All American: Homecoming (2022) s01e06 Episode Script
Family Affair
1
Come in with the change,
settin' up the next stage
Always been a woman of
my word, that is my way
Tell your homies holla at the
nerve if they need it, 'kay?
And I don't gotta hit 'em with
the curve 'cause they know me
Final, here to stay,
comin' with the strong game
How long did
you know about me and J.
R.
? But I told you that I wasn't looking for my birth parents.
Instead, you and J.
R.
just decided what was best for my life and then played me when my gut told me there was something up with you two.
I trusted you.
Tell me who gonna take control? Tell me who gonna take control? Oh, no.
Not today.
Damon Enough with the Tina Hicks silent treatment.
I apologized.
It's been a week.
I miss my friend, OK? Look, baby Shay's in town this weekend, and I would love if my blood family met my Bringston family, if you even consider yourself a part of that anymore.
I miss my friend, too, but But my Bringston family lied to me about who my blood family might actually be.
So I'm not gonna just turn the page because Simone Hicks wants me to.
Yo, hold up.
Simone ain't deserve that.
If you gonna be mad at somebody, be mad at me.
I'm mad at me, bro, because I trusted y'all not to lie to me.
- You cleaned out your locker? - Yeah.
'Cause once I talk to Coach Marcus, I'll officially be off the team.
I can't believe you flew in for the game.
This is just preseason, Mom.
Well, it's the first game I get to watch not as momager but just as Mom.
This reset is a big deal to me.
Yeah, me, too.
Hey.
Yeah? You want to tell me what's wrong? Who said that something's wrong? Your facial expression, your tone in your voice.
I can go on, or you can just tell me.
Ms.
Sims, it's good to see you.
Good morning, Coach.
Now, she know you lying.
You can relax.
The only agenda I have this time around is to watch my son play baseball, nothing more.
Then it is really good to see you, right? You, too.
All right.
Do you mind if I borrow your son? Yeah, not at all.
See you.
All right, fellas, huddle up.
One of your new sponsors, Mr.
Tibbs' barbecue, is holding a fundraiser for the Georgia Junior Baseball League.
And they've asked two of our players to be there.
Is there free barbecue involved, Coach? No.
But showing the community we can be of service by inspiring young boys is, all right? Now, I expect volunteers by the end of practice.
And we're two days out from our scrimmage with East Lennox University, and we're a man down.
Now, some of you may know that J.
R.
is no longer on this team, which means there's a gap in this roster, which is why I'm putting Santiago here at catcher.
Yeah.
All right.
Come on, guys.
Get to it.
Let's go.
Come on! Who is that - Who is that? - Is that who I think it is? Hey, Shanelle.
Hey.
Can you say "Hi, Auntie Amara"? Can you say "Auntie"? - Hello.
- Hello.
Hi.
Aren't you just the sweetest thing? Ooh, can you show her what we do? Can you show her what we do? What is that? It's American Sign Language for "hug.
" I taught him that before I left for Bringston.
You tired? Yes Everything OK? No.
The babysitter just canceled for Sunday.
The wedding is a no kids event.
Well, that's no problem.
I can watch Shay.
I don't mind.
Don't you have that tennis thing? It's voluntary.
I would love that.
Shay, did you hear that? It's just me and you Sunday.
It's gonna be a lit weekend.
Uh-huh! Come here.
Mom.
What are you doing here? Well, hello to you, too, Simone.
Hey! OK.
Ha ha! All right.
Well, I take it that everyone found out that I won the dance competition.
And that you're gonna be in Normani's music video.
Yeah.
It's like the talk of the dorm.
You're like royalty up in here.
OK.
And here's my knight.
Hey.
Hey.
Mm, mm.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Ooh! Hi, Daddy.
Yeah.
I'm sorry I can't make lunch tomorrow.
I have to study for organic chemistry.
Yeah.
I love you, too.
OK, bye.
You are capping so hard right now.
No, I'm not.
I do have to study at some point.
We are in college.
Yeah, but you already told me you have dance rehearsal for that video tomorrow.
Why not keep it 100 with your pops? Because he doesn't need to know.
It's just a one-time thing.
Look, Coach, with all due respect, I don't know about Santiago, all right? Respect would've been you accepting my decision instead of you coming in here trying to change my mind, Damon.
I'm sorry, but, like, a catcher and a pitcher, they got to be in sync.
And that ain't never gonna be me and Santiago.
Come on, Coach.
He's resented me since I joined the team.
And we both know that he is a pain in the ass.
Make it work, OK? I need you two putting in extra work in practice.
OK.
Why him, though? He's a smart player, he has a stronger arm than J.
R.
, and he fought for it.
He went after J.
R.
's spot? He showed me something, OK? I need players like him to win against east Lennox.
Every scrimmage counts, and I need you not to lose focus or get distracted from your mom's visit.
Now, is everything good there? Yeah.
That doesn't sound convincing, Damon.
I just I got questions about my My adoption and my birth parents.
I don't know how my mom's gonna take that.
It's a shame the adoptive mom and Shay couldn't stay for dinner.
She has a name.
It's Shanelle.
She lives in your city, so you can have dinner whenever you want.
That doesn't quite seem appropriate.
OK! Food, yeah? Let's, uh Why are you here? Auntie, you didn't.
I just thought this weekend with Shay would be a good time for some family connecting and to finally talk through some things now that everyone has had some time apart.
I would've told you if someone had actually confirmed and not just shown up.
The point is I'm here now.
We said everything we needed to say before I left.
No family connecting needed.
Honey I hate the way that we left things.
Can we do lunch tomorrow? No.
I'm with Shay all afternoon.
Then how about brunch? How about I join you? I don't need a chaperone to have brunch with my daughter.
- Agree to disagree.
- It's fine.
I'll go alone.
Perfect.
We can brunch on campus.
You can show me what I've been paying for.
J.
R.
, what are you doing here? You sold the house? We found an aggressive buyer.
It all happened really fast.
I'm sorry you're finding out this way.
We were gonna tell you.
We weren't expecting you this weekend.
Well, y'all just told me y'all were splitting up, and now you're selling the house? You're not even gonna try to see a marriage counselor.
You're just done, just like that.
This must seem quick to you, but it's been a long time coming for us.
Sometimes people just fall out of love.
That's all.
But that doesn't mean we don't love you.
