(upbeat music)
(somber music)
- You know, when I was a little girl,
I always thought my life would be different,
but I had to fight all my life inside and outside the ring.
And to think, I just wanna be a kid, you know,
with no cares.
But unfortunately I had to grow up fast,
a lot faster than most kids.
(woman moans)
- Oh my god!
(heel click)
Hey baby girl.
I didn't see you standing there.
How you doing?
- I've had better nights.
- I'm sorry to hear that 'cause my house
was pretty good if you know what I mean?
- Yeah.
I bet.
- Anyway, I see you around baby girl.
- [Step Father] Kia, come here right now.
- Yes.
- Where's my stuff.
- What stuff?
- Don't fucking lie to me.
Where's my stuff?
I let you live in my house and you stealing from me, huh?
You in here getting high?
- No, I'm not getting high.
What type of girl do you think I am?
- I'm gonna ask you one more time.
Where's my stuff?
- I threw it away.
- The fuck you say? - I threw it away, all right?
Don't you think you had enough?
First you ruined your own child's life,
now you wanna ruin mine too.
You got drugs and prostitutes running in and out of here
and that shows me you ain't got no respect for me.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
(loud slap)
- Don't you dare disrespect me like that gain.
- Oh, you got some nerves.
I'm out.
- Come here. - Get off
me- - Don't turn your back on me.
You're in my damn house! - Screw you
and this damn house! (glass shatters)
- Shit! - That would be the last time
you ever put your hands on me.
- Goddammit Kia, are you crazy?
- You know this family ain't worth nothing.
You're just as bad as my own damn daddy.
Oh, by the way, I hope you get your rent money
'cause I'm out.
(somber music)
- Let's pray.
Father, we would like to ask you to bless the hands
that prepared this meal and allow it to nourish our bodies.
We would also like to thank you for bringing
this beautiful soul Kia into our family.
We can't express enough the joy that we have
to have her with us.
We just ask you to look over us as we provide her comfort,
safety and joy in this household.
Thank you father.
Amen. - Amen
- And Kia, whatever we can do for you, we will.
What's ours is yours.
- [Kia] Thank you.
- So do you have any sisters or brothers?
- No, sir.
I'm the only child.
- Oh, just like our little Lily.
- Where were you raised?
- I never really settled.
Ever since my mom passed, it's been like,
nobody's wanting to keep me around long enough
to call it home.
- Then maybe you're the problem.
- Lilly.
That's enough. - What did I do?
- (slams table) We're not doing this again.
Just know that you have a home here.
We're glad to have you.
- Yes.
This is your family here and you've a sister now.
- Thank you.
I really do appreciate it.
- That's right.
You have a sister now.
Let's eat.
(water splashes)
- Sup. - Hey.
- So you really gonna be staying with us, huh?
- It looks like it.
- That's unfortunate.
- Look, do you think I want to be here?
- (scoffs) Yeah.
I'm sure it's better than whatever shithole you came from.
- First of all, you don't know nothing about me
or where I came from.
So you need to watch your mouth.
- Whatever.
You know, my parents always take in
some fucking troubled kid in off the streets.
They neglect their own.
They probably care about you more than their own daughter.
- Don't say that.
And at least you have parents.
That's more than I can say.
- Right?
Well, I just came here to tell you that I don't like you.
And Imma do whatever it takes to get rid of you.
And I mean, whatever it takes.
- Try me if you want to.
- Lilly, that's enough.
It's time for bed.
Kia when you finished, come on up to bed okay.
- Coming mom.
Have fun with the dishes.
By the way, (spits), looks like you missed a spot.
(somber music)
(door slams)
- Hello, Mr. Jones.
Thank you for coming in on such short notice.
I know you're busy.
- No problem.
What can I do for you?
- I wanted to talk to you about one of the kids
you mentor here,
Kia. - Okay, why?
What's going on with her?
- She has been having some trouble
in our foster care system.
She just got removed from her third family.
- Oh, wow.
I'm sorry to hear that.
What's going on with her parents?
- Her mother passed away and her father's in prison.
So it's been kind of rough on her.
But I have noticed the great work
you have been doing with our kids.
- I mean, they're all really good kids.
They just need a little guidance, you know?
- Exactly.
And that's why you're here.
We need someone who can take her rent
on a more long-term basis and kids seems
to respond to you very well.
- So you're saying you want me to take her in?
- Look, I get it.
It's a lot ask.
But with your military and training background,
you will be a great fit for her.
And I think that's what she needs,
someone who's well-disciplined.
- I enjoy being a mentor.
I just have a lot on my plate right now to take in a kid.
- I understand that, but don't look at this
as a permanent thing.
Our goal is to always put them back
with their biological parents.
The good thing is her father is in a new program
while finishing his sentence and it is my hope
that one day they will be reunited.
But you may be her only option for her
to have a better life.
If not, she's gonna end up back in a group home
and that's not what we want for her.
- I just don't know.
- I'm not asking you to make a decision today.
I just ask that you think about it for her.
- Okay.
I'll think about it.
- Thank you.
Have a great day. - Same to you.
- It's only gonna go up after this.
- Hey Pops, you in? - Yeah.
Yeah, in the kitchen.
Yeah, look, let me call you back.
- What's so up old man?
You gotta a minute to talk?
- Of course, you're my son.
How about over a game of chess, man?
Been a minute.
- Sure, let's do it.
- Hey, let's do it.
So how are things going son?
- Things are good.
- Yeah, I see.
The portfolio in the market is doing well.
You moved up in rank.
I have to say I'm proud of you son.
- I appreciate it, Pops.
You know, I can't complain.
Just trying to figure things out, you know.
- Like what?
- I don't know.
Life, I guess.
- You'll never figure out life because life
is always changing.
You just have to plan accordingly and adapt.
- Yeah, you're right.
- That's right.
So it was bothering you then?
- I'm just not happy Pops.
- Why?
You made some good decisions, made some good moves.
You have the Marine Corps as a backbone
and when it comes time for you to retire like I did,
you'll be set for life.
The Lord has blessed son.
- I'm very blessed, but that's what I wanna talk
to you about.
- About what?
- I plan on leaving the military this year.
- What!
Why would you do such a thing?
- I don't know.
I just don't want to do it anymore.
It's not fulfilling.
- The Marine Corps has given me a great life
and now it's doing the same for you.
I mean we traveled the world, learned some great skills,
protected this country, and now you're not fulfilled
and you want out?
- I joined the military for you and because of Ma.
Let's be honest, that's not what I want it.
You did.
- So I'm to blame for giving you a good life!
- I'm not saying that.
You provided me a great life and so has the military,
but it's just not the life for me anymore.
- Okay, so what are you gonna do then?
- What I always wanted to do, train boxers full time,
work more with the youth, continue to give back.
- That's not a career son.
How are gonna pay the bills with that?
The last thing I wanna you see do is struggle.
- I know but this is my calling dad,
and it makes me feel good.
- Look, I admire you volunteering your time
to help those troubled youths,
but you don't have to dedicate your entire life to them.
- Look, I beg to differ.
By the way, social services wants me
to take in one of their kids on a full-time basis.
I'm really considering it.
- You know, I don't understand.
You're single, handsome might I add.
with no children and you wanna take on
someone else's responsibility.
- I just wanna do something that means something to me.
- And I understand that, but you don't have
to take on somebody else's responsibility,
someone else's mistake.
You're know I raised you to be smart
and that is not smart son.
- You don't understand.
- No, I don't.
- I don't expect you to be happy about everything
and understand everything I want in my life,
but I expect your support.
See later you later Pops.
- Yeah, go ahead.
Throw your life away.
(somber music)
- It ain't much, but it's a place to stay.
- It looks like somebody died in here.
- Yeah, nobody been here for a while.
- Where's the TV?
