Being Mary Jane (2013) s03e04 Episode Script
Being Kara
I love you, Lisa.
- You betrayed me.
- Suicide? I mean did you, did you think it would ever come to that? You had alcohol in your system when you crashed into my car.
So you are going to pay me every two weeks $5000 in cash.
Do you want me to just stop working so I can chauffeur the kids around? I think they should come live with me full time.
[instrumental music.]
[moaning.]
(Kara) 'Oh, my gosh, oh.
' [moaning.]
Oh, damn.
Oh, damn, I needed that.
Oh.
[laughs.]
Are you gonna stay? - Yeah, I was planning on it.
- Yeah? Alright, I'll be right back.
I just gotta get the sports page, okay? - Don't you ever sleep? - I know.
[laughs.]
- 'Oh.
' - Ah.
This these fading times And we are chasin' the feelin' That we used to know Drivin' in circles On a one-way road No comfort [snores.]
[gasps.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Mother Oh, shit! Oh, God.
Hurry up, papa, wake up.
I gotta go.
Come on, papa, you gotta get up.
I gotta go to work, you gotta get up.
Come on.
Listen 'The front door, it sticks' so make sure it's locked when you leave, please because it sticks.
- 'Alright?' - Uh-huh.
Remember we have dinner tonight with my friend Rich and his wife Adrian.
Oh, my gosh.
How long are they in town again? Uh, till the end of the week.
Look if you can't make it tonight No, no, no that's fine, I know that he's your best friend 'so I do wanna go but, um' just text me the details and I will make it work, okay? You remember about the door, right? Huh? Alright, good.
Now get up.
Oh, my gosh, okay.
I'm so late.
Oh, my gosh.
Wait a minute.
I'm caught, help me here.
I'm caught.
- Just pull it down.
- Okay.
Hurry up.
Okay.
Alright, alright, alright.
Have a good day.
Don't forget, lock the door.
[instrumental music.]
I'd say she looks pretty good, considering.
Tony, the key light is still too hot.
All I see is scar.
Come on.
- Does it really look that bad? - Everything looks great, M.
J.
Ain't nobody got time for your lies, Lance.
What'd he say? He thought you looked good.
They were discussing lighting.
Any sign of Kara? She said she's five seconds away.
(male #1) 'Mary Jane, over here, please.
' 'Perfect.
' I know, I know.
Before you start, I know I'm late.
- I'm sorry.
- It's fine, it's fine.
I went in on my own.
What? You couldn't just stop for me? No, you get 20 minutes and a whole lot of e-mail reminders to be on time.
It went fine, really.
Seriously, I cannot believe you.
You know what? Enough with the fine crap, John.
You know it drives me crazy.
What do you want me to say, Kara? 'It's always the same story with you.
' Well, that's because I'm up late working.
Yeah like I said, same story.
Well, what did Your Highness have to say anyway? What is the same parent-teacher mumbo jumbo? Unfortunately, no, she thinks that Scott's problems with math may be more significant.
'They want to test him.
' Apparently he's displaying signs of something called dyscalculia.
(Kara) 'What?' I guess it's like dyslexia for, for numbers.
Oh, please, he's nine years old, for crying out loud.
Maybe she should try doing her damn job better and stop labeling our child with a learning disability.
(John) 'Okay.
' 'Yeah, you know this didn't come out of the blue.
' - You've seen him struggle.
- Yeah.
That's because he's gotta put down those damn video games.
He's gotta study harder.
That's what I'm always saying.
It's not about how he studies, Kara.
It's about how he learns.
Well we have to do better by our son, you know? We'll-we'll-we'll get him a tutor we'll work with him more.
I work with him day in and day out.
I know that, John, I'm not pointing fingers at you.
What is this gonna cost me, anyway, this testing thing? Because, you know, heh heh with child support the mortgage on the house 'rent on my condo' and you know I'm helping my mom and dad out.
There's not a whole lot left in the kitty, you know what I mean? - Yep, yep.
- 'Yeah, yeah.
' Honestly, I don't know, Kara.
Of course you don't know.
You know what? Actually I do.
What, you wanna pull him out of here? We can do that.
We can put him in a school that specializes No, we are not pulling him from this school.
Let's just pump the brakes here for a second, okay? They haven't even tested him yet.
[Conway singing "Take Me Back".]
Maybe they could stay with me for a little while, you know? I could, I could leave work early.
I could, wait a minute.
I could leave work early and I could spend some really great quality time with them.
I could help Scott with his homework.
- I'm better at math.
- Wait You don't think he's going to freak out if he can't take Lucy with him? So let him take the damn dog.
Whatever, it's fine.
I-I'm good.
I don't wanna say Why do you always do this? What? Think you gotta be superwoman or something, you know? You missed a meeting, so what? So what? It's fine.
It's fine? It's not fine.
It's not fine.
It's not fine.
Look at me.
It is not fine.
It is not fine for me anymore and you are hurting me and those are my kids.
Those are my kids.
'I'm done with this.
' Take me Take me back Take me Take me back Oh, is this seven? Thank you.
Hey, uh, hey, Kara, Kara.
Mary Jane's on the warpath again.
What else is new? I can't.
- Something wrong? - Oh, my gosh.
No, everything's great.
Kara, what the hell? Hello to you too.
I told you I had that thing at school this morning.
Yeah and I assumed you would reschedule 'because you knew how important this was to me.
' Well, it can't always be about you, mama, I'm sorry.
Greg sidelined me for another week.
What? Why? Your scar looks great.
I don't know why, Kara, that's why I needed you here today.
I know, I could not be here because of my kid, M.
J.
Scotty's having some issues at school and the teacher wanted both John and I there to discuss it, okay? Is everything okay? Yeah, yeah, I guess.
Great.
I need to get back to work.
I know, okay, okay, listen just, just, just give me some time with Greg and let me see what I can get done, okay? Sit tight.
[Christina Perri singing "Human".]
I can hold my breath I can bite my tongue I can stay awake for days If that's what you want Be your number one I can fake a smile I can force a laugh I can dance and play the part If that's what you ask Hey can you come over? Give you all I am I can do it I can do it I can do it But I'm only human Oh.
Stop, what is that? What are you doing? Come on, get off me.
