you all to
write this down.
"Rites of passage."
(LUNCHROOM CHATTER)
(SIGHS) I'm coming of age,
tavita.
- What does that mean?
- It means,
being a kid is stupid,
and I'm moving on.
But I need your help.
ANSIEDAD: Film and
television have cornered
the market of
coming-of-age stories.
There are many varieties,
but the kind we're concerned with
employs a "good
girl gone bad" model.
- You taking notes?
- Uh...
- Yes.
- Here we go.
First, we establish me as a sweet,
straight-arrowed kid.
You know, the kind that gets bullied
in cafeterias and locker rooms,
and hangs out with
unpopular girls.
- Okay...?
- To reinforce my nerditude,
I do something geeky, like,
become a cello prodigy.
- TAVITA: But you don't play cello.
- Well, then I'll play chess.
Around this time, I get a teacher
to admire what a good student I am.
TAVITA: Very nerd.
I will later disappoint
her by losing my way
once I start hanging with...
The wrong crowd.
I'll befriend a bad girl
and learn from her how to
become dark and rebellious,
and do terrible things,
like, cut class, steal,
and possibly drugs.
But more importantly,
because bad girls
go to bad-girl parties,
and who else goes
to bad-girl parties?
ANSIEDAD: Bad boys.
- I don't follow.
- In coming-of-age stories
there's always a party,
the kind with drunkenness,
where virginities are lost and...
That's where I'll lose mine.
To the baddest,
most insensitive guy around.
You're gonna have sex?
Copulation,
or "sex" as you call it,
specifically the loss
of female virginity,
has been the rite of passage
for girls turning
into women since...
Maybe before the
beginning of time.
Metamorphosis, tavita.
The point of no return.
It's how we get our wings.
- I'm hungry.
- So now I'm free to fly...
And I hop on a
bus to adultville.
My coming-of-age
story is complete.
Roll end credits. Bring
up the house lights.
I'm not a kid anymore...
- And I leave her behind.
- (BUS BRAKES HISS)
Which brings us
to the last piece.
The last piece.
To cement maturity,
I'll need to experience something tragic,
like a brush with death...
Represented here by
the Greek demon thanatos,
who was kind of a jerk.
What do you mean by death?
By the way,
I'll need to borrow your sister's bike
to establish my
plucky innocence.
(CRASHES)
- (BIKE BELL JINGLING)
- Hello, Mrs. Philmore.
The game you want
is out of reach...
Hi, I need a grandma.
I was thinking someone
wheelchair-bound
that I could share poignant
moments with and tell secrets to,
and someone who's a
good candidate for dying.
Ooh,
it's right there for the taking
Shake, shake,
shake the tree...
You work here, don't you?
- Yes, so?
- shake, shake, shake the tree...
I have a business
proposition for you...
- Nurse Gilliam.
- I don't do birthdays.
- That's just one more reason...
- which one is she?
It's love we
should be makin'...
There she is.
- Hi. Can you talk?
- shake, shake, shake the tree...
(AIR HISSES)
Perfect. You don't know me.
My name is ansiedad
and I'm casting you
as my sick,
dying grandma. What's your name?
Maude. I'm gonna call you
maude. Is that okay, maude?
These are for you.
This is only happening because
he makes more money than I do.
How can he get custody of her
without anyone even talking to me?
Listen, I got to call you back.
Students can't
just walk in here.
I know, sorry.
I'm just here because I need
someone to recognize my potential,
and watch helplessly
as I throw it all away.
Shake, shake,
shake the tree...
- Welcome to the team.
- Thank you, fellow nerd.
Shake the tree
Shake, shake, shake the tree
Shake, shake,
shake the tree.
It's all set.
Sorry, I finished the cereal.
And the milk.
Hey! The dishes?
When I get back, but please know
I'm gonna start not doing those.
- I'm sorry?
- As a sign.
We've already established
that chores are something I do,
so my not doing them
will be an early indicator.
I'd explain,
but I'm sure you have to go.
I know I do.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
ANSIEDAD: So I invited grace
to my chess tournament.
- You think she'll show up?
- BOY: Hey.
Hey.
Uh, Ferguson,
this is my friend, ansiedad.
- What kind of name is that?
- Can we talk?
- Ferguson?
- We just met.
He's all right.
He's weird. He looks like
he keeps guns in his locker.
You're weird.
Fine. You have my breakdown?
- Yes.
- Okay.
I hacked into a popular
girl's Facebook page.
If you want to get in
with the wrong crowd
you have to impress
Valerie lipniki. Period.
TAVITA: But,
nothing impresses Valerie lipniki.
Now, look down and to your left,
that's Trevor Morgan.
- ANSIEDAD: The one with the cast?
- TAVITA: Chick magnet.
Chews 'em up and spits them out.
That's your bad boy. And
he goes to every party,
so he's probably
going to this one.
It's in three weeks and
you can't just show up.
Right. Okay, so...
I need Valerie
lipniki to get me in
and Trevor Morgan
to deflower me.
Good work, tavita.
- You're the best.
- Thanks.
Wait, where are you going?
To get the bad girl's attention.
- GRACE: She's acting strange.
- BRAD: Hmm... who?
Ansiedad.
You mean, strange-er.
Why? You think she's strange?
- No.
- (GROANS)
I guess she is a little weird.
(CHUCKLES) We would
have kicked her ass
in my high school.
If I would have
gone to high school.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
I should be out there
getting a degree...
- Not laying here with some married man.
- Barely married.
Married enough. Oh, gosh.
No, no. Uh, no! No. Why?
So your wife can drive up?
She's not gonna drive up,
she's running errands.
(CAR HORN HONKS)
Oh, damn it!
Quick, hurry.
(GAME BEEPING)
- (WHINING)
- (DOOR CLOSES)
(PLAYING "FOR ELISE")
Hey, you're home early.
Your son has migraines again.
Amazingly they
haven't gotten better
- by you choosing to ignore them.
- Hmm.
(PLAYING "CHOPSTICKS")
(GAME BEEPING)
(PLAYING "FOR ELISE")
(FAINT SQUEAKING)
Still here, grace?
Uh, yeah. Yes, ma'am.
Come get me when you're
done. I'll drive you home, okay?
(SNIFFS) Okay.
(SIGHS) Oh man...
- (CAR STARTING)
- ALICE: How's your little girl?
- GRACE: Good.
- Not... not making any trouble?
No, no. She's a good kid.
It must be hard
without a father.
(GATE HUMS)
We won't be needing you at
the house anymore, grace.
I'm paying you an extra day and I
can recommend you, but that's it.
I'm sorry. It was
Dr. Harford's decision.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
You put this in my locker?
- That's right.
- Why?
Because I want to be like you,
one of you guys.
The note says you
can get alcohol.
You think I can't? Hmm?
You chess nerd.
- "I want to be like you."
- That's funny.
And what? And what?
You dress like a retard.
She said "you
dress like a retard"?
Yes,
so you can have your clothes back now.
All right,
we're on to phase two.
I want a more mature look,
something that screams,
"I want to belong."
- Noted here under "slutwear."
- (DOG BARKING)
Wait, there's a card missing.
No.
Fine.
Here, it fell.
Tavita,
you can't change how things go.
I know,
I just thought that one was stupid.
It's not.
Look, in coming-of-age stories,
there's times when
you have to ignore
your best friend for
dangerous new ones.
We can't be seen in
public anymore soon,
but first,
I'm going to need you to approach me
when I'm near Valerie,
so I can ignore you coldly.
- Okay.
- That, or I'll make fun of you.
And when no one's looking,
I'll wink to let you know we're okay.
Like this.
You know what? You're right.
This one's stupid. We
don't have to do that one.
So what's next?
TAVITA: Steal money
for makeover.
(PHONE RINGING)
- Hello?
- BRAD: Hey, it's me.
Don't hang up.
Gracie. Please, just talk to me.
- I don't understand why...
- (PHONE BEEPS)
Leave the city,
I drink myself
City kills romance,
we said, well, well
Leave the city,
I hate myself
There are people on fire,
they are always on the way
Leave the city,
kill the city
- People just come here...
- I'm sorry, I have to win.
- Checkmate.
- Checkmate.
(APPLAUSE)
EMILE: Okay,
ladies. Pay attention.
Responsibil-a-thon update.
If we're going by most tips,
grace, you're in the lead.
- Whoo!
- Congratulations.
Becky, least amount of complaints,
that's you.
- Really?
- Yep.
And, Olga,
you forfeited everything
by spitting in a
customer's food,
in front of the customer.
- I'm sorry, he deserved it.
- Now, listen, you...
Wives have a problem with you.
- (SIGHS)
- Let's tone it down a little bit.
I'm not saying get rid of it. Lord
knows they're not coming here
for the food all
the time. All right?
Just be mindful.
That's all I'm saying.
- Got it, boss.
- Mission! Go empty the trash.
Do to the trash, what your
ex-girlfriend did to you... dump it.
No. Huh? (SIGHS)
TV PITCHMAN: Tired of getting on
your knees to scrub toilets clean?
- Now you don't have to! Presenting...
- (RUSTLES BAG LOUDLY)
The patented extending
brush that make it easy
- to reach unreachable places.
- Thank you, but I already ate.
Burgers and fries,
our favorite. Greasy. Extra greasy.
Extra, extra greasy.
Fine. I'll just eat
'em all by myself.
I can do it. See if I care.
Oh,
god. Doesn't scholarship mean free?
(SIGHS)
I need six more jobs.
(LOUD MUSIC PLAYING ABOVE)
Ansiedad?
Ansiedad?!
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(MUSIC STOPS)
Why is this door
locked? (BANGING CONTINUES)
- What are you doing?
- Rehearsing...
For my blasting
death metal phase,
unless hip-hop
freaks you out more.
- This freaks me out.
- Great.
What happened to your teddies?
I decapitated them.
Grow up.
I'm trying. Mom?
Yes?
- Did you win that?
- In chess.
How nerdy. (GIGGLES)
Well, I'm happy you have something
you like to do after school.
- Mom?
- Yes?
You say you're tired as a
half-hearted excuse for not noticing.
I'm tired, baby.
I'm really, really tired.
Fine.
ANSIEDAD: Why aren't kids allowed
to use the school elevator?
TEACHER: 'Cause
kids are animals.
Now,
can we talk about your homework?
You should be amazed I
even show up for class.
My mother never
finished high school.
She keeps saying she's
gonna go to night school,
but she never will.
- Well, how old is your mother?
- She was 17 when I ruined the party,
and then she had
to leave home 'cause
her mom wouldn't have
her around with yours truly.
- Your grandma sounds tough.
- I guess.
Are you trying out a new look?
You can tell?
- What are you wearing?
- It's Ferguson's.
We're going out,
my mom doesn't know.
VALERIE: Hey.
So, uh,
some of us are hanging out tonight.
My mom's away and I
have keys to her gallery.
- So we were...
- I was thinking that if you were
still down to help us with that
"stuff" you said you could get,
you'd be really hooking us up.