What am I supposed to do in here?
- There's a bed and some books over there.
Help yourself.
- My other home sucked, but at least they had a TV.
- Sorry to disappoint you.
Look, let me work on that for a minute, all right.
Oh, here's your new phone in case you need to reach me.
- Thanks.
- You hungry? - No.
- You sure?
- Yes.
- All right, get some rest.
Tomorrow we're up, bright and early.
- For what?
- You say you wanna be a boxer, right?
- Yeah.
- Well, they're some things you need to learn?
- Whatever.
- And that little attitude of you is the first thing
you're gonna have to lose.
See you in the morning.
Here.
- What's this for?
- Working out.
I want you to move these bricks put them over there.
- For what?
- 'Cause I told you to.
- (chuckles) I'm not doing that.
- Yes, you are.
- Why?
That's a man's job.
- Maybe it's a man's job, but now it's your job
and you need discipline.
- I thought you were teaching me how to fight.
- I'm teaching you how to box and defend yourself.
You already know how to fight,
that's why you always in trouble.
Now, if you wanna learn how to box,
you need to learn discipline.
Right there that's discipline.
- Whatever.
♪ You've been chasing after dreams ♪
- [Dubie] You got an hour.
♪ Thinking that they're all in reach ♪
♪ And you think things like this happen to everyone ♪
♪ But I don't think they do
- Food is good dad.
You always throw it down in the kitchen.
- I'm glad you like them.
You know when your mom was alive, she did all the cooking.
But once she passed, I've become a bit of a chef myself.
- [Dubie] Yeah, I see that.
You know, I know.
- How about you, Kia?
You enjoying the food?
- Oh yes, Mr. Jones.
The food is really good.
- When I ask you a question, you can simply respond
yes, sir.
- Hey Pops, take it easy. - Oh, no, it's fine.
I'm sorry.
Yes, sir.
The food is really good.
- Kia if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?
How long have you been in the foster system?
- I'm 17, sir.
And for as long as I can remember,
unfortunately I've seen a lot of homes.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
But you're not little kid so I'm not gonna sit here
and treat you like one.
And as you can tell I'm a very direct individual.
So I have to ask you, what are intentions
being on the roof of my son?
- I'm sorry.
I don't understand your question.
- Why not?
It's a simple question.
I see you've been from one foster family to another,
and now you're here with my son and now he's responsible
for taking care of you.
So I have to ask, are you looking for a father figure,
someone to mooch off of, or are you one of those fast ass
little girls that are into older men?
- What? - Hey Pops, what
the hell are you doing? - Fast?
First of all, you don't know nothing about me.
How dare you speak to me that way!
And second of all, I was placed under his care.
I didn't ask to be, so thank you for dinner,
but no thank you.
- Kia, wait.
What the hell was that about, Pops?
You need to apologize.
- I will do no such thing.
I have the right to protect my son and that's what I did.
- And I have a right to protect my daughter.
- She's not your daughter, son.
What is that you don't understand?
- No, what is it that you don't understand?
I've taken her in so that makes her my daughter.
Now I know that's hard for you to accept,
but I advise you to get on board very soon,
'cause ain't nothing gonna change.
She's under my roof now.
I make sure she goes to school, I feed her
so that makes me her father.
- You're making a big mistake.
- Being a father figure is a mistake?
- Look, you wanna mentor her, fine.
You wanna be there for her, fine,
but she's not your daughter.
She's just a trouble kid trapped in the goddamn system.
And now you wanna make it your problem.
- Well, that's a fucked up thing to say.
- Oh yeah well, it's a real thing to say.
You know look, I done spent a lot of time,
money and energy into making sure you had a better life.
So I'm not just gonna sit here and watch you fuck it up.
- Fuck it up?
How about you be happy about what I'm doing for a change.
I'm a grown ass man.
I'm not living your life anymore.
- You know what Dubie, it's clear to me
that you don't know what the fuck you want.
First, you wanna leave the Marine Corps,
the same organization has given you a better life.
And now you wanna raise someone else's kid.
Why?
- Because this is what I want.
Yes, being a mentor, boxing, I actually like it,
it makes me feel good.
Being a father is a good thing.
Just because I didn't give birth to her
doesn't mean she's not my daughter.
- Well, what about your legacy?
What about our family name?
My name, the same name I've given you.
Don't you wanna have your own?
- Yes, I want my own but I was lucky enough
to have you as a father.
Not everyone gets that lucky.
She wasn't.
But now she has someone who cares.
That's why I brought her here.
I thought you'd be happy for me.
Not for it is.
- I'm sorry, Dubie, but I can't support this.
- Well then I have nothing else to say to you then.
But let me just say one more thing.
And with all due respect, sir, don't ever talk to Kia
like that ever again.
- You know, go ahead.
Why don't you go and adopt every fucking kid
in the neighborhood.
Out fucking standing Marine!
(somber music)
- Hey.
I'm sorry about tonight.
I know, my dad can be an asshole sometimes,
but he means well.
He just looking out for me like I look out for you.
- At least I know how he feels but, don't worry.
It ain't the first time I felt unwanted.
- You have a right to be mad
but just know I don't feel that way.
I want you here.
I'm happy you're here.
- It seems like you're the only one.
I mean, what did I do that was so bad that nobody wants me?
My own daddy don't even want me.
And now your father just thinks I'm some charity case.
How do you think that makes me feel?
- I know that doesn't make you feel good and I'm sorry,
but know I care about you.
They're missing out.
If they don't wanna be in your life, fuck them.
- I just wanna be left alone.
- Okay.
(somber music)
- [Kia Voiceover] I'm realizing every day
that the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I just wanna be free, free from it all,
the pain, the disappointment.
The older you get you realize that all you got is you.
(soft thuds)
- Come on.
There you go.
Good.
Come on, focus. - I'm trying.
- Come on, do better.
Come on.
You got this, keep them hands up.
Stop.
- What?
- Your game is off, that's what?
It's like you haven't been practicing what I taught you.
- Well I have. - It's not showing.
Come on focus.
- Look, I ain't got time for this today.
- Come back.
You don't walk away from me like that.
- If you wanna train me, then train me.
I'm not here for your little attitude.
- My attitude?
No, you're the one with the attitude.
Bet you got it all figured out, right?
- Yeah, that's right.
- You're 17 so act like it- - I got to listen to you.
You ain't my daddy.
- I'm not your father, but I took you in
so I deserve a little respect.
- I need no father then and I don't need one now.
- Oh, so you think you could make it out here
on these streets by yourself?
- If I have to, I will.
- You know what?
I ain't got no time for no ungrateful little girl
so if you wanna go then go.
- Oh, so you, you want me to leave, right?
- Listen, Kia- - That's cool.
Nah, I'll go.
Just like everybody else- - Kia listen
to me. - Wanted me gone.
It's cool, I'll go and don't come looking for me either.
- Come here, where you going!
Kia, get over here!
What are you going Kia?
Get... (soft thud)
Get back here.
(water splashes)
(somber music)
- So whatchu doing here?
Ain't like you ever come to see me?
- Look, I need a place to stay.
- A place to stay. - Yeah.
You think it's cool if I crash here?
- Yeah, it's cool.
Moms don't care.
She ain't here half the time anyway.
- Are you sure?
I mean, it's only for a couple of weeks.
- Yeah, you know, you're like family.
- Thank you.
I appreciate it.
- Why do you need a place to stay for?
- Just tired Deja.
Tired of bouncing back and forth from homes
and there always being an issue.
Just wish I was old enough to be on my own for good.
My mom passed away and now I'm living with a man
I barely even know.
How stable is that, really?
- What about your dad?
You ain't never thought about seeing him?
- In prison?
For what?
That man ain't never do nothing for me.
- Answers, I guess.
I mean, you haven't seen him since you was young.