- Gosh.
- Man, there's nothing to eat.
Shh, stop.
Just give me a minute.
I'll fix you something, I will.
Is your brother awake yet? - What? - He peed the bed again.
Oh.
Stop, I mean it.
Hey, don't you dare tease him, Max.
Max, promise me.
Scotty! Scotty, come here, baby.
'Scott, where are you? Come here.
' Oh, honey, look at you.
It's alright.
Stop it.
It's alright, baby.
Nothing to be upset about.
Oh, it's okay.
Listen, why don't you go shower and get yourself cleaned up, alright? Mommy will take care of the rest.
It's alright.
Okay? Hey, hey, get off my shoe! Look at my shoe.
Dammit, Max, I told you to keep that dog in your room! - She's not my dog.
- Well, she's not mine either.
God, I need you to start taking some damn responsibility.
Why are you always freaking out? - Really? - Well, it's true.
You want some truth, buddy? You are being a real ass, lately.
And I never even wanted to buy you another dog.
- You guys wanted it.
- Scott did! Yeah, you did too! And you do nothing for that dog.
Absolutely nothing.
If it was up to me, she'd be gone by the time you get home from school today.
Way to go, mom, seriously? [cell phone chimes.]
I'm sorry, sorry.
So what, you just gonna use me and leave me? No, I have to run an errand real quick 'but I will be right back.
' Oh, I gotta go, I gotta go, I have to work out.
No, please, stay.
I need some more, please.
I'll be right back.
Damn.
Come on.
- Okay.
- Good.
Alright, then.
Hey, baby, you want some more eggs? - No, thanks.
- 'No?' Hey, Max, do you want some more eggs? Hey, take that off for a minute please.
Listen, I wanted to talk to you guys about what happened before.
I, more than anything I just want you to know how much I love you.
And even though you guys drive me crazy sometimes, you really do, I just I love you more than anything in the whole world.
You know that, right? Huh? - Do you know that? - Yes.
- Yes.
- Okay.
And even though I meant every single thing I said earlier how I said it was completely inappropriate.
And for that I am so sorry, I'm so sorry, okay? I love you so much.
And Forgive me, okay? Alright? You're not gonna get rid of Lucy, are you? No, baby, of course not, I promise.
'Now listen, your dad' is gonna pick you up today and he's gonna bring you back here, okay? What? Why? Because I think it's important for us to start spending a little quality time together, that's why.
'And, Scotty, I want you to bring home' your homework and save it.
And you and I are going to do it together 'step by step, alright?' We're supposed to go hang out with Jana Marshall today at dad's house.
And Scott's got a play date.
First of all, that is not your dad's house.
That is my house, and I gave him that Um, I'm sorry, never mind.
Why don't you bring your friends back here today? Huh? Problem solved.
- Yeah, but this place sucks.
- Why? You just want a play date with Jana so you can stare at her boobs.
It's called a hang out, you douche.
Hey, hey, Max! Language, and keep your hands to yourself, mister.
Gosh.
Hi, John, what's up? (John on phone) Hey, what's going on? Max called, said there was an emergency.
Something about your shoes or Lucy Hold on a second.
Excuse me, did you call your father? You were freaking out, scaring the kid.
So what, you told on me? Seriously? - Kara? Hello? - Hello? Hi.
What is going on there? Is Max there? Everything's fine.
It's all good.
He didn't have to bother you, alright? Oh, hold on, hey! Stop, what are you doing? Stop it! My God, are you kidding me? Oh, and hey, hey, I forgot to tell you, um we're scheduled to bring in treats for, for our scouts class thing tomorrow.
If you want, I can pick something up.
No, no, no, I got it.
It's fine.
- Are you sure? - Seriously, we're good.
Just let me know if it's too much, Kara, okay? I got it under control and we are good.
So talk to you later, John, alright? I gotta go.
- Kara.
- Bye.
Wait, Kara? Wasn't expecting it to be so ugly today.
It's a perfect day for extortion.
Oh.
Thank you.
To hell with you.
You know I hate what the black man has done to the black woman.
Abandonment is the direct cause of our masculinity.
Look at you, potty mouth.
Where do you get this drag, hmm? I read, and then I think about what I read.
A luxury black folk are not accustomed to.
Reflection allows growth.
Growth allows space.
Black people need to grow.
Mm-hmm.
Do you think about anything besides black people and race? No.
We are still at war.
And who are we fighting? You know, I struggle with this blessing I have been given to accept your money.
But now I see it was meant to be.
That's good pimp game.
It's nice.
See, potty mouth, potty mouth.
Okay so, so how are you fighting the black folks' war with my money? 'Is it up your nose or in your arm?' A pyramid scheme, that's what it is.
You know, a cynical mind can't listen so I'm not going to waste my breath.
Oh, before I forget my condolences on the loss of your friend.
Shut up, okay? Shut up.
You don't have the right to talk about my friend's life ever! This little arrangement does not afford you that luxury, so shut up! We can be civil.
Empathy is free, you know? Apparently that and nothing else.
Right? [indistinct chatter.]
- Okay.
Oh, that's be - Hello.
Did I miss the memo about the meeting? No, no, Marisol was simply telling me her ideas.
- Was she now? - Yeah.
Now, we're thinking instead of going with immigration reform, that we would focus more on the primaries.
Mm-hmm.
Can I have a quick word with you? Alright, enough with the little games.
I've been around here too long and I'm too tired to do this little dance with you.
Now, I don't know how it went over at TeleMundo but here at SNC, you don't go pitching stories to the boss without coming to me first.
Even when you're sleeping with him.
- Excuse me? - "Excuse me?" Do you need me to translate? Possibly.
Greg just asked me what I'm interested in.
You know what, Marisol? You're a big girl, you can rationalize spreading your legs for that little troll however you'd like.
But when you cost me a week's worth of work and you leave us without a feature segment for tomorrow's show, that's when you and me got a problem, you understand? I don't like problems.
[instrumental music.]
Hey.
You done with your workout yet? Um Nathal, what the hell? You said I can come by so you can help me with my resume.
Okay, alright.
I'll be inside.
Okay.
Don't you have a doorbell in this place? Okay, based on this I wouldn't hire you either.
You have no work experience.