GILLIAM: Are you out of your
mind? I'm not buying you liquor.
It's bad enough
I let you in here.
Tell him it's important, maude.
Hey,
let me be straight with you.
You're only here
seeing your "grandma"
because your
"grandma" gets no visits.
Now you comin' by
is doing her good.
Well, can I have the bottle
you keep in your back pocket?
Get out!
- Bye, maude.
- WOMAN: home, home on...
- (BOAT HORN BLOWING)
- (GRUNTS)
Psst... mission.
- I need your help.
- Que?
- Do you know what today is?
- Thursday?
Actually, it's Friday,
but it's also my mother's birthday.
- Really?
- You should buy her a present.
- Like what?
- Tequila.
Which I will hand deliver at
just the right surprising moment
with a bow and a note.
Let's say I want it,
let's say I want what's over there
Let's say I know it,
let's say I'd know it anywhere
'Cause there's just some things, yeah,
you know what's not and what is
- And when you get a taste of it...
- she's here.
- So, baby, what I know...
- oh, my god.
- You did it.
- no way I can tame it
- But, baby, I can name it...
- awesome, thanks.
So every, very pony, pony
You're so pony,
so very, so very pony...
VALERIE: Yeah! All right,
let's party! Whoo-hoo!
You ain't no one-trick,
you're more like the triple crown
You ain't no one kiss,
you're more like an all-around
- I like your cast.
- Thank you.
- (BANGS ON DOOR)
- It's very clean.
- Yeah, I don't let people write on it.
- I know what you mean.
Just like heaven told me,
baby, I got testimony...
Trevor.
Trevor's here everyone!
And the party starts.
Go play with your fat buddy,
little girl.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BEEPING)
- Uh, okay...
- I'm sitting here.
You're so not.
Hall passes? Oh, my gosh.
- I got a ton.
- Yeah, right.
- Fine.
- (GASPS)
Wait.
What's your name?
Anne.
Where'd you get the hall passes,
Anne?
- For me to know.
- Okay.
You can sit here,
but the hippo's gotta go.
What the hell are you lookin' at,
huh?
You got enough chins?
Do I look like a meal to you?
Leave her alone.
I mean, look at her,
she's a fat blob.
The school has to
reinforce her lunch tray,
- and her boyfriend's Ferguson.
- The flea packer?
Yeah, and her mom's a big alky
who drinks all her father's money.
Oh,
and she dresses like a retard
because she is a retard.
Pfft. Get out of my chair.
Come sit. We have so
much to talk about.
I absolutely love your hair.
- You should totally wear it like this.
- It's gorgeous. Yeah.
I mean what are you...
What is this style?
SHANNON: I thought you liked it?
We could sell these?
VALERIE: We're going
to make so much money.
- You want some gum?
- Thanks.
(SWINGS SQUEAKING)
So have you heard
about the blackout party?
EMILE: I don't care
why you can't come in...
Two crazy crab salads,
two crabby chowders,
one Fanny bay all the way to stay.
- It's too busy!
- Got that, lo mein?
- I don't care what's wrong.
- Why not anyone call me chef?
- Just say chef.
- You get in here!
(BANGING PHONE) Damn it!
Hey, you okay?
Becky just quit.
She had a fight with
a flight of stairs.
- (GASPS)
- That leaves you to run the restaurant.
You're not ready.
That means I can't
go to crab masters.
- I can do it.
- Do what?
I can run this place.
I've done it before.
- Where?
- Memphis.
Rib joint. 50 tables.
I managed lunch. All me. Mm-hmm.
Come on. Come on,
I got your back.
You go get that crab Oscar.
Grace,
don't make me look like a fool.
Promise.
Mission, come here.
Gimme this. Take this.
You're serving tables now.
Look presentable, would ya?
Andele.
Hi. Welcome to
Emile's crab shack.
Something to drink?
What happened? My wife
came home and said you quit.
GRACE: I think about
your wife sometimes.
She made me coffee
in that fancy...
- Expobar.
- Yeah.
You know,
seeing you lying sideways like that,
I'm thinking,
that's something I want
to see every morning.
(SIGHS)
I'm going to tell her.
I don't believe you.
So don't believe me.
- We need to stop.
- So we should stop.
(HUMMING)
Oh, you look pretty.
Hey! No, "good morning"? No,
"what are you making?"
I'm making chilaquiles.
- I hate chilaquiles.
- Since when?
Since I realized
you only make them
to avoid talking about
your latest 'tard move.
(CHUCKLES) My latest what?
'Tard move, grace.
It's when you do
something retarded...
Like taking a married man back.
Don't talk to me like that.
I'm out of control.
Catch you later.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Hey.
I got invited.
- Are you okay?
- Hey, t. I don't have all day.
I'm coming.
- What are those?
- Nothing.
Skinny pills.
- I'm halfway down my list.
- FERGUSON: Hey, t.
All I need is a
Trevor and it's over.
Wonder what you're
gonna to do for that?
Too bad you don't have
another friend to betray.
Let's go!
Man, what you doin' with
the rest of your life?
Will you spend it all alone?
Well, you goin' with the boy,
said hi to you twice
TEACHER: Epiphany.
It's a literary term for
a sudden realization.
It's an "oh, my god" revelation
where the world just
suddenly crystalizes.
In our protagonist's case,
it's the moment where
she thinks to herself...
Man, what you doin' with
the rest of your life?
"Wait a minute." Nice.
"What have I done?
And is it worth it?"
In Shakespeare,
some characters are vengeful,
sad, or suicidal as a
result of their epiphanies.
Excuse me, where are you going?
- The girls' room.
- Well, shouldn't you ask permission?
Can I have permission?
GIRL: Total attitude.
Hey,
students in my class raise their hand.
- Am I letting you down?
- You're letting yourself down.
You're right. Can I go now?
Yeah, don't let me slow you down
- on your way to night school.
- Answer to number one:
Friar Lawrence.
Two: The capulets.
Three: Mercutio.
Man, where's the wedding,
where's the ring, and where's your man?
Did you leave him
back with your youth?
How it gonna do you
any good real soon
When you're old
and ugly and huge?
Man, where's the wedding,
where's the ring, and where's your man?
Did you leave him
back with your youth?
How it gonna do you
any good real soon
When you're old
and ugly and huge?
- Let me hear it.
- GRACE: Close the register every night,
same as always,
but make each day a separate cash pile.
Pile each pile in the safe
and then lock the safe.
With...?
We're winning crab fest,
you know why?
Because you trust everything
back here is gonna be just great.
- Yeah, that too.
- (CAR STARTS)
EMILE: Later. Expect my call.
- Yup.
- MISSION: Yes.
MAN: That was really good, huh?
- Did you ever get the Tequila?
- Huh?
- Tequila?
- Yeah.
Oh, god,
I hate Tequila. It makes me so sick.
Okay, let's get to work.
(BOAT HORN BLOWING)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
- Hello?
- WOMAN: Miss Gutierrez?
- Uh, Gutierrez, yes.
- I'm from accounting at bronley.
Just wanted to make sure you
were aware that your daughter's
- tuition is showing unpaid.
- Yes, I'm so sorry.
I actually just
gave her that check.
Would cash be an inconvenience?
I mean, I only ask
because your last two
checks gave us some trouble.
I'm home, chaparrita.
(DOG BARKING)
Ansiedad?
I'm missing money from my tin.
- What tin?
- My tin, ansiedad!
Where I keep my bill money.
- It's Anne, mom.
- It's what?
- People call me Anne.
- I don't care what people call you!
- I'm missing money!
- Are you saying I took it?
- Well, I'm pretty sure you know better.
- Well, I do, so I didn't.
- So I miscounted?
- You've done it before.
- I know.
- By the way,
we're also missing shampoo.
- Don't open the curtain.
- Turn around.
Mom!
What do you think? I
haven't seen this before?
You forget I gave birth to you?
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
You would have been
a good hairdresser.
Well, I didn't almost make it through
beauty school for nothin', huh?
Hey,
how's that little rich friend of yours?
I haven't seen her around.
- Her name's tavita.
- Yeah, right.
Hey. Hey, hey, hey.
- You okay, huh?
- (CELL PHONE RINGING)
Hey. I didn't expect to
hear from you. Yeah...
When? In the morning?
That's refreshing.
Let me call you
from a phone-phone
because I have to
save my minutes.
So I guess I just miscounted,
you know?
Somewhere along the way,
I thought I had more
money than I actually did.
Is there a reason we're meeting
here instead of, you know...
Instead of some place
with a bed and free hbo?
Yes, because I need to talk.
Yeah, but, um...
- Okay.
- I'm sorry, am I wasting
your little window of
opportunity by talking about
my daughter's
unpaid tuition bills?
All right. Maybe you trust
your daughter too much.
Maybe she took
the missing money.
- No, no.
- Anyway, here, take this.
- Now, can we go?
- (SCOFFS)
But... I was kidding. Kidding...
I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
- Sit down.
- It's not funny.
- Sit.
- (CAR HORN HONKING)
I've spoken with a lawyer.
I have.
And it looks like we're
going to have to leave town.
- You talked to a lawyer?
- Yeah.
You're being serious right now,
right?
- Look at this face.
- (LAUGHS)
- Clean slate.
- Clean slate.
Just you and me.
Just the two of us.
- Just the two of us?
- Yeah.
Oh, jeez... the three of us.
I meant the three of us.
Where are you going?
(BANGS)
(HUMMING)
- Hey.
- (HORN HONKS)
What the hell?! How'd
you get in my car?
Girl secret.
I wanted to know if you're
going to that party tonight.
- Maybe.
- I understand.
But if you see me there,
will you take my virginity?
What? What is... what is this?
Unless it's not something
you'd want to do.
Oh. No, I'll do it.
I mean, that's what I do anyway.
Great. I have
another favor to ask.
- Anything.
- Okay.
I have this list of
things I need to do.
- Wanna help?
- With what?
Hmm... a first kiss.
You haven't even
had a first kiss?
No.
You want me to
be your first kiss?
But it has to be
awkward and clumsy,
and I have to hate it.
All right.
Uh...
(SIGHS)
You know,
if you tell anybody that happened,
I'm going to call you
a liar to your face.
You're going to be perfect.
Stop following me.
- Please.
- You're not my girlfriend,
no matter what we
do in my basement.
So step off, "Shrek."
Hey.
Don't pick on her.
Only you can, right?
I thought so. What
do you care anyway?
Shouldn't you be somewhere getting
your hole punched for your "story"?
- Tavita.
- He's right. What do you care?
This is your fault. All of it.
I hate you.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
Underneath the
clothes we're wearing
Scars we all carry
Some that don't fade...
I'm just here to say goodbye,
maude.
It's time for me to go.
And they read just like...
I bought this for you
with the money I stole.
Big moment's tonight.
I'll be mature after that
and then I'm gone.
But I wanted to say,
I took death off my list,
so you don't have to
die if you don't want to.
Because soon,
I'll experience all the
loss I'll need to grow.
It's been really nice to have
someone who cares, maude.
Thank you for
being there for me.