- Yeah, and I plan to keep it that way.
- Hey, I ain't trying to tell you what to do.
At the end of the day you're gonna do what's best for you.
I'm just saying, I think that you should see him.
Not for anything else, but for closure.
- Yeah, well.
I don't wanna see him.
- I'm just saying maybe you should think about it,
but anyway I'm about to take a shower.
There's food downstairs.
Make sure you eat.
- Thank you.
I really appreciate you.
- Not a problem.
Hey, you good?
- Yeah, I'm fine.
- Anything on your mind?
- I've been thinking about what you said
and I decided I'm gonna go see my dad.
- You think you're ready for that?
- I don't know, but I think it's time.
- I think you're making the right decision.
- Yeah, we'll see but in the meantime
I think it's time for a new style.
You think you can braid my hair for me?
- What style do you want? - Cornrows.
- [Deja] I think that'll look good on you.
- Yeah, thanks.
Me too. - Come on.
(bell rings)
- [Kia Voiceover] They say, if you wanna find the truth
then you have to look a person in their eyes.
They say the eyes never lie.
It's the window to the soul.
And that's all I ever wanted, the truth.
No handouts, just guidance.
(somber music)
- Hello.
How you been?
It's really great to see you.
Thank you for coming and visiting me.
Its been a long time.
I haven't seen you since since you was
about- - Seven.
- Yeah, something like that.
- Look, I ain't come up here to see you
or to see how you been.
I came up here for me and to let you know
that I'm doing all right by myself without you.
I have never been to prison, I ain't no teenager mother
with a bunch of kids running around and I'm still in school.
When I graduate, I'm going to college.
The first in our family.
I just hope you're proud.
- I'm sorry.
Okay, I'm truly sorry for everything.
for not being there, for being put in here.
I know it's all my fault, but I am proud of you.
- How you proud of me and you don't even know me?
- Listen baby, you have every right to be mad at me.
Okay, I know I messed up.
I can never fix what I did.
I don't deserve to be in your life,
but I'm begging you, okay,
I'm begging you for another chance, okay?
- Another chance?
Do I get another chance to be a child
running around with her father?
Do I get another chance to go to a daddy daughter dance?
No.
'Cause you wasn't around when I needed you most.
- Look here, I made some bad choices, okay,
real bad choices.
From chasing women, chasing money and selling
that poison. - Yeah.
The same stuff that killed my mother.
So how do you think I feel about you?
- Listen Kia, I have a ton of regrets, all right.
I'm not proud of everything that I've done,
but whether you like it or not I'm still your father
so watch how you talk to me.
- No.
I'm gonna talk to you the way I wanna talk to you.
(scoffs) My father- - Yes, your father.
- No, I ain't got no father.
- So that's all you came down here to do
was to tell me that I ain't shit.
Well I knew that already.
I never gonna be, but at least I'm trying.
You think I'm happy with my life?
Look where the fuck I'm at.
Eight years I've been here.
They tell me when to wake up, they tell me when to eat,
they tell me when to shit.
And guess how many people came to see me?
One.
All I'm trying baby girl, I'm trying to change and do right.
All I'm asking is that you forgive me.
Let me make it up to you, all right.
Just let me make it up, okay.
- Make it up?
I was only seven years old when you walked out
on my mother and I, just seven.
And I grew up lost for years.
So what's your thing, we just gonna move on
and act like it never happened?
No.
'Cause let me tell you what I think about you.
You're a coward, not a man and for that,
you deserve another eight years in this place
and not in my life.
Oh, by the way, I'm a boxer now
and I'm getting pretty good at it
and I'm not gonna quit like you did.
Nah, I'm gonna go all the way.
Imma make it.
Just don't come see me when you get out
'cause I don't wanna see you.
♪ Steal each breathe
♪ Cut through my skin (father slams table)
♪ And blow winter wind
- Guards, get me the fuck outta here.
♪ Give me time here
♪ In the silence
♪ And freeze
♪ Freeze bitter sky - So how did the visit
♪ with your pops go?
- Just as I expected.
Oh, I know I should have been there for you.
Let me make it up to you.
You know the routine.
Just a bunch of BS.
Shoulda never went to see him?
That man don't care about me.
- I think it's a good thing that you went to go see him.
You went to see him, you got to talk to him
and now you can move on.
- Yeah well, it's over now.
I never have to worry about seeing him again.
- Don't worry, it's gonna be okay.
I got you.
- Thanks.
♪ I awaken
♪ Time refrains - I don't know
why Ty gave you that note.
- Oh, are you jealous?
Girl, I don't want him.
- Sure you don't.
I see the way you look at him.
- You better watch your mouth.
You always got something to say whatever.
- Whatever!
- Girl I... (locker clams)
- Hey!
Hey, did you get my note?
- Excuse me?
- My note.
The one I left in your locker.
- Hold on let me call you back.
Are you stalking me?
- Stalking you?
Nah, but I didn't mean to talk to you.
- What do you want?
- Damn, you mean.
Look, I just wanted to know if I could take you out
on a date one day.
- A date?
- Yeah, just like some pizza or something.
Maybe?
- That would be a no.
- No, just like that.
Well, can I at least get your number?
- No, I'm not giving you my number.
I don't know you.
- That's why you need my number.
- Look, I'm sorry.
I'm just not ready to date right now.
I got too much going on in my life.
- Look, everyone's got too much going on in their life.
It's totally, it's totally normal.
Well, I'm just gonna take your phone anyway.
- Excuse me - Please, thank you,
Thank you.
Look, I really like you,
all right, I think you're beautiful
and maybe you'll change your mind.
- I'll think about it.
- That's all I'm asking.
- Yo.
I think yous gonna tell me about that
visit with your daughter.
Take it didn't go well.
- It went exactly how I thought it was gonna go.
- Doesn't sound like a man with confidence.
- Yeah, well it is what it is.
She don't want me in her life and to tell you the truth,
I don't blame her.
- Well, maybe she's acting out.
You ever take it like that.
- Now, I don't know what to think.
- Let me ask you a question.
Did you ever know your father?
- No, I didn't.
- Oh, so you following in his footsteps.
- What you mean?
I ain't following nobody footsteps.
- If you turning on your daughter
that's exactly what you're doing.
- Oh, so now you wanna preach to me.
You got all the answers.
- Hey, we're just having a conversation young blood.
What, you think you got it all figured out?
- No, you just don't know what you're talking about.
So you go back to mopping the floor
and I'm gonna go back to washing these dishes
'cause I ain't got shit to say to you right now.
- So you mad at me now?
- No you over here trynna down talk another black man
and I ain't trynna hear it.
- Yeah, I'm talking to the black man.
Is that what you think I'm doing?
- That's exactly what you're doing.
You think you better than me, but you sitting
in the same hell as me. - Yeah, you right.
And I got a long time to think about it too.
Look, I'm not trying to tear you down.
I'm trying to build you up my brother,
but you don't see it like that
'cause you stuck in your ways.
You think you got it all figured out,
but you don't know shit, baby boy.
You got an opportunity to be in your daughter's life.
You're getting out of here as soon as that.
Now, I know it may take some time
but eventually your daughter will come around.
Trust me.
She came here for a reason.
- I just think it's too late.
I lost too much time.
- Life ain't about moving backwards,
it's about moving forward.
It's about the fight.
- What if she don't want nothing to do with me?
- Let that be her decision.
You just keep fighting.
How much more time do you got in here?
- A little under two months.
- Take this time to put a plan together.
Straighten out your life and get your daughter back.
- Okay.
Thank you.