Well, how am I supposed to get any work experience when I can't even get a job? It's all one big game, honey.
And I don't know the rules.
That's because there are none, okay? So, for example why didn't you put down your internship at SNC? What internship? - You lie? - There we go.
Oh.
Okay.
I mean, don't put down that you ran the network but you could say that you were an intern in charge of mailroom distribution.
You know, something that makes you sound responsible.
Okay, but, uh, what exactly happens in the mailroom? Alright.
Whatever, I'll just watch Boomerang and see what Chris Rock did or something.
Take no prisoners.
Make sure your hair is laid, and you got a cute little outfit on, the whole bit.
Oh, that's easy.
But, uh, when I do all that 'can I get one of those in my pool?' You got to get a pool first.
- I do.
- Yeah.
Sorry, I got caught up at work.
That's fine.
I mean, don't worry about it.
Scott tried to wait up for you and our Max is hanging out front with Jana until her mom gets home.
I know, I saw them.
She's cute.
He's got good taste.
Just like his dad.
Did you remember to get some treats? I am going to make something sprucy.
- I found a recipe online.
- Uh-huh.
Why don't you just buy something? It's much easier.
But less impressive.
I am so tired of those Martha Stewart witches judging our son because he's got store-bought brownies.
Mm-hmm, judging him or judging you? Oh.
'Looks like somebody got into a little something' 'something tonight, huh?' Really, you're, you're encouraging hooking up? 'I told you we are just friends.
' Me thinks thou dost protest too much.
- Hmm.
- Uh, whatever that means.
'Uh, I'm gonna go to bed.
' Okay, goodnight, buddy.
Don't forget to brush and floss your teeth, okay? Love you.
Okay so Do you think that was his first kiss? Oh, yes, most definitely, mm-hmm.
[laughs.]
So cute.
To our babies growing up.
Yes, I will toast to that.
Very good, very good.
[sighs.]
Although we both know I don't deserve much of the credit, I'm just saying.
Enough, okay? You're a great mom.
Yeah, well That's not exactly true, but thank you for saying it anyway.
So what are we gonna do about Scott? When did he start wetting the bed again? It's been a couple of weeks now.
I mean this, this whole math thing is really getting to him.
You know, I was reading that one of the symptoms to this dyscalculia is an over-sensitivity to external stimuli.
And I was thinking, oh, that's You know how he reacts to the loud noises? Mm, well I spent some time on the Google machine myself.
And did you happen to see that people with dyscalculia are often exceptional writers? - Which he is.
- Okay, what's your point? Well, that we shouldn't just focus on the negative.
I'm not focusing on the negative.
I am actually trying to come up with a solution, which, you know what? Alright, fine, fine, fine, fine.
I am a problem-solver, John that's what I do, I fix things.
Well, this could all be math anxiety.
Great, that's another trait passed down, usually by the parents.
That's, that's good to hear.
Oh, gosh, Kara, you need to get off the roller coaster.
- Seriously.
- No, no, no.
Listen, just hear me out for a second I've been thinking about this.
okay? What if I have transferred all of my issues to our son? No, no, no, no, don't.
No, no, don't, don't, don't, don't.
[moaning.]
Woman you got yours, twice.
Let me get mine.
I've got to get some sleep.
Hey.
How you doing? Fine.
Well, you've been going through a lot lately so I'm-I'm just checking on you.
I'm good.
Let me get you a towel.
[instrumental music.]
Calculia.
[instrumental music.]
Calculia.
[cell phone chimes.]
Oh, oh, oh.
Oh, no.
Oh, my God! Oh.
Oh! Ugh, damn.
Ah.
Gotta be kidding me.
Hey, can you make these for me? Some with nuts and some without.
Kara, it's after midnight.
I know, I know, I know, I know.
I just, I, uh, I-I don't want to send Scott to school with more grocery store treats.
And I just, I, I have to get back to my kids so You left your kids home alone? - Well, yeah, I mean - Kara? They're sleeping, they don't even know I'm gone.
I've been gone like 30, 40 minutes tops.
It's, it's Why are you looking at me like that? Can you do it for me, yes or no? That's all I need to know from you.
Okay, okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' I'm sorry, I just I just feel like I can't do this.
I just feel like I just feel like I've been an A student my whole life and I just I'm just a freaking C student in everything in my life right now and I just hate it.
I hate it and I I shouldn't have had kids.
- You don't mean it.
- No, no, let me say this.
Just please, let me just let me just say this.
I can't do this.
I-I can't have it all.
I can't.
Maybe you will, maybe you'll have fun but this is not fun for me.
This marriage was not fun for me.
We should have just stayed friends and had sex and that was it, but no, I had to get married.
I had to stand in that line and I had to, I had to buy the house.
And I had to stand in line, and I had to have the kid.
And then foolishly, I got back in the line and I had another kid because, "Oh, my God you guys make such cute babies.
" - Wow! - Kara, you love your kids.
I I have worked my ass off to give my kids the best to send them to the best schools.
To make sure they had the best clothes and they were fed, and there was a roof over their head.
And But that doesn't make you a good mother.
Loving them and raising them are two very different things.
And I feel like I feel like I've screwed up my life.
And now I've screwed them up.
I've ruined my babies.
I've ruined my kids.
I failed.
I failed, I just failed [sobbing.]
[instrumental music.]
[knocking on door.]
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, they're beautiful.
Thank you so much.
Oh, my goodness.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Come on, come on.
Oh, my goodness.
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, they smell amazing.
Those witches are gonna still think they're store bought.
Screw them, I love it.
I'm so happy, so happy.
You got them, you got them.
I got them, I got them.
You're my brownie girl.
Literally.
So, uh, you have a kid? Huh? Mm-hmm, I have two, but that won't be a problem.
I have great child care.
And you have a GED? Yep, but I've basically been doing hair Why did you choose that over finishing high school? Uh, I got pregnant.
Was that before or after you interned at SNC? It was before.
Hmm.
Okay.
Are you looking to hire me or not? Because I feel like you judged me the moment I walked in here.
Excuse me? You sell them flat irons up in here, right? Mm-hmm.
You want to know my experience? I'm a black woman, that's my experience.
I spent my whole life trying to straighten my hair all just to fit into some stereotype of what the magazines tell us is beautiful.