That's the best y'all got? That's it? Langston Hughes, Althea Gibson, Toni Morrison.
I didn't realize so many of our best and brightest went to HBCUs.
Most people don't.
That's why I love being in here.
I get to be surrounded by my inspirations all the time.
There's no denying that I was upset when you chose Bringston over Stanford.
It's not often that I'm wrong, but I was about this.
I'm sorry.
Are you my mother? Is something wrong? No.
I'm truly sorry.
That was perfect.
Candids are always the way to go.
I'm sorry.
- Who are you? - Simone, this is Ashley Ryan, a reporter with the "Atlanta Law Review," and she's early.
Sorry.
I'm just so excited.
I'm profiling the top 100 black female lawyers in the Country, one of whom is your mom.
So this is why you're in town? You set up this profile.
Was everything you said just for the photo op? Wow.
I can't believe you.
I could be spending time with my son right now.
- Wait.
You have a son? - Excuse me.
You need to mind your business.
Uh, Ashley, can you give us a minute, please? Yeah.
Spilling our family business.
- What is the matter with you? - Me? Are you serious right now? Mom, this is a new low, even for you.
I'm out.
Simone, please.
This article is important.
What if I fix that room and board financial misunderstanding? So you're bribing me now? You know what? You can just tell her I said she's Mother of the year.
It's just me and Santiago, Mom.
- You don't need to be here.
- Mm-mm.
I came here for the full Mom experience, and that's what I'm gonna get.
Besides, I want to see how you jell with your new catcher.
All right.
Let's see what you got.
I thought you were throwing heat.
Have you even played catcher before? Just throw the damn ball, dude.
Come on.
Less talking and more baseball.
Come on.
This is crazy, Coach.
- Fastball.
- All right.
Give me a throw.
Yo, catch the ball, man.
Oh, my God.
Come on.
- What the hell was that, man? - You're not giving me a target, bro.
Well, you got to let me know what you're throwing.
No, no, no.
My job is to throw the ball, and your job is to catch the ball.
Well, your job is also to throw a ball that I can catch.
You want me to give you a ball you can catch? - Yeah.
That'd be great.
- All right.
Hold on.
- Here you go, bro.
- Thank you.
- Here.
- Yeah.
Catch that.
Yo, what the? Hey, hey.
This is ridiculous.
If you're not gonna do something, then I will.
Hold on, hold on.
I got it.
What are you talking about right now? Are you crazy? You know there's no you without me.
- Oh.
- All right? Don't forget that.
- Oh, really? - Yeah, me.
And there he is Damon Sims 1.
0.
You know, I was wondering when the hell he'd show up.
OK.
Well, he's right here Thank you, gentlemen! - For what? - For volunteering for the Georgia Junior Baseball League event.
No, Coach, I can't.
Come on, Coach.
I can't.
I got plans with my mom.
Too bad, OK? Whether you like it or not, you two are gonna learn to get along.
- Hey.
- Hey, sis.
How was rehearsal? Really dope.
Yeah, they had an opening for a lead dancer, but I didn't get it.
It's all good, though.
I'm still dancing backup.
And you were in the room where it happened.
That's not nothing.
She's right.
OK.
Baby bumpers, toys, outlet covers.
Is is baby Shay pulling up? I'm babysitting tomorrow.
OK.
So you mean we're babysitting? Why don't you seem more excited? She's still trapped in the aura of brunch with her mother.
Oh, girl, I'm sorry.
Was it really that bad? She literally tried to bribe me to be in some stupid magazine article.
I mean, bribing bad, yes, but you could use the extra cash.
If I take the money now, then that means I'm cosigning how she treats me, and I'm not about that.
Hmm.
Staying broke.
That'll show her.
This is not to prove a point to her.
She's not gonna change.
This is probably how she's always been.
Santiago likes to talk trash, but he can't catch a pitch.
And what's your excuse for your behavior? You were off before you learned Santiago replaced J.
R.
, so my guess is none of this is really about Santiago.
I just I thought I was building a family here, Mom.
And Simone and J.
R.
, they lied to me about something that was really important.
Well, what was the lie about, huh? What was so important that you would be willing to cut them off forever? Look, baby, I know that trust is hard to build, and it's easy to lose, but that doesn't mean it can't be found again.
Hey, you are building a family here on and off the field, so don't let drama in one part of your family affect the other, all right? Coach Marcus called.
When were you gonna tell me you quit the baseball team? I guess I hadn't gotten around to it.
We're going back to Bringston, you're going to tell Marcus you made a mistake.
I'm not doing that.
It is done.
You are turning your back on our team.
You were supposed to be part of that legacy, just like me, just like your grandfather.
Plans change.
"Plans change"? Do you understand how hard we all fought to get you here? You were so weak as a kid, I didn't think you would ever run, let alone pick up a bat.
Your aplastic anemia was crippling, but you were a fighter.
You defied the odds.
I never dreamed that kid would grow up to become a quitter.
Hi.
Um Well, what's up, little brother? He told me to tell you there's no you without him.
Heh.
Thanks, bro.
Yo, what the hell are you doing? - Volunteering.
- Mm.
OK.
Oh.
And quoting the great Damon Sims.
Ooh.
You need to keep my name out your mouth.
Is that right? Hi.
- What's up, guys? - Hey.
- Can you sign my baseball? - Of course.
But I want Damon's, though.
That figures, man.
Will you sign mine? Yeah, man, I will.
So, uh, talk to me.
When you grow up, what, you want to go pro? I want to play baseball at Bringston like you.
Me, too.
I didn't know we could do that.
Moment of honesty Someone's got to take the lead tonight Really? They made you a backup? Man.
I bet nobody at that audition danced like you.
The choreographer pulled me aside at the end.
She said that I was good, but she heard that I'm pre-med, so she doesn't think that I'll be able to commit to all the dance rehearsals, and she's not wrong.
So you finally dropping pre-med or what? Cam, it's not that simple.
Nah, you making it complicated.
Look, when I was in high school, I played baseball and football.
I was good at both, but I wanted to be great at one, so I had to drop the other.
My dad would kill me.
All right.
Enough, Keisha.
Look, your fear of your pops just cost you a dream job as a lead dancer.
How much more are you willing to sacrifice? I I get that you're scared, but it's time you fight for what you want.
I believe in you.
A lot of us do.
When you gonna believe in yourself? OK, boys, time to go.
W wait.