You've been there
for me as well.
- Maude, you spoke.
- WOMAN: Excuse me?
I'm sorry. Who are you?
- (GILLIAM SNORING)
- Goodbye, maude.
- Bye, my child.
- What are you doing here?
And why did you just
call my mother "maude"?
Come on,
mom. I'm taking you home.
Lo mein, crab appetizer,
table eight.
Grace, phone.
- Crab shack, grace.
- BRAD: Grace, it's me.
I'm out front. I messed up.
Of course ansiedad
is part of the plan.
I... it was a slip,
like I miscounted.
- Stupid.
- Grace, call.
- Are you listening to me?
- Crab shack, grace.
Grace, it's Emile.
- Busy tonight?
- Oh, yeah.
- Grace, are you there? Grace?
- GRACE: You have no idea.
You know, can you call me back
when you actually take me seriously?
- I do take you seriously.
- Oh, no, Emile. I know you do
and I am so thankful for
you taking me seriously.
Excuse me,
but that toilet is clogged.
- That is disgusting.
- Shh!
This is a restaurant and
that's not sanitary or hygienic.
BRAD: Hello? Will you just...
- Grace, listen to me.
- Oh, my god.
- Bueno?
- Who's this?
- Que?
- BRAD: What do you mean I have no...
Mission,
why are you answering the phone?
- Yes, yes.
- It's Emile.
No, we can't deliver a meal right now,
we're busy.
- Thank you.
- Oh, for god's sake.
(DIAL TONE HUMS)
- (MUTTERS)
- BRAD: Grace, are you there?
Write a sign that says "out of
service" and tape it to the bathroom.
- Test me.
- What?
Test me to see if I
take you seriously.
- College terrace.
- What's that?
It's where we can
go for my web design.
I can go to college there
and that's where
I'll get my certificate.
Me, you, ansiedad,
a beautiful little house,
start a new family.
Becky knows
somebody at Facebook,
so it's all set up. You in?
Of course. Palo alto. Yeah.
I could move my practice there.
You misspelled "service,"
Olga. Do it again with a "c."
MAN: Hey,
how about some service with a "c"?
Oh, gosh. I'm really sorry.
Oh, man! God!
- Grace?
- Yeah, what?
I have to ask you one question.
Does Becky know someone
at Facebook or on Facebook?
What?
I mean, you don't really
think you're going to get a job
working at Facebook, do you?
Grace?
Go home to Mrs. Harford.
Goodbye.
You wanna go home, buddy?
Yeah? Yeah.
Let's do that.
(DINERS CLAMORING)
(MAN YELLING)
- Oh, it's nothing. It's a little Nick.
- Go to the hospital.
Shh. It's a little cut,
it's a little Nick, just suck it up.
- (YELLING IN CHINESE)
- Shh!
WOMAN: Yeah,
maybe you clear it with your mouth.
- MAN: Come on!
- Learn how to talk to a lady,
try some manners.
Hey,
I pay the mortgage on this place, lady.
- MAN: Fire!
- MISSION: Wait, one second.
Please. Please, lo mein... chef,
chef! You're the only chef tonight!
- Hey, presto.
- (DINERS CHEERING)
Chef! Chef, get over here!
Chef! Chef!
- MISSION: Everything is under control.
- GRACE: Chef!
- MISSION: Who wants Mexican food?
- (DINERS CHEER)
Mission is in the house, okay?
- Here you go! Whoo!
- (DINERS CHEERING)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Okay.
Hey, here you go.
(SPEAKS SPANISH) Mexican
jumping shrimps.
- Don't do that.
- Excuse me?
What are you talking about?
And you know,
I'm the manager now.
You can't just come in
here without knocking.
Huh?
And, by the way, thank you.
You saved me.
Gracias. I owe you.
Yes?
I know how you can repay me.
(BIKE BELL RINGS)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Here we are.
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
- (DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
- BOY: Whoo!
- What?
- Nothing.
- Do I look hot?
- Yeah.
Good.
Because I'm doing
Trevor tonight.
Gonna take it by,
spinnin' it on the fly
I'm gone, coming down now,
gotta get around
Gonna make you keep up,
'cause I can handle...
Let's get this party started!
(PARTYGOERS CHEER)
(LATIN MUSIC PLAYING)
- This is my cousin's band.
- Cool.
- I write many of their songs.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Really?
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
He's gay.
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
My aunt. She's not in a costume,
that's just her dress.
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Oh!
I don't know how to
dance to this kind of music.
I'll teach you.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
- (DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
- everybody's rockin'
Ain't nobody stoppin'
People everywhere,
put it in the air
Show 'em how you do it,
put your back into it
If it's your song,
tell the deejay
You should tell somebody,
come on, hit the floor
Tell the deejay more,
we are on a mission
To get his attention,
if it's your song
Tell the deejay
bring it back
Bring, let me back
Bring, bring, let me back
Bring, bring, let me back
- Bring, let me back, bring...
- hey.
- Bring, let me back...
- hey.
Bring, let me back
Oh, deejay,
how can you do this to me?
I need to hear
just one last song
before I leave
If it's all right with you,
I'll dance up here alone
Just turn it up 'cause this
is my favorite song, yeah...
(SPANISH MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
GRACE: Ahh, this is nice,
this is nice.
Yeah,
I like it. It's fun. You live here?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- On this couch.
- Oh, you live there.
MISSION: Yeah.
Well,
I... I have a curtain I can shut. Look.
Ah.
This is my Tia Gloria's house.
She lets me stay here for now.
- Well, until I open my own restaurant.
- GRACE: Wow.
I'm seeing a whole
new side of you.
How you doin'?
Please don't be nice to me.
Be mean.
- Right.
- Pressure me.
I'm pressuring you.
- You're really pretty.
- You're being sweet.
I thought you were
a womanizing jerk.
It's just a facade, you know?
To piss off my dad. I...
Really want to get to know you.
I don't.
Now, let's get to it.
Put this on and come right back.
Okay.
Mission,
you are so "determinated."
Yeah, you have plans,
man. You got plans.
My plans? Always fail.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Like, right now,
ansiedad's school is
gonna to kick her out
because I can't
pay for the bills.
They're going to kick
her out because I cannot
afford to pay.
And then our job-job sucks.
You know, our job, the shack.
Emile is so mean,
he makes us split all our tips.
He makes you split tips,
too, right?
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Okay. Come on.
(LATEX SNAPS, SIZZLING)
No, no, no, no.
No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no.
Oh, shoot.
(SIGHS)
This is for my story.
So twist the cord,
why don't you?
Tighter so you dangle
Go some more, why don't you?
Higher so you're hanging,
don't you know
There's no way that
you could ever fall?
There's no way that
you could ever fall
There's no way that
you could ever fall
- Far enough to take them all...
- what are you doing?
- Hey, baby, it's not your fault...
- wait.
You had no chance
- Those goods had all been wrong...
- you forgot these.
- Slut.
- Nothing happened.
- Oh, yeah.
- You forgot these.
- (CROWD MURMURS)
- BOY: Hey, Trevor.
- Yeah, I hit that!
- (CROWD CHEERS)
You stole my panties! You sicko!
Get out of here!
There's no way that
you could ever fall
- There's no way that...
- (DOOR SLAMS)
Mommy! Mommy, I'm so stupid!
Mommy?
(DOGS BARKING)
(SOBS)
Why aren't you ever here?
My ticket.
- JANITOR: It's Saturday.
- Please! I need to get into my locker.
Buzz off before I call the cops.
(RADIO HOST SPEAKING SPANISH)
(SIGHS) Thank you.
Oh, my god. (GROANS)
Oh god, um...
(GASPS) The shack!
(WHISTLING, GASPS)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
What happened?
Somebody crowbar the register.
- What?!
- And the safe.
- They don't know who.
- Wha...
OFFICER: All right,
we're done with this guy.
Got anybody else?
(POLICE DISPATCH CHATTER)
You can go.
Grace. Come here.
Come here. Sit down.
OFFICER: All right. All right.
What about... is there a neighbor
who might have seen something?
How does this
happen on your watch?
This is all I have.
OFFICER: Can you make
a list of anyone...
- You have nothing to say?
- No.
I guess you figured out that the
second location's not gonna happen.
(DEEP SIGH)
OFFICER: Do you mind if I give you
my card with my information?
In case anybody cares,
we came in third.
(CRASHES)
EMILE: Lock up, Olga.
- (DOOR SLAMS)
- OFFICER: Ma'am, here's my card.
If you think of anything or if you have
any questions, call me at the station.
- Let's go, partner.
- OFFICER #2: All right.
GRACE: Hey! Hey!
Did you do this? Huh?
Did you break in? Did you get
me drunk and take advantage
- and help yourself to this?
- No, I'm helping you.
You said you needed help
with your daughter's school.
I did it for you.
I'm crazy about you.
- Oh, my god!
- Hey, calm down.
- No!
- Calm down!
No, calm down! You're an
idiot! What is wrong with you?
What makes you think
that you can just take...
- Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.
- What are you thinking?
No one's gonna know. No one's gonna know,
okay?
- OLGA: Grace?
- I'll give the money back.
Some blonde lady
wants to talk to you.
You lock up, I'm leaving.
- If this is about tuition payment, I...
- no, no.
I... I'm Jill Armstrong. I'm your
daughter's English teacher.
She's been skipping class.
- Why hasn't the school called me?
- Well, they probably have.
I left you a message that
your daughter erased.
She told me so in a letter
that outlines behavior that...
You know, frankly,
the state would
consider parental neglect.
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
But I am not gonna
call the state.
Your daughter,
she thinks she's in a coming-of-age story.
She's trying to grow up.
I think she believes
experiencing certain things
will speed that process along.
It's like... it's like she's
name-checking these hardships
that she can skip to the
point where she's matured
- from experiencing them.
- Oh, god.
Look, I didn't go to Harvard,
okay?
I don't have an education.
But this stuff you're telling me,
this is something
that my mother would call "tarado."
Do you know what that means?
Well, it means "stupid."
You don't have to go to Harvard
to see a little girl
crying out for help.
She's trying to outgrow you,
Ms. Gutierrez.
Have a nice day.
She's trying to leave
home like you left home.
How dare you?
I was 17 and I had a
horror show for a mother.
So how dare you judge
me? I was a little kid.
My mother was
never there for me.
You know what? Ansiedad
left this letter for me,
but I'm sorry... I
think it's for you.
ANSIEDAD'S VOICE: "Dear Jill,
I deleted your
message to my mom,
so you'll have to try her again.
Maybe this time,
mention I've stopped
going to class altogether.
You might also tell
her that I'm drinking now,
and doing gateway drugs
as part of my growth.
Please tell her that I
intend to have sex soon
and become a woman.
Because that's what she did
to get away from her mother.
She never talks about it,
but I know.
Thank you for
showing me the way.
Anne."
OFFICER: I'm gonna need ya to
be as specific as possible.
Don't say "long hair" when
you can say "shoulder-length,"
or "medium height" when you
could say 4'3". Understand?
- Yes.