I still know way more about your products than anybody on your staff, including you.
You want to know my resume? That's my resume.
But you didn't bother to ask me that, now did you? Look, you were late, so you're lucky I still granted you the interview.
Granted me.
Okay, I was five minutes late.
I called and you said it was okay.
Yeah, but this is a business.
Look, I can't have people showing up late for work.
[sighs.]
Okay.
Yeah.
You know what? You're right.
I was late, but it's not because I'm black, it's because I'm a mother.
I hope you'll still consider me for the job.
[instrumental music.]
(Cece) 'Now, we are still at war.
' 'Now, we are just one generation up out of Jim Crow.
' 'Now, the black woman is having all those babies' 'because she was a baby-making factory' 'for a free work force, the black man.
' 'He don't know how to take care of no children' 'because he never did.
' 'Now, the children of the black man's seed' 'were cared for by the white slave master.
' 'They were fed, clothed' 'raised by the white slave master.
' 'That's why it's so easy for the black man to walk away' 'from his woman and his children.
' 'Man, are you reading these books you're buying here' or you setting them on a shelf so you could entice some ladies? That's funny, that's good.
But it's, it's almost as funny as all these excuses you be having for us.
We need to retire that argument.
- It's getting old.
- No, man.
No, I am just trying to put us in context.
With all that they have done to us we have still been able to do what the Native American was not able to do and that's survive.
We survived slavery, Jim Crow civil rights, poking them pumping all that cracker into our neighborhood.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Not to mention, all these terrorist attacks on us.
Now, I'm not saying "Whoa, it's me, I was a slave.
" I'm saying, "Yeah, MF I was a slave, but now you're buying my albums.
" Boom.
You're downloading my documentaries.
You're spraying my perfume.
- Yes.
- Want to be up on my brand.
You see what I'm saying? You hear me.
Now you're talking, now you're talking my lingo, okay? Damn.
'So, um, yeah, I'm gonna bring that, um' Sankofa thing back as soon as I'm done.
- Alright.
- Alright, nice to see you.
- Stay strong, man.
- Yes, yes, yes.
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hey.
A book store? You extorted me for a book store? Got to believe in something.
I believe in this.
And you think I'm part of a dying industry.
No bull.
So why only stick me up for 25 G's when you clearly need more? That's all I asked God for.
Any more would be stealing.
It stops now.
Well I'll politely disagree.
You see with all your fame your wealth, your success there is still one thing you covet that eludes you and that is prime time.
You think I don't know how they giving you the run around over there? It's my job to know.
Now I don't care what you dig up on me.
I can still make that dream go away with just one simple phone call to SNC.
And you wonder how so much of society sees criminals when they see black men and women? Really? You are no better than the slave master raping and stealing from black people for their own personal gain.
In the name of Jesus, of course 'cause you asked God.
Really, Cece? - You're a fraud.
- I'm a survivor.
I do whatever it takes to survive.
[scoffs.]
You and I, we're similar in that way.
[telephone rings.]
(female #1) 'Mr.
Montoya here to see you.
' Yeah, send him up.
- 'You got it.
' - Thanks.
[Alina Baraz And Galimatias singing "Maybe".]
What do I do When there's too much of me Too little of you? I'm sorry about tonight.
What can I say That's okay.
You were missed.
I can't explain They don't believe you exist.
But (Kara) I can't do this anymore, Gael.
I don't think it's fair to you.
(Gael) Well, let's not make this about me, because as far as I'm concerned, this is great.
I thought you felt the same.
(Kara) I-I do, but it's happening at the expense of my kids and they deserve every bit of me when I'm not at work.
I-I just don't think it's fair to keep stringing you along.
(Gael) I don't feel like I'm being strung along.
There's love in your eyes Maybe I'll forget you Some other time Maybe I'll get you I'll get you I'll get you Out of my head I'll get you I'll get you (Gael) Oh, this is it, huh? (Kara) I think so.
Forget you Forget you forget you I think we should move back in together.
It's the best way to cut our expenses and I want to play a much more active role in our sons' lives.
So you want to be roommates? Well, I mean, think about it.
Our house was perfect, John.
There's plenty of space for all of us.
I'll take the guest room.
I'm never home anyway.
I, I thought you were seeing someone.
I was, but I'm not anymore.
I'll do whatever it is you think is best but, uh my gut's telling me this is a terrible idea.
That's because it is a terrible idea.
But I want to be I wanna be a better mother to our boys, John.
And I really, I just think this is the way to do it, you know? (Brandon) It's broke.
You broke it, Mary Jane.
It's broke? What do you mean, it's broke? Okay, not broke, but it's raw.
Raw? Hmm.
Mary Jane, it hurts, okay? Good.
I'll get you some ice.
I'm tired.
- Hello? - 'Hey, auntie.
' - 'So?' - I got it, I got it.
I'm gonna be making $7 an hour plus bonuses, if I sell over 500 a week in sales.
They're starting me off at 20 hours a week.
Oh, that is so great, congratulations.
- 'I'm so proud of you.
' - Thank you, auntie.
You know what, we're gonna have to flat iron our hair and go out and celebrate.
Cut a little rug.
Oh, we can do that, that we can do.
Oh, good stuff.
- I'll talk to you soon.
- 'Alright, bye, auntie.
' [Lianne La Havas singing "Good Goodbye".]
Old man Let me wipe your eyes I've never seen you cry Old friend In our own sweet time We'll say a good goodbye All my life I know by now All these memories Too much to lose No one ever leaves you I don't need faith I don't need truth No one ever leaves you [sobbing.]
You'd say This is all there is And every time you'd blink You'd miss Another piece Of this wondrous world Sorry.
No need for a sorry.
It was a blessing I could be here for you.
How was your nap? Good, actually.
So what's all this? Cuban cigars and whiskey.
I don't get it.
My grandfather raised me.
He worked in a mortuary.
He said the only way to balance out so much death was to live.
He would smoke a cigar and take a shot of whiskey every night.
He was the most peaceful, happy man I know.
All these memories Too much to lose Thank you for changing your routine for me.
Girl, I broke my penis for you.
So You did.
No one ever leaves you I don't need faith I just won't go
- You betrayed me.