(melancholic jazz music)
♪ Listen
♪ Woke up this morning rubbed my eyes ♪
♪ Took me a second but I realized ♪
♪ That I'm still the same man I was yesterday ♪
♪ See I made a promise to myself ♪
♪ To make a change and bet on myself ♪
♪ But God don't feel any difference and that's a shame ♪
♪ All I want
♪ Is to be a better man
♪ All I need
♪ Is to clean the slate again
♪ But I know that change don't come easy ♪
♪ Change don't no it don't come easy to me ♪
♪ Change
♪ All I want change
♪ No it don't come easy to me
♪ See I've got all my family and friends ♪
♪ You all know how it is
♪ They got your back and they're just a phone call away ♪
♪ But this is something I've got to do for myself ♪
♪ I'm thankful but I can't take the help ♪
♪ Got it to this my way my way my way ♪
(door knock)
- Can I help you?
- Dubie, right?
- Who wants to know?
- It's me, Miles.
Kia's father.
- Okay, what's up man?
Sorry to pop up on you like this
but social services gave me your information.
- Yeah, they said you would get in touch.
- You got a minute to talk?
- Yeah.
Come on in.
(door slams)
So how you doing?
- Good, man.
You know, it just feels good to be home, you know?
It's been a long time coming.
I'm just trying to do right by my daughter.
So how is she?
- Overall, she's good.
She has her good and bad days.
- That's understandable.
So is she here?
Can I talk to her for a minute?
- She's actually not here right now.
- What do you mean?
- She staying with a friend.
- What'd you mean like a sleepover?
I don't get it.
- No, like we got into a big argument,
she just got up and ran away.
- What you mean she ran away?
- She ran away. - And you just let her?
- Look, she's out of control.
I don't always know what to do,
all right. - What you mean
you don't know what the fuck to do with her nigga?
You got my daughter running out on the fucking streets.
You fucking crazy!
- You blame this on me!
Where the fuck were you?
I took her in, remember.
- Does social services know.
- No.
- Why not?
- Because I'm afraid if they find out
they're gonna take her.
- Well, do you know where she's staying?
- Yeah.
And I think you should talk to her.
I think you can get through to her.
You're her real father, she needs you.
- I'm not sure about that.
She don't want me in her life and I don't blame her.
Besides I don't know what to say to her.
- Just tell her the truth.
Tell her you're willing to fight for her no matter what.
Look, I'm gonna get you the address
to where she's staying, all right.
- Thanks man.
I really appreciate everything you did.
It takes a real man to do what you did, man.
- Don't mention it.
Just do right by her.
She deserves it.
I'm gonna get you that address.
Hold on.
(door knock)
- Hello. - You got to be kidding me.
You know you got some nerve coming here.
- What do you want me to say, that I fucked up?
Okay, I fucked up.
All right, I'm sorry.
I can't change the past, but I'm standing here right now.
All I'm asking you for another opportunity to talk to you.
So just let me talk to you, Kia.
- What you thought I was playing when I said
I didn't wanna see you anymore.
- That's fair.
- Get out of my face.
Go for ruin Somebody else's life.
- Come on Kia. (door slams)
Kia!
Kia, open-
- I will take these though.
(door bangs)
(somber music)
♪ Keep your mind open
♪ Lets go cloud surfing
♪ Hit the dreams waves
♪ It's a great day
♪ To go cloud surfing
♪ It's gonna feel weird at first ♪
♪ To let go of control of your thoughts ♪
♪ True desires begin to emerge
♪ And your mind is in tune with your heart ♪
♪ It's like a ride on a cloud
♪ Nothing but happiness
♪ Like the experience of a first kiss ♪
♪ Take this feeling with you
♪ When you're feeling stressed
♪ Something good you can reminisce ♪
♪ it doesn't hurt
♪ Don't cost a thing
- [Miles] Katrina?
- Excuse me.
- It's me Miles.
We went to high school together.
- Oh my God.
Yes, I remember.
Wow, I didn't recognize you with the beard.
- I know I look a lot different at school.
- Yes he did.
Wow.
- So how are you?
- I'm okay.
I'm just taking a walk, grabbing some coffee.
- Okay. - What about you?
What are you up to?
- No, just came back from the record store.
Got a few records.
- Okay. - Check them out.
- Oh, let me see.
Oh, MJ, the O'Jays.
You got some good ones.
- Yes, a lot better than their they playing
on the radio now.
- Boy, don't even get me started on these crazy kids.
- Yeah. - So you're
a record collector, huh? - Yeah, something like that,
yeah. - That's great.
What else is going on?
What's new.
- I'm actually doing some running around right now.
I actually running late for an appointment,
but I would love to catch up with you sometime.
- Yeah, for sure, for sure.
- I mean that's, if you single.
I'm not trying to get you in trouble with your boyfriend.
- No, no, no, no.
It's okay.
- So do you have a number I can call?
- Well, how about I get your number?
You know, I don't really like to give my number out
these days.
People are crazy.
Not that you're crazy.
- Shit I might be.
- Well Miles, it's really nice to see you.
- There you go, you too.
- I got all these memories coming back to me now.
- I know, a lot of memories.
So hopefully I'll hear from you.
- Yeah, for sure.
- Yeah. - Enjoy your day okay.
- You too. - Bye.
You know what, what the hell?
(phone vibrates)
- Hello. - Hi.
It's Katrina.
- Hey, what's up?
- Hey. - I was waiting
for you to call.
- Oh, really? - Yeah, really?
Nah, I just thought it was crazy
that we just happened to run into each other
after all these years.
- I know, yeah.
What a small world.
- So how are things?
- I'm good.
You know, I'm just working actually
but I thought I would just take a break and say hello,
see what you were up to.
- Yeah, I'm just, I'm getting ready to leave my shift.
So you still good for catching up?
I'm thinking maybe we can go for a walk
or grab some coffee.
- Yeah, a walk would be nice.
- Okay.
Just let me know your schedule
and we can work something out, I can work something out.
- I'm free tomorrow.
- Tomorrow?
- Yeah.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yeah, tomorrow works.
- Listen, why don't you just text me the details
and you know, I'll see you then.
- I got you.
- Great.
Well, good night Miles.
- Okay, bye.
- [Katrina] That was a long time ago.
I mean, I hadn't seen you since then.
What were we like 16?
- 16, 17.
So what is it that you do for a living?
- Actually I'm a school teacher now.
- No kidding.
- Yeah, I teach first grade.
- That's dope.
- Yes, it is pretty dope.
- I bet the kids run you raggedy at that age.
- Listen- - Probably running
around the room, jumping on your desk, throwing spit balls.
- Do you know, they were worse than us back in the day?
- They probably was worse than us.
- But you know, I also bartend a few nights a week too.
- Yeah.
Look at you all multi-talented.
So how you like bartending?
- It's fun.
You know, I mean for one I get to listen
to really cool music and I get to hang out
with people my own age every once in a while.
That's nice.
- Yeah, I mean I get that.
So is that what you wanted to do when you were younger?
- No. - Be a school teacher.
- No, it's not.
I mean actually I wanted to be a cop.
- Wait a minute, hold on.
You wanted to be a cop?
- I did, a cop.
- Really? - Yes, but-
- And then what happened?
- Well, clearly, I'm just too clumsy for guns.
- Obviously.
- And I had a few weird run ins with cops over the years
and just kinda turned me off from it, you know?
- Yeah, that'll do with then.
- How about you?
- Just trynna, you know, get back on my feet,
doing little odd jobs here and there.
- [Katrina] Made a couple of bad moves?
- I made too many bad moves.
- Yeah, well we all have. - Yeah, well mine's cost
me too much.
Look, I'm not proud of this, but I do want you to know
that I was recently released from prison this year.
- Wow.
I didn't know.
- It's definitely not something I'm proud of.
- Well, what were you in for, if you don't mind me asking?
- Dumb shit.
Drugs, assault.
- Damn.
- One night I was in a bar and I got into with this dude
and we just started exchanging words.
Next thing you know, I'm blacking out
and I'm beating this nigga half to death.