- Hair?
Long.
Uh... eyes?
Brown.
(RAPPING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Hi. Is my daughter here?
Neither is mine.
Mine left last night.
When did yours leave?
They each got boyfriends now.
Do you know that?
And they're smoking, too.
Do you smell your
little girl's clothes?
No, no,
I don't. I don't smell her clothes.
The police ask you where
you think she might be?
- Yes.
- And?
And what time she
left this morning,
and what clothes
she was wearing,
and what... where she goes,
and who she goes with.
- And I didn't know.
- (PHONE RINGING)
Excuse me.
Hello? This is she.
Where? Is she okay?
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
- What are you doing here?
- I need bus money.
I'm leaving grace.
You can either
reach for your wallet
or we're 30 seconds
away from the wife
wondering what's
going on out here.
So in other words,
you're extorting me.
Is that okay?
Listen, when you're older,
and you think about
this... and you will...
I want you to remember this.
That nothing is as black
and white as it seems
and love is a lot
more complicated
and beautiful than
you'll ever imagine.
- Hmm?
- Where's your mother, dear?
I don't know, ma'am.
- Dr. Harford?
- Yeah?
It's raining. Your jacket?
Your son needs glasses.
(FAINT CHATTER OVER P.A.)
Clear to go.
MAN: Why are we stopping?
- Get off me!
- I am not letting you go!
- Get away!
- I am not letting you go!
Leave me alone! That's what you're good at,
right?
- Ansiedad, please!
- (SOBBING)
Please, please.
Thank you. Baby, I'm sorry.
- Where were you last night?
- Oh, god. I'm sorry.
Why aren't you ever there?
- No, I don't need this. I'm going back.
- Baby! No, ansiedad, please.
- Please. Baby, please.
- (SOBBING)
How did you even find me, huh?
- Your doctor boyfriend call you?
- His wife.
- That's all over now.
- Until the next guy
and then I don't exist again.
- Baby, you do exist.
- I'm not your baby.
Yes,
you are and I know that now.
Too late. (SIGHS)
Ansiedad? Ansiedad?
Stop!
I don't want you
out there alone.
I don't want what happened to
your friend to happen to you.
What friend?
Come here, baby.
What friend,
mom? What are you talking about?
Tavita. She took some pills.
- You're lying.
- No.
- She's in bad shape.
- No. I didn't do that!
- I didn't do that!
- No, of course you didn't do it.
- I didn't... wait!
- Of course you didn't do it.
No, you don't know!
- You don't know what I did.
- Tell me.
You don't know.
- Ansiedad?
- Go away.
Ansiedad! Stop!
- I'm sorry, baby!
- Leave me alone!
Ansiedad, please!
You never cared about me!
Baby, I'm sorry!
Stop!
Baby!
(SIRENS WAILING)
(PANTING)
(GRACE PANTING)
MAN: She's gonna to be okay,
but make sure
she's not left alone.
She needs a lot of care.
I'll be back tomorrow.
TAVITA'S MOM: Goodbye.
(WATER SPLASHING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JILL ARMSTRONG: Last
assignment of the year.
200 words on the nature
of child versus adult
as pertaining to the
stories that we've discussed.
(STUDENTS WHISPERING)
And are those as separate
as we've been led to believe?
Now, please avoid making
overblown closing statements...
(SPLASHING)
JILL: Or sweeping
proclamations about life.
And keep things,
like, unselfishness,
inevitability...
Glasses don't work if
you don't wear them. There.
- JILL: Responsibility...
- How's that?
- Lean back a little bit. Huh?
- JILL: Forgiveness...
Hey, hey. Dirty dishes in the sink,
mister.
Not on the counter.
JILL: Limited to your
own personal experience.
Have a seat upon
this branch of mine
It's been a while, honey,
I think I feel fine...
JILL: Please include a
section discussing growth
and is it limited to youth?
- Check.
- I see the question Mark
Atop your spine
JILL: Or are we
constantly evolving?
I've got a ladder,
honey. Won't you let me climb?
- Whoo-hoo!
- Mom.
- I know that's good!
- Shh.
- Tell me all about...
- JILL: Can someone argue that life
is a succession of
rites of passage?
A long string of big
and small moments
where we essentially
come of age?
Oh, my, my
Oh, my stars
Everything you see is ours
Or it could be,
if you would try
I wish you would
I wish you might
JILL: Aren't we constantly
changing throughout our lives?
If everything you've
said to me has been true
JILL: And isn't that a
good thing after all?
And then all my stars
are leading me to you
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh...
Thanks.
Well, if I'm right,
this is the part where you apologize to me.
You're right.
And I'm sorry on my mom's behalf,
too.
She's too proud to thank you.
You know,
you give her no credit.
Maybe she called me
yesterday to do just that.
- Take your time...
- really?
Well, maybe.
Or maybe that's my
addition to your "story."
- We never talked about the lesson.
- I'm sorry?
In coming-of-age stories,
there's always a lesson...
The thing you learn so
mistakes stop repeating.
And did you learn it?
I think so.
Oh, my, my
Oh, my stars
Everything you see is ours
Or it could be
if you would try
I wish you would
- I wish you might...
- I'm sorry.
Ooh, ooh
If everything you've
said to me has been true
- Do you want to come inside?
- I gotta go.
My mom's waiting for me.
- Okay. Call me.
- I will.
- GRACE: Ready?
- Yeah.
Oh, my, my...
We haven't moved
to Connecticut yet,
or parts of Canada.
- We could move there.
- We're not moving.
We always move. How about Lancaster,
New York?
Baby, we're not moving.
So can we talk about
my name change now?
- Oh, brother.
- I spoke to the county clerk
and he'll need your signature
on a petition I've already filled.
- You have a beautiful name.
- And you changed yours.
Okay. I'll make you a deal...
For now you keep it and when you turn 18,
you can change it.
- I can't wait.
- I know.
Let's go home.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Don't worry
'bout the bottles
And the lamps they broke
Don't worry 'bout
the carpet stain
Someone will clean that up
The bathtub's overflowing
Your mom's bras are hanging
From the ceiling fan
Your best friend is
in your sister's bed
It don't matter that
we won't remember
As long as we don't forget
As long as we
don't forget...
The sunlight crawls
across the floor
We've done some things
We haven't done before
I think that it was good
But I'm not sure
I hope I didn't
break your heart
Over before it could start
When we are grownups
We can clean that up
It don't matter that...
(MUSIC PLAYING)
MAN: Corazon.
(WOMAN VOCALIZING)
(WOMAN SINGING IN SPANISH)
Class,
it's time for the presentations
on personal heroes.
(CLASS HOOTS)
So, you're up, George.
- (CLASS HOOTS)
- GEORGE: Uh...
- WOMAN: Shh... class, quiet.
- My inspiration is basketball.
I went to a basketball
camp and they made us
practice for six hours a day.
This is a picture of Kobe
'cause I want to be like him.
Hmm. Thank you, George.
BOY: Whoo-hoo.
Okay.
- Ansiedad Gutierrez?
- (LAUGHTER)
Everyone,
please reach under your seats
and locate your 3-d glasses.
TEACHER: Jenna, lights.
ANSIEDAD: And now, a few words
about someone
truly inspirational...
My mother.
- Aww.
- My mother's Christian name
- is altagracia.
- (WOLF WHISTLING)
The white man can't pronounce that,
so she goes by grace...
- (LAUGHTER)
- ...Which her parents can't pronounce.
This is the menu
at her second job,
she met her last
boyfriend there.
Grace has dated firemen,
auto mechanics,
bakers, barbers,
professional chess players,
and the kind of astronauts
who never go into space.
Eventually they break up,
and when they do,
we move to another town.
- You know, I think that's enough.
- (LAUGHTER)
Here's some of the
iconic places we didn't visit
while living in these
respective cities.
We've been in Seattle almost a year
and I still haven't seen this place.
- BOY: It's overrated.
- ANSIEDAD: Why?
Because she's now
dating a gynecologist...
- Turn this off right now.
- Who, by the way, is married.
- STUDENTS: Ooh!
- The bottom line?
She inspires me to
be nothing like her.
Oh, yeah,
and this question Mark right here,
represents my father.
- TEACHER: Jenna, lights!
- Thank you all for coming.
WOMAN ON P.A.:
Reminder to all students...
MAN: It's not the first time
she's been in here.
I'm thinking about putting
her on suspension...
- Suspension?
- Which could put
your daughter's
scholarship at risk.
No, no, no, no,
no. I will talk to her.
I got this, Mr. Principal.
Gua... guat...
- Guatiharia.
- Gualtiery.
- Gualetary.
- Gual-ti-ery.
- (SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
- (SPEAKING SPANISH)
- She's threatening to beat me.
- Is that true?
- She likes to embellish.
- She swore on her mother.
(LAUGHS) See? Embellish.
She just learned
that word on TV.
So help me,
I will set you on fire, girl.
- ANSIEDAD: Please do.
- Why?
- Why now?
- Why now, what?
Why now are you
being so impossible?
I'm a teen named "anxiety."
How many times do we
have to go through this?
That was my grandmother's
name. That's a beautiful name.
That woman was a Saint.
- Whose car is this, anyways?
- Becky's. And listen,
I'm not going to take any
more crap from you, okay?
Just so we're clear,
for the next two days
you bus tables at "the shack."
- Don't give me that face.
- Why?
Why? Because I'm an
adult and you're a kid!
And you do as I say, that's why!
Can we give tavita a ride?
Hello. How's my
daughter's only friend?
- Mom?
- I'm good.
- (LIGHTER FLICKS)
- I loved our presentation.
Can you not smoke?
It's cancerous.
I'm sorry your child has no father,
Mrs. Gutierrez.
And I'm sorry that you have to
work two jobs to support her.
I'm sure if you would
have married that chef,
you guys would have had
wonderful dinners every night.
- Thanks for the ride.
- This is your house?
It's like a coliseum.
ANSIEDAD: Go,
tavita. Enjoy your nuclear family.
- Bye.
- Bye.
You know, she's adorable,
but she needs to work on her fashion sense.
Maybe you can help her with that,
'cause that hairband thing...
- Please don't make fun of her.
- Mm-hm.
Thank you.
(DOG BARKING)
(LATIN MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING ALONG IN SPANISH)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SINGING CONTINUES)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BANGS)
Lower that, please!
Some of us are trying
not to be such immigrants.
Are some of us trying
to do our chores?
Some of us have homework.
Eh, excuses, excuses.
This side, or this side?
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(WHIRRS)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(MUSIC STOPS)
ANSIEDAD: I got suspended, Brad.
- How do you feel about that?
- I think that's terrible.
I think it's weird that
you're a boy gynecologist.
You can think that.
- How's the wife?
- How's your father?
(SPRAY HISSES)
- Hmm?
- Water the plants, go to bed
at some point,
and don't call me.
If I'm running late,
I will call you.
- They're beautiful.
- ANSIEDAD: You hate tulips.
Water. Vase.
(WHISPERS)
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Tick-tock. (MUTTERS)
- BRAD: Don't wait up.