- Suicide? I mean did you, did you think it would ever come to that? You had alcohol in your system when you crashed into my car.
So you are going to pay me every two weeks $5000 in cash.
Do you want me to just stop working so I can chauffeur the kids around? I think they should come live with me full time.
[instrumental music.]
[moaning.]
(Kara) 'Oh, my gosh, oh.
' [moaning.]
Oh, damn.
Oh, damn, I needed that.
Oh.
[laughs.]
Are you gonna stay? - Yeah, I was planning on it.
- Yeah? Alright, I'll be right back.
I just gotta get the sports page, okay? - Don't you ever sleep? - I know.
[laughs.]
- 'Oh.
' - Ah.
This these fading times And we are chasin' the feelin' That we used to know Drivin' in circles On a one-way road No comfort [snores.]
[gasps.]
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
Mother Oh, shit! Oh, God.
Hurry up, papa, wake up.
I gotta go.
Come on, papa, you gotta get up.
I gotta go to work, you gotta get up.
Come on.
Listen 'The front door, it sticks' so make sure it's locked when you leave, please because it sticks.
- 'Alright?' - Uh-huh.
Remember we have dinner tonight with my friend Rich and his wife Adrian.
Oh, my gosh.
How long are they in town again? Uh, till the end of the week.
Look if you can't make it tonight No, no, no that's fine, I know that he's your best friend 'so I do wanna go but, um' just text me the details and I will make it work, okay? You remember about the door, right? Huh? Alright, good.
Now get up.
Oh, my gosh, okay.
I'm so late.
Oh, my gosh.
Wait a minute.
I'm caught, help me here.
I'm caught.
- Just pull it down.
- Okay.
Hurry up.
Okay.
Alright, alright, alright.
Have a good day.
Don't forget, lock the door.
[instrumental music.]
I'd say she looks pretty good, considering.
Tony, the key light is still too hot.
All I see is scar.
Come on.
- Does it really look that bad? - Everything looks great, M.
J.
Ain't nobody got time for your lies, Lance.
What'd he say? He thought you looked good.
They were discussing lighting.
Any sign of Kara? She said she's five seconds away.
(male #1) 'Mary Jane, over here, please.
' 'Perfect.
' I know, I know.
Before you start, I know I'm late.
- I'm sorry.
- It's fine, it's fine.
I went in on my own.
What? You couldn't just stop for me? No, you get 20 minutes and a whole lot of e-mail reminders to be on time.
It went fine, really.
Seriously, I cannot believe you.
You know what? Enough with the fine crap, John.
You know it drives me crazy.
What do you want me to say, Kara? 'It's always the same story with you.
' Well, that's because I'm up late working.
Yeah like I said, same story.
Well, what did Your Highness have to say anyway? What is the same parent-teacher mumbo jumbo? Unfortunately, no, she thinks that Scott's problems with math may be more significant.
'They want to test him.
' Apparently he's displaying signs of something called dyscalculia.
(Kara) 'What?' I guess it's like dyslexia for, for numbers.
Oh, please, he's nine years old, for crying out loud.
Maybe she should try doing her damn job better and stop labeling our child with a learning disability.
(John) 'Okay.
' 'Yeah, you know this didn't come out of the blue.
' - You've seen him struggle.
- Yeah.
That's because he's gotta put down those damn video games.
He's gotta study harder.
That's what I'm always saying.
It's not about how he studies, Kara.
It's about how he learns.
Well we have to do better by our son, you know? We'll-we'll-we'll get him a tutor we'll work with him more.
I work with him day in and day out.
I know that, John, I'm not pointing fingers at you.
What is this gonna cost me, anyway, this testing thing? Because, you know, heh heh with child support the mortgage on the house 'rent on my condo' and you know I'm helping my mom and dad out.
There's not a whole lot left in the kitty, you know what I mean? - Yep, yep.
- 'Yeah, yeah.
' Honestly, I don't know, Kara.
Of course you don't know.
You know what? Actually I do.
What, you wanna pull him out of here? We can do that.
We can put him in a school that specializes No, we are not pulling him from this school.
Let's just pump the brakes here for a second, okay? They haven't even tested him yet.
[Conway singing "Take Me Back".]
Maybe they could stay with me for a little while, you know? I could, I could leave work early.
I could, wait a minute.
I could leave work early and I could spend some really great quality time with them.
I could help Scott with his homework.
- I'm better at math.
- Wait You don't think he's going to freak out if he can't take Lucy with him? So let him take the damn dog.
Whatever, it's fine.
I-I'm good.
I don't wanna say Why do you always do this? What? Think you gotta be superwoman or something, you know? You missed a meeting, so what? So what? It's fine.
It's fine? It's not fine.
It's not fine.
It's not fine.
Look at me.
It is not fine.
It is not fine for me anymore and you are hurting me and those are my kids.
Those are my kids.
'I'm done with this.
' Take me Take me back Take me Take me back Oh, is this seven? Thank you.
Hey, uh, hey, Kara, Kara.
Mary Jane's on the warpath again.
What else is new? I can't.
- Something wrong? - Oh, my gosh.
No, everything's great.
Kara, what the hell? Hello to you too.
I told you I had that thing at school this morning.
Yeah and I assumed you would reschedule 'because you knew how important this was to me.
' Well, it can't always be about you, mama, I'm sorry.
Greg sidelined me for another week.
What? Why? Your scar looks great.
I don't know why, Kara, that's why I needed you here today.
I know, I could not be here because of my kid, M.
J.
Scotty's having some issues at school and the teacher wanted both John and I there to discuss it, okay? Is everything okay? Yeah, yeah, I guess.
Great.
I need to get back to work.
I know, okay, okay, listen just, just, just give me some time with Greg and let me see what I can get done, okay? Sit tight.
[Christina Perri singing "Human".]
I can hold my breath I can bite my tongue I can stay awake for days If that's what you want Be your number one I can fake a smile I can force a laugh I can dance and play the part If that's what you ask Hey can you come over? Give you all I am I can do it I can do it I can do it But I'm only human Oh.
Stop, what is that? What are you doing? Come on, get off me.
- Gosh.
- Man, there's nothing to eat.
Shh, stop.
Just give me a minute.