It was just a bad night all around.
- So you got eight years for that?
- I should've gotten more, but you know what I needed
at that time 'cause I was on the verge of just crashing
and burning anyone who was in my way.
I mean, I do regret it, but looking back on it,
it was the best thing to happen to me.
- As long as you're trying to do the right thing now
with your life.
Are you?
- Yeah, yeah.
I can never go back to that person or that life.
- Good.
- So I'm thinking maybe we can do this again.
- Maybe.
- I mean maybe.
♪ Still I won't break
♪ Holding on tight to my pride you say ♪
♪ It doesn't seem right that we both feel alone ♪
♪ But we're drifting away
♪ And we wait for
- Yo, what's good, where you at?
I been calling you for an hour now.
What's up is we need to meet up.
Right now, it's important.
Nah, we're meeting now.
You know, where we at.
We'll be in the alleyway.
Come right now.
- So what's good?
Why y'all rushing me here.
What's going on?
- What's going on?
It's time to eat.
- What are you talking about?
- Exactly what he mean?
It's time to eat.
I got the scoop on his nice house across town.
- What do you mean?
- What I mean is when you can't buy things,
sometimes you got to take them.
- You talking about robbery?
- I'm saying, that's if you wanna eat.
I have my eyes on this house for months.
Now it's time to collect.
Look, we all gonna be straight afterwards.
- I'm not getting involved with that.
Look, if you ain't got no daddy or mommy,
then you gotta feed yourself.
We all look out for each other, remember.
Oh, Deja ain't tell you.
- Tell me what?
- Y'all got to find a place to stay.
- Me and moms got into it.
She given me a week to find a place to stay.
- And what am I supposed to do?
- I don't know, go to Dubie's house
or come get money with us.
- And risk getting in trouble?
- Ain't nobody getting in trouble.
We never get caught.
Look, we good at what we do.
- Why don't you just get a job?
- Making $9 an hour?
You crazy.
That's no way to live.
This is the quickest and easiest way to get paid.
- Sounds like a way to end up like my pops.
- Trust me, ain't nothing going to happen.
- If I decide to go with y'all, what do I have to do?
- All you have to do is be the lookout.
You don't have to do nothing.
All we need is your eyes and your ears.
- I'm sorry.
I can't do it.
- Yes, you can.
We friends, right?
Friends help friends get what they want.
Most importantly, they help you get what you need
and I need this money.
Deja need this money and now you do.
- It's going down on Friday.
We need you there.
- Fine.
(somber music)
Hey mom.
I miss you and I really need you right now.
There's so much going on and mom,
I don't know what to do now.
I went to see dad but, we knew how that would go.
I really need you, mom.
I wish you were here to help me.
I wish I could just talk to you just for a day.
You're all I had.
I'm lost without you.
I love you.
(somber music)
(footsteps thump)
- Hey. - Hey what's up?
Wait.
- Everything all right?
- Yeah.
- Are you sure?
Looks like there's something on your mind.
- A little bit. - What is it?
- Look, I know you don't know much about it.
I mean, we haven't seen each other since high school,
but before we go any further there's something
I need to tell ya.
- What is it?
- I've got a 17 year old daughter.
- A 17 year old daughter?
- Yeah.
- Wow.
- Well, how do you feel about that?
- I mean, I don't know.
I just didn't think you had any kids.
So tell me about her.
- She's great.
I mean, she's a lot like me.
I mean, she's stubborn as hell, but to be honest with you,
we really don't have the greatest relationship.
Her mother overdosed on drugs and I went to prison.
It's really been downhill ever since then.
- I'm really sorry to hear about her mother.
So where is she?
Maybe I can meet her sometime.
- I don't know when that's gonna be possible.
- Why not?
- I mean, she's in foster care right now,
but I'm working on getting her back.
- Have you seen her since you got out?
- Yeah once and she pretty much told me
she didn't wanna see me again.
- And you just gave up?
- I mean, she doesn't wanna see me.
I mean, I don't know what else to do.
- I mean, you do whatever it takes Miles.
- Look, I tried, okay.
And once she got her mind made up, that's it.
- Then you try harder.
- Look it's not that easy.
It's complicated.
- What's so complicated about it?
I mean, she's your daughter, that's your flesh and blood.
She's your little girl and she needs you.
- Yes, I have a daughter that hates me
and thinks I'm responsible for everything wrong in her life,
including the death of her mother.
- What?
- Yeah, I was the one giving her drugs.
I was selling it and she started using it.
So I don't blame kid for hating me.
- I'm really sorry to hear about all of this.
I really am.
But you know what?
It sounds like you got a lot of things going on
in your life and you shouldn't be
in a serious relationship right now.
- What?
What are you saying.
- Miles, I'm saying that I don't think
we should see each other anymore.
- You really gonna do this right now?
I mean, right now, you really gonna to do this right now?
- You need to get your priorities straight Miles!
I like you.
I really do.
But I'm not gonna be with a man who doesn't take care
of his family.
And I really thought that you were different.
But I hope for your daughter's sake,
you get your shit together.
So I think you should leave.
Goodbye.
- Fine.
If that's what you want.
It's crazy 'cause all I'm trying to do is the right thing.
Can't nobody see that shit.
(door slams)
(somber music)
- Y'all ready?
- Yeah.
Where Jay at?
- I don't know, man.
He backed out.
- Backed out?
What do you mean he backed out?
- Man, I called his phone.
He ain't pick up.
- Come on, I knew this wasn't a good idea.
Can we just cancel this?
- Cancel what, you crazy?
Nah, man, I had my eye on this house for months, man.
We're about to do this shit.
(car rumbles)
(suspenseful music)
Trust me, everything will be all right.
(car rumbles)
There she is.
Y'all remember the plan, right?
- Yeah.
- Kia?
- Yeah. - Good,
'cause you the look out.
Jay not here so we counting on you.
If you see anything or if anything happens,
you let me know, all right?
- I got it.
- All right y'all, we in and out?
Makes sure y'all stay on point.
(car doors bang)
(door creaks)
You good? - Yeah.
- All right, I'm upstairs.
You down here.
Search for anything that needs to be worth taking.
We going for straight cash and jewelry.
We in and out. - Make it quick.
- All right.
(suspenseful music)
(soft rumble)
(drawer rumbles)
(plastic ruffles)
Jackpot.
Now I just need the cash.
I know these rich motherfuckers got some money laying
around here somewhere.
(car rumbles) (suspenseful music)
- Come on guys, pick up.
(car door bangs)
- This is what I was looking for.
(cash box rumbles)
- Come on.
(phone vibrates)
- Oh shit, we gotta go.
Yo, Deja we got to go!
(cash box rumbles)
Oh shit.
Yo Deja we got to go! - Yo here.
Come here, come here.
(door bangs)
(Kia grunts)
(glass thuds)
(Man sighs)
- Yo, calm down, we got this.
(metallic jingle)
(suspenseful music)
(keys beep)
(gun clicks)
- [Deja] What are you doing with that?
- Shut up. - We didn't come here
for all of that.
- Yeah, and I ain't trying to go back to jail either.
You shut your mouth.
- Yeah.
Calling for a possible break in.
- All right, however is down here, I called the cops.
Okay.
Just do the right thing.
(suspenseful music)
(car alarm beeps)
(footsteps rumble)
- Yo, where's Kia? - I don't know.
Shit, we got to go.
- Hang up the phone now.
Turn around.
Jesus Christ.
What the hell are you doing in my house?
- I made a mistake.
- You goddamn right you did.
Now come on down.
Stay right there.
The cops are on their way.
Don't move.
- Please don't shoot.
(suspenseful music)
(cuffs rumble)
- Do you even know how much trouble you're in right now?
Do you?
- No.
But I'm sure you gonna tell me, right?