- (GRACE LAUGHS)
(DOG BARKING)
(CAR HORN HONKING)
(DISTANT SIREN WAILS)
GRACE: Andele.
- (MUSIC PLAYING)
- WOMAN: Oh, taste this.
Okay, here we go.
Okay. Now, the crab vindaloo
will be another, like,
15 minutes, but it's so worth it.
Okay? Okay.
Oh, more mussels,
I'm sorry. I'll get right on that.
Two crab balls, one beaver tail,
three Fanny bays, all oysters.
- Where's your little girl?
- Hmm?
Oh, I don't know.
"Welcome to Emile's crab
shack. Something to drink?"
Okay, good.
But you have to be a
little bit more energetic.
You want people to have
to come into this restaurant
and request for
you to be their waiter.
- So... so just be more, upbeat.
- Okay.
(BRIGHTLY) "Hi and welcome
to Emile's crab shack.
Something to drink?"
- Very good.
- Okay.
- Okay, good. Okay.
- Okay.
Now,
let's move on to the items on the menu.
- Start right here.
- Soft sell...
- Soft shell.
- Soft shell crabs.
- Yes, good.
- Soft... like your mother.
Like your mother's kiss.
I remember.
- Ansiedad?
- Legs like...
Tables don't clear themselves.
I'm teaching "mission
impossible" to read.
- Hey, I'll do it.
- No. No, no, no, no, no.
She will do it. She needs
to learn. (SPEAKING SPANISH)
- I'll teach you when I get back.
- Okay.
Stop calling him that,
it's gonna stick.
Hey, "mission impossible,"
we got a delivery for ya,
and clean up before
you get there.
Grace,
I need to talk to you in the office.
MAN: Can you guess
what I'm about to say?
Mm... no.
Crab masters.
I've been invited to crab fest.
Do you know what that
is? It is the oscars of crabs.
It is the wimbledon. It is the
heavyweight championship.
And they've invited me.
They have no idea what they're
in for. My king crab masala's
gonna make the
judges crap their pants.
But it occurs to me,
out of the three of you,
I don't have a prime candidate
to run my restaurant.
- Olga, you're too old.
- Screw you.
- Becky, your husband beats you.
- What?
Grace, you're my secret weapon,
but you can be a
big flake sometimes.
So here's what
we're going to do.
A contest?
Yeah,
to see who's more responsible.
That's inhumane. How do
you even measure that?
Oh, ansiedad, it doesn't matter.
What matters is, I'm gonna win it.
You know how Emile's always talking
about if he had somebody to run it,
he'd open up a second place?
Well, that somebody,
could be me.
Okay, but,
what about night school?
What about night school?
Remember how you told me
you were going back to school?
Web design? Working
for Bill Gates?
I mean,
isn't that why we moved here?
(SIGHS)
Don't you see how this
is an opportunity for me
to show some
real responsibility?
Actually, I do.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Would the ladies like a ride?
- Yeah. Yes we would.
- Yeah? Okay.
- Where you... okay.
- Hey, come on.
- Okay.
- (CAR HORN HONKS)
- GRACE: Really?
- MISSION: Hold on. Yeah.
- Hang on, hang on, hang on.
- MISSION: Meep, meep.
- (SCREAMS)
- (LAUGHS)
- Oh, my goodness.
- What are we doin' tonight?
Ansiedad,
get in the car. Right now.
- (DOGS BARKING)
- (SIGHS)
Can anyone tell me what
a "coming-of-age story" is?
Are any of you
familiar with that term?
Hmm?
All right, a coming-of-age story
is the story of a young
person's inner change
from child to adult,
and the transformative journey
that brings about that change.
In other words,
think of it as a template
for leaving your
childhood behind.
Think of these stories
as a haunted house...
One full of stuff so horrifying,
that a kid goes in one end,
innocent and naive,
and comes out the other
side profoundly changed
from the experience itself.
How?
How do the characters
leave their childhood behind?
Like, if they hate it? Like,
if it sucks?
By taking on the traditional
challenges of adolescence.
Those challenges are
called "rites of passage."
They're like unwanted,
but necessary stops on the highway
to adulthood and independence.
I want you all to
write this down.
"Rites of passage."
(LUNCHROOM CHATTER)
(SIGHS) I'm coming of age,
tavita.
- What does that mean?
- It means,
being a kid is stupid,
and I'm moving on.
But I need your help.
ANSIEDAD: Film and
television have cornered
the market of
coming-of-age stories.
There are many varieties,
but the kind we're concerned with
employs a "good
girl gone bad" model.
- You taking notes?
- Uh...
- Yes.
- Here we go.
First, we establish me as a sweet,
straight-arrowed kid.
You know, the kind that gets bullied
in cafeterias and locker rooms,
and hangs out with
unpopular girls.
- Okay...?
- To reinforce my nerditude,
I do something geeky, like,
become a cello prodigy.
- TAVITA: But you don't play cello.
- Well, then I'll play chess.
Around this time, I get a teacher
to admire what a good student I am.
TAVITA: Very nerd.
I will later disappoint
her by losing my way
once I start hanging with...
The wrong crowd.
I'll befriend a bad girl
and learn from her how to
become dark and rebellious,
and do terrible things,
like, cut class, steal,
and possibly drugs.
But more importantly,
because bad girls
go to bad-girl parties,
and who else goes
to bad-girl parties?
ANSIEDAD: Bad boys.
- I don't follow.
- In coming-of-age stories
there's always a party,
the kind with drunkenness,
where virginities are lost and...
That's where I'll lose mine.
To the baddest,
most insensitive guy around.
You're gonna have sex?
Copulation,
or "sex" as you call it,
specifically the loss
of female virginity,
has been the rite of passage
for girls turning
into women since...
Maybe before the
beginning of time.
Metamorphosis, tavita.
The point of no return.
It's how we get our wings.
- I'm hungry.
- So now I'm free to fly...
And I hop on a
bus to adultville.
My coming-of-age
story is complete.
Roll end credits. Bring
up the house lights.
I'm not a kid anymore...
- And I leave her behind.
- (BUS BRAKES HISS)
Which brings us
to the last piece.
The last piece.
To cement maturity,
I'll need to experience something tragic,
like a brush with death...
Represented here by
the Greek demon thanatos,
who was kind of a jerk.
What do you mean by death?
By the way,
I'll need to borrow your sister's bike
to establish my
plucky innocence.
(CRASHES)
- (BIKE BELL JINGLING)
- Hello, Mrs. Philmore.
The game you want
is out of reach...
Hi, I need a grandma.
I was thinking someone
wheelchair-bound
that I could share poignant
moments with and tell secrets to,
and someone who's a
good candidate for dying.
Ooh,
it's right there for the taking
Shake, shake,
shake the tree...
You work here, don't you?
- Yes, so?
- shake, shake, shake the tree...
I have a business
proposition for you...
- Nurse Gilliam.
- I don't do birthdays.
- That's just one more reason...
- which one is she?
It's love we
should be makin'...
There she is.
- Hi. Can you talk?
- shake, shake, shake the tree...
(AIR HISSES)
Perfect. You don't know me.
My name is ansiedad
and I'm casting you
as my sick,
dying grandma. What's your name?
Maude. I'm gonna call you
maude. Is that okay, maude?
These are for you.
This is only happening because
he makes more money than I do.
How can he get custody of her
without anyone even talking to me?
Listen, I got to call you back.
Students can't
just walk in here.
I know, sorry.
I'm just here because I need
someone to recognize my potential,
and watch helplessly
as I throw it all away.
Shake, shake,
shake the tree...
- Welcome to the team.
- Thank you, fellow nerd.
Shake the tree
Shake, shake, shake the tree
Shake, shake,
shake the tree.
It's all set.
Sorry, I finished the cereal.
And the milk.
Hey! The dishes?
When I get back, but please know
I'm gonna start not doing those.
- I'm sorry?
- As a sign.
We've already established
that chores are something I do,
so my not doing them
will be an early indicator.
I'd explain,
but I'm sure you have to go.
I know I do.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
ANSIEDAD: So I invited grace
to my chess tournament.
- You think she'll show up?
- BOY: Hey.
Hey.
Uh, Ferguson,
this is my friend, ansiedad.
- What kind of name is that?
- Can we talk?
- Ferguson?
- We just met.
He's all right.
He's weird. He looks like
he keeps guns in his locker.
You're weird.
Fine. You have my breakdown?
- Yes.
- Okay.
I hacked into a popular
girl's Facebook page.
If you want to get in
with the wrong crowd
you have to impress
Valerie lipniki. Period.
TAVITA: But,
nothing impresses Valerie lipniki.
Now, look down and to your left,
that's Trevor Morgan.
- ANSIEDAD: The one with the cast?
- TAVITA: Chick magnet.
Chews 'em up and spits them out.
That's your bad boy. And
he goes to every party,
so he's probably
going to this one.
It's in three weeks and
you can't just show up.
Right. Okay, so...
I need Valerie
lipniki to get me in
and Trevor Morgan
to deflower me.
Good work, tavita.
- You're the best.
- Thanks.
Wait, where are you going?
To get the bad girl's attention.
- GRACE: She's acting strange.
- BRAD: Hmm... who?
Ansiedad.
You mean, strange-er.
Why? You think she's strange?
- No.
- (GROANS)
I guess she is a little weird.
(CHUCKLES) We would
have kicked her ass
in my high school.
If I would have
gone to high school.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
I should be out there
getting a degree...
- Not laying here with some married man.
- Barely married.
Married enough. Oh, gosh.
No, no. Uh, no! No. Why?
So your wife can drive up?
She's not gonna drive up,
she's running errands.
(CAR HORN HONKS)
Oh, damn it!
Quick, hurry.
(GAME BEEPING)
- (WHINING)
- (DOOR CLOSES)
(PLAYING "FOR ELISE")
Hey, you're home early.
Your son has migraines again.
Amazingly they
haven't gotten better
- by you choosing to ignore them.
- Hmm.
(PLAYING "CHOPSTICKS")
(GAME BEEPING)
(PLAYING "FOR ELISE")
(FAINT SQUEAKING)
Still here, grace?
Uh, yeah. Yes, ma'am.
Come get me when you're
done. I'll drive you home, okay?
(SNIFFS) Okay.
(SIGHS) Oh man...
- (CAR STARTING)
- ALICE: How's your little girl?
- GRACE: Good.
- Not... not making any trouble?
No, no. She's a good kid.
It must be hard
without a father.
(GATE HUMS)
We won't be needing you at
the house anymore, grace.
I'm paying you an extra day and I
can recommend you, but that's it.
I'm sorry. It was
Dr. Harford's decision.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
You put this in my locker?
- That's right.
- Why?
Because I want to be like you,
one of you guys.
The note says you
can get alcohol.
You think I can't? Hmm?
You chess nerd.
- "I want to be like you."
- That's funny.
And what? And what?
You dress like a retard.
She said "you
dress like a retard"?
Yes,
so you can have your clothes back now.
All right,
we're on to phase two.