I'll fix you something, I will.
Is your brother awake yet? - What? - He peed the bed again.
Oh.
Stop, I mean it.
Hey, don't you dare tease him, Max.
Max, promise me.
Scotty! Scotty, come here, baby.
'Scott, where are you? Come here.
' Oh, honey, look at you.
It's alright.
Stop it.
It's alright, baby.
Nothing to be upset about.
Oh, it's okay.
Listen, why don't you go shower and get yourself cleaned up, alright? Mommy will take care of the rest.
It's alright.
Okay? Hey, hey, get off my shoe! Look at my shoe.
Dammit, Max, I told you to keep that dog in your room! - She's not my dog.
- Well, she's not mine either.
God, I need you to start taking some damn responsibility.
Why are you always freaking out? - Really? - Well, it's true.
You want some truth, buddy? You are being a real ass, lately.
And I never even wanted to buy you another dog.
- You guys wanted it.
- Scott did! Yeah, you did too! And you do nothing for that dog.
Absolutely nothing.
If it was up to me, she'd be gone by the time you get home from school today.
Way to go, mom, seriously? [cell phone chimes.]
I'm sorry, sorry.
So what, you just gonna use me and leave me? No, I have to run an errand real quick 'but I will be right back.
' Oh, I gotta go, I gotta go, I have to work out.
No, please, stay.
I need some more, please.
I'll be right back.
Damn.
Come on.
- Okay.
- Good.
Alright, then.
Hey, baby, you want some more eggs? - No, thanks.
- 'No?' Hey, Max, do you want some more eggs? Hey, take that off for a minute please.
Listen, I wanted to talk to you guys about what happened before.
I, more than anything I just want you to know how much I love you.
And even though you guys drive me crazy sometimes, you really do, I just I love you more than anything in the whole world.
You know that, right? Huh? - Do you know that? - Yes.
- Yes.
- Okay.
And even though I meant every single thing I said earlier how I said it was completely inappropriate.
And for that I am so sorry, I'm so sorry, okay? I love you so much.
And Forgive me, okay? Alright? You're not gonna get rid of Lucy, are you? No, baby, of course not, I promise.
'Now listen, your dad' is gonna pick you up today and he's gonna bring you back here, okay? What? Why? Because I think it's important for us to start spending a little quality time together, that's why.
'And, Scotty, I want you to bring home' your homework and save it.
And you and I are going to do it together 'step by step, alright?' We're supposed to go hang out with Jana Marshall today at dad's house.
And Scott's got a play date.
First of all, that is not your dad's house.
That is my house, and I gave him that Um, I'm sorry, never mind.
Why don't you bring your friends back here today? Huh? Problem solved.
- Yeah, but this place sucks.
- Why? You just want a play date with Jana so you can stare at her boobs.
It's called a hang out, you douche.
Hey, hey, Max! Language, and keep your hands to yourself, mister.
Gosh.
Hi, John, what's up? (John on phone) Hey, what's going on? Max called, said there was an emergency.
Something about your shoes or Lucy Hold on a second.
Excuse me, did you call your father? You were freaking out, scaring the kid.
So what, you told on me? Seriously? - Kara? Hello? - Hello? Hi.
What is going on there? Is Max there? Everything's fine.
It's all good.
He didn't have to bother you, alright? Oh, hold on, hey! Stop, what are you doing? Stop it! My God, are you kidding me? Oh, and hey, hey, I forgot to tell you, um we're scheduled to bring in treats for, for our scouts class thing tomorrow.
If you want, I can pick something up.
No, no, no, I got it.
It's fine.
- Are you sure? - Seriously, we're good.
Just let me know if it's too much, Kara, okay? I got it under control and we are good.
So talk to you later, John, alright? I gotta go.
- Kara.
- Bye.
Wait, Kara? Wasn't expecting it to be so ugly today.
It's a perfect day for extortion.
Oh.
Thank you.
To hell with you.
You know I hate what the black man has done to the black woman.
Abandonment is the direct cause of our masculinity.
Look at you, potty mouth.
Where do you get this drag, hmm? I read, and then I think about what I read.
A luxury black folk are not accustomed to.
Reflection allows growth.
Growth allows space.
Black people need to grow.
Mm-hmm.
Do you think about anything besides black people and race? No.
We are still at war.
And who are we fighting? You know, I struggle with this blessing I have been given to accept your money.
But now I see it was meant to be.
That's good pimp game.
It's nice.
See, potty mouth, potty mouth.
Okay so, so how are you fighting the black folks' war with my money? 'Is it up your nose or in your arm?' A pyramid scheme, that's what it is.
You know, a cynical mind can't listen so I'm not going to waste my breath.
Oh, before I forget my condolences on the loss of your friend.
Shut up, okay? Shut up.
You don't have the right to talk about my friend's life ever! This little arrangement does not afford you that luxury, so shut up! We can be civil.
Empathy is free, you know? Apparently that and nothing else.
Right? [indistinct chatter.]
- Okay.
Oh, that's be - Hello.
Did I miss the memo about the meeting? No, no, Marisol was simply telling me her ideas.
- Was she now? - Yeah.
Now, we're thinking instead of going with immigration reform, that we would focus more on the primaries.
Mm-hmm.
Can I have a quick word with you? Alright, enough with the little games.
I've been around here too long and I'm too tired to do this little dance with you.
Now, I don't know how it went over at TeleMundo but here at SNC, you don't go pitching stories to the boss without coming to me first.
Even when you're sleeping with him.
- Excuse me? - "Excuse me?" Do you need me to translate? Possibly.
Greg just asked me what I'm interested in.
You know what, Marisol? You're a big girl, you can rationalize spreading your legs for that little troll however you'd like.
But when you cost me a week's worth of work and you leave us without a feature segment for tomorrow's show, that's when you and me got a problem, you understand? I don't like problems.
[instrumental music.]
Hey.
You done with your workout yet? Um Nathal, what the hell? You said I can come by so you can help me with my resume.
Okay, alright.
I'll be inside.
Okay.
Don't you have a doorbell in this place? Okay, based on this I wouldn't hire you either.
You have no work experience.
Well, how am I supposed to get any work experience when I can't even get a job? It's all one big game, honey.
And I don't know the rules.