- Yeah, that's right.
I'm here to tell you that you in big trouble girl.
And guess what?
It's up to me to decide if you go to jail or not.
'Cause let me tell you something,
it's not a nice place to be.
- Yeah, well neither is growing up in foster homes
and being in the system.
- What are you trying to be, huh?
A thug?
I mean, you have no priors.
You even get good grades.
These two, they don't have nothing going for them.
So why do you wanna hang up
with- - They're my friends.
- Are you sure about that? - Yeah.
- Friends?
They say you were the mastermind of this robbery.
Yeah, your friends ratted you out.
Friends?
I don't think so kid.
These two are troublemakers headed to the wrong road
and if you follow them, that's what you're gonna be.
- I ain't gonna be like nobody, all right?
- I trust me.
You're already headed there.
- Am I going to jail or not?
- Well, that depends on a lot.
The owner doesn't wanna press charges
so that's a good thing for you, but I need to know,
Kia, what do you want out of life?
- I just wanna be a kid, you know?
No cares.
But unfortunately I had to grow up a lot faster
than I wanted to, a lot faster than most kids.
- Tell me about your mother.
- She died when I was 12, overdosed on heroin.
- Look, I'm so sorry to hear
that- - Yeah, me too.
- What about your father?
- (chuckles) What father?
He might as well be dead too 'cause he sure is dead to me.
That fool been in jail for more than half of my life.
Left me out here to figure it out on my own.
- Look, the fortunate thing is I don't want you
to go to jail, but the bad news,
I won't release you without a legal guardian.
Kia, is there someone you can call?
- Hey.
So they told me what happened.
This is what you wanna do with your life?
You wanna end up like your father in jail?
- You don't know nothing about me, all right?
- I don't.
But this attitude and being mad at the world,
you're only gonna end up in a place like this.
- What do I have to look forward to?
I have nobody.
- Yes you do.
You're looking at them.
And there's someone else who wants to talk to you?
Someone who cares about you a whole lot.
- What is he doing here?
Did you bring him?
- Yes.
I think you two need to talk.
- Yeah, well I don't wanna talk to him.
- Well, I think it's time for you to talk.
- So this is what you want.
You wanna be a bad girl.
- I want you out of my life for good.
- Well, that's not gonna happen.
You're my blood.
Now you can keep having this attitude all you want,
but it ain't gonna get you nowhere.
- I'm doing just fine by myself.
- And how's that working out?
'Cause I remember the last time you came to visit me
and now I'm visiting you.
- Like father, like daughter.
I'm sure you would love that right.
- I want you better than me, okay,
and you still got a chance to do that.
I just wanna be a part of it.
- Well, that's a first. - Come on,
Kia, give me a chance.
- I think I'm better off in here.
- No, you're not.
This place will beat you down, strip your soul
and turn you into an animal just like it did me.
I don't want that for you.
You ain't no animal.
Now I don't have custody over you
so you can't come on with me, but I don't want you
at your friend's house, all right,
and I don't want you in the street.
You got people out here to love you.
I love you, Kia.
Now go home with Dubie, all right,
and I'll figure out the rest.
(soft thuds)
- Yo.
Yo!
I'm ready to train.
- What's that?
- A tournament.
I wanna enter.
- You ain't ready for this, you can't fight.
Everybody knows you can't fight.
- Who can't fight?
- You.
That's why you've been getting bullied at school.
- Oh, you must got the wrong girl 'cause it ain't me.
- Now, listen.
He's right.
You're not ready.
- So make me ready.
- You sure about that? - Yeah.
♪ Woo woo
♪ They ain't never seen nothing like this before ♪
♪ Lit the room when I came through the front door ♪
♪ Ask me if I should suffer come ♪
♪ What for - Move, yeah!
♪ Train under trees please wouldn't mind sipping more ♪
♪ Touch burning sands cross lands and ♪
♪ Stormy short shorts seasons in the year yeah ♪
♪ Ain't no chilling for champions ♪
♪ And train no fear
♪ The champ is here
♪ Switch gears
♪ We keep the haters in the rear ♪
♪ After blood sweat and tears and my goal so near ♪
♪ I see my victory so clear
♪ And today
♪ We breakthrough
♪ And today
♪ We breakthrough
(gloves smack) Get it.
Get it!
Get it.
Come on!
There you go, get it.
♪ And today
♪ We breakthrough
♪ And today
♪ We breakthrough
♪ And today
♪ We breakthrough
♪ I know it's lonely at the top ♪
- No,
I got the dishes.
- [Dubie] You sure?
- Yes, I got them.
Relax.
You do a lot.
You deserve it.
- Thank you.
I appreciate it.
- No, thank you for all that you do.
And I heard what you said.
To answer your question, no,
I don't wanna be like my father or end up in jail.
I wanna be better.
I want more for my life and I know I don't say it often,
but I really appreciate you taking a chance on me.
- Don't mention it.
You're a good kid.
Just have to believe in yourself and enjoy life a bit.
Don't be so hard on yourself.
I'll leave you to it, all right.
I just want you to give me the one.
Give me a good one.
Go.
There you go.
Give me the one.
One, two.
One two, one two.
Excuse me, can I help you?
- Yeah.
I'm looking for a sparring partner for my upcoming match.
Which one do you girls ain't afraid
to step in a ring with a champ?
- First of all, who are you 'cause talking like that
will get you knocked out of here.
- By who?
You?
'Cause you way too pretty to get in the ring
with me, baby girl.
- Oh, don't let the looks for you
'cause I go over there with the best of them.
- Yeah, I like to see that.
- I'm sorry, who are you?
- Who am I?
Jayla Barnes, 19 and oh.
Going pro this yeah.
I'm looking for somebody to beat up on.
- We not sparring today.
- I am.
I'm not scared to go in the ring with you.
- All right, let's go then.
(soft thumps)
- Stay on the jab Kia.
(hard thump)
Into the body.
Protect your face.
(somber music)
(hard thumps)
You all right? - I'm good, I'm good.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Listen, keep your composure.
Calm down.
All right, you good?
- Yeah. - Calm down.
Look, look out for that left.
You keep that jab up, you hear me?
Keep the jab in her face.
(suspenseful music)
Come on, that's it, come on!
Come on!
Get in there.
(soft thud)
- [Dubie] All right, ladies.
That's enough for today.
Good job, all right.
- Hey.
You gonna be all right, girl.
Just keep pushing.
- Thanks.
You again?
- You know you look good out there.
- How?
Just got knocked down.
- We all get knocked down, but to get back up
and keep fighting is more important.
And you did that.
- I guess.
- But just remember one thing before
you can knock somebody out, you got to learn
how to defend yourself first.
- Hopefully I'll remember that next time.
- You strike, then your hands go back up immediately.
You gotta protect that face.
I see you around.
♪ I miss our morning walks in the forest ♪
♪ I miss your smile through the limbs ♪
♪ I miss you warm kisses underneath ♪
♪ October sky
♪ I miss you driving me around
♪ This thing is some sweet music ♪
♪ Your hands on my hips
♪ I miss that magic
(phone rings)
(sighs) Hello.
- Hi, it's me.
- Hey, how are ya?
- I'm good.
Listen, thank you for the flowers.
That was really sweet of you.
- You're welcome.
- So I got the news.
I'm real happy for you.
- Thank you.
I just wanna thank you for telling me the truth.
Without you none of this will be happening.
I mean, it's a slow process, but I'm working on it.
- Listen, you know if it's okay with you,
I thought maybe you and Kia, you guys could come over
for dinner tomorrow night.
You know, I've always wanted to meet her.
- Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, I can do that.
- Well, good, okay.
So how about like 7:30. - 7:30 works.
- Okay, so I'll see you tomorrow.
- Yeah you will.
Have a good night.
- Good night.