One more question.
How much money they pay you guys? Uh They pay us with an education, man.
Yeah.
That comes first.
And if you want to go to Bringston, you're gonna have to work real hard.
You have to be leaders.
That means keeping your attitudes in check and being good examples.
Uh, yeah, if you want to come to an HBCU, you got to come correct, man.
It's not about who you are.
It's not where you come from.
Like.
.
We represent something bigger than ourselves.
Word.
All right, brothers.
Congratulations, man.
- All right.
See you.
- All right, buddy.
- Thank you, guys.
- See you.
Man.
That was dope, dude.
I think we're like their heroes or something, bro.
Yeah.
I still remember meeting mine, man.
The Barranquilla baby.
Come on! I mean, most people, they go with jeter when you're talking about a shortstop.
Renteria.
Don't get me wrong.
He was good, but, I mean, he wasn't setting records, brother.
Ha ha! It's not about what he was doing on the field, man.
He coaches promising young ballplayers back in Colombia.
When I was a kid, my dad took me to meet him before I came to America.
Your pops still in Colombia? Yeah, until I can afford to bring him out here.
So that is why I have to make it to the Majors.
Go ahead.
Say it.
I know you're thinking it, so just say it.
No, like, uh For the first time, I'm rising above, bro.
I'm too slow for the Majors, at least at shortstop.
So that's why you went after J.
R.
's spot.
'Cause at catch, you'd be in high demand.
All right, all right.
Respect, man.
For real.
Thank you.
So I told you about my old man.
What about yours? Um, he's around, just not as accessible.
I got you.
Hey, dinner will be ready in a few.
I'm actually not staying.
I came to tell my mother that I don't need anything from her anymore.
I'll get student loans and another job to pay the rest of my tuition at Bringston if I have to, 'cause I don't need you trying to bribe me again.
Tina, what did you do? She's being overly dramatic.
The "Atlanta Law Review" asked to do a profile on me.
It could be a big boost in my career.
All Simone had to do was participate.
After everything you've put this child through, you shouldn't be asking her to do anything.
I'm making up for that chunk of lost time at the start of my career.
Is her participation really so much to ask? What chunk of lost time, Mom? You're one of the top lawyers in L.
A.
.
At my age, I should own my own firm by now.
I've been playing catch-up ever since I graduated from Harvard law.
Because you took that leave of absence to do that fellowship.
That was your choice, Tina.
Amara, there was no fellowship.
I didn't take a leave of absence.
- I dropped out of law school.
- What? I don't understand.
After Dad died and we settled his estate, there wasn't enough money left for you to stay at Bringston and me at Harvard law.
A choice had to be made.
And I chose you and dropped out of law school, so you could pursue your journalism dream.
You lied to me for almost two decades? I supported you.
So you can support Aunt Amara back in the day, but Not once have you ever supported me in my entire damn life.
Simone, honey.
- It's - Uh-uh.
You and I need to finish this conversation now.
Why didn't you tell me about Harvard? If I told you, then you never would've stayed at Bringston.
After, I didn't see the point.
What's in the past - is in the past.
- But it's not.
You resented me and put a distance between us.
You've critiqued every adult decision I made, what man I dated Yeah, I know about that What college I went to.
Because I didn't sacrifice for you to settle on being a professor at some HBCU.
You were supposed to be an award-winning journalist.
That was your dream for me, Tina, not mine.
I chased and caught my dream.
Have you, though? If so, why are you letting it just slip through your fingers, letting these trustee people railroad you, cut your classes? Where is the Amara that I sacrificed for? Shay being here is exactly what I need.
You're gonna do great.
All right.
Well, it is time for me to go calm down the bride.
I'll see you later? - Yes.
- All right.
- Bye.
- Say "Bye, Mommy.
" - Bye-bye.
- Say "Bye, Mommy.
" See you later.
All right, Shay, we're gonna have so much fun, right? We're gonna have so much fun Hi! Why don't you can you smile? Can you peek-a-boo! Ah.
Peek-a-boo! - Peek-a-boo.
- It's not working - Peek-a-boo.
- OK? Uh, OK.
- I'm serving for the baby.
- You are.
Ooh! Ooh! Hi.
Please don't make me do this anymore.
It's not working.
Um OK, um, can you do this? Can you show them what we do, Shay, huh? You trying to teach your baby "Wakanda Forever"? It is how you say "hug.
" Oh.
- Come on.
- How you say "Stop crying"? Please.
Let's go! Let's go.
Let's go! - What's up? - You got any heat left? Yeah, Coach, I'm good.
Coach, dude's 2-3.
Each time he's gotten on base, he stole second on the first pitch.
If Damon throws the first one high and away, I'll get him.
No.
Third is gonna steal home.
Sims, strike him out.
- Come on, Coach - OK, come on, boys.
Let's go, now.
Come on.
Let's go.
Come on.
Hey, you know I can throw him out there.
Bro, you just heard what Coach just said, all right? Look, I know you want to show off right This ain't about me, Damon.
I've got this.
I just need you to trust me.
Throw him out, then.
Let's go.
He's out! Come on, baby.
Yes, sir! Good game, gentlemen.
And since you all having trouble hearing, I need you all to be here at 6 A.
M.
tomorrow for laps.
But good game.
- Yes, sir.
- All right, Coach.
I didn't know you had an arm like that.
Whoo! Uh! Ah! Ah! Ha ha! - Mom, what'd you think? - So good! So good.
And that play at the end, impressive.
- It was pretty dope.
- It was dope.
It was pretty dope.
And it only happened because I trusted somebody I didn't think I could.
Mm.
Can I catch you later? Look, I got to go see somebody.
- OK.
Go.
Go.
- All right.
I love you.
Love you, too.
Mm.
Bye, baby.
Good game.
Thanks, Mom.
I just got a call from your advisor.
Are you giving up on becoming a doctor because of a music video?! No.
I'm not becoming a doctor because I don't want to be a doctor.
Since when? For a while now.
I just didn't know how to tell you.
Dad, I'm I'm really good.
I'm better than some of the professional dancers I danced with the other day.
This is my passion, and I'm doing it whether or not you believe in me.
Dance is a hobby, - not a career.
- Well, tell that to Luam Keflezgy or Jemel McWilliams or Debbie Allen.
Like I said, I'm doing this.
Your mother and I wanted so much better for you.
She'd be so disappointed.