I want a more mature look,
something that screams,
"I want to belong."
- Noted here under "slutwear."
- (DOG BARKING)
Wait, there's a card missing.
No.
Fine.
Here, it fell.
Tavita,
you can't change how things go.
I know,
I just thought that one was stupid.
It's not.
Look, in coming-of-age stories,
there's times when
you have to ignore
your best friend for
dangerous new ones.
We can't be seen in
public anymore soon,
but first,
I'm going to need you to approach me
when I'm near Valerie,
so I can ignore you coldly.
- Okay.
- That, or I'll make fun of you.
And when no one's looking,
I'll wink to let you know we're okay.
Like this.
You know what? You're right.
This one's stupid. We
don't have to do that one.
So what's next?
TAVITA: Steal money
for makeover.
(PHONE RINGING)
- Hello?
- BRAD: Hey, it's me.
Don't hang up.
Gracie. Please, just talk to me.
- I don't understand why...
- (PHONE BEEPS)
Leave the city,
I drink myself
City kills romance,
we said, well, well
Leave the city,
I hate myself
There are people on fire,
they are always on the way
Leave the city,
kill the city
- People just come here...
- I'm sorry, I have to win.
- Checkmate.
- Checkmate.
(APPLAUSE)
EMILE: Okay,
ladies. Pay attention.
Responsibil-a-thon update.
If we're going by most tips,
grace, you're in the lead.
- Whoo!
- Congratulations.
Becky, least amount of complaints,
that's you.
- Really?
- Yep.
And, Olga,
you forfeited everything
by spitting in a
customer's food,
in front of the customer.
- I'm sorry, he deserved it.
- Now, listen, you...
Wives have a problem with you.
- (SIGHS)
- Let's tone it down a little bit.
I'm not saying get rid of it. Lord
knows they're not coming here
for the food all
the time. All right?
Just be mindful.
That's all I'm saying.
- Got it, boss.
- Mission! Go empty the trash.
Do to the trash, what your
ex-girlfriend did to you... dump it.
No. Huh? (SIGHS)
TV PITCHMAN: Tired of getting on
your knees to scrub toilets clean?
- Now you don't have to! Presenting...
- (RUSTLES BAG LOUDLY)
The patented extending
brush that make it easy
- to reach unreachable places.
- Thank you, but I already ate.
Burgers and fries,
our favorite. Greasy. Extra greasy.
Extra, extra greasy.
Fine. I'll just eat
'em all by myself.
I can do it. See if I care.
Oh,
god. Doesn't scholarship mean free?
(SIGHS)
I need six more jobs.
(LOUD MUSIC PLAYING ABOVE)
Ansiedad?
Ansiedad?!
(BANGING ON DOOR)
(MUSIC STOPS)
Why is this door
locked? (BANGING CONTINUES)
- What are you doing?
- Rehearsing...
For my blasting
death metal phase,
unless hip-hop
freaks you out more.
- This freaks me out.
- Great.
What happened to your teddies?
I decapitated them.
Grow up.
I'm trying. Mom?
Yes?
- Did you win that?
- In chess.
How nerdy. (GIGGLES)
Well, I'm happy you have something
you like to do after school.
- Mom?
- Yes?
You say you're tired as a
half-hearted excuse for not noticing.
I'm tired, baby.
I'm really, really tired.
Fine.
ANSIEDAD: Why aren't kids allowed
to use the school elevator?
TEACHER: 'Cause
kids are animals.
Now,
can we talk about your homework?
You should be amazed I
even show up for class.
My mother never
finished high school.
She keeps saying she's
gonna go to night school,
but she never will.
- Well, how old is your mother?
- She was 17 when I ruined the party,
and then she had
to leave home 'cause
her mom wouldn't have
her around with yours truly.
- Your grandma sounds tough.
- I guess.
Are you trying out a new look?
You can tell?
- What are you wearing?
- It's Ferguson's.
We're going out,
my mom doesn't know.
VALERIE: Hey.
So, uh,
some of us are hanging out tonight.
My mom's away and I
have keys to her gallery.
- So we were...
- I was thinking that if you were
still down to help us with that
"stuff" you said you could get,
you'd be really hooking us up.
GILLIAM: Are you out of your
mind? I'm not buying you liquor.
It's bad enough
I let you in here.
Tell him it's important, maude.
Hey,
let me be straight with you.
You're only here
seeing your "grandma"
because your
"grandma" gets no visits.
Now you comin' by
is doing her good.
Well, can I have the bottle
you keep in your back pocket?
Get out!
- Bye, maude.
- WOMAN: home, home on...
- (BOAT HORN BLOWING)
- (GRUNTS)
Psst... mission.
- I need your help.
- Que?
- Do you know what today is?
- Thursday?
Actually, it's Friday,
but it's also my mother's birthday.
- Really?
- You should buy her a present.
- Like what?
- Tequila.
Which I will hand deliver at
just the right surprising moment
with a bow and a note.
Let's say I want it,
let's say I want what's over there
Let's say I know it,
let's say I'd know it anywhere
'Cause there's just some things, yeah,
you know what's not and what is
- And when you get a taste of it...
- she's here.
- So, baby, what I know...
- oh, my god.
- You did it.
- no way I can tame it
- But, baby, I can name it...
- awesome, thanks.
So every, very pony, pony
You're so pony,
so very, so very pony...
VALERIE: Yeah! All right,
let's party! Whoo-hoo!
You ain't no one-trick,
you're more like the triple crown
You ain't no one kiss,
you're more like an all-around
- I like your cast.
- Thank you.
- (BANGS ON DOOR)
- It's very clean.
- Yeah, I don't let people write on it.
- I know what you mean.
Just like heaven told me,
baby, I got testimony...
Trevor.
Trevor's here everyone!
And the party starts.
Go play with your fat buddy,
little girl.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(BEEPING)
- Uh, okay...
- I'm sitting here.
You're so not.
Hall passes? Oh, my gosh.
- I got a ton.
- Yeah, right.
- Fine.
- (GASPS)
Wait.
What's your name?
Anne.
Where'd you get the hall passes,
Anne?
- For me to know.
- Okay.
You can sit here,
but the hippo's gotta go.
What the hell are you lookin' at,
huh?
You got enough chins?
Do I look like a meal to you?
Leave her alone.
I mean, look at her,
she's a fat blob.
The school has to
reinforce her lunch tray,
- and her boyfriend's Ferguson.
- The flea packer?
Yeah, and her mom's a big alky
who drinks all her father's money.
Oh,
and she dresses like a retard
because she is a retard.
Pfft. Get out of my chair.
Come sit. We have so
much to talk about.
I absolutely love your hair.
- You should totally wear it like this.
- It's gorgeous. Yeah.
I mean what are you...
What is this style?
SHANNON: I thought you liked it?
We could sell these?
VALERIE: We're going
to make so much money.
- You want some gum?
- Thanks.
(SWINGS SQUEAKING)
So have you heard
about the blackout party?
EMILE: I don't care
why you can't come in...
Two crazy crab salads,
two crabby chowders,
one Fanny bay all the way to stay.
- It's too busy!
- Got that, lo mein?
- I don't care what's wrong.
- Why not anyone call me chef?
- Just say chef.
- You get in here!
(BANGING PHONE) Damn it!
Hey, you okay?
Becky just quit.
She had a fight with
a flight of stairs.
- (GASPS)
- That leaves you to run the restaurant.
You're not ready.
That means I can't
go to crab masters.
- I can do it.
- Do what?
I can run this place.
I've done it before.
- Where?
- Memphis.
Rib joint. 50 tables.
I managed lunch. All me. Mm-hmm.
Come on. Come on,
I got your back.
You go get that crab Oscar.
Grace,
don't make me look like a fool.
Promise.
Mission, come here.
Gimme this. Take this.
You're serving tables now.
Look presentable, would ya?
Andele.
Hi. Welcome to
Emile's crab shack.
Something to drink?
What happened? My wife
came home and said you quit.
GRACE: I think about
your wife sometimes.
She made me coffee
in that fancy...
- Expobar.
- Yeah.
You know,
seeing you lying sideways like that,
I'm thinking,
that's something I want
to see every morning.
(SIGHS)
I'm going to tell her.
I don't believe you.
So don't believe me.
- We need to stop.
- So we should stop.
(HUMMING)
Oh, you look pretty.
Hey! No, "good morning"? No,
"what are you making?"
I'm making chilaquiles.
- I hate chilaquiles.
- Since when?
Since I realized
you only make them
to avoid talking about
your latest 'tard move.
(CHUCKLES) My latest what?
'Tard move, grace.
It's when you do
something retarded...
Like taking a married man back.
Don't talk to me like that.
I'm out of control.
Catch you later.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Hey.
I got invited.
- Are you okay?
- Hey, t. I don't have all day.
I'm coming.
- What are those?
- Nothing.
Skinny pills.
- I'm halfway down my list.
- FERGUSON: Hey, t.
All I need is a
Trevor and it's over.
Wonder what you're
gonna to do for that?
Too bad you don't have
another friend to betray.
Let's go!
Man, what you doin' with
the rest of your life?
Will you spend it all alone?
Well, you goin' with the boy,
said hi to you twice
TEACHER: Epiphany.
It's a literary term for
a sudden realization.
It's an "oh, my god" revelation
where the world just
suddenly crystalizes.
In our protagonist's case,
it's the moment where
she thinks to herself...
Man, what you doin' with
the rest of your life?
"Wait a minute." Nice.
"What have I done?
And is it worth it?"
In Shakespeare,
some characters are vengeful,
sad, or suicidal as a
result of their epiphanies.
Excuse me, where are you going?
- The girls' room.
- Well, shouldn't you ask permission?
Can I have permission?
GIRL: Total attitude.
Hey,
students in my class raise their hand.
- Am I letting you down?
- You're letting yourself down.
You're right. Can I go now?
Yeah, don't let me slow you down
- on your way to night school.
- Answer to number one:
Friar Lawrence.
Two: The capulets.
Three: Mercutio.
Man, where's the wedding,
where's the ring, and where's your man?
Did you leave him
back with your youth?
How it gonna do you
any good real soon
When you're old
and ugly and huge?
Man, where's the wedding,
where's the ring, and where's your man?
Did you leave him
back with your youth?
How it gonna do you
any good real soon
When you're old
and ugly and huge?
- Let me hear it.
- GRACE: Close the register every night,
same as always,
but make each day a separate cash pile.
Pile each pile in the safe
and then lock the safe.
With...?
We're winning crab fest,
you know why?
Because you trust everything
back here is gonna be just great.
- Yeah, that too.
- (CAR STARTS)
EMILE: Later. Expect my call.
- Yup.
- MISSION: Yes.
MAN: That was really good, huh?
- Did you ever get the Tequila?
- Huh?
- Tequila?
- Yeah.
Oh, god,
I hate Tequila. It makes me so sick.
Okay, let's get to work.
(BOAT HORN BLOWING)
(CELL PHONE RINGING)
- Hello?
- WOMAN: Miss Gutierrez?