(Miles knocks)
- Hey. - Hey.
What are you doing here?
- I came to take you out to dinner.
- What?
- Already talked to Dubie.
He said it was fine.
- Without asking me?
- Well, yeah.
I mean, I figured you could use something to eat.
I mean, besides I want you to meet someone.
- Fine.
Let me get my stuff.
- Kia, is there something wrong with the food?
- No ma'am.
- You know, I know I'm not the greatest cook in the world,
but I dunno, I think I did pretty good with this one.
- Yeah, Imma speak for the both of us
and let you know that this food is on point.
- Well, I'm glad you like it.
- Yeah, food's fine.
Just not that hungry.
- So, Kia your dad, he tells me that you're a boxer.
- Yeah, I am.
- Is that what you wanna do when you grow older?
You wanna be a boxer?
- Yep.
I wanna be like Laila Ali.
- Well, that's really ambitious.
You know, Laila Ali she was one of the greats.
- Yeah, but it's about having good grades first.
All right, knock them grades out first,
then you can knock off people.
- Exactly, yeah.
You definitely wanna have a backup-
- Yeah, I know.
- So Kia, you know, I was wondering
if it'd be okay with you, you know I'd like to come
and see you at one of your fights.
I mean, I'd like to check you-
- Look, with all due respect, I ain't looking
for no stepmother. - Kia!
That's rude.
Why would you say that? - 'Cause it's true.
- Apologize to her right now!
- For what?
- No, it's okay. - No, no, no, no, no.
It's not okay.
All right, that was an ignorant statement you just made,
all right.
Apologize to her.
- It was a real statement and you can't handle that.
You think I'm just gonna forget about what you did to me.
What you do to my mother-
- (slams table) That's enough Kia!
All right.
This is not the time nor the place for this conversation,
all right. - It's never the time
or he place.
Is it because this is what you wanna do.
You think we just gonna be some big, happy family.
- That's not what I'm trying to do.
All I'm trying to do is enjoy both of y'all company,
all right.
Is that so bad?
- Look, do what you gotta do, but I'm out.
- Sit down! - No!
Take me home.
Oh, and don't worry.
I have nothing against you but if I were you,
I would get out as soon as I can
'cause he's just gonna ruin your life
like he did everybody else's.
- Listen, I'm sorry about this.
- It's all right.
It's fine, I get it.
She's you know, she's going through a tough time.
This is...
This is hard for her.
Go to her.
She needs you right now.
- Okay.
All right.
Imma take her home, all right.
All right, I'll call you.
- Okay. - Okay.
(car rumbles)
- Bye.
- Hey yo, before you go, I wanna let you know
you got some nerve acting the way you did tonight.
- Oh, I got some nerves.
Now you got some nerve bringing me there.
- Kia, what do you want?
Huh?
What do you want?
Anything other than being a grumpy ass kid?
- I know I don't want no damn step-mom.
- First of all, she's not trying to be your stepmother,
all right.
Katrina is just somebody that I'm digging right now.
I just thought it'd be nice for you to meet her,
that's all.
- Oh, please.
She's too good for you anyway.
- That's a shitty ass thing to say.
Look here, I know you still mad about me, all right.
I know you still mad about your mother, about everything,
but that is not how you behave.
- So what, I can speak my mind now?
- Yeah, you can speak your mind
but that don't mean embarrass me like you did.
- Oh, so I embarrass you now.
- Yeah, you definitely did.
- I'm sorry. - Kia, cut that shit out,
all right.
Katrina is a good woman, all right.
I don't know why you just don't give her a chance.
Hell, why can't you just give me a chance?
How come I can't move on with my life and be happy?
- What about my life and my happiness.
- You ain't trying to be happy.
Can't you see that?
Look at you, you like to frown all the damn time.
Me, I like to smile and not let my past be my burden.
And guess what?
She does that for me.
She makes me feel good.
- Well, I hope you don't run out on her like you did me.
- That's a shame 'cause you still stuck in the past.
It's haunting you like a fucking plague.
- Maybe 'cause my past ain't that great.
- My past ain't great either.
I'm not trying to live in it anymore.
- Well, that's not so easy for me.
- Can't you see that I'm trying,
that I'm not the same guy anymore.
- Maybe she can't see who you are
but I can see right through you.
- No, you can't.
'Cause I'm right here giving you my all every day
and you can't see that.
- Maybe because I don't want you in my life.
You know, I'm realizing more and more every day
that I'm better off without you.
- So that's how you feel?
- Yeah, that's how I feel.
I'm out.
(somber music)
- Good morning.
- Can I get you something?
Something to drink or? - Nah, I'm good.
(somber music)
(suspenseful music)
(Dubie knocks)
- Kia, I'm about to make some breakfast.
You're hungry?
(bag thuds)
Kia, what you doing?
Kia!
(somber music)
Kia, what you doing?
Damn!
(car revs)
(somber music)
- Hello. - Yo, it's Dubie.
- Hey, what's up.
You won't believe this.
Kia just ran away.
- What?
You mean to tell me you let her run away again.
- Look, I told you she's out of control.
- Yeah, I don't care.
She in your custody.
- Obviously she has issues, all right.
- She your responsibility.
- Look, I told you she's out of control.
I don't know what to do.
- All right, Imma be there, Imma be right there.
- What's going on?
What happened Miles?
Miles, what's going on?
- Dubie let her run away again.
- All right, come down. - This is why
I need custody over her. - Calm down.
- I'm her father.
Not him.
- Okay, do you know where she
would go? - I don't know
where she would go.
- I'm sorry okay.
Look, okay, she's probably just upset
over what happened last night.
Calm down.
She's fine.
Look, we're gonna find her, okay.
Okay?
I'm gonna- - Listen...
listen if something happen to her,
I don't know what I would do.
- Don't worry.
- All right.
- Go to Dubie's.
(somber music)
- Tanicka, go in the house.
- Miles! - Go in the house.
- Where you going? - I got some business
to take care of
- You always taking care of business.
- This is for me.
This is for you and this is for Kia, all right.
- Well, how long are you gonna be gone?
Three months, six months,
a year. - What?
I don't know how long I'm gonna be gone.
- You full of shit.
- You're full of shit.
All right, listen.
Go upstairs, all right.
In my closet, where my jewelry box is, all right.
There's money in there.
That should hold you till six, seven months.
All right, six, seven months.
- And we go do that six, seven months
and you ain't back yet, then what?
- Make that shit work.
Make it work. - Make it work?
- Are you out of your fucking mind?
Don't you ever put your hands on him.
- Sorry. - Don't you ever
put your hands on me.
- [Tanicka] Sorry.
- I already told you that Imma be back.
- When? - Okay, I'm gonna be back.
Kiss Kia for me will you. - Kiss her yourself.
- I know what you want.
This what you want?
This is the last time I wanna see using this shit.
- Okay. - All right?
- Right. - Look at me when I'm talking
to you.
Say that's the last time I'm gonna use this shit.
- It's the last time Imma use that shit.
- And don't use that in front of my daughter either.
- I don't.
I wait till she go to sleep. - Don't wait.
Don't wait till she go to sleep either, all right.
I don't want this shit in the house with her.
(somber music)
- Fuck you Miles!
(door slams)
♪ Broken into
♪ Torn apart
♪ Worlds colliding
♪ And there we are
♪ Here I stand
♪ Painted red
♪ With thoughts of whispers
♪ Inside my head
(glass shatters) ♪ Dirty water
♪ Wash me clean
♪ You'll always be apart of me
♪ There's blood on my hands
(motor revs)
- Kia.
It's me Katrina.
- What are you doing here?
- Looking for you.
You know, Dubie's worried sick.
- Oh, it's none of your business, is it?
- Well, I'm making it my business.
Look, I wanna take you back to your stepfather's right now.
- I can handle myself.