Somebody want to tell me what's going on? Did he tell you he quit the baseball team? And since he did something that didn't live up to your expectations, you stopped speaking to him.
Our son just turned his back on a sport he's spent his whole life playing.
Because of you.
Baseball was your thing.
You pushed him into it.
Everything J.
R.
does is to please you.
J.
R.
is your son.
You can turn your back on me, but I won't let you do it to him.
Wait, Dad.
Why why are you turning your back on Mom? I misspoke, honey.
It's nothing.
I'm gonna get some air.
I'm sorry.
Damon, look, um, if you're here to give me a hard time, I really don't have the energy right now.
You said that you wanted your Bringston and your blood fam to meet, right? Hey, hey, hey.
Hey there, little guy.
I got you.
Hold, hold, hold on.
I got you.
It's OK, dude.
Look.
It's all right.
Oh.
There you go.
Good job.
There you go.
Shh.
Aww.
Good job.
There you go.
Ha ha.
Well, you know you can't leave this room, right? Yeah, I'm down with that.
I think there's a lot I can teach Shay.
- Really? - Yeah.
OK.
Like what? Like how not to be an ass and how to trust and forgive.
Sorry it took me a minute.
I mean, you pulled up, calmed Shay, so trust me, we good forever.
Looked like you was You was having an afternoon.
I don't know what it is.
He's been fussy with me this entire trip.
Babies cry, right? Isn't that a part of it? I know that, but This time is different.
It's almost like he doesn't even know me anymore.
He knows you, Simone.
I thought I knew my mom, but I only saw how she hurt me, not the sacrifices she made.
What if that happens with me and Shay? Wait.
What? No.
You only knew a part of your mom because that's all she showed you.
But when baby Shay has questions about his mother, he'll know exactly where to come find you because you have made sure of it, Simone.
And that is a gift that I I wish my birth mother gave me.
Have you told your mom you're looking for your birth parents? No.
I don't know how to bring it up without hurting her.
I mean, we've just come so far, and I don't want to mess it up.
She's your mom.
All she wants you to be is happy and whole, and she'll make whatever sacrifices she needs to to make that happen, even if it means sharing you, Damon.
Trust me.
I forgot how good you are at this.
Ooh! Now you want to be dramatic.
Boy, please.
It was only a week.
Oh, so, so now it's just been a week.
Good.
You saved me a trip.
Excuse me? How did you convince Keisha to drop out of pre-med? Are you a genius, or are you just that good in bed? Yes.
You listen to me, Cam Watkins.
It's obvious Keisha has feelings for you, and it's clear you've caught them, too.
Look, we just friends, all right? We don't do strings.
Oh, honey, you need to be very honest with yourself and with Keisha about where this situation-ship is going before the queen gets her feelings hurt and then Nathaniel, well, she has to whup somebody's ass.
You got it? I'm OK Really.
Thank you.
For what? For pushing me.
I couldn't do any of this without you.
Well, you know you had my back with all that aneurysm stuff.
I was just kicking it back your way.
I'm taking you out.
I know you have stuff to do.
Meet me at tibbs' at 8:00 PM.
Hey.
Hey.
You ready to eat? Uh, yeah.
Actually, uh, you mind if we talk for a second? Yeah.
- OK.
- OK.
Uh So my friends, they haven't been the only reason that I've been in my feelings.
OK.
Well, what else is going on? I want to find my birth parents.
Oh, hey, hey.
You will always be my mom.
I just feel like a piece of my identity is missing.
I'm scared that it won't go away until I find answers, Ma.
I can't help you with that, not because I don't want to.
It was a private adoption, and your father handled everything.
And he's in no position to fill in the blanks.
Mm-hmm.
His Alzheimer's has robbed you of so much already.
And I'm sorry that it's robbing you of this, too.
You know, on one of his good days, he told me that my birth parents, they went to Bringston.
Is that why you wanted to come here? I don't know.
On some level, I I think so.
You know, he doesn't have many good days anymore, but when the time is right, I promise you I will ask him whatever it is you want me to.
Um, I think we should ask him together.
OK.
OK.
I owe you an apology, Amara.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to hurt you then or now.
I know, but at least it's out there now.
And it may take a minute, but we'll work through our mess because that's what family does.
And it's why I wanted you out here this weekend.
And, T.
, thank you for the sacrifice you made.
I realize you did what you did out of love.
And in the interest of being honest, I have to say You were right.
I'm not living my dream, not fully.
I'm going to fight for my tenure.
Well, if you need any legal advice, I'd be happy to help.
Uh, you best believe if it comes to that, you are my first call.
I really messed things up with Simone.
Ooh, yeah, you did.
Can I offer my big sister some advice? What's wrong, baby boy I'll miss you.
How long have you been standing there? Long enough to see how much you love your son.
I haven't handled things well with you for a long time, and I realize now I was so disappointed over the choices that Amara made after I gave up so much that I thought I had to overly control your life as my daughter.
That was wrong.
You really mean that.
You are an adult.
And I have to loosen the reins or, I risk losing you.
I'm set in my ways.
And I know it won't be easy, but I I want to try.
I do, too.
But I want to lay some ground rules first.
OK.
Number one No more meddling.
Even if I make a mistake, you have to bite your tongue and let me make it.
And number two You have to include baby Shay in your life, Mom.
Now, that I can do.
I have a little more time before my flight.
May I? Hey, baby Shay.
You know who I am? I'm your glamma.
You like that? Of course you would say that.
Of course! Ms.
Sims, have a seat.
Thank you.
Is there something I can do for you? Damon told me that he wants to meet his birth parents, and he mentioned that he shared this with you.
I knew this day would come, and I thought I was prepared for it, but I can't stop asking myself, why? What can his birth mother do for him that I can't? And I know that's selfish.
No, it's human.
So then what do I do with this very human feeling? Remember who you are, how a young man who started this weekend isn't the same man who finished it.
OK? Who led his team to its first victory with a guy who he doesn't even like.
Now, you raised an exceptional young man, and you are Damon's mother.
Now, whoever his birth mother is, no one can take your place, Ms.
Sims.
OK? I have a flight to catch.
Do me a favor.
Keep taking good care of my son.
Everything good? Yeah, I'm good.
- Hey, J.
R.
- Hey.
Oh, hey.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Didn't think you was coming.
- Yeah.
Can we talk? Yeah.