That's because there are none, okay? So, for example why didn't you put down your internship at SNC? What internship? - You lie? - There we go.
Oh.
Okay.
I mean, don't put down that you ran the network but you could say that you were an intern in charge of mailroom distribution.
You know, something that makes you sound responsible.
Okay, but, uh, what exactly happens in the mailroom? Alright.
Whatever, I'll just watch Boomerang and see what Chris Rock did or something.
Take no prisoners.
Make sure your hair is laid, and you got a cute little outfit on, the whole bit.
Oh, that's easy.
But, uh, when I do all that 'can I get one of those in my pool?' You got to get a pool first.
- I do.
- Yeah.
Sorry, I got caught up at work.
That's fine.
I mean, don't worry about it.
Scott tried to wait up for you and our Max is hanging out front with Jana until her mom gets home.
I know, I saw them.
She's cute.
He's got good taste.
Just like his dad.
Did you remember to get some treats? I am going to make something sprucy.
- I found a recipe online.
- Uh-huh.
Why don't you just buy something? It's much easier.
But less impressive.
I am so tired of those Martha Stewart witches judging our son because he's got store-bought brownies.
Mm-hmm, judging him or judging you? Oh.
'Looks like somebody got into a little something' 'something tonight, huh?' Really, you're, you're encouraging hooking up? 'I told you we are just friends.
' Me thinks thou dost protest too much.
- Hmm.
- Uh, whatever that means.
'Uh, I'm gonna go to bed.
' Okay, goodnight, buddy.
Don't forget to brush and floss your teeth, okay? Love you.
Okay so Do you think that was his first kiss? Oh, yes, most definitely, mm-hmm.
[laughs.]
So cute.
To our babies growing up.
Yes, I will toast to that.
Very good, very good.
[sighs.]
Although we both know I don't deserve much of the credit, I'm just saying.
Enough, okay? You're a great mom.
Yeah, well That's not exactly true, but thank you for saying it anyway.
So what are we gonna do about Scott? When did he start wetting the bed again? It's been a couple of weeks now.
I mean this, this whole math thing is really getting to him.
You know, I was reading that one of the symptoms to this dyscalculia is an over-sensitivity to external stimuli.
And I was thinking, oh, that's You know how he reacts to the loud noises? Mm, well I spent some time on the Google machine myself.
And did you happen to see that people with dyscalculia are often exceptional writers? - Which he is.
- Okay, what's your point? Well, that we shouldn't just focus on the negative.
I'm not focusing on the negative.
I am actually trying to come up with a solution, which, you know what? Alright, fine, fine, fine, fine.
I am a problem-solver, John that's what I do, I fix things.
Well, this could all be math anxiety.
Great, that's another trait passed down, usually by the parents.
That's, that's good to hear.
Oh, gosh, Kara, you need to get off the roller coaster.
- Seriously.
- No, no, no.
Listen, just hear me out for a second I've been thinking about this.
okay? What if I have transferred all of my issues to our son? No, no, no, no, don't.
No, no, don't, don't, don't, don't.
[moaning.]
Woman you got yours, twice.
Let me get mine.
I've got to get some sleep.
Hey.
How you doing? Fine.
Well, you've been going through a lot lately so I'm-I'm just checking on you.
I'm good.
Let me get you a towel.
[instrumental music.]
Calculia.
[instrumental music.]
Calculia.
[cell phone chimes.]
Oh, oh, oh.
Oh, no.
Oh, my God! Oh.
Oh! Ugh, damn.
Ah.
Gotta be kidding me.
Hey, can you make these for me? Some with nuts and some without.
Kara, it's after midnight.
I know, I know, I know, I know.
I just, I, uh, I-I don't want to send Scott to school with more grocery store treats.
And I just, I, I have to get back to my kids so You left your kids home alone? - Well, yeah, I mean - Kara? They're sleeping, they don't even know I'm gone.
I've been gone like 30, 40 minutes tops.
It's, it's Why are you looking at me like that? Can you do it for me, yes or no? That's all I need to know from you.
Okay, okay.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' I'm sorry, I just I just feel like I can't do this.
I just feel like I just feel like I've been an A student my whole life and I just I'm just a freaking C student in everything in my life right now and I just hate it.
I hate it and I I shouldn't have had kids.
- You don't mean it.
- No, no, let me say this.
Just please, let me just let me just say this.
I can't do this.
I-I can't have it all.
I can't.
Maybe you will, maybe you'll have fun but this is not fun for me.
This marriage was not fun for me.
We should have just stayed friends and had sex and that was it, but no, I had to get married.
I had to stand in that line and I had to, I had to buy the house.
And I had to stand in line, and I had to have the kid.
And then foolishly, I got back in the line and I had another kid because, "Oh, my God you guys make such cute babies.
" - Wow! - Kara, you love your kids.
I I have worked my ass off to give my kids the best to send them to the best schools.
To make sure they had the best clothes and they were fed, and there was a roof over their head.
And But that doesn't make you a good mother.
Loving them and raising them are two very different things.
And I feel like I feel like I've screwed up my life.
And now I've screwed them up.
I've ruined my babies.
I've ruined my kids.
I failed.
I failed, I just failed [sobbing.]
[instrumental music.]
[knocking on door.]
Oh, my gosh.
Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, they're beautiful.
Thank you so much.
Oh, my goodness.
Thank you so much.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Come on, come on.
Oh, my goodness.
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, they smell amazing.
Those witches are gonna still think they're store bought.
Screw them, I love it.
I'm so happy, so happy.
You got them, you got them.
I got them, I got them.
You're my brownie girl.
Literally.
So, uh, you have a kid? Huh? Mm-hmm, I have two, but that won't be a problem.
I have great child care.
And you have a GED? Yep, but I've basically been doing hair Why did you choose that over finishing high school? Uh, I got pregnant.
Was that before or after you interned at SNC? It was before.
Hmm.
Okay.
Are you looking to hire me or not? Because I feel like you judged me the moment I walked in here.
Excuse me? You sell them flat irons up in here, right? Mm-hmm.
You want to know my experience? I'm a black woman, that's my experience.
I spent my whole life trying to straighten my hair all just to fit into some stereotype of what the magazines tell us is beautiful.