- Yeah and at that age I thought I can handle myself too,
but trust me Kia you can't.
- Well, I'm doing just fine so I'm going nowhere.
- Okay, now I'm gonna stay here with you.
- What? - Yeah.
Listen, if you're not gonna leave,
then you're at least gonna talk to me.
Now, I get it.
I'm not your mother and I'm not trying to be.
I just wanna know how you feel.
- I ain't got nothing to say to you.
- It's okay to talk to me, okay, to open up.
Well, it's hard to talk to any men about things as a girl.
So maybe you can just talk to me, you know, as a friend.
- I think it started when you asked
to come to my boxing match.
I mean, it's just, I ain't never had nobody
come to anything whether it be a game or school play
and it just triggered me and it brought back
so many bad memories. - Trust me,
I understand completely.
I think it's really hard for parents, especially dads,
to understand what their daughters are really going through.
- It's just frustrating at times.
- Look, I've been where you are before.
I mean, I had issues with my dad.
I mean, hell I still have daddy issues.
You know, my dad, he was around,
but he sure as hell neglected me.
- How did you get through it?
- You don't run away, Kia.
You fight through it.
And you have to know when to let people back in your life.
- How can you let people back into your life
when all you know is disappointment?
- Oh, you don't just let anybody back in.
You know, they have to earn their keep,
they have to prove themselves.
But you also have to recognize when somebody is trying.
- Just seems like everybody's is trying to forget the past.
My mom, my dad, everything that's going on with me
and it's just not that easy for me.
- No, no, you do not have to forget the past.
Okay, but you don't wanna be stuck there either Kia.
You have to know when to hold on and when to let go,
Let go.
Let go sweetie.
It's okay.
It's all right sweetie.
It's okay.
- Maybe you're right.
Maybe I should stop being so hard.
- Let me take you home.
- Okay. - Come on.
So is everything, all right?
- Yeah, I'm fine, thanks.
Before you go can I ask you something?
- Of course.
Anything?
What is it?
- Okay.
What is it that you see in my father?
- Oh, okay.
Well, I see a man who is human.
Someone who's made a few mistakes but you know,
but ultimately he's really trying
and he really wants what's best for his daughter.
- Why can't I see it?
- I don't know.
Maybe you're not looking hard enough.
But what's the real reason you're asking me anyway?
- I don't know.
I guess I'm wanna see how you measure a guy
or know he's the one.
- Okay, well you measure a guy by his actions, okay?
Not by his words.
You see boys, they talk, but men, they show and they prove.
And as far as the one, I mean, I can't tell you that.
Your heart's gonna have to tell you that.
- That makes sense.
- So are you asking because you have a crush on somebody?
- No, no. - Wait, yeah you do.
- No, no I don't. - Yes, you do.
- No, no, no I don't. - Yes you do.
Come on, tell me.
- Okay, fine.
There is this one guy. - See, I knew it.
What's his name?
- His name is Tyshawn. - Okay, Tyshawn.
So do you like him?
- Yeah, kind of.
- Does he like you? - He said he did.
He asked me on a date.
- So what'd you say?
- I said no.
- Why?
- I don't know.
I'm just not ready.
Besides I don't have anything nice to wear.
- Kia, I mean, well you like him, don't you?
- Yeah.
- And he likes you.
- Yeah.
- So go out with him.
- You thinks so? - Yeah, yeah.
You just call him up, okay.
And you do it just like this.
You say, okay, Ty, I will gladly accept your offer.
- (chuckles) Just like that. - Just like that.
- Okay.
Oh, what about an outfit?
- Oh, don't worry about that.
You know, I got a niece and she's about your size.
How about I pick something up and bring it back?
- Okay.
- Okay? - Yeah.
Thank you for everything.
- Don't mention it.
I'm gonna go get that dress for you, okay?
(Kia squeals)
- Oh okay, okay, okay.
(hopeful music)
- Wow.
- You like?
- You look beautiful.
- Thank you.
- And your hair.
I've never...
I never knew you had so much hair.
I got to go let your father know that you're okay
and I'm pretty sure your date's gonna be here
any minute, so I'm gonna go.
- Thanks again for everything.
- Don't mention it.
Have so much fun tonight, sweetie.
- Hey yo, where you been?
I'll be calling you all night.
- Yeah, yeah.
Everything is okay.
Okay, we found her.
She's safe.
- Thank God.
Thank God. - Yeah.
I just wanted to talk to her alone for a little bit.
- I just don't know what's gotten into that girl.
- Come sit and down.
I wanna talk to you.
- What is it?
- What is it that you want, Miles?
- What do you mean?
- For your daughter?
I mean, what is it that you want
for your relationship with her?
Because you know what?
Right now she's getting ready for her first date.
And I think she's a little sad that her father
is not there to send her off.
- So wait, now you on her side now?
- No, no. - That's what's going on.
- I'm not taking anyone's side.
I'm taking the right side.
Miles, do you want to see another man
take your daughter down the aisle one day?
Or even buying her her first car or driving her
to her first day of college?
- Of course not.
- Then you need to make a decision right now
'cause that's exactly what's going to happen.
Just tell her, tell her how you truly feel.
Tell her that you love her.
She's just a little girl and she's crying out.
She's crying out for her father.
- Can't you see that I'm trying?
- Yes, yes I can.
But, listen, it's not me you got to prove that too.
You better figure it out and figure it out fast.
She's growing up or else you're gonna regret this
for the rest of your life.
(somber music)
- So what made you call me?
- I don't know.
I just, I felt ready this time.
- Well, I'm glad you did.
Only had a brother waiting out here for months.
- Well, good things are worth the wait.
- You're right.
I'm enjoying every moment of it.
- Me too.
- So when are we doing this again?
- I don't know.
- You don't know? - I don't know.
- You don't know?
I can never get a definitive answer
like maybe a yes?
- You have to work for that.
- Of course I got to work for that.
- But you'll get one soon.
- How about a week? - A week?
I mean, where are we gonna go?
- Come back here.
Maybe go and get some Jamaican food.
Do you like Jamaican. - Oh, I do like Jamaican food.
Okay. - I knew you did,
I knew you did. - I mean, it sounds good.
- Sounds like a plan? - Hmm mm.
- A date? - All right.
A date. - Cheers to that,
cheers to that.
(melancholic music)
(box ruffles)
(hard thuds)
- What are you doing here?
- I'd figured I'd catch you here around this time.
- Yeah, well, I like to train alone.
- Oh yeah.
'Cause I like to train alone too.
That's how I know you're like your daddy.
- You crazy if you think I'm anything like you.
So you can leave.
(somber music)
- You know what's funny, when you were born
I was so protective of you.
I wouldn't just let anybody babysit you.
So when I would come here and train
I would sit you right there in the corner of the ring.
Now at the time, I didn't have much
but with you by my side I was unstoppable.
But then I got into the drugs.
I lost my career, my life, your mother.
And most importantly, I lost you.
(footsteps thump)
well, anyway I know how you feel.
You got every right to hate me,
but that alone won't keep me away from you.
Imma fight for you until then.
- Hey dad. - Yes.
- I got a match coming up and I could use a few pointers.
Care to go around?
- I thought you'd never ask.
- Come on old man, show me what you got.
- [Miles] Oh, you wanna see what I got?
♪ Wash me in the waters
♪ Cleanse me in the mercy of your love ♪
- [Kia Voiceover] I guess my dad was right.
Never too late to change.
And it's never too late to do the right thing.
We all make mistakes and I know I had my share
and I still have work to do.
But like they say, no better time than the present.
♪ 'Cause I just need
♪ Oh helping hand
♪ That's gonna help me stand
♪ It's gonna help me stand
♪ 'Cause I just need
♪ Oh helping hand
♪ That's gonna help me stand
♪ It's gonna help me stand