I heard you all won.
Props.
So that's that's what you needed to tell me? I know we not on the best of terms right now.
But regardless, we both need answers.
I think we should take a DNA test.
Let's do it.
R.
? But I told you that I wasn't looking for my birth parents.
Instead, you and J.
R.
just decided what was best for my life and then played me when my gut told me there was something up with you two.
I trusted you.
Tell me who gonna take control? Tell me who gonna take control? Oh, no.
Not today.
Damon Enough with the Tina Hicks silent treatment.
I apologized.
It's been a week.
I miss my friend, OK? Look, baby Shay's in town this weekend, and I would love if my blood family met my Bringston family, if you even consider yourself a part of that anymore.
I miss my friend, too, but But my Bringston family lied to me about who my blood family might actually be.
So I'm not gonna just turn the page because Simone Hicks wants me to.
Yo, hold up.
Simone ain't deserve that.
If you gonna be mad at somebody, be mad at me.
I'm mad at me, bro, because I trusted y'all not to lie to me.
- You cleaned out your locker? - Yeah.
'Cause once I talk to Coach Marcus, I'll officially be off the team.
I can't believe you flew in for the game.
This is just preseason, Mom.
Well, it's the first game I get to watch not as momager but just as Mom.
This reset is a big deal to me.
Yeah, me, too.
Hey.
Yeah? You want to tell me what's wrong? Who said that something's wrong? Your facial expression, your tone in your voice.
I can go on, or you can just tell me.
Ms.
Sims, it's good to see you.
Good morning, Coach.
Now, she know you lying.
You can relax.
The only agenda I have this time around is to watch my son play baseball, nothing more.
Then it is really good to see you, right? You, too.
All right.
Do you mind if I borrow your son? Yeah, not at all.
See you.
All right, fellas, huddle up.
One of your new sponsors, Mr.
Tibbs' barbecue, is holding a fundraiser for the Georgia Junior Baseball League.
And they've asked two of our players to be there.
Is there free barbecue involved, Coach? No.
But showing the community we can be of service by inspiring young boys is, all right? Now, I expect volunteers by the end of practice.
And we're two days out from our scrimmage with East Lennox University, and we're a man down.
Now, some of you may know that J.
R.
is no longer on this team, which means there's a gap in this roster, which is why I'm putting Santiago here at catcher.
Yeah.
All right.
Come on, guys.
Get to it.
Let's go.
Come on! Who is that - Who is that? - Is that who I think it is? Hey, Shanelle.
Hey.
Can you say "Hi, Auntie Amara"? Can you say "Auntie"? - Hello.
- Hello.
Hi.
Aren't you just the sweetest thing? Ooh, can you show her what we do? Can you show her what we do? What is that? It's American Sign Language for "hug.
" I taught him that before I left for Bringston.
You tired? Yes Everything OK? No.
The babysitter just canceled for Sunday.
The wedding is a no kids event.
Well, that's no problem.
I can watch Shay.
I don't mind.
Don't you have that tennis thing? It's voluntary.
I would love that.
Shay, did you hear that? It's just me and you Sunday.
It's gonna be a lit weekend.
Uh-huh! Come here.
Mom.
What are you doing here? Well, hello to you, too, Simone.
Hey! OK.
Ha ha! All right.
Well, I take it that everyone found out that I won the dance competition.
And that you're gonna be in Normani's music video.
Yeah.
It's like the talk of the dorm.
You're like royalty up in here.
OK.
And here's my knight.
Hey.
Hey.
Mm, mm.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Hold on.
Ooh! Hi, Daddy.
Yeah.
I'm sorry I can't make lunch tomorrow.
I have to study for organic chemistry.
Yeah.
I love you, too.
OK, bye.
You are capping so hard right now.
No, I'm not.
I do have to study at some point.
We are in college.
Yeah, but you already told me you have dance rehearsal for that video tomorrow.
Why not keep it 100 with your pops? Because he doesn't need to know.
It's just a one-time thing.
Look, Coach, with all due respect, I don't know about Santiago, all right? Respect would've been you accepting my decision instead of you coming in here trying to change my mind, Damon.
I'm sorry, but, like, a catcher and a pitcher, they got to be in sync.
And that ain't never gonna be me and Santiago.
Come on, Coach.
He's resented me since I joined the team.
And we both know that he is a pain in the ass.
Make it work, OK? I need you two putting in extra work in practice.
OK.
Why him, though? He's a smart player, he has a stronger arm than J.
R.
, and he fought for it.
He went after J.
R.
's spot? He showed me something, OK? I need players like him to win against east Lennox.
Every scrimmage counts, and I need you not to lose focus or get distracted from your mom's visit.
Now, is everything good there? Yeah.
That doesn't sound convincing, Damon.
I just I got questions about my My adoption and my birth parents.
I don't know how my mom's gonna take that.
It's a shame the adoptive mom and Shay couldn't stay for dinner.
She has a name.
It's Shanelle.
She lives in your city, so you can have dinner whenever you want.
That doesn't quite seem appropriate.
OK! Food, yeah? Let's, uh Why are you here? Auntie, you didn't.
I just thought this weekend with Shay would be a good time for some family connecting and to finally talk through some things now that everyone has had some time apart.
I would've told you if someone had actually confirmed and not just shown up.
The point is I'm here now.
We said everything we needed to say before I left.
No family connecting needed.
Honey I hate the way that we left things.
Can we do lunch tomorrow? No.
I'm with Shay all afternoon.
Then how about brunch? How about I join you? I don't need a chaperone to have brunch with my daughter.
- Agree to disagree.
- It's fine.
I'll go alone.
Perfect.
We can brunch on campus.
You can show me what I've been paying for.
J.
R.
, what are you doing here? You sold the house? We found an aggressive buyer.
It all happened really fast.
I'm sorry you're finding out this way.
We were gonna tell you.
We weren't expecting you this weekend.
Well, y'all just told me y'all were splitting up, and now you're selling the house? You're not even gonna try to see a marriage counselor.
You're just done, just like that.
This must seem quick to you, but it's been a long time coming for us.
Sometimes people just fall out of love.
That's all.
But that doesn't mean we don't love you.
That's the best y'all got? That's it? Langston Hughes, Althea Gibson, Toni Morrison.
I didn't realize so many of our best and brightest went to HBCUs.
Most people don't.
That's why I love being in here.