- Uh, Gutierrez, yes.
- I'm from accounting at bronley.
Just wanted to make sure you
were aware that your daughter's
- tuition is showing unpaid.
- Yes, I'm so sorry.
I actually just
gave her that check.
Would cash be an inconvenience?
I mean, I only ask
because your last two
checks gave us some trouble.
I'm home, chaparrita.
(DOG BARKING)
Ansiedad?
I'm missing money from my tin.
- What tin?
- My tin, ansiedad!
Where I keep my bill money.
- It's Anne, mom.
- It's what?
- People call me Anne.
- I don't care what people call you!
- I'm missing money!
- Are you saying I took it?
- Well, I'm pretty sure you know better.
- Well, I do, so I didn't.
- So I miscounted?
- You've done it before.
- I know.
- By the way,
we're also missing shampoo.
- Don't open the curtain.
- Turn around.
Mom!
What do you think? I
haven't seen this before?
You forget I gave birth to you?
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
You would have been
a good hairdresser.
Well, I didn't almost make it through
beauty school for nothin', huh?
Hey,
how's that little rich friend of yours?
I haven't seen her around.
- Her name's tavita.
- Yeah, right.
Hey. Hey, hey, hey.
- You okay, huh?
- (CELL PHONE RINGING)
Hey. I didn't expect to
hear from you. Yeah...
When? In the morning?
That's refreshing.
Let me call you
from a phone-phone
because I have to
save my minutes.
So I guess I just miscounted,
you know?
Somewhere along the way,
I thought I had more
money than I actually did.
Is there a reason we're meeting
here instead of, you know...
Instead of some place
with a bed and free hbo?
Yes, because I need to talk.
Yeah, but, um...
- Okay.
- I'm sorry, am I wasting
your little window of
opportunity by talking about
my daughter's
unpaid tuition bills?
All right. Maybe you trust
your daughter too much.
Maybe she took
the missing money.
- No, no.
- Anyway, here, take this.
- Now, can we go?
- (SCOFFS)
But... I was kidding. Kidding...
I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
- Sit down.
- It's not funny.
- Sit.
- (CAR HORN HONKING)
I've spoken with a lawyer.
I have.
And it looks like we're
going to have to leave town.
- You talked to a lawyer?
- Yeah.
You're being serious right now,
right?
- Look at this face.
- (LAUGHS)
- Clean slate.
- Clean slate.
Just you and me.
Just the two of us.
- Just the two of us?
- Yeah.
Oh, jeez... the three of us.
I meant the three of us.
Where are you going?
(BANGS)
(HUMMING)
- Hey.
- (HORN HONKS)
What the hell?! How'd
you get in my car?
Girl secret.
I wanted to know if you're
going to that party tonight.
- Maybe.
- I understand.
But if you see me there,
will you take my virginity?
What? What is... what is this?
Unless it's not something
you'd want to do.
Oh. No, I'll do it.
I mean, that's what I do anyway.
Great. I have
another favor to ask.
- Anything.
- Okay.
I have this list of
things I need to do.
- Wanna help?
- With what?
Hmm... a first kiss.
You haven't even
had a first kiss?
No.
You want me to
be your first kiss?
But it has to be
awkward and clumsy,
and I have to hate it.
All right.
Uh...
(SIGHS)
You know,
if you tell anybody that happened,
I'm going to call you
a liar to your face.
You're going to be perfect.
Stop following me.
- Please.
- You're not my girlfriend,
no matter what we
do in my basement.
So step off, "Shrek."
Hey.
Don't pick on her.
Only you can, right?
I thought so. What
do you care anyway?
Shouldn't you be somewhere getting
your hole punched for your "story"?
- Tavita.
- He's right. What do you care?
This is your fault. All of it.
I hate you.
(SCHOOL BELL RINGS)
Underneath the
clothes we're wearing
Scars we all carry
Some that don't fade...
I'm just here to say goodbye,
maude.
It's time for me to go.
And they read just like...
I bought this for you
with the money I stole.
Big moment's tonight.
I'll be mature after that
and then I'm gone.
But I wanted to say,
I took death off my list,
so you don't have to
die if you don't want to.
Because soon,
I'll experience all the
loss I'll need to grow.
It's been really nice to have
someone who cares, maude.
Thank you for
being there for me.
You've been there
for me as well.
- Maude, you spoke.
- WOMAN: Excuse me?
I'm sorry. Who are you?
- (GILLIAM SNORING)
- Goodbye, maude.
- Bye, my child.
- What are you doing here?
And why did you just
call my mother "maude"?
Come on,
mom. I'm taking you home.
Lo mein, crab appetizer,
table eight.
Grace, phone.
- Crab shack, grace.
- BRAD: Grace, it's me.
I'm out front. I messed up.
Of course ansiedad
is part of the plan.
I... it was a slip,
like I miscounted.
- Stupid.
- Grace, call.
- Are you listening to me?
- Crab shack, grace.
Grace, it's Emile.
- Busy tonight?
- Oh, yeah.
- Grace, are you there? Grace?
- GRACE: You have no idea.
You know, can you call me back
when you actually take me seriously?
- I do take you seriously.
- Oh, no, Emile. I know you do
and I am so thankful for
you taking me seriously.
Excuse me,
but that toilet is clogged.
- That is disgusting.
- Shh!
This is a restaurant and
that's not sanitary or hygienic.
BRAD: Hello? Will you just...
- Grace, listen to me.
- Oh, my god.
- Bueno?
- Who's this?
- Que?
- BRAD: What do you mean I have no...
Mission,
why are you answering the phone?
- Yes, yes.
- It's Emile.
No, we can't deliver a meal right now,
we're busy.
- Thank you.
- Oh, for god's sake.
(DIAL TONE HUMS)
- (MUTTERS)
- BRAD: Grace, are you there?
Write a sign that says "out of
service" and tape it to the bathroom.
- Test me.
- What?
Test me to see if I
take you seriously.
- College terrace.
- What's that?
It's where we can
go for my web design.
I can go to college there
and that's where
I'll get my certificate.
Me, you, ansiedad,
a beautiful little house,
start a new family.
Becky knows
somebody at Facebook,
so it's all set up. You in?
Of course. Palo alto. Yeah.
I could move my practice there.
You misspelled "service,"
Olga. Do it again with a "c."
MAN: Hey,
how about some service with a "c"?
Oh, gosh. I'm really sorry.
Oh, man! God!
- Grace?
- Yeah, what?
I have to ask you one question.
Does Becky know someone
at Facebook or on Facebook?
What?
I mean, you don't really
think you're going to get a job
working at Facebook, do you?
Grace?
Go home to Mrs. Harford.
Goodbye.
You wanna go home, buddy?
Yeah? Yeah.
Let's do that.
(DINERS CLAMORING)
(MAN YELLING)
- Oh, it's nothing. It's a little Nick.
- Go to the hospital.
Shh. It's a little cut,
it's a little Nick, just suck it up.
- (YELLING IN CHINESE)
- Shh!
WOMAN: Yeah,
maybe you clear it with your mouth.
- MAN: Come on!
- Learn how to talk to a lady,
try some manners.
Hey,
I pay the mortgage on this place, lady.
- MAN: Fire!
- MISSION: Wait, one second.
Please. Please, lo mein... chef,
chef! You're the only chef tonight!
- Hey, presto.
- (DINERS CHEERING)
Chef! Chef, get over here!
Chef! Chef!
- MISSION: Everything is under control.
- GRACE: Chef!
- MISSION: Who wants Mexican food?
- (DINERS CHEER)
Mission is in the house, okay?
- Here you go! Whoo!
- (DINERS CHEERING)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Okay.
Hey, here you go.
(SPEAKS SPANISH) Mexican
jumping shrimps.
- Don't do that.
- Excuse me?
What are you talking about?
And you know,
I'm the manager now.
You can't just come in
here without knocking.
Huh?
And, by the way, thank you.
You saved me.
Gracias. I owe you.
Yes?
I know how you can repay me.
(BIKE BELL RINGS)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Here we are.
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
- (DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
- BOY: Whoo!
- What?
- Nothing.
- Do I look hot?
- Yeah.
Good.
Because I'm doing
Trevor tonight.
Gonna take it by,
spinnin' it on the fly
I'm gone, coming down now,
gotta get around
Gonna make you keep up,
'cause I can handle...
Let's get this party started!
(PARTYGOERS CHEER)
(LATIN MUSIC PLAYING)
- This is my cousin's band.
- Cool.
- I write many of their songs.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- Really?
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
He's gay.
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
My aunt. She's not in a costume,
that's just her dress.
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
Oh!
I don't know how to
dance to this kind of music.
I'll teach you.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
- (DANCE MUSIC PLAYING)
- everybody's rockin'
Ain't nobody stoppin'
People everywhere,
put it in the air
Show 'em how you do it,
put your back into it
If it's your song,
tell the deejay
You should tell somebody,
come on, hit the floor
Tell the deejay more,
we are on a mission
To get his attention,
if it's your song
Tell the deejay
bring it back
Bring, let me back
Bring, bring, let me back
Bring, bring, let me back
- Bring, let me back, bring...
- hey.
- Bring, let me back...
- hey.
Bring, let me back
Oh, deejay,
how can you do this to me?
I need to hear
just one last song
before I leave
If it's all right with you,
I'll dance up here alone
Just turn it up 'cause this
is my favorite song, yeah...
(SPANISH MUSIC PLAYING)
(SINGING IN SPANISH)
GRACE: Ahh, this is nice,
this is nice.
Yeah,
I like it. It's fun. You live here?
- Yeah.
- Yeah?
- On this couch.
- Oh, you live there.
MISSION: Yeah.
Well,
I... I have a curtain I can shut. Look.
Ah.
This is my Tia Gloria's house.
She lets me stay here for now.
- Well, until I open my own restaurant.
- GRACE: Wow.
I'm seeing a whole
new side of you.
How you doin'?
Please don't be nice to me.
Be mean.
- Right.
- Pressure me.
I'm pressuring you.
- You're really pretty.
- You're being sweet.
I thought you were
a womanizing jerk.
It's just a facade, you know?
To piss off my dad. I...
Really want to get to know you.
I don't.
Now, let's get to it.
Put this on and come right back.
Okay.
Mission,
you are so "determinated."
Yeah, you have plans,
man. You got plans.
My plans? Always fail.
(SPEAKS SPANISH)
Like, right now,
ansiedad's school is
gonna to kick her out
because I can't
pay for the bills.
They're going to kick
her out because I cannot
afford to pay.
And then our job-job sucks.
You know, our job, the shack.
Emile is so mean,
he makes us split all our tips.
He makes you split tips,
too, right?
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Okay. Come on.
(LATEX SNAPS, SIZZLING)
No, no, no, no.
No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No, no, no, no.
Oh, shoot.
(SIGHS)
This is for my story.
So twist the cord,
why don't you?
Tighter so you dangle
Go some more, why don't you?
Higher so you're hanging,
don't you know
There's no way that
you could ever fall?