I still know way more about your products than anybody on your staff, including you.
You want to know my resume? That's my resume.
But you didn't bother to ask me that, now did you? Look, you were late, so you're lucky I still granted you the interview.
Granted me.
Okay, I was five minutes late.
I called and you said it was okay.
Yeah, but this is a business.
Look, I can't have people showing up late for work.
[sighs.]
Okay.
Yeah.
You know what? You're right.
I was late, but it's not because I'm black, it's because I'm a mother.
I hope you'll still consider me for the job.
[instrumental music.]
(Cece) 'Now, we are still at war.
' 'Now, we are just one generation up out of Jim Crow.
' 'Now, the black woman is having all those babies' 'because she was a baby-making factory' 'for a free work force, the black man.
' 'He don't know how to take care of no children' 'because he never did.
' 'Now, the children of the black man's seed' 'were cared for by the white slave master.
' 'They were fed, clothed' 'raised by the white slave master.
' 'That's why it's so easy for the black man to walk away' 'from his woman and his children.
' 'Man, are you reading these books you're buying here' or you setting them on a shelf so you could entice some ladies? That's funny, that's good.
But it's, it's almost as funny as all these excuses you be having for us.
We need to retire that argument.
- It's getting old.
- No, man.
No, I am just trying to put us in context.
With all that they have done to us we have still been able to do what the Native American was not able to do and that's survive.
We survived slavery, Jim Crow civil rights, poking them pumping all that cracker into our neighborhood.
Uh-huh, yeah.
Not to mention, all these terrorist attacks on us.
Now, I'm not saying "Whoa, it's me, I was a slave.
" I'm saying, "Yeah, MF I was a slave, but now you're buying my albums.
" Boom.
You're downloading my documentaries.
You're spraying my perfume.
- Yes.
- Want to be up on my brand.
You see what I'm saying? You hear me.
Now you're talking, now you're talking my lingo, okay? Damn.
'So, um, yeah, I'm gonna bring that, um' Sankofa thing back as soon as I'm done.
- Alright.
- Alright, nice to see you.
- Stay strong, man.
- Yes, yes, yes.
Hello.
- Hey.
- Hey.
A book store? You extorted me for a book store? Got to believe in something.
I believe in this.
And you think I'm part of a dying industry.
No bull.
So why only stick me up for 25 G's when you clearly need more? That's all I asked God for.
Any more would be stealing.
It stops now.
Well I'll politely disagree.
You see with all your fame your wealth, your success there is still one thing you covet that eludes you and that is prime time.
You think I don't know how they giving you the run around over there? It's my job to know.
Now I don't care what you dig up on me.
I can still make that dream go away with just one simple phone call to SNC.
And you wonder how so much of society sees criminals when they see black men and women? Really? You are no better than the slave master raping and stealing from black people for their own personal gain.
In the name of Jesus, of course 'cause you asked God.
Really, Cece? - You're a fraud.
- I'm a survivor.
I do whatever it takes to survive.
[scoffs.]
You and I, we're similar in that way.
[telephone rings.]
(female #1) 'Mr.
Montoya here to see you.
' Yeah, send him up.
- 'You got it.
' - Thanks.
[Alina Baraz And Galimatias singing "Maybe".]
What do I do When there's too much of me Too little of you? I'm sorry about tonight.
What can I say That's okay.
You were missed.
I can't explain They don't believe you exist.
But (Kara) I can't do this anymore, Gael.
I don't think it's fair to you.
(Gael) Well, let's not make this about me, because as far as I'm concerned, this is great.
I thought you felt the same.
(Kara) I-I do, but it's happening at the expense of my kids and they deserve every bit of me when I'm not at work.
I-I just don't think it's fair to keep stringing you along.
(Gael) I don't feel like I'm being strung along.
There's love in your eyes Maybe I'll forget you Some other time Maybe I'll get you I'll get you I'll get you Out of my head I'll get you I'll get you (Gael) Oh, this is it, huh? (Kara) I think so.
Forget you Forget you forget you I think we should move back in together.
It's the best way to cut our expenses and I want to play a much more active role in our sons' lives.
So you want to be roommates? Well, I mean, think about it.
Our house was perfect, John.
There's plenty of space for all of us.
I'll take the guest room.
I'm never home anyway.
I, I thought you were seeing someone.
I was, but I'm not anymore.
I'll do whatever it is you think is best but, uh my gut's telling me this is a terrible idea.
That's because it is a terrible idea.
But I want to be I wanna be a better mother to our boys, John.
And I really, I just think this is the way to do it, you know? (Brandon) It's broke.
You broke it, Mary Jane.
It's broke? What do you mean, it's broke? Okay, not broke, but it's raw.
Raw? Hmm.
Mary Jane, it hurts, okay? Good.
I'll get you some ice.
I'm tired.
- Hello? - 'Hey, auntie.
' - 'So?' - I got it, I got it.
I'm gonna be making $7 an hour plus bonuses, if I sell over 500 a week in sales.
They're starting me off at 20 hours a week.
Oh, that is so great, congratulations.
- 'I'm so proud of you.
' - Thank you, auntie.
You know what, we're gonna have to flat iron our hair and go out and celebrate.
Cut a little rug.
Oh, we can do that, that we can do.
Oh, good stuff.
- I'll talk to you soon.
- 'Alright, bye, auntie.
' [Lianne La Havas singing "Good Goodbye".]
Old man Let me wipe your eyes I've never seen you cry Old friend In our own sweet time We'll say a good goodbye All my life I know by now All these memories Too much to lose No one ever leaves you I don't need faith I don't need truth No one ever leaves you [sobbing.]
You'd say This is all there is And every time you'd blink You'd miss Another piece Of this wondrous world Sorry.
No need for a sorry.
It was a blessing I could be here for you.
How was your nap? Good, actually.
So what's all this? Cuban cigars and whiskey.
I don't get it.
My grandfather raised me.
He worked in a mortuary.
He said the only way to balance out so much death was to live.
He would smoke a cigar and take a shot of whiskey every night.
He was the most peaceful, happy man I know.
All these memories Too much to lose Thank you for changing your routine for me.
Girl, I broke my penis for you.
So You did.
No one ever leaves you I don't need faith I just won't go