I get to be surrounded by my inspirations all the time.
There's no denying that I was upset when you chose Bringston over Stanford.
It's not often that I'm wrong, but I was about this.
I'm sorry.
Are you my mother? Is something wrong? No.
I'm truly sorry.
That was perfect.
Candids are always the way to go.
I'm sorry.
- Who are you? - Simone, this is Ashley Ryan, a reporter with the "Atlanta Law Review," and she's early.
Sorry.
I'm just so excited.
I'm profiling the top 100 black female lawyers in the Country, one of whom is your mom.
So this is why you're in town? You set up this profile.
Was everything you said just for the photo op? Wow.
I can't believe you.
I could be spending time with my son right now.
- Wait.
You have a son? - Excuse me.
You need to mind your business.
Uh, Ashley, can you give us a minute, please? Yeah.
Spilling our family business.
- What is the matter with you? - Me? Are you serious right now? Mom, this is a new low, even for you.
I'm out.
Simone, please.
This article is important.
What if I fix that room and board financial misunderstanding? So you're bribing me now? You know what? You can just tell her I said she's Mother of the year.
It's just me and Santiago, Mom.
- You don't need to be here.
- Mm-mm.
I came here for the full Mom experience, and that's what I'm gonna get.
Besides, I want to see how you jell with your new catcher.
All right.
Let's see what you got.
I thought you were throwing heat.
Have you even played catcher before? Just throw the damn ball, dude.
Come on.
Less talking and more baseball.
Come on.
This is crazy, Coach.
- Fastball.
- All right.
Give me a throw.
Yo, catch the ball, man.
Oh, my God.
Come on.
- What the hell was that, man? - You're not giving me a target, bro.
Well, you got to let me know what you're throwing.
No, no, no.
My job is to throw the ball, and your job is to catch the ball.
Well, your job is also to throw a ball that I can catch.
You want me to give you a ball you can catch? - Yeah.
That'd be great.
- All right.
Hold on.
- Here you go, bro.
- Thank you.
- Here.
- Yeah.
Catch that.
Yo, what the? Hey, hey.
This is ridiculous.
If you're not gonna do something, then I will.
Hold on, hold on.
I got it.
What are you talking about right now? Are you crazy? You know there's no you without me.
- Oh.
- All right? Don't forget that.
- Oh, really? - Yeah, me.
And there he is Damon Sims 1.
0.
You know, I was wondering when the hell he'd show up.
OK.
Well, he's right here Thank you, gentlemen! - For what? - For volunteering for the Georgia Junior Baseball League event.
No, Coach, I can't.
Come on, Coach.
I can't.
I got plans with my mom.
Too bad, OK? Whether you like it or not, you two are gonna learn to get along.
- Hey.
- Hey, sis.
How was rehearsal? Really dope.
Yeah, they had an opening for a lead dancer, but I didn't get it.
It's all good, though.
I'm still dancing backup.
And you were in the room where it happened.
That's not nothing.
She's right.
OK.
Baby bumpers, toys, outlet covers.
Is is baby Shay pulling up? I'm babysitting tomorrow.
OK.
So you mean we're babysitting? Why don't you seem more excited? She's still trapped in the aura of brunch with her mother.
Oh, girl, I'm sorry.
Was it really that bad? She literally tried to bribe me to be in some stupid magazine article.
I mean, bribing bad, yes, but you could use the extra cash.
If I take the money now, then that means I'm cosigning how she treats me, and I'm not about that.
Hmm.
Staying broke.
That'll show her.
This is not to prove a point to her.
She's not gonna change.
This is probably how she's always been.
Santiago likes to talk trash, but he can't catch a pitch.
And what's your excuse for your behavior? You were off before you learned Santiago replaced J.
R.
, so my guess is none of this is really about Santiago.
I just I thought I was building a family here, Mom.
And Simone and J.
R.
, they lied to me about something that was really important.
Well, what was the lie about, huh? What was so important that you would be willing to cut them off forever? Look, baby, I know that trust is hard to build, and it's easy to lose, but that doesn't mean it can't be found again.
Hey, you are building a family here on and off the field, so don't let drama in one part of your family affect the other, all right? Coach Marcus called.
When were you gonna tell me you quit the baseball team? I guess I hadn't gotten around to it.
We're going back to Bringston, you're going to tell Marcus you made a mistake.
I'm not doing that.
It is done.
You are turning your back on our team.
You were supposed to be part of that legacy, just like me, just like your grandfather.
Plans change.
"Plans change"? Do you understand how hard we all fought to get you here? You were so weak as a kid, I didn't think you would ever run, let alone pick up a bat.
Your aplastic anemia was crippling, but you were a fighter.
You defied the odds.
I never dreamed that kid would grow up to become a quitter.
Hi.
Um Well, what's up, little brother? He told me to tell you there's no you without him.
Heh.
Thanks, bro.
Yo, what the hell are you doing? - Volunteering.
- Mm.
OK.
Oh.
And quoting the great Damon Sims.
Ooh.
You need to keep my name out your mouth.
Is that right? Hi.
- What's up, guys? - Hey.
- Can you sign my baseball? - Of course.
But I want Damon's, though.
That figures, man.
Will you sign mine? Yeah, man, I will.
So, uh, talk to me.
When you grow up, what, you want to go pro? I want to play baseball at Bringston like you.
Me, too.
I didn't know we could do that.
Moment of honesty Someone's got to take the lead tonight Really? They made you a backup? Man.
I bet nobody at that audition danced like you.
The choreographer pulled me aside at the end.
She said that I was good, but she heard that I'm pre-med, so she doesn't think that I'll be able to commit to all the dance rehearsals, and she's not wrong.
So you finally dropping pre-med or what? Cam, it's not that simple.
Nah, you making it complicated.
Look, when I was in high school, I played baseball and football.
I was good at both, but I wanted to be great at one, so I had to drop the other.
My dad would kill me.
All right.
Enough, Keisha.
Look, your fear of your pops just cost you a dream job as a lead dancer.
How much more are you willing to sacrifice? I I get that you're scared, but it's time you fight for what you want.
I believe in you.
A lot of us do.
When you gonna believe in yourself? OK, boys, time to go.
W wait.
One more question.
How much money they pay you guys? Uh They pay us with an education, man.
Yeah.
That comes first.
And if you want to go to Bringston, you're gonna have to work real hard.
You have to be leaders.