There's no way that
you could ever fall
There's no way that
you could ever fall
- Far enough to take them all...
- what are you doing?
- Hey, baby, it's not your fault...
- wait.
You had no chance
- Those goods had all been wrong...
- you forgot these.
- Slut.
- Nothing happened.
- Oh, yeah.
- You forgot these.
- (CROWD MURMURS)
- BOY: Hey, Trevor.
- Yeah, I hit that!
- (CROWD CHEERS)
You stole my panties! You sicko!
Get out of here!
There's no way that
you could ever fall
- There's no way that...
- (DOOR SLAMS)
Mommy! Mommy, I'm so stupid!
Mommy?
(DOGS BARKING)
(SOBS)
Why aren't you ever here?
My ticket.
- JANITOR: It's Saturday.
- Please! I need to get into my locker.
Buzz off before I call the cops.
(RADIO HOST SPEAKING SPANISH)
(SIGHS) Thank you.
Oh, my god. (GROANS)
Oh god, um...
(GASPS) The shack!
(WHISTLING, GASPS)
(SPEAKING SPANISH)
(POLICE RADIO CHATTER)
What happened?
Somebody crowbar the register.
- What?!
- And the safe.
- They don't know who.
- Wha...
OFFICER: All right,
we're done with this guy.
Got anybody else?
(POLICE DISPATCH CHATTER)
You can go.
Grace. Come here.
Come here. Sit down.
OFFICER: All right. All right.
What about... is there a neighbor
who might have seen something?
How does this
happen on your watch?
This is all I have.
OFFICER: Can you make
a list of anyone...
- You have nothing to say?
- No.
I guess you figured out that the
second location's not gonna happen.
(DEEP SIGH)
OFFICER: Do you mind if I give you
my card with my information?
In case anybody cares,
we came in third.
(CRASHES)
EMILE: Lock up, Olga.
- (DOOR SLAMS)
- OFFICER: Ma'am, here's my card.
If you think of anything or if you have
any questions, call me at the station.
- Let's go, partner.
- OFFICER #2: All right.
GRACE: Hey! Hey!
Did you do this? Huh?
Did you break in? Did you get
me drunk and take advantage
- and help yourself to this?
- No, I'm helping you.
You said you needed help
with your daughter's school.
I did it for you.
I'm crazy about you.
- Oh, my god!
- Hey, calm down.
- No!
- Calm down!
No, calm down! You're an
idiot! What is wrong with you?
What makes you think
that you can just take...
- Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay.
- What are you thinking?
No one's gonna know. No one's gonna know,
okay?
- OLGA: Grace?
- I'll give the money back.
Some blonde lady
wants to talk to you.
You lock up, I'm leaving.
- If this is about tuition payment, I...
- no, no.
I... I'm Jill Armstrong. I'm your
daughter's English teacher.
She's been skipping class.
- Why hasn't the school called me?
- Well, they probably have.
I left you a message that
your daughter erased.
She told me so in a letter
that outlines behavior that...
You know, frankly,
the state would
consider parental neglect.
(LIGHTER CLICKS)
But I am not gonna
call the state.
Your daughter,
she thinks she's in a coming-of-age story.
She's trying to grow up.
I think she believes
experiencing certain things
will speed that process along.
It's like... it's like she's
name-checking these hardships
that she can skip to the
point where she's matured
- from experiencing them.
- Oh, god.
Look, I didn't go to Harvard,
okay?
I don't have an education.
But this stuff you're telling me,
this is something
that my mother would call "tarado."
Do you know what that means?
Well, it means "stupid."
You don't have to go to Harvard
to see a little girl
crying out for help.
She's trying to outgrow you,
Ms. Gutierrez.
Have a nice day.
She's trying to leave
home like you left home.
How dare you?
I was 17 and I had a
horror show for a mother.
So how dare you judge
me? I was a little kid.
My mother was
never there for me.
You know what? Ansiedad
left this letter for me,
but I'm sorry... I
think it's for you.
ANSIEDAD'S VOICE: "Dear Jill,
I deleted your
message to my mom,
so you'll have to try her again.
Maybe this time,
mention I've stopped
going to class altogether.
You might also tell
her that I'm drinking now,
and doing gateway drugs
as part of my growth.
Please tell her that I
intend to have sex soon
and become a woman.
Because that's what she did
to get away from her mother.
She never talks about it,
but I know.
Thank you for
showing me the way.
Anne."
OFFICER: I'm gonna need ya to
be as specific as possible.
Don't say "long hair" when
you can say "shoulder-length,"
or "medium height" when you
could say 4'3". Understand?
- Yes.
- Hair?
Long.
Uh... eyes?
Brown.
(RAPPING)
(DOORBELL RINGS)
Hi. Is my daughter here?
Neither is mine.
Mine left last night.
When did yours leave?
They each got boyfriends now.
Do you know that?
And they're smoking, too.
Do you smell your
little girl's clothes?
No, no,
I don't. I don't smell her clothes.
The police ask you where
you think she might be?
- Yes.
- And?
And what time she
left this morning,
and what clothes
she was wearing,
and what... where she goes,
and who she goes with.
- And I didn't know.
- (PHONE RINGING)
Excuse me.
Hello? This is she.
Where? Is she okay?
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
- What are you doing here?
- I need bus money.
I'm leaving grace.
You can either
reach for your wallet
or we're 30 seconds
away from the wife
wondering what's
going on out here.
So in other words,
you're extorting me.
Is that okay?
Listen, when you're older,
and you think about
this... and you will...
I want you to remember this.
That nothing is as black
and white as it seems
and love is a lot
more complicated
and beautiful than
you'll ever imagine.
- Hmm?
- Where's your mother, dear?
I don't know, ma'am.
- Dr. Harford?
- Yeah?
It's raining. Your jacket?
Your son needs glasses.
(FAINT CHATTER OVER P.A.)
Clear to go.
MAN: Why are we stopping?
- Get off me!
- I am not letting you go!
- Get away!
- I am not letting you go!
Leave me alone! That's what you're good at,
right?
- Ansiedad, please!
- (SOBBING)
Please, please.
Thank you. Baby, I'm sorry.
- Where were you last night?
- Oh, god. I'm sorry.
Why aren't you ever there?
- No, I don't need this. I'm going back.
- Baby! No, ansiedad, please.
- Please. Baby, please.
- (SOBBING)
How did you even find me, huh?
- Your doctor boyfriend call you?
- His wife.
- That's all over now.
- Until the next guy
and then I don't exist again.
- Baby, you do exist.
- I'm not your baby.
Yes,
you are and I know that now.
Too late. (SIGHS)
Ansiedad? Ansiedad?
Stop!
I don't want you
out there alone.
I don't want what happened to
your friend to happen to you.
What friend?
Come here, baby.
What friend,
mom? What are you talking about?
Tavita. She took some pills.
- You're lying.
- No.
- She's in bad shape.
- No. I didn't do that!
- I didn't do that!
- No, of course you didn't do it.
- I didn't... wait!
- Of course you didn't do it.
No, you don't know!
- You don't know what I did.
- Tell me.
You don't know.
- Ansiedad?
- Go away.
Ansiedad! Stop!
- I'm sorry, baby!
- Leave me alone!
Ansiedad, please!
You never cared about me!
Baby, I'm sorry!
Stop!
Baby!
(SIRENS WAILING)
(PANTING)
(GRACE PANTING)
MAN: She's gonna to be okay,
but make sure
she's not left alone.
She needs a lot of care.
I'll be back tomorrow.
TAVITA'S MOM: Goodbye.
(WATER SPLASHING)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
JILL ARMSTRONG: Last
assignment of the year.
200 words on the nature
of child versus adult
as pertaining to the
stories that we've discussed.
(STUDENTS WHISPERING)
And are those as separate
as we've been led to believe?
Now, please avoid making
overblown closing statements...
(SPLASHING)
JILL: Or sweeping
proclamations about life.
And keep things,
like, unselfishness,
inevitability...
Glasses don't work if
you don't wear them. There.
- JILL: Responsibility...
- How's that?
- Lean back a little bit. Huh?
- JILL: Forgiveness...
Hey, hey. Dirty dishes in the sink,
mister.
Not on the counter.
JILL: Limited to your
own personal experience.
Have a seat upon
this branch of mine
It's been a while, honey,
I think I feel fine...
JILL: Please include a
section discussing growth
and is it limited to youth?
- Check.
- I see the question Mark
Atop your spine
JILL: Or are we
constantly evolving?
I've got a ladder,
honey. Won't you let me climb?
- Whoo-hoo!
- Mom.
- I know that's good!
- Shh.
- Tell me all about...
- JILL: Can someone argue that life
is a succession of
rites of passage?
A long string of big
and small moments
where we essentially
come of age?
Oh, my, my
Oh, my stars
Everything you see is ours
Or it could be,
if you would try
I wish you would
I wish you might
JILL: Aren't we constantly
changing throughout our lives?
If everything you've
said to me has been true
JILL: And isn't that a
good thing after all?
And then all my stars
are leading me to you
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh...
Thanks.
Well, if I'm right,
this is the part where you apologize to me.
You're right.
And I'm sorry on my mom's behalf,
too.
She's too proud to thank you.
You know,
you give her no credit.
Maybe she called me
yesterday to do just that.
- Take your time...
- really?
Well, maybe.
Or maybe that's my
addition to your "story."
- We never talked about the lesson.
- I'm sorry?
In coming-of-age stories,
there's always a lesson...
The thing you learn so
mistakes stop repeating.
And did you learn it?
I think so.
Oh, my, my
Oh, my stars
Everything you see is ours
Or it could be
if you would try
I wish you would
- I wish you might...
- I'm sorry.
Ooh, ooh
If everything you've
said to me has been true
- Do you want to come inside?
- I gotta go.
My mom's waiting for me.
- Okay. Call me.
- I will.
- GRACE: Ready?
- Yeah.
Oh, my, my...
We haven't moved
to Connecticut yet,
or parts of Canada.
- We could move there.
- We're not moving.
We always move. How about Lancaster,
New York?
Baby, we're not moving.
So can we talk about
my name change now?
- Oh, brother.
- I spoke to the county clerk
and he'll need your signature
on a petition I've already filled.
- You have a beautiful name.
- And you changed yours.
Okay. I'll make you a deal...
For now you keep it and when you turn 18,
you can change it.
- I can't wait.
- I know.
Let's go home.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
Don't worry
'bout the bottles
And the lamps they broke
Don't worry 'bout
the carpet stain
Someone will clean that up
The bathtub's overflowing
Your mom's bras are hanging
From the ceiling fan
Your best friend is
in your sister's bed
It don't matter that
we won't remember
As long as we don't forget
As long as we
don't forget...
The sunlight crawls
across the floor
We've done some things
We haven't done before
I think that it was good
But I'm not sure
I hope I didn't
break your heart
Over before it could start
When we are grownups
We can clean that up
It don't matter that...
(MUSIC PLAYING)
MAN: Corazon.
(WOMAN VOCALIZING)
(WOMAN SINGING IN SPANISH)