That means keeping your attitudes in check and being good examples.
Uh, yeah, if you want to come to an HBCU, you got to come correct, man.
It's not about who you are.
It's not where you come from.
Like.
.
We represent something bigger than ourselves.
Word.
All right, brothers.
Congratulations, man.
- All right.
See you.
- All right, buddy.
- Thank you, guys.
- See you.
Man.
That was dope, dude.
I think we're like their heroes or something, bro.
Yeah.
I still remember meeting mine, man.
The Barranquilla baby.
Come on! I mean, most people, they go with jeter when you're talking about a shortstop.
Renteria.
Don't get me wrong.
He was good, but, I mean, he wasn't setting records, brother.
Ha ha! It's not about what he was doing on the field, man.
He coaches promising young ballplayers back in Colombia.
When I was a kid, my dad took me to meet him before I came to America.
Your pops still in Colombia? Yeah, until I can afford to bring him out here.
So that is why I have to make it to the Majors.
Go ahead.
Say it.
I know you're thinking it, so just say it.
No, like, uh For the first time, I'm rising above, bro.
I'm too slow for the Majors, at least at shortstop.
So that's why you went after J.
R.
's spot.
'Cause at catch, you'd be in high demand.
All right, all right.
Respect, man.
For real.
Thank you.
So I told you about my old man.
What about yours? Um, he's around, just not as accessible.
I got you.
Hey, dinner will be ready in a few.
I'm actually not staying.
I came to tell my mother that I don't need anything from her anymore.
I'll get student loans and another job to pay the rest of my tuition at Bringston if I have to, 'cause I don't need you trying to bribe me again.
Tina, what did you do? She's being overly dramatic.
The "Atlanta Law Review" asked to do a profile on me.
It could be a big boost in my career.
All Simone had to do was participate.
After everything you've put this child through, you shouldn't be asking her to do anything.
I'm making up for that chunk of lost time at the start of my career.
Is her participation really so much to ask? What chunk of lost time, Mom? You're one of the top lawyers in L.
A.
.
At my age, I should own my own firm by now.
I've been playing catch-up ever since I graduated from Harvard law.
Because you took that leave of absence to do that fellowship.
That was your choice, Tina.
Amara, there was no fellowship.
I didn't take a leave of absence.
- I dropped out of law school.
- What? I don't understand.
After Dad died and we settled his estate, there wasn't enough money left for you to stay at Bringston and me at Harvard law.
A choice had to be made.
And I chose you and dropped out of law school, so you could pursue your journalism dream.
You lied to me for almost two decades? I supported you.
So you can support Aunt Amara back in the day, but Not once have you ever supported me in my entire damn life.
Simone, honey.
- It's - Uh-uh.
You and I need to finish this conversation now.
Why didn't you tell me about Harvard? If I told you, then you never would've stayed at Bringston.
After, I didn't see the point.
What's in the past - is in the past.
- But it's not.
You resented me and put a distance between us.
You've critiqued every adult decision I made, what man I dated Yeah, I know about that What college I went to.
Because I didn't sacrifice for you to settle on being a professor at some HBCU.
You were supposed to be an award-winning journalist.
That was your dream for me, Tina, not mine.
I chased and caught my dream.
Have you, though? If so, why are you letting it just slip through your fingers, letting these trustee people railroad you, cut your classes? Where is the Amara that I sacrificed for? Shay being here is exactly what I need.
You're gonna do great.
All right.
Well, it is time for me to go calm down the bride.
I'll see you later? - Yes.
- All right.
- Bye.
- Say "Bye, Mommy.
" - Bye-bye.
- Say "Bye, Mommy.
" See you later.
All right, Shay, we're gonna have so much fun, right? We're gonna have so much fun Hi! Why don't you can you smile? Can you peek-a-boo! Ah.
Peek-a-boo! - Peek-a-boo.
- It's not working - Peek-a-boo.
- OK? Uh, OK.
- I'm serving for the baby.
- You are.
Ooh! Ooh! Hi.
Please don't make me do this anymore.
It's not working.
Um OK, um, can you do this? Can you show them what we do, Shay, huh? You trying to teach your baby "Wakanda Forever"? It is how you say "hug.
" Oh.
- Come on.
- How you say "Stop crying"? Please.
Let's go! Let's go.
Let's go! - What's up? - You got any heat left? Yeah, Coach, I'm good.
Coach, dude's 2-3.
Each time he's gotten on base, he stole second on the first pitch.
If Damon throws the first one high and away, I'll get him.
No.
Third is gonna steal home.
Sims, strike him out.
- Come on, Coach - OK, come on, boys.
Let's go, now.
Come on.
Let's go.
Come on.
Hey, you know I can throw him out there.
Bro, you just heard what Coach just said, all right? Look, I know you want to show off right This ain't about me, Damon.
I've got this.
I just need you to trust me.
Throw him out, then.
Let's go.
He's out! Come on, baby.
Yes, sir! Good game, gentlemen.
And since you all having trouble hearing, I need you all to be here at 6 A.
M.
tomorrow for laps.
But good game.
- Yes, sir.
- All right, Coach.
I didn't know you had an arm like that.
Whoo! Uh! Ah! Ah! Ha ha! - Mom, what'd you think? - So good! So good.
And that play at the end, impressive.
- It was pretty dope.
- It was dope.
It was pretty dope.
And it only happened because I trusted somebody I didn't think I could.
Mm.
Can I catch you later? Look, I got to go see somebody.
- OK.
Go.
Go.
- All right.
I love you.
Love you, too.
Mm.
Bye, baby.
Good game.
Thanks, Mom.
I just got a call from your advisor.
Are you giving up on becoming a doctor because of a music video?! No.
I'm not becoming a doctor because I don't want to be a doctor.
Since when? For a while now.
I just didn't know how to tell you.
Dad, I'm I'm really good.
I'm better than some of the professional dancers I danced with the other day.
This is my passion, and I'm doing it whether or not you believe in me.
Dance is a hobby, - not a career.
- Well, tell that to Luam Keflezgy or Jemel McWilliams or Debbie Allen.
Like I said, I'm doing this.
Your mother and I wanted so much better for you.
She'd be so disappointed.
Somebody want to tell me what's going on? Did he tell you he quit the baseball team? And since he did something that didn't live up to your expectations, you stopped speaking to him.
Our son just turned his back on a sport he's spent his whole life playing.
Because of you.
Baseball was your thing.
You pushed him into it.
Everything J.
R.
does is to please you.
J.
R.
is your son.
You can turn your back on me, but I won't let you do it to him.
Wait, Dad.
Why why are you turning your back on Mom? I misspoke, honey.
It's nothing.
I'm gonna get some air.
I'm sorry.
Damon, look, um, if you're here to give me a hard time, I really don't have the energy right now.
You said that you wanted your Bringston and your blood fam to meet, right? Hey, hey, hey.
Hey there, little guy.
I got you.
Hold, hold, hold on.
I got you.
It's OK, dude.
Look.
It's all right.
Oh.
There you go.
Good job.
There you go.
Shh.
Aww.
Good job.
There you go.
Ha ha.
Well, you know you can't leave this room, right? Yeah, I'm down with that.
I think there's a lot I can teach Shay.
- Really? - Yeah.
OK.
Like what? Like how not to be an ass and how to trust and forgive.
Sorry it took me a minute.
I mean, you pulled up, calmed Shay, so trust me, we good forever.
Looked like you was You was having an afternoon.
I don't know what it is.
He's been fussy with me this entire trip.
Babies cry, right? Isn't that a part of it? I know that, but This time is different.
It's almost like he doesn't even know me anymore.
He knows you, Simone.
I thought I knew my mom, but I only saw how she hurt me, not the sacrifices she made.
What if that happens with me and Shay? Wait.
What? No.
You only knew a part of your mom because that's all she showed you.
But when baby Shay has questions about his mother, he'll know exactly where to come find you because you have made sure of it, Simone.
And that is a gift that I I wish my birth mother gave me.
Have you told your mom you're looking for your birth parents? No.
I don't know how to bring it up without hurting her.
I mean, we've just come so far, and I don't want to mess it up.
She's your mom.
All she wants you to be is happy and whole, and she'll make whatever sacrifices she needs to to make that happen, even if it means sharing you, Damon.
Trust me.
I forgot how good you are at this.
Ooh! Now you want to be dramatic.
Boy, please.
It was only a week.
Oh, so, so now it's just been a week.
Good.
You saved me a trip.
Excuse me? How did you convince Keisha to drop out of pre-med? Are you a genius, or are you just that good in bed? Yes.
You listen to me, Cam Watkins.
It's obvious Keisha has feelings for you, and it's clear you've caught them, too.
Look, we just friends, all right? We don't do strings.
Oh, honey, you need to be very honest with yourself and with Keisha about where this situation-ship is going before the queen gets her feelings hurt and then Nathaniel, well, she has to whup somebody's ass.
You got it? I'm OK Really.
Thank you.
For what? For pushing me.
I couldn't do any of this without you.
Well, you know you had my back with all that aneurysm stuff.
I was just kicking it back your way.
I'm taking you out.
I know you have stuff to do.
Meet me at tibbs' at 8:00 PM.
Hey.
Hey.
You ready to eat? Uh, yeah.
Actually, uh, you mind if we talk for a second? Yeah.
- OK.
- OK.
Uh So my friends, they haven't been the only reason that I've been in my feelings.
OK.
Well, what else is going on? I want to find my birth parents.
Oh, hey, hey.
You will always be my mom.
I just feel like a piece of my identity is missing.
I'm scared that it won't go away until I find answers, Ma.
I can't help you with that, not because I don't want to.
It was a private adoption, and your father handled everything.
And he's in no position to fill in the blanks.
Mm-hmm.
His Alzheimer's has robbed you of so much already.
And I'm sorry that it's robbing you of this, too.
You know, on one of his good days, he told me that my birth parents, they went to Bringston.
Is that why you wanted to come here? I don't know.
On some level, I I think so.
You know, he doesn't have many good days anymore, but when the time is right, I promise you I will ask him whatever it is you want me to.
Um, I think we should ask him together.
OK.
OK.
I owe you an apology, Amara.
I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to hurt you then or now.
I know, but at least it's out there now.
And it may take a minute, but we'll work through our mess because that's what family does.
And it's why I wanted you out here this weekend.
And, T.
, thank you for the sacrifice you made.
I realize you did what you did out of love.
And in the interest of being honest, I have to say You were right.
I'm not living my dream, not fully.
I'm going to fight for my tenure.
Well, if you need any legal advice, I'd be happy to help.
Uh, you best believe if it comes to that, you are my first call.
I really messed things up with Simone.
Ooh, yeah, you did.
Can I offer my big sister some advice? What's wrong, baby boy I'll miss you.
How long have you been standing there? Long enough to see how much you love your son.
I haven't handled things well with you for a long time, and I realize now I was so disappointed over the choices that Amara made after I gave up so much that I thought I had to overly control your life as my daughter.
That was wrong.
You really mean that.
You are an adult.
And I have to loosen the reins or, I risk losing you.
I'm set in my ways.
And I know it won't be easy, but I I want to try.
I do, too.
But I want to lay some ground rules first.
OK.
Number one No more meddling.
Even if I make a mistake, you have to bite your tongue and let me make it.
And number two You have to include baby Shay in your life, Mom.
Now, that I can do.
I have a little more time before my flight.
May I? Hey, baby Shay.
You know who I am? I'm your glamma.
You like that? Of course you would say that.
Of course! Ms.
Sims, have a seat.
Thank you.
Is there something I can do for you? Damon told me that he wants to meet his birth parents, and he mentioned that he shared this with you.
I knew this day would come, and I thought I was prepared for it, but I can't stop asking myself, why? What can his birth mother do for him that I can't? And I know that's selfish.
No, it's human.
So then what do I do with this very human feeling? Remember who you are, how a young man who started this weekend isn't the same man who finished it.
OK? Who led his team to its first victory with a guy who he doesn't even like.
Now, you raised an exceptional young man, and you are Damon's mother.
Now, whoever his birth mother is, no one can take your place, Ms.
Sims.
OK? I have a flight to catch.
Do me a favor.
Keep taking good care of my son.
Everything good? Yeah, I'm good.
- Hey, J.
R.
- Hey.
Oh, hey.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- Didn't think you was coming.
- Yeah.
Can we talk? Yeah.
I heard you all won.
Props.
So that's that's what you needed to tell me? I know we not on the best of terms right now.
But regardless, we both need answers.
I think we should take a DNA test.
Let's